https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-01-07.pdf 1d85d5da6cc1f0c9c4cd932fc651e14f PDF Text Text New county chairman steps up for second time Making a plan for New Year’s resolutions HHS students accepted into life-changing program See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 1070490102590503159749058195427 LOT*»C 003 C003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Hastings Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 ANNER Thursday, January 7, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 1 804879110187 PRICE $1.00 New plan for Royal Coach property gets thumbs-up Sophie Bates Staff Writer Three months ago today, the largest fire Hastings has seen in decades destroyed the historic Royal Coach/Hastings Table Company building, throwing plans to develop the property into disarray. The Barry Community Foundation, which owns the property, had been partnering on the project with General Capital Group, a Milwaukee-based development company, prior to the fire. Originally, they had planned to create residential housing units by renovating the historic building - but the fire left nothing to renovate. General Capital Group has since developed an amended site plan for the project, which was presented it to the Hastings Planning Commission during a virtual meeting Monday evening. The plan received unanimous approval to proceed. The plan calls for construction of a threestory, 82,731-square-foot L-shaped building, which will contain 45 one-bedroom apartments, nine two-bedroom apartments and 19 three-bedroom, two-story townhouses, for a total of 73 residential units. The townhouses will occupy the majority of the first and second floors, along with several one-bedroom apartments. The third floor will be almost entirely one-bedroom apartments; each floor will house three twobedroom apartments. To honor the site’s history, the complex will be named Royal Coach Apartments and the building’s facade design will be consistent with the brick or masonry style of other historic manufacturing buildings in the 400 E. Mill Street area. “Hats off to General Capital,” the city’s Community Development Director Dan King said during the meeting. “I think they did a wonderful job in capturing some of the architectural essence of the Royal Coach building.” Overall, the amended site plan changed minimally from the original, making it easier for commissioners to give their approval. “With the change in the design, it finds itself back before the planning commission because you have to amend it because it was The proposed complex will be named Royal Coach Apartments, and the building’s fagade will be similar to what stood at 400 E. Mill St. for nearly 130 years. (Graphic provided) Two more public servants die Former councilman Redman dies from COVID-19 Sophie Bates Staff Writer After many years spent serving the city of Hastings, former Councilman Willard “Bill” Redman, 78, died Tuesday following a weekslong battle with CO VID-19. Bom in Battle Creek June 10, 1942, Redman spent much of life in service of others and was active in the Hastings community. The 1960 W.K. Kellogg High School, Nashville, graduate served in the U.S. Army in Hawaii and Germany; was formerly a master with the Hastings Masonic Lodge; served as a Boy Scout and Cub Scout leader; sat on the Barry County 911 Administration Board, Joint Plumbing Alliance and Hastings Volunteer Fire Department; and represented the Fourth Ward on the Hastings City Council for nine years, among other accomplishments. According to his colleagues on the city council, Redman was a doer. “He was real straightforward and didn’t mess around,” Councilman Jim Cary said. “He wasn’t going at it in a political sense, he was just going at it to take care of stuff here in town.” Cary, who was mentored by Redman when he first joined the city council two years ago, recalled Redman’s tenacity when serving together on the county parks and recreation board. “I was on the parks and rec board with him for a while and we needed to get more See REDMAN, page 3 Former Hastings City Councilman Willard “Bill” Redman, 78, died Tuesday following a weeks-long battle with COVID19. See NEW PLAN, page 13 Barry Township supervisor Wes Kahler dies Sunday Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Kahler, 57, died Sunday while he was undergoing heart surgery. The Orchard Street resident lived his entire life in Delton. He served on the Barry Township Board of Trustees for the last 20 years of his life. The first eight years he was a trustee and the remaining 12 years of his time he spent as township supervisor. Kahler com­ pleted a successful re-election bid for his supervisor seat in November. Kahler worked as a driver for LJ Fluid Power in Delton and spent many years work­ ing and frequenting Sajo’s Pizza in Delton. Kahler is survived by his siblings: Wendy, Chuck, Mike and Becky Kahler, and Renda (Nick) Keck; nieces and nephews, Danielle Spencer, Aaron Keck, Ruby Keck, Isaac Keck, Jadden Kahler, and Hadden Kahler. Barry Township Supervisor Wesley Kahler died Sunday. “My brother was a loving, forgiving man,” Becky Kahler said. “He was not just my See KAHLER, page 3 Vaccine eligibility opens up A Walgreen’s employee administers the vaccine to Thornapple Manor resident Morris Madsen last Thursday. (Photo provided) Taylor Owens Staff Writer The number of people eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will increase signifi­ cantly next week, but it may take some time before they are able to get it. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday that group “IB” can start getting vaccinated Monday. The group includes people age 75 and older, school staff, childcare workers, correc­ tions staff and first responders, as well as workers in homeless shelters, congregate childcare institutions and child protective ser­ vices. | The Barry-Eaton District Health Department is still working through the allo­ cation of vaccines it received Dec. 21, which can inoculate 500 people. Heath department representative Anne Barna said they expect to receive more vac­ cines at the end of January, but they don’t know how many: It could be 1,000 or 10,000, Barna said. “Really what we’re facing right now is just that we’re waiting to hear more about vaccine eligibility from the state,” Barna said. “There’s just a lot of uncertainty. That’s not normally how we do what we do. “We’ve had to shift our thinking.” As of Tuesday, BEDHD had vaccinated 140 members of group 1A in vaccine clinics at the department’s office in Hastings. Group 1A includes healthcare workers and long-term care residents. Another 120 are scheduled to be vaccinated by the end of the week. While the department still has doses for a few more weeks, it is now scheduling people to receive vaccines it doesn’t yet have. “We’re planning vaccinations and we’re hoping the supply is there, and, if it isn’t, we’ll just have to reschedule,” Barna said. Meanwhile, health department officials do not know what percentage of people in group 1A have received the vaccine. There is not a record of the number of healthcare professionals who fit the 1A crite­ ria, which is made up of those who work with patients or perform critical functions, who also live or work in Barry County. It also means the department does not know how many eligible people are choosing not to take the vaccine. Castleton Maple Groye Nashville Emergency Medical Service Director Mel Oakley said he was happy to be vaccinated. “I feel very confident in the vaccine. I feel that it’s very safe,” Oakley said. But he does not keep track of how many people on his service have received it. Since the vaccines were approved under an Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration, workplaces cannot require employees to receive them. Oakley said his job is to ensure that his employees have the best information avail­ able on the vaccine, so they can make the decision for themselves. “The decision to get a vaccine or not is no different than any other healthcare decision you make,” Oakley said. । See VACCINE, page 11 �Page 2 — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner New county chairman steps up for a second time Rebecca Pierce Editor * Ben Geiger was 22 when he filed to run for Barry County Board of Commissioners. That was more than 10 years ago. By the time he was 31, he was chairman of * the board. * During Monday’s organizational meeting, Geiger was elected by fellow commissioners । to lead the board a second time. ✓ He was sitting in the commissioners’ mez; zanine at the top of the historic courthouse in * Hastings when the vote was taken via Zoom ^remote access. * The vote was unanimous. “I don’t want to be somebody that just fills a seat just to further their career,” Geiger said in an interview with The Banner Tuesday. “I want to be somebody who can look at results and have the results be something that matters ! to real people. I just want to be in an impactful role.” \ His first time as chairman, in 2018-2019, was challenging, he said. “We took on some really heavy projects during my first stint as board chairman. ... These were really controversial things. I don’t regret any of the decisions we made.” One of them was the Time Of Sale Transfer (TOST) program, which had required proper­ ' ties with on-site wells and/or on-site sewage , systems to be checked when the property was ; sold or transferred to a new owner. The program was operated by the BarryEaton District Health Department from 2007 to 2018, when the county board repealed it. Commissioners also had considered divid­ ing up the health department so that Barry County would have its own, but ultimately decided that would not be prudent. » They didn’t realize just how prudent their decision was until this past spring, he said. I In Geiger’s view, if they had gone with a one-county health department, “it would have been catastrophic.” In fact, “had we split the health department during my term, we would be just finishing putting it back together now,” he said. Today, the consensus is that BEDHD is ; working and “doing a great job in response to ; this pandemic.” As far as top priorities for county govern­ ment this year, “this pandemic changes every­ thing,” Geiger said. “In normal years, I’d say the top priorities are A, B, and C,” he said. “(Now) it really feels like the top priority is getting through this pandemic; making sure people are getting shots in arms; making sure that our health department is able to respond to the needs of the community.” Apart from the demands triggered by COVID-19, Geiger mentioned two other pri­ orities: • First is to enhance county online services. ; “Now with people being stuck at home, it kind of puts us in a spot where we have to be innovative and visionary with how we pro­ vide service. It applies to the whole county Ben Geiger government with our livestream and Zoom, all the way down to our access to permitting online.” • The second priority Geiger identified is to reform the county board’s committee struc­ ture. When Geiger was first elected to the county board in 2010, one other commissioner joined the board along with him: Dan Parker. The Dec. 11, 2020, death of Parker, due to complications from COVID-19, was mourned by colleagues and constituents across the county. Geiger mentioned Parker several times when he spoke to The Banner Tuesday about the future. “One of Dan Parker’s last things he pushed when he was with us was creating a parks and recreation commission,” Geiger said. “Dan’s vision was to bring everybody together around the things we cherish. We cherish our parks. What other spots of county government can we ... look for opportunities to bring people together around a common vision? “So (we’re looking at) senior services; we’re doing it with parks and agriculture.” The county jail, which was a top priority for commissioners last year as the board mounted a public campaign to request $25 million from voters for a jail and sheriff’s office, was not mentioned on Geiger’s list of immediate concerns. “The jail will always be an important issue in Barry County,” he said. “...Right now, at this point in our community, there’s political fatigue. There really is. “The fair thing to do, for our constituents, is to reflect on our last election and try to move forward once life gets a little bit .... more normalcy.” In the meantime, commissioners havje approved nearly $300,000 in this year’s bud­ get to cover the costs of repairs and replace­ ments at the jail. Geiger emphasized that the county eventu­ ally will have to do something about the jail, but “it’s just not the first thing we’re going to do this year.” The contract with TowerPinkster, the con­ sultant hired to handle the project, ended when their request failed in the November general election, he said. “We starting fresh,” Geiger said. “We have to. The voters have made their opinion known. So we’re going to have to go back to the drawing board.” “We have two brand new commissioners,” he pointed out. “Tossing this in their laps in their first month in office is a lot to ask of them. “We want them toieam their jobs.” As far as other areas of focus for this year, Geiger replied, “I’m only one guy. There are six other commissioners and I have promised every one of them that their success is my success. ...I’m intentionally keeping some blanks on my list because there are other com­ missioners who have goals of their own. They ran for office for a reason.” The six other commissioners are returning incumbents Vivian Conner, Howard Gibson, David Jackson, Jon Smelker, and newcomers Catherine Getty and Bruce Campbell. When Geiger considered what he would do differently this time as chairman, based on past experience and his loss of the leadership post in 2020 to former commissioner Heather Wing, he said he’s going to listen. “We need to listen to each other more,” he said. “I’m a person who believes in lifelong learning. With all the other commissioners, let’s be open. Let’s be transparent with our issues so we don’t let these problems fester.” Geiger said those problems were largely a result of communications issues. “I don’t want td dwell too much on the past. I’m very grateful that I have the support of the board. It was unanimous. I value all the other commissioners on the board. We have a broad spectrum of expertise. “The job of any good chairperson is to remember: It’s not about me. It’s about we.” Geiger also uses the word “we” when he speaks of his family ancestry and roots in Woodland Township, where he was born and raised. He’s the oldest of four siblings - two brothers and a sister. His father is an excava­ tion contractor and his mother is a homemak­ er. He loves delving into his family ancestry and tells the story of the first Geigers coming to America from Germany in April 1865. The funeral processidn for President Abraham Lincoln initially prevented them from getting off the boat but Lwhen they finally were allowed to disembark, they headed for Woodland Townshb Geiger graduated ?ffom Western Michigan ^University and, in 20a6. went to work for a political candidate by the name of Brian Calley. He worked in then-state Rep. Calley’s office for four years and continued to work for him when he became lieutenant governor County gets federal funds for emergency food, shelter programs Barry County has been awarded $28,764 in federal funds to supplement emergency food and shelter program. The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter national board program. The county’s award is based upon the total number of unemployed people, compared to : the total number of unemployed in all qualifying jurisdictions. The selection was made by a national board chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland .Security’s Federal Emergency Management ’ Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, the Jewish Federations of North America, the Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide. ; A local board made up of the Salvation Army, Barry County commissioners, Hastings Area Ministerial Association, Continuum of Care, Commission on Aging and Barry County United Way will determine how the funds awarded locally will be distributed : among the emergency food and shelter programs. The local board is responsible for * recommending agencies to receive these and any additional funds made available under J this phase of the program. J Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government, be eligible to receive federal funds, have an accounting ; system, practice nondiscrimination, have 5 demonstrated the capability to deliver »emergency food and/or shelter programs, and if a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Barry County has previously distributed emergency food and shelter funds to Manna’s Market, Barry County United Way, and the South Michigan Food Bank. Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for emergency food and shelter program funds can find the application online at bcunitedway.org or by emailing Morgan Johnson at Barry County United Way, morgan@bcunitedway.org, or calling 269-945-4010. Funding requests may be emailed to Johnson; to Barry} County United Way, Attention: FEMA/jjFSP,. 231 S. Broadway, Hastings MI 49058; or sent via fax, 269-945­ 4536. Applications inust be received by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Barry Community Foundation offers local restaurants relief Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The Barry Community Foundation is giv­ ing local businesses a boost. Led by the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Gettys, the foundation divvied up $83,000 in grant money to 50 local restau­ rants in the form of gift cards. The money came from the Feed Barry County Program fund. “We had a lot of people contribute to the fund,” Gettys said, explaining that multiple donors contributed to the fund. “Every restaurant got something,” former BCF board chairman Fred Jacobs said. Gift cards were purchased for local restau­ rants and then gifted to the local veterans affairs office, Barry County United Way and local food banks. Gettys said the cards will be used to help feed families in need and will increase demand for local restaurants. “We saw this as a win-win,” Gettys said. “It’s not groceries, but it gives families who are struggling the option to get take-out one night and not have to think about making din­ ner for a night.” The Barry Community Foundation also is leading an effort to manufacture outdoor structures for local restaurants to serve people outdoors, Jacobs said., Gettys added that the outdoor structure project was partially funded using the remain­ ing money from the restaurant project. Supplies for the igloos come from Barry County lumber. Jacobs said the igloos give restaurants the ability to keep serving patrons should the state extend limitations to in-person dining past Jan. 15. “We’ve heard that restaurants may not be back to full operations until the fall,” Gettys said. “The outdoor structures allow them to have additional seating and serve more peo­ ple.” i Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner class fled ads under Gov. Rick Snyder. Now Geiger works for the Michigan Republican House Caucus as a graphic artist. “I owe a lot to Brian Calley for all the men­ torship and friendship he’s given me over the years. He taught me a lot about public service and a lot about policy development and about how to listen.” After Snyder left office, Geiger volun­ teered to work with the terminally ill as a hospice biographer through Spectrum Health. “I would help them write down their life stories,” Geiger said. “We would make it into a publication, into a keepsake, that can be passed on after they’re gone. “The stories that people tell you are remark­ able, heartbreaking, inspiring - every emo- tion possible. It made me realize that there are stories all around us. Everyone around you has a rich, remarkable story. “(And) if we have the courage to talk about it with each other, everybody’s lives will be enriched.” That experience offered great clarity, he said. “A lot of times in government, in public service, we don’t know who’s on the other side,” Geiger said. “Everybody comes with a unique perspective. Through that experience with hospice, it’s made me value human con­ nection more, value friendship, getting stuff done. If we take the time to learn a little bit more about each other, ...we’ll find our differ­ ences aren’t that big.” New member prepares for first day on city council Jacquie McLean poses for a picture with her husband, Brian McLean, and three children Julia, Claudia and Joey; her children are the third generation of Hastings High School graduates in her family. In her free time, McLean enjoys thrifting with her daughters, cooking, spending time in the community and being a mother and wife. Sophie Bates Staff Writer Growing up in the small town of Hastings, Jacquie McLean saw her father, Joe Daniel, as something of a local celebrity. Daniel moved to Hastings from Alabama, setting down roots and raising his family .He owned a Shell station and Joe’s Standatd sta­ tion where he spent time fixing or washing people’s cars, pumping their gas and chatting with his customers. He seemed to know everybody. “He loved people — although he could never remember anyone’s name — and he loved helping his community through his business,” McLean said. Witnessing her father’s dedication to the community inspired McLean to want to do the same. “My roots are deep in the city of Hastings, and I wanted to give back in a way that he would be proud of,” McLean said. McLean, 48, spent years contemplating how she should could best make an impact on the Hastings community. After working as a staff member for the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance and the City of Hastings, McLean developed an interest in serving on the city council. After many conversations with family, friends and colleagues, their support was unanimous and it solidified her decision to run for city council. Then she won the race against incumbent Bill Redman in a 399-339 vote in the 4th Ward. Now, she’s preparing for her first city coun­ cil meeting Monday, Jan. 11. A mother of three, McLean has been mar­ ried to fellow Hastings native Brian McLean for 23 years. She currently works as the mar­ keting and promotions coordinator for the City of Battle Creek’s Small Business Development Office. Last month, she finished three years of serving on the Hastings Planning Commission. “In my time as a planning commissioner, I’ve learned an abundance of valuable infor­ mation. It’s given me a greater understanding of the way zoning and ordinances work within our city, how they affect our residents and the policies, and the procedures behind how they’re developed and revised,” McLean said. “Even more, I gained a greater understanding of the way our city government works as a whole, and all the roles each board and staff member have in keeping it together.” As a planning commission member, McLean also spent time acquainting herself with the city’s master plan, parks and recre­ ation plan and capital improvement plan — knowledge that should prove to be useful serving on the council. “All of these things and more are the best background I could have asked for going into my new position on city council,” McLean said. McLean said she has always had a passion for leadership, further cultivating it by attain­ ing a master’s degree from Siena Heights University with a concentration in organiza­ tional leadership. “Leadership has always been something I’ve been passionate about from the begin­ ning. My interest for public service grew as I got older and my career advanced and as my love for my community grew to be a core piece of who I am,” McLean said. “I have chosen this path of serving in hopes that I can make a positive impact on my community in any way that I possibly can.” McLean defines her style of leadership as situational; she approaches each event, topic or situation with an open mind and adapts her leadership to be what’s most effective. She said her leadership style also changes depend­ ing on who she’s leading. “Not everyone is motivated in the same way, and a great leader always recognizes the differences in who they are leading and then leads appropriately,” McLean said. “Bringing new ideas and a new perspective to the table is a strength I’d like to focus on and I plan to sharpen my listening skills.” McLean said her No. 1 goal in serving the 4th Ward is to represent her constituents to the best of her ability; but she also wants to improve the relationship between the city and its residents. “I would like to help with the improvement of community engagement, which I believe goes hand in hand with communication. Although I don’t have all the answers, I believe one way to start is by improving our communication to the public through all of the avenues available to us,” McLean said. Another goal is to assist the city to become a Redevelopment Ready Community. The RRC program, offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corp., offers devel­ opment funding. Once Hastings becomes RRC certified — by implementing six RRC defined best practices — new funding and new opportunities will be available to the city. The city is currently in the process of becoming RRC certified; and, in November, McLean completed the RRC virtual academy and plans to use her newfound knowledge of the program to help move Hastings’ certifica­ tion along. In her first days on the council, McLean said she intends to educate herself so she can make informed decisions for the community and seek out a way to interact with 4th Ward residents so she can accurately represent them. While there are changes she personally would like to see in the city and community, McLean said she will base her decisions on feedback from her constituents. “There are variety of things I would like to see changed, but, ultimately, it is up to the council as a whole,” McLean said. “My time on the council will be [spent] representing the people. I will do my best to listen to the peo­ ple and base the changes I’d like to see on what I hear. “Although sometimes I feel like I’ll never have the impact on my community that my dad did, I feel like this is a great start.” Next City Council meeting is Jan. 11 Hastings City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday; members of the public are welcome to attend a remote access session via livestream or Zoom. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 7, 2021 —- Page 3 REDMAN, continued from page 1 funding. And boy, he went in right into where the county commissioners were at. You know, everybody is kind of quiet — not Bill. ‘We need that money!’” Cary said, recalling Redman’s motivation. “When he went after something, he went after it, you know, and he didn’t do it to be crude or anything. He’d just have a vison and went right on it. “Nothing was going to stop that guy.” A project Redman was particularly passionate about was creating a year-round, covered rink in Hastings to be used for ice­ skating in the winter and basketball or other * sports in the summer. “One thing that stands out the most about Bill is that he was very eager to try to get an ice skating rink into the Hastings area — and we have a skating rink at Tyden Pa 'k — but he really wanted to build an ice skating rink and have a place for the kids to be able to go and play,” Councilwoman Therese MaupinMoore, who served on the council with Redman, said. “He was very passionate about children and families.” Redman took initiative on the project — did research, sought funding and even had renderings of his proposed rink drawn up, before presenting his plan to his colleagues on * the city council. Though his proposal was ultimately turned down, Redman impressed in colleagues with how well he handled the defeat. | “Bill was an idea guy on the council and he I came up with some ideas, and one of the big things was skating rink,” council member Al Jarvis said. “He made the presentation to council and we discussed it and I gave my opinion. And the thing I was most amazed — well, I don’t know if amazed is the right word. I, in some ways, disagreed with the concept because the city can’t afford to do that. And the man he was, he accepted that very well. So, I was always impressed how well Bill let bygones be bygones.” Jarvis said he was similarly impressed by the way Redman reacted when he lost his ^re-election bid for the Fourth Ward city |council seat in November to Jacquie McLean. I “She beat Bill for it and on the next day, I Hastings City Councilman Bill Redman flashes a smile for the crowd in the 2017 Memorial Day parade in Hastings. (File photo) was the first person to call him and say how sorry I was that he lost the election and, again, he was a real man about it. He said ‘That’s the way it is.’ So, I’m just impressed,” Jarvis said. “We weren’t really that close, but I really appreciated him being on the council.” McLean, a newcomer to the city council and former planning commission member, will attend her first council meeting as a representative Monday. She said Redman has left big shoes to fill. “Bill was an outstanding supporter of our community. His dedication to his family, friends and the City of Hastings was unparalleled,” McLean said. “They say it is tough to follow a good act, so I definitely have my work cut out for me. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s friends and family. “The council will surely continue to address the ideas and recommendations from Bill moving forward.” While Redman was known for his determination and willingness to take action, he had a soft side, too. “When we had tough meetings and we didn’t all see eye to eye or, you know, there was a special event going on in someone’s life there was something going on in the council, he would always text somebody and just say ‘Hey, I want you to know I’m thinking of you’ or ‘Hey, you know, that was a tough meeting,”’ Maupin-Moore said. “He was always very good about checking in on people.” Maupin-Moore recalled missing a council meeting last year due to her son’s wrestling injury; Redman immediately reached out to make sure everything was OK. “He was very good about trying to build those relationships,” Maupin-Moore said. Cary, too, remembered Redman’s efforts to build relationships and support those around him. After undergoing surgery for a perforated colon, Cary said Redman was one of the first people to stop by and check in on him. “Of all the guys that show up, there’s Bill,” Cary said. “It was kind of an emergency, and KAHLER, continued from page 1 brother, but also my best friend.” “Wes was a good brother,” Michael Kahler - said. “He, my dad, and I went on many fishing c trips together. A lot of laughs and a good time were had by all. Wes and I always didn’t see eye to eye, but, when the difficult times came, he would have our backs.” Wesley Kahler was the New Year’s baby at Pennock Hospital bom on Jan. 2, 1964, to parents Kenneth and Ruby “Esther” Kahler. “When Wes was little, he loved his Hot Wheels, Tonka trucks, as most American boys did,” Becky Kahler said. She recalled her then 9-year-old kid brother standing on the edge of M-43 during a repaving project. “He would stand on the edge of the road for hours, watching the machinery and workers,” she said. “Mom would have to have one of us other kids go find him or he would keep fol­ lowing the workers as they went down the road.” . He never wanted to be indoors, Becky Kahler said, he was always outside having dirt fights with friends and actively participat­ ? ing in school sports. : “As you can see, he wasn’t little,” Wendy Kahler said of her brother, “but he will always . be a little brother to me.” She said he was an inquisitive child. As he grew up, he didn’t like to travel outside of Michigan. He was “pretty much a home­ body,” she said. “He loved Delton. His comc munity meant a lot to him.” , Becky Kahler joined him in working at Sajo’s Pizza in Delton for many years. “He started working there in high school and didn’t stop until just a few years ago,” she i said. “He would still help out there, too. If you couldn’t find him at his house or around town, he would be there, just talking or hang­ , ing out.” She also recalled when she asked her broth­ er to teach her how to park a trailer. She said she gave him two rules for the day: Don’t yell at her and don’t yell at her. “I still remember how mad he would get when I would turn the steering wheel the wrong way, his face would turn red, but he never yelled at me,” Becky Kahler said. If someone needed something, no matter what it was, her brother either had it or knew someone who did. “Wes was the guy that, no matter the time of day, if you needed him, he would be there - even in the winter at 10:30 at night when you’re stuck in the field, and you need to be pulled out.” Wes Kahler was a 1983 graduate of Gull Lake Christian School and was active at Inter­ Lakes Baptist Church, where he was a life­ time member and deacon. He loved his s church, and the people there were just as much family to him as his siblings were, Becky Kahler said.. “Wes was a great brother, but, most of all, a great friend,” said Rhonda Keck, who lived just down the road from her brother. She always knew he was just a phone call away, she said. “I could call him at any time, and he would be there to help with whatever I needed.” An animal lover, Kahler shared his home with his two cats, Boxer and Boris. “Wes had the best belly laugh and smile,” she said. “He was the rock of our family. He was our common-sense brother.” Keck recalled a particular phrase that her brother often said to her and their siblings: “Now just calm down a minute and breathe.” Kahler played a leadership role in organizing the annual Delton Founders Festival. One of the last memories that Keck has of her brother was during this past Christmas season. All the siblings came together at Keck’s house to spend the holiday season together. “It was just a fun family day. Christmas this year was great. All six of us were together and it was a wonderful day. We laughed, opened gifts, and remembered old times.” The siblings had different memories from their time with Kahler, but a common thread connected each of their stories: He had a deep passion for his Delton community and improving it in every way he could. “Wes always wanted what was best for the community of Delton,” Keck said. “He always loved to see the community come together and have fun. Wes always tried to be fair when he had to make decisions that involved others.” In addition to serving on the township board, Kahler also worked as president of the Delton Founders Festival and played a leader­ ship role in expanding William Smith Park in Delton, among other board and committee positions. “Wes loved being the Barry Township supervisor,” Becky Kahler said. “He loved helping the community through this position. He took great pride in doing the best that he knew how. He loved working with the police department and the fire department.” Kahler’s friend, Barry Bower, has worked with him on several projects over the past few years. Bower said he got to know him over the past couple of years as they worked together on projects like Founders Festival and the Delton Music in the Park Series. Bower said he’d remember Kahler for his patience. “He never wanted to give a bad answer, so he’d listen and say he’d get back to you later on, and he would,” Bower said. “You just couldn’t surprise him. He never said a cross word. He was a very patient man.” Kahler’s friendship led Bower to seek a trustee position on the Barry Township Board of Trustees, a seat he was elected to in November. “There is just so much he did. People don’t really know how much he did,” Bower said. Just last week, Bower said he and Kahler discussed ways the township could help sup­ port local businesses. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have gone for the trustee job,” Bower said, noting that his primary reason for running was to help Kahler with the mountain of responsibilities he had as township supervisor. During his time on the board, Kahler over­ saw sidewalk improvement projects, con­ struction of a township amphitheater, the expansion of Founders Festival and the Delton Music in the Park series, among a number of other projects. “This community is going to miss him a whole lot,” Delton District Library Director Cheryl Bower said. “He allowed and encour­ aged growth in William Smith Park. He was so happy so many people were using the park. He was a friend, and he genuinely cared about Delton.” Jim Alden, of Delton, served with Kahler on the township board from 2012 to 2016. “Wes always kept his cool, I never saw him sad or even mad,” Alden said. “He was always very fair and open to people.” Alden will serve as interim supervisor until a permanent candidate is chosen by board members to fill the position. Alden said his start date will be next Wednesday. Bill Redman, shown here with his wife of 59 years, Virginia Redman, served the city of Hastings as a councilman and was active in the community. He is survived by his wife, four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial visi­ tation is planned Saturday at Hastings Free Methodist Church. not very many people knew about it, but somehow that guy found out, and he was the first guy to show up after that. You know, just real super, real nice about it, too.” Both Redman’s personal and professional dedication to the City of Hastings, its residents and his colleagues will be missed. “He was stepping down from the council and was going to be missed with that, but he’s going to be missed in a lot of different ways now in this the community because of all the stuff he did even outside of his public service,” City Manager Jerry Czarnecki said. Councilman Don Smith agreed. “I sat next to Bill for the last six years on the city council and attended many conferences with him. Bill and I had a lot in common, we both served in the Army and were both stationed in Germany and owned companies. Bill was a gentle giant who always stood his ground,” Smith said. “I would hope to live a wonderful life like Bill did with his family and having a great impact on his community.” A tribute to Willard “Bill” Redman I have known Bill for more than 50 years. My first experience with Bill was when I was 17 and he was a young sheriff’s deputy. It didn’t start out well, but it ended well. That was the only time, while Bill was a deputy, that our paths crossed, in a legal sense. I would see Bill on the street or in a gas station and he would always ask, “How you doing, kid?” He had a genuine interest in your life and, if you knew Bill, you knew that. Over the years, our paths always crossed. We were neighbors in the same end of town, and different jobs that Bill had would inter­ twine with mine. When I was a mechanic for the City of Hastings, Bill worked for Industrial Welding in Lansing and he helped me out to get a big piece of equipment repaired. When I brought the part in for repair, Bill would introduce me to everyone because I was from his hometown of Hastings. Bill took a lot of pride in his hometown. We were in Jaycees together serving our community. That was our first experience working together. Bill was dedicated to the community. But, but most of all, he was dedicated to his fam­ ily, his three sons and his wife Virginia. Bill was very proud of his son’s accom­ plishments - whether is was in sports or later in life in the careers they chose. He was most proud of Virginia’s dedication to her family and to her being a nurse and taking care of people! For the last eight or nine years, Bill and I have shared our love for Hastings, and the people who live here, on the city council. As council members, we would butt heads occa­ sionally, but, after talking, sometimes a lot, we then would end up at the same conclu­ sion. Bill could be stubborn, but he only had one way to do things and that was to do it the right way. Bill was a very confident person: He had a certain swagger to himself, the way he walked and the way he talked. I have asked people what they remember about the first time they met Bill. If you were a woman, you remember his big hug and his patent Bill Redman smile with his “How you doing, young lady?” If you are a guy, you remem­ ber that vise-grip handshake. Bill took a lot of pride in his hand strength and you got his patent smile. Bill was a hard charger and he would give you 110 percent effort in everything he did. Every year, we would have a booth at the fairgrounds to display for the City of Hastings. Bill was always the first to volun­ teer to work the booth and he was always there to help tear it down. It did not matter what it was, if you needed a volunteer, Bill was there. As I became mayor, Bill became mayor pro-tem and we worked very well together. Bill would always swagger into my office a half hour before the council meet­ ings. He would always say, “How ya doing, kid?” He would always stop and take a hand­ ful of candy bars out of the jar on the table. It wasn’t long before I started calling him Sweet Willie and he would smile! Bill and I always shared memories of experiences we had and I always came back to my first experience with Bill and he would smile and say he didn’t remember - but he knows he helped influence my life and I thank him and his family for allowing him to be part of my life. Bill Redman gave a piece of himself to his family, his friends, and his colleagues. He influenced everyone he met. He was genu­ ine, honest, hardworking, dedicated to his community and very passionate about the things he believed in. I will remember Bill as a true friend. Rest In Peace, Bill. Dave David J. Tossava, Mayor City of Hastings, Michigan January 6,2021 Financial Planner At Highpoint Community Bank, we place a strong focus on servicing our customers' total financial needs. Our philosophy is simple. We offer financial planning, as well as access to investment products and services where you feel the most comfortable: right in your local Highpoint Community Bank branch. You can tend to all your financial needs in one convenient location. Investment opportunities include non deposit investments which are: Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value highpoint WEALTH MANAGEMENT ffiic f < highpointcommunitybank.com | 1-888-422-2280 �Page 4 — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Making a plan for New Year’s resolutions That’s snow mask These two snowmen on West Madison Street in Hastings are making an attempt to mask up, but their carrot noses are getting in the way. However, they do serve as a good reminder: To be effec­ tive in reducing the spread of COVID-19, the mask needs to cover both the nose and mouth, not just mouth. Thanks, snowfolk, for demonstrating the proper way to mask up. Now go have a carrot... Do you remember? t Little sister is 1951 ‘New Year’s’ baby Surveying the world - Miss Denise Mechel Moinette, who made a belated arrival at Pennock Hospital at 11:15 Jan. 2 to become Barry County’s New Year’s baby, surveys her surroundings while being photographed by Leo Barth of Barth’s studio. Nurse Sue Krieder, R.N., holds the baby while her mother, Mrs. John [Rosemary] Moinette, happily looks on. Denise Mechel’s dad works for the Metal Tile corporation. She has six brothers and sisters. Have you met? Kerri Selleck is used to seeing people at their absolute worst; as Barry County’s firstever chief public defender, it’s an unfortunate reality of her job. “You can’t help everyone, so we do have heartbreak in this job, and that’s to be expected,” Selleck, 45, said. “Not everybody makes it to the other side and successfully beats their demons.” Selleck heads the public defender’s office, which ensures those charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford an attorney are provided competent legal representation at the time of arraignment and during trial. Many of Selleck’s responsibilities — like managing attorneys’ caseloads and reporting to the government — are administrative in nature; but she also represents clients at their arraignments and functions as the defense attorney for the county’s three specialty courts: sobriety court, adult drug court and the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program. Both sobriety court and adult drug court offer probationers a drug treatment program and access to treatment and rehabilitative programming, while Swift and Sure is a “last chance” program for felony probationers, who have previously violated their probation, to avoid a prison sentence. “What I do is, before people even enter the programs, I give them a realistic chat about what to expect because it is intense programming. There are a lot of requirements; so they can walk in with eyes wide open, knowing what’s going to be expected of them, because they are voluntary programs,” Selleck said. “So, I like to think that we really help the clients or the defendants understand how the process works, and we’ve been their voice from Day One, where they might not have had a voice before.” The specialty courts are where Selleck often experiences some of the most heartbreaking and, yet, rewarding parts of her position. “You know, we don’t see people at their best; we usually see people on their worst day,” Selleck said. “That’s one of the things I like about being part of our specialty courts i — you really get to know the participants. And I get the opportunity to help them.” Selleck recalled one long-term client she didn’t think would ever change. He was always fighting her efforts to help him, even as she tried to represent and assist him; until, one day, he finally admitted that he needed Kerri §elleck help and sought it. “It totally changed his life. He’s in a solid relationship; he has a great job; he has a car. You know, little things that we might take for granted sometimes were big accomplishments for him. That’s why I do what I do,” Selleck said. “And I still see him all the time. He still comes in and we talk. He’s someone I didn’t think would make it. I didn’t think he would be able to make the changes that he needed to, and, boy, did he prove me wrong. And I have never been so happy to be wrong. “We don’t always get success stories, but the ones that we do are quite amazing.” Beyond advocating for her clients, Selleck also advocates for the attorneys she oversees at the public defender’s office. Before the public defender’s office was established approximately two years ago, attorneys needed approval from a judge to access funds for a private investigator, independent forensics exam, polygraph or other resources to build their cases. Now, under a unified office, Selleck can approve those funds for her attorneys and seeks their funding through the state. “Having this office has really given those attorneys a unified voice. I mean, I advocate for my attorneys all the time about what they need to do their jobs effectively,” Selleck said. “Instead of 10 individual voices, we’re now one collective voice, which helps.” Selleck also is mother to three boys — Ethan, 12, Eliot, 10, and Ean, 8 — she is raising with her husband of 15 years Rodney Selleck. For advocating for both attorneys and clients and supporting probationers through rehabilitative programming, Kerri Selleck is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite TV program: “Blue Bloods.” If I could go anywhere in the world: Europe. Person I most admire and why: My mom; she showed me that no matter one’s age, anything is possible if you work for it. Favorite season and why: Summer; I get to spend time in South Haven, which is my happy place. Favorite vacation destination: I loved Hawaii. Something most people don’t know about me: I am terrible at math. When I was a kid, I wanted to be: An architect — until I realized I couldn’t draw and I was terrible at math. Greatest song ever written: “Ave Maria.” What I’d tell a high school graduate: The world owes you nothing; if you want something in life, earn it. Best gift I ever received: My three boys. Favorite dinner: Anything pasta and bread. What I want for Christmas: Normalcy. What I like about my job: Being able to help people, even in a small way, in what is usually their darkest time. What the world needs now: Respect and understanding. I am most content when: Sitting in a quiet house drinking my coffee before my boys get up for the day. What drew me to Barry County: A job brought me here, but the friends I made here made it my home. Hobbies: Knitting and reading. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Correction The Dec. 31 Banner “Have you met?” column about Cathy Longstreet should have listed her husband as Rob Longstreet. The folly of New Year’s resolutions, which most of us don’t keep beyond the first few weeks of January anyway, was starkly apparent in 2020 when the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic ripped up everyone’s life and good intentions. Graduations and county fairs, weddings and family reunions were taken away in an instant or did take place behind masks at proper social distance under anxious fears of what might result. Still, the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions remains strong, especially com­ ing off a year filled with such unexpected tragedy and fear and looking toward 2021 with a glimmer of renewed hope. My wish for the New Year is that our resolutions come with action plans. As hor­ rible as 2020 may have been, we shouldn’t waste a minute looking back and hoping that 2021 will return us to where we once were. Rather, we should look at this calam­ itous time in which we’re living as an opportunity, a chance to come back even stronger, even better as a community, as a nation, and as a world. Despite the hardships we’ve endured during the past year, we already have a solid foundation on which to build the future in Barry County. Take the large housing project about to begin at the former Royal Coach site in Hastings adjacent to Hastings Manufacturing, for instance. It will fill the need for more housing for the community, along with other housing projects in Hastings and throughout Barry County also scheduled to come to fruition during the new year. There also is the news that another nation­ al merchant may soon announce plans to fill the balance of the vacant space in the former Kmart plaza. That will represent a business revival for a key piece of real estate that looked so stark when the Kmart chain closed its doors in Barry County. Plus, the new state-of-the-art Baum Family Surgical Center is now open at Spectrum Health-Pennock making sure that our community continues to offer the best in medical services for local families. And, of course, the recent word came that, in the first months of the new year, the miracle COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to more of our general population so we can get the threat of the virus behind us and focus on getting our lives back to normal. How wonderful it will be to get together again, to hug our loved ones, to attend church or a funeral, to go out to dinner and get together with family and friends. These are the simple things that most of us took for granted before it was taken away in an instant by a vicious virus. “One person can make a difference and every person must try,” said former President John F. Kennedy, who also lived in troubled times. “What if each of us really tried? What if each of us spontaneously decided that, one by one, we really can be the better world we wish for?” Kennedy used inspiration to lead America and it is inspiration that must be part of our action plan in resolving to make 2021 a better year in Barry County. I’m hoping that the governor will throw our local restaurants a lifeline and allow them to be open for indoor dining by Jan. 15. There’s no reason to delay; they’ve already lost two of the most important months of the year. They need a lifeline. Then, when restaurants are open again, they need our inspiration and support - even from those of us who choose to continue take-out service for safety concerns. We need to keep our kids in school. Traditional classroom education offers the benefit of face-to-face interaction with peers and teachers. It provides our kids with a stable environment for learning and helps them develop social interaction with others. Online learning may work for some stu­ dents, but generally it leads to higher rates of class failure and dropouts. These kids are our future; they are our inspiration. They need to be prepared to compete in the global marketplace. Being out of school will impact their development for years to come. Our churches also need our inspiration. Until we get back to church with no limita­ tion, it will be impossible to know how many people will return to regular atten­ dance. How will church look post-COVID? It will take years to know just how much the shutdown and the change in the way we’ve had to worship will impact the importance that people place on religion in their lives. We need to get back to renewing the signif­ icance of spiritual life in our world. As communities begin to plan and hold events and gatherings in 2021, what inspira­ tions can we offer to again make concerts, festivals and fairs a source of joy in our communities? Organizers will be challenged as they begin to create their annual calen­ dars to put in place procedures that will keep us safe but allow events to take place again. And what will the future look like for organizations such as Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and other community service groups that have not held in-person meetings since late last winter? Even though they’ve tried to hold regular meetings on Zoom, many members have missed in-person contact and numbers continue to drop. It’s easy for members to become frustrated or lose inter­ est when they can’t get together and social­ ize each week. It may take a load of our inspiration to renew the connections to community that these organizations have always maintained. There have been so many changes, shut­ downs, and restrictions to our everyday lives that getting back to normal will be a challenge for all of us, but we must prevail. The sooner we begin to do so, the better it will be for everyone. This effort cannot succeed, though, without inspiration. The late author and educator John Erskine once observed that the best moment to be bom is always during crisis. It’s a time when we say farewell to the past and, if we are wise, meet the future. But every time can be a good time to live in, if we know what to do with it. That’s why is find it so important to inspire and, in the present time of crisis, to dream. As I make my action plan resolutions for the Barry County future in 2021, my dreams for the future are these: • Ongoing community-wide support for Jim Atkinson and his literacy program whose admirable goal is that every citizen be able to read. For younger and beginning readers, continued support of the Imagination Library program focusing on helping young people discover the joy in reading. With so much technology in the lives of children, it’s important that they find the pleasure of reading. • A Barry County “reverse scholarship program.” As small communities like ours across the state struggle to attract young talent, why not offer to support the college debt of recent graduates in return for their commitment to stay in the community for a certain period of time? We now have a state-of the-art surgical center at Spectrum Health-Pennock. We should concentrate on attracting outstanding young surgeons to our community who may even elect to stay beyond their stated commitment. A “reverse scholarship program” could be a brilliant community-building tool. • Continued promotion and enhancement of the career training program that’s been showing so much promise with young peo­ ple who see their career work being in a specialized field not requiring a college degree. Several local industries and non-profits have already been offering extracurricular training opportunities for young men and women leading to trade certifications and entries into higher-level training venues. Finding careers that fit individual abilities and passions is one of the greatest gifts a community can provide for its young people. • An increasing level of community cul­ ture through the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center. Now that we have such a wonderful venue, we all need to encourage attracting even higher levels of entertainment from not only around the region, but from around the world as well. Artists are complemented by outstanding stages on which to offer their work. Our community can offer the even greater com­ pliment of personal appreciation. These are just a few of the dreams and ideas that I think have merit and will help Barry County continue to grow and prosper in the new year. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that great communities don’t just happen. The effort takes hard work, determination, and community support. And a dream. “The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are,” said industrialist J.P. Morgan. I can’t think of a better New Year’s reso­ lution and an action plan for 2021 that can accompany it. It’s time to stop looking back. Now it’s time to focus on how we can make a positive difference in the days to come. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — Page 5 Counting children in the pandemic Michael E Rice State Superintendent Every child is important. To lose even one is too many. Every fall, local and intermediate school districts and public school academies (PSAs) share their initial enrollment counts with the state’s Center for Education and Performance Information (CEPI). This year’s unaudited fall enrollment was approximately 53,000 fewer students than last year’s fall enrollment. What to make of this number? First, over the last 10 years, Michigan’s public school population has declined an average of 13,000 students annually. That’s part of this year’s drop in enrollment. Second, the parents of more than 17,000 students told their public school districts upon exiting this year that they were homeschool­ ing their children. That is roughly 14,000 more students than in each of the last couple of years. Those 14,000 students are another part of this year’s decline. Many parents are home-working or not during the pandemic—and prefer to homes­ chool their children, as is their right. This increase in students whose parents indicated to their local public school district an inten­ tion to homeschool their children is complete­ ly understandable. Third, Michigan has about 13,000 fewer kindergarten children than last year. That’s a part of this year’s decline as well. Some children will benefit from the oneyear delay in kindergarten, those who are a little younger and/or a little less ready to start school. Many others will not. Parent choice in a pandemic to wait a year until children can get a more complete, less staccato experience in public schools will serve well some chil­ dren in some schools and less well other chil­ dren in other schools. Still, these children aren’t missing: their parents have delayed their kindergarten entry in a pandemic, as is their right. The remainder—approximately 13,000 stu­ dents—is a significant concern. Across the country, public schools have lost students this year during the pandemic. In Michigan, understanding the count is made more complicated by the roughly 13,000-student annual drop in enrollment over the last decade. At the state level, the Michigan Department of Education has worked on this issue in a consortium that has included the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators and Education Trust-Midwest, as well as the American Federation of Teachers Michigan, Michigan Education Association, Sheriff’s actions had an impact on voters To the editor: In my opinion, Barry County Commissioner ■ Ben Geiger is correct in his statement that the Sheriff Dar Leaf’s actions were the cause of the jail proposal failure in the November gen­ eral election. I have never voted “no” on a county or ■ township proposal requesting money until the new jail proposal - and the reason was entire­ ly because of the sheriff’s actions. I was saddened to see County Commissioner Vivian Conner’s statement that she will only consider funding mandatory requirements until the jail issue is resolved. Why should other agencies suffer because the sheriff can’t keep his opinions to himself? Either he can’t control himself; he doesn’t realize his com­ ments could alienate some people; or he just doesn’t care. Any one of these reasons was enough for me to vote “no” in November - and in the future. Larry Osborne, Delton Scammers will pay a high price in the end ' ■ i i To the editor: It’s a sad commentary on our country and world that, if you want to make money without working, you descend to scamming hard­ working people. Scammers face a horrible fate when they meet God. Since our country has shut God out of our lives, it explains why we’re in the mess we are now. My faith reminds me that a better day is coming - hopefully soon. Helen Plaunt, Hastings | Charity requests by mail i offer interesting insight To the editor: I I’m sure you all have received charity t requests in the mail. You know the guilt incentives - address labels, greeting cards, t calendars, sad stories and so on. ! Last January 2020,1 started writing down the minimal amounts they could stand for. ! (Now keep in mind this does not include those requests by phone or television.) At the end of the year, the total came to $1,480.50. This represents 85 pieces of mail ranging from $5 to $55. Just some trivia to ponder. Sandy Mosteller, Hastings County board gets organized Barry County Commissioners started 2021 with an organizational meeting Monday. That session took place via Zoom and was opened by county Clerk Pamela Palmer until the board elected a chairman for the year. Commissioner Howard Gibson nominat­ ed Ben Geiger for the post. Commissioner Bruce Campbell nominat­ ed Vivian Conner, who declined the nomi­ nation. The vote proceeded and Geiger was unanimously elected as chairman. Conner was then unanimously elected as vice-chairwoman. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads »108” Cotton Quilt Backing »Good Selection Cotton Prints »UJarm B Natural Batting »Linus Project met it's goal New commissioners Catherine Getty and Campbell offered brief introductions. The board adopted rules, dismissed com­ mittee appointments, and 2021 meeting schedules for the Committee of the Whole and Board of Commissioners. The next regular meeting of the board will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12. Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS “ Same Day Installation #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 3 j ; : Tray Tar Freedom Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! QUESTIONS: ASK US... 877-378-0097 SiitenA 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 UJ U UJ UJ rilEE 7-Year Extended Warranty7 A $695 Value! Offer valid December 15, 2020 - March 1, 2021 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm: Saturday 9 am-3 pm Hufet Cleaners Ptak^ Station Guest Editorial Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, Michigan Association of Public School Academies, Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association, Michigan School Business Officials, and Middle Cities Education Association. The department and these associations have helped raise con­ sciousness and share resources with local and intermediate school districts to address this national issue. Some have suggested that the state should be able to find these missing children. CEPI, the state’s education data center, works close­ ly with local and intermediate school districts on the annual enrollment counts. Its enroll­ ment data originate from the districts them­ selves. MDE requires CEPI to acquire from local school districts, to the best of a district’s ability, the reason for a child’s exit. Yet all parents do not provide a reason. The granular work to find children must take place at the local level, where teachers, support staff, and administrators know chil­ dren, families, and communities, and where community connections with churches, neigh­ borhood associations, and other youth- and family-serving entities can help. Michigan schools and school districts have worked diligently in this effort and many stu­ dents are “back at school,” either in person or virtually, because of these efforts. Still, ail children should be connected to a school— public, private, parochial, or homeschool. What else can be done? Local schools and school districts should continue to work with the widest range of community partners-“faith-based institution‘s, social service agencies, law enforcement, and others—to ensure that every child in each community is receiving an education. State law needs to require a count of home­ school children. It helps to know the number of public school students from last year whose parents have decided to homeschool their children this year. We are able to compare the exodus this year to that in previous years arid calculate the difference. This is different, of course, from knowing the base number §f homeschool students. To know the numbers of public school, private school, parochial school, and homeschool students helps io determine more precisely the number of chil­ dren who are not being educated at all. We need this information, both during and after’a pandemic. Finally, we need to better support our pub­ lic schools. They were underfunded pre-pahdemic, and the pandemic has exposed, addi­ tionally, issues of funding adequacy and equi­ ty: inadequate socioemotional supports, digi­ tal divide issues, and staffing challenges chief among them. Our Michigan children deserve better. Dr. Michael F. Rice was appointed Michigan s 44& superintendent of public instruction by Michigan's State Board of Education in May 2019. He officially began his work as state superintendent on Aug. 1, 2019. ’ The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. . • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Peter Meijer, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 22^5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.d. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. , Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 2051Q2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Roorji 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. ; President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. for Rutland Township’s future! i ; A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com ■ Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Please take this confidential online survey and provide us with your Hank Schuuring opinions by Monday February if 2021 at 11:59 PM. 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Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, MI 49058 . �Page 6 — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Leonard Lynn Standler, Sr. Leonard Lynn Standler, Sr 1939-2020 Leonard Standler, age 81, passed at his home Dec 27, 2020 fighting a terminal battle no one knew until his diagnosis only hours before his death. He was attended by all his loving children and grandson during that time. It is not lost on any of us that our dad was terminally ill for months and did not burden his busy children with the difficulties he had to be dealing with. It’s a tribute to his love and courage as well as his ferocious tenacity. He was a man of greatness and the pride of each i)f us privileged to call him our father. Len was bom and lived in the Detroit area. He married the love of his life, Elaine in October 1957. The riots in the 1960s brought his family to this side of state. Hastings has been his home for over 50 years. He lived many life experiences, including as a youngster an alter boy at his church in the pemdale suburb, caring for his dying mother in his teenage years and supporting his childrens activities. He retired after many years of electric .shaver sales and service. He loved cars, and he had a new one often (Much to Mom’s dismay). You would always see him with a chamois or polishing cloth in his hand. His car was always pristine, and detailing it was a hobby for him. Mopar and car shows were a staple on summer weekends, as well as the annual winter trek to the Detroit Auto Show with his sons and brother. He loved the local venues of Gilmore’s Car Museum, Charlton Park, and ‘Summerfest where he was a fixture at their events with his award winning 67 Barracuda: his sons always at his side. His cars were his passion and the start up conversation that would lead to many friendships over the ■years. It cannot be understated that Len had a village of friends that he held close to his heart. He loved visiting his sons and daughters, dropping in and lending a hand in the project of the day. His children and grandchildren were his joy in life. He loved his morning coffee club (unless politics were the topic of discussion. LOL). Sunday football, buffing on car projects with his sons, and crafting with his daughters are just a few memories each of us will hold dear. He was a force of goodness and laughter, the perfect blend of softness of heart that comes only by hard life experiences endured. He loved his kids hard and his grandkids loud! Children loved our dad! His playfulness met them at their level, and the joy of seeing him so happy with his babies will not soon be forgotten. He cradled babies as though they were an extension of himself, and there was never an infant he could not command. He was a father of five beautiful children, and his family tree grew to nine grandchildren with 12 great grandchildren and grand pets too. It was the sorrow of his heart to lose his loving wife Elizabeth Elaine in 2004. That hole in his soul never healed, and you could often see him rolling his wedding ring back and forth on his finger with thoughts of his Love lost. He was fierce and fun, wise and loving, selfless and sacrificing! He was our Dad, and we loved him well as he loved each of us. Len is survived by his brother Norm, many cousins and in-laws and his children: Cathy i and Denny, grandsons: Brandon with his son1 Evan; Gabriel and Ashley with their daughter Annabelle. (He was so happy they got engaged.)Cheryl and Tom, grandson Bailey, (Bailey Goodnight!) as well as grand pets. Lenny Jr. and Letha, granddaughter Latisha and Roy with their daughters Brittany and Caeley; granddaughter Lacey with her daughter Kianna; granddaughter Lindsey and Travis with their daughters Jordyn and Jayley. (Lenny carries the torch with Dad’s prize Cuda). Paula and granddaughter Amber with her son Conner and grand pet! (Dad’s second home and Charlotte will miss her Grandpa!) Paul and Lisa, granddaughter Chelsea and Jordan, with their daughter Tahlia and their son Ryker; granddaughter Kylie with her sons Grayson and Nash, and grand pets. (Dad’s summer sausages were never safe from Bentley) To leave online condolences visit info@ simplycremation.com. Services will be announced in the Spring. Love to all of you marked by his loss. For you have been touched with the essence of a unique, beautiful human being, and none of us will ever be same without him. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags for chilren are available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid's Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH Afegate COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITE!) METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Hnmiks Fiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy, Hastings 945-9554 Produc's 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 4 Hotitetoote&Eqa^wnt 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Gladys F. Briggs Robert W. Stack Willard Robert Redman On the last day of the longest year in recent memory (December 31,2020), Gladys Faye Briggs passed away peacefully. Gladys was from Hastings, formerly of Middleville. She is survived by, Ralph “Butch” Edward Briggs, her husband of 64 years. She is also survived by her loving brother, Doyle Tankersley; five children, Shellie McQueen, Michael, Carl, Benjamin, and Nathan Briggs; eight grandchildren, and four great­ grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Bryan McQueen and Matthew Briggs. Gladys was bom in Warrior, AL on June 24, 1939 to her parents Roy and Helen Tankersley. A daughter of a sharecropper, she loved to tell the stories of growing up in Alabama. In 1954 her family, like many, migrated to Michigan in search of work and a better life. They settled in Augusta just outside of Battle Creek. It was there where she met her husband who she affectionately called “Butch”. They were married on December 20, 1955 and “Butch” soon thereafter enlisted in the Army. Gladys and their growing family followed “Butch” on assignments to Chicago, Council Bluffs IA, and a three-year tour in Germany. In 1967, after returning from Germany, they bought a house in “The Downs” in Middleville, MI where they resided for 50 years. Gladys, also known as Faye by friends, was a quiet woman with a mischievous smile and “cutting wit”. She had a “sixth sense” about what was happening around her. A skill she honed by raising five rambunctious; children. She loved her husband, her children and her “little house on Greenwood”. She took great pride in building a home and a family, but as much as she loved her own children, her grandchildren and great­ grandchildren were her “true treasure”. The last five years of Gladys’ life were spent at Thomapple Manor in the Sugar Bush wing. Over the course of that five years, dozens and dozens of women and men attended to her needs. She loved every one of them. If you are one of those who took care of Gladys, our family cannot thank you enough for loving her. You are wonderful. A mere “thank you” doesn’t seem enough. Thinking back on Gladys’ life, whether she was a mother, sister, aunt, grandma, or great grandma, the best descriptor would be “friend”. Glady’s was able to touch your heart, ease your pain, and most all make you feel special. No matter the situation Mom, Glady, Faye, Gladys made each and everyone she met feel they mattered, and she genuinely cared. For those that knew the path she walked, they knew this was truly a gift she learned, not from a book, poem, or even advice from mentors. This special gift, her blessing was earned, through many a test and tribulation of life experience. As children, our friends flocked to her for direction, those who were in need stayed, and those lucky enough to hear her words, took the wisdom of the many life experiences, both triumphs and yes, mistakes from someone who lived well, and learned. Her willingness to share these experiences, honestly and with love and care was truly a blessing to all. Mom will be missed by many; this is her legacy! Not for what she left, but those she left behind with pieces and parts of herself. She was a selfless survivor who not only loved well but was willing to risk connecting and sharing herself, to connect, care and share with those willing to listen and allow her to love. God’s peace Gladys Faye. We miss you and will always remember the sacrifices you made for all of us and how you touched so many lives. A special thank you and goodbye from those who called her grandma and great grandma “G-G”, both great children and grandchildren alike (Blood or not). Gladys will be buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Middleville. Her grave site is fittingly between her two grandsons who preceded her in death. A graveside service will be conducted at Mount Hope Cemetery on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 at 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will also be planned for a later date. Memorial contributions to the Middleville Lions Club will be appreciated. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Gladys’ family. Robert W. Stack, age 95, died in Hudson, FL on January 2,2021. The son of John K. Stack and Eunice Cecile (Wiley) Stack. He was bom in Escanaba, on October 29, 1925. He was a graduate of Michigan State University. He married Dorothy Cavanaugh on October 3, 1953. They spent many happy times in Hastings, with their six children, Robert Stack, Susan (Archie) Armino, Mary (Mark) Curtin, Mike Stack (Janet), Amy (Jeffrey) Palmer, and John Stack. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kara, Angela, Michael, Jennifer, Robert, Thomas, Joey, Sarah, Brooklyn, Matthew, Katherine, Nina , Jenelle, Ali, Michael and two great grandchildren. He owned the Bob Stack Insurance Agency, was on the board of Hastings Mutual Insurance. He volunteered many hours with Hospice. He had an open heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Hastings, St. Michael the Archangel Church, Hudson, Hastings CC, Elks, VFW, Kiwanis. He was a WWII veteran. A celebration of his life will be on January 7, 2021 from 4-6 p.m. at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, in Hudson, FL. Funeral will be on January 8, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Hudson, FL. Willard Robert Redman, age 78 of Hastings passed away on January 5,2020. Willard was born on June 10, 1942 in Battle Creek, the son of Willard Reginald and Dollie (Antrim) Redman. Willard was a 1960 graduate of W.K. Kellogg High School in Nashville. He served his country proudly in the US Army in Hawaii and Germany. On January 12, 1962, Willard married Virginia Dale Pillars. Willard was employed over the years by Aluminum Extrusion in Charlotte, the Barry County Sheriff Department, EW Bliss, Industrial Welding in Lansing, Grand Rapids Machine Repair, M&R Engineering and R&R Press Equipment. Willard was a member of the Hastings Free Methodist Church, a past master at the Hastings Masonic Lodge, a member of the Hastings Jaycees, a Boy Scout leader for Troop 175, a Cub Scout leader for Pack 3175, and a member of the American Legion Post 45 of Hastings. He served on the Hastings City Council, the Barry County 911 Administration Board, the Joint Plumbing Alliance, and the Hastings Volunteer Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Julie Redman. Willard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia Redman; his sons, Dennis (Tammy) Redman, Kenneth (Kye) Redman, and Robert (Erin) Redman, Randy (Vai) Rice; grandchildren, Scott (Samantha) Redman, Jeremy (Abbey) Redman, Nichole (Cody) Olsen, Cody (Melany) Redman, Cailin Redman, Breen (Matt) Owen, Kenny Ray (Gabrielle) Redman, Brandon (Kristin) Roberts; great-grandchildren, Zander, Isla Mae, Cora, Olivia and Carsyn, Sophia, Charlie and brother Larry (Karen) Redman. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 from 2 to 4 and again from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hastings Free Methodist Church, 2635 M-43, Hastings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Willard’s memory to the Hastings Parks and Recreation, 201 E State St., Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Wesley Lynn Kahler Wesley Lynn Kahler, age 57, of Delton, passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2021. Wes was born the New Year’s baby at Pennock Hospital on January 2, 1964, the son of Kenneth and Ruby “Esther” (Wilcox) Kahler. Wes was a 1983 graduate of Gull Lake Christian School and was active at Inter-Lakes Baptist Church where he was a lifetime member and deacon. Wes was very dedicated to his Delton community, he was the township supervisor and trustee for many years and was the president of the Delton Founder’s Festival.. He was also a lifetime supporter and employee at Sajo’s Pizza. In his free time, Wes enjoyed going camping. Most importantly, Wes loved his family, spending as much time as he could with them, attending gatherings, and giving gifts to see the joy on their faces. Wes is survived by his siblings, Wendy Kahler, Chuck Kahler, Mike Kahler, Becky Kahler, and Renda (Nick) Keck; nieces and nephews: Danielle Spencer, Aaron Keck, Ruby Keck, Isaac Keck, Jadden Kahler, and Hadden Kahler. Wes was preceded in death by his parents. Wes’s family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021,3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Cedar Creek Bible Church where his funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at 11 a.m., Pastor Tim Moody officiating. Burial will take place in East Hickory Comers Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Inter-Lakes Baptist Church will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Wes’s family. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Services available to small businesses Vonda Van Til Public Affairs Specialist According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, about 30 million small busi­ nesses in the United States employ tens of millions of people. Running a small business can be a 24/7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling, services and marketing can be challenging. If you’re a small-business owner or you work for one, we can help make your life easier with our suite of services. Our business services allow you to file W-2/W-2Cs online and verify employee names and Social Security numbers against our records. If you run a business, make us your first stop at ssa.gov/employer. It will save you valuable time when you need information on W-2s, electronic filing, and verifying Social Security numbers. Small-business owners also can take advan­ tage of our Business Services Online at ssa. gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm. You must register to use this free service, which also offers fast and secure online W-2 filing options to certi­ fied public accountants, enrolled agents and individuals who process W-2s and W-2Cs. For more information about electronic wage reporting, read our publication at ssa. gov/pubs/EN-05-10034.pdf. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — Page 7 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner TURNING BflGK THE PAGES Panorama of Events reflects life here in I960, part 1 Steady cultural and industrial progress, advanced in education, health and other program was reflected in the kaleidoscope of life in Barry County during the year 1960. Events occurred in this area, both great and small, that ultimately affected the lives of nearly everyone. And many unfortunate tragedies attracted the attention of the world beyond the county’s boundaries. The week-by-week events of activities in this area, as reported in the Banner Dec. 29, 1959, included: JAN. 7 - County ends 1959 with healthy $53,383 balance in the general fund, the Meryl Lorence Peake, age 89, passed away on December 29, 2020 with his family by his side. Meryl was bom December 9, 1931, the first of seven children to Ira and Bernice (Hubbell) Peake. Meryl attended Brush Ridge School and graduating in 1950 from Hastings High School. He served in the Army from 1955­ 1957 in Germany. Meryl worked the family farm all his life, drove semi-truck for Knappen Molasses, retiring after 29 years. He then became a field representative for Lake Odessa Livestock Auction for 15 years. He was on the Hope Township Board as a trustee for 42 years. On December 3, 1960, Meryl married the love of his life, Crystal Zerbe, celebrating 60 happy years. His hobbies were spending as much time as he could with his family, whom he loved very much, and was very proud of all of them. Meryl and Crystal went on a lot of group trips, seeing several states. He enjoyed running around the farm in his gator, cutting wood, doing whatever he wanted. He loved eating Crystal’s pies, cookies, and a dish of ice cream. Meryl is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Hamilton, Melva Bigelow, and brother, Marvin Peake. He is survived by his wife, Crystal; children, Tom (Janet) Peake, Sharon (Donald) Miller, Linda (Mark) Smitter; grandchildren, Matt, Mark (Ashley), Jennifer (Derrick), Justine, Samantha, Doug (Kelly), Chelsey (Brad), Trenten; great­ grandchildren, Abby, Madilynn, Brody, Maverik, Kassidy, Kerigan, Kinnley, Brenna, Ronin and Riddik, sisters Marjorie Huva, Maxine (Dale) Payne, brother Melvyn (Nadine) Peake; brother-in-law, Vance Hamilton; many nieces and nephews. Meryl will be deeply missed by his family. Visitation and services were held Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021 at Brush Ridge Cemetery. The service can be viewed at www. facebook.com/GirrbachFuneralHome You do not need a Facebook account to view. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. largest cash balance in 14 years. Homer McKibbin, Yankee Springs car dealer and businessman, dies. The Tom Robinsons purchase Al Belsito’s Superette on North Michigan Avenue. County fair board organizes with three new members. Brenda Kay Vaughn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Vaughn of 701 Newton Court, wins the county Stork Race. Hastings Square announces sale of about half its floor space to a new company known as the Hastings Corporation. Gerald and Ray Page take over Streeter’s Resort at Gun Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Offley of 427 E. Blair, mark 60th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Hattie Hager dies at age 98. JAN. 14 - Donors give 106 pints of blood at Red Cross clinic. Hastings Rambler Inc. celebrates grand opening on North Broadway. Mrs. Fred Porteous elected Women’s Club president. Charles M. Leonard is chairman of county’s March of Dimes. Hastings school board approves annexation of Fisher and Shultz schools. Fisher later turns down bid. Earl Coleman elected president of the Hastings Savings and Loan Association. City council adopts new parking regulations for greater safety in the school area. Harry Gould and David G. Stuart purchase Waldron’s Wallpaper and Paint Store. County Democrats honor highway commissioner John Mackie at testimonial dinner at Carlton Grange Hall. JAN. 21 - William J. “Bill” MacDonald names Hastings Country Club golf pro succeeding Dick Reinsma. Robert Cook, 37, of Lake Odessa, killed in gravel pit cave-in about a mile south of Lake Odessa in Barry County. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Williams celebrate golden jubilee. Mrs. Clara Tietz is fatally injured in two-car crash on M-37 west of here; her husband, Otto, is critically hurt. Ray Kruger becomes Woodland’s fire chief. Richard Guenther is named by Jaycees for its Distinguished Service Award, and Ronald P. Erickson, Route 1 Woodland, is named the Outstanding Young Barry County Farmer for 1959. JAN. 28 - David Honeywell succeeds father as pastor of Delton Inter-Lakes Baptist Church. The West Central B Conference decides to operate with seven schools after Belding announces its withdrawal following the 1960-61 year. Beverly Ferris, 16, wins Barry County’s cherry pie baking contest. Plans announced for a modem new post office at Dowling. Russ Hankins presides at chamber of commerce annual dinner as the new chamber president. Past presidents Wright Sim and Dale Bassett are honored at the dinner. Hastings Aluminum Products’ sales leaders gather here for conference. Tom Sothard receives Eagle Scout and “God and Country” awards. FEB. 4 - Fire causes $6,500 damage at the home of Mrs. Shirley Reid eight miles south of Hastings on Broadway. Strand Theater marks first year’s operation after modernization. Forty-seven Hastings High musicians compete in Ionia music festival. Barry farmers G.R. and F.J. Kaechele, Hubert Long and Oscar Kaechele receive special honors at MSU’s Farmers Week for their dairy production records. Woodland receives federal grant of $36,020 for sewage disposal plant. Mr. and Mrs. Warren Cairns celebrate golden anniversary. County superintendent of schools Arthur Lathrop announces he will retire in June. Hastings Industrial Fund pays 5 percent interest to investors. FEB. 11 - Frederick Locke, 81, of Lockshore Farms, dies. Tom Cousins, 23 months old, dies of a shotgun wound in the head. Tom had been playing upstairs with his brother Coy, 5. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Oaks mark 50th jubilee. Hastings public school tentative budget set at $789,150. Rev. Fr. J.A. Moleski celebrates 30th anniversary of his ordination. Hastings banks hiked interest rate to 3 percent. FEB. 18 - Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Skidmore celebrate 50th anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hayes mark 56th jubilee. Donors give 84 pints of blood at Delton Red Cross clinic. David Alan Dennie, 16-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dennie Jr., Tupper Lake, suffocated when a fire swept his parents’ home. The family dog, found near the baby’s playpen, also suffocated. Area Episcopalians planned to attend the consecration of the Rev. Charles E. Bennison of Kalamazoo as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Western Michigan. Paul Bagwell speaks in Hastings at GOP meeting. Hastings Kiwanians have good time with a “traveling porker.” FEB. 25 - Hubert Long wins DHIA Hubert Long of Castleton Township won many awards for his dairy herd in 1960. production honors. Michael A. Mahar, retired Vermontville postmaster, dies. Betty Barry sings high praises for “Carousel,” tremendous operetta produced by HHS students under Herbert Moyer. Carol Zellers and Bonnie King named top seniors at Vermontville. Dennis Faust and Jerry Smith chosen valedictorian and salutatorian at Nashville High. Ollie Schroeder opens body and paint department at Rambler Agency. Rotary observes 55th anniversary. Economic gains cut direct relief load more in half in 1959, welfare director Margery Dryer reported. Richard Guenther named one of Michigan’s five most outstanding men for 1959 for the state Jaycees organization. Harold S. Stockwell of Quincy appointed to succeed Arthur Lathrop. The Rev. Fr. Robert Taffee, 43, dies at rectory in Paw Paw. Howard R. Gibson named to fill county’s March draft quota. MARCH 3 - With Marlin Belcher, 47, serving time in federal prison for moonshining in Assyria Township, Prosecutor J. Franklin Huntley moved to nolle prosequi [no longer prosecute] a state charge against the man here. Mr. and Mrs. Ira Chafee celebrate golden jubilee. County blanketed by heavy snowfall. Bliss announces plans to continue scholarship program. William “Bill” Smith of Charlotte, widely known veteran court reporter, is honored in Barry Circuit Court after 37 years’ service. Bill died later in the year. Fuller Agency opens officers in the Cummings building, the Sears Catalog store utilized the other side. Glenn Brower succumbs after long illness. Monroe “Pete” Geldersma, 42, of Alto, is electrocuted at White Products in Middleville. DeltonIState Bank hikes interest rate to 3 percent. Woodland electors approve $30,000 bond issue for sewage treatment plant project. MARCH 10 ~ Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Torry celebrate 50th anniversary. The Ernest Rosenbergs mark 60th jubilee. Mahler Motors accepts franchise for new Comet. Dr. Stewart Lofdahl of Nashville retires from active practice. Roy G. Hubbard and Walter L. Wallace were nominated for assessor in the nonpartisan primary election. Simon P. Lorenson, 47, driver of the car that killed Mrs. Otto Tietz, is bound over to circuit court for manslaughter. Hastings residents meet to discuss proposed rerouting of trunklines in Hastings. Dick Guenther named president of Michigan Council for Exceptional Children. MARCH 17 - Mr. and Mrs. Dan Mintner observe 50th anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. William Strausbaugh mark 55th jubilee. Forddy Anderson [MSU basketball coach] invited to speak at HHS spring sports banquet. County’s selective service board members honored for long service. Ernest L. Hayes, 68, former Hastings fire chief and a fireman more than 40 years, dies. The Charles Darbys celebrate 55th anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Mort Nichols celebrate golden jubilee. Hastings Lions celebrate club’s 10th birthday, and five receive the “Charter Monarch” award: Zeno Banash, Fred Slocum, Donald Rose, Ralph Shirkey and Ken Hoffman. LeRoy Cox named chairman of the Cancer Crusade. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Klopfenstein celebrate golden anniversary. MARCH 24 - Blood donors at E.W. Bliss plant give 154 pints. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Geiger observe golden anniversary. Little Cindy Neubert of Fine Lake makes progress after five-hour operation to correct a heart ailment. Chamber plans course in practical politics. Storm lashes the area. Hastings Mutual Insurance Company’s new building granted permit. 4-H breaks ground for swimming pool at Algonquin Lake camp. Mr. and Mrs. William Cisler celebrate 60th anniversary. Middleville’s oldest resident, Elmer C. Hickman, 97, dies. MARCH 31 - Everything is set for nation’s 18th decennial census; Mrs. Clara Stanton is crew leader for 12 of county’s 16 townships. Kalamazoo man James Garrison charged with breaking into Ken Dewey’s Car Palace in Delton. Thornapple District Scouts plan annual pageant. Thomas Hudson, Wayne Martz and James Reed named to fill Barry’s April draft quota. Spring arrives and bottom drops out of county roads. Clarence L. Cairns Jr. and Robert Lenz, HHS FFA students, receive State Farmer Degrees at MSU conclave. Property owners at Gull Lake seek to form own village. Children honor the Freeman Furrows on 50th anniversary. Mrs. Alice Corwin, 91, dies. Attorney general says school boards can set rules for students driving cars to school. Alice Ford and Jeannette Woltz named top scholars among Jan. 14, 1960 — More than 200 Barry County residents attended a banquet at the Carlton Grange honoring State Highway Commissioner Jack Mackie in an event arranged by Barry County Democrats. Here, Mrs. Joseph Noonan, Route 3 Delton, chair of the County Democratic Committee, speaks at the dinner. Pictured at thd speakers’ table (from left) are Mrs. John Mackie; Commissioner Mackie; Blake Allerding, head of the state highway maintenance force here; Roy DeHaven, engineer­ manager of the Barry County Road Commission; Mrs. Noonan; William Myron, administrative assistant to Mackie; and Mrs. Theodore Zeigler. In the left foreground is Emanual Banash, Leach Lake. Photo by Barth. Jan. 21, 1960 - The Hastings Jaycees honor Ronald P. Erickson, 33, Route 1 Woodland, as the Outstanding Young Barry County Farmer for 1959, and Richard Guenther, 35, of 411 W. Court St., Hastings, assistant superintendent of schools, with the Distinguished Service Award. Erickson, a progressive dairy educator, is active in Hastings civic affairs. [Both men would earn higher honors six weeks later. Guenther was named one of Michigan’s five outstanding young men of the year, and Erickson placed third in the state in the Outstanding Farmer competition. Guenther later in the year would be named Hastings’ school superintendent following L.H. Lamb’s retirement.] Pictured (from left) are Floyd Colvin and President Joseph Hubert of the Jaycees, who is congratulating Guenther, Erickson, and Bob Snyder, who presented the Outstanding Farmer Award to Erickson. Feb. 18, 1960 - This fine-looking pig is the object of a great deal of fun among Michigan Kiwanians, and last Wednesday, members of the Grand Haven Kiwanis Club presented her to Hastings Kiwanians with the instruction that “Maggie” must gain at least 6 ounces before being passed on to another club at least 50 miles away. Tuesday^ after Maggie had received a bath and was all prettied up, she was taken to the Coldwater Kiwanis Club with Herman “Chip” St. Martin garbed as Moonbeam McSwine's mother helping to take care of her. Pictured with Maggie are (from left) Don Fisher, Homer Becker and “Chip” St. Martin. We ship golf clubs, skis, snowboards... whatever you need to have fun!! See us for all your shipping needs 1351 N.Broadway (M-43), Hastings -.... -...... VISA See LIFE IN 1960, page 9 269.945.9105 Rffl OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 IIQ �Page 8 — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner City survey shows interest in raising chickens Elaine Garlock Barring the unforeseen, Central United Methodist Church will again hold morning service Sunday, Jan. 10, at 10:30 a.m., with the same rules on mask wearing and spacing in the sanctuary. Since the most recent shut­ down, the morning service has been live streamed for those who have the proper equipment and know-how to avail themselves for this benefit. The service has been stream­ lined with it including organ music, a soloist, the morning sermon. Last Sunday’s sermon came from a lady pastor in the Upper Peninsula during the pastor’s vacation week. Herbruck’s Poultry business has had an honor with its president Greg Herbruck being elected to a national position in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs Board of Directors. He will serve for three years, according to a press release. The Herbrucks were the original owners of the egg business on Bonanza Road before selling it to Cargill more than 20 years ago. Their original product was an egg dish to be used in fast­ foodrestaurants. Liquid egg yolks are brought in daily in tank trucks to be processed. Even more local people have taken off for the southern states. Gulf Shores, Ala. and Myrtle Beach, S.C., are popular spots for local people, in addition to many locales in Arizona and Florida. An interesting paragraph in a larger news story has information that the state of Michigan “relies on Social Security Administration death records to flag deceased voters and maintain voter files. In the November election, the states successfully identified ballots cast by 3,469 people who had passed away between casting their votes and the election.” NOTICE: SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS | The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Animal Shelter: 4 citizen at large Veteran’s Affairs: 1 position (must be an honorably discharged active duty veteran who served during a war or conflict) Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycountv . org under the tab: How do I apply for: A position on an Advisory Board or Commission and click on apply; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. 153453 Sophie Bates Staff Writer A survey conducted by the City of Hastings found significant community support for an ordinance amendment that would allow the keeping of chickens in residential districts, subject to the regulatory and permitting guide­ lines determined by the city. Out of 269 survey responses, 79 percent said they would support such an amendment; 55 percent said they personally have an inter­ est in raising chickens. The survey results, as well as sample ordi­ nances, were reviewed at the planning com­ mission meeting Monday evening to deter­ mine a course of action. After reviewing the survey results, all com­ missioners except Lois Bowers, voted to amend ordinances to allow the keeping of chickens. “I think you’ve got to have the inspections and that’s my biggest concern is that we aren’t following up and doing the inspections on many things in the city, and this, I can see, would get out of hand,” Bowers said. The commission went on to review and discuss sample ordinances and texts, provided by Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey, on the keeping of chickens. However, due to the difficulty of negotiat­ ing an ordinance virtually, Chairperson Dave Hatfield asked commission members send their concerns and ideas to Hastings Community Development Director Dan King within the next three days; King and city staff will then put together a sample ordinance to be reviewed at the next planning commission meeting. “I think particularly given the difficulty of trying to negotiate and resolve some of this over a Zoom meeting, I’m going to again ask that each of you — within the next three days — communicate with Dan specifically what provisions you feel are essential,” Hatfield said. “And from this we will come back with one draft ordinance for us to consider next month.” The commission also approved an ordi­ nance amendment to allow residential dwell­ ings in the downtown, primarily commercial district. The amendment allows the planning com­ mission to grant approval for no more than eight residential units within a two-story or larger building, that also contains commercial uses. “The language in front of you really does two things,” Harvey said. “One is clarifies — and I think that’s important — it clarifies that you can mix residential and commercial in the same building. The key change is adding the second part of this, which is giving the plan­ ning commission the ability to deviate from the density modifier, that density standard.” Hatfield explained the need for this amend­ ment, saying its highly unlikely in a reason­ able time frame that some buildings would see commercial use. “It’s better to have them utilized for resi­ dential than to have them sit vacant, particu- Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Dear Bella, It turns out seasons can be quite different depending on where you live. But no matter where you live, the reason for the seasons has to do with the way the Earth rotates. To find out exactly why we have seasons, I talked to my friend Vivienne Baldassare, a physics and astronomy professor at Washington State University. She said the Earth makes a complete path, or orbit, around the Sun every 365 days or so. While the planet orbits the Sun, the Earth itself also is spinning around like a top. “The Earth doesn’t spin straight up and down; it’s actually a little bit titled,” Baldassare said. It’s the Earth’s tilt that gives us our sea­ sons. The tilt also means sometimes the North Pole will be pointing closer to the Sun, while the South Pole will be pointing farther away from the Sun. When the Earth is in this position, it will be spring or summer in the Northern Hemisphere - the top half of the planet. But in the Southern Hemisphere - the lower half of the planet - it will be fall or winter. The opposite situation also happens. Maybe you can figure out what seasons we experience when the South Pole is tilted toward the Sun and the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun. If you guessed it would be spring or summer in the Southern Hemisphere and winter or fall in the Northern Hemisphere, you are correct. When it’s summer in places like Brazil or South Africa, it’s winter in places like Washington State or North Carolina. The I Hastings Banner I Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Tom's Market Middleville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Gun Lake: Sam’s Gc Hastings Johnny's Family Fare Gas Station Trading Post Little's Country Store inny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl’s Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Banfield: Banfield General Store Orangeville: Orangeville Fast Stop Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Lgfce Odessa: Lake-0 Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Mega Bev Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Peltons Family Fare Delton Johnny's Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Hastings Pharmacy Freeport: L & J’s Nas Is The General Store Marathon Woodlands Woodland Exp'ess Walgreens cl i Shelbyville: Town & Country D&S Machine Repair, Inc. www.dsmachinerepair.com 874 N M37 HWY Hastings Ml, 49058 ___________ Immediate Openings___________ Truck Driver - Class A CDL Machinist - CNC - Manual Machines Millwright / Machine and Stamping Repair larly since the residential development will in fact create business for those businesses that are located in the area.” The commission voted unanimously to hold a public hearing for the amendment at its next commission meeting. In other news, the planning commission: Held a public hearing on adding the defini­ tion of a commercial recreational facility to an ordinance. The amendment defines a commercial recreational facility as, “Indoor or outdoor commercial recreational facilities such as athletic and health clubs, bowling centers, indoor theaters, skating rinks, minia­ ture golf, video amusement establishments, pool or billiard establishments or similar uses.” Held a public hearing to make commercial kennels exempt from two requirements: a minimum lot requirement of two acres, plus an additional one-third acre for each animal in excess of six, and that a commercial kennel may not be within 200 feet of any property line or street right of way. Seasonal favorites Dr. Universe: Why do we have seasons? Bella, 9, North Carolina Each season brings new changes for life on Earth, but the Earth isn’t the only planet with seasons. “All you need in order to have seasons is the tilted axis,” Baldassare said. Mars has a bit more tilt than the Earth does. The red planet moves more slowly in its orbit than the Earth does, so a year on Mars is about two Earth years. Mars also has four seasons nearly twice as long as those we experience on Earth. Meanwhile, Venus and Jupiter don’t have much of a tilt compared to the Earth. There isn’t much difference between seasons on these two planets. The seasons change slow­ ly, and each season is about three years. Here on Earth, you may experience four different seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. But some places on our planet have only two seasons. Believe it or not, both the Arctic at the South Pole and Antarctica at the North Pole experience only summer and winter. Antarctica experiences constant day­ light during its summer and six months of darkness in the winter. That’s all because of the Earth’s tilt. A lot of people have a favorite season. Baldassare and I both really enjoy fall in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a great time to see the leaves change colors and to explore the outdoors. Do you have a favorite sea­ son? What do you enjoy about it, and what changes do you observe during that time of year? Tell us about it sometime by emailing Dr.Uni verse @ wsu .edu. Dr. Universe P.S. If you love reading Ask Dr. Universe, be sure to check out the new podcast epi­ sode at askDrUniverse.wsu.edu. I Rf’"' Al I’WVnf'F'Cl STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28686-DE Estate of Verlyn Randall Knowles. Date of birth: 05/17/1934. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Verlyn Randall Knowles, died 12/16/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to David Randall Knowles, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 1/6/2021 David H. Tripp P29290 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2900 David Randall Kwowles 7937 Woodville Dr. SE Alto, Ml 49302 616-307-9632 153605 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Estate of Doris L. Heacock. Date of birth: 1-6-35. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Doris L. Heacock, died 1 -24- 20. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Charles L. Heacock, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 1-7-21 Charles L. Heacock 3432 Podunk Lake Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058 269-838-9872 153448 _________________ We Offer_________________ Competitive Wages-Based on Experience Health, Vision, Dental and Life Insurance Health Savings Account Banking 401K with match Paid Vacations and Holidays Email Resume to Rafael Ocampo rocampo@dsmachinerepair.com Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — Page 9 LIFE IN I960, continued from page 7 Freeport graduates. Hastings Professional Building at Center and Jefferson streets is opened. 4-Hers prepare for candy sale throughout county. APRIL 7 - William Karpinski accepts head coaching job at Buchanan. Russell and Kenneth Oard are rescued from swollen Thomapple River waters. Miss Ann Burton announces plans to retire from teaching. Lions launch project to erect band shell at Tyden Park. Walter Wallace wins assessor’s post in only contest for municipal offices. County’s 289 teachers hold annual institute and hear Dr. Roland E. Strolle praise the country’s educational system. APRIL 14 - Delton schools join National Defense Education Act. The low bid for the new bridge over the Thornapple on the airport road was $42,046. Penny Marshall and Bonita Hula earn scholastic honors for Middleville’s graduating class. Charles Anable named assistant director of sales, and Dick Pontz takes his old job as sales manager of the awning division for Hastings Aluminum Products. Educators honor Supt. Lathrop for his contribution to schools. Jury finds Donald E. Porter, 24, Route 1, Hastings, guilty of taking water heaters from White Products. Victor Eckardt named county board chairman. Consumers Power employees end 41-day strike. William Smith and Ivan Snyder earn valedictorian and salutatorian honors at HHS. Robert Casey named principal of both Northeastern and Southeastern schools. APRIL 21 - Mr. and Mrs. George R. Forman observe 55th anniversary. The Robert Becker home damaged by fire. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wieringa mark golden jubilee. Road commission budget set at $490,000. Fire destroys a Barry County landmark, the former Peter Cobb farm home on the Wood school road. It was now owned by the Dale Cooks. The Banner and the chamber’s retail division sponsor retail sales clinic. Hastings Mutual celebrates . 75th anniversary. Robert B. Godfrey named secretary when Robert Stanley is advanced to the new position of executive vice president. Mrs. Nancy Pfau, 23, held in Kalamazoo for the murder of her grandmother, Mrs. Eulah D. Webb, former Hastings resident. Joy Hare and Diana Phillips are selected as Barry’s 4-H Dress Revue delegates. APRIL 28 - Barry Tourist and Resort division holds semi-annual meeting in Delton. More than 7,000 attend Vermontville’s syrup festival. Mrs. Pfau pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter, later given 90-day sentence. Dennis Havens receives four-year scholarship to University of Chicago. Bam on Clay Pettit farm bums. Mrs. Rose L. Farnsworth, 32, an employee of the Trio Cafe, killed in car crash near Delta, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Murray Goggins observe golden wedding. Judy Thomas named county’s Dairy Princess. Freeport’s school budget estimated at $65,458. County’s temporary budget set at $682,750. The Rev. Willard H. Curtis accepts call to be pastor of Hastings First Presbyterian Church. Hastings Mfg. asks for closing of a block of Thom between Hanover and East streets. Dr. George Graybiel, 67, of the MiddlevilleCaledonia area, dies. City council hikes water rates for first time since 1947. MAY 5 - Dr. Joseph Heaslip reports heart disease greatest killer in county in 1959. Out of 306 deaths, 103 were blamed on heart ailments. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey L. Allerding celebrate golden anniversary. Jack Arduin named football, baseball coach at Freeport. Nashville, Vermontville and Sunfield begin area school study. Visitors to Hastings now welcomed with signs at four major entrances that feature the emblems of the various clubs in town. Victor H. Walton and Norman C. Sinclair selected to fill the county’s draft quota. Robert Greenhoe announces the formation of the Marshall Broadcasting Company Inc. William Haines receives Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Award at MSU, one of 10 $1,000 scholarships renewable for four years. Leon J. Moon, 76, former Baltimore Township supervisor, mail carrier and store owner at Dowling, dies. Middleville High School principal Milford Mason elected president of the Barry Education Association. The Rev. Glen Campbell announces plans for dedication of remodeled Baptist church at Orangeville. Walter Acker sells meat market to Richard Teske to devote full time to Pleasant Point. Paul J. Boucher, 35, of Kalamazoo, becomes county’s second traffic victim of the year. MAY 12 - Dewey Sales and Service accepts Willys franchise to handle the “Jeep” family. David M. Thayer named valedictorian; Duressa Ridgway and Lois Lammers named co-salutatorians at Delton High. “Rodnick BP Lady,” owned by Hubert Long of Woodland, takes honors at local Black and White [dairy cattle] show. James Moore named president of Michigan Association of Collection Agencies. Nancy Jaynes named president of Business and Professional Women Club. The lone exploratory oil well to get Barry into the Southern Michigan oil play early, was dry; it was bottomed out at 4,806 feet in Assyria Township. LeRoy Foster sells Royal Cleaners to Richard Maiville of Newaygo. Mrs. Elizabeth Martin, retiring from teaching after 41 years, is honored by residents of the Pleasantview district. Hastings rolls out red carpet for Michigan Week guests. Betsy Barber elected mayor of Hastings High School. MAY 19 - City council approves project to light the surfaced runway at airfield. Michigan Bell announces plans to spend $112,000 in Hastings in 1960. Burglars loot Delton drug store of $2,500 in bourbon and fine Scotch, plus $84 from two cash registers. Army Reserve detachments here host open house. Veterans organize Lakeside Barracks at Lake Odessa. About 800 attend country music marathon at the Carlton Grange hall. County physicians sponsor program for free immunization for tetanus and diphtheria for all residents over 21 as Civil Defense project. The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, bishop of the Western Michigan diocese, making official visit to Emmanuel church here March 22. Mayor Hewitt proclaims “Miss Anne Burton Days” as residents honor retiring teacher. City holds safety check for motor vehicles. Mrs. Ala S. Meyers, 67, a Hastings teacher for 37 years and who taught 45 years, dies. MAY 26 - Opal Houghton retires as a Lake Odessa instructor after 45 years of continuous teaching. Ken Pranshka and Darrell J. Jones named to fill Barry’s June draft quota. George Carpenter accepts appointment to board of review. Aiderman Willard Pierce named Lions district governor. State awards bids to ReithRiley in M-43/North Broadway project for $187,642 and for surfacing and widening M-79 from M-66 in Nashville. Vaughn P. Mott, 63, vice president of Hastings Mutual, dies. Bishop Allen J. Babcock, D.D., administers Confirmation to a class of 177 at St. Rose. Area residents plan to honor the war dead in Memorial Day rites. Some 1,675 persons sign telegram sponsored by WBCH and The Banner to President Eisenhower pledging full support for his foreign policy. County’s high schools plan to graduate 366 seniors. Robert Wilcox re-elected president of the national Piston Ring Wage and Hour Council. JUNE 2 - Doctors, health department sponsor clinic for crippled children. Solomon S. Stanton, 91, Delton’s oldest resident, dies. Stan Cummings announces opening of a Ben Franklin store in Cadillac. Explosion causes $21,500 fire in Delton as a garage containing a new milk truck, new tractor and other equipment is destroyed. Arthur N. Terry, 79, fatally injured when the tractor on which he was riding, driven by Andrew McKeown, was hit by a car driven by Mrs. Margaret A. Willyard of Toledo, Ohio. Twelve candidates seek two school board seats in Delton. County reports 13,905 registered voters, a drop of 377 from 1958. JUNE 9 - County surpasses its 1959-60 Red Cross blood goal, giving 1,095 pints; the quota was 1,080. Hastings 23rd annual Summer Playground Program gets underway. Murder and suicide suspected in the death of two Battle Creek residents found dead in a car on the Noonan road in Barry Township. Hospital guilds report total contributions of $3,831 to Pennock during previous 12 months. More than 350 adults given “shots” in one day’s clinic at Hastings Mfg. B.E. Meyer named manager of the Container Machinery Division of E.W. Bliss with offices here. Victor Camp is elected Jaycees president. HHS seniors the largest of 84 graduating classes, dedicate yearbook to Principal Don Gill. JUNE 16 - Pleasant Valley church announces continuation of drive-in services. Mrs. Gerald Beckwith installed as Jaycees Auxiliary president. The Fred Tarbells mark 66th jubilee. Twenty-two members of the HHS Golden Anniversary class attend reunion. Fluoride clinics for some 600 Barry rural children to get underway. County Democrats file nearly complete ticket; Republicans have full slate. Walter J. McAllister, 44, resigns Second Ward council seat because he moved to the Fourth Ward; Dale Bassett appointed his successor. Mrs. Thomas L. Gauthier, 28,1111 E. Center Road, mother of five children, instantly killed when she loses control of her car driving east on Center Road. Some 330 attend 73rd HHS Alumni banquet. Ken Dewey’s Car Palace burglarized again, this time of $122 cash taken from a hiding place. Stockholders of Middleville’s Farmers State Bank vote down proposed merger with Old Kent Bank and Trust Co. of Grand Rapids. “Mickey” Bowers, 55, Delton, owner of the Trio Cab Co., dies of a heart attack. JUNE 23 - Chrystal Case students present “Showtime U.S .A.” in entertaining recital. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Larabee celebrate golden jubilee. Senior Citizens Club enjoys special gatherings at Strand Theater. Evelyn Curtis named president of Legion Auxiliary. Mrs. Rose E. Seeber, 9J^die^ thedEarl S. Sherffs observe 50th wedding anniversary. Miss Mary Schaffier, former nurse at Pennock Hospital, appointed pastor of the East Caledonia Methodist Church. Joseph Fiala, 55, Rout 3 Middleville, seriously hurt in auto crash. Hastings, for the second consecutive year, wins first place in the AAA National Pedestrian Protection competition. Hastings Mutual starts construction of new home office, and new plant for Orchard Industries is underway. Bernard Jerding resigns as executive of Thornapple Boy Scout district. Planning commission approves closing a block of Thom Street as requested by Hastings Mfg., provided other improvements are made. Cornelius Manni, former sheriff, dies. Tax commission slices tax melon too thin for both Bizon elected to Midwestern Legislative Conference Michigan Sen. John Bizon has joined the leadership team of the Midwestern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments, a nonpartisan association of state and provincial legislators that seeks to foster regional cooperation, information sharing and leadership development. Bizon will serve as second vice chairman of the MLC in 2021 and is in line to be the group’s chairman in 2023. Fellow state and provincial legislators from the Midwest elected Bizon to the position in December. A 2017 graduate of the MLC’s Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development, Bizon joined the Michigan Senate after serving four years in the state House. He is an ear, nose and throat doctor who has been in medical practice for more than 40 years. He also is a military veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force, eventually reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. In the Michigan Senate, Bizon’s colleagues recently elected him to the position of majority whip. Along with Bizon, the other three MLC committee officers for 2021 will be South Dakota Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack, chairman; Kanas Sen. Carolyn McGinn, first vice chairwoman; and Michigan Sen. Ken Horn, immediate past chairman. “I am honored to join the outstanding group Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Card of Thanks Business Services CARD OF THANKS MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom Bill Cotant wishes to thank all who sent him cards and birthday wishes... getting the mail each day was a special blessing! trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish removal. 269-320-3890. Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads of leaders who will be guiding the MLC and look forward to fully working with my bipartisan colleagues to work on important issues that affect us jointly,” Bizon said in a press release from the Council of State Governments. “My colleague Sen. Horn set a great example this past year, and I will continue to devote the energy and time to ensure continued success.” The Midwestern Office of the Council of State Governments provides staff support to the MLC. CSG, the nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that champions excellence in state government by sharing innovative solutions to common problems across state borders. The national organization is headquartered in Lexington, Ky. The CSG Midwest office is in suburban Chicago. Seniors may call tomorrow for legal advice The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct interviews for legal advice and possible repre­ sentation, without charge, over the telephone to interested seniors. Seniors who wish to speak with an attorney may call 269-224-5040 Friday, Jan. 8, between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Legal Services of South Central MichiganBattle Creek office is a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality legal assistance, representation and education to seniors in Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph coun­ ties. The agency seeks, through its board, staff, volunteers and pro bono attorneys, to ensure its clients are given equal access to the justice system. county, school needs. Newly remodeled and expanded Walldorff<uneral home has open house. JUNE 30 - Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd A. Rose mark golden jubilee. Rev Curtis installed as pastor of Presbyterian church. Launch drive for adults to register to vote in coming elections. Reith-Riley begins construction work on North Broadway. Thomas R. Green, 18, June graduate of Battle Creek Harper Creek, drowns in little Shaw Lake. Marvin E. Peake, DeForest S. Bromley and John D. Anders named to fill Barry’s July draft quota. Dr. Joseph Heaslip named president of the Barry Cancer Society. Richard M. Cook becomes 41st president of Hastings Rotary. Lawrence “Red” Greenfield buys construction department of the Steury Electric Service. William F. Hummel Jr., 19, is murdered in robbery of the Major gas station south of Middleville. Clifford E. Porter, 21, of Alto, confesses to the cold-blooded crime. Dr. Carl H. Peurach, D.D.S., opens offices in Professional building. Bliss distributes $173,690 in vacation pay - a new record high. To be continued next week ... Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Member SIPC Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 Avoid tapping into 401 (k) early If you’ve been contributing for many years to your 401 (k) or similar retirement plan, it j may be your largest pool of money. So, if you are facing a financial need, you may think about tapping into your account. After all, it’s your money - why not use it? But touching your 401(k) before you retire may not be a good idea, as it can lead to some unwanted consequences. First, taking funds out of your 401(k) now could increase the risk of running out of money during retirement, which could last for decades. Also, withdrawals taken from your 401(k) before age 5972 may be taxed as ordinary income and are generally subject to a 10% penalty for early withdrawal, although there are some exceptions. And a sizable taxable withdrawal from your 401 (k) could bump you into a higher tax bracket. Therefore, if you are facing a financial crunch, you may want to explore some options before tapping into your 401 (k). For starters, see if you can cut your expenses where possible and explore financial assistance programs that service providers, such as utility companies, might offer. Also, if you have an emergency fund, now may be the time to use it. For most folks, it’s a good idea to keep three to six months’ worth of living expenses in such a fund, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. But even smaller amounts can help in a financial crunch. You might also find another source of cash in your taxable investment accounts. Any uninvested cash in these accounts is an easy place to start. You might also look at selling investments to free up some cash. However, before making this decision, you may want to consult with a financial professional to discuss the pros and cons. Another cash-generating option is a 401(k) loan, assuming your plan permits such loans. Unlike a direct withdrawal, a 401(k) loan is not taxable if it’s repaid on time. (If it isn’t, you could also incur penalties.) And, although the loan may have some fees, the interest on it will be paid to your account, rather than to a bank. However, you won’t earn investment returns on the loan balance, because you can’t use this money to invest. And if you leave your job before you’ve fully repaid the loan, you’ll likely have to come up with the remaining balance quickly. You could also consider using your credit cards to generate cash, but these types of loans or advances can be quite costly. Instead, you may want to look at other possibilities, such as a home equity loan, the cash value of a life insurance policy, the “margin” on your investment accounts or a personal loan. Again, you should talk to a financial professional to discuss the tradeoffs of taking out these loans and to develop a payoff strategy, if you decide to use any of them. Your 401(k) is a long­ term investment designed to meet a long-term goal: your retirement. So, if you think you might require these funds before retirement, explore all alternatives first to find the right decision for your needs. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Township of Yankee Springs 284 N BRIGGS ROAD - MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN 49333 269-795-9091 / FAX 269-795-2388 YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT (POSSIBLE) TO USE A VIRTUAL PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF YANKEE SPRINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on January 21, 2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Yankee Springs Township Hall, 284 N. Briggs Rd., Mid­ dleville Ml, within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to any State of Michigan legislative changes to the Open Meetings Act Township, the Planning Commission may hold its meeting (in­ cluding public hearing) electronically, in order to limit in person government activities, and to protect the public to the extent possible. If the meeting is held electronically, or is hybrid of in person and electronic, information to attend the meeting will be posted on the Town­ ship’s website at .https://www.yankeespringstwp.org. In addition to participation during public hearing, members of the public may also provide comments for the Planning Commission’s consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Planning Commission for re­ ceipt prior to the meeting, in care of the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson (ethompson^^ or by leaving a phone message prior to the meeting with the Town­ ship Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson at 616-877-2000. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1- PC 21-01-01 PARCEL ID # 08-16-018-011-30. Comer of Loew Dr. and Cobb Lake Rd. Wayland, Ml 49328. A. A request by property owner Gary Godley a single parcel re-zoning pursuant to section 19 “Amendments to Zoning Ordinance and Official Zoning Map” Ad. The subject site is a 1.0 acre parcel that is vacant. The property is cur­ rently zoned C3-Commercial and the applicant is requesting that it be re-zoned to RR-Rural Residential 2. Such other business as may p^>perly come before the Planning Com­ mission. \ The Yankee Springs Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes in the above-mentioned proposed amendment(s) at or following the public hearing. Anyone interested in reviewing the All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting. Yankee Springs Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days' prior notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION By: Shana Bush, Acting Chairperson Yankee Springs Township Hall 248 N. Briggs Rd. Middleville, Michigan 49333 (269) 795-9091 �Page 10 — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner What will education look like after COVID-19? Local educators share their views on what lies ahead Taylor Owens Staff Writer In a new year, with a CO VID-19 vaccine rolling out, area educators can start thinking about the future. What a new “normal” may look like, how­ ever, is still up in the air. “I think the impact of COVID this past year , will have a long-term effect on how we deliv­ er education,” Hastings Area Schools Interim Superintendent Matt Goebel said. “There were certainly districts, schools and teachers that had taken steps toward virtual instruction before CO VID arrived on the scene. “However, COVID has made educators increase their creative efforts within virtual learning, and the use of learning platforms, as well as applications that they may not have used before.” “I don’t think education is just going back To where it was pre-COVID,” Maple Valley Schools Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said. “You don’t get a ‘refresh’ button and just go back to where it was.” Thomapple Kellogg Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap said schools will be better pre­ pared for breaks from school, such as those caused by snowstorms. But, he added, in-person learning cannot be '' replaced. “Honestly, I think after all of the imperfec< tions experienced over the last year, people are itching to return to ‘normal’ school days,” Remenap said. “I also hope and believe that ■ there will be a new level of respect and appre­ ciation for all educators as many people have realized that online learning and the like can­ not - and will not - ever replace a caring, loving teacher.” One of the biggest challenges to address is the decline in enrollment. While individual districts have found it difficult to get a handle on how many students they may have permanently lost during the pandemic, numbers across the state have been trending downward. In a letter included in this edition of The Hastings Banner, state Superintendent Michael Rice said Michigan’s fall enrollment count had 53,000 fewer students than last year. The parents of at least 17,000 students said they plan to homeschool their children, which is roughly 14,000 more than last year, Rice said. Remenap said he emailed Rice soon after the initial quarantine in March to express his concerns over enrollment. “The drop, sadly, is to be expected, as many of our most vulnerable students were Tost in the shuffle,’ ” Remenap said. “I believe that many families became frustrated with the back and forth and inconsistent nature of our governor’s orders. “Public schools are going to have to be very proactive in selling their product - again - to prove to parents that we are far more effective than all other options - especially online schooling.” “Engaging families that may have left by providing programs to support their goals for college and career readiness will be our mis­ sion moving forward,” Goebel said. “This may look different by providing creative indi­ vidual programming, and flexible schedul­ ing.” Bertolini said she hopes the drop is tempo­ rary, but only time will tell. Districts also are working to integrate a new state initiative, the Michigan Integrated Small business relief coming soon Local business owners encouraged to prepare to act fast Luke Froncheck Staff Writer 4 An opportunity for some Barry County businesses to get financial relief is on the way. The recently approved $900 billion federal relief package specified $325 million for small businesses — and most of those funds are designated for paycheck protection pro­ , grams. ; “The bill includes more than $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans, expanded PPP eli­ gibility for nonprofit organizations and news outlets, and modifications to the program to serve small businesses, nonprofits and inde­ pendent restaurants,” Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development - Alliance President Jennifer Heinzman said Monday in a statement about the programs. Churches and faith-based organizations also are eligible for PPP loans, she said. Sixty percent of PPP funds have to be used on payroll expenses for the money to be for­ - givable on tax returns, she said. Payroll <expenses include salaries, retirement, group health insurance and other wage-based o expenses. “Because the smallest businesses and those located in low- and moderate-income areas were often shut out of the first round of PPP funding, this bill includes set-asides for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, 'those in low/moderate-income areas, and - funds for small community banks, credit unions and community-based lenders,” Heinzman said. “This will hopefully level the playing field, making it easier for smaller, needier businesses to get these forgivable loans.” On Tuesday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted a national press conference for small businesses to provide information about this additional relief. To be eligible for the PPP program, Heinzman said, the gross income of a busi­ ness must have declined by more than 25 ^percent in any quarter of 2020. Eligibility requirements also include a busi­ ness having spent, or planning to spend, all prior PPP payments and employing no more than 300 people at one location. Any busi­ nesses receiving money also must have been in operation before Feb. 15, 2020. PPP is available for corporations, LLCs, sole proprietors, self-employed people and * independent contractors, she said. X The maximum PPP loan will be $2 million. Heinzman encouraged local business own­ ers to act fast. In the first round of PPP last year, many small business owners learned ^“that if you snooze, you lose,” Heinzman “You should be prepared to apply for everything the very first day it becomes avail*able,” she wrote. “Keep a close eye out for *- application openings and deadlines. Apply Day One for everything you even potentially qualify for.” Many Barry County residents recently received $600 stimulus payments, which were part of the larger relief bill. The relief package also offers $15 billion in relief to independent movie theaters and cul­ tural institutions and another $20 billion for targeted grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program. “Small cultural providers, artists, etc. should move fast,” Heinzman wrote. “This appears to be designed primarily as a bailout for large movie theater chains, that will also be eligible for these funds and can get grants of tens of millions of dollars. “Smaller venues and cultural providers theoretically go to the front of the line, but if you’re not ready to apply as soon as these are available, you’re probably going to get left behind.” Movie theater operators and cultural insti­ tutions also must show that they’ve under­ gone a 25 percent drop in gross income during a quarter in 2020. Tuesday’s national conference was led by Jeanette Mulvey, content director for the U.S. Chamber, and Neil Bradley, executive vice president of the national chamber. The goal is to keep businesspeople from filing for bankruptcy, Bradley told online meeting attendees. “We want to keep you afloat and, in a posi­ tion, to keep paying your employees,” he said. The only barrier between additional PPP and small business owners is the Small Business Administration’s online portal, where an application for the program can be filed. That portal was expected to be coming online any day, he said. “If this is something you want to do, and something you think you qualify for, I would get ready now,” he said. U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue said, “The chamber applauds a truly bipartisan compromise that finally puts the American people and businesses ahead of partisan squabbling. “We commend the congressional leader­ ship and the bipartisan senators and represen­ tatives whose actions led to this achievement. Together, they have illustrated how we can break the partisan gridlock in the new Congress next year.” Meanwhile, the Michigan State Legislature authorized a $483 million relief bill Dec. 21, 2020, including $64 million for small busi­ ness “survival” grants. That bill was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday. The state package also includes $75 million for hospitals and health care workers, $22 million for testing, $57 million for vaccine distribution, and $45 million in direct pay­ ments to workers impacted by COVID-19. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Continuous Improvement Process. The plan will require districts to report to the state on aspects of education outside of strictly aca­ demics, such as students’ social and emotional welfare. “The plan/timeline for rolling out MICIP is on schedule,” Goebel said. “Many of our staff have already begun the training, and we are currently planning for integration of our stra­ tegic, Multi-Tiered System of Support and District Improvement Plan with MICIP. “We believe that the use of MICIP will allow us to consolidate these plans into one, and increase the focus on continuous improve­ ment over time.” While it may seem a like a lot to ask dis­ tricts to undergo a fundamental change while they are recovering from CO VID-19, Bertolini said the pandemic has made a focus on stu­ dents’ overall well-being even more import­ ant. Many students have faced more stress this year due to challenges in online learning, and social isolation. Remenap agreed that those issues are a priority, but was critical of the state’s approach with MICIP. “Mental and emotional health must be addressed, but on the local district level,” Remenap said. “The state and Michigan Department of Education can support that financially, but should not overburden dis­ tricts by mandating their approach because all districts are very different.” “I doubt very highly that MICIP will do much at all in helping local districts recover from learning loss caused by the pandemic,” Remenap added. “The best thing the state or MDE can do is support classroom teachers and instruction, not create required initiatives or hoops for schools to jump through that do not support student mental, emotional and educational development. “Schools are filled with professional educa­ tors. State agencies need to support them and get out of the way.” School finances also are an open question this year. While the state was able to provide more funding for the current school year than was previously expected, school business officials have been told to expect a tougher budget this fall. “Fiscal equity has to be looked at again,” Remenap said. “At a place like TK, and other schools which reside in Barry County, we spend $1 million-plus simply get our kids to and from school, and we have the lowest base foundation rate. While other schools, like an East Grand Rapids for example, not only receive more funding from the state, they have nearly zero busing expense ,when com­ pared to that of the schools in our county. That extra $1 million-plus would go a long way in supporting more teachers, support staff, etc., for our kids.” Amid all the concerns and challenges schools are facing, there is some good news: School staff are expected to be vaccinated next month. “I meet weekly with the Barry-Eaton, and Calhoun health departments,” Goebel said. “They have asked us to survey our staff to get a count on how many of our staff are in need of the vaccination. We have done that, and provided the health departments with that data. They are still vaccinating the 1A portion of the population, and then our staff will be next.” It was announced Wednesday that staff will be eligible to start receiving the vaccine Monday. “The most consistent message I have heard is school employees can expect to receive vaccinations in early February,” Remenap said. But educators said they have heard little about when school COVID-19 restrictions may be lifted. “I think we will probably be stuck with the masks and the social distancing for a while,” Bertolini said. January Series still free - and all virtual Calvin University’s annual January Series lecture program is underway, being delivered virtually this year. Hastings Public Library hosted remote broadcasts in recent years. This year, however, all presentations will be avail­ able remotely from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Anyone may register for the free 15-day lecture series at calvin.edu. All talks will be available until midnight the day they’re aired. The speakers will cover an array of topics. The series kicked off yesterday, Jan. 6, with Calvin philosophy professor Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung speaking on the topic of “Glittering Vices: Soul Care for Struggling Christians.” Today’s speaker is New York Times Bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Pena on the topic of “The Power of Story.” He will discuss the power of story and why everyone’s story matters. Remaining speakers and their topics will include: Friday, Jan. 8 - William Garvelink, “The Future with Pandemics.” Garvelink is an American diplomat and former U.S. ambassa­ dor to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He will speak on the durr^nt COVID-19 cri­ sis, lessons learned from Ebola, his experi­ ence as a senior diplomat and share why he believes pandemics will continue to be a part of the future. Monday, Jan. 11 — Tara Westover, “Educated: A Conversation with Tara Westover.” In her bestselling memoir, Westover recounts overcoming the expecta­ tions of her survivalist family in order to go to college and emphasizes the importance of education to enlarging her world. Her book explores her struggle to reconcile her desire to learn with her desire to protect and ultimately sever fierce family loyalty. Tuesday, Jan. 12 - Flynn Coleman, “The Future of AL” Coleman is a writer, intema- tional human rights attorney, public speaker, professor and social innovator. Her ground­ breaking narrative on the urgency of ethically designed artificial intelligence serves as a guidebook to reimagining life in the era of intelligent technology. Wednesday, Jan. 13 - Danielle Allen, Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century.” Allen is a political scientist, Harvard University professor, director of the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics, and the principal investigator for the Democratic Knowledge Project. She will lead a conversa­ tion on the future of democracy. Thursday, Jan. 14 - Jeffrey Rosen, “The Future of the Supreme Court.” Rosen is pres­ ident and chief executive officer of the National Constitution Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the U.S. Constitution. Friday, Jan. 15 - Andy Crouch, “The Limits of Technology and the Hope for a More Personal World.” Crouch is an author and partner for theology and culture at Praxis, an organization that works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship. His two most recent books build on the vision of faith, culture and the image of God. He will discuss the limits of technology and his hope for a more personal world. Monday, Jan. 18 - Jemar Tisby, “What is the color of compromise?” An award-winning author, Tisby writes about race, religion and culture. He also co-hosts the podcast “Pass the Mic,” which amplifies dynamic voices for a diverse church. Tuesday, Jan. 19 - Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, “Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Overcoming Obstacles.” Former NFL player, author, host of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior,” GbajaBiamila will tell how he draws inspiration from fierce competitors and his own unlikely path to success, outlining the essential steps to overcoming challenges and achieving goals. Wednesday, Jan. 20 - Peter O’Connor, “Arts: Healing Balms for a Sick World.” Director of the Centre for Arts and Social Transformation at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, Professor O’Connor is an inter­ nationally recognized expert in making and researching applied theater and drama educa­ tion. He will discuss the important role the arts play in healing trauma. Thursday, Jan. 21 - Bruce Feiler, “Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at any Age.” A bestselling author, Feiler has shared his unique insights and wisdom with audienc­ es throughout the world. His life story and those of hundreds of others inspire others as they navigate their own “lifequakes.” Friday, Jan. 22 - Katharine Hayhoe, “Christians, Climate and Culture.” An evan­ gelical Christian and atmospheric scientist, Hayhoe studies climate change and is pas­ sionate about bridging the broad, deep gap between scientists and Christians. The key to having a real discussion, as she will explain, is to connect over shared values like family, community and faith. Monday, Jan. 25 - John Manzella, “Economic Trends, Globalization and the Need to Improve American Capitalism.” Manzella is a world-recognized speaker, author and nationally syndicated columnist on global business, trade policy, labor and the latest economic trends. He will cover current economic trends and what he anticipates for the future. Tuesday, Jan. 26 - Scott Sauls, “Prophetic Fire and Persuasive Gentleness: Why We Must Have Both.” Senior pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Tenn., Sauls will discuss themes from his latest book, “A Gentle Answer: Our ‘Secret Weapon’ in an Age of Us Against Them,” in this series conclusion. First MHSAA communications director retires After 33 years serving the Michigan High School Athletic Association in a variety of roles including as its first communications director and most recently director of broad­ cast properties, John Johnson has retired. His final day was Dec. 18. Johnson joined the MHSAA staff in 1987 after previous stops working in sports infor­ mation at Albion College, Western Michigan University and Indiana University. In addition to serving as communications director for the majority of his three-plus decades at the MHSAA, Johnson also at different times during his tenure directed efforts in informa­ tion technology, marketing and merchandis­ ing before spending his final years focused on the Association’s growing broadcast presence. The communications director position was created by now-retired executive director John E. “Jack” Roberts after Roberts was hired to lead the MHSAA in 1986. Johnson became a recognizable voice speaking for the MHSAA in thousands of interviews over the years, and he also pioneered the Association’s broadcast endeavors - building one of the most highly-regarded and highest-producing Student Broadcast Programs in the United States while leading the charge to bring an abundance of playoff events to cable and dig­ ital platforms. Johnson was one of the first communica­ tions specialists hired by a state high school sports association, and one of, if not, the first to carry such wide-ranging responsibilities. “What people don’t necessarily know is John is the pioneer in this field,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “The way he shaped this job over the last 30 years has been extraordinary - and has become the model for the 49 other states.” Johnson is responsible for a number of phrases that are synonymous with the MHSAA - perhaps most memorably, “Promoting the Value - and Values - of High School Sports.” He also designed all of the print and broadcast materials for a sportsmanship initiative during the late 1980s and early 1990s that was the first of its kind nationally and made the MHSAA a leader on the topic. More recently, he championed the “Safer Than Ever” cam­ paign that aspired to explain that high school football is safer now than it’s ever been because of changes to game rules, practice rules and other modifications. Johnson also has been a source of historical context for many media and schools over the years, and he served multiple terms on the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) national record book committee. His final years were as “all things broad­ casting” as Johnson served as the MHSAA’s first director of broadcast properties - an all-encompassing title that included all-en­ compassing responsibilities including efforts many years in the building. The MHSAA provides video broadcasts of nearly all of its MHSAA Finals - including football and bas­ ketball with FOX Sports Detroit - and Johnson has navigated the growth of those opportuni­ ties and also with the MHSAA Network’s audio offerings during championship events. He guided the MHSAA’s School Broadcast Program from its creation during the 2008-09 school year and provided valuable knowledge as the MHSAA took a leading role in the cre­ ation of the NFHS Network digital platform for live and on-demand school sports broad­ casts. Michigan SBP schools are among the top content providers to the Network, regular­ ly broadcasting upwards of 500 events per week. Johnson’s voice has continued to be heard weekly on more than 100 radio stations state­ wide as part of the “This Week in High School Sports” show often plugged into halftimes of broadcasts and other regular programming. “Being the voice, and having to be the face a lot, is something that came with the territory - somebody had to be the storyteller. And while you can be prideful about that, the important thing is still the story,” Johnson said. “I’ve said it a lot: I was the lucky guy John Johnson, MHSAA communications director, has retired after 33 years with the MHSAA. who got the job. Because the story was there to be told, the work was there to be done.” Johnson attended Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart and then Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in jour­ nalism. He began his career as a fulltime assistant in Albion College’s college relations office in 1978 while still a student at MSU, graduating from the latter in 1979. He also worked briefly in the news department with WITL Radio in Lansing and as an intern in the Office of Public Affairs at Ferris State University before moving on to WMU, and he came to the MHSAA after working in a pro­ motions capacity for Michigan Farm Bureau. �The Hastings Banner -- Thursday, January 7, 2021 — Page 11 Prairieville recycling committee plans Jan. 12 session Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Survey results will be the focus of a Prairieville Township recycling committee meeting next week. Committee member MaryAnn DeVries said a Zoom meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12. During that session, committee members will present and review results of a survey they recently conducted to solicit input about recycling from township residents. Those who wish to attend remotely should email committee member Mary Meagher, mmeagher@mei.net. In December, the committee asked resi­ dents to complete the survey so they could get Returnable bottles and cans were collected in the spring and redeemed in the fall It is funny, the calendar flipped from 2020 trail into the thicker woods which mosquitos some sense of the community’s reaction to the program. by Hastings FFA members, with funds going to local organizations. to 2021 and the view out the window behind and heat may not allow later in the season. “As we continue to look at next steps for We got in a lot of hikes between the start of my computer screen is the same, albeit a bit the world’s pause and the end of 2020, going recycling, we are asking for input from each snowier. Slowly the news is getting better (he wrote from as far north as Fallasburg Park near household in Prairieville Township,” DeVries before turning on the television news early Lowell on the North Country Trail, hitting up said during the December township board Wednesday afternoon to see the Confederate stretches between Middleville and Yankee meeting. “If you currently recycle or not, your flag flying on the steps of the United States Springs we’d never traversed, my wife and I feedback is important.” Savanah Kaechele After sharing that information with Andria, The current recycling program, which Capitol as Congress was being evacuated got an anniversary walk from Main Street in Contributing Writer the students decided to split the money from the building). The fall sports teams have Middleville about five miles to where the path began in September, is scheduled to continue 0 Hastings High School FFA members raised between Family Promise and Green Gables. through March. The recycling committee was veers off the old railroad route in Irving. returned to practice and the MHSAA a$ 1,280 that will be donated to Green Gables “ My instant reply to her, T love that! They My favorite hike might have been one off formed to find a long-term solution for town­ announced Wednesday that there will be a Haven and Family Promise. The money came will both be so appreciative and will use it for limited number of tickets for immediate fam­ the trail though, wandering through the Two ship recycling after the expiration of the cur­ from a pop can fundraiser conducted at the the best needs of our community and kids.’ ” rent program. ily to watch the remainder of the volleyball Rivers Greenspace on the border of Kent After connecting the dots between the mul­ Recycling committee members include school. and football postseason tournaments. The County and Barry County. It’s an undevel­ Hastings’ FFA Adviser Andria Mayack said tiple parties involved, the donation is in the weather has improved for the high school ski oped future park where the Coldwater River DeVries, Meagher, Ramie Almeda, Mary it all started at one of the FFA officer Zoom works and on its way to being finalized. Kinney, Cheryl VanderVeen and township finishes winding its way into the Thomapple season, which is going on now. meetings in May. “I love seeing the ripple effect of a good To be fair, 2020 wasn’t all bad. Oh, to be River. It is a spot I have to have driven past Supervisor Jim Stonebumer. “ The idea was brought forward by Mike deed inspiring others to do more. Kindness is Residents participating in the current pro­ sure it was a lot of bad, but there were some thousands of times in my life, and we finally VanDorp [Hastings senior and FFA officer], very contagious here in Barry County, and I great places and things around the area that turned in and took the time to traverse the gram pay a $40 flat fee. The fee must be paid before a resident may drop off any recycla- knowing cans would be plentiful and people am lucky enough in my role at the foundation me and my family were able to experience river bends. would not likely want to hang onto them to see this all the time,” Lonergan said. “We That hike eventually led to another walk on bles. that we may not have in another kind of year. Six recycling days remain. Residents who during the stay-at-home order,” May ack said. have a special community. I am thankful to Some of them were beamed in over a sketchy the trail in downtown Caledonia, which start­ participate in the program may drop off their “Carrie Carl [Hastings Middle School science call this place my home.” internet connection, but most of them were ed at the Caledonia Township Branch of the Although how the donation will be used by things that we’ve been surrounded by for Kent District Library and led through the materials between 2 and 6 p.m. at the town­ teacher and FFA adviser] and myself agreed this would be a great fundraiser, and the other Green Gables and Family Promise is not yet years and just never really took advantage of. woods to Lakeside Park. I’ve long been famil­ ship hall Jan. 8 and 22, Feb. 12 and 26 and officers agreed with this idea and helped to known, Lonergan is confident the funds will March 12 and 26. Pm going to share some of the best of those iar with Lakeside Park, which was the home get it started.” be put to good use. with you now. for years to the annual Bradford White Family People were invited to drop off cans or “It just might not look quite like we imag­ One of the first things I needed when the Picnic. The area’s libraries continued to be bottles next to the greenhouse behind the high ine, ” Lonergan added. “Sometimes it’s for world slowed to a crawl was baseball. Spring tremendous resources. In case you didn’t school. simple items needed, and other times it’s ’ training was nearing its end. Fantasy baseball know, the Hastings Library has a pretty great “My family and I spent many days and being added on to something bigger. drafts were done, and suddenly there was no movie section, and it was where I was able to hours during the summer bringing the bags “Either way, it will be appreciated and used baseball. No Tigers. No Mike Trout. No find “The Incredible Hulk” film from 2008 as into my hydroponics lab adjacent to my class ­ to make a difference.” Whitecaps. No “ping” sounds coming from I worked my way through the Marvel Universe room.” Mayack said. “We stored them for The fundraiser provided a surprising out­ the batters box of a high school field. Then with my sons. We got craft kits from the weather, critter, and the sake of not having come and a great turnout from the community, suddenly there was the Chinese Professional Thornapple Kellogg Library throughout the cans blowing all over outside. Mayack said. As far as holding a similar fund­ ' Baseball League sending English language summer, and all the books we wanted. A spe­ “When it came time to return them, weeks raiser in the future, she said time will tell. * broadcasts of its baseball games across the cial order through the Lakeland Library before school, we brought them all back out “For now, we have our FFA Mother’s Day world from Taiwan via Twitter. Co-op, I finally took the time to get through for the kids to take back. This was no easy flower sale to prepare for,” Mayack Waking up to baseball rather than falling “The Only Rule Is It Has To Work” the story — task. Lots of trips to Walmart! ’ Wsaid. “Flowers are due to come in March and • asleep to it took sdifii getting usedTb, but it dfl my favorite basebaffand podcast ' These trips to Walmart took place between the kids will be caring for them until May.” was fun scanning online rosters for Attiericans, host, Ben Lindbergh, and his partner Sam 4 and 6 a.m. on specific days, she said. The Even though the pop can fundraiser was ' most of whom were pitchers, like former Miller running an independent league base­ ^manager at Hastings Walmart, Tim Dowling, overseen by the various FFA officers and by ball team for a season. Detroit Tigers reliever Ryan Carpenter. It pro­ helped students return the bottles in a safe May ack, the FFA members helped quite a bit As far as other media, my family fell in vided a bit of normality when that was rare. way, she added. The last cans were returned in in the process. Cheer teams danced and ate hot pot in the love with “Hamilton” this summer when it Anyone who hears accounts of internation­ October. “These kids made this donation happen,” ' stands of otherwise empty stadiums . I scoured premiered on the Disney Plus app. I don’t al events they don’t fully understand or won­ “Once we saw the great turnout and it was Mayack said. “I just supported their decision the internet looking for a Rakuten Monkeys know how many times I’ve heard someone ders about the location of countries involved visible the amount of dollars we were receiv­ and helped them when they needed it. They face covering, because what souvenir could humming “Ten Duel Commandments” since may be interested in the upcoming Great ing, it was an easy choice to give this money have big hearts and are always thinking of be more 2020 than that, but to no avail. July. It was a rough year for music, losing a Decisions program. back to our Hastings community,” Mayack others. It’s a great sight to see when our youth While the hot pot looked great on the couple of my favorites John Prine and Justin The two-month class will take a look at continued. “I contacted Liz Lonergan from is putting others before themselves.” screen of my phone, one of the best dishes I Townes Earle. Live concerts were few in eight of the most significant and critical issues Barry Community Foundation with our idea Students involved in the fundraiser includ­ enjoyed in 2020 was from Tujax Tavern in 2020, but we did manage to catch former facing America. The topics for 2021 will and what organizations would greatly benefit ed seniors Mike VanDorp, Emma White, Jade Delton warm, crunchy, sweet, savory crostini Lakewood High School science teacher Josh include global supply chains and U.S. nation­ from this wonderful donation. She set us in Hunter, Kayla Willard, Addison Horrmann, with goat cheese and roasted tomatoes. So Rose at a socially distanced, outdoor event at al security; the future of Persian Gulf security; the right direction.” and Elaina James; juniors Emily Roe and Bre simple, but so delicious. It is hard to go wrong Camp Greensky in Lowell this fall - a place I Brexit: taking stock and looking ahead; possi­ Mayack knew about Lonergan ’ s connec ­ Willard; and freshman Lilly Pepper. Hastings with fresh tomatoes in June or July. I have to never knew existed. I won’t share my whole ble return to great power competition in the tions in Hastings through her job at Barry alumni and family members also participated, confess, we don’t spend a lot of evenings out Spotify “2020 Wrapped” here, but if you can Arctic China and Africa; The Two Koreas; Community Foundation, Lonergan said. including Ashley Griffin and her kids, and in Delton. Grand Rapids and Hastings are stand a little twang with your angst go find The World Health Organization’s response to “ She asked me if I had any local groups or Cerita Roe, Emily Roe’s mother. much closer to home, but I had always heard some of the music of Morgan Wade. I never COVID-19; and the end of globalization. organizations that work with kids in Barry “All of our Hastings FFA chapter members there as some delicious stuff on the menu. My know what is going to be popular in music, Last year, 18 to 20 people participated in County. And if there were a few, she would are amazing,” May ack added. “Carrie Carl wife and I managed to get four or five date but I know if I was in charge of WBCH (and person, resulting in thought-provoking dis­ pass that along to the students and let them and myself are very proud of what they all nights in since the pandemic hit Michigan. maybe they do and I just haven’t run into it cussions, organizer Marge Faber said. The choose,” Lonergan said. “I then went to my have done and will miss them all greatly when । The couple trips to Tujax we made were much yet) it’d be playing her music and I know I’ll local group is one of nearly 20 groups in fearless leader, Bonnie Gettys at the Barry they graduate, and look forward to all new ■ more affordable than any we made to a restau- be finding concert tickets as soon as that is a Michigan and hundreds throughout the United Community Foundation, and she suggested up-and-coming agriculture/FFA kids.” { rant in Grand Rapids and just as tasty. thing again. States and across the world gathering to dis­ multiple agencies that would be a great fit. t I got to experience a spring in the woods. It One of the best parts of 2020 is that all of ■f? M cuss the chosen topics. I had been quite a while. People think fall and that was here. The trails, the paths, the appe­ “This year, however, because of COVIDi winter are busy times for high school sports tizers, the hooks, the books were all here. 19, we will not have in-person meetings; we । writers because of football and basketball. Whether a van drove them from the library in will meet online via Zoom,” Faber said. | Those seasons ain’t got nothing on the spring. Coopersville to the one in Middleville, wheth­ A soft-cover briefing book, which provides > A baseball team plays almost as many games er I drove an SUV 15 minutes, or Verizon shot background, relevant facts, present and future i in a week as a football team does in a season. them from a satellite to a tower to my phone policy options, and impartial analysis written < Some of the best wanderings were just off the they were all right here last year. by independent experts, is available for pur­ •’ regular beaten path near home, getting off the chase. Attendees read the assigned article prior to each meeting to gain background information and prepare for discussion. Along with taking part in discussions, participants watch a video that shares multiple viewpoints f Whether his EMS staff are vaccinated or When the health department contacts peo­ on the week’s topic. Consensus is not an aim of the program, : not, they will still follow all of the same pro- ple who have tested positive, they frequently I cedures and wear the same personal protec- report attending social gatherings. she said; rather, the class is designed to help | five equipment that have been required all Surna encouraged people who have social individuals better understand complex issues. The Tuesday classes will begin Feb. 2 and | along. gatherings to do so with only one other house­ continue through March 23 from 1:30 to 3:30 J “I am appreciative and grateful of the hold. efforts of the health department to get this out There also have been four additional deaths p.m. Regular attendance is encouraged but L to people quickly,” Oakley said. since last week, for a total of 37 since March. not required. The meetings are free; the only cost is the He compared it to the department’s effort to Eaton County reached a total of 100 deaths, as purchase of the book. get PPE to first responders at the beginning of of Tuesday. Further information about the local group the pandemic. A form is available at barryeatonhealth.org “It lets us safely do our job,” Oakley said. for people to find out if they are eligible to or how to order the book is available by call­ Around 90 staff members and 110 residents receive the vaccine, and sign up to attend a ing Marge, 269-948-2368, or emailing mrgbrc@hotmail.com by Friday, Jan. 15. of Thomapple Manor received their first dose clinic. 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings Additional topic information can be found of the vaccine from Walgreen’s employees Barna encouraged everyone who can to use last Thursday. Administrator Don Haney said the site, and leave the phone lines open for on the Foreign Policy Association’s website, fpa.org by clicking the “Great Decisions” tab. the number is about 80 percent of the facili­ seniors and people without internet access. ty’s residents and one third of its staff. He OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 expects more people to receive the vaccine when Walgreen’s returns to administer the ( second dose after 28 days. Barry County registered 146 active cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, a 43-percent increase since Tuesday of the previous week. BEDHD representative Sarah Surna said they believe the increase is at least partially due to social gatherings over the holidays. “It’s incredibly likely they are related,” Surna said. Best things I uncovered while covering fewer sports Hastings FFA members give back to community through fundraiser Great Decisions program to return next month Jan. 15 is signup deadline NEED A SOX? VACCINE, continued from page 1 We sell boxes of ALL SIZES! 269.945.9105 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �( Page 12 — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner HHS students accepted into life-changing program Sophie Bates Staff Writer ' In the past two years, two Hastings High School students, Audrey Byykkonen and Maggie Nedbalek, have been accepted into '• the nationally renowned QuestBridge scholar­ ship program. After an arduous application >process, each was selected from about 18,000 ^ •contenders to receive a full-ride scholarship. V Being accepted was life-changing for both .^students. p “Receiving the QuestBridge scholarship jjruly has, and will continue to, change my bjife,” Nedbalek, a senior, said. “Because of '4his scholarship, I know that I will at least ^receive my undergraduate degree with no Student loan debt, which is something I can’t ; I ven begin to express my gratitude for.” f The program connects exceptional, low-in» come students with more than 40 of the ’ nation’s top universities that have partnered I with the QuestBridge program. I QuestBridge finalists are encouraged to apply to a handful of these universities. If ! accepted, they receive full four-year scholar» ships that covers tuition, fees, room and ’“board, books, supplies and travel expenses — worth more than $200,000. When Nedbalek learned she was accepted ; into a QuestBridge partnered university this ■ fall, she couldn’t believe it. “I read the big ‘Congratulations!’ at the top J and was in complete shock. I had to take my ’ computer to my friend and ask her if I was ; even reading it right,” Nedbalek said. “At this ; point, all I knew was that I had matched, I ( hadn’t even seen yet that I had matched to one of the schools I wanted the most. We all ended 'lip crying pretty soon thereafter.” ; Nedbalek was accepted to New York City’s ...^Columbia University — one of her top choic­ es in part because of its engineering program. » She said she is looking forward to majoring in biomedical engineering at Columbia’s Fu ; Foundation School of Engineering and ; Applied Science beginning in the fall. f “I’m honestly feeling such a mix of emo­ tions still, partially because I’m still kind of in ^hock that I received the scholarship and will ^e attending Columbia next year,” Nedbalek Aaid. “Going to Columbia and knowing that jShe cost of my education won’t be a problem .makes me so much more excited to attend ifchool and work towards my future.” rj* When Nedbalek was accepted into Columbia University, she joined Audrey | Byykkonen, a 2020 Hastings graduate who began at the University of Chicago on a ; QuestBridge scholarship this fall. “I would never have been able to attend UChicago without the scholarship,” 1 Byykkonen said. “I wasn’t even considering UChicago until I was choosing which col­ leges to apply for through QuestBridge. Receiving the QuestBridge scholarship has opened up many opportunities that I would never have been offered without it. It allows me to study at one of the best universities in America and explore many different subjects without worrying about the financial aspect. “The scholarship provides for me the opportunity to chase after my dreams.” . Byykkonen’s first quarter at the University pf Chicago has been both challenging and rewarding. Taking classes online was diffi­ cult. And while the pandemic marred her freshman experience, she is still making friends and creating memories. Maggie Nedbalek poses in front of a summer garden for her senior pictures. Nedbalek will graduate from Hastings High School in 2021 and plans to begin her undergraduate studies at Columbia University. “It is astronomical odds against two from the same school getting this. These two girls are my heroes, and I am so proud of them and the district.” Marty Buehler retired HHS teacher and Science Olympiad adviser “Through all of this, I have made a core group of friends along with many other friends,” Byykkonen said. “When classes actually started, I had two online classes and one in-person class. Personally, online schooling is not my favorite, but my professors were very helpful. The quarter was difficult, but it was very rewarding.” While at Hastings High School, Byykkonen amassed a list of accomplishments and extra­ curricular participation, including four years on the Science Olympiad team, National Honor Society, Math Team, marching band for four years (including two as section lead­ er), the school musical, as well as being on the volleyball, basketball and track and field teams. She also took nine Advanced Placement classes and earned an AP Capstone Diploma — one of the first students from HHS to do so. She also helped with her church’s Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed pro­ gram. Despite her accomplishments, Byykkonen isn’t sure why she was one of the 1,464 QuestBridge finalists to be accepted into a partner university out of the more than 18,50^ QuestBridge applicants. “I honestly have no idea,” Byykkonen said when asked why she was chosen. “I am qual­ ified for the scholarship, but I think the main thing they were looking for in applicants was a balance between intellectuality and creativ­ ity. I have both of them.” Nedbalek has a similarly long list of accom­ plishments - such as four years on student council, being vice president of her sopho­ more class, four years of competitive cheer and Science Olympiad, and two years of being youth representative for Sweezy’s Environmental Board. However, she was sim- ilarly baffled by her selection into the pro­ gram. “When I first saw my acceptance, I was completely shocked; out of so many amazing applicants, I couldn’t have even imagined I would be one of the few who matched,” Nedbalek said. “However, I have always worked hard and done my best to push through whatever has come my way, which definitely shows through when you read through both my essays and my application as a whole. “Still, I couldn’t have done it without the help of my amazing teachers who wrote rec­ ommendations, helped me with my essays, and supported me all throughout high school ... also the school counseling department that quite literally has helped me every single step of the way.” | ; ! One of the people who helped Nedbalek and Byykkonen thrbugh the QuestBridge pro­ cess was HHS counselor Cathy Longstreet. Longstreet helped Nedbalek and Byykonen apply to the QuestBridge program and multi­ ple QuestBridge universities - for a total of 22 college applicglious^^vgen the two. “Each one ot those schools will have requirements that those students will have to do beyond what they did for the QuestBridge application, in order to considered,” Longstreet said. “So it could be four essays, an additional financial form — its always some sort of additional financial form — but, it could be anything from a couple essays to multiple essays.” Longstreet spent time during and after school as well as weekends helping the two through their college applications. “Audrey and I met at least once on a week­ end and at least one school day — we did that Audrey Byykkonen poses with a sign she made after being accepted into the University of Chicago on a full-ride QuestBridge scholarship. for a big chunk of the day — to make sure things were good before she sent them off. This year with Maggie, of course, because of everything being virtual, we did that virtually. So we had multiple times that we Zoomed for a long time,” Longstreet said. When the Nov. 1 deadline came for Nedbalek’s 12 college applications, Nedbalek and Longstreet worked past midnight until all the applications were perfected and submit­ ted. Her efforts to assist Nedbalek and Byykkonen have earned Longstreet praise from her colleagues. “Cathy Longstreet is so instrumental in this regard, and I think we should recognize the kids and their accomplishments, and Longstreet, [for] being able to pull this off,” said Marty Buehler, now-retired HHS science teacher and Science Olympiad advisor who worked closely with Nedbalek and Byykonen. “It is astronomical odds against two from the same school getting this. These two girls are my heroes, and I am so proud of them and the district.” Nedbalek and Byykkonen also had help from teachers, some who edited their applica­ tion essays for grammar and some who wrote letters of recommendation. Longstreet said she is glad to have been able to assist the pair with their applications and help them gain access to a program that will give them opportunities they likely wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. “It makes me pretty emotional, to be honest with you because, like I said, this is some­ thing that’s going to change their lives. Not that college isn’t life-changing in and of its own, but the kind of program that they will be involved in because they are QuestBridge scholars is something that is amazing to me,” Longstreet said. “So it does, it makes me very emotional because I know it’s going to change something for them and their family in gener­ al.” Nedbalek and Byykkonen both expect to graduate from their respective universities debt-free, having attained a high-quality edu­ cation inaccessible without the QuestBridge Scholarship. “I was concerned about college debt before receiving the scholarship,” Byykkonen said. “Graduating debt-free will allow me to start fresh and find a job I actually want instead of settling on a so-so job to make sure I can pay my debt” With the anticipated burden of undergradu­ ate debt suddenly lifted from her shoulders, Nedbalek said she hopes to pursue graduate school - an option she may not have had if she had taken loans out for her undergraduate degree. “Receiving the QuestBridge scholarship has taken so much stress off my shoulders,” Nedbalek said. “On top of this, it has really opened my eyes to how lucky I am; I’ve got­ ten so much love and support from the com­ munity and from the school, and this means a lot considering I couldn’t have done it without them.” Thousands of Michigan health workers are turning down COVID vaccines Bridge Magazine Thousands of health care workers across Michigan who would be first in line for a coro­ navirus vaccine are declining to take it, poten­ tially slowing efforts to curb a pandemic that has killed over 352,000 nationally and more than 12,600 in Michigan. In Wayne County, just over half of first responders agreed to take a CO VID vaccine, with roughly 600 of 1,600 declining, a county spokesperson told Bridge Michigan on Monday. In Ingham County, it’s not precisely clear how many hospital and emergency workers have declined the vaccine. But based on a sur­ vey among health department staff and nation­ al surveys, it appears that more than 1 in 3 health workers are declining the coronavirus vaccine for now, according to Linda Vail, the county’s health officer. Hesitancy among workers in healthcare set­ tings may help explain why Michigan has had one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country. As of midday Monday, just under 100,000 people in Michigan have been given the first dose of the two-stage vaccine, or 992 people for every 100,000. Only six other states had a lower rate of vaccinations — North Carolina, Arizona, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Kansas, according to data from the federal government. Nationally, the rate is 1,390 vaccinations per 100,000 —- or 40 percent higher than the Michigan rate. (Monday evening the state updated its vaccination data to show nearly 129,000 doses had been administered but updated comparisons with other states were not immediately available.) Though surveys in recent months under­ scored uncertainty about the vaccine among much of the public, health leaders told Bridge They found it disheartening to see reluctance among workers within their industry. t “There were some [EMS] departments that Everybody said, ‘We will come and take it,”’ Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, chief health strate­ gist at the Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans & Community Wellness, told Bridge. Indeed, some EMS units sent more than a dozen workers in a truck for vaccines. “But then you have, maybe in a company, 25 EMS workers and only two said, ‘We want the vac­ cine.’ ” Health care workers, he said, are “privi­ leged to be amongst the first” to get the vac­ cine, and presumably “would be more informed about ... a vaccine trial and have a little bit more trust.” A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said there have been “no significant obstacles” to distribution of the vaccine, which the state hopes to administer to 5.6 million people, or 70 percent of the state’s population over age 16. “This is the most massive vaccination effort ever undertaken in the country, and every state is grappling with vaccine distribution going slower than needed to end this pandemic as quickly as possible,” Lynn Sutfin of MDHHS said in an email. “Launching mass vaccina­ tions over the December holiday season creat­ ed delays with some individuals intentionally delaying vaccines for themselves until after the holidays and clinics not being operational due to the holidays.” Sutfin did not directly address why Michigan has had one of the nation’s lowest rates of COVID vaccinations. She said the state does not yet have data on vaccinations among staff at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Several other states, including Ohio, have reported high rates of vaccine refusal among staff. Sutfin said the state is looking to improve vaccination rates by encouraging hospitals and health departments to administer 90 percent of doses within seven days of receipt and clarify­ ing who can get the vaccine, as well as telling hospitals that they can vaccinate health care workers who may not be their own employees. “We will continue to evaluate our overall strategy to increase vaccination numbers in Michigan,” she said. Others note some hiccups in the logistics of vaccine distribution. Ruthanne Sudderth, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, a hospital industry group, said hospitals tell the state how many doses they need in the follow­ ing week, with the state relaying that message to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But she said that when the federal govern­ ment notifies hospitals about the delivery of new doses, it generally offers a range of dates rather than a firm delivery time. That makes it challenging for hospitals to set up staff and location times for employee vaccination drives, and some have been canceled because of those problems. “So far, the primary barrier to faster vacci­ nation has been the lack of consistent and timely information about how much vaccine hospitals in Michigan will receive from the federal government,” she said in an email to Bridge. “With little lead time on quantity and arrival day, it’s very difficult to plan daylong employee vaccine clinics and to know what other community health care providers the hospitals should try to vaccinate.” Sudderth said preliminary reports she has seen from hospitals show 75 percent to 80 percent of eligible health care workers are agreeing to get the vaccine. As of noon Monday, federal data showed Michigan hospitals and health departments had helped the state administer 26 percent of the 378,925 doses that have been shipped to the state, which compares nationally to 32 percent of 15.4 million doses. (Data released by the state Monday evening showed that 34 percent of doses have now been administered in Michigan, but updated numbers for other states were not immediately available.) At Hillsdale Hospital in southern Michigan, staff has been able to administer as many doses as it has received, said Rachel Lott, director of marketing and development. Lott acknowledged that some workers in the first priority phase, frontline health care work­ ers, declined to be vaccinated, opening up availability to others in the second tier, includ­ ing teachers and police officers. She also said some workers who initially declined shots have since agreed to be vaccinated. In Ingham County, officials have moved down the list of healthcare workers so avail­ able vaccines are used as quickly as possible, said Vail, the health officer. The health office will call organizations with eligible workers — an EMS group, for example — and ask how many vaccines they’ll need. A group of, say, 40 workers, might have 25 people who will want the vaccine, she said. As soon as they’ve set aside slots and sched­ uled those 25 people for their drive-thru vacci­ nation clinic, officials move to another group of frontline responders and down through the subgroup of health care workers deemed eligi­ ble as Phase la, or top priority, recipients under the state’s vaccine distribution plan. Currently, Ingham is the only county on the state’s vaccination dashboard where the number of doses administered is listed as “high.” Any health worker or long-term care resi­ dent or staff as defined in Phase 1 a is eligible for a vaccine in Ingham County, she said. In the coming days, the county will open up available vaccines to Phase lb, which are other “frontline essential workers and individ­ uals 75 years of age and older,” she said. “The last thing we want is any vaccine sit­ ting here,” she said. Ingham and others say they hope that those who are reluctant to get the vaccine will change their minds as co-workers and friends receive it. Mistrust of an impending COVID-19 vac­ cine ran high across the United States in the early months of the pandemic, as governments across the globe raced to develop an effective vaccine. The rapid pace of vaccine trials wor­ ried some, with skepticism abetted by unfound­ ed conspiracy theories. More recently, public acceptance of the vaccines has improved, as positive results about the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness were publicized and two were approved for use in the United States. The first vaccine was approved for emer­ gency use in the nation less than a month ago. There has been little time — sandwiched between testing and contact tracing and caring for the sick to educate the public. “Certainly there is room for education,” said Nick Derusha, president of the Michigan Association of Public Health, which represents the state’s 45 local health departments. Kevin Dazy, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, was surprised to learn of health care workers who were reluctant to get the vaccine. On Friday, he and his colleagues are sched­ uled to get their second dose. Most of his col­ leagues, he said, are thrilled that the vaccine is available. Some are frustrated that they hav­ en’t been yet scheduled to get it, he said. His wife, a nurse, also has received the vac­ cine. “We want to keep our parents safe. We want to keep our patients safe, and we want to move this along,” said Dazy, a father of a kindergart­ ner and a newborn. “I want my 5-year-old in school,” he said. Cortney Mazur, a nurse practitioner at Children’s, was likewise surprised. She said she was aware only of a few co-workers who were reluctant to get vaccines, but they “more and more, they are coming around.” There may be other reasons for the slow distribution of vaccines, including the dis­ tance between vaccine shipments and recipi­ ents in some rural areas. Vaccines were delayed more than a week for residents and staff in long-term care facilities in a four-county health district in the eastern Upper Peninsula, for example. That’s because there are no Walgreens or CVS pharmacies in those Luce, Mackinac, Alger and Mackinac counties, said Kerry Ott, spokeswoman for the LMAS District Health Department. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — Page 13 Area students return to in-person learning Parents weather the winter chill as they wait outside Star Elementary to pick up students Wednesday afternoon. . Star Elementary guardians and students embrace and hold hands as they head home aftfeUn-school learned resumed this week. NEW PLAN, continued from page 1 such a specific approval,” planning consultant Rebecca Harvey told commissioners. “But I think the salient points here are that the key design elements remain unchanged and, although they still require planning commission approval, I think you should feel very comfortable in that, by virtue of approving this amended plan and those elements of the amended plan, you’re essentially not changing the essence of the original approval.” Some elements from the original site plan — such as a proposed outdoor lounge, public art installation and riparian restoration area — were excluded from the amended plan. But Sig Stautmanis, a General Capital Group representative working on the project, said the company is open to working with city staff to eventually include those elements. “We would love to work with staff to incorporate some special overlooks or something like that — taking better advantage of the views along the Thornapple,” Stautmanis said at the meeting. “The building grew a little to the south toward the river, and there’s less room there now to do something without creeping into the floodplain. “So that’s kind of the rationale behind some of the things that are a little different.” Also, due to the placement of the new building, the number of parking spaces for the complex had to be reduced to 94. The plan’s most notable addition is that of a community center located in an adjacent warehouse that survived the fire. Including the warehouse in the site plan is an integral part of making the project eligible for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, which, if granted, would help fund the project. “Everything burned down, but, Hastings’ Star Elementary students board buses and head for home Wednesday after their first day back to in-person learning. (Photos by Sophie Bates) miraculously, the warehouse that we were intending on tearing down previously somehow stood standing,” Stautmanis said. “And the most interesting thing about that is the 8,000-square-foot warehouse is actually probably the linchpin of getting this approved with MSHDA. And the reason is because the scoring that we have to go after for these tax credits, includes historic preservation.” Without historical element, Stautmanis thought the project might be over; but after working with the State Historic Preservation Office and the project’s architect, they developed a plan to utilize the remaining warehouse building and, as a result, still qualify for the credits. “Our intention is basically to take all of the community type of functions that were [planned] in the Royal Coach building and put them into the warehouse. And then also create a large meeting, gathering space that would be open for community events,” Stautmanis said. “You could have an acoustic jam night or something like that - events where people from the public could be invited and we could have something neat happen, maybe a series of music events or maybe a maker’s market during the winter.” The warehouse also will house the leasing office and a fitness center. A timeline and cost estimate for the project have yet to be determined. The site plan must be submitted to MSHDA by the Feb. 1 LIHTC application deadline. Approval of the LIHTC application is critical to determining the project’s funding and construction timeline. If the LIHTC application is approved, for at least 18 years, 20 percent of units must be reserved for residents whose income is equal to or less than 50 percent of the median area income or 40 percent of the units for those whose income is equal to or less than 60 percent of the median area income. Rent also must be restricted. Barry Community Foundation President and CEO Bonnie Gettys, in a later interview, elaborated on how rent would be handled. “The plan is still to be workforce housing so it’s affordable and scaled by earnings. So, the less you earn, the less you pay,” Gettys said. “Trying to find a safe home to live in the community is difficult. There are waiting lists on all of them and the housing stock is older. “So to have new or refurbished apartments available for our community is really an important part of the overall vision for housing in our community.” The planning commission unanimously approved the plan, with the condition that General Capital Group work with city staff to resolve several minor issues and add clarifications to the amended plan. “I know there’s been a lot of concerns in the community as to ‘What now?’ and I think there’ll be a great sigh of relief to learn that the project is still going forward and, frankly, with a design that I think is pretty sympathetic to what we were all hoping the overall Coach building was going to look like when you were done with it,” planning commission chairman Dave Hatfield said. Scan those old pictures and make copies, enlargements or postcards. SCANS Half Off thru Jan. 15. 2021 1351 N.Broadway (M-43), Hastings Current plans for the former Royal Coach/Hastings Table Company building allow for possible river overlooks and parking expan­ sion in the future. (Images provided) ISJ *7-1 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 4:30 (I �Page 14 — Thursday, January 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Jackson honored for service to sport of wrestling Brett Bremer Sports Editor The hope is that by mid-February 2021 there will be a place in a newly constructed home for Jan Jackson’s wooden Michigan Wrestling Association (MWA) 2020 Wrestling Volunteer of the Year Award plaque. Jackson learned of the honor in October and received her physical award late last month, “I was really surprised. I didn’t even know that was something the wrestling association did,” Jackson said. “I don’t volunteer my time to get awards. I just do what I do because I like wrestling. I do what I do for the love of the sport, not for recognition.” Jackson started her wrestling service offici­ ating, as a teenager, when her parents Bob and Marian Durkee joined the board of the Lakewood Wrestling Club and her two broth­ ers competed. She joked that she really started officiating to avoid being bored out of her mind at wrestling events. Over the next 30-plus years, Jackson has spent time officiat­ ing wrestling matches including ones at national events and MHSAA meets, running tournaments, performing secretarial duties, scoring matches and photographing wrestling matches across levels of competition in the Lakewood area. “In recognition of your outstanding achievements and contributions to Michigan High School Wrestling,” reads her plaque, which in a typically year would have been presented“toher at the MWAY clinic banquet. “May your record of personal performance serve as a guide to all individuals involved, both present and future, in that the preserva­ tion of High School Amateur Wrestling in the State of Michigan, might be maintained as we know it today. It is in the spirit of High School Amateur Athletics and continued youth development, that the Michigan Wrestling Association presents this award.” Jackson and her family lost their home to a fire last May. Construction of a new home was slated to be complete by Christmas, but work is still underway. Jackson’s Canon Rebel camera was sent out for a good cleaning after the fire and she was apart from it for about six months before getting that back in December. She has put the camera to work since its Jan Jackson sits matside with her camera to take photographs inside Central Michigan University’s McGuirk Arena during the Lakewood varsity wrestling team’s appearance in the 2017 Division 3 State Quarterfinals. (File photo) return, but like everyone else is very unsure about whether or not she’ll get to use it on the side of a wrestling mat any time soon. She said she felt like a part of her was missing when it was out for refurbishment. Jackson has shared sports photos with the wrestling program as well newspapers like the Lakewood News and the Hastings Banner throughout the years. But that has just been a small piece of her wrestling odyssey. “Jan has been with me since she was a freshman in high school and I think at that time Temperance-Bedford and (Lakewood) were the only ones that had girl matmaids, that is what they called them then, which were the managers to run it,” former Lakewood varsity wrestling coach Bob Veitch said. “Jan was also the first USA Wrestling female offi­ cial in Michigan when I was running the little kids club through USA Wrestling. She left us when she got married and her husband Joe was in the service. “As soon as they moved back, her kids started wrestling and then she got involved with the club and the high school.” “She did everything for us. She did the stats. She ran the tournaments for us. She takes all the pictures. She was running our website, our Facebook. Then, right with that, she went right in with helping me do the WAAAM program and helping me do the whole program of it.” Jackson has four children: sons Joey, John and Cole and a daughter, Christi. Jan Jackson (seated right) accepts her Michigan Wrestling Association 2020 Wrestling Volunteer of the Year Award from former Lakewood varsity wrestling coach Bob Veitch while joined by Lakewood High School athletic director Mike Quinn (back left) and current Lakewood varsity wrestling coach Tony Harmer at Lakewood High School in December. Jackson is not the only member of the Lakewood wrestling family being honored by the MWA this winter. It was announced last month that Veitch and his predecessor at Lakewood, Norm Young, are members of the MWA Hall of Fame Class of 2020. The Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame’s first induction ceremony occurred forty two years ago in 1978 and inducted ten of Michigan’s legends in the sport of wres­ tling. This year’s Class of 2020 also includes coach Tony Bird from Springport High School and coach Jim Morisette from Anchor Bay High School. Veitch is being inducted as a coach while Young is being honored as an elite athlete with a boost from his years of coaching as well. Jackson remembers Young as her middle school physical education teacher at Lakewood. He coached the Lakewood High School wrestling program, and was Veitch’s coach before he returned to take over the pro­ gram. “She has been a great asset to our sport and to our club and to our high school programs,” Veitch said. Volleyball and swim wrapped up by Jan. 16 now the plan The holiday break from school did not slow down the updates coming from the Michigan High School Athletic Association as to when the remaining 32 teams in the Girls Volleyball Tournament and individuals from 128 schools who have qualified for the Lower Peninsula Girls Swimming & Diving Finals may restart their postseasons. Practice for the remaining fall sports partic­ ipants is underway once again this week, and the MHSAA announced Dec. 29 that champi­ onship events for both volleyball and swim­ ming will conclude Jan. 16. The MHSAA also announced Wednesday morning that a limited number of spectators (immediate family) will be allowed at the remaining volleyball and football postseason events. The Girls Volleyball Tournament will pick up with Quarterfinals on Jan. 12, followed by Semifinals on Jan. 14-15 and Finals on Jan. 16. Semifinals and Finals will be played at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team is slated to face Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard in a state quar­ terfinal match Tuesday, but a time and place for that match have yet to be revealed. The Girls Swimming & Diving Tournament will conclude with Finals during the weekend of Jan. 15-16 at three sites - Division 1 at Hudsonville High School, Division 2 at Grand Rapids Northview High School and Division 3 at Lake Orion High School. The Diving Finals will take place Friday, Jam 15, followed by all Swimming Finals on Jan. 16. Thornapple Kellogg High School junior Abby Marcukaitis, a member of the Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team has qualified for the Division 1 Finals in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100yard backstroke. The MHSAA announced Wednesday that a limited numbers of spectators will be allowed for the final rounds of the Football and Girls Volleyball Tournaments, “per approval received today from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).” Football teams will receive 125 tickets, to be divided among game participants for pur­ chase by immediate family members via the GoFan digital ticketing platform. Volleyball teams will receive 50 tickets, also to be pur­ chased by immediate family via GoFan. Spectators in different households must be spaced out by six feet and maintain distancing at all other times including arrival and depar­ ture from the game facility. Spectators also must wear fact masks at all times. Football restarts Saturday (Jan. 9) with 8-Player Semifinals and 11-Player Regional Finals, with championships for 8-player Jan. 16 and for 11-player Jan. 22-23 at sites to be announced. Spectators will not be allowed at swimming and diving finals because those events will Are you looking for a career that changes lives? Train now to become an emergency medical technician (EMT)l In less than a year, you can earn a certificate and a State of Michigan EMT license through the Basic EMT Academy at Kellogg Community College. ' .■ ■ ' ■ ■ How do I get started? Visit westmiworks.org/emt/ A West Michigan Works! staff person will assist you with: • Kellogg Community College application. • FAFSA application. • Assess eligibility and apply for other funding opportunities. • Career coaching and training prep. • Job search and employment assistance. DID YOU KNOW? • EMT is one of the top 100 fastest growing, high-demand jobs in West Michigan. • You may qualify for training scholarships or grant funding to complete EMT training at little to no cost to you. • EMTs in our region earn a median wage of $16.76 per hour. Deadline to enroll is Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. MICHIGAN WORKS! 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The hunt will will be held Jan. 7-10 and Jan. 14-17. “This season will provide an additional opportunity for deer management in the bovine tuberculosis (bTB) area,” said Emily Sewell, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife health specialist. “Increased antlerless harvest in these counties is important to reducing the number of deer interacting with farms and helps to limit the number of bTB-infected wildlife and cattle herds in the future.” Hunters who do not own property in the area are still able to participate. The Hunting Access Program offers access to quality pri­ vate land across the state to provide more hunting opportunities. Many locations are available in the five-county hunt area. Enrolled properties can be viewed at Michigan .gov/HAP. Hunters can take antlerless deer with an unused 2020 deer or deer combo license or a private-land antlerless license for Deer Management Unit 487. Additional tags can be purchased at any DNR license agent through Jan. 12. Disease control permits issued for 2021 will also be valid for use during this hunt. Successful hunters can bring their deer to the Alpena, Atlanta or Mio DNR deer check stations between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. any day of the hunt. For added convenience, several 24-hour self-service drop boxes are available throughout the region to submit deer heads for bTB testing. The use of a smartphone is required to use the drop boxes. Check station and drop box locations can be found at Michigan .gov/DeerCheck. The DNR strongly encourages anyone who is successful during this hunt to submit their deer head for testing. On average 40% of deer infected with bTB show symptoms such as nodules in the lungs and ribcage; 60% of infected deer show no signs of the disease. The only way to be sure the deer is not infect­ ed is to submit the head for testing at either a check station or a drop box location. Contact DNR wildlife health specialist Emily Sewell at SewellE@Michigan.gov or 231-340-1821 with any questions. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-01-14.pdf c7e4aa30d52e273055dded4cd57dede4 PDF Text Text development to proceed ’ World miss Lasorda s Msdom See Page 4 Five final fours in a row for VikinSs See Story on Page 13 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 55641517 ................... CAR-RT LOI”C 003 C0C3 ANNER Hastings Pub’.x Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-A954 VOLUME 167, No, 2 Thursd^J^^X^2021 PRICE $1-0° 'Greatest hope’ to open for in-person dining Feb. 1, governor says LQGaLrestaurateurs notoptirnistic Luke Froncheck Staff Writer and Bridge Magazine The restaurant industry is in tatters. Mike Barnaart, owner of Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro in Hastings, said Wednesday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Feb. 1 as the next possible date for restaurants to open for in-person dining. This extension of a 58-day “pause” on indoor dining is wrecking havoc with these local businesses. Julie Fox, owner of Curly Cone, near Gun Lake, said that, based on state directives thus far, she has zero confidence that restaurants will re-open for in-person dining Feb. 1. The way Whitmer has been handling restaurants “could not make it any more mis­ erable on restaurant owners.” Fox said. Enacted to slow the spread of the coronavi­ rus, the ban on indoor dining — which had been set to expire Friday — is the highest profile of all the restrictions the administra­ tion adopted in November and extended in December to stem a deadly wave of the virus that has sickened nearly 400,000 and killed 6,500 since early October. Health officials have said three key factors inform their decision on easing restrictions: case rates, hospitalization rales and test posi­ tivity. But a Bridge Michigan analysis of national coronavirus statistics shows that Michigan has some of the lowest case, hospitalization and positive test rates in the country. Here’s how Michigan stands: Cases: Michigan averaged 64 new daily cases for every 100,000 people in early December, roughly 6.400 a day. the 35th highest rate in the country. The rate has fallen by nearly half to 35 daily cases this week. Only three states have lower rates. Hospitalizations: Michigan had more than 4,000 COVID-19 patients in slate hospitals in early December, when its rate per million put it 22nd in the country. The state now has fewer than 2.400 in hospitals and ranks 35lh in COVID-19 patients per million. Testing: In early December, an average of 123 percent of all coronavirus tests were pos­ itive, the 25th highest rate in the country. It’s Director of Nursing at Thornapple Manor Liz Bishop receives the COVID-19 vaccine Dec. 31. (Photos provided) More people qualify for vaccinations in Barry County Mike Barnaart, owner of the Walldorff Brewput and Bistro in Hastings, says all restaurants are struggling with the state's COVID-19 edicts. The 58-day ‘pause’’ fol­ lowed by a two-week extension is pushing back a likely restaurant re-opening date to February. A hard-start date is best for restaurant owners so they would be able to prepare for it, Barnaart said. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) now at 9.3 percent, which is good for 39th. Even so, all rates in Michigan are higher than they were in the summer, when there were fewer than 1.000 daily cases and less than 700 patients hospitalized statewide for the coronavirus. “While indeed the numbers in Michigan are trending down and Michigan is doing well compared to other states, I think we need to be cautious during these next two weeks or so,” said Joseph Eisenberg, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan. And epidemiologists and others point out that, while Michigan’s restrictions have impacted case rates to some degree, exactly how much is unclear. Other factors affecting case rates include public awareness, behavioral changes and even weather, they said. On Tuesday, the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association released a statement on See DINING, page 2 Lansing braces for violence Some say, threats aren’t being taken seriously Madeline Halpert Bridge Magazine and Taylor Owens Banner Staff Writer Lansing officials are bracing for right­ wing violence, as the city’s mayor is calling on the Michigan National Guard to safe­ guard the city and officials plan to erect a 6-foot fence around the state Capitol on Friday. . On Tuesday, amid FBI warnings of vio­ lent plans by extremists nationwide, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor petitioned Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to deploy the Guard, while Capitol officials confirmed they are taking precau­ tions on the advice of the state police. “We have plywood ready to go in case windows are broken,” said John Truscott, vice chairman of the Capitol Commission that oversees the state’s capilol building. The safeguards follow a chaotic week in Washington, D.C. when a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters breached the US Capilol, leaving dozens injured and five dead, including a D.C. police officer. An FBI bulletin, find reported by Yahoo News, warns dial armed protests are planned . aIl*50 states this week until Presidentdecl Joe Biden’s inauguration in Washington, n C. on Jan. 20. . The m*110 clabns thaI Michigan-based members of the far-right Boogaloo moveiire planning violence during the pro01 tc — and one follower suggested using a 1 asoline-based device with a tripwire to cause a distraction so others could “take” the Capitol. “Given recent events in Washington, D.C., we must prepare for the worst,” Schor said in a Tuesday statement. Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf confirmed that some Barry County residents were al the U.S. Capilol building in Washington on Jan. 6. But Leaf said he has not been notified of investigations into the actions of any Barry County residents relating to the mob’s attack on the U3. Capitol last week. Last year, the sheriff was rebuked by state and local officials after his public comments appeared to defend the actions of men who were later charged as part of the alleged plot to storm the slate Capitol. State officials say police prevented that planned attack on the state Capilol in Lansing as well as a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last October. Thirteen individuals were arrested in con­ nection with those alleged plots. Among them were twins William and Michael Null, from Barry County, who were released on bond last month. They are due in an Antrim County court Feb. 17 for a preliminary examination on the stale charges. Now Michigan is joining with other states that are boarding Capitol building windows and beefing up security — and state officials say that threats against them are increasing but not always deemed credible by police. Police acknowledge that broad threats have arisen since the Nov. 3 election, but say they must specifically target an individual group or person to be deemed credible for investigation. "Not every disgusting act of language is a crime," said Matthew Schneider, U.S. Attorney in die Eastern District of Michigan. Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D.Livoniili said she and her staff have feared for thcir safct>. since last spring but law enforcement hasn’t always adequately pursued credible threats against them. "lite fact that they are wiUm top^ect the Capitol structure bu( 6 P |e within it is inexcusable,” sa-1 r State police spokeswo^ n Banncr sa.d she ts not aware of credible threals in which the MSP was mvolvcd |ha| not been acted upon. ‘Heed that warning’ While Banner disputed pohu|sky ’s asser­ tion. she acknowledged tha( slale Hce are aware of “online promotion- of marches and have increased police pteSence outsi(k thc Capitol “out of an abundance ofcaution- for the next few weeks. “Security enhancements incjU(je both seen and unseen ineasujts;’ sbc saill “We are in communication WiQj federal offi­ cials and other stalesLansing Police "1 ®*sist the stale police if they request backup, bl|( Michigan State Police are the Primary |aw enforce- See VIOLENCE, page 12 Taylor Owens Staff Writer While Spectrum Health is massively ramp­ ing up its vaccine distribution capability to meet new demand, vaccines remain in short supply. - The number of people eligible to be yaccinated greatly increased Monday, and now includes people 65 and older, school staff, first responders, corrections workers and employees of homeless shelters, congregate child care institutions and adult and child pro­ tective services. This adds to the hospital workers and emergency medical first respond­ ers who were previously eligible. According to data from the U.S. Census, about 19 percent of Barry- County is 65 or older, which is more than 11.600 residents. While Spectrum has continued to receive somewhat sporadic deliveries of the vaccine from the State of Michigan, it has not been nearly enough to meet up with the demand. “We have no supply of vaccines at this time and will pause scheduling (vaccinations) unlit we receive another shipment,’’ a notice on. spcctrumhcalth.org stated Wednesday, People will still receive a vaccine if they had already scheduled an appointment, but that will be the end of the current stock. “The demand is obviously incredibly high, and we’re doing our best,” Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan, said. See VACCINATIONS, page 2 COVID-19 cases, contact tracing triggers quarantine of 105 Hastings students Sophie Bates Staff Writer In the eight days since the Hastings Area School System returned to in-person classes and began a new semester, 13 students have tested positive for COVID-19 and were sent h°I^e addition, approximately 92 students were determined to have been close contacts and they also were sent home to quarantine. “Students were sent home either based on testing positive or being determined as a close contact from close contact tracing, mtenm Superintendent Matt Goebel said. The large majority of these students are enrolled at the high school. And we are evaluating the thresh­ old daily of whether or not to adapt the leam- in GoeW Mid “ P°rtion of ,hc cases are rel”,‘’ ed m s^iai’gatherings that occurred outside ^"Specifically, at the high school level, we did hTve some folks who. for whatever rea­ son they got together socially," Goebel said "You know, it sparks. If one kid has tested oodtive" what it does is it sparks close conmds and then possibly positive cases. TOe district began sending students home when in-person learning resumed Jan. 6. Sfo« thema small number of students have sent home to quarantine each day since the.q . 11 we did have a considerable Jan' r/sf ’ctudentsl that we had close-con“"Xed » wetd <o » “nsiderable amount (home) and then yesterday it wasn’t JTXv ” Goebel said Wednesday morning. ”i. re illv depends on the close-contact tracing me positive tests and the information that " 5 back frnrn the health department. So I sav yes. we are seeing some either ^sitive or close contact increase at the high ^Most of the students sent home to quaran­ tine will be ablc 10 re'unl 10 claSSeS Jan’18 Or 19. “Specifically, at the high school level, we did have some folks who, for whatever reason, they got together socially. You know, it sparks. If one kid has tested positive, what it does is it sparks close contacts and then possibly positive cases.” Matt Goebel, Hastings Area School System interim Superintendent Additionally, two non-instructional staff members in the district have tested positive for the virus, and one teacher has been identi­ fied as a close contact; all three are currently in quarantine. Goebel meets with representatives from the Barry-Eaion District Health Department Calhoun County Public Health Department weekly to continuously evaluate COVU>i9 rates in the community. However, as the health agencies’ rvsourve^ are spread thin due to the pandemic, to departments arc relying on school administra­ tion, staff, parents and, occasionally, students to complete contact tracing. “We have been working with the Eaton health department, parents and students io determine whether a student is positivc’J* if they are considered a close contact.” said. “This allows us to coordinate elK*1* with the Barry-Eaton health department o quarantine dates and when students n*> return to in person learning. nUCt they depend on ds to c!o*'conUC See CASES, Pa& 5 �2 — Thursday, January 14 2O21 — The Hastings Banna* ' DINING, continued ■from page 1 7h^."n,‘""a' indus'O’ for 2020. nomic free-fall as a result of coronavisures and capacity limits due < fnjl-servicc rus pandemic. 87 percent o fraflChisc restaurants - independent, chain . sales report an average 36 percent drop >" ‘Hat operators rcsponscs were Series and offend 1’°^.mcnus’ soId grostay afloat. a e°hol-to-go to try and : Facebook saying the re-opening date was ; pushed back until Feb 1 to give owners time ;to work out their supply chain issues and fie . ure out staffing. » J A re-opening of in-person dining will “like­ ly include a limited capacity and curfew and ‘then possibilities for restaurants that take , additional public health measures to have a .higher capacity limit,” the MLBA statement said. Although wc are disappointed with the • idea of being closed for another two weeks • finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel is 'certainly reassuring.” ; But the biggest challenge is getting people • back to work.in the restaurant industry. Barnaart said W.thout those people, he can’t . even assemble a staff to open for in-person 'service. ‘ • Slart is the best-case scenario .for us, Barnaart said. “We have to replenish . inventories, update our menus, and get staff .back.” b •he hJdusti°^(Orn" ,rKnds didn'' o'l5c' revenue.” , average Kennedy said that industry w ‘ *rCt.rlt is profit margin of between 5 and The unsustainable: “The future remains h ’fcjcS tide of restaurant closures and ban continues to rise — sweeping away J some of the most venerated independc • chain restaurants." « j7 Kennedy predicted that, as of percent of restaurants - more than 11 • establishments - had closed. . “The vast majority of permanently restaurants were well-established businesses, and fixtures in their communities,” he sai • “On average, these restaurants had been business for 16 years, and 16 percent had been open for at least 30 y ears.” •rate the rwilion/jbuI 'hey do illus•nent of revtaurateun"nNRAOn’and idem of revein-h ’ ,NJlA senior VKC PrcsRi'hlcstiid. -^hn. ld k’°wl«<ge Hudson ate many “The pandemic served to accelerwhile it t«uS"mon C “ei"8tally access , co,’!,un,e’s huw Io digi» mXTt'hJn‘ ‘-Ca,S lhc> wan'“*’ '■> he vice president nf*" ?}?nnccty’ NRA executive congressional leadU *C <®Wrs’scnt a ,ctler tn “A lot of people think we can just flip a switch and re-open, but it is not that easy. We’re going to have to limit everything - our hours, menu, and even the days we’re open - until we can build a staff back." Mike Barnaart, Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro owner ! “It’s been brutal and tough, but we will ; make it,” Fox said. “Me and my team are too •stubborn not to make it. ...I have 30 people • relying on me to keep my restaurant going so ‘ they can put food on the table for their fami­ lies.” The closure has put a similar strain on Bamaart’s employees. When the second shut­ down came Nov. 18, he had to lay off one of their cooks. “He applied for unemployment tlie next day, but he still hasn’t seen a penny.” he said. ** Barnaart said he only has a handful of peo­ ple on staff right now, meaning that - even if Ctfie restaurant industry had the go-ahead to Scgin in-person dining on Friday - they ^would nOt be able to re-open. *« “A lot of people think we can just flip a ••Switch and re-open, but it is not that easy,” he . “We're going to have to limit everything > our hours, menu, and even the days we’re .opej " we can build a staf^ick.” . >ple have left xhe restaurant induSy -- of jobs in other sectors,’Barnaart ‘ issue, he sai<; is that people • can’t return to the restaurant industry and be ‘confident their Job is stable. I Even with all the challenges, Barnaart said, .they never Came close to shutting down perAanently. “We actually anticipated being in •the situation we are now,” he said, “we’re financially sound.” ••. «The Walldorff could stay open indefinitely, /but fie said he’s not anticipating another long­ term shutdown. “We’re OK for now, and we are anticipat­ ing a good re-opening,” Barnaart said. . Jack Nadwomik, owner of Tujax in Delton, .said they have been experiencing similar chal­ lenges. “This has been a lot harder than the first shutdown,” he said. “It’s obviously affected us negatively.” Nadwomik said he and his staff were look­ ing forward to opening this month, but now he’s just hoping that he can re-open at least 50-percent capacity in February. But he added The Walldorrif Brewpub & Bistro is among about 50 restaurants in Barry County that have been working hard to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) that he doesn’t think 50-percent capacity is likely. Jennifer Heinzman, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, said that, after speak­ ing with state officials, she expected restau­ rants to open at 25-percent capacity Feb. 1. In the meantime, Nadwomik said his staff has been offering carry-out service to stay afloat. While they haven’t been in danger of shut­ ting down, Nadwomik said he’s heard of other places that are straggling. “There are going to.be places that will have to shut down,” he said, “But, hopefully, it won’t be as bad as some as the predictions say it was going to be.” Fox said the Barry County Foundation should “get special recognition for helping us stay afloat." Led by foundation Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Gettys, S83.OOO from the foundation’s Feed Barry County Program fund money was divided up among 50 local restaurants in the form of gift cards. The gift cards were pur­ chased for local restaurants and then gifted to the local veterans affairs office, Barry' County United Way and local food banks. The cards are provided for families in need in a way that : supports local restaurants. In December, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association released data that tracks ithe economic impact of COVID-19 on the ] hospitality industry in Michigan. “The data is settled,” Justin Winslow, ]MRLA President and CEO, said. “It is funda­ imentally clear that the pandemic is decimat­ ing the hospitality industry in this slate to a degree never seen or even imagined. While it will take several years and a stable economy to reclaim the size, impact, and opportunities produced by this industry, we have not yet reached the bottom.” The MRLA survey shows that 5,600, or 33 percent, of Michigan restaurant operators said it is unlikely they will still be in business in six months; 89 percent of Michigan restaurant operators expect their sales to decrease during the next three months; tnd 63 percent expect their staffing levels to decrease over the same Period. . ... . . The data also, shtfs that 48 percent of Michigan restaurpex Operators say they are considering closing their restaurants until the COVID-19 pandemic passes, and 90 percent of Michigan operators say their profit margin is lower than before the COVID-19 outbreak. Winslow released a statement on Dec. 7, 2020. saying jhat MRLA wasn’t “surprised by tire governors decision” to extend the shut­ down order, but they remain “exceptionally disappointed.” “Wc firmly believe there is a better approach - one followed by 45 other states - that doesn’t use blunt force closure of a single industry to resolve a shared crisis.” Winslow said. “We maintain that a more nuanced approach that allows for limited indoor capac­ ity with a curfew will result in greater compli­ ance, better health outcomes and substantially reduced economic fallout.” Tuesday, the National Restaurant Association released u nationwide survey of 6.000 restaurant operators and 1,000 custom- iEmma Kathleen Baker was born t? at 1 p.m., Jan. 1, Barry County’s first baby of 2021. (Photos provided) hr 4-1*1 ( I (liVC » r -’f :n.i f ‘ ’» ’ Pennock announces Jake and Meghan Baker welcome new baby Emma at Spectrum Health Pennock’s Family Birthing Center. “Our time spent at the Pennock Family Birthing Center was great," the family said. "All the nurses and my midwife took such great care of us and answered any questions we had. Emma’s labor and delivery went so smoothly. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience." VACCINATIONS, continued from page 1 — Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? AJBiSaS^ WEE TES NEW , SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS more Hastings Banner (269) 945.9554 www.hastin95banner.com Thomapple Manor Administrator Don Haney is vaccinated for COVID-19 On Monday, the health network had about 20,000 doses on hand, and planned to admin­ ister all of them by the end of the week. About 11,000 of those were scheduled for members of the public. But Elmouchi estimated there are between 300,000 and 400,000 people eligible to receive the vaccine across the 16 counties Spectrum Health serves. 'fhe most recent information he received from the Stale of Michigan is that Spectrum will soon receive a delivery of 3.000 Pfizer vaccines. He said he did not know when more Modema vaccines would arrive. Spectrum’s goal is to administer vaccines within days of receiving them. “Vaccines are like gold. We don’t want anything to go to waste," Elmouchi said. Spectrum Health Pennock was expected to vaccinate its first members of the public Thursday. The clinic there was set up to vac­ cinate 60 people in group 1A, but Pennock representative Janine Dalnnn said there were able neonte ? u ‘tfc 1,1,1 '•“rrcnlly avail- -nyehatt Wtnthea!^ “ aVail’bk eoiitinlL?va'"Vd|'‘;'|’ BatT> Cou,,l> ,,aii ! j week. There hav . 1 V,rUS’ UP fnMn 146 deaths rw- "O ^ordcd C°V1°; seven days. °unty within the paSf �._ pagQ ? Tbo Hastings Banner — Thursday. January M. 202 Paycheck Protection Program reopened Monday Luke Froncheek t Staff Writer ^TuXn“nityfor'oca,sma' i business to^X^11"5’^'™ were ab!e Program loan?MoX an f k *°'cc,io" trerns <ay‘and sec°nd draw ppp Small Busine a^’the United Stales Stares Admin'sl™.on and the United nmCM of Tre'TW <his was to promote access to capital" in a Jan. 8 press ,nJ?n?>Rd^d thaI PPP wil1 °Pcn >o I»nicipahng lenders "shortly thereafter." the °r lhC PPP program comes from y approved $900 billion federal P^kage specified $325 million for small businesses - and most of those funds are designated for paycheck protection programs. °^Ompan^es interested in applying for a new pp loan, we strongly urge you to promptly consult with your financial institu­ tion and tax adviser to ensure you have the latest information as elements are still evolv­ ing and are prepared to act as the Ioan funds become available,” Jennifer Heinzman, presi­ dent of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, said in Friday’s press release. During this PPP round, borrowers may set their loan-covered period to be any length between eight and 24 weeks to best meet their needs, Heinzman said. Also, Ioans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker pro­ tection expenditures. Other essential information that Heinzman said local business owners should be know includes eligibility expansion to include 501(c)6 organizations, housing cooperatives, direct marketing businesses, among other types of organizations and a greater flexibility for seasonal employees. Heinzman said several existing PPP bor­ rowers may request to modify their first draw PPP Ioan amount, and other current PPP bor­ rowers are now eligible to apply for a sec­ ond-draw PPP loan. The Small Business Administration and Department of Treasury announced the PPP program restart Friday. “The Paycheck Protection Program has successfully provided 52 million loans worth S525 billion to America’s small businesses, supporting more than 51 million jobs,” Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said. “This updated guidance enhances the PPP’s targeted relief to small businesses most impacted by COVID-19. We are committed to implementing this round of PPP quickly to continue supporting American small business­ es and their workers.” The new round of PPP prioritizes small-business employees by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and cer­ tain other expenses through March 31 and by allowing several borrowers to apply for a second draw PPP loan. “The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most,” SB A Administrator Jovita Carranza said. “Today’s guidance builds on the success of the program and adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing target­ ed relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery.” Borrowers may be eligible for a second draw PPP loan if they previously received a first draw PPP loan and have correctly used the full amount. They also must continue to have no more than 300 employees and demon5lraie at least a 25 percent reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. . u c _ . Only businesses in operation before 1 eo. 15 2020, are eligible for the PPP program. 1 Churches and faith-based organizations • are eligible for PPP loans, Heinzman >11 ^sixty percent of PPP funds have to be used „..vroll expenses for the money to be for°"Phle on tax returns, she said. Payroll 8iv'a es include salaries, retirement, group heafth insurance and other wage-based exPenS!Susc the smallest businesses and those in low- and moderate-income areas IoC3t ften shut out of the first round of PPP were oi biIi ^^^€5 set-asides for small funding’ fewer than 10 employees, busing |oW/rnoderate-incoine areas, and tho$e ’n sinall community banks, credit funds community-based lenders.” union* a -d. flcinzni^ .fully level the playing field, “This icr for snuj|er, needier busmess‘dtese forgivable loans.” she added. esto^1111 rnrrec«on lA*1 seal of the laic Barry Township The vacalveslcy Kahler will remain empty , A Jan. 7 article in the Hastings Ba»"er would1* 1 *iU’ «r-< “ 7 *ntcr‘m rePlacement President TrumP impeached a second time • grounds and mc^» ^J^mob chanted Barry Countys representative among. IQ Republicans who support the action — •Hang M,kc. LtrcganlhJ^,dcnt assailed the vice preside ccrtifjca(ion vote, saying he the courage to do what shoaaoUrCon^done to protect our country a vi(LUl,on-’ The pres­ ident also c Who M^/Wwing his admiration forthi ^ed the Capitol while Congress atlack "I' we‘ghSX^bcfot^ld ’’onl held Greg Chandler Staff Writer Three days after taking the oath of office this seat for - X pmsideml Was elevated to represent Michigan’s ’Fliird Congressional to the presidency’ a nece- /s Pardon of District in the United States House of Richard Nixon w0Und slcP10 niove Representatives. Rep. Peter Meijer found the nation pas*1 ’ rcsi Watergate, but himself and his fellow lawmakers under it followed Nixon- „ gnaUon and a tanceofrespons^M attack. The Jan. 6 attack on (he U.S. Capitol took ••Since last week, to continued, “the place as Meijer. who represents Barry president has acJ **ponsibility for County, and other lawmakers were debating the violence bl1- rl imp^h"Clions inspired. the certification of Arizona’s electoral col­ ■This vote (for .0I!7*™>cnt) is not a lege votes for President-elect Joe Biden. victory. It i*n 1 U. , Party» and it On Wednesday, a vote to impeach isn’t the victory might think it President Donald Trump for ‘‘incitement of is. I’m not sure it for our country. insurrection” in connection with that attack But it is a call to * or to on passed in the House by a vote of 232 to 197. these events and se • )s to correct them. “I have wrest!'ed h» the division this Meijer was one of 10 Republicans who sup­ ported the action. vote will cause. I <xl with the prece­ “We saw profiles in courage during the dent it will cstab is nd j haVe concerns assault on the Capitol.” Meijer said in a with due process. ave Wrestled with statement released Wednesday. “Police offi­ whether impcachnienit, an inherently politi­ cers, badly outnumbered, putting their lives cal process, is «hie' ng^g(|Jnec|wnjsm on the line to save others. Members of . accountability i°r e seriousness of the Congress barricading doors and caring for president’s actions. colleagues. A vice president who fearlessly “But. today, my joo is to apply my best remained in the Capitol and refused to bow judgment to the article of inipcachment thal to the mob. is on the floor of the U .b. Congress. With the “There was no such courage from our facts at hand. I believe the article of impeach­ president who betrayed and misled millions ment to be accurate. 1 he president betrayed ... The one man who could have restored his oath of office by seeking to undermine order, prevented the deaths of five Americans, our constitutional process, and he bears including a Capitol Police officer, and avoid­ responsibility for inciting the violent acts of ed the desecration of our Capitol shrank insurrection last week. from leadership when our country needed it “With a heavy heart, I will vote to impeach the most. President Donald J. Trump." “As gallows were erected on Capitol The president will face a Senate trial next. ‘With a heavy heart, I will vote to impeach President Donald J. Trump.’ - Statement of U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Third District Meijer, a Republican and Iraq War veter­ an, was elected to represent the Third District, which includes Barry County, last November, defeating Democrat Hillary Scholten. He succeeded former Congressman Justin Awash, who had left the Republican Party last year over its support of Trump. In a statement released prior to the Jan. 6 attack. Meijer shared his concerns about the November election, but said that Congress was not in a position to overturn the results. t "It’s abundantly clear that our election "process must be reformed. The discrepancies seen throughout the 2020 election are unac­ ceptable to me and to the people of West Michigan," Meijer said in the statement. “B'e must have electoral processes that are beyond reproach and do not allow room for inconsistencies or fraud. These issues, how­ ever, cannot be fixed if we set the precedent that Congress can choose the president. In doing so, Congress would strip the power to elect the president from the American people and put it in the hands of the political estab­ lishment. ” Meijer went on to say, "It is not our job to disqualify electors based on our own beliefs as to whether fratuEoccurred in that state’s election. It is Congress’ job to uphold the integrity of the Constitution and respect states’ authority in the election process. Any interpretation otherwise Is extremely ' genius and one that threatens the wilt of voters. W? cannot and should not relegt t more powers to the federal government o\ t how states conduct elections. Doing so on y gives (he Democrats exactly what they w*1e been after for years - to fully federalize elec­ tion control and trample on states’ cnnstitu- t tionally-grantcd authority. , "Just three days ago I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution above any policy agenda. This is a responsibility I do not take lightly and, while I may not be happy with the outcome of this election, the idea of objecting to the Constitution s clearly . defined text regarding Congress’ role is not , one I can support." . In the days since the Jan. 6 attack, Meijer has issued strongly-worded criticism direct­ ed toward some of his party colleagues. “W? got to this point because a number of folks, a number of politicians, a number of ~ myfellow Republicans, told things they knew were lies. They told people there was a sto­ len election." Meijer said in a Jan. 7 video. "They told people if they came out that they could change it, that they could put President Trump in power for a second term. They told them this blowing this wasn't true. They lied. They deceived. They did it either to save their own political skins or to make a quick fundraising buck. It’s contemptible." Meijer voted no Tuesday on the resolution by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to demand Vice President Mike Pence and the cabinet invoke the 251^ Amendment, declaring that Trump is unfit to sene in office. The measure passed 223-205 with only one Republican - Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois - joining the Democratic majority. "It’s not Congress’ place to tell [the vice president] how or when to execute grave responsibilities," Meijer tweeted before the " vote. "Congress has another mechanism at its disposal to compel such an outcome." Fisk named Middleville village president Greg Chandler Staff Writer * -w The youngest member of the Middleville Village Council has been named the village’s new president. /Xmanda Fisk, w ho was elected as a trustee to the council in November 2018, was appoint­ ed to the president’s office by her colleagues Tuesday night. She succeeds the late Charlie Pullen, who died Nov. 20.2020, of complica­ tions from COVID-19. Pullen had been the village’s president since 2009. ' •' Fisk, 35, was one of three candidates who were considered for the president’s position, along with trustees Mike Cramer and Kevin Smith. President Pro Tempore Sherry Ronning look a straw poll of council members to see who they would support. Fisk and Cramer each supported themselves. The remaining council members - Ronning, Smith, Mike Lytle and Ed Schellinger - all supported Fisk. A formal motion followed, with Fisk being unanimously supported. “I support you in whatever help you need. I look forward to your leadership.” Ronning said. Fisk has several major goals she would like to see accomplished this year, most nota­ bly approval of an onlinar.ee that would legal­ ize marijuana-based businesses in the village. f 5 “Seeing that thro^b was part of the rea­ son I ran-for council irt^hc first place. I’m excited to see that pcarihg Is end,” Fisk wrote in a text message/ollowingthc meeting. Fisk also sa/d she sect adjusting and reviewing the village’s contract with the Barry County Sheriff’s Department a top priority. In addition, she supports continued park development, including improvements to the riverbank parks, Calvin Hill Park and the Paul Lyke returning to chamber in new role Greg Chandler Staff Writer Nichole Lyke is reluming to the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance after nearly two years as downtown development director in Middleville. She will begin her new duties with the chamber Feb. 8, executive director Jennifer Heinzman said Monday. “It’s going to be a hybrid position,” Heinzman said. “She’s going to take on the economic development coordinator position, and then she’ll be doing some member services sluff that she used to do when she was here before.” A Hastings resident, Lyke worked for the chamber and EDA as an office and special projects coordinator for seven years until April 2019, when she was hired as Middleville’s DDA director. “We’re really excited to gel her back.” Heinzman said. “She has a lot of knowledge. She knows the area. Ever since I’ve been here, people have been saying ‘Well, when Nichole was here’ and ‘This is how Nichole did it.’ People kept referring to her. I know she’s really well-liked. It just seemed to be a natural fit to get her back.” Lyke said the chamber approached her with the opportunity to return. “Il’s a lot of the same work that I’m doing, but it’s going to be on a countywide scale, which is nice,” Lyke said. “I think there’s going to be some things that I will be able to help with in Middleville because I will have additional resources that I’m not able to do right now because I can only focus on the DDA. I’m looking forward to that.” Lyke said she will serve as a liaison between the chamber and the village in her new role. “I’ll still be working in the community quite a bit and will be helping with the transition [to a new Middleville DDA director],” she said. “If they’re not able to fill this position quickly, Jennifer has indicated dial I’ll be able to stay on in a part-time role with the village until they find somebody to step into that role. Il’s not going to be a situation where I’m going to leave them high Henry Thomapple Trail. “I embraced hiking this year as a way to get out of the house amid shutdowns and quarantines, so embracing and expanding on our distinction as a North Country Trail Town is something I’d be interested in exploring,” Fisk wrote. Fisk serves as Middleville’s representative on the Thomapple Area Parks and Recreation Commission. Finally,- Fisk-‘wants to increase contact with residents and business owners in the community. . , “The village is lacking a little in social media presence, and I think sometimes we struggle to reach members of our community in a way that works for them,” she wrote. “I definitely want to work with staff, council, and other boards and commissions to gel the message out about what we’re doing and how they can be involved.” Fisk was the top vote-getter among four candidates in the 2018 trustee election, cap­ Amanda Fisk turing 762 votes. Last year, she announced that she was running for Barry County clerk as a Democrat but later withdrew her candida­ from Lansing Community College, a bache­ cy due to work and family circumstances. Fisk is a 2003 graduate of Thomapple lor’s degree in psychology from Michigan Kellogg High School. She holds an associ­ State University and a master’s in public ‘ ate’s degree in sociology and psychology administration from Walden University. Barry County board reflects on recent losses Rebecca Pierce Editor The Barry County Board of Commissioners started its meeting with a moment . for the deaths of public servants Rutland Charter Township Trustee Marlin Walters and former Hastings City Councilman Bill Redman and “for all those citizens whose lives or livelihoods have been lost as a result “^u have lost too much,” board chairman Ben Geiger said, "but you have not lost every- N,ch°|e Lyke and dry'. Lyke-s accomplishment as DA direc|or rncluded overseetng the cons|nlclion alld opening ol the amphithe,^ Qn |he banfc. of the Thomapple Rtver. Shc aiso )aunched an outdoor family movie and i(W over a major change at the weekly Middleville Market last year, when l( transit,.,, to a late afternoon-early evening eVent in e[yort t0 get more residents to go downtown when they were not al work. "It’s been wonderful. pVe me[ a ,0( of grea, people," she said, adding, was no| easy decision to make at an. Lyke earned »n. a*$ociate’s degree in business administrah°n an ^qs master prep certification l°r “livrosofl Office from Kellogg Communit)' Lo»|e„e graduated with honors from ^.‘^^IKiri University with a bachelor’s degree m usincss administration in 2015. ., Her last day at v‘Hagc will be Feb. 4, Village Manage 1 alr‘via Rayl said. The village has begtm a search for Lyke’s replacement. I lhl“Pray God open our eyes to the good things nnd the good people that remain. In other action, the board went mto execu­ tive session to negotiate a collective bargamlareement with the Governmental ^p>0^ Labor Council Condons Unu. ,1 for Jail 1.2021, through Dec. 31, -0-5. U a f Aumrativcagreement-affecting 17 employ­ ees was approved. More details on the pact ’ l^i^P^edinnextweeVsstoty. and reXofnS36^*’ McManus, Jennifer Heinzmw and Chelsey Foster to the B'Redevelopment Authority for three year te,ms beginning Jan. I. 2021. and endmg Dec 31.2023. . „ mnrvsed 2021 Monumentatton Surveyor AEreements for Anow Land Surveys Inc. C^ne Land Surveying. P^.. fcxxd Fneincering. Inc . Jonker Land Surveys Pt. Pathfinder Engineering. Ine.. and Reynolds Heritage land Surveying & Mapping, PC.. and approved the appointment of Steven C. Koerber, Michael P. Pratt. Cameron Reid Lear, Randall J. Jonker, Ryan Miller, and Cynthia M. Koster to the county Remonumentntion Peer Review Board. > Follow Till Hastings, Banner «n> Facebook keep up to, IS printed! �P«B* 4 — Thursday. January 14, 20?, _Hikw_ Bonw( Did you ^I^Mfypinion see? Let there be light ... to handle all the traffic on IVE43 at WalPHlQ Construction is underway to add a traffic light at the intersec­ tion of M 43 and the Walmart entryway in Rutland Charter Township. The township has worked with the Michigan Department of Transportation, which is funding the project, for the past few years to install a new traffic light on M-43. Before con­ struction, MOOT crews completed several traffic studies and sur­ veyed potential locations for the new traffic light. MDOT officials •considered adding a light at Cook Road near Aldi and a blinking yel­ low light at the Walmart entryway, before choosing to install a threestop traffic light. “We’ve been working on it with MDOT for quite a while," Township Clerk Robin Hawthorne said. “It’s going in and t should be up and running, they figure, by the end of February.’’ Do you remember? Pinning a new president Banner Jan. 12.1950 New Kiwanis president - Attorney Frank Huntley, Barry County prosecutor (center), is pictured pinning the president’s pin on Gus Wingeier, who look over as head of the Hastings Kiwanis Club last week Wednesday. Stan Cummings (left) is lieutenant governor of the Michigan Kiwanis district, who installed Wingeier and other new officers of the Hastings’ service club. (Photo by Ixo Barth) Have you met? Jean Gallup knows Barry County better than most. She has lived almost her entire life in Middleville, having moved there from Battle Creek with her parents. Arthur and De Ette Baker, at the age of 2. What sets her apart from other lifelong residents, though, is the 32 years she’s spent covering local news as a reporter. Gallup’s path toward journalism began in the late 1980s when her late husband, Cecil Gallup, was laid off. Their five children were grown, and Jean decided to take a job in pub­ lic relations with the Red Cross. She was looking at the paper, reading a news release she’d written, when she saw an ad for a reporter in Middleville and decided to apply. “I just thought it sounded like a good idea to me,” Gallup said. She was hired by J-Ad Graphics, publishers of The Banner. "I had never written anything before. 1 didn’t think I was a writer.” , Her natural skills and her familiarity with the area led to her being hired. Gallup worked at J-Ad Graphics for nine years, writ­ ing f°r several publications, covering Hastings. Middleville and other areas. “At J-Ad, we covered everything in Barry County. You had a township probably and a heat like the city council or board or the schools. So. you got a pretty good, pretty wide area of expertise going there.” Gallup 53 She went on to work at the Penassee Globe in Wayland for seven years, the Grand Rapids Press for five years and WBCH for 11 years. Throughout her career, Gallup covered , 35 all over the region — including Allegan rounty. Hopkins, Caledonia and Grand Rapids — and wrote about a variety of topthe murder trials to the controversy at county level, at the village level. It’s peo। acting badly, sometimes. Eighty-fivc ^.rcent of the stuff you do is general interest ** usually not controversial - it’s just let"7 , people know what they’re doing and l‘hkcn they're doing it and why they're doing ■ And mostly how much it should cost. mostly what it is," she said "You get -over everything. So, I’ve met some real­ ly ^ally nicc l^ople. Tve met some people Jean Gallup that have a lot of authority and a lot of money.” One of the most memorable fires she cov­ ered took place at Thomapple Kellogg Schools in 1991 when a bus garage exploded and caught fire. Twenty-four school buses were destroyed in the fire, and smoke from the blaze could be seen as far away as Kentwood. “I used to chase fires all the time.” Gallup said. ”1 was al a school board meeting, about half a mile from the bus garage, and it caught on fire, and I got inside because I knew where to go. And I got an award for that at the state level and a really great picture.” In all her years living in and reporting on Barry County. Gallup has found the residents to lx* mostly good, hard-working people always willing to help each other out. “Barry County is a nice county. Ninetyfive percent of people that mn for office or volunteer for a board or committee — 95 percent are good, decent people trying to do something for the community,” Gallup said. “Once you gel into a community, like I did in Middleville, you can ask anybody to do any­ thing. and they’ll do it if they think it’s going to help you do your story or to get a picture. They ’ll do it — won’t even ask.” For her many years reporting local news for Barry County residents, Jean Gallup is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Best advice ever received: I got it from a former chairman of Barry County: “You never regret doing the right things.” If I could go anywhere in the world: Pompeii. I would like to be there, just to be there once. Book I’d recommend: “Chickenhawk” by Robert Mason. Favorite teacher and why: Millie Whalen. She was tough, and she was mean and, when you got it. she was very, very free with her praise. But you had to work it get it- She made a big difference in my life: she believed in me. She wasn’t easy on me. but she knew I could do better if sftc askcd me to. And I did. Person I’d most like to meet: Rahm Emanuel, former mayor of Chicago. I’d just like to have coffee him. Favorite season and why: Summer. I hate winter. 7 What motivates me- The biggest motiva­ tion is if you want to be successful at what you’re doing, you t0 work harder than everybody else. Greatest song CVer wrj[ten: “HU 1 Waltz Again with You” by Tervsa Brewer and “Love Utters in the Sand” by P»l Boone. When 1 was a kid 1 wantcd to be: A movie star so I could show rur everyone would see me. But 1 was ’ ,\ moment/event th,, rhanWd ,n>' 1,fc: 1 found that usually w)/* gibing absolute­ ly horrid happens to outside of your family, something bl!>0'|,ces it. Each week lhc B pWf,le> a person who makes the con? •.!. shine. Do you know someone who “JjjU be featured because of volume, J. fun-loving per­ sonality. for the storj., । die has to tell or any other reason? Jt information to Newsroom, Hasting, u 1151 N. M-43 Highway, HastiLBan?‘,? 49058: or email new.s'«'j-ad<»r-. N J ^^Phics-coib- Today’s world will miss Tommy Lasorda’s wisdom In all the percussive and wretched uproar coming out of Washington. D C., last week, many of us never noticed the treasured voice that was silenced. The passing of former baseball manager and lifelong Los Angeles Dodger ambassa­ dor Tommy Lasorda Jan. 7 at the age of 93 was more than just the end to a remarkable hie however. It was more like, according to is friend Bill Dwyre of the Los Angeles 1 irnes, a “turning down of the volume.” Most people never heard that voice or new the person from which a million lova e quips, playful insults and passionate regards camc- But America, from baseball fans of every age to those who don t know the difference between a brushback pitch and a gopher ball, is going to miss Tommy Lasorda. Most especially in a time when Lasorda’s ability to make every person he met - regardless of how they looked, what they believed or from where (hey came - feel special and welcomed. How badly wc need to replace voices like Lasorda s in today’s world. Granted, he was old school, but the values Lasorda exhibited to those around him need to be enshrined in modem life. “The only problem with success.” Lasorda said more than once, “is that it does not teach you how to deal with failure." Lasorda was a cultural observer, much in the tradition of Mark Twain. Will Rogers and a long line of comedians who not only release the pressure in society with their words and routines, but who cause us to think about and ponder our way of life. Sure, he was in the athletic world, but we were all in Tommy Lasorda’s orbit. He had something to say to all of us, and all of those quips, witticisms and observations were reflective of a value system we’re going to be bereft without. Lasorda was loyal. In a time when ath­ letes change teams nearly as often as most of us change clothes, Lasorda was a lifelong Dodger, starting out as a Minor League pitcher and staying for a career of more than seven decades as a coach, manager, vice president and permanent ambassador. “Open my veins and I’ll bleed Dodger blue," he liked to jest. Given his loyalty and passion, that may have been true. Lasorda was married to his wife. Jo, for more than 70 years, and he also stayed devoted to his Catholic faith his entire life. Sundays, when he was the Dodger manager, Lasorda made sure Mass was said in the clubhouse before games. Lasorda’s priorities were well-placed. He loved the Dodgers, but they were part of something bigger: the game of baseball. Baseball, in turn, was part of the revered American culture - and Lasorda was pas­ sionate about it all. That’s what America will miss about Tommy Lasorda. His loves and his passions transcended the game. He knew he was part of something larger, and he welcomed everyone - of every color, creed and religion - to ride along with him on life’s journey. So strong was Lasorda’s foundation that he always had room for humor, much of which he directed back at himself. He liked telling the story' of how his wife once con­ fronted him about loving baseball more than her. “Well, I guess that’s true," Lasorda told her. "but I love you more than football and hockey.” Even in his beloved faith. Lasorda had room for humor. Once on a trip to South Dakota to help raise funds for a priest and his project on an Indian reservation, Lasorda and Dwyre were offered overnight accommodations in the only housing available, a convent that had been converted to house both priests and nuns. According to Dwyre, Lasorda couldn’t wait to call home to tell his wife he was spending the night in a convent. Lasorda was once asked to give a pre­ game pep talk to the Notre Dame football team before a big game against Tennessee. "They’ll win,” Lasorda told Dwyre the night before the game. “When I make a pregame speech, the team always wins." When Dwyre called Lasorda the follow­ ing Monday to note that the Irish had lost the game despite his pregame words of inspiration. Lasorda quipped, “They were ahead at halftime, but then I had to leave to catch a plane.” Lasorda’s penchant for taking the tension out of life certainly did not diminish his accomplishments. He won two World Series titles as Dodger manager and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996. But he never shied from a challenge, especially when he knew his keen ability to motivate people could bring momentous success. In 1980. Lasorda agreed to manage the U.S. Olympic baseball team in Sydney, Australia, even though, according to Dwyre, it was made up of "fuzzy-faced prospects and Minor League castoffs.” American teams always had to use less-skilled players and could never compete because the games were always held in the summertime when Major League Baseball players were com­ mitted to the professional season at home. Arriving in Sydney to cover the Olympics for the Los Angeles Times, Dwyre mistak­ enly caught I-asorda giving another locker room speech like the one at Notre Dame, with Lasorda bellowing to the truly amateur players that they were the best team he had ever managed and that they could be play­ ing in the major leagues, "right now!” Two weeks later, the team came home with the gold medal. Lasorda believed in people and inspired them to reach for their best. Not that Tommy Lasorda was without troubles. His stories were often ribald, and his descriptive language not always fami­ ly-appropriate. Deeply difficult for him was the son he and Jo lost to AIDS, a fact he never wanted to confront or discuss. Like any personal difficulty, though, Lasorda always met disappointment with an endear­ ing maxim. ‘Talking about your troubles is no good,” he’d quip. "Eighty percent of your friends don’t care, and the rest arc glad.” Lasorda gave his troubles to his faith, and that was part of what drew people - from all walks of life - so enthusiastically to him/ Thai’s what so strongly impressed John Allen Jr., editor of the Catholic publication CRUX. "It’s sometimes thought that people too attached to their own tradition, whether it’s athletics or religion, aren’t open enough to be able to dialogue with others; that to be universal, you’ve got to be a little less spe­ cific," Allen wrote in the publication’s Jan. 10 edition. "The specific is not the enemy of the uni­ versal ... Only someone truly passionate about their own identity can appreciate that same passion in others, and really engage them on their own turf.” Allen saw that same passion in Pope John Paul II who “precisely because he was such a firm Catholic believer, others with deep religious beliefs could see him as a kindred spirit despite the differences in their creeds. Similarly, it was because Lasorda loved his team so much that even baseball fans who hate the Dodgers couldn’t help but fall in love with him." Tommy Lasorda loved baseball, but he loved people just as much. Sure, he was loyal, but he was devoted to anyone who was loyal to the good of all. That’s the mes­ sage he leaves us today, and that’s the coun­ sel from which our world so badly needs to benefit. Let s keep the volume turned up on voices like Tommy Lasorda’s. Doug VanderLaan, Guest Columnist The Hastings BcHHlei" Devoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 pub'ishedby Hastings Banner, Inc A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc ’ 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phono: (269) 945 9554 . Fax: (269) 945 5192 Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO ’ AaXE.?T:IS,NG DEPARTMENT • Hank Schuuring Scott Ommen t Mike Gtoore ? Greenfield _____________ Jennie Yonker CFO • NEWSROOM ■ Rebecca Pierce (Edi(or) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brell Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler Luke Froncheck Taylor Owens Kflnad>0,n^ counties ________ _ i65per year elsewhere . Bex 1B3 sSidc/.1:90580'^ at HoMingy Mi <9^ �21 The Hastings Bonnet — Thursday, J.inuaty । P39° 5 2u i Many share in the shame of the nation Re^®ct resources to worthy causes This letter has boon . u- . -but it is now comnelJd?™ C *n thc makinK the events of Jan ('inn., * r?cenl lcltcrs and I'istimetoshoweh? al,t,”SCal’i,alelection results This in q1C!Cr and suPP°>t the IhanLs1oahe^X“dCSSUPP'’r,<’f’an‘1 w^RepublicaRnCsteteT M>fMhcr that was the Rennhv rcPrcscn,atlvc - but Milliken and Gen^7 °f William character. Now0 ^, ’0"1- bo"> of S »'S K Ste? It’s time for all to move on from the conspiracy theories and lack of proof/fact claims, If you have time, energy and money, dedicate it to worthy causes. Support local food banks. Make a real difference in this time of need for so many people. Perhaps support Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Green Gables women’s shelter. Support medical workers by doing what is necessary to halt the spread of CO VID-19. There is much to do. Support a real cause, real need. ”4' S&7*- Diane Hoekstra, Hastings Our voices are threads in a tapestry - are we listening? To the editor: ? rcmcmbcr discussing with a group of children our five senses and asking, if we were to lose one of them, which sense would we miss thc most and why. For me. it s the sense of hearing. Hearing, and the listening that is usually a part of it, helps connect us to each other and to our surroundings. I see my father-in-law becoming increasingly confused and isolated as he refuses to use hearing aids to help him take in conversations. I can hear the traffic a half mile away from my house as trucks downshift or a vehicle drifts onto the shoulder’s rumble strips. During walks in the woods. I absorb the sound of birds calling, squirrels scolding, leaves rustling, and the stream trickling. Even when it’s snowing. I can sometimes hear the whisper of the snowflakes as they drift dow n. I am a musician, so it is important for me to hear the notes and dynamics of a song to get full appreciation of that creation. We can usually pick out the melody in a song and follow along with that. Then, another voice or instrument may juxtapose or even interrupt the main theme with a different sound or style. As more voices enter, we may hear the melody at times, the harmony at others, and ;even dissonance, as the composer extracts emotions that can be peaceful or clashing. calm or frantic, light-hearted or heavy-hitting. Upon the conclusion of the piece, we may be left with a feeling of having been blessed, challenged or even assaulted. Wc may have been actively listening, with intention, or passively letting the music wash over us, just enjoying the gift of sound. I liken symphonies, rock songs, jazz, hip­ hop and barbershop quartets to the posts I have been seeing in social media lately and with meetings 1 attend. Some people choose to listen to, and follow, a single voice, because it is familiar and in line with their values; whereas others want to hear more voices, whether harmonious or dissonant, to gain different perspectives. Sometimes I think I know which way the “music” is going to head; sometimes it goes in that direction. Other times, I am surprised when someone makes a statement that causes me to stop and consider that voice. As the voices speed up and slow down, get louder or softer, the “music” weaves a tapestry that ideally is strong and displays both diversity and unity. We and our voices are threads in various tapestries. Listen. See. Appreciate. .. <!..' z. • : . .. ■’ > <• I . -i/< • j j Christina Btisfi. Nashville Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire" letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. . In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. . We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. (j<now Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature m0|. Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. eo /<ii7) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). phone ' esentative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), State" House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building. Lansing, Ml Mich'9ph ,517) 373.0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 48933- r™ ' Dr John B|zon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517Stal®c " |Oi|.free 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. 373-2^26 or gizon p Q Box 30M6 Lansing M) 48909. mail:sen’ ’ U.S. House of Representatives iior Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House peter Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225Office Bu' - " office-110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, 451-8383. U.S. Senate Ph° Siabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. ^Qbphone nomocrat422Russell Senate Office Building, Washington. D.C. 20510- PeierS'„«i 799-o’85O. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 2202^Ph Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids. Mich. 49503-2313. phone (616) 233­ 720. 11° |jne. t-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress s'p5>g'nsa"T-®^-3«'and «he 5 To the «H'or;f lhc fx. In -The Art je.' ■ I>onaU Tn)n wmte.\1Pla>^>Ienev^s-..-IW.P why a little h)l* |ayC(j hurts. Well. TrunjP P o somc mighly dangerous Inn |u?, he pasl four.plus years, and 1 ^fcverla^ d«ne yet. will be our country • (() Jg shame that so many succum <>vertuJU,e ’’yp^bole,” thinking they co m a fajr _ ycs -election. naIi Furthenng « edof shame, we still have too many el rolC(j^k who gleefully supported - ev ? sc! he litany of lies, who wrapped » m the flags of traitors, who have: L ^Ucly lwis(cd words and meanings of Constitution and thc Holy Bible to support their ambitions of power - absolute power if they could get it. What do we do with this shame? First, wc hold accountable all “leaders” who actively sought to overturn thc election. They need to be removed from office, for they cannot claim to be true to their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution. And for those who quietly sat by while their colleagues trashed our democracy? Perhaps thc bigger shame is theirs because they simply wailed in cowardly silence to see which way the tide would take them. We need to hear them denounce thc lies. It’s not «x> late for that. The entire mob effectively killed two police Constitution is clear - as is the concept of law and order To the editor: You are either for aw and onJcr _ Qr aren’t. It would be dishonest towant protestors prohibited, arrested, or evcn gassed, pepperballed and fired upon with “less-than-lethal" weapons if you disagree uith them, but cheer on protestors with whom you agree. It would be dishonest to blame speakers who lead “Black Lives Matter” chants for the looting and violence perpetrated by a few on thc radical fringe not blame speakers who lead “Stop the Steal chants for the rioters breaking into our nation s Capitol and trashing it and perpetrating violence. And that includes when those speakers are President Trump: “You will never take back the country with weakness.” Or Rudy “trial by combat” Giuliani. Or Donald Trump Jr,; “We’re coming for you.” It would be dishonest to cheer when Donald Trump and his then-Attomey General William Barr order in thousands of quasi-military forces and unidentified federal personnel in riot gear from agencies as unrelated to protecting federal property in Washington, D.C. as ICE, to use maximum “non-Iethal” force, including buzzing with a military helicopter, to clear nonviolent protestors from in front of the White House so the president can have a photo op with a borrowed Bible in front of a damaged church and not be upset that the president and his current acting attorney general and acting secretary of ; Homeland Security did aot provide sufficient protection to keep ajr'jpapitol BUILDING, our representatives aK Congress and the democratic election proohs of counting thc electoral college votes safe.X In Washington, D.C., hw enforcement responsibilities are divided between the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the National Parks Police and the federal government. Donald Trump was exhorting die protestors on the National Mall to go to the Capilol. Why hadn’t he ordered the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to prepare for the trouble he was trying to stir up? Why weren’t federal buildings and property protected? Why was he challenging the sanctity of our elections and the count of electors which all 50 states had certified and when at least 60 court cases, including eight filed in Michigan courts and the U.S. Supreme Court, had failed to find evidence of significant fraud or malfeasance? Article II, Section I, Paragraph 3 of the United States Constitution, as amended by the 12th Amendment, clearly sets down the procedure that took place in a Joint Session of Congress Jan. 6: “The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. Tire Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be thc President.,..” That’s it. That’s what our Constitution requires. I am proud that the members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congress had the courage and the conviction to return to the chamber shortly after the rioters were cleared to carry out their constitutional duties to conclude the election of our next president. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, frairie ville Township Meijer shows great character To the editor: Hillary Scholten wou|d made a great representative to nfp a£c Justin Amash. But. on Wednesday, it °°*ed |jke we had two good candidates. By extending uncertainty. Senators Josh Hawley and Cruz helped provoke the attack on our nation^ Capitol. But Third District U.S. RtfPMeijer. R-Grand Rapids, a neweoincf* <^fended the view of 60 court opinions that ounj election was legitimate and e refused to sign on to their investigation­ Kudos to Peter rocijer’s parenb We’ve all seen the results o Parenis W|w didn’t care about the charad^ their j»on. As a result, we have a presiden lo can neyer Carole Smith, Delton officers and four others. All <>* lhen.1 ’ ntjficO pay the price. Those who can be ’ need to be brought up on charges no <•’* murder, sedition, and anything else 1 * their crimes. Many should Ik* in cu-*t(X . because they cannot be trusted ' • further harm. . Only after this reckoning can ahead to solve the many serious problem^ 1 country faces. One of those problems is need to restore trust in our government a the people we elect to keep us safe, to help all enjoy the pursuits of happiness m S’°°' health, with good jobs, in a clean environment Elspeth Inglis Delton GUEST COMMENTARY General aviation industry is key to economic recovery Jim Holcomb ics. technicians, and flight instructors, . If there’s anything that we have learned which support the local community. throughout this global pandemic, it is just Furthermore, there are businesses, like how important mobility is for our economy restaurants and car rental companies, which and society as a whole. Michigan Chamber also support the aiqxjrt and produce jobs. • of Commerce members and individuals All told, general aviation is a $247 billioneverywhere rely on our infrastructure net­ per-year industry that supports more than I work, which is an interconnected web that 1.1 million American jobs. In Michigan, ' supports our food chain, the transportation general aviation supports more than $5.2 ; of commercial goods, operations at major billion in economic output and more than • companies, and nearly every industry and 33,000 jobs, resulting in $1.4 billion in ’ sector of our country. labor income. J Trains, cars, ships, and aircraft are all General aviation also is vital in support- ‘ tools that power our economy. Here in ing critical services, including medical ‘ Michigan, that includes our network of transportation, search and rescue efforts. • local public-use airports and general avia­ and other important public services. The • tion planes, or smaller aircraft. We look a value of general aviation as a public service i devastating blow here in Michigan. has been particularly pronounced during ’ Lockdowns and quarantine measures this pandemic. 1 brought manufacturing almost to a com­ Over the past few months, general avia- J plete slop, and all but the most essential lion aircraft and volunteer pilots have been industries and companies, including their helping to move critically needed supplies. • supply chains, ground to a halt. This led to Our network of airports, paired with the I a more than 20 percent drop in employment versatility of general aviation, has proven J losses at the pandemic’s peak, and we’re invaluable in transporting personal protec- J still feeling the impact today. lion equipment, COVID-19 test samples, ■ The Michigan Chamber has seen first­ and even ventilators to areas that are desper- • . ‘ hand that this pandemic has had a ripple alcly in need of supplies. effect on our businesses and communities, But general aviation also is suffering as a ’ and has impacted companies of all sizes in result of this pandemic. Nationwiide, busi- ’ terms of efficiency and competitiveness. ness aviation activity continues to be down, ’ Business aviation, which is a part of general and some smaller airports across the coun- ’ aviation, is a critical tool that helps busi­ try have seen activity decline by as much as nesses maintain their competitive edge in 90 percent. Here in Michigan, general avia­ the global market. Our network of airports tion flight operations were down by 21 ii allows businesses and firms to rapidly con­ percent over the second and third quarters ’ nect to other parts of the nation. For exam­ of 2020, when compared with the same 1 ‘ ple, it is not uncommon for manufacturers period in 2019. Our economy is still hurting. As we try that encounter mechanical or supply prob­ lems to fly needed parts, tools, or personnel and rebuild from this pandemic, mobility • to other locations. General aviation aircraft, will be very important to every' sector. The • and our network of local airports, allow' for Michigan Chamber recognizes the impor- ! quick, point-to-point connections that allow lance of general aviation and understands ' a company to rapidly bring in an expert to that this industry is often overlooked but it ‘ troubleshoot a problem, meet with multiple is a vital part of our transportation network. < customers and reach otherwise inaccessible To attract investment and retain Michigan • locations. All this is to say that as we jobs, wc must have a healthy general avia- ’. emerge from this pandemic, our network of tion industry in our state. Our policy makers airports will play an important role in in Washington have shown great leadership ; in supporting this crucial piece of our infra- • rebuilding our economy. Public-use airports also are a critical tool structure through relief. Hopefully, the/ • used in providing access to transportation in w ill continue to do so, and slate policy mak- ' areas where there may not be commercial ers follow suit to ensure that our economy ’ . J service. To give you a sense of this: Our continues to recover. state is home to more than 200 general avi­ Jim Holcomb is the senior executive vice ■ ation airports, many of which may connect communities that do not have commercial president and general counsel of the t •! service. Public-use airports also arc job cre­ Michigan Chamber of Commerce. ators, by both training and hiring mechan­ CASES, continued from page 1 trace? Yes, they do. You know, we know the kids we know who has been in the classroom. The teachers can ask, ’Well, who> was next to this person for 15 minutes within 6 feel? so that we can communicate that to the health ^“So^ would say that we are doing a tre­ mendous amount of the close-contact tracing, especially recently, which has been quite a bit of^ it^becn a big workload on our staff. The volatility of the coronavirus makes it difficult to predict if and when students may have to return to remote learning. h Xen within one day. the close contacts can exponentially increase, depending: on how v Imidents the positive case [individual] S ". ba^d on UK- heal... depar.- nient guidelines,” Goebel said. “It is a very fragile threshold that we lake very seriously ’’ The health and safely of students is the district’s top priority, he said, but the overall benefits of in-person instruction is- an import­ ant factor to lake into consideration as well. “Anytime you have a virus like this, along with the consideration of the cold and flu sea­ son, it raises concerns about having student^ back m thc classroom. That is why we evalu­ ate the county, district, building and stadf positivity rates daily.” he said. “Safety and the overall health of our students and staff is out overall priority. We also understand that face to-face learning is the best platform that we can provide for our students.” See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. j-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �Kathleen S. Beduhn Lawrence Plaunt. age 84. known as “Tickle Grampa” to the grandkids, went home with Jesus after a stroke on January 12, 2021 at Thomapple Manor. He loved his God, family, and many friends. One of 14 siblings born in Mackinaw City, he grew up loving the Great Lakes and worked for a time on railroad car carriers across Lake Michigan. He came ’down under* to find permanent work, but always missed ‘up north’. He leaves one sister. Deborah, who lives in Florida. He and Helen O’Laughlin met and never looked back. Married for 61 years, four children: Michelle Parker. Larry and Car). Randy and Cyndi, and Penny Sue (deceased), ten grandchildren, including spouses and six great-grandchildren. He enjoyed golf. Worked for many years at FlexFab. A jack-of-all trades, he could fix an) thing. He lost two brothers at a young age, one was lost on Sicily in WWI1 and one was killed in Korea. A third brother went into the Army. He tried to enlist, but his parents slopped him. He leaves many family and friends - what more can a man ask for. He always dreamed of owning a boat, but it was out of reach, so I believe God gave me this verse: If in Heaven our dreams come true, then Larry's in a boat out there, sailing the sky of blue. Interment will occur in the spring. Arrangements by Girrbach Funend Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Lois June (Wilson) Kidder, age 88. ot Hastings, passed away on January 7, 2021. Lois was bom on November 20, 1932. in Middleville, the daughter of Waller and Ivah (Anderson) Wilson. Lois attended Thomapple Kellogg High School in Middleville. On October 6, 1950. Lois married Eugene Kidder. Jr., and they enjoyed 50 years together until his death. She worked for the creamery in Middleville and Hastings Manufacturing. Lois enjoyed baking, crocheting, and loved to walk. Lois is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ivah Wilson; her husband. Eugene Kidder. Jr., and her brother and sister-in-law. Patricia and Jack Wilson, and brother, Jim Wilson. She is survived by her daughters, Patti (Mike) Sinclair and Lorrie Sherman: grandchildren, Courtney (JT> Ter Mors, and Nicholas Sinclair: great-grandchildren. Landon Ter Mors. Mackenzie Ter Mors, Logan Ter Mors; brother, Gordon “Cork” (Mary Lou) Wilson; sister-in-law, Sally Wilson, and several nieces and nephews. Per Lois’ wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. She will be interred in Freeport Cemetery’. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc0* ail.com. Website: www. hastingsfrccmelhodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags forchilrcn are available in thc 9 a.m. service and Kid’s Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH S()5 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor f ather Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn. Hastings. Malt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages: 10:30 a.m Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade). 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6.30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E. Slate Rd.. PO. Box 273, Hastings, Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings. Ml 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday. 9.45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690 8609. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Laurie Gwen Thomas, 59. i ladings, passed away Saturday. Jan’9- 2021 • • . She was born February 16- 1961. in Hastings, the daughter of Richard Charles Thomas and Audrey Elaine* (McCrumb) Thomas. She attended school and graduated from Hastings High School in 1979. She then went on to attend Kellogg Community College. Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Western Michigan University and Davenport College, acquiring a master’s in business/marketing. She was married to Peter Aviles on October 31. 1989 in Coconut Grove. FL. ending in divorce. She did many types of work during her life. Iler places of employment included: Bronson Methodist Hospital. B. Dalton Booksellers, Greyhound Leisure Services, Blockbuster Entertainment Corp, Employment Group. Transnation Title Company, Metropolitan Title Company. Hastings Manufacturing Company. GQ1 Hastings 4 Theatre. Tty-Sales, and EXP Realty. She was also the owner of LASH Properties and worked as a paraprofessional lor Hastings Area Schools She loved working with the children. They brought the life out in her and made her laugh and smile. Laurie was definitely a well-rounded individual . i Laurie was a eo-gettcr type of person.^ Once she . hail her.jpipd sct.jKe^e stopping her. She utAed hard at multiple jobs and takingVafcAn>a newborn! whilu'livr ex-husband was/attlmg cjincer. During that time, she also graduated1 from college as valedictorian. Laurie .also took care of her parents years/later, while continuing her education and following her passion for learning. She was a huge movie fan and wanted to be a movie make-up artist. When she was younger, she loved her horses. Lauric was preceded in death by her brother. Bryan Thojnas; father. Richard Thomas: and mother, Audrey Thomas. She is survived by her daughter. Ashley (Aviles) and Remaeris Brown of Grand Rapids: sister. Lynette (Thomas) and Karl Kaiser of Hastings; stepdaughters. Tara Claudio of Chicago. IL; Daisy Aviles and Tatiana Ramos of New York. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and greal-great-nephews. Memorial contributions can be made to the Cancer Association or the Spectrum Hospice for all they do, wc want to repay them for their hard work and dedication. Services will be SaturdayJan. 16. 2021. visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. There will graveside services at E30 Pnt al Hastings Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfunerallpnienct.' SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765. (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43). Delton, Mi 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am. Nursery and Children’s Ministry Wednesday night Bible study and prayer lime 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Kathleen S. Beduhn went to be with her ,in8 husband on January' 9.2021. She was a generous and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. On epternber 8. 1928. Kathleen was born ft) arl and Ruby (Ellsworth) Hynis in Grand Rapids. Ir'\,k’r graduating from Cedars Springs . School in 1946, Kathy moved to Grand lo Work as a Bell Telephone operator. ... l e ^1ere s^e met l’1e *ove ’ier KJa.r<* ^etluhn, who preceded her in death 10 i?. , Were married for 67-1/2 years. ^athlcen leaves behind her children, erie (Lance) Bush. Adam Beduhn. Rand (Lon) Beduhn. Renee (Chuck) Collins, ^nerce (David) Newell, and Scott Beduhn: grandchildren, Anthony (Michele) Plants. King, Zachariah and Eiin vVoodlcy, Jacquelyn (Bradley) Hewett. Josh ait m) Newell, Seth Beduhn and Sarah ngerj Bishop: great grandchildren. Michael (Paige) Plants. Nicholas Plants, garlic and Cecilia King, Aiden Newell. )«U1 Bishop, Josephine and Eleanor Hewett; and great great granddaughter. Aria ants. Her beloved brother and sisters Alva Domui) Hynis. Elin Myer, and Theresa . u in as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Kathy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and GFWC of Hastings. Mie attended Hope United Methodist tliurch. Kathy screed as a Den Mother for her daughters’ Bluebird Troops and sons and grandsons Cub Scout Troops. Kathy loved to watch birds, collect bird figurines, paint ceramics and tried her hand at country painting with her dear friend Joan BcBeau. If music was playing you could always catch Kathy tapping her feet or singing Alice Rasnake Fugate, age 87. of Decatur, Arkansas and formerly of Orangeville, passed away Thursday. Jan.7.2021. She was bom January 1, 1934 to the late George Washington Rasnake and Nora Hunter Rasnake in Carella, West Virginia. Alice is survived by her former husband. James Fugate Sr, her best friend and brother. Jessie Rasnake of Martin, two daughters, Kristy Huddleston (John) and Marlene Fugate (Fred Burris) both of Arkansas; a son, James Fugate Jr. (Candy) of Michigan; grandchildren. Jordan McFarlane. Ashley Miller, Stephanie Gibson. Erik Freeman, Jennifer Sibley, Dakota Fugale and Dylan Fugate; 10 great-grandchildren, Laney. Taylor, Madelyn. Jack, Lillian, Gavin. Kyle. Stephen. Ethan and Dylan, numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. Alice was a life-long Christian who loved the fellowship of her church family. Growing up in the hills of West Virginia, she developed many talents and a strong sense of independence. She will be remembered for her bountiful gardens and expert canning. She could identify every bird and tree, loved all things nature and landing a big fish. She was an amazing seamstress, quilter and oil painter who never passed up a good thrift sale. Her biscuits and gravy will be sorely missed. Alice was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Sandra Winn and her beautiful granddaughter. Rachel Freeman; brothers, John. Frank, ?\lfred, Marvin. Alvin. Corbett, Silas, George and Paul and sisters, Virgie, Mary. Ethel, Mae. Rosie, Margaret. De 11 ah and Sarah. Visitation will be 10 a.m. Friday . Jan. 15, 2021 at Orangeville Pentecostal Church of Christ (House of Prayer), followed by her funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial following at Oak Hill Cemetery in Orangeville Township. Arrangements are Ixring handled by Callison-Lough Funeral home in Bentonville www.CallisonLougliFH.com and WilliamsGores Funeral Home in Delton. Michigan www.GoresFuneralService.com along. She loved dancing with Richard, whether it was doing the polka, square dancing, or modem dancing. They traveled all over Michigan following her favorite band “The Four Guys’* where they danced the night away. Friends and family always said that Kathy was a special person who made them feel welcomed and loved, was a lovely person inside and out and had a beautiful smile. Kathy made sure that she would always stop and chat with everyone she knew whether it was in a restaurant or as she was leaving church. We hold many fond memories of her. lite family will be having a Celebration of Life for Kathleen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to GFWC-IListings Women’s Club scholarship program. CASA for Kids, of Barry and Eaton County. Hope United Methodist Church children’s fund or the American Ixgion Post #45. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbach funeral home .net. and these local hiiwimv_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ sflexfob Hhwungs hsrrg'in 5351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Lois Fay GibSOn passed away on jan’ , o7 of Hastings, jojl. b 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 i;-’- . ....... '-“i Home, 328 W i> ‘ |las”nP‘ MI 49058. with a vlsil|>"of Arrangement bv ? *'% Funeral Home. To leave at, "W"' girrbachfuner.i||10 het p I)3k millngslrv <>».„, Manaaer .... * e r, ~ -> } • • ; J ! \ ’ David L. Walton of Hastings, age 78. passed away on January 2, 2021 from complications of COVID-19. He was bom on May 20. 1942 in ,• Tecumseh, the son of Thomas and Mary j j (Allhouse) Walton. David was a 1960 graduate of Manchester High School and served his country in the U.S. rXrmy, stationed in Germany. He worked for Walton Fanns. Superior >1 Land Developers. Wiingeiger Fanns and retired from the Brinks Security Company. i»| In 1969, he married Susan Timmerman and they had one daughter. Laura. They later q divorced and he married Patricia Scott-Snoor t in 1990. j, David and Pat were avid MSU Spartan fans and attended all football games. A friend once said “don’t plan any major event i: on a MSU football Saturday because David and Pal won’t be there!” David is survived by his daughter, Laura (Greg) Dennis and granddaughter, Lucy 3 Dennis of Chicago; his sister. Ann Walton of Ann Arbor, his step-daughter. Laura -h (Kevin) Soule of Lake Odesssa; two step- fl grandsons. Shawn (Danielle) Smx)r of San 4 Diego and Karl (Melissa) Soule of <1 Ilastings’.step-granddaughtcr. Shelby n (Stephen) Poirier of Lansing and two step­ great grand children. Additionally, he is ! survived by his aunt Maxine Walton of - J Upper Sandusky. OH and many loved Althouse and Walton cousins. David was preceded in death by his '• parents; his wife. Pat. step-son. Jack Snoor and his first w ife, Susan. For those who knew him. he was a kind. 5 gentle, quiet soul who would do anything for fl family or friend. A memorial service in Manchester will take place later in the year Manorial contributions may be given to < the .Manchester United Methodist Church or the American Kidney Foundation. T/hj information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches y • ’ a,H1 Services ’ ^ T’hnnrng Sen ices ’ Um -1 landica,. Accessible M-rving All I-ailhs Faiths ■ X-ningAU 2a'alran^,Wnt lrd-'^cce.,,nl - ''_^4^rrI>achl\i nvr.dhoine.net Family Owned and Operated s. I I.ng llasung. Harn < and SunnmuUng < <>„>„ ——* "‘‘tniunui,.. I(lr • �.A*00*1 at the stories dn; G°lunins on local history TURNING back the pages < Panorama of Events reflects lite here in 1960, conclusion Leaders of the movement to construct a Barry county Community Building are pho­ tographed during groundbreaking ceremonies. The leaders symbolically as well as actually are “pulling together” to accomplish their goal. Here, Howard Ferris, chairman Ot the Community Building Board of Directors, is pictured handling the plow while Mayor John W. Hewitt, (third one on the rope) and others are hauling away, breaking the ground for the first phase of the projects, the construction of the auditorium, which will cost about $40,000. Chester Stowell of the Stowell Building Company (facing cam­ era, on right) has the price contract of $15,834 to build the 60-by 100-foot structure. That price does not include the wiring, heating or flooring. (Photo by Barth) Oct. 20, 1960 Steady cultural and industrial progress, advanced in education, health and other programs, was reflected in the kaleidoscope of life in Barry County during the year 1960. Events that occurred in this area, both great and small, ultimately affected the lives of nearly everyone. And many unfortunate tragedies attracted the attention of the world beyond the county’s boundaries. 'File week-by-week events of activities in this area of the first six months of the year, as reported in the Banner Dec. 29, 1960, were printed in last week’s Banner. Following is week-by-week news of the second half of the year 1960. JULY 7 - Recital at Woodland honors memory of Mrs. Carl [Alice] Brodbeck. Donald Jack Wolfe, 15-year-old Barryville boy and an honor student at Nashville High School, is killed in a tractor accident near his home. HHS assistant Principal Herbert Reinhardt has heart attack in Colorado Springs. Colo. The Baptist church ends one of die largest vacation Bible schools held in Hastings. Two men. Philip F. Lindsay, 40 of Battle Creek, and David L. Johnson, Kalamazoo, are killed in separate traffic crashes. JULY 14 - Rev. Vincent Anderson, who entered the Episcopal ministry from Emmanuel church here, to begin duties as vicar of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte and St. Matthias church in Eaton Rapids. Freeport announces homecoming program. More than 265 boys playing in four Hastings Youth Council baseball leagues. Barry’s coroners and doctors recommend county discard coroner system and adopt thc medical examiner system. Dr. Melvin L. Noah, M.D., opens practice in Caledonia. Set voting sites for wheal referendum. Hastings’ first seven-man school board organizes; new members are Mrs. Erik [Barbara] vonReis, Fay Clardy and Frank Ritchie. Colin T. Monro, 84, of Nashville, dies. Dixie Cooley sails for Europe and the Olympics. William Jerow installed as grand knight of Knights of Columbus. JULY 21 - James Cristy named president of the Kellogg School board near Hickory Comers. Gerald D. Whitney becomes president of Gun Lake Protective Association. Jaycees building Go-Kart track just west of the city limits. G. Miner Ketchum elected president of Barry County Board of Education. The Henton-Smith funeral home in Delton across the Thomapple on the Airport Road. The span, costing js tne new wog» nearly and the barricades blocking traffic Th' fl $55,000 and * ' 0 ’on each corner warn motorists to be careful, since the b0t ^ftedlasl FndaLus have not arrived. The 110-foot bridge has a 26-foot roadway wef®. urn P'P® 9uar . hjah lruss single-lane structure that was one of 11 over the alurn ADiac®5 ,h0 tn"?molacement; nine are left to go, Roy DeHaven, engineer manand f fnole'n need° d commission declares. Half of the span's cost comes from federal 01 ' after ren, has open house ^jtizc^ding und expanding pr°Je, jaInes l';,cvator cf Vermontville buys jie. Mat), jTs Riverside Seed Mill NnS!\’ing at ’ ^ercc. «, drowns while & J^ land.ng, Clear Lake; young *cCOnd Ziegler and Pamela Barth rescu SoUthwc?»!n)m similar death at same t*m • jjrry begins annual recreation* - jjage Census for proposed Gull .^k^er2.535. Henry H. Vahlsmg’ ^jpg usinessman, dies. Plan ground^ £ ^monies for Catholic church n^ ^ JULY 28 * Frcc JCc Planned to open Barn< C°Svnl, andX’ Nashvi,lc celebrates harvest « ^am rodeo is held at Charlton Pa* J W 97, dies. James F. Apsey. O c d)c and Charles K. Leigh named to f» N <*nty’s August draft quota. Frank • u 68, former chairman of the cou y den ’dlcs. Hastings firemen plan real h miration during the county fair. . AUG. 4 - E.W. Bh5 that the past six months’ sales l°ppj p'Samc Period in 1959. The murder of * ’ ^cls Lacey, 49. Dearborn, who was ‘ } attacked and strangled on Mackinac Island, shocked state and her friends ar' Natives here. She was a native of Barry p?\?arncss rac’nB returns to county fairCampbell wins GOP nomination for snenrt 0Vcr lWQ Qthcr candidates, Hazen nd Ray Branch. Hastings has a good ti™ during Sidewalk Day festival. Atty. J- Fru" ,ln Huntley named a director at Hastings “^1. Don Boysen buys out Joe E- Gn s share of l|1e Middleville Sun. The l~u Wesleyan Methodist Conference to begin at campground south of here. , AUG. H Supervisors approve referendum on abolishing coroner system and to create office of medical c*aminer. Mrs. Earl [Clarie] Tobias and Mrs. Carl [Marjorie] Barcroft crowned as the champion canncr and baker, respectively, at the county fair. Janis Hauser and Jeff Mugridge pilot the winning float in the Barlow Lake July 4 parade. Hastings Municipal Band closes annual concert season. Marvin E. File, 29, instantly killed when his car crashes into tree near the Star Grange on M-37 south of here. Roger E. Poupard, 16, Battle Creek, becomes county’s eighth traffic victim when a homemade "hot rod” crashed into a tree on the Cooper road half mile west of North Avenue near Lacey. Gordon Lyttle, 18, Route I, Dowling, seriously hurt in that smashup. William A. Cridler named chairman of the Barry GOP committee. Nancy Fleming of Montague, “Miss Michigan," and later “Miss America,” coming to Hastings Aug. 16. Charlton Park “homecoming” set for the weekend. AUG. 18 - Farm Bureau women display gigantic wool braided rag- The Sam Panettas buy Bonnie’s Cafe al Luike Odessa. New bridge on Airport Road spanning the Thomapple nears completion. Clifford E. Porter of Alto bound ovri ib circuit court for Bill Hummel’s murder. [As reported earlier. Porter admitted to killing William F. Hummel Jr., 19, in a robbery of thc Major gas station south of Middleville.] Mrs. Ada Bogart is honored by being elected chaplain of the Legion Auxiliary, Department of Michigan, at the state convention in Detroit. One of the Michigan’s oldest camp meetings takes place at the Pennock campgrounds a mile south of here; it was the Methodist Conference session. Rev. Ernest L. Crocker, D.D., Hastings is re-elected president of the Michigan Wesleyan Methodist Conference at the 120th annual session. AUG. 25 - Area artists invited to Nashville’s clothesline art show Sept. 3. Fire causes estimated $26,000 loss to bam and contents on Victor Jones farm near Hickory Comers. Mr. and Mrs. Wamic A. Kelsey celebrate 60th anniversary. Burglars fail to “crack” safe at East Side Lumber Co. City council agrees to provide matching funds for the drafting of a master plan for the development of Hastings. The council also approved charging property owners 80 percent of the cost of installing water mains. Water mains up to this time were installed without the assessing of costs to property owners. Robert L. Backus named Boy Scout executive for the Thomapple district. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fisher observe goidcn jubjjee. Physicians continue to try and restore vision to Joey Williams, 7, Route 5, Hastings, who was severely injured when he fell fronl a mu|e June 5. Herb Reinhardt arrives home to continue recuperating from his heart attack in Colorado. SEPT. I - Barry County Safc( CounciI plans boat, water safety show for AIEOnquin Lake. Fred Shaft. 30, Kal^ " jn Gull Lake. Norman L U>narxi. Route i BeUevue, Bany Coun y fann of 11 FFA members to be pn.5entcd thal organizations highest de of Amencan Farmer at the 33rd annual n;A convemton tn Kansas City, Max Ld ve|eran Middleville barber, retires. On< 43 ive blood at Delton Red Cross clinic \ulhoritics seek arsonists who burned abou( 35 tons of straw on North Broadway pro:ccl ncW Delton school is completed and rcady for 1960-61 school ywr- Midd!eviue School district electors, voting for the |jrnc on extra school taxes, approve a s i;d q.min levy, 641-517. Michel Birknold, 13. Centreville, seriously hurt when jljs b)al was struck by another craft on Lake. Delton residents honor RcVi and Mrs. Laurence Waterhouse at dinner. MfWaterhouse, pastor of e Delton Methodist church, was transferred o M:dar Springs-The eight-mile stretch from M-66 east toward Charlotte is opened, P^ ‘’at |ong last” a good road to the E#10” seat. SEPT 8 - Laure°v '■•'Ison named high school principal/' 'hc Hickory Corners Kellogg School. •MceeS Go-Kart track. The Baptist Church ends one of the largest vacation Bible schools held in Hastings, with participants gathering for a large group photo. (July 7, 1960) State highway commissioner John C. Mackie will formally dedicate the 4.3-mile nearly half-million-dollar modernization project in Hastings Oct. 28. Plans for the ded­ ication were discussed Friday at the Hotel Hastings, with Aiderman John Barnett and James Coleman (center) co-chairing the event. Helping to plan ceremonies are (seat­ ed, from left) Dan Weise of the state highway department, Barnett, Coleman and Blake Allerding, maintenance superintendent of the Michigan State Highway: (standing) Lynn • Perry. E.W. Bliss Co.; Lyle Gillespie, Hastings Mfg. Co.; Hilbert H. VanDerMolen of the • state highway project office; Alex Fuller, J.C. Penney store; Pat Hodges, Hodges Jewelry; Frank Ritchie, Consumers Power, and Atty. Richard Shuster. (Photo by Barth) Oct. 13. 1960 The entire community is shocked when twocar crash at the Freeport Road and M-50 intersection takes lives of Robert C. Lenz 118], John W. Miller 112] and William J. Rose Jr. [ 19], Hastings hosts United Fund conclave. Petitions call for residents to vote on “liquor by the glass” in the Nov. 8 election. Emery F. Wilkins.93, succumbs. Alvin Bentley plans to carry his senatorial campaign into Hastings. SEPT. 15 - Mort C. Nichols, who was 80 this past Tuesday, walks across the Mackinac Bridge in 58 minutes. Al Sanderson named chairman of the Elks children’s program. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Harrison mark 50th anniversary. Fire destroys combine on Art Winkler’s farm. Kiwanians host Junior Olympics. Hastings public school enrollment reaches 2227, with 805 in the high school. Wayne Newton named president of the new Exchange Club. Freeport OES entertains Barry County Association. Mickey R. Risner, 3, Route 3. Plainwell, killed when he ran in front of a caron the Marsh road in Orangeville Township. Clara N. Bush completes work on her doctorate in speech pathology at Stanford. Delton hosts open house at new school and remodeled old structure. Alvin A. Kaiser buys Don Garey’s variety store. Dr. O.O. Mater, Nashville-area farmer, wins honors at Michigan State Fair with his swine. SEPT. 22 - Selective Service Board members honored as nation observes 20th anniversary of draft law. New Castleton Township hall nears completion. Elks initiate 19 into membership. Hastings Community Chest goal is $40310; drive donations and pledges reach $36,284. Postal officials restudy plans for expansion in Hastings and consider new post office al new location. George Carpenter, retired J.C. Penney manager, takes part-time duties as secretary-manager of the Hastingschamber.succeedingJackLangthom. Pat Hodges named director of State Board of others ordered to make restitution and were placed on probation for setting fire to those straw piles on North Broadway and for damaging equipment at the Norris gravel pit. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Campbell mark 50th anniversary. Karl Wellfare named president of t the Algonquin Lake Association. Ray Haywood renamed chairman of Barry’s Agricultural and Stabilization Committee. . Helen Keeler selected as the BPW’s “Woman of the Year.” Harvey Haan announces grand opening of his remodeled Standard station al Slate and Broadway. Vmccnl Keyes named executive vice president at Orchard Industries. Alex Fuller, manager of the J.C. Penney store, announces expansion plans. . OCR 13 - New uniforms ordered for Delton High band. Donors give 68 pints of blood in Middleville. Mrs. Bernard Herrington of Shelbyville named president of Barry Association for Retarded Children. Charles Mason, 93, Nashville, dies. Clifford Porter, confessed murderer, found sane after hearing. Democratic leaders greet Sen. Kennedy when he tours Western Michigan. George Clouse re-elected by county board to welfare board. Directors let contract for $20,000 community building at the fairgrounds. OCT. 20-Leighton Grange wins Michigan Grange Community Service Award. Delton marks 10th anniversary of St. Ambrose Catholic church. Sixteen area men become members of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree. Mr. and Mrs. Robert DeCamp mark 50th anniversary. Gordon Bennett, manager of the Strand Theater, wins Michigan’s “Showman of the Year” award. Woodland accepts bids for $10,000 in bonds to finance a sewage treatment plant. Mrs. Ray |Jean] Finnic named president of the Women’s board of the country club. Sally King elected HHS homecoming queen. William O. Best. 61, former Hastings leader, dies in Grand Rapids. Mrs. Mae Curtis chosen to head county’s ^"sF.PT 29 - Mrs. Roscoe Cassel named tourist and resort organization. Ground broken WCTU president. Feature story praises work for new Barry Community Building. OCT. 27 - Rev. Albert J. Pitman. 76, of of area building contractors and the supplies Lake Odessa, dies. St. Rose parishioners of building materials. Mr. and Mrs. Manson A Newton celebrate 50th jubdee. Mr. and begin development fund drive. Barry Fam Mrs Will Reid also mark golden anniversary. Bureau favors more severe punishment of ' Noah joins Dr. W.R. Birk M D.. m persons involved in major auto accidents, practice in Hastings. Former sheriff Glenn B. especially where liquor is a contributing Bera dies. United Fund drives open in most factor. Hastings merchants sponsor harvest festival. Hastings children plan UNICEF communitres^ NajhvjlIc to)d slep, lnusl program for Halloween. Irving Grange . r .„ <.x>n to quit polluting thc Thomapple members aid Victor Johannes by harvesting *Rter sewage' Roy Matthews retired his corn; Vic broke a bone in his neck when hc Vermontville businessman, dies. Rev. George fell off a roof while painting Sept. 24. NOV. 3.-Candidates making final appeals A Miller becomes pastor of Delton Methodist “Th;;?xxsas for support in general election. Fann home of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Smith, Route 3. Hastings, gutted by fire, causing damages estimated at r’ uival Fldon W. Lieb and Edwin J. Dunkke S1K.000. Barbara Kruizenga and Doug ’d t< fill Barry's September draft quota. Vickery reign over Delton High’s Mn Jo«ph Runguette <>l Route 3 wins state Grange baking contest w.th a spice angel See I960, page 9 cX One >'"'’8 ",nn l'WWS prlS°"lerm’ Jeffrey A. Keessen, Air-''® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinanciaLcoin Taking care of what's important to you so that you can foeus on what matters most to you Scvwiurtvrtf red through 1^1 1 num-ul. Member FlNRA/SlK �Page 8 — Thursday, January 14, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Barry ISD celebrates school board recognition month Luke Froncheck Staff Writer January is school board recognition month. During its regular meeting Tuesday morn­ ing. the Barr> Intermediate School District Board of Education took some time to thank and honor the school board members serving in DeHon and Hastings. Board members accepted a resolution say­ ing they celebrate and commend “the commit­ ment. leadership and creativity of thc boards of education of Delton Kellogg School and the Hastings Area School System.” “I personally want to thank all our board members and all thc local school board mem­ bers.” B1SD Superintendent Richard Franklin said. In the resolution, BISD board members acknowledged that all local school board members continue to renew their commitment to ensuring thal all children succeed by volun- /^Doctor Universe icering "countless hours nnd energy toward "’Furthermore, BISD board member said members of a school boari must and adaptive to an “ever-ehang >ng>nd dt. lenging political, social, regulatory and ecu nomie environment while protecting va . <­ programs for students. In other business, the Iward: - Re-approved thc district’s retum-to-lcarn plan with no changes. - Approved thc hiring of special education paraprofessionals Nicole Bclson, aria Calderon and Christina Thomson. - Amended the Oct. 13, 2020, board meet­ ing minutes due to an information recording Flowery, frosty designs Dr. Universe: When frost freezes, it makes shapes like flowers and ferns. Why does it look like that? Grace. 13. Calgary' error. , _ - Approved a 15 percent wage increase for schedule G staff who are not members of a union or under contract already and adminis­ trative contracts for the 2021-21 school year. to celebrate her celebrate with a card shower! Elaine Garlock Last week’s food truck sponsored by Cargill encountered its largest crowd ever to receive free food. Hie line of cars extended on three sides of thc block, with even a police car to assist. Thc cars were directed to enter the church parking lot on Third Avenue from the north. Thc line extended north to Second Street and around the comer to occupy most of a block on Fourth Avenue, which impeded traffic on the town’s main street. Possibly this indicates a greater need of free food than had been experienced earlier this winter. Recipients were advised to bring their own tubs, boxes or other containers in their trunks. Members of Central United Methodist Church were glad to be back in church Sunday at the usual hour with familiar faces and the typical order of service with music by a soloist, but no hymns or singings. Pastor Rev. Vaughn Thurston-Cox gave the message. It has been many weeks since having a service in the sanctuary was possible due to Covid-19 restrictions. The siding at Twin City Foods often has four refrigerator cars but now there is a string of five such cars. That means a whole lol of frozen green beans will be going out from frozen storage. One has to admire the graffiti on the rolling stock. Who are the artists who do such beautiful paintings. If a person has been a regular reader of the publication of the Historical Society of Michigan - Michigan History- and the Chronicle - hc w ould be aware of one feature listing of centennial farms and also a newer category, sesquiccntennial farms. At first, the number in the latter category- was quite small Now thc numbers are nearly equal. In the newest issue is a sesquiccntennial farm, that of Jack Wickham in Carlton Township. The farm was purchased in 1865. The earliest owners listed are Erma Wickham, Warren B. and Henry Williams with a Freeport address. Another Barry- County listing is that of the Brumm farm at Nashville owned since 1868. A Kenyon farm at Delton was purchased in 1920 by Glen and Ethel Kenyon. Thc local awards were given by Consumers Energy Company. K. A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING n wishes to: Jane Aldrich, >768 Nashville Hwy, Vermontville Ml 49096 Jane has li\txj anj continues to work on the family for ovcr gq4- years in Vermontville. Many will know her from her service at the halon County Jail and American Legion providing wedding receptions. Marriage Licenses Katherine Joy Powers. Middleville and Andrew Janies Butler, Middleville Austin Wesley Frailey, Delton and Sadie Mae Finney, Delton Deborah LeeSchnelker, Hilton Head Island. SC and Charles Roy Buxton. Middleville Breanna Nicole Rhodes, Wayland and Alberto Cervantez. Wayland — Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator GENERAC Dear Grace. You’re right; frost can sometimes form patterns that look like the fems or flowers we find in nature. Those frosty shapes we see on the sur­ face of windows start out as w ater in the air, my friend Kai Carter said. Carter is a mete­ orologist w ith Washington State University’s AgWeatherNet team. If you’ve ever had a glass of ice water, you may have noticed droplets formed on the outside of thc glass. Pie droplets actual­ ly came from water in the air. This water condensed from the air onto the surface of your cup, which means it turned from a gas to a liquid. Pus is similar to w hat's happening when dew forms on grass. But frost is a little bit different, Carter said. When frost forms, conditions have to be just right. As water from the air lands on a really cold surface like a windowpane, the water molecules freeze and join together w ith other water molecules to form patterns of ice crystals. An ice crystal is made up of two building blocks: hydrogen and oxygen. These hydro­ gen and oxygen atoms form a hexagon shape that is a kind of six-sided ring. Even though we may not be able to see them with our eves, these hexagon shapes can repeat in a pattern across the frosty surface of the window-. Sometimes the water molecules can form into one big sheet of frost. But some­ times things can get in the way of the water molecules. They may have to take a new path as they freeze to the surface of the glass. If (hc molecules run into something like a speck of dust, salt or even a bit of washer fluid from a car window, they may change their direction. As you’ve observed, they can start to branch out into shapes that might look to us like feathers or fems or tree limbs. i In mathematics, \ we call this kind of thing a fractal design. A fractal pattern repeats itself at different scales. One other place you can also firld fractal patterns is in fems. The fem frond looks like it’s made up of little fem fronds whjich look like they are made up of even smaller fem fronds. Next time you see some frosil take time to observe its detailed patterns with a magnifying glass. Even if you don’t live someplace where it gets really cold, you; can actually make your own frost right in tijie kitchen. All you need is a metal can, salt apd ice. Fill the can with ice and 4 tablespoons of salt and mix it up for a minute. Wait a few minutes and see what forms on the outside of the tin. . Pie salt is important because it melts the ice, while at the same time helping the mix­ ture drop below freezing. Why do you think that might be? What happens when you add more salt or more ice? Tell us about your frosty experiments sometime at Dr. Universe@wsu.edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Di. Universe. Send an email to WashDgtoh State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-378-0097 221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com • Good Selection of Cotton Prints • Flannel Prints & Solids • DMC Floss ft Tray Tar jUUitary ft EDEE irCEE Offer Kusinesa Services ^'ftwEiterxk’dV/arranty A $695 Value* OM-mbw «. 2020 MUrch V 2021 Special Financing AvaiUbte MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel repaid drain leaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS IJccnsc Same Day Installation #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured OPEN Monaiy-FMiy 6 an-530 pm. STurily 9 im-3 pm Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station Tillman Infrastructure, LLC is registering a 202ft monopole structure located at4140 S Norris Rd, Delton, Ml 49046. The structure coordinates are: (N42-35-36.70 / W85-28-13.63). The tower is anticipated to have FAA Style E (dual medium intensity) lighting. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) Form 854 file number is A1181151.1 nterested persons may re view the application at wwydcfcgov/asiTa^plkaii^ L entering the file number. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review at wwwjcc.£ov/asr/ environmentalrequest within 30 days of the Vte that notice of the project is published on 7. FCC’s website. FCC strongly encourages 1 line filing- A mailing address for a paper is: FCC Requests for Environmental f’ Lew, ATTN: Ramon Williams, 445 12"’ ^ireei SW, Washington, DC 20554. (^FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER awareness.advocacy.education City of Hastings Announces its Annual Meeting will be held January 29, 2021 11:45 AM Virtually via Zoom NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE NO. 596 THE PUBLIC IS INVITED RSVP required by January 28, 2021 269-945-5439 QUESTIONS: ASK US- 218 E. Stale St, Hastings • 945-9673 The Planning Commission vulll hold a pub,,c Hearing for the purpose of hearing wri“®n and/or oral comments the public concerning an amendment m section 90“ 473 (I) of the Hastings ipal Code to add density and design “jderati°ns for residential uses in the B-i tra* Business District. The public hearin be ’,e,d on Monday February 1, 20^-? 7 7:0° the location to be determine^ at * All interested citizens are Gn -ned t0 attend and to submit comments, c°urag A copy of this information K .laK|e for public inspection from 8:00 AM » av n PM Monday through Friday at the Office 5ritv Clerk. 201 East State Street, Hastings, 4g058. The City will provide neceSs sOnab<0 aids and services upon five days ^*7 Hastings City Clerk (telephone number lce %a68) TDD call relay services 1 -800-6<in y'3?77. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale speart. etc. Call 269-804-7506. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: BASRY COUNTY, Ml Mobile (269) 838-5112 — Call 269-945-9554 anv time for Hastings Banner ads BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish removal. 269-320-3890, FULL TIME All real eMatt advettiting r.c**paptr h subject to the fur He Ait and the Muhiyjn Ct»>l Rt<hu W wht<h coftccti^cly nuke it iHtpJ S» advemve “any preference. hnuM*4F diu-nmitution ba^e-j on tave, erfer. religton. xt, handicap, fam.bal national origin, age or mm:al 9 an intention, to nuke any i*4 prefcretKC, limitation or diwnrr.iMt*** FamihaJ »utut inclu-dn children u*»* thc age of 18 living with parent* cusUxf an,. pregnant nomen wvunng cuuody of children •* Tbo, ne*>p.ipcr vcili ik< kst”4*#*) a.-.rpt any adtenistne for teal r*0* is in Motouoa the O readen arc hereby ir.formed 0“ 'tAcIhngv ad\crtned in tha are available on an equal . Io report d>n.rirt’.;'uiiort rs.t fh-ning Center The IU. D teji f,ce jekpajee y the hearing unpaired re I KtXI-W7 55977 TRUCK PRiVER/ROADjjvORKER The Barry County Road Commission has an ooeninn w a full time Truck Driver/Road Worker position. A hiqhZ h?„ °ma „ GEO is required along with a Michiaan Comml LJcettsejMlthA&N^endprsement^a^u^^r^^j-af^Jd. Applications and job description can be'oickTHBarry County Road Commission office (phone 269 94s m tSX M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml between 6:45 AM & S ™ on our website at www.barrycrc.org. Due to&rn1 °r ^nus is closed to the public, if you stop in to Cov,d our campionse call and we will run an application ouHai UP an aPPl,cation p be accepted until position is filled. Startinq houri Applica?tT«?03° with advancement after one year of nrnhr y Wage Wl be $2hnur Benefits including health insurantK $22'91 per IS information available upon request ThQ4QK Pr°vlde(d’ £jad Commission is an Equal Opportunity Empfoy^17 C°UnB 153671 �i960, continUed from icoming. Nancy Gnish,,-. ■ H award. Fire destro.s b '' 8»ven National the Emmett I.. ninl . 11 an‘l equipment ad. Richard Dean elee e.? Bristol arry School Boards P^ent of the nnable Jr. elected I() Alpha o' Charles R Hional honorary medical f « °mega A,Pha. ommissioncr John MarV™11*’ Hi8hwa> ■astingx has been m;ulo ,C anno«nces rvsv given when the new ” 1,1 an ircteh is dedicated \vai-N°rth Broadway aunty's 4-H a<-en D1*Kitkpatriek. I H Distinguished K?” '?c ftdmatier is conimis‘sioi Award. Phil officer candidate school v hn,shln8 Naval Base. al Newport R.L, fe^r?ix:X'jo^hand1and Odessa , Aennontsille and siinr’u SlUdj,: Nashville, I fi.W. Bliss doubles " ld are dl,in" *>"“• ! .Traditionally Republic ,^1?L™ *ncomei 'gives GOP bieTa 'in Ba?cCo,W ‘ sweeps Michie in h’n* .but Stfn‘ Kennedy Russell Hankins buys Prcsidenc>'! Electors approve ‘ ^tings again votes down “r by'he : glass. Moriarty Buildings of Argos Ind opens branch in Hastings E , NOV. 17 - Nashville E.U B church • C^re'j 751h annivcrsary. Mr. and Mrs. ■ 7.01^ ,J 'f’.pslron' "Icbrate golden jubilee. • Zton Lutheran at Woodland holds grou irva mg rites for new educational wit. Hastings banks distribute $142396 in • Christmas Chib checks. Bliss company J announces plans to locate press sales headquarters here, moving from Canton. • Ohio. • NOV. 24 - Odessa Township buys S17.100 , ’fire apparatus. Delton rallies to aid Mrs. ^Robert Zilenski, 70. who was hurt in a farm ’ -accident. John Crue. former businessman. ’ dies. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Johnson celebrate i 'golden anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Edmund 'Titus also celebrate golden jubilee. Mrs. The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 14. 2021 page 7 —-'I Michigan State University Athletic Director Biggie M „ nd from |Qftj congratulates HHS athletic director and head grid coach John rDrj *arey following bv 1(?na{ter he was a testimonial dinner at the Hastings Country Club. Jock was enticed to the country club by Pete Lubieniecki (left) and greete y ioq men singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.’’ The entire event was planned 1 by Lubieniecki and his committee to honor the Saxon mentor for his contnou the school and the youth of this area. Among those who participated in the P m, m addition to Lubieniecki and Coach Munn, were HHS basketball and bas c J7ach Lew Lang (third from left), Dr. Robert Huebner, who was toastmas • flings school Superintendent L.H. Lamb., Rev. Fr. J.A. Moleski. and Plainwei each Jack Streidl, who was one of the several coaches and other friends of Clarey ending the event. (Dec. 1. 1960) Royal Hayes named president of Camp Fire Association. Ken Radant of WBCH named March of Dimes chairman. Prosecutor J. Franklin Huntley prepares for murder trial of Cliftord Porter. Hastings medical team at Pennock Hospital achieves first successful correction of cardiac arrest. Mrs. May Johnson. 91. dies. The Don Gareys lease for trip around the world. DEC. 1 - St. Rose development fund LEGAL NOTICES SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING JANUARY 5TH, 2021 HELD REMOTELY Meeting called to order 7 pm AH board members present (roll call), Fire Chief R.bble, Commissioner Conner and 7 guests Motion approved December meeting minutes Motion approved paying of the bills Department Reports Public Comment. None New Business Motion approved Jodi Patrick to board of review Motion approved Karen Hayward alternate to board of review Motion approved budget amendments Old Business: None Motion to adjourn 7 58 pm. meeting adjourned ^Submitted by Mel Rtsner/Clerk •^Attested to by Tom Rook/Supervisor 153660 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised - judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, • 4hal the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a - sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of ,. - them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM. on February 11. 2021 The amount -,-due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of • sale. Placing the h'ghest bid at the sale does not • .automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ' -ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is » ‘encouraged to contact the county register of deeds ' office or a title insurance company, either of which • may charge a fee for this information: • , Name(s) of the mortgagor(s). Michael F. Byington. - b single man j Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electron.c ’ . Hegistration Systems. Inc., as nominee for lender ’ ' and lender’s successors and/or assigns • Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Select Portfolio • Servicing. Inc. ‘ Date of Mortgage: December 19, 2007 • Date of Mortgage Recording: December 20, 2007 • . Amount claimed due on date of notice $48.692.57 ' Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated . in Townsh'p of Hope. Barry County. Michigan and ripsenbed as COM W 1/4 POST SEC 32 T2N T9W. ’ H S 8 I DEGREES 38 MINUTES 08 SECONDS ’ I 018 52 FT TO POB. TH S 3 DEGREES 29 : Minutes Decrees SECONDS WEST 249 14 FT. TH S 88 38 minutes 08 seconds e 522.88 any,: 9595 s M 43 £ HVA'. Del.'°^p'4; period shall ba t year from the ■■■ ”e. Mih sale unless determined abandoned in - date n« with MCL 600 3241a. accordance aI (ofeck)su,e <ai0 under I " 'n° oHho Revised Judicature Act of 1961. J I Chapter 32 o J pursuant to » 3J?70 (hQ borrower will be held n wh0 buys the p,openy at J rcspons'ble t° t" J£sur0 Or to the mortgage i the mor’1J;i3pa^ag(n-j me property during the t holder fof . J-V redempt'O" Attention home > member on active has concluded less f J been r attorney to' J telephone nut |f you alB a m.htary service (0( adivc duly n gQ ag0 or j( you have plMSU contac| |h0 pany foreclosing the mortgage at the i„ th.s not.ee a collector. « January 2021 • Dato of hOt-ce T Trott Law.J Hwy. Suite 145 Ml 48334 f 31440 Farmington H'^. -(246)64^5^ ’1427911^ 153976 Hastings Township addresses floodplain management, fire station rehab - — NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In tne matter of Charles G. Keeler Trust. Trust dated June 16. 1997 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The decedent. Charles G. Keeler, born May 25. 1933. who lived at 424 W. Center Street. Hastings. Michigan died December 24. 2020 leaving a certain trust under the name of Charles G. Kee'er Trust, and dated June 16. 1997. wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Scott C. Keeler was named as the trustee serving at the time of or as a result ot the decedents death Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Scott C Keeler, the named trustee at 8721 D Drive North Battle Creek. Michigan within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: January 5. 2021 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 W Apple Street. PO Box 248 Hastings. Ml 49058 269-945-9557 Scott C. Keeler 8721 D Drive North Battle Creek. Ml 49014 269-967-6018 1 53719 NOTICE Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier s check at the place of holding the Circuit Court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on February 11, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Gordon L. Mitchell, a Single Man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Quicken Loans, LLC Date of Mortgage: August 31. 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording. September 8, 2017 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the dato of notice$85,209.19 Description of the mortgaged premises Situated in the Township of Barry, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as Commencing at the Northeast corner of the West half of the Southwest quarter of Section 36. Town 1 North. Range 9 West; thence West 40 rods (660) to the place of beginning of this description; thence South 12 rods (198); thence West 12 rods; thence North 12 rods; thence East 12 rods to the place of beginning Commonly Known as. 1925 Sheffield Rd . Hickory Corners, Ml 49060 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned In accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall bo 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600 3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 ol the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278. the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property al the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder tor damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention Purchaser. This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any. shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus Interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney. Attention homeowner If you are a military service member on active duty. :f your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. or if you have ordered to active duly, please contact tne attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice Th»s notice is from a debt collector Date of notice: 1/14/2021 Potc-stivo & Associates. PC 251 Diversion Street, Rochester, Ml 48307 248-853-4400 313851 (01-14)(0204) 154033 climbs to $103,937- One hunjrc(I anj s-xty men attend surprise testimonial banquet honoring HHS athletic director and hca(J football coach Jock Clare). Donald T. Do.xey. 1937 HHS grad, named lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps. Mrs. Frank Miller. 55. mother of 10 children, dies in Freeport. Hastings’ downtown area gaily lighted for Christmas season. CilJ council moves to revamp antiquated building code. Winter roars into Barry County. DEC. 8 - Fire destroys Edward Sult home at Cedar Creek. Mr. and Mrs.Thomas J. Berry celebrate 50th anniversary. Jack Little opens body shop at the Rambler building. Lake Odessa 1960 fair made $445 profit. Clifford Porter found guilty of murder by jury of five women and seven men. Roy DeHaven announces he will leave as engineer-manager of road commission to accept engineer’s post in Calhoun County. Final population figure for count) set at 31.738. Hastings population is 6,375. Census places average value of county’s 1.802 farms at $19,865. DEC. 15 -- Delton boosters club makes appeal for more help.Area motorists welcome new s that freew ay now st retches from coast to coast in Michigan, Moose Lodge again conducts “Operation Sama.” Livingston County Mutual Fire Insurance company announces plans to ikrge with Hastings Mutual, making the met ger. Sam lutrabee is fatally burned wntn fire destroys his farm home on the Campground Road; Johnnie Bishop of Cedar Creek n praised for rescuing the aged man from \the flaming home. Dr. Wilbur R. Birk named county medical examiner, and six other doctors appointed deputy examiners effective Jan. 1. Clifford Porter begins life sentence in solitary' confinement at hard labor. Supt. L.H. Lamb retires; Richard Guenther named to succeed him. Hubert Long is Michigan’s Dairy Herd Improvement Association champion. City council agrees to close block of 1 horn Street. Mrs. Herbert Johncock honored on 90th birthday. DEC. 22 - Barry residents contribute $1,474 to CROP. Don Tredinnick installed as worshipful master of Masonic Lodge. First disability insurance benefit checks to people under 50 are delivered through Social Security agency. Arson suspected in the burning of the Glass Creek Grange Hall, which was erected in 1882. New ski area to open in Middleville Jan. 1.196!. Doris Shawman named president of the Sportswomen’s Club. Ray p'reenian to leave after 12 years as night turnkey at the county jail. Mcrl Campbell announces appointment of Gerald Rogers as undersheriff. Barr)- authorities take pan in hunt for Richland bank bandits. Hastings (x>sial workers handle avalanche of mail as al residents prepare to observe ( hnstmas holidays, Sophie Bates Stuff Writer I he Hastings Township Board signed a resolution passing the responsibility ol floodplain management to thc Barry County Planning and Zoning Department at a virtual meeting Tuesday evening. Hie resolution follows the passing ol an ordinance that designated the county planning and zoning department as thc enforcing agen­ cy tor the administration and enforcement of floodplain management. The ordinance also allows individuals living in a floodplain, or flood-hazard areas, to qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency protections. “We also need a resolution between you and the county. So that’s what I gave you now is the county agreeing to be the enforcer of this floodplain stuff.” (ownship Clerk Anita Mennell said. ‘’Basically, we’re handing it off to them because we don't handle any planning and zoning on our own." I he board unanimously approved the reso­ lution. ‘Basically, we’re up to speed now w ith any property that’s in the managed floodplain.Hie count) — it’s under their supervis°r ’ ’ Supervisor Jim Brown said. . WII Alter the resolution was approved. updated the board on potentially rehab»,la‘ and expanding the fire barn in the c,l\ ,.r Hastings. Thc city and township. ,Un with Baltimore, Irving. Rutland and L townships, make up the BIRCH fire JcPa ment. f "Early last year, BIRCH, the City Hastings, and Mercy Ambulance agreed to literally throw $1,000 in the pot and baV<j potential building plans done for rehab and expand (he fire station. That was completed, turned out very well,” Brown said. At the next city meeting on Jan. 25. Brown said he will address the city council to discuss how they’d like to proceed. "At least .start the dialogue as to what we might want to do or not regarding that partic­ ular situation.” Brown said. The board also approved a payment ol $12,928 for various township expenses and signed an agreement letter with accounting firm Walker. Fluke and Sheldon PLC for 2020 audit services. FOCUS Provided hy the Parry County offices of Edward Jones Member SIPC Brandon Wilkins Financial Advisor 307 E Green St, Ste.1 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 940-2003 Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 How to respond when risk tolerance it tested When you begin investing, you’ll generally assess your comfort w ith risk, as your in­ vestment choices will be guid­ ed at least partially by your risk tolerance. But once you actually experience the ups and downs of die market, this tolerance could be tested. Risk tolerance may appear less bothersome tn the abstract but seem quite different in re­ ality. For example, you might initially think you wouldn’t be fazed by short-term mar­ ket downturns, no matter how severe. However, when die financial markets really de­ cline. as happened when the COVID-19 pandemic struck last March, you might find yourself being more con­ cerned than you drought you would be. Before you change your investment strategy, it’s im­ portant to understand the po­ tential tradeoffs. By limiting your downside risk by in­ vesting less aggressively, you may also limit your upside potential. You might need to change your strategy in other ! ways, such as saving more or 1 working longer. That said, the tradeoff involved in reducing vour downside risk may be worth taking, if it helps you cope better with wild market swings, as the best strategy max be one you can slick with dirough the inevitable ups and sonalized mix of large-com­ dow ns of die markets. pany slocks, small-company Because market fluctu­ stocks, international stocks, ations are a nonnal part of bonds, government securities investing, here are some ad­ and other investments. ditional suggestions dial may­ • Keep your emotions out of help you focus on your long­ your insvstment moves. The term strategy. market will fluctuate constant­ • Look past the immediate ly - but you should always try event. While the market’s pan- keep your emotions in check. demic-drixen fall was sudden, Excess exuberance when die its recovery was also fairly market rises, or extreme de­ quick. Eight months after its spondency when thc market March meltdown, die mar­ falls, can lead you to make ket had regained all the lost poor decisions. Specifically, ground and reached a new re­ we may buy when we, feel cord high. During die midst of good (when the markets are what appears to be a real threat up) and sell when we feel bad­ to your investment portfolio, it ly (when markets are down). can be difficult to anticipate a Your heart and your emotions more favorable environment. may drive your financial goals Yet, while past performance - creating a comfortable re­ can’t guarantee future results, tirement, sending your kids every historical market de­ to college or leaving a legacy cline has been followed by a for your family - but when you invest for diese goals, you recovery. • Understand that the Dow should use y our head. Your risk tolerance is a key isn 't your portfolio When the Dow Jones Industrial Average part of your investment strate­ and the other major market in­ gy-. But by taking die steps de­ dexes such as the S&P 500 fall scribed above, you can gain a precipitously (or shoot up), it broader understanding of howmakes headlines. But die Dow risk fits into your overall pic­ and die S&P 5(X) only track ture - and a better understand­ die performance of large U.S. ing of yourself as an investor. This article was written hy companies - and while dieir performance may be an indi­ Edward Jones for use by your cation of die U.S. economy, local Edward Jones Financial diey aren’t going to track the Advisor. Edward Jones. Member results of your portfolio, which SIPC should ideally include a per­ Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner ads Charlotte man arrested for alleged bomb threat A 48-year-old Charlotte Varrone. was arrested alter al|eo?’ii in a false bomb threat to the Mich’^ building on Thursday. ... . . • -dlin*’ r * t Jl CaPlt0* According to the >'»'« A|U)r, Ocncral's Olhcv. Varrotte allegedly operator at the Capitol ear|v Thursday morning and Midcv le |)ecdcj to evacuate Ix-causc th’- «ildj|)g U) explode. The cnipk’)^ reported the bomb threat to ^ta(e po|jcv Capitol staff «“-« Mitied to ensure their safely, and the (hng ^idch had already been closed I” u Pub|jc.. >vas closed to staff. . ।. Authorities Pe,uin,‘' ’’^cp of the pivmises and. b) 9 a.nb-^Hinned there was no real threat. « x . VaiTone was air^ e »hoUl incidenl by thc Slate his residence Thursday, lie » h,M,s,:d al ,hi: Lansing City Jatl.""1 s'»d. downtown development authority director i/iianfl of Middleville is seeking a qualified applicant to till the Downtown The ymag . horit (DDa) Director position The DDA Director coordinates Develop . Q qqa District as an integral foundation for economic development ectivihe th0 Board, committees and volunteers in the development, asb n ancl documentation of DDA programs. The Director will be a COn. . and energetic source for the long-term success of the DDA. The Director is P°SI " • a| Qn. site staff person responsible for coordinating all program activities 1lunteers as well as representing the community regionally as appropriate. In additiori the Oireetor should help guide the organization through the execution of the TIP Plan. ti nDA Director should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in one ’10 ol |ht? following areas: finance, volunteer or nonprofit management, public relations micro-business development, or historic preservation. The position will be open until filled i (vested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and completed Village ot employment application in a sealed envelope, by mail or in person, to Ann i iibPia PO Box 69. 100 E. Main Street. Middleville. Ml 49333. Application and a job loerrioiion are also available at the Village office, 100 East Mam Street. MiddlcvHie. Michigan 49333, or on the Village website: YmLYillagQQfmidilteyjl^Qi^ �Pape W- Thu'«My. January 14, M2, _ Residential developments expected to proceed in 2021 Sophie Hutes Staff Writer Community Development Director Dan King is cautiously optimistic about residential development projects scheduled for construction or completion in 2021 in the citv of Hastings despite a lackluster year for developments in 2020. 7 When King spoke with The Banner in September, he estimated that development projects had been delayed by a minimum of three months due to an interruption of the construction materials supply chain and an increase in material costs caused bv the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic also disrupted activities at various state and federal agencies, such as the Michigan Stale Housing Development Authority, causing delays in the dispersal of funding. Hopes for incoming residential housing were similarly dashed in October, when lhe historic Royal Coach building, slated for renovation into residential units, burned to the ground. However, with lhe COVID-19 vaccine slowly circulating lhe country' and springtime approaching, King said hc believes 2021 will be a much more successful year, though, he knows as the pandemic continues to evolves, the issues thal arose in 2020 might just as easily resurface this year. “We will have to keep an eye out on how long those prices increases keep going up or the supply chain for lhe appliance industry remains broken,” King said. “Hopefully, with springtime and people getting back outside — you know, not in close quarters — and the vaccine taking hold, that some of these concerns that people have now, legitimately, w ill start to fade away. And things can — I'm not sure what normal life will look like — but Four residential developments are expec^ to move forward or reach completion in 2021, 69 apartments and five townhoUses Hie MEDC requires two of thr -iffVe i°u?1Lnt S aP:,rl,ncnts be priced at a^mrc.T?Vins ,o ‘•■“"'•"Klion. .1 grant SS”',he MEDC and ” I think they will start to return to some type of normal environment by the end of the summer or first of fall.” Four residential developments are to move forw ard or reach completion in 1. yielding 69 apartments and five townhouses. The first of these is al 326 W. State St. Forty-five apartment units will be built on six empty lots as part of an option agreement between the city and Kendall Place Limited Dividend Housing Association LLC. The agreement expired Dec. 31,2020. but Monday was renewed by the city council until July 31. “That will give them an opportunity to find out whether they qualify for tax credits in the Feb. I round." King said. “If they don’t - say worst-case scenario — then, wc II sit down and come up with a different game plan, understanding MSHDA will likely not open up another round until 2022.” Kendall Place will submit its application for MSHDA funding by the Feb. I deadline for low-income housing tax credits; if awarded funding. Kendall Place would create a development agreement with the city before the July 31 option agreement expiration. The lax credits require developers to reserve 20 percent of the units for residents whose income is equal to or less than 50 percent of the median area income, or 40 percent of the units for those whose income is equal lo or less than 60 percent of the median area income. TTiis requirement must be met for at least 18 years, and rent also must be Wayland man crashes vehicle after drinking A 64-year-old Wayland man was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated at 3:52 p.m. Jan. 10. in the 4000 block of Turtle Rock Drive in Orangeville Township. The man’s vehicle had crashed on the side of the road and was stuck. He told the officer hc only had one drink, but he had a 0.18 blood alcohol content. Kalamazoo man arrested for OWI A 35-year-old Kalamazoo man was arrested for operating while intoxicated with a 0.189 blood alcohol content, in the 2000 block of M-43 in Rutland Charter Township at 10:32 p.m. Jan. 10. An officer saw the motorist pull into the parking lol al a closed business, and stopped to talk to the driver. The man said he had two beers, but the officer could sec that he was visibly intoxicated. Angry woman smashes window with stick A 43-year-old man called police at 9:42 p.m. Dec. 21, to report a 46-year Shelbyville woman had used a stick to break a window in his house. The man said the woman came to his residence, in the 4000 block of Torsten Drive in Orangeville Township, and demand­ ed he let her in. He said they got into an argument and she left. Immediately after she walked out of the front door, he heard glass shatter and saw a stick through the broken window. The woman had previously been living at the residence. Information was for­ warded to the prosecutor’s office. Ex-boyfriend assaults woman before pushing her out of truck An officer responded to a call at the intersection of Parmalee Road and Woodschoql” Road in Irving Township, responding to a report of a woman yelling in the woods al 5:30 a.m. Dec. 26. When the officer arrived, a 34-ycar-old Wayland woman said she had been in a vehicle with her ex-boyfriend, a 31-year-old Ionia man, who punched her several limes in the face and hands before pushing her out of his (ruck and driving away. The woman sustained visible injuries, but refused medical treatment. The man still had her belongings, and the woman did not know where he was. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. restricted. Usua|jv jcvclopcrs have two deadlines every yJ’ _ April 1 and Oct. 1 — lo submit a fondinC application by for LIHTCs; howevCr p-bruary w’^ onty funding round in 2021 It is unknown al this time when LIHTC recipients will be announced s»ncc lhe Process has been disrupt by the pandemic. You know, Wc*re having new territory’ because generally they bave an APril । funding round and lhey have an Oct. 1 funding round," King said. ’’Well, due to COVID they didn’t announce their April 1 funding round recipients until, 1 believe, October. So the Oct. I round never happened.” Once Kendall pjacc submits its applications. MSHDA staff win decide which projects to fund based off a scl of criteria. When a developer meets one criteria, it is given a point; the projects with the most points receive funding. “It's going to be a bigger pool of resources, because obviously, they didn’t do anything in October.” King said “We’re optimistic that Kendall Place will bCOre high enough on the list to receive their funding. "If for some reason they wouldn’t qualify for those tax credits, that’ll still give us a couple of months to sit down with the developers and try to come up with a game plan." Similarly, the Barry Community Foundation is pursuing low-income housing tax credits to fund construction of a new structure where the Royal Coach stood. General Capital Group, the project’s development company, recently presented a revised site plan for the project to lhe city's planning commission. The new site plan includes 45 one-bedroom apartments, nine two-bedroom apartments and 19 threebedroom. two-story townhouses. General Capital is now working to submit its MSDIIA application. A timeline for the project is unknown since the approval of the LIHTC application is critical lo the project's funding and determining a construction timeline. Meanwhile, at 118 E. Court St., a housing development is slowly wrapping up construction and is expected to be completed by April. "'They are about 70 percent complete. So. they've got about another 30 percent." King said. “Due to CO VID, CO VID-rcla(ed issues, thal project has tAoi considerably longer than what we anticipated it to. but I’m anticipating anApril 1 wrap up of that project and being available to lease in May or June." The development is owned by Caledonia resident Marvin Helder, who received a grant of $300,000 to build five townhouses. Nearby,at 205 S. Jefferson St.,construction of three one-bedroom apartments on the structure’s second floor is expected to begin this summer. Owners Terry and Phillip O’Connell are applying for a Community Development Block Grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and have received a letter of interest from lhe MEDC. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Bannerads D&S Machine Repair, Inc www.dsmachinerepair.com 874 N M37 HWY Hastings Ml, 49058 _________ Immediate Openings_______ Truck Driver - Class A CDL Machinist - CNC - Manual Machines Millwright / Machine and Stamping Repair We Offer Competitive Wages-Based on Experience Health, Vision, Dental and Life Insurance Health Savings Account Banking 401K with match Paid Vacations and Holidays Email Resume to Rafael Ocampo rocampo@dsmachinerepair.com the h”1" aBrecn’cnt is >n place, then with • f ,e conlnK'ls can move forward ?he 7 l'°n" King Said "B'‘t >'P until •mvVn" "Srce™nl is done, there can’t be into n?? ira7 N° COn,rac,s can be entered riohi ' 7C Sranl “I’^’c’n'cnt is issued. So „ ' n°'V- he Projcc'is rei,l|y sla8nant ’til the grant agreement is issued." Depending on how quickly thc .MEDC Itntshes wtth thc grant agreement.construction -tn i / .prvccl cou^ in early summer and finish in spring 2022. Generally, most construction projects of that nature, they're six months." King said. o. it might be kind of close to try to gel it finished by the end of this year. But spring, next year. I’m convinced it'd be completed." bmee the Moose Lodge was lorn down in May 018. the property al 128 N. Michigan Ave. has remained an empty lot; but by the end of 2021. that should all changeThe Jot, owned by AJ Vcnekla500’ ^en^5 transformed into 21 market-rate n?* artially on thc structure's top three floors, nn ^tall on the first, and 2,630 square ftfC* ( floor; office space also on the building’** jntereSt Vcneklasen received a letter arced from MEDC in September, giving a a light to move forward with its pr°JeC grant agreement, King said. .hev’re "So, they've got a lot of work that tn y currently doing,” hc said. They’re working with the city on the conceptual 1^ that thc city council approved a year ago- , Construction is expected to begin. once diligence has been completed and the gj agreement is finalized. King said that is like J to occur in late spring or early summer, , While the residential development pro!64* , seem to be moving forward after a stagnan year, many factors impact thc timelines and designs; but King said hc remains optimistic 2021 will bring developments and housing Hastings. , "2020 was a year that was not exciting f°r anyone, so this year is going to be much more exciting," hc said. “So I’m going to keep an optimistic point of view for all of 2021. Barry Township trustees make plans to fill supervisor vacancy Luke Fronchcck Staff Writer 1 he Barry’ Township Board of Trustees is moving forward Tuesday with thc process of filling thc vacancy created by ihe death last week of Supervisor Wesley Kahler. Board members scheduled a special meet­ ing at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, to interview potential candidates. Anyone interested in the position should get in contact with us,” Clerk Deb Knight said. Board members agreed that anyone inter­ ested in the position had to express interest by 5 p.m. Jan. 29. That would give board mem­ bers time over thc weekend to review all candidates leading up to thc interviews. Board members said they plan to select a new supervisor during the Feb. 9 regular township meeting. 'Hie person appointed to the position will serve in that role for two years. He or she may then choose to run for another two-year term in August 2022. Board members also took time Tuesday evening to honor Kahler, who died a day after his 57^ birthday. To begin the meeting. Treasurer Judy Wooer asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Kahler. . Rodney Dye, who ran against Kahler in the November general election, asked lhe town­ ship board to consider planting a tree in William Smith Park in Delton to honor Kahler. Knight said board members are considering holding a memorial service for Kahler in lhe future. Board members also passed a resolution to commemorate Kahler’s service over his, 20 years with lhe township. “This is resolution 2020-01, so it’s the fir^t one of our year.” Knight said. Hie plan is for the resolution to be framed and hung in thc township office. Knight read the resolution honoring Kahler before it was approved. "His service will show in the many projects he was proud to be a part of and will be remembered forever," she said. “Whereas Barry' Township board thanks you, Wes, for all you have done for our township. You will be greatly missed.” SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Specialist answers questions about • resources, eligibility and more : / want to sign up for a Medicare Part C and D plan, hut I’m not sure which plan / want. Is there a resource to help me find a plan? Yes. Medicare.gov has an online plan find­ er and instructions available on how to use this tool. To access the Medicare Plan Finder, visit medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/ home.aspx. I have medical coverage through my employer. Do I have to take Medicare Part B? You are not required to take Medicare Part B if you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on cither your employment or the employment of a spouse. When your coverage ends, you may contact Social Security to request a special enrollment for Medicare Part B. We will need to verify your coverage through your employer in order for you to be eligible for a special enrollment. For more information, visit medicare.gov. If I retire at age 62, will 1 be eligible for Medicare? No. Medicare starts when you reach 65. If you retire at 62, you may be able to continue medical insurance coverage through your employer or purchase it from a private insur­ ance company until you become eligible for Medicare. For more information, read Medicare at socialsecurity.gov/pubs, or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). I lost my Medicare card. How can I get replacement? The easiest and newest way to get a replace­ ment Medicare card is by using your My Social Security account. Go to socialsecurity, gov/myaccount for more information on how to create an account. You also can gel a replacement Medicare card by calling tollfree, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). Keep your card in a sale place. You don’t want anyone getting hold of your Social Security number. They could steal your iden­ tity. I need to make changes to my Medicare prescription drug coverage. When can I do that? Open season lor Medicare Part D prescrip­ tion drug coverage runs from October 15 to December 7. lhe Medicare Part D prescrip­ tion drug program is available io all Medicare beneficiaries. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium. If you are con­ sidering changing your plan, you might want to revisit the Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. If you have limited resources and income, you may also be eligible for Extra Help to pay monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments. Extra Help is esti­ mated to be worth about $4,000 per year. Tp find out more, visit socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. For more information about the Medicare prescription drug program itself, visit medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227; TTY 877-186-2048). I need proof that I receive Medicare bene­ fits. Where can I get a letter proving that? ' If you need proof that you receive Social Security benefits. Supplemental Security Income, or Medicare, get an instant benefit verification letter online by using your per­ sonal My Social Security account. If you don’t receive benefits, your letter will serve as proof that you don’t receive benefits. If you recently applied for benefits, the letter will make thal clear, as well. Your benefit verifica­ tion letter will include information that applies lo your situation. You can set up your secure, personal My Social Security account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. / m 65, not ready to retire, hut I want to apply for my Medicare coverage. How can / do (hat? / Thc easiest and most convenient way is t<$ apply online. Use our online application t<$> sign up for Medicare. It takes less than 1Q minutes. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re dona There are no forms to sign, and usually ni documentation is required. Social Securitf will process your application and contact yo* it wc need more information. You’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. There’s no need lo drive lo a local Social Security offict or wait for an appointment with a SociaJ Secunty representative. Get started today A socialsecunty.gov/benefiis/medicare. [ - '(\v^1 \ / V ^tePu^^c affairsspecialist Jor cst Michigan. You mav ^er Social Security Administration. 3045 Knapp NE Grand Rapids Ml 49525, or email W vonda .vantdtyssa .gov. ' �AJI ■ S • Pag0 The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 14. 2021 ~~ Pa‘ ”. J!!!?n bans open carry ot guns insi(|e state Capjto| Capitol voted unanim..^"1!6J1* MichiKan OpHoI voted unaninioiiUv m‘V1,ch>>tan openly carried firearms <X N1o,,di'y to ban W debate more than 250 t 8 " long ntn'protestors loomed over law i S aner anned Senate and three month in the state exposed a plot to £1, / ‘5 ^orities Whitmer. ‘P Gov. Gretchen The Repubfican-contrui . Commission unanimouslv ™ Cd CaP«ol fiiate ban during its i n * aPProv«i an imme• Thc six-member n!n m mcctinB Monday, full gun ban. however•ind°Pl^n °f a concealed pistol license h\u Wl StlU allow ^capons into the building. * Cany thcir democrats and gun richu Cnllcism from tend the new £ * g?T Wh° Con- extrcmists such as those u 1 °n 1 dcler v*o,cnl JCapitoI last week. h° SlOnned lhe US^hatIlVre^nrin?c^nSifdC\ing thC limcs and what we’re ab eTo .° T* * fCaSib’C time ” C-miTni r • 1 implement at this Conun'«i<>ner John Truscott a Republican appointee, said nd'Tudtu _aVC ^ipnienr. the person­ , an>lhing to effectively ban concealed weapons. Truscott said, noting a more aggressive approach would require legtshltvc funding to install metal detectors arid beef up security forces. Both chambers of the Michigan Legislature are controlled by Republicans, who have been hesitant to enact stricter gun measures. MS°.wi?\Ould be an emply P°,icy.” Truscott said. We re focusing on a policy that can actually be implemented.” The new policy comes amid reports that lhe FBI is warning that armed protests arc planned .S"’^E!.T-Wc'rv exL?^'chcn Wporter, has drawn criticism tor mcetine menin inthelheSenate Senatevaltcrv gallerycrabbed grabbednati natio ' supporter, has drawn criticism for meeting " ))C new1'*Pcns ” Jan. 20, the date of President elect Joseph Whitmer. with protestors inside the Capitol during the attention, expressed similar concerns. Whitmer called .^^Mtcy a , Biden’s inauguration. ••This is NOT a -Step in lhe right onApril protest, while federal authorities allege start" toward pro ’ j m Mugan Capitol Michigan has been one of the few states and its visitors but’ "Wst be done to some of the conspirators who plotted to kid­ In fact, it creates the ♦'illusion* nationwide to allow* long guns in its Capitol. will be safe inside our Capitol,” die 1 "ls and others nap Whitmer attended thc event. The little-known commission has been protect student'. c- j. One armed protester, William Null, Jive- Democrat wrote in a tweet. “W'c are no • who visit the bmlJ'J* under pressure to make changes after protest­ week -We must take » Michig^’ wc»pons at streamed the demonstration inside the Capitol until a total gun ban is enacted.” ers carrying long guns entered the Michigan The commission meeting comes 11 'be and was recorded saying he would “have fun Capitol on April 30 as the Republican led the Capitol w.^atemcn,^ hunting” if any shooting started. after a bomb threat temporarily clo^ed njss: I an> hopeful Legislature considered whether to extend a governor said in • In a Monday morning tweet, Nessel noted Capitol on Thursday morning. , state of emergency thal had allowed that the Cupi'o'Cognize handguns have been used in past mass shoot­ On Friday, law enforcement announce the need for further . --nd ] stand Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to issue ings, including the 2007 shooting at Virginia three felony charges against a Charlotte* to assist in iniplcmenW this policy l() unilateral orders to combat the COVID-19 Tech, where an undergraduate student used Mich., man, Michael Varrone, 48, whoni Michiganders safepandemic. The commissions face comes after two semi-automatic pistols to kill 32 and police alleged made lhe threat. He also lS The armed protesters stood in the gallery’ of wound 17 others. accused of threatening thc lives of Rep’°n’hs °n a ban, the Michigan Senate while lawmakers worked lhe members debatl "Guns you can’t readily sec are just as Cynthia Johnson. D-Detroit. and her family questioning whether t > d h e authority or below on the floor of the chambers, where al deadly as those you can,” Nessel, a Democrat, members in December. least one law maker donned a bulletproof vest, resources to enforce! ^J^hcy. Johnson was on a House Oversight wrote. “The Capitol is not safe.” Commissioners ha ban on all guns a step some colleagues say they have taken Truscott, himself a concealed permit hold­ Committee that heard testimony from would require coope^ " from Michigan ’ s since. er, noted that certification requires extra train­ President Donald Trump’s personal attorney. they fear ing. The demonstration was a “dress rehearsal” Republican-led Rudy Giuliani. Johnson shared posts on social tor last week’s rioting al lhe U.S. Capitol, would be unwilling 10‘f^PHate funds for "I am unaware of any CPL holder who has media of death threats she received after she metal detectors and a 0"al security that stale House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski been convicted of any criminal shooting in questioned the lawyer. Cc a more aggres- Michigan,” he said. “I just don’t think it’s and two Democratic colleagues wrote in a would be required to e She’s one of many public officials who letter Sunday to lhe Capitol Commission. S,VMk!iigin Senate Majority Lcadcr Mike happened.” have received death threats in lhe wake of the “We call upon lhe commission to place an , Advocates of stricter gun restrictions have Nov. 3 election, said Rep. Laurie Pohutsky. immediate ban on all firearms and other Shirkey, R-ClarMake, ^PPOrts a ban on open noted that most government buildings, includ­ D-Livorua. carry in the state Capijo.but “believes those weapons.” said Reps. Lasinski, Sarah Anthony ing Lansing City Hall, have tighter security An open curry ban will not go far enough to of Lansing and Brenda Carter of Pontiac. “In with permits should be * lowed to concealed than thc Capitol. protect politicians from potential violence, carry ,’’ spokeswoman Amber McCann said. addition to lawmakers doing the work of the Protest signs, however, have long been Pohutsky said. Speaker-elect Jason Wentworth. R. F arwcll. people, our Capilol is open lo school kids, banned because officials say holders could “This threatening and intimidating rhetoric tour groups and others seeking to learn more said he is "grateful for t|lc Capitol accidentally bump and damage the historic is not going anywhere.” she said. “Wc have to Commission’s work but docs not believe the building. about the history of our amazing state. take it seriously, and part of that is making “Without a significant change in policy, panel has the authority to set gun policy jn thc In a letter to the Capitol Commission. Sen. sure there arc no weapons, period, in the lives will continue to be put at risk by domes­ building, according to a spokesperson. Erika Geiss, D-Taylor. said that only banning Capilol or the office building.” “The speaker will be looking at options for openly carried guns would not eliminate the tic terrorists carrying weapons.” Commission member Kerry Chartkoff But the commission determined an open handling that moving forward,” said Lynn risk for “mayhem and bloodshed.” called lhe firearm issue “one of the most dif­ carry* ban was “the extreme limit of our real Afendoulis. "In the meantime, the Michigan Geiss urged the commission to ban all ficult ones lo ever confront the Capitol authority lo actually implement something.’’ State Police will be entorcingthe new ruling.” weapons in the Michigan Capitol, work to Commission or its predecessor.” Shirkey, an ardent Second Amendment install metal detectors at public entrances and said Commissioner William Randler, an Chartkoff said she received hundreds of take other steps to improve security and emails in support of the measure, while screening. acknowledging that many wished the “I urge you to take a much bolder position Commission would ban all weapons. on preserving the safety of the building and “We’ve gone as far as 1 think lhe commis­ the people who spent time in its space," Geiss sion can go with the issue at thc present time,” money to fund the ventilation system. could, and 1 appreciate that.” wrote. said Commission Chairman Gary Randall. However, because BIRCH has not yet Council also moved forward with several State Sen. Dayna Polehanki whose April 30 “Certainly, it’s an issue thal can be revisited.” development and city projects, including agreed to fund the proposed 60 percent of lhe photo of armed men standing above lawmak­ development of three residential units at 205 project, several council members had concerns about committing to lhe project. S. Jefferson St. McNabb-Stange also took issue with using After holding a public hearing on lhe matter, council members approved the the funds for the ventilation system, rather project’s application for funding to the than saving thc funds or using them for a Michigan Economic Development different project. "So apparently, we don’t have any Corporation and approved thc acceptance of unfinished projects from last year thal wc the grant, if it is funded. Another development project — a proposed need any of this money for; and, apparently, Three more Michigan High School Athletic scheduled - those dates will be announced 21-unit apartment building with commercial there's no more concern about CO VID and Association non-contact winter sports will be later this week. space at 128 N. Michigan Ave. — made (he lack of funds from the slate that we have allowed lo restart practice Saturday (Jan. 16) Girls and boys skiing, as an outdoor several changes to lhe real estate sale to be concerned about covering that we’re just per the updated epidemic order announced non-contact sport, was allowed to begin in agreement between owner AJ Veneklasen and going to start spending this $397,000 on a Wednesday by the Michigan Department of December. purported emergency that’s been going on for Health and Human Services (MDHHS). the city, which thc council approved. “We are glad to have three more sports join Councilwoman Brenda McNabb-Stange lhe last 15 years, at hast,” McNabb-Stange The MHSAA announced just what skiing in returning lo full activity, bul we ; ' /V "■ ' voted no _on -the agreement amendments, said. Wednesday’s updated MDHHS orders mean understand the disappointment and frustration Czarnecki explained^ Saw the leftover citing concerns that council members were for high school sports in the state late on the part of our athletes and coaches whose not adequately informed of the agreement's funds as an opportunity to invest in city Wednesday afternoon. Four winter contact sports arc not yet able to restart completely," employees and get something done thal sports, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. changes. The council also extended an option needed to be done a long lima ago. He also competitive cheer, wrcsling and hockey may “We will continue to adjust schedules to pro­ agreement with Kendall Place Limited explained why he asked for the funds up front, also begin indoor practices Saturday, but only vide all of our winter teams as substantial an Dividend Housing Association LLC lo build without guaranteed BIRCH funding. experience this season as possible, as part of with non-contact activities. “I will be reaching out to BIRCH to 45 apartment units on six empty, city-owned Girls’ and boys’ bowling, boys’ swimming our greater plan this school year to play all consider paying for a portion of the ventilation & diving in the lower peninsula and gymnas­ three seasons to conclusion. lots at 326 W. Stale St. The agreement needed extension due to a system, just over 60 percent. But they are an tics programs, as “non-contact” sports, may "We have shown with our remaining fall disruption in state and federal funding organization that takes lhe meeting of five begin competition before the end of this sports this month thal our schools can partici­ distribution, which prevented the project from townships to make a decision. I am requesting month - swimming & diving Jan. 22 and pate safely, and we’re confident teams will moving forward on its original timeline that the city consider paying this up front gymnastics and bowling Jan. 25. Masks will continue to take all the appropriate precau­ Community Development Director Dan King because of the concern for our employees. I be required of all participants except when tions as we jump back into indoor Winter said after the meeting; the agreement was will work with Jim Brown and BIRCH lo gel they are actively participating in gymnastics activities." Additionally, spring sports teams and fall reimbursement for their portion,” Czarnecki and swimming & diving. Spectators will be extended until July 31. Finally, the council reviewed a $97,000 said. capped at 100 persons in school gyms or 250 teams not participating in lhe MDHHS rapid testing pilot program may begin four-player Council approved the $97,000 for the in stadiums and arenas, per MDHHS orders. quote from VanDyken Mechanical to install a ventilation system in lhe city fire bam. project in a 5-4 vote; Don Bowers. McNabbThere is still a bowling question to be workouts and resume conditioning Jan. 16, Vehicles at the bam must be run on a regular Stange, Jacquie McLean and Smith all voted aqswercd about members of separate house­ but only with non-contact activities. Fall teams finishing their seasons in girls volley­ basis to ensure lhe equipment is ready in case no. holds bowling on the same lanes. Smith clarified that while he and his fellow of an emergency; however, the barn’s Basketball, competitive cheer, ice hockey ball. Lower Peninsula girls swimming & div­ ventilation system is unable to clear lhe council members support city employees and and wrestling are considered “contact” sports ing and football have been able to do so by exhaust, putting employees in harm’s way. a new ventilation system, they disagreed with and may hold their first competitions Feb. 1. taking part in the MDHHS rapid testing pilot “The fire bam does not and never has had a the way funds were being used and the Because of the later start to competition program for COVID-19; volleyball and swim­ ventilation system that will clear lhe exhaust funding process. schedules in those sports, the MHSAA will ming & diving will conclude with Finals this from the building,” Tossava said. “The “J don’t think any council members have adjust its tournament dates for those four to weekend, while football will finish Jan. 22-23 voted no on the ventilation system disagreed conclude on later dates than what is currently with 11-Player Finals. equipment must be run on a regular basis lo make sure it is ready for calls. with the fire department not having ventilation, “What happens is all those trucks are all I think we just disagreed with the process in silting there running." hc said. “Now. if they approving the ventilation systemSmith said. shut lhe doors, the building is all full of In other news, the council: exhaust. -Set a workshop meeting for 6 p.m. “When you go in there after thal equipment Monday, Jan. 25, to discuss practices, goals has been running, that place is all full of and policy issues in the budget preparation process for the 2021-22 fiscal year. carbon monoxide.” -Completed lhe fm»l riding of an ordinance In a letter to council members, Czarnecki proposed asking the townships thal help lhe adding the definition of a commercial city operate lhe department — Baltimore, recreational facility­ -Completed the first reading Of an ordinance Irving, Rutland, Carlton and Hastings, use jn collectively known as BIRCH — to fund just adding commercial kennels as a over 60 percent of lhe project. the D-l and D-l distncls. -Authorized Tossava to sign a Michigan Czarnecki also noted $397,417 was left over in the city’s general fund balance — due Council for the Arts and ultural Affairs grant to projects not moving forward during the application. pandemic — and proposed using some of the Hastings City Council kicks off 2021 Sophie Bates Stuff Writer 4 Tlie first city council meeting of 2021 was 'spent getting the city’s affairs ready for a new year and making progress on several projects ‘and legislative matters. The meeting began with an address from Mayor David Tossava. “2020 was a very challenging year. Through all this, the City of Hastings is still standing and relatively safe,” Tossava said. “1 want to commend and thank each and every employee, staff member and department at Hastings. Hopefully, 2021 will be a better year.” * After Tossava’s address, the council Approved policies and appointments for 2021. The council adopted Robert’s Rules of Order, a guide to parliamentary procedure, a 2021 meeting calendar and an updated policy for virtual and hybrid meetings. The updated meeting policy requires council members to use both audio and video capabilities in the ^meeting, unless given an exception, and •includes guidelines on how council members ’should proceed when a closed session is {conducted virtually. u The council also approved 2021 a variety of bank depositories for city funds and approved City Manager Jerry Czarnecki, City Clerk, Treasurer and Director of Finance Jane Saurman and Deputy City Treasurer Francie Brummel as signatories for Hastings’ financial accounts. ’ Additionally, the council set salaries for elected officials, which were unchanged irom 2020: $7,800 per year for mayor, $2,500 per year for mayor pro-tem. $2,300 per year for councilpersons and $115 per meeting for board of review members. * The council approved a number of ‘appointments as well: Czarnecki as city manager, Stephanie Fekkes as city attorney, fRoger Caris as deputy city manager, fire chief, fire marshal and Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator; Jeff Pratt as ’police chief and emergency management coordinator; Saurman as city clerk, treasurer, dircctorof finance and Freedom of Information Act coordinator, Dan King as community development director; Debbie Rashid and Liza Verbug as city assessors; Travis Tate as director of public services; and a long list of board and commission members. 'John Resseguie was re-elected as mayor ^^j^Ljust like to say my support for John TResseguie. I think that he attended quite a few JS that the mayor attended and he S put some time in over the last year. 1 realty pu . b tha(” Councilman n.“S S±h7aid “ I can’t think of very Don who c0U|d <j0 that. 1 just say Cfm pr^d 'hat he was able lo attend all te meeTnES and contribute as much as he Give the gift of NEWS! No basketball, wrestling or cheer contests until February ///A Manpower Immediate Interviews for Full time employment Skill trades, Professional Sprinkler Workcell Operators NIKI NG cprid friends and family a gift subscription AU Shifts available Compet<tive Wages & Benefits to The Hastings BANNER! Contact Us Today To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 For immediate consideration! 269-948-3000 �p^e 12 — Thursday. January u 20„ < • ‘ — Hie Hasilnqr. Banner Young and Veitch into MWA Hall of Fame together Bob Veitch is one of four members of the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame Class of 2020, being Inducted in the hall as a coach after his 40 years leading the Lakewood program. Former Lakewood teacher and wrestling coach Norm Young is a part of the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame Class of 2020 being honored as an elite athlete. Brett Bremer J Sports Editor ‘ The way Bob Veitch tells it, as an eighth • grade wrestler in his first match hc heard die J mat get slapped and dien asked, "what hap• pened.” » "You got pinned.” he was told. f It started there and now’ about 50 years later Veitch is being inducted into the Michigan ; Wresding Association (MWA) Hall of Fame • along with his coach al thc time, Norm Young. . The two are a part of thc four member Hall of 1 Fame Class of 2020, joined by Springport • coach Tony Bird and Anchor Bay High School ; coach Jim Morisette. Veitch is being inducted ; as a coach while Young is an elite athlete hon*oree. ‘ The honors were announced last month ‘ after thc regular November induction ceremo• ny had to be canceled due to lhe coronavirus • pandemic. • "Norm Young, who was my coach when I • started wrestling. He got me started wresding •Jn eigty^, grade.” Veitch said. "I got pinned in ^30 scc&d<TLmighl.have been Jess than that. jThat wrevm Junior, high, eighth grade. It Waijust one match we had. I think it was Lake O. • against Woodland. I took him dowm and he Air Force rolled me right to my back and 'pinned me. I didn’t even know what a pin was. I was looking at the lights, counting them thinking this was cool.” Coaching at Lakewood, where Young was a physical education teacher, came at the tail end of long lime spent on thc mat as a wrestler or coach. He took over the coaching position at Lakewood High School in 1965 and held it until Veitch was ready to take over in 1980. Veitch spent 40 years leading the program, sharing head coaching duties lhe last couple seasons with Tony Harmer. Veitch also taught physical education and spent 30 seasons coaching football and baseball at Lakewood. Coach Veitch’s wrestling teams accom­ plished a great deal throughout his coaching career. His teams won twenty league champi­ onships, twenty district championships, eight regional championships and competed in four team state semifinals. His team’s 819 career dual meet wins ranks him third on lhe all-lime list of winningest coaches in lhe state of Michigan for the sport of wrestling. Over the years, Veitch coached twelve individual state champions, including 2020 champions Jon Clack and Grant Clarkson, and seventy-seven wrestlers who earned all-state recognition. A selection of twenty wrestlers went on to com­ pete at lhe collegiate level. Veitch and Young both wrestled collegiate­ ly. Veitch wrestled at Grand Rapids Junior College and Western Michigan University. Young was a national champion at Michigan State University. Young started his outstanding wrestling career al Sexton High School in the mid1950’s. During his high school career he placed third at the State Finals in his sopho­ more season, and won Class /X state champi­ onships in both his junior and senior seasons (1956, 1957). He went on to wrestle at Michigan State University where he was a two-time Big Ten Champion - in his sopho­ more and senior seasons. In his junior season he took second place in the Big Ten tourna­ ment. He lost in the semifinals of the NCAA National tournament as a junior, but came back as a senior (1961) to become a collegiate national champion at 137 pounds. Norm was also successful in the Greco Roman and Freestyle wrestling styles winning a number of state, national and international championships. In 1960, Norm Young placed third at the final Olympic trials. More than a decade later. Young convinced Veitch to stick with wrestling and fill a heavy­ weight spot on thc high school team as a freshman. .... “Well I was a fighter,but I got pinned inSO seconds or less Fd think about 25 times'As a freshman," Veitch said. "I did throw as couple kids over the table. Back then we were actual­ ly wrestling matches up in the balcony back where our practice room was. "I wrestled for Norm. Love Norm. I rot good there. I was going to state tournaments. He would always take me to play handball, because he was a handball fanatic.” After coaching at Lakewood, Young turned his focus to becoming one of the United States’ best handball players. Young most recently captured four United Stales Handball Association (USHA) National Championship titles in 2019, winning the 80-Plus Masters Singles title, the 80 Singles Three-Wall title, and the 80-Plus Masters Doubles championship and the 80 Doubles Four-wall title with partner Ed Grossenbacl^r. The championships teamed with Young helped Grossenbacher become the winningest USHA Masters player of all-time. Young was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 Veitch has been recognized as a Slate Coach of the Year by the MWA in 2004 and the Michigan High School Coaches Association in 2017. He has also been recog­ nized as Regional Coach of thc Year (7x), Honor Roll Coach of the Year (5x), and Lansing Stale Journal Dream Team Coach (5x). Veitch and Young aren’t the only members of the Lake wood wrestling program being honored by lhe MWA this winter. Longtime program supporter Jan Jackson was named die MWA 2020 Wrestling Volunteer of the Year. VIOLENCE ccontlnued from page 1__ ment agency ,(0] unt| surrounding *'^'URnoli^ spokesperson said. WberJ a grQu^ Ic tells you they plan to show Up p ™ ‘ lhat they have the potential to be v-' n * wC should heed that warning" said ‘ _ city Council President Peter Spadafo^ nSj.cd the mayor to request thc Chelsea a spokeswoman for Whitmer, said vernor is monitoring the situation closely . . .«will ensure that the necessary ^CUrjty^eaSures are in place.” The security follow a unanimous decision Monday die Capitol Commission to ban long gUns.y . c Qjpitol after months of debate and * p io0S split vote over thc measure. r Concealed weapons are still allowed for permil holders, though Democrats say ,h'^d“sn''80 far enoughMy job is not to provide stale employees & residents or o^er visitors to our Capitol with a false sense of security, especially given the current state of affairs in Michigan and around the naciOn ” Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote in a Tuesday tweet. . "I repeat: fhe Michigon Capitol is not v • ...... Nobody knc\\' to stf nd me Pohutsky is Onc ^veral public officials who said they encountered a complicated web of law enforcement responses when trying to report a credible threat from an casily-idcntifiablc person. • After the election, Robin Laurain, co-chair­ woman of thc Michigan Green Party, said a man called her repeatedly and told her he would murder her in the streel if he saw her because she was a “communist.” She was able to search the number and find the address and name of the Brighton man making the calls. So she called the Brighton police to report him. They told her to call the Michigan State Police. Then the Michigan Slate Police told her to file a complaint with lhe Attorney General’s office, whom she has yet to hear back from about the status of an investigation. "Nobody knew where to send me,” Laurain said. "Anybody can come to my house," she added, noting that having previously run for office, her address is listed online. Ncssel’s office declined to comment on whether it is currency investigating any threats. “We generally do not comment on or dis­ close details of an investigation until it is complete and charges are authorized, or until a case is closed that does not warrant addi­ tional legal action - and we will not discuss ongoing cases,” said Ryan Jarvi, a Nessel spokesman. ‘People need to|>echarged’ \Pohiiisky, wmlJM&jel,Tpld her. the state police are not'sflwife*tefernng credible death threats to the Attorney General’s office. As proof, Pohutsky noted that a Charlotte, Mich., man. Michael Varronc, was arrested and prosecuted only after police alleged he called in a bomb threat to lhe Lansing Capitol last week — and not immediately following death threats he’s charged with making in December lo Rep. Cynthia Johnson, D-Detroit. Varrone has been charged with tw o counts of making a false report or threat of terrorism, and one count of making a false report or threat of a bomb. Johnson served on the House Oversight Committee, which heard testimony from President Donald Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani in December. Johnson said she received death threats from Trump supporters after questioning the lawyer. The state police were not directly involved in lhe investigation of a voicemail message on Dec. 12 thal included lhe threat against Johnson, since thc death threats were initially reported to the House sergeant at arms, Banner said. "While (the sergeant] shared information with us on Dec. 15 for our situational aware­ ness, there was no request for MSP to become involved or to conduct an investigation,” she Mttew W® feee.feo.o.k te kaep up to fete until t h e, nem edition te ijiiinte# 1351 N.Broadway (M-43), Hastings —_ 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 f 0 said. Hou‘tX,*?'*s'I,odro- a ’pol'esman for rhe “Clearly, these people & anl’a,anns’ disputed this. being encouraged by tn0 dav” a"1S “n‘ “10 ,hc MSP lhe "«> fact that there have bee?the to whatX can'‘ to whM they did or drd nor do after that." consequences for any the Mi -'l.? lhe a"On,c>' g'ncral’' office, said things that they have don©Uma,8"* U.lC P°licC i5 ju'* one •S'™* Rep. Laurie Pohutsky GeneS P'£v,d<: ,repon’ the Attorney -reneral s office for review of ootential charges. The state police can also bring cases to county prosecutors, he said. officers and the courts to determine “Those officials also have authority to threat is targeted, and they might ask whX&U’V' Can’1 °" selves, “Is it redly reasonable that whether thal s been done,” he said going to kill all Michigan’s represent^11 , Public officials said they wished law said Schneider, thc US. attorney. ' how^meT WOUld morc transP"«rt But the threats, veiled or unveiled, n r thev hCy tP h.andl°,he ,hrea,s and ramifications on thc public officials 1 4 y should send them for an adequate inves­ threaten, Pohutsky said. < tigation. “Clearly, these people arc being encourt “lite threats are serious... and these people aged by the fact that there have been no cortr need to be charged." Pohutsky said. sequences for any of the things that they have No consequences? done,” she said. * H'rcats of violence have piled up in recent The onus is not just on law enforcement t® months because society is “quicker to anger," quell thc threats, said Canton Township Clerk said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Michael Siegrist. who has received an uptick Bouchard. in harassing messages from voters since the pie department lakes each reported threat U.S. Capitol siege last week. seriously, Bouchard said, but there arc legal Republicans who spread false information limits to what constitutes a credible threat about lhe election must admit the allegation* When Pohutsky received an email from a arc untrue to help ease the divisive climate. h£ constituent that said "all representatives said. ‘ should be shot," she said it was not referred Otherwise, he said, “1 just don’t know how for investigation because the constituent you unpickle this cucumber.” didn’t single anyone out. “If they can’t secure lhe nation’s Capitol, It s at lhe discretion of law enforcement what can they do for us?" Siegrist said. ! Hopeful for volleyball Saturday; unsure of basketball "I don’t know what to tell you.” ...j.ThpscwercJhqfvflr^^dnl^y, typed to begin to fill this space early Wednesday afternoon as an email rolled into my inbox from Hastings High School athletic director Mike Goggins. “I don’t know what lo tell you,” hc wrote. That message came just three hours after he, a bit hesitantly, shared an update on plans for the winter sports season. Those plans included athletic programs starting practice/try-outs as early as Saturday and contests beginning as soon as Jan. 22, which is a week from Friday. Hc was hesi­ tant because there were plans for a noon press-conference. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon was soon announcing that indoor athletics will resume for lhe state’s physical and mental health ... provided there is distanc­ ing and masking. “Group exercise classed can open with distancing and masking. Young people can practice sports in gyms with distancing and masking. Playing the same sports competi­ tively if it involves contact is not allowed. Playing outdoor contact sports, except with the special testing under the department’s rules is also not allowed,” Gordon said. These directives arc lo remain in place until at least Feb. 1, although I’m assuming the slate volleyball tournament may contin­ ue. With the way lhe volleyball teams have started and sputtered and stopped and restarted over the 61 days between matches, it is hard to say. Il look 61 days, but it finally happened. The Lakewood girls go lheir state quarterfi­ nal victory Tuesday. The Vikings looked like they were mostly in a regular postsea­ son flow from the start even after those 61 days. From thc time girls’ golf learns in thc lower peninsula started their fall season in August it was only 59 days before thc state champions had been crowned in their sport. The boys’ tennis season in lhe lower penin­ sula was only a week longer than that due to the need for a separate first singles compe­ tition. Thc Lakewood ladies defeated their semifinal opponent, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, when they met earlier this season at Lake wood High School, but Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said the Notre Dame Prep team was jusl getting to full strength after having numerous pla>ers in quarantine previously. Still, my expecta­ tion is to see lhe Vikings gel their rematch with Grand Rapids Christian in lhe state final Saturday. That is what they have been playing and working for since November of 2019 when they were bested by the Eagles. The Vikings’ Ibesday night victory was all business. There were smiles, coach Rowland got fired up early on as freshman libero Carley Pierceficld crashed into the stands saving a ball beside junior teammate Ellie Possehn. It was a point lhe Vikings eventually won after a long rally on a kill by senior middle Aubrey O’Gorman, and it all happened during a big extended service run , by junior defensive specialist Zayda Kruger. It felt like Lakewood postseason volleyball . for a moment, with the limited group of ‘ spectators going wild as well. , But at the end of the evening their was no , dogpile beneath lhe net. Pierceficld threw • up her arms and let out a yell in celebration, • as her teammates gathered for a reserved celebration. For as hard as it is to have plans . at this lime on the planet Earth, the Vikings have plans for more celebrations ahead. Numerous fall athletes have shown that they are capable of masking up and compet­ ing, but distancing is not coming to a wres­ tling mat, a cheer mat or a basketball court any time soon. Goggins said most of the Hastings pro­ grams were setting up special kick-off J events - excited by the prospect of getting ' to finally begin a season thal would have typically started in mid-Novcmbcr. So now what? Those schools that have • varsity ski programs arc in full swing. The handful of Thomapple Kellogg student-ath-' letes who compete with skiers from Plainwell on the Trojan Ski Team were set j to hit lhe hill at Timber Ridge to begin their1 competitive season Wednesday afternoon, j There is an assumption that bowling teams and boys’ swimming and diving teams may’ still be able to begin their socially distant practices this weekend. Basketball teams and everyone else will j just have to continue to wait. I have no ' insight into whether they’ll be waiting a couple hours for another announcement that tells them when they can begin or whether 1 they’ll be waiting for new directions from thc MDHHS in the lead-up to Feb. 1. Delton Kellogg had the same plans as J Hastings, a compacted winter season tip'-'I ping off Saturday. The CO VID shutdown in the Mohn household has been different, that’s for sure. First lime in 20 plus years thal there were no games before the break and no practices over the break for us,” DK varsity girls basketball coach, and athletic director, Mike Mohn let me know Wednesday mom- 1 ing. lhe added free time was spent with family, which was really nice, but there’; were days where lhe day just .seemed to last forever since there was no time in the gym. • I missed the place!” Even with a Saturday start and a passion for high school hoops Mohn was planning ' an off day for Sunday. He had to keep his s schedule clear in case Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski need should happen to need some sage advice from a longtime Browns fan in the lead-up to his team s Sunday NFL playoff showdown with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. “Lots of preparation for a 3.00 pm kickoft. Gotta start my focus early,” Mohn said. ’ �Vikes The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January M, 2021 * P^f) 13 ■* five jnal fours in a row The Lakewood varsity volleyball team gets fired up for the start of its Division 2 State Quarterfinal match against Ann Arbor Father Gabriel ecumseh High School Tuesday evening. The Vikings won in three sets to earn a spot in the Jan. 14 state semifinals at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ‘ Lakewood junior Zayda Kruger hits a serve as freshman teammate Carley Piercefield ‘.awaits the action during their team's 3-0 win over Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard in [the Division 2 State Quarterfinal at Tecumseh High School Tuesday. Kruger had a ।match-high five aces. (Photo by Brett Bremer) f [ Brett Bremer Sports Editor • Through 6] days, the Vikings didn’t miss a । beat. Now they can plan for a return to Battle Creek. . t The Lakewood varsity volleyball team jpicked Up right where it left off in the “2020” ; MHSAA br/uipn 2 state volleyball touma|ment, scoring a 25-9. 25-11, 25-17 victory [over Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard in thc (Division 2 State Quarterfinal at Tecumseh • High School Tuesday. This is the fifth consecJutivc season lhe Vikings have earned a spot in [the state semifinals at Kellogg Arena. A quar­ j I terfinal victory by the Fighting Irish over lhe Vikings in 2015 marked the last time thc Lakewood ladies failed to advance to the slate’s final four., Lakewopd last played a match Nov. 12 when it knocked off Lansing Catholld ’ in a ' regional filial played at Lakewood High School. It is the lop four teams from lhe final state poll in early November that remain in the Division 2 tournament. The No. 2 Lake wood Vikings will face No. 4 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the first D2 semifinal in Battle Creek Thursday (Jan. 14) at 4:30 p.m. The Grand Rapids Christian Eagles, the two-time defend­ ing slate champions who are ranked No. 1. will face No. 3 Cadillac in the second D2 semifinal Thursday. The D2 State Final will be played Saturday (Jan. 16) at 4 p.m. Junior opposite side hitter Maradith O’Gorman led the Vikings with 18 kills on the night Tuesday, while adding 14 digs and an ace. She said her legs were tired after the return to practice Jan. 4, but Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland sees fresh legs now. That is something girls wouldn’t typically have thc final week of a slate tournament run. Row land has been really pleased with how his team has practiced in the opening weeks of 2021. “For practice, we have been playing a lot,” said O’Gonnan. "Thathas really been helping us get back into it. We start off with a little bit of ball-control because that is always the first thing when you’re getting back from two months off. Then after that we just go in high energy and just have fun al practice, listen to music. It is a variety, listen to some 2Q1° hits, wc listen to countryjbciyc c^ays, some rap sometimes?' ...... • Maradith and her senior, sister, middle blocker Aubrey O’Gorman, both agreed that it only took a couple points on lhe court Tuesday before it started to feel like a regular state tournament run. "It just felt like wc were just getting right back in the swing of things. Everything went smooth. That is what you’re looking for at a time like this.” Aubrey said. Aubrey had 14 kills, three blocks and two aces on lhe night. Sophomore setter Skylar Bump put up 33 assists and added four digs and two blocks. Freshman libero Carley Piercefield had a team-high 15 digs. It wasn’t just the Vikings’ four all-staters contributing. Junior defensive specialist Zayda Kruger had a team-high five aces, and got thc Vikings off to a great start with a ser­ vice run that took her team from up 6-2 to 13-2 in the opening set. Junior outside hitler McKenzie Wells had some good swings from lhe left side of lhe net and finished third on the team with seven kills. “We are working so hard in practice. We want to win this so bad. It means a lot to us,” Wells said. Wells had a few kills late in the second set, one that was throughly dominated by the O’Gorman sisters as the Vikings won 11 of the final 12 points of the set. Lakewood got another steady service run from Kruger early in the third set that took the team from a 4-3 lead to a 10-3 lead. The Fighting Irish were never within fewer than five points of the Vikings the rest of the way. ‘‘I think they were excited t0 come play a match today and I wasn t worried in the sense of them being ready to play because this group was antsy to get here,” Rowland said. Viking junior opposite side hitter Maradith O’Gorman slams an attack between Fighting Irish blockers Ashlyn Johnson (11) and Sarah St. Germain (5) during their division 2 State Quarterfinal at Tecumseh High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett dVemer) “The kids we knew were going to have lo play well, they have been in these moments now, and it was just lets come take care of business and get back to practice again on Wednesday. Practice has been fun because it has been so competitive and they're talking crap to each other and stuff, so it has just been really nice to be back in the gym from that standpoint. Back in Kellogg Arena Thursday, the Vikings will be playing for their fifth stale finals berth in seven seasons. The Lakewood X won the 20.2 Class B State Championship under head coach Kellie Rowland and have since finished as the state runner-up four times (2014. 2016. 2017, 2019). Kellie is now on the bench as an assis­ tant to her son Cameron. “Honestly. I think this team has just been so driven all year,” Aubrey, one of two senior captains on the Viking roster, said. "1 think that has been something that has been incred­ ible to feel. I think thal being a lender on a team this year as a senior has been fun. has been such a joume>. Every year is different. I think it is going to be incredible to get back to Kellogg Arena." PCPSONflUZCD MUGS Trail group wins food donation drive The Chief Noonday Chapter of lhe North Country Trail gathered t e most non-perish­ able food items in the rcvcnt Gilmore Car Museum Festival of rhc food will be distributed by Barry Co on ^J°od banks. Chapter president J^0 Norton said food bank representatives "cr? thankful for the variety of nonperishab c 1 cins |Q tjie -3 .‘M». k more setter Skylar Bump wins a battle above the net with a Gabriel , keWood s0p ’°rOre a point for the Vikings during their Division 2 State Quartertinal aS »lockurnh school Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) at Tecumse” new year. . Chief Noonday members pur­ chased and delivered me to tbc car muse­ um. , “I am proud to ha'* 5 dedicated memben. in our chapter," S^’^aid. Information on the g> P and how to join can be found at nortncounirylrailorg/|raii/ michigan/cnd/. ft mbSOnduz^muc mis. valentine! DOY only email to copies@l-adgraphics.com 1351 N M-43 - Hwy. Hastings, Mi 49058 269.945.9105 p&k&Sty OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 4.30 Up to 2 pictures. allow a week for turn around tinie �Page 14 - Trwslay. January 14. ?02I Thf MasI^s Grant funds new equipment in technology and design classes SophieBates Bates Sophie Staff Writer In William Renner’s Innovation and Deden class at Hastings Middle School, students arc encouraged to incorporate personal interests into their assignments. For eighth-graders Dawson Lewis and Xavier Thomas, that meant creating a personalized board game ”1 a7uall>' of stuck and didn’t know what I wanted to do. And my teacher gave me the suggestion. ‘What’s my favorite board game?’ And I said Risk." Lewis said - He gave me the idea we’ll jusi revise Risk into looking like our school, and I thought it was a great idea. And ii took long enough and took enough effort to make it, it was the length of two different projects.” Lewis created the game’s board based off an outline of thc middle school and cut the board using a Glowforge, a high-tech wood-cutter. Thomas created lhe game pieces - school objects such as pencils and books - using a 3-D printer. “Dawson handled the layout of it and the wood-cutter — the Glowforge to make the layout for the board game. And I handled most,of the 3-D designs for the pieces and the dice,” Thomas said. The project ended up being the students’ favorite in the class, both because it was fun to create and the game is fun to play. “Basically, you’re given a map. and you have cards where you pick your card and sec how many troops you get.” Lewis said. “And you just place your troops strategically, and you move them tactically, just lo. kind of. —■—=-------------------------- -------------------------- “7 ---- ---------------- '-------------------------------- — 1 — ________________ conquer the world. “It’s just my favorite because it’s really engaging, and I like board games a lot.” The Glowforge and 3-D printer arc only a small taste of the technologies available for students to experiment with in Renner’s Innovation and Design class — part of a Eighth-graders Tanner Allerding, Xavier Thomas and Dawson Lewis sit in front of a personalized board game Lewis and Thomas created for the class using 3-D printing and a laser cutter. Allerding also used a laser cutter for one of his projects, creating a webcome sign. career and technical education program the school district focused on to teach career skills. In thc class, students leant computer pro­ gramming, video editing, the manufacturing processes and more and put their new skills to use creating a variety of product designs. Their designs are then brought to life using one of the new, innovative technologies avail­ able to students through the course “Sitting in front of a computer is no longer the way to teach students how to use technol­ ogy. So, wc have a laser cutter, we have 3-D printers, we have drones, we have robots, we have virtual reality.” Renner said. “Thc idea of Innovation and Design is that, by eighth grade, students are picking the technology they want lo utilize to create and build with.” Two more pieces of equipment — the X-Carvc woodcaning machine and Janome Memon Craft 5001: embroidery machine — have recently been added lo the program’s collection. Students will use software to see their designs on either wixxi or fabric. To acquire the new equipment, Renner applied for a grant through the Calhoun Intermediate School District and was awarded a $5,000 FOCUS grant. Students have been unable to use the equip­ ment. however, since the district was practic­ ing remote learning since the equipment arrived, and Renner, who puls lhe equipment together himself, is waiting on additional parts to arrive. “With the new semester starting, we have some procedural things to do before the stu­ dents will be utilizing the equipment." he said. Renner buys most of the class’ equipment based off thc interests of his students. "A lol of the equipment that is available in my room has actually started with a student saying, ‘Hey Mr. Renner, I’ve seen this,’ ‘I’ve heard of this,’ ‘I think this would be a good Teacher William Renner tests out the Janome Memory Craft 500E embroidery machine by embroidering the school’s initials on a cloth. The machine is the newest tech addition to Renner’s Innovation and Design class along with a woodcarving machine. item for us to have,”’ he said. “So, they kind of come up with the ideas. And then it is my job to find a grant that will fund and support it and will it to come to fruition." His students wanted an embroidery machine to decorate facemasks and a woodcarving machine because they don’t have a shop class. “During the pandemic, masks have become part of our daily lives and my students want to customize them. An embroidery machine will make this possible.” Renner wrote in his application. “Many of my students are inter­ ested in woodworking, but thc shop class disappeared years ago. With the X-Carve. a student will be able to create a design using EASEL software and then carve that design. This process will teach my students Are you looking for a career that changes lives? Train now to become an emergency medical technician (EMT)! In less than a year, you can earn a certificate and a Stale of Michigan EMT license through the Basic EMT Academy at Kellogg Community College. How do I get started? Visit westmiworks.org/emt/ A West Michigan Works! staff person will assist you with Kellogg Community College application. FAFSA application. Assess eligibility and apply for other fun Career coaching and training prep. Job search and employment assistance. Deadline to enroll is Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. DID YOU KNOW? EMT is one of the top LOO fastest growing, high-demand jobs in West Michigan. You may qualify for training scholarships or grant funding to complete EMT training at little to no cost to you. -MICHIGAN WWSI , Hastings Middle School teacher William Renner stands in front of cupboards brim­ ming with different technological devices for his students to utilize and explore. ‘ We have a middle school program where our students use a laser cutter — it’s unheard of," Renner said. A3-D printer is one of the high-tech tools Hastings Middle School students can use in a class aimed at letting them explore technology and careers. • • • • • . »!— EMTs in our region earn a median wage of $16.76 per hour ....... job Center network. Auxiliary aids and services are / ct Michigan Works! is a division ofACSET, an equal opportunity employer/program and a proud partner Of the Awerica ,jetaii$ at westmiworks.org/about/. request to individuals with disabilities. West Michigan Works I is supported by --------------------------------- many of the same skills as the embroidering machine, but with different media. This media differentiation, I believe, will support the engagement of students.” ; Renner also said he intends to engage stu­ dents by providing them an entrepreneurial opportunity selling their designs at the! Hastings High School student store. By pro­ viding students the opportunity to explore many interests, Renner said he hopes to increase student engagement. Eighth-grader Linda Wright took Renner’S class in seventh grade and again this- year; Building off her seventh-grade experiences in the class helped improve her creations when she took thc class again. “My favorite thing, that I made was proba­ bly my VR [virtual reality! world because 1 already made one in seventh grade, but the one that I made this year I wanted to do better than the one I did in seventh grade. So I did lhe same thing that I did in seventh grade, but I did it with more detail.” Wright said of het project, an interactive virtual reality farm­ house. “I liked being able to do better than I did before.” . Having access lo technology she normally wouldn’t be able lo use has deepened Wright’* interest in pursuing some sort of computet programming in the future. “A lol of the sluff that we can use in here U expensive, and so I wouldn’t be able to do it anywhere else,” Wright said. When asked if she plans to continue explor­ ing these technologies in high school, Wright responded, ‘Definitely.’ i “We sometimes got lo code, and I alwayi enjoyed coding.” Wrighi said. Exploring interests throughout middle school becomes important in high school* when students begin choosing which courses to lake and extracurricular activities to pur* sue; and even more so, when they chose their career field. We have all of these opportunities forshH dents in high school, but many of them require kids to be interested in something " starting as early as their freshman year, so they can start choosing their courses th**! will allow them to take the classes they *mt W lake,” Renner said. “So 1 just feel that. the. middle school program, lhe more exposure we can give students the more they can, J011 know, really start thinking about ‘Is something that I’m interested in’ or, in man) cases with what we’re able to do in my P^ gram. ‘I didn’t even realize there were that dcali with this.’” The extra effort needed lo write a certainly not within Renner’s expect^ responsibilities as a teacher; howcver.be he takes on the extra work because he kno*> how much those extra experiences will beno lit his students in the future. “The bottom h* is: Die more opportunities we give studc^1 the more opportunities we have to gh* that hook to gei them engaged, to g* t xvited about something; the goal being that d they can imagine it that they’ll be able to ate it. J . �-------- S9tlCEZ3?F_3Hdw CAUSE HEAgjl?^X^B-^PACIAL FQRECLOSURE HF.ARTNrj------------ °n MarShT7~207n—----------------------------- ~~ N(W-PAYMENX^£BOPERTY TAXES ~ ~ --- a^AMlNG County Treasure W?h unPaid 2018 yearo ProPert* tSSS^as forfeited r The Barr Pursuant to the General Property 1 ct, Public Act 206 of 1893, as amended. ' ForeC1°'’in9 Govornraent“l thiS in proceedings to foreclose on There are t , th»Vide additio^Tinn?SChpdUied -° finalize the •nrthes«UrP proces3- This publication is intended to these hearings n} notice to parties of interest e parcels as to the nature, time, and location of dates *----- - • the Barry County Ttee ®r s office at. (269) 945-1287 prior to the hearing £^°?UgG3. any updated procedures and instructions du® to possible COVID-19 restrictions or building Office C~USE HEARING is scheduled for 2:00 - 4:00 P ' tJarry County Courthouse, Hastings MT 49058* 2021, at 220 W State’St, Treasure caUseehe2?<^ith ■*-nterest in thc property forfelt®d to the County Treasurer may aopear at the show government a?9(Jn2t Sh°W CaUSe why absolute title to c at property should not vest in'the Foreclosing Stateltr^ RORRCLO?URE hearing is scheduled for IT15~PM7"February 11, 2021, at Circuit Court Room, ??o W e Street, Hastings MI 49058-Courthouse. theLniS hearin<3 the Foreclosing Governmental Unit sba11 ask that the court enter a judgment foreclosina prfm„^Perty as te^yested in the petition for foreclosure, a person claiming an interest in a parcel of v/rii-4. for^h in the petition for foreclosure, ho desires to contest that petition, must file Tri^ n ob3ections with the clerk of the circuit court and serve those objections on the Barry County L__£dsurer, the Foreclosing Governmental Unit. The.docket number of the petition is 20-289-CZ. you are a person with an interest in property bein9 foreclosed: -------- You have the right to redeem this parcel from the foreclosure process by payment of all forfeited unpaid f?xe®' interest, penalties, and fees prior to the expiration of the redemption period. You should contact one Barry County Treasurer for the amount required to Redeem. You may lose your interest in the property as a result of the foreclosure proceeding. The title to the property shall vest absolutely in the Foreclosing Governmental Unit unless all forfeited unpaid delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and fees are paid by March 31, 2021. All existing interests in oil or gas in this property shall be extinguished except the following: • ' i. The interests of a lessee or an assignee of an interest of a lessee under an oil or gas lease in effect as to that property or any part of that property if the lease was recorded in the office of the register of deeds in the county in which the property is located before the date of filing the petition for judicial foreclosure. ii. Interests preserved as provided in section 1(3) of 1963 PA 42, MCL 554.291. PLEASE NOTE; The following list represents parties that appear to have title, lien, or other apparent rights to the parcels being foreclosed by the Foreclosing Governmental Unit. This notice is required to be given by law, even if the party no longer claims or desires an interest if it appears they hold any undischarged, apparent, or potential title or lien right to the property. Listing of a party does NOT necessarily indicate they are the owner of a parcel, or they are liable for the property taxes. This list is NOT an offering of property for sale. These parcels are NOT being sold, auctioned, or otherwise made available by virtue of this notice. There is no procedure for purchasing these parcels from the Foreclosing Governmental Unit at this point in the foreclosure proceedings. Those parcels that are foreclosed and not redeemed may become available at public auction on or after July of 2021. These parcels remain the property of their current owner until redemption rights have expired. No party should make any attempt to inspect or enter upon these parcels assuming them to be for sale until the final list of foreclosed parcels is determined and offered at auction in summer, 2021. Most of these parcels will ba redeemed from foreclosure. Entering upon them or contacting current property owners may constitute tr^passing or undesired solicitation and may subject the offender to crimdnal prosecution. The street iiddress of the parcels listed is based on local records and. is not guaranteed to be the actual location of the property. The amount due listed indicates the balance which was due as of forfeiture on March 1, 2020. The current amount required to redeem must be obtained from the Barry County Treasurer, as additional penalties, fees, and interest have accrued since' forfeiture • AMOUNT , PARCEL ID I NAME AMOUNT PARCEL ID 1 name" 0303603405 $1651.25 BRAUER, MICHAEL $2780.69 123 FULLER STREET LLC 5217030200 0303603410 $3469.50 BRAUER, MICHAEL $2791.79 124 SOUTH MAIN LLC 5210002000 0912502200 $2822.38 BRAUER, MICHAEL A $1360.40 124 SOUTH MAIN LLC 5210002001 0912502200 $2822.38 BRAUER, MRS MICHAEL A $1608.61 124 SOUTH MAIN LLC 5210002002 1104000400 $1200.91 BRAVATA, NICHOLAS J $1434.49 204 SOUTH MAIN STREET LLC 5210003000 1104000400 $1200.91 BRAVATA, SAM JR $1196.11 204 SOUTH MAIN STREET LLC 5210003001 $360.41 1107505600 BROWER, C ROBERT $2552.06 204 SOUTH MAINSTREET LLC 5210003100 $360.41 1107505600 BROWER, MRS DOUGLAS L $4043.33 5560 W IRVING LLC 0803200130 1620500130 $2535.44 BRYAN, DAVID C $1939.78 ABBOTT, JEFFREY A 1112002500 $7791.74 0304500700 BSI FINANCIAL SERVICES INC $1698.27 ADAMS, RUSSELL A 1301700200 $1680.23 0103300600 BURDICK, SHANE $684.66 ADDISON, CALVIN 0703101710 $2408.47 0500601000 BURGER, JEFFREY $2273.91 ALEY, BARBARA 1401102010 $2408.47 0500601000 BURGER, KATHY $2273.91 ALEY, JEFF 1401102010 $913.49 0103301600 BURKE, ROBERT L $7857.11 ALI, BADER M 0901500100 $915.58 0709002030 BURPEE, SHARON K $380.80 ALI, BADER M 0920502600 $1639.44 5217070900 BURT, DANIEL $7857.11 ALI, KATHY B 0901500100 5217070900 $1639.44 BURT, HEIDI $380.80 ALI, KATHY B 0920502600 0702801410 $2129.82 BYINGTON, MICHAEL F $415.17 ALLEN, DONALD R 0703101650 0703230400 $2178.17 BYINGTON, MICHAEL F $415.17 ALLEN, STACEY 0703101650 0702801410 $2129.82 BYINGTON, MIKE F $5698.65 ALT, MRS THOMAS J 0700201100 0614001400 $1239.82 CAMPBELL, ANGIE E $5698.65 ALT, THOMAS J 0700201100 0103500400 $2511.10 CARPENTER, MARK JOSEPH $4743.68 AMATO, CHRISTIAN A 0701505000 0103500400 $2511.10 CARPENTER, PAMELA JO AMERICAN FARM MORTGAGE CO INC 0501005008 $2453.85 CATT, ROGER 0403031400 $987.61 0501005008 $2453.85 CATT, SHARON AMERICAN FARM MORTGAGE CO INC 0903014015 $2009.99 CEDANT MORTGAGE CORP 0403037510000 $2396.42 5111011000 $2326.88 CHARTER ONE BANK NA AMERICAN FARM MORTGAGE CO INC 5525001400 i?17692.37 CHEMICAL BANK 0403037520000 $1016.45 5500109700 $1807.06 CHILDS, KATHERINE AMERICAN GENERAL FINANCIAL SERVICES 1101704600 $1152.04 CHMIELEWSKI, ANTHONY R $686.17 0513042000 1102600206 $778.47 CLARISSA M DAVIS TRUST NO 1 $2811.42 ANDERSON, BRANDY 5200106000 0501804501 $1859.58 CLARK, JUDITH $2811.42 ANDERSON, RANDY C 5200106000 0501804501 $1859.58 CLARK, MRS JAMES T $1815.61 ARMOUR, GLORIA 0603000300 1100901700 $1197.82 COLE, EDW. L $1815.61 ARMOUR, WENDELL 0603000300 1100901700 $1197.82 COLE, EDWARD L $2188.64 ASSET ACCEPTANCE LLC 1102600880 0500601000 $2408.47 COMMERCIAL BANK ASSOCIATES HOME EQUITY SERVICES INC 1112002500 $1939.78 COMMUNITY WEST CREDIT UNION 0403329600 $3318.01 0709002100 $1766.45 COOK (ESTATE), HARRIETTS H $1437.44 AUTOMOTIVE CREDIT CORP 0802301600 0709002100 $1766.45 COOK, BARBARA BAGLEY (TRUST), JAMES A & TANA T 0801233500 $320.58 COOK, CHARLIE D $2009.99 0903014015 0801233500 $320.58 $1698.27 COOK, JEAN M BANK OF AMERICA NA 1301700200 1301601240 $2429.94 COOLEY, ANDREW B $2346.37 BARRY COUNTY 5111008700 1301601240 $2429.94 COOLEY, SHANNON $2408.47 BARRY COUNTY HOUSING 0500601000 0800900500 $2121.80 CORTESE, ANDREA L $7791.74 BARRY TOWNSHIP 0304500700 0800900310 $6100.23 CORTESE, CHRIS W $5242.23 BEAMISH, BARRY R 1249001110 0800900311 $6032.36 CORTESE, CHRIS W $5242.23 BEAMISH, JANICE H 1249001110 1400100800 $6888.54 CORTESE, LISA A $1360.40 BEEBE, BETH 5210002001 0800900310 $6100.23 CORTESE, LISA ANN $1608.61 BEEBE, BETH 5210002002 0800900311 $6032.36 CORTESE, LISA ANN $1651.10 BIERENS, ASHLEY ANN 1101100510 5300204000 $1564.73 COUSINS, DIANE $823.58 BOLES, DAVID M 0103301200 5214005300 $664.93 CRAME, EDWARD S $2265.30 BOLTHOUSE, CHRISTINE 5522008250 1200602100 $2881.28 CULTER, CAROL L $2265.30 BOLTHOUSE, NATHAN 5522008250 1246000200 $2370.07 CULVER, BRUCE $3600.20 ROND, GEORGE W 0303500200 1246000200 CULVER, BRUCE D JR $2370.07 $3600.20 MAXINE I 0303500200 1246000200 CULVER, MRS BRUCE D JR $2370.07 Sorth, brian j 1500142601 $1235.02 0503600501 CURRIER, PAMELA J $2346.37 $917.80 »E: til}?????? 5217000800 CURTIS, SHIRLEY $3295.13 $2346.37 5217000800 CURTIS, VERNON $2346.37 $32.95.13 JEFFREY J nouo’i’o 1107505600 DANIELS, BRUCE $1006.16 $360.41 0601001500 DAVIS, LYNN $915.58 $1860.99 0601001700 B0^' SHARON K 0709002030 DAVIS, LYNN $915.58 $743.03 0601001500 0OZE, SHARON K 0303603405 DAVIS, YVONNE $1651.25 $1860.99 IJJS LOSE 03036»3«0 0601001700 DAVIS, YVONNE $3469.50 $743.08 �DE HAAN, GLORTB DEBOER, D1J."R1A DEBOER, JAV R DEGROOTE a 0503009500 $395.50 0800900310 $6100.23 0800900310 $6100.23 DEGROOTe' oBm^RA 0401441300 $787.58 DEGROOTr' c^NBRA L 0401336900 $632.09 DEGROOTF* o?vFHEN 0401441300 $787.58 DEHAAN ctSJ5PHEN c 0401336900 $632.09 DEUTSCHE baSSAm 0602501000 $1718.25 ' RANK NATIONAL TRUST CO DEVRIES rx 5210002001 $1360.40 DISCOVPo FINTEL J 1109509300 $3249.20 DISCOVpd ^ANK 0702801410 $2129.82 DRFWv™ BANK 0703230400 $2178.17 DREWYop' LARRY 1101700420 $1333.80 nnnpp' TAMM* 1101700420 $1333.80 anGELEA 0404000700 $2624.15 nnnroJ, SALLY 0404000700 $2624.15 uuuley, robin 0902101400 $1443.12 ARTHUR 0300201100 $1020.61 DYE, JACQUA M 0301000200 $2165.73 DYE, JACQUA M 0307002700 $1616.94 DYE, MRS RODNEY 0307005300 $1315.87 DYE, Mrs RODNEY 0307005500 $875.69 DYE, RODNEY 0307002700 $1616.94 DYE, RODNEY 0307005300 $1315.87 DYE, RODNEY 0307005500 $875.69 dye, RODNEY 0307006700 $1900.48 dye, RODNEY J 0301000200 $2165.73 EAGLE PROPERTIES - OLIVET LLC 5200130000 $4995.79 ELSEY, KATRINA 0703600700 $680.05 ELTZROTH, GERALD 1001110000 $1863.62 ELTZROTH, VIRGINIA 1001110000 $1863.62 ELY, LAVERN E JR 1503330003 $923.35 ENGLERTH, MARK 5522002500 $2878.62 ENGLERTH, MARK 5522003500 $3635.17 ENGLERTH, MARK W 5500114900 $2649.52 ENGLERTH, MRS MARK 5522002500 $2878.62 ENGLERTH, MRS MARK W 5500114900 $2649.52 EQUITY TRUST COMPANY CUSTODIAN FBO TODD KNIBBE IRA 0803200130 $4043.33 FADEL, CYNTHIA 1203608030 $1354.77 FAUNCE, GEORGE A III 4335005020 $2582.43 FAUNCE, MRS GEORGEA III 4335005020 $2582.43 FERRANTI, ANTHONY 0803200130 $4043.33 FERRANTI, BRIDGET 0803200130 $4043.33 FIFTH THIRD BANK WESTERN MICHIGAN 1249001110 $5242.23 FINNEY, DAVID B 0300705700 $2479.88 FISCHER, DEBRA K 5214005300 $664.93 FLETCHER, ROBERT JR 0103301000 $780.61 FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY 0703000550 $1544.96 FOSS, DARREN L 0103101300 $1469.58 FRAME, NATHANIEL B 5520134600 $4479.21 FRIE, AUBREY M 0304500700 $7791.74 FRIE, TIMOTHY 0304500700 $7791.74 FROST (ESTATE), ALBERT 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This may constitute trespassing and subject the offender to criminal prosecution. 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And they’re taking it sitting down - in igloos, to be precise. Neds on Gull Lake is among the first in Barry County to try it. And they don’t regret it. Ashley Brown’s father, Jeff Brown, has owned Neds on Gull Lake for seven years; but their business practices have had to change as they adapt to survive during the pandemic. The ban on indoor dining, enacted to slow the spread of the COVID-19, will be officially lifted Feb. 1, state officials announced Wednesday. The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association has said a re-opening of in-per­ son dining will “likely include a limited capacity and curfew, and then possibilities for restaurants that take additional public health measures to have a higher capacity limit.” But state officials have said any restrictions on the re-opening will be released Friday. But some aren’t waiting, they’re innovat­ ing. At Neds, near the end of October, they invested in igloos of various shapes and sizes, equipped with small space heaters, to provide outdoor seating during the winter months. See DINING, page 2 Server Emma Kellan works a busy afternoon shift at Neds. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) Vaccinations open up in Barry County New COVID strain detected in Michigan Taylor Owens Staff Writer Wednesday marked one year since the first case of CO VID-19 was identified in the United States. In that year 23,982,584 people were diagnosed with the virus, leading to 398,009 deaths. Michigan had 538,377 of those cases, and 14,686 deaths; while Barry County had 3,088 of those cases and 38 deaths. Vaccines are slowly rolling out, after Barry County received its first delivery of 500 doses Dec. 21. Spectrum Health Pennock held its first community vaccine clinic last Thursday. “The community vaccine clinic went very well and allowed us to test our process on a smaller very defined group of patients prior to a larger clinic planned for next week,” Spectrum Health Pennock Chief Operating Officer Bernie Jore said. “All available appointments for Thursday’s clinic were filled, with 60 vaccines administered to com­ munity members and remaining employees. The majority of those vaccinated on Thursday were age 65 and older community members. “Patients were lined up before the clinic opened and seemed excited to receive their first of the two-part vaccine.” The hospital held another clinic to adminis­ ter 200 vaccines to prescheduled, high-risk community members Tuesday. Appointments to receive a vaccine are still few, since the supply remains low, and slots fill up quickly. People can go to spectrumhealth.org/ covidl9/covid-19-vaccine to fill out a form that will determine if they are eligible, and put them on a list to be notified when appoint­ ments are available. When vaccine shipments come in, an elec­ tronic notification will be sent out, and recip­ ients can use a link in the notification to make an appointment. A Spectrum Health MyChart account is required to make the appointment at no cost. More information is available on the website. As of this week, Barry-Eaton District Health Department staff had vaccinated 492 people in Barry County. “The availability of the vaccine is still vari­ able and unpredictable,” BEDHD representa­ tive Sarah Suma said. “Even if someone is eligible, we cannot vaccinate everyone imme­ diately. “We are happy to see so many invested in receiving the vaccine, but we urge patience throughout this process.” Similar to the Spectrum process, people can sign up to be notified when vaccine appoint­ ments are available at the health department See VACCINATIONS, page 2 Michigan bars, restaurants can reopen Feb. 1 with restrictions Bridge Magazine Michigan officials say bars and restau­ rants can resume indoor dining Feb. 1, ending nearly two months of a “pause” that forced thousands out of work and threat­ ened to permanently shutter thousands of businesses. A sustained decrease in new coronavi­ rus cases and positive rates is ending the ban on indoor dining, but the state will announce restrictions on service Friday, said Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “While restaurants will be reopening on that day, there will continue to be risk asso­ ciated with indoor dining,” Gordon said Wednesday during a conference call with reporters. The news was welcomed by the restau­ rant industry, whose owners had feared the ban would be extended beyond Feb. 1. “All of us, 100 percent of us, want to get back [to business],” said Scott Ellis, president at CEO of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association. “Our concerns are what the restrictions will be and will they be worthwhile and doable.” Ellis said his members expect to learn more about other restrictions — which could include reduced capacity or a curfew — in the next few days. Restaurants employed some 447,000 in Michigan and generated $18 billion in rev­ enue in 2018, the most recent year avail­ able, while employing 9 percent of the state’s workers and generating 3 percent of its payroll. Gordon ordered a three-week ban on indoor dining Nov. 18, 2020, to help com­ bat rising numbers of coronavirus cases as a second wave swept into Michigan. That order was extended twice. Even with the pause, December 2020 became the second-deadliest month of the pandemic, leaving more than 3,200 dead as state hospitals were near capacity. Scientists had estimated that, without the restrictions, daily deaths would reach 250 in December, state epidemiologist Sarah Lyon-Callo said. Instead, daily deaths peaked at 150, a rate that approached the worst of the pan­ demic that started in March, while the COVID-19 mortality rate has fallen four consecutive weeks, Lyon-Callo said. Despite fears of a holiday spike, coro­ navirus cases, hospitalizations and positive tests have improved dramatically since last month — and Michigan now has one of the lowest case rates in the country. Hospitalizations and positive test rates also have improved. COVID-19 hospital­ izations are now half of where they were at the Dec. 1 peak, Lyon-Callo said. “The state has gained tremendously because of the pause,” Gordon said. Gordon and the Whitmer administration targeted the indoor restaurant industry for See REOPEN, page 2 COVID-19 vaccine recipients wait in line at Spectrum Health Pennock’s first community clinic last Thursday. (Photo provided) Donor-paid upgrade at Tyden Park inspires Fish Hatchery Park project - and more to come Fish Hatchery Park playground design by Sinclair Recreation LLC. (City of Hastings image) Sophie Bates Staff Writer A $74,000 wheelchair-accessible play­ ground — currently, the only wheelchair-ac­ cessible playground in the city — was installed in October 2020 at Tyden Park in Hastings, completely funded by a donation from the Douglas A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation. The improvements were possible, in part, due to a grant awarded to the city from Sinclair Recreation of Holland through GameTime, a playground equipment compa­ ny. If playground equipment is ordered during the fall or winter seasons — the off-season for GameTime — the company will award a 50-percent-off discount in the form of a grant. And that’s what City Manager Jerry Czarnecki is planning to utilize again for playground improvements at Fish Hatchery Park this spring, he told Hastings Rotarians during their Monday. “This is also how we got the structure in Tyden Park. We were able to get about half of it paid for through GameTime, and then the DeCamp Family Foundation came in and helped support the other part of it,” Czarnecki said. “So, our next project that we have going on is in Fish Hatchery Park.” The old playground at Fish Hatchery Park has been removed to make room for the new equipment, which will include a fish-shaped climbing structure, tying in to the name and See UPGRADE, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, January 21, 2021 — The Hastings Banner / DINING, continued from page 1 Neds on Gull Lake invested in an outdoor igloo dining experience for its customers in October. Neds employee Ashley Zettelnair sanitizes the interior of a large igloo. Now customers can make hour-and-a-half reservations for one of five igloos, which are sanitized between each reservation. “We’re adapting to using the igloos and taking reservations for them so we can accom­ modate families and people who would like to come out and still eat dinner out,” Ashley Brown said. The idea of igloos intrigued Barry County leaders so much that they will help support local restaurants by providing similar outdoor seating options. Jennifer Heinzman, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, and the Barry Community Foundation are launching the project to offer local restaurants similar out­ door seating options. One is a “shanty” design, said foundation President Bonnie Gettys, who has been lead­ ing local efforts to save these small business­ es. The other option is a more expensive igloo model that comes from a company in California. That structure holds up to 50 feet of snow and can withstand up to 100 mph winds. Gettys said they didn’t want to give up quality to purchase igloos from a closer man­ ufacturer. These outdoor structures will give local restaurants the ability to keep serving their patrons. “We’ve heard that restaurants may not be back to full operations until the fall,” Gettys said. “The outdoor structures allow them to have additional seating and serve more peo­ ple.” If local businesses participate in the proj­ ect, the structures, which will be owned by the chamber of commerce, are easily stored, Gettys said. If a local business decides to buy them on their own, Gettys said, the foundation and the chamber would explore partially pay­ ing for the structures. “I think this is definitely a new experience for everybody; you know, learning to adapt to having to be shut down when — you know, we do to-go business — but we also typically run a full indoor restaurant,” Ashley Brown said. “So we’ve had to learn to adapt and do what we can.” Neds has had its up and downs during the pandemic, she said, and every day poses a new challenge. “I would say that, every day, it has a different challenge to it, whether it’s the weather or, you know, we’ve had to deal with rain and snow and try to keep everything safe,” Brown said. They’ve learned to be extra patient and adapt to a new method of business and increased sanitizing while prioritizing cus­ tomer comfort. The igloos turned out to be a successful way to respond to the pandemic; they provide Neds outdoor seating for customers who seem to be enjoying them. “They have been work­ ing well,” Ashley Brown said. “People are enjoying coming out and being able to have a dine-in experience. “I think most people are grateful for that that we can give them some sort of normalcy and integrate the time.” The community can support these local businesses by trying these outdoor dining experiences or ordering takeout. But the best thing that could happen now, local restaura- REOPEN, continued from page 1 restrictions because of how the coronavirus is spread, through close-contact between people who are indoors, often with people from mul­ tiple households. But the November dining ban, which also included restrictions on schools and other activities, hit the industry particularly hard as dt was struggling to recover from earlier shut­ downs. Nearly 1 in 6 of the state’s 17,000 restau­ rants closed permanently during the pandem­ ic, according to estimates from the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association trade group. Michigan is one of lO states with full or partial shutdowns of indoor dining, but its unemployment rate, 6.9 percent, is higher than neighboring states including Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin, which allow indoor dining and whose unemployment rates are below 6 percent. Illinois also has a ban on indoor dining; its unemployment rate is also 6.9 percent. Michigan’s seven-day average of new daily cases per 100,000 is 28; Wisconsin is at 44, Indiana is 56 and Ohio is more than dou­ ble at 61 cases per 100,000. Illinois is at 45 cases per day per TOO,000. Wirts^r^kknt and CEO of the Michigan Restatfl^ifadLodging Association, agreed a plan to reopen restaurants is good news but said operators need to know criteria for doing so soon to “make definitive deci­ sions on staffing and inventory.” “We’re excited. It’s about time ” agreed Kurt Busard, chief derating officer of Downtown Restaurants Investments, which operates six establishments in Bay City and Midland. • He and others are anxious to hear details from state health officials about restrictions. If the state allows restaurants to open at only 25 percent of capacity, for instance, that may not be enough of a revenue boost for some restau­ rants, Busard said. More restrictions also would mean that fewer workers would return to their jobs. The leisure and hospitality industry had 33 percent fewer jobs in November than in the same month in 2019, as 143,000 workers remained laid off, according to state statistics. “We need the state to provide metrics to tell us what getting back to 100 percent occu­ pancy will look like,” said Andy French, owner of the Ypsilanti-based Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill chain. Busard said the pandemic forced restau­ rants to get creative, including finding new ways to add to outdoor seating. While the state health data show improve­ ment in virus transmission, the next step for restaurants will be “to build back that confi­ dence in our consumers,” Busard said. VACCINATIONS, continued from page 1 at: barryeatonhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine-in­ formation. Once appointments do become available, they are usually full in less than an hour. “We will learn about our next allocation of vaccine on Jan. 29, and will email those who have signed up for our contact list then,” Suma said. Those without internet access may call the health department, 269-945-9516. “We encourage anyone who can use our online scheduling system and online resourc­ es,” Suma said. “If someone calls BEDHD, we would ask them to be patient as we try and return their call. We may not be able to return your call immediately due to the large volume of calls and limited staff.” Clinics at the department are not just depen­ dent on supply of vaccine, but staffing, volun­ teers and help from the National Guard. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer discussed the effort to get Michigan to “our goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day” during a press confer­ ence Tuesday. Last month, the state Legislature appropri­ ated $90 million to pay for local health departments to hire additional staff and pur­ chase supplies and equipment to distribute the vaccine. The state also will receive $575 mil­ lion to expand CQVID testing, tracing and lab capacity. “We are committed to accelerating vaccine delivery as we work to reach our goal of vac­ cinating 70 percent of Michiganders over age 16 as quickly as possible with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine,” Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Joneigh Khaldun said. . In addition to low vaccine supply, the roll­ out has hit additional snags. Twenty-one shipments of the Modema vac­ cine, which were sent out last Sunday, were comprised when they became too cold while they were being transported by the McKesson Corp. “Although it is unfortunate that this vaccine will not be able to be used, we are pleased that the safeguards put into place to ensure the integrity of the vaccine worked,” Khaldun said. “This is the first report of vaccine poten­ tially being compromised during shipment in Michigan and we are working quickly with the distributor to have replacement vaccine shipped out?’ In terms of overall cases, Michigan is cur­ rently faring better than other states in the fight against CO VID. The rate of new eases over the past seven days has been 25 per 100,000 people. Neighboring Ohio has had 56.4 per 100,000, while Indiana has had 53.8. California has averaged 94.9 over the past seven days. Barry County had 131 active and 269 prob­ able cases Wednesday, down from 188 active cases last week. The county has seen one death due to COVID-19 in the past week, health department officials said. Spectrum Pennock had two CQVID patients admitted as of Monday. Neither was in the intensive care Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 unit. But those numbers may change, now that the new, more contagious strain of the virus has been detected in the state, they said. The first Michigan case of COVID-19 vari­ ant, B.l.1.7. was identified in an adult woman living in Washtenaw County by the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories Saturday. The person had recently returned from the United Kingdom, where the variant originat­ ed. Close contacts were identified and quaran­ tined, and seven of them tested positive for the virus. The lab is still testing to find if those people are infected with the B.l. 1.7. strain. “B.l .1.7. is believed to be more contagious, but there has been no inchcation that it affects the clinical outcomes Or disease severity com­ pared to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been circulating across the United States for months,” according to a statement from MDHHS. “However, a higher rate of transmission could increase the number of people who need to be hospitalized or who lose their lives to CQVID-19 should the new variant begin circulating widely in Michigan,” the state­ ment continued. “To date, the virus has been identified in at least 16 other states and juris­ dictions in the U.S. : " “This is the only known case in Michigan at this time, however it is possible that there are more that have no^been identified.” ' “The discovery of fW variant in Michigan is concerning, but not unexpected,” Khaldun said. “We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic as quickly as possible. We continue to urge Michiganders to follow a research­ based approach by wearing their masks prop­ erly, socially distancing, avoiding crowds, washing their hands often and making a plan to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vac­ cine once it is their turn.” The igloos can accommodate groups of different sizes. teurs said, would be permission to reopen and serve their customers inside once more. “I think it’d be great if we could open up and be able to serve people inside every­ body’s getting really antsy and wanting to, you know, have that normal, normal backs,” Brown said, “but right now we’re adapting and overcoming.” Staff Writer Luke Froncheck contributed to this article. Hastings schools loosen athletic eligibility standards Sophie Bates Staff Writer . The Hastings Board of Education, during its virtual meeting Monday evening, unani­ mously yoted to relax the gjhleti^ eligibility policy so that more students will & eligible to play both winter and spring sports. Under Hastings’ current eligibility policy, if a student doesn’t pass five classes, he or she is ineligible to participate in athletics until completing a credit recovery class to make up for the failed classes. “Looking at our current grades from the first semester, if we were to follow our current eligibility policy of no more than one failing grade, we would have 32 probable athletes not able to compete until they completed one or more credit recovery classes,” interim Superintendent Matt Goebel said. “Since most students cannot finish a credit recovery class before winter sports seasons end, they likely would be ineligible for the entire sea­ son. In previous years, the number of athletes who did not meet eligibility standards was usually between three and six students, Goebel said; the increase in ineligible athletes is likely due to the pandemic. “Given the year that our students have had, relaxing our standards to allow those students that were close to being eligible might be a good thing,” Goebel said. “If school returns to some sort of normalcy next year, we return to our more stringent eligibility requirements.” The policy change is backed both by administrators and the policy committee, which recommended students be eligible for athletics if they have passed four classes in the previous semester —the same standard used by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. The change will allow an estimated 10 to 12 students to participate in a sport for which they were previously ineligible; but it also would benefit spring athletes who also may be struggling with eligibility. “It may help a few athletes for winter sea­ son, but because the winter season is getting so shortened, kind of squished together, what it will help is — it has a better chance of help­ ing some spring athletes because the second semester eligibility affects spring sports as well,” Athletic Director Michael Goggins said. “It will definitely help out in spring, as well, because those students will have time to take some credit recovery classes. Hopefully, we can get them back on track so they are eligible for spring sports. “It doesn’t help all of our kids, those poten­ tial winter athletes. But it does help 10 or 12 of them that were close to making our stan­ dards as they were.” The recommendation received support from the board, several members saying they wanted to make sure students didn’t miss out on sports in a school year where so many tra­ ditional activities have been canceled. “I think our kids - now more than ever - need to chance to have extracurriculars, espe­ cially when they’ve been home for so long ” board rriembe| Valerie Slaughter said. “Those kids are also able to do credit recovery right now, so it can make them eligible for spring which is important as well?" “I hope people look at this as a positive,” board trustee Dan Patton said. “The education system has been hammered this year and the students are struggling maybe the most — even students who were maybe straight A’s. It’s been a struggle for everybody, so this is a good thing I think.” The board unanimously approved the poli­ cy change and will reinstate the more strin­ gent policy once school returns to more nor­ mal conditions. In other action, the board: • accepted two donations: $1,000 from Al & Pete’s Sport Shop for the Students in Need fund and $1,000 from Dr. David Mansky, a podiatrist, for the purchase of personal protec­ tive equipment. “This has become kind of a reoccurring theme with Pete [Schantz] and the whole gang down there [at Al and Pete’s]. You know, they’ve taken a strong interest in trying to help support those students, particularly in our district, who are in need. And I appreciate them stepping forward and doing this again,” Patton said. “I know Dr. Mansky has really helped Southeastern the last couple years, particularly for those students who were in need of footwear during the winter months and, again, continues to be an active player in helping fund our activities in the district* and I certainly appreciate Dr. Mansky.” • The board also held a semi-annual organi­ zational meeting to complete administrative tasks for the upcoming school year, such as designating signatories and depositories; granting authorization for account withdraw­ als; naming committee and organizational liaison appointments; setting surety and dis­ honesty bonds to protect the district from potential financial liabilities; and indemnified each board trustee, the interim superintendent, all administrators and all non-instructional supervisors from liability claims and attorney fees. • The board designated Goebel and Beth Stevens, interim assistant superintendent, as compliance officers. Tim Berlin, assistant superintendent of operations^ will be the Freedom of Information Act coordinator. Additionally, Luke Haywood was re-elected as board president, Slaughter as vice presi­ dent, Jennifer Eastman as secretary and Mike Nickles as treasurer. • Haywood and Nickles were sworn in to the board, following their re-election in November, and Bradley Tolles, the newest member of the board, was sworn in. • Finally, the board approved several calen­ dar changes - including Jan. 22, Feb. 12 and March 12 as full professional development days for staff. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 21, 2021 — Page 3 County interviews applicants for boards Rebecca Pierce Editor Parks, road commission and mental health and substance abuse were focal points for Barry County commissioners Tuesday as they interviewed six applicants for four vacancies on boards and commissions. In a committee of the whole meeting that took place on Zoom, the commissioners took a consensus vote that favored choosing Deborah Jensen and Sarah Nelson, both of Hastings, for Parks and Recreation Commission; Duane Secord ' for the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Board, and David Solmes for the road commission. An official vote on these applicants is expected at the Jan. 26 board meeting, which will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday’s committee meeting offered commissioners a chance to question appli­ cants about their knowledge, philosophies and approach to decision-making. In the county’s Parks and Recreation Commission and Charlton Park Village and Museum board, which were combined into one commission Jan. 1,2020, four applicants were vying for two citizen at-large positions. Incumbent Russ Yarger, former county commissioner Heather Wing, Nelson and Jensen applied for the opportunities, but Yarger arrived late to the remote access meet­ ing and missed most of the commissioners’ questions, and Wing withdrew from consider­ ation for the post. The interviewees made it clear that county parks and recreation “are integral to the qual­ ity of life” The first interview was with Jensen, who is a landscape architect with degrees in land­ scape design, plant science and landscape architecture from the University of Sheffield in England, has worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a park management plan administrator since 2012. The Hastings Charter Township resident has six years of previous experience on the county parks and recreation board, when she was involved in the development of the McKeown Bridge Park, mini-grants and long- range planning. She was the project manager for the 1.6-mile paved, non-motorized City of Hastings Riverwalk trail. “I have lived in Barry County for over 20 years and appreciate the beautiful natural and historic resources the county has to offer,*5 Jensen wrote in her application for the vacan­ cy. “I love to be outside and experience new and unique places. I believe everyone should have close to home and affordable access to recreation resources for their physical ahd mental well-being and to engender an appre­ ciation and stewardship of these resources for future generations. ■ “The benefit of outdoor recreatiofi go well beyond personal - creating a vibrant commu­ nity where people want to live and work ahd thereby positively impacting the regional economy.” Nelson, the executive dirqbtdr of the Barry Conservation District since 2015, lives in Rutland Charter Township. She has bache­ lor’s degrees in environmental studies from Northern Illinois University and business administration from Augustana College. She also has prior experience on the county’s parks and recreation board, as well as natural resources management, program and event management, marketing and outreach service on county advisory boards. . “Natural resource conservation and out­ door recreation are integral parts of who I am,” Nelson wrote on her application for the post. “I greatly value the care of our resources for future generations, as well as providing current generations access to meaningful out­ door experiences. I also frequent and greatly appreciate public trails, parks and preserves in Barry County. “I served on the parks board up until it joined with the Charlton Park board to form the Parks and Recreation Commission. At the time of the merger, there were not enough seats available for all members and I was happy to cede my seat to other members. Now that seats have open, I would be honored and grateful to serve again.” During Tuesday’s interviews, Commissioner Catherine Getty said funding is always an issue with parks, so she asked UPGRADE, continued from page 1 This model, created by Sinclair Recreation LLC, illustrates what the Fish Hatchery Park playground will look like when completed, likely sometime this spring. (City of Hastings image) applicants what experience they have in applying for and administering grants. Both Nelson and Jensen affirmed their competency in the area of grant application and administration. Nelson said that’s how she has kept her job for the past six years. “It’s the foundation of all our work at the conservation district,” she said. “We don’t currently have operational state funding and so everything we do, every service we offer to the community, is funding we’ve found ... and a lot of that is grant funding.” But grants aren’t enough, she added, warning against relying on one type of fund­ ing. Diversifying sources is important, Nelson noted. Charlton Park, for example, has more robust funding sources than the county’s parks and recreation board, she said, suggest­ ing the formation of a “friends board.” Jensen said grant development has been a big part of her job for more than 20 years. “At the state, I work hand in hand with the people who administer these grants,” she said. “The challenge with grants is finding the right program ... and finding the matching funds. I think it’s time to look at some of those fund­ ing sources. ...There is definitely money out there.” Jensen said her priority in the role would be quality of life and promoting that. “Looking after what you have has to come first,” she said, noting that there are a lot of partnerships that can be leveraged. The board can “look at what we have and how we can leverage that to enhance the qual­ ity of life for residents,” Jensen concluded. The incumbent to the parks and recreation board, Yarger, of Freeport, is retired and has 50-plus years of experience on the Freeport Rural Fire Department as chief. He currently serves that department as board president. Yarger served on the facilities committee for the Charlton Park board until December 2020. His eight years as county drain com­ missioner provide knowledge of county resi­ dents’ feelings and wishes, he said. “A lifelong resident of Barry County, I understand residents’ wishes for recreational and historical enrichment opportunities and the frustrations we all face in requests for additional funding to maintain current county assets,” Yarger wrote in his application. “I understand finances, how to budget and rec­ ognize threats and opportunities. I have expe­ rienced what county employees face on a daily basis in our community. I do not believe in a ‘cross your fingers’ mentality. I do sweat the small stuff. I believe those who govern and manage our systehis ... have a responsi­ bility for safety and effective utilization” of these resources.” Chainnan Ben Geiger suggested the board of coniniissioners make make their choices by consensus so multijfee candidates could be handled in one vote. Thd vote-getters will then be voted on at Tuesday’s 9 a.m. board meeting. In that vote, Geiger and Jon Smelker selected Nelson and Yarger; Getty, Howard Gibson, Dave Jackson and Vivian Conner picked Jensen and Nelson; Bruce Campbell picked Jensen and Yarger. With Nelson at 6 votes, Jensen at 5, and Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Yarger at 3, the top two vote-getters - Nelson and Jensen - will be presented to the board in the recommendation next week, the commis­ sioners agreed by voice vote. Conner, who expressed a preference for voting on individ­ ual candidates, cast the lone dissenting vote. Current members of the Parks and Recreation Board are Frank Fiala, Jim Dull, Joyce Snow, Daryl Cheeseman, Rick Moore, Colleen Acker and Doug Klein. Catherine Getty was appointed as the county commis­ sioners’ representative on the board this year. Incumbent Dawd Solmes of Carlton Township was the board’s consensus choice for a six-year term on the road commission. Solmes, who has served on that board since 2008,is the president of Dewey’s Auto Body, Inc. Newcomer Phillip Joseph of Orangeville Township, who is a sales branch manager for IDI Distributors of Grand Rapids ? received votes from Conner and Gibson, who praised his youth and conservative views. ; Current road commission members are L>avid Dykstra, Chairman Frank Fiala and Solmes, who is the vice chairman. The lone applicant for a partial term on the county’s Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Authority Board was Duane Secord of Hastings, who retired from Barry County Community Mental Health Agency four years ago and is currently involved in private practice. He is a licensed psychologist with the state and an adjunct professor at Kellogg Community College. Secord, who is a native of Hastings, said he has a good understanding of the communi­ ty“I have a heart for this community and for people who struggle with mental illness,” he wrote in his application. “I believe there is still some stigma in our community and want to do what I can to reduce the stigma.” Current board members are Ruth Perino, Don Bowers, Theresa Moody, Kerri Selleck, Robert Nelson (who died Oct. 19, 2020), Nora Hurst, Bob Becker, Deborah Hyatt, Jennifer Meyer, Linda Maupin and Commissioner Catherine Getty, who was appointed to the board this year. In other business, commissioners also moved forward with a recommendation to adopt the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Michigan Health Care Saving Program uniform resolution for county employees and participation agreement for the corrections unit, which was negotiated in a closed session last Tuesday during the coun­ ty board meeting. In 2012, the board adopted a resolution to participate in the MERS retiree health fund and established accounts for the various divi­ sions of the county (general fund, central dispatch, Charlton Park, transit and Commission on Aging) to provide a funding source of the county’s employee benefits. Each year, the county deposits the actuarily determined contribution specified in that benefits report and withdraws the amount needed to cover the costs of current retiree health benefits. The county anticipates that, together with annual deposits, the money in the retiree fund will yield investment returns to enable the county to fund the benefits plan into the future. Per that most recent report, as of Dec. 31, 2019, the funds represent a funding level of 92.1 percent and the contribution for 2021 is $56,658. The current annualized cost to the county is $12,000. In other business, commissioners recom­ mended: -Approval of contracts with 10 indigent defense attorneys - Jackie Baker, Carol Dwyer, Shane Henry, Kristen Hoel, James Kinney, Gordon Shane McNeill, Kathryn Russell, Steven Storrs, Lynonel Woolley and Kimberly Young. -Approval of $12,154 in expenditures for audio-video upgrades in the courtrooms and $31,734 for a portable recording device to be used for off-site jury selection and trials, with the cost to be reimbursed to the county through a Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant that was award­ ed to the county in September. -Reappointing retired Navy officer Michael Spangler of Shelbyville to Veterans Affairs Committee. -Appointing Christine Hiar of Hastings, as the service area representative; David Tripp of Shelbyville, as the criminal defense attor­ ney representative; Amy Graham of Nashville, as the workforce investment board represen­ tative; and Carrie Larabee of Hastings, as the communications media representative, to one-year terms on the county Community Corrections Advisory Board. PERSONALIZED MUCS GET TUAT ■ SPECIAL SOMEONE A PERSONALIZED MUG TAIS. VALENTINE’S DAY email to: s15 copies@j-adgraphics.com 1351 N M-43 - Hwy. Hastings, Mi 49058 269.945.9105 Up to 2 pictures, please allow a week for turn around time OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 4:30 It s a New Year and we are excited to announce our new name! Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law A whimsical piece of playground equipment is a nod to the park’s namesake. (City of Hastings image) 202 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 history of the park. GameTime provided the city with a $62,000 grant for the Fish Hatchery playground equip­ ment, bringing the cost of the structure to just under $100,000 for installation; the city has partnered with the Barry County YMCA — and is continuing to seek other partners — to raise the remaining funds. “We are very fortunate the YMCA has agreed to partner with the city. And, as part of their fundraising campaign over the summer, people can donate money towards this play structure,” Czarnecki said. “We are looking for other people who are interested in possibly partnering to make this structure happen.” Fish Hatchery was chosen as the next park to receive improvement because of how often the West Green Street park is used for YMCA sports programs. “The reason we wanted to go here is because we know the YMCA utilizes that quite a bit, for the summer sports programs,” Czarnecki said. “And this would be an oppor­ tunity for families when one kid is participat­ ing in a sport, you got a nice place for the other kids to go and play.” The city plans to tap Game Time’s grant program as they continue to update other parks within the city, he said. “We’re looking to do this on a regular basis now, going through our parks and updating our play structures because we didn’t realize that this was something that GameTime offered,” Czarnecki said. “What my hopes would be is that we eventually get to a point where we build almost like a foundation type — or like a fund-type situation there — that people can donate to so that we can then refurbish those as we’re as we’re going along.” Similar improvements may be made at Bob King Park, which houses TangleTown, Czarnecki said, reminiscing about moving to Hastings, almost 20 years ago, with his family and hanging out at TangleTown. “Our kids weren’t in school yet and —all of the young families — if you wanted to meet somebody you went to TangleTown and all the parents talked while the kids played,” Czarnecki said. “We want to do something to keep that as a kind of as a shining star for our community, moving forward. “We’ll see some work towards that as well coming in the future.” (269) 948-2900 • www.tts.law David H. Tripp Nathan E. Tagg Steven G. Storrs Although our name is changing we look forward to providing you the same level of professional service you have come to expect. Best wishes for a prosperous New Year! �Page 4 — Thursday, January 21,2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you Look for kindness; it still abounds see Darlene Brown took this photo more than a year ago when visiting her grandchildren. The boy on the left is working on bikes belonging to children in the Meadow Stone neighborhood. She said she was struck by how the children worked together and helped each other. The boy making repairs let one youngster borrow an extra bike he had fixed up, until he could fix the youngster’s bike. She wrote: “He said that when he goes to garage sales, he buys bike parts and tools to fix everyone’s bike. I asked him what he would need to help him fix up bikes, and he said a tire pump. I bought him one and a few extra tubes. My mother was a single parent with five kids. I remember trying to fix up a bike to ride. We didn’t have a vehicle, so it was so important as a kid to have a bike. So proud of the children working together - and respecting each other. The boy fixed the bike, and the other youngster returned the extra bike, she said. Every year, he fixes up bikes families pick up on the side of the road or at garage sales. “I so wanted to reward them for their good behavior,” Brown wrote. “I started thinking, ‘It’s something inside you, that stays with you, that is rewarding: Kindness.’ The kids were happy that everyone had a bike to ride. “Best time ever to look for the goodness and kindness of our community,” she concluded. “It may encourage others to do so.” Do you Let’s grow our opportunity remember? Relative introductions Banner Nov. 8,1951 Happy reunion - Little Kurt Theil, 3, is pictured telling his dad, Hellmut Theil, 37, how to play football the day after Hellmut arrived in Hastings to see Kurt for the first time. Hellmut married Juanita Kidder, 217 W. South St., Aug. 12,1947, while she was an army nurse in Austria. Mrs. Theil returned to the States in February 1948, and Kurt was born here. Since that time, her husband, who was a member of the Romanian army after his country was taken over by Hitler’s forc­ es, had attempted to cut through “red tape” to join his family. He arrived in New York Oct. 21, and in Hastings Oct. 24 to join his family. [An article that same month reported that Theil already had arranged an accounting position at Hastings.Manufacturing Co.] lol ui xl lliw Have you met? Lake Odessa native Kathy Stowell has made Woodland her home since 1975 - she loves the quaint community. She had recently wed Jim Stowell, who had secured a job as a Woodland firefighter. With her husband’s involvement, Stowell quickly became active in the fire department as well and that began her almost 50 years of community service in Woodland. “Because my husband was so involved already in the fire department — which is the central hub of Woodland — all the wives and the people of Woodland just came together, and it was just fun to be involved with everybody,” Stowell, 64, said. Her first community endeavor was to cre­ ate a women’s auxiliary at the fire depart­ ment. “... we started the women’s auxiliary to support the firemen when they were out on fires,” Stowell said. “It was active for sever­ al years — you know, 10 or 15 years — but then it slowly faded down as women were unable to get out and about as much because they were working.” Stowell’s next two big undertakings came in the 1980s, when she took a step back from her teaching position to take care of her chil­ dren. The first was opening up a preschool — the Jack and Jill Playskool — in her own home in 1982; she did so when, as her chil­ dren approached school age, she realized there were no preschools with availability in the area. Others in the community seemed to share Stowell’s dilemma as the preschool quickly filled to capacity, eventually expanding out of Stowell’s home and into a building of its own. “My children were little, and I wanted to stay with them,” Stowell said. She expanded the preschool to a building on Brown Road and continued to operate it until 2002, when she left to pursue a mas­ ter’s degree in special education at Grand Valley State University. Shortly after starting the preschool, Stowell set her sights on creating a Parent Teacher Organization at the former Woodland Elementary. Every year, her activities in the Woodland community always culminated in the town­ ship’s Labor Day homecoming weekend celebration. The celebration revolves around a softball tournament and parade, with plenty of fun activities — like a DJ or com hole tourna­ ment — for residents to enjoy. Kathy Stowell “Our kids and family were always in the parade,” Stowell said of her three chil­ dren, Sarah Cole, Matthew Stowell and Ben Stowell. “Our kids would ride in the firetrucks or on their bikes. So, we were always a part of that. We loved that celebra­ tion.” She became a member of the Woodland Homecoming Committee and remembers a particular lesson: “I went to the first meeting and loved it. I missed the second monthly meeting and received call from Shirley Kilmer [fellow board member] stating I had been appointed committee chairman. I never missed another meeting after that! “It was a lot of fun. I had an excellent committee. We just had so much fun being together.” Stowell and the committee expanded the celebration to include more children’s events, a chili cook-off, dodgeball games and more. Four years after retiring from a teaching position at Charlotte High School, Stowell stepped down in 2019, having served eight years as festival chairman. Today, a grandmother to 10 children, she continues to serve on the committee despite moving back to Lake Odessa, her home­ town, last year — a bittersweet goodbye. “I raised my family in Woodland and I spent the majority of my life in Woodland and that’s where my heart is — in Woodland — even though I grew up in Lake Odessa,” In My Opinion Stowell said. “I just think of Woodland as home and that’s important to me.” Serving her community has led Stowell to bond with a diverse group of people, which has greatly enriched her life and helped her find success in community organizing. “Surround yourself with as many people as possible, because that’s what makes things happen. The more people involved from different walks and venues and life avenues, the more things grow and come together,” Stowell said. “And you get to know people. I’ve gotten to know so many people through serving on these committees that I would never have gotten to know, and they become like your family — or close. And that’s what I love about Woodland — the people I’ve met while serving in the village.” For serving her community for more than five decades and providing inspiration for others to do the same, Kathy Stowell is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: “Gone with the Wind.” Best advice ever received: To be kind. Always be kind. First job: Babysitting at 12 years old. I babysat for the neighbor kids that I’m still close with today. If I could go anywhere in the world: Hawaii — I loved it there. A big accomplishment for me: Raising my family. Favorite teacher and why: George Johnson, my science teacher. He just made biology exciting for me. A moment that changed my life: The birth of my daughter, when I became a mother. I’m most proud of: The successful and loving adults my children have become. Greatest thing about Barry County: The people. The tight-knit community of people. Everybody knows everybody — I love that. Favorite season and why: Summer because of the water and flowers. Important lesson from childhood: To treat others the way you wanted to be treated — my parents always said that. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Has anyone else noticed the echo ring­ ing through small town America these days? It’s the sound of hollowed-out communities continuing to lose their young people and their middle-class way of life. While metropolitan cities and urban counties have grown by 13 percent in each of the past 20 years, the Pew Research Center says the population of rural counties has lagged in the same time period. More than half of rural counties have fewer resi­ dents today than they did in 2000. This trend should worry every small­ town community leader who fears empty store fronts on Main Street, lackluster health services and declining enrollment at local school districts that may soon have to con­ sider consolidation with neighboring dis­ tricts to survive. Peter Wagner is a friend and fellow newspaper publisher in Northwest Iowa. For several years now, he and I have been exchanging copies of our newspapers as a way to stay current on developments in our like-sized communities. Wagner has been equally concerned about this ominous pop­ ulation trend and, in his most recent publi­ cation, I noticed an article about his home­ town, Orange City, and a population-growth program known as Vision 2035. The strate­ gy, adopted in 2016, is to increase the pop­ ulation of Orange City and its county by more than 10,000 residents. Orange City is similar to Hastings. It’s the county seat and home to just over 6,200 residents - about 1,000 fewer than that of Hastings. According to the recent article in Wagner’s paper, the reason behind the Vision 2035 strategy is to grow the commu­ nity’s population through support of local industry, which continues to suffer because it cannot find enough qualified workers to fill a growing job base. The goals of Vision 2035 are to increase retail sales and establishments, add 1,000 employees to the industrial base, and expand housing and infrastructure to accommodate 10,000 additional residents. “Our industry told us four years ago that our industrial base was growing,” Community Development Director Mark Gaul said of the time when Vision 2035 began to take form. “Industry leaders iden­ tified finding employees as their number one challenge. What they told us is they can create more jobs. What the community needs to do is create opportunities for these people to live.” The “if you build it, they will come” approach is an all-out effort to create a plan for expanded housing. So far, the results look promising. According to the newspa­ per, 93 housing units were created in Orange City from 1999 to 2003. From 2004 through 2008, there were 84 housing units built and 55 more were added between 2009 and 2013. From 2014, two years before the Vision 2035 initiative began, through 2018, another 170 housing units were built. The momentum continues. An eightplex apartment project was just announced in recent months with enough land to add another eight-plex and more condomini­ ums. If Orange City officials expect to meet their vision of the 10,000-population growth number, though, more housing units must still be built. As I was going through several years of local master plans in my files, I found that Hastings has included the need for more housing all the way back to the master plan of the late 1960s. It is readily apparent, though, that we’ve dropped the ball, leaving Hastings in a similar situation to the one Orange City found itself four years ago. The Futuring Committee of the 1980s in Barry County spent hours debating the need for additional housing to attract young fam­ ilies and workers. “The county can’t stand still, it’s either moving forward or falling behind,” were the stark words used in one of the reports. Committee members knew if Barry County wanted to continue to grow, housing would be one of the most important issues to solve. So what’s the problem? Barry County is surrounded by thriving commercial and industrial facilities, but, like any business venture looking to thrive and to continue to grow, it must be able to attract new talent. One of the major factors in attracting that talent is a community that offers a high quality of living. Barry County, with its hundreds of lakes, streams, parks and open spaces, along with the state game and recreation areas, can certainly check that box. We have lots to offer families looking for a great place to live, work and playThat’s exactly where Orange City stood in 2016 when officials realized they couldn’t wait to let businesses and employees dis­ cover opportunity on their own. To grow and to be successful, the people of Orange City knew it would take an organized plan to attract developers to their city. It was imperative that city and community leaders do their part to identify land and to solve building infrastructure challenges for new businesses. The city and the community needed to accept their roles in the plan. Orange City leaders also looked across their county for support from neighboring communities also looking for additional growth. They realized they couldn’t do it alone and their aim of bringing in neighbor­ ing communities as partners was to be sure their efforts didn’t make ghost towns out of those other communities. “We want our population base to grow, we don’t want to do that at the expense of those communities that make up the greater county,” one official said. They’re including communities around them so the entire county grows at a faster pace. That’s the exact conclusion the Futuring Committee of the early 1980s reached in our community. Today, we must still focus on the entire county for growth, not just Hastings. If we’re serious about housing then we must include Delton, Nashville, Freeport, Woodland and the Gun Lake area to grow a stronger county. I’m not overlooking Middleville which is already experiencing growth momentum. Most of the recent housing growth has hap­ pened in the northwest corridor of the coun­ ty - in and around Middleville where fami­ lies are moving south out of Grand Rapids looking for more affordable land and quali­ ty of life issues. In last week’s Sun and News, officials in Kent County’s Gaines Township were reported grappling with some of the same lack-of-housing issues. At their Dec. 17, 2020, planning commission meeting, repre­ sentatives mentioned that 70 percent of Gaines Township apartments were built between 1984 and 1991. “Our goal is to understand where hous­ ing needs are and how the lack of housing across the region is impacting our ability to create jobs,” Ryan Kilpatrick, executive director of Housing Next, said. According to a report commissioned by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, more than 8,900 new rental units will be needed in the next five years along with 13,000 new homes across Kent County. So, the question becomes, ‘Should Barry County leaders adopt a plan similar to that of Orange City to increase the county’s population by 10,000 people?’ That would be a good start to solving a housing problem that has plagued our com­ munities and our county for years. We’ve failed to make it job No. 1. Delaying adoption of a growth plan has not been a positive factor, especially given that every community today must deal with a pandemic that requires even more insight­ ful thinking, adaptation and new program­ ming. Orange City Chamber of Commerce Director Mike Hoffman said he worried about the impact COVID-19 would have on its economy, but noted that they’ve experi­ enced an influx of new businesses that have opened and are thriving. “Even with the current pandemic situa­ tion, we’ve had some really good growth,” Hoffman said, pointing out that two of the newest businesses are restaurants, which have done well despite that industry’s state restrictions to fight the pandemic. Dealing with the virus has created resid­ ual difficulties in other areas, though. Wagner, the publisher, mentioned that his papers - like ours at J-Ad Graphics - have been running employment ads for positions that companies have unable to fill. In some cases, it’s due to unemployment benefits being high enough that people choose not to look for work. Jobs going unfilled, though, may also be due to a lack of trained people. In Barry County, we’ve been focused for several years on offering skilled trades instruction and certification for high school students. Due to the fear and restrictions surrounding CO VID-19, though, most of those programs are on hold or have lost many of their stu­ dents. Until the pandemic can be controlled, then, jobs will suffer due to an entire class of students who are now missing the train­ ing they need to gain employment after high school. This has been but a moment in time, though a long and frustrating one. As Orange City successfully forges ahead in a difficult circumstance, it’s time Barry County leaders follow a similar path. We need to not just grow our population but also concentrate on housing and create a positive climate for expansion throughout the county, efforts that will require expand­ ing infrastructure to meet the needs of com­ munity development. Hastings has little land left within the city limits. It’s time to extend sewer and water infrastructure into the neighboring townships where land is more plentiful and where housing growth will attract new resi­ dents to the greater Hastings area. It’s my hope community leaders will have the com­ mitment and the determination to make it happen because it’s the only way to make sure that we continue to grow and prosper in the future. “Growth is never by mere chance,” someone once said, “it is the result of forces working together that make it happen.” Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. �The Hastings Banner —• Thursday, January 21, 2021 — Page 5 New recycling program may be in works for Hastings schools tackle contact tracing Prairieville Township, but funding uncertain Staff assists strapped health department to protect community, against virus spread Sophie Bates Staff Writer Hastings High School students have tempo­ rarily returned to remote learning after 16 students tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and an estimated 100 students were des­ ignated close contacts —- and thus, forced to quarantine - in the nine days since the school semester began. District administrators will re-evaluate whether to resume in-person classes Jan. 29. Interim Superintendent Matt Goebel announced the change the evening of Jan. 14 in an email to Saxon families. “The health and safety of our students is our No. 1 concern. We are taking this pause at Hastings High School based on the current data and collaboration with the Barry-Eaton Health Department. As stated previously, this data can change daily and sometimes within the day,” Goebel wrote. “We understand that in-person learning is the best instruction we can provide, however at this time it is safer to return to virtual learning.” The rest of the school system is continuing in-person classes. Thus far, outside of the high school, only one middle school student and one non-instructional Central Elementary staff member have tested positive for the virus; and a few students have been designated close contacts: three at Southeastern Elementary, one at Star Elementary and one at Northeastern Elementary. Goebel said some high school students par­ ticipated in social events outside of school, over the break, which may be the reason for such a high quarantine disparity between the high school and other school district build­ ings. The decision to reinstate remote learning was made with the assistance of the BarryEaton District Health Department. Representatives from the BEDHD and Calhoun County Public Health Department meet with Goebel once a week to update him infection rates within the community. “The Barry-Eaton District Health Department has been a tremendous help through this entire time period. 1 am in contact with one or more of their staff members daily. Their suggestions and recommendations have been wonderful,” Goebel said. “I believe our working relationship serves Hastings Area School System well.” Goebel also monitors school employee capacity — making sure they have enough teachers for in-person learning — health department coordination and contact tracing to help him decide whether students should be in class or remote. In fact, due to the local health department’s limited staff and funding — which makes it difficult to meet the community’s needs during the pandemic —BEDHD relies on Hastings administration and staff to complete contact tracing in the classroom. “They do depend on us to contact trace,” Goebel said. “We know the kids; we know who has been in the classroom. We know the teachers and the teachers can ask, ‘Well, who was next to this person for 15 minutes within six feet?’ so that we can communicate that to the health department. “So, I would say that we’re doing a tremen­ dous amount of close contact tracing, espe­ cially recently, which has been quite a bit of — it’s just been a big work load on our staff.” If a case is reported to the health depart­ ment, school district staff assist with tracing, beginning 48 hours before the symptom or positive test occurred. “So, we reach out to teachers, and see if that particular student was in contact with anyone at school,” Goebel said. “If we identi­ fy anyone, then we determine them as close contacts, and communicate back to the health department.” The district then informs students who have been identified as close contacts that they must quarantine for 10 days and that they will be contacted by the health department. The student’s name is then entered into a BEDHD spreadsheet which contains import­ ant information the department will use to communicate with families. “The school makes phone calls to families or sends ‘quarantine letters’ with guidelines on how to proceed,” Goebel said. “Students are reminded to reach out to their teachers so that learning may continue at a distance.” The urgency of contact tracing - on top of an already upended school year - has put a noticeable strain on school staff, Goebel said. “It certainly has increased our workload,” he said. “There is, no doubt, a noticeable impact of taking on such an enormous respon­ sibility as student health and safety. The worry that extends to staff and student safety is all-consuming, but there is no way around it. “We will always put their safety and wel­ fare first, no matter what it takes.” ? Delton Kellogg school board shuffles leadership Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The Delton Kellogg Board of Education chose a new president Monday. Former secre­ tary Jessica Brandli was elected president during the virtual meeting, and former presi­ dent Kelli Martin assumed the role of vice president. Sarah Austin will continue her role as trea­ surer, and Craig Jenkins was named secretary. Board members also approved committee assignments, including: Facilities - Austin, Martin and Rodney Dye Instruction - Jenkins, Brandy Shooks and Robert Houtrow Personnel - Brandli, Jenkins, Dye and Austin Finance - Austin, Brandli and Martin Negotiations - Houtrow, Brandli, Jenkins and Martin Policy - Martin, Shooks and Houtrow Former board member Marsha Bassett, president of the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation, updated board members on the state of the DKEF. The foundation could give away $78,000 in scholarships in the spring, Bassett said, and $32,000 is available for teacher classroom grants this school year. Teachers and students may apply for grants or scholarships on the DKEF website. In other business, the board: -Approved creation of Financial Math 2 as a semester course at the high school. -Accepted the retirement of junior varsity softball coach Bill Campbell and the resigna­ tion of bus driver Camille Aszatlos. -Approved a high school band trip to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in December. Board mem­ bers agreed that the trip is contingent on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. -Extended Families First Coronavirus Response Act benefits for all staff through March 31. -Approved the hiring of bus driver Heather Tolsma and substitute teacher Steve Loomis. -Approved the attorney retainer with Thrun Law Firm of Grand Rapids. Sean Bradley Staff Writer Prairieville Township’s recycling program could undergo a change later this year. Since September 2020, residents have trav­ eled to the township hall to put their recycling materials in a receptacle, but that service was available for only for a few hours two days out of the month. Residents who recycle with the township pay a $40 fee for the service. Residents said they don’t want to keep doing this since the process isn’t convenient for them and the 22-by-8-foot container can be full by the time they bring their recyclable materials. In a survey to which residents of 168 households responded, 54 percent said they preferred to have curbside pickup, according to results released recently from the survey distributed late last year. “It’s necessary for the environment, but you need to make it easier for people to recy­ cle,” one responder commented; all com­ ments were anonymous. “Having to bring your recycling items to a certain station is an extra added job that many people do not have time to do.” Another responder said the township should contract with a company via a bidding process that would include providing curbside recy­ cling service for residents. “It saves money for all residents, makes it as convenient as possible to recycle, and cuts down on wear and tear on our roads,” the responder said. Plainwell-based Bernie’s Haul-Away then takes the container full of materials to a pro­ cessing plant in Grand Rapids. The township initially signed a contract from Aug. 1,2019, to July 31 of this year with Bernie’s Haul-Away worth $16,000 to pro­ vide recycling services. However, the town­ ship had to stop the contract early due to financial constraints put on the township caused by the CO VID-19 pandemic, township clerk Rod Goebel, said Wednesday. In the spring last year, the township and Bernie’s Haul-Away revised their agreement so that services would be provided from Sept. 1, 2020, to March 31 for a cost of $5,250, according to the contract. The container is available from 2 to 6 p.m. at the township hall the second and fourth Friday of every month through March 31. It is only to be used by township residents. The township plans by April 1 to have determined its recycling program’s future: renewing its current agreement, negotiating a hew agreement with Bernie’s Haul-Away or a different provider, devising a new recycling program, or ending it altogether. . Discussions regarding the program are underway. “I think it’s important for the people who do it to have ownership of the program,” Goebel said during Tuesday’s meeting. “I’m not ruling out township participation, but I would rather pay somebody to supervise and keep it organized than simply purchase vol­ ume and containers.” A majority of the survey’s responders - 54 percent - said they would want some kind of annual fee charged to all township property owners to pay for recycling service, regard­ less if they recycle. “The cost should be spread out through the community,” one responder wrote. Another responder said he or she would “be happy” to pay an annual assessment to be able to have curbside recycling service. In other business, the board also unani­ mously approved: -Optional participation in an online security training for township elected officials at no cost to the township since it is paid for by the Gull Lake Sewer and Water Authority. - Paying $100 per meeting for the township board’s minute taker to be paid every three months instead of every two weeks. The per­ son takihg minutes varies depending on the meeting. - The hiring of firefighter Mykel-James Allen Gerou, pending passing of a physical. Budget discussions for the next fiscal year, which starts April 1, will begin at 10 a.m. Feb. 3 with a discussion about the fire depart­ ment’s budget followed by discussion of the police department’s budget. Starting at 10 a.m. Feb. 4* the township board will discuss its portion of the Barry County Road Commission budget. Immediately following that will be a discus­ sion about the township’s general fund bud­ get. How the budget discussion meetings will be held - whether remotely or in person - has yet to be determined. The township board’s next regular meeting will be conducted remotely, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10. The website, prairievilletwp-mi. org, has more information. Jeff Domenico, AAMS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC Jim Lundin Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 818-0423 (269)948-8265 Pre-retirees: Plan now for health care costs If you’re close to retirement, you’ll have several financial is­ sues to consider. But you’ll want to pay attention to one of the most important of these issues: health care costs. How can you prepare yourself for these ex­ penses? First, get an early start on es­ timating health care costs. More than two-thirds ofthose planning to retire in the next 10 years say they have no idea what their health and long-term care costs will be in retirement, according to the Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retire­ ment study. And some people don’t worry much about these costs, which may be consider­ able, thinking that Medicare will pay for most of them. While Medicare does cover many medical expenses, it also has its own costs. You probably won’t pay a premium for Part A (inpatient/hospital coverage), since you likely had this cost deducted from your paycheck when you were working. But if you are hospitalized, you’ll have to pay deductibles and coinsur­ ance (the percentage of costs you pay after you’ve paid your deductible). Part B (doctor’s visits) requires a premium, de­ ducted from your Social Securi­ ty checks, and you must pay an out-of-pocket deductible. After you meet this deductible for the year, you typically pay 20% of die Medicare-approved amount for most doctor’s services. And when you enroll in Part D (pre­ scription drug plan), you will likely also have to pay a monthly premium, an annual deductible and coinsurance or copays. To help pay for the Medicare deductible, coinsurance and co­ payments, you may want to get supplemental insurance, known as Medigap. Premiums for Medigap vary, depending on the plan you choose. As an alternative to origi­ nal Medicare, you could select Medicare Advantage (some­ times called Part C). Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare, but the benefits and costs vary by plan. These plans generally will incorporate Medi­ care Parts A and B and will pro­ vide additional medical cover­ age, such as prescription drugs. When you incorporate all the above, the annual out-of-pock­ et costs for traditional medical expenses likely will be about $4,500 to $6,500 per year, per person - not insignificant, but certainly a number that can be addressed by careful planning. But there’s one more expense to keep in mind: long-term care. The average cost of a private The Hastings room in a nursing home is more than $100,000 per year, accord­ ing to the insurance company Genworth. And Medicare typi­ cally pays few ofthese expenses. Clearly, between regular med­ ical costs associated with Medi­ care or those not covered by it, and costs resulting from the possible need for long-term care, your health care bills can mount. To meet these costs, you need to plan ahead - and take action. For example, it’s essential that you incorporate health care ex­ penses into your overall financial strategy. You can also work with a financial professional to run some “what-if’ analyses to see if your strategy would be derailed by a potential long-term care stay. And the professional you work with may be able to sug­ gest specific protection vehicles that can help you meet the costs of long-term care. The best time to prepare for your health care costs during retirement is well before you retire. So, if you haven’t already started, now is the time to do so. When it comes to paying for health care, the fewer surprises, the better. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC BcHHICT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Publisher & CEO Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hank Schuuring Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore CFO Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM • $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Taylor Owens 153768 ★ FOUNDED 1834 ★ DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DIRECTOR Meijer’s decision prompts reader to make decision, too To the editor: Since I have been 18 years old, I have, to the best of my ability, voted in every election. I also have encouraged my eight children to vote. One of the things I have been most proud of is that, in my 37 years of voting, I have never voted for a Democrat. It took U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer less than three weeks in Congress for me to say I will be voting for his opponent - even if that means voting for a Democrat. Meijer has decided that, without any inves­ tigation or hearings, he would vote for a ridic­ ulous partisan impeachment of President Trump. I would prefer an honest Democrat to Congressman Meijer and will be voting that way. Eric Smith, Middleville The Village of Middleville is seeking a qualified applicant to fill the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director position. The DDA Director coordinates activities within the DDA District as an integral foundation for economic development. He/she assists the DDA Board, committees and volunteers in the development, conduct, execution and documentation of DDA programs. The Director will be a positive and energetic source for the long-term success of the DDA. The Director is the principal on- site staff person responsible for coordinating all program activities and volunteers, as well as representing the community regionally as appropriate. In addition, the Director should help guide the organization through the execution of the TIF Plan. The DDA Director should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in one or more of the following areas: finance, volunteer or nonprofit management, public relations, micro-business development, or historic preservation. The position will be open until filled. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and completed Village of Middleville employment application in a sealed envelope, by mail or in person, to Ann Ulberg, PO Box 69,100 E. Main Street, Middleville, Ml 49333. Application and a job description are also available at the Village office, 100 East Main Street, Middleville, Michigan 49333, or on the Village website: www.villageofmiddleville.org. �Page 6 — Thursday, January 21,2021 — The Hastings Banner Joseph Michael Ferrara Joseph Michael Ferrara passed away in the care of his loving family in their Hastings home. He was bom March 15, 1953, to Shirley (Simonds) and Bud Ferrara. He was a twin to Joanne (Ferrara) Holmes and brother to seven siblings. He married Yvonne Dutton in 1978. Joe was a devoted son, husband, brother, father, and grandpa. Joe had an exemplary character and a pure, unselfish heart He had a wonderfully witty sense of humor. He was logical, down-toearth, generous, and practical. He attended St. Augustine Elementary and Hackett High School. He worked at Carousel Ice Creamfor ten years as a “soda jerk” and ice cream maker. He received a bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College in philosophy, a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Western MichiganUniversity and an RN from KVCC. Joe continued to hone his nursing skills through the years with many certifications in advanced ICU care. He worked at Bronson Hospital for 40 years as a RN where he was appreciated by both patients and co-workers. He retired in 2018. Joe loved the outdoors - gardening, walking, kayaking, birds, bees, butterflies, plants and animals. Joe and Yvonne lived in Gobles for 37 years on a 45 acre farm where they raised their children and a menagerie of farm animals. Joe also kept bees and cut hay. Joe had many hobbies: He was a third degree blackbelt and held a Judo national title for many years. He created an archive of Kalamazoo Catholics as part of his ongoing research in genealogy. His love of learning and innate problem-solving skills led him into diverse interests that kept him constantly inspired and astute. He is preceded in death by his parents; his uncles, Dr. James Simonds, Arthur Redmond and Lance Ferraro. He is survived by his wife Yvonne; daughter, Maiya Merrick; son, Abram Ferrara; grandchildren, Willow and Demon Merrick; his siblings, James (Gina) Ferrara, Joanne (Mike) Holmes Dan (Karen) Ferrara, Mike Ferrara, Maureen (Dave) Ouvry, Colleen (Tom) Ferrara Frame, and Kevin (Laura) Ferrara; numerous nieces and nephews; an extensive Dutton Family; his aunt, Barbara Redmond and lifelong family friend, Mary Ann Anderson. Cremation has taken place. A small family service was held last week while a large celebration of life will be held after the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy in Galesburg. In honor of Joe, go outside and get some exercise, notice the bird or frog sounds and drink a homebrew. A note from Joe: “Thanks to everyone who spun the fabric of my existence, the family and friends, the lovers and villains. All of you created my life and I thank you. You too, Nature: you go girl! Bye now.” Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags for chilren are available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid's Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9: 45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. Robert Tossava Lois Fay Gibson Pastor Jeffrey Curtis Worden, age 73, of Hickory Comers, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at Ascension Borgess Hospital. Jeff was bom on September 27, 1947 in Cadillac, the son of Harold and Iva (Sherman) Worden. Jeff was a proud United States Navy Veteran who served in the Oakland Naval Hospital and aboard the USS Samuel Gompers as a hospital corpsman. Jeff was a police officer for the city of Springfield for eighteen years, and started the ALERT team in Battle Creek as a search and rescue diver. Pastor Jeff was an integral part of the Hickory Corners Bible Church, serving as pastor for the past 37 years. He was a true man of God and loved serving the Lord by spreading the gospel. Jeff helped start Gull Lake Christian School where he was a past president of the board. Jeff was not shy about giving a big old bear hug to his friends and family. He was not one to pass up an occasional slice of thin crust pepperoni pizza. Most of all, Jeff was proud of his family, especially his grand kids. Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda (Harrington) Worden; son, Jeff (Barb) Worden; daughter, Ginger (Bret) Eckhart; grandchildren, Jamie (Warren), Austin (Laura), Caleb, Ashley (Josiah), Elizabeth (Nic), Anna, Andrew, and Amber; great grandchildren, Dakota, David, and Georgia; siblings: Bobby (Bonnie) Worden and Kathy (Ray) Ordway; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Cindy Eckhart. Pastor Jeff’s family received friends on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, at Hickory Comers Bible Church, where his funeral service was conducted. His son, Jeff Worden officiated. Please memorial contributions to Hickory Comers Bible Church will be appreciated. Private burial will take place at Banfield Cemetery. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Jeff’s family. Robert William Tossava (Tossy), age 79, of Hastings, passed away on January 13, 2021. Bob was bom in Clawson, on August 25, 1941, the son of Peter and Doris Tossava. They moved to Hastings in 1945. He attended area schools and graduated from Hastings High School in 1960. Bob married Carolyn Williams in 1964. They are the proud parents of Wendy and Susan. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1979. He married Janice Kauffman in 1986, and she survives him. After graduation from high school, Bob worked at Hastings Bookcase, Smitty’s Gas Station, and City Food and Beverage. He retired from Hastings Fiberglass Products in 1999 after 37-1/2 years of service. He was vice president of manufacturing. Bob was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, a life member of the Elks Lodge and the Masonic Lodge and was also a member of the Moose Lodge and Eagles. Bob was also a past member of the Jaycee’s and a past officer of the Algonquin Lake Association. He loved reading, playing golf, pool and cards. He enjoyed working in the yard, fishing, hunting and pontoon rides on Algonquin Lake. Spending time with family and friends was also a joy for him. Spending time with his five grandchildren and operating “Tossy’s daycare” was the greatest pleasure of all. Bob is survived by his wife Janice of Hastings; daughters, Wendy (Steve) Buehler, Susan (Sean) McMahon, all of Freeport; grandchildren, Paige and Logan Buehler and Haden, Nolan and Brooklyn McMahon all of Freeport; brothers, David (Sue) Tossava, and Peter (Connie) Tossava of Hastings; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Peter in 1969; brother, Larry in 1988; sister­ in-law, Carolyn in 2003; mother, Doris in 2009; brother, Don in 2014, and brother, Butch in 2016. A public visitation was held on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058 with a private family service that followed. The service was livestreamed at www.facebook, com/girrbachfuneralhome. You do not need a Facebook Account to view this service. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www. stjude.org, 262 Danny Thomas Place; Memphis, TN 38105 or the Elks National Foundation, https://www.elks .org/enf/ supportenf.cfm, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614-2256. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Lois Fay Gibson, age 97 of Hastings, passed away on January 13, 2021. Lois was bom on September 14, 1923, the daughter of Admiral Dewey and Ruby Jane (Scott) Anderson. Lois was a 1941 graduate of Hastings High School. On November 10, 1945, Lois married Gerald D. Gibson, and they enjoyed 65 years together before his passing. Lois made a wonderful home at the house on Long Lake and later at the farmhouse. She always enjoyed her beautiful flower gardens. Through the years Lois also enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, card playing and finding morels. She truly loved becoming Grandma and Great-Grandma. Lois was preceded in death by her parents Dewey and Ruby Anderson, Husband Gerald D. Gibson, siblings Borgia McKibbin, Pete Anderson, Gerald Anderson, Jean Taggert, and James Anderson. She is survived by her daughter Brenda (Steve Sensiba) Chandler of Hastings, Michigan, son Gary (Joyce) Gibson of Kalamazoo, Michigan, grandchildren Gregory Chandler, Derek (Rachel) Chandler, both of Delton, Gavin (Jackie Eng) Gibson, Bethany (Nick) Gauthier, and Justin (Staci) Gibson, all of Kalamazoo, great­ grandchildren Hunter, Alexis, Lydia, Breanna, and Emileigh Chandler, Griffith, Josie and Gus Gibson and Madeleine and Oliver Gauthier, siblings Robert Anderson, Joyce Ramon, and Sue Morgan, many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Elara Caring Hospice"” Foundation https:// elaracaringhospicefoundation .org/donate/ or PO Box 58; Jackson, MI 49204. Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 W. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. The service was livestreamed at www.facebook.com/ GirrbachFuneralHome you do not need a Facebook account to view it. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass Produets 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Jeffrey C. Worden AWJWfSMM 1699 W. M43 Highway, 1301 W. Green St. Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 ■ 's-s“a Elaine Garlock Life goes on, even if at a slow pace. Stores are open, and the grocery store seems to have a normal amount of business. It is interesting to see the fashion in masks. Some are very colorful. Others are as mundane as a bandanna. Some of the knitted material, which is pulled up into position when the wearer goes into the store. There are masks of patriotic design, cowboy style, geometric, tie-dyed and mono­ colored. One man was seen in the store with no mask. Once he was aware he was “unclothed,” he quickly pulled his collar into place. Central United Methodist Church had its usual service for the second time since the new year. This time, Tom Reiser was the soloist singing two hymns. Lakewood News had a fun story about Phil Spitzley having a surprise on his 92nd birthday. When he awoke and looked out his picture window facing Musgrove Highway at the comer with Sunfield Highway in next­ door Sebewa Township, he was greeted by a giant snowman facing his window. His several great grandchildren with parents had been there the previous evening, under cover of darkness, and built a giant snowman with outstretched arms. The snowman had tow faces - one facing Phil’s window and the other facing Musgrove Highway. The snowman was topped with a big galvanized bing for a hat. The snowman was also decorated with a neckscarf and a row of fine lumps of coal (or the equivalent). His eyeballs even had pupils. That was truly memorable for him. His greats were named Haskin or King with daughter Becky Haskin the mastermind of the project. We can mourn with the girls of the volleyball team who once again had the crushing disappointment of going to the state finals in their sport and losing for the fourth time to a Grand Rapids team from a parochial high school. So near but yet so far. They had gone weeks with no games but individuals kept up their athletic skills to be ready for the next game. Hats off to the players, parents and coaches for another outstanding season that brings laud and honor to Lakewood High School and the individuals. Henry Miller, age 89, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Hastings and Hopkins, MI, died on Sunday, Jan. 10,2021. He entered this world on Nov. 2, 1931 in Fremont, born to Carl and Helena (Kerstetter) Miller. Henry served in the US Marine Corps for 16 years and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He retired from the US Postal Service. Henry attended Wayland High School, Michigan State University and graduated from Western Michigan with a BBA. He is survived by his children, Carl Miller, West Fargo, ND, David (Alicia) Miller, Hastings, Maria (Sam) O’Brien, Kalamazoo; siblings, Marge Solomon, Mary Carlson, Tom (Sandy) Miller; sister- and brothers-inlaw, Terry Miller, Dale Talsma, and Lucien Marks; grandchildren, Kyle, Mindy, Sean (Rebecca), Brice (Amber), Tatton, Megan (Seth), Chancelor, Jacob, and Hannah; four great-grandchildren, Jaden, Arianna, Vanessa, and James. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; parents, Carl and Helena; and siblings, Mart, Louise, Marvin, and Jean. No services are planned at this time. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.hansonrunsvold.com Arrangements by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND / ; t. f L v | i ■' § f * ? h » u . ’ . �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 21, 2021 — Page 7 and go TURNING BflGK THE PAGES New library was fulfillment of cultural dream Now the Tyden Center, the brick building at the corner of Church and Court streets doesn’t look much different than when this photo was taken of the Hastings post office, possibly in the early 1960s. The building has been owned by three levels of govern­ ment: federal, city, and now county. The current Hastings Public Library at the corner of State and Apple/Boltwood streets in Hastings gained attention for its energy­ efficiency, financing and even a book brigade during which local residents helped move some of the library's holdings, one book at a time in 2007. The present building was the first library in the state to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification, and only one of two to receive any sort of LEED certification. The new library also was supported entirely by public donation. The previous library likewise garnered special attention when it opened in 1965. A lending library had been initiated by the Hastings Women's Club in 1895. After a new high school was built in 1917, the club donated its 1,500-plus-volume collection to create a school and community library. A $15,000 bequest to create a separate public library in 1954 ultimately led to the establishment of Hastings Public Library. Normally, libraries grow and expand over decades. Starting a library nearly from scratch is unusual. Financing, construction (or in this case, renovation), organizing and acquisition take a significant amount of time and attention - at least one hour just to process each new book, and the library had about 8,000 books when it opened. But with substantial donations and community support, Hastings Public Library was quickly established. This article from the Dec. 31,1964, Banner tells of some of the people and efforts involved in the library's development. The year 1964 will long be remembered as the period in which the new Hastings Public Library was developed, and the year 1965 should go down in history as a milestone in the city’s cultural and educational growth. The new Hastings Public Library is to be viewed Saturday, Jan. 16, when an open house will be held and then Tuesday, Jan. 19, circulation of books will begin. The new library represents the fulfillment of a dream held for years by many residents who have put forth a great deal of effort to finally see its realization. The library is in the former Hastings Post Office at the comer of Church and Court streets, which has been deeded to the city by the federal government, including the 0.4089 acres of land. The one-story brick structure with full basement has been remodeled and renovated into an inviting institution. Carpeting in the library is a deep brown. Draperies in the main room are white tie­ backs, and the draperies in the two offices and teen room are Early American prints. The walls are done in gold, the woodwork is dark oak, the furniture is Early American and Colonial, the upholstery is gold and black vinyl, and the shelving is of dark oak made by This is the card catalog Hastings Public Library patrons should use as a guide to help them find the books they would like or require for special reading. Jennette Barry is demonstrating how to use this catalog, a gift of Hastings Rotarians. Michigan Industries at Jackson Prison. Bright, new look The Rev. Don M. Gury, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and secretary of the library’s board of directors, said, “In stocking the shelves of our new Hastings Public Library, our ideal would be to ‘have something for everyone’ of our reading public. Unlike the school library, whose function is purely education, the public library must provide for the reader who simply enjoys reading. The very great task of selecting something like 9,000 book titles has been left strictly to our head librarian, Mrs. Florence Wilson. The board members feel that she has had excellent training and a very broad experience in library work, fitting her to make selections that will be sought after and used. “There is a ‘bright, new look’ about the books on our shelves - everything up to date,” Rev. Gury continued. “Of course, there are the basic old favorites, but even these are in modem print. There will be plenty of new fiction for a wide variety of reading tastes. Purely cultural books, beautifully illustrated, will be in abundance. One whole section will be devoted to children’s books. Science, philosophy and religion will all have wellbalanced sections. And if you don’t find what you want, ask a staff member if it is available, or if it can be included in new book purchases. As a public library, all of these people must be served according to individual interests.” During the open house, all area residents will be invited to tour the library and sign up for a library card, Mrs. Wilson said. Each patron will carry a plastic card imprinted with his or her name and address to be used in the Florence Wilson was Hastings Public Library’s first librarian, serving in that capacity for nearly a decade. library’s Sysdac charging machine. Circulation of books will begin Jan. 19, and the quantity taken out may be limited for a while, she said. Every citizen living in the city will be able to obtain a library card free of charge, she added, as will every child in the Hastings public school system, no matter where he or she lives. Adults living outside the city will need to purchase a library card. Major undertaking About 3,000 books have been received on loan for three years from the State Library of Michigan. This specific loan has enabled the Hastings library to announce its Jan. 16 opening. She explained that the establishment of a new public library is quite a unique operation. “It happens usually only once in a lifetime, and many procedures are involved,” she said. “Ordinarily, no library could possibly be ready for circulation before nine months, if a book stock of 5,000 was anticipated. The Hastings Public Library will contain a minimum of 8,000 to begin with. Since we did not begin to collect books before June 10, we have managed to begin operations slightly under seven months and with a larger collection,” she continued. Processing books for circulation means ordering each one individually, she said, checking each book on lists when received from the publisher, preparing many catalog cards for each book for the card catalog, creating book cards, pockets and attaching plastic jackets to the covers. A minimum amount of time of one hour is spent on each book. Sometimes r 1/2 hours is required. Time-wise, this accounts for about 9,000 hours, she said. Special features Mrs. Wilson pointed but that adults will find a reserved lounging area with furniture presented by the Hastings Kiwanis Club, which made available $500 for this purpose. This lounging area is near the entrance for the exclusive use of adults and will contain magazines and newspapers. The children’s section will be stocked with “easy books” for youngsters up to about the age of sixth-graders. The young people’s section will be near the special room prepared for their use. The original post office loading platform was enclosed and made into a lovely brick-walled room. The Women’s Club has given $500 to furnish this room for the young people. The adult sections will cover most of the shelving area. Here will be found fiction, new and old, and nonfiction on many subjects, with emphasis on new materials. A Michigan section is being prepared with many historical reference books of great interest to students on the state’s history. Several atlases and dictionaries will be available for use, as well as four encyclopedias, Seated in this tastefully appointed adult lounging area are (from left) Jennette Barry; Ethel Groos, president of the library board; Librarian Florence Wilson; and Reva Godfrey. including the Americana, World Book, Colliers and New International. A card catalog, a gift of more than $500 from the Hastings Rotary Club, is to contain cards for every book placed on the shelves. Efficient use of this guide will be helpful to all patrons looking for materials on special subjects or a special book, Mrs. Wilson added. Memorial donations Among the memorial books are those for Muri DeFoe, Mrs. Bertha Kuhn, Thomas Baird, Judge and Mrs. Clement [Frances] Smith, Mrs. Gertrude McPeek, Mrs. Sue Carrothers, Mrs. Gertrude Wilcox, S. Albert John, Mrs. Clyde [Bertha] Wilcox, and Mrs. Phillip [Dora] Leonhardt. Development of the new library received its major impetus when a $15,000 bequest was left the City of Hastings by Mrs. [Clarence] P. Lathrop for the specific purpose of developing a separate public library. She died in 1954. [Mrs. Lathrop, the former Arloa McOmber (1871-1954), also left $65,000 to Pennock Hospital; a later addition at the hospital was known as the Lathrop Wing. Clarence (1870-1947) was a local physician. She also bequeathed $5,000 each to the Rotary Club, Barry County Medical Society and the Episcopal Church, as well as others receiving lesser sums.] In addition, the library fund received a $10,000 grant from the Thornapple Foundation, which had been formed in 1961. The library also received a gift of $5,000 from members of the Upjohn family as a memorial ’to their father. Dr. William E. Upjohn practiced in Hastings from 1894 until he moved to Kalamazoo. The Tyden and Viking corporations also have contributed $1,500 to the library. The lettering on the building “Hastings Public Library,” including the installation, cost exactly $586.95. This was given as a memorial to Mrs. [Susan] Carrothers, Mrs. Marc [Katherine] Squier, Mrs. Volney [Gertrude] Wilcox and Mrs. Tom [Julia] Ogden. After the library was underway, a drive was launched to raise $20,000 for books. Up to last week, 151 individuals and organizations had given $14,220, so nearly $6,000 more is needed to meet the goal. Many ideas and hours The library evolved through the work of many individuals. Mrs. Chester [Flora Belle] Stowell was the one who first suggested using the old post office as a library in the Community Study Group of 1962, according to Mrs. Richard T. [Ethel] Groos, president of the library board. Members of the preliminary library study group, in addition to Mrs. Stowell, included Richard M. Cook, Mrs. Lillian Williams, Mrs. and Mrs. Clifford [Katherine] Dolan, Mrs. Barbara vonReis, Mrs. W.R. [Julie] Birk, Mrs. Homer [Mildred] Smith, Mrs. Stephen [Isabel] Johnson, Mrs. Phil [Marjorie] Mitchell, Mrs. Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-378-0097 PJJ UJ 7-Year Extended Warranty* FREE A $695 Value! New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Offer valid December 15, 2020 - March 1, 2021 Subject to Credit Approval Continued next page MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator Special Financing Available Maurice [Kathryn] Ingram, Mrs. John [Mary] Panfil and Mrs. Ethel Groos. The group received considerable advice and counsel from the State Library of Michigan and from Richard Guenther, superintendent of Hastings schools; Mrs. Smith, president of the board of education; and Mrs. vonReis, a member of the school board. Mrs. Sadie Mae Brower and Mrs. Eduards [Austra] Grinvalds have worked many hours assisting in getting the library ready. It was officially named Hastings Public Library by the city council at the final meeting in 1963 during which the council approved an ordinance creating the institution. When the William T. Wallace Library became just a school institution [at the high school], the new public library was given 761 books valued at $3,044 and a check from the school for $753.76 as its share of the book budget. In January, an interim board was named by Mayor Franklin C. Beckwith to serve until July 1, when the members began regular terms. They were Mrs. Groos, five-year term; Rev. Gury, four-year term; Mrs. K.S. [Katheryn] McIntyre, three-year term; Mrs. Richard M. [Rose] Cook, two-year term; and Mrs. Birk, one-year term. Mrs. Birk subsequently resigned, and Clifford Dolan was named in February to succeed her. More about Mrs. Wilson Mrs. Wilson was hired as the librarian in April and assumed her duties in May. The mother of Mrs. John rKirsten| Lundeen, wife of the Lake Odessa physician, Mrs. Wilson is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a bachelor of arts degree. She also has a master’s in library science from Western Michigan University. After graduation from college, she held various positions in the Des Moines, Iowa, public library system, and also was a high school librarian in that city. During World War II, while her husband, the Rev. Stanley Wilson, was overseas as a chaplain, she headed the Red Cross Home Service office in Marinette, Wis. Later, she was a reference room assistant in the Kalamazoo Public Library. Then while living in Freeport, Texas, for 13 years, she was head librarian of the Freeport Public Library, where plans were completed for a new library building. In addition to Mrs. Lundeen, she has another married daughter living in Austin, Texas. Donors Among the 151 individuals and organizations contributing so far are the John Panfils, the Richard Grooses, the Wallace Osborns, the Richard Guenthers, the Dwight Fishers, the Donald Smiths, the Jack Kennedys, the Franklin J. Huntleys, Mrs. Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 ‘To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. Good Selection of Cotton Prints . #8110376 & Insured BARRY COUNTY, Ml * FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER awareness.advocacy.education Flannel Prints & Solids Announces its Annual Meeting will be held January 29, 2021 11:45 AM Virtually via Zoom QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St, Hastings • 945-9673 ■■ OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station gyM < < j THE PUBLIC IS INVITED RSVP required by January 28, 2021 269-945-5439 �Page 8 — Thursday, January 21, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Yankee Springs residents want crackdown on short-term rentals Greg Chandler Staff Writer Two Yankee Springs Township residents want the township to clamp down on short­ term lake cottage rentals. Ron Heilman and Ray Eister took their concerns to the township board Jan. 14. Heilman told board members he has seen several homes near him converted into short­ term rentals. “These things are mushrooming like crazy around [Gun] Lake,” he said. Heilman said he wants the township to add a provision to its residential lakefront and Gun Lake residential zoning ordinances banning short-term rentals, which are defined as any rental of 30 days or less. He asked the planning commission to look into the idea. “I have two of them on one side of the street, over on Hazel [Drive], and now I’ve got two of them that have already booted out their long-term rental people and plan to do short-term rentals starting this next year,” Heilman said. “We don’t have an ordinance that covers short-term rentals.” Heilman said short-term rentals are creating a nuisance for nearby lakefront residents. LEGAL I*4J > IVlaj Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board meeting via zoom Jan 11, 2021 Meeting opened at 6:30pm via zoom Approved: Consent agenda Pierce Cedar Creek Pilt deposit Refund Brush Ridge cemetery plots (2) Subscription to MTA online classes Adjourned at 6:52 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor NOTICE TO CREDITORS REVOCABLE INTER VIVOS TRUST The Living Trust of Jack D. Fritz, Sr. and Dorothy J. Fritz Living Trust dated May 24, 2017, as amended. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The Settlors of the Living Trust of Jack D. Fritz, Sr. and Dorothy J. Fritz dated May 24, 2017, as amended, Jack D. Fritz, Sr., and Dorothy J. Fritz, lived at 9280 Norris Road, Delton, Michigan 49046, and Jack D. Fritz,, Sr., died June 8, 2019 and Dorothy J. Fritz, died November 7, 2020. Creditors of the Settlors are notified that all claims aginst the Trust will be forever barred unless presented to Marie S. Gray, the Successor Trustee of the Trust at 3268 Huntington Woods Drive, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512, within 4 months of the date of publication of this notice. Date: January 18, 2021 Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. By: James D. Lance P68202 One West Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, Ml 49017 (269) 966-3000 Marie S. Gray 3268 Huntington Woods Drive Grand Rapids, Michigan 49015 269-271-3106 154226 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S TRUST In the matter of Robert H. Wallin and Joanne K. Wallin Trust u/t/a dated July 28, 2005. Date of Birth: Robert H. Wallin - January 16, 1932. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert H. Wallin, surviving Trustee, died December 28, 2020, leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent and of the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Tracy A. Wallin-Styring and Marjorie J. Will, Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: January 18, 2021 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Tracy A. Wallin-Styring & Marjorie J. Will c/o Rhoades McKee PC, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 154228 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28694-DE Estate of Pauline L. Schutz. Date of birth: 09/14/1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Pauline L. Schutz, died 10/06/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Julie Cochran, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 01/18/2021 Daniel D. Mead P68792 2552 US 41 West, Ste. 300 Marquette, Ml 49855 906-273-1293 Julie Cochran 1124 Lustila Road Germfask, Ml 49836 906-586-3643 154230 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In the matter of Winifred M. Haines Trust, dated November 12, 2007. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Winifred M. Haines who lived at 3600 Pifer Road, Delton, Michigan 49046, died on November 13, 2020, leaving a certain trust under the name of Winifred M. Haines Trust, dated November 12, 2007 wherein the decedent was the Settlor, and Kenneth Haines was named as Successor Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Kenneth Haines, the named Successor Trustee, at Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: January 18, 2021 David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Kenneth Haines 8540 South M-43 Highway, Delton, Ml 49046 Ray Eister, Gun Lake resident NOTICE Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the Circuit Court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on February 11, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Gordon L. Mitchell, a Single Man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Quicken Loans, LLC Date of Mortgage: August 31, 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 8, 2017 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $85,209.19 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Township of Barry, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the West half of the Southwest quarter of Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 9 West; thence West 40 rods (660) to the place of beginning of this description; thence South 12 rods (198); thence West 12 rods; thence North 12 rods; thence East 12 rods to the place of beginning. Commonly Known as: 1925 Sheffield Rd., Hickory Corners, Ml 49060 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention Purchaser: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shaH have no further recourse a&sfinbt the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 1/14/2021 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 251 Diversion Street, Rochester, Ml 48307 248-853-4400 313851 (01-14)(02-04) 154033 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on February 11, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael F. Byington, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc. Date of Mortgage: December 19, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 20, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $48,692.57 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: COM W 1/4 POST SEC 32 T2N T9W, TH S 88 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 08 SECONDS E 918.52 FT TO POB, TH S 3 DEGREES 29 MINUTES 14 SECONDS WEST 249.14 FT, TH S 88 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 08 SECONDS E 522.88 FT, TH N 01 DEGREE 44 MINUTES 04 SECONDS E 213.23, TH N 88 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 08 SECONDS W 401.48 TO POB Common street address (if any): 9595 S M 43 Hwy, Delton, Ml 49046-7663 The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale undqr Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 14, 2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1427911 (01-14)(02-04) “We’re getting vulgar music blasted. We’re getting a lot of things that we don’t want to be seeing, don’t want our kids to be seeing going on over there. There’s a lot of times during the summer where we have to go inside. We can’t sit on our deck because of some of the shenan­ igans that are going on across the channel. We’ve had person­ al property damage to surround­ ing properties from people that are partying ...” 153976 “What we’re getting is 15 people in a twobedroom house, and it’s usually kids ... they’re coming from college. They all put 100 bucks in and they stay three or four nights, and they party the whole time they’re out [there],” he said. Eister said the owner of the two homes on Hazel Drive that have been converted into short-term rentals are adjacent to one another. The properties are advertised on rental sites such as Vrbo, he said, with sleeping capacity of 18 people per home and that the houses can be rented together. “They’re out here to party. They’re making a lot of noise. They’re up all night,” Eister said. “They normally rent it for the week, so it’s not just the weekend [that’s at] issue. It’s Tuesday, Wednesday night when neighbors have to get up to go to work or go to school, and these guys are out partying ’til 2 or 3 in the morning.” “We’re getting vulgar music blasted. We’re getting a lot of things that we don’t want to be seeing, don’t want our kids to be seeing going on over there. There’s a lot of times during the summer where we have to go inside,” Eister said. We can’t sit on our deck because of some of the shenanigans that are going on across the channel. We’ve had personal property damage to surrounding properties from people that are partying ... It causes a lot of stress and frustration for the people that live here and have to get up and go to work.” Eister said he sent a video of one party to Township Clerk Mike Cunningham a couple of weeks ago where a Barry County sheriff’s deputy was called out. “The police finally showed up a little after midnight and quieted it down, but the deputy left and went abouFwhatever he had to do, and the music got loud again, and this is in the winter when these people are inside,” he said. “I’ve talked to the township enforcement officer a few times, and the gist of it is, there’s no ordinances for him to enforce. His hands are tied. There’s really not much he can do.” Cunningham and Township Supervisor Rob Heethuis had a recent Zoom call with township attorney Catherine Kaufman and zoning administrator Eric Thompson to discuss how to address the issue of short-term rentals. “It’s pretty involved; It’s not simple,” Cunningham said. “I’m not interested in doing something just to do something. If we do something, it seems like it ought to be effective.” “Out of all the possible solutions, the one Business Services BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish removal. 269-320-3890. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads I like the best is calling it a home business ... that they have to get a permit to [conduct the business], and the permit can be pulled,” Cunningham added. Township Trustee Dave VanHouten empathized with the homeowners. “It would really bother me,” VanHouten said. “I would be making phone calls to the homeowner. I would be emailing him, and I would be calling the police, and I would not let that go.” Trustee Larry Knowles had some concerns about a potential crackdown and whether it can be effectively enforced. “I personally don’t believe zoning is designed to control behavior,” he said. “I do think that we do have laws right now, and I don’t think we have an enforcement arm to deal with it ... and I don’t like punishing! everybody for some people’s actions. My5 neighbors rent their place out, and to be honest with you, we look forward to the tenants coming. It gives us a time to catch up.” Kaufman recommended the issue be; referred to the planning commission, Heethuis! said. > “Whether they want to bring it into a different committee or talk about it in theil* large committee, I think they should involvethe zoning person and Catherine,” he said. . The township board and planning commission were expected to address the issue at a joint meeting last night. NEW LIBRARY, continued from page 7 Dorothy Cook French, Mrs. Herman [Maude] Frost, the Gordon Coves, the Peter Howes, the Paul Siegels, the Charles Hinmans, Dr. and Mrs. Everett [Martha] Phelps; the C.B. Hodges; The Stanley Cummingses, Dr. and Mrs. Wilbur Birk, the Frank Riders, the Roman Feldpausches, Mrs. L.R. [Lura] Mattson, Dr. and Mrs. R.G. [Jean] Finnie, the James Chases, the Fred Porteouses, the C.R. Brandstetters, Rev. and Mrs. George Elliott, the Howard Peterses, the Willard Lawrences, Mrs. Iva Corwin, the Denis Hagons; The Bernard Mayers, the Claude Gardners, the Harold Phillipses, the Leon Standers, the Richard T. Grooses, the Richard Fosters, the Bernard McPharlins, the David Goodyears III, the Edward Barbers, the Maurice Os troths, the Otis Harthys, Mrs. Ethel Smith, the Keith Yertys, the Aben Johnsons, the Howard Martins Jr.; The Deraid Krafts, Mrs. Bertha Wilcox, the Marshall Belsons, the John Williamses, the Hugo Andersons, the Leslie Cooks, the R.F. Floras, the James O’Connors, the Jerry Carrs, the Russell Clevelands, Don Siegel, the Howard Frosts, the Dewayne E. Pughs, the G.M. Ketchums, the Gerald Scudders; Miss Agnes Smith, the Duward Cains, the Marshall Cooks, the W.F. Smiths, the Stephen Johnsons, Milton Miner, the Tony Heins, the B.K. Fletchers, the Leon Hales, the Ward Erways, the J.H. Tredinnicks, the Hubert D. Cooks, Miss Suzanne Smith, Rev. and Mrs. Donald Gury, the G.E. Goodyears; Mrs. Carol Fuller, Judge and Mrs. Archie McDonald, the Patrick Hodgeses, the Franklin Beckwiths, Mrs. Nellie Ryan, the Donald Fishers, the Kenneth Robbes, Miss Arlene Campbell, the Robert Shannons, the Cedric Moreys, Dr. and Mrs. Douglas Castleman, the Walter Forsbergs, the John Czinders, the James Burghduffs, the Phillip Leonhardts; The Chester Stpwells,;the Arthur Stauffers, Mrs. K.S. McIntyre, Miss Ruth Kurtz, Mrs. Glen M. Brower, Dr. and Mrs. John Walton, the Richard M. Cooks, the H.B. Thompsonsj Dr. and Mrs. A.B. Gwinn, Miss Marian K’ Jones, Rev. and Mrs. Willard Curtis, Rev.; David Stuckmeyer, the Laurence E. Barnetts, the Edwin Wietniks, the Douglas Coopers, the Howard Ferrises, the John Mahlers, the| Norman Milsteads, Miss Carol Higbee, Mrs.; Lois McElwain, Miss Emily McElwain, Miss Eleanor Miller, the Roy Cordeses, the Lockwood “John” Workings, the James) Colemans, the Robert Godfreys, Dr. and Mrs J Charles Morrill, Mrs. Ruth McGregor, the Zane Nashes, the Homer Beckers, the George; Youngses; Mrs. Ross Dunn, Charles Wbyame, Mrs] Phillip Mitchell, the Richard B. Waites, the Richard Shusters, Mrs. W.M. Stebbins, Mrs.) Lucy Butler, the Clifford Dolans Jr., the* Homer Smiths, the Walter Perkinses, Mis$ Florence Campbell, Mrs. Myrtle Stebbins, the Robert Sherwoods, the Edward Storkans; ' The James Wiswells, the John A. Thomases J Mrs. Gertrude A. Rusine, the Einar Frandsens, Wesley Butler, the Howard Trumbulls, the George Hamatys, the Stuart Clevelands, the Lyle Hulberts, the Richard Hudsons; Dr. and Mrs. R.B. Pryor, the William) Stedmans, the John Bays, the Gerald Pattoks, Miss Grace Edmonds, Leo Barth, Miss Mary* Ann Barth, the Richard Birkes, the Terrence O’Laughlins, the Robert Kings, the John Ingrams, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Wedel and the; Charles M. Overstreets. t I Donor Organizations and companies ! University of Michigan Alumni Club, E.W. Bliss Co., Reahm Motor Sales, Winick’s, Culligan Water Conditioning, Fuller Insurance Co., Hastings Motor Sales Co., Barry County) Road Employees Club; Upjohn Family of Kalamazoo, New Idea Club, Jr. High Workshop Bible School, Thornapple Garden Club, Tyden Corp., Viking Corp., Rewards Club, Rotary Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Thornapple Foundation and Hastings Women’s Club. /^Doctor Science of stinky cheese Dear Dr. Universe: Why do some cheeses stink? Cody, 11 Dear Cody, When you take a whiff of stinky cheese, that smell is coming from one of its important ingredients: microorganisms. Microorganisms are so small, you’d need a microscope to see them, but sometimes they give off a big stink. To find out more about stinky cheese, I talked to my friend Minto Michael. Michael is a professor of dairy science at Washington State University and told me microorganisms do a few different jobs to help make cheese. These microorganisms can consist of bacteria, yeasts or molds, but bacteria are the most important in cheesemaking. When cheesemakers add lactic acid bacteria to milk, the bacteria help get the milk ready for another ingredient called rennet, an enzyme. This enzyme helps turn the milk from a liquid state into more of a solid that will become cheese. While the bacteria may do a lot of work to help make the cheese, there are benefits to the job. “These bacteria eat up the milk sugar, milk proteins and milk fat, so that they can get energy and multiply,” he said. As the bacteria eat to get energy, they also can produce a stinky gas. The gas is made up of molecules. Some of these molecules that include ammonia or sulfur compounds are responsible for the smell in a lot of stinky cheese. When certain molecules come in contact with receptors in your nose, your brain helps you figure out what you are smelling. Maybe your brain tells you to stay away from stinky cheese - or maybe it makes you want to try it. Michael told me about some of the most smelly, or pungent, cheeses. One of them is called Roquefort cheese. This is a kind of a blue cheese that gets its odor from a mold named Penicillium roqueforti. If we looked at it under a microscope, we might notice that it is a kind of paint-brush shape. Penicillium in Latin means “painter’s brush.” Meanwhile, a different kind of bacteria called Brevibacterium linens is responsible for the smell and flavor of some other blue cheeses. Brevibacterium linens is not only the bacteria responsible for one of the smelliest cheeses on the planet called Epoisses, but is also the same bacteria that makes the smell of human body odor. When people make cheese, sometimes they will let it age for a while. Some cheeses may not be eaten until after two months - or even two years - of aging. As the cheese ages, the aromas often start to get stronger and stronger. Of course, not all microorganisms produce gases that are stinky. One of my favorite non-stinky cheese varieties was developed at Washington State University. It’s a sharp white cheddar called Cougar Gold that is packaged in a can. After investigating your question, I was curious to find out what kind of bacteria is in this cheese. It turns out the answer is a top-secret recipe I’ll never know. But it’s no secret that it tastes and smells delicious. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 21, 2021 — Page 9 1 FiF* Al NOTICES Woman attempts to steal $1,229 in merchandise A 31-year-old Kalamazoo woman attempted to leave the Hastings Walmart at 2:59 p.m. Jan. 11 with $1,230 of stolen merchandise. The woman went through the self-checkout and attempted to pay with her card, but after it was declined twice, she tried to leave. Two store employees confronted her at the exit, where she left the cart then ran to the parking lot and drove away. Her vehicle did not have a plate, and Walmart was initially unable to identify her. However, security footage showed she bought medication at the pharmacy, where she showed ID. She also was caught shoplifting at a Kalamazoo Walmart in May 2020. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Couple reports each other for assault A 45-year-old man called police to report his girlfriend had assaulted him in the 600 block of Reed Street in Nashville at 11 a.m. Jan. 10. Dispatchers noted the man was eva­ sive about further details, and soon after the 33-year-old woman called to report he had actually assaulted her. An officer arrived to find the woman had a bloody nose, a cut on her nose and blood on the side of her face and hands. The woman said the two of them had been sleeping on the floor of the laundry room. She tried to get a pillow, and accidentally hit him in the head with her elbow. She said he then hit her in the face approximately nine times. The woman was checked by emergency medical responders. Information was for­ warded to the prosecuting attorney. Nashville driver arrested for OWI after crash Police responded to a report of a reckless driver on M-37 near River Road in Hastings Charter Township at 6:50 p.m. Jan. 18. A caller said the driver almost hit several vehicles and mailboxes before crashing into a ditch. When an officer arrived on the scene, the vehi­ cle was in the ditch, the motor still running. The driver, a 32-year-old Nashville man, refused to answer several of the officer’s questions or take a breath test. The officer had to catch the man to keep him from falling after he got out of the vehicle, and hold his arm as they walked out of the ditch. The driver was taken to the hospital where his blood was drawn, and then to jail. High-speed chase under investigation An officer observed a vehicle traveling 73 mph in a 55-mph zone on M-37 near McCann Road in Rutland Township at 1:15 a.m. Jan. 16. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver sped up. A chase ensued at speeds of more than 100 mph through a stop sign at Irving and Upton roads, then to M-179, M-43 and Yeckley Road before the vehicle crashed on a curve to Hubble Road. The vehicle went through a fence and continued on to a field, where the officer ended the chase. After getting permission from the property owner, the officer went back in the field, where the vehicle was abandoned near a fence. A K-9 unit was called out to track the driver, but the trail led into an icy swamp. The track was called off after an officer fell through the ice. The owner of the vehicle later reported it stolen. An officer interviewed the 18-year-old Middleville man, who claimed he had been at a friend’s house and was not driving the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing. Battle Creek man arrested for OWI A 57-year-old Battle Creek man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at 7:46 p.m. Jan. 13. An officer noticed a vehicle crossing lines several times on West Hickory Road near Brooklodge Road in Barry Township and made a traffic stop. The driver appeared intoxicated, refused a breath test, but agreed to a blood test. He was then taken to jail. SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Virtual Meeting January 12,2021 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Approved 2020 audit engagement Resolution for Intergovernmental Agreement for Flood Plain Mgmt Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:37 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 154297 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on February 18, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Daniel J. Curtis, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Express, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee of the New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2020-NPL2 Date of Mortgage: August 27, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 5, 2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $69,720.27 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 5 of Block 61 of the Village of Middleville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 27. Common street address (if any): 311 Russell St, Middleville, Ml 49333-8390 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is-from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 21,2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1428310 (01-21)(02-11) Benjamin Wayne Ayers, 32, of Wyoming, was found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13 June 1, 2020, in Freeport. Ayers was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper as a second-time offender to serve 216 to 360 months in prison, with credit for 134 days served. He was ordered to pay fines and costs of $1,577. Charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a victim under age 13, accosting a child with the intent of inducing or forcing that child to commit an immoral act, and indecent exposure were dismissed. Records show Ayers had a prior conviction in Kent County of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit a felony April 22,2014. Matthew Larry Hetrick HI, 33, of Delton, was found guilty of the misdemeanor of domestic violence, which occurred Sept. 8, 2020, in Baltimore Township. He was sentenced as a third-time offender by Judge Schipper to serve 90 days in jail, with credit for nine days served. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. Records show Hetrick has prior convictions of assaults or assaults and battery Aug. 30, 2005, Jan. 6, 2009, Oct. 10,2012, and Aug. 1,2018. Eric Scott Jahnke, 39, of Allegan, was found guilty of possession of the controlled Substance methamphetamine/Ecstacy March 29, 2020, in Irving Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 10 months in jail, with credit for 79 days served. Jahnke’s driver’s license was suspended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months. Records show Jahnke had a prior conviction for methamphetamine possession Dec. 3,2013. Shawn David Moored, 30, of Caledonia, was found guilty of possession of the controlled substance methamphetamine/ Ecstacy Aug. 27, 2020, in Middleville. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve one day in jail, with credit for one day served, ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs, and placed on probation for 12 months. Records show Moored has a prior conviction for possession of marijuana Oct. 6,2015. Steven William-Charles Oliver, 41, of Kalamazoo, was found guilty of assaulting, resisting/obstructing a police officer in the city of Hastings and fourth-degree fleeing after he was given a visual or audible signal by a police officer to stop his vehicle on M-43 in Barry Township Oct. 8, 2020. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper and sentenced to serve 77 days in jail on both charges, with credit for 77 days served. His driver’s license was suspended for 365 days, and he was ordered to pay $966 in fines and costs. In a second case, Oliver was found guilty of two charges: possessing burglar’s tools - a pry bar and/or acetylene cutting torch, which had been adapted and designed for cutting or burning through, forcing or breaking open a building, room, vault, safe or other depository to steal money or other property - and attempted breaking and entering of a coin box on South M-43 Highway Oct. 7, 2020, in Barry Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 180 days in jail on those charges, with credit for 77 days served. Oliver was ordered to pay $7,862 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. A charge of malicious destruction of property worth more than $200 but less than $1,000 was dismissed. Breimen Thomas Pruden, 27, of Hastings, who was found guilty May 23, 2018, of possession of the controlled substance methamphetamine Nov. 26, 2017, in Johnstown Township, was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 36 to 120 months in prison. Pruden’s participation in the adult drug court program was terminated, but he will become boot camp-eligible after 18 months in prison. Pruden was a habitual offender and had prior convictions for carrying a concealed weapon and larceny from a motor vehicle March 21, 2012, attempted felony with a dangerous weapon Nov. 9, 2012, larceny from a motor vehicle April 23, 2014. and larceny in a building Aug. 13, 2014 - all in Barry County. In this latest court proceeding, he was ordered to pay nearly $593 in fines and costs. A charge of delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance as a second-time offender was dismissed. Charles Raymond Welford, 29, of Grand Rapids, was found guilty of carrying a concealed weapon, a pistol in a car, and the use of a controlled substance, cocaine, Aug. 21, 2020, in Hastings, was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve one day in jail, with credit for one day served. His driver’s license was suspended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days and he was ordered to pay $548 in fines and costs. Welford was placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to forfeit his weapon, comply with providing a DNA sample and participate in the Office of Community Corrections program and COG, a 12-week, cognitive behavioral-based group treatment. A charge of possession of the controlled substance less than 25 grams of cocaine as a second or subsequent offense was dismissed. 154324 Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on FEBRUARY 18, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Mitchell Dahms and Rose Dahms, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lenders successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 15, 2003 and recorded November 6, 2003 in Instrument Number 1117167, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity, but solely as owner trustee of the New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2020-2, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Three Thousand Six Hundred Seven and 71/100 Dollars ($43,607.71). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on FEBRUARY 18, 2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Carlton, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 12, T4N, R8W, CARLTON TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, WHICH IS NORTH 143 FEET FROM THE WEST 1/4 CORNER; THENCE CONTINUING NORTH ALONG SAID WEST LINE 236 FEET; THENCE EAST AT RIGHT ANGLES TO SAID WEST LINE 215 FEET; THENCE SOUTH PARALLEL TO SAID WEST LINE 236 FEET; THENCE WEST 215 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. 6590 Tischer Road, Lake Odessa, Michigan 48849 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: January 21, 2021 File No. 20-006902 Firm Name: Orlans PC Firm Address: 1650 West Big Beaver Road, Troy Ml 48084 Firm Phone Number: (248) 502.1400 154229 Beckhem Crew Elliott, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 17, 2020 to Dasha Elliott and Jakob Elliott of Hastings. Kylar Samantha, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 30, 2020 to Amanda Philo and Ben DesVoignes of Hastings. Noah Oliver James Antisdel, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 23, 2020 to Michelle Robinson and Zachary Antisdel of Delton. Emma Kathleen Baker, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 1, 2021 to Meghan Baker and Jacob Baker of Hastings. Leon James Michael Back, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 28, 2020 to Shelby Alexandra Flores and Donald James Back of Nashville. Dawson Gregory Duits, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 2, 2021 to Hannah Marie Duits and Austin Gregory Duits of Woodland. Joseph Mitchell Dudley, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 29, 2020 to Sarah Dudley and Joseph Dudley of Delton. Jeremy Paul Maiville, Hastings and Rebecca Margaret Huss, Hastings Stephen Isaiah Gunnar Robinson, Hastings and Rosa Lee Miller Seif, Hastings Jeffrey Alan Peake, Delton and Julie Anna Andersen, Delton Martin Lynn Nantz, Delton and Ramona Jo Schmeltz, Delton Caitlin Marie Millette, Grand Rapids and Kevin Michael David, Middleville Bradley Lawrence Knobloch, Delton and Teressa Christine Zettelmaier, Delton Beverly Burrows to celebrate 92nd birthday Beverly Burrows of Delton, will be celebrating her 92nd birthday. She was bom on January 24, 1929. In her honor, you may send cards to Beverly Burrows, 129 W. Hobbs Rd. Delton, MI 49046. 153977 FULL TIME TRUCK DRIVER/ROAD WORKER The Barry County Road Commission has an opening for a full time Truck Driver/Road Worker position. A high school diploma or GED is required along with a Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with A&N endorsements & current Medical Card. Applications and job description can be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office (phone 269-945-3449) at 1725 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml between 6:45 AM & 3:15 PM or found on our website at www.barrycrc.org . Due to Covid our campus is closed to the public, if you stop in to pick up an application please call and we will run an application out to you. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Starting hourly wage will be $20.30 with advancement after one year of probation to $22.91 per hour. Benefits including health insurance and 401K provided, more information available upon request. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NOTICE: SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Animal Shelter: 4 citizen at large Veteran’s Affairs: 1 position (must be an honorably discharged active duty veteran who served during a war or conflict) Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty . org under the tab: How do I apply for: A position on an Advisory Board or Commission and click on apply; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. 153453 NOTICE TO BIDDERS 154108 BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until ,11:00 A.M. February 2, 2021 for the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. Crack Seal Blocks Culverts Scraper Blades Bituminous Mixtures Dust Control Crack Sealing The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARR David D. Solmes Frank M. Fiala D. David Dykstra Chairman Member Member �Page 10 — Thursday, January 21,2021 — The Hastings Banner Vikings earn finals rematch Lakewood bests Notre Dame Pren in semTs Brett Bremer Sports Editor A different ending to a very different vol­ leyball season was what the Lakewood Vikings worked for since they stuck their toes in the sand at the Lake Odessa fairgrounds in August. And really, even for years before that. Playing in their fifth consecutive state final four last weekend, the Vikings earned their spot in the Division 2 State Final with a 3-0 victory over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the Division 2 State Semifinals. The first four of the five final four appear­ ances for the Vikings earned them three state runner-up trophies, including two during the first three years of high school for current Lakewood seniors Sophie Duits and Aubrey O’Gorman thanks to finals runs in 2017 and 2019. The Grand Rapids Christian Eagles reached the state quarterfinals in Division 1 in 2017 and then made the move down to Division 2 where they have won the last two state cham­ pionships with a 2018 win over the Lakewood ladies in the state semifinals and a 2019 win over the Vikings in the state championship match. That is where the Vikings’ two seniors, and their teammates, found themselves again Saturday: as the underdogs against the Eagles in in the Division 2 State Final. The question the Vikings were trying to answer heading into the final [which the ulti­ mately lost to the Eagles} how could they make things turn out differently, with them finishing on top, this time. “I think because of our first contact skills this year, serving and service receive and defensively. We are exponentially better offensively, numbers wise, because of those first contact skills and it is the same things we have done all year,” Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said after his team’s victo­ ry over No. 4-ranked Pontiac Notre Dame Prep Thursday.44We’re 42 and 2 right now and both of our losses are to teams that are here right now (Lowell in DI and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central in D3) and both are favored by some to win it. I think that our body of work this year allows us to come in tomorrow with more confidence where last year we had to get to this point of being at this level.” Following the 44At All Costs” mantra of a 2016 Oregon State University Baseball hype video, highlighted on the team’s neon green warm-up shirts, the Lakewood seniors believe their team has done what it needs to to finally surpass the Eagles. 444At all costs’ means just putting in the ||| i ‘ especially just making those sacrifices and staying home when you need to stay home, wearing a mask when you need to wear a mask, just things like that and just putting in the reps, one extra rep every single time, one extra ball, every­ thing like that,” Aubrey O’Gorman said. 44I think that we have had a lot of, I wouldn’t say anger, but the thought of losing again it just breaks our heart,” Duits said. “We just really want to come out and win on Saturday. Me and Aubrey have been here the last four years and we’ve lost to them for like the last three and we’re ready to just finally Lakewood sophomore outside hitter Ellie Possehn hits an attack during the opening set of her team’s 3-0 win over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the Division 2 State Semifinal at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood freshman libero Carley Piercefield (left) steps in front of junior defensive specialist Zayda Kruger to pass a ball from across the net during their team’s 3-0 win over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the Division 2 State Semifinals at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) win and beat them.” The defensive improvements the Vikings hoped could difference in the state final, according to Rowland, started with the addi­ tion of freshman libero Carley Piercefield. She is one of four Vikings players to earn all­ state honors this year, joining sophomore set­ ter Skylar Bump on the Division 2 all-state second team with Aubrey and Maradith O’Gorman, the Michigan State University bound sisters, both first team all-state honor­ ees once again. “I have waited a long time to coach Carley. She was a ball girl forever,” Rowland said. “Last year, I would tell her all the time, 4I hate you.’ She was an eighth grader and I can’t coach here there. I coach a 14 scramble team and her birthday falls where she has to play an age group up ... I used to tell her all the time like, I don’t get to coach you there, I don’t get to coach you here. I have to wait a whole other year to coach you. So, I would tell her all the time when I would see her, 4I really hate you this ye “Tips year | k vei ner Decause 1 ggHQ coach her. ShejusTfirmgFa'tdn. Her poilfe ifi these types of moments I haven’t had to worry about as a freshman libero. There is no sec­ ond-guessing of herself. She is super confi­ dent in her skills and using those to help us play our game by knowing that the ball is going to be up off the ground.” Piercefield said spending time as a ballgirl in the Viking program, like so many girls have before, helped prepare her for being on the court in Battle Creek. “Carley is just an incredible player where you know that Carley is going to get the ball,’’ Rutland residents share concerns about neighboring retreat Sophie Bates Staff Writer Rutland Township Board meetings are usu­ ally quiet affairs; but tensions rose Wednesday evening as residents voiced concerns about a new ordinance and rural retreat coming to the township. The ordinance in question defines rural retreats and adds them as a special-use permit in the township’s Agricultural and Open Space Preservation District. It also sets forth regulations for the tempo­ rary occupancy of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling. Many residents, as well as most board members, said the ordinance’s definition of rural retreat was too vague and asked why no guidelines or regulations were outlined in the ordinance. “Well, I’m not real happy with the rural retreat definition. I think it is vague and not really pinpointing anything. I’d like to add some things to it,” township Treasurer Sandy Greenfield said. “I agree with you, Sandy. I think it’s a little too vanilla — it’s too vague,” township Clerk Robin Hawthorne said. “We have 20 different standards for recreational parks and camp­ grounds and things, and we have zero stan­ dards for rural retreats.” The ordinance, written by the township’s planning commission, does not include any guidelines or standards for a rural retreat, defined as: “A facility owned and operated by a non-governmental entity for the purpose of providing a secluded rural setting in which indoor and/or spiritual renewal of individuals, families, or other affiliated groups of people. This land use may include, for registered par­ ticipants, temporary lodging accommodations and food-beverage services, and educational, recreational, and therapeutic programs and activities. This land use may also include a year-round or seasonal residence for a manag­ er-caretaker of the facility,” the ordinance reads. The lack of regulations and vague defini­ tion caused particular concern for residents because the Rutland Township Planning Commission recently approved a rural retreat to be built at 3773 Yeckley Road. The retreat would be run by Excelling Leaders, a nonprofit ministry, with the goal of providing a safe space for missionary fami­ lies, couples and singles to process their expe­ riences overseas. While Excelling Leaders currently uses a retreat center in Hastings multiple times a year, representatives intend to construct a permanent Radiant Life Retreat Center in Rutland Township. Many of the residents who attend the virtu­ al meeting reside on properties that border the retreat center. “This is a safety issue for us neighbors who have a surrounding property and there will be people — it’s been mentioned many times — there will be people there who have been through trauma, PTSD, whatever their issues are that are going to be on that property that’s unsafe for any of us,” resident Robin Nickles said. “How do you put a price on a life? You can’t. Liability insurance — yeah, that’s nice. But that’s not going to replace a life. Ypu don’t know what kind of people are goingito be back there. You don’t what they’re going through in their minds.” Hawthorne explained to residents the Excelling Leaders retreat site plan is not up for debate, since the plan already has been approved. However, she noted, the Excelling Leaders retreat would be subject to any requirements, guidelines or improvements added to the ordi­ nance. The board unanimously voted that the ordi­ nance be sent back to the planning commis­ sion for the addition of a more detailed defini­ tion and standards pertaining to fencing, boundary marking and human density, among other requirements. Aubrey said. “She is just so confident in her abilities and she will bounce back from every single point. You know if Carley makes a mistake she will get mad at herself and she will make sure she gets that next ball. That is something we have relied on a lot this season - her resiliency.” Pontiac Notre Dame Prep had a pretty great libero on the other side of the net Thursday too, the team’s lone senior Olivia Kowalkowski. Like the Viking seniors, her program has been to the final four in Kellogg Arena in each of her four varsity seasons too. It was at the net where the Vikings really had the advantage over KowalkowskPs Fighting Irish. “I knew that if we came out and served and passed well that we would be super tough to defend because of our size at the net against them,” Rowland said. “As good as Notre Dame Prep is defensively, it is tough to stop when the pace of the ball is coming over the net at which if was tonight, and not just from Aubrey and Maradith, but Ellie (Possehn) and Kenzie (Weils) and Sophie (Quits) also got involved in the Off: “Ellie Possehn fook some really good swings in key moments for us on the outside and then they started to have to scramble blocking and finding other people to worry about, and then they never really got into a flow offensively because of what we were able to do from the service line in putting pressure on them and making their setters have to move and make plays.” The Vikings’ advantage at the net was never more evident than then the moment they took the lead for the last time in the third set. Maradith O’Gorman went up after a set from Bump on the left end of the net and slammed a kill down more vertically than horizontally to snap a 20-20 tie. Lakewood went from there to a 25-22 victory in that final set. “I turned to (assistant coach) Hannah (O’Mara), and I said, ‘well, okay,”’ Rowland said in the same way that the spike was a definitive statement. Maradith also pounded the first four kills of the evening to get the Vikings rolling to 25-15, 25-13 wins in the two opening sets. She finished the night with 21 kills, only four fewer than the entire Notre Dame Prep team, as well as 13 digs, three assists, a block and two block assists. An early run in the third set, highlighted by a couple aces from Kowalkowski, had the Fighting Irish with an advantage in that set. They held a lead of as many as five points (9-4) before the Vikings worked their way back in front at 14-13. The Lakewood passing was momentarily shaky in the beginning of the third set, but nearly flawless before that. “I have talked all year about our back­ court ,” Rowland said. “The six kids that han­ dle the ball for us in the backcourt have really natural ball control, and tonight they also showed off their defensive range. Carley, Alli (Pickard), Zayda (Kruger) really were cover­ ing the left half of the court pretty easily with their range steps and doing things, and Skylar and Maradith also took up a lot of space at right back and so then teams have to try to tip and roll and things, and they were eating those things up and we’re just getting the ball back on the other side of the net that much faster Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads because of the first touch that is getting the ball up to the net.” Duits said it was probably good to get the reminder of how perfect a team needs to be inside Kellogg Arena right before taking on the Eagles. Piercefield had a match-high 24 digs. Bump added 19, and Duits had five. Bump finished the evening with 30 assists and an ace. Paige Wolverton came off the bench to provide three aces. Alyssa Borellis and Sophia Sudzina tied for the Fighting Irish lead with six kills each for the Fighting Irish. Bianca Giglio and Grace Wenaas had four kills each. Sudzina had 12 assists and Borellis five. Borellis had a teamhigh 14 digs too, with Josephine Bloom and Sudzina adding 12 each. “Obviously, it isn’t the performance that we expected from ourselves,” Notre Dame Prep head coach Betty Wroubel said, “but this stage is a big stage, and I give tons of credit to our girls for how hard they battled to get here. Everything they did, their heart and soul; the start, the stop; the start, the stop; the restart; the restop; the testing. Everything they did to get here and I think sometimes when you have a performance that is a little bit off I think people lose sight of that.” “We knew we were giving up six inches to a couple of gals, at least six inches maybe more,” she added. “We’re undersized. We really felt we had a game plan to neutralize that. It didn’t happen.,We dwin’t perfonp it the way we have been practicing it. They’re good ballplayers. They’re going to Michigan State for a reason, and they were on and we were off. Our block was just a tad late and that threw everything else off. They’re good com­ petitors. You have to give them credit. They put the ball down. It was hard to hit around them. It was hard for us to change. I thought they had a terrific game plan for us.” Lakewood senior Aubrey O’Gorman (right) celebrates a block by her teammate/ sister junior Maradith O’Gorman during their team’s 3-0 win over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the Division 2 State Semifinals Thursday at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. (Photo by Brett Bremer) j Lakewood dropped just a single set in thg state postseason before Saturday’s state finals losing one to Marshall in the regional semifi* nals. Grand Rapids Christian never lost one* The top-ranked Eagles breezed through NoJ 3-ranked Cadillac for a 25-21, 25-13, 25-11 victory Thursday evening in the second Division 2 Semifinal. 1 Christian also has four all-state players, le^ by senior outside hitter Addie VanderWeidg who was third in the Michigan Miss Volleyba| voting this winter and senior libero Lauren Peal. They were first team all-state players^ with junior setter Alyssa DeVries and junior outside hitter Evie Doezema earning spots ori the all-state second team. The Vikings couldn’t rely on a height advantage against the Eagles. They didn’t have an experience advantage. They hoped that one extra face full of sand in August, one extra pass in September, one extra ice bag id November would be their advantage. “This group of kids is just fun to ba around,” Rowland said. “We have fun every day at practice and when we’re traveling and those kinds of things. They’re funny, they’re goofy, they’re outgoing. I never have to worry about if they’re going to be uptight when we come into things, because Maradith is going to say something off the wall that we’re going to laugh at. “It is a very fun, mature group that gets' what high school athletics and athletics in general should be about. They understand that we’re working towards this dream, or goal, and this is the most complete team we’ve had come into Kellogg Arena since 2012 (the Vikings’ state championship season).” Trojans’ Van Demark wins GS at ski opener Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Mattawan/Paw Paw (Mattawan/PP) ski teams managed an extra point here and an extra point there to both narrowly best Caledonia for the top team spot in the first race of the season Wednesday (Jan. 15) at Timber Ridge. Mattawan/PPP edged the Caledonia boys by just 3.5 points, 58.5-62, while the Mattawan/PP girls took a narrow 4.5-point victory over the Scots (52.5-57.5). The Plainwell/Thornapple Kellogg Trojan Ski team was third in the girls’ standings on the day with 86.5 points. Kalamazoo United placed fourth with 121. The Trojans’ Lucy VanDemark won the girls’ giant slalom in dominant fashion. VanDemark put together runs of 17.60 sec­ onds and 17.34. Runner-up Lilly Ross from Mattawan/PP had times of 18.10 and 17.99. The Trojan Ski team was third in the GS and the slalom behind the Mattawan/PP and Caledonia girls. Madison Nagel had an eighth-place finish in the GS for the Trojan Sid team, with team­ mates Karley Way 15 th and Whitney Johnson 16th to also finish among the team’s top four scorers. VanDemark was sixth and Nagel ninth in the girls’ slalom, with Way 17th and Abigail Wamez 18th. Emily Dean, Barbie DeGood and Evie Schlett had top ten finishes in both events for the Caledonia girls, led by Dean placing third in the GS and seventh in the slalom. Barbie DeGood was fourth in the slalom and finished in a tie for sixth in the GS with her teammate Schlett who also placed eighth in the slalom. Danielle Miron added llth-place scores in the slalom and the GS. “Our girls team really did a nice job tonight. We were fast and consistent,” Caledonia head coach Duane Petrosky said. “We skied well, but Mattawan was just a little faster tonight. This was a really fun race to watch since there were so many great skiers competing. It will be interesting to see what happens when the conference begins next week.” Mattawan/PP had the two fastest slalom skiers, with Anna Roethlisberger first and Ross second. » The teams were scheduled to return to Timber Ridge for the first Southwest Michigan Ski Conference race Wednesday (Jan. 20}. The Jan. 13 race was slated as the conference opener, but Portage skiers were unable to compete and the conference’s COVID- 19 protocols are doing all they can to make sure each team has an equal number of conference scores to combine. South Haven was third in the boys’ stands ings with 62 points, ahead of South Haven 87.5, Hudsonville 110 and the Plainwell/ Thomapple Kellogg Trojan Ski Team 135. Hudsonville is new to the Southwest Michigan* Ski Conference this winter. ;; Dillon Vlietstra led the Trojan ski team with his fifth-place slalom finish. He had runs of 22.22 seconds and 22.81. The Trojan team also had Travis Barton 18th in the slalom, Sam Bacon 20th and Liam Troutner 22nd. Vlietstra was seventh in the GS, with Troutner 17th, Bacon 34th and Barton 35th for the Trojan team. Mattawan’s Zach Sylvester had runs of 17.31 and 17.37 in the GS and South Haven’s Harrison Smith had times of 17.39 and 17.29 to share the top spot. Sylvester’s Mattawan/Pf team had four guys among the top ten scorers intheGS. Ben DeGood had the top single event finish for the Caledonia boys, placing second in the slalom. Tyler Dean scored a fourth-place giant slalom (GS) finish for the Scots and an eighth-place mark in the slalom. > Tyler Roy and Zach Roy also scored in both events for Caledonia. Tyler was ninth in both the slalom and GS while Roy was eighth in the GS and tenth in the slalom. Reid Gooseh chipped in a 12th-place GS finish. * Harrison Smith from South Haven had the two fastest slalom runs, scoring times of 21.34 seconds and 21.69 to win that event too. DeGood was the only other guy to break thfe 22-second mark on a trip down the hill in the slalom, scoring a first run time of 21.82. He had a time of 22.11 his second time down. » �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 21, 2021 — Page 11 o J.HS trophy case adds sixth state finalist award Lakewood junior Maradith O’Gorman (back) embraces sophomore teammate Skylar Bump, state runner-up medals in hand, as they await their turn to be greeted by head coach Cameron Rowland following their 25-20, 25-20, 25-19 loss to Grand Rapids Christian in the Division 2 State Final at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood volleyball players (from left) Kenzie Wells, Alivia Everitt, Paige Wolverton, Zayda Kruger, Sophie Duits, Maradith O’Gorman, Skylar Bump, Aubrey O’Gorman, Alli Pickard, Tori Wickerink, Carley Piercefield and Ellie Possehn look on as Addie VanderWeide and the Grand Rapids Christian girls accept their state championship medals on the other side of the net at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Saturday. The Vikings finish as the state runner-up for the sixth time, and the fifth time in the past ten seasons. (Photo by Brett Bremer) mil The Lakewood varsity volleyball team gets fired up for the start of the Division 2 Volleyball State Final match against Grand Rapids Christian;-a rematch of t he £019 State Final, at Kejlogg Aren&Jn Battle Creek Saturday afternoon. (Photo byHBrdtt Bremer) • Brett Bremer . Sports Editor , A season like no other ended the way five Other Lakewood varsity volleyball seasons have in the past decade. This time the State Finalist trophy sat with its partner, a customary game ball to go in the trophy case along with the trophy for the Division 2 state runners-up, in the center of the Vikings’ side of the court as Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek began to empty Saturday. The Vikings weren’t going to leave it behind, head coach Cameron Rowland had •assistant coach Hannah O’Mara see to that, but as classes enter the Lakewood High School and then roll on towards graduation they continue to leave behind a legacy nearly unmatched. • Since 2011, the past ten varsity volleyball <seasons in the state of Michigan, no program has played in more state finals at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. Only this year’s Division 3 State Champions from Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and this year’s Division 4 State Champions from Battle Creek St. Philip can boast playing in six state finals in the past ten seasons like the Vikings can. The Vikings won the 2012 state championship and •have finished second in the state five times since then (and six times overall). ii “I’m just so incredibly honored to play in a program that is able to get to this point every single year, year after year. It has been estab­ lished that we will be here come November,” Lakewood senior middle Aubrey O’Gorman said before her tear stained cheeks bent into a smile at remembering just what page of the calendar her senior volleyball season came to an end. * “Or January,” she corrected herself, “and I <m just so incredibly honored to have been a part of that in the past four years.” While the Vikings have a string of five consecutive final four seasons, Grand Rapids Christian now has a string of three consecu­ tive Division 2 State Championships. The Eagles were the fourth private school to cap­ ture a volleyball state title Saturday, closing out the day after Bloomfield Hills Marian bested Lowell in three sets to win the Division .1 State Championship. ; Grand Rapids Christian defeated the Lakewood ladies for the third consecutive season in the state tournament, earning a 25-20,25-20,25-19 victory. » “Today, coming in here, we knew Lakewood wanted our head on a platter,” Grand Rapids Christian head coach Tiffanie Gates said. A‘They pretty much told us that, many times, but our message today in the locker room was just love each other above all else. If we do that we’re going to be fine. No breaking apart. We’re going to face some adverse moments, but we’re going to love each other through it.” Lakewood sophomore setter Skylar Bump puts a pass up as senior teammate Aubrey O’Gorman preps for the attack during the Division 2 State Final against Grand Rapids Christian Saturday at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood sophomore Paige Wolverton hits a serve for the Vikings during the Division 2 State Final against Grand Rapids Christian at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The most adverse moments for the Eagles on the court came in the opening set as the Vikings came out strong. Lakewood dug out of a 3-0 hole to take a 6-5 advantage, and then fell behind again but kept pace. A kill by Aubrey in the middle had the Vikings within 21-20, but the Eagles closed out the set’s final four points. Grand Rapids Christian led sets two and three from start to finish. A kill by junior opposite side hitter Maradith O’Gorman on the right side followed by a block in the middle from Aubrey had their team within 19-17 late in the second set before the Eagles once again fought off a rally. The Eagles took a 6-1 lead at the start of the final set and then pulled away for the championship. “This year I think we had a little more grit with us,” Lakewood’s sophomore all-state setter Skylar Bump said. “Last year, we kind of walked in and we were nervous to play and didn’t know how we would play. This year in the locker room we were super excited to play and ready to play, and we weren’t nervous at all.” Grand Rapids Christian senior Addie VanderWeide, one of the leading vote getters in the state’s Miss Volleyball poll this season, was a near unstoppable force attacking at the net and from the back row and rarely mis­ played a pass. The depth of the Eagles was what really did the Vikings in though. “I was expecting to be able to go and just defend Addie and [junior outside hitter] Evie [Doezema] today, and Alyssa (DeVries) their setter did a really good job of getting there two middles [Kate Breems and Stephanie Stewart] involved all the time and so that makes them really super tough to play against. Lauren [Peal], their libero, showed a leader­ ship factor that I did not know of. I thought that was maybe the missing piece for Christian this year with Jordy (Gates, who graduated in 2020), and Lauren definitely held them together and was definitely the rock to make sure that they were going to win. “Their physicality at the net was just too much when they are able to get everyone going.” VanderWeide had a match-high 19 kills. Doezema finished with 16. Stewart added nine and Breems four for the Eagles. Peal had 17 digs and VanderWeide 11. DeVries got good passes and made good passes, finishing with 43 assists. Aubrey led the Lakewood attack with 17 kills, closing the night with a .400 attack per­ centage against the talented defensive front on the other side of the net. Maradith O’Gorman had eight kills 15 digs, two solo blocks and two block assists. Aubrey added three blocks, and her fellow senior Sophie Duits chipped in one kill and two block assists. Bump had 23 assists for the Vikings. Bump and freshman libero Carley Piercefield had 14 digs each. At times, the Lakewood defense was scrambling. That was because of big swings at the net and from the service line by the Eagles. The Vikings’ effort never wavered. In the third set, junior defensive specialist Zayda Kruger took a few extra turns on the court to use her passing skills as an outside hitter. Rowland said he made that move to give Maradith a chance to focus more on the attack - a change that paid some dividends. Lakewood closes out the season with a 42-3 record. All three teams that bested the Lakewood junior Maradith O’Gorman looks on as a kill glances through the block put up by Grand Rapids Christian’s Kate Breems (11) and Rowan Cebulski (5) during the Division 2 State Final at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikings played in state finals matches Saturday (Christian, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, and Lowell). “This year was tough,” Rowland said. “At no point did it feel tough, because our fun was going to be in the gym because we weren’t going to be able to go do things. We knew we were going to have to stay home all year, and on some days they had to avoid getting con­ tact tracing at school. They sat six feet away from everyone in school. They really isolated themselves within the team. I think the hard­ est part was the shut down (from mid-November into early January), because I asked them, ‘hey don’t go anywhere during this because who knows what this is going to look like and when we come back we can’t have a chance of getting contact traced or whatever. So, we have to be really smart about it,’ especially then when the testing program addd another piece to that. “I think being able to get through this sea­ son and be 42 and 3 and our three losses were to a state runner-up and two state champs speaks volumes about these kids.” The Vikings’ sisters have plans to play for a school program again in the future. Aubrey O’Gorman is off to Michigan State University to join the women’s volleyball program next season and Maradith O’Gorman has plans to follow after graduating from Lakewood with the Class of 2022. Maradith will come into a 2021 season, which Rowland realized begins with summer workouts in five months rather than the cus­ tomary eight, once again focusing on a state championship with most or all of her team­ mates back. Bump, Kruger, Piercefield, Kenzie Wells, Tori Wickerink, Ellie Possehn, Alli Pickard, Paige Wolverton, Izzy Wheeler and Alivia Everitt all have another year, two or three even to keep the Viking program pushing towards its second state champion­ ship. “Next year we are going to be different just having two seniors [this year], two super important seniors obviously, but Alivia and Tori are ready to play in the middle. They show things every day in practice. They have the potential to come out and hit .300-plus on the season and obviously the workload is going to be a little different offensively. I think we will be able to be a little more diverse offensively. I think a lot of our young attackers are going to be able to do big things for us.” Grand Rapids Christian closes the year at 31-4. The Eagles didn’t drop a set in the state tournament. Lakewood scored more points against the Eagles than any other team in the postseason. HELP WANTED for NEWSPAPER CARRIERS! MUST HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION reHder AVAILABLE IN BARRY COUNTY • Paid Weekly • | 'The People Paper' MUST APPLY IN PERSON AT OUR HASTINGS OFFICE 1351 N. M-43 Highway �Page 12 — Thursday, January 21, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Marcukaitis finally concludes season on medal stand Brett Bremer Sports Editor One of the toughest 100-yard backstroke races Thornapple Kellogg junior Abby Marcukaitis has ever swam was also the fast­ est. Marcukaitis placed fourth in the 100-yard backstroke at the Division 1 Lower Peninsula Girls’ Swimming and Diving Finals hosted by Hudsonville High School Saturday, earning an all-state medal in the event for the second consecutive season after a seventh-place time as a sophomore. She set a new personal record and a new Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings (DK/TK/HHS) team record with her fourth-place time of 57.02 seconds at the “2020” finals. “The first 50 (yards) was fine, and the sec­ ond 50 was so tiring,” Marcukaitis said of the 100-backstroke final. “My throat burned. It was just so tiring. I remember talking with the other girls and they were all like, this is the hardest 100-back they have ever done. We were hardly in shape. We only had 11 days of practice and that affected it, obviously.” The fourth-place finish is the highest ever at the state finals for a DK/TK/HHS girl. The MHSAA Lower Peninsula Swimming and Diving Finals were originally planned for the weekend of Nov. 15-16, 2020, but state health department orders coming in the leadup to the event forced an extended delay into the new year. “The state meet was going to be at the usual time then that was backed off, then we couldn’t practice for many days, and then we could practice again and we had to do it with the rapidtesting kits that they sent,” DK/TK/ HHS head coach Carl Schoessel said. “It was just one of those things where we’re going to do it now, no we’re not going to do it, now we’re going to have a pause, now we’re going to do it now but we have to have a test and on and on and on. But all through it, Abby swam every chance that we had. “It finally came down to we had to do a quick taper in the two weeks before the state meet. When I do a taper, I usually like to have a three-week taper, but obviously we had to modify it to try and get her to get her best times at the state meet. She worked really hard on it .So that there was somebody for her to compete against during practice, which always helps, her younger sister Sophie who is also on the team as a ninth grader, came in Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings junior Abby Marcukaitis (4) is honored along with the rest of the “2020” Division 1 state medalists in the 100-yard backstroke after placing in the event for the second consecutive season Saturday at Hudsonville High School. Marcukaitis also scored with a ninth-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle at the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Girls’ Swimming and Diving Finals which had been on hold since mid-November. She set new personal and team records in both of her state finals races. and the two of them swam for those two weeks and really did everything we asked of them. The results were what you saw with her moving up in the 50 and moving up in the backstroke.” While teammates can typically help state qualifying swimmers continue to practice after their seasons are through, having a sib­ ling living in the same household made for a bit of a special exception for Abby during this different season. Coach Schoessel said that the MHSAA and health department instruc­ tions were that state qualifiers should not have teammates from outside of their own house­ holds as a part of practice sessions in the leadup to the finals. “It is so hard to push yourself without any­ one else,” Abby said. “Sophia’s presence just helped me push through the practices, and also just in having Winter ‘contact’ sports still on track for February contests All winter sports practices are underway now at high schools across the state, although workouts for winter “contact” sports remain masked and socially distanced for at least the rest of the month of January. The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Representative Council last Thursday approved a plan for adjusting sched­ ules for the five winter “contact” sports. The updated schedule for girls’ and boys’ basketball, competitive cheer, ice hockey and wrestling pushes Finals for those sports into late March or early April. The Council approved the following dates: Girls’ Basketball: first contest Feb. 4, Districts start March 22; Boys’ Basketball: first contest Feb. 4, Districts start March 23; Competitive Cheer: first contest Feb. 8, Districts start March 15; Ice Hockey: first contest Feb. 1, Regionals start March 15; Wrestling: first contest Feb. 8, Districts start March 15. Boy’s and girls’ bowling teams across the state, participating in a non-contact sport, may begin competition Jan. 25 and the region­ al round of the state tournament is planned for March 19, Varsity ski teams across the state are already competing. . According to the MHSAA, spring sports will continue with their traditional dates, with first practices March 15. With this updated schedule, the majority of winter athletes will have completed their seasons by the end of March. The updated schedule does carry on through schools’ spring breaks - MHSAA research found that 63 percent of member schools have spring break the week of March 29-April 4, with the other 37 percent on break from April 5-11. more fun,” she added. Abby also set a new team record in the 50-yard freestyle at the finals, a race in which she was one spot from the medal stand. She placed ninth in that event with a time of 24.52. She was 25th in that event at the 2019 Finals. She has scored at the state meet in the 100-yard backstroke in all three of her varsity seasons. She was 12th in that race as a fresh­ man in 2018. The odd season led right up to the champi­ onship races. Abby said that she had an 11:15 a.m. warm-up for a state meet starting at 2 p.m. where she was not scheduled for her first race (the 50-yard freestyle) until 3 p.m. She was able to get in the water a bit between the official warm-up and the races as Hudsonville Public Schools has an instructional pool near­ by where the competition pool is. “There were a lot less people,” Abby said, “because some people decided not to show up and compete. Instead of going into the pool, where we normally sit and watch the meet we had to be in classrooms or out in the hallway. We also had different warm-up times and spe­ cific times we could only be in the pool for, which was kind of a struggle, but it ended up working out.” Ann Arbor Pioneer freshman Stella Chapman won the 100-yard backstroke cham­ pionship this season with a time of 55.36. The two girls between her and Marcukaitis were Rockford senior Sara Kraus (56.17) and Pioneer senior Quioia Sam (56.44). Are you looking for a career that changes lives? Train now to become an emergency medical technician (EMT)I .ft ■ In less than a year, you can earn a certificate and a State of Michi license through the Basic EMT Academy at Kellogg Community How do I get started? Visit westmiworks.org/emt/ A West Michigan Works! staff person will assist you with: • Kellogg Community College application. • FAFSA application. • Assess eligibility and apply for other funding opportunities. • Career coaching and training prep. • Job search and employment assistance. DID YOU KNOW? EMT is one of the top 100 fastest growing, high-demand jobs in West Michigan. । J • You may qualify for training scholarships or grant funding to complete EMT training at little to no cost to you. • EMTs in our region earn a median wage of $16.76 per hour. Deadline to enroll is Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 West Michigan Works! is a division ofACSET, an equal opportunity employer/program and a proud partner of the American Job Center network. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. West Michigan Works! is supported by state and federal funds; more details at westmiworks.org/about/. Marcukaitis was just 15 hundredths of a second off of earning a spot on the medal stand in the 100-yard freestyle. Novi senior Julia Katulski was eighth in that event with a time of 24.37. Plymouth junior Brady Kendall won the 50 freestyle state championship with a time of 22.98. Holland West Ottawa senior Lilly Brandt was second in 23.65. “There is something special about Abby,” Schoessel said. “She is an extremely hard worker. She is very dedicated. She is ver focused. She is very goal-oriented. She knew what she wanted to do. When she swam the backstroke at the 50-tum she was right there at the very lead of her heat. She wasn’t the only one. There were a couple girls that were right there too. She just said she gave it all she had on that last 50, but the fact is that with all the interruptions in training and the limits we could meet, she still wound up fourth. It was fantastic. We have high hopes for her in the future if we can get a whole season of good competition and good practice. She is a super person. She is an honor student. She is just a great, great person.” “I asked her to be a captain this year, even though she is a junior and I have always reserved that for seniors. I asked her to take Lydia Cole’s place, because Lydia (who passed away in January of 2020) was going to be a senior this year. We dedicated our seasoh to Lydia, and Abby was as close to Lydia as anybody else was. So, after the funeral last year I told her parents that I was going to ask Abby to represent Lydia this year and she did a great job as a captain as well as representing Lydia.” Coach Schoessel said Abby really led by example as a captain, having no bigger impact on the team than when she helped the 200yard medley relay and 200-yard freestyle relay foursomes to championships at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Championship in early November while also winning the two individual races in which she qualified for the state finals. “It really has been a challenge,” Schoessel said of the entire swim season, which opened back in August of 2020. “There were many, many days when we could not get into the pool so we ran around the soccer field. We swam out at Camp Algonquin. Those were tough times. The swimming at Algonquin, it was great of the camp to let us do that, but it was a problem. You’re just swimming in an open area. It was enclosed out there, but there are no lane lines, no marks on the bottom of the pool to follow, but the kids really did well. The running, that got to be old pretty fast, bqt we mixed in our dry-land exercises and we had some help from people at one of the local fitness places. That all pays off, and we really owe a big thank you to those people that helped us out. M “When we finally got into the pool qf course, we were able to complete our season, and successfully by winning the conference championship.” Abby is thankful to get to complete her junior varsity swim season. She is already back to practice with the East Grand Rapids Aquatics club she competes with when not swimming for the DK/TK/HHS team. She feels for her twin brother, Cooper Marcukaitis , who she said hasn’t been able to compete with the club for almost a full year now. The two scoring performances as the state finals by Abby earned the DK/TK/HHS pro­ gram 19th place overall at the finals in the team scoring with 24 points. Ann Arbor Pioneer dominated the field in finishing with 368 points. Farmington Hills Mercy was sec­ ond with 184 and Northville third with 164. Brighton placed fourth with 159 points, ahead of Grand Haven 150, Zeeland 142, Novi 133, Rockford 128, Saline 127 and Ann Arbor Huron 108 in the top ten. Ann Arbor Pioneer won all three relay races at the finals and junior Vivi VanRenterghem won the 200-yard freestyle, Chapman the 100 backstroke championship and Pioneer had at least one swimmer in the top four in every other event other than the 50 freestyle and the diving competition that was held Friday to open the state finals. �NOTICE OF SHOW CAUSE HEARING AND JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE HEARING __________________________________________ NON-PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES_________________________________________ On March 1, 2020 real estate with unpaid 2018 and/or prior years property taxes was forfeited to the Barry County Treasurer pursuant to the General Property Tax Act,Public Act 206 of 1893, as amended. The Barry County Treasurer is acting as the Foreclosing Governmental Unit in proceedings to foreclose on this property for unpaid property taxes. There are two hearings scheduled to finalize the foreclosure process. This publication is intended to provide additional notice to parties of interest in these parcels as to the nature, time, and location of these hearings. Please contact the Barry County Treasurer's office at (269) 945-1287 prior to the hearing dates for any updated procedures and instructions due to possible COVID-19 restrictions or building closures. A SHOW CAUSE HEARING is scheduled for 2:00 - 4:00 PM, February 4, 2021, at 220 W State St, Treasurer's Office, Barry County Courthouse, Hastings MI 49058. Any person with an interest in the property forfeited to the County Treasurer may appear at the show cause hearing and show cause why absolute title to that property should not vest in the Foreclosing Governmental Unit.______________________________________________________________________________________________ A JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE HEARING is scheduled for 1:15 PM, February 11, 2021, at Circuit Court Room, 220 W State Street, Hastings MI 49058-Courthouse. At this hearing the Foreclosing Governmental Unit shall ask that the court enter a judgment foreclosing the property as requested in the petition for foreclosure. A person claiming an interest in a parcel of property set forth in the petition for foreclosure, who desires to contest that petition, must file written objections with the clerk of the circuit court and serve those objections on the Barry County Treasurer, the Foreclosing Governmental Unit. The docket number of the petition is 20-289-CZ._____________ If you are a person with an interest in property being foreclosed: You have the right to redeem this parcel from the foreclosure process by payment of all forfeited unpaid taxes, interest, penalties, and fees prior to the expiration of the redemption period. You should contact the Barry County Treasurer for the amount required to redeem. You may lose your interest in the property as a result of the foreclosure proceeding. The title to the property shall vest absolutely in the Foreclosing Governmental Unit unless all forfeited unpaid delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and fees are paid by March 31, 2021. All existing interests in oil or gas in this property shall be extinguished except the following: i. The interests of a lessee or an assignee of an interest of a lessee under an oil or gas lease in effect as to that property or any part of that property if the lease was recorded in the office of the register of deeds in the county in which the property is located before the date of filing the petition for judicial foreclosure. ii. Interests preserved as provided in section 1(3) of 1963 PA 42, MCL 554.291. PLEASE NOTE: The following list represents parties that appear to have title, lien, or other apparent rights to the parcels being foreclosed by the Foreclosing Governmental Unit. This notice is required to be given by law, even if the party no longer claims or desires an interest if it appears they hold any undischarged, apparent, or potential title or lien right to the property. Listing of a party does NOT necessarily indicate they are the owner of a parcel, property taxes. or they are liable for the This list is NOT an offering of property for sale. These parcels are NOT being sold, auctioned, or otherwise made available by virtue of this notice. There is no procedure for purchasing these parcels from the Foreclosing Governmental Unit at this point in the foreclosure proceedings. Those parcels that are foreclosed and not redeemed may become available at public auction on or after July of 2021. These parcels remain the property of their current owner until ।edemption rights have expired. No party should make any attempt to inspect or enter upon these parcels assuming them to be for sale until the final list of foreclosed parcels is determined and offered at auction in summer, 2021. Most of these parcels will be redeemed from foreclosure. Entering upon them or contacting current property owners may constitute trespassing or undesired solicitation and may subject the offender to criminal prosecution. The street address of the parcels listed-is based on local records and—i-s not guaranteed to be the actual location of the property. The amount due listed indicates the balance which was due as of forfeiture on March 1, 2020. The current amount required to redeem must be obtained from the Barry County Treasurer, as additional penalties, fees, and interest have accrued since forfeiture. 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0301901800 $4477.23 0402930530009 $1607.22 SUITER, JUSTIN WOLF, MRS NATHAN B 0103301200 $823.58 0402930530009 $1607.22 SUTTER, ASHLEY M J WOLF, NATHAN B 5210003000 $1434.49 0402934300 $372.82 SWANSON, MRS CRAIG WOLF, NATHAN B $1196.11 0402930530009 $1607.22 5210003001 SWANSON, MRS CRAIG $2552.06 WOLTHIUS, RONALD H 5210003100 1218002400 $6755.48 SWANSON, MRS CRAIG WOODMANSEE, AMANDA D $2602.83 0602801280 $5453.84 5509511700 TAIT, SANDRA WOODMANSEE, AMANDA D 1401103910 $2803.87 $2602.83 5509511700 TAIT, WILLIAM $1942.27 WOODMAN SEE, BART A $5453.84 0602801280 5211000800 TAYLOR, DAVID $2803.87 WOODMANSEE, BART A 1401103910 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, NA WOODWORTH, VINCENT 5214005300 0703000450 $5028.01 $664.93 WOODY, CARRIE $913.49 0203324300 $1166.89 0103301600 THOMAS, BREAHONA WOODY, MICHAEL 0203324300 $1166.89 0103301200 $823.58 THOMAS, BREAHONA L WORDEN, MRS DAVID O 1253000600 0103301600 $913.49 $279.95 THOMAS, BRITTANY 1253000900 WORDEN, MRS DAVID O $913.49 $525.83 0103301600 THOMAS, BRITTNAY LYN 5212002000 YAUDES, ADA $3980.56 0103301200 $823.58 THOMAS, DERIC W 5212002000 YAUDES, HERBERT $3980.56 0103301200 $823.58 THOMAS, ELAINE 0513042000 $686.17 YAWGER, STEVEN 0103301600 $913.49 THOMAS, TRENTON 0900901700 $1704.06 ZEITS, JOSHUA 0103301200 $823.58 THOMAS, WESTON R 0900901700 $1704.06 ZEITS, SHELLY 0503600501 . $917.80 THOMASON, PAMELA JANE No party should make any attempt to inspect or enter upon these parcels assuming them to be for sale. This may constitute trespassing and subject the offender to criminal prosecution. The street address of the parcels listed is based on local records and is not guaranteed to be the actual location of the property.__________ _______ ________________ ' _________ _ ________ 4_______________________________ _ 0100300900 10995 S M-66 HWY, NASHVILLE - 0703040200 / 8978 STEVENS RD, DELTON 0100701600 5959 LACEY RD, BELLEVUE 0703101650/ STEVENS RD, DELTON 0103101300 15250 NORTH AVE, BELLEVUE 0703101710 6243 STEVENS RD, DELTON 0703230400 9625 S M4 3 HWY, DELTON 7380 HUFF RD, BELLEVUE 0103300600 9371 CEDAR CREEK RD, DELTON 0703600700 7336 HUFF RD, BELLEVUE 0103301000 7580 S M4 3 HWY, DELTON 0709002030 RD, BELLEVUE HUFF 7304 0103301200 7586 S M4 3 HWY, DELTON 0709002100 7224 HUFF RD, BELLEVUE 0103301600 WOODS TRAIL DR, DELTON 0731013300 9115 HUFF RD, BELLEVUE 0103500400 108TH ST, FREEPORT 0800200801 107 jBRYAN RD 0200722630 0203324300 9133 S M-37 HWY, DOWLING 0800900310 SOLOMON RD, MIDDLEVILLE 6850 SOLOMON RD, MIDDLEVILLE 0800900311 1817 W PIFER RD, DELTON 0300101301 6816 SOLOMON RD, MIDDLEVILLE 0800900500 10694 COBB RD, DELTON 0300201100 HAMMOND RD, HASTINGS 0801233500 3995 W PIFER RD, DELTON 0300300840 2448 THUNDER VALLEY DR, HASTINGS 0802301600 10676 STONEY POINT RD, DELTON 0300602300 4920 GRANGE RD, MIDDLEVILLE 0802800500 6683 ELIZABETH ST, DELTON 0300705700 3355 JOHNSON RD, MIDDLEVILLE 0803000700 GILKEY LAKE RD, DELTON 0301000200 5560 W IRVING RD, HASTINGS 0803200130 COBB RD, DELTON 0301001000 ALGEN DR, MIDDLEVILLE 0803242100 11922 COBB RD, DELTON 0301100900 THORNBIRD DR, MIDDLEVILLE 0803321300 13837 S M-43 HWY, DELTON 0301901800 11994 S. M-37 HWY., DELTON 0900901700 15780 KELLOGG SCHOOL RD, HICKORY 0303301930 11288 SCHREINER RD., BELLEVUE 0901100900 CORNERS . 12607 VALPINE DR., BATTLE CREEK 0901500100 2095 W SHEFFIELD RD, HICKORY CORNERS 0303500200 400 MILL LAKE RD., BATTLE CREEK 0902101400 1562 W BASELINE RD, AUGUSTA 0303600300 2943 WEST SHORE DR., BATTLE CREEK 0903014015 15685 LANG RD, HICKORY CORNERS 0303603405 15941 S. M-37 HWY., BATTLE CREEK 0903400700 LANG RD, HICKORY CORNERS 0303603410 841 EAST SHORE DR., BATTLE CREEK 0907501000 325 E ORCHARD ST, DELTON 0304500700 13700 S. JONES RD., BATTLE CREEK 0912502200 11179 E SHORE DR, DELTON 0306504600 31 W. HICKORY RD., BATTLE CREEK 0915001600 124 MAPLE ST, DELTON 0307002700 VALPINE DR./VACANT, BATTLE CREEK 0920502600 144 MAPLE ST, DELTON 0307003400 4977 S M-66 HWY, NASHVILLE 1000108000 148 LOW ST, DELTON 0307005300 5431 GUY RD, NASHVILLE 1001110000 303 MAIN ST, DELTON 0307005500 10300 E CLOVERDALE RD, NASHVILLE 1002510200 310 MAIN ST, DELTON 0307005600 8133 NORTH AVE, DOWLING 1003018000 116 MILL ST, DELTON 0307006700 10991 WILDWOOD RD, SHELBYVILLE 1100901700 N CHARLTON PARK RD, FREEPORT 0401336900 8111 MULLEN RD, DELTON 1101100510 5855 N. CHARLTON PARK RD, FREEPORT 0401412700 7011 MULLEN RD, DELTON 1101200110 N CHARLTON PARK RD, FREEPORT 0401441300 6048 STEWART WOODS DR, DELTON 1101402500 0402930530009 WELCOME RD, HASTINGS KELLER RD, SHELBYVILLE 1101700420 WELCOME RD, HASTINGS 0402934300 11914 SADDLER RD, PLAINWELL 1101703210 602 KAISER RD, HASTINGS 0403031400 6720 LINDSEY RD, DELTON 1101704600 0403037510000 KAISER RD, HASTINGS 6779 MARSH RD, PLAINWELL 1101706500 0403037520000 601 KAISER RD, HASTINGS 7130 MARSH RD, PLAINWELL 1102004840 655 COATS GROVE RD, HASTINGS 0403243700 PRAIRIE HILLS DR, DELTON 1102600206 510 GASKILL RD, HASTINGS 0403329600 8735 BEVER RD, DELTON 1102600880 605 GASKILL RD, HASTINGS 0404000700 4810 TORSTEN DR, SHELBYVILLE 1104000400 5310 COATS GROVE RD, HASTINGS 0500601000 WILDWOOD RD, SHELBYVILLE 1107505600 8112 BAYNE RD, WOODLAND 0501005005 12677 BLUE LAGOON RD, SHELBYVILLE 1109509300 8242 BAYNE RD, WOODLAND 0501005008 11842 W 9 MILE RD, SHELBYVILLE 1112002500 330 S MARTIN RD, HASTINGS 0501804501 12733 ANSON POINT DR, PLAINWELL 1200602100 NO ROAD FRONTAGE 0502012000 ANSON POINT DR, PLAINWELL 1200602115 4976 THORNAPPLE LAKE RD, NASHVILLE 0503009500 ANSON POINT DR, PLAINWELL 1200602900 3900 CURTIS RD, NASHVILLE 0503600501 15462 S M-43 HWY, HICKORY CORNERS 1203608030 1065 BROOKS RD, HASTINGS 0513041900 11713 FORD POINT RD, PLAINWELL 1218002400 1067 BROOKS RD, HASTINGS 0513042000 10995 SHELP LAKE DR, DELTON 1246000200 1149 CHARLTON DR, HASTINGS 0513061900 10764 STONEY POINT DR, DELTON 1249001110 710 BECKER, HASTINGS 0601001500 10760 STONEY POINT DR, DELTON 1249001300 BAYNE, HASTINGS 0601001700 UPSON DR, DELTON 1253000600 4976 THORNAPPLE LAKE, NASHVILLE 0602501000 10036 UPSON DR, DELTON 1253000900 1959 E M-79, HASTINGS 0602801280 597 NOAH DR, HASTINGS 1301601240 2208 S BROADWAY, HASTINGS 0603000300 727 S WHITMORE RD 1301700200 **SEE PRE DENIAL** DB17 0614001400 5401 W GUN LAKE RD 1302000420 61 SUNDAGO PARK, HASTINGS 0655003200 2605 S TANNER LAKE RD 1302601420 4036 TILLOTSON LAKE RD, HASTINGS 0700201100 3159 PODUNK LAKE RD 1321001600 3018 SHULTZ RD, HASTINGS 0700301000 MOE RD, MIDDLEVILLE 1400100800 5665 HEAD LAKE RD, HASTINGS 0701505000 6887 RIVERS EDGE LANE, MIDDLEVILLE 1401101602 5460 GUERNSEY LAKE RD, DELTON ' 0702004400 6355 WHITNEYVILLE RD, MIDDLEVILLE 1401102010 ANGIES RUN, DELTON 0702301040 8364 GARBOW RD, MIDDLEVILLE 1401103910 8950 KINGSBURY RD, DELTON 0702801410 7589 SADDLEBAG LAKE RD, LAKE ODESSA 1500142601 CORDES RD, DELTON 0702801515 BEECH ST (VACANT), LAKE ODESSA 1500430005 6375 ROSE RD, DELTON 0703000450 353 N MAIN ST, WOODLAND 1501640002 8236 WILKINSON LAKE DR, DELTON 0703000550 �1503330003 1507502900 1508000300 1508002600 1509500300 1600802055 1620500130 1625002600 4104100100 4108001600 4117501200 4320900800 4335005020 5111008700 5111011000 5200106000 5200130000 5200233500 5210002000 5210002001 5210002002 5210003000 5210003001 7161 COATS GROVE RD, WOODLAND 491 HILLSIDE PARK, LAKE ODESSA 7729 N WOODLAND RD, LAKE ODESSA 491 HILLSIDE PARK, LAKE ODESSA 4795 SADDLEBAG LAKE RD, WOODLAND 55 N BRIGGS RD, MIDDLEVILLE 12979 ROUGHIES DR, WAYLAND 2635 ABBEY RD, WAYLAND 119 HIGH ST, MIDDLEVILLE 407 JOHNSON ST, MIDDLEVILLE 203 ROBIN RD, MIDDLEVILLE 233 S MAPLE ST, FREEPORT 345 S STATE ST, FREEPORT 237 E BROADWAY ST, WOODLAND 307 N MAIN ST, WOODLAND 601 FRANCIS ST, NASHVILLE 1008sREED ST, NASHVILLE 810 N MAIN ST, NASHVILLE 124 S MAIN ST, NASHVILLE 125 WATER ALLEY, NASHVILLE 126 S MAIN ST, NASHVILLE 134 S MAIN ST 134 S MAIN ST, NASHVILLE 5210003100 5211000800 5212002000 5214005300 5214007200 5214007902 5217000800 5217030200 5217070900 5218007300 5300204000 5500109700 5500114900 5500139400 5509502000 5509511700 5520110700 5520134600 5522002500 5522003500 5522008250 5522011600 5525001400 204 S MAIN ST, NASHVILLE 400 E SHERMAN ST, NASHVILLE 309 CENTER CT, NASHVILLE 858 GREGG ST, NASHVILLE 441 EDNA ST, NASHVILLE 803 GREGG ST, NASHVILLE 205 S MAIN ST, NASHVILLE 123 FULLER ST 116 FRANCIS ST 625 GREGG ST, NASHVILLE 724 DURKEE ST, NASHVILLE 321 N MICHIGAN AVE, HASTINGS 505 W APPLE ST, HASTINGS 421 W MADISON, HASTINGS 903 N MICHIGAN AVE, HASTINGS 429 E STATE, HASTINGS 222 W APPLE ST, HASTINGS 618 S JEFFERSON ST, HASTINGS 410 E GREEN ST, HASTINGS 514 E GREEN ST, HASTINGS 514 E GRAND, HASTINGS 221 E CLINTON, HASTINGS 1435 S HANOVER ST, HASTINGS � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-01-28.pdf 4bb1d5291244b0085051d22b8332c60e PDF Text Text Restaurant industry under attack See Editor^ on Page 4 1070490102590503650249058195427 Saxon bowled open season See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 ANNER VOLUME 167. No. 3 Thursday, January 28,2021 PRICE SI-00; New focus intends economic Steve Reid remembered for his jumpstart for rural Michigan compassion and caring for people Taylor Owens Staff Writer r°nJ °[,J®Vcral announcements Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made as part of a plan to jumpstart Michigan's economy announced Jan. 19 was the creation of an Office of Rural Development. •‘The governor will create an Office of Rural Development tasked with coordinat­ ing work across state government to address issues facing rural communities — includ­ ing broadband, talent, infrastructure and more, a statement from the governor’s office said. “The MI COVID Relief Plan will also include grants to provide infra­ structure and capacity support in rural com­ munities and support for land-based indus­ tries.” The new office will be created inside llie existing Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and will be headed by the department’s director. Gary McDowell. “I’m just really excited personally about this,” McDowell told The Banner. “I really commend the governor for taking this bold action.” The department is still in its early stages, as congress will need to allocate funding, but McDowell said he hopes the department will start its work this summer. The governor set aside $ 1 million for the office until then, but that funding also will be shored with other pandemic recovery Office of Rural Development Director Gary McDowell programs. “Our plan is to put this office in legisla­ tion," McDowell said. “I’m really hoping, especially through USDA, there will be much more funding on this.” See JUMPSTART, page 5 State funding looks good for local schools Hnance directors express cautious optimism Thylor Owens Staff Writer New revenue estimates from the state of Michigan could mean a much better than expected future for school budgets. The state House Fiscal Agency’s Michigan Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference on Jan. 15 showed a better outlook for state taxes and funding than had been predicted when the pandemic started. “My reaction was definitely positive.” Maple Valley Finance Director Darryl Sydloski said. "There were substantial carry­ over funds buffering the year-over-year reve­ nues for both the state’s general fund general purpose and lire school aid fund.” It is a much better financial picture than schools were looking at nine or 10 months ago. . "Springtime last year we were just scram­ bling/’ Delton Kellogg Finance Director Andrew Nuremberg said. At the time, school business officials were hearing of a possible proration, in which money already promised to the districts would be rescinded, along with a dire forecast for the next two years in slate funding. “Thankfully, that didn’t happen, due - m । e part - to funding from the federal goveminent.” Nuremberg said. “While the pandemic in many ways has doom and gloom, the financial doom for k did not materialize to the extent origanticipated," Hastings Director of inalD Tjm jjer|jn said. “The original Act and other federal aid has helped CAR(s incurred as a result of the pan­ offset tn grateful for that. dem’c’s economy so far has not been ”The 5 .jiy originally anticipated either, hit as ' w many small businesses have although J been-’’ jy not have to cut back its per The Stak school district offipup'* Originally feared . . cids ° casts also anticipated schools State f(,re. * e a drop in enrollment, and /'did eXped<L in a 75-25 percent split. That ft>nded diS,flrcent of pcr-P“P'l funding would fun,nt 75 P^nl^s numbers, and only 25 'hised Thai allowed districts like be b . on Joericnced a 77-student drop perceni eXpen a OcIU’th’e PreV‘°ib fundingov'cr . g ,n fficial5 were still cautious spondinb hoO| o dgets together last June. BUl„upil,S lbR had warned tliat, even if while P ffjcia,!’ as anticipated, 2021 State n,„ t» 2020 ** could still be a challenging year. However, as of this month, slate officials amended that assessment. "I feci much better than I did when we adopted our initial budget (in June)/’ Nuremberg said. Delton’s budget had anticipated the district would need to deplete its general funds to avoid laying off staff or cutting programming. Now, Nuremberg says, the district may be able to not just avoid cutting into the general fund, but actually increase it. Nuremberg said the state may even perform the reverse of the proration that had been feared last year, and actually give districts more money than had been promised for this year. Still, some officials aren’t convinced this sunny financial outlook will hold. “I would say we are cautiously optimistic with the results of the recent revenue estimat­ ing conference,” Berlin said. "It is a little too early in the state budgeting process to know how it will translate for the schools.” For the last two years, the slate government did not figure out school funding amounts until September - three months after the start of the fiscal year for schools. Local officials say they have no reason to expect it would happen any sooner this year, and Berlin said a lot could change before September. “If you recall, at this same time last year, things were looking pretty good and then all of a sudden - the pandemic hit and every­ thing turned to doom and gloom,” Berlin said. "As for Hastings, we will wait and see what comes out of the state budget process - and go from there.” "It will definitely change our perspective on how we look al the budget for 2021,” Sydloski said. "We are hoping to see in the near future what the governor and the Legislature are looking at for per-pupil increases. “The governor’s budget should be released by mid-Fcbruary and that will give us a start­ ing point.” “We have worked very hard at Hastings schools to get to a point where one bad year financially will not cripple us,” Berlin added. "The ‘19-20 school year was a bad one for us financially and we did have to dip into fund balance due to year-end cuts from the state. "But the ‘20-21 school year currently looks much better and I am hopeful that ‘21-22 would look similar." Elaine Gilbert Contributing Writer One of Hastings' niost Well-known and beloved citizens, the Rcv Steven Lee Reid, died Saturday at age 69. With Reid’s death, fnends say the Barry' County community has lost an endearing man who left an inspiring le$3cy of compassion. He had an expertise for connecting resources through churches and human service agencies to help financially struggling residents. Reid accomplished that through his work for more than 30 years as executive director for non­ profit Lose, Inc., which became Barry County Cares in 2014. Friends often called him Mr. Love because he was such a county**^ ’c°n for the agency. Reid also w*as known for his insatiable appetite for live music and bringing many well-known and local singers and musicians to Hastings Summerfest stages, as well as creating other musical venues for the public. Reid struggled with Parkinson’s disease for manv years. When his condition worsened earlier this month, lie was hospitalized. Then Aft0r hi9h school. Steve Reid moved to California where he attended college and first wife before returning to Michigan, and ultimately Hastings, becoming Love, he began receiving hospice care at his home where he died while his wife, Joyce, and other Inc.’s local director in 1986. family members were by his side. “I have been so blessed to be part of his life." Joyce said in a telephone interview. The new world ... It’s been so good. nity - I’ve been so honored to get to know couple had celebrated their sixth wedding "... It was a learning experience w'ith the them and be a part of their lives ... and getting; anniversary Jan. 3. Their first date was at Parkinson’s ... He was needing something acquainted with his family. They arc fun peo­ Hastings Summerfest h 2014. * —-«•» different for treatment. So, we tried this new ple to be with and be a part of.” “I’m looking at a plcuxe right now of us way of delivery of the same medicine, and it Reid’s first wife, the former Joyce Elaine with Barry McGuire and John York when they helped manage the Parkinson shaking," she Schiek, died in 2011. They met in California, were the Summerfest feature,” Joyce said. said. "He could move much better and get and were the parents of Justin and Amber “Steve finagled the opportunity to have dinner around better and provided us opportunities to Reid. Ironically. Reid’s surviving spouse and with them the next day. I thought, ‘Wow, this travel together to different places around the his first w’ifc shared the same first and middle guy is pretty cool to hang around with.’ ” country. We went back to where he went to names. His surviving spouse is the former He proposed to her soon after, and she college in Southern California and he showed Joyce Elaine Gilbert Griffin. Reid’s daughter Amber, who retired in recalled, “I couldn’t say no to this guy. We me around ... He enjoyed reconnecting with were married the following January [2015]. some of his past and being part of Summerfest 2019 from the U.S. Air Force and lives near It's been so nice. He’s just been a man who for many summers after that. “The friends he made around this commu­ loved me and brought me on board for a fun See REMEMBERED, page 3 How to get toe vaccine? Metre’s some inside advice T, .,>hinan • ,.,u„ratinn hatween Kent County. Spectrum Health, Mercy Health and Vaccinate Wes' The West Mich 9 Vaccine Clinic a coll^or^ Monroe Ave„ Grand Rapids, in hopes ot eventually ramping up to proving Michigan, got und y Monday al DeVos Place Depar(ment opened a vaccination clinic at the Lansing Mall this week and plans for a provided) Rebecca Pjvrcc b-ditf)r Barry County ^s’l,cnts who want a COVID-19 vacci«l!1IlOn ^oni the Barry-Eaton County Health IXP^cnt need to do this now: Get on their I*5 ’ Beginning wiU s,art rcIeasing available ap|X”n, on a weekly basis - and they will sf0 information out to everyone on the li^ NoS2I™"51 haS m°rc 'han ^sS^ehe.thdcp.tmenton Friday what their allocation of vaccine willbe f/r the following week.That allocation is then ddiverrf the flowing Monday or TVesday. "What wc intend to do is make a determi­ nation on Fridays, based on the vaccmauon allocation we’re given, what our clime capac- iiy will be tor the following week. Health Officer Colette Scrimgcr ‘ Jj intern is. by the end of the day Friday ** open up the schedule. Then we will noj»> v list that appointments are now- avails . “That will start this Friday afterno^ h following week and then cootin^ c 7 Friday thereafter." See VACCINE, Pa& 2 �? ,nx»day. January 28. 202, _ H„s)jngs Banner Outdoor dining igloos come to Hasting5 i. H J — Seasonal Grille diners eat In the fin­ ished igloos on South Church Street in Hastings. Each one of the 13-foot igloos can seat up to eight diners, although the number is currently restricted to no more than six. (Photo byTay,or Owens) towfri the instruction as volunteers constructed igloos for Seasonal (Photo by'Rebecca Pierce) *-■ Gibson honored for service to county mental health authority Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County Commissioner Howard Gibson of Hastings was honored for 16 years of service on the Community Mental Health Authority at the start of a remote county board meeting Tuesday. “Commissioner Howard Gibson has been a loyal and faithful member of the county community mental health authority board for 16 years,” Chairman Ben Geiger told the remote audience Tuesday. Linda Maupin and Bob Becker honored Gibson for his years of service by present­ ing him w ith a plaque and reading a letter of appreciation, saying, “Your dedication and commitment as a board member has provid­ ed benefit for our organization as well as the citizens of Bany* County." In other business. Vice Chairwoman Vivian Conner offered an update about her attendance at the Jan. 13 meeting of the Barry’ Conservation District board, which has approved an annual meeting date of May 12. The Conservation District board also has approved the renewal of its lease of stale Department of Natural Resources land in Nashville for another five years, Conner said. Conner said they have applied for a grant to fight the >nvasive “Mile a Minule” wecd and expect to hear in March if they have L.n awarded the grant. The Board of Public Works met in a short ^nnizational session Tuesday prior to the orS‘ v board to elect officers for 2021. J^missioner Conner was re-elected as C°^Lnman, Jon Smelker was elected vice ch3!n (»n and Drain Commissioner Jim Dull ^.d<^ed as business, commissioners In otnt appr°vetl. (jng peborah Jensen and Sarah - ApPLth of Hastings, to citizen-at-large kelson, 04 ‘ ihe coUllIy Parks and Recreation nosiu°n!>^f, terms that began on Jan. 1 C^^c 31,2023. .nd c’nd Duane Secord ol Hastings to . ApP°,nl Community Menu! Health .he c0'"'1«..ard 3 lhrce->’e3r lcrm ,ha' Anrii '•20201 :"id cxpircs °n 31David Solmes of Hastings ^r\t)P°‘nn oLd Commission board for a die dial begnn Jan. 1 and expires six 3L^yolIy Pineiro of Hastings, onPfn^ntin>,d 1^ lhc Darry Coun,y -AP>icnd to serve as thc Humanc Society representative for a one-year term on the Barry County Animal Shelter Advisory Board from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2021. - Contracts totaling $358,000 with 10 indigent defense attorneys: Jackie Baker Sturgis, who has been on contract for seven years, for S36.000 payable at $3,000 a month; Carol Jones Dwyer, who has been on contract for 21 years, for $40,000, pay­ able at $3333 a month; Shane Henry, who has been on contract for three years, for $32,000, payable at $2,666 a month; Kristen Hoel, who has been on contract for 14 years, for $38,000, payable al 3,166 a month; James Kinney, who has been on contract for 20 years, for $40,000, payable al $3333 a month; Shane McNeill, who has been on contract for three years, for $32,000. pay­ able nt $2,666 a month; Kathryn Russell, who has been on contract for 21 years, for $40,000, payable at $3333 a month; Steven Storrs, who has been on contract for four years, for $32,000, payable at $2,666 a month; Lyonel Woolley, who has been on contract for one year, for $32,000, payable at $2,666 a month; and Kimberly Young, who has been on contract for eight years, for $36,000, payable at $3,000 a month. Payment to these attorneys is based on years of service; time spent in trial is reimbursed to the attorney at a rate of $100 an hour for misdemeanor trials; $110 an hour for non­ life offense trials and $120 an hour for life offense trials. - Re-appointing retired Navy officer Michael Spangler of Shelbyville to Veterans’ Affairs Committee for a four-year term dial began Jan. 1 and expires on Dec. 31,2024. - Appointing Christine Hiar of Hastings, as the service area representative; David Tripp of Shelbyville, as the criminal defense attorney representative; Amy Graham of Nashville, as the workforce investment board representative; and Carrie Larabee of Hastings, as the communications media rep­ resentative, to terms that begun Jan. 1 and expire Dec. 31, 2023, on the county Community Corrections Advisory Board. - $12,154 in expenditures quoted by BIS Co. for audio-video upgrades in the court­ rooms and $31,734 for a portable recording device to be used for off-site jury selection and trials, with the cost to be reimbursed to the county through a Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant that was awarded to the county last September. - And payment of $126327 in claims. Justin Straube, the owner of Seasonal Grille, along with Megan Lavell and Chelsey Foster, were among a group who constructed four igloos for diners outside Seasonal Grille. The igloos will allow restaurants to serve groups of up to six diners in the out­ door structures across from the restaurant until the indoor dining ban is lifted. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) The igloo structures before they were completed earlier this week. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) COVID-19 numbers trending down in Barry County Rebecca Pierce Editor Health officer Colette Scrimger offered some welcome news about CO VID-19 to Barry County commissioners Tuesday. “Things are improving in Barry County,” the Barry-Eaton District Health Department chief told the board via Zoom connection. “Our numbers are looking positive.” According to the BEDHD website, the number of confirmed cases in the county is 3,194, with 3j054 recovered; 39 deaths attributed to COVID-19.101 active and 291 probable cases being monitored for the virus. Meanwhile. Eaton County has 5,245 con­ firmed cases, 4,924 recovered, 128 deaths. 203 active. 487 probable, according to the health department websiteYet, the numbers ait starting to trend downward. “We’re seeing a decline in cascs‘ for s“rc’ both in new cases coming in. and we’re seeing a decline in hospitalizations, and a decline in deaths.” Scrimger said ‘That’s good news al this point in time. g,ven (he situation.” The focus now js dispensing vaccine they ramp up t0 administer fasl as 11 becomes available To help with that mission. BEDHD opened up a vaccination site the Lansing Mall this week. But the department’s capacity tO d,S’ pense the vaccine caTilv outstrips lhc number of doses they are receiving.shc said' , u Thus far, they h ,?administered about doses of (he Modern* vaccine since “We initially a sUPply of ab°U! J-000 doses for ^T^ict that we used between Dec. 23 \ ' 18.” Scnmger said. “On Jan. 18, we J.\ed •u,olher supp,.y about Uoo doses fa'me ^1 - and the snme for this n “H’s noi as much v we W0U,d hkC' We certainly have L io distribUW ^Hhatiswhathaa^llocatedtousfrom the state.” Commissioner d Pointed out that. would take about 1 fcpwtment to •iatry and Eaton e™ ^n’t know uckson of Delton V health for the h Uh poPulaUon in . a Cen,‘ ^marked. lhe situation is dynXie ,n'8“rJePlied ***. i, J .0 it’s <«fientt to of vaceina- there, she said. “We are doing vaccine distribution out of our Hastings office currently. It’s scheduled appointments only, (and) that allows us to ensure we have vaccine supply on hand and space the patients out to allow’ for social dis­ tancing.’’ But they also arc planning to open an off­ site location in Barry’ County: The Ever After Banquet Hall is being considered for weekly vaccination clinic to handle larger numbers, Scrimger said, but only after they have a larg­ er supply of the vaccine coming in consistent­ ly“Why did it take so long to secure a Barry County location?’’ board Chairman Ben Geiger asked. “We have been giving shots out of our office from the beginning,” Scrimger replied“What we struggled with in Barry County was: ’Do we need an offsite location and where would that be?’ We thought of a drive-thru location but that ended up being Colette Scrimger, Barry-Eaton District Health Department challenging to secure that. There’s lots of choices and it takes staff resources to check it out.” Some bad leads made it take longer, she tions right now. Health departments aren’t the added. “Il was also OK because wc aren’t only ones dispensing vaccinations, she noted. ready to open up an offsite location yet ” Local hospitals, pharmacies and health care The health department in Hastings provides providers are administering these shots as the room they need to start. well. As far as use of the Lansing Mall, that A website that indicates where people have space “fell in our lap,” and presented a been vaccinated is being developed, but there resource for the entire district. Scrimger said. are questions about defining the data, she We used that as a pilot for what other indoor said. locations would look like. Now wc know •‘We’re getting there; we're just not there what to look for in a site.” yet,” Scrimger said. ‘‘Keep in mind, when Commissioner Catherine Getty asked if you’re looking at either county, people can get they are confident the supply chain will pro­ vaccinated anywhere. Many Barry County vide enough vaccine to ensure the second shot residents have been able to get vaccinated in is provided on lime. “The stole tracks that Grand Rapids and Eaton County residents separately” Scrimger said. “We’ve been have been able to get vaccinated in Lansing. receiving the second doses ...We’re being When you look at the numbers, it doesn’t told to count on being able to gel an equal necessarily correlate with how much vaccine amount of second doses as we received firvt has come into the health department and doses.” Sjiectrum Health Pennock.” Geiger asked if any vaccine was going to “I don’t have a way to be able to track those waste. “We’re carefully managing this - do*n kinds of numbers.” she told Jackson, ‘‘but, to the last dose,” Scrimger said. ”We also hopefully, wc will get to that - as far as how have a system. If we end up with a no-show or many doses have been available to our com­ some vials produce an extra dose, we account munity’ and how many people in our commu­ for that and make sure we get that extra dose nity have been vaccinated.” In Barry County, for example, they intend m an arm. Wc maintain an on-call list of peo­ ple who live close, who are willing to in to reconfigure the usable space at the health al the last minute and they’re eligibledepartment office in Hastings to maximize “We’re getting there; we’re just not there yet. Keep in mind, when you’re looking at either county, people can get vaccinated anywhere. Many Barry County residents have been able to get vaccinated in Grand Rapids and Eaton County residents have been able to get vaccinated in Lansing. When you look at the numbers, it doesn’t nec­ essarily correlate with how much vaccine has come into the health department and Spectrum Health Pennock." how many doses of vaccine can be given ve been able to make sure no dose g thrown away.” �tf»,BWB£gE0’c0"t<nuertfrnmr-g:. - Steve Reid, in 2012 beat residents for more than 30 yearC Su” Ad was A minister, teacher and lover of music and drama, Steve Reid enacted biblical stories of Peter, Joseph. Noah and oth­ ers. : re n,ccltfd ,hal even though her obviously a very busy guy, he through 12th grades. weX IO n? brother’s and my school Music at annual Hastings Summerfest events. We were always doing things as a f“"dy. going to church together... He always events were enlivened by Reid’s volunteer service with Steve Steward to book, promote had time for us. Amber recalled that, when she was in high and emcee all the musical groups that per­ school, her dad would take her to concerts she formed on multiple stages from 1980 to 2018. Steward joined Reid for more than 20 of those wanted to attend, even if he didn’t care for the years. Both men were honored in 2018 with style of music and songs of the group per­ official proclamations from the City of forming. Hastings in appreciation for their service to She noted that her father had a unique citizens and Summerfest events. hobby of keeping lists of the names of every “The teamwork we created was something song he heard at concerts and other musical that I’ll certainly miss ” Steward said, calling venues. He was known for attending almost Reid a good friend. “In the last couple of every concert that took place within a 50-mile years, we retired from the Summerfest. Steve radius of his Hastings home. helped after I left, but not in the full capacity “Even if I was just practicing with my flute, of booking all the bands.” he would write down the songs," Amber said. Some of the entertainers they booked were He was very committed to that, keeping a set­ national touring and recording artists, includ­ list ... He was very’ detailed at keeping notes ing the Byrds and Beatles tribute bands. about a variety of things. No matter what he Others included McGuire, Ray Overholt, Bill did, he did it 100 percent ... whether it was Haley’s Comets and Bobby Holley. church or if anyone came up to him with an Another way Reid shared his love for music issue, he would run it down and make it hap­ with the public was when he started a free pen. He knew who to call.” venue with live music called Musicians’ Amber, who has kept her maiden name, and Showcase. For 10 years, the showcases were her husband have a 10-year-old daughter, held twice a month Thursday evenings at the Ofelia, and friends remember how’ proud Reid former /Xrby’s restaurant in Hastings. The first was to be a grandfather. showcase was Feb. 28, 1991. Steve Reid was bom at Pennock Hospital As the volunteer music coordinator, Reid Feb. 13. 1951, the son of Don and Dorothy estimated in a 2001 Reminder article, that Reid, who survives. Don died in 2003. more than 7,000 songs were performed during As far back as kindergarten, Steve Reid the 250 shows of the Showcase’s tenure. was spinning stories, he said in a 199k/--Songs ranged from country to rock‘n’roll and Reminder interview. He had fond memories gospel. Each show was at least two hours participating in musicals at Hastings High Jong, and the restaurant would nearly be School, such as “The Sound of Music” and packed. “The Most Happy Fella.” “It was a great ride.” he said in the article, Reid was among the top 10 students when noting that he loved helping musicians boost he graduated from Hastings High School in their audience exposure. 1969. He graduated summa cum laude when “From a spiritual side, I know of at least he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology four people who made a profession to accept from Southern California College in 1973. Christ as their Savior on nights when the His first job after college was selling air Showcase featured Christian music,” he was conditioning units until he landed a fifth­ quoted as saying. grade teaching position at Wilmington In recent years, Reid revived the Musicians’ Christian School near Long Beach where he Showcase for a lime at the State Street Diner. taught from 1975 to 1978. Another passion of Reid’s was spending During his spare time when he lived in many weekends and evenings in past years California, Reid enjoyed performing skits at a sharing his one-man biblical dramas he had Christian night club called The Filling Station. written. He would use a monologue form to He served in a number of positions as an portray the roles of such biblical notables as ordained minister after the family moved back Peter, Joseph, Jonah and Noah to area audi­ ences as well as in other towns in Michigan, to Michigan in 1978. He served as dean of students at Faith Tech California, Illinois and even during a mission Bible School in Scottville while also being the trip to Mexico. pastor of Smith Comers United Methodist He especially enjoyed telling the story of Church. When the school moved to another Easter as seen through the eyes of Peter, location, the Reids decided to move to depicting the 314 years the disciple spent with Hastings where he went to work in the former Jesus. He first presented that drama in 1980 Barry County grants office, and he served as when he was pastor of Peace and Quimby pastor at Peace and Quimby United Methodist United Methodist churches. By 1991, he had churches, located between Hastings and presented that drama about 200 times at vari­ Nashville, until January’ 1984. That’s when he ous venues, ranging from festivals to nursing became assistant pastor of Word of Faith homes and conventions. Fellowship in Hastings. At another time, he Another famous figure Reid portrayed for also was youth director at Hastings’ first more than 30 years in Hastings was Santa Claus. He enjoyed donning his red suit to visit Presbyterian Church. In 1986, Reid accepted the position of with children at area businesses during the executive director of Love, Inc. Reid always pre-Christmas season and playing the role of liked to explain that the Inc. was the acronym Santa on the Holly Trolley. To enhance riders’ for “in the name of Christ.” He retired from holiday spirits, Reid scheduled singers and/or musicians to perform during his stints on the that position in 2015. 1 During the early years of the local Love, trolley and had plenty of jokes to tell as well. Reid helped the organization’s founder, In the past few years, Reid’s wife Joyce nC \r.rcil Gulker of Holland, start other Love. joined the fun by dressing as Mrs. Claus and Jencies around the United States. Gulker telling jokes, too. InC* mentioned Reid in a book he wrote. Humor was never far from Reid’s commu­ r the vears, Reid was awarded lhe pres- nity involvement. Pver. iberty Bell Award from the Barry “People say a person has to be out of their UgioUS nar Association in 1993, was selected mind to do all this, but it’s the only mind I County Ba of the 20J2 chrislmas have,” Reid said in 2012 regarding his role as t0 ^when organizers thought he was a Santa’s helper. parades (he paracje theme of “Joy to When Reid knew many of the children on fitting „ d Was named Hastings High the Trolley, it was a big surprise and thrill for tbe Alumnus of die Year in 2014. He the kids when Santa addressed them by their School b official proclamation of honor first names. received ' of Hastings in 2018. In a Reminder article about the 25th anni­ from th* Lceivcd the Liberty Bell Award, versary of Love, Inc., Reid said he became VVlien b* 1 made the presentation and executive director when the formerThornapple attotn^f^Vselected y^’s outstand- Foundation, which has evolved into today’s “aid Re,d because of his commttment to Barry Community Foundation, awarded grant fne Jfiv and the community. Gee said funds to provide for the hiring of a part-time !?Xd his r,Ld a citizen who Stood for troth director. ° •d’rePrc5£' MI was just going on staff that month at aius<ic<:' c YMCA executive director at Thornapple Valley Church as the associate 3110 J . e $torIT1S’ nt the county circuit court pastor, so I had two new jobs in one month,” Dalso sl>o y.ng Rdd .<Ioves God and Reid said in the article. “Love, Inc. has been a M ga,berl"veryd>inB he does - He loves wonderful opportunity to see the churches and civic groups and organizations all come sh°*5 . .. ..real love for live music together and work together. We make referrals . .iso b.3.„ interview that a big factor to agencies, churches, and it’s worked well x h1 :c was Herb Moyer, his together. and on^ f()r mu lJaSlings from seventh “With 63 churches cooperating, it gives the in l>!s m05' ,n Steve Reid spe**8 at the Hastings High School Alumni Banquet in 2014, when he was chosen Alumnus of the Year. churches an opportunei y to refer people to Love. Inc. so the chu*”?.don‘t have to try to figure out whether a need is truly legitimate or if it’s something that can be handled through an agency.” A big role for Reid was verifying needs. “Probably one of my favorite stories is the time a lady came in to the office and sat down. I didn’t know who she was, and she started to cry,” he said. “She ju*1 kept crying. I try to make people smile, and I thought ‘I have to do something.’ Finally.! said, ‘It’s OK to cry,’ and I handed her the Kleenex, but I said, ‘If you keep crying, I have a stain on the carpet­ ing over here, if you could move over closer to that.’ Fortunatelyjhe laughed. If she didn’t laugh, that might have been my last day. She thought that was pretty funny. “I said, ‘OK, what’s your name?’ And then she shared her name. She needed food, and she had never asked for food before in her life, and she was so embarrassed. So, for her that was a very traumatic experience, and we were able to put her in touch with a food bank, and within five minutes, it was all worked out. “When you’re going through a tough time and you’ve never asked for food, it is tough.” Reid always had high praise for the work and talents of the volunteers at Love, Inc. “God has been very faithful, and I think a lot of people have prayed for us and that’s why tilings have gone so smoothly. We are very honored ... wxking together for the cause of Christ,” Re#said in an article about the organization. Tina Horrigan. wM)forked as a volunteer at Love, Inc ./Barry County Cares, became the agency’s executive director after Reid retired. “Before taking on the role of executive director, it was an honor to witness Rev. Steve Reid and his passion for serving Barry County and beyond,” she said this week. “I was inspired by his faith, fortitude, compassion and humor. Rev. Reid will be missed dearly by the agency ... and those he served and all who miss seeing him walking around Hastings and at the musical events.’’ Fred Willson, president of the Barry County Cares Board of Directors, first met Reid when Willson’s wife, Jackie, was one of Reid’s vol­ unteers. "After his Parkinson’s was diagnosed, he [Reid] spoke at our church, and I began to realize that maybe he needed some help in the office,” Willson said in an interview this week. Soon after volunteering in 2014, Willson was asked to serve on the board. He said he admired Reid’s enthusiasm for music and his work for Barry County Cares. “I learned an enormous amount from the way he handled people in need and the issues that came up in the office. He would do it firmly but compassionately and very wisely.” Willson said Reid had a knack for fitting together all the responsibilities of executive director - “the day-to-day working with peo­ ple, the ministry, the outreach and community activities.” Willson chuckled when he thought of the time Reid told him ‘L°ve, Inc. never did any fundraising.’ “I said, Steve, you do fund-rais­ ing every time you down the street, and every time you go in a store or show up at a church service.’ That really was the secret that interpersonal connection he had wjth s0 many people. • , “I’m pleased that we ye been able to keep Barry County Care5 moving forward. Tina has done an excellent [succeeding Reid as executive director]Long-time volu>,tcc*lat Love, IncJBarry County Cares, Donna laggt who worked in the office from tf°u.n, ^002 until she retired last March, said Rc,d always “a gentle person. He was Positive to people’s needs, no matter**0 Were.” She recalled wh^ first started show­ ing symptoms of ]^<?On‘s. before it was diagnosed, and he Know for a time what was causing the ,his limbs. Despite that, “he did thing5 fic°tly to keep going,” ^Parkinson’s hi,n from doing things he loved certs and being as going to con­ lhe community, she “ A private «leb^ri°alc^f planned, and a being planned f<*»' fall. RC'd ls U>le >n 'he summer or For many years, Steve Reid not only dressed as Santa, talked to youngsters and told corny jokes, he arranged for musicians and singers to perform on the Holly Trolley as it traveled through local communities. His second wife, Joyce (Gilbert) Griffin Reid, joined the fun in more recent years by dressing as Mrs. Claus and sharing a few corny jokes, too. VACCINE, continued from page 1 1 Current vaccine supply does not allow for full use of large-scale capacity vaccination clinics right now, BEDHD Health Officer Colette Scrimger said. But their goal is that,' as more vaccine becomes available, these large-scale clinics will be ready to operate and allow more people to be scheduled for appointments. . _ --- For those who don’t have internet service, Scrimger advised the following: Call 1 (517)541 -2605 and leave a voicemail. Most important is to gel on the health depart­ ment’s list'to make an appointment. People whose names are on that list will be contacted when supplies of the vaccine are available. So people on the list will need to printed for the Friday afternoon notification and be pre­ oared to act fast. . P The disadvantage to this system is to it doesn’t allow people to plan very far tn advance, Scrimger said, but the advantage is that the health department plans onl)' for the vaccine they actually have, so the) won t have to cancel appointments for doses that AhaTX direction we decided to go - at least until lhe supply of vacc.ne ts more pre- di Scrimger encourages anyone seeking a vac­ cination to fill out the interest form on the ^^Tt^dcternrines if the/m “J*.an “Ushe said "Everyone who fills out JX Will get an email about who’s cur- ’'iheta^rtant part of this sign-up process is not getting an appointment right away - >t s netting an appointment at all. L ••The key piece to keep in mind is that list is thousands of people so. when wc offer about a thousand appointments, it will Ukeseveral weeks before they're able to get in for. an appointment.” • As more people get vaccinated and larger quantities of the vaccine come in. the number of appointments will increase and the process will speed up. For those who don’t have internet Scrimger advised the following 1(517)541-2605 and leave a voicemail. “Let us know they don’t have internet.”MJ said. “We will add them to our list of who we call when appointments b*?? available and do a direct connection. The est way is to go through the autoniatcd P^ cess.” A direct phone call is “not a way to the system, she added. ( Anyone seeking an appointment to£* vaccine will face Ute same con^n everyone else. “It’s not a way to get a shortcut to . of the line,” Scrimger added- ’J*. by how many appointments *c everyone must have an app°inun they come to get vaccinated.” �4 — TTwrwiay. January 28, 2021 _ m .. PaP4* 4 _________________ । he Hastings Banner Did you see? Elks get together safely outdoors Restaurant industry under attack in Michigan Hastings Elks Lodge No. 1965 102 E Woodlawn is offering an opportunity to gather safely outdoors from 5 p m to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting. -We did a special chili meal with corn­ bread muffins and crackers the week­ end of Jan. 15 and Jan. 16" event organizer Melissa Stroh said. "But we ll be back to our fryer appetizers this com­ ing weekend." They have received and inducted four new members based on these gatherings, she said. "And we welcome our friends to reach out and pop in for some backyard fire and shan­ ty fun.” Do you remember? Hospital volunteers honored Banner Jan. 31. 1974 Honor escorts - The volunteer escorts at Pennock Hospital provide vital personal service to patients throughout the year. Hospital Director Richard Fluke has praised their devotion and dedication, which adds greatly to the welfare of the hospital’s patients, as well as relieving other personnel for the direct work of caring for the sick. Escorts pictured here include (seated, from left) Margaret Nash, Minet Stanley, Jean Stebbins. Kathryn Ferris, Betty Jorgensen, Rosemary Raber; (standing) Nell Runo, Marietta Feldpausch, Dorothy Dunlap, Jan Remley, Frances Johncock. Betty Kornstadt. Carol Stuart, Willo Fuhr, Mary Poll, Velma Eaton Wilda Fuhr and Fluke. Have you met? On a bitingly cold Michigan morning, Hastings students gather at their bus stop, waiting for another day of school to begin. They are bundled in clothes, though their noses, cheeks and ears remain rosy in the chilly air and delicate rays of sunshine illuminate puffs of their breath. Warm clothing is a necessity for students — and, well, anyone — to survive a Michigan winter, but it’s a luxury' some Hastings families can’t afford. When Dr. David Mansky, 55, opened his Hastings podiatry practice in 2004. he witnessed that firsthand. “These young kids don’t have the resources they need,” Mansky said. “In lhe past five, ix seven, eight years, I’ve really come to realize how bad some of these kids have it. Not like they’re unhappy, but just like they don’t have the ability to get socks or shoes rvfiHrlv. or very easily.” rcgA graduate of Dr. William M. School ~ mX* of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, S0’ L is originally from Metro Detroit and M ^1 a practice there in 1997. Alter some opCn from his brother-in-law Matthew r now a hospitalist at Spectrum Health GarbC ’i. Mansky decided to come to pennoCK. Garber, said a podiatry Hs5t,.n®%a< needed. . pract^0 Hastings office soon became his ManSN> he closed the Metro Detroit main P&cl ’ ning another in Caledonia, offitf the first year of opening his Even 10 jce Mansky noticed lhe need HaS‘ingS I'Ll for winter attire; so lie decided ^idents IW" m l>e'Pfoot and ankle doctor, he created W Being * 5 Jd> Feets boot dnve. The drive . .nnual \,;11Uiiity members to drop off ^used boots to Mansky, who „r gen11? . ,m fO school administrators. "Rented *ho nctd socks, even tben p a lot 01Jjc sajd. “Obviously, being s anti b0<^’kind of makes sense for me ->**»•* Dr. David Mansky “And we did the kid thing because we’re pretty kid-friendly here (at the practice] and I have a bunch of kids — that’s just kind of like a soft spot in our heart here.” But it wasn’t until Mansky began lhe drive that he realized how substantial the need was. School personnel were appreciative of lhe bools, he said, and could name additional students who were in need of bools. “it made me realize lhe kids actually need this,” he said. “It made me realize kids’ feel are at risk for injury in the winter.” Mansky has hosted the collection in Hastings nearly every year for the past 16 years, donating an estimated 75 pairs of bools per drive - or about 1,200. lhe pandemic forced a change of plans. This year, the drive received very few donations so. instead. Mansky decided to donate money to provide breakfast and lunch for .students. But, when students were senl home for remote learning, the need for breakfast and lunch money declined. Ultimately, he donated SI,000 for the district to use to purchase personal protective equipment. “We all have to do our pad for a community to thrive,” he said. When he’s not seeing patients or helping with a boot drive. Mansky enjoys running, playing guitar and spending time with his wife of 28 years. Maureen, and their five children. For taking care of local feel - both in and outside his practice - David Mansky is this week s Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: “Elf ’’ If 1 could go anywhere in tJlc wor,d: The Grand Canyon. Favorite book: “Something wickcd ™s Way Comes.” Favorite season and why: Fall because of I iallowcen. What I’d tell a high sei**1 radu;"c: Find What you enjoy and do that_ Favorite game: Throw W°w Burri ° . >t s a little simple cant mine where you have two foam burritos and CoUg{110 chuC* H'T, at people, and you Jo Juels with the burrito. 1 s[ When I was a kid, | w3nteJ 10 A Something on ,ny buckel list: Take yoga, because I need to ... , , , I'm I'10 s,llf' r™°ri'e childh ^'ttnory: Christmas morning. u 1 Favorite dinner: Pi2za. Each week. the n proxies a. JKrS°n «■'•<> makes the a “’"'’' s shine- Do >«“ know someone ffure‘l ,’a,lncWsC‘l,j'!>dgraphicSf<>‘"- Just looking al the face of Hastings restaurant owner Mike Bamaart on the front Page of this newspaper’s Jan. 14 edition reminded me of the late economist Milton Friedman. “ The government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem.” Friedman wrote in 1975. Bamaart, proprietor of Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro, knows exactly why those words have become so timeless. So does every other restaurant owner in Barry County - and those nil across the state who are being singled out and done in by a governor and health department intent on establishing responsibility for how the novel coronavirus is most easily spread. ‘‘The restaurant industry is in tatters.” Bamaart said after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer provided what she must have thought was good news with the announcement that lhe state’s restaurants could resume in-door dining on Feb. 1. Whitmer’s order will end a nearly twomonth ban on indoor dining, but capacity will be reduced from the 50 percent allowed before the most recent ban to the present 25-percent maximum. In addition, tables must be spaced 6 feel apart, table limits cannot exceed six people, and restaurants must close by 10 p.m. Outdoor tents with four sides will be permitted as well as non-residential gatherings of up to 10 peo­ ple from two households. The stale also is holding out an expensive carrot: For establishments that work with licensed contractors and engineers to improve air circulation, the state will award certification in the MI COVID-19 Safer Dining program. Ventilation systems must be inspected and the inspection report sub­ mitted to the state, an additional cost for an industry already crippled by slate executive orders. Piling on even more hubris.Gov. Whitmer warned restaurants that additional restric­ tions could be added if lhe state’s coronavi­ rus case counts go up. Sounds kind of like the army that shoots its own wounded. Michigan health officials said three key factors were used to determine their deci­ sion to ease dining restrictions: case rales, hospitalization rates and test positivity rates. Michigan is. currently one of only,, 10 states that require a full or partial shutdown of indoor dining. Neighboring states such as Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin all allow indoor dining with requirements such as wearing masks, sanitizing seating and mon­ itoring social distancing. “I’m as eager as anyone to get our restau­ rants open for in-person dining,” Whitmer said, “but we have to be smart and continue to watch lhe data.” 1 agree that identifying potential super-spreader environments is important in determining which industries or businesses have a higher risk of transmission and require some type of mitigation. Experts do say that indoor events with people in extremely close proximity to each to each other for a long duration have a higher risk of spread than an open-air event. Yet. a recent Bridge Magazine analysis of national coronavirus statistics shows that Michigan has some of the lowest number of cases, hospitalizations and positive test rates in the country. And even though we want to remain cautious, I haven't found any statis­ tics that show restaurants arc major spread­ ers of lhe virus. The governor, the state health depart­ ment, and their advisers are focusing on he wrong target. Piling on the restaurant indus­ try' almost exclusively in this struggle is unfair and wrong. Events such as concerts, sporting events, and entertainment venues are more likely to contribute to the spread of the virus. Community restaurants like lhe Walldorff, Curley Cone. Phil’s Galley. Stale Street Diner, Tujax, Judy’s Country Kitchen and Bowen’s - just to name a few - are unlikely to be super-spreaders of the virus. Michigan officials have lumped all these small businesses and intimate community icons together when most of our dining establishments already have limited sealing. The new 25-percent capacity limit will be devastating to them. Plus, government offi­ cials aren’t taking into consideration that customers have lhe right not to choose indoor dining if they’re concerned for their safety. Julie Fox, owner of Curley Cone near Gun Lake, suggested in our Jan. 14 Banner account that the way Whitmer has been han­ dling restaurants “could not make it any more miserable on restaurant owners.” In fact, across the entire economy, restau­ rants have faced more restrictions than any other business sector. Industries are back to manufacturing; major retailers and malls have opened their doors; and gyms, art stu­ dios, even most schools arc serving their customers and patrons. Yet restaurants con­ tinue to be singled out for burdensome restrictions that arc making it nearly impos­ sible tor them to survive. According to the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, restaurants have been closed for more (han' 120 industry has lost more than of the sales. Due lo lhe closures. 76 off state’s restaurant workers have ** din_ or furloughed due to the ban on i - on ing. The closure continues to put a d employees and is leading to the con hollowing-out of our middle class. “When the second [dining] came Nov. 18, I had to lay off one of my cooks.” Bamaart said. “He applied ... unemployment the next day. but e hasn’t seen a penny.” , Many restaurant owners are concern^ that, when they do reopen on Feb. I, fi™1^ enough help to run their restaurants will De a problem because many workers have lell the industry after so much uncertainty. “It is fundamentally clear that the pan­ demic is decimating lhe hospitality industry in this slate to a degree never seen or even imagined,” MRLA CEO Justin Winslow said. An MRLA survey indicates that 5,600 of Michigan restaurant operators - 33 percent - say it is unlikely they will still be in busi­ ness in six months; 89 percent of Michigan restaurant operators expect their sales to decrease during the next three months and 63 percent expect their staffing levels lo decrease over the same period. The MRLA sued the state over the first shutdown last year, but lost its bid to have a federal judge overturn the stale order. I think it’s time the MRLA file another law­ suit against the state, but this time for dis­ crimination in singling out one industry^ The unfair guidelines being imposed through this action make it nearly impossi­ ble for restaurants to survive. 1 was recently in Florida where all restau­ rants are open. There, slate guidelines focus on cleaning, social distancing, expanded outdoor patios, Plexiglas panels that divide tables and requirements that masks be worn until sealed. Last year, when my wife and I dined at an Indiana restaurant, we felt confi­ dent that every' consideration was taken to make our dining experience safe. Here in Michigan, Gov. Whitmer contin­ ues to discriminate against one industry with unreasonable restrictions or closures that are having a huge impact on communi­ ties. Al the same lime, national franchises like McDonald’s, AVendy’s, Burger King all well set up for take-out ordering - con­ tinue to experience brisk business. We seldom consider the importance of locally owned restaurants in a community. These businesses attract customers to our towns and villages - customers who often stay and patronize other businesses and attend community events while they are here. Restaurants also arc great gathering places for citizens and community members to meet over the issues of the day or to con­ summate a business deal. They’re great places to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or personal achievements. Last week, I received a news release from Erik Kiilunen, a small-business owner and political activist from lhe Upper Peninsula, who was responding through his AIL Business is Essential group to the gover­ nor’s declaration that Jan. 20 be “What’s Going On Day” in Michigan. The governor was playing off the words from lhe song written and sung by Motown legend Marvin Gaye and she used the lyrics to say that they “provide us with an important moment, one where we can come together as a unified slate to pause, reflect, and appreciate the need for ideas, perspective, love and under­ standing.” Kiilunen minced no words in his response to lhe governor. ‘ People are tired of not being able to open their bars and restaurants,” Kiilunen wrote. People are tired of watching Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin open up while being forced to slay shut under threat of prosecu­ tion. People are tired of being forced to choose between breaking the law or going out of business.” ^ou want to know what’s going on?” Kiilunen asked the governor, also playing off the song lyrics. “People arc hurting! They’re hurting and fed up, all thanks to your intense hatred of small businesses. That’s what’s going on.” That describes well lhe look I saw on Mike Bamaart’s face in the Banner front­ page photo two weeks ago. Il’s lime that these outrageous restrictions on a single industry arc lifted so restaurants can open up under reasonable guidelines to survive and to continue to serve their customers and our community once again. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics Inc �202' " Pag° 5 Tho Hastings Banner — Thursday, January2&' ‘ Random audits show election accuracy locally, statewide Editors Note: The follow, , (yvtunisdoners and w<w menthont>h7n submitted to the Barry County Board of rfu' Jan> 26 faceting, It also H Chairman Ben Geiger during his remarks at the end of ° Was !iubmined this week as a lener io the ediM,. 1 Writer !°* a!’ou' on in 2020 ,Wcnse Public Some voters mechanics of a <.r because it w”5 1 SP?n'dw US., "scnlii,lly local - with differed1 • Us»ng different County board should ‘ a»id state boards and figures ccrtifi^ ^’ move its meeting time of canvassers, the is requiring those ri<.£“?tUl<;1 c,ec"ons statewide lo i*^io’k'l"n“"’B llud« of To the editor: body must be open to the public and must be Al d»rt>nBCe available Io ‘he general public. AL^ mUM bc P*™'""1 lo attend any meeting except as otherwise provided in this Considering that the overwhelming major­ ity of working adults are at their place of employment at 9 a.m.. it stands to reason that the meeting time should bc moved to a time that is more suitable for them to attend. Here arc some facts to consider: According to Census estimates, there are approximately' 61,550 people in Barry County. The civilian labor force is estimated at 63 percent of that - or 38.776 people. According to the Business Labor Statistics, 84 percent of working adults are on a day­ shift basis. If we apply the same percentage to our Barry County labor force, that comes out to 32,572 - or approximately 53 percent. 32,572 - or 53 percent - of working adults in Barry County are effectively locked out of the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting on a regular basis because of their work schedules. Their only avenue for participation in county government is to lake a vacation day or an unpaid day off. According to the Attorney General’s opin­ ion No. 5183: “It must possess a delegation of a portion of the sovereign power of govern­ ment, lo be exercised for the benefit of lhe public.” The meeting time of 9 a.m. does not allow for the general public to attend, even if they wanted to. A person can not interact with a recorded meeting. 1 trust that the board will remember that 32,572 - or 53 percent - of the population in Barry County when it considers the time at which the meeting is held; and that 53 percent of the population cannot attend due to work schedules. In accordance with Article 1, Section 3 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963: “The people have Ute right peaceably to assemble, to consult for the common good, to instruct their representatives and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” I trust that the Barry County Board of Commissioners will take the instruction given on this issue and consider changing the meet­ ing time lo the evening. Thank you for your attention in this matter. Aaron Gross, Hastings City creates committee to plan Hastings’ 150th anniversary event Sophie Bates Staff Writer Hastings began as 480 acres of undevel­ oped land running alongside the Thornapple River. The land’s owner. Detroit banker Eurotas P. Hastings, sold the property to three entrepre­ neurs — with the last names Dibble. Kingsbury and Kendall — in 1836. The entre­ preneurs turned the land into lots and soon a small community grew to inhabit in the area, which became a village in 1855. On March 11, 1871, the village officially became lhe City of Hastings. Now Hastings is preparing it celebrate lhe 150th anniversary of its incorporation as a city. Normally, plans for a sesquicentennial cel­ ebration would bc well underway by now. but lhe challenges facing the city due to the pan­ demic took top priority throughout 2020. “If not but for the COVID situation, this would have taken legs much, much sooner because there was a discussion about this even a year ago. prior to CO VID,” Community Development Director Dan King said. “Then, of course, as with most things, lhe logistics of trying to meet [became a challenge]. “And. frankly, with COVID and a lot of issues that businesses and restaurants were facing — as they continue to face to some level — this look a back seat to the business at hand. So, a lot of people would have been farther out in front of this, if it wasn’t for the pandemic.” At the virtual Downtown Development Authority meeting Jan. 21, board members pushed for urgency since planning has begun {ouch later than anticipated. “I think we’re way behind the bailgame on petting this started, and I think we need to put •t into hyper-speed,” board member Lyndy Llthouse said. “I think we need to make I ns — knowing that COVID could destroy C Unc — but you can’t wait until summer the p*an!> 7 l°?oniake up for lost time and get planning ay at last week’s virtual meeting the U pAcreated a committee to oversee the 150^ anniversary celebration. The board also allocated $5,000 to the committee as its starting budget and to com­ mission a 150th-anniversary-themed logo for the city. DDA board members Tracy Baker, Deb Button. Terri Albrecht. Deb Hatfield and Lyndy Bolthousc volunteered for the commit­ tee; John Resseguie, mayor pro-tem and city council member, did the same. The committee will remain open for mem­ bers of the Hastings Downtown Business Team, city council and similar city entities to join. “The thought process that was discussed pretty clearly at Thursday’s DDA meeting is they don’t want lhe initial committee to be made up of 20 or 30 people, because nothing gels done,” King said. “You know, you’ve got to have a prelty small catalyst committee and then they may be separated into subcommit­ tees and that’s when they go out and seek out other people’s help.” The committee held its first meeting Monday, but Hatfield said planning won’t begin until the committee can touch base with lhe Summerfest committee. “Talking with lhe Summerfest committee is going to bc a big piece of which direction we end up going,” Hatfield said. “Our activities are really going to revolve a lot around what the group says and how wc move forward. “We’re very excited, you know, about where we think this will go.” The Hastings Downtown Business Team also will likely play a role in the 150^ cele­ bration. DDA board member and HDBT Chairwoman Lynn Denton said lhe downtown business team is considering hosting a cele­ bratory event or two. However, the team also is struggling to plan events with the pandemic looming. “Well, we don’t have any specific events ready yet because we don’t know what’s going to be available or open or what we’ll even be able to do at this point in time. Right now, the downtown business team is focusing on the next 90 days just to see what happens,” Denton said. The Hastings Banner Deuoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 s and pross roleases: news@fadgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@fadgraphlcs.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring ' CFO , newsroom• oohecca P'e,ce (Editor) (CcpyMW Luke Froncheck Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • C'.:i-.s.h.jd ads a canted Monday ttirough Friday. B.ao am. to500pm. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER Send address changes to PO Box (63 Hnt ngi, Ml 49056 0166 Second Class Postage Pjud a! Hastings. Ml 49056 the recent general e Townships “‘■•'•ntS “leC,ed b> computer to take pad •” 'he exercise to verify that all its numberbK • ■a['d «•* error rate matches the numbe^™"’O state. In Irving Townsh>P-/-lurk Sharon Olson said that audit show’ «. syslcm is working and the townships wn?:«•■It’s not new. ulsJ>n said. “Ifs a confidence-building c'^^Sc f0]" state that shows the system is ’"8- U has nothing to do with what’s on w,th this particular election.” r J The entire pm^ . ^"dom - picking precincts in a towns!’1?’ many ballots and which ballots to be ^cd out of each precinct - “even including if1,10 aud,t will bc done or not,” Olson said. Clerks are notified ot the audit and given two weeks to comp!etc their pari of it. They then follow' the regul^ ejection procedure and send the audit report10 thcir respective county clerks. Computers pick numbers out of the total ballots in a precinct; not a ballot number, but its location in the pile of ballots. The clerk counts down to that number and nulls the ballot to check. In one Irving Township precinct, four ballots will bc inspected; in the other, two will be examined, she said. “The city and township clerks pull the specified number of ballots and report how that ballot voted for the presidential race to me. I upload the results to lhe state.” Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer said. “During every election, the Barry County Board of Canvassers is tight; we have to come out - on the money,” Olson said. “We have to verify every single vote.” The deadline to send the reports to the state is Jan. 22. ’fhe Bureau of Elections began developing a robust post-election audit program in 2018. Procedural audits only verify that electronic equipment in given precincts is properly programmed. Traditional audits examine specific precincts in great detail, but are not practical for statewide election results because of the time required for each precinct, according lo the BOE website. The new risk-limiting audit is designed to determine, within a set statistical level of certainty, that an election outcome is correct. They sample a subset of ballots, which are then compared with official election results, to verify the outcome. Early pilot programs in Kalamazoo, Augui‘ Rochesler Hills and Lansing ru|. Monj 20)8 election proved highly .a| scht’0 pilots were conducted in various jQlv* district, city and township cleet100 gegjonm including one at Kalamazoo Educational Service Agency in w'1,c participated. . |esS°nS Each pilot program provided mon-’ (-(jn learned and allowed further expense 2()2ft with various processes. The Marc in primary' was first pilot program of the a a statewide election. r gj Among county clerk’s offices, 80 oU* offices took part in lhe statewide pilot - C c * in 78 counties viewed ballots from their ba retrieval lists, and clerks in 73 court » retrieved every' ballot on their lists. . . Overall, the BOE determined, the state wide risk-limiting audit of the presidential prim31? was a success and demonstrated that it possible to scale up this process statewide m a precinct-based stale like Michigan. State and local officials said they learned valuable lessons from these pilot programs, and the process has become considerably more refined over the past two years. Only minor alterations are expected to be necessary going forward, they concluded. The full data set of the presidential primary’ is available for review al mi.gov/vole. BOE implemented lhe audit with the help of VotingWorks, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helped manage and support the entire audit. Free preschool program reopens in Hastings Sophie Bates Staff Writer Nearly two months after a full switch lo remote learning, th6 Great Start Readiness Program in Hastings reopened Jan. 19 with a reduced student capacity Two GSRP sections have reopened at Northeastern Elementary and one at Southeastern Elementary, offering 10 spots per section rather than the pre-pandemic 16. Another section will reopen at Star Elementary, but it remaining virtual while additional staff members are hired to manage the classroom. The GSRP virtual programming will continue alongside lhe in-person program since some parents prefer their children to attend classes remotiy. Also, in addition to the reduction in the wiber allowed lo attend in person, some studere arc unable to attend class. To fill this need, the Community Action .Agency of South Central Michigan and the Calhoun Intermediate School District — which partner to administer the program — are working to open the Star Elementary section and another in the Delton Kellogg School District. “Of course, there’s a lot of families that need in person, too, so we we’ve been conscious of that as wc have tried lo reopen the classroom.” Community Action Agency Chief Executive Officer Michelle Williamson said. “We do have a waitlist for those families that are interested in in-person classrooms. “That’s why we’re definitely working on getting those classrooms open as soon as it’s safe.” The GSRP program is designed lo aid 4-year-old students deemed at risk for educational failure because of factors such as a family’s income status or a learning disability. Students in the GSRP program attend classes four days a week. There, they arc given the opportunity to enter kindergarten already having learned socialization, literacy and math skills, as well as having adjusted to a classroom environment. “They have a curriculum that’s been approved by the State Board of Education," Northeastern Elementary Principal Eric Heide said, “And so, they are following that curriculum, really, with the idea of getting them ready to succeed in school when they start young kindergarten or kindergarten.” Along with age-appropriate academic lessons, students are learning social skills, routines and procedures, he said. “That’s a big part of obviously getting ready for school, especially nowadays - kids learning how to socially interact and share and learn how to fit in with a group,” Heide said. “And many kids are coming without that ability, and so they started learning how to do that in a group, which is important. And it’s also good socially emotionally for them, too." Heide said the first few days of GSRP instruction have gone smoothly. Also, while GSRP benefits students, it has benefitted Northeastern Elementary, loo. Of those students enrolled in GSRP at Northeastern each year, an estimated 90 percent stay for kindergarten, bolstering the school’s enrollment. It also benefits parents, giving them a safe place to send their children for childcare and education., he said. “It provides for parents a place where their student can come and they’re here four days a week, and they’re here on a regular school day. so it’s a high-quality preschool program there.” Heide said. “And it’s not just that they are being babysat, by any means ... they’re doing developmentally appropriate activities. “Il's a great program to help get more kids enrolled al Northeastern, and get them familiar with it. and then they’re comfortable and are willing to stay.” There are seven spots for students at the Northeastern Elementary’ program - lhe only GSRP openings at Hastings schools. The reduction in GSRP students is one of several changes as a result of the pandemic, Williamson said, although not much has changed in the classroom besides the addition of extensive cleaning protocols. To serve remote students, lhe GSRP has provided teacher office hours, sludent-tostudent interactions via video conferencing and technology to access virtual learning. GSRP also has continued to provide meals for students, offering free food for pick-up or delivery, if families arc unable to pick it up themselves. “This year has definitely been challenging.” Williamson said. “We've had a lot of different cleaning protocols and protocols around personal protective equipment like masks and a certain cleaning solution that we haven’t had to do in the past and more often. So. training staff, and really children and families, to help us with all of that, those expectations have been probably one of lhe most major changes that we’ve had. “Learning virtually is definitely a challenge, but our teachers and families have done a really good job of adapting to that." In addition to the GSRP program, Williamson oversees the federally funded Head Start preschool program, which reopened Jan. 19 and is housed at the Community Action Agency Center ir| Hastings. Head Start is free preschool program for 4-year-olds and is similar lo GSRP. The primary difference is that Head Start connects low-income families lo community resources for jobs, food, assistance paying bills and more. As the vaccine rollout continues, Williamson said she hopes lo increase enrollment for both programs. For now, though, she said she is happy students can again reap the benefits of in-person learning again. “Nationwide, preschool is known as something that is incredibly important to prepare children and families, to be educationally more advanced or, al least, if you’re low’ income, come in al an even starting point with their peers. So that’s why it is super important for me to really provide that experience, the socialization of children is just as important as the educational components, learning the routine of lhe classrooms,” Williamson said. “And it’s been really exciting for the teachers and the kids lo see one another in person. “So, it’s great to see those smiles - both ways - when they actually get to see each other.” JUMPSTART, continued from page 1 McDowell was appointed by Whitmer as the director of MD^RD in December 2018. He served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives fr°m 2005 to 2010. A lifelong resident of the Upper Peninsula, McDowell grew up 011 a farm in Rudyard and ran a business brokering hay sales from the eastern U.P. to the mst of the country. McDowell n,1(?rc rural areas of the stale, such as thc . can be forgotten because of the atteul,on on the more populat­ ed areas of Mich^*01’So the new office will help to make sure rum* concerns are addressed. He said he wants fhe office to remain flex­ ible, and not be P’^nholed into certain areas, but he said thecurrent goals include broadband internet-10 ^structure, education, housing and talent"Anything tb*1, \ 5“n do to move rural Michigan forward* 1 said. The office will' tk wilh local goVern. ments and the * ,chigan Economic Development All13l1t 0 connect rural areas with lhe resources t»» J need, including grant allocation. Even if the 0^“*.. able to fully fund a project. McDf"c 'a“1 'hey can bring attention to it"If this office " ‘ project, that doable, that people on board. ‘ W.E- UpJch ' a commitment to a *tS . 1 said. nM,tute Director ot Regional Economic Planning Services Jim Robey praised the announcement. “That s thrilling, given how much of M.chtgtm is rural.” Robey said. Robey said he has worked wnh compa­ nies in Michigan and neighboring states, and seen the how the lack of broadband mternet has impacted the economy in rora areas. “Broadband is not an amenity, it s a necesS,HeRs°aidymed Upjohn Institute recently 1 U • i, n biotech company in F7m€’uh^h:S not have ^^e where they did c , bro;ld. He compared the efforts band internet to' the 11 l940s and 50s. PT °l^"r-rld, Robey said he In a be looking to move to believes pc p > coninuinj(ics win !Xd nXvc high-spied internet and housing ,0K.^de»off- “P .. concerns “makes a lot ol sense. 3dS^HmnXn. president and CEO of U J n X County Chamber of C ommerce and tomomic Development Alliance, agreed w.th hil"it is exciting that there will be an office focused on lhe issues affecting our rural com­ munities," Heinzman said. “Although there are a variety of state departments working to improve specific areas of our society, having designated proponents will help streamline those efforts.” “With the pandemic, telework became more widely acceptable, creating more oppor­ tunity for people to move to remote loca­ tions,” she added. “Ho|x*fully, the creation of this new office will provide the support we need to further increase access to broadband, transportation, housing, and other amenities that will, in turn, grant us the opportunity for continued growth and advancement.” “Our rural communities and livelihood have been completely ravaged by COVJDx Ben Geiger, chairman of the Barry Board of Commissioners, said. “It’s taken too many lives and poisoned too many AmencAn drcams with despair. . “It’s destroyed families, business^' won’t stop until it takes down everyth111^ Main Street. We can’t let it win. Thats it’s critical the state government do * 1 to help our rural communities before » 3■ late. While I haven’t read Gov. ’’ proposal. I’m hopeful these rcb°uf\ ’>iind flow directly to those who need it11 help restore some of the Amcri‘-an stolen by this pandemic.” �e rnutsd^y«‘tonuafy i-’B, 2021 — Th, u ~ pace 6 - 10 1 7 , u<» — Ih() Hastings Rannor Paul Gary Peterson Martha H, ffurghdoff Paul Gan Peterson (Tnim), age 77, of Hastings, went to heaven peacefully on January 21, 2021 at home. He was bom on May 8,1943 in Ann Arbor, the son of Wayne and Mary (Finlan) Peterson. Trum was a 1961 graduate of Hastings High School and a 1965 graduate from Central Michigan University. He was an agent for State Farm Insurance, retiring after 48 years. On January 26. 2005, Tnim married Kristen (Timm) Peterson, and they enjoyed 16 years together. Trum was a strong supporter of the many passions and activities his children and grandchildren pursued, always putting his faith and family first. He was a sports enthusiast and loved outdoor and lake activities. Trum was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law. Randy Wilcox. He is survived by his wife, Kristen; children, Anne Wilcox-Kurr. Nancy (Tim) Schoessel, Katy (Alex) Philips, Mark (Tonya) Peterson, Garrett Hubbell. Jon Hubbell. Andrea Peterson, Jessica Peterson; grandchildren. Alec (Brittani). Max, Zach. Grace, Megan, Amber, Katy, Tara (Joe), Tori (Grant), Emma, Charlie; great­ grandchildren, Trinity, Iley, Treyden, Joseph, brothers Carl (Mo) Peterson, John (Betty) Peterson, Jim (Sue) Peterson; former wife, Linda Peterson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Barry Community Foundation. 231 S. Broadway. Hastings. Ml 49058. St. Rose of Lima Church. 805 S. Jefferson Avenue. Hastings. ML 49058. or a charity of one’s choice. The family will be holding a private family service. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome. net,. ...... . p. r .. . . .... . ... Edward Charles Walers (Ed) passed away on Tuesday. Jan. 12,2021 at the age of k . Ed was born February 19, 1955 lo and Betty (King) Waters of Battle Creek. LO attended school in Battle Creek. Alter completing lhe Hth grade, Ed decide o join the workforce. He was a cix) . landscaper and also worked at United Stce and Wire, where he met the love of his h e. Heather Isaacson, a new co-worker in 1998. Ed and Heather blended their two families together and married on July 20. 2001, enjoying nearly 20 years of marriage. Ed was a devoted father and loving grandpa. Ed enjoyed camping trips with the family, listening to music, talking to neighbors, and doing lawncare, which he retired from in 2018. Ed’s most treasured time was when he was on a boat with a bobber in the water. Fishing was his kryptonite. To Ed’s wife and kids, he was Superman - a supporting, loving and caring husband/father. Ed was always cracking jokes, helping others and, of course, fishing. He will be truly missed by his family, friends, and all who got the privilege to know him. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Betty Waters He is survived by his wife. Heather Ann (Isaacson) Walers; son, Russell Lee Waters; daughter. Hailey Waters; son. Charles Waters; daughter, Rebecca Isaacson; grandchildren, Russell Jr.. Nariah. Kylcr, Jace, Onyx. Bennett; sister, Sharon; a nephew, and his favorite cousins. Rusty and John. A celebration of life will be held in July 2021, due to the pandemic, with information to follow. Condolences may be offered at 295 Lakeside Drive, Delton. Ml 49046 Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence. visit w ww. girrbachfuneralhomc.net. - On Thursday. Jan 21. 2021. Martha Rebecca Burghdofr.loving wife and mother, joined her hcavCn|y father at the age of 95’ Martha was living at jier home of 65 years, with Robert, her husband of 75 ?cars, and would tell you she was ’’Doing as well as an old lady can”. until }ier heart just stopped beating. Bob and Martha ,,atl lhree Mildren: Charlie (Patti McWhinney)* L>nJa Tulick (Rocky), and Larry (Vicki Smith). Martha was bom jn Cannon Falls, MN. She experienced a lot, early in life. The Great Depression drove the family to relocate to the south where they lived >n Louisiana and Arkansas. When a tornado wiped out their farm. Martha and her sisters went on the road with their father Albert as migrant workers. They started by picking cotton and then followed the fruit harvest north. When an opportunity to purchase a farm in Middleville presented itself, they packed up and moved to Michigan. In Michigan she worked on the farm raising thousands of turkeys. She attended and graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School, where she met her husband to be Robert Burghdoff. Even after they married, her traveling days were not over, as Robert was drafted and she moved with him to Anniston, AL Martha lived in an apartment just outside the base, where she kept the home fires burning while raising their son Charlie, until Bob was deployed to the European theatre in WWII. Then, she returned to Michigan to live with relatives. After Bob was discharged, they moved around from the farm to a couple small houses, until they found property on Algonquin Lake where Bob and Martha, along with many of their relatives, were able to build their forever home. Martha was happy to arrive at someplace permanent. Throughout her life, she loved to travel, even if just to go for a ride for the day, but Martha was always glad to come back home. Her early experience led her to understand God and family were the most im]X)rtant things in her life. Martha’s belief in God never faltered She was always the one to lead the prayers at mealtime, and made sure ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmeffi ■nnail.com- Website: ivuw, lia stingsfrcemetliodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetze!. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to die current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags forchilrcn arv available in the 9 a.m. service and Kids Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.mct ROSE OF LIMA rAniOUC CHURCH n5 S Jefferson. 269-945Pastor Father Stephan 42 I n Mass 4:30 p.m. ph,l,p. Mass « and 11 a.m. Saturday * Sunday- HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E Woodlawn. Hastings. Matt Moser. Ixad Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.rn. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade). 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616 690-8609. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E State Rd.. P.O. Box 273, Hastings, Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9: 45 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & s. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Sen ice 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry'. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer lime 6:30 to 7:30 pm. - • formation on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, lhe churches This tn] lin(i fay, i0C(1i fairnesses: s Flexfob Hm 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Her hands were never still. She was an artist with a crochet hook. She would start with a ball of siring, and soon there would be a snowflake like pattern, and before you cwJt there was a doily, or a table runner, or whatever else she could imagine. She made hundreds of hand towels and crocheted around the edges of each one. She also kept busy knitting, doing embroidery', and she engraved plaques, badges, nameplates, etc... She may have been relaxing in her chair, or riding in the car, but her hands were never idle. Martha was always busy. In her High School yearbook. Martha wrote “I just want to Ik happy” and she spent a lifetime doing it. She understood being happy is a choice and she chose to be happy? Martha was the anchor for her famfly, always there to support them and cheer them on. or just lo listen when they needed to talk. She leaves a gaping hole in our hearts and will be dearly missed. Martha was preceded in death by her John Patrick “Pat’’ McGuire, age 81. of Middleville, passed away on January 23, 2021. Pat was bom on August 20, 1939 the son of Charles and Shirley (Sergeant) McGuire. Pat was a 1957 graduate of Hastings High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Alma College in 1962- He continued to pursue his love of geology attending Summer Institutes at universities around lhe country. On December 30.1961, Pat married Linda Lee Poulson, and they enjoyed 59 years together. Pat was a teacher in Gn*‘nvi,,e’ and ,a^r at Charlotte High School. *tiring in ,995’ He then became a stockb10^ Pnt W‘?S r member of the First pre<byt^ian Church 01 Hastings. He enjojed rock collecting and studytng geology. Ile was a member of the Beer Can Collectors of America (BCCA). He attended many be,., ran convenuons with friends. He took rZ <nPs "T’,8 out west and also enioyf1 ,aking s,u.dcn. his grandchildren. M Bat was preceded i i^th ,lis Parc.nts’ his brother. Mike McTidre ’nd >•is<er',"■|aW■ Donna McGuire * ,. , P m is survive , his *ife- 1",d:': ‘laughters, Kim id kb>ii>. Kn,ie parents. Albert and Hlta Pederson, her son “iyeSTlarioSt. Ro"" Marie Otto. Xt brother Thomas Pederson, and son-.n- '“Mardm .s's^rtived by her husband Robed, daughter Lvnda Tulick. son I-arry (Vicki), daughter-in-law Patti (Osbun) McWh'nney. and sister. Rachel Sutton. She ts also survived by grandchildren Deanne. Arron. Susan. Kari. Matt, and Nick, great­ grandchildren Travis. Garrett. Ton, Jordan. Madison, Blake, and Bryce, and great-great­ grandchildren Hayden. Effy. and Nolan, as well as many nieces and nephews. Martha’s family received friends on Wednesday, Jan. 27. al Beeler-Gores Funeral Home where her funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, Jan. 28. 2021. at 11:00 a.m. In keeping with health and safety guidelines, seating inside the funeral home will be limited and masks are required. The family also invites individuals to join them via Facebook livestream, a link will be on the funeral home’s website. Burial will take place in Rutland Cemetery'. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Barry' County Commission on Aging. Please visit www.bcelergoresfuneraL com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Martha’s family. Albert Atanay John Patrick McGuire Worship Together HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH the story of Christ was heard by all before opening Christmas presents. Her faith carried her through the rough times for her entire 1 . * She loved gospel music and particularly enjoyed singing those songs as she sang with the Nashville 5 Plus for many years. She loved to cook for her family and cherished the time when the kids all gathered J! tbe house for holidays or whatever reason. -ven when just dropping by. she always panted to fix something for you before you eft- You could always expect her to prepare your favorites for your birthday. Even if groynes were on the low side, she could "hip up a tasty, filling meal in a hurry. She it. mca,s on wheels to a whole new level because whenever she visited, there was a prepared meal in the back seat. • 'artha was a seamstress nt home and at a°k worked for 25 years sewing baby c othes at Baby Bliss in Middleville. But. that was a small part of her sewing. She ma e baby clothes, dresses, and anything e se anyone needed. The grandkids were a ways well dressed, and she could mend tings that really should have been tossed out, and make them look like new. Albert Atanay, 94 years old went home to bc with the Lord on Sunday , Jan., 17,2021. ■ He was bom 4-12-26 in Los Angeles, CA, the son of Ignacio and Eliza (Aguilar) Atanay. He was a rifleman in the WWII 96th Infantry Division called the Dead Eyes. He was wounded 5-14-45 in Okinawa and awarded the Purple Heart. His infantry’ division received a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary Heroism in Military Operations against an armed enemy. Albert was a brave and loyal soldier. He met his wife 51 y ears ago while deep sea fishing on the Pacific Ocean. It was a great catch for both of them. He is survived by his wife. Janice (Kelley) Atanay; daughter. Cindy (Bob) Cain,; granddaughters. Andrea and Courtney Brewer (Courtney’s fiance, Aj Gallardo); great granddaughter. Audriana Duarte and step grandchildren, Jeni (Michael) Williams, Lindsay (Troy) Pitts; step great grandchildren, Avery, Jaelyn and Brayden Williams, Dylan, Presley abd Jaxson Pitts and many nieces and nephews and great nieces abd nephews, plus his sister. Eve Goldin and a wonderful brother and sister­ in-law, Dr. Jack and Leta Kelley also step sisters-in-law. Barb (Karl) Anders and Mary’ Lou Mackaluso and step brother-in-law, Phil Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Joseph, Nash and Manny Atanay (Manny’s wife Dolly); two sisters, Laura Lozano and Doris Bums; grandson, David Wayne Lowe Brewer; brother-in-law. Judge Howard Goldin and his daughter, Sharon Goldin plus nephews, Louie Lozano and Richard Atanay also mother and step father-in law. Marguerite and Walt Lewis and father and step mother-in-law, Ellis and Hazel Kelley plus step sister and step brother-in-law Suzanne Nash and Jim Lewis and step sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn Lewis and Bob Mackaluso. He had lhe pleasure ot meeting and having lunch with Leo Carrillo (who played many different movie roles and later was well known as Pancho in the Cisco Kid series) when he was 12 years old. Also meeting and chatting with Tom Bradley (Mayor of L.A.), McGuire-Todd; <Am*' Pi^s. Ileath^'f forley-, Aus",n (Corinthia) Pink. ,0 " willv 8*\' ' grandchildren ?'“* Vlei£h'. r ak? Aayiiah, Cash, hi?k"- li(. BalT> McGu and nephews, Puut r°l. .1 . In lieu of flowe and cof'nbutitms can be made to it ’ "’Zare °f Sou*WC , Michictm t,„ ’’^pice4', ,4niceswnn org' give/ 222 N K Sllile |0?’ Donna Douglas (Ellie Mae Clampett from the Beverly Hillbillies series), and Barbara Eden (from I Dream of Jeannie). He graduated from Tulsa Bible College and was a minister, church treasurer and Sunday school superintendent at the Apostolic Assembly Temple “El Siloe” in L.A..CA. He also was the assistant pastor. Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, song leader and youth leader at Harvest Tabernacle in L.A., CA and Sunday s superintendent at Azusa Tabernacle Church. His Parents owned two,grocery stores, one in L. A. and one in Huntington Park. His dad had a patent for a tortilla maker 12-1-25, which was later sold to the Nabisco Co. Albert and his wife retired in California and moved to Michigan in 1994. They lived on Lake 21, Delton and had the best neighbors. 1 hvj attended Thornapple Valley Church and had a great pastor and wife. Jeff »VidAn" Arnc" P*us n’M»y, many wonderful Inauis here and throughout the various areas and states. Ca'lSa:,4dI8h‘() ■nOVe“ baCkh “ f'iitrk n > ° x near daughter, P issed lh°se ,nonlbs before he and " and l . ,nv " i,h his " ifc. daughter He Ml a‘I 7.-"Ur,,W> ”> bis Sidc He»illVn£X^ Pri\ nt..vv,ls l°ved so much. Ceremony X^d-vZ National Cemetery. .... — i'rane. To leave a? b> , ^-BinlMchfn^nJpet. JMk ' B| B.irn County aiul Sur *----- ------ .Klrrhachfuntnilhoaie.net rated ,u% <”r,b’h >niniunitics tor 51) \c �7 niaV rv-,11 fl— ___ Steven Lee Seniors Steven Lee Reid, age . peacefully P»«cd away al home' ,las,in8». by his family on January 23 >0^ 1 rn>undcd Steve was bom February n loc Hastings. U> Don and Dorothy (Bow <in A, a child. Steve worked ?eid the Reid Roller Rink. He altendLr m dad al area schools and participated .Has,ln^ The Legal Michigan-Battle L interviews for ^oUt representation. telephone to int^- ./xrtSiss s- Ofelia. He was married tofoyce ScKeSd fOrin her dealh 2011 ■ag-t h'> ««« tor Ih.lr together and^ began their journey together, and were married in January 2015 faX "frilnd J0yCCJnt0 a widc ^cle of th ’ dS’- and music hrC,r i’me lOgcther’ lhcy "ere advocates for a Parkinson’s disease emerging therapy and traveled nationwide to promote usage and acceptance. Steve was the executive director of Love Inc.ior over 30 years, during which time hc assisted many local families with resources and provided outreach to the community. His work in this capacity was a form of service and ministry for him as he strove to serve his clients with a sincere heart and be an example of Christ’s love to those in need. Steve Was an active fundraiser for Love Inc., going to events to speak about their mission to continue to elevate the level of assistance they could provide. He was a go-to person within the community and also assisted churches in other areas to set up their ow n similar organizations. Steve was an ordained minister. Throughout the years, he served in different capacities at local churches including pastor, associate pastor, deacon, and youth pastor. He crafted many special events and trips for the benefit of his church communities that enriched the lives of many. Steve was a sought-after officiant for countless weddings and events. He frequently preached sermons in the local area, throughout Michigan, and across the country. In later years, he could be seen on Sunday mornings making a circuit around Hastings attending multiple services. Steve was a great storyteller and utilized (hose skills by performing dramas of Biblical figures Peter. Joseph, and Noah. He performed an untold number of the dramas at churches throughout Michigan, the United States, and during mission trips to Mexico. Steve had a way of connecting with lhe audience that made them feel like they were transported back to Biblical times. He used his talent both to entertain and to minister to Durinc Waterman. those in attendance. Steve also incorporated his dramas into other events such as the live nativity that was performed in Hastings. Steve played a special Christmas role in the community for over 30 years. He touched many people, whether they knew who was in the costume or not. Steve could be found at local events in stores, accepting calls on the radio, visiting schools, riding in the Christmas parade, and singing on the Holly Trolley with local singers. Steve was well known for his involvement in lhe local music scene. Over the years, he brought a staggering amount of entertainment acts io the community for events like Summerfest and performances at local venues. Many concerts he organized provided opportunities for local talent to perform, some seasoned singers and some just beginning to perform. He loved lo provide support, encouragement, and mentorship to artists and other concert organizers. When Steve was not promoting and managing events himself, he could be found in attendance at almost every concert occurring within a 50 mile radius of his house and taking detailed setlist notes for each performance. He attended an astounding number of concerts and festivals, listening to thousands of artists live, all documented in his setlist notebooks. Steve had a larger than life personality. He loved God, his family, and his community and they loved him. Steve is survived by his wife, Joyce (Gilbert Griffin) Reid: mother, Dorothy Reid; son, Justin Reid; daughter. Amber Reid; son­ in-law, Luis Lopez Carranza; granddaughter, Ofelia Lopez-Reid; stepchildren, Robert, Mathew, and Eric Griffin and Karla (Tyler) Godat; siblings, Andrew (Janice) Reid, Dan (Monica) Reid, Cindy (John) Winebrenncr. Carolyn (Marty) Cappon, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Schiek Reid and father. Don C. Reid. Memorial contributions may be madg to Barry' County Cares. local music organizations, performers or a church benevolent fund of one’s choice. A private family celebration of life will take place in the coming days and lhe recording will be shared publicly. A memorial concert is tentatively being planned for Summer or ball 2021. Robert Eugene Bryans____ Robert Eugene Bryans, age 90, of Hasting, passed away on January' 21,2021 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the son of Carl and Myrtle (Coleman) Bry ans. He is survived by the love of his life and best friend for 67 years of marriage, Marilyn (Molitor) Bryans. Also surviving are his sons. Robert (Nancy) Bryans of Mason. Bill (Sue) Bryans of Hastings, and daughter Sherri Bryans Baker and Russ Colburn of Jackson. He is survived by five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a brother, Richard (Betty) Bryans, and sisters. Betty James, Belva (Bob) Barry', and Elaine Cooley. , He was proceeded in death by grandson. Jason Bryans; son-in-law, Mark Baker; sister. Evelyn Sprague; brothers-in-law, Ken Sprague. Robert James, and Ray Coo^y.• Bob graduated from Hastings High School in 1948. He worked at Kroger and met the love of his life, Marilyn prior to proudly enlisting in the Marines and serving during lhe Korean War from 1950-1953. Upon returning home he and Marilyn were ma c on July 11. 1953. He spent a short time working for Fisher Body before finding his professional home with the Felpauscft Food Centers where he retired alter 45 years oi ' be named manager at the new him to lkgrocery store .n . z^ r.ir1zi lx 12*diie Felpausch Grand « and retire ns disIg^'he oversaw one of While “* XfolXs in the Felpausch the most succe. # dcdicaied member ot Corporation- H dt During the the Grand |kcd >everal miles to 1967 snowstorm■ “Jeters- open the store 16 and Marilyn Upon his *5 Sin Hastings where he moved back to hs noo . B()b loved immersed him*f m_|f it had fur, everything oU,d . probubiy spent many feathers, or scales rfc |()Ved the Upper hours in search away front home. He Peninsula a-s *,|S. ror fur trapping; proudly also had a Pass,~," .lar at local auctions, often getting'op dol,ar senin £ °Ver "ho reside in and noon Wednesday, Feb. 3, n Serviccs °rSoil(h Central Michigan Battle Creek office is a nonprofit organization providing high-quality legal assistance, representation and education to seniors in Barrj, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseoh counties. H Hastings Middle School announces honor roll gSSSfe—* During this time they "’C ***• teaching school in Califon^ i f i ycare their son Justin. In 1978 thev L d wlc{comed Michigan, eventually settling Tn'M^f-’1 Soon after they had their daufht"* .H“t,n8s2010. Steve becam-7 S'In j S°l,th Cc,Hra’ will conduct ' ;‘nd possibJe BarTh2ewho "isl'mg 'vilh an attorney may call 734.8^198 ^een 10.30 a.,n. activities including choir and L " . any graduated from Hastings llij" c ?s’ hc 1969. Steve <continued his studio af Th° Hayings Banner - Thursday. January call Feb. 3 for legal advice His knack for growing vegetables and immaculate gardens were the envy of even Horticulture college graduates. Many people were the thankful benefactors of his “toils in the soil’’. For several years Bob and Marilyn hosted an epic, annual bam sale. Bob’s inventory always included a variety of neglected tools that he brought back to life through polish and paint. His sales were really never about monetary profits and always about his interaction with the good folks that came back every year to buy a little and talk a lot. Bob was a neighbor’s neighbor. If you had a need, he was there for you. And no belter friend you could have asked for. If you were his friend, you were friends for life. Bob was a family man. His loving wife, three children, grand and great grandchildren are a testament lo that certainty. Though only having a high school diploma, Bob and Marilyn greatly valued education and provided each of their grandchildren enough money fora four year college education. Bob will be sorely missed by lhe many that had the privilege of knowing him. 'Plough his death has created a huge void, those touched by his life are forever blessed and grateful. Special thanks to Rev. Randall Bertrand, the Woodgrove Brethren Christian Parish, and Spectrum Health Hospice of Grand Rapids. Donations may be made to Woodgrove Brethren Christian Parish, 4887 Coats Grove Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058, or Spectrum Health Hospice of Grand Rapids, 750 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503, in Bob’s name. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhoine.net. 21 academic year. Students quahf) ,he honor roll by earning all A and B b™for the semester. Those who cam allA bra«cs are named to the principal’s list. Qualifying for,ll<: 1 grade level, are: 1 recci>t quarter, by Principe •' Lw All A’s Meredith Ansorge. Owen Boge, Jackson Busson. Ethan tla'Hh“nl- Sophie Haywood. Gabryella JuskewicZ. Latch Kramer, Caroline Randall. Annika Soln>cs. Allison Tefft and Emma Warner. A iW‘l&Mes Audrey Aicken.Olivia Allen. Ava Arens, Brenncn Armstrong. Kyra Bishop. Lily Bishop. Ashton Bnibaker, Benjamin Carl, Montan Cross, Sydme Diljak. Lilianna Envart. Bryce Etheridge. Petra Foster, Lola Grego, Sadie Hanford. Misha Haskin, Ava Herbert, Brissa Heniandcz-Hcmandcz, Sierra Hester, Evan Jacobs. Colt Jousina. Madison Killian. Logan Kimmel, Cordelia Kniaz, Aubrcc Lambert, R<cSC Loftus, Starlit Meek. Hannah Merrick. Aaron Minogue. Tori Morgan, Maverick Peake. Lilyien Pelkey, Damion Philo. Chl”C Pirtle, Brayden Reaser. Grady Reed. WilliAm Renner IV, Mallory Rohe, Cassie Rosenberg. Hannah Sorensen. Kendra Taylor, William Thompson, Karmyn Thornton, Nathaniel Toevs, Raegan Wallies, Jack Webb, Bailee Wecdall, Melanie Westbrook. Spencer Wilkins and Marlayna Young. Seventh grade Principal's List All As Chloe Aicken. Matthew Domenico, Lauren Gee, Daniel Jensen. Carter Krzysik, Josalyn Russell, Collin Tossava and Mazie A and B grades Annemaric Altcrding. Aden Armstrong, Ashlyn Bailey. Carter Bell, Olivia Bucher, Aidcn Byle, Cayden Cappon, Ellie Cousins, Lynn Cross, Coltcn Denton, Bronson Ellioti, Riley Herron, Brin Hill, Ethan Holman, Mary Johnson. Alexander Kohmeschcr, Jaden Marble. Adriana Meyers. Jadalie Miller, Claudia Minch, Ava Noieboom, Aiden Oliver, Tyce Richardson. Shealagh Rose, Carisa Rosenberger, Matthew’ Shults, Bayley Smith. Natalie Snyder, Brayden Thielen, Malachi VanEngen, Angelina Waterman. Lucas Waterman and Gracie Wilson. Eighth grade Principal's list All A's Jett Bamum. JoDee Gaskill, Isabel Gee, Jalyn Grimes. Rachael Hewitt. Micah Johnson. Kennedy Lewis. Jordan Milanowski, Alyson Miller. Kyle Morgan. Brennan Reser, Heaven Simmet. Brandon Simmons. Lilyah Solmcs, Victoria Tack, Melany Vargas. Zoe Watson and Linda Wright. A and B grades ’fanner Allerding, Gavin Argo, Tanner Armstrong. Zocy Bennett. Riley Bondurant, Christian Boniface. Abigayl Bower, Taylor Casey, Andrew Cook. Briarina Darling. Emma Dennison, Madiscn Dickhoff, Garrett Dunn, Alex Flikkema, Liliana Fox. Benjamin Furrow. Abigail Goodrich. Baylie Guernsey, Logan Henry, Meya Hughes. Lacie Johncock, Sebastion Johnson, Nicholas Kane, Isabella Kensington, Logan Kerby, Donald Kuck, Dawson Lewis, Alan Li, Deondre Mathis, MaeLynn Miller, Keegan Nicholson, Seth Pirtle, Elijah Randall, Gunnar Richmond, Abigail Schocmer. Miranda Smith. Brycen Stephens, Brooklyn Strickland, Kaydence VanDenBerg. Madison Vickery, Memphis While, Isaiah Wilson and Jordyn Winters. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Mary Cotant to celebrate 80th birthday Mary Cotant will be honored on her 80th birthday! She was born on February' 1st to Robert and Irene Brownell of Hastings. Ml1C married the love of her life Philip Cotant on October 17, 1959. She was bom and raised in a log cabin on Schultz Road with six brothers and two sisters. Please feel free to send her a card to celebrate her special day! No gifts, please. Marriage Jjfienses Earle Raymond Keaton III, Middleville and Kerry Karpinski Schut, Middleville Madisyn Paige Bailey . Middleville and Eric Andrew Ortega, Middleville AG: Stimulus payments by prepaid Visa debit card are not a scam Michigan residents who receive their stimulus payments in the form of a prepaid Visa debit card should know that this method is not a scam, Michigan Attorney General Dana Ncssel announced Jan. 22 as more second-round payments are disbursed by the federal government. “As many Americans await their second stimulus payment, it’s important to keep in mind that such payment may be disbursed in three different ways: direct deposit, paper check or prepaid debit card.” Nesscl said. appealing. “Mailed stimulus payments will arrive in a There are a few ways you can identify a white envelope with the U.S. Department of scam call or email. Treasury seal. Michiganders screening their Remember that we will never: mail for scam offers should watch for that lo - Threaten you with benefit suspension, ensure their stimulus funds are not accidentally arrest or other legal action unless you pay a discarded.” fine or fee. The prcloaded Visa debit card displays the - Promise a benefit increase or other Visa logo on lhe front and the issuing bank assistance in exchange for payment. name - MetaBank, N.A. - on the back. Each - Require payment by retail gift card, cash, mailing also will include instructions on how­ wire transfer, internet currency or prepaid to activate and use the card. Those who debit card. . receive their stimulus payment via prepaid - Demand secrecy from you in handling a debit card can make purchases online or Social Security-related problem. in-store wherever Visa debit cards are - Send official letters or reports containing accepted. Recipients also have the option to personally identifiable information via email transfer funds to a personal bank account and If you do not have ongoing business with check their card balance online using a mobile our agency, it is unlikely we will contact you. app or phone. The debit card provided by the Again if you get a suspicious call claiming to federal government also includes certain Ik"from Social Security, hang up and report it protections against fraud, loss and other right away to our Office of the Inspector errors. General at oig.ssa.gov. Additional information on how- to use the preloaded Visa debit card or lo confirm the Vonda Van Til in thepM'C offuim specialist status of a stimulus payment can be found on for West Michittan. »'<>« '««' l/o the IRS website, irs.gov. Social SecuritvAdniinistr^on. W5 Knapp NE. Grand Rapids Ml 49525. or via email lo Three ways to fight scammers who target y<w benefits Vonda Van Til Public Affairs Specialist Scammers are always finding new’ ways to steal money and personal information by exploiting fears. The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and ignore suspicious calls and emails. One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents and other law enforcement personnel. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply with their instructions. Here are three things you can do: - Hang up right a" aY or do not reply to the email. - Never give personal information, money, or retail gift cards. - Report thescamntoig4sa.gov immediately to Social Security’s hiw enforcement team at the Office of the Inspector General. You should continue to remain vigilant of phone calls when someone says there’s a problem with your Social Security number or your benefits. If you owe money to Social Security, we will mail you a letter exp]ainjng your rights, payment options an(l information about wndti.\antil((lssa.fi^- Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator REQUEST A GENERAC Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads °UOTE! 877-3780097 FREE OHe* • Good Selection of Cotton Prints M‘nh t. J02» 0^* lp^i*IFin*non9>**'Uhl* • Flannel Prints & Solids DMC Floss MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING fjcL'nsea M1)Ster Plumber lJcc,,se<l Journeyman Plumber Ne« <?1”sJn|ction. remodel, repair. bkadi()RI) wllirE WATER heaif*^ D<iv Installation OHice (269) 948-2248 iEbile (269) 838-5112 'Pray Tor Our Military QUESTIONS: ASK US- 2!B L. Stale St.. Hast ngs • 945-9673 OPcN Mcnai; Fwfcy n amA-JC jr 9 arj J pri Hulsi Cloanerv. Pick-Up Station < �Hastings Public Library to reopen Monday Sophie Elaine Garlock JX Michael < rete has announced to his patients that he is being joined in dental practice by Dr. Alex Hoclzcl who is a graduate Of the Vnivoxity Of Detroit - Mercy School of Dentistry. Lake Odessa is also served by Dr. f reeman ssho followed Dr. VanZyl. Schrieb Dr Moise and others in years past. Winter is making its appearance this week wjth more snow and cold. Thus far, wc have had a rather mild season, with many rcccn days at the freezing mark - give °r •»« « few degrees. We have had httle need lor snowblowers. ,, , .. , , . The town is rather quiet. \*e hear of almost no meetings, and those that are happening are via Zoom or Facebook or some remote method. . A „ The drive-in lane of the restaurants is ollen very busy. LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL CREDITORS: TN? settlor, DeEtta Louise Nicholas (date of birth September 23, 1927), died December 11, 2020 There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom letters of adm.nistrabon have been issued. Creditors of the settlor are notified that all claims against the DeEtta L. Nicholas Trust dated May 31, 2002. as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to Sharon D. Mooney. Trustee of the DeEtta L. Nicholas Trust, within four months after the date of publication of this notice. Notice is further g.ven that the DeEtta L Nicholas Trust will thereafter bo assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Date- January 26. 2021 Nicholas Law Arm P.C Steven R. Nicholas P39431 1315 Lansing Road. Ste. 1000 Charlotte. Ml 48813 (517)541-3701 Sharon D. Mooney 2688 Clivedon Road Howell, Ml 48843 154593 TO ALL CREDITORS. The settlor. Roland Jean Nicholas (date of birm January 4,1926), died December 29,2020. There is no personal representative of the settlor's estate to whom letters of administration have been issued Creditors of the settlor are notified that all claims against the Roland J Nicholas Trust dated May 31, 2002, as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to Sharon D. Mooney, Trustee of the Roland J. Nicholas Trust, within four months after STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE ALE NO. 21-28704-DE Estate of Harold D. Wortley. Date of birth: 12/03/1931. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Harold D. Wortley, d.ed 11/27/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Highpoint Community Bank, persona’ 'epresentativc, or to both the probate court at 205 W. Court Street. Ste. 302, Hastings. Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date. January 21. 2021 Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street. Ste. A Hastings. Ml 49058 269-945-1921 H’ghpolnt Community Bank 150 W. Court Street Hastings. Ml 49058 269-945-2401 154421 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised jud cature act of 1961,1961 PA 236. MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court In Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on February 11, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ov/nershlp of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office ora title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this informationName(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael F. Byington, a single man Ongmal Mortgagee. Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Inc. as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc. Date of Mortgage: December 19, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 20.2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $48,692.57 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated n Township of Hope. Barry County. Michigan, and d Ja/bed as: COM W 1/4 POST SEC 32 T2N T9W, 88 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 08 SECONDS I a.8 52 FT TO FOB, TH S 3 DEGREES 29 £,®.,TES 14 SECONDS WEST 249.14 FT. TH S 88 ^rBEES 38 MINUTES 08 SECONDS E 522.88 2^ tm N 01 DEGREE 44 MINUTES 04 SECONDS FT. ?o\TH N 88 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 08 £ Z’ljoSW 401 48 TO FOB SEC ^on street address (.1 any): 9595 S M 43 Common S“";;gM6.7eo3 Hwy. Delton. ■ _ sha|| , year (rom th0 The red- P un(ess determined abandoned in date °! tro with MCL 600 3241a. acco^ance gt {orec|osure sale under II tne Revised Judicature Ad of 1961, CncP-*' 32 ° 600.3278 the borrower will be held pur5uant 7he person who buys the property at tesponS,b!e ° foreclosure sale or to the mortgage ine damaging property during the ^rnPt:°n ^l^owner: If you are a military service period o( actJve duty Attention home or * you active duty, please contact the crd0red tdrtV foreclosing the mortgage at the member h aC l°r tb° P r stated in this notice. a,!0nn^nurr,t7(&blcollec,°' '^is^14'2021 pfits d P.C. „ Suite 145 153976 the date of publication of this notice Notice is further given that the Roland J. Nicholas Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Date: January 26. 2021 Nicholas Law Arm RC. Steven R. Nicholas P39431 1315 Lansing Road. Ste. 1000 Charlotte. Ml 48813 (517)541-3701 Sharon D. Mooney 2688 Cbvodon Road Howell. Ml 48843 154594 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting January 19, 2021 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Clerk Goebel. Treasurer Pence. Supervisor Stoneburner. Trustee Doster & Trustee DeVries Agenda and December 23. 2020 Minutes were approved Public comments, if any. were received. Are. Police and Parks Department reports were placed on file. Supervisor, Treasurer. Trustees and Clerk's Report s were received Approved paying bills: $12,662 04 Approved new Fire Dept, member Approved Cyber-security training. Approved budget adjustments and payroll change. Recycling discussion. Adopted budget workshop schedule. Public comments and Board comments wore received Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p m. Submitted by. Rod Goebel, Clerk 154368 NOTICE Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature ad of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public audion sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier s check at the place of holding the Circuit Court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on February 11, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may bo greater on the day of the sale Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle tho purchaser to free and dear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Gordon L Mitchell, a Single Man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Inc, as mortgagee, as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Quicken Loans, LLC Date of Mortgage: August 31, 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 8, 2017 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $85,209.19 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Township of Barry, Barry County. Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the West half of the Southwest quarter of Sedion 36, Town 1 North, Range 9 West; thence West 40 rods (660) to the place of beginning of this description; thence South 12 rods (198); thence West 12 rods; thence North 12 rods; thence East 12 rods to the place of beginning. Commonly Known as: 1925 Sheffield Rd., Hickory Corners, Ml 49060 The redemption period shall be 6 months from tho date of such sale, unless determined abandoned In accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case lhe redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Ad of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will bo held responsible to the person who buys the property at tho mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage ho’der for damaging the property during the redemption period Attention Purchaser: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee lor any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgager, tho Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on adive duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number staled in this notice This notice is from a debt collector Date of notice: 1/14/2021 Potestivo & Associates, PC. 251 Diversion Street, Rochester, Ml 48307 248-853-4400 313851 (01-14)<02-04) 154033 Hastings area resident* *a?tt,n flblc lo browse the shehes nt thc dHastings ***h L ibrary' beginning Monday ^eb. 1. as the library reopens jls . )rs for the first time since Nov. 18,2()2o ' “We’re excited, Wc nre, re’iilly. We miss the people and we're eXcjted 10 aWc l,) ^ave (hem in again,” j ibrjry Director Peggy Hemerling said, -j j,now people arc so anxiously waiting lo be able to come and browse the collection " Only the library’s first floor w'1’! °Pen to the public with a 3o.pcrson capacity limit, ns required by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service*Hemerling and library staff decided to reopen the library afler MDHHS announced indoor restaurant dining would resume Feb. I. “Wc decided that, "hen the MDHHS decided that it was s je f°r lo go to restaurants again, that would be a good indication that it would sa^e ^or P^ple to come in,” Hemerling said. The library’s hours will remain limited, from 10 a.m. to 6 p m Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p-rn- Wednesday and Thursday; and 1 () a.m. to 2 p m. Saturday. While closed, the library continued to serve patrons using the dnve-tlirou^ lo P,c^ up materials, send faxes, niidcc copies or prints, and more. The drive-through will continue to be an option for people who do»’1 ^ecl comfortable picking up materials inside-1110 drive-through will be open during regular business hours, and library staff rccomnicnds culling ahead, so pick-up items will be available upon arrival. The reopening comes with several new changes for the library-. To prevent spread of coronavirus, visitors will be asked to deposit any materials they have handled — but do not want to check out — in yellow and red carts stationed at the end of each book shelf so the items can bc sanitized before going back on the shelves. The library also will provide adult- and child-sized masks at the front door for visitors who may have forgotten theirs. All visitors must wear masks and practice social distancing. The reopening also comes w ith more access to computers for the public. Appointments will no longer need to be made in advance to use a library computer, and computers will be available for one-hour slots instead of 30 minutes, as had been prior practice. In addition, visitors may access a new library experience by downloading the Lakeland Library Cooperative app. The app allows visitors to search the library’s catalog, renew or locate items, apply or renew their b'braiy cards and even check out materials. “It’s so much more user-friendly than iryinj’ tn |lse uur caia|On or CVCn going to our 'vcb.Mic, opening your account and what not.' Hemerling said. "The nice thing is. if you have your phone with you. your library card «*» right there. So. if you arc in and you want ,o check out. you can just scan your phone, find you don’t have to have your library card *Hh you I here’s so many features, and it’s a 01 of fun. They can link lo our Facebook page from it. they can look at what programs we’ve got coming. It’s a really easy-to-use app that l’,ses (hem a lot of access.” ” ' g W’l’* While regular library resume with the reopening.11C, jf ual * visitors to keep tubs on v ng c|ubprograms, such ns the winter r , ... “We arc offering our winte need which anyone can join, fbey 1 _jc wolJ have a library card. And so. if Pw 0 to °u like to sign up for that, they ca website." Hemerling said. open at The library will not Ik- allowe a(herin£ full capacity until MDHHS soo,a regulations arc loosened or lifted- | Financial FOCUSjf, Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones nnurew Cove, AAMSO .^,r]anciai Advisor Member SirC Mcmber -s,rc Kevin Beck, AAMb®' FinancialAdvisor 400 V/. State St, Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Remote work may offer financial benefits Dunug the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have been forced to work from home. But once we’ve moved past the virus, many workers may continue working from home. More than one-third of companies with employees who started working from home now think that remote work will stay more common post-pandemic, according to a Harvard Business School study. This shift to at-home work can affect people’s lives in many ways — and it may end up providing worketx with some long-term financial advantages. It you're one of those who will continue working remote!). cither full time or at least a few days a week, how might you benefit? Here arc a few possibilities: • Reduced transportation costs - Over time. )ou can spend a lot of money commuting to and from work. The as erage commuter spends $2,000 to $5,000 per year on transportation costs, including gas, car maintenance, public transportation and uiher expenses, depending on where they live, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Anal) sis and the U.S. Census Bureau. If you are going to work primarily from home. sou should be able to great!) reduce these costs. • Potentially lower car insurance premiums - Your auto insurance premiums arc partial!) based on how many miles sou drive each year. So, if you were to significantly reduce these miles by working from home, you might qualify for lower rates. • Lower expenditures on lunches - If you typically cat lunch in restaurants or get takeout while at work, you could easily be spending $50 or more per week - even more if you regularly get coffee drinks to go. By these figures, you could end up spending around $3,000 a year. Think how much you could reduce this bill by eating lunch at home during your remote workday. • Lower clothing costs Despite the rise in ’’casual dress” days, plenty of workers still need to maintain appropriate office attire. By working from home, you can "dress down," reducing your clothing costs and dry­ cleaning bills. As you can see, it may be possible for you to save quite a bit of money by working from horiie. How can you use your savings to help meet your long-term financial goals, such as achieving a comfortable retirement? For one thing, you could boost your investments. Let’s suppose that you can save $2,500 each year by working remotely. If you were lo invest this amount in a tax-deferred account, such as an IRA or your 401(k) or similar employersponsored plan and earned a hypothetical 6% annual return for 20 years, you’d accumulate more than $97,000 - and if you kept going for an additional IO years, you'd have nearly $210,000. You’d eventually pay taxes on the amount you withdrew from these accounts (and withdrawals prior to age 59’6 may bc subject to a 10% IRS penalty), but you’d still end up pretty far ahead of where you’d be otherwise.) You also might use part of your savings generated by remote work to help build an emergency fund containing a few months’ worth of living expenses. Without this fund, you might be forced to dip into your retirement accounts to pay for something like a major home repair. Becoming an at-home worker will no doubt require some adjustments on your part - but, in strictly financial terms, it could lead to some positive results. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under sect.cn 3212 ot the revised judicature act ot 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged promises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court In Barry County, starting promptly at 1 00 PM. on February 18, 2021 The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bld at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this Information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Daniel J. Curtis, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Express, Inc Foreclosing Assignee (it any): U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee of the New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2020-NPL2 Date of Mortgage: Auqust 27.20°3 ____ Date of Mortgage Record;ng: September 5 2003 Amount claimed due on data o'not,cc: S69|72° 21 Description ot the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of MidcKev.-e Bany County. Michigan, and described as: Lo* s nr R'ock 61 of the Village of Middleville, according to the reccfded p!a’lhef00’’ as recorded in Uber 1 Of pi3ts Poge 27. Common street address (if any) 311 00550,1 St Middleville, Ml 49333-839O , The redemption p^ haB ba 6 months from the date ot such safe, ^^^ned abandoned m accotdance with Ma real property is used '*th£> sub'°Ct L^i!ural Purposes as dB'lXbpro^Lrt^^(’JlhxeClosure sale under Sf to MCL^J^XrX held responsible to the p«^78„^uys P'°PBrty/" th° mortgage foreclose,??"wM°a tne mortgage holder <0. damaging mo p,^.ng the -edempaon memtaron ac^T'" has concluded less" ^go.»' been ordered to « me attorney for the pJ^ m» mortgage nt tho totephononum^r&^ce This notice is front Date of notice JanU3 *b' ,t Trott Law, P.C y21,2v 31440 Northwestern H Farmington H.lls, M| (248)642-2515 1428310 (01-21)(02-1l) -wl45 Su ‘ 154324 Spinrmg cate asud dogs Dr. Universe: Why do dogs and cats spin around before they sit down? Antonio, 10, Richmond. \ a. Dear Antonio, T hat’s a great observation about cats and dogs. Even I wasn’t sure why cats spin around before they sit down, so 1 took your question to my friend Dr. Jessica Bell. She is a veterinarian al the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and has seen quite a lew cats and dogs walk in a little circle before they sit down, "It’s a common thing we observe as vet­ erinarians, but wc can’t talk to cals and dogs and ask them 'why.'” she said. “From a behavioral standpoint, it probably stems back to their wild instinct.” An instinct is a behavior that animals don’t have to leant. They are born with this behavior, and it often helps them survive in the world. When cats and dogs spin in a full circle, they have a chance to observe their environ­ ment. They might even spin in circles a few times to be certain lhe spot where they want to sit is safe. They are likely keeping their eyes out for any danger, such as predators. 1 his behavior was especially important when felines and canines lived in lhe wild. While a lol of cats and dogs may live in homes with humans these day.s, they never lost this instinct. You may have also noticed that some­ times cats and dogs sniff around as they get ready to lie down. Both senses of sight and smell can help these animals make sure the coast is clear. Once the animal knows a space is safe. Bell said, it often will return to the same spot. "They often position themselves in the same place on their bed every- time or face the same direction,” she said. While that may be the more scientific answer lo your question, she also offered another idea. “I think many dogs and cats are just find­ ing a good, comfy, fluffy spot to lay down w ith just the right depth and cushiness.’’ she said. Finding a good place to rest can also be helpful for dogs that are getting a bit older. For instance, dogs that have arthritis, a con­ dition where the joints get stiff or swollen, often will walk in a slow circle before they lie down. If you keep your eye out, you may notice that other animals, such as hones or birds, walk in a circle before they sit, too. You might see birds getting comfortable in their nests or a birdhouse. They even flip around their leathers and move different parts of (heir nest to get everything just right before they settle in. You know, a lol of veterinarians pay dose attention to animal behavior and ask a lot of questions about it as they take care of pels. If you keep up the great observations and continue to ask questions, you might just help us learn more about the amazing animals on our planet one day. Dr. Universe Know a kid with a science question? With help from my friends at Washington Slate University, we’re investigating tough and smart questions from curious kids around lhe world. Send questions via email to Dr.Universct'*'wsu.edu or visit askdruni­ verse com. �page Ii:e Hastings Banner — Thursday. January look back at the stories and columns on local history ln the Hastings Banner . TURNING BflGK THE PAGES P7 opened^or inspeclion ®bturg^y,adorldJge^novated former k oflk2 b?ildi,ng al Church and Court Greets, was d8dica,fd,Sn Mrs Frank [Maude] ^presents a flag for me lih,lS w.er®.bll,er 0old' bul 9le ceremonies went on as planned. In the photo ( Women’s Relief Corp®- .Watching is Mrs C H PkJ?; ,° Mayor Franklln C’ Beckwi’h on behalf of the Fitzgerald Corps of he ribbon he cut, syf’*’? lz!n9 the opening of the ih.^S e ,F?l * *Zer’ln 1,10 cen,0r Photo. Mayor Beckwith hands a souvenir piece of th Curti^1 gives the ded^alion address (?a9r °'g J '° Mrs’ Richard M’ *[Rosel Cook"director °f lhe «brary. The Rev Willard H. p.m. and Tuesdays. Hiursdays and Saturdays. City’s first library opened on chilly morning Prior to the Hastings Post Office being construction near Church and Court streets, the Nathan Barlow home occupied that corner. Eleanor Miller, a 1921 Hastings graduate, who was born in that home, later attended both the opening of the 1918 Hastings school library and the 1965 opening of Hastings Public Library. The flag was raised on lhe flag pole by Mayor Beckwith and Aiderman Lannes Kcnfield. In his dedication address. Rev. Curtis, .minister of the First Presbyterian Church, declared that lhe new library would stand with lhe schools and churches at the heart of the community. He paid tribute lo those whose interest and unselfish service made the new institution possible. “They had a dream. That was the beginning, for as the song goes, ‘If you never have a dream, how you gonna make your dreain come true?’” Rev. Curtis said the library' door will open new opportunities for learning and enjoyment, “and to these ends, we dedicate this library.” Mrs. Florence Wilson, librarian, and "Lord, God. who by Thy Providence has members of lhe library board and officers of brought us to this happy occasion, accept our the Friends of lhe Library were introduced thanks for all who by thought, time, effort and during the ceremony. After Mayor Beckwith cut the ribbon, the money have made this library a reality. Now let it be a constructive force, a power for group moved inside the spacious library' good, a source of light for all who enter these where the mayor gave a brief talk. He thanked everyone, on behalf of the doors. Amen." With this prayer, the Rev. Willard H. Curtis citizens of Hastings, for the gifts presented closed his dedication address Saturday the library', and especially thanked the many morning, and Mayor Franklin C. Beckwith persons who contributed their time to the cut the ribbon symbolically opening the project. “This is a fine accomplishment by a Hastings Public Library as an educational, cultural and entertainment center of lhe dedicated group of loyal citizens and a new source of pride for every man, woman and community. , Il was 5 below' zero Friday night and hadn t child in our community,” he said. Mayor Beckwiih reviewed the history of warmed up much when the dedication ceremonies began al 10 a.m. Saturday, with the combined school and public library', noting Robert Jones, manager of lhe Hastings Area the “fine cooperation” that existed between Chamber of Commerce, as master of the two organizations. He told how the Lathrop bequest of S15,000 ceremonies. The frigid weather held helped launch lhe project, and with the attendance below 75. Mrs Frank [Maude] Kurr presented a ILS. availability of the old posts office, the "dream ,o Mayor Beckwith for lhe library from became a reality.” "It is with great pride I accept this fine ^Fitzgerald Corps of the Women’s Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the addition to our city,” the mayor concluded. During lhe day, many inspected the new Rnd^r Corps members there were Mrs. C.H. institution, and 251 applications for library' „ °;1, r^ltX-r.Mrs. Lloyd [Hilda] Blackford. cards were received. Tuesday afternoon, lhe Maurice [Viola] Hynes. .Mrs. Otto first books were checked out. Mrs; 'l Fell Mrs. Ralph [Doris] Daugherty. The library is to be open a total of 40 Vi '7 vce Hawkins. Mrs. Clara Bayne and hours a week. Hours will be Mondays, ^H^en [Dorothy] Meier. Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 8:30 Last week's column featured the details, effort and excitement of having a completely new library in the city of Hastings. For nearly 50 years, residents had used a school and community library in what was then the high school. Accordingly, students were the most frequent patrons, and the library was accessible only during school hours. A major bequest in the mid-1950s followed by numerous small and large donations and support from the city - led to establishment of Hastings Public Library. Having promoted the upcoming open house and reveal in late December 1964, the Jan. 21. 1965, Banner featured a follow-up on the opening festivities. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Banner CLASSIFIEDS , -rhP CAI-1- ■ tu Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Help Wanted CATION spears, -------I ION­ BELLS c°perj»'n<e 18 year* j iJoonng. tall p^t,n \L venienb>, trim 3890- STABLE HAND POSI­ TION- LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WITH EXPE­ RIENCE WITH HORSES 2o9-207-121<3 OR zlpowell^ yahoo.com. All real cM.Jc advertising in th(i tww »pspc: ii subJed lu th; I air Housing Ac» a/J the MrJupn Civil Righu Act ».hi;h collectively make it illegal lo advertivc -any preference, lirnitatHwj or discnmination based on rave, color religion, vrx. hmduap, familial rtciL’ lubonal origin, age i.t rurtul autue, or an intenliun, lo nuke any vtch preference. Iimituiw or divcrimitutiun " r-anuhaf vutus in-dudn cb.ldren under the Mge of lb lisiap. with parent*or Irwl Luitoslr^.prejri.,nt w.rrrer, and people recuring cuo.xJy <>< t hildn-n w^cr lx Iliiv itfw5p.^xr will not knowingly accept any .Uvcrtiung |or real cm.ju which i> in vicLiticn v( the hw. Our leaden arc hereby informed th 4 J) dwcllir.yv advent in ttll> are available «n an equal opja.m.r.ity , 1,1 ,fP*,n dnuintinaiion call lhe Fan Houung Center at 616 45I-29S0 lhc HUD |.<1! free telephone nunibcr for the hea.ni;£ impired 1* | R0Q 927 9 >7$ 12:30 to 6 p.m. ,, r Mrs. Richard lE *^ A*** President of the library board, J0! ,lhat unliI die initial cataloguing » * T*1’ *lh*<-‘ *library’ will not be open in the moniings, sincc the stafr requires these b°urs 0 complete the organization of the Un a 1976 recollection, Groos w e that the library’s opening was delay MX months due simplv to the amount^ mtc it took to catalog and process the °°ks the library had acquired.] Among the visitors to he hbrary Saturday were Miss Eleanor Miller of Chicago, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Miller, 903 S. Hayes St., and Mrs- bhirley Blood, 1229 S. Park. ’Hie two women were among those who attended the dedication ol the combined school-public library in the northeast room on the first floor of high school building. That was about 1918. The two were in the same class and graduated in 1921. Helen Fairchild was the librarian at that time. Miss Miller also was bom on the same site where the new Hastings Public Library is. Her mother and late father rented part of the former Nathan Barlow home at the comer of Church and Court streets. Miss Miller, production manager of the National Parent-Teacher Association publications with beadquarters in Chicago, was pleased with the fine new Haslings library. She commented that it was "so warm.” Miss Miller, a writerin herown right, prepares the National PTA bulletin in addition to handling the 80 or 85 publications put out by the National I TA. She declared that lhe new library' was well planned and in “very good taste.” Among the other guests at lhe open house were two from the Stale Library of Michigan, Miss Betty McKinley,library’ consultant, and Miss Jean Legg, reference consultant. Among those assisting the board members and library staff at the open house were Mrs. Chester [Rebecca] Hodges. Mrs. James Chase. Mrs. Claude {Irene) Gardner, Mrs. Robert |Reva) Godfrey, Mrs. James (Jill] Wiswell, and Mrs. Charles Dodson. LEGAL TOTO® STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE FILE NO. 21-28716-DE Estate of Dennis James Franklin Date of birth: 10/2/1965. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Dennis James Franklin, died 3/16/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Douglas Franklin, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302. Hastings. Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 1-28-2021 Douglas Franklin 350 Frey Rd. Vermontville. Ml 49096 269-420-1031 154517 GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hasting Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Mrs. James [Jill] Wiswell (right) fills out an application for a library card for Mrs. Norma Haynes. Miss Eleanor Miller of Chicago visits with Mrs. Shirley Blood of Hastings Saturday. Both women also attended the dedication of the combined school-public library in the high school building about 1918. Miss Miller was born in the Nathan Barlow home, which stood on the exact corner before the post office was built. ©rain commission approves Couusumera Energy w©rik Taylor Owens Staff Writer Barry and Eaton county drain commission­ ers met in a remote session Tuesday morning and approved a permit for Consumers Energy to install power lines near the Gibson and Triskctt Inlercounty Drain. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said officials want to be sure the lines will not interfere with work on the project. The session was attended by Dull, Brady Harrington, chairman of the Mtchtgan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; and Eaton County Dratn Commissioner Richard Wagner. Thev also heard an update on the matenals t0 be u'sed on the project. Steel culverts w.th a plastic coating will be used for crossings, they were told. Dull said these materials have lhe same lifespan as concrete culverts, 75 years, but will cost less money. After the meeting, Dull told the Banner that work is continuing on lhe Watson and Cloverdale drain project. The commission is asking the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to reassess some restrictions placed on a draft permit for work submitted by lhe com­ mission last month. Dull said there also were some communica­ tion issues with EGLE, and lhe commission is currently waiting to hear back from that department on the pennit. notice to bidders 1M108 BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION nrooosals will be 'eceived at the office of the Barry County Road 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158. Hastings, Ml 49058, until ?°00 A M February 2,2021 for the following items. ✓Lmmiosion o .Hi^tinns and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission £ h above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. Office at m c^ck sea| Blocks Culverts Scraper Blades Bituminous Mixtures Dust Control Crack Sealing Hoard reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregulaol#5 mthe best Merest of the Commtsston. -rj ^2 Tue ™<??UNTY R0AD commissioners OF THE COUNTY OF BARR David D. Solmes Frank M. Fiala D. David Dykstra Chairman Member Member �Pag« Ihu,sday’Januafy 2021 —The Hastings Banner free radon test kits available n«k>n he seen’ 'melled- or tasted, but hiffh le'0*’ iadon.E?s m*>' be residents' inctcas'nS ,hc,r n!* of lung cancer. ,eM,n,8 Simp’c-and hi8>t ration । rls can be lowered. 'pufing ,hc Pandcmie- individuals and f»mil>fi ,rc '’l*ndin,!. n,ore time al home, n iking h eYen more important to check for hicb radon levels* according to a press release J£m <he B’^-Haton District Health Departmentj£asv. do-it-yourself radon test kits are available for free to residents of Barry and Eaton counties - one kit per address - in January- *hich is Radon Action Month. Kits arc available on a first-come, first-served basis, and supplies arc limited. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from lhe breakdown of radium. Radium, in turn, is a natural decay product of uranium. Both radium and uranium arc found in almost any kind of soil and rock, often in small amounts. Radon moves up through lhe soil and enters buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation, floor, or walls, including at floor/wall joints, sump openings, and other openings caused by plumbing, wiring or ductwork. Outdoors. radon is diluted by lhe atmosphere to safe levels. However, radon can concentrate in indoor air and reach unhealthy levels. Radon is die second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. and is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. According to a Michigan survey, high levels of radon are expected in one in eight homes in the state. In some counties, as many as 45 percent of lhc homes have had radon levels above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action level. The only way lo know if a home has high radon levels is to test for it. Residents, who should wear face masks when they pick up a kit, may get them at one of the locations listed below: Hastings: Health department, 330 W. Woodlawn Ave., 269-945-9516, select 3, then 5 Charlotte: Health department, 1033 Healthcare Drive, 517-541-2615 Delton: Delton District Library. 330 N. Grove St.. 269-623-8040 After using the test at home, residents should send it to the lab. Instructions are provided in the kit. For more information about radon, residents may visit barryeatonheallh.org/hcalthy-homes or call the Barry-Eaton District Health Department in Hastings, 330 W. Woodlawn Ave., 269-945-9516. or in Charlotte. 517-541 2615. More snow’s ahead for Barry County Bizon gets new state Senate leadership roles Slate Sen. John Bizon - whose district, lhe 19th, includes Barry- County - announced Tuesday he will serve as Senate majority whip for Michigan’s 101st Legislature. ”It is an honor lo be chosen by my fellow Republican senators lo serve in this important leadership role,” Bizon, R-Baiilc Creek, said. “2020 was an incredibly difficult year, and wc will face new challenges in 2021 and the newlegislative session. “I am looking forward to working with my legislative colleagues to provide solutions to the problems facing the hardworking job pro­ viders in lhe 19th District and throughout Michigan." Bizon previously served as the assistant majority whip. The principle task of a major­ ity whip is to keep irack of the number of Republican senators’ votes for and against legislation. Bizon also has been assigned several com­ mittee leadership roles: He will continue to chair the Senale Families. Seniors and Veterans Committee; serve as vice chairman of lhe Health Policy and Human Services Committee; chair lhe appropriations subcom­ mittee on Corrections and Judiciary; and sene as vice chairman of lhe appropriations subcommittee on Community Health/Httman Services and the appropriations subcommittee on Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. “Senate committees arc vital to the passage of legislation that has been thoroughly vet­ ted,” Bizon said. “I look forward to working w ith my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in these many committees.” A full list of Senate committees and their memberships is available online at MiSenateGOP.com under the ‘Committees’ tab. Bizon also applauded lhe Senate Republican 2021 priorities unveiled by the caucus Tuesday ahead of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Slate of the State address Wednesday night. “Wc must redouble our efforts to ensure a healthier Michigan in 2021Bizon said. “Our 2021 priorities place the focus where it needs to be: The health of our families and commu­ nities. the health of our economy, and lhe health of our future. “I am particularly pleased we are commit­ ted to building a smarter infrastructure sys­ tem, getting students and schools back on track, preparing today’s students for tomor­ row’s workforce, and protecting Michiganders against COVID-19.” LEGAL NOTICES Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on actlvo duty, If your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or If you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for tho party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated In this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will bc foreclosed by a salo of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1.00 PM on FEBRUARY 18, 2021. The amount due on tho mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing tho highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle tho purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made In the conditions of a mortgage made by Mrtchell Dahms and Rose Dahms, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee tor lender and lenders successors and/or assigns. Mortgagee, dated October 15, 2003 and recorded November 6, 2003 in Instrument Number 1117167, Barry County Records. Michigan Said mortgage is now held by Citibank. M a not in its individual capacity, but solely as owner trustee of tho New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2020-2 6y assignment There is claimed to be due ♦ tno date hereof the sum of Forty-Three Thousand e Jnundred Seven and 71/100 Dollars ($43,607.71). b Under the power of sale contained In said mortgage V the statute In such case made and provided. ♦ U is hereby given that said mortgage will be notc? by a $a,° of 1119 mortgaged premises, or forectu" them, at public vendue at tho place of some P . fCU|t court within Barry County, Michigan h°;d^?p}/ on FEBRUARY 18, 2021. st 1 m nremises are located in the Township of Sa'd tinrrv County Michigan, and are described Carlton, W 1 W ^.MNING AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE 12 T4N. R8W, CARLTON TOWNSHIP, OF SECTI^’y miCH|GaN. WHICH IS NORTH 0ARRY THE WEST 1/4 CORNER; THENCE 143 F^mg NORTH ALONG SAID WEST LINE 236 CONTINUING h AT R|GHJ ANQLES T0 SA|D PEET FEET THENCE SOUTH PARALLEL WEST UNE 21!> 2'36 FEET| th^ce WEST21 5 TOSA‘O^p POINTOF BEGINNING. cpET TO T'Road, Lake Odessa, Michigan 48849 h 659° TiSTGrt period shall be 6 months from the JLg redertip-^'• £nJesa doturmined abandoned in ' of sod’ ucLA §600.324 la, in which case shall be 30 days from the date W h 5^* c so’d at foreclosure sale, pursuant to of ^P’O^.he borrower wtH be held responsible S 3Z78’ ?? buys the property at the mortgage MCL <sOn the mortgage holder for damage Da'^^OO^pC File N? Or^?0 was' Big Beaw Road. Troy Ml CjffTl 1*^ F«m Addr°'' SS-—**" (248) 502 1400 154229 Road Commission after heavy snow Tuesday. (Photos by Taylor Owens) VARNUM LLP Attorneys 250 East Brown Street, Suite 150 Birmingham, Michigan 48009 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE AND SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. ATTENTION HOMEOWNER: If you are a military service member on active duty, If your period of active duty has concluded loss than 90 days ago, or If you have been ordered to actlvo duty, pleaso contact the attorney for lhe party foreclosing tho mortgage at the telephone number stated In thia notice. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of tho mortgaged premises, or some pan of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the Barry County Courthouse. 220 E. Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. the place of hold.ng the circuit court in Barry County, Michigan, starting promptly at 1.00 p.m, on February 25. 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may bo greater on the day of the sale. Plabng tho highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownersh:p of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a foe for this information. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage (the ‘Mortgage’) made by Lyle L Blough and Judy D. Blough, husband and wife, mortgagors, to Union Bank, a Michigan banking association, having its principal offices at 933 Fourth Avenue, Lake Odessa. Michigan 48849. mortgagee, dated July 15. 2005, and recorded in the Office of tho Register of Deeds of Barry County, Michigan, on Jufy 25. 2005. in Instrument No. 1149982. Said mortgage was emended by Amendment to Mortgage dated August 15, 2011, recorded in lhe Office of tho Register of Deeds ol Barry County. Michigan on August 31. 2011, in Instrument No. 201108310008169. Because of the default, tho undersigned has elected to declare tho entire unpaid amount of tho Mortgage immediately duo and payable. Al the data ol this notice there is claimed to be duo for principal and interest on tho Mortgage the cum of Fourteen Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-Nine and 63/100 Dollars ($14,759 63) No suit or proceedings at law have been Instituted to recover any part ol tho debt secured by the Mortgage. Pursuant to Section 3240(7) ol the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, as amended, (MCL 600.3240(7), lhe redemption period shall be six (6) montlis from tho date of the foreclosure sale, unless tho premises are determined to bo abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241a. in which case the redemption period sha'l be thirty (30) days from the date of the sale If the premises are sold at a foreclosure salo under MCL 600 3278. the mortgagor will bo hold responsible to tho person who buys the property at tho mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. The premises coveted by said mortgage are situated in the City of Hastings. Barry County. Michigan, commonly known as 414 S. Jefferson Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, and legally described as follows: The South 1/2 of Lots 886 and 887, and the Nortf) 11 5 feet of Lots 900 and 901 of tne City of Hastings (formerly Village), Barry County, Michigan, according to lhe recorded plat thereof Parcel No 08 55-201-275 00 Dated. January 28.2021 Union Bank, a Michigan banking association. Mortgagee VarnuiH LLP Michael J Romaya Attorneys for Mortgagee 250 E Brown Street, Suite 150 Birmingham. Ml 48009 (248) 567-7800 17426676 1 (01-28)(02-18) 154591 But a i^olaiLYQrtex Jsjiot so certain Scan Bradley Staf 'Hr‘’cr Jeff Andresen, Michigan State University Extension environmental quality specialist in a January 2020 newsletter. For the month of December, mean tempera­ tures generally ranged from 2 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, with greatest depar­ tures across northern sections of the state, Andresen wrote. Monthly precipitation totals ranged from less than 0.75 inches across southern sections of upper Michigan to more than 25 inches across portions of the western Lower Peninsula, well below normal in most areas, he said. “While these ‘sudden stratospheric warm­ ing’ events happen to some extent every year, this one is categorized as a major event and is less common,’’ Gibbens said. The mass of extremely warm air threw the freezing polar vortex out of balance, shoving it off its North Pole axis so forcefully that it, in effect, split in two, as if growing a pair of legs: one over North America and one over Europe, she said. The resulting change could mean bitterly cold weather coming to lhe Midwestern and Northeastern U.S. and also parts of Europe. Several inches of snow blew through Barry County this week - and more is expected this weekend. Winter has finally anrived. “There are some possible accumulations this weekend, but as far as the details are con­ cerned, it’s still a bit uncertain,” Nathan Jerozal, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, smd Tuesday. Up to 3 inches of snow could fall Saturday night into Sunday morning with an additional inch forecast during the day Sunday and another 3 inches later that night for Barry County, according to the National Weather Service on Tuesday. The Barry County Road Commission is prepared for whatever comes this way, weath­ er-wise, according to Brad Lamberg, Barry County Road Commission managing director. “From the buzz out there, it sounds like a big event," Lamberg said. The road commission normally sends out 20 of its plow and salt trucks after a so-called snow event, he said, plus smaller pickup trucks to plow snow and salt roads in smaller subdivisions. Grand Rapids had recorded 12.4 inches of snowfall'as of ^cfcay, well below the 30-year average at lliis point of 46.2 inches of snow. National Weather Service meteorolo­ gist Bob Dukesherer said. “We are looking at another system that’s Plow trucks became heavily caked with salt and wet snow after clearing miles of going to be coming from lhe Southwest,” county roads. (Photo provided) Jeruzal said. However, it does not appear that any cur­ rent or future snow accumulations in the immediate future could be pan of what is known as a polar vortex, he said. Polar vor­ texes have been experienced in the midwestem U.S. and Canada in recent years. A polar vortex occurs when a mass of cold air spinning around the Arctic moves south and sends cold air and snow into the lower latitudes, according to a Jan. 11 National Geographic article. But one may still be on the way in the future - and could be caused by a spike in temperatures in the Arctic, rather than a drop. In the first week of January, temperatures in the Arctic increased from about minus-92 degrees Fahrenheit to 8 degrees Fahrenheit, National Geographic author Sarah Gibbens said. Milder temperatures across Michigan this Trucks were out most of Monday clearing roads and parking lots after Barry County winter have resulted in lower-than-normal received some of its first heavy snow of the winter. snowfall totals fOr sections of the southern portion of Michigan’s Lowcr Peninsula, said City grants special uses in industrial districts, approves purchase agreement Sophie B°tcs Ordinances rcpfrd^commcrcial kennels and other comnfcrchi facil!lies were unanimously Lnnted b>' lhe IIaslings City Council durin, i^ virtual meeting Monday night. g One ordinance adds a special use in .l cjty’s O-l ai industrial district h /ning W ,nd,v,ldual wanting to open a 1kenneI in 1!icse diMriettmu^^-use peno.t .o the city. 01,1 a r Tlte special^ rtflit apP^31 P10?55 allows the city Plight 1*0 Plans a proposed ^.,n?SSnn«>- Since the districts sometimes neighbor resid 'd Dj uricts. a™1 n0,sy kennels ej, fc1 a pennit allows the* TidOXan “PPl,callon if such concerns Cl,y' u k Commercial |^hcj 1V C lor commercial The adoption *s' lour-month when K^n'^'s K AZ Canine • »- „ d>c c0,nPn"cterober hefi311 ,n U W 7a dog daycare. ,hC d""8' a planning commission meeting. Zuver’s dog daycare lost significant business during the pandemic, and she is hoping to revitalize her business by adding a kennel service. If she meets lhe regulations for the special use, Zuver will submit a site plan to lhe city so she can begin kenneling as soon as possible. “It’s really dependent on die council and their approval of my site plan. I mean, obviously, the sooner lhe belter,” Zuver said after (he meeting. “But it all depends on their approval process, because there will be some public comment lhat it has to go through yet and some other steps before they can review my site plan and provide a special-use permit.” During the approval process, others will have an opportunity to voice concerns with the .site plan in a public hearing. The second ordinance, which was proposed by Andrew and Callie Courtright, adds commercial recreational facilities as a special use in the D-l and D-2 districts. The Courtrights own TriFil, a CrossFit gym, but are looking to expand into a fitness center. The council, as recommended by the local development finance authority, also approved a $10,000 purchase agreement with Affordable Metal LLX? for 2 acres. Affordable Metal LLC is owned by council member Don Smith, who did not vote on lhe purchase approval. Once a facility is constructed on the property, Smith plans to move Affordable Metal LLC from its current location al the Haslings airport to a vacant lot on Star School Road. The $10,000 price lag was determined by lhe city’s standard sale price of $5000 pef acre. Before commencing lhe regular monthly meeting, the council held a budget workshop meeting, when members reviewed six budget goals: Implement an infrastructure improvement plan, improve the parks system, seek creative ways to improve streets, address pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, replace aging equipment al the fire department and develop a plan to fund large projects. In other business, the council: , - Approved a request from lhe American Cancer Society to reserve 1>den Park from 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 7, to host lhc Relay for Life. - Authorized the city’s brownfield redevelopment authority to properly notice and hold a public hearing on a work plan for the AJ Veneklasen residential and commerci development project al 128 N. Michigan Ave �IV’lddleVllle Counci| debates buffers, license cap for marijuana businesses ........... ^ordinances. Vil,age flx,,bufr r ”OW now »nd and leaving the door ______ _____________ . _ loot 'buffer open to .MiJdlevile Village Council mcmone every other door. ” r .On]5 C0ljncil members proposed a 500­ ma*c a change nt a later time. Tuesday continued >0 weigh ln otl members h Cramer, who is the council’s . .. uffc5’ similar to Michigan's liquor conIf we have an issue with it. wc can village should regulate manjuana-ha^ live on the planning commission’ saI ( five •. f°r rela’l licenses. Supporters of the '^••Ifwe reduce .he * Hayj» review it next year and change the missioned discussed extensively a c;‘P °b.s of ea said that marijuana should not be treated licenses, no more than three for retail s we’re allowing them to P^ejj 1,111 number,” he said. Hie council debated whether 10 differently than alcohol. President Pro lenipore Sherry Running some of our alcohol ^^juan' maniurna facilities closer than witk- ? ow marijuana. I don ’ t think wc should have a double agreed with Cramer. ^seho.d.ehutvh.orday^'Suf01’ “With that 1 jOOO-foot buffer, it re;‘.1,y !iog standard for what is essentially legal.” Village alcohol at 500 and >"'e|coho|.„ . ' , Id hkc to see it away from churches and its where they’re going to bc. The main there's a 500-foo. buffet• for * f «' > conttnrecommended in the Michigan adult-use m ** I resident Amanda Fisk said. c ildren. That’s how I feel,” Running said. it docs, it keeps them out of the walking P tJuanaad voters approved in N0SenibcrC^" l>pught Legally, they’re both a 21-and-up sub­ ue to operate without Ihre -:u Council members also debated on a limit of our school kids,” Cramer said. . । out or purchased by a f «dity,The law does allow municipalities to 8' stance, so I don’t believe they should Ire held to the number of licenses the village should A business that would sell both me । ‘^ the distance requirement« of ,h" to different licensing standards in terms of Cra£ ™ee Kevin a issue. Trustee Ed Schellingcr proposed no and recreational marijuana would need t' _ their distance from schools and churches.” more than two total licenses. licenses, one for medical and one for rvc 500-foot limit would p«>n'rfC 'I just can’t fathom. I can’t believe, that a alional. However, it would only count as orl “If marijuana provides a ^“resource town our size, now or any time, would accept retail license. Cramer said. than alcohol, then that s e 10 or adopt any large number of licensees,” The planning commission’s ordinance decide," Smith said. "I 'hblk *m ‘ " Say’ hchcllingcr said. “I’m looking at one, two at committee is scheduled to meet Thursday to ing here is that we're *'t^n'^uan« dif‘ the max. I think we’re just making a mountain _____ refine lhe ordinance __ ~ language* fcrently than alcohol, «nd faVori(,f wc Wk °J “ .mo,ehi,L ,adics and gentlemen. further and /AUJIIHIOM Zoning ^Administrate/Brian «... 1 . . , ’ ---- --------- O---- « KUIIIIIIK Planning «UM 4X7I1IIIE «»■*'* --- ' should be giving them any • Cramer suggested gomS wl,l> <he 1.000- Whether it s 500 foot or I ,000 foot, I gel lhe Urquhart .said. impression thai some of us think we’ll have VanDemark takes slalom win for Trojan Ski at first SWMSC race Portage was able to aHcfld and make it a full field to score lhe first Southwest Michigan Ski Conference race of the Wednesday . What I’m missing most without winter ‘contact’ sports The state of Michigan better set a record for free throw shooting percentage if a 2020-2021 varsity basketball season ever gets underway. The Class of 2020 thought it had it bad missing out on a couple final basketball games and a spring sports season. They did. but it is nothing compared to the tide of emo­ tions the Class of 2021 is riding in and out on. I got a quick chat in with Delton Kellogg senior Cole Pape Tuesday afternoon. He’s one of many high school student-athletes anxious­ ly awaiting the chance to make collegiate plans official next week. The signing season for Division 1 and Division 2 NCAA basket­ ball and football players officially opens once again Feb. 3. Pape plans lo extend the tradi­ tion of Delton Kellogg sending talented line­ men to the'coBegiate level after getting offers from’ a number of schools around lhe mid­ west. Look for more on that in next week’s edition of the Hastings Banner. For now, Pape and his teammates for “new” Delton Kellogg vwwfybbys’ basketball coach- Jim Hogoboom are doing what they can should a season be able to start some time after Feb. 21 when current state health depart­ ment orders expire. Hogoboom is back lead­ ing tire DK varaity boys after leaving the position 20 years ago at the end of a ten-year run as lhe program’s head man. Pape said he and his teammates arc doing what they can. “A lot of shooting drills and staying away from each other.” was how’ he described lhe first week and a half of practice. “Just finding drills where we don’t come close to each other." That can’t be easy for a guy whose game is built on overpowering people. A senior season from Pape pounding away on people in the paint isn’t the only thing local sports fans are missing out on right now. The bowlers are back on the lanes. Skiers are back on the hill. Swimmers and divers are hitting the water. But there are a whole bunch of things I’m looking forward to out of this winter season and I’m going to share a few of them. For three years Maple Valley senior Jesse Brumm has been a silent assassin on the mat, shuffling out a comer that includes long-time Maple Valley coach Tony Wawiemia and his father, coach Lane Brumm. He has wrestled his way to three state medals, finishing as high on the podium as second at the Individual Slate Finals. He was third as a junior at 130 pounds in Division 4 a year ago at Ford Field, after falling 2-1 in lhe championship semifi­ nals days before the high school sports year came to a screeching halt. He wants to stand on that top step and it is certainly possible with his will and his skill. Brumm running to that comer in celebration on a Saturday night is something I’d like to see. How does the Lakewood program rebound after seeing a couple state champion heavy­ weights graduate? How does the Thornapple Kellogg wrestling team build on sending three sophomores and two freshmen to the individ­ ual state finals? Can lhe Saxons catch TK in a district? I want to see Caden Ferris and Hunter Belew wrestling at the Slate Finals again. t x . * That’s not the only thing we’re missing on, -the nrttjr 'There j Bastings and Thornapple Tho Kellogg shouldn't be I vying for conference championships and regional/state appearances once again. A couple of lhe things I’m most looking forward to out of a winter sports season are on the basketball court .I’d love to see Thornapple Kellogg senior Paige VanStee get lo dominate a game in her senior season. She is in lhe top one, two or three ballplayers the Trojan girls’ program has had over the past 20 years and while she is pretty talented on lhe softball diamond and on the fairways, neither com­ pares to the way she can take over a basket­ ball game even when the opponents know that is the plan. It would also be fun to sec how things shake out for a couple good buddies in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference. I’ve written a couple times about Maple Valley senior Ashlyn Wilkes and Lakewood senior Anja Kelley being good buddies off the bas­ ketball court and great competitors on it. In an ideal season those two would be working on All-GLAC performances and trying to figure out ways to help their teams win a district title. That’s the short list. Keep masking up so hopefully soon we can hear “game on!” at Timber Ridge. . The Mattawan/Paw Paw .boys and girls took victories Wednesday. the girls edg­ ing Portage by a single po»nt- The meet was orginally slated as the second SWMSC nice of lhe season, but with Portage dealing with quarantine issues, the conference chose to push back the start of the conference racing season to last week. , t Mattawan/PP won the girls meet with 59 points, ahead of Portage 60, Caledonia 85, Plainwell/Thornapple Kellogg Trojan Ski 118 and Kalamazoo United 135. Lucy VanDemark from the Trojan Ski team was the individual champion in the slalom, putting together runs of 24.41 seconds and 25.40, and she had one of the fastest runs of the day in lhe giant slalom (GS) as well (21.45 on the second time down), but a rough first run left her in I4th-place in that event. Teammate Madison Nagel was right with her, placing 13th in the GS and also earned a ninth-place finish in lhe slalom. Nagel was consistent in the GS with runs of 2329 and 23.05. The Trojan Ski team also had Abigail Warnez 18th in lhe slalom and 21 st in the GS, Karlcy Way 19th in the slalom and Whitney Johnson 23rd in the GS. Caledonia had two in lhe top ten in the GS, with Emily Dean finishing fifth and Barbie DeGood ninth. Dean had runs of 21.73 and 21.98 lo lead her team. Evie Schlett added a 12th-place GS finish and Danielle Miron was 16th in that event. Dean and Miron had top ten finishes for the Scots in the slalom. Dean was eighth and Miron tenth. Schlett scored in 12th and Mya Baldwin in 13th for the Scots’ in the slalom. “My girls really skied well tonight,” Caledonia head coach Duane Petrosky said. “We have been skiing very’ consistently and our scores have been great, but tonight we were just not fast enough to pull off the win. Coming into the season we knew that there were three teams (Portage, Mattawan and Caledonia) that were very close and that PlainwcllTK was gaining on everyone which would make this year’s girls competition fun to follow.” Mattawan/PP outscored the Portage girls 35-38 in lhe slalom alone, with Anna Roethlisberger second and Lily Ross third. Portage had Abigail Liddell fourth and Liana Strader sixth in the slalom. VanDemark had the fastest lime of each slalom run, and her first run was lhe only one to clock in at less than 25 seconds. The Portage girls edged Mattawan/PP by two points, 22-24 in the GS, led by the top two finishers in lhe event. Olivia Jensenius won the GS for Portage with runs of 2122 and 21.17. Liddell was second with times of 21.81 and 21.70. Roethlisberger was third and Ross fourth in the GS. Mattawan/PP look lhe boys’ competition with 68 points, finishing ahead of Caledonia 89,South Haven 105.Portage 111,Hudsonville 143, Plainwell/TK 184 and Kalamazoo United 211. Mattawan/PP won both events in the boys’ competition, led by Zach Sylvester and Brady Weller. Weller was fourth in the GS and third in lhe slalom. Sylvester had a fifth-place GS lime to go with a tenth-place slalom finish. Portage’s Daniel Grile was lhe individual champion in both events. He won the slalom with runs of 23.80 and 2353. In the GS, he made it down the hill in times of 19.14 and 19.10. Liam Troutner led lhe way for the Trojan Ski team Wednesday in both events. He was sixth in the slalom with limes of 2658 and 28.62 and seventh in lhe GS with times of 20.73 and 21.15. Teammate Dillon Vliestra had the fasiest GS run for the Trojan team finishing his second run in 20.71. Vliestra was 18th overall in lhe GS, with teammates Travis Barton 31st and Sam Bacon 33rd. Barton also placed 22nd in the slalom and Bacon 27lh. TK ladies score big win over Knights; boys fall in close one Brett Bremer Sports Editor Former state qualifier Carly Snyder picked up a pair of individual team points and a handful teammales earned one in the singles match-ups as the Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bowling team opened the year with a lopsided win over Kenowa Hills Monday. The Trojans kicked off lhe 2021 season with a 27-3 in over the Knights in OK Gold Conference action al Haslings Bowl. The TK boys were bested by lhe Knights 16-14 in their match-up. The TK ladies took each of the two singles match-ups overall, outscoring the Knights 680-631 in the opener and 593-478 in game two. They followed up those victories with 152-93 and 116-80 wins in the two Baker games. Snyder led the way in the singles scoring with a 201 and a 156 to pick up two team points. Cayleigh Willard rolled a 162 to pick up a team point for TK, and the Trojans also got team points thanks to a 136 from Faith fejter, a 124 from /Mlison Hess and a 119 m Dalace Jousma. The Trojan team also got a 107 from Paige Green, a 103 from Emily Podbevsek, who won a match point, and a 91 from Lily Secord-Rider. Natalie Williams rolled lhe top individual game for the Knights, a 151. to start the day. Kayla Woodruff had games of 120 and 111 to finish with lhe second best total pinfall among her teammales, behind Williams who threw a 101 in her second game. The Kenowa Hills boys surged in lhe sec­ ond Baker game to defeat the TK boys, out­ scoring lhem 181 -127, which gave the Knights a total pinfall in the two Baker games of 327­ 279. TK had won lhc first of lhe two Baker games 152-146. , TK had taken the overall pinfall m the two singles match-ups with each team winning one of lhe games. The Knights took the first 801 -793 to open lhe season, but TK rallied for an 859-781 win in lhe second game. Ethan Krickaard and Wyatt Jacobson led that charge in game two. Kriekaard rolled a 202 and Jacobson a 196. They both picked one team point in the singles malch-ups. Kriekaard opened the day with a 153 and Jacobson a 154. TK also got team points from Z Moore and Nate Palmer. Michael Willshire bowled well, scoring a 178 and a 170 forTK. Newland scored a 161, Palmer a 137. Moore had games of 171 and 130. Luke Buck led the Kenowa Hills boys with games of 190 and 192. The OK Gold Conference is not paired with the OK Green this winter. 'Die TK bowlers will face three OK Gold Conference newcom­ ers to open the season starting with the Knights. They were scheduled lo travel to Rockford Lanes yesterday (Jan. 27) to face Cedar Springs and will be at Park Center Lanes Munday to a dual with Grand Rapids Catholic Central. TK will be back on its home lanes al Hastings Bowl to face Wayland Tuesday. Basketball, wrestling, cheer and hockey remain on hold Police save man who overdosed on heroin soonded to a report of a possible overdose at the Dowling Marathon station at Police re 25-year-old Dowling man was slumped and unresponsive in the driv12:45 p-01- a vehicle. An officer administered a dose of Narcan, which woke the man er’s 5ea*.°. • claimed he had fallen asleep due to overwork, but then admitted he had up. He >nlVa refUsed medical treatment. Police searched his vehicle and found no furtferilS'"ObS,anCeS' ° <2 vea^0,d stea,s car» d,,ives to Holland Id Middleville boy stole a vehicle from lhe 10000 block of West Garbow /V 13-year‘° ° 'jc Township at 9:16 p.m. Jan. 19.The boy’s guardian, a 42-year-old man, o ad in ^iorn । his mother-in-law’s vehicle while he and his wife were out of the house. 1 the boy st0Je,chicle were eventually located in Kent County. The boy said he drove it 1 to his mother’s house. The owner of the vehicle initially said she wantbu*£han8ed her mind- boy io d h'ef Cai* tn he drove’ to Toledo l an reported her vehicle was stolen from the 400 block of Edna Street pm23* woman said sb« was with a friend when her keys k^'lle id H:* r friend’s boyfriend, a 30-year-old Nashville man, took the keys and jn couchThe next day, an officer spotted the vehicle parked in Hastings, fell int0 - ,jth ti^ ve.n alongside it. The man said he had taken lhe vehicle on a test drive drove oft * >( purchasing it. Hc said he drove to a hotel in Toledo, and then and the sajd she did not want to press charges because the man had already because £ with the police. “■» “:««“•*-—-------------------------------------------------------------------a The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday (Jan. 22) that winter contact sports including MHSAA activjdcs m girjs’ and boys’ basketball, competitive cheer, ice hock­ ey and wrestling - must remain non-coniact through Feb. 21. The prevl0Us emergency order was set to expire at the end Of January and would’ve allowed tho5tf sP°rts to begin contact activities Feb. I • ... “We did not anticipate this e ay jn winter contact practices and compel11100* and today’s announcement has created nexv ques­ tions,” MHSAA Executive °r Mark Uyl said after gelling the news of c Pdated slate orders Friday morning. . . "Obviously, ihis is disapp°in ,n8 lo thou- sands of alhleles who have been ttainmg with Ircir teams over the last week and watching teams in other states around Michigan play for the last two months" The MHSAA and its Council continue to attempt week ’ and high school „ lative Representative to update plans teams m hose "contact" sports continue to participate in masked. socWly-distant practices to prepare fO“Urrcunabk?o provide specific plans vet as wc are still evaluating the best options for delivering a memomHe ^or 60.000 athletes mvol ceI m w,j,1 sports.” Uyl sai m'a *i()n.. al'l(j advocating will continue asking qu _ wwk for all of our schools a hie s toward building our next plans i basketball, competitive cheer, ice hockey and wrestling. We will be ready with specific limelines as soon as MDHHS clears contact sports to begin full activity. “We have said from lhe start of the 2020-21 school year that we would do every thing pos­ sible to have three seasons, and play all three to completion. Our strong advocacy for all sports and seasons - and especially winter sports - continues every day.” The MBS A A this past weekend concluded its 11-Player Football Finals, which alo°S wiih Girls Volleyball. Lower Peninsula Girls Swimming & Diving and 8-Plajcr Football Finals were allowed io conclude this monlh with competing teams and individuals taking part in an MDHHS rapid testing pi*01 gram. Call 269-945-9554 ami time lor Hastings Banner classified ails been > 1 �Pape 12 - Thursday, January 28, 2Q21 — The Hastings Banner Saxon bowlers open season; girls win at Marshall Lanes Brett Bremer Sports Editor They're rolling. Abby Barton curled her second ball of the reason into the center of the lane to lake down the five n,nc pins nt Marshall l anes Tuesday afternoon, with her spare lhe first mark of the season for the Hastings varsity girls' bow ling team. Shyanna Baker, who tossed lhe first com­ petitive balls of the season for lhe Saxon girls’, opened the second frame with the team’s first strike of the season soon after Barton's spare. The Haslings varsity boys' and girls* bowl­ ing teams opened their 2021 season by taking on the Marshall Redhawks in the first Interstate-# Athletic Conference competition of the new year. Haslings took a split, with the Saxon girls scoring a 19-11 victory while the Saxon boys’ team lost a hard-fought 18-12 decision. Barton bowled games of 156 and 159 to win a couple of points for the Saxon girls’ team. Ally Hcarder rolled a 155 in her first varsity bowling match to cam a point, and Andrea Rhodes and Daisy Kerby picked up team points for the Saxons as well. Rhodes had a high-game of 205 on lhe afternoon. The Hastings and Marshall girls split the two Baker matches. Rhodes and Kerby arc back lo lead the way for the Saxons after finishing in the top 25 in the singles competition al their 2020 regional tournament a year ago. Kerby is a senior cap­ tain for the Saxons, and Rhodes is a sopho­ more who placed 15th in lhe singles competi­ tion at rvgionals as a freshman. Head coach Deanna Rhodes said numbers are down a bit in the program, but the bowlers she has out for her thiixi season leading the team are exciting to be getting a season in after months of restrictions and quarantine issues. Hcarder was someone the Saxon coach was excited to add to the program this season after seeing her long career of youth bowling. It was as good start for the young Saxon girls’ team which is replacing three of its top six bowlers from the 2019-20 season, a pair of seniors who graduated last year and current Hastings senior Ashland Hoyt, a former state Junior Gage Richmond has been named captain of lhe 2020-2021 Hastings varsity boys’ bowling team. The Saxons started their season with a loss to the Marshall Redhawks at Marshall Lanes Tuesday afternoon and will be back in action today (Jan. 28) at Coldwater. (File photo) qualifier who led the charge to gel lhe pro­ gram up and running, who is not com|>eting Senior Daisy Kerby has been named captain of the 2020-2021 Hastings varsity girls’ bowling team. The Saxons opened their season with an I-8 win over the Marshall Redhawks Tuesday. (File photo) PERSONALIZED MUGS Lakewood senior Katie Acker races to a runner-up finish at the Barry County Meet at Lakewood High School in October. Acker qualified for the cross country state finals this fall, and has now been named a finalist for the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award. (File photo) w ith the team this season. As a team last season, lhe Hastings girls finished fifth at negionals less than 40 pins short of qualifying for lhe state finals in Division 2. The Hastings boys’ team has a few of its top rollers back this season, including junior captain Gage Richmond, senior Kyler Madden l^akewood senior Katie Acker is among the and junior Austin Fensteniaker. Fcnstcmaker hod a high game of 192 on 120 finalists for the Michigan High School Tuesday in Marshall. .Madden rolled a 186. Athletic Association’s (MHSAA) Scholar­ Steven VanOoy, a senior, rolled a 170 and a Athlete Awards for the 2020-21 school year. lite program, in its 32nd year, has recog­ 175 in his two matches. Sophomore Drew Rhodes, another one of the Saxon team’s top nized student-athletes since the 1989-90 returnees, won a team point for the Saxons in school year and again this winter will honor 32 individuals from MHSAA member schools the singles matches. Coach Rhodes is also looking forward to who participate in at least one sport in which contributions this season from team newcom­ the Association sponsors a postseason tourna­ er Jackson Byers, the younger brother of ment. Acker was an al I-conference runner in the Paxton Walden who was one of the boys team’s three seniors a year ago and is now' Greater Lansing Activities Conference during the fall cross country' season, and qualified for bow ling for Kellogg Community College. Coach Rhodes said the big goal for the lhe Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country season is lo make the Saxon teams into ones Finals for the first time. She placed 71st al the that are known as competitive to bowl against. Nov. 7 slate championship race at Michigan The Hastings bowlers are on lhe road for International Speedway in Brooklyn. She has the first couple weeks of the season. They arc plans to mn with the Lakewood varsity girls’ scheduled for another conference dual with track and field team this spring. In December, Acker signed her National Coldwater at Midway Lanes this afternoon (Jan. 28) and will go to JAX 60 lo face Letter of Intent to join the Grace College Jackson Lumen Christi Tuesday and M-66 Women’s Cross Country program after gradu­ Bowl Thursday to face Harper Creek in lhe ating from Lakewood High School. Farm Bureau Insurance underwrites the week ahead.The first match at Hastings Bowl Scholar-Athlete Awards and will present a for lhe Hastings team is scheduled for Feb. 9 $1,000 scholarship to each recipient. Since the against Parma Western. Monday was the first day high school beginning of the program. 8,323 scholarships bowling teams in the state of Michigan have have been awarded. Scholarships will be presented proportion­ been allowed, by the Michigan Department of ately by school classification, with 12 scholar­ Health and Human Services and the Michigan ships to be awarded to Class A student-ath­ High School Athletic Association, to compete letes. six female and six male; eight scholar­ since lhe end of the 2019-2020 season. That brings the total number of winter var­ ships will be awarded lo Class B student-ath­ sity sports currently competing in Michigan to letes. four female and four male; six scholar­ four: bowling, skiing, swimming and diving, ships will be awarded lo Class C student-ath­ and gymnastics. Boys’ and girls’ basketball, letes, three female and three male; and four wrestling, competitive cheer and ice hockey scholarships will be awarded to Class D stu­ teams in the state are currently still only able dent-athletes. two female and two male. In to hold masked socially-distanced practices addition, two scholarships will bc awarded while holding out hope for a late February at-large to minority recipients, regardless of school size. start to competitions. . . This year, 1,356 applications were received. “We are giacl (0 have three more sports join All applicants will be presented with certifi­ ski»ng in returning to full activity, but we cates commemorating their achievement. understand the disapp°int,ncnt and frustrat,on on ll>e Pan of our athlete and coaches whose sports arc not vet able to restart completely, MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “We W'H continue to adJust schedyles t0 Pro' v,de aH of oUr winter teams as substantial an experience this season as possible, as part o our greater plan this school year to play all Acker a finalist for state Scholar-Athlete Award The applications were judged by a 72-membcr committee of school coaches, counselors, faculty members, administrators and board members from MHSAA member schools. Selection of the 32 scholarship recipients will take place in early February. Class* C and D scholarship recipients will be announced Feb. 2. Class B scholarship recipients will be announced Feb. 9 and Class A scholarship recipients will be announced Feb. 16. All announcements will be made on the MHSAA Website. To bc eligible for the award, students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 350 (on a 4.0 scale) and previously have won a varsity letter in at least one sport in which the MHSAA sponsors a postseason tournament. Students also were asked to respond to a series of short essay questions, submit two letters of recommendation and a 500-word essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics. Every MHSAA member high school could submit as many applications as there are scholarships available in its classification, and could have more than one finalist. Traverse City Central has four finalists this year while Hillsdale Academy has three. Fifteen schools each have two finalists: Adrian Lenawee Christian, Ann Arbor Greenhills, Bad Axe, Clare, Dollar Bay, Grand Haven, Grosse Pointe North, Grosse Pointe South, Holland West Ottawa, Lapeer, Leland, Montague. Mount Pleasant, Newaygo and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Of 418 schools which submitted applicants. 12 submitted lhe maximum allowed. Multiple-sport participation remains the norm among applicants, according lo the MHSAA. The average sport participation rate of the finalists is 2.858. There are 74 threeplus sport participants in the finalists field, and all but one of the 28 sports in which the MHSAA sponsors postseason tournaments arc represented. NEEDA BOX? three seasons to conclusion. "We have Shown with our remaining Fall •sP°fis this month that our schools can partici­ pate safek. „nti we’re confident teams will continue t0 . L all the appropriate precau­ lions is We iJrnp l»ck in,° indoor activiijCs.. _a„ lo. copies@j-adgraphics.com 1351 NM-43- Hwy. Hastings, Mi 49058 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 4.30 [/p to 2 pictures, please allow a week for turn atound time •5? ft E J CM1269-945-9554 lorHastings 8 We sell boxes of ALL SIZES! 1351 N.Broadway(M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8.00-4.30 PM � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-02-04.pdf 543e14b8e85e0e5c6505f137ed35a29a PDF Text Text $100,000 deer fence planned at airport Earlier generation has answers for todav See Editorial OfJ P(f^ 4 V TK’s Willshire rolls second 30® See Story on Page 13 Devoted to the Interests of Barty County Since 1856 CAR-rt lot**c Richard Hemening 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 4905S-1134 oo^ 6/30/2021 9 47 00 AM VOLUME 167, No. 4 ANNER Thursday. February^, 2021 Returning to normalcy Hastings library again welcomes public inside Hastings resident Kevin Hughes was one of the first people in the library after its reopening Monday morning. It may be a sign of the times that librarians - who used to be known for shushing patrons who made too much noise - may become known now for correcting sloppy mask wearing. (Photo by Sophie Bates) Sophie Bates Staff Writer Judy Kensington of Hastings still remembers the day she learned to read. It was summer, 1949, and she was 4 years old. She was vacationing with her parents, grandparents and extended family al a handful of small cottages off Lake Huron, as they did every summer. Despite hertornboyish nature, Kensington was indoors, a "Dick and Jane” primer in her lap. Slowly, she began sounding out the words and, all of a sudden, she was reading. She flew through her family’s cottage door and across the yard to tell her grandma. “1 can remember running across the yard hollering. ‘Grandma! Grandma! Grandma. I can read,’’’ Kensington said. “It’s like a thrill” That thrill continues for Kensington, now 75. “I just loved to read ever since I was just a little kid. If I was in lhe house, I was apt to be rending,” Kensington said. “I read all the time — and 1 read more than 1 watch TV. I read to go to bed every night. “1 was supposed to love to read, I think.” During lhe course of her life, the Port Huron native has become an ardent lover and supporter of libraries. She’s been a member of the Hastings Public Library since she moved to Hastings in 1984: she’s been a of the library’s Friends group — an drgjnixation that raises an estimated S 10,000 for library programming each year — for 20 years; aid she currently serves as president of the Frimds. This week, she’s looking firward to again browsing library’s collection shce it reopened its doors Monday morning foi the first time since closing Nov. 18,2020. “I’m so excited. I can iardly wait,” Kensington said. Despite the reopening, the library’s hours will remain limited: 10 a.m.-6p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.uPublic libraries are one of the few remaining places where anyone can visit. They do not need to be a member. They don’t need to purchase anything to be in the building," Youth Services Librarian Paige Brandli said. “Our goal is to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, so we have people in the building from all aspects of life." '-•Similarly, library staff members are excited towelcome people back. “We are excited to see patrons again and to be able to serve the community in a more normal fashion.” Youth Services Librarian Paige Brandli said. "We all miss seeing patrons and wonderful volunteers. Personally. I miss seeing many of our regular families and helping connect young people to the perfect book. “It has definitely been quieter, which is saying a lot for a library’’ In compliance with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders, no more than 30 visitors will be allowed inside, the library’s second floor will remain closed to the public, and hours will remain limited. The reopening comes with new procedures. “Our main concern, naturally, is lhe health See RETURNING, page 2 Vaccinations here at FaGidemic takes toll 2,671 - and counting Number of COVID cases continues a slow decline Taylor Owens Staff Writer While more COVID-19 vaccine is being shipped to local health officials, the doses remain in low' supply and high demand. “Efforts to vaccinate the public have been met with incredible enthusiasm,” Barry Eaton District Health Department Officer Collette Scrimger said in a press release last week. “However, our supply of the vaccine is still limited and unpredictable. “We are urging everyone to be patient at this lime as we try to vaccinate as many individuals as possible.” By Jan. 28, the health department had received a total of 3.400 doses of the Modema vaccine to be used in Hastings, Charlotte and a new vaccination clinic at the rising Mall. The shipment included 2,900 Soses and 500 second doses. “We are working as fast as possible to get as many eligible folks vaccinated as we can.” Colette Scrimger, Barry-Eaton District Health Officer the Centers for Disease AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. The European Union approved lhe Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for use Jan. 28. Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Bidens chief medical adviser, said Wednesday lhe Johnson & Johnson vaccine could be approved for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration within lhe next week. > Fauci and other health experts have said at least 70 percent of Americans need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 before lhe coun­ try can return to normal. According to The Washington Post, 23.2 million Americans have received a first dose of the vaccine, though only 5 million, or 15 percent, have been fully vaccinated. Both doses of the vaccine need to be administered before a person builds a strong immunity to the virus. Barry County’s 2,671 first doses represent around 4.5 percent of the county population. In addition to current vaccination sites through BEDHD and Spectrum Health Pennock, local pharmacists are expecting word at any moment on when they will receive the vaccine. Jody Moore of Maple Valley Pharmacy said she talked to a vaccine supplier last Friday, who told her the paperwork was being finalized. “We’re one step closer,” Moore said. But it could Ik- tomorrow, or it could be weeks from now', she added. W Acco^ing ^vaccines are currently in Control. th^e.va|rials:Novavax.Oxlord. See VACCINE, page 3 “The health department, with our incredi.. vojunieers and National Guard units, has D 686 people at our Barry County a. our Charlotte °n-^’or Lansing Mall locations,” Scrimger ° M”Our hospital partners have also vaccis 4 thousands more. natCfdlfhe past month, 2,671 residents of ‘In Jaunty and 7,210 residents in Eaton Barry Co received their first dose of the County h^ve vaccin^hL;e numbers represent only a frac- Bul oeopje who arc currently eligible, tion of me ? jn essential w orkers and whichi^Xageof^. there arc many, many folks “We first shot,” Scrimger said, eager to gel'hXt about 40/XX) people in ,.We estimate ((J w g<;t lhe vaccine, our " ting|y slow. Know that we The |S ,, fast as possible to get as ,,re workiaf a .. vaccinated as we can.” X.ye^btf^eS!,lson,aybeon',,e v*1* ype phase three -------------------------------- on health care workers Rebecca Pierce Editor The number of COVID-19 case* may be trending downward. The number of doses of vaccine to fight lhe virus may be increasing. And those facts do offer some much-need­ ed encouragement for health care workers. But the fight against the spread of CQVID19 has been going on for nearly a yetr now and lhe weight of the pandemic is taking a toll. Barry-Eaton District Heath Department Health Officer Colette Scrimger told the board of health at its first meeting of lhe year Jan 28. The department, now at 54 active staff members, is down 10 people, according to health board Chairman Ben Geiger. Geiger was elected to lead the board al that meeting, which took place via remote access. In the past year, the health department lias had resignations, retirements and even one death. Scrimger said. Even though the board has approved new positions to help support the staff in its fight to prevent the spread of CO VID-19, “it’s been stressful,” she remarked with a rueful laugh. “It’s not a great time to be down staff.” The dilemma, she said, is the drain it’s causing on her department directors, who are try ing to fill these vacancies at lhe same lime that they are handling everything else - from vaccination clinics to contact tracing. "It is pretty tcnS,c ^und here,” Scrimger told lhe board. re doing a great job, but it is very tense.” The long hours and seven-day weeks are taking a toll. "I’ve had many people wondering if they can they keep this UP» coming close to decid­ ing whether they should go” she sajj “We’re all going through 1 e*c moments of up and down. It’s a chains* for sure." Scrimger incni‘oned, as an example, the department’s env»r0,]niental health division. "I’m using their sU for case investigation and I will also be s,:ig their staff for these “I’ve had many people wondering if they can they keep this up; coming close to deciding whether they should go. We’re all going through these moments of up and down. It’s a challenge for sure.” Colette Scrimger, Barry-Eaton District Health Officer “How can we support you?” Eaton County board member Jeremy Whittum asked. ' "The best way,” Scrimger replied, “is to communicate to the public and provide clarity, on what some of the issues are - with regard^to the vaccinations in particular. If you hear concerns about lhe response rate on some of Barry-Eaton District Health Officer Colette Scrimger is shown here at a Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting in March 2020 when they discussed the threat of COVID-19. (File photo) (vaccination) clinics. In addition, they are down staff, she no ed They have posted vacancies on the BEDHD website for a clinic assistant, a nurse, a hear­ ing and vision technician, a program repre­ sentative and an environmental health special“So if you start hearing complaints on envi­ ronmental health." that is the reason why Scrimger told the board. These departmental divisions can only be spread so thin. ••I out that out there for your patience and understanding as we continue to juggle whafs most important today, as we try to dec.de whafs most important ... and what can be pushed down the road.’ she stud. P Board members listened quietly durtng the remote meeting via Zoom and then asked what they could do. our other services ... we’ll get to that as soon, as we can.” <' Some of the unsung heroes are volunteers > she added, bul even that aspect of the opera­ tion takes a lot of work to manage. - • “What 1 said to my directors when we met is that, because of the years of underfunding public health, we just don’t have the bench strength we really need. We don’t have the depth to manage all of these things at once“We’re doing great things, but the stress ... is not sustainable." . . Scrimger also expressed her appreciation for the financial support lhe board has pros i ed, “bul we’re sort of getting log-jamm that administrative level.” w . h Nurses arc hard to find, especially sine work requires nights and weekends, needs have been a challenge, too. 1 > having to conduct interviews on nights ana whole^Xr'layer for work.” she pandemic began.” �pagft 2 — Tbursday, F«t,ni3fV 4- 2021 ~ Th® Hastings Banner Changes needed before city Airport commission OKs building expansion on chicken-keeping ordinance ■ ■- $100,000 fence project intended to eliminate deer on the runway Sophie Bates Staff Writer . A light aircraft manufacturer located nt the Hastings City/Barry County Airport got the go-ahead to expand its building during a brief meeting of the airport commission last week. Jeff Williams, owner of Powrnchute, has rented a building at the airport for about 10 years. He requested an 80-by-80-foot addi­ tion al the north end of that building. “Our business is expanding," Williams said. "We’re basically adding more storage indoors and more assembly area for our final product that we produce." Williams added that his company produc­ es five different types of light sport aircraft. . “I want to thank Jeff for his commitment to the airport and staying out there," said Hastings Mayor David Tossava. who is a member of the commission. "It’s a welcome uddition to the airport. “I know, when we toured his facility here a few years ago, 1 was impressed with it. So. it’s a top-of-the-line business, and I’m glad he’s going to stay there and expand." In other business, airport commissioners were updated on efforts to address concerns about white-tailed deer congregating at the airport at night - a hazard that pilots men­ tioned last year. In his report. Airport Manager Mark Noteboom noted the comer and gate loca­ tions for a fence being constructed around the airport were staked Jan. 25. The commission had accepted a bid for the fence in September, after pilots had warned that “a herd” of deer were standing around on the runways at night when pilots needed to land their planes. The project is expected to cost $100,000. “I’m glad we’re getting some progress on the fence,’’ local pilot J Lewis Shaw said during public comment. "We’ve got over 45 deer that spend the evenings on our airport right now, and it’s getting quite dangerous. So, when the fence does get put in, I hope it s strong enough to hold that big of a herd out ,’ In an interview Monday, Noteboom said construction of the fence is expected to begin this week and finish within three weeks. Also during the virtual meeting, commis­ sion members received the December 2020 financial report, which showed expenditures were less than revenue, adding $59,586 to the fund balance. The fund balance rose from $271,000 to $331,000. with $15,000 of lhe balance currently in inventory and, more specifically, fuel. However, the $100XXX) cost for lhe fenc­ ing at the airport was not accounted for in the financial report and will reduce the fund balance to $231XXX). State updates Ml COVID-19 Safer Dining Program - The state is expanding on its new MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program. Under the voluntary program, restaurants use a licensed HVAC contractor or engineer to inspect ventilation systems and receive recommended changes to improve circulation within their workplace and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread, state officials said. • The program’s parameters are based on the best guidance available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the EPA and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, they said. • The program, directed by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, is Intended to help restaurants operate more safely - for their work force, diners and local communities - and help diners identify restau­ rants committed to safer operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurant owners are encouraged to have their HVAC systems inspected to ensure effective ventilation. Proper and efficient HVAC systems or other ventilation changes, along with compliance with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and MIOSHA orders and guidance, can lower the probability of transmission in indoor set­ tings. officials said. Once restaurants successfully complete the voluntary' process, they will receive a certifi­ cate to post at their establishments that veri­ fies their participation. "This voluntary program compliments the stale’s outreach and educational efforts relat­ ed to HVAC and other workplace safety pro­ grams,’’ COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan said. “We remain com­ mitted to helping businesses implement pro­ cesses and techniques to maximize safety through layered mitigation strategies, and this program is another opportunity for businesses to do just that." Businesses can begin the process by visit­ ing Michigan.gov/COVIDSaferDining to download the program participation forms fo comply with the Michigan Safer Dining pro­ gram and further mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in indoor dining locations. The website also offers a variety of support resources for restaurants and other businesses, including resources to locate licensed HVAC contractors across Michigan. "As ouncommunity members look to opce again support our small, local business in per­ son, building confidence that customer safety is being prioritized is'going to be extremely important," People First Economy President Hanna Schulze said. "The fact is, many of these businesses have been going above and beyond to provide safe environments for their customers and employ­ ees since lhe beginning of the pandemic take the Michigan Restaurant Promise, for example." Schulze said. "Opportunities like this ventilation certification will present another opportunity for businesses to commu­ nicate that they have been, and will continue to, take every care to serve patrons safely.*’ The state has proposed funding to support the Safer Dining Program as part of a $10 million supplemental budget request for restaurant support through MIOSHA. A set of online resources at: Michigan.gov/ C0V1D Workplace Safety provides business­ es with the guidelines and includes a sample COVID-19 preparedness and response* plan and a reopening checklist to help busi­ nesses put safeguards in place. Businesses also can find posters for employees and customers, factsheets and edu­ cational videos and more. Thornapple Valley Family Health COMPASIONATE CARE FOR ALL STAGES OF LIFE Diana Diemer FNP Soph^ I didn’t have to be After last montk^cussio" nlx”11 scveral bls?c^h W®™ ®9'°gdtheh'S~ provisions in thc dr? ’finance regarding the keeping of chicu planning consultant Rebecca Harvey '"Lned to the Hastings Planning Commk£„ Monday w,lh a new* altered ordinance ° ted lhe commis* Sion’S feedback in^d- need to be cautious a&*!e t«ng। enough restriction^on that it doesn t get carried away’ - Hastings Planning Commission The revisions wnnid• make lhe keepinU' of chickens an accesso­ ry use for ow„ "Lcupied single-fanuly Chairman David Hatfield homes, rather than . Dracticc requiring a spe­ cial-use permit. K • allow chickens tn roam within a fenced backyard - although it would nOt frec W °n M free roam within a f’3* < If Wc a"ow "lcni <o roaming. 5 not • and make sure thc ordinance is subject to going to come ?n (fCT And }0U cou,d thc city’s nuisance provisions’ wh,ch rc£u‘ them a h“k of a n.P Celling thL the £fa™ “ neiE>lb°™g lates noise and smell rtmpl«nts’amon8 other issues. initiai?vTrn" Jordan Brchm said he was Another provision in ",e Pn?>oscd ord'because iXTthe °f free-roaminP chickens nance would make the rcv’cW and aPProval of ln a COOp secmed inhua permit administrative >n naturc and* lhus’ mane Hm«f 8 chana'Jt n “flcr ,hc diseussion. Brehm handled by city mlher than by elected allowSfn en™scdnfd'instcad’s“«8“ted"'ey representatives. ’ fencc near or attached to After a review of the recommended revi­ the coop sions, planning commis*’00 membcrs sha«d re0^T’iSSi0n.CrS also discussed the need to their thoughts on the changes at Monday eve­ fencA ™alJ-nals used to create coops and ning’s meeting. mH m’ ?vhedlcr t0 squire a permit renewal ”1 like pretty much everything she’s written there,” Mayor David Tbssava said. “I was ‘ . . e surc the ordinance does inadverHpr,/ilmP°Se ncw regulations in rural-resiprobably the one that said I don’t want chick­ ial areas where chickens arc already per­ ens roaming around in a fenced-in yard. But, mitted. J r after thinking about it* 1 lhink its ^ind °f Ultimately, the commissioners decided to dumb if you’re going to have to spend money aye staff continue altering the ordinance and to buy a chicken coop and then you’re going nng it for review again at next month’s to fence it in. meeting, when a public hearing on thc ordi­ "It’s kind of stupid to fence it in when nance likely would be set. you’ve got a fenced-in backyard. So I kind of To me, if we’re going to do this - because relaxed my stance on that.” wy re changing the basic character of what However, Chairman Dave Hatfield said it s like to live in town - I think that we need allowing chickens to fee roam w*thin a back­ to be cautious about putting enough restric­ yard would negate another provision in the tions on it so that it doesn’t get carried away,” ordinance that states a covered and fenced Hatfield said. chicken enclosure should be no closer than 40 A majority of commissioners said they will feet to any adjacent dwelling. vote “yes” on thc ordinance when the time "One of the provisions here that I guess is comes; Commissioner Lois Bowers said she probably most influential in my thinking as to will vote no. how we could do this is the 40-foot setback "I lived on a farm. I moved to Hastings so guidelines” ( ( z Guests now enter he library to see a table of hand sanitizer adult and child-sized masks, availablethose who forgot their own, sneeze juJirds provide barriers for employees; anc'rcd carts line lhe end of book shelves, availhle for visitors to place any handled materials to be quarantined. “We are vey excited to be able to serve our community a'a more open level of service,” Barbara Ha/wood, marketing and adult programming director, said. "Our concerns remain on the health and safety of our patrons and staff. Ve are thankful that our patrons care for us nd others by wearing their masks properly aid using the hand sanitizer and cleaning wpes liberally.” While ebsed, staff continued to find ways to connect and provide resources to the community. "During the time of having the inside not open to the public, we just worked harder to come up yith more ways to help and connect to everyone,” Haywood said. "During spring shutdown, we started a phone tree to keep contact yith some of our older patrons and during fill shutdown, we worked to extend our services even more through the drivethrough.” The drive-through will remain open. With the library reopening, patrons will have an easier time accessing the resources the library offers, including books, magazines, DVDs, computers and its "library of things,” which includes a variety of items to borrow, such as metal detectors, sewing machines and more. The library’s computers are one of its most popular resources, used often by residents who don’t have adequate internet at home. Guests were only able to use computers for 30-minute time slots while the library was closed, and they needed to make appointments in advance. Now, visitors will no longer need appointments and can use a computer for up to one hour. “Libraries are really thc heartbeat of a small town.” Kensington said. "Like, with us, we have a bank of computers that many, many, many people come in to use, because they either have lousy service at home or they have none. I know several people in my age group who come once a week or twice a week — maybe the first of the week and the end of the week — and they check their emails and do that kind of thing." While HPL’s physical resources arc important to the community, Haywood said the library offers something even better, something of more importance during the pandemic: a sense of community and personal contact. "We became librarians because we love sh9 a|S0 has prior experience ttiflP05*® Ja0riatric patient setting. WOtWnfl1"00 MS vj Green tearing Thai’s all I’ve got h’c|d a P » i additi°n Thc commission als Jlnts for t,ie f r resi­ on thc two text amendm rations of density and design consider ^^55 dential uses in the B-l c , trict wo°,d C The first proposed amcn^^itfed “ ify that a commercial use 1 ^jth up building of two or more s 0 j^ricL 11 eight residential units in the cOmt’l*sl>,on second would allow the plannifi7slandards on or city council to modify dens* y |utjons to a case-by-casc basis to offer • n area. housing development in the doy allow “So, what this would do is this oUflt of thc commission a considerable latitude when discussing higher-dt ayoWSt“ ects than currently what the distnc King Community Development Director said. . Thc planning commission approv coun_ amendments, which now will go to city cil for review. r c “I think that this helps tidy up as to how can have a mixture of residential and 00 mcrcial properties in our central busines district, but still preserve the essential inten that we expressed a year ago that properties on the primary streets retain their resident or their commercial retail character," Hatfield said. In other news, thc planning commission: Set two public hearings for the March I planning commission meeting. The first is to consider adding commercial recreational facilities as a permitted use in the D-l indus­ trial zoning district. Thc second is to consider a request from dog daycare owner Karen Zuvcr for a spccial-use permit and site plan approval for a commercial kennel at 1005 E. State St. Reviewed thc second half of the master plan final draft update and approved a motion to pass thc plan on to city council for review. Selected officers for 2021 with no changes from 2020: Dave Hatfield will serve as plan­ ning commission chairman, Thomas Maurer as vice chairman and City Manager Jerry Czarnecki as secretary. Brian Swan and Alise Swan said they don’t usually need to use the library’s comput­ ers, but stopped by Monday to complete some tasks online after their internet went out. Trffany m, irse Practitioner Degree. She has been ^th her nu। pfactjce/internal Medicine for Hostings, mi 49058 • (269)948-8057 • tvfhealth.com ani^315, and safety of staff And patrons. We have several staff members who are considered high risk as well as many of our patrons,” Brandli said. “Wc hope that the public comes to visit us and in ding so they follow set Tiffany Jackson, NP 11 • ’ nduate<i from Michigan State University Accepting New Patients n RETURNING, continued from page 1----------------------------------------------------- Diana graduated from Wolden University with her Nurse Practitioner Degree and has 10 years experience working as an Emergency Room Nurse and with the YWCA in Grand Rapids as a sexual assault nurse examimer. Diana joined our practice in 2018 working Inr - — MY maferiak •------- Touches, but does not check out, should be deposited on red carls at hL ? a visitor Tend; materials will then be taken to quarantine before being displayed sb0,''eS a9ai"' serving our community and sharing our love of literature and community activities,” Haywood said. "The most important service that the library provides is community, and during this time, community and personal contact is very needed.” The reopening was slow Monday morning with only a few residents visiting, but Library Director Peggy Hemerling said traffic is picking up as the days go by. "We are still excited to have people back. 1 keep running into patrons that are like: ‘You’re opening’’ And so we kind of had thought maybe there would be people right here at opening, but no. But they’re starting to come,” Haywood said. "It’s getting back into remembering that we’re open now and getting back into lhe habit of coming. But, yeah, W’e are excited. I’m looking forward to being able to offer more full service." Like Kensington, former Hastings Northeastern and middle school Principal Stan Kirkendall, who retired seven years ago, is looking forward to visiting the library this week. "1 used to get in a couple limes a week, you know, and 1 miss it. I miss it as much as I miss eating in a restaurant — probably more, quite frankly, Kirkendall said. "So, I’m very happy it s open again, and I’ll get over there sometime this week.” Kirkendall said reading, for him, is a way to challenge his viewpoints; and, for the children he spent his career educating, reading can show them what the world has to offer outside of Hastings. Every other time. I’ll grab one or two of the new books; but, you know, if it’s a viewpoint that is not mine, sometimes I'll gra something like that. It’s a good thing to get somebody else’s view on the world,” t ,^en<kftl said. "A lot of these kids are not gomg to get into Grand Rapids to go to the symphony or anything like that." lhe library, he said, is the place where students can expand their worlds while being W,u}ifn theif own communities. *f you lose your libraries, you’ve got nothing.” �rv4.202’'P39 - IhoHastings HastingsBannerBanner —Thursday. Thursday.FebnJa^ FebnJanr ’ Iho • j|] , ls> °Pen at 25-percent caPacity, still face financial hufd’eS . *&*?»** wcters io Ohio haven t had far, .hex want to eat inside a restaurant w(ft «?.,f ing rooms were closed in Michigan. d,n' About three-fourths of a mile a) ^pannes the Wolverine State from i^/23 at Ciao! In Sylvania, located “|ilc ’ftnfa* over the border at lhe first exit,” said\n^-" Gudejko.CEOofAnnArbor.bascdMain^'" Ventures restaurant group. ftla>nstrecl About a half-hour's drive from Svh, ■ the southeast, just off 1-75, sit S2?lvan,a 10 the company's properties, all close if Maumee River in Toledo. sc t0 lhc The names. Real Seafood and Th- ri. House, have ties to Michigan So .is, Cho? P~——------------------------------------- 1 We would love to be open and doing what we built these restaurants to do. Like everyone else, we're stir crazy, anxious, scared and burned out. But at the same time, we pledged to ourselves and our employees that we need to get to a spot where we're not endangering people." Adam Baru, Ann Arbor resturant owner Like other restaurants in Mainstreet Ventures properties havMo adhere to social distancing. but didn't face dim,re room closures hke those in Michigan “If you drive through our parking lots, you II sec a predominance of Michigan license plates. Gudejko said As a result, he added, 2020 revenue for the company's Ohio restau­ rants exceeded the previous year. That may have changed on Monday, when Michigan allowed dining rooms to open across the slate - although with significant restrictions. These include an indoor capacity limit of 25 percent, not to exceed 100 people, and a 10 pjn. curfew, as well as social dis­ tancing guidelines. While Michigan is among thc last in lhe U.S. to allow dining rooms to reopen amid COVID, a Bridge Michigan review of restau­ rant policies in other states showed varied approaches to restaurant regulations along with wide swings in rales of infection. They range from a fully open Florida, with a state­ wide lest positivity rate this week of 123 percent, to states like Ohio that let operators determine capacity under social distancing rules. Michigan’s Feb. 1 loosening of its indoor dining ban is the first step toward what lhe struggling industry hopes will be fully opened restaurants. It comes as Michigan’s case metrics improve dramatically from a second wave of lhe coronavirus pandemic late last year. On Nov. 15, for example, Michigan had a high positive test rate of 13.1 percent, com­ pared to 9.9 percent in Ohio. This week, Michigan’s positivity rate had fallen to 6.1 percent, while Ohio’s remained at 9.9 percent, according to national data. Yet Michigan’s planned reopening is not without perils with continued CbnC^rrifc about vaccine distribution antf emerging variant strains. And Whjtmef Has made clear that any expansion beyond 25-percent capacity “is dependent on our ability to keep lhe spread of the virus down.” State officials still express unease about lhe safety of dining indoors due to the potential transmission of lhe virus. Yet Gudejko and others in the restaurant industry question whether the data support lhe state’s level of caution. Michigan residents in his restaurants seemed to have "very, very strong” COV1D19 fatigue, he said. “Once they gel out and sec lhe social distancing, they see the mask wear­ ing by us. They question why the virus doesn’t stop at lhe border, so why is it so dif­ ferent a half-hour away?” The industry is struggling to regain its financial footing during a pandemic that health experts say will extend well into this year as President Biden vows to increase vac­ cine delivery. Across the U5., restaurant sales were down $240 billion from projections in 2020, and 46 states lost jobs in the industry as 110,000 establishments closed temporarily or permanently, according to the National Restaurant Association. Job losses from November to December were highest in suites that set dining rcstric- tions: California, Michigan, New York, Minnesota, Illinois. National restaurant reopening guid­ ance comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which notes that indoor dining, even with six feet between tables, continues to place customers at a high­ er risk than outdoor dining or carryout. But the CDC also allows states to make their own guidelines, generating the range of differenc­ es. ' After banning indoor dining in many coun­ ties in November, Colorado allowed people to dine indoors beginning Jan. 4 at the same 25-pcrcent capacity Michigan has chosen. Sarah Riggs, Colorado Restaurant Association president and CEO, said half of that state’s restaurants remain at risk of closure within six months, even with reopening. “We’re hearing universally that restaurants are struggling, so it’s fair to say no state has really figured out how to balance the public health demands of this crisis with the grave fallout experienced by our industry,” Riggs said. Capacity limits prove tricky Joe Aurelio runs Aurelio’s Pizza, the Chicago area’s first pizza chain that now has 38 locations in five states. Illinois imposed statewide restrictions Nov. 20, but by Jan. 15 loosened some of them. Then last week, Chicago joined four other regions of the state in Tier I, allowing dining rooms to reopen at 25 percent capacity or 25 people per room as the state’s positive test rate mirrored Michigan’s at 6.1 percent. Restaurant owners were told they could open lhe next day, Aurelio recalls, “literally with no warning.” With a focus on carryout during the pan­ demic, Aurelio’s was ablt^o do it - supplies’ were on hand, and some staff was in place.} His restaurant in the South Loop, located oni Michigan Avenue, is a few blocks from the Field Museum, which also reopened Saturday. But 40 percent of his business used to be delivered to thc nearby offices, which now sit largely empty as people work from home. “That’s all gone,” he said. “There’s nothing down there.” Not reopening wasn’t an option, Aurelio said, with rent still due. “Twenty-five percent is a bonus. Some places arc at zero.”. Most states that allow dine-in service have some restrictions, either a stated capacity limit or guidelines for social distancing that let an operator determine how to configure space - sometimes reaching more than 50 percent, sometimes less. Michigan restaurateurs had hoped they could reopen at 50-percent capacity, which is what was allowed by the Whitmer administra­ tion when restaurants reopened statewide in June after the initial statewide shutdown. Instead, they’ll take the lower capacity limit and hope for an increase soon. “We are excited to have the ability to have some of our customers in,” said Johnny Brann Jr., owner of Kitchen 67 in Grand Rapids. However, Brann said, the capacity limit will be a challenge. “Il is going to be not that m..hnxx.helpf-'S! 1*W„„ much more ".‘•’'Ruling to '"'ancials go. Well still bills and maintain our b upnncy.“ ’ Wc re geared '”£5 - including Gr* ,jy empjOv City and Midland - nor^dropp4t^ to.2JD00 people. That num GudejU 5?duringthc indoor dining b ’ n(j ho^:^’ Michigan lost 205.000 leis^ ^Wahty jobs as of December. and ^tart hirin?Cn,nB opacity isn’t likely m J^rhicago ?;. u. Like Aurcho m fin,’^,ch,gan restau­ rateurs who havc may find it easier a dining room with > uhJ*®*0111 orders ffing and absorb * capacity mid-2020. nenver am c • Restaurants in , , facing similar challenges even a g perce^ Posi­ tive rate is now • • One thing that Michigan °PcratJLflvcr ind*^’ said Kalic Lazor of lhe Eat De /-pendent restau­ rant network, is tha eather now will work in their favor. 1 g more customers to dine inside. .. “When cold wea , the majority of our restaurants sai percent was full immediately,” ^omc customers still prefer to sit out get takeout, but for the most part, the ( r) capacity is spo­ ken for.” . _ L.no„. Yet they’re opening knowing that “25 per­ cent is still not enoug t capacity to survive,” said Riggs front the °Wudo * Restaurant Association. “Restaurants have told us they really need to be at Percent capacity in order to have a chance a surviving medium _______ _ ^ms *■«[ **,£» nOt Among thc dining roor^?. ”1?*, and Isa^f!’. . said. Liberty } • Data reporting across states also can differ, ready to reopen arc Mani Os imaking it difficult to set uniform criteria. In popular sister restaurants on jnd(X)rs irt| Minnesota, for example, the state gives details Ann Arbor. Neither had reope c|1Cd out-’ shiB-| on outbreaks lied to restaurants: From June 1 June, as the restaurants instead i to November 16, 190 outbreaks involved door dining. As winter approach^ ’^rd-party cd to more carryout, aided by ^c-a(.homC; 3,201 infected people. andj The same information isn’t available in delivery services and packing ma Michigan. Lynn Sutfin of thc Michigan options, like upcoming Super Department of Health and Human Services Valentine’s Day kits. . being* said overall outbreak numbers are available, Owner Adam Baru said progress *n[’ but local health departments “are not report­ made to curb COVID-19, but not l°5fand; tto| ing the number of cases for outbreaks in vari­ where he’s willing to expose his customers to the virus. And he doesn tw ous settings.” . Since the state started keeping outbreak invest energy and money in reopening . data in May, it recorded 216 outbreaks among there’s thc danger of having to shut d bar and restaurant employees, and 40 involv­ again if virus cases increase. . * “We would love to be open and doing w ‘ ing both employees and customers. That com­ pares to 213 total outbreaks in retail and 316 wc built these restaurants to do,” Baru sat •. from social settings, two areas that restaurant “Like everyone else, we’re stir crazy, anxious,* owners say could also cause community scared and burned out. But at thc same time., spread, yet neither faced the same level of we pledged to ourselves and our employee5: that we need to get to a spot where we’re not. economic restrictions as restaurants. ‘Still a lot of unknowns with this virus’ endangering people ” •i Operators who are opening say they’re tak-; Winslow said he and staff at the Michigan Restaurant & Ixxiging Association spoke this ing precautions. ’ “We want people to be safe and feel good week to Michigan operators to see how they will be responding to Monday’s opening. about coming back.” said Brann of Kitchen J Some in areas heavily populated with office 67 in Grand Rapids. buildings or near still-shuttered events venues But operators also understand that not all* planned to remain closed, he said, while a customers will come back. Some still preferr member survey indicated that about 17 per­ using outdoor spaces, while others are stick­ cent didn’t plan to reopen as long as the ing to carryout. “The increase in capacity capacity is capped at 25 percent. won’t change that,” Gudcjko said. 1 Even in slates without official capacity limits, some operators choose to socially dis­ tance. Mainstreet Ventures operates two restaurants in Florida, which lifted all state­ wide restaurant restrictions Sept. 25. However, Gudejko said, the restaurant group stiH sels limits because many of its customers and employees expect it. “We think it’s made people more comfort­ able,” he said of self-imposed restrictions. “Some people are not in agreement with that, and they don’t frequent our restaurants.” Unclear path forward Michigan’s restaurant industry has urged Whitmer’s Democratic administration for months to set specific health metrics for when restaurants can open 4o indoor pining, and with what restriction^, ’ arguments the Republican Legislature has backed. “We need a clear plan, so operators can make decisions long-term,” said Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “They need to know how to go to 50 percent. (capac­ ity) or when they’ll have logo back to zero?’* Several states hav^jrnounced detailed plans for whearestauppt^,^.rcopej).at tygfy-, er capacity, but they aren't yqrking perfectly, according to industry experts A n “There is a pa|h, although its pot exactly a clear path,” said Riggs of Colobdo.The state recently introduced its 5 Star Certification program, which allows restautinis meeting certain criteria and certified by county offi­ cials to open at one level capacitj higher than their county’s current public health level allows. \ Michigan restaurants have suggested to state officials that a voluntary certification program could work here. Winslow said. In Colorado, counties must apply to participate, and Riggs described lhe process & cumber­ some. I, “So it’s not a universally useful program,” she said. , In Minnesota, dining rooms opened at 50 percent on January 11 after they wore closed November 21, said Ben Wogsland, director of Government Relations at Hospitality Minnesota. The state offers general guidelines about when restaurant, restrictions may change, he said, but it s complicated by the lack of real-time data reporting there. “From our perspective, it’s not really clear that there’s specific guidelines,” Wogsland VACCINE, continued from page 1 “Even with the promise that the vaccine brings, please continue to follow COVID-19 safety measures like frequent handwashing, social distancing and mask-wearing,” Scrimger said. ~ After a short resurgence in late December, COVID-19 cases continued a slow decline in Barry County. The percentage of COVID tests which were positive dropped to 421 percent on Jan. 28, the lowest positivity rate since Oct. 15. As of Wednesday, according to BEDHD, there were 97 active cases in the county, and 314 probable cases. One additional death was reported since last week, so the death toll due to COVID-19’ now stands at 40 in Barry County. One complicating factor in thc fight against’ lhe spread of the disease may be the develop-’ ment of a variant strain of the virus, health officials said. Michigan has reported 22 cases of the morfc contagious B.l.1.7 variant of COVID-19 ancfc, of that number. 14 were students at the University of Michigan. There may be more cases of the variant in the state that have not been identified, since it can only be detected by DNA testing, which not all COVID testing labs have available. OJ Barry County Deaths by Month 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 . 4< w * * ■ x * «. r -x i ■ » . A 4k all 2 0 18 A « AM K s^^'5 �Pr am 4 - Thursday. February < M21 tiy v - - --------- Did you - Tho Hastings Banner -- - . ___ see? When it’s nice ■ on the ice Earlier generation has answers for today J ' some activities are perfect ’ during a pandemic - and ice fish­ ing is one of them. Here, on • Cloverdale Lake, an ice fisher­ man enjoys this outdoor pursuit. - National Weather Service fore­ casts are calling for some bone-chilling temperatures in the days ahead. So, without a shan­ ty. some anglers may choose to 'wait out the forecasted frigid winds. For those thinking of get­ ting out on the hard water this winter, the Michigan Department •of Natural Resources has infor-mation and ice safety tips at Michigan.gov/dnr. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Do you And baby makes five ■ - Banner Feb. 3, 19b6 ” > I i ' . ' • remember? Five generations - Mrs. Celia Fisher of 426 E. Green St. holds her great-great-granddaughter, Anna Lynn Potter, daughter of Mrs. William (Anna May) Potter of 325 E. Grand St. They are joined by (from left): Anna Lynn’s mother, Mrs. Orville [Cecilia] Curtis, 426 E. Green, and the baby’s great-grandfather Frank L Young of Luther. Anna Lynn was born here Dec. 20,1965. Her mother was bom Sept. 5, 1948; her grandmother July 21, 1928: her great-grandfather March 9, 1902; and her great-great- grandmother was bom Oct. 16, 1883. (Frank likely saw more great- and great­ grandchildren, since he lived nearly 30 more years before his death in 1995 at age 93.] .. . Have you met? Community Music School guitar instruc­ tor Steve Youngs. 72, has spent a lifetime nourishing his passion for music and helping others develop as musicians. , He’s loved music for as long as he can remember — long before he became a musi­ cian himself. Il’s a love, it seems, he was bom with. He can’t recall a defining moment that -revealed his passion for lhe steady chords or •sharp staccato notes of classical instrumenta­ tions; it was simply already there, something he always felt within himself, that would grow to become a lifelong pursuit. “I’ve alw'ays had [a love for music]. I think it’s just a part of me,” Youngs said. “All music is is joy. So, that’s why you do it.” . As a boy growing up in Hastings, Youngs 'enjoyed listening to his father. George [.“Buzz” Youngs, who was always singing, ^whether around the house or in their church • choir. . . J Youngs began exploring music for himseli Lust before high school. He taught himself guitar and began a collection of vinyl records. b He’s amassed more than 1,800 albums in the roughly six decades since he began his ^Th^first record I ever bought was “Lover , by Clyde Mcphatter. I think that was P e-60 or *61 when I bought that.” Youngs in., ..j aiways bought a record per paySu so l have quite a collection.” Chnver his lifetime. Youngs has had many • at involvements. mustca |nusjc tcain at $t John He Awhile studying English al Michigan Church w he laught elementary music Sta« 'Um- wyhi|e principal at St. Rose of for 24 y^ic School: he sang for 13 yean. Lima Calh crand Rapids’. and he s served as with U^xudinator at the St. Rose ol Lima the most/1079. . . . Parish since 1’ significant musical comriP Sneofhl^^X the Mary Youngs , _ was v cchol"‘sbip^feCMaO' Youngs ~ a S Voungs’ Wlf ,’,rv teacher and principal at al Eleirientar^ . ry _ died in 2(X)6; he CenXas'en,Cl‘:incert’ to keep her memory NOl^hizld the " back to the Hastings com«"?7whil‘ 8ivll}ion s"c saw ,hc ben<:fi,s aliveanc"1'rts. inunit1«icand‘’Scholarships out to high nfrndStc -ve sen . J()lir years of rds *110 1,8 of athletics." Youngs school K>d four M;ir).. memory alive Steve Youngs All three of the Youngs’ boys participated in sports and music at Hastings High School; so the concert gives two $ 1,000 scholarships away each year to Hastings high schoolers with athletic and musical involvement. In the past 14 years, thc concert has gener­ ated more than $24,000 in scholarships for Hastings students. Two of Youngs' seven grandchildren — Ellie Youngs, a sophomore at Aquinas College and Belle Youngs, a sophomore at the University of Michigan — consistently perform in lhe concert. Youngs taught both Ellie and Belle to play guitar at the Community Music School, where he was previously coordinator for 14 years. For the past nearly seven years, Youngs has taught beginner guitar at lhe school and hopes to share his music passion with stu­ dents as he watches them gain self-confi­ dence and grow as musicians. “We do little recitals and stuff and. once they start to perform and that sort of thing, it gives them self-confidence, and it’s good.” Youngs said. “I hope they get a little bit of my passion and my joy out ot music, too. So sometimes that works; sometimes it doesn’t, bul that’s my hope.” And Youngs continues to grow as a musi­ cian himself, taking violin lessons at the school for the past 12 years. For keeping Hastings filled with music and for creatiig the Mary Youngs Scholarship Concert. Stere Youngs is this week’s Banner Bright Light • Favorite novie: “Casablanca.” First job;Gas station attendant nt the Clark gas station Jocatcd where the Little Caesars is now. If 1 couli go anywhere in the world I’d go to: Rome.-because Em Catholic and that s where the Vatican is. FavoriU teacher: Sister Robert Ann at Saint Rose. I had her in eighth grade, and on Dr. Martii Luther King’s march of Selma. Ala., she tame into lhe classroom and told us she wished she were down there marching with Dr.King. That was my First experience with racial justice. And. at Michigan State, I w'orked .one summer for the Dr. King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, so it was kind of a neat thing­ Person I’d most like to meet: Barack Obama. I just think he was a great president and an inspiration. He did a lot of good, and still does. Favorite season and why-’ Fall because of football season. What motivates me: Good people. Important lesson front childhood: work hand and enjoy what you do, Greatest song ever written: My personal favorite rock ‘n’ roll sone is “Uptown’’ by lhe Crystals. But the greatest song ever written 7 lhis,is £°ing to sound pretentious ~ but the 4lh Movement of Be^hoven s Jlh Symphony. ... Gr?atesl ">ings about County: The jazz fest is as cool as-it cets herv,!lnd ,he Mary Youngs concen I’m most proud of- Mv thn* kids and my seven grandkids. 1 . If । won the |otu rd give most of it away. I'd givc so^’ * the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. >’d of the Catholic Relief service5- “nd Mel Trotter Ministries What the word ne.,i ,.w is:A li,,le ,nor,: love, a little |css h d to learn how [oblong with And also w^ll^^i17tl»"nerP^7^r;ou Mu.w so^X’US * because of voluntecY? k f'1,,'l0Ving IT’ sonulity, for the stories h7r* haS ““ any other reason-) ?e inlotnin"°" ? Newsnxnn, Hastin ’ ?cnd 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings “"Ml entarl newsCt j.^g^p •’9058; °f Even professional delay On the grounds of the area museum in revenue. i this week turned down a P r °P° ‘ days aS a Rockford, visitors are greeted by a bronze l lhe start of lhe 2021 season y (QO statue dedicated to thc World War II hero- l precaution because it' ism of the town’s favorite son, the late safety j Major John C. Sjorgren. < great a loss in contract paycelfishAmidst all the impatience and Mrt Created by Hastings resident Ruth Gee, there have also been so gonnjc thc art piece also is a tribute to the character ness. i Barry of all thc people who lived as part of what’s iexamples of altruism. I hke ho president and CEO known as The Greatest Generation. On a Gettys, i Foundation was M^e visit to Rockford last week and stopping by Community i saying “...in Barry « f nn’that to visit Sjorgren standing at formal military Reminder I care of each other.” The foundatio attention in all his bronze glory, I had time take I to reflect on how my generation and those ]presented an $83,000 boost to 4 Arca The GFWC-Gun La e following may never measure up to the restaurants. i model set in Sjorgren’s era. Women’s Club found the to still make more than 2,000 ' Sjorgren earned thc Congressional Medal isolation : for frontline workers, 675 sUI^IC of Honor - only the third Michigan soldier masks i to do so - for his actions on a day in May ।caps for hospital use and handmade blan­ and quilts for children in need. 1945 when, on the Negros Islands in the kets ! Philippines with his squad under dcadly ----------------------attack from enemy fire atop a ridge, he sin­ “There are countries on this glehandedly killed 43 enemy soldiers and planet right now enduring wars destroyed the nine pillboxes from which the and starvations that have lasted fire was coming. What impressed me just as years. Genocide, fear of being much when I heard the Sjorgren story at the killed without reason, poverty that statue’s dedication in 2016 was how leaves people scrounging to feed Sjorgren returned home. their babies every day. Should “He changed his clothes and went out to we really whine about not being mow his lawn.” is how I remember retired able to go to the bar?" Judge Steven Servaas describing the neigh­ bor he knew when he was a little boy and to Detroit Free Press columnist whom he ascribes the admiration of us all | _ Mitch Albom wrote May 3, 2020 for lhe people of that day. Sjorgren was a selfless warrior who humbly returned to the We even got fairly good at meeting virtu- I quiet life of a country, a community, and a way of life he valued and for which he was ally, especially classroom teachers who willing to die. I wonder if thc people of adapted from in-person to virtual learning today’s America will ever have anything and back again. Education may even have become richer. By tailoring lessons to both close to that dedication. In all the baffling derangement of today’s in-person and online learning, teachers got world, I came across yet another chapter of closer to Individual Education Plans for funhouse delirium last weekend: Vaccine each student. Some of our stumbling produced some shaming . I saw it while reading lhe Facebook post of an Up North school teacher with humor, too. During a phone-in board meet­ whom I’m distantly acquainted and who felt ing of an association to which I belong, I compelled to respond to the social media members had to restart the meeting, calling barrage he received after posting a photo of in again, because lhe snoring of one board member who couldn’t be awakened was too I his COVID-19 vaccination certificate. “I wish everyone could have this now," distracting. We’ve discovered creativity in renewed the teacher wrote. ‘‘I know that there are people who need it more than I. I am sorry dedication to each other, as well. I lovpd the if Joli feel that my pqs/ is 'inappropriate or novel way area high schools held their grad­ the fact that I’m able to receive the vaccina­ uations with car parades and individual I tion is unfair ... fwork with students oh a banners hung from downtown lampposts^ l daily basis. I wasn’t going to turn it down. I Blue Zones Activate Barry County even I devised a brilliant new communication and I love you all.” In a world dominated by narcissism and distribution tool: community mailboxes I envy, I confess to seeing a little of me in the placed strategically throughout the county from which residents were able to access admonition. As a high-risk candidate on the vaccine waiting list, 1 - like many of us - seeds for gardening in the midst of the pan- I am still anxiously awaiting a shot and relief demic. On the other hand, thc challenging times from COVID Anxiety. I get especially incensed with stories of “line-cutters,” peo­ have illuminated the social crises we’ve yet ple like the 2,700 not-yct-eligible applicants to effectively address. The income gap in who found a computer glitch at Beaumont society is growing even greater and faster. Hospital in Detroit and registered before Hourly workers are losing their jobs and their ruse was discovered; people like the incomes at a higher rale than those who’ve I Allendale teachers in Ottawa County who been able to work from home. Technology I crossed the county line and received vac­ disparities are even more serious for fami- I cines at Spectrum Hospital in Kent County; lies unable to access and implement online I and even people close to me and in my learning opportunities for their children I j neighborhood who received shots after slip­ because of too-distant internet signals. ping past registration protocol on a website America has much work to do. but suecess will take the buy-in and selflessness of I set up for hospital employees. But why would anyone expect anything us all. | “You shouldn’t have to explain yourself I different in today’s America - even during a once-in-a-century-pandemic? This country or apologize,” posted one FacebooCdefendaccounts for 6 percent of the world’s popu­ er of thc teacher experiencing Vaccine lation, yet we also clock in with 26 percent Shame. “If we arc ever going to find a sense of all lhe world’s coronavirus cases and 20 of community again, we need to exhibit I percent of all deaths. With our technology, patience and acceptance of each other and. I education and sophistication, the United in lhe process, work to strengthen the sysStates has bungled its response. terns which need bolstering - not judging “There are countries on this planet right each other over things that are not in our now enduring wars and starvations that control.” I have lasted years,” Detroit Free Press col­ History is awaiting our response. umnist Mitch Albom wrote May 3, 2020. American resolve will be under the “Genocide, fear of being killed without microscope in the next few months, and wc reason, poverty that leaves people scroung­ will be greatly tested by how we behave,” ' ing to feed their babies every day. Should Albom wrote in his column. “Will we turn we really whine about not being able to go on one another... or will we sacrifice? Will to the bar?” wc think about what it means to be one We cry individual rights over responsibil­ ?ou,nJry;,not lwo' No left vs. right or sick vs. ities to community. We don’t want to wear healthy. But one nation united against a jnasks, we want to attend gala holiday par­ wildfire.’ b ties, and we want to demonstrate in Lansing: Author and civil rights activist Jemar for the Second Amendment and resuming. Itsby, who spoke as part of last month’s high school sports. 1 hear the outcry', but we: January Series at Calvin University, remindcan’t even have sports right when we ignore■ ed his listeners that "history holds the the pandemic. Sunday’s Super Bowl will carry' an asterisk in the record books because »<^vr si?™1 bcside MaJ- John Sjorgren in how legitimate can the outcome be when ok JfT “* Week-1 w°nde«d if players from one team are forced to sit out keen .UOd“y “ WOTld WiU evcn both,:' ‘° the game because they tested positive for Keep their generation’s receipt. And in COVID-19? Sjorgren s eye, rm alnlost ccrt^in , a It’s all part of our soft, spoiled and stupid culture - nothing stands in the way of capi­ talism. Thc National Football League can’t Doug Vanderbaan. turn its back on $450 million in advertising Guest Columnist Amidst all the impatience and selfishnZr^T~~----------------warm examples of altruism. I like how have also been some of the Barry Community Foundation wa^n.tySt Pre^dent and CEO *,Jn Barry County, we take care of presented an $83,000 boost to hard-hit ln The Reminder saying ° her-"The foundation that Area Women's Club found the means inZ ■ants- The GFWC-Gun Lake than 2,000 face masks for frontline work^'Usolation t0 stil1 make more use and handmade 6'5 surgical caps for hospital in need. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday. Fob^ary Guest °rnmentary COVlD*va?US^Ou^ know about C,ne distribution locally Barry-Eaton District Health n I work as the planning dilc?artJtlent Barry-Eaton District Health n at lhc which senes 170,000 peonh n Aartmcnl ment of 1,000 COvR v°Ur.firsl ^ip- went to the healthcare work/.!?^ doscs thc first to be eligible in the fi™ rWh° Wcrc of January. f,rst few weeks As of this week, we hav^ P. • of 4,400 First doses for allIdSCd “ total in both counties. Wc estimnt Hy groups people in our area arc “'™c al™’ 40 000 heaUhcare workers. S^nd“d' of vacdnemakin;W? 8Cl.a difTcrcn' «™unt XlmSe 8 Plann'ng far ahead Since there was no medical scheduling S".™ ^u»‘toWmic-lcvcl demand, we had to create the scheduling software and calendar system ourselves. hkC tht1’ Whcn new aPP°>niments open each week, people must compete with each other to get a spot. Other health departments are doing firstsigned up. first-served, but we were con­ cerned this would cause equity issues. Our way also causes equity issues. There is no good way where someone doesn’t have to wait. We know that many elderly folks, rural folks and low-income folks don’t have the internet, so wc also have a special schedule for the “no internet’’ people. They have been calling us and overwhelming our ability to respond in the way they deserve. Wc know that — and wc are doing our best. The list for that schedule has more than a thousand names. It will be weeks before all of these people can be scheduled in. Many people who have signed up online also call us, and there is nothing we can do to get them in faster. Our interest/registration form currently has about 12,000 people on it who are cur­ rently eligible. And we hope to get 1.000 to I,500 first doses a week to serve them. We hear from w orkers who are in groups 1A or IB and are exposed at work everyday and can’t schedule. We hear from adult children desperate to get their elderly parents vaccinated who can’t schedule. We are so sorry'; we desperately want to serve them. When the governor announced that vacci­ nations for 65 and older would begin on Jan. I1, many people assumed they would be able to get one right away. The reality is that it will take weeks and months. The reality is that it’s only been three w'eeks since people 65 and older have been eligible - and it’s still early days. It is to be expected that the majority of folks who want a vaccine haven’t gotten one yet. At our vaccine clinic Inst week, we had people bursting into tears when we were able to get them vaccinated. We’ve had peo­ ple cry when they thought they had an appointment but did not, and we had to turn them away. We literally had no dose to give them. We take seriously our responsibility to never waste a dose, and have worked out a system to make sure any extra doses (due to no-shows or extra doses in the vial) arc used for someone who is currently eligible. Many of us have spent our careers work­ ing to improve thc public’s health. We have been responding to the pandemic, doing case investigation and contact tracing for months upon months — work that does not stop now because we also need to vaccinate the public. We continue to take complaints and investigate businesses that aren’t following the rules. Wc arc meeting with our health­ care system partners who also arc working to vaccinate as w ell — on top of caring for a high number of COVID-19 patients. In some places, thc health department or hospital has decided to allocate some of its supply to a pharmacy locally, so they can share in the vaccinations. But, in many other places, local vaccination clinics arc not yet at capacity because they can give more shots than what they’ve been allotted. That is the case in our area - we have fantastic, amazing volunteers and National Guard who arc powering our clinics, and truly reflect thc spirit of our community. We could give upward of 3,000 injections a week —if we had that much vaccine, which we do not. It is an immense privilege to serve the community in this way. Our goal, first and foremost, is to protect lives and improve health. Wc also arc work­ ing to improve health equity by ensuring that those communities that arc dispropor­ tionately affected by COVID-19 are able to receive vaccines as well. When you don’t hear anything from your health department and you arc on their list, know this: They have NOT forgotten about you. They will work diligently to get you access to the vaccine, whether they provide it, or a hospital or pharmacy can. We will be working over the next 18 months to get as many people vaccinated as will take the vaccine. I’m both dreading and looking forward to the times ahead when we have to search for people to vaccinate. In the meantime - thanks for letting us know you are ready to get vaccinated! Please be patient with us and know that your turn will come soon. We will keep working until everyone has a chance to be vaccinated. Anne Barna is the planning and health promotion director with the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. The power in an act of kindness To the editor: My husband and I were shopping at Aldi rently and there was one person ahead of us ^line After checking out, she was rcbagging !n proceries when she realized she didn’t kave enough bags to hold all of her purchases. ST rnshicr was already checking us out when Hearne back and said to her. “I need a few husband had not yet paid for our purMy hwhich cost about $47. He had a $50 chases. but he ha£j nol yct done so. bill to pay hier gave the woman two bags, WheH the , cashier a $50 bill and told her she han^ for her bags - and our grocerto use it10 p / __ _____________________ ies. Then she told the cashier to give my hus­ band the change. That act of kindness meant so much to us - even more so because we were in sorrow. My brother had just died on lhe 14th. He was very precious to me. We were in need of something to cheer us up and brighten our outlook. Her act of kindness fell like it came directly from lhe Lord. It gave us something to be joyful about that day. As it says in the Scripture, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” 'The Hastings Kathy Ordway, Delton Banner Denoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 Pubiiihodby.. Hastings Banner, Inc. Michigan to offer $30 million I" free tuition for state residents “ . Incomes for a lot of essential workers, many of whom do not have college degrees, is even worse. A recent federal Bureau of Labor Statistics report on essential work showed that cashiers, for example, earned just 40 percent of the average income for those with high school degrees; janitor wages wcrc 69 per­ cent, while stock and general laborers, such as in warehouse jobs, were paid about 74 percent of that full-time average. Some low-wage workers eligible for the programs likely are already eligible to attend free community college, by using federal Pell grants, which cover up to $6,195 a year for students in families with adjusted gross incomes of $26,000 or less. Students earning up to $60,000 qualify for smaller Pell grants. The Futures for Frontlincrs grants will pay only for thc community college tuition not covered by Pell grants. Even if some essential workers could have already gone to community college for free, many didn’t know such benefits were possible until the Futures for Frontliners program was promoted last year, said Ryan Fcwins-Bliss. executive director of the Michigan College Access Network, a group that works to increase college enrollment among low-in­ come and first-generation students. “Every time you turn on lhe TV. some talking head is saying college is too expen­ sive,’’ Fcwins-Bliss said in September. “Lowincome folks hear that loud and clear and believe they can’t afford it.” The same can be said of Michigan Reconnect. Fewins-Bliss said. The two pro­ grams “change the conversation around the dinner table. The publicity of telling folks there is a pathway for them, changes the mindset for them.’’ The Futures for Frontliners program was a major initiative of the Whitmer administration in 2020. “Our frontline workers put their lives on the line every day to provide crucial sup­ port to Michiganders during this pandemic, and they deserve support long after this crisis is over,’’ Whitmer said in a statement. “This initiative is not only a way to say. ‘thank you,’ it’s an opportunity to provide a pathway to better paying jobs.’’ Michigan Reconnect is likely to be popular, considering lhe level of excitement about Futures for Frontliners. ThC April and”"/" Pro8ramannounced in *Mic>l-nd formalized in September, 8JVCS. bs . ^an residents who worked fr°nll,nc J • । ^8 the peak of the pandemic from Ap June access to free community collcg *gh school comple­ tion. , . n The prog^/Jv) Ending success - more than 60,^signed up in the first two weeks and ^.000 by the Dec. 31 deadline. That’s Percent of the esti­ mated 625,000 essential workers who wcrc eligible. The Frontliners program may be just lhe beginning. .. Soon, Michigan residents aged 25 to 64 who do not already n e a college degree will be able to go to community college for free. A new $30 mm'on program - called Michigan Reconnect - will offer free commu­ nity college or job certification programs to state residents age S flnd older. The initiative was approved and funded last year, but put on hold because of budgetary concerns during the pandemic. Now, the state is gearing up to formally launch Michigan Reconnect, which is expect­ ed to open for applications soon. There are about 3 million Michigan resi­ dents in the 25 to 64 age range who do nol have at least an associate s degree, according to Census data. Many of the 120,000 who applied for the Futures for Frontliners program are among those 3 million. And approximately 20,000 who applied, but didn’t qualify, for Futures for Frontliners and are 25 years or older will automatically be eligible for tuition-free college assistance with Michigan Reconnect. These two free college programs could be economic game-changers, state officials said. Michigan is below the national average in the percentage of adults with college degrees, which hobbles the stale’s attempts to attract business and suppresses income. More education typically means higher salaries. Nationally,high school grads earned, on average, $38,792 in 2019, compared to $46,124 for those with an associate’s degree and $64,896 for those with a bachelor’s degree, according todata from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. Secretary of State Jocebn Benson this week unveiled her legislative igenda for elec­ tions to expand voter accessibjity and further strengthen thc infrastructure tnd security of Michigan elections. “Michigan voters want ebetions to be accessible, strong and secure,’* Benson said. "We saw this in 2018 when voters enshrined expanded voting rights in our sate constitu­ tion, and again in 2020 when retord numbers of voters exercised their new rights. “Our job now is clear: to defenf and protect democracy by ensuring that no matter how one votes, who they vote for, where they live, or what they look like, their vote will be counted.” Benson said her plan, “Advancing the Vole, Protecting Democracy,” outlines a num­ ber of initiatives, all designed to ensure equi­ table access for voters, strengthen Michigan’s elections infrastructure and guarantee the security of elections. Specifically, Benson is proposing the fol­ lowing: • Require absentee ballot applications be mailed to registered voters every federal elec­ tion cycle; • Mandate ballots postmarked by Election Day and received shortly after are counted; Establish early in-person voting; • Make Election Day a state holiday to ibimmnmmi __ Water ’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinanciaLcom Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jrffrv* A. One Stop Shop . (M-43 North) l^ ’ Spe^y Marketpbce hifl B31"5 Greg0”8 0«tcrffafa- Middled Johnny’s CVvcrd a’e General Brown’s Cedar Creek Gre-ary ^Gourmet Foods QtgljQBl ’ Trxhng Post life's Counhy- St# Nashville Family Fare DdUn .Johnny’s The General Store MV Phann&v' Nj C Store Cori’s Doster Country Store Lckeffsltsse1 Hastings Pharmacy Luke Froncheck Taylor Owens Freeport: Woodland Express Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker S I Kann Hayward ’ AdmlntXntin Aesu-« D€uolc<^t0 the fntercsts °f BarrV County Since 1856 * 8.30 am. to 500 p m. POSTMASTER: oik addtcsv changes to: PO Box 188 Hastings. Ml 49056-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Securitiesutfered through IPLHnindiLMember HNRA/SIPC Weedfan d* Hasting ^ny’s (Copy Ed'tor) challengers and election workers; and, • Require a statewide risk-limiting audit of election results prior to stale certification. ' Benson unveiled her plan on Feb. 1, the first day of Black History Month, in tribute to the many black Americans whose sacrifice helped bring about expanded voting rights for all citizens. “Today, we stand on the shoulders of the brave men and women who have fought for voting rights and fair elections in our coun­ try,” Assistant Secretary of State Heaster Wheeler said. “They recognized what we all know: Voting rights are civil rights, arid accessible, strong and secure elections benefit every Michigan community and every Michigan citizen.” hIs^sBaNNER Tom’s Subscription Rates: $52 per year In Barry County $60 per year In adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere factoring workers. . •. Of those 120,000 applications, ano 82.000 have already been approved, Queaiy said. Some who didn’t qualify because they didn’t work enough weeks during the !<**' down to meet program requirements will be encouraged to apply for free community col­ lege tuition through Michigan Reconnect when it is up and running. Quealy said. ’ About half the essential workers who applied to the Frontlincrs program were already taking college/community college classes before the program was announced. Others, including Schultz the park ranger, were motivated to start or return to campus after hearing publicity about the program. The program is a win, not only for students, but for community colleges, which have suf­ fered enrollment declines during the pandem­ ic. • At Lansing Community College. 1,200 students are enrolled in the winter semester through thc Futures for Frontliners program. About half were enrolled in lhe fall, 25 per­ cent re-enrolled after stopping taking classes, and 25 percent had never taken college cours­ es. Those 1,200 students represent more than 10 percent of the schools’ roughly 11XXX) students. “Il’s been a silver lining among a lot of challenges,’’ said Gary King, associate dean at thc Center for Academic and Career Pathways at LCC. ’ At Grand Rapids Community College, 2,893 people were accepted to the school through the essential worker program, and 1.634 are currently enrolled. Among those enrolled, a third (559) weren’t taking classes in the fall of 2020; 178 last took a college course more than 10 years ago. facilitate voting and make it easier for citizens to serve as election workers; • Allow overseas service members and spouses to return their ballots electronically; • Require translated election materials where a significant non-English-speaking community lives; • Provide funds to ensure voting locations are ADA-compliant and establish curbside voting; • Allow processing of absentee ballots two weeks prior to Election Day; • Prohibit deceptive election practices that deter or mislead voters; • Prohibit open carry of firearms within 100 feet of a voting location; • Mandate training standards for election andpreSS releases: news@J-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore for the 'he Erica Quealy, spokeswonia Econ°nl,c Michigan Department of Labor« ।120,000 70 ,000 Opportunity. said 1 ^yondexpeC_ -» Frontliners applications were tations.” that people.are “It was a good indicator ‘.heir^ucaoon. actively seeking” to advance Quealy said. nlified ranged Frontline rromnnc workers worxers who wno qu: imtion from grocery shelf stockers and sa.n ‘ nuemployees to health care and critical . Secretary of State Benson unveils legislative agenda on voting A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. <351 N- M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 advertising department Classified ad5 accepted Monday through Friday, • Prairieville Step Banlield (x-nera! Store Ph2^66^Station (M-37Ufest) fafl$ Station Orair^c Fast Stop Gokiswcnhys Carls Douling General Store Staftiaiffle Town & teW j �4- 2°2’ ~ pa9„ 6 _ TtwrsdW. Banner LDFA changes meeting times, reviews inter-local agreement Sophie Bates Staff Writer 1 Hastings’ Local Development Finance Authority and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Nwrd agreed to switch its meeting Mart time from 3 pm. to 8 a.m. the fourth Thursday of each month, during a virtual .peering Thursday afternoon. .The board, which is responsible for making and implementing a development plan along ujth the financing necessary to support that pton. while promoting economic develop­ ment and creating jobs in Hastings, also received a financial report from the city’s Community Development Director Dan King. Local Community Stabilization Act funds have been collected and yielded approximate­ ly $1,000 more than was budgeted for reve­ nue, bringing in SI 1351. However, tax cap­ ture funds — which give the city additional taxes ns properties increase in value — brought in $14,837. versus the budgeted $16,000. The extra revenue from the LCSA and less-than-expccted revenue from the tax capture balance each other almost exactly. In February. King said, an extra $10,000 will boost the LDFA's fund balance; the boost comes from a land sale to city council mem­ ber Don Smith for property on Star School Road where he plans to expand his business. Affordable Metal LCC. The purchase is expected to be finalized in lhe coming weeks. King also briefed the board on an inter-lo­ cal agreement, which members will vote on at an upcoming meeting, between thc brown­ field redevelopment authority and the down­ town development authority. The agreement is necessary for the con­ struction of a residential and cominercia development project al 128 N. Michigan Ave-« site of the former Moose Ixxlge, and will allow lhe DDA to transfer tax capture funds generated by the property’s development to the brownfield redevelopment authority. The brownfield redevelopment authority can then use tax capture funds to incentivize the project’s construction by covering the costs of redevelopment-based issues, since previously developed land can present diffi­ culties for thc project’s developer. AJ Veneklasen. Areas eligible to be covered by the brown­ field redevelopment authority’s use of tax capture funds includes site assessments, sur­ veying and staking, geotechnical engineering, curbs and gutters, street repair and more. “This is thc draft, and it’s an introduction. Once the 381 Brownfield plan and the work plan is agreed upon by both the AJ Veneklasen and the city attorney, that brownfield redevel­ opment plan will come in front of the brown­ field redevelopment authority for a public hearing,” King said. “Then, we will be required to do a 10-day noticing and then hold lhe public hearing. So. it’s likely that that will occur prior to our regular meeting.” Once an environmental assessment on the property is completed, the brownfield rede­ velopment authority will determine what proj­ ect work is eligible to be covered using tax capture funds. NEED A BOX? We sell boxes of ALL SIZES! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 "wcr OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00-4:30 PM Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "Wc Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfinefo grnml.com- Website: www, biisuwfrcenKihQdisLCQm. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Martha Director, Stoetze!. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to lhe current health nursery is crisis, remains our LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m ; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergartcn-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 301 E State Rd., P.O. Box 273, for information. Hastings, MI 49058 Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling. Ml 49050. Pastor. Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. closed. Weekly activity bags for chilren are available in thc 9 a.m. service and Kid’s Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is setup for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m- cT ROSE OF LIMA Cholic church bo 5 S. Jefferson- ", nJ6 Pastor Father Stephan 42 . „ Mass P-,n. Mass 8 and 11 am. Saturday Sunday- HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 9:45 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool. (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer lime 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Marilyn Louise (Bristol) McWhinney. age 70. ot Middleville, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, Jan, 27,2021. She was born to Lyle and Katey (Saunders) Bristol on August 22. 1950 in Hastings. Marilyn graduated from Hastings High School in 1968. After high school, she married the love of her life, Bruce. They enjoyed 48 years of marriage. Throughout the years. Marilyn held several positions at Hastings Manufacturing. Caledonia D&W and Foremost Insurance where she made many lifelong friendships. The job that Marilyn loved the most was being a wife and mother lo her two daughters Katie and Janine. Later in life, she was overjoyed to become a grandmother to her five grandchildren. Marilyn enjoyed spending time with family and friends and always appreciated visitors stopping by. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, stopping at garage sales, coloring books, attending activities and service al the Middleville United Methodist Church. Her most cherished times were lhe 50 plus years spent at “Heaven on Earth” Horseshoe Lake, where it seemed every' Sunday was a family reunion. Marilyn was a lover of all people and always welcomed anyone with open amis, a big smile and a twinkle in her eye, Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her in-/a»s, Gordon and Lois McWhinney; her brothers-in-law. Chuck Meier, Frosty Jhomley, Sam Shriver and Russell McWfinney and sisters-in-law, Jennifer McWlinney, Judy McWhinney and Suzanne Verburg. Marilyn is survived by her husband. Bruce; daughters, Katie (Brad) Peter and Janine (Adair) Smith; grandchildren. Alex. Blake and Gtmden Peter and Gabby and Jack Smith; sisters. Dee (Erv) Gaskill, Sharon Broulcy, Linda Bristol, Barbara (Al) Palmer; bothers-in-law, Jerry (Elaine) McWhinney Marv (Patti) McWhinney, Richard Vcrburg and sister-in-law, Cheryl McWhinney, several special nieces, nephews and close friends. Caring for others was Marilyn’s passion. Therefore in lieu of flowers, donations can be made tq thc Middleville United Methodist Church Food Pantry*. The family would like to thank. Dr. Anita Asadorian, care manager Cori Leak and staff at Hastings Internal and Family Medicine for thc wonderful care that was provided to Marilyn. Per Marilyn’s wishes, a celebration of life Sandra Sue Gilbert, age 60. of Hastings, passed away on January' 29, 2021. She was bom on February 8, 1960 in Hastings, the daughter of Larry and Judith (Stadcl) Ralflcr. Sandra attended Lakewood High School. She worked for Hastings Mutual Insurance in lhe claims department. Sandra struggled with diabetes since she was a teenager. She loved to bake and would give away her creations. Sandra also loved crafting. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents. Larry and Judith Raffler and good friend and caregiver. Meridee Burgheoff. She is survived by her son. Christopher Gilbert; siblings. Greggory (/Xnncttc) Raffler, Patrick (Sali) Raffler. Karen (Phil) Schlachter; nieces. Kimberly. Brittany, Kristen. Karey and Katelyn, and nine great­ nieces and great-nephews. /X funeral service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 al 11 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior at Girrbach Funeral Home. 328 S. Broadway. Hastings, MI 49058. The funeral service will be streamed at www.facebook.com/GinbachFuneralHomc. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Hearings continue during pandemic Vonda Van Til Millie Affairs Specialist In March 2020, we c,osed ° of our Social Security Hearing D^es due to the coronavirus pandemic and are not offering in-person hearings. During 'hc ,ofricer sures, we are providin„ twofle»ibkl safc. d secure hearing option,. eilher » telephone hearing or our new option of »n online Vldi:<> hearing. * Additional information on b0,h of ,hc“ hearing options j, at ssa.gov/ npl^hearing_optiO1Xl W/iarare "nline vid , parin' ' , Onhne video hearingX ascc“rc internet, using a » Y°U havc ?"«•ca" Ling salel>' and securely from any ori. ho: «’i,h “ securc internet connect^ '/■"e P^ntera-enabled smartphone, tablet or "'g L l-ikc our teleph./'011’1’ L ‘’Plil’"' ,l": 945-4700 Stephen Elmer Bush passed away peacefully on January 14,2021. He was bom 7/9/1929 in Battle Creek, where he graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1947. Upon completing his studies at Michigan Slate University, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War which brought him to the Washington D.C. area. c While stationed at Ft. Myer. Steve began his involvement with Calvary Baptist Church where he met and married Bertha Jenkins. A year al Colorado State College and a Masters Degree in Counseling later, the couple returned to Washington DC and Steve started a new job as a science teacher and counselor for DC public schools. With the arrival of children and a move to Alexandria, Steve switched to a new career as a safety professional first working for Melpar Inc. throughout the 1960s before becoming the Library of Congress’s first safety officer in 1971. Retiring in 1996, Steve and Bertha stayed active devoting more time to grand kids and extended family, volunteer public service, as well as travel. In 2002 they downsized and moved from Alexandria to Winchester, V/X. As a member of the Sons of thc American Revolution and finding no local chapter in Winchester, Steve was instrumental in starting a new chapter, serving as president and enjoyed many more years as registrar helping prospective members document their • ancestry. In 2017 Steve and Bertha moved to Crozet in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, never shrinking from doing what was right and the gentle affirmation he brought lo many. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Sharkey; his wife, Bertha and all of his siblings. His memory' w ill be lovingly cherished by surviving children, Stephen Frederic Bush (Charlotte) of Williamsburg. Laura Smith (Bradley): son-in-law, Dan Sharkey of Fairfax,; grandchildren. Fiona and Anneliese Bush, Megan. Kylie, and Adam Smith, Luke, Reid, and Sam Sharkey, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. A memorial service will take place al Aldersgate Methodist Church in Alexandria. VA at a later date. In lieu flowers, donations in his name can be made to the DNC via Act Blue or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS and your representative attend the online v> Hastings 945-9541 Sandra Sue Gilbert^ will be held at a later date. Please visit www.bcelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Marilyn’s family- ion on worship seme is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches ov V . and these local businesses:_ _ _ _conduct free _ _ _platform _ _ hearings X" ' Hastings Stephen Elmer Bush online video hearing C heanbiK>t n«nda,0‘ ry- We will conduct onrP,iriL hi;ar,inSS "’e same way We condu " lnv hone and M,’pcr' son hearings. During Vclhefi.,he adn'"" tslrative law judge U®6 hcS in all hearing participants and L.*111 testimony. You will see the AU and ^^ti'e. ‘fone has been appointed. Other participants, such as vocational/medical experts and interpreters, will join by phone. What are the technology requirements to participate in an online video hearing? You and an appointed representative, if applicable, must have access to email and a personal computer, laptop, or Android/Applc tablet or mobile device with a secure and pri­ vate, high-speed Wi-Fi or cellular data con­ nection. The device must have a camera, microphone and speakers. If using a mobile device, you must download the free Microsoft Teams application. We will send yon a link to a user guide that explains how to access and use Microsoft Teams before the dale of an online video hear­ ing. Read our publication Online Video Hearings at the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-70- 10284.pdf for addi­ tional information. A short video about online video hearings is available at ssa.gov/appeals/ hcaring_video.html. Vonda Van Td is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525, or via email to vonda .vantil&ssu .gov. ‘Hearty’ fundraiser helps local volunteer center Scan Bradley Staff Writer Thc gift of a balloon and cookies is a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with someone important. And giving that gift helps the Barry County United Way continue a tradition of sustaining its volunteer center endowment fund - which financially supports lhe organization’s ability to provide volunteers throughout the community. This year’s event will provide pre­ ordered balloons and a bag of cookies for $5 each, which will be distributed Friday, Feb. 12. just before Valentine’s Day Feb. 14. “I think it can be a gift for anybody. It can be for anybody because it’s an acl of kindness.” said Emily Wasolaskus, a member of the Barry' County United Way Volunteer Center advisory board who participates in volunteer events the organization does throughout the year. ihis year s fundraiser - where people may pre-order at least one balloon - wil be held a bit differently than in past years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, two options for participation are offered: Pre­ ordered will have to be picked up at the Barry County Enrichment Center at 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. Pre-orders totaling more than S50 can be delivered within Barry County. Anyone who lives outside of Barry County who would like to pre-order balloons may do so between 8 a m. and 5 p.m. Feb. 10. Contact Morgan Johnson, director of outreach and community engagement at the Barry County United Way. For orders within Barry County, pre­ orders must be made by 5 p.m. Feb. 11. Balloons may be ordered by calling the 4010 C°Unty Un,led Way’ (269) 945‘ < i \ no ' ear’^K’ evcnt raises approximately voi^ . tO hv,P center conduct “It uennsevenl'’-Janson said Tuesday. Knni. /LS| 1° start to implement wcrenh i .nm*onal days of service we IF k *n PasL” she said. (ltbaH<x>ns - featuring a variety of from?? s*'aPes ~ ure usually donated cook; Dollar Tree store, while the from \Si*arV lrc'*My baked and have come different local sources in thc past. ,.c.y to do this because it was n h?g tO ^ghlen people’s spirits,” cou ,said' “lls » *«y ■’> sh”w Ban* . show^ ”aS *learl an^ ‘s “ wa-v We can • it as far as volunteers giving back to the immunity.” �_ Pa9-; 7 u4 baGk at thG columns on Iona In Me Hastings and TURNING back the PAGES A glimpse of the week’s news over the years Maple Valley News Feb. 4. 1986. She wrote: Today s column looks at this week in Nashville htstors The following excerpts have been gleaned from the "Nashville Ancient History­ column published in The Nashville News from near the turn ot the century into the 1930s. from historic features from the 1940s to 1960s and from various early issues of The News. Headlines stories and anecdotes from this week in local history' include: 1875 Another frigid, blustering snow­ storm has set in as we go shiveringly to press this 1 hursday morning ... Last Tuesday morn­ ing, the approved, legal thermometer reading on Main Street was 23 degrees below zero. 1876 — John Marshall of Maple Grove last week threshed 1340 bushels of wheat. He also finished husking his coni and finds that his large farm netted him over 2,000 bushels of this handy commodity. A nice winter, this, where threshing, husking and other farm work can go without interruption. 1877 — The Christian Church society. Several new phone listings on the cheered by the manner in which the cash is coming in. now announces its intention of Citizens exchange were published in The buying an 800-pound bell instead of lhe Nashville News in early February 1901. A 300-pounder originally proposed. Nobody has new keyboard had been installed in the yet volunteered to carry it up the ladder and central office, and manager J.C. Furniss hang it. announced he soon expected to hire an 1878 — Skunk pelts are selling up to $ 150 attendant to handle the switchboard. The for blacks and 75 cents lo $1 for spotted, and first office was above Liebhauser s drug hundreds are coming into the market locally. store and later moved to the second floor Jim Davis and Hank Heath have averaged of the old post office where this circa-1910 close to 20 a day since the first of the year. 1880 — Al lhe meeting of lhe village coun­ photo was taken. Operators were not cil Tuesday night, 39 indignant women, mem­ identified. bers of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, invaded the chambers and demanded that lhe village fathers look into the matter of wife, Mrs. Tuttle, E.M. Everts and Homer Downing went to Hastings lo be present at lhe the bakery' selling hard cider. President Killen assured lhe ladies in a loud voice that such roller-skating rink there. 1887 — J.L. Stevens has a hay press on the things, if they have been going on. would be road, which will arrive and be set up the fore stopped at once. 1881 — About 7 o’clock Monday night a part of next week. This is a new feature for fire was discovered in the McKelvey school­ Nashville and will undoubtedly be a great house, and several neighbors were at lhe benefit lo our farmers by improving the hay scene of the conflagration, bul the fire had market. 1888 — Undersheriff Philo A. Sheldon of gained such headway that nothing could be saved. The building was insured for $300. l he Hastings Monday night arrested Dr. J.T. district will hold a meeting at the church next Goucher of this village on a warrant charging Tuesday evening to make arrangements for him with attempting to rob the grave of Ed T. Branch, of Barry ville. accidentally shot and building a new house. [The McKelvey School was near the intersection of Assyria and killed recently while hunting. At lhe time of Bivens roads. The brick structure is now a the arrest, lhe doctor was quite sick, but he claims he will be able lo prove a clear alibi private residence.! 188-4- _ H.W. Flint and W.S. Winn have and that he would have met the affair squarely rented the agricultural room of thc Glasgow before this had he not been sick. (Note: The store and will operate a roller-skating nnk ... doctor was later convicted in a sensational Dr. H.A. Barber and wife. C.W. Smith and trial and sentenced to Jackson prison. A story on lhe trial was reprinted in the April 2,2015, Banner.) 1891 — While a few youngsters of the vil­ lage were skating on lhe pond a few rods above lhe dam Monday afternoon. Rye, the 9-year-old son of R.E. Williams, who was among them, skated into a hole in (he ice and would probably have drowned bul for the presence of Carl Weber, who jumped in and pulled him out just as he was going dow n lhe third time. The waler was 12-feel deep. 1899 — E.B. Pierce hits for sale a good cow, giving six quarts of extra-rich milk twice a day, and he will sell her for $25 cash or exchange for a good road horse and pay boot. 1900 — 30 members of the Anti-Gossip Society met Wednesday afternoon at lhe home of Mrs. Baird. It is not reported what they talked about. 1901 — Within recent weeks, the following new telephones have been added to lhe Citizens exchange: A.C. Buxton. No. 20; R. Townsend residence, No. 65; Dr. luiw, resi­ dence. No. 2 (four rings); Dr. Lathrop, resi­ dence. No. 70. Also, a new keyboard has been added al lhe central office, and manager Fumiss announced he expects soon to hire an attendant whose only duly will be to handle Entrepreneur F uary 1940i buying the switch so calls will be handled without Chicago m ea ' tioned merchandise to delay. 1902 — Nashville suffered one of the worst another load o u bargains- baCk to the bring ' hundp.drbaps Nashville's most col- fire losses in her history Wednesday night homefolks. Perba|Lw York-born Baker when her beautiful school building was totally destroyed by fire ... The building, erected in orful fne’c,1^age in 1883 and during his 1885, could not be duplicated today for less came to the vdlag® ed rous than $12,000. Total loss, with contents is esti­ half-century car ^Qted for hjS pen- mated at $15,000, of which $8,000 is covered Main Street l°ca 1 ks Baker frequently by insurance. chan* of the»race' b0Unced back 1906 — Representatives of the Abbott Voting Machine Co. of Hudson were in the went bankrupt ° in a new setting- In early Februa y 39, the Glasgow hardware in Nashville became the property of C.R. Plumbly of Hastings, when it was sold to settle the esl* Cassius L. Glasgow, (pictured in this 1916 photo with his staff, from left) bookkeeper Frieda Schulze Trim: tinsmith Earl Hotv and c,erk Henry Zuschnitt. Glasgow bought the store in 1881 from founder Charles Wolcott and three years later rented a po 10 0 'I for use as a roller-skating rink. The old wooden floor remained intact for the 100-plus years the building served as a hardware store. It was razed in 1977. village Tuesday ^h^jling some of their machines and incident'ly try ing to sell one lo the township. 19()7 — Much excitement was caused last Friday evening ty the Bismark store in Vermontville burning- lhe cause of the fire is unknown ... Kirk’s meat market came very near burning up Inst week, caused by [some­ one j throwing a cicar in a wooden cuspidor. 1908 — Barryville school closed Tuesday noon on account of the smallpox scare. 1909 — WJ. Licbhauscr is scraping the floor of the opera house with his new machine for that purpose and titling it up for roller skating. 1912 — The derailment of a car of coal in lhe middle of the freight train, which happened between Vermontville and Chester Sunday morning, held up thc trains for several hours. The accident was a fortunate one since no one was hurt, and thc only damage done aside from the delay of traffic was the spilling of the car of coal. 1924 — John Shields, who has been driving dray for C.A. Greenfield, has purchased a new truck and gone into business for himself. 1925 — The localhigh school eagers lost lo Hastings, 32-23, Fqiay night, but thc girls beat the county -seattoJerts. 1928 — Nashville High School had just and a few things from lhe second floor. Through the activity of the group of Nashville three all-A students for the first semester. They were Genevieve Hafner. 12th grade; men and trucks, Mrs. Snow and her tour chil­ Georgia Bassett. 10th; and Patricia McNitt. dren living at home were comfortably housed ninth grade that same day in the Sherman Street house ol 1930 — The Try-Me Bottling Company just west of L.W. Feighner’s. will move its plant from Battle Creek in the 1939 — The Glasgow hardware has been spring, locating in lhe Quick building on sold by 11.D. Wotring.executor of lhe Glasgow South Main Street. The Barber Bros, garage is estate, to C.H. Plumbly of Hastings, who took mov ing from that building into the McLaughlin possession Feb. 2. Block on North Main Street, using the north 1940 — Fred G. Baker is in Chicago buy­ half of lhe double building for a salesroom ing merchandise and will have 1.000 cans, and locating Fred Fisher’s Ford service bottles and packages of fresh groceries to sell department and repair garage in the south extra reasonable Friday and Saturday and half. hundreds of other bargains in a little of every­ 1931 — About 170 men of lhe community thing. gathered at the Evangelical church Monday 1949 — For lhe first lime since 1941. evening for a banquet, after which a new orga­ Nashville’s election this spring will be a con­ nization to be know n as The Brotherhood was tested affair. In response to the request of formed. They are to have a dinner meeting lhe delegations of voters. Village Clerk Colin T. first Monday of each month. Munro has issued a call for an Independent 1933 — Five men from the stale highway caucus and a Prohibition party caucus as well department have been here for several days, as lhe usual Republican caucus. making needful repairs on lhe North Main 1951 — Robert Fisher, newly appointed civil defense director for Nashville, together Street bridge. 1934 — A fire, evidently caused by a defec­ with key personnel of lhe partially set-up vil­ tive flue, badly gutted the home of Mrs. lage defense organization, will attend a state Christina Snow and family Saturday morning. 1 meeting in East Lansing ui discuss civil All the contents of the lower floor were saved defense policies, procedures and problems. J^ewborn babies Olhia Rae Snider, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January’ 6, 2021 to Alexis Snider and Kyle Snider of Hastings. ***** Gracclynn Lou Renee Struble, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January’ II, 2021 to Ashley Sweet and Darrel Struble ol Mulliken. ***** Gabriela Michelle Quero, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 11. 2021 to Brittany Krol and Joseph Queroof Hastings. ♦♦♦•* Hooks to celebrate 60th wedding anniversary Haven Lynne Herrera, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 12, 2021 to Brooklyn Herrera and Alex Herrera of Middleville. ***** Harper Sue Higgs, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 16, 2021 lo Kristina Michele Higgs and Michael Robert Higgs of Hastings. ♦♦♦♦* Timothy Austin Gerald Powers, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 20. 2021 to Shanae Powers of Delton. or NEWSPAPER CARRIERS! The family of Ron and Peggy Hook is requesting a card shower in honor of the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary. They were married Feb. 4, 1961. Cards of congratulations can be sent to 7446 Waller’s Rd., Delton, Ml 49046. MUST HAVERELIABLETRANSPORTATION AVAILA B LE IN BAR Fl Y COUNTY ! • Paid Weekly • [ MUST APPLY IN PERSON AT OUR HASTINGS OFFICE j 1351 N. M-43 Highway K. A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING ..... —-- -----221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com power outages with a Generac home standt REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-3780097 EDEE rtXEE Ottw AM95VAhMl 15- 2020 Mw«.h V 2021 S|M<U) financing AtaiUbk MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed .Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain ‘•L’-1'41*' BRADFORD Will IE WATER Same Day InMallatiou KSSm Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-511=—tgjfew �Highpoint Commuhiv Bank offerjng education scholarship Elaine Garlock nl Facebook posting had pictures A !♦ pr rvsWenl Helen Richmond with a ''! cake topped with candles for numbers i I? What a remarkable age to reach. She 1 ,jcutee of Lake Odessa Canning and i?Vredcccssors, chiefly Twin City Foods. She li'^ :U lhe c°mcr of Fourth Avenue and । uncoon Street in her later years after her children were grown. She lives in eastern Michigan to be near her daughter Marge \\ iMiC'ki. 1 ler younger sons are Ronald and John Richmond. Last week we spotted a new store-wide sign above the windows of Meyers Bakery and Beancry. The light-blue sign has logos of the sponsors of a recent competition for the best doughnuts in Michigan. Publicity sure helps. The shop is busy most of thc time, with customers buying not only those great doughnuts and a cup of coffee (many choices), but also their other baked goos. Some of their good also are sold at local grocery stores. The Red Cross will be in town Monday, I ch. 8. a! Fellowship Hall on Fourth Avenue with hours from noon to 5:45 p.m. Some donors are able to give double Reds which means w ithdrawal of twice as much blood but with only thc red cells extracted and thc rest given back to the donor. The shell of thc burned house on Fourth Avenue in the 1300 block was razed Monday along with the retaining wall near the front sidewalk. Many of today’s adults will likely lament the loss of this item they remember from their childhood of w alking atop the long north wall and the short south wall. Some tykes would hold thc hands of an adult as they walked along the wall. It was a big day when one could walk thc distance alone. It was still a bigger mark of passage when one could venture to make a big leap across (he span of the gap for thc short walk and set of steps to an upper walk to the front steps of the house. Central had as its soloist Sunday Carol Reiser of Hastings. The church has resumed Sunday school classes before the 10:30 a.m. service. The worship and Fellowship and Caring committees are at work on plans for die coming months with Lent and Easter in the near future. Lakewood schools canceled classes on Monday due to road conditions; Therefore, Manna's Market and other places were closed for thc day. <. Marriage « 269-945-9554 \ licenses Jfor Hastings Banner ads April Victoria Levesque, Plainwell and Taylor James Boreham, Plainwell Brandon Lee Ream, Rockford and Leesa Mae Wagers. Middleville NOTICE: SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 4 citizen at large Mental Health Authority: 5 citizen at large: 1 must include primary consumer; 1 must be primary consumer or family member Tax Allocation: 1 citizen at large Planning Commission: 2 citizen at large Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 citizen at large i; Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3r<^ floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycouty.org under the tab: How do I apply for: A position on an Advisory Board or Commission and click on apply; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1,2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. 154639 CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 595 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 595: TO AMEND ARTICLE 90 - VI, DIVISION 90 - VI - 14 D1 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, BY AMENDING SECTION 90-553 (F). wason adopted by of the City Council mPpt ing the 25th January 2021.of the City of Hastinqs 9 at a reaular 9 meet A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk .CityAM Hall, through Friday,al8:00 to201 5:00East PM.State Street, Hastings Monday y Jane M. Saurman City Clerk 154811 u CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 594 Highpoint Conin,, . nLnk will oaward a scholarship to a hjg|| W ' senjor accepted into a post-secondan i deation program in finance or a finance.?.,”"Vfi-ld. Tlie $ I,(XX) pc, j alL .|1(,lanliip may be awarded up to four J,'' Sr. total of S4.(XX). To qualify, a M '• be a Michigan resident attending fU|| . . r ] 2 or more credit hours), maintaining , /'''mlaiive grade point average of 3.0 <)r hi d t)C pursuing a certificate, associMe^'^dor’s degree. The degree pro must be financerelated and rnay include business administration, economics, accounting or similar area of study. Funds will be paid directly to lhc c°Hegc or university for credit to thal individual’s tuition expense for the following semester Additionally, the student must show promise and leadership qualities. Applications, accompanied by a letter of recommendation, must be received by Friday, March 26. Students in thc following school districts may apply: Barry' County Christian. Bellevue Community, Caledonia Community. Delton Kellogg, Hastings Area, Marshall Public, Maple Valley, Thomapple Kellogg and Wayland Union schools. “Wc arc proud to be lhe financial partner for the KickStart to Career program and are committed to providing financial literacy to our school districts.” HCB Marketing Director Nancy Goodin said. “This scholarship is a continued commitment to helping students in our service area succeed with post-secondary education. We are aligning with the KickStart program by offering this scholarship to a student pursuing a certificate, associate’s degree or enrolling in a four-year program.” The application for thc scholarship can be found on the bank's website, highpointcommunitybank.com. few videos may help in recognizing, reporting elder abuse A new series of training videos from Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force, recently released on YouTube, may help to raise awareness in how to recognize, report and prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. While the videos are geared to in-home caregivers for older and vulnerable adults, the 11 short sessions may be helpful to anyone who is concerned about the well-being of this vulnerable population, state Attorney General Dana Nessel said. Thc sessions arc between 3- and 7-minutcs long. Topics include person-centered support, recognizing and understanding stressors, conflict resolution, signs of abuse, and more. “These training modules are an educational opportunity not just for those who are caregivers, but for anyone who is committed to ensuring our senior population is protected,” Nessel said. “I am grateful to the task force’s training and education committee - which includes individuals from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for their hard work on these important training tools." The videos may be viewed at mi.gov/ eldcrabuse in the Elder Abuse Task Force Committees section, under the “Resources” subhead. The task force was launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 organizations from the public, private and nonprofit sectors working to combat elder abuse. The task force is working on nine initiatives, including thc adoption of a standard investigation form for vulnerable adult investigation by law enforCement across the state, which includes the impknientalion of related trainings. In addition the vu,ncrab,c adult incident report and associa‘cd trainings, legislation has been passed to c”sure niandalcd reporting for financial in$iHutions on suspected fraud or excitation. Legislation also has been drafted to -udress the remainder of thc initiatives. □ .r-innpd being lhe duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, The unanFSdoes hereby certify that ............... ‘ Michigan‘ ^oniNANCE NO. 594: TO ADD THE DEFINITION OF COMMERCIAL 0^nNAL FACILITIES TO SECTION 90-1 AND AMEND SECTION fi IMINATING CURRENT SUBSECTION (d) AND REPLACE on-472 BY ADDING COMMERCIAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SECTION 90-483 BY ELIMINATING SUBSECTION (b). . .. u,e city Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on 'ted -Ln/ 2021. ..................... of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City _nlete COP1?, °oni East Fast State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 A cothP' ity Hall, <^i Jane M. Saurman AM’05' City Clerk ! 5-181° I /^Doctor Universe Gliding to get away Dr. Universe: Do flying squirrels really fly ? squirrels eat a lot of mushrooms and fles. and then pass them through their Gwendolyn. 9 live system,’’ Wilson said. . • Flying squirrels help spread the turn­ Dear Gwendolyn, around the forest through their, well. PtX>P' Flying squirrels may not really fly, but As new fungi grow, they suck up nutrients they do have flaps of skin on their bodies from the soil and pass on thorc nutrients to that act like parachutes and help them glide trees. In exchange, the trees give fungi some through the air. My friend Todd Wilson told me all about sugars that help thc fungi grow. While flying squirrels play a big part in it. He’s a wildlife biologist with the U.S. our forests, we rarely see them during the Forest Service in Oregon and graduate of day. They are nocturnal. or active at night. Washington State University who research­ es Pacific Northwest ecosystems and the But sometimes we can hear them. They are pretty quiet compared to other animals that call them home - including squirrels, hut they occasionally make a clut­ flying squirrels. tering sound as they meet up with other When flying squirrels arc trying to avoid flying squirrels. We sometimes hear a big predators, like weasels, sometimes they will slap when they land on a tree. After all. run to the top of a tree. The weasel might there’s a lot of power and speed in that think the flying squirrel has nowhere else to glide. run. Thai’s when lhe flying squirrel makes When flying squirrels glide during the its move. night, they may pass other nocturnal neigh­ “Thc flying squirrel can just take off and bors in thc sky. such as bats. glide,” Wilson said. “When they launch Of all the thousands of mammal species themselves from a tree, they can actually go on our planets, bats are the only mammals quite a ways out. but they’re not actually that can truly fly. flying." You know, the living things in lhe forest Depending on the tree, flying squirrels are linked together in important ways. They can sometimes glide for hundreds of feet. need each other to live and grow. Humans As they glide, they can use their tails to steer also play a big part in our forest ecosystems. around and between trees. Can you think of ways humans are connect­ Flying squirrels are nol only amazing to ed to lhe forest? Maybe you can even find watch, but they also play an important part some connections between you and a flying in forest ecosystems. squirrel. Share your answers and ideas with While other tree squirrels cat a lol of nuts us some time at Dr.UniverseC4wsu.edu. or seeds from tree cones, a big part of a flying squirrel’s diet is something different. Dr. Universe They cal an organism called fungi that live under the soil. Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. “Flying squirrels eat lhe fruits of lhe Send an email to Washington State fungi in the forest - if the fruit is above University’s resident scientist and writer ground, it is called a mushroom. If lhe fniit at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ is below ground, we call it a truffle. Flying site, askdruni verse.com. J Financial FOC Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Brandon Wilkins Financial Advisor Member SI PC Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 307 E Green St, Sts. 1 423 N. Main St Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2003 Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 With ultra-low rates, should you still invest in bonds? If you’ve been investing for many \ears and you’ve owned bonds, you’ve seen some pretty big changes on your financial statements. In 2000, die average yield on a 10-} ear U.S. Treasury security was about 6%; in 2010, it liad dropped lo slightly over 3%, and for most of 2020. it was less Ilian 10 k Thai’s an enormous diflervnee. and it may lead you to this question: Willi y ields so lowon bonds, why should you even consider them? Of course, while die 10-jear Treasury note is an important benchmark, it doesn’t represent the returns on any bonds you could purchase. Typically, lon­ ger-term bonds, such as those dial mature in 20 or 30 years, pay higher rates lo account for inflation and to reward you for locking up your money for many years. But the same downward trend can be seen in these lon­ ger-term bonds, - in 2020, the arcrage 30-year Treasury bcind yield was only sliglitly above i.5%. Among other things, diese numbers mean that inrcstois of 10 or 20 years ago could have gotten some reasotkibly good income from investment-grade bonds. But today, die picture is different (Higher-yield bonds sometimes known as “junk" hinds, can oiler more income but Ginry a higher risk of default.) Nonetheless, while rates are low now, you may be able to em­ ploy a strategy that can help you in any interest-rale environment You can build a bond “ladder” of individual bonds that mature on different dates. When market interest rates arc low, you’ll still have your longer-term bonds earning higher yields (and long­ term yields, while fluctuating, are expected to rise in the future). When interest rates rise, your maturing bonds can be reinvest­ ed at these new, higher levels. Be sure you evaluate whether a bond ladder and lhe securities held within it are consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial circum­ stances. Furthermore, kinds can pro­ vide you with other benefits. For one thing, they can help diversify your portfolio, especially if it’s heavily weighted toward stocks. Also, stock and bond prices of­ ten (although nol always) move in opposite directions, so if the stock market goes through a down period, tlie value of your bonds may rise. And kmds are usually less volatile than stocks, so they can have a “calming" effect on your portfolio. Plus, if you hold your bonds until matu­ rity, you will get your entire prin­ cipal back (providing the bond issuer doesn’t default, which is generally unlikely if you own in­ vestment-grade bonds), so bond ownership gives you a chance to preserve capital while still investing. But if lhe primary reason you have owned bonds is because of tlie income they offer, you may have to look elsewhere during periods of ultra-low interest rates. For example, you could invest in dividend-paying stocks. Some stocks have long track records of increasing dividends, year af­ ter year, giving you a potential source of rising income. (Keep in mind, though, that dividends can be increased, decreased or elim­ inated at any lime.) Be aware, though, that stocks are subject lo greater risks and market move­ ments than kinds. Ultimately, while kinds may not provide lhe income they did a few years ago. they can have a place in a long-term investment strategy. Consider how they might fit into yours. This article was w rilten hy Ed­ ward Jones for uw hyyour load Edward Jones Financial. Idvisur Edward Jones. Member S1PC Before investing in bond*, you should understand tl'.e risks in­ volved, including credit ri>k and market risk. Bond investments are also subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, lhe prices of bonds can de­ crease, and tlie investor can lose principal value if lhe investment is sold prior lo maturity. Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads �,-ry4'2^' State unempio •ynient website goes rioWn Bridge Mnga7jnc The Michigan government webd. jobless workers to fi|c and Cert’e Us<M by Mopped working on Monday on» i C,ainis the state emailed long-term unere workers directions on how to ,', mP,oycd benefits. ■ Cnd their Instead of being allowed to accounts or certify that their laVoft' reaclivatc workers were met with a blank* \Conlini,c, Iried to navigate froin dle y Crxx‘n ns they Insurance Agency system into known as MILogin, run by tbn n inc system Technology, Management e,u (DTMB). H and Budget ••MiLogin is experiencing slow* causing many users the inabilhv ? tcx,ay said Caleb Buhs, spokesman t° connecl-” Ibe issue started MS" DTMB. 5:30 pjn. no cause had been iX"r by undetermined was when it win AIso ^ntanywor^wemsh;*"^^- ““"“gh Pure Michigtm Talent Connect. h i, • *,V| ______________ _ hv th ? s>s,ems also were affected 1 s>s,em issues, “but not to the level /J1*?’ ce^ by unemployment customers.” 579 C-n<’ Janua,y» UIA was paying • ’ ‘,cl’Vc unemployment claims. Unclear s now many others remain eligible, but hav­ en t yet gotten into thc system. Jason Moon, spokesman for I HA, said peo­ ple who’ve already filed or certified their continuing unemployment should still see their money on the regular schedule. ..“Sd. ' ‘ <*f p ” j '’i pay­ ments,” Sl,,|UjpPen'-‘d Ic. . The slowd0*, sdit by ‘ onc dny after emails (5 th filing |Ong. lfm, jobless ex,Cn^y now may qualify for ,|,cir p:iiie ••We upprcciat ca M(x>n said of the jobless * . tbe n system problem. 'speed ,S0( 'will be up and running at f Kfifs lhey’n,‘lni,.eVcr>one will receive the l^1 > * entitled to.- Banner CLASSIFIEDS 5-9554 CALL... The Hastings BANNER * i’i:|,l'sl|wsjwrKTr cause is known, we will be ihi . °"CC <he “ Whilef0(rhree,Urninf! SCrvicc to noST “ D™BJtfX“y7yT;fTIWi,h with the Michigan Unemployment lP1p ain,s lems - indudmg massive fraud attempts that delayed benefits payments to jobless workers during the pandemic. The system was crushed with applicants starting in March as coronavinjs-related layoffs began. UIA said 3.L. million people filed claims during the pandemic, with $28.1 billion paid out. Many ot the people who waited months for payments as UIA was overwhelmed with applicants now- find themselves wondering once again if their next payments could be in jeopardy. “I’ve been trying to get in since 9:30 this morning. This is ridiculous,” wrote Mary Cruickshank-Peed of Calumet on the DTMBs Facebook page shortly after 4:30 p.m. She’d been trying to help her son, an unemployed chef, obtain his benefits. She later said he got through at about 7:30 p.m. “This is unprofessional,”she said. •’They’ve had a month to deal with this.” Jobless benefits expired on December 26. along with thc federal CARES ACT for work­ ers who filed under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program or who’d exhausted their extended benefits. However, under the Continued Assistance Act, federal funding was approved to extend both programs. As part of that law, an addi­ tional $300 will be added to weekly benefits for payouts from January through March 14. Michigan started signups for extended ben­ efits and PUA claims - which include part­ time, self-employed and gig workers - in mid-January. At that time, lhe UIA announced that it was “still in lhe process of programming new sys­ tem changes necessary to begin additional payments ... Tlie target date to complete these changes for the remaining PEUC and PU/X claimants is Jan. 30,2021.” Unclear is whether those changes arc relat­ ed to lhe slowdowns in the DTMB system, which also services other programs for the public, including renewing vehicle registra­ tions, registering for the MI Bridges food assistance program and searching for a job Donors sought for upcoming blood drives The American Red Cross typically has a tough time keeping thc blood supply strong during the winter months when inclement weather and seasonal illnesses can affect donors. . The pandemic continues to add another challenge to maintaining a sufficient blood supply for the community, Todd Kulman, ARC external communications manager, said. Tlie Red Cross is urging healthy people to make appointments to give blood or platelets. To show appreciation for helptng ensure a stable blood supply, those who visit to gtve bk»d in February will recetve a $5 Amazon, biooo m email, courtesy of Amazon. “lS Wood donation opportunities through mid-Febntary inctode: Thursday. Fb. Presbyterian Cnurcn, N M Rr( Highway> Hastings _ noon-5:45 p.m., Central Monday, Feb. 8 Fourth Ayc United Methodist Churcn, Uke Odessa Tuesday, Fe&. Martin Christian 118th Ave., Martin noOn-5:I5 p.m., East formecj Church, 510 ~ ajn.-5:i5 Wednesday, f\VaVland,411 Superior p.m.,UnitedChurvhofWaylan . > St., Wayland H ajn.-4:45 p.m., St. Monday, Feb. 13 ' Rorja Road, Delton Ambrose Church,» drive and donation Each Red Cross bl stalldards of safety center follows the n'b and additional and infection co ^^rature checks, precautions - »iclu“ facC coverings for social distancing implemented to donors and staff" .(h of all those in help protect the n attendance. 5g made ahead o ime Anoointments may or plasma by to A^‘ blood, p^'^ss Blood Donor Ca"‘,,g downloading App, visiting 800-RED CRObS ^,733-2767). business Services lor Sale MATT F.NDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckeLs, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. FOR SALE- YARD MA­ CHINE by MTD SNOW­ BLOWER, 5 hp, 22" cut, 2 stage, self propelled, $325 OBO. Call 269-838-3245 BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish removal. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. irtrnlicm. ।itatui, or iff 1 HASTINGS BANNER SUB­ SCRIPTIONS arc available for $52 per year in Barry County; $60 per year in ad­ joining counties; $65 per year elsewhere. Call (269) 945­ 9554. f° rr.•4•r, ** ChiMrtn under cuiak 7 7*R*® anJ Vfiikr ,s . irr 3'1’ rcixyt 7* informed Out all °ppurtunity 1* fphwe narnt*f lhe be-»r'nS "N^rtd (1 Max 927-9275 LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S TRUST In the matter of Lois Juno Wilson Kidder Senior Legacy Trust. Date of birth: November 20, 1932. TO ALL CREDITORS. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Lois Juno Kidder, died January 7, 2021, leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Patti Jo Sinclair, Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: February 2, 2021 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street. Ste. A Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Patti Jo Sinclair c/o Rhoades McKee PC. 150 W. Court Street. Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 154849 (269)945-1921 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE ALE NO. 20-28671-DE Estate of Michael L Laster. Deceased. Date of birth: 1/25/1962 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Michael L Laster, who lived at 511 Arthur Court. Middleville, Michigan died April 20.2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all daims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Candy S. Laster, named personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302. Hastings. Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months alter the date of publication of this notice. Date: January 28, 2021 Henry R. Smitter P20723 950 28th Street SE. Ste. 206A Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 616-459-3418 Candy S. Laster 511 Arthur Court Middleville, Ml 49333 616-272-0154 154823 STATE OF MICHIGAN 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE OF HEARING TO IDENTIFY FATHER AND DETERMINE OR TERMINATE HIS RIGHTS FILE NO. 20-3320-AF In the matter of Carly Joann Rugg a/k/a Carley Joann Rugg, adoptee. TO: Franklin D. Vergeson III TAKE NOTICE. On 02/24/2021 (via Zoom) at 1:45 p.m., in the Barry County Probate courtroom. 206 W. Court Street, Ste 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 (contact Court at 269-945-1390 for Zoom Instructions) before William M. Doherty, Barry County Probate Judge, a hearing will be held to determine the Identity ol the father of the child named above who was bom 01/16/2016 at Lansing. Ingham County. Michigan to Melinda Sue Rugg who has signed or intends to sign a release or consent permanently giving up her parental rights to the child. At the hearing the rights of the father shall be determined or terminated. YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THIS HEARING SHALL CONSTITUTE A DENIAL OF YOUR INTEREST IN THE CUSTODY OF THE CHILD, WHICH SHALL RESULT IN THE COURTS TERMINATION OF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS TO THE CHILD. If you choose to attend this hearing and you require special accommodations to use the court because of a disability or If you require a foreign language interpreter to help you fully participate In court proceedings, please contact the court immediately to make arrangements Date: January 27, 2021 Stephanie S. Fekkes (P43549) 150 W. Court Street. Ste. A Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Claudia Rose • Deputy Clerk 154808 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS FILE NO. N/A In the matter of Jenrings G. and Nancy J. Heilig Trust. Date of birth 07/01/1932 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The decedent. Jennings G. Heilig. died 10/16/2020 There is no personal representative of trio decedent’s estate to whom Letters of Authority have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the trust wifjbe forever barred unless presented to Deborah L Heilig Trustee of lhe Jennings G and Nancy J Heilg Trust, under a Trust Agreement Dated January 20. 2000, as amended and restated, within, 4 months ater the date of publication ol this notice Date: 02/02/2021 Miller Johnson - Teresa L. Rajala P83305 100 West Michigan Ave , Suite 200 Kalamazoo. Ml 49007 269-226-2978 Deborah L Heilig 10173 E. Danbury Place 154873 Tucson. AZ 85748 NOTICE Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of lhe revised jjdicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, al a public auction sale to tho highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at tho place of holding the Circuit Court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on February 11, 2021. Tho amount duo on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to tree and clear ownership of tho property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Gordon L Mitchell, a Single Man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Quicken Loans. LLC Date of Mortgage: August 31. 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 8, 2017 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $85,209 19 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated In the Township of Barry. Barry County. Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the West half of the Southwest quarter of Section 36. Town 1 North. Range 9 West, thence West 40 rods (660) to the place of beginning of this description; thence South 12 rods (198); thence West 12 rods; thence North 12 rods; thence East 12 rods to the place of beginning. Commonly Known as: 1925 Sheffield Rd, Hickory Comers. Ml 49060 The redemption period shall be 6 monl^s from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 324ia, |n which case the redemption period shall bo 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon tho expiration of the notice required by MCL 600 32418(c). whichever is |atQr; or un(0SS MCL 600.3240(16) appl'J* 11 «to property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 Of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961. under MCL 600 3278 tho borrower will be hold rc5^s’ble to the person’who buys the property at the ^gage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage bolder rdamaging the property during the redemption P6™*- Attention Purchaser This sale may bo ,e^edi by the foreclosing mortgagee for any in evont damages, if any. shall rted solely to the return of tho bid amount tender®®®’plus |ntorost Qnd tho purchaser shall have no Mhor recourse against lhe Mortgagor, lhe Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Attention hem ’ If you afe a mj|ltafy service member on W if your period of active duty has concluded^ 1han days Qgo If you have ordered ,0.a,.,c|OSL^y> pleaso contact the attorney tor the party the mortgage at the telephone number sta» q JJ*3 notice. This notice Is from a debt collet p c 9 °l notice: 1/14/2021 Potestivo & Associate* • 25l Diversion Street, Rochester, Ml 48307 240 0 <400 313851 (01-14)(02-04) The Hastings Banner — Thursday, Febru- STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. AND JUDGE 2128719-NC WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P14960 Court Address - 206 W Court Street, Sutie 302 Hastings. Ml 490S8 Court Telephone No 269-945-1390 In tho matter ol Preston Charles Walsh TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest In the matter may be barred or affected by the following TAKE NOTICE A hearing wilt bo held on 2/24/2021 2.15 p m. at 206 W. Court Street. Su-te 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M Doherty to change the name of Preston Charles Walsh to Preston Charles Rugg. 154821 Notice of Foreclosure W 3212 Notice is given undor sectio MCL b judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA forc’d05 3212a of that the following mortgago r bidder sale of tho mortgaged pr°rnj50’’’h/» nighcst nn them, at a pubhc auction sale to 0( hei for cash or cashier’s check at lhefaft»rt9 Pr° Junt tho circuit court in Barry Count/. orri . at 1 00 PM. on February H. on th® duo on the mortgage may bo greaI ‘ joes ‘ sale Placing tho highest bid at the automatically entitle the purchaser to ,s ownership of tho property. A potentia encouraged to contact ttw county re9,5f of wbich office or a title insurance company, e't • may charge a foe for this information. RymgtonNamo(s) of the mortgagors) Mtohaei r. a single man gloctronic Original Mortgagee Mortgage for le^r • Registration Systems. Inc. as nominee and a lender icnaer s successors Guccnssors and/or assigns PoHfolio Foreclosing Assignee (if any). Soled r Servicing. Inc. Date of Mortgage December 19. 2007 7 Date of Mortgage Recording December 20.^ Amount claimed due on date of notice: S48.692. < Description cf the mortgaged premises Situate in Township of Hope. Barry County. Michigan- aJY • described as: COM W 1/4 POST SEC 32 T2N T9/V. TH S 88 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 08 SECONDS E 918 52 FT TO POB, TH S 3 DEGREES 29 MINUTES 14 SECONDS WEST 249.14 FT. TH S 08 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 06 SECONDS E 522.88 FT. TH N 01 DEGREE 44 MINUTES 04 SECONDS E 213.23. TH N 88 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 03 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice Is given under iection 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to tho highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court In Barry County, starting promptly at 1 00 PM. on February 18, 2021. The amount duo on tho mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing tho highest bid at the sale doos not automatically entitle tho purchaser to free and dear ownership of SECONDS W 401 48 TO POB Common street address (if any)- 9595 S M 43 tho property A potential purchaser is encouraged to Hwy, Delton. Ml 49046-7663 contact tho county register of deeds office or a title The redemption period sha.1 bo 1 year from the insurance company, either ol which may charge a foo for this information: date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in Name(s) of tho mortgagor(s): Daniel J. Curtis, a accordance with MCL 600.3241a single man If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Express, Inc. Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1951 Foreclosing Assignee (if any); U.S. Bank National pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be held Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as responsible lo the person who buys tho property at Trustee of the New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage’ 2020-NPL2 holder for damaging the property during the Date of Mortgage: August 27,2003 redemption period * Date of Mortgage Recording; September 5, 2003 Attention homeowner- if you are a military service ’ Amount claimed duo on date of notice: S69.720 27 member on active duty, if your period of active duty • Description ol tho mortgaged premises: Situated has concluded less than 90 days ago. or if you have m Village of Middleville, Barry County. Michigan, been ordered to active duty, p’ease contact the and described as: Lot 5 of Block 61 of tho Village of attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the ' Middlovillo, according to tho recorded plat thereof, as telephone number stated in this notice. recorded in Liber 1 of Plats. Page 27. This notice is from a debt co'tector. Common street address (if any). 311 Russell St. Date of notice: January 14,2021 Middleville, Ml 49333-8390 Trott Law. PC. The redemption period shall bo 6 months from the 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or. i! the subject (248) 642-2515 real property is used lor agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). 1427911 ;ll tho property is so'.d at foreclosure sale under (0t-14)(02-O4) 153976 Chapter 32 ol the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 tho borrower will bo he'.d responsible to tho person who buys tho property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder NOTICE OF VIRTUAWELECTRONIC MEETING for damaging the property during tho redemption NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY period Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Attention homeowner: If you aro a military service Commission w.ii conduct a publ.c hearing lor the following: member on active duty, if your period of active duty Caw Number. SP-1-2021- Trevor & Windy has concluded less than 90 days ago. or if you have Patman (Property Owners) been ordered lo active duty, please contact lhe . Location: 11122 Curds Hoad, BeVcvue. in Section 12 ol attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the. Assyria Township. telephone number stated In this notice Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to operate a This notice is from a debt collector. Kenne//Dog Training Facility pursuant to Article 23. Section Date of notice. January 21, 2021 2343 in the A (Agriculture) zoning d strict. Caso Number: SP-2-2021 - Alan A Jessica Trott Law. PC Endsley (Property Owners) 31440 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 145 Location: 1800 Maple Grove Road, Hastings, in Section Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 21 of Baltimore Township. (248)642-2515 Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to operate a Contractor's Facil.ty pursuant to Article 23, Section 2319 in the 1428310 (0t-21)(02-11) 154324 Attention homeowner: If you aro 0 military service member on active duty, If your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or If you have been ordered to active duty, pleaso contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at tho telephone number stated In this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that lhe following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at lhe place ol holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on FEBRUARY 18 2021 The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on tho day of the sale. Placing tho highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle tho purchaser to free and clear ownershtp of tho property. A Dotontial purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds oftice or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a foe for this RR (Rural Residential) zoning district In accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) recent COVID Emergency Order and In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, as amended, the regular meeting of the Barry County Planning Commission scheduled for February 22, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. will bo conducted electronically YliZoom. Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the appeal or wishing to provide public comment at this virtual meeting may do so by virtually attending the meeting va Zoom, by mail to Planning & Zoning, 220 West State Street. Hastings Ml 49058. by fax to (269) 948-4820, or by ema I to: Planning . The special use app’icabons are available for pub!:c inspection * at thc Barry County Planning & Zoning Department, . 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours cf 8 a.m. to S p m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. dp 5Q vl.l Zoom; Topic Planning Commission Meeting 02-22-2021 Time: February 22. 202107.00 PM Eastern Time (US and inf<rwauJn has been made in tho conditions of a mortgage mado by Mitchell Dahms and Rose Dahms9 husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and Sers successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee dated Canada) Join Zoom Meeting httos/Zroom us7i/38647045S2?Dwd=tlBaOOxOetahSifeU UJwV2PlY2FrdiQ9 October 15 2003 and recorded November 6 20031 m » Number 1117167 Barry County Records, M,S Said mortgage is now held by Gbbank. m ? Sm as individual capacity, but solely as owne .N,AJ n the New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust S 2 I assig"ment. There Is corned to be due Meeting ID 386 4704552 Passcode. 1234 One tap mobile ♦ 13126266799.,3864704552».../1234l» US(ChCjgo) ♦ 19292056099..3S64701552M....* 12344 US (New York) 2020 z. oy y . Forty-Three Thousand ■8t ^~dTe«n and 7?/”oo Mars (S43.607.71) Unde?me £>wer of sale conlained In said mortgage D>albyyour location ,nd the s-atute In such case mado and provded^ ♦1312 626 6799 us (Chicago) SaS, ♦1929 205 6099 US (New York) hereby given that said mortgage will be ♦1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) k0«s^^mpS s ♦1346 248 7 799 US (Houston) ♦1669900 6833 US (San Jose) Sg^ed-cut court w.thin toqr County. Michigan ^^PMonFEBRUARn^l. ♦1253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) JSJ.^^Xt.andaredescnbed Meeting ID; 386 470 4552 pjsirede 1234 Find your locol number: httpsi/Zroom u$/y/^4y0^^^ MBEG'wN%Aw^a^<:°”L^°ENy°^sLHIP' OF SECTION12.T4N.R8W wH|CH |g N0RJH BARRY COUNTY MICHIGAN^ CORN£R thenCE 143 FE^LFur°Mr>TBTH ALONG SAID WEST LINE 236 CONTINUING NORTHAIO ANGLES T0 SAID renrothe pointbeopwno.^ 6590 Tlschor Road La e g months from tho The redemption sdt):afTn:ned abandoned in d3tG of such 3241a. in which case accordance with MCLA 9 f(wn thg “he redemption period shall w [Phone controls ter participants: TbefotoMW t commands can be entered via DTMF tones us>n<j phone's dial pad ^hi'.e in a Zoom meeting: *6 * ^313 mute/unmute hand] This notice is grwn pursuant to and fo accordant * provisions of the Open Meetings Act (Pub'< Ad 257 of w/vi as amended. Ind. Viduols with dtsjb'lities requiring au»i Jrii services should contact the County ty *r P Michael Brown, County Administrator. Ba'H/ *Y , Courthouse, 220 W State St, Hastings. Ml49053;26» » 1284. mbrown g) bjfrvcountv of g. of such sale foreclosure sale, pursuant to If the proper's:wil| be held responsible For further information, please contact iU,rY C°Planning & Zoning at (269) 945 1290. n. Pamela A Pa.*mer. Barry County Ctert »*“ 154033 F,rm Add"^ W50 West B g Beaver Road. Troy Ml 48084Phone Number.^ n rnher (248)5021400 Firm 154229 . hearing. Interested persons desinng to present their views upon an * 154312 �Fleury named president of Michigan Municiria| evacii*1* Battle Creek City Manager Rebecca Fleury is the new president of the statewide association representing Michigan’s municipal managers. 1 Hcury, whoserved as Middleville’s villace manager from 2011 to 2014, was selected as the 2021 president of the Michigan Municipal dUr'ng ’he ,,rEani«'ion-s annual tot 26-28 "U,e’ “h Ch l<K>k plaCC virtual|y Work progresses on the Gun Lake Casino in the summer of 2010. Ground was broken Sept. 17, 2009, at the site on M-179 near US-131. When this photo ran in the Sept. 23, 2010, Banner, organizers projected a February 2011 opening and the hiring of 600 employees was about to begin. Gun Lake Casino celebrates 10 years Feb. 10 will mark the 10th anniversary for Gun Lake Casino, an entertainment and dining venue six miles west of lhe Barry County line. J “For 10 years and counting, we have focused on the most important aspect in the gaming industry - the needs of our guests and team members. We strive to provide a memorable experience for ail.” Sal Semola, president and chief operating officer of Gun Lake Casino, said in a press release. “This milestone has been achieved through the dedication and devotion of lhe Gun Lake Tribe, our team members and our loyal guests. We are exceptionally proud of thc ' transformation of our business over the past decade.” ' In 10 years of operation, through promotions and gaming services, lhe casino has given away 184 vehicles, nearly $10 million in .bonanza bucks jackpots, and more than $577.4 ’million in jackpots. Semola said. . To date, the casino offers 156,000 square • feet of gaming and additional amenities, including more than 2200 slot machines, 50 table games and a sportsbook. Tlie property also features traditional non-gaming amenities with a 225-seat cafe, a 300-scat buffet, and multiple bars, lounges, and live entertainment, he said. Gun Lake Casino has experienced continuous growth and expansion through the past 10 years. Semola noted, and by the end of this coming summer, the development of the casino’s $ 1(X) million expansion will be complete. The expansion will increase gaming offerings by providing 450 more slot machines, 12 new table games and a larger non-smoking area. In total 72,000 square feet will be added to lhe existing 156,000-squarefoot facility. The casino employs nearly 1.000 team members, making it one of the largest employers in Allegan County. More than KM) of its employees have been with the casino since Day 1, he said. Most recently, the casino was acknowledged as one of “West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” by the National Association for Business Resources and selected as thc Best Casino by both Thc Holland Sentinel’s Best of the Best and the Best of Thc West Revue Reader Poll. Celebration begins today Thc casino will have promotions and festivities for guests all month long with February’s promotions are expected to include more than $400,000 in giveaways. Prizes will include thousands in cash, 2021 Cadillacs and Mercedes, free slot play, free table bets. Appliques Gift Shop offers, bonus drawing entries, reward point multipliers and dining vouchers. Celebratory promotions include: Every Thursday during the month, guests can win up to $5,000 cash each hour from 1 to 3 p.m. From 5 to 9 p.m, every Saturday, 10 2021 Cadillac XT4s will be available with the Cash and Cadillacs promotion. Twelve guests will have thc chance at winning $500 from 1 to 3 pm. Feb. 15. To conclude the month, the grand and final promotion - Benz & Bucks - will take place from I to 6 p.m. Feb. 28 with lhe chance to eam prizes of $10000 cash, $30,000 cash, a 2021 Mercedes GLC 300 SUV or a 2021 Mercedes GLC 300 Coupe. To highlight the special occasion, thc casino's restaurants and bars are open and ready lo serve drinks and dishes, featuring happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required for all dining locations. “There is no better way to celebrate this anniversary' than a month of giveaways for our guests,” Semola said. “We are excited to move forward into another decade of business with those who matter most.” More information about Gun Lake Casino’s monthly promotions, dining specials and Play It Safe policies can be found at gunlakccasino. com. .Winter sports pause finally leads to litigation Brett Bremer Sports Editor , The battle for basketball, and cheerleading. • and hockey, and wrestling and indoor “con• tact” sports is headed to the courts. • Let Them Play Michigan Incorporated and • a group of other plaintiffs, announced through ' Peter B. Ruddell of Honigman LLP, that a ’ lawsuit has been field with lhe Michigan b Court of Claims against Michigan Department • of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel in an attempt to get high t school and youth sports started as soon as ’ possible. The complaint alleges violations of the ; Michigan Constitution, thc United States • Constitution and various sections of Michigan » law brought on by lhe MDHHS Emergency ’ Order issued Jan. 22, by now former Director . Robert Gordon, that extended lhe ban on . indoor contact sports to Feb. 21,2021. ’ “We filed the complaint against the depart► ment of health and human services director » Elizabeth Hertel in her official capacity,” ’ Ruddell said. “The complaint was filed this ; morning in the Michigan Court of Claims. ’ Summons is not issued yet, therefore thc stale • of Michigan has nol been properly served the » complaint, however wc have provided a cour­ t tesy copy to the department of the attorney • general and they have received that earlier this morning.” Others plaintiffs listed in the suit include a handful of parents and their student-athletes and the Michigan Amateur Youth Hockey League. Tlie suit alleges that the pandemic restric­ tions arc unconstitutional because they deny young athletes lhe right to free assembly, as well as denying them due process and equal protection under (he law. Thornapple Kellogg Schools new Superintendent Dan Remenap was one of 21 superintendents from the Kent Intermediate School District to sign a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Hertel last week. That letter opened, “Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our state during this trying time. On behalf of the student-ath­ letes throughout Kent ISD, we arc writing to inform you our professional judgement is winter contact sports can safely resume with robust mitigation strategies in place - includ­ ing wearing masks. We arc hopeful wc can partner with you as soon as possible to pro­ vide these meaning experiences for our stu­ dents.” “School athletics is a co-curricular exten­ sion of the classroom,” the letter closed, “and these activities provide valuable lessons that last a lifetime. Extracurricular athletics arc integral lo lhe emotional and physical health of our students. The safety and wellbeing of our students remain our top priority.” Thc Michigan legislature took up the issue last week, with Senate Resolution 007 (2021) introduced and referred to lhe committee on Education and Career Readiness. A Michigan • UPS & FedEx >rrc>uK- Shipping • Copy Service (block & while or color) • Photo Processing • FAX Service • Laminating • And Much More House committee also held hearings on the issue Thursday. Many of (nose pushing for lhe return of indoor contact sports cite the MDHHS data from its pilot testing program that allowed the MHSAA Winter sports season to conclude in recent weeks which resulted in 99.8 percent of its CO VID-19 tests coming back with neg­ ative results. Those tests were conducted on high school volleyball players and swimmers competing in non-contact sports as well as football playoff teams competing in an out­ door cofltact sport. No indoor contact sports have been contested at the high school level in Michigan since the high school basketball season was brought to a halt in March of 2020. Winter sports teams in the slate, including indoor contact sports, have all been holding socially distanced and masked practice and conditioning sessions for nearly three weeks now-. A crowd of thousands of student-athletes and supporters held a "Let Them Play!” rally at the State Capitol in Lansing Saturday. There has been no public response from the MDHHS or the governor’s office lo the rally or litigation. Pack & Ship Rebecca Fleury more diverse and I think wc, as leaders, should be representative of our community. Fleury said. “All of us are facing more deep conversations in our communities around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to be really authentic in that conversation it s important to have people who look like you on all sides of the discussion.” Fleury has served in local government management for 21 years, specializing in the areas of public finance, community development, and public safety. “I feel very fortunate to lead MME at this time because they’ve really spent the past year laying out a road map for what to do in 2021,” Fleury said. “I’m really looking forward to helping make this vision a reality.” Fleury earned her bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. She and her husband, Matt, have two adult children, and a grandchild on the way. More about the Michigan Municipal League can be found at mml.org. Entacement millage idea in early discussions at Barry ISD Sean Bradley Staff Writer The Barry Intermediate School District officials arc exploring the idea of proposing a millage to fund support programs for student education. Leaders of schools within the intermediate school district - which is comprised of Delton Kellogg and Hastings K-12 school districts and provides services to students at other schools, such as Barry County Christian School - met Thursday to discuss the idea of proposing to voters what is called an “enhance­ ment millage.” “We’re doing research on ‘What does it take?’ and ’How much to get?’ and ‘What’s lhe process?’’’ Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett said Tuesday. Enhancement millages are levied by an intermediate school district and distributed to schools in lhe district to fund the purpose stated in the ballot language. The funds are collected and proportionally distributed, based on pupil count at each school. The intermediate district has several needs that additional money would help. Corlett said. An enhancement millage would affect more development of programs for career and tech­ nical education and technology at Hastings Area Schools, interim Superintendent Matt Goebel said Wednesday. “We don’t have the access to a technical career center here in Hastings, so we would most likely use some of that enhancement millage to assist with our career and technical education programs and also just the sustain­ ability of technology.” Goebel said. He said school leadership in the district is in lhe very early stages of discussing this issue. In May 2020, voters who live in the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency district, including those in Calhoun County, approved a 1.5-mill enhancement millage that will be in effect through 2022. It will generate about $125 million in its first year for several districts, including Gull Lake Community Schools and 16 other districts in southwestern Michigan, according to the pro­ posal. In November 2018, voters in the Ottawa area intermediate district (covering schools in Ottawa County and a portion of Allegan County) passed a 0.9-mill enhancement levy for a 10-year period to fund operational expenses for schools in that district and main­ tain existing programs and services, accord­ ing to the district’s website. That levy gener­ ated $125 million in revenue in its fiscal year from June 30, 2020, to July 1 of this year. Barry Township supervisor candidates seek economic growth for township Sean Bradley Staff Writer , The candidates for Barry Township s vacant supervisor position all said they want to see economic growth forl,,e t°wnsh,P; That was a central theme of interviews Tuesday when (ownship officials had a spe­ cial meeting to interview the four candidates who applied for the position Barry Bower. Rodney Dye, Ricu |JWItnceand 00,1 "I’d like Barry TownShip to expand lhe businesses in the area and meet the needs of citizens in the area ” While said. Throughout his interview. Whilct •dlSCUSS<^ his 39 years of liVjnc jn the township as well as his experience as a superv,sor al Pfi7cr working on projects that involved government officials locally and even internationally. He has since retired. 'Tve always been interest"*1l<Xal E°V' emmenl," White said ,, , , As supervisor, |le said he would help address citizens’ concerns “n<1 needS- i „ l-awrence said h„ „reviousl>. serveJ as ‘I trustee on the Rar, Township Board o Trustees^d as pSea^fthe Barry County 269.945.9105 ’’ “ nonProfil. Professional organization representing the managers of Michigan s cities, counties, townships, and villages. Its purpose is to foster and encourage the personal and professional development of its members so that they can better serve their communities and to promote, encourage, and preserve h.gh ethical standards for municipal administrators. 1 Fleury succeeds Ottawa County Deputy Administrator John Shay, who now serves as immediate past president. Fleury has spent the past year as thc organization’s president-elect and served as vice president and as a board member. She is the third woman lo be selected as president in thc organization’s history, and that milestone is not lost on Fleury, who said she has actively worked to bring more diversity into the municipal management profession. It is a great honor to be selected as MME president,” she said. “Not only for me personally, but for all the women local government leaders in Michigan.They inspire me every day. More women local government leaders are needed, and I strive to lead by example. It means a great deal lobe recognized by my colleagues in a profession I firmly and strongly support.” Fleury has been an active participant in the Michigan Municipal League’s 16/50 Project, which strives to make the municipal executive management profession more diverse in general. In that program, she is a frequent speaker, panelist, and mentor to future and current women leaders. She said there is a particular need for people of color in the profession. “Our communities have become so much barm Bureau for it . „,rs He also ran as • for a Barry Townshin nR P. of Trustees in thc August 2020 prjm oaI , was defeated. within the towns!/ k. 1 h",c ,norc A”’"'; sive.” said Uwret1’ ‘ ho "»tks f“"T- " as a herder for 10 °EI<’1' Station in Hickory Comers. He also men­ tioned working part-time for Gull Lake Community Schools. Putting an economic development plan into practice is part of the vision he said he sees for the township’s future. Lifelong Delton resident and current town­ ship trustee Barry Bower said he would be the best choice for the supervisor position because of his experience working with thc late Wes Kahler. Kahler, who served as the township super­ visor for more than 12 years, had been re-elected in November 2020. He died Jan. 3 while undergoing heart surgery. Bower said he has attended every township board meeting he could. He won a seat on the board as a trustee in November’s general elec­ tion. He said he “likes to gel things done” and doesn’t give up on projects. “[I’d) try' and make [lhe community] more of a destination than a drive-through place.” Bower said about his vision for thc township’s future. Another candidate, Rodney Dye, u 45-year resident of the township, said he wants to see the community succeed. He cited his experience in business among reasons why he would be the best fit for the supervisor position. Dye has owned and man­ aged American Precision 3D for more than 20 yean*, according lo the company’s website. Dye ran as an independent candidate for the supervisor position, but was defeated in the November 2020 election by Kahler. He cited issues such as bringing more affordable housing to the community as rea­ sons he is interested in serving. “There’s been a lol of talk lately with regard lo development, a [downtown develop­ ment authority] and a water tower. [It’s] look­ ing where our community’s at and trying to define affordable housing and affordable liv­ ing.” “I would like to see the township be eco­ nomically sound, be attractive,” Dye said. 1 he township board plans to select a new supervisor at its 7 p.m. Feb. 9 regular meet­ ing. which will be conducted virtually via Zoom. The website barrytownshipmi.com has more information. The person lhe board selects to be supervi­ sor will hold the position for thc next two years. The appointed individual will have to file for candidacy in 2022 to be considered for the supervisor position in the November 2022 general election. If re-elected, the w inner then would hold the post for another two years. rhe supervisor will run the township’s board meetings, act as the township’s legal agent in lawsuits and act as the secretary for township board of review meetings. Thc supervisor also can oversee personnel issues as well, according to township attorney Catherine Kaufman. In other business Tuesday, the board voted unanimously to appoint Trustee Lee Campbell as president pro-tem to be in charge of meet­ ings until a new supervisor is sworn in. �.. __ pas0 " 4,202' State vaccine ..................... . . e distribution improves - but goal still a long way off The Hastings Banner — Thursday. FobruaO^ iLs coronavirus vaccinalion^and UP £-lnCl!!Sb C°Unty in sou^cns‘em • . &‘'as ram.w i •'“I'.'IIUU VVUIIIJ III MJUlIlUilMVI 11 its coronavirus vaccinations and not M UP * .. 1 ,L’h(gan. the thinl largest county in the state. the better states at getting shols • ' ls °nc of . ”!,ckel said Macomb has the capacity to Michigan now ranks 20th m Jnns'accinate 5O.(XX) a week but is only petting which it is vaccinating its resident C at - XXX) doses.lliis week, the county’s appoint­ 45th just weeks ago. But despite #»?’■Up frorn ments that were made available online were ment. frustration is rampant amon lmprovc’ snapped up in 11 minutes. Hackel said in a as well as county and health coronavirus ululate video. Most say there still simply One other source of frustration is that some doses of lhe vaccines desist ? cnough counties appear to be doing belter than others spread of a disease that has killJ0 M°P lhe at vaccinating residents. Statewide, about 14.000 people in Michigan alone ‘han 6500 per 100,000 residents have gotten at So far. vaccine manufacturers h . li­ least the first dose of the two-dose vaccines. nearly 15 million doses of u C sh,pped Many smaller counties far outpace that Michigan and more than 802 0m k Vacc,"c ,t0 rate: In liny Ontonagon County in western istered to residents: 659 oon • avca(irn’”- Upper Peninsula, just over I,(XX) of the coun­ with 143.000 of those a^ad" doseks- ty’s 5,800 people have gotten the first dose, required second dose. getting the equal lo 18,000 per 100JXX). In Detroit, meanwhile, just under 15.600 But the state’s goal k • cent of everyone 16 and older W-h’^h -7° people, or 2,317 people per 100 .(XX), have than 5.7 million people rhm’ h h '? n,Orc been vaccinated. In neighboring Oakland quite a way to go P C‘ rhal ,neans « County, more than 88,000 people have gotten -That s been the incredible challenge- the the first dose, or nearly 7,000 people for every 100,000 people in lhe county. demand does not meet the availability of he John Roach, spokesman for Detroit Mayor supply nght now." said Mark 11ackch county Mike Duggan, said thc city has had no prob­ I !e.T S ‘than A*?/ily r^idenu?..'0 , fl 15.000 cil V’v 1,1 J'nndth CcV|S’dIcnls h»vc lar. More gotten lhe VaC. ?ver 75 F)e '? hea,«h departused over ix.rvent of ment has ments today. . ve ently ’!blrk. ,raorv than. 1()JXX) ••We current!) Detroiters already ' Wuc for thc neM month and that n” grow dramatical­ ly when we lower r appointments to 65,” Roach told Bn | . ‘ch‘gan in an email. “Our only limit’0? * ItVa common as been vaccine j^oughout the state and nation as °c'' un Joe Rjjcn .$ pledging to speed Uton of vaccines. ‘ The Democrat s ^’Mration Tuesday announced that alls • JJ” expect a 16-pcrcent increase in ',nS ne*l week. For Michigan. °u,d mean another 30,000 to 40,000^. . But county health ‘ ’dais say they need far more. , Some of the diffj^ s between counties may be explained ’> location of major health-care facilities o’ long-term care facili­ ties. whose workers a residents were the first in line for the vaccine. The slate has report*at 81.000 residents and staff at those facilities have been vacci­ nated. ... But that doesn’t exp am it all: More than 35.(XX) Washtenaw County residents have gotten the first dose, or over 9,500 for every 100,(XX) people. In Kent < ounly it’s 55,000 or 8.400 per 100.(XX). *tLoss ,hc statc in «cocsce- however, it’s 16.7(h) or 4.1(h) per 100,000. lhe second low­ est (after Detroit) among counties with over 100,000 people. Part of that could be explained by racial disparities. African-Americans and Hispanics have been reluctant lo get tlie vaccine, and officials are working to quell that anxiety. And another hurdle may be how people leam about lhe vaccines. Many communities are opening their appointments up via the Internet — meaning that savvy computer users with good connec­ tions may have an advantage. I hat could be a problem in places like Flint and Detroit, where as many as 40 percent of residents don’t have an internet connection. That’s also a problem in isolated areas of northern Michigan, research shows. “In many places — and we’ve seen il in cities all across the*country — people only had one way to find out, and that was online. Of course, we know we have a big digital divide," Debra Furr-Holden, a professor of public health al Michigan State University, said during a panel discussion Wednesday. In distributing the vaccines, the state has tried to deliver more doses into communities with more vulnerable populations, including where there are more elderly and poor people. And lhe state has encouraged counties to make sure.it reaches out to those communities with its vaccination campaigns. “ There has been direction for us to assure our most vulnerable ZIP code areas are taking the vaccine and to foc^'fpl^eH’ b^e lhe vaccine and to pesse"’ ' . a(e those communities,” said L wC officer of Calhoun County* ogh more seniors, we will have ve OUT start to review that data and rt where needed." f make Pu . The state, though, docs the vacc|ne data about who is receiving beyond their age. But health officials say fclc3Scd demographic information could soon. ,>xccutive’ Hackel. the Macomb County -nating said the state should reprioritize ^qVID-19 thc elderly, since 80 percent of C deaths have been those 70 and older. 'That was the state’s initial appr°aC ’^rs. offering most vaccines to health care w _ But in early January. Gov. Gretchen W said counties could begin offering the vac . to those over 65 as well as “frontline essen workers” such as police and teachers. That caused a surge in demand and c^,pe . tation. that Hackel said fueled a “frenzy an “panic.” Lynn Suifin, a slate health spokeswoman, said thc stale is following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to protect the most vulnerable and ensure "the continuing functioning of the health care sys­ tem and essential services in the community. “These prioritizations may change as more information on vaccine effectiveness and additional vaccination producLs become avail­ able.” she said. Barry County interviews candidates for Commission on Aging? Conservation Easement boards by Brett Bremer Data looks good for sports return, or does it? 'There was a time when “lhe data!" and “the science!” in sports were relegated lo baseball analytics groups on the internet. People trying to prove Mike Trout had a more impressive season than Miguel Cabrera. It wasn’t that long ago. With tlie handful of winter sports including 1 basketball, hockey, cheerleading and wres­ tling still on pause in (he state in Michigan ‘“data” and “science" are becoming the two • most popular words in sports. Bul as a fan of said “baseball analytics groups on die inter­ net” and a long-time participant in fantasy sports, it doesn't lake long lo leam there is a number for every point of view. Is Hank Aaron the all-time home run king? Or is he a compiler who needed more at-bats per home run (16.38) than Seattle Mariners' : stalwarts Jay Buhner (16.17) and Richie > Sexson (16.10)? Aaron is closer on that list to ’ Rob Deer and Chris Davis than he is lo guys ‘ like Hank Greenberg and Ken Griffey Jr. • In a column headlined “Wake up, Whitmer: • These numbers prove Michigan's high school sports shutdown is senseless." Detroit Free Press high school sports legend Mick McCabe published last Thursday he cited numbers ' close to ones the MHSAA has been touting • recently. From Nov. 15 just before high school teams began playing basketball in > Ohio and Indiana to now those states have seen their daily COVID-19 positivity rate drop dramatically. Ohio fell from 585 per 100,000 to 45.9 per 100,000. , Indiana, where they aren t even weanng masks to compete, fell from 76.0 new cases £r 100.000 to 45.9 per 100.000. In Michigan over that span the number has dropped from 67.0 new cases per 100,000 to 20.9 per 100.000. One person looks at those numbers and believes we are getting a handle on this COVID-19 thing and that high school sports are oerfectly safe. Hoosiers arc playing basreJ’ti n there are even less people getting ket^ ^herc were before there was basket­ . sick than there . ballinnks at those numbers and Another pers ^ Ohio hjgh schoo| sees that m basketball and wrestling athletes arc P > and tj10se states have and playing h ' , pcopjc getting sick more than twice docs And ther] than the state c parents, who are freaks out that n driving their kids down willing and able. spor(s and then driving to those states to P them back. . al lhe rapid results antiThere are sl’oU‘ ‘ d 011 high school volley­ gen testing and football players ball played- sW‘, negative. That is awesome were 99.8 w that comes from two ■ data! It is also °rl sports and one outdoor indoor n0"-00" " applies to indoor contact sport. Ho* ,ha1 “There are arguments that sports, fm not sure.tlC(.d lnside . ro^y of the r^^“was too cold to prep for plan for the re (o me Is there go’b inlo the wce([s of a s(a|c )jf hypcr'u'?i «as<’nfor“ll,‘:'pu< '"Io ,hc lasl basketball s was P )Ws a( the end Michigan tha s|a(e quartet ^;|son? 1 kn()w matches/or -- j v0|leyb [hrough the of the htgh re'ieved'of there were pe°H final contests of the winter season because of the stress brought on by working so hard to get to the end without being the one for a team to be quarantined and booted from the tourna­ ment. A report from the CDC came out last week stating that 1,700 in-person school days were lost as a consequence of isolation and quaran­ tine of patients and contacts during a COVID-outbreak'from’’ft' high’1 school Wrestling tournament in Florida in December.1 There were 116 wrestlers competing over two days. Between the tournament attendees and close contacts 149 people were tested and of those 79 people tested positive for COVID-19. One death, of an adult over the age of 50, was associated with thc outbreak. The data also says that at thc time of lhe tournament the COVID situation was far worse in Florida than it is now in Michigan. Wrestlers weren’t required to wear masks, because lhe /Xmerican Academy of Pediatricians (A/XP) suggests against il. “Cloth face coverings should not be worn for competitive cheerleading (tumbling/stunting/flying) and gymnastics (while on the dif­ ferent apparatuses), because lhe covering may get caught on objects and become a choking hazard or accidentally impair vision,” reads the AAP’s return to sports guidance. “Likewise, during wrestling contact, a cloth face covering could become a choking hazard and is discouraged.” “If indoor sports take place," the AAP states later, “proper use of a cloth face cover­ ing for all indoor sports training and competi­ tion (except in the examples noted above) is strongly recommended.” Bul the AAP also cites ice hockey as an especially high risk indoor sport. My un-scientitle data collected over the years tells me that hockey players are perfectly capable of wearing a full face shield (certainly one more effective than those worn by football teams last fall) without much of a hazel. What does this all mean? To me it means that I’m not sure whose data and science to believe, or that we even actually have any data and science on a year-old virus that will be helpful in this situation. People still can’t agree if masks work or nol. Shouldn’t there have been clear science and data on that long before we ever “needed” to use them? Would il be fun to sec high school kids play basketball and hockey? Yep. Would it be good for their mental health? Yep. Would it be good for their physical health? Probably for most of them. Can I sec the MDHHS reading lhe AAP data and allowing masked hockey players and basketball players to compete, but not masked or unmasked wrestlers and cheerleaders? Yep. Could I see myself at a basketball game tak­ ing photos with my mask on along the base­ line this Friday night? Delton Kellogg athletic director Mike Mohn says we’ll know that by 2 p.m. Thursday at the latest. That’s thc turn­ around time he needs to get a game in - 2 p.m. the day before. Could I see the next Maple Valley High School athletic competition being a track and field meet? The Lions don’t have swimmers, skiers and bowlers, so yep. “'rhe science’’ and “the data” ain’t doing it for me one way or the other yet though. Feels like it is probably about time to take the chance and create some data on it though. And thc answer to my first question is that he’s the home run king. R.I.P. Hammerin’ Hank. Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners spent the majority of their remote Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday interviewing candi­ dates for boards and commissions. One of their interviews was with a former fellow commissioner, Heather Wing, who expressed interest in serving on thc county's Conservation Easement Board. This was a duty Wing had performed during her time as a commissioner on the county board and il was a service she sought to continue, now that she has stepped down from the county commission. That board has two vacancies: One for a member representing agriculture interests and the other for a member representing conserva­ tion interests. In addition to Wing.county commissioners interviewed Joan Bossnl-Schroeder, who is an incumbent memberta the board and Sara Syswerda. .» . . Bosserd-Schroeder is a retired educator who lives in Prairieville Township; Syswerda is the education director at Pierce Cedar Creek institute who lives in Irving Township, and Wing, who lives in Assyria Township, is former chairwoman of the county board, a farmer and teacher at Barry County Christian School. After interviewing lhe candidates, lhe board recommended Wing and incumbent Bosserd-Schroeder for the vacancies. Wing was a unanimous choice, but BosserdSchroeder was recommended in a 4-3 vote. Commissioners Bruce Campbell, Vivian Conner, Catherine Getty and Ben Geiger, chose the incumbent Bosserd-Schroeder. while Commissioners Howard Gibson, Dave Jackson and Jon Smelker chose Syswerda. In other recommendations, the board inter­ viewed five candidates for four vacancies on the county Commission on Aging board. Incumbent members of the Commission on Aging board Sager Miller, a retiree from Hastings, and David Tossava, the mavor of Hastings, sought another term. Newcomers Jennifer DeWitt, a retiree from Hastings Charter Township; Gail Maloney, a retiree from Hope Township; and Charlotte Mohler, a therapist at Community Counseling Services who lives in Rutland Charier Township, also expressed an interest in serv­ ing on this board. After interviewing the candidates, lhe com­ missioners agreed to recommend Miller, Tossava. DeWitt, and Mohler lo fill lhe posts Action on these proposed appointments and other business are expected to occur at the board’s next regular meeting - which will take place via remote access - at 9 a.m. Tuesday. P0M@0 M1 Facebook ‘friend’ attempts $10,000 extortion A 33-year-old Dowling man called police at 12:24 p.m. Jan. 21 to report he was the victim of extortion. He said he received a friend request from a woman on Facebook, and they had an “inappropriate” conversation on Facebook messenger that night. They had a video chat later, but the man did not turn on his camera. However, he soon received a photo of his face and genitalia from the woman, and he believed his camera had been hacked. The woman told him to send $10,000 or she would send the photos to his friends and family. The man deleted his social media profiles and did not hear anything more. The case is closed. Man caught stealing firewood A 59-year-old man called police to report his firewood was being stolen at his residence in (he 4000 block of West Hickory Road in Barry Township. The man said he was watching the theft on his security camera, and it had happened several times before. By the time officers arrived, the suspect had departed, but the officers soon caught up and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle based on its description. Tlie driver, a 43-year-old Battle Creek man, said he had found thc wood on the side of the road. An officer told him he was shown on camera stealing it, and the man later admitted to taking the wood, but said he thought the residence was abandoned and the wood did not belong to anyone. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Elderly Middleville man defrauded for $22,500 An 81-year-old Middleville man called police Jan. 21 to report he had sent $22,500 in cash lo Connecticut, because he believed his son was in trouble. The man said he received a call Jan. 19 from a man claiming to be his son. He said he had been in accident and need­ ed $9500 to avoid going to jail. The Middleville man sent lhe money via UPS to an address in Connecticut that day. Thc next day the “son” called again and said he needed another $13 000 to pay off lhe other person in the accident, to prevent that person from suing him. The Middleville man again sent the money via UPS that day. The following day the man called his son. and realized it was not the same person. An officer contacted police in Connecticut who went to the address. The resident provided camera footage showing a man in a van accepting the packages from UPS on the side of the road. The vehicle’s plate was not visible and the case is closed. Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? Banner ^Bannik 9 WEEKLY UPDATES NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS MORE IH astingsBaNNER (269) 945-9554 ' www.hastingsbanner.con ) �Pa9B ,2 _ F<*n«'V "• 2021 - Haotfco, Banner PCCI celebrates winter fry opening ice rink A mother and son enjoy the ice rink Wednesday morning. "Ice walkers" are available to help children leam to ice skate. (Photos provided) 4 / Pierce Cedar Creek Institute doesn’t Jfribematc during the winter, nor do its visitors. Jpeople head to lhe 800-plus acres at the Education and research center south of Hastings to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski & simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoor?. Q Monday the institute opened another wportunity: ice skating. G “We hope this new addition to the property ■Blows visitors in and around Barry County lo enjoy being outdoors with family and friends,” Executive Director Michelle Skedgcll said. The rink, situated between thc visitor center and Education Building, will be available for use February and March, depending on the weather. Il is free to thc public and open daily, dawn to dusk. Capacity is limited to 25 participants, and each participant must wear a mask when around and on lhe rink. Current stale C0V1D- 19 guidelines will be enforced. Picnic tables and benches will be available for use around tlie rink. Participants must bring their own ice skates. ’File rink will have a more permanent location in late fall or early next winter. The institute is currently collecting donations to support the ice rink. To support these efforts, donations may be made at the visitor center or online at CedaiCreeklnslitute. org. Another winter activity at the institute is the snowman-building contest. Participants may pick up a snowman-building kit at the south side of the visitor center near the restrooms any day, dawn to dusk. The kits include everything to make snowman, such as carrots, apricots, dried figs, pine cones, and sticks, lhe kits also include snowman soup­ making materials. This is a self-guided activity. After building a snowman, participants are encouraged to take a photo of lhe snowman and post it at Facebook.com/ PierceCedarCreeklnstilutc. A winner will receive a $20 gift card to the institute gift shop. Thc institute is 10 miles south of Hastings at 701 \V. Cloverdale Road. Pape pleases Davenport with gridiron choice Delton Kellogg senior Cole Pape is joined by his family after signing his National Letter of Intent to join the Davenport University Football program next season at Matteson Marine on the south shore of Gun Lake Wednesday morning. Friends and teammates were on hand along with his father and mother Link Pape and Kate Pape (seated), and siblings Brock Pape and Maddie Pape (back). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The story from Delton Kellogg varsity football coach Ryan Bates goes that Davenport University assistant coach Bart Estola was in the high school a couple years ago recruiting a pair of Panther running backs when a young Cole Pape wandered out of his room. “Yeah, we’ll never get him,” is what Bates remembers Estola saying as Pape passed by. Estola was wrong. Pape a 6-foot-6,310-pound offensive tacki -Jned his National Letter of Intent to join Davenport University Football leam next nn Wednesday at Matteson Marine in scaS°° -||C on the south end of Gun Lake. He to Davenpor‘back in u Peccmber. fit fof Davenport;* *4I thjnk he is a steal actually. Il gates CoJe he gels to works oUlf/;horne with his family. His family stay dose % him play. I know there were a gets to *a,‘hX,l’s that were much bigger lot OthuLk1ng at him. but 1 just think that that were lo^Jer fit for Cole all around I is g°ifl® Ts eoing 10 50 a hUge *he ♦htnk he IS ° 1 *u j ln the A.P. Division 7-8 pr<Pape 'v0S "Tfirst team at the end of his f^^'feSon in which he split his seas0"’ a ie n KeUogg between on offenseu‘ md tight end sports as the “ W*T DK te8"' rnUple other offers. Pape offense „^civinBaL.k in with Davenport Pape said. “It just felt like home. I loved the atmosphere and really liked the coaches. It was the best decision for me an my family. I believe I can further my education there. They have a good business program. I think I’ll be going into business or marketing. And it is close to home, which is nice.” An avid outdoorsmenjike many members of his family, staying close to home will give Pape the chance to continue to spend time in the woods and on the lake. Matteson Marine, a business owned by his mother’s family, hosted Wednesday’s signing day event to allow for a large indoor space and lhe oppor­ tunity for friends, family and a few classmates and coaches to gather nfdre safely. Pape was flanked by deer and fishing mounts, with bass boats and pontoon boats in front of and behind him in the showroom. Pape started playing flag football as a youngster and moved up into lhe Delton rock­ et football program in elementary school, all the while getting pushed and pushing back against his big brother Bit>ck Pape who was a 2018 Delton Kellogg High School graduate. Thc two played a single season of varsity football together when Cole was as freshman and Brock a senior. The Panthers went to thc playoffs in that 2017 season, whipping Parchment 57-0 in the opening round of lhe playoffs before suffering a thrilling, heart-breaking 58-50 defeat at the hands of Watervliet in a Division 6 District Final. Tlie Delton Kellogg Panthers made the playoffs in three of Pape’s four varsity sea­ sons, winning playoff games in 2018 and 2020 as well. He had 47 pancake blocks as a senior. Qj . Pape is also looking forward lo his fourth varsity basketball season starting soon and mJ tO<>K 4 hopeful to compete on the Panthers’ track and field team this spring. He’ qualified for lhe Division 3 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals in lhe discus by winning a regional championship at the end of his sophomore season, but missed out on the 2020 truck and field season with the rest of the state’s high school athletes. He averaged 12.8 points and 8 rebounds a game in 12 games 35 a Junior on the basketball court. > . “Three sport athletes that is what we strive for,” Bates said. “I pus’h our football players to either play basketball or wrestle. They can stay competitive year round. This year has been pathetic for that with pandemic, but just keeping our kids competitive year round, keeping them in the fivms, keeping them mov­ ing. With Cole, as he has progressed basket­ ball has been a huge asset for him because it has picked up the speed of his feet. Feel and hips for an offensive! incman at college level are where it is at. You ran be the strongest cat in the world, but if Vn.. can’t move your feet you can’t succeed. I think basketball has been a huge help for him in that ar«a.“ Cole said DU coaches h*vc lold h,nl have to work on his s^ and strength at Davenport, which r«JoeKs at the NCAA Division II level ^thc Grcat Michigan, Michigl’-ftch. I'torthWO°d Ashland. ... DU joined the ri »beginning with the 2017-18 schoo y^rU^f'tshml,nhyearv“’ Delton KeUogg has grown ph” P’P0' who T sin“,hen' Delton Kellogg senior Cole Pape works to get lhe attention of an official during the Panthers' victory over NorthPointe Christian in October. Pape was a four-year varsity football player at Delton Kellogg and earned first team all-state honors in his senior season. (File photo) “I would say be became more of a student of the game, watching more film, preparing the mental side a little bit more,” Bates said. “As a younger player he relied on his physi­ cality, but as he got older he had to pay a little more attention to film” “He had to figure out how he was going to be able to do his job and still protect himself because he got cut all season. The only way people could slow him down was to take his knees out and that became a weekly thing for him - keeping people off his legs ” Bates added. “Thankfully, he won’t have lo deal with that quite so much at lhe college level. It is just a different game. In high school, when they’re 185 pounds against him as a defensive tackle their chances of slowing him down are tackling his legs.” Pape also played on lhe defensive line for thc Panthers. He said the best part of high school football has been the friends and teammates he has spent lime with along thc way, and winning playoff games was always fun. “Family and coaches have always pushed me to be a better person and be a better ath­ lete,” Pape said. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �Page 13 MH B W Mk ■■ ■ Th« Hastings Banner — Thursday. PebfUftfy 4, 2021 ’ m W Shre rolls second 300 as TK boys score first Win - Sports Editor Tlie shaking stopped lhe moment hk v phaze III left his finger tips. S Sl°nn All that was left at that point for TK Kellogg senior Michael Willshin. tM”?maPPlc watch it hit its mark for the Pth Was to lime. 1 ^nsecutive Willshire rolled his first 300-onm • petition.and second 300-gameovcraR^00-1"’ lhe Trojan varsity boys’ bowlinn t ,cJUnn8 Gold Conference contest with S °K at Rockford Lanes Wednesday Springs “Usually, you start petti™ «. the seventh frame, but it is usmUK aroUnd [throws] 11 and 12 that you around shaky." Willshire stud.TrX8''"ngrea,,y trying to think about what could Iwand n to think about my procedure » k lned 5“^' ~ ■tiX'S He also threw a 300-garoc during „ practice sessron the spring of his freshman y ear 120181 When that 12th strike in 12 thXhap”^ Wednesday he felt an immediate mix of relief and happiness. Wdlshire opened the afternoon rolling a n? r'” P| ':UC 11 bal1 and switc>>ed to the Phaze III for the second game, and the condi­ tions were just right. “Every alley-’s (oil] pattern is a little bit different. Rockford’s actually had a little more back end motion, and it just felt really nice,” Willshire said. On any other day, one of his teammates could have been thc day’s MVP. Wyatt Jacobson bowled games of 243 and 234. Ethan Kriekaard rolled a 235. The 300 and those three scores are the four highest scores by any guys in the OK Gold "conference during the first week of the 2020-2021 sea­ son. Hie IK boys are off to a 3-1 start as a team. They defeated Cedar Springs 23-7 Wednesday (Jan. 27) and followed that up Thornapple Kellogg’s Z Moore sets up for a shot during the Trojans’ OK Gold Conference match against Wayland Tuesday afternoon at Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Almost a week removed from his 300-game against Cedar SpnRQS at Rockford Bowl Jan. 26, Thornapple Kellogg Michael Willshire makes his way up the approach for a shot in the Trojans’ OK Gold Conference victory over Wayland uesday (Feb. 2) at Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) with wins over Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Wayland on Monday and Tuesday this week. The TK ladies are now 4-0 in OK Gold Conference matches this season. “I was really excited for this year and really nervous I wouldn’t be able to get a senior year,’’ Willshire said. “I know a lot of the other sports arc worried about that too, a lot more than bowling because they are still wait­ ing to start.” Willshire said he did what he could while bowling centers in Michigan were closed. The Great Lakes Junior Gold Tour kicked off in Indiana in late July, and Willshire traveled a couple times a month to compete on the tour in the lead-up to his senior varsity season. He is hoping that senior season includes another run at an OK Gold Conference Championship, and ideally a spot among the lop 16 bowlers at the state finals at the end of the year. Willshire finished 35th in the singles competition at the Division 2 State Finals a year ago. just before lhe sport was shut down by the coronavirus pandemic. The TK boys’ team also qualified for the Division 2 State Finals a year ago, finishing ninth in lhe quali­ fying rounds. The OK Gold Conference has been partnered up with thc OK Green Confcrenccj The Trojans have opened the season against entirely new league foes Kenowa Hills, Cedar Springs and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. They took on a familiar foe Tuesday at Hastings Bowl, the Wayland Wildcats. Willshire, Kriekaard and Jacobson won two match points each for the Trojans in the dual with Cedar Springs. Connor Newland won one, rolling games of 170 and 136. Nate Palmer bowled a 137 for the Trojans and Z Moore a 138. TK’s boys outscored the Cedar Springs guys 915-855 and 1043-802 in the two games to open the afternoon and won the first Baker game 238-143. Cedar Springs took the second Baker game 176-165. The TK ladies took a 21-9 win over the Cedar Springs girls Wednesday. Cayleigh Willard won two match points for TK with games of 147 and 134. Carly Snyder . .*•< and Dalacc Jousma had the high games for lhe Trojans. Snyder scored a 206 and a 159. Jousma rolled a 164 and a 160. Jousma and Snyder took one match point each. TK also got match points from Emily Podbevsek, Faith Foster and Paige Green. Podbevsck rolled a 1^6, Foster a 105 and Green a 102. Allison Hess chipped in a 99 for thc Trojans. TK won the first game 708-601 and lhe second 704-701. Cedar Springs pulled out the first Baker game 142-128, but TK rallied for a 156-155 win in the second Baker game. The TK boys and girls were at Park Center Lanes to face Grand Rapids Catholic Central Monday. The TK boys scored a 225-75 win and the TK ladies bested lhe Cougars 19-11. At Hastings Bowl Tuesday, the TK boys scored a 27-3 win over Wayland the girls beat the Wildcats 28.2 Snyder was happy to put together great back-to-back games Tuesday, rolling a 215 and a 211. Green rolled a career best 190 in Thornapple Kellogg senior Carly Snyder fires a shot down the alley during her team’s OK Gold Conference win over Wayland at Hastings Bowl Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) thc opening match. Willshire bowled back-to-back 234s in the two games against the wildcats Tuesday. Jacobson also hit the 200 mark in each game, rolling a 205 and a 200. Kriekaard opened the afternoon with a 229 and added a 185. Both TK teams won both Baker games against lhe Wildcats. FREE SHIPPING ' The Trojans return to OK Gold Conference action against Ottawa Hills Monday at Eastbrook Lancs and then will host South Christian Tuesday at Hastings Bowl. Plainwell will host the TK teams for a non-conference match-up Feb. 10 at Eastland Bowl of Kalamazoo. . Great Valentines Gift! 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Connie sX°S with Wayland at Ha , palth Foster slaps five with teammate Cayleigh Willard after a 5 f the first game of Tuesday’s OK Gold Conference contest s°U * Bren Bre.er) Customer Sendee • 1.800.326.9694 �Pape 14 - -menalay- Fetxvafy «. 2021 - The Hasting-, Banner Trojan Ski growing in second season . Plainwell/Thornapple Kellogg’s Sam Bacon makes his first run down the GS bourse Wednesday at the SWMSC race hosted by Caledonia at Bittersweet Ski Resort. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor ' Thc growing Plainwell,Thomapple Kellogg Trojan Ski program saw both its boys’ and girls’ teams trim points from their scores at the second Southwest Michigan Ski Conference race of thc season Wednesday evening (Jan. 27) on thc Hawthorne mn at Bittersweet Ski Resort in Otsego. , The boys’ cut over 40 points off their total from lhe previous conference race, last week at Timber Ridge. Both the Trojan teams fin­ ished in the same spot in the standings as at the conference opener, with thc girls fourth and the boys sixth. Thc Trojans’ Lucy VanDemark took thc slalom championship for thc second time in two SWMSC races this season. Over thc course of thc two slalom runs VanDemark was nearly 35 seconds quicker than Mattawan/ Paw Paw’s Anna Roethlisberger who was the runner-up in the event. VanDemark added a fifth-place giant slalom performance as well. ’ VanDemark and fellow TK sophomore Madison Nagel were instrumental in getting the TK Trojans joined up with the Plainwell Trojans a year ago to form a co-op team to compete in the conference, and now the Trojan Ski team has just enough guys to put a leam together as well. ” “Last year, at the beginning, it was a little bit scary being a freshman and not knowing anyone, but we got to do a lot of team dinners and we would always go in the lodge and cat -a lot of food afterwards,” VanDemark said of settling into the program for the 2019-2020 season. “We can’t do that now [because of CO VID-19], but we have more people from TK too. It is fun to have more representation from our side.” > Nagel and VanDemark are cross country teammates at TK too, and are happy to have fellow harriers Emma Thompson and Marian .Giclincki with them on the slopes this winter as well as classmate Anna Davis and their returning teammates. r Junior Dillon Vlicstra, another cross coun­ try' runner, from Plainwell said he was able to compete as an individual as a sophomore, but the Trojan boys’ team has expanded to four guys this winter - which is just how many skiers can score in each event for a team. Hudsonville is new to the boys’ team compe­ tition in the conference this winter as well. Vliestra said there isn’t much of a change between coming down the hill as an individu­ al or as a member of a leam. He’s doing the best that he can cither way, bul he said it is great to have teammates and to be able to compete in tlie team standings in the confer­ ence. VanDemark said she does have a few con­ cerns about busy ski resorts possibly being forced to close down and pause the high Plainwell/TK’s Travis Barton leans around a gate as he makes his way down the hill for the first time in the boys’GS at Bittersweet Wednesday during the second SWMSC meet of the season. (Photo by Brett Bremer) school ski season, partly because of how many people are flocking to participate in the outdoor activity, but she is mostly positive about the opportunities to get through the season and is overwhelmingly positive about the chance lo compete. “It is nice to have something that is consis­ tent.” VanDemark said. “I think it is pretty safe what we’re doing here, since we get to be spaced out. I am so grateful, because il feels so good to be outside doing something you love.” Vliestra said he never really had a doubt that the ski season would happen, even seeing fellow student-athletes in “contact” sports like basketball, wrestling or competitive cheer still being forced lo socially distance at practices while being unable to compete. “I kind of assumed we were going to ski. because it is not hard to wear a musk when you ski and it is not hard to socially distance.” Vliestra said. “1 kind of knew we would have a season, but 1 wasn’t sure on how the season would be. I heard they were only allowed to have six people from each team race. 1 heard that at one point, which is kind of okay for me because we only have four guys on the team, but lhe other bigger teams like Caledonia that would be a big deal.” That turned out not lo be the case. The Trojan team had its four varsity boys skiing Wednesday as well as six varsity girls and three more varsity girls in lhe B races. The Caledonia boys’ team had its six varsity scor­ ers and another ten guys in the B races. VanDemark led the Trojan girls in both events at Bittersweet, the Trojan Ski team’s home course. She scored times of 36.92 sec­ onds and 3721 in the slalom. Those were the two fastest girls’ slalom runs of the day. “The course held up pretty good.” VanDemark said. “There were some ruts, but I had a pretty good line that didn’t bring me into any ruts. The slalom felt really fast and really rhythmic and smooth. So did the GS. It was a pretty fast course. I thought it was going to be pretty technical, but it wasn’t too techni­ cal and il was just a feel-good course.” Nagel was ninth in the slalom for the Trojan ladies, with Karley Way placing 19th and Whitney Johnson 20th. Nagel was just outside lhe top ten in the GS with an 11 th-place lime total. Abigal Wamez placed 23rd in the GS and Johnson 24th for lhe Trojan girls. Roethlisberger won lhe individual GS event with runs of 28.97 and 28.70. Her teammate Lily Ross was the runner-up in lhe GS, finish­ ing just nine tenths of a second behind her teammate with the two runs combined. Their Mattawan/PP team won the girls’ meet with 45 points, ahead of Portage 68. Caledonia 96, Plainwell/TK 112 and Kalamazoo United 112. PERSONALIZED MUGS Plainwell/Thornapple Kellogg skier Madison Nagel races through the slalom course at Bittersweet Wednesday during the second SWMSC meet of the season. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Mattawan/PP won lhe boys’ competition too, with 73 points, ahead of Caledonia 101. South Haven 111, Portage 135. Hudsonville 1205, Plainwell/TK 142 and Kalamazoo United 2025. The Plainwell/TK boys had finished with 184 points at the SWMSC race at Timber Ridge the previous Wednesday. Vliestra had the top finish for the Trojan boys at Bittersweet, placing fifth in the GS with runs of 2852 and 28.62. He added a 12th-place slalom outing. Liam Troutner led the Trojan team in the slalom with a sixth­ place finish and was 11th in the GS. Troutner had times of 28.80 and 29.09 on his two GS runs and times of 39.80 and 40.88 on his two slalom turns. Vliestra missed a gale on his first slalom run, but bounced back for a time of 39.84 on his second time down lhe hill in the event to close the evening. Plainwell/TK also had Travis Barton 32nd in the GS and 18th in the slalom and Sam Bacon 34th in the GS and 24th in the slalom. Daniel Grile from Portage had limes of CIOL SOMEONE fsONOLIZED MUG VOLENTINE-S DQY 35.48 and 36.08 to finish as the lop individual in the slalom. He also had the fastest single GS run of the day. opening things up with a time of 26.97, but he didn’t finish a second run. Caledonia senior Reid Goosen won the boys’ GS competition with times of 27.96 and 27.14. He was one of three Fighting Scots in the top eight in the event. Caledonia had the best team score after the GS, but couldn’t keep up the pace in lhe slalom. Back at it on lhe hill at Timber Ridge Monday for the third of four SWMSC races this season. VanDeMark look the individual wins in both the slalom and the GS. That helped lhe Trojan Ski leam to once again drop its scoring total. Mattawan/PP and Portage lied for lhe girls’ lead Monday with 65 points each. Caledonia was third with 83 points, ahead of Plainwell/ TK 103 and Kalamazoo United 160. Tlie Trojan girls’ team had Nagel tenth in lhe GS, Wamez 19th and Johnson 22nd. Nagel had a seventh-place slalom finish./vith Wamez 21st in that event and Karley'Way 22nd. Caledonia’s boys, lhe defending conference champions, took their first win of the season in the SWMSC at Timber Ridge Monday with just 64 points. Mattawan/PP was second with 81, ahead of Portage 103, South Haven 113, Hudsonville 153, Plainwell/TK 196 and Kalamazoo United 212. The Trojan boys’ team had Troutner 12th and Barton 32nd in the GS. Vliestra was eighth in the slalom, Troutner 13th, Barton 24th and Bacon 29th Monday. The conference was set lo get together again last night. Feb. 3. at Bittersweet and will conclude SWMSC racing Feb. 17 at Bittersweet. The Trojan Ski teams will be a part of the Division 1 Regional Meet at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville next Wednesday (Feb. 10). Hastings girls pick up second win on the lanes, best Titans Pins fell and so did the Titans Tuesday at JAX60 in Jackson The Hastings varsity 8irls’ bt)W,inl? tea,n improved to 2-1 jn the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference with a V-3 win ovcr lhc Jackson Lumen Christi girif The Saxon gjr[s wOn both Bttkcr malchc^’ rolling games of iao and 138, and then look 17 of the 20 possibk points in the two regular games. Andrea Rtuxjcs picked up one of three points in the regulurP games by rolhng a 1W for the Hastings Shyanna Baker and cdTUOT T I r , VanDemark attacks w ~ Plainwell/TK’s Lucy the slalom course for the second time during the Southwest Michigan Ski Conference” 7ace™t "BittersweerirT Otsego 27)“ (Photo bv by Brett Bremer) Wednesday evening (Jan. 27). Ally Herder each tallied two'™" P«"'s the regular games'Bak« had games of 153 and 171 and Herder threw a 166 and a 167. The Saxon team also got points thanks to a 159 from Abby Barton and from a successful first game by Amber Rabideau. The Hastings boys fell to 0-3 on the season with an 185-115 loss to the Titans on the afternoon. 'Fhe Saxons got off to a great start to the afternoon, winning both Baker games with scores of 131 and 178. Hastings got games of 166 and 135 from Zavion Twiss, 164 and 152 from Gage Richmond and a solid 153 from Steven VanOoy. The Saxon teams are slated to be on the lanes at Bowlero to lake on Harper Creek this afternoon (Feb. 4) and will return to action Tuesday on their home lanes at Hastings Bowl while facing off against Parma Western. Talented Coldwater teams bested the Saxons at Midway Lanes last Thursday. The Cardinals topped the Hastings boys 24-6 and lhe Hastings girls 29-1. Barton picked up the point for lhe Hastings girls with a 151. Austin Fenstemaker and Cameron Eaton scored two points each for the Hastings boys. Fenstemaker had games of 186 and 153Eaton rolled a 170 and a 145. Hastings also got a 200 from Richmond and a 165 front Madden that earned leam points. Opies@j-adgraphics.coin 1351 N M-43 - Hwy. Hastings, Mi 49058 269.945.9105 opEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00-4:30 Up to 2 pictures, please allow a week for turn around time Can 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-02-11.pdf 115e3e868617381b19b40f775eb9b464 PDF Text Text Meeting hampered by tech issues See n„ pavp $ An ode to road crews «° Winter Basketball, and cheer retur°, See Editor^1 on page 4 See Stories starting on —— 1070490102590500297349058113421 \ 421 N Taffc-e fr- “ Hast*ngs Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2021 9 47 00AM Hastings VOLUME 167. No. 6 Contagious COVID variant found in surrounding counties Thylor Owens Staff Writer The highly contagious B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 has been identified, as of Wednesday, in 10 Michigan counties, including Eaton, Kent, Kalamazoo and Calhoun, state officials said. The Barry-Eaion District Health Department is conducting an investigation into the Eaton County case, although health department officials would not disclose the location due to privacy concerns. The variant can only be found through DNA sequencing of the virus, which is a separate process from simply testing to determine if the virus is present. Anne Barna, BEDHD planning, promo­ tion and evaluation director, said it is likely the variant had already been circulating in Eaton County before it was discovered. But only a certain percentage of positive COVID tests arc sequenced and, Barna said, they do not know what percentage of tests in Barry and Eaton counties are sequenced. “ft is possible that the variant is in Barry County already, and just hasn’t been sequenced yet.” Barna said. “We do anticiI pate that this variant will appear soon, regardless, and is likely to become the dominant strain, given die experience in other countries.” The B.1.1.7 variant, a mutation of COVID-19, was first spotted in the United Kingdom on Dec. 14 of last year, and it has since become the dominant strain of the vims in that country’. “Multiple lines of evidence indicate that B.1.1.7 is more efficiently transmitted, compared with other SARS-CoV-2 vari­ ants circulating in the United Kingdom,”a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Studies have shown it may be up to 50 percent more contagious than current strains of COVID-19.” The variant’s higher risk of spread is attributed to a mutation that causes the protein “spikes” on the outside of virus to be stronger than the typical strain of COVID-19. which allows it to bind more tightly to human cells. Less than 700 cases of the variant have been found in the United Slates, but the CDC expects it to become the dominant strain of the vims by the end of March. While research into the strain is ongo­ ing. it has not been found to be more dead­ ly than the typical COVID-19 vims, and early indications show the vaccines in use a^e effective against it. However, the higher chance of spread of the virus makes the strain a concern for healthcare providers. "The modeled trajectory of this vanant ■ the U5- exhibits rapid growth in early । becoming the predominant variant in ’. r- ^e CDC report stated. “Increased ’aRS-CoV-2 transmission might threaten • d health care resources, require and more rigorous implementaC.XtCn f nublic health strategies and increase tionotp of population immunity ,he -Sr^emSmtroL” ' ANNER PRICE $1 00. Central Elementary celebrates 90 years Students walk to Central School circa mid-1900s. k school building has stood at the intersection of South Broadway and West Walnut Street in Hastings since 1852. For 90 of those nearly 170 years, that bdlding has been Central School or Central Elementary. The pandemic limited celebration of the archi­ tecturally significant building, but this past week, students and staff nad some fun celebrating the school’s 90th anniversary. and different things. So that was a lot of fun." The celebration culminated Monday. Feb. 8, with pieces of a Central Elementary birth­ day cake given out to students in the lunch­ room. "We served cake and we wore our Central shirts and so that was just a fun way to sort of wrap up the celebration.” Geukes said. To ensure student safely and the continu­ ance of COVID-19 protocols, grades were separated, students were required to sit in their regular lunch seats, and tables were cleaned between each class. When Geukes and other Central Elementary staff members realized the anniversary was approaching, they had hoped to have a bigger celebration; but, with the pandemic, a small celebration was the only option. I “When we realized that the 90th anniversa^ ry, or birthday, was coming up, we were hope; ful. Last year, we were hopeful that we’d be able to have some alumni come in and talk to the kids. Thai’s obviohsly not somctmng that was able to happen.” Geukes said. “But I think it was so important to celebrate it witli our students and embrace the history of the See CENTRAL, page 8 New $12 mSBiltan senior compfex approved! for development Harvest Pointe at Thornapgle Manor will offer upscale assisted living. Rebecca Pierce Editor The site plan for a $12 million upscale assisted living development was approved without stipulation by the Barry County Planning Commission in a special meeting Monday night. The 50-bed senior complex in Hastings Charter Township will be called Harvest Pointe at Thomapple Manor. Donald Haney, administrator of Thomapple .Manor, said Wednesday. Haney said $12 million is a rough estimate; he’s hopeful that the project will come in clos­ er to $11 million. “We actually have our bid opening tomorrow.” The development will be located on McKeown Road in Section 27 of Hastings Charter Township, with 107 parking spaces and an internal drive connecting it to Thomapple Manor. I QjL I 1; . * .'■*&». ■ ism . ... ’ I Harvest Pointe at Thornapple Manor will be located on McKeown Road in Hastings Charter Township. the ban <>n " . „ on indoor dining have -The rcsiriv |h<; case numbefs l0 definitely ass'jd adding that she expects fall." Barn!' » rise since indoor dining is now" d'^w':d ‘"/‘‘^ported 52 confirmed Bony C"“'' he virus and 317 probable —rive caves 0 new deaths attributed to cases Tuesd«y;;^ported in .he coun- C°^ce the Previ0Ul'fbr COVID-19 tests ty The |X>siliVj‘ys ^ntinued to drop and on inEc%h^dayav^ was 34 ' .ovlo^r^ — Sophie Bates spirit week and dress•i— Staff Writer “We ‘ 71 °nal spirit week. "wehad naukind of‘ wecx, Staff Writer Central Elementary students, staff and with things like papm ’ • and hat day; but administration ate cake Monday and celebrat­ we also had a drcsS’»Kt-you re-going-to-aup in fancy ed 90 years since the school’s dedication Feb. party day. So. kids 5, 1931. The celebration was originally clothes, and sonic of inc f athers bought party planned for last Friday, the actual anniversary' hats and things.” CenW’J ^mentary Principal Sarah Geukes saidnl^° had dress-likedate of the school’s opening, but was post­ you’re 90-years-old day- and so we had lots of poned due to a snow day. Festivities began Monday. Feb. 1. with a kids dressed up really cute wuh their gray hair required ]_mjc subsi(ling in The P which Bama attributed to recent ’ individuals and the state actions take > the sprcad. including ofMichig^'^^ing. Tuesday. percent- 804879110187 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 T LOT“C 005 C005 Richard Hemert™। u r, • . j u "T a li^Tfor *ts assisted living dovel Harvest Pointe already has one couple on the waiting list opment, Thornapple Manor Administrator Donald Haney said- The apartment-style nxuns with conununi­ tv dininc and lounge are comparable to Carvelli Village in Middleville and Woodlawn Meadows in Hastings. Haney said. They arc planning for an April I ground­ breaking and hope to finish the project by spring of next year, he said. That’s an ambitious limeline, Barry* County Planning Commission Director Jim McManus said, "but they’ve been working on this for a while.” . Originally, Haney had proposed 100 inde­ pendent living units and 50 assisted living units that would occupy about 12 to 15 acres along McKeown Road, al the corner of M-79, Die vision was for what Haney called a “Continuing Care Retirement Community.” The driving concern was the need for hous­ ing in Barry County and whether Thomapple Manor could play a role in supporting that need. “I want to make sure we don’t overbuild, but that we’re meeting a need in Barry County.” he told the county commissioners last September. “I said from the beginning with our board and the county commissioners that whatever we did had to be self-sustaining and that w< would be able to pay for the financing through the operations of the building.” Haney sai Wednesday. j When they first came back and kxiked a the 100 independent living unib and t eassisted living units on the big-scale prcje , the numbers didn’t work at all. he sAl * They decided to scale back. W. as dtey did so, they lost economy of scale- So > al the two separately and found tha cd living plan would be ’,nd lwk at Haney said they wll «Oneblils. which are the independent senior living u rt. „ ;f part of a long-range plan for 'hc^J >f they are deemed feasiNe m « I he project is intends t self-supporting. Hancytr that the project would not e()|nplete|y emphasi2i|)g by (av Pa^TcaWnU>e^^^ See C0MPLEX’ page 3 �”• 202' ~ Tl« Hasun,, Bann„, Pa9e 2 -Tlw’wMK County board members share goals for Rebecca Pierce Editor 1-hK veal ’s goal* ,or lhe B,ur.v ('minty of Commission^’ t O\ ID-19. Wi|| f(Kus 'nn reavinglhe ft,U,rC °f the Ja,l‘ Con""ission ' n Acine building, negotiating union vonXt'anrf upginding broadband service. Bui there’s much more going on - from remodeling at 911/Central Dispatch and bid­ ding out the eourt< and law building project to ’optimizing P3^ amI ^'creation opportunities. • And almost even commissioner had thoughts Tuesday on all these priorities. “ Chairman Ben Geiger. R- Nashville, solicit­ ed comments during the board’s meeting Tuesday morning. 1 wanted to take a couple of minutes today to ask: What are the goals of the board for posl-COVID life? What arc the things you would like to see us take on after this pandemic is over? ‘ -\Vc all ran for oft ice because we wanted to see specific things done for our community. I would just like to have a quick conversation. What arc your top goals?” Commissioner David Jackson. R-Dclton, was the first to speak: “1 think we’re going to have to go Kick and take a look at the jail. 1 think we got a lot of information and a good base, and I think we got some more clarity from our constituents on what they were look­ ing for. So. with that going forward. 1 think we still have to address that. “And I think the other thing that is still open out there is we have an ad hoc commit­ tee for the COA and we have some ongoing discussion on the COA facilities that also will need to be addressed at some point in the future.” •i. »n meet remotely via where we go I he current necessity to “I also am . c,rt ’ thc broadband com­ Zoom creates a challenge, Jackson s< . mittee and putt,n ’ "*Lher a group of l^ple "I’m not sure I see sonic of that g >« page of how we traction until we get into the summer month . just to get on £ expand broadb^ iee to our county resi­ based on our current vaccination I t' . dents ~ especially ; n the ar* 35 lhat arc not and the way things are going -11,1 m ouslv could change at any point, e s* . served at all - anJ " don’t know where to asking questions, “Ihose would be the two priorities that I sec go and. when lh ’ / firJgcrs at somebody standing out. Those are the ones 13 are every botly is get that together and unfinished business that we ve been wres mg else. So. mostly j w give them a p|acc ‘ they can get good with.” .. The ad hoc committee was created by com­ information. “ Broadband a. was identified by missioners last year to explore how COA services here compare to services offered m Commissioner Jon Smclkeri R-Freeport, as a 1 other counties and then report back to com­ top priority. “I’m very g]^ hfiir that Catherine has missioners. . „ been working On broadband,” Smelker “I agree on the ad hoc committee. Commissioner Vivian Conner, R-Shelbyvillc, said. “We need that bad* I?vc bccn doing a remarked. -That was the direction we set as little bit of vo|Unte<.ring up at the health soon as the shutdown was lifted and we would department, and people c°mtf ,n lhcrc aH thc Ik* able to travel around io other counties and time and they can*t * t on the internet to make facilities and see how they set up their pro­ their appointment and lW arc deathly grams. That was the plan - to go 1° other afraid. “We need to do somdhing lo bctter so that counties That need continues and should be they can get their COV1D*19 shots ” When Getty mentioned her top concerns, addressed. Conner added, identifying three big things” as her top priorities this year: she concluded her remark with an emphasis on the importance of the county’s parks and Union contracts, CO A and the jail. "This year is going to be really busy recreation. “I also want to continue 1° provide a great because we have a lot of union contracts, Conner added. “And that’s something - we’ll place for people together outdoors ... People have to get those all negotiated and in order need that outlet to be physic®^ and mentally and in place ... And the jail certainly is a pri­ healthy. And Barry County is a great place for lhat. That’s high on my priority list.” mary goal for me. We need to address it.” Commissioner Bruce Campbell, Commissioner Catherine Getty, wou,d Just R-Middlcville, said, “1 would echo concerns R-Johnstown Township. saSt1’ about where we’re going to go with the jail. I like to mention that the jail has bcen an item think we need to visit that and determine at township meetings - and that has been brought up to me with interest and concern about what’s going to happen with the jail situation.” ‘‘In Johnstown, there’s a lot of interest in what our plans are going to be and how it’s going to be paid for by the community,” Geiger agreed, telling Campbell, “Yes, tax­ payers that you represent do care about the cost and the size of the project.” I also am concerned, along with every­ body else, about the COA and jail,” Geiger Commissioner I loward Gibson, R-Hastings, said he had nothing to add. At present, Smelker said, “my top three [priorities] are the union contract, and we arc working hard on them. Also, we have a remodel going on at 911/Central Dispatch, that is moving ahead very well from a tour-dispatch area to a six-dispatch area, but we 11 only be putting equipment into five of them with a sixth one for growth down the line. As far as the county courts and law build­ ing, Smelker said he expects some develop­ ments soon as far as soliciting for bids for the project. Geiger noted that this project would affect a large portion of the county workforce and asked County Administrator Michael Brown to elaborate on the plan for that building. Brown said next Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting will include a recommen..*On!° lbc bidding process there. “We’ll be proposing that we work with a modified construction manager process and all the underlying sub-work will be bid out,” Brown said. “We’ll get that project out for bids so we can gcl .” . not have timeframe > of forrTier In other action.^ intmcm wing, a - Approved ifc ‘ y County county commissi0" rcpreBellevue farmer, 0oard p0** fC_apConscrvation ^seIJ\nlcrest-S« arui . to that renting agricultural d.Schro«S|S1 to pointment of Joan 0 nservati°n ,n board representing co Cqaer terms expiring Dec. 31of - Approved the re-ap^y ToSSava and Miller and Hasting Mayor DDeVJ,tt an the appointment of J«parry Co ? Charlotte Mohler to lhe ” that expire Commission on Aging t° Dec. 31.2023. . . • Empl°^cS - Approved the Munic P hybrid Plan Retirement System of Mie ’B (0 enroll Adoption Agreement amenr lra] Dispatch new hires in Division 15 of effective totheMERS Hybrid Plan Dtvtsion-e January 2021. . near­ - Approved pre-paid invoice ‘ g ly $3.8 million and claims of > ibbotson - Heard public comment from J conlof Rutland Charter Township who ask missioners to consider a tax ai a slau. some other financial relief f°r J00 tjovvn. rants that have been hard hit by the s . He also suggested renegotiating me or department agreement with Eaton Cou y to consider creating a separate health cp* ment for Barry County. "We would be served if we maintained our own,” he sai • Michigan teachers got COVID vaccines early Bridge Magazine Michigan’s decision to move educators near the front of the vaccine line is appearing to pay off: Nearly two-thirds of teachers have already received at least one dose of the C0V1D vaccine, or are on schedule to get it. according to an informal survey of over '22,000 Michigan teachers. ’ That’s good news for teachers worried about getting sick and for parents waiting impatiently for their children to return to classrooms. Some school districts say teacher vaccina­ tions are paving the way tor more face-to-face * instruction ahead of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plea for schools to offer in-person classes by March 1. In Ingham County, for instance, the avail­ ability of teacher vaccinations has nudged some districts to set reopen dates, according to Jason Mellema. superintendent of the Ingham Intermediate School District. “I believe all of our educators who are interested should have an opportunity to get at least a first shot in February, which is incred­ ible.” Mellema said. “1 think we’re over the hump.” As of mid-January — 10 months after the first COVID-19 cases were discovered in Michigan - 35 percent of thc state’s tradi­ tional public school districts and charter schools, enrolling more than 500,000 stu­ dents, did not offer an option for in-class instruction. / Some districts reopened classrooms,in late January, when many began a new semester. Still, there are numerous districts that remain entirely virtual, including in Lansing and Ann Arbor. Some still have not set firm dates for reopening, despite plonmeting infection and hospitalization rates across the state. Thc Michigan Depftment of Health and Middleville to pursue restoration, national historic designation for train depot Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Village of Middleville will undertake an effort to stabilize and preserve the facade of its train depot, along with a campaign lo have the site designated as a national historic place. The village council Tuesday authorized Village Manager Patricia Rayl to begin work­ ing on the process of applying for the 119-year-old depot lo be included in the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. The council also approved allowing Rayl to put together bid specifications “to gel a consultant that is skilled in historic preserva­ tion techniques, to stabilize and preserve the exterior of the train depot, with the goal of eventually doing something with lhe inside.” Rayl said. The village acquired the depot in May 2017 from Thomapple Township. It has had some environmental studies done on the prop­ ertv. with contamination from coal found below’ the surface. The village ran into a sim­ ilar issue a few years ago when the veterans memorial was built nearby, Department of Public Works Director Alec Belson said. “The coal can be removed, if needed, but it would have to be removed to a certified site and location.” Belson said. “With the veterans memorial, we kept the coal [that was] con­ taminated on site and we just relocated it and covered it with a minimum two or three inch­ es of topsoil.” Built in 1902. the depot was a stop on Michigan Central Railroad’s Jackson-toGrand Rapids line. The village will hire a consultant to work on the application process for the National Register of Historic Places. The village expects to spend about $5,000 on that process, Rayl told council members. While the village will seek bids from interested contractors, one area company already has given the village an idea of what restoring the depot might cost. Vintage Building and Restoration of Hastings put together an estimate for thc vil­ lage last August that puts the potential price tag al $40,500. The estimate, according to village documents, included repairing the copper gutters' repairing, reglazing and repainting windows; exterior cleaning of the masonry and nbricking as needed; repairing and repainting eaves and exterior trim; and installing a bndicap-acccssible ramp in accordance Hth the /Xmcricans with Disabilities Ad with a metal hand rail. Thc departnenl of public works has brick pavers that wee collected years ago from the depot platfom, Belson said. “There’s ibout four different styles of brick that wee originally installed there,” he said. “If I renember right, we have 15 to 20 skids [of briapaversl” In past yors, the depot has been discussed as a potentiil site for a conference center, museum, hindquarters for the Middleville Downtown Development Authority or restrooms (onnccted to the Paul Henry’ Thomapple Trail. In January 2018, former council menber Jean Lamoreaux proposed that thc hbrth Country Trail Association could use tie depot as an education center and meeting spice. Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? WEEKLY UPDATES NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS legals more .rv.vxtn Hastings anner (Z69) S4S-9564 www.hastingsbatjner.coR Human Services on Jan. 11 included teachers the lives of nearly 15.000 people in Michigan. COVID also has been labeled a factor in as one of lhe first groups eligible to receive vaccinations, along with people age 65 and a rise in teacher retirements, in a state already over and other essential frontline workers. suffering a teacher shortage. While there isn’t official data on educator These fears have pitted some teachers — vaccination rates, a recent survey by the and their unions — against district leaders and slate’s largest teacher union offers encourag­ parents who have sought a return to the class­ ing signs. room. In Ann Arbor, which has remained all The Michigan Education Association said lhe survey, taken from Feb. 2-8. showed half remote for lhe school year, parent Mike of lhe respondents had received one dose of Shriberg said school officials should consider the two-dose vaccine regimen. Six percent not just lhe health risk of being in school, but have had both doses and another 7 percent the physical and mental health strain on stu­ dents from not having contact with teachers have an appointment lo get the vaccine. That puts Michigan teachers ahead of their and peers. This week, more than 300 doctors and aca­ peers nationally: Roughly 18 percenl of edu­ cators across the country have been vaccinat­ demics signed a petition calling for lhe Ann ed, according to the National Education Arbor district lo offer in-person classes. “There is no substitute for face-to-face Association, which represents over 3 million (instruction) and it can be done safely,” teachers and other educators and staff. Thc difference: the Whitmer administration Shriberg said. Vaccines may end logjam prioritized getting shots in the arms of teach­ As vaccination rales rise, some school ers as a way to help schools reopen, while boards and teachers appear more willing lo many other stales have noi. “Our members see the vaccine as a critical agree to face-to-face instruction, said Sarah component to reopening classrooms across Reckhow, an associate professor of political the state, along with continued mitigation science at Michigan State University who is measures like masks, social distancing and study ing school reopening plans. In Ingham, where her own children attend sanitization.” MEA President Paula Herbart East Lansing schools, Reckhow said districts said in a statement. have started making plans to offer in-person Rates vary widely in Michigan Yet across Michigan there are big differ­ classes and lhe high rate of teacher vaccina­ ences in teacher vaccination rates, the MEA tions played a role. “It really changed the debate locally,” she survey shows. Over 70 percent of responding teachers in some counties say they’ve received said. “It didn’t melt away all the opposition or are scheduled lo receive the vaccine, and concern,” but it did open lhe door lo mak­ including educators in populous Wayne and ing in-person class “doable.” The Ingham County Health Department Kent counties, homes to Detroit and Grand prioritized teachers in school districts that Rapids. But teachers in some other counties report were already holding in-person classes, and far lower rates, including just 25 percent of now offers vaccination appointments for edu­ teachers in Washtenaw County and 32 percent cators in districts that have set reopening in Kalamazoo County. The problem may be dates. what has hampered the overall vaccination Holt Public Schools, south of Lansing, set rollout across the country': getting enough a reopening date of March 15 al a school doses. board meeting Monday, with hopes its educa­ “We have struggled with supply to do large tors can get shots before then. numbers of teachers.” said Susan RinglerNearby Haslett Public Schools opened its Cemiglia, spokesperson for the Washtenaw high school and middle school classrooms County Health Department. “They are eligi­ under a hybrid model on Monday, for the first ble and we are scheduling, but it’s a slow go.” time this school year. Making that choice eas­ The MEA survey arrives three weeks ahead ier. two-thirds of teachers have at least one of lhe date Whitmer set for all Michigan shot, and the other third are expected to school districts to offer an option of face-to- receive theirs by mid-February. face instruction, a move that has created fric­ Our goal is to get students back full-time,’ tion among some administrators and teachers said Haslett Superintendent Steve Cook. who remain leery’ of returning to class amid a Vaccinations are a step in lhat direction.” pandemic. ‘A level of comfort’ Whitmer’s March 1 target dale is a request Even in districts that never shut their doors, — districts can still decide to stay remote. But the vaccine has been welcome. Although a it reflects a growing consensus lhat it’s imper­ third of the froni-line staff in lhe Cadillac ative to get students back in school. President schools opted not to get the vaccine, all of Biden also has pushed for face-to-face instruc- those who did have had at least one dose, said tion amid mounting evidence that in-class Superintendent Jennifer Brown. learning has not led lo a major spread of the lhe 3,100-student district has had face-tocoronavirus when basic safety protocols ace learning through the school year, save for (hand-washing, social distancing, etc.) are the suspension on high school classes ordered followed. by Whitmer in November. Parents have been A Michigan Stale University study, for able to opt for virtual instruction. Brown saidinstance, found in-person instruction is not Our staff certainly was concerned about linked to an increase in COVID-19 cases the risks (of COVID-19) but they remain when there are low levels of virus cases in the community, but that schools can increase the committed (to providing instruction).” Brown said. Our staff never wavered in meeting the spread when case numbers are high. Michigan coronavirus cases have been in student needs in our community. They were great.” steady decline since the beginning of January Brown said there have been 20 confirmed On Tuesday, the state reported just 563 new coronavirus infections, lhe lowest number COVID infections among the front-line start since mid-September, before a second wavP - including teachers, aides, bus drivers and others with close student contact. of infections swept the slate. The district will continue to require masks Yet despite studies, lower case and hosni for students and staff and other restnctions talization counts and increasing vaccinations many teachen remain wary: The MBA survev will remain, despite vaccines, she said. showed nearly 80 percent remained ••s„?„? . uIt will just be a level of comfort and secuwhat concerned" or "very concerned" a^m r‘ly for our staff that there’s another layer o the vtrus. whtch ts confirmed to have Xn protection,” she said. �,, 2O21^Paoe3 n>e Hastings Banner — Thursday. Fr>b'u3,y COMPLEX’ continued from State finally clears path &aCK to gym for winter athletes . even when miti; Brett Bremer prevent disease transmis'>ion.^jUjjng mask5’ Sports Editor Ration measures arc in piaCu’1 teams Michigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmcrThursday liven when not required. Io protect art*' (Feb. 4) announced youth contact sports could implement a testing program resume on Monday (Feb. 8). for the first lime letes, coaches and their fami»,es' rjng three since they were brought to a hall by the coro­ MDHHS had been closely mops ovcr the navirus pandemic and state orders to limit the metrics for stabilization Thursday spread of COVID-19 in March of 2020. past several weeks, according a ;,ntinues to see The Michigan High School Athletic press release, and Michigan co— Association (MHSAA) and lhe Michigan improvements . In recent days: CO VIP-19 Department of Health and Human Services Hospital capacity dedicated to < decline. (MDHHS) followed up by saying high school patients has been in 10-week hockey and basketball players were allowed with current capacity at 6.6% for b~”\ 19.6 7 <>n to begin contact practices and competitions COVID-19 patients. Peaked at 19.6% Monday, Feb. 8. Wrestling and cheer teams Tuesday, Dec. 4. . Overall case rates: Currently at 159 caS.^ were allowed to begin contact practices Monday and competitions as soon as this per million after peaking at 740 cases per rm Friday - with most hilling the mate for the lion on Saturday. Nov. 14. Rate has beeni tn solid decline for 24 days. Three MFR first time this Saturday. Basketball and hockey players will be regions in the state arc now below 150 cases required to wear a mask at all times, during per million people: the Detroit. Traverse City games and practices. Cheerleaders will not be and Upper Peninsula regions. Positivity rate: currently at 4.9% and required lo wear a mask while competing on the mat. Wrestlers will be required lo receive declining. This is the first time positivity has a negative rapid antigen test result on lhe day been this low since mid-October of competition prior to competing, bul wres­ The American /Xcademy of Pediatricians tlers will not be required lo wear a mask (AAP) advises against cheerleaders and wres­ during competition. tlers wearing masks while competing, and resting will be provided by MDHHS at no competitive cheer has thc special situation cost to schools. Currently masks will be that while it is a contact sport student-athletes required during all practices for all contact arc not in close contact with others from com­ sports. peting learns while on the mat. No changes are being made for bowlers, “Cloth face coverings should not be worn swimmers and skiers already competing in for competitive cheerleading (tumbling/stunttheir winter outdoor and/or non-contact sports ing/fiying) and gymnastics (while on the dif­ al thc varsity level. ferent apparatuses), because the covering may The MHSAA’s current plans arc for March get caught on objects and become a choking 27 Cheer Finals; March 30 Team Wrestling hazard or accidentally impair vision,” reads Finals; April 2-3 Individual Wrestling Finals; the AAP’s return to sports guidance. and April 9-10 Basketball Finals. Boys and “Likewise, during wrestling contact, a cloth girls basketball teams will have their tourna­ face covering could become a choking hazard ments coincide. and is discouraged.” “We arc pleased at our continued progress “If indoor sports take place,” the AAP in Michigan that has allowed us to take this states later, “proper use of a cloth face cover­ step forward in a phased approach.” said Dr. ing for all indoor sports training and competi­ Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and tion (except in the examples noted above) is chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “As a strongly recommended.” parent and former student-athlete myself. I get The same masking and testing require­ how important athletics arc lo our children’s ments will be in place for all junior high' ^physical and mental health. However, parents middle school teams wishing to participate in .and athletes need to understand the risk the four winter contact sports. They also apply involved with contact spons if they choose to to youth sports outside of the MHSAA such as participate. Sports lhat require frequent close­ youth competitive cheer, hockey, wrestling ness between players make it more difficult to and basketball programs. view of the planned community dining room for Harvest Pointe. (Drawings provided by Eckert Worded) interested,” he told the county boaid. Barr)’ County commissioners gave the OK to issue capita! improvement bonds to finance the complex and agreed to pledge lhe full faith and credit o! the County, as ‘co-signer’ for lhe debt. In October, I hornapple Manor held a nam­ ing contest with staff and Harvest Pointe at Thomapple Manor was thc winner. We really wanted to go with something a little different. Haney remarked, “and. because it was a farmer’s field and it was farmed before, wje liked that.” Thc project was approved Monday at a special meeting via Zoom - lhe first time lhe planning commission has met remotely. Planning Commission Director Jim McManus said. And connectivity for lhat meeting was a challenge. “I’m hoping we can go in-person soon,” McManus said Tuesday. For Monday night's special session, board member Clyde Morgan, who lives in Assy ria Township, came to Hastings use a county computer lo ensure a reliable remote connec­ tion while other fellow board members con­ nected remotely from their residences. Jack Nadwamick of Orangeville Township was unable to attend. ■ This is a one-bedroom plan that will be part of the complex. Middleville hires firm to help with branding of village, DDA *' • * b' • ■ Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Village of Middleville has retained a South Carolina-based urban planning firm to work on a branding initiative for the village and its downtown development authority. The village council voted 5-2 Tuesday to retain Arnett Muldrow, a firm that has worked on community branding projects in more than 30 Michigan communities, to develop the co-branding campaign at a cost of no more than S15.500. The Middleville DDA will cover two-thirds of the project cost, with lhe village to pick up the remaining cost. “We do all of the community branding work through lhe Michigan Mainstreet pro­ gram.” said Ben Muldrow, co-owner of Arnett Muldrow, whose firm has worked in the past with the Downtown Kalamazoo Partnership. ।■ . . .... I j. •wJ as well as with lhe City of Way land. Middleville Village Manager Patricia Rayl invited Arnett Muldrow to give a presentation to lhe village council on the branding propos­ al. Rayl previously worked with the company on a similar branding initiative in Blissfield, a village in Lenawee County where she was director of the downtown development authority in 2014. “The one thing lhat I enjoyed about work­ ing with Ben in the past is lhat he does get the groups together.” Rayl said. “He gets people from lhe community together, he gets the council together - (gets] people to talk about what they like about their communities, and he builds that into the whole package.” Arnett Muldrow is currently involved in branding efforts in Cheboygan and Eaton Rapids, Muldrow said. County board connectivity goes haywire during public comment Rebecca Pierce Editor Forty-three minutes into the Barry County R ard of Commissioners remote access inevt• «» Tuesday, connectivity issues hijacked ,ng ot- pie public comment. S° M ke Snyder of Hastings indicated that he 11 like to speaK. wo • le in remote attendance waited, lhe ^C°Pf diose who had selected video particiF‘1C^S 0 re shown in the Zoom meeting, and pation " ppeIied. Snyder’s face was among nothing 1 H he wasn.( j.peaKiug, those sno • happening .’’Chairman -I don t kiio^ Ben Gei£er ,s_r David Jackson said the con- roblem; everyone was muled. nection waS. J had arrived 15 minutes late to Geigcr• , .a he did not have access to lhe ihentfdin|?’ k- Vice Chair Vivian Conner meeting‘■7"7m^-»"»inhis?'e?d- „ lv»d started d rhat omission, somebrxly dnr to rnute everybody. .r I’m 1,1’..| conie to order. Geiger I>O»The b°ard we hnve 1,01 ,naslcred llle T .Cleart);' county board. ...What sa,d nerechn<M’yV I’m to unnuite Zoom jo no then I will bring rin go.»^Iicfon.n.vn- our firs1 P in Mr- ork- $nyder was finally When wa-1 “ e |llUl hi. woids w«e made, h|S ' ...m-jng All(J it took so long largely und"j o tra^"1 blasting over comfor that j, d>d‘-J J,... p.esttmphon that camel^'mn^Avith Sl,>der waM" menu ih:U cOnne*-'"'’ the aud>o co working1 Geiger attempted several times lo over­ come lhe difficulties. He suggested that Snyder turn off lhe video connection to pre­ serve the bandwidth. Others urged him lo phone in. Geiger finally called Snyder on his cell phone. “1 have Mike Snyder on lhe phone,” Geiger told commissioners at one point. “We are going to make this connection happen.” What followed then were loud gargling noises. Commissioner Howard Gibson, who was shown on screen as a video participant, held up a handwritten sign on which he had scrib­ bled these words: End the meeting. “Please disconnect his (Snyder’s) connec­ tion ” Geiger told lhe county’s IT support technician Aaron Staines. “I want to apolo­ gize to all participants for this complete breakdown in our lech system. It’s clear we do not know the limits or the weaknesses of our system. For the last 20 or so minutes, no one has been in control of this meeting.” Geiger said lhat Snyder would be able lo oiler his comments during the next county lx)and meeting. Then he asked the board: “Commissioners, are you unmuted? We need lo end this meeting by a vole.” He told Clerk Pamela Palmer lo “call the roll for closing this meeting because we all need to know it has ended.” Commissioner Catherine Getty said, “1 would love to make a motion to adjourn!” “I think we don’t want to give fate any more opport unity to wreak havoc on our com­ puters,” Geiger said, 1 he vote to adjourn the meeting was unan­ imous. 1 Y' *। 4 j c La .'U Muldrow told counci members nis company’s approach to branding s footed out of a focus on economic devclopncnt and commu­ nity revitalization. “1 love communities yourhze'j think a lol of people think lhat commtnity branding is for giant communities becau^- they think it’s all about tourism.” he said. “(really think it’s about shoring up your local nhrkel. Il’s about preserving that place. I love that magic lhat happens in a small town.” The branding project is expired to include an online community survey it give residents and other stakeholders an opportunity to share their stories and insights abo)t the village. Also planned are focus group;, community tours and workshops that wodd be open to the public, according lo marking materials provided by Arnett Muldrow. “We try to identify the qualtics that your citizens cherish, and then roll tlosc into that brand system.” Muldrow said. “So. as you communicate Middleville, Micligan. you’re communicating those qualities tlat your citi­ zens believe in.” Rayl asked council members whether they wanted to go ahead with contracting with Arnett Muldrow or to seek bids from other contractors. “I really like all of the samples and the other work that he did,” Village President Amanda Fisk said. “He quoted off a hunch of • r ‘history that probably half the town doesn't necessarily all know ... I personally am fine with just going with this, without sending it out for bids.” Trustee Mike Cramer asked if other firms offer lhe same types of services. “If we’re going to solicit bids, where are we going to get them from?” Cramer said. Questions were raised about how the cur­ rent stagecoach logo, which is found on the village website as well as village signage, would be incorporated into the new' branding. “He said it, our logo is on everything.” Cramer said. "To see where he’s going to go with lhat and how he’s going lo incorporate it - it’d be nice lo not have to change the trucks or staff uniforms or signs on buildings or the wrought-iron work on the pavilion ... I’d love to see where he goes with it.” Rayl said she expects the stagecoach to be incorporated in a new logo. Cramer asked how a new logo might be rolled out. Rayl said she favored a phased-in approach. “I don’t know’ lhat we need to do a total makeover,” she said. “We can just gradually, as things gel added and as money becomes available, replace whatever needs replacing " Department of public works director Alec Belson suggested the village address its wel­ come signs as part of the branding initiative. “The welcome signs are getting aged. 1 hey arc getting to the point where we should be . ' . • . • __ ’• fl| ;>/ looking at replacement in the near future, pos kxiking poi ­ sibly one y ear or two years.” Belson said. “If we’re l<x>king at any type of branding change, we should keep that in mind.” Interim DDA director Nichole Lyke said she is excited about the branding initiative. “I think there’s a lot of potential here. I think there’s a lot of great opportunities mov­ ing forward.” said Lyke, whose resignation as DDA director look effect last week bul is staying on in an interim capacity until new director Katherine Schmidt takes on the role later this month. Lyke said she plans to be involved in the branding process through her new role as an economic development coordinator for the Barn County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance. Council trustees Ed Schellingcr and Mike Lytle voted against hiring Arnett Muldrow- for the village branding. Schellingcr said Ke thinks the council should have had a little more discussion before taking action, while Lytle raised concerns about the cost. "I’mdefinitely for lhe concept.”Schellingcr said. "I felt we should have had a lot more discussion and maybe brought it up al a {com­ mittee of the whole meeting j.” Fisk. Cramer. President Pro Tempore Sherry Running and trustees Kevin Smith and lorn DeVries soled in favor of lhe motion. Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator GENERAL i REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-3780097 CD EE iHEE ’MMrExtmdadWMtamy' Dm •mb" *M2O NEWSPAPER CARRIERS! MUST HAVE reliable TRANSPORiA'1^!1 LHLMM AVAILABLE IN BARRY COUNTY Ml IiHid I • Paid weekly • MUST APPLY in person at OUR HASTINGS OFFICE 1351 n. M-43 Highway __ 1,2021 "SFetruary 1 Sate s 20% Off Fabrics MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING licensed Master Plumber Licensed journeyman Plumber Excludes sale items -J 'Pray Tor Our <. ask us._ construction, remodel, repair, OtTice (269) 94B-2248 Mobile (269) K3K-5 H ? 21BE State St. Hastes MMH Same Du\ Installation ay"— _ 5 5 QUESTIONS: Bradford white water h eaier*^ * * Sale ends February 27th OPL'i V.v\»-.»r Hulst Cleaners �An ode to road crews in winter Did you Do you S66? Cold your horses! These horses just south of Delton are trying to keep warm amid arctic tem­ peratures that show few signs of letting up. According to the National Weather Service forecast, the winter blast occurring across much of the nation is going to get worse before it gets better. Wind chills down to minus 12 degrees were expected Wednesday evening and temperatures are forecast to stay in the single digits into early next week. Oddly enough, the sun may shine at times but it sure won’t feel like it. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) remember? Central style show Banner April 2, 1959 From its beginning, Central Auditorium in Hastings was designed to serve the community. Since it would not necessarily be in use at the same time as classrooms in the building, the auditorium was built with its own heating and ventilation system. And in the 90 years since it opened, the auditorium has been used by the community - for concerts, operettas, plays, talent shows and other entertainment performances: commencement ceremonies; Kiwanis Travelogues; company presentations; community discussions; lectures; 4-H style shows; and more. Here, 4-H Dress Revue winners from 1959, Geraldine Smith, Hastings High School senior (second from left), and Judy Newton, a Delton Kellogg junior (second from right), were selected from among more than 200 young ladies at the 1959 Barry County 4-H Dress Revue to represent the county during State Club Week in June at MSU. The girls were photographed with their mothers, Mrs. Gerald [Leora] Smith (left) and Mrs. Carroll [Edith] Newton, after Monday s revue, witnessed by more than 1,000 guests in Central Auditorium. Geraldine is a member of the Yeckley 4-H Club, and Judy is a member of the Fair Lake Club. [The revue served as a style show for county 4-H members to model clothing they had made as 4-H projects.] met? Have you Five days a week. Andrew Courtright wakes up at 4:15 a.m., braces himself against the chilly, dark Michigan morning and drives to work. As a native Floridian and summer-lover, nier is far *ro,n *11S favorile season; but WrLr his gym closed for 6 months due to the a” Courtright doesn’t mind the cold P mX He’s just happy his business aS • -d the economic hardship brought on ?“7he pandemic and he's back to seeing his clients every' da) rCg»Thev make waking up at 4:15 a.m. on a 1,1 z morning worth it.” Courtright co|d .^'favorite part of Tril-it by far is the said- W . W|1O wa|k through our doors amazing P*^.. on a daily D moved to Hastings with CoUftrtg1 ’ $ attending Northeastern his family ‘fore graduating from Hastings P lemcnt^y . । nog. Highschool1” ,f ’ Callie Courtright, 38, He the summer of 20.6 started Tr,f “ '' Courtright never dteatned GrO*n’S „ owner, but lie came up of being ? bu5;nhl|e managing a local Snap * I the W1U1 • frant’his<?‘ ,rs||jp comes with its Sn. down*- C . ” ,<J lhe uncertainty of Ups . long ll£,UP' I _ particularly during *Ork,nC%r'iVR to'leeple-nights. ‘he bUnden^ " ’rfrf "ork he dT *heS^n;S,nf£cd "'elc e friendsh'P5,,.'pgle- . ",C „ married since d havt* 1 lf\ 5 2004 «" and jyfyla. «• 4 l or providing fitness training and creating a healthier community, Andrew Courtright is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: “The Greatest Showman.” Best advice ever received: You are in business to make money. If you don’t make money, you won’t be able to keep your doors open and provide the services people want. First job: Dairy department nt Felpausch. Favorite TV program: Anything sportsrelated. If 1 could go anywhere in lhe world: Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Book I’d recommend/favorite: “'lhe favorite dinner; TacosMy biggest challen,...; i-inishing a task. favorite game: Y-.t,.,^ When I was a anted to be: A professional baseball p|Ivcr. ‘‘rt most proud t)f. i1v kidsWhat the world n .^ |10« I*: L‘,vcand compassion. wl cJ|1an,m,1'‘intent „hen: 'he house is PrimeV°rite Car'°<"' <.lutrt*c,cr: °p,i"'US If I could live in a„ ,i1Cr , tl ,ikc 'o sw what life wa",^" tIk-I^Os-. Hobbies: Golf, llt kc % spending time with my family. Icss-U • I will never forget the winter 1 was head­ ing out on M-43 late at night in a snowstorm when I saw them up ahead: Two snowplows just leaving Hastings heading for Delton on M-43. The big trucks straddled the lanes, the plow in front clearing snow from the right lane and lhe one in lhe back clearing snow from the left lane. Each truck was equipped with a wing plow, both in an up position, as those two trucks angled around the first curve out of town. Then the wing plows suddenly came down in unison as they began to clear snow along the side of the roadway. Watching them was like watching planes Hying in a precise formation. The drivers had clearly done this many times before, they worked together, swooping efficiently through lhe Cloverdale Lake area as they drove in tandem. Like huge mechanized birds, these behe­ moths followed that curving ribbon of road, all motions synchronized in shared purpose as snow went flying and blinking lights flared out in the dark against a swirling mass of snow. 1 tucked in behind them, glad to follow their lead, maintaining a safe distance as they blazed a trail through the storm. What a fine escort. 1 will never forget that fantastic flight through the night and lhe sense lhat those snowplow drivers really enjoyed what they were doing. Tlie drivers were making lhe roads safer for people in Barry County, people like me who had been al work when lhe storm hit and needed to make their way safely home. The Barry County Road Commission alone is responsible for ice and snow control on more than 590 miles of paved county roads and 480 miles of gravel roads — more than 2,140 lane miles. “That's like driving from Hastings to lhe Mackinaw Bridge 85 times in one day," the road commission website points out. The tandem dump truck, which is equipped with an underbody blade and a front plow, is its most commonly used vehi­ cle for snow removal. A couple of weeks ago, I was listening to the Barry County commissioners interview applicants interested in serving on various boards and commissions. David Solmes, an incumbent member of the road commission who has served on lhat board for the past 12 years, sought another term and Jan. 26, he was reappointed for six more years. During his Jan. 19 interview, Solmes told commissioners that Barry' County is No. 1 in the state for rated roads. Thc county “is top in thc state, year after year, for roads.” he said. “We also rate our local roads. We rate every paved road for condition.” Road agencies in Michigan report on thc condition of ail paved federal-aid roads over the course of two years. To determine the ratings, the surface condition of roads is assessed and placed in a 10-point category system, which are grouped into “good,” “fair.” and “poor” categories. In 2018, the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council reported that, by county, Barry had lhe highest percentage of “good" rated roads — at about 40 percent — and 47.7 percent rated “fair." It was the only county in the state with that many miles of roadway rated good. In 2020, thc road commission employed 35 full-time workers; of those. 18 snowplow drivers are responsible for clearing 1,065 miles of road in the county. Solmes said one of his favorite causes in his role on the road commission is to make sure they stay engaged with the public. Website posts on the road commission I Facebook page are frequent, especially at | this time of year, to let motorists know when I trucks will be out plowing. Crews may start I as early as 4 a.m. some days when bad I weather warrants it. “Our crews will be out at 5 a.m. checking for slick spots.” a Feb. I post noted. “With lhe cold temps overnight, beware of black ice.” 7 And the many appreciative public responses on their Facebook page must be gratifying to the drivers: “Plow crew always on the job in a timely manner. ..You can almost set your clock by them!” one poster wrote. ‘I know when I hit Kalamazoo County,” wrote another. “You guys need to teach them how to plow. Great job, crews. Slay safe!” Yet another “Thanks so much for the info and all the hard work... 1 travel Barry and Kalamazoo and Allegan counties a lot, and Barry County is on top!” Roads are clearly a priority in the county, and it shows, thanks to thc work of our road crews. So. drive safely, everyone — for your sake and theirs. Rebecca Pierce, Editor In 2018, the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council reported that, by county, Barry had the highest percentage of “good" rated roads — at about 40 percent — and 47.7 percent rated “fair." It was the only county in the state with that many miles of roadway rated good. The Hastings Banner DetKrted to the tnterests o/ Barry County since 1856 Hastings Banner, Inc ' M-.3 . News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics com ArK/ ** ’ 945-5192 ..._________________ aphics.com •Advertising: ads^j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO CUssihfd mfe accepted Monday 8'30 am lo5OQpm. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Breit Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler advertising department • Luke Froncheck Taylor Owens Friday. Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send add-ess P.O Box 168 Hjslingi. Ml 49058 0163 Sectr'd CteM PostaQ* Pwl at Hast <V- ----------------- — Andrew Courtright Shack.” When it’s quiet: 1 nap! A big accomplishment for mc: Flaying in the High School East/West All-Star baseball game at Tiger Stadium. Favorite teacher and why: Jeff Simpson from Hastings High School* because he pushed me to be a better person and athlete. Person I’d most like to meet (alive or dead): Jesus. Favorite season und why: Summer sunshine and warm Weather. What motivates me* Helping others. Favorite vacation destination: Anna Mana Island. Florida Important lesson from childhood: Don’t put off lo (omormw what you can do today. Greatest song written: “Be a LiglU" by Thomas Rh '/ Iff were president; i wouldn't want that The Barry County Road Commission road crews are responsible for ice and snow control on more than 2,140 lane miles throughout the county - and they ve been quite busy lately. to: �areH.2°2,"Pa9a5 The Hastings Banner — Thursday, FebfU<1 JLake. desiglle<« *° hold power Here is the new Republican nk.r you force-feed a series of fiCs If fraud, getting a cult of believers tonB . your false claims, we will g0 J £*c «><h If you try- U> pressure state election • i to overturn a legally certified elJr ” “ ’ encourage it. "M C,CC|1O'>- «e If you incite a mob to riot . US. Capitol, leading to ,hc d^hsTr^ Elaine Garlock Wc have been getting a taste of real winter weather. Temperatures have dipped below ]() degrees. The WION weather report was that on the weekend, over three days. Hastings received 9 inches of snow. This is quite a contrast to thc December and January weather. Likely this will help the county road commissions with their finances with less money spent on snow plowing in the past two months. The Red Cross was in town for a blood drive Monday. The drive was little shortstaffed, and several donors had long wait limes. Some of those at the end of the day chose to return for the drive. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society’s individuals, wc will condone it. If you arc a member of our p.irty and criti­ cize the former president, we will try to expel you. As long as we can hold on to power, we will go along with anything. Thus goes thc party of Lincoln. Ed Szumowski, Hastings Constitution makes process clear To thc editor: “j"' back our country with weakness.” • ’*? cro"’d durin8 lhc rio> included: Storm the Capitol!" "Hang Mike Pence! * Inciting an insurrection and election fraud are federal crimes. (This is stated in the 18 ILS. Code, section 2383, under the heading “Rebellion or insurrection.” as well as in 52 US. Code, section 20511.) My entire life, and I am 71.1 have understood that crimes should be punished and that punishment can act as a deterrent to crimes in the future. Some people say, now that President Trump is out of office, there should not be a trial in thc U.S. Senate. Donald Trump was impeached in the U.S. House of Representatives while he was still in office. Impeachment is thc equiv­ alent of an indictment for a sitting U.S. presi­ dent. It is true that he is no longer president, but how can those of us who believe in law and order now find that the impeachment of then-Presidcni Trump, the equivalent of an indictment, should not lead to a trial? Thc current Department of Justice policy is that a sitting president cannot be indicted through thc regular legal system. The pre­ scribed Constitutional remedy for presidential high crimes and misdemeanors is impeach­ ment in the House and trial in the Senate. If a president commits crimes associated with np-election that cannot be prosecuted in thc regular legal system, and that president loses the election, it can be necessary to have the Senate trial after he leaves office. Otherwise. a president can evade prosecution for such crimes indefinitely. President Trump called for protesters to gather in the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6. He gave a speech calling for them to fight to take back the country and told them to go to the Capitol building where (he results of the Electoral College were to be counted and announced. The legislators were not deciding those results; they were just making them official. The words of the U.S. Constitution about the purpose of this event arc clear in Article II, Section I, Clause 3: “The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all thc Certificates, and the Votes shall then be count­ ed. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President ...” Yet, despite thc fact that all 50 states had already certified thc Electoral Vote count. President Trump and his supporters tried to deny that count. And he instructed his sup­ porters to go to thc U.S. Capitol building to put pressure on the members of Congress to deny that count. There was an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building Jan. 6. A mob entered thc building by force during a joint session of Congress performing their constitutional duty. Doors and w indows were broken. Police were attacked, beaten and even killed while trying to protect the building and thc safety and lives of the members of Congress. The mob tram­ pled to death one of its own in thc frenzy to attack. Some people there had planned and organized to kidnap, and even kill. Vice President Pence and members of Congress, and many more chanted for this to be done. One could argue that Donald Trump’s actions and speech did not rise to the level of inciting an insurrection, but that decision must be determined by a trial - and that trial must occur in the Senate. Some have said that Trump is out of office, so let it go. But thc constitutional consequences of a conviction in thc Senate go beyond removal of office. There arc three possible consequences in Article I. Section 2, Clause 3: “Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor. Trust or Profit under the United States; but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment. Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.” Any president who commits high crimes and misdemeanors, who incites insurrection and interferes w'ith an election should never hold office again and must be liable to indict­ ment, trial, judgment and punishment, accord­ ing to law. Some have said that elections are the means to deal w ith a president who fails in his duties. The constitution provides another option: Impeachment. In this case, we have a presi­ dent whose crime was to attempt to overthrow an election after it was lost. The only remedy for a president who com­ mits crimes after thc election is to face justice after he leaves office. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township Health department creating new vaccination sites More COVID-19 arc vaccines are being delivered, but thousands of people are still waiting to be inoculated. As of Tuesday, 4.424 Barry’ County resi­ dents had received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the state f Michigan. Of those people, 1,525 have °Lived their second dose. The health department s overarching goal • r 70 percent of the population of Barry is *or jo or older, which is slightly County goo people, to be vaccinated, last weekend, 12 percent of those As o» vaccinated. people nau .j use Way more vaccine; “We st,‘ of demand,” Barry-Eaton there’s Department official Anne District He Barna saio- 2 000 of Barry County resiMore Uia qVed their vaccine through dents h^Lealtlt Pennock, while slightly Spectrum J1' obtained n vaccine through momth^Le rentainder were vaccinated rEDHD- ^l:of living facility. uLifih a * , ‘ department is receiving an vacTe^h average oj Ministering them w.th.n the weei’ 3n u depanntent is getting more while the M h llgo. the amount B^ „ it . unpredictable, which doses ‘deach week Anointments a chal- makes bC ber of , gently ^ated a c',n‘c from 32 to 64. That difference will be cru­ cial, once the department starts to receive more doses. Barna said the department is planning to create a similar site in Barry County, but is not yet ready to announce where it will be. Once the department starts receiving more doses of the vaccine than it can dis­ tribute, it will begin sending those vaccines to local pharmacies, Barna said. State officials announced Tuesday that 11 percent of Michiganders age 16 and up. and 25 percent of residents age 65 and older have received their first dose. As of this Tuesday, 968542 people have received their first dose of thc vaccine, and 370587 people have received their second dose. More than 200 staff members at Thomapple Kellogg school district will receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine next Tuesday. The district is scheduling the following Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 17 and 18, as remote learning days, in case some staff members have adverse temporary side effects from receiving the vaccine. •Superintendent Dan Remenap said the staff signed up individually to receive the vaccine through Spectrum Health Pennock. At least 70 percent of the district’s staff either plans to be vaccinated, or has already received a vaccine, he added. ’‘The vaccination effort was - and still is - a challenge,” Remenap said, “but this is unprecedented territory for all of us. ... “h is a major effort and we all need to be flexible with each other as we navigate these challenges together.” l tOS of Lake * Facebook page has interesting phf f960s • Odessa’s lighthouse from thc of early ' recently posted by a granddaughte owners who built the concession J»tan ’ . A new sign painted in the funcra j window says, “When you text and dn' ’ ; don’t know thc outcome. #S4SD. (ht , for a Safer Drive) A suitable folIoW'Up mig » be,“... but we do.” • h ' Thc village lampposts are adorned Wt , navy blue pennants bearing snowflake desig - ( and the word “Welcome." . • Churches arc gearing up for Ash Wednesday > and Lenten programming. ’ It will be interesting to see what they do differently from what would be done in a . normal year. j TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW Monicas to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary Charles Monica married Donna Diehl on Feb. 16. 1946 in the Cloverdale Evangelical Church. lhe couple ha'e six children. Mona Ellard of Olivet, Mich., Gail Gibson of Tifton. Georgia. Gregg Monica of Pennfield. Mich., Brad Monica of Delton. Mich., Marsha Veenstra of Grand Rapids. Mich, and Daneen Caro of Spring Lake, Mich. They have 18 grandchildren. 23 great­ grandchildren and three great-great­ grandchildren. If you would like to celebrate this event with them, you may send a letter or card to our parents using the P.O. Box 572, Delton. Ml 49046. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046, to examine and review the 2021 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hear­ ing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 10:00 am Organizational Meeting Wednesday, March 8, 2021. 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Thursday, March 9, 2021, 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, correct­ ed and approved. APPOINTMENTS ARE SUGGESTED; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 5. 2021 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as follows: Agncullural 44.92% 1.1131 Commercial 46.05% 1.0858 Industrial 40.97% 1.2204 Residential 50.11% 0.9978 Personal Property 50.00% 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Marriage Jim Stonebumer, Supervisor Prairieville Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Prairieville Township Prairieville Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, I . color, national origin, sex or disability. 'f/ • ’ . i 1 • Jessica Ruth Foote. Middleville and Jeffrey Arthur Dickinson. Middleville^ Christopher James Fox, Hastings and Shelly Marie Benedict. Hasting,. Victor Uriel Anguiano, Vayland and Daniela Lizeth Velazquez, Wayhnd. Seniors may get Segal advice by phone The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct interviews for legal advice and po$ible repre­ sentation, w ithout charge, over the telephone to interested seniors. Those who wish to speak w ith an attorney may call 734-890-8198, Friday, Feb. 19, between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Legal Services of South Central MichiganBattle Creek office isa nonprofit organization that provides legal assistance, representation and education to seniors in Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties. COVID VARIANT, continued from page 1 According to Bridge Magazine. Michigan reported an average 884 cases on both Sunday and Monday - the lowest for two consecutive days since early October. The state’s positivity rate has fallen to 4.5 percent, nearing the g°al of 3 percent. During a press conference Tuesday, state officials announced th* caseload has dropped by 81 percent from the peak in November. The percentage of hospital beds filled by COVID-19 patients has dropped from 72 per­ cent in November to 6 P^cnt this weck* How much those numbers may rise due to the new' variant depends on whether people continue following »hc COVID19 precautions; d‘s'.»>>cing and hand-washingofficuds sa.d The CDC also “lxlaled "s Puldcll''es for llliividuals who, or tightly fit a mask wearing. |I< ,hcir favc fcwh> wear sutgreal musk an « ical lll.lsk_ w |css a cloth mask overc.lse likely to catch thegUijc]jnes Studies have s pec>p|c wj(h the disease are followed bo 1 - (|K. chances of jts spread “’dteew.thout«-96 5perccn, are lowered by P lo reducc lransmis.sion “Faking mea> i< ,il[ia| t of BJ j .7 now can lessen JtT |() vawill;lll„„ and allow enucal ^^j coverage, that v*7 1 j American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice lo Prairieville Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Prairieville Township by wnting or calling. Rod Goebel Prairieville Township Clerk 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-2726 154933 TOWNSHIP OF HOPE 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 5463 M-43 Hwy.. Hastings, Ml 49058 to examine and review the 2021 assessment roll The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday March 2. 2021, 11:30 am Organizational Meeting Monday, March 8, 2021, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, cor­ rected and approved. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 5, 2021 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as fol- lows: Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Personal Property 42.16% 1.1860 51.80% 50.51% 44.62% 50.00% 0.9653 0.9899 1.1206 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expect­ ed after completion of Board of Review. Doug Peck, Supervisor Hope Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Hope Township Hope Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice . The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, o individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ noticei Hope Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or serv should contact Castleton Township by writing or calling. Hope Township Clerk 5463 M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2464 154932 J . �Febtuan^ 11.2021 — The Hasting- Banner Donna l^ Pa.cker Mary J. Springer Mary Helen pennington JuneFra^sJanDc^burg Leslie James Siveeney June Frances (Co|vl,'> ^"^.bnrary 5. Donna Pay Packer, age 82. of Vermont'i।h*’ unexpectedly bul in peace, pxssed away Saturday. Jan. 23,2021. She was bom to parents Acic and Vessie Ervin <’f Gleason. TN on February 10, 1939, Donna was preceded in death and is now reunited with her three sisters. Dorothy Morgan. Mildred Coleman. Hazel Jackson and her brother. Theron Ervin. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years. Richard Packer, and her four children. Cheryl (Kim) Wright of Grant, Kendall Leonard ot Vermontville, Carl ijcortanl ot Vermontville. Rona Leonard of Grand Rapids; lour stepdaughters, Amy Jo Schreiner of Six Lakes. Kendra Packer of Stanton, Shelley Petersen of Gowen, and Robin Packer of Ludington*. 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Donna is retired from TRW in Portland. She was also an accomplished seamstress and has blessed her family with her special talent for making quilts that they will forever treasure in her memory'. She also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Funeral sen ices will be held on Saturday. Feb. 13. 2021 at 1 p.m. at Hastings Free Methodist Church. 2635 M-43. Hastings. Ml 49058. The service will be live streamed. Because of Covid-19 safety precautions, masks will be required and social distancing enforced. After the sen ice there will be a social gathering with pizza at the Hastings Free Methodist Church on Saturday. Feb. 13 starting at 2 p.m. Pastor Brian has invited us io use lhe community room to have a shared meal together and spend some more time remembering mom after the services. We will be ordering pizza. Please RSVP so I will know how many to order. Masks will be required and social distancing enforced. 93, passed away peacefully 2021. . nn December June was bom in Hastings. and |na 3. 1927. the daughter of LI High (Bailie) Colvin. She attended H* School, graduating in 1945. Robert On May 17.1947. June n^^|h 71 VanDenburg and they were ble: years of marriage. As a ho^ke . Mary’ Janet Springer, age 89. of Delton.' passed away peacefully on February 8, 2021 at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo. Mary was bom on June 9. 1931 in Prairieville Township, the daughter ot Edward and Janet (Peake) Scott. On February 29, 1952, she married the love of her life, James Springer, and together they shared nearly 50 years of marriage before his passing on February 11.2002. Once thc youngest of her five children Mary Helen Pennington. agc attended school. Mary was hired at DeltonHastings, passed away on February 9, 2021. Kellogg and was widely remembered as the She was bom on October 26. 1954 in Grand lunch and recess lady. She was also 'cry Rapids, the daughter of Leon and Crystene involved with Prairieville Farm Days as the (Ixntz) Jasperse. camping coordinator. Her career ended Mary was a 1972 graduate of Ottawa Hills working at BJ Hydraulics at the age of 83. High School. On April 8, 1989. she married Granny is leaving many family members Michael Pennington, and they enjoyed 28 and friends behind. Her legacy is that she years together until his death in 2017. Mary' prided herself in being happy and cheerful worked as a paraprofessional at Star School and did her best to spread it around. In her and Southeastern Elementary' for 17 years. free lime, Mary enjoyed reading, crocheting, Mary enjoyed gambling with her friends, knitting, crafting, and traveling. couples bowling on Saturdays once a month, Mary’ is survived by her children, Marjorie boating on Pine Lake in the summers, the (Stephen) Erb. Shelley (Dan) Erb, April Grandparents Proeram at Southeastern (Michael) Wertman. Michael (Emily Elementary. Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku, Hoffman) Springer, Kelly (Kenny Osborne) and spending time with friends and family. Springer; 12 grandchildren; 21 great Mary was preceded in death by her greal one great grandchildren; husband, Michael Pennington; parents. Leon e______ c___ _____ _____ ____ Scott; granddaughter; brother. Richard and Crystene Jasperse; mother-in-law. Susan sisters. Shirley Reaser and Nancy Swan; and father-in-law. Lloyd Pennington: several nieces and nephews. Pennington; brother, David Jasperse; Mary- was preceded in death by her '' brother-in-law. Steve Pennington; sister-inparents; husband, and brother, Duane Scott. ,J law. Judy Pennington, and niece, Jessica According to Mary’s wishes, cremation Merrill. has taken place and no services are planned Mary is survived by her daughters. at this lime. Melissa Pennington of Grand Rapids and Memorial contributions to Rose /Xrbor. Christina (Rob) Yattaw of Salisbury, NC; 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo. Ml grandchildren, Brianna Richer, Matthew 49007. or Fort Custer Honor Guards, 15501 Yattaw, and Christopher Richer; brother. Dickman Road. Augusta, MI 49012 will be Steve (Kelly) Jasperse of Grand Rapids; appreciated. brother, Mike (Diane) Jasperse of Dothan. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuncral. AL; sister. Susie (Jim) Majors of Raleigh, com to share a memory or lo leave a NC; brother-in-law, Jtx Pennington: sister­ condolence message for Mary’s family. in-law. Teresa (Jay) Beckwith; sister-in-law, Sandy (Dave) Nichols, and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of Bowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kindred Hospice Care, 1911 W Centre Ave.Ste 1; Portage, MI 49024 or the American Cancer Society, www.donate?. cancer.org. P.O. Box 22478; Oklahoma City, OK 73123. A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Girrbach Ftneral Home. 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneialhomc.net. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "Wc Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945 -9121. Email hastfmeffi gmail.com. Website: www. ) t ff Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director. Martha Stoetze!. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. ,’eekly activity bags for chilren Wee liable in the 9 a.m. are and Kid’s Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. c-r ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 s. Jefferson. 269-945269-945­ I-uthcr Stephan 4246 1 4:30 p.m. Philip- Mass K and 11 a.m. Saturday- M-1 Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn. Hastings. Matt Moser. Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade). 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E State Rd., P.O. Box 273. Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway. Hastings, Ml 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328I N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery’ provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616 690-8609 PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road. Dowling, Ml 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765. (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43). Delton,' Ml 49(M6. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 2(M9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 lo 11:30am. Nursery and Children’s Ministry . Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. inn on worship senice is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: ____ exfob Hmbs f>Mry' »»• Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 I i'O'i J 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Ixslie “Jim James Sweeney, age 66. of Hastings, passed away on February' 3, 2021. Jim was bom on July 11. 1954. thc son of Leslie Leroy and Yvonne (James) Sweeney in Grand Rapids. Jim was a 1972 graduate of Thomapple Kellogg High School. On December 9. 2005. Jim married Candi Stow, and they enjoyed 15 years together. Jim was the owner/operator of Jim s Pick-up Service, which he started in 1972 while a senior in high school. Jim loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Jim was an avid car and motorcycle collector. He always had a need for speed and loved to take his cars and motorcycles to the drag strip to see how fast they could go, which resulted in him not being able to race his Grand National without a roll cage. When not racing, he loved to be a spectator at thc strip. During Metro Cruise, he would enjoy meeting with family and watching the cars being driven, often driving one of his collector cars as well. He also enjoyed going to car. motorcycle and toy shows. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Sweeney; his grandparents, Leslie (Marie Welsh) Sweeney. Isabell (George) James; his first wife, Lu Ann Fyan. Dick (Ruth) Hinckley. Luke Hinckley. Bob Hinckley, and Duane Windes. Jim is survived by his mother, Yvonne Sweeney; wife, Candi (Stow) Sweeney; children. Jennifer (Kevin) Nester, Michael Sweeney, Jesse Sweeney, Shelby (Douglas) Baker, Dillon Sweeney; grandchildren, Kiara Blough, Zellie Sweeney. Izzabella Sweeney, Leila Sweeney. Grady Sweeney, Khloe Baker, Nora Sweeney; siblings. Bill (Karen) Sweeney, Kelly (Charlie) Jenkins, Pat (Tracey) Sweeney, Les (Katrina) Sweeney; many nieces and nephews, and his dog. Bear. Visitation was held on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 with a funeral service that followed. Interment was at Irving Township Cemetery'. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.sljude.org, 262 Danny Thomas Place; Memphis.TN 38105. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net raised three spectacular sonsbecoming a mother, she was a clere Ben Franklin Store. JCPenney. andI NWIer s Ice Cream Shop. While June enjoyed being homemaker, she would also sPen jce assisting her husband in their Safety Auto Bcxly Shop, which they owned tor .« y June was an extraordinary woman. She greatly loved and cared for her familyc enjoyed endless days of baking “Fudgy Buttons,” playing “Go Fish,” and enjoying a good ole baseball game in the yard. June s grandkids, including her great-grandkids, were incredibly special to her. June enjoyed tending to her flower garden, sewing, mushroom hunting, and baking. June greatly enjoyed traveling and camping with close friends as well. June was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son. William VanDenburg; brother. Floyd Colvin, and sisters. Doris Colvin, and Elaine Steward. June is survived by her sons, David (Jane) VanDenburg of Gwinn. James VanDenburg of Hastings; grandchildren, Katherine (Gary) of Houston, TX. Kelli (Aaron) Newberry of Hastings,Sally (Sean) VanDenburg of Lansing.Derek (Sarah) VanDenburg of great-grandchildren. Aaron. Hastings; Andrew, and Kennedy Newberry of Hastings. Emma and Adrianne VanDenburg of Hastings, Jacob Caplan of Houston. TX; sisters, Mert (Richard) Clark of Hastings; Verna Lancaster of Lansing; sisters-in-law, Catherine Colvin of Hastings and Klasiena VanDenburg of Hastings and many nieces and nephews. As Robert and June wished, no service will be held. June and Robert’s ashes will be mixed as they come together again. They will be buried at Hastings Township Cemetery. At this time, memorial contributions can be made to Grace Hospice, 2725 Airview Blvd #101. Portage, MI 49002, who blessed June with a comfortable and peaceful end of life. A special thanks can be made to nurse Krissy. who personally and gracefully cared for June. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Lifelong Delton resident is Barry Township’s new supervisor Sean Bradley Staff Writer Barry Bower has been selected as the next supervisor by the Barry' Township Board of Trustees. The township board voted unanimously during its meeting Tuesday to appoint Bower to the position, which had been vacant since the Jan 3 death of Supervisor Wes Kahler. “One of the things I’m looking forward to is talking to the Hickory Comers firemen and the Delton firemen and seeing what their needs are and seeing " hat we can do to help them out,” Bower said Wednesday. He said he will take on the position full­ time and retire fTOrn |11S regular job as a supervisor at II Stanley in Battle Creek after more than 25 years. ? The supervisor’s duties include running the township board meeting5’ aclinS as lhe township’s legal agcnt jn lawsuits, and act»»g as the secretary for township board ot review meetings. 'ITte supervisor c:,n over­ see personnel issUl. vcll. 1 he board conducted interviews w.th four candidates Feb. 2 In Bower’s interview, he discussed his Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads background, ambition for the job and vision for the township. During his interview. Bower, a lifelong Delton resident, cited his experience work­ ing with Kahler on various projects as a reason why he would be best for the super­ visor position. Bower said he has attended every meet­ ing of the township board that he could. He also said he “likes to get things done" and doesn’t give up on projects. “(I’d] try and make (the community] more of a destination than a drive-through place," Bower said about his vision for the township's future. Bower had just won a seat on the board as a trustee in the November 2020 general election. Since he was chosen as lhe super­ visor, his position as trustee was vacated immediately after he submitted a written resignation during Tuesday’s meeting. His resignation as trustee was read aloud and unanimously approved by the board. The board now has 45 days from Tuesday to appoint a new trustee, otherwise a general election would have to occur. A deadline of 5 p.m. Feb. 17 was set by a unanimous vote of lhe board to accept applications for the ’W biMtk. W"r open trustee position. Also, thc board voted unanimously to set 5 p.m. Feb. 18 to interview trustee candi­ dates with the goal ot filling the open trustee seat by the end of that meeting. Bower will hold the supervisor position for the next two years. He will also have to file a candidacy with the Barry County Clerk s Oitice in 2022 to be considered for the supervisor s position in the November 2022 general election. Whomever is elected will hold the position for another two years. In other business, the board unanimously approved optional participation of the town­ ship s elected officials in an online security training at no cost to the township since it is paid for by the Gull Lake Sewer and Water Authority. Board members discussed initial plans about working with the Gull Lake Sewer and Water Authority and the Southwest Barry ounly Sewer and Waler /Xuthorily to create a memorial to honor Kahler to be placed at the bandshell outside the township hall. he board also unanimously approved poverty exemption guidelines for property taxes for residents who qualify. •Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • l-irgc Parking U« - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths * 1>a’«>T.mgenxntIhmsfersAccepted 328 s Broadway, Hastings. MI -19058 |>ak* UilliiigMr) °"",r Manage, 2_r -' *5-3252 • ,- - l amily sen mg I last mgs. Burn ( ned ln . ‘ 1 f\ U mtvw.itfrrbachfimeralhomc.net " i H ‘' <,irrlwch <ns.K r I iiK-rhux S|>» । <HUhlnn. ( nniimmilic-s lor Ml yrars �turning BflGK THE PAGES ( Central School marking 9© years of archfec^j] excellence The new Cenlr.il School in February ol 1931 was ready tor occupancy The new school and community auditorium were completed and ready for students and the public in early February 1931. (File photo) The late Esther Walton wrote the following column on Central Elementary School for the Sept. 3,1987, Banner. The building opened to students in early February 1931. A historic marker was approved by the state in 1991 and installed in 1993. In 1930, thc old Red School, built in 1872, was deemed too crowded, unsafe and a fire hazard, so plans were made to construct a new school building in Hastings. The crowding was not due to substantial increases in population. Rather, the Stale of Michigan was encouraging rural schools to consolidate into nearby city school systems, and this happened at a considerably fast rale. In 1929 alone. 11 [local] rural schools were consolidated. Enrollment at Hastings High School in 1930 was close lo 490 students, while the city of Hastings’ school census showed only 1,297 school-aged children. To accommodate this influx from the rural areas, the Hastings school system started lo enlarge its school buildings. Plans began in 1928 by setting aside $25,000 in a sinking fund toward new' school construction. At first, it was hoped that two separate buildings could be constructed, and both buildings could be built without a bonding issue. But as events turned out. one building was built, and bonding had lo be used. Fortunately for Hastings, the school bonds used lo build the 1916 high school were paid off in 1930. This made bonding for the new’ Central School easier because it did not raise taxes. In 1929. the school board settled on combining the grade school and junior high students into one building. Throughout lhe whole year, articles on lhe necessity of a new building appeared in the Banner. finally, in February 1930, three plans were submitted for the new building. Costs were frnated. and due to thc Great Depression. ttLrial costs and bond interests were lower. TI new school had to conform to the state * *1C yjjjch had two requirements: No IavV’ ' . classrooms, and the building must f^eTast and west to give students equal chan041 °f ^nfive. the school board adopted a As an 10 <ial inade the auditorium available resolution volc was taken jn March Built in 1872, what was known as the old Red School was razed in April 1930 to make way for the much larger Central School that would occupy the same site. Some of the bricks from the old building were used to construct the 1931 school. (File photo) I930, and in what was called a “magnificent showing of public spirit." it passed 819-179. Demolition of lhe old high school was begun in April 1930. Not everything was destroyed. Bricks were salvaged and used in the new building. The bell lhat hung in lhe belfry’ since 1872 was carefully saved and pul into the new Central building to call future children to school. By a process of elimination and study, thc school board, headed by Mrs. Emmy Keller, chose Warren S Holmes, from Lansing, Boston and Chicago, as the architect. According to Holmes, the new building contained unusual points of interest lhat contributed to more efficient teaching and classroom methods. "Tlie architect." he said, “must understand educational problems." According to Holmes, his work needed to supplement that of lhe teacher, and he felt he must arrange his building and lhe details therein to bring out the fullest possible efficiency in educational practices. l he physical dimensions were 223 feel in ' \ seines OUS fn°ti,S at1 exieriof‘-; a<Q epicted in bas-relief sculptures on the building's The original "High School and Central Primary Buildings" are pictured tn the 19^ Hastings yearbook The main school building was removed in 1930. The annex (le«t) still stands. i< One ol nearly 3° historic sites in Barry County, the L al School marker is one of only ec°0nizing school buildings. This s’O •.approved by the state in 1991 and in5 ed in 1993, reads: "Hastings built the 'irs J^nool on this site in 1852. It burned in *«7it and ule sec. ond school was cons ructed. Hailed as a “landmark of progreSS’ the new building served until 1930 w en it was razed. Bricks from that structure were incorpo­ rated into the present school. A three-day celebration marked the opening Of cenjra| School in February 1 31. Lansing archi­ tect Warren S. Holmes designed lhe building with the most up-to-date facili­ ties. The kindergarten suite included a playroom furnished with a tiled aquarium, an electrical fireplace and sandboxes. Tile friezes of the animal kingdom deco­ rated the room. The school also had a soundproof music room, a science room with plant-growing boxes and a photogra­ phy darkroom, and an auditorium with sophisticated stage equipment, [opposite side] On the eve of Central School s ded­ ication in 1931, the Hastings Banner noted: “Other rooms in the school have been designed primarily to serve the teachers and pupi’s, but the auditorium has been built to serve the entire commu­ nity." Hastings had a truly modern facility for staging live theier. During lhe 1990s, the deteriorating auJtorium was restored. The project included refinishing the 1,136 seats, arranged in a slope to provide a clear view for the ajdience. In addition, damaged acousticaStaterial on the ceil­ ing and walls of the auditorium was repaired. Stage curtains and drops are manipulated by the original counterbal­ anced system, and a central switchboard controls all of the lighting. The auditorium is also equipped for film projection attended kindergarten here and then attended would qualify a person to be a teacher in the the 2nd Ward school for the primary grades. rural schools. [Individuals still needed to take All the tile and terrazzo work was finished qualifying tests.] by the General Mosaic Company of Detroit. The school was meant to have hard use. Brown-gray tiles also lined the lower portion Tile decorated the lower 5 feet of the hallways.. of the hallways. metal lockers were built into lhe walls, brass A new idea for its lime was lhe construction knobs were pul on bannisters to keep of 468 lockers buili into the sides of the youngsters from using thc rails as "chute-tohallways “to provide storage space for every’ chules." Many refinements were made to pupil from the third grade up." keep maintenance low. For instance, “Fillets, The science room in its glass-covered or transitional molding, filled in most of the growing room had a controlled healing system sharp comers in the rooms and hallways." so so “experimentation with plants is possible in there was “no place for dust and dirt to the wintertime." Another feature of the science collect." room was a dark room for photography. lhe next lime you have an opportunity’ to The music room was made “sound­ visit Central School, take a few moments to absorbing" by placing acouslical plaster on really look at what was done during the Greatt walls and the ceiling. A double-wall Depression for thc educational facilities of construction adjacent io lhe hallway and a our children. It is amazing.The superintendent. three-ply door with fell sound-joints was lhe board of education and the contractors all expected to muffle the sounds of band and produced a fine building in such lean times. . orchestra from adjacent rooms. Now the third and fourth generations of the The feature of lhe second floor was the first students are attending classes in the playroom, now used as lhe library’. It was building - indeed a compliment to the people designed to be used as a gymnasium, large who conceived and built it. meeting room and dressing room for lhe auditorium stage, and lhe small kitchen would permit dinners or luncheons being prepared in connection with special group meetings. The windows were made of non-breakable construction with iron mesh. How many activities were actually conducted in this room is not known. Bul it is known that, for all the wonderful things pul into the school, it did not have ils own library room. In advance for ils lime was lhe visual education room. Al the time lhe school was dedicated, Superintendent [D.A.] Van Buskirk said, “Visual education has passed the experimental stage, and so a room for this purpose has been provided in thc new Central building.” He went on to say, "The use of lhe room will be limited because of the fact that publishers and producers of the education films and slides ... are not yet available ... however, in the near future such books and materials will be available." It also was hoped that moving pictures with sound would become a part of the teaching Over its 90 years. Central Elementary length and 133 feet in width. A total of 283.000 bricks were used in the construction. curriculum. has undergone renovations and upgrades, The school was designed to sene primary, The 206 windows contained 920 panes of but the original character of the building junior high and county normal students. glass. The building contained 20 classrooms Today, it cannot hold all of thc primary has been preserved as much as possible. of 20 by 30 feet each. The cost had been students. County normal students were post- These energy-efficient lights, installed in figured at 27.1 cents a cubic foot. A steel high school students taking courses lo become 2010, maintain the original character. girder weighing 12 tons w® used in teachers. Generally, a year of county normal constructing lhe auditorium. l he school contained many special features PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS unusual for its time. Thc auditorium seated 1,136 and was equipped with up-to-date stage PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE facilities for producing plays. A kindergarten suite contained a work room, aquirium, (the j NOTICE OF INTENT (POSSIBLE) TO USE A VIRTUAL PLATFORM FOR first class made it a wading pool) sand piles PUBLIC HEARING and fireplace. The science room had a glassTO’ THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAI­ covered growing room “fitted with steam RIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: coils and soil box." PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on March 3,2021 com­ Also included were a soundproof music mencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton Ml, room, a playroom equipped with showers and 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning En­ lockers and even a kitchenette. An opportunity abling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. room was installed to help children with PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to order issued by the Michigan Depart­ special learning problems. A visual education ment of Health and Human Services and State of Michigan legislative changes to the room and a suite for county normal school Ooen Meetings Act. the Township Zoning Board of Appeals may hold its meeting (in­ were some of the unusual things mentioned as cluding public hearing) electronically, in order to limit in person government activities being special features. and to protect critical infrastructure workers to the extent possible. If the meeting is he'd The auditorium was designed to serve the electronically, information to electronically attend the meeting will be posted on the Town­ community. Originally, it contained 1,136 ship’s website at http://www.prairievilletwp-mi.org. In addition to participation during an seals; in later years, that w^ reduced to about electronically held public hearing, members of the public may also provide comments for 800 seals. Upholstered folding opera seats the Zoning Board of Appeal’s consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the finished in blue and gray matched the colors Zoning Board of Appeal's for receipt prior to the meeting, in care of the Township Zoning of the woodwork. The ceilings and sides of Administrator. Eric Thompson or by leaving a phone message lhe balcony were plastered with a special prjor to the meeting with the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson at 269-948­ porous material designed to improve lhe acoustical properties of the room. 4 AOQ PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said Since the auditorium Was not expected to nublic hearing include, in brief, the following: be in continuous use. it had its own heating H 1 a request from Eaglecrest Homes on behalf of property owner, Chris and and ventilation system, the latter consisting of ’ Shelley Kocur, 11710 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Ml 49080. for a variance to a fan. The auditorium boosted an elevated allow for the construction of a new single-family dwelling. The construction of main floor of 3 from to back. The the principal building fails to meet the rear yard setback requirements pursuant lighting facilities included five jargc drop to section 6.17 E of the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance. The subject light clusters with smaller drop lights for thc site is located 11710 Lindsey Road, Plainwell. Ml 49080.. Parcel # 08-12-008' balcony. 'Hie stage equipment was called “the 017-21 and is currently zoned R-2. most modern,” Curtain and drops manipulated by a counterbalanced system and 2, Such other business as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals. a central switchboard that permitted flexible control of border. I°°l a°d auditorium lights. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, In the kindergarten suite - along with the or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting. work room, cloak nx)ni and lavatory - were cabinets for storing projects, books, collections Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and ser­ and equipment. The nquarium was built of vices, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ prior notice tome glazed green tile. and green tile were Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services snou used to decorate the n/eP*acc, and the plaster contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. surface was stained a ^ff color. Two Mother Go<’<‘,les on either side of PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEAlS the ojiening formed spots of color. Just By: Dale Grimes, Chairperson below the ceiling 1 “.Playroom was a bird Prairieville Township Hall and animal frieze in a buff color, 11015 S. Norris Rd. containing such ^bbits, elephants, Delton, Michigan 49046 155117 he irs does geese. d“tks» pelicans and storks ________________ _______________ (269) 623-2064 in L Xl: Student- fOrni lhe 2nl) Ward �f*"’*”•2021 ~ 1hBHas,,"’’sa«nne, CENTRAL, continued from page 1---------------' bUw"histoO of Central Elemen,!,r>' hegins long before 1 )gj2 wjth the construction g sch<x>l building called Union ot a w o-room • SchoolH agcs attended Union School, '• h>h was «parat«l into eight grades, (’lasses s "h*’ hl be a principal and two assistants; nriman- glides were taught downstairs and P i vel classes were taught upstairs. UPOver the .scars. Union School grew to a three-boon’ building. It bunted down in the . winter of Towns'P^pk* saved most of the school’s educational materials, and classes were tem­ porarily held ’n a building on the northeast > £>mcr of Broadway and State streets. a new school building was finished in . 1877. It was the first graded school in Barry ' County, and each grade had its own classroom and teacher. However, the school quickly filled to . capacity, and required expansion, which ulti: mately led to thc building’s destruction in 1930. Bricks from lhe razed structure were saved [ and incorporated into the design of Central, 1 which was complete in early 1931. : The community celebrated the school’s . opening with an entire weekend of events, .according to Geukes, who found an old docu: ment detailing the events. * ••They actually had like a whole dedication weekend Feb. 5. 6 and 7 of 1931,” Geukes ..said. “They had a building inspection, formal ' dedication and pageant.” . The building was designed by Lansing •_ architect Warren Holmes. He included the • most up-to-date facilities in lhe design as well 'as a sound-proof music room, shower and ' locker room and a photography dark room. . The building housed a science room with a ! solarium, steam coils and soil boxes — all removed in 1995 — a visual education room, • a kitchenette and an ‘opportunity room’ for ‘ students with disabilities. Thc design also included a kindergarten . suite consisting of a playroom, an electrical . fireplace and sand piles. The suite was deco­ , rated with tile friezes of animals and had a 1 tiled aquarium. “There’s a lot of things that are still origi­ nal. Wc still have a fireplace in the kindergar­ ten room. The fish pond is still in there — although it doesn’t have water in it currently, but it has up until recently. Right now. it’s actually got some little chairs for our younger students so they can sit in there and look at .books,” Geukes said. “It has a lot of the orig­ inal tiles still.” The school also housed a Normal School until the 1950s. Prospective teachers learned lhe basic of teaching through a one-year pro­ fessional training course. . A highlight of the design, particularly in the community’s mind, was the school auditori। um with 1.136 seats and equipped with up-todate facilities for staging live theater. On the eve of Central's dedication, thc Hastings Banner wrote: “Other rooms in the school have been designed primarily lo serve the teachers and pupils, but the auditorium has been built to sen e the entire community.” The auditorium was restored in the 1990s. All 1,136 seats were rcfinished and arranged to provide easy viewing, and damaged acous­ tical material on lhe walls and ceiling was repaired. Central Elementary was paid for using a [ millage, which the township passed during an economic depression, with no federal or slate No charges pressed in fight over residence A 37-yearold man called police at 2:27 p.m. Jan. 29 to report a bre«»k jrian sflid hts in the 12CXM) block of Meadows Drive in Yankee Springs lownship- . bcdroon1 • 7-year-old friend came into thc house while he was sleeping, walked in Rayland. ’c • punched him in the face. They fought in the hallway before his friend, • fi-jend lhe victim was cleaning up alter thc fight in his bedroom when he In. an left the back in and call out that he had forgotten his hat and keys. After the r.^ . sajd he had second time, the victim told police he saw lhat his laptop was gone. vl over money bought the laptop from his friend for $900. but said his friend was angry a , assailant, and may have taken it back for that reason. The officer contacted the sJSP‘_ . because who claimed lhe man had attacked him. He told police that he took the kip^P ’ • lhat the it was his property. Later, however, thc suspect said his girlfriend reminder thc man had. in fact, paid him back the $100 or $200 he owed him, so he gave tn r r officer to give return, lire victim said he did not want to press charges an closed. Central Elementary students (from left) Bryson Hunt, Henry Service, Kamden Huska, Houston Malone. Hank Chase and Slevie Jex show oil their hals and hoods for hat day. ' Some of our younger kids had a hard time wrapping their minds around the fact that their school is having a birthday, Principal Sarah Geukes said. GO X when I think of our love,H^ kt?lhe ’ Jcun and stars. dj M ifl^h"sp«idein SWfS.rey^''hcn"'; * 'each other. rn,y S ValentineWfill>’>ubtn” : k- Bear Police responded io a report of a vehicle in lhe ditch on West Airport Road near State Road m Rutland Charter Township at 6:37 p.m. Feb. 6. A caller reported seeing near the scene of the accident who appeared to be intoxicated and having trouble n a> nig his balance. When an officer arrived, the 45-year-old Middleville driver admitted tn he had consumed multiple drinks and was arrested. Teenager extorted over nude Instagram photo A 43-year-old Middleville woman called police Jan. 30 to report her 17-year-old son had been extorted for money over a nude photo he sent on Instagram. Thc teenager told port lie had received a message from an account on Instagram that appeared to be from « unknown woman who started to flirt with him. l he account asked him for a nude photo and. after the teenager sent it. the account demanded $500 in gift cards or else it would sendI the photo to his friends. The teenager did not have enough money, and could only send $~ JOLater, he learned lhat some of his classmates had seen the photo and were sending it to each other. 1 he case remains under investigation. Naked man runs to gas station after fight Central Elementary fifth-graders (from left) Warren Williams. Hanna Rose, Zoey Carter. Gracie Horrmann and Thomas Cook pose in front of lockers, wearing their dress-like-a-90-year-old spirit day outfits. money: it is estimated to have cost 27 cents per cubic fool. The most recent renovation, in 2020. added new flooring, carpel, furniture and an improved heating and cooling system. The renovations were designed to stay true to the building’s historic look. “So when we updated with our flooring and all of that this year, we tried to keep as much of thc original elements and use them to make choices for colors and things like that.’’ Geukes said. Geukes invited lhe public and Hastings Area School System Board of Education members to lhe school for tours of the renov ations before a September board meeting. "When we did those board meeting tours back in September, a lol of people talked about how' our current library was apparently where they ate lunch when they were in high school here back in the early ‘60s.” Geukes said. 1,000 team members in gaming operations while paying out approximately $55 million in annual wages. Over the past decade, the casino directly paid more than $410 million in wages. During this time, the casino purchased more than $285 million in goods and services from Michigan-based vendors. Most of that spending occurs locally in West Michigan. Sal Semola, president and COO for Gun Lake Casino, said. “Il is gratifying to celebrate Gun Lake Casino’s 10th anniversary. We are extremely thankful for all of our guests and team members - whom have supported our mission over the past decade,” Sal Semola, president and COO for Gun Lake Casino, said. “As we move into the future, 1 look forward to maintaining our reputation as an economic mainstay in the local community.” Construction is currently underway on a SI00 million expansion that will bring the casino to 228.000 square feet. The tribe has now invested $415 million into the properly. The current expansion will add more gaming space and entertainment options, along with two additional upscale restaurants. In the past 10 years, the tribe has shared more than $150 million in revenue with state and local governments, schools, law enforcement and civic organizations. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation received more than $98 million. The local revenue sharing board that administers local distributions received over $35 million in 10 years. The tribe has authorized several investments to expand Gun Lake Casino since opening 10 years ago. Direct construction wages paid exceed $92 million. Thc indirect and induced impact of construction generated $148 million in wages paid over 10 years. While the economic benefits of employment, vendor spending and revenue Police responded to a call of a naked man running dow n lhe road at 5:20 p.m. Feb. 4. in the 10000 block of South Norris Road in Prairieville Township. The man, 32, of Alpena, ran into the Sunoco gas station with blood running down his face and locked himself inside the bathroom there. When police arrived, he was outside the service station with his girlfriend, 40. of Alpena, and he was wearing his clothes. The man said he had been having an anxiety attack when another man attacked him for no reason. Police went to the nearby residence where the alleged assault occurred. Thc Alpena woman said her boyfriend was in lhe driv­ er s seal ol a vehicle at their friend’s house, and he started acting erratically . He hit a parked car and then backed into a tree. She thought he had low blood sugar so she went inside the house to find some food for him. She later saw another man. 44. of Delton, hitting him while he was in the vehicle. Her boyfriend then ran. and she chased him. picking up his clothes that he had thrown on the side of the road, l he Delton man. who also was bleeding, said lhe Alpena man had hit him with the vehicle. The Alpena man repeatedly told police he had just wanted to get some cheesecake. 'Hie investigation is ongoing, pending complete statements from the witnesses. Central Elementary is receiving runova- lions this week. too. with new' lockers and shades being installed. Reflecting on the ihool’s history in the past weeks, Gutikc>j/W it has been interest­ ing to see how </c^> Central Elementary’s roots run in the community. For Geukes per­ sonally. her father attended Central Elementary and her great aunt taught there. She credits lhe community support Central Elementary receives io its historic roots as well as the talented staff. "We have a great teaching staff; we have great support staff. We have very supportive families. We have families who this might be their second ar third or even fourth generation of students who’ve attended Central.” Geukes said. ”1 thini there’s a lot of pride in Central Elementary , with some of our families lhat have attended here for years. It’s fun to have connect ioiwto a historic building.” New report shows casino contributed! $2.8 billion to state’s economy The Gun Lake Tribe Wednesday, when marking the 10-year anniversary of Gun Lake . Casino, released findings of a new economic impact report dating back to the casino’s -public opening Feb. 10,2011. To date, the tribe has invested $415 million into the casino, while directly paying $502 million in wages. In total, the casino generated 8 billion to Michigan’s economy in the past 10 years. "This is a proud milestone for lhe Gun I - ke Tribe, our team members and lhe ' supporters in this community who played an ‘ ntegral role in Gun Lake Casino becoming a in ..Tribal Chairman Bob Peters said. “As ^hictrated in the 10-ycar economic impact 1 rt we released today, the casino provided co^hillion to Michigan’s economy in the last 4’2-0 intend to protect this economic 10 many more years to come.” engThef casino* directly employees nearly Alcohol involved in vehicle slide-off sharing is evident, the path for the Gun Lake Tribe to achieve self-sufTiciency while creating a positive economic impact was not without many hurdles, according lo the press release. The tribe spent about a decade prior to opening the Gun Lake Casino lighting to pursue its federal right to economic development under the law. During that period, the tribe won many hard-fought battles in the federal courts, including two separate trip* lo lhe U S Supreme Court. l’he tribe willingly engaged lhe public in a dialogue to explain why it was pursuing a casino in ib his,oric homc community of Bradley fhe local community organized a support croup cal’ed Friends of the Gun Lake Indiana which grew to more than 10,(X)0 area residents. , "The tribal community perse' cred through many difficult sethacks before opening lhe Gun Lake Casino- said John Shagonaby, governmental affair otl-|Cer, and former CEO ol the Gun 1 ake Trih-.l Gaming Authority. "We will never forgc h0«- hard we had to right for ()ur lega| . w economic self­ sufficiency. This has ,l|o»C‘l ui ,o acqTre <>f our homelan(1 "hcIe we a,c P,r°“d 1,111 “ a br*l!h,<--r f»turc for <»'r ‘•''“S?5, . More information about the -he Casino Economic Rc|’orI ,s aV4llable on the tribe's Websi^ ^|aketribe-nsn.gov. ©©uDdlsir smooig fetes Dr. Universe: How cun you tell if a fish is female or male? Or if it is a kid or adult or teenager Hunaiah, 7. ZJiujiang New Town, China Dear Hanaiah, We have more than 34.000 species of fish on our planet. It can be tricky to tell the age or sex ot a fish, but biologists have come up with a few different ways to find out. My friend Paul Wheeler, a fish biologist at Washington State University, lold me all about it. Once fish reach an age when they are ready to mate, it is a bit easier to tell wheth­ er one is male or female. Females have parts lhat help produce eggs, and males have parts that help fertilize the eggs. Using an ultrasound, a tool lhat can capture pictures of an animal’s insides, biologists can look at lhe fish’s anatomy. They can even tell if a fish is ready lo spawn, or deposit eggs in lhe water. Some outward characteristics also help us tell lhe sex of a fish. Wheeler is curious about salmon. He said male salmon gel darker and their colors are more intense than females. The males also have a big hook on their jaws, and sharp teeth. Researchers can also look at DNA, or genetic information, to learn different things about fish. “Il requires taking a little piece of their fin.” Wheeler said. "And the fins grow back. It’s like taking a little piece of finger­ nail.” It takes time and scientific equipment to analyze the DNA from the fin, but it can help us learn if a fish is male or female. Wheeler added lhat even fins can some­ times signal if a fish is male or female. Male sharks have a pair of fins called clasp­ ers. Male mollies also have a special set of pointed fins near their rear ends. One fish lhat can switch sexes is thc clow nfish. All clownfish are bom male. But some can switch their sex to become a dominant female later in life. It turns out that determining lhe age of a fish can be a bit tricky, too. Fish lend lo grow based on their resources and how much space they have.” Wheeler said. If one trout grew up in a mountain stream where there weren’t many bugs lo eat and another grew up in a big lake with lots ot bugs or shrimp or other fish lo eat. they would be different sizes. lhe fish that grew up in the lake will get way. way bigger than lhe fish that grew up m the stream.” Wheeler said. “Even though they are the same age.” We have to rely on outward characterise ivS|°r ana*« ze scales to determine age. I tologists use scales of a fish, which form yearly rings, io count their age. It’s a lot like counting the rings of a tree Who knows, maybe one day y ou’ll be a ro ogist and help us leant even more about the fascinating fives offish. Dr. Universe '°11 ^<tVe a Question? Ask Dr. u,t entail lc Washington L resident scientist and <ri i r at Or.Universe^wsiijedu or visit her website. uskdrimiverse.com. I] Call 259-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �^11.^'"pa9e9 . rphruafy Ttw Namings Bannr* — Thursday. r TIhe Hastings ANNER sporTS Thursday, February 11, 2021 Valley girls don’t wait any longer than necessary Brett Bremer Sports Editor From one Maple Valley senior to another. Tns a Medina took the basketball from the oftic.al, on the opiros.tc side of the court from the scorers table, luld pushcd a (q po>M guard Megan Valiquette Monday at Pennfield High School in Battle Creek. With that new beginning, sans tip-off. the 2020­ 2021 varsity girls' basketball season is under­ way. Tryouts began in November. The season was on hold through December. Non-contact practices began in the middle of January and there was a "Let Them Play!" rally outside thc Capitol building in Lansing on the final day of that month after the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) seemed to solidify lhe fact lhat there would be no basketball games until at least thc final week of February’. Late last week there was finally some good news. 1 he season could begin sooner. “I was overwhelmed with happiness.” Maple Valley senior Ashlyn Wilkes said of the hours after gelling lhat new s Iasi Friday. The Maple Valley varsity girls' basketball team opened the 2020-2021 season at Pennfield High Schoo! Monday evening (Feb. 8), falling 50-28 to (he host Panthers, on the first day full-contact practices or games could be held under new MDHHS and Michigan High School Athletic Association rules. “It was strange. It was different. Il really was," Maple Valley head coach Landon Wilkes said Tuesday morning. “Il has been a long time since we started way back in November and now we’re into February. Il was, in my opinion, awesome for lhe kids to be back out on the floor playing. It is exciting for them, them and the parents big time.” " Wilkes is one of those parents - Ashlyn’s dad. Pennfield senior Abby Schwartz, a Spring Arbor University commit, drained a three-pointer from thc top of the key on lhe Panthers'opening possession to give her team a lead it would never relinquish on lhe night. Schwartz finished with 11 points. Her team­ mate Kylee Glidden and Ashlyn Wilkes tied for game-high honors with 25 points apiece. Ashlyn, Valiquette and Medina are three quarters of the Lions' senior foursome this winter. Valiquette, Medina and guard Ali McGIocklin, who did not gel lo play Monday evening, are three-year varsity players. Wilkes was named All-GLAC and honorable mention all-state in Division 3 a year ago. “All I remember (about Friday's announce­ ment lhat contact sports were returning) is I got a message from Ali at lhe end of the school day, and she was like ‘did you hear that we were going to be able lo play,’ and 1 just look off running because il was in between classes. I look off running down the hallway and I see Trista and Megan and Ali and I start­ ed jumping up and down. I was like, ‘it is crazy, it doesn’t seem real, we actually gel to H The scene was similar when she got home on Friday and got to hug her mother. With that group of excited seniors, there is some good experience on lhe court for the r ions ^is winter, but not much varsity expe­ rience past those four girls. Thc Lions spent e of this odd, extended preseason installZ". new offensive system so there was a lot offcnew for lhe senior girls as well. That of -.11 had to happen through Zoom meetcours .Kjally-distanced. masked practicL ire also required in all high school es. Masks are , b“wtbwen?"inio g’me wi,h ,he und,cr‘ ,.L . that we were just going to see what standing • an(J afK.r tj,e game watch tape happens. I • our inajor changes need to and fi8ure.<^r1|kes said. “A lot of first game be." coachi w (han evcr with having jitters, proh? > witJi sophomores and tny four •scnl“ri.' pretty young, so some of one junior. ” getting that first action in a those young Kl ; ‘ no.COntact practices was varsity ga,Ilc' ' lhcin. I thought they handled eye-opening lhr"u" it fairly wel1'. , i>..nnfiel<i ‘ciun ,hat; 111 ■•We pln>ed a aggressive. We hung m opinion, is ju,t got wont down." for a period of ji^e-pomter was the Schwartz s "I , Monday. Glidden hit first of 13 «■ f, w0 in the openmg quarsix herself, on a 12-2 nm m the wl'kes Jem on a 9.0 A U ... irter and tnc .s- of the second second q opCning j, lx.fofe Pennfield run over wjthin 1... lo close out the ,og7% runoff “.reK-hed its lead surged to aJ4’ peI)ntiel<J SI half up 19-G PENNFIELD U ■ ■v-' ? • (0! Hastings Aubreanna Highway chases a loose ball along side Marshall's Addison Waito during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference opener at Hastings High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) IRferstaffl girts beat buzzer in overtime at HHS Brett Bremer Sports Editor Required face-coverings only hide the toothy part of thc smile. The rest of the smile is clearly there. The sparkle in the eyes is unmistakeable as the second to actually set in,” she added. The Lions are scheduled to be back in muscles pull over lhe cheek bones. The smiles were undeniable even behind action tonight, visiting Lansing Christian for thc Greater Lansing Activities Conference lhe masks as lhe Saxons celebrated an und­ opener. The Lions will play their first home one chance at the free throw line by junior game of the season Saturday evening against forward Allison Teed after a bucket gave her Leslie and then w ill be back at it Tuesday at learn a lead late in the first quarter against lhe Marshall varsity girls’ basketball team in thc home against Stockbridge. season opener at Hastings High School Tuesday. Hie Saxon smiles were there as senior for­ ward Josey Nickels and her teammates head­ ed to lhe bench for a timeout tied 38-38 with lhe visiting Redhawks in the closing seconds of lhe fourth quarter. Her game-tying lay-up with 12 seconds to go finished erasing what had been a 13-point, fourth-quarter lead for the Marshall girls. It came on a flawlessly Zach Roy had the Scots’ fastest single GS run designed and executed set play which had of thc evening, clocking in at 29.75 his sec­ Nickels selling a screen al the top of the key ond lime down. and then sprinting to the basket. Junior for­ “Our boys skied great tonight.” Caledonia ward Carly Warner tossed a perfect inbound head coach Duane Petrosky exclaimed. “We pass from the sideline to Nickles cutting thought we could cut Mattawan’s lead in half through the lane alone. tonight with how our boys |lave been skiing It is also fair to say that there were smiles and set ourselves up for a battle for the behind the Redhawks’ masks as (hey celebrat­ SWMSC championship on February' 17th, but ed Lior Mallory Tucker’s game-winning came out and had one of the best performanc­ bucket lhat came at lhe other end ot the court es top to bottom that any of my teams have wi list under three seco>nds I^m-ertI.ne had in lhe six years I havc coac|lc(j the as the visitors lasted the Saxons 47-41. Caledonia ski team. “We are extremely happy that they have skied so well the past two races and know lhat (he trend will continue as we head into Regionals next Monday.” Portage was third Wednesday with a score of 128. ahead of Hudsonville 133, South Haven 136. Plain^ell/Thomapple Kellogg 166 and Kalamazoo United 222. Portage skier Daniel Grj|e won tjie gUyS slalom with times ol 34.42 and 34.34 and lhe GS with times ol 2931 and 29.16. Plainwell'’ TK’s Dillon Vliestm was the runner-up with runs of 27.60 and 36.86. Tlie PlainwelFrK team also had Liam Troutner placed tenth in the slalom. The Plainwell/TK Troj»n team in the GS had Vliestra fifth, Troutner ninth. Travis Barton 30th and Sam Bacon • 2nd. The Maiiawaivl’l’ 8*rls grew t|lcjr confer­ ence lead Wednc'day, outscoring Portage 55-63 at the top ollhc landings. Caledonia’s girls were third Hi) points, ahead of Plainwell/TK 116 i,n(i Kalamazoo United Maple Valley's Hailey Heckathorn (43) slides over to help out on Pennfield's Kylie Crandall as she attacks the basket during their season opener at Pennfield High School in Battle Creek Monday evening. (Photo by Will Kowalski) over thc final two quarters. “It was nice.” Ashlyn said of getting to play. “It was crazy though. It seemed surreal to actually be able to play after all this time.” “I would say after the first quarter it finally set in like. oh. we’re actually playing. There is stuff that we have to do. We have to play defense. We have to shoot. It took a good gnq/ jp^ SWMSC championship chase has new leader Brett Bremer Sports Editor Like a snowball picking up momentum as it rolls down thc mountain, lhe Caledonia varsity boys’ ski team has surged into the lead in the Southwest Michigan Ski Conference by winning back-to-back conference races. Tile Scots are racing for their fifth consec­ utive SWMSC championship The Caledonia boys lead second-pl ace Maltawan/Paw Paw by 34 points heading into the conference finale, which will lx* held at Bittersweet Feb. 17. Caledonia outscored Mattawan/PP 64-81 al lhe top of the standings at Bittersweet Monday and then 46-112 al Bittersweet Wednesday lo lake over the conference lead after lhe Maltawan/PP boys look victories in the first two conference races of the season. Plainwell/TK sophomore Lucy VanDemark proved lhe fastest girl on the hill once again Wednesday, winning the slalom and GS events in the girls’ competition. 'Lhe Trojan Ski program was set to lake part in its Division 1 Regional Meet hosted by Traverse City West at Crystal Mountain Wednesday (Feb. 10). Mattawan/PP had a 31-point lead on the Caledonia boys in the SWMSC heading into Wednesday’s race, even after a Caledonia victory Monday. Caledonia’s boys didn’t have to lake a single double-digit score in either the slalom or GS Wednesday. Reid Goosen was the runner-up in the GS with runs of 30.21 seconds and 29.89. and teammate Zach Roy placed third in lhe event, Tyler Roy seventh and 1\ler Dean eighth. In the slalom, Ben DeGood led lhe Fighting Scots with a fourth place finish lhat included times of 38.73 and 38.88, Gavin Donnelly was fifth, Reid Goosen eighth and Tyler Roy ninth. . , In both events, Caledonia s number two scorer actually had a faster run than its num­ ber one scorer. Donnelly went down the lull in 38.60 his first time down the slalom course. 132. t The slalom was tm best of the two events for the PlainWcl’L1^ gjr|s Wednesday. VanDemark "on w,lh runs of 34.87 and 36.14. Madison Na^c’was seventh with times of 39.18 and 28.69- arlcy \yav placed ISili and Ella Way 22nd to help |hejr (Cam place third overall in the e'ent behind Mattawan/PP and Portage. Hastings junior Gaily Warner sets tor a tree throw in overtime during the Saxons' -eason opener against visiting Marshall. S name lhe Redhawks pulled out 47-45. Jphoto by Brett Bremer) Hastings senior Josey Nickels puts up the game-tying shot with 12 seconds left in regulation Tuesday night, forcing overtime with visiting Marshall in the season opener at Hastings High School. The Redhawks ultimately got a bucket in the closing seconds of overtime lo earn a two-point victory over the Saxons. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings head coach Mike Engle said he talked with his girls about what little use the) have for moral victories, bul compctitrte ball­ games with the perennial lntcrstate-8 Athletu Conference power from Marshall hasc l>ev«i few and far between oxer lhe year* and at i u* |x»ini in lhe COVID-19 pandemic it i* a 'vin just io gel the chance to play a ball game in the state of Michigan. Eight different girls scoied for *'•» u>r.*. led by sophomore Macs Winegar * ' Nickels and Teed had eight p>inh cacti, a Brooklynn Youngs and Carly ' anur ‘ points apiece. ' nb aiui I’ucker had a game-high 1 I .. . icee from Marshall got seven poinh ai and Kylie Addison Waito. Brooke 'Vaito Brown. S at the end of Tlie two teams u ere tied . . half ax the one quarter and 15-15 , v flip to fall in Redhawks got another drixm.Kccoiid quarter to ihe closing seconds of *1“ b>* Bnx>ke Waito lie things up lhat buuket lhe half "as the that tied the game going m •’ See BUZZm 15 �J IW"**''' 202' The flings Banner DK ladies looking to turn defense inf© offense in 2021 Brrtt Bremer Sports Edd(,r The Panthers* Wednesday night season opener was already going to be a tough one, coming off their first two da>’s bill-contact practice since November. Tlie Delton Kellogg girls also faced the task of going head-to-head with l,1c perennial league power front Schooled 0,1 road last night. •‘Crazy year ahead of us. that’s for sure.” said Delton Kellogg jleaj coach Mike Mohn. Barring any further issues, thc Panthers never have a stretch of more than three con­ secutive days without a bailgame between now and lhe start of the slate postseason in late March. They will got to Fennville Friday and then play their home opener against Constantine Monday night in Delton. Leading the charge back to the court for the Panthers will be junior guard/forward Mary Whitmore who is in her third varsity season and was honorable mention all-division in the SAC a year ago. In the backcourt, she is once again joined by senior guard Josie Lyons and senior post player Kicrsten Moore is back for the varsity as well. Head coach Mike Mohn, who is entering Ins tenth season leading the Delton Kellogg varsity girls , is looking forward lo varsity contributions from junior guard/forward Aubrey Aukerman, junior post player Maddie 1 ape and sophomore guard Cadence Johnson in their first varsity seasons. Mohn likes his team’s depth, and said he has a group that is active and quick. They’ll need to use their athleticism on both ends of the court. The team lost almost two thirds of its scoring and rebounding to graduation in * easy’ “We’ll have to look to create su <»aid. buckets off our defensive efforts, ■ for a Schoolcraft will likely be cha L. <,eaSAC Valley Division championship antj son along with Hackett Cathol-c Kalamazoo Christian once again. n will see the Irish and the Comets for time this season on their home court a month, during a suing of three straig games against Christian Feb. 19. ^a’e‘L. Augusta Feb. 23 and Hackett Feb. 26. 1 are the Panthers’ three home dates before calendar flips to March. Schoolcraft and Hackett Catholic 1 rep were set lo meet in a Division 3 Regiona Final in March of 2020 when the ( OVID- J pandemic brought an end to the 2019-20-1 state tournament. DMtau iMtbgg matmen Mary Whitmore • ------- - • ■ ; *—*"* ufi ■'■■j—■!'«■■ ------- i—-1-------J.1; 1 JMBBK RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW »• The Board of Review will meet on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at 10:30 am in the office of • ; the /Xssessor at Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Rd. Hastings. Michigan ’i 49058 to organize and review the Assessment Roll. ______________________ • ' NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING to hear Assessment APPEALS, will be held by electronic « remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, in response to COVID-19 social 5 distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individuals in a meeting hall. The public may participate in the meeting through electronic remote access via ZOOM access by computer, smart phone/device using the following link: htlns://zooni.uVi/6973995475?nwd=Zih4N ’l'dKRThBc(>F2cHhNL3AvTU.JOOT09 Mooting ID: 697 399 5475 Passcode: 461919 | The public may also participate by landline phono or cell phono by calling into this toll-free number: 1 (312) 626-6799 | •I ; •j The Rutland Charter Township March 2021 Board of Review, is offering the opportunity for property owners to appeal their 2021 assessment/taxable value, by scheduling a ZOOM appointment with the Township Clerk. All appointment requests must be submitted to the Township Clerk, prior to March 4, 2021 at 3 pm. Appeals can also bo submitted by mail. fax. or email and must be received no later than. Thursday. March 4. 2021. Phone: 269-948-2194 Fax: 269-948-4180 Email: clerk@rutlandtownship.org 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 9:00 am to NOON & 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Also, any other days deemed necessary to equalize the Assessment Roll. PROPERTY ASSESSMENT RATIOS & FACTORS FOR 2021 CLASS Agriculture Commercial Industrial Residential Developmental Personal RATIO 47.63 47.40 48.26 46.78 50.00 50.00 MULTIPLIER 1.0497 1.0548 1.0360 1.0688 1.0000 1.0000 e ratios and multipliers do not mean that every parcel will receive the The aDO* have purchased property, it will be assessed at 50% of market L,r,me. J y have improved your property such as additions, new buildings, value. 11 y this wi|| a|S0 reflect in the value of your property. driveways, t of any person who is assessed on said roll, or his agent, and upon Upon request being shown, the Board of Review will correct the assessment of ,••rificientcau jn ^eir judgment, make the valuation thereof relatively L<;h proPertay. an • and equal- Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hunter Belew walked off the mat al Ford Field a 7-6 winner over Decatur’s Jared Chceklcy at the conclusion of the Division 4 Individual State Finals March 7 in downtown Detroit. The victory secured lhe Delton Kellogg junior. Belew, the fifth-place slate medal, moving his record to 44-6 on the season and putting him al 98 varsity victories overall. Belew, who was also an individual state qual­ ifier as a sophomore in ’019. is looking for­ ward to getting varsin vrins 99 and 100 on Saturday as the Delton’Ke Hogg varsity wres­ tling team finally opens lhe 2021 season at Maple Valley. “He is chomping at the bit for lhe season to get started,” Delton Kellogg head coach Brett Bissett said. “He was about to be real upset if his senior season got cancelled." High school wrestlers are some of the few varsity athletes in the state of Michigan that won’t have to wear masks during the 2021 winter season. They will be required al prac­ tices and at competitions except when wres­ tlers are in the circle competing- To compete in the close contact sport with competitors from across the state wrestlers will be required to get a negative COVID-19 result on a rapid antigen test on game-day before competing. Many wrestling programs are still hopeful that wrestlers will be able to test during weigh-in prior to competitions for events like Saturday tournaments ralher than prepping for nasal swabs prior lo sunrise. Delton Kellogg will follow up Saturday's invitational al Maple Valley by going to Martin for a quad Feb. 17 and to Plainwell for a quad Feb. 20 in lhe week ahead. Tlie lone home meet on the schedule for the Panthers is a Southwest Athletic Confei*ncc March 3. Team victories will be tough to come by at limes with just ten guys in the program. Bissett has a group split between talented, experienced wrestlers. Belew isn’t the only slaw medalist return­ ing to the mat for the Panthers- Caden Ferris placed eighth in Division 3’s 215-pound weight class as a freshman in 2019, but then missed out on lhe chance to compete at the Individual Stale Finals as a sophomore and is back with the medal stand atlbc slate f,nals his goal for his junior season. Belew and Ferris are both slotting in at about 215 pounds currently. The program also brines back sophomore lightweights Jodie White a"1* Gagc Vinccnl and sophomore 14O.|x)Undef Vinny Quick. Quick was a regional <1113jifier last year, and Bissett said he has seen Lite » bil ,n,Pr0VC; ment in Vincent since •> Lar ago- Vincent and White will likely fin A? ui-pound and 103pound slots for the p.,fllhets on a regular basis. ‘ ’Hie program also brings back se,U°r in*U Dennis MC^TER TOWNSHIP rUTLAn7. Rd 2461 Heath R 4g058 Has&94 • , duals abilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the il5wnship Clerk by writing or calling the Township. Roll no ■> compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open .:ceisPoSted i p'^rt^^Act) a|icj the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 154954 MCLA4^’^ L***’**“*' Photos accofnPanyin9 the 2021 Hasti^s Banner ]/Vinter sPorts Previews are fjie photos from the pre.oandemic 2O19-2O2O season. No masks rePuired' Hunter Belew die weights Matthew Fales and Andrew Fales. when we finally got the go-head, ’hey you’re The twin brothers wrestled as freshmen, bul going on Monday.’ You have a purpose to go have been away from the program since then. in there. It is like you’re coaching strength DK will also be looking for contributions and conditioning or weight-training or some­ from freshman 189-pounder Luke Watson. thing, because we coach to show technique 130-pounder Jayden Orns and foreign and work on scoring attacks and here vse are exchange student Kiran Vasquez who will having to figure something out and do our wrestle at around 160 pounds. Getting those best to simulate wrestling movements without guys up to speed at lhe varsity level will Ik a touching anybody. challenge with what the preseason has been “1 know the kids were pretty excited to get like. on the mat (Monday). Now we’re rushing to “It has been interesting, mostly condition­ cram everything in because normally you ing, ladder work, running, the weight room, have a lew weeks to teach the kids that don t shadow wrestling, stand-up after stand-up. know many techniques and now we have five switches and gramby rolls on their own days until our first competition.'’ Bissell said Tuesday morning of non-contact The Panthers will face three teams al the preseason practices. “It has been real hard to weekly quads, as opposed to lhe usual t"o, to net the kids motivated because every time get more wrestling in this season. Saturdays they think that they are going to to there is will be shorter, but Wednesday evenings will another break. The same with coaches. I be a little longer than in a t\petal season. know for myself it was kind of a huge uplift Free Fishing Weekend opens Saturday For two days twice a year, families and triends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities - fishing - for free. This year’s winter Free Fishing Weekend dates are Feb. 13 and 14. All fishing license fees will be waived those two days. A Recreation Passport will not be required lor entry' into stale parks or boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekend. . . m..v Residents and out-of-st^6 Lakes enjoy fishing on both inland and <> v waters for all species of fish- Al‘ c •n'ions will still apply |0 ^1^ a lips, printable certific• | d infor. child s first fish or a hif. fi'1-... kcnjs. are ■nation about Free Fishu>o ,.. i:reeFishing. H'uiluble online at Michigan go' J reel r hing �Pag0 11 11. 202]^^—— DK SMCCC ja^ns at first of f»Ut . ”borees WednesC Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team will lake the mat tor the first time this season 1 hursday (Feb. IX) as the Southern Michigan Competitive Cheer Conference gets together at Parchment High School. 'The Delton Kellogg girls were third in lhe SMCCC in 7020. and their season culminated in a regional show ing alter a fourth-place dis­ trict performance. With an inexperienced stunting group for the most part it II take some time for lhe panthers to be read) tor another regional run. and lime is something lhe 2021 season is short Delton Kellogg head coach Zoe Reynolds, who is entering her I5ih season leading lhe DK varsity said lhe big goal for lhe season is to just “£el 01,1 there as much as possible. Enjoy lhe season. Of course we want to win but this year its more about enjoying what vve have. If we w in along the w ay it just makes it that much sweeter ” I he fioup of returning cheerleaders for Delton Kellogg this season includes senior bases Savannah Chilton and Hailey Myers and senior backspot Alexis Gates, as well as junior fiver Kelsey Campbell and sophomore flyer Keirra Halloran. Chilton and Campbell will use their tumbling skills as well, and Myers could see time as a flyer as well as a base. Thc team also includes senior Olivia Hartman, a senior who is back on the cheer­ leading mat after taking a year away from varsity competition. Reynolds likes her team’s willingness to go with the flow. They have had to be able to do that even to gel to this point. Cheer teams across the state learned late last week that they would be allowed to begin competitions as early as this Friday, and that they would be required to Im? masked during practices and while attending meets, but not while they are actually out competing on lhe mat. Face- DK adds Coach H©g@b@©ffl and a littl® more height ips have the 1 * andhayc block vision - (. 'nIK.de coverings wnerncr ments u._u7,‘,.g 12 f<*r <>ff |i ger»u.s js charged with catching ‘he K’ m;u <)f Ls whether flyiuf 2.kin£ tlie Hint or be so. H|lu‘sd<)K *ho is doing ‘‘Tliis year will present a J)e ,n*’ lenges and these ladiesjrc set Of . any changes thrown at l"c,tK'‘ t,1'1 {,<fap(in' * The DK coach said she ° and Lawton to be tw<>of the. s f^llm the SMCCC once again. lcanis in were both also regional <ilialjr* Iw<> tea(ns Parchment in Division 2 j1 year aKo Division 3. The Lowton ty / l^ton in’ missed out on a suite finals s Devils ■ Tlie Delton Kellogg Prh ' one home meet this season.^ j. *J;hedu|eti f()r rec March 4. There h « S.\fc(y,C’cjanibo. scheduled for each of jarnb^ Wednesdays, with districts next fOu w eekend of March 15. uIc(l for t|le Open Year , Round , 269-623-6565 R BUCKLAND AGENCY 11235 Sprague Rd, Delton 948-372® jQeltoii Moose Lodge '' 269.623.^112 5428 Moose Lodge Dr. (2 miles north of Ddtone on M43) OPI \ 7 DAYS M-F at 3rnn, 12pm Sat & Sun Foi served every day Nlcmbcrs & Guests Highpoint COMMUNITY BANK 1-888-422-2280 hiqhpointcommunitybank.com Member FDIC *........ . '■ and Bhike n><» www.mei.net CHAPPLE REALTY INC. 118 E. Orchard, Delton 623-4058 WestMichiganLakes.com NAPA NAPA of Delton 9939 M-43 Hwy 623-4804 GROVE STREET CAFE M-43 Hwy. across from Delton Schools Try Our Pi::u Take & iMr, Te Go. Dinc-in 623-3777 SIMPLY SWEETS, 623-8047 DELTON FAMILY PHARMACY GO GO AUTO PARTS 338 Grove St. (M-43IDelton (269) 623-2775 623-5250 looking forward to Smoczynski breaking out on lhe hardwood this year and seeing Thomas gel after il on defense as a fantastic ball pres­ sure guy. Seniors Trumen Prell and Jacob Kemp w ill be looking for playing lime as well for the Panthers. Alex Whitmore is one of three Whitmore triplets on the court for the Panthers this win­ ter. Maty will be a key part of the DK varsity girls’ basketball team while Alex is joined on ^Junior center Cole Pape is the top retuniing lhe boys’ varsity by 5-11 guard Alden r heaverage^ 12.8 points and X rebounds Whitmore. Hogoboom said he has seen good improve­ I" mi led action a year ago. and will lead wh? could be a fonuidable front-court for the ments from junior wing player Hayden Walker p'nl icrs and new/returnmg varsity head since last season, and is also expecting varsity contributions from sophomores Mason lim Hogobrxrom. coach Jini jlknowns with a new coach and Nabozny and Philip Halcomb. “We expect lo compete.” Hogobooom said. * nL who haven’t had a chance to work new guys t p|()gOboom ‘’aid as he awaited “We think we have a good mix of players who together ye . ro sl;lrl lheir f|rs( care about each other and are willing to work hard, and will be solid on defense. The big the chance ,nCt.sof the season last month. fulLcontnCt Pr,lt -lej fJnd grateful that we question is can wc put lhe ball in the hoop consistently?” -We are j«sl b asketball this year. get to play of these guys at the midHogoboom coached the DK varsity for a -f did coacn t sonle experience ten-year sling in the 1990s. and coached var­ die school so 6_t ji w ill be one of the sity boys and girls al Parchment prior to com­ ing lo Delton 30 years ago. He has spent 20 together. Al . h‘ad here in yearj.” tallest teams ,l( 6-l<x«-6- lhe oilier years away from coaching basketball al the Parte islhtf bl® .fJetunieeAlex Whitmore. varsity level. He’ll go on the road with the DK boys for twoarej«nior' tenter. «""S P>a>fwC’.. forward aCh Hogolxxnn said the Hist time Friday to lake on Fennville and 3 () n BlcK^,r 'v ’? j| and has good range then will be at Constantine Monday. The DK er AUSn nl £ ^kdb:1 ed <><■ ™ J V a boys are home again when they host can handle th r pfay^ the (|.s|fjel Parchment Feb. 17. ,r0'"<’lJ'S’fterinn”,c'T',X. for 'he Panthers ycara^o>il re(un ^pSmoczynski MW i!w. Telecom Service 623-5115 Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg was slated to bring a bunch of guys to the floor who have played a lot of varsity minutes as it opened the season against the Schoolcraft varsity boys* basketball team in Delton last night (Feb. 10). The question was which ones were going to be putting the ball in the bucket. The Panthers graduated a fe"’ of ,heir loP coring threats Kierra Halloran 126 East Orchard Street, Delton. Ml 49046 _ 110 W. Center, Suite B, Hastings Cole Pape lhe H.r.bngs Banner — Thursday. 7709 Kingsbury Rd. Delton LYONS SEPJJC taNK SERVICE SMITH & DOSTER SALES & SERVICE 6frtSi c27p"?089 e 945-5379 Keluible Service For Over 50 Veurs 623-5111 WO Harrington Rd. Delton 114 Grove (M-43) Delton williams-gores DELTON POLE BUILDING FUNERAL HOME 10036 M-43. Delton 133 Orchard. Delton 623-3300 623-5461 tujax tavern 103 s. Grove St. Delton <269) 623-8310 THE HASTINGS BANNER DO-d-V “> the illlemls ilf ailm/ Cl,HJ|(„ iilM IH56 1351 N. M-43 Hwy, Hastings 945-9554 Coffee House Ti7 S. Grove St.. Delton, Ml 623.5777 These local businesses help bring you coverage of local sports in this paper. Show your thanks by supporting these sponsors! �Saxons worked on shots during long offseason Brett Bremer Sports Editor T>picall> the Hastings Saxons have three or four weeks of practice before playing their first basketball game of a season. Built into that time frame would be a week­ end with four, five or six scrimmages fol­ lowed by a week of working on thc flaws that were discovered when faced with competition from outside the high school building for the firs time. The could be another scrimmage after that to prep for thc season opener. Not this time. The Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team got in one Monday of full-contact practice and then got a visit from the lnterstate-8 Athletic Conference power­ house known as the Marshall Redhawks. Thc Saxons more than held their own Tuesdaynight in a two-point overtime loss to the visit­ ing Redhawks. It was a different kind of out­ come in the scries between lhe two teams to start what will most certainly continue to be a different kind of basketball season all around. The Saxons have bcea working to have a different kind of season^, after a young team that started one junior, three sophomores and a freshman went winless during the 2019­ 2020 season. Saxon head coach Mike Engle set up blue and gold “teams” from amongst his girls during the socially-distanced summer of 2020, pitting groups of girls against each other to sec which could complete the most shooting drills throughout the offseason with thc winning side earning thc chance to get served by the other in a safely socially-dis­ tanced pizza part at some point. Engle said his girls came into the first week of tryouts and practice back in November with greatly improved shooting form. Then the basketball season shut down, then social­ ly-distanced. masked practices began. The Saxons were still shooting well, but it was hard to tell how- that would translate into game action withOut defenders putting hands in their faces. Time will tell. Those five ynUhg starters from a year ago are all back this winter f°r l*ie season, senior Josey Nickels juniors Carly Warner. Brooklynn Youngs and All’son Teed and sophomore Macy WinegarEngle said he expects stouig contributions from “rising juniors’* Brian”11 Barnes. Chelsea Ertncr and Arian Bond lhe Saxon coach likes his team’s athleti­ cism and speed. The program c°nl>nucs t° be plagued by a lack of height in the post though. Girls like Teed, Nickels ^d Warner arc able to make up for some of that with their length and athleticism. The Hastings girls are scheduled to visit Coldwater tonight (Feb. lb ant* rell,rn to action Saturday at home against Coopersville (6 p.m. start). Jackson Lumen Christi visits Hastings High School next Tuesday (Feb. 16). Macy Winegar Saxons start Saturday, Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity wrestling program spent years and years with everyone’s eyes on it. Head coach Darrell Slaughter has put the target on thc back of the Jackson Northwest Mounties as the team his Saxons are trying to chase down in thc Interstate-8 Athletic Conference during what is sure to be a hectic, condensed 2021 varsity wrestling season. Thc plan is for the Saxons to open the sea­ son Saturday at the Forest Hills Northern Quad before opening Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action at a quad hosted by Coldwater Wednesday (Feb. 17). "We are again on the hunt for a conference title, but we have to be realistic, in my opinion Jackson Northwest will be the team to beat, so we will be after them this year,” coach Slaughter said. Head coach Darrell Slaughter isn’t the only Slaughter around the Hastings wrestling pro­ gram this winter. His son Jason Slaughter is back in Hastings to teach after five years with the wrestling program at Western Colorado University. Sophomore Robby Slaughter is one of the top returnees for lhe Saxon team this winter. He won an Interstate-8 Conference Championship individually at 135 pounds as a freshman and compiled a 38-4 record. Juniors Mason Denton (130 pounds a year ago) and Jackson Dubois (215) were big winners as sophomores on the Saxon varsity. Denton ran witlh small LH. Lamb tourney to a 31-14 mark. Dubois had 28 victories against 17 defeats. Hastings is also happy to welcome back junior Victory Ramirez who was a talented wrestler in the program as a freshman before spending his sophomore year away from the team. That Saxon team went 25-10 overall during the 2019-2020 season, including 3-3 in lhe 1-8, and had a big Saturday in early Januarywinning lhe annual LH Lamb Tournament title at Hastings High School. “Mike Goggins (our AD) and Dennis Redman have set a strong foundation for our program. Tim Easey, my assistant coach. Jeff Wilbur and David Laras are helping again this year, and we feel w e hit the jackpot with Jason Slaughter returning.” coach Darrell Slaughter said of his staff. “Our goal the last few years has been to have over 20 team wins, not sure what this year’s final calendar will look like with dual competitions, but we would still like to shoot for those 20 dual wins,” he added. The first home match on the schedule is a quad next Saturday, Feb. 20. Hastings will also host an 1-8 Quads on March 3 and March 10, according to the current schedule, as well as a special four-team LH Lamb Tournament March 13. Districts arc scheduled for the following week in March and the Saxons will be looking to take a run at the Thomapple Kellogg grapplers to get on top of the district. Robby Slaughter UnionBank' tcu Thornapple Credit Union Your life. Your bank. Quick Lube W» S. Grove St.. Delton: (269) 623-6700 202 E. Woodlawn Ave.. Hastings: (269) 948-8369 410 S. Broadway Middleville. Ml 49333: (269) 241-1034 www.thornapplecu.com J>. Quality Aluminum Products 429 S Michigan Ave, Hastings, MI 49508 ' 11 ] 1 w. Green, Hastings wW _deweysautobody.com PHARMACY 400 W. State St., Hastings Convenience Packaging and Five Local Delivery available 269-945-3777 UPWARD J°NES Andrei■C,r,'AAMS A financial Advtsor Woodlawn, Hastings ^,945-3553 PRECISION AUTO BODY REPAIR 819 E. Railroad St. Hastings 269-948-9472 616 570.7779 ; — BUILDING CD8CEPTS — www.baytobaybuildingconcepts.com NORTHLAND OPTICAL . - Associate Brok ph j ?:■ Hastings pEVVEY’S auto body roic Jan Hawthorne 122 N. Jefferson Rd. 269-948-9696 Lake Odessa 269-948-8558 HASTINGS NAPA Hastings HASTINGS 430 W. STATE ST, HASTINGS Dr. Scott Bloom D.O. 1510 N. Broadway (M-43 Hwy.) Hastings 269-945-3906 LITTLE CAESAR’S Home of the Hot A Ready Pizza! 216 N. Broadway, Hastings 269-948-2824 Office: 269-704-1( Cell: 269-838-2145 100 S.Jefferson St. Hastings, Ml 49058 1 * SAXON PRIDE Jaqua * f Leaping Lizards k Landscaping 269-953.7452 _ nick'tjleaplnglizardslandscaping.cotn BRIAN’S TIRE & SERVICE 235 S. Jefferson, Hastings 269-945-9549 �Pag® Saxons brin<r u—,___ g n8 back all-league ballplayers Beck and Eastman 11,202' The Hastings Banner — Thursday, Februar^ Sports Editor Hastings head coach Rich Long Pnv. to Coldwater being one of thc top L ? nod Intcrstate-8 Athletic Conference thk T’ ’n lhe Thc Saxons will find out how they i’^l F‘ tonight. Tlie Hastings varsity bow Lt. Up team will host the Cardinals L T?lbal’ opener at Hastings High School homc The Cardinals are L0 after nmn* 85-64 win at Jackson Lumen Christ tx tO/U‘ night. Hastings fell in ils season an. at Marshall Tuesday. °n Opcncr’ “We are looking forward tn un­ competitive in lhe league this year a^wella^ shin sln,nLT run at a district championJnclc I-ong said, while also ciling ton r*1!!4 Ort*1WCsl as °ne of the Cardinals’ X tor a inference champion• us ?<?lSon depending on everyone bringh *SS|b c ’"'•'turners back from a year ago. us who is on whose roster each night, and SlOrms and C°VID-I9 will impact the 2021 varsity boys’ basketball team will be questions to deal with each and every night over the next couple months. They will be busy ones with varsity teams working to get three games a week in most weeks before lhe Mart ot slate tournaments in mid March. Between now and then Hastings senior Kirby Beck will^heS«x^ "> join the 14XM) point club <«• *r > varsny. Beck is a four-year varsityall-c<Lhas bccn either first or second tca« . Florence in the Intcrstate-8 in every v so far. The Saxons were ' sc, Jh' '<">"« that completed its 201 >-0' s •"a. finishing the year with an 8-13 nW* h ( hristian best­ ed the Saxons in the ng round of the state tournament. Also back from that • ‘ n squad are senior center Evan B l(’r guard Carter Hewitt and junior gua eti Vertalka. Eastman was first te ‘Conference as a junior last winter. an d be better than <.? Brett Bremer Sports Editor A group of more than 20 cheerleaders is set to finally start competing for the Hastings varsity competitive cheer team Saturday. The Saxons open the season at West Ottawa and then will get to host the first Interstate-8 Athletic Conference meet of the season Feb 17 al Hastings High School. “We arc just so happy to have a season," Hastings head coach Linsey Jacinto said. There have been a lot of challenges to deal with for athletes and coaches, but thc attitude, and commitment has been amazing. The girls that are here, want to be here and are deter­ mined lo have an amazing season. We really do not have any expectations past that, we are here because wc love to cheer. “Of course, we want to win. but this season is more about enjoying what we love, if we win, that is a cherry on top.” The Saxons have done their fair share of winning in recent seasons. They have been in a fight for the Intcrstate-8 Athletic Conference championship year after year, and will likely be again with the likes of Pennfield and Jackson Lumen Christi. Last year’s Saxon squad lost out in that battle, but advanced to the regional round of thc Division 2 state tournament at lhe end of thc season with a third-place district finish. The big group of returnees to lhe varsity team for the Saxons this winter includes The Saxon varsity competitive cheer team runs through its round three routine at the senior bases Maggie Nedbalek, Juliann 2020 Otsego Invitational. Hastings varsity competitive cheer coach Linsey Jacinto is Meeker and Brynn Tumes, senior backspot Kaylee Bennett and senior flyer Savana excited by what her girls are doing in round three prep already fc the 2021 season. Leonard. Tumes could also see time at flyer The Saxons open lhe year at West Ottawa Saturday. (File photo)\ for the Saxons as well as fellow returnees good place. Round one is looking really Kierslyn Downs (a junior) and Grace Curtis (a Division 2 as well. A strong freshman class is joining lhe pro­ strong, you can feel the fight when they per­ sophomore). Also back for the Saxons are junior base/ gram along with foreign exchange student Ida form it. Round three should lie something backspot Ruby Barber, sophomore backspot Asman from Sweden and junior base Kali special this year. Ericka Critzcr and sophomore bases Addison Grimes. “We have been in the weight room dun ng Coach Jacinto, who is entering her 22nd non-contact practices, they are in great shape. Mays and Marissa Roberts. Nedbalek and Leonard were first team season with the program and sixth as lhe var- We could see a huge difference in our stunl­ all-district a year ago, while Tumes and sity head coach, said passion and persever­ ing.” Roberts earned second team all-district ance are her girls’ biggest strengths. Round two is the one with lhe most work awards and Meeker and Barber were named “This season has been very trying.” Jacinto needed for the Saxons. honorable mention all-district. Leonard added said. “We have focused on staying ready, so “We have our starting point and are looking an honorable mention all-region honor in wc do not need to get ready. They are in a to improve every day.” Jacinto said. 269-945-9249 WELTON’S HEATING & COOLING COMMUNITY BANK 1-888-422-2280 Delton Drive Thru: hiqhpointcommunitybank.com 10199 S. M-43 Hwy. Member FDIC De,ton- Ml 49046 no I1 11 Kirby Beck highpoint 115 S Jefferson St, Hastings other team in the state of develop young players as ,nI,e have liked. being yery “We are kxiking forward wC|| as competitive in thc league this > cbartipi°n' making a strong run at a diMO ship.” coach Ixing said. i Irani c Hastings will follow' up its first the Cardinals by hosting Hopkins sca$on, non-confcrencc ballgame ol 1 c^xoiis and Saturday. Game lime between the . ' re(Urn Vikings is set for 1 p.m. Hastings wi peb. to 1-8 action al Lumen Christi lues ay. ; 16. ever as a senior. “Evan has put on a few pounds of muscle and is moving better than he did last year,” coach Ixmg said. “He is going to have an even more physical presence on the floor.” Coach l-ong also likes the way he has .seen Hewitt and Vertalka shooting the basketball so far in the preseason. Junior point guard TJ Russell, up from the IV. is going to help with the Saxons’ depth in die back-court. “We are going to have a very athletic team lhat can pet up and down the floor. We are also going to have an experienced team with great senior leadership,” Long said. What the Saxons haven’t had, like every Saxon cheer hits the mats at West Ottawa Saturday PROGRESSIVE GRAPHICS jstiWKJ 5jS they 401 N. Broadway. Hastings tnlnuid Sinct 269-945-5352 102 E. State Street • Downtown Hastings 269-945-9572 < CREEKSIDE VISION & HEARING For vision. For hearing. For health KING’S ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES 130 W. State, Hastings 1761 W. M-43 Hwy., Hastings ^^.945-3888 » CreeksideVision.com 269-945-4284 z THE HASTINGS BANNER 1 to the interests of Barry County since 1856 1T51 N M-43 Hwy., Hastings 269-945-9554 S ) worn s°uthem BBO. & Catering 49333 GENERAL STORE 269-241-1050 269-945-1848 brckensmokcr.com David was Joy. Bale Billingsley Director • Ray Girrbacl GIRRBACH funeral home FARMERS TfL (269H45-3252 fax(269W5 0663 (- / / 328 S. Broadway, Hastings . JZ Middleville, MI Tlie .-South <A'|trr"UMi 120 E. Main St. 269-945-3252 139 W. Slate Street, Hastings 269-945-4520 www.thc!ynndcntonugvnQxon> _ INSURANCE TROY DALMAN AGENCY 128 W. Mill St.. Hastings • 269-945-3423 FIRST REHAB AND SPORT <‘11 mV MILLER MlUvI REAL ESTATE A’'*gSTATE 149 W. Stale St. Hastings "" ... 269-945-5182 BROWN’S CARPET ONE & CUSTOM INTERIORS 300 Meadow Run Dr., Hastings South of Hastings on M-37 \vwwsoiithside4kids.com T> 1 N. Industrial Park, Hastings 269-945-2479 .rial Pa* Dr- Hastin£s 225N. <$$5-3431 HODGES JEWELRY & GIFTS PHYSICAL THERAPY 2169W. M-43, Hastings 269-309-1090 across from Bob's Gun & Tackle___ 269-818-1020 a cRY COUNTY p lumber © ® Flexfob Engineering trust. Around lhe world.” 122 W. Slate St, Hastings 1699 West M-43 Highway. Hastings. Ml 49058 269-945-2963 269-945 2433 • Fax 269-945-4802 www.floxtab.com These local businesses help bring you coverage of local sports in this paper­ Show your thanks by supporting these sponsors. �Pape ,4-TWsday. FWvary H. 202. - The Hastrnps Banno, Hastings Township prepares for board of reV*eW Sophie Bates Stuff Writer In anticipation of the March board of review meetings, the Hashngs township Ko.,rd UMcJ •niesdav to change board of review dates and passed a resolution allowing resident taxpay. ers. or their representatives, to protest to the board of rev icw by letter. The board of review receives and hears tax­ payer appeals of the annual assessment roll, so residents can dispute the value of their taxable property. Position Opening 155160 The Barry County Equalization Department is now accepting applications for a part-time Equalization Data Entry Clerk. The Clerk will assist the department with Entering sales data entry and clerical duties. Position requirements include at least a high school diploma, one year of experience with data processing and some knowledge of property descriptions and the property tax system, and must be an accurate typist with high typing proficiency. 25 hours a week. The base pay rate is $13.95. Please send a cover letter, and resume to: Tim Vandermark, Director, Barry County Equalization, 220 West State Street Hastings, Ml 49058. An application and job description is available at www, barrY.GQunty.org, or by contacting Tim Vandermark, 517-543-4101, Deadline for resumes: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 by 5 p.m. 2021 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING SCHEDULE Orangeville Township, Barry County The Orangeville Township Board of Review for March 2021 will be held by electronic remote access, unless by the dates of the March Board of Review meetings it becomes lawful under state agency rules and statute for an in-person meeting to be held. Electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law. will be implemented in response to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individuals in a meeting hall. If in-person meetings become a lawful option, then the meeting will be held both in person at the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Rd. and via electronic remote access. The public may participate in the meeting through electronic remote access on the following dates via Zoom access, by computer, smart phone/devlce using the fol­ lowing link: March 2nd: Time: Mar 2, 2021 04:00PM Eastern Timo (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom us/)/84320210969?pwd=WnRYQ1REa VNSek5GMUVtM1NxZHJDUT09 Meeting ID: 843 2021 0969 Passcode: 522945 One tap mobile +13126266799,,84320210969$,,,,*522945$ US (Chicago) +16468769923,,84320210969$,,.,'522945$ US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) *1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 301715 8592 US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 843 2021 0969 Passcode: 522945 March 8th: Time: Mar 8. 2021 09:00AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83921229000?pwd=Uk500UZLSkR2WFJIN1dsZE5tWStyQT09 Meeting ID: 839 2122 9000 Passcode: 574647 One tap mobile +13017158592,.83921229000it,...*574647$ US (Washington DC) +13126266799,.83921229000$.,.,-57464711 US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 3017158592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 839 2122 9000 Passcode: 574647 March 9th: Time: Mar 9, 2021 01:30PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us4/89136295578?pwd=SXB3SisxdHBIZWI4YmRaRVhGU1JhZz09 Meeting ID: 891 3629 5578 passcode: 789685 One tap mobile +13017158592.,89136295578$,..,',789685$ US (Washington DC) +13126266799,.89136295578$,,,.‘789685$ US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting JD: 891 3629 5578 Passcode: 789685 The public may also participate by landline phone or cell phone by calling the office number: 269-664-4522 th township will post the information confirming whether the March BOR will meet in pe^on on its notice board, sign, window, and the township’s website. nranaeville Township March Board of Review will meet on the following dates: The March 2, 2021.4:00 pm = Organizational Meeting ’ March 8, 2021, = Appeal Hearing (9.00 -12:00 & 1:00 - 4:00pm) . Monday, m g 2Q21 _ Appea| HearJng (1:30 pm. 4:3q & 6:00-9:00 pm) • Tuesday. **' ' , < Review will meet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear quesThe Board t0 equalize the 2021 assessments. By board resolution, taxpayers are tions, Proles ’. y letter, (including email), sent to 7350 Lindsey Rd. Plainwell Ml. 49080 or able to ^°^ofrij@gmQtl com provided protest is received prior to March 9, 2021. 12:00 pm. tj0S and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property and perT^e tentative r 202iare as follows: conal Pr°Perty .Agricultural............. 39.85% 1.25471 .Commercial38.53%1 29770 • Residential46.09%1.08484 . industrial47.62% 1.04999 - personal Property...50.00%........ 1.0000 In previous y |H)nicl of review meet­ ings would slan • q^esday and go until Wednesday; n a meetings will start Wednesday. M an(j end Thursday. March II. The Wednesday ^,ard of review meeting will be c Q a m. to noon and 6 to 9 p.m.; Thursday.’n’ eting' will be 9 a.m.noon and 1- 4 p.m T| . meetings will Ik- virtu- LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Forecin^rc by Advertisement Notice is given undnr section 3212 o( the revised judicature act ol tgB. 1Qgi PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following monaa9° w'11 ,orcclose<l by a sale of the monganed P'0m,5e5' or Gomo part of them, at a public aJton 10 the h,3hest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place ot holding lhe circuit court In Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on February jg po21 amount due on the mortgage may be g4atcf on the day of sale. Placing lhe highest bid at the sa10 docs no1 automatically entitle the purchaser (0 hoe and cIcar ownership of the property. A po’ent al purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of decds o,,ico or Q l,tle insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information Name(s) of the mortga^5* Danio1 J- Curtis- a single man Original Mortgagee: Mort9a9° Express. Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (d °n^: ®ank National Association, not In its indMdual capacity but solely as Trustee of the New Resided! Mortgage Loan Trust 2020 NPL2 Date of Mortgage: August 27,2003 Date of Mortgage Reco.'dlf19: September 5. 2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice. 569,720.27 Description of tha mortg39°d premises: Situated in Village of Middleville. BarrY Counly' Michigan, and described as: Lot 5 of Block 61 of the Village of Middleville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 27. Common street address ('I any): 311 Russell St, Middleville. Ml 49333-8390 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned In accordance with MCL 600 3241a; or, it the subject real property is used tor agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961. pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sa'e or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner, f you are a military service member on active duty, 4 your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to act-vf duty, please contact the attorney tor the partyfarc’osing the mortgage at the telephone number stated In this notice This notice is f/cm a debt collector. Date of notice January 21,2021 Trott Law. P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1428310 (01-21)(02-11) 154324 Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, If your period of active duty has concluded loss than 90 days ago, or If you have been ordered to active duty, please contact tho attorney for the party foreclosing lhe mortgage at the telephone number stated In this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at tho place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on FEBRUARY IB, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this Information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Mitchell Dahms and Rose Dahms, husband and* wife. 10 Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc as nominee for lender and lenders successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 15, 2003 and recorded November 6. 2003 in Instrument Number n 17167. Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Citibank. N.A . not in its individualcapacity.but so!c,y as owner trustee ol the New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2020-2, by assignment Thera is claimed to be due at the dale hereof the sum of Forty-Three Thousand Six Hundred Seven and 71/10° Dollars ($43,607.71). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute In such case made and provided, notice is hereby g;vep mat said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part ol them at nub»-c vendue at tho p!ace 0< holding the circuit iun witfvn Barry County. Michigan at 1:00 PM on FEBRUARY 202b T u, Said promises am in 1110 Township of Carlton, Barry County M^an- and are BEGINNING AT a pHINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 12 t4AmPS CARLTON TOWNSHIR BARRY COUNTY MiJJoAN. WHICH IS 143 FEET FROM THE S COBNER; THEe-N~! CONTINUING NOfiTHM ONG SAID WEST LINE 236 FEET; THENCE EAStIt RIGHT ANGLES TO SAID gPilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk Gonial - l'RiSnef: 269'664-4522 155114 lo tho property durj^A® Member S (PC Memotron- rin^,n:Li1!?!! Jeff Domenico, AAMS® „ ™uC al *dvlsor Financial Advisor 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-8265 „ Hwy., Suite A HasUngs, Ml 49058 (269)818-0423 Financial gifts for your Valentine For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic may be putting a hold on dinner at lhe channing local bistro, but lhe spirit of Valentine’s Day cannot be extinguished. This year, perliaps more so than in the past, you may want to make your Valentine’s Day gifts even more meaningful. So, for example, what can you give your loved ones to help them along on the road to fi­ nancial security*? Here are a few possibilities: • Contribute (indirectly) to an IRA. Virtually anyone vvilli earned income can con­ tribute to an IRA, which of­ fers tax benefits and an almost unlimited array of investment options. Yet, most people nev­ er contribute thc maximum amount allowable each year, which, in 2021, is $6,000, or $7,000 for those 50 and older. You can’t contribute to anoth­ er person’s IRA, but you can give that person tlie money for lhat purpose. However, an individual can’t contribute more to an IRA than he or she earned during that year. So, if you were to give someone $ 1,000 to be placed in an IRA, lhat individual must have at least $1,000 in earnings. Be •aware, though, that thc recipi­ home can cost SlOO.OfX) or ent can use die money for any more each year, according to purpose. thc insurance company Gen­ • Give shares of stock. You worth. and Medicare typically probably are already familiar pays few of these expenses, so with the products your loved you’ll want to be prepared. ones use - so why not give • Create (or revise) your them shares of stock in the estate plans. It doesn't sound companies that make those very romantic but making goods or services? Most peo­ sure jour estate plans arc in ple enjoy being “owners” of order is one of the best gifts businesses whose products you can give to all your loved they use. Furthermore, own­ ones. If you haven't created ing stocks for the long term your plan yet, contact on at­ can be a valuable component torney who specializes in es­ of anyone’s financial strate­ tate planning. You may also gy. If you are unsure of how want to involve your tax and to give stocks, you may want financial advisors. ?\nd if it’s to consult with a financial pro­ been a w hile since you looked at your existing plan, take the fessional. • Stay protected. If your time to review it - this is es­ valentine also happens to be pecially important if you’ve your spouse, you can give a had changes in your family gift of tremendous value by situation. On Valentine’s Day, the simply working to protect what you have. For example, chocolate hearts and Howers if something happened to you, are certainly always appreci­ would your spouse be able to ated. But financial gifts can maintain die household, edu­ help you make a truly lasting cate children, pay the mort­ impact on your loved ones’ gage and so on? A financial lives. This article war written by professional can help you find thc protection you need, EdwardJones for use by your as well as suggest ways to de­ local Edward Jones Financial fend yourself against the dev­ Advisor. Edward Jones. Member asting costs of long-term care. A private room in a nursing sire City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 128 NORTH MICHIGAN The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the pur­ pose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public regarding the request for the Special Use Permit and Site Plan Review for construction of a Mixed-Use Building at 128 North Michigan Avenue. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday March 1, 2021 in a virtual format. Please check the City of Hastings website at www.hastir13smi.org or contact City Hall at 269-945-2468 for details. s-wn Lvn srsrjT 17832940 All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. ■* The City will provide necessary reasonable aids ,ive d-?ys no,i« to iho c,,yClerk 800M93777 °f TDD Ca" relay ServiC6S ,h d (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Notice .■ duals wi#1 d'S s jn advance of hearing. This notice posted in Compliance ,n । Lt seven (') s amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a (2)(3) and with a’,h PA 26y o' Disabilities Act Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones , accordance w.lh MC?Ts«X>321,a' "I iho redemption petiM^Jn tx>30 day;’ ^sn Financial FOCUS A copy of the plans and additional background are avai,ab,° lor public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Ottic» of the Community Development Director, 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. Questions or comments can be directed to Dan King, Community Development Director at 269-945-2468 or dkingt# hastmgsmi.org. ?oE|I^ FE^°r»^ of such sale. low-nship Supervisor Jim Brown said the Anita Mennell said. . a pub^ said* change is to improve efficiency. The township *dl . . reteivU > . i Bro*n nnd °ther board members have detailing when letters m wj|I he P ii Tr i f,Onl ^ast b°ard °F review member where to send them; the (|ie ass a it the 6-9 p.ni. meeting is the first night of in the Banner, Remind r ‘ rC$idenl* mec mgs, most residents arc able to attend and ment change notice made have their appeals heard. thc end of February. , pCOple that <’ “ft's very important that lhe/he*rd (at the ecause our township, wc don’t have that many people coming in usually, we can basi- have challenges lie able t° bills, so WnuP Up [,hc firstl day- Wc don,t have board of review). Thc) rc backwards th. baC^ dlc nc*t day and go through all we’re going to have to ben > ^a( we do it Onnat«IOri' Wc can actua,,y do it right and make sure that we do it ng 1 - proWn said, we d ‘ •’ n’aiU W.C can wraP il UP on thc second legal and that people can do it. y. rown said, “ft seems to work better that “This is just going to be one rn<Jrc < Tare pay ­ way. can give coverage for the people Hie resolution allowing resident taxpayers ing the bills.” r representatives to file a protest to thc board Jn other news, the hoard: .raJ review by letter was instituted to help tax- Approved payment of $12,637 oj Pay*-rs who live outside the area, ft also allows township bills such as internet and e n. resi ents to file an appeal during the pandem- Tabled a discussion on changing t1 11e Safely and comfort of their homes, ship meeting time from 7 to 6:30 p-nle needed to let people write in because issue will be revisited when tlie boar u • 0 l^,s COVID situation,” Township Clerk 2022 meeting dates in December. Dated: January 21 Fite No 20 000902 °2' Firm Name: Orlans pr Frmt Address: 165OPC , ,r Road Troy Ml M Beaver Road, y 4UUo4 Firm Phone Nuinbe, (2-lfl) 5°2 l4°° 154229 155149 Jane M Saurman City Clerk �„ 2021 - Pa9!l BUZZER, continued from start of a 14-0 run by the Redhawks. Tlie Saxons didn’t score in the third quatt. until Nickels and company beat a Redhawk press coming out of a timeout with abc three minutes to play in the period Ti'*1 Marshall lead would grow to as mans km points in the third and lhe Redhawks into thc fourth quarter up 34-21. 'cnt Part of lhe Redhawks’ run was a su the offensive glass during the SWond large part by the guards fn,m aiw, J1, perimeter. “Marshall has a lot of talented . .. Engle said. “We did not anticipate tV S' pnSs them. As .he !ead startX' eJX from us, we had no choice. Wc were hl speed them up and start turning then. Xr’ and even when we weren’t turning them over I think they were starling to nish tjlejr "rots" quarter on thi"! Uen Marshall stilI had^X Ua with three minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Wrnegar scored on a dnve with just over two and a half minutes to go. Teed hit a bucket with just over a minute and a half to play “Finally we started to become more paficnl. we started to get lo the basket, we started to gel to the free throw line, wc started lo gel open shots from the outside. Suddenly between the combination of playing tight defense and being patient in our offense we started to narrow the gap.” Engle said. Tlie Saxon coach is happy that the nev­ er-quit attitude from a season ago has returned this winter. “Them getting down by 12 or 13. there was ne\cr frustration on the sideline, there was ncxer a look in the eye that we can’t do this,” Tho Hastings Banner — Thursday, in tlie In'H ' ^1C sanie when we got aren’t n U>n,n wc tn,i<c<i about how there txhni ‘ ni’ V,Ctoric*‘ If analyze a twoIcxA,n OVert’mc« and wc go back and snrdi t ‘.I,nc pi’11* bow many times did we do . ‘ C 1 h’nl’s where if we can have those Possesstons back maybe we win that game by Marshall kept firing away on the offensive m the final minute of regulation. There some back and forth with Redhawk o cnsivc rebounds and Saxon turnovers in he Marshall offensive end before the Saxons jinally secured a defensive rebound and went ’ack on the attack with less than half a minute to play, leed missed a shot with 17 seconds Mt. but managed an offensive rebound and Engle to a time-out to set up the game-tying out of bounds play that forced overtime. Hastings had moments of impatience in its five-out offensive sets throughout lhe ball­ game, and they crept back in during the over­ time session. Shouts of "patience” came from the Hastings bench time and again throughout the evening. With no tip-balls to start games and over­ times this season, overtime started with a coin toss to decide which team would get the ball first. Hastings won and took a 40-38 lead on a contested jumper by Brooklyn Youngs in the opening seconds. A quick three by Kylie Brown at the other end gave Marshall a 41-40 lead. Hastings never had a lead again. Youngs hit another big three to tie the game at 43-43. and Warner hit two pressure free throws with 20 seconds to go that lied the game at 45-45 at that moment before Tucker’s heroics at the other end. 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REV,t legal hip PLEASE TAKE NOTICE thaf the Board of Review will meet at the Town,She 2021 3100 E. Dowling Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058, to examine and review 1 ng of Assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for?=ification appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel clash appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: NOTICES Tuesday, March 2. 2021, 1:00 pm Organizational Meeting Hearings will be lhe week of March 7, 2021 Monday, March 08, 2021, 9:00 am to 12 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Wednesday. March 10, 2021, 1 pm to 4.00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm STATE Of M!EHlGAN “VISION JUDICIAL °™°tice of hearing f0R«aI .(.“Jange publication CASE2,N2°8705UUBOE And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have 9iven S notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revisea. corrected and approved. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY p41960 Court address „ ._3n? 20GW. Court Slr^t.Su"" 302 Letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 9:00 pm March 10th, 2021. Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1390 In tho matter ol Dustir.Joseph Lynd. 4 by Jousma, 179 by Willard, 145 from Emily Podbevsek, 121 from Foster. 118 from Green and 101 from Second-Rider. Thomapple Kellogg’s boys scored a 22-8 win over South Christian Tuesday. The Sailors snagged the first Baker game with a 187, bul TK bounced back for a 202 in the second. Ethan Kriekaard got two match points for TK with 216 and 193 regular games. Michale Willshire bow led a 259 and a 190 to pick up one match point. The Trojan team also got a 200 and a 189 from Wyatt Jacobson, a 182 and a 167 from Z Moore, a 181 from Nate Palmer and a 133 from Connor Newland. TK bested lhe Ottawa Hills boys 28-2 Monday at Eastbrook Lancs, winning both Jluker games and each.of the regular games as well. . Kriekaard rolled an awesome 268 as well as a 181 for two match points. Willshire had games of 195 and 186 and Jacobson had a 214 and a 180. Palmer added a 151. Newland a 130. Moore a 106 and Wyatt Barnes a 105. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Card of Thanks Business Services For Sale THE FAMLY OF Willard Redman would like to thank Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings Free Meth­ odist Church and Pastor Brian Teed, Heather, Allison and Jonah for providing the family luncheon. Also, Mjrge Kessler and Larry Bennettforall their help. Thank you to tlie American Legion Post 45 Active Army for8the Twenty One Gun Sa­ ute and presentation of the rtae Also, Mike and Jamie Murphy, American Legion PM U5i for the presentation TiheMintaryHasi’i^1^’Think vou to all that have rH condolences, canls, st ’ rills and that have flo"'crH off food and made dropped o wj|Iard.s name. appreciated all of We greath W Wndness. y°uan nit Redman S^n’y Redn”’n BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry' wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish removal. 269-320-3890. FOR SALE- YARD MA­ CHINE bv MTD SNOW­ BLOWER,'5 hp, 22" cut, 2 stage, self propelled, $325 OBO. Call 269-838-3245 MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Automotive BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Help Wanted QUALITY HARDWOODS A hardwood sawmill, is seek­ ing a full time Band Saw Filer. Duties include sharpening and repairing band head rig saws, band resaws, carbide lipped circle saws, chipper knives and dressing guide Dcnn‘ and family n. blocks. This is a full time, , Kve Redman and permanent position. Benefits Kenny* ^ily include health/dental insur­ , * Er n Redman and ance, 401K with a company Rol,*r farnijv---------- match, vacation and holiday ___ —'—5ntJfORCARDS time along with a competitive THANK *Pj?5|,es for my wage. Please apply in person at 396 Main Street, Sunfield, and«ell .jppmoaMichigan. birtl,C!amkful and bl*** ' tivC'^.verf'Bu""‘ FOR SALE: 1999 El50; 2002 Crown Victoria. $500 for both. Good running engines. Need to down size. Text for details. Byron Center, 616-930-1237. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real evute advertising in (hit nev*yp;pcr h lubjcct lothr Fair Homing Act and the Michigan Civil Right* Act which cdleclivtly make it illegal to idvertiic "any preference, limitation or drenmitution baud on race, color, religion, m. hiadic-p. familial itituc. rutiontl origin, age or martial jtatui. or an intention, to make any tuch preference. limitation or discrimination.** Familial uaiuj include* children under the art *< IB living with parents or legal «lia;.< pregnant women and people recuhng custody of children under IM. Thn newspaper will rx< knowingly accept any advertising (or real estate which i« in violation of the law. Our reader* ate hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity Imvic To report discrimination call lhe fair Homing Center at 6I6-45I-29H0. the HUD loll free telephone number (<>r the hearing impaired i» I-h00 927-9275. TLi 269-945-9554 for *jiaStjj!9S Banner alls Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as follows: Agncultural 54.08% 0.92455 Commercial 39.50% 1.26582 Industrial 45.90% 1.08932 Residential 46.95% 1.06496 Personal Property 50.00% 1.00000 TO ALL PERSONS. *ho“ Mdross is unknown and whose inte.l( matter may be barred or affected by »<ng: TAKE NOTICE: A hearingbe hcid on February 24, 2021 at 2 15 P M ” Court Street. Suite 302, Hastings. Ml 49058 Judge Wiiham M. Doherty to change the na • Dustin Joseph Lynd to Vanessa Rachel Lynd Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is .expected after completion of Board of Review. Chad VanSyckle, Supervisor Baltimore Township Scott Anderson, Assessor Baltimore Township STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT 'FAMILY DIVISION BARRY BOUNTY Baltimore Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28707-NC WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 Court address 206 W Court Street, Suite Hastings. Ml 49058 TK bowling teams add wins over Saatore arid Bengals Combined thc Thomapple Kellogg varsity bowling teams now have an 11-1 record against OK Gold Conference foes this winter. The Trojan boys’ and girls’ teams both scored victories over South Christian at Hastings Bow I Tuesday and over Ottawa Hills at Eastbrook iuines Monday. The TK ladies have yet to be beaten, mov­ ing their mark lo 6-0 with their 28-2 victory’ over the South Christian girls Tuesday in Hastings. The TK ladies took thc two Baker games, and then got two match points each from Dalace Jousma and Carly Snyder in the regu­ lar games. Jousma had games of 182 and 163. Snyder rolled a 180 and a 177. Paige Green rolled a 138 for TK. Faith Foster a 134, Lily Secord-Rider at 105. Allison Hess a 110. and Cayleigh Willard had games of 124 and 119. The previous afternoon, the TK ladies scored a 30-0 win over Ottawa Hills which included high games of 222 by Snyder. 192 TOWNSHIP OF BALTIMORE pagte 9------------- Court telephone no. 269-945-1390 In tho matter of Danielfe Paitb Metzger TO ALL PERSONS, induing whose address is unknown and whoso interest in the matter may be barred or affected by thefofowing: TAKE NOTICE A hearing will be held on 2/24/2021 at 2:15 PM. at206 W. Court Street. Suite 302. Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M Doherty to change the name of Danielle Faith Metzger to Danielle Faith Hudson American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to Baltimore Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Baltimore Township by writing or calling. Baltimore Township Clerk Penelope Ypma 3100 E Dowling Rd Hastings, MI 49058 269.721.3502 155201 HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP I STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT KALAMAZOO COUNTY OF KALAMAZOO NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE FILE NO. 21-28717-DE Estate of Jack Lee Mdls Sr. Date of birth. 08/25/1936 TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS The decedent. Jack Lee Mills Sr. died 11/28,2C2O Creditors of thc decedent are notified that all claims against the estat£.wiil ba forever barred unless presented to Vk^c L. Bland Attorney at Law. personal represcru&e, or to both the probate court at 4341 S. Westneage Avenue. Ste 2202, Kalamazoo, Ml 49008 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date 2/1/21 Victor L Bland P38278 4341 S Westnedge Avenue. Ste 2202 Kalamazoo. Ml 49008 269-382-6900 Linda Kuiper 1380 Auburn Woods Trail Portage. Ml 49002 269-501-6360 154987 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, ■ 885 River Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 to examine and review the 2021 assessment. roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 1:00 pm Organizational Meeting Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 9:00 am to Noon and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Thursday. March 11, 2021, 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm . And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, cor­ rected and approved If it becomes required to hold this via electronic remote access you mav contact Supervisor Brown (269-580-0021) or go to our website (HastingsTownshi# • com) for further information, which will also be posted on our township door. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 5, 2021 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as folSTATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Eatate FILE NO. 20-28667-DE Estate of Ricky Stan Nedry. Decedent Date of Birth February 13. 1956 TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The decedent Ricky Stan Nedry. Decedent, died July i7> 2020 Creditors of the decedent are notified that all daims against tho estate will bo forever barred unless presented to Ricky Nedry. Jr., personal representative or to both the probate court at 12120 Rmore St’reet West Olive, Ml 49460 and tho personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Thav, Ryke & Associates Thomas J Langan (P81339) 24725 W 12 Milo Read Southfield, Ml 48034 (248) 945-1111 Ricky Nedry. Jr. 341 44th Street SE Kentwood. Ml 49548 (616) 283-8366 lows: Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Personal Property 41.43% 1.2069 1.1128 44.93% 1.1366 43.99% 1.1136 44.90% 1.0000 50.00% Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expect­ ed after completion of Board of Review. Jim Brown. Supervisor Hastings Charter Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Hastings Charter Township Hastings Charter Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national ongin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice ThP township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to M^tinns Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or coreires should contact Hastings Charter Township by calling 269.948.9690 or Wntin9‘ Hastings Charter Township Clerk 885 River Rd., Hastings. Ml 49058 ((£4(47) I55IN0 UA1W COUNTY. WCfiiGAN equalization baikjs and MJLUVdS HY OASSmCATWH TavtcrCdbiirT Currmc* Jhaisddfajn ______ TOWNSUP____ RJbo UA * 1.1047 Assfvu &IXKJX adferen* 01Q4d WOO* Bury 1.2547 4&49X SUn Curtsn OK7tn 40JD% 4*1ftx CirA^xi 1.1080 soon 41.4JI ILr-Acvi 12089 4410% yu»x IkyM! 1.1080 51 ffl% 4?4e>x hmg 10403 WO1% .Mrntown O2Q17 42.71% «07X HajAiCrws-’ 1.1119 4100% :««6X 12547 3&li3% hTuravlc 1.1131 4&nre y*x RdLwl 10490 47.40% 44^x 1.1204 44IU% WoodUri 0JXK7 6/ore 4tUftX YanU* 10749 wore 4Q4cx «r»rX P*1**’ P"*** *< »zi 46.W% h u iii । RaM Mire 47.™* ,jnl» SUH* Jia? 37-3S* Jia «i** |jan cjs* ; IS aS* SSl «H* 1.1019 49J»% '~WUt P"* -—.,, ■— 1O6M 1J®^7 47jre 10060 10307 10931 ^4* 1JCBM 11175 1.1 no 11280 10490 ’’’ ’V 10405 m®5 *’•■*“* 10370 10548 B807B 1O0BB 10604 11000 47T1* 10467 ■11 klLoiT" 1OM7 4ftJ0% Dc*r^>priHfrtj| ______ 10054 ItAo * ~’»ore~ ioba>" 5MD% 10000 50111% 10000 50HJ% ijdod 5000% 10)00 5000% 10000 5DUJ% 10000 snore 11X00 snore 15000 5000% 100® snore 10000 snore 10000 5000% 10000 snan 1IX®° ttnoo 50W% too® 50W% 5000% IjOOOO �F^unfy 11,’ 2021 ~ The Tb° Hastings Banner Bannor * City council discusses agenda process, zoning ordinan Sophie Bates 'Sfdf/Wri,er irWil meeting Monday evening. During a' Council members discussed Hastings deletions and approval proacenJa ad*1 70ning ordinance on special cess.a* w<• •. (he B.| district. land use' }Cl,r jerry Czarnecki brought a Cll>-' . the council regarding addition of ^^tmntothcagencla. a’rhe Edition would be titled “Suggested Items lor Future Agenda” and would allow council members the opport unity to have an item placed on the agenda prior to a council meeting, rather than during a meeting. Currently, Mayor David Tossava and Czarnecki create the agendas. Council mem­ bers sometimes suggest an item for discus­ sion. ”... and then it’s left up to just thc city man­ ager and the mayor to decide if it should lie on the agenda,” Czarnecki said. “This just for- Barry County school boards want to meet in person Sorne join together to lobby state to do so Scan Bradley Staff Writer Barr} Intermediate Schools. Thomapple Kellogg Schools, and Maple Valley Schools boards of education are joining other districts across the state calling for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services lo give them the option of meeting in person. Maple Valley Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Monday during ils remote session to urge the state to allow them to meet in person. The Barry ISD board also voted unani­ mously during its meeting Tuesday to request that the state allow public bodies to meet in person - including boards of education. “If children can be in school - and they are - why can’t grow mips be in a meeting?” Barry ISD Superintendent Richard Franklin said Tuesday after the meeting. Thomapple Kellogg Schools Board of Education voted 6-1 during its remote meet­ ing Monday to approve their own resolution. Trustee Anne Hamming was lhe lone “no” vote. Delton-Kellogg Schools Board of Education docs not plan to take up this resolution for discussion, let alone vote on it. Superintendent Kyle Corlctt said Tuesday. rMy board would prefer to meet in person and I think if kids are in school, then boards should meet in person,” Corlctt said. “But 1 don’t think passing a resolution will change thes governor’s mind.” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is encouraging schools lo fully open by March 1 for total in-person instruction. But, through March 29, all public bodies that would normally meet indoors - such as school boards - must meet virtually, accord­ ing lo a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency order issued Feb. 4. However, a different, more contagious strain of COV1D-I9 may hamper those hopes of having in-person meetings anytime soon. The first case of the B. 1.1.7 variant - orig­ inally reported in the United Kingdom - was found in Eaton County on Monday, according -to the . ~ ~ . .. .. ~ __----- . Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Thus far, 45 cases of the B.1.1.7 strain have been found in Michigan, according lo MDHHS. “That's not relevant or germane to this question,’’ Franklin said Tuesday about a return to in-person school board meetings. Tlie resolution approved by the Barry ISD was drafted by the Michigan Association of School Boards and posted to its website for districts to use in their own meetings and modify as they wish. “In thc case of Eaton and Barry counties, it may not make sense to come back in person because of that variant, bul that doesn’t mean it does not make sense that a board in another part of the stale may want to meet in person,’’ said Jennifer Smith, director of government relations with the Michigan Association of School Boards. “What doesn’t make sense for one district might make sense for another.” Franklin said that if in-person meetings were to take place, requirements would be put in place - such as requiring the wearing of masks, the distancing of attendees, lhe con­ ducting of health screenings with temperature taking, and asking for contact information from attendees. “We won’t do anything until the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services approves a change and allows us to meet,” said Robert Becker, Barry’ ISD Board of Education president, said after their meeting Tuesday. Guidance is provided weekly to school dis­ tricts by the Barry-Eaton District Health Department regarding updates about the COVID-19 situation, Sarah Sunia, BarryEaton District Health Department community health promotion specialist, said Tuesday. Suma said any guidance that lhe health department gives to districts is based on infor­ malion provided by MDHHS. As long as school district officials follow the overarching state guidelines to protect against the spread of COVID-19, they can make their own deci sions about whether to hold meetings remote­ ly or in person. tzsh p malizcs it a Ift^. aW| gives an oppor­ tunity for peop|c 11 " Up things that they want to our c ° J ,nCmbers (to discuss], things that they x .0 <cc on a future agen­ da.” anl Once a council n .(1iber suggests an item lo be placed on the ■ W j■», the rest of the conncil would have lhSx>rwn>,> '■> object. If any member of the c°uncil ob-icc's 10 ,l,c addition, the item would lx-- placed on the agenda for the ni.M ^-licduled meeting after the current mCcllIIO question. If no membcrAbiecl.thc ilcni wou,d ** placed on the ngCnj?for the current meeting. "Then other council members can weigh in on whether they . on whether that should be on lhe agenda J>r mH.” Czamccki said. “So, this is a way to that procedure.” The resolution result in concern from some council members and nPP*ausc from others. ' Council member B«nd“ McNabb-Stange said she didn’t like ^e potential delay in get­ ting an item on the acenda. , , “Tlie thing I disliked the most is the fact that you bring up what you wanl to add 11 the agenda; then the next meeting, you la k about it and somebody lhcn y?U la,k. about whether it should on agenda; and then, thc following meeting, is when you actually talk about the item. 1 hat s what I don’t like — it can be Pul 100 ^,ng. McNabb-Stange said.”1lhink h’s a good ,dea Czarnecki defended the length of the pro cess as necessary. “The reason it’s set up lhat way is that if a council member brings (an item) up at thc meeting — and there needs to tx? a discussion on it — wc need to hold that discussion until the next meeting. Because council members can’t bring up items lor discussion on lhe meeting that we’re in at this point because we’ve already set the agenda.” Czarnecki said. "You want to give an opportunity lor people to be prepared for the items that are aiming up (on the agenda! and we’re going to have a discussion about it. And so this just allows a process for doing that, and this is just a suggestion.” With Al Jarvis and Jim Carey absent from the meeting, thc resolution failed 4-2. McNabb-Stange. Don Bowers. Tossava and Therese Maupin-Moore voted no on thc reso­ lution. Maupin-Moore clarified she voted against lhe resolution because she wanted council members Jarvis and Carey to have their input heard before approval. lhe resolution will be altered by city staff before being presented to the council again for discussion and approval. The council also held a first reading an ordinance that would add residential dwell­ ings in lhe downtown, primarily commercial district, as a special use. Thc amendment allows lhe council to grant approval for no more than eight residential to get it formalized.” . . Meanwhile, council member Jacquie units within a two-story or larger building that McLean said she thought the resolution was a also contains commercial uses. The ordinance would give the city’s plan­ “great concept” and lauded Czarnecki for his ning commission ability lo mix residential efforts. Estate planning allows you to ensure lhat your property will go to lhe people you want, in the way you want, and when you w’anl. If you do not have an estate plan, lhe state will decide who gets your property and who will make decisions for you should you become incapacitated, and these aren’t necessarily the choices you would have wanted. An estate plan can also help you save on estate taxes and on court costs for your loved ones. The most basic estate planning document is a will. If you do not have a will directing who will inherit your assets, your estate will be distributed according to stale law. If you are single, most slates provide that your estate will go lo your children or to other living relatives if you don’t have children. If you have absolutely no living relatives, then your estate will go to the state. You may not want to leave your entire estate to relatives - you may have close friends or charities that you feel should get something. Without a will, you have no way of directing where your property goes. The next most important document is a durable power of attorney. A power of attorney allows a person you appoint - your ’’attomey-tn-facl” or "agent” - to act in your place for financial purposes if and when you ever become incapacitated, hi that case, lhe person you choose will be able to step in and take care of your financial affairs. Without a durable power of attorney, no one can represent you unless a court appoints a conservator or guardian. That court process Lakes time, Staff Writer As firefighters fought a blaze at a home on Bippley Road, they also fought blowing snow. A Jan. 31 fire that ultimately destroyed the home owned by Odessa Township residents Brian and Deborah Moras was difficult to fight because of harsh weather. But help to fight th* blowing and drifting snow came from unexpected passers-by. Brian Moras said. “Somebody localwho lives around here, oris affiliated with pot of the fire departments, he had a personal Wck with a plow on it." Moras said of oneofthe drivers. “I remember seeing a plow. I he was doing that. He did a lot to try tohdp the situation.” Moras, a Hastings native, said he would like to meet lhat truck driver who happened by and assisted firefighters. Dan Hickey, assistant fire chief of the Odessa Township Fire Department, said another plow driver assisted, as well. “I appreciate them stepping up and helping out," Moras said this week. One operator drove “aggressively” down the road, he said, making a larger path for those who needed access to gel through. The fire was reported shortly after 9 p.m. lhat day. Hickey said. "What became evident is. ns they left the paved roads and hit thc dirt roads, there was a strong wind.” Moras said. Winds were gusting up to 29 mph around lhe time of the fire, and light snow was falling, according to the weather data website weatherundcrgroundxom. Moras said those conditions created snow drifts that made it difficult for firetrucks to move fast and get to the fire. The house is on a gravel road that is about 2 miles long. Crews with the Ionia County Road Department spent more than an hour helping to keep the roads clear for firefighters. Superintendent Howard White said. There is no indication yet of what caused the fire. Hickey said. "It was fully involved upon arrival.” he said, adding that lhc high winds blowing toward an adjacent building on lhe property required their concentration to protect lhe second structure. “That wind was really f«el f°r lhc fire, so it really made ft burn a lol faster.” Hickey said. Sunfield, Odessa Township and BerlinOrange departments cr**s lbe fire for at leasi four h0UR hc Hickey said the firetrucks would not have had much access to bring water back to the scene to fight the fire without assistance from drivers who hclp^ „|ow the road. "A lot of the were drifted shut, so you had to carefiitiv work your way out there,” he said. The departments had three firetrucks going back and forth frvni the village of Lake Odessa to bring Wa. r to the scene to fight the fire, Hickey said * 'Rad it beCn -l-jr roads, we could’ve saved more of (hc building.as it were,” Moras said^ ‘Every minu| “ .uu’re burning more. The house, whi ’h the family was in the process of remode l was destroyed in the a le..^ddC1!;W u’;,i costs money, and lhe judge may not choose lhe person you would prefer. In addition, you should have a health care proxy. Similar to a power of attorney, a health care proxy allows an individual to appoint someone else to act as their agent, but for medical, as opposed to financial, decisions. Unlike married individuals, unmarried partners or friends usually can’t make decisions for each other without signed authorization. If you are planning to give away a lot of your money, there are ways to do that efficiently through the annual gift tax exclusion and charitable remainder trusts. Other estate planning documents to consider are a revocable living trust and a living will. Finally, for singles who are unmarried but have a partner, an estate plan is arguably even more important than for married couples because without one, unmarried couples won’t be able to make end-of-life decisions or inherit from each other. Set up an appointment with Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, PC to determine to discuss what estate planning documents you need lo assure your wishes will be carried out and those you care about will be protected. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. Tongstreet ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING P.C. ity subject to all the requirejn . along with special uses. So fdevcl Pj- • ‘ still going to have to come in and jus . > ‘ they wanl to do and its impact on the zo , Planning Commission Chairman • Hatfield said. "But it will allow' some addi­ tional residential development within the area. ” the ordinance’s second reading at the Alter next city council meeting, council members will vote on the proposal. In other business, the council: Approved a request from YMCA Program Director Gina McMahon to reserve Bob King and Fish Hatchery ball fields for youth pro­ grams from April through August, as permit­ ted by ( OVID-19 restrictions. Approved Mayor Tossava’s appointment of Deputy Police C hief Dale Boulter to lhe 911 board. Approved 58300 for the repair of cityowned sculptures; S5.H56 for a leaf pick-up track rental; $5,107 for a police car repair; and 582357 for a rental rehabilitation project al 118 F.. Court St. Scan Bradley I 6)07 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 ^'“Thisjusi gives us a Family wants to meet plow truck drivers who helped firefighters SINGLE? YOU STILL NEED AN ESTATE PLAN Many people believe that if they are single, they don’t need a will or other estate planning documents. Bul estate planning is just as important for single people as it is for couples and families. and commercial uses in 11 _ onricct specifics, discretion over developfI,t npC to (he B-l “’Ihis text amendmen e '. cofnjnission district would allow the p a currently some great latitudes than w. a'n(| density have m regards to use stan • fjcVeIopment standards,” Community DircctorD.m King explamed. .crs js t0 The purpose in adding tiie jn the encourage residential develof 1 I fire. Moras said The famijv , • .h includes a son and two daughters ^7.?’ ’!\n frorn 14 10 17 “ was staying in :i g,,!g |U)nie on the property nt the time of |h^l\incc their mam house was undergoing f .lions. They currently No one. inX^he *>8*. ™ harmed by the fid,n£L have insurance on A fire burns late Jan. 31 at the residence of Brian and Deborah Moras and their three children on Bippley Road in Odessa Township. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but the house was destroyed. The family is hoping to meet good Samaritans who helped plow the road for firefighters so they could reach the house to fight the fire. (Photo provided) Although losing possessions of value to the family is painful, the family’s faith and a commitment of help from lhe community have helped them through this experience, he said. “We’re people of faith, and we believe in our church and church family, and people have really stepped up. It’s incredible,” Brian Moras said. “When you’re faced with adversity, it brings out true character.”. A GoFundMe page “Moras Family Fire Recovery Well Fund” was started by Deborah’s sister Pam Sharp to help the family pay for expenses and supplies, including tor3 new well since the one on lhe property was destroyed in thc fire. As of Tuesday. S5305 has been raised toward a $8.(XX) goal. ~ “We’re grateful to have people that care. Deborah Moras said. “When a community pulls together, it makes you feel loved and takes the focus off all the bad stuff going on in the world.” Hastings girls gain lop-sided victory over Parma Western The Hastings varsity girls bowling team dominated the Parma Western girls Monday night at Hastings Bowl to move their record lo 3-1 in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. The Saxons knocked oft lhe Panthers 28-2. They won the two Baker matches by scores of 135 and 123 to close out the win. Andrea Rhodes and Ally Herder picked up two team points each in thc regular games for the Saxons. Rhodes had games ot 171 and 157. Herder rolled a 158 and a 181. Hastings also got points thanks to a 169 from Shy anna Baker, a 170 from Abby Barton, a 128 from Amber Rabideau and a 130 from Daisy Kerby Hastings boys twk lhe first Baker panic with a score of 179, but lhe Panthers took the second and thc overall Baker total to edge the Saxons 16-14 on thc dav. .. I he two teams were tied 10-10 heading those Baker games. Hastings got points tn regular games thanks to a 205 all-mark from Cameron Eaton, a 179 b0™ Richmond and a 175 from Drew R Auston Fenstemaker picked up point loo while rolling scores ot I’/ aa It is a three mutch in the Athletic Conference for the Saxon They were slated to face Bowlero lames jestetday and will • 60 to face Jackson Northwest this - (Feb. 11). The Saxons go to M-6b ow Pennfield Tuesday to close out t e the conference season. g .ikcon � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-02-18.pdf a93e401075689b9cd7f2d154cb46ef13 PDF Text Text Hastings eyes Aug. 3 school bond request See Story on Page 2 Time <° take meetinti® offline See Page 4 Defense scores, sho*s fall in Saxons w**1 Sec Story on Page 15 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 ................... CAR-RT LOI’*C 005 C005 Richard Hcmerltng 421 N Taffee Dr ” ANNER Hastings Ml 49053-1134 6Q0/2O21 9 47 00 AM O 1 UNUO VOLUME 167, No. 7 Thursda^F^^^O?! price $i£°_ Local businesses get : Small Business Survival Grants Greg Chandler Staff Writer Twenty-six small business*blsed County have received grants lolaH n than $219,000 through lhe Mfchi Economic Development ^orporation-s Small Business Survival Grant I rogrjjtn Michigan Gov.. Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday announced the grants, totaling $525 million and awarded fo nearjy ooq small businesses across the state. MEDC offi­ cials said the grants helped r«ain morc (jlan 52500 Michigan jobs. including more than 170 in Barry County. “The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program provides crucial support to Michigan’s small businessesfeh ban1 bv (Jie COVID-19 pandemic.” Whiter said. “These grants, combined with additional business relief efforts offered by lhe MEDC will create a strong foundation tor Michgan’s long-term economic recovery." “Obviously, we wish webd morc [grants to allocate]." said JenniferHrinzman. execu­ tive director of the Barry Cocnty Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, in an interview Wednesday after­ noon. “There was a lot ofta'nesses that we would have liked to help.bunhe criteria was so stringent. Half the [appkants] were not even in the running b. te time we got through the list of crib r/* WBPB Coqy. (he piiau company of Hastings’ Walldorf! Btew^band Bistro, was the largest recipient among'oca! businesses, receiving $15,0(X) in funds. The grant will help retain 35 jobs at lhe brewery. according to information provided by the MEDC. Jerry Czarnecki Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki to resign Sophie Bates Staff Writer Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki is resigning the post he has filled H6 years, effective May 7. Czarnecki submitted his resignation last week to Mayor David Tossava. His decision to resign came after contem­ plating what was best for him, his family and lhe city as a whole, he said. "I am leaving because I’m just ready to move on to something else,” Czarnecki told The Banner. "You know, I enjoy this position. I think I’m a great person for it. "A lot of energy has gone into the last ycarand-a-half that I’ve been here - and it’s just my fuel tanks. My job is always to look ahead to the long haul, the long game. And I think what’s good for the organization is to pass the baton on to somebody who’s got a full tank of gas to keep moving things in a great direc­ tion." The city council called a special meeting Monday evening to begin the process of find­ ing a new' city manager, approving an expen­ diture of up to S16JOOO to contract for an executive search with the Michigan Municipal League. “This is just approving spending the money. If this gets approved tonight, the next thing Other businesses receiving funding, along with the number of jobs to be retained at each business, according to the MEDC. include: Barlow Florists. $10,000. five jobs retained Bay Corporation, $10.000,21 jobs retained BJ’s Quality Auto, $6,000, one job retained Creative Designs Hair and Nails, $5,000, two jobs retained DC & S Real Estate Inc.. $10,000, eight jobs retained Delton Moose Lodge 1649, $3,300,10 jobs retained Ever After Banquet Hall and Conference Center. $10,000, one job retained Geiger Printers, $10,000, no job retention listed Genevieve and Donald Gilmore Foundation, $10,000, 10 jobs retained GIM Athletics, $10,000. six jobs retained Hastings Lodging LLC. S6.700. two jobs retained Hastings Nails Spa, $6,000, three jobs retained HP Graphics. $10,000, one job retained J&J of Nashville LLC. $10,000, four jobs retained JT Benjamin Enterprises, $6,000, two jobs retained KR Designs, $5,000, one job retained Kraal Space LLC, $10,000,18 jobs retained Maebelles LLC, $5,000. two jobs retained Nikki’s Concessions, $5,000, five jobs retained Park Place Design, $10,000, two jobs retained Plucky Knitter, Inc., $10,000, one job retained Previously Pink Boutique LLC. $10,000, two jobs Rafficr Ventures LLC. $5,631. 18 jobs retained Red’s Sports Bar and Grill LLC. $10,000. 12 jobs retained . The Economic Development Alliance received 5 percent of the total grant funds allocated to the county to cover administrative costs. ' Approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Jan. 14. the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program allocated $55 million to pro­ vide support to meet die urgent needs of busi­ nesses that have experienced a significant financial hardship due to C0VID-I9 emer­ gency “gatherings and face mask orders." “The primary goal of this grant was to help people dial were affected by lhe DHHS mask order on Nov. 17," Heinzman said. “Anybody that was open and operating normally on Nov. 17 but then closed down partially or all lhe way on the 18th. they were al the top of lhe list." . The grant applications w ere reviewed by an economic impact committee that works close­ ly with the Barry Community Foundation.. Sixty Barry County businesses applied for the* Small Business Survival grants, Heinzmari said. < The program allowed for grants of up tor. $20 jbOO to be aw anted 10 businesses that were fully closed, with grants, of up to awarded to businesses that had partially closed, or otherwise were open and can.demonstrate a financial impact on their busi£i See GRANTS, page 3 Students struggle to adapt to pandemic impact Taylor Owens Staff Writer While the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone, many young people have especially struggled with its effects. “What we’re noticing as counselors is an overall sense of overwhelm from our student body,” Delton Kellogg counselor Karissa Wright said. "An overall level of stress and anxiety" Wright works with both middle and high school students, and said at least one-third of her students are reporting high levels of anx­ iety. She attributed much of that to the social isolation the pandemic has created, and the difficulty of adapting to a daily routine that is continuously changing. Many of her students feel that “life seems pretty chaotic right now ” Wright said. Counselors at Hastings Area Schools said they are seeing their students struggle with the same issues. “It is just a stressful lime,” high school counselor Erin Bargo said. “I think it’s the ever-changing environ­ ment. there’s no stability," her colleague Catherine Longstreet added. For many kids, school is a constant they can use as an anchor in their lives. But the whiplash of constantly moving between in-person and remote learning has taken that constant away. Longstreet said. “Whatever life can be like, at least I’m going to school everyday and that’s like my safe place,” Longstreet said. “But there’s not . that routine there." Speaking last Wednesday, Longstreet said students’ recent return for the new semester after weeks of remote learning was a chal­ lenge. “We just came back last week, and many kids were last week were like, ‘I’m anxious, I’m anxious, I don’t know if I want to be' here.’ ’’ she said. “Just the inconsistency is really hard to watch, because their whole routine is thrown off." Bargo said. She said she also has seen its effect on the See IMPACT, page 5 See MANAGER, page 6 Special delivery^ Sheriff’s deputy assists in emergency at-home birth I Taylor Owens Staff Writer On the night of Jan. 19lh Katelyn and Kody rh«nd of Middleville were just about to hospital to have .heir fourth ba^' .hnnehl lhey knew what to expect. They. fhL. 10 minutes later. Katelyn But. ’.eu hv Rhett on the their bathroom ^liVCre,dh dKhejof a Barry County sheriffs floor with the ne>i deputy. . ., flid.."( go (to the hospital) "Good thing *dn jn because the baby passenger seat >n my «>'• Vanderband said. midnight, the contractions Sometime after 2() minu(es apart, were still between for Kody.s odlcr Tlie couple was wa>’>'t|,e kids. But, sudanive so she could ions changed. denly.Katelyns.con minules apart u, 30 "They wcn( , ..ide ” Kody said. seconds apart real far apart> but ••The contracnon *cr l( kind anK. „ne then I stood up ^.‘L'Jlyn said.' And I felt on top of another* like J just had IO po’hfirs, and I knew when n "This was not our wai time.” back together Tuesday morning at the Middleville Village Office- Little Rhett Vanderband was in a rush to be born. Eroni that point, everything happened very quickly. Katelyn yelled for her husband to call 911, and Kody connected with Barry County Central Dispatcher Megan Green. Green told him to sluy calm, find sonic string lor the umbilical cord and grab some towels to catch the baby. Kody was Just br nl-‘ng Up a |lKKj of towels from the ba'<--nwn' *hen sh(.riffs tkpiIIy Elliot Hausler arr>«d| "As soon as,;S through lhe door out came baby- (X said. The time from the 911 call to the baby’s bi il fe,t like a blur’ the Vandetbands. but for Hausler and Green aS"This was mv first imminent childbirth call. ^aitH^eCT. »ho ha-, been a dispatcher “I was extremely nervous throughout the Whk was^lw find home delivery, not only for See DELIVERY, page 5 �J>.wo 2 - Tbursdiy- F!’WU,1'V l6' 2021 ~ Has""0’ Banner may continue into spr' n ® Vaccine shortage • Taylor Owens » Staff Writer i t Friday, the Barry Eaton District I Icalth : Department’W its regular email to • \L.nce this week s appointments to receive •POVID-I0 vaccines. With 20.000 people on •lhe waiting li* and onl> n few hundred doses ‘for ill ot Ban? County, those appointments ’.were filled within 15 minutes. » Thon’ who missed out will have to try icain this Friday. “Ty pically those appointments are absorbed ’within minutes.” BEDHD Health Officer ; Colette Scrimger told members of the 1 Listings J Rotary Club during a virtual meeting Monday. ’• “It’s the concert-ticket method of vaccine ’distribution, she added. “We know it is not »in ideal system. We wish it could be designed ’ J different way.” : - But w ith a demand far greater than lhe sup­ ply. no method will be able to make everyone happy. As of Monday, 5,113 Barry County resi­ dents had received their first dose of the vac­ cine. and 2.199 had received their second ’jfoseThe amount of vaccines the department deceives each week fluctuates, but Scrimger •said it is usually no more than 400 doses. “Unfortunately, vaccine distribution has 4jot been the smoothest rollout that we would .■have liked," Scrimger said. “We’re only get$ng a few hundred doses a week.” •* The health department had spent years pre- ne m ... notified . , vaedne ■" tering doses of die rcccive 10 s0CctrumpeopTe can register W^ai|.lb|e at spec paring for a pandemic scenario, training staff and creating plans for vaccine distribution. But without enough doses, those years ol preparation can’t lie put to their full use. “Nothing is happening as wc all expected it to. and that has led to a very chaotic response at the local level,” Scrimger said Vaccine delivery’ has continued to be unpre­ dictable. nearly two months after the first vaccine was approved. Each week, BEDHD is notified on I hurray or Friday as to how many vaccines it will receive the neat week. Hie department then sends an email notification to all chgrble peo­ ple who have registered on barryeatonhealth. org between 3 and 5 pm- on I ni ay. The first people to see the email, to low the link and schedule lhe appointment will get the when appointments •> us Rite Aid healthxirg/covidl?. . sllch (he Some larger pbarntac e ((j Kcege tn and Meijer are also s ■■ -n RarO cr. vaccine, but no phartm cejvc any L , are currently scheduled to n-^ n once the ies. Scrimger said that will W mon; vac- vaccine. . Scrimger did say some doses are reserved for people without the internet or technologi­ cal access needed to receive the email and make an appointment. The health department calls those people directly to get them sched­ uled. . . “As you can imagine, that list is long, an it will take a few weeks to work through that list and gel everyone vaccinated, she saw. Even though obtaining a vaccine remains difficult. Scrimger encouraged people with high-risk factors to continue working to set up an appointment. Once the amount of doses available starts to increase, Scrimger said the stale may open Peggy Merrill, spectrum Health Pennock R.N., administers the vaccine for Thornapple Kellogg Middle School Principal Kelli Arnold-Wegner on Tuesday in Hastings. (Photo provided) up vaccine eligibility to the general public, which will increase demand even further. The health department is preparing to move its vaccinations t0 a |arger site in Hastings by the end of the month, and create a mobile clinic in March. The mobile clinic will move throughout Barry County, setting up in a dif­ ferent town or school building each week to better spread out the vaccine. Spectrum Health Pennock also is adminis- health department starts t Qwn cincs than it can distribute _nt|y speculaWhcn that will happen’s c fd the departtion. Scrimger said she has ‘r.ase” in vacmerit will sec a “dramatic t b cines in April or May. normal? ^’s 50 “When do things become . ..p{opefully« hard to say.” Scrimger adde • fall.” things will return to more norma yj^js in She did announce cases ° in Barry County have “declined su s * the past few weeks. in “Right now, wc are looking rc y ' . “ terms of disease spread in the com Scrimger said. nosiThc rate of COVID-19 tests that are j live has dropped to 3.1 percent, w 11 very, very goodshe added. As of Tuesday. Barry County had 43 con­ firmed cases of the virus, and 321 proba cases. No new deaths due to COVID-19 were reported since last week, and the total number of confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 remains at 40. Hastings school board eyes Aug. 3 bond request Haywood said in an interview with lhe education by remaining the tax rate the same." “...The liming might not be the best for our Grand Rapids construction company people that are struggling with COVID epi­ Hastings Banner Wednesday. "Its jusl so,ne ’* Staff Writer Wolgast Corp.. an(j an architect have been demic. but we felt that wc must present this to of the bigger ticket items — we don l have ’* A bond application process is underway for hired to assess the district’s most critical the voters because of the great opportunity it any way to do them." . .Hastings Area School System, with an eye to Despite the pandemic, lhe board is consid­ needs, which will be presented to voters in has. ; placing a request to voters in the Aug. 3 elec­ ering a bond resolution because lhe district consideration of a bond request. “Not often do we get a chance to make this tion. ••Hopefully, next month sometime, we’ll investment without increasing so we can keep . Replacing the high school roof, fixing bro- will retire a portion of its debt this year, w hich have an idea of what they’ve identified as the lhe tax rale the same. Wc will be bringing ’ken bathroom facilities and replacing doors will reduce lhe tax rale. most critical needs. And then we can involve stuff forward to lhe public as this process The Aug. 3 election would lx? the last and windows throughout the district to improve efficiency are among necessary work opportunity for the board to present a bond some surveys, some community members, to needs to get underway.” “Facility needs never go away.” Trustee ton the district’s to-do list and the time may be resolution to voters before the tax rate reduc­ figure out what they would be willing to sup­ port and try to get the most bang for our . ‘fight to consider undertaking these projects, es. “We are retiring some debt and that comes buck." Haywood said. "We want to make sure Recording to school officials. > “Our main goal is to chip away at some of off later this year," Haywood said. "If we that we could put something on there that Jour larger needs,” school board President don’t do anything, the tax rate would be w ould be palatable to the voters and try to and gauge their support on it." ’Luke Haywood said. “Otherwise, we can’t fit reduced. More information about the idea for a bond “And so we’re able to invest more into our »lhem in our budget any way possible. request and how much will be required for the buildings and infrastructure — invest in edu ­ • ’• “Our sinking fund has been a tremendous ^sset; we’ve been able to do some of the cation — if voters passed to leave the tax rate work’ to be d<i^e will come available to the Sean Bradley .Smaller projects and we’ve tried to be very the same. The good thing is that people public in lhe next few months, he said. i Staff Writer^' • ' * I "We have j peat opportunity to invest wouldn ’ t notice if dlffei^ftcc off fhfeir tax f^espcmsiblc and do whaCwe can do with roof The number of students enrolled at Delton fjepsut imd several other smaller buildings,” you know. They could still vote th Juppbrt 'more in our aging'faJliues," Haywood said. Kellogg Schools has improved slightly from the start of lhe current school year. Five additional students have enrolled in the district since lhe official student count day done in October, bringing lhe total to 1,140 as of last week in a count reported to the Stale of Michigan. “For us. that's really good.” Superintendent Kyle Corlett said during the board of educa­ review appeal by mail after visiting odessa- ness items for discussion due to having to tion meeting Monday. •' Sean Bradley township.org and printing the appeal form, meet virtually. •’ Staff Writer Districts across Michigan count their stu­ “We’re in an older community, so [with] *, Municipal governments in Barry, Ionia and filling it out and taking it to the township hall. dents the first Wednesday in October and the ‘Eaton counties have an important day coming Then the appellant would join the virtual the public, we can’t get people to call in and second Wednesday in February and receive up that they would rather conduct in person. board of review meeting to discuss the appeal. have several older people on our council who money from lhe stale for every student count­ ' Winter board of review meetings - where All of the township’s board of review meet­ don’t like using it and can’t hear properly,” ed, according to the State School Aid Act. residents file petitions to have a small board ings will be held remotely via Zoom. The Goris said. Delton Kellogg receives a total of $8,111 Goris echoed Schaefer’s comments about per student from the stale, according to the of elected officials in their communities to process will begin at 9 a.m. March 2 with an rpview the assessed value on their homes or organizational meeting, and appeal hearings lhe difficulty of conducting the board of latest data for the 2019-20 school year. ask for exemptions from paying property will take place from 3 to 9 pan. March 8 and review remotely. “Since I’ve been here lhe last four years, “That’s almost impossible to do that virtu­ we’ve lost 15 to 20 students from the fall to (axes due to poverty or veteran status - are noon-6 p.m. March 10. psually conducted in person in early March. Holding a board of review session remotely ally. but yet we have to,” he said. lhe spring.” Corlett said. “So, the fact we’ve Vermontville Township’s board of review increased students, it’s pretty amazing. It’s - Boards of review have either three, six or will be “difficult,” Eric Schaefer, Thomapple will begin with an organizah°na* meel’n£ at # really bucking the trend.” nine members and are appointed to two-year Tow nship supervisor, said Tuesday. terms by a city council or township board to “Everybody would like to meet in person, a.m. March 2 followed by virtual appeal hear­ Prior to this school year, lhe number of gear appeals to their local assessor’s tax but right now we can’t.” Schaefer said. “We’re ings from 3 to 9 p.m. March 8 and from 9 a.m. students the district has lost and gained due to Assessment roll. getting done everything that needs to be to 3 p.m. March 9. , the Schools of Choice option has been consis­ Taxpayers also are allowed to submit But the State of Michigan is not allowing done.” tent, but this school year, lhe district has seen any public bodies, including boards of review, The township is responsible for the board appeals by mail or email to the township an increase in enrollment through Schools of to meet in person al least until after March 29. of review and tax collection processes for its assessor, Rick Zemla. before March 8. lhe Choice, especially at the kindergarten level. • “Obviously, it would be nice to have in-perresidents, including those in the village of township website vennontville,owns nPorS Corlett said. $on meetings. However, our township can get Middleville, he said. has morc information. . . Between the fall count days in the 2010-11 Barry Township is taking a unique approach school year and the 2018-19 school year, the 6ur business done doing it remotely,” Dave Winter board of review for Thomapple Bulling. Odessa Township supervisor, said Township will begin with an organizational to conducting its meetings remotelystate lost 98,147 students enrolled in public All of its board members will be located in school districts, according to lhe latest state Monday. "It’s not quite as convenient, but it meeting March 2, and lhe review process will can be done. I think everybody needs to do take place March 8, 10 and 11, Schaefer said. different rooms at the township’s office when data. . (Jieir part until we get through this COVID-19 The website thomapple-twp.org provides meetings occur. Deb Knight. Barry Township The small increase is not bucking the dis­ clerk, said Tuesday. The building is stable trict’s own trend of declining enrollment over more information. event smoothly.’ / The township handles the board of review Gary Goris is a member of lhe Vermontville for this since it is an 0|d physician s office several years. ‘nd tax collection processes for its residents, Township Board of Review and is the Village with many smaller rooms. . -u The district lost 124 students between the “ Wc don ’ t have a ^Xi W .-^S h, sald ^t.idimi those in lhe village of Lake Odessa. of Vermontville president. 2015-16 school year’s enrollment of 1,307 *Iddiu'onally. residents may file a board of He said lhe village has had to pul off busi­ students and the 2019-20 enrollment of 1,183 students, according to organization MiSchoolData. This number is based on lhe Prepare for unexpected October count. Also, the district lost 63 students between power outages with a lhe 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years, Generac home standby generator according to MiSchoolData reporting. Corlett said a possible reason the district REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! has lost students over the years - a trend since 877-378-0097 the early 2000s - could be due to lack of affordable housing in the district and an aging AJ69SVM^T’WflnAnry population. ^Happy Blrll,day’Mo,n! CM<»f 11. 2020 M*cht.20H “What we offer, we’re going to do it the S wXngyoua^aPPy Special Financing AvadabW best that we can and hopefully (parents] sec Wth Blrll’day!We the value of having their kids attend a small P r birthday Is as Ay VOu smile-a^unas y assy spirit, and as y0Ur« an I wonderful as loving d so much y0,,?Le ys being there Rc-gisier your team foraiway helakeoron of 4 at: hiiDsizzuiuiy/fidi£ for us'a Sophie Bates Mike Nickles said at Tuesday’s meeting. “And we’ve been talking about this for a long time and I think the opportunity is obviously here. “We actually could have done this earlier, like in May. but we decided to hold out to see what happened with the pandemic. And really, we’re kind of up against it now. August is our timeframe. So we understand the timing may not be great, but, you know, it’s just where it falls.” DeB©ai) Kellogg enrollment imprem slightly from fall .Remote meetings only option for townships on eve of b©ards ©f revtew ^kathleenlKate) Sherman FEBRUARY26,2021 FREE MICIlAELK^gY NeHRA°" ' 1 “mb BRADFORD Win n- 12293231 Om« (26<J) 948-224R ------ ^1L1269) 838-5i^ fl>n« school," Corlett said. “The value of attending small school is we’re known for our staff to really know their kids well. We have a close connection between our staff and families.” ‘ However, the latest statistics from the state come from before the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a major shift in K-12 learning in many parts of the state to a virtual environment for students. The state adjusted its per-pupil counting method for the fall 2020 count that multiplied by 0.75 percent lhe 90 percent of the total funding received by districts, while the fund­ ing that will result from the winter count done last week was multiplied by 0.25 percent. This change is only for the 2020-21 school year. Michelle Homister is the student record coordinator for Delton Kellogg Schools and is in charge of conducting the district’s student counts in October and February. “I think retaining the same amount of stu­ dents from the fall is a positive sign in a pan­ demic year,” Homister said. When schools across the stale and country welcomed back students in September, many students chose to attend virtually while others attended in-person. At the beginning of lhe school year, Delton Kellogg had about 200 students attending virtually. This number remains consistent, according to information Corlett provided during Monday’s meeting. The board also unanimously approved the following items: - Heather VandcrWoude was hired as a dis­ trict guest teacher who will be a daily substi­ tute unless there is no opening. In this case, VanderWoude w ill help supervise recess and at lunch at the middle school. - Hiring of Angela Ferris as a food service worker. u ” z^'onlracl wilh Kalamazoo-based Bronson Healthcare through which the hospital will provi e hah the cost of an athletic trainer. Tiea!thu>ar^ is 5har8ins lhe fC -nt . । athletic trainer attends all sports n .?! s and Praclices to tend to student-athlete needs. n'tllion in bonds passed in 2013 manCCd' refinancing is planned tL Hf. ?Puyers in lhe dislri^ $221,650 over off in l!jC bond» which are set to be paid on m May 2028. S nexl mccting will begin at 7 duct • i drC-h 15 and is scheduled to be condksrh v,rtUally. The district website, ‘ 00 s-org, has more information. ^ilyPromise = SIMULATOR golf outing ROUNDS BEGIN at 7-30. 10.30, 1:15 QUESTIONS? CALL 269­ 953 6189 ^mih/Promise �Snow^cold blankets the area c Knnfy 18. 2°Z1 " The Hasbngs Banner — Thursday, Ffl .. page 3 With ice covering local lakes, and even some streams, a portion of the Thornappte River near McKeown Bridge Park drew hundreds of waterfowl Tuesday morning. Here, ducks and geese sun, preen and feed in the open water. Pop-up ice shanties provide shelter from the elements, giving anglers some incentive to get out on the ice. Kathy Maurer Copy Editor r Stafl’ ln°Wfal1 for ,he win'er of JJ20-21 seems to be making up for lost accumulation. The area has had at least a trace of snow 23 days in the past month. The most snow at once — 6 inches — fell Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service’s Climatological Station in Hastings. Four and a half inches were recorded Feb. 5, and 3.6 inches Feb. 6. The normal snowfall for Hastings for November and December, combined, is 213 inches; this winter, that total was just 4 inches between the two months. The average snowfall for Hastings in January is 19.1, and last month saw 142 inches of snow'. So far in February, the station has recorded 19 inches, well above the monthly average of 8.4. Perhaps the bigger story is the temperatures. which dipped to 11 Wednesday morning, just 20 degrees reading in Antarctica provided by The Weather Channel. More snow and a fcw single-digit temperatures are in the lorecast for the next several days, but by next lhe mercury could edge close to 40 degrees here. A section of Sager Road will soon be cleared; a county plow in the opposite direction was obscured in a cloud of snow as the driver made rounds Tuesday morning. Nearby, a robin perched on a telephone wire. Snow and wind ha^e wiped away identifying featuresof thissnowman in an opening at Charlton Park, where the sun and a nearby windmill provide a shadow of a halo. GRANTS, continued from page 1 A snowmobile makes its way up a hill on South Charlton Park Road Tuesday. ness. To be eligible for the Small Business Survival Program, businesses had to meet the following requirements: - Had one to l°° employees (full-time, part-time and owner/cmployees) on a world­ wide basis as of Nov. 17,2020. - Was in an industry that demonstrated it was affected by die epidemic orders from lhe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. - Needed working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses. - Demonstrated an income loss as a result of the order as determined by the regional economic development organization in which an eligible business was located. - Was not a live mus,c and entertainment venue eligible forihe Michigan Stage Survival grant program- Gram awards for that program are expected to be announced in the coming Weeks The grants were administered by 15 local or nonprofit economic developmentorganiza­ tions around <he "eluding The R.ght Place a Grand Rapld!>-based regional eco­ nomic development organization that admin­ istered the grants to the Barry County busi"C^e Michigmt Small Business Survival Prouram is provid,"e. significant support to smaB businesses helping to get them through this critical time andIon the path to economic - MEDC Chief Executive Officer Mark Burton said- “We are thankful for the efforts of our economic development part­ ners who worked swiftly and diligently to ’ r these vital financial resources within Is and create a palh toward eco­ nomic recovery f°r 5ma11 businesses throughOUtInMIotalt tire MBDC has now launched 23 rnvm 19 rel>ef and ^covery programs stare- ^Porting 24,460 business “Xl'Xg retain nearly 200/xio jobs. More u , MFDC's COVID-,9 response proorams and *be 'II1Pact 'hey are having on g mSJtr recovery eff°rts are available at XXnb^i,’CSfSOre/c“vidl9response. otlrer gresoure<'s for. economic reopening as well as bus‘nesses across Michigan unwidinfi w*lh economic iosscs its a result of the cbvip-19 virus, can founj onjjne at ^chiganbusi^^covidl9. Gray shadows bounce off a snowy berm beneath a stand of white pine trees Tuesday morning. ’ SARICA INC. SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION WANTS TO SUPPORT THE ARTS IN OUR YOUTH WITH AN ART RflD UIRITIRG COfiTEJT Vic WAAT TO SEE WHAT MADE OUR TOWA'S youth happy duriag THESE STRAAGC Times ORIATC SOMETHING POSITIVE FROM THIS YEAR Submit photo copies of an artwork and/or a short writing piece depicting something positive about 2020 to sarica4change@gmail.com (please provide the name and grade of the artist/ writer) Artwork will be professionally published in a book and will be available for purchase. (all profits go to supporting the arts in our schools) One writing and one artwork winner from each grade. PRIZES: • Grade: K-5: $25 • Grade: 6-8= $$0 • Grade: 9-10: $100 • Grade: 11-12' $300 • Overall: $200 �— The Hastings Banner Page 4 - Did you _ 866? Fern frost Time to take meetings Pe0Dle looWog up at that clear blue / Wednesday morning may have n breath-taking view ot glittering Ca » The frost on the liPs of lhe ,reo rmbs°cap{ured the rayS of the sun in a "riding display- But ifs n°l necessary • p even look up to see a crystalline array. Frosted window panes, like this one are created when the glass is exposed to extremely cold outside air and warmer, moister indoor air. Water -vapor then condenses on the glass, subsequently forming these frost pat­ terns. There is sure to be a continued opportunity for frost formation in the next few days. After that, who knows? Mother Nature's not telling. Do you remember? Meeting the voice ot ag Banner March 29. 1962 '' "-Marshall Welts, recognized throughout the Midwest as one of the outstanding commentators on agriculture, was here Monday as a guest of the Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, which sponsors his broadcast over WJR between 6 and 6:30 ’eachThursday morning. Wells, WJR’s farm director, held conferences with Hastings Mutual executives an/ special agents. And during a luncheon attended by about 40, he met local farm students, farmers and others related to agicutijre. Pictured with •Wells are (from left) Richard Tobias, Russell Seymour, Wells. Vance Holmes. Barry's 4-H agent Williari Kirkpatrick, and Klaus Bachmann, who recently received the FFA State Farmer Degree. (Photo by Barth) Have you met? Christine Hiar was bom and raised in Flint, but Hastings has always been home io her. • Formerly known by her maiden name Cotant, Hirn's family has lived in Hastings ,for generations. I “Our family has traced our actual genealogy back to the late 1600s. and we can T trace the roots on this family farm, on our ..home place, back to the 1800s. My grandfather’s grandmother lived on this property at one point,” Hiar said. h Despite growing up on the east side of "Michigan. Hiar said she always had hoped to end up in Hastings one day, near her family. Then it happened in 2004, after the death of her grandparents Dwight Colant and Gonne Coles. L “My grandparents had passed and it had come to a point where somebody either needed to move into tlie farm and take care of it or it was going to be sold outside of the L family,” Hiar said. “So, my husband, Darren, ’and I talked about it, and wc uprooted our life from the cast side of lhe state and moved here because we wanted to be here. We I wanted the farm to slay in the family.” Hiar and her husband now live on the family fa1771 wherc hcr cousins conlinue 10 ' Derate the farm and Cotant’s Farm Market, which Hiar’s grandparents started as a roadside stand in 1947. ’ ‘‘In terms of the history, for me, it s • ess The most important thing in my P?cf * __ other than my relationship with is my family. I’m very blessed with Gr -tv that I have, to know that these are the farn,1y I ve my family around me is a 14 mV Of Who I am « • person," Hiar huge pan v* saidmnvinc to Hastings, she has Since mo b community and has ■embedded herself nn(uiicc usc disordcr worked »s cijnical supervisor at Barry ,coordina Community Mental Heahh and County Com ices Mnce 2(X)8. •Substance Abuseis■ jn thc 1)arTy county S Hiar also has * Advisory Board lor Community I1S a service area •he Pasl 12 board looks for settee Loresentati'C- Th aI1j wa>.s l0 belter P7in the commun y lcnM.nl services 8aP 'h oopdlatio'1’! । ’e areas. she said. She7would^he,pf,1e? from our different ,h“come ‘Ashore information and •ns and bastcaHy community and Christine Hiar look for ways thc board can help and support w ith community corrections.” Boih in her profession and through thc board, Hiar has found a passion for working with individuals with substance abuse and similar disorders. “I just have always felt called to serve people, and working with people with substance-use disorders is really my passion.” she said. “Il’s very rewarding and it’s very stressful. I ve been blessed to meet a lot of really wonderful people in their lives, who have been raised under difficult circumstances, had traumas in their lives that led them to bad choices, or ended up in the grips of addiction, who are really good people. “To be able to help them become (he people that they truly are is very much a blessing. It’s very gratifying work.’’ When she isn’t working, Hiar enjoys spending time with her husband of 20 years, Darren Hiar. The two enjoy traveling, antiquing, rock-collecting and gem-mining and are currently building a bam together. Hiar also spends a lot of time with her family, seeing them nt least once a week for family dinners. For caring for thc health of Bony County residents, Christine Hiar is this week’s _______________ Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: "Purple Rain. First job I wrapped fruit baskets al holiday time for Shapiro’s .Market in Flint because it was owned by my best friend’s dad. I was 14. Favorite vacation destination: Oahu. Hawaii. If 1 could go anywhere in the world: 1 would really like to go back to Hawaii, and I would like to do that with my husband. Favorite season and why: I really like the fall - the colors, autumn leaves, the pumpkins. I just like even thing that comes along with fall. What motivates me: I want to be better and I want to do better. Important lesson from childhood: It sounds really (rite, but it’s just to be kind. Just be kind to people What I’d tell a high school graduate: Be true to yourself. I don’t think it ever a good idea for somebody to pursue a carver because of the money they might make. We spend more time in our job than W’11 °Ur families, and if you’re not true to yourself and pursue something vou really enj°y and feel fulfilled by. that’s not going to be a very happy life. Favorite cartoon character: “Scooby D;x>.” If I won the lottery - t‘would buy an island in the Pacific Islands 1 would keep my farm, but I would buy J island somewhere wann where, in Fcbruarv 1 would be sitting on a beach with my loe?’in lhe sand, gazing at the ocean with the SUn shining upon me Greatest thing aboul Birry County. Hie way the community Works together. I be people reach out to eacl^otlier «nd hcl? other and support eiri vher both m the business that I’m in . h. the community collaboration and'^^^ual When you’re at the".orc and )'»“ 'he guy ahead of S^*2,loing the <-’llkrl>1 lady out of the store K.1 ;r croceries and he doesn’t even know that’s a P'""’ • want to live. u M week, the n know someone wh,. """1' I’^use of eot,.!;;. At least we’ve had some humor in our mad dash to use online technology as a substitute tor holding in-person meetings. Zoom, Skype, Highfive and WebEx may be wonderful remote meeting platforms that help us maintain social distance during this deadly pandemic, but they’re also provid­ ing plenty of laughs and embarrassing moments, too. Hie other day, while I was attending a business meeting remotely, we all got to see the husband of one of the attendees wander into lhe kitchen and make breakfast while his wife was on the computer. During a Zoom meeting with publishers from across the state a couple of weeks ago, one publisher was cleaning his office and pet­ ting his cat while we were trying to con­ duct lhe meeting. Public life online can get especially embarrassing for officials who like io proj­ ect an appearance of dignity and decorum in their government, school or agency posi­ tions. At last week’s remote mceling of the county board of commissioners, connectiv­ ity went haywire after 43 minutes, just as thc public-comment portion of lhe agenda was about to begin. Commissioners strug­ gled to get the problem fixed, but after several tries Commissioner Howard Gibson could be seen holding up a hand-made sign on his screen reading “End the Meeting!" The fumbles and stumbles and crazy situations point to just how much we’ve laken for granted thc ease of getting togeth­ er for in-person, face-to-face meetings in which lhe issues of the day could be openly and cogently discussed. Now, as COVID19 numbers seem to be easing and vaccina­ tions increasing, it’s time to address lhe serious and harmful ramifications that meeting remotely for government business and educational instruction has caused. In the case of the aforementioned county board meeting, the most apparent concern about doing business online is the natural silencing of thc public voice in government affairs. Public officials have a responsibili­ ty to make public input possible, so it’s imperative they provide a reliable avenue for people to discuss issues that will impact thc community. Without that reliable ave­ nue, government officials will be adopting policies and procedures without,.public input, which is necessary ’in a strong democracy. . Reluming to in-jjerson meetings is a must . There’s no reason why the guidelines of social distancing and mask wearing can’t be observed in public, in-person meetings. For those few who are still reluc­ tant about attending for health reasons, keep the Zoom format so they can observe and even participate remotely. The issue now is even raising issues of duplicity. Last week, the Thomapple Kellogg Board of Education officials felt the need to take a stand with the slate in favor of resuming in-person board meet­ ings. In a resolution supported by the Michigan Association of School Boards, the TK board implored Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and officials with lhe Department of Health and Human Services to give school boards lhe option of holding meet­ ings in person -or a combination of in-per­ son and virtual meetings - to begin imme­ diately. “Requiring school boards to meet virtu­ ally while encouraging students to attend school in person and for staff to work in person sends a mixed message to our com­ munity and staff,” they stated in their appeal for some flexibility in judging the safety of meeting in-person and allowing community members lo attend. When issues affecting thc lives of people and decisions on their welfare are being made, discussions need to be face-to-face. A court of law may be the best illustra­ tion of that point. I was in the courtroom of a judge last week who was doing his best to navigate legal proceedings via Zoom. Following procedures and dealing with mule buttons was a difficult situation for those who were struggling to make it work. An online process may seem more conve- Personality. far fa. "•,r^ fa has to tell or any other rvas„ .!eii ll\ to Newsroom. M-43 ^hway. Hasiillf(,a,lt^r; or face-to-face. Thc lasting damage of rcmote. online life cannot eve cd when taking into present cStiroat. thc « youngest and most innocent a ountry Millions of students across the who have been forced to transfer . cation to online learning often have with little or no home supervision, s non-exislenl internet connections ana, surprisingly, their own lack of According to a report front Ihc Research Center, most parents of students learning online said they about their children falling behind. Ine report indicated that more than 3 million students aren’t attending school each day. Prior to the pandemic, as many as 16.9 million children lacked home internet access, and 7.3 million did not have a com­ puter in the home. Plus, these students disproportionately live in low-income households and are more likely to leave school all together, creating a lifetime impact on their long-term success. “We currently live in a culture that fos­ ters attention-deficit disorder because of hyper-connectivity,” Nikki Graves, associ­ ate professor at Emory University, said. “I can see a decline in students’ ability to focus on details and in general study.” Rich Saiz, principal engineer at Akamai Technologies, added, “We have already seen some negative effects, including more isolation, less ability to focus, more ability to be deceived by bad actors [fake news] and so on. I do not see those lessening.” Even adults can feel this slow but inexo­ rable malaise. Experts warn that people’s cognitive capabilities seem to be undergo­ ing changes detrimental to human perfor­ mance. Because these deficits are found most commonly among those who live a highly digital life, they are being attributed to nearly constant connectivity online. And with the prolonged impact from the pan- l demic, it’s impacting more of us by disengpgipg us gs, 4 ~ ,{v “The harms of increased digital life will I outweigh any positives, as they expressed their concerns over people’s well-being due to increased technology in their lives.” ' thc Pew report noted. Such assessments could be a chilling alert io communities where social organi­ zations that connect people were struggling - even before the pandemic buried us in our computer screens. I see it happening in our churches where few people attend reg­ ularly and for those that aren’t attending, there’s a big question if they will come back after CO VID. For so many of our community organizations that have been forced to hold meetings online, what will (he long-term effect be on aitendance and w hat will become of their missions? “Discourse and critical thinking are essential tools when it comes to securing progress in a democratic society,” said lhe American historian and columnist who goes by lhe name Aberjhani. “but, in lhe end, unity and engaged participation are what make it happen.” There’s no question that the pandemic has impacted much of our lives, but it’s now time to question the ongoing effect of technology keeping us disconnected in lhe name of safety. Technology has been a brilliant tool in managing during a devastating pandemic, but it will never be an effective substitute for face-to-face interaction. We must gel back to in-person gatherings, safely observ­ ing scientific protocols by wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and washing our hands. Doing thc people’s business face-to-face is a must. The Hastings Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. Banner Devoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 Pu^shodby... Hastings Banner, Inc. 1^1 n m dT A D,viaion of J*Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 Nows and press releases: news^j-adgraphics com -Adeonising: ads@j-adgmphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • ads axoptod Monday iniough Fnday, B30am lo^OOp n. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore ri..< a person ' >,e feamreil who need to don’t ha^ft’e‘’ nient,, especially -. appear before a judga - rir(X)m rud'^t ’ physically be in the ., watching the process when dealing with •hough, I suggest that. judgment, personal matters of freedon A,ould be discussions and deliberat.ons sb‘>u • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler Taylor Owens Sean Bradley Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties . $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER Sena addies changes to: PO. Doi 1B3 Hastings. Ml 49056 0163 Second Cass Podage P;iid at Hastings, Ml 43058 �- ,n9s Banner — Thursday. February 18. 2021 — Page's New team picked to manage Hastings Performing Arts c ter Sophie Bates Staff Writer ’Die stntc-of-thc art Hastings Performing Arts Center was open tor just over a year before the COV1D-I9 pandemic forced its closure. When it opens this year, a new team will be in charge of performances, promotions and fundraising. Hastings Area Schools Board of Education Monday approved the proposal to create thc team, with a full-time leader, to manage thc performing arts center. Jeff Buehl and Craig Holley will serve as stage crew, airing for performing arts center’s overall upkeep. Joe LaJoye will oversee programing and promotion to bring events outside of the district to the performing arts center and keep the center’s information updated online and in local media. Carl Schoessel will handle fundraising and scheduling, working with local partners to fund semiprofessional and professional events at thc performing arts center. Buehl and Holley, lifelong musicians, provided support as band parents when their children were in school and never stopped lending a hand to the city and community band and others. LaJoye, longtime Hastings band director, also led the FFA National Band for several years, as well as lhe Hastings City Band, with technical and logistical assistance from Buehl and Holley. Along with being retired Hastings •superintendent of schools, Schocsscl also is a business owner. Prior to the pandemic, the district had a full-time position dedicated to the management of the center, but that role was eliminated during the shutdown. The proposal, as approved, involves a total expenditure of $54,500 which includes $4.500 for team leader services; $24,000 for stage crew services, at $25 an hour, $8,000 for contracted programming, promotion, fundraising and scheduling services; $8,000 for contracted maintenance, on-site training and technical upgrades; and $10,000 for supplies and equipment. “All of those team members would intertwine together for upkeep of thc facility, planning for thc facility, and the hopes to recoup some of thc expenditures from thc performing arts center,” Goebel said, adding that it’s an important venue thc community has invested in, and the district wants to be ready to host events once pandemic-related restrictions are lifted. While funds have been approved for this plan, they won’t be used until COVID restrictions are lifted and thc center has reopened, he said. Delton Rotary receives donation to start community project fund Scan Bradlev Staff Writer An anonymous donation has helped Delton Area Rotary start a new fund. A $20,(XX) donation from two anonymous donors was given to lhe 49-mcmber Rotary' Club to be used for community projects, Wyoma Smith, Delton Area Rotary treasurer, said Tuesday. “We’re sitting back in shock and apprecia­ tion that two somebodies did this,” Smith said. The money was donated the week of Feb. 10. Annie Halle, vice president of operations at Barry Community Foundation, said Tuesday. A week before the donation was received. the Rotary' Club spent $2,000 of its own money to initially open thc fund, Smith said. Additionally, the foundation invests a per­ centage of all of its funds into a stock portfo­ lio, Halle said. This allows thc funds to gain interest over time. The foundation is responsible for maintain­ ing thc money in the fund. “Whatever becomes a community-centric project that will enhance or better lhe life of the Delton community, that’s what we’re all about.” Smith said. “We’re putting back into the community as much as we can.” She said the fund will be closely monitored and governed appropriately. “I think every donation is essential,” she said. Hastings school board plans to announce search decision March 15 Sophie Bates Staff Writer At its meeting Monday, the Hastings Board of Education approved a timeline for deter­ mining whether the board will appoint interim Superintendent Matt Goebel to a permanent superintendent position or begin a superinten­ dent search. School board members are planning to announce their decision March 15. But, first, a survey will be sent to Hastings staff this week and shared on the Hastings Area School System website for residents so that the school board can find out morc from lhe community about who should fill the vacancy. Meanwhile, Goebel will complete a self-evaluation and present lhe evaluation to board trustees for review Feb. 22. The board will then complete its own eval­ uation of Goebel’s performance at a special board meeting March 1. The timeline is intended to allow for flexi­ bility, with a second special board meeting scheduled for March 8, if the board needs more time to make its decision. Then the board will announce its decision at its 7 pro. March 15 meeting. In other business, lhe board: - approved a bid package to replace cafete­ ria tables and chairs at thc high school and another bid to continue standardizing upgrades to exterior doors at several schools within the district New cafeteria furniture will be provided by American Interiors for $91291 and Great Lakes Furniture for $44,229; funds from the final phase of the 2015 bond will cover the improvements. “It also includes, I think, eight outdoor tables and chairs that are connected with an umbrella-type system, which will be very nice for our kids to go outside and cat when the weather permits,” Goebel said. “Long overdue,” Nickles said. - approved an expenditure of $185,900 from the 2015 bond funds, which were award­ ed to Page Hardware to replace existing doors, frames and hardware at thc high school and Northeastern and Southeastern elementa­ ry schools. - signed a resolution drafted by the Michigan Association of School Boards urg­ ing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and thc governor’s office to allow in-person school board meetings. ^Write Us A Letter: ”there The are Hastings Banner welcomes tobefore th* thev from readers, but a few conditions that mustletters be met The requirements are: inGY w,l> be published. IMPACT COrWnued from page 1 .j ,/Alln.. - “(|t l*)pc of has bel***» have learned. y^inlly hard on S1U?':T|l|reii Jllsl el"c»ili?' ’“Ch “S Scnlors and child cha|)Cn ? Middle school. Those arc n u 'n(ai ^’ng years because of the cnvi pandem-Rcs ,hat studcnls experience, but has compound­ ed the issue. "Ouf ’“toucan *c,hh?silient’bul- nt ,hc same time. yoU nc impact on them," "in addition- J^^nts are straggling teachers.bu the with the ^dXncini^U5ed by <luaran'ininc and socia* u . <»• “What * lot of kids >s a lack of inter* other students," Wright said. Students wh° Tiling entirely from home may t!h,s «sue the most. "It’s kind of and I feel like we need to get ‘n lhe ways to sup­ port them," ’. • You have to create that bridge fro”1 , al lo in-person so it doesn’t feel likv’ joui re ih0 different schools.” Hastings High . ^h0°* counselor Renee Herbert said the iggest challenge for her is Irving to help the m ua| students who don’t respond to messages. "Usually. )oU rcach them, but you just always worry.” Mid. But she also noticed kids can be less open with talking about their personal issues from home when their parents and siblings are around. With so many other factors this year, it can be hard to determine how much mental health issues may be impacting students’ grades and that is a talking point for thc counselors. Longstreet said they have spent years talking to kids about stressing too much over their GPA, especially with college admissions moving to a more holistic, instead of academ­ ic, approach of accepting students. This year, that conversation has been espe­ cially important. Some students have been stressed about classes that became credit-orno-credit due to the pandemic, and the coun­ selors have explained that thc pandemic is universal, and colleges will understand those anomalies on a transcript. Many colleges have even added a section on their application lor students to talk about how the pandemic has affected them. Longstreet said lhe counselors use it as an opportunity to talk with kids about what skills they’ve learned because of lhe pandemic, and what strengths they’ve built up. They’ve also used this school year to teach some of those resiliency practices and mind­ fulness skills to get them through the pandem­ ic. Wnght said sbe teaches kids the difference between unhealthy coping strategies, such as withdrawing socially, and healthy coping strategies, such is going on walks or taking breaks with the nest of the family. The counselors also teach kids to create a list of people they can reach out to if they need help. "Overall, we’re seeing students pull through,” Wright said. “They’re able to adjust, but they’re also needing a lot of social and emotional support from teachers that’s differ­ ent from what that w’ould normally look like.” Teachers have been working to build rela­ tionships with kids, even if it is over Zoom. “We’re really trying to create a safety net for them,” Wright said. Counselors try to be available as much as they can, although, like many professions during the pandemic, they arc finding the walls between work life and home life are crumbling. “We definitely try to make ourselves avail­ able as much as possible,” Longstreet said. The Ha-t , , Barry County District h’s a process •Iwr knows aH.«» Court Judge Michael Sen 11 p.indenijc With the ever-changing well, after seeing the « . coming into1»s environment, there's no on the mental health of l*«P1L stability. For many kids, courtroom. |)(, nrc depressed school is a constant they can “I see people in couI im<.mp|oymcnt. because they lost jobs.. ar enip|oyment, use as an anchor in their or havmg trouble i(-s going to lives. But the whiplash of Schippcr said. ... ur , constantly moving between trickle down to their kids.” Schippcr One of the most apparent incn;as0 qf in-person and remote learn­ said he has seen in his court is a ing has taken that constant drug and alcohol use. ,in ror away, Hastings Area Schools People al home who have nothing long periods of time are more likely counselors say. drugs and alcohol. , ‘ “You can’t drink or do drugs when y , at the office or at the factory doing wor { “The challenge is that sometimes you don’t Schippcr said. * have a defined time when you’re available. It’s also morc difficult to keep people sober You want to help the students and staff as when the court is limited in how much it cap much as you can, but you have to remember . • to take care of yourself too, or you’re not lest people. “Thc amount of testing that we can do so going to be able to do that.” But Longstreet has found connecting with limited. There were times the state wasnrt • students over Zoom occasionally has its ben­ letting us test at all.” Whenever there is an increase in drug anp efits, as there aren’t thc usual aspects of the school day to distract from lhe conversations. alcohol use, there also is an increase in casds “Some of those needs that can pull you of domestic violence. Schipper added. The away were not there, so, when you connected pandemic has also complicated thc response with a student, I had really good conversa­ to domestic cases, since law enforcement >s tions because 1 had time to really connect with trying to keep lhe number of people in jail low to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19. them,” Longstreet said. “It’s difficult because even law’ enforce­ Bargo said the virtual platforms they built to work with kids and teach them new skills ment has their hands tied a little bit." Schippcr will be a benefit long-term, as they can said. “It used to be, with any domestic (com­ plaint), somebody was going to be arrested increase communication and efficiency. “I think we like having just a consistent immediately - and they don’t do that any­ J virtual platform, even if we are going into more.” Unfortunately, the effect these problems are classrooms and meeting with kids, it’s just another way to get it in front of them,” Bargo having on kids is not something that can be easily quantified. said. “We would never know the numbers^’ Hastings also has additional help from a Schippcr said. ”... But it’s significant. Thereof Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services no doubt.” J counselor who visits the district. Schipper said he has seen the effect of the “What we are really grateful for in Hastings is wc have a silent partner who funds a coun­ pandemic on mental health at multiple levels. “I see it in court; I see it with the people oh selor from Pine Rest to be on lhe premises probation; I see it with friends of mine anp once a week.” Longstreet said. “We’ve had J that for years, well before the pandemic, but employees of mine.” He also works with kids in his role as n it’s been a really nice resource." Thc counselors may refer students out to swim coach, and he has seen the physical effects of social distancing and quarantining* Pine Rest for long-term counseling. “It was visibly shocking how many kids There also arc local services such as Barry had gained significant weight,” Schippcr saidCounty Community Mental Health Authority. J “Obviously, COVID has had a negative “That, alone, we know is a depressant.” Schippcr pointed to lhe irony that children impact on the kids we see,” BCCMHA Family and Children’s Services Supervisor Jill Bishop arc affected the least by COVID-19, but may have been affected the most by measures to said. J While the authority did not notice a signif­ prevent its spread. “I think, in this whole big picture, the kidjs icant uptick in cases at the beginning of the pandemic. Bishop said they have been much have been hurt more than anybody by far^’ Schipper said. “It’s sad.” more busy over lhe last six months. But he said it’s important for people to talk They’ve been treating kids experiencing about it and for kids to know that U^’jjorma^. issues with self-esteem, depression, isolation “It does a disservice to kids when they're and aggression. Bishop echoed the counselors in her belief starting to struggle and they think they’rp odU - or that they’re the only one." Schipper said. that many of thc children’s issues stem from "Kids don’t talk about it. and if they don’t “the lack of structure and routine that school know that it’s normal, that makes it worsen brings.” Because, when they don't know that, then if While Bishop said counseling over the just exacerbates it.” phone can be a challenge, the authority has Wright said to look for warning signs thi{ had more success talking to kids over Zoom. kids may be having trouble, such as when They also have had a recent increase in they become quieter and withdraw from social requests for in-person visits. situations. » The authority provides a number of differ­ Bishop advised parents to get their kids imef ent services for kids and families, including a routine as much as possible, facilitate social group and individual therapy and a “wrap­ interaction and encourage them to get ofij around team” that works to connect people social media and go outside. with a network of support in their community. School districts also arc looking to apply BCCMHA has three masters level clinicians more resources to help address students! who are dedicated to seeing children, a home­ social and emotional needs in lhe long-term.,’ based therapist, a parent support partner and New federal COVID funding, which i$ the wraparound team to help families. expected to be disbursed this school year, can Bishop said her family clinicians also have be used to address those issues. New reporting seen the impact of COVID-19 on parents, and requirements that the stale is rolling out in the how that can, in turn, affect their kids. next school year will push schools to focus orf social and emotional development. i The far reaching effects of the pandemic oq student mental health is something that needs to be dealt with at multiple levels, counselors say. . “This isn’t going to be a one-year thing,’’ $33,833,000 balance. The other portion of the Longstreet said. “... There’s going to be long­ term effects from this unfortunately, and I bond must mature before it can be refinanced. mean academically and otherwise, that are Most of those funds were allocated for con­ struction projects, such as renovations to the going to have to be considered.” School districts refinance bonds to save taxpayer money Taylor Owens $taff Writer With interest rates dropping in response to the pandemic, school districts are taking the opportunity to refinance their bonds to save millions in future taxes. Thomapple Kellogg Schools is currently refinancing nearly half of its 2014 bond to a low’er interest rate. Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy sa>d that will cut around $2.1 million from the bill taxpayers will pay back over the next 11 ycars. Because of tbc conditions of the bond, the district was ^finance a portion of the it, $14,195,000 Oul of thc remaining stadium and concession stands. Delton Kellogg school district is currently refinancing an SI 12 million bond for a sav­ ings of $221,650 savings over the next seven years. Hastings Area Schools docs not have any Ixjnds that are currently eligible to refinance, but Director of Operations Tim Berlin said the district continues to monitor interest rales in case that should become an option. .All letters must be by the writerwillbeh nar^rts? and Phone number provided for signed verification. All that name and community of residence. r ,ishs a*he writer’s Otters, and names will be withheldWe at do then^P W n°nymoul ^mpeH'n0 reasons on|V- edllor s discretion for . be Letters that contain statements that are libelous orslanderous S|s„h published will not . All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and « Kudos t° The Banner for its commentary .hat Include attacks of a personalna ................ • by Letttfie ®ii he edited heavily. >ure will not be published wn’ ufir^e „ . tters between । on one issue will be . of “Cross for aach writerthe * same twn P op,e . °pinions * To Ute editor: 1 just read thj that Mr. Fred Jacobs, CEO of J-Ad j? Inc., wrote in the Jan. 28 edition »f'h.e ” , Banner. I agree Wil" I""1'-OOO percent! I also don’t undewand why our Kmem0T is putting outran601** r/^cbons on the restau­ rants in sI’c hate restaurants — that much I wonder? I’m glad that they can open now. but I hope, for her sake, she doesn’t close them down again. J feel sorry for the owners and workers. Thanks for listening. Robin Wallbaum, Delton DELIVERY, continued, from page 1----------- for two years. ! “It had to happen sometime," she added, before turning to the Vanderbands. “I’m gla<J it was you guys." ; Hausler said police officers train for baby deliveries at the academy, but to actually perr form one himself was something else entirely^. As far as he knows, he is the only deputy at the Barry County Sheriff’s Office to have delivered a baby. • “I was hoping that everything was going to turn out well.” Hausler said. J 'Hie Vanderbands say they arc happy that everything did. • “I’m so grateful, honestly.” Katelyn said. . Rhett Murphy Vanderband is a healthy 9-pound. 10-ounce boy bom at 12:45 a.nf. Jan. 20. ; He’s now home with his mom, dad and three siblings. �Pa9e 6 _. ThurrcLv. FHmW ««•4021" Banne, MANAGER, continued from page 1 t .i ihold <’i the Michigan m do is 111 £ • w.and(heylldraw Municipal L«f al the mcetillg. u,MVonw,< • ' r< uj|1 K.view the contract ' VT.CMichi‘- >" M'"’k'Pal l-caPllc at lheir "'’h,"KI.>h ■!’ nKt'i"K- No ,uniU "i't lx,vg“ ,u f. tk\‘eonir.Kt hxs becn approved. US W th \ th"* ”’on!h irsiPnalion window ‘inh)th?jlVn3nagerjx>Mlion.cityotrr ci th It’ixe imi<l *Ia>10 h,,v a ncw c,t>’ nianag- cr • • ? However. if a” ,ntenni cltY manager k hiivd. Czarnecki could leave his fxisition •^Cin council members expressed disap•xHttrnn-nt M Czanuxki-s departure. , And. reflecting on his |>erformancc, they expressed gratitude at all he has done for the 1>1 was disappointed he. made that decision, j think he did a great job," council member Al Jarsis said “I think he did a very* good job lor lipc having much experience running a city or being a city manager." .‘Council member Jim Cary spoke of how Kelpful and hard-working Czarnecki has been, always providing insight or answers when itgedeJ. »*That guy would sometimes be showing up jt> o'clock in the morning and even work late in the after-hours. That guy — it wasn’t a jfhhour job he wa> doing. ] bet he was putting •fl-SO hours" Ca«y said. "There's a lol of things be was doing behind the scenes. He really ought to be recognized for that, loo. that hejust wasn’t afraid of working. ^"He did a really good job. He was always really open. Anytime I needed to know some­ thing. he. right there, gave me lhe answers right aw ay. And he wasn't a politician,cither.” Councilman John Resseguie said the resig­ nation was surprising, but not totally unex­ pected. "With the COVID thing going on, Jerry has nin the city pretty much by himself,” Resseguie said. "Since COVID started, the city council hasn't been able to go in and see him as easily - that type of thing. ; Jerry has had every thing pul on his shoul­ ders, and it was way too much that has been put on him. It was his decision, and we’ve got to respect that ” . Resseguie said he believes that the city essentially failed Czarnecki by not hiring an assistant to lessen his workload, particularly during the pandemic. . After 25 years of teaching. Czarnecki joined the city in February 2017 as its deve opment director and later took on the ro c o elerk/treasurer. . Eventually, he was hired as lhe city manag­ er. replacing Jeff Mansfield, who retired in 2019. . Czarnecki said it's hard to say if an assis­ tant would have made a difference in his decision. But he added that he hopes his resignation is an opportunity for city officials to re ect and see if any changes need to be made, mov inn forward. "I always tell my staff, if you’re not happy with thc outcomes that you’ve got then, instead of finding fault in what happened before, go back and try to look al maybe the place that you could improve so that, moving forward, you have belter results, Czarnecki said. "And. hopefully, that’s thc process that s going to happen with the city as an organiza­ tion. , "You’re given the cards that you’re given, and you play them the best you can. I m just at lhe point where, for myself, I need to look at some different options.” . Czarnecki said he has enjoyed his time with the city, but doesn’t plan to return to local government. He doesn't have a new job lined up, either. In the next few months, he said he hopes to find a job that utilizes his talents in a creative way. “I have to start planning, you know, what my life is going to look like starting May 8, with May 7 being my last day. And so I have to start putting some things in place for my family, and I have to allow this organization to do that re-evaluation and then move for­ ward with a clean slate,” Czarnecki said. “I don’t know what the future holds. That’s part of having a requirement for notice [of upcom­ ing resignation! is it makes it hard to have something lined up, so it's a little bit of leap of faith.” Water ’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF00 (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watcrscdgcfinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you SccurHk5<»Jfrr<d through 1PI. liiwncMl. Member F1NRA/SIPC Kann Hajnant Adalnhtrati.t AmKiabI Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE , METHODIST CHURCH • "We Exist To Be An " Expression Of Who Jesus Is • • * ; To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M 43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email haitfoicff. gmail.cam. Website: m Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant * pastor Emma Miller. Worship * Diiector. Martha Slocucl. Sunday Morning Worship: : 9am and 10:30 xm. Due to the : current health crisis, our : nursery is remains closed. Weekly acti'i>> bap forchrlrcn ■ .11X. available in the 9 am * -nice and Kid's Church is .- available in «ur 10:30 service. . our svomhip center is set up for Ml distancing. Altennath .• ^em Mmi-ics: Sunday 6 ;• p.nt. t*r ROSE I9F LIMA F HOt pjtor Father S,cphi,n 42^ Mass 4:30 P <»Philipf g and 11 a ,nSaturdaySunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E Woodlawn. Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E State Rd.. P.O. Box 273. Hastings, Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 260! Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765. (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton. Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. . , .. nrdiin service is provided by The Hastings Banner, lhe churches infonnatK"10 anj /„ta/ bu^esses^_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Council members also expressed mixed feelings about the <.Cil|.ch {or :l new city man nger. Some are wOrried |hJ1, finding a quality candidate during a pandemic nwy prove diffi­ cult. "I have some concerns of findin£ a city manager in a short time.” RCSSCEU*C sa*(L "We’ve only got three months to try to find somebody. In thc meantime, more than likely, what's going to hap{x.n svC’re going to have to use an interim cjly m.inoger until wc can find a permanent one. * "There are several people out there that are qualified, and we’re jUst ‘ojng to have to look at diem all the way." b Council member Brenda McNabb-Stange said she has concerns about finding a new city manager, too; because, when Czarnecki was hired for thc position, s|ie recalled, lots of other cities were looking for city managers as well. "It’s hard lo tell how many people would be looking to relocate to a city that’s the size of Hastings and think of jt as step up — like a non-city manager working for another city dial would want to step Up and lake on that responsibility." McNabb-Stange said. "And then you wonder how niany are just looking at it as a steppingstone to a bigger city. "So, I mean, it’s hard to tell how many would be wanting to [come to Hastings!.” Cary', while somewhat concerned about finding a new city manager quickly, said he is confident that employccs al City Hall will help with lhe transition and keep the city run­ ning smoothly. "I don't think you're just going to find [a city manager} sitting on a shelf somewhere to come in and do it,” Cary said. “But there’s a lol of talented people down al City Hall and on lhe council and I think that, you know, we all pul our heads together and we’ll prevail. "Between him (Jerry Czarnecki) and Dave [Tossaval and lhe staff that they have down at City Hall, I think things will turn out just real­ ly well. Time moves on, you know. Jeff (Mansfield)— the guy before Jerry — did a terrific job. "There’s a lot of things he had accom­ plished, and Jerry got a lot of stuff accom­ plished, and I think the next one will, loo.” Residents can sign up in new Kesilth Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period With a new Health Insurance Marketplace special enrollment period open until May 15, Michigan’s stale and federal leaders are encouraging Michiganders to take action now to make sure they have quality health cover­ age for themselves and their families. The newly created special enrollment peri­ od for the Health Insurance Marketplace began Feb. 15 and will run through May 15, with coverage beginning on the first day of the month after consumers purchase cover­ age. Based on national statistics from last year’s open enrollment period, approximately 90 percent of people who sign up through the Marketplace are eligible to receive federal subsidies, with approximately 75 percent of enrollees obtaining high-quality coverage for less ihan $50 per month. “Michigan was lhe first state to call on the federal government last year to open a special enrollment period in response to the COVID19 pandemic,” Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox said. "We repeated those calls throughout 2020, and now they have been answered. It is important that Michiganders take advantage of this limited special enroll­ ment period if they do not currently have health insurance coverage, and that they do not wait until it is aga^ Joo » P"”1*1 themselves and their families." .. „ We are strongly supportive of anything he federal government can do to *ork w,lh State of Michigan to make sure more P^P ,, have access to health car* coverage. Michigan Department of Heal’’1 and.!1“T? Services Director Elizabeth Hert*1 said- » « vital that all Michigan^ arc able r* COVID-19 treatment, and otiier medica,ce. without having to worry about lad11"8 h average due to their income." . eM0||. To review coverage notions and enn . consumers may vish th/Health Ins“??£ Marketplace at HealthC Kgov Marketplace Call Center KO0'318 *' (TTY: 855-889-4325) For more infonttation about health ms^ ancc. including a schedule of up*0"’ ? ,own and MDHHS virtual heal,h i^n gov/ H'ai;hT’SUn”:rS Sh°Uld visi' ^7 999-M42 Ikalthlnsurance Or .. 877'97 . Monday through Friday » 3!” for the Consumers are eliniki > aPP^ . kv Healthy Michigan P|an * aIiy time visiting Michigan.gov/MiBrid^5 °f mg 855-789-5610 Hastings 945-9554 945-4700 945-9541 Denver F. Kiersey. age 94. of Hastings passed away peacefully Tuesday. Feb. 9. 2021 at Woodlawn Meadows Assisted Care. Mr. Kiersey was bom on July 2, 1926 in Lansing, thc son of Donald Sr. and Eleanor Kiersey. He was raised in lhe Northport area attending Northport High School graduating in 1944. Denver was a veteran serving in WWI1. having received decorations, and having been honorably discharged in May 1946 as Staff Sargent. Denver then attended Davenport College studying accounting He later worked al the E.W. Bliss Company of Hastings as an accountant. Denver was married to Barbara L. (Castelein) Kiersey on March 26, 1949 at lhe First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. They were married for 52 years. Denver was an active, serving member of the Presbyterian (,’hurch until his passing. Denver enjoyed camping on Grand Traverse Bay. bowling, golfing, playing cards, fishing, and walking in lhe woods with his good friends and enjoying nature Many people will remember Denver for his Christinas Trees, as well as preparing Income taxes, which he did for many years. Preceding him in death were his parents; two infant children, brothers, Hugh (Ole). Gerald, Donald. Robert and Ralph Kiersey, and sister, Georgia Kay (Kiersey) Alpers. Surviving siblings are Beulah (Kiersey) Benedict, and Gerald Kiersey. Mr. Kiersey is survived by his beloved companion Carol Stuart of 15 years; daughter Cassandra L. (Kiersey) Argctsinger, and Eric L. and Julie (Trick) Kiersey, both of Hastings. He is also survived by his Ik-loved grandchildren, Macie Argctsinger, Vanessa (Michael) Ring, Shane (Stephanie) Kiersey. residing in Kansas, Karissa (Jeff) Weaver residing in Ohio. Eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive. There will be a private family burial at Hastings Township Cemetery' with arrangements being made by Girrbach Funeral Home. Due to inclement weather, and the current pandemic, a Celebration of Denver’s life will be held at a later dale so that all family, friends and community may attend to celebrate our father’s life. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfunenilhomc.net. Helen Dorothy (Burgess) Wingeier, age 92. of Middleville, went home to be w ith her Lord on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 at home surrounded by her family. Helen was born in Gaines Township and graduated from Caledonia. She became a , teacher at lhe age of 18 and taught in one room schools for a few years before marrying and starting her family. She married Anton (Tony) Wingeier and they enjoyed 69 years of wedded bliss. Tony preceded her in death in 2019. Helen was also preceded in death by daughter. Lucinda Jo; granddaughter, Jessica Dettmann; brothers. Muriel. Robert and Lyle; and sister, Ruth Graham. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, l^tura and Ron Dettmann, Lisa and Don Johnson, Anton Lee and Angel Wingeier. Darcy and Clayton Weesie and Christian and Lynnelte Wingeier; 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Jean VandcnBos and several nieces and nephews. Helen was truly a servant of God and a blessing to anyone that knew her. She was . always busy and helping others no matter what was needed, kind hearted and knowledgeable and all with a quick wit and sense of humor. She enjoyed acting with lhe * Village Players of Middleville for several years and her cinnamon rolls for lhe Easter i breakfast at Peace were always a big hit. Special thanks to the loving care provided । by Jeanette, the gals from Luminate Home ' Care and Elara Caring Hospice. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m.' Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021. at Peace Church, 6950 Cherry' Valley, Middleville, with Rev. Nate Haniey officiating. Burial Mt. Hope Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 4-7 p.m. at. Malthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main St. SE. Caledonia, and also one hour prior to lhe service on Tuesday at church, (note: service will be limited in size due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service will be live streamed and available for viewing on the churches website). Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Peace Church where Helen was a charter member and Elara Caring Hospice. ATTENTION BARRY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS BARRY TOWNSHIP REGULAR MEETING DATES 7:00 P.M. SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH *** unless noted Barry Township Meeting Hall 155 E. Orchard St. Delton, Ml 49046 MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH 09 13 11 08 13 10 14 12 09 14 11 08 08 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 PUBLIC HEARING @6:30 p.m. All meetings are held at tho Barry Township Meeting Hall at 7:00 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Barry Township will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at any township meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon seven days notice to the clerk. 155 E. ORCHARD STREET (MEETING HALL) 11300 S. M-43 HWY. (TOWNSHIP OFFICE) P.O. Box 705 DELTON. Ml 49046 PH 269-623-5171 OR FAX 269-623-8171 EMAIL: barrytownshipOmei.net Website: barrytownshipmi.com Respectfully, Debra J. Knight. Barry Township Clerk 155310 �tfl 2021 — Pag° z Tho Hastings Banner — Thursday. A'00!1 ba6l( the stories £ ano columns on local hlston t * >n the Hastings J COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT _______ _ ,N COOPERATION WI1H THE W K KELLOGG FOUNDATION ^117^55998 Health department was model for rest of state Many of who helped create and staff the Barry County Health Department in its first days, though unidentified, are pictured inthlS P oto. The building is on North Michigan Avenue, between Apple and State streets, across from what is noy; Hastings City nan. (W.K. Kellogg Foundation photo) !„' Sue Carrothers had served as superintendent of nurses at Pennock Hospital in 1918-1919. She joined the health department when it was organized in 1931. (File photo) Part I Many local organizations and businesses will be marking milestone years in 2021. Last week, the Banner highlighted the 9(rl anniversary of Central Elementary School. Later this year, Hastings will mark 185 years since its settlement and 150 years as a city. The local health department also is reaching the 90-year mark. And its beginnings were exceptional. Cereal magnate Will Keith Kellogg created the WX. Kellogg Foundation in 1931- He was especially interested in the well-being of children and concerned about the health ofpeople of all ages. Barry County' was specifically selected to test ideas regarding preventative health and health care, in general, in rural areas, launching the Barry County Health Department in 1931. In 1981, Barry County Judge Richard N. l^ughrin, then president of the Barry County Historical Society, researched and wrote a of articles in celebration of the health sfr nmnent's 50tt anniversary'. Most of the deP^t^ were published in the Banner, but this was in .he Nov. 3, 1981. Reminder. „ health department celebrated C°un,> n 20t» birthday ondi year of the Barry County Health The 2uui y with the assistance of Department. foundation in 1931. was lhe W.K. Ke |0fcE blic reception for Sue celebrated had servcd lhe department Carrothers. and a homecoming of S its ^Xei-^-ordingtoafiiekept by..you Dr. Vergil N. S.ee, (ient, wrote in a May 29. ,.tnroflhe . Cook, “that some time ^951 lr'ter ‘°(1with you the fact that Mrs. 95 I discussed * /health department is aS°’ rarroihrrL , vear with thc department, Sue n^ing ber 2u 2ht year of the department begmn'nt |so the 21M" and th;s»k w chair a committee ilse!f' ,<ked Mrs- C0* of recognition for He some -jnther women were ••to *ork ?h rs.” HeS.a Mrs Florence B. MrsW serv* M'S-ccJ ; being ^rs. ,y!on iMartha W Kle>nl’;ly(Mn-?VnIy 0o3^don ■'*>' Sue’s an0 receP"01’ Tb'y?o ' had 90^ pleasure” Sunday, Sept. 30, at thc parish house. Albert Reesor, chairman of the board’s health center committee, asked Dr. Slee to form the reception committee. At that time, the director of the health department also served as director of Pennock Hospital, hence lhe name, Barry County Health Center. The late Rose Cook was Rose Maxine DeFoe of Charlotte when she graduated from the University of Michigan and later the School of Graduate Nursing at Yale University. She worked for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and was sent to Hastings when Barry County was selected for the formation of the first health department. As a registered nurse, she worked in Thomapple Township and Middleville. She met and married Richard Cook and had two children, William Cook of Hastings and Sally Rose Christiansen of London. [Richard Cook was one of two young men who “hiked” their way to Colorado in the summer of 1922 and whose letters and story were reprinted in this column in August 2020.J Rose Cook left the health department soon after marriage but joined a group of registered nurses who donated their service to Pennock Hospital in times of emergency. The hospital operated on a slim budget, and a sudden influx of patients with resulting shortage of nursing personnel called forth lhe volunteer services of the group. Rose Cook became very active in community affairs, and her early experience with the foundation and the health department caused her selecting as chairman of the reception committee. Dr. Matthew R. Kinde, the first director of the county health department, had become the director of the division of medicine and public health of lhe W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Rose Cook wrote him for names of persons who had been active in the health department. He replied Sept. 12. 1951: “We went through our files and compiled the list your requested by counties. The files did not show the first name of some of the people, but 1 am sure you know most of them. There is also some duplication. I note, for example, that you are listed as “DeFoe” under Barry County, and your full name is listed under “Miscellaneous.” The Barry County names listed were: Hany Wood, Robert Bruce Harkness (of the foundation), W. Faye Thomas, Ethel Arietta Bagla Barber, Susan Smith Nobles Carrothers, Marie Ncuschaefer (head nurse), Armin A. Roth, Betsy B- Boylin. Esther Mary Hirst. Martha Harris Jefters, Esther Kreider. Louise Hay ward. Alice Hagelshaw, Elizabeth Harlow, Dorothy Thompson. Marge Garrow and (no first names) Eastman and Payne. Miscellaneous listed names were Lena Marie Scherman. Olive Elvira Owen. Katherine Louise Blake, Harold Myler.Nina Lucile Hamilton, Dorothy Campbell Jenner and Kay Robeson. Those who served on the foundation camp program for youth were listed and included George John Skytta, Andrew Miller, Dorothy L Sversvold (later Skytta), Dons Cole Gage, Victor R Newmmi, Edwin E. Pumala, Dorothy E. Romero. Edsell Martindale. Sybil Spencer. Bets) Ross, Alfred Kaats, Hugh P. Gaston. George H. Heffner, James O. Ansel, Dale 1 Pennock. Nelson G. Bird, Robert D. Ehredt. Madison J. Brown. Helen M. Osberg. Edith M. Block. Horace C. VanNocker, Ray C. Dear. Harc’.d G. Janson, George E. Needham. Olhe. Aulie, Marjorie Moody, Keith and “Bills’ Gordon. Other inviiatbtg avjtre sent to Mrs. “Lou Blaine. Hugh Mk&ef, Lyman Chamberlain, (first sanitarian and former county superintendent). Louella. (Mrs. Edward) Reesor of Woodland, joined thc committee. Other names appear on scraps of paper: Elizabeth Harlow, Frances Locke, Katherine Warrell. Pearl Hamilton. And this note: “Maybe you should talk to Dr. Slec about the cake! Mrs Hewitt said she had ordered it!” The printed letter invitation sent by Rose Cook extended past the reception “for an old­ time get-together of former and present Foundation personnel (Marc and Kay Squiers will help round up the old camp staffs — who knows where to reach the George Skyttas?) for a buffet supper al the new Hastings Hotel. This would all date back to the Flying Squadron days, in case you are too young to remember. It will be an evening to reminisce, and Matt Kinde, who dates back to Barry County, should be the unofficial starter.” Dr. And Mrs. Robert Harkness were unable to attend from Kennett Square, Pa. Undoubtedly, the reception and get-together was well attended and enjoyed by all. One mysterious note remains unexplained in thc file. On a scrap of paper is written Dr. Kinde’s office telephone number, his name. “Matt Kinde” and “Mountain Climbing." Dr. Kinde is not expected to attend lhe 501^ anniversary in November, so we may never know'. [Kinde spent his later years in Colorado, where he died in 2000 at age 94.] After the first of Judge Loughrin’s articles were published in 1981. he began to receive letters from some of the people involved in the early days of lhe health department. The missives provided first-hand knowledge, updated whereabouts of some of those involved, and a bit of speculation on the pending celebration. This article from the Nov. 19, 1981, Banner had the headline ‘'Where are they now? Former Health Dept, staffers recall memories ” Memories of the early days of the Barry County Health Department and a partiality toward Barry County arc reflected in letters to Director Edwin Larkin, M.D., and James K. Gordon on the occasion of the department ’-s' 50th anniversary. Lulu St. Clair Blaine of Bedfordremembered her introduction to Barry Countyon a hot July day in 1931. After she met Dr. and Mrs. [Emily Baynton) Matt Kinde? director, and Sue Nobles [later Carrothers], nurse, in Hastings, she was taken by Dr. Stuart* Pritchard to see Mr. W.K. Kellogg at his home on Gull Lake. She was interviewing for a position as nursing and health education director of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. One of Mrs. Blaine’s first responsibilities in Barry County was finding qualified nurses who would work with teachers and other health professionals in improving the heaUh program in the public schools. “It may hayc been partiality on my part, but I always See HEALTH DEPARTMENT, peg* 9 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW The Board of Review will meet on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at 10:30 am in the office of the Assessor at Rutland Charier Township Hall, 2461 Heath Rd, Hastings, Michigan 49058 to organize and review the Assessment Roll._______________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING to hear Assessment APPEALS, will be held by electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, in response to COViD-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individuals in a meeting hall. The public may participate In the meeting through electronic remote access via ZOOM access by computer, smart phone/device using the following link: hnns:///o(>mji</i/ft973995475?owd^Zih4.Nl?dKRThBeGF2cHhNL3AYTlrJOQIQS Meeting ID: 697 399 5475 Passcode: 461919 The public may also participate by landline phono or cell phone by calling into this toll-free number: 1 (312) 626-6799 Tha Rutland Charter Township March 2021 Board of Review, is offering lhe opportunity tor nrooertv owners to appeal their 2021 assessmenWaxable value, by scheduling a ZOOM □ointment with the Township Clerk. All appointment requests must be submitted to toe Tnwnshio Clerk prior to March 4. 2021 at 3 pm. Appeals can also be submitted by mail, STor email and must be received no later than, Thursday, March 4. 2021. Phono: 269-948-2194 Fax: 269-948-4180 Email: clork@rutlandtownshlp.org MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 9:00 am to NOON & 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Also, any other days deemed necessary to equalize the Assessment Roll. PROPERTY ASSESSMENT RATIOS & FACTORS FOR 2021 CLASS Agriculture Commercial Industrial Residential Developmental personal RATIO 47.63 47.40 48.26 46.78 50.00 50.00 MULTIPLIER 1.0497 1.0548 1.0360 1.0688 1.0000 1.0000 ThO above ratios and multipliers do not mean that every parcel will receive the Lme If you have purchased property, it will be assessed at 50% of market va ue If you have improved your property such as additions, new buildings, driveways, etc., this will also reflect in the value of your property. i mon request of any person who is assessed on said roll, or his agent, and upon sufficient cause being shown, the Board of Review will correct the asse?rs™Jivp|V such property and will, in their judgment, make the valuation thereof relatively just and equal. Dennis McKelvey, Assessor RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2461 Heath Rd Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2194 Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Township Clerk by writing or calling the TownshipnnFo0 3 public nodiui Ros ith the Barry County Health ™rs° W'n f<on> 1933 to 1937. helped Departnie । niversary celebration of the This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a (2)(3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 1549M �SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Specialist answers questions about benefits, retirement and more Elaine Garlock Team sports are back, even if in a modified form. Lakewood teams are back on thc boards, with both the boys and girls basketball teams beating Saranac. .... Those who attended church at Central United Methodist Church Sunday were treated to decorated cookies following the service. Lori McNeill was the solicit for the service. Von Goodemoot was worship leader. One committee is sending greeting cards to all the widows/widowers in the church. They aim to bring cheer to members each month. The Lakewood News reported a shortage of school bus drivers. Starting this week, some bus routes will have no drivers. This is to be handled on a rotating schedule. The first tuo weeks, a different route will be rotated every day. Starting March 1 two loutes will be rotated every Monday and Tuesday, etc. Likew ise drivers will be rotated. One driver is facing surgery'. Another is retiring. Another has been exposed to the Covid virus. This leaves a driver unavailable for 10 days. Drivers need to pass four tests and have a CDL license. Then the driver may cant a permit. Then follows training for bus driving. Yet is further training on dealing with children on a bus. The chamber of commerce has two new board members. Kim (Catt) Leadbctter and Christa Wetzel are newly elected. Kim is owner of Jordan Lake Floral. Christa is with lhe Alpha Center and is lhe new secretary of the chamber. These two replace Tom Scheldt and Lindsay Farrell who chose not to seek another term. Kim has a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in business and a real estate license. Wetzel has been director of the same business in Lowell. She has a degree in criminal justice and a master s degree in counseling. 2021 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING SCHEDULE Orangeville Township, Barry County The Orangeville Township Board of Review for March 2021 will be held by electronic remote access, unless by the dates of the March Board of Review meetings it becomes lawful under state agency rules and statute for an in-person meeting to be held. Electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, will be implemented in response to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individuals in a meeting hall. If in-person meetings become a lawful option, then the meeting will be held both in person at the Orangeville Township Hall. 7350 Lindsey Rd. and via electronic remote access. The public may participate in the meeting through electronic remote access on the following dates via Zoom access, by computer, smart phone/device using the fol­ lowing link: March 2nd: Time. Mar 2, 2021 04:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting htips://us02web.zoom.us/j/84320210969?pv,d~WnRYQ1REaVNSek5GMUVtM1NxZHJDUT09 Meeting ID: 843 2021 0969 Passcode: 522945 One tap mobile +13i262j56799„8432021Q969#, n.*522945& US (Chicago) ■*•16468769923,,84320210969#,,,,*522945# US (New York). Meeting ID: 843 2021 0969 • Passcode: 522945 March 8th: Time: Mar 8. 2021 09:00AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02webzoom.us4/d3921229000?pwd=Uk500UZLSkR2WFJIN 1dsZE5lWStyQT09 Meeting ID: 839 2122 9000 Passcode: 574647 One tap mobile +13017158592,,83921229000#,,„ *574647# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,.83921229000#,.,,*574647# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 3017158592 US (Washington DC) + 1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 839 2122 9000 Passcode: 574647 March 9th: Time: Mar 9, 2021 01:30PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://u502web.zoom.us/j/8913629557d?pwd=SXB3SisxdHBIZWI4YmRaRVhGU1JhZz09 Meeting ID: 891 3629 5578 Passcode: 789685 One tap mobile +11017158592,.89136295578#.,,,*,789685# US (Washington DC) 3126266799„89136295578#,,,,*789685# US (Chicago) your location 715 8592 US (Washington DC) 626 6799 US (Chicago) SIS M23 US (No. passcode. 78968 . nko oarticlpate by landline phone or cell phono by calling the office number. The public may F r 269-664-4522 . ill nost the information confirming whether the March BOR will meet in The township wi P boarrji sign wjn(j0Wi and the township’s website, person on its no m Township March Board of Review will meet on the following dates: The Orangeville 1 4:00 = organizational Meeting Tuesday. Z’,021 = Appeal Hearing (9:00 -12:00 & 1:00 - 4:00pm) . Monday. Ma,chh q 2021. = Appeal Hearing (1:30 pm- 4:30 & 6:00-9:00 pm) * Tuesday. Mafcn ' ' • 1u ... mcet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear quesnnard of Review w . the 2021 assessments By board resolution, taxpayers are The nrotests. and to' ' luding email), sent to 7350 Lindsey Rd. Plainwell Mi. 49080 or ti°ns; Protest by lett ,'I,,, provided protest is received pnor to March 9, 2021. 12:00 pm. able XA(bbV@9'nfl Erna'Ithe estimated multipliers for each class of real property and perThe lenlaoerty fc°2021i?(rura|S fO"°W!39.85%.. sonal pr°Perty - Agncul^ai" ....... 38.53%. • Residen*18 ..47.62%. r^^--80-00*- / served in thc militaryt and I'll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect My Social Security benefits? You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same lime. Generally, wc don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, go to socialsecurity.gov/applyoniine. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply- For your convenience, you can always save your progress during your application and complete it later. Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? It depends on your date of birth. If you were born on or before Jan. 1,1954. and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you may apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are at your full retirement age. You then will cam delayed retirement credits up to age 70, as long as you do not collect benefits on your own work record. Later, when you do begin receiving benefits on your own record, those payments could very well be higher than they would have been otherwise. If your spouse also is full retirement age and does not receive benefits, your spouse will have to apply for benefits and request the payments be suspended. Then you can receive benefits on >d to as I-xtu sclerosis, commonly refi’rr* .[ Security Gehrig’s Disease. I've heart > who (jre has a "fast track" for some p disabled. Would you tell me a m track” We have two processes to Our applications for disability ? . allows Compassionate Allowances mi jjyjjuals us to fast-track certain cases or d:ffercnt with severe disabilities. Dozens o types of disabilities qualify for f*1’3 j decision, including ALS. and * at>oui continues to expand. Learn more • Compassionate Allowances and see list of conditions al socialsecun y-g compassionatcallowances. , . • Another way we speed up decisions with our Quick Disability Determinations initiative, which uses technology to identi y applicants who have the most severe disabilities and allows us to expedite our decisions on those cases. Read more about "Quick Disability Determinations’ at socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/qdd.htm. your spouse’s Social Security record. If you were bom on or after Jan. 2, 1954. and wish to receive benefits, you must file for all benefits for which you are eligible. Social Security will determine the benefits for which you are eligible and pay you accordingly. For individuals born on or after Jan. 2, 1954, there is no longer an option to select which benefit you would like to receive, even beyond your full retirement age. Widows are an exception, since they can choose to take their deceased spouse’s benefit without filing for their own. For more information, visit socialsccurity.gov. I 'in planning to retire next year. I served in the Navy in the 1960s and need to make sure 1 get credit for my military service. What do I need to do? You don’t need to do anything to apply for the special credit for your military service — it is added automatically. For service between 1957 and 1967, we will add the extra credits to your record at thc time you apply for Social Security benefits. For service between 1968 and 2001, those extra military service credits have already been added to your record. So. you can rest assured that we have you covered. Read our online publication, "Military Service and Social Security," at socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10017.html. Then when the time comes to apply for retirement, you can do it conveniently at socialsecurity.gov/ retireonlinc. I applied for disability benefits, but was denied. I'd like to appeal. Can I do it online. Yes. In fact, the best way to file a Social Security appeal is online. Our online appeal process is convenient and secure. Just go to socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal to appeal thc decision. Individuals who don’t have access to the internet may call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to visit a local Social Security office to file your appeal. How do I apply for disability' benefits? How long does it take to get a decision after I apply for disability benefits ? You may apply for disability benefits online at socialsecurity.gov/bcnefits/. To get a decision on your disability application usually lakes three-to-five months. The lime frame can vary depending on the nature of your disability, how quickly we can get your medical evidence from your doctor or other medical source; whether it’s necessary’ to send you for a medical examination; and whether wc review your application for quality purposes. Create or sign in to your personal My Social Security account at socialsecurity, gov/myaccount to check your claim status. Is it true that a person can own a home and still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits? Yes. A person who owns a home and lives in that home can be eligible for SSI benefits. Although there is an asset limit for people to qualify for SSI, some things don’t count toward that limit, such as a house, a vehicle, and some funds set aside for burial expenses. To learn more about SSI and the eligibility requirements, browse our booklet. Supplemental Security Income at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. My husband has been in poor health for some time and doctors have recently diagnosed him with amyotrophic lateral HEALTH DEPARTMENT, continued from page 7 Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) ♦1 301715 8592 US (Washington DC) ma! bv 2.1 301 312 .45 Why is it so important that my baby have a Social Security number? Your child may l)eej Social Security number if you arc planning to °Pen a account, buy savings bonds. obtain medical coverage, or apply fOr government services for the child. Your child also will need a Social Security number if you arc going to declare him or her on your taxes. Getting a Social Security number for your newborn is voluntapL but it is a g(Xxl i(jca to apply when your child is bom. You can app|y for a Social Security number fOr your baby when you apply for your baby’s birth certificate. The state agency that issues birth certificates will give us your child’s information and we will mail you a Social Security card with the child’s Social Security number. Visit socialsecurity.gov/ssnumbcr for more information. 1.25471 .1.29770 1.08484 1.04999 1.0000 /ADA) American.is with Disabilities Notice , , auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk V c reouiring auX Nuance of hearing. This notice posted in Compliance ith disab^’6 ^itance /7) days 'n a nded (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a (2)(3) and with lbi,ltleS 269-664-4522 155114 favored Barry County in keeping the best staff in all thc counties.” Dr. Matthew R. Kinde of North Fort Myers, Fla., wrote of many fond memories of his career in Hastings, from 1930 to 1935, "right in the bottom of the Great Depression, eggs 5 cents per dozen, 100 rural schools (one room) in Barry' County, mostly on muddy roads.” Dr. Kinde toured lhe health department’s office and thc W.K. Kellogg Foundation office on a visit here this summer [1981). He enclosed a photograph of himself and had written on the back “al lhe end of lhe golf swing. Note that the ball hasn’t been touched.” Frances (Mrs. Edsell) Martindale, whose husband. "Ted,” was one of lhe first directors Irving Township to change monthly meeting dates Jean Gallup Contributing Writer Irving Township board meetings will con­ tinue to be conducted through conference calls until at least the end of b>' order of lhe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. A return to in-person meetings will have to wail for an MDHHS order. Supervisor Jamie Knight said. Township residents can still keep up with township business by these conference calls, the township’s website and ads and articles in the local newspapers. By spring, however, the meetings are expected to change. ’ . The board agreed to mOve its meeting; day from the second Wednesday 10 lhc Tuesday of the month at reason for this change was meetings away from the day after T Y elections, Knight said. . . (l Board members are evnected lorma,,y approve lhe change a( lhe£ Maivh 10 •ng; the firvt meeting on the new Tuesday. April 20, at 6 n m. ,. . The annual board 0| revieW organizational meeting M-rnrh 2 « 11 30 , Meetings to hear object" will be ,r?,n ? L 9 P.m. March 8 and 91 p4t>- ^h(£ ■’n’perty tax objee’i" ,s' outlin^, £ standard complaint |Urrn 1|V be ,n P*.. sonorsenuotherevZ'SdW1^6 or fax, Knight said. . . The March It) will '”dU „ public hearing on lie. 6:3“ / allowing residents to »•>,h< f"X cial plan for the nex?r"^.fcn‘’wedby the regular meaingV^1*1 3 ,he The last day toV'’’ 10 *. township treasurer ,5 b»' Alesse Cross said^x l e'’' e«pt P^o through March 1. Sh^jX working "’1>,n am. to 5 p.m. Mondayjj^h I- of the W.K. Kellogg Pine Lake Camp Program, a year-round camp for youngsters, remembered the involvement of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Gordon, James K. Gordon's parents, in thc camp program. She had promised to write an account of the camp program, “the many, many things about it which in the end changed our lives completely and for thc better.” Lyman and Gertrude Chamberlain of Dimondale are looking forward to attending the celebration if it is at all possible. They furnished the address of Mrs. Jack Allen, the former Velma Sledge, who was a clerk with the department. Dr. J.K. Altland of Lansing furnished the names of others involved in the early 1940s at the health department when he was on staff: Sylvia Peabody, Morton Hilbert, Kathleen Perry of Wall Lake and Betty Harlow of Shrewsbury, Mass. Dr. Vergil N. Slee of Ann Arbor plans to attend thc celebration. He furnished the addresses of Barbara Wilcox, R.N., Newark. Del.; Andrew Patlullo of the foundation; Howard Tredinnick of Englewood, Fla; Elmer Sanborn of Kalamazoo; and Vinson R. Oviatt of Switzerland. If lhe latter attends, he will probably gel lhe prize for “who traveled the longest distance." To be continued 2021 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW City of Hastings, Barry County The City of Hastings Board of Review for March 2021 will be held by ELECTRONIC REMOTE ACCESS. Electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, will be implemented in response to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individu­ als in a meeting hall. The public may participate in the meeting through electronic remote access via Zoom access by computer, smart phone/device using the following link: http«^/u802webJOom.us/l/83164600986?Dwd=T3l5QGNUcmorVURzZ0lvUI9hURIUT09 Meeting ID: 831 6460 0986 Password: 468030 The public may also participate by landline phone or cell phone by calling into this toll-free num­ ber: (312)626-6799 US Toll-free The City of Hastings March Board of Review will meet on the following dates: • Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at 9 AM - Organizational Meeting • Monday, March 8th, 2021 from 2 PM to 5 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM = Appeal Hearing • Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 from 9 AM to noon and 1 PM to 4 PM = Appeal Hearing APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR APPEAL HEARINGS. To make an appointment call 269-945-9350. You must email your documentation to drashld@hasilnafiniLQ£fl prior to March 5th, 2021. The Board of Review will meet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear questions, pro­ tests, and to equalize the 2021 assessments. By board resolution, taxpayers are able to protest by letter, sent to City of Hastings. 201 E State St, Hastings, Ml 49058, provided protest Is received prior to March 5th, 2021. The tentative ratios and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property and personal property for 2021 are as follows: •Agricultural40.46%. •Commercial45.39%. •Industrial....,46.01%, •Residential46.93%.. •Developmental50.00%. •Timber Cutover.50.00%.. •Personal Property...50.00%. - - ■ - ... 1.2357 .... 1.1015 .... 1.0867 ... 1.0654| .... 1.0000 ....1.0000 .... 1.0000 155673 �* nor — Thursday, February 18, 2021 — Pago 9 '• I Rutland alters tax appeals process ------------------------- - ’ Township OKs temporary use of recreational vehicles as dwellings Sophie Bates Staff Writer Hu- Rutland Charter Township Board last -k passed a resolution altering how rvsiLt taxpayer* can file lax appeals. The board !s<> approved an ord‘nance amendment to allow the temporary use of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling. The board of review allows residents to appeal the value of their land assessed by 1 ow nship /Xssessor Dennis McKelvey, it they believe the assessed value is mote than half the value of their property. The resolution prohibits residents from fil- NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE CHAPTER 220 (ZONING) OF RUTLAND CHAn TOWNSHIP CODE ing a contact. c that wanis . "I 3"> "'‘^van'P^'P'On th?, pl“uCe because I <lon. p Sup-’f'i'or Larrv°w"u AndrewCove,AAMS0 Financial Advisor Member ...... . SIPC 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 40® w;.5,3,11 B B (269)945-3553 Estate planning for blended families If you’re in a blended family, you’re already aware of the emotional and financial issues involved in your daily life. But what about thc future? When it’s time to do your estate planning - and it’s never too soon for that - you’ll need to be aware of the entanglements and complexities that can get in the way of your vision for leax ing the legacy you desire. You can take comfort in knowing that you're far from alone. Morc than halt of married or cohabiting couples with at least one living parent, or parent-in-law. and at least one adult child, have a “step­ kin” relationship, according to a study from researchers at the University of Massachusetts and other schools. That’s a lot of estate-planning issues. Nonetheless, the task does not have to be overwhelming - as long as you put sufficient time and thought into it. Here are some ideas that may help: • Seek fairness - bur be flexible. Even in a nonblended family, it’s not always easy to be as equitable as you’d like in your estate plans - too often, someone feels they have been treated unfairly. In a blended family, these problems can be exacerbated: Will biological children feel cheated? Will stepchildren? Keep this in mind: Fair is not always equal - and equal is not always fair. When deciding how to divide your assets, you’ll need to make some judgment calls after carefully evaluating thc needs of all your family members. There’s no guarantee that everyone w ill be satisfied, but you’ll have done your best. • Communicate your wishes clearly. When it comes to estate planning, the best surprise is no surprise - and that’s especially true in a blended family. Even if you're the one creating your estate plans, try to involve other family members - and make your wishes and goals clear You don’t have to be specific down to the last dollar, but you should prov ide a pretty gixxi overall outline. • Consider establishing a revocable living trust. Everyone’s situation is different, but many blended families find that, w hen making estate plans, a simple will is not enough. Consequently, ................. _______ _ you may want „ to establish a revocable living trust, w hich gives you much more control than a will when it comes to carrying out your wishes. Plus, because you have transferred your assets to the trust, you are no longer technically the owner of these assets, so there’s no reason for a court to get involved, which means your estate can likely avoid the time-consuming, expensive probate. • Choose the right trustee. If you do set up a living trust, you’ll also need to name a trustee - someone who manages the assets in the trust. Married couples often sene as eo-trustees, hut this can result in tensions and disagreements. As an alternative, you can hire a professional trustee - someone with the time, experience and neutrality to make appropriate decisions and who can bring new ideas to the process. Above all else, make sure you have lhe right estate­ planning team in place. You’ll certainly need to work with an attorney, and you may also want to bring in your tax advisor and financial professional. Estate planning can be complex - especially with a blended family - and you'll want to make the right moves, right from thc start This article was written by Edward Jones, for use by.your Ibcal Edward Jones Financial Ad\ isor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate­ planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, « OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: R ANY htli™ was a opting W u t n . K(:vln Beck, AAMS0 TO: iNG PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at the February 11. 2021 Rutland Charter Township Board the following Ordinance No. 20Zi adopted. ,h lSnw^on Financial FOCUS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN The original ordinance may be inspected or a copy contacting the Township Clerk, Robin Hawthorne, 2461 Heath Road, l7*a b. c. uiar Ml 49058-9725. (269) 948-2194, during regular business hours ot rey working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. Cd°nCC T'd e.ra,h" «<= HV nd "'cfC.n u ,he middle °f c? would rudier be there in person to Jlkro ill thePcOp,cW C?me forlhc public “ Trustee Sandra janics said tO'Fhe March b03*1 ,°f *rev’ew dalcs W*U be m-iiled to resident5 this month, along with a notice detailing ‘hc,r assessments. Thn htrrrd of rev,eW may ^eive letters of ported ‘regarding PJ°P^ assessment from the first Tuesday in Maruh ur>til the end of the PUl’n oUter'acI'0'1' d,e b<Mri1 als0 amended zoning regulati»ns ,n ,hc 'ownship code of ordinances to alk>w d«''"Wary use of a recreationalvch-d a aduelhng. Thc ordinance stales the recreational vehi­ cle cannot be used for commercial purposes, such as leasing or ren'mg; must be connected to a water supply 3nd have “wage facilities; and duration for occupancy of the vehicle is limited to not m<>« than 14 days tn any sixnionth period, among other regulations. A provision within the ordinance allows residents to occupy a recreational vehicle for a longer period of time if they are construct­ ing a permanent dwelling on the same proper­ ty. For this purpose, temporary occupancy is limited to 180 days, unless the township's zoning administrator approves a 90-day extension. . “There’s two part5 °l tbal particular amend­ ment. One of them is specifically for if you have visitors, and you want visitors to have a !4-day period that they can [stay in a recre­ ational vehicle],” township zoning adminis­ trator and compliance officer Les Raymond said. “The second part of that is to allow our residents to use 1 recreational vehicle for housing while they erect their new home.’’ . ThC' board unaimously ■ approved the amendment. In other business, fee board Approved a $29,100 pre-payment to PLM Lake and l^and Management for Algonquin Lake weed treatments. Thc township received a 3 percent, or $900. discount for its pre-pay­ ment. Approved $20,(XX) of road millage funds for the Barry County Road Commission to provide two dust control applications on all gravel roads in the township, except those in the Barry Slate Game Area where no residents CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 2021-176 FEBRUARY 10, 2021 ADOPTED: EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 26, 2021 An Ordinance to amend Section 220-17-3 of Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code of ordinances pertaining to temporary occupancy of a recreation vehicle as a dwelling. THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SEGIIQNJL BEQUIHINCIZONING ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORIZATION) § 220-17-3 of the Rutland Charter Township Code (Temporary Uses or Structures Requiring Zoning Administrator Authorization) is hereby amended to revise existing subsection C of same to read as follows: “C. Temporary occupancy of recreation vehicle as a dwelling. Upon application on such form as the Township may prescribe the Zoning Administrator may issue a zoning compliance permit for one recreation vehicle to be temporarily occupied as a dwelling on a lot in any district where single family dwelling is a designated permitted use, in the circumstances of subsection 1 and subsection 2 herein: 1. Where the recreation vehicle is proposed to be occupied for I temporary non-commercial purposes associated with I recreational activities on the subject property, or tor personal I visitation by the occupants with the, occupant of .the I permanent dwelling on the subject property; subject lor the ' following terms and conditions: " A J •• a. The recreation vehicle shall not be leased or rented to the occupants for any form of monetary compensation or other non-monetary consideration. b. The recreation vehicle shall be sited on the lot in compliance with all setback requirements that would apply to a principle building or structure, as shown on a site diagram submitted with the zoning compliance permit application. c. The recreation vehicle shall be connected to a water supply and have sewage facilities for the duration of the temporary occupancy that comply with all applicable County and State health regulations, as specified with the zoning compliance permit application. d. The temporary occupancy of the recreation vehicle shall be limited to a total of not more than 14 days, cumulatively, in any six month period. Approved an updated poverty exemption income guidelines and asset test for 2021. Marriage 2. Where the recreation vehicle is proposed to be temporarily occupied during construction of a permanent dwelling on the same lot, subject to the following terms and conditions: Oil-infused rainbows Dr. Universe: Why does oil on lhe street look like a rainbow? Jorgos, 10. Bothell. Wash. Dear Jorgos, After it rains, sometimes we can see oil on the street rise to the top of puddles and spread out into a rainbow of colors. One of the main reasons wc see color is because of light. Cigdem Capan. a physics instructor at Washington State University said. She reminded me that when our eyes sense colors, we can trace (hose colors back to different wavelengths of light. Perhaps you can make some waves in the air with your hand. Make small, tight waves. Now make a big. wide waves. The light waves that help us sec color are a lot smaller than uny wave wc can make with our hand. According to our friends at lhe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, blue or violet wavelength is about 125 limes smaller than the width of a human hair.these light waves reflect, or When bounce, off different surfaces, such as an oily puddle, our eyes and brain work togeth­ er to help translate the information into It turns out. light waves can bounce off color. Of two places in an oily puddle. If you’ve ever mixed oil and water together, you know that they like to be in separate layers. One place where the light reflects is the top of the puddle where the air meets thr oil. The other place is where oiI an ‘.,,L’ Light waves have to travel a » a c through the puddle to reflect where the oil and water meet. Let’s say you see some puqpie spots in an oily puddle. S'ou see this color because red, orange, yellow, green, and blue waves reflect off the puddle and overlap with each other in the air. When the waves overlap, they actu­ ally cancel each other out, so you can’t see them with your eyes. But thc violet waves reflect off the sur­ face and travel in unison through the air to your eyes. As they travel, these violet wave­ lengths get a bit of a bwsl from each other, and the purple appears bright to your eyes. The differences in the thickness of the oil can make some wavelengths reflect in uni­ son, and that is how we see not just the purple spots, but all the different colors in an oily puddle. The colors you see in an oily puddle also are a kind of phenomenon we call irides­ cence. We can see this phenomenon when we observe the outside of soap bubbles or the colorful feathers of lhe male peacock. We have so many different colors in our world. Perhaps you even have a favorite one. A couple of my favorite colors are crim­ son and gray. No matter what colors we see in our world, remember that we can trace all of them back to waves of light. Dr. Universe Ariel Ramierz Chun, Middleville and Patricia Cecilia Chile! Gomez, Middleville Allen Ray Childers, Nashville and Diana Lynn McManamey, Nashville Crystal Ann Gillon, Delton and Lorenzo Nerence Gillon, Delton David William Harvey-Boze, Delton and Shoshannon Lynelte Johnson, Nashville Jessica Louise Welton. Hastings and Anthony Joseph Wirth, Hastings Sarah Elizabeth Frame, Hastings and Zachary’ Alan Blackburn, Hastings Bizon receives crime victims award Sen. John Bizon. M.D., R-fiattle Creek, last week received an award for work on behalf of crime victims The Alliance f°r ~a*ety and Justice and Crime Survivors for Safety and justice pre­ sented Bizon with the Champion for Crime Survivors Award for h,s leadership on funding trauma recovery centers. "The evidence has been clear that the tailed over-incarceration approaches of the past have been wasteful and counter-productive, so last year, Michigan, took a mOnumental step forward in rethinking public safcly and ending cycles of ennw, B1Zon said in a press release. “I’m pr«ud 10 haVc been part ol this movement to pass vforms that actually help the commune > hat havc been left behind by the criminal “Mice system. Trauma recovery enters arc the key to providing lhe nien|al health and Physical health serves -- and financial supSed for ~rs to heal. Bizon a. Occupancy of the recreation unit shall be limited to the intended occupants of the permanent dwelling to be constructed on the same lot. b. All permits required for the construction of the permanent dwelling have been obtained. c. The recreation vehicle shall be sited on the lot in compliance with all setback requirements that would apply to a principle building or structure, as shown on a site diagram submitted with the zoning compliance permit application. d. The recreation vehicle shall be connected to a water supply and have sewage facilities for the duration of the temporary occupancy that comply with all applicable County and State health regulations, as specified with the zoning compliance permit application. e. The temporary occupancy shall be limited to a total of not more than 180 days; provided lhe Zoning Administrator may approve one extension of the permit for not more than 90 additional days if the Zoning Administrator determines substantial progress has been made on the construction of the permanent dwelling and the construction should be completed with due diligence by the end of the extension period. f. The temporary occupancy of the recreation vehicle shall cease no later than 7 days after the Building Official nas issued a certificate of use and occupancy for the ne permanent dwelling.” ------------ —___ _______ ________________ A" o±tanC?K °r£tns 01 “finances in confhct with this Ordinance are hereby repealed. Th s Ordinance shall take effect on the eighth day after publication or on such later date as may be required by law. Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe, Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writ­ er at Dr.Universe(A wxtt.edu or visit her web­ site, a skdruni verse.< . ^'"Bv suooortinfi ,he economy and . mi l services amone survivors, we-rehbv• safer and healthier communities," i " ■i eoal is10 con,tnue to work with he said. My'g and thc governor to the Senate, I ’ lrjUma recovery eenters." secure funding I( J Robin Hawthorne. Clerk Charter Township of Rutland 155390 �1 Page 10 - Thursday. f*'"vl8'2021 ~ Th® Hastings Banner Courts and law building ready for up to $1 million revamp Rebecca Picrcv screening area, adult probation offices, trial court magistrate's hearing room and secure holding areas. County commissioners unanimously agreed on a recommendation Tuesday, to be officially voted on next week, to authorize a contract between the county and Vander Kodde Construction Co. of Grand Rapids for con­ struction management services. The amount paid for those sendees, which would be covered by the county s building rehabilitation fund, will be based on the amount of competitive sub-contractor bidding in March. Brown said. . . Vander Kodde is currently working with architect Tim Spitzlcy of Lake Odessa on another county project to add dispatcher sta­ tions at Central Dispatch/911 on Nashville Road. , . “They also constructed the municipal building for Thomapple Township that houses their fire department and EMS,” Brown noted. The fact that Vander Kodde is currently working on that 911 project in Hastings means that the company would be able to Editor estimated $800XXX) to $1 million reno­ vation of lhe Counl> Courts and Law Buildinc will K8eltin« u,ndcr wa>’ b>',he ‘nd of March, if al1t'*’,,*’ Plannc<1' • We are hopefully getting through the <'()V1D-19 >lowdown ... and are anxious to cel this project moving. County Administrator Michael Brown told Barry County commis­ sioners T^day. The project - listed ns one of die top 10 goals in the county's master plan - is intended io ensure a maximum level of safely and secu­ rity in (hat building, while putting all county court functions, except for circuit court, under nne nxif. The Friend of the Court offices, which had been housed in the former city hall at 102 S. Broadway, will occupy part of the renovated space. The courts and law building also will provide permanent office space for the public defender's office, conference rooms for use by Friend of the Court offices and other departments, enhancements to the security TOWNSHIP OF BALTIMORE 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW A bird'S.eye view shows the new public defender's office on the lower level of the courts and law building. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall. 3100 E. Dowling Rd. Hastings. Ml 49058, to examine and review the 2021 Assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 1:00 pm Organizational Meeting Hearings will be the week of March 7, 2021 Monday, March 08, 2021, 9:00 am to 12 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Wednesday. March 10, 2021, 1 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. Letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 9:00 pm March 10th. 2021. Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as follows: 0.92455 Agricultural 54.08% 1.26582 Commercial 39.50% 1.08932 45.90% Industrial 1.06496 46.95% Residential 1.00000 50.00% Personal Property Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Chad VanSyckle, Supervisor Baltimore Township Scott Anderson, Assessor Baltimore Township s Baltimore Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, I! national origin, sex or disability. ■ American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice | The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to I Baltimore Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Baltimore Township by writing or calling. Baltimore Township Clerk Penelope Ypma 3100 E Dowling Rd Hastings, MI 49058 269.721.3502 :• 155201 TOWNSHIP OF HOPE 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 5463 M-43 Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 to examine and review the 2021 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 2, 2021,11:30 am Organizational Meeting Monday, March 8. 2021, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, correded and approved. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 5, 2021 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as fol- lows: Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential personal Property 42.16% 1.1860 51.80% 0.9653 50.51% 0.9899 44.62% 1.1206 50.00% 1.0000 and lower-level conference rooms. Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expect­ ed after completion of Board of Review. nouo Peck, Supervisor Hope Township Kevin Harris. Assessor Hope Township fd Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, I >-|0Pe T°^iniPsex or disability. j nationa abllitle» (ADA) Notice ■•Iran With D|sa ide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to '• Arnemwnship wil* pwiities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to | duals with dl,s^P.jduals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services SoS^^TownshiPcSeton Township by writing or calling. I should con,aC move to the courts and law building renova­ tion as soon as the 911 project, which is smaller, is completed. “My guess is that they’re going to want to get on site here as soon as they possibly can,” Brown said. "At minimum, they would move from 911 here and not have to relocate and maybe take advantage of the ability to have folks in one community doing a couple of projects.” The need to proceed on the courts and law building project is further fueled by the fact that there are some funds, through state of Michigan that total about $130,(XX) available for the public defender’s portion of the proj­ ect. "We have those funds available." Brown said. “The} were approved in a previous bud get. and wc had them extended. They’ve been extended a second time - because ol COVID - through the end of this stale’s fiscal year, which would be thc end of September. “So. we’ve made it very known that wc need to get this project - or more precisely that portion of lhe project - completed before the end of September so that w e can leverage and take advantage of those funds,” he added. Hie prospective consuation manager and architect arc aware of this fact, according to Brown, who urged that the County use a con­ struction manager to handlethe project. "We believe it provides additional protec­ tion," he told the board. "...The biggest one, with a construction manager form, is that there is a duly of loyalty to the county that doesn’t necessarily exist with a general con­ tractor form. "There’s also a responsibility to consult with the architect, and it provides us with some additional opportunity to have input on sub[conlractor]s that arc chosen on this proj­ ect.” According to Brown, if the board approves this proposal at its meeting Tuesday, thc coun­ ty will advertise Feb. 25 and March 4 for subcontractors. Then they would anticipate a pre-bid walkthrough March 16, with bids due March 25 and opened at that point so they could be brought to the county board. “Ideally, at the end of Man*’ wc wou,d have bids in hand and would be able to rec­ ommend to you a project along with schedul­ ing,” Brown said. “Could the subs you mentioned .. be local contractors?’’ Commissioner Howard Gibson. R-Hastings, asked. “Absolutely," Brown replied. “If ><>u have a subcontractor] in a trade that you re aware of and would like us to reach out to, please let us know, and we’ll pass those names along. ...We’ll work diligenUy to 10’ ?cl aS man* local subs involved as we can.” . “I think that’s a Rood idea.” G‘bson sa,d"Because they work here, they live h^re- the>' pay taxes here. They should get a chancc at the work in our countv ” - • Last September, county commissioners OK’d spending $144 j 56 for furniture as part of this project. ’ These purchases will provide movable workstations for the priend of the Court and public defender offices as well as first-floor KeePyourfrieU(is , and relatives inforl!ied and up to datewith all the local rtews from Bam/ $erid themThe Hasting® BANjNEK Township Clerk To subsCribe/ call us at: Conference rooms on the main floor would allow for meetings. Meeting Room A and Meeting Room B would offer options to allow for larger or smaller groups. NEEDA BOX? We sell boxes of ALL SIZES! Stop by today 1351 H.Broaiwa, (M43) Ra,,™ 269.945.9105 269-9 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00-4:30 PM 154932 ^•wrSi �10.2O2^P398 11 The Hastings Banner — Thursday. Fc^uary NOT'Cl^oSURE^^b SePl',f”tlOr 1°‘ ?0Q9 a • 1 S1ATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28706-NC WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 Court address 206 W Court Sheet. Suite 302 Hastings. Ml 49058 C^ourt telephone no. 26&-945-1390 • In the nutter of Jamie Elizabeth Swift. TO ALL PERSONS, including whoso address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may bo barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE-A hearing w.’l bo held on February 24. 2021 at 2.15 P.M. at 206 W. Court Street. Suite 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 before Judge William M Doherty to change Ute name of Jamie Elizabeth Swift to Danioi Joshua Swift aDetn STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE FILE NO. 21-28738-DE Estate of Jedatee Oenzil Bishop. Date of birth06/21/1951. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent Jcdalee Denzft Bishop, died 01/21/2021. Credtors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will bo forever barred unless presented to Sarah Holt, personal Representative, or to both the probate court at 206 ’ V. Court Street. Ste. 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 and ' ie personal representative within 4 months after the < late of publication of this notice. Date; 02/12/2021 I Javid H. Tripp P29290 ; !02 S. Broadway I fastings, Ml 49058 1269) 948-2900 I >arah Holt 11790 Avelmg Way I tichland, Ml 49083 269)275-8184 155562 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE FILE NO. 21-2B696-DE Estate of Chad G Cole Date of birth: October 23. 962. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Chad i i. Colo, died December 15. 2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all Claims against the estate will be forever barred Unless presented to Johanna S. Shelton, personal Representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street. Sto. 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Martin L Rogalski. P C. Martin L. Rogalski P30548 1881 Georgetown Center Drive Jenison, Ml 49428 (516) 457-4410 Johanna S. Shelton 11587 Spcuceviow Drive ^llendale, Ml 49401 (616)366-7463 155325 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY | PUBLICATION NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S TRUST ESTATES I In U>e matter of Brad R Greenfield Trust dated May 31,2017. Decedent's date of birth: 06-12-1960. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS; Your interest in this matter may be barred or affected by the fpllowing. The decedent. Brad R. Greenfield, lived ip Barry County. Hastings. Michigan, and died November 15, 2020. । Creditors of the deceased are notified that all decedent's assets were held by Ute Trustee at decedent's death, and the decedent has no probate dstate. Creditors of the deceased are further notified that all claims against the trust estate will be forever barred unless presented to: Merissa A. Greenfield. Trustee and/or the attorney's office representing Merissa A Greenfield as Trustee within 4 months df the publication of this notice This notice is Published pursuant to MCL 700.7608. If a probate estates is opened in the future for the decedent, this notice is intended to satisfy the requirements of MCL 700 3801 Notice is further given that the trust dstate will be thereafter assigned and distributed to the person(s) entitled to it. Date: 2/4/2021 „ Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning. PC Sara B. Morey P83985 $07 North Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-3495 Merissa A Greenfield 3790 M-37 Hwy. Hastings, Michigan 49058 155389 269-908-3941 ' ®09wzi»««39o: Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board meeting via zoom United Stales sScletn'y'l P|K5«ant i0 lh «a^<?PU,,K,50 0,^~ Fcb 2°21 e ing opened at 6:30pm via zoom . W^EHEAS ih"o Consent agenda Resolution 2021-1 Board of Review protest in writing r Resolution 2021-2 Salary Resolutions Outlook 365 migration Publication & send budget to public hearing Adjourned at 7:19 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson. Clerk Attested to by: Doug Peck. Supervisor 155255 NOTICE \AttcnUon homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, If your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or If you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated In this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236. MCL 600 3212. that thc following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of thc mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder tor cash or cashier's check al the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starling promptly at 100 PM on MARCH 18, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sate does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of lhe property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, cither of which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Michael David Lacross, Michael D. Lacotss, an unmarried man. to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Inc., as nominee for lender and tenders successors and/or assigns. Mortgagee, dated October 28, 2016 and recorded Novembers. 2016 in Instrument Number 2016-011089, Barry County Records. Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Oceanside Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to bo duo at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eleven Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Two and 49/100 Dollars ($111,732.49). Under the power of sate contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at thc place of holding the circuit court within Barry County. Michigan at 1 00 PM on MARCH 18, 2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Woodland, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Parcel 1: Lol 16 and the East 1/2 of Lot 17. Lake Wood Acres No. 2. Woodland Township, Barry County. Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Uber 5 of Plats, Page 69, Barry County Records.Parcel 2: Lot 5. Lakewood Acres. Woodland Township, Barry County. Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Uber 5 of Plats. Page 12. Barry County Records. 9604 Brown Road. Lake Odessa. Michigan 48849 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600 3241a. In which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is so'd at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278. lhe borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated. February 18.2021 Filo No. 21-000143 Firm Name: Ortans PC Firm Address: 1650 West Big Beaver Road, Troy Ml 48084 Firm Phone Number: (248) 502.1400 (02-18) (03-11) 155606 MC'A. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: //<//> Wanted lor Oak. Tulip J "P* •£ ., Walpricing. Will buy Dainty & nut trees.Insua ' Fetterley workman^ BELLS CONSTRUCT1 18yearsexpenrn“-^7 (fjm painting, nle, r ^bbish Ue unproven-._ removal. -------- ‘“*77 MATT CATION and repa r- trailers, buckets, b^^P etc. Call 269 H°T7506' „ Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applica^°n volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 4 citizen at large Mental Health Authority: 5 citizen at large: 1 must include prin^oTy consumer; 1 must be primary consumer or family member states that ’Lend'-’ uy this Security innmnMM !„ tull of all a**-o ba Tax Allocation:! citizen at large Planning Commission: 2 citizen at large an?MucnPAq the be paid in ful1,0 avoki WHEREA property commonly known nforeclosure of Michigan; ,and " 31 WHEREAS5 ?f7^d8faU’1, ’h° Secf0* . Wh EeRrw?irod tho en,,r0 Sines’ secured by an,°unt of the indebt­ "’Ort3a9e ,0 >» immediately dUNOW THEREFORE, pwauant Io powers vested tondmea-^^'^™^^ on A^ust 6. M15 at lns‘'un”!nt No 2015 007724. B’NOnCEn,|Sn^Y GIVEN ,hat on Thursday. March 25 2021 & 1:00 P m ,Ocal tirno- tho teal property located in IO« 'f'la9® Nashvil'o. County of Bnrrv State of Mich^’tho bG,°w described will ^Toldai public aucton lo the hghest tedder: ot Lot 41 the Ongoat Plat of tho Village o! Nash­ ville, Barry County. Michigan, according to the re­ corded plat thereof. Commonly known ar315N’Stale St CALL..- The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 BUYING ALL WOODS: 'ho Sac- rotary, thiougl’^ Mortgage. by an Assign^^2*.?0i3at 2013 and rocoi^P c01inty Rocora. an“ ' " FOR VOLUNTEERS Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 citizen at large STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE RLE NO. 21-28736-DE Estate of Richard Court. Jr Date of birth; 11/02/1948. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS.- The decedent. Richard Court. Jr., died 11/27/2020 Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will bo forever barred unless presented to Laurie Court, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings. Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after thc date of publication of this notice. Date; 02/10/2021 Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street. Suite 101 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-3512 Laurie Court 9255 Miller Road Delton, Michigan 49046 (269)623-5908 155598 Banner CLASSIFIEDS Hitsines* Service .Uj/ lJZr/A .goo 8® Gross Trustee QUALITY HARDWOODS A hardwood sawmill, is seeking a full time Band Saw Filer. Duties include sharpening and repairing band head rig saws, oand resaws carbide tipped circle saws, chipper knives and dressing guide blocks. This is a full time, permanent position. Benefits include health/dental insur­ ance, 401K with a company match, vacation and holiday time along with a competitive wage. Please apply in person at 396 Main Street, Sunfield, Michigan. All real nUte adkcftiung tn this newspaper it kubjetf to the I air Housing Act and ihe h(Khip.n Ci»»l Rights Act wh eh collr<.tncl) nuke it illegal Io adintiM! “nny prrfcnrnvt. limitation or diuunntutien based on rxc, color, iffipion, set. kuxbop, familial Uutui. national origin. jge or iturtul status, or M Ittetilnin. (o nuke any tuth pt c fc r c tx e. limitation «>r dix rinii not ion." lairabil tutus include* dnldttn under the egc at IX living w.ih parents <>t |egal tintodtans, pregnant women and people kcturtng custody uT children under IX. Hut newspaper will nc( knowingly accept any adierUong for real owe which it in violation <4 the law Our rraden arc hereby informed that all dwellings adkcitocd in Chia newspaper are available on on rquj! opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616451 29M1 lhe HIT) L’li-frec tefepboos number for lhe bearing impaired is I BOO 977-9275 52'°^?V'Q2 Tax Parcel No. Tho salo will be held at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse, which is located at 220 W. State St. Hastings Michigan. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may bid any amount up to and including tho total debt at the date of salo. plus any and all amounts recoverable under the provisions of the mortgage. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay. at or before dosmg. his pro rata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secre­ tary to lhe dato of the foreclosure salo When making the.f bids, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling 10% of the successful bid m the form of a certified check or cashier's check, made payable to the Secretary of HUD. Eacli oral bd need not be accompanied by a deposit. II the successful bid is oral, a deposit of 10% of the successful bd must be presented when the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the ptthaso price must be deliv­ ered within 30 days ol>e sale or such other time as the Secretary mayeetermine for good cause shown, time being of tte essence. This amount, like lhe bid deposits, mustba delivered in the form of a certified or cashier's check. If tne Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyanc­ ing fees, all real estate and other taxes that aro due on or after lhe delivery of the remainder of the pay­ ment and a*l othor costs associated with the transfer of title Al the conclusion of the sale the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to thorn The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the pay­ ment All extensions will be for 15-day Increments for a feo of $500 00. paid in advance The exten­ sion fee shall be m the form of a certified or cashiers check made payable to the Secretary of HUD If the high bidder closes tho sale prior to the expiration of any extension ponod. tho unused portion of the ex­ tension fee shall be applied toward lhe amount due. If tho high bidder is unable to dose the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of limo granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or. at the election of the Foreclosure Commissioner after consultation with the HUD Field Office representative, will be lia­ ble to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commission may. at tho direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer tho Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder There is no right of redemptjon or right of poS. session based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to lhe Act. Therefore, the Fore­ closure Commissioner will issue a Deed to tho pur­ chaser upon receipt of the entre purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale, as provided herein. HUD does not guarantee that property will be vacant. The mortgage cannot be ‘reinstated" prior to sale, as the event triggering acceleration was not a default in payments. Payment of the entire out­ standing balance of the ntortgagg js reqUjred to stop the foreclosure. The ‘outstanding balance’ includes amounts that would be <jUo uncjer thG mort­ gage agreement if payments under tho mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs, post­ ing costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road dis­ tance for posting notices. reasona^|Q an(j custom­ ary costs incurred for title and |(en recQfd searChes. the necessary out-of-po0*61 costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording docu­ ments, a commission for the Foreclosure and all other costs incurred in connection th0 foreclo­ sure prior to the sale. Date: February 3.2021 JcifteyFL Raft ’ . ~ Foreclosure Commissionej tor th0 unjte{j statesSecretary of Housing apj* an Development 31440 Northwestern Rwy. Ste i45Farmington Hills. Ml 48334 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF OAKLAND ) j SS On this 3,J day of ^tore me. a Notary Public in and fof a County, appeared Jeffrey R Raff, Foreclo5^® ^mmissloner for the United States Secretary of ^s’ng and Urban De­ velopment. to me and being duly sworn did say that said ™ent Was signed and did acknowledge the same be hiS free act and deed. Name: Karolyn A Hanna Notary Public, Macomb b ' My Commission Expi-®^X Dialled by and Gary C. Bengtson (P-’»,z Trott Law. PC 31440 Northwestern Farmington Hills, Ml Trott 500752L01 U 'chl9an ■ .Z°25 Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab. How do I apply for: A position on an Advisory Board or Commission and click on apply; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more Information. ._________________ 154639 HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall. 885 River Rd., Hastings. Ml 49058 to examine and review the 2021 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday. March 2. 2021, 1:00 pm Organizational Meeting Wednesday, March 10. 2021, 9:00 am to Noon and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Thursday, March 11,2021. 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, cor­ rected and approved. If it becomes required to hold this via electronic remote access you may contact Supervisor Brown (269-580-0021) or go to our website (HastingsTownship. com) for further information, which will also be posted on our township door. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 5, 2021 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as fol­ lows: Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Personal Property 41.43% 1.2069 44.93% 43.99% 44.90% 50.00% Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expect­ ed after completion of Board of Review. Jim Brown, Supervisor Hastings Charter Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Hastings Charter Township Hastings Charter Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice ... . The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to Hastings Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Hastings Charter Township by calling 269.948.9690 or writing. Hastings Charter Township Clerk 885 River Rd.. Hastings. Ml 49058 sto. i4s } • 155569 155180 TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046. to examine and review thp 2021 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 2 2021, 10:00 am Organizational Meeting Monday, March 8, 2021, 100 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm A . n clirh additional days as required to hear all persons who have And on such aan be hegrd untjJ assessment r0||S have been Sd carected and approved. addhimtMENTS ARE SUGGESTED; letter appeals will be accepted ancTmust bedeceived no later than 5:00 pm March 5, 2021 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as follows; Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential personal Property 44.92% 46.05% 40.97% 50.11% 50.00% 1.1131 1.0858 1.2204 0.9978 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Jim Stoneburner, Supervisor Prairieville Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Prairieville Township Prairieville Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race color, national origin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice „ aids and The township will provide necessary reasonable aux'!'an%Don seven sereices, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/heanng upon s (Todays’ notice to Prairieville Township. Individuals wurI- Ship by requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Praineville Towns p y writing or calling. Rod Goebel Prairieville Township Clerk 10115 S. Norris Rd K Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-2726 tu,n 10 1.1128 1.1366 1.1136 1.0000 154933 �’. p,ioe 12- Thursday- ,8' ’°21 ~7he ^too*Banner Fire destroys pole barn containing automobiles r* Scan Bir,<Ucy Smoke billows from a pole barn and automobiles destroyed by fire Friday. vtdff ^ter . A pole barn housing automobiles in the 41(H) block of Nofth Broadly north of Hastings in Car|lon ToWnship was destroyed by fire Friday cvcnjng. As many as six aU|omobi!es inside the pole bam at the tirne of (he fi^ wcrc destroyed, Roger Caris, Hlls(i Fire Department chief, said Tuesday. Additionally. Ihc ^f of the bam collapsed during the fire, Inaking it more difficult to fight, he said, -phe fire was reported at approximately 5 p m “Everything u<Xs |iard t0 get al to fight it," Caris said. “The roof cnme down on top of everything. Nobody was inside when it did.” No one was hUtt’jn and no cause of the fire has been determined vet, Caris said. The pole bam was comply ‘destroyed by the fire. It took approximately 3 1/2 hours for firefighters from departments in Hastings, Thomapple Township. Freeport. Woodland, and Nashville t0 C0I„p]ctcly extinguish the blaze. “As cold as it Was^ everything was freezing up on us,” Cans said. At 4:53 p.m. Friday the temperature was 16 degrees Fahrenheit with light winds blowing and light snow falling, according to weather data website weatherunderground, com. Hoses and pumps froZc throughout Friday’s firefighting event, Qarjs said. Thomapple Township Fire Chief Randy Eaton was not at the scene of Friday’s fire but has fought fires in cold weather in the past. He echoed Caris’commcnts about pipes and hoses freezing hut also talked about other issues that can occur “Every' guy that gets wet. that jacket freezes and he can’t bend his amis,” Eaton said Wednesday its an example of what happens to firefighters in winter. “Those are certainly challenges that affect your ability to perform your job.” Firefighters from Hastings, Freeport, Woodland, Nashville and Thornapple Township help battle a pole barn fire that closed North Broadway Friday evening. Former hospital ©O© favored to serve on veterans committee Rebecca Pierce ‘ ' e. -* *© 7* * . *7 -1 . "“ .’ 7 *. ’ ; Editor The former chief operating officer of Spectrum Health Pennock will be lhe likely pick next Tuesday when Barry County com­ missioners choose a new member for the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Carla Wilson Neil, one of two applicants vying to sene on that advisory committee, was their unanimous choice when commissioners wcrc polled at their Committee of the Whole meeting. Neil and a second applicant. Brooke Campbell, both of Rutland Charter Township. were interviewed by commissioners at that meeting Tuesday. “This position is vacant because of the death of Charlie Pullen.” Commission Chairman Ben Geiger said. Pullen was lhe longtime president ofthe village of Middleville who died from COVID-19 on Nov. 20. Pullen was a veteran of the armed services - as arc Neil and Campbell. Neil, who worked at Pennock Hospital for 40 years, is currently involved in projects for Grace Lutheran Church, the Woman’s Giving Circle. Blue Zones Food Policy Committee and efforts to raise donations for a county Hospice House. She served on active duty for two years and in the reserves for six years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. ”1 have great respect and gratitude for my military experience and gratitude for all those who have served their country. ...If I am able to serve veterans locally in this roles it would be equally my honor." Neil wrote in her appli­ cation. Campbell, who is a stay-at-home mother with four children, served in lhe U.S. Ann) and is active on the Thomapple Valley Church missions committee. She said she would bring lo the role her experience in the military, as a veteran. “I’ve been in lhe position lo lead others as well as teach vital information that was helpful for each individual. I stood as a Unit Prevention Leader and gave informative classes on drugs and alcohol.” Several commissioners expressed regret that they could not choose both applicants. After polling the commissioners as to their recommendation. Geiger told Campbell, “We’re going to find a place for you lo serve." In other action, lhe board: - approved reappointing the following members to serve on lhe Barry County Community Corrections Advisory Board for three-year terms that will end Dec. 31, 2023: Michelle Newton, probation officer position; Casey Mickelson, citizen at large position; and Karen Ferrier, business community posi­ tion. - voted to recommend approval of an amendment to intergovernmental contract between the Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health Regional Fjnity of Barry, Berrien. Branch, Cass. Calhoun, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties for lhe estab­ lishment of a Substance Use Disorder Oversight Policy Board. - discussed a recommendation lo require regular monthly statistical reports from each elected official about the duties of their office; in addition to requiring department heads to provide quarterly statistical reports about the duties of their department, and annual reports for appointed board or committee chairmen be presented to thc board on a rotating basis annually or biennually. - heard public comment from Joel Ibbolson of Rutland Charter Township, Eldon Shellenbarger and Charles Heitzler. both of Hastings, who asked the board to lake action - such as offering tax abatements -- to help small locally owned restaurants. Ibbolson, who said he was calling in to the remote meeting from Ritchie’s Coffee Shop, pointed out that small businesses arc strug­ gling in lhe current climate caused by thc pandemic and resulting economic shutdown. We ship golf clubs, skis, snowboards... whatever you need to have fun!! See us for all your shipping needs gN Wl UjjM 1351 N.Broadway (M-43), Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00-4:30 ggMr------- --- -------------- The Hastings High School FFA Greenhand Team of (from left) Mason Ba'n Lindsay Hays, Aydria Willard. Kaylie Carl, Lucy Barnard. Ryan VanDorp and Keegan I took second place in last week’s districts and will move on to region3' (Photo provided) < Hastings FFA members prevail in unusual districts Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Numbers arc down this year, and the format was far from normal, but some Hastings High School students still donned their blue corduroy jackets and vied for honors in FFA district competition last week. Area FFA members competed from ag rooms at their respective schools, delivering presentations and answering questions from judges via computer screens. The district also includes Charlotte, Calhoun Area Career Center. Eaton Rapids. Eaton RESA, Maple Valley and Olivet. "No one traveled. Everything was via Zoom," Hastings FFA adviser Andria Mayack said. “(It’s) crazy to think that.before COVID, Zoom wasn’t even considered a format for contests. This way, the kids can still compete, but without being in large groups and less traveling.” The number of FFA members competing is lower at every school, she said. Hastings had just one team and two individuals compete Feb. 10 and II, but all of them may have a chance to go to regionals. The Greenhand Conduct of Meetings Team, comprised of Mason Bailey. Lucy Barnard. Kaylie Carl, Heath Hays, Keegan Lindsay, Ryan VanDorp and Aydria Willard, took second place, receiving a Silver Award. The first and second place teams automatic*1 y , advance to regional competition. ,u Charlie Nickels competed in cree speaking, reciting lhe FFA Creed an<> answering questions from judges on all things related to lhe creed. He. loo, finished tn, second place and received a Silver Award. In the job interview competition, Katie Clark took third place and received a Gold Award. She will be an alternate to regionals. “They all still did an amazing job adjusting “ to the changes for this year,” Mayack said of her FFA students. “They have been troopers and go with the 1 flow. Makes me proud lo think they have ’ accepted lhe challenge and are taking this all 1 in stride." -I. Region 1 includes all 10 counties in < Southwest Michigan, and contests aro„ expected to take place lhe first week ii>2 March, she said. "•« Regionals are planned to take place vi£Zoom the first week of March. The stat£convenlion, usually the first week in MarchtJ also will be conducted virtually in April. t” “Regionals arc most likely to run the samd^ format,” Mayack said. "We arc meeting thi£week with our district lo see if we need make any changes lo make the process nm ’ smoother.” JS J warns ®f new scamsl Attorney general Credit card scam Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning consumers of a new scam that’s been reported by at least one resident to lhe Department’s Consumer Protection team. The complainant reportedly received a call from a scammer who insisted that a new' Michigan law has been passed that dissolves credit card debt as long as the credit card number, expiration date, security code and ZIP code are provided. Nessel is urging anyone who gets this call to immediately hang up since it is another attempt to cheat people out of their personal information and money. "Scammers are relentless and will try' any­ thing lhey can to steal your credit card infor­ mation,” Nessel said. "Especially with lax season approaching, I cannot stress enough how important it is that we all stay hyper-vig­ ilant when it comes to protecting ourselves. Remember, if it sounds loo good to be true, it probably is.” Nessel encourages Michiganders to visit the Consumer Protection page on the Department’s website to gel familiar with steps everyone can take to better protect themselves. Regardless of lhe type of scam, bad actors lend to use the same approach, she said, sug­ gesting residents should always watch for one or more of the following signs: -Urgent or secret requests. -Believable stories or connections. -Requests for financial or other personal information. -Unusual payment types, such as wire transfers or gift cards. -An offer loo good to be true. Connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. Consumer com­ plaints may be filed online al the attorney general’s website, or by calling 877-765­ 8388. FTC warned. To get help, residents must firsH provide personal information or money. “Those facing eviction arc more likely t^J fall victim to this scam, as they may hayed limited resources and nowhere else to turn.fj Nessel said in a Feb. 8 press release. “Thi^‘ pandemic has caused financial hardship fob J many Michiganders and provided scammer^.; with an opportunity to use that desperate se? I of circumstances to their advantage. Do not 1 fall victim to their schemes. Always protect^ your personal and financial information* unless you are absolutely certain it is being?} provided to a legitimate organization.” j Echoing suggestions from the FTC, Nessel.! offered tips to avoid becoming a victim of a J scam: | 1 -Never give bank account, debit card, cred-*? it card or Social Security numbers to anyone ’ without first independently verifying thatS person’s identity. -Research o any organization that requests 3 personal infonnation or money. -Investigate the company online along witfcj lhe words "scam.” “fraud” or “complaint" to-} see what others are saying. Do this prior Id-’ making contact. > j -Avoid companies that say to stop paying I rent or require an up-front fee. ’ . Anyone struggling to make rent payments J should discuss it with their landlord and look 1 into local programs (hat offer rental assistance and other help, Nessel added. Those who are facing eviction or need help-, paying rent may soon find assistance through lhe COVID Emergency Rental Assistance* Program administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. For those who qualify, help may be available for past* due rent and utilities. > “Once the Legislature appropriates the/ emergency rental assistance funds, we are ready and will move swiftly to assist renters^ Rental payment assistance scam and landlords in need," said Kelly Rose,** Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is MSHDA chief housing solutions officer. warning Michigan residents of a new scam "Renters should avoid further financial risk aimed at those struggling to pay rent. by falling for scams. A legitimate program • While the attorney general’s office has not that can help is on the way." . yet received complaints of the scam occurring ’lhe Attorney General Landlord/Tcnant in Michigan, the Federal Trade Commission site, michigan.gov/ag, has morc information ‘ issued a notice recently to raise awareness of on Michigan’s eviction process and renters’ • lhe scheme, which involves scammers offer­ rights. ing tenants help paying rent - while stealing To report fraud or file a general consumer , their personal and financial infonnation. complaint, contact the Attorney General’s,. Many Michigan residents are finding it Consumer Protection team It a consumer is difficult to pay rent because lhe pandemic has unable to fill out an online complaint. lhey< caused economic hardship for countless fam­ may call the toll-free Consumer Protection, ilies and individuals. Scammers looking to hotline. 877-765-8388. and a staff member capitalize on that hardship may offer to pro­ will provide a hard copy form lo fill out and. vide assistance in the form of rent and utility return. • ’> payments or legal aid to avoid eviction, the �The Hastings ANNER | SECTION Thursday, February 18, 2021 South carries early load to the end against Trojans Brett Bremer Sparrs Editor The Trojans got a better result on the first night of back-to-back ballgames to open the 2020-2021 season than the second. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team, starting its first season under new head coach Brandi James, scored a 51-^5 v\/n at Forest Hills Eastern Wednesday and then fell 51-30 to South Christian in its home opener in Middleville Thursday. TK is now 2-2 overall after a Saturday loss to Grand Rapids Catholic Central and a win Tuesday at Kgnowa Hills. “Frustrating” was the first word that came to mind for James after Thursday’s defeat. >Soulh Christian hit throe three-pointers in the first five and a half minutes as it built a 12-0 lead. Another three pushed the Sailors lead to 16 early in the second quarter, their biggest lead of the first half. It was a triple that nudged the lead to 20 points for lhe first time three minutes into the second half. “We held it close to 12 for the rest of lhe half,” James said of lhe early hole. "II we wouldn’t have come out fiat and on our heels and allowed those three-point shots. Wc talk­ ed about getting out to shooters. We knew they were going to live and die by lhe three. II we wouldn’t have allowed that to happen right at the beginning.” Overall though, she felt like her team held its own on the defensive end of the floor. She coached many of the Trojans’ current varsity players when they were on lhe JV level, and that allowed them to try some tilings some other teams with a new head coach might not after just two contact practices. 'They rotated through zone defenses they haven’t really been able to practice with socially distant practice sessions the only kind that have hap­ pened since inid-November. “We ran a diamond and one. a triangle and tw'o. a 3-2, a box and one, we ran a 1-2-1-I half-court press and then a man at a couple different points, so six different defenses. T~----- 71 That's a lot to ask." J"'1 On the other end '.the Trojans struggled to knock he offensive shots and were frustmJ- ... ,e<i South’s physical play in the pJ’* ’ ‘ - said her team knew that South Christian s 2.|.y trap prove troublesomeThere were only left in the opening quarter when • Mlavcn Beyer pltt an Offensive rebound bi:k „p for 'Trojans’first two points ^ganie. She was also happy 10 scc that all the con­ ditioning from the last mont 1 oj|. was gassed at the end of t u fourth quarter Beyer led TK in the loss with ninc . Paige VanStee had eight and Haj|Cy Campbell seven. Tyab Jefferson and pCy(on pran chipped in three points apiece. South Christian had three gir|s jn dou. ble-figures. Sydney Vis led the way with 12 points. Addyson V'anSolkemafljljs|led 11 and Josie Vink had ten. “We played really well, ’ sa|d of hcr team’s season opener at Forest Hills Eastern. “All but our two point guard>scored. We had a really well-rounded team victory.” At Grand Rapids Catholic Central Saturday, the Trojans wcrc bested by the hosdt Cougars 40-36. They bounced back fora46-24 win at Kenowa Hills Tuesday. 'The Trojans will be on the road again Friday at Wayland and then Hill be at home against Grandville Saturday. Thornapple Kellogg’s Paige VanStee gets a step on South Christian defender Lexi Burgess during the first half of their OK Gold Conference match-up in Middleville Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) irf Cole Pape rises up 10 the rim f°r tw0 Points during the Delton Kellogg varsity boys' basketball team's season-opener against Schoolcraft Wednesday (Feb. 10). (Photo by Perry Hardln) Thornapple Kellogg senior Haven Beyer Ines to affect a shot put up by South Christian's Maria Schrotenboer during the.r OK Gold Conference contest Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) y Saxon wrestlers open year out-dueling Benton Harbor • varsity wrestling team won The Hasting' j as it opened the one of its three Utl • j season by hosttng a ‘1“ win over Benton ,Tlie Saxons eartred ;1, )35 pOllnds Harbor. 58-21. J<* canted pins for the arid Jackson Dubois at 2 d Bobb} Forest Hills Northern for the n Humphrev won byr T?"1™ 119 pounds. * ,Or,ert lw Saxons m Hastings kept the dua| wi(h ( H Fennville pulled out a 5 -53 vtetory over visiting Delton Kellogg F"da> to drop the Panthers to 0-2 on the )0U«t season. Delton Kellogg sutgd ‘cco.nd [,a 1 *° make it a ballgame. ® b> 20 points in the third ' ^"on Kellogg rallied to get within I*1’ P01"'' 12 sec­ onds to go, but couldtt l gu d’e final push it "Ttnnville moves to >1 “ason with the win. Brody Peter»o" led "’e Blackhawks " C\>!e l>e had 28 po‘",s and 15 abounds to ''iVJpamhe^^ last Wednesday (Feb. I‘ came thanks to ’£,agai"M !<"’<>"•' "ills pounds, Sanchez But 1 Oc,,lon 140 Hastings^Z'nu^-an<l .Slaughter. Slaughter Hi)|s matches aswtl1' bested b) f |hc The Saxons wend mz Northern ^-36'"4 24 to sherry at day and then «<• 1 3 pounds. M£ ( js ,irld Dillon Neal atJ" ,|5 and t with 125. Elias ^nc ' -J. )S jn lt,c Slaughter scored mL1 Brett Brc,mer n)..,..... win be host another Quad I^T Si"l,rday as ,l,cy Conference schedm l1,,,erMa,‘:-« Athletic PennfieldFeb. 24 * C IakvS lhc axons 10 talented Schoolcraft not h ag,“" projected to be one of h|clk- p tcam in the Southwestern Alhle.K. COIlfen,ncc point line, knocking dt)' ,s jn ,n tht contest. A few of tho^* . . |eail u first hall w ere just enough to ^'1 Ul t)f reac^ of the Panthers. . with . "1 was really P^vjnd of ur Obviously, Schoolcraft s - 62-47 to a Interstate• 8 Athletic'c"''/ Coldwater I,., , t,,"lerence Quad at baek^X^'^ Haitnn Kellogg senior guard Blake Thomas works lo gel around a a fondpr during"the Panthers' SAC Valley defeat against the visiting Eagles e nteasur- • -i not only in our league but in all of '"g ? , MkhiU," I* head «wh J"» southwest Micnig Hogobovim s*uci. eight rebounds for p^WbXvhif^...... .... in pkSJj ">c fKe ,hro" linc- poi"e jU&hofii l>ad f‘,ur SU>S <R’UblC r,g- tires, led by Bryce VunJcrWeirc s 14 !»•«’>• Tyler Deguxite had 13 >chcdul«j lhe Delton Kell°l .„|' f.j,. |7) and wilt lo host I’at chment las ■ ; Friday be back tn action on Oko M to lake on Kulum-tz>• in* pK tough SAC Valley 1 |0 0#ksbwg. goes on lhe road lue . Augusta. �TK guards go off in fourth as team topples Kenowa Brett B^mcr Thornapple Kellogg senior Levi VanderHeide adjusts his shot to get it over Forest Hills Eastern’s Daane Harvey in the post during their season opener In Middleville Wednesday (Feb. 10). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Sports Editor After wai(in_ .<> cet started s,nce thc m,dd,e of November io ret the season rolling, the Thomapple K.. * vflrsity boys’ basketball team is happy have to wail any longer for its first victory of the season. The Trojans scored a 48 41 W,n OVcr visU“ ing Kcnowa Hills in Middleville Tuesday to snap a three-gamc losing streak t0 start the season. “It felt gn?a( (o gel that first one,” Thomapple Kellogg head coach Joshua Thaler said. “ Hie gllys h^e worked hard for it.” Nolan Dab) and Terrell Jefferson led the offensive charge in the fourth quarter as the Trojans were flnal|y uble to break away from the Knights. Dah|ey had nine of his 11 points in the fourth an(j jcfferson had four of his 11 in the fourth. Levi VanderHeide also hit a key fourth-quarter three-pointer to extend a TK lead. 1 Cole Shoobridge had a team-high 12 points to go with eight rebounds and three steals. Austin VanElst put in seven points and had seven rebounds for TK. “Cole and Austin continue to draw tons of attention from the defense, as they have in previous years;’T|ia|erSaid. “Wc have a team with a number of scorers other than Cole and Austin that playC(j t|ieir game and were big for us tonight.” Kaiden Pratt had two points and chipped in three rebounds. VanderHeide finished with four points. 'Hie two teams wcrc tied 15-15 at thc half. Thaler was thrilled with his team’s defense, including from the guys like Pratt, Carter Stahl, Kalvin Shuford and Jaymes Thome off the bench. The Trojan coach was pleased on the offen­ sive end too, even in lhe first half. The scoring struggles were more about missed shots than an inability to get good looks at the basket. rhe Dojans arc now 1-3 overall this sea­ son, with all four ballgames against OK Gold Conference foes. TK returns to action Friday night at home against Wayland and then will play a non-confcrence ballgame Saturday evening against Grandville. Kenowa Hills fall, lo 2-2 with the loss. The Knights opened lhe season with back-to-back wins over Cedar Springs and Wayland before an overtime loss to Ottawa Hills Saturday. Grand Rapids Catholic Central scored a ?5’3* w‘" °Vec*he TK last Saturday, TK fell 60-55 at South Christian last Thursday and last Wednesday the TK boys were bested 58-39 by visiting Forest Hills Eastern in the season opener. Last Wednesday’s home opener was one that got away from the Trojans. They led the vtsttrng Hawks for the entire first quarter, held a « TlagC M ,he half ond UPP«1 that to Z8-22 in the early stages of the third quar- i trK h°i1 8 'cad w'th a minute and a ha f to play m the third quarter until Forest Hills Eastern s Brady Conlan knocked down a three to pul his team in front 35-33. It was the start of a 21-3 run by the Hawks over a span of about five minutes on the game clock. Thc culmination of that FHE surge hap­ pened after a Trojan timeout with 4:51 to play. Tk turned the ball over against thc Hawk press and Grant Lancaster buried a three-point­ er for the Hawks. Lancaster scored in transi­ tion following a Trojan miss 30 seconds later, and soon after that an offensive rebounded resulted in another Lancaster three. The Hawk lead went from nine to 17 in about a minute. Lancaster finished with 12 points. Daane Harvey led the Hawks with 18 and Jude Cleveland finished with nine. Thomapple Kellogg senior Kaiden Pratt looks for a path to the basket after getting away from Forest Hills Eastern defender Jude Cleveland with the basketball during the first half of their OK Gold Conference contest in Middleville Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Having senior point guard Dahtey in foul trouble hurt (he Trojans’ against lhe Hawk pressure in the second half. Shots weren’t falling for the Trojans either. Shoobridge and VanElst had 14 points each for TK in thc loss, and VanderHeide added five. VanDemark just behind ski stsite qualifiers in GS Brett Bremer J [ Sports Editor r, The Trojan Ski team was set to close its •season at lhe Southwest Michigan Ski ^Conference finale last night (Feb. 17) at jlBintersweet. A couple of Trojans were hoping jfor one more race after that. J The Plainwell/Thomapple Kellogg Trojan rSfri cwtpeied in its Division 1 Regional MckinUfo. Resort Wednesday f(Fcb? s'plaeed nSnh and the boys ^.T3th in the field with some of the state’s top 'skiers. * Thc top three teams at the regional earned spots in the Feb. 22 Division 1 State Finals, as !well as thc top four finishers not from those 1 teams in both the giant slalom and slalom ^events. Trojan sophomore Lucy VanDemark just missed out on a state finals spot by about two tenths of a second in the GS. She placed 14th in that event with runs of 23.76 and 21.69 seconds. Traverse City West’s Charlie Schulz and Lila Warren, Grand Haven’s Eden Nykamp and Okemos’ Sarra Guggemos earned thc four individual state qualifying spots in the GS. Nykamp and Guggemos placed 12th and 13th overall in the GS. Nykamp had runs of 23.13 and 21.90 arid TJpggcmos times of 2224 - giving Guggemos a total result of 4525 seconds. VanDemark was at 45.45 overall. Forest Hills Northem/Eastem’s Holly Grzelak was lhe GS champion on the day with runs of 22.25 and 2032, with Traverse City Central’s Elie Craven second with times of 22.15 and 20.75. Craven’s Traverse City Central team won F .... ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Panthers and Lions get a few bouts in on first day Between short-handed rosters and one team bowing out of the action there weren’t many ’matches wrestled at Saturday’s Maple Valley ’Quad, but it is a start. ‘ Climax-Scotts/Martin went 2-0 on the day, besting the host Lions and its Southwestern Athletic Conference rivals from Delton Kellogg. The Delton Kellogg Panthers were '1-1, falling 36-30 to Climax-Scotts/Martin ‘(CSM) and earning a 36-38 win over the Maple Valley guys. Delton Kellogg senior 189-pounder Hunter Belew moved to 100 varsity victories by pin,ning Martin’s Jr Hildebrand in a 215-pound • match and Maple Valley’s Dillon Jorgensen in •a 189-pound bout. » In the dual with the Lions, Belew’s pin was ithe only match the Panthers won that was , contested. They got their other 30 points from • voids in the Lion line-up. • Maple Valley had Cody Taylor pin Delton • Kellogg’s Kiran Vasquez in lhe 160-pound • match, Dante Buttleman pin Mathew Fates at • 152 and Andrew Appleman score a 15-2 win over Gage Vincent at 119 pounds. Lion head coach Tony Wawiernia w*as happy with lhe work he saw from varsity newcomer Appleman in the win over Vincent. Delton Kellogg heavyweights Belew, Luke Watson at 189 pounds and Caden Ferris at 285 each scored pins in the dual with ClimaxScotts/Martin, and DK got its other 18 points from voids in thc Climax-Scotts/Martin line­ up. Martin got pins in the dual from Trent Kimmel at 112 pounds. Carsen Young at 152, Aden Chambers al 160 and Kristian Heighten al 103. “The first week of competition was as I expected it.” Delton Kellogg head coach Brett Bissetl said. ‘'Conditioning was an issue across the board, as to be expected with not being able to drill with partners for the first two weeks." In lhe dual between CSM and Maple Valley, only four flights were contested. The Lions’ lone win came from Matthew Slaght at 112 pounds. He pulled out a 4-2 win over CSM’s Trent Kimmel. LCTK hockey earns second Baum Division shut out 1 , nken scored with a lick under three P>,aD« K the opening period and it .minutes U P > , thc LoWen/Catedonia/ •was the 0 KenOgg varsity hockey team •Thornapp'f i( OK Conference Baum ;^,0'ro?d to 2'0 Monday. Division rec°‘ for a I -0 victory over Forest ! LCTK hcM ern a| Kentwood Ice :HiHs Northo^ E of thc Mason in ■ Arena. 0* ^forthe LCTK team and goalI conference P «^ker. Walker had 30 saves tn ’ keeper Garren •',he Wi?' was assisted by Brendan Clarke and ’ ^^Skibinshi on js a 2-2 record on !Trave^g\‘y satiny !<* Aren* last !TraverseCiy SoUthstde > ■ Byron Cent IFridayI Olsen and Drew Klomparens had the two LCTK goals Saturday in Traverse City, with Nick Lockhart earning two assists. Klomparens assisted on Olsen’s goal as well. Will Dawson led the TC Central guys with two goals and three assists. Carson Peters and Seth Lucas had a goal and an assist each. Byron Center pulled away for its 5-1 win with three goals in the third period last Friday. Olsen scored LCTK’s lone goal, on an power play, off an assist from Lockhart. Five different players scored the Bulldogs’ goals. Logan Nickolaus had one of the five goals and assists on three others. Bulldog goalkeeper Carson MacKcnzie made 24 saves to gel the win. LCTK is scheduled to host Plymouth Friday afternoon al 4 p.m. and then take on Lumen Christi in Kentwood Saturday eve­ ning. the girls’ regional championship with just 51 Marquette’s Anna Grzelak was the girls’ points. Marquette was second with 84 and the slalom champion with runs of 3155 and Forest Hills Northem/Eastem team third with 2626. Guggemos was lhe runner-up with 1075 points. times of 31.41 and 27.10. Behind those state qualifying teams Traverse City West had skiers place first, Traverse City West was fourth with 1155 second, third and eighth in thc guys slalom to points. Grand Haven 159, Rockford 245, score just 14 points in that event. Traverse Okemos 255,t Mattawan/Paw paw 287, City West was also fastest in the GS to win the Plainwell 310, Portage 318, Kalamazoo regional title, finishing with 45 points overall. • Traverse City Central was second in the boys’ United 381 and Sagjuaw Heritage 497. VanDemark 16th overall in the meet with 855 points and Forest Hills slalom, putting together runs off 36.42 and Northem/Eastem qualified for thc stale finals 29.47. She was less thana second and a half with a third place total of 113 points. Marquette was behind thc Forest Hills behind the last of the sute qualifiers in that Skiers with 131 points, followed by Grand event. Plainwell/TK had Madison Nagel 29th in Haven 205,Saginaw Heritage2245. Rockford thc slalom, Karley Way 46th and Abigail 280, Okemos 286, Mattawan/Paw Paw 316, Wamez 47th. Nagel was 43rd in the GS, Portage 362, Hudsonville 405, Kalamazoo United 428 and Plainwell/TK 476. Whitney Johnson 57th and Wamez 58th. Traverse City West’s Aiden Lewandowski won lhe GS with times of 1959 and 18.46 seconds. He won a good battle with Marquette’s Hayden Kauppila.whohad a lime of 1953 on the first time down lhe bill and then was just behind Lewandowski al 18.80 on lhe second run. Lewandowski also won the slam with times of 24.09 and 24.31 - the fast­ est of each run. Andy Hill was second and L uke JVtewpn (be slalom for TQ West. -'WLiam Troutner led the Plainwell/TK boys in the Gs with times of 23 DO and 22 JOO to place 39th overall. Travis Barton was 60lh and Sam Bacon 62nd. Troutner was 35th in the slalom with runs of 31.48 and 32.79. Bacon, placed 55th in lhe slalom. - '" j / ’. Eagles topple Vikings with triples Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings knew what was coming: defen­ sive pressure and three-point bombs. They handled the defense put on by Olivet all right, but didn’t get out on shooters with enough efficiency to slow down thc Eagles in lhe Greater Lansing Activities Conference opener at Lakewood High School Monday. The Eagles bested the host Vikings 70-51. Olivet’s 6-foot 2-inch senior forward Cam Webb drilled four three-pointers in the open­ ing quarter and finished with a game-high 28 points. The Eagles hit ten threes as a team. “We said, if we’re going to go 3-2 zone they’re going to park guys in the comera and our bottom guy has got to run them off the three-point line. We did not do that. We jogged out. We didn’t close out on anybody.’’ When the Vikings switched to a man-to­ man defense the Eagl*5 wcrc abIC t0 t*3* defenders off the dribble and get lo the basket or kick out to shooters if help came. When the three-point looks weren’t there the Eagles did an excellent job of using quick baI1 movcmenl to find opportunities closer to the basket. The Eagles led 34-25 at the half after lhe Vikings closed the second quarter with a little 6-2 run. The Vikings got to within eight points early in the third on a three-point play by Jayce Cusack following an offensive rebound, but the Eagles soon pushed their advantage back to double-figures where it remained for the rest of the bailgame. Freshman guard Bo Lincoln scored 16 points for the Eagles and fellow freshman guard Tayvcn Feldpausch had nine. Cusack led the Vikings with 17 points. Senior forward Brady Gawne added ten points and junior guard Denny Sauers finished with 12 points. Sauers was 6-for-6 at the free throw line. "Our pick-and-roll, when we set a good pick and seal we were getting some good pick-and-roll offense on the wings,” Duils said. :Whcn we ran our stuff we were getting good looks all night long. It wasn’t a particu­ larly good shooting night, but all you can ask is that you get those good looks. We still scored 51 points. That is not great, but it is not Lakewood sophomore guard Jayce Cusack flies to the hoop ahead of Olivet's Ramsey Bousseau during the second half of their GLAC ballgame at Lakewood High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) bad. That is good enough to win ballgames if you play decent defense.” Lakewood will return to action at home tonight against Maple Valley and then will host Leslie Friday night. The Vikings arc now 1-2 overall this sea­ son. They picked up their first victory of the season last Friday at Saranac 49-31. Lakewood had 31 points tn lhe first halt, starting lhe evening out on a 21-11 run in the first quarter. Gawne had 11 of his game-high 28 points in that opening quarter. He hit six three-pointers in lhe bailgame. Cusack added eight points and Sauers six. Lucas lacey chipped in four points, all in the opening quar­ ter. ,. . . . Blake Stanton had a team-high nine points for Saranac on three three-pointers. �Allendale and Cedar SpHn8s best LHS grapplers at incite The first day was a tough one of the Lakewood varsity wrestling team. falU^S^l "e,,‘ 1 2 1,1 thc Allendale Quad, against a strong J. Lakewood’s one v>Jt <-35 to the host Falcons and 38-31 by^’ ,c:'n>. otv> of Lakewood's Keegan VanAlstine works to pin Mona Shores’ Jake Moll during their 171-pound bout Saturday at the Allendale Invitational. (Photo by Michael Graham) I Lakewood junior Zac Gibson celebrates his 10Oth varsity victory at the Allendale Invitational Saturday, joined by Lakewood coaches Tony Harmer (from left), Nick Boucher and Dave Gibson. (Photo by Michael Graham) Three wins in three tries 58- j 6 over Mona Shores. Allendale came into the season ranked seventh in the state in Division 3. Lakewood’s Keegan VanAlstine, Nathaniel Graham and Ashton Clark each went 3-0 on the day, and junior two-time state medalist Zac Gibson earned his 100th varsity victory by besting Allendale’s Hilton Rood during the opening dual of the day. It was a good workout on the day for Gibson who lost a tough second match to Trevor Marsmen from Cedar Springs, one of the top ranked wrestlers at his weight class in Division 2. Lakewood head coach said VanAlstine. a senior, dominated throughout the day and that he believes Graham has turned a comer and will beat some really good wrestlers this sea­ son. Clark, making his return to the program at 103 pounds "was a ball of energy that never stopped moving," Hanner said. The Viking team was also excited to have freshmen Chris Webb, Hunter Anderson and Jaydcn Manhart earn their first varsity wres; (ling victories. "Cedar Springs match didn’t go our way/’ Harmer said. "Wc knew it would be tough today. We have some kids out of thc line-up that will be making a return later in the sea­ son. 1 emphasized to the team it is not about winning or losing, but embracing the opportu­ nity. Wc are lucky lo have a season and at any given time the virus can shut us down. Lets focus on continuing to improve and getting better everyday, and worry about the end of the season when it comes." The Vikings will be at another tough meet this Saturday, at Bronson. They were slated tp open the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season last night (Feb. 17) dit Leslie taking on both thc Blackhawks and Perry Ramblers in GLAC duals as well as b non-confcrence match with Lansing Eastern^ Trojans at home quad Thornapple Kellogg heavyweight Carter West (top) nears a pin in the first period of his match with Caledonia’s Jaden Millet at the TK Quad to open the season Friday night in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was a good start to the season on lhe home mats for the Trojans Friday night. Thomapple Kellogg went 3-0 at its home quad to start the 2020-2021 varsity wrestling season, taking wins over Holland, Caledonia and Gull Lake. The Trojan team brings back four of its five individual stale qualifiers from a year ago, and another trio who were regional qualifiers who are certainly capable of getting to thc state’s top tournament at some points before their high school days are done. A pair of those 2020 individual state quali­ fiers Kyron Zoet and state medalist Zack Gibson were both 3-0 on the day Friday , as were teammates Jackson LaJoye. Carter West and Dylan Bailey. The Trojan team also had Austin Chivis and Andrew Middleton finish 2-0. Tyler Bushman. Ben Hanson and Matthew Middleton were each 2-1 at the opener. None of the Trojans faced tougher compe­ tition than Austin Pearson in thc 215-pound spot. He faced holland state qualifier Samuel Jimenez in his first match and Caledonia state medalist Ryan Staton in his second. He was pinned in both of those matches, but kept fighting to score a pin of Gull Lake’s Colton Hicks in the second period of their bout to end on a high note. The Trojans bested lhe Gull Lake Blue Devils 50-18 in their most lopsided dual of the night. Despite lhe overall team score, lhe Trojans pulled out a few close bouts in the match. Bushman edged Ethan Ward 8-7 at 125 pounds to pick up his second win. TK’s Jackson LaJoye (left) steadies himself before trying to trip up Holland's Hunter Tripp during their 145-pound bout Friday at the TK Quad in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Andrew Middleton fought for a 6-4 win over Oliver Hess al 145 pounds. In the 189-pound match, Hanson got his second win by beating Garrie Mann 4-2. Jackson Curtis at 160 and Gibson at 130 had the Trojans’ only other pins against the Blue Devils. Zoet. at 135 and LaJoye at 152 earned decisions for TK and Matthew Thomapple Kellogg's Tyler Bushman works towards a reversal during his 14-4 major decision over Caledonia’s Riley McNutt in their 125-pound match Friday a the TK Quad in Middleville. The Trojans were 3-0 on the day with wins over Caledonia, Holland and Gull Lake. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Middleton picked up a technical fall at 160 pounds. West (285 pounds). Camren Zoet (171). Matthew Middleton (160), Chivis (152), Kyron Zoet (135) and Gibson (130) had pins for TK in the dual with Holland which was a 50-27 TK win overall. TK bested neighborhood rival Caledonia 46-21 in the middle match of the evening. West, Gibson, Kyron Zoet. Andrew Middleton and Chivis had pins for TK in the win over the Fighting Scots. Bailey pulled out a close 9-7 win over Jordan Korvicak in lhe 103-pound match for Tk, and LaJoye edged the Scots’ James Hall 8-6 at 145 pounds. In one of the night’s best match-ups, TK’s Matthew Middleton took on Caledonia’s Owen Norman, who is a two-time state med­ alist. Norman took a 9-3 win in the bout. Defense turns to points Pennfield edges Saxon girls on lanes at M-66 and shots fall in Saxon win «"-ffiSrs closed out th wj(h 3 4_2 record. Athletic Confer fieW al M-66 Bowl falling I9-11 Tuesday aftcrn°°,-, (he two Baker games with The Saxons sp1 wjnning one thanks to a the Pennfield gir‘sscore of 168Daisy Kerby and Andrea Ally Herder, D* 'd a ^tch potnt for Rhodes each each pick l0 cam -sZ r "d ”P ““ ’* Cam L 139 gameRhodes .said Saxons W>t1 j coaCh Dea g|,ou( the Has,inFt,hthar<iforp<’ ker rolled a 156. her guys and “ "?5' afternoon-sCOred DreW Rhodes this afternoon (F . action at JAX 60 dual. Amber Rabideau started out lhe first game for lhe Saxons, but an injury left Shyanna Baker lo lake over. Combined they rolled a 121 lo earn one of thc Saxons’ match points. Hastings got two match points each from Kerby, Andrea Rhodes and Abby Barton. Barton rolled a 191 and a 189. Rhodes scored a 135 and a 131. Kerby threw a 109 and a 153. Thc Hastings boys were bested in a close match with the Mountics. The Saxons got a 196 from Drew Rhodes, a 193 from Zavion Twiss, a 175 from Trevor Madden, 180 from Eaton and games of 170 and 176 from VanOoy. The Hastings boys won a make-up match with thc Harper Creek guys at Bowlcro lasl Wednesday, 27-3. Hastings took lhe Bakers against the Beavers with games of 167 and 169. Richmond earned a match point with a 200-game. The Saxons also got a 126 from Jackson Byers, a 141 from Truvor Madden, a 160 from Eaton, a 157 from Twiss, a 133 from Fenstemaker and games of 165 and 171 from VanOoy who won two match points. Harper (’reek docs not have a girls’ team this winter. .............. Brett Bremer Sports Editor Tlie Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team Put up its highest point total in five years as it knocked off visiting Coopersville at Hastings High School for its first victory of the 2020-2021 season. Defense led to offense for the Saxons, and they shot the ball as well as they have in a ballgame so far. Hastings had six different players knock down a threc-poinl sj10t “We shot the ball well from the outside in our five-out offense, which stretched the defense and then we started getting to the basket and thc foul line* Hastings head coach Mike Engle said. "We wvrc 15.of.20 from the free throw lineEvery player scored for the Saxons> led by Macy Winegar’s 13 |X>ints*f nan Bond had tcn points and Carly Warner and Brooklynn Youngs chipped in nine |x>mts npiece josey Nickels had a team-high eight rebc)Unds and Winegar had six stealsl he Saxon defense really * aried affecting the Broncos midway throug i the op^ng Quarter. A flurry of CoopcrsV| turnovers led to baskets for the Stings had 19 steals as a team in the ba KanIe, Wjt^ (|ie Broncos committing or so turnovers. ... "Throughout the first half we moved back and forth between a full-court press and a half-court trapping defense." Engle said, “which kept Coopersville out of any offen- S''weeks'upon weeks of conditioning of an already athletic team are allowing the Saxons to turn up the defensive pressure. "We have a deep team this year and more athleticism than we have had in past years I think there will be mghts when we wtll be able to trap more on defense and press more than have in the last couple of years, Engle Sa,The Saxons also hit the offensive glass hatd, pulling down 12 offensive rebounds to net a few extra possessions. b Hastincs girl* are now 1-2 on the season AerlS to a pair of Inicrstale-8 Athletic Conference ftes, Marshall and Coldwater, to Coldwater basted the!Saxons 50-30 in 1-8 V n in<t Thursday. The Cardinals extended Sr^ead'late'after taking a 24-20 lead into the half. The Saxons managed to even the core early in third quarter before the Cardinals rallied to go into the fourth quarter ahead by six points_________________ _ "We ran out of steam in the fourth quarter and went cold from lhe floor," Engle said. “We shot very poorly in the fourth quarter. Coldwater shot well. Additionally, we were in foul trouble and Coldwater went to the free throw line and was 10-of-IO at the free throw line in thc fourth quarter.” He said a defensive adjustment by the Cardinals to take away the Saxons’ dribble drives to lhe middle slowed down the Saxon offense somewhat in lhe second half. It s an issue lhe Saxons have already begun repair­ ing. Wincgar had a team-high 12 points in the loss to go with six rebounds.. Youngs. nine points. , We had very balanced scoring13 points. Bond ten, Warner and Young* ni each. .. . The Saxons’ Tuesday night ballgame *>» Lumen Christi was postponed due to er conditions this week. Hasting* W1 bost that ballgame Feb. 27. p. The Saxons return to action tonigfit^(Feb. 18) at Harper Creek and will be *‘ Western Saturday afternoon- Hab the road next Tuesday at Jackson ■ l �Pa^ 16 — Thursday- F«l*ua/y 18’ 2021 Hastings Banner Saxons extend lead in fourth Birtt Bremer S^rts Editor After a couple tough Interstate-8 Athletic Conference defeats to open the season, the Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team picked f|p.t yj ()f l)lc sensoll Saturday afternoon at Hastings 1 lig» School.. , The Saxons extended an eight point lead to nearly 20 points as they scored a 53-36 win oxer the Hopkins Vikings in non-confcrence Hastings head coach Rich Long sketches out a play on his wipe board during a time out Thursday as his team takes on the Coldwater Cardinals in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference ballgame at Hastings High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Saxons' Carter Hewitt flies by Coldwater’s gvan sioan to the basket during their |.8 contest Thursday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) ■■ action. “It was nice to get a win." Hastings head coach Rich l_ong sajj ••) was very happy with our defense. gven against Coldwater (Feb. Ill, had put up 85 the game before, wc held to 48 points We had set a goal to lock down and hold Hopkins to under 40 and keep our turnovers under 14. We ended the game with 12 turnovers.” lhe Saxon defensive effort focused on slowing down the Vikings’ Colin Weber. “We knew Colin Weber was a very good athlete and would score points, but we worked very hard to contain him, holding him to under 10, lamg said. “It was nice to see the effort from everyone. We have multiple guys that can guard multiple positions, and are not afraid to sacrifice for the team. We ended up taking four charges in the game. Even up dou­ ble digits, late in the fourth quarter, Kaiden Shumway steps in to take a charge.’’ Offensively, lhe Saxons also saw some ■ • The Saxons’ TJ Russell tries to avoid pressure from Coldwater’s Ethan Crabtree as he attacks the basket during their 1-8 match-up at Hastings High School Thursday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) DK girls turnover Fennville for first victory of new year Brett Bremer Z Sports Editor ‘ Most of the learning is going to happen in .ballgames this winter. The Panthers will take some time in prac­ tice though to focus on taking care of the ■basketball. Thc Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basket­ ball team turned the ball over 49 times com­ bined in its first two ballgames of lhe season, •but lhe Panthers did manage lo make do with -their 24 turnovers in a 62-17 victory at ’Fennville last Friday. ‘ Aubrey Aukcrman had a career high 17 ;points to lead the Panthers on the scoreboard •in thc win at the home of the Blackhawks. ■Caitlyn McManus chipped in 11 points and rfiine rebounds for DK and Mary Whitmore 3iad ten points, eight rebounds, five steals and Jive assists. The Panthers had 29 steals in the contest and 34 offensive rebounds, “which are just huge numbers for us. That was pleasant to sec" said Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn. The DK girls were scheduled to visit Parchment last night (Feb. 17) and will be al home Friday to take on Kalamazoo Christian and then at home against Galesburg-Augusta Tuesday.The Panthers’ Monday evening ball­ game from this week, against Constantine which was postponed, has been moved to Constantine High School Thursday (Feb. 25). The Delton Kellogg girls opened their sea­ son with a 65-22 loss at Schoolcraft last Wednesday (Feb. 10). “Wc did not handle their pressure at all and coughed the ball up 25 times which led to a whole bunch of points for them," coach Mohn said. “We did not box out well either, giving up 16 offensive rebounds which led to 13 points for Schoolcraft.” The Eagles got those offensive rebounds while shooting the ball pretty well. They hit 51 percent of their field goal attempts. At the other end, the DK girls struggled at 30 percent shooting. “Not a good combination,” Mohn said. “But hopefully, wc learned a lot during lhe game which is going to be lhe case this sea­ son. Not going to have a ton of practice time to work on things as we will be playing on most nights. ‘Learning on the Fly’ will have lo be the mantra for the season.’ Cadence Johnson, a sophomore in her first varsity contest, led DK with ei£ht P°inLs and coach Mohn she had a pretty good overall game to go with the points. Whitmore had six points and ten rebounds. Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner ’ in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? WEEKLVyppATES ' NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS legals more HASllNGs^^i^NER (26g) 945.9554 www.hast(ngsbanner.com gains in their shooting at thc end of the sea­ son’s opening week. They hit 5-of-13 threepoint attempts which opened things up just a bit inside for senior center Evan Eastman who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. He had eight offensive rebounds. Kirby Beck matched Eastman’s 16 points and was the main defender on Weber much of the evening. The Saxons also got nine points, five rebounds and four steals from TJ Russell and six points each from Ethan Caris and Braden Vertalka. Beck and Vertalka had four rebounds each. Weber closed the day shooting just 2-of-7 from the floor. He was 5-of-8 at the free throw line. Coldwater dropped thc Saxons to 0-2 in the 1-8 last Thursday with a 40-35 win at Hastings High School. Beck had 14 points and Carter Hewitt added a spark for the Saxons by hitting backto-back threes in the third quarter. Hastings opened the game on a 7-2 run. but the Cardinals straightened things out to move in front 14-9 by the end of the opening quarter and then extended their lead to 22-15 at the half. Brandon Downs led the Cardinals with 17 points. Thc Saxons are scheduled to host Harper Creek tonight (Feb. 18) and will be back in action Saturday for a 1 pan. start against Parma Wester. Hastings is home Tuesday eve­ ning to face Jackson Northwest in the week ahead. TK ladies undefeated in first trip down Gold lanes The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bowling team finished off a perfect first half of the OK Gold Conference season by besting Forest Hills Eastern at Northfield Lanes Tuesday. The Trojans are now 8-0 overall and 7-0 in the OK Gold Conference this season after scoring their 29-1 win over the Hawks. TK’s boys improved their record to 7-1 overall and 6-1 in conference duals with a 29-1 win of their own. The TK ladies won the two Baker games 129-68 and 151-83, and took thc two regular games 738-555 and 603-491. Dalace Jousma and Carly Snyder won two match points each. Snyder rolled a pair of 148s. Jousma scored a 186 and a 126. TK also got games of 141 and 139 from Caylcigh Willard, a 139 from Paige Green, 124 from Allison Hess, 96 from Lily Secord-Rider and 94 from Emily Podbevsek. Thc TK boys were similarly dominant. They won the two Baker games 194-121 and 174-118, and the two regular games 811-611 and 776-721. Michael Willshire, Wyatt Jacobson, Nate Palmer and Ethan Kriekaard won two match points each. . Willshire had the est series of any of thc TK guys, rolling a 199 and a 175. Jacobson scored a 194 and a 144, Palmer a 172 and a 167 and Kriekaard a 161 and a 141. Z Moore added ‘?K and Wyatt Barnes rolled d 99. Thc TK teams look part in their first invita­ tional of the season Saturday, the Hudsonville Invitational. The TK girls placed fourth In qualifying and then were downed by Zeeland in the opening round of match-play. Jousma had a high game of246 and Snyder of 224 to lead TK on the day. Green had a high of 166, Faith Foster 157 and Willard 139. The TK boys were tenth in qualifying. Willshire placed fourth individually with games of 240 and 213. Jacobson had a high game of 205, Palmer 193, Kriekaard 184 and Moore 149. Olivet ekes out two-point win over Lakewood ladies The Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team had a slim lead that they held for most of lhe game disappear down the stretch at Olivet Monday. The Eagles scored a 45-43 victor)' in lhe Vikings’ Greater Lansing Activities Conference opener. The Lakewood ladies were just 6-of-l4 at lhe free throw line, leaving the opportunity open for the Olivet girls to fight their way to the finish. Maradith O’Gorman led Lakewood with 12 points and five rebounds. Sophie Duils and Anja Kelley had nine points apiece for Lakewood while Kelley also added a teamhigh eight rebounds. Olivet got 18 points from Danae Feldpausch and nine from Peyton Lehman. Olivet improved to 2-1 overall this season with the victory. Lakewood led the ballgame 23-20 al the half. The Vikings are now 1-2 overall this season heading into a match-up at Maple Valley tonight (Feb. 18). Lakewood’s ladies opened the season with a 39-32 loss al Bath last Wednesday (Feb. 10) and then picked up their first victory of the season Friday at Saranac, 43-33. “We ran the floor well and had a size advantage," Lakewood head coach Kelly Meints said following the victory at Saranac. She said her team struggled to slow' down a couple Saranac sharp-shooters in the first half, but adjusted well. A 17-6 run by the Vikings in the fourth quarter solidified their victory. w Kelly had 15 points, 11 rebounds, si' assists and six steals in the win. O’Gorman had 11 points, 14 rebounds and four blocked shots. Alli Pickard chipped in eight points and three steals for lhe Vikings. TK starts cheer season with runner-up finish Thomapple Kellogg’s varsity competitive cheer team opened its first season under newhead conch Adrian Sinkler by scoring a run­ ner-up finish al Friday evening’s Huskie Invite hosted by Portage Northern High School. Only Charlotte, a program that placed eighth at lhe Division 2 Stale Finals a year ago, finished ahead of lhe Trojans. The meet was broken up into two four-team sessions to make social distancing easier in the gymnasi­ um. The Trojans and Orioles were each a part of session two. with Charlotte putting un a score of 663.82 and TK 650.38. Overall on the day, Portage Norihem was third with a score of 573.68. ahIead,“*' Vicksburg 566.98. Uslie 56°-40' 54620, Otsego 508.10 and Bronson 507’J • Charlotte had the top score of the day each round and the Trojans were se each. Charlotte outscored TK -’UW2075,n round one. 194.92-187.88 in M 255 90-°55 00 in round three. Lawton was the , ‘ , 200-point mark only other team to surpass me ?. in round one. and no other team was withm125 points of the Trojans and Onoles tn the round ,hTKw"s scheduled to return to action at the first OK Gold Conference jjunboree of he season last night (Feb. 17) MKenowa Hills. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-02-25.pdf d23eba107a68a1457d0241d7b4f238ee PDF Text Text vaccinations on Page 3 Threats the cancel ctUture’ See I3 age 4 Saxons move ball to bust Mounties’ z°°e See Story on Page 1° .. Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1^56 804879110187 CAR-RT LOT’COOS CC0c> Richard Hemerhng 421 N Taffee Dr ‘ Hastings Ml 4905S-1134 ; ANNER C/30/2021 9 47 00 AM Hastings price SI^OO Facebook post sparks outcry in Middleville Victim identified in Nashville murder case Taylor Ow ens Staff Writer Barry County law enforcement officials conducting an ongoing homicide investiga­ tion say 18-y car-old Gracyn Michael Brickley of Ionia County was the victim. Andrew John-Lawrence Lafey, 21, faces a charge of open murder, and allegations that he beat and shot Brickley on Feb. 16, Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said "Right now there’s a lot of investigation still going on.” Pratt said. "We want to make sure we thoroughly go through everything." Among that evidence is a video record­ ing. although Pratt would not say what it contained, and laboratory tests. They are still awaiting those results, she said Wednesday afternoon. Pratt said it is “very possible” she may charge Laifey with additional crimes. She also did not role out the possibility of charges against other individuals. Barry County sheriff’s deputies and Nashville police said they were notified of a possible assault and murder at Lafey’s residence on Guy Road in Maple Grove Township at L:Q9pjn. Feb. 17. Later, police said, they found Brickley’s body on the ground near lhe residence, covered in snow. Investigators have been particularly tight-lipped about the case, but Pratt said there are reasons for it. "Theres’ so much involved in this case that is really sensitive.” she said. Photos of Brickley that were posted on social media in October appear to indicate that she was pregnant at that lime. Pratt, in response to questions about the pregnancy, said she could not say if Brickley was pregnant at the time of her death. Undersheriff Jason Sixberry said the See INVESTIGATION, page 9 jerk reaction again. , "I’m not going to say that it was nt inappropriate and insensitive, not for a second. I’m not going to argue that I did something that was right, I wouldn’t dream of it. I hear the opinions and thoughts on both sides. Greg Chandler "I agree, it was a very stupid mistake, no Staff Writer question. I apologize for the insensitivity of Middleville Village President Amanda the statement, and moving forward. I’d like Fisk issued a public apology Tuesday night my personal record as a member of this regarding a social media post she made Feb. council to stand for itself as well. I have been 17, responding to the death of conservative bipartisan in everything I’ve ever done on this radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. council ... I don’t even know the political However, some village residents aren’t affiliations of anyone I’m looking at on this buying the apology, questioning Fisk’s call right/iow. It doesn’t matter to our jobs. sincerity, and one resident says she will start a It’s nevcjHjeen an issue, to my knowledge, for campaign to recall Fisk from office. any of us. We do all that work bipartisan, and Detractors and supporters of Fisk spoke we run: for our seats nonpartisan. I hope to out for more than two hours during the public continue to do that work moving forward — comment portion of Tuesday’s village council just thre same as I have for the last two years.” meeting, which took place virtually. At one Fi^k was appointed by her council point, 346 participants were on the Zoom call, colleagues Jan. 12 to fill the seat left vacant Village Manager Patricia Rayl Said. by lhe death of longtime Village President "I made an insensitive comment. 1 have Charlie Pullen. Pullen died Nov. 20. 2020, of zero [excuse],” Fisk said during the council complications from COVID-19, a little more comment period shortly before the meeting adjourned. "I’m not going to defend it. I’m See OUTCRY, page 2 not going to tell you that I’ll never have knee- Village president apologizes^ critics Blan recall campaign The social district would mirror the boundaries of the Hastings Downtown Business Team, running from East Center Street to West Mill Street and cutting off along South Boltwood and North Park Street. The commons area within the social district would include Broadway and Michigan Avenue, between Court and State streets and two adjacent blocks. Social districting coming to Hastings Sophie Bates Staff Writer Nearly a year after (he COV1D-19 pandemic started, officials in the City of Rockford established the Rockford Outdoor Refreshment Area in December 2020 in hopes it would attract traffic downtown and to local businesses. So far, it has. ?\nd that’s of great interest to city officials in Hastings, who Monday OK’d a plan to implement a social district in downtown Hastings. "We’ve had comments from many businesses that their sales have increased dramatically since we’ve had the RORA open.’’ Rockford Deputy Clerk and Communications Coordinator Kris Murphy said. "Some of our businesses were very nervous about their sales figures going into fourth quarter, but came out feeling confident. "And so far. feedback on how their first quarterns going has been good ." RORA is an example of social district, the result of a July 2020 Michigan law passed to promote shopping at local businesses across the state. The law allows municipalities to create social districts: and, within those, commons areas are created where customers may consume alcohol they purchased al local. See DISTRICT, page 10 Survey seel s input on interim sup »rintendent Sophie Bates Staff Writer Over the past week, the Hastings Area Schools Board of Education has received 122 staff member responses and 342 com­ munity responses to a survey designed to evaluate Matt Goebel, the interim superin­ tendent. The 15-question survey, which was post­ ed on the Hastings Area School System website and Facebook page on Tuesday. Feb. 16. was closed to public submissions on Monday. Feb. 22. ’Fhe survey was intended to solicit the opinions of school district staff and commu­ nity members prior to a school board evalu- ation of Goebel’s performance. That evalua­ tion is expected to take place at a 7 pan. March 1 special meeting. "The Hastings Board of Education is per­ forming a superintendent evaluation on our Interim Superintendent Matt Goebel in the near future in order to help us determine our next steps as a board. In addition, we would like to get your feedback and ask you to complete this brief survey to assist us," the survey description read. The board's next step, following its eval­ uation of Goebel, will be to decide whether to hire him to fill the post on a permanent See SURVEY, page 9 Downtown Hastings gets a ‘snowlift’ Scan Bradley Staff Writer For those who didn’t stay up to watch, Tuesday’s disappearance of all that snow downtown may have seemed like magic. But no magic was involved; just hard work. Snow was removed by the truckload from downtown Hastings by the city’s public services department - which made the trek several times overnight Monday into Tuesday morning. Hastings Public Services Department employees worked all night to clear away middle of the Sla,le Stre®'in downtown Hastings early Tuesday morning as a cW c ** began lhe job ot A mountain filled the rn(oS by Jim Jam0s' City of Hastings) clearing away the snow. e Here, they finish up the cleanup along South Jefferson Street z-, , oiled into the middle Once the snow wa»P^ fn)nMnd The piling up and removal of snowfall is of lhe street. t0 a park in the usually done at least twice a year, Travis Tate, loader onto trucks and . the city’s public serviees director, said eastern part of last week’s big ■•Thc,-l^±,S u^uile heavily." ^UC"What the} did was they used a snow snowstorm, H icany e plow truck, and scraped the side of the Fate said. . ro2 inches of snow sidewalk and vent backward,” Tate said. "It’s Since Feb- •;" ing |0 Davc McIntyre of not your typical way you would do it. It's fell in the City. . WMlhef observer with mainly to gel lhc snow 10 comc out lo lhc Hastings, an o )e'rSe,vitx. in Grand Rapids, middle of the street as opposed to pushing the the National' • . was as n|UCh a, 15 Sm>w<^.‘n^ng to the Nation^ snow away front die truck. In addition, employees used shovels to inches last »<* • remove snow from around benches, trees, and Weather Service data. prr'ls'and'lhen push it into the piles. �2- »’ T5"'’95 OUTCRY, continued from page 1-------------he had run unopposed than two week’ , A „rti« he’d held for 11 for re-election to the —------------------- - —— "These comments don’t represent th vjews of this board. Thev don’t represent most 01 lhe Views of the citizens of lhjs village. such as the one Rush Limbaugh experienced. Shame on you.'* Kim Smith, a village resident and business rc » vll,a?c residen’. *s»'d * A owner, raised concern with the direction of . P^res“J’L'nnbne apology front Fisk over lhc village under Fisk’s leadership. she had read ani onhn ..|ackinR .. _______ -Trustee Mike Cramer ”1 see Amanda pushing for marijuana '"’.jXTniore or l<» •> non-apology. ]t dispensaries in our community. 1 don’t think v L u "* s0rr> " Dicl“™n that’s a good thing for the children and teens ‘ST X" in a posi,ion °f » ()pcfl president’s scat, in Middleville to make it so easily accessible,” appointment lo SSdCTHOf «nv viilape or town, you are in psk. Smith said. "I think it’s that type of liberal which was ;n.ar(| dT ™b ic eye Mlc arc *mching and Trustee j (lc said he was agenda that we moved to Middleville to get i .£ I wk shocked and appalled by what away from, and it’s why wc chose to raise our “disappointed” by disk’s on,*ne P°st’but n,so ‘ wjlh somc of the views on R«»h Limbaugh. I was family here and why I’ve chosen to run my said he was e.xpnrssedbyhcr nI5. iiccravaledby the non-apology ... I am asking business here for the last 20 years.” tit Swncil » encourage her to resign.” We s<mlc' * jiis, 1 couldn t believe, that were threa(c - e thc whole board, and Keara HiHon. who has lived in Middleville they don’t cvCn ki]o* us " Lytle said. “Tom for 17 years and who started a change.org The council is without authority, petition calling f<» Rsk's ouster, said in a text under Michigan law, to remove or message to lhe Banner Tuesday night that she force a council member to resign. had emails Barry County Clerk Pamela The only avenues that exist under Palmer to about a recall petition against state law include a recall effort by Fisk, and that Palmer said she would send petition, and there are specific rules Hilton a blank petition because the clerk’s governing that process.” office is currently closed after an employee -Attorney Mark Nettleton tested positive for COVID-19. -Over Amanda’s time as village president, she has repeatedly and openly insulted a large majority of the people that she was appointed Others defended Fisk, some using words Sophie Brtfcs to represent, and unapologctically so,” Hilton like “lynch mob” and “witch hunt” to describe SteiffWriu'r said during the public comment period. ”1 calls for her ouster. waited patiently for our [council) to take “I support free speech. and I support l—.^ C^U."CI notice, as Amanda’s hateful, vulgar and Amanda Fisk’s right to slfirc whatever she distasteful statements were not muted in the chooses on her private Facebook page,” Manager Jerry Czarnecki’s resignation, with least, nor a secret to anyone that performed a resident Jennifer Meyer said. “Her comment some reluctance. Thc council also approved an simple search of her name on any social pales in comparison to the hate speech that executive search proposal with lhe Michigan media outlet. Her social media outlets, which Rush Limbaugh repeatedly shared on Municipal Leaguc fOf the city manager posi­ she states were ‘private,’ may have been her [commercial! radio ... I find this fabricated tion. "I really don’t want to,” Trustee Therese personal pages but they were most definitely outrage and calls for her resignation to be before voting to accept not private. ridiculous. I frankly think this whole issue has Maupin-Moon: Czarnecki ’ s resig nal , on which is effective May ‘‘Her distaste for an entire political party been blown out of proportion. I think it’s *7. was very evident and publicly accessible, shameful.” | Czarnecki, who stepped into the city managDanielle Hoskins, a lifelong Middleville creating a feeling of insecurity amongst many ’ er role July 1.20|g, js ^signing due to person­ residents here, regarding Amanda’s capacity resident, called the reaction against Fisk al reasons. He ^4 feels the city would be to truly represent us as a whole.”< “bullying.” “It’s been heartbreaking to see the venom better served by aOcw cjty manager with a “full As of Wednesday afternoon, dearly 2,900 tank of gas.” people had signed Hilton’s petition. It’s not spit at her, to see the verbal attacks on her “1 am leaving because I’m just ready to known how many of the signatures stere from family, w.ishing her children harm, implying that violence or ruin will be coming to her, move on to something else,” the former teacher village residents. blatantly threatening her physical safely and said. “You know, I cnjoy this position. I think wishing general ill upon her family,” Hoskins I’m a great person for it. A lot of energy has ‘This is not about your views, rather said. “We’re talking about a lifelong resident gone into the lasiyear.and-a-half that I’ve been this is about your communication, of this small town, a single mother of two. a here, and it’s just my fuel tanks. “I think to help m0Vc this organization for­ causing division and polarization in volunteer in the community, a hardworking, our community. It shows a lack of \ contributing citizen - not some boogeyman ward, passing the fcaton on to somebody else gives the employee^ the council and the com­ respect and a failure to listen to living on Capitol Hill.” “If Amanda would have been at the scene munity as a whole h chance to step back, look viewpoints that are different than of the insurrection on Jan. 6.1 would be the at what brought us to this situation or this your own.... Shame on you." first to call for her resignation,” Tamara crossroads and [figure out) if there’s anything - Cori Curtis, resident Purdum said. “I do not feel in any way she has that heeds to be afysted." Anrejmmate from the Michigan Municipal tarnished our community. I feel those that League indicates that the search will take at took it to lhe news have tarnished our least 120 days andiacludc five phases: profile, Hilton questioned lhe legality of Fisk’S community ... this should have been handled advertisement, setaning and shortlist, inter­ by the people who give of their time and run appointment at the Jan. 12 meeting because it < was done virtually and not during an in-perseit for positions on tlte board, and not pressured , yjew and selcction,4nd the -final phase..:H The profile pha^allojys elected officials to meeting, which she said violates the Michigan by anpehair quarterbacks.” ' express their expeeft^ns for a new city man­ Nicholas Janose, a classmate of Fisk’s at Open Meetings Act. ager and include*'1 tW development of a'cdndi' “What exactly were the qualifications for Thomapple Kellogg High School, defended date and comixunity proFie in a recruitment the village president position, and what Fisk’s right to free speech, noting that her brochure as veil as a reviev of current com­ vetting process was in place to ensure Facebook post was not on a village account. “Has she committed a crime? Is there a pensation and benefits packages. appropriate representation for our taxpaying That information will then be advertised in community members? 1 have searched the hearing? Is she going to be detained or the MML’s online classified ads. recruitment village webpage and was able to find the arrested?” Janose. a military veteran, asked. councils and social media outlets for the adver­ qualifications for all positions except this one. “This is a witch hunt, and it’s ridiculous. I tising phase. didn ’ t sign up to defend this kind of stuff. ” so I am hopeful that you can clarify this for During the screening and shortlist phase, city While some residents called for the me. I cannot help but wonder how our village manager candidates will be screened for social council could have overlooked the hateful council to vote to remove Fisk from office, media activity and other public information. Nettleton said, under state law ’ , the council remarks that Amanda has made against an After an application analysis and personal cannot take that action. entire population of our residents,” she said. “The council is without authority, under screening of candidates, a short list of candiHilton also took issue with a change the Michigan law. to remove or force a council village made in its meeting notice. The initial public meeting notice that was on the village member to resign.” Nettleton said. “The only website last week said every email or letter avenues that exist under state law include a sent to the village regarding Fisk would be recall effort by petition, and there arc specific read aloud during Tuesday’s meeting. rules governing that process. There are narrow Rebecca Pierce However, that notice was changed Monday at circumstances for removal of an elected Editor the recommendation of attorney Mark official by the governor, and those A case of CO VID-19 in the Barry County Nettleton, Village Clerk Glorimar Ayala said circumstances and that power is very rarely Clerk’s office, confirmed early Tuesday, in a telephone interview Wednesday morning. used.” spurred an immediate quarantine and a quick Fisk was elected to the council in 2018. pivot in clerical coverage of the county com­ “We made that change when we started getting flooded with emails,” Rayl said in a She has been the village’s representative on missioners’ meeting. the Thomapple Area Parks and Recreation telephone interview Wednesday morning. Five county employees, including County Rayl said her office received 117 emails Commission. She announced her candidacy Clerk Pamela Palmer, were quarantined, and regarding Fisk - 31 from village residents. for Barry County clerk as a Democrat last the clerk's office was closed. County Among village residents, 18 were critical of year but later withdrew her candidacy. Administrator Michael Brown said. The strongest comments among Fisk’s Fisk while 13 were supportive. Among emails “Wc have a COVID-positive person in Pam from outside the village, 67 were critical of colleagues came from Trustee Mike Cramer. Palmer’s office,” Brown told the Banner “I,myself asarcsident,feel unrepresented,” Fisk and 13 were supportive. Six other emails, Tuesday afternoon. But that positive case does not affect the which did not identify a community of origin, Cramer said. “That’s not something- that would not have been read into the record anyone should feel. We are the moral standard part of clerk’s operation that is conducted in a because they contained threatening or foul for this community. We need to represent that separate nonpublic office, Brown said. in this community. These comments don’t So. Karen Barnes, the first deputy clerk language. Rayl said. “There was no way, as a practical matter, represent the views of this board. They, don’t who works out of that nonpublic office, filled that we could have read all 117 letters.” she represent most of the views of the citizens of in for Palmer at the 9 a.m. Tuesday county this village.” board meeting. . S ^All the emails will be posted in the Cramer brought up an earlier social media Only lhe public side of the cleric’s operation document section of the village website, Rayl post by Fisk criticizing a Caledonia business, in lhe courthouse js quarantined. Barnes conOSKAR Scots, last summer, which had finned. . SIU The controversy over Fisk’s comments violated slate coronavirus-related restrictions, Those staff members "ho are quarantined u its way into West Michigan media and had hoped that she had learned her lesson are using laptops |0 work remotely jrom Tven onto a national website, the from the experience. home. But certain services, can . and<erv itivc news site Breitbart. “I would have brought these things up, provided via electronic means. may e C°nAlan Buckowing, a village resident who had we deliberated in a public forum. We did delayed by the qUilrdnline, Bames ®d. r .. himself as an independent voter. not. That did not happen in our meeting to For example, S0(ne people may hav^ 1 classifies agreed with Limbaugh’s appoint Ms. Fisk to her positionCramer wait until March 2 ,vhen quarantined * f saidwh he called F^k’s Facebook post said. “That should be lookpl into. I believe members return and the clerk’s office there was an oversight, 1 believe there was (o obtain documents such as vital records . 1 "inappropriatewords or actions wrongdoing, and it should be investigated.” concealed pistol licence she said. Trustee Kevin Smith called for a ••These are council, let alone the The nonpublic the clerk’s oth e. befitting a!,>^"e1. ’ jng said. "Her lack of “calculated outcome delivered with calm, which handles paynaccounts pay’ • president. Bu<*° s a stark divide in the dignified resolve.” is still working can be." 8>«n the empathy demonstra Io represent. “Ixt’s start here, tonight, by agreeing that circumstances, Ban. L „;<( • values that she s ,0 jy tlve ‘scorched earth* commentary is no longer Brown said they 1.^ ’ assessed lhc situation Empathy is « tn l ^rtainly not qualities or tolerated; that wc as Americans can have and -we don’t members of the l«Xrship. These ^tcwhat our communtty civilized discourse with one/another, publicly public would hov ‘e impacted by >’s or privately, without compromising lhe very [case). And we f^^’JSent other staff attitudes that , fabric of the mechanisms which led us to was not affected ” vr' . become the greatest nation on Earth.” Smith said. “Most importantly, our actions and words matter, and to disregard (he Disease consequences of those actions or words as a community leader, servant or citizen should and a fai ure <>wn r “en* ffen;nl|y are - and will - be weighed and measured.” the public to I5mt ai‘d less. Smith and Cramer both had sought 5* ,^\*i’C"aPainfuldM,h’ Overall, since thermic hcP,n' COU"'y ________ _—-— -------- Her comment pales in comparison to the hate sp® । find tn'= lhink Limbaugh repeatedly shared on [commercial] ra,d'°tolJs.1 chafiie^1-' ed outrage and calls for her resignation to be nd'cu t[link it s sn this whole issue has been blown out of proportion-•1 Meyer, resw« Mil DeVn^ and Kevin Smith just got on [the eouncill. Hie whole board was [being labeled as) sinners. I can’t believe that. There was foul language and veiled threats. That’s not any better than what she did. These people are doing what she did. They’re trying to bully If she resigns, that’s up to her. I’m not going to force her out,” Lytic added. “She made a mistake, in my opinion.” President Pro Tempore Sherry Ronning । . ...curbed” said she was UP wcek.‘ <1 councilc events of lhc (J,er candidate. ’"Wc .V. --— . fell Of ethics decided who we. that there s “ b •• Ronning but 1 do believe "'•i 1" thh.'There" a lot "^'5|0 "digest. This >s There’s a lot I »«[, 'n0„e of * "ad to unnecessary drama. have gone through. Council accepts Czarnecki’s resignation city manag§rjorjiastings f J?* Wl11 60 Prcscnt«l for the city’s consider- Candidates on the short list will then be lhe focus of the interview-and-selection phase. The final phase is the completion of a full background check by a third party before the hiring of a finalist. “First thing, they’re going to come in. and P<^Pli:”Ma>orDaveToisavasaidoftheMML search team; "you know, get an idea of what you’re looking for in your next city manager. And then they’ll have a crew come in here and they’ll market the City of Hastings. That’s the first couple steps. “I think, with the Municipal League doing this, this will be statewide. It also will reach out to all the surrounding states, and they’ll do a national search.” In other business, the council heard a presen­ tation from Barry County Blue Zones Activate Director Allison Troyer Wiswell about a part­ nership with the United Stales Department of Agriculture Farmers lo Families Program, which is designed lo subsidize farmers and distributors during lhe pandemic. The Farmers to Families program purchases produce farmers are unable to sell and distrib­ utes the food to families in need. Barry County Blue Zones ran lhe program last summer, and over lhe course of five weeks, distributed 208,000 pounds of fresh produce throughout the county. Another round of lhe five-week program began in January. Since then. Blue Zones has dispensed 2200 boxes of produce each week. Food boxes are distributed at Hastings Baptist Church at 9 a.m. Saturdays; however, food boxes will not be distributed Feb. 27. The pro­ gram’s last day is March 6. “Once we are through our five weeks, we will have distributed 3I3XXX) pounds,offood through the county,” Wiswell said. “It> Just been amazing to see how wc all come together and work together so well to help out our community. “Il docs my heart good." In addition, the council continued discus­ sion from the Feb. 8 meeting about protocols for adding an item to a meeting agenda. A change proposed by Czarnecki was meant to formalize the agenda process and allow council members an opportunity lo request an item be placed on a future agenda during lhe meeting in a “Suggested Items for Future /Xgenda" section. If a council member requests that an item be . other council ilacedj on the placed on a future agenda and ^pJace( members object, the item wi member next council meeting. placed on the objects to the item, it ' J7ere council agenda for the next meeting . jlem members will vote on whether to • to the next meeting’s agenda. information ’’What that does is give time for to be collected and give to council have the discussion, because otherwi » brought up cold at a meeting,” Czarnec _ “ “If it’s brought up cold and everybody agree with it, it’ll be on the next meeting- » brought up cold and there’s people wh0 more information before they decide whe council should lake it up, instead of voting ng then — yea or nay — it’s something that coun­ cil should discuss. That gives until the next meeting for an opportunity to get information together that can be presented to the council, and then at that point they can make a decision on whether it should be an action item.” This created concern among some council members and Tossava who said it should be easier for council members to get items on the agenda, which is created by Czarnecki and Tossava. Ultimately, the motion lo approve the pro­ posal failed 5-4, with Don Bowers, MaupinMoore, Brenda McNabb-Stange, Don Smith and Tossava voting against it. In other business, the council: Adopted a special land use in lhe B-I zoning district, which gives lhe Hastings Planning Commission power to determine density requirements in downtown to encourage resi­ dential development in lhe district. Appointed of Mike Schneiderhan to the Local Development Finance Authority board for a four-year term expiring Dec. 31,2024. Appointed Director of Public Services Travis , T^CJas4csienat<dijStrcefcAdministrator for the Michigan Department of Transportation. . Approved.lheJ$J, F^psc of Lima School annual‘ 5K Fun -Run at 10 a.m. Saturday. April 17, in compliance with COVID-19 safely practices in effect at that time. Approved the use of Fish Hatchery and Bob King Park baseball fields for the Hastings Hardball and Softball Club between March 15 and July 30, in compliance with COVID-19 practices in effect at that time. Approved a $46,800 proposal from Prein&Newhof for engineering services for lhe proposed Michigan Avenue and Woodlawn Avenue resurfacing construction project. CWID case doses c©wty clerk’s office beneath you and > operations have had to contend with individu­ al cases of COVID-19, Brown said, “but it hasn’t shut things down. We’ve been fortu­ nate; I’d like to say that it’s due to our pre­ paredness and our staff’s vigilance.” Early on, the county invested in a crew trained specifically to disinfect county offic­ es. he noted. A fogging unit was expected to be at the courthouse Tuesday night. “That’s our protocol,” Brown said. “That office has been quarantined.” “The cases we’ve had seem to have come from the outside, instead of being spread internally,” he added. ”... We haven't seen it spread within the organization, and that says a lot about the staff and how they take it on a daily basis. “The biggest thing, to me, is wc need to follow - and be vigilant about - the CDC recommendations and not let our guard down.” Absences don’t slow county board Tuesday Rebecca Pierce Editor A sudden switch in clerk for the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting didn't delay the meeting for long Tuesday. Once First Deputy Clerk Karen Bames was connected electronically to the Zoom remote session, the virtual meeting lasted roughly 20 minutes. No public comment was made during the session. Bames was filling in for County Clerk Pamela Palmer, one of five county employees quarantined after a case of COVID 19 was confirmed in her office. (Sec related story.) Bames. who works in a separate nonpublic side of the clerk’s office at the courthouse, is deputized to act in Palmer’s stead - and did so Tuesday after the health department advised Palmer of a confirmed case of CO VID in her office. Board Chairman Ben Geiger was excused, too. “My absence today was scheduled, and done incoordination with Vice Chair [Vivian] Conner. I’m healthy, well and will be Iwk next week,” Geiger wrote in a text message Tuesday. Commissioner Jon Smelker also was absent. The five remaining commissioners, led by Conner, swiftly took care of lhe county’s busi­ ness. Among Tuesday’s actions, the board unan­ imously: - Approved Carla Wilson Neil, former chief operating officer of Spectrum Health Pennock, of Rutland Charter Township, as a new mem­ ber for the Veterans Affairs Committee. Her term began Jan. 1 and will expire Dec. 31, 2024, - Reappointed Michelle Newton, probation officer; Casey Mickelson, citizen at large; and Karen Ferrier, business community, to serve on lhe Barry County Community Corrections Advisory Board fur thrcc-year terms that will end Dec’. 31.2023. - Approved an amendment to an intergov­ ernmental contract between the Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health Regional Entity of Barry, Bcmen, Branch. Cass, Calhoun, Kalamazoo. St Joseph and Van Buren coun­ ties fur the establishment ot a Substance Use Disorder Os erstght Policy Board. Authorized U> contract lor construction management services and proceed to a sub contractor bidding phase for the county’s courts and law building renovation project. Apposed $90,293 in claims. �Sisters in the spotlight as they celebrate vaccinations together Sisterst_lQOand 85. recall past health crises_and_celebrate second-dose Shots Elaine Garlock, 100, survived scarlet fever as a child and, as a young mother, she feared for her children and others as the polio epidemic raged. She showed some muscle and hopefulness when she received her second COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month. (Taylor Ballek, Spectrum Health Beat) drive five milejuaut in the country just (o look Thanksgiving or Christmas. Accompanied by her daughter Kay Bar roft, Lake Odessa resident Elaine Garlock (right) leaves the Spectrum Health vaccint clinic at 60th Street and Patterson Avenue earlier this month. (Taylor Ballek, Spectrur । Health Beat) Elaine Garlock and her young sister, Harlene Hill, are photographed in about 1939 as they stand on the steps of their childhood home in Carson City. (Courtesy photo from Kay Barcroft) Sue Thoms Spectrum HealthBeat Bom in August 1920, Elaine Garlock nar­ rowly missed the 1918 flu pandemic. She survived scarlet fever as a young adult. And as a mother, she feared for her children as the polio epidemic raged. Now in the time of the COVID-19 pandem­ ic, Elaine, 100, could not wait to get her vac­ cine. Earlier this month, she pushed up her sleeve to receive her second shot at a Spectrum Health vaccination clinic. > • She jokbd with nuWeKrtdicy Lobdell^RN, about having strong anns.': * .......... “You got enough muscle here.” Lobdell agreed. Lobdell delivered the injection and placed a bandage on Elaine’s arm. As an added bonus, Elaine’s 85-year-old sister, Harlene Gedris, got her second vaccine the same day. Both sisters said they did not hesitate to get vaccinated. This pandemic is horrible.” Harlene said. “Anything we can do to get through it as quickly as possible is what we need to do.” “I admire lhe scientists who developed the vaccine,” Elaine said. “I admire their scholar­ ship.” The sisters live independently, 40 miles apart, Harlene in Grand Rapids and Elaine in Lake Odessa. Despite their close bond, they have seen each other rarely in lhe past year, as they have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the CO VID-19 virus. Recalling the polio epidemic Growing up in Carson City, Elaine heard little about the deadly influenza pandemic that emerged a couple of years before her birth. “Way back in 1918. people would not have had the access to information that we now have, so they might not have been aware of the scope of lhe disease like we are today,” she said. But she recalled a family in her town that had been affected by the pandemic. A man and woman, who had each lost their spouses lo lhe flu, married and created a blended fami!y. Later, as a mother of young children, Elaine was intensely aware of the polio epidemic in the late 1940s and early 1950s. “That was very scar),” she said. “I had a cousin who had polio, and she was paralyzed for life.” Harlene. a teenager at the time, recalled the traumatic effect polio had on their little town. In a few' years, a half-dozen young people died, including two of her high school class­ mates. “We were terribly fearful,” she said. “We couldn’t go swimming. We couldn’t get ^together?’; ‘»w.crf i-<’ ‘- Harlene worked as a teacher in Grand Rapids when lhe polio vaccine became avail­ able in 1956. “We couldn’t wait to get it,” she said. Through Fountain Street Church, Harlene became familiar with two women in the con­ gregation who were vaccine trailblazers: Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering. Their research in the 1930s and 1940s led to the discovery of the vaccine for whooping cough. “I didn’t know them well, but I had a great deal of appreciation for them,” Harlene said. “Vaccines in my lifetime have been a wonder­ ful thing.” The second dose In January, Elaine and Harlene received their first CO VID-19 vaccine a couple of days apart. They discovered, by coincidence, that their second doses were scheduled lhe same day — Feb. 11, Harlene’s 85th birthday. Elaine’s daughter Karen Morse thought Spectrum Health might be interested in learn­ ing that the octogenarian and centenarian sis­ ters would be getting vaccinated the same day. There was some talk to adjust appointment Waiting with her daughter Kay Barcroft, Elaine Garlock talks about the polio epidem­ ic when her children were young. "That was verv scary," Elaine said. “I had a cousin who had polio, and she was paralyzed for life." (Taylor Ballek, Spectrum He Elaine Garlock’s 85-year-old sister. Harlene Gedris, got her second vaccine the same day. “This pandemic is horrible," Harlene said. “Anythin we can do to get through it as quickly/. possible is what we need to do." /7ay!or Ballek, Spectrum Health Beat) \ times. Elaine’s other daughtet Kay Barcroft said, but ultimately, the scheduled times were unchanged. However, Barcroft and her moth­ er did slop by to sec Harlene afterward, taking her some flowers and talking in the driveway. For Harlene, lhe vaccine represents hope — although she expects defeating the virus will take time. “At best, it’s lhe beginning of the end,” she said. “I don’t lhink we are close yet, because there are so many unknowns.” Both women miss seeing their children and grandchildren. And Elaine looks forward to the day when she can move freely about town. She keeps busy — reading, working crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble with herself and writing a column for a local newspaper. But she misses visiting her friends who live in nursing homes and assisted-living centers. “When I go to the post office, sometimes I take the scenic route home,” Elaine said. "I Elaine Garlock keeps busy reading, working crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble with herself and writing a column for a local newspaper. (Taylor Ballek, Spectrum Health Beat) at lhc scenery', so I feel like I’ve been some­ place.” The sisters saw each other in August 2020 at a celebration for Elaine’s 100th birthday — her family held an outdoor party with masks, social distancing and other precau­ tions. They did not get together to celebrate But when they spoke on lhe phone, Harlene said her sister recalled their experience during the polio epidemic. “She said, ‘We made it through that. We can make it through this, too.’” Extra hands recruited for local vaccine drive Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry-Eaton District Health Department is getting some help with its vac- Ci,R^n-trCount" "united Way and Volunteer Cenler is with and screen volunteers for vac­ cine clini«- _ dve Director Lani Forbes United Way L js hc)ping t0 create the said the of8aDl7 connect them with the pool of volunte • • an(j conduel roles they are quaimeu ground checks. United Way and 61 .. rhe Barry County Volunteer Center W(. can - Forbes said, tion clinic any way " currently small scale While the cltntcs are shipments, because of " s building now w.ll the pool the United Way months, lie of even more when shipments tner T vaffic in and climes become ■* rsS— * ,o bcunitedway.org or org/covid-19-vaccine-mi ........ on- z h / The gradual decline of the COVID-19 incidence rate in Barry County appears to have bottomed out for now, health department _ statistical reports indicate, with confirmed cases staying around 40 or 50 at any given time. , rhe health department also has contracted with the Barry County Commission on Aging to schedule vaccine appointments. while most people sign up to receive a vaccine through barryeatonhealth.org, not everyone has access to the internet. The health department takes calls from people who don’t have internet access to get them registered. ut 1 Ic department's staff and phone lines are currently overwhelmed with calls. lhe COA’s new role is to call people with- out internet access to register them for appointments as vaccines become available. The department also reserves a share of each week’s vaccine shipment t0 administer to "’commission on Agmg Executive Director Tnmmi Pennington said five members of lhe CO A staff and one volunteer have added those Xnto their regular work schedule. . ’The seniors that*c ^calling arc so excit­ ed and so grateful.” Pcruhngton said. . Meanwhile, die slow rollout of vaccma‘iOAs“nMondi"^98 Barry County resi­ dents had received their fin,t doses and 2.688 h-id received their second doses. ' l he gradual decline of the COVID-19 inci­ dence rate in Barry Co»my appears to have bottomed out for no*. clddl department sta­ tistical reports indie <e. w,lh confinned cases staying around 40 or > a any given time. According to >h‘ Mth department, the county had 54 config cases as of Tuesday, with 340 probable • The .'»evcn-day for the number of COVID tests that PMivc, as of Monday, was 3.1 percent. Last week, ' in M's were reported in Barry CoU^vlD-l9 g lhc Iolal t0 42 deaths due to Help sought with IDs for YMCA photos u u .inn 75th anniversary book Several photographs have been collected for the uPc°"''n9B,.[v county are seekon Hastings’ Camp Algonquin. J-Ad Graphics and lhe YMCAonw j he|p ing help In putting names to faces of people in selected p • tify anyone in this photo, please email news@j-adgraphics. accurately as possible, and description of the person, us>ng photo as reference. An approximate year when the photo as well. Brovidmg spelling, as anp position in lhe n WQu|d be heJpful> �„ e . .»nr 25. ?«' " T"° HaMln«s B wnor Page 4 — Thursday Fet>f‘‘<vy Did you SCC • ’ion & Threats from the ‘cancel Stacked and folded limited above-freezing » W‘l ture<; to meit the 30 or so inches X* midJanuary. lhe ,,akes were allowed to build up. settle, melt, evaporate and take on new shapes. Here an undisturbed accumulation cl snow on a deck railing gradually folds over on itself, remaining connected and clinging until Monday, when temperatures began to rise. Do you remember? Moving day Banner March 1. 1962 Saturday was moving day. and these volunteers helped move equipment to the new Barry County Special Education school constructed near the Medical Facility southeast of Hastings. The $14,000 building has been paid for with funds provided by generous people throughout Barry County, as well as by companies and organizations, there are 45 special education schools in Michigan, and this is the second to be built by volunteer effort, and culminates 11 years of work, mainly on the part of the kiddies’ parents. Wednesday was the first day of classes at the school, and 14 youngsters (two were absent) enjoyed their new facilities. Mrs. Lorraine Rogers, a teacher, declared, “It is a dream.” Those who helped move equipment included (from left) Repe Ganguillet, Rex Frisby, Elmer Brown, Larry Frisby, Gary Ganguillet, Kevin Ganguillet, Tom Ogden, Lynn Knickerbocker and Stanley Stauffer. (Photo by Barth) Have you met? White attending Hastings High Schoo! in the 1970s. lifelong Hastings resident Kevin Doyle wanted to be a member of FFA. which stands for Future Fanners of America, an organization dedicated to helping students prepare for careers in the agricultural indus­ try. Most of his friends were a part of FFA. and Doyle wanted the same opportunities they had; but he couldn’t join because he didn’t live on a farm or a place that would be con­ ducive to completing the agricultural proj­ ects required at that time by the organization. “I had a lot of friends in high school. They were involved with 4-H and FFA back in the ‘70s,” Doyle said. “When 1 was in school, you had to live on a farm in order to do your supervised educational activity, which would typically have involved raising an animal or crop, so you could use that for your {FFA| degree. “And. not being on a farm, it would have been pretty much impossible for me to do that.** Doyle graduated from Hastings in 1979. without ever having the opportunity to join FFA. r . He went on to become a fire-suppression specialist at Viking Corp., where he oversees die inventory ofclean agent fire suppression systems. And he fell in love with fellow Hastings graduate LuAnn Campbell, currentj his^irlfriend. and welcomed her two daughters Cassey and Ashley Glumm into hl That’s when, in 2011, Doyle finally got his opportunity to participate in Hastings’ FFA time, it was as a parent and vol- only, this U"q became involved will,theFFA when my ..irlfrknd’s oldest daughter. Cassey started g ,;n« in leadership contests, Doyle ^^We^ioined the FFA alumni and saw the “Id for additional £O,!c1heS and Olfcred '° •■W1,4, a"/|970sewhen Doyle vied for a i S’"in RFA. leadership has become a focus P X organization, in addition to agncultura| education development offered Part°fSne^w to conduct meetings in FFA J* procedure. In addition to and parhamuiia y events. Doyle coaches helping host r sc|)oo| S|;niofs m sixth-graders H P real-world probthese areas by Jems to solven a partjcular item. t as simple as planning a rtver which might tx j Kevin Doyle cleanup in your community, and still they would have to determine when, who’s going to be in charge, the budget, ... tools they might need. So. they need to work through the problem and try to come up with the best solution," Doyle said. Doyle practices with students three lo five times a week for about six months a year to prepare for local, state ap’d. if necessary, national FFA competitions’on parliamentary procedure. “The contest involves students receiving an item of business with five minutes to pre­ pare arguments without talking to one anoth­ er to solve this item of business. Once they have had their five minutes of preparation time, they go to a contest room in front of three judges to solve lhe item of business,’’ Doyle said. “It is awesomefto see our stu­ dents thinking of the resouiles they can use to accomplish the task that[t|iey are given in lhe item of business. They must think of things like creating a budget obtaining resources scheduling the events placing peo­ ple in charge to accomplish the task.” Doyle said he has seen Mudents blossom from their involvements in\l FA, which is why he has continued to volunteer with the organization even after Campbell’s daughters graduated. "What an exciting journey it has been. So many young people turned into awesome well-rounded students, able to make good decisions and work through problems in a structured manner," Doyle said. " This gives them ;an avenue to express themselves in exploring different avenues of science, and they really get involved in that poniotvof it. And then, also, most of them want to Ik good leaders, and we try and impress that Upon them. “So. once they pick up the mantle and start going forward, it’s just awesome lo see what kind ol young adults they turn into because of the opportunity." Doyle also has volunteered with the Bridles and Bits 4-H Club for 15 years and hopes lo volunteer with FF/\ full-time after he retires. For his dedication to lhe Hastings FFA program and aiding in lhe growth of its stu­ dents. Kevin Doyle, is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Best advice ever received: Always do your best, no matter what you are doing. Important lesson from childhood: Always tell the truth. Il made things go a lol better when w e could own up to our mistakes. Greatest fear: These days, it is being con­ cerned that I have not prepared my I FFA] teams well enough. । Favorite historic period: During the for­ mation of our country, around the time of the pilgrims, when the settlers came to America to start a new beginning. 1. Person I’d most like to meet: I would like to have met George Washington during the formation.of our ncw.naliou 10- listen.tq his heart and love for this, new <;pbntry < » What die world needs now • is: A heart to serve others. . _ ' Whittl’d tell a high school graduate:There will be challenges' stick to doing right tor lhe right reasons, never give up and always hope. 1 am most content when: I’m helping Oth­ ers. ‘ I Favorite dinner. Anything cooked over an open fire. What motivates nie; Seeing young people when they finally get something — under' landing a process or somcthing like talking in front of a group — anj tt becomes easy tor them. Each week, the Bi(I,ner profit »J*™" who makes the communiiy P°J"1! know someone w|1() ijwuld •* !ea,u d because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality. for the stories iie or she has to tell or any other reason? c..,>d information to Newsroom, Hastings Butner. 1351 N‘ M’43 Highway. Ilast£. ’"11 4905* or email newsM jadgn^coni. If Ihomas Jefferson and his gang of Founding Fathers were alive today, they would be hanging their heads in shame. Almost 250 years ago, people like Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. John Adams and George Washington designed this country with the foresight that compet­ ing viewpoints would result in strengthening our government and our society for future generations. Just holding a viewpoint today, however, has become a perilous position in a corro­ sive culture ready to pounce on. snuff out and “cancel" competing perspectives. We saw a great example of that in Middleville last week when newly appointed village president Amanda Fisk posted on social media a reference to the death of conserva­ tive radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. "Hahahaha - Ilahahaha - deep breath Hahahahahahahah," Fisk posted. She said the settings on her Facebook page were pri­ vate and that this post went only to those on _ ‘ lit. But social media is not pri­ vate. and others who happened to see Fisk’s comment look exception to what they felt was her contempt for a man who spent the last year of his life fighting lung cancer. I’m not here to debate Limbaugh’s politi­ cal views, which were often controversial, but to make the point that a man who gave away millions of dollars to a host of organi­ zations and even paid for the medical expenses of those who didn’t have insurance or faced big deductions certainly deserves a modicum of respect in death. Fisk’s cruel observation isn’t unusual in the Facebook arena. Social media has become a sinkhole of emotional sewage. What’s particularly concerning about Fisk’s online comment is that she is an elected official. As such, she represents all of lhe people in her community - even those who might have a different reaction to Limbaugh’s passing. As of Monday morning, 2.600 sig­ natures had been obtained on a petition calling for Fisk's resignation. Some might say that Fisk was exercising her First Amendment right lo free speech, (but an official representing a community should use belter judgment. A leader must live the example of what we want our com­ munities to be as welcoming, safe and com­ fortable homes for all people. In this case, the leader placed self before community, a characteristic that is becoming all too com­ mon. In reegnt years. it’s, been harder to find Cdtttmbn. ground on any issues of the dav ‘ due to our inability lo respect someone’s right lo hold views that are different from our own. In fact, in today’s “cancel culture" people are losing their jobs or having their way of life affected because of something they said. What in the world is driving this disre­ spect for each other’s personal views that divides so man) Americans? In my opinion, it starts with the inability of elected officials to put country and community ahead of per­ sonal beliefs and party politics. We’ve watched it unfold for several years, l he two parties focus on a power struggle to control the narrative rather than concentrate on the outcomes that benefit most Americans. Both parties seem to be caught up in a con­ tinuous political standoff that leaves the country’ polarized by ideology and party politics and, in turn, makes it nearly impos­ sible to move forward on so many important issues. It’s small wonder that Americans are left stressed and frustrated with growing antipathy over the process - and with each other. There was once a day of positive working relationships - even friendships - between people and even between politicians of dif­ fering views. Bipartisanship has become unthinkable in today’s hyper-partisan cli­ mate. The checks and balances that make our two-party system work has become dysfunctional. This is the lifeblood of our democracy - the pump that feeds and keeps oqr system alive. But when we allow per­ sonal views or party politics to silence opposing voices, it makes it harder to join together for the benefit of the nation as a whole, Healthy debate has devolved into bickering, haired and contempt for one another. aizaJi and ideologically . Ronald -5 . . Republican ftresnW Speaker I he Tip O’Neill. 'hc,PtS,. after many House. During the 7 jtnony in the Oval of bitter debate and '£ a)|y look at hl. Office, one would v workday WJ' watch and remark ' inic for the twoof nearing an end and it' ‘ tjier. Everything them to enjoy a cocktail tog and they that had come before went a / were best friend-,. .. ^eir difterRcagan and O’Neill sc ‘ . Ja(ion passed; cnees lo get important ktogetherto they understood they had to -j |eg. gel anything done for our na • country islated with a commitment E jnyaRy, ahead of personal beliefs an®. । cnvironsomething rare in today s p° 4 ment. „ n’Neill While neither Reagan nor embraced the other’s viewpom s issues, each respected the other s hold those views. t So why can’t it work today. ‘ changed in the past 30-pIus years. many of our differences and intolerance come from social media where the b.ic 'as i from expressing one’s views can cn ui harassment, name-calling, belittling an bullying to the point that people don’t want to express their views on almost any subject. According lo a recent report from the Pew Research Center, roughly four in 10 Americans have experienced online harass­ ment, with half of this group citing politics as the reason they think they were targeted. ’Fhe report suggests that, in our current polit­ ical environment where Americans are stressed and frustrated, online venues often serve as platforms for highly contentious or even extremely offensive political debate. Roughly nine in 10 Americans say people being harassed or bullied online is a prob­ lem; of that number, 55 percent consider it a major problem. I’m not a social media user, but, those who frequent these sites likely have seen instances where someone expressing their opinion was “canceled” due to their view' on a subject. Instead of healthy debate on a certain issue, a more vocal group takes over the conversation and dictates what is right or wrong. ? We’ve seen these problems in so many spaces of our lives; in the books we read.thC; people we talk about, .rhr-mvyws and the! television shows wc. watch. -Monday., the; Disney Company announced.it adding’ content warnings to 18 episodes of The’ Muppet Show due to some negative depic­ tions or mistreatments of people or cultures. What the hell is going on? I’ve watched The Muppets with my grandchildren, and I sure­ ly wasn’t shocked by anything I saw. Disney-Plus is available by subscription only; that streaming service can be "can­ celed" at any time. Rather than allowing the general public to determine what it wishes lo listen to, watch or read, the more vocal group seems to be dictating what is right and wrong. This can­ cel culture is nothing more than a breeding ground of hate that provokes contempt for anyone who doesn’t think the same. . ' That’s why I commend the citizens of Middleville for calling out outrageous and offensive comments that were nothing but toxic and distasteful. But this cancel culture can be a cunning imposter. In our rush to judge those who violate common standards of decency and decorum, we must lake care not to become “cancelers" ourselves. When they hired /Xmanda Fisk as village president last month, Middleville officials saw a leader with talent and potential, ’fhe cancel culture, as may be imposed upon Fisk following her sharing of a reprehensible opinion, could lead to a permanent penalty that robs the community of its own bright future. ; Let’s use this unfortunate lack of good judgment as a reminder that the focus of every politician and every citizen must extend beyond their individual selves to the greater good of the greater community. The Hastings Fred Jacobs. CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. Banner Detfoted lo the interests of Barry County since 1356 PubKshed by. Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news^j^adgraphics.CQm • Advertising: ads^adgmphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO . NEWSROOM. Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophia Bates Greg Chandler Sean Bradley Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT < C!as$.i.fad ads accepted Monday woujh Ffda/, 6 30 a m to 5 00 p m. Scolt Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonket Subscription Rates: $52 per year m Barry Count/ $60 per year in adjoining countes $65 per yea' elsewhere POSTMASTER. Sf-xl changes PO to3 Ml 49058-0188 Second Cats Poikipi Pa d at HartRp. Mi 49058 �OA 2G21 February 25 ZK • — Tie HaMmgs Banner — I1"’" " Restaurant reopening plan would double current capacity 9 —|«AOC Looking for a superintendent - in all the wrong PlaC GUEST COLUMN Commerce'6 Pa9° 5 °' reint’Son^'fC Mral'8y for “* c“>norn’ lx- allowed to open to 50 Restaurants would be percent capacity - instead of the state-or­ dered 25 percent — under a reopening plan proposed by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. The MRLA plan would base restaurant restrictions on the state’s percent positivity rate for C0V1D-19 tests. J Right now, state officials say the positivity rate is 3.9 percent. Under the MRLA plan, in that case, restaurants would be allowed to open to 50 percent capacity. Under the current slate health order, restau­ rants arc limited to 25 percent capacity and a 10 pan. curfew. The MRLA plan has those restrictions in place for when lhe positivity rate is between 10 and 15 percent. If the positivity rale fell below 3 percent, all restaurant restrictions would be lifted. The MRLA said it used lhe positivity rate for its plan because it's "a reliable barometer to measure the saturation of lhe virus in an area al a given lime. It is clear, easy io under­ stand and available to all Michiganders." The MRLA reopening plan also calls for hospitality workers to be categorized as "other essential frontline workers" in Phase IB of the vaccination campaign, which the state has scheduled to begin in May. “We have long advocated the need for a ”* our rcs,nun,n,$’ banquet . cntcrtainmcnt venues in Sa’d Justin Winslow, president and CEO of lhc MRl A in „ sUtementThrough this plan, we are putting our metrics where our mouth is and hope it proves a use­ ful tool lo elected leaders as wc enter a new ph.isc ot the pandemic." Asked about the MRLA’s proposal, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday acknowledged the pandemic’s burden has been greater for the restaurants, and that she understands their desire to provide input and that “wc will always take that input and make it a part of the conversation.” However, she said she’s going to “stay very clearly focused on the numbers" to see where the state is. Whitmer said she knows people want lo increase capacity at restaurants, and she said getting lhe Legislature to pass her COVID-19 relief plan is key to that because “our success is dependent on having lhe resources" to gel people vaccinated, to support businesses and re-engage schools. The Small Business Association of Michigan calls the MRLA plan “a strong, data-driven approach to reopening for some of lhe hardest-hit industries.” The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance also supports the MRLA plan. Tb the cdl,or:. 9 Schoo, r The Hasting’ f'System Board of Education is, onf*rtt for tk^ need for a new supcrintende Hastings school district. pan n The board chos ling^nap as its new superintendent 01 nSjve L^ool district in 2019 after art ^Lv-ess. application, and interview n n. ^nap has since resigned and has tt»|e Of superinten­ dent of lhe Thomap e,logg school dis- centers (Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: ♦All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. ' ’ * ” ' * • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. (^ Know Your Legislators: J Hastings ^P^^ichL^ thousands in paid services to 1 . p^an Association of School Boards to 1 sckf/naP> a candidate who did not live m J^ol district and who stated he would not . family here until his children had from their current school system. There is no d0'?bJi-jlD2.Jta*ting8 residents are frustrated and d • Panted at his short­ lived leadership 5° . 5? and his sudden departure. This f*nan , ‘nVe$tment has put us in the red, and we to our board of education memo* te learned anything from this process an choices they made that led us to this lossOne of the primary /^rations in choos­ ing a school supenn ndent should be the candidate’s committrtcn to Our community This means residency- his means involve­ ment. This means more moncy jnvcslecj by taxpayers, hut also the rime, effort and dedication invested to the community and our children by the candidate. To find the right fit for the leadership role of a school superintendent, the school board must be proactive in its leadership role and actively approach viable candidates who are already working within our school system. We currently have outstanding candidates in Hastings who are working, around the clock, with our children. These candidates live, work, raise their families and volunteer here. They spend their energy making the district a great place to live for our children and us. For instance, the leadership at Northeastern Elementary led to creating a school annual event that is so successful it helps lo alleviate the financial strhin of providing equipment and supplies to lud in lhe quality of education the children receive. The encouragement and U.S. Senate nohhie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. onGIO ohone (202) 224-4822. rv Peters Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510hnne (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720 1W Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233- 9L5°^nfS comment line: 1-202-456-1111. 77 line for Congress '-2“-224'3’21- Tb the editor: Mega-farming is Alness with severe negative consequences. People say there is nothing one can do about it; that it is inevitable. 1 beg to differ. I propose to bring Gods view aboUt jancj into focus. God says in Scripture, “The land shall not be sold permanently, for thc |anj js Mine,... you are strangers and sojourners with Me.” Leviticus 25:23. The living Bible paraphrase presents the latter part more clearly,"... you arc merely My tenants and sharecroppers." That Scripture clearly says who the actual owner is over all and of everything a person possesses. Granted, today’s American economy is not the same as that in which God commanded the early Israelites. But the principles cited still apply. The main principle being to share the land with people desiring a small acreage. Cases in point are some Amish families and other fam­ ilies who want a small piece of farmland, but are being priced out of the market. When I was in college, I was enrolled in a social geography class. As the nations of lhe earth and their indnMnl social issues were studied and discussed, we came to one of the South American nations haring major social problems at the time. The foeis on the South American natron of Colombia stated that its main social-economic problem was lhe land was in the hands of a relatively few, large landowners and the common people were shut out of ownership. I grant that farming has become an expen­ sive venture. But it is becoming increasingly evident that, with the huge equipment the major manufacturers are driving, the push is for larger land holdings with less necessary labor. Therefore, to pay for this machinery, if one chooses to purchase it, the temptation increas­ es to purchase more land; thus driving up land prices beyond actual value. As a result, the debt load rises. But, have no fear, lhe govern­ ment will send a sizable contribution to offset a large portion of the extra land and equip­ ment costs. Greed then often follows, as individual farms are broken up and where every possible acre is purchased and the farm buildings are either sold from the land with little to no acre­ age or arc demolished. That can leave a quality set of farm build­ ings lo a family with no, to very little, acreage to support it. Wealthy corporations have purchased farm­ land as lax write-offs. God again addresses lhe problem of greed concerning land where lhe Scripture book of Isaiah 5:8 states, "Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field, ‘til no place is left and you live alone in the land.” (New International version). Now to the social downsides mega-farming is causing in our nation: I, along with numerous others, grew up on family farms, which were lhe primary eco­ nomic source for the family. I grew up on a farm in a family of 10 children and my inval­ id grandmother lived with us. It was the eco­ nomic center of the family and the manual labor required the involvement of the family children to assist with the work as soon as they were able. That is what taught children a strong work ethic. It taught responsibility and animal care, plus basic family economics. Important lessons were taught and learned at the family supper table following the day’s hard work and responsibility. Solution: More land, a minimum of 10 to 20 acres, should be sold with lhe farm build­ ings to a growing family, not as its primary­ source of income, but so they can have lhe opportunity to experience the valuable teach­ yje sell boxes of ALL SIZES! ing and training cited above, including self-re­ spect and responsibility in lhe next genera­ tion. I suggest large landowners open up sharing/relinquishing a portion of their land at an affordable price sufficient lo support a small family operation that would afford upcoming generations of children the opportunity for social grow th and experience. This is an appeal to the large landowners to help change a nation in which children and youth are not given the opportunity to leant the valuable lessons of experience and respon­ sibility. We wonder why so many young peo­ ple are living without purpose, but are con­ sumed with technology and spend their ener­ gy in worthless or destructive actions. Critics will undoubtedly point out that small equipment is no longer available or manufactured. But that is because there is presently little demand for it. Small- to medi­ um-sized tractor and tool manufacturers could begin a potentially lucrative market for the smaller to mid-size equipment lo supplement their already existing production of small-size tractors. Certainly, lhe social improvement in our communities and nation should be welcomed by large landowners as a worthy challenge for the strengthening of our nation. It will require a relatively small investment for the better­ ment of the social needs of many children and youth. This, then, is a challenge to large farmland owners: Step up to the plate to help improve our crumbling social situation in which youth are bewildered and left to drift or follow a radical lifestyle that does not conform lo the building of a stable society and culture. E. Fay Zook. Lake Odessa Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-3780097 EDEE rrCEE K.A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING ^Ve^ExtandedWMtanryA$695VfthxH Offw •*« D~wb»»«. 2020 Sjwciai F«n*ncing A/aibblf t 2021 - • ' WWVWv v’S 221 South Jefferson Street *108” Wide Quilt Backs Hastings, Michigan (269)945-3547 * New Cotton Prints www.ltamuelleraccounting.com * Cotton Flannels Zippers, Thread Trim, Etc. MICHAEL KINNEY plumbing Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber need a box? Jerry Greenfield, Hastings An appeal to large landowners: Help change a nation Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michlgan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Peter Meijer, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. ■ l teachers, and interaction of the PrinC,pf. ’ ‘ to nurture aides at Northeastern conttn _ enthusiasm and involvement of n ents, but the entire families of its s . There arc many examples of forwardthink-outside-of-thc-boK, effective and Tied leaders in education who make ' their home and are already vested in our c munity and schools. ,. We do not need to spend thousands more make a bad choice when so many good cnoic cs are right here in front of us. Wc can get our investment portfolio bac in the black by recruiting from within. The decision is simple. It just needs to be made. New construction remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (2691838-?U2 ‘Pray Tor Our Nation QUESTIONS; ASK US SiitM yAia 210 E StBtcSt HaG’ ngs • 945-9673 Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up. Station, | Keep yowr friends and relatives informed and up 1° date with all the local news from Barry County- Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 �iy. Fwon^y Page 6 — Thursday. Agnes >021 - Pw Hastings Banner ---------■--------r Marie Hu*?**?--*— Agnes Mane home Hastings, passed »»•*> I iA, afl(.r with her low'd c<»imgeousbi<Hls*l,hl" ' |8, |924 the Agnes ».•> M" * i Marcd|a (Dailey) daughter of Gw's* M J Humphrey area schools t .T«de. hcr senior through Hto • vKk,tn> in Ka)am liZ.OO. ,rf ^li>"«m •>< ,,,OSP"“< in Kal imaAXi F'1‘rl °* h<’' *’”a* “n'estl'r of training was spent as » nurse cadet assigned to Mayo Veteran Hosp lai for reluming injured servicemen in Galesburg IL during thi great nurving shortage ot World War II. It is there she met Sgt. Robert Rein, who was stationed there a ”'cdlc* Aflei Agnes graduated •md Robert was honorably disefrirged from the Vimy, they were married and moved to Piqua. Ohio where they lived for four years. moving back to Freeport. in Hastings-Welcome finally settling Comers Agnc> was a member of the “Morning of Indies that met one Glories” a group . __ to two times a month tor coffee and crafting projects after gelling the children otT lo school. Agnes loved her home, gardening both (lowers and vegetables, fishing and traveling. She was a big Detroit Tigers Fan and enjoyed watching Tiger Woods play in tournaments. Agnes worked several years as a Registered Nurse at Pennock Hospital in surgery and OB areas. She was a member of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Agnes was preceded in death by her husband. Robert: her parents. George and Marcella Humphrey; father and mother-in­ law. Earl and Elsa Rein of Piqua. Ohio; son. Gary (Susan Jacob Rein) Rein of Wyoming; grandson. Jason Rein of Hastings; son-in­ law, Joseph (Charlotte) Rentz of Hastings; brothers. James (Ann) Humphrey of Delton, Robert and Velma Humphrey of Freeport. George Jr. and Ann Humphrey of Hastings. Phillip and Marian Humphrey previously of Freeport; sisters, Frances and Arthur Richards of Kalamazoo and Mary Williams of Reed City. /Xgnes is survived by daughters. Charlotte Rentz of Hastings and Mary Furlong of Woodland; grandchildren. Joseph (Bill) (Denice Scramlin) Rentz ' of Nashville. Michelle Davis of Hastings: %real-grandson, Cody Davis of Middleville!'granddaughter. Amy Rein of Hastings; ^real-grandsons, Spencer Haight. Josh Rein? James Haight. Jessie Haight; granddaughter Hope Rein ol Hastings; grandchildren. Ch^sea and Hailey; daughter-in-law, Susan Jabob Rein of Wyoming; brother. Henry (Aline) Humphrey of Mississippi; sisters, Edna (Richard) Corrigan of North Carolina. Grace (Jack) Neubecker of Lowell, many nieces and nephews, and a very special friend ot 40 years Ron Hinkle of Hastings, and his daughters, Kim (Denny) Jiltema, Kristine (Jerome) Burton, and grandson.Talan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Spectrum Hospice. Funeral service will be Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 at 11 aan. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 805 S. Jefferson St. Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. • Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • large Parking Lit - Handicap Accessible • Serving AH Faiths • Pre-arrangemcnt Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings. MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.glrrbachfunrraliiomc.net #era . owner Manager Family Owned and Operated Scj ring Hasting* Banv County .iml Surnnniding < .oiDiiimutics lor SO years Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "Wc Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The Work] Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8. Hastings. telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc>r gmaiLmn- Website: www. ha su Pastor Brian Teed. Assistant Ristor Emma Miller, Worship Director. Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to lhe current health crisis, our nursery' is remains closed. Weekly activity frags for chilrun are available in the 9 a.m. sen ice and Kid s Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for s«x*ial distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 80S S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan m.ks 4-T0 p.m. PhilipSaturday Mas, H and 11 am. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn. Hastings. Matt Moser. Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade). 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8001 for information. 301 E State Rd., P.O. Box 273. Hastings. Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price, Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday. 9: 45 a.m. CHRIS I THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616 690-8609. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Rond. Dowling. Ml 49050. Pastor. Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. KI43). Delton, Ml 49(M6. Pastor Roger Caypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer lime 6:30 to 7:30 pin. ■ ■ r. .motion on worship service is provided by The Hustings Banner, the churches Hus injornuiiion to/totoes:,, exfob Hhastings 1351 North ihj Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Patricia Ann (R0scoe) Uncaster passed away just shy of . 8jsl birthday 0I1 February'17,2021. She was bom On Mnrch 30, 1940. the daughter of DcJbert aIld Violet (Curtus) Lancaster in Hastings living the entirety of her life in and around the community of her birth. Patricia was a loving mother of six children. She Serve<j those around her passionately and was a well-known personal friend of many local citizens. Patricia was a graduate of Hastings High School. She was marrjed to Charles B. Roscoe from 1956 to 1981. She worked in food service, hospitality, and the antiques and collectables industries throughout her lifetime. Patricia enjoyed drive-in movies, bingo, flea markets, rummage sales and family gettogethers. She was a long-time member of the Local Moose Lodge of Hastings and the Lake Odessa VFW Women’s Auxiliary. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Violet; siblings, David Lancaster, Delbert Lancaster, Jr., and Carolyn Elliot Lancaster, two sons, Charles Jeffrie Roscoe (19SJ9) and Scotty RayRoscoe (1961). She is survived by her son Kevin Roscoe of South Haven; son. Timothy Roscoe of Hastings: son, Brian Roscoe of Pine Island, FL; daughter, Merry Roscoe of Nashville: 18 grandchildren; mulfyfr great-grandchildren and great-great graiiHfildren. In lieu of flowerz/htynorial contributions can be made St. Tide’s Children’s Research Hospital. A Celebration of Patricia’s Ife will be held at a later date in 2021. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www giirbach funeral home .net. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Michael Charles Klovanich. age S3, of Leonard Harvey Spyker, age 90. of Tellico Hastings, passed away on February ~L Village, IN passed away Wednesday. Feb. 2021. Michael was born in Warren. Ohio on 17.2021 at Park West Hospital in Knoxville, March 29. 1937. lhe son of Mike and TN. He was bom in Lawrenceburg, IN September 22.1930. Katherine (Paskowitz) Klovanich. Michael was a 1955 graduate of Howland After moving to Michigan with his parents High School, and attended Youngstown as a child, he attended schools in Battle University. Ohio University, and Tri-Slate Creek, graduating from Battle Creek Central (Trine) receiving a graduate of civil High School. He married his high school engineering. He also received an MBA from sweetheart. Lois M. Good, on January 14, Aquinas College. He married his high school 1951. Shortly after, he was drafted into the sweetheart. Janet Wilson, in I960, and they US Army, serving 1951-1953. enjoyed 47 years together until her death in After the Army, he earned a degree from 2007. In 2012, Michael married Sherlyn Western Michigan University and was later Courtney. employed by the E.W. Bliss Company in Michael came to Hastings, in 1962 as Hastings, as an electrical engineer, retiring in director of Public Services and City 1991 and moving to Tellico Village, TN in Engineer for 30 years, then as Senior 1996. Leonard had been a member of the Engineer for Jones and Henry Engineering. Battle Creek Engineers Club, at one point While working for the City of Hastings, he serving as its president. planned and constructed Bob King Park, He was a member of the First United expanded Tyden Park and planned and Methodist Church in Hastings, there constructed Fish Hatchcry Park, the becoming involved with the Boy Scouts of expansion of the wastewater plant, America. His work and dedication to constructed the water plant and engineered scouting earned him the coveted Silver construction of Apple Street. Beaver Award. Leonard also enjoyed Michael was a member of the First United golfing, sailing and traveling with his wife, Methodist Church, Rotary Club (Past Lois. President), received the Liberty Bell Award I.eonard was preceded in death by his from Barry County Bar Association, was lhe parents Earnest and Lois (Walker) Spyker past president of Michigan Water Works and brother Richard Spyker. Association, and belonged to lhe Sigma Leonard is survived by his devoted w ife of 70 years, Lois; three sons. Steven (Teri) ' Alpha • Epsilon-' • Fratunrifyp die* enjoyed playing f<M)lhalL bdskefbalL and baseball. •: Spyker of Port Charlotte. Florida. Marvin Michael was preceded in; death by Hts (Suzy) Spyker of Frisco. Colorado. Stuart parents, his w ife. Janet, and brother, John; » (Melissa) Spyker of Lawton: two grandsons. He is survived by his loving wife, Nicholas (Courtney) Spyker. Frank (Shelly) Sherlyn; son. David (Tammy) Klovanich; Misak; five great-grandchildren and special grandson. Michael (Hailey) Klovanich; nieces and nephews. daughter. Dr. Susan (James) Bloom; A celebration of Leonard’s life will be grandchildren. Isabella and Samual Bloorir. held later this year in Michigan. stepsons. Martyn (Jennie) Olsen, Courtney Memorial contributions may be made to (Amy) Olsen; grandchildren and greatFamily Promise. C/O First United Methodist grandchikiren; brother-in-law, Ned (Gwen) Church. 209 W. Green Street; Hastings, Mil Wilson; sister-in-law, Kathy (Milch) Catlrell; 49058 or Tellico Village Volunteer Fire nieces and nephews. Department, 210 Chota Road, Loudon, TN In lieu of ilowers. memorial contributions 37774. can be made toward lhe purchase of a bench Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. at Fish Hatchery Park in his memory. Please To leave an online condolence visit www. send those to Su>an Bloom, 4171 Dynasty girrbachfuneralhome.net. Drive; Minnetonka. MN 55345. 1 here will be a celebration of life at.a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. giirbachfuiicralliome.net. Donald Jay Falconer, Sr. Five ways website saves time Vonda Van Til Public Affairs Specialist Our online tools and services save you time and make your life e.lsjer. Often, there’s no need to contact us. Here arc five of our web­ pages that can make yoUf’ life easier: -With your own personal My Social Security account, yOu request a replace­ ment Social Security card. verify your earn­ ings. get future benefu ‘.stinwies. obtain ben­ efit verification !et|Crs and more at ssa.gov/ myaccount. ’ -Need answers lo ur Social Securityrelated questions? Visj. our Frequently ASKea Questions page at $u /faq. -You can comply | j sUbtnit your online application lor reti^ J benefits in as ht le as 15 minutes at sSa? K-riefits/rctiremenl. -Access our pubfc JibraQ’ with online booklets and parnphto,0"nC|uding audio ver­ sions, on key .subject \ «ov/pubs. ■Check out our^;11 ^.social Security news and updates k;gc.//bJog ssa^ov’ Share these pa^'^r friends and 1 w"n - family. Vonda Van 111 fo, West . ‘ ffairs si>eciulisl ",,-rite her do Social Security iNF.. Grand Papi^'^‘‘ vonda.vaiiiiKu .\S(l ’ Knapp ,„,ud to Donald Jay Falconer, Sr. passed away on February' 22,2021. He was bom in Hastings, on January 1. 1939. to Bernard and Lois (Neil) Falconer, he had just turned 82 years old. Don attended Hastings Schools, where he was active in FFA and played football. He graduated in 1956. Don was a lifetime fanner; even after his health wouldn’t allow him to work on the farm, he enjoyed watching his sons work the fields. He worked at South Kent Gravel as a large equipment operator, retiring from the Hastings Landfill. He married the love of his life. Connie (Overholt) on October 8, I960 and in 2020 they celebrated 60 years of building a wonderful life and family together. Don loved going out west hunting, and enjoyed fishing, traveling with best friends Dave and Barb Dykstra, eating with his breakfast club at the Shamrock, and working on his yard. But his greatest joy came from his children, grandchildren, great­ grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, and helping build houses for family members. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Lois Falconer; parents-in-law, George and Marian Overholt; sister, Doreen Falconer; brother. Ben Falconer; daughter in-law, Linda Falconer, brothers-in-law, Bill Pickard and Wayne Kauffman, and sister-in­ law, Michelle Overholt. Don is survived by his loving wjfe Connie; children, Butch (Becky) Falconer Brenda (Milton) Buehler, Dave (Kim) Falconer; eight grandchildren, Ben (Jnsteen\ Buehler. BJ (Holly) Buehler. Megan (Jon) Wright, jessjca «jreg) Matthews, DJ (Kaylie) Falconer. Kristen Falconer (Ben). Audrey (Iravis) Tnidgeon, Chelsea Falconer (Robert); tour step-grandchildren, Zach (Dczirae) Gingrich, Alec (Lindsay) Gingrich. Courtney (Kaleb) Stonehouse, and /Myssa Larsen (Aaron); 23 great grandchildren and lour great-great grandchildren; sister, Darlene Pickard; sisteis-in-lavv. Jeanie Kauffman and Wanda (Tom) Burnell, and brolhers-in-law, Arlan Overholt and John Overholt. I he family will receive visitors on Friday, l‘eb. 26 from 2 to 4 p.in. at Hope Church pf the Brethren. 14275 - 92nd Street , S.E., i reepoit, MI 49325 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions van be made to the Barry County 4-H in the name of Donald Falconer. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave nn online condolence visit www. girrbachluneralhomc.net. �. 7021 — -div February 25. 20 ? The Hayings Banner .r ln the Hastings Banner turning j BflGKTHE X PAGES Jn Health department was model for rest of state Part II Many local' organic,ionx and huxi,wxxex marlanH milestone years in 2021 mcludmg the local health department, which beRan 90 years ago. Its ^nmngs were exceptional. Cereal magnate Will Keith Kellogg created the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 1931. He was e^cially interested in the well-being of children and concerned about the health of people of all ages. Barry County was specifically selected to test ideas regarding preventative health and health care, in general, in rural areas, launching the Barry County Health Department in 1931. In 1981, Barry County Judge Richard N. Loughrin, then president of the Barry County Historical Society, researched anti wrote a series of articles in celebration of the health department’s 50th anniversary. While the articles focused mostly on the health department, a feature in the Nov. 26, 1981, Banner highlighted the work of Dr. Stuart Pritchard, of the foundation, and without whom the health department might never have been fanned. Judge Richard Loughrin Two men drove over the dusty, muddy and frozen roads of Barry County in the fall and winter of 1930-31 lo attend meetings in Yankee Springs, Thomapple, Castleton, Orangeville, Prairieville, Barry, Hope, Assyria and other townships. In 1980, the W.K. Kellogg Foundations’ report, “The First Half Century,’’ reported that it had assets of $800 million and had distributed all of its income - some $500 million—to assist projects in health, education and agriculture throughout lhe United States and every continent in the 50 years between 1930 and 1980. The two statements are not unrelated, and the constant is Dr. James Stuart Pritchard, one of the men in the bouncing car and of whom Dr. Henry F. Vaughan, a foundation trustee for 39 years, was to say, “It was Dr. Pritchard more than anyone else who set the Foundation on the course which it follows today.’’ A portrait of Dr. James Stuart Pritchard (he early discontinued the use of his first name) had been donated to the library of medical and Public Health History in lhe Health Department building. Dedication of the library Saturday is part of the 50^ anniversary celebration of the local health department. Dr. Pritchard and Dr. A.C. Selmon, who shortly went on to other interests, appeared before the Barry County Board of Supervisors in April 1931 and persuaded them to establish the county health department. Their meetings throughout lhe county were for the purpose of convincing parents and rural school board members to support the merging of rural schools into consolidated school districts. Both the county health department and the consolidated schools were essential elements in the foundation’s plans for die Michigan Community Health Project. Of the seven counties chosen by the foundation in which to demonstrate the project, Barry County was the earliest target. ine County level W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s report of its 1930-1941 history, “The First Eleven Years,’’ was devoled entirely to the MCHP. The 50-year report states,” The [MCHP] project's guiding philosophy was that local leadership, stimulated by the best of current thought, could develop its own effective methods to solve community problems. First and foremost was public health.” The 11-year report slated that ideally the county health department would be the strong coordinating organization interested in solving all of the community’s health problems. “It so happened.” the 1931 document reported, “that none of the counties immediately surrounding Battle Creek had county health departments. Barry County had an opportunity to qualify for aid in establishing a health department. The slate health department and the county supervisors asked the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to supplement their funds to make such a department possible. A year later, another county, and then another, requested assistance from the foundation lo make health departments possible.” Barry County was chosen by the foundation as the initial county in which to seek establishment of a county health department because it was a typical rural community with one small city, and was close to Battle Creek, headquarters of the foundation. It was vital, then, that Barry County adopt a county health department. W.K. Kellogg and the trustees sent Dr. Pritchard with Dr. Selmon to “sell” Barry’ County on the MCHP. It was a prudent decision to use Dr. Pritchard’s tact, charm and warm personality to explain the aims and goals of the foundation. “He was a key figure in the foundation’s early development,” according to the foundation’s 50-year history. Narrow county approval The tenuousness of the situation for the foundation was demonstrated in the close vote of the county supervisors, 11-9, to establish the county health department. One may speculate that the direction of lhe foundation might have been changed had the vote been reversed and the health department not been established at that lime. However, one would have to also consider the versatile character of Dr. Pritchard, who had two other traits: patience and perseverance. When W.K. Kellogg established lhe foundation in 1930, the initial months were spent in deliberation. First, the foundation’s trustees came lo a major decision: The foundation would use its resources mainly in the application of knowledge. Support for research was available elsewhere. Welfare, though necessary, was an accepted responsibility of the government. Next, the trustees determined that the foundation’s method was to help people to help themselves, not to substitute for them. It could not set right all the complex ills of the social structure, trustees decided, the foundation had no cure-all to offer. It could, though, provide funds for cooperative community programs of a social character, with teamwork and cooperation among groups Dr. Stuart integral in the formation and su $s of both the Barry County Health Departrnenl and the W.K. Kellogg Founda i . remarkable man,” former Nas Q dentist Dr. Emory Morris said, “and Jream of humanitar­ ian service alerts u hat each of us has a responsibility t° ma e this world some­ what better because V/e passed aiong this way.” (WKKF pho|o) and emphasis on individual injtjatjve The foundation pu its faith in people and leadership, not in systems. Local professional and lay people ^cerned with social conditions had definite ideas as l0 wha[ (he problems were and what they wanted to do about them. Any assistance founjation could offer, the early trustees decided, should not be designed to promote a preconceived plan but to bring to the communities, through their own leaders, the best of current thought in order that those directly concerned could work out their own solutions. ’Phis meant an adult education program for all of the local community leaders in health, education, recreation and welfare. The education key in preventative health care was seen to be lhe physician or dentist himself, reinforced by a strong community educational program, including health education in the schools and the important family casework of the public health nurse, all coordinated by a county health department. The foundation having set its course, it was then necessary to implement it. Creating a better environment The high regard W.K. Kellogg had for Dr. Pritchard was stated by him in the forward of the book, “The First Eleven Years, W.K. Kellogg Foundation:” “The conception of, lhe Foundation’s plan of ministration on the cooperative problem­ solving basis was largely due to the genius of the Foundation’s' ‘Wifaent and General Director. Dr. Stuart Pritchard, who died /\ug. 4, 1940. In (his connection. I wish to acknowledge the Foundation’s indebtedness to Dr. Pritchard. My admiration for him could scarcely be better expressed than in the following words from the citation for the honorary degree of Doctor of Science conferred on him by lhe University of Michigan six weeks before his death: ‘He inspired and directed organized efforts lo heal the hurts of mankind and to create a better environment of the growth of a wiser, healthier democracy. Under his guidance, dream and vision became effective reality.’” The major interest of the foundation was the maximum utilization of existing community resources through cooperative effort in the solution of common health and educational problems. Dr. Pritchard’s career dovetailed with the long-held beliefs of W.K. Kellogg that the “forgotten child” of America was not exclusively in the poor areas of cities but also in rural communities where socio-economic improvements were slow to be realized. Tuberculosis concerns In 1913, Dr. Pritchard and two other physicians were commissioned by the Michigan Legislature to conduct a survey of tuberculosis in rural Michigan. In the course of their study, they became concerned over the apparent inability on the part of rural physicians to diagnose “TB” in its early stages. They believed rural physicians were in urgent need of refresher courses. For Dr. Pritchard, this was the beginning of increased concern about continuing education, to which he later gave priority. The foundation early decided that “(iu|c ships should stay close to tlie harbor,” as an early foundation report put it, and the first target area was the rural community within three y«» ' hjs c|ubs. nev‘r'°f^k hunting, horseback immediately surrounding Battle Creek. 'Fite He thereupon store « again. Trapshoo ‘ ,n |' 6 Birplane engaged journeys of Dr. Pritchard and Dr. Selmon thus began to establish the county health riding, and Oymg h* ° department and consolidated schools ns part his temporary interc5'vest remembered Neva He always «ore ury „f ,hc of the MCHP program. Dr. Pritchard is remembered each year by Kag. a master asststan the Calhoun County Medical Society and lhe foundation. . ... ue could carry in Calhoun County unit of the American Cancer "He liked stub ved the stubs for Society which sponsor lhe Annual Stuart his vest pocket,sol alway • Pritchard Memorial Lecture Series. A brief h’m" Kings and was biography of Dr. Pritchard was written by Dr. Emory W. Morris [dentist in Nashville and His greatest hobby ,,br?5 ..jC he loved Battle Creek], then president and general people. People loved him inen and manager of lhe foundation for the initial them. He had lhe ability to m lecture of the series. made them feel a lot more hc could “walk with kings,” and di „ ’ idents Doctor-patient gets attention Dr. Pritchard was bom in Auburn, Ontario, did not “lose the common touch, the son of a Presbyterian clergyman. As a near his vacation home liked to stop a youth, he was a high-spirited, intelligent boy with him because hc was so friendly ano n with unusual athletic skill in baseball and ice chatted with them about their families. hockey. When his parents died while he was In the biography, Dr. Morris cited an < in high school, he went to live with his Indian legend: “How can the dead be tru y mother’s sister and her husband, Dr. J.K.M. dead when they are still walking in our Gordon of Ripley, Ontario, who undoubtedly hearts?” The recollection of this remarkab e influenced him lo graduate from the University man, Dr. Morris said, and his dream o humanitarian service alerts us that each of us of Toronto Scfopol of Medicine in 1905. Shortly thereafter, he contracted has a responsibility to make this world tuberculosis ajnd spent two years in a somewhat better because we passed along this sanitarium. Upon recovery, Dr. Pritchard way. practiced as q{. specialist in diseases of the chest, for two, years in Canada and for four Dr. Pritchard, bom March 31. 1882, was years in lhe United Stales. When his lung the only son of Rev. James and Christina condition flared up again, he came lo the (McCrostie) Pritchard. His sister Edith, his Battle Creek Sanitarium as a patient in a only sibling, was three years younger. wheelchair. He recovered rapidly within a According to a memorial tribute in a 1940 year, and his intelligence and enthusiasm so American Clinical-Climatological Association impressed Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, owner of publication. Dr. Pritchard was in charge of a the San and brother of W.K. Kellogg, that he railway construction camp in Northern asked Dr. Pritchard to establish a chest Ontario when he first contracted tuberculosis. department in the San. He headed the After recovering, he worked in Asheville. department for 17 years and won worldwide N.C. acclaim for his skill in treatment. He met his future wife, Myra Bradwell As an authority on tuberculosis, Dr. Helmer, of Chicago, after moving to Battle Pritchard represented the U.S. at an Creek, and they were married in 1915. international conference in Rome in 1928 and “This happy marriage settled Pritchard, and The Hague in 1932. He wrote numerous he became an American citizen,” the 1940 articles for medical literature. publication reported. “His wife's While a patient at the San in 1913, he encouragement and devoted help throughout became a friend of W.K. Kellogg. In 1930. the rest of this life meant much to his career. Mr. Kellogg asked Dr. Pritchard to head the ... Perhaps his most striking characteristic foundation. The doctor was reluctant to leave was lhe ever-present wish to help someone medical practice, but did so to help children to do a good turn.” and “human conservation.” He told a friend, “A life given generously to the service of “this opportunity is lhe biggest thing in my his fellows, whoever and wherever they might life. I am going lo try to set up for Mr. Kellogg be, was thus ended at the relatively early age and for people lhe kind of organization that of 58. His life was something that of a will be of perpetual help.” pioneer, and his triumph that of a man of Wide vision and long hours varied abilities.” Friends and acquaintances of Dr. Pritchard The Pritchards had no children, but the said Mr. Kellogg could have made no better doctor, with his wife al his side, provided a choice and cited the doctor’s “professional means for better health and livelihood for knowledge, ability to organize, empathy to countless youngsters. enlist the support of professional men and of -“It is fortunate that Dr. Pritchard and his lhe public at large, tact and resourcefulness, a associates had proceeded far enough with the kind, gracious personality and amazing energy definition of the Foundation’s aims and the ... a man of wide vision with qualities of formulation of its policies so that the program courage, intellect and perseverance to translate which were started during the first decade can be carried on uninterruptedly by his such vision into tangible achievements.” Dr. Pritchard worked long hours and poured associates,” W.K. Kellogg wrote from his prodigious energy into making the foundation home on Gull Lake for the foreword of the work. Al one time, Mr. Kellogg had to order 1941 book on the foundation. “I am confident him to lake a vacation in Barbados. He did so, that under the Foundation’s new leadership, but arranged for a shortwave radio hook-up its work will continue to expand on many with “hams” lo keep in immediate contact fronts during future years in the same spirit of helpfulness and in the same effective manner with the foundation. Dr. Pritchard had versatile aptitudes and as under his direction and leadership.” Compiled by Kathy Maurer, copy editor interests of fervent but short duration. When TOWNSHIP OF HOPE 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall. 5463 M-43 Hwy.. Hastings, Ml 49058 to examine and review the 2021 assessment roll The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 2, 2021.11:30 am Organizational Meeting Monday. March 8, 2021, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday. March 9. 2021. 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, cor­ rected and approved. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 5, 2021 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as fol- lows: See us for color copies, banners, photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. I_Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N-M’43 Hwy ‘ north of Hastin9s cW limits Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Personal Property 42.16% 1.1860 0.9653 51.80% 0.9899 50.51% 1.1206 44.62% 1.0000 50.00% Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expect­ ed after completion of Board of Review. ' Doug Pock, Supervisor Hope Township Kevin Harris. Assessor Hope Township TnwnshiD Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color. XaSn sex or disability. i uHth Disabilities (ADA) Notice American*™ id0 necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to The townsnip ,j£^bi||ties at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days' notice to individuals w‘u' ( jlh djSabiiities requiring auxiliary aids or services shouldIcotitactPCa»Mon Township by writing or calling. Hope Township Clerk 5463 M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2464 154932 �On inlahd lakes, it’s ice fishing with less Parts of WatJjW Thine Garlock Be ready to flip the wa Page ifter this next weekend Wc arc already m lhc fir* week of 1 CM aOer owning Ash Wednesday tart **ck , U" d Methodist Church some of the stations front Ash Wednesday were left tn place lor people to visit yet this week. I ast week's Reminder brought back many memories in the section on FFA. From this area ihe names of teachers Dale Schairer. James Mulvaney. Ron Stevens, plus faster names of Paul Quigley, along with John Sinclair. Roger Buxton, Meric Wheeler and Dennis Ackerson appear. It was great to see the names of students who had achieved state offices. One Lake Odessa/Lakcwood teacher had been in the Michigan band, which played at several sessions of the national gathering in Kansas City in 1936. The Lakewood News also reported that the new village treasurer will be Kathy (Boyce) Forman whose parents were well known with her mother an elementary teacher and her father a partner in Kenyon TV and both active in Masonic and Eastern Star circles. Imagine being on the same job for 31 years. Bus driver Gladys Lafler has such a record. She is being given the Educator Impact Award by the Lakew ood Board of Education. Some bus drivers feel that they are possibly the first cheerful face lhe children see in their new day, which may set the tone for the child’s entire school day. jfewbom babies Kyle Branch Jr., bom al Spectrum Health Pennock on January 24. 2021 to Keturah Branch and Kyle Branch of Delton. ***** Cody Jacob Shoemaker, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 23. 2021 to Terra Lynn Carpenter and Colton Micheal-Lce Shoemaker of Delton. Gavin Louis Wyant, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 2, 2021 to Cortney Ellsworth and Adam Wyant of Delton. ***** Beckett Lee, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February' 3, 2021 to Audrey Tnidgeon and Travis Tnidgeon of Nashville. ***** Rosalie Ellen Peck, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 27. 2021 to Cassandra Peck and Justin Peck of Hastings. Brinlee Sue Taylor, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 4. 2021 to Brianna Planck and Aaron Taylor of Hastings. ***** Nora Anne Maurer, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 31,2021 to Sarah Maurer and Brandan Maurer of Nashville. ***** Ian Thomas Flietstra, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 5. 2021 to Savannah Lee Tubergan and Brendon Scott Flietstra of Hastings. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW The Board of Review will meet on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at 10:30 am'in the office of the Assessor at Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Rd. Hastings, Michigan 49058 to organize and review the Assessment Roll___________________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING to hear Assessment APPEALS, will be held by electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, in response to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individuals in a meeting hall. The public may participate in the meeting through electronic remote access via ZOOM access by computer, smart phone/device using the following link: httM://zoom.us/i/6973995475?Dwd=Zih4NUdKRThBcGF2cHhNL3AvTUJDOT09 Meeting ID: 697 399 5475 Passcode: 461919 . The public may also participate by landline phone or cell phone by calling into this toll-free number: 1 (312) 626-6799 The Rutland Charter Township March 2021 Board of Review, is offering the opportunity for property owners to appeal their 2021 assessment/taxable value, by scheduling a ZOOM appointment with the Township Clerk. All appointment requests must be submitted to the Township Clerk, prior to March 4, 2021 at 3 pm. Appeals can also be submitted by mail, fax, or email and must be received no later than, Thursday. March 4. 2021. Phone: 269-948-2194 Fax: 269-948-4180 Email: clerk@rutlandtownship.org 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 9:00 am to NOON & 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Also, any other days deemed necessary to equalize the Assessment Roll. PROPERTY ASSESSMENT RATIOS & FACTORS FOR 2021 CLASS Agriculture Commercial Industrial Residential Developmental Personal RATIO 47.63 47.40 48.26 46.78 50.00 50.00 MULTIPLIER 1.0497 1.0548 1.0360 1.0688 1.0000 1.0000 ratios and multipliers do not mean that every parcel will receive the fhe above purchased property, It will be assessed at 50% of market same. have improved your property such as additions, new buildings, value. y°u (his Wiii also reflect in the value of your property. . driveways. e • , anv person who is assessed on said roll, or his ageot, and upon t mon request of ai y fsh0Wn, the Board of Review will correct the assessment of U fficient cause oei^y^ thejr judgment, make the valuation thereof relatively jssss" '.... ' MdCJh®^0WNSH,P DenS n Hastings* 269-948"21 • requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the .ah disabilitieSr A by writing or calling the Township. indivWua^ Her Rutland Chan6 ^pliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open This notice » P° Meetings Act) mcla41 Arnericans with Disabilities Act (ADA). and the m । 51934 --------------------------------- ------ Park and County Prescrv, ih ' are orr limits for much of the yCj|r Jwatcrfowl refuge. But tn win| cold enough, people can go icc ' “I got a coup|CbJ got in there,” Mike Davis said as he , oUt of his ice fishing tent. He and his frj wCR. catching perch and some bluegill Davis is from about a half-hour away from this |ajje . ‘ syUihcaslern Jackson County. ’ These two say lh Jove to go ice fishing on lakes in southern but they’re seeing some changes. “I have noticed it seeins like when I was younger - me and him was talking about lhe other day, too - Seen]S we used to get like a foot of ice. ?\ntj now’ it’s like we’re down to four inches,1’ Davis said. Anglers and researchers are noticing a number of changes on inland lakes in lhe upper Midwest. Sometimes, people can’t catch the fish they had always found in their favorite lake in the past. Scientists say things have changed and more change is coming. It’s a trend thafs happening across the Great Lakes region. “Climate change js having an effect on lakes in Michigan right now, so we’re seeing decreased ice coverage,” Nohner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. m Hc says, over the decades, the decrease in the amount of ice on inland lakes has been substantial. "For example. Gull Lake over in Barry and Kalamazoo counties, we’ve lost about 22 days of ice in a typical year since lhe 1920s,” he said about the lake where the Michigan State University Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is located. "But less ice cover is just one symptom of larger changes. We’re seeing shorter ice peri­ ods. We’re seeing warming summer surface water temperatures, so lakes are getting warmer. And then we’re seeing changes in fish communities potentially as a result of those warming temperatures.” Nohner said. Cold-water fish, such as cisco, arc disap­ pearing from some lakes. Gretchen Hansen al the University of Minnesota said other cool-water fish such as walleye are struggling. “Species like walleye and perch that spawn in the spring, they need a long, cold winter for those eggs to develop. And so there is a decent amount of evidence that if they don’t have enough sustained cold temperatures in the winter, their eggs aren’t going to be as high quality and they’re not going to survive as well,” she said. Some fish also suffer during the hotter summers and not because of warming lakes alone. More intense jaipstonns are washing fertilizer and other, autr^nts from farmland into some lakes. The National Oceanic aid Atmospheric Administration described it thiiway: "Excess nutrients that run off land or are piped as wastewater into rivers and coasts can stimu­ late an overgrowth of algae, which then sinks and decomposes in the water. The decomposi­ tion process consumes oxygen.” In other words, lawn and farm fertilizers make algae grow. Then it dies and sinks to the bottom of the lake. Those rotting plants rob the deep cool waler areas of oxygen. It’s called hypoxia or a "dead zone." and it can kill fish and other aquatic life in a lake. "In the summertime, if it’s too warm up above and all the oxygen goes away down below, they get squeezed out and they die. But if we can keep forested watersheds, we can keep oxygen in that bottom water. ?\nd so fish can find that cool water refuge that they need to make it through a hot summer.” Gretchen Hansen in Minnesota said. Forested land slows the rainstorm runoff and vegetation buffers can take up some of the nutrients before they get >nl0 a ^a^eSome lakes are bigger and deeper and set in natural areas. They will not be affected by climate as much in the immediate future. Small lakes surrounded by development are not going to fare as well. . Jordan Read, who works in a U.S. Geological Survey office in Wisconsin, said lakes and watersheds that can be better pro­ tected should be. Others are going to warm further and, for some of them, not much can be done ’There are going t0 winners and losers among lhe fish in those warmer lakes. "There are fish that prefer warmer waters and they’re going to benefit from wanner lakes, and then there are others like walleye, which is critical in ‘t|ie Midwest, that are cool-water fish. So as we $ee warmer waters, we’ve also seen a dccrease in walleye and we’ve seen a coincident increase in small­ mouth bass because they’re going to do better with those warmer Waters ” saitl* j It would take too mUch money and too much disruption Of .he people who live around lakes to protect sOtne of them enough to slow the changes underway because of cli­ mate change. "It might Ik viable to iust accePl lhe ' of a wanner lake and ° Jtcntially slart tal£,ng to young kids when they’re fishing about how Call 269^945*9554 for Hastings ®ooiier ado much fun it is to reel in a bass as opposed to continuing to go after walleye,” Read said. But people who’ve been catching walleye at their local lake usually don’t want lo hear something like that. They want the fisheries managers to stock more walleye. That’s not sustainable if the fish can’t reproduce in (he wanner water. Joe Nohner at the Michigan DNR says it's all very complicated. Lakes are reacting so differently to the multiple issues caused by climate disruption. “We’ve got so many stressors on inland lakes. Wc ve got invasive species, we’ve got . "^^rein-er^^^aHyhaniU) lake so comp-val1- bappen in a given predid whafs P eveolx>dy * lake. which is. «’< knoW wha. s going tion. Everybody ■ , jUS, don t know, to happen in my lake • he said. |,e weather variabilYear to year, there'1 v.1Q.ing ,« ity. For example, mere jjn ,hough: cover, l he overall tren (ha|.s going (0 Inland lakes are warming­ mean change. ^Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Brandon Wilkins Financial Advisor 307 E. Green SL.Ste.l Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2003 Member SIK ___ IL V/endi Stratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 What can investors learn from 2020? Now that we’re a few weeks removed from 2020, it’s a good time to reflect on such a momentous year. We can think about devel­ opments in the social and political spheres, but we also learned - or perhaps re­ learned - some valuable les­ sons about investing. Here are four of them: • A lung-term perspec­ tive is essential. Volatility in lhe financial markets is noth­ ing new, but. even so, 2020 was one for the books. Of course, lhe COVID-19 out­ break was the driving force behind most of lhe wild price swings. Soon alter the pan­ demic’s effects were first fell, the S&P 500, a common in­ dex of U.S. large-cap stocks, fell 34% but gained 67% by the end of lhe year. Conse­ quently, investors who stuck with their investment port­ folios and kept their eyes on their long-term goals, rather than on shocking headlines, ended up doing well. And while 2020 was obviously an unusual year, the long-term approach will always be valuable to investors. ,• Investment opportuni­ ties are always available. The pandemic drove down the prices of many stocks but it didn’t necessarily harm the long-term fundamentals of these companies. In other words, they may still have had strong management, still produced desirable products and services, and still had good prospects for growth. In short, they may still have been good investment op­ portunities - and when their prices were depressed, they may also have been "bar­ gains” for smart investors. And this is the case with vir­ tually any market downturn - some high-quality stocks wilt Ik available at favorable prices. • Diversification pays off. Bond prices often move in a different direction from stocks. So. during a period of volatility when stock prices are falling, such as we saw in lhe weeks after the pandem­ ic hit in March, the presence of bonds in your portfolio can lessen lhe impact of the downturn and stabilize your overall returns. And this, in essence, is the value of maintaining a balanced and diversified portfolio. (Keep in mind, though, that diversi­ fication can’t guarantee prof­ its or prevent all losses.), , • The market looks ahead. The pandemic-driv­ en market plunge may have been stunning, but it made a kind of intrinsic sense - af­ ter all, the sudden arrival of a pandemic that threatened lives, closed businesses and cost millions of jobs doesn t sound like a positive event for the financial markets. But the strong rally that followed lhe initial drop and contin­ ued into 2021 has surprised many people. After all. the pandemic’s effects were felt throughout the rest of 2020, and are still being felt now, so why did stock prices rise? The answer is pretty straight­ forward: The financial mar­ kets always look ahead, not behind. And for a variety of reasons - including wide­ spread vaccinations, antic­ ipated economic stimulus measures from Congress and the Biden administration, and the Federal Reserve’s continued steps lo keep in­ terest rales low - the markets are anticipating much stron­ ger economic growth, pos­ sibly starting in lhe second half of2021. All of us are probably glad lo have 2020 behind us. Yet, the year taught us some in­ vestment lessons that we can put (o work in ^021 r *uid beyond. ... . ,, This articlet written | by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Fi­ nancial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Mysteries ©f migration Dr. Universe, How do birds know where lo migrate? Jasmine, IO, Gainesville, Fla. Dear Jasmine. There are all kinds of different birds on our planet, and they migrate to different places. My friend Heather Walts, a researcher at Washington State University, is curious about bird migration and told me more about how birds know where to go. She said some birds make a round-trip Hight when they migrate. For instance, the bar-tailed godwit will make long flights between Alaska and New Zealand, traveling more than 7XXX) miles without slopping. Meanwhile, a blue grouse makes a much shorter round-trip flight. It migrates less than a quarter of a mile. Scientists think some birds may know where to go because of a kind of program that’s built into a bird’s DNA. It’s sort of like being born with a set of directions they know how to use. This genetic information is passed down from bird grandparents to bird parents to the offspring. "What wc think a lot of birds do the very first time they migrate is use a program that tells them what direction to go and how far to go in that direction,” Watts said. On a bird's first migration, u also ma> follow other birds. The next migration sea­ son. the bird may be able to use clues front the environment to find its destination. Another kind of migration has scientists like Walts, asking lots of big questions It turns out some birds do not migrate to the same location every year. We might see birds, like pine siskins, breeding in California one sear and then in Canada the next year. "We don’t know as much about this type of migration." Watts said, "h’s really hard because we don’t know where the birds arc going to be and w hen they are going lo be there." Watts and her lab are studying lhe pine siskins to leant more about lhe ways these types of nomadic birds migrate and what might be going on behind that behavior. Different birds may migrate in different ways, but they often will migrate for similar reasons. While some migration mysteries remained unsolved, one thing we do know is that migration is really important in helping birds find what they need to reproduce and survive. You know , it can be quite fun to watch all the different birds in our neighborhoods. Here’s a science challenge for )ou: The next time )ou go for a walk or gaze out the win­ dow. see what birds you can spot. With help from a grown-up, see if sou can find the name of the bird online or at the library. Finally, do a little research to find out how it migrates and discover the journey your bird takes. Dr. Universe Do von have a queMion? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer al Dr.Universe^ wsitjcdu nr visit her web­ site, askdrunis crscrom �?5 7021 - PW tfeight restrictions The Bans County Road Commission and neighboting Wcst Michigan road agencies are ^iplcmenting seasonal weight restrictions at 6 a jn. Monday. The intent of these restrictions is to protect integrity of the road when frost is coming put of the ground. e As frost melts beneath n paved road, water jS trapped between the pavement and the ■ 11 i - ■ ■ ■| . eriw Fobrua^ 25. 16« Hastings Bann<K •— ^uf roads go into effect Friday ’^d be re,i(. 'cl>'cles over ........ .... 10,(100 pound' (n.k-rclaicji J*1 to 35 mph. 35 percent °\er a layer of cone e9uiPmenl travel *u,equately suntvM??Le °r asphah ,hlU is not ,x'ad can incur L . ^enea,b its surface, the So, on r ?,gn,!,vanl damage. ,e2al loads nnKfSk?V,,h. seasonal restrictions, t be reduced by approximately approximately . .. . W Anyone "'J"’ , Cent,, (^'tions may contact the M'1 |MTA<1«no.{2n,<:k Safc'y at I-800MJA - M r "82-4682), and statewide ",fo , i';1lrl<f'lc. 'iBa'onal restrictions H «'• jd' Orei, anlyroads.org (httpst^n'^X’’' al-weigbi-rc^* M,dd!!*!!le moves closer to new car Wash Thylor Owens PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS _annvation Barry County Courts & Law Building Ren° Barry County is seeking sealed proposals from sub-contractor ‘^ndo®®tion construction relating to the Barry County Courts & Law Building project. Bid Documents may be viewed beginning March 11, 2021 at tW BWtffon Staff Writer The Middleville Village Council unani oiously approved a zoning amendment „ allow- a new car wash al 650 Broadway the entrance (o Spring p.irk ( ’, Planning commission had recfrn ll,c council approve the request tn J.ison Bushman of NTA Development uunng a meeting last month. SURVEY, continued from 'page 1-------------teis or Opt for an outside search to find •> n superintendent. a nc" The school board is planning lo .1n,loUn its decision at its regular meeting March t\ That meeting, which will lakc , *?• remote access, will start at 7 p m Here tire the questions the online survey asked school distnct staff and community members about the performance of the inter im superintendent: ‘ I Do your feel our interim superinten­ dents decisions. practices and policies sup­ port HASS vision, mission and goals (dvnamic plan): J 2. Do you feel our interim superintendent possesses the qualities to move the district forward to achieve our vision, mission and goals? 3. Do you feel the interim superintendent communicates well to staff, parents and com­ munity members using appropriate methods and cadence? 4. Do you feel the interim superintendent empowers and inspires students, staff and community members to be collaborative and innovative? 5. Do you feel the interim superintendent is approachable and open to receiving staff and community feedback? 6. Do you feel our interim superintendent is responsive to inquiries, requests and feed7. Do you feel the interim superintendent provides a positive district image for HASS? 8. Do you feel the interim superintendent has a good understanding of our district’s financial status and needs? 9. Do you feel the interim superintendent has a good handle on staff development, stu­ dent achievement and school improvement? 10. Do you feel lhe interim superintendent approaches challenges and changes in a posi­ tive, problem-solving manner? 11. Do you feel the interim superintendent promotes an environment of positivity and mutual respect? 12. Do you feel the interim superintendent recognizes and celebrates excellence? 13. Do you feel the interim superintendent has provided and would continue to provided effective leadership and direction? 14. Do you feel the interim superintendent collaborates and cultivates productive rela­ tionships with a wide variety of stakeholders? 15. Do you feel our districts needs to do an outside search for out next superintendent? lhc only "'""Licht. il"c ‘ii<:nB,.l'> virtunl meeting Tuesiday discussiOnmcn<lmcnl was approved with find • fhe two Pan,ef1lOp|e /rcv,°usly been annexed from rh""/w ^*nshil> ">'<> ">« village, and need rejoned from Thomapple P Wtercial to C-2 highway '<>"’'"^wer sys^s"'“- '<> '"<= Vi We'"vill"?' , 'ommivston approves a pmlx'^rch 2a^.dcUring ncxl w proj' Seniors may call March 3 for legal advice The Legal Sen*** <£ South Central Michigan-Battle Creek W1„ condua interviews for legal ad™* and possible repre­ sentation. without charge, over the telephone to interested seniors wno reside in Barry County. . , Local residents who “h?> sPcilk w>th an attorney may call 734-8 J0-KI9g between 11' a.m. and noon Wednesday, March 3 Legal Services of South Central MichiganBattle Creek office is a nonprofit organization which provides legal assistance, representa­ tion and education to seniors in Barry. Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties. Fire Sunday closes M-43 siear Delton Menacing text precedes home burglary A 29-year-old man called police at 3:50 ajn. Feb. 13 to report the theft of a Playstation and a chainsaw from his house in the 4000 block of Circle Inn Drive in Orangeville Township. The man said hc was with some friends when he received a text message from a man who used to own the residence, stating it was “quite unfortunate" he had left his door open. When the 29-year-old returned home, the items were missing. Police contacted the suspect, a 32-year-old Shelbyville man, w’ho said he was innocent but refused to meet with the officer. The Shelbyville man was later arrested for an unrelated crime in Allegan County. The officer went to the jail, but the suspect refused to speak with him about the theft. The case remains under investigation. Man loses $1,050 in fake Amazon scam A 54-year-old Nashville man called police Feb. 18, saying he was scammed out of SI ,050 from someone who claimed to be an /Xmazon employee. The man said his Amazon video service stopped working, and a number appeared on a screen for him to call. He called the number and eventually connected with someone who told him he needed lo send money in Amazon gift cards. The man purchased S1.050 in gift cards, but later realized he had been scam med. The case is closed. Scan Bradley Staff Writer A. structure fire in southeastern Barry County closed M-43 for a lime on Sunday. The Michigan Depattmenl of Transportation closed the highway between Reese and Waldorf roads from 8:^ p.m. to approximate­ ly 10 p.m.. according iMDOT officials. 'The fire occurred .ifVwsidence near Wall Lake, said John Richard. MOOT media repre­ sentative for flie department’s region that includes Barn County Efforts to reach Delton Fire Chief Gene Muskoviri for more details about the fire were unsuccessful. INVESTIGATION, continued from page 1 Woman arrested for beating boyfriend with toy exchange plan room, Grand Rapids, Ml or by contacting lhe xth%t SW. Manager, Tim Vander Kodde, Vander Kodde Construction Co., 441 4 Grand Rapids, Ml 49548. 616-538-7440 or the Architect, Tim Spit^loy. * Spitzley Architects LLC, 12225 Jordan Lake Rd., Lake Odessa, Ml 48849, u 374-8235. An optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the Barry County Courts & Law building, 206 W. Court St., Hastings, Ml 49058. Sealed proposals must be submitted to Barry County Administration. 220 West State St, Hastings, Ml 49058 no later than 2:00 pm on March 26th. 2021 or Vander Kodde Construction Co., 441 44th Street SW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49548 no later than 12:00 pm. Sealed proposals submitted after the above times shall be returned to the bidder unopened. Barry County reserves the right to reject any or all sealed proposals or portions thereof and waive any irregularities and informalities. 2021 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING SCHEDULE Orangeville Township, Barry County The Orangeville Township Board of Review for March 2021 will be held by electronic remote access, unless by the dates of the March Board of Review meetings it becomes lawful under state agency rules and statute for an in-person meeting to be held. Electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, will be implemented in response to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individuals in a meeting hall. If in-person meetings become a lawful option, then the meeting will be held both in person at the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Rd. and via electronic remote access. The public may participate in the meeting through electronic remote access on the following dates via Zoom access, by computer, smart phone/devlce using the fol­ lowing link: March 2nd: Time: Mar 2, 2021 04:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02webzoom.us4/84320210969?pwd=WnRYQ1REaVNSek5GMUVtM1NxZHJDUT09 Meeting ID. 843 2021 0969 Passcode: 522945 One tap mobile +13126266799,.84320210969#,.,,•52294511 US (Chicago) + 16468769923,,84320210969#„„*522945# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 301715 8592 US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 843 2021 0969 Passcode: 522945 crr c-r March 8th: Time: Mar 8, 2021 09.00AM Eastern Time (US and Join Zoom Meeting https 7/us02web.zoom.us/j/83921229000?pwd=Uk500UZLSkR2WFJIN1dsZE5IWStyQT09 Meeting ID: 839 2122 9000 Passcode: 574647 One tap mobile ■¥13017158592,,83921229000#,,,,*574647# US (Washington DC) + 13126266799,,83921229000#,,,.*574647# US (Chicago) Dial by your location + 1 3017158592 US (Washington DC) + 1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 839 2122 9000 Passcodo: 574647 A 22-ycar-oId Wayland woman was arrested for assault after her 27-year-old boyfriend called 911 at 12:35 a.m. Feb. 22. The man said they had been arguing at their home in the 12000 block of Yost Street in Yankee Springs Township. She punched him several limes, he said, then grabbed one of their children’s toys and hit him on the head multiple times. The woman told police she "bashed his head in” with the toy. Police did not describe what type of toy it was, but being hit with it caused the man to fall to the Boor and pass out, he said. He was bleeding from several places on his head and police obsen ed "a decent amount” of blood on the Boor. March 9th: Time: Mar 9. 2021 01;30PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Meeting ID: 891 3629 5578 Passcode: 789685 2iini7158592 89136295578#,,,,*,789685# US (Washington DC) ■¥l3126266799..89136295578#,,,, *789685# US (Chicago) Drunken driver found passed out at the wheel Police responded to a report of a man passed out at the wheel of his vehicle in the 700 block of East Pifer Road in Baltimore Township at 6:46 p.m. Feb. 21. An arriving officer f nd the vehicle on the wrong side of the road, still in drive, and the man passed out with 1 ’ foot on the brake. The officer knocked on the man's window several times before the d \er woke up. Although he initially tried to drive away, the man stopped and opened lhe nvc(haVing some trouble with the lock. The officer noticed an open container of alcohol^in the center console. The driver. 37, of Dowling, registered a 0.207 blood alcohol Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) 646 876 9923 US (New York) content and was arrested. Andrew Lafey Meeting JD: 891 3629 5578 Passcode: 789685 The public may also participate by Banner CLASSIFIEDS CAI L.-- The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBUSHp^ft AH rrJ ,7:. tH fair,{oOTing Au 43d the hit juj-.j b uluch tnI!e'-‘!ve C.cr<r. liin't-i'1'’'’ ‘ xhern* -any p,c. udon diKfimiwUon -.uw' ^!vnx.n.^°;ri4ke ar.) Kiisincss Services Help Wanted BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish rvmoval. 269-320-3*90. QUALITY HARDWOODS A hardwood sawmill, is seeking •» full time Band Saw Filer. Duties include sharpening and repairing band head rig saws, band resaws, carbide tipped circle saws, chipper knives and dressing guide blocks. This is a full time, permanent position. Benefits include health/dental insur­ ance, 401K with a company match, vacation and holiday time along with a competitive wage. Please apply in person at 396 Main Street, Sunfield, Michigan. J^TtT ENDSLEY, FABR1Us. a,. .41*1 ',n‘ jr.-unng,.t| not Tbit ,**>>• I*1 , re J T -nv MXCp*. My CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, ^Call 209-804-7506. -J'1 Mb<rt4**n* f *, I n yf tlx '-7 Our u tWnu t,nSAtinccn”‘*rJ.Sl ihciw^i ux beanef BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Tulip Poplar. Call for Sicinf. Will buy single Wai­ * . rc.'s. Insured- liability & .rknwn's comP- Canada) sheriff’s office is not releasing any further information, since the investigation is ongo­ ing. The Hastings Banner has filed a Freedom of Information Act request BIirry County Central Dispatch, requesting t0 review call recordings on Feb. 17 that were rc|atcd to the crime. , r Lafey is scheduled lor a probable cause conference at 8:30 a-m March 4, before District Court Judge ^chael Schippcr. Bond has been set al S500.000. If convicted, Lnfc> could face life in pris­ on. .f Michigan’s Offend" fracking Information System shows that l-lk7 has been convicted of felony crimes in In January 2020, L»fey p|eaded pulty to third-degree home inya* on and witness ml*rference in Kent County- He was released from prison in September. , ln addition to the >h*nf1 s department. nd Nashville Police, the ™tkigun Slate Pohce M’ L0'0' *-’ N,,^ 1' and Castleton j d Emergency Medif" *£es responded ’ the call When BncM-J •' body was dtscov ered. Ph°ne Ca'"n9 The tnwnshio will post the information confirming whether the March BOR will meet in person on its notice board, sign, window, and the township’s website. Thn Ornnocvlllo Township March Board of Review will meet on the following dates: TmaX March 2. 2021,4:00 pm = Organizational Meeting . Mondav'March 8. 2021. = Appeal Hearing (9:00 -12:00 & 1:00 - 4:00pm) • Tuesday. March 9, 2021. = Appeal Hearing (1:30 pm- 4:30 & 6 00-9:00 pm) The Board of Review will meet as many more days os deemed necessary to> hear que linns orotests, and to equalize the 2021 assessments. By board resolution. W y able to protest by letter, (including email), sent to 7350 L,nds®7 R J. £'a12.00 pm. Email looktomfi^gttiail.com provided protest is received poor to March 9. ZU The tentative ratios and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property and p sonal property for 2021are as follows: H •- Agricultural AnnrtiWural . ,39.85%. • Commercial, .38.53% * Residential.. .46.09%. * Industrial..... .47.62% • Personal Property...50.00% 1.25471 1.29770 1.08484 1.04999 1.0000 (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Notice Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services vhou nt least seven (7) days in advance of hearing. This notice posted with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA-1 •' the Americans with Disabilities Act Contact - Clerk - Mel Risner: 269-664-4522 c|erk Compfance ' 155114 �Paqe W - Febmeiy » DDA board talks about social districting Rebecs ft** Editor I social di^trici in J»«nlown Hastings would be a big Shot in the arm tor businesses , „llrtnh Community Development iv rZn Kincb*«rd members of the l>'d-opm«« Authority during its f ebkin-' inswe^’-m1 members1 questions about the concept, which was approved bj slate lawmakers last year to support Michigan’s beleaguered downtowns and small businesses Rockford. I ewcll and Allegan are among communities in West Michigan that have established these districts io allow people to purchase food and beverages al specially licensed restaurants or bars in those districts’. Food and beverages, including alcohol, may be carried and consumed anywhere outdoors within the boundaries of the commons area established by the municipality. Business owners in these “social districts” can decide whether io participate and whether io allo" beverages lo be consumed on lheir premises, King said. PDA board members expressed overall enthusiasm for the plan, but questioned some of the details - such ns policing and whal businesses and organizations would qualify as participants. They were told that Police Chief Jeff Pratt and Deputy Police Chief Dale Boulter have not expressed concerns about the idea, but more details about the social district will be forthcoming as the plan lakes shape, At Monday's city council meeting, the proposal was approved. (See related story.) A public hearing on the plan will take place at the 7 p.m. March 8 city council meeting. While the social district concept was a focal point for the PDA board, discussion about the next budget consumed a major portion of the meeting, The board spent about an hour discussing its budget for fiscal year 2021-22. weighing the merits of providing a lump sum to lhe city' that would be earmarked for specific events, such as lhe jazz festival, sculpture tour and Thomapple Arts Council. Some DDA members expressed concerns about not maintaining those funds in its own budget and not having access to that money. Given the disruption caused by COV1D19, King said a line-item review of the budget may be advisable. No actions were taken on the budget. In other business, the hpunt: -Approved a $7,500 loan for the repair of upper roofs of buildings bwned by Norman and Carole Barlow downtown. -Received an update oil plans to celebrate lhe 150th anniversary of tie cily of Hastings. DDA board members Tracy Baker, Deb Button, Terri Albrecht, Deb Hatfield and Lyndy Bollhouse are serving on a committee that is helping to plan a celebration. -Approved $3500 for snow removal on downtown sidewalks. Call 269-945-9554 any time tor Hastings Banner ads Is Just the Beginning Your Community... Your Family...Your Interests Your Home.. .Your World.. Call 800.870.7085 or pick it up at one of our locations listed below* It's All a Part of Your Local Newspaper! Dr.Otrd lo Uk btltntn o] Bern County Store IS56 IastingsBanner Hastings Area locations to purchase the Hastings Banner!__ Huthst Gunfnks Woodland Sam’s Gourmet Food: Wood and Exp'o-s One Stop Supe^e HnsJjke HashyjJLQ Fafr^yFafe DcctecCounyySuye Trad-ng Post TonsMa*®* ErMLvjite Hastings Johnn/s Pra-HC-v •£ Fast Stop Grinka' Store GIp^&Lq NashvifeC Store C ovt’fdaJe G&nefJ Cart’s B/ov/nt CeC-' Ceek Grocey > SteJbtfHte Lohe -O-Dp-esa LoXe-O-t.toft ir> . , Lo>.e Odt'Xa Jonnny 3 Carte Fomsiy Fere C&nmJofinn/s Speed*'5/ Fiwwi L&J's P.HOlN.'.d Gregs Get-H Lukc.Qde^ Tgati fj Co-z’.y Pelton ^ideieyilLe. rurv.’ •? Johnny's MV Pr.ofir.acy »,'egn Bev PWS68Gi>=S!3tO(W»M; MOe 5 Country So»e gar Genftfoi Store Dowlinq Fioeport Genera! Sto'o DISTFIiqt, continued from page 1 licensed cstabii. i Rockford's encompas-'L”, a large portion of t|K. (J ' shopping district, but the main gaih ;)rea -. where shoppers can enjoy lhcjr u. ^r;»ges — *s located on Main Street. Afterblock was closed to traffic, fire pns ^hles, picnic tables and lights were insta][^| to give the area a cozy feel. “The RORA district is “sed on a dail>' basis. Even on >nQWy days you will see people out iherv by a fire P'l. PeoP,c L!c! take out food and drinu frorn restaurants and stay in town rather U1king it home to eat,” Murphy said. -01' the Main Struct area, each fire I pit] or pjCnic (ab|e js in what wc call a pod. it’s basica||y an op*-’" a,r thrce-sided •mom.’ It’s completely outside, but the short walls help give ' designated space and help with observin’ social distancing. ••Overall. the community has loved the RORA district. tyc‘vc hud a lol of positive feedback.” Rockford is I)ol lhe only community to implement a S(x.ial district and commons area: Lowell, iazoo and Battle Creek have all followed X along South Boltwood and North Park Street 'fhe commons area within the social distric t *ould include Broadway and Michigan Avenue, between Court and State streets and two adjacent blocks. According to the draft plan, the commons area would operate .seven days a week from KI a m. to 10 p.m. Businesses that wish to sell alcohol for the commons area would need to obtain social district permits and would be required lo serve alcoholic drinks in designated cups so law enforcement is aw arc of what the beverage is and where it came from. Retailers that do not serve alcohol may choose to allow customers to shop inside with lheir leverages, but would not be required to do so. Gettys said the foundation would provide seating areas inside the commons area consisting of a table, with a heating element inside, so people can sit outside despite the cold. For that reason, lhe commons area will be named the Hastings Outdoor Pods or HOPs. 'fhe city’s department of public services would provide concrete barriers to protect the sealing areas from traffic, and social district and commons area rules would be posted on signs. Additional commons areas could be established at a later date if the cily desires. “The community foundation is really interested in helping to open up this social district, and the commons area specifically, because we know that it’s not just the restaurants that are suffering at this point in time.” Gettys said. “There’s been a real decline in lhe foot traffic downtown, and wc certainly don’t want to wait until our storefronts arc empty to react. At the end of the day, it’s really a phenomenal way to show the support from the city council to your retailers downtown and to be creative in a lime where people just have no hope.” The draft plan was met overwhelmingly with support. However, council members Don Bowers and Brenda McNabb-Stange said they thought several areas of the plan — such as safely, maintenance and lhe impact on special events — lacked detail. “lliere arc several issues 1 think that still need to be addressed by it, so I don’t want to — 1 can’t — support the resolution,” McNabbStange said. “Whal happens with the outside dining areas inside the commons area that do exist like the seasonal grill that are inside the common areas? What is the impact on special events? What’s lhe impact on Thomapple Now. the City of Hastings will have a social district of its own. Monday night, al the city council meeting. Community Development Director Dau King and Barry Coinrnunity Foundation President Bonnie Gettys pft.scntcd the council with a social district draft plan made in partnership with the foundation, the Downtown Business Team and the Community Development Department. “As in all communities across the country. Barry County small businesses arc hurting. There arc several sectors within the small business community that have been impaired more than others. Dance studios have been closed for 11 months. Restaurants have had lheir ability to make income during their busiest seasons when the shutdown occurred in November, into December and through January. This, coupled with the lack of foot traffic in our downtowns, has resulted in a decline in revenue for local retailers, as well.” Gettys said in an interview with the Banner Monday. “A social district will not only help our restaurants increase revenue by offering alternative seating, it offers a way to increase business while still allowing people lo maintain social distancing .standards.” The social district would mirror the boundaries of the Hastings Downtown Business Team, running from East Center Street to West Mill Street and cutting off 01h„ “I ,hink ‘ bars t suffer during stream for oUr ‘ (0 main t UIC Mctean been the " Lilwonian -t for our COVID.-- C°“? a great °PP"rt and I think said. "I think > rOgress>v • now" community to ** ‘ (0 be d°,nh„^ford that’s important for£ districts] " R^ally •Tve been '•’Jts0*‘y times'' _ ,hc and Grand Rapids ‘ comfl101}’’ pon has hetped the down Counc.lm«"J* stores and everythingreally P°“ Smith said. "AndePu1don’t even notice it. There’s not an issue. urprjsed. So. actually. I was really • t wapted to X complete favor of it. n’’ . soOncr.” , that I’m sad we didn t 1 jn Rockford Having contacted 00,1 districts and and Allegan, where soci jrTiplernented, commons areas have have been Police Chief Jeff Pratt said me socia| few issues with intoxication distancing. t0 establish After discussion, a resolu passed the social district and cornn?n"rs castings 9-2 with McNabb-Stange and Bowe the no votes. , „ ^,nrems Mayor Dave Tossava asked t a raised by McNabb-Stange and n a addressed when council reviews the p future meeting. . tbc The council also set a public heanng social district for its March 8 meetingsaid the timeline for the social district implementation is subject to the councilI. approval of the concept and could take up o two months. . With the resolution’s passing, Gettys said she hopes to replicate lhe success of social districts such as in Rockford and boost revenue for local businesses. “A social district will not only help our restaurants increase revenue by offering alternative seating, it offers a way to increase business while still allowing people to maintain social distancing standards,” Gettys said. “In Rockford, several of the retailers reported having a much better revenue month in January than they did in the entire summer! This is a unique approach to encourage foot traffic throughout our downtown. “The creativity of our Downtown Business Team, the Cily of Hastings and the DDA together with our patrons will make this a win-win.” SrurnffiiD ilwSs tois 150-win mfestoow aS ©awsviile Quad There was more than just two dual victories for Lions tn celebrate Friday night. Senior Jesse Brumm, a three-time stale medalist, earned his 150th varsity victors during the Dansville Quad for the Maple Valley varsity wrestling learn. Brumm scored an 8-1 win over Burton Bundle’s Chad Vaughn and pinned Dansville’s Devin Marshall in his two matches, while also earning a forfeit win in the Lions’ dual with Leslie. The Lion team defeated Burton Bundle 33-18 and Dansville 42-30 on the evening, while falling lo Greater Lansing Activities Conference leader Leslie 45-24. David Hosack-Frizzell had the Lions’ lone win on the mat in the dual with the Leslie Blackhawks, pinning Garret Bedell in 30 sec­ onds in the 189-pound match to close the competition. Hosack-Frizzell opened lhe dual with Dansville by pinning Malachi Powers 80 sec­ onds into their 189^pound match. The Lions had five pins in the dual with the Aggies, also getting them from Bnimm at 130. Matthew Slaght at 112 pounds. Andrew Appelman at 125, Jessy Deppe at 145 and Dante Buttlcman at 152. ' In the win over Bundle, the Lions got pins from Slaght at 119 and Appelman at 125 as well as Brumm’s decision at 135 pounds. Maple Valley was a part of the Coldwater Quad with a trio of Interstate-8 Athletic Conference teams last Wednesday, and fell in all three duals. The Lions were bested 60-20 by Harper Creek, 42-25 by Coldwater and 66-18 by Hastings. Slaght at 112, Appelman at 119 and Brumm at 130 got pins for lhe Lions in the dual with Hastings, earning lheir team’s 18 points. All three of those Lions were 3-0 on the day at Coldwater. Hastings recorded four pins in lhe dual and won seven flights by forfeit. Tanner Rairigh, Robby Slaughter, Joey Tumes and Victor Ramirez scored the four Hastings pins. Slaght, Appelman and Brumm also had wins against Harper Creek, with Brumm scor­ ing a pin at 130. Slaght and Appelman earned major decisions. Slaght bested Bryce Trimm 9-1 at 112 pounds and Appelman picked up an 11-1 win over Kyle Almeida al 119. Dillon Jorgensen added six points for the Lions at 171 pounds by pinning Andrew Clement 2 minutes and 43 seconds into their 171-pound match. Brumm picked up a major decision of his own in the dual with Coldwater, besting Marshall Hoard 9-1 at 135 pounds. Slaght edged Coldwater’s Hashed Abdullah 8-7 in the 112-pound match and Appelman pinned Maple Valley senior Jesse Brumm, a Coldwater’s Deegan Herlan late in lhe second three-time state medalist, celebrates hits period al 119 pounds. 150th varsity wrestling victory during the Jorgensen and Buttleman (152 pounds) had Dansville Quad Friday. forfeit wins over the Cardinals for the Lions. January retail sales build on positive December numbers Michigan retailers reported an increase m January sales over December, now reporting two months of posj(jve growth since sales were down in November. . The January index survey came in at 59.4, up from December’s 54.7, au'c0Jd‘n2 to a Feb. 24 press release from the Michigan Retailers Associatjon Forty’-one percent of Michigan retai|Crs -ported an increase in sales over Decemh»r 52 percent reported a sales decline; ^7 percent reported no change. The season^ adjusted performance index is conductZ bv Michigan R£la,,enJ Associadon i„ with the ix-deral Reserve Bank of ci^-aeo's L)clro'1 b h,' , lhe IW-poinH provides a snapshot of the state's < '"} reWil industry. ln^ values above sq g’.llt.rally indicate pos c activity; the higher lhe number, lhe stronger the activity. Seventy-four percent of retailers predicted their sales will continue to rise through April, but 17 percent said they expect a sales decline, and 9 percent don’t expect a change. Thai results in a 70.7 index rating, a strong indication for a nice spring sales season, Bill Hal Ian, president and CEO of Michigan Retailers Association, said. "Michigan retailers are seeing back-toback months of strong sales and are predicting highly positive growth in lhe next few’ months. It s a great sign that Michigan’s economy continues lo move in lhe right direction,” Hallan said. "Retailers have proven lheir strength and detennination this past year, and Michiganders continue to demonstrate their support for neighborhood stores. We hope to see this relationship between store owners and consumers continue to blossom throughout the spring.” According to MRA’s January credit card processing reports, home furnishing businesses across the slate experienced the largest uptick in sales averaging 163 percent over 2020. The grocery store category also saw a nearly 26 percent increase over year. MRA operates a robust credit card program, processing approximately SI.4 billion in annual volume with accounts in all 50 states. Michigan’s unemployment rate has not yet been announced for January. Last year, the state’s unemployment rate was 3.8 percent. In January the national unemployment rate dropped to 6.3 percent compared to December 2020’s 6.7 percent. �Barracudas get Saturday swim ivictory over 'Muskegon/ Mona Shores * Sam Randall won the 50-yard freestyle -ln . Gram Price look lhc diving competition as th B?ny County Barracudas overtook an - i ; Muskegon/Mona Shores lead in an q? Rainbow Tier 11 Conference dual Satunlavij lhe (omniunity Education and . 1 । Center in Hastings. Nation . The Barracudas went on to a 11o t c With the Holland varsity boys’ swimming^ .diving learn joining the two Tier II lcaZ • ithc pool and taking a win over MncU Mona Shores loo. Muskegon/ < A S"“P ,hc Jhrcc rehy races helped .power the Barracudas to the win over Muskegon Co-op team. Sam Randall. Isaiah Randa I Jack Kensington and Britton Steven teamed up to w.n the 200-yard medlev relay .tn 1 minute 57.41 seconds. Stevens'n..(Paeilk>. Sam Randall and Kensington km. die 200yard freestyle relay in 139.52 and d e .tean. ot Matthew Smith. Camden Reynolds •M Zimmerman and Pacillo won the 400Jyard freestyle relay in 4:20 85 , Sam Randall had the first individual victory (of the mornmg for the Barracudas, winning the 50-yard freestyle in 23.95 seconds. Hi ;>dso took the 100-yard freestyle in 53 (X) I. Isaiah Randall won the 100-yard breastjstroke in 1:19.89. Kensington took the 500yard freestyle in 5:5158. i In the diving competition, Price won with a Tiscorc of 205.90 points. Teammate Blake ^Sheldon was second at 192.85. ( Muskegon Mona Shores got a pair of wins Jrom Quinn McKenna who took the 100-yard -backstroke in 1:08.3/ and the 200-yard free­ style in 2:08.43. A 1-2-3 finish in that 200 i freestyle gave the Muskegon/Mona Shores ,boys the early lead in lhc dual. Muskegon/Mona Shores added a win from ; Seth Geiger in the 100-yard butterfly (1:06.98) ^and Eminit Baka} in lhe 200-yard individual ^medley (2:29.18). ’ „ Smith (twice), Reynolds, Pacillo and Kensington all had runner-up finishes in races for Barn' County. 1 hat win was stuck between a pair of tight defeats for lhe Barracudas. It came down to the final race Thursday, but the Grind Rapids Union boys were able to pull out a 96-90 victory over the Barry County Barracudas (Delton Kellogg/ Thomapple KeHogg/Wastings) guvs in J" 7? "T l’ ‘ *** The RecTMawks finished finfrhnd third in the 400-yard freestyle relay to seal the victory for their team. It was Union‘s sixth win of the flight, and its first relay victory. ‘ The Barry County boys opened the night -with the team of Stevens, Isaiah Randall. Sam Randall and Kensington winning the 200-yard medley relay in 1:56.08. Stevens, Kensington, 1 Pacillo and Sam Randall teamed up to win the ‘200-yard freestyle relay in 1:39.69. i Sam Randall won a pair of individual events for the Barracudas, taking the 100-yard * butterfly in 5836 seconds and the 200-yard 'individual medley in 2:21.16. Kensington 7won the 100-yard freestyle in 53.81. The diving competition was a good event ’for the Barracudas with Sheldon and Price ‘finishing 1-2 in the event just about two ^points apart. Sheldon won with 194.75 points rand Price finished with a score of 192.60. f Pacillo had a pair of runner-up finishes. He fwas second in the 200-yard freestyle with a 4ime of 2:04.27 and second in the 500-yard -freestyle in 5:51.42. Union’s Will Gerhart 1 won both those races. Kensington added a runner-up time of '24.77 in the 50-yard freestyle and Smith was ’•Second in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:16.36. f union had Vaughn Douglas take the ^50-yard freestyle in 24.29 and Thaden Weeks !win the 100-yard backstroke in 1:08.06. It ^as a team of Douglas. Weeks. Gerhart and Caileb Austin that won the 400-yard freestyle i-relay to finish off the night. They earned a ti,nrhe‘ Barracudas were edged 96-89 by Grand Rapids Catholic Central at the CERC MDldmin had a pair of individual wins for Pacillo had a P jn 2.Sr>7 and d>e SOO^ard freestyle in 5:51.42. 2.04- / m 1 . . clevens, Kensington and He also team |he 200-yard freestyle S‘‘nl 38.95 and the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:42.31on lhe nigjlt (or the The only o'11'thanks to a 100-yard ^□ny County boys San) R.llldu|| lhat .butterfly time ot ’ lilor by more than 'bested his nearest comps ten seconds. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified oos „niy 25.202’-^” February The Hastings Banner — Thurso • *NO FOAEciviBet = SA lE WHEREAS. •«»C|k’“09. a cnrta.n Fixed Rat” Mortgage' * , D 3 by Cam!tn0 D Gross. TYustee of cn Trm un/A dated January 26. ,(j9or. in favor of MotUto Home Loa"*Was o, M^Ufe Bank, N A . as mortgagee. * n! No Sep!orn. Iw 21. 2009 at lnr’^u; n£j. -^092 f 0009390. Barry County WHEREAS the m Hou-; ’'niured by the United Slates S^f^Zry') pUrand Urban De­ velopment (lhe oUrpo:n ,'t lo the Nation­ al Housing Act for < ■ • b'oviding single family housing; m'd, fs WHEREAS the mort^/.gnrne * by tho Sec­ JUDfO«A?^TE 0F M,CHIGAN C,AL C,PCUIT . FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY AL1CAT,ON 0F NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-20739-NC Court address 206 W. Court Street. Suite 302 Hashngs. Ml 49058 Court telephone no 269-945-1390 In the matter o! Faith Noel Beedo O ALL PERSONS. Including whose address is unknown and whose interest In the matter may be barred or affected by lhe following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will bo hold on ?J_7/2021 at 215 p-M at 20G W. Court Street. Suite 302, Hastings. Ml 49058 before Judge William M Doherty to change the name of Faith Noel Beede lo Faith Noel Johnson us®e retary. through mesne ^ortgni.c '‘J as documented by an Assignment o 2() ■ Oatcjd March 20. 2013 and recorded ap - Ror-?! ’nstrument No 2013-005302. 0°^°, a7^ds.and. WHEREAS ^^^quire^’aph (9)(b)(i) states that ‘Lender may lhj J^tediate payment In full of all sums sect• cs lo ?^urity Instrument if.. . fT)he Property co fOaco ; tee principal res­ idence of a Borrowe 'Other than death and lhe Property is not u <-pa| f0£Jdenct» of at least on other Borrower. . WHEREAS other hlhas vacated the premises and there is ^ower occupying ,h WHEREAS the debrsocurej। has been accelerated 9 and owing in the amount of $94,643.52 nid ' uory i 2021. and which remains who.iy u H of today’s date; in full to avoid anWHEREAS the STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE FILE NO. 2020-28683-DE Estate of Mary L Morgenstern A/K/A Mary Lou Morgenstern. Deceased. Date of Birth; January 30.1935 TO ALL CREDITORS­ NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Mary L Morgenstern A/K/A Mary Lou Morgenstern, died October 14. 2020 Cred-tors of the decedent are notified that all claims against ths estate will bo forever barred unless presented to Russell C. Morgenstern, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street. Ste 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after tho date of publication of this notice Date-12/8/2020 Jaffe. Ra-tt. Heuer & Weiss. P.C. Shirley A Ka-g’er P25681 27777 Franklin Road. Ste. 2500 Southfield. Ml 48034 (248) 351-3000 Russell C. Morgenstern 14021 Ta'bot Street Oak Park. Ml 48237 (248)547-6850 155981 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In the matter of Larry W. Carpenter and Vanessa S. Carpenter Family Trust dated July 1, 2005 TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Tho decedent. Larry W. Carpenter, bom December 11, 1938. who lived at 10250 Butior, Bellevue. Michigan died May 25. 2020 leaving a certain trust under tho name of Larry W. Carpenter & Vanessa S. Carpenter Family Trust, and dated July 1, 2005. wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Vanessa S. Carpenter was named as the trustee serving at tho time of or as a result of the decedents death Creditors of the decodent and of tho trust aro notified that all claims against tho decedent or against the trust will bo forever barred unless presented to -Vanessa S. Carpenter, tho named trustee at 10250 Butler, Bellevue. Michigan, within 4 months after the date of publication ol this notice Date: February 16, 2021 Robert L Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street. PO Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Vanessa S Carpenter 10250 Butler Bellevue, Michigan 49021 155759 NOTICE \Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, If your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you havo been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for tho party foreclosing tho mortgage at tho telephone number stated In this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 ol the revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236. MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale ol the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding tho circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1.00 PM on MARCH 18. 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at lhe sale does not automatically entitle lhe purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Michael David Lacross. A/K/A Michael D. Lacorss, an unmarried man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lenders successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 28, 2016 and recorded November 3.2016 in Instrument Number 2016-011089. Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Oceanside Mortgage Company, by assignment. There Is claimed to be due at lhe date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eleven Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Two and 49/100 Dollars ($111,732.49). Under tho power of sale contained in said mortgage and lhe statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place ot holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 100 PM on MARCH 18.2021. Said premises are located in lhe Township of Woodland. Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Parcel 1: Lot 16 and the East 1/2 of Lot 17, Lake Wood Acres No. 2. Woodland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats. Page 69, Barry County Records.Parcel 2 Lot 5, Lakewood Acres. Woodland Township. Barry County, Michigan, according lo tho recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Liber 5 of Plats, Page 12. Barry County Records. 9604 Brown Road, Lake Odessa, Michigan 48849 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a. In which case the redemption period shall bo 30 days from lhe dale of such sale, II the property is sold at foreclosure sate, pursuant to MCL 600 3278, the borrower will bo held responsible lo the person who buys Ute property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or lo tho mortgage holder lor damage to the property during lhe redemption period. Dated: February 18, 2021 File No. 21-000143 Firm Name: Orlans PC Firm Address 1650 West Big Beaver Road. Troy Ml 48084 Firm Phone Numbor: (248) 502 1400 (02-18)(03-11) 155606 mortgago city OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE nC ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 59b Tho undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Has Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 596: TO AMEND CHAPTER 90 OF THE_H ARTICLE CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING THE FOLLOWING: AR 90 - VI, DIVISION 90 - VI - 12 B-1 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT­ AMENDING SECTION 90-473 (I). was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 22nd of February 2021, A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the Cily Clerk at City Hall, 201 East Stale Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday. 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman 2 City Clerk foreclosure of the PfOpr M^^nly known as: 315 N. State St. NashwW; ««>Wand. WHEREAS, by v,r1uC ° tho Secre­ tary has declared tho en teount of the Indebt­ edness secured by tho m 9 Se to immediately due and payable. NOW THEREFORE. to powers vested in mo by the Single Fa •_Y 'crtgago Foreclosure Act of 1994. 12 U.S.C. § et SAq by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B. and by ^cretary’s designa­ tion ot mo as por^clofu7,limoJ?S:’ioner, recorded on August 6. 2015 at Instrument m0 2015-007724, Barry County Rocords. riVc», NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on -^5^ March 25, 2021 at 1:0Cl P m local time, lhe real property located in tha Vii 90 c, Nashville. County of Barry, State of Michigan, me be«Ow dGscnbcd wl)| bo sold at public auction to me b|d(Jer. Lot 41 of the Original Plat ot Vi!Iago of Nash> ville, Barry County. Michigan, according to lhe re­ corded plat thereof. Commonly known as: 3ip N. State St Tax Parcel No: 52-000-041-00 The sale will be hold at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse, which is located at 220 W. State St., Hastings, Michigan. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may b'd any amount up to and including the total debt at the date of sale, plus any and all amounts recoverable under the provisions of lhe mortgago. , There will bo no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his pm rata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secre­ tary to the date of tho foreclosure sale When making their bids, all bidders, except tho Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling 10% of tho successful bid in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check, made payable to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid noed not ba accompanied by a deposit If the successful bd is oral, a deposit of 10% of the successful bid must be presented when the bidding is dosed. Thedcposl is nonrefundable The remainder of the purchase price must bo deliv­ ered within 30 days of the sate or such other time as tho Secretary may detenruno for good cause shown, time being of the essence Thio amount, like the bid deposits, must tw^elivorcd In tho form of a certified or cashier's crieck. if the Secretary is the high bidder, he need net pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyanc­ ing fees, all real estate and other taxes that aro due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the pay­ ment and all other costs associated witn the transfer of title At the conclusion of lhe sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful b.dders will be returned to them The Secretary may grant an extension 0! time within which to deliver the remainder of the pay­ ment. AU extensions will be for 15-day increments for a fee of S500.00. paid in advance The exten­ sion fee shall be in the form of a certified or cashiers check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the ex­ tension fee shall bo applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to dose the sale within tho required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or. at the election of the Foreclosure Commissioner after consultation with the HUD Field Office representative, will be lia­ ble to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commission may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to lhe second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of pos­ session based upon a right of redemption, in tho mortgagor or others subsequent to a foredosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Fore­ dosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the pur­ chaser upon receipt of the entire purchase pnee in accordance with the terms of the sale, as provided herein HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant. Tho mortgage cannot bo ’reinstated' prior to sale, as tho event triggering acceleration was not a default in payments. Payment of the entire out­ standing balance of the mortgage debt is required to stop the foredosure. The ‘outstanding balance" indudes amounts that would be due under lhe mort­ gage agreement if payments under the mortgago had not been accelerated, advertising costs, post­ ing costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road dis­ tance for posting notices, reasonable and custom­ ary costs incurred for titte and ,»en record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foredosure Commissioner for recording docu­ ments, a commission for the Foreclosure and all other costs incurred in connection Wjlb lbQ foreclo­ 2021 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW Chy of Hastings, Barry County The City of Hastings Board of Review for March 2021 will be held by ELECTRONIC REMOTE ACCESS. Electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, will be implemented in response to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individu­ als in a meeting hall. The public may participate In the meeting through electronic remote access via Zoom access by computer, smart phone/device using the following link: httpsy7us02web,zoQm.us/^31545QQ98.5?pwd^I3J5QGHUcmQrYUBzZ01yDi9hUfJIUIG9 Meeting ID: 831 6460 0986 Password: 468030 The public may also participate by landline phone or cell phone by calling Into this toll-free num­ ber: (312)626-6799 US Toll-free The City of Hastings March Board of Review will meet on the following dates: • Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at 9 AM = Organizational Meeting • Monday. March 8th, 2021 from 2 PM to S PM and 6 PM to 9 PM = Appeal Hearing • Wednesday, March 10^, 2021 from 9 AM to noon and 1 PM to 4 PM = Appeal Hearing APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR APPEAL HEARINGS. To make an appointment call 269-945-9350. You must email your documentation to drashld@hastlng5mLorg prior to March 5th, 2021. The Board of Review will meet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear questions, pro­ tests, and to equalize the 2021 assessments. By board resolution, taxpayers are able to protest by letter, sent to City of Hastings, 201 E State St, Hastings, Ml 49058, provided protest is received prior to March Sth, 2021. The tentative ratios and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property for 2021 are as follows: •Agricultural40.46%1.2357 I ‘Commercial45.39%1.1015 Americans With Disabilities (ADA) Notice L The City will provide necessary reasonable services to individuals with disabilities at the Board of Review meetings upon 4 days* notice. Contact: Jerry Czarnecki, 269-945-2468, 201 E State St, Hastings, Ml 49058 155673 HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 885 River Rd., Hashngs. Ml 49058 to examine and review the 2021 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 1:00 pm Organizational Meeting Wednesday. March 10, 2021, 9:00 am to Noon and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Thursday, March 11, 2021, 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, cor­ rected and approved. If it becomes required to hold this via electronic remote access you may contact Supervisor Brown (269-580-0021) or go to our website (HastingsTownship. com) for further information, which will also be posted on our township door. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 5.2021 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as fol­ Date: February 3. 2021 Jeffrey R. Raff ,. Foredosure Commissioner or the United StatesSecretary of Housing and Urban Development 31440 Northwestern Hwy- Ste. i45Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF OAKLAND Y Michigan 5. 2025 returnto: H 500752L01 ed after completion of Board of Review. r Jim Brown, Supervisor Hastings Charter Township ; Kevin Harris. Assessor Hastings Charter Township Hastings Charter Township Board Meetings are open to al! without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. writing. Trott Law. PC , Sto , 31440 Northwestern 145. Farmington Hills. Ml 4B33 Trott 41.43% 1.2069 44.93% 1.1128 43.99% 1.1366 44.90% 1.1136 1.0000 50.00% American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice .. . services to The township will Pfoyide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids a individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven ( ) P ajds Hastings Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requ services should contact Hastings Charter Township by calling 269.948. Jb9U or deed. Name: Karolyn A. Hanna Notary Public. Macomb uo My Commission Expire Drafted by and when recof Gary C. Bengtson (P5725°i Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Personal Property Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expect­ ) j SS. On this 3” day of 202before me. a Notary Public in and for O3 anq County, appeared Jeffrey R Ralf. Forodosuro Commissioner (or the United States Secretary ol using and Urban De­ velopment, to me persona y nown and being du.y sworn did say that said m5 ment was signed and did acknowledge the 63111 0 his free act and property and personal •Industrial46.01%.....................................................................................1.0867 •Residential46.93%............................................................................ 1.0654 [ •Developmental50.00%1.0000 •Timber Cutover.50.00%1.0000 •Personal Property...50.00% ............................................... -................1.0000 lows: sure prior to the sale 9 155569 Hastings Charter Township Clerk 885 River Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 155180 �Page 12 - Thunday. Fehma.y » Hamtng, Banno, Vikes top Lions in lowBritt Bn,,nrr $/»<»//•' Editor Both sides arc buck to wwk looking for was s to score points after az. - • victory by the Lakewood varsity girK basketball team at Maple Valley High School I hursduj night. GLAC “We barely escaped that one. The ball just wasn't falling for us tonight,” Lakewood head coach Kelly Meinls said?*We had some really great looks and were taking the shots, but they just were not falling. “Wc continued to fight defensively. 1 I J Maple Valley’s Cassie McCool puts a shot up over lakewood center Maradith O’Gorman in the paint during the first half of the Vikings' 25-19 win over the Lions at MapleValley High School Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood's Ellie Possehn starts her team towards the offensive end after securing a defensive rebound during the first half at Maple Valley High School Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ATTENTION The Johnstown Township Board of Review will be held on the following dates & times: Monday March 8, 2021 9AM to Noon and 2PM to 5PM Wednesday, March 10, 2021 9AM to Noon and Thursday March 11, 2021 6PM to 9PM If you wish an appointment call 269-721-8443. The statutory requirements of dates and time have been fulfilled by publication in the Battle Creek Enquirer. TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norns Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046. to examine and review the 2021 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 10:00 am Organizational Meeting Monday, March 8, 2021, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. APPOINTMENTS ARE SUGGESTED; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 5, 2021 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2021 are as follows: Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Personal Property 44.92% 46.05% 40.97% 50.11% 50.00% 1.1131 1.0858 1.2204 0.9978 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. lim Stoneburner, Supervisor Prairieville Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Prairieville Township nchio Board Meetings are open to all without regard to Prairieville origin, sex or disability. . race, color. 'lcU A N ti * African with D!.sanbro$jf necessary Reasonable auxiliary aids and T^VownshiP 1. w th disabilities at the meeting/heanng upon seven Tbe ...2^ to inoivl^.ua Prairieville Township. Individuals with disabilities ®7) days’ n°.j^ aRd^or services should contact Prairieville Township by Writ'n9 Rod Goebel clerk thought we did a nice job of kind of shutting them down and working through that.” It took three minutes for either side to score. The Vikings finally got the ball inside to junior center Maradith O’Gonnan for a bucket. It was the start of a 7-1 run to start the game for lhe Lakewood ladies who are now 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference after falling to Stockbridge Monday. The Vikings never trailed at Maple Valley. They led 15-10 at the half and quickly pushed their advantage up to ten points thanks in large part to a couple nice assists, one from Ellie Possehn to Anja Kelley on a fast break and another from Kelley inside to O’Gorman who completed an and-onc at the free throw line to get the Viking lead to 20-10. Like wood’s lead would get to as many as II points late in the third quarter al 23-21. Sophomore guard P.iige Wolverton hit a free TK girls Bengals andl Bulldogs to get to 4-3 The Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team is back over .500 on lhe season after back-to-back wins. The Trojans moved to 3-3 in the OK Gold Conference with a 59-32 win over visiting Ottawa Hills in Middleville Monday evening. The Trojans arc 4-3 overall. They played their first non-conference opponent Saturday and scored a 74-50 win over lhe visiting Grandville Bulldogs. Wayland bested the TK girls last Friday 57-50 in Wayland. The Thomapple Kellogg girls return to action at home against Cedar Springs tonight and will be at home against Forest Hills Eastern to start the second half of the confer­ ence schedule Saturday at noon. Barry County Christian boys playing for another league title Barry County Cliri stian school is set to host four consecutive ball games leading up to next month’s Great Lakes 6 League Tournament. l he run starts with the Eagles hosting West Michigan Lutheran tonight (Feb. 25). The Barry County Christian boys shared lhe Great Lakes 6 C^unpionslupay-^ and arc hoping t0 ^^in on top of th „ ! f ence under first-ye„ head coach Tim Beckley. Mason Garrison and Trent bandyrare a cou­ ple of the key senj ” back for the Eagles 1>is winter, and the varsitv leant will l‘x’*1 rom bigger contribution throughout th s season from sophomores ^|ay DuMond, Kevin Shaffer and Lucas v^tic. t . “With the adding of nCW coach’ ?™ see the growth jn 1 ,fcr and teamwork in the team,” Barry n\ unty Christian Schools athletic director An„ q.. Thomp5011 retried. Algoma C4X™ 'nd Sacred Heart Academy will u (0 challengers for a Great Likes 6 lbL frigid face lh,S * son. Sacred 1 le,1rt led the Eagles in the season opener f l % Tw o days biter.he 154933 Eagles managed ,ool,il out an intense game with Algo^ ^tian. . ■ Lakewood senior guard Anja Kelley watches teammates run through the offense as Maple Valley’s Megan Valiquette watches her at the top of the key during the second half Thursday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) throw midway through lhe third and then made a bucket with just over two minutes to get the advantage up to 11. Wolverton scored the Vikings last five points of the ballgame, another bucket inside by her with four min­ utes to go in the fourth quarter accounted for the Vikings’ only points in the last ten minutes of play. O'Gorman led all scorers with nine points. Kelley finished with six. I’ossehn had a sea­ son-high eight rebounds. The Lions obviously had a tough time scoring as well. They were without leading scorer Ashlyn Wilkes and head coach Landon Wilkes. Longtime assistant Timara Wehr took over on the Lion bench with help from Tony Joostbems. The Lions focused on being strong defen­ sively, and turned to sophomore center Hailey Heckathom to play a big role in the paint against O’Gorman. “We identified Maradith,” Wehr said. “1 think one of our goals was not to give her the easy bucket first. Wc played Hailey Hackathorn a lot tonight. She is not usually one of our starters and she stepped up tonight. That was what we needed.” “We were trying to take advantage of our bigs,” Meints said. “Maple Valley, they’re scrappy. They were collapsing and taking that option out for us here and there.” The Lions also had some of lheir best suc­ cess on the offensive end when they were able to gel her the ball in the post and work an inside-out game. Senior guard Ali McGlocklin had a team-high eight points for lhe Lions. Cassie McCool, a sophomore guard, finished with four points. Wehr thought her girls played hard, but being ready for one more pass offensively would have been helpful at times. Maple Valley is now 0-6 overall this season and 0-5 in the GLAC. They fell 47-14 al Olivet Saturday and then was bested 41-28 by­ visiting Potterville in a non-conference ball­ game Tuesday. At Stockbridge Monday, the Lakewood ladies were bested 66-49. “We played a tough first half, only down 28-32 going into lhe locker room,” coach Meinls said. “Wc just came out the second half a little flat, shots weren’t falling as nicely, and got to a bit of foul trouble.” Possehn had a huge night for lhe Vikings, putting in 19 points to go with six boards and four steals. Natalie Lang had ten points and five rebounds. Kelley and Sophie Duils added eight points apiece. Knights get the better of TK boys for a second time The Trojans didn’t get lhe outcome they were rolling for Wednesday al lhe West gate Bowling Center. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ bowling team had its string of seven consecu­ tive victories in duals snapped by Kenowa Hills in OK Gold Conference action. The Trojans are now 7-3 in conference duals with lhe first two losses coming lo the Knights. Kenowa Hills eked out a 16-14 dual the day lhe two teams met to open the season. Things weren’t as close Wednesday as lhe Knights threw lheir way to a 28-2 win. Cedar Springs then bested the TK boys at Hastings Bowl Monday. The Knights took lhe two Baker games 230-143 and 213-181, then took the pin count in the final two games 985-820 and 984-909. Nate Palmer and Wyatt Jacobson earned the two match points for the TK boys. Jacobson had games of 235 and 175. Palmer bowled a 169 and a 166. Z Moore hud a high game of 159 forTK. Ethan Kriekaard rolled a 192 and Michael Willshire a 192. The TK ladies scored a 29-1 win over Kenowa Hills Wednesday. TK ladies won Baker games by the sore of 112-96 and 133-125 against the Knights, and took the total pin count of lhe two regular games 738-537 and 767-583. Carly Snyder. Dalace Jousma and Cayleieh Willard won two match points each for the TK ladies. Snyder rolled a 226 and a 191. Jousma tallied a 156 and a 147. Willard scored a 130 and a 124. TK also got high games of 171 from Emily Podbcvsck, 160 from Paige Green. 101 from Allison Hess and 99 from Lily Secord-Rider. The TK ladies are now 10-0 in conference duals having scored a 27-3 win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central Tuesday at Hastings Bowl and a 22-8 win over Cedar Springs Monday. The TK got back on track with a 20-9 win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central Tuesday. DK wins three duals at SAC Quad hosted by Martin There were only 14 total bouts wrestled at the Martin Quad Wednesday night (Feb. 17), but Delton Kellogg did enough winning in those matches to win three duals on the eve­ ning. The Panthers bested the host ClimaxScolts'Martin (CSM) team 36-27. Watervliet 48-18 and Coloma 48-9. Luke Watson al 189 pounds and Cuden Ferris al 285 pounds had pins tor the Panthers in the dual with lhe CSM grapplcrs. Gage Vincent at 112 pounds, Vinnic Quick al 140, Mathew Fales at 152. Hunter Belew at 215 and Ferris at 285 each scored pins in the dual with Watervliet for Delton Kellogg. Against Coloma, DK got pins from Watson and Ferris once again Things didn't go the Panlhcn. way Saturday as they were bested by Plainwell, Kalamazoo Central and Unity City at the Plainw ell Quad DK w is scheduled to take part in another quad nt Martin last night (Feb. 24) and will return lo action at Saranac Saturday. DK will have its lone home meet of the season next Wednesday, March 3. �MJ g Van Demark proves SWMsC’s fastest female 25 2021 — P«l9e 13 ,.-daV F«bfuary ? ' The Hasting. Banner - - Thursday. Tho W Banner • - T^*'’ Brett Bremer Spotts Editor five straight conference championships in any sport won't happen without significant program depth. That is enough time for a xarsity roster to completely turn over. The Caledonia varsity boys' ski team can tured its fifth conscculive S'outhwest Michiv Ski Conference (SWMSC) Championship^bv winning die final race of the season to add t their overall poml lead in the conferen ” Wednesday at Bittersweet. tc Caledonia also had the top boys’ Tr ,.. in the conference for the second consecutkwinter, and it was a member of that ‘B’ souSean Rice, who bested even Division । v!‘‘ ’ Qualifier Daniel Grile from Pottage lo wil, ,“ Giant Slalom event Wednesday. K The win helped Riec joi„ flve . valerlonm guys m earning all-conle, enee hon­ ors. cun .1 II didn t add to the I-ighli| s varsity s |Mini total towards the conference rille. Grile was tilth in the GS Wednesday and won the slalom competition to finish is thconference’s top skier. Plainwellmiomaonlc Ketlogg’s I ucvyanDen.atk finished atopT girls’ overall conference standings with a win in the slalom followed by a third-place GS finish. Grile won eight of the ten conference races on the boys’ side this season and VanDemark won seven of ten on the fids’ side. ° Madison Nagel joined PlainweHTK team­ mate VanDemark in earning all-conference honors. Caledonia had three girls among the conference’s top |7 scorers who earned ail-conference nods: Emily Dean. Barbie DeGood and Evie Schlett. VanDemark was nearly live seconds faster than her nearest competitor in the slalom Wednesday, winning with runs of 35.74 and 36.10. Her nearest competitor was Caledonia’s Barbie DeGood who had runs of 38.38 and 37.87 to place second in lhe event. VanDemark was third in the GS with runs of 29.09 and 28.76. Lily Ross from Mattawan/PP was the day’s individual champ in the GS with runs of 28/75 and 2859. It was the second run that nudged her in front of Portage’s Abigail Liddell for the win. PlainwellTK had two top ten finishers in lhe slalom. Nagel was ninth. The team also had Abigail Warnez 22nd and Karley Wav 24th. Nagel was 14th in the GS, Wamez 22nd and Whitney Johnson 24th. The Portage girls managed lo tie the Mattawan/PP girls (61-61) for (hc second lime this season in the conference on Wednesday, but Maitawarv'PP won the other Hl i* Hl JUJ < • I > • ; » • Plainwell/TK’s Travis Barton makes his way down lhe top of the hill on the slalom course during the SWMSC finale at Bittersweet Wednesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Plainwell/TK's Abigail Wahnez knocks her way past a gate on her second run at the slalom Wednesday during the final SWMSC race of the season on the Hawthorne slope at Bittersweet Ski Resort. (Photo by Brett Bremer) three conference contests to cam the confer­ ence championship. The Caledonia girls fought off Plainwell/ TK for third place 89-119 Wednesday and Kalamazoo United was fifth in the day’s standings with 148 points. Rice wils joined in earning al I-conference honors on the Caledonia boys’ team by Zach Roy. Ben DcGixxi, Reid Goosen. Tyler Roy and Brayden Smith. Goosen and Rice were the only guys other than Grile to w in an event in the conference this season. “We are extremely proud of how our boys team finished up the season tonight.” Caledonia head coach Duane Petrosky said. “We had a slow start and battled back this season to finish on top of the SWMSC. Our seniors lead the way tonight but had great support from the rest of the team. “We came into the race with a 34-point lead (over Mattawan/Paw Paw) and skied well enough to finish what wc set our goal to achieve this year. Donnelly was the runner-up in the varsity­ scoring in the GS to open the evening with times of 29.08 seconds and 28.86 seconds. Rice had runs of 28.64 and 2854 to win the *B‘ team event and put together the Ixrst total k . time of any guy on the Hawthorne run. Zach Roy was fifth m the varsity scoring for lhe Scots in the GS. Fyler Roy seventh and Ben DeGood 12th. DeGood Was sjxtb jn dlc slalom and Zach Roy seventh. Reid Goosen led lhe way for Caledonia with a fifth.pIace slalom finish. Tyler Dean scored in 11 th for the Scots in lhe slalom. “Our varsity team all scored to make it happen,” Petrosky said. ‘The greal about this group of guys is that any one of them could lead lhe way in any event. Our team balance makes it tough for the other teams in our conference to get past Us when we are skiing well.” Grile won the slalom with runs of 35.60 and 35.40. Caledonia’s boys finished the day with 55 points, ahead of Mattawm/pp 71, South Haven 118, Portage 119, Hudsonville 139, Plainwell/TK 221 and Kalamazoo United 2025. Liam Troutner was the lone Trojan Ski guy to cam all-conference honors. He placed tenth in the GS and ninth in the slalom Wednesday. Travis Barton was 29th in the slalom for Plainwell/TK and Sam Bacon 32nd. In the GS. Barton placed 30th nd Bacon 31st. lo make some strides lo get things righted. The Delton Kellogg varsity girls* basket­ ball team is 2-3 overall this season after drop­ ping back-to-back ballgames against Kalamazoo Christian and Galesburg-Augusta. The Rams took a 49-34 win over the Panthers in Delton Tuesday after a 61-19 win by the Comets al DKHS last Friday. Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn Is looking for ways to keep his girls from being tentative on the court, to not shy away from contact and to look for good opportunities to shoot lhe basketball rather than throwing the ball at lhe hoop as pressure comes. “It is a basketball game. Go play," Mohn said of the message he gave to his team after Friday’s loss to the Comets. “If a team is bet­ ter than you, go shake lheir hand at the end of the day, but don’t back away and be afraid of contact. Dial is something we really have to get better at, because our schedule the next two weeks is a smoke job.” Delton Kellogg faces Constantine this eve­ ning and will be al home against Hackett Catholic Prep Friday.Next week, the Panthers face Schoolcraft Wednesday, Fennville Friday and Allegan Saturday. Kalamazoo Christian built a 27-12 lead in the first half at Delton last Friday, and then shut out the DK girls 16-0 in the third quarter by stymieing the Panthers with some full­ court defense. Nyla de Jong and Avery Ekkens had 14 points each to lead the way for the Comets, who are now 3-3 overall this season. Delton Kellogg got live points each from Moore and Mary Whitmore. “Kiersten Moore that is by far the best game I’ve seen her play, attacking the hoop and showing some leadershipcoach Mohn said. “I was real proud of her effort/’ “She did some talking, which is good. We don’t talk very well as a group. That is some­ thing we have to improve on. Her effort, ‘girls what are we afraid of *ct s go.’ she attacked the hoop, took the ball to the rack, got some rebounds and encouraged kids. We need more of that.” „ . Galesburg-Augusta ^ored a 49-34 win over the DK girls Tuesday. The Panthers were down njnc p^ts with five minutes to go be‘ore lbe Rams extended Maddie Pape led DeH°n Kellogg with eight points. Whitmore liaa seven. Caitlyn McManus and Cadence Johnson had five points each for DKTurnovers continued pothers. They had 26 Tuesday“Just a lack of confluence with lhe basket­ ball in our hands and 1 a is qol a gtXXl char­ acteristic to possess it "e 'vant to be success­ ful," Mohn said. pqoe fights 10 try and 061 a shot UP ‘n ,he ,ane as s,1e is Christian defenders Reagan Broekhuizen (left) and Delton Keliogj • KafarnJZ Kellogg High School. (Photo by Breit Bremor) guarded on all sides y al Delton / Tess Van Dyk (right) r' lz iinod’s Madd'e K • Matiawan/PP's Thomas Rudnick was first in the varsity scoring in lhe boys’ GS with runs of 28.79 and 28.47. His team won the first two conference races of the season before being overtaken in the standings by the Caledonia boys. ’ • . SAC Valley slate toMgh Brett Bremer Sports Editor Senior center Kiersten Moore stepped things up a little bit Friday night. Every one of the Panthers is going to have Plainwell/TK/s Lucy VanDemark leans into a turn in the giant slalom Wednesday at the final Southwest Michigan Ski Conference race of the season at Bittersweet Ski Resort. VanDemark finished at the top of the girls’ individual season-long point standings in the conference by winning the slalom and finishing third in the GS Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ... 01 girts s© far Delton Kellogg's Kiersten Moore gets by Kalamazoo Christian's Aubrey Herder to go up for two points during the second half Friday night at Delton Kellogg High Delton Kellogg guard Aubrey Aukerman pressures Kalamazoo Christian’s Kylie Jonkman in the backcourt during the second half of the Comets’ win in Delton Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons and Panthers shoot for first 1-8 victory tonight K 'lhe Hastings Varsity girls’ basketball team hosts Pennfield tonight (Feb. 25) in a battle of two Intcrstale-8 Athletic Conference teams chasing lheir first league win of the winter. The Pennfield girls are 0-6 and the Saxons 0-5 so far in conference play, with each team tallying one non-conference victory so tar. The Saxons had to go up against the two toughest teams in the conference in the past few days. Jackson Northwest scored a 55-31 victory over the Hastings girls Tuesday and a » H Pan,,., Wes.en. douued .he Saxons 56-22 Sa?AlUl>' Western is North^csi is cnee actio. nnW 0-0 thiS seaSOn­ and 5 l iM conferj los< coming at R of t|u, " r'riv W-uner h:«l a leani-high nine points ■ "o No«h«e>. Tuesday for lhe th‘’ ...d Breoklvnn Youngs added eight •Say'1 . * . dlh, had seven points each in the n .LGeekVtweek. team’s to �TK edges Saxons Senior Savana Leonard and the Saxons perform during round two Saturday morning at the Thornapple Kellogg Invitational. The Saxons finished second ii their four-team session in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Thornapple Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team performs its back walkovers in round two of Saturday morning's TK Invitational in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) HHS girls on to® Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hurtling through the 2020-2021 varsity competitive cheer season, the Trojans contin­ ue to add degrees of difficulty to their perfor­ mance. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity competi­ tive cheer team won its four-team session at its own Thomapple Kellogg Invitational Saturday, putting together an overall score of 665.08 points. The Trojans matched their best round three score of the season at 27150, and had the highest sco^ in each round compared lo opponents Hastings, Hamilton and Lowell. “We made I round three) super easy (to start the season). We executed lheround well. Ever since then, we have just been adding on diffi­ culty to increase that,” new TK head coach Adrian Sinkler said. ‘‘They learned the round in four days and they had to compete it in four days. That is my biggest thing. 1 am proud of that, that they were able to do all that. It takes a toll on their body and their mind. They work first hB meet hard and they do their job.” In all, 12 varsity competitive cheer teams competed at TK Saturday in three, four-team sessions, with Mona Shores winning session number two with the day’s highest point total (730.74) and Pennfield taking the win in the day’s final foursome (668.38 points). Hastings opened its Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season on the mats at Hastings High School last Wednesday, winning the sixteam jamboree with a score of 705.28. Hastings was over 200 points in each of the first tw o rounds, the only team at the jambo­ ree to do so. The Saxons scored a 22230 in round one, a 201.18 in round two and then finished off the evening with a 281.10 in round three. The Saxons finished that conference meet more than 66 points ahead of the runner-up Pennfield team. The 1-8’s green and gold Panthers put together a score of 639.16, tally­ ing the second best score of the day in each round. Jackson Northwest was third with 567.20 points, ahead of Parma Western 558.30, Harper Creek 503.90 and Jackson Lumen Christi 41522. Numbers weren’t quite as impressive Saturday. The Saxons scored a 19920 in round one. a 187.74 in round two and a 261.90 in round three. The Thomapple Kellogg girls scored a 203.70 in round one Saturday and a 189.88 in round two. The Trojans’ 27150 in round three included flyers twisting down from all their stunts each time and heel stretches that hand’t.been partof the round previously this season^<Sinkler.said her team also strength­ ened jpotyfity :ani);prcsence for Saturday’s competition. Sinkler was happy to come into her first season coaching the TK varsity with good numbers in the program, able to put ten girls out on the mat in round two and a few stunt groups out in round three. In round two. she has been pleased with her team’s front and back handsprings so far. Leslie knocks off defending GLAC mat champs from Lakewood A Saxon group preps for another stunt during its round three routine Saturday morning at the Thornapple Kellogg Invitational in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) City of Hastings Oaifl 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE NO. 598 fhe Cily of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public regarding amending Chapter 6 Alcoholic Liquor, by amending the following: Article 6, by amending Section 6-1; that Section 6-1 does not apply to the legal consumption of alcoholic liquor, beer, wine, or spirits in a Commons Area of a Social District established by Citv Council on February 22, 2021 in compliance with PA 124 of 2020 MCL Section 436.1551. The nublic hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 8, 2021 in a virtual format. Please check the L. of Hastings website at w ww.hastingsmi.org or contact City Hall at 269-945-2468 for details. Ml interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. r this information is available for public A copy ol *" 8.00 AM 10 5.00 PM Monday inspection (|)(, ofljce o)-the cily clerk. 201 through I n y j.jastingS> Michigan 49058. East State Street. ;il nrovide necessary reasonable aids The City > five days notice to the City and S‘-,rvlczc’s0T< ->468 or TOD call relay services Clerk at 269/”800.649.377/Jane M. Saumian City Clerk 155647 Southwest Barry County Sewer Authority MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2021-2022 2021 March 16,2021 April 20,2021 May 18,2021 June 15, 2021 July 20,2021 August 17,2021 September 21,2021 October 19,2021 NO NOVEMBER MEETING December 21,2021 Zach Gibson and Gavin Vaughn were all a perfect 3-0 on the day. Leslie clinched its win over lhe Vikings 11 bouts in, with Nick Carey earning a pin in lhe heavyweight bout. Lakewood added its final 18 points of the dual with forfeit wins by Clark, Zbiciak and Chris Webb. Vaughn’s win as also against a void in the Leslie line-up. On the mat, the Vikings got a quick pin from Gibson in the 125-pound bout and Graham pinned Connor Nauslar late in lhe second period at 171 pounds. It was Gabe Weber who scored the big come-from-behind win for lhe Blackhawks against VanAIstine at 152 pounds, pulling out a 9-8 decision. • Lakewood was back in action for some more tough duals al Bronson Saturday. The Vikings went 2-1 with a 58-24 win over Buchanan and a 48-30 victory over Schoolcraft. Bronson bested Lakewood in lheir dual 55-22. Clark, Gibson and Keegan VanAIstine were each 3-0 at Bronson for the Vikings. TK grapplers get off to 2-0 start in OK Gold duals 2022 January 18,2022 February 15,2022 March 15,2022 AH meetings located at 11] 9 f S. M-43, Delton, MI 49046 (269) 623-3401 THIS NOTICE IS POSTED 1ft coMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN ACT, PUBLIC ACT 267 OF 1976, As aMENDED. ALL MEEUNG DATES ANo ARE ____________ SUBJECT TO ChANge. The Lakewood varsity wrestling team opened the Greater Lansing Activities Conference (GLAC) season at Leslie Wednesday, splitting its two conference duals. Leslie look the early lead in the conference standings with a 36-33 win over the Vikings, but the Lakewood grapplers bounced back for a 59-18 GLAC win over Perry and a 60-15 non-conference victory over Lansing Eastern. “We had a couple of upsets that could have easily went the other way,” Lakewood head coach Tony Hanner said of the loss to the Blackhawks, who were always expected lo be the Vikings’ top challengers to the conference crown this winter. “Brendon Straub got pinned with one second left, Keegan VanAIstine got turned with 6 seconds left and lost by one, and Kyle Petrie got caught and pinned. Any one of those matches could have slightly changed lhe outcome. Otherwise our kids wrestled tough and came back and beat Lansing Eastern and Perry by a good margin.” The Vikings’ Ashton Clark, Zach Zbiciak, — The Thomapple Kellogg varsity wrestling team started defense of its OK Gold Conference Championship from a year ago last Wednesday, knocking off a pair of confer­ ence foes on the mats in Middleville. The Trojans scored wins by the scores of 64-9 over Kenowa Hills and 52-13 over Wayland. Jackson Curtis (140 pounds). Jackson LaJoye (145), Matthew Middleton (160), Austin Peterson (215), Cater West (285), Jack Wright (112). Ashton Corson (119) and Tyler Bushman (125) had pins for the Trojans in the win over the Knights, a new OK Gold Conference foe this winter along with Cedar Springs, Ottawa Hills and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Camrcn Zoct got a forfeit win at 135 forTK and Zack Gibson scored a 16-2 major deci­ sion at 130 pounds. The closest match of the night was at 103 pounds where TK’s Dylan Bailey scored a 4-3 win over Jackson Pinkelman. The Trojans also got three points from Austin Chivis who scored a 5-2 win over Nathan moe al 152 pounds. Against their longtime OK Gold foes from Wayland, TK got pins from Chivis. Matthew Middleton, Corson and Gibson. Wright and Curtis each earned technical fall victories. FK got decisions from LaJoye, Ben Hanson, Bailey and Bushman. West took a forfeit win at 285 pounds. The Trojans were back in action at a tough quad hosted by Stevensville Lakeshore Saturday The Trojans went 2-1 on the day, scoring a 34-30 win over Byron Center and a 36-33 win over Allendale. 11ie host Lakers look u 31-29 win over the TK guys. West, Corson. Chivis and Kyron Zoel were each 3-0 individually for TK. �^25.2021-^15 PJ!J^?^stlaP seven-ga^e skid against Coin®!? JR.Vt'i Delton Kellogg center A|ex Whitmore puts up the go-ahead shot in the closing seconds of his team’s 49.47 overtime victory over visiting Kalama2oo Christian Friday as the Comets jj Manion (from left), Jared Scheffers and Ethan Boumb look on. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg s Cole Pape lifts teammate Blake Thomas off the court as the Panthers celebrate their one-point overtime victory over Kalamazoo Christian at Delton Kellogg High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer The Delton Kellogg boys now have a twoSports Editor game winning streak after a 53-35 win 71ic radio play-by-play would have been a Tuesday at Galesburg-/\ugusta and are 2-4 fun one. overall this season. Alden Whitmore has the ball in the right Delton Kellogg had lost seven straight reg­ comer with seven seconds to play. Delton ular season ballgames against the Comets wlh trailing the Kalamazoo Christian Comets by their last w in in the series back in January of one. 47-46 in overtime. 2017. Alden is being squeezed into lhe comer by “It’s an extremely good win. It give us a the Comets ’ Chris Terpstra. and he gets around bunch of confidence going down the road,” him baseline, 'terpstra tumbles co the court. Alffen ^W/iijmorc s^d followingjiis,-team’s ! Kalamazoo Jurist larTs Jared Scheffers comes .Friday night overtime w.jnovcr the Kalamazoo vs help and Whitmore is going down too. He Christian Comets. “It brings us together and is dishespass into the paint, as he falls, lo Alex a big confidence booster. Whitmore who flips it up and in with his right It would have felt like one that got away if hand lo pul lhe Delton Kellogg Panthers up the Panthers hadn’t pulled out the victory. A 48-47. 6-0 run at the end of the first half put the Kalamazoo Christian calls timeout with 3.8 Panthers in front 25-20 at the break. The lead seconds left in overtime ... grew to as many as eight points in the third The Comets inbound again now from in quarter. front of lheir bench with 2.7 seconds to go. “We’ve been talking about trying to get They find junior Ethan Bouma in the right better possession by possession, and there corner. He rises up and a three rattles off the were limes that we did that, but I also think rim - the 27th missed three-pointer of the we still struggled with that at key moments," night by the Comets. Philip Halcomb secures Hogoboom said. “What I am super proud was lhe rebound for DK on lhe far side and the our kids’ ability to respond to a Kalamazoo Panthers win! Christian run and not have the mentality that Alex Whitmore finishes with 6 points and ‘here we go again’ sneak in because there 13 rebounds. Alden Whitmore and Cole Pape have been one or two of those already this put up 16 points each, and Pape adds a dozen year that were one or two possession games rebounds. The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ where we felt we had some things done we basketball team gets its first victory under could have done better. It’s against Kalamazoo head coach Jim Hogoboom since his last stint Christian, the team that for decades has been leading lhe program 20 years ago. the team in our league that you want to be “Coach told us to play to our strengths.” able to compete with. To do that and come Alden Whitmore said. “My strength is driv­ through with enough positive plays is very ing, so that is what I did and dished it to my rewarding.” brother for the win.” Junior Brandon Devries came up huge for the Comets before fouling ou( |a(e jn t|le game. He scored with six seconds left in lhe fourth quarter to get his learn within 33-28 going into lhe fourth and then scored four more points early in the fourth as part of an 11-0 Comet run that pushed them in front 37-33. Delton Kellogg was still down three with a minute to play. Pape scored in the paint to get his team within one with 50 seconds to go. That is where things turned Delton Kellogg’s way. The Comets Kyle Hoogenboom was fouled with 37.9 ticks left on the clock, but he was whistled for a technical foul as he pushed another Delton Kellogg defender coming his way after the play. Hoogenboom hit one of his two free throws, and Alden Whitmore hit lhe two technical foul shots at the other end lo tie lhe score al 41-41. 'flic score stayed there for . lite .rest of regulation, wi^ each team coming MP c'mply pn.a.possesyqju “We went into overtime really confident,” Alden said. “Wc were lure that we could pull out the win. We felt like we had the tipping point in our hands, and,we’d bounce back. We just said keep going, keep going, you can’t quit, just got to keep pushing." Whitmore started lhe game hot. He had 13 of his 16 points in the opening half, including ten in the second quarter. The two teams were a combined 2-of-12 al the free throw line in overtime, a four-minute period in which neither team ever had a lead of more than two points. Christian went up 47-46 with 49 seconds to play on a three-point­ er from the left comer by Terpstra. Pape missed two free throws as Devries fouled out with 33 seconds to play, but a Christian turnover bringing the ball past half­ court gave the ball back to lhe Panthers for another chance with just under half a minute to go. Hogoboom was also happy with the play of sophomore guard Halcomb. “He was the catalyst down the stretch. I feel like, defensively with enough pressure and hc came up with some loose balls.” Hogoboom Delton Kellogg guard Alden Whitmore dribbles by Kalamazoo Christian’s JJ Manion during the first half of the Panthers SAC Valley win over the visiting Comets Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) said. Halcomb bad nine rebounds on the night. The Panther coach was also happy with guard Blake Thomas chasing Manion around defen­ sively. Kalamazoo Christian was led by BoOfnii s 13 points. Devries and JJ Manion had seven points apiece and Terpstra six. The Comets were just 8-of-24 at the free throw line and were 7-of-34 from behind the three-point line. Delton Kellogg struggled at the line too, hitting just 14-of-32 tries. “We’re just trying to grow and gain more understanding, and to do that in this kind of setting with an overtime victory over Christian is really exciting for our kids and really rewarding,’’ Hogoboom said. “I’m so happy for them. What has been cool is they have continued to work hard in spite of that frustra­ tion. All 11 guys played in the first quarter. I have never done what 1 did tonight in 40 years of coaching at any level, freshman, girls, guys. “I divided our ten into whal 1 thought were equal groups of five and gave them each little two minutes spurts. Honestly, I was super nervous that might backfire and we might find ourselves down 12. We have a couple kids that haven’t played at all that were suddenly in the starting line-up.” Ogbomosho said he had expected to try the strategy at some point this season, as a way to allow fresh legs to try and turn defense into offense. It was a spark from forward Jacob Kemp’s enthusiasm in practice after the team’s five-point loss, to ment Feb. 17, that made the DKcoadiihtri «n time to get everybody on the court. “[Kemp] did that because we have this ‘Do A Job’ mantra. Find something, it’s not ‘your job’ it’s find ‘a job.’ Do something to impact the team. Whatever you can do to fill that role. I thought Jacob did a great job in practice and that kind of made the decision for me.” DK followed up that win with a 53-35 vic­ tory at Galesburg-Augusta Tuesday. It was another offensive struggle at times. The Panthers and Rams were tied 14-14 at the half. Hogoboom said getting out to run against the Rams in the second half was key to his team’s offensive turnaround. Pape had a game-high 15 points and the Panthers also got good contributions on the scoreboard from Thomas and Payton Smoczynski who had nine points each, with Thomas providing an overall boost to the team with his effort in the second half. “I thought Galesburg-Augusta did a good job of dictating the style and pace of play in the first half and we sorta flipped that for lhe second half,” Hogoboom said. DK is scheduled lo visit Constantine tonight and then host Hackett Catholic Prep Friday. Vikings see defensive progress in besting Lions Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings spent about an hour in practice wXs<J»y 'n;,kins some ^or tweak5 u° K • ,1-fensive plans after failing to get the J on thft end of the floor a couple Job •" ,he first days of the season. times in the .'e ljme waSn’t enough to A hOUnrne early breakdowns. Maple Valley prevent som X ^ewood varwent on a 9^ Ieam jn lts Greater sity boys bas Conference match-up at Lansing Act,Ahoo|. but the Vikings set­ Lakewood decent plays according tied in and made s rn Duits. vikings to head coach C over the Lions. p po'’"- 'n ‘J''’, ina«ding oulihe ***• more selective nt times, but is shooting the open shots well right now. That’s going to get a lol tougher as teams start scouting him and trying to take him away, so he’ll have lo adjust.” The Vikings also got 15 points from Jayce Cusack, who had 11 in the second half. Brent Sweet chipped in six points and Denny Sauers and Cadcn Cusack had four each. Lake wood was 9-of-l I as a team at the free throw line, including 8-of-9 in lhe fourth. Maple Valley’s sharp-shooter. Lane Morris finished with 12 points. Hc had nine in the first half. Hugheston Heckalhom did most of the damage for lhe Lions against the Vikings’ defense. He finished with a game-high 23 points. “We arc a pretty small team and Heckathom is a pretty big and athletic kid so he’s a lough matchup for us, and when he is shooting as well as he was from the outside tonight it makes it that much tougher," Duits said. “Next time we will do a belter job of keeping the ball away from him and making someone else play a bigger role.” Heckathom hit a pair of threes, as did Morris, and went 3-of-4 al lhe free throw line. The Maple Valley boys are now 1-6 overall this season. They were bested by visiting Olivet 66-28 in a GLAC bailgame Saturday and then fell 50-40 lo Dansville in a non-con­ ference ballgame al lhe home of lhe Aggies Monday. The Lions host Ferry toinghl and then will go to Lansing Christian Saturday afternoon. Lakewood’s boys are 2-4. They were downed 68-38 against visiting Leslie Friday and Monday fell 56-39 at Stockbridge. They were scheduled to host rival Ionia in a non-conference ballgame last night and will return to action Saturday at Perry. TK evens OK Gold hoops mark at 3-3 The Thornapple Kellogg Varsity boys’ bas­ ketball team is 3-4 overall this season after winning three of four consecutive ballgames m the past week. The Trojans pulled out a 59.55 win at Ottawa Hills 7’uesda? to movc their OK Gold Conference record to 3-the season. 7 he TK boys also scored H 59.36 win 0Ver Wayland last Friday, m between those two conference victories. Ora,,dvi||c edged the Trojans 78-72 in oyerbme jn non.confer dice ballgame in Middleyufo Saturday. TK will return to action tonjgh( al Cedar Springs and then begin the jKl|f of the OK Gold Conference nl Horcsl Hilfs Eastern Saturday at noon. �« e k. 26. ?0?1 •“ Thc Hasl,n0-- Banner Page 16 — Thursday. February *■ • Saxons move the ball to bust Mounties’ zQrie Brvtt Bremer . .. f.MK-hcd the floor and it I he b/d rareJ) basket easy enough found its way through b.lske|baH for lhc Hasting* va . Alhletic ..................... «• Jackson NoHhues. Mount.es57-42 to improve to M m conferenceplay and 2-4 overall this sea>0ft Senior guard Knty Bcck and senior center Evan Eastman each poured in 21 points for (be Sa\on> as solid outside shooting against the Mounties’ zone defense opened things up a bit for Eastman on thc inside. Hie Saxons survived a three-point barrage from the Mounties at the other end to secure lhe dou- Hastings senior guard Kirby Beck pro­ tects the basketball at the top of the key as he’s defended by Jackson Northwest’s Dylan Leutz during the first half of the Saxons’ 57-42 victory Tuesday at Hastings High School. Beck matched teammate Evan Eastman for game-high scoring honors with 21 points. (Photo by Brett Bremer) blc-digit win. lhc Saxons worked the ball around thc perimeter of the Mounties’ defense, while cutters and screeners did their job inside lhe arc, rnrely trying to force anything dribbling through defenders. “If we’re able to move the ball like that and find the open guys, wc sec open shots, we sec Evan Eastman down in the post getting those easy lay ups,** Beck said. “It is really quite easy if you move the ball around that zone.*’ The Saxons have seen a lot of zone defense from 1-8 opponents this season. Beck and head coach Rich I ong both said they feel like that is at least partially because of lhe limited practice time so far this season. “It seems like every team has been zoning us. With Eastman, they pack it in lhe paint and they don't want him to get lhe ball. Wc really work in practice to move thc ball faster, pass, cut, pass and cut. make the zone shift. ?\nd fortunately, we hit some shots. I don’t know what our three-point percentage was, but it was better than any other game. We made shots. “Once wc started making shots, their zone extended out and then Eastman can get some easier looks. It has been a focus. Only getting one practice between games it is lough, but yesterday we worked on ball-movement and on spreading that zone out.” The chemistry among a fairly experienced group of Saxons, which includes eight seniors, certainly helps take some of the sting off missed practice lime. “It is fabulous,” Beck said of thc team chemistry. “We have a lot of seniors on the team and a lot of juniors coming up. We arc just all friends. It is great lo play basketball. It is fun to hang out with these kids. They love hanging out and they love play ing basketball. That is what makes it so great being together.” Beck still remains on pace to reach lhe 1,000-point plateau in his varsity career by the end of the season should the Saxons get through thc schedule as planned. Hastings built a nine-point lead in the early going and led from start to finish. The Mounties were within three at 13-10 at the end of the first quarter, but threes by Beck and Carter Hewitt in the opening minutes of the second quarter got the Saxons’ lead back up to nine points and then another by Braden Vertalka extended the advantage to ten points for thc first time. Northwest got within four points, 24-20 al the half, and then the Saxons turned things up on thc defensive end to go on a 12-0 run during the first half of the third quarter. The advantage swelled lo as many as 18 points Hastings’ Carter Hewitt races in for a lay-up as Northwest’s Donavon Tenney chases him from behind during the sec­ ond half of their |-e match-up at Hastings High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) and the Saxons led by double-figures through­ out thc fourth quarter. Freshman guard Duncan Moffitt, Northwest head coach John Moffitt’s son, led the Mounties with 18 points on six three-pointers. “We were getting out on him. but he was banging them down. It was nice lo get a win. It is nice to get back on track. Without those threes, I think our defense really, really dug in," Long said. Junior guard Dylan Leutz hit tow threes and finished with 12 points for Northwest. Hastings got nine points from Hewitt and five from Vertalka on the night. “We had goals of competing for the league. Here we arc 1-4,” Long said, "but we’re still working al it. We’re still attacking teams. Wc play Pennfield (in Battle Creek) Thursday night. They are very, very good and execute ven, very well.’’ . re. ■■•A' - ’ Hastings senior center Evan Eastman goes in for two of his 21 points as he’s defended in the post by Jackson Northwest’s Ethan Anspaugh during the Saxons’ I-8 win at Hastings High School Tuesday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Pennfield is currently atop the 1-8 standings with a 6-0 conference mark and a 7-0 overall record. The Panthers scored n 57-45 win at Coldwater Tuesday. Hastings four league losses so far are by an average of only about five points. Harper Creek scored a 44-41 win at Hastings High school last TfiiTrscJay and Parma Western best­ ed lhe Saxons 41-39 Saturday afternoon in Hastings. Fourth place finish for DK girls at first league cheer meet MMS girfe feeat defending Performing a partial round three prevented lhe Panthers from finishing higher in lhe standings at the first Southern Michigan Competitive Cheer Conference jamboree of lhe season Thursday at Parchment. The Delton Kellogg girls were in third place after the first two rounds at the six-team meet, and closed the evening in fourth place. “We did so well," Delton Kellogg head coach Zoe Reynolds said. “I have a such a young team. They arc working so hard. “In round three we only performed about a third of it,” she added. "They had a few bob­ bles but they did great. I am really proud of them for working so hard and learning so much in eight practices.” The host team from Parchment won lhe meet with a total score of 60958 points, ahead of Lawton 595.70, Coloma 565.46. Delton Kellogg 555.70, Bloomingdale 520.10 and Hartford 353.00. Parchment had the top score of each of the first two rounds, a 209.50 in round one, 182.38 in round two and added a 217.70 in round three after an eight point deduction. Lawton managed a 217.80 in round three. Delton Kellogg opened the competition, which included two three-team sessions to aid in social distancing, taking turns on the mat with Bloomingdale and Parchment. The DK girls scored a 196.00 in round one. a 172.20 in round two and 18750 points in round three. Reynolds still sees plenty of work to do. She said there are things to clean up and a boost in confidence needed in round one. As timing improves in round two the Panthers will work to add some more difficult skills in that round. The league gels together again at Coloma tonight (Feb. 25). DK will be at Plainwell for a meet Saturday morning. Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? WEEKLY UPDATES NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS more L I ■- ■ . Hastings^ANNER (269) 945-9554 www.ha$tjngSbanner.com bowling champions The Hastings varsity girls’ bowling team avenged an early season loss to the Coldwater Cardinals winning on the lanes al Hastings Bowl Tuesday afternoon. The Saxons outscored lhe Cardinals 19-11. the first loss for Coldwater in the lnterstatc-8 Athletic Conference in the last two seasons according to Hastings head coach Deanna Rhodes. The Hastings girls took both Baker games lo get a big boost on the score sheet, teaming up for scores of 158 and 162. Abby Barton won two big match points for the Saxons with games of 126 and 120. Amber Rabideau won a team-point for the Saxons with a 137 and Ally Herder won one with a 215. The Hastings boys were bested by Coldwater 28-2 in their dual. Steven VanOoy took two match points with scores of 175 and 180 for the Saxons. Drew Rhodes rolled a strong 189 and Gage Richmond a 179 for Hastings as well. It was the Hastings* boys and Marshall girls reversing early season results last Thursday at Hastings Bowl. The Hastings boys took a 16-14 win over the Redhawks while the Marshall girls picked up a 23-7 1-8 win. The Hastings girls won one of the two Baker games thanks to a 172 and managed lo take the Baker series. Andrea Rhodes picked up the Saxon girls’ other match point with a 221. Rabideau rolled a strong 168 and Herder a 158 in the regular games for lhe Saxon girls. The Saxon boys won the opening Baker game against Marshall with a 204 and then took the Baker series with a 150 in the second contest to pick up their first six points. Richmond had a big night for the Saxons, earning two team points with a 223 and a 266. Gage threw six strikes in a row in his 223 game and threw’ the front seven strikes in his 266 game and then closed out with another run of four strikes. Drew Rhodes earned a team point with a 210 and also added a 170 game. VanOoy tok a team point with a 166 and also rolled a 189. Hastings is scheduled to take on Jackson Lumen Christi this afternoon (Feb. 25) in Hastings. Only Greenville bests Saxons at their first home wrestling meet Hie Saxon varsity wrestling team went 2-1 at its own Hastings Quad Saturday, getting wins over Battle Creek Central and Otsego. The Saxons defeated Otsego 69-12 and Central 58-18, while also falling 69-12 to Greenville. Saxon 103-pounder Dillon Neal was 3-0 for the day. picking up a pair of forfeit wins to go along with a quick pin tn his team’s loss lo the Greenville Yellow Jackets. Hastings got two victories each from Zach Chipman. Cameron Humphrey, Kyler Sherry. Justus Forell, Joe Goggins. Mason Denton, Robby Slaughter and Jackson Dubois at the quad. Interstate-8 Athletic Conference duals started for the Saxons at Coldw ater Wednesday night. Hastings fell to Harper Creek 46-36 ad Coldwater 48-24 before finishing the evening with a 60-12 win over non-conference foe Delton Kellogg. Slaughter had three pins on the evening for the Saxons. Neal, Goggins, Denton, Tanner Rairigh. Joey Turnes? Victor Ramirez and Dubois won two matches each and ( hipman. Sherry. Forell. Elias Sanchez and Finja Schmidt had one win apiece. Hasting'' was scheduled to got to Pennfield for another 1-8 Quad last night (Feb. 24) and will be back in action at thc Fowlerville Quad Saturday. The Saxons host an I-S Quad March 3, an event that will include league toe Jackson Northwest as well as non-conferencc opponents Fowlerville and Portland. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-03-04.pdf 11ee733644bfd4133e91771bca6effb9 PDF Text Text Klovanich’s impact on Hastings recalled A view on two vacancies TK Ladies are perfect 12-0 in Gold bowling See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 16 1070490102590500922149058113421 804879110187 **************************CAR-RT LOT**C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2021 9:47:00 AM Hastings Thursday, March 4, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 9 PRICE $1.00 Industrial complex pitched for property north of county line Company sources estimate project^ to be completed in 2022* wjH create hundreds ofjobs Greg Chandler Staff Writer A Twin Cities-based developer has pro­ posed construction of a regional distribution complex across the street from online retailer Amazon Inc.’s fulfillment center in Gaines Township. Two product distribution facilities are planned on the 168-acre site at the northwest comer of 68^ Street and Patterson Avenue - a 279,000-square-foot sorting facility and a 219,000-square-foot delivery station. The property is owned by office furniture manu­ facturing giant Steelcase Inc. and is part of an overall planned unit development for Steelcase that dates back to the mid-1980s. “This is a pretty significant project,” town­ ship planning consultant David Jirousek said. If all goes according to plan, construction on the new facilities at 4495 68^ St. SE will take place later this summer with completion slated for the spring of 2022, said Kyle Schott, director of real estate for the Ryan Companies, which presented preliminary plans for the project to the township planning commission last Thursday. While Ryan Companies officials have not said who their client is, there are some indica­ tions that the site may be connected to Amazon, which opened its 850,000-squarefoot fulfillment center on 68^ Street in March 2020. “There will be, year-round, hundreds of full- and part-time jobs associated with [the delivery station] and, on top of that, there would be jobs created by third-party delivery drivers, who would deliver the packages,” Ryan Wilson, an economic development rep­ resentative for Amazon, said. For the sorting facility, “that one will be a higher number, closer to 700 new jobs being created, also with a mix of full- and part-time jobs,” Wilson said. Job numbers will fluctuate depending on customer demand* Wilson said. Ryan Companies has built several facilities for Amazon in recent years, including a 2.33-million-square-foot sort fulfillment cen­ ter in Tucson, Ariz., that opened in May 2019, according to the company’s website. The proposed sorting facility would be on the north side of the property and would include ah office/adnhnistrative area and warehouse storing space. “They sort packages into ZIP codes, and then trucks deliver those packages to a finalmile type location,” Schott told commission­ ers. “All packages that come in at the begin­ ning of the day go out that same day. You’ll be seeing truck deliveries throughout the day and shift-related car traffic. This facility will be operational 24 hours a day.” The sorting facility would have 300 trailer parking spaces and 78 trailer docks, according to plans presented to the township. The delivery station will be situated south and east of the sorting facility. It will include space dedicated to package handling for sort­ ing into individual delivery routes. Two sides of the building include a canopy for loading packages into delivery vehicles. “As the sort facility sends out packages into ZIP-coded areas, the delivery station will then put packages into delivery routes,” Schott said. There also is extensive parking on the site to serve delivery drivers who will be using the facility. “With each van parking space, next to that is a driver’s personal space, meaning that a driver will come in park their personal vehi­ cle, get out, get into a delivery van and then go into the queuing line,” Schott said. Traffic from the sorting facility will exit onto Patterson Avenue, while traffic from the delivery station will exit onto 68^ Street. Four driveways are planned onto 68^ and one onto Patterson, Jirousek said. Jirousek said that the proposed develop­ ment is consistent with the township master plan. “In terms of the current master plan, this is one of the last major industrial areas left,” he said. “However ... within the last year we have discussed an expansion of that industrial area on the future land use map further south.” The central issue that commissioners will deal with in considering the site plan for the project is traffic, as well as with partner carri­ er delivery vehicles. “I think we know what we’re going to hear. We’re going to hear about traffic - traffic through Dutton, traffic along 68^ Street,” Commissioner Tim Haagsma said. “I hate to tell somebody where they have to drive. The roads are there, 68^ Street is an all-season, county primary road. I know there’s been issues with people complaining about truck traffic along 68^ Street. We’re going to hear that.” A traffic study has been commissioned to address the project impact, with the report from that study expected to be presented at a public hearing when commissioners consider the project site plan. In addition, township officials have been getting complaints about delivery vehicles, Jirousek said. “There’ve been some issues with staging See PROPERTY page 7 Residential/commercial project gets thumbs-up Downtown developmentjatsite of former Moose Lodge expected to get underway this summer Sophie Bates Writer The Hastings Planning Commission Monday approved a spedi^l-use permit and site plan for a residential and commercial development project at 128 N. Michigan Ave., the site of the former Moose Lodge. ‘ With the planning commission’s approval granted, the project is expected to break ground on construction sometime this sum­ mer. The site plan, as approved, is for a mixeduse building of office retail on the bottom floor in conjunction with residential space — 21 market-rate residential units on the first, second, third and fourth floors, Community Development Director Dan King said. Planning consultant Rebecca Harvey noted the plan, while comprehensive, includes sev­ eral design elements that conflict with the city’s development standards. The first of these design elements is densi­ ty“Within this district, there’s a limitation of eight units in a building unless the planning commission grants a deviation from that,” Harvey said. planning commission Chairman Hatfield said the board has been supportive an increased density for the since the project’s introduction, due to a need for affordable housing in Hastings. “Frankly, earlier discussion has been strongly supportive of [increased density] given a rather dire need for additional housing in the city,” Hatfield said. Planning commission members agreed to grant a deviation and allow 21 units in the development. The site plan also includes too few parking spaces. Currently, the city requires that a multifam­ ily development of this type have 32 residen­ tial and 12 retail parking spaces available. However, the project’s developer, AJ Veneklasen, has proposed only 22 on-site parking spaces, due to limited space for park­ ing on the property. “The way this is allowed in your ordinance is subject to the multifamily development 01 NE PERSPECTIVE NW PERSPECTIVE ■ w ■ ww These illustrations show different views of a four-story building proposed for the corner of North Michigan and Apple Street in downtown Hastings. The residential/commercial use project at the site of the former Moose Lodge will answer a “rather dire need for affordable housing,” Planning commission Chairman Dave Hatfield said. (Drawings provided) parking standards which would require almost twice what they are allowing, or what they are providing,” Harvey said. “However, the ordi­ Work begins on $26-million Bradley interchange Taylor Owens Staff Writer A two-year, $26 million project to build a new highway interchange between US-131 and M-179 began Monday. According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, the new overpass will be designed as a single point urban interchange, similar to interchanges at U.S. 131 and 44^ Street in Grand Rapids or U.S. 131 and Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo. The design is intended to move large vol­ umes of traffic through limited amounts of space safely and efficiently, MDOT officials said. It is similar in form to a diamond inter­ change, but has the advantage of allowing opposing left turns to proceed simultaneously, by reducing the two intersections into one single intersection over the free-flowing U.S. 131 expressway, they said. Construction on the new bridge will last about one year before the scheduled demoli­ tion of the current bridge takes place in March 2022. MDOT expects only brief closures to traf­ fic during the construction, representative John Richards said. Richards also said he does not expect to have delays caused by COVID-19, adding that MDOT only had one previous delay due to the pandemic, for two weeks in March 2020. Included in the project is the repaving of six-and-a-half miles of U.S. 131, from 120^ Avenue to 133r^ Avenue. The majority of the project is being funded 02 nance allows you to accept or approve a reduced parking plan.” Harvey noted that other areas with down­ by the Gun Lake Tribe of the Match-e-benash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians. The planned interchange reconstruction comes as the nearby Gun Lake Casino is in the midst of a $100 million expansion of its facility. The casino expansion, which is slated for completion this year, will add another 72,000 square feet to its current 156,000-square-foot building, with additional restaurants, expan­ sion of its Stage 131 entertainment center, and expanded gaming areas. “[The casino] totally exceeded our expecta­ tions from Day One,” John Shagonaby, senior director for governmental affairs for the tribe said during a planning session last year. “To be able to expand and do more things that we want, a safe bridge is part of the plan.” Tribe representatives approached MDOT a See INTERCHANGE, page 3 See PROJECT, page 10 Filibuster offers heartfelt accounts of pandemic’s price Rebecca Pierce The intersection is expected to reopen in November 2022. town residential units above commercial Editor Accounts of pandemic-prompted state mandates threatening the survival of locally owned restaurants consumed the Barry County commissioners’ meeting Tuesday. The public comment portion of the meet­ ing, which ended up commandeering the entire session, was intended as a filibuster. At least 36 citizens spoke via Zoom. They queued up at two locations in Freeport and Delton, each one speaking for 3 minutes, which is the time limit allowed to each citi­ zen who wants to offer a public comment. The filibuster did cause the planned busi­ ness portion on the agenda to be postponed until next week. Yet the tone was not contentious as the speakers found no opposition among their listeners. One woman wept, another choked up and struggled to speak. Some speakers expressed anger and others bewilderment at state-or­ dered mandates that prevent them from operating their businesses in a sustainable way. They referred to the price, both financial­ ly, physically and mentally, that is being paid for the isolation in their communities, which are beset by anxiety, discouragement and depression, business closures and spikes in suicides. Some commissioners said they were overwhelmed by the accounts they heard. Chairman Ben Geiger said their stories are heartbreaking. “We welcome your comments and, hope­ fully, we can find some ways to work together to bring some needed change,” Geiger told speakers as the session began. Rutland Charter Township resident Joel Ibbotson, one of the founders of the Local Government Accountability Forum, which had planned the organized public comment filibuster, was the first member of the public to comment. “Our voices seem to fall upon deaf ears,” he told the board. What followed then was about two hours of voices - local business owners and restaurateurs, their customers and residents from Barry County as well as Calhoun, Eaton, Ionia and Kent, who told of their struggles to survive. But those accounts didn’t fall on deaf ears, some commissioners said.. Commissioners who were polled by The Banner after the meeting spoke about what they’ve been trying to accomplish behind the scenes. Commissioner Jon Smelker, who is a See COUNTY page 12 �Page 2 — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Friends, co-workers recall Mike Klovanich’s impact on Hastings Taylor Owens Staff Writer The legacy of Michael Klovanich can be seen everywhere in Hastings. An employee of the city from 1962 to 1992, Klovanich served as the city engineer and director of public works. He planned and oversaw construction of Bob King and Fish Hatchery parks, expanded Tyden Park, oversaw construction of the water plant, expanded the wastewater plant, engineered the construction of Apple Street and oversaw the paving of miles of gravel streets in the city - along with numerous other projects. “He had a hand in everything built around Hastings,” Mayor David Tossava said. “It wasn’t just some of the projects, it was all of the projects,” former city employee Tim Girrbach said. Klovanich died Feb. 21 at the age of 83. His friends and colleagues remember him as a firm advocate for the city of Hastings, a dedicated employee and a fun person to be around. “Mike himself was quite the guy,” former mayor Frank Campbell said. Klovanich was hired by Hastings City Engineer Ken Laberteaux who had been in the position since 1940, and who also had a major impact on the city. “Under his direction, he developed what is now known as Tyden Park,” J-Ad Graphics CEO Fred Jacobs said. “Laberteaux supervised the construction of Johnson Field and oversaw the entire city’s water distribution system. He also played a major role in the city/county airport.” “But one of most important impacts to the city was his determination to bring aboard someone with the skills to map the city’s infrastructure,” Jacobs said. With a degree in civil engineering, and a master’s degree in business administration from Aquinas College, Klovanich was just the person Laberteaux was seeking. “Ken sought out Mike Klovanich due to his engineering skills to take on the challenge to put everything in printed form,” Jacobs said. “Prior to that, when the city had a pipe break, they would have to find Ken to tell them where to start digging. I can remember — “Many evenings, when I was in my office late working, Mike would be there studying the project and looking to make sure the work was secure. We even solved a problem or two as we spoke in the evening, both as how to move a street around a 70-year-old building that was right in the way for the street, as well as some other issues we were both working at the time.” Bob Byington Ken’s wife commenting when a pipe broke in the middle of the night, Ken would get a call from city DPW workers to locate the break.” After moving from Ohio, Klovanich quickly grew attached to small-town atmosphere. “He fell in love with Hastings,” Tossava said. That love for the city translated into a strong work ethic that was seen by all who worked with Klovanich. “He didn’t have just have a 9-to-5 job,” Girrbach said. “It was whatever it took to get it done.” He was out at the construction sites daily - even nightly. Once, during the Apple Street construction project, Tossava and his family were driving home one night and saw a man standing at the old railroad tracks. On a closer look, Tossava saw it was Klovanich surveying the project. “He worked his tail off, it didn’t matter the hours,” Tossava said. “Everything Mike did was top-notch.” When presenting him the Barry County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award in 1990, attorney Robert Byington recalled seeing Klovanich outside his Apple Street office. “Many evenings, when I was in my office late working, Mike would be there studying the project and looking to make sure the work was secure,” Byington said. “We even solved a problem or two as we spoke in the evening, both as how to move a street around a I Michael Klovanich worked for the City of Hastings for 30 years. 70-year-old building that was right in the way for the street, as well as some other issues we were both working at the time.” I Klovanich also passed that work ethic Into his employees, including Tossava, whose first job with the city was as a mechanic . fl “When you worked for Mike Klovanich, you knew what he expected,” Tossava said. “He taught dedication To the job . He instilled that in everybody who worked for him.” Klovanich also mentored his employees, and always encouraged Girrbach to finish college. “He liked to see his proteges excel,” Tossava said. But Klovanich also was known for his sense of humor and his willingness to have fun with his employees after the work was done. When asked about his memories of Klovanich, Girrbach laughed. “There’s so many of them,” he said. One day the DPS crew was having a water fight in the city garage. Just as one employee threw a bucket of water, Klovanich came around the comer - and walked right into it. “He was wet from head to toe,” Girrbach recalled. “He never said a word, just turned around and walked away, went home and changed his clothes.” Occasionally Klovanich would park his car behind one of the trucks at the garage, with the keys still inside. The garage crew would occasionally move the car themselves, by parking it a couple blocks down the road. But on one occasion they went above and beyond, and used a forklift to put Klovanich’s Volkswagen Beetle in the upper loft of the garage. “I still remember the look on his face when he found it,” Tossava said. “He would always say he would get us back but he never did. He was a fun guy to be around.” “He had a good relationship with the city crews,” Campbell said. “He got along with everybody.” That amiability helped as Klovanich took on more roles with the city over his 30-year tenure. He prepared budgets, servedon committees and worked heavily with the downtown development authority. “He had a lot more responsibility than just the director of public works,” Tossava said. “Mike was a strong influence on what happened in the City of Hastings. He kind of ran city hall.” There wasn’t a city manager’s position during Klovanich’s time, so many of those duties fell to him. “Mike effectively was the city manager for the City of Hastings,” Jeff Mansfield, himself a former city manager, said. He was hired by Klovanich as the deputy director of public services about six months before Klovanich retired in 1992. “Mike was a very strong advocate for the City of Hastings,” Mansfield said. “He put the city’s best interest first and foremost. He had a very lengthy record of very quality service for the City of Hastings.” “There’s no question that Mike made a big impact on our city during his tenure - not only for his engineering ability but his vision to develop our city and prepare it for growth in the coming years,” Jacobs said. “As we look back on his life, we can say for sure he was one of our great leaders who left a legacy of achievements. Projects such as Apple Street, the Hastings Downtown Development, city street improvements, moving the department of public works and the fire barn to their present locations, and so many more. We will remember Mike as a great leader and visionary for Hastings.” Hastings band await judges’ ratings | “American Riversongs” is one of two familiar compositions the symphonic band presents at the Hastings Performing Arts Center, (under the direction of Spencer White. Attorney Robert Byington (left), presents Michael Klovanich with the Barry County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award in 1990. Recent performances can be viewed online Kathy Maurer Help sought with IDs for YMCA photos Several photographs have been collected for the upcoming 75th anniversary book on Hastings’ Camp Algonquin. J-Ad Graphics and the YMCA of Barry County are seek­ ing help in putting names to faces of people in the photos. If you can help identify anyone in this photo, please email news@j-adgraphics.com, providing spelling, as accurately as possible, and description of the person, using clothing and position in the photo as reference. An approximate year when the photo was taken would be helpful, as well. Copy Editor Late winter brings the annual Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association festivals, with precision, pomp and a panel of adjudicators. Two years ago, Hastings High School hosted about 1,000 students from other schools to present their best music in its sparkling new performing arts center. Last week, most of Hastings band students performed on the PAC stage, this time in COVID style. Only the high school bands had an audience - each other. Judges will view the tapes and provide ratings in the next several weeks. But the musicians and the performances maintained their formality, and the PAC’s sound system allowed the intricacies to be heard, right down to the subtlest brush of a snare drum or the trill of a piccolo or oboe. Only 20 bands participated in MSBOA festival for District 10, which includes Barry, Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties, and four of those 20 bands were from Hastings, co-director Jen Ewers said. Hastings also had the only seventh-grade band participating. The performances were videotaped for judges, and anyone may view the presentations on the YouTube channel, ©Hastings Bands. “Because the high school bands meet during the same hour, We Were able to perform them for each other,” Ewers said. “So, there was kind of an audience for them. That is who is applauding at the end of those high school videos.” The seventh-grade band played “Forward March” by Paul Murtha and “Carpathia” by William Owens. “We often reflect on how far our seventh­ graders have come through all of the adversity they have faced,” Ewers wrote in an email. “Their beginning band year ended about halfway through, and not only did we have to pick back up where we left off when we resumed in-person school in August, we had to also learn how to rehearse and be a full band. They have done great on developing their individual and full band skills.” The eighth-grade band performed “Adventure on Snake River” by Colin Brien and “Caverns of Sonora” by William Owens. The eighth-grade band’s last live performance was at the band festival one year ago, when it received straight Division 1 ratings as a seventh-grade band, Ewers said. “Even though their eighth-grade year hasn’t looked like years past, they are stepping up to all of the challenges that face them inside and outside of class,” she said, commending the eighth-graders as leaders of the middle school bands. The high school band program is divided into two ensembles: concert band and symphonic band. The concert band is comprised of freshman band students, and sophomore and juniors based on audition placement. “This is the biggest band,” Ewers said, “and we were only able to fully fit on the stage because we had several absences. We couldn’t put the curtain down in the back because we needed every foot we could get.” The concert band performed “Excelsior!” by William Owens and “Into the Storm” by Robert. W. Smith. Soloists included Joy Aukerman on bass clarinet, Valentina Arias and Eric Ramey on piccolo and Riley Shults and Keegan Lindsey, both on trumpet. “They have done great through the extremely difficult challenges of rehearsing this large of a group spread out so far apart and in only having about 16 rehearsals,” she said. The symphonic band is made up of all senior band students and select juniors and sophomores based on audition. “They’ve taken on very difficult music this year and rose to the challenge, also in so few rehearsals,” Ewers said of the seniors’ final band festival. The symphonic band performed “American Riversongs” by Pierre LaPlant and “Four” by Randall Standridge. Soloists included Vai Eaton, French horn; Zach Franklin, bassoon; Anna Haywood, oboe; Jesse Hunt, tuba; Connor Lindsey, alto saxophone; Eric Ramey, piccolo; and Caleb Waller, trumpet. Even Hastings’ sixth-graders had a virtual performance, although not for the MSBOA festival. “Our sixth-graders have just impressed us so much this year,” Ewers said. “They have just blown us away with their work ethic and commitment.” Ewers, fellow director Spencer White, students, and others are hoping the spring concert will be performed live. A tentative schedule has the high school bands’ spring concert and awards presentation Thursday, April 29. The middle school band concerts are tentatively planned for Tuesday, May 11. Times will be determined at a later date. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — Page 3 Hastings Board of Education evaluates Goebel, releases survey results Sophie Bates Staff Writer The Hastings Board of Education went into a closed session Monday evening during a special meeting to evaluate Interim Superintendent Matt Goebel. No action was taken after the executive session. Board members were silent on what was said in that evaluation. The board has said it will announce a deci­ sion - either to hire Goebel as the permanent superintendent or pursue a superintendent search - at its regular board meeting on March 15. While the board evaluated Goebel in the privacy of a closed session, school board President Luke Haywood released the results of a 15-question survey to gauge community viewpoint on the vacancy. Survey questions were posted to thl Hastings Area School System Facebook page and website from Tuesday, Feb. 16 to Monday, Feb. 22. The survey received approximately 122 responses from school district staff members and 341 responses from community members. INTERCHANGE, continued from page 1 This rendering of the new interchange was made last year. The previous interchange was built in 1959. Community survey results: 75.4 positive, 10.9 neutral, 11.8 negative and 2 not applica­ ble. Do you feel the interim superintendent has a good understanding of our district’s finan­ cial status and needs? Staff survey results: 82.9 positive, 10.6 neutral, 2.4 negative and 4.1 not applicable. Community survey results: 70.2 positive, 13.2 neutral, 6.9 negative and 9.8 not applica­ ble. Do you feel the interim superintendent has a good handle on staff development, student Do your feel our interim superintendent’s achievement and school improvement? decisions, practices and policies support Staff survey results: 77 positive, 13.9 neu­ HASS vision, mission and goals (dynamic tral, 8.2 negative and .8 not applicable. plan)? Community survey results: 71.7 positive, Staff survey results: 87 positive, 11.4 neu­ 10.7 neutral, 13 negative and 4.6 not applica­ tral, .8 negative and .8 not applicable. ble. Community survey results: 76.9 positive, Do you feel the interim superintendent 12.2 neutral, 8.8 negative and 2.1 not applica­ approaches challenges and changes in a posi­ ble. tive, problem solving manner? Do you feel our interim superintendent Staff survey results: 78 positive, 13 neutral, possesses the qualities to move the district 4.1 negative and 4.9 not applicable. forward to achieve our vision, mission and Community survey results: 72 positive, goals? 13.4 neutral, 11.9 negative and 3.7 not appli­ Staff survey results: 81.3 positive, 11.4 cable. neutral, 6.5 negative and .8 not applicable. Do you feel the interim superintendent pro­ Community survey results: 72.1 positive, motes an environment of positivity and mutu­ 12.6 neutral, 13.8 negative and 1.4 not appli­ al respect? cable. Staff survey results: 75.6 positive, 12.2 Do you feel the interim superintendent neutral, 11.3 negative and .8 not applicable. communicates well to staff, parents and com­ Community survey results: 72.2 positive, munity members using appropriate methods 12.4 neutral, 11.2 negative and 4.3 not appli­ and cadence? cable. Staff survey results: 83 positive, 8.1 neu­ Do you feel the interim superintendent rec­ tral, 8.9 negative and 0 not applicable. ognizes and celebrates excellence? Community survey results: 79.4 positive, Staff survey results: 70.5 positive, 20.5 8.3 negative, 11.2 negative and 1.1 not appli­ neutral, 5.7 negative and 3.3 not applicable. cable. Community survey results: 71.8 positive, Do you feel the interim superintendent 15.2 neutral, 8 negative and 4.9 not applica­ empowers and inspires students, staff and ble. community members to be collaborative and Do you feel the interim superintendent has innovative? provided and would continue to provided Staff survey results: 72.3 positive, 14.6 effective leadership and direction? neutral, 12.2 negative and .8 not applicable. Staff survey results: 78.7 positive, 14.8 Community survey results: 65 positive, neutral, 6.5 negative and 0 not applicable. 16.3 neutral, 14.1 negative and 4.6 not appli­ Community survey results: 73 positive, cable. 11.8 neutral, 13.5 negative and 1.7 not appli­ Do you feel the interim superintendent is cable. approachable and open to receiving staff and Do you feel the interim superintendent col­ community feedback? laborates and cultivates productive relation­ Staff survey results: 74.8 positive, 12.2 ships with a wide variety of stakeholders? neutral, 12.2 negative and .8 not applicable. Staff survey results: 57.9 positive, 24 neu­ Community survey results: 68 positive, tral, 6.6 negative and 11.6 not applicable. 13.3 neutral, 12.4 negative and 6.3 not appli­ Community survey results: 58.1 positive, cable. 18.2 neutral, 9.8 negative and 13.9 not appli­ Do you feel our interim superintendent is cable. responsive to inquiries, requests and feed­ Do you feel our districts needs to do an back? outside search for out next superintendent? Staff survey results: 71.6 positive, 17.9 (For this question, strongly disagree and dis­ neutral, 4.9 negative and 5.7 not applicable. agree are considered positive and agree or Community survey results: 64 positive, strongly agree are considered negative). 14.9 neutral, 11.8 negative and 9.2 not appli­ Staff survey results: 65.1 positive, 13 neu-j cable. tral, 21.1 negative and .8 not applicable. Do you feel the interim superintendent pro­ Community survey results: 55.1 positive, vides a positive district image for HASS? 15.7 neutral, 25.5 negative and 3.8 not appli­ Staff survey results: 83 positive, 124 neu­ cable. tral, 4.9 negative and 0 not applicable. Each of the questions had six possible answers: Strongly agree, agree, neutral, dis­ agree, strongly disagree and not applicable. To sort the results into clear, straightfor­ ward categories, the responses for strongly agree and agree — as well as disagree and strongly disagree — were combined to form four evaluation categories: positive (strongly agree and agree), neutral, negative (strongly disagree and disagree) and not applicable. The results, shown below, also are sorted by Hastings staff and community. The Michigan Department of Transportation starts work on a two-year project to remake the interchange between US-131 and M-179. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) little more than three years ago with concerns about the interchange and seeking improve­ ments to the area because of heavy traffic around the casino. Previously, the northbound ramp off U.S. 131 had one lane to turn right on M-179 toward the casino. Southbound traffic current­ ly exits onto 12th Street, which runs parallel to the expressway. Drivers turned left onto 12^ Street and then made another left turn to get on to M-179 to head toward the casino. “Rebuilding and improving this inter­ change is vital for this growing area, and it helps meet the vision the Gun Lake Tribe has for their casino, their customers and their stakeholders,” MDOT Engineer Erick Kind said. Kind is in charge of the MDOT Grand Region, which covers the counties of Allegan, Barry, Ionia and Kent. “The generosity from the Match-E-BeNash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan is unprecedented and gives us a great opportunity to rebuild this bridge and interchange for all of Michigan,” Kind said. Happy Birthday Mary Jane Blough! 92 years young and going strong! Mary Jane will be celebrating her 92nd birthday, March 7th. Please join us in wishing her the best by phone or card. Please send cards to: Mary Jane Blough 2737 Barber Road, Hastings, MI 49058 The majority of the $26 million project is being paid for by the Gun Lake Tribe of the Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians. Scan those old pictures and make copies, enlargements or postcards. Devoted to the Interests of Barty County Since 1856 Hastings Banner Hastings: One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) MiddlevilJe: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Family Fare Tom's Market • - ■ Hastings Johnny’s Gun Lake: Sam’s Gourmet Foods The General Store Marathon Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Mega Bev Hastings Pharmacy Walgreens expires March 31.2021 Woodlani Woodie Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery OeUont Family Fare Delton Johnny's Prairieville: Bonfield: Prairieville Fast Stop Banfield General Store Orangeville: Orangeville Fast Stop Dowling: Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station SCANS Half Off Goldsworthys Dowling General Store L&J’s gPost Uttle’s Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy iteC Store lafeBflfessas Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Shelbyville: Town & Country 1351 N.Broadway (M-43), Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 4:30 �Page 4 — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? Poetry in motion A view on two vacancies These showy mute swans add a touch of elegance to the Thornapple River near Charlton Park in Hastings. Mute swans let their beauty speak for itself; they don’t squawk or honk in flight either. But they can be aggressive, and just might hiss if anyone gets too close. These birds don’t migrate south if food is plentiful, so they aren’t a sign of spring. But they sure are pretty. Do you remember? Friendly exchange at club meeting Banner March 9,1967 Greeted at Women’s Club meeting - Mrs. Howard A. [Helen] Peters, president of the Hastings Women’s Club, greets three Hastings High School seniors at the special program Friday afternoon at Leason Sharpe Memorial Hall. Being welcomed by Mrs. Peters are (from left) Jan Wiesenhofer, Marjut Laine of Finland and Mieke de Ridder from the Netherlands. Marjut is living with Mr. and Mrs. Maurice [Gladys] Wiesenhofer, and Mieke with Mrs. Joyce Miller. Both are exchange students at HHS. Mrs. Lucille Whiteman from Angola, Ind., talked and gave a demonstration, “Spring A Lovelier You.” Have you met? After working at Burkey Glass — a Hastings business that specializes in auto glass, commercial and residential glass, glass railings and more — for 40 years to the day, Jeff Buehl, 66, retired in 2017. But, in the past four years, the musician and volunteer has learned he’s not very good at retirement. In the absence of one full-time job, Buehl has somehow acquired four part-time jobs. And he serves on the board for six local orga­ nizations: the Thornapple Arts Council Board, where he just finished two years in the presidency; the Hastings Community Music School; the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation and Hastings Band Boosters; the zoning board of appeals; and the Riverside Cemetery Advisory Board. “I’m failing miserably at retirement,” Buehl said. The most recent addition to Buehl’s list of roles is that of stage crew for the Hastings Area School System Performing Arts Center. Buehl, alongside Craig Holley, Joe LaJoye and Carl Schoessel, proposed a management team for the Performing Arts Center. The proposal was approved by the Hastings Board of Education Feb. 15. The plan dictates that Buehl and Holley both serve as stage crew, responsible for the upkeep of the center; setting up, running and taking down events; overseeing the construc­ tion of sets; and assisting in the day-to-day operations. While he’s just getting started in the role, it’s the one that thrills him most. “We’re really excited to get [the center] open and back up again,” Buehl said. “It’s been a long time coming.” Buehl’s second job is at the regional Meyer Music store, where he facilitates musical instrument rentals for local schools in the spring and fall. Buehl himself is a musician and plays trombone in the Thomapple Jazz Orchestra. He also was a volunteer stage hand, of sorts, as a band parent when his kids were younger, and carried that helpfulness to the FFA National Convention, where he assisted the national band for several years. His third part-time job is at Unique Digital Productions, where Buehl records high school and middle school music performanc­ es, such as the jazz festival and marching band. His fourth — and most unusual job — is as a staff member at the Girrbach Funeral Home. “This is something that just landed in my lap completely out of the blue, mainly because I owned a black suit,” Buehl said. Buehl said he took a job after being asked Jeff Buehl to help out at a funeral by owners Dale and Sandy Billingsley, who are friends of Buehl’s. He’s held the position for several years and, although sometimes sad, he finds comfort in it. “In a strange way — and this is hard to put into words —I’m enjoying it; not in the tra­ ditional sense of enjoying it,” Buehl said. “Most of the people I’ve helped to serve through the funeral home have been people I know, one way or another. I had more than one of those people say they were thankful that I was there, that someone they knew helped them through it. “I’m glad that I have the opportunity to help them in a time like that.” Buehl’s motivation to stay active and involved in the community is twofold. First, he simply can’t sit still and, frankly, doesn’t want to. “I’m not good at sitting around. I get bored. I just always had to keep moving. I’ve always figured that if you made yourself a moving target, then the grim reaper couldn’t catch you,” Buehl said. “I know so many people, when they retire, they take to the couch with a remote in one hand and a beer in the other and they’re dead in a few years. You know, I’m not just making that up. That’s a fact for people my age, and that’s not what I want. “They say that your life flashes before your eyes at the end, right? And I don’t want that to be just a loop of me sitting on the couch. I want it to take a minute, so I can figure out a way to squirm out of it.” Second, the 1974 Hastings graduate wants to give back to the community he’s lived in his entire life. “It’s important to give. You can’t just take. You have to give, too. And that was a lesson I learned from my mom and dad,” he said of his parents, Bill and Donna Buehl. “It’s not just one person. It’s not just me It’s a number of different people all working on one goal, which is to provide opportunity — cultural opportunities — for the people. “That’s what makes a community.” When he’s not working, Buehl spends time with his wife, Nancy; two children, Jake and Maggie; and a granddaughter. For his community service and musical contributions, Jeff Buehl is this week’s Banner Bright Light. First job: I mowed lawns and shoveled snow as a teenager. My first real job was working for a local furniture moving compa­ ny. If I could go anywhere in the world: I would go to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. I had an Rhicle who was on the USS Arizona and was one of the lucky few who survived. A big accomplishment for me: One of the things I’m proud of and makes me an anom­ aly is that my wife and I have been married for 44 years in June. I’m proud of that. Important lesson from childhood: One of the things my dad always said is if something is worth doing, it’s worth overdoing, and I hope I’ve passed that on to my kids. If I could live in another time: I’ve always said I should have been a teenager in the 1930s and 40s — just based off my love for the music. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Find something to do that you love. Don’t do something just to earn money. And once you find that thing, do it the best you can. I’m most proud of: My children and now my grandbaby. There’s nothing like grand­ children. If I won the lottery: I’d spend it all on good causes. I would endow a number of different things. And spend it on my kids. I am most content when: The first thing that comes to mind is, when my granddaugh­ ter is sitting on my lap. The second thing that comes to mind is seeing the look on kids’ faces when they perform —seeing young people succeed. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. The City of Hastings and the Hastings Area School System share a significant challenge right now that may determine the well-being of the community for years to come. Both the city council and the school board will be making decisions about who will fill critical vacancies at the top. It’s unfortunate that, in less than six months, the community has lost a capable superintendent and a competent city manag­ er. Now the council and school board must find suitable successors. That’s a tall order. The departure of Superintendent Dan Remenap three months ago and the upcom­ ing resignation of City Manager Jerry Czarnecki May 7 are, without question, two major blows - especially in these challeng­ ing times. Both men were new to the unique require­ ments of their leadership roles - and both showed promise. Of course, the circumstances behind their departures were different. Yet we can’t help but wonder if they had something in common as far as the treat­ ment they received from their employers and if that had anything to do with their decisions to leave. We remember some uncomfortable moments at a school board meeting when the former superintendent got taken out to the woodshed, figuratively speaking, for an event that an erstwhile school board mem­ ber found objectionable. OK, a schools chief should expect to take some heat. And criticism? That comes with the terri­ tory. But when a school board member gives the superintendent a public shellacking ouch. That criticism during a board meeting was just plain wrong. That is not how good bosses treat valued employees. To take a new superintendent you want to keep and give him a dressing-down at a public meeting is one way to usher that fel­ low right out the door. We can’t help but wonder if that’s when the seed to leave was planted. As far as the council’s relationship with its current city manager, we never witnessed any embarrassing display similar to the one that was meted out to the schools chief. We believe the nature of the problem with the council was more insidious and, to some degree, related to the pandemic. Czarnecki’s efforts over the past four years showed a man who was invested, down to the ground, in the management of this city. After working for 25 years as an educator, he came to Hastings in February 2017 as development director, then he took on the role of clerk/treasurer. He learned the inner workings of the city as he went along until he earned the post of city manager. Then, when the pandemic hit, much of those responsibilities for the operation of the city fell on Czarnecki’s shoulders. How fortunate for Hastings to have some­ one like this to rely on. How unfortunate for its city manager to have to carry that weight for nearly a year. Here’s a situation where the boss failed to fully appreciate the contributions of a key employee - who ended up working until, as he put it, he didn’t have enough fuel in the tank to keep doing the job. Councilman John Resseguie said he believes the city essentially failed Czarnecki by not hiring an assistant to lessen his work­ load, particularly during the pandemic. “With the CO VID thing going on, Jerry has run the city pretty much by himself,” Resseguie said. “Since COVID started, the city council hasn’t been able to go in and see him as easily - that type of thing. “Jerry has had everything put on his shoulders, and it was way too much that was put on him.” Councilman Jim Cary spoke of the ever-helpful and hard-working Czarnecki. “That guy would sometimes be showing up at 6 o’clock in the morning and even work late in the after-hours. I bet he was putting in 80 hours. There’s a lot of things he was doing behind the scenes. He really ought to be recognized for that, too.” We agree. And we applaud these council­ men for their candor, even if it comes a bit late to save the day with the current city manager. Both school board and city council need to take a candid look at how they could have brought about a different outcome. If they want to keep good people, they need to manage them well. Besides, who wants a revolving door in the superintendent’s office? At least Resseguie and Cary offer an hon­ est appraisal of the council’s performance as far as its handling of Czarnecki. The school board should do the same. No board or council is perfect, but they should take this opportunity to analyze their own performance as employers and learn from the mistakes they have made. And, especially for the school board, which is making noises about forgoing a search, to fill that vacancy without perform­ ing the due diligence of a candidate search would break faith with the community. Why is there a pressing need to expedite the process and eliminate an essential step? Do the necessary homework, please. In East Grand Rapids, an interim city manager was in place for two years. A new city manager started last month. They perse­ vered until they found the right person for the job. Persevere. We know it isn’t easy to find good people. From the start, the private sector has an unfair advantage as far as hiring. The fiscal challenges that beset cities and school dis­ tricts in Michigan - including Hastings end up stacking the deck against them. Plus, work - any work - in a time of pan­ demic is no picnic. And people’s expecta­ tions and attitudes about work have changed dramatically, too, thanks to CO VID. Circumstances will continue to be volatile, so it’s tough to predict what impact that may have on a candidate pool. Even so, these two losses can be turned into gains. But the only way that can happen is if the school board and city council view these openings as great opportunities for improve­ ment. In fact, these aren’t just vacancies. They represent much more than that - but only if the school board and city council accept their responsibilities and persevere until they find the best people for these posts. Then, if they succeed, they may, indeed, improve the breed. Councilman Jim Cary spoke of the ever-helpful and hard-working Czarnecki. “That guy would sometimes be showing up at 6 o’clock in the morning and even work late in the after-hours. I bet he was putting in 80 hours. There’s a lot of things he was doing behind the scenes. He really ought to be recognized for that, too.’’ I^Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. ; | i | �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — Page 5 Contagious COVID variant found in Barry County Taylor Owens Staff Writer Cases of the more contagious B.l.1.7 vari­ ant of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Barry County. During a Barry-Eaton District Board of Health meeting last Thursday, Epidemiologist Taylor Olsabeck said the variant was con­ firmed among six employees of a business on the south side of the county. One Barry County resident also tested pos­ itive for the virus, which Olsabeck said was connected to the outbreak at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive Joneigh Khaldun said last Thursday that 314 cases of the variant have been confirmed across 19 Michigan counties. In recent weeks, it has been found in multi­ ple counties around Barry County, including Kent, Eaton, Kalamazoo and Calhoun. Olsabeck said it is likely that the variant has spread in other states, but it is showing up in Michigan because the state is testing more COVID-19 cases for the variant. Studies have shown the B.l.1.7 variant is up to 50 percent more contagious than the most common strain of CO VID; and it is expected to become the dominant strain by the end of March. “This variant does spread a lot more rapid­ ly, compared to that original strain,” Olsabeck said. She also said it is about 35 percent more deadly than the original strain. For example, Olsabeck said, the death rate of a 75-year-old with the current strain is 4.5 percent, but it is 6.1 percent with B.l.1.7. The health department is continuing to ask people to follow the usual COVID-19 mea- sures, social distancing, mask wearing, hand-washing and other practices to prevent spread of the variant while efforts are increas­ ing to get people vaccinated. As of Feb. 24, BEDHD employee Anne Barna said 9,200 doses have been adminis­ tered to Barry County residents; 7,200 of those are first doses. According to the state of Michigan, 10,308 doses had been administered to residents as of Monday, although that number does not include doses administered at long-term care facilities. As far as vaccinations, Barry County is lagging a bit behind other counties, such as Eaton, because its pharmacies have not been given any vaccines, Barna said. Currently, the state only has vaccine distribution agreements with Meijer and Rite Aid and neither of these have stores in Barry County. Barna said Rite Aid locations in the state have been administering 20 doses a day, while Meijer has been holding 1,000-dose vaccine clinics. Regardless, both Barry and Eaton counties are getting close to administering the vaccine to half of their eligible populations. Currently, there are between 16,000 and 17,000 people across the two counties who are waiting to receive the vaccine, and Health Officer Colette Scrimger said another 60,000 or 70,000 have filled out the interest form on barryeatonhealth .org. Scrimger said she believes there are a large number of people from ages 16 to 64 with chronic conditions who are eager to receive the vaccine. “Because the vaccine is so scarce, people’s motivation to go get it is pretty dam high,” Scrimger said, noting that there are people driving from Plainwell to clinics at the Government needs to listen to the people, then act To the editor: Over the course of the last few months, it has become self-evident that government is less representative than at any time in recent history. Eye-to-eye conversations are only obtained when thorough pressure is applied. Impassioned pleas of logic and statistics seem to fall on deaf ears. Questions on policy and spending are lost in cold formality with little discourse at meetings. Our representatives are not listening, that much is clear. There is nary a mention of the word “restaurant” at county meetings. There are many issues that confront the people of this county and we need representa­ tives who listen. Thomas Jefferson in his inaugural address said. “A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them other­ wise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.” The Bible says: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise.” I have witnessed that very little listening is done by the representatives of this county. They may “hear,” but they do not listen. If they had been listening, they would take action. Even at the Barry County commis­ sioners’ Committee of the Whole meetings, I am disappointed by the lack of discourse. There is little action taken to help local busi­ nesses that are being forced to close or oper­ ate at 25 percent capacity. State government with its bad policy is not allowing businesses to operate and county government is failing to be a check on that power. CO VID-19 has not been the plague that the politicians and press have led us to believe nor is it the first plague this country has dealt with. What is forgotten is the freedom and rights we the people enjoy and that Barry County government is complacent about. Some have died, but we need to remember those who remain more than those who have passed. During this pandemic, I have flown to other countries, flown coast-to-coast, flown south to rescue an abused family, brought five addi­ tional people to live in my three-bedroom home for six months and, thankfully, been able to keep my job. I am grateful to God Almighty for bringing me through. I am not speaking out or organizing rallies to make a name for myself. I only do it to help my fel­ low man. I can only imagine if I was told to only work at 25 percent of my capacity and make 25 percent of what I make or only bring 25 percent of a family out of a bad situation. Will the government be working at 25 per­ cent of its capacity? Will it be taking 25 per­ cent of its pay? I think not! We should act instead of react. Here are a few of my ideas: - Ban all county resources from being used to enforce lockdowns and detrimental man­ dates. - Move the county board meeting time to a time when 86 percent of the working people of this county can attend; surely there are ideas out there that are yet to be heard from other professional people. - Forgive fines churches have incurred while exercising their rights, rights the com­ missioners swore an oath to uphold. - Forgive fines businesses have incurred while trying to stay afloat. I forgave someone who had wronged me so that they might listen. It seems like lip service now. I can’t even have a letter read by a com­ missioner on my behalf because it was “their choice.” “A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another.” What shall we do then when the govern­ ment is injuring us? Aaron Gross, Hastings Lansing Mall to get the vaccine. The department recently held its first off­ site clinic at Ever After Banquet Hall and Conference Center in Hastings, but Scrimger said they are seeking a different site. “That location was OK, but we were at capacity, there was no room to grow,” Scrimger said. “It was not ideal. It was rather tight in there and the parking was challeng- ing.” The health department is planning to host clinics in March at Hastings Middle School, Delton Kellogg High School and a school building yet to be determined in the Thornapple Kellogg district. But Scrimger said the one-day clinics have been challenging since the department has to continually set up and tear down them down, GUEST COMMENTARY Our water resources are a global treasureEGLE’s working to keep it that way Liesl Clark Not a day goes by when I’m not reminded of Michigan’s unique place on Earth - sur­ rounded by 20 per­ cent of the planet’s fresh surface water in the heart of the world’s greatest freshwater ecosys­ tem. Every Michigander relies on that water in some way - for drinking, sanitation, recre­ ation, livelihoods and economic security. We all have a responsibility to be wise stewards of the Great Lakes. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy plays a leading role in ensuring they remain healthy for generations to come. It has been two years since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer entrusted me with the leadership of EGLE and its critical mission of protecting Michigan’s environment and public health. We’ve made tremendous progress in acceler­ ating and improving Michigan’s water protec­ tions - both in the drinking water systems that are critical for healthy lives, and surface and ground water safeguards that protect our nat­ ural resources and quality of life. EGLE is taking the lead on implementing the governor’s MI Clean Water plan, a histor­ ic investment of $500 million in water infra­ structure, from source to tap. This pro­ vides direct investments for communities, helps provide safe, clean water to resi­ dents and supports thousands of Michigan jobs. We are pleased with the bipartisan sup­ port for this package and are working with the Michigan Legislature to pass enabling legisla­ tion to authorize the remaining investments in MI Clean Water. Michigan also is leading on the emerging contaminant PFAS. We recently estab­ lished drinking water standards for seven PFAS compounds requiring community water { supplies to keep those chemicals below health-based levels in the water they deliver to Michigan residents. Corresponding PFAS groundwater standards will protect residents with private water wells. We also achieved public water system connections for 1,000 households with contaminated wells through a legal settlement with Wolverine Worldwide for its PFAS con­ tamination of groundwater in the Grand Rapids area. In the early days of the COVID-19 pan­ demic, EGLE played a key role in implement­ ing an executive order protect­ ing Michiganders from water shutoffs during the pandemic and providing local govern­ ments with financial support to reconnect homes to public water supplies. We helped ensure that this program will continue this year by advocating for the Water Shutoff Restoration Act, which the governor signed in late December 2020. New ground also was broken in providing new tools for residents to help ensure clean water and responsive action to water con­ cerns. We launched the Clean Water Ambassador Program, Online Drinking Water Concern System and Focus on Water Initiative. These programs support learning, listening, equitable solutions and collaboration at the state and local levels. Among other significant water protections: EGLE’s work helped drive dramatic reduc­ tions in Huron River PFAS levels — includ­ ing declines of as much as 99.8 percent over 18 months in one sampling location — through work with local stakeholders to track contamination and address it at the source. We reached the milestone of bringing all major Michigan urban areas under Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permits, which establish a system of roads, drains, pipes and ditches, etc., to transport stormwater to local water bodies separate from local sewer sys­ tems. Separating stormwater and sewer sys­ tems curbs storm-related sewage overflows A Card of Thanks The family of Robert Bryans would like to express our appreciation for the prayers, beautiful cards and kindness during Bob’s illness and passing. Special thanks to Woodgrove Parish Pastor Randall Bertrand and Spectrum Health Hospice of Grand Rapids. Thank you so much, S j Marilyn, Boh and Nancy, Bill and Sue, \ Sherri and Russ and families r 108" Wide Quilt Backs 1< New Cotton Prints 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 < 4 Cotton Flannels Zippers, Thread Trim, Etc • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Publisher & CEO Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM* Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler Sean Bradley Tay-or Owens Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-378-0097 RJJ EJJ RJJJ 7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value! ■ KEE Offer valid December 15, 2020 - March 1, 2021 4 Special Financing Available OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station . ’To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and. activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. AUCTIONEERS— 4 i Do you want to make a positive difference in our community? The Family Support Center of Barry County has an opening for a Frederic Jacobs New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber QUESTIONS: ASK US... f FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Subject to Credit Approval The Hastings Bcinild* Hastings Banner, Inc. which contribute to beach closings, mass algae blooms and other harmful impacts to Michigan waterways. A new general permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations was established this year to better protect Michigan water­ ways from animal waste runoff (also linked to algal blooms, beach closings and other impacts). That permit is facing a legal chal­ lenge, but we are steadfast in our commitment to sustainable agriculture and clean water. We assisted the Water Use Advisory Council, a formal state of Michigan stake­ holder group, in drafting its 2020 biennial report which provides state agencies and law­ makers a roadmap for strengthening the state’s Water Use Program. EGLE piloted a Coastal Leadership Academy for local decision makers dealing with coastal hazards, such as erosion and flooding from major storms. As I say often to our EGLE team, our mis­ sion is simple, but our work is hard. My time here makes me appreciate even more the work of our dedicated staff and the challenges that we overcome. In the past year, we assisted thousands of individuals impacted by historic high-water levels, navigated the chaos of a pandemic while continuing to provide essential health and environmental protections and main­ tained our diligence in reviewing thousands of permit applications to ensure they complied with state law - even when those decisions were controversial. We’re excited to build on these fresh initia­ tives, to push hard to make progress on clean­ er water and less carbon pollution and to work with the governor and legislators to provide us the right tools to reach those goals. Our children and grandchildren are depending on it. Liesl Clark is the director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. 4 BARRY COUNTY, Ml published by... so they are looking for a long-term solution. Cases of COVD-19 in Barry County have gone up slightly in the past two weeks, and, on Tuesday, included 66 active and 345 prob­ able cases.. Two more deaths have been reported since last week. Health department numbers show a total of 44 people in Barry County have died due to COVID-19 since the pandemic began. FAMILY EDUCATOR/KINSHIP SERVICES COORDINATOR Plan and deliver family and community programming to help build safe and nurturing family and community environments. Incumbent will have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Early Childhood, Family Studies, Child Development or comparable experience. We offer a flexible schedule of 120 hours per month, including some evenings. Incumbent must have valid driver's license and insurance. Background clearance is required. Experience in parent education curriculums is helpful. Please send resumes to linda@familysupportbarry.com by March 15,2021. KENDALL TOBIAS......................... Hastings 945-5016 PAUL LETTINGA................................... AUCTIONEER KENNETH.......................... AUCTIONEER ★ estate auction ★ SATURDAY, MARCH 6 AT 11:00AM LOCATION: 3675 Tupper Lake Rd., Lake Odessa, MI at the Lake Odessa Livestock Arena. This is another sale from the Babcock Estate out of Cedar Springs, There is still an 80 ft chicken coop snd 4 stall horse barn PACKED full of merchandise. Our trailers are being loaded with totes to move to auction site. As a result, individual items cannot be pictures or fully listed. This large variety of items includes: Garden items; tools (antique-current); old corn planters; advertising tins; wooden boxes; reel type gas powered lawn mower; front tine rototiller; chainsaws; table and chairs; bunk beds and other furniture pieces; assortment of jewelry and coins; Many tables of dishes, household items; antiques and collectibles., and MUCH, MUCH MORE! The first part of the sale is in the unheated, but undercover, part of the building so dress accordingly. The rest of this approximately 5 hr sale will be held in the heated part of the building. Watch for ad and pictures for very large sale from this same estate on March 13. For more information go to www.auctionzip.com #23371! Never Charging Buyers Premium! Kendall Tobias, Auctioneer 1-269-945-5016 No credit cards. No out of state checks. Michigan checks or cash. Items sell as is. �Page 6 — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Nancy Jane Plutschouw Douglas Nelson Cook, age 73 of Delton, passed away on February 27, 2021. He was bom on March 30, 1947 in Hastings, the son of Marshall and Margret (Nelson) Cook. Douglas was a 1965 graduate of Hastings High School and a 1975 graduate of Western Michigan University, receiving a BS in business. He proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. On October 7, 1967, he married Pamela Sue Park, and they enjoyed 50 plus years together until her death in 2018. Douglas worked in manufacturing and retired as director of sales. Douglas enjoyed going to the dog park and spending time with family and friends on Wall Lake in Delton. Douglas was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Martha (Cook) LaMar. He is survived by his son, Travis Cook of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Aimee (Cook) Peer of Delton; grandson, Devin Peer of Cornelius, NC; granddaughter, McKenna Peer of Cornelius, NC, and sisters, Karen Jones, Barbara (Larry) Case, and Julie Gray, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions can be made in Douglas’ honor to the Greater Wall Lake Association Preservation Fund at www. mywalllake.com. A celebration of Douglas’ life will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at his home on Wall Lake, 4745 Cordes Road: Delton, MI 49046. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Nancy Jane Plutschouw, age 84, of Hastings, passed away on February 28, 2021. She was bom on December 10, 1936 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Albert and Dorothy (Van Vuren) Norton. Nancy attended Caledonia High School and got her GED diploma at age 42 in 1978. She worked for Borisch Manufacturing Company, retiring in 2007. On September 8, 1953, Nancy married Donald Hough, and they enjoyed 40 years together until his death on March 25, 1994. On January 6, 2007, she married David Plutschouw. Nancy was a ' member of Woodbrook Cathedral and also attended Nashville Baptist Church. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Donald Hough; her second husband of 11 years, David Plutschouw; son, Michael Hough; her stepmother, Helen Norton, and brother, Stanley Norton. She is survived by her daughters, Debra (Rick) Schultz, Donna (Jeff) Schaeffer, Rachel (Brian) Hinton; grandchildren, Teresa Underwood, Steven Schultz, Christopher (Beth) Schaeffer, Blake Hinton, Megan Hinton; great-grandchildren, Brittany Funk, Justin Underwood, Dakpta Underwood; great-great-grandchild, Isaiah Fleury. At Nancy’s request, cremation has taken place. Services and committal will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Woodbrook Cathedral, 1739 Providence, NE; Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Worship £ Together dr ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box Hastings. Telephone 269­ 8, 945-9121. gmail.com. hastfmc@ Email Website: www. b.astj.ngsfLeemethodist_.com, Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health nursery is crisis, remains our Weekly activity bags for chilren service and Kid's Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH Lewis A. Earl Jerome “Jerry” Miles, age 93, of Hastings, was called home by our Lord on February 28,2021. Jerome was bom on February 15, 1928 in Kalamazoo to Jacob and Ethel (Bom) Miles. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1946. Jerome served in the Navy during WWII. Jerome married Clarice (Pease) on July 1, 1949 at the Cloverdale Church. They started their family in Kalamazoo and later moved to Hastings where they raised their five children. Jerome is survived by his loving wife of 71 years and his children, Terry (June) Miles, Susan (Daniel) Carlson, Jon Miles, Nancy (Andrew) Pelli; 10 grandchildren; 16 greatgrandchildren; nieces and nephews. Jerome was preceded in death by his mother; father; sister, Eunice (Miles) Goretzka; son, Thomas; daughter, Carolyn (Miles) Chaffee; one grandchild and one great grandchild. Over the years Jerome worked for Brown Co. in Kalamazoo, EW Bliss, Barry Co. Transit, security guard for Bliss, Bradford Whites, Viking and with his son Jon at Barry Co. Pallet after this he quit working at the age of 70. He loved to play baseball, bowling, golfing and enjoyed rooting for the Tigers, taking his family camping across the country and Canada. Jerome was known as the Barry County fudge man. He would give away fudge to the cashiers at our grocery stores, garbage men, mail men, etc. He sold his fudge to send money to many church organizations and charities. Jerome was always there to help anyone in need as he would open his home to many family members and friends of the family. He was a member of Welcome Comers United Methodist Church, where he was a handyman, children’s minister, lay speaker and would also help with the smorgasbord dinners. Jerome was once featured in the Hastings Reminder for his spinner ornaments that he handmade and hung on trees for many years at the local nursing homes to help the elderly celebrate the holidays. He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds. He made bird feeders to give to his family and friends. He also enjoyed collecting coins. Jerome loved cooking and hosting large holiday gatherings at his home with his family. He would bargain shop all year for gifts and while playing Santa along with “Christmas Bingo” he would give Christmas gifts to everyone which would turn to wrapping paper wars between his children and grandchildren. He loved building and remodeling anything that he could. Jerome took pride in his self-made rock walls around his property. Jerome will be missed by many family and friends. A graveside service for friends and family will be held Friday, March 5, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Rutland Township Cemetery, 4600 Upton Road; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Lewis A. Earl passed away peacefully on February 27,2021 at the age of 92. He was born July 14, 1928 (a birthdate of doubles) in Dowling, the son of Fem “Leola” Ketcham and Octa Earl. He lived the first 14 years of his life with his maternal grandparents, Byron and Candace Ketcham, on their Dowling farm. During his formative years, he attended the local country schools, graduating from Hastings High School in 1945. He traveled the first year after high school, going to auctioneer’s school, visiting Texas, etc. He worked at Kellogg’s in Battle Creek for the next 15 years. Then he quit to purchase his mom’s and step-dad, Paul Biven’s, dairy farm. His great love was farming, raising cattle, and living close to nature. He also purchased another farm also located on Hutchinson Rd. He had the house remodeled and lived in residence there. Lewis liked racing cars and motorcycles in his younger years. He was also an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and walking through the woods to view the wonders of nature. He spent time “big game” hunting in Canada, hunting bear, moose, etc. In 1975, his life changed! On December 27th, he married Norma Hammond Gilmore. They were married for 45 years and he transitioned from single to married status. He had dated her in his teens and in his own words, “had waited all his life for her”. Together they ventured into Arabian horses, having stallions at stud, breeding, showing, and racing at Mt. Pleasant. He even got his trainer’s license to participate in this adventure. They had many champions in all fields and Lu-Nor Arabians was created. He earned a Lifetime milk award from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) in 1979 and after 60 years of farming, sold his dairy farm in 1991. Lewis then milked for LaDine Bivens and Hammond farms for many years, plus helped with the horses. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Leola (Paul) Bivens and Octa Earl; brother, Otis Earl; sister-in-law, Nan and Agnus Earl; step-brother, Laverne Bivens; step-daughter, Sharon Gilmore; and brother­ in-law, Doug Daniels. Surviving are his wife, Norma Earl; • brother, Bill (Nancy) Bivens; sister, Candice Daniels; sister-in-law, Erdine Bivens; step­ daughter, Marda (Rich Manning) Gilmore; step-son, Michael (Pam Green) Gilmore; step-daughter, Teresa (Barry McDiarmid) Gilmore Pash; step-grandchildren, Kelsey Trojan, Nicole Gilmore, Julie Gilmore, Brooke (Thomas) Momenee, Paige Smith, Sara (Joe) Gorman, Kyle (Jessica) Pash, and Anna Pash, as well as many step­ greatgrandchildren . Services will be held at Pleasantview Family Church, 2601 Lacey Rd., Dowling, MI 49050 on Thursday, March 4. 2021. Visitation is at 10 a.m. Service is at 11 a.m. and a luncheon following. Radio attendance in the church parking lot is also available by tuning to FM 96.7. Donations in Lewis Earl’s name can be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital. Cards to the family can be mailed to: 641 E. Grant St., Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Elizabeth Jane Kennedy Elizabeth Jane Kennedy, age 91, of Hastings, passed away on February 28, 2021. Elizabeth was bom on November 9, 1929 in Loretta, PA, the daughter of Elwood James and Stella Catherine (Rudolph) Ivory. £ Elizabeth retired as secretary for the St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. She looked after and took care of the students as if they were her own. Elizabeth was a member of the St. Rose Parish. She enjoyed watching the birds, reading People Magazine, and watching TV - her favorites Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Home and family meant everything to her. She devoted her entire life to the health and wellbeing of her nine children and grandchildren. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her son, Steve Kennedy and grandson, Joseph; son-in-law, Steve Moule; daughter-in-law, Evie Kennedy and granddaughter, Kathy Rayner; siblings, Louise, Gertrude, Hilda, Caroline, James, Ronnie, and Bernadette. She is survived by her children, Sandy (Gene) Greenfield of Hastings, Barry Kennedy of Jericho Loop, MS, Debbie Kennedy of Crystal River, FL, Lynn Moule of Eaton Rapids, Kitty (Steve) Hoke of Hastings, Anne Kennedy of Holt, Carol (Steve) VanderRoest of Dexter, Robb (Mary) Kennedy of DeWitt, and daughter-in-law, Wendy Kennedy of Hastings; grandchildren, Angie Greenfield, Nickie (Brad) Haight, Ted (Lindsey) Greenfield, Jennifer (Michael) Fuller, Kevin Kidder, Kelly Kidder, Sarah (Benny) Schrode, Katblin Motile, Amanda (Jamie) Nicholson, Emily Hoke, Jackson Hoke, Paige Belke, Rachel, Ben and Leah VanderRoest, Lauren and Robert Kennedy, and Dalton Purchase; great-grandchildren, Maddox (and baby girl in the Spring) Greenfield, Elsie and Fischer Haight, Jacob, Ryan and Genevieve Fuller, Anna Rayner, Emily Smith, Alyssa and Cory Wisniewski, Kennedy and Gibson Schrode, Max, Sam and Tate Nicholson; great-great­ grandchildren, Lillian and Levi Smith­ sisters, Lucinda, Pauline, Eileen, and brother, Sonny. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Pay sphere Circle; Chicago, IL 60674. Visitation is Friday, March 5, 2021 from 6 to 7 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings; MI 49058. Funeral Mass is Saturday, March 6, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 805 S. Jefferson St, Hastings, MI 49058, interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. nTo leave an online condolence visit www. 0 ^girrbachfuneralhome .net. closed. are available in the 9 a.m. social HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH Jerome Miles 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328> N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: A■ •I 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 exfab » Wl 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Rberalass Fiberglass Products AWOIOWIDESOMDF HotUDeTbob&Bqa^meiit 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 155920 PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS Barry County Courts & Law Building Renovation Barry County is seeking sealed proposals from sub-contractor trades for construction relating to the Barry County Courts & Law Building Renovation project. Bid Documents may be viewed beginning March 11, 2021 at the Builders Exchange plan room, Grand Rapids, Ml or by contacting the Construction Manager, Tim Vander Kodde, Vander Kodde Construction Co., 441 44th St. SW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49548, 616-538-7440 or the Architect, Tim Spitzley, Timothy Spitzley Architects LLC, 12225 Jordan Lake Rd., Lake Odessa, Ml 48849, 616­ 374-8235. An optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the Barry County Courts & Law building, 206 W. Court St., Hastings, Ml 49058. Sealed proposals must be submitted to Barry County Administration, 220 West State St, Hastings, Ml 49058 no later than 2:00 pm on March 26“1, 2021 or Vander Kodde Construction Co., 441 44th Street SW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49548 no later than 12:00 pm. Sealed proposals submitted after the above times shall be returned to the bidder unopened. Barry County reserves the right to reject any or all sealed proposals or portions thereof and waive any irregularities and informalities. Clarence E. Belles Clarence E. Belles (Jim), age 83, passed away Saturday, Feb. 13,2021. Jim was bom May 4, 1937 in Nashville to the late Muri and Olive (Belles) Sears. He lived most of his life in Nashville with the exception of a few years in the south. Jim had many friends and would do whatever he could to help people. He loved to fish, play lotto tickets, and loved to watch the wildlife. He worked for Care Free Windows for many, many years. Jim also worked for the Reminder and a local bar in Nashville. Jim is survived by an older sister, Yvonne Cheeseman and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Howard (Jack). Jim will be missed dearly by all who knew him. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — Page 7 Ronald H. Lewis NOTICE OF yiRTUAL/ EL ic TR^I cWE TIING Cynthia Ann Robbe NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on March 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM Ronald “Ron” H. Lewis, age 84 of Hastings, passed away on February 25, 2021. He was bom on November 9, 1936, the son of Homer and Margaret (Abrams) Lewis. Ron was a 1955 graduate of Hastings High School. On December 24, 1955, Ron married Jacqulyn Kay Payne, and they enjoyed 55 years together until her death in 2011. Ron retired in December of 2020 after 45+ years in real estate. He was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings, the Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge. Ron enjoyed fishing in Montana, mushrooming, playing cards and driving around Barry County. His best times were with family and friends. Ron is preceded in death by is parents; his wife, Jackie Lewis; sister, Donna Sinclair; brother-in-law, Norval Sinclair, and daughters, Kelly Lewis Sims and Kathy Lewis Harrington. He is survived by his daughters, Kim (Dennis) O’Mara and Bari (Kirby) Horton; 13 grandchildren and six great­ grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jan (Sam) Mitchell; brothers-in-law, Bert Payne, Jr., and Tom Payne, and numerous nieces and nephews and dear friend, Ruthie Burch. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 27,2021 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hastings Elks Lodge #1965 Children’s Fund, Barry Community Foundation, 231 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058 or online at http://www.barrycf.org/ funds, Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Patricia Jean Reed Cynthia Ann Robbe, age 94, of Hastings passed away on February 20, 2021. She was born on November 9, 1926, the daughter of William and Florence (Mahler) Everett. Cynthia was a graduate of Flushing High School and Eastern Michigan University. On September 7, 1947, Cynthia married Kenneth James Robbe, and they were married for 71 years until his death in 2019. She worked for the Hastings Area School System as a Physical Education Teacher and Coach. Cynthia was a member of Hastings Emmanuel Episcopal Church and enjoyed singing in the choir there. She belonged to bridge clubs and the hospital guild. She was a golf legend and enjoyed women’s volleyball, round dancing, ballroom, and swing dance. Cynthia was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Kenneth James Robbe, parents Florence and William Everett, daughter Rebecca (Robbe) Matthews, sister Elizabeth Dial, sister-in-law Doris Sare, brothers-in-law Merlin Dyball, William Dial, David Climer and Paul Sare. She is survived by her twin sister, Margaret Climer of Mishawaka, IN, son Gary (Deborah) Robbe of Hastings, MI, daughter Kendra (Robert) Bethell of Tucson, AZ, son-in-law John Matthews of Phoenix, AZ, grandchildren Nathan Robbe, Ben Robbe, Jim (Heidi) Robbe, Amy (Kyle) Pohja, Ivory Bethell, Troy Bethell, Nadia (Michael) O’Shea, Janelie (Sheree) Matthews, Luke (Charisse) Matthews, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 315 W Center Street; Hastings, MI 49058. A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Claude Henry Norton Fred Wurm celebrates 90th birthday Join our Cornerstone Family in celebration of Fred Wurm’s milestone of turning 90 by sending him warm thoughts and wishes to: 2900 Kellems Dr., Hastings, MI 49058 PROPERTY, continued from page 1----------------and parking at local businesses, as well as along public streets,” he said. “We think, obviously, that this expansion of the parking area may help to alleviate that issue.” Haagsma, who also serves on the township board, called for Ryan Companies to address the complaints about Amazon delivery vehi­ cles parked on the street. “Amazon is not providing a place for the drivers of the tractors to sit while they’re waiting for their load,” he said. “I don’t know the whole issue. They tell me they come too early; they can’t come at this time; blah, blah, blah. There’s a huge parking lot at Amazon that’s not being used and those tractors need to be able to go somewhere and not on public roads and not be at a gas station that is not designed for them to be parked there [a refer­ ence to the Circle K gas station at 68th Street and Broadmoor Avenue, in Caledonia Township].” “I will not vote in favor of this unless they show me a way that those tractors have a place to park - not on the public road and not at a neighboring township’s business that’s not set up for it.’l Schott offered a couple of solutions to Haagsma’s concerns. “At the sort facility,, we’ve built in 29 addi­ tional trailer park slallXfbr 'overflow parking ... that could offer some relief,” he said. At the delivery station, a site east of the building, just off ^Patterson, could be used to accommodate an additional 30 trailers, Schott said. The public hearing on the site plan will take place later this spring, but no date has been set, Township Planner Dan Wells said. Newborn babies In accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) recent COVID Emergency Order and in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, as amended, the regular meeting of the Barry County Planning Commission will be conducted electronically via Zoom. The subject of the public hearing will be the consideration of the following amendment to the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended: MAP CHANGE A-1-2021 Request to rezone property on West State Road in Section 30 of Irving Township (see attached map). FROM CR (Conservation Reserve) TO RR (Rural Residential) All of the above mentioned property is located in Barry County, Michigan. Legal Description: W 1/2 SE 1/4 Section 30 of Irving Township (T4N R9W) lying north of State Road. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon the proposed amendment may do so by virtually attending the meeting via Zoom, by mail to Planning & Zoning, 220 West State Street, Hastings Ml 49058, by fax to (269) 948-4820, or by email to: Planning director James McManus at imcmanus@barrycounty.org 5l( The proposed amendment of the Barry County Zoning Ordinance is available for public inspSXion at the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department at (269) 945­ 1290 for further information. Citizens wanting to participe in the meeting may do so via Zoom: si Topic: March Planning Commission Time: Mar 22, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/3864704552?pwd=L1BgQ0xOekxhSjRkUUJwV2RaY2Frdz09 Beckett Joe Murray, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 12, 2021 to Taylor Murray and Willie Murray of Hastings. Ciela Esperanza, bom at Spectrum Health Patricia Jean Reed, age 95, of Hastings, passed away on March 1, 2021. She was bom on February 9, 1926 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Pliny and Lilia (Strope) McLaughlin. Patricia graduated from Grand Ledge High School and attended Albion College. On March 23, 1947 Patricia married Richard Floyd Reed, and they enjoyed 68 years together until his death in 2015. She worked for JC Penney of Hastings and was an office manager for Dr. Spindler and Dr. Hawkins from where she retired. Patricia enjoyed square dancing and she and Dick were members of the Ringo Swingo Square Dance Club for many years. They enjoyed traveling in their Winnebago and wintering in Florida for 25 years. She liked crafting and was the painter for many of her husband’s wood carvings. Patricia was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, and her parents-in-law, Floyd and Dora (Thompson) Reed. She is survived by her children, Judy (Terry) Keller of Hastings, David (Marilyn) Reed of Coloma, Nancy (Jim) Lentz of Leroy; grandchildren, Brian (Cherie) Reed of St. Joseph, Jeffrey Reed of Anchorage, AK, Amber Jackson of Big Rapids, Canaan (Rebekah) Lentz of Gamer, NC; great­ grandchildren, Ava and Quinn Reed, Arielle and Rory Jackson, Naia Reed, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Spectrum Health Hospice, 25 Michigan NE, Suite 4100; Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Cards to the family can be mailed to: 5556 Jenny Ct. Coloma MI 49038 A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Pennock on February 12, 2021 to Jessica Marroquin and Edgar Marroquin of Nashville. On Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 Claude Henry Norton loving husband and father of two children, passed away at the age of 70. Claude was bom June 18, 1950 in Hastings, son of Claude Arthur Norton and Martha Highsmith Norton. Claude Worked for Clark Equipment for 15 years until they closed. He then went to cosmetology school and work as a beautician for five years until he started maintenance for Felpausch. Claude also worked at Sabre and Hastings Manufacturing until he retired. On August 3rd 1968 he married his loving wife, Christina E. Partridge together they raised their two sons Robert and Travis. Claude was a big fisherman and an avid hunter. He loved the outdoors, but his main focus was his two boys playing and teaching them softball, archery, golf, bowling, trap shooting and coaching little league baseball. Claude was preceded in death by his father, Claude Arthur and his mother, Martha. Claude is survived by his wife, Christina; his two sons, Robert and Travis (Jill); grandchildren, Sarah Norton (Luke), Blaise (Dani) Stanhope and Bryce (Leslee) Stanhope; great-grandchildren, Harper, Xander, Kyi, and Zoey; sister, Leona (Randy) Hook and many nieces and nephews, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. Memorial services will be held at Thorn apple Valley Church on Saturday, March 13,2021 at 1p.m. Elliot Andrew Lane, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 13, 2021 to Katherine Constance Lane and Nathan Allan Lane of Hastings. Oaklee Ranee Thompson, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 13, 2021 to Agette Brianne Saxton and Justin Lee Thompson of Hastings. Meeting IDjg386 470 4552 Passcode: fll234 w i One tap mobile +13126266799,,3864704552#,,,,*1234# US (Chicago) +19292056099„3864704552#„„*1234# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 386 470 4552 Passcode: 1234 Find your local number: https://zoom.usZu/a4YORkc2S [Phone controls for participants: The following commands can be entered via DTMF tones using your phone’s dial pad while in a Zoom meeting: *6 - Toggle mute/unmute *9 - Raise hand] This notice is given pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act (Public Act 267 of 1976) as amended. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County by writing or calling: Michael Brown, County Administrator, Barry County Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058; 269-945-1284, mbrown@barrycounty.org. Sara Michele Warren, Hastings and Michael Lynn Weeks, Hastings Christopher John Proulx, Hastings and Sarah Marie Huffman, Hastings Christine Marie McClelland, Delton and Jesse Lee Keene, Delton Samuel Charles Peterson, Plainwell aild Bailey Summer Burkhardt, Bronson 1 Aaron Devon Iverson, Bellevue and Heavin Renay Fisher, Bellevue Katherine Sue Adams, Delton and Patrick Donovan O’Meara, Delton Brian Jai Holland, West Bloomfield and Kaitlin Mackenzie Marshall, Plainwell Juztyn Jakob VanderWoude, Hastings and Rachael Ann Frost, Hastings Hailey Danielle Johnson, Hastings and Kenneth Richard Brown, Hastings For further information, please contact Barry County Planning & Zoning at (269) 945-1290. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 156045 Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �Page 8 — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner JLaJee (?)JeAAa Elaine Garlock The temperatures forecast for early next week look like spring. Can winter be behind us, or is this just a breather for us to enjoy before we get another round of winter? While last weekend we had patches of bare ground appearing on our lawns here, Big Rapids had consistently a foot or more of snow on the ground. It is nice to have bare concrete on our driveways, from which the snow and ice melt away faster than on the grass. Lakewood News has promising reports of summer projects to our streets. In a delayed project from last year’s COVID-19 onset, the short streets that comprise Johnson’s First Addition to the village, namely, Pearl, Ionia, Pleasant and connecting Emerson Street, are to have new surface, but first will be replacement of underground services, such as water mains and other public utilities. At the same time water pipes from the mains to individual homes will be replaced. The street surfaces will be the last phase of the project. The project is expected to run July 1 to October 1. Even a persona distantly connected to the high school in our community has to be impressed with the ingenuity and originality Spelling bee winners Of prevail in online format of high school students who had to improvise and invent in order to compete in Michigan’s Interscholastic Forensic Association competition. The entire project was done online. At one point, the cast had only one week to put together a video submission for the district competition. That went well, and they advanced to regional competition, according to director Amanda Smith. With restrictions in place, they spent two weeks taking their show from standing with scripts to being fully costumed and blocked and memorized. Then the weather intervened. A snow storm changed all their well-laid plans. The cost recorded the plan “Double Double” by Zoom from home with no props, costumes or lighting. Sophie Braker had high acclaim at all three levels of competition. Other awards went to the ensemble, the three witches, and the three teen witches, as well as awards for lighting and sound. Because the students were never able to reform for a live audience, the video of the performance will be available to stream sometime in March for a nominal fee to help support the cost of the production. This report is gleaned from Lakewood News last week. Foggy mirrors Dr. Universe: Why do mirrors fog up when you breathe on them? Zinnia, 7, Richmond, Va. Eric Belka Barry Township 2021-2022 Budget Public Hearing Notice The Barry Township Board will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 on Tuesday March 9, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be the subject of this hearing. Dear Zinnia, That’s a great observation. When you breathe out, you let a couple of different things into the air. Not only do you breathe out carbon diox­ ide, but you also breathe out teeny tiny droplets of water. These water droplets are so small we can’t see them with our eyes. Scientists actually have a name for these little droplets of water in the air: water vapor. You may remember from our ques­ tion about the states of matter that there are all kinds of gases, liquids and solids in our world. Water vapor is a type of gas. My friend Cigdem Capan, a physics instructor at Washington State University, said one big factor that can help water move between these different states of matter is temperature. When you breathe on a mirror, you are helping water move from a gas state to a liquid state. The surface of the mirror is a lot colder than the water vapor that comes from your warm body. If you breathe on a mirror, you can easily feel that heat releasing into the air. As water vapor in your breath reaches the mirror’s cool surface, the vapor droplets come together to form a liquid. When this happens, you can see thousands of super tiny liquid droplets form on the mirror: the fog. Scientists call this transition from a gas to a liquid condensation. It’s the same process that helps form big, fluffy clouds in the sky, tiny drops of morning dew on grass and leaves, or the water droplets on the outside A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at the Township Office, 11300 S. M-43 Hwy, Delton, Michigan, 49046. The Barry Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon 7 days notice to the Barry Township Board. d Note: Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Barry Township Board by writing or calling the following:^ Barry Township Board P.O Box # 705 Delton, Ml 49046 Phone :269-623-5171 Fax: 269-623-8171 email @ barrytownship@mei.net h li Debra J. Knight, Clerk 156232 K to 2021 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW City of Hastings, Barry County ELECTRONIC REMOTE ACCESS. Electronic remote access, in accordance with Michigan law, will be implemented in The City of Hastings Board of Review for March 2021 will be held by response to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and limitations on the number of individu­ als in a meeting hall. electronic remote access via Zoom access by computer, smart phone/device using the following link: https^/us02web.zoom.us/j/83164600986?pwd==T3l5OGNUcmorVURzZ0|yUi9hUFI|yT09 Meeting ID: 831 6460 0986 Password: 468030 The public may also participate by landline phone or cell phone by calling into this toll-free num­ ber: (312)626-6799 US Toll-free The City of Hastings March Board of Review will meet on the following dates: = Organizational Meeting Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at 9 AM • Monday, March 8th, 2021 from 2 PM to 5 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM • Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 from 9 AM to noon and 1 PM to 4 PM = Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site , askdruniverse .com. Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Member SIPC Jim Lundin Financial Advisor = Appeal Hearing Appeal Hearing APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR APPEAL HEARINGS. To make an appointment call 269-945-9350. You must email your documentation to drashid@hastingsmi.org prior to March 5th, 2021. The Board of Review will meet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear questions, pro­ tests, and to equalize the 2021 assessments. By board resolution, taxpayers are able to protest by letter, sent to City of Hastings, 201 E State St, Hastings, Ml 49058, provided protest is Like so many other events, the Barry Intermediate School District Regional Spelling Bee had a different format this year. Local students qualified at their respective school spelling bees and had hoped to compete in person Feb. 23, Barry ISD Superintendent and regional bee coordinator Richard Franklin said. However, since not all U.S. schools are learning in person, Scripps, the national spelling bee creator, developed an online platform to ensure that students nationwide would be able to compete in spelling bees no-matter the current circumstances. The top two students from Delton Kellogg Middle School, St. Rose of Lima School and B^rry County Christian School competed in t§e online format, with Eric Belka of DKMS finishing in the top spot and Dale Thompson of BCCS as the runner-up. Belka and Thompson, both eighth-graders, are seasoned regional spelling bee contestants. This was Thompson’s fifth year at the regional level and Belka’s fourth. Two years ago as sixth-graders, the two were the top finishers in their respective schools. Other students who had qualified earlier this year for the original in-person bee included: Samantha Ling-Santos, BCCS; Harrison Thomas and Isabella Perez, St. Rose; and Spencer Graham, Danielle Henderson, Blythe Caldwell, Clayton Pape, Trevin Ewing, Kaylynn Zwar and Summer Brehm, Delton Kellogg Middle School. The next level is the Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee, the national qualifying event, March 16. Belka will represent BISD, with Thompson as the alternate. “Barry ISD is proud to sponsor the regional spelling bee, and we look forward to spelling in person next year,” Franklin said. Jeff Domenico, AAMS® Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Respectfully, • Dr. Universe Financial FOCUS Dale Thompson at The public may participate in the meeting through of your cool water glass. “If you are wearing eyeglasses and you are wearing a face mask, you can also see the glass fog up,” Capan said. That’s condensation, too. While you may not always be able to see the water vapor from your breath, when the temperatures drop, it is a bit easier to observe this conden­ sation in action. It’s been pretty cold the past few weeks, so I’ve noticed this happen when I go out­ doors. As we breathe into the chilly air, the warm water vapor condenses into tiny drop­ lets of liquid water — and even some solid water, or ice — that form a kind of miniature cloud. It’s fun to watch. Whether you fog up the cool air, a win­ dow or your glasses, you also may have noticed that the moisture doesn’t stick around forever. Try breathing on the surface of a glass mirror or windowpane and watch what hap­ pens. Eventually, the liquid droplets disap­ pear from the mirror. Why do you think that might be? Share your ideas with your friends or family, and see if you can work together to figure out where those water droplets go. If you need a hint, do a little bit of research on how puddles dry up or investigate the water cycle on our planet. Tell us what you discov­ er at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. Hastings, Ml 49058 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 818-0423 (269) 948-8265 How can women overcome obstacles to financial security? On March 8, we observe International Women’s Day, a celebration of the social, eco­ nomic, cultural and political achievements of women. Of course, women still tend to encounter more obstacles than men in the pursuit of financial security. Let’s consider a few of them. To begin with, women are still more likely to leave the workforce, at least temporarily, to raise children, resulting in lower contributions to employ­ er-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k)s. And women are often the ones who become full-time caregivers of aging parents or other relatives. Care­ giving duties can exact a big financial toll: The lost wages, pensions (including 401(k)s and similar plans) and Social Security benefits that a wom­ an loses to become a full-time caregiver amount to more than $300,000 over her lifetime, ac­ cording to the National Acade­ my of Sciences. Women also may be more susceptible to financial down­ turns. Consider the COVID-19 pandemic: Just a few months ago, in December, women lost 156,000 jobs, while men gained 16,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also reported that women accounted for 54% of the jobs lost from the pandemic in 2020. And women are not unaware of their circumstances and out­ look. Just 41% of women are confident about retirement, compared with 56% of men, ac­ cording to a survey by Edward Jones and Age Wave. But if you’re a woman, you can take steps to help improve your financial outlook. Here are a few suggestions: Take full advantage of re­ tirement plans. If you are still working and your employer offers a 401(k) or similar retire­ ment plan, take full advantage of it. Put in as much as you can afford each year and increase your contributions when your salary goes up. Also, within your plan, you’ 11 want to choose the mix of investments that can help provide the most growth potential, given your individual risk tolerance. Also, even if you contribute to a 401 (k) or similar plan, you may also be eligible to fund an IRA, which gives you even more investment choices. Evaluate your Social Secu­ rity options. You can typically start taking Social Security ben­ efits when you’re 62, but your monthly checks will be much larger if you wait until your “full” retirement age, which will likely be between 66 and 67. You might also consider whether you’d be better oft* by taking spousal benefits, if you’re married and your spouse earned more money than you. You’re generally even eligible for spousal benefits if you are divorced, as long as you were married at least 10 years and you haven’t remarried. Look for unexpected in­ come opportunities. Even af­ ter you’ve formally retired, you may still find ways to receive some earned income. Perhaps you can work part time or do some consulting. And if you’re a caregiver, you might be able to receive some compensation for your work. Many local governments pay non-spouse caregivers who act as personal attendants, although the rules vary greatly by state and coun­ ty These certainly aren’t the only ways you can improve your financial status, but they may prove useful to you. In any case, be aware of the challenges facing you and do whatever you can to brighten your future. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC received prior to March 5th, 2021. The tentative ratios and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property and personal property for 2021 are as follows: * Agricultural40.46% 1.2357 *Commercial45.39%1.1015 industrial46.01% 1.0867 *Residential46.93% 1.06541 developmental50.00%.............................................................................. 1.0000 *Timber Cutover.50.00%.......................................................... 1.0000 *Personal Property...50.00%................................................................ 1.0000 Americans With Disabilities (ADA) Notice The City will provide necessary reasonable services to individuals with disabilities at the Board of Review meetings upon 4 days' notice. Contact: Jerry Czarnecki, 269-945-2468, 201 E State St, Hastings, Ml 49058 155673 Oall 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Water’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — Page 9 a November celebration of the 50th anniversary of the department, which was founded with the assistance of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The 32-page report is generously illustrated with photos of all areas of activity of the department and supporting organizations. The cover shows eight of the staff standing in front of the Fuller Building, now the CAC, Council on Aging building on Michigan Street [now a retail store across from Hastings City Hall]. On a budget of $70,436, the 1941 staff served a county population of 2,613. The personnel were designated: Dr. J.K. Altland; Armin A. Roth and Morton Hilbert, sanitary engineers; Louise Hayward, senior counselor; Sue Carrothers, Esther Kreider, Alice Hagelshaw and Dorothy Dilts, counselors; Ethel Barber, senior clerk and bookkeeper; Faye Thomas, stenographer and receptionist; and Charlotte Wilcox, record clerk. The health committee of the county board of supervisors included Fred Stevens, chairman, and Bernard DeGolia and Julian Potts. Home delivery of children with assistance of maternity nurses - “careful preparation for home delivery” is the caption of one picture - appears to have contested with hospital delivery of newborns. In 1941, the concern for communicable disease threat to children’s health was expressed as “Have we protected him against series of articles in celebration of the health smallpox, diphtheria and whooping cough?” department’s 50^ anniversary. Several “Clean pasteurized milk is necessary for articles were published in the Banner thatfall. growth,” reads another photo caption. As Judge Loughrin began his series of Participation of children in a community articles, one of the health department’s early orchestra, using library facilities and summer Part III The local health department is reaching the employees shared a 1941 book, likely printed camp recreation are urged and encouraged. 90-year mark this year. Its beginnings were by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, reviewing A physician examining the heart and other exceptional. Cereal magnate Will Keith the first 10 years of the health department. organs of a child after scarlet fever is Kellogg created the W.K. Kellogg Foundation The whereabouts of that book remain illustrated by photo. “Periodic medical in 1931. He was especially interested in the unknown, but Alicia Shaver at the foundation examination” by the family physician was a well-being of children and concerned about has provided similar photos from another desired habit. the health ofpeople of all ages. Barry County 1941 publication. School lunch with the teacher as an The following is from Oct. 29,1981, Banner. “excellent opportunity for learning agriculture, was specifically selected to test ideas regarding preventative health and health nutrition, economics and social customs” is 1941 report illustrates past Barry care, in general, in rural areas, the result pictured. Photos of Assyria Center School, County Health Department activities being creation of the Barry County Health Lincoln School [also in Assyria Township], Department later that same year. Milo School [Prairieville Township], Schultz Ethel Barber of Hastings has furnished the School and Welcome Comers School are In 1981, Barry County Judge Richard N. Loughrin, then president of the Barry County 1941 annual report of the Barry County representative of existing county rural schools Historical Society, researched and wrote a Health Department to the committee planning were contrasted with consolidated schools — Woodland Township, Delton W.K. Kellogg Agriculture School and Nashville W.K. Kellogg schools. “Hastings has an outstanding school system, including buildings, in its class,” the school section concluded. Barry County officials who “give their closest cooperation to the health department” were portrayed in photos: Allen Hyde, county clerk; George Clouse, county treasurer; Ken Braendle, Freeport village president; Glenn Blake, Middleville village president; William Schader, mayor of Hastings; Karl Faul, Woodland village -president; Glen Bera, sheriff; and “Tiny” Doster, undersheriff. The cooperation of the medical, dental and ministerial community with the department was expressed. Photos portrayed Dr. A.B. Gwinn, of the medical society; Dr. J.A. Wooten, of the dental society, and county ministers and their wives who took 180 young people to camp in the summer at the minister’s camp. Community service groups were generously This photograph was on the cover of a 1941 publication marking the 10^ anniver­ thanked with photos: Rotary, Kiwanis and sary of the Barry County Health Department. Though names did not accompany most Chamber of Commerce, 4-H clubs, Out-of­ of the photos in that publication, 1998 Banner article identified the individuals as (from School Farm Youth and Child Study Group. left) Morton Hilbert, Dr. J.K. Altland, Alice Hagelshaw, Marie Neuschaefer, Ethel Sanitary engineers and students from Barber, Sue Carrothers, Esther Kreider, Dorothy Dilts, Faye Thomas and Louise university who studied in the Barry County Hayward. The office was at 116 N. Michigan Ave., across from what is now Hastings Health Department were portrayed in semi­ City Hall. The brick building remains. (Photo from 1941 report courtesy of W.K. Kellogg military uniform. A chart of communicable diseases recorded Foundation) over a five-year period 1936-1941 in the county concludes the report. In those years, these threatened county residents: typhoid, smallpox (none), measles, scarlet fever, whooping cough, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, meningitis, undulant fever, chicken pox and tuberculosis. To the young parents off today’s children, these are diseases of long ago. To the young parents in 1941, the ever-present scourge df diseases was alleviated by the activities of the county health department. . „.x . fl look hack at the stories and columns on looal history v In the Hastings Banner // TURNING / BACK THE L PAGES The importance of vaccines and control of communicable diseases was illustrated in photos such as this. (W.K. Kellogg Foundation photo) Health department was model for rest of state Marking. 9Qtb anniversary this year Kellogg instrumental in establishment of local health department The Woodland School is one of the consolidated schools featured in a 1941 publi­ cation. (W.K. Kellogg Foundation photo) In a Nov. 12,1981, Banner article, Loughrin told how cereal magnate Will Keith Kellogg was significant in the development of the local health department. W.K. Kellogg’s interest in health grew out Preventative health was a main component of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s initia­ tive in improving rural life through local health departments. Here, a dentist shows a young patient X-rays of her teeth. (W.K. Kellogg Foundation photo) of his personal concern with the health and ill health of his family, extending from his parents to his grandchildren. It was triggered by the White House Conference on Children in 1928. His concern evolved into an interest in health and education. It formalized into the Child Welfare Fund in June 1930 and the formation of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 1931. Between 1928 and 1930, nearly all public health officers were township health officers. There were few, if any, county health departments in the United States. Large cities had municipal Health officers. But for rural areas, while the residents were naturally health-conscious, there were no public or government agencies or persons available for education or consultation. It was this void W.K. Kellogg sought to contain by creating the Child Welfare Fund. The ultimate form of his contribution was generalized better condition of health among non-city people, a neglected element in public health care to that time. It approached the uplifting of rural citizens’ health by attaching the resources of private commerce to the available and present resources of each community, notably the hospitals and county governments. * Dr. Stuart Pfftchard’s published study of public health highlighted the fact that the existence of city health departments resulted in healthier children. Looking back from the perspective of 50 years, it is easily discernible that the focus of public health at that time, 1928 to 1930, was on the individual. They knew where they were going, and they had the vision. The townships and counties had little tax base. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation tested a hypothesis: With adequate financial support (temporarily from private business), rural people could be informed and instructed in correct methods to maintain good health. For convenience of travel and immediate communication of results, a group of seven counties surrounding the home of the foundation were chosen for the experiment. Barry County, immediately north and west of Calhoun County and Battle Creek, was a logical and natural setting for implementing the first strategy. The settlers of Barry County [80-100 years earlier] had stopped in or near Battle Creek before migrating to the rolling hills and lush farm lands of Assyria, Hope, Thomapple and Woodland townships. The physicians who settled in Lacey and Hastings had been fostered by Battle Creek physicians and urged to establish their practices in Barry County. The county general practitioners had volunteered immunization and other modem practices. W.K. Kellogg was impressed with the need to provide simple medical tests for people isolated by miles from daily communication with medical centers. He sought to blend traditional medical practice, “treat them when they are ill,” with educating the people in the functional relationship between prevention of ill health and early recognition of ill health symptoms and maintenance of good health. What is apparent, plain and obvious to us now, looking back from 50 years, was the vision of only one man in 1930. However, the idea caught on rapidly and gained supporters and devotees. Soon, the prestigious University of Michigan sent its students in the School of Public Health to be assigned to county health departments for study. Significantly, Dr. Henry Vaughn, dean of the school, was a trusted friend of W.K. Kellogg. Unnumbered people were training in their specialties during externships and summer college vacations. The success of the testing of the hypothesis until it became a proved theory has become known nationally and internationally. Today, we face another threshold in public health. The focus of public health has subtly shifted from the individual person, as it was in 1930 when W.K. Kellogg launched his grand experiment, to the macro effects of events and causes upon communities of people. In short, the efforts of public health are devoted to what groups of people are doing or may do to groups of people. As the practice of medicine has evolved from the 1930s to through the 1970s, the focal length of medical treatment has generalized from the individual to the community. The antibiotic discoveries of the 1930s no longer excite the medical practitioner as much as the discovery of new substance or combination of substances in epidemic proportions; witness the PBB scare of the 1970s, and the acid rain phenomenon of the 1980s. The unanswered questions, of course, are: What caused it? Who is affected? What to do about it? (Compiled by Kathy Maurer, copy editor) PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY NOTICE OF BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING The Prairieville Township Board will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed township budget for the fiscal year 2021-2022 on March 10, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan. THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the Prairieville Township Hall. Prairieville Township will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon seven days notice to the Prairieville Township Board. Clean water and proper sewage disposal were an early focus for the Barry County Health Department. The local department served as a model for the other six counties that were part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Michigan Community Health Project, which was a model for the rest of the country. (W.K. Kellogg Foundation photo) W.K. Kellogg Virtual participation information will be published at prairievilletwp-mi.org. Contact the following: Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township Hall 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 156068 �Page 10 — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Mix of in-person, virtual meetings planned by public bodies Sean Bradley Staff Writer Local school boards and government boards and councils have a mix of plans in place to accommodate a new state order allowing in-person meetings. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a new executive order Tuesday allowing up to 25 people to meet in-person for non-residential gatherings, including public meetings, while complying with social distancing and masking requirements for all attendees. Public bodies are adopting a variety of approaches, such as fully meeting in person, holding in-person meetings with livestream, or still hosting meetings with all members and the public attending virtually. For example, the Prairieville Township Board of Trustees plans to be in person for its meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 10 at the township hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, according to an announcement Wednesday from Rod Goebel, the township clerk. The Village of Lake Odessa plans to continue with virtual meetings at least through the end of the month, following a separate executive order already in effect, Patrick Reagan, village manager, said Wednesday. “We’d like to just use safety with this and continue with the [Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’] order using Zoom,” Reagan said. PROJECT, continued from page 1 spaces are only required to have one corre­ sponding parking space — a rationale the planning commission could use to approve the site plan with a reduced number of park­ ing spaces. “At the very least, they’re providing one [parking space] per unit, which is consistent with how we treat residential unit develop­ ment stories in other parts of the downtown,” Harvey said. Planning Commission member Thomas Maurer raised concerns about the lack of parking spaces for the development’s future retailer and customers, particularly since the property does not have any street parking. “Once these potential lessees are looking at the retail space, a lot of our other buildings downtown have on-street parking directly in front of their storefronts. In this case, that’s not an option,” Maurer said. “If it’s all reserved for residential parking, then retail is going to suffer, and part of our focus has been to not necessarily throw out the commercial aspect, the retail aspect, while we’re trying to redevelop our downtown.” His concern was addressed by City Manager Jerry Czarnecki who noted the property is in the downtown parking assessment district. So, once a retailer moves into the property, an assessment will be completed to determine how many parking spaces the retailer needs. The retailer would then be allowed to use any of the public downtown parking spaces for its parking needs. The planning commission agreed to approve the plan with the reduced number of parking spaces. Another point of contention with the plan is building height. The city requires the development not exceed 40 feet. However, to make the project financially feasible, the development is designed..to-befour stories — to allow, for additional residential units — with a height of approximately 52 feet with a 3-foot parapet. Fire Chief Roger Caris has reviewed the plan, Czarnecki told the planning commis­ sion, and saw no fire safety issue with allow­ ing an increased height for the development. “I just wanted to comment on the height. I think it’ll fit in just fine,” planning commis­ sion member Chelsey Foster said. “If you look kitty-comer across that block, it’s going to rival the roofline of the Walldorff. So I think it fits in just fine with the neighbor­ hood.” “I would agree,” Hatfield responded, “I think that that 40-foot factor may well be something that we need to take another look at.” Having found both the density and parking in the site plan adequate, the planning com­ mission unanimously approved the site plan. The building height discrepancy will be resolved by altering height restrictions —- a separate issue Hatfield said would be resolved by the planning commission. “I personally feel that that is the ideal design for where they want to put it. It gets us doing what we want to do. We want to get people living in downtown and still have the retail aspect,” Mayor David Tossava said. “I think, with this building down there, it’s going to really improve that area of our communi­ ty.” Additionally, the planning commission set two public hearings for its April 5 meeting. The first is to hear public comment on a spe­ cial-use permit and site plan review for Starting Over for Success, a nonprofit that “I personally feel that that is the ideal design for where they want to put it. It gets us doing what we want to do. We want to get people living in downtown and still have the retail aspect. I think, with this building down there, it’s going to really improve that area of our community.” i 1 ■ I In December 2020, MDHHS amended the Michigan Open Meetings Act to permit public bodies to meet electronically by telephone or videoconferencing through March 31. Now that entities may meet in person starting Friday, they have the option of meeting in person at least through the end of the month. The Barry Intermediate School District is planning a hybrid-style meeting at 8:30 a.m. March 9 from 535 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. The board’s members and the public will be able to meet in person, but the option to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom will be available, BISD Superintendent Richard Franklin said Wednesday. The board’s seating will be configured to socially distance chairs, he said, and masks will be required of all attendees. If more than 25 people are in the public meeting space, he said the district would ask those extra people to attend the meeting virtually. “A lot of the conversation has been that accommodating the public has to be reasonable to what you’re accustomed to,” Franklin said. Information about the meeting will be posted on the district’s website, barryisd.org. Meeting in person is the plan for the Delton Kellogg Board of Education, Superintendent Kyle Corlett said Wednesday. > The board’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. March 15 in Room 46 at Delton Kellogg Elementary School at 327 N. Grove St., Delton. The district will post on its website if the meeting is going to be livestreamed. “We’re still deciphering yesterday’s pandemic order, but I think we’ll need to stream it,” Corlett said. The Barry County Board of Commissioners plans to hold its meetings virtually through April 19, board chairman Ben Geiger said Wednesday. “As of today, there are no plans to meet in person before April 19,” Geiger said. “However, I am reviewing the governor’s order to see what options are available and will discuss it with the board of commissioners.” The website for the county board has a link to a livestream available to remotely watch the meetings, which begin at 9 a.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. The City of Hastings plans to meet in person at 7 p.m. Monday at the city hall, but will continue streaming meetings via Zoom, Mayor David Tossava said Wednesday. Only the council and city manager will be in attendance while staff will attend remotely, he said. The Vermontville village council meeting at 7 p.m. March 11 is planned to be in person at the village hall, 194 S. Main St., village clerk Becky Austin said Wednesday. A virtual component will be available as well that can be accessed by calling 609-663­ 4551. Austin said the village will follow a template it used when in-person meetings were allowed last fall, including using 6-footlong tables for the council members and separating by 6 feet up to 25 chairs. At least six of the seven council members plan to attend the meeting in person, she said. “Anybody who couldn’t fit in the building would have the call-in option,” Austin said. The latest order indicates capacity for indoor recreation and entertainment venues, such as auditoriums, must not exceed 50 percent of its capacity established by the fire marshal, and must not exceed a total of 300 people. Masks must be worn at all times. Food and drink consumption is permitted only in a designated area with no more than six people, and groups must be spaced at least 6 feet apart. Lakewood Public Schools Board of Education is planning to follow this guidance for its next meeting at 7 p.m. March 8 in the auditorium at Lakewood High School, 7223 Velte Road, Lake Odessa. A virtual component also will be available for those who want to attend the meeting remotely, Steven Skalka, district superintendent, said Wednesday. Mayor David Tossava "'T _ . provides services to the ex-offenders in Barry County. Starting Over for Success wants to estab­ lish transitional housing for prisoners who are on work release for nonsexual and nonviolent crimes. “It would be folks who are out on work release who are employed. They are looking, I believe, for four residents and a manager on site,” King said. Starting Over for Success currently has a purchase offer for a home at 1028 N. Michigan Ave and is working to make sure the project complies with the city’s transitional housing code. At this time, it is unknown if the prop­ erty would qualify for transitional housing. King advised the planning commission to set the public hearing, although it may be canceled if the property in question does not qualify for transitional housing. The second public hearing will be for an ordinance regarding the keeping of chickens. After receiving feedback from the planning commission in February on the draft ordi­ nance, Harvey made several changes to the ordinance pertaining to chicken enclosures. Her changes are intended, to ensure the rules for keeping chickens within the city do not apply to rural residential districts, where the keeping of chickens already is allowed. Another change in the Ordinance ensures the keeping of chickens is subject to city code pertaining to noise, odors, dust, fumes, sanita­ tion and other health issues or nuisances. After discussion with the planning commis­ sion, Harvey will make several more changes to the ordinance before th^ public hearing. The changes are intended to better define a chicken coop and pen and what materials can be used to construct both. in In other business, the planning commis­ sion: / - Held a public hearing^ and approved a special-use permit and site $lan for the addi­ tion of a commercial kennel, Kaz Canine Comers owned by Karen Zuver, at 1005 E. State St. - Approved the addition of commercial recreational facilities as a permitted use in the D-l and D-2 Industrial Zoning District, after hosting a public hearing. - Discussed information and draft texts regarding accessory dwelling units and tabled the discussion until its next meeting. “I looked over some of this stuff and, you know, it all seems adequate to me. I would like a little bit more time to go read before we set anything even in stone,” planning commission member John Resseguie said. - Discussed information and a draft text on the addition of two-family dwelling units as a permitted use in the residential and apartment zoning districts. The discussion was tabled until the next meeting. Code of conduct proposed in Middleville after president’s social media comments Greg Chandler Staff Writer A Middleville Village Council trustee is proposing the adoption of a code of conduct for himself and his colleagues in the wake of a controversy over a social media posting by Village President Amanda Fisk. Trustee Kevin Smith brought up the idea toward the end of Tuesday’s committee-ofthe-whole meeting, as he and others on the council continue to hear calls for Fisk’s resig­ nation over a post on her Facebook page last month in reaction to the death of conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. “We can publicly agree, as a council, to have a stance in terms of what our expecta­ tions are,” Smith said. “Whether she wants to follow them or not is entirely up to her ... We’re all being held accountable for this. I would hope we can respond in kind.” Fisk was appointed village president Jan. 12 by the council Tb Wli the seat of the late Charlie Pullen, who died of COVID-19 Nov. 20, 2020, after ! 1 years as village president. Pullen’s death came a little more than two weeks after he had run unopposed for re-elec­ tion. “I would ask that we simply set a few basic ground rules, and I’m going to say these pub­ licly, just because I want to represent the feedback that I’m getting,” Smith said. “We can agree that there needs to be a code of tonduct or some boundaries placed on public commentary as it relates to social media. c “I know you put that in a very private Space,(and I want to respect that,” Smith said to Fisk. “Unfortunatefy, even in that private space, it ended up becoming public. I want to recommend very strongly that any commen­ tary that lives in your social media space at this time is a direct reflection of the people that were on this council that voted for you. “I think it’s fair to say that we want to make sure this is representative of all of us, as a body.” Smith said he senses that many in the com­ munity are looking for a resolution to the controversy. v “I would ask that we don’t simply walk away from this, as I think we were just about to, without at minimum agreeing to agree as a body how we would like to proceed, as an outcome, because people are asking for one,” he said. “No communication is poor commu­ nication.” Trustee Mike Lytle questioned the effec­ tiveness of Smith’s idea, and whether it could TOWNSHIP OF HOPE Notice of Budget Public Hearing The Hope Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed township budget for fiscal year 2021-22, on Monday, March 15,2021, at 6:30 p.m., at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Hwy., Hsatings, MI 49058, the Regular Board meeting to follow. Canine Corners OVERNIGHT BOARDING NOH AVAILABLE! visit KAZCanineCorners.com for more information. 1005 E. State St, Hastings, Ml 49058 (Across from the Bliss) Phone 269.953.1086 • Fax 269.953.1108 THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at the Township hall. This notice is posted in compliance with PA267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA) The Hope Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon seven days notice to the Hope Township Board. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Hope Township Board by writing, calling or via email the following: Deborah Jackson Hope Township Clerk 5463 S M-43 Hwy. Hastings, MI 49058 (269) 948-2464 hopetwpcl@mei.net be enforced. “If we can’t do anything about it [as far as removing Fisk], how can we proceed with anything?” Lytle asked. “We can’t kick her out. She’s elected. It’s really up to the elec­ tors, not us. We appointed her [as president], but that’s it. She’s an elected [officer].” Village attorney Mark Nettleton said at a Feb. 23 council meeting that the council could not, under Michigan law, remove Fisk from the president’s office or force her to resign; that a recall vote would be required to remove her. Middleville resident Keara Hilton is pursu­ ing a petition drive to recall Fisk. She contact­ ed Barry County Clerk Pamela Palmer last week to obtain petitions. “The petitions have been requested, and I am waiting on the clerk to send them,” Hilton wrote in a text message to the Banner Wednesday morning’. Hilton has questioned the process by which Fisk was appointed president. No interviews of candidates took place prior to the appoint­ ment. A council meeting had been scheduled Dec. 22, 2020, to discuss candidates and the interview process, but that meeting was can­ celed, Hilton said. Hilton shared an email that had been sent by Trustee Mike Cramer where he said Fisk had expressed her interest in the president’s office “and invited board members to contact her outside of a public meeting to discuss her merits.” During Tuesday’s meeting, Cramer said the public deserves to know the criteria by which Fisk was chosen. “We did not deliberate this in a public forum,” said Cramer, who, along with Fisk and Smith, sought appointment to the presi­ dent’s seat. Cramer also took issue that council mem­ bers did not explain why they voted for Fisk, which led to heated comments by Trustee Ed Schellinger. “I am not about to divulge to anyone as to why I voted for who I voted for,” Schellinger said. “That’s the point of a public office. That’s why we have an Open Meetings Act,” Cramer shot back. “There are laws to make sure that happens. We’re doing a really good job today of making sure we deliberate before we vote. We did not do that before we voted for Amanda; and we did not do that before we voted for Tom [DeVries, who was appointed to the council Jan. 26 to take Fisk’s former trustee seat].” President Pro Tempore Sherry Ronning told Cramer that she didn’t understand what deliberation was needed before casting the vote. “You’re dismissing the fact that Mr. Lytle, Mr. Schellinger and myself are adults that can make decisions. We decided on who we want­ ed and voted accordingly,” Ronning said. “I do believe Amanda needs to be very cautious as to what she puts out there, because of how it impacts all of us. But at this point and time, we need to move on,” she added. Smith asked Fisk, “What can we expect, moving forward?” “I’m not sure what else I can say that I haven’t already said,” Fisk responded. “I apologize for a lapse of judgment. Nobody expects to make a lapse in judgment. Nobody can ever say they’ll never make a lapse of judgment again. We can say that about social media, we can say that about walking down the street, we can say that about saying some­ thing in a restaurant ...I don’t know how else I can say that it was a regretful moment. I’m not sure how much further I can go with that.” No decision was made on Smith’s proposal. Cousin accused of theft, assault and more Police responded to a report of an assault at a residence in the 1000 block of West Grey Court in Yankee Springs Township at 9 p.m. Feb. 17. A 32-year-old woman said her boy­ friend’s 27-year-old cousin had been staying with them after getting out of jail because he didn’t have anywhere else to go. The woman said her boyfriend discovered that a bundle of cash was missing from a hiding place in the house. When he confronted the cousin about it, the cousin became angry and started smashing property in the house, including walls, a TV, a table and more. He punched the woman’s boyfriend in the head, and pushed her into a door before leaving. Police contacted the suspect, who said he didn’t take any money or assault anyone. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney’s office. Man passed out in stopped vehicle Police received a call regarding an unconscious driver in a vehicle stopped against a guardrail on South M-37 near Hickory Road in Johnstown Township at 4:13 a.m. Feb. 21. The officer arrived and tapped on the window to wake the driver. The man, 44, of Battle Creek, said he was driving home after drinking with friends. He was surprised to learn he was heading the wrong direction to get home. An officer noticed a partially empty bottle of liquor on the driver’s side floor. The man had a 0.193 blood alcohol content and was arrest­ ed. Drunken driver arrested after going into ditch A police officer found a truck crashed in a ditch on Brown Road near Velte Road in Woodland Township at 9:48 p.m. Feb. 20. The driver, a 48-year-old Sunfield man, said the crash occurred when he was distracted by his phone, but he admitted to drinking. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.169 percent and was arrested. Red Bull shoplifter foiled A 35-year-old Hastings woman was stopped by Hastings Walmart employees after she tried to leave with $49.36 in unpaid merchandise at 7:46 p.m. Feb. 17. An employee had watched the woman concealing cans of Red Bull and makeup supplies in her purse. She went through the self-checkout lane and paid for a bundle of printer paper, but tried to steal 15 other items. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — Page 11 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Benefit statements for tax returns Vonda Van Til Public Affairs Specialist Tax season is here, and replacing your annual Benefit Statement has never been easier. The Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or the SS A- 1042S, is a tax form we mail each January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from us in the previous year so you know how much Social Security income to report to the Internal Revenue Service on your tax return. If you live in the United States and you need a replacement form SSA-I099 or SSA1042S, simply go online and get a printable replacement form using your personal My Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. A replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S is available for the previous tax year after Feb. 1. If you don’t have access to a printer, you may save the document to your computer or email it to yourself. If you don’t have a My Social Security account, creating one is easy and usually takes less than 10 minutes. With a personal My Social Security account, you can do much of your business with us online. If you receive benefits or have Medicare, your personal My Social Security account also is the best way to: • Request a replacement Social Security number card (in most states). • Get your benefit verification letter. • Check your benefit and payment information. • Change your address and phone number. • Change your direct deposit information. • Request a replacement Medicare card. • Report your wages if you work and receive Social Security disability insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits. Visit ssa.gov to find more about our online services. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. Kalkaska County man dies after falling through ice near Woodland Sean Bradley A man drowned in Tamarack Lake east of Woodland in Sunfield Township midday Monday despite rescue attempts by emergency medical services and a dive team. Jason Betts, 41, from South Boardman in Kalkaska County, was fishing on the lake when he fell through the ice, Capt. Mark Wriggelsworth at the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, said Tuesday. The cause of death has yet to be determined but a pathologist will make that call, Wriggelsworth said. “Whatever we think, it appears to be accidental or something natural,” he said. The Capitol Area Dive Team, the main agency in charge of the rescue, found evidence of fishing at the scene. “The ice was in some places thicker than others. It really varied on safety as to different parts of the lake,” Wriggelsworth said. Betts may have been as far as several hundred yards from the shore, Jerri Nesbitt, executive assistant at Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, said. The sheriff’s office was called at 1:38 p.m. to assist emergency medical services, Nesbitt said. “He was standing on the far side of the lake . There were some people on the opposite side of the lake, and they saw him,” she said. LEGAL NOTICES BUSINESS BRIEFS Highpoint receives five-star rating Highpoint Community Bank based in Hastings has again been awarded the highest rating for financial strength and stability from BauerFinancial Inc., a national bank rating firm. The Five-Star rating is given for excellence in such areas as capital adequacy, profitabili­ ty, asset quality and more. This is the 46th consecutive quarter Highpoint Community Bank has earned the top rating, leading to an even higher designation as an “Exceptional Performance Bank” for earning Bauer’s high­ est rating consistently for at least 10 consecu­ tive years. “This is indeed reflective of Highpoint Community Bank’s dedication and commit­ ment, not only to its customers, but to the entire community,” Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial, said in a press release. “Community banks like Highpoint Community Bank have been on the front lines doing what is necessary to help their neigh­ bors and friends. This is the type of devotion you will only find in a community bank.” Established in 1886 as Hastings City Bank, Highpoint today also has branch offices in Bellevue, Caledonia, Marshall, Middleville, Nashville and Wayland. Corey Lee Bowers, 38, of Kalamazoo, was convicted of possession of a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine, in Hastings Oct. 8, 2020. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for 126 days served, ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. A charge of assaulting, resisting and obstructing a police officer was dismissed. In a second case, Bowers was convicted of possessing burglar’s tools - a pry bar and an acetylene torch, which were adapted and designed for cutting or burning through, forc­ ing, or breaking open a building, room, vault, safe or other depository, to steal - and the attempted breaking and entering of a coin box sOct. 7,2020, in Barry Township. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to a concurrent term of 180 days in jail, with credit for 126 days served on the first charge; and 126 days in jail, with credit for 126 days served, on the second charge. A charge of malicious destruc­ tion of property resulting in more than $200 but less than $1,000 in damage was dismissed. He was placed on probation for 24 months .and ordered to pay $8,012 in fines and costs, including $7,514 in restitution. Marquese Jay Jackson, 31, of Detroit, was convicted of identity theft and sentenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served, and ordered to pay ;$2,870 in fines and costs, including $1,872 in restitution. A charge of larceny over $1,000 was dismissed. Melanie Kay Meekhof, 39, of Middleville, was convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a third-time offender and oper­ ating a vehicle while her license was suspend­ ed Oct. 9, 2019, in Middleville. She was found in violation of the terms of her proba­ tion, which was revoked. She was terminated from the sobriety court program and sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to 12 months in jail, with credit for 62 days served, and ordered to pay $40 in costs. Logan Enoch Thompson, 31, of Hastings, was convicted of criminal sexual conduct involving a victim under the age of 13 and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 150 days in jail, with credit for 59 days served. He was placed on probation for 60 months and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs and to comply with all the terms of probation, including no contact with the victim. Kathy Jean Weinert, 50, of Hastings, was convicted of larceny of more than $1,000, stealing a motorized cart belonging to Family Fare in Hastings Sept. 24,2020, and was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Business Services BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish removal. 269-320­ 3890. Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28719-NC William M. Doherty P41960 NOTICE OF VIRTUAL/ ELECTRONIC MEETING In the matter of Emily Gail Gwillim. TO ALL PERSONS, including whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 3/17/2021 @2:45 P.M. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the najYie of Emily Gail Gwillim to Emily Anne-Scott Denny. rx . I .G n.......... 1 xU JI MK-JC/Sl In the matter of Presten Charles Walsh. TO ALL PERSONS, including whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 4/07/2021 @2:15 P.M. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Presten Charles Walsh to Presten Charles Rugg. 156243 Court telephone no. 269-945-1390 Gt 71 > LiSviAL Court telephone no. 269-945-1390 Court address 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302 Hastings, Ml 49058 U .» TG W Court address 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302 Hastings, Ml 49058 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28707-NC GHU Attempts to rescue Betts were unsuccessful. His body was recovered and he was pronounced dead at the scene, Nesbitt said. Odessa Township Fire Department was called at 1:45 p.m. Monday for mutual aid by the Sunfield-Sebewa-Danby Fire Department to assist in the rescue, Jeff Sanderson, Odessa Township Fire Department chief, said. “We had a gentleman that went through the ice. People heard him crying for help,” Sanderson said. “Unfortunately, by the time we got there, it was a recovery.” Thin ice on the lake caused four Odessa Township firefighters to fall through as well, but they were pulled out in time, he said. The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office cleared the scene at 7:47 p.m. Monday, Nesbitt said. ... f56033 NOTICE \Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on MARCH 18, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Michael David Lacross, A/K/A Michael D. Lacorss, an unmarried man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lenders successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 28, 2016 and recorded November 3,2016 in Instrument Number 2016-011089, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Oceanside Mortgage Company, by assignment There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eleven Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Two and 49/100 Dollars ($111,732.49). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MARCH 18, 2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Woodland, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Parcel 1: Lot 16 and the East 1/2 of Lot 17, Lake Wood Acres No. 2, Woodland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats, Page 69, Barry County Records.Parcel 2: Lot 5, Lakewood Acres, Woodland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Liber 5 of Plats, Page 12, Barry County Records. 9604 Brown Road, Lake Odessa, Michigan 48849 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 18, 2021 File No. 21-000143 Firm Name: Orlans PC Firm Address: 1650 WestBigBeaver Road, Troy Mi48084 I Firm Phone Number: (248)502.1400 : (02-18)(03-11) 155606 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: SP-3-2021 - John Clarence Lieb II (Property Owner) Location: 15254 South M-66 Highway, Bellevue, in Section 34 of Assyria Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to operate a Home Occupation-Major pursuant to Article 23, Section 2339 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. In accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) recent COVID Emergency Order and in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, as amended, the regular meeting of the Barry County Planning Commission scheduled for March 22, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. will be conducted electronically via Zoom, ol Site inspections o|^the above described property will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the hearing. Interested persons' desiring to present their views upon an appeal or wishing to provide public comment at this virtual meeting may do so by virtually attending the meeting via Zo6|n, by mail to Planning & Zoning, 220 West State Strfffet, Hastings Ml 49058, by fax to (269) 948-4820, or by email to: Planning Director James McManus at imcmanus@barrycountv.org The special use application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. Citizens wanting to participate in the meeting may do so via Zoom: Topic: March Planning Commission Time: Mar 22, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/i/3864704552?pwd=LlBqQ0xQekxhSi RkUUJwV2RaY2FrdzO9 Meeting ID: 386 470 4552 Passcode: 1234 One tap mobile +13126266799„3864704552#„„*1234# US (Chicago) +19292056099„3864704552#„„*1234# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 386 470 4552 Passcode: 1234 Find your local number: https://zoom,us/u/a4Y0Rkc2S [Phone controls for participants: The following commands can be entered via DTMF tones using your phone’s dial pad while in a Zoom meeting: *6 - Toggle mute/unmute *9 - Raise hand] This notice is given pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act (Public Act 267 of 1976) as amended. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County by writing or calling: Michael Brown, County Administrator, Barry County Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058; 269­ 945-1284, mbrown@barrycountv.org. For further information, please contact Barry County Planning & Zoning at (269) 945-1290. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Posted: March 04, 2021 156044 NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE WHEREAS, on September 10, 2009, a certain Fixed Rate Mortgage was executed by Caroline D. Gross, Trustee of Caroline D. Gross Trust, U/T/A dated January 26, 1999, as mortgagor, in favor of MetLife Home Loans, a Division of MetLife Bank, N.A., as mortgagee, which was recorded Septem­ ber 21, 2009 at Instrument No. 200909210009390, Barry County Records; and, WHEREAS the mortgage was insured by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban De­ velopment (the “Secretary”) pursuant to the Nation­ al Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and, WHEREAS the mortgage is now held by the Sec­ retary, through mesne assignments as documented by an Assignment of Mortgage, dated March 20, 2013 and recorded April 22, 2013 at Instrument No. 2013-005302, Barry County Records; and, WHEREAS the mortgage at Paragraph (9)(b)(i) states that “Lender may require immediate payment in full of all sums secured by this Security Instrument if. . . [T]he Property ceases to be the principal res­ idence of a Borrower for reasons other than death and the Property is not the principal residence of at least on other Borrower;” and, WHEREAS Caroline D. Gross has vacated the premises and there is no other borrower occupying the property; and, WHEREAS the debt secured by the mortgage has been accelerated and is due and owing in the amount of $94,643.52 as of February 1, 2021, and which remains wholly unpaid, as of today’s date; and, WHEREAS the debt must be paid in full to avoid foreclosure of the property commonly known as: 315 N. State St., Nashville, Michigan; and, WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secre­ tary has declared the entire amount of the indebt­ edness secured by the mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. § 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary’s designa­ tion of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on August 6, 2015 at Instrument No. 2015-007724, Barry County Records, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. local time, the real property located in the Village of Nashville, County of Barry, State of Michigan, the below described will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: Lot 41 of the Original Plat of the Village of Nash­ ville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the re­ corded plat thereof. Commonly known as: 315 N. State St. Tax Parcel No: 52-000-041-00 The sale will be held at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse, which is located at 220 W. State St., Hastings, Michigan. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may bid any amount up to and including the total debt at the date of sale, plus any and all amounts recoverable under the provisions of the mortgage. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his pro rata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secre­ tary to the date of the foreclosure sale. When making their bids, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling 10% of the successful bid in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check, made payable to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of 10% of the successful bid must be presented when the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be deliv­ ered within 30 days of the sale or such other time as the Secretary may determine for yood ’cause shown, time being of the essence. Thisnarriotiht, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyanc­ ing fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the pay­ ment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the pay­ ment. All extensions will be for 15-day increments for a fee of $500.00, paid in advance. The exten­ sion fee shall be in the form of a certified or cashiers check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the ex­ tension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or, at the election of the Foreclosure Commissioner after consultation with the HUD Field Office representative, will be lia­ ble to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commission may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of pos­ session based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Fore­ closure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the pur­ chaser upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale, as provided herein. HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant. The mortgage cannot be “reinstated” prior to sale, as the event triggering acceleration was not a default in payments. Payment of the entire out­ standing balance of the mortgage debt is required to stop the foreclosure. The “outstanding balance” includes amounts that would be due under the mort­ gage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs, post­ ing costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road dis­ tance for posting notices, reasonable and custom­ ary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording docu­ ments, a commission for the Foreclosure and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclo­ sure prior to the sale. Date: February 3, 2021 Jeffrey R. Raff Foreclosure Commissioner for the United StatesSecretary of Housing and Urban Development 31440 Northwestern Hwy., Ste. 145Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 STATE OF MICHIGAN ) COUNTY OF OAKLAND ) SS. On this 3rd day of February, 2021, before me, a Notary Public in and for Oakland County, appeared Jeffrey R. Raff, Foreclosure Commissioner for the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban De­ velopment, to me personally known and being duly sworn did say that said instrument was signed and did acknowledge the same to be his free act and deed. Name: Karolyn A. Hanna Notary Public, Macomb County, Michigan My Commission Expires: February 5, 2025 Drafted by and when recorded return to: Gary C. Bengtson (P57250) Trott Law, PC 31440 Northwestern Hwy., Ste. 145, Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 Trott # 500752L01 155569 �Page 12 — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Wyoming resident makes blankets for every Southeastern Elementary student Sophie Bates Staff Writer Wyoming resident Joy Smits has never been able to keep her hands still. Instead, in almost every free moment, she keeps her fingers tangled in strands of yam or scraps of fabric while crocheting, knitting, quilting or related task. She most often does her crafting at home, keeping busy while watching TV or relaxing. She also carries her crafting materials in a tote, taking it with her almost everywhere. It’s the perfect thing to do while waiting for an appointment at a doctor’s office, she said. Smits’ restlessness is a habit she picked up from her mother, Martha Smits, a woman with an industrious nature. Growing up, Smits watched her mother complete tasks, seemingly too large and insurmountable for any one person, with nothing but diligence and nimble fingers. Smits often helped her mother make hats for Santa Claus Girls of Kent County, a charity that donates clothing and toys to children during the holiday season, hundreds and hundreds of hats. “Seriously, one year - it seems impossible to me - she made over 3,000,” Smits said. “She was obsessive about doing stuff like that, and I think I’ve gotten that bug, too.” Smits’ mother, who died several years ago, ensured her children were capable of completing the same type of seemingly impossible tasks. “All my life, my mom wouldn’t let us just sit there and watch TV. We always had to be doing something,” Smits said. “I think I embroidered my first baby blanket when I was 4 or 5 for my doll. And my sister took a knitting class in school and she taught me how to knit when I was kindergarten. Then my mom taught me how to crochet a couple years later.” Since this past fall, Smits lived up to her mother’s legacy and made more than 250 blankets - one for each student at Southeastern Elementary in Hastings, plus some extras. The idea to give Southeastern Elementary students blankets began at a Hastings Kiwanis meeting, near the beginning of the school year, when Southeastern Principal Dana Stein mentioned a student struggling to cope with the loss of a grandparent. “The principal of Southeastern, Dana, she was speaking at one of our Kiwanis meetings and she had mentioned a little girl’s grandmother had died and she was really A Southeastern third-grader, Sophie Tait, wraps her pink, cat-themed blanket around her shoulders and enjoys some Skittles at the Southeastern Elementary school-wide celebration for reinforcing positive behaviors. distraught,” Hastings Kiwanis member Barbara Pietrangelo said. “And Dana had mentioned it might be nice to have a blanket or something for this little girl.” Hastings Kiwanis sponsors the Southeastern Elementary second grade; so, originally, the idea was to make blankets for all the secondgraders at Southeastern. Pietrangelo mentioned the initiative to Smits, who had several small blankets on hand from past crafting projects. “I had some [blankets] left over and Barb was talking about all the good things Hastings Kiwanis does down in Hastings. And I’m like, ‘hey, would you like these to give to [students] because I don’t know what to do with them/’ Smits said. “She was saying that sometimes these kids are going through a lot of traumas - stuff with family life and school and everything.” And I said, ‘Hey I have some blankets that I’ve knitted. Would you want some?’ The initiative quickly gained attention, and soon teachers from every grade were asking for blankets. “So, we started making blankets for second- graders and then it morphed into her ending up making blankets for basically the whole school,” Pietrangelo said. Pietrangelo provided Smits funds for the needed materials - mostly fleece fabric - and Smits returned with a pile of finished blankets, usually 30 by 36 inches with a crocheted boarder to add a more personal touch. Each blanket took Smits two to three hours to make, punching holes in each blanket before crocheting the edges; so, eventually, she recruited her retired neighbor, Margaret McCreery, to help finish up the last month or so of blanket making. “We had a system: I punch them and then she crocheted them,” Smits said. “When it was done [McCreery’s] going, ‘I kind of miss it.’” Hastings Kiwanis and Smits made sure to include many different prints and blanket designs, so each student could have a blanket that fit his or her personality and interests. “There were blankets with puppies and kittens and firetrucks, and there were these little bumblebees that said ‘bee kind’ ... And these ladies literally hand-crocheted all this so that the kids all had something personal, you know, something special made for them,” Pietrangelo said. “Who doesn’t like a little handmade blanket? And the blankets are fleece; they’re really soft. And then with those crocheted parts, they’re just a cozy little thing for kids. While Smits was working on the blankets in November, Southeastern Elementary switched to remote learning. “Originally, we wanted to give them out in December, toward Christmas,” Stein said. “But because we were remote learning, the teachers were like, ‘Well, we want to give our kids the blankets.’” When students did return to in-person classes for the new year, Stein decided to make the blankets part of a school-wide celebration for positive behavioral intervention support. To promote positive behaviors, when students are safe, responsible or respectful, they are given tickets. The students then deposit their tickets in a fishbowl. Once the students have used their tickets to fill the fishbowl, they are treated to a school-wide celebration. “The school-wide celebration was the theme of going to the movies. And so every classroom transformed into a movie theater. And then we had concession carts that came Joy Smits and her Wyoming neighbor used their crafting talents to make colorful blankets in the hopes that the blankets would uplift students and give them comfort. “That makes me feel good to help others,” Smits said. around, and the kids could take something off the concession carts. And then teachers showed a movie in their class,” Stein said. “As part of that, we incorporated the blankets [as a reward] and allowed the kids to kind of lay on the floor and relax.” The celebration took place Feb. 15 and, since then, positive feedback about the blankets has flowed from teachers, parents and students. “The teachers were so overwhelmed with the generosity,” Stein said. “It was amazing listening to the teachers talk about the different designs in the blankets. There had to be - I don’t know - close to 30 to 40 to 50 designs that teachers could pick from. And so teachers really spent time talking to their kids about what was important and making sure kids have something that they could connect to.” “Parents have been very grateful,” Stein said. “And parents have expressed how important [the blankets] were to their own kids - that their kids love the blankets.” Stein has also seen how much students like their blankets, especially as reading month gets underway. “One kid got a dog paw and was like, ‘That was the perfect blanket because I have a dog.’ And just the attachment is still there to the blankets I mean, they’re still enjoying them I’m sure,” Stein said. “Kids are still bringing them back to school. And so, today we had sustained silent reading.” The Kiwanis Club and Smits received praise from the board of education at its Feb. 15 meeting. “Southeastern staff really wanted to hold off and give it to the kids when they were in person on a behavior rewards day,” Interim Superintendent Matt Goebel said. “I think Dana and her team and staff really did a nice job of timing it up so that those kids really felt loved. And it was a great, great collaboration with Hastings Kiwanis. These ladies just did an unbelievable thing to get blankets for all these kids. It was just awesome.” “All I can say is ‘Wow.’ That is fantastic,” board Trustee Mike Nickels said. Smits said she hopes the blankets help student know they are loved and supported especially as some endure hardships. “I hope they realize that somebody cares about them and, you know, has taken the time to do something special for the kids, who go through a lot. ...” Smits said. “My dad died when I was young, which was very hard, and that’s basically the only bad thing that ever happened to me as a youngster. So I can imagine what kids go through, you know, if their parents aren’t around or Grandma passes away or something like that. It’s just hard. It’s hard on them. “We’re all stuck inside, we might as well do something nice for others while we’re just waiting out time until it gets safe again.” COUNTY, continued from page 1 member of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department board, said he has been trying for the past two months to convince health offi­ cials to lift the restrictions. “I agree with a lot of the people who spoke today,” Smelker said. “They put their work and savings into their businesses.” The restrictions on restaurants should be lifted, Smelker said, and people should be allowed to choose whether they want to go out and use the proper precautions. Ibbotson had mentioned possible financial relief, such as forgoing the cost of permits and other regulatory fees. Smelker mentioned that idea as well. “We need to do something, (such as) not charging for inspection permits.” Commissioner Howard Gibson, who called Tuesday’s session “overwhelming,” said Smelker, in his role on the health board, has been pushing for changes. And Smelker said he has the backing of his fellow Barry County commissioners on the health board, Geiger and Dave Jackson. But it’s been frustrating because the Eaton County commissioners have not been sup­ portive, he said. “The state sends us COVID money,” Smelker said. “We need to take some of that money and help (locally owned restaurants).” Other counties have passed resolutions say­ ing they are against the restrictions,” but Smelker said the county commissioners need to take care that their actions don’t jeopardize funds. “I don’t believe we have the authority to say we’re not going to enforce ... a law that has to be enforced.” Geiger agreed that the board can’t “pick and choose” what laws it will enforce. The Banner was unable to reach Commissioner Vivian Conner. Two other commissioners, Catherine Getty and Bruce Campbell, just began their terms as commis­ sioners and they are still learning about their roles. “Being a new commissioner,” Getty said, “I’m learning what authority we have and what domino effect (such as an action affect­ ing taxation) could cause.” She mentioned the fact that many of the citizens who spoke would have been less inconvenienced if the meeting had taken place during the evening. “I did appreciate the time people gave today out of their schedules” to participate in the commissioners’ meeting. A change in meeting time, even if only once a month, might be worth considering to encour­ age increased public participation, she said. “I’m hoping, when we get together, we can show how we feel about the whole issue,” Campbell said, echoing Gibson in describing the situation that residents and business own­ ers described Tuesday as “overwhelming.” “I would love to see us do something that shows where we stand,” he said. Geiger said the public comment will be discussed during the chairman’s report at the Barry County Board of Commissioners Chairman Ben Geiger listens to accounts from local business owners about the price they’ve paid in the past year. next county board meeting starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday. All other business that was removed from this week’s agenda will be folded into items for consideration at next Tuesday’s regular board meeting, County Administrator Michael Brown confirmed. Jackson, replying to The Banner via email, wrote: “I agree with many of the Barry County residents who invested their time to contribute public comment on Tuesday. I do not believe we have transparent science-based evaluation of the current COVID dynamics by our governor who has continued to punish our small businesses and restaurant owners while giving the big box stores a pass. “I know other counties have passed resolu­ tions supporting small business and this com­ mission also supports small business and restaurants. However, I don’t want Barry County business owners to be under false pretenses of protection from a resolution.” “Although we can oppose the state regula­ tions with a county resolution, “ Jackson wrote, “it will not stop the state powers that be into fining Barry County business owners up to $1,000 per day per violation. These are not fines imposed by our local health department or prosecuting attorney. If the county com­ mission had the ability to protect our business owners, we would have acted a long time ago. We quite simply do not possess that authori­ ty’’ Ibbotson and several others have men­ tioned the idea of tax abatements to business­ es that have been hard-hit by the MDHHS orders. Brown, in response to a question from The Banner about the feasibility of a tax abate­ ment for restaurants, wrote: “The General Property Tax Act (Act 206 of 1893) prescribes the rules for assessment and collection of property taxes. I am not aware of anything that would allow a County Commission to modify the tax burden for these businesses.” While the commissioners were reacting to the accounts they heard in the session Tuesday, an announcement from the governor’s office reported that the restrictions on restaurants and other businesses would be reduced as of Friday. A reduction in the restrictions isn’t good enough, some said. Smelker said he wanted them lifted. During Tuesday’s filibuster, Kelly Case of Baltimore Township, who said that her busi­ ness sells food to the majority of restaurants in Barry and Eaton counties, deplored local government’s failure to support the restaurant industry. “There’s been nothing said; nothing done; no support whatsoever. I’m hoping you guys will hear us... Somebody has to do something.” Nancy Hammond of Carlton Center said that closure of local businesses “doesn’t make sense....When is it recognized as not being for the greater good? What are you folks will­ ing to do on their behalf? We’re here out of love for them.” Misty Bowman of Kent County began to weep as she spoke to commissioners. “It’s not going to stop until you stand up.” Jamie Adams of Woodland chided commis­ sioners for not seeking out small business owners and asking them what help they need­ ed to survive. A Hastings business owner from Kent County whose name was inaudible on the Zoom connection said, “My business has been closed almost eight months.” “I don’t feel we’re getting any support from anyone,” she said, referring to “an endless amount of unemployment. I don’t feel my government supports me at any level.” “We pay your wages,” she told the elected officials. “You work for us. If we don’t work, you don’t work. I’m sick of being beat down” Julie Ockerman of Delton appealed to the county board to act. “By letting us suffer and close, you are going to run out of people to tax. Open your eyes to the plight....It’s time we hour our elected officials responsible and let Lansing know that we want to be able to control our own destiny.” Dave Campbell of Delton said the county board has the authority to help these restau­ rants. “Would you destroy the tax base of your community?” he asked them. Justie Brewer of Delton said, “I implore you to open your eyes ... and put yourselves in their shoes. Let’s take a stand and tell Elden Shellenbarger of Carlton Township was among citizens who spoke during the filibuster Tuesday. Lansing we’ve had enough.” Joely Lyons of Delton said, “Have a heart for those businesses suffering in a time of tyranny... .1 implore you to open your eyes to the plight of these business owners. ..How would you feel if your livelihood was reduced by 75 percent? I feel it is time to get back to those businesses. Let us take a stand and tell Lansing that we have had enough.” One Delton woman whose name was inau­ dible over the Zoom connection said she’s an employee at a restaurant and a single mother who is finding it difficult to raise a family. At that point, she choked up and couldn’t speak. At that point, Geiger said, “Our hearts go out to you and others. Hopefully, we can find a way to help these businesses survive.” Later, he called the session “gut-wrench­ ing.” Susan Bamaart, one of the owners of the Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro in downtown Hastings, expressed her disappointment with government at all levels and said that the experience has affected how they feel about the community. Later Tuesday, Ibbotson said the filibuster was successful, allowing citizens to give “truly heartfelt comments ... to their govern­ ment by exercising their rights.” The speakers said that the commissioners should uphold their oath of office by being accountable to their constituents, small busi­ nesses and restaurants and send a message to Lansing to open the restaurants and small businesses and give them relief. Smelker and Geiger both said they intend to get a copy of Tuesday’s session in front of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as well as state Rep. Julie Calley, R- Portland, and state Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, who represent Barry County in the state Legislature. “The pleas I heard today really need to be heard by (them),” Geiger said in a telephone interview Tuesday evening. Geiger said that, even if the governor’s announcement had been made a day earlier, he believes that it would not have appreciably changed the message of these Barry County business owners. The damage has been done and they have reached a point of desperation, he said. What Tuesday’s session has underscored for everyone, Geiger said, is that the pandem­ ic is not just about lives, it’s about livelihoods. t TK boys having tough time with Gold leaders The Trojans knew they were in for a tough stretch. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ bas­ ketball team won four consecutive OK Gold Conference contests to move into fourth place in the conference standings, then began a stretch against the three teams ahead of it on Saturday. Forest Hills Eastern took its second win of the season over the TK boys Saturday, earning a 71-69 victory in Ada before the South Christian boys toppled the Trojans 76-43 in Middleville Tuesday evening. The games were different affairs than the first match-ups between the two teams. FHE pulled away for a 19-point win in Middleville to open the season. South Christian just sur­ vived in a five-point win over the Trojans at SCHS last month. TK now has to go on the road to face unde­ feated Grand Rapids Catholic Central tonight. The Cougars are 10-0 on the year. TK is now 4-6 overall and 4-5 in the OK Gold. TK will be at Kenowa Hills Tuesday and then at Wayland Friday next week. �T’BThe Hastings SPORTS SECTION Thursday, March 4, 2021 Barracudas at their very best in final dual Brett Bremer Sports Editor There hasn’t been much time to chase down the numbers on the record boards, but the duals are done now. Barry County Barracuda (Delton Kellogg/ Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings) seniors Sam Randall and Gram Price came into their final season with the program eyeing school records and have come up a little shy so far. Wayland Union bested the Barracudas 108-75 in the final OK Rainbow Conference Tier II dual of the season Wednesday (Feb. 24) in Hastings. The Barry County Barracudas, who were 0-4 in conference duals this winter, now have a week and a half left to taper before hosting the OK Rainbow Conference Tier II Championship at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings the week­ end of March 13. “We swam, almost across the board, best times by everybody,” Barry County head coach DJ Cochran said. “We’re at the tough end of a long stretch ... five meets in eight days. We have had our work cut out, but the boys have been working hard. They have dropped times every meet. It has been crazy, but they have been doing good.” Randall is sure he can hit the Division 1 state qualifying time in the 100-yard butterfly and break the current Barracuda program record of 54.52 seconds set in the event by Levi Ryfiak in 2014 with a little rest and some good competition at the conference meet. Price won’t get another 6-dive competition in, but will shoot for strong 11-dive scores at the conference meet and at regionals. Randall won the butterfly Wednesday with a time of 57.77, and also took the 50-yard freestyle in 24.04. He was just ahead of fellow Barry County senior Britton Stevens in that 50-yard freestyle. Stevens was the runner-up in 24.56. Randall started out as a freshman learning the ropes from Italian foreign exchange stu­ dent Riccardo Pietrucci, who placed fourth in the butterfly at the Tier II Conference Meet for the Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings team in February of 2018. “I loved him. He was fun. He really gave me something to look forward to in the fly,” Randall said. It has been a steady climb up the Tier II medal stand for Randall, who was seventh behind Pietrucci as a freshman in the event, then fifth as a sophomore and third as a junior. “First in the conference is the only thing left for now,” Randall said. He is the only returnee this winter from the top five conference butterfly medalists a year ago, a group that in 2020 included two seniors and two junior members of the Caledonia/ Lowell/South Christian team that is now com­ peting in the OK Red Conference. “It is his dedication,” Cochran said of Randall’s improved times. “Sam has taken his whole thought process about swimming to a next level. He has probably been, out of any- Barry County Barracuda senior Sam Randall races to victory in the 100-yard butterfly during his team’s OK Rainbow Conference Tier II dual with Wayland at the CERC in Hastings Wednesday (Feb. 24). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Barry County sophomore Isaac Stanton races along in the 100-yard backstroke during the Barracudas’ dual with visiting Wayland at the CERC in Hastings Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) body on the team, brought into my program the best. He is always like, ‘coach I want you to push me more. How can I attack this set better to get myself better?’ He is always in that mindset. He has also taken it upon him­ self this year to kind of scout other teams around the conference. He knows his compe­ titions times. He has just been really goal-ori­ ented. He wanted to get some state cuts, set some school records and win as many dual meets as possible.” The team got its first dual meet victory of the season Saturday, knocking off former OK Rainbow Tier II Conference foe Mona Shores 112-65. Price and junior teammate Blake Sheldon went 1-2 for Barry County in the diving com­ petition. Price came into the year hoping to chase down Morten Hemmingsen’s team record of 255.30 points (set in 2011) in a six­ dive competition, but didn’t quite get there. Still, Price qualified for the regional diving competition last week and Sheldon hit the performance mark needed Wednesday night. Price closed out the competition with Wayland with a personal record score of 213.40 points. Sheldon also set a new personal high mark at 198.35. “It was weird. I am very happy that it hap­ pened,” Price said of the new personal record six-dive score. “I didn’t think I was going to get it, but after that last dive I knew that one Barry County Barracuda diver Blake Sheldon spins above the pool as teammate Gram Price looks on during their Wednesday dual with Wayland at the CERC in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Barracudas’ Devin Pacillo swims to a runner-up finish in the 500-yard freestyle during his team’s dual with Wayland in Hastings Wednesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) was the one that really made it for me. I guess you could say it is like my given dive, the one that is most consistent. It is funny, because I hate that dive [the inward 1 and Vi somersaults in the tuck position, 403C]. That is the one I don’t like to do at all. I have never liked spin­ ning towards the board. Just seeing the board, it is weird. I would rather flip forward or do a reverse.” The dive earned him 42.90 points with all three judges putting a score of 6.5 up on the board. Barracudas’ diving coach Todd Bates said an excellent entry really helped Price score well on that final dive. Sheldon closed strong too, earning 42 points with his forward 2 Vi somersaults in the tuck position dive (105C). “They have been working really hard for the last couple weeks, especially,” Bates said of his divers. “Their experience probably had a lot to do with their success. It is hard to compete with years of training, being in club and all that. I kind of expected this tonight really. Tonight, being the last dual meet, I really wanted them both to get a personal best.” “They hit their newer bigger dives tonight, which they haven’t done yet,” he added. “When you get good judges’ scores on diffi­ cult dives you can really gain points.” The pair have a shot at going 1-2 at the conference meet for the second year in a row. One of the few guys with a chance to stop that will be Catholic Central freshman Will Schwallier, who put up a score of 215.10 to win the diving competition in the Cougars dual with the Barracudas in Hastings Monday and has been as high as 218.05 on the score­ board this winter. Randall and Stevens also teamed with sophomores Devin Pacillo and Jack Kensington to win the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1 minute 38.95 seconds Wednesday. That same foursome was just off the pace of the Wayland team of Zachefy Jenison, Henry Oudbier, Cooper Sidebotham and Andrew Vanbaal that closed out the meet by winning the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:39.07. Kensington got a win in the 100-yard free­ style, touching the wall in 53.31, fourth tenths of a second ahead of the runner-up Sidebotham. Sidebotham won the 200-yard individual medley for the Wildcats in 2:20.96 and Jenison took the 200-yard freestyle in 1:58.09, a race that saw Kensington finish second at just over two minutes (2:00.26) and Pacillo take third. Jenison won the 500-yard freestyle in 5:28.22. Avery Carter took the 100-yard backstroke in 1:06.82 for the Wildcats and Vanbaal fol­ lowed up by winning the 100-yard breast­ stroke in 1:12.45. The Wildcats extended their lead in the meet late by having the three fast­ est guys in the backstroke and the top two in the breaststroke, as well as the first and third place 400-yard freestyle relay teams. The Wildcats opened the competition with the team of Jenison, Vanbaal, Sidebotham and Henry Oudbier winning the 200-yard medley relay in 1:55.88. Portland takes Round 1 with Lakewood grapplers Brett Bremer Sports Editor Portland came out on top in all three of its duals at the Ionia County Quad hosted by the Ionia Bulldogs Wednesday evening. The Lakewood varsity wrestling team, which was a little short-handed, finished the day with a 1-2 record, falling to the Raiders and Williamston while scoring a 60-24 victo­ ry over Ionia. The Vikings will be in Portland March 17 for their team-district tournament which includes Portland and another Ionia County foe, Belding. Nathaniel Graham at 171 pounds and Zachary Gibson at 125 had pins for the Vikings in the dual with the Raiders, a 63-15 loss. Ashton Clark at 103 pounds scored the Viking team’s other points, getting a 12-7 decision against Jake Olson. Only one other match went six minutes, a 4-1 win by the Raiders’ Isaiah Pelc in the 140pound bout against the Vikings’ Daniel Krebs. The Raiders got eight pins and forfeit wins at 130 pounds and 145. “We knew that they were tough,” Lakewood head coach Tony Harmer said of the Raiders. “Coming in they are ranked sixth in Division 3. Our kids gave it everything they’ve got but came up short. One of the positives that we took away from that meet was Daniel Krebs, a sophomore and first year wrestler, has been surprising many of us. He made a statement against Portland when he wrestled Isiah Pelc who is ranked eighth [at his weight class] in Division 3 and only lost 4-1. [Krebs] is phys­ ically the strongest wrestler I have ever coached. He stays in good position and sticks with the basics. I was extremely proud of him after that match.” Lakewood bounced back for its win over the Bulldogs, getting pins from Gavin Vaughn at 189 pounds, Jayden Manhart at 215, Clark at 103, Zachary Zbiciak at 112, Chris Webb at 119, Daniel Krebs at 140, Keegan VanAlstine at 152 and Graham at 171. Williamston bested the Vikings 40-33 to close the evening. Gibson defeated Greg Dion 5-0 at 125 pounds, and Lakewood got a pin from Krebs in the third period of the 140pound match. Lakewood’s other 24 points came from voids in the Hornet line-up. Harmer said his team was thrown off a little by the match with Williamston. The Vikings had been prepping to face Belding, but the Black Knights dropped out of the event earlier in the week. Harmer was pleased with Clark’s fight in a 103-pound match with Jack Chambers, who is ranked seventh in the Division 3 at their weight class. Clark fought until getting caught and pinned in the final seconds. “I believe being that close to beating a ranked kid motivated him to bring his game to the next level,” Harmer said. Lakewood hosted its first home meet of the season Friday, besting Loy Norrix 58-12, Unity Christian 60-12 and Homer 63-6. “Our first match we faced Loy Norrix. They were short kids that day, but the ones they did have gave us some valuable mat time. Gavin Vaughn had a great match against a giant of a kid Anthony Kimbrogh. He ended up pinning him, but had to get over the mental hurdle on how big he was. Once the whistle blew Gavin knew he was a better wrestler and just wrestled his way,” Harmer said. All eight Vikings who competed got pins in the dual with Unity Christian. “Keegan VanAlstine had a thrilling over­ time match against number four ranked Melvin Minniear [D4],” Harmer said of the highlight of the dual with Homer. “Keegan in the first couple of seconds in the overtime period was snapped down and Melvin caught the leg for a cradle. It was looking grim for Keegan because all Melvin had to do was break him to his hip or go behind. Keegan fought hard and reached out for Melvin’s leg as he tried to go behind and caught him. Melvin fell to his hip, and Keegan drove through for the win. It was a very exciting match. This was his biggest win this year as a senior.” The Vikings were scheduled to return to action last night at a quad in Hastings, and have a trip to the Kent City Quad on the schedule for Friday. Lakewood’s Zachary Zbiciak works top turn Ionia’s Devin Leland onto his back during the first period of their 112-pound match Wednesday at Ionia High School. (Photo by Michael Graham) �Page 14 — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Down a dozen in fourth, Lions rally to beat Ramblers Brett Bremer Sports Editor “That was really ugly. You can put that in the paper,” Maple Valley varsity boys’ basket­ ball coach Ryan Nevins said Thursday night. It really is one of the only ways to describe it. The Perry Ramblers would certainly agree, and they didn’t get the reprieve of celebrating a Greater Lansing Activities Conference vic­ tory. Maple Valley scored its second GLAC win of the season, after being shut out in the con­ ference a year ago, by besting the visiting Ramblers 39-38. Perry led the ballgame by 13 points at the end of the first quarter and still had a 12-point lead with three and a half min­ utes to play in the fourth quarter. The lions are now 3-7 overall and 3-5 in the conference after scoring a 51-41 win at Lansing Christian Saturday and falling 63-29 against Leslie Monday. Senior Hugheston Heckathom sank the game-tying and go-ahead free throws for the Lions with 8.7 seconds to play against Perry Thursday, and then the Lions thwarted two last gasp efforts by the Ramblers. Lion senior Curtis Walker was fouled pull­ ing in a defensive rebound with 1.4 seconds left, but shot an air-ball on the front end of the ensuing one-and-one at the free throw line and the Ramblers got the chance inbound to try and go the length of the court in a second and a half. Stepping onto the court for the first time all night, Maple Valley senior Gregg Richardson deflected the inbounds pass from the Ramblers’ Kyle Ohlmer and the ball fell down into the arms of his senior Lion team­ mate Blaze Sensiba. “Every kid gave us something tonight,” Nevins said, “whether it was cheering on the bench or whatever. Gregg Richardson plays 1.4 seconds and makes the biggest play of the game with the tip. They don’t even get a shot off. That is absolutely huge. I am happy for our seniors. They have worked their tails off for two years and we’re finally starting to see some success. We lost a close one to Lakewood. We lost a close one to Dansville. We’ve been in games.” Walker had a team-high 16 points. Lane Morris hit four three-pointers and had 14 points for the Lions and Heckathom finished with six points. Perry got 19 points from junior shooting guard Jack Lamb and ten from senior point guard Gage Foster. “That is how we have played all year. We have played great defense for the most part. We just really struggle to shoot the ball. Our kids don’t quit, and that is all I can ask for. We talk about it all the time. It is effort and atti­ tude. We play as hard as we can play and we play with great attitude. We don’t quit, and it worked tonight.” Maple Valley trailed the bailgame 15-2 after one quarter as the Ramblers sped up the pace and the Lions couldn’t keep up. The Lions were just l-for-7 at the free throw line in the first half. “We’re not a team that can run up and down the floor. We’re just not that type of team,” Nevins said. “We’re just not that type of team this year. It was a track meet the first quarter and it was one pass and a shot or no passes and a shot. We’re not set up for that. We’re a pretty good team in the half-court. It showed up in the second half and even in that second quarter, where even if we don’t make shots we’re at least getting good shots. Pretty much the entire first half we took some pretty bad Maple Valley’s Curtis Walker watches his teammates run through an offensive set from the top of the key as he’s defended by Perry’s Cody Swain Thursday evening at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley senior guard Lane Morris flips an underhand shot up at the basket after driving by his defender during the first half of the Lions’ one-point win over visiting Perry at Maple Valley High School Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) shots. The second half we got it into our bigs, Hugheston and Curtis, and started getting some backdoor cuts.” Valley clawed to within 17-8 by halftime, and was within four early in the third quarter before the Ramblers pushed to a 31-20 by the end of the third quarter and then were up 12 with three and a half minutes to play when Morris hit the third of his four three-pointers to kick the Lion comeback into gear. It was a hectic, backwards final three and a half minutes, with the Ramblers trying to slow down and milk the clock and the Lions trying to speed up and gain possessions. The Lions settled themselves just enough to put the ball in the basket a few times. The Ramblers struggled as mightily trying to play at a slower tempo as the Lions had in the first half when they were going too fast. “We were able to get sdme steals and do some things on the defensive end to give us an opportunity at the end of the game and thank God we took advantage of it,” Nevins said. A pair of free throws by Walker got the Lions within 38-31 with 3:12 to go. A Morris steal led to a bucket by Walker that made it 38-33 with 2:52 to play. The score stayed there with the two teams going back and forth until Morris drilled a three from the left cor­ ner in front of his bench with 1:18 left to get the Lions within 38-36. There was more back and forth in the final minute, a Rambler miss, a Lion defensive rebound, a jump ball, a Perry timeout, a Perry turnover, a Lion timeout, a Lion miss, and finally an offensive rebound by Walker. Walker was fouled trying to go back up with the ball with 28.3 seconds left. The first free throw rattled out and then second found its mark to get his team within one at 38-37. With 18 seconds left, Lamb had a pass in the Ramblers’ offensive end go into the hands of Walker - setting up the Lions’ final posses­ sion on which Heckathom backed down his defender, Ohlmer, from the right comer into the paint with Foster buzzing around trying to get a hand on the ball. Heckathom finally got in position to get a shot up and was hit across the arms as he went up to earn the trip to the line that turned into the winning points. The Saturday victory at Lansing Christian was the second win of the season over the Pilgrims for the Maple Valley boys. The Lions will be at home against Stockbridge tonight and then host Lakewood Saturday afternoon and undefeated Olivet next Monday (March 8). Lions topple Ludington at Kent City quad The Maple Valley varsity wrestling team won one of three at the Kent City Quad Wednesday. The Lions scored a 42-18 win over Ludington there while falling 67-8 to Hart and 51-24 to Kent City. Maple Valley’s Jesse Brumm and Matthew Slaght were both 3-0 on the day, and Andrew Appelman got two wins. Brumm, Jessy Deppe and David Hosack-Frizzell each scored a pin in the victory over Ludington for the Lions. In the dual with Hart, Brumm scored a 10-3 decision in a match with Austin Martinez at 135 pounds and Slaght tallied an 18-1 major decision in his 112-pound match with Bryce Jorissen. Against Kent City, Brumm pinned Brayden Armstrong in the second period of the 130pound match. The Lions’ Dillon Jorgensen scored a pin midway through the third period at 171 pounds, and Slaght pinned Logan Goguen a minute into the second period at 112. The Lions were back in action at Niles Brandywine for a quad Saturday, where they went 1-2 as well. The Lions defeated Coloma 39-12, while falling 54-21 to Brandywine and 63-6 to Union City. Brumm suffered his first defeat of the sea­ son, falling 8-6 in overtime to Union City’s Brayton Mears in their 130-pound bout. Brumm is now 13-1 on the season. Mears, a junior, moved to 15-0 on the season. Mears was the Division 4 103-pound state champion in 2019. A forfeit win by Slaght at 112 pounds earned the Lions their lone points in that dual, improving Slaght’s season long record to 14-0. Slaght had a pin at 112 pounds for the Lions in the win over Coloma, with HosackFrizzell at 189 pounds and Deppe at 145 adding pins as well. Brumm scored a 7-3 win over the Comets’ Caeleb Ishmael in their 130pound bout. In the dual with Brandywine, the Lions got pins from Slaght at 112 and Deppe at 140. Appelman scored a 10-4 win over Drake Heath in the 119-pound match. Brumm got a forfeit win at 130. Maple Valley was scheduled to wrestle at the Perry Quad last night (March 3). Wings Event Center site for all 2021 wrestling finals The Michigan High School Athletic Association has revised its 2021 Wrestling Tournaments, scheduled for the final three weeks of March and first weekend of April, in an effort to reduce the mixing of communities and spread of COVID-19. The MHSAA also has selected Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo as this year’s host site for the Teams Finals on March 30 and Individual Finals to be wrestled April 2-3. As in non-COVID seasons, the wrestling postseason will be divided into separate tour­ nament tracks for teams and individuals, with competition at the District, Regional and Finals levels. Competition at the District and Regional levels for both the team and individ­ ual tournaments will follow the MHSAA’s traditional formats, which is possible due to the COVID-19 rapid testing required of each participating wrestler. Districts will be wres­ tled during the week of March 15, with Regionals the following week. However, a number of changes for this season’s Finals have been put in place to pro­ vide the same experience for qualifying ath­ letes but with more precautions to limit possi­ ble exposure to the virus. Team Wrestling: Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals will be wrestled Tuesday, March 30 at Wings Event Center, with all rounds over one day instead of the traditional two. Two areas within Wings Event Center - the “Valley” and “Arena” - will host matches for Quarterfinals and Semifinals, with all four championship matches wrestled simultane­ ously in the Arena to conclude the event. Divisions 2 and 4 will compete in the Arena, and Divisions 1 and 3 in the Valley prior to the title matches. Individual Wrestling: All rounds of the Individual Finals will be wrestled at Wings Event Center over the course of one day Divisions 2 and 3 will compete Friday, April 2, and Divisions 1 and 4 will wrestle April 3. Both arenas within Wings Event Center will be used each day - one for each division with all rounds including championship matches wrestled in that specific area. Divisions 3 and 1 will compete in the Arena, and Divisions 2 and 4 will compete in the Valley. Determinations of which divisions were assigned to wrestle in Wings’ Arena and Valley were made by a blind draw conducted by the MHSAA in partnership with the exec­ utive board of the Michigan Wrestling Association, the statewide coaches associa­ tion for the sport. Teams scheduled to wrestle in the Valley during the Team Quarterfinals and Semifinals automatically were selected to wrestle in the Arena for all rounds of the Individual Finals. Spectator limits at Regionals and Finals will be determined locally following Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders and will not exceed one per participant. Lakewood ladies win consecutive GLAC games Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team evened its record at 4-4 with back-toback Greater Lansing Activities Conference wins over Lansing Christian and Perry. The Vikings pulled out a 39-37 win over the Pilgrims in Lansing Monday evening. Maradith O’Gorman snapped a 37-37 tie in the final seconds, taking an inbound pass from the baseline and laying the ball up and in. The Vikings’ full-court pressure thwarted the last Pilgrim effort going the other way. Mia Judd tied the bailgame up for the Pilgrims with a pair of free throws with half a minute to play. The Vikings drew up plans with 25 seconds to go and worked most of that last half minute off the clock before eventually ending up with the inbound opportunity along the baseline with eight seconds to go that led to O’Gorman’s go-ahead bucket. “It was a nail biter. Lansing Christian did a nice job on our bigs, and we resorted to out­ side shooting,” Lakewood head coach Kelly Meints said. “We got a lot of great looks, but many were not falling. We also had trouble taking care of the ball and had 25 turnovers. But defensively the girls worked hard and had a total of 48 rebounds, so we were able to keep Lansing Christian down offensively.” Lakewood had just defeated Perry 53-25 at Lakewood High School Saturday. Anja Kelley had ten points in the win over the Ramblers for the Vikings. O’Gorman fin­ ished with nine points and eight rebounds. Paige Wolverton and Cadence Poll contribut­ ed eight points each, with Poll adding six rebounds and five steals. The Vikings host Olivet tonight and then will be home against Maple Valley Saturday morning and against Leslie Monday evening. Lions get whole gang back together to win at Perry Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions have win number one. The Maple Valley varsity girls’ basketball team scored a 39-27 Greater Lansing Activities Conference win at Perry Thursday and then followed that up with a 44-36 win over visit­ ing Lansing Christian Saturday. Senior shooting guard Ashlyn Wilkes had a game-high 18 points in her return to the line­ up Thursday night, along with head coach Landon Wilkes. The pair wasn’t able to be a part of each of the previous three Lion ball­ games. “As a coach, you constantly have conversa­ tions about how things can be taken away pretty quickly,” Landon said. “We have had not just Ash and myself, but we have had other kids live through that experience and it is not a lot of fun to just be told you’re down for so many days or whatever it may be. It is what it is. It is for the protection of everybody, but it still doesn’t make it any easier. “To be back at it right away was enjoy­ able.” Other Lions stepped up in Ashlyn’s absence, and after some time getting reacquainted on the court Thursday kept up their scoring con­ tributions which could prove invaluable as the season progresses. Megan Valiquette had seven points, Alison McGlocklin six and Trista Medina five in the win. Hailey Heckathom chipped in three points. “Everybody was a little tentative to start, but I thought as things progressed throughout the game we started to gel a lot more,” coach Wilkes said. “In the absence of Ash, the girls stepped up. I am so proud of every single one of them.” The Lions led 14-8 at the half and then went on a 16-8 run in the third quarter to take control of the bailgame. “I thought we moved the ball fairly well,” coach Wilkes said. “We hit multiple backdoor cuts. Perry started in a man, went to a zone and then went to a man. When they went to a man we got some backdoor cuts that allowed some of those buckets to happen. Some of them hit some outside jumpers. We had a pret­ ty good third quarter, putting up 16 in a quar­ ter.” He was also pleased his girls worked to get to the free throw line 19 times in the ball­ game. They sealed the win with a 7-of-ll performance at the stripe in the fourth quarter. Maple Valley trailed by a point after one quarter but surged to go into the fourth up nine against visiting Lansing Christian Saturday. Ashlyn Wilkes poured in 17 points, includ­ ing 14 in the second half. She had ten points in the third quarter alone, knocking down two three-pointers. The Lions extended their half­ time lead with a 13-7 run in that third period. Medina finished with nine points and Valiquette six. Heckathom chipped in four and Cassie McCool three. The Lion lead at the end could have been bigger, but they were just 4-of-8 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter and just 9-of17 overall. Lansing Christian got a game-high 24 points from Mia Judd in the loss. She scored all nine of her team’s first quarter points as the Pilgrims opened the game with a 9-8 lead. The Lions are now 2-7 overall this season. Leslie edged the Lions 39-38 in conference action at Leslie High School Monday eve­ ning, letting one slip away to the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks dug out of a big hole as the Lions built a 22-6 lead in the opening quarter. Maple Valley only scored 15 points the rest of the bailgame, with Leslie clawing to within 27-17 by the half and then 35-31 heading into the fourth quarter. Leslie out­ scored the Lions 7-2 in that final period to pull out the one-point win. Ashlyn Wilkes and McGlocklin combined for 20 points in the opening quarter, but the Lion offense stalled from there. Wilkes fin­ ished with 19 points and McGlocklin eight. Valiquette had six points in the loss. Medina had her team’s only fourth quarter bucket. Leslie had a balanced attack with Emma Smieska scoring ten points, Alayna Brown nine, and Paige Filice and Dana Coltrain six each. Maple Valley is scheduled to return to GLAC play tonight at Stockbridge and then will host Lakewood Saturday morning. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — Page 15 Scoring a struggle for DK boys in pair of SAC defeats The 5-3 Hackett Catholic Prep boys held the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team to its lowest scoring output of the season so far Friday night, taking a 40-26 win over the host Panthers. “Hackett did a good job of dictating the pace with their defensive pressure,” DK head coach Jim Hogoboom said. “We really have seen almost exclusively zone defense this year as people try to contain [Cole] Pape so I thought our guards grew up a little bit tonight and more kids got involved offensively so even though margin wise that’s our largest defeat I felt like we had some growth that can pay dividends later.” Hackett’s Gabe Gamsho didn’t have trou­ ble putting the ball in the basket. He finished with 13 points. As a team, the Irish knocked down six three-pointers in the ballgame. Pape led DK with 11 points and seven rebounds. Austin Blocker added five points and Trumen Prell four. Hackett went on a 16-7 second quarter run to take a 20-11 lead into the half. It was the second straight Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division defeat for the DK boys, who were downed 41-37 by Constantine last Thursday (Feb. 25). Delton Kellogg led that ballgame 23-12 at the half, but the Falcons chipped away at the DK lead as the Panthers struggled on the offensive end. Pape had 20 points and Alex Whitmore seven in the loss. Devonte Conley had 15 points to lead DK, scoring all 15 in the second half. DK had the ball with the game tied at 37 with less than a minute to play, but couldn’t convert on the possession and Conley drove baseline at the other end and made a reverse lay-up to put his team in front. DK was scheduled to visit Schoolcraft last night. The Panthers will be at home against Fennville Friday and at Allegan Saturday. The Panthers and Constantine Falcons meet again in Delton Tuesday night. Delton Kellogg’s Austin Blocker works to get a shot up in the paint during the Panthers’ SAC Valley ballgame against Hackett Catholic Prep Friday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg guard Payton Smoczynski attacks from the wing during his team’s SAC Valley bailgame with visiting Hackett Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The News Is Just the Beginning Subscribe Today! • .'muLiir-f .......... * ~ ijtflu yib 4 lai 1 ? k> Your Communityc... Your Family.. .Your Interests Your Home.. .Your World.. Don’t miss a single copy Call 800.870.7085 or pick it up at one of our locations listed below! u Delton Kellogg guard Jordan Lyons beats her defender off the dribble during the second half of the Panthers’ SAC Valley contest with Hackett Catholic Prep at Delton Kellogg High School Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) £ It's All a Part ofYour Local Newspaper! Irish keep lady Panthers from finding shooting touch Brett Bremer Sports Editor Undefeated Hackett Catholic Prep got its Delton Kellogg’s Aubrey Aukerman puts a short jumper over a Hackett defender during their Friday night SAC Valley match-up in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) seventh victory of the season Friday, knock­ ing off the Panthers 45-23 at Delton Kellogg High School. The Irish shot 40 percent from the floor, while the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ team hit just 24 percent of its shots. “Not a good combo, to say the least,” DK head coach Mike Mohn said. “Offensive rebounds just hurt us.” Hackett managed 18 offensive rebounds, which it turned into 17 points. The Panthers also turned the ball over 25 times. Mohn said there were some improvements, but not enough scoring overall. Caitlin McManus had a team-high seven points for DK and Aubrey Aukerman added six and Mary Whitmore five. Jordan Lyons had a team-high seven rebounds “and had probably her best game as far as toughness is concerned,” Mohn said. “She got on the floor a few times for loose balls and came up with a couple of them. Good to see her extending herself a bit more. Her confidence is growing, which only bodes well for our program.” It was the second game in two days for the DK girls, who fell 57-29 at Constantine in a game that started a half hour later than the Panthers were expecting after their long bus trip. The Falcons raced out to a 32-6 lead in the first half. DK managed to outscore the Falcons 25-23 in the second half. Whitmore had a team-high 11 points for DK as well as seven rebounds. Cadence Johnson added seven points. DK was scheduled to visit Schoolcraft yes­ terday and will be at home against Fennville Friday and Allegan Saturday. HR ■ V Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings Banner Area locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings Gun Laks One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 N) Sam's Gourmet Foods Superette Pins Lake Family Fare The General Store¥ Marathon Mega Bev J a s Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Prairieville Nashville Trading Post Little’s Country Store Prairieville Fast Stop Nashville Johnny’s Cloverdale Nashville C Store Cloverdale General Carl’s MV Pharmacy Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Lake Odessa Shelbyville Town & Country Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny’s Delton Middleville Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Woodland Express Doster Country Store Tom’s Market Hastings Johnny’s Woodland Carl’s Family Fare Delton Johnny’s Freeport 1 & J’s Banfield Banfield General Store Dowling Goldsworthys Freeport General Store �Page 16— Thursday, March 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Saxons roll best scores to beat Beavers again The Saxons’ Cameron Eaton lets a throw go during the Baker games against Harper Creek Tuesday afternoon at Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings’ Steven VanOoy gets a fist bump from teammate Drew Rhodes as he steps off the lane during the Baker games at the end of Tuesday’s I-8 dual with Harper Creek at Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor It is a good time to start rolling the best scores of the season. The Hastings varsity boys’ and girls’ bowl­ ing teams will be at JAX 60 Saturday for the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Singles Championship and then close out the confer­ ence regular season with a pair of duals next week on the lanes at Hastings Bowl. There will be a tune-up of sorts for the Saxons at JAX 60 this afternoon as they travel to Jackson for an 1-8 dual with Pai ma Western. Hastings took their second victory of the season over the Harper Creek boys by pulling out a 17-13 win at Hastings Bowl Tuesday afternoon, improving to 4^-7 in conference The Saxons rolled their season best score of 1,000 in the first regular game and their high­ est Baker game of the season as well, a 235. The Hastings boys secured the victory by winning both Baker games, outscoring the Beavers 235-169 and 198-163, a performance that picked up ten points for the team. “This was a very, very good night for them,” Hastings head coach Deanna Rhodes said. “This is the best our boys have ever done.” Gage Richmond led the way for the Hastings boys in the regular games, rolling a 236 and a 235, although rolling out of the fifth spot he was matched up with the Beavers’ Jacob Bax who rolled two 245s to earn the two points in their head to hdad match-up. Austin Fenstemaker, Cameron Eaton and Steven VanOoy each took a team point in the first regular game. Fenstemaker rolled a 202, and then added a 188 in his second game. Eaton scored with a 181 and then followed up with a J47. VanOoy fireci off ai?20 to open the play and then scored a 130 in his second game. ni Drew Rhodes contributed 161 and a 200 to the Saxons’ team score in the two regular games. Hastings finished the second regular game with a team score of 900, edged out by the Beavers’ 1017. Harper Creek scored a 926 in that first game. The Hastings girls are among the top three in the current Interstate-8 Athletic Conference standings, sporting a 6-3 record in conference duals. Harper Creek doesn’t have a varsity girls’ team this year, so the Saxon girls rolled against the Harper Creek boys’ JV. The high game of the day for the Hastings girls was a 182 from Daisy Kerby. Abby Barton rolled a 172 and a 169, Andrea Rhodes scored a 147 and a 151, Shy anna Baker a 143, Amber Rabideau scored a 135, and Ally Herder had games of 128 and 155. Kerby also tallied a 144 on the afternoon. The Saxon girls put together Baker scores of 152 and 169. Both Hastings team scored 1-8 wins over lumen Christi last Thursday. The Hastings boys scored a 26-4 victory and the girls won 23-7. Drew Rhodes, Fenstemaker and VanOoy won two points each in the regular games. Fenstemaker scored a 171 and 203. Rhodes scored a 191 and a 149. VanOoy tallied a 154 and a 225. Zavion Twiss added a point for the Saxons with a 117. Richmond rolled games of 188 and 187. _.s. Rabideau,,Kerby’andparton won two team points each for the Hastings girls. Rabideau had games of 1237 and 158. Barton threw as 142 and a 188. Kerby scored a 142 and a 134. Herder also picked up a team point with a 186. The Saxons’Andrea Rhodes sends her ball spinning down the lane at Hastings Bowl Tuesday as the Hastings varsity girls’ take on the JV boys’ team from Harper Creek in an exhibition dual at Hastings Bowl. Harper Creek does not have a girls’ varsity this year to compete with the Saxons who are currently one of the 1-8’s top varsity teams with a 6-3 record. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings’ Ally Herder takes a turn during the Saxon varsity girls’ exhibition with the Harper Creek JV team Tuesday at Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Gold record grows to 12-0 for TK ladies “Wyatt Barnes and Z Moore have been improving a lot,” TK head coach Cheryl Cooper said. The duo, both sophomores, have moved from rolling straight balls to putting a hook on it this season. They took a moment to toss a football underhand behind the action during the dual in an effort to keep their wrist and arm motions solid as they learn. Michael Whillshire scored a 179 and a 196 in the number five spot for TK, but was bested in both games by the Bengals Jaycee Quam who rolled a 180 and a 218. Willshire came into the week with the second highest scoring average in the conference, and teammates Kriekaard and Jacobson are both also among the top ten guys in the OK Gold. Willard, Jousma and Snyder from the TK girls team also came into the week among the top ten scorers in the girls’ conference stand­ ings. The TK ladies faced one of their toughest Brett Bremer Sports Editor Only two foes stand between the Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bowling team and an undefeated season of duals. The TK ladies will head to Spectrum Lanes Monday to take on South Christian and then play host to Forest Hills Eastern at Hastings Bowl Tuesday after getting to 12-0 in confer­ ence play after taking the win over Ottawa Hills (30-0) Tuesday at Hastings Bowl. The Sailors and Hawks managed just three points combined in their first meetings of the season with the TK ladies. There are still plans for an OK Gold Conference Tournament at Park Center Lanes March 13. TK head coach Cheryl Cooper said no other girls’ team in the conference had fewer than three losses heading into Tuesday after­ noon’s action. “We’re just making sure we’re making our marks and picking up spares, and even if they Thornapple Kellogg’s Ethan Kriekaard and Wyatt Jacobson talk things over between rolls Tuesday during their OK Gold Conference win over Ottawa Hills at Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg senior Carly Snyder fires a throw down the lane at Hastings Bowl Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) are hard we still go for them,” TK senior Dalace Jousma said after rolling a 134 and a 192 Tuesday. “A lot of dedication is what it takes.” Fellow senior Carly Snyder also picked up her score in the second game Tuesday, rolling a 158 and a 213. The TK ladies got high games of 122 from Emily Podbevsek, 106 from Allison Hess, 183 from Paige Green, 91 from Lily Secord-Rider and 102 from Faith Foster. “I slowed down a lot,” Jousma said of her game two improvements Tuesday. “Sometimes you have to work with what you have and sometimes that just means you slow down. TK head coach Cheryl Cooper is happy to see the strides all of her girls are making this winter, with seniors Snyder, Jousma, Cayleigh Willard (who didn’t bowl Tuesday) and Secord-Rider finishing up their final varsity season. The 187 Green rolled Tuesday was just three pins shy of her top score of the season. “The way she throws the ball is getting better. She is a little more consistent,” Cooper said of Green. “She has been picking up more spares.” The TK girls’ scores count towards their conference averages even though Ottawa Hills didn’t have a girls’ team to compete with them. The TK boys faced some competition from the Bengals and scored a 26-4 win to improve to 9-3 in the OK Gold Conference this winter. The TK girls are 13-0 overall and the TK boys overall record is at 10-3. The TK boys won the two Baker games against the Bengals 164-133 and 214-161. Ethan Kriekaard and Wyatt Jacobson scored two team points each for the TK boys in the regular games Tuesday. Kriekaard rolled a 253 and a 181. Jacobson scored a 224 and a 238. TK also got points thanks to a 103 from Connor Newland and a 187 from Wyatt Barnes. Barnes set a new personal best with that 187. conference competitors, Wayland, at Rock ‘N’ Bowl Monday and scored a 20-10 win. The TK girls won the two Baker games 173-148, and took the pin count on the first regular game 821-783. The Wildcats took the second 837-762. TK got two match points from Snyder who rolled a 227 and a 226. Jousma scored a 198, her highest conference total of the season, and a 171. Willard rolled a 157 and a 136. Green bowled a 131, Podbevsek a 130, Hess a 122 and Secord-Rider an 85. The TK boys also won Monday, 22-8. TK took the first Baker game 158-142 and the second 144-141. Like the girls, they won the first regular game 891-745 and fell to theWildcats in the second 858-822. Willshire rolled a 244 and a 201. Kriekaard scored a 196 and a 192. Nate Palmer added a 191 and a 171. Newland tallied a 162, Moore a 141, Noah Newland scored a 112 and Barnes a 103. MHSAA alters format for state bowling tournament The Michigan High School Athletic Association has revised its 2021 girls and boys Bowling Regionals and Finals, sched­ uled for next month, in an effort to reduce the mixing of communities and spread of COVID-19. Regional competition, traditionally a twoday event with team competition Friday and singles Saturday, will be a two-day competi­ tion still but with boys competing Friday, March 19, and girls Saturday, March 20. Instead of bowling separate competitions to determine qualifiers for the team and singles Finals, all Regional participants will bowl four regular games on their designated day, with those scores determining the Finals qualifiers for both formats. No Baker games will be rolled at Regionals; instead, 20 regular games will be counted toward a team’s score. Those 20 regular games may be bowled four each by five bowlers or subs, with the maximum of four games per bowler. A bowler must roll four games to qualify for Finals in singles. Two teams - instead of the traditional three - and 10 singles will advance to the MHSAA Finals to be bowled March 26-27. At the Finals, teams will compete Friday and singles Saturday, as in the past. The 10 singles qualifiers from Regionals also is the same number as usual. At the Finals, the traditional scoring for team competition of regular and Baker games, with qualifying and match play, will continue to be used. Bowling the boys and girls on separate days for Regionals will allow host bowling centers to spread competitors out among twice as many lanes. Fewer team qualifiers for Finals also will limit congestion at those four sites. Spectator limits at Regionals and Finals will be determined locally following Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders and fire marshal capacity limits at centers. Spectators will not exceed one per participant. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 4, 2021 — Page 17 Saxons suffer second close defeat to Red Hawks in 1-8 The Saxons’ Carter Hewitt puts a shot up in the lane during his team’s 1-8 match­ up at Pennfield Thursday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Thornapple Kellogg’s Hailey Campbell pressures Forest Hills Eastern’s Grace Frechette at the top of the key during the Trojans’ OK Gold Conference win in Middleville Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK ladies look to avenge loss to Cougars tonight The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team will try and stretch its winning streak to six games when it plays host to Grand Rapids Catholic Central this evening in Middleville. The Trojans avenged an early season lossto' the South Christian Sailors with a 49-43 win over the Sailors Tuesday at South Christian High School. TK defeated Cedar Springs 52-33 last Thursday and Forest Hills Eastern Saturday 57-40. The TK ladies are currently tied for third in the conference with the Cedar Springs girls they knocked off last week. TK is 6-3 in the Gold and 7-3 overall. TK will be home against Kenowa Hills Tuesday and Wayland Friday in the week ahead. Wayland, Catholic Central and South Christian were the three teams to knock off the Trojans in the first trip through the confer­ ence schedule. Marshall took its second tight victory over the Hastings boys in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action this season on Tuesday night at Hastings High School. The Red Hawks pulled out a 54-50 win. Braden Vertalka hit a couple critical three-pointers late for the Saxons to keep his team alive. He finished the bailgame with ten points. The axons also got ten points from TJ Russell and 17 from Kirby Beck, who led all scorers. Marshall broke out to a 17-9 lead in the opening quarter. Hastings rallied to within 19-18 with an 8-2 start to the second quarter, but could never get back to even. Marshall led 27-20 at the half. Again in the third the Saxons got within 32-31 before the Red Hawks closed the period on a 13-7~run Nate Tucker led Marshall with 16 points. Nauvion Burnett had 11 points and Josh Pugh 13. Marshall took a five-point win in its sea- Hastings senior center Evan Eastman (24) is hit as he attacks the rim during his team’s 1-8 loss at Pennfield Thursday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) son-opening victory over the Saxons last month. The Hastings boys are now 3-6 overall this season and 2-6 in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. The Saxons got win number two in the con­ ference Saturday, beating Lumen Christi 46-38 m Jackson . Hastings built an early lead and then held on in the end With more late-game heroics from Vertalka and key free throws from Beck to seal it. Beck had a game-high 17 points in the win. The Saxons fell to a tough Pennfield team 54-40 on the road last Thursday. Evan Eastman had 12 points in the loss and Beck finished with 17. The Saxons are on the road at Coldwater th is evening and then get a second turn against Lumen Christi in Hastings Saturday afterhod’/i before traveling to Harper Creek for a bail­ game Tuesday. HHS girls still working toward first 1-8 win It was a tough first trip through the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference schedule for the Hastings girls. The Saxons finished winless in their first AT RIGHT: TK sophomore Alana Compton puts a shot up in the paint against Forest Hills Eastern Saturday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikings open GLAC cheer year with pair of victories Brett Bremer Sports Editor More than anything the Vikings need some­ thing they can’t make more of - time. The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team took its second victory in two Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamborees on Wednesday (Feb. 24) at Leslie High School, but with a combination of 2020 graduation taking away ten seniors, injuries, quarantines, a November to January pause, limited tum­ bling, a lack of weight room access and all the other things cheer teams across the state have had to deal with to get this season in the Vikings aren’t quite up to their usual stan­ dards yet. “Over that two month pause we had the girls working. They had to send us videos every day. When you see a video and when you put them together in a group it is very different,” Lakewood head coach Kim Martin said. Those video routines only included round one and two performances. Teams have to be together to practice the requirements of round three in any meaningful way. “Generally, it takes us about three to four weeks to compete a round three and be able to perform it safely,” Martin said. The Vikings didn’t put together a full round three program at the GLAC jamboree hosted by Stockbridge, which they won, Feb. 17. There was more to it Wednesday at Stockbridge, but the Vikings are still getting up to speed. Lakewood won Wednesday with an overall score of 660.80. Leslie was second with 551.68 points, ahead of Stockbridge 545.68, Maple Valley 376.42 and Perry 338.90. The Ramblers didn’t compete in round three. The Vikings scored a 212.40 in round one, a 182.70 in round two and a 265.70 in round three. Stockbridge trailed Leslie by more than 45 points heading into round three and put a charge on for the runner-up spot by scoring 230.60 points in the final round compared to the Blackhawks’ score of 191.50 in that final round. The GLAC was scheduled to get together for the final time this season at Maple Valley Wednesday (March 3). The Maple Valley girls put together a score of 127.20 in round one last Wednesday, 87.72 in round two and then 170.50 in round three. It was the Lions’ first round three perfor­ mance of the season. Hastings junior Bailey Lewis goes in for a lay-up during her team’s Interstate-8 Athletic Conference bailgame with Lumen Christi at Hastings High School Saturday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) swing through the conference, falling 42-27 at Jackson Lumen Christi Saturday. Macy Winegar had a team-high ten points for the Saxons. Josie Nickels led Hastings in rebounds with eight. The Saxon girls are now 1-8 overall this season and 0-8 in the conference. Marshall bested the Hastings girls 53-27 in Marshall Tuesday and Pennfield took a 40-22 win over the Saxons last Thursday (Feb. 25). Carly Warner had seven points and seven rebounds in the loss to the Pennfield girls last week. Winegar had a team-high three assists. The Saxons are back at it tonight at home against Coldwater and will take on Lumen Christi in Jackson Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Hastings will be home again March 9 to face Harper Creek. The Saxons’ Macy Winegar fires up a one-handed shot as she closes in on the hoop during her team’s 1-8 ballgame with visiting Jackson Lumen Christi Saturday in Hastings. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �Page 18 —Thursday, March 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Saxon grapplers secure pair of 1-8 victories at Pennfield The Hastings varsity wrestling team notched a pair of Interstate-8 Athletic Conference victories on the mats at Pennfield Wednesday (Feb. 24) besting the host Panthers The Saxons Jackson Dubois works to pin South Haven’s Felimon Saucedo during the first period of their 285-pound bout Wednesday at Pennfield High School in Battle Creek. (Photo by Perry Hardin) 54-30 and defeating Lumen Christi 48-32. The Saxons were 2-1 overall for the day, falling 39-30 in a non-conference dual with South Haven. Mason Denton, Robby Slaughter, Dillon Neal and Victor Ramirez were each 3-0 at the quad for the Saxons. Neal, Cayden Smith, Denton, Slaughter, Joey Tumes and Ramirez all scored pins ver­ sus Pennfield In the dual with Lumen Christi, the Saxons got pins from Slaughter and Jackson Dubois Slaughter and Dubois had pins for the Saxons in the match with South Haven, which was the most competitive dual from top to bottom of the evening. Four different Saxons pulled out decisions against South Haven. Justus Forell wrestled his way to an 8-2 win over Karlie Woodall at 130 pounds for Hastings. Joe Goggins fol­ lowed that up with a 4-3 win over Ethan Emerson from South Haven in the 135-pound bout. Denton scored a 6-4 win over Trent Till at 145 pounds. Ramirez worked his way to an 8-7 victory over Travis Jordan at 189 pounds. The Saxon wrestlers went 1-2 at the Fowlerville Quad Saturday Hastings defeated South Lyon East 60-18 in between a 42-36 loss to Corunna and a 51-27 loss to Fowlerville. Slaughter, Turnes, Ramirez and Dubois had pins for the Saxons in the close dual with The Saxons’ Victor Ramirez works to fight out of the bottom position early in the second period against Pennfield’s Caleb Smith in their 171-pound bout Wednesday. It was a successful reversal for Ramirez who pinned his Panther opponent during the Hastings victory. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Corunna. Goggins, Cohen Smith, Denton, Slaughter, Ramirez and Dubois had pins for the Saxons in the win over South Lyon East, and Slaughter and Dubois followed those up with pins in the dual with Fowlerville. Ramirez added a 6-5 decision over Noah Salois in that dual with Fowlerville at 189 pounds. Saxon cheer scores top total in each round at invite Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons righted things on their home mats Friday night. The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team took the championship at its seven-team Hastings Invitational Saxon head coach Linsey Jacinto said her team came into the season with the slogan, “proud no matter what,” and that continues, but her girls also want to be at their best for all their meets after working so hard to compete in three rounds four days after beginning working together this season. The Saxons weren’t at the top of their game the previous Saturday in Middleville. “We are focusing on having fun and really enjoying what we love to do,” Jacinto said. “We had a small slip at TK and we could absolutely see it in our scores. They learned from that, and are not taking one more second of this season for granted.” Hastings took the victory Friday with the highest scoring performance in each of the three rounds, putting together an overall score of 718.10 points. Hopkins was second at 657.52, ahead of Whitehall 657.02, Three Rivers 609.50, Lansing Catholic Central 598.26, Harper Creek 568 and Fennville 252.34. Fennville did not compete in round three. Jacinto said her girls can’t wait to get back on the mat after that performance. They scored a 226.80 in round one, a 209.70 in round two and a 281.60 in round three. Hopkins had the day’s second best score in round one, a 220.60. Whitehall scored a 207.70 in round one and then had the second best round two score of the day at 203.12. It was Three Rivers with the second best round three score, behind the Saxons, earning a total of 257.90 points in that round. The Saxons were scheduled to head to Harper Creek for the second Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree of the season last night. They’ll be at the Gull Lake Invitational Saturday and then head to Pennfield March 10 for the final 1-8 jamboree. The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team performs handsprings during round two at its Hastings Invitational Friday. The Saxons had the highest score in each round to win the seven-team competition. LCTK rebounds from three-game weekend Brett Bremer Lowell/Caledonia/Thornapple Kellogg junior forward Drew Klomparens chases the puck after winning a collision with East Grand Rapids sophomore defender Mitchell Stuursma during their contest Friday at Patterson Ice Center in Grand Rapids. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Sports Editor It was a rough start to a stretch of three games in a little over 24 hours, but the Lowell/Caledonia/Thornapple Kellogg varsi­ ty hockey team made it through and came out on the other side to outscore Grand Rapids Christian 6-4 Tuesday. LCTK improved its record to 5-5-1 overall and improved to 3-2-1 with the victory over the winless Eagles. The LCTK skaters opened a busy weekend with a 5-2 loss to East Grand Rapids at Patterson Ice Center late Friday night, woke up to score an 8-0 win over Hudsonville at Griff’s Ice House Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m., and then finished in a 1-1 tie with the Eagles at the Eagles’ Ice Center Tuesday eve­ ning. Better rested, the LCTK skaters led throughout Tuesday. * Nick Lockhart scored off assists to Owen Carpenter and Austin Douma 6:15 into the ^ame Tuesday and then Carpenter tallied a power play goal minutes later for a 2-0 advan­ tage. Douma would add two goals and Carpenter two assists the rest of the way. Lockhart tal­ lied a second goal, an empty netter, in the final minute. Ryan Kieliszewski also scored for LCTK in the win. Zach Schneider and Brendan Clarke added assists. Garrett Walker made 23 saves in goal. Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? Il Lowell/Caledonia/Thornapple Kellogg’s Dylan Olsen pulls away from East Grand Rapids’ Mason Keyes with the puck during their OK Conference Baum Division match­ up at Patterson Ice Center Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lockhart scored with 9:12 to play in the third period Saturday evening to tie the first game with the Eagles at 1-1. Douma and Drew Klomparens assisted on the LCTK goal. Colton Laufer scored the lone goal for the Eagles, in the second period. LCTK scored three goals in the second period and then five in the third at Hudsonville early Saturday afternoon. Olsen had tow goals and Douma, Kieliszewski, Lockhart, JT Schwartz, Alex Skibinski and Brendan Clarke had one each. Massimo Piccione, Carpenter, Schwartz, Klomparens and Drew Davis had two assists each. Ethan Bierlein, Clarke and Russell Langenburg had one assists apiece. It was a rough start to the three-game swing last Friday night, with the Pioneers scoring three times in the first period against before going on to the 5-2 win. LCTK came out hard in the second period and got a quick goal from Douma, with assists from Klomparens and Schwartz, and then got within a goal as Lockhart scored with 5:43 to go in the second period on assists from Klomparens and Clarke. Ryan Padgett scored six minutes into the third period for the Pioneers on a power play to up his team’s lead back to two goals, and soon after the Pioneers killed a full two-min­ ute, 5-on-3 power play by the LCTK skaters which made things interesting down the stretch. EGR tallied an empty-net goal with 2:11 to play to secure the win. It is another busy weekend ahead for LCTK. The LCTK skaters will host Forest Hills Central Friday afternoon and then head to Novi for a contests with Oxford and Walled Lake Westem/Northville Saturday afternoon. DK grapplers win two duals at Martin quad The Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team faced off against Climax-Scotts/Martin (CSM) for the third time this season and fell for the second time Wednesday at the Martin Quad. Only six bouts were contested Wednesday, with the Delton Kellogg team getting an 8-0 major decision from Hunter Belew at 189 pounds and a pin from Caden Ferris at 215. CSM got pins from Kristian Heighten at 103, Trent Kimmel 112, Aden Chambers 160 and Cameron Murray at 171. The Delton Kellogg grapplers won their other two duals on the day, outscoring Fennville 48-12 and Gobles 48-4. Ferris and Belew both had first period pins in the win over Fennville, and Joelle White, Vinnie Quick, Gage Vincent, Andrew Fales and Kiran Vasquez took forfeit wins for DK. In the dual with Gobles, Mathew Fales at 152 pounds and Ferris at 215 had quick pins for the Panthers. DK got forfeit wins in that dual from Vincent, Quick, Andrew Fales, Gavin Poley, Vasquez and Belew. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-03-11.pdf 0488e71eda1151df7d376071b491bbd6 PDF Text Text Marijuana b“s,n.e*ses earn to«®sJ,‘P $63K What is G°v' Whitmer’s ‘hush mo”®!’’ hiding? See StM OH J a8e 3 See °>l Page 4 nrV**’’B**’*»e*w!*»««**'****^ Saxons fall in v'kings in final bout See Story on SPORTS Page 1 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 8048791 .................."CAR.RT lot-c cos C005 :arj Hemeri r.g u N Taffee Dr ► sflS k’l ^9053-1134 ANNER ^0/2021 9 47 00 AM PRICE $1.00 Wture.added to ,is* of Lafey’s charges < 5a/#uh7q Andrew Lafey wus char^ tional offenses, including tenure ' 1 '• mem of a body, during a appearance Thursday ■"■’minf > court Lafey. 21. of Nashville. Ijj . charged with open murder ]r] . ' ’■'* 18-year-old Gracjn BrickleyJJ > > »f .■ Police found Brickley s ‘ “ 11 >■ snow near s rcstuuKe^ G . Maple Grove Township f-eb. p <JU> R<ud "> Barn County Prosecute- ju.Pratt alleges Lafcy heal Brili!c' . with a rifle, before hiding ket bodv o[| 16. In her prosecution of thee*, pRm sajd would advance the argumc# „f d murder. c The new charges in the clieHcr<. cd after she reviewed video ni(!clK.e of |(|c crime, she said. "The video is inexplainsfe. h js ,lwfu|.. Pratt told District Court Jud;,c Schipper. e ‘ Lafey. who is being ha ,he B County Jad. did not attend5,ril|., j() ' son; he attended court viaZ^L 'a?-/ c“‘- * “read "J and ■ ’ explain the eight Schipper charges to Lafey, then asked if he understood them. "Yes. your honor." Lafey replied in response to the judge’s question on each charge. . . I le appeared on a large TV screen mounted on a wall in the courtroom, and his voice echoed and reverberated over the internet connection. As the 20-minute session contin­ ued. laifey’s answers became less distinct Lafey granted his lawyer. James Kinney, permission to waive his right to a preliminary’ examination within 14 days. That delay will allow Lafey to undergo a competency and criminal responsibility (also known as insani­ ty ) examination wi th a psychiatric profession­ al. which also will be conducted via a Zoom connection. Pratt again asked Schipper to consider rais­ ing Lafey’s $500,000 bond to $1 million. She had asked the judge to set bond at $1 million at his arraignment on Feb. 18. “Ihis person is a danger to society,’’ Pratt said I hursday. “There’s no question about it.” Schipper said he would not have allowed any bond in this case, given the nature of the Andrew Lafey appears in court via TV crime, but forgoing bond would have required the case to move at a faster pace. He said he screen during his hearing last Thursday. did not believe the prosecution or defense would have benefited from speeding up the given the defendant’s circumstances. process. “There’s not a bond that would make anyI he judge said he did not see much of a difference between $500,000 and $1 million, See CHARGES, page 3 ss™ K„'h; ?s“ms;; °s?~„n s?s ":i ” j» ana piaq"e m“ •»5 sek? Today marks IS® years for City of Hastings C/fy to commemorate sesguicentennial this summer Sophie Bates Staff Writer Mayor David Tossava is adamant: The City of Hastings will mark its 150-ycar milestone of existence as a city. Today - March 11 - is the date in 1871 the Village of Hastings was officially incorporated as a city. A microfilm copy of an 1871 edition of T7te Republican Banner, provided by the Hastings Public Library, reported that Hastings townsman R J. Grant, “by unanimous consent, moved to discharge the committee of the whole from the further consideration of House Bill No. 198 entitled: A bill to incorporate lhe city of Hastings; which motion prevailed.’’ The vote in lhe House stood 76 to 1. Rep. Garfield being lhe only member voting against it. according to the news account. “He probably was crazy.” the article reported in an unattributed quote. “The bill will no doubt pass the Senate this week Friday, and then it is a ‘fixed fact.’ “Much credit is due to our worthy townsman. RJ. Grant for his energy, and diligence in getting this important matter through before the 14th for. in doing so. he saved us a great deal of expense attending the holding of the Charter Election. The election of officers for our City w ill occur on the first Monday in April, the same time as the usual spring elections arc held.” . Tossava personally wrote an official proclamation about the city’s sesquicentenma and stood in front of the dais in the councn chambers to read it aloud during the council meeting Monday night. “Hastings, Michigan, is a home to be proud of, a beautiful city,” Tossava said. “(Hastings is] located in the heart of one of Michigan s no°n !TniC arcas a,o"g ,l,e fhomapple River, nestled amongst hundreds of lakes "The founding fathers of Hastings built a onUnnd > n “ '° COnlinut‘ "> bui|d on and n >s our responsibility to cherish what that^ Devou t °re lc* ’* resolvi-d. hat I. David J. Tossava. mayor of the City of "ounciT’ OndbehaLf.°! Ha',ing5 and “J t » o herby recognize our sesquicentenmal March II. 2021. and inZ ^cmzens to celebrate our 150th anniversary The downtown development authority in January created a committee to oversee the 150-ycar anniversary celebration . i allocated $5,000 as a starting budget amlro A committee was formed nt th-.. .• include Terri Albrecht. Tracy Baker K 1° Bolthouse. Deb Button. Deb Hatfrelrt^ John Resseguie. The commence i ± T" members of the Hastings Downtown Bmi„T Team city council, chamber of comm and similar entities to join. con»nerce Community Development Director Dnn King, also a member of the* • Dan <b. CUTOI. plan Is Into u. lioih"'''^’ snW 5KSs-=2 James Kinney speaks to Judge Michael Schipper about his client's bond amount. Commissioners seek action to help small businesses RclKCCU Pierce Editor A, proposed resolution in response to last week’s entreaties from small business owners who asked them for help was taken under advisement by the Barfy County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. Chainnun Ben Geiger read a proposed res­ olution. which receive praise from his col­ leagues. But they agreed that the words he had writ­ ten needed to be combined with some pro­ posed action to help ,h0?e local restaurants that are struggling »s“"'IVcSeveral commissionrs said some financial assistance might be they needed time to figure out ho« 1 ^uld be done. I list Tuesday.36 <-«tizens spoke to L . L? via Alling of their plight in operating restaurants under pandcmicJusedresmchonv by the state. Plac^we'n M m tih"1 °! pan,e Pla" maybe subcommit^ BuHts'/™T v"'° of happening iust th. “i! ’* kmd said g J ' lhrou8h “mosis." King commemorate the annivL dcVC op,ncnl to v ‘ol anniversary is currently See iso YEARS, page 3 Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt confers with Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Elsworth. Pv,.n thoutih «,nie were lifted by the '"’"ire 1I|O!,<: mstnctions their situa ^>''»3ndeered last week’s & in 3 '.WO hoUr "fi,ibUS,er" organized by Local Government Accountability Jh^cd ““"‘X conw,s’ sioners to act to e** Ulc constraints "'"commissioners said fuesday morning that they have not yet I'"" an appropriate action they could lake. Is lhere a potential for financial assis­ tance?. Commissioner Dave Jackson asked. I don t know’ that we can necessarily show favoritism to one type of business over anoth­ er... but maybe we can have a clearer picture ol what our actual authority is ... and whal kind of help is available” if we had more time to investigate possible options Commissioner Catherine Getiv agreed -mere needs lo be more disjussion about how federal fundmg might come in(0 , j the county and what options arc avJ|abic" she said. Joel Ibbotson of Rutland Charter Township. Who S'roke dutmg the public comment portion at the end of Tuesdays meeting, implored commissioners to hold an emergency meetine later this week to discuss the iXe8 tion and resilience, the people behind small businesses build and sustain our way of life and foster the community spirt which defines us; and, Whereas, lhe heartache, hopelessness and despair of the people operating these busi­ nesses has been heard by the Board of Commissioners though hours of sincere, heartfell public comment on March 2, 2021, delivered through powerful words interrupted only by the sound of crying; and Therefore, on behalf of the peop e of Barry County Michigan, be it resolved that lhe Board of Commissioners stands w ith our res­ idents implores the governor to hear their voices, see their tears and begin delivering a pandemic response which values lives, livehhoods and the vitality of our communities. Be u further resolved that this Baird of offers its gratitude to State Reu’Tulic Calley, State Sen. John Bizon and e • ’ -^tise staff members for assisting (he hiSTih«>,‘Sh0U',his P"?denlj':'for But Geiger said he wasn’t in a position to answer that request, pointing out that Vice Cluurwoman V.vian Conner had already left the meeting and ihc other • needed to do further research m,ssloners Commissioners aeret-d , wuridng » 10,1”: Adn,,n,st7',ons aI,'nposed resolution back before th "hl * 7 the plight of our residents and businesses, Committee of the WhoL £ey share the local stories heard here next Tuesday and, in the ni31 9 ajn’ nXin^ieff^ourrosidents, determine what actions mieh^hl^L’ WOrk l° Be f‘*ther resohed that a copy of ihis lhe resolution thX^LreJ^elution and a recording of the March 2V nussioners to consider foHows^ C°°'' n(pi. be sent to the Governor and our local Resolution Sunnnrflo,. *’ zx .. legislators. Businesses , ^ur Small Whereas, thfeugh iheir • j j* p llK,r mgenuity, dedica* �D « -ri,.-. HtsWXJS Banner Page ? — Thursday, March 11, 2021 — •*’ _ Superintendent survey allowed for staff, commnnitv comment Education is exacted Monda) l<» ‘ its decision on whether to pw’k < H \ the next superintendent or launch •« ..i. * C Hil' board evablated interim s“^r'n“!'d‘-''! Matt Goebel in a closed se^on h" -kn 1 ihadi no comments or action .•ifter •»’ that meeting, ■ The numerical results of a I- lll^s . e. to gauge the staff, and conunumtj op.mons 122 responses torn start members and 341 responses from comtmmtty member; -• «ere shared. However, the comments that were made as a part of that survey were not provid­ ed. Board President I.ukc Haywood sard con­ fidentiality has been promised to respondents. After the Awmcr specifically requested these comments, they were provided without l-'-t 'hi»gnueCnJc<Hli1’; fr°"- °f y<’“' !?' withnni.i* i ° now ,s outsider “Mr r a U I*!*11 °l,r stdux,lor community." un ouKht/• Ws Ol,r dislr’cl letter than ' ■'■'n v!d"al »nd I feel like he would •M- ? .Itf jo1’ lcadi"8 dis'rict " le-ul in i i'aS 1Cen S'vcn die opportunity to ^^provenheis.heb^hoic/tor .. u*alk ‘5 c1htfaP ••• anyone can walk in to lasting^ and u.n us wha| wc wun| |(j hei|r, ( ............... . “I know ih„ a |houghl wns pui into this survey, b,l( ' hn, lx;crl in the inter­ im position foratx . months. I am not sure anyone can I* jn 2 months." • I think Man is d , a great job. , "We may |Om. „lxx| if not hired as superintendent,*' "I think Matt would make a great pcmiartent suPerintendcnl nc has been overlooked for this positiOn niuj.jp|e times and has still stuck with oUr J and sllidents, giving them his best efrOrt fi;1S immersed himself in our community’ nj in my opinion has earned this position’” “He has been nothing b‘l1 bo,d slcady on the same course. “This survey js no( -short.’ Most people don’t want to Spcnd (J)j5 much time on a sur­ vey. Most |)eop|c d() nOj ^ow the answers to these questions. 7jlc fcnend population docs not work with the superintendent enough to know. The supcrjntenjCI1t is the least of our worries. We wi|| never have good leadership until the community better supports the dis­ trict and the tcachers/administration/community work better together. Bad leadership begets more bad leadership. The school board needs to step up and more visionary and progressive if wc want to attract and keep a good leader.” “We need staff with vested interests in our district. Not people from outside that are just going to leave once retirement age shows up or a ’better’ offer arrives on their desk." “Having someone that is already involved in the school system and showing interest in the position, has the qualifications should be able to be considered and given the opportu­ nity to try to be successful in the position" "From my personal interactions and view­ ing of monthly board meetings, Mr. Goebel is always prepared and knowledgeable for the discussions that are to take place, receptive to com n ? has demonstrated a hi" 'n1,’mcnl,hc ,Ia-dngs Area Schools in hi IObS a°d "°rds- He means what he says 11,1 i\C !.1ced sotncone who is willing to s ay ... am he is! In 3.5 years we have had two .superintendents fand) the one person backing both of them has been Matt! He has passion names. t . Highlights of staff and community com­ an a commitment, ftjhis means a lot to me! ments from the survey follow. Malt has a lot of integrity and for that 1 To see all the comments, please go to respect him!” hastingsbanncr.com. Given the current education climate, we "I believe that Matt desen es the chance! arc best served going with someone that we “I truly feel as though Matt should be given know will not leave in 16 months when the an opportunity here. He has stuck through next job is available.” some really challenging times. He has been I truly believe in Matt and his desire to visible in the community and I think has lead the Hastings Area Schools. In the last become quite enmeshed in different agencies three months. I have witnessed consistency in Barry County. He knows us well and has and a level of strategic planning that has not helped us build lhe PB1S {positive behavior) been there in the past four years. It is clear, system we have been working on lor so many thoughtful and responsible. I truly fee) in the years. He can help us continue on lhe path that past few months he has offered hope, and |1) we #re on because he has been a part of this back him and his plan. Extremely knowledge­ journey." able and docs his research ... Matt demon­ "Not having to deal with him 1 on 1 I am strates a lot of integrity!” not real familiar with many of the tilings he “When we did our last superintendent has done. W hat I do know so far is good.” search, the right choice was made at the time. “I feel our interim superintendent has done None of us figured we would be going a wonderful job! He knows the system, staff, through this process so soon. Our circum­ parents and is extremely involved. He has stances have changed and, while nothing is a HASS in his best interests and wants to keep guarantee, what we need ntyyv is consistency. us moving forward. He would continue to do I he unknown is a concent to me, especially that if he were to keep the position, which 1 hearing stories of other districts having a fully support! We need someone who puts dozen candidates apply for jobs. Matt may HASS first and that is exactly what is being have not been the choice last time, but in my done!” opinion, he is now.” "Matt is so knowledgeable in all areas! It "Matt has worked hard in whatever capaci­ would be a shame to not have someone like ty he has held. I believe he deserves a chance him as our superintendent! He has integrity no to have the “interim" tag removed. We all other superintendent we have had in recent operate on one-year contracts, so 1 would not years has. We cannot go backwards again, it’s waste the time, the expense. Jhc headaches of time to keep moving forward and that will a superintendent search. Remove lhe interim Barry County was awarded $130,00 in happen with Malt Goebel." agricultural preservation fund grants. and let Malt prove he is a capable leader.” “I think Matt is doing a w onderful job.” “I believe Mr. Goebel would continue to do Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund I feel like Malt has a very clear vision for a great job if hired as superintendent.” Board announced this week. the district. The transition to his leadership Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell W’as seamless because he knew what needed Comments from the community follow: to be done and jumped right in. Al this time I ’ Please hire a conservative. Our school said the funds K- pan of Si.8 million in don t think any one could do a belter job. He system is overrun with liberals who are ruin­ agricultural preservation fund grants. has proven to be loyal and invested in ing our childrens lives with their fear of Grants were given sev^n local farmland Hastings............. COVID and their liberal indoctrination of our preservation progrknslo rltw omfufyiancnt agrici^titfaLconsfnawn easements. J^’I understand why people might want Uii'j kids. Keep politics out.of the classroom.” I he slate’s'Fimilanklyl’rescrvation Local search to occur. Mr. Goebel may or may not “1 think Mr Goebel is a great superinten­ be the best man for the job- right now, dent. He cares about the students he listens to Grants- Progyinr provides' funding to local farmland pitsrrvation pr^g^ns that are though, I think our staff needs consistency the parents.” Qualified to 'clpse on -permanent agricultural and predictability. A search does not guaran­ “Anyone from outside of town wouldn’t tee someone perfect, either, and I think Mr. have as much heart or commitment into our conservation easements. Twenty Tour local programs were eligible Goebel has the potential to do a very nice schools or community - unlike someone from job.” to submit giants for funding. Farm preservation our town does.” ensures cwnmunities’jjavc locally sourced “If communication continues to improve ”1 don’t feel Matt is the answer for our and he continues to be approachable while superintendent. He is just a salesman person­ fresh foorfind agricu filial'jobs, according to press re|eas^. , (s. also realizing that he needs to ask about needs ality. He is disrespectful to staff. He puls a March or areas he doesn’t know everything in, we things off. I am not saying at all he has an will be just fine with Matt as our superinten­ easy job nor would I want it. I do not feel he dent. These were concerns among lhe teachers is what is best for our district. We need to look when looking for a superintendent last lime.” other places.” “I really do not know what we would “Find someone who’s already invested in sions. It is my opinion th',\ Par1ake discusof time and money to Jn7°Ul<i ** a waste search and a wastZof m d!'c' an e«e™l •’onal knowledge of th f* fibers institu•ion to the Hasting, aL? v"LOn and dcdican‘>t promote him fmm • ‘Scb<X)l System to dent,” frorn *nterirn supcrintcn“i feellike our kirk h^. . •superintendent is or wh it^h0 ,d.Ca Who thcir little more involvement w th'm d°‘ Ma,bc a <>ur superintendent get» „ • h 'wou,d helP need. It is easy to get P Wha'arc kids would help. Thi, t hcar say hut *° it intent at all. He is do?m. ab0'" °Ur C“'Tem more about every superinteUm''hiS -ied:\Xetesrca7ive“^ x.a> a very g00d or productive year for anv of hlVno c?DeriPCCially..,hC SCni°rs! Thc>’have cven .1 ,h s >earl Nobody has this year! h r tandZ " “ honiblc >car-1 u"d«“e < -v re'"”3 VlrUS has an imPacl but mere could ve been more done!” current COW? *° j“?8e *° much wi,h ,hc i l,.C0VID situation on how Matt is •mdr'-tr’m 7alchi"8 sch001 board meetings and readtng dtstnet letters he seems to have wi'ih dci s ,n h,s 1x51 in,eresL M>'conc<:ni with seeking someone outside our district is their loyalty to our town and students. We need someone to stay and make a difference. Malt has been in our district for a while and seems to have that loyally." "If you decide you need to, find someone local." I feel that Mr Goebel has proven himself m the role, even on sudden notice. He has with in ^.areh that.'-’ going to pro­ no with flU 0H'iid‘;Xt is goi"g to stay more ^someone ^have been in the than a year? [n the ' ' supcrin(endenW in community therc h * s(one for people 10 years! It •’ Sg to retire and ndmg (Dan) or someone'’ b^-arrie). There are out their last few y^*' . students can get a quality educators here Hastings COmmumquality education, but of v;1)uc cducaty at large doesn l • P” tion," d lo go outside. We “I am uncertain we Matt’s abilities just do not know enough no othcr to perform at this time to rui options.” . being consid"I think at this time, if Mu' £ IOS^rfornl cred, we should give h'tn t 'hingP se(t|e before moving forward... , down and show the district how _ die everything, showing he can ac interest of the district and school • his own personal way or agenda. "I believe that Mr. Goebel possesses the skills necessary for the position. I excellent interactions with him. I wi” be eter­ nally grateful to him for stepping in and run­ ning our district at such a crazy time. I appre­ ciate his demeanor and dedication to the job and our school. My only hesitation is that he docs not live in the district. I believe that it is difficult to lead a district when one is not part of the community.” "I feel Malt has the best interest of the stu­ dents at heart and getting them back to normal as soon as possible.” " To see all the comments, please go to hastingsbanner.com. ©©unt^ receives agricultural [®rr@serwi©o grant from state “Ensuring the long-term sustainability of Michigan’s nearly 10 million acres of farmland is the foundation for preserving our food production and supply,” McDowell said. “These grants assist local preservation programs in purchasing development rights to preserve important farmland in their communities thereby protecting farmland for future generations.” Combined the seven farmland presen ation programs will preserve a total of 730 acres. The other six include: Eaton County - $46,725. Kent County - $201.294. Ottawa County - $157,500. Scio Township (Washtenaw County) $825,000. Washtenaw County - $244,800. Webster Township (Washtenaw County) - $200,000. The grants will cover up to 75 percent of the costs for purchasing development rights on agricultural land. Awarded funds also will help pay for some of the closing costs associated with the conservation easements. The seven-member APFB was established through legislation in 2000 to award grants to local agricultural conservation casement programs. To qualify, a county or township must have zoning authority, be covered under a master plan that includes farmland preservation, have passed a Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance and created a plan for monitoring conservation easements. Local programs are selected based on the scoring system adopted by the board, that focuses on quality agricultural parcels and program achievements. More about the board and fund is available at michigan.gov/farmland. [©DaMouoGTg (feipirtaeirt (Pne&chcrcr£ (Rcrcm.cfi-T/ljp Delton Kellogg 3 & 4 Year Old Tuition Preschool will hold a (PneAckcxo# (Raandi-T/lp Thursday, March 18 from 12-7 by appointment only Please call 623-1530 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you therel. .. , w motor not to attend lound-up, nut would like your child to ,0." „’ » « »• 2'-2Z »“rs'"« “V »• “"" — 8:30-3:30 - fM.y. ' j^RCH 18 THURSDAY ,. wjfi park at the tar end of the elementary On the day of Round-up you . Tefephoner building) and will be school (nearest the Barry greeted at the doors w v /7>? your tlme l0 ent0* prepares for robust 2021 Rebecca Pierce Editor Bany' County is going to have a busy and challenging year as far as planning concerns, Bany County Planning and Zoning Director Jim McManus told the count} board Tuesday. McManus offered his 2020 annual report during the commissioners’ regular meeting via Zoom. "Incredibly, with C0V1D. the numbers didn’t drop." McManus said, pointing to the number of land division totals, which showed a marked increase from 2019 to 2020. "Despite lhe chaos of 2020 in regards to temporary shutdowns and the pandemic, the year went as anticipated," McManus wrote in his year-end report to the planning commis­ sion. "Overall, the number of permits issues remained steady fruni 2019. with the excep­ tion of the land division totals which had a marked increased fn)m 2019 to 2020. “'Hie building totals, however, did have a significant decrease from 2019. both in terms of permits issucd aI1d revenues generat­ ed " “Although the yCar was challenging.” he added, "we were surprised to see that there were 159 new home addressees assigned, especially with the |ack of available platted building sites in the county. 1 would anticipate a similar number of hn.i^s in 2021 as several of the land division’"approved in 2020 were for multiple lots.” r The county had buildinfi Pwjcc,s lotali2! S69.383.044 in 2020 d „ "jrotn S^-534-120 in 2019; and $99,787 ,45 in 20l«Of 886 building pjn„iis issued last year, most of these Were pole buildings, 177. amounting to new apartments. 171, ,:nc to S38.I7.U72; additions to rcsi<fen,O,",“102. aniouming $8,185,935; and niiScXneoihpurpo«s-129‘ foratotalof$|^ClJlan': hooking forward ,. 'nice has a backlog of requests that wi||- ’ \ be processed 'his year and they intCnd“ use Zoom to help resolve that backlog ’ "In addition,” x.’.. |K noted. “wc are. aware of several pj^ nroj<*b dia* ,U’VC! yet lo come forw^ ‘r,,lli' |ia. «e arc allowed IO have in-person again, we intend; to hire a consultant to update the Master Plan.” The county had building projects totaling $69383,044 in 2020, down from $89334,120 in 2019; and $99,787,745 in 2018. In other reports, commissioners were updated on the Blue Zones project from Blue Zones Activate Barry County Director Allison Troyer Wiswell. In other action, the commissioners approved: • spending $ 10.000 from the Animal Shelter Donation Fund to continue lhe Trap Neuter and Release (TNR) program and approved a reimbursement grant agreement for $10 000 with 7\vo Seven Oh. Inc. to pay for spay/neuter of feral/bam cals in lhe county’s program • Michigan Department of Agriculture Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program applications (more commonly known as Public Act 116) for Steven Webb and Jixli Poyer of Bellevue in Sections 1 and 13 of Assyria Township. tv’?^5,Htf?r1PMP?SalS Upda,e thc cou"ty s -CX)5 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The countv was awarded a u . V. ^viuniy from Land Information Servi—'i?^S8,IM' 'he maps and propenv inf Prov*d'n8 be needed to conipkrcrt •thl,t wiU project will be opened in .pr0JecL Blds on 'he • authorizingT'd 4 pmMarch 24. l’MPDistribute K‘n* “f $|9.156.00 to budget for the purchase of Capilal oullay lhe sheriffs depart^® Vests vests. tnt lo replace outdated • $5,000.00 to Commissioner’s RulespC !^e ^ra‘n Design Criteria for StorJ. Procedures and Systems to confirm to recentafCr|?,ana8cmenl !ir. ru,es the s^e^^^yfroin Michigan watersheds that tUldebo<* for rent rules, which were • l.,perscde the cur-<>02 and updated in Zon 8"1’1^ adoPted in • S30.000 for ESS t Ration units in‘the Hy.ias,a11 ?5 Bipolar county courthouse. co‘“A£ at the ’\dcn Center, health depanm 4.W bu>M‘ng. c sheriff dePartmenl/j.,™®^Uildi"8 a"1* • ‘he county's IIVAC contractor. ISS Inc. purchased 75 of these units and offered them lo the county at a reduced price of $400 per unit installed. A second vendor offered $1,053 per unit. The technology has been in use for decades, County Administrator Michael Brown said, but recent tests show they are effective in eliminating the COVID-19 virus in the air and on surfaces. This action does not allow for installation of these units in every county building at this time, Brown noted. “But we’ll be taking a look at those other buildings as well,” he said. • the re-appointment of Robert Vanderboegh of Hastings to the Barry County Building ' uthority for a three-year term that began on Jan. I and expires on Dec. 31, 2023. anderboegh is an incumbent on lhe I ree-member board that provides oversight and authorizes expenditures for county build­ ing projects. The other two members arc Sue sandeCar and David Tripp, both of Hastings. • a request from the City of Hastings to place the sculpture “Buck" on the courthouse lawn adjacent to Church Street, just south of the sidewalk. Maiya Merrick, arts and events coordinator for the city of Hastings, made the request on behalf of the city, which accepted the donation. “The courthouse law n would be the perfect location for the sculpture." she wrote, “as it gives the deer a natural looking background. The location of lhe sculpture will not interrupt any foot traffic and should not interfere with any events that happen on the courthouse lawn." • an amendment to the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) Defined Benefit Plan pertaining to bridge members of Division 15- Central Dispatch lo change from a 25-percent to a 2-percent mul­ tiplier with an employee contribution of 1.00 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2021. This is an increase from the employee contribution of 0.57 percent. Managing increasing legacy costs and underfunded liability were the main goals and intentions of these changes, accord­ ing to county officials. $3,294,715.66 in pre-paid invoices’ $54,058.29 in claims; and $123.31 in com­ missioner mileage. �n ner_Thursday. March 11,202.-^3 The i ne Hastings Masury-’ Banne Baltimore Township receives $63’000 tor marijuana businesses Chairman Ben . . Local governments in Michigan ' the first benefit from state excise t« x marijuana sales. . Baltimore Township, the only in Barry County to allow recr"110"'1 Juana business/received S28D00 last week from having a recreational usiness Lumberjack’s Provisioning Center in Howling. c That money is in addition to the $5.(XX) per business, per year licensing fee the township receives. With a total of seven recreational and medical marijuana businesses in the township, the township received 5.5.000 in lhe board ^^’T1^ C“ VanS>'ck,c ^aid toward ro ut . ,scusscd the money mem. Tho Jna,n!enancc and the fire depart$120 non tn *crv,CCs are set to cost around least ' year‘which VanSyckle said is al oct ^Kcnl of the township’s entire budwilII>n marijuana taxes and fees . P111 a major dent in those expenses. t helps tremendously,” VanSyckle said. . s a small township, Baltimore has run mo issues paying for those services on a tight budget. According to the most recent census, the township had a population of 1.861. past, but they’ve bee" ht|ming|y dcfcat. cd. VanSyckle sa d- , . "I’m happy Wl ".Les? T hclps our community fundi,,'Anron VanSyckle said of • Jg. We may not have u, ask for a iw^ f^s eominues." Based on ,hc Michigan Department of Frc-''.'•funding may do more than just co""" JJe excise tax on recreational mari)u; ‘de $31 million during the past fix* , 1 ’ But the proposal * **letl recreational marijuana contain© .. ,S1°n ‘hat the first $20 million raised n? c tax would go to $ 11 for the first year of taxes Seventy percent of that money goes to edu­ cation, while 15 percent goes lo )o<.a| gov ments that have relational marijuana busi­ ness, and 15 |>ercent goes to their respective counties. r That left $3.2 million for Michigan’s local governments to split this year According to Bridge Magazine, the Senate Fiscal Agency projects an excise tax revenue of $154 million for fiscal year2O22-'’3 That would mean local governments could split $46 million in 2023. Barry County also received its $28000 in excise taxes last week. Geiger said i. win remnrn do eral fund until the "°jr with it. . revenue source that •■'rhisiS.“nI.1";wiln the past." Getger we haven t dealt wiui said. ,, «j the township received Chad VanSyckle s< k frorn residents occasional negative f *. incss was movwho foundoutamanju^ s<.ntiments have ing in near them, but ’ d more about dissipated as the residents how the businesses would operate. Hastings Township invests in election laptop, Zoom facilitator Sophie Bates Sru# Writer The Hastings Township Board voted to invest in new technology at its meeting Tuesday evening, creating a new paid position — Zoom facilitator — within the township and allocating up to $2,000 for new election technology. The need for a Zoom facilitator arose during planning for the board of review meetings March 10 and 11. At its February board meeting, the board opted to hold board of review meetings with resident taxpayers both in person and via Zoom, in response to the pandemic. The board needed someone lo run the Zoom meetings while the in-person board of review meeting was simultaneously underway. Township Clerk Anita Mennell volunteered for the position. “Here s a new work category: Zoom facilitator. Anita, our resident expert on [Zooml, is getting conned in to having to do it tor the board oi review.” Township Supervisor Jim Brown said. “Long story short, it’s only fair that we put a price tag on that extra work that Anita's going to have to do because she’d going to have to be here too just like everybody else. So. 1 want to talk about a reasonable cost for her to do that." The board of review committee is paid $105 per each half day of board of review meetings. “I move that we pay Anita $105 just like (he rest of the folks that have to be there for (he meeting,” Trustee Timothy McNally said. The board unanimously approved McNally’s motion. The board also discussed investing in a new laptop for upcoming elections. Mennell. who oversees elections, said the township’s current election laptop is 10 years old. “I’m one of the last [clerks] in the county that has not updated.” Mennell said. “It is so old that I can pull the battery pack off sometimes because that’s the only way I can get it to shut down.” Mennell presented the board with research on different types of laptops ranging in price from a $899 15-inch touchscreen laptop lo a $679 17-inch laptop. She also proposed the township invest in a docking station — a base station that turns a laptop into a desktop system, allowing for more external attachments — and a larger, external monitor to laptop. Since the election ' 1 op is normally only used for elections. Me > Saggcsted the new laptop also could I* use (0 facilitate 2xx)m meetings. , Mennell also said some conferences and meetings board mem re Usually attend in person — such as seminars from Michigan Townships Association -- arc now being conducted via Zoom Th1* han issue because several board members ha\c poor internet access. Having a larger monitorandnew technology would allow board members t0 attend Zoom sessions together al the 10^^ w|lcre the internet is stronger, Mennell said in an interview Wednesday. “If we can get it so we’ve got belter [equipment] and people can come into the township, that’s belter for them because we do have a little better internet here,” Mennell said. “We still need to have [some equipment] here that lhe township ouns — that the township can use — instead of saying, ‘OK, everybody bring in your own equipment.’ That's not lhe way it should go.” A docking station and monitor would make running Zoom meetings somewhat easier, she CHARGES, continued from page 1 body feel like it’s enough,” Schipper said. "... He’s not going to get out at $500.(XX).” Pratt said she did not know what means Lafey or his family might have lo pay for bond, but suggested that they might be able to use GoFundMc to raise the amount. “Well. then, why don’t wc set it at $100 million?” Schipper replied. “I don’t do this for T\r. I’m not doing this to send a message. It’s not my job. It’s not what I’m legally required to do. “1 have lo set a bond al an amount I believe is appropriate.” Kinney said he did not think Lafey could raise $500,000 to post bond. “I don't think he can come up with $5.(XX), quite honestly,” Kinney said. The judge ordered that Lafey’s bond remain at $500,000. A review of the case has been scheduled for May 26. although Schipper said court pro­ ceedings could be moved up if both parties agreed to do so. Lafey also has been charged with using a firearm while ineligible to do so because of his prior felonies. Staff Writer Andrew Lafey may receive his mental examination via videoconference to deter­ mine if he is competent to stand trial for mur- der»r Debra Pinals. medical director of Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs . . Mtrhioan Department of Health and o"h eeV said 57 percent of the 1.448 Hu,,land.red competency exams that have court-ordered compe f) been condu vja videoconference. Michigan ha being vaccinated for As more P^P1'^ge is going down. C0Y,D’tl9ds of criminal defendants may still but hundreds of oinpetency interviews have these mental compv virtually. . Michael Schipper Barry County J f (WO examinations ordered Lafey to u during the same - although both may' । from the Center interview with a pro _ for Forensic Psychiatryddermillc ,f The competency ^u dcr5taI1d the court Lafey is mentally « (his test ensures fair­ proceedings. Finals_S. d f(.ndant can parness by verifying that ticipate in their own defens ______ In December 2019. Lafey was convicted of third-degree home invasion, witness intimida­ tion and assault with intent lo rob while he was unarmed in Kent County. He was sentenced to five years in prison in January 2020, but was released in September. Those prior convictions also mean Lafey would be sentenced as a habitual fourth-time offender if he is convicted of another felony. As a result, the penalty for any felony con­ viction with a sentence of five years or more would be raised to a minimum of 25 years due to his habitual offender status. In addition, Lafey has been charged with four counts of using a firearm while commit­ ting a felony. Pratt alleges Lafey used a rifle while com­ mitting each of the felonies with w hich he is being charged. Each felony firearm convic­ tion would add two consecutive years on to Lafey’s sentence, if he is convicted. Facebook photos from October 2020 appear to show’ that Brickley was pregnant last fall. But Pratt would not say if Brickley was preg­ nant at the time of her death in February. But Lafey faces one homicide count in the case. I^ifey also will undergo a criminal respon­ sibility exam, which will determine if hc was capable of understanding the crime at the lime it occurred. These examinations can be somewhat fluid from person to person, Pinals said, as each is different. In-person evaluations were discontinued on March 16, 2020. due to COVID-19, and did not resume until June 15 last year, she said. Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack allowed virtual examinations to take place starting April 9,2020. “I’m really proud of how quickly and nim­ ble Michigan was in doing so,” Pinals said. She and her colleagues looked al what other states were doing, but did not see any others that had started virtual examinations. Those stales ended up looking to Michigan, after officials presented what they had learned about the process on the national stage, al the annual Ohio Forensic Conference. There were challenges to lhe process Pinals said, including faulty internet connec­ tions and a lack of video equipment at the jails. Pinals said there were concents that attor­ neys might take issue with the videoconfer­ Water ’s Edge * Financial LLC r , Jeffry a Keesscn, AIFai) 948.9969 ■ •St Hastings, MI 49058 525 W. APP^dgefinanctal.coin TakidS car^ll5 on SO that yan L a>1 Jeffrey A. Ain Securite important to you ,natters fo you Member IINRA/SIK: --------- —— “Being the extremely thrifty person Anita is, if she spends the $2000 it’s worth every dime for what it does,” Brown said. The board also approved a three-year $135,000 contract with Halifax Services for sexton and grounds keeping at the cemetery, township grounds maintenance, snowplowing and salting. The township’s current contract with Halifax Services dates back to 2012. In the new contract, fees for such services have risen slightly: Cemetery maintenance increased from $750 lo $825 per month; township hall grounds maintenance went from $250 to $300 per month; and snow plowing changed from $50 per occurrence to $75 per occurrence. “The good thing is we have no complaints. I mean, the township hall looks nice, the cemetery looks nice,” Partridge said. In other business, the hoard: - Paid $99,121 for general township expenses, such as board pay. utilities and fire services. - Received notice of a work order with Consumers Energy’ to install a light at Star School Road and M-37. A timeframe for the work order has yet to be determined. 150 YEARS, continued from page 1 underway. b King said hi!1 is looking forwarding lo “Hastings, Michigan, is a home celebrating “lhe best city in Michigan." to be proud of, a beautiful city. “I attended a virtual statewide conference [Hastings is] located in the yesterday, and Fcamc away with the fullest heart knowing that 1 live and work in lhe heart of one of Michigan’s greatest city in the greatest county in lhe state most scenic areas along the of Michigan. And I’ll go to my grave saying Thornapple River, nestled that. We are blessed to live in this city,” King amongst hundreds of lakes." said in an interview’ Wednesday. “The fact that we’re still around and still flourishing and Mayor Dave Tossava growing, expanding 150 years later, is something to celebrate." Hastings was patented 185 years ago, in 1836. That year also brought settler Slocum before becoming a city. View the reading of the City of Hastings Bunker, who built the first permanent house Sesquicentennial Proclamation by Mayor where the City Hall stands today, and lhe first Dave Tossava here: https://vimco. sawmill. Hastings became a village in 1855 com/522037986 and maintained that status for just 16 years Barry County District Court Judge Michael Schipper questions Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt on why she wants to raise Andrew Lafey’s bond. State conducts mental exams via video during pandemic Taylor Owens added. “I was thinking. [Trustee] James Partridge mentioned maybe I ought to be checking into getting a docking station so that wc can put other things on to it to. And then we were talking further about if you get lhe docking station, maybe just get a bigger monitor. So, we can gel the laptop, the docking station, a bigger monitor," Mennell said. “Then we can use that for Zoom meetings. We’ll have a big monitor that we can put out there and hopefully better encompass what we’re trying lo do.” Mennell estimated a docking station would cost around $300 and an external monitor around $150. “Honestly, I would expect SI JSOO for a business machine," McNally said. “I’d be fine to give you not to exceed $1,500 and pull lhe pieces together that you feel you need because you’re going to^vant lhe docking station. [It] really makes a whole lol of sense." Brown said $1500 would likely fall short of what Mennell needs to afford the new technology. He proposed a motion to give Mennell funds not to exceed $2,000 lo purchase a new laptop and additional technology. Kanu Howard Admiubtndlir AvUxUnt —--------------- encing so she and other state officials worked to base the process on scientific research and court literature. The examiners also document any technical issues they may have during the video call in their reports. 4 , , .1 Pinals said she is not aware of any legal challenges to their video examinations thus fur In fact depending on what the research shows, Pinals said they may continue using videoconferencing tools to perform these tests after the pandemic is os er. "There’s probably going to need to be more research on this in t|ie f°tnsic context." she Sa'ln the past, conducting an in-person exam could be challenging. many people had to travel long distances to get to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry Kalamazoo. While the center has posted its examiners at large correcuonal «° alleviate that problem, there are still some cases where travel has been an issue. Pinals said this new method of videocon­ ferencing could help address those particular issues. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads HiER UM 1TORMEY END-OF-LIFE CARE DECISION MAKING Just as we create estate plans for our eventual demise, we also need to plan for the possibility that we will become sick and unable lo make our own medical decisions. Medical science has created many miracles, among them the technology to keep patients alive longer, sometimes indefinitely. As a result of many wellpublicized ’’right to die’’ cases, states have made it possible for individuals to give detailed instructions regarding the kind of care they would like to receive should they become terminally ill or are in a permanently unconscious state. These instructions fall under the general category of "end-of-life care decision making." Michigan Patient Advocate Designation If an individual becomes incapacitated, it is important that someone have lhe legal authority to communicate that person's wishes concerning medical treatment. Like a power of attorney, a “Patient Advocate Designation” allows an individual to appoint someone else to act as their agent, but for medical, as opposed to financial, decisions. The Patient Advocate Designation is a document executed by a competent person (the principal) giving another person (the agent) the authority to make health care decisions for lhe principal if hc or she is unable to communicate such decisions. By executing a Patient Advocate Designation, principals ensure that the instructions that they have given their agent will be carried out. A Patient Advocate Designation is especially important to have if an individual and family members may disagree about treatment. In general, a Patient Advocate Designation takes effect only when the principal requires medical treatment, and a physician determines that lite principal is unable to communicate his or her wishes concerning treatment. If the principal later becomes able to express his or her own wishes, he or she will be listened to and lhe Patient Advocate Designation will have no effect. Appointing an Agent Since lhe agent will have lhe authority to make medical decisions in lhe event lhe principal is unable to make such decisions for him- or herself, lhe agent should be a family member or friend that the principal trusts to follow his or her instructions. Before executing a Patient Advocate Designation, lhe principal should talk to the person whom he or she wants to name as the agent about the principal’s wishes concerning medical decisions, especially life-sustaining treatment. Once lite Patient Advocate Designation is executed, the agent should keep the original document. ’Hie principal should have a copy and the principal’s physician should keep a copy with that individual’s medical records. Contact Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, PC to discuss Patient Advocate Designations and all of your estate planning and long term care needs.. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 �Bannor Pago 4 — Thursday, March U. 2021 " ■InT^pinion Did you Deer on the move What is Gov. Whitmer’s ‘hush money’ hiding ■ These deer were a bit skittish in Hastings Charter Township near Charlton Park last week. They don’t have to worry about Barry County hunters right now. But. as the weather warms up, motorists need to watch out for deer - and motor­ cyclists. Do you remember? i. Tournament-bound Banner March 8. 1962 The Hastings High Saxons, who won the West Central Conference for the second straight season wlh a 19-2 record and who finished the regular 1961-62 season with a 12-4 mark, are set to travel to Battle Creek Lakeview lo meet the powerful Jackson High Six-A League championship quintet this Thursday at 8 o’clock. Here. Coach Lew Lang, whose teams have won seven league titles in 15 seasons, is diagramming a play on the "suitcase blackboard Pictured (Iron! row, from left) are Coach Lang’s regular starters center Bernie Weller, forwards Jock Hopkins and Mike Corrigan, and guards Tom Havens and Mike Youngs; standing Tom Schowalter (20), Carl Hartman (52), John Taffee (4), Paul Lubieniecki (12), Larry Hathaway (22), John Mahler (40), Steve Turkal (44), John Bishop (10) Dave Eaton (50) and JC Clarey. (Photo by Barth) Have you met? Jim Stowell has been a volunteer firefight­ er at the Woodland Fire Department for more than 47 years. He joined the department at just 19 years old, following in the footsteps of his father, Russell Stowell, who also volunteered at the Woodland Fire Department. Stowell, now 67, has ascended to the high­ est ranks of the department, serving as cap­ tain for 18 years, assistant chief for eight years and fire chief for two years. As captain, he executed the Tire chief’s orders and was in charge of maintaining access to the water supply during fires. As assistant chief, he was responsible for the firetrucks and making sure, after a fire, all equipment was reloaded and properly washed. And, as fire chief, he directed his fellow firefighters and oversaw operations during fires. “That was pretty challenging sometimes: To get everybody organized; get in the right place,” Stowell said. ‘The best part of it was when there was a big fire or something big and you saved more than you thought you could and nobody got hurt. That was the great part.” Stowell also has responded to medical emergencies, something he said is one of the job’s more difficult aspects. “The hard part is the medical calls. If you’re [aiding] a neighbor or friend, some­ times that can be difficult if it’s something serious - that’s the hard part.” Stowell said. “[But] when you’re helping out neighbors and stuff like that, it’s always good Al the fire department, Stowell also taught fire safety and helped organize parades m Woodland - just a few of the department s community contributions. ctrtU,„n Additionally, for the past six years Stowell has dressed up in a holiday suit o children and give them small gi • Woodland fire bam. . . t,1Wf»rn His favorite part of the job is "J 8■ ‘ help the community, like his father .• serve with others. v ”1 just enjoy working for lhc CCI? , ’ helping out the community. And u fc we’ve got here - we’ve got a bunch ol m guys, and we’re a pretty close-km department,” Stowell said. “It’s always L working alongside a group of fireng1 It’s always fun. “I just eniov the whole thing." Jim Stowell “My goal was alwa)s to make 50 years. And I’ve got three more years to go and get there. As long my health and everything holds out. I’ll make 50 years. And if I’m feeling good, at that point in time. I’ll proba­ bly continue longer," hc said. “1 want to do it as long as I can, if they need the help.” Stowell, who now lives in Lake Odessa, is semi-retired and continues to work at the family business. He enjoys spending his free time golfing or on the lake with his wife, Kathy. For his many years of serving to keep the community safe, Jim Stowell is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: “Field of Dreams.” First job: Building a house and pole bam When 1 was 18 years old. If I could go anywhere in the world: Alaska, it’s on my bucket list- They say it’s beautiful up there, and I want to see. Persons I most admire and why: My dad and Jim Wickham, because they had big hearts and a strong work ethic. Favorite teacher and why: Ron Stevens. He was my agriculture class teacher and taught me lifelong farnling skillsFavorite season and why: Spring because you know summer is coining and lhe warm weather will soon be there. I sometimes help farmers out in the soring and fall: and I like getting out in the field trying to plant. What motivates me* Well. in construc’ lion, seeing the finished 011 a Job well done. Important lesson from childhood: This would have been fro.' my father (who was) a hardworking fa ' de led by example and taught me thal f,|hing worth do.ng is worth doing well ? Greatest thin’. ahnut Barry County: Everybody is a)w8 b d|y. Theyll be a Stowell worked in construction for much of his life. Hc started his own construction business, Jim Stowell Construction, in 1982. His career, he later realized, gave him a cer­ tain advantage as a volunteer firefighter. The nature of construction work allowed for flex­ ibility in Stowell’s schedule — a luxury for volunteer firefighters, who are often called to respond to an emergency al a moment’s notice. But not always. “Some days it is difficult if you’re at a project — and I’ve had this before — doing concrete or something, you can’t just leave that. You have to keep working — that’s the job,” Stowell said. “And that’s hard, to know' lhe rest of the guys need help and you can’t part of their contml,' hefo out and care of break loose lo gel there. But it didn’t happen their neighbors. ?’ often.” The family business — now, All Call Eac/i week. th? B prOfiles a person Restoration and Construction — is run by who makes rhe c ®dnn ,2 shine. Do you Stowell’s son, Ben Stowell, who also volun­ hum someone be featured teers al the Woodland Fire Department. because of volluil‘ ,t fim-loeuig per"^she has to tell Stowell still volunteers as a firefighter and ■‘onality.for ,/.« first responder, and hc plans to continue pr any other rea,,? !-.„J iufoniumo't to Newsroom, H«sZ"^rlJ" * doing so for lhe foreseeable future. .. ner, ........... He’s hoping to work for lhe department al Highway. Hasting 49058; <>r e,,unl least three more years, which would com- 'hews^j-atlgraphic plete 50 years of service. < j •own. campaigned on a promise to revise privacy laws that protected politicians and to make government transparent. Today, more than two years later, things are very hush-hush in Whitmer’s office. Hush-hush as in the “hush money” she has paid departed officials to keep quiet about the reasons for their separation. Former health department director Robert Gordon took a $155,000 deal six weeks ago and Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Steve Gray cashed an $85,000 payment shortly after to not discuss the circumstances of their departures. For her part, Whitmer has responded that she cannot discuss specifics “due to the nature of the agreement.” Michigan taxpayers should be outraged. Nearly a quarter of a million dollars of “hush money” was paid in taxpayer dollars to keep the public from knowing why these payouts were necessary. The agreements were reached quietly and became known only after public scrutiny. Few media outlets even reported it. Michigan taxpayers have every right to know what the administration is hiding. The U.S. Justice Department may have provided a hint in recent letters sent to governors of four states, including Michigan, seeking data on whether the states violated federal law by ordering public nursing homes to accept recovering COVID-19 patients from hospitals. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has repeatedly defended his handling of nursing homes, often arguing that others states “were doing far worse,” but skeptics suggest that he was covering up the numbers while, at the same time, negotiating a deal for a book on his handling of the COVID crisis in his state. Michigan’s regular reporting practice of revising death numbers upward after “a review of records," seems equally deceptive. The revised numbers never disclosed how I many of those newly-reported deaths were nursing home residents. In their letter to the four states, federal prosecutors said that hospital patients were returned to their nursing home residences “often without adequate testing” to ensure they would not spread the virus to other residents. The actions were criticized by nursing homes and relatives for putting frail, elderly care home residents at risk. In some cases, the orders of the governors even barred homes from testing these patients to see if they still had the virus, yet operators of these facilities feared they could lose their licenses if they didn’t comply. Justice Department officials said that long-term care facilities represent less than 1 percent of the U.S. population yet account for nearly 50 percent of COVID-19 deaths, suggesting that the orders from governors in the four states "may have resulted in the deaths of thousands of elderly nursing home residents.” Michigan taxpayers have the right to know if Gov. Whitmer’s payouts to Gordon and Gray were related to the Justice Department’s investigation. Did her executive orders put our seniors at risk? Did the two officials in her administration step down because they were aware of damage Whitmer’s executive orders were wreaking on Michigan’s economic recovery? Michigan is one of the two states that exempt the governor’s office and legislators from public records requests. In 2019, Whitmer announced a number of executive orders that she said would make government “open, transparent and accountable to Michigan taxpayers,” including a requirement for state employees to report “any irregularity or discrepancy involving public money.” State lawmakers, recognizing that her platitudes have fallen short, are now considering legislation that would increase transparency and access to public records. A 10-bill package would remove exemptions for the governor and lieutenant governor’s office from the Freedom of Information Act and would create lhe Legislative Open Records Act for the state Legislature Legislators also say they plan to hold hearings examining Gordon’s departure and separation agreement and are considerine using subpoena powers, if necessary The urgency of that quest cannot be lost as the stale and countty make progress in the battle against the pandemic As more and more people are getting their vaccine shots, there s a growing expectation of ~ ^al lives. But now we re ’............ returning to n0?11 and it has been assessing the damag<devastating. weidents and citizens week: 'ding wW Bany from four surround g s(rugg|cs County con”7115510" citizens organized by survive. A group ot Government members of the Sro“1’ filibustered the Accountability ioncrs meeting to weekly board of comm' physically talk of the priceLaure and mentally - that has * P d of the Shutdowns and tsol^ ,heir pandemic. Citizens talk sjon anxiety, discouragement an P over business closures along wi in suicides and they pleaded w.th commissioners do something abou i • “I implore you to open your eyes and put yourselves in their shoes.” said Justie Brewer of Delton. “Let’s take a stand and tell Lansing we’ve had enough. “I agree with a lot of the people w o spoke today,” said Commissioner on Smelker, who also serves on the BarryEaton District Health Department board. “They put their work and savings into their businesses,” they need our support. One woman wept, another choked up and struggled to speak. Some speakers expressed anger and others bewilderment over stateordered mandates that prevent them from operating their businesses in a sustainable way. Meanwhile, in Lansing, Gov. Whitmer now seems more concerned about control of the situation and its reflection on her performance. How does the governor justify allowing big box stores, major industries and others to operate, for instance, and yet demand restaurants and small businesses operate with unreasonable restrictions? Last Tuesday, she announced that restaurants could increase their serving capacity from 25 to 50 percent - but added this change could not occur until three days after that. What the hell was that all about? Why not start immediately? It just shows how controlling she’s been and continues to be. I was in Florida last week for a couple of ' days. It was refreshing to see a state that is fully open and operating within the expected guidelines of wearing a mask, social distancing and washing hands. Restaurants and small retailers were open and operating at full capacity with the understanding that, if customers had any concerns, they certainly didn’t have to patronize those businesses. Florida didn’t have to rely on federal handouts for locked-down businesses because the state made it possible for businesses to be open and operate within reasonable guidelines. Florida learned last year how to handle the pandemic with common sense and public support. Most states, though, still want to operate with top-down policies, allowing for little or no communication with residents. People want to go to dinner, have breakfast with friends, get together with family, and even attend church. They understand the importance of washing hands, wearing masks, and maintaining safe distances. Lansing can’t expect these shutdowns lo become a way of life; it needs to realize that the cure can’t be worse than the virus. Now that millions of Americans are getting the vaccine, we should be able to start returning to the life we knew before COVID-19. “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us,’ said President Franklin D. Roosevelt. “The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President, senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.” We can sec the light at the end of the tunnel. We must keep up our fight to overcome the virus. But, at the same time, officials need to realize so many people are hurting and need their support to survive and, ultimately, thrive. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. �The Hastings Banner - Thursday March ,1. 2021 _ s FBI info’^nt: Facebook led to P|ot to kidnap the governor „ parted ’ ’^"Xcommenda- fofoZ^^L^ ->f becoming an informant when he"ton?| "Rooming an 'Tian. » -^'^utotN^'81!", ,nan whosc Watchmen. Hc said he Wolverine by an interestlin r,re^~ " last name pr”'‘ eStinc<| *«hholdittg for '^ri.y^ltnedi.^yhalhewtts scrolling it suggested he J Lingering support for lying leader is frightening To the editor: Read the excuses given by many of ulc insurrectionists who are facing charges for rioting al the U.S. Capitol during the counting of the Electoral College votes Jan. 6. Some say they were following Donald Trump’s orders or requests or invitations. Some say they were fooled by QAnon or the Proud Boys or internet posts. Many claim to express regret. Some say they just want lo gel back to their families, jobs or business. None of them - none - have said they were connected with Anti fa. Black Lives Matter or any other liberal group. It sounds as though they believe they were victims of mass hysteria. I believe they are right. It is an explanation, but it’s not a legal excuse, lite unfortunate reality is that many otherwise good people participate in riots and crime and violence when they are part of a mob. The evidence is piling up that many of the people intended to storm the Capitol building, attack the security forces and possibly kidnap or even kill the vice president and members of Congress and came with plans and equipment to cany out these crimes. All ot the participants intended to prevent Congress from carrying out a Constitutional duty. The insurrectionists and fellow rioters have problems with the criminal justice system now because they believed shared illusions enough to act on them, but they failed to overthrow the election and they got caught. What about those people who didn’t go so far as to believe in the illusion enough to turn to violence? According lo polls, tens of millions of people in the United States still believe Donald frump was re-elected president Nov. 3. 2020. 1 know that there are people reading this newspaper who believe it. The reality is that even though Donald Trump got 74 million votes, more than any candidate for president in history' prior lo 2020, he still got about 7 million votes fewer than Joe Biden did. He also got fewer votes in the Electoral College than Biden did.’232 to Biden’s 306. In the United Slates, the people choose the president by voting, and the rules for casting, counting and certifying those votes are created and administered in each state, not by the federal government. These laws are passed by lhe legislatures of each stale, not by a fresh decision made by those legislatures after the votes have been cast. Not a single state Legislature challenged the results of the election. And remember that the legislatures of a majority of the slates are controlled by Republicans, including many of the contested slates where Joe Biden received a majority of lhe votes. All of the votes were cast by the end of Election Day Nov. 3, 2020. They weren’t all counted by the end of the day, but they were all cast. And there has been no credible evidence thal Joe Biden did not beat Donald Trump. All 50 states certified the ballot counts and the Electoral College counts. Sixty-four of 65 legal challenges to those elections or those counts were denied, dismissed, thrown out or refused to be considered by courts in six states, multiple U.S. district courts and three limes bv the U.S. Supreme Court, the last time being March 8. Some people claimed the courts didn t consider the evidence. The problem was not with lhe courts. The problem is that there was no evidence of significant fraud or electoral ’^Donald Trump’s loyal attorney general William Barr told The Associated Press federal prosecutors and the FBI had looked • ,-J^ifir allegations and information mto spe • legrity of the vote. And he said qutebhtmly they have not found any evidence of widespread frau saying. “To date, We ^ve notion fraud on a scale that could the w <• last year when ’'enne Watchmen group. ve(cr«*n ■ An Army i(jhewa.. r,rcarm safel> instnictor, D^n interested in guns and a member .. that\?!nd Amendment groups. He he k2hy.lhe Rebook algorithm sugg^ j J n what turned out to Ik a radical n whose members were preparing . „crinp 00' civil war. Hc clicked. tHg^im Jtonths-long odys­ sey that landt-d he of an extremist rm’ve” U) say culminiited in a pl°l Gov. Gretchen in what was an initial™^ TT°nS. Onl‘.nC Hc then joined core membersh?™?' 'C ’’u chat after answering addition i encrypted "They asked my views ™ qUeS,‘°nS7, ’ v,cws on government he recounted, going on to describe himself'as a Libertarian who doesn’t -believe in big govcnunX'"al"0 0*°'’' OiUh tO dcfc"d >h,! donSic T e"emicS’ bo,h forei?" and The Hastings Banner n >uoted io die interests of Barry County since 1856 1 Pub!snedby Hastings Banner, Inc. 221 South Jefferson Street A Division of JAd Graphics Inc. M 43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 Hastings, Michigan (269)945-3547 www.kamuelleraccountlng.com 1361 N. es. newS^j-adgraPhlcs.com • Advertising: ads^J-adgraphlcs.com News and pressr^^ ---------------------- Frederic Jacobs ' ADVERTISING department . C ajstfted ods accepted Monday through Fnda/ Publisher & ctu 8 30am to 500 pm. HankSchuuring . newsroom;, Rebecca Pie'O J Kathy Maur^.spOrts £^'or) Brett Bremer (Spo Sean 8^ Taylor Owens Sophie Greg Chandler was C 4 explo. i ’ a mole inside the WatXnemwhere he was quicklyelevate to leadership position because of his Army bu.kground and specialized train ng. • Not only did he wear a wire, he gave the FBI access to his email. en.cry.Pf“he Facebook accounts so they con < He testified that he didn't like what he saw a different outcome in the in the encry pted chat. ec ton. Sixteen federal prosecutors, all Dan said he was •’alarmed" to see a post appointed by Donald Trump himself, who from Musico about how l0 find the home ^Defense attorneys have argued the FBI may were charged with investigating election addresses of police officers that hc understood have entrapped their clients by using «i pai crimes have said in a letter to Attorney as a threat to “kill them.” “ uchof<^7-he Sa id.hewo re a informant, suggesting Dan may have een general Barr that there is no evidence of voter Musico, who authorities identified as a influenced by money. As of October, t rc fraud or other irregularities that could wire for the I'B • rded audio, includ­ founding member of the Wolverine Watchmen, paid him $14,800 “for reporting and expens­ ing surveillance of her h^ substantially impact the election. told the group he had “followed a police offi­ es," according to court documents. On Jan. 6, Vice President Mike Pence told Barry Count) , • Cn,s William and cer to his home, thrown a Molotov Cocktail But Dan said he did not expect compensa­ Donald I rump he did not have the authority to Michael Null wen-J arrcsle(J pan on his house and then went out back with a tion when he decided to help authorities, and overturn lhe election results during the of the investigatm .^alleged plot. rifle.” Dan testified. lhe money was justified because of the heavy Electoral College vote count. He was correct. They are charge providing material Pressed by Musico’s attorney, the infor­ toll his work took on his personal life. (Read Article II, Section 1. Clause 3 of the support for ^^"Lring^^rrying or pos­ He had to routinely take time off from his mant acknowledged he docs not know if that U.S. Constitution.) sessing a firearm r ^commission of a story was true. But it was concerning, none­ job at lhe U.S. Postal Service to attend militia Donald Trump refused to accept this and felony. . theless, and prompted him to reach out to a meetings, he said. He .sold his house at a loss attacked Pence during his speech al lhe rally Both Nulls have ()|| friend who is a police officer for advice. because someone in a related militia group that day. but Mr. Pence did his Constitutional and are on a GI b ncr awaiting their next “This was not training,” Dan told the court. knew where he lived,” he claimed, and he put duty. Mr. Trump even falsely tweeted “Mike court date. “This was wanting to do violence. I felt that plans to buy his own firearm range on hold. Pence didn’t have lhe courage to do what As part of their bond Editions, they can “I had a separate life outside of that, he should have been done lo protect our Country' have no contact u “J1 anyone from the was a threat to law enforcement.” Dan met with the police officer, who even­ said. “I had family, work, a lot to juggle.” and our Constitution.” after he knew that there Wolverine or Liberty mi|il.a groups Barely a month after militia members was a riot at the Capitol building and he had must observe a 9 p-m. to 6 a.m. curfew, can tually relayed the information to FBI agents. been told that the vice president was have no contact with any government official They persuaded him to become an informant. roamed the Capitol with guns, Dan testified Dan testified that his time with the militia he was introduced to Adam Fox. a “Three specifically singled out as a victim potentially except regarding their case>and lhey must included weapons training in iMunith, a gath­ Percenter” leader from Grand Rapids who of a lethal attack. on a GPS tether when tty trayd whjch ering in Wisconsin where militants debated became a leader in lhe Whitmer kidnapping Those rioters were indeed victims of this only allowed when they tQ an(J from a attack targets and a meeting in a Grand plot. mass hysteria that originated with false claims job. . Rapids vacuum shop where the plot against During a June 14 training at their home in by Donald Trump that he’d won an election he Testifying Friday in Jackson County’s 12lh Whitmer crystallized. Munith, Musico and Morrison played Dan clearly lost. The rioters also arc criminally District Court. Dan saidconcerns vjo. On April 30. at a raucous anti-Whitmer audio clips of Fox discussing potential politi­ responsible for their actions. Many of them lence against police politicians out­ protest at the Michigan Capitol, the atmo­ cal violence and making threats against the savagely beat Capitol and District police. weighed growing worries about his own sphere was so tense that Dan testified he governor, hc said. Some of them are cop-killers. All of them safety and that of his daughter. stepped away and spoke to FBI agents direct­ Later that day. joined by agents in an FBI tried to overthrow lhe results of a democratic “1 had a knee jerk reaction against work­ ly into his wire. office, Dan said he called Fox for lhe first election. They were victims of mass hysteria ing with the FBI initially,be said in testimony, The fear was “we were going lo storm the lime. and they are insurrectionists who tried to his video feed turned offloprotect his identi­ Capitol," Dan recounted. "He w as going on and on about his displea­ prevent lhe Congress from performing its ty. “But I agreed to do if As thousands ‘gathered outside, Musico, sure w ith lhe governor," he recalled. "I believe Constitutional duty. And the source of that His insider story cap^ a three-day pre­ Bellar and Morrison carried AR-15s while he said he wanted to hog-tic her on a table." hysteria was Donald Trump. liminary exam for Joe Shrison, Pete Musico recruiting new members to lhe Wolverine Fox also suggested a potential plan to storm So, I return to my comment about the and Paul Bellar — chrveof eight men facing Watchmen. Bellas in particular, said hc want­ the Capitol and execute Whitmer on live tele­ readers of this newspaper who still believe state charges as alleged domestic terrorists. ed to “bum rush me Capitol, like a bull in a vision to "kick off the boogaloo,'’ referencing Donald Trump won the election. Mass Seven other men implioed more directly in China shop, just go right through itthe a civil war that the so-called Boogaloo Boys hysteria? No, that applies to the mindset of the alleged kidnapping plot face federal informant testified. believe will be triggered in the near future. rioters but not a widespread belief among charges. Musico was under the impression Whitmer Musico, Dan said, had also been agitating millions of people who accept the sales pitch Bellar, 21 of Milford^ charged with mul­ was inside lhe Capitol and told colleagues he for action al lhe Michigan Capitol. “This is of a con man. Is that too strong a phrase? tiple 20-year felonies, oduding gang mem­ "was going to go out lo the opposite side of about putting rifles in front of law enforce­ What would you call it when millions of bership and providinjmaterial support for the building and catch that bitch as she was ment and politician’s faces and pulling lhe people believe the governors and the terrorist acts. Musico,2, and Morrison, 26, coming out of the emergency exit,” Dan testi­ trigger." Musico said in a separate conversa­ legislators and lhe election boards and the who lived together iiMunith. face similar fied. tion. he recalled. secretaries of stale of the states where Donald charges, including 3-yeir felony counts for a So again, at the June 14 meeting, Dan t&ti-1 The threat, though, vanished when the Trump lost the election, many of them threat of terrorism. armed men realized Michigan is one of the fied he broke away from the group and spoke Republicans, and lhe 80-plus judges, many of Judge Michael Kberen said he will decide few slates in the nation that doesn’t ban guns. directly into lhe wire. He warned FBI agents them appointed by Donald Trump, who ruled by March 29 whether prosecutors presentedr It was open for visitors, and there was no there ma> be violence at the Michigan Capitol against legal challenges lo the election results enough evidence tosend the Michigan trio to need to breach the doors because state police on June IS. when militia groups were plan­ or conduct are all involved in a conspiracy to trial. were letting in demonstrators after a tempera­ ning to organize there. deny Trump victory ? Morrison, Musico, Bellar and Fox all ended Dan’s daylong testimony revealed new ture check as a CO VID-19 precaution. Why does it seem more plausible that details of secret meetings, tactical training, "We couldn’t lake signs, but wc could bring up attending that June IS protest. Dan said. somehow all those people who did their jobs surveillance andpkns he said involved mili­ our firearms.” the informant recounted, rXnd it was a tense moment for him person­ in compliance with their slate laws and lhe tia groups in multiple states. The planning describing Capitol rules thal only recently ally. he recalled, because Fox performed a United States Constitution are conniving and culminated with a plan to kidnap Whitmer to changed with a new- ban on openly carried “pat down” to see if he was wearing a wire lying to steal an election from Donald Trump? either kill her or put her "on trial” for her firearms. Concealed pistols are still allowed. but did not detect the listening device the FBI Why do people still believe this man who COVID-19 orders in a “kangaroo court" in Once inside, lhe Watchmen joined a large had supplied him. Fox wanted al least 200 people to storm the has cheated on his wives, his business partners, Wisconsin, he testified. group thal had gathered outside the House insurance companies, lenders who deal with Defense attorneys sought to distance their chambers, the informant recalled. Muscio capital, but "fortunately there was not a large his businesses, lhe IRS, the press, the people clients from the plot, which the FBI said it joined the fray and “was antagonizing police gathering of people there on that day" and they backed off plans to try and rile up the officers directly in their face.” Dan said. who have worked with him and for him in foiled in October. “They were trying to get the people riled crowd. Dan said. business and government, and the American Muscio’s attorney repeatedly referred to his “Adam was fixated on taking the Capitol." public? client as “crazy suggesting he was up," Dan said. “At times Pete would yell ‘two Il is frightening that so many people still known for saying “crazy things and is not a steps forward,’ trying to move a line towards hc said, but Musico eventually started advo­ cating for a different approach that Fox and want a leader who bitterly attacks anyone who leader. Bellar’s attorney noted he’d left the the chamber doors." other would-be kidnappers began to consider. He said the .Watchmen roamed the Capitol doesn’t love him; who ignores, tolerates and Watchmen in late July and moved to South “Pete would say homes and addresses," hc even advocates violence against those who Carolina. Morrison’s attorney said he walked and knocked on doors, finding what they oppose him. It is sad that there are still people away from the group to “take care of his mar­ thought was Whitmer’s office, likely lhe cer­ said. “Everybody has addresses." It was then, Dan testified. Fox and other who idolize such a bitter, spiteful, greedy, riage" in late August, days before other men emonial office she keeps there. They pounded on the door “in a show of plotters turned their focus on a " I -2-3 plan” to small-spirited, mean-hearled, self-centered slaked out lhe governor’s vacation home. take Whitmer either in Lansing, the gover­ man who demonstrates so little sympathy and But authorities contend all three provided force,” but later posed for pictures in front of nor’s residence on Mackinac Island or her the office once they realized she was not no empathy at all. Does that sound too harsh? material support to the plotters, participating vacation home in northern Michigan. If you dish it out, you have to be ready to take in meetings, hosting firearms training ses­ there. Eventually, lhe plotters settled on the vaca­ Several Wolverine Watchmen had also it. sions and brainstorming possible attacks on tion home, and beean surveillance, he testi­ attended the “ Operation Gridlock ” protest in I know that some of these people are fied. By the lime the FBI foiled the plot, the members of my community, friends and even ’hXhisico’s atrcmey noted Dan had suffered a Lansing on April 15. Dan recounted. relatives, and 1 try to understand. They arc traumatic brain injury while scrying in the Thousands of cars circled lhe Michigan militants still weren’t sure "hat they were decent folks who love their families and treat military' and admitted Jo memory issues. The Capitol in a protest against Whitmer’s going to do with her if the kidnapping was me fairly. Thai’s why they are still my friends. lawyer questioned whether the court can trust COVID-19 lockdown orders that was orga­ successful, Dan testified. One idea: Maybe they’d “just leave her in nized by activist Meshawn Maddock, who is It’s hard to accept the contradictions between th»infrirmint’s testimony as a result. Lake Michigan" to die. Dan testified. now co-chair of the Michigan Republican the lives they try to lead and the lies of the “I wasn’t there to remember dates and leader they believe in. times." Dan respond;.“I was there to mam- Party. Musico told colleagues “he had a grenade tain access for the • Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township K, A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING B * inside of his vehicle" during ->>«. .he informant testified, later acknowfcdgmg under cross examination that he had not auto­ ' |V seen the explosive device in question •qt could have been packed with sand for .1 . brwiw ’* the attorney said. ’ -Vt’cotild have been packed with C4." Dan M<ke Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Bebseriptlon Hates: $52 per year In Barry County >60 per year In adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER; Sttnd address changes to PO Box 180 Hastings. Ml 49053 0188 awond Clam Postage Paid al Hastings. Ml 49053 MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Censed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber , Ne* ‘•’’"Mwciion remodel, repair, drain cleaning. HRADford white WATER HEATERS O^ce (269) 948-2248 J12bile (269)838-5112 �TN,HW«50ann9' Page 6 —- Thursday. March 11, 2021 —•1 Gravel-pit protest planned in Hope Township Scan Bradley Staff Writer on Opponents against a propose ^est prior to Wilkinson Lake arc planning, a p pjanning next week's Hope W* r * Commission meetingf ft 153-acrc A gravel pit is P^n-baswl excavating parcel owned by Allcyi , Thc company contractor R. Smtth and^Bul is planning to mine I. / commission’s this is pending tbs P permit >• reRuested approval of the 'I**''1 - in£ operation on the last year to conduct a in ning pv land, which is "“'J"1’^ake residents have expro^"ns that potential problems Lxpn.s e m:ninK. such as noise and air dilution: could decrease the value of their h°The -inti-gnivcl pit protest is scheduled to take place an hour before the commission’s 6 30 pan March 18 meeting at the township hall 5463 S. M-43 Highway, Hastings, according to a notice released Tuesday by David Ellyatt. an outspoken opponent of the proposal. ••Wc want to get people assembled in place so that when commissioners arrive, the size of support would be self-evident to them," Ellyatt said Tuesday. "Thc goal of lhe protest is to show the township there is vocal and committed opposition to lhe siting of a gravel pit there." People also will share their thoughts during the public-comment portion of the meetings, he said. “We expect a large number of people to be Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads <»Wll inn •• Cl!.. speaking, " Ellyau said. According to the state’ latest order for public meetings in effect through April 19, the maximum number of people allowed in a public meeting space at any given time is 25. I hc order also requires everyone in attendance to wear masks and that all 'tables and seating be spaced at least 6 feet apart. "We intend to respect those limits clearly." Ellyatt said. “Wc want an organized, respectful event where the township can see the volume of people that are concerned about this and make good decisions." Ellyatt said hc doesn’t expect the planning commission lo decide at the upcoming meeting whether to issue the permit to RSmith and Sons. "The planning commission won’t hesitate to make a decision once they’ve finished the process of deliberation,’’ Bob Norton, planning commission chairman, said Tuesday. The intent is to have the meeting in person, Norton said. ?\nd the township will accommodate up to 25 people inside during lhe meeting nt any given time, hc said. The meeting also will be streamed via Zoom at the same lime it’s taking place in person, Doug Peck, Hope Township supervisor, said Tuesday. A link to attend the meeting virtually will be posted at the township hall and on the township’s website. hopetwp.com. Ellyatt said he is expecting people to protest in person and then go home and watch the meeting virtually. But some will stay and attend the meeting in person as well, he said. “We believe a lot of people are going to be onsite because there’s a lot of frustration within the community at ibis point," Ellyatt said. ** He said hc has received numerous commitments from people indicating they are planning to attend the meeting in person. Other business to take place will include appointing a new vice chairperson and a secretary among the commissioners, Norton said. ri ^tricia Ann Markle ■ Harold Glenn R{)ot age 86. of Hastings, passed away on March 5. 2021 in Lowell. Harold was born on octo’ber 26. 1934, the son of Leonard and Doris (Burns) Root. Harold attended Althoff School. On December 11, 1953. he married Barbara Morgan. Harold worked for Olivers and Clark in Battle Creek and retired from CSX Railroad. Harold enjoyed hunting, antique tractors, attending tractor shows, going to local restaurants and visiting with his many friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his wife. Barbara (Morgan) Root; his son. Mark Root, brother. Russell Root. He is survived by his son, Stan (Carla) Root of Alto; grandsons. Steve (Ashley) Root ot Hastings, Curtis Root of Nashville; great-grandson, Teddy Root; sister. Barbara Ulrich of Greenville; brother. Glenn (Linda Collins) Root of Merced, CA and his niece and nephews. . /\ graveside service will be held later this spring. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbaclifuncralhomeaet. an^ Ca-nwtion Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot -1 landicafl^cccssible v Serving All Faiths ni Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 1 14 <XjL X 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-5252 • www.girrbnchfiincralhoinc.net &&Family Owned and Operated Forest Jay Price , serving Hastings. Barn (minty and Surrounding < onuniinnics tor >0 scars Worship i Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "Wc Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmeff gmiiil.com- Website: www, hnstinesfrcemethodisLcom. Pastor Brian Teed. Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags forchilren are available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid’s Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 pm. Saturday. Mass 8 and 1! a.m. Sunday. 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser. Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade). 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E State Rd.. P.O. Box 273, Hastings, Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coals Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 PLEAS/LNTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road. Dowling. MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am. Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. 1301W. Green St Hastings 945-9541 Dor ’ Forest Jay Price (Ike), age 74, of Hastings, passed away on March 9,2021. Ike was bom on October 28, 1946 in Freeport, the son of Charley Price and Wilma Hinton. He attended Freeport High School and worked for Viking Corporation for 41 years, retiring May 31. 2007. On September 15, 1966. Ike married Gloria Stahl, and they enjoyed 54 }carS Wgether. Ike enjoyed farming, fishing, mid drinking coffee in the morning al Shamrock with his friends. He enjoyed refurnishing homes and was always lending a hand t0 h‘s lriend^ or family and spoiling his great'Srand daughters. Ike was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Dewey Rockc^ Price;twin sisters, Doris Heacock and Dorothy Lois Price; sister. EHcn Hcnery; twin brothers, Jack ’and JerO Pricc; ,S‘SlCr’ Shirley Ann Price, and half-brother8, James, Leonard,and DavidKilldt.r. He is survived by hie wife. G,orld \St. ' Price of Hastings- snn Derick (Christine) Price; daughter parev M°m50n: grandchildren. Ryan B w„, Megan Brown Preston Price, SarnanUr, Mo"44011 and Keller; great-grandchildren. Madal>wan* a and Rozlynn Brown- sisters. Wanetia (Dennis) Shedd Of Riitle Creck’ Ma.ntt LaCourse of Vermi^oH, JoAnn Ben"’d,U, of Pennsylvania. pc ’ Noyce of LaU Odessa, Kay (ConC-L Tischer of.ljlkt Odessa, and brother Mike °f Hastings. ’ In lieu of flower . nitons can be made in Ike’s memory* Spectnim Hedti Hospice, 25 Michi*0 Sl NB. Suite 4100. , Grand Rapids, Ml 49c" , n Visitation will be vumday- N,ar^\ 2021 from II , p(n at Ginbach Funeral Home, 328\°nJid"a>,; ,<a, niL' MI 49058, with a Is’ D£ .erviee to follow . m 1:30 p.m. a, A Maple Street. Freer?^ ’1,। . Arrangements by°p.’ ’-|j Funeral Home. To leave an onlink^,rr^’nce *sil girrbachfuneralhome Patricia Ann (Wood) Markle, age 90 On March 4. 2021 Dorothy Ann (Bovver) passed away on March 3.2021 in Hastings,. Reid, age 91, went peacefully on to ie She was bom on May 23, 1930 in Grand heavenly home. . Rapids, to Howell and Nita Wood. She spent Dorothy was born in Hastings on her growing up years in Caledonia, where February 22.1930 to Fredrick F. and Amy L she graduated in 1948. (Still) Bower. She graduated from Hastings Pat s college degrees were obtained from High School in 1948. After graduation she Western Michigan University, where she met worked in the office al Grand Rapids her future husband, Fred Markle. They were Bookcase and Chair where she met her married in 1955 and moved to Hastings the future husband Don C. Reid. They married following year, where Fred took a job with on October 22,1949 and shared almost 54 E. W. Bliss, and she continued her teaching years together before Don went to heaven in career at Hastings Public Schools for over 30 Sept, of 2003. years. Dorothy attended EUB/Hope United Pat was a member of the W.M.U. Alum Methodist Church where she taught Sunday Club, Retired Teachers Association school for many years and was a member of (M.E.A.), Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, thc church choir. In later years she and Don Hastings Arts Council, Hastings Country attended Nashville Baptist Church. Most Club. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and the recently she attended Hastings First Baptist. Bany Community Foundation, where she Dorothy worked at the Bookcase until they served on the board. started their family in 1951. Her hobbies were badge, traveling and She helped Don run Reid’s Roller Rink, being with family and friends. She and two later known as Thomapple Roller Rink, until other teachers authored a book entitled, its sale in 1964. Dorothy later went back to Hastings Long Ago for the Hastings work outside the home working at students, litis book received the Governor’s Consumers Power from 1967 until her Michigan Week award, and in her retirement in 1987. retirement, Pat wrote and published three In her retirement. Dorothy enjoyed her children’s books. new hobbies of golfing and quilting, She Pat is survived by her son, James loved spending time with her five children (Tammy) Markle of Hastings, daughter Mary and their families. She looked forward to the Beth (Clayton) Lawler of Plymouth, annual “Ladies Trips" that she took with her granddaughter Amy Lawler of Plymouth; daughters and daughters-in-law. step-grandchildren. Amanda (Issac) Dorothy enjoyed living with her daughter Williams-Smith of Hastings, Tom (Chrissie) and son-in-law, Cindy and John Winebrcnner' Williams of Middleville, Kristin (Ryan) who took care of her in her later years. Dorothy will be lovingly remembered for Argo of Hastings; eight great-grandchildren; her quiet, giving demeanor, sweet smile, and brother. Bany’ (Shellie) Wood of Washington, DC; nieces, Andrea (Ethan) quick wit. Mom will be greatly missed by her sons, O’Reilly of New York, NY. Jenna (Kayvon) Andrew (Janice) Reid, Daniel (Monica) Salinii of New York, NY, and nephew. Nick Reid; daughters, Cindy (John) Winebrenner. Wood of Washington. DC. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be and Carolyn (Marty) Cappon; daughter-in­ law, Joyce Griffen-Reid; grandchildren. made in Pat’s honor to Barry Community Justin Reid, Amber (Luis) Lopez-Reid, Foundation, www.barrycf.org. 231 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 or Hastings Robert Reid, Becky (Matt) Rasey, Angie Education Enrichment Foundation (HEEF). (Dustin) Raffler, Kim (Steven) Speckman. 232 West Grand Street, Hastings MI. 49058. Jesse (Jamie) Cappon. Amanda (Daniel) A special thanks to Woodlawn Meadows Blair, Ben (Samantha) Cappon. and Samuel Assisted Living and Spectrum Health Cappon and 23 great grandchildren. Hospice. Dorothy was preceded in death by her Services will be held at a later date. parents; husband, Don C. Reid; sister, Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. Wanda (Carl) Colston, son Steven L. Reid, To leave an online condolence visit www. daughter-in-law, Joyce Schiek-Reid; girrbachfuneralhome.net. grandson, Tony Reid and infant great grandson, Nathan Rasey. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dorothy’s name to Elara Laura L. Doornhaag Caring, 6120 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, Ml 49009. A memorial service will be held to honor Laura Lynn Doornhaag. age 64 of Delton, her al a later date. passed away on March 1. 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. ArrangemenLs by Girrbach Funeral Home. Laura was born on January 28, 1957 in To leave an online condolence visit www. Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Richard and girrbachfuneralhome.net. Marilyn (Seiter) Ulrich. According to Laura’s wishes, cremation has taken place and services will be conducted at a later date. Burial will take place in Yankee Springs Cemetery. Memorial contributions to lhe Barry County Humane Society will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Laura’s family. Well, they’re at it again The wolf haters are on the attack, given the green light by the defeated and impeached former president. Wisconsin just held its (accelerated) bloodbath, thanks to -pro-hunt’ and republican backed forces. They “blew past” their “kill target’ numbers, slaughtering (guns/ raps) over 200 wolves in 72 hours. Now Michigan is plotting to do the same. How and why is this happening? Haven’t we fought this battle before? Didn’t we defeat two referendums by majority electorate stating unequivocally NO to the HUNTING/TRAPPING OF WOLVES in our state? With wolf populations still recovering and the world experiencing an extinction crisis, how is this prudent? It isn’t. One word REPUBLICANS. Two of our state senators have sponsored resolution SR-15. to bring the horror of shooting and torture of trapping, here. Two additional senators have sponsored SR-20 to make shooting Sand Hill Cranes out of tho sky, also legal “sport killing.’ Please call YOUR State Senator and tell them when these idiotic abominations come up » N° sP°rt °ur Sand Hi“ Good 'uck if yours Is republican. Mine is and he consistently votes SL,hARr’BJ°C'j*S he did a couple yeare ago on th“ huntng wolves ssue. Defied and ignored the voters votina to out a target on wolves ” 23 & 'n Mtchigan's laft V&f hunt' on official total o i□ woives were killed senselessly and needlessly. We need to stem the Ignorance. P|ease he,p us py. Submitted^ tor by Marts Terwill^, (wi#) endowrtttnt .ncour^t ton Dbd) �fl look back 09974975 - X. Ill lhe Hastings Ban TURNING BflGK THE PAGES . Health department was model for rest of state Marking, 90th anniversary this year Part IV In 1981. Barry County Judge Richard N. Loughrin, then president of thc Barry County The local health department is marking its 90th year in 2021. And its beginnings were historic. Cereal magnate Will Keith Kellogg created the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 1931. He was especially interested in the well-being of children and concerned about the health of people of all ages. Barry' County was specifically selected to test ideas regarding preventative health and health care, in general, in rural areas, launching the Barry County Health Department in 1931. Historical Society, researched and wrote a series of articles in celebration of the health department’s 50th anniversary. (The accompanying photos were provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and may or may not be of Barry' County' residents.) In the course of his research. Lotighrin came upon photos, letters, publications and more. This article, from the Nov. 19. 1981, Banner wav prompted by one such letter Delivery, immunizations, follow-up care and more were provided through the rural health programs. (WKKF photo) Public health nurses akeover instruction of mother and father a few days after delivery. (“The First Eleven Years." 1941; WKKF) progress. Sometimes we were in a home 10 or 12 Mrs. Bratton reminisces about job u .(h hours. To fill the time from arrival to delivery, County Home Maternity DtljVery Program we played cards, took walks (generally to a 1940-41 restaurant), took a nap (if possible) or read papers and books. The patient had much Richard loughrin better care than in a hospital, since she had the Ann Bratton, formerly Ann Perry', has undivided attenti^p of professional help. written a letter to the Barry County Historical If the waiting time from arrival was more Society on her experience with the Home than 12 hours, a new team was generally sent Maternity Delivery Program of |he counly for relief. health department in 1940 and 1941. After the baby was delivered, a city health Mrs. Bratton, wife of Ray Bratton, county nurse checked the mother and baby and gave drain commissioner, writes; them post-natal care. While at the NJatemity Center in Chicago, In 1939. a Home Mieniity Delivery­ we served many different nationalities. Some Program was sponsored by the Kellogg of the customs they observed were unusual Foundation in the seven counties of the and most interesting. One custom was to tape Michigan Community Hath Project. One a new copper penny to the navel of thc nurse from each county ms given a two- newborn baby. In some homes, the family month training course « the Chicago placed an axe under the mother’s bed to cut Maternity Center. I was a registered nurse and the after-pains, which were considered evil. was chosen for Barry County I remember thinking in training that I l he service was planned to help families would never get into such conditions in Barry who could not afford to pbfor hospital care County as existed in Chicago. But, not so. or for families where thc sothcr was needed Yes, wc had bedbugs, roaches, mice, rats, at home to manage thebusehold with the fleas, lice and filth right here. However, to help of her husband f an out-of-family average out the situation, wc had many places person. It was hopedM program would as normal as could be, and they made thc result in healthier bates and better care for whole program a very rewarding pleasure. mothers. For two years after the training, I served as It was not necessarily a service for the poorj a registered nurse in Barry County ’s home but most of the families were in the lower maternity delivery service, from February income bracket. l he fcmilies were asked to 1940 to the end of 1941, when the W.K. contribute any amount they could for the Kellogg Foundation discontinued thc service. It was expected families would pay program. Many was the night I spread clean $5 to $25. During lie two years of lhe newspapers on thc floor to he down for a bit program, the families paid less and less; 1 don't believe $ 100 waspaid in the two years in all seven counties. The nurses sometimes received tokens of appreciation. One time. I was given a bushel of onions. Others received handmade articles, such as an apron, a pretty towel with lace, or a pair of pillow cases. I’m sure they were given as a sincere “dunk you.” Once I was offered a newborn pig.one of a litter of 13 baby pigs. It was my tum to say. “Thank you. no.” (1 had no way to raise a baby pig.) When wc trained at the Maternity Center in Vonda Van Til Chicago, we went out as a team on home Public Affairs Specialist deliveries, one doctor.intern in obstetrics Getting a Social Security number for a (a two-month internship), and a nurse. A pre­ natal visit had already been made to the home newborn is important for his or her future. If by a city health department officer, a list of your child is bom in a hospital, the easiest needed supplies had been made, and way to apply for a Social Security number is instructions to the mother or father had been right at the hospital. When you give information for your given. As soon as labor started, the Center was child’s birth certificate at the hospital, you’ll called and the delivery learn was sent to lhe be asked whether you also want lo apply for home. All transposon was made by the child’s Social Security number. streetcar, no matter ho" or what kind of If you say “yes,” you will be asked to weather. The nurse set up for delivery while provide both parents’ Social Security numbers, the doctor checked the patient and noted tM if you can. Even if you don’t know both parents’ Social Security numbers, you can still apply for a number for your child. There are many reasons why your child should have a Social Security number. You need a Social Security number to claim your child as a dependent on your income tax return. Your child also may need a number if of sleep. Our county health department team was a doctor and a nurse. The nurse was sent first, after thc call came that the mother-to-be was in labor. We nurses prepared the room for delivery and called the doctor for the delivery of thc baby. I can say we went into every one of the 16 townships, every village - Delton, Woodland, Middleville, Nashville, Maple Grove (is that a village?) and the city of Hastings. We served in every comer of the county during the two years. Perhaps the passage of 40 years has mellowed me in many ways. What impressed me so strongly at that time as good or bad has merged into a realization that it was someone’s way of life, and more importantly, the people were happy for thc most part. I do believe a lot of good was done on the home maternity delivery program, and I am glad to have had a part in it. (Note: The program became obsolete because as part of a national movement, there occurred a switch to almost universal acceptance of the hospital as thc proper locale for the delivery of babies.) [Ann Perry Bratton died in 1998 at age 93, and her obituary included mention of her having worked in the home maternityprogram. She also had been a US. Army nurse in World War ll. She and Ray Bratton, a World Birr I! veteran, were married in 1949. He died in 1997, and both are buried at Riverside Cemetery.] Compiled by Kathy Maurer, copy editor SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Newborns and their numbers Record-keeping proved essential in Promoting ongoing care for children. (WKKF you plan lo do the following for him or her • Open a bank account. • Buy savings bonds. • Get medical coverage. • Apply for government services. You can find more information by reading “Social Security Numbers for Children” at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05- 10023.pdf. If you know of someone anticipating a new addition to the family, share this information. Applying for a Social Security number al the hospital will save them time and let them focus on lhe new member of their family. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ssagov. photo) Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-899-879-7985 108" Wide Quilt Backs New Cotton Prints * Cotton Flannels ZlPpers, Thread Trim, Etc. Tor Our Nation. # ries became lho national trend, the Home haqDitat d0,iVerttinued in tho seven participating counties as After two years, as h waS dis^ (rend, This photo ot Pennock Hospital was Maternity Delivery M hospital deliveries printed in a 1941 pn the nat tion. (WK } County Road Commission . . 1725 West M-43 Highway. Ha> ng buuten MWw.harryc^.org° f The Barry County Road Commission is hiring for temporary seasonal genera a orcr positions. Starting hourly P»>’ran^ S12-SI3 per hour, no benefits. /^_p. l|?.river's be at least 18 years of age, have a 'at License, and be able to passa drug <■ • Applications can be pi<**-d jXtSTt 6 AM - 3:45 PM. or on QUESTIONS ask US.. - SEASONAL HELP State St, Haanys • 945-9673 OPEN Monfjrfyfndajrfl <tf>S30prn; o Savtby 9 ph lJ------ tiUlttcienners Pfck-Up SHUSH----- Kl.aj Commission is an �Move clocks ahead this weekend Elaine Gnrlock .Il ihas ubeen some time time since we saw any ■ new building in toun. but now. W^D^’ complete re-do of a eotttge on luiUv tew Drive at the foot of Sixth Avenue and the next lot we^Netv studs and rollers are tn view closer to the'lake than the existing garage. Another change is the sign for » new chiropractic practice on M-50 east in the second half ol the floral business Lake Odessa Horal. Members at Central United Methodist Church were shocked on Sunday to hear lhe message that their new pastor. Rev. Vaughn Thurston-Cox, who has been in pulpit only since July I, 2020. is being moved to Pentwater effective July!. At thc same lime. his wife, Heather Thurston-Cox. is being moved to Ludington United Methodist C hurch as pastor. They have a daughter who is now in kindergarten. Local members arc reluctant to lose this pastor so soon. Hc has had to deal with many innovations because ot the COVID-19 situation, including church on the lawn, church with a glass barrier in front of the pulpit, no supporting choir, no handshaking, no social time after church and other features never before experienced. In lhe itinerant system in United Methodist churches, changes in pastors come at the discretion of thc bishop and district superintendents. Man hospitalized after hiding meth by eating it While patrolling on South M-37, a police officer saw a vehicle driving 72 mph in a 55-mph zone al 9:10 p.m. Feb. 24. The officer turned around and followed lhe vehicle, which sped up until it abruptly stopped at the gas station parking lol in Dowling. The driv­ er. a 33-year-old Woodland man, got out of the vehicle and started running} The officer told the man several times to stop, and the man only did so when the officer said he would use a stun gun. The man told the officer he ran because he has warrants, and he admitted to eating all the meth he had on him after he saw the officer driving behind him. He was arrested and taken lo local hospital, where staff said he would need to remain for at least two days. Squatter fills house with illicit materials A 57-year-old woman called police at 6:40 p.m. Feb. 23 to report a house belonging to her deceased brother in the 5000 block of West Irving Road in In ing Township had been broken into. The woman said it had been vacant for a year, and she became suspicious when thc electric bill spiked. Police cleared thc house with the woman-1 and discovered squatters had been living there. A chair and TV had been moved into a small room, which thc squatter had filled with “a large collection of pom and other adult images.” A bag of meth also was found in the house. Police staked out the house and waited for thc squatter to return. After watching a vehicle pull into thc driveway sometime around midnight, sev­ eral officers surrounded the house and called out lo lhe suspect. They heard no response, but eventually found a 46-year-old Hastings man hiding under the deck. He said a woman was there with him. and women’s clothing was found in lhe house, but she was not located. The man was arrested. • t. • . !.d lh> ■ i.Jit llh| M. >1 • • ■ n- Grandmother arrested for assault Police arrested a 64-year-old woman for assaulting her daughter and grandson at 2:30 a.m. Feb. 27. When officers arrived at the residence in the 6000 block of Maplewood Drive in Hope Township, the grandson, 18. said his grandmother started yelling al him and told him not to let his mother control him. When he tried to leave the room, his grandmother grabbed his arm while his mother, 43, got between them. Thc grandmother threw several punches until thc daughter slapped her in lhe face and they separated. The grandmother said they fought, but could not recall who started it. Woman attacks relative with letter opener A 63-ycar-old man called police to say his wife's cousin came at him with a letter open­ er at his residence in lhe 4000 block of M-66 Highway at 10 p.m. Feb. 28. The man said his wife is handicapped and needs to use the bathroom often. Her cousin, a 54-year-old female, who also lived at the house, had been in lhe bathroom for 45 minutes and refused to vacate it. Eventually he kicked in the door and thc cousin came out, partially clothed, grabbed the letter opener and threatened him with it. Hc tried lo get it away from her and she hit him, but the blade of thc letter opener broke off in the struggle. The woman told the officer she was angry because God had not given her a husband. She was arrested. Migratory . sUCh as robins, sandhill cranes and red ’;ngcil blackbirds, are returning. . trucks are making deliveries. The $aD ‘ running, and mercury in outdoor thermo^ers has surpassed 60 degrees. Nowit’s lime for n lime change. Daylight savi (jnie will go into effect early Sunday, Marvh M- so clock,i should be moved forward One hour Saturday evening or Sunday morning Daylight Mvi’ lirnc will be in effect until Sunday. Nov. 7 1 Seniors may call for legal advice March 17 The Legal Sendees of South Central Michigan-Baitlc office will conduct interviews for ]egai advice and possible representation, without charge, over the telephone to interested seniors who reside in Bany’ County. Seniors who wish to speak with an attorney may call 734-890-8198 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. March 17. Legal Services of South Central MichiganBattle Creek office is a nonprofit organization thal provides legal assistance, representation and education t0 seniors in Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. joseph counties. Rep. Calley to be in Hastings March 19 State Rep. Ju|ie Calley is inviting residents to attend two sessions of indoor office hours Friday. March 19. “People are struggling right now," Calley said. “COVID-19 restrictions from thc state health department have impacted lives and livelihoods. I look forward to meeting with people and hearing about thc issues most important to them.’’ Calley will meet with constituents at the lydcn Center. 121 S. Church St.. Hastings, from 10 to 11 am. and again from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Constituents liable to attend scheduled office hours whovould like an individual meeting may email JulicCalley@house.mi. gov or call 517-3734)842. Marriage licenses Stacie Loraine Baldry, Delton and Brandon Lee Prior. Delton Jon Douglas Norman, Plainwell and Dorothy Jean DeMay, Las Vegas, Nevada Drew Crotty Engle, Hastings and Tabina Daniela. Kalamazoo 15650) I56WJ City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE NO. 600 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE NO. 599 The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/ or oral comments from the public concerning an amendment to Section 90-835 of the City of Hastings Municipal Code to add subsection (d) regarding keeping of chickens in residential zoning districts. The public hearing will be held on Monday April 5, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Due to gathering limitations from the State of Michigan, public is asked to join thc meeting virtually. Please the City of Hastings website at www,bask ■Xi.or« or contact City Hall at 269-945-2468 The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/ or oral comments from thc public concerning an amendment to Section 90-474 (c) ofthe Hastings Municipal Code to amend the maximum build­ ing height in thc B-l Central Business District. The public hearing will be held on Monday April 5, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Duc to gathering lim­ itations from the State of Michigan, public is asked to join the meeting virtually. pjcas^ check the City of Hastings website at ww^yJhasijngsffl^ or con­ tact City Hall at269-945-M^rdetailsT All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. A copy of this information is available for pub­ lic inspection from 8:00 AM to 5-00 PM Monday through Friday at thc Office of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058- ihis information is available for pubA copy of this pM Mond lie inspection from O M through Friday at th «‘"uMjchi n ^058. East State Street, Hastings, mi b a .. rwressary reasonable aids The City will to Hastings City and services upon five oay 945.2468) or ToD call relay services 1-8<W M Jane M. Saurman City Clerk » Provided by the Harry Co""1? .---------------------- o/Jicey of!.dwardJtmc^^ ----- . Andrew Cove.AAMS® Randal Advisor iMdnBeck,AAMS® Financial Advisor JXswte St. Suite B ' ktabBSiPC Member SIPC 4 u *!; Woodlawn Ave. • ; ^Hastings, Ml 49058 ”$9)945-4702 Resilience is key to meeting In you’ll benefit* ’’'^■Ilnwonnjn.ytWkeep- resilience - and that’s certainly ‘rue when n comes t0 achieving your financial goals. You can demonstrate this resilience hy answering these qUCSA‘°,?S: b >our H*UJic goal. What obstacle do you face tn achieving this goal? How can you overcome this obstacle? Here are some examples of how this resiliency process works: Goal: Building sufficient retirement funds To build sufficient retirement income, you need to invest in the financial markets through your 401(k), IRA and other accounts. But how should you respond when these markets go through periods of volatility? Your best defense is to remain invested. If you were to jump out of the market every lime il dropped, you’d probably miss out on the rebounds that followed Also, over a period of decides, thc effects of short-term market fluctuations tend to diminish, so while thc results of any particular day or week may not look good on your investment statement, the importance of these results may diminish in 10 or 20 years. Goal: Maintaining steady cash flow Keeping a steady cash flow is essential to meeting your daily you from work for an extended period? Depending on lhe length of time you’re not uorking. you - '■ ■irc ‘‘’J!6 quickly fo«n could feel a real financial pinch, so you may want lo consider some type of disability insurance. Your employer may offer a short-term policy as an employee benefit, but it might not be sufficient, $0 you may need lo look at private coverage. Goal: Keeping retirement accounts intact Ideally, you'd like to leave IRA, 401(k) and other accounts intact until you need to start Upping into them when you retire. But what if you face an your unexpectedly large medical bill or you need lo replace your furnace or get a new car? If you don’t have the money readily available, you might be forced to dip into your IRA and 401(k), incurring taxes and potential penallies and leaving yourself fewer resources for retirement You can help avoid this setback by creating an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, wiih the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account Goal: Having confidence in your strategy To achieve your important financial goals, you need a strategy and monthly expenses. So, it’s obviously important that you maintain sufficient earned income. - and you need to believe in il strongly enough lo keep following it during all types of stress on the financial markets Il’s not always But what happens if you encounter easy to maintain Ihis conviction ’ ; financial goals 'b/ confidence is py 0 'p(r«n'. 01 W°ri“202o''for • u financial advisor in help navigating the ?. The importance of receiving « sunejed good advice became apjxuent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about a vane y of financial worries, such as job loss, retirement considerations, caregiving for elderly parent* or providing financial support to adult children. You will face some challenges on your journey toward achieving your financial objectives. But by being resilient, you can stay on the « right road. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local , Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C.. through Edward D. Jones & Co.. L.P. and in California. New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, LLC.; Edward ’ 1 Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico. LLC.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, LLC. * ^Doctor * Universe • City of Hastings for details. Financial FOCUS • Positive connection with touch screens work together to help your device function. This kind electrical ability is called capaci­ tive technology and is found in many touch­ screen phones, tablets and computers. Sekhar also told me about another kind of Dear Nicholas, When I got your question. I decided lo do touch screen. These are the kinds of touch a little experiment. First, I tapped on a tablet screens we see at ATMs and in grocery and sent a message to a friend. Next, I put on stores. These screens aren’t quite as bright as a pair of wool mittens and started typing, but your computer or phone. Wc call these resis­ the screen did not respond. Finally, I used a tive screens, and they are made of layers of banana to see if I could use it to swipe the glass and plastic with a chemical coating and a sheet of metal underneath them. screen. It actually worked. When you press these screens with your I wondered what exactly was going on here and decided to take our questions to my finger, you apply pressure to the material. friend Praveen Sekhar. He’s an associate Inside the material, lhe electrical charges professor in the Washington State University start moving inside as they respond to pres­ School of Engineering and Computer sure from your finger and allow the device to work. Science. Whether it is capacitive or resistive tech­ Sekhar told me our touch screen devices use electricity to work and thal different nology, touch screens have become part of materials can impact how the electricity many people’s daily lives. With help from an adult, perhaps you can flows. Some materials, or insulators, keep electricity from flowing, such as the wool do a little investigation into touch screens, mittens. Then there are objects, such as your too. Collect a few small items from around finger or a banana, that allow electricity to the house to find out which ones are insula­ flow from one place to another. We call tors and which ones are conductors. Screens are quite fragile, so you may want these conductors. When your finger touches the screen, it lo use materials that will be gentle to your creates a sort of pathway for electricity to screen, like a cotton swab, an eraser or a flow from your finger to the device. You banana. Touch the objects to the screen to read that right: You have electricity in your see if they allow your device to respond. body - from your toes to your fingers. Make a list of which objects conduct, or Sekhar said you can think of how these allow electricity to pass through, and remem­ touch screens work sort of like a battery. If ber how electricity helps your phone do all you look at a battery, you will sec it has a kinds of amazing things. positive-charge end and a negative-charge end. Electricity will start to flow if both ends Dr. Universe are connected to your device. Do you have a question'? Ask Dr. Universe. A touch-screen device on its own has a Send an email to Washington State negative charge, he said. But once your fin­ University’s resident scientist and writer ger connects with the touch screen, it al Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ becomes positive. The electrical charges can site, askdruniverse.com. Dr. Universe: How do touch screens work? Nicholas, 11, Florida The City will provide neces^ reasonable aids and services upon five days notjCe t0 Hixstings City Clerk (telephone number 269-945.3468) or TDD call relay services 1-8OO-649<J777 Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad JaneM.Saumun City Clerk 269-945-9554 or 1-899-870-7085 �_ ■ „ „„ur - Thursday. Match "• TheHastings HastingsbarnBanner Iho * ■■■■ ~ P<X» 9 State’s $2.3-billion spending plan W|H aid some bipartisan priorities ^tSQvernor vetoes ^^ososedsmslL ^^^JTnanefaLrgM Bridge Magazine MKhigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen ^Vhitmcr on Tuesday signed a major new •ir ending plan, but vetoed $652 million in proposals from the Republican-led ^’gislaiiire and rejected a bill that would limit Pnndemic powers. Whitmer’s signature will authorize the stale ,o impend at least $2.3 billion of the roughly $5 billion in federal funds that were sent to Michigan in December, but delayed amid a standoff with Republican lawmakers. The plan will pump money into several bipartisan priorities, including $110 million for vaccine distribution, more than $1 billion for schools. $150 million for a pay raise for direct care workers and $283 million for an emergency assistance program for families Pyemic.Wren' and U,ili,i“the the relief pl* 7 *"> wTXTy5#lbyXp— Muiuuii in nusincss tax and frt. breaks proposed by the GOP-led Legislature whtch rejected her earlier proposal for 5^5 million in business grants. ’ rhe bills I received were not negotiated wnh me or my administration, and I continue to call on thc Legislature to ensure that we work together to ensure wc maximize everv penny that is available," Whitmer said in a statement. “There were problems in the bills that I had to veto, and I expect lhe Legislature to step up to fix the bill to allocate all of the money so wc can get back to normal as soon as possi­ ble.” 1 ’ Republicans and others accused Whitmer of turning her back on small businesses. “This desperately needed assistance was not lied to any other measure or condition in “ch,,<TinueS^vS Klh lull] — 1 /xlVC * Thomas Albert. K1'<’ publi^'"’ ’‘'•itement. Brain Gilley* a ortsidew Jnncr hcutenant governor and P ()f । of lhc Smal| Business Associaiu a ^higan. said Whitmer's veto send «age th.u |he state is not serious al*’1" s“*iv,| of Mna|j businesses.” . . $150. Whitmer also rcjcc . ,d pillion to prop up the cmployer',u ..|jQ . ncmployment France Fund. $87 m.U»"Micff-niIiI,1! for private schools ard > MlIOn in ls for parents to cover their ctuj^ school expenses. Whitmer did explain f Ws, but she’s rejected similar 1112 unemploy­ ment trust fund and p' > tax deferrals before and noted that R P jjj not lry to negotiate with her ^afound. Whitmer’s action le» federal funding Governor’s $155,000 confidentiality deal with former health department chief prompts probe Bridge Magazine “I’ve served in government a long time, Michi gan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is under and 1 believe that elected chief executives l ire for an expensive separation and confiden­ need to make final decisions about policy tiality deal with her former health department with confidential advice,” Gordon wrote. director that experts are calling a rare arrange­ ‘‘They also need to be comfortable with their ment that may fuel distrust. agency heads. Since the pandemic began, It s “hush money.” according to legislative many leadership changes have happened in Republicans, who plan to investigate the other states. It's no surprise they would hap­ Si55,506 payout they contend was designed pen in Michigan.” to ensure Robert Gordon will not discuss con­ The statement noted thal “this has been a troversial COVID-19 orders that were devel­ grueling time for millions of families, includ­ oped behind closed doors. ing mine.” Gordon wrote that both his parents Gordon announced his abrupt and unex­ contracted COVID-19. and his father recently plained resignation on Jan. 22, exactly one died, but the statement did not specify the month before he signed an agreement with thc cause. Democratic administration that paid him thc equivalent of nine months salary and extend­ ‘Looks like something funny is going on’ ed health benefits. Government ethics experts said that Thc deal prohibits him from discussing thc Gordon’s separation agreement raises the circumstances of his departure “in the interest appearance of impropriety, even if there is of protecting deliberations among govern­ none. ment officials,” according to thc document It “looks like something funny is going on. signed by Gordon and Mark Totten, Whitmer’s and money is changing hands, and thc rest of chief legal counsel. us can’t figure out why,” said John Former Unemployment Insurance ?\gency Chamberlain, a professor emeritus at the Director Steve Gray also signed a separation University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford agreement with the stale when he resigned in School of public policy. “There may be a November, a spokesperson confirmed. good reason for it, but we’re not allowed to » Under Gray’s deal, released through a ask that, and no one involved is allowed to say freedom of Information Act request, lhe state anything about it.” f)aid him a lump sum of $85,872.56 to cover Chamberlain noted that “secrecy in state (lis salary through June 1, which the depart­ government is already a problem to begin ment said was “end date” of his employment with..and this is just one more thing on (he •Qutract. list.” ............ ■ I The agreement specified thal “both parties Michigan is one of two states that fully lhall maintain confidentiality regarding Mr. exempts the governor’s office and legislators Cray's employment with and departure from from public records requests, for example. ihe department” unless disclosure is required The slate ranked last on ethics and transparen­ >y law. cy laws in a 2015 review by the Center for » Sarah Esty, who served as a deputy director Public Integrity and Global Integrity. (o Gordon and officially resigned last week, Whitmer has supported legislation to Signed an agreement with the state that effec­ expand public records laws but has not volun­ tively paid her for one extra month, but did tarily done so for her own office. In 2019, she not include a confidentiality clause. announced a series of executive directives she J While separation agreements and salary said would make government “open, transpar­ payouts can be common at private companies ent and accountable to Michigan taxpayers,” and nonprofits, they arc “not lhe norm” in lhe including a requirement for state employees public sector, said John Pelissero, a senior to immediately report “any irregularity or Scholar in government at Santa Clara discrepancy involving public money.” University’s Markkula Center for Applied As a state senator. Whitmer criticized thenGov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, for keeping Ethics. j The confidentiality clause in Gordon’s former Treasurer Andy Dillon on the payroll Agreement raises ethical concerns because it for two months in 2014 after he announced jloes not alkw the public “to know why the his resignation, a move lhe administration described as a transition for his successor. payout of salary- look place," Pelissero said. Whitmer blasted the arrangement after i “These are public tax dollars and lhe public interest lends to be served better when trans- Dillon was seen on a Caribbean cruise during tiarency is present,” he said. “Not disclosing what was supposed to be his last week of tax­ uch presents lhe appearance that something payer-funded work. “The governor needs to stop trying to cover is being hidden from lhe public.” ! Gordon, who presided over the largest this up and come clean about the sweetheart department in state government and signed a deals and cronyism that is rampant in the series of controversial public health measures Department of Treasury.” Whitmer said at the during the pandemic, has declined multiple time. Separation agreements have landed other interview requests. The deal means he cannot nublicly discuss any policy differences or Michigan government officials in hot waler: • Former Lansing Mayor Virg Bemero ither factors that may have fueled his resignaopted against a re-election campaign in 2017 '“Republicans are moving to prevent Whitmer amid scrutiny over a SI60XXX) payout to a from making similar payments tn the future to former city attorney. He had defended the tsilence departing officials, said Rep. severance as a way to “grease lhe skids, to get things done so everybody would be happy." Annette Glenn RAIuHantk • Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick reached a confidentiality agreement with three former police officers in 2007 to keep (Jordon separation ( bought off them from revealing text messages that sug­ i "ThiS 15 a P Illa s " House Oversight gested he had an affair with his chief of staff. With taxpayer dot ars. d said The Detroit Free Press sued to obtain the thairman Steve Joh • (hey hjd. records related to a $8.4 million settlement fWhat I want to know is. with the officers, which included the text mes­ Ing?" his committee will sages that led to perjury charges against I Johnson told reporters (|)c process Kilpatrick, who later admitted to lying under oath and resigned. ♦begin an wilhin this administra• Former Wayne County Executive Robert of what they re doing iion.” -working w'*h our Ficano lost re-election in 2014 following a | House Repubhcans arc oplions we federal investigation and public furor over a legal counsel to deU^"'d if we have to do $200,000 severance package he had approved for a top aide, Turkia Mullin, who voluntarily have available" he smd. *d" left for a belter job as CEO of Detroit Metro & subpoena, we will. discuss details I Whitmer said she c()U nl because of Airport. The Democratic governor bristled at GOP of Gordon’s separation L claims of “hush money.” the confidentiality clous . don and his Whitmer said separation agreements are But she told reporters ’at “ used often in the public and private sector “were an i'^J^nd said “there when someone in a leadership position leaves nur response" to COVID t Lere no improprieties w>‘l> ” s K„lb. who the organization.” But former government attorneys told f Former Budget n fof w a Bridge such separation payouts are rare in the Lft the administration in D* university . fe described as a dream job a aflysortof public sector. 1 “I don’t recall one during my tenure," said if Michigan, said he did not stfc Steven Liedel, who served as chief legal counsel to former Gov. Jennifer Granholm. separation agreement. nt (outing * However, “there really are no regulations t Gordon issued a *tal )9 pandem ftate's record during the<O severancc. jc, but did not directly addre •r related to it that I’m aware ofr Liedel said. Cabinet officials like cordon are not sub­ ject to civil service rules that protect other state workers. Instead, they serve at the plea­ sure of the governor, and the manner in which they leave is essentially between them and their appointing authority, he said. Confidentiality clauses sometimes occur in government but they aren t standard course,” said Steve Delie. a transparency and open government expert at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a free market think tank based in Midland. “It’s important that citizens understand why the changes in these high-profile and very important positions happen, and jfs important lo understand,, the decision-making process that led to the change, he said. When taxpayer funds arc used, “taxpayers should be entitled lo know v>hat led to that separation." Delic had worked as an attorney for .small cities and governments and said the deals are primarily because of underlying circumstanc­ es that make diem appealing to both parties as a way “assuage their risk.” Employers benefit because their former employee agrees not to sue them, he noted. Departing employees, in turn, benefit from the cash, but the confidentiality agreement also could keep unflattcringinfonnation from being made public and complicating any future job search, ...... •. .i..i. • • ■ ■ • • • li . V • ; (///»!*, fl • ’ ’HVl fl .. Whitmer administration ^funding lhe GOP had tried to cldX’^ for policy concession!, “ ^tXaiTc attorney Steven according to Deniot r^l,v f , j counsel to Liedel. who served as cm b former Gov. Jentti fer spen(jing to an 7 hat’s because. I > . jiaVe VIOjatcd unrelated bill. Repub Michigan the •object-title^ c*a referencing a Constitution. Llf<,u' „.',ha|| embrace more requirement that no la expressed in than one object, which shall u. r llouse Republicans on Tuesday afternoon med - but narrowly failed - toovenE governors hne-item vetoes, which would have required two-tlurds supermajority votes. Fite unemployment trust fund deposit failed m a M-45 vote, with a handful of Democrats joining Republicans m the attempt ,.Xl!nmer> h?‘l ,PrOp”S,:<1 a $5.6 billion (.OVID relief plan in January, bui thc legislature sat on the funding for weeks while trying lo use it as leverage to force policy concessions. Republicans sent her a $4.2 billion plan last week, which she scaled back to $3.5 billion with a series of line-item vetoes. Roughly $1.2 billion of that — all federal funding — remains in limbo as the governor’s legal team reviews the legality of strings attached by lhe Legislature. Whitmer chopped one of those strings Tuesday, vetoing a GOP bill that would have prohibited the state health department from closing schools or sporting events in the event of an outbreak. Thc Legislature tried to make $841 million in K-12 education funding contingent on the governor signing that policy bill, and it’s not immediately clear what happens next. Republicans contend lhe money goes back into the bank for future negotiations, but it’s possible the governor could declare lhe GOP language unconstitutional and try to spend the money anyway. In her veto letter, Whitmer told lawmakers her legal team is still reviewing that question, but she signed the proposal before the analy­ sis is complete “in the interest of getting this money to work for Michigan." Senate Appropriations Chairman Jim Stamas. R-Midland, accused Whitmer of put­ ting “her absolute power” ahead of relief funding, calling it a “sad day for our system of government, our students trying to catch up. and the family-owned businesses trying to survive after being shut down by the governor without a path fort reopening." Whitmer also vl-toed a measure thal would have transferred the power lo close schools and sports to local health departments, and only allow them lo.Jo so based on COVID-19 case counts and other metrics. The Michigan Association for Local Public Health argued thc measure would create “variation and confusion," noting that school district boundaries,<lon’t overlap exactly with those of health departments. The Legislature also tried lo make $347 million in federal funding for contact tracing and lab testing contingent upon Whitmer Signing a Senate GOP bill that would prohibit the state health department from extending epidemic orders beyond 28 days without leg­ islative approval. Whitmer is expected to veto that bill as well, but it has not yet actually reached her ‘It just doesn’t upper right* Michigan /Xttomcy General Dana Nessel’s office declined to say whether it reviewed Gordon’s separation agreement, which was signed and executed by Totten, lhe governor’s chief legal counsel. "We provide legal advice to our clients, should they ask for it.” Nessel spokesperson Kelly Rossman-McKinney told Bridge. “Any advice and counsel wc provide is considered attorney-client privilege.” Legislative Republicans have signaled they may try to use thc annual budget process to restrict stale spending on such deals in future. “We have to look at prohibiting these in the future because it just doesn’t appear right.’ said stale Rep. Matt Hall. R-Marshall. who grilled Gordon last year as chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Select Committee on lhe COVID-19 pandemic. “I think the public has a right to know what’s so important that Robert Gordon knows to execute a decision like this." A former Obama administration official, Gordon began working f°r Whitmer in 2019. He became the state’s primhry authority for COVID-19 orders in October after the Michigan Supreme Court invalidated an emergency powers law Whitmer had used to issue her own mandates. Prior to his departure. COP lawmakers had pressed Gordon to explain a number of pan­ demic-related decisions, including a contro-! versial nursing home policy, a contact tracing contract awarded to a political firm that was , quickly rescinded by Whitmer, and thc clo- ' sure of restaurants and other restrictions in mid-November in anl’cipation of a post-Thanksgiving surge­ Sources in and around state government have said they believe the professional rela­ tionship between Gordon and Whitmer had been strained for months prior to his depar­ ture, and some were surprised that it took so long to come to a head. Gordon appeared to be “a really good pub­ lic servant" but may have had policy differ­ ences with Whitmer in what n high-pres­ sure environment, given the CQV1D-19 pan­ demic, said Chamberlain of U-M "This (separation agreement; jusl ivcs ,he Republican members ol the H0Use anbd ScnaIC something to stand up and poU|)d the |ab|e about,” he said. Pclissero, the goveniment at Sa„ta Clara University, said he is not familiar with Gordon’s tenure, but he noted that “we arc operating in unusual times and (he demjc has changed typical g°veminent behavior because of the urgency of pub|ic iiealth issues.” That raises an ethical 9UcsfiOn jlt. sajd: “Was the public interest served re5jgna. lion >nd lhe subsequent scpanjjjQH agree­ ment)? Or was this a P°*lltcal|y-expcdient decision by the governor s offiCc |dm resigh?” desk. '^Legislative Republicans are attemptingJo "forec approval" of a “provis.on that would otherw ise not be approved on its ow , told Bridge Michigan. “That s 1 ° rolling, and it’s inconsistent with the p P of the title-object clause.” Whitmer could use her unilateral aut > to declare the GOP language unconstitutiona or unenforceable, which would allow thc state to spend the federal funding unless it is blocked by a court, which Liedel called an unlikely scenario. "I’ve never seen the Legislature or other groups successfully use the courts to alter thc governor’s course of action.” he said. “There isn’t any precedent for that." In the meantime, more negotiations arc likely as Michigan has more than $1 billion in unspent federal money, and Congress is on the brink of approving another relief package that will send another surge of cash into the slate. In a Tuesday letter. Budget Director Dave Massaron requested a meeting with House and Senate appropriations chairs to open talks on thc state’s next supplemental spending plan. “The items that were vetoed in the recent set of bills sent to us by thc Legislature repre­ sent key points of difference between us. but il does not represent an unwillingness to work together,” Massaron wrote. "If wc can gel together in a room and dis­ cuss our common goal to help lhe people of Michigan. I believe we can come to an agree­ ment on putting the remaining federal dollar; to work for our state." Sheriff’s office reopens The Barry County Sheriff’s Office will reopen some front-office functions this week. Handgun permits will be available for purchase 9-11 a.m.Tuesdays. I-4 p.m. Fridays and by appointment by calling 269-948-4805. A drop box remains in lhe lobby for dropping off handgun purchase slips. i Inmate visitation will resume next week, with a full schedule available on the sheriff’s office Facebook page. Sign-ups are available by calling 269-948-4804. Other functions remain available via phone. CITY OF HASTINGS 156501 PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 598 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 596: TO AMEND CHAPTER 6 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING THE FOLLOWING: SECTION 6-1; THAT SECTION 6-1 DOES NOT APPLY TO THE LEGAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR, BEER, WINE, OR SPIRITS IN A COMMONS AREA OF A SOCIAL DISTRICT ESTABLISHED BY THE HASTINGS CITY COUNCIL IN COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC ACT 124 OF 2020 MCL SECTION 436.1551. was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the Sth of March 2021. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8.00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk Southwest Barry County Sewer Authority County of Barry, Michigan NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING on Proposed 2021 - 2022 Budget Public Notice is hereby given that the Commission of the Southwest Barry County Sewer Authority will conduct a public hearing on the Aut on y proposed budget for the Authority's 2021 - 2022 fiscal year on Marc. 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Southwest Barry County Sewer Authority . 11191 S. M-43 Hwy., Delton, Michigan 49046. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public office of the Authority located at 11191 South M-43 Highway. Michigan 49046 during regular authority business hours, to other business which may properly come before tmM" »• Commission will consider any comments made by lhe P whether to hearing on the Authority's budget and further, will cons adopt, and may adopt, the annual Authority budget fo < jn fiscal year. If adopted, the budget may be adoptedI >n in hs originally presented, or in such amended form as me discretion may determine. All interested persons may attend the public hearing­ Southwest Barry County Sewer Authority �rno Bannor Page 10— Thursday. March 11. ?021 Barry County United Way announces funding recipient5 *...- nreseOie** While COVID-19 haS .p^r, progrsn^ new challenges over thc for the and services that have Fn)' c rallied to community for many year? ‘ |H.cjs. adjust to the changing nl*? directly impact Thirty-Four program5' .fl contri buttons residents will be funded than _ ^arry County made through the most rev • United Way campaign|hflnk sO many “We W°nl Savard to give this donors that have stepP" ni(ed Way Board year," Matt GoebelJ0 re)casc Chairman said m 1 ‘ x)nIrj|)litions coming “With so many ™ " businesses were from employeeforking from home, closed, and othe« vi;wouldlK[lb|c to meet wewere notsure^ program,. Many the nieds with crcalive ways for (business^ involved. If not for so many of "tc ^enciM would struggle lo provide thc needed ProTheaIlo«lionscommittee, which is made ud of a diverse group of 21 volunteers who represent all areas of Barry County, met with the agencies that requested funding. They are charged with funding agencies that meet the community impact agenda, the mission statement of United Way and strict financial requirements. “This is thc hardest committee we ask people to sene on,” allocations chair Cortney Collison said. “The agencies all provide a great service to our community. Deciding what level to fund them at is very difficult.” Agencies requested funding ranging from $6,500 to $94,000. The process was open to any 501(c)3 agency that provides direct service to residents of Barry’ County. The allocations distributed were based on their requests. Barry County United Way provides support to agencies that impact the community in four focus areas: Helping youth reach their full potential; supporting families to achieve well-being and success; helping seniors find support and maintain independence; and addressing urgent and emerging needs. Youth programs In the area of helping youth achieving their full potential, eighteen programs were supported. - Thc Barry County 4-H program will provide non-formal. hands-on educational programs for youth age 5 to 19 in areas including life skills, leadership/cilizenship, science, healthy living and many other a||(Haia'|S ,*’c $46,901 it has been in <b?ilr„B.aVli|lack Plx,»ram received $1,246 will «i".'”l0ns’ ’ncome-qualilied children blw ? ' '°u Sl’°P" f™ s<-'>«>« supplies nnd we. LP J I-* ,hlS Pro",i'm "’»»’«ke' place thc September?’6 5ChO°' ~ AuPHI/ Eany County Substance Abuse Y?1!011 Y’1 receive *20,000 to deliver . oo - ased substance abuse-prevention I rot.ramming services to students in school ■systems countywide and the Teens Against ;nc“’lIse Pegram. Leadership YoulhQuest U1,I.IZ? funtIs provided last year that were not used due to the pandemic to provide local High school teens a leadership camp program. This camp helps youth reach their full potential through group team-building cooperatives and initiatives, high-adventure programs and personality style indicators. - The President Gerald R. Ford Boy Scouts Council will utilize $4,000 to provide Bany County Scouts with materials to plan their year ot scouting and recruit new scouts, camperships lor those in need, adult leader training, accident and liability insurance and online tools for scout leaders. - Funding of $11.000 has been awarded to Thornapple Parks and Recreation for safe, affordable and healthy recreational sports programs, including baseball, softball and flag football to youth of the Thomapple Kellogg school district and surrounding communities. - Toys for Barry County Kids received designations of $9,866. These dollars will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for incomequalified children who fall through the cracks of other Christmas programs in the community. - ’Fhe YMCA of Barry County will use its $90,000 to offer numerous programs and services in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. These programs include scholarships for camp opportunities, outdoor education programming, Y-Time (school-aged child care), youth sports, swim lessons and aquatics programming, Y-Mentors. Y on lhe Fly and the B Bus. - Barry County Imagination Library will receive $10,000 to provide free ageappropriate books to local children from birth to age 5. These books are received via U.S. Postal Service to their homes in their names. Family support Nine programs in the focus area that helps families achieve well-being and success jv., Help sought wotto for YMCA photos Several photographs have been collected for the upcoming 75th anniversary book on Hastings’ Camp Algonquin. J-Ad Graphics and the YMCA of Barry County are seeking help in putting names to faces of people in the photos. If you can help identify anvone in this photo, please email news@j-adgraphics.com. providing spelling, as accurately as possible, and description of the person, using clothing and position in the photo as reference. An approximate year when the photo was taken would be helpful, as well. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Husiness Services Help Wanted SsCONSlKUCliON- excellent employ­ ment OPPORTUNITY! 18 year.s 5*petf|e flooring, wall, Pa,ntin?Lnr^Vements, trim, home impro 320rubbish removal. 269 Pine Lake Grocery is looking to hire Part-time & Full-time Cashiers & Pizza Cooks! Must be cool & kind! Apply within 942 Doster Road, Plainwell, #269-685-5323. 3890. _ ________ _ MATr^NDdreLYcO”o‘; Sporting Goods BUYING A!'L tH white WOODS: Walnut for mRSALE: 8 hp Mercury 4 aroke not even broke in yet. WhsUnd$l»00 ^m. Call ^,9'908-^18 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in thia newspaper is subject ta the Fair Housing AU arid the Michipn Civil Kijlits Art whith collectively nuke it lllefal to advertise *jusy preference, ImuUtion of discrimination tv.-cd on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial vteiuj, iMtionai origin, age or martial statui. of an intention, to make any such prefetenve, limitation rtrdncnminatn >n.I aniilial status includes children under the age of JM living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women anti people securing custody of children under IM. This newspaper will not knowingly iwcepf any advertising f<sr real estate which is in violation of the law Our readers arc hereby informed that all dwelling* advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity lusts To report diwrinurutio’i call ths lair Housing Center al 6l6-45f.29MO fhe HUI) toll free telephone number for the bearing impaired is I MX) V27 9275. received funu:.hl> received fundj Co,lrl-Anf; J Special Advocates, or CASA, for receive $7,000 to offset expend * ,eruit, screen, train and monitor six lo. %( new volunteers tn advocate for chji iC,‘\vho have come into the foster care sys •’ Barry County due to abuse and nCg|:*ln ’• provide overall program support to the .ai?^2 CASA volunteers. ’ A ,0U1 SX «40 will provide safe sleep environments । jpld safety information and education J irenls who are unable to provide appto^ Sleeping environment for their infants c/i\idlers. Each referred or qualified 100 the Family Support Center’s crib m receives a Pack-nPlny, crib or f mattress, two fitted sheets, and a tQ jmc quilt. -lhe Family Support Center aS0 was allocated $45394 to provide thc Family Workshop SerjCs ..Your Babies First Year” book. Period of p^le Crying program as well as provide Kinship Support Services and have a parent educator on staff. - Habitat for Huinanity will use supplies purchased la.sl wil|1 jts allocations of $15,000 and this year’s $12,464 to purchase additional buildjng materials for repair on existing homes for ipw-incomc families. - An award of $9,500 has been allocated to Sale 1 harbor (q (O provide a lifeline for child abuse and neglect victims in the county. Safe }|ar6or conducts forensic interviews where children can disclose their stories of abu.se ancj neglect in a single interview in a child-friendly environment. - Lastly, will be used to support 211 services in tfje county. Grants and other funds will be used to support the car seat installation and education program. Day of Caring, the Family Economic Support Office, and the smoke and carbon monoxide detector program. . Forums for seniors Helping seniors find support and maintain independence had two programs request funding. - The Commission on Aging will receive $18,000 in funding for its Meals on Wheels program. This service delivers nutritious, hot. cold and liquid meals to homebound Barry County residents age 60 and over. - In Home Services will receive $6/500 to provide personal care, housekeeping and respite services to older adults with physical limitations causedby chronic disease, terminal illness and frailty. * Urgent needs I hree programs that address urgent needs received funding. Green Gables Haven will utilize $45,000 to provide sale and secure emergency shelter for individuals intrids situations arising from domestic violence ‘ We could not keep our doors open if not for this funding,” Janie Bergeron, executive director, said. Green Gables Haven provides sanctuary 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 365 days a year. In lhe fiscal year ending Sept. 302020, Green Gables served 102 individuals, seven of whom were children. Green Gables’ case workers assist domestic violence survivors by providing immediate shelter and/or support of understanding the tnuma. developing goals and increasing safety to secure life-altering changes. - Family Promise will utilize its $17,464 in funding to partner with 12 host churches lo provide temporary housing. While involved with Family Promise, services for families includes mentoring, budgeting and connection to other resources. - Fresh Food Initiative received $16,000. which will continue to provide an average of 13,(X)0 pounds of food per week to those in need. Every' Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m.. Fresh Food boxes are packed into vehicles al the Green Street Church. This program is open to all Barry County residents. In addition to the above entities thal requested funding, 19 not-for-profit 50l(c)3 health and human service agencies were designated dollars by donors totaling $16,642. Nine in-county agencies that did not request funds were designated dollars by donors totaling $13,310. * Programs that are operated within thc Barry County United Way and funded through grants and other ty pes of donations include free dental clinic intake, financial mentoring. Family Economic Support Office, Continuum of Care-Homeless Prevention and Emergency Assistance including lhc MEAP Utility Assistance, VSP eyeglass voucher program. Veterans Affairs, Volunteers <n Tax Assistance and the Volunteer Center. „ ”We are very- fortunate that the Florence Tyden Groos Endowment F‘>nd heId b>' lJe Barry' Community Foundation supports the administrative Co$its of the Barry' County United Way,” G”L| said. ‘This allows all dollars donated to lhe annual campaign to be distributed t0 proErams and services that directly imp.^ residents of our community.” Further infOnnatil,n ,hc agencies funded bv Barry' County United Way can be found on|:.u» al bcunitedway.org or by calling Lani 269-945'4010. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT J?°“NTY °F BARRY notice to creditors EstAfA DECEDENT’S ESTATE ?LE N0’ 25'°2fl749-DE 5 Laura P9aM Da,e of birth; TO AIL CREDITORS: France<u^ CFiEDrTURS: Tha decedent, aoves Laura Pease, died 12/09/2019. claim^ I5 decedont nro notified that all claim, against the estate will be forever barred reD?eqpnfP?Sen’ed t0 CaH Poas<3‘ P*fSOnal WPCourt SV0’ or t0 60111 lho Pf°bate court at 206 thn U.06t' St°’ 3°2' HaStin9S- Ml 49050 representative within 4 months after n . Pubheation ot this notice. Date. 3/09/2021 Jackie L. Baker P76955 137 West State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3999 Carl Pease 3956 Ionia Rd. Bellevue. Ml 49021 (269) 948-8529 156540 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE ALE NO. 2021-28683-DE Estate of Mary L Morgenstern A/K/A Mary Lou Morgenstern. Deceased. Data of Birth; January 30.1935. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Mary L Morgenstern A/K/A Mary Lou Morgenstern, died October 14. 2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that an claims against the estate will be forever barrod unless presented to Russell C. Morgenstem, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W Court Street, Ste 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 1/2/2021 Jaffa, Raitl. Heuer & Weiss. P.C. ShiriayA. Kaigler P25681 27777 Franklin Road, Ste. 2500 Southfield. Ml 48034 (248) 351-3000 Russell C. Morgenstern 14021 Talbot Street Oak Park, Ml 48237 (248)547-6850 156499 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE ALE NO. 21-28755-DE Estate of Judy Ann Crapo. Date of birth: February 16, 1944 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Judy Ann Crapo, died January 1,2021 Cred.tors of the decedent are notified that all claims against tho estate and the Judy A. Crapo Living Trust dated October 14, 2014, will be forever barred unless presented to Sherry Dzioba and Diana Cooley, personal representative and trustees, or to both tho probate court at 206 W. Court Street. Ste. 302. Hastings, Ml 49058 and lhe personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date March 9.2021 Rhoades McKee Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Sherry Dzioba and Diane Cooley c/o Rhoades McKee, 150 W. Court Street Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST ESTATE Estate of Betty J. Norns. Date of birth: Sept. 25. 1924 NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Betty J. Norris. Settlor of the Betty J. Norris Trust dated March 7,1996. died on February 1,2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the decedent, her estate, or her trust will be forever barred unless presented to Kimberly J Norris. Trustee of the Betty J. Norris Trust within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Susan Gell Meyers Warner Norcross & Judd LLP 150 Ottawa Ave NW Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 752-2000 Kimberly J. Norris, Trustee 11782 Barlow Lake Road Middleville, Ml 49333 (616)915-3728 members present 5 guests Motion approved rninuies of Feb. is . meeting and Feb. 2nd, Board ... Motion approved paying of th® b- CRC Department reports Public Comment. None New Business. Budget discussion O'.d Business None Board Comment Motion lo adjourn, meeting adjou . Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Supported by: Tom Rook/Supervisor rt-12 om ' , _• . y STATE OF MICHIGAN • PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY •j NOTICE TO CREDITORS • DECEDENT'S TRUST ESTATE . Estate of Constance Signs Trust. Date of birtre 04/20/1925. TO ALL CREDITORS; NOTICE TO CREDITORS The ‘ > decedent. Constance Signs, died 01/22/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that ail claims against the estate will be forever barrod unless presented to Bame Signs or Lana Fhearmare personal representatives within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice •. DATE: 3/8/21 John Teeples \ 25 Ionia Ave. SW, Ste. 230, Grand Rapids. Ml 49503 616-776-7200 Barrie Signs & Lana Aiearman 1405 Bachman Rd., Hastings. Ml 49058 269-953-3164 « •* 156605 NOTICE \Attentlon homeowner; If you are a military service ‘ member on active duty, If your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated In thia notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236. MCL 600.3212, thal the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at tho place of holding tho circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on MARCH 18, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. . Default has been made in the conditions of er mortgage made by Michael David Lacross, M<JK Michael D. Lacorss. an unmarried man. to MortgageElectronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee, for lender and lenders successors and/or assigns; Mortgagee, dated October 28. 2016 and recorded November 3,2016 in Instrument Number 2016-011089, Barry County Records. Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Oceanside Mortgage Company, by assignment There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eleven Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Two and 49/100 Dollars ($111,732.49). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan al 1.00 PM on MARCH 18.2021. Said premises are located in lhe Township of Woodland. Barry County Michigan, and are described as: , Parcel l: Lot 16 and the East 1/2 of Lot 17. Lake Wood Acres No. 2. Woodland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to tho recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Uber 5 of Plats, Page 69. Barry County Records.Parcel 2: Lot 5. Lakewood Acres, Woodland Township, Barry County. Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Liber 5 of Plats, Page 12. Barry County Records. 9604 Brown Road, Lake Odessa. Michigan 48849 . The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a. in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to lhe mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. . Dated: February 18, 2021 File No. 21-000143 Arm Name; OrlansPC _ . _ ... Firm Address. 1650 West Big Beaver Road. Troy Ml 1 56396 48084 Firm Phone Number: (248) 502.1400 . (02-18)(03-11) 156500 ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP 2021 Budget Public Hearing Notice The Orangeville Township Board will hold a Public Hear^ ProP°sed Budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 at the Orangeville Town^‘p Ha 7350 L,ndsey Rd. Plainwell Mi. 49080: Tuesday March 23,2021 at 7:00P.M. Copy of the proposed budget will be available for Pub,ic office. The Orangeville Township Board will Pr^,da n^essary reasonable auxiliary aids and services as required by the Disabilities act. Call 269-945-9554 for HastinBS Banner classified ads Americans with Disabilities Act’ statinq that if those with disabilities notify the clerk within 10 days prior to the meeting accommodation3 wi]l be furnished to satisfy such disabilities and allow meaningful attenda"^e CleT MefRisn^r Homa requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the GierK. Mei Hisner, Home -269-672-2324 office- 269-664-4522. Thomas Rook �The Hastings B SPORTS ANNER section Thursday, March 11. 2021 Vikings get win over Saxons in final bout The Saxons' Elias Sanchez nears a pm in his 215-pound match with Lakewood s Jayden Manharl during the quad at Hastings High School Wednesday (March 3). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings' Tanner Rairigh (left) fights to avoid getting tripped up by Lakewood’s Brenden Straub during their 145-pound bout Wednesday at Hastings High School (Photo by Brett Bremer) we’re hanging in the matches," coach Slaughter said. Even Sherry, the last Saxon to fall to Lakewood, had reason to be pleased with his evening. He had a pivotal pin in lhe 119pound match to open lhe 1-8 dual with the Mounties. “Hastings is a good team. They beat Jackson Northwest. Jackson Northwest is [ranked] four in D2. Granted, the) didn’t bring everybody, but the ones they did were tough as snot. We’re a young team and I think we’re climbing the ladder," Harmer said. “It is a process with young guys. They make those freshmen mistakes and they lend to beat themselves up when they come off the mat, and it is our job to say. ‘hey. you’re a freshman. It happens,’ and build them up rath­ er than cut them down and yell al them or anything else like that.” The late 103-pound win by Clark for the Vikings was huge too. especially since it was a match in which he trailed Neal 5-1 heading into the third period. Clark got an escape point early in the third period and then evened the match at 5-5 with a take down with 85 sec­ onds. The Viking lightweight stayed on top of Neal for a minute before turning him to get lhe three near fall points he needed lo win. Hanner said he has seen Clark turn a comer this winter as a sophomore “He has this will and desire to not lose to just keep going, going and going," Harmer it is.” . ..... “It was an exciting day today. Harmer said. said “I haven’t had one of these days in a The Saxons first 30 points in thc dual with long time, since last year. It just seems,like we Lakewood came from a forfeit win by Joe have always been fightmg uphill battles and Goggins at 130 and pins from Cohen Smith at finally the clouds have opened up and God 135 pounds. Mason Denton at 140, Elias Sanchez at 215 and Dubois al 285 * smiled down on us today. We re blessed We’re thankful Hastings invited us here and There was a brief tense moment at the start as one of the first actions of the dual was Lakewood state medalist Zachary Gibson hftmg Justus Forell oft the mat in the 125but as teams backed out it Mounties pound bout Gibson got him to the ground Lakewood ioinine the Saxons and Mounties appropriately though, and scored a quick pin Lakewood joining u Hanner was 55 seconds in. 1 in Hastings would bt a gooo j 4. bus E , E ms 3 ’ 5 ma J° r decision from also happy to have just about Brenden Straub at 145 pounds in a match with " Tm sure the fans enjoyeditf » fanner Ramgh, and Lakewood’s Keegan Vm.A stmc earned a 54) win over Robby head coach Darrell Slaughter sai^ Slaughter at 152. The V,kings look ,hcir walking away with a lossCredit lead smee Gibson s opening pin in the dual, years since we wrestled Lak .They 19-18. when Kyle Peine pinncd Joey Turnes goes to them. They did the ngh gwith a 78 seconds into the I60-pound bout ran their line-up right and came > Lakewood extended its lead to 30-18 with good win.” , ..w 2-1 on Na hamel Graham pmning Victory Ramirez Both I.akewood and Hastings halt a minute into the second period at 171 the day. with wins over Three Rivers.e pounds and Gavin Vaughn scoring a 19-2 bested Jackson Northwest in their c techmeal fall m the 189-pound m’lch with dual, but the Mounties managed to p Blake Barnum. win in their opener with the Vikings-. ^,fC Hastings defeated Three Rivers 39-36 to “My group, they’re finally in shape­ open lhe evening and then bested Northwest going to lose to more talented tenn |aj 45'i f il ?ieinXXJMbeS!e<1Thr^ R’vers 54'24 now. We have the younger guys, but 1 a and fell 39-30 lo Northwest. to see that our endurance is getting there < Brett Bremer Sports Editor It took the scheduling nightmare of a global pandemic, but a couple neighborhood rivals are finally back at it. The Hastings and Lakewood varsity wres­ tling teams both had some things to celebrate Wednesday evening at Hastings High School. The two renewed their rivalry at thc end of a quad which also included Three Rivers and the Saxons’ Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foes from Jackson Northwest (albeit a short-handed team of Mounties). In the first match-up since 2015 between lhe Saxons and Vikings, Lake wood edged the Saxons 38-35. The dual was tied 30-30 11 bouts in after a pin by Saxon heavyweight Jackson Dubois. A new team took the lead in each of the final three bouts: an 8-5 win by the Vikings* Ashton Clark over Dillon Neal al 103 pounds; an 18-3 technical fall by the Saxons’ Zach Chipman against Lake wood 112-pounder Zachary Zbiciak; and Lakewood’s Chris Webb clinched the victory' for his team with a 17-2 technical fall in his 119-pound bout with Hastings’ Kyler Sherry. “Chris Webb finished huge for us. absolute­ ly huge,” Lake wood head coach Tony Harmer said. “Being a freshman, coming in and wres­ tling up a weight. He could make 112 easy, and we don’t push kids to cut this weight this year because we have a young team. It is what Hastings' Zach Chipman (top) works his way out of an awkward spot during his 18-3 techn.cal fan aga.nst Lakewood s senary Zbiciak at 112 pounds Wednesday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Clark. Vaughn, Graham, Petrie, Van Alstine. Daniel Krebs and Gibson had pins for the Vikings in lhe dual with Three Rivers. A pm for Gibson was the lone win on the mat for lhe Vikings in thc dual with Jackson Northwest. Hastings got pins from Neal. Chipman, Denton and Robby Slaughter in the win over Three Rivers, with Goggins picking up an 8-6 devision and Sherry and Rairigh winning against voids in the Wildcat line-up. Neal, Cayden Smith, Goggins, Cohen Smith and Blake Barnum earned the Saxons 30 points for wins against voids in the Jackson Northwest line-up- Jackson Northwest didn’t have a full line-up ready to compete, but the wrestlers the Mounties did bring were tough. They won six of lhe nine contested weight classes. Sherry opened the dual by pinning Jacob Omans 51 seconds into the । jg.pound match. Dubois clinched the victory by pinning Alfredo Mendoza I--'9 into their 285-pound match. . Coach Slaughter said Dubois has been wrestling well of l»'c- «•»<! that is has been good to see his hea'>«'etght refine Ins ability to get u shot in this " ‘ttcr. The Saxons were back in action Saturday at Unity Christian where they scored wins over lhe host Crusaders (60-21). while also hiking n 65-12 win over Godwin Heights and a 72-6 win over Wyoming. Denton, Goggins, Robb) Slaughter anc Dubois were each 3-0 individually. Cedar Springs shows off improvement on Gold mats round one, 216.74 in round two and 297.70 iq round three. TK was second with an overall score of 707.18. ahead of Kenovva Hills 695.72. Forest "Th? Red Hawks puHed even.with. the Hills Eastern 614.22. Grand Rapids Catholic Thornapple Kellogg varsity competin', e cheer Central 600.90 and Wayland 568.10. The Trojans earned scores of 214 00 in teaman the OK Gold Conference standings by­ round one. 201.48 in round two and .91.70 in winning Wednesday’s league jamboree. There were big improvements>n already, but nobody took a bigge . P ward than Cedar Springs Wednesday at Cedar Springs scored almost 50 more points than it did at the opening conference hmboree. where it finished second to the Troians The Red Hawks put up a score of 734 34 Wednesday with a big round two the biggest boost for the Cedar Springs girls. ’Die Red Hawks earned scores of 219.70 in round three. ... , Kenowa Hills had the day’s highest round one score at 220.90. then followed up with q 199.82 in round two and 275.00 m round ""cedar Springs was scheduled to host a con­ ference jamboree last night. Saxon cheer outscores everyone at Harper Creek’s 1-8 jamboree .... . c..xons for a trip to Pennfield last night to *L^hiln,ers'a,c-1! A"’ '“C C ThcThsfit^ competitive cheer t \ minaicd Jamboree hosted by team donu . I svcllnc$da). jn Boll|e Creek. Harper Civ. ( sCOte abou( .i6 pu“,,,g1'T han ntnner-up pennfield. points higher » # Qf 7Ig IX) wilh the Hastings e-‘ each round n,e Saxons top point tot«H scored a 224.60 in round one, 199.10 in round lwo and 29520 in round ihree. Pennfield finished lhe evening with a score of 682.22. ahead of Jackson Northwest 619.32, Lumen Christi 599>18, Parma Western 583.40 and Harper Creek 56650. Pennfidd was second in each round with scores of 221.70 in round one, 19058 in round two and 270.60 in round three. The Saxons followed up that conference __r.r<i • kv nkinc first in their session ant andr second | h an !-««<•> feW «the Gul1 Devil Invitational Saturday. Despite X tough judging, thc Saxons managed to nu h their score over 700 points once agam. P Hastings will lake to its own mats Friday ’‘inK as it hosts the Saxonfest Cheer Invite, H was also be Senior'Parent Night at HHS Friday- �Gannet Page 12 — Thursday. March 11.2021 — The Ha- ■ * Marquee matches don’t materialize on DK ib **_ to; Delton Kellogg’s Joelle White works towards a first-period pin of Constantine’s Faith Waldron in their 103-pound match Wednesday evening at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers prepped for some of their most competitive bouts of the season, but had things not quite go as planned on their home mats at Delton Kellogg High School. Thc Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team lost tough duals to Southwestern Athletic Conference foes Constantine (51-24) and Schoolcraft (57-21). Delton Kellogg head coach Brett Bissclt said things were set up for a couple of battles between state medalists to happen in the opening dual, but two of the toughest Falcons were out of thc line-up Wednesday. Bissctt had been hoping to challenge 189-poundcr Hunter Belew and 215-poundcrCadcn Ferris, his two former state medalists, against Constantine’s Isaac Hall and Boe Eckman. Hall was fourth in the state in Division 3 at 189 pounds a year ago and Eckman the state runner-up in Division 3 at 215. “To our disappointment, both of them were injured, but [coach] Dale {Davidhizar] chose to Bump his 171 up to see Belew, for a great match that came down to conditioning in the end. At 215, it was cither send Caden out against a freshman or bump him to wrestle Chuck Taylor at heavyweight. We’re here to get better for the postseason, so if we’re not setting the kids up with the best competition they can get we aren’t doing our jobs. Caden Delton Kellogg's Caden Ferris (right) tries to turn Constantine heavyweight Chuck Taylor onto his back during their 285-pound match Wednesday at DKHS. (Photo by Perry Hardin) was up big and got caught up in a scramble and put to his back. Hefought well, but 260 pounds is tough to get out from under.” Constantine’s Troy Dcmas edged Belew 6-5 in the opening tiebreaker round of their 189-pound bout. Taylor managed to pin Ferris with one second remaining on the clock in thc second period of their 285-pound match. it was just the second defeat of lhe season for both Belew and Ferris, with both of Ferris’ defeats coming in heavyweight bouts. Joelle White and Gage Vincent, a pair of lightweights, got two wins for the DK team in contested bouts with the Falcons. White pinned Faith Waldron al 103 pounds and Vincent stuck Kali Cox at 112. DK also got a pin from Vinnie Quick at 125 pounds in his match with Eric Dcmas. Andrew Fales picked up DK’s six points at 140 with a forfeit win. Belew got the chance to bounce back against Schoolcraft, scoring an 11-4 w in over Tagg Gott in the 189-pound match. DK also had Luke Watson eam a pin at 171 pounds against Schoolcraft and Vincent score a pin at 112. Ferris took a forfeit win at 215 for DK. DK returned to action Saturday at the Fennville Quad, scoring three victories. The Panthers defeated Comstock 60-12, Fennville 48-11 and Climax-Scotts/Martin 48-24. Hunter Antolovich, Belew. Andrew Fales, Ferris, Quick, Gavin Poley and Vincent were all 3-0 for the day individually. Kiran Vasquez and Mathew Fales had two wins each. Saxons put one m top totm at Q-S Smgies ©©mpetattora The Hastings varsity bowling teams will close out their regular season with Senior/ Parents Night during their duals with Pennfield at Hastings Bowl this afternoon. The Saxons competed in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Singles competition Saturday at JAX 60 in Jackson. Amber Rabideau had the top finish of any of the Saxon bowlers, placing tenth and earn­ ing all-conference honors in the at the event. Hastings had six girls in the top 20. Shyanna Baker placed I3lh, Andrea Rhodes 14th. Daisy Kerby 16th, Ally Herder 17th and Abby Barton 20th. Steven VanOoy led lhe Hastings boys with a 21sl-place finish. The Saxon team also had Gage Richmond 26th, Austin Fenstemaker 34th, Andrew Rhodes 35th, Cameron Eaton 41st and Zavion Twiss 42nd. Hastings was back in action Tuesday at home against Jackson Northwest. The Saxon girls won their dual with the Mounties 28-2, winning both Baker games and both regular games. Herder had a high game of 203 for the Saxons and also rolled a 133. Barton scored a 161 and a 164. Kerby tallied a 147 and a 133. Andrea Rhodes added a 147 and Baker a 139. The Saxon boys were edged 16-15. The Saxons split lhe two Baker games with the Northwest guys, getting a win in lhe firsi one with a 222. Cameron Eaton and Gage Richmond won two match points each in the regular games. Eaton had scores of 198 and 171. Richmond rolled a 222 and a 207. The Saxons also gol a point thanks to a 251 from Drew Rhodes. The Saxons were also in action last Thursday at JAX 60, taking on Parma Western. The Hastings girls scored a 30-0 win while the Hastings boys were bested 22-8. The Saxons’ Drew Rhodes fires a shot down the lane at Hastings Bowl Tuesday afternoon. The Saxon boys fell to the visiting Jackson Northwest guys by a point in their 1-8 dual Tuesday. (Photo by Dan Goggins) TK grapplers undefeated at home and Allendale quads The Trojans keep rolling towards the postThe Thomapple Kellogg varsity Chided team was 3-0 al its home quad lha Jenison, Grandville and a L°Wtd . .1 . Wednesday in Middleville, and f°llov * up by going 3-0 with wins over Al en^ Mattawan and Reeths-Puffer at the A Quad Saturday. In the closest dual of thc 5^ in Wednesday, thc Trojans scored a 36-over the Bulldogs from Grandville. Carter West at 285 pounds. Curtis Jacks at 140, Ashton Corson at 119 and Jack Wr*8 at 112 pounds had pins for TK in the dual wi Grandville. Zack Gibson picked up a techm­ eal fall in lhe 125-pound match and Matthew Middleton scored a major decision at 160. Hie Trojan team also got a 6-4 win from Jackson LaJoye, who bested l^indon Hunt in lhe 145-pound bout. A pair of Grandville’s wins in the dual came from state qualifiers from a year ago. Tyler Herrema bested TK’s Kyron Zoel 12-1 in the 130-pound match. The Bulldogs also got a 4-1 win form Anthony Taylor over Austin Chivis at 152 pounds. In thc day’s other two duals, the TK wres­ tlers outscored Jenison 51-25 and beat the Lowell ’B’ team 49-23. TK defeated Allendale 33-24 in its toughest dual of the day Saturday, and also beat Reeths-Puffer 43-20 and Mattawan 78-5. Corson, Gibson, Kyron Zoel, Jackson Curtis, LaJoye, Chivis and West were all 3-0 for'I K at Allendale. Hastings girl/tooTa 28 2*U™ Tuesday. (Photo by Dan Godins)' Sh°’h'* ,he lane TuesdaV al Hastings Bowl. The V'S'"n9 JaCkS°n Northwest 0irlS in an 1-8 dual Harper Creek hands Saxons eighth I “8 defeat of the season Of the Saxons’ eight losses this winter five have been by five pojnis of less. . Tuesday night wasn’t one of those mg • Harper Creek « over the visiting Hasting, Varsiiy boys b‘,s.kti team in Battle Creek Tuesday. dropP* b <• Saxons’ record to 2.g in the InteRtate-8 Athletic Conference and 3-S overall- . k-irhv Braden Vertalka h« |1 l>o""s and K,,by Beck 17 in the loss. That loss came on tk i . of those close Saxon j \ CC S Coldwater boys scored visiting Saxons last Th.? । 41 Beck led the SaL'Ursday' loss to eh Cardinals. Wl,b'' anolhcr one seas°n. The Wln OVcr lhe Points in the TJ Russell added 11 • F-ldred seven for the and Mitchell lay-up late in thc f0Url?ns’ E,drcd had a key Saxons alive in the b-.iiJ quarler to keep the ’llgame. but the Cardinals were strong al the free throw lien down lhe stretch to seal the win. Hastings had its second ballgame with Lumen Christi, which was scheduled for March 6, canceled. The Saxons bested the Titans in their first 1-8 match-up this season The Saxons return to action al Parma Western tonight and will b at Lowell for a nun-conference ballgame Saturday evening �Points tough to come by for Panthers in loss to Falcons The Panthers Jordan Lyons fires up 3 jump shot from the left side during her team’s non-conference ballgame with visiting Allegan Saturday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Putting the ball in the hoop continues to be a struggle for the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team. The Panthers were bested 63-27 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SAC) action at Constantine Tuesday evening. Assistant coach Kristen Mohn, filling in at head coach tor Mike Mohn for the first time, saw her DK girls battle for eight offensive rebounds on one trip down the floor in the opening moments and still end the extended possession without adding on the scoreboard. Tile Panthers started hitting a few buckets late, scoring 12 of their 27 points in the fourth quarter. Mary Whitmore had a team-high six points. Aubrey Aukennan, Caitlin McManus and Maddie Pape had five points each for DK. Tlie DK girls also fell 49-32 in a non-conference ballgame with /Xllegan in Delton Saturday evening. The visiting Tigers built a 35-16 lead in the opening half. “They hit everything and we hit nothing.” coach Mike Mohn said. “Again, not a good combo. Whitmore had 12 points to lead the DK girls. “| Whitmore] showed moments of what we have expected from her this season.” coach Mohn said. “Just wanting her to not worry Delton Kellogg guard Payton Smoczynski fades to his right as he fires up a shot against Fennville Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Alden takes first half, [Patoe second, as DK wins Delton Kellogg guard Cadence Johnson is hit as she puts up a shot amidst a crowd of Allegan Tigers Saturday at DKHS. (Photo by Perry Hardin) about anything and just go play.” Pape also stepjxxl up her aggressiveness on the offensive end-of-lhe floor Saturday. .."She had three'buckets, back-to-back-fo back in traffic and the kids on the team were pretty pumped up for her,” Mohn added. Pape finished with six points, as did Josie Lyons who hit two three-pointers. “We’re starting to see some growth with this very young team.” coach Mohn said. “It has not shown on thc scoreboard but we arc making strides in learning what it actually takes to compete, consistently, at the varsity level. Perseverance will be lhe key for this team." [ he DK girls are mm 3-8 overall this sea­ son and ! 7 in SAC pl^. The},.return to.con.ference action at Kalamazoo Christian Friday and then will be at home against Parchment Tuesday and at Galesburg-Augusta Thursday in the week ahead. The Panthers earned a forfeit win on Friday over a Fennville team that did not have enough players available to compete. Flawless season ©f dfefe for TKHS ladies bowltrag tear^ The Trojans will go to Park Center Lanes Saturday to try and finish off the undefeated OK Gold Conference season. The Thomappie Kellogg varsity girls’ bow ling team finished off its undefeated sea­ son of conference duals with a 28-2 win over Forest Hills Eastern al Hastings Bowl Tuesday afternoon. The Trojans won both Baker and both reg­ ular games against the Hawks, and picked up eight of thc ten individual match points in the rcoular games with Carly Snyder and Dalace Jousma ^earning two each. Snyder rolled games of 188 and 170 and Jousma scored a 179 and a 149. TIip TK ladies won the first baker game 17-.-91 and lhe second 151-11 l-TIte two reg­ ular games the Trojans won by the scores of ’".S ® » with a 128, Faith Foster one with a 120 and Emily Podbevsek one with a 116. TK also got games of 139 and 113 from senior Cayleigh Willard. The TK ladies were 14-0 in the conference duals this season and 15-0 in duals overall. The TK boys closed out an 11 -3 OK Gold Conference season and a 12-3 season of duals with their 27-3 win over the Hawks Tuesday. Michael Willshire, who recently signed his national letter of intent lo join the Davenport University Mens’ Bow ling team next season, rolled games of 263 and 202 for lhe Trojans. Ethan Kriekaard scored a 246 and a 185 and Wyatt Jacobson a 191 and a 178. Willshire won one match point, and Kriekaard and Jacobson took two each. Connor Newland lok a match point with a 190 for TK and Nate Palmer earned one with a 168. TK also got games of 129 from Z Moore and 107 from Wyatt Barnes. Shooting woes cause TK trouble in overtime loss . . .heir regular season The Trojans won t gel •' -£)jans filled rematch with Waylandwj(h # tnp to the hole on the sehed Northview tonight ’Mj1* varsity boys’ basThe Thomappie Kel'0^ ,|| and 4-7 in'lie kelball team is now 4-8 •' j48 overtime OK Gold Conference aftc _ lhetr loss at Kenowa Hi b 1 K ' fourth consecutive defeat victones o> The Trojans got tho'' knocking olf the season in nitd-f ebr • Xand the" Kettowa Hills on a Middlevil^ _ besting Wayland on a Iriday put the This time, the Trojans ju'c .p,,. Trojans ball in the basket often er out ^int hue were 2-of-20 from behind the r Jline. and just 4-01-13 from the Ires "To shoot dial poorly from outside and still have thc game go to OT is a testament to the effort we played with throughout the game,” TK head coach Joshua Thaler said of the loss. “We were able to pound the ball inside, but struggled to hit some outside shots to extend our lead early on.” Austin VanEI.se led the charge inside to keep 1K in the ballgame, finishing with 22 points. 17 rebounds and four blocked shots. Nolan Dahley added seven pojnls for TK, Terrell Jefferson five and Levi Vanderlleide and Cole Shoobridge had fOur .X)illt.s each. Jefferson finished with six rebounds, five assists and three steals as well. Shoobridge had six rebounds and four assists. The TK boys won the first baker game 208­ 136 and the second 169-138. TK took lhe first regular game 924-757 and the second 936­ 824. The Trojan teams were in action Monday as well, with boys and girls both scoring wins against South Christian at Spectrum Lanes. There w ere a number of great scores on the day for the TK ladies who won 26-4. Jousma had games of 220 and 209. Snyder rolled a 211 and a 201. Foster tallied a 185. Hess rolled a 146. Willard had games of 133 and 110, Green scored a 110 and Lily SecordRidcr contributed a 71 lor the TK girls. The TK boys took a 22-8 win with great results. Kriekaard scored a 234 and a 202. Jacobson rolled a 225 and a 189. Willshire contributed a 217 and a 190. TK got a 224 from Newland. Palmer added a 193 for IK, Barnes a 142 and Moore a 141. Brett Bremer Sports Editor r\ four-point loss at Constantine in late February w as the start of a four-game skid for thc Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team. The work that they’ve done between then and now paid off for the Panthers finally Tuesday night. DK avenged the early season loss to the Falcons with a 65 -31 over visiting Constantine in a Southwestern Athletic Conference ball­ game Tuesday night al DKHS. . “Wc have been gelling heifer. In spite some recent lopsided losses wc could see some improvement.” DK head coach Jim Hogoboom said. “Today things came together in a really positive way. Wc had our worst practice of the year |Monday], but kids came out ready to play. Really proud of our effort. For the third game in a row we got some offensive contri­ butions from 7-8 guys. Not a lot. but everyone chipping in and being more aggressive on offense and on lhe glass at both ends.” Alden Whitmore led the offensive contri­ butions for DK. finishing with a career-high 25 points. He had 18 in the first half. Cole Pape took over lhe paint in the second half for DK, scoring 19 of his 23 points in the final tw’o quarters to go along with his 14 rebounds. “I thought we did a really good job of con­ taining (Constantine’s] Davontc Conley hold­ ing him to three points. He had 15 in the sec­ Delton Kellogg's Mason Nabozny floats ond half at their place when they beat us by towards the hoop to get a shot off Friday four so our defense on him was solid Guys against Fennville. (Photo by Perry Hardin) really communicated where he was on the floor and we had good rotation and help to contain him.” Constantine was lead by lan Hulett who whole game for the first time all year and feel finished with nine points, all in the second like we can be a good defensive team down ' lhe stretch." quarter. There is work to do al the free throw line. • DK is now 3-8 overall following the victo­ ry. and 3-5 in lhe SAC Valley Division. DK DK started slow and fell tn an 11-4 hole a! the will be al Kalamazoo Christian Friday and start of the ballgame. I he Panthers got back in then close out lhe regular season with ball­ it lo make it a four-point game, but missed games at Parchment Tuesday (March 16) and eight free throw s in lhe fourth quarter and • at home against Galesburg-Augusta March were just 15-of-32 at lhe line overall. Fennville scored a 53-27 win over the 18. Allegan scored a 52-48 non-conference win Panthers at DKHS last FridayThe Blackhawks over the visiting DK boys, who were playing scored the first 14 points of the ballgame. DK their second game in iwo nighls and third in got to within seven in the second quarter but had three straight possessions where Fennville four. Saturday. Pay ton Smoczynski provided a scoring made plays and the Panthers didn t convert boost to keep lhe Panthers in the ballgame, and the Blackhawks held onto their lead. Smoczynski had a team-high eig it points finishing with a career high 16 points. DK had for Delton Kellogg. ... eight guys score in lhe loss. Tv ler Schul had 12 points. fyr rc"'ivl,le and “That is progress as we look to find more scoring and looking for more guys to be a his team had three others «ith at least nine threat and attack lhe basket.” Hogoboom said points. after lhe loss. “Wc played man-to-man thc Vikings raise scores, win GLAC cheer championship The scores are “P f«* lhe Greater I ansine Activities Conference championslhe Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team finished olfan cheated GLAC season by winning the eo« Jamboree hosted 1/ \<.,«i. Villev Wednesday evening. ' The^akcwood pu, 10gelher a total score <>1'696.68 to Ij^nre than 80 points ahead of runncr-«P 609^50, XdI of Abridge 595.20 and Maple Valley 269.40 (the Lions didn’t compete in round three). Lakewood earned 224.10 points in round one, added a round two score of 200.48 and then finished with a 272.10 in round three. IIkkc were all improvements from thc previous GLAC jamboree, including jumps of nearly a dozen points in round one and more than 17 in round two. Lakewood’s overall score bested its score from the second conference jamboree by more than 35 points. Leslie was second in each of the first t"1’ I u IncsdJV, W Ith scores of 205.50 and and then finished with a round three ‘ ‘ 80. Perry was about 23 points Xvl’the BlackhavvU heading into round . „i ,Mined some eround with a round ihrt-k - ; j-t>| Qp which was bested only three 01 \ ? hv the Vikings on thc evening. The Lakewood ladies are scheduled to be at M jplc Valley for an invitational Friday. �Pane 14 — Thursday, March 11. 2021 — Saxon growth shows up on scoreboard Hastings junior Carly Warner fires a three-point attempt from the left corner during her team’s win over visiting Harper Creek Tuesday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxon junior guard Arian Bond keeps a close eye on Harper Creek senior guard Marley Bussler in the Saxons’ defensive end at Hastings High School Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Beavers nearly pressured their way past lhe Saxons, but Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team held on for its first Interstate-8 Athletic Conference victory of the season Tuesday at Hastings High School. The Saxons knocked of the Beavers 49-37 as they work to turn things around in the sec­ ond half of the season. Hastings pushed Coldwater to overtime last Thursday and was edged by Lumen Christi by four points, 32-28. in Jackson Saturday. Both those squads outscored lhe Saxons by dou­ ble-figures the first lime through the league slate this winter. Harper Creek took a 24-point win over the Hastings girls when they met in Battle Creek last month. The Saxons built their lead over the Beavers in the first half Tuesday with moments of per­ sistent passing around lhe perimeter and looks into the paint lhat led to open shots. Great ball movement led to a three-pointer by Macy Winegar lhat gave the Saxons their first lead at 5-4 and another by Carly Warner that nudged their lead to 11-5 in the opening quar- ter. Thc lead was 11-5 by the end of the first quarter for Hastings and grew to as many as ten points early in the second as Brianna Barnes scored in transition off a long defen­ sive rebound. “When we were moving the ball we were gelting good looks, however we still had a number of possessions in the first half against their zone where we had players driving gaps on lhe first pass against a set defense or taking shots from the wing against a 3-2 on the first pass,” Hastings head coach Mike Engle said. “We could be more patient, and I really think when we were patient we got really good shots. Our goal was really to work it into Josey (Nickels). She has really emerged the second half of the season as a player teams have struggled to stop. The only way we’re going to get a touch for her is when lhe ball starts moving and that is when gaps start opening in the defense.” Hastings advantage was nine al the half and grew to 14 points quickly before the Beavers switched from their zone to a full-court pres­ sure defense lhat shook the Saxons. Harper Creek never needed to do that in the first meeting between lhe two teams this season. “You can still see our youth trying lo break lhat press,” Engle said. Payton Rice hit a three-pointer for the Beavers to cut the Saxon lead lo ten at the end of the quarter, and a 10-1 run in the first three and a half minutes of lhe fourth quarter by Harper Creek had the Beavers within one al 34-33. Defense finally sparked the Saxons, as a steal by Winegar led to a tough bucket in tran­ sition by junior Allison Teed. Nickels, a senior forward/guard. fought off foul trouble long enough to manage an offensive put back and a pair of perfect free throws following a defensive rebound thal put the Saxons in front 40-33 over thc next couple minutes. Hastings managed an 11 -1 run of its own to take control of thc game back of the final minutes. Those two free throws by Nickels were part of a 7-of-lQ performance by the Saxons at the line dow® the stretch. Winegar finished with a team-high 15 points. Arian Bond had 12 points anil Brooklyn!) Youngs eight for the Saxons. Teed finished with six points, and Nickels and Barnes had four each. Bond was key in limited minutes on both ends of lhe floor. She had six rebounds and seven steals, while also being a solid ball-han­ dler for the Saxons. “As a junior on the varsity, lhe speed of the game the first part of the season is often tough to adjust to. As [Bond] has adjusted, she has really been giving us quality minutes from a Lions winning on mat, if not always on the sc©reb®ard Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions on the mat did more winning than the Ramblers and Eagles, but it wasn’t quite enough for a Greater Lansing Activities Conference (GLAC) victory at Perry High School Wednesday night. The Maple Valley varsity wrestling team went 1-2 al a quad hosted by Perry, falling to GLAC foes Perry and Olivet while besting Tawas 30-15 in a non-conference dual. The Lions and Eagles were lied 30-30 at lhe end of their match-up with Olivet gelling the win on criteria thanks lo three forfeit wins compared to the Lions' two. In thc dual with Perry, the Lions and Ramblers finished tied 38-38 with the Ramblers winning two matches by forfeit and lhe Lions just one. Lion wrestlers who actually competed against the two GLAC foes were 3-2 against the Eagles and 4-2 against the Ramblers. -We’re wrestling decent. We re winning more matches than we’re losmg. Maple Valley head coach lony Wawiemia said. Jesse Brumm scored a 12-4 win over Perry’s Jacob Orweller to get the Lions their first points in the dual with the day s host. !. Valiev would also get pins Iroin Jessy Peppc 31*140 pounds, Matthew Slaght at 112 '.nd Andrew Appelman at 119. , . In the dual with Olivet, the Lions David Hosack-Frizzcll at 189 pounds. Appelman at 125 and Brumm at 130 all scored pins. Brumm and Deppc added pins tnh L on win over Tawas, a dual in which lour lltgn* were contested. fid Maple Valley finally turned succ^H matches into some wins Saturday at Quad, scoring a 30-30 win on entena against Colon, a 39-6 win over Coloma and a 36 I- win over Camden-Frontier. record Slaglit at 112 Pounds.,",P?ve^f.hcoloma’s to 20-0 on the season with pins of C Delrav Williams and Camden-Front cr . Anthony Potts. He also scored a forfeit w his team’s victory over Colon. Appelman, the Lions’ 119-pounder. is now 17-3 on lhe season. He had two forfeit wins and a pin of Colon’s Charles Wagner. Wawiemia said he was also happy to see the sophomore Deppe’s work paying off Saturday. Deppc was 2-1 w ith a pair of pins, against Coloma and Camden-Frontier. Deppe now sports an 8-9 record this season, but six of those losses came in lhe first three meets of the season for thc first-ycar varsity wrestler. “I lis overall technique is better,” Wawiemia said of Deppe’s improvements. “He retains things quite well, which helps us. In our wrestling room we don’t have a lot of people to wrestle against, so we’re bouncing him all around. He is going against Jesse (Brumm) and he’s also going against David (HosackFrizzell] our 171-pounder now.” Brumm, thc Lions three-time senior state medalist, now sports a 19-1 record on the season. Brumm was 3-0 Saturday, and the Lions got two forfeit wins each from Josiah Hawkins and Dillon Jorgensen. Ilosack-Frizzell was 3-0 Saturday with two forfeit wins and a pin of Camden-Frontier’s Brayden Miller. They’ll put their solid records to the test once again this afternoon at a GLAC Quad hosted by Lakewood and then again Saturday at the lhe Godwin Heights Quad- Wins in first four March matches for LCTK hockey 1 he Lowell/Caledonia/Thomapple Kellogg varsity hockey team has doubled its win total for the season last week with four consecutive victories to open the month of March. LCTK was 8-5 heading into a Wednesday night showdown with Forest Hills Northern/ Eastern at Patterson Ice Center last night. The LCTK skaters took a 6-0 win over Walled Lake Western and a 4-1 win over Oxford/Avondale in Novi Saturday, following up on OK Conference Baum Division wins over Grand Rapids Christian and Forest Hills Central. Forest Hills Central fell 2-1 at Kentwood Ice Arena Friday (March 5), the Runners’ second loss of the season to the LCTK skaters. Dylan Olsen scored the game-winning goal for LC 1 k on a power play w ith just under six and a halt minutes to play Friday, getting assists from Nick Lockhart and Austin Douma. The two teams Wcftf lied l-l period. Lockhart scored thc ^‘"o^minu LCTK with Douma and JT SchwarU assists. . , • Garrett Walker madc 26 saves tn he wm for LCTK. making it 44 saves on 45 shots this season against the RangCrs. |s jn A BfW °! f>ve Astern at LC1 K’s 6-0 win over Wall«>U Lonmarens Novi Ice Center Saturday Clarke. Alex found the net twice, anj Brendon1 Skibinski, Olsen and D°un!^h three assists apiece. Lockhart had a tcanv^’F inthewin. , will) 17 saves. Walker earned the shul^u period LCTK pulled away 'v‘ll()KfordAvondale goals for the 4-1 wjn oVer D* United to open the day S3’u’day’ Dav js and Clarke, Lockhart, with Douma Carpenter scored fOr ft notching two assists. Saxon senior Josey Nickels leans around Harper Creek senior center Berniah Alexander to try and get a shot up late in the first half of their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference contest in Hastings Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) defensive stand point as well as an offensive stand-point. She crashes the offensive boards," Engle said. “She has really been giving us quality minutes.” All the Saxons crashed the offensive boards Tuesday, l he team finished with 14 offensive rebounds. Nickels had a team-high nine rebounds to go with four steals. Hastings had 20 steals as a team, with Winegar adding four to got with a team-high five assists. Barnes chipped in six rebounds and Warner five. Marley Bussler led the Beavers with 16 points and Rice finished with nine. The Saxons had a hard time keeping Bussler from getting to the basket for much of the evening. Hastings is now 1-10 in the 1-8 this season and 2-10 overall. Harper Creek, a team thal had to cancel ballgames last week, is now 5-4 overall and 4-4 in conference play. • Lumen Christi shot 26 free throws in lhe . second half in Jackson Saturday, compared to five by the Saxons, as the Titans held off the Saxons in 1-8 action. Nickels finished with a team-high 11 points in lhe loss for Hastings. Barnes had nine. rebounds and Winegar four assists. The Saxons fell 48-42 to Coldw ater last * Thursday. Nickels had a team-high 17 points • lo go with eight rebounds. Winegar had 15 points, four assists and four steals. Teed and ■ Bond had six rebounds each, and Bond added ' four steals. The Saxons return to action at home against Parma Western tonight (March 11) and will close out the regular season with ballgames at home against Jackson Northwest Tuesday and at Pennfield Thursday. Vikes’ buzzer-beater ends Olivet’s unbeaten season Brett Bremer Sports Editor The celebration was lhe only thing that went as planned for the Vikings. Lakewood senior guard Brady Gawne stepped around one defender and fired over another from a yard behind the three-point line at the top of the key. The hom sounded while the ball swished through the net and lhe Viking bench erupted as the Lakewood varsi­ ty boys’ basketbail team took a 48-47 Greater Lansing Activities Conference victory' at Olivet High School Thursday night. The Vikings fell in a 17-8 hole in the open­ ing quarter against the previously undefeated Eagles, rallied to take a 39-32 lead in the second half, but then trailed the Eagles down the stretch. “We didn't panic. That was not how it was drawn up,” said Lakewood head coach Chris Duits. “We tried to run one play. We did not run it correctly, and il was just a mailer of players making plays." In the end, it was just Gawne and sopho­ more guard Jayce Cusack at thc top. Gawne set a screen with Cusack dribbling right along the three-point line. As the two defenders fol­ lowed Cusack by the screen he hit the brakes, rose up and flung a pass back towards Cusack at the top of the key. “The pass was lipped, Brady grabbed it ripped il through and let it fly," Duits said. ‘•It went through at the buzzer. The place went nuts. Our players went nuts. It was fun It was a fun win.” It was the sixth three-pointer of the night for Gawne who finished with a game-high 20 points. Cusack had 13 points, Denny Sauers five and Brent Sweet two. Lakewood is now 6-6 overall this season and 5-4 in the GLAC after scoring a 54-50 win at Maple Valley Saturday and falling 52-45 on the road at Leslie Monday evening' Olivet is now 12-1 overall this season and 8-1 in lhe GLAC. Leslie is on lhe Eagles heels at 9-1 overall and 6-1 in lhe league. The Vikings had Thursday’s date with the Eagles circled on their calendar after allowing the Eagles to score a lopsided win at Lake w ood ’ High School in mid-February. Duits said improved play in the team’s match-up zone has been a big part of the Vikings' recent success. The Lakewood boys have won three in a row heading into Saturday’s (March 6) bailgame at Maple Valley. “We knew we could be a lot better than when we played against (Olivet) the first lime,” Duits said. “We were really focused. ’ We went into lhe game very focused, deter­ mined to be belter, lo play better and to elim­ inate easy looks for them.” Even with lhat determination the Vikings slill fell behind early, but lhe Lakewood coach said that had more to do with what went right for the Eagles rather than things his guys were doing wrong. The Eagles got a couple of long three-pointers from Blake Lincoln and Jordan Hall in lhe opening quarter, and Duits said his guys missed a couple lay-ups al the other end of the floor. The Vikings rallied to gel within ’ a point by halftime though, chipping away ' possession after possession. * Ramsey Bousseau led the Eagles with 13 points. Blake Lincoln had eight points and three steals. Brayden Wine added eight points and five rebounds. Drew Pridy chipped in six points and a team-high 11 rebounds. “We’re growing as a team.” Duits said “That’s the bottom line. We have people b. k from injuries now and we are the team w. should have started lhe season with We • » all hands on deck now. We’ve pared 'l playing relation a bit. we been havim. „°Wr! practices and good focus, even bv thwho aren’t playing in the games verv^V They’re making our starteri belter” * L'' �f ■!< ■ mJTLcneer boosts performance on home mats Tho Haonngs Banner-Tbund-v. March,,. 202,. Paw,s ■r • ■r >mmm ■i HM , MM ---------- ~~ The Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team works its way to a fourth place finish at the Southwestern Athletic Conference jamboree at Delton Kellogg High School Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer coach Tax Reynolds saw huge improvements in her girls’ overall as they placed fourth at the Southwestern Athletic Conference jamboree they hosted Thursday at DKHS. She said her girls confidence is growing in round one, week two was cleaner than the week before and they’ve started to gain the endurance needed to finish a strong round three. l^iwton took the victor)' on the day with an overall score of 688.7. ahead of Parchment 67232. Coloma 628.28, Delton Kellogg 6093. Hartford 564.0 and Bloomingdale 534.2 Thc DK girls were fourth in all four rounds Thursday, scoring a 194.40 in round one. 167.70 in round two and 245.2 in round three. Reynolds said her girls are working to add front walkovers to their round two skills this week after performing round offs, switch splits, herkie jumps, heel stretches and a handstand forward roll during round two Thursday. Thc Panthers added two more stunt sequences in round three last week, and Reynolds said there is one more to add before the performance is complete. “This season has been hard to get every­ thing in such a short time,” Reynolds said. The Lawton team that took the win Thursday at the top score in each of the first DK Panther stunt groups and tumblers perform during round three at the SAC Jamboree hosted by the Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) two rounds, as 217.90 in round one and 187.60 in round two. The Blue Devils fin­ ished the day with a round three score of 283.2. Parchment bested Lawton with a score of 288.0 in round three, after a 20950 in round one and 166.82 in round two. The Panthers are set to get together with the SAC again at Lawton tonight (March 11) and go to Maple Valley for an invitational Friday. Lakewood fights off Lions for two-point win . . <4? 1 ^’..7C5 Maple Valley's Trista Medina puts a shot up over Lakewood defender Sadie Brearley during the second half of the Vikings' win over the visiting Lions Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor I------ ------------------------------------------------------------------ There were some tears there in the middle of UieKelley hug beiween Lakewood njor Lard Anja and Maple Valley s<. senior Lakewood guard Paige Wolverton runs the offense as she's watched at the top of the key by Maple Valley’s Megan Valiquette Saturday at Lakewood High School. Ashlyn Wilkes alter Kelley found her way om ot the locker room at Lakewood High School onMomentarily the road Saturday. it appeared Kelley could miss most of Saturday’s action as she went down with an injured ankle less than 90 seconds into the bailgame. She went straight to the trainer’s room as she came off lhe court, but came trotting out to join head coach Kelly Meints and her teammates on the bench before too long and then was right back on the court to help her girls score a 33-31 win over the Maple Valley varsity girls’ basketball There were tough moments for both. Wilkes team. . sPent time on the bench in the second half as head coach lutndon Wilkes looked for her to make some alterations to her game. She sti iedKelley the Lions ten points.11 points to ea had with a game-high theAVikings. three-pointer by Wilkes had the f . five with just under two minutes to go m t Vikings. , Lakewood scored lhe last six points of l. 1 third quarter and the first three of the lou (Photo by Brett Bremer) (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saturday afternoon. The two good buddies, who have been four-year varsity ballplayers at their respec­ tive schools met up for thc final time on the basketball court as a Viking and a Lion. Wilkes had to miss the meeting between the two teams on her home court last month, but was back to try and help her Lions get a win first half, and teammates Megan and Trista Medina added triples in the quarter to keep their team ahead o Lakewood senior point guard Anja Kelley looks to the hoop after driving by Maple Valley’s Megan Valiquette during the second half Saturday at Lakewood High School. . go in front 30-25 and led the rest of the game. Sophomore guard Ellie Possehn knocked down a short jump shot to start that run for the Vikings and Kelley converted at the line to finish off a three-point play for the final buck­ et of the third quarter. Maple Valley finally stopped the Viking surge with a three from Ali McGlocklin four minutes into the fourth quarter, butting the Lake wood lead to 30-28 at the time. A bucket by freshman forward Cadence Poll and a free throw following an offensive rebound by Possehn got the Viking lead back to five at 33-28with less than three minutes to play. The Lions got a free throw from McGlocklin with 1:54 to go and a bucket on a drive by Medina with 1:06 to play to gel within 33-31, and had a few chances with the basketball in lhe final 45 seconds to tie or take lhe lead, but couldn’t convert. In the end, il was lhe Lions hustling a missed Viking free throw up to Wilkes who launched a shot from mid-court that missed the mark. “They got physical with us and we struggle as a group to box out and stay physical,’’ coach Wilkes said. “When you don’t do the little things this is what happens. It is a two point ballgame because we don’t do lhe little things-” The Vikings were a bit shorthanded in lhe contest, missing junior center Maradith O’Gorman and sophomore shooting guard A|]j Pickard, and then senior post player Natalie Lang had to exit before the start of the second half. ”We have been trying lo prCp t0 kind of fill in those gaps, Maradith and Alli being miss­ ing, I thought the girls did a nice job of step­ ping up,” Meints said. “We just tried (0 s|ow thc offense down and take care of the basket­ ball. It clearly wasn’t a huge offensive game. We knew defense would be what would get us the win. I thought Ellie Possehn really knocked it out of thc park with her rebound­ ing and being really aggressive.” Possehn finished with five points. Freshman forward Cadence Poll had ten points for lhe Vikings and junior post player Rebekah Storm had four and senior guard Sophie Duits three. Maple Valley had balanced scoring as well, with McGlocklin contributing nine points and Medina seven. Maple Valley threw some full-court pres­ sure at thc Vikings throughout the day. but the Vikings handled it well for the most part and improved on their transition in(O offense after getting by the press during thc half. Coach Wilkes was mostly happy with his team’s defense as it works lo become more acclimated to man-to-man possessions on a more regular basis. “At times I liked that we were able to help on the backside,” coach WRkes said. “Some of the girls did a better job Of helping on the backside than wc have. He said he was inspire by assistant coach Timara Wehr to give some more man-to-man detense u “I think the kids’ effort is good, I really do. We just have to learn to finish and do some other stuff. It is what it is,” coach Wilkes said. Lakewood is now 5-6 overall this season and 4-4 in the GLAC. Thc Vikings fell to vis­ iting Leslie 52-45 Monday. "Emotions got the better of us. and two of my girls received technicals which took some momentum out of us,” Meints said of Monday’s loss. Kelley had 14 points and five assists against the Blackhawks. O’Gorman relumed to pro­ vide nine points and eight rebounds. Possehn finished with eight points, six rebounds and three steals. The Maple Valley girls are now 2-10 over­ all and 2-8 in the conference. Olivet scored a 46-32 win al Maple Valley High School Monday. Ashlyn Wilkes scored 13 points in the opening quarter and the Lions led the Eagles 13-9 at that point, but after taking an 18-15 lead by lhe halt lhe Eagles exploded for 19 third quarter points to take control of the ball­ game. Wilkes finished with 19 points and Medina ten for the Lions in lhe loss. follow The 1 Hastings j Banner on j Facebook to ; keep up to I date until theI edition < is printed! < I I I I I �Pago 16 — Thursday. March 11. 2021 — The .Banner • Health department receives Johnson & Johnson vaccine Divlor Owens and obesity. tlie'v'c'I"'°ll!er w‘" bc '■‘"l!*b,c r°r J,e 9722 According >W h v / , *7:m 01 '5.500 people n Of COV'D '9in Michigan ha>e been u. thal age Kn)up. ioh?v' r"Pr t oun,y ’'•“'idents were reported U I ave died front COVID-19 in the last week. bnniJng the total number of fatalities to -16. lire health department reported 69 eontinned cases ot the virus in the county as of ruesday. bringing the total number of CO VID I) cases in thc county to 1 483 As of Monday. 8.168 Barry County resi­ dents had received their first dose of the vac­ cine. lhe health department’s goal is lo vacci­ nate 70 percent of the 48,631 Barry County residents who are 16 and older, which is just over 34,000 people. lhe Centers tor Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines for people who have been vaccinated: Fully vaccinated people arc not required to quarantine or get tested if they arc exposed to someone with COVID-19 and do not develop symptoms. They also can visit with unvaccinated people, as long as those who arc unvaccinated do not have health risks associated with COVID-19. These guidelines come on the heels of the state’s announcement that visitation can resume at nursing homes and long-term care facilities Thomappie Manor Administrator Don Haney said visitations resumed last Friday at thc senior living facility. "Everyone’s been waiting for ihis for a verylong time,’’ Haney said. M Johnson vaccine are being adrni Bany County residents <h's '"^Department But Bam -Eaton Distort 1•' H wj|| representative Anne Barna said P* not know which vaccine the ing until tlwyanivc at the din "Unfortunately, we «e i (||js modate scheduling a . . wc will time.-Bama said. not have much advance n< t WC-?a“o need a certain brand should make those arrangements the.r primary care provider.” . The department did receive a temporary increase in vaccines to administer this week due to the Johnson & Johnson approval and the need to vaccinate more people in the 65-and-older group. Bui Banta said she expects the vaccine shipments to drop down to previous levels for next week’s appoint­ ments. , . , . A surge in vaccinations also is expected in April, according to BEDHD Health Officer Colette Scrimger. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a num­ ber of new COVID updates last week, in the wake of a drop in the number of cases state­ wide and in anticipation of a rise in the num­ ber of vaccine doses available. People 50 and older with an underlying health condition or a disability are eligible to receive the vaccine this week. Those health conditions include COPD, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes Thornapple Manor resident Vivian Allerding. center, is visited by her daughter Tracy and her son Steve. (Photo provided) lhe facility is scheduling nine visits per day, and Haney said response among resi- dents has been "very positive.” Council moves forward @n social district downtown Sophie Bates Staff Writer The City of Hastings is moving forward to establish a social district, and with il a commons area, that will allow customers of local licensed establishments to consume alcohol outside and publicly within the commons area. The city council voted Monday to amend an ordinance so the city’s restrictions on the public consumption or possession of alcohol will not apply lo thc commons area of the social district. The council had voted to establish a social district and commons area at its Feb. 22 meeting. With Monday's decision, thc action takes effect immediately. The social district — called the Hastings Outdoor Pods, or HOPS — will run from East Center Street lo West Mill Street and along South Boltwood and North Park streets. The commons area within the social district includes Broadway and Michigan Avenue, between Court and State streets and two adjacent blocks. “Al the last council meeting, city council approved a social district and commons area within the downtown area, designated with a maintenance and management plan, as well as a map of the social district and commons area. The next order of business would be for city council to approve this text amendment.” Community Development Director Dan King said. "This would be lhe last order of business to move forward with the social district and commons area, making it allowable for restaurants in the social district and commons area to sell their beverages for outdoor consumption.” Trustees Brenda McNabb-Stange and Don Bowers voted against the ordinance amendment, which passed 7-2. At lhe Feb. 22 meeting, the two trustees also voted against the establishment of a social district. During both votes, McNabb-Stange said several facets about the social district plan — such as safety, maintenance and the impact on special events — lacked enough detail. Bowers took issue with the commons area’s hours — currently slated to be 10 a.m.-IO pan. — seven days a week. “I think 10 o’clock in the morning is too early to be drinking. And 1 don’t approve it for Sunday.” Bowers said. “I mean that’s a church day for a lot of people, and 1 think all we’re doing with that, at that time, is making some people angry, also. So, that’s my perspective on il. and without those changes. I’ll have to vote no.” Both Bowers and McNabb-Stange said they would vole no unless their concerns were addressed. During a public hearing on lhe ordinance change, the council heard support for the social district from several community leaders. "I would like lo support this for the Downtown Business Team.” Lynn Denton. Downtown Business Team chairperson, said. "It’s a great move for the City of Hastings; modernizing and moving forward, bringing people downtown to support our local — not only restaurants and their alcohol, but their food — and then all lhe shops thal arc downtown.This will bring a lot more shoppers downtown and put a new, vibrant downtown area for people to come and visit. "We will become a destination city with this.” After meeting with a group of downtown merchants. Curly Cone Bakery and U-RcntEm Canoe owner Julie Fox told council members that more customers at local restaurants helps support local merchants, as well. "When the restaurants in Hastings are busy, (local merchants] are busy. And when the restaurants are not busy in Hastings, it really, really hurts the local merchants. So. our merchants are telling us thal there is a direct correlation between how busy the restaurants are and how many limes their cash register rings,” Fox said. "And 1 think right now we need to help restaurants for obvious reasons, but we also need to make sure thal we are as progressive and as supportive as possible for our local merchants.” In other action, the council also approved a land transaction agreement for property within Fish Hatchery Park from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In June 2019. lhe city entered into a license agreement with Spectrum Health Pennock lo lease property at Fish Hatchery Park to the Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki hosts the city's virtual meeting Monday evening at a computer station set up in council chambers at City Hall. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) hospital for additional off-street parking. However. Fish Hatchery Park property is only allow ed to be used for public uses Thc agreement releases a public-use restriction so that Spectrum Health Pennock can use the property for additional parking. Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital has agreed to pay the $1,250 fee from the DNR for lifting the public-use restriction. In other business, the council: - Approved a request from Hastings Rotary and Hastings Kiwanis clubs to sell beer and wine during the Thomappie Plaza 2021 season; and run the concession stand at the plaza from April I to April 1.2022. - Approved and authorized the distribution of the city’s master plan for an official, 63-day public comment period. - Completed the first reading of an ordinance to amend the permitted uses for the D-1 industrial district to include commercial recreational facilities. - /Xuthorized Mayor David Tossava to sign a letter of understanding between the City and the Thomappie Arts Council for Hastings Live summer entertainment. - Approved a $31,872 proposal by Prein&Newhof for construction engineering of the resurfacing of Woodlawn /Xvenue. Delton Kellogg Kindergarten Roundup Join us on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 By Appointment Call 269-623-1530 to schedule Enrollment packets are available for pick up in the EkmenW Office 8:30a-3:30p if you’d like to start c em ' the paperwork early. We can send one home in a sibling s backpack too We cun gjve us a CQ|| have “Developmental Kindergarten” tool We nave young5s) Tho state’s lifted week of restrictions on the number of people who may gather in public places allowed some council memhors - as lonn -.ng were socially distanced and wearing masks - to be present for the meeting Monday. Shown here, from left, are Council J^u,e ^cLean> Manager Jerry Czarnecki, and Council members Don Smith, and Therese MaupinMooro. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-03-18.pdf 110a46260562c65d13b5b79cd843ea28 PDF Text Text Hastings to get r^f rcpa,rs See Story 0,1 ag Every coin^nity needs a Sunsh*ne Week See Editorifll on Page 4 I ......................... ?.c‘:ard Henierfmg ['’j N Tdffce D. iastnasMM9053-1134 Randall takes two at Her II Championship See Story on Page 16 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 LOT-c OfX UU5 COa 804879110187 6/30'^'9 47 oo A. ANNER Hastings PRICE $1.00 Thursday. VOLUME 167. Nfth Multimillion-dollar windfall stuns local officials J-z\d News Services A unprecedented windfall of ncarjy million from the federal government to the city of Hastings. Barry County, 16 townships and four villages has stunned local officials to the point that man) w<-’rc speechless Tuesday. •‘We haven’t received a direct allocation like this ever - that I m aware of,” County Administrator Michael Brown said. “Never before.” Barn County Board of Commissioners Chairman Ben Geiger echoed in a separate phone interview Tuesday after­ Matt Goebel, newly named Hastings superintendent, expresses his appreciation to the school board at Monday night’s meeting in district’s Performing Arts Center. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Hastings interim superintendent Goebel tapped for top spot Sophie Bates Staff Writer said after the board’s decision Monday night. “I’d like to thank the staff and the entire com­ “We would like to offer lhe superintendent munity. I’ve worked here and put a lol of position to Mr. Goebel,” Hastings Board of blood, sweat and tears into this community Education President Luke Haywood said over the last nearly eight years. It has been my during the board’s hybrid meeting Monday goal to be a superintendent and I’m so glad that I gel the opportunity to lead a district I evening. Hastings Interim Superintendent Matt have put so much hard work into over that Goebel. 45. had waited a long time to hear time. “I love Hastings. I love the staff, the stu­ those words. Il has been his goal — his dream — to dents and lhe entire community. I look for­ ward to getting to know lhe board better and become a superintendent. He has interviewed for the post at six oilier working toward improving our school. Thank school districts and interviewed at Hastings you to all who have supported me and I look two years ago when former superintendent forward to meeting and building relationship with the rest of you.” Dan Remenap was chosen. While they didn’t pick Goebel then, the The board decision came after Haywood district’s needs have changed, school board announced the findings of the board’s evalua­ tion of Goebel. members said. Now', after nearly eight years with Hastings The evaluation consisted of several parts: a Area School System, serving first as director self-evaluation by Goebel presented to lhe of curriculum and instruction, then as assis­ board and an evaluation completed by school tant superintendent of student achievement, Goebel will step up to lead the district. See SUPERINTENDENT, page 6 “I’d like to thank lhe board first,” Goebel noon. As part of lhe $1.9 tn I hon American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. approved last week, the Michigan state government is expected to get more than $5.6 billion, according to an esti­ mate from lhe U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform. In addition to that, more than $4.4 billion is going to every township, city and county in the state, in amounts ranging from roughly $100 per resident to as high as $1300. The money is largely based on population, but some counties and communities with higher rates of poverty are expected to receive more money. While community leaders cannot use the money to pay pensioa debts or provide tax cuts, there are few Units on the money. For example, govemmentspn pay for infrastruc­ ture upgrades, hazard pay for workers, parks, downtown improvements ind the like. Eric Scorsone, director c.f Michigan State University’s Center for Local Government Finance and Policy, said, “I don’t think we’ve seen anything like it since prcbably the New Deal.” he said,referring to President Franklin Roosevelt's economic plan duiing the Great Depression. “This is a game clunger, there’s no doubt about it.” Barry' County is looking at nearly $12 mil­ lion in new money - equivalent to about twothirds of its annual general fund budget. A direct allocation from the federal govern­ ment will go to Barry County in two pay­ ments - with ”50 percent of these funds within 60 days and then we’ll receive the other 50 percent not less than one year later,” Brown said. “We will have until the end of 2024 to spend those funds.” “We’re still continuing to try to leam the details and guidance around it - of which there isn’t a lot at this point.” he added. “When we do receive it, and we get further guidance on permitted uses, the board will have to determine how they want to use those funds.” Even though early reports did not indicate that villages would be among recipients, they will be. Middleville Village Manager Patricia Rayl told The Banner. Villages were not included in the first set of numbers released by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform but that was an oversight, Rayl said. The Michigan Municipal League is work­ ing with the Michigan Department of Treasury to sort it out. Once that omission is resolved for the villages of Middleville. Nashville, Freeport and Woodland, it will likely change lhe amount that will be allocated to the town­ ships in which those villages reside, she said. “We’ve been telling all of our members, any numbers that you see are still just con­ gressional committee estimates,” Michigan Municipal League Director of State and Federal Affairs Chris Hackbarth said. “They are nol final numbers.” The biggest numbers are final, though, Hackbarth added: The state will receive more than $5.6 billion and local governments will receive $4.4 billion. But exactly how those numbers break down - and the specifics as to how those funds can be used - have yet to be finalized. The biggest change you should expect to see is any township that includes a village will likely see their amounts reduced by whatever the villages will receive,” Hackbarth said. Even so, the amounts that are being men­ tioned are amazing to some local officials. “Wow,” Hope Towmship Supervisor Doug Peck said Tuesday when he heard that his township may receive as much as $326,429. His township’s board of trustees talked about the American Rescue Plan during its meeting Monday. “1 asked if anybody had heard anything about it filtering down to the township level and nobody said anything," Peck said. . In Assyria Township, the reaction to the announcement was negative. ”1 can just tell you I don’t want the money,” Assyria Township Supervisor Tom Wing said Tuesday. ‘‘We don’t really need it. I don’t think I need to be bought off by Democrats.” Other supervisors were more cautious. “We’ll have to discuss it as a board. I would say we’ll spend it on our essential services and put the rest in the roads would be my opinion of where it would get spent,” Jeffrey Butler, Maple Grove Township supervisor, said. Butler said lhe influx of money could dou­ ble their operating budget for the fiscal year. “There’s questions I have about it and what See FUNDING, page 5 Where Barry County stands Barry County is expected to receive $ 11.9 million in federal funds from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. In addition, these local units of govern­ ment are expected to receive lhe following amounts based on population, calculated al $99 per person. CITY, TOWNSHIPS Hastings (City) Assyria Twp. ! Baltimore Twp. Barry Twp. Carlton Twp. Castleton Twp. AMOUNT POP. $721,778 $204,092 7JMQ 2,067 $193,231 $347,066 $245,760 1,957 3,515 2,489 $360,000 3,646 3,061 Hastings Charter Twp. $302,238 $326,429 Hope Township 3,306 $335,513 3,398 Johnstown Township $309,446 $163,610 Maple Grove Twp. 3,134 1,657 Orangeville Township $342,524 Prairieville Township $347,559 3,469 $399,298 4,044 Irving Township Rutland Charter Twp. 3,520 Thornapple Township $828,514 8,391 Woodland Township $210,214 2,129 Yankee Springs Twp. $440,077 4,457 Source: US. House Oversight and Reform Committee on Hastings High School announces top academic seniors for 2021 Sophie Bates Staff Writer Hastings High School recognized the top academic seniors from the c ass o - Monday evening's board of educahon ■"tJ achieve this recognition. students must have maintained a ^ "[ ^n student in average for »'en senuste • itiont the class of 2021 rece Cam)U alphabetically: Kirby „ t Grace Green. Addison Uornnann.esse Hunt. Maggie Nedbalek. Sam ’ Sensiba. Abigail Waller and K»y “Their dedication, perseven has Ciitapiilted them to the top ° inis P,fnci,,al Teresa Heid. Area Schools board Monday. honoring them based ”n achievement, it should not go that these students are at the top o ai young men and women of cn ‘ cJass « Hastings academic ,cnlioned ie;r class .tcft as • Beck also served as team captain for the u £dd ,Cam in 2019 and was selected o the All-Conference team the same year; one year earlier, Beck received Most Valuable PIayer for fie d events and Rookie of the Year. Natinnnl0?^hQhaS invoIved in lhe Team .Hono^1Soci«y* Key Club. Math IS h?CnCC ° ympiad‘ studen< council - She plans to attend a four-year university and major in either biomedical engineering or pre-pharmacy. with a minor m Spanish. Grace Green is >he daughter of Ann and — and Daniel C scn*or vicc president vears servin ,pa,t*d in marching band for four y Beck said h^ hCad dfUni Caplain in 202°- She was the secretary for Youth Advisory n i fnr two )cars’ caPfatn of JV softball CO^n’.i7 Bowl tcA"15 during her sophomore and Qm . arlicipated in every- theater Phillip Green. . . She served as dnint major in the marching band for three years and head drum major for year starter on th m°Sl.PFOUd ^‘"8 a f°ur' creating life lonn Va?,l.y ^asketball team and Sc a(?!v Mi illv fih*” Was involved with t AddS" Tobacco Use and SAAD Club. or the wy? Pu^ue Universi,y in biochemistry. He uhi8*' T fa" *° m“j°r PUEltaSi-."|eden'S.'n,CndS W Sarah Carroll. ** 1 C dau&hler of Brian and four years, serving a11 "-ell. ’ . t/^vin Kirby Beck is the son of An>) an relations during her iuri11”* Und pub,ic president in her senior year°r “nd vicc , hnsketbalK He played four years of varsity lhrce four years of varsity track and field* ‘ years of varsity soccer. Beck has bee cars, vaptHin on the basketball team forIWO } jors receiving Academic All-Conference n arid selection to the I-« All-Conference all four years In soU. he was team captain In soccer, he was team c yvars. Was named All-Conference for three years and All-Districf in 201K. She has also been inu i Olympiad, Youth in Govlm d Science Against Destructive Derk" nenl’ Sludcnls Club and the Y-Mentors nroClub* Ke> She played tennis and S? u years of high school. '^‘yhall all four Carroll is mostproudof cortif^ z°ne and advt lg °ut ol'her enVirenmenlal eonse^j b‘ ">g h>r her ^nferenceforMKhrgany,^1" «'he spring “Government. Teens Ag j of (he friendshipS she r ShC('Shod. io cl“SS in extracurricular formed r convincing her friends to try acuvittesand for ,(hher b new expense; wUege w Green p • ■ ufSue a degree in history with university a She aspires to go to law a™in?r’n. & criminal law. school and v Iliunii js thc daughter of AddlS0%£l.lfo"maI)n. Robert lell in Hastings FFA. serving She h« junior year and us parham n'»-?or>.car J secretary trilCk and field team, in shot She was o .^ving field events. She also put and disc band |hfUl ,niddle piayed school. school and mb prt)ud ()f hcf jnvo|vcment Hornnann > ing On lh lcadcrship with FFA and s« Hastings High School honors students (,ronJ®dav night’s presentation. Lauren Sensiba make a happy memory after Monday mgm y.................. team. After graduation, she plans to attend a fouryear college and pursue a degree in historyShe hopes to become a history teacher or museum curator. Jesse Hunt is the Son of w . and David Hunt. J h itlZ <teir ,uba in ,he h band for three yews; p|ayed sousliphone >» marching band for four years and was leader for one year. He also took part in the Laings High School musicals pit orchestra; und volunteered al the Mary Youngs concert for two >’<»«• Hunt also has been on lhe student council for two years, serving as secretary and public nations for one year. He was a member of See SENIORS, page 3 �i;na5 Page 2 ---—liru<»WH Thursday, r^rz. T, March 18. 20, Truck overflow across from Amazon warehouse spurs complaints ^Bk Greg Chandler • ;>!»»<• lhe seven Az I...... . . Staff Write' ^Jtstnbu’ While plans proceed for two n~ r<>XK n^np ional [ion facilities to be built in regioual ’across the street from Amazon uh jn fulfillment center on 68th . ,fV ' fielding neighboring Caledonia ,o"n\ ’ < of trucks. Complaints about a large nui u;jng :i believed to be Amazon c*'n ' (,ff \I-37. ps station and convenience s< said » Township Planner •'IK‘p|.lints from Holiday she has recei'<- v (hat Kent Kent vsidcnt.s and elected of km run<» illegal'ounty township about trm_5 >!atton and y and idling at the < 1 j aiXHit a year convenience store. whK 1 opt ago on the south"est^*’1 Kroadmoor - ';)mis»kmeiv that, at ; Wells told plannmy con' W(_le ,)si bne point last weekend. ™k I ‘.,ff l(xat'on , 'VC'| ” ---------- --------------------------------- - Peking spaces allowed under a site pl ni an ... 7 . ’VKk Parking November 2019 ‘’ proved by the township in not permitted and , e ?ko said thal id,inp that are not pcimi,. , s arc ParkinP in nrea* as along driving Undcr ,he site p,al1’SUch Prior to Month. meeting, Welk . ' ? Planning commission i«-k ■ I.k.l «« I iivt’i- in . l K ’dhng, she said. I went D irkinv I ! took pictures of all their lots‘itt t-n esPecially where their parking one is tr rl' ‘ S° d,ere are locations where no oik is parking. . J t?doue<! a truck from Amazon, and I th ’ ,lnd photos of this truck. He went ?. ,FC e K- He could not find parking in s seven spaces (juil have designated A truck pulls out of the Amazon Inc. fulfillment center onto 6 A Street. Trucks parking at the Circle K are ornm^--------------------------p ln9 complaints. (Photos by Lynee and then parked {illegally! alongside, t^c building. Tlie driver never went into Circle K. He was just parking there. They didn’t gas up. They just sat there ” Wells sent a lengthy message. attaching the photos and videos she had taken, in a Google Drive document that went to Amazon and Circle K representatives, as well as to officials from Caledonia and Gaines townships and the Kent County Road Commission. . She said in a telephone interview Wednesday that she had received a response from Amazon, offering solutions to the prob­ lem. On March 8. Wells was joined by Amazon and Circle K officials, as woll as ,ronl ,be lwo townships and the road commission on a Zoom call regarding concerns about trucks parking al Circle K.° “On lhe call. [Circle KI had taken the posi­ tion that the issue has been mitigated, because Amazon has been working with their truck drivers and put in what’s called a geofence, so that when those drivers enter a barrier ... a georeference location puts up an alert that they’re not able to go into the vicinity of the Circle K. They have this type of technology. Amazon knows where all their trucks are at all times. “(Circle KJ said that geofence was work­ ing; we don’t have an issue.’’ The CminesTownshipPlanning Commission reviewed plans Feb. 25 for two new distribu­ tion centers on a 168-acre site owned by Steelcase Inc. at the northwest comer of 68th t. „ there would be nb approval of tlie sit* station. overnight parking «u 1 DeHoek said at •‘This is not a lnltk. J, very clear about that time. “We want to be very “"dP-ntctson Avenuc company Vhat Amaz°n as the although company renn ” B.eW buildings. 279,000-squa^hf()OIn'*. b',il<lings is that” 1 K has told her that the Wells said Circle K jn„ parking next store will post signage banning^ to the store and in the dn |ruck park­ a no-idhng sign in the -jn Io dis. ing spaces. Cones also n y courage illegal truck Pa«'"8- hj js enforcc ••What we do “a 'own ,s dp |() our ordinance with Circle rc.. Circle K to do what they need to do. Wells a is a 2l9B00.square.f /“cility, the other sorting facility inclu^’ ' s,wi<”>-The hold 300 truck trailer ' P kuiE lot ,bat wiH l^erm'Xon”* Wel^TjU’n’ A couple of the planning comm is si oners said they hadn’t expected this influx o traffic at Circle K. . .“I don’t think Circle K was anticipating th® problem.” Commissioner Jodie Mase tel said. “They’re trying to work through it. You’ve got somebody that’s working inside the gas station, trying to run the store. They □e* “I said, ‘what’s the timeline?’ (They said] it may be a year, IK months,” Wells said “I said if we continue to have these problems, we need to have a solution right away because we’re not going to be able to wait that long.” At that Feb. 25 planning commission meet­ ing. Tim Haagsma, a township trustee and planning commissioner, called on Amazon to address the truck parking complaints, saying he would not vote for the new facilities unless parking was addressed. The Circle K station has a semi-truck cano­ py with three diesel fueling stations and seven parking spaces for semis. Company representative Roger DeHoek said, prior to the planning commission’s 2019 can’t be outside traffic directing. “I get all that... I get that people need to gb someplace safe to rest and follow' the laws of their [driving] hours, but it definitely is get­ ting out of control.’’ Commissioner Diane Cutler thanked Wells for her work in trying to resolve the problem. “1 think it was unintended, and I think it caught us by surprise,’’ Cutler said. “I appre­ ciate your efforts and persistence.” Michigan ranks §®c©n(di iin COVID variant cases as state hits ’tipping point’ • Bridge Magazine । The latest outbreak of a more contagious ‘coronavirus variant — one linked to middlehnd high school basketball games in February in Grand Ledge — has now grown to 4?>usr:ted cases. And while just two of the 47 cases vvic’ genetically sequenced to confirm the B.l.1.7. ’variant in this community northwest of pmsing, lhe state now has at least 616 con­ firmed cases of the variant across Michigan so far, according to the latest data by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC data may lag: State health officials Tuesday pul lhe number even higher, al 634 confirmed B.l.1.7 cases.) Only one other slate — Florida — has more cases of (he so-called United Kingdom variant than'Michigan, according to lhe CDC. * Variants are concerning to public health officials because they appear to spread more rapidly than the original virus that produced lhe pandemic. There’s also emerging research that suggests that the U.K. Variant may be Vetera: only vaccine here Monday tclinic f Veterans enrolled in VA health care can get a free COVID-19 vaccination al a clinic in Hastings from 10 a.m. to I p.m. Monday, March 22. Officials are estimating having 75 to 100 vaccines available in a first-come, first-served format for veterans of any age. The clinic will take place at lhe Barry Community Enrichment Center. 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. Eligibility will be determined al lhe clinic, and individuals may sign up for V/\ health care if they are not already enrolled. The type of vaccine is not yet known. However, if a second vaccination is required in April, appointments can be scheduled Monday. Vaccinations will be given by the Veterans Health Administration through the Battle VA Medical Center. Additional information is available by calling 269-966-5600. ext. 35053. That number also may be used by those who cannot make the clinic Monday and wish to make an appointment for another time. more deadly. The CO VID vaccines now authorized for emergency use in theV-S. appear generally effective against thelariants, but to what •dxtent is still not cleat". Michigan also canned this month its first case of the B.Lp*’ variant, what has also been called lhe Solth African variant. Expect the variinl numbers to grow, health officials told Brdgc Michigan on Tuesday, in part because thr confirmed cases of the vari­ ant represent only a small sample of confinned cases. And as the stale moves into a season that includes spring breaks and increased travel. Michigan is approaching a “lipping poin;.’’ said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, senior publichealth physician al the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “What I’m concerned about is this conflu­ ence of events,’’ she said. On the positive side, a growing number of people are becoming vaccinated across the state. As of Tuesday, more than 2 million Michiganders had been vaccinated, according to state data. And with warmer weather, more people will move back out into the open air, making it more difficult for lhe virus to spread. Bagdasarian said. But at the same time, COVID fatigue con­ tinues to wear down patience to continue fol­ lowing COVID protocols, including social distancing and the wearing of masks. Spring break will undoubtedly mean out-of-state travel and increased transmission. A recent loosening of state restrictions also means more entertainment venues are reopen­ ing. and sports have restarted. “The goal is IO make sure that the things that drive down transmission outweigh the things that drive up transmission,’’Bagdasarian said. Expect lhe B.l.1.7 variant to grow as a percentage of the overall coronavirus case trends, however they bend, said Dr. Adam Lauring, an associate professor of infectious diseases at the University of Michigan. That’s likely to happen because the variant spreads more quickly than the virus that first hit Michigan one year ago, he said. “We’re getting rid of the other viruses quicker than we’re getting rid of the B1.1.7. It will become a bigger piece of the pie that’s left,’’ he said. But Lauring, Bagdasararian and others have said Michigan’s standing as having lhe second most B.l.1.7 cases in the nation may not tell the whole story', as local health depart­ ments in the state have been more focused than those in many other slates in detecting variants. More than half of the state’s B.l.1.7 cases were first linked in February to an outbreak at lhe Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Iona and some related facilities after stepped up testing in the prison system, according to state data. As of Tuesday. 380 cases were reported in the prison system. All were linked in some way to lhe original Bellamy outbreak, according to Lynn Sutfin', spokeswoman for lhe stale health department. In Grand Ledge, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department said it will continue pop­ up testing clinics for lhe public Wednesday at Grand Ledge Public Schools. Most of the Grand Ledge cases (29 of 47) involve middle and high school students, coaches and additional students and staff exposed at a series of basketball games Feb. 18. said Anne Barna, spokesperson for the health department. The remaining cases are among close con­ tacts of these individuals, she said. The health department isn’t calling for a hall to school sports, she noted. But parents must understand that sports participation comes with increased risks, with students in close contact and with labored breathing in events that don’t always require masks. “It’s a risk,” Barna said. “It’s a controlled risk, and we understand that that risk may be fine for some families.” Health department distributes vaccines to pharmacies Taylor Owens Staff Writer Big Screens \ 12 Beers on Tap Your Favorite Pub Food Plus Kloosterman’s Original Fried Chicken Daily Drink Special The Barry-Eaton District Health Department was able to distribute some vac­ cine shipments to local pharmacies last week Family Fare Pharmacy in Hastings. Maple Valley Pharmacy in Nashville and Pharmacy Care m Middleville received 100 doses each of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vac­ cine. The department also gave additional vactacliniesPeC,rUn' Ca"h Pcnnock-10 bolster Kloosteiman s The allocations came after the department received more vaccmes than unusual this sports Tag I. -w. han we ve received that is bevnnri vaccine administer through ow nhn *° BF.DHD representative Anne b "? ‘‘T’" “We’re excite i . e Barna said. administering of the COV1D ‘° h-'P W’'h ,h' Swartz, phannacist nnd V8CC1»<*"Brian Care. said. and °wner «f Pharmacy Bar & Grille I We have expanded our current menu. Visit our facebook page & take a loo^ . [> 1 , .. . . -HOURSn^FD SUNDAY: CLOSED • M0N^Yg oopm TUESDAY: 4-10pm Kitchen 9.0 P WEDNESDAY' '^.''1'“ VoOpm THURSDAY: 4-10pin Kitchu_ FRIDAY. 4-11pm Krtchen 10100» SATURDAY: 11am-11pm Kitchen . ( 269-945-9940 (>os,e,,nianSsportstapbarandgrill.coin f : t; • ,.m.. the vaccine,"’Maple v"^Ul pc.1* ab,.e ,o Moore said. * hannacist Jody But both said they hid r try ing to get the vaccine i m°re peOpk to administer. l^an had doses 201 s. Jefferson St., Hastings * 1 ■ “Our phones have benn • , hook,” Moore said. n r,nK»ng off the Swartz advised neoni weeks before callinn £ret!° Wait “ couple of the vaccine in order for the supply to catch up with the demand. Family Fare did have some doses still available earlier this week, since appoint­ ments for the vaccine could not yet be made over the phone. People who want a vaccine can stop into the store to scan a QR code on a flyer with their phone, which will take them to a website so they can sign up. Since pharmacies only get vaccine when the health department has more than it can administer in a week, and the department usu­ ally doesn’t know how many vaccines it will have for the next week until that Friday, phar­ macies don’t have much advance notice as to when they will get more doses. The health department also is scaling up to be able to administer more vaccines on its own, in anticipation of receiving more doses next month. “We will be hosting clinics starting the middle of April al the Barry Expo Center at the fairgrounds,” Barna said. “This will allow us to have a larger clinic to sene 600 people each day.” The department will need the extra space, since vaccine eligibility will open on April 5 io everyone over the age of 16. As of March 14. the health department reported that 9,688 Barry County residents had received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That number represents about 19.5 percent of of lhe population of people age 16 or older; the department’s goal is 70 percent. As of Wednesday, the county repented 82 active cases and 48 deaths due to COVID-19. �SENIORS, continued "°IT'paee 1 Kirby Beck Ella Carroll Grace Green Addison Horrmann Jesse Hunt * Maggie Nedbalek Sam Randall SADD Club for two years and TAI U for one year. Hunt is most proud of the friendships he has made in high school. He plans to attend college and cam a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Maggie Nedbalek is the daughter of Jennifer Nedbalek. Nedbalek is a University of Southern California Bovard Scholar and a Questbridge College Prep Scholar. She has been on student council for four years, serving as vice president as a sophomore, executive board secretary as a junior and e-board president as a senior. She participated in Y-Mentors, Interact Club, Science Olympiad, NHS and both varsity sideline and competitive cheerleading. Nedbalek was a member of the Business Professionals of America and placed second in regional competitions both as a sophomore and junior. She has also been the Sweezy’s Environmental Board youth representative since her junior year. She is most proud of making many close friends and receiving a full-ride scholarship for her undergraduate schooling. After graduation, she plans to study biomedical engineering and Columbia University. Sam Randall is the son of Greg and Teri Randall. Randall has accrued 13 varsity letters from his participation on the tennis, track and field and swim teams. He was a captain on both lhe tennis and swim teams for two years. He has been a member of NHS, Science Olympiad, Math Team and marching band, where he was section leader for one year. He is an active volunteer at his local church and enjoys spending time with his youth group and family. Randall is most proud of balancing five Advanced Placement classes, marching band, three sports, church responsibilities and spending time with family. He is also proud of being accepted into his preferred college, Cedarville University, where he plans to study molecular biology in hopes of becoming a medical missionary. Lauren Sensiba is the daughter of Arnie and Josh Sensiba. She is currently student council senior class treasurerand president of lhe Hastings Youth in Government Delegation, where she has been awarded Business Student of the Year and Most Valuable Cabinet Delegate. She was elected secretary of law and justice for Michigan Youth in Government her junior year and chief of staff her senior year, as well as delegation leader for three years. She also has been involved in 1 ATU, NHS. BPA and Impact clubs. Sensiba played one year of golf, three years of junior and varsity basketball — where she was elected team captain and awarded MVP. Outside of school, she is a member on the Barry County Silent Observer Board. She is most proud of the leadership roles she’s taken in Hastings’ Youth in Government club and the Michigan Youth in Government program. Through the program. Sensiba has built relationships and helped other Hastings students become interested in government. She plans to attend a four-year university for international relations and eventually attend law school for corporate law. Abigail Waller is the daughter of Marc and Erin Waller. Waller has been in (he marching band throughout high school, serving as clarinet section leader for three years; playing in the jazz and steel bands for three years; and acting in four musicals and two plays at Hastings. She has been in NHS for two years. Technology upgrades planned at Delton Kellogg Schools Sean Bradley Staff Writer A totaUf$60«jo^'such as a new walk Jr8 spcnl on ,hin8s new van for for S12-000’a worth of extra food mV, rb“yin8 S3'000 Schools. wjll be re(;eiving Classrooms distnct-wi speakers new audio/visual equipmen and projectors. . of education Monday, the d’stn<?S ding $277,000 on unanimously approved spend t Moss brand equipment. ))ed 0Ver lhe The equipment will I* . n( lhat is summertime, replacing 1 . Corlett, approximately eight years o * dent, said Delton Kellogg Schools supennten after the meeting Monday. f purchasAdditionally, the pre-app under ing new teacher workstations• ' $77,000 was grecnlit by theJu1 ^evcry staff The workstations are laptops Coriett member, to replace current laptops. said. . now SO we can “We are wanting to do a bid , |)ropurchase them before the state s ?be#d cess is posted. We’ll get a couple start," Corlett said durtng the n 8 The district will rece.ve quotes ftom panics from which to buy'thi 1 P decide from which company to buy Also, the board approved a spe for excess fund balance money This also includes av arSr CXarnpledivided evenly amn„ 4 • ,80° s,1Pend to be The plan is "°u8 .n,ne employees. Michigan. ubm'tted to the State of In other business th . approved the following- h0,1^ unanimously ■ naming investmelr "“I as the district's remw, Michigan Class which invests bond of bond funds before a construction „ y ,0 collc« interest tn summer 2022; P 0Jcct is implemented - Carter Howland w-k >• seventh gmde girls.b ^ hired as lhc new -Josh Wooden was coacl>' varsity softball coachas ,h<= new junior - Demce Lindstrom fessional for *« Wred as a parapro"“^Middle School; - a bass fishing cluK ed by school board nCV ^led to be head m. Peltot. Visit dkschools^ f - 7 N. Grove St in 1,1 *n°m information. Lauren Sensiba Abigail Waller Kayla Willard Hastings Area Schools’ academic top honors students (from left) Kirby Beck, Ella Carroll, Grace Green, Addison Horrmann, Jesse Hunt, Maggie Nedbalek, Sam Randall, Lauren Sensiba and Kayla Willard gathered after Monday night’s presentation at the district’s Performing Arts Center. Abigail Waller was unable to attend. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) volleyball for two years and Science Olympiad for four years. She also was on student council for four years, serving three years as class president. Waller is most proud of her involvements and activities, gathering as much experience as possible before leaving high school. She plans to study environmental sciences at the University of Michigan. Kayla Willard is ‘he daughter of Melissa and Ryan Willard. She has been an FFA member for seven years, serving as chapter reporter, treasurer and president during high school; she competed on the parliamentary procedure and veterinary' science teams for three years. She has been in band for seven years, color guard for four years and danced at Step N’ Time dance studio for six years. She was a swim instructor through the YMCA and currently works at the Green Street Veterinary Clinic and Three Brothers Pizza. Willard is most proud of becoming color guard captain her senior year and making close friends in the group. She plans to attend a college, majoring in political science and minoring in journalism, and to eventually pursue a career in political journalism. (2,a rveth V i 11 age Celebrating Over 20 Years in the Commanitg As part of our Giving Back to the Community residents moving into our Independent or Assisted Living will be offered a LIFELONG GUARANTEEQPR1CE WITH NO RATE INCREASES! We have also set aside additional rooms for those who need minimal care -at substantially reduced rates Carve th Village of Mitkllex tile To arrange a visit, please give us a adj, . (269) 795-4972 www.CarvetltVillage.com “Remember... ifyou can't live aJone^ 690 W. Main Street, MiddlcviUCt Ml 493 n Please call for additional information on Carveth Village’s Giving Back Celebration �Page 4 — Thursday, March 18. 2021 Thfl Did you Lost and Found Every community needs a Sunshine Week Now here’s an old-fashioned way to post. Lost and found notices going back more than a year are posted at Hastings' City Hall by the police department on the second floor. Items include knives, necklaces, cash and a bicycle. Hastings City Police Chief Jeff Pratt said wallets and bicyc,es make up most of lhe posts on this board after the items are discovered by citizens and Police officers. II the items are not picked up after a while, they are auctioned off online and the money goes to the city general fund. Wit" or rorsn htmct OVIOVND my GYSHk». 4- . Bn like a Mon Banner March 17. i960 Charter Monarchs - The Hastings Lions celebrated the 10th anniversary of their club’s organization with a banquet at the country club Tuesday evening. These five charter members, (from left) Zeno Banash. Fred Slocum, Donald Rose, Ralph Shirkey and Ken Hoffman, were presented "Charter Monarch” awards for their 10 years’ membership in the club, which has raised nearly $15,000 for community service. Three others, Russell Doty, Sherman Kreisher and Keith Yerty, received awards for 10 years of continuous service, but they were not charger members. met? shot Gordon, who sometimes has difficulty expressing his emotions verbally. Because Gordon’s behaviors sometimes do not make sense to those without a mental disability, he is often misunderstood or, sometimes, even seen as scary, his mother ISTRIC the sidewalks were here in town" « ‘“that ^d vec go up to our kneecap said. However, interacting with the community is helping break down those misconceptions. “He is a person who is challenged and (clearing the sidewalks] tna^.P^P. ‘Jj town understand that he’s not frightening. Vicky Gordon said. “It isn’t just about him helping them. In helping them, they can help him by just understanding. He’s not danger­ ous; he’s a good person. . “I just like seeing him hapP>’ seeing Jha he is assimilating himself in10 th5 t0W"‘ For his many years of wkin,? ? Delton’s sidewalks and his ded'""°"itv becoming an active part oflhe c0 Brian Gordon is this week's Brian Gordon a responsibility he chose: to> acceP # Gordon has a> nrenud d.sabO^ hyperactive and d,sPl^n taking care of the sive behaviors. He began tK I b Delton sidewalks more than when he moved into town Vicky Gordon. . ,,nj i Want “We have older people• d^on "1 to make the sidewalks safe. shov. seen that nobody else was picktng (1 i|)oUght they don’t fall on the stdewal . thing, because some of the sidewa .ne a worth a plumb nickel. And it just gt c purpose (since] I don’t hold down a . Gordon doesn’t just lake care of sidewalks in the winter; he’s out PraC all year long, removing leaves in the s| and fall and edging during the suinnie i • “What’s lhe matter is lhe grass, wne , grows, it grows straight across the concre Gordon said. “It was driving nie nuts, s< just said, ‘To heck with it, 1’H do stuff out­ side.’ “1 keep it clean. I get it all better.” It’s taken 12 years, but Gordon is starting to become more widely recognized for his work. “He’s been here for quite a while and now people are saying they don’t just see hint as •Oh, there’s that guy that does this work in town.’ Now, they say, ‘Brian is doing that,’ ” Vicky Gordon said. Some people hav< this winter, while he w„. . —.......... "• on a cold day. soineo,lc <,u,Mde shoveling him hot chocolate. ‘ by to give “I’ve been getting this .i . and a wave and a honk~rr l*tumbs-up Gordon said, “h mukcs people],” then I wave back.” c *ecl good. And The recognition is n . because he wishes for prai^n,n8ful — not Gordon, for all his life । * e hut because belong. ’ M,nply wanted to -I like to open Up f ----- ------- ------------------ LT People] ” said things can stay di<(racled by something most people will - Owens else in the news cycle and become familiar w j^ption of distraction m the Pa^>1? |9 pandemic. technology threatening the ne a government and the importance • voice amid the clamor to explain it. g excesuve and unnecessary T ecv interviews conducted via Zoom or l Madison, who helped craft the US village manager position in Middleville, Consutution, also drafted the Bill of Richt? which includes the guarantee of ifX8^ interference on the call jeopardized business and earned him the title of "father of open and the public’s ability to sec it. “During one of the interviews, hackers government. "If men were angels, no government got into the Zoom call and started typing profanities in the chat function (of the Zoom would be necessary," Madison wrote in Federalist Papers essay No. 54 Oh how call],” Chandler said. “The village did not set a password for people to enter the call, *n,c 'h0s' w°rds rinB d'is year during Sunshine Week. 6 and I think that contributed to the hackers In many states, including Michigan as getting in and disrupting a government an egregious example, legislatures have process. It was important for us to be on hand for the call because [the village exempted themselves from public record Jaws, hiding private discussions, letters, manager] is the position that is most responsible for spending money in the memos, emails and official business village, and it was important that the council transactions concerning the people’s not be disrupted in that process.” business by claiming “legislative immunity ” In Yankee Springs Township, when that Michigan is one of only two states that group s first meeting via Zoom resulted in exempt the Legislature and lhe offices of lhe sound quality so inferior conversations governor and lieutenant governor from could not be understood. Chandler “ended having to disclose records and up writing a story about how bad the sound communications from the federal Freedom quality was. By the next meeting, they had of Information Act. In 2017 and 2019, bills found a facilitator to set up the Zoom call to change that arrogant practice passed in and they have had no problems since.” the Republican-led state House of Reporter Sophie Bates, who covers the Representatives. Both limes, they died in city of Hastings, is quick to acknowledge the Senate before reaching the Republican the efforts of local government officials governor’s desk. doing their jobs well. Current governor, Gretchen Whitmer, “City Manager Jerry Czarnecki and was elected as a Democrat in 2018 on a Community Development Director Dan promise that transparency in government King, in particular, have done a wonderful would be a top priority. Her present job communicating with me, answering my embroilment, however, in not explaining questions and assisting me in my coverage why she made a $155,000 “hush money’’ of Hastings,” she said. “They are always payment to a former Health and Human willing to take time to speak with me - and Services director, who was summarily to do so promptly.” replaced, is only providing more evidence Government officials like Czarnecki and of her true, slippery political self. Last King are among many who understand that week, Whitmer grandly stated that all future the local news' Ataff can be a partner in “separation agreements” would have to be communicating to citizens. It’s vital that made public and first approved by the officials provide the information needed for attorney general’s office. Of course, “future” constituents to understand the steps they agreements mean that the new policy does take to lead their communities. not apply to the latest separation agreement, Despite a good and transparent which she obviously prefers not to discuss. relationship between government officials Whitmer also has come under fire for and lhe local news staff, however, there is a refusing to turn over COVID-19 death data crucial third partner involved in well-run and accurate nursing home numbers to the communities, a key shareholder who, too public. Attorney General Dana Nessel was often, is missing: The public itself. asked to initiate an investigation, but this “It’s not just a matter of poor voter week stated there was not enough evidence turnout which has been well-documented to do so. Without transparency, the public for decades.” Banner Editor Rebecca Pierce could surmise that lhe two government said, “it’s the empty seats at (ownship and officials might be playing on the same team. city halls.” Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charlie That’s why Pierce makes sure reporters LeDuff of Detroit thinks so. He and the arc there - because many folks with jobs, Mackinac Center for Public Policy in families and business responsibilities are Midland have filed suit against the governor, just loo busy to attend. They can, however, demanding those numbers and an accounting still read. And we, as a local news of just how the administration does business organization, are here for them. behind closed doors. “Read and support your local Thai’s why Sunshine Week is so newspaper,” advised Ken Paulson, director important to observe every year. As today’s of the Free Speech Center at Middle Michigan politics demonstrates, news Tennessee Stale University who’s also a organizations are often the only means by lawyer and a former editor-in-chief at USA which the public can determine if their Today. “Local journalists, more than anyone business is being conducted honestly and else, will stand up for your right to honorably and at every level. information: Facebook will not be going Former U.S. Speaker of the House toe-to-toe with your mayor.” Thomas “Tip” O’Neill once observed that Julie Stafford is a publishing colleague “all politics is local,” and that’s why our at the nearby Greenville Daily News who news staff at the Banner takes its mission as also sees the implications of a public seriously as any newsroom anywhere. Our unplugged from local news. Without public reporters may not encounter the same opinion and pressure, government needs no manipulation of data or lhe hidden political boundaries. agendas of opportunists seeking personal “Information is power," Stafford said, recognition or riches as in bigger “and if you don’t find a way to keep communities but, as Madison stated, there yourself plugged in to a reliable source of are no angels. what’s happening - at least in your local “In the few limes,I have seen government community - decisions will be made with officials try to hide information from the input from and by other people. ?\nd your public, it seems to be because they think voice will be too late.” people will just forget about it ” said Taylor Let lhe sun shine. Owens, who covers everything from police to public health, raucous public rallies to Doug VanderLaan, quiet township meetings. Guesi Columnist educate the public on nal lni"a,,v': ,o open govenU “dl ~ remember? During the winter months, whenever it snows, Brian Gordon. 51. dons insulated clothing, grabs his shovel and heads out to the heart of Delton. When he arrives, surrounded by a sea ot fluffy white, he begins shoveling. He moves froln one public sidewalk to another, hitting driveways along the way. Most days, he stays outside until dark or as long as it takes to shovel most, if not all. of the sidewalks and driveways in the mam residential area; he also removes ice usrng a dissension, would™' h’h!?'"1' and Partisan Tuesday would hnv. k... 270th birthday, a date thaf^"’ Madis0"’s each year as pa„ „^“’"’"’'■"orated launched in 2005 a" a nat^n r W“k- ■\oijq Have you .rnment officials "hope that, if Some govern key for |opg cnoUgh a unifying Founding FathTrv8 "’t1'"'" Madison around, the m , lkc James foresight to form Am Who had ,he party and call it the Dem ” ‘ r‘m pol'l'tal Party? ^"’o^Uc-Republican Cash/ »’ 2k) Do you menc* hls to g0 back to the beginning". 553ft Rricht Bn8'" Light. _ . I’m most proud of: Taking care 0 e town of Delton. 1Z. . What the world needs 00* is: K,nd and understanding. . .ltnr First job: Borgess nursing hoine ja‘ age 16. Favorite season: AU the money: First thing 1 bought with nl>' " A car. . .. f My biggest challenge: N* *‘^tandread and sometimes people 110 ing what I say. . anj What motivates me: H^P‘n8 °l getting the job done. ’ . w whal It I won the lottery; J wOuUn 1 * ver I would do with it because I™ a ** „ . . a person Lach week ihe Banner rrfL Da ><>u who makes the community ^.'featured know someone who slu>uli perbecause of volunteer work. J1"'.' has to tell tonality, for the stories he <,r s^nr„uiti‘>n to or any other reason? SetU 'rf.i jV. M-f3 Newsroom. Hasting, Bann(r, or Highway. Hasting, fill 4 email news®j.adgrapBlcsx0^_________ --------- ----------------- ------- -------------------------------- " Michigan is one of only two states that exempt the Legislature and the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor from having to disclose records and communications from the federal Freedom of Information Act. In 2017 and 2019, bills to change that arrogant practice passed in the Republican-led state House of Representatives. Both times they died in the Senate before reaching the Republican governor’s desk. �Th0 Hastings Banner — Thursday. March 18, 2021 — Page 5 j ciifST COMMENTA^lES CF *■ 1) 1 iwnuirics appear here today in honor o( Sunshine Wee x0Bss»'’c 0 .--------------------- -'———————■'''''‘’Larch — . -—^'^.0 2,021). the annual initiative '■> > ' me c.uc>t secrecy. ol open government, along with the dangers o v Open meetings still need to ir.A Dirk Milliman lhe coronas inis has changed the way w'C live, limiting travel, closing schools and busi­ IK-hcld^X'tTon th” When thc mcc,in?is 10 cal to be debited d wh>' “ nesses. forcing us to slay home to slay sale. But the coronavirus could not stop the workings of government. As taxpaying citizens, we still demand and expect police and fine protection from our local units of government. We still expect the roads to be plowed and repaired. We still expect the water to flow from the tap when we turn it on. Our local governments arc necessary, l he things they are designed io do foi us are essential. In March 2020. when shutdowns lu-came the norm, the problem became how to contin­ ue to let governments do then job under the restriction placed on all Michiganians under the state of emergency ami state of disaster, both declared by the governor. How do you hold a public meeting when gatherings are prohibited? How do you oper­ ate a public government w ithout allowing lhe public in? Executive Order 2020-15 was enacted on April 1.2020 which allows local units of gov­ ernment to hold their public meetings elec­ tronically. They are restricted to following some guidelines. It has since been turned into law as of the end of last year. PA 254 would allow for remote, virtual meeting under certain circumstances through December 31.2021. In addition to being allowed to meet, delib­ erate and vote on necessary and essential items on their agendas, any local unit of gov­ ernment can hold a meeting via Zoom or other easily accessible form of electronic video conference. They can also hold a meeting via teleconference. They can do either as long as they provide easy access by computer or phone to any constituent wanting to partici­ pate. Governments have to provide information can connect and paniefe^ ""'1 h°W anyOne infodSing havX fc 'T' "alcl” virtually every slate. 'Die need to fight for government transparenev is reaffirmed each year during Sunshine Week a national awareness event overseen by ■he News Leaders Association and keyed to he March 16 birthday of James Madison. The fourth president of the Untted States drafted the Bill of Rights - includmg the guarantee of a free press - in 17?1 ’ (jon ref]ects the role Thatjounr ism flow of infonna. don'bmtunfortunately also can leave the openness to share discussion with those watching. Some placed limits on the number of guests who were allowed to join their elec­ tronic meeting. Some eliminated visitors through an all-to-ambitious pre-screening process. And the absence of reliable internet service in many areas of our state stood out clearly. As a citizen, if you can’t operate a comput­ er, if you can’t accept a Zoom meeting invita­ tion, if you don’t have internet service, you cannot participate in these newly-approved electronic government meetings. In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, citizens are driving 40 miles to find internet service so they can attend a court-ordered electronic Zoom hearing. The workings of government in the public light is a must. Not a “maybe”, a “sometimes” public with a sense that Sunshine Week reflects lhe concerns of a single industry. To the contrary, access to government information is critical to every American who cares about the quality of his or her communi­ ty. state and nation. It’s important to see government employees - including elected officials - as the people we hire through our lax dollars to do a good job for all of us. If you run a business or hire a contractor, you w ouldn’t hesitate to demand a full understanding of how something went wrong. That should be exactly our relation­ ship with government. Getting that information, though, requires public meetings where residents can ask ques­ tions. It also means access to the documents that led to a poor decision. Words on paper can be much more forthright than the dissem­ bling of politicians. Il’s critical that we hold government accountable, for better or worse. (Il’s also important to acknowledge when government leaders are doing a good job.) How can you help? I have two suggestions: First, keep doing exactly what you’re doing at this moment. Read and support your local newspaper. Local journalists, more than any­ one else, will stand up for your right to infor­ mation. Facebook will not be going toe-lo-toc with your mayor. Second, when you believe government isn’t doing its job, demand an explanation. Ask to see the documents. Attend public meetings. And above all. support legislative efforts to make government more transparent. It’s loo easy for officials who have failed us to point fingers, blame the media and wait for their side of thc partisan fence to rally to their defense. We deserve better. We all pay taxes to support the work of government. We should get our money’s worth. Ken Paulson is the director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee Stale University a hneyer and a & ed chief of USA Today. r^THastinss Banner D PuW^.^-ion of J Ad Graphics Inc. A DlV p^one: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 51 N w.43Hi9hwa^j,a(/gniphics.coin. Advertising: adsigj-adgraph, News and P'esS re'el>------ "~~' Frederic Jacobs publisher & CEU Hank Schuurlng "cs.com advertising department • Classed ads accepted Monday thicvgh Fnday. 83Q im. to500 pm. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore CFO Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 •NEWSROOMRebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler Sean Bradley Taylor Owens .. “whcncvt/POssib,c”. or even a belongs tn n Our govern'1 <> II e people. The people who pJ> , lhem at'anu C J”™* officials«> ^school b<)arj '|1v1'jls gm" emnw"' Washington? 8,1 ,he wa>’ answered by the cl<xt<^ ahT deliberation by those « '> A ,d,scuss,on “ live ’ind nn c ' c’ecte<i must be held uve ana on camera am . inns tn k. . . A 1 lcs al lhesc e-inectin^s are to be taken via roll call. Boirds°-?nd Wa^s.,*1‘s system works well, net r- d Comm,tlccs still hold their mcctfmni ! C?S Can participate electronically e safety of their homes. Government services continue to be provided to those of us that pay for those sen ices. In other ways, this permission to hold elec­ tronic meetings exposed flaws in many areas. Many local governments proved them­ selves incapable of adequately hosting a sim­ ple Zoom meeting. They either did not have the horsepower in their IT department - if they have an IT department at all -- or the ability to quickly adapt to the new meeting rules and guidelines allowed by the governor. Many were unable to provide the mandated Let government know who’s boss Ken Paulson When government fails, it’s the rare public official who says. “Oops. My fault.” That’s human nature, particularly for offi­ cials in the public eye who may have to run for office again. No one wants to be held directly responsible for letting the public down. Case in point is the recent catastrophe in Texas, when unexpected w inter storms left 4 million homes without power, ruptured pipes and tainted the water supply for many. Texas’ energy grid essentially collapsed. While Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was quick to blame frozen wind turbines, the cause was much more complex than that. To truly under­ stand how things went so terribly wrong will require lime, study and research. So. too, with lhe coronavirus vaccine distri­ bution. In this stale and others, residents are frustrated w ith the slow rollout of vaccines. Is it poor distribution? Politics? A Hawed strate­ gy? These are literally matters of life and death. But how do you gel to the truth when pub­ lic officials so rarely step up to lake direct responsibility for failures? The answer is public records. And public meetings. And access to lhe information that taxpayers deserve. States throughout the country have laws that guarantee access to government records and meetings. But the details vary widely and there are many statutory exceptions. New challenges to access emerge every year in open 560 per year jn per year In Barry hvi year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere pOSllAASIEn-. Sfctxl adlress changes to PO Boj 1BB HaWng*>. Ml 490S8 Q168 Second C’ou Pq-.Ugo Pad a! Hastings. V.) A'JOSB County f( ‘>.*« live and eonus to do things has made us relh ” duct our lives- 1 differentlyallowed tn.-.l r But it cannot^ to take from us the ability to Part,?J*Ls p w°rkings of our governmental ^issioi^ scl'««l boards through city in pcoP|i: who arc elected must o|* ‘ . °Pel>- face to face with and in fro"1 “,ose elect them. Dirk ,s Wbli*herleditor of the Three Rivers Ci"”",en'al Democracy demands journalism Democracy is government by the people. /Xnd, in order for people to make their voices heard at all levels of government, they must be informed by a fair source Thai’s why good journalism is critical. Newspapers do tell positive, informative, sometimes light-hearted stories that are important. But one of journalism’s main responsibili­ ties is to make sure elected officials and key decision-makers follow the law, handle tax dollars responsibly and represent the people who elected them. Most local newspaper teams can list a handful of stories they have uncovered, informing readers cf corruption and negli­ gence that ultimalcl) resulted in public outcry and significant chaffefto the way things are done. Newspapers \»derstand that people want their voices to be heard, but (hat they also have limited time and resources to attend meetings, dig for documents and challenge elected officials on issues that are important to them as taxpayers. This demand for democracy is why lhe Michigan Press Association spends so much time on issues such as fighting for transparen­ cy by making sure the Freedom Of Information Act applies at all levels of government; by making sure the Open Meetings Act is fol­ lowed at all levels of government; and by fighting to ensure public notices are published in local newspapers and online so constituents know when important decisions are going to be discussed and made. We understand that people sometimes need a break from the headlines, especially after events of late. We understand the news can be heavy, overwhelming and even disheartening. But we encourage you to be careful with subscribing to a “No news is good news” phi­ losophy. Information is power and if you don’t find a way to keep yourself plugged in to a reliable source of what’s happening — at least in your local community — decisions will be made with input from and by other people. And your voice will be heard too late. Julie Stafford is re8‘onai publisher of the Greenville Daily ^ews a”d View Newspaper Group. | - ' - s<,pw« Bates Sluff Writer Hastings is liking a in addifederal funds -wnh hal( t)( ,hal conli to lhe City tn about 60 days. -We're going In do a |iWe happ). da|K<: City Manager krry Czarnecki said, ’l he city has been slogging through tough recessionary limes during a pandemic - so, at the very feast, this funding from the federal govern­ ment should provide a much-needed cushion. “This is significant.” Czarnecki said. “This is going f° benefit (the city) and. then again, if we’re smart with how we use it and get a good return for it, then it increases its value.” City officials are feeling “positive, obvi­ ously,” he added. It s not money we were expecting to get. The city receive the funds in two parts and then have until 2024 to spend it. Czarnecki said he’s “hearing from other municipalities: Don’t just spend it right 1 But he said it could potentially be used for some replacement of lost revenue; so he’s doing some projections on where the city might best use it. He said it can’t be used for roads - and that was one of their biggest hits to revenue was state funding for roads. So this money can’t be used to fill that hole. But it could be used for other infrastructure needs, he said. . Amid the immediate euphoric response io the news is a sense that they “have be to cau­ tious that this doesn't generate something that has a longevity cost,” Czarnecki added. *1 anticipate this is what I would feel like if I won the lottery. I've got to initially be sur­ prised. excited, but then take a deep breath and go. OK, now how do we be smart about the use of this?” I The city has a multitude of projects whefe these funds could be applied. • “A lot of our projects that we do affect mul­ tiple things - our sewer lines are under the road - and. once you start spending money on stuff, it starts generating a need to start spend­ ing money in other areas.” • So. before they do anything with the fund­ ing, Czarnecki said, they’re going to take, a look and try to make some predictions as (o where revenue might be lost. Initial discussions will be with the finance department to wrap their arms around what the city’s financial picture is - and could become - and how that could fit with the per­ mitted uses for these federal funds. FUNDING, continued from page 1 Julie Stafford People who want to know what’s going on in their villages .towns, counties and the state demand accurate and accountable journalism. Decision-makers who rely on federal and state funds demand trustworthy journalism. Lawmakers dedicated to open and honest government demand journalism. __ City °rfiCja|s t(J COnsider best use funds - but, first, they’ll do a |ltt|e happy dance - Hating® T1 strings are attached,” Butler said. Jack Owens, supervisor of Vermontville Township in Eaton County, expressed caution about lhe funds. “Everybody’s always cautious (about money) that’s given to us that’s free. It’s nice they sent money to us al the township,” Owens said, adding that he has questions about it - such as if it could affect how much in revenue sharing the township would receive in the future. The funds will likely be welcome in cities like Battle Creek. East Lansing. Clawson and Detroit, where staffers were laid off during the pandemic, and years of budget cuts have left infrastructure crumbling. Michigan municipalities lost $8.6 billion in state-revenue sharing from 2001 to 2018, according to one report. The number of municipal employees fell 20 percent — more than 87,000 jobs — to 356,012 between September 2001 and September 2018, accord­ ing to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But, no matter how welcome lhe stimulus largesse, it’s likely not free, Bridge Magazine said. Reports on Monday indicated President Joe Biden would push for lax increases to pay for the plan - likely seeking to reverse cuts on corporations and high earners enacted during the Trump administration. Other officials questioned why their com­ munities should receive money in the first place — especially when they didn’t ask for it. In West Branch Township in Missaukee County near Houghton Lake, Supervisor Cindy Wagner said the township of about 500 people can find a way to spend the S47.098 it is set to receive. But she asked whether a small govemmept in farm country — with no paid staff — is the right recipient for federal government to tar­ get pandemic recovery. » “There’s a lol of other things that need to foe fixed, versus all this money that the govern­ ment’s sending, you know," Wagner said. $*I think they need to take care of businesses and get people back to work and so on.” Barry County Administrator Michael Brown noted that there may be liabilities th}it come along with these funds. “A big liability is that, if you don’t use the funds correctly, you have to pay them backs” Brown mentioned. “Thai’s certainly what you don’t want to do - only to find out that wasn’t an allowable use." j Barry County Commissioner Jon Smelker said,“The only thing that scares me ... is that the young people down the line got to pay this back because, you know, it’s all borrowed,’’’ But the idea of not accepting lhe funds hist doesn’t seem possible, he said, considenqg the many challenges facing the county. “How can you say no to that (funding), given what’s going on?" Smelker asked, con­ cluding. "It may not be our generation; but some generation’s going to pay for that.” Bridge Magazine contributed to this report. Calley honored for : promoting transparency Stale Rep. Julie Calley. R-Portland, has received the Peter Pettalia Memorial Sunshine Award, given annually to public servants who strive to promote and protect government openness. The award is named after former State Rep. Peter Pettalia of Presque Isle who embodied support and understanding of thc importance of keeping citizens informed through a transparent government. “This year’s recipient also embodies these attributes," according to a Michigan Press Association news release. “[Calley] has consistently supported FOIA reforms that would subject the governor’s office and the legislature to Freedom oi Information. She has been a co-sponsor of the package of bills introduced and passed by the House for lhe hist three legislative sessions.” Calley also was recognized for being a strong supporter of the importance of publjc notice in newspapers because she understands the value provided in keeping the public informed about decisions made by local government officials. “Rep. Calley knows that newspapers will ensure that the public has full access (o government meetings, actions and plans,” die release noted. Dirk Milliman is chairman of the MPA Public Policy Committee. “During her entire elected career. Rep. Calley has pul the need to share information with the public at the forefront of her agendaj” Milliman said. “She has always been an advocate for transparency and openness at ,\U levels of government. Her leadership qn issues concerning public information are to be commended.” J Banner on Nominations sought for Facebook ta Hometown Health Her° The Michigan Public Health Week public health threats and promoting the health keep up to Partnership is seeking nominations of of their communities.” Nomination forms can be downloaded individuals and organizations who have made from Michigan.gov/mphw. Completed date until the significant contributions to preserve and nominations should be sent to Jim Koval via improve their community’s health for ds email at kovaljft michigan.gov or faxed to annual Hometown Health Hero awards. neW edition • Hometown Health Hero awards are 5l7-335-8392byApril26. Awards will be shipped directly to winners presented every spring as part of Michigan Public Health Week. By building connections, in Ma\. jS printed! The Michigan Public Health Week communities become healthier, safer and better for ail. Daily themes this week have Partnership includes Grand Valley Slate University, Michigan Association of Counties. included rebuilding, advancing racial equity* .MichiganAssociation for l«ocal Public Health, strengthening community, galvanizing clima,c Michigan Department of Health and Human justice, constructing COVID-19 resilienceServices. Michigan Health Improvement and uplifting menial health and wellness. Allianz inc.. Michigan Public Health “Ever)one deserves to live a long ^ocialion. Michigan Public Health Institute. healthy life in a sate environment,” □ Michigan State University, University df Joncigh Khaldun, chief medical executi^ Michigan School of Public Health and Wa}tfe chief deputy for health for State University. “Hometown Health Hero awards opportunity to honor those tackling �g B»nner Pape 6 —- Thursday. March 18. 2021 — The Bus rue Howard U. Lundquist Kingsley jifocfc Zerbel^ Verle Krammin A' Howard rwwaro I’v I-undquist. age 77. w||h hjs of lr>r' > „ March12. 2021. after a long peacefully on Marta i « battle with respiratory 11 nC5S; J Howard was bom on June 14. 194. to Uno ;„d Julia (Hanford) Lundquist. He grew up in (he Hastings area where he attended Hastings Kish School. He was a member of the Hastings Seventh Day Adventist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, garage sales, and visiting with anyone who would look his way. ; Howard left high school to enlist in the U.S. Navy from 1960-64. He also enjoyed many years at Fischer Body in Lansing. He was inspired to get his journeyman’s in electrical work and found time to enjoy that after his retirement. , He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Mendonca) Lundquist of Marysville, whom he has been married to for 26 years; his children. Louanne (Jim) Fields, Brad (Hiroko) Lundquist. Chad (Vicky) Lundquist, Mark (Rhonda) Lundquist, and ijis stepchildren, Autumn (John) Mlynarski, Brandee Martin. David Hollen, Bryan (Amy) Hollon, and Darren (Esmima) Hollen. He is also survived by sisters. Joyce Culp of Hastings. Linda Ruthruff of Hastings; sisters-in-law, Kathy Lundquist of Grand Ledge, and Sandy Lundquist of Nashville; several grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents; brothers, Roger Lundquist and Raymond Lundquist and his grandson. Kyle. Howard will be greatly missed. His chipper morning voice and his card skills will also be missed. Per his request, we will be doing a celebration of life this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elara Hospice or a charity of your choosing. M^’nan,.Mie,1,1<:l Kimbrue. age 18. of i evillc, passed away unexpectedly on March 10.2021. Logan was bom on August 1, 2002 in Hastings, the son of Shannon Kimbrue and Mansa Calloway. Logan was a 2020 graduate of Thornapplc Kellogg Schools "here he enjoyed playing football. He was currently attending GRCC, majoring in engineering. Most recently he was employed by Three Brothers Pizza. Logan enjoyed golfing, fishing, snowboarding, playing comhole, and hanging out with friends and family. He loved watching sports, especially his beloved University of Michigan Wolverines sports teams and could give you any up to date professional or college sports stats. Logan is survived by his parents. Shannon (Stacey) Kimbrue and Marisa (EJ) Calloway; sister, Ava Calloway; brothers, Rage and Eston Sheldon; grandparents, Dale and Linda Kelly, Ken and Deb Callow'ay, Richard Bassett and Lee Bassett; aunts: Jodi (Coy) Overholt, Tia (Donnie) Reed, and Melinda Gummo; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Logan’s family will receive friends on Thursday, March 18, 3 to 8 p.m. at Peace Church where his memorial service will be conducted on Friday, March 19. 2021 at 11 a.m., Pastor Ryan Kimmel, officiating. Seating will be limited and the family encourages you to join them via livestream on the church’s website, www.peacechurch. cc. Memorial contributions to the Thornapplc Kellogg Athletic Boosters for TK football will be appreciated. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Logan’s family. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc<fr gmail.com. Website: www. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Ptstor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery* is remains closed. Weekly activity bags forchilren arc available in the 9 a.m. sen ice and Kid's Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 pan. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. i -n 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergartcn-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43). Dchon, Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. is provided by The Hastings Banner, lhe churches 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 w. Green St — Hastings 945-9541 Kingsley Mack Zerbel P<isscd aw peacefully surrounded by h,s fam‘ Wednesday, Feb. 24 2021 in St- Joseph. LuElla F. Bromley, age 75. of Delton Bom to Sterling’ M Zerbel and Hilda Verle (Melinn) Krammin, age 82, of passed away on March 10,2021 ’ Bishop Zerbel. April 24, I929’ KinSsIcy Hastings, passed away on March 11.2021. LuElla was bom on June 10 1945 in grew up in Hastings. He” served in the Army Verle was bom on October 3, 1938, in Allegan, the daughter of Varsal and Donna between 1946-49 afterwards attending North Dorr, to Martin and Effie (Stein) (Livingston) Fales. On December17 1965 Western Michigan University durirlg which Melinn. They moved to Wyoming, where in Hickory Comers, LuElla married the love he married Mary Lou Galtner of Lake she attended Holy Name School and of her life, William ‘'Bill" Bromley, who Odessa in 1950. He went on to be the Catholic Central, graduating in 1956. survives. owner/operator of Zerbel- GMC Trucks of Verle met Charles Krammin at thc Dixie Faith was an important part of LuElla’s ---------Inn in Bradley, square and round dancing to ,nton Harbor, and later Lcm^ ^K f,J life, she and Bill attended Hickory Comers Rem Wall and the Green Valley Boys. She He was a resident of St. Joseph, for over Bible Church for many years before married Charles on December 1, 1963. They 27 years, retiring to his dream home in becoming members of Cedar Creek Bible bought an 80-acre farm four miles east of Cudjoe Key, FL. for another happy 27 years. Church. She also worked at the Gull Lake Hastings, where Charles farmed and worked Kingsley will be deeply missed by his Bible Conference where she developed at the E.W. Bliss while Verle raised the surviving love of 70 years, Mary “Lou” and many lifelong friendships. family in an old farm house, with many six children, Timothy (Sherrie) Zerbel, LuElla was a member of Delton T.O.P.S. challenges. Mathew (Susan) Zerbel, Kathi Mirto, Julie and served as a Cub Scout leader for her She donated her time to St. Rose School (John) Castady, Amy (Mike) Ryan, Bambi children. In her free time she enjoyed and Church and the Hastings Library. She Zerbel and extended family member, crocheting, knitting, sewing, puzzles, and and Charles were instrumental in getting the Raymond (Vicki) Russell. crossword puzzles. Hastings Township voters to approve an Kingsley was a loving grandfather to 12 Most important to LuElla was her family, operating millage for the Hastings Library’. grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren spending as much time as she could with her Verle also was active in the library who survive. A brother, Herman Frederick grandchildren and great grandchildren. volunteer’s organization in many fundraising Zerbel of Kalamazoo also survives, along LuElla is also survived by her children, efforts. After her three children were raised, with numerous adoring nieces, nephews and Tracy Daniel (Talitha) Bromley, and she worked for Hastings Mutual Insurance several favorite cousins. Christine (Steve) Dill; seven grandchildren; Company and later for the Hastings Kingsley was preceded in death by his seven great grandchildren; siblings, Donna Orthopedic Doctors for many years until her parents and two sisters, Anne Zerbel Curtis Jean Minshall, Robert (Edna) Fales, Leon retirement. She and Charles visited, hiked, and Kaye Zerbel Kestedc; and son-in-law, Fales, and Marie (Robert) Miller. and camped many National Parks along the Joseph Mirto. LuElla was preceded in death by her Pacific Coast. His greatest legacy irafe was the love he parents; son, Terrance Bromley; brother-in­ Verle was preceded in death by her felt and shared with hi$4mily and friends. law, Duane Minshall; and sister-in-law, parents; brothers, Clair and Francis Melinn, / Cathy Fales. and brother-in-law, Conrad (/Xgnes) LuElla’s funeral service was conducted on Krammin. Saturday. March 13, 2021, at Cedar Creek She is survived by her loving husband, Bible Church, Pastor Robert Norton and Charles; her children, Daniel Krammin of Pastor Ethan Holmes, officiating. Burial Hastings, Amy (David) Shao of Palo Alto, took place in East Hickory Comers California, Joseph “Joe” (Janet) Krammin of Cemetery. Richland; grandchildren, Jack Krammin, Memorial contributions to Cedar Creek Katie, Rhys; her sisters, Rosemary (Mike) Bible Church Benevolence Fund will be Cheslock of Grand Rapids, Patricia (Jerry) appreciated. Please visit www. Huttenga of Byron Center, Ann Marie williamsgorcsfuneral.com to share a memory (Russell) Plummer of Jenison, and sisters-inor to leave a condolence message for law, Mary Ann (Charles) McEachin of LuElla’s family. Fennville. Vicky Melinn of Wyoming, and Mary Melinn of Byron Center, brother-in­ law, Paul Krammin of New Mexico, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, I board members. The board also used a the direction of Mr. Goebel - and we’re really March 26, 2021 at II a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 805 S Jefferson St, Hastings, •’ 15-queslion survey to gather staff and - appreciative of his leadership to our distnct I munity input on Goebel’s performance, w MI 49058 with no visitation due to COVID Now that Goebel has been chosen to fill the helped to inform their decisionrestrictions. The service will be livestreamed position, he and Haywood will begin working at www.facebook.com/ Normally, superintendent evalualion ‘ on a contract. Haywood said he will update GirrbachFuneralHome Interment will be at completed in May or June, but the process the board about the contract at its April meetResurrection Cemetery, Wyoming. took place earlier this year to help the 10 Goebel has a bachelor’s degree in psychol­ In lieu of flowers, donations in Verle’s determine whether to move Goebel up duct a superintendent search. memory can be made to St. Rose of Lima ogy and master’s degree in educational leadChurch or the Hastings Public Library. . “It was very difficult to do this ev ’ erahip and an educational specialist degree, ' given that Mr. Goebel has beenion> „ Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. all from Grand Valley Slate University. To leave an online condolence visit www. ' superintendent for a short pen** . ’ Before coming to Hastings, Goebel was an Haywood said. "But we ih00^ Suable. elementary principal and high school assistant girrbachfuneralhome.net. -• cess was very important a"d notion. principal at Orchard View Schools in Although Mr. Goebel is '°‘^vith us Muskegon. ...» he’s not new to the district. He s “Over the past 22 years m education, I for eight years. With that said;, we have been fortunate to have worked in all appreciative that Matt was wtlhnS aspects of the K-12 continuum. As a high and fill this roll for us. turned school special education teacher and coach, I . “During our pandemic, d'in^, r,„ure at the had the opportunity to provide assistance to upside down and to have a slca<? !» the individual needs of my students. As a high . helm has really helped the his evalu- school and elementary administrator, I was A public campaign is underway to ensure Goebel received a 76 pet1'” ° -effective” fortunate to have experiences that impacted Michigan residents take advantage of tens of more students from a leadership position,” ation, which placed him >n \ category of 75 to 89 percent-. nccore,board Goebel said in an interview with the Hastings millions in federal, state and local dollars that can help households and small businesses pay Following Goebel’s e^lual‘lunity’ ^put Banner Tuesday. He current lives in Grand Rapids with his heating bills. members said staff and ^hoard’s deciTwo weeks of especially cold temperatures 5 played an important role inlbc wife, Amy, and three children. in February caused furnaces to run more often Despite that distance from Hastings, Goebel 7 sion. ’ lcngthy than usual. The cost of that heal will be \ “We have gone through »J? 7what our also has made an effort to serve the communi­ reflected in bills customers are receiving this \ process evaluating not only oUl there, ty. He is currently in his second year as the chairman of thc Barry County United Way, month. options may be and what ,:Tn the overPeople who are struggling with energy bills serves on lhe Barry County Family Support but really taking into consi^L received may call 2-1-1» a free service that connects whelmingly positive feedbacK y front the Center board, and recently finished his term people with nonprofit agencies in communities from staff and particularly. a*'\,ies said. ”1 as president of the Hastings Kiwanis. across the state. They also can visit mi21L “ Over the past seven and half years. ’ community,” Trustee Mike ^ision” think we’re making the rigN board made Hastings has provided me an avenue to posi­ org.Other ways to get help include: i Haywood emphasized lbat listening io tively impact the entire district, while, at the • Applying for state emergency relief ai . the decision to hire Goebel W fCviewing same lime, participating in leadership roles michigan.gov/mibridges. such as the Barry County United Way. staff and community ’nC allhc dis' • Applying for a Home Heating Credit at Kiwanis, and Family Resource Center,” < Goebel’s performance andl°°, not been michigan.gov/treasury or through the Goebel said. ‘AU of these experiences have trict’s other options if Go^ helped me prepare for the superintendent Volunteers Income Tax Assistance Program. selected. fthcpuZZ^es Call 2-1-1 for an appointment. ‘•[There were) a lot of p‘cCCSv‘\o move for­ position in such an awesome, unique, and • Calling Barry County United Way. 269­ , to help us determine which o eithef d0 u caring community such as Hastings “I am looking forward to expanding on our 945-4010 ■ ward, and our options we* • Calling Community Action, 269-986­ educational opportunities for our students, , search to try to hire someo^ * lot of narrowing the focus on career readiness, and 4149 Anyone above thc 200 percent of poverty search," Haywood said. ”'v,’^ation ’hal lEgs ” SlUdcnts whh lhc community of rate ($51,500 for a family of four), may call . eration and a lot of gowj inf0?’’, the d'slr! had to work with.^felt ^n^ under Consumers Energy, 800-477-5050, to make payment arrangements. would best be served if *c I SUPERINTENDENT, continued from page 1 Funds available to help pay winter heating bills �fl look back at the stories and columns on local hlstoru In the Hastings Banner Health department was model for rest off state Youngsters play on the frozen lake at the former Pine Lake Camp. (WKKF photo) This photo was used in the 1941 annual report of the Barry County Health Department to illustrate the importance of dental care in the total health program. In the photo, the dentist explains how an X-ray reveals small hidden defects in teeth. [The Nov. 19, 1981, Banner invited readers who recognized the individuals to contact the office. However, no additional identifying information was found in subsequent edi­ tions.] Campers dry dishes in the kitchen at the Clear Lake Camp in this undated photo published in the March 5, 1998, Banner. Part V Two local venues - the local health department and the Michigan Career and Technical Institute - have new missions today. But both originated nearly 90 years ago as part of a rural community health improvement plan that focused on some of the youngest of the Michigan Community Health Project. In J 981, Barry County Judge Richard N. Laughrin, then president of the Barry' County Historical Society, researched and wrote a series of articles in celebration of the health department’s 50"1 anniversary. The following article is from the Nov. 19, 1981, Banner. ^CeZ magnate Wil! Keith Kellogg treated (.amp for malnourished kids was one of health department’s first projects in 1932 the W.K. Kellogg Foundation especially £ul the health of children and tomernai people of all ages B specifically selected mif 93(WV regarding preventative healtn an Richard Loughrin Thc unknown author of an unpublished story of thc first 10 years. 1931-1941, of the Barry County Health Department described a —HASTINGS SCHOOL QrCOMMUNITY FORUM nnity is invited to attend a forum to discuss academics and facility updates. camp program for school children. Barry County, the first county in the Michigan Community Health Project of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, was lhe site of two camp programs for school children. In the spring of 1932, the foundation built a summer camp at Pine Lake [now the Michigan Career and Technical Institute]. Each of 22 cabins housed seven children and a counselor. An administration building contained a common kitchen, dining room and recreation room. A camp similar to the one al Pine Lake was constructed on Clear Lake in Baltimore. Township in i932 [now the Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center, Clear Lake Camp, owned by Battle Creek Public Schools]. Camp sessions were of one- to four-wccks duration. Both camps originally served only Barry County school children. The administration building al Pine Lake was remodeled in 1940 for winter use. A heating system was installed, and partitions put in both the dining room and recreation rooms, making dormitories. Fifty children could be accommodated during the winter. Nearly all children sent to the winter camp were malnourished. Their diet and activities were carefully supervised, and an average gain of 4 pounds’ weight per child was made. The winter camps instituted an educational program since children attended for 12-week periods. The children chosen were those who would benefit more from a longer camp period than those chosen for summer camp. The counselors were qualified teachers as well as experienced campers. Several changes took place in thc camping program over the years. The summer months were available to organizations that were permitted to arrange the selection of children. Winter campers were chosen from any community agency within the state that worked toward the “health, happiness and well-being of children. In 1939-40 the Clear Lake Camp was used as a demonstration center; (he school children and teacher of an enhre school district attended for a period of ™ *•eeks. With the cooperatio«of the Medteal Soctety and Dental Society of the county health and dental examinations o schoolchildren were held in the schools tlurtng the years 1931 ,hmll„h 1934 The participating physicians through .1934. 1 r. . parenls and dentists made W q(. were urgedI to- be P^f d(.rcc(s found were eXa.m.'n tl^mtn not Pr«ent. and follow-up sent to a to urge and arrange home calls were * corrections. ^n|a| examinations were The health . procedure through lhe made an education** ’ i.IC,anS . * , . e ^^t^ton of P^ nUrSCS and teachers. pirated that a better . Expe/,C"ue^ itionship seemed to prevail doctor/Umtly look pIJ in a when the e * physician s Preferred to have t a ZOOM meeting. Meeting _ nm iis/j/88206485782?pwd=:fl}'T' https://us02web.zo .vbUkwzeDRszzog ZPWmtGRlNHb^ for further information s _ -______________ children, informed the parents of thc preschool conference and provided transportation for parents and children, where needed. Post-graduate work in the field of health was offered to physicians, dentists, school administrators. teachers. hospital administrators and nurses at universities and in Barry County. LAKE TRUST Member Experience Associate The Member Experience Associate (Hastings Branch) is passionate about delivering the Best Member Experience to our members. This team member will uncover needs, inspire possibilities. and deliver solutions to advance our members’ financial success. This person must be adaptable with a strung sense of teamwork. They will cross-sell products and services, open all deposit accounts, including specialty and business accounts to help our members meet their financial goals. What you’ll bring • High School Diploma/GED (required) • Minimum of 1-2 years job-related experience demonstrating success in building member.'customer relationships by successfully cross selling products within a financial institution or retail environment • Proven ability to proactively interact with members to identify and uncover needs while supporting a strong member/customer sen ice culture. • Prior lending experience preferred What you’ll get • Great benefits • A chance to work w ith an energetic tram focused on making our members w ildly successful • An opportunity to work with others tbuvt have your kick every step of thc way • Opportunities to make a difference both inside and outside of our walls • Being treated like you arc more than the work you do Apply online at www.lakctrust.org/carvers. Lake Trust Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM Young Kindergarten/Kindergarten registration will take place at the Community Education and Recreation Center, 520IV. South Street, between the hours of 3.00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m, on Thursday, April 29,2021. Enrollment forms are now available online o ,„e building. Parents will need • Certified State copy of birth c ’ Updated immunization records a own office. People family doctor or dentist most |he do lhe ewnm .|Jities and opportunity to latter had bet e remedial treatment, make appointive _ consistcnl with |he This change . |fS of the community foundation s Pf,n 1 health project. aspect of the new An interestHb 4nl Was ||w heaUh department s P bpol children from 1931 examination o P 5 for the examinations to 1935. $ 0,1 ^^viiship and urban centers, were held ineaci c0nlmittecs of live to 10 Lay people iormc (hc hOniCs of presdu)O| members who * The unknown author in 1941 summarized: “The Barry County Health Department in completing its 101*1 year can feel it has made accomplishment. Attitudes have changed, and the people of lhe couniy have something that can never be taken from them: More knowledge of health and how to secure and keep it.” CMren ™s, attend school with an app nV STATE Law ■ vision and hearing testing must be Y ,mmunizations andn hs fall. At the time of registration, comp re school attendance ' . parents will also be given an appo^e\\‘ vision and hearing test, �County board asks state to help small businesses ’■‘ST’ , Elaine (inrhn’k We may yet get sonic miow. but the lampposts are proclaiming sPn”£ . begins Saturday lhe banner, «l ">e god, show colorful tulip, with 'he sPrinS nlth ."j.. They replace a snowflake design «"h 1|K word “Welcome.** ,„lirnnt Wc are awaiting word !«"" rc',a“ran' patrons that thev enjoyed being • . patronize a local'eating place this weekend after the Friday adjustment m capacty restrictions. , . .< A recent innovation at Centra Methodist Church « the inclusion o an i s sung bv thc Chancel Choir months ago, taped and saved. They make a nice addition to the morning services, second time arouin . Who knows that treasures may be hid den in a boxful of old letters from World War It. This writer’s family had some surprises upon seeing thc transcription of a Mash ot >ut?rs written by a 20-\ ear-old uncle ot the family in lhe months of Ins training in California. Alabama. Tennessee. North Carolina, southwest England, and one letter from France. This prov ed to be a monumental task for one niece and resulted in a book of more than 150 pages that has provided reading lor her generation and a few who are younger. We arc left to imagine the aches and pains, fatigue and pain this young man experienced as he trained along w ith his new companions from Kansas, the Upper Peninsula. Nebraska and elsewhere. There was always the hope ot a furlough, but it was an elusive hope, alway s being postponed until it was finally realized servkc U1 3 ' C*W aftcr his entr>'int0 ,nililxiry lhekwjTcSnfOf thv impact of this vcnture’ fithcr’c I Mt 4 n.cPhcw remembered that her ihrvirn »rtCrS lr?ni thc South Pacific during her hmth ,n?clI'cr’°^ were safely being kept at . Jk s\nCF i. h°mc in Armington Hills. Last wnmnl* ^Cr 0,(,CT br°thcr and h’S S0° • p is led another errand but also brought V. of old >'n«s '0 Lake Odessa t c icy were transferred to another vehicle o assail yet another transfer to a car from Big Kapids where they svill be transcribed to pro uce another book for family members to treasure for years. In several of his letters, he svrotc that in another year he hoped to be in Alma to enjoy holiday dinners. Fortunately he was able to do just that, but it took more than a year belore he finished his naval duties. Thc war lasted longer than either of these young men anticipated. The new playground equipment at the fairgrounds makes quite a splash of color, easily visible to any motorist coming into town from the nonh. It caught the attention °1 Wayne County visitors recently, and proved to be a joyful stop over for lhe two small children who had accompanied their father and grandfather on thc two-hour drive just before they began another two-hour drive toward home. The equipment is great entertainment for children whose parents arc engaged in playing pickleball on summer evenings. Nathan Lehman BRIGHTOS m sn 574.349.8570 om i u AU11000090 Michigan Retirement Sale 105 ACRES - FARM EQUIPMENT - SAWMILL SETUP ABSOLUTE AUCTION!! Sellers: Woodland Forest Products Date: Thursday, April 1 • 10:00 AM Address: 5315 Saddlebag Rd., Lake Odessa, Ml 48849 Lot 1: Real Estate Rec! Estate. 10S buyers premium wi I bo added Lot 110: Morbark 648 Rossorhcad Debarkcr to the vanning b!d to determine purchase pnee Lot 111: Morbark 4 Strand Log Deck with Stop and Load 10% down payment day of Lhe auction with Lot 112: Morbark Barn Sweep on Incline ba’ance duo at dosing in approx. 60 days Lot 113: Entirety Lot 110-112. With 10% raise Lot 114: Woodland K6 Vortical Band Mill with Edger Lot 115: 3 Strand Log Deck Lot 116: Patz Bam Swoop Lot 117: Shop Built GO Ton Log Splitter Lot 118: Blockbuster Conveyor Lot 119: John Deere 444H Wheel Loader Lot 120: CAT IT 18 Wheel Loader Lot 121: JRB 96" Bucket Lot 122: JRB 45" Forks Lot 123: 48" Pin On Forks for Cat Wheel Loader Lot 124: 80” Skid Stocr Bucket Lot 125: John Dooru 4420 Combine Lot 126: John Deere Turbo 7700 Combine Lot 127: John Deere 443 Com Head Lot 128: John Deere 213 Grain Head Lol 129: DMI Grain Wagon Lot 130: Killbros Grain Wagon Lot 131: Brillion Spring Tooth Drag Lot 132; International 710 5 Bottom Plow Lot 133: John Deere 7000 8 Narrow Row Dry Planter Lot 134: John Deere #70 Flail, 8 row PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT (POSSIBLE) TO USE A VIRTUAL PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on April 8, 2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton Ml, 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to any State of Michigan legislative changes to the Open Meetings Act, the Township Planning Commission may hold its meeting (including public hearing) electronically, in order to limit in person government activities, to protect critical infra­ structure workers to the extent possible. If the meeting is held electronically, information to elec­ tronically attend the meeting will be posted on the Township's website at http://www.prairievilletwp-mi.org. In addition to participation during an electronically held public hearing, members of the public may also provide comments for the Planning Commission’s consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Planning Commission for receipt prior to the meeting, in care of the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson (gthojm^on(apclmi.com) or by leaving a phone message prior to the meeting with the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson at 269-948-4088. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. 2 A request from property owner, Jim Parker, 6426 Heather Ridge. Kalamazoo.. Ml 49009. for a Special Land Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the construc­ tion ol a detached accessory structure failing to meet the required setbacks pursuant to section 4.20 Accessory Structures". The subject site is located at 11228 Long Point Dr., Parcel # 08-12-290-020-00 and is currently zoned R-2 Residential. Such other business as may properly come before the Planning Commission The Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes In lhe above-mentioned proposed amendment(s) at or following the public hearing. , to thc state for for small businesses, imploring thc govJX to ''begin delivering a pandemic response" that values not only the lives, but the livelihoods, of community. Thc resolution X">PtedJ? “ 'To filibuster of the county boards March 2 meeting when at least 36 citizens shared personal accounts attesting t0 ,he economic plight of locally owned restaurants during thc state-ordered shutdown. . , The resolution, which was d*scusscd at ,ast week’s meeting, Was recommended for approval Tuesday after commissioners took a week researching nossible options now available to hcIp small businesses. Commissioner David Jackson, supported by Howard Gibson, made the motion. “Last week, we talked ab°ut passing some type of resolution supposing our small businesses.” Chairman Ben Geiger said. In the packet is the resolution I proposed. Geiger said the resolution reaffirms that we hear (he people and recognize their pain and urge the governor to l»sten to them give them a chance. ... What are the board’s wishes?” Jackson replied that the resolution, no matter how well-written,waS “nevcr 8°*n8 lo be what some want it to be. We could spend months writing what people want ... but our primary goal is a message of support for local businesses here.” Jackson said he and fellow Commissioner Catherine Getty had thc same thought: They contacted thc Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance to find out what support has been given to the county thus far. The Barry Community Foundation has provided more (han $123,000 in direct aid, along with $73,655 in loans to several small businesses, he said. Along with other programs to help local business, the financial aid added up to “not quite a million [dollars] in support from state and local" sources, Jackson said. “There’s a ton of money out there for businesses seeking that help.... It says a lot about our community as a whole ... We will do whatever wc can to help them weather this.’’ He said 43 small businesses in Hastings. Delton, Middleville, Nashville and Freeport have been awarded financial support through thc payroll protection program. Geiger mentioned that he, Jackson and Jon Smelker, in their roles on thc Barry-Eaton District Health Department board, are pushing for reducing fees charged by the health department Smelker noted that they also had discussions with local legislators,/tale Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, and John Bizon. R-Battlc Creek, who expressed agreement with their sentiments about providing more financial help to locally owned businesses. In a telephone interview later Tuesday, Smelker said more locally owned businesses should receive financial assistance. “There’s money out there for business relief,” he said, “and we need to make sure our businesses can get to that money. “If they need help getting to that money, we should have someone to help them." Smelker suggested a local program be devised to help guide small business owners through thc grant-obtaining process. "I have a feeling that businesses that haven’t put in for anything still need help.... I think we could coordinate with United Way or lhe community foundation.” Joel Ibbolson of Rutland Charter Township, a founder of the Local Government Accountability Forum, expressed his appreciation to commissioners during the public-comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting. “We pushed a long time for this,” Ibbotson said. “We’re very grateful you guys are passing this.” Ibbotson said he particularly favors a reduction in regulatory fees for small businesses. “Let’s have a discussion and act immediately,” he added. In other business, commissioners approved a resolution to authorize the issuance of 2021 capital improvement and refunding bonds to finance a $14.1 million project al the Thornapplc Manor Medical Care Facility. These bonds will finance construction of a free-standing 50-unit assisted-living complex and other work related to the complex, including site improvements, parking, underground sprinkling, furnishings, equipment and professional services. The annual principal and interest payments on the bonds will be naid using proceeds from the operation of the 50-unit assisted living complex. In 2012, the countv issued $6 million tn bonds to constnt^&bed skiUcd-nurs.ng facility at Thotnannle Manor’ T1105' bon‘k' amounting to $4^minion w>lh 'nIcresl ra 's ranging 4m2^S,0^nt.a« currently outstanding. . . ,. All interested persons are Invited to be present at the aforesaid time and p|ace or> if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting. P Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary fl|ds tQ individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four days prior notice to the Township Clerk, individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or . s should contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. f 'mprovente1’1 .,ear period. f 11,“ rfU"din8 bonds 160.889317. Thedebtlnnh^^bonds'SS1^ medical frOm ,hc reVeflUnMdto levy any y> wi,hout lfV.h7onncipal and additional taxes t0 pay off hnZion states. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION By: Myron Kox, cha,^ers°n Prairieville Township Hall 11015 S. Norris RdDelton, Michigan 49046_________ ' /nre5'he herd'sboard: In other activi^ 1 157121 successor collecHvl Tal Was cached and with the Barry Ccuntv rargaininR agreement Association for Jan i »7OUrlbousc Employees T,le Pact Dec. sf. 2025. “nts per hour acro^ P?,y ,ncrca«» of 45 followed by increases o*, BradeS in 2020' grades in each successiv/ PCFCCnt across 3,1 through 2025 The ycar of lhc contract also has requested dosed session at iu Mv h E° into receive an update fm?H 23 n,ccl,ng to regarding the status o7all JJu C°Un,y allorney agreements currcntlyfJ- “ Cct,vc bargaining The contract cove^ E"T,,i,,cd' county’s unified iri-,1 cmP,oyces in thc employee association ?nd counhousc Dec. 31.2025 frOm ,an’ 1 “Tough candidal'Wjniu“ngn® board °f ’PPC^ Dana Yarger of Free^ 0LM.iddleville’ James Alden of Delton wh"1 lncumb<:n, SSSgSS Richard Patterson, of Delton, and c"yde Morgan, the planning commission representauve, of Bellevue. The vote was not unanimous. Smelker. who voted no, later said he favored a newcomer. •Agreed on candidates to fill openings on the Barry County Community Mental Health Advisory Board/Die death of Robert Nelson Oct. 19, -020, left a fifth vacancy, with a partial term that will expire March 31.2023 Six applicants applied for the openings, but one later dropped out. Commissioners interviewed and picked four incumbents, Bob Becker and Deb Hyatt, both of Hastings .mhers of lhe board are: Kerri Sclleck of Middleville, Theresa .Moody. Duane Secord Md Nora Hurst, all of Hastings, Catherine Getty represents the county commission on ,h'* Recommended reappointing Craig Stolsonburg of Middleville to the citizen-atg' "on on the Barry County Tax Alloc ition Board for a one-year term, from 1 to March 31. 2022. This board aS annually determines lhe allocation of 7 mills between the general law townships, the intermediate school district lhe^u"‘/; The current allocation is 5.87 mills for the county, 1 mill for the townships and 0.13 mill for thc intermediate school d.stnct. Other members of that board are Susan VandeCar of Hastings, David Jackson of Delton, and Richard Franklin, Pamela Jarvis and Larry Watson, all of Hastings. • Agreed on the sale of used surplus vehicles - a 2002 Ford F-150 truck, two 2011 Chevy Tahoes. and a 2015 Ford Utility All-Wheel Drive Interceptor — and lhe purchase of a marine vessel for $73,000 with a $ 10/XX) trade-in for the old one that needs to be replaced. • Approved renewing a S19XXX) two-year contract with MGT of America Consulting Group of Bay City to prepare a Central Services Indirect Cost Allocation plan, which identifies indirect costs incurred by thc county in supporting and administering federal and state programs so that those cosLs may be defrayed through underlying grants whenever possible. • Discussed the idea of scheduling some county board meetings in the evening to encourage more people to participate. fjFinancial FOCUS Provided by the Parry County oj/ices of Edward Jones Brandon Wilkins Financial Advisor Member SIPC 307 L Green St, Ste. 1 Hastings, Ml 49058 Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 (269) 948-2003 Time for some financial spring cleaning In just a few days, we will experience thc vernal equinox one of thc two times in the year when the sun is exactly above the equator. Apart from this as­ tronomical anomaly, though, the equinox is mostly known as the beginning of spring - a fresh beginning and thc time to spruce things up. This year, as you tidy up your home and surroundings, why not also consider some fi­ nancial spring cleaning? Here are a few ideas for get­ ting your financial house in or­ der: • uDc-cluttcr’’ your portfo­ lio. Over the years, many of us tend to pick up duplicate items that find their way into the nooks and crannies of our homes, gath­ ering dust and remaining unused. Over time, your investment portfolio can also accumulate re­ dundancies - that is, you might own several investments that arc essentially similar. It might be appropriate to replace some of these and broaden your holdings. • Own your investments purposefully. You own certain things for certain reasons - a broom to sweep lhe floors, a mi­ crowave to heat the food and so on. As an investor, you should be following a goal-based strat­ egy that includes the matching of certain investments with cer­ tain objectives. For example, you might own stocks or mutual funds to eventually provide lhe capital appreciation potential you’ll need to retire comfort­ ably. But you might also own other vehicles, such as bonds or other fixed-income investments, lo provide you with a source of regular income. • “Dust ofT your investment strategy. Over a long winter, your windows can get dirty and grimy, so, when spring arrives, you may want to get out thc glass cleaner - and when you’re done, you’ll be able to sec out more clearly. Over" time, your invest­ ment strategy may get somewhat “dusty,” too, especially if you’ve experienced significant changes in your life, such as a new job, a new child or even a new plan for retirement By periodically reviewing your investment strat­ egy, you’ll be able to clarify your vision for lhe future. • Protect yourself from hid­ den dangers. lf>ou poke around your garage, shed or other stor­ age area, you may well find some objects - gardening tools, paint thinners and engine fluids, leaning ladders and so on - that could be dangerous, either be­ cause they aren’t stored prop­ erly or they’re hard to see and can cause trips and falls. As part of your spring cleaning, you’d want to gel lhese objects out of harm’s way to safeguard yourself and your family. But when you think of your financial situation, are you also exposing yourself and your loved ones to risk? If something were to happen to you, could your family members slay in their home? Could your children still go lo college? To help keep their lifestyle intact if you weren’t around, you’ll need adequate life insurance. And lo avoid burdening your grown children with potentially huge expenses should you ever need some type of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay, you may want lo talk to a financial advisor about pro­ tection strategies. By taking some spring clean­ ing measures, you can brighten your living space for lhe seasons ahead. And by applying some of the same principles to your finan­ cial environment, you can help improve the prospects for meet­ ing your important goals. This article yeas written by Ed­ ward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C. through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency' of Cal­ ifornia, L1.C„ Edward Jones In­ surance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones Insur­ ance Agency of Massachusetts, LLC. Banner CLASSIFIEDS &pALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: liti\iiic\\ Services Help Wttnlrd BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, U’hUe Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman’s, comp. Petted LoKR«ng, (269)818.7791 y EXCELLENT EMPLOY­ MENT OPPORTUNITY! Pme Lake Grocery is looking to hire Part-time & Full-time Cashiers & Pizza Cooks’ Must be ft»l & kind! Apply within ® Doster Road, Plainwell, -W’ BELLS CONSTRUCTION 18 years experience. Dry wall" painting, tile, flooring 685-5323. =P2^>S All tMl e»tiu Advcrltung in thU i* tub’cct to thc I «ir Homing Act the M>chipta CWi! Act whxb cvllcitively niokc it il!t<sj Ul pnrfcrenec. luniution j^rimttuJhtn bawd vn race, color, reUikw. hji4;cap. fawttijd vutui* tuttorJ en^'n. age or raaruU sutut. ar inuftuon, to make tucj, pre'.rrx-^c. Ktntutfon or diwri.iu nation Famibul mdwJet children under lhe i$e of IK l.»ing with fxtrrrt, or le**? HrttohMU, prefrunt »omea and people lexunnj ciuludy of ch.ld.tn under Ih.'i newsp^rcr will kno<«in£ly ac.ept aa> xhcrtuinf fur rr.d cure whkh ti in tiotaian of lhe law. Our re*l«* are hereby ^formed that aH dwclli’iga advcitiwd in thu newtpnpe{ are aaailabk on an eq.ial opportunity b»»t. To report diacnnuw»Uo«» tail the lair Hnuting Center ai 616451-2^0* The HUD t dl tree tetephcee number for the bearing impaired it | MX) y27 ^375 �Tho Hastings Banner - Thursday. March 18.2021 - Page 9 ^skDoctOf -OB Universe Cause for goosebumps Dr. Universe; H 7tv da h’<’ i»c/ goosebumps? Nolan. 7 l':. Ri< hland, Wash. Dear Nolan, If you’ve ever been outside on a cold day. you may have noticed how your arm hairs stood up and you felt some goose­ bumps. Humans get goosebumps for differ­ ent reasons, and one of those reasons has lo do with temperature. My friend Ryan Driskell, an assistant professor at Washington State University, is really curious about the inner workings of skin. Driskell said all of the hair on your arms grows out of little hair follicles in )our skin. .At the bottom of the follicle is a little hair factory that makes your hair. It's also attached to a tiny, little smooth muscle called an arrector pili. When we get cold, sometimes that little muscle contracts, or pulls on the hair follicle, lo make the hair on your arms stand up. “But it’s not just standing up straight.” Driskell said. “A lot of the lime the hair is set to an angle.” Though lhe hairs might be small, togeth­ er they are able lo create a kind of micro-en­ vironment for your body. The hairs that arc tilled al an angle help trap thc air close to thc body, which can help you lo warm up. Driskell said. Thai’s just one of the reasons we gel goosebumps. Perhaps you’ve experienced goosebumps in other situations. If you are like me. maybe your hair stands on its end when you sense some kind of danger. Maybe you’ve seen a cat puff up really big when it walked past a dog. This helped the cat look bigger and stronger than it it was just showing off its normal hair. Cals have a lol more hair follicles than humans do. That also means ihey have a lol more hair lhat can stand up on end. While humans might not be as hairy as eats or dogs, they do sometimes respond in a similar way when they sense a threat. Animals have a Fight-or-flight response, which means they can run away or face their fears head on. Millions ot years ago. your human anccslors were much hairier than humans are today. Goosebumps may be a kind of leftover reflex from lhe days when hairier ancestors were experiencing that kind of fight-or-flight response. Driskell also told me you are actually bom with all the arrector pilis and hair folli­ cles you will ever have. When you get a scar, lhe hair and erector pili don’t grow back. In the Driskell Lab (https://skinregeneralion.org/), scientists are working to find out how to regenerate the damaged arrector pilis and hair follicles so lhat the body can fully heal itself - including getting back lo mak­ ing goosebumps. While goosebumps are something almost everyone feels at some point, we may experience them at different times and for different reasons. Maybe one day you can do some research lo help us discover more about the biology and psychology that’s going on behind our goosebumps. Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse eom. notice. Date: 3/10/21 Orlando L Blanco 2095 E Big Beaver Rd , Sts. 400 Troy. Ml 48083 (248)519-9000 156760 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular /.Meeting March 10, 2021 Supervisor Stoneburner called the mcetina to order at 6:30 p.m Present Clerk Goebel. Supervisor Stoneburner, Trustee DeVries & Trustee Doster Absent: Treasurer Pence Agenda and February 10, 2021 Minutes were approved Public comments, if any. were received. Budget Hearing called to order. Adopted: Resolution 2021-2 through 2021-5: Officer salaries Adopted: 2021-6: General Appropriations Act and Budget Adopted: 2021-7: Investment Policy Adopted Personnel Pay Schedule Adopted: Township Meeting Schedule Adopted: Holiday Schedule Public comments, If any, were received Closed Public Hearing Fire, Pohco and Parks Department reports were placed on file. Treasurer, Trustees and Clerkts Supervisor, Report s were received. Approved paying bills: $15,786 44. Approved SBCSA rate increase proposal Adopted; Resolution 2021-8: SBCSA Amendment Approved Fire Department Requests Approved 2020-2021 Budget Adjustments Approved ZBA appointment Public comments and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p m Submitted by Rod Goebel. Clerk 156952 SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting March 9. 2021 Meeting called lo order at 7:00 p.m. All board members present. Approved all consent agenda items Approved purchase of new laptop Approved Hallifax Service 3 yr. contract Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7.55 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 156954 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE FILE NO. 2021-28744-DE Estate of Roland James Musser. Date of birth. 06/17/1982. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Roland James Musser, died 01/22/2021. Creditors ot the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will bo forever barred unless presented to Roland Lee Musser, personal representative, or to both tho probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date ot publication of this notice Date: 03/12/2021 Nathan E. Tagg P68994 202 South Broadway Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Roland Lee Musser 4140 Swift Road Nashville. Ml 49073 (517) 749-9993 156951 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In tho matter ot the Kenneth J. Robbo and Cynthia a Robbe Family Trust dated July 19,2005 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The decedent, Cynthia A Robbe, born 11-9-1926, who lived at 3148 Middle Lake Drive, Hastings, Michigan died 2/20/2021 leaving a certain trust under the name of the Kenneth J. Robbe and Cynthia A Rcbbe Family Trust, and dated July 19. 2005. wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Gary E Robbe was named as the trustee serving at lhe time Ol or as a result ot tho decedents death. Creditors of the decedent aro notified that all claims against tho trust will be forever barred unless Dres«nted 10 Gary E‘ Robb0, lh0 named trustee at 901 Greon Street. Hastings, Michigan within 4 months /ner the date of publication of this notice. “X March <2.2021 SXrtL Byington oS West Apple Street. P.O. Box 248 &>74905 2°9-9E5Robbe ^Wg‘M|n49058l 156949 new npw zoning assistant_ hicks chair -r of lhe thc n)a( roadj commit^, committee, The Rutland a^hip Board appointed a new 1 j|s M «ntng tant, Morgan H«‘l0’ tll lookihl.\!° ,nce<ing. 'Die township r Ionn<.tr s°nieonc to fill the Posi,,t’f * i3 Hersch i..^,ldinS and zoning a«is‘a"'^)Illge of Nashvj^'0 WOrk treasurer in the y .%>wnshin c’ Haley. a Rl,,l3r estate. Shjhas experience in re;1 thc lmv ' now in her lhi\lwcekworkn>g“;)ning^h,p. As building ■'n‘ ujing, z<>n; ,U"’1, Haley’s job is to process bu A g and electri­ cal permit a|’P1,cu' i5„aior lx.s »'"*• she will assist zoning admit aymond and code enforcement o^he^k Argo. "She’s been bat.!‘ToWn;h.«°ntl week, catching on goal. ip Supervisor Larry Watson said. . The meeting ,na jn r,r5t hmc the township board has m loJ*?on s‘nce the fall. As such, th* bXsta r l,PP°«ani‘y to officially appoth 1bc.j3l'nc Hall. who joined the board at thc 8'nn'ng of 2021. as <i,e1t'i>e^ndi..g «f road develop and prosent a plan the township board lor appmva| ■■(It’s] just good to be here in person Ha)| said. M “Let’s hope it lasts WfttS(,n addcd The board also had » discussion related to the constitutionality of t|lc township’s sign regulations. “We received a letter froin lhe at about some Michigan Supreme Court deci­ sions about sign regulations that would possi­ bly conflicl with ours." clerk Robin Hawthorne said in a telephone interview Monday. Attorney Craig Rolfe requested to review the township’s sign ordinance to verify it is in keeping with the new Michigan Supreme Court decisions, which would cost the town­ ship an estimated $200. Hall, after looking oyer the ordinance him­ self, said he doesn’t think thc township is in Slots available for upcoming blood drive Donors, especially "W with type O blood, are needed 10 Patients have lifesaving blood prod cls available for emergencies and ever) *9 treatments. Time slots are still available for a drive planned Wednesday, Marc" 30, from noon t0 5:45 p.m. at New Life Assembly Church, 1490 E. State Road, Hastings. Blood donation appointments can be scheduled by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood. org. calling SOO-RED CROSS (800-733­ 2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Dr. Universe LEGAL ISOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT'S ESTATE FILE NO. 21-28692-DE Estate ot Michael A. McNally Data of birth: 9/11/1959 TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS The decedent. Michael A McNally, died 11/23/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Orlando L Blanco, personal representative, or to both the probate court at Barry County Probate Court. 206 W. Court St.. #302, Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this Rutland LEGAL NOTICES Notice ot Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under sfletior, 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961/19® PA 236, MqL600.3212. that ihd following m'ortdaa wiil'bb’ foreclosed by a sale uf the mortgaged premises,-or some part-of them, at a public auction saJe-to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1 00 PM, on April 15. 2021 The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and deer ownership of the property A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Sharon L Mears and Duwayne A Mears, wife and husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender 's successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as trustee for Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust, Sorjes 2006-4 Date of Mortgage: June 29, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 11,2006 Amount claimed due’ on date of notice. $118,644.71 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township ot Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Southeast comer of Section 27, Town 2 North. Range 9 West. Hope Township, Barry County. Michigan, thence North 20 rods for a point of beginning; thence North on the Section line 44 rods; thence West 20 rods, thence South 64 rods; thence East 4 rods; thence North 20 rods; thence East 16 rods to the point of beginning; and being a part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 27. Except commencing at the Southeast comer of lhe Southeast 1/4 of Section 27; thence North 956 feet for a point of beginning; thence North 100 feet; thence West 363 feet; thence South 175 feet: thence East 163 feet; thence North 75 feet; thence East 200 feet to the point of beginning Common street address (if any); 8840 Wertman Rd, Delton, Ml 49046-8646 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240( 6)If tho property Is sold at oreciosuro sale under Chapter 32 of tho J?,uro Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3276 tno borrower will bo held responsible to the person wno buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or t0 the mortgage holder for damaging the P'operty during tho redemption period 1<uniln,a^ , Attention homeowner If you ate a,rn,iitary service member on active duty, ifyoujWood of active duty has concluded less than Jay^i ago, 0, j( you been ordered to o^*er^sinP'easo con.lac, attorney tor the party '“S??, ’ha mortgage at tho telephone number This notice is from a «O21 Date of notice: March 1&- •Elation of the rulings, which make it illegal violation ot me .................. _ to regulate signs based on the sign’s content. “What the attorney wants is to have us authorize hint to review our sign ordinance lo make sure lhat there’s nothing in there that’s not constitutional,” Hall said. “Looking through [the ordinance] seems to me that we’re regulating size, setback, zoning district —that type of thing. I don’t see anything in there on content. “I couldn ’t see anything that’s content-driv­ en.Ultimately, ” the board voted to have Raymond look over the ordinance and advise the board on whether to have Rolfe verify constitutionality; thc board also approved funds to pay Rolfe, if Raymond advises the board do so. Brenda Bellmore and Matt Trustees Spencer voted no, saying they did not think the ordinance needed to be reviewed by an attorney. “I don't feel like J want to spend the money on it, that’s my opinion?' Bellmore said. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Planning Commission meeting and public hearing regarding a rezoning application will be held on April 8, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the itcm(s) to be considered at said public hearing include die following: 1. Rczoning application of Whitney Enterprises to rezonc certain properties from R-2 Low Density Residential Zoning District to R-L Low Density Residential Zoning District, including the following properties: 12440 Oakridge Road (tax parcel 12-006-004-00), 12485 Pine Lake Road (tax parcel 12-006-003-021), 12493 Pine Lake Road (tax parcel 12-006-003-22), 12431 Oakridge Road (tax parcel 12-006­ 003-20), vacant parcel Pine Lake Road (tax parcel 12-006-005-60). 2. Such other and further business as may properly come before the Planning Commission at said hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE lhat the rczoning application can be reviewed at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days and will also be available at thc time and place of thc hearing. Note: Please consult thc Township offices regarding any access restrictions due to COVID 19 pandemic. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that written comments will be taken from any interested person concerning the rezoning application at thc email address of thc Township Clerk below, at any time during regular business hours up to 4:00 p.m. on the date of the hearing and will further be received by lhe Planning Commission at the time 1 . of said hearing-.. . , PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that thc Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes in thc proposed rezoning application at or following the public hearing. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Rod Goebel, Township Clerk Prairieville Township Hall 10115 S Norris Road Delton, MI 49046 (269) 623-2726 [ RGoebelffl prairievilletwp-mi.org 156993 SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETINGS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARDS APRIL 2021 to MARCH 2022 fprairieville Township Board^ Regular scheduled meetings arc heki on the 2^ Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. unless otherwso posted: April 14 May 12 Juno 9 July 14 August 11 September 8 October 13 November 10 December 8 January 12 February 9 March 9 franningand Zoning Commission] Regular scheduled meetings are held on the 2^Thursday of tho month at 7:00 P.M. unless otherwise posted. April 8 May 13 June 10 July 8 August 12 September 9 each month alOoKM ^arkCommi^ ^R , October 14 November 11 December 9 January 13 February 10 March 10 fneetin9s afe April 26 May 24 June 28 JuTy 26 August 23 September 27 lhe^ October 25 November 22 December 27 January 24 Febmtuy 28 March 28 Trott Law. P.C. suite 145 31440 Northwestern H*6^ Farmington Hills, Ml 46^ (248)642-2515 1431694 (03-16)(04-08) 156950 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner elassifiec aas April 7 Mays Juns 2 July 7 August 4 September 1 Meets the first Tue^ 0daW^.3 pscstnl*-1 Jan*?5, M^2 — 156953 �*Banner 202! -The Hast‘d ' Pagt» 10-Thursday. March Bastings OKs roof repair Project for middle schoo Sophie Bates . Staff Writer Hastings Area School System is moving ahead with a $300358 roof repair project at the middle school. During Monday night’s meeting, the board of education reviewed a recommendation from Wolgast Corp., a construction company headquartered in Saginaw that reviewed all lhe bids submitted for roofing improvements Help sought with IDs for YMCA photos b°°k andTh^CA bX cZty Ire" sTkiXlXu^n™9 75,h inHhis-pho^ pleas.^VaSS HaSli"9s' CamP A'gonquin. J-Ad Graphics Photos. If yoPu c9an help identify anyone using clothing and position in the photo as reference An ™ lho„T y as,possible:and descnphon o he person, a 3 r «n approximate year when the photo was taken would be helpful, as well. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Personal account is not just for retirees Vonda Van Til Public Affairs Specialist You don’t have to be retired or even close to retirement to benefit from a personal My Social Security account. Calling Social Security is rarely necessary once you have an account. You can do much of your business with us online. With your personal My Social Security account. you can: • Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states, including Michigan). • Estimate your future benefits to compare different dates or ages to begin receiving benefits. • Check the status of your Social Security application when you do decide to apply. • Review your work history. If you already receive benefits, you also can: • Request a replacement Social Security card. • Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter. • Set up or change your direct deposit. • Change your address. • Request a replacement Medicare card. • Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099). Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator EQ EE ■ tended Warranty' 1 IaCE AS69SVMjv{ OWm valid February 15 June 4 2021 Spacial Financing AvaiUbb <a Approve • Opt out of receiving certain by mail and receive them in the secure Message Center. Help us spread the word. Let your family and friends know that they can create a My Social Security account today at ssa.gov/ myaccounl. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand jtipids Ml 49525, or via email to vonda.vantilG ssa.gov. GEIMERAC* REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-378-0097 •. *•*•’ *»>«•’- MICHAEL KINNEY — PLUMBING \ ' i Licensed Master Plumber yVA Licensed Journeyman Plumber \ \A \1 New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 A Insured — Office (269) 948-2248 \\ proposed at lhe middle school. Wolgast recommended that thc board accept a S275JXX) bid from Certified Building Solutions of Muskegon for general trades services; and a $25358 bid from GAM Decorating Company of Wyoming for paint­ ing. Certified Building Solutions provided the lowest bid amount out of six roofing compa­ nies. Only one bid was received for painting. Thc board unanimously approved both bids. “Just to clarify, 1 believe all of these funds are coming out of the sinking fund, so we’ve been talking about this for a while, and this will be the third roof project we’ve complet­ ed” interim Superintendent Matt Goebel told board members. “Thank you so much to the community for providing us with those funds.” In other action, the board: • Approved a travel study trip for the high school band. The proposed trip will allow participating band members to travel to Universal Studios Orlando to perform and participate in a “world-class music work­ shop.” where they will learn about the skills of a film studio musician, school officials said. . An estimated 95 students will be allowed to take the trip which is planned for next year March 30 to April 3 . 2022. They will be accompanied by 15 chaperones, a profession­ al tour director and registered nurse. The trip will cost each person $1,100. and all participants will be required lo enroll in trip• Approved insurance. meeting minutes, financial business reports and instructionalfne(h^ • Formally approved the personnel rep which included substitute paruprofessto Sara Madden; construction trades parapro sional Michael Schneiderhan; and perform arts center site coordinator Spencer Wh Coaching assignments at the high school le include: varsity baseball. Jason Burgha varsity softball. Mike Davis; JV boys g James Doran; freshman baseball. Marsh Evans; varsity girls tennis. Andrew Ham JV softball. Tyler Jiles: JV girls socc Kourtney Kendall; assistant girls tra Anthony Knop; assistant boys track, Jam Murphy; varsity boys track. Melinda Nickl varsity girls soccer, Tim Schocssel; JV ba ball, Jason Si.xberry; varsity girls track. Bri Teed; and JV girls tennis, Cha Youngs. Middle school coaching assignmen include co-assistants for wrestling. Terry Du and Tyler Dull; boys track, Steve Collin assistant track, Morgan Pletcher; tenni Krista Schueller; assistant track, Melind Shults. Trustee Mike Nickles abstained fro the vote. • Accepted a $3.(XX) anonymous donatio made through the Barry Communit Foundation, to fund the Summer Lunc Busing Program. “Of course, we can’t go board meeting without a donation from th community.” Goebel said, referring to dona tions accepted at board meetings. “Such generous community we do have.” • Received an update from the reinstate ment committee, which met before the board meeting Monday. The committee recom mended the board approve the reinstatemen request of a student for the remainder of the -020-21 school year, thc board unanimously approved lhe recommendation. • hold a Zoom meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday. March 23. to hear communitv feed­ back on a proposed bond, which would allow the district to continue facility improvements. Mobile (269) 838-5112 Tiiank You Speeding driver hides fake handgun An officer stopped a vehicle traveling 80 mph on M-37 near Pifer Road ar 11:37 p.m. March 1. The driver, a 25-year-old Delton man, had an open bottle of liquor in the center console and what appeared to be a handgun hidden between thc seat and emergency brake. The officer inspected the gun. and lhe man said “That’s not real. I took it from my little cousin.” The officer learned it was actually a BB gun. but painted black, and with a 9mm magazine shoved in the handle to make it appear real. The driver had a blood alcohol con­ tent of 0.022, under the legal limit, but his license had been suspended. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney’s office. Dumpster diver also steals meat Police were called to the Hastings Aldi store at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 13 on a report of a man following women around lhe store. An officer confronted the 41-year-old Hastings man. who denied following women. When an officer searched a duffel bag the man had carried outside, it was full of food, which the man said he got from lhe dumpster. A store employ­ ee confirmed thc food came from the dumpster, except for some meat, which was stolen. Thc man was informed he was trespassing and escorted from the property. Drinking involved in Guernsey Lake Rd. crash An officer was dispatched on a report of a reckless driver on Guernsey Lake Road at 7:43 p.m. March 7. Before the officer arrived, lhe vehicle crashed info a ditch near the intersection of Guernsey Lake and Norris roads. The driver, a 65-year-old Shelbyville man, admitted to drinking and also had trouble standing. He had a 0.144 blood alcohol content and was arrested for his second operating while intoxicated offense. The Family of Michael Klovanich * New Cotton Prints wishes to thank every one for the cards, flowers and expressions of sympathy shown at this difficult time. A special thank you to the City of Hastings, the Hastings * Cotton Flannels * Zippers, Thread Trim, Etc. Banner for the article about Mike and to everyone who made donations towards a bench to be placed in his memory at Fish Hatchery Park. Mike will be missed forever, but we know he will live in the hearts of all who shared their grief. Thank You The Klovanich family PUBLIC NOTICE OF herbicide application The Daltons Inc., its main olFics at 8K57 N. SyracuseWebster Rd-. Syracuse. IN 46567. has been contracted hv Rarrv County Koad Commission to perform custom rhemical vegetation control maintenance services al designated roadside guardrail locat.ons throughout the county. they will be broadcast app|yin„ following f-PA-registercd materials: BavB In doing so, the fisplunade 200SC (Inda/iilain), Buyer Method 24()sl (Aininocyclopyrachlor), Alligare Imuzapyr 4SL. an t Alligare Glyphosate 5.4. Do nol enter or allow entry into treated areas until sprays have dried. This application will be completed by certifjej applicators employed by The Daltons Inc., during the months of April and/or May Additional information may be refjuested hy contaeting Lex Dalton or Brad Bolinger al 574-267-7511 --------- I ft Tratj Tor Our Ration ft QUESTIONS: ASK US- StitebyalMti 218 E. Slate St. Hasangs • 94S-9673 -« OPEN . Saurthygan-ap^ __ Hulst Cleaners P/ck-llp , aR ' --------- - seasonal HELP The Barry County Road Cont"1'^10^^ hiring for temporary seasonal gcn0ra* il( be positions. Starting hourly pay r»ogc " ust S12-S13 per hour, no benefits. ApP1.1""iver-s be at least 18 years of age, have a '?lid License, and be able to pass a drug rs’, «he Bar*/ Applications can be picked up ?’ " at County Road Commission o(lice |lK‘twcen 1725 West M-43 Highway, Hasfi^5 fo. al 6 AM - 3:45 PM, or on otir " www.barrycrc.org. The Barry County Road Coinin'^1,' jy (111 Equal Opportunity Etnp^' _ Stolen vehicle found wrecked in Kalamazoo A 59-year-old man called police al 9:51 a.m. Feb. 24 to report his car had been stolen from his residence in lhe 7000 block of Highland Drive. Delton. The man said he had been in the hospital, and his brother had been watching lhe residence for him. His brother recently noticed the car missing. Kalamazoo-area police later impounded the vehicle after it had crashed in that area. The case is still under investigation. Card thief racks up charges at Speedway A41-year-old Nashville man called police at 4:11 pan. Feb. 21 saying his debit card and license had been stolen from his home in the 8000 block of Greggs Crossing Road. lhe man said his roommate had some friends over, and he believed they were likely the ones who stole the cards from his wallet. After his card was stolen. $235.55 worth ot charges were racked up on it from a Speedway gas station. The case remains under investigation ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP 2021 Budget Public Hearing Notic 156500 The Orangeville Township Board will ^pg^ile ^?puP Ha ?35° V w rToHeaiing on" lhe P'oposed Budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 at th® 0 ^tat 7.00PY• Rd. Plainwell Mi. 49080: Tuesday March 4 . cljon at the Township Copy of the proposed budget will be availa0 Pprovide n0^essary '*'asonable office. The Orangeville Township 0°*% Disaf""0® Act auxiliary aids and services as required y disabilities notify the clerk Americans with Disabilities Act; n9c^mmo l cnd with disabilities „ stal,n ♦oiina that if lhdat, ?s.e° nn willLiduals be furnished to satisfy within 10 days prior to the meeting, attendance, ino ^ R(sner. HomQ such disabilities and allow Bieaning^^^ contact tne requiring auxiliary aids or services & -269-672-2324 office- 269-664’45^- Thomas Rook Supervisor Orangeville Township 616-299-6019 �Hastings Imports AlVlVFR I section Thursday, March 18, 2021 Saxons keep smaller LH. Lamb in the family Valeric Slaughter Contributing Writer The 59th Annual I H Unib may have looked different this year, but still had famil­ iar faces. The Lamb has long been a varsity wrestling invitational at Hastings High School, but with new rules instated by the Michigan High School Athletic Association only four teams are allowed at a site - making this season’s event .smaller than usual. Hastings At/ilctic Director. Mike Goggins said “I’ve coached six of the coaches that are here on three teams.” The head coach for Saranac, Raiden Maclcod, was one of three 2015 Hastings graduates back coaching at the Lamb. The other two being assistant coaches for Hastings, Jason Slaughter and David Lares. Goggins also coached Hastings head coach, Darrell Slaughter, and Ionia assistant coaches Craig Bowen and Tom Brighton. Saranac made its first trip to the Lamb, and Coach Maclcod said, “I never thought I'd be back competing against Hastings, but it’s great to see a lot of lhe old faces and wrestling community.” Due to injuries Saranac was at t&LH Lamb XiSoS in Hastings"(Photo by VaSie siau^hteT J°"a,han The Saxons’ Blake Barnum (right) fights for control with Ionia’s Demitri Davis during their 189-pound bout Saturday at the annual LH Lamb invitational at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) down to only five wrestlers. Saranac may have lost all three duals on the day, but coach Maclcod was proud of them, “we have won more duals this year than the last two years combined. They are putting the work in the room and we have a couple individuals we are hoping to sec qualify in the individual tourna­ ment.” Plainwell took hotpe the Lamb Trophy, winning all three duals on the day. The Hastings match, in round two. was the closest of the day. The dual started at the 171-pound weight class and went back and forth. Dillon Neal won a 12-3 major decision and Zach Chipman picked up a 15-second pin at the 112-pound class to give the Saxons their first double digit lead in the dual 22-12 over Plainwell. The Saxons then lost by pm in four of the next six matches. Justus Forell and Joe Goggins picked up forfeit wins for the team. With two matches to go. Robby Slaughter picked up a pin to close the gap yet again 40-36. Plainwell won the last match with a pin by Luke Lyons over Joe Tumes to finish the dual 42-40. Plainwell coach. Travis Reardon, was glad to have his team back on the mat and pleased with the 3-0 finish for the day, “we have been wiped out by Covid. We just finished a two-week quarantine after dUfin9 'heif 152’P°und bou* Saturday Covid went through our whole team, and we tied under the lights for the first time this season. The dual started at the 189-pound still have three kids out.” Plainwell’s Drake Blackmun earned his weight class. Thc Saxons lost the first match, but then got the pin at 215 by Elias Sanchez, 100th career win in the match with Ionia. Saxon assistant coach. Jason Slaughter, before dropping a match again at heavy­ said “the team wrestled well. I think they are weight. The Saxons came back after that to getting better and belter each match they win the next five in a row with pins by Neal, wrestle. It’s a testament to the work they have Chipman, Cameron Humphrey and Goggins, put in.” When asked about coming back to the and a forfeit win by Forell. Ionia took the next I .amb-afler five years of being away. Slaughter three matches, with a close 8-6 decision by said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to con­ Hunter Barker over Mason Denton. Slaughter tinue to be a part of a program with a great locked down the dual win with a pm at 152, tradition, and to continue to be a part of the and a forfeit win at 160 by Tumes, finished the dual 48-33 for the Saxons over thc greatest sport there is." Jason’s dad. head coach Darrell Slaughter, Bulldogs. Saxon wrestlers going 3-0 for the day and is grateful to have both boys in the same wres­ tling room, and to see his team on the mat this getting first place medals were: Neal at 103 year, even for a shortened season. “This team pounds, Chipman 112, Goggins 130, and is young, we only have two seniors this year. Slaughter 152. Wrestlers that finished 2-1 for I’m looking forward to seeing what these kids thc day and taking a second place were: Cayden Smith 119 pounds, Justus Forell 125, can achieve in the next two years.” Ionia finished the day 1-2. with its one dual Mason Denton 140, Joey Tumes 160. Elias win over Saranac 65-12. Ionia lost to Sanchez 215, and Jackson Dubois 285. The Saxons will travel to Allegan on Plainwell 24-57. before facing the Saxons in the final dual. Assistant coach Tom Brighton Thursday night for their Division 2 Team said, “it’s always great to be back al Hastings, District where they’ll be joined by the host at a tournament that has been here forever. We Tigers, the Wayland Wildcats and Thornapplc are just happy we are able to compete this Kellogg Trojans. year." In lhe last dual of the day, lhe Saxons wrcs- Saxon effort doesn’t show on the scoreboard Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Saxon varsity girls’ basketball team fell short in its last Interstate-8 Athletic Conference game at home on Tuesday night. Hastings’ offense only scored three points in the first quarter against the Jackson Northwest Mounties in what would end up a 52-17 win for lhe visitors. ‘‘Being a senior and after three years of varsity basketball. I can honestly say that I have not been a part of a team that has more drive for success and determination in each individual player.” Hastings senior Josey Nickels said after the loss. “I wish our hard work showed on lhe scoreboard. There is no doubt that there is way more effort put in than whai lhe .scoreboard reflects.” Allison Teed led the Saxon team for lhe night with five points and three steals. Nickels added four points. Kirsten Boulter pulled down six rebounds, and Arian Bonds added three assists. "Jackson Northwest is extremely athletic, Hastings head coach Mike Engle said. “Coach I Ryan] Carroll of Northwest uses his depth and athleticism to run multiple different trap­ ping defenses. As a result, his team did an extremely effective job last night of keeping us from getting into any offensive rhythm. Our windows to shoot w ere small and rushed. Consequently, we shot very poorly.” Teed bit the first two point shot of lhe night for lhe Saxons with 18 seconds to go in the quarter, and at the end of the first hall the Saxon girls were down 30-9. Thc start of the second half did not bnng a change of luck for the Saxon offense. The Saxons were outscored 11-2 in the third quar­ ter, with Teed again lulling the only bucket ot the quarter in the final minute. Brooklyn Youngs hit a three-point shot at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and Macy Wincgar followed that with a steal and her first basket of the night to bring the Saxons’ score to 16, but that would be the last of the Saxon offense for the night, other than a free throw from Teed late in thc fourth. Jackson Northwest’s leading scorer, Layne Sleight, racked up 18 points and went 4-for-4 at the line. The Saxons’ last two ballgames have been against the I-8’s lop two teams, Northwest which is now 10-2 in conference play and 12-0 Parma Westem.The Parma Western girls scored a 69-30 win at Hastings High School last Thursday. Hastings will play its final regular season game al the home of L8 foe Pennfield in Battle Creek tonight (March 18). The Saxons host their Division 2 District Tournament next week and will face off against Olivet in the district semifinals Wednesday at 5-30 p m ■rhe Hastings Bids are now 2.12 overaU |his season and 1-8 m the conference. Call anv time to Place your Hastings Banner classifies ad 269-945-9554 OF l-oOO-WO-lQeg Tho chons' Brianna Barnes gets by . Th® ,Sa*° in the post during Par^a her defendeHastings H( h school Western s 1-8 W t0 Hardin) Thursday nignt-1 7 dribble past her delender the(Photo Saxons Hastings junior Carly Warner td0S Tnu rsday at Hastings Highduring School. by’ loss to 1-8 leading Parma Wester,asl perry Hardin) �Pago 12 — Thursday. March 18. 2021 — The Ha^5 HHS cheer second at Saxonfest Cheer Invite Th_ three Thornapple Kellogg flyers are held high above the mat by their teammates during round three Friday at the Saxonfest Cheer Invitational at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Valeric Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team has worked its way lo the top of the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference. Now the Saxons’ eyes are on a district title at Friday s Division 2 District Tournament at Gull Lake High School. Even after finishing second to Mason at (heir home competition on Friday night, the Saxons were nothing but positive and looking at improvements to make for Districts. Hastings head coach Linsey Jacinto was pleased with her team’s scores saying, “this was our highest score of the season. We have been focused on jumps and formation, clean­ ing it up and keeping it tight. Next week we will focus on round three for districts.” Jacinto was proud of all her team has over­ come this year. “Most teams take at least eight weeks to gel to the point we arc at now. We’ve only been stunting for four weeks, almost five, and still scoring a score this high, she said. Brynn Tumes, a Saxon senior, was proud of the way her team finished tonight and the hard work put into the season. “I’ve been on varsity for four years and this team is going to be the one I remember." Tumes said. “Next week is districts and we re planning on hitting round three hard. I’m not sure what next week will hold for us, all I know is that I’m so grateful to be a part of this team, and very thankful that we were able to compete this year." Mason outscored the Saxons in all three rounds, scoring 234.8 in round one. 214.6 in round two and 305.1 in the final round. InSionalmM 8hJnl 9f°Tc during their run ,0 a ™ner-up finish at Friday night's Saxonfest Cheer Invitational at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Earning them a total scorc of 754.5. putting them just 11.6 points ahead of the Saxons. The Saxons remained within two points of the Bulldogs until round three. Hastings scored 232.9 in round one. 2132 in round two. and 295.4 in the final round, giving the Saxons a 742.9 overall score. Thornapplc Kellogg had a strong third round bringing them within 32 points of the leaders. TK scored 222.7 in round one, 204.96 in round two, and 294.6 in round three to pull a total of 722.26. Zeeland East was fourth in the four-team session with the Saxons, Trojans and Mason Bulldogs. Zeeland East finished with a score of 632.80. Lowell competed in thc earlier session, winning that session and placing fourth over­ all for thc night with a score of 658.80. Vikings rally in round three t@ be^t P-W Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood needed its best performance of thc season to finish an undefeated regular season and that is exactly what the Vikings put out on the mat Friday at the Maple Valley Invitational. The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team defeated mnner-up Pewamo-Westphalia (P-W) by 64 hundredths of a point to capture thc championship. The Lake wood ladies earned their 12th consecutive conference championship this winter and won each of lhe two invitationals they competed in during the abbreviated season. “We preached to the girls all week lhat this is the end of the season, so you have to per­ form like this is lhe end of the season, regard­ less of the fact that our season started Feb. 8,” Lakewood head coach Kim Marlin said. “You have to perform like it is lhe end.” A great performance in the end. round three, was needed Friday. The Pirates took a six and a half point lead over the Vikings through two rounds. Lakewood finished with a final point total of 746.62, ahead of P-W’s 745.98, outscoring the Pirates 305.60 to 298.40 in round three. “It was pretty clean," Martin said of her team’s round three. “The stunt timing was really good. The timing was a lot belter. Timing on the stunts hasn’t been great all sea­ son. There were minor balance checks. Really the only balance checks we had were the beginning libs, which is odd because those Maple Valley freshman flyer Alexa Reitz is held up by her teammates during their round three routine Friday at the Maple Valley Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) usually hit. Round two was cleaner today, so that helped. Round one we had one little for­ mation change issue, but overall we had three solid rounds today.” Lakewood put up scores of 233.20 in round one and 207.82 in round two P-W was just better in each round, scoring a 233.60 in round one and a 213.98 in round two. “Their tumbling was really solid and they were loud and exciting.” Lakewood senior Jessalyn Hawkins said of the Pirates perfor­ mance. . , Thc Lakewood coaching staff doesn t typi­ cally share scores with its girls throughout a competition. Hawkins said you can judge how skilled teams are and how they are oing just by seeing them in warm-ups sometimes, w Viking coaches did relent and tell t e gir s jus how far they were behind the Pirates ea mg into round three Friday though. “Il felt like we were a lol more cohesive today as a team than in past comped ions is year ” Hawkins said. “I think that con nbuted to our success on lhe ma! today-11 R fa(^d one knew they had a job to do with some competition we diu «*• w Hawkins said getting U><' JrtoHhe formance together was lhe tou?n 3 1 pandemic-shortened cheer seasom wc -We usually have two m.°"! j wcek to put even step on the mat and we nau „Oulsidc of it all together,” Hawkins 'ink lhc mOst round three, just as a whole- *. everybody difficult thing has been period off engaged. We had that two nt°°d jt*was jiard (December through January) iedaIKi think even for lhe seniors lo slay eng^ason. We’re ’okay, we’re going to going to have a season.’ " We didn’t know." rfornied in the Perry' and Stockbridge Ipujay at Maple first of two varsity session5 foUrth overall Valley. The Perry girls I*n*^7.2O, ahead of on the night with a score m ircilogg 588.90 Stockbridge 603.40. DcU°n N and Maple Valley 518.20pln together The Delton Kellogg F*f SnC 168.60 in scores of 199.90 in round <J / , round two and 220.40 in^kToe Reynolds Delton Kellogg head it oTcrasa skill Delton Kellogg sophomore Keirran Rational. (Photo by ’eammates during round one Friday at the Maplo Valley mv■ > wett Bremer) said her team added a front wjth it- The in round two and did it in the Panthers plan to keep perf°n state tournament. ,< Reynolds said. “We are ready for district’ zj. They arc “This season has gone by'50 Teammates look on from the side of the mat as the Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team begins its round one performance Friday at the Maple Valley Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) feeling more and more confident each day." Delton Kellogg and Maple Valley will both be a part of the Division 4 District Tournament taking place al Lawton High School Saturday. “Our goal for districts to give three confi­ dent round performances and leave it all on the mat." Maple Valley head coach Sarah Huissen said. Maple Valley tallied scores of 171.5 in round one 114.7 in round two and 232 0 in round three Friday. "The girls performed great Friday night and put up their highest scores of the season in every' round," Huissen said, “fill was also the first night they competed with their full round three which was exciting and they nailed every section. I am so proud of what they have been able to learn and to accomplish in such a short amount of time this season.” She said her girls were going to work on their timing in round one and two this week in lhe lead up to districts, and possibly add an extension in round three. DK girls get senior night win, prep for Rams The Delton KelloeE var^itv , • . , ball team scored its second u? t basket" over the Parchment gir|s on ll\°! lbc ?cason Delton Kellogg High Schn, i -i^CniOr ni®bt al Now the MtonKen^’ « more shots to try and bc-im u get U couplc The Rams scored a 49.1J Ga,esbur£-Augusta. February. The Pantheri Ul DKHS in ,alc Augusta tonight (March 1» tV,S." GalesburS' lar season and then tr-»v • ? lo c Ose lhc regu* for a 5 p.m. ballL» un. ackloG-A Monday open the Division 3 tv . aP,nsl the Rams to DK senior Josie t v ,Slr*Ct ^OUrnament. got sent out on 'y°ns Un<l Kiersten Moore Panthers’52-20 win KOOd notc tbc bost "It wasn’t our lVD^Vt:r,Parybmcnt Tuesdaythe rules and regs th CU seni°r night’ due to at least we were ah?* WC niusl adhcre lo’but and their folks, befor..,L0 reco8nize the kids; DK head coach Ma. * . 8ame for a moment,’ Aubrey Aukermisai<t •h n led Delton Kellogg with 15 points and a really good overall game according to her coach. Mary’ Whitmore added 12 points for DK, and eight of the nine DK girls scored in the ballgame. “We have talked about the growth of this team over the past few weeks with the biggest area that needs to improve was putting the ball in lhe basket." Mohn said. “If wc aren’t going to be shooting lhe ball very well, then wc are going to have to put up more shots. For the most pan, last night, we did just that. We ended up scoring our second highest output of lhe season with the 52 points, which included 18 buckets and l5-for-27 from thc free throw line. Both season highs.” The Delton Kellogg girls have won every game this season in which they’ve scored 35 points or more. They are not 3-9 overall on the season and 2-8 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division. �Tltc Hastlnfl5 Banner - Thursday. March 18 2021 - Page 13 Senior night a succ ss for Lakewood boys Hrvtt Bremer • S...M , , %>r/s Editor varsity k"" : ‘’”<nd II, 1 ” shouted Potterville •■vim i„ •'S b!,S.ke,bl>11 to ni IVn! of b’s ^nch w ith three minutes mU m‘ Likv"<,‘Ki "iph .... *onday nighi. Man!” out^f Vikings quickly switched the zone defense they’d been running .eVen,n$L but it didn’t change the results, a ewixxl senior shooting guard Brady ’- w nt ran up to as soon as the switch Wjk-ncd and set a screen for point guard rcnl Sweet, then rolled to towards the left von.ti xyhem Sweet hit him with a pass, ‘awne buried a three-pointer from there. 1 hose w ere just three of Gaw ne’s 19 points 11:it came during a 21-0 run by lhe Vikings ' iuin<» the second quarter Tuesday night. 1 -‘kewoext turned a 22-20 Potterville lead into a 41-22 advantage and then went on to a ^>-52 victory . ‘ "It happens a lot when I start hilling some lhat they go (O man,” Gawne said. “We just 1 know what to do. \ve „ offense and run that nkk , ,n,° °“r basc popped 'c'- 1 J11'1 pop|*d out. Me and Brem Brv C gOOd d,c,”itry.”" Gawne finished wj.k . [Kiints. He hit five three J"1’11 ,27 of them coining durinc L rs’."1!h ;1" llve quutter run with the first r K‘lni s sc'l’ni* Potters die’s zone. <>Wr 01 l*loss* against "1 missed my first count., > . but then they kept findin ' slart,n!: Duits just to|.| Lu• nr”C’ ‘K,d’|ClKis| WP?’' more guVuHavce CusvL the free throw line h ive • Wh l,:al Z0RCS v ' f "h° 7’°M * k’oing to n CCeSS w-i\ h * lave.^rady OU1 there shooting lhe way Ik does, he is a pretty lethal weapon. We in o ope teams are going to zone us. because we run our zone pretty well. We can gel it to ayce inside {in the high post, and he Lakewood senior forward Andy Wolverton is hit from behind by Potterville's Ethan Dunning as he puts a shot up during the first half of his team's win over the visiting Potterville gUyS Monday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood senior Ethan Rodriguez awaits the chance to shoot a technical foul free throw in the closing moments of his team's win over visiting Potterville Monday during Senior Night at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) just makes the smart passes. Brady can slide down and get open. Jayce will hit that 12-. Lakewood senior guard Brady Gawne fires a shot over Potterville's Cole Davis 14-footer all day long. They have to pay atten­ during the first half of their GLAC ballgame at Lakewood High School Monday. (Photo tion to him and if they lock down on him they by Brett Bremer) go out to Brady. We just have some pretty good weapons out there.” Junior guard Denny Sauers had seven minutes into lhe ballgame after a long three-point shooting team. I thought our press points for thc Vikings, senior forward Andy three-pointer by senior guard Cole Davis. The helped a lot getting some steals.” Gaw ne said. Wolverton six. junior forward Trevor Simon host Vikings clawed their way back lo within Davis led Potterville with 13 points. five and Sweet finished with four points. 17-12 by the end of lhe first quarter, and took Potterville also got II points from Ethan One of Lakewood’s last points came cour­ their first lead at 23-22 with 5:55 to go in the Dunning and 11 from Jimmy McDowell. tesy of senior guard Ethan Rodriguez who first half on the three by Gawne that started Lakewood is now 9-7 overall this season and 7-4 in the Greater Lansing .Activities knocked down the first of two free throws lhe 21-0 surge. Lake wood led 43-27 at the half, and Conference.The Lakewood boys followed up after a technical foul against Potterville in lhe Potterville never got closer than within nine Monday night's win with a 62-45 victory over closing minutes. Rodriguez got the start on visiting Perry Tuesday night. senior night along with Wolverton, Lucas points in the second half. The Vikings will look tn close lhe regular “Our defense was great lo start out. I Tacey. Gawne and Sweet. Until that big laikcwood run it had been a thought got on the shooters pretty well and season with three consecutive wins when it back and forth battle. Potterville led 13-4 four limited their shooters, because they're a good visits Lansing Christian tonight (March 18). .--A--- wor ' Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans took round one. Thc Bengals took round two. Round three is going to be lhe one lhat really mailers to everyone. The Ottawa Hills varsity boys’ basketball team ran by the Thornapple Kellogg boys 75 65 in Middleville Tuesday night. The Trojans took a four-point w in when the two learns met in Grand Rapids last month. The two teams are scheduled lo meet again Tuesday in the Division I district opener hosted by the Bengals in Grand Rapids “We had a couple turnovers tonight “ TK head coach Josh Thaler said. “There we han­ dled just a couple possessions here or there belter. Defensively, we were able to contain the basketball and be the aggressor lhe first lime around. Tonight they were definitely the aggressor. They broucty it to us and we kind of sat back on our heHi and waited for it. ’ The Trojans took care of the basketball in the first half, w orked the ball inside to senior center Austin VanEist and managed to hang in with the Bengals. Ottawa Hills had a lead of as many as ten points in the first half, but TK had lhat down to 37-36 late in the half and went into the locker room just down three. VanEist finished with a game-high 35 points. “They don’t have anyone that can match up inside with him,” Thaler said. “That is definitely where our mismatch is. but they definitely had the speed on the outside. We have to keep the ball in front of us." Ottawa Hills got 30 points from lightning quick senior point guard Keveon Beal and another 21 from junior point guard Duncan Carter. They did as much damage creating chances for each other and their teammates as they did putting the ball in the hoop. "We just tried to play as a team [defensive­ ly I and get into the gaps, and we didn’t do that well enough." Thaler said. “They were able to get into that middle whenever they wanted to. That hurt. They either got a chance at a lay-up or an open three.” Nolan Dahley, the Trojans’ senior point guard, got to the basket a few times. He fin­ ished one early in the second half to gel TK get within 39-38. but the Bengals slowly grew their lead from there pushing lhe bas­ ketball at every opportunity. Carter hit a three in thc opening moments of the fourth quarter to gel lhc lca(j up l0 double figures for lhe first lime in the second half for his team. TK gained some momentum midway through lhe fourth quarter. Senior Levi VanderHeide pulled down an offensive rebound and then hit the first of two free throws to make it a ten-point game. Half a minute later lhe Bengal bench was whistled for a technical foul. Dahley hit two free throws and then senior guard Cole Shoobridge knocked down a three-pointer (|ia( cut the Bengal lead to five points. Ottawa Hills instantly turned the ball over against TK pressure in the back-court and then VanEist hit a pair of free throws to cut the Bengal lead to 65-62 with 3:07 to play. The Trojans got another possession dow n three, but couldn I convert even with some strong work on the offensive glass and in the end those tow free throws from VanEist would prove TK s final points of lhe eveningThe Trojans will look to bounce back in thc regular season finale at home against Cedar Springs tonight (March 18) TK is now 4-10 overall this season and 4-« as ^Bengals Tuesday visiting t>e"y . ukioc bv Ottawa Hals senior Thornapple Kellogg senior guard Cole Shoobridge dribb.e-.jn Middlevll{e guard Duncan Carter during the fourth quarter of the Be 3Tuesday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) in the OK Gold Conference. The Trojans have diopped five in a row, including a 61-58 • nee loss at non-conferen Thursday. Northview’ last Pennfield bowlers best Saxons in last 1-8 dauls of ‘he season lhe Hastings varsity boys’ and girls’ bowl­ ing teams closed their regular season falling to Pennlield in the final Interstate-8 Athlciic Conference duals of (he season Thursday at Hastings Bowl. l he Hastings boys were edged 18-12 bs Panthers in their Interstate S Athlete Assocation dual. Austin Fenstetnaker high 247 to pick up one ot lhe Saxons’ team I"”’*' Cameron halon notched two team pei",s scores of 16b and |9[. Drcw Rhodes P1^ up a [xnnt wltll a 179 and Gage j matched Farion’s ,Wo wi(h ol I*-1 ’ [ladings girls wcie also bested by the ^The Sawn toys return to action Friday al ,Jf Division 2 Regional lournament al Continental Lancs in Kalamazoo. The u\stiiig> girls roll their tour regional games ^jurdav The regional tournaments this sea^ou consist ol live bowlers rolling four games each. The games count towards a team total and a regional singles championship. The top two teams and top ten individuals each day earn a spot in the Michigan High Schixil Athletic Association Finals. �■ Paqn 14 — Thursday, March 18 2021 —The Hart'n0 Panthers win two of three at Hopkins Quad Dellon Kellogg’s Vinnie Quick moves the head of Hopkins 135-pounder Ashtyn Bennett early on in their bout Saturday mornin; at tho Hopkins Quad. (Photo by Brett Bremer) PH f . Delton Kellogg’s Luke Watson fights to get his feet back down to the mat as he's picked up by Shelby’s Travis Boughan during their 171-pound match al Hopkins High School Saturday morning. Watson rallied for a second-period pin in the bout. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor With half a minute left in the second period. Delton Kellogg’s Luke Watson managed to catch Shelby’s Travis Boughan in a headlock and pin him Saturday morning during lhe Panthers’ first dual at thc Hopkins Quad. Boughan had lhe only lake down of lhe match, in thc opening period. Watson was down again against Hopkins’ Carson Schricker in their 171-pound match in DK’s second dual of the day. This time Schricker scored a first period take down only to have Watson man­ age a late reversal and a pin with 24 seconds left in the period. Watson exemplified it, but all the Panthers who got to wrestle showed some fight Saturday as their team went 2-1. The DK grapplers fell 52-30 to Shelby, but bounced back to beat Hopkins 42-33 and the Coloma 54-12. “He had a big win in that Hopkins match,” Delton Kellogg assistant coach Bill Ferris said of Watson. ‘‘He wrestled well. He had two really good matches for us. He is a brand new wrestler who showed up today. He is developing, a good kid. a good coachable kid. 1 like him a lol.” That pin in the dual with Hopkins was nec­ essary to get the Panthers the victors . It pulled his team within 35-30 with three weight class es lo go. Hunter Belew won by forfeit for DK al 189 pounds and then teammate Caden Ferris sealed die DK win with a pin 59 sec­ onds into his 215-pound match. Both teams voided the heavy weight spot. Caden Ferris also pinned Shelby’s Isaiah Vega 29 seconds into their 215-pound bout which opened that dual and ended his day by Delton Kellogg’s Mathew Fales (back) wraps up Coloma's Mason Current and turns him towards his shoulders during pinning Coloma heavyweight Travis Borr pound match Saturday at the Hopkins Quad. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 3:46 into their 285-pound match. “I think 1 just wrestle slower with them so 1 can wear them down throughout a match,” The rest of the DK points came from forfeits. Coloma. “We have been fighting harder, 1 know that. Caden Ferris said of the times he has to bump DK was 1-1 al the Lawton up to 285 pounds for the team or just to get a Finally learning stuff. We were struggling at Caden Ferris, Gage Vincent (103 pounds), Hunter Antolovich (130). Watson and Belew Wednesday, scoring a 54-18 match in. He is looking forward to the start of the beginning," Caden Ferris said of the team (189) had pins for DK in lhe loss to Shelby. Galesburg-Augusta and falling the state tournament. team districts are tonight season. Vincent. Mathew Fales al 145 pounds and Lawion. In lhe light win over Hopkins. DK got a big al Maple Valley and individual districts ’ Saturday at Carson City-Crystal for the • pin from Gavin Poley at 160 pounds as well. Ferris had pins for DK in its dual with Panthers. their 145- •• ■. Quad last ' win over • 57-21 to / :TO ladies op imdefeated Gold lctk avenges loss to egr in regular season finale j It was a solid final weekend lo the regular season for the Lowell/CaledoniaTThomapplc Kellogg (LCTK) varsity hockey team. The LCTK skaters closed lhe regular sea­ son with a 7-2 win over East Grand Rapids at Kentwood Ice Arena Saturday after a tough 3-1 loss to lhe Baum Division champions from Mona Shores Friday night. ,, . LCTK fell by three goals to East Grand Rapids in the teams’ first meeting a i e ess than a month ago and fell 6-3 in lhe irs <-c ing with Mona Shores. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Drew* Klomparens scored a pair of goals in thc final six minutes of the first period to spark LCTK Saturday against the Pioneers. He scored off assists from Nick Lockhart and Austin Douma to put his team up 1 -0 and then added a power play goal with assists from Zach Schneider and Douma with 74 seconds left in the opening period. "°ff,hC,rick wilh a 8oal two ±7“'“ iW0 ,he ,hird <>n with tournament win The Trojans finished off an undefeated run to an OK Gold Conference Clumipionship Saturday at the Park Center Lanes by winning lhe OK Gold Conference Post Season Tournament. , Senior Carly Snyder was the conference s . individual champion, winning thc £,r s petition Saturday w iih a 630series t1,11 Inc lK * ‘ ed a high game of 257 that was the best t among any of the girls or boys w o ro e i . lv„ lbf, ' the tournament. Fe!low T!y, '“•'r’lQ Cas' Sn)dLj‘’“smaNickI T? an<l °Wen Carpenter. ' (NICK LOCkhort closed nut * • t ; c'tyleigh’will'trd and Faith F051"^ two goals for LCTK n, sconnB w,lh j OK Gold Conference "honors and , ^ . .. .1 Piccionc had two assists ' “W c" and and Masstmo Mass,n,° ■ Garrett Walker stopped 30 rr t ■ J goal for LCTK. PP^ 3” P10neer shots in i • Mona Shores scored iw;.. • . od to break a 1-1 tje and , kll*,hlrd Pjn- f Friday. 1 l’le 3-1 win last v Lockhart had the lone goal fnr i i-rv • , assists going to Douma and*Klo„ X 1 K‘w,lh LCTK was set i0 open h?l.OmParcns> yesterday at Kcntw£d ^Ma* I™*™’'' ■ West Catholic in thc Division . V8-*""'! i Semifinals.The West Catholic P ,l! 'P'On'. 3-2 win over Jenison in th.. ,n!> 'anted • earn al earned ;>H confe-*cd honorable teammate Paige Green was nanw mention aI|<0llference l hc TK ladies rolled team games o . 802 ami 868, and Baker gam« ; 167 and 146. Snyder bad a j*"d,a2 , " go with her 257. Jousma taS’Kd a and 180. Foster rolled a ‘["d " Willard scored a 149, |4l)atid I-4- got high games of 125 from I"1'1; Hess,and 117 and 112 from"01" of Podb*'M* and Gn*"lhe Ihornapplc Kellogg Saturday finishing second »'cral1 ■ - - 'in ’ d efforts ” >v,re lhird |K|m,d the H ||s mis league champions from Kin0* " season. Wyatt Jacobson had the W ,'C ^dsemifinmofthe^-^ . day for the TK boy5 «ling « 6(’:5 5ir‘ n Miehael Willshire, &<»> “,,d Wednesday. •j he regional final is plw) Kreikaard canted SP°'S Saturday in Ketttwood. ",r * p.m. . season n ; ''«‘K boys had ^mes of963’897 1001. and added Baker scores of ISO, 150. 178 and a 193. Jacobson bowled a 223, 221 and 221. Connor Newland bowled a 214, 203 and 158. Willshire bowled a 205, 189 and 184. Kirekaard scored a 201. 184 and 178. Nate Palmer contributed a 181 and 171, Z Moore and Nate Palmer combined efforts and bowled a 128 as well. TIie'lYojans will be at Continental Lancs in Kalamazoo for their Division 2 Regional Tournament this season. The TK boys bow ) Friday beginning at 8 a.m. and thc girls roll Saturday. Each bowler al regional will roll four games. Those scores count tow ards their team totals and their singles scores. The top two teams and the top ten singles scorers from each regional tournament will qualify lor the Michigan High School Athletic Association Finals. • . • i ♦ { { Beck beats buzzer for HHS boys at Northwest Saxon senior guard kirk,. » » length of the court and h t h- ’ shot front the btisX i^, .. th.. H-.u.noe . JUst lK*fore lhe buzzer l illied iV 5()ltu arS,ly knskelball team W ‘ tiw K Wa'c «Athlet.eConfe.enee wm dl J.iVKSOn Northu . . -r . >' Hasttneslcdbya'nv,,, ,UCSda , first half before the 5 a> ,<:n lx’ln,s ,he get withm 24-?"V'ought back to Saxons were uo fid v ,"lcnl'>«ion. l he M-artcr and led umil ^M™ °f ballgame at 50.50 winl,ed ,htf Beck finished the I t. ‘ SeConds 10 play' Evan Ltistmnn had Ift^ ?ame "ilh 20 P°'"? Dawson Whin I ,P*,’1"ts and 11 ivlx,l,“d'; points and teantmL n'C Mo“nti« wl11'-- nine. Duncan Moffitt added “Was,,’C!’CCondti6hu.8ballgamefofthe Hastings boys who fell 39 3o at Parma Western last Thursday, in what was a <?anie of momentum swings. Hastings led 16-14 al the half, but the Panthers went on a 16-5 run in lhe third quarter lo lake lhe lead. 1 he Saxons battled back and got within 37-36 late before Western closed out thc win. Beck had 14 points, Eastman eight and 11 Russell seven m lhe loss. Eastmur/also had \ team-high ten rebounds. Western got 11 |x>inis froin Mi . . Herrington and eight from Ugan Baum ' The Saxons are scheduled to host Pennficld tonight and then Vicksburg Friday to dose oul the regular season. The Division 2 sl.' • • ’ ■ . namettt starts for the Saxon, when tbev travel . to Hopkins to take on the Vikings in a\lis ,i • ‘ opener Tuesday night. ? �T|ig H16lings Banner— Thursday. March 18. 2021— Page 15 Gibson catches fitvtl Bremer Zach Gik Sports Editor The two ^uafc^oiT*"' in battle of state medalists Bru,”m' elementan a min?bcr (>f limcs as ning everv 'Jr’-Stlers, with Brumm win­ in sixth pri l About the time Brumm was ~te in th? C hc Was a li'"e '«> big to com­ rade Gibson™ "C'8h' C,aSS “ ,hc ,hc fif'h n '?’•and । finally caught up to match i? ’•S°k' Sa'd'was looking for a good .1 ■ 11 n"d * SaW l,c Was onC "■oigl't tip and I said let's i( j, js rj h, slatcs. looking for a good one " So was Bru min. Maple Valley varsity wrestling coach Tony awiemia tossed his phone and notebook down to the mat hard earlier in lhe evening as jxshe chose to bump its stud 130-pounder Lucas Mooney up to 135 pounds in its dual with lhe Lions, leaving both Brumm at 130 for lhe Lions and Mooney al 135 for the Blackhawks with forfeit wins in a dual that had long since been decided in favor of the Blackhawks. The Lake wood junior 125-poundcr Gibson, who surpassed his 100th varsity victory this winter, started planning on Monday with head coach Tony Harmer for a shot at lhe Lions’ 130-pound senior who passed lhe 150 varsity victory mark earlier this season. Between lhe two of them they have five slate medals, one for each of their varsity sea­ sons so far. Brumm was lhe state runner-up at 112-pounds as a freshman in Division 4. placed sixth at 119 pounds as a sophomore and third as a junior in 2020 at 130 pounds. Gibson wrestled his way to a fifth-place slate medal at Ford Field in each of his first two varsity seasons, at 103 pounds in Division 3 as a freshman and at 112 pounds as a sopho­ more last year. Each had just one loss this season heading into their 130-pound match up in their team’s Greater Lansing Activities Conference dual at Lakewood High School Thursday. “It comes down to, we’re not running from anybody any more," Hanner said of the deci­ sion to pit the two state medalists against each other. “We’re changing the mentality. We want to bring spectators back to the sport. Thy don’t come to see a 125 or a 130 pounder bump away. I think Maple Valley felt the same way. They had a good kid. We had a good kid. Team score doesn’t matter. We’re just here to have a good time. “I told Gibson. I’d be happy either way. If you had lost your match, you get your head up and I’d still be happy. “I’m not getting to bed ‘til midnight, one o’clock tonight because I’ll be so giddy, but I’d have been the same way if he would have lost lhat match. I love his mentality. He decid­ ed. I said I’m making it your choice, but this is what I want as a coach, h’s just my expec­ tation. If you want to bring it to lhe next level, you have to pul lhat fear into your opponents that you’re a legend killer. You’re going to come and knock them off their pedestal is what it boils down lo. It is exciting. This is what makes wrestling exciting." All eyes in lhe gym were on thc match, as Leslie and Olivet had already completed their dual on lhe other mat. Gibson won 7-5 with a take down with three seconds remaining in thc first one-min­ ute sudden victory overtime period, lhat after getting an escape point as the horn sounded on the end of the third period to tie things up al 5-5. “It was an awesome match. It was back and forth Gibson is a good wrestler. 1 am not tak­ ing anything away from him. It was a good match overall. I enjoyed it - somewhat,” Wawiemia said. He of course would have been happier with a Brumm victory Gibson led 3-2 after the first: period. Brumm not the initial take down following a short feeling-out period. Gibson managed an escape “u ",-ke down of his own. then fought off >»llon’ nds .,1 Gibson in after about 80 s^on apping the 3-3 tic Brumm came cl°* |udel)P but a take down before the period n of |he on the edge of lh<- with Olivet’s Ezra Daxtpr Th lakJnoars a Pin »n the first period of his 119-pound match Thursday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley's Matthew Slaght looks to his corner for advice oni turning Olivet's Ezra Dexter onto his back during their 119-pound bout Thursday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood bench was ruled out of bounds. Brumm gave Gibson the free escape point lo begin lhe third period, giving the Viking junior a 4-3 lead. Brumm then took the lead back with his second take down of lhe match midway through the period. Gibson just about managed a reversal at one point, and was also nearly put on his shoulders. The referee tw ice waved an arm and shouted out a one before Gibson managed to get off his back. “Get off my back, like ah!” is what Gibson said was running through his head at that moment. “If you give up two easy back points that is pretty much lhe match. I had to really try to slay off my back. He’s been wrestling a long time.” Il has been a long lime since Gibson was on his back. The last time was on the first Saturday of the season (Feb. 13), in his only loss of the season, against Cedar Springs senior Trevor Marsman who is a three-lime state finalist and last year’s Division 2 state runner-up at 119 pounds. Gibson managed to get off his shoulders just in lime against Brumm, twice. Brumm got a good quick, low- first shot in during the overtime period, but couldn’t finish it off. Gibson eventually managed to force his way behind Brumm to get lhe winning take down before the match was extended any further. It really prepares me for long matches in districts,’ Gibson said of the tough regular season bout. “You expect good competition. I want to get up there as high as I can [at indivi ual districts] so I have an easier ride at regionals, so that really gets me prepared for a good match.” Brumm W’H be working on comino fa feet and off his knees in the can’t let th^n BrUmm said he learned that he X down 2s- ST C,ose enou6*1 that one or one count tha? outside the circle decide a match in H”51Shor* d0“n’' Lakewood will &*Se?son' Division 3 individuniUa,nSlnE Sexlon for ils ual district tournament March 20 while thc Maple Valley wrestlers head to Carson City-Crystal for their D4 indi­ vidual district that same day. The Vikings are at Portland for their D3 team district tourna­ ment March 17. The Lions are hosing a D4 team district March 18. Brumm’s Maple Valley team was 0-3 on tlie day at Lakewood, falling 63-12 to the Vikings, 51 -15 lo lhe GLAC Champions from Leslie, and losing out on criteria to Olivet after lhe dual closed ini 24-24 deadlock. Pins by Brumm againti Landon Bartley in lhe 135-pound match and Jessy Deppe in the 140-pound match against Olivet’s Wyatt Pocklington pushed the Lions in position to send the decision lo criteria in the dual with Olivet. Olivet ultimately had gave up fewer forfeits in the 14 weight classes to earn lhe win. Olivet won lhe 171-pound, 285-pound and 152-pound weight classes by forfeit in the dual with Maple Valley. Both teams had a void in the line-up at six flights. Maple Valley won four of the five contested weight classes, with Matthew- Slaght scoring a pin of Ezra Dexter at 119 pounds and Andrew Appelman pinning Brady Meyer in lhe 125-pound bout. The Eagles got their lone win with Gavin Bartley pinning Dillon Jorgensen in the 160pound match that opened the dual. Slaght had a forfeit win in lhe Lions’ dual with Leslie and Appelman pulled out a 2-1 win over Evin Yoemans in lhe 125-pound match. Appelman. the Lions’ regular 119 pounder, swore to coach Wawiemia that he was not bumping up to 125 pounds again after falling to Yoemans 4-2 in a match at thc Dansville Quad the second week of the season. ‘‘[Appelman] came back tonight and had a good attitude.” Wawiemia said. “That was awesome. These kids.Jf we want to bump them up they bump upLakewood didn't wntstk। Labe Thursday. th. DK boys set for back-to-back ballga111®5 W|th G-A Rams Brett Bremer 5/’°''Mf‘hadc-to-back ballThe Panthers dmPP^ ', 10 take thar games on the ro'l‘1' cgU|ar season home floor for the reg . । T^e Delton KeHogS ^g-Aug^13 ’T^d ball team will host Gale^• around^ (March 18) and then mm "t|.e head to Galesburg-Ang pivisl(,n 3 S in lhe opening round Comsto^ Tournament Tuesday School. record fid*10 • |lt. Delton Kellogg saw ,l enl Tuesday n t whha50-41 lossatlarj14^hole» aiteDK Panthers 1^1^.^.,^ ^ the game, fought bac 110 go on and then allowed Parch nfinutes run in the Iasi three and a ha»lcad into head coach Jim H0„0.m Parchment point guT?Is,udHogoboom said is a rjlon>'iw‘lliams.who that has changed t|)c , dynamic player team with his recent remT, °! Parchment's 11 points in the flrs, the line-up had night. H ater and 15 for the Parchment also got 14 Jasisk ad 13 from Aaron wT‘Ms from Aaron Austin Blocker led n । lesidCcareer-high 15 points an<!?n ^c^°gg with a 14. Tltey had seven re^ Pa£ added “(It was] really g(X)d s apicce. play so well offensively.^.Ausiin Blocker " We have been waiting . !lo8oboom said bit and tonight he was » h,"”,0 break out a Thomas ts worth15 pc, h«8e spark. a -dk first half. Parchment look > lhe fourth quarter ,erge or ge . "UtJ felt like maybe on^heurbuyssl.0wJ rolled out of the gym. tremendous heart and n 9 lie interesting until the tw (0 make • „ -nUlt. mark* ;i"d bi'ii'i'i' nib.|i.1I^’ppi«is C,1?llogobo<>m said the^onfc1?0 and 1,0‘ Jne night, sh°t much Lakewood’s Zac Gibson (front) works to escape the grasp of Maple Valley’s Jesse Brumm during their 130-pound bout Thursday at Lakewood High School. Gibson managed a one-point overtime victory. (Photo by Brett Bremer) trict he and his wrestlers just decided against taking that kind of a chance with the postsea­ son fast approaching. The Vikings opened the night with a 66-6 win over Olivet. Keegan VanAlstine, one of two Lakewood seniors honored along with his parents between matches Thursday, got an impressive 13-2 major decision in his 160pound bout with lhe Eagles Gavin Bartley. VanAlstine came into thc night riding the high off an impressive 54 win over Whitehall’s Nicholas Blanchard last Saturday at the Kent City Quad. Gibson, Hunter Anderson (135 pounds), Zachary Zbiciak (119) and Nathaniel Graham (171) had pins for the Vikings in the win over Olivet. Heavyweight Eastin Stank scored a 4-2 win over Olivet’s Laken Piepkow in their ^85-pound match. Brenden Staub, Gavin Vaughn. Jayden Manhart, Ashton Clark and Chris Webb had forfeit wins for the Vikings. Lakewood’s other senior. Kyle Petrie, pinned Maple Valley’s Dillon Jorgensen late in the first period of their 160-pound bout. Lakewood took a 42-0 lead in the dual with Kaiden Villanueva, Nicholas Wickizcr, Manhart. Stank and Clark taking forfeit wins and Vaughn winning by injury default at 171 pounds when the Lions’ David HosackFrizzell had to bow out with a knee injury. Slaght and Appelman got pins at 112 and 119 respectively for the Vikings, both in the first period. After the win by Gibson at 130, Lakewood got forfeit wins from Anderson at 135 pounds and Straub at 145 as well as a pin from Daniel Krebs in his 140-pound match with lhe Lions’ Deppc. The Lions relumed to action at lhe Godwin Heights Quad Saturday where they went 3-0 with a 36-3 win over Grand Rapids Union, a 33-18 win over Godwin, and a 36-0 win over River Valley. Slaght. Brumm, Jorgensen and HosackFrizzell were each 3-0 on the day for the Lions. Lion ladies make it three in a row by besting Chargers Maple Valley’s varsity girls’ basketball teain ran its record to 5-10 with a 52-19 win over visiting Union City Tuesday at Maple Valley High School The Lion team had three girls in double figures against the winless Chargers, led by Ashlyn Wilkes 18 points. Ali McGIocklin had ten points and Megan Valiquette ten as well. Trista Medina finished with six points and Abeni Hartwell, Karlie Dahms, Lilly Fauroi and Bri Short had two points apiece. Cassie McCool hit a fourth quarter free throw. The Lions have now won three in a row. and look a 54-21 win aI home a£alnst Coinstock last Thursday. „ k Valfav will face ComstocK again Maple Valk) pjvisjon Monday in lhe opc Galesburg3 DistrictTournmnenthtM^ * Augusta next wee ■ ballgame between Off after the <’Pea,"£ ™Sunt-Augusta. Delton Kellogg ibe regular season Thc Lions we„ ^t^Uue last night. . • .u. first meeting between the belter than in lhe I'” b two teams. --(hers with 15 points and Pape led t ie dipped in nine. Alden Whitmo_ area of the “We did not P L be better for these next game and will ha n) said „Rcfll|y fed two weeks, NJ nlc husUc p|ays and like Christian Once they got up ten kept us on our 11 the floor a bit and get they were able to some Ianes us chasing wh,c" iage of in the second half, that they took adV job of taking advantage We did not do a 8 or our size. , and maybe wc will see “We will be I*11 them again?” both have some winDK and the agajn. The winner of ning to do to " lKtWccn an(j G-A Tuesday’s ballg* jn the district semifinals will face Comsl(* *. Ralttma70O Christian March 25 at and Hackett Catn tricl’s other scl1 (March 25). Prep meet in the dis­ . match-up Thursday See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad GraPhics printing plus 1351.'^Hastingscity limits �Drover the latest treaf-e- 3ptlons for bladder leakage and erec ts dysfunction. Pago 16 — Thursday, March 18. 2021 — Tho Hasfinfl3 B*nnC Bladder leakage ot erectile Randall takes two at Tier II Championship ■ . *;Jrui tnrlrnacy. /. fro ■ •:h.;f .jtionai semi _ _ in metis rather llwnih,^, Brett Bremer -j knew I’d be in ,5 50 frcc- ... conversation Dnrwlnll caM ~r._ .Cuic Conversation forfor if’it, • ” Sports Editor Randall said of •winning the 50-yard freestyle. Barracuda head coach DJ Cochran °n a knee and bowed his head as he “I didn t think I d get first walking in. That reached out his arms to present senior Sam was a .surprise. Prelim’s I go 22.94 (seconds). Randall with his first accolade of the after­ That was not what I was expecting. That seed­ ed me first, and from then on I was like okay noon Saturday. Randall gladly accepted his 50-yard free­ we’re going double champion this year.” Randall set a new personal record in both ze medal and then hugged his smiling on the pool deck at (he Community thc 50 freestyle and thc 100 butterfly in Education and Recreation Center in Hastings. Friday's preliminary races. He touched the wall in 55.02 in the butterfly prelim’s. They’d meet up again. . , Randall captured his first °K Rainbow Saturday he took lhe conference champion­ Conference Tier II Championship by winning ship in lhe butterfly with a time of 55.31 and the 50 freestyle race at the conference meet thc 50 frcc in 23.15. and then took a 15 minute break with the rest “Obviously, that was just a huge moment for us,” Cochran said. “I actually got to fulfill of the event before w inning his signature race: a promise. I told Sam when I took over the the 100-yard butterfl). “The 50 (freestyle) was a surprise,” Randall program two years ago lhat by the time he left said. “The fiy I have been working on for a he would be thc conference champion. e long time, so freshman year I got seventh, knew thc butterfly had been the main goal sophomore year 1 got fifth, junior third, senior there. He had worked his way up the last four first. Going up two every' year. It is so nice.” years, but the 50 was just kind of something The 100-yard butterfly came directly after we stumbled upon this year. Wc were sw*im^ the 50-yard freestyle Saturday, but typically ming off events one of our meets just kin o there is a break in that spot in the swimming giving the boys a rest, letting theft ^od,c^ . to complete the diving competition so all the something different, and Sam posted our o competitors took a 15-minute break between 50 time of thc season there with a 23-low. the two races. Randall began swimming thc Randall was pushing for school records»an 50-yard freestyle late this season. He still slate qualifying times in the two races, c P; kicks himself for a second-place finish in the cially thc butterfly, and was thinking ne nng 50 freestyle race at the Ottawa Hills still gel one more shot at those in a s Invitational last month. Randall opened the shave meet this week. season swimming thc 200-yard freestyle early “It is real emotional to be done w» - __________ ___ ■ ._ ■ . ~ t> « ’T~ ...•<< ^JU. - '■■■' •?... Barry County Barracuda sophomore Jack Kensington races to a fourth-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle during the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet at the CERC in Hastings Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) It Il has been na Hlo big — part- o -r f life for r«. four —------years. r Made a lot of friends and a lol of memories. It is going to be hard to go,” Randall said Saturday. He was one of four Barry County boys to earn all-conference honors at the conference meet, joined by senior diver Gram Price and sophomore swimmers Devin Pacillo and Jack Kensington. Price was the runner-up to Grand Rapids Catholic Central freshman Will Schwallier in the diving competition. Schwallier put togeth­ er an 11-dive score of 400.25. Price finished at 381.10. Barracuda junior Blake Sheldon was third with a score of 330.10. Randall said he took over Kensington’s spot in the 50-yard freestyle, with Kensington filling his hole in the 200-yard freestyle. Kensington and Pacillo placed fourth and fifth respectively in that 200 free. Kensington touched the wall in 1:55.48 and Pacillo in 1:58.20. Kensington was also fourth in the 100-yard freestyle in 51.93 ani Pacillo swam to a thirdplace time of 5:29.to in lhe 500-yard free­ style. “Jack and Devin they had a huge step up in progression.” Cochran said. “Since last year, even as freshmen, they have been two of the hardest workers always on the team. This year they both have that mental connection of like, ‘hey this is what it takes to go fast in swim­ ming.’ Jack is in a lane with Sam every day (at practice), so Sam is always there pushing him and I put Devin strategically right next to Sam and he made sure to always stay with Sam and Barry County freshman Riley Shults completes his first turn in the 200-yard individual was pushing him. “It got towards the end of the season where medley at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet hosted by Hastings High School Sam was like, ‘coach Devin is beating me and at the CERC Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) I can’t keep up. They both just pul in the hard work this year.” “Everybody across lhe board, we swam lights out with PRs (personal records) across the board,” Cochran said. Randall, Kensington, Pacillo and senior Britton Stevens closed out lhe meel for the Barry County boys by placing second in the Advancing science forjife’“ 400-yard freestyle relay with a time of 3 min­ utes 2835 seconds, just behind the winning foursome of Daniel Flores-Fuentes. Asa Hekman, Ethan Shi and Jonathan Hoffman from Ottawa Hills that won it (3:26.13). Pacillo. Stevens. Kensington and Randall mediH'or°winnina Sam Randal1 accepts his conference championship also learned up for a third-place time of Confe^rence ChamninneK °’yard breas,strake Saturday at the OK Rainbow Tier H 1:34.42 in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Conference Champtonship meet at the CERC in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ; Those Ottawa Hills frccstylers helped their team to the championship at Saturday’s con­ ference meet. The Bengal fin’shc“ lhc “ay stroke. tized by fire in the xs orfd of high school swim­ with 424 points, ahead of Catholic Central .■■Th“" w« » huge step up for hi .. Coch ming. He is another one I’m looking forward sa>d of Shults gettmg into the top eight in ™e 385, Wayland 353, Grand Rapids Union 340 to seeing progress over the next few years, breaststroke. J have a group of lhr^ b'^a'^ and Barry County 313. ... because a 1:13 as a freshman is a really good The Bengals also opened the meet with the time.” team of Hoffman, Shi. Flores-Fuentes and Camden Reynolds, Matthew Smith, Mason Hekman winning the 200-yard medley relay Cross, Erik Zimmerman, Jake Gheradi, Sam in 1:41.14. Hoffman aidedwins tn he I W Dielcman, Isaiah Randall. Heath Hays and freestyle in 48.86 and die 100-yard back Hunter Cisler also scored with top 16 finishes stroke in 54.21.- meeting the state qualify inf, in ‘B’ Finals for the Barracudas. • mark for the Bengals in Di'ision 2in “ ,hree of those races. ,, . f dysfu nrt Grand Rapids Catholic Ccn,ral d'd r°li r your it u TiiTtP the individual winning. ,<d 50,110 * nBostonP bcientmc Get your mojo b h. i,rX,".liii’X "g?.11* brt4rse 'h'K!h KM 5 S“5 ;i Please join i solutions. Vikes look to close regular season winning three straight in 2.0*. .02. , and senior Sca ;n |-48.09 The Liikcwotxl wl’° WO"‘hc 200-yard f^9" All four team made it back tHy girIs’ basketball week with a 48-31 v .k wins to «Pen the and the 500-yard freestyle "’ ’n , state quali,t . ../ [j, Mich-K-IKozminskiMD, Uiolo<jyA‘ Tuesday. V'C,O,> on the road at Perry oc tales of of those races met the DM5'0"j the team of Grand Rapids PC fy-ng times for the Coug^J£ Lidemann Lakewood head co „.i. v .. Worthington, Fetterhoff. Cha, ‘the 200-yanl it a “solid team effort** / ^clly Meints called Partner; anrj g and Tommy Cowden in h ? Anja Kelley led Ihc her gWs> freestyle relay in 1:31.68. . , conference three steals and ihre<.. V. ,n8s W|lh 12 points SpOC*- >s limits 616 340-8017 S’e.v* rS. carned !U1 iod?fth-place time of right behind her with Pickard was hup - rhnya/i medal of his own with » \ 50-yard free- Maradith O’Gorm .. 1 .P°*nls and two steals, ‘Mi ku'tnifti 23.72, behind Randall, i-1^'^ a ninth­ the Vikings and wis SCVCn P°ints fof style race nnd he also s^ freestyle, with ten rebounds t ar°und the run https://qrco.de/bbzgVW HHie Possehn ;"'d^Vt; Mocked shots. . place time of 53.63 in the l«" > , County adence P011 had S,X It was also a great da) ...„ w a ninth­ points apiece for . nes as lhe> tbC freshman Riley Shults. ’Zjdual medley Ramblers for the time this season co place finish in the 200-ya'11 earned a con- improve to 7.# Lakewood took J?! and 5’5 in the GLAC. with a time of 2:24.40 place time of ^’inoverPot^’1^ ference medal with his ci- 7 troke. He was on senior night Monday. al Lakewood High School 1:13.94 in thc lOO-yardb^ofthebreastthe only freshman in the A t',n SU'1W SOphie D1,its got to take the noorfor Attend a FREE Men’s Health Seminar: . ■ a minute, as she continues to recover from an, injury.^ finished with two points and three reboundsgot ‘ nine ’ Lakewood ' ------- ' also ............... :“ points, seven rebounds and five assists from Kelley and fello"' senior Natalie Lang added one pint and two rebounds Pickard had a team-high 16 points in the wjn, with three rebounds and three steals. O’Gonnan finished with ten points and ten rebounds. Ellie Possehn contributed eight points, five rebounds and two assists. Lakewood closes thc regular season ar home against Lansing Christian tonight then will go to Williamston Monday to face Fowlerville in lhe opening round of its Division 2 District Tournament. The Fowlerville girls had three wins on the season heading into their Tuesday night match-up with Haslett this week. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-03-25.pdf 5d616593c8a6469cbaf4bd3a771728f4 PDF Text Text Hastings begins search for new city manager Relief package or historic mistake? Delton’s Mohn named region’s AD of the Year See Story on Page 8 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 13 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 = 804879110187 1070490102590501318649058113421 LOT**C 005 COO5 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2021 9:47:00 AM Hrto i mvjo ANNER Thursday, March 25, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 12 PRICE $1.00 County declares emergency Board!s action allows townships to comply with state orders for open meetings Ken Vermeulen, attorney for R. Smith and Sons, walks to the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Highway, for the planning commission meeting last Thursday. He was heckled, here, by a protester who opposes the special use permit request that would allow the company to mine for gravel near Wilkinson Lake. During the meeting, he was chastised by the board chairman for rude reactions to public comment. As residents protest, Hope Township weighs gravel pit permit Sean Bradley Staff Writer A special use permit to allow gravel mining near Wilkinson Lake in Hope Township is being considered by the township planning commission, but no decision has yet been made. Allegan-based excavating contractor R. Smith and Sons submitted a request last year for a special use permit to mine for gravel on 139 acres of a 153-acre property owned by the company at 8409 Miller Road since the property is not zoned for that use. Last Thursday, when the township planning commission convened to consider the request, S. M-43 Highway in front of the township hall was lined with about 50 protesters carry­ ing “No Pit” signs. Motorists passing by honked as protesters cheered and waved. Inside the hall, more than two dozen people spoke either in person or remotely via Zoom during the public comment portion of the meeting. After a closed session for approximately an hour to discuss a written legal opinion with Catherine Kaufman, Hope Township’s attor­ ney, the board voted unanimously to continue deliberations and seek more information, including an environmental impact study, Craig Jenkins, the planning commission’s secretary, said. “The intent really is to find out what that 153-acre site, what impact it could have on the vicinity, the neighborhood, the lake and the ecosystem right there,” Jenkins said. Township Zoning Administrator Nathan See GRAVEL PIT, page 2 Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners declared a countywide state of emergency Tuesday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first such emergency declaration by commissioners in many years - and one that was not prompted by a weather-related catastrophe. Instead, it was necessitated by the pandemic and, more specifically, by a legislative need to comply with state requirements dictated under the Open Meetings Act. “This is a technical resolution we would need to pass in order to allow other local governments within the county to continue meeting by Zoom,” Chairman Ben Geiger told fellow commissioners Tuesday during their virtual meeting via Zoom. “The law that allows local governments to conduct meetings by Zoom expires at the end of the month,” Geiger said. “So, if we were not to adopt a resolution today, that means we could potentially throw some local governments into a little bit of chaos.” County Administrator Michael Brown advised commissioners that, when the statewide declaration ‘ah emergency, originally adopted under Gov, Gretchen Whitmer’s orders, was “taken away, the Legislature then amended the Open Meetings Act to permit virtual meetings. “But they only permitted virtual meetings for any reason ... until the end of this month. After the end of the month, there are some limited reasons that boards can meet virtually ... but one of them wouldn’t be for a pandemic or for any reason” as the current order allows. However, the current order does provide that, if the county adopts a local state of emergency, public bodies within that jurisdiction may continue to meet virtually for any reason - including the pandemic, Brown explained. “A lot of communities have been waiting, expecting the Legislature to amend tie Open Meetings Act to extend that date from its current sunset at the end of this mcnth to some ... date in the future,” he said. ‘[But] “Given state requirements, many townships would not be able to comply with the rules for indoor meetings if they didn’t have a virtual meeting option. And, without the county’s declaration of a state of emergency, they would not have that virtual meeting option.” - Michael Brown, county administrator the Legislature has not done that, does not appear to be interested in doing that, so it now becomes up to each local unit of government - or county, if you may - to do that. “This is a resolution that simply would provide the ability for any public body within the county to continue to meet virtually, I think we established right now, until the end of this year through Dec. 31,2021.” Brown noted that commissioners could shorten the duration of this order, which does not require a public body to meet virtually. Any public body in Barry County may meet in person as long as the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders - which require social distancing and a maximum of 25 people indoors - are met, he said. Given these state requirements, however, many townships would not be able to comply with the rules for indoor meetings if they didn’t have a virtual meeting option. And, without the county’s declaration of a state of emergency, they would not have that virtual meeting option. “I’m going to vote ‘no’ on this,” Vice Chairwoman Vivian Conner said after the resolution was read. “I think our governor’s gotten herself in quite a bit of trouble by extending emergency powers, and I’m not about to vote for this. “I think our people want to get back to normalcy. ... I think they think some of these things are uncalled for and unneeded. ... I don’t think we have a state of emergency in our county. And I think it would be wrong to pass this resolution and say we do. That’s all I’ve got to say.” “I hear your concern,” Geiger said. “The reality is not all local governments can conduct [in-person meetings]. These are the cards we have been dealt. Right now, we’re playing these cards through Zoom. I just don’t want to stick it to our townships when they’re just abiding by pandemic orders.” “I understand that,” Conner replied. Commissioner Catherine Getty pointed out that, last week during the public comment portion of the commissioners’ Committee of the Whole meeting, Middleville Village Manager Patricia Rayl asked the county board to consider passing a resolution like this. “They’ve been doing the hybrid [virtual meeting] because the council chambers won’t allow for social distancing of the council members and public,” Getty said. “Others face the same challenge. ... It would present the village with a hardship if we weren’t to do this.” Commissioner David Jackson said both Getty and Conner made good points, noting that he would vote to support the declaration. “I’m not going to support it because I support some the governor’s emergency powers and what they’re doing. I’m going to support it to give our local government flexibility - and this is the only tool we have at this point,” Jackson said. “There are some real efficiencies we’ve seen through virtual meetings. “I’m still a little uncertain how it’s all going to play out. But this [virtual option] is a good tool.” Commissioner Bruce Campbell said he agreed with Jackson. “The Legislature has left it up to us,” Campbell said/T’m voting ‘yes’ to give them the flexibility to operate as need be - and it’s not because I agree with everything that goes on in the governor’s office. “But I want our townships to have the choice to do what they deem necessary.” Commissioner Jon Smelker sai^, “We need to give our smaller local governments the ability to do what needs to be done.... We do need to give our local governments the choice.” Then Conner said, “But I do not think we should be declaring a state of county emergency. That is not true.” Getty emphasized that the action would be taken “for a very specific purpose. ...We’re using this as a tool.” She then asked Brown if this action could have any unintended consequences. See DECLARATION, page 10 Hastings schools pitch Some county township officials skeptical about federal ‘handout’ bond proposal idea Sean Bradley Staff Writer Some townships officials in Barry County, reacting to the news that their small local government may receive thousands of feder­ al funds in the next 60 days, say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. As part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, approved by the U.S. Congress earlier this month, more than $4.4 billion is going to every township, city and county in Michigan, in amounts ranging from roughly $100 per resident to as high as $1,300, according to an estimate from the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform. The money is largely based on population, but some communities with higher rates of poverty may receive more. In Barry County, amounts may range from $828,514 in Thornapple Township to $163,610 in Maple Grove Township based on population, with the payout calculated at roughly $99 per person. Carlton Township, for example, could receive as much as $245,760 in funds based on its population of 2,489, according to the U.S. House committee that issued the report. Funds for roads and renovations to the township hall are needed, Carlton Supervisor Brad Carpenter said. “Our building is in tremendous need for renovation. We have to put a new roof on it. We’ve got to replace all the windows at the township hall.” The township hall has no central air con­ ditioning, Carpenter added. “When we have elections here, it becomes a real hot box,” he said. “We have funding needs, there’s no question about it.” Since the Village of Freeport is located in that township, a portion of the funds could go to the village, which may reduce the overall amount to the township, he noted. “Can we survive without this money? Most definitely. Will we use it? Yeah. We’re behind the eight ball on several things.” But these federal funds are “in limbo right now,” Chad Vansyckle, Baltimore Township supervisor, pointed out. “Until we get some­ thing official, it’s hard to say what we’re going to do. We’re definitely in need.” Vansyckle and Carpenter both brought up concerns about having to pay the money back in the future. “To me, there’s no such thing as a free lunch,” Vansyckle said. “Somewhere down the road somebody’s going to pay for it.” Thomapple Township could receive as much as $828,514 in federal funds, but it would be split in some way with the Village of Middleville, Thornapple Township Supervisor Eric Schaefer said. “We hope this will speed up our recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Schaefer said. “The final amount we receive would be a fair amount to measure against our budget.” As much as $302,238 could come to Hastings Charter Township. Township Supervisor Jim Brown said, “That would be at least three-quarters of our entire revenue for the year.” Odessa Township Supervisor Dave Bulling said he had “mixed feelings” about this money being given out to townships. “It’s way too early to make a judgment on it until they put out the guidelines,” Bulling remarked. “I’m concerned whether that’s the best place to spend that kind of money.” Thomas Rook, Orangeville Township supervisor, said his township hasn’t received any information yet from the federal govern­ ment or state of Michigan about these American Rescue Planfunds. An estimated amount of $342,524 could come to his township. He said township board members have been informed and it will be discussed at tie board’s next meet­ ing, which will be in person, at 7 p.m. April 6 at the township hall. “It’s good if we canget it and it might not take that much to do it, but, as long as it’s something we can apply for, we’ll go from there,” Rook said. Assyria Township Supervisor Tom Wing said in an email last week that he wasn’t sure how the township board of trustees would react to the news. “Some of them are pretty conservative and will question our need for this money,” Wing said. His township could receive as much as $204,092 in federal funds, but Assyria See SKEPTICAL, page 2 Sophie Bates Staff Writer Hastings Area School System will likely ask voters on Aug. 3 to approve a bond request that would put the district millage rate at slightly less than its current level. A community forum Tuesday detailed many facility improvements that could be made if a bond request passed this summer. Interim Superintendent Matt Goebel, who was chosen to be the next superintendent at a meeting last week, led the meeting and began by thanking district and the Hastings commu­ nity “I certainly want to thank the board. I want to thank the community, the staff and, most importantly, the students. I know that over the last year, especially since last March, a lot of our worlds have been turned upside down in many different aspects,” Goebel said. “There have been a lot of changes and a lot put on our classroom staff and our teachers, support staff, plus drivers in regards to online learning and planning; and that’s been a learning curve that they’ve just been extraordinary with. “So I really want to thank them and thank all of our families out in the Hastings Area School System and community for their patience with us as we learn.” In explaining the bond proposal, Goebel said the current millage rate in Hastings is 6.9 mills and, without passage of any bond request this year, would drop to 6 mills. That proposed millage rate they’re recom­ mending is 6.8 mills, representing a decrease of one-tenth of a mill. If the bond passes, the millage rate would stay at 6.8 mills until the 2026-27 school year, Goebel said. After that, the rate would begin to decrease. The district has proposed the bond be com­ pleted in two different series: The first series would bring in $14.9 million in 2022 for a term of 18 years and six months. The second series, in 2023, would bring an additional $7 million for a term of 16 years and six months. In total, the bond would bring the district $21.9 million. During the meeting, Goebel was accompa­ nied by Joe Powers and Jim Venton, represen­ tatives of Wolgast Corp., and David Mayville, president of BMA Architects. “They’ve been working with their teams and really bringing in a lot of specialty people to take a look at a lot of different aspects of our needs within our facilities,” Goebel said. Powers, Benton and Mayville have spent the past few months examining the district’s facilities, including roofs, mechanicals, heat­ ing and cooling, accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and more. Goebel presented the trio’s findings in a slideshow, listing what facilities upgrades are needed at each building within the district. One major aspect of the proposal was installing bipolar ionization units inside each building. “It’s an air purification system that works to remove pathogens from the air using cold plasma ionization,” Goebel said. “It does this by creating ions that attach themselves to the See PROPOSAL, page 2 �Page 2 — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner GRAVEL PIT, continued from page 1 Ken Vermeulen, attorney for R. Smith and Sons, (left) consults with Trevor Smith, the company’s vice president for operations, during the March 18 meeting of the Hope Township Planning Commission. Several people hold up signs reading “No To Gravel Pit Wilkinson Lake” on Thursday along S. M-43 outside the Hope Township Hall. A protest before the meeting attracted dozens of people. Ken Vermeulen, attorney for R. Smith and Sons, directs comments to the planning commission chariman during the March 18 meeting. The Hope Township Planning Commission met in person on Thursday, March 18, for the first time since October to hear public comment on the application to mine gravel near Wilkinson Lake by Allegan-based excavation company R. Smith and Sons. Mehmed is responsible for choosing a neutral and credentialed organization to conduct the studies, he said. “We’re having the consultant help us to understand the scope of what we’re ordering,” Jenkins said. R. Smith and Sons will pay for the studies and information being requested, Bob Norton, Hope Township Planning Commission chair­ man, told The Banner. “I look forward to the results of these stud­ ies that will help us make good decisions,” Norton said. “It’s obvious the commission deemed it useful to request these studies.” Ken Vermeulen, attorney for R. Smith and Sons, who represented the company at Thursday’s meeting, said, “We’re certainly appreciative the planning commission wants to make its decision based on facts and scien­ tific information and not conjecture and some unsubstantiated fear mongering we’ve seen from some of the residents.” A hydrogeological study is one of the piec­ es of information the township is requesting, Jenkins said. The research should help determine where any aquifers are in relation to the proposed mining area and in what direction the aquifers move, as well as identifying any surface water and the direction it flows and any potential impact to the aquifer, Jenkins said. It also will include an analysis of the oper­ ation’s potential impact on drinking water, and wells that residents use to retrieve their drinking water. The study could take months, depending on the level of detail required, he said. “When we’re determining serious conse­ quences, we need to know what it’s going to do to the lake,” Jenkins said. “I don’t know the scope of what we’re going to be ordering. “We could be looking at a few months to have all the information we need.” Other information being requested includes truck routes and the number of trucks that R. Smith and Sons is planning to use throughout the course of its mining operation, and school bus route information from Delton Kellogg Schools, the school district in which this prop­ erty resides, Norton said. The board also is considering information provided by residents and organizations such as the Healthy Waters Alliance that are opposed to the proposal, as well as informa­ tion from R. Smith and Sons. “I think now they’ve seen a lot of informa­ tion submitted by the Healthy Waters Alliance as well as other individuals, so now it’s an appropriate time for the planning commission to begin asking questions and doing their own independent research so they can sort through which information is accurate,” said Larry Heslinga, head of a subcommittee of the Healthy Waters Alliance’s board of directors which is investigating the gravel pit proposal. For more than 40 years, Pam Phillips and her family have been going to Wilkinson Lake, where they have a cottage directly across from it, she said. Phillips was among the protesters holding signs reading “No to gravel pit Wilkinson Lake” while standing on the side of M-43 in front of the township hall. “We want those people who’ve been entrusted with our voice to hear our voice,” said Phillips, who is from Kalamazoo. John Schumacher and Marilyn Breu, also from Kalamazoo, said they have a second home on Wilkinson Lake, right around the comer from the proposed gravel pit location. Breu used words such as “peaceful ” and “quiet” to describe Wilkinson Lake, where she and Schumacher have had their home since 2009. If the proposed special use permit is approved, noise from the gravel pit operation will be an issue for them, she said. Breu said she kayaks early in the morning. Gravel pit work could start as early as 6 a.m., according to the company’s application that was submitted to the township. “I don’t want to hear heavy equipment at 6 o’clock in the morning,” she said. “My sanc­ tuary, my quiet place, is no longer going to be available to me.” Brian Meyers, who lives northeast of Wilkinson Lake, said his residence is just minutes away from the proposed gravel min­ ing site. During the public comment portion of Thursday’s meeting, Meyers told township officials that he was irritated “that we’re even up here having a debate about putting a gravel pit next to a lake. Everybody needs to stand here and take a really good think about this.” The request is “all about money,” he said. “But we really need to think about the envi­ ronment this time,” Meyers said. Patricia Austin and her husband, John, live on the 20 block of Oak Opening, which is about 1.5 miles away from the proposed grav­ el pit. Austin said during the public comment that it was their dream to own a home on a lake. “We have invested a lot of time and effort into working on this property,” she said, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has required her to work from home. “I need it quiet when I work,” she said. Leaving their house and the property to their children was something the Austins con­ sidered for the future. “That may not even be something they would even want because, if the area’s ruined, you know, what incentive is there for them to want to be there for that?” she asked the planning commission board. The number of people who wanted to speak in person last Thursday exceeded the town­ ship hall’s overall capacity limit of 25 people - as allowed by an epidemic order through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. To accommodate all of the in-person speak­ ers, township officials had the speakers line up outside the building and then enter the building to speak, then leave when they were done. Thursday’s meeting was run by Bob Norton, chairman of the Hope Township Planning Commission. Everyone inside the building wore masks. In other action, the commission also unani­ mously voted to appoint Junior Homister as the commission’s vice chairman, and Jenkins to be the commission’s secretary. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 15 in the commission cham­ bers at the township hall, 5463 M-43 in Hastings. PROPOSAL, continued from page 1 virus, bacteria or mold spores and evaporates their threat. It also works with SARS and COVID and other COVID virus strands. “This system also reduces the energy use of a system bringing in outside air. So we do expect some energy efficiencies for cost sav­ ings.” Air quality, along with buses, student tech­ nology, security, energy upgrades to save costs, student equipment and furnishings were listed as districtwide needs that could be addressed with the money raised by the bond. Goebel went on to list improvements that would be made to each building within the district. Star Elementary would receive a partial roof replacement; replacement of a molded exterior installation finish system located under the building’s roofline; new boilers; playground equipment; and heating units and chillers installed in classrooms. At Southeastern Elenientary, improvements would include a new parent drop-off area, updated playground equipment, window replacements and remodeling of bathrooms. Similarly, Northeastern Elementary would receive updated playground equipment, win­ dow and siding replacements and remodeled bathrooms. Central Elementary would receive updated playground equipment, new bell tower, new sidewalk; new ceilings in the classrooms and media center and remodeled bathrooms. Improvements at the middle school would be mainly focused on the old section of the building and would include roof and insula­ tion replacement, renovation of the existing locker rooms, repaving the parking lot, and site work, or additional construction, that would coincide with the roof replacement. At the high school, facility needs include roof and insulation replacement; renovation of locker rooms; asbestos removal; classroom carpeting replacement; window replacements; a new public address system; and remodeling of the media center, kitchen, west lobby, bath­ rooms and classrooms. Along with the air purification system, every building would receive security upgrades — including security cameras and keying — as well as upgrades to LED lighting to save on energy costs. After detailing the proposed improvements, those who attended the virtual meeting went to Zoom breakout rooms, where they could ask questions and discuss the proposal with Hastings school staff. The district will host another community forum on the proposed bond and facilities improvements sometime after spring break, which will be April 2-9. Goebel said, among other efforts, the dis­ trict will employ a videographer for the bond proposal to provide the community with ample information about the proposal and how facility changes would impact students and staff. Elaine Jones was near tears as she spoke to the commission about the impact a gravel pit could have on the area around Wilkinson Lake. She lives on Chain-OLakes Drive near the location for the pro­ posed gravel pit at 8409 Miller Road. SKEPTICAL, continued from page 1-------------Township has not had significant expenses due to COVID-19 or problems directly related to the pandemic that need to be addressed. “Having said that, it is possible it could be used to mitigate some current infrastructure projects, like a new township drain project we began planning for last year,” Wing wrote. “It is possible to save our residents from addi­ tional taxes in that way.” Hope Township’s Board of Trustees may discuss the funds at its next board meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 12 at the township hall, Supervisor Doug Peck said. “We’re still waiting for some details to come down,” Peck said. The Yankee Springs Township Board of Trustees has yet to discuss the issue because of several questions their officials have about the money. “We did hear there might be money avail­ able to townships and a dollar figure possi­ bly,” Yankee Springs Township Supervisor Rob Heethuis said. “The last thing I heard was it was being looked into if there is a stipend and what that stipend would amount to, and how it could be used. Consequently, we hav­ en’t really discussed it.” According to the U.S. House committee information, Yankee Springs Township could receive $440,077. That’s approximately 40 percent of the township’s annual budget, Heethuis said. “We have things in the township that have been talked about for years,” Heethuis said. “Until they come out and say,6 Your money is coming and these are the things you can use it for,’ I’d hate to make any comment at all.” �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — Page 3 City council members raise communication, process concerns Maple Valley syrup producers had their final sap boils last week as warm temperatures ended the season. Though tree tapping started a bit late this year, producers say they had a good year overall. Vermontville Maple Syrup Corp. President Steve Hayes and his wife, Mary Ann, are pictured at Maple Manor in Vermontville last Saturday, checking the temperature and sugar content of the syrup during their final boil. (Photos by Taylor Owens) Syrup boiling wraps up with productive season Gary Russell (left) and his fellow volunteers with the Nashville Maple Syrup Association tap trees in Putnam Park in February. Because the association shares the park with the residents of Nashville, they use tubing that can be stepped over and easily removed when events are hosted in the park. COVID cases trend back up locally Taylor Owens Staff Writer After being on the downswing for most of 2021, COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in Barry County for the past few weeks. Barry County had 95 active cases as of Monday, and the percentage of positive COVID tests has gone from fluctuating between 2 and 7 percent last week to 10 to 12 percent this week. Monday’s rate of 12.79 was the highest since Jan. 10. Neighboring Eaton County shot from a low of 3.31 percent March 9, to 20.54 percent March 22. The county had 225 active cases Monday. Barry County remained at 48 deaths caused by COVID-19 as of Monday, while Eaton County has reported 157 since the pandemic began. Anne Barna of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department previously has said the department is unable to comment on the rea­ son behind the rise in cases, but they are monitoring the situation closely. Health officials have warned that the pres­ ence of the more contagious B .1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 in Michigan could prompt a rise in cases. A recent COVID-19 outbreak in Grand Ledge was linked to the variant, but, because — Barry County had 95 active cases as of Monday, and the percentage of positive COVID tests has gone from fluctuating between 2 and 7 percent last week to 10 to 12 percent this week. few COVID cases are genetically tested for the variant, it is unknown how widespread B .1.1.7 currently is in the area, health officials reported. The vaccination effort in Barry County is passing a new milestone as 25 percent of all residents ages 16 and older will have received at least their first COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the week. As of Monday, 11,749 people had received their first dose, which represents more than 24 percent of all adults in the county, according to the health department. The health department also was able to distribute some doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to local pharmacies, although it was less than the number of doses it admin- Water ’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC istered last week. Pharmacy Care in Middleville received 100, while Family Fare in Hastings received 50. Maple Valley Pharmacy in Nashville had yet to receive any doses Wednesday. Health department officials say vaccine doses are expected to increase “dramatically” in April. In addition, eligibility for the vaccine will open up to all adults 16 and older on April 5. Sign up through barryeatonhealth.org or spec­ trumhealth .org. Sophie Bates Staff Writer Communication between Hastings city staff and council members became an issue Monday during a council meeting. Council member Brenda McNabb-Stange raised the topic when she pointed to a report­ ed $721,778 windfall the city is expected to receive from the federal government. McNabb-Stange said she learned about the windfall in The Banner and was disappointed that, as of Monday night, she had not received any notification about it from the city staff. “I’m very disappointed in the lack of com­ munications coming out of the city manager’s office,” McNabb-Stange said. “We have to rely on the reading in the paper items that are coming up. I think that this looks Very bad when somebody in the city asks us a question and we’ve not heard about it, but it has appeared in the paper. “To date, we have not gotten an email from Jerry [Czarnecki] or Jane [Saurman] about the funds that are coming from the federal gov­ ernment. I think we’re getting really bad at communicating and really bad at knowing what our budget is and following our budget and understanding where we’re going to be impacted.” The answer was that city staff were blind­ sided - and they weren’t alone. Many local government officials initially expressed shock and disbelief at the news. Mayor David Tossava said they found out about “the $700,000 Wednesday afternoon. I don’t how the paper got the information before we got it. So Wednesday, I got a call from a reporter who wants to know what we’re going to do with the $700,000 that I hadn’t heard a thing about. I think the prob­ lem here isn’t with the clerk’s office or the city manager; I think it’s with the state of Michigan and federal government. “I still don’t think it’s fair to chastise peo­ ple who are working their tails off for you.” City Manager Jerry Czarnecki, who has announced he will be resigning his post in May, acknowledged McNabb-Stange’s com­ ments and suggested they be addressed at the meeting Tuesday, when council members were expected to discuss what they’re looking for in a new city manager. “Hopefully, with the meeting that you have tomorrow night, in preparation for the next city manager, these are things that will be brought up to make sure that those are addressed,” Czarnecki said. “I will work on it for the next month that I’m in this position.” Later in the meeting, while approving invoices, council member Jacquie McLean brought up anotherxoini^uiiication concern. The council approved invoices totaling $848,125 in one motion. The invoices includ­ ed $12,641 to Auiialytics for a 2021 informa­ tion technology contract and maintenance; $7,837 to Morton Salt for bulk salt; $704,016 to Grand River Construction for improve­ ments on the wastewater treatment plant; $78,408 to Gootjies Builders for rental rehab work; $9,675 to Evangeline Specialties Inc. for 30 decorative lamp pole lights; $16,060 to A-l Asphalt for patching three areas; $6,938 to Wickham Cemetery Care for cemetery maintenance; and $31,082 to Hubbell, Roth & Clark Inc. for professional services on the wastewater plant improvement project. McLean, who took issue with the $9,675 the city spent on 30 decorative lights for the downtown area, said the city OK’d this pur­ chase without input from the Downtown Development Authority. The lights are holi­ day-themed, she noted. The city completed the purchase without getting approval from the council, she added. Any purchase of more than $5,000 is sup­ posed to come to council for approval, but the proposed purchase of these lights was not brought to the council for its consideration. “[The lights are] from a holiday company. The intent behind it was to be nondescript so that it could be up year-round when we didn’t have our Christmas decorations,” Czarnecki said. “It is over the $5,000, which, yes, is an amount that should have gone to council. This was a project that was utilizing money that was in the community service budget line EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WANTED Middleville Housing Commission (Lincoln Meadow Senior Apartments) is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the director of a 50 unit HUD housing MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 building. HUD experience is preferred. 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Tor Our Country S' Resumes may be sent tot Middleville Housing Commission, item because we did not have some of the events that we normally have in the down­ town.” McLean said it was a misuse of funds during the pandemic. “I’m sad and I’m somewhat disheartened and a little disappointed as a council person, during a pandemic, that we spent that much money on lights that were unnecessary that depict a holiday. When we could have been creative, using that money to help downtown businesses,” McLean said. “I will reiterate that comment about the communication. And it’s sad and it’s frustrating and embarrassing.” Council member John Resseguie defended the purchase. “We’ve been discussing lighting up the downtown a little bit later at night in some way or another in the past couple years. And this is one answer,” Resseguie said. “Whether it represents winter, spring — I don’t care. It still brightens up the downtown. It looks nice.” McNabb-Stange said, while it’s a good idea to brighten the downtown, she felt the lights were too expensive and that the council should have been included in the deci­ sion-making process. During the meeting, council members also heard a presentation from Barry County Blue Zones Activate Director Allison Troyer Wiswell on progress the initiative has made in the past year. “I’m really extremely proud of the work that we’ve done to date, especially consider­ ing that we’ve been in the midst of a global pandemic,” Wiswell said. Blue Zones is currently working to improve two community wellness aspects: environ­ ment and food systems. After meeting with food systems experts and seeking input from community leaders and advocates, Blue Zones has identified ways to improve both facets, she said. A countywide trail plan, connected and accessible sidewalks and infrastructure, Safe Routes to School and a housing assessment were listed as top ways to help improve the local environment to encourage healthy liv­ ing. To improve food systems, the top priorities include increased mobile food delivery in remote areas of the county, increasing enroll­ ment in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, supporting a Food as Medicine initiative at Spectrum Health Pennock and integrating school gardens with food skills education in classrooms. Now Blue Zones is working to implement these ideas, she said. “In closing, I’m just really proud of all the work that we've done to date, and now we’re in this deployment phase where we’re really implementing — starting to implement — the work and I’m just really excited for what’s to come for our community,” Wiswell said. In other business, the council: - Approved a request from Gina McMahon, the recreation and program director of Barry County YMCA Summer Programs. The approval allows the YMCA to use the Bob King and Fish Hatchery parks Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. June 1 to Aug. 3 and Aug. 7 for the church league; use of Tyden Park and the skate park for adult sand volleyball Tuesdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. June 15 to July 27; and use of the Fish Hatchery Park and Pavilion from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for summer playground, June 21 to Aug. 6. - Went into closed session to discuss strate­ gy and negotiation related to a collective bar­ gaining agreement. After the closed session, the council made a motion to authorize city staff to continue working on what was dis­ cussed during the closed session. - Approved March and April 2021 event calendars. - Approved an ordinance to amend the per­ mitted uses of the D-l Industrial District to include commercial recreational facilities. - Approved Tossava’s appointment of Rosemary Anger as an alternate member of the city’s zoning board of appeals. Her term will expire Dec. 31,2023. QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 gg OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station �Page 4 — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner In My Opinion Relief package or historic mistake? Hot wire on fire A downed power line by the Hastings Banner offices took out power to 400 residences late last Thursday. Consumers Energy spokesperson Terry DeDoes said the outage was reportedly caused by a fallen tree due to the high winds that swept through the area on the evening of March 18. Power was restored at 3:10 a.m. the next morning. It was one of 10 outages reported in Barry County that day, which led to power being out at 885 residences. DeDoes said people should stay at least 25 feet away from a downed power line, and avoid any conductive materials such as metal or water in the vicinity of a downed line. Don’t take chances in a situation like this. Report it by calling Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050, or emergency services at 911. Do you remember? Calling in the chiefs Banner March 19, 1964 County fire chiefs - Firemen from all over Barry County gathered at the Leason Sharpe Memorial Flail Thursday evening for a banquet sponsored by Hastings Mfg. Company at which, Forrest “Frosty” Bennett, 334 W. Clinton, was especially honored on the occasion of his retirement after working for the company since 1942. The occasion brought many area fire chiefs to Hastings, including (from left) Robert Stowell, Michigan Conservation Department fire warden; Chief Forrest Babcock, Nashville; Arthur Richardson, president of the Hastings Rural Fire Association; Frank Francisco from the Delton Fire Department; Clarence Cheney, Hickory Corners; Harry Stehr, Freeport; Charles Lykins, Woodland; Ernest Ball, Middleville; and (front) James Fuller, Pine Lake Rehabilitation Institute; and Edward Tudor, Hastings fire chief. Have you met? Delton resident Tana Hardy has worked at the Delton District Library for 20 years. Originally from Hastings, Hardy, 54, moved to Delton in 1988. While raising her two children, she often took them to the library to play and read. There, she devel­ oped a fondness for the library. In 1998, Hardy began volunteering for the library and, after three years, when a staff vacancy opened up, Hardy was hired for the position. She is now the assistant librarian and over­ sees the purchasing of books, CDs and other materials; catalogs the library’s collection; and helps with customer services. Often, patrons visiting the library are in need of help with printing, faxing or coping; though some have more obscure needs, such as help making an appointment at the Secretary of State’s office or a question on how to sign up for tax services through the Barry County United Way. Hardy said she is happy to help in any way she can. “We have a cross-section of the general public coming in - all different socioeco­ nomic types coming in - to the library. And just whatever their needs are, we try to help them with it,” Hardy said. “Every day, there’s always something that comes up that [resi­ dents] don’t really know about. So, I say ‘Let’s figure it out. We’ll figure it out. We’ll figure it out together.’” In addition to her usual duties, Hardy helps run a genealogy group through the library, and residents can look up informa­ tion online. Through genealogy, Hardy learned she is not the first person in her fam­ ily to live in Delton. She said it has helped her feel more rooted in the community. “I do a lot of genealogy ... And come to find out,... my great-great-grandfather lived in Delton in 1911. So, I belonged here all Tana Hardy along, and I just didn’t know it,” Hardy said. “I’ve really loved helping people learn [about their family history]. And it helped me find my roots ... and there are people that come in here that knew him.” She also helps teach a quilting class at the library. The quilts and other items that the class creates are donated to local charities. “We’ve also made chemo hats for people that have lost their hair due to chemothera­ py,” she said. “We’ve made walker baskets for nursing homes for people.” Hardy also volunteers in the community, serving as secretary for the Bernard Historical Museum Board for the past five years. The museum — consisting of eight buildings and more than 40,000 artifacts ranging from pre­ historic times to the 1940s — is dedicated to documenting and preserving the area’s histo­ ry. At the museum, Hardy helps with miscel­ laneous tasks, such as working on new dis­ plays or organizing storage, beyond her responsibilities as board secretary. Currently, she is helping prepare the muse­ um to open May 29 with new, rotating exhib­ its. In her free time, Hardy loves to read, cook new recipes, garden, can and freeze food, and quilt. For her service to her community, Tana Hardy is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: “Aladdin” because I love Robin Williams. z First job: Pizza maker. If I could go anywhere in the world: New Zealand because I’ve heard it’s beautiful and the people are very friendly. Favorite book: “Anne of Green Gables.” Favorite season and why: Spring because of all the life new life: the birds, the animals and flowers. If I could have any superpower, it would be: Invisibility. Something most people don’t know about me: I used to be extremely shy. I never said a word in school — never. Favorite dinner: One that I can have with my family and friends, because of what we’ve been through over the last year. Favorite childhood memory: Boat rides on Gun Lake. Best invention: Eye glasses. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j -adgraphics .com. Almost like the aftermath of a tornado, America is slowly emerging from the cata­ clysmic coronavirus pandemic to assess the damage. Unlike a tornado that victimizes individual communities and families, though, this calamity has affected every citizen in some way - and will for genera­ tions. The immediate needs are immense. Small-business owners are hemorrhaging, their employees lost in the unemployment maze and food handout lines in church park­ ing lots. With sales tax revenues shrinking, municipalities are struggling to make good on contracted commitments to firefighters and police officers while trying to hold up an overloaded public health care system. Which makes the $1.9 trillion relief pack­ age passed by the Democratic majority in Washington March 10 - one of the largest economic rescue packages in U.S. history sound so welcome. The $18 million piece of it that will come to Hastings, Barry County, 16 townships and four villages stunned local officials. “We haven’t received a direct allocation like this ever, that I’m aware of,” County Administrator Michael Brown said. Eric Scomer, director of the Michigan State University Center for Local Government Finance and Policy, looked to the history books to properly frame the pro­ gram. “I don’t think we’ve seen anything like it since probably the New Deal,” Scomer said, referring to President Franklin Roosevelt’s economic plan during the Great Depression. “This is a game-changer, there’s no doubt about it.” It’s a game-changer, all right, but I don’t think Americans will like the game and the impact it will have on our nation’s finances. The government already has spent nearly $6 trillion in stimulus programs during the pan­ demic. The fact that we may be on the cusp of defeating the worst health threat in the past 100 years and are now working to revive a crippled economy is wonderful, but it’s time to give serious thought to the con­ sequences of all this spending. My concern with the current $1.9 trillion being handed out is that only 9 percent of it aadresses direct COVID relief, although the additional money to help individuals, fami­ lies, and businesses will be a lifeline for America. The relief package will give indi­ viduals making less than $75,000 per year, $1,400, plus those people receiving unem­ ployment will get an additional $300 per week until Sept. 6. Families with children under 6 will receive Child Tax Credits up to $3,600 per child, while families with chil­ dren 17 and under will get credits of $3,000 per child. The government also will pay all COBRA premiums for those who have been laid off. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the typical annual cost for unemployment assistance for individuals in 2020 was $7,470 and $21,342 for families. The list goes on, and one can’t deny that $34 billion for Affordable Care Act subsidies, $350 billion for state and local govern­ ments, $170 billion for K-12 schools and universities, $20 billion for national vacci­ nation programs, and $50 billion for CO VID testing won’t be a big and helpful boost to a recovering economy. On the other hand, the massive economic package also contains typical “pork,” the price politicians charge for their votes to pass the legislation. This time, the process makes the $1.9 trillion package look like a Trojan horse that could kill the economy. There’s $1.5 million for the Seaway International Bridge, $1.4 billion for a California transit line, $50 million for fami­ ly planning, $852 million for Americas, $1.5 billion for Amtrak. Another $59 billion goes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, $470 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, $270 million to the National Endowment of the Arts and Humanities. Look even closer and you find $350 bil­ lion to bail out the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Plus, K-12 education will receive $128.5 billion, although most of that money will be distributed in 2022 through 2028 when the pandemic is over. And offi­ cials just announced another $4.38 billion for stimulus checks for illegal immigrants, not to mention the $86 million to house immigrants in hotels due to the border surge. “You can’t have a prosperous economy when the government is way overspending, raising tax rates, printing too much money, over regulating and restricting free trade - it just can’t be done,” economist Arthur Naffer said. “It is not true that Congress spends money like a drunken sailor. Drunken sail­ ors spend their own money. Congress spends our money.” Amidst this fire hose stream of money, however, a recent Pew Research Report found that a sizable majority of U.S. adults say they favor the legislation. Only about 3 in 10, or 28 percent, opposed the bill - but do any of them really know what’s in it? I think most Americans are under the impression that this relief package was to help citizens and businesses hurt by the shutdowns, but they’re unaware of all the hidden spending and the impact it will have on our economy in the coming years. For the first time in history, U.S. debt is predict­ ed to exceed the nation’s gross domestic product. Does anyone really even realize how much a trillion dollars is? So far, iio one has ever amassed a trillion dollars. Few people will ever see even a $1 million in one place at one time. To put it in perspective, if you spent $1 every second around the clock, it would take 31,688 years to spend a trillion dollars. If you stacked dollar bills until you had a trillion dollars, it would measure 67,866 miles - or a quarter of the way from Earth to the moon. This $1.9 trillion relief package is a lot of money, but has it been inflated with all kinds of unnecessary spending in the name of coronavirus? This out-of-control spend­ ing will put taxpayers in a position where they’ll never get the national debt under control. “I could end the deficit in five minutes,” legendary investor Warren Buffet said, “you just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3 percent of GDP all sitting members of Congress are ineligi­ ble for re-election.” Sounds simple and it should be. But, due to their inability to work together to solve the myriad issues facing this country, party politics, and the fact that the House, Senate and presidency are in the hands of one party, our legislators can do whatever they choose with little or no opposition. As of March 1, the U.S. Treasury’s offi­ cial figure for the debt of the federal govern­ ment was $28 trillion, which works out to be $84,834 for every person living in the U.S. That’s a striking number that should scare each and every one of us because we cannot continue to deficit-spend and main­ tain our financial stability. In fact, according to economist Stephen Roach, “The U.S. is facing a dollar collapse by the end of 2021 and an over 50 percent chance of a dou­ ble-dip recession.” Throwing money at the problem isn’t working. The only way to avoid a massive recession is to get the economy running again, put people back to work and curtail any major government spending in the near future. “Our government rests on public opin­ ion,” Abraham Lincoln said. “Whoever can change public opinion, can change the gov­ ernment, practically just so much.” That’s what has happened here. Some big-time broadcast media and big-tech firms influenced public opinion and changed the direction of our nation. And as many world leaders, look at what’s happening, maintain­ ing America’s position as the world’s domi­ nant economy is coming into question. We’re not, as President Joe Biden says, “Building Back Better” we’re building a case for others to take our place as the world’s strongest economy. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — Page 5. Hastings DDA reviews streetscape proposal Sophie Bates Staff Writer The Hastings Downtown Development Authority reviewed potential changes —including a streetscape proposal — at its meeting last Thursday morning. The streetscape proposal would revamp the Current design of downtown as well as the condition of sidewalks and other infrastruc­ ture. “It’s really just a facelift, a refreshing, of the downtown area. The original streetscape that you see today was put in place a little over 30 years ago now and it’s getting tired,” Community Development Director Dan King said in a follow-up interview with The Banner. “You know, it was very beautiful 30 years ago and it held up very nice, but, generally, those projects have a shelf life or life span of 25 to 30 years. And we’re really at the end of their useful life for the streetscape. “But, because of the cost involved, we have to have a good plan and a thought-out plan because, as the DDA has discussed, this is not a matter of a two-year investment, this is a 25- to 30-years investment.” x The proposal includes a variety of options for the DDA to consider to revamp the down­ town: Making all the light poles uniform; reconstructing brickwork and sidewalks; con­ structing an underground melt system so snow shoveling would not be necessary; cre­ ating an outdoor seating area with a fire pit; self-irrigating hanging baskets to decorate; and more. “There are a lot of different components to that where some of that would depend on, obviously, citizen engagement, what they’d love to see in the downtown area. Would it be the snow melt? Would it be the baskets?” King said. “As you read through that streets­ cape proposal, there’s a lot of different ideas and components that could be utilized in the downtown area.” Ultimately, the group decided to put a hold on the project until a new city manager is hired to replace Jerry Czarnecki, who said he will resign as city manager in early May. DDA board members decided it would be unfair to move forward with such a large proj­ ect without input from the new city manager. “That is going to be put on hold for a little bit.” King said. “Obviously, with Jerry Czarnecki, our city manager, leaving, this would be a larger project for the DDA and City of Hastings to undertake. I don’t think it would be fair to an incoming city manager to move forward with a project of that magni­ tude without their input into the project. “Also, once we get the social district up and running, that may change the mindset of how we want to view any streetscape improve­ ments.” The board also discussed logo designs for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Hastings’ incorporation as a city, which passed earlier this month. The members decided to have the 150th anniversary cele­ bration committee pick four to six of the best logo designs. Those designs will then be the subject of a survey that is sent to DDA members, the Downtown Business Team and members of the city council. Whichever design receives the most votes will be the 150th anniversary logo. In addition, the board reviewed a proposal from the Thornapple Arts Council for a com­ munity art project to create unique banners to hang in the downtown area. The proposal suggested that the artwork of local residents - particularly students - be transferred to banners and displayed down­ town. “It’s kind of a cool idea because it would bring a different flair to the street banners,” King said. “It would bring an opportunity for brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to come down and find the street banner that the student did. “The DDA is going to take that under seri­ ous consideration.” The board approved the project in concept and asked a representative from the Thomapple Arts Council to return for a future meeting with more information and estimated costs. The board also approved an expenditure of up to $1,500 for the purchase for a bicycle repair station, which will provide a rack with tools — such as an air pump and wrenches — for cyclists to repair their bikes while in town. “[While] recreational riding, you could have maybe an issue with a spoke or one of their nuts are loose on the wheels or some­ thing,” King said. “[The repair station would] give them the opportunity to have a station to come put it up, have tools tethered to the sta­ tion itself that are common to bicycle repair for spokes or knots or whatever. “If [a recreational cyclist] has an issue and they can’t fix it — they have to take the bike home — this will get them through to do that.” In other news, the DDA board: Approved $564 to Consort Display Group of Kalamazoo to replace seven damaged street banners. Reviewed an advertising proposal from WBCH to promote upcoming events or topics throughout the year. The proposal offered 40 30-second commercials each month — four spots a day — for a total of $480 per month; the proposal schedule is flexible, based on the DDA’s needs. The board consensus was to send the proposal to the DDA marketing com­ mittee for further review and discussion. Coalition letter urges fiscally sound approach to federal funds Be cautious with American Rescue Plan Act funds, strategists advise The Mackinac Center for Public Policy, along with eight other organizations, signed a letter to the Michigan Legislature with recom­ mendations for how the state should approach allocating the $5.7 billion in state funds it will soon receive from the American Rescue Plan Act. “Michigan’s state budget was already made whole by the previous two tranches of federal stimulus dollars,” said David Guenthner, the Mackinac Center’s senior strategist for state affairs. “Legislators should be cautious about accepting these federal funds - and deploy them responsibly if they do.” The coalition letter outlines five principles that lawmakers should keep in mind with regards to these funds: • Exercise due diligence and don’t be in a hurry to accept these monies. • Do not allow federal funds to undermine previous policy decisions. • Do not create ongoing obligations from one-time funds. * • Prioritize ideas that will improve the State’s long-term financial picture. • Remember that local governments and schools have their own pots of money from federal aid. “Applying these principles will strengthen the state as it emerges out of the pandemic,” said James Hohman, the Center’s director of fiscal policy. “Following them will help law­ makers put this money to good use and help the state over the long term.” The letter recommends four priority areas to focus on if the state decides to accept these binds: direct business relief, fiscal stability, unemployment insurance and infrastructure. “Keeping the state on firm fiscal ground means making sound fiscal choices,” said Michael LaFaive, senior director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center. “That means prioritizing items such as working to make whole the many small businesses unfairly victimized by the governor’s arbitrary and unnecessary shutdowns, filling the state’s rainy day fund, replenishing dollars lost in the state’s unemployment insurance fund and investing in efficient road and bridge repair. It does not mean creating new programs that commit Michigan taxpayers to new spending on new programs or underwriting demonstra­ bly bad ones.” The letter was transmitted to all legislators and the governor’s office this week. In addi­ tion to the Mackinac Center, other organiza­ tions signing on to the letter were: Americans for Prosperity-Michigan, Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Freedom Fund, Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, National Federation of Independent Business-Michigan and Small Business Association of Michigan. Dear Michigan Leaders: Recently, President Joe Biden signed H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). This federal legislation appropriates an additional $5.7 billion in lightly restricted federal funds for the state of Michigan to spend between now and December 2024. The organizations signing this letter urge you to keep the following principles front of mind as you consider your options with these additional federal funds. 1. Exercise your due diligence and don’t be in a hurry to accept these monies. Michigan’s short-term budget picture is stable, even with­ out having appropriated all of the funds from last December’s COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill. Also, the ARPA funds don’t expire until December 2024. You have plenty of time to decide how to allocate these funds ... if you decide to accept them at all. For example, there is an effort underway in Congress to repeal a section pertaining to the state relief funds that seeks to prohibit states from reducing or rebating taxes through the GUEST COMMENTARY end of 2024 or from depositing into state pen­ sion funds. Twenty-one state attorneys gener­ al have threatened litigation if Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen does not provide assur­ ance by next week that her department’s rulemaking process will not “strip States of their core sovereign authority to enact and implement basic tax policy.” It may be worth seeing how these processes develop before making big decisions. 2. Do not allow federal funds to undermine previous policy decisions. Federal stimulus packages frequently include new policy conditions whereby Congress seeks to buy its preferred actiohs in areas where it lacks direct authority. More than one-third of the votes for ARPA came from three states with very different economies, demographics, and financial circumstances than Michigan. Preserve your ability to set policies that make sense for Michigan and for Michiganders. Going back to the tax/pension section, the language also includes requirements for detailed reporting as well as clawback provi­ sions. Depending how the U.S. Department of Treasury writes the rules around these restric­ tions, accepting these federal dollars could not only block you from proposed tax law chang­ es wholly unrelated to COVID, but interfere with the implementation of those previously adopted. 3. Do not create ongoing obligations from one-time funds. The federal government is not going to be able to borrow from the future like it has the past year for much longer. Responsible uses of the ARPA funds will expire as soon as (or before) the federal spigot shuts off. 4. Prioritize ideas that will improve the state’s financial footing 10 years from now. While our state budget balances today, Michigan’s debt overhang remains massive. Accelerating infrastructure projects, buying down liabilities, and pre-paying certain law­ suit settlements will generate a good rate of return and should be included in a broad sup­ plemental appropriation. 5. Remember that local governments and schools have their own pots of money in this bill. Local governments in Michigan receive $4.4 billion in direct allocations from the fed­ eral government under this bill, while school districts get $3.5 billion. Economically dis­ tressed areas of our state are the biggest bene­ ficiaries of the federal formulas in this legisla­ tion. Accordingly, monies received by the state should be spent exclusively on state-lev­ el needs and priorities. Should you choose to accept these addi­ tional ARPA funds, the recommendations below reflect fiscally responsible options pro­ posed by our organizations, which represent a broad swath of the Michigan business com­ munity and free-market movement. DIRECT BUSINESS RELIEF • Supplemental appropriations bills, HB 4047 and SB 114, contained several provi­ sions that would have provided significant, comprehensive and fair relief to businesses that have been forced to close or strictly limit their capacity the longest. The relief came in the form of: Direct payments from the Department of Treasury Liquor license relief Food service establishment license relief License inspection relief Unemployment insurance relief Property tax penalty/interest relief Maintaining momentum and building o this proposal providing business relief needs to be a top priority. FISCAL STABILITY While the ARPA law prevents these funds from being directly deposited into a pension fund, legislators should scour the budget for items currently being paid from the General Fund that can be temporarily replaced with ARPA funds. The freed-up General Fund dol­ lars should then be applied toward the mas­ sive pension and other post-employment ben­ efit liabilities in our state employee and/or public school employee retirement systems. A substantial pre-payment now could accelerate the date by which Michigan can escape the overhang of this debt. Michigan Legislature should refill at least the $350 million it withdrew from the state’s rainy day fund during the pandemic. A larger deposit would position Michigan better for the future and help our state’s credit rating. Legislators should, also use ARPA dollars for complete paymerifoFthe $600 million Flint water settlement, saving the estimated $500-600 million in interest were the settle­ ment to be bonded. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE American Rescue Plan Act exempts some unemployment insurance benefits from state taxes. Federal payments can be used to replace any losses where this causes expenditures to exceed expected revenue, and to support the state budget if next year’s revenue is expected to decline. Funds should be used to shore up the unem­ ployment insurance trust fund. State savings fell from $4.7 billion coming into the pan­ demic to less than $600 million and the sys­ tem continues to pay out more than it collects in payroll taxes. Lawmakers ought to shore up the funds to prevent automatic tax increases upon employers, which would discourage employment as Michigan recovers the jobs lost due to the pandemic. INFRASTRUCTURE Legislators should consider a major invest­ ment in our state’s roads by putting federal stimulus money in a lock-box to gradually release dollars to accelerate the state’s road funding plan. This will allow for continued infrastructure investment while being con­ scious of the construction industry’s project capability. Investment in roads and bridges has a strong economic impact that will be felt for several years down the “road.” Gov. Whitmer’s executive budget proposed $300 million in General Fund spending on local roads and bridges. This priority should be paid for with federal stimulus dollars to create more ability to exit with General Fund revenue, which we recommend redeploying toward addressing long-term, one-time issues with state finances. Dam Safety Task Force’s report shows a $415 million need for dam improvements. Federal funding could accelerate dam repair and safety, which is especially important after last May’s dam collapses along the Tittabawassee River. Thank you for your leadership and service to our state. We look forward to working with you on a fiscally responsible stance regarding the federal ARPA dollars. Sincerely, (in alphabetical order) Americans for Prosperity - Michigan Chapter Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Mackinac Center for Public Policy Michigan Chamber of Commerce Michigan Freedom Fund Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association National Federation of Independent Business - Michigan Chapter Small Business Association of Michigan Carcass-free roads appreciated To the editor: I am writing to commend the work of the people responsible for removing the dead deer from our roadsides. I hear on WBCH radio to call the sheriff’s department for removal often on the 6 a.m. sheriff’s report. On March 10,1 was driving from the U.S. 131 expressway in Allegan County at the M-179 exit to Patterson Avenue. While driv­ ing this distance, I noticed probably 10 dead deer lying along the roadside. I could tell most had been there for some time. When I reached Barry County at Patterson Avenue., I started looking for deer carcasses along the road because my curiosity was engaged. From Patterson, through Yankee Springs Recreational Area, to my home on Gun Lake Road in Rutland Township, I saw not one dead deer along the roadside. A lifetime Barry County resident, I am thankful to live in a county where those in charge of our living environment are doing an important service to keep our county attrac­ tive for us who live here and for visitors who are passing through. The Hastings Susan McKibbin Bender, ! Hastings J Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Publisher & CEO Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hank Schuuring Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore CFO • NEWSROOM • Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Sean Bradley Taylor Owens Sophie Bates Greg Chandler x-* -C'CVRT?/! " Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 • Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome.iiet Family Owned and Operated Owner/Manager Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Member Experience Associate The Member Experience Associate (Hastings Branch) is passionate about delivering the Best Member Experience to our members. This team member will uncover needs, inspire possibilities, and deliver solutions to advance our members’ financial success. This person must be adaptable with a strong sense of teamwork. They will cross-sell products and services, open all deposit accounts, including specialty and business accounts to help our members meet their financial goals. What you’ll bring • High School Diploma/GED (required) • Minimum of 1-2 years job-related experience demonstrating success in building member/customer relationships by successfully cross selling products within a financial institution or retail environment. • Proven ability to proactively interact with members to identify and uncover needs while supporting a strong member/customer service culture. • Prior lending experience preferred What you’ll get • Great benefits • • • • A chance to work with an energetic team focused on making our members wildly successful An opportunity to work with others that have your back every step of the way Opportunities to make a difference both inside and outside of our walls Being treated like you are more than the work you do Apply online at www.laketrust.org/careers. Lake Trust Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer �Page 6 — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Robert Jarrod Warner Donna Jean Kinney Celebrating five generations (L-R) Great Great Grandmother Barbara Anders, Great Grandmother Diane Lancaster, Grandfather Travis Chilton, Father Hunter Chilton and son Logan Chilton. Absent from photo Great Great Grandfather Karl Anders. RETAIL-COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE Plans are underway for a double story, free-standing, mixed use, building. This property is located in a high traffic and highly visibility location. There will be access from both State Street (M-43/M-37) and Apple Street. Estimated building space: 2,822 - 5,644 SF. Interested parties contact: Matt Franko - 616.292.2029 For complete information about this property see the full listings at: https://mls.carwm.com/listing/30634989 VG For more information about build-out options contact: Eric Butler * 616.241.4519 VALLEYCfTYGROUP Quality Construcfioh by Local Contractor D D !3lllinEDC._ KIwlililWFdwBI Inc. ............... 124 H Jefferson st- Haslings.Mi 49058 Phone: (269) 945-2793 Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@. gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags for chilren are available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid's Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9: 45 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass Fronuots 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 WBBEWW 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Donna Jean Kinney, age 93, of Hastings, passed away on March 21,2021. She was bom on April 26, 1927 in Hastings, the daughter of John and Marjorie (Karcher) Bachelder. She lived in Freeport and attended school there until she was 10, when she moved to Hastings. Donna graduated from Hastings High School in 1945, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She was on the Hastings Alumni Board for many years, serving as the treasurer for several years and received the Alumnus of the Year Award. Donna worked for 26 years for the City of Hastings as City Clerk and during that time represented the city on the Barry County Board of Supervisors for several years. Upon retirement, she and her husband Loyal “Bill” spent winters in motor homes in the south playing cards, golfing, and dancing, which they both enjoyed. On their second year of retirement, they took a 45-day freighter cruise from New Jersey through the Panama Canal and down the west coast of South America. She belonged to the GFWC Hastings Women’s Club for many years serving on the board twice and as treasurer for several years. She also received the Women of Achievement Award. She volunteered in the hospital gift shop and served on the hospital auxiliary board. ,She wa£ a member of Jhe Green Street United. Methodist Church gnd ..................... served on various ‘finance committees. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Loyal “Bill” Kinney and son, Robert Lee Kinney. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Susan Kinney; grandson, Matthew Kinney and his four children; granddaughter, Julie DeGroot and her two children; cousins, Joyce Morgan and Carol Benner and a niece, Joanne Howe. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 27 at 11 a.m. with a visitation one our prior at Green Street United Methodist Church, 209 W Green St, Hastings, MI 49058. The service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/ GirrbachFuneralHome. You do not need an account to view it. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Donna can be made to the Green Street United Methodist Church or Blossom’s House Animal Rescue Service in Harbor Springs, MI at www.blossomshouse.org. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Gladys Purdum, age 80, of Hastings, passed away on March 17,2021. She was bom on April 19, 1940 in Hastings, the daughter of William Eldon Sears and Grace Irene Main. On August 27, 1955, Gladys married Charles Ray Purdum, Sr., and they enjoyed 65 years together. Gladys worked numerous jobs, including Hastings Aluminum Products for 17 years. Gladys was involved in charity work as a member of the Moose Lodge restoring numerous dolls to be donated to the community. She loved bingo, bowling, playing cards, and spending time with family. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, William Eldon Sears and Grace Irene Main; siblings, Hank Service, Shirley Linker, Ruth Service, Marvida Sears, and Marshall Winans Jr., and grandchildren, Jordy Ray Purdum and Jessica Sue Purdum. She is survived by her husband, Charles Ray Purdum Sr. of Hasting, and her children Chuck Ray (Cathy) Purdum Jr., Jeff L (Lonna) Purdum, Candy Irene (Ken) Starr, Tony Lane Purdum, Tim Lee (Deanice) Purdum, and will be missed by her brothers, sisters, and many grandchildren, great­ grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. A visitation for the public (25 people at a time) will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 South Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 with a private family service to follow. Please join us after the funeral for a Celebration of Life at Chuck and Gladys’ house at noon. Floral arrangements may be sent to the funeral home. Gladys will be interred at Irving Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Robert Jarrod Warner, age 48, of Hastings was called home after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Robert was born on October 5, 1972 in Grand Rapids, and was the son of Marie Doolin and Robert Warner. He was a graduate of Hastings High School and the proud owner of Center Pointe Auto in Hastings. Bob enjoyed snowmobiling in the winter and spending the summers on his boat. His family and close friends were always by his side throughout his many adventures. The littles loved Bob and the fun that followed him wherever he went. He was always full of life and quick to make you smile. Bob also enjoyed volunteering his time at the American Legion where many friendships were made. He will be remembered by his helping hand and the ripple effect it left throughout his hometown. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Warner and his sister, Verna L. Adams. He will be missed by his daughter, Brooke Warner; mother, Marie Doolin; step-mother, Elaine Warner; sister, Kari (Steve) Shepler; step-sister, Cara Conner; granddaughter, Kyla Wise; significant other, Kim Ziegler; nieces, Cassie (Adam) Harvath, Amber (Kacy) Blair, Meagan (Chance) Walter;nephew, Jonathan Shepler; bonus children, Kaley (Kodee) Wolfe, Megan (Bryan) Ziegler; bonus grandson, Brantley Wolfe; lots of great-nieces and nephews, and his dog, Emma Sue. A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 11 a.m.-l p.m. and then again at 6-8 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome .net. Lysle A. Smith Ardith Eileen Blough Lysle A. Smith, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the Linden Square Assisted Living Facility in Saline, ML Lysle was bom on August 16, 1932 in St. Johns, the son of Arvine and Ethel (Davis) Smith. He was an avid fisherman and loved to hunt, in his spare time. Survivors include his sons, Darrell “Dee” (Pam) Smith and Carl (LuAnn) Smith; daughters-in-law, Deb, Dawn, and Tracy, and his brother, Calvin (Elaine) Smith. Lysle is also survived by his son, John C. (Sharon) McGuire; daughters, Maureen McGuire, Cathy G. (Ernesto) Medrano and daughter-in-law, Kathy McGuire, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Arvine and mother, Ethel Bebow Davis, as well as his first wife, Irene; three sons, Lysle Jr., Douglas, and Raymond, and sisters, Marjorie Smith and Dorothy Watson. In addition Lysle was preceded in death by his second wife, Eleanor and his son, Jay. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions in Lysle’s name may be made to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150 Bingham Farms, MI 48025 or to Welcome Corners United Methodist Church 3185 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings, MI 49058. Burial will take place in Fuller Cemetery in Woodland, at a later date. To leave a memory you have of Lysle, to sign his guestbook, or for more information please visit www.rbfhsaline.com. Ardith Eileen (Kauffman) Blough, age 85, of Hudsonville,, passed away on March 22, 2021. She was bom on July 26,1935 in Alto, the daughter of Henry and Hilda (Yoder) Kauffman. Ardith was a 1954 graduate of Lowell High School. On September 5, 1959, she married Donald Blough, and they enjoyed 55 years together until his death in 2015. Ardith was a homemaker, and her first love was her family. She had fond memories of growing up on her family farm. Ardith was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Blough; her parents, Henry and Hilda Kauffman; sisters, Audrey Kauffman and Sharon Durkee, and beloved grandfather, Emanuel Yoder. She is survived by her daughter Kelly (Daniel) Bobeldyk of Jenison; son, Donald (Gina) Blough of Hudsonville; granddaughter, Sara Bobeldyk of Jenison; grandson, David Bobeldyk of Portland; grandson, Jacob Bobeldyk of St. Joseph; granddaughter, Emily Blough of Hudsonville, and grandson, Scotty Blough of Hudsonville. A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Freeport Cemetery, 200 N. Maple Street, Freeport, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — Page 7 ...fl look back at the stories and columns on local history , In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Health department served as model for state Part VI The Barry County Health Department was created 90 years ago as part of a rural community health improvement plan that focused on some of the youngest residents. Cereal magnate Will Keith Kellogg created the WK. Kellogg Foundation in 1931. He was especially interested in the well-being of children and concerned about the health of people of all ages. Barry County was specifically selected in 1931 to test ideas regarding preventative health and health care of the Michigan Community Health Project. In 1981, Barry County Judge Richard N. Loughrin, then president of the Barry County Historical Society, researched and wrote a series of articles in celebration of the health department’s 50^ anniversary. The following article from the Dec. 1,1981, Banner reflected on the health department’s merger with the local hospital. Mary Beadle, on West Walnut Street, for the first hospital. “Mrs. Sophia Nelson was temporarily in charge when it opened Jan. 4, 1916. On May 10, 1916, the Striker residence on South Jefferson at Green Street was made available, and the hospital was moved there. The large home, which still stands, provided room for 15 to 18 beds. “The east portion of the present hospital was opened Aug. 30, 1923, financed through gifts of Ebenezer and Elvira Pennock, Chester Messer, Richard Messer, Emil Tyden, the Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Co., the Wool Boot Co., E.W. Bliss Co., and other individual gifts,” the history concluded. In October 1948, financing of the county health department was the subject of a letter written by Dr. Slee responding to an inquiry. Portions of the letter may relate to the combining of the services. For a number of years, Dr. Slee wrote, the county health department, along with a number of others had been a field training unit where public health administrators, nurses, engineers, educators and others could gather and learn public health under actual working conditions. This necessarily took a good deal of the time of the staff without giving direct benefits to the people of the county. “So, it is logical for us to receive additional funds for this purpose. In the past, these have been supplied by the W.K. Kellogg foundation, and recently have been administered by the Michigan Department of health. Ever since this department was organized (1931) until 1949, a considerable portion of the operation of the cost of operating the basic health department has been borne by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. However, 1948 is the last year in which they will contribute to our basic budget. And their contribution to the training portion of our budget is being decreased to zero over a five-year period.” Dr. Slee concluded by expressing hope that state and federal aid for rural county health units could be obtained for basic health programs and field training programs for public health personnel because, “the health of the people in a given community is not only the concern of that community, but is also the concern of the state and of the nation.” Health Dept, and hospital combined services in 1949 The years 1949 to 1951 saw the Barry County Health Department in another pioneering effort when combined its health services with those of Pennock Hospital. By May 1951, the hospital had enlarged its institution with a major expansion in its building and services, increasing its capacity from 28 beds to 77 beds. A new concept, the Barry County Health Center, was created by agreement between hospital trustees and the county board of supervisors, becoming effective Jan. 1. 1949. The director of the health department also became the director of the hospital, making it possible for each to have a medical man at its head, according to a brochure produced for the open house. Quarters for the health department were provided in the hospital by the hospital board and were occupied in March 1951. The health center committee was composed of the hospital board executive committee: Richard A. Groos, Earl Coleman, Mrs. Clayton (Martha Fedewa) Brandstetter, Circuit Court Judge Archie MacDonald, and the health committee of the board of supervisors, Albert Reasor, Elton Tubbs and John Hewitt. r^fr^r^r^r^f In June 1950, Graham Davis, director of Joyce Weinbrecht also wrote about the the division of hospitals for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, asserted at the ceremony placing health department and hospital joint effort in the cornerstone for the new hospital addition, a March 26, 1998, Banner column. She “Barry County is giving the people more for included various immunization clinics at their health dollar than they have been schools to combat diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and smallpox; health receiving.” The foundation, interested in the integration statistics for the county; changes in personnel of preventative and curative medicine, at the health department; and more. contributed nearly a third of the expansion The year 1951 turned out to be significant for the health department, beginning with a cost. Dr. Vergil N. Slee became the director of new location. the hospital and the health department. The “Health department to move Friday,” the department was almost entirely tax-supported March 14, 1951, Banner announced. “The with only about $ 1,500 of the budget coming offices of the Barry County Health Department from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, according are to be moved Friday to their new quarters to the brochure. The department’s basic public at Pennock Hospital, Dr. Vergil Slee, director, health responsibilities were ranked and reports. Persons having business with the included collection of vital statistics; disease health department today should still go to the control; maternal and infant health work; Fuller building on North Michigan Avenue child, school, adult health work; sanitation; [across from current city hall], but tomorrow, laboratory service; health education and March 15, they will go to the hospital.” training of public health personnel. An open house May 20, 1951, allowed the The brochure continued: “The department community to visit the new center. Like caries its services into every section of the Loughrin, Weinbrecht also referenced the county. Staff nurses, working in assigned brochure that highlighted the new health townships, go into every home where there is center and features of the hospital addition. a need to give advice, instruction and “Pennock Hospital had indeed joined the otherwise aid residents. The staff works by state-of the-art of country hospitals, surpassing ‘helping people to help themselves.’ many of the larger hospitals in the state, and “Its sanitarian works with individuals and the health department also was the state-ofgovernmental units on any matter for which the-art,” Weinbrecht wrote. The 20th anniversary of the department information is requested. Every request is answered. Its trained staff - Mrs. Frank [Sue] was celebrated in September, organized by Carrothers was the first staff nurse, and still is Rose DeFoe Cook (see Feb. 18 Banner). f- combines its efforts with efforts of the Barry “Another event that had a far-reaching County Medical Society to maintain a health effect, not only on the affairs of Barry County, program at the highest level.” but on the entire state of Michigan and the A brief history of Pennock Hospital was nation and world, as well,” she wrote, included in the brochure. “occurred when Will Keith Kellogg died at “Agitation for a hospital in Hastings began Leila Hospital in Battle Creek at 3 p.m. Oct. over 35 years ago, and many, like the Kellar 6,1951. He was 91 years old.” Stems, worked hard to found a hospital. The Oct. 11, 1951, Banner reported that Hastings was one of the first towns of its size Kellogg had given more than $44 million to in Michigan to have a hospital. The Young the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in his lifetime. Men’s Club of the Episcopal Church gave the Since 1931, the article noted, the foundation first $50 toward the project, that was on Dec. had contributed more than $335,000 to 15,1915. Gifts from factories and businessmen support the local health department, as well as soon made it possible to rent the home of Mrs. just over half a million dollars toward school Pennock Hospital increased in size and bed capacity when a new wing was added in 1950-51. (File photos) This photo of Pennock Hospital from May 1951 shows the new two-story brick addition (left) shortly after the Barry County Health Department moved to the hospital from its office on Michigan Avenue. and hospital construction through 1948. The year concluded with at least one more change when registered nurse Barbara Wilcox, who had been the sbpev/ising nurse for the health center since 1946, resigned to take a job with the Michigan Department of Health. To be continued. NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, MI 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Monday, April 5, 2021 for the sale of the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. Women’s Giving Circle donates to Fresh Food Initiative The Feb. 3 meeting of the Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County was not in person, due to the pandemic, but that did not prevent the group from voting on a local nonprofit organization to support. “The effect of COVID-19 has impacted nonprofit organizations in significant ways,” Nancy Goodin, representing the Women’s Giving Circle, said. “Our Giving Circle contributions are more important than ever. This group of caring women realize that, and their continued contributions truly make a difference.” Members voted by email to direct their combined donations of $6,850 to the Barry County United Way Fresh Food Initiative. “This is such great news,” Lani Forbes, executive director of the local United Way said, upon learning of the contribution. “Each week, we are able to provide 5,000 to 8,000 pounds of food, thanks to the many donors that keep this program going. With the approximate $6,000 from the Women’s Giving Circle, we would be able to purchase over 31,000 pounds of food.” “On behalf of all of those households that are reached each Wednesday, thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Forbes said. Members of the Women’s Giving Circle commit to contributing $50 per quarter (or $30 for those under age 30.) The next meeting of the local Women’s Giving Circle is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, and will again be a remote meeting. Information on the Women’s Giving Circle is available from any of the organizing members: Caroline Dimmers, Stephanie Fekkes, Sue Kolanowski, Debra McKeown, Kim Norris, Carla Wilson-Neil or Nancy Goodin, or by emailing NanGoodin@aol. com. Information, including guidelines and a membership form, will be emailed to interested women, who may join the group at any time. The Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County Michigan is on Facebook. (1) 2019 Caterpillar Excavator, Model 308, Approx. 850 hours Minimum Bid $110,000 (2) 2019 Bobcat Skidsteer, Model T870, Approx. 550 hours Minimum Bid $63,000 The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERSOF THE COUNTY OF BARRY Frank M. Fiala Chairman David D. Solmes Member D. David Dykstra Member Hope Township Board Meeting Schedule for 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, April 12, 2021 May 10, 2021 June 14, 2021 July 12, 2021 August 9, 2021 September 13,2021 October 11, 2021 November 8, 2021 December 13,2021 January 10,2022 February 14, 2022 March 21, 2022.. .Budget Hearing 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm All meetings held at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S M-43 Hwy, Hastings MI 49058. Office phone: 269-948-2464. Meeting minutes available at the Township office. This notice is posted in compliance with PA267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA). The Hope Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabili­ ties at the meeting upon 7 days notice to the Hope Township Board. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Hope Township Board by writing or calling the following: Deborah Jackson Hope Township Clerk 269-948-2464 �Page 8 — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Hastings begins search for new city manager Sophie Bates Staff Writer In a hybrid workshop meeting Tuesday evening, the Hastings City Council met with a representative of the Michigan Municipal League, which is overseeing the city’s search to replace current City Manager Jerry Czarnecki, who plans to step down in early May. The meeting represents the beginning of the search, as members identified qualities and skills the city needs in its next city man­ ager. Council members took part either in person or virtually, except Al Jarvis and Don Smith. The meeting was led by Kathie Grinzinger, the lead executive recruiter from the MML’s executive search service. Previously, Grinzinger has worked in community devel­ opment and public relations for city govern­ ment, served as the city manager of Mount Pleasant, and conducted executive searches for other communities, including East Grand Rapids, Rockford, Lowell and Cedar Springs. After introducing herself to council, Elaine Garlock The latest issue of the Lakewood News reported that a traffic change is coming. Due to limited visibility at the comer of Fourth Avenue and Second Street, the Lake Odessa Downtown Development Authority requested that stop signs be stationed on Fourth Avenue making that intersection a four-way stop. This should help not only with risky approaches of driving hoping to cross Fourth Avenue, but it also should tend to slow the speed at which drivers are accustomed to driving on Fourth Avenue. A few weeks ago a legal notice was published to the effect that Union Bank was applying to the FDIC for consent to relocate the bank’s main office and open a new branch in Grand Rapids Township. The main office has been downtown Lake Odessa since establishment of the bank, even after a large building was constructed on NL5o to house much of the daily business with its drive­ Grinzinger explained how the meeting would function. “This is Day One. I’ve talked to your staff, and all of us are going to enter into a brain­ storming exercise this evening. [The] purpose of the brainstorming exercise is to get us to consensus — which we’re not going to do voting; we’re not going to trade. We’re going to get to a roundabout agreement on three profiles: What your community looks like and why someone would want to move here. What your challenges and opportunities are going forward. And what your ideal city manager looks like.” The objective of the meeting, Grinzinger said, was to compile this information in advance so it is accessible when candidates for city manager begin interviewing. The information also will be used to create recruit­ ment and marketing materials — which, after review by the city council — will be sent out for four weeks to attract candidates for the position. Grinzinger said the search will be extended nationally, and the MML likely will pick sev- through feature, a freestanding ATM and an ample parking lot. The downtown office was used more for loans and bookkeeping besides offices for the president and others. Central United Methodist Church will have a Friday evening service for Good Friday at 6:30 p.m. April 2. The past Sundays parishioners were invited to wear green in honor of St. Patrick. Part of the message in the sermon centered on the early missionary of the church. Another feature of the day’s service was hearing a recorded anthem sung by the chancel choir a few months ago. The stacks of piled snow have pretty much melted from the byways. One place that housed piles of snow was the circle drive on the north side of the village park at the foot of Third Avenue. Many people below age 40 are still waiting for their first shot in the arm of the COVID-19 vaccine. BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Baltimore Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed township budget for the fiscal year 2021-2022 at the Baltimore Township hall located at 3100 E. Dowling Rd., Hastings, Ml on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THE HEARING. A copy of the budget is available for public inspection by calling the Township Supervisor, Chad VanSyckle, @ 269-838-0536. This notice is posted in compliance with Public Act 267 of the 1976 amended MCL 41.72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Baltimore Township board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon Ten (10) days notice to the Baltimore Township Board. NOTE: Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or service should contact the Baltimore Township Clerk by writing or calling Penelope Ypma, 6200 Henry Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058. Telephone 269-945-3228. Penelope Ypma Baltimore Township Clerk 157350 Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator eral states to target where city managers pre­ viously located in Michigan have moved for other governmental positions. She said candidates for the Hastings city manager position likely will include deputy city managers or assistant city managers in smaller communities and government offi­ cials looking to move to Michigan. In addition, she told council members that candidates for the city manager position likely will do a lot of research about the community, including attend city council meetings, look at budgets and view the city’s master plan. “One of the things you will want to watch for is that city managers — or candidates, applicants — will be watching all of your meetings online. They will be doing as much research about you as you and I will do about them. They will read news reports about your meetings. Mostly, they are going to be look­ ing at how council behaves with each other and how council treats staff,” Grinzinger said. After the four weeks, Grinzinger will take 10 to 15 days to review the final and best applicants, interview them, check their refer­ ences and conduct a social media and online search on the candidates. “I will put all those [candidates] in a bul­ leted list and bring them to you in a closed session,” Grinzinger said. “You will decide, out of all the information that I give you, who you want to interview.” After that, the council will interview the final candidates in a closed session and choose who they want to hire for the position. For the duration of Tuesday’s meeting, council members discussed Grinzinger’s three prompts and compiled a list of answers to each. The first discussion topic was what Hastings looks like and why would someone would want to move here. After discussion, Grinzinger compiled council members’ comments into a concise list of attributes. Members found Hastings to be an active community — full of bicyclists, anglers, canoers and concert-goers — and a community that values its history while con­ tinuing to progress into the future. “This is what I’ve heard [the council say] so far: The people are welcoming and accept­ ing. They are also problem-solvers. Your citi­ zens like to take issues and get them done. They like to jump in with both feet and make things happen. And if you are that kind of a person, you will be really valued here,” Grinzinger said. “It’s a responsive communi­ ty. A lot of the things that this council has been doing recently have been in direct response to things citizens want and things to make [Hastings] more attractive for people to come. , O :*?o».P9oplg whQ ,liye Jiere are very commit­ ted to and highly complimentary of this com­ munity. “It’s a community that is very safe — has a lot of big-town amenities, but it’s very secure and feels like a small town.” Council members then discussed the sec­ ond question posed by Grinzinger: What are the challenges and opportunities facing Hastings in the present and future? Challenges the council identified included finding revenue; fixing streets and working on the streetscape; building a new fire bam and hiring a new staff; creating a unified front between city council and staff and dealing with any fallout from Czarnecki’s departure; promoting pride in Hastings’ neighborhoods; and expansion of the city’s water and sewer. Council members also discussed opportu­ nities in Hastings, including the city’s finan­ cial standing and the opportunity an incoming city manager would have to create a cohesive, collaborative culture with the city’s experi­ enced department directors. Changes coming to Hastings’ downtown, the many local resources and county offices Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Real Estate Auction 105 Acres—© Parcels to https://view.brightstar. I auction/io;acres ir online bidding and much j reserved Offer valid February 15 - June 6. 2021 Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approve! — someone that comes up with out-of-thebox solutions — [and] someone who has a strength of character,” Grinzinger said. “They don’t just listen, but they learn what you say. They maintain a professional visage and, because of that, they can lead by example. They’re a person who is honest, high-integrity and humble — not arrogant. “They have a strength of character, which means they can take charge, be in charge and delegate. They can give and take direction. They are a person that engenders respect, but is always a team player.” Toothpaste fights acid, protects enamel Dr. Universe: How does toothpaste clean your teeth? Lucy, 10, Pullman, Wash. Dear Lucy, If you are anything like me, every day you squeeze a little toothpaste onto your tooth­ brush and brush your teeth. Toothpaste gets its cleaning power from a few different ingredients. My friend Mark Leid was happy to talk about how they work. Leid spent part of his career teaching future dentists. He also is dean of the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. First, he told me the outer covering of a tooth is called enamel. It’s the hardest tissue in the whole human body - even harder than bone - and it helps with things like chewing your food. Inside your mouth and on your teeth are lots of tiny living things called microorgan­ isms. They are so small you’d probably need a microscope to see them, but they like to eat the leftover food bits that get stuck in your teeth. As they eat those leftover bits, they also make acid. That hcid daii bfdfik down the enamel, which can lead to cavities or tooth decay. “We can’t make new enamel,” Leid said. “Once our enamel is gone, it’s gone.” That’s part of the reason it is so important to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste helps get rid of that acid. Leid said some ingredients that help get rid of the acid and leftover food in your teeth are called abrasives. These create scrubbing power and sometimes give the toothpaste a gritty texture. Abrasives are combinations of atoms, which are like building blocks, that come together to form something called a chemical compound. One example is calcium carbonate, which is made up of carbon, oxygen and calcium atoms. Another is silica gel, which is made up of silicon and oxygen atoms. Some other compounds create scrubbing power, but these are two of the main ones. Meanwhile, other toothpaste ingredients help create foaming action, such as sodium lauryl sulfates and sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate. These are the same compounds that give soaps their foamy qualities. Take a look at the back of your toothpaste tube and see what ingredients you can find;. Another ingredient you might notice is fluo­ ride, which helps strengthen your enamel. You also might see other flavoring agents that give toothpaste its taste, such as mint. “Otherwise, it would taste pretty chalky and bitter,” Leid said. When you brush your teeth, you are help­ ing your mouth stay clean and healthy. In addition to brushing, flossing also is import­ ant. Floss helps remove any excess fopd between your teeth that might invite those acid-making bacteria. It’s great to hear you are curious about toothpaste, Lucy. Who knows, maybe one day you will be a chemist, a dentist, a phar­ macist or anything else you dream. Keep up the great brushing, keep asking great science questions, and don’t forget to floss. Call Nathan: 574.349.8570 Sellers: Woodland Forest Products - Address: 5315 Saddlebag Lake Rd, Lake Odessa, Ml 48849 -NOTICEK. A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING To Members of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, Hastings, Michigan: 221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company will be conducted via conference call on Wednesday, April 14,2021, beginning at 9:00 a.m., due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The annual meeting agenda includes a ballot for the election of the following Directors: Douglas J. Drenth, Mark A. Kolanowski, and Janice A. Oshinski. For more information contact Michael W. Puemer, Secretary, 269-948-1532. Dr. Universe Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Jim Lundin Financial Advisor Member SIPC Jeff Domenico, AANIS® Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-8265 (269)818-0423 REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-378-0097 EIHIE! E ' Ex^enclec* Warraitty ■ ■CEE A $695 Value! located in and around the city, supportive city staff and a community willing to volunteer were listed as opportunities. The final discussion topic was what the ideal city manager for the City of Hastings looks like. Council members said they are looking for a city manager who is high energy, pro­ cess-oriented, creative, professional and a team leader. Grinzinger further summarized the coun­ cil’s criteria. “You want a collaborative human being, a relationship builder, somebody who can engender respect, a team player of visionaries Business owners’ issues go beyond ‘Mom and Pop’ label If you own a small business, you typically don’t get a lot of recognition - so you may be pleased to learn that March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. You might not necessarily think of your business as a “Mom and Pop” operation, but it certainly contributes to the well-being of your family now, and possibly to that of future generations, too - if you make the right moves. Depending on the nature of your business, you may have spent the past several months more concerned about today than tomorrow, given the se­ rious economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still placing stress on a great many business owners across the country. If your business has been adversely affected by the pan­ demic, you might be eligible for a Paycheck Protection Pro­ gram (PPP) loan. As you may know, recent legislation pro­ vided $285 billion more for this program. To leam more, and to start the application process, visit the Small Business Ad­ ministration website at www. sba.gov. You have until March 31 to apply for a PPP loan. Oth­ er relief also may be available. But regardless of wheth­ er you apply for one of these loans, you can take other steps to help maximize the benefits you get from your business and perhaps even extend its longevity. Here are a few suggestions: • Establish a retirement plan. If you don’t already have a retirement plan, it’s never too late to set one up. As a business owner, you have several op­ tions, including an “owner-on­ ly” 40l(k), a SIMPLE IRA and a SEP-IRA. All these plans are fairly easy to establish and can offer potential tax advantages, as well as providing you with a source of retirement income in the future. You may want to work with a financial profes­ sional to pick the right plan for your needs. • Coordinate your business assets with your investment portfolio. Like most business owners, you may have a great deal of your personal wealth tied up in your business. And, as the past year has certainly shown, this can be risky. Con­ sequently, you’ll need to weigh this risk factor when deciding on investing in your retirement plan or in other investment ac­ counts. This doesn’t mean you should try to avoid all risk only by pursuing the most conserva­ tive vehicles - which would be counterproductive to achieving enough growth to meet your retirement income goals - but you will need to pay close at­ tention to your investment mix to ensure it provides you with an appropriate balance to what you’ve invested in your busi­ ness. • Develop a transition strat­ egy. How will you make the transition from business owner to the next phase of your life? Will you sell the business out­ right? Will you gradually trans­ fer it to a family member? If so, what mechanism will you use? It’ a good idea to have these types of plans in place well be­ fore you need to enact them, so you may want to consult with your financial, legal and tax ad­ visors soon. A “Mom and Pop” business may sound quaint and carefree - but, as you know, running a business of any size can be an all-consuming en- ; deavor and always involves significant financial concerns. Get the help you need to meet these challenges. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — Page 9 Major upgrades in store for M-37 north of Middleville Greg Chandler Staff Writer A 6-mile-stretch of M-37 between Caledonia and Middleville will be resurfaced starting later this spring. It’s the beginning in a series of planned improvements for the major local highway into Kent County. Michigan Department of Transportation 1 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-1 -2021 - Michael & Eliza­ beth Jones (Property Owners) Location: 11112 East Shore Drive, Delton, in Section 7 of Barry Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a new home with a front yard setback of 16 ft (the minimum is 30 ft), a rear yard setback of 9 ft (the minimum is 20 ft) and a lot coverage of 50% (the maximum is 30%) in the RL (Rec­ reational Lakes) zoning district. MEETING DATE: April 12, 2021. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michi­ gan 49058 Site inspections of the above described property will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty. oro. The variance application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on April 15, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Sharon L Mears and Duwayne A Mears, wife and husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as trustee for Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust, Series 2006-4 Date of Mortgage: June 29, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 11,2006 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $118,644.71 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 27, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, Hope Township, Barry County, Michigan, thence North 20 rods for a point of beginning; thence North on the Section line 44 rods; thence West 20 rods; thence South 64 rods; thence East 4 rods; thence North 20 rods; thence East 16 rods to the point of beginning: and being a part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 27. Except commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 27; thence North 956 feet for a point of beginning; thence North 100 feet; thence West 363 feet; thence South 175 feet; thence East 163 feet; thence North 75 feet; thence East 200 feet to the point of beginning Common street address (if any): 8840 Wertman Rd, Delton, Ml 49046-8646 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 18, 2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1431694 (03-18)(04-08) 156950 officials last week outlined plans for the $7.4 million project that will resurface M-37 from the north village limits of Middleville to 92nd Street in Caledonia. The project is scheduled to begin May 3 with completion expected around Aug. 20, John Richard, spokesman for MDOT’s Grand Region, said. The project will involve removal of two layers of asphalt - about five inches thick and the application of two new layers of asphalt, said Art Green, MDOT’s transportation service manager in Grand Rapids. “It helps the pavement structure support itself a lot longer,” Green said. “When we go in and do these ... capital-type fixes, it’s usually only one course, about an inch and a Al Cl NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This Sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, or in the event the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, less any applicable fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Faith Ellen Smith and Christina M. Upright, to John Smith dated March 8, 2018 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County on March 9, 2018 in number 2018-002105 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty Thousand ($40, 000.00) Dollars and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE FILE NO. 21-28754-DE Estate of Mark Thomas Cummings. Date of birth: 8-11-1948. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Mark Thomas Cummings, died 12-28-2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to James Cummings, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 3/12/21 James Cummings PO Box 266 Climax, Ml 49034 269-746-5454 157150 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING March 10, 2021 -7:00 p.m. debt secured by said mortgage. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Thursday, April 22, 2021. Said premises is situated in The Village of Cloverdale, County of Barry, and The State of Michigan and is described as: Lot Number 31 of the Original Plat of the Village of Cloverdale, According to the Recorded Plat thereof, Commonly known as 7586 South M-43 Highway, Cloverdale, Michigan, 49035 Parcel Number: 08-07-090-021-00 The redemption period shall be six (6) months immediately following the sale the property. If the property is deemed abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, then the redemption period shall be shortened to 30 days for the date of sale. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the mortgagors Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Bellmore, Spencer, Hall, Watson, Haw­ thorne, Greenfield Absent: James Approved the Agenda Approved the Consent Agenda Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Hold Harmless Agreement and Approval of Fire­ works permit for Algonquin Lake Approved the review of RCT Sign Ordinance by the Attorney Adjournment 7:30pm Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 157357 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure or to the mortgage holder COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE for damaging the property during the redemption period pursuant to MCL 600.3278. Pal^d M^rch.g^2021.^.4 For more information please call: ~ and Kyler Maurer, dob 3.7.2020. Robert L. Byington, Depot Law Office, TO PLC Attorneys for Mortgagee 222 West Apple St., P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Brianna Kwekel whose address(es) are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by 157382 THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE BY ADVERTISMENT. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1pm, on Thursday, April 22, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. The foreclosure sale is pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Mortgage made by CHRISTOPHER B. WALKER and SHANNON J. WALKER, Mortgagors, to First National Bank of America, Mortgagee, dated November 9, 2004, and recorded November 17,2004, in Instrument Number 1137316, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $75,178.32, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Said premises are situated in Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Beginning at the NW corner of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 9, T4N, R9W; thence 26 2/3 rods East; thence South 12 rods; thence West 26 2/3 rods; thence North approximately 12 rods to the place of beginning. Together with rights of ingress and egress over the currently established road, except that part deeded to the State of Michigan in Uber 246 on Page 589; c/k/a 6153 Cain Creek, Freeport, Ml 49325. The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be one month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. The redemption period further may be shortened pursuant to MCL 600.3238(10) if the property is not adequately maintained, or if the purchaser is denied the opportunity to inspect the property. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Dated: March 25, 2021 Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee 3233 Coolidge Hwy Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (03-25)(04-15) FILE NO. 21-9420-NA In the matter of Easton^Kwekfel, dob 7.26.2018 the following: TAKE NOTICE: Be advised that an adjudication regarding minor children Easton Kwekel and Kyler Maurer will be held at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before the Honorable William Michael Doherty at 8:30 a.m. on April 2, 2021. Date: 3.4.2021 Nancy L. Kirkpatrick P51341 half [thick]. When we do the two courses, it adds significantly more value to the roadway, more structural support. “Over time, that old asphalt, that old base material, does degrade, and if we don’t get to that periodically to replace that and rejuvenate it, the flexibility of the pavement completely goes away and becomes very rigid, and then cracks, and more cracks develop and they spider out, and it ends up being a much more expensive and much more difficult drive for everybody that uses the road,” Green added. The project also includes installation of a long-awaited traffic signal at M-37 and Finkbeiner/Crane Road at the north Middleville village limits. Center left-turn lanes will be added on M-37 at that intersection, Green said. “We’ve worked with the rural community there for quite a number of years to assess and make sure that the warrants were going to be met for that signal,” he said. “We’re definitely happy to say those have been met.” Another intersection that will be widened is at M-37 and 108th Avenue, at the county line. Turn lanes will be added on M-37 at that intersection as well, Green said. Other improvements as part of the project include concrete curb and cutter, new guardrails, culvert replacement, new signage and pavement markings, Richard said. A minimum of one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times during construction, using a combination of single lane closures, shoulder closures, temporary traffic signals, flagging and traffic regulator controls, Richard said. Caledonia Township officials have been lobbying MDOT for improvements further north of the village, and the state has plans in the works for improvements in 2024 and CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Business Services Help Wanted BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, EXCELLENT EMPLOY­ MENT OPPORTUNITY! painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish removal. 269-320-3890. Pine Lake Grocery is looking to hire Part-time & Full-time Cashiers & Pizza Cooks! Must be cool & kind! Apply within @ 942 Doster Road, Plainwell, #269-685-5323. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 157409 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In the matter of: The Patricia A. Markle Trust, dated October 27,1994. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Patricia A. Markle, who lived at 1135 S. Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, died on March 3, 2021, leaving a certain trust under the name of Fred D. Markle and Patricia A. Markle Trust, dated October 27, 1994, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and James F. Markle was named as Successor Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to James F. Markle, the named Successor Trustee, at Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 03/18/2021 Nathan E. Tagg P68994 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 James F. Markle 1135 South Church Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-908-2665 157217 NOTICE OF INTENT (POSSIBLE) TO USE A VIRTUAL PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAI­ RIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on April 8, 2021 com­ mencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton Ml, 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning En­ abling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to any State of Michigan legislative chang­ es to the Open Meetings Act, the Township Planning Commission may hold its meeting (including public hearing) electronically, in order to limit in person government activities, to protect critical infrastructure workers to the extent possible. If the meeting is held electronically, information to electronically attend the meeting will be posted on the Town­ ship’s website at http://www.prairievilletwp-mi.org. In addition to participation during an electronically held public hearing, members of the public may also provide comments for the Planning Commission’s consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Planning Commission for receipt prior to the meeting, in care of the Township Zoning Ad­ ministrator, Eric Thompson (ethompson@pcimi.com) or by leaving a phone message prior to the meeting with the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson at 269-948-4088. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. Synopsis Hope Township Pubiic Hearing & Regular Township Board Meeting March 15, 2021 Meeting opened at 6:30 pm Amended agenda approved Budget Public Hearing opened at 6:35pm No Comments were made Public hearing closed at 6:38 pm 2021-2022 Budget adopted. Regular meeting opened at 6:40 pm Approved: Consent agenda Resolution 2021-3 Depositories for Hope Town­ ship public monies Resolution 2021 -4 Designate Primary Bank Depository Resolution 2021-5 Treasurer’s Tax Motions Resolution 2021-6 2021-2022 Township Board Meeting schedule Resolution 2021-7 General Appropriations Act Library Grant 2021-2022 Payment of bills through March 31,2021 Cemetery contract renewal Zoning Board of Appeals appointments Planning Commission appointment SWBCSWA Resolution 2021-9 Elimination of roving board member SWBCSWA Resolution 2021-10 Sewer fees Adjourned 8:00 pm 157355 Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Doug Peck, Supervisor Matthew Thomas Young, Middleville and Kayleigh Danielle Babinski, Middleville Corey Jon Grassmid, Hastings and Jeanette Rose Conway, Hastings Jennifer Annette Dagenais, Hastings and Samuel Angus Cary, Hastings Matthew David Barton, Hartville, OH and Sarah Elizabeth Lorencen, Bellevue Franklin Allen Steven Ulrich, Nashville and Bekah Marie Mater, Nashville Adam Otto Wyant, Delton and Cortney Lynn Ellsworth, Delton Timothy Lewis Evans, Middleville and Gail Anne Aldridge, Middleville Karla Ann Mellen, Caledonia and Russell Jonas-Paul Peterson, Nashville Banner CLASSIFIEDS 325 North Burdick Street Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 2025, according to MDOT’s five-year plan to the state. In 2024, MDOT tentatively plans reconstruction work on M-37 between 76th Street and 92nd, and improvements are planned the following year between 44th Street and 60th Street, north of the township in the city of Kentwood, according to MDOT’s five-year plan. Still, congestion on M-37 is a present concern for the township, particularly during peak travel hours in the early morning and late afternoon. 2. A request from property owner, Jim Parker, 6426 Heather Ridge. Kalamazoo., Ml 49009, for a Special Land Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the construc­ tion of a detached accessory structure failing to meet the required setbacks pursuant to section 4.20 “Accessory Structures”. The subject site is located at 11228 Long Point Dr., Parcel # 08-12-290-020-00 and is currently zoned R-2 Residential. A request from property owner, Daniel Rogers, 12624 Merlau Ave. Plainwell, Ml 49080, for Special Land Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the construction of a detached accessory structure on an otherwise vacant parcel of land pursuant to section 4.20 “Accessory Structures”. The subject site is an unaddressed non-waterfront parcel of land on Merlau Ave., Parcel # 08-12-007-006-50 and is currently zoned A -Agricultural. Such other business as may properly come before the Planning Commission. The Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes in the above-mentioned proposed amendment(s) at or following the public hearing. 3. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and ser­ vices, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ prior notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION By: Myron Kox, Chairperson Prairieville Township Hall 11015 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046 157381 157101 �Page 10 — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Middleville downtown project gets nearly $1M state loan Greg Chandler Staff Writer Construction on a $2.84 million mixed-use building to be built just east of Middleville Village Hall is expected to get underway this summer, after state officials Tuesday approved a nearly $1 million loan to help finance the project. The Michigan Strategic Fund board Tuesday approved a $990,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program low-in­ terest loan for the 112 E. Main project, which is planned on a vacant parcel between the village hall and Champs Bar and Grill. Middleville Main LLC, an entity created by Grand Rapids-based developer A. J. Veneklasen, plans to build a three-story build­ ing on the site, consisting of commercial space on the main floor and 11 apartments on the upper two floors. “They plan to start doing work mid-sum­ mer, getting shovels in the dirt, and plan to have it available for rental... around spring of next year,” Village Manager Patricia Rayl said. “We’re just so excited to have a new build­ ing, a new investment in our downtown Middleville, and we’re looking forward to having more housing and also more retail.” The project had been slated to break ground last year, but was delayed because of environ­ mental issues with the site, where contamina­ tion from an old printing press dating back to the early 1900s was discovered, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. The 112 E. Main St. property has been vacant since January 1981, when a fire destroyed the former Middleville Hotel, the Copper Door Restaurant, an auto repair shop and a barber shop. Rayl was among a group of village and county leaders who spoke out in favor of the project during the public comment period of Tuesday’s Michigan Strategic Fund board meeting, which was conducted virtually. Others speaking in favor of the project includ­ ed Downtown Development Authority Director Katherine Schmidt, Village Council Trustee Kevin Smith, Barry County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Heinzman, Chamber Economic Development Coordinator and former Middleville DDA Director Nichole Lyke, and Matt Palmer from The Village of Middleville received word this week that it will receive a low-interest loan from the Michigan Community Revitalization Program to develop property at 112 E. Main St. The site has been vacant for 40 years since fire destroyed a histor­ ic structure. (File photo) Middleville-based Bradford White Inc., the county’s largest employer. “From our perspective, we’re thrilled,” Lyke said. “The support for this project was instrumental for this project to be able to go forward. We’re very grateful that this state is supporting this initiative, especially in Barry County, in Middleville, where it’s so small and we get overlooked for so many different projects. “We are really excited about this. We think it’s going to be a great development, and it’s going to continue to spur the growth they’re already experiencing downtown. It’s going to be a catalyst for development.” The project also had the backing of state Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, and state Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland. “It is exciting to see Middleville Main investing in the community with this develop­ ment,” Bizon said in a news release issued Tuesday. “Continued development is critical for revitalization, and I support the MSF DECLARATION, continued from page 1 Barry County Board of Commissioners Resolution #21-11 Resolution RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE DECLARATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR THE COUNTY OF BARRY WHEREAS, in March, 2020 Barry County sustained one of its first cases of COVID-19; WHEREAS, Barry County continues to assess its local situational status relating to the COVID-19 outbreak As a result of this ongoing situation, the following conditions exist; • • • • • • There is significant monitoring, assessment, and response to the virus outbreak locally, regionally, throughout the State of Michigan, the United States, and in other countries. There has been adjustment of policy and procedure for many employees in units of local governmental, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, families, and individuals to include conducting meetings of a public body in a virtual setting in compliance with the Open Meetings Act Strict response and patient care protocols by all hospitals, long-term care facilities, police, fire, and EMS personnel for any interaction with the general public. Bars and restaurants are operating at a limited capacity per as a part of issued Epidemic Orders. Schools in Barry County have significantly altered their learning service platform. A widespread outbreak within Barry County could hinder and/or cease most daily operations within the entire county and overwhelm essential services. WHEREAS, a request for a declaration of a Local State of Emergency has been completed for Barry County to ensure local units of government can continue to meet virtually or that the public can attend an open meeting virtually in compliance with the Open Meetings Act; and enabling these projects.” “This project will continue to make down­ town Middleville a good place to do business and raise a family,” Calley added. “The addi­ tion of this space will encourage families to place their roots right here in our community and make Middleville their home.” The village in October 2019 approved a development agreement with A.J. Veneklasen for the 112 E. Main site. A.J. Veneklasen was one of three developers who responded to a request for qualification from the village to undertake the project. The company received Registration begins for 2021 Barry-Roubaix next month Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race organizers are confident enough that the annu­ al event will get to return to the roads of Barry County next fall that they’re releasing details about how to register for the event. Plans are ongoing to bring the BarryRoubaix back Oct. 2,2021. “Naturally, there is still a lot of uncertainty with the pandemic that may lead us to alter parts of the traditional event including; packet pick up, start, finish, after-party, awards,” Barry-Roubaix organizers announced last week. “Our major goal is to maintain the integrity of the event you’ve come to love, but some portions may require tweaking to com­ ply with state and CDC restrictions. Our number one goal is to make decisions that are responsible and keep our racers, volun­ teers and the general public safe. We also want to be upfront with our event plans, so you know what to expect with your 2021 Barry Roubaix event experience.” There will be a tiered registration process that will allow race organizers to manage the Bird photographer to be featured in Zoom session number of racers based on guidelines and what they view as safe and manageable. Should the 2021 event need to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; all registered racers will receive a full refund (less BikeReg service fees). A pre-registration window is opening soon for racers who donated their 2020 race regis­ tration fees to the event despite its cancel­ ation. Bikers should get an email April 5 and Registration for the jgqup will open at noon April 10. Those bikers will have a two-week window to sign up on BikeReg and the ability to change race distance or transfer entry to the waitlist anytime until Sept. 8,2021. Those who received refunds for the 2020 race should see an email April 19, and regis­ tration for those who missed out on the 2020 event will open April 24 at noon. A “place in line” on the waitlist will be determined by the date and time registered. “As we see opportunities to grow the over­ all attendance, or as registered riders transfer out of the event, you may be automatically moved off the waitlist and into the actual event (you will only be charged when you are moved into the event),” event organizers said in last week’s release. “If you decide you no longer wish to attend the event please remove yourself from the wait list so you aren’t auto­ matically entered and charged. The waitlist is automated and there is no advanced notice of when you will be moved into the race, only a confirmation email once you are entered. “ The general public and those not previously registered for the 2020 race will see their reg­ istration window open May 8 at noon. There are once again plans for 100-mile, 62-mile, 36-mile and 18-mile events running from the start finish line at the comer of Church Street and Center Street in downtown Hastings west across miles and miles of grav­ el roads between Hastings and the Yankee Springs Recreation Area. For more information visit Barry-Roubaix, com. ■sii Jewelry stolen from Middleville-area homes THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Barry County Board of Commissioners, in accordance with Section 10 of 1976 PA 390, as amended, and the Open Meetings Act, as amended, hereby declares that a "local state of emergency" exists within our jurisdiction as of March 23,2021, and that local resources and funding are being utilized to the fullest possible extent and that elements of the Emergency Operations plan will be implemented as necessary. A 70-year-old man reported a breaking and entering at his residence in the 6000 block of Cherry Valley Road in Thomapple Township at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 18. The man said he returned from work to find the garage door open and his house ransacked. Several pieces of jewelry, reportedly worth thousands of dollars, were stolen, the man said. The case is inactive without any leads. In a separate incident, a 24-year-old man called police Feb. 19 to report his parents’ residence in the 7000 block of North Noftke Road in Thomapple Township had been bro­ ken into while they were out of state. The front door had been kicked in and jewelry stolen. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Declaration will expire on December 31,2021, unless otherwise extended by the Board of Commissioners. Benjamin p. Geiger, chairperson Barry County Board of Commissioners a $100,000 Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant for architectural and engi­ neering services. The 112 E. Main location had been identi­ fied for the project through MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities pro­ gram. The village was certified for the pro­ gram in 2017, making state assistance for the project possible. In August 2020, the village council approved the creation of a commercial rede­ velopment district for the project, making it eligible for tax breaks. The village is provid­ ing a tax abatement of $29,205 for the project, and also is contributing $20,000 from the DDA’s facade program. The new mixed-use building will consist of 15.500 square feet over three floors, with 2.500 square feet of commercial space, 11,545 square feet of residential and 1,455 square feet of common areas. Monthly rent for the apartments will range from $900 to $1,400 per unit, according to a memo from the MEDC to the MSF board. “The construction of this new building will finally connect the commercial corridor, both visually and functionally. The project will dramatically transform the appearance of the village’s main street and offer pedestrians a connected walking and shopping experience,” the MEDC memo said. Another key benefit of the project is expect­ ed to be the availability of housing for employees of Bradford White Corp. Company officials told the state the average commute for an employee is 30 minutes, according to the memo. “Adding 11 new attainable housing units in the downtown will open up new housing alternatives for 11 households, potentially reducing their commuting costs while helping support local businesses and building vitality in the downtown,” the memo said. Middleville Main LLC still must close on the purchase of the property from the village and get approved for the proper permits, such as zoning, building and soil erosion sediment control, to proceed with construction, village Planning and Zoning Administrator Brian Urquhart said. “There were a lot of challenges with this project,” Urquhart said. “I tell you what, I cannot wait until we start seeing construction activity going on ... at this green space. It’s always been an actual development site, it was just what we had to prove to the state.” Pamela A. Palmer Barry County Clerk Adopted 3/23/21 Intoxication, distraction lead to car accident Brown assured them that no unintended consequences are likely to arise. “Prior to this, a state of emergency seemed to be something larger,” he noted, saying these declarations have typically been a strug­ gle. “But this isn’t a typical weather or [other] type emergency. And we aren’t first in line to do this.” A number of counties” have already made this declaration for the same reasons, he said. Its scope is narrow, Brown noted, because the current Open Meetings Act, in effect, “closed the door” on virtual meetings if no action was taken by the county. So, without any action by the state Legislature, the only way for a local govern- “I think our governor’s gotten herself in quite a bit of trouble by extending emergency powers, and I’m not about to vote for this.... I don’t think we have a state of emergen­ cy in our county. And I think it would be wrong to pass this resolution and say we do. That’s all I’ve got to say.” - Vivian Conner, county board vice chairwoman “The reality is not all local gov­ ernments can conduct [in-per­ son meetings]. These are the cards we have been dealt. Right now, we’re playing these cards through Zoom. I just don’t want to stick it to our townships when they’re just abiding by pandemic orders.” - Ben Geiger, county board chairman ment to continue to conduct virtual public meetings is under a local state of emergency declared by the county board. “I don’t believe there are any other conse­ quences,” he told Getty. “If something arises, can we vote to take this away before December?” Smelker asked. The county’s emergency coordinator, Jim Yarger, who was in attendance at the Zoom meeting, assured commissioners, “Yes, we can rescind it at any time.” And so the vote to declare a state of emer­ gency in the county was 6-1, with Conner casting the lone dissenting vote. A 42-year-old Wyoming woman was arrested at 1 a.m. March 14 for driving while intoxicated. A caller reported seeing a vehicle crash and the driver flee the scene on foot. Police found the vehicle stopped sideways, with steam coming from the engine, on Whitneyville, north of Crane Road, in Thomapple Township. The woman was found far­ ther up the road. She said she had been driving, looked down at her phone and, when she looked up, she was driving through a cornfield. She overcorrected and drove back across both lanes of traffic and spun out on the other side of the road. She said she ran because neither she, nor her car, were licensed to be on the road. She didn’t sustain any injuries from the crash, but said she had some scrapes from attempting to hide in the woods. She had a blood alcohol content of 0.101. Angry woman hits customer with car Hastings Public Library and Putnam District Library staff said they are excited to host award-winning bird photographer Greg Bodker for a one-hour Zoom session at 6 p.m. March 31. A two-time winner of the Michigan Nature Association Annual Photo Contest and mem­ ber of the Michigan Audubon, Bodker will teach “Backyard Birding and Beyond” through photography. Topics will include enjoyment of bird­ watching, differences between birdwatching and birding, places to go birding in the area, how to attract more birds to the yard, types of seed, the excitement of a bird chase and Bodker’s stories from the field. The program will be especially beneficial for novice and aspiring bird watchers, orga­ nizers said. The event is free, but registration is required at putnamlib.org. A 53-year-old man called police to report an assault in the parking lot of Yankee Bill’s Wood-Fired Saloon at 3:46 p.m. in Rutland Township. The caller said a customer got into an argument with his wife over the bill. She threw what was left of her beer at him and went to her vehicle. The man ran to the back of her car to get a photo of the license plate, and the woman, 55, of Hastings, backed the car into him then drove off. The woman told police she felt threatened by the man. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attor­ ney. Ex-boyfriend threatens woman with gun A 25-year-old woman called police to report her ex-boyfriend went to her residence in the 1000 block of Sandy Circle in Baltimore Township and threatened her with a gun at 8:58 p.m. March 4. The woman said she was in the bedroom with another man when her ex-boyfriend, 22, of Coopersville, walked into the bedroom and cocked a handgun. He started walking around the room and pointing the weapon at her and the man. As the man started to leave, the ex-boyfriend lowered the gun and said, “I don’t have a beef with you, bro. It’s with her.” The ex-boyfriend then started breaking down the bed and dragging it into the hallway, while the woman called police. He left before police arrived, and later told them he did not have a gun - although he did admit to attacking the bed. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — Page 11 Barry County board will return to in-person sessions April 6 Rebecca Pierce Editor The Barry County Board of Commissioners will return to in-person meetings at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, in Leason Sharpe Hall at the Barry Community Enrichment Center in Hastings. Before agreeing to do so, however, the commissioners - during their Zoom session on Tuesday morning - discussed at length whether to change to meeting later in the day or to hold some of their meetings at night to allow for more public participation. Some citizens have been asking commis­ sioners to consider having a night meeting once a month to allow people who work during the day to attend. Commissioner Bruce Campbell, who rep­ resents Assyria, Johnstown, Baltimore and Maple Grove townships, pointed out that this night meeting idea “had been tried before without much success.” “I have received some kickback (comment) from my townships, which are predominantly agriculture, of course. And some of their responses are that their evenings are already very busy - and will get busier with spring and summer almost upon us.” Senior citizens prefer to drive during the earlier hours, Campbell noted, and employees also would be disrupted in their schedules and family times, not to mention additional cost to the county from extended hours and possible overtime if county support personnel have to staff those meetings. “County commissioners need evening hours for various township boards and com­ mittees,” Campbell pointed out. “My position is that, in the past, it has not worked any bet­ ter.” Board Chairman Ben Geiger, who rep­ resents Castleton and Woodland townships, and portions of Hastings Charter and Carlton townships as well as the village of Nashville, said his research of other counties showed that the most popular time for county boards to meet in Michigan is 4 p.m. The second most popular time is 9 a.m. “So it seems that meeting during the day is a popular choice for county boards and com­ missioners,” Geiger said. Commissioner Jon Smelker, who represents Irving and portions of Thomapple, Rutland Charter and Carlton townships, said his study of the issue surprised him by how many eve­ ning meetings there were. “I personally like morning meetings, but I am not against entire­ ly moving some to afternoon or evening.” Commissioner Catherine Getty, who rep­ resents precincts 1 and 3 in Thornapple Township and precinct 1 in Yankee Springs Township, said her constituents tell her of the difficulty of attending a 9 a.m. county board meeting - especially for people who are working. “It also influences people who are available to serve,” she said. “I would support moving it to 4 or 4:30 p.m. to accommodate people being able to make meetings. It’d be a lot easier to take the last hour off work than to take an entire morning off to make our meet­ ings” Vice Chairwoman Vivian Conner, who rep­ resents Prairieville and Orangeville townships and precinct 2 of Yankee Springs Township, stressed the need to return to normalcy. “All my business career, the majority of business was done during the day. Now, a lot is 24/7. (But) everything is still geared from 8 to 5. If it would assist people to have a meet­ ing at 8 a.m., I wouldn’t mind that, or 4 p.m. Or if you want to split them up. “But I would like to get through this period - and I would just like to return to normalcy and what we are used to - and see how vac­ cines will work. ...I think people want to get back to normal.” “Hear. Hear,” Geiger replied. “What are the board’s wishes?” Commissioner Howard Gibson, who rep­ resents the city of Hastings and a portion of Hastings Charter Township, pointed out that Friday nights and weekends are open for meetings - but that remark did not get a response from fellow commissioners. Commissioner David Jackson , who rep­ resents Barry and Hope townships and pre­ cinct 1 in Rutland Charter Township, said he didn’t oppose changing meeting times and suggested they do it on a trial basis for 60 days “and see what the response is on the part of the constituents who elected us. If it brings more people in, fantastic. If we do it ... and it’s nothing else, we can go back to 9 a.m. meetings.” Smelker mentioned that, while some may believe that more candidates would seek to run for the county board if these meetings occurred at night, “at least half of our meet­ ings - committee meetings - are daytime meetings. And we don’t get much public for them.” Another concern, Brown noted, is avail­ ability of meeting places if days or times are changed. “My concern is that we have a consistent schedule,” Getty said. “It’s frustrating for the public if we’re shifting times and days. I’m for considering a different time, but I don’t want us to be all over the board and have peo­ ple wondering, ‘Where are they going to meet this week?’ “Perhaps we want to wait until we can meet in person in the chambers to be making these changes when we can control the venue.” Conner suggested holding off on any changes until the commissioners return to meeting in their chambers in the courthouse. All agreed. In the only presentation during the meeting, commissioners heard a short annual report from Erin Moore, district director of the Michigan State University Extension District 7. “Not having the county fair was just heart-breaking,” Moore told commissioners. Even so, they were able to involve more than 1,000 participants and a network of ded­ icated volunteers to use social media as a platform and host a virtual show with submit­ ted videos. When Gibson asked if the county fair would take place this year, Moore said they have not yet committed to a plan for this year. “We are functioning on a two-week basis,” she said. “If rates drop, we are hopeful. If variants arrive, we have backup plans.” In other action, the board: • Approved a resolution to authorize the issuance of 2021 capital improvement and refunding bonds to finance a $14.1 million project at the Thomapple Manor Medical Care Facility. These bonds will finance con­ struction of a free-standing 50-unit assist­ ed-living complex and other work related to the complex. • Approved a collective bargaining agree­ ment with the Barry County Courthouse Employees Association for Jan. 1 through Dec. 31,2025. The pact calls for pay increas­ es of 45 cents per hour across all grades in the first year, followed by increases of 2 percent across all grades in each successive year of the contract through 2025. • Approved a tentative agreement and suc­ cessor collective bargaining agreement with the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police labor council and the Barry County Correction Command Division for Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2025. The five-year pact is consis­ tent with the county’s agreements with other groups thus far. The wage increase for this year was 2 percent with a $300 signing bonus. In the subsequent years, the wage increases will be 2.25 percent, 2 percent, 2.25 percent and 2 percent. “We tried to make all of these agreements as equal as we can,” said Smelker, who is a member of the county’s negotiating team. Conner cast the lone “no” vote on this action, saying later that she did not agree with the signing bonus. • Adopted a resolution supporting Barry County small businesses. • Received a copy of Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners resolution regarding COVID-19 for consideration. • Re-appointed incumbent James Alden, whose term has expired for that vacancy through March 31,2024, on the zoning board of appeals; Craig Stolsonburg to serve as citi­ zen at large on the county Tax Allocation Board for a one-year term that expires March 31, 2022; and incumbents Bob Becker, Deb Hyatt, Linda Maupin, and Jennifer Meyer to the Community Mental Health Authority Board for three-year terms that expire on March 31, 2024, and appointed Coleen Tuokkla to serve on that board for a term that expires on March 31,2023; • Approved the sale of four surplus cars and trucks at the sheriff’s department and autho­ rized the $73,000 purchase of a new 215 Scout XSF vessel from SkipperBud’s in Grand Haven with the trade-in of a 2007 Four Winns Funship 204 vessel. • Approved claims totaling $68,496. • Noted that there will be no commissioner meeting next week. NOW LEASING Hastings New Build/Build-Out To Suit Medical/Professional Office Suites Offering Office spaces 785 - 5,212 sq. ft. 400 W. STATE ST, Hastings, Ml This newly built 2-story addition to the existing build­ ing located at 400 W. State St. in Hastings offers many space options for professional or medical office suites. This building is currently under construction and occupancy is anticipated sometime in the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2021. We are willing to perform final build-out to suit for tenant(s). Landlord willing to consider Tl for tenant(s) based on use, length of lease term, and credit worthiness;Minimum60Ho-----84 mo. lease terms. Building has approx. 27 shared parking spaces available. Parking is available on a "first come, first served" basis and no dedicated, reserved spots will be available. There is potential for approval of a drive-thru/drive-up window on the west side of the 1st floor. Some uses are subject to restriction based on co-tenancy. All Suite options are available as Build to Suit. All options are currently available. BE THE FIRST TO LEASE AND HAVE YOUR CHOICE LEASING OPTIONS Option A - Lease entire 2 level building which offers a common area, possible drive-thru/pick up window and a total of 5,212 SF of office space designed specifically for your needs. Option B - Level 1 has 1,986 SF of space with a possible drive-thru/ pick up window. Level 2 offers 2,327 SF of office space. FOR LEASING INFORMATION CONTACT: VG Suite 10 W0SF Hastings Pharmacy VALLEYCITYGROUP 1A1 r franko principal broker 616.292.2029 matt@vcg-re.com uPReR.ffi.aoR Option C - Level 1: Suite 1C offers 785 SF of space. Suite 1D has 1,200 SF and a possible drive-thru/pick up window. Level 2: Suite 2E has 1,023 SF of office space and Suite 2F offers 1,300 SF of office space. For more information about build-out options contact: Eric Butler • 616.241.4519 Quality Con >y Local Contractor For complete information about this property go the full listings at: https://mls.carwm.com/listing/30634979 i 124 N Jefferson St, Hastings, Ml 49058 Phone:(269)945-2793 �Page 12 — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner This photo shows the kitchen in a house at Meadowstone Manufactured Home Community in Hastings. The community is adding 34 new units this year. (Photo pro­ vided) New housing offerings coming to Hastings Sean Bradley Staff Writer More housing is making its way to Hastings. Meadowstone Manufactured Home Community will be expanding its existing offerings by adding 34 new, factory-built houses in the city this year. “We’re in a unique position across the nation coming out of the pandemic where folks are staying home a lot and people are looking to upgrade their living situation. They want their own four walls,” said Lisa Lane, managing partner at Oakbrook, 111.-based Four Leaf Properties, which owns Meadowstone in Hastings. Most of the homes, which cost approxi­ mately $75,000, are between 1.200 and 1,600 square feet and include up to four bedrooms and two baths, according to a listing on the Four Leaf Properties website. “It really represents the future in terms of great housing options in an environment where people aren’t able to afford stick-built homes,” Lane said. “The way homes can be produced today are much different than the way they used to be produced.” Nine of the 34 houses planned for this phase of the development were actually on the site as of Friday, she said. Clayton Homes Factory Direct of Wakarusa, Ind., constructs the houses, which are then delivered. The company buys large quantities of materials to build multiple houses at one time in a factory, Joe Smith, a sales employee with Clayton Homes Factory Direct, said. 1 Manufactured and modular units are preci­ sion-built in climate-controlled facilities, then .shipped and assembled on site, according to Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads the company’s website. The time it takes to construct one of the homes depends on avail­ ability of materials and how many orders the company has at any given time, Smith said. The entire community in Hastings would have 231 residences once the new units are installed, Lane said. Four Leaf Properties uses at least eight floor plans from Clayton Homes Factory Direct for the Meadowstone community, she said. “We describe them as very modem, with open-floor plans,” Lane said. Residents of the community include a mix of older people who are reaching retirement age or are retired, along with young profes­ sionals and families, as well, she said. “Most recently, I would say we have a lot of younger folks and younger families that are perhaps looking for a starter home,” Lane said. The new phase of Meadowstone’s housing development shows the demand for housing in the city, Community Development Director Dan King said. The city has been dealing with a housing shortage for a few years, even before the pandemic. “This addition really helps fill a need and a niche to help fill a void in housing stock in the city,” King said. The housing development is one of many expected for Hastings in the near future, he added. 4 In a January interview, King said he was cautiously optimistic that projects could resume construction this year after being delayed last year because of the pandemic. At least four residential developments are expected to move forward or reach comple­ tion this year, resulting in 69 apartments and five townhouses. These include 45 apartment units on six empty lots at 326 W. State St., and 21 market-rate apartments and office space on a lot at 128 N. Michigan Ave. Celebrating 10 years Meadow Run Holistic Counseling What is Holistic Counseling? Holistic counseling focuses on the whole person: body, mind, emotions, and spirit and how those are tied to our overall sense of well-being. Every part of the holistic approach has a unique way of focusing on the nature or root cause of what the person needs help with. The body is looked at how the person is viewed and feels they are viewed. The mind is how we perceive issues and function accordingly to feel as safe as we know how. Emotions are healed emottonally, meaning they pre felt out as we let go of the blockage and allow ourselves to exp^tence the freedom that release brings. The spiritual is based on what you believe or do not believe. Here at Meadow Run Holistic Counseling, we will provide a safe and supportive environment to help you explore where you are as a whole person. Our practice specialties include Depression, Grief and Loss, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Childhood Trauma, Children's Behavioral Issues, Adult Trauma, Adjustment Disorders, Attachment Disorder, Mood and Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Self Esteem Issues, Stress Management, Women's Issues, including Domestic Violence, as well as Relationship Issues. Vicki L. Shumaker, MA, LMSW, CAADC, ADS, CTS : Vicki L Shumaker holds a Master's degree in Spiritual Psychology ■ from the University of Santa Monica and a Master's In Social Work from Western Michigan University. She is certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist, and Certified Trauma Specialist and Certified Trauma Assessment Specialist She is also certified as a Level Two practitioner of NeuroEmotiondl Technique. Help sought with IDs for YMCA photos Several photographs have been collected for the upcoming 75th anniversary book on Hastings’ Camp Algonquin. J-Ad Graphics and the YMCA of Barry County are seeking help in putting names to faces of people in the photos. This photo was taken in August 1996 during a 50^ anniversary reunion of camp staff. Some people have possibly been identified, but many remain unknown. Some of the names, with many unidentified people in between, include (front row) Roy Carlson; (second row) Mark Carlson, Jim King, Bob King, John Lenz, Liz Lenz, Doug Bancroft, Sharon Bancroft; (third row) Tom King, Gordon Howes, Kathy Howes, Tammy Pennington, Chuck Pennington, Dave Furrow, Luana Furrow; (fourth row) Norma Jean Acker, Doug Acker, Lori Wood-Beduhn, Deb Storms, Jane Arnold, Dave Arnold; (fifth row) Pete Forsberg, Eric Forsberg, Cindy White, Steve White, Kristen Laubaugh; (back) Steve Laubaugh, Cindy Wilcox, Jim Fisher, Tom DeVault. If you can help identify anyone else in this photo, please email news@j-adgraphics.com, providing spelling, as accurately as possible, and description of the person, using clothing and position in the photo as reference. Short-term rentals will need permit in Yankee Springs Township Board reconsidering township half renovation Greg Chandler Staff Writer Renovation of the Yankee Springs Township Hall has been discussed for several years. The issue of short-term rentals of properties surfaced in recent months. Both were addressed when the township board met last week. The board approved a short-term rental ordinance that would require the property owner to get a permit from the township in order to rent out property and to provide a contact number to neighbors within 200 feet of the rented property/ The board also approved a noise ordinance that would ban loud parties between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., as well as “hollering, shouting, singing on the public or private streets” between those hours. The board took on the issue after receiving complaints in January from township residents Ron Heilman and Ray Eister, regarding large, loud parties at cottages around Gun Lake. Heilman called for an outright ban on short­ term rentals as part of the township’s residential ordinances., “I thought that the procedure that was followed was absolutely correct,” Township Supervisor Rob Heethuis said. “We split into two groups. One looked at the noise ordinance, one [dealing with short-term rentals] was sent to this planning commission. The planning commission broke into a subcommittee. They did the homework.” The ordinance defines a short-term rental as the “commercial use of renting a dwelling unit, for a period bf time less than 30 consecutive calendar days.” The ordinance states that only one dwelling unit per parcel can be leased or rented, with all lodging to be exclusively within the dwelling unit and not in a recreational vehicle, camper or tent. Separate permits would be required for each property. The property owner would have to pay $100 as part of the permit application, according to the ordinance language. The owner of the short-term rental must designate a contact person, which can be the owner, who has access and authority to assume management of the property and if needed, take corrective measures. That contact must be available 24 hours a day during the rental period and be within 45 minutes’ travel time of the property. All parking connected to a short-term rental would have to be on-site in a garage or driveway, with no vehicles allowed on the road, according to the ordinance. The property owner will be responsible for assuring that occupants or guests of the short-term rental do not create unreasonable noise or disturbances or engage in disorderly conduct, according to the ordinance language. A written warning will be issued on a first violation, with a second violation resulting in a fine of $250 and a third violation carrying a fine of $500 with the owner unable to reapply for a permit for one year. “An average person going through this would say it’s very reasonable, what we’re asking them to do,” Trustee Dave VanHouten said of the ordinance. “It does give us a little control, knowing who owns the property, who’s ‘managing the property, so we Can have some control.” Clerk Mike Cunningham had a different view. “I would rather have seen the planning commission consider short-term rentals as home businesses, which are already regulated and require public hearings, where the neighbors get to voice their approval or objections, and the decision is made by the planning commission, which is made up of Yankee Springs Township residents, rather than [Professional Code Inspectors, which issues zoning permits in the township] handling the permitting process,” said Cunningham, who was the lone dissenter in the 4-1 vote approving the short-term rental ordinance. The noise ordinance was patterned in large part on a similar ordinance in neighboring Orangeville Township, Heethuis said. The previous ordinance, which he said was adopted in 1995, was lengthy and elaborate and based on something the police don’t do anymore with the decibel readers. “We thought there was some reason, for the commonality of [Gun Lake], to adopt the Orangeville ordinance. Between the two of us, we make up 90 percent of the lake.” An issue that generated a lot of noise for the previous township board in late 2019 was readdressed by a mostly new group. The board last week took a couple of steps toward potential renovation of the township hall. The board voted unanimously to set aside $300,000 out of the township budget specifically for the renovation, and voted 4-1 to create a committee, consisting of township officials, employees and residents, to discuss what to include in the project. “This is a clear track, that we’re on the road to do something,” Heethuis said. The board had voted in October 2019 to -———WWW—nil... . .................... HH——W—........................ .Ill....... I .............. hire the engineering firm of Fleis & VandenBrink to provide design development services, construction documents and bid documents for expansion and renovation of the township hall at a cost of $95,500. Only one member of the board remains from that decision - Trustee Larry Knowles, who had advocated for the project. At the time, the project had an estimated cost of just under $900,000. Cunningham based Thursday’s $300,000 allocation on a November 2019 meeting between several board members and an attorney from Baker Tilley, a municipal financial advisory firm. The attorney said then that the township could bond $600,000 for the project and spend $300,000 of township reserves without halving to raise taxes. " • “This $300,000 doesn’t mean anything, really, in terms of what the project is going to ultimately cost,” Cunningham said. “That’ll be determined by a committee and by the board. But it’s a good number that positions us to go small, large, in the middle - whatever.” VanHouten praised the idea. “I think it does more than assign some dollars. It moves the project forward,” VanHouten said. “It keeps it in the forefront of our minds; it forces the committee to get organized. It just makes some steps forward. “Since I’ve been in the township, I’ve heard about building or remodeling [the township hall] for years and years and years. This is a good way to get it rolling.” The board then voted to create a committee. Cunningham proposed a list of six township officials and employees Cunningham, Treasurer Deb Mousseau, Deputy Treasurer Alice Jansma, Deputy Clerk Marge VanderMeyden, Assessor Ken Scheuerman and Zoning Assistant Sandy Marcukaitis - to be part of the group. He also proposed the committee include six members from the community who would be appointed by the board. Having residents involved likely would help to put a financial restraint on the project, he said. “I think the people who know what’s needed really have to have a hefty say in this, but, again, balanced by people from the community who would have to be convinced that it is a need.” VanHouten proposed having the committee include residents with expertise in specific areas, such as space planning, information technology and office management. Township officials said they plan to advertise for residents to be part of the committee. ................ ....................... ■................... —————— SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS William (Bill) Franklin-Cromwell, LLMSW, CAADC (DP), CTP Bill is a Navy Veteran, who served in the submarine force, and comes with five yearsbf experience working in behavioral health as a direct care staff: He earned his Bachelor's and Master's decrees from Ferris State University. Professionally, Bill has worked with youth, adults, LGBtQ, substance and alcohol use, and is a Certified Trauma Professional. Bill is passionate with helping people strengthen their self-worth and esteem to achieve an optimal sense of happiness and well-being. He works to help clients identify and build their strengths to work through their challenges. Bill is also certified in NADA Auricular Acupuncture, Reflexology, and Aroma Therapy. Personal account is not just for retirees WE ARE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU IN YOUR HEALING, JUST CALL. Visit our website and FaceBook pages, meadowrunholisticcounseling.com FB is Meadow Run Holistic Counseling Meadow Run Holistic Counseling 450 Meadow Run, Suite 400, Hastings, Ml P 269.945.8806 • F 269.945.9907 J VondaVanTil | receiving benefits. Public Affairs Specialist • Check the status of your Social You don’t have to be retired or even close Security application when you do decide to tq retirement to benefit from a personal My apply. Social Security account. * Review your work history. spalling Social Security is rarely necessary If you already receive benefits, you also once you have an account. You can do much can: of your business with us online. • Request a replacement Social ; With your personal My Social Security ^ Security card.: • Get a benefit verification or proof of • a ' .' a ' ' ■1 "a • aa; ~/'<'a.a/ ■ / ■ Security ? card (in most states, including * Set up or change your direct deposit # Change your address. • Estimate your future benefits to • Request a replacement Medicare compare different dates or ages to begin card. • Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099). • Opt out of receiving certain notices by mail and receive them in the secure Message Center. Help us spread the word. Let your family and friends know that they can create a My Social Security account today at ssa.gov/ myaccount. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan, You may write her do Social Security' Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. �The Hastings ANNER SPORTS SECTION Thursday, March 25, 2021 Panthers face host Colts in district semifinal tonight Brett Bremer Sports Editor It isn’t only losses taking teams out of the 2021 Michigan High School Athletic Association state tournament. Delton Kellogg’s varsity boys’ basketball team got a spot in the Division 3 District Semifinals at Comstock High School when Galesburg-Augusta was unable to play its district opener with the Panthers Tuesday night. A Ram win would have been a major upset Tuesday. The Delton Kellogg boys closed out the regular season with a 47-27 win over the Rams at Delton Kellogg High School last Thursday, improving to 4-10 on the season. DK will now face Comstock, a team sporting a 9-3 record, in the district semifinals at Comstock High School tonight. Hackett Catholic Prep and Kalamazoo Christian meet in the other semifinal ballgame hosted by the Colts tonight. The two winners from Thursday’s semifinal ballgames will meet back at Comstock Saturday for a 1 p.m. dis­ trict final. Delton Kellogg turned things up a bit Delton Kellogg Athletic Director Mike Mohn in his office. (Photo provided) Mohn named Ml AAA Region 5 Athletic Director of the Year Taylor Tayk Owens Staff Writer After more than a decade of service to the district, Delton Kellogg Schools Athletic Director Mike Mohn has been named the Region 5 Athletic Director of the year by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Mohn was one of 14 athletic directors to receive the award during the MIAAA Annual Conference virtual ceremony last Friday. “The award was not something that I was expecting,” Mohn told The Banner. “I didn’t get into this career for those types of awards. I got into this line of work to work alongside student athletes, coaches and other ADs. The daily interaction with these awesome folks is truly the best award that I could ever receive.” A native of Delton, Mohn graduated from the district in 1980, and has always had a con­ nection to his hometown. “My mother taught in the district for over 30 years, so I was running in the hallways of the current middle school (the high school at the time) from my earliest memories,” Mohn said. “There is something special about this small town. Folks care about this school and it becomes a big part of their lives and they have been supportive as long as I can remem­ ber. It really becomes a bit of an extended family feel around here.” Mohn was offered his first coaching job by Athletic Director Mike Garvey more than 22 years ago. Garvey himself was recently idtf't inducted into the National Inter scholastic vemenf excusenrarianureTmis couldh t Athletic Administrators Association. further from Mike,” Mike Quinn, athletic “Jim Hogoboom, our current boys varsity director at Lakewood High School and former basketball coach, was kind enough to ask me MIAAA president, said. “Mike is the type of to join his basketball coaching staff when I person who sets the bar of expectation so high moved back into town a long time ago,” that, even when he fails, he is achieving. He Mohn said. “I have learned a lot from both of not only holds himself to this standard, but them and I am very appreciative of their literally everyone in his life.” friendship through the years.” “Mike has been a leader in our community Mohn has coached basketball at Delton and school for several years and has built rela­ Kellogg for the last 21 years, leading the var­ tionships with a foundation of integrity, honesty, sity boys for the first 12 years, and the girls forward -thinking and follow-through,” Delton varsity program the last nine years. As a var­ Kellogg High School Principal Lucas Trierweiler sity basketball coach, he has reached the pres­ said. “Mike’s performance has been marked by tigious Basketball Coaches Association of his reliability, his ability to work effectively with Michigan Two Century Win Club. Before a diverse population, his ability to manage a dif­ working for the district, Mohn worked in ficult situation in a positive and constructive social services, for Holy Cross Children’s manner, his ability to work as a member of a Services. team and his overall positive work ethic.” Service is a constant theme in Mohn’s life “Mike goes above and beyond every single as he has been a member of many committees day,” Delton Kellogg Superintendent Kyle for the MIAAA and NIAAA, including Corlett said. “He is passionate about our stu­ co-chairing the Educational Athletics dents and the DK community. He is truly a Committee. selfless leader and we’re grateful for his con­ He also has volunteered for many local tinued commitment to serving DKS.” youth programs around the Delton area, “I really mean it when I say that I am so including Little League and Rocket Football. fortunate to work with the coaches that we Mohn and his wife, Jackie, have two children, have here at DK,” Mohn said. “I brag about both graduates of Delton Kellogg, 23-year-old this group all the time - and that is what Kristen and 21-year-old Samantha. Kristen makes this job such a constant joy and makes graduated from Bethel College in 2019, and it so easy to get up every morning and go to Samantha is a junior at Adrian College. work.” “Our world is full of people who either don’t live up to expectation or that find a con- TK gets out of early hole, but can’t hold on at Ottawa Hills Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans were missing a bit of tough­ ness and one of its most talented ball-handlers and scorers with a couple seniors unable to compete in their Division 1 District opener at Ottawa Hills Tuesday. The host Bengals won the tie-breaker between the two OK Gold Conference foes who split their two regular season match-ups, besting the Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team 60-55 in the district match-up in Grand Rapids. TK started slow, falling behind 17-3, but managed to claw back to within nine points by the half and a run at the end of the third quarter had TK up one going into the fourth. “In the end, the shots wouldn’t fall and Ottawa was able to hold onto the lead,” TK head coach Josh Thaler said. The Trojans were just l-of-15 from behind the three-pointt line, with senior guard Cole Shoobridge flicking down the only triple of the game forWs team. Shoobridge finished with five points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Austin VanElst, the Trojans’ senior center, led his team with 22 points and 16 rebounds. “Just like the past two or three years at the varsity level, Austin continued to be a domi­ nant force inside,” Thaler said. “No one defender has been able to guard Austin inside for his time on varsity. Cole has been a fun player to coach. You don’t get a player his size and with his athleticism playing the point much at the high school level. He did so much for us that doesn’t always show up in the stat line.” They were two of seven seniors on the TK roster this winter, joined by Kaiden Pratt, Levi VanderHeide, Nathan Hildabrand, Carter Stahl and Nolan Dahley. Stahl and Dahley were the two Trojan seniors unable to partici­ pate in the district tournament. “Both bring a lot to our team which we missed last night. Nolan has been a great shooter/scorer for us all season and we missed having that extra threat offensively,” Thaler said. “Carter is the toughest player we have. When he steps on the court, it brings every­ one’s toughness out more.” Sophomore Terrell Jefferson put in 14 points in the loss, and had three steals. Junior Jaymes Thome had eight points and two steals. Kalvin Shuford had two points and two rebounds for TK. Pratt had two rebounds and s strong defensive effort according to coach Thaler. VanderHeide finished with four points “Levi and Kaiden brought intensity defen­ sively. With the offensive threats we have, they played their role well,” Thaler said. “With Nolan and Carter out, we had a couple younger guys step up their game. Both Terrell and Jaymes were aggressive offensively attacking the basket and helped put some points on the board. Kalvin also brought ener­ gy off from the bench.” TK closes the season with a 5-11 record. Ottawa Hills is set to face Caledonia in the Division 1 District Semifinals at Ottawa Hills High School tonight (March 25). The district final is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at East Grand Rapids High School. Wyoming and East Grand Rapids meet in the district tournament’s other semifinal match-up tonight. defensively in the second half against the Rams last week and held them scoreless for the first 12 and a half minutes of the second half to push a 22-20 halftime lead into a 46-22 advantage. DK head coach Jim Hogoboom said it was the second time this season that his guys start­ ed slowly against the Rams. G-A hit a few early three-pointers, including a half-court shot at the end of the first half to keep things close. “Sophomore Mason Nabozny bailed us out with a number of great passes leading to buck­ ets and just brought a ton of energy at both ends,” Hogoboom said. “He is really playing well right now and really makes things hap­ pen with his vision and understanding at the offensive end.” Austin Blocker led DK in scoring with 13 points, and also led DK in rebounds for his second double-double in a row. “It was a nice night for our seniors who have been a joy to coach all year and those five guys don’t want this to end yet,” Hogoboom said after Thursday’s win. Jalen Adolph lead G-A with nine points, all in the first half. Barton and TK duo headed to D2 bowling finals The Trojans and Saxons will be represented in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 Bowling Finals at Century Bowl in Waterford this weekend. Hastings sophomore Abby Barton and Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Wyatt Jacobson and senior Michael Willshire each made their way through the Division 2 Regional Tournament at Continental Lanes last weekend, a different type of regional tour­ nament where the boys rolled four games Friday and the girls four games on Saturday. With individual scores combined the top two boys and top two girls’ teams earned spots in this Friday’s team state finals, while the top ten individual scorers in each compe­ tition earned spots in this coming Saturday’s state singles championship. Barton earned her state finals spot by roll­ ing games of 192,188,182 and 215 Saturday, placing fourth in the regional field of 61 bowl­ ers. Wayland sophomore Kadence Bottrall took the individual regional title with a total score of 920, throwing games of 202, 268, 214 and 236. Barton’s four games were good for a total of 777. Thomapple Kellogg had a pair of seniors just outside the top ten in the girls’ competi­ tion. Carly Snyder scored games of 171, 214, 160 and 159 to finish at 704 for the day, 22 pins behind the last of the ten state qualifiers. Her teammate Dalace Jousma placed 14th with an overall score of 674 thanks to games of 188,140,192 and 154. TK also had senior Cayleigh Willard 23rd, junior Faith Foster 30th, and the team of Paige Green and Allison Hess combining to finish in 42nd place. The Saxon team had sophomore Andrea Rhodes 19th, freshman Ally Herder 22nd, senior Daisy Kerby 33rd and sophomore Amber Rabideau 36th. Rabideau had an impressive high game of 191 among her four. Allegan took the girls’ regional champion­ ship with a score of 3,471 and Byron Center placed second at 3,253. Wayland was third with total pinfall of 3,230, ahead of Plainwell 3,164, Hastings 3,154, Otsego 3,107, Thornapple Kellogg 3,091, Vicksburg 2,749, Grand Rapids Christian 2,715, Niles 2,500, Paw Paw 2,313, Wyoming 1,674 and Kelloggs ville 1,290. Niles sophomore Trenton Phillips took the individual regional title on the boys’ side with a total score of 809, besting Paw Paw senior Derek Ballard, the runner-up, by four pins. Wyoming sophomore Nate Vanderbeek and Niles sophomore Nathan Ryman were right behind at 800. Jacobson placed in a tie for seventh for TK with a total pinfall of 775. He had games of 193,206,216 and 160. Willshire scored a 217, a 186, a 193 and a 151 to place tenth with a score of 747. That 151 in the end left him in precarious spot - the final state qualifying position. Willshire’s high-game of 217 gave him the tie-breaker over Wyoming senior Elijah Viersen who also finished at 747 for the day. Tk also had Ethan Kriekaard 16th with an overall score of 725, Nate Palmer 51st with a score of 595, and the duo of Connor Newland and Z Moore in 46th with an overall total of 600. Junior Gage Richmond led Hastings, plac­ ing 36th with a total score of 626. The Saxon team had Andrew Rhodes 39th with a score of 623, Austin Fenstemaker 43rd at 611, Cameron Eaton 53rd at 581 and Steven VanOoy 64th with a total pinfall of 550. The TK boys placed fourth as a team, fin­ ishing 230 pins behind the second state quali­ fying team. Byron Center took the regional title with a score of 3,694, ahead of Wyoming 3,672, Niles 3,603,TK 3,442, Paw Paw 3,384, Allegan 3,364, Grand Rapids Christian 3,294, Wayland 3,115, Plainwell 3,060, Hastings 2,991, Vicksburg 2,967, Otsego 2,820, Godwin Heights 2,813, Kelloggsville 2,605, Gull Lake 2,490 and Ottawa Hills 2,166. Christian knocks LCTK from state tournament in regional semi’s The Lowell/Caledonia/Thomapple Kellogg (LCTK) varsity hockey team saw its season end in the Division 1 Regional Semifinals at Kentwood Ice Arena Wednesday (March 17), falling 4-1 to a Grand Rapids Christian team that the LCTK skaters beat once and tied once during the conference season. The Eagles got goals from Danny Groszkiewicz, Colton Laufer and Josh Trendt in the opening period and shut out the LCTK skaters until early in the third period. Austin Douma scored the final goal of the season for LCTK, getting assists from Nick Lockhart and JT Schwartz two minutes into the third period. Thomas Doyle added an insurance goal for Christian with 91 seconds left on the clock. Matthew Ydenberg had tow assists for the Eagles in the win, and Laufer, Sam VanSchepen, Nolan Rinehart, Brendan Hoffman and Josh VanSchepen had one each. Noah Herzhaft had a big night in goal for the Eagles, stopping 47 LCTK shots. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �Page 14 — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Saxons cheer 2 points shy of district title The Thornapple Kellogg girls put their flyers up during round three at the Division 2 District Tournament hosted by Gull Lake Friday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Valerie Slaughter Contributing writer The Saxons’ hard work especially showed in the first two rounds of the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 District competition at Gull Lake High School Friday. The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team had the top score by just about a point in each of those first two rounds, scoring 224.5 points in round one and 202.38 in round two. Sturgis was close on the Saxons’ heels scor­ ing a 223.8 and a 202.26; Gull Lake scored 220.2 and 199.56 in those rounds, and Thomapple Kellogg posted a 216 and 198.22. In the end, the Sturgis girls overtook the Saxons in round three. “We really worked on timing of cradles and cleaning transitions,” Hastings head coach Linsey Jacinto said of her team’s round three district preparation. “They have been so pro­ ductive at practice, we are really down to what we call ten-second fixes. They did really well. It is a big competition, and they stayed mentally tough and executed our rounds as planned.” The Saxons’ work appeared to have paid off as the girls performed an almost flawless round three, but the score just wasn’t there. Hastings put up a score of 296.3 in the final round to Sturgis’ 299.5, - leaving the Saxons 2.35 points shy of the district title. Sturgis finished in the lead with an overall total of 725.5 points. Hastings was second with 723.15, Gull Lake third with 699.76, and Thomapple Kellogg in fourth with 681.82. The top four teams from the district earned spots in this week’s (March 23) Division 2 Regional competition at Kenowa Hills. “We are hanging with the top teams, and it is a result of the absolute determination, pas- The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team finishes off a round during the Division 2 District Tournament hosted by Gull Lake Friday night. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) sion, and literal blood, sweat and tears the ladies have put in this season,” Jacinto said. “In a season full of uncertainty, we never have questioned the team. Saxon cheer has amaz­ ing support. We have had people reaching out from all over to congratulate and encourage the team.” The Thomapple Kellogg girls earned their regional spot despite a shaky round three that saw them earn a score of 267.6 that was bet­ tered by four of the teams that finished behind them in the standings. Hamilton was in the fifth spot at the end of the evening, just 5.42 points behind TK. The Hawkeyes nearly made up an almost 30-point deficit for the final regional qualifying spot by scoring 291.1 points in round three. The Hawkeyes finished with a score of 676.4, ahead of Plainwell 655.02, Mattawan 631.32, Wayland 624.9, Stevensville Lakeshore 618.9, Edwardsburg 602.6, Plainwell was fifth with an overall score of 655.02, St. Joseph 601.9, Vicksburg 596.96 and Harper Creek 580.02. Both Hastings and TK saw their season come to an end at Tuesday’s regional compe­ tition, but the Saxons did manage to finish five points better than Sturgis at the regional. Saxons and Trojans happy with scores at regional The Saxons’ Brynn Turnes and Ida Asman perform the splits with their teammates during round two Tuesday at the Division 2 Regional hosted by Kenowa Hills High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons and Trojans are just a step shy of being able to compete with the state’s beset Thornapple Kellogg junior Anna Benedict gets her team fired up to start round two Tuesday at the Division 2 Regional Tournament hosted by Kenowa Hills High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) competitive cheer teams in Division 2. The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team placed sixth and the Thomapple Kellogg girls tenth at the Division 2 Cheer Regional hosted by Kenowa Hills Tuesday. The Saxons had the fifth best score of the night in round two and head coach Linsey Jacinto said the sixth-place finish is the clos­ est the program has come to earning a spot in the state finals. The top four teams from the regional tournament earned spots in the Division 2 State Finals, which will be held Saturday (March 27) at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, along with the top four from the D2 regional hosted by Walled Lake Western Tuesday evening. “We were very happy with the team’s per­ formance,” Jacinto said. “They have worked incredibly hard and continued to push right up through the last words of round three.” “The team has really improved in the ‘wow’ factor this year,” she added. “We have been trying to get there for a few years, and they really committed to it this year and put it into play. This has been such a fun team to watch.” Mona Shores took the regional champion­ ship at Kenowa Hills with an overall score of 778.92 points, ahead of DeWitt 778.28, Cedar Springs 754.58 and Mason 747.12. ReethsPuffer was the first of the non-state qualifying teams, putting up a point total of 724.32, ahead of Hastings 718.12, Charlotte 717.94, Sturgis 712.96, Spring Lake 707.36, Thornapple Kellogg 703.42 and Kenowa Hills 699.78. There were 11 teams at the regional as Gull Lake was unable to compete after finishing third at the district it hosted last Friday (March 19). DeWitt had the top score in each of the first two rounds, outscoring Mona Shores 235.10 to 234.80 in round one and 231.38 to 226.32 in round two. The Sailors secured the regional title with a score of 317.80 in round three that surpassed Panthers’ total of 311.80 points. Cedar Springs and Mason both scored just higher than the DeWitt girls in round three with scores of 312.40 and 312.80 respective­ lyHastings put up scores of 221.40 in round one, 204.42 in round two and 292.30 in round three. “As for breaking into the top four, we will continue to hit the weight room hard this side­ line season, and focus on gymnastics and stunting,” Jacinto said, some things cheer teams across the state weren’t able to do much of in 2020. “We as coaches have reached out to many people this year and learned so much that we will incorporate into our program going for­ ward. All of which will help in getting to that next level. We have had so much support this year, especially from judges, other coaches, and cheer specialists (I like to call them). Everyone can see the talent and work ethic that stands behind it. They are pulling for us. This season has definitely left a legacy for those to come. We could not be more proud of our program.” Thornapple Kellogg jumped into tenth place with its round three score of 285.70, a jump of more than 18 points from its district performance in the round. “Our round three at districts struggled a bit, we knew that,” TK head coach Adrian Sinkler said. “A few stunts came down, which hadn’t happened all season, but we owned it as a team. We had one day of practice between districts and regionals. We knew what we needed to do at regionals to increase our score. We have been focusing on the feeling of our performances. Not so much what the scores say, but how the athletes felt they per­ formed and how much emotion and intensity was put into each round. “I knew the team could do it, and they did, they’ve been consistent and strong throughout the entire season.” Allen Park, Walled Lake Western, Flint Kearsley and Southgate Anderson are the A Saxon stunt group including Juliann Meeker, Jordyn Downs, Ericka Critzer and Kaylee Bennett gives flyer Kierstyn Downs a step up during round three Tuesday at Kenowa Hills High School during the Division 2 Regional hosted by the Knights. The Saxons scored a sixth place finish to close out their season. (Photo by Brett Bremer) other four teams that will join the top four from Kenowa Hills in the Division 2 State Final Saturday. Allen Park had the highest regional score of any Division 2 team in win­ ning its regional title at Walled Lake Western Tuesday - 793.62. Walled Lake Western was second there with a score of 788.84. Allen Park has finished in the top two in the state in Division 2 in each of the past five season, winning state titles in 2020 and 2017, finishing 1-2 with Gibraltar Carlson in each of those five seasons. Pennfield bests HHS girls in regular season finale Senior Josey Nickels put in a team-high seven points as the Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team closed out its regular season with a 43-28 loss at Battle Creek Pennfield Thursday evening. Carly Warner had a team-high six rebounds for the Saxons and Nickels and Macy Winegar had six rebounds each. The Saxons close the regular season with a 2-13 overall record. The loss dropped the team to 1-13 in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference this season. Hastings was scheduled to host Olivet for a Division 2 District Semifinal ballgame last night (March 24). Pennfield was also sched­ uled to be at Hastings Wednesday evening, taking on Charlotte in the district’s other semifinal match-up. The two Wednesday night winners will meet Friday back at Hastings High School in the district final. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 25, 2021 Page 15 Hastings drops out of district action The Hastings High School fan section celebrates senior Kirby Beck scoring his 1,000th varsity point Friday during the Saxons’ senior night victory over visiting Vicksburg. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Hastings senior Kirby Beck (34), a four-year varsity ballplayer, and his teammates celebrate his 1,000th career point Friday night after their victory over visiting Vicksburg on senior night at Hastings High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Beck scores 100th varsity point Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer In the first round of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) tour­ nament action, the Saxon boys faced off with Hopkins for the second time this season. Hopkins competes in the OK Silver Conference and was coming off a Covid quarantine. The Hastings Saxons were coming off an actionpacked week of three games with two games back-to-back on Thursday and Friday of last week. The Saxons won the first meeting, but in the end the Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team came out flat and Hopkins came out firing to go. The host Vikings took a 54-45 victory in the Division 2 District opener they hosted Tuesday night. “Honestly not the way we wanted to finish the season. We didn’t come out with the ener­ gy Hopkins had and they jumped out to a big first half lead,’’ Hastings senior Kirby Beck, who scored his 1000th career point last week, said after Tuesday“We pL^y^d hard jand cjijppedtway;.in. the second halt; ,but it was too big “On the season as a whole, let’s face it, I’m just glad we got to play. It was a short season, not the normal amount of practice days, a cou­ ple of games cancelled, and we played in face masks, it all made this basketball season weird. Our record really did not reflect our team skill and hard work. I know that in my four years of varsity basketball I got to play with a bunch of really great guys, most of my best friends, and it is hard to think my high school basketball days have ended.” Hastings closes the season with a 5-11 record, ; Beck finished the night with 19 points, Evan Eastman tallied 12 points, Vertalka had six and Carter Hewitt added five for the night. The Hopkins lead scorer, Tristan Perry, racked up, 20 points against the Saxons. In the first game of the year, the Saxon defense held Perry to only two points. “The team was down early and started to get frustrated,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “Defense has been a staple for us all year. We have held teams to only scoring in the 30’s for the game and Hopkins went into half with 31 points. We only gave up 36 points the first time we played them. Hopkins had gone to a box-and-one defense on Kirby Beck, and we had not seen that type of defense all The Saxons’ Evan Eastman is swarmed by Hopkins defenders as he tries to get the ball up to the rim during their Division 2 District opener at Hopkins High School Tuesday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) year.” In the first quarter, the Saxons got an early three-point shot from sophomore, Layton Eastman. That was the only outside shot of the half for the Saxons. Kirby Beck and Evan Eastman both added six points for the first half as the Saxons went into half down 31-17. Coming out for the third quarter there was a little more fire, as a series of three-point shots by Beck and Braden Vertalka softened the Hopkins lead to 44-31 at the end of the third. Coach Long said his Saxons “responded well in the second half making multiple mini runs to climb back into the game. Kirby con­ tinued to penetrate the defense and things started to open up for center, Evan Eastman. It was a constant battle for Evan, and it was clear that they were not going to allow him to have anything easy. They had a guy designated to Saxon junior Ashton Benson puts up a jumper from the left corner during his team’s win over Vicksburg Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) push and shove on him all night. With two starters out with injuries and foul trouble for another, the team just fan out ofvgas.” At 5:30 to go in the fourth, the Saxons pushed that gap to the smallest of the night at 44-40 after two buckets in a row by the older Eastman. However, the Saxons just could not maintain the pace to keep up with Hopkins. Hastings closed out the regular season with a 48-35 win over Vicksburg on senior night at Hastings High School Friday. “Besides honoring the time, commitment, and hard work of everyone involved in our program, we were also able to honor Kirby Beck scoring his 1,000th career point,” Long said. “There have only been a very few others in Hasting’s history to achieve this accom­ plishment.” Beck had 13 points and 13 rebounds in the win. Evan Eastman contributed 11 points and seven rebounds, and Layton Eastman had ten Runner-up district finish gets DK girls into regional Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was a rough conclusion to the last round of the last meet of the cheer season for the Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team, but brushing that aside it was a great conclusion for the Panthers. Delton Kellogg advanced out of its Division 4 District Tournament at Lawton Saturday to earn a spot in the Division 4 Regional hosted by Grand Rapids West Catholic Tuesday. Delton Kellogg placed tenth at the regional tournament after a runner-up district finish, putting up a score about 50 points higher at the district. DK head coach Zoe Reynolds has been coaching long enough to know that judg­ es often score tougher at the regional round and there is always going to be some subjec­ tivity in the judging process. Whatever the number, she was happy with the way her girls performed. “We changed nothing and practiced extremely well on Monday,” Reynolds said. “So, to have a 50-point drop at regionals was to say the least disappointing for all. I am so proud of these young ladies. They worked so very hard and we were not rewarded for that. We had six meets prior to districts and they were all a slow improvement from the start of the season.” Pewamo-Westphalia took the regional championship with a total score of 710.14 Tuesday. The top four teams earned spots in this weekend’s Division 4 State Finals at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Hart was sec­ ond with 672.56 points, ahead of NorthPointe Christian 667.08, Lawton 665.88, Breckenridge 664, Marion 626.70, Quincy 620.80, Norway 611.50, Delton Kellogg 577.72 and Bronson 576.90. “I will continue to push my younger ath­ letes to improve,” Reynolds said. “We can’t change the past, only focus on the future. I had hoped for seventh or eighth place finish at regionals, but that just wasn’t in the cards for DK this year. My seniors will be greatly missed next year, but they have been phenom­ enal at showing work ethic and leadership to the underclassmen. Only one way from here - up.” The DK girls put up scores of 184.40 in round one, 155.72 in round two and 237.60 in round three Tuesday. Pewamo-Westphalia (P-W) had the top score in each round, opening with a 219.80 in round one that was 14 points more than the second best score in the round [put up by the Hart girls]. The Pirates added a 200.64 in round two and 289.70 in round three to earn the regional title. Lawton and NorthPointe Christian both leapt Breckenridge in round three to move into the top four in the final regional stand­ ings. Delton Kellogg had scores of 197.90 in round one, 176.44 in round two and 252.20 in round three at the district tournament hosted by Lawton Saturday, finishing with a total score of 626.54 that edged Quincy by 14 hun­ dredths of a point for the second-place spot. Lawton took the district championship with a total score of 702.74, tallying scores of 221.60 in round one, 194.84 in round two and 294.30 in round three. Quincy scored a 626.40 and Bronson 601.40 to earn the other regional qualifying spots. Bloomingdale placed fifth at the regional with a score of 574.60, ahead of Hartford 562.70 and Maple Valley 515.50. The Maple Valley girls earned scores of 168.10 in round one, 114.50 in round two and 232.90 in round three. The Saxons’ Braden Vertalka works to get a shot over Vicksburg’s Dylan Zemitans in the lane at Hastings High School Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) points. The Saxons closed out the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season last Thursday fall­ ing to visiting Pennfield 52-42. Hastings was 4-10 in the conference this winter. Beck had 14 points and Evan Eastman ten in the loss. SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS read contribute advertise Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings B5ANNER �-Page 16 — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner TK puts Wildcats on backs for back-to-back titles Hastings senior Cayden Smith fights to keep Wayland’s Carter Nesbit down on the . mat during the first tie-breaker period in their 125-pound bout Thursday at the Division 2 Team District Tournament hosted by Allegan High School. Smith turned Nesbit in the .period and went on to a 7-5 win in a semifinal dual the Saxon team ultimately lost by "five points. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor * Thornapple Kellogg senior Carter West - opened the state tournament for the Trojans by pinning Allegan heavyweight Jesse Cortez 40 seconds into their 285-pound match in the Division 2 District Semifinal at Allegan High School Tuesday. He got to sit and watch his teammates win their way through the Tigers and the Wayland Wildcats in the district final before coming out to have his arm raised for a forfeit victory in the heavyweight match at the end of the - Trojans’ 54-25 win in the district final. West earned his 100th varsity victory at the Division 2 Individual District Tournament hosted by Lowell Saturday. The TK team was scheduled to head to Lowell as whole Wednesday (March 24) to take on Byron ^Center in the Division 2 Team Regional Semifinals, where the host Red Arrows will Tilso be taking; on Northview in a regional semifinal match. if they wanj^ ending Division? Jstate champions from Lowell, but West said die and his teammates typically pay attention rto where their possible future opponents, like ithe Red Arrows, ranked. J “We’re all just excited to wrestle the best of ’the best,” West said. “We’re ready to duke it ?out.” Wayland knew it was wrestling the best of •the best in its district in the final, taking on the tOK Gold Conference Champions who have J now won two district championships in a row. '.The TK team wasn’t quite at full strength Though, missing a handful of wrestlers. The Thornapple Kellogg varsity wrestling team celebrates its second consecutive district championship after a win over Wayland in the Division 2 District Final at Allegan High School Thursday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Wayland got forfeit wins from Dustin Loomans at 160 pounds and Adam Ordway at “They rose above?’ Thornapple Kellogg 171, a 14-5 major decision by Michael Hord head coach Ryan Fletke said. “They came and at 189 over TK’s Lane Cross, and a 10-3 win had some difficulties facing them since yes­ by Carson Noyes over Noah Rosenberg at terday. We talked about it as a team that this is 215. what everybody works for. There are 26 of us Corson, Curtis, Chivis and West had the up in the room and we’re ready to get on the pins in the district semifinal dual with Allegan mat no matter who it is. I think that was some for TK, a 60-23 Trojan victory. Bailey, Wright, of our focus, for the guys who couldn’t be Gibson, Bushman, Andrew Middleton and here today we rallied for them to show them Cross had forfeit wins. that we’re a team and even though you might Wayland reached the district final with a not be here we’re thinking of you.” 39-34 win over Hastings in its semifinal Wayland Union’s Danny Keena caught match-up. TK’s Dylan Bailey in the final seconds of the “We were trying to chase their good kids 103-pound match that opened the district and it didn’t work out for us,” Hastings head final, pinning him close enough to the buzzer coach Darrell Slaughter said of the loss that that Fletke asked the official to check with the came down to the final flight. scorers table that the pin had come in time. “We looked tired. We know they are in Bailey had a 12-2 lead in the bout and had put shape. I think there was a lot of nervous ener­ Keena on his back twice before Keena’s late gy tonight. For what, I don’t know. We win take down and pin. we go against Middleville and we get to wres­ It was like poking the beast. tle another match, but there is no reason to be _ nervous.” 4 TK wrestlers scored _pins in the next eight weight classes. It took 3:40 for Jack Wright to Wayland got pins from Adam Ordway at Wayland’s' CT'KaSanTn the : 12-pouml T71*pduhds,*Midhaet Horct at TS^arid CSKRd utthenex ' J □ wipe out a 34-21 Ttirst period pins: ishton orsoh at 11 Saxon lead in the final three bouts. Hord’s pin pounds, Tyler Bushman at 125, Zack Gibsow was a key one. The Saxons’ Victor Ramirez at 130, Kyron Zoet at 135, Jackson Curtis at fought well and had a 4-1 lead after getting a 140 and Andrew Middleton at 145. Austin couple shots in during the first period. Hord Chivis capped off the run by TK by sticking managed a second-period reversal and then Way land’s Cainon Fenn 41 seconds into the got a take down early in the third period to second period of their 152-pound match. move in front before pinning Ramirez mid­ “They knew they had to make sure the lead way through the final period to put his team in was strong enough coming into the end where the lead 36-33. we had a few holes,” Fletke said of his light­ The Saxons got pins from Jackson Dubois weights. “They made sure they couldn’t catch at 285 pounds, Kyler Sherry at 119, Cohen us at this point. They knew that as a team they Smith at 145 and Robby Slaughter at 160, and were out there to do the job and get the six a 13-2 major decision from Zach Chipman at points if possible.” 112 pounds in his match with CJ Karman. Thomapple Kellogg’s Dylan Bailey works on top of Wayland’s Danny Keena during their 103-pound bout in the Division 2 Team District Final at Allegan High School day. (Photo l6yferett Bremer) Hastings also picked up three key points at 125 pounds where Cayden Smith scored a 5-3 win over Carter Nesbit in a tie-breaker. Smith managed to turn Nesbit for two nearfall points in the first 30 second period of the tie-breaker and then hold his Wildcat foe scoreless in the second 30 seconds to get the win. Cayden Smith came up big in his senior year. That was nice for him, being a senior, “[Cayden] has been doing well lately and I needed him to fill that weight class so I could bump all of our other guys up. We have a few guys at 119 and I have to start bumping from there if I am going to plan on bumping later on,” coach Slaughter said. “He has finally learned a couple things,” he added. “He is reaching for cradles, he is final­ ly reaching for a cow-catcher - our stuff. Really what I like is he hung in there until the end.” Justus Forell followed up that win with a 7-5 decision of his own for the Saxons at 130 pounds .Wayland got a forfeit win at 103 pounds, and pins from Tyler Vigansky at 135 and Dustin Loomans at 152, as well as a key 8-2 win by Emmet Manning over the Saxons’ Mason Denton in the 140-pound bout. Falcons keep TK’s VanStee just shy of goal Brett Bremer Sports Editor The reaction from the Troians made it clear the scoreboard didn’t matter - at least not in the end. Thomapple Kellogg senior Paige VanStee Thornapple Kellogg junior point guard Kiah Nichols runs the offense for the Trojans during the fourth quarter of their district loss to visiting East Kentwood in Middleville Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Pulled down an offensive rebound on the back side, after a missed jumper by teammate Maleah Bailey, with senior teammate Moriah Sprague the only competition for the loose ball. She put the ball back up and in for the last of her game-high 20 points on the night. Moments later at the other end of the court, senior Haven Beyer swatted away an East Kentwood shot to rave reviews from junior Skylar Peck and the rest of the Trojan bench. The Falcons, who enter the state postseason as the eighth-ranked team in Division 1, con­ tinued on over the final two minutes to a 69-44 win over the Thomapple Kellogg varsi­ ty girls’ basketball team in their district open­ er in Middleville Monday. Despite the outcome, the Trojans were overwhelmingly positive - until the tears and hugs began as the TK seniors left the court for the last time and huddled on their own, VanStee, Beyer, Sprague, Bailey and Tyah Jefferson, at the end of their bench area. “Last year we faced the same team. The same team took us out of districts, TK head coach Brandi James said. “At halftime they gave up, so we talked a lot today about play­ ing 32 minutes and finishing the game, and as a team and they came out and they played 32 full minutes. The seniors gave everything they had right until the end. Every one of my play­ ers on the bench was raucous right through the end and they played like a team. They played like a family and that Is what I asked of them. “This is a top-20 team in the state that we just played against. For them to fight and not give up until the end, I am proud of them.” The Falcons ran out to a 21-7 lead in the first quarter, and pushed that edge to 41-23 by the half. “They’re quick. They fly out. Their transi­ tion is pretty hard to stop,” James said of the Falcons. “They’re quick and they fly out all the way. They got some run-out lay-ups. They’re just a very well-rounded team. We tried to pack it in the lane and make them work for their baskets, and a lot of the time Thornapple Kellogg senior Paige VanStee walks off the court to applause for the final time for the Trojan varsity girls’ basketball team after scoring 989 points over the course of her four-year varsity career. The Trojans were bested by state-ranked East Kentwood in the opening round of the Division 1 District Tournament in Middleville Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) they had to work for them. We didn’t make it easy on [Madisyn] Tillman, who is a big body to guard for us. They did a good job of sand­ wiching her and I think that they contained her pretty well. I don’t know what her exact point total was at the end of the game, but she scored less than I think she wanted to tonight, and that was a goal of ours. We held Keliese [Christopher] to a decent game as well. The people that we were focused on I don’t think got the looks they wanted tonight, so I think our defense created that for us.” East Kentwood got 19 points from Christopher and 17 apiece from Alexis McCully and Dey once Thompson. VanStee, the Grand Valley State University? bound guard, closes her four-year TK varsity career with 989 points, just shy of a milestone she craved and would have likely easily sur­ passed if not for a pandemic-shortened senior campaign. “She is stellar,” James said. “She is [If] points shy of 1,000. She is a stellar player. “She is one of the best girls I have evpr coached, if not the best girl I have 'efei coached and I don’t hesitate in saying that/* James added. “I have been watching her since she was a little girl playing up when she was in third grade. I have known who she was. I have seen her in Mackers. 1 have been a fan of hers for a while. “She has really developed as a player. She has developed where she almost helps coach a little bit. She is a coach on the floor for me. She has a very high basketball IQ. She has obviously got the drive and determination that nobody else has. She will put everything on her shoulders and make it happen and she will will it to happen. She is a power house. Everybody, I think you can see when you watch our team, goes to her. She can create a spark that can create an entire fire on our team. They follow her energy. They follow her leadership. She has been an outstanding vocal leader for us on the floor. Outside of her scoring, her basketball mentality has been huge.” Sprague had seven points in the loss for TK, Jefferson five and Beyer four. The Falcons earned district semifinal match-up against Byron Center in the district semifinals with the victory. That ballgame was slated for Wednesday night. Caledonia and East Grand Rapids were slated to meet in the districts other semifinal match-up, with Caledonia hosting the Friday night district final between Wednesday’s winners. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — Page 17 Points prove tough to come by for Panthers in district defeat Delton Kellogg senior Kiersten Moore fires up a jump shot against GalesburgAugusta Monday during the Division 3 District opener hosted by the Rams. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball coach Mike Mohn talks things over with his team during a break in the action with his team trailing by four in the fourth quarter at Galesburg-Augusta High School Monday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers were only down four with 150 seconds left in their season Monday at Galesburg-Augusta (G-A). They had the chance to get within two, but a shot rattled in and out. Unfortunately for the Panthers, even four points has been a tough deficit to overcome at times this season and when the Rams upped their lead to six points on an offensive put­ back the deficit for the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team started to grow until it was double figures by the end. The Rams bested the DK girls 31-21 in their Division 3 District opener Monday. G-A was 6-of-9 at the free throw line down the stretch to add to its final margin of victory. “Defensively, I can hardly complain,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said. “We held G-A to 31 points with great efforts by senior Josie Lyons and junior Paige Thomas leading the way. They really worked hard throughout the contest and my hat goes off to them.” Despite that effort, the Panthers found themselves down a dozen after eight minutes as the Rams ran out to a 13-1 lead in that first quarter. “I thought that we took some really good shots and moved the ball much better but when the ball doesn’t fall through the hoop, it’s tough to overcome,” Mohn said. “I can’t tell you how many wide open shots we missed in that first stanza,” he added. Mary Whitmore and Caitlin McManus led the Delton Kellogg scoring effort with seven points each. Aubrey Aukerman added four points. “Hate to see our two seniors, Josie Lyons and Kiersten Moore, head out as it has been a joy to coach both of them over the past two seasons,” Mohn said. “Great kids and we cer­ tainly wish them well this spring and into their futures. I thank them for their leadership Delton Kellogg’s Mary Whitmore looks to the rim as she goes around a defender in the paint during the Division 3 District opener at Galesburg-Augusta High School Monday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) through their efforts, in what was a very tough season as far as wins and losses were con­ cerned.” “Time to get back to work with those kids that will be returning and this summer should prove to be a busy one for us.” DK closes the season with a 3-11 overall record, with one of those wins and two of those losses coming against the Rams. The Rams were set to face Kalamazoo Christian in one district semifinal match at GalesburgAugusta High School last night (March 24) with Maple Valley and Hackett Catholic Prep meeting in the second semifinal of the eve­ ning. The district championship bailgame will be played back at Galesburg-Augusta Friday at 7 p.m. Lions soundly defeat Cougars on senior night Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was running clock throughout most of the second half at Maple Valley High School Wednesday (March 17). Officials let it step Tong enough for the Maple Valley seniors to take their time as they exited their final regular season home game. The Lions’ Blaze Sensiba, Lane Morris, Hugheston Heckathorn, Curtis Walker and Buck Richardson each took their turn kissing the Lion on the floor at center-court before being greeted at the bench by their coaches and teammates. Senior Gregg Richardson got a little more time on the court before joining his classmates on the bench. The Lions scored a 59-14 win over the vis­ iting Cougars to close the regular season with a 6-11 record, finishing on a three-game win­ ning streak. The Lions will travel to Dansville tonight (March 25) to face Potterville in a Division 3 District Semifinal match-up. “We’re playing Teally well right now,” Maple Valley head coach Ryan Nevins said. “We’ve won three in a row. Even if you go back two weeks, we had a game against Lakewood, who is a very good team this year, and we led the whole game and lost it in the last minute. “I was just telling our seniors from where we were at when I took over the program to where we are at now, I don’t even recognize those kids. We’re so much better. We have learned to play at a pace that we’re comfort- Maple Valley senior point guard Buck Schrader takes a turn kissing the lion at center-court as he exits the Lions’ senior night win over Calhoun County Christian Wednesday (Mar4ch 17) at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley’s Hugheston Heckathorn (11) and Lane Morris (1) team up to thwart a shot by Calhoun County Christian’s Isaac Beavers during the regular season finale at Maple Valley High School Wednesday (March 17). (Photo by Brett Bremer) able at. We’re not an up and down team. We have to play slow and be deliberate. When we do that, we do a really good job. Buck Schrader is our point guard and he is a quiet leader. For a kid that really doesn’t say a whole lot, he gets us to where we need to get to under control. He made some passes against Bellevue (Monday) that were unbelievable, those ones where I go, “no! No! No! That’s a great pass.” Schrader had just two points Wednesday, but his job isn’t to score. It is to make sure that senior teammates Curtis Walker and Hugheston Heckathorn get the chance to score in the post and to get the ball to senior guard Lane Morris in a good position to put the ball in the hoop. Heckathorn had eight points, Walker 11 and Morris one Wednesday in limited minutes. Sensiba had two points. Maple Valley had ten guys score in the bailgame. Nevins made sure to get everyone involved, and the Lions were deliberate in running through offensive sets in the second half rather than just trying to run by the Cougars. Senior Gregg Richardson had 10 points for the Lions and it was freshman Chanse Courtney who led the team with 14. Richardson is a first-year varsity player, and coach Nevins was happy to see him shooting the basketball. Maple Valley also got six points from junior guard Carsen Musser, three from junior point guard James Wiser, and two from fresh­ man guard Ayden Wilkes. “Those kids filled a role. We don’t sub a ton, so it is tough, but I thought they did a great job tonight,” Nevins said. “Those are kids that I’m going to rely on next year to play a ton of minutes. It is nice in practice that our seniors kind of beat up on them. They really do, but it is nice because I think they are going to be more prepared to play at the varsity level next year.” Sophomore guard Nico Gummer led the Cougars with eight points in the loss Wednesday. The seniors in the paint led the way against Bellevue for the Lions Monday. Walker had a team-high 14 points and Heckathorn finished with 11. Schrader and Morris chipped in seven points apiece. Maple Valley girls earn shot at undefeated Fighting Irish The Lions picked a good time for their highest scoring game of the season. The Maple Valley varsity girls’ basketball team opened the Division 3 state tournament with a 55-21 win over Comstock at GalesburgAugusta High School Monday. The win in the district opener moves the Lions’ record to 7-11 overall on the season and earned them the chance to face undefeat­ ed Hackett Catholic Prep in the district semi­ finals at back at G-A last night (March 24). Lion senior guard Ashlyn Wilkes poured in 25 points in the win, hitting five three-point­ ers including four in the second half as her team stretched its 25-8 half-time lead. Maple Valley had three girls in double fig­ ures. Trista Medina finished with 14 points and Cassie McCool added ten. Kyla Owens paced the Colts with eight points. Kalamazoo Christian and G-A were set to square off in the first Division 3 District Semifinal at G-A Wednesday, after the host Rams scored a 31-21 over Delton Kellogg in the other opening round match-up Monday. Maple Valley closed the regular season with a 39-26 loss to visiting Greater Lansing Activities Conference foe Leslie Friday night. The Blackhawks got ten points each from Alayna Brown and Emma Smieska and nine from Tammi Fedewa to close out the confer­ ence season. A 15-9 run in the third quarter allowed Leslie to take control of the game. The Lions were up 10-9 after one quarter and down just two at the half. Ali McGlocklin led the Lions with ten points. Medina had six points and five girls finished with two. �Page 18 — Thursday, March 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Saxons and Trojans get groups through to D2 regional Brett Bremer Sports Editor Many a recent wrestling season has opened with Thomapple Kellogg and Hastings duking it out on the wrestling mats at the Battle for Barry County and neared a conclusion with the two battling for a district champion­ ship. Neither of those match-ups materialized for the two foes separated by a dozen miles of M-37 Highway, but the Saxons and Trojans finally got a few match-ups in Saturday at the Division 2 Individual District Tournament hosted by Lowell - none bigger than the 140pound championship match where Thomapple Kellogg’s Andrew Middleton just managed to edge the Saxons’ Mason Denton 4-2 to win the individual district title. They’ll both get to compete this Saturday in the Division 2 Individual Regional Tournament at Byron Center High School, vying for spots in the Individual State Finals that will be held April 2 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. They’ll be joined in Byron Center by quite a few of their teammates. Bastings had six guys finish in the top four in their weight class at Lowell to earn spots in the regional round of the state tournament. Thomapple Kellogg got nine guys through. Middleton was one of two district champi­ ons for TK. Zach Gibson took the 125-pound championship with a 7-0 win over Lowell’s Landon Miller in the final round. Gibson’s Hastings 112-pounder Zach Chipman works to pin Wayland’s CJ Karman during their consolation final match at the Division 2 Individual District Tournament hosted by Lowell High School Saturday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Thomapple Kellogg’s Andrew Middleton (bottom) and Hastings’ Mason Denton work for better positions during their 140-pound consolation final at the Division 2 Individual District Tournament hosted by Lowell High School Saturday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) 125-pound teammate Tyler Bushman was third at the flight. He battled back after a 9-0 quarterfinal loss to Miller to win two consola­ tion matches and eventually finish fourth. Four TK wrestlers earned runner-up spots, 152-pounder Austin Chivis, 285-pounder Carter West, 119-pounder Ashton Corson and 130-pounder Kyron Zoet. West pinned Godwin Heights’ Noah Drake 13 seconds into their quarterfinal match and then pinned Wyoming’s Tyler Frick in 34 sec­ onds to score the 99th and 100th wins of his varsity wrestling career for TK. Lowell’s Mike Nugent kept his season record perfect at 21-0 by pinning West with 13 seconds left on the clock in the 285-pound championship final. Nugent was the state runner-up a year ago at 215 pounds in Division 2. TK also had Dylan Bailey third at 103 pounds and Jackson Curtis third at 135. Middleton started his run to a 140-pound district title by scoring a 12-0 major decision over Byron Center’s Logan Coller and then beat the Saxons’ Cohen Smith 6-0 in the semi­ finals. Smith bounced back for a third-place finish with a pin of Kelloggsville’s Jerrod Spencer in the blood round and a 5-0 win over Coller in the consolation final to give Hastings two state qualifiers at the flight. Denton reached the 140-pound champion­ ship match with a 6-0 win over TK’s Billie Dewent and a pin of Ionia’s Ethan Bowen. Hastings also had Robby Slaughter place third at 152 pounds, Zach Chipman third at 112, Victor Ramirez fourth at 171 and Justus Forell fourth at 130. DK takes district title with win over Lions in final Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was another evening without a lot of wrestling, but things got good for a bit in the end. Delton Kellogg got pins from senior twins Andrew Fales and Mathew Fales at 145 pounds and 152 to seal a 48-27 victory over the Lion varsity wrestling team in the Division 4 District Final at Maple Valley High School Thursday. The dual had been a string of forfeits most­ ly until the final three weight classes. Delton Kellogg held a 36-24 advantage with three bouts to go, meaning the outcome was still in doubt. It was Andrew Fales that really came up big for the Panthers. Maple Valley’s Jessy Deppe had him on his back late in the first period, but Fales managed to fight off a pin. The two went into the third period tied 9-9 when Fales caught Deppe, scoring a reversal and then earning a quick pin. “Fales looks over at us [at the start of the third period] to signal he’s going to puke and we are all screaming to go down and get ready to wrestle,” DK head coach Brett Bissett said. “Both guys look exhausted.” Mathew Fales followed up by pinning the Lions’ Josiah Hawkins to clinch the win for DK. “We had beaten Maple Valley in the season opener by eight points,” Delton Kellogg head coach Brett Bissett said. “Looking at their weigh-in sheet there were a couple new names and they matched up well with us in regards to voids in the line up. We knew the key to winning this dual was to avoid [Jesse] Brumm and pick up as many extra points as we could, and we won the flip this time. Raiders best Vikings in district final on mats in Portland The Vikings were closer to the Raiders than in an early season dual, but couldn’t overturn enough matches to get through the Division 3 Team District Tournament hosted by the Raiders Wednesday (March 17). Portland topped the Lakewood varsity wrestling team 47-28 in the district final after dispatching Belding in the tournament’s only semifinal match. ... Lakewood 171-pounder Gavin Vaughn pinned Portland’s Chandler Murton a minute and a half into the second period Wednesday night for the Vikings and Nathaniel Graham followed that up with a pin at about the same point in his 189-pound match with Portland’s Jackson Weygandt. Vaughn’s pin was the biggest turnaround of the night for Lakewood. Murton scored a pin in their bout a month ago in Ionia. The dual started at 135 pounds and the Vikings got their first points at 145 when Brenden Straub pinned Portland’s John Dodson late in the first period of their bout. Graham’s pin marked the halfway point of the dual, with the Raiders holding a 20-18 edge, but the Vikings could only muster two wins the rest of the way. Ashton Clark pinned Portland’s Jake Olson late in the third period of their 103-pound match and Lakewood 125-pounder Zac Gibson scored an 18-7 major decision in his match with Carter Johnson. Portland got pins from Drew Miller at 135 pounds, Deakin Guidi at 160, Branson Goodman at 215 and Ethan Webert at 119 pounds, a forfeit win by Caiden Pelc at 130, a technical fall from 112-pounder Connor Gleason, and major decisions from Isaiah Pelc at 140 pounds, Trent Trierwieler at 152 and Reis Phillips at 285. Lakewood was back in action Saturday at the Division 3 Individual Tournament hosted by Lansing Sexton High School, getting three through to the regional round of the state tour­ nament. Gibson took a regional championship at 125 pounds for the vikings, besting Williamston’s Greg Dion 1-0 in the final at their flight after scoring a couple pins to open the day. Lakewood’s other six regional quali­ fiers finished in the consolation finals with Keegan VanAlstine (152 pounds) and Vaughn (171) placed third and Kyle Petrie (160), Eastin Stank (285) Clark (103) and Daniel Krebs (140) placing fourth. Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? WEEKLY UPDATES NEWS SPORTS gif COURT NEWS DO YOU WANT TO THANK LEGALS ; MORE njg (269) 945-95 S4 .ft . to ifelnserasrs of IS56 The Hastings DANNER (269) 945-9554 www.hastingsbanner.com “Starting the dual at 71, we bumped every­ one at the top of the line-up since they were empty at the top three.” Maple Valley’s Dillon Jorgensen finished off the dual by scoring an 8-1 win over Delton Kellogg’s Kiran Vasquez. “Dillon had probably the best match he had all year,” Maple Valley head coach Tony Wawiemia said. “He was just doing so many different moves on the mat, one to another what we call good flow wrestling. He was just all over the kid. He had a good match.” Wawiemia was pleased with all his guys that got to go out and wrestle. There were only five contested weight classes in the dis­ trict final. The Lions won the first two. David Hosack-Frizzell opened the district final for the Lions by pinning Gavin Poley in 23 seconds. The Panthers then added 24 points to the scoreboard with forfeit wins by Luke Watson at 189 pounds, Hunter Belew at 215, Caden Ferris at 285 and Joelle White at 103. Matthew Slaght got to take the mat for the Lions and score a quick pin of Gage Vincent in the 112-pound match to keep his record undefeated on the season. Maple Valley would add forfeit wins by Andrew Appelman at 119 pounds and Jesse Brumm at 135. DK had forfeit wins by Hunter Antolovich at 130 pounds and Vinnie Quick at 140 too. Delton Kellogg opened the evening with a 48-30 win over its conference foe ClimaxScotts/Martin (CSM). DK and CSM saw each other a lot this season, going 2-2 against each other before Thursday night’s district meet­ ing. Ferris got his 100th varsity victory for the Panthers in the district semifinal match with CSM, pinning JR Hildebrand 40 seconds into the 215-pound bout. DK won the two of the three contested bouts in the first nine weight classes in the semifinal, with Belew pinning Cameron Murray in 20 seconds at 189 pounds. “We knew what match-ups we needed to have and that we needed to win the coin flip,” Bissett said of the dual with CSM. “We were focused on the match-ups at 103, and it turned out that Martin’s stud Kimmel was out for the match, which gave us some cushion but we still needed things to go our way. We lost the flip, but Martin-Climax chose even, which is exactly what we wanted.” DK got forfeit wins from Poley at 160, White and Vincent at 119 pounds during those first nine flights. CSM got a pin from Chris Tuinstra at 171 pounds and forfeit wins from Max Bleeker at 285 and Kristian Heighten at 103. Delton Kellogg had a 30-18 lead after both teams had a void at 125 pounds, and forfeit wins by Quick at 135 and Andrew Fales at 140 finished off the CSM team despite pins at 145 and 152. The Panthers were set to host their Division 3 Team Regional Tournament last night (March 24). All three teams from the district were back in action Saturday at the Division 3 Individual District Tournament hosted by Carson City­ Crystal. Belew and Ferris took district titles at 189 pounds and 215 respectively. Belew pinned Evart’s Sam Bailey 27 seconds into their 189pound title bout. Ferris stuck Andrew Quinn from Mason County Central 89 seconds into their 215-pound final. Belew had three pins on the day and Ferris two in their only match­ es. DK got three others through to this week­ end’s regional round. Vincent placed third at 112 pounds, pinning Mason County Central’s Aiden Hirschfeld in the blood round and then besting Hesperia’s Alex Sayer 5-2 to finish third. Antolovich at 130 pounds and Quick at 135 each placed fourth for the Panthers. Maple Valley’s Brumm and Slaght won district championships, Brumm at 130 and Slaght at 112. Slaght scored a 13-7 win over Ravenna’s Nick Schofield to move his record to 30-0. Brumm improved to 27-2 with a 3-0 win over Hesperia’s Mack Baird in the 130pound championship. The Lions also got Andrew Appelman and Dillon Jorgensen through, with Appelman third at 119 and Jorgensen fourth at 160 pounds. Vikes close regular season winning eight of ten Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team closed out a 10-7 regular season and an 8-4 Greater Lansing Activities Conference season with a 66-59 win at Lansing Christian Thursday. The Vikings took their second win pf the season over the Pilgrims and have since had a week to prep for tonight’s Division 2 District Semifinal match-up with Lansing Sexton at Ionia High School. The Vikings are set to take bn the 2-12 Sexton boys beginning at 7 p.m. The Lakewood boys won eight of their final ten regular season ballgames and enter the postseason on a three-game win streak. Playing their third game in four days, the Vikings ground out the win at Lansing Christian last Thursday. “Iji the first half offensively we were get­ ting whatever we wanted and scored from inside and out,” Lakewood head coach Chris Duits said. “Defensively we really struggled, but were getting enough stops to increase our lead going into halftime and were up 22 points. “The second half was the complete , oppo­ site offensively, and twice as bad defensively. That’s not a good combination. We got some good looks from in the paint and behind the three-point line that we didn’t convert and also missed a bunch of free throws when we did get to the line. With every turnover, missed shot, free throw or no-call that we had, they seemed to be making every shot they looked at and got every loose ball. Their ener­ gy level was high and they took all the momentum that we hac st half.” nse from Br Jayce Cusack spurred the Vikings to the victory in the end, and Denny Sauers iced the game with two free throws late. “Our team has really done a great job of staying together this season. We started the season off a little slow being 2-5, but to be 8-2 in our last 10 games and finish the regular season with a 10-7 record is a pretty nice accomplishment for these players,” coach Duits said. “They’ve stayed the course, played hard and have earned it.” Viking senior shooting guard Brady Gawne had 24 points and Cusack 21 in the win over the Pilgrims. Caden Kinnas led the Pilgrims with 19 points. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-04-01.pdf f98208b11016dc730119291ed50b0896 PDF Text Text Saxon runners get t>ack on the track ; ■------ ... $ee Story on Page 13 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 ............................ CAR-RT LOVC 005 C005 Hemerimg 42lNTaKee Dr Hast.ngs Ml 49058-1134 8048791101 r,chard ANNER 6'30/2021 9 47 00 AM VOLUME 167. No. 13 PRICE $1.00 ___ Tiylor Owens 5'<H’n'" L~~~ Spectrum Health announced Tuesday that the hospital network is facing a new surge of COVID-19, and cases are spreading faster than the outbreak last tall. In just 2 U2 weeks, the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at Spectrum hospitals has risen from around 50 to 139 as of Tuesday. The number of COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit had doubled over the past four days. Those numbers mirror an increase in cases in Barn' County, nearly tripling the number of active cases in the past month. The BarryEaton District Health Department reported 144 active cases as of Tuesday. Two more deaths have been counted since last week, for a total of 51 since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in the county has also continued to rise, with a peak of 20.29 percent Sunday, the highest since the previous surge in November. "We are seeing similar situations here at Pennock, and we are actively partnering with [the health department) in the effort to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible.” Angela Ditmar. president and regional market leader at Spectrum Health Pennock, said. “We are encouraging anyone w ho can get a vaccine to get one. It is important to continue to mask and follow all COVID protocols.” As of Wednesday. Michigan had the highest number of new CO VID-19 cases per capita of any state in the nation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. "This is strangely, and sadly, reminiscent of what we saw in the fall," President of Spectrum Health West Michigan Darryl Elmouchi said during a virtual press conference Tuesday. "We definitely hope we new COVID surge IPcrcenl________ ______ ____________ ww p i. O 10, 0% SeP 2020 Jul 2020 A chart shows the positive rate of COVID-19 tests in Barry County. President of Spectrum Health West Michigan Darryl Elmouchi speaks during a virtual press conference Tuesday. don’t sec a surge like we did before, but it’s seeming that way.” Though many people over age 65 have been vaccinated, Elmouchi said this new surge is being driven by the more contagious, and more lethal, B. 1.1.7 variant of CO VID-19 that originated in the United Kingdom. ...variant ........ ....... — — Studies have shown. the may be 50 percent more contagious than the previous ' and' about * strain, 35 percent more deadly. The majority of new COV1D-19 cases in Michigan are believed to be the variant, though testing for the variant is not widespread enough to confirm that. Elmouchi said the variant also appears to be affecting younger people at a higher rate. The average age ol hospitalizations in the fall was 73. but that dropped t0 60 this week. While hospitals have seen a decrease in patients over age M they also have seen a significant increase in patients under age 40. Elmouchi said that is partly due to older people receiving a larger share of the vaccines, but also to the aggressiveness of the variant strain. The hospital network, he said, also is seeing more pediatric cases than it was during the previous surge. “There’s definitely a younger demographic in the hospital.” Elmouchi .said The health network continues to vaccinate as many people as ileal, and was scheduled to give out 52,000 dosesthis week. “There is hope, ani that hope almost entirely lies in the vnilthf" Elmouchi said. Spectrum Health Urixcd and Kelsey Hospitals Chief Operating Officer Jon Ashford said, one clinic eirly this week vaccinated 12300 people in H hours, which he believed nay be a record in’Jie state. Spectrum also has expan led vaccine tive either as a result of the test we’re wait­ as Lakewood High School. Thomas said the ing for results on or either of the results of allcgtkl close contact was supposed to have the tests prior to him weighing in or partici­ happened March 25, two days prion to pating in the tournament," Alspaugh said. Gibson’s regional tournament victory. Gibson was deemed in close contact with During her decision, Alspaugh weighed a classmate who received a positive COVJD- what Gibson stood to lose by not granting 19 test at Lake wood High School. He enlist­ the temporary’ restraining order as well as the ed the services of lawyer James A. Thomas possible risks to Gibson and the public. and put forth an emergency motion for a She acknowledged a possible loss of temporary restraining order to avoid a quar­ scholarship opportunities that could come antine that would have kept him from partic­ from Gibson not participating, but said, ipating in the Division 3 Individual State ‘There is also an aspect that is not compenFinals al Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo salable, and that is the experience and the Friday. ability to say. *1 am the state champ in my The motion was brought against the "eight class.’ The loss of that is not someBarry-Eaton District Health Department and its clinic supervisor Jackie Anderson as well See WRESTLE, page 2 Local boards, councils preparing for return to in-person meeting J-Ad News Sen ices Thornapple Township Supervisor Eric Schaefer has been thinking ahead to when his board can meet in person again. Last Thursday, Schaefer worked on setting up the room at the township hall where the board will meet Monday, April 12. “I spent a fair amount of time trying to sit­ uate the board room so that each board mem­ ber has 6 feet between them, and trying to set up an audience of 15 chairs so they’re all 6 feet apart,” Schaefer said in a telephone inter­ view “I Monday. wish we had a little bit bigger board zoom, but I think we’re all going to fit," Schaefer and other elected officials around Darry County are resuming in-person board and council meetings this month after the /no,st recent order from the Michigan Apartment of Health and Human Services, 5^ued March 22, will allow in-person meetin& if no more than 25 people are present and Ibc local municipality can meet spacing and s°cia) distancing requirements. Under the Gpen Meetings Act, if more than 25 people attend, the meeting must be ended or moved outdoors, according to a memo from the Mar 2021 Jan2021 Judge rules Gibson may wrestle despite contact tracing incident Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood junior wrestler Zac Gibson sat in front of a computer screen to hear the decision of the Honorable Judge Vicky Alspaugh from Barry County’s 5th Judicial Circuit Court early Wednesday afternoon. Her ruling over Zoom couldn’t have been more positive in favor of the two-time state medalist who won a Division 3 Individual Regional Championship at 125 pounds Saturday at the regional tournament hosted by Lansing Sexton. "So. weighing four factors. I do find that the motion for temporary restraining order is granted at this time with the understanding that Zac tests negative or does not test posi­ Nov 2020 “Ultimately, it’s the township’s responsibility to make sure when people come onto township property or to a township meeting that they are following the law." Michael Selden, Michigan Townships Association director of member information services Michigan Townships Association. Masks are required for all members of the public body and those attending the meeting, according to the DHHS order. Most governmental entities in the county are planning to have a hybrid option - meet­ ing in person while offering the opportunity for constituents to participate virtually through a Zoom call or similar application. “1 understand some people don’t feel com­ a mem feelconifortaHc. rc Wejcome to partjci. ,()n onent;. > eligibility to everyone age 16 and older, after a new announcement from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration. Whitmer’s press secretary Monday encouraged health providers to vaccinate people age 16 and up when available, to ensure that doses do not go to waste. Vaccines will officially open to all Michigan residents 16 and older April 5. During a Barry-Eaton District Board of Health meeting March 24, health department official Anne Bama said a number of local outbreaks have been connected to high schools. She encouraged parents to have their 16and 17-year-old children inoculated with the Pfizer vaccine, and said some Meijer locations are already vaccinating kids at those ages. Pfizer announced Wednesday its vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in children as young ns 12. if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the vaccine for children age 12 to 15, vaccinations could begin before the next school year. Bama added that some Barry County residents 65 and older still have not been Health department still charging restaurant licensing fees Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Bany-Eaton District Board of Health unanimously voted against waiving restaurant licensing fees during a virtual meeting last Thursday. The board had considered waiving or reducing the fees after several restaurant own­ ers asked county commissioners to do more to help local businesses. “One of the things we really would like to see this department do. and we demand they do immediately, is provide as much regulatory relief as possible, as far as the cost of permits, fees, inspections, so forth, Rutland Township resident Joel Ibbotsen said during public com­ ment at the start of the meeting. "Whatever this board can do to extend any sort of mone­ tary relief to the restaurants will be very, very' well received on our end. Health Officer Colette Scrimger said the health department brings in a total of $312,000 each year from restaurant fees from both Barry' and Eaton counties. Eiton County board member Blake Mulder said he did not think waiving the fees would be a significant aid to the restaurants. Mulder owns two restaurants in the district and said he pays $500 in fees for each. “Bottom line is. I’m not sure $500 is going to make much difference whether your busi­ ness is going down the tubes or now." Mulder He believed waiving the fees would be a political statement, but not a "game changer" for the restaurants. Barry County board member Dave Jackson starting ’ qrome to attend via Zoom. said that while many restaurants have strug­ "The public ^uncil members who are gled during the pandemic, some have benefit­ and some ol oi j |hdr heahh arc still a little cone vjj| „ vulflge ed from it. therefore he suggested the board create a process by which restaurants could welcome to jo* gayl said Monday in a request to have the fees waived. Manager Pat^ 7 • “ I don ’t know that we need to waive all fees phone interview- ^3inber] space can accom"Our [counei K) IK.opk.;. shc sajd. across the board, Jackson said. He speculated that since the fees represent­ module eight tjlat wc woujj want to ed .such a small amount of money for the "Anything mow do it virtually- .jpge has the option of mov- restaurants, most would not bother to request Rayl said the(jle training room ot the the fee be waived. He suggested the board cap the total amount forgiven nt $50,000. ing its meetingn<hip Emergency Services Barry County board member Ben Geiger Thornapple |tiJience is expected, said he believed giving restaurants an option station if a taiff . । was arranging before the to request the tees be waived was a good idea. “That was °f Commissioners was Barry' Count) 0 ae their declaration (of a However, Scrimger said the health depart­ ment would not be able to determine who kind enough to would and would not get the money based on finances. vUn ‘e of AbJdleville also will be I he X1114, t for ils councjj meetings, using a hybrid tom l3 See ^INe- 11 vaccinated, and the health department is giving them top priority. Often, people in that age demographic are scheduled “almost immediately” when they register online or call die department, Bama said. She also said the state has sent Barry County more vaccines to catch up with Eaton County, after Barry fell slightly behind due to a number of factors, including a perception of lower demand. Barry County had a smaller number of people per capita signed up to receive the vaccine than Eaton County. Bama said that was due to a mix of demographic differences and less internet availability in Barry County. As of Monday, 13,315 Barry County resi­ dents had received their first dose of the vac£ cine, which represents 26.8 percent of peoplq over age 16. The slate also reported 6,781 Barry County residents have been fully vacci­ nated. Health officials expect the supply of vac­ cines to increase in the coming weeks, but say shipments remain sporadic. “What started as an idea to be helpful is going to turn into a real problem." Joe Brehler, Eaton County board member "We’d have to say yes to everyone,” she said. Scrimger advocated the board reduce the fees, instead of waiving them entirely. Eaton County board member Joe Brehler said selectively forgiving the fees would be “a losing proposition for the health department," since there would inevitably be people who would find it unfair. "My problem is you’re talking about pick­ ing winners and losers," he said. Brehler pointed to other industries that also have health inspection fees, such us tattoo parlors, which the department would be choosing not to aid. “What started as an idea to be helpful is going to turn into a real problem.” Brehler said. He believed the board would either need to waive the fees fur all businesses or none of them. Geiger said the most appropriate way to cover the cost of waiving the fees for licenses would be to use the money from the Biden administration’s stimulus package. Barry County is estimated to receive nearly $12 million from the package, while Eiton County is projected to receive more than $21 million. Eaton County board member Jeremy Whittum said the federal government has not yet outlined what the money could be used for, and he cautioned that the board may have to pay the money back to the federal govern­ ment if it is used for the wrong purposes. However. Whittum did suggest the board waive late fees for license applications, since the department had not yet sent out the appfi, cation notices. The stale’s deadline for restau­ rants to apply for licenses is April 30. Mulder disagreed. "People that arc late and don’t pay on time are the problem children.” he said. See LICENSING, page S �~ . The Hastings Banner Pago 2 — Thursday. April I. 20*. 1 - Banner earns honors in MPA contest Jon Burnett of Orangeville Township enters the Barry County District Courtroom for a preliminary examination on two counts of open murder and a series of other felony charges stemming from a violent rampage June 21, 2019, that took two lives and endangered many others. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) ©p>en wafers Ibirmg need for new Steeiras® It didn't take long for the ice on area lakes to melt in late February, and then boat owners wasted no time in getting their craft out on the newly opened water. In the Upper Peninsula, however, residents were reminded this week to have their ice shanties removed by midnight last night. Whether fishing through the ice in the U.P. or from a boat on a local lake, today marks a new fish­ ing license year. Yearly fishing licenses in Michigan - valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year - may be purchased online or at any local tackle shop. WRESTLE, continued from page 1 thing that can be compensated by a dollar amount. It is not Something that can be made whole after the fact.'’* That missed experience was key to the judge’s ruling. Hastings Mayor David Tossava, standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, was the lone occupant of city hall council chambers March 23, 2020, when the first virtual council meeting took place in response to an executive order, announced earlier that day. that suspended all public gatherings. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) • The Hastings Banner received two honors in the 2020 Michigan Press Association Better NewspaperContest. • «..... >< • • “Local government goes virtual,’’ published on the front page of the Banner March 26. 2020. received a second-place award in the Weekly/News Media C News Photo category. The photo, taken from a computer screenshot by Editor Rebecca Pierce, shows Hastings Mayor David Tossava by himself in the city hall council chambers saying the Pledge of Allegiance as the virtual city council meeting got underway. Also in the News Photo category, an honorable mention went to Contributing Photographer Scott Harmsen for his photographic coverage of the “Shooting rampage case bound over for trial’’ in the Nov. 28,2019, edition of the Banner. Hannsen’s photos documented Barry County court proceedings during the preliminary examination of Jon Burnett, when he was bound over for trial. Burnett, 64, was sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, committing a series of felonies with a firearm, assault with intent to murder, resisting and obstructing police officers and unlawful imprisonment in connection with a violent rampage June 21. 2019, outside his: residence! in OrangevHlei Township. “To my way of thinking, every single person in this industry who has come through the past year deserves recognition,’’ said Julie Stafford. MPA president and the publisher of the Greenville Daily News. “If we were presenting these awards in person - as was tradition before 2020 - I’d ask for a round of applause to celebrate and recognize all of us. “In the midst of the chaos that was last year, a number of member papers submitted their best work as part of the Michigan Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. Today, awards were given to those entries that stood out to our judges as some of the best of the best.” “What is clear from this contest, and from our collective efforts over the past year,” Stafford added, “is that Michigan journalists and our hometown newspapers are talented, passionate and dedicated to making sure our readers stay informed.” Members of the Montana Press Association reviewed the 2,739 entries submitted by 83 Michigan newspapers and individual members this year. The Banner was judged in the category' for weekly newspapers with circulations between 3.000 and 7.000. “I want you to be able to participate, but I also want everybody els to be as safe ■as. possible inihis situation,,, ,i You wear yomtask. You stay six fee'away from " ■" everybody You db all the things you know you're supposed to do for COVID safety. Wash your hands." - r vtidge Vickie Alspaugh, Barry County 5th Judicial Circuit Court Gibson is the second wrestler from the area in recmt weeks to get just such a victory in a court case. •. Olivet’s Gavin Bartley was deemed neces­ sary of a COVID-19 quarantine due to contact tracing after scoring a runner-up finish at 160 pounds al the same district tournament, in which Gibson participated March 20. Bartley sued the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Anderson and Olivet High School in the Eaton County Circuit Court and won his ex parte motion for a temporary restraining order with Judge John D. Maurerto allow him to continue to the regional round of the individual state tournament. Bartley was again second to Alma’s Jacob Munger in the 160-pound weight class al the regional hosted by Lansing Sexton March 27, earning himself a spot in the Division 3 State ■. hvL±sTh°CdiJcuit CouSmrvT 9Ted a ,emP°rarV res,rainin9 °fder Wednesday by the from 5th Circuit uoun in carry Countv to DSartmpn. niinu/ him ihM . . ments the Barry-Eaton District Health h from participating in Friday's Division 3 £ aTwS h.aV9 P™en,e? him, MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Dav Installation //KI 10376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 Center in Kalamazoo. Gibson earned a soot in th -NOTICETo Members of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, Hastings, Michigan: Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company will be conducted ria conference call on Wednesday, April 14,2021»beginning at 9:00 a.m., due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The annual ayen<^3 includes a ballot for the election of the following Dinectors: Douglas J. Drenth, Mark A. Kolanowski and Jan'cc A. Oshinski. For more information contact Michael W Pl,erncr* Secretary, 269-948-1532. ------- PUBLIC NOTICE - Sealed Bid Auction for Surplus Vehicles Celebrate God's imm jMl M item, M AS IS County Sheriffs IHpartmtnl. .1 Mun “ 'J1< uuguhntitt in any »nv or all bds. ^'Pra^TorOurCounirU^ QUESTIONS: A5K US... C.'O2WlAfrilSu7l».W»A«M 220 W. SDK SL. I JfflbjiarJK4>lcasdorlud< wioa»t^a fhstl.Blut* junlHUlllI 2WE Stato Si . Hastjngs. 945.9673 .“W AAAZi ri a OPEN Aaa a H ™ b, winnK, • ..a»a ctopip„ship Finals along with Gibson. Both wrestlers worked with Thomas to continue their 2020-21 high school wrestline season. ® About 25 varsity wrestling teams were forced to drop out of the four divisions of th state wrestling tournament after winnine dk tnct championships because of COV1D ■ That group includes Schoolcraft and which both had to forfeit their n ‘ dsonState Quarterfinal match L'•„ ?T'On 4 and the Constantine team inDivi a *5 olller> had to forfeit its state quarterfi ?" ’ Which utter winning a regional title. ‘ matcb-Up Gibson and Bartley are f\r r wrestlers who have been for < individual state wrestling tOn^ °Ul of l,lc |x>sitive COVID-19 tester by ™?ent b>’ a issues. In Division 3 last wit acl facing wrestlers did not com net.* alone, 53 448 regional quali^ “u‘ «•' a possible ^ ®s n9 Flnals at Wings Event ’ tion Gibson quickly agreed to follow, and Alspaugh agreed it was a good precaution to take. Alspaugh ruled that Gibson needs to be masked and at least 6 feet from fellow stu­ dents when he visits the school for weigh-in this morning. 1 want you to be able to participate, but 1 also want everybody else to be as safe as pos­ sible in this situation,” Judge Alspaugh said. You wear your mask. You stay 6 feet away from everybody. You do all the things you know you’re supposed to do for COVID safe­ ty. Wash your hands.” “Do everything that needs to be done,” she added. “You are allowed to go and you are allowed to weigh in for your competition, and you are allowed to participate.” Gibson currently sports a record of 29-1 this season. He is working not only toward the best finish he can achieve this season, but also sanly all COVll).rc|alcd«c not necesis attempting to keep hope alive of becoming Gtbson will not attend JI state finals, and it was the u? l priw to the the first four-time wrestling state medalist in Public Schools Superint, *!sh of takewoml the history of the Lakewood wrestling pro­ Skalka, who was a pan 0 Dr- Steven gram. The group of 2021 individual state -qualifi­ nigs Wednesday, that Gibson* Z‘X>'” Ptoceedtices with his fellow state'Jal,e"d prac. ers tor the Vikings also includes seniors from Lakewood this WrJ^ Keegan VanAlstine at 152 pounds and Kyle ■,fta,wasacondi- Petrie at 160 pounds, and junior heavyweight Eastin Sunk. 3 �The Hustings Banner - Thursday. April 1.2021 - Pag. 3 Hastings Area Schools goes remote ahead of spring break 911 Dispatch Center expansion underway increased positivity rate and close contacts I Sophie Bates just felt it was right, the safe way o do this Staff Writer After an increased number of COVID-19 right now. especially leading into spnng. cases, the Hastings Area School System ‘•ft will give us some time to get into aU the moved to virtual learning for one week start­ buildings and clean them, disinfect, Clorox, ing Monday, March 29. “We have been closely monitoring the 360 all the surfaces and everything. The number of confirmed positive cases is; uptick in our COVID numbers in all build­ ings,” Superintendent Matt Goebel wrote in a reported monthly on the district s we i e. letter to Saxon families last week in announc­ From March 1 to March 29, six confirmed. ing the switch to remote learning. "Because of COVID-19 cases were reported al the high the increased number of CO VID cases dis­ school, 13 al the middle school, two at Central; trict-wide, in Barry County, and the close Elementary, three each at Star Elementary an contracts, we have decided to move to remote Southeastern Elementary, one at Northeastern • learning for 35 days next week. We feel for Elementary and zero at the central office. The number of positive cases has increased. the safety of both staff and students, this is the responsible path to take." since February when the district report only. Spring break for the district begins today, six COVID-19 cases — three at the high’ April 1, with a half-day. Teachers were asked school and one each at the middle school, Star; to send paper copy assignments home with Elementary and Southeastern Elementary. • These figures do not include quarantined, students last Friday or to provide work for students via Google Classroom. students or staff members, but do include, Students will return to in-person learning probable cases in the number of positive cases; after spring break Monday, April 12. reported. ’ Goebel meets with staff from the BarryThe positive cases and close contacts flue- ■ Eaton District Health Department each tuate as staff and administration work to com-. Wednesday, so he was aware of the spike in plcte contact tracing. • cases in the area. "The amount of hours that our administra-' "I think Tuesday and Wednesday we had a tors are putting into contact tracing, it’s a tre­ couple support staff test positive and then we mendous load," Goebel said. "The health had a bus driver test positive," he said. "And department’s not doing the contact tracing. then, just like anything, it exponentially They depend on us for contact tracing increases as far as close contacts." school is still happening, but all of our admin­ No teachers tested positive, he said. istrators arc working constantly on contact; Throughout the past week, Goebel said, tracing. So the labor of that is pretty trcmen-* cases quickly began cropping up. It began dous." with a couple of support staff at the middle Once students return from spring break,, school and Southeastern Elementary testing SAT testing will be held on April 13 and’ positive. Then, staff at Northeastern and Star M-STEP testing over the course of that week.' _________ . L,,. _ __________ Elementary tested positive Thursday. March • Goebel encouraged students and families)« to continue following US. Centers for Disease­ “[Friday] I got the call from the high school Control and Prevention guidelines over spring* to have one more positive case and that was break, so students can return to in-person; going to create more close contacts, and then learning without issue.____________________ ! we were going to have to go virtual at Star "I’ve encouraged them to follow CDC — it was just kind of a breaking point,” guidelines over spring break, making sure that; Goebel said."... just enough kids were either they social distance, wash their hands, wear’ being held out [of the classroom or were] their masks so that we can all come back after. close contacts. And then with the health spring break and arc ready to go,” Goebel; department data that I was getting, the said. a Construction is currently underway on an expansion of Barry County Central Dispatch. The work, which began in January and is expected to be completed in June, will expand the number dispatcher bays from four to six. The $500,000 project will include the purchase of new furniture, equipment and software, Central Dispatch Director Stephanie Lehman said. The dispatchers are working out of the emergency operations center in the basement until construction is complete. (Photo provided) Middleville begins village, DDA branding effort Greg Chandler Staff Writer Community and business leaders in Middleville have been meeting this week with a planning consultant to work on rebranding the village and its downtown area. John Charles Haines \ John C. Haines, age 62 ,of Hastings, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 27,2021. The fourth son of Merle and Phyllis Haines, John grew up in Hastings, graduating from Hastings High School in 1976. He went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1980. While working at City Food and Beverage in 1978, John met the girl of his dreams, Diane (Barlow). One year later he finally worked up the courage to ask her out, and in August of 1981, he sealed the deal and married her. John had only just begun to enjoy his retirement after celebrating a more than 35-year career split between time at both the Battle Creek Federal Center and Flexfab in Hastings. John spent many weekends over 20 plus assisting his father-in-law Gordon Barlow with his auction business. Even before his retirement, John could frequently be found on the golf course for “meetings” with his son Brandon and friends Marty Haywood and Bob Snow. He was a member al the former Riverbend Golf Course, as well as The Legacy at Hastings. John served on the Board of Directors for the Hastings Bowling Association and was a member of the Michigan Stare USBC. A former member of the Hastings High School Marching Band John shared his love of music and die trumpet with his daughter Michelle Much to his granddaughters dismay. John and Michelle also shared a love ° ADprou°dkCfa<>'er and grandfather he had recency. ^v^^hTelde: ^ughtear°snarah and grandson Sebastian in Germany. f(m> john |0Ved the An aV’d«;tat^ Spartans; Detroit Tigers, Michigan Stall’ an(] the perennially Redwings, rtsro He enjoyed and disappointing ,e(J |he Michigan simultaneously h(_ had with his Michigan Stale Tim n . — ..,^v«rc nt and co-workers at brother-in-law Flexfab. John was preceded in death by his father, Merle Haines; father-in-law, Gordon Barlow; sister-in-law, Katherine Haines; and mother, Phyllis Haines. John is survived by his wife of 39 years, Diane Haines; children, Sarah (Michael) Hofmann, Michelle Krebs, Brandon (Kim Tebo) Haines; grandchildren, Molly Krebs, and Sebastian Hofmann; brothers, William, Brad, Mark, and Peter Haines; mother-in­ law, Jane Barlow; five sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law and his 15 nieces and nephews. The family asks those who knew him to share a fond memory with them through the online condolences page at www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. A visitation for John will be held at Girrbach Funeral Home on Saturday, April 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., facemasks are required. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. al Rutland Township Cemetery on M-37. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the graveside service’s open environment may be a better option for those who wish to say their goodbyes. Guests attending the visitation or graveside service are encouraged to wear their favorite college team colors... green and white are preferred. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. (Grandma & Great-Grandma) . Kate Colvin medically able to do Scluntdt said. Those wishing '® a,,cnd virtually may click on the Zoom [•“ at https://us02web. The meeting Id number is 863 06l« 1102 "nd 'he passcodeis Spectrum Health announces new visitor restrictions As a result of significantly increasing num­ bers of patients admitted with CO VID-19 and the increase in community positivity rate. Spectrum Health has revised its visitor poli­ cies to reduce the number of people in its hospitals and outpatient care sites. As of Wednesday, March 31, adult patients arc allowed one adult family member or guest per patient. This must be the same person for the patient’s entire hospital stay. Some excep­ tions will apply. Labor and delivery obstetrics patients arc allowed two adult visitors. These must be the same two people for the patient’s entire hospi­ tal stay. Patients with COVID-19 are not allowed in-person visitors, however the care team will work with patients and families to coordinate virtual visits. Emergency department patients arc limited to one adult guest per patient. Adult radiology and laboratory patients at the hospital or outpatient care sites are not allowed guests, except for those having an obstetric ultrasound, with cognitive impair­ ments, or who need assistance with activities of daily living. These individuals will be allowed one adult guest. Adult patients at Spectrum Health physi­ HASTINGS Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings ganner clashed ads besXby. sending,a P!.,« 1«T. -a,j ...... T AREA cian offices and surgery centers are allowed one adult family member or guest for surgical sedated procedures, but no visitors unless the patient needs physical or cognitive support. Patients may contact office staff for extenuat­ ing circumstances. Pediatric patients under age 21 are allowed tw o adult family members (parent or guardian or their designee only) per patient stay. For pediatric outpatient services, physician offices and surgery, pediatric patients are allowed one family member or guests per patient visit. * Pediatric radiology patients are allowed one adult family member per patient. Pediatric hematology and oncology clinic and infusion center patients are allowed one adult family member per patient. In addition, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, all visitors will be screened* and arc required to wear a mask that covers^ the mouth and nose to enter the hospitals and outpatient facilities. Spectrum Health dining’ rooms continue to be closed to visitors.’ Hospital food service will be available in the cafeteria through to-go orders. More information can be found at spectrumhealth.org. SCHOOL SYSTEM «r\! Young Kindergarten/Kindergarten registration will take place at the Community Education and Recreation Center, 520 W. South Street, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m, on Thursday, April 29, 2021. Enrollment forms are now available online at our website - building. Parents will need to bring. ' Certified State copy of birth certificate • Updated immunization records and 966137. r will be celebrating her ’ i) 90th birthday on S' April 9, 2021 90< into Middleville." . At 4 p m today, the new design for the village and DDA will I* revealed. The event will be hybrid, where people can attend either in-person or online. TKetn-person portion of the event will be at Thomapp e To'y^hip Emergency Services fire station, 128 High • Those wishing to ,n I*™" must Village Clerk Glonmar Ayala. ayalag@ villageofmiddlevillc (’r8-.,° reserve a space. "Snace is limited500,31 distancing will be inP&^“wrbrhose r,, Happy Birthday, Mom! ’ Ben Muldrow of the South Carolina-based urban planning firm Arnett Muldrow held a virtual design workshop Tuesday night and met virtually with local business owners Wednesday morning to work on crafting the new brand for the village and downtown development authority. “The final designs wiD serve as the face of our community and shape bow we market our festivals, downtown businesses, and much more in the years to cane." DDA Director Katherine Schmidt said. During Tuesday’s design workshop, Muldrow fielded thought-front local residents and leaders on themes tlw’d like to see in the rebranding. A common ‘Atne was celebrating Middleville’s smaU-to»n(ed. "When you thinl about community and you think about family and you take a look al why people arc moving here, it ceases to become the middle of nowhere and it becomes the middle of everything.’’ village council Trustee Kerin Smith said. "Il’s family, community,great schools, quaint businesses.” Smith spoke of the many family-oriented activities that go on in the village during the summer. Rhonda Van Polen, who was hired as deputy derk by the village last year, spoke about the activity in the downtown area. “I can look outside from where I sit at my desk, and there is always something happening, w'hether it’s little kids that are skateboarding and they shouldn’t be, or somebody shoveling the walk across the street,” Van Polen said. “I’m so excited to see a store going in across the street [in the Lofts of Middleville building). If I walk across the street to get lunch, I meet somebody on the road. There is always something happening.” The village hired Arnett Muldrow in early February to develop the village/DDA co-branding campaign at a cost of no more than $15500. Arnett Muldrow has worked on past branding initiatives in the City of Wayland and with the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership. . “There is some beauty behind being small,” Muldrow said. ‘It doesn t mean you’re against new things, it doesn’t mean you’re against new residents. It just means we’re not trying to g^w at all costs and we re not trying to see how many people we can fit • Proof of residency. Hnwsver Children must be five years old before September ^021.^ if a child will be five years old before December 1.2021. he,she can stm attend school with an approved waiver. Br S^L,AW complete before school attendance in the ^" /[Zn and hearing test, parents will also be given an appointment for th0 __________ �Pago 4 — Thursday, April 1. 20*» nw Hastings Banner ______ ________ — Did you • Silly Sasquatch The living voice of Easter A. »n„t has been •‘roaming’ the hills A bigfoot cuto Hastings Charter behind John andIL«£ A ( Town^^^^out ,or a no*flhbor, theirs made enzes to make one as a WH|h '"nnther friend. Ultimately, they decided x! nne toXmselves. and it has been As if our troubled world cv™ Holy Week and the Easter hX^’ moved around the rolling hills of the crop and battle farm It is our attempt to spread some joy and silliness.’ Liz keep moving him around the farm, and then we wail and see if people notice him. Every stinking time I see it, I laugh. John is a very good sport, and we’ve had fun moving him [the plywood creature]. John also has made cow and calf cutouts to put out, too, because he wants peo­ ple to know the difference. Do you remember? Play ball! This photo, thought to be of the 1923 Hastings High School baseball team, was published in the Jan. 19, 1921 Banner with a few blanks saving room for the names of three players staff hoped readers could identify. They did. A week later, everyone had been identified. With today being opening day of the 2021 Major League Baseball season, here's a look at a local baseball team from 98 years ago: Remember this team? - This photo of a Hastings High School baseball team, believed to have been taken in the spring of 1923, was given the Banner by Mrs. Sadie Sutton, 317 E. State St., but we haven't been able to identify all of the players. Maybe some of our readers can complete the identification. Pictured are front row, from left) Lyle Biddel, Bert D’Donnell, Ward Green, Ted “Toady" Hyan; (middle row) Manning Jones, Ted (nickerbocker, Frank Card, Freddie Parker, Don Joy, Keith Chase, (back row) “Chief” Laubaugh, Coach Ralph Kaiser, Lyle Story and Vincent Eggleston. Coach Kaiser two years ago retired as manual arts teacher at the Ionia prison. Have you met? Judy Anderson, who helped bring girls’ interscholastic athletics to Hastings, has loved sports her entire life. It began with a simple love for being active, but the competition and camaraderie of sports in particular captured Anderson's interest as a young girl. However, growing up in the small town of Milroy. Ind., in the 1950s and 1960s. Anderson’s school didn’t offer girls sports. Instead, Anderson played sports informally with a group of friends. “As a kid, I was so sports-minded.” Anderson said. “Every day after school, we had a group of kids and we played baseball, we played basketball, we rode bikes. I mean, we did not sit around at all. and we were outdoor kids. I mean, we just played and played and played.” During her sophomore year of high school, Anderson decided she wanted to start a girls’ softball team and took matters into her own hands. She created a team and set up practices and games. The hardest part was getting her study hall teacher and baseball coach, Mr. Stevens, to coach for the softball team. “My sophomore year, every day I’d walk up to his desk and I’d say, ‘You know, Mr. Stevens, you know, if you would just coach us, I’ll take care of the practices.’ Everyday day I went up there,” Anderson said. Eventually, she convinced him to coach them and scheduled three games against nearby schools. “I mean I just had it in my blood that girls need to play,” she recalled. “And I was going to do whatever I could to try to [make it happen].” She graduated from high school in 1967 and attended Indiana University. There, she finally had the opportunity to play organized women’s sports through Ute university’s Department of Physical Education for Women. She played basketball, volleyball and softball her sophomore, junior and senior years. , “That was back in the time, you know, when they didn’t have uniforms for women. [Women] didn’t get scholarships. They didn’t get letters,” Anderson said. I found out how to get involved, and then, yeah, it was very fulfilling. It was just like, OK. this is what I’ve been wanting.’” . After graduating from with a major in physical education, Anderson landed a job as a high school physical education teacher at Hastings High School in fall ol 1970. When she arrived, Hastings had no gins Judy Anderson sports. Anderson decided to change that. With the help of fellow teachers — in particular. Patricia Murphy and C indy Robbe Anderson pressured administration to allow them to start girls’ sports teams. ’’[Administration] just kept saying. ’Well, why don't we think about it ’ And I said. ‘No. No.’ I said, ’Look, you don’t have to pay us. All I want is your OK. Give us the OK to start the program. You don’t have to worry about a thing. We’ll do it all. We'll schedule our games. We’ll get our buses. We ve got equipment from the boys’ team. We’ll wear shorts and a T-shirt. You don’t have m anything. Just tell me I can do it,”’ Anderson said. Eventually, she got the permission she’d sought. And in the spring of 1971 Hastings had its first girls’ softball game. In the years that followed, Anderson continued fostering the girls’ sports program, holding the first girls’ basketball games in the fall of 1971 and volleyball games in the winter of 1972. She continued to teach physical education at Hastings for 38 years - also coaching high schtxd volleyball and high school and middle school basketball and softball — before retiring in 2(X)8. Teaching and coaching at HASS has been a wonderful career. Anderson said. “Thecamaraderie with other teachers, I mean, you become a real close-knit family,” Anderson said. “And then see the kids come in and they develop and the friends and families that you meet through all those people ... I’m a pretty social person. Well actually real social. And, you know, I just like all the contact and to see the light bulbs go on, when you’re teaching and coaching and you see them succeed and see them smile and become better people. “It’s been a marvelous career — very rewarding.” In her free time, Anderson continues to stay active often, walking and bicycling, swimming at Algonquin Lake and playing golf or pickle ball. For her efforts in starting Hastings’ girls' sports program and for her 38 years of teaching. Judy Anderson is this week’s Banner Bright Light, Favorite movies: ‘•Hoosiers’’ and “Die Sound of Music.” If I could go anywhere in the world: Ireland, Scotland or Florida. I l°ve water, so I want to go somewhere with water. Best advice ever rtcclvcd: Be patient and find out the whole Story­ Favorite season and why: Summer because it’s nice and warm and you can be in the water and you can plaY sPorts‘ Scho°* is out so you can pretty much W iat ^°U want when you want. . „ .. Important lesson fr°nl c,u,t,hood’ Dunk about the other nen>«n, . , Greatest lhinR X Burry Coun y: think it’s a beautiful county-1 'h,nk ? ' great place to live and tai* “ fan"' it’s filled with really "ice pe0P generous people. . .. If 1 won the lottery : I'1” u give some of it aw ’ would s ,art । some people, and | «ould Pr,’bjbl> ' and do some work on mv Favorite dinner and awrots and then cherry What motivates me: happy and helping people. 1 amved again to remind us of inability to solve our problems. Polity material wealth, education and medical research have never provided the answer In fact, the work of our hands has divided ik even further. What has soured us as a people? Why arc we so quick to judge one another, condemn­ ing those who don’t think like we do? Today’s society is proving the wisdom of the phrase “history repeats itself’ because today’s world is not unlike the one that existed thousands of years ago when Jesus was condemned and crucified. The beauty of the story is that we’re told he rose from the dead three days later, on the Sunday we still celebrate as Easier. Today, though, we’re still not listening to the powerful, unifying and hopeful message of Easter. We allow the simplest of things to divide us rather than looking for ways to work together through compromise to deter­ mine our future. We continue to allow a growing “woke culture” to denigrate our history and divide us as a people. We let the issues of the day become wedges between us, creating caverns rather than bridges that could bring us together. “Do not abandon yourselves to despair.” Pope John Paul 11 reminds us, “we are the Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song.” The Pope points us to the joy of Easter being a time for us to rejoice and to be thankful for the gifts of life, love and joy. It’s the message to our world of the path that wends its way through all the difficulties, frustrations and evil we place in front of each other. Easter celebrates the resurrection and tri­ umph of Jesus over the evil of men that led to his crucifixion and death. In those con­ tentious days and in the times of trouble we find ourselves in today, it’s important to celebrate the defeat of death and the hope of salvation. Easter has always been one of my favor­ ite celebrations because it’s recognized by all major branches of Christianity. It’s one day. one week, one season in which the world is focused on one holy vision. For a brief moment in time, we are united beyond our politics, possessions and dis­ tractions. 1 like it. too, because it’s one of those special celebrations that brings fami­ lies together to attend church, enjoy a meal, baskets of goodies and even an Easter egg hunt for the little ones. Even though most of these things were taken away from us last year due to the pan­ demic. my hope is that this year’s celebra­ tion will bring a sense of solace and a feel­ ing of hope that is missing in our lives. I’m concerned, though, that the signifi­ cance of Holy Week and the Easter holiday is waning and that religion doesn’t play as an important role in the lives of a growing number of Americans. In recent years, church attendance has dropped, and a grow­ ing number of families are assuming that Easter has more to do with eggs, toys and fun than a significant religious holiday. After more than a year of dealing with the coronavirus and the impact it's had on our lives, Easter and its renewed look to the future is needed now more than ever. We've become prisoners to a virus that has over­ whelmed us and changed the way we live and canceled so many things we enjoy. According to a Pew Report, 47 percent of Americans say the virus hasn't affected their faith, while 26 percent say. “1 am not a religious person and this hasn’t changed.” The results suggest not many Americans found religion more important io them during the pandemic. The report shows a significant racial gap. where 41 percent of African American adults said their faith is stronger, compared with 20 percent of white adults and 30 percent of Hispanic adults. Some religious leaders worry people have become accustomed to being cut off from standard practices and will never return, while others are predicting a revival While evangelicals remain an important demographic group for politicians, the per­ cent of Americans who identify with any religion has been in decline for decades And a recent Pew report found that biggest i is with millennial, young generational drop is wit adults bom between 1 >8 ‘ } Should we be ^ncemed with tfiis snarp downward trend ol ;idull<j num. member of a particular religion actively participate today. What nug the long-term effects on our lives, • society as a whole? . “Having no common values, ten g • commitment, or hope, then we are a na i in serious trouble.” Abraham Lincoln sai . "A house divided against itself cannot stan . This nation, under God. shall have a new birth of freedom.” Lincoln is one of many leaders who understood that religious faith and practice not only solidifies a person; it has vital value for families, for countries and for the world. So, why should we, in today’s world, believe? Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus backed that up by living a perfect life, by performing miracles in front of skeptics and cynics and, ultimately, by being raised from the dead, the reason we’ve celebrated Easter for more than 2W0 years. For those who question the importance of faith in their lives, remember that God accepts everyone who is willing to ask for­ giveness, which is the greatest evidence that God is real, and that believing impacts life. If more of us would strive to live a purpose­ ful life with patience and understanding of the people around us, we could easily solve the issues causing much of the hate, anger and misjudgment in our world. We would also find more peace in a troubled times. Everyone must find their own answers. the beauty of the life of freedom that God gave us. I find my own answers in the song. ‘Christ Be Our Light,’ a portion of the lyrics are: ’Longing for peace, our world is trou­ bled. Longing for hope, many despair. Your world alone has power to save us, Make us your living voice. ’’ The living voice comes from a commit­ ment to one another, not from a focus on what divides us. It’s a voice that calls us to celebrate our differences, but not to use them as a tool of division. That's the importance of Easter. It’s God’s reminder that our problems are beyond man’s ability to solve them through politics, education or financial wellbeing. The living voice can be heard in every reli­ gion, whether it’s Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism or Hinduism. It’s a voice that calls us to focus beyond our trou­ bled times toward a coming time and place of no division, hale or war. By aiming our vision heavenward, the problems we face here are solvable because we will work with respect and appreciation for all men and women. So, as we celebrate this joyous Easter holiday, let’s aim to renew that “living voice” that comes from God. Christ be our Light! Shine in our hearts, shine through the darkness. Christ be our Light! Shine on your church gathered today. God is inviting us to step into the light, a light that will unite all people, a light that will provide the answer for which we are in search today. “So, I say to you,” Christ said,“’Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.’” Happy Easter. Fred Jacobs. CEO, J Ad Graphics Inc. I" jn„ people 1‘ f P like to see people smile. 1,|kC U> b r t , n -ni person who Each week. the Banner X, you makes the communiiy ,1^- , "J someone who should I,.- i"::J ‘,1,1s. f‘" solumeer work. stones he or she has t„ teU,,r Banner. , to hless-.n^' Ml -t'lOSB: or /.<5/ N. M-d.1 Highway enioil newMatJ-od^ap^un- Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news £L°m Barry County. Send them... rhe Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 �LICENSING, continued frotT1 Geiger agreed that the board should not waive the late fees, and said he did not sec any option other than to send out the licensing applications and require fees as usual. The Ixxird unanimously voted to do so. Mulder previously said he would abstain front voting on the issue due to his involvement in the restaurant industry, but said he would vole on that motion since its only action was to keep the current policy in place. Geiger later told I he Hastings Banner he believed restaurant inspection licensing notic­ es arc normally sent out in February, but they were delayed this year due to the board’s consideration of reducing the fees. “Unfortunately we have not come to a con­ clusion and at this point we have a legal dead­ line of April 30.” Geiger said. But Geiger added he expects the board to continue discussions ol how to alleviate restaurants’ economic issues after getting more information. Geiger said restaurant owners should expect their notices in the mail soon. In other business: The board voted 5-1 to hire a new supervi­ sor for the personal health division, and Page 1 -_____ he Wervk X months. director Sue n‘H rc,)orl 10 personal s,<le two other suncrv Sma’ and work a,onB' , proS uOFS ,n lhc di'ision. ‘ aI bc«hh dir^.tor i‘nng a sccond I*™"* i overtime Thusnvi i».,e.,eVe ,he long hours of Pandemic bet? aS Xcn Working since the * * 1 11 * • ** , * lhat will allow tk <ln aPProPr‘atc compromise enicicndv .... । le.sla,f lo operate much more on at least ,vc some of the pressure essentially c ,nd,v,dual who’s been working more ih-m . ,X| a!ld SCVcn days a week, a lot But sn h°Urs a day.” Brehler said, hire >» hoard members were hesitant to Smelk’0 lc.r director due to the cost. Jon direcin r SUI? Was against hiring another motion^ Un< WaS Ollty volc a8a“lst die *ugCr sa’d lhc cost of a new supervisor outd be between $50,(XX) and $55,000 for c remainder of the fiscal year. The extenlbe disease investigators will cast $65,000. • Hie board unanimously voted to purchase a medical records software system from Patagonia He’ cut,, Scrimger , ^olct,. Acords system will be render c O|) the end of the year because “ 7. ^eing Internet Explorer, whu f|ja uf out. She rec­ ommended । *’ * nd basca ,Sc °F low maintenance c°s. .n|th dcnaJ>n Positive feed­ back from other h • P nmen(s whjch the softwarep. |Ws c - Geiger sa«< :ng tkw^n «<> further dis­ cussion on pufv which *)flWare for vac­ cine distribution>» topic of extend­ ed discussiondunr^- f. rU;iry meeting. - The next Bo^meeting at9:30n.m.onniur > APnl 22. Community cross walk is tomorrow Grace Lutheran ^h Airport commission extends manager’s contract Sophie Bates Staff Writer The Hastings/Barry County Airport Commission extended airport manager Mark Noteboom’s $78,000 contract for another three years, al the same rate of pay. during its monthly meeting March 24. Noteboom’s contract was scheduled to end May 31 and. in preparation. Noteboom has been training assistant airport manager Mark Anderson to take his place. Mark 1 Anderson] has been in training to do this.” Noteboom said. “But he still needs some more work and some more mentoring. So, what I’d like to do is just extend my con­ tract out until he’s comfortable enough to lake it and go from there.” Noteboom said /Xnderson may decide not accept the position of airport manager. "If Mark 1 Anderson] decides that he doesn’t want this, which could be a possibility, then we’ll have to look at another person,” Noteboom said. Gino Lucci — a Federal Aviation Administration-certified aircraft mechanic and pilot and the owner of Lucci Distributing and Round Engine Aero — has applied for the airport manager position in the event Anderson docs not take over. Noteboom’s contract stipulates he train his successor at no cost to the airport. And, at a 2019 meeting, the commission gave Noteboom permission to choose his own replacement. "Six months down the road, if Mark [Anderson] decides he doesn’t want to do it, well, we’re still not out anything because all we did was renew the contract. And if Gino was still interested that would be the next person,” Mayor David Tossava said. “It’s up to Mark because we agreed to that, that he could pick his replacement. So. like 1 said, if w’e renew the three-year contract, we’re not out anything.” The contract requires 90 days’ notice if Noteboom decides to resign or if the board were to terminate Noteboom. The commission voted 4-1 to renew' the contract. Commissioner Vivian Conner voted no because she said she wanted the opportuni­ ty to review the motion authorizing Noteboom to choose his replacement before the vote. ”1 would like to see the motion from last summer first, before, because 1 thought that vote in the summer went differently,” Conner said. The commission also reviewed and approved the airport’s December 2020 finan­ cial report. The revenue for January was $41,462 and $19,407 for February. Expenditures were $23,630 for January and SI6.184 for February'. LDFA board reviews budget, parking and storage ordinance Sophie Bates Staff Writer The Local Development Finance Authority and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board last week reviewed a revised version of its 2020-21 budget for implementation into the 2021-22 fiscal year budget. Looking at the 2020-21 budget. Community Development Director Dan King said revenue is currently on track and not expected to change. Revenue was budgeted to reach $35200 and is currently $30,264. •’From a revenue standpoint, likely there won’t be any change to lhat,” King said. "(City Clerk Jane Saurman] has information on the tax rolls and what’s anticipated from lhc Tax Increment Funding tax capture, as well as the Local Community Stabilization Act money that we budgeted $10,200 for this year and we received $ 11350. From the semi parking rentals, we budgeted $5,000. We’re about on track to collect lhat for this year. So, I don’t believe that there’ll be any change to [revenue].” For expenditures, the board budgeted $H £00 for the 2020-21 fiscal year and thus far as spent .$4,405. “I would recommend to our clerk/trcasurer staff a similar budget that’s representative of year, similar to this year s King said. After reviewing the budget, the board unanimou ly approved a motion to recommend the budget be implemented into the 2021-22 bud­ get. The board also discussed parking and stor­ age zoning ordinances. The issue was first raised at the January LDFA/BRA meeting by Bill Westerveld, owner of Cabinets Plus on East State Street. Westerveld noted that semi­ truck parking regulations cover all areas of the city, including private property in industri­ al zones. Currently, within the D-1 and D-2 industri­ al districts the storage of large items, such as boats or vehicles, is permitted as long as it is screened by a fence or other obstruction, from the view of nearby properties and roadways. "It may be a situation where we do have to review our ordinance or permitted uses in the D-l and D-2 districts to further define and clarify the semi- parking and storage issue,” King said. "It may be advantageous or perti­ nent to go ahead and have the planning com­ mission review those ordinances and possibly do a clean-up issue or text amendment to better define and clarify what’s permitted, what’s a special use and maybe items in those zoning ordinances that are really new and don’t speak to some of the actual activities that are occurring.” The board requested the planning commis­ sion review die ordinance and make changes if necessary. rhe Hastings Banner Devoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by.. Hastings invites the community to ‘ .. *n the Good Friday Cross Wdk, Apnl walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. from -u,bcran Church. 239 E. North St., The cross walk Reeled last year due to the onset of U P lentic. This year’s event will have with a ided safety precautions. Participants will outsjde in the church parking lot for ^,ret ns and prayer before beginning. -i,. Bottles of water win be available for those who would like 10 a.c ®nc °n the journey. Restrooms are aval able in the church however, those entenng askcd to wear a mask while inside- alkers from the same family unit may walk close together, however, participants will be encouraged to keep a greater distance between different families. "We walk in me streets of Hastings, reminding us of how Jesus walked in the streets of Jerusalem to the place of Crucifixion," Pastor Ken Scheck said. "Good Friday is not just another work day or day off, it is an opportunity for us to focus on the journey of our Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection. During the walk, we will stop, read Scripture and oiler prayers as we open our minds to Jesus’ journey, which gave us life.” From the church, walkers will head south on Michigan Avenue, west on State Street through downtown, pause in front of the courthouse, return east on State Street, turn north on Michigan Avenue, and conclude the walk back at the church. The 2 16-mile wdk usually takes about 1 '/i hours. Those who can’t walk the entire distance may join as long they arc able. A safety vehicle will follow the walkers to offer a ride or assistance, as needed. Everyone wanting to carry the cross may take a turn. People of all ages are invited to participate. Strollers are welcome, but no petj or bicycles. A timeof visitingoutside will be provided at Grace after the walk. Additional information is available by calling the church, 269-945-9414, or Kim Domke, 269-908-0024. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. and press releases: news&^dgraphlc^ ■ y^slng: a<iS<s>i.adg,aphicscom News To the editor: I am really upset because I really believe recycling is important to preserve our soil so we aren’t putting all the trash in our earth. People don’t recycle correctly. They pm plastic bags in with cans and plastic bottles. The bags can be recycled at Walmart. There are signs saying "no plastic bags.” Cardboard boxes in with cans and plastic and glass Just take the time to recycle properly: No cardboard in with the cans and plastic bottles. If not sure, ask someone to explain it. Georgia Lindroth, Hastings Financial FOCUS J j Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones ' Member SIPC Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Kevin Beck, AAMSO Financial Advisor 400 W. State St, Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945.4732 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 How much risk should you take before retirement? If you’re planning to retire in just a few years, you may be getting excited about this next phase of your life. However, your ability to enjoy retirement fully will depend, at least partially, on the resources you can draw from your investment portfolio. So, while you still have time to act, ask yourself if you're comfortable with your portfolio’s risk level. Your relationship with risk cm change noticeably over time. When you started saving for retirement, you may have been willing to take on more investment risk, which translated into a relatively high percentage of stocks and stock-based mutual funds in your investment portfolio. As you know, stocks offer the potential for greater returns than other assets - such as bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs) - but they are also typically more volatile and carry more risk. But when you were many decades away from retirement, you had sufficient time to recover from market fluctuations. (Of course, there arc no guarantees - it's possible that some stocks will Io* y«luc and ncvcr regain it ) Now, fast forward to where you arc now - closing in on retirement- Even at this suge of jour life - am*. "> <“'• even during your retirement - you will need some growthoriented investments to help stay ahead of inflation. Over time, even a low inflation rate, such as we’ve had the past several years, can erode your purchasing pow er. So. the issue isn’t this: "Should I get rid of all my risk?" You shouldn’t and. in fact, you couldn't, because all investments, even the ones considered most "conservative.’’ contain some type of risk, even if it isn’t the risk of loss of principal. For instance, some investments run the risk of not keeping up with inflation. Instead, ask yourself these questions: “How much risk should I take within my portfolio'.’” “How much risk do I actually need to achieve my goals in retirement?” Of course, there arc no one-size-fits-all answers. You’ll need to look at your investment portfolio to see if it’s positioned to provide you with the income you'll require in your retirement years. You might have initially based your financial strategy on a specific type of retirement lifestyle, but now that you’re nearing retirement, perhaps you've changed your mind. Your anticipated new lifestyle might require either more or less income than you had Hank Schuuring Rebecca Pe’ £dll0,) Kathy Mau'®Xrfjeditor) Brett Bremer ($P° Sophie Bates 6reg Chandler Sean Bradl0/ Taylor Owens ’A®JJSING DEPARTMENT • 8^»5°SS7"ra,,,hF'xt11'ScottOmmen Mike Gilmore ________ Locations to j postmasterXTTT Jones. S1PC ^iase the Hastings Banner! ttiditoiWK Kfefifi/nn d: SupeifW Fair^rW* Speedway Middlcvil’e Greg’s Get-h-N-Go hWdfeviiie Johnny’s Woodland Express Tom's Ma*4 OlOLlKte One SopShopIPh^bps 66) lbeG^Sl«’ T _ r . Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates-sZoT $60 per year in^f?■ year in BanV Count/ $65 re,"°dl0lnln9 counties ______ _______ y l^ir elsewhere Advisor. Edward Hastings DANNER FnPeportJ LWs Najhriffri; Ooverdale General Brown s Cedar Creek Grocen Sam’s Gounti»-t Foods FredeHClaCE0S Publisher & ctu originally projected - and if that’s the case, you may need to adjust the risk level in your portfolio or make other adjustments. • For example, suppose you had initially envisioned a rather quiet retirement’ sticking around your home, volunteering and spending time with your grandchildren. But in recent years and especially since jh<f confinement many of us have felt during the COVID-‘I9 pandemic - you may have* thought that you’d now like to travel extensively. To achieve this goal, which will likely cost more than your original one, you may have to work longer, or invest tnon* each year until you retire, or seek a higher return on your investments - which means accepting more risk. As you can see. managing risk is a balancing act - and you may need to make some tough choices. But as long :v( you’re aware of how much risk you can take, and howmuch risk you may need to take to reach your goals, you can develop a strategy that aligns with your objective*. J This article wax »»utter: by Edward Join s for me by your, local Edward Jones Financing Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings Banner, Inc A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. ’ 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 Recycling is great, as long as it’s done correctly Tra^Pcsl MV Ph Doster Country Store Faririiy Fare Oc'toa Johnnc's Prattle Fast Stop infield: Ban’kid General Stere R-ps66^^fion (M-37We$t) Ld^fFAft^ Odessa Johnny 5 OranSAiUe Fa?. Stop QQH’IJnfl: Coldswouhys Dowling Gerwrol Store Toun&Comtry Member �Elaine Garlock Several weeks ag0 a . snow fun sliding down the hill7o pond discovered two prongs from F Urm antlers protruding above the surfac?n?°f Further exploration showed the tines w • . KC‘ of a set of antlers on an 8-ixiint hi’,,.Lt’re1parl body was buried in the pond. Weather ch^m-s Frank Edmond Hodges, age 86. of Delton, passed away on March 27.2021. Frank was bom on October 17. 1934 in Sanger, California, the son of Frank and Helen (Powell) Hodges. Frank was a proud United States Navy veteran. He was also the manager of several Ben Franklin and Woolworths stores before becoming a corrections officer for 25 years. Frank enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, having coffee with friends al Grove Street Cafe and was a member of the Barry County Conservation Club. Most of all. he enjoyed spending time with his family. Frank is survived by his son, Jim (Cindy) Hodges; daughter, Pam (Mike) Nevins; grandchildren: Kyle (Amanda) Nevins, John (Vada) Nevins, Chloe Hodges. Lcxi (Milan) Stupar. Jeff (Lisa) Green, and Jason Green; great grandchildren: Chase, Griffin, Alexandra, and Milos. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley (Govicr) Hodges; and brother. Jerry Hodges. Frank’s family will receive friends on Thursday, April 1,2021,4:00 to 7 p.m. at the Williams-Gorcs Funeral Home. Private burial will take place in Brown Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Doster Community Reformed Church will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Frank’s family. Albert Yepez. or Craig as he was better known to friends and family, passed away on March 27. 2021 after a long battle with COPD. . He was a graduate of Hastings High School in 1968. Craig spent his young adult years working in various factor)’ jobs until eventually joining the Marine Corp and achieving the rank of Corporal. Upon return from the Marine Corp he reintegrated into civilian life by ‘taking up drywalling’ as a profession for many years. ■ He enjoyed fishing, going out to cat. and spending time with his grand and great­ grandchildren. He is survived by his four children Marie, James, Daniel, and Tomas Yepez, as well as 11 grandchildren and four great­ grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother. Mildred, his father Henry, and his sister Sara. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you lake a shot of tequila and hug a loved one in his memory . Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. ’ Worship Together ...at the church of your choice Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email has time® gmail.com. Website: www. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Milter, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning W’orship: 9arn and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags for chilren are available in the 9 a.m. senice and Kid's Cliurch is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E Woodlawn. Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 pm. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E State Rd., P.O. Box 273. Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifcgatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling. MI 49050? Pastor. Steve Olmstead. (269) church phone. 758-3021 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9.30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings. MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616 690-8609. , t , 9:45 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. PO. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S M­ 43), Delton, Ml 49(M6. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Charles “Chuck” Chewning of Hastings, (formerly of West Virginia)* aSe Passccl away on March 22,2(PL He was bonj to *Arlcy :ind Margaret (Blankenship) Chewning °n Jan ,()‘ 1943 in Cassity, W V. He was one of six children. He is survived bv one brother. Richard Riggleman of Florida He was preceded in death by brothers. Jimmy Blankenship. Ken Chewning, Glen Blankenship and Arley Chewning. Chuck served in the United States Army and loved his countr). He proudly wore his VA attire and flew the American flag outside his home. He also loved to garden and spend time with his wife and dogsHe was married to leie Lena (Poling) from 1965 until her death in 1995. He married Margaret Huey in 2004. Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of 16 years, Margaret Huey: his children. Jerry (Sandra) Chewning, Agnes (Wayne) Seeley, Eva Chewning, Paula (Doug) Jasperse, Doris (Brian) Toronyi, Fred (Teri) Huey, and John (Angie) Huey, tls well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was blessed in life to have many close relatives and friends. The family would like to thank Elara Hospice for their care and compassion during Charles’ illness. There will be a celebration of life from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. April 10, 2021 at Elks Lodge. 102 E Woodlawn Ave, Hastings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to b:lp with expenses or donations maybe made to Elara Hospice or a charity of yvur choosing. and spring-like weather for many days brought thawing. By using a quad runner attached to rope tied around the tines at the earlier date the carcass was pulled from the mud of th? pond. Examination showed the deer had been shot in the neck. Likely, he had gone into the pond to get some drinking waler, mired in the mud and with his weakened condition was unable to make his retreat from the pond. The carrions soon made use of his remains and the antlers were saved as a souvenir of an exciting day in the winter of 2021. We read of the rapid turnover of real estate listed for sale. A real estate firm had a listing with photo of a house on MacArthur Street in Lake Odessa March 21. The price was SI99,000. Within days, the sign carried an additional panel reading “sold.” A newspaper article in another day reported that West Coast residents arc selling at elevated prices t Midwest where they can and coming to the . their Western buy at much lower pnc« counterparts. ... church is having Central United Method*Chur pm Apfj| its Good Friday !’«rvl‘£ outdoor sen ices, 2. Current plans arc Pajm Sunday was weather permitting, m wiyduring some observed by the waving < P* .ice j of the music with children ranpr f M^dll upward on the platform wav mg. was the cantor. and Johnson Drivers on Fourth AvcnU . street are treated to a beautifu $ © - a lighted cross with blue lights at fl Johnson Street. . . Earlier this week, excavating ' . done at the site of a house fire in I ecc • Workmen were regrading and reniovi g retaining wall. Another change is a . north, on the Johnson/Anderson farm, w ktc the smaller house has been removed, me Johnson homestead house remains. That ia been sold several years ago. A bit of history Before there was a Fourth Avenue, which came with platting of the village, the Johnson house was reached by a lane that ran south from today’s Bonanza Road. J^ewbom babies Ava Lynn Marshall, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 19. 2021 to Odyssey Merritt and Aaron Marshall of Hastings. Rylan Quick, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February’ 27, 2021 to Gloria Quick and Andrew Quick of Hastings. Natalie Rose Wagner, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 21, 2021 to Leslie Wagner and Steve Wagner of Hastings. Scarlette Sue McNecs, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 2.2021 to Meagan Angela McNecs and Brady Lyle McNees of Woodland. ♦♦♦♦♦ Daniel James Petersen, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 22. 2021 to Jeanene Petersen and Christopher Petersen ol Lake Odessa. Ryder Eugene Almaguer, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 2, 2021 to Jorgan Foreman and Juan /Mmaguer of Gun Lake (Orangeville). Annabelle Robin Shaw, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 24, 2021 to Emma Shaw and Brandon Shaw of Hastings. Benjamin Dean Ilubcr, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 6. 2021 to Emily Schultz and Brad Huber of Hastings. 4 A** * *+♦A* Brynlee Charlie Marie Madden, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 26, 2021 to Madison Katheryn Hayes and Joshua Duane Madden of Hastings. TWINS - Lilian Annabelle Rose Work and Izabella Vivian Renee Work, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 14.2021 to Shannon Mead and Hunter Work of Hastings. Vaccine ‘survey* among latest text message scams Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents to look out for text message scams, known as “smishing” - a form of criminal activity attempting to obtain personal or financial information. In a consumer alert that was reissued Wednesday, Nessel provides tips on how Michiganders can spot and stop smishing attempts. While smishing is used for several different types of scams, most recently, criminals have used this format to send bogus COVID-19 vaccine surveys. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people across the country’ have reported getting texts out of the blue, asking them to complete a limited-time survey about the vaccine. In exchange, people are offered a free reward and then informed they must pay a shipping fee. which requires bank account or credit card information. This is a scam. Do not fall for it. Nessel said. “Scammers are continuing to prey on our fears and concerns surrounding the ongoing pandemic. As a result, they arc attempting to use the vaccine rollout to bamboozle people out of their personal information. Do not fall for these tactics,” she said. “Never click on any unsolicited links or attachments that you may receive via text, and if offered a prize or reward, never enter your credit card, bank account information or any °lher PcrsonalIy identifiable information to collect it.” Anyone who receives a suspicious text or email, is reminded: - Don’t click on any links or open attachments. - Don’t give out bank account, credit card, or personal information. 77*>6(SPAM) - Do report smishinc texts to 77.6 (bl am) for investigation. b . . - Do filter unwanted text messagesjhrough the wireless provider 1 with a call-blocking app. or Connection to protection is just a click or phone call l,bra° °f liable er alerts and additO. purees are available 24/7 at Michigan ^ ^ Consumer com­ plaints can be fi^'X’ at the attorney general’s website bv C^Iing 877'765’ 8388. ’ or b> No shadowing the shadow Dr. Universe: Can a shadow make a shadow? Aven, 7, Palouse, Wash. two shadows will come from one object. If you have two flashlights or two light sourc­ es, you could try to create multiple shadows by shining the light on an object from two Dear Aven, different angles. Maybe you can even see When we look around our world, we can what happens when you use three flash­ find all kinds of shadows. One way we can lights. explore the answer to your shadow- question If you are anything like me, you might is with a little experiment. also be surprised to learn that not all shad­ My friend Anya Rasmussen, a physics ows are black. Rasmussen said if we exper­ professor at Washington State University, imented with red, blue and green lightbulbs, told me all about it. we could make shadows in different colors. First, you will need to cast your shadow’ We can make small shadows or big shad­ on a wall. Rasmussen reminded me shad­ ows. Even our enormous Earth makes a ows form when an object, such as your shadow. As the moon passes through Earth’s body, blocks light and keeps the rays from shadow, it creates a lunar eclipse. reaching a surface, a wall, for instance. Light and shadows are not oni) an import­ To see how this works, you can ask a ant part of understanding physics, but they grown-up or friend to shine a flashlight or a are also a big part of creating art and telling lamp behind you and onto the wall. stories. Rasmussen said. You also can take some time to see how When we look at paintings from impres­ the shape and length of your shadow change sionist artists like Claude Monet and as you move closer or farther from the wall Edouard Manet, we can see how the artists “If you want to see if your shadow casts paid a lot of attention to these two important shadows, now shine a light on your shad­ elements. After all. shadows and light go ow,” Rasmussen said. hand in hand. Point another flashlight at the shadow After you’ve finished experimenting, see then take a few moments to observe wh it how many shadows you can spot around happens. Alright, it’s almost time to reveal your home or around the neighborhood. the answer, so if you want to experiment come back and finish reading this alter you Perhaps you can even sketch a few different try it out. ? u shadowy shapes out on a piece of paper. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be a scientist or an artist — maybe you’ll even If you have continued readinn h... • spoiler alert: A shadow cm’t nA 1 rc.,s a be both. You are well on your way. ow. Unlike you and lnc " h? a shadreflect or absorb light. It can’t^v Can'U’' Dr. Universe HgMand keep that llghl ways.R-tsmussensai^ *“’0*s ”> «lw Perhaps you’ve noticed ihn, • ----------------------------- _ lvea "W sometimes Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdrttntversex'om. �yZ . The ft attto swto anMoWSOTtobaUtew Banner - Thursday, Apnl I, 2021 - Phq« 7 iwa Health department was model for rest of state Part VII The following is one of a series of articles written in 1981 by Barry' County Judge‘ Richard Loughrin to mark the anniversary of the Imai health department, which had' noteworthy beginnings. Barry was selected in 1931 to be the model county in which to test health care education, hnighrin at the time served as president of the Barry CountyHistorical Society. This article is from the Dec. I. 1981. Banner. County was part of ‘Laboratory for the World’ Barry’ and the six other counties of the Michigan Community Health Project in the 1930s became a “laboratory for the world” to observe a series of major demonstrations in stimulating local community leaders to improve the quality of life for rural Americans, Andrew Pattullo. vice president of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, told [Barry County) Historical Society members at their November meeting. The MCHPproject, using the full resources of the foundation in applying current knowledge under staff supervision, attracted thousands of observers from the United States and countries around the world who stayed for periods of short and long duration. Just recently. Pattullo said, he met a physician in a foreign country who had spent time with the project in Van Buren County. Pattullo. who described himself as the remaining link on the foundation staff to the MCHP era, joined the foundation in 1943, when it was disengaging itself from a direct relationship with the project He became well acquainted with Will Keith Kellogg and gained insights into the latter’s remarkable success. W.K. Kellogg was a complex individual, shy and retiring, aloof in many ways, but above all. he was an astute businessman. For 25 years, he was business manager of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, one of the world’s greatest institutions of its kind and of “Local contractors and craftsm international reputation. The discovery w. lion." reads a nofalion wi)h |h on are educated by cooperation in drawinn <, . of summary on the Barry CoUn{ P oto »n ‘ The First Eleven Year*; "a m 9 sPecifications and maintaining ♦ • com Hakes as an appetizing food came about buildings were being remOdeLH.ea,lh DePadment was printed that saml PUb lcalion on the WK Koltenns’andards ,n construema search for a health food to be used as a protein meat substitute. Only in later years was it marketed as a breakfast cereal. g ater. (W.K. Kellogg Foundation) e furniture. Inexpensive pressure Kellogg’s company survived the intense competition of the 50 or 60 cereal companies in Battle Creek through his tremendous sense project left a lcgaC> * ,lJj <he foundation from Other members of the foundation who the luncheon at the Middleville Inn the ‘ 10 1945, Pattullo ol marketing, in advertising, he was the exciting yCiirs 0 were guests of the historical society included following day and greeted longtime , • । . flamboyant for the times, e.g., “Sweetheart of said. Dr. Robert D. Sparks, director of the medical Dr. Emory M< irns ‘ Enlist of Nashville acquaintances and participants of the MG HP the Coni.” and used the first electric sign in and Battle Creek, was remembered by division. Robert Hencey. director of project. Among them were former county Times Square, New York City. communications. Dr. William J. Grove, health department directors Dr J.K. rMtland As Kellogg’s business prospered, he Pattullo. who said Df • 'orris became a part­ recently appointed program director in health, and Dr. Vergil N. Slee and his wife; Esther time consultant tbe foundation in 1933 sought in the 1920s to become a benefactor of and Ms. luiura Davis, administrative assistant. Kreider, Mildred Doyle, Marc Sq trier. Ethel children to a fellowship foundation. After when he was practicing dentistry in Battle Dr. John Duffy, medical historian speaker at Barber. Lyman and Gertrude Chamberlain. Creek. The following year.Dr. Morris became attending the 1930 White House Conference the next day’s luncheon, also was a guest, on Children, Kellogg became more deliberate the foundation’s full-time director of the brought in from the University of Mary land Mrs. Jean M. Lund of Middleville, widow of division and. ultimately, general director and the late Dr. Lund, and Richard Cook, whose in his desire to help children and their health. through the courtesy of the foundation. .... j------------ late wife was Rose DeFoe Dook. He realized he had to help a child’s community treasurer of the foundation. Members of the historical society attended first in order to help the child. Thus, he established the W.K. Kellogg Child Welfare Foundation. /Mthough the words “Child Welfare’’ were soon dropped from the name, the emphasis had continued. With his typical caution. Kellogg drew advice and counsel for the foundation from a board of confidantes, and they developed the initial strategy of “beginning in our own Nearly 20 years; backyard” to lest some thoughts on developing as the pilot program to test preventative j a model rural county, with primary emphasis health theories as part of the Michigan on health and education. The MCHP project Community Health Program, people from resulted. throughout the world were still traveling here At limes, the MCHP project resembled a to learn more. \ • “three-ring circus” Pattullo said, with action A clipping, possibly from the GVrmd in three areas going on simultaneously in each Rapids Press in November 1950, featured an county: Establishing a county health article headlined -Barry trains U students; department, establishing or modernizing a public health experts get job experience.” hospital in each county, and third, modernizing Barry County s health department, which the schools into consolidated districts with since Jan. 1.1949, has been functioning under adequate physical resources. Meanwhile, a a health center committee, has more than just f- *1 ' principal purpose of the project, strengthening routine functions of a public health unit. local community leadership, enabled many It also serves as a Training ground’ for leaders to receive further education at major graduate students from the University of universities. Michigan s school of public health and for /Mthough the foundation withdrew its field training for other U of M students director participation by 1945, the MCHP studying to enter the public health field. County was ‘training ground’ “A group of 14 students, representing India. Alaska, and eight states [Alaska not having gained statehood yet), spent last week in Barry County seeing how a county health department actually is operated. List professions Graduate students at the school of public health of the University of Michigan watch “The ‘campus health unit’ included physicians, dentists, engineers, sanitarians, a a demonstration by Nelson Lieffers. Pennock Hospital X-ray technician, showing how nutritionist, nurses and health educators who the county annually examines an average of 950 persons for traces of tuberculosis. make regular inspections, home visits and Pictured (from left) are Dr. David Witters, of Pierre, S.D.. dentist; nurse Hazel Fowler. observe other public health functions to see Murfreesboro, Tenn.; nutritionist Marjorie Cantoni, West Newton, Mass.; nurse Joan tor themselves how textbook language is Gannon, Osseo, Minn., Dr. N.R. Frankovelgia, Chicago; health educator Howard applied on the job. Hilton, Pontotoc, Miss.; engineer William Porter, Juneau, Alaska; sanitarian Donald “Other university campus health units are Price, Walterboro, S.C.; and Dr. Vergil Slee, Barry County Health Department director. assigned to Ottawa, Branch-Hillsdale. Kalamazoo. Calhoun and Macomb counties. “Barry taxpayers do not stand expense of Bureau; Rev. Leason Sharpe, pastor of First which is attempting to set up a more this program. Their health department budget Presbyterian Church and county Red Cross coordinated program between preventive and benefits by about $9,500 a year through chairman; Dr. Wilbur Birk; Lawrence curative medicine. The center, created by participation in the program, according to Dr. Stcenwyck, Freeport superintendent of agreement between the Pennock Hospital Vergil Slee, director of the department and of schools; Lotlie Teusink, superintendent of Board of Trustees and the Barry' County nurses at Pennock Hospital; Mrs. Harold Board of Supervisors, is working for a Pennock Hospital. “Federal and state money totaling about [Louisci Newton, general chairman of the 40 unification of medical efforts in the county. S8.000. plus $1.500 from the W.K. Kellogg Pennock Hospital guilds, and George B. Dr. Slee reported that while results to date are Foundation, finances the work and also makes [“Buzz”) Youngs, news editor of the Hastings far from tangible, greater results should be it possible for Barry County to have a more Banner. shown when the health department moves “Particularly interesting to the students into quarters at the hospital when the new adequate public health staff than might • • •_ _____ was Barry County s health center program. $470,000 AA/\ addition is completed .” otherwise be possible, Dr. Slee reported. Inspected city 157479 “While in Hasting5* public health students made engineering r,c>d trips, inspected BARRY BIDDERS restaurants and resorts, visited the E.W. Bliss BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION plant in company with an industrial hygiene engineer from the state health department, 1725 West M-43 Highway P.O Rnvst i-'o the Barry- County Road Commission, Sealed proposals will be received >i , ,<■,ce and look part in many conferences. April 5.2021 for the sale of the fAt • 1 ,astin^ M 49058, until 10:30 A.M Monday, “One of their most interesting conferences 'oilowing items. was . . when nine laymen were invited by Dr. Slee for a panel discussion with students. Office at the above nr infurrn‘l^•On rnay be obtained at the Road Commission Specifications and address additional Members of the panel included Supervisor °r at our "eb site at uanv.barovrc.org. J J. Mead, a memberT>f the health committee of the county board; R’c™rd Groos. chairman (1) 2019 Catemilhr V* • i.v. cav*dor, Model 308, Approx. 850 hours of the health center committee; Mrs. Harold Minimum Bid $110,000 [Gladys] Slocum, ^presenting the Farm (2) 2019 Bobcat Skido & Model T870. Approx. 550 hours -leer, —98 ((ight). as Barry County's sanitary engineer. aduatc (lelt) ol Kalamazoo College and the University Maurice C. Kaser. 4 • DaVjd Mcn duced by McMullen to Richard Nixon, operof Michigan, is suc^ d 9nday betn£I _ Aug. 1, 1957 Banner. (After two years. He was photograP1 disposal P> an Ep,scopal priest, and later served a parator of Hastings’ se^9 job to bec° took particular pleasure, when preaching rn Kaser (1929-2O°3)p|S ot>ituarLer his vestments and at times weaving oblique ish in Ohio. suspe^^is sermon5 ' Ohio, in weanng e victory 1 references to a t>ig Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classineu ads The Board reserves the Commis/ rmhMlrnU ^n dHy °r the best interest of the tJeCt . - ----- — ProPosa,s or irre8ularities in BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF TI IE COUN’n' OF BARRY Chairman Frank M. Fiala Member David D. Solmes Member D. David Dykstra �n Tho Hastings Banner Page 8 - - Thursday. April 1. *021 Prairieville Township approves mutual agreement for new police chief LEGAL [NOTICES St‘«n Bradley Prairieville TownshCkT Notice of Fewetow">* ^’oi’rc rowed NOT CE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE oiahgeviui township . Notice is 9unde secto MCL 6Q0 3212 v judicature act ot 1-61. • foreclosed by a safe - that tb^ followingino’Wrt of |hem a, o’ the mortgaged pm* bidder for cash or * a publ'c auction Mta I J5 ,rf th0 circuit court „ calf’s check Mthe - m Bany County, f W OP mortgage may be ’’ 29 J02’ saTpi"^ the highest bid at S ,S AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED rOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE Budget Worktop'^ng-Mereti 16,2021 . greater on the d y ’ .^jy entitle the purchaser m frnclndXa' of the property A potential ■ FJS’er is encouresod'» ** h“<J^^rW« yort3oge Electronic Ren,Matron Systems. Inc. as mortgagee, as nominee .. tor lender and lender's successors under assigns Foreclosing Assignee (rf any) Lakeview Loan S~D.S of Mortgaga June 6. 2008 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 10. 2008 Amount da rned due cn date of notice: $40,326 33 Dcscrphon o’ the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Castleton. Barry County. Michigan, and described as Beg-nning at a point on the North line of Section 21. wh’ch lies 145 feet West of the Northeast „ comer of t „ said Section 21. and running thence Southwesterly 1V feet to a point which lies 166 feet West of the East line of Section 21; thence Northwesterly 130 2 feet, more or less, to a point which lies 295.16 feet West of the East Inc of said Section 21; thence North 119 feet to the North fine of said Section 21; thence East 150 161 feet to the point of beginning. Section 21. Town 3 North. Range 7 West. Common street address (if any). 7964 State Rd. NashwPe. Ml 49073-9607 , Tho redemption penod shall be 6 months from the data of such sale, unless determined abandoned in ; accordance with MCL 600.3241a, or. if the subject real ‘ property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600 3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961. pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be held 1 responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for 1 damag ng the property during the redemption period • Attention homeowner If you are a military service member on active duty, if your penod of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector Date of notice. April 1. 2021 Trott Law. P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1432721 (04-01X04-22) 157827 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236. MCL 600.3212. „ that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at tho place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1.00 PM. on April 15, 2021. Tho amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at tho sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of • the property. A potential purchaser Is encouraged to .’ contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may chargo a , fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Sharon L Mears and Duwayne A Mears, wife and husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any). Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as trustee for Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust. Series 2006-4 Date of Mortgage: June 29, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording July 11. 2006 Amount claimed due on date of notice. $118,644.71 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County. Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Southeast comer of Section 27, Town 2 North. Range 9 West, Hope Township. Barry County. Michigan, thence North 20 rods for a point of beginning: thence North on the Section line 44 rods; thence West 20 rods; thence South 64 rods; thence East 4 rods; thence North 20 rods; thence East 16 rods to the point of beginning; □nd being a part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 27. Except commencing at the Southeast comer of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 27; thence North 956 feet for a point of beginning; thence North 100 feet; thence West 363 feet; thence South 175 feet; thence East 163 feet; thence North 75 feet; thence East 200 feet to the po'nt of beginning Common street address (if any): 8840 Wertman Rd. Delton. Ml 49046-8646 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241a; or. if the subject real property Is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys tho property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during tho redemption period. Attention homeowner: II you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded loss than 90 days ago. or If you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at tho telephone number stated in this notice. This notice Is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 18, 2021 Trott Law, PC. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1431694 (03-18)(04-08) a mw IN ACTIVE MIUTARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS- This Salo may bo rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee In that event, or in tho event the sale is set aside. the purchaser may be entitled to tho return of the bid amount tendered at sale, less any applicable fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse egrvnst the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagor's attorney MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Faith Ellen Smith and Christina M* Upright, to John Smith dated March 8. 2018 and recorded in tho office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County on March 9, 2018 in number 2018-002105 on which mortgage there Is claimed to be due nt tho date hereof the sum of Forty Thousand ($40, 000.00) Dollars and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been Instituted to recover tho debt secured by said mortgage. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and tho statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale ot the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM. on Thursday. April 22. 2021. Said premises is situated in Tho Village of Cloverdale, County of Barry, and The State of Michigan and is described as: Lot Number 31 of tho Original Plat of the Village of Cloverdale, According to tho Recorded Plat thereof, Commonly known as 7586 South M-43 Highway. Cloverdale. Michigan. 49035 Parcel Number. 08-07-090-021-00 Tho redemption period shall be six (6) months immediately following tho sale the property. If tho property is deemed abandoned under MCL 600.3241a. then the redemption period shall be shortened to 30 days for the date of sale. If tho property is sold at a foreclosure sale the mortgagors will bo held responsible to tho person who buys the property at tho foreclosure or to tho mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period pursuant to MCL 600.3278 Dated March 23, 2021 For more information please call Robert L. Byington. Depot Law Office. PLC Attorneys for Mortgagee 222 West Apple St, P.O Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 THIS ARM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE BY ADVERT1SMENT. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act ol 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that tho following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1pm, on Thursday. Aprii 22. 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on tho day of the sale Placing the highest bid at the sa'e does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownersh.p of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact tho county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may chargo a fee for this Information The foreclosure sale is pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Mortgage made by CHRISTOPHER B WALKER and SHANNON J WALKER, Mortgagors, to First National Bank of America, Mortgagee, dated November 9. 2004, and recorded November 17.2004. in Instrument Number 1137316, of Barry County Records. Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $75,178.32, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Said premises are situated in Irving Township, Barry County. Michigan, and are described as: Beginning at the NW corner of the SE 1/4 of tho SE 1/4 of Section 9. T4N, R9W; thence 26 2/3 rods East, thence South 12 rods; thence West 26 2/3 rods; thence North approximately 12 rods to tho place of beginning. Together with rights of Ingress and egress over the currently established road, except that part deeded to the State of Michigan in Uber 246 on Page 589; c/k/a 6153 Cain Creek. Freeport. Ml 49325 Tho redemption period shall be six months from the date of tho sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case tho redemption period shall bo one month, or until the time to provide tho notice required by MCL 600.3241a(c) expires, whichever is later. Tho redemption period further may be shortened pursuant to MCL 600.3238(10) if the property is not adequately maintainod, or if tho purchaser is denied tho opportunity to inspect tho property Please bo advised that if tho mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600 3278 tho borrower will bo hold responsible to tho person who buys tho property at tho mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Dated: March 25. 2021 Randall T. LeVasseur P41712 LoVassour Dyer & Associates. PC Attorneys for Mortgagee 3233 Coolidge Hwy Berkley. Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (03-25)(04-15) 157355 Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Held In-PeJnn < Electronically Moetng ca'lod io 0,dcr 710 ai| board members present, Fire Chief Fbbb’o and 3 ' Revenue and Expenditures project03 d'^cu^sed Motion approved 2021-2022 budget a5 PfCp0GCd Public Comment Motion to adjourn, meeting adjourned 8.00 pm Budget Public Hearinfl-*’arch 23,2021 Heldln-P^EIecVonl^y Meeting called to order 7,05 P™’ boar° mombers present except Trustee Kraai ab£«nt A,s0 2 Quests. Motion approved to open pubfic bearing Budget review Pubhc Comment Motion approved to Bernard Historical Museum funding request Motion approved to dose pubr£ heanng Opened public meeting H Motion approved 2021-2022 budget Resolution 0321 -0 adopted Motion approved to amend Resotution 0321-0 Motion approved 2021-2022 contracts Public Comment: Nona Board Comment: Non0 Motion to adjourn, meetng adjourned 735 pm Submitted by: Mol Risnof/ciotk Attested to by: Tom RocVSuperv.sor 157507 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE FILE NO. 21-28767-DE Estate of Russel A Adams. Deceased. Date of birth: 10/19/1971. TO ALL CREDITORS. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Russel A. Adams, died 2/26/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Arden M. Adams, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street. Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 25. 2021 Peter A Taylor P75940 1210 West Milham Avenue. Suite 202 Portage. Ml 49024 (269) 388-6060 Arden M. Adams 727 South Whitmore Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)953-5216 157770 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE FILE NO. 21-28735-DE Estate of Robert Allen Taylor. Deceased Date of birth: October 30. 1948. TO ALL CREDITORS. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Tho decedent. Robert Allen Taylor, died Marek 16,2020. Creditors of the decedent aro notified that all claims against the estate will bo forever barred unless presented to Sandra K Gottschalk, personal representative, or to botn the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 and tho personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 25, 2021 Kenneth P. Tableman P27890 161 Ottawa Avenue, NW, Suite 404 Grand Rapids. Ml 49503 (616) 233-0455 Sandra K. Gottschalk 540 Shirley, N E. Grand Rapids. Ml 49503 (616)881-3027 157591 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENTS ESTATE FILE NO. 2020-28648-DE Estate of Robert J. Blaser. Deceased on July 19, 2020. Date of birth: 03/01/1938. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Robert J. Blaser, died 07/19/2020 Creditors ol the decedent bjo notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Amy N. Cook, personal representative, or to both the probate court at Barry Co. Probate Ct, 206 W. Court Street. #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 or W.J. Liston, Attorney and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 03/29/2021 William J. Uston. Esq (P38867) 5955 West Main Street Kalamazoo. Ml 49009 (269) 321-5101 AmyN Cook 19217 Davis Lake Road Traverse City, Ml 49684 (231)313-3511 COUNTY OF PUBLICATION OF NOTICE PU-E NO. 21-2®771’c* In tho matter of Virninia Glumm. TO ALL CREDITORS „ . „ TO ALL INTERESTFO PERS°NS: inclu9,n9 Matthew Colby arcirnrislopher Colby whoso addresslos) a,e\nkXw^ matter may bo barred ™ Wthe. Io!lo"'r’9-, TAKE NOTICE. ThaVa of Conservator wifi Ka unH on the 21st uay 01 April, 2021 at 3:15 in the afternoon In the Barry County Probate Conn 006 W. Court S '• Ul 0 302. Hastings. Michml & or via Zoom, Zoom Date; 03/29/2021 David H. Tripp P2929O 202 South Broadway Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 045-9585 Kevin J Doyle 710 W High St. Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 838-5027 “’Lter is the chief of the Barry Township "I hope he will give two weeks’ notice and Police Department. the report thereafter. Goebel said Wednesday -I believe in Kevin’s case [for want‘nS In the interim, the Barry County Sheriff. job] it’s a sense of duty and giving • Office will provide law enforcement services community.” Doster said. to the township, Goebel said. Former The money to pay the police c , Treasurer Judy Pence voted against approv- from a millage passed in November > mg the terms in the contract. renewed in November 2020 to fund the po Once the contract is officially signed department. The millage has broug t in Callahan will replace William Thompson^ $140,805 this fiscal year, which ended March who retired Tuesday after 32 years as a police 31, according to township records provided officer, including the past 13 years in the by DeVries. ( township. If an agreement had not been reached ’Die township will pay $72,406 in the form the end of the day Tuesday, fhe department of a $50,000 annual salary and $22/106 in would have shut down since Thompson had medical insurance for Callahan and his fami­ been its only officer. ly, including his wife and their four children. Thompson said in March he has known of Also, it was agreed that the township will not Callahan since 1999. contribute 5 percent of Callahan’s biweekly ‘‘I know he’s a qualified candidate and paycheck to a retirement account, and the would be a good chief here,” Thompson said. township will not reimburse him for a portion “He’s well qualified.” of his medical deductible. Since November 2020, Callahan has been a Callahan interviewed Monday with town­ supervisor at Holland-based food processing ship officials, including Prairieville Township company Boar’s Head Brand. Supervisor Jim Stonebumer and Trustee Mark Much of Callahan’s career revolves around D. Doster, according to Goebel. law enforcement, according to his Linkedln Callahan deferred further comments about profile. the contract to Stonebumer. From October 2013 to November 2020, he The cost of the contract was the reason worked at the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Pence said she was voting against approving Office, working his way up to the rank of it, although she said she thinks Callahan is a lieutenant. good candidate for the position. Callahan achieved the rank of sergeant She said “it seemed like we are giving him during his 14 years at the Springfield what he wanted,” and asked if any negotiation Department of Public Safety. He worked at had taken place, to which Stonebumer said the department from June 1999 to October negotiations had. 2013. “Are we setting a precedent here? Wc know He also operated his own detective agency the next year, he’s going to ask for an from June 1995 to June 1999 in Portage, con­ increase,” Pence said. ducting fraud investigations for business cli­ Stoneburner replied, “not necessarily.” ents, according to his Linkedln profile. Goebel said before the vote Tuesday he was A graduate of Olivet College with a bache­ “reluctant” to offer such a compensation lor of applied science in criminal justice, package for a first year of a contract. Callahan also has two associate degrees in fire He also said he was impressed with science and law enforcement. Callahan’s vision for the department, which Tools stolen from pole barn Police responded to a breaking and entering complaint in the 400 block of Brogan Road in Baltimore Township at 11:30 a.m. March I. A 73-year-old man said the front door of his pole barn had been forced open, and a chain saw and tool box were stolen. The value of the tools is estimated at $981. The case is currently inactive. Woman arrested after rollover crash A22-year-old Hastings w oman was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated al 2:16 a.m. March 17. The woman was driving on Center Road near Mathison Road in Hastings Charter Township when she crashed and rolled the vehicle over. She appeared intoxicated when the officer arrived and had a 0.186 blood alcohol content. CPR and Narcan administered in overdose A 46-year-old Hastings man called police to report an overdose at his residence in the 2000 block of Tanner Lake Road in Rutland Charter Township at 9:48 p.m. March 21. The caller said his friend, 47, of Hastings, came over and asked to use the bathroom. He heard banging noises from the bathroom and opened the door to find his friend in the bathtub with a syringe next to him. The friend did not appear to be breathing. The man then called 911 and performed CPR as directed by the dispatcher. An officer arrived and found the man unconscious with agonal breathing. The officer gave the man six doses of Narcan within seven minutes to no effect. Eventually the man quit breathing and his heart stopped. The officer performed CPR and resuscitated him after 30 seconds, after which the man continued his agonal breathing. Emergency medical responders soon arrived and look him to the hospital. Stolen street sign returned 157814 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT 2“?^° having a new police chief SUp clowr ,o Kevin Callahan. 52, a-a,., , mutually agreed to term. J lownsl"P have tract which the townvhinV on'’>'car ‘•onnpprove during a specia^n^^ ^O'ecl 10 Callahan, who lives 'in plans to start in the position . 1Tnsh,PApril, he said Wednesday in However Prairieville Tow„ship Ck|k R Goebel said he did not know when Cdl A™ would start in the position. Callahan , • , mi interview March 9. he expressed durl"|k .fl essentially have is “The big roeAnerson department." Goebel to maintain a one pc said. .. , . jny-iiidimi Stonebumer. Several ofTiciaIs, department said during the n’cel' son on duty for the were to ‘’"'L^rbiSher officer after next six months then> > ownship wou|d not that lime or after, tn budget to have to dip into its gcnc'aJnt continue funding thede pa »’Stoncbumer »i think he’s capable of that. Mon A 21-ycar-okl Kentwood woman called police at 2:47 p.m. March 22 to report the theft of a road sign at the comer of Cherry Valley and Gackler roads in Thomapple Township. The woman said she knew the two men who stole the sign and had seen it at their resi­ dence. Police contacted one of the men, 21. of Kentwood who said he did not steal the sign, but he would find out who did and have it returned The sign soon reappeared on the ground near the intersection, and the Barry County Road Commission was notified. Missing garbage can found in ditch A 64-year-old Delton man called police to report his garbage can had been stolen from h S residence in the 4000 block of Ct Cloverdde Road in Hope Township a« 14 a.m. March 26. Flu. man sa.d he put it out by the road the previous night, and found it m.sstng Aedhch'!n®hei-T Whoma>’ ha'ci"’AnoftkcrS°°n’ Can‘n lock of Kingsbury Road about half a mile away. cou'’ 157769 Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news fioin Barry County- Send them... The Hastings BANNER subscribe, call us at- 269-945-9554 �Jason Iat Boone. 46. of Hastings, was found guilty of domestic violence in a Jan. 28, 2020, assault in Yankee Springs Township, as a three time habitual offender. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Michael Schipper to serve 57 to 120 months in prison, as well as 93 days in jail prior to his prison sentence for contempt of court. He was ordered to pay $998 in fines and casts. A charge of assault with a danger­ ous weapon, a knife, was dismissed at the time of his sentencing. His prison sentence in this case is to be served concurrently with a conviction of unlawful imprisonment of a child Jan. 28, 2020. Court records show Boone was previously convicted Feb. 28, 2018, of assault with a dangerous weapon in Barry County, aggravated battery causing bodily harm of disability in Pasco County, Florida, March 15, 2004. Also, he was con­ victed Aug. 8,2004, of being in possession of a handcuff key while in custody, and battery’ of a law enforcement officer in Pasco County, Florida; and he was convicted April 8, 1997* of burglary in Pasco County. Angclia Wynne Cooper, 46, of Grand Rapids, was found guilty of stealing or remov­ ing a financial transaction device June 1, 2020, in Thomapplc Township. She was ordered by Judge Schipper to pay $898 in fines and costs, including $500 in restitution. A second charge of stealing or removing a financial transaction device was dismissed. sentenced her (o^s'*1?' 2°' 201L SchiPPcr her to pav Siow ?,n Jad and ordered placed on ‘T and cos,s*She wi” be comply w itk ?. °n or 24 months and must investigati n * tenns of lhe Pn-’sentencing suspended li«A chargc of drivinP °” a disnfissed. Wesl lr™g Road Crerifd,Lconurd Uinaar. 48. of Baltic ami ^?und £udty of discharging a firetv.t ' 3 n.. *n or at a building, a dwelling or Potentially occupied structure, in reckless f°r safcly any >nd*v’dun* n°v« ’ 19, in Johnstown Township. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to pay S398 in fines and costs. He also was ordered not to use or possess firearms or marijuana, and instructed to complete a mental health evaluation, par­ ticipate in the Office of Community Corrections’ Cog program and comply with all other terms in the presentencing investiga­ tion. Restitution is to be determined. A charge of committing a felony with a firearm was dismissed at time of sentencing. Court records show Leinaar has prior convictions in Barry County April 14,1994. and Dec. 18, 1997. for resisting and obstructing an officer; and Jan. 18, 2001, for negligent homicide. i Christopher Robin McCann. 26. of Hastings, was found guilty of possessing the controlled substance methamphetamine as a second offense Oct. 22,2020, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to pay $398 in fines and costs, placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to comply with all the terms of the presentencing investigation report. A charge of being in possession of firearms and another of possessing ammuni­ tion were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show prior convictions Feb. 16, 2018, for receiving and concealing stolen properly in Eaton County; Sept. 19. 2017. failure to pay child support in Ingham County; and a conviction March 7, 2018. for breaking and entering a building in Ingham County. Randy Lee Crawford Jr.. 33. of Otsego, was found guilty of aggravated domestic vio­ lence March 30, 2020. in Prairieville Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served, and ordered to pay $925 in fines and costs. CrawTord was placed on probation for 24 months and ordered to participate in and successfully complete the Office of Community Corrections’ Cog program for cognitive, behavioral based group treatment, anger-management classes, not to use alcohol and to comply with all terms of the prcsentencing investigation report. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim. Two Jerry William Morgan. 42. of Dowling, assault charges, one involving the use of a was found guilty of assault with intent to do dangerous weapon and the other involving great bodily harm less than murder Dec. 5, intent to do great bodily harm less than mur­ 2020, in Johnstown Township. He was sen­ der. and another charge of aggravated domes­ tenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail, tic violence were dismissed at the time of with credit for 95 days served. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and sentencing. placed on probation for 60 months, on the Remote Alcohol Logan James Cripe, 22. of Hastings, was Secure Continuous found guilty of third-degree criminal sexual Monitoring program for 12 months, and telh, conduct between Feb. 1 and July 1, 2018, in er. Morgan will be placed in Swift and Sure i Nashville involving a;victim between the age • Sanctions Probation program upon his release < of 13 and 15 at the time. He was sentenced by from jail, and he must pay $40 a month in that ; Judge Schipper to serve 267 days in jail, with program fee. A charge of domestic violence, credit for 67 days served. He was ordered to as a third-time offense, was dismissed at the pay S998 in fines and costs. A second third-de­ time of sentencing. Court records show prior gree criminal sexual conduct charge was dis- convictions June 11,2013, for second-degree home invasion in Mason County; and March • missed at sentencing. 25,2013. for breaking and entering a building Jeffrey Scott Gilbert. 58. of Kalamazoo, with intent to commit larceny, as well as w*as found guilty of fourth-degree criminal receiving and concealing stolen property, both sexual conduct, using force or coercion on a in Calhoun County. victim to engage in sexual contact, Oct. 7, 2019, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Alyssa Dale Saunders, 29, of Newaygo, .' Schipper to 448 days in jail, with credit for was found guilty of getting and concealing J 448 days served. He was ordered to pay $998 stolen property, a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. in fines and costs and placed on probation for Oct. 13, 2020, in Barry Township. She was 60 months. A charge of aggravated indecent sentenced by Judge Schipper to 148 days in exposure was dismissed. jail, with credit for 148 days served, and ordered to pay $1,919 in fines and costs, Duane Paul Huntley, 25, of Hastings, was including $1,521 in restitution. Saunders was found guilty of malicious destruction of per­ placed on probation for 12 months and ordered sonal property, motor vehicles, July 9, 2020, to abide by all terms listed in the presentence . in Rutland Charter Township, resulting in investigation report. A charge of failure to *. damage less than $200. and assault and bat­ report an accident was dismissed at the time tery. He was ordered by Judge Schipper to pay of sentencing. $325 in fines and costs and placed on probalion for 12 months. Huntley must comply Michael Scott Vandecar, 22, of Hastings, with all terms of the presentence investigation was found guilty of breaking and entering a report, which will determine a monthly pay- building - Hastings Free Methodist Church, 1 ment amount. Charges of malicious destruc­ 2635 N. Broadway, in Carlton Township tion of a building resulting in less than $200 Nov. 22.2020. with intent to commit larceny. , in damages, and assault with a dangerous Judge Schipper sentenced him as a habitual ' weapon, a rake, were dismissed at sentenemg. offender to 46 to 480 months in prison. Vandecar was ordered to pay $8,148 in fines ! Arnie Linn Jahnke. 44. of Hastings, was and costs, including $7,149 in restitution. A I found guilty of using the controlled sub­ charge of malicious destruction of the church ' Zee methamphetamine, and failure to stop building, resulting in less than $200 in dam­ ■ X a’March 27. 2020. colliston on M-37 m ages, was dismissed at the time of sentencing. oT«t Charter Township. She was senVandecar, who had been on probation for a H hv Judge Shipper to 30 days in jail. September 2020 forgery conviction at the She'was oMertd to pay S2.OO2 in fines and time of the breaking and entering, had his bhe was uj restitution. Her jail costs, in^.ud‘ ® Swi|| be served consecutively probation revoked and the 23- to 168-month prison sentence in that case was authorized by term in this ca jn a secon(j case jn the judge. He had been ordered to pay $538, to jail time m of assau|tjng> including $140 in restitution, in lhat case. An which she fXtmcfing a police officer July uttering and publishing charge in that case resisting and obs ra £ as wdI tn-ing 9.2020.in lry*nS CouPrt records show was dismissed at the time of sentencing. sh°.w Prior convictions March a habitual offend of posses- 7 ’ . ’ or breaking and entering a building; Jalinke was pn-vio y use o( cocalnc an. .ug' I6* 2°17, for killing or torturing sion of cocaine Jan -7 of methamphet- animals, both in Barry County. June 13. 20051 P^°"cI1 as opcrating/ amine June 8. Helps°ught with IDs for YMCA photos ^S.?VevMrlAof Barry C^un%b®®n “!'e.c,ed '°r ,he opcoming 75th anniversary book on Hastings' Camp Algonquin. J-Ad Graphics an.d. h® elementary aoeZrtnn^9 aG. P'n pu,"ng ,nam?,s ,0 ,aces <»'People in the photos. Here's a group photo from 1980 -full of smiling ovidiny sa°® and 'eon counselors. If you can he p identify anyone in this photo, please email news@jadgraphics.com. P 3 spelling, as accurately as possible, description of the person and position in the photo as reference. Cash pnzes await teeros in local writing contest To encourage school students in Hastings, Delton Kellogg, Thornapple Kellogg. Maple Valle?. and Barrs Intermediate school districts with writing aspirations, the Bany Community foundation is accepting entries in the annual Write Away Competition. The writing contest was funded by a grant from Kensingcr and Alice Jones. Kensingcr Jones <1919-2015) enjoyed a 50-year career as a writer of radio dramas, creative director for international advertising agencies, author of numerous magazine articles and several motion picture scripts. After retirement, he moved to Barry County in 1976 to raise cattle and embark on a 14-year professorship at Michigan State University. He and Alice also collaborated on two published books, “A Call from the Country.” and “Love Poems of a Businessman.” The competition, open to all Barry County high school students, has two divisions: Freshmen and sophomores may submit a poem (preferably with rhyme and meter).and/ or an essay. Juniors and seniors may submit a short story (not more than 1,500 words) on any subject, a poem (preferably with rhyme and meter), and a feature story based on some aspect of life in Barry County. Writers may submit only one entry in each category, but may enter all categories for their grade level. A cash prize will be awarded for first, second and third places. Details, official rules, and entry forms can be obtained from the English departments in each area high school. Home-schooled students also may apply and can obtain the entry form from the Barry Community Foundation. Submissions must be received by April 30. Winners will be announced in late May. For more information, students should check with their respective high school English departments, call Jillian Foster at the Barry Community Foundation, 269-945­ 0526, or email Jillian^-bany cf.org. Arts council offering scholarships, exhibition opportunity The Thomapple Arts Council is inviting local students to apply for scholarships and artists to consider anjtpcoming exhibit. The Sue Drumfrond Arts Education Scholarship Prbgrimi’Mlefs ’financial assis­ tance to students pursuing Slimmer arts oppor­ tunities Barry County .students entering ninth through 12 grades in the fall may apply now through Monday,April 12. Students must submit an application online, then a committee will review the applications and ask some students to audi­ tion. The program supports student participa­ tion in accredited summer camps. Students may apply for up to 75 percent of lhe cost of their summer camp, and decisions arc based on both merit and need. More information can be found at thornapplearts.org/sd-scholarships. The Barry County Artists Exhibition is becoming a summer exhibition in 2021. Hosted jointly with Historic Charlton Park, this juried exhibition gives local artists a chance to enter their pieces for prizes and display at Charlton Park. Artists living in Barry County may submit their work for con­ sideration through April 12. An artist reception and awards ceremony Call aw lime fl® ptece w taHws teiBiiw etassifiefl art 268-9454556 or 1-8 00-870-7085 are planned at Charlton Park Thursday. May 13. 'rhe exhibition will run from May 14 through July 18. । The exhibition is open to any artist over th6 age of 14 residing in Barry County. Participating artists retain all nghts to their work, with the stipulation that images of sub­ mitted pieces may be posted on social media and the arts council website for promotional purposes. More information is available visit thomapplearts.org/bcae. WANTED Hiring a part-time to full-time Gutter Installer Call Ryan 269-908-2510 THIS AD FOR SALE! More than 50% of adulte have a positive percept^ of ads in print newspapers.* War.’ f £ txjntent . newsp^l - in the st* Call this “ 800-22’-’«3« ;_____ PUBLIC NOTICE MIC H1GAN DI P/VRTMFNT Ol- TRANSPORTATION 2021 GRAND REGION HERBICIDE. PROGRAM Die Miv;hignn Department nt Transportation (MD011 hereby prov ides notice to the public, including prwpcrtv ounces adjacent In stale highways, of the 2021 Herbicide Application Program treatments lor roadside rights of way within Mason, Lake, Osceola. Oceanx Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon. Montcalm, Ottawa, Kent, lonta. Allegan, and Barry counties. hCllUH I FD DM ES QE APPLICATION Applications will take place between April 5,2 021 and December 3. 2021. . 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(Annnocyclopyrjchlvr) Plateau (Intazaptc). • (Aminocyelopyrachlor). , MEIHQILQF APPLICATION See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all y°ur Printin9 needs. . ah Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS IVP43 HWY "norlh of Haslln9s city limits 1351 N-1*1 - • ------ 3p®n: 7:00am-7:00pm goarding by Appointment /J^ZCanineCorneirS‘COn1 for more information. n5 g. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058 ' . vista . - hvvchicular-mountcd All applications will be ground or Itdiar app > tixed boom or hand spray gun cqu'pn’a-”* । • tank-mixed or injected tor each application- will be KE EN 1 RY RFSTHlCriONS.h.< drW. Do not enter treated areas until the »P . Alt applications will be made •Urthcr information, contact: pe-ucidc applicators I or ^rtl,uU 1 v ,.- Regret Specialist " rran'|,w'it■o', (Across from the Bliss) 269.953.1086 Grand fax 269.953.1108 lnL1994.asjmic.ukd . 4“w o)7 Act No. 1. Public Acts 1 his notice is publixhed per -------- --------- ------- _______ �Page 10 ~ Thursday. April L - Tlw Hastings Banner ■ « ■ fl fl Hastings choirs perform for virtual festival, and students Sophie Bates n u ■ • >l th rrmfo choir and four The Hastings e.ghth M** nttirc high school cl'om. drc ' L the sl;lgc of the Wednesday. March . . F Center and Hastings Performing Aw performed - not.for«,’I> Ri reii lighl of of judges - but for lhc /, video.camera. insisting of two the perfi _ eighth grade choir, songs for each cto £b,e Men-S Glcc Beginning Womenand l|)C v.^i(). Singers - will be submitted to the Michigan Schad Vocal Music Assoc.at.on Virtual ^To^the five choirs that 1 direct recorded two songs, representing a wide variety of and lhrCC ,an8ua8cs’ Hastings High School Choral Director The Varsity Singers, standing on stage at the Hastings Performing Arts center Andrew Moore said. ‘The students wore their uniforms and carried themselves as they record their performances for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association Virtual would for the actual festival. The only Choral Festival. Four other choirs took part in the festival, singing two songs eacn, t he differences were that they did not travel to a eighth-grade choir sang “OskOdaf and "Shenandoah." Beginning Women s Ensemble different school or have an in-person sang "The Ring" and “Rise Up, My Love." Men's Glee sang ~LaBt uns mit gesMungen adjudicator who worked with them. Instead, Handen K. 623' and "Eldorado.” Select Women's Ensemble sang "YoU %e„!, , the adjudicator’s comments will come to us Day" and “Lift Thine Eyes," and the Varsity Singers sang "Earth Song and Musicks An^U0VarSily si,ng!rs (lef,) Levett, Kennedy Allyn, Grayson Patton and by early May.’ Empire." (Photo provided) Once the recordings are submitted to lhe festival, judges, otherwise known as clinicians or music professionals, will review videos of to perform because normally they would have hear each other. “Choir singers — especially younger lhe performances and respond with comments had several concerts already this year — all t want to each choir on the quality of lhe performance which have been canceled due to the signers — they definitely perspective. I said things that Mrs. Byykkoncn students asked questions of the Varsity much space between them,” Moore said. has probably already been saying as an and how they can improve. pandemic. Singers. prior to the pandemic, the choirs would “Each choir, by minimum, at this point in “That’s one of the observations that’s made educator. But sometimes wc need to hear it “Even more exciting than the performance consistently by my younger choirs. It ’ s just attend a District Choral Festival each March lhe year has sung three formal concerts in from more than one source.” he said. “And so, was the conversation between the vocally where they have lhe opportunity to interact front of an audience, and groups like Varsity lhat we feel so far apart.” I had a chance to step up and work with the Older students, even though they have sixth- and seventh-graders on things that I experienced juniors and seniors on the stage with a clinician one-on-one. The clinicians Singers would have sung six or seven — and the young and excited sixth- and seventh­ listen to students perform and then work w ith depends on the year, of course,” Moore said. more independence when it comes to singing, was hearing and give them some immediate graders in the seats,” Moore said. “The sixlhthem on rhythm, pitch, pronunciation, the “We have had a hard time with that because he said, don’t like being that ^ar aParl fr°m feedback, talking to them about lhe things that and seventh-graders had good questions like emotion of a song and more. we just have not been able to sing in front of one another. I loved about their performance.” ‘How long have you been singing?’ and ‘Was “It’s hard from them to reinforce the pitch While no longer an in-person experience. a live audience./Xnd even within the schools, Additionally, Moore and Byykkonen it difficult to get into Varsity Singers?’ and Moore said clinician comments are invaluable we can’t really sing for the student body in their ear ” he said. coordinated a Sing-and-Shnre event March said some wonderful compliments like, ‘You To help with this isolation. Moore hopes 10, which began with an eighth-grade choir for his students — particularly since they because we aren’t able to have really large guys are amazing!’ and ‘Can I hire you to sing have not had a chance to perform and receive gatherings — they’re pretty much avoiding to bring clinicians into school to critique and rehearsal at the PAC. for me?’ I asked the juniors and seniors to critique since the pandemic began. assemblies. So. our kids have been, like I said, work with his students. Four high school choir students attended raise their hands if, when they were in the “Obviously, we’re at a disadvantage with the eighth-grade choir's rehearsal and spoke sixth- and seventh-graders place, they doubted More than anything, Moore’s students arc just isolated. So. it’s been a tremendously the virtual format because they won’t get that with the eighth-graders about high school their own ability to be in Varsity Singers. glad to have the opportunity to perform, even difficult year.” if only fora virtual audience. In addition to isolation from an audience, live interaction, he said. “But, it’s good giving choir in a short question-and-answer session. Every hand went up. The middle school “It’s bittersweet because we know that it’s Moore said his students feel isolated from [students] a chance to work with someone Then the Varsity Singers went to the PAC students were surprised, to be sure. not whal we’d like it lo be, but we’re very each other due to Michigan School Vocal primarily, as I always say. someone who is not and performed “Keep Your Lamps” and “That’s what Faith Byykkonen and I want: thankful — that’s been the theme from all the Music Association COVID-19 guidelines me — getting to hear another voice.” “Earth Song” for the sixth- and seventh-grade a chance to allow those young middle school Moore also has coordinated with Faith choirs. students,” said Moore, a 2010 Hastings which state choirs should limit singing to 30 students to see what they can be with graduate W'ho returned in August 2019 to minutes al any one lime, keep singers 6 feel or Byykkonen. the sixth- and seventh-grade Afterward, the middle school choir dedication and effort.” choral director, to create opportunities for lhe become choir director. “It’s just that they’re more apart and wear masks. grateful to be able to do any of it. And it does This posed challenges for Moore and his school choirs to interact with one another, while socially distanced. remind us of how much wc enjoy it, how- choir students. Moore served as a clinician for the sixthmuch w'e enjoy performance. The purpose of First, being limited to 30 minutes of what wc do is to study music and hone our choral practice is not ideal. They also can no and seventh-grade choirs, listening to their craft, so that we can share it with our audience. longer have small groups of students rehearse performances in the performing arts center. Hearing the perspective of another music And it’s hard. It’s hard when your audience their choral parts in practice rooms, because isn’t really there. But, like I said, it’s gratifying lhe rooms arc too small to comply with social professional, Moore sail, can help reinforce Spectrum Health Pennock has announced what Byykkonen alrpdy has taught her the addition of Stephen Duquette, M.D., to the that we can finally, actually get up on stagc^ jji^tqncing. guidelines-,.. __ ______ and sing as a choir.” . ' Additionally, 'the'G-Todt spacing between students. growing Orthopedic and Pain Center team in Moore’s students arc'particularly excitcZf ’T’tacii singer makes it difficult for the singers to “It gave them a chance to hear, from my Hastings! •'* Z*1 * *«*■ * * *» Duquette joins providers Bryan Kamps, M.D., Eric Leep, D.O., Derek Axibal, M.D., Norman Davidson, PA-C, Daniel Blasch. PA-C, and Collin Ludrner. PA-C, to provide BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER comprehensive care, including total joint NOTICE OF FILING AN ORDER LAYING OUT replacement. sports medicine. pain AND DESIGNATING A DRAINAGE DISTRICT management and now specialized hand surgery. GARBOW DRAIN “I’m excited to meet new people and Notice is Hereby Given, that I, Jim Dull. Barry County Dram Commissioner, filed an Order Laying Out and Designat­ bring this specialized service to Pennock, ing a Drainage District, dated April 7, 2020, for the Garbow Drain, according to Chapter 3 of Public Act 40 of 1956, as offering lhe community more convenience amended. and help eliminate trips out of town,” Duquette said. The route and course of the proposed Drain is described as follows: Duquette is a board-eligible physician specializing in hand surgery joining. His BEGINNING AT A POINT 332.82 FEET NORTH AND 331.16 FEET WEST, MORE OR LESS. OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER clinical interests include hand and wrist OF SECTION 11. TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH. RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, THENCE SOUTH 89* 11' 49" EAST 333.38 FEET TO THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 11 AT A POINT 332.79 FEET NORTH, MORE OR LESS, OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION; THENCE SOUTH 59= 09' 11" EAST 258.36 FEET INTO arthritis, nerve repair, microvascular surgery SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY. MICHIGAN; THENCE Stephen Duquette, M.D. and soft-tissue reconstruction. SOUTH 19° 35' 02* EAST 213.57 FEET TO THE SOUTH UNE OF SAID SECTION AT A POINT 295.06 FEET EAST. MORE OR He will hold clinic days two days a month, LESS OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION; THENCE CONTINUING SOUTH 19° 35' 02* EAST 119.76 FEET with one surgery day at the Spectrum Health INTO SECTION 13. TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH. RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN TO Pennock Baum Family Surgery Center fellowship at State University of New York at A POINT 112.71 FEET SOUTH AND 336.76 FEET EAST. MORE OR LESS, OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SEC­ monthly. He also practices at the Spectrum Stony Brook. TION AND THE POINT OF ENDING. Health Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports In his free time, Duquette enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and son, exploring Medicine office in Grand Rapids. THE TOTAL LENGTH OF THE GARBOW DRAIN IS 925.06 FEET (0.17 MILES). THE DRAIN SHALL CONSIST OF 590 FEET Duquette has a medical degree from Lewis all West Michigan has to offer, especially the OF OPEN CHANNEL. 335 FEET OF ENCLOSED DRAIN WHICH INCLUDES A PUMP STATION, AND AN INFILTRATION Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. outdoors. BASIN. He completed his integrated plastic surgery More about Spectrum Health Pennock residency al Indiana University School of Orthopedic and Pain Center can be found at The lands comprised within the Drainage District are desenbed as follows: Medicine and his hand and microsurgery spectnimhealth .org/Pennock. Hand surgery specialist joins foeaS ©rttopedic team BEGINNING AT A POINT 887.16 FEET. MORE OR LESS. NORTH OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 12. TOWN­ SHIP 4 NORTH. RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE SOUTH 82’ 53' 48’ EAST 207.99 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 56° 39‘ 56’ EAST 537.83 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 80° 29' 38’ EAST 111 88 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89° 55’ 32* EAST 314.94 FEET; THENCE NORTH 55° 24’ 18’ EAST 96.03 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 88° 10‘ 14’ EAST 154.18 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 87° 54’ 53’ EAST 131.93 FEET; THENCE NORTH 48° 08’ 55’ EAST 91 97 FEET; THENCE NORTH 89’ 30’ 37’ EAST 269.07 FEET; THENCE NORTH 62e 45’ 02’ EAST 558.98 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 42° 35' 03’ EAST 562.97 FEET; THENCE NORTH 65’ 50’ 41’ EAST 582.75 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 51° 25' 32’ EAST 184 17 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 03° 48’ 34’ WEST 129.43 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 03° 53’ 09’ EAST 156.60 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 19° 08' 52’ EAST 162.76 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 17° 36’ 13’ EAST 127.09 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 01° 25’ 51’ WEST 74 05 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO THE SOUTH UNE OF SAID SECTION AT A POINT 1,812 FEET, MORE OR LESS WEST OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION; THENCE WESTERLY ALONG THE SOUTH UNE OF SAID SECTION 166 30 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00“ 58’ 00’ WEST 432.84 FEET INTO SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH. RANGE 10 WEST THORNAP­ PLE TOWNSHIP. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE SOUTH 89' 08’ 41" EAST 22.23 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00° 00' 00’ EAST 478.54 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 58° 17’ 49’ EAST 325.52 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00° 30‘ 15’ WEST 330 47 FEET THENCE NORTH 72° 51' 37’ WEST 111.32 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 63° 58' 48’ WEST 394.99 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 24° 19' 38’ WEST 261.41 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 05° 39’ 46’ EAST 209.86 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 60s 46' 00’ WEST 642.88 FEET; THENCE NORTH 81c 56' 53’ WEST 306.61 FEET; THENCE NORTH 19’ 53' 56’ WEST 136.38 FEET THENCE NORTH 72° 21'31" WEST 154.21 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 16° 43' 30’ WEST 243.25 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 58° 21’ 53- WEST 226.73 FEET- THENCE SOUTH 81° 28' 00’ WEST 317.40 FEET; THENCE NORTH 06° 04' 26’ WEST 171.00 FEET; THFNCE NORTH 75° 09' 45’ WEST 312.92 FEET; THENCE NORTH 20° 48’ 55’ EAST 271.64 FEET; THENCE NORTH 41“ 45' 24’ WEST 426.50 FEET- THENCE NORTH 84° 17’ 41’ WEST 333.33 FEET; THENCE NORTH 47° 04' 49“ WEST 227.12 FEET- THFNCE SOUTH 00' 41’ WEST 322.85 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 28° 48’ 02’ WEST 150.74 FEET. MORE OR LESS. TO THE Wf9T LINE OF SAID SECTION AT A POINT 1,684.75 FEET, MORE OR LESS, SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF sTr> SECTION; tmfnCE NORTHERLY ALONG THE WEST UNE OF SAID SECTION 918.42 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 86“ 34' 40-\uPST 179-33 ffPT INTO SECTION 14 TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH. RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. BARRY COUNTY MICHIGAN; THFNCE NORTH 15“ 04’ 07’ WEST 230.04 FEET; THENCE NORTH 58’ 07’ 19’ EAST 119.78 FEET; THENCE NorTH 00° 01‘ o. pact 61 10 FEET; THENCE NORTH 32“ 391 00’ WEST 230.06 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00“ 53' 38’ EAST 190.27 FEET; tnfnoF NORTH 76“ 54’ 36’ WEST 239.46 FEET; THENCE NORTH 60“ 00’ 10’ WEST 62.95 FEET; THENCE NORTH 52 vupeT 38 91 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO THE NORTH UNE OF SAID SECTION AT A POINT 560.07 FFft M0Pf 0R wfrt OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION; THENCE CONTINUING NORTH 01“ 52' 4^wEST 25-43 INTO SECTION 11 TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH. RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. BARRY COUNTY MICHIGAN; 17' 35’ EAST 182.46 FEET; THENCE NORTH 89“ 45’ 18’ EAST 50.11 FEET; THENCELNotfH 0°° 2° ™TtS?™ FEET; THENCE SOUTH 88’ 30' 58’ EAST 91.84 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 31“ 11' 0072 FEET. ?L^C\r£mI 8941' 58- EAST 129.07 FEET TO THE EAST UNE OF SAID SECTION AT A POINT 887 ,12Prft. MORE THEN£c OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 12. TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH. RANGE io u,«TjH°R’ OR LESS, NORTH Or I COUNr< MICHIGAN. AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING. 0 WEb NAPPLE TOWNSHIP, b/Ann' ^^NOrS 80° -rue r ARROW DRAIN DRAINAGE DISTRICT IS 218.51 ACRES, MORE OR LESS TOTAL AREA OF THE Dated: March 25, 2021 ______________________________ Jim Dult, Bany County Dfaln ^^toner^ SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Submit disability update reports online Vonda Van Til mail. Public Affairs Specialist Once you “Click to Sign,” you will receive We are required to conduct continuing an email from echosign.com asking you to eligibility reviews for disabled beneficiaries confinn your digital signature. (Check your every three years. This process requires junk folder if you don’t receive it within a few beneficiaries to complete a Continuing minutes.) Your signature isn’t complete — Disability Review mailer to update and your fonn won’t be processed — until information about their medical conditions you complete the instructions in the email and recent treatments. message. Wc now offer an online option to complete Visit our blog at blog.ssa.gov for more this update and provide any supporting articles - and our frequently asked questions documents about your medical treatment or page at ssa.gov/faq. your work. (Note: The mention of Microsoft Edge We designed this new form with and Google Chrome is for informational convenience in mind - and to save you time. puqx>ses only and does not constitute an You can access the online form at ssa.gov/ endorsement by lhe Social Security ssa455-online-form. (Use cither Microsoft Administration.) Edge or Google Chrome for the best online experience.) Vonda Van Til is the public affairs You will need your Social Security specialist for West Michigan. You may write number, your current address and phone her do Social Security Administration. 3045 number, and a valid email address to complete Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525. or via the form. Also, you must have received a email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. request for an updated disability report in the �„ Thursday. April 1. 2021 — Pagft ft The Hastings Banner — Thursday, MEETING, continued from page 1 ~ count) wide stale of emergency approved . . able .. to do March 23] and put us back. to being the hybrids again.” she said. Anyone attending a village council meeting in person must wear a mask and go through a brief check-in when they arrive. Rayl said. ’ We will take a short health quiz and take your temperature,” she said. The Middleville Downtown Development Authority had issues with its mixed in-person and virtual meeting last month. Members of lhe DDA met in a room together, while the audience watched online. But only one micro­ phone was working, and the majority of the conversation was inaudible. In Irving Tbwnship. the board will continue to use a hvbrid format for its meetings. However, the board doesn’t use Zoom. “We don’t do it over Zoom because we don’t have good internet at our township,” Township Supervisor Jamie Knight said. "We do it over an actual conference call line. 1 have a conference call app that wc use. h’s always the same phone number, always the same [pass] code that you have to put in.” During its March meeting, the Irving Township board voted to move its meetings to the third Tuesday of the month from the sec­ ond Wednesday. The next township board meeting will be Tuesday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. “We’ll take it month by month [with regard to the hybrid meetings],” Knight said. The challenge for municipal government is enforcing orders by MDHHS regarding wear­ ing masks and distancing people at public meetings, Michael Selden, Michigan Townships Association director of member information sendees, said March 26. “While townships certainly can have the signs up or make comments [requiring mask wearing and social distancing], it is a chal­ lenge from a local perspective,” Selden said. “By not at least following minimum stan­ dards, I think there could be some liability there if the worst-case scenario happens.” Law enforcement officers arc deemed rep­ resentatives of MDHHS for the purpose of enforcing its orders and are “specifically authorized" to investigate any potential viola­ tions of orders, according to a MDHHS Epidemic Order effective through April 19. A violation of this order is a misdemeanor punishable by no more than 6 months’ impris­ onment, a fine of no more than $200. or both. A fine of $1,000 for each violation of the order also could be issued to the municipal government where the violation occurred. A township could be held liable if a gather­ ing such as an open meeting is taking place on township property and mask wearing and social distant,n„ , Selden said. Bruk‘Sarc "o' being followed, If * mu«be^rnwh;L. disPla>'«) Mating mask, distancing must °n ProP«ty and social .................. blc” Solden^ ? •?y.C°U,d held comes in wit|S<IU ’ *n ,bcofy» if Someone Probably shoul |Ul * mask °n> ,hc tnwnsh,P have to menToffir^T. municipal governsuch • a S10 ’eave a B°v«nment function inn -» aU meet’ng if they arc not wearothf«r Or distancing themselves from Selden Said. •it th t?CF *1e W0ldd make sure everyone • w I hornapple Township meeting is wearmg a mask. Wc are going to have on our door [a sign ?। masks arc required for entry,” he s . “As far as enforcement, 1 guess it’s gm ng to be ultimately on me to ask them to wear a mask or [tell them to] feel free to go home and participate in the Zoom compo­ nent.” Municipal government officials, however, are not the police, Selden said. “The police would have to come and they issue fines or citations for violating the order,” he said. Vermontville Township Supervisor Jack Owens said at the board’s March 25 meeting “That’s not my job” when asked about enforc­ ing a requirement that attendees wear masks. “It’s an open meeting. We can’t make peo­ ple do that," Owens said. As many as three people were not wearing masks during last week’s meeting, which was attended by fewer than the maximum allow­ ance of 25 people. Selden said “It’s certainly the township’s job” to make sure people follow the law. even ones administered by the state. “Ultimately, it’s the township’s responsibil­ ity to make sure when people come onto township property or to a township meeting that they are following the law," Selden said. The boards of commissioners in Barry and Eaton counties both declared respective states of emergency in March regarding lhe ongoing pandemic. The Barry County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution during its March 23 meeting declaring a slate of emergency; the Eaton County board approved the same reso­ lution March 17. The resolution grants public bodies in the county where the resolution was declared to have the option to continue hosting meetings virtually through the end of this year. Solu­ Eaton CounL's l|X’.>ery tion to be cvery ;‘ntl il will be revicv.«-J ” for future renewal. (C*»olutjn. . Barry Coun’> J*. be .. H cftect through Dec. emergency al any time. Jim ^’^^esJay. y managemem coordinator, sa’o lownshin. i ’l he only rf£oU7llP>k. ^diit wkinR Peup'e'to we.^1 s s;1idJ ^Wp Trustee Ted 1A n (|e j . , J1, i think, t<>2 ; wear p mask. ■ JrrfiaskinX' r . .Signee ar^d,slancinS requirements uil n” Orangeville T^whip.HaU^g^j^^s‘e<, ’here. %----- •’ ’ ’’Wins- ' -0 weat a and tables a. the spaced out to mvet s ments, supervisor D hall havc sUncmg require­ idling said last week • • “Il’s like any sl°7’\vefri *nl° n°W whcre you’re supposed *° * **"« a mask. Am I going to make a bifc f nobody’s not? No. It's just like any other public place you go to.” Bulling said. He said masks will be offered to people who don’t have one on when they go into the township hall. “I just hope the people in Odessa Township have the common courtesy to wear a mask,” he said. The Nashville Village Council has been meeting in-person throughout much of the pandemic. The council met at Putnam Park hist summer and moved to the Castleton Township Hall in the fall. While council members, and attendees, are seated 6 feet apart, masks are not required. Some members lhc counc’l wear ^lcm wMe entering the building and taking their seats, but none of the council members wear them during the mcetfag. The Maple Valley Board of Education experienced technical issues during its regular meeting in early March. It was the first meet­ ing since last summer where lhe board met in-person, though the public attended virtual•yEach board member and Superintendent Katherine Bertolini had a Chromebook and microphone for the audience to see and hear them, but the audience wasn’t always able to dOTo prevent echoes and feedback, only one 1 P.. „ was able to have his or her person at a . B (lhat meant much of. microphone unmutco. d the crosstalk, and the actual vote-taking, was, mostly inaudible for the au tenet. , Several times technology specudretJosh. Leatherman had to remind the board members, to turn their microphones back on. “Can somebody unniute so the gallery can. hear?” Leatherman asked during one conver-, sation. . . . "The gallery is unable to hear anything that is going on," he told the board later. • At one point, two or three of the. Chromebooks apparently stopped working, and Leatherman got the board members, replacements while the meeting continued. Some attendees and staff noted lhat three members of the board were not wearing masks, contrary to school policy. Two rcsi-, dents and the Maple Valley Education Association read letters to the board admon­ ishing the members for not wearing masks. Staff writers Grc% Chandler, Scan Bradley, and Taylor Owens contributed to this story. of registration for the election to be held on NOTICE TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN KALAMAZOO REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY (KRESA) TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS: The Barry County Townships of Barry, Johnstown, and Prairieville. COUNTY OF BARRY STATE OF MICHIGAN PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualified elector of the above named jurisdictions who is not already registered, may register to vote at the office of the Township or City Clerk; the Office of the appropriate County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch office, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at www.mi.gov/vote and mailed to the Township or City Clerk. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www. expressSOS.com. The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, April 19,2021. After this date, anyone who qualifies as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the following: r............................i Treasury: Don’t wait to file individual income tax returns j 1 Michigan taxpayers who collected unemployment benefits and have not yet filed a state income tax return may file their returns as soon as they are able, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. The federal American Rescue Plan Act excludes unemployment benefits up to $10,200 from income for tax year 2020 for those within certain income brackets, providing tax relief on both federal and state income taxes. Taxpayers who may have anticipated owing taxes may now be entitled to a refund. “Please don’t hesitate to file your individual income tax return," State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said in a March 24 press release. “Taxpayers who think they owe taxes often wait to file right up to the filing deadline. The American Rescue Plan changes the dynamic of the 2020 tax year and this year’s filing season. A larger-than-anticipated refund could provide much-needed assistance during the pandemic.” Al this time, taxpayers who collected unemployment benefits and have already filed their 2020 federal and state income tax returns should not file an amended state or federal return she said. The Michigan Department of Treasury is waiting for federal guidance to help taxpayers receive any state refund they may be owed in the easiest way posstble Additional guidance wtll be comtng from the Michigan Department of Treasury soon. , Shen Babcock 1 Johnstown Twp. Filing a state income tax return Choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is convenient, safe and secure. Eubanks said. Last year, more than 4.4 million Michigan taxpayers e-filed, which is 86 percent of state income tax filers. More information about e-filing can be found at mifastfile.org. Printed tax forms were distributed and are available in limited quantities at public libraries, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services county offices and treasury field offices. All individual income tax returns must be received by 11:59 p.m. May 17. For the benefit and convenience of taxpayers, both the beginning and end of the individual income tax filing season are the same as the Internal Revenue Service. Questions Taxpayers with questions about their state income taxes are encouraged to use Treasury eServices. The online platform enables taxpayers to ask slate income-tax-related questions when convenient and avoids wailing for a state treasury department customer service representative to answer a call. Treasury eServices can be accessed at Michigan.gov/IncomeTax and clicking on “eServiccs Individual Income Tax.” I Hours on \ Regular Business Hours I Hours on Saturday, May 1 ‘Tuesday, May 4 Address Municipility • .... Debra Knight Barry Township 11300 S. M-43 Hwy. i Delton, Ml 49046 Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm 113641 S. M-37 Battle Creek. Ml 49017 Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 4 pm or by Appt i1- -- - , . — - -----110115 S. NotrisRoad Mon-Thursday Rod Goebel Prairieville Twp. Delton. Ml 49046___ __ 9 am - noon & 1 pm - 5 pm PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following proposals will appear on the ballot: KRESA: KALAMAZOO REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY SPECIAL EDUCATION MILLAGE RENEWAL AND HEADLEE RESTORATION PROPOSAL I _________i I । 8.00 am - 4:00 pm I 7.00 am-8:00 pm • I 8:00 am-4 pm ■ ■■■■— ------- 1 7:00 am-8:00 pm April 21,2021 @ 10:00 am at JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP HALL 13641 S. M-37 Hwy., Battle Creek, Michigan 49017 Townships participating in the April 21, 2021 date: Johnstown Township Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency, 1819 East Milham Avenue, Portage, Michigan 49002-3035, telephone: (269) 250-9202. The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the program and the computer that will be used to tabulate the results for the election have been prepared in 1.5 MILLS FOR 6 YEARS Sample ballots may be viewed at www.mi.gov/vQifli accordance with law. NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 LAST DAY FOR VOTER REGISTRATION OTHER THAN Notice is hereby given that a Public Accuracy Test for the IN-PERSON Mav 4 2021 election will be conducted by the clerks of the nnmprl townships on the voting equipment pursuant to MCL 168.798 at the addresses noted on the following Anril 20 2021 at 10:00 am at BARRY TOWNSHIP HALL CALL..- The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 . 7:00 am - 8:00 pm . April 29, 2021 @ 11:00 am at PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP HALL 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan 49048 Townships participating in the April 29, 2021 date: Prairieville Township dates: Banner CLASSIFIEDS | 8.00 am -4:00 pm 155 E. Orchard Street. Delton, Michigan 49046 TownThips participating in the April 20, 2021 date: Barry Persons with special needs, as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, should contact the City or Township Clerk. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired may place a call through the Michigan Relay Center TDD# 1-800-649-3777. This notice is given as required by law (MCL 168.498(3). Township YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO QUALIFY AS A VOTER! PUBLISHER’SNOTICE- AU and which adyerti* dixntninsttu’’ rriipvn. national an inur.tion. the mc IK it »° on me. ™ k£ >ny *’<£n and p^l:!e business Services l/c/p \\(tilled MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, He. 011269-804-7506. EXCELLENT employment OPPORTUNITY! Pine Lake Grocery is looking to hire Part-time & Full-time Cashiers & Pizza Cooks’ Must be cool « kind! Apply within OP 942 Doster Road, Plainwell, #269685-5323. nijYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White n l Tulip Poplar. Call for nricing- Will bu>’ sin»lc Wab P > ink's- Insured, liability & Ktunnj This tcitpt fof rex' e*** the I** tile, flooring, trim, P” improvements, rubbish h°n,,,,1TP/69-320-3S90. removal- •£° GET easy CASH with extra household goods and tools! Call (269) 945-9554 to sell your unwanted stuff with a classified ad in this paper. QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE Citizen of the United States At least 18 years of age on or before May 4,2021 Resident of Michigan and the township/city where you are applying to v°te- PAMELA A. PALMER, BARRY COUNTY CLERK on behalf of: Barry T^ship Deb Knight Town^’P Clerk Johnstown Township Prairieville Township Sheri Babcock Rod Goebel Township Clerk Township Clerk �„ .« Page 12 — Thursday. Apr.i 1, — The Hastings Banner DNR celebrates 100 years of conservation success From restoration and recovery to resiliency and relevancy Michigan DNR Ono hundred ,h,s wek- ,he Michigan Department of Conservation the Xumor to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources - was created as part of a stale government reorgamzahon effort by thcn-Gov.AlexGtocsbeck. The legislation approved a March .30, 1921 combined numerous components of state'government into the departments of agriculture, industrial and labor, and conservation. ‘That was a time when the conservation movement and lhe fish and wildlife movement across the country was just kind of getting bom.” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. In Michigan, those early Department of Conservation efforts focused on restoration of damaged landscapes and the recover) of game species and the habitats they live within. That work would characterize much of the new department’s activities over its first 100 Eichinger said lhe Department of Conservation was created to be a hub where several state functions could be housed, managed and provided for. These activities included Michigan’s state parks program, game and fish law enforcement and the nascent movement toward protecting and conserving fish and wildlife and the places upon which they depend. “We’ve seen lhat mission expand and grow over the intervening 100 years, from just being state parks, just doing some wildlife reinlroductions, just doing fish stocking, to now having a really expansive menu of areas that we work in.” Eichinger said. In 1968. the name of the Michigan Department of Conservation was changed to lhe Michigan Department of Natural Resources to reflect widening responsibilities. Over the decades, several key pieces of legislation worked to aid the department in its mission to remain “committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of lhe state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.” In a recent interview on lhe program “Naturally Speaking” on WGVU-FM in Grand Rapids, Eichinger discussed the importance of significant wildlife species recoveries achieved in Michigan. Some of lhe species that have attained recovered status include the Kirtland’s warbler, wild turkey, bald eagle and gray wolf. “These are really important milestones Wild turkeys, a species that recovered through conservation efforts, was featured on the cover of the November-December 1965 issue of Michigan Conservation magazine. because it’s sort of proof-positive that when you have lhe alignment of resources, the alignment of talent and the alignment of partnership, wc can be successful in recovering species that were critically endangered." Eichinger told program host Shelly Irwin. “And that is not only providing a regulator)' framework to provide for their long-term conservation, but actually doing the really hard work on the ground, making sure that those habitats are conserved and that they're restored." Eichinger said none those alignment activities happen in a vacuum. “Thai’s one of the remarkable things about what we have here in this stale, that the story of lhe Department of Natural Resources is as much a story about the citizen conservationists across our state and throughout our history who have supported our work, stood side-by­ side with us as we have worked to recover species, help to identify places the department needs to be pointing effort and pointing work towards." Eichinger said. “The species that we have stew ardship responsibility for are the fortunate beneficiaries of that tremendous partnership with state government, our citizens, federal actors, the non-profit Like many directors and conservation officers before him. Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger community. Il's a fantastic and important part landscape in the face of change through of the story of conservation ” climate change - invasive species, fish and The DNR’s mission is necessarily long­ wildlife health, those kinds of things." term, he said, and makes the department The department also needs to focus on “think over the horizon.” remaining relevant and valued to not only a “That’s one of the things 1 think is really- core constituency, he said, but to those who gratifying about this work and I think why ihe may not have yet begun to enjoy the outdoors folks who work in this space arc so passionate to the extent possible. about it - that the resources that wc enjoy “It’s really important for us to make sure today in the good condition that they’re in is (hat the work that we do is seen, it is valued, because of work that was done. 20.30,40,50 is understood and is available and accessible years ago," Eichinger said. “Folks who had to all the people in the state of Michigan," long-term vision to say. I might not Eichinger said. “That’s what’s going to make necessarily see all the fruits of my efforts our work relevant.” today, but I know future generations will be Throughout 2021. the DNR is able to derive benefit from them.’" commemorating and celebrating the 100-year Eichinger said that perspective is a anniversary of the department. Plans for wonderful way to think about his work, and in-person events have been scaled back he's excited to “work ina space that necessarily because of the coronavirus pandemic. requires that sort of long-term thinking." DNR staffers have created a webpage at Looking ahead, he said the next century- Michigan.gov/DNRCcntcnnial to link the for the department will be about resiliency public to several ways to participate in and relevancy. exploration of the past century- of the “We obviously- are dealing with the department’s efforts. As part of this, the DNR negative effects of climate change and how has produced 100 ways to celebrate the that’s expressing itself on the landscapes that centennial we manage." Eichinger said. “And so, we’re Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is issuing a going to need io start to phot our management Michigan Department of Natural Resources approach just a bit to be dunking a little bit Centennial Day proclamation. more about how- we create resiliency on the The best way lhe department and everyone else in Michigan can celebrate the shared success of the past century- of conservation commitment is to gel outdoors, he said. “Find a way that you and your loved ones can connect with nature, find a pathway that you’ve never walked down, find your way or make your way to one of our beautiful state trends continue,” Greathead said. "It’s critical parks, one of the tremendous hidden places in that we maintain vigilance, because we arc our stale forest system - wherever it is that very much still in the midst of a global pan­ you go, find a way and find a reason to get outdoors and share that with special people in demic.” As of Monday, Michigan has the highest coronavirus positive test rate in the country, as 12 percent of lhe past week’s tests were posi­ tive. including 15.6 percent of those reported Sunday. Michigan has the second-highest rate of new cases, trailing only New Jersey, accord­ ing to a Bridge Michigan analysis of data compiled daily by the US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The surge has hospitalized 2 300 people in Michigan as of Monday, up from 1.940 on Friday. In lhe past three weeks, infections among 10 to 19-year-olds have jumped 117 percent, surpassed only by their parents’ demographic (40 to 49 year-olds), which rose 117 percent. The coronavirus surge comes after parent groups, high school sport* teams and GOP leaders urged Whitmer to pressure schools to reopen, saying classrooms arc comparatively sate from lhe coronavirus. In January-, Whitmer asked all schools to offer an in-person learning op,ion b> March 1. a deadline 97 percent of ifa<Iitional fn,blic school districts met. Despite mitigation efforts, such as manda­ tory face masks and social distancing, schools often experience outbreaks increase when cases rise in their communities Conway, superintendent of G,brahar Schools in Wayne County- Keeping class­ rooms open through the end of the school year depends on bluntinj the rJPld niC COYID cases in the neighborhoods surround.ng schools, “Having in-person school is extremely important to oUr MuJcnts and community, Conway said “Fv» mt has I**0 wor^,nS so hard Ookeepc&s‘>l-’)-1Wi,h COVID outbreaks jump 2® percent m Michigan schools. More cfosuros ahead? J-Ad Graphics Staff and Bridge Magazine Outbreaks of the coronavirus jumped 20 percent in one week in Michigan schools, and officials worry about whether classrooms can slay open if the surge continues. Hastings Area Schools, Delton Kellogg Schools and the Thomapplc Kellogg High School moved to virtual learning this week due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. TK Superintendent Dan Remenap announced the move in an email sent out to parents of high school students last Friday afternoon. Remote instruction ran Monday through Thursday, while spring break begins this Friday. In the email, Remenap wrote that the high school “has experienced a sudden increase in positive COVID-19 cases.” More than 175 TKHS students were absent from school Friday. Remenap noted that “not all absences are COVID-relaled, but many are.” The move to virtual learning does not affect elementary or middle school students. Delton Kellogg Schools announced over the weekend that the district would switch to remote learning this week. “Due to the number of students and staff who will be in quarantine this upcoming week, all grades at DKS will be virtual Monday through Friday,” a message on the district’s Facebook page said. Superintendent Kyle Corlett said Monday that ardent tested positive for COVID-19. In its weekly COVID-19 update last Friday, Lakewood Public Schools announced five new positive cases in lhe district. -We’ve seen an uptick like everyone else. Superintendent Steven Skalka told The H ThX«^"did not switch to remote learn­ ing. however, and will start spnng break on ^Skalka said the district will closely monitor staff and students after the return to spnng break to see if there is a further increase ol t3Maple Valley is currently on spnng break. Several superintendents in metro Detroit said they worn-there could be more outbreaks ?‘rstudentsretum from spnngbreak.which schools is staggered over several W Offidak urged students and families to not fetmerr guanl down, wanting that rn-person « k l^cyou-re walking on a tightrope over the Grand Canyon and you don’t wnnHo take the wrong step." sard George Heitsch. interim superintendent of Birmingham Public Schools. “You worry about it every' day." As of March 25, there were 241 new or ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks tied to K-12 schools and preschools, according to data released by the state Monday. The previous week, there were 201. The number of confirmed cases among students and staff tied to those outbreaks jumped 16 percent, from 1399 to 1,859. As of Monday, Michigan has the highest coronavirus positive test rate in the coun­ try, as 12 percent of the past week's tests were positive, including 15.6 percent of those reported Sunday I \ I j Michigan has the sec- i ond-highest rate of new i cases, trailing only New Jersey, according to a Bridge Michigan analysis of data compiled daily by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By comparison, when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered middle and high schools to go fully remote for three weeks in November, there were 777 cases tied to school outbreaks. Last week, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said there were no plans for another statewide school building closure order. On Monday, Whitmer told Bridge Michigan she didn’t anticipate more restrictions in the stale, while acknowledging the importance of maintaining vigilance. “You look at a map and you know that it’s young people that are spreading it right now­ in Michigan,” Whitmer said. “We just can’t drop all of these efforts to keep people safe right now.” But some school districts have closed buildings on their own because of outbreaks. “One of our greatest fears is the continuing spread of COVID in the community could force us to (go back to fully remote),” said Mark Greathead, superintendent of Woodhaven-Brownstown School District in Wayne County. ‘That’s the potential path we’re on if these The cover of the March-April 1972 issue of Michigan Natural Resources magazine featured this photo and a story on page 26, encouraging readers to “Wa< up" their cross-country skis. your life," Eichinger said. “There’s no benet way to celebrate the work that we’ve all beerf able to accomplish than by simply gelling outdoors and enjoy ing what we have in this beautiful state." . More information on the many outdooc recreation opportunities and natural resource conservation activities for which the DNR ir responsible can be found at Michigan.gov> DNR - higher community M)(ead.wC nced CVU?°“ to pitch in to stX’tasked so we can hav<school.” 7 , Gary Niehaus ,1.i>eri'II<:,Klenl “! P?*? Pointe Public Schon Sv'ic'"’ and parents to return to the district lie'1 w‘ek P break. "People have to t. in u> a"J ,nakc.SU"; 1'? iof-year (event*; i »• sjieliaus ■ , . il. Hls), । nrom and senior talking about graduatin’'a,ld P celebrations. . w„ ..... . . .mterstand what we the renaX0o°f'theedSo,a,e's b™°nthly publication was changed after 1968 to reflect Department of Nntne^aHment ,rom the Department of Conservation to the Michigan Sources. The cover of the July-August 1970 issue of 9 Natural ReS0Urces magazine ®a,ured a bouquet of statement pins. �I The Hastings ►ANNER SPORTS SECTION Thursday, April 1, 2021 Saxon runners back on the track after almost two years -T-i. nnrl rtirlc* The Hastings ..m-ifv varsity klVt' boys’ and girls’ track and field teams returned to the track Tuesday after the Covid shutdown caused lhe cancella­ tion of spring sports last year. Runners have not seen lhe track since May 22. 2019. The teams showed no signs of rust though as they blew1 past Lansing Catholic in the season opener at the Cougar Field in Lansing. Saxon Head Coach Brian Teed said, “There was definitely a higher level of new nervous excitement even among athletes who are vet­ erans. Just getting out and competing again as a team was a lot of fun. Even as a coaching staff, wc were a little nervous and we had to think through logistics more after being side­ lined for so long. There was good positive energy on lhe team because I think everybody realized that all their teammates, from first to last, needed this today. Being outside, com­ peting in the fresh air, and experiencing those endorphins rush through lhe body is great for mental health.” That nervous excitement propelled the Saxon girls as they outscored the Cougars 89-39 and powered through the events taking first place in 13 out of 17 events. Placing first for the Hastings girls were Allison Teed in four events, the 100-meter hurdles and 300meter low hurdles, pole vault and lhe 800meter relay. Madison Nino placed first in three events, w inning the 400-meter run and the long jump. Nino was also on the 800The Saxons’ Layton Eastman works to nieler relay team. Carissa Strouse placed first team’s season-opening victory at Lansing in two events, the 1600-meter and 3200-meter Slaughter) runs. Kali Grimes took first in the 100-meter and 400-meter relay with her Saxon team­ mates. Addey Nickles scored first in the 200- that took first. Other Saxon girls taking first mcter dash and the 400-meter relay, and Josie place in their events were Maddie Miller in Nickels placed first in the high jump and the shot put, Natalee Sanders in high jump. 800-meter relay team. Hailey Graham was on Placing second for the Saxon girls’ team both the 400-meter and 800-meter relay teams were Madison Nino in the 200-mcter dash. Saxon golfers beat Allegan by a stroks in first round .. The Saxons wasted no time getting out on the greens this spring. The Hastings varsity boys’ golf team opened the 2021 season with a 181-182 victo­ ry over host Allegan at Cheshire Hills Golf Course Tuesday afternoon. Will Jensen led lhe Saxons with a 39. and the Hastings team also got a 44 from Joey McLean and a 46 from Collin Fouty. In his first varsity match for the Saxons, freshman Owen Carroll shot a 52. It was also the first match leading the Hastings varsity boys’ golf team for head coach Kristen Laubaugh who takes over for long-time leader Bruce Krueger. Hastings won’t compete again until after spring break, taking part in the Delton Kellogg Invitational at Mullenhurst April 15 and the Thomapple Kellogg Invitational at Yankee Springs April 16. Bittersweet ending for Saxon girls at districts Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team closed out its season with a tight game against Olivet, who was lhe number one seed in their Michigan High School Athletic Association Division District 2 tournament last week. Olivet stretched a two-point lead in the fourth quarter, but he Saxons kept battling in what would eventually become a 41-38 loss to the Eagles at Hastings High School. Hastings head coach Mike Engle said. “I am extremely proud of how our girls compet­ ed against the number one seeded team in lhe district. When Olivet stretched the lead to seven with three and a half minutes to go, the girls battled back and did a great job turning Olivet over a number of times.” At halftime the Eagles led 19-17, and the ballgame remained a close one. Olivet main­ tained a two-point lead, 31-29, at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter the Eagles stretched lhat lead to 40-31 with three and a half minutes to go. The Saxons tried to take that lead away and brought the game back to a three-point game at 41-38 with less Ilian a minute on the clock. Brooklyn Youngs threw out a three-point shot that fell short which could have tied the game tn the remain­ ing seconds. In the end the Eagles hit a pair of free throws to make the final five-point mar^Youngs, a junior on the team, said the loss was “a bittersweet game to end on. being so close to moving on. Being a pa ° that pulled together after this year to>CM|Xte the way we did tonight is something I am proud of. 1 just Wish the ball would have bounced a couple different waysCoach Engle noted that the tea n had our chances to send it into overtim • ■ at the game with three missed opp< the basket and two missed front ends of a l-and-l free throw. This Play*? ™ tremendous heart all season ant o S no different.” Engle also noted a key stat the game was at the free throw line. Hastings I—"■ ~— ■ & « & clear the bar in the high jump during his Catholic Tuesday night. (Photo by Valerie Addey Nickles in 300-tneter hurdles. Dais) Kerby in discus, and Kali Grimes in long jump. Girls placing 3rd in their events were Hailey Graham in the 100-meter, Lauren Arnold in the 800-meter, Lily Comensoli in lhe 1600-meter. Daisy Kerb) in shot put. and Audrey Vertalka in the high jump. lhe Saxons' Boys team also defeated Lansing Catholic in'incir first competition in almost two yean, with a score of 79-59. 'lite Hastings’ Madison Nino fakes off with the baton in the 800 meter relay Tuesday at HHS boys’ team ran away winning 10 out 17 Lansing Catholic after getting the hand-off from teammate Allison Teed. (Photo by events for the night. Placing first for the boys’ team in two events was Jason Haight who Valerie Slaughter) won the 100-meter dash and was on the 400meter relay team that included Zane Warner. Layton Eastman in HO-meter high hurdles, Randall in both (he discus and 110-meter high Robby Slaughter and Daniel Harp. Harp also and Kirby Beck in pole vault, Charlie Nickles hurdles. Slaughter in 200-mcter dash. Jacob took first in the long jump Kearen Tolles took in high jump. Placing second for the boys in Arens in 400-meler run. Laboe in 1600-meter first in the 800-meter and was on the winning their events w ere: Harp in the 100-meter dash. run. Ry lie Shults in 3200-meter run. Weatherly 3200-meter relay team that also included Haight in the 200-metcr dash, Nate in shot put. Beck in high jump and Teed in the Xander Signeski, Caleb Laboe and Jonah Kohmescher in 110-meter hurdles. Daniel long jump. Teed that took first for lhe Saxons. Weatherly in discus. Eastman in the high Hastings w ill return to the track after spring Other Saxons taking first place were: Laboe jump, and Slaughter in the pole vault. break with their first Interstate 8 Conference in 3200-meter. Sam Randall in shot put. Saxons finishing third in events were: Meet against Jackson Northwest. Barton aond TO pair participate in D2 singles tourney Brett Bremer Sports Editor Saxon sophomore Abby Barton rolled high games of 154.145 and 143 as she finished oil her 2020-2021 varsity bowling season al the Division 2 State Finals Saturday at Century­ Bowl in Waterford. Barton, the area’s lone girl to qualify for lhe stale singles competition, placed 58th overall with a final six-game total score of 799. ”/\bby did great for her first lime at states.” Hastings head coach Deanna Rhodes said. “She was able to go our there and enjoy her experience at the s“*e finals.” “(Barton) has already stated that she is going back again next year with more Hastings bowlers." Rhodes added There were more local bowlers in Waterford Saturday, as Thomapple Kellogg had two guys in the Division . state singles compeutioir senior Michael Willshire and sophomore Wyatt Jacobson. Jacobson placed 30th in the * liivinc game5 and Willshire, who has six qua J . jjjj; National Leiter of Intent to Daven^L’niversity Men's Bowling Pro.granr.’\Tnut tocher a total score of 1.120 The Saxons' Carly Warner pressures Olivet guard Isabell VanDorpe near center court during the fourth quarter of their uivision 2 District Semifinal bailgame at Hasbngs High School Wednesday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) ’"Youngs ihT °livct flnisl,ed 10of-12. points L ? Sax°ns in scoring with 13 ten points IC^C'S *1’111 *louble double with had^"ena±'n Bri Barnes also Winegar and^to w 'hC Saxons’ M“Cy assists each. y Warner both had four Oliva'" mo y’,hc Saxons’ Allison Teed held points fi,XXr’Abbcy Pennficld 45.43 n’8ht’s district final to > <aK .h earnerof2'''202 a"d 200 W11 '• U urikhire hal*a sc°re of 1.098 and had his six. Willshire^ 196a|)dI87 high games < .3j.ets jn ,|nj . "1C l°rrvinc cn,erc<1 match-play brackets girls qua i, $tate singles champion, to delenm ^.^stian Jerry LaRue was lhe Grand Rapm, qualifier in the boys’ com pcfinal match-P Jia| of |il8| Tccumsch tition wit > • Williams was tops with a freshman u । fjO that put him 151 pins total score ^ivine Child senior Noelle ahead of 0 th* ^nner-up. Jackson who .j-^jjns OK Gold Conference A pair°l a Hills canted spots among foes from .pf Lucas who was lhe top ,6’ e p^stra who was eighth. and juniorN‘-fihview sophomore Kyle Grand R‘‘p (J1IJth seed and he bumped oft Pranger wu* . postal in the opening round the eigld'st‘e aJ1d‘i’en ‘^‘sted Williams in lhe of match-|M quarterfinals on his way to the slate singles title. Pranger outscored Jackson Northwest junior Damien Milliman 416-389 in the two games of their finals match-up to clinch the title. The girls’ tournament saw Flint Kearsley senior Allison Robbins outscore Kadence Boltrall. a sophomore from Wayland, 1287 to 1.232 to finish at the top of the qualifying rounds, and St. Clair Shores Lake Shore senior Dani DcCruydt third at 1,230. Jackson Northwest senior Karrah Wiggins was the last of the 16 inatch-play qualifiers with an overall score of 1,116. In the end. DeCruydt outscored Robbins 426-402 in the championship final. Robbins and the Kearsley girls also captured lhe Division 2 Team State Championship Friday at Century Lanes, outscoring Mason 1.1894 1,166 in the championship match which included two Baker games and one regular game - with Robbins actually putting up just the fourth best score from among her team­ mates in lhe regular game to close out the team tournament. Kearsley got a 190 from Megan Timm, a 188 from Emilea Sturk and a 179 from Allison Eible in that final. Dearborn Divine Child defeated Chelsea 1358-1310 in the Division 2 boys’ final. ; The Hastings Saxons’ Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foes from Jackson Northwest were first in lhe boys’ qualifying rounds which included eight Baker games and two regular games, but Chelsea knocked off the Northwest boys in the semifinals of the eight­ team match-play bracket. FAFSA deadline extended Students and families encouraged to complete forms Students who want to be given priority consideration lor State of Michigan financial aid programs now have some extra time to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, according to a March 29 press release from the Michigan Department of Treasury'. Commonly referred to as FAFSA, this application is a critical step when applying for grants, scholarships and other forms of financial assistance. Academic Year 2021-22 FAFS/\ submissions now received at the federal processor on or before May 1 - ral|K.r than the original March I deadline - are given priority consideration for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and Michigan TUition Grant. -Completing the FAFSA should be on top of everyone’s list when applying for college financial aid, said Robin Lott, executive director of the treasury’s Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. “We are hopeful that this deadline change will help families who have been faced with challenges during the pandemic. Please do not delay and complete this free application today. , Students who wait to complete their FAFSA after the new May I deadline may not receive all lhe financial aid they might have been entitled to receive. > Prior to completing the FAFSA online, the student and at least one parent or guardian must obtain a Federal Student Aid ID at fafsa. gov This ID senes as a legal signature and confirms an applicant’s identity when accessing financial aid information through certain U.S. Department of Education information on FAFSA can be found at fafsa gov. More about Stale of Michigan scholarships and grant programs is available on MI Student Aid’s website, michigan.gov/ inistudentaid. Administered by the treasury department. Ml Student Aid is Michigan’s go-to resource for finding Hie financial resources needed to pay for college and can be found at mistudentaid^michigan.gov. �Pa98U-TI1u,«by.AP!.l1.^t-Th.. HnsW Banner DK team tourney ends, but four make D4 Finals ; Delton Kellogg’s Gage Vincent tries to fight off a shot by Carson City-Crystal’s Tyler Akin (left) during tho opening period of their 112-pound match Wednesday in the Division 4 Team Regional Semifinal at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Carson City-Crystal (CC-C) had a few wrestlers unable to compete Wednesday and it gave the outnumbered Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team a fighting chance. CC-C still managed to eke out a 42-30 vic­ tory in the Division 4 Regional Semifinal match at Delton Kellogg High School. Holding a nine-point lead with three flights to go, the Eagles pulled out a couple close victo­ ries to seal the win. Cole Stone fought off his back in the first period against Delton Kellogg 140-poundcr Vinnie Quick and then went on to an 8-7 deci­ sion that put his team up 36-24, and Eagle 145-pounder Ethan Mills fought off a couple good shots from DK’s Andrew Fales in the first period and took a quick pin in second period to clinch it. Delton Kellogg got pins from Hunter Belew .and Hunter Antolovich in the dual, as well as forfeit wins from Caden Ferris, Joelle White and Matthew Fales. Belew made quick work of Logan Hopkins at 189 pounds, pinning him in 31 seconds. Antolovich scored his pin 34 seconds into his 130-pound bout with CC-C’s Grayson Ackels. CC-C took 24 points thanks to four voids in the DK line-up where the Eagles had compet­ itors. CC-C was without four line-up regulars including senior 130-pounder Jaron Johnson who was the Division 4 Individual State Champion at 125 pounds in 2020. The . Delton Kellogg’s Vinnie Quick hauls Carson City-Crystal’s Cole Stone down to the mat during their 140-pound bout Wednesday in the Division 4 Regional Semifinal at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg 130-pounder Hunter Antolovich (right) works to turn Carson City Crystal's Grayson Ackels to his back during the first period of their bout in the Division 4 Team Regional Semifinal Wednesday (March 24) at Delton Kellogg High School (Photo by Brett Bremer) Panthers were missing a guy of their own, Luke Watson, al 171 pounds. “We had an opportunity there, had wc shown up. We almost had a pin there right away at 60 with a first-year wrestler. That would have been huge,” Delton Kellogg head coach Brett Bissett said. “We could have County gets six to D2 Individual maybe bumped Caden {Ferris] up and he might have gotten a pin at heavyweight, but at this point in the season that kid is 283 pounds I didn’t really want send him out and chance an injury fora fluke reason." DK’s Gavin Poley had a shot at sticking CC-C’s CJ Baldwin in the 160-pound bout that opened the evening. Poley scored the only two take downs of the first period, but Baldwin caught him and stuck him 39 sec­ onds into the second period. “Shoot, we have four kids that have seen the mat before this year and we were district champs and had a winning dual meet record. Can’t be hx> upset about that, especially with 11 guys.” Bissett said. Ravenna earned the regional championship al DKILS Wednesday, besting Lakeview 66 12 and then knocking of CC-C 45-23 in the regional final. l he Panthers were back in action Saturday at Carson City-Crystal for their Division 4 Individual Regional Tournament, and four of lhe five DK guys participating won their way through to spots in tomorrow’s (April 2) Division 3 Individual Stale Finals that will be held at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. That group includes former state medalists Belew and Ferris, as well as Quick and Gage Vincent. Ferris and Belew each won regional cham­ pionships. Belew pinned all three of his op|x>nenls. culminating in a pin of St. Louis Justice Onstott half a minute into lhe third period of their 189-pound championship match. Ferris pinned his first two opponents, then took a forfeit win in the finals at 215 pounds against New Lothrop senior Camden Orr - the defending Division 4 215-pound champion. Quick and Vincent both placed fourth. Quick defeated Coleman’s Isaiah Biers in the first round of consolation and then got a bye through the blood round [consolation semifinals]. He was bested 5-2 by Breckenridge’s Derek Mayle in the match for third at 135 pounds. Vincent scored a 7-3 win over Beaverton’s Seth Onweller to open consolation at 112 pounds, then pinned Hesperia’s Alex Sayer in the blood round to clinch his spot in the state finals. New Lothrop’s Daven Lockwood pinned Vincent in the match for third. Fbafe „' Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer Six local wrestlers punched their ticket to the Division 2 Individual Stale Finals at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Individual Wrestling Regional hosted by Byron Center High School Saturday. Thomapple Kellogg managed to get five '; state qualifiers out of the eight guys lhat wres•tled at regionals, and Hastings had one state . qualifier out of its six regional wrestlers. ; . “Overall we did pretty good today." Thomapple Kellogg head coach Ryan Fletke ' said. "We got five out to the slate tournament . so we’re happy with that. We came ready to wrestle today and we will keep working through the net week and continue to train like we have been, and to get the kids mental­ ly prepared for the state tournament. Wc want to gel everyone there healthy and safe." ' The group of Trojans getting through the regional to Friday’s Division 2 Individual State Finals that will be held al Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids includes 125-pound regional champion Zach Gibson as well as Carter West who was third at 285 pounds; Ashton Corson who was third at 119 pounds; Kyron Zoet who was third at 130; and Andrew ■Middleton who was fourth al 140 pounds. Hastings’ Robby Slaughter earned his first trip to the state finals with a fourth-place fin­ ish at 152 pounds. He had to go through a Trojan to secure his state finals spot, beating TK’s Austin Chivis 11-9 in an overtime ses- Hastings Robby Slaughter works on top of Thornapple Kellogg’s Austin Chivis during their blood round match at Saturday’s Division 2 Individual Regional hosted by Byron Center High School. Slaughter pulled out an 11-9 win in the first sudden victory overtime period to clinch his spot in this Friday’s Individual State Finals. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Thornapple Kellogg 125-pounder Zach Gibson works to pin Lowell’s Landon Miller late in the first round of their championship match at the Division 2 Individual Regional Tournament hosted by Byron Center High School Saturday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) sion in lhe blood round (the consolation semi­ finals]. This was a bit of dejil vu for the two wrestlers with a different outcome, as last year Chivis eliminated Slaughter in the blood round at districts. Coaches vole on coaching awards at the MHSAA Regional tournament, and Fletke was voted by his peers ns Regional Coach of the Year. Fletke staled, "I’m very surprised and happy to get that. It comes with a lol of work form other coaches and parents that support lhe program. It’s kind of a welcome surprise." The opening round of the day was tough for both teams as only four of die combined 14 wrestlers for both schools g°l l,ie,r hands raised after their first match- and all were Trojans. The Saxons al) came up >hort in lhat See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. j-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits first round. Gibson had a fall at 1:03 mark to advance at the 125-pound weight. Zoet advanced at the 130-pound weight with a 6-3 decision. Middleton had a 15-0 technical fall at 140 pounds, and West had a pin at the heavyweight bracket. In the second round of semi-finals and con­ solation brackets, the Trojans got wins from Gibson, who picked up his second pin of the day over Eran Marx of East Grand Rapids to secure his spot in the finals, and Jackson Curtis and Dylan Bailey, who advanced to the blood round, both scoring major decisions for their wins. The Saxon wrestlers had a betlcr round getting wms front Mason 0 pounds), Cohen Smith (140). and Slauehi-r but the Wood round was again brut he w, S""; close 4-0 decision. Sl a Hastings head coach Darrell Slaughter said The first round was brutal as we did, •. . single win, but really pleased wit^ he " and getting six here to regionals th °n was bummed that Denton <r । - ls ^ear* 1 next level, but glad ,hc him and the team to accomplish th* fw "Robby really started tK 'n61?031"- an ugly first match, which made h; SJ°W Wilh er in the long run. but he rose i„ ' day hardwith his match againsi Ck lleoceilsion seven minutes in this case, can seem. Most kids in this position would’ve been mentally beaten, down four points at the end of the second period to a kid who has beat you before, but he came back to score seven more and tie it up. We were all super proud of how he got the overtime win." Trojan wrestlers had three other wrestlers secure their spot al lhe slate tournament in the blood round wilh Zoet getting a 14-4 major decision over Caleb Huyser from Allegan; West had a 14-1 major decision over Clayton Kammeraad of Holland; and Ashton Corson had a 10-0 major decision over Easton Mendoza of Holland. In the finals for TK, Gibson was lhe only regional champion after his win over Landon Miller from Lowell with his third pin ot the day. In a year where nothing looks the same, the slate tournament is one of them. Wrestlers in Division 2 will wrestle in the Suite Finals at Van Andel Arena starting Friday morning. In normal years, lhe tournament runs over two. and before lhat three days. This year each division’s tournament will take place in one day. with all four divisions competing at dif­ ferent times and locations. The Division 3 tournament will be Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, with the Division 1 wrestlers competing io Kalamazoo Saturday. The Division 4 tournament will be held Saturday at Van Andel Arena. �Ba_ a II returns to LHS; Vikes take two The Hastings Bannnr - Thursday. April 1.2021 - P,q„ Is Sports Editor r^»£i®aRn,“ — It opened *s a battle of spinning fastballs and concluded with a race against the spin­ ... ning Earth. Theluikvw'ood varsity baseball team scored 8-2 and 5-1 victories over I ansing Catholic Tuesday at Lakewood High School in the Vikings’ first varsity baseball games since the conclusion of the 2019 season. Uakcwood senior catcher Jayce Hansen belted his first varsity home nin os er the left field wall w ith one out in the bottom of the third inning of game two to put an exclama­ tion point on the Vikings* first evening. The solo shot put the Vikings up 5-0 and it was a race against the selling sun and the falling rain drops to make it an official five-inning victory' from that point on. “It felt good to hit.” Hansen said after a first five days of practice spent mostly focusing on mk defense for the Vikings. Hansen was I-tor-1 with two RBI in game two. and 3-for 4 with a double and three RBI in the opener. Hansen caught both games, receiving the complete game from fellow senior Brady Gawne in the opener. Gawne struck out 12 Cougars and walked just two in his seven-in­ ning start to open lhe season. He gave up five hits and only one of the two runs against him was earned. Lakewood’s Lucas Tacey drops down a sacrifice bunt to move a teammate up a “The first game went great," Lakcwrxxl base during game two against Lansing Catholic Tuesday at Lakewood High School head coach Brad Tacey said. “They jumped (Photo by Brett Bremer) out to a lead in the first inning, then wc got a couple runs and led from there. Guys hit the ball all over the place and we just played phe­ played very well as a freshman. | Nathaniel] haven’t hit. We haven t hit at all. That is what Graham played very well. We played team guys work on ,n lhc offseason and when they nomenal defense tonight. Brady {Gawne] just baseball and the biggest thing is the defense. have their own time. They work on hitting. continued on doing what he has been doing. We focused on defense tor the majority of the He played varsity baseball as a sophomore I’m very impressed w ith lhe defense.” Coach Tacey said that defense has been the time that we had out here and it really paid and he just picked up right w here he left off. . We played great defense. |l ucasj Tacey had a focus throughout lhe few practices in the lead- off." up to this one set of ballgames before lhe Lwking on from ms spot behind the plate. great grab in right field in the second game. Hansen said he saw his team’s outfielders Jayce Hansen hit the ball all over lhe place, team’s spring break trip to Florida. “I attribute that (strong defense! to actually moving well and was happy with the way obviously with the home run, and he hit one being able to be outside and field (he baseball Graham looked playing out of position al sec­ in just about the exact same spot in practice in warm weather, and not hasmg to spend two ond base with a couple teammates unable to yesterday which is crazy. weeks in a gym." coach Tacey said. “ I’hat is participate Tuesday. “Guys played very well. (Blake] Price what I attribute it to. When we got outside. Lakewood’s Marissa Goble takes a cut at a ni»M, • doubleheader against Lansing Catholic Tuesdav (Photo by Brett Bremer) y nin9 Brett Bremer Sports Editor "Vic are extremely young this year. We only have two kids that have seen a varsity pitch before tonight," Lakewood varsity soft­ ball coach Brent Hilley said Tuesday after his girls opened the 2021 season with a double- Zac Friday Gibsonand willhe'll be chasing his teammate! thini . medal have (hree wrestling in the Individual Slate Finals for i| first time with him at Wings Event Center in Kalama/oo. r ,n Gibson won a regional championship at 125 pounds Saturday at (he Division 3 Individual Regional Tournament hosted by Lansing Sexion to qualify for the Division 3 Individual State Finals fur the third time in his three varsity seasons. Lakewood senior 152-pounder Keegan VanAlstine and senior 160-pounder Kyle Petrie both had state quali­ fying perfonnances as did junior heavyw eight Eastin Stank. Gibson ran his record to 29-1 on the season with a 3-1 win over Williamston’s Greg Dion in the 125-pound regional championship bout. He oped the day with a quick pin of Montague’s Landon Askins and then defeated Alma's Dianni Tripp 6-0 in die semifinals. VanAlstine placed third in his weight class and Petrie and Stank each placed fourth, lhe top four in each weight class at the regional earned spots in lhe state finals. Lakewood had three other rndtvrdual regional qualifiers, Daniel Krebs, Gavin ° Vikin^s durin9 game two of their double header Tuesday at Lakewood Hi9h School. <Photo BreU drose in a run in (he opener for the Vikings. Price and Graham scored two runs each. Gawne. Graham and Andy Wolverton each had an RBI Brent Sweet. Gawne, Graham and Price each singled once in the w in Sweet was 2-for-2 at the plate with a run and an RBI in game two. Graham, Nathan Willette and Price each singled and scored a run. Willette went the distance on the mound in game two for lhe Vikings, striking out two and walking four in five innings. He gave up the one mn on four hits. “It felt nice after not bing able to play Iasi year," Hansen said of gelling back on lhe field. “We would have had a great team last year loo. I had a lot of friends on that leant. I played with them growing up. so it sucked not being able to play, but we have a pretty good team this year loo from lhe looks of it today." Lakewood returns to action al home zXpril 12 against Lowell and then will begin the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season at Lansing Christian April 13. tW° °f the v,kin9s' Lakewood High School. header sweep of Lansing Catholic at Lakewood High School Tuesday. Lily Federau saw three of them before she hit the fourth one that came her way over lhe right field fence. "Into the wind," Hilley said. The first two girls in lhe Viking line-up Vikes sending two seniors, two juniors to D3 Finals Ilrett Bremer Sports Editor Martin Hollern doubled, scored a run and sw'•pd o?vi^itinn^ Bremer) Vaughn and Ashton Clark, all of whom won one match but were knocked from the state tournament in lhe blood round (the consola­ tion semifinals]. VanAlstine pinned Central Montcalm’s Brock Ryan in his blood round match and then earned the third-place medal at 152 pounds with an 8-2 win over Whitehall’s Alec Pruett to close out the day. Petrie defeated Cole VanDyke from West Catholic 3-1 in the blood round to survive for another tournament. The two battled through a scoreless first period and VanDy ke got the first points ol the bout w ith a quick escape in lhe second period. He held that lead until Petrie worked an escape 22 seconds into the third period. Petrie then got the points he needed for the win with a take down with 53 seconds remaining in the match. clr*c a,,tl VanAlstine both won their first match ol the tournament, but Stank had to fight through two win-or-go liome matches a ter he was pinned in his quarterfinal match ,?.Slart day* He pinned Alma’s Caden Adams quickly in his first consolation match and then pinned Lansing Sexton’s Jose Medina in the blood round. Grant’s Caleb J hompson scored a 5-0 win over Stank in the match for third. Lakewood catcher Lily Federau and pitcher Morgan Stahl get fired up forTuesday. the start(Photo of annthpr inninn d..rin« Vikings ’ doubleheader sweep of Lansing Catholic at Lakewood High School by Brett Bremer) 9 9 Tuesday. Federau and Marissa Goble, are both they were freshmen in the spring of 2018. Federau has taken over the catching duties freshmen. Federau led off game one and was l-for-2 with a pair of walks. She scored two from Slater for now, but Hilley expects them runs in a 10-0 Lakew’ood win. She followed to swap back and forth a few' times this spring. “Morgan threw great. I think she might that up with a J-for-4 performance in game tw o in w hich she belted a double and a pair of have given up two hits and a walk in both singles while scoring two more limes in a games, so she is steady." Hilley said of Stahl. The first three Lakewood bailers reached 12-1 Viking victory'Goble had a two-run single in her third base and scored in the bottom half of the first inning of game one against the Cougars. at-bat of the season opener. There arc three freshmen on the Viking Goble was hit by the fourth pitch she saw and roster this spring. Hie two girls with varsity then Liv Woodman reached on an error. experience are senior pitcher Morgan Stahl They’d come nroound to score without the and senior catcher turned shortstop Hannah benefit of another Viking hit in lhe first inning Slater who have both been on the varsity since after Federau’s lead-off home run. m Slater singled twice and drove in two runs in lhe opener. Stahl singled once and Claire Benham doubled in two runs in her last at-bat of game one. Audrey Hilliard singled twice and scored twice, and Kale McGarry had a single and a run scored as well. Slater was 3-for-4 at the plate in game two. Stahl singled twice and scored a run. Bonham doubled, walked and scored twice. Bella Lab had two singles and scored tw ice. Woodman walked three times and scored a run. McGarry doubled, w alked and scored a run. Hillard had a double as well and scored (wo runs. GIVE THE GIFT OF NEWS! Send friends and family a gift subscription to The Hastings BANNER! To subscribe, call us at... 269-945-9554 �Page 16 — Thursday, April 1. 2021 - The Hasbnps Banner Vikes can’t slow down against Sexton j to district semi’s Brett Bremer Sports Editor There arc a lot of things to be pleased about from the 2020-2021 Lake wood varsity boys’ basketball season. , t ' Lhe final performance of the season isn t one of them though. The Lakewood varsity boys basketball team was bumped from the Division 2 state tournament by Lansing Sexton in the district semifinals at Ionia High School Thursday, 71-52. Lakewood struggled with the Big Red’s speed and athleticism on lhe press break, and it is Sexton that got to return to Ionia Saturday to face the host Bulldogs in the district final (which Ionia won 58-49). The Lakewood boys close the season with a. 10-8 record - the team’s second ten-win season in a row and first w inning season since the winter of 2014-15 which was its first in rhe Greater I-ansing Activities Conference. 1 he Vikings had an 8-4 performance in the GL.AC this season which put them in a tie for third in the final conference standings. •“Our seniors, I’m gonna miss them.” Lakewood head coach Chris Duits said, “lake wood hadn’t had a ten-win season in quite some time and then these seniors had back-to-back ten win seasons. That was a step in the right direction. We will be reluming a good group of guys [next season.1” Duits said that a couple conference ball­ games with Leslie were lhe only ones that came close to preparing his guy s for the kind of ballgame they found themselves in against the now 3-12 Sexton boys. “When you play a team that is up-tempo like this, they speed you up and they speed up your brain,” Duits said. “In our league, we are not used to this type of speed. When we play somebody with this type of speed it is hard for us to slow our brains down and just run our stuff that we do every day. We never ran our offense the whole first half. We never got into our offense. “The game plan was to break their press, and if we have the numbers we attack the rim. If we don’t have the numbers, we bring it back out and set up our offense. When we'did break it and we didn’t have the numbers we still tried to force it inside, and then we had wasted possessions.” 1 he turnovers against the press oftentimes were passes that went straight into the hands of Sexton defenders who then went the other way for lay-ups. Sexton led 16-6 at the end of the first quar­ ‘■<KEW«b Lakewood junior guard Denny Sauers looks to get a pass off as he attacks along the baseline during the first half of his team’s loss to Lansing Sexton in the Division 2 District Semifinal at Lakewood High Schoo! Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ter and carried an advantage the entire night. Lakewood got to within lour early in lhc sec­ ond quarter thanks to a buckets by Brady Gawne and Jayce Cusack and a steal and lay­ up by Nathan Willette. Sexton answered right back w ith a 6 0 run of its ow n that w as spurred by a couple Viking turnovers. A couple of three-pointers by Gawne around the two-minute mark of the first half kept things from getting out of hand, but the final minute of the first half w as a disaster for the Vikings. Lakewood senior Brady Gawne drives around Lansing Sexton's Dai'John Chandler during the first half of the Division 2 District Semifinal at Ionia High School Thursday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Sexton turned a ten-point lead to an IS-point lead last. Sexton beat the Viking press easilv followin- a time-out and got lay-up for Zyon Adams and soon after Da quarions Alexander knocked down a pair ot free throws. \ Viking turnover led to a bucket by ScxtoTs Ronald Tunile). and in the end lumlcy managed to cap off the 8-0 run lor his team by catching an inbound pass from under his own basket with 3.6 seconds left on the clock and dribble the length ot the court lor a floater that found its mark Sexton led Prose dives hfe way top 16 at DI State "Flhals Brett Bremer Sports Editor Barry County Barracuda senior diver Gram Price extended his season as long as he could Friday at the Division 1 Lower Peninsula Swimming and Diving Finals hosted by Hudsonville High School. Price scored his way through the prelimi­ nary and semifinal rounds to compete with the • 16 best DI divers in lhe stale, finishing 15th overall in a field that opened with 36 divers Friday. He finished the day with an 11-dive .score of 296.25 points. . Price was lhe OK Rainbow Tier II Conference runner-up, earning all-conference honors, this winter. He earned his state finals spot with a ninth-place finish al the Division 1 Regional Diving competition al East Kentwood High School March 18 where he totaled a score of 317.05 points. Teammate Blake Sheldon was 12th at the regional, just missing the state finals cut. Price has been a four-year member of the Delton KelloggALhomapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity boys’ swimming and diving program now known as the Barry’ County Barracudas, and spent seven years diving with Barry County Barracudas diving coach Todd Bales in the Hastings Community Diving Club. He was the OK Tier II Conference champion in diving as a junior. . Price’s two points earned Friday put the Barracuda program in 34th-place among the 37 teams that scored at the finals. Ann Arbor Pioneer's Cole Iremewan won the DI diving championship with an overall „,nr, of 449 05 [joints. New Baltimore Anchor 40-22 at the half. A couple buckets by Gawne gave the Vikings a bit of momentum and had them w ithin 13 points with a minute to play in the thud quarter, but Jy’Reyion Glasscoe scored tor Sexton inside and the Vikings turned the ball over under their ow n basket twice leading to lay-ups by Tumley. Sexton led 57-38 going into the fourth quarter. “We were doing okay, but then we threw it away twice on (he inbounds pass for lay-ups and we just couldn't recover.” Duits said, ■ They played w ith more energy. They played to win. We didn't.” Gawne finished w ith a game-high 18 points t<»r> .Z.. .’.4 .... .1.;^, I no for Likewood. Cusack, who suffered a leg injury that took him out of the game for a bit in the third quarter, finished with 14. Willette had nine points for the Vikings and Denny Sauers and Logan Arias chipped in four points apiece. Tumley led Sexton with 21 points and senior center Commodre Joy had 11. Sexton spread the scoring around. Alexander had eight points, while Alvin Walker. Charleston Rogers and Dontal Wright had seven points apiece and Zyon Adams added six. Ionia held on for a 61-60 win over Lansing Catholic in the first district semifinal of lhe evening Thursday in Ionia. • t nn,. Pofttervil!® overtakes LbBis Bat® for dfetrfef final spot Brett Bremer Sports Editor Potters ille went on a 17-9 run in the fourth quarter to steal Thursday night’s Division 3 District Semifinal from the Maple Valley var­ sity boys' basketball team al Dansville High School. The Vikings wiped out a 41-37 Lion lead in the fourth quarter to score a 54-50 victory and earn a spot in the district final against lhe Greater Lansing Activities Conference cham­ pions from Leslie. The Lion lead was as large as six points in the fourth quarter. “We weren’t able to hang on, but our kids gave everything they had and played their hearts out,” Lion head coach Ryan Nevins said. "It was a great high school basketball game.” he added. “Both teams played incred­ ibly hard. We knew going in we had to keep the game in the 40’s or 50’s to give ourselves a chance. We have talked all year about play­ ing al our tempo and we have done a really good job of lhat tor the last seven or eight games.” V The Lions built a 13-11 lead in the opening quarter and the Vikings surged for a 29-26 halftime lead and led by as many as seven points in lhat second quarter. Seniors Curtis Walker and Hugheston Heckathom kept the Lions in the bailgame on the scoreboard, putting in ten points each in lhe first half. Heckathom closed the night w ith 19 points and nine rebounds. Walker had ten points and 12 boards. Lane Morris scored nine points in the third quarter for the Lions as they pulled in front. The senior shooting guard closed his career with a 17-point and five-steal performance. Nevins was also pleased with the play of his senior point guard Buck Schrader. “Buck Schrader was a great floor general all night,” Nevins said. “They pressed us all night and he did a great job of handling the pressure and getting us into our sets. He only ended up with two points, but had six assists and only two turnovers.” Senior Blaze Sensiba did not score for the Lions, but ended with eight rebounds and lour steals. Leslie defeated Dansville 71-46 in the other Division 3 District Final in Dansville Thursday and then claimed lhe district championship when Potterville was forced to forfeit Saturday’s district final to the Blackhawks. EdKetooghe fourth at 392 _«5 Waterford Fred's Alex Poulin wasuhe th.rd-place Un­ isher with a score Pioneer domiT7nk!Wweekend in Hudsonville, finishing naled the we<-^ tition on Saturday with a the swimming compenu fif|h nOrc' °f |3sutcd ampionship, but first since Division 1 ' 2009. rhe ->019 Slate champion, was West Ottawa, the W' .ts 11)c a distant second|'P'“® finals were not com2020 Division J bta ndemic. pleted due to the Covw ' wcekcnd wld) Saline placed thi i( Catholic Central 230 points, ahead o^DMac()|nb Dakota 112. 225, Northville -09, M $ Troy 91 aIld Rochester 98. Bog (cn The hosls from Grand Haven 76m «> 1 P 58 points. Hudsonville were U fiii( three races Seg38-d junior teammate R>an..5O37, Hume woul individual medley;n 500-y^^ add a runner-up fin. '• « |hrce 0, the five Style on the day. SaW > B C°un'y Barracuda senior diver Gram Price isJ piston Bates as they celebrate his slate medal winning performance at the D - enmsula Swimming and Diving Finals in Hudsonville Friday. fa Seganacllr<! freCi,>krs a* ">eet. brXroJh^,O" “ wi" । <><’■> «rd and was . pa^f ’ *jmc of 53 26 for Pioneer. s '*W"n"">«-U|> rein) finishes Wilkcning, Ro|L* v “ned W1'h juniors Jack place second ,K1h?|an.1,"d Ak'' 10 yard medley rda/w "'S' riKV'lhc 2°°’ and with Yang'n,., 1 tt.“s bY Sah"c Williston to finish ?"d ?cni,)r ('anwron yard freestyle, relay at m ,I1C 400' Saline had senioj I ' the n";e1' Cooper Osgood, juni ” Sa“"dvrs. senior Matt Adanin win th. J(„! "ke 1 o> a,ld Junlor 400-yanj freestyle relay in 3:03.84 and the team of Adanin. junior Joshua Brunty. Osgood and Saunders win th. 200-yard medley relay in l:.'0-15 took’the 100-yard freestyle state title hiniM.lt in 44,64 seconds, . West Ottawa won two state championships ... we|| with junior Kevin uk,ni? !he * ) va\d freestyle in 20.00 and then teaming wi^eniorsJoshRot^.1^^^ Boersema town the <Kt,ar in 1-13.25. Salines team ol 1 <’> Brunty and Saunders was ku* ’j' (:,av ond behind in the runner-up'I’1’11" • Blood drive today in Hastings As of yesterday allernoon, some appointments were available in the American Red Cross blood drive in Hastings. The drive today, April 1, is at the Barry County Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The American Red Cross is calling for donors of all blood types. es|x:cially those with type O bliuxi, to give blood and help refuel the blood supply. As extra incentive, Red Cross has teamed up with IndyCar to urge |K*ople to help keep the blood supply on track by donating blood or platelets. Those who give blood or platelets April 1-15 will automatically be entered to win a VIP trip for tour to the 2022 Indianapolis 5(X).The Red Cross also will automatically enter the names of all who give blood in April for a chance to win one of five $1,000 electronic gift cards to a merchant of choice. Additional details are available at RcdCrossBlood.org/lndy5(X). Donation appointments can be scheduled by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood. org. or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733 2767). �Colts shoot ■ \ ■ j Th0 Hastings Banner — Thursday. Apr4 1.2021 ~ pt!QQ n. PK boys odt of D3 state tournament : Brett Bremer Sports Editor Comstock only surpassed the 60-point pla­ teau twice during the 2020-2021 varsity boys’ basketball regular season, against over­ matched foes from Calhoun County Christian and Mendon. l hc Colts upped their offensive output one more time to open the state tournament, scor­ ing a 67-40 win over visiting Delton Kellogg in the Division 3 District Semifinals at Comstock High School Thursday. The Colts hit 12 three-pointers in the win. “Wc had not seen Comstock play that well on lhe offensive end," DK head coach Jim Hogobooom said. “(Comstock head coach Josh] Becke said it was the best they had played all year, and I would say it was our worst performance of lhe year.” Hogoboom added. ‘That is a tough way to end lhe season. However, I would take my guys any day and really appreciate the effort they brought everyday to practice. These five seniors will be missed as they have shown growth, leadership, and character all year long during a difficult season to stay focused and positive with all of the unknowns 1 ■ n* < «t}f»f STUDEN" I and variables this season has brought. * ‘There are good things in their futures and good things ahead for Delton basketball.’' Senior center Cole Pape, who has plans to play football at Davenport University next season, finished his varsity basketball career with a 15-point effort. . Comstock got 21 points from Israel Patterson and 18 from Kyle Mortimer, who hit four threes. The Colls moved their record to 10-4 with the semifinal win. Alex Whitmore and Austin Blocker tied for lhe DK team lead wilh seven rebounds each. Blake Thomas chipped in two points, five assists and six rebounds. DK closes the season al 4-11. Kalamazoo Christian defeated Hackett Catholic Prep 54-37 in the other semifinal at Comstock High School Thursday and then the Comets knocked off the Colts in the district final,50-47. Saturday afternoon. Kalamazoo Christian is set to face Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division foe Schoolcraft in a Division 3 Regional Final at Bronson High School tonight after both teams won regional semifi­ nal match-ups Tuesday. NEC04 BOX? We sell boxes of ALL SIZES! Delton Kellogg senior center Cole Pape gets by Comstock’s Dalton Wilkins during their Division 3 District Semifinal ballgame at Comstock High School Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Frosh rolls at Finals for GLAC champion Vikings Brett Bremer Sports Editor it wasn’t much of a season and yet it was quite a season for the Lakewood varsity bowl­ ing team. The Vikings won their fourth Greater Lansing Activities Conference boys’ bowling championship in their six seasons as a pro­ gram and capped off the 2020-2021 season with freshman Phillip Butler making into die match-play bracket at die Division 3 Bowling Finals at JAX60 in Jackson Saturday. Buller had a fourth-place individual region­ al finish at the Division 3 Regional Tournament al Northway Lanes in Muskegon March 19 to cam his spot in the stale finals along with lhe other top ten bowlers from the event. At JAX 60 Saturday, Butler placed fifth among the 60 bowlers in the state singles competition to advance to match-play along wilh the rest of the top 16 from the morning. Butler rolled games of 170,212, 188,213, 222 and 208 in lhe qualifying round, finishing with a total score of J ,213. He was one of just five freshmen who qualified for the D3 state singles competition, and the only one to finish higher than 35th in the qualifying rounds at the finals. Livonia Clarenceville junior Jacob Johnson surpassed the 200 mark in all six of his quali­ fying round games and went into lhe match­ play bracket as lhe top seed thanks to his overall score of 1324 and went on to win lhe stale singles championship. He rolled a 206 and a 190 in the finals to best Belding junior Trenton Altman’s 179 and 194 games. Butler was bested by Michael Deming, a senior from Boyne City, in the first round of the 16-man bracket. Butler rolled games of 203 and 163 while Deming scored a 221 and a 213 Deming was even better in the quarter­ finals but was bumped from the bracket in the end by Johnson in (he semifinals by just three • survived that semifinal matchSpwiSX ol?2O4 and 203 while Deming ^-He^sa3 freshman, and he made a really niceappearance for himseBf’Lakewood head coach J°1""m met him when hewas seven or ,‘I prOba% (hink.: Kutas added.’’He eight yean. W I lwo.hander and just Jives for bowtine syme iearn. he studies the he has an extremely go^°understanding of the game that ts for sure.” _ pood upperclassmen to He had some The Vikings roll with througbou he thjs win. were 4-0 in their U |(? (1 wins over the ter, pulling ou‘16' champions from Olivet defending confero Lcs|ic. and a pair of -5 ■ . any magnificent ••We didn t really b d outlasted scores. We were jus« i,eaay everybody." Ku,ai Y match-up with Olivet Lakewood won the .>ie season, splitting on-road l<-7<4^n£ the two Baker the two regular game 234 Baker score in the final round ol uie a1 the win for the Eagles,at Bu ys The second dual w closer despite on the Beach, was even final tally of 19-II. The Vikings pulled out the last Baker game by a single pin to avoid end­ ing the afternoon in a 15-15 tie with the Eagles. “They just never panic," Kutas said of lhe boys and girls on his roster. “They never got excited. They just knew in their hearts, you cold just listen to them and watch them, they just knew that they could win. That was their attitude. They’re a pretty reserved group. They're not very boisterous. They just stay at it and keep grinding and just always, always figured lhat they could win." There were three stand-out teams al lhe Vikings’ Division 3 Regional in Jackson. The Belding team that won the regional champi­ onship finished wilh a total score of 3.502 [adding up the scores of four games by five bowlers]. Portland was second al 3,422, qual­ ifying for lhe team state finals along with the Black Knights. Muskegon Orchard View was third at 3.416. The Vikings were right in lhe mix with the rest of the pack, placing seventh in the field of 17 teams. Lakewood put togeth­ er scores of 778, 809,768 and 810 for a total pinfall of 3,165. Kent City was fourth at 3,186, West Catholic 3,180 and South Christian 3,166 ahead of the Vikings. Three other teams behind the Vikings surpassed the 3,100 point total to round out the lop ten at the regional: Comstock Park (3,156), Unity Christian (3,109) and Wellspring Prep (3,108) Lakewood senior Luke Stoneman and sophomore Drew Marquoit weren’t far behind the top ten singles state qualifiers from lhe event. Sloneman placed 14th with a total pin­ fall of 706 and a high single game of 209 to close out the tournament. Marquoit was 17th with a total score of 676. Marquoit, who coach Kutas said had an average of right around 150 for lhe season, was much better al ^regional with games of 172, 185, 162 and ‘‘(Stoneman] had a great year," Kutas said “He averaged a little over 170, 172 or some­ thing 1 think, and he was a team captain this *s one lh°sc kids that you can kind of build a program around. He has been with us for four years and has some nice leadership qualities. He was really just a nice kid to have a part of our program." Tlie last of the singles state qualifiers at the regional was Orchard View sophomore Konner Maus who had a total score of 732. H*6*0041 ,got eac,t of its top six bowlers Davie*. <al regionai- Sophomore Avery .?aa i ? JUni°r Brcnna K,aver combined for Delton Kellogg junior Hayden Walker shoots a jumper over Comstock's Alden Whitmore in the paint during the second half of their Division 3 District Semifinal ballgame at Comstock High School Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Stop by today 1351 N. Broad way (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8 00-4:30 PM SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS read contribute advertise name ’ kT SCOrc °f 574 (splitting up the four ?nd KI™ * ccn •hen’- Junior Zayda Kruger of 421‘as<’wdimblnCd f°ran 82nd-Placc score rcHonaHn <)Ualif>’in8 from the both earned ac^s?n> Belding and Portland, the i”lhc ma,< -’h-play bracket at but team X^n'X^T Ffi ^(Mi,rd *26K round. out m the quarterfinal tcrfinals 'and^'o-"!6 Rai<T !hc ?uar: Boys’ Teain State ca ,hc Dlvls,on 3 ries over NanX5^mpi.Onship wi,h vicl0’ B Rnvnt' ci Citv .•----■ a ? »> ,n lme ^c seininno semifinals and y 'he championship final. igiit D*w>,*d **,h< /nt,r^ cw,niv Sinf*,SM Hastings DANNER �uiisboas Banner Page 13 — Thursday. Apnl 1, 2021 — lhe Hi . Lions slow undefeated Irish, but fall in district semifinal Maple Valley varsity girls' basketball coach talks things over with senior point guard Megan Valiquette as teammale Ali McGIocklin (left) looks on from in front of their bench during the second half of their Division 3 District Semifinal loss to Hackett Catholic Prep Wednesday at Galesburg-Augusta High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer . Sports Editor There was a hole there in the Hackett Catholic Prep 2-3 zone. Megan Valiquette found it, snagged a nice pass near the foul line and knocked down a little jumper to get the Maple Valley varsity girls' basketball team within 19-15 of the undefeated Fighting Irish. The Lions were still within four minutes later once Ashlyn Wilkes scored a rare transi­ tion bucket for the Lions. They had a chance to get even closer after a couple great defen­ sive plays by Trista Medina first a steal, and then an outstanding hustle play following a Lion turnover where she chased down Fighting Irish guard Katcy Reasoner on a breakaway to prevent a lay-up wilh block from behind and a steal. , It was a spark, but not one that could heat Up the Lion offense enough to keep pace with Hackett girls in the end. Hackett ended the Lion season with a 41-24 victory in the Division 3 District Semifinals al GalesburgAugusta High School Thursday, running its tecord to 14-0 at the lime. 7 The Irish will have to continue winning for a bit lo get to play as much basketball as lhe Lions did this winter. The Lions close the season with a 7-12 record. The Irish moved lo 15-0 with a 45-26 win over Kalamazoo Christian in Friday night’s district final back in Galesburg. “That group of girls played 17 (regular season! games and other schools played 12 or played 13 and their decision was. let’s play as much as we can.” Maple Valley head coach Landon Wilkes said of the abbreviated sea­ son. “We’re not guaranteed anything tomor­ row. Through this whole Covid experience, at least these kids have learned that. You’re not guaranteed tomorrow.’’ The Lions had already earned one tomor­ row in the state tournament, winning their Division 3 District opener against Comstock 55-21 Monday al Galesburg-Augusta High School. “17 games and then two district games, almost having 20 games total, it was tiring but we never gave up,” Lion senior Ashlyn Wilkes said. “We didn’t want to, especially with Covid we wanted to soak every' last minute of it up that we had.” The Lions soaked every minute off lhe clock that they could against the Fighting Irish, having possessions lhal lasted 90 or 100 seconds here and there throughout the eve­ ning as they looked for holes in the 2-3 zone. It kept them in the ballgame until shots got harder lo come by or just wouldn’t fall. “If you give us another day or so we prob­ ably have a few more tools to attack that,” coach Wilkes said of the Fighting Irish defense. “They’re long. They’re lanky. They play a strange 2-3 that 1 will break down over lhe summer lo kind of see what their keys are and stuff like that, because there are some attributes of that which I liked a lol. 1 thought early on, defensively. I thought we played well. (Hackett senior center Krystina Kasson] is a tough ballplayer. It is really hard to tell how athletic that she is until you gel live with her on lhe floor. On film, unless you see her in person, on film you vc it but you just don’t understand it. I thought we did a nice job defensively of just kind of pushing her around, bumping her, finding where every thing was al and trying to make her life as miserable as wc could make it.” In lhe end. lhe Lions didn’t have anyone that could truly match-up with her height in lhe paint, or her ability to run the floor and help her team in transition. She made things tough around lhe rim for lhe Lions when they iried to attack the Irish zone with lhe dribble too. Kasson took advantage of her size a couple times inside in lhe final minuie of the third Maple Valley senior guard Ashlyn Wilkes fires a jumper over Hackett senior center Krystina Kasson near the foul line during the second half of their Division 3 District Semifinal at Galesburg-Augusta Wednesday (March 24). (Photo by Brett Bremer) quarter to help the Irish extend a ten-point lead to 14 (31-17) heading into lhe fourth quarter. Hackett got 15 points from Kasson and 11 from Catherine McMahon. Megan Bowden and Bianca Cronen had six each for the Irish. "Kasson is really big and tall,” Ashlyn said. “Wc knew that. They ran an offense off of us where she was lhe open look almost every' single time. We were surprised they had dou­ ble screens or even triple screens going on us, which is hard to pick up on film watching for one night.” The Lions got a little life from a pair of three-pointers by Ali McGIocklin in the first two and a half minutes of the fourth quarter, but those were the final field goals of lhe night for Maple Valley. McGIocklin finished wilh a team-high 12 points. Ashlyn Wilkes had nine points. “I thought this probably was one of my funnest coaching jobs so to say because they all got along and they all find ways.” coach Wilkes said. “Are there days that they hated me? There are, but I thought for the most part they did a good job of finding common ground all the lime.” Maple Valley senior point guard Megan Valiquette fires a pass towards the wing during the second half of her team’s loss to Hackett Catholic Prep in the Division 'S District Semifinals at Galesburg-Augusta High School Wednesday (March 24). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lion duo looks for more state medals at D4 Finals Brett Bremer Sports Editor ” Maple Valley senior Jesse Brumm and junior Matthew Slaghl will enter the Division 4 Individual State Finals Saturday at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids with more wins than anyone else in their respective .weight classes this season. Brumm improved his record to 29-2 this winter by winning his way through his 130pound bracket at the Division 4 Individual Regional Tournament at Carson City-Cry stal (CC-C) High School Saturday (March 27) and Slaghl moved his undefeated mark lo 33-0 with his victory in the 112-pound weight class. Both guys have qualified for the individual stale finals in each of their varsity seasons. Brumm is a three-time slate medalist and Slaght captured a state medal as a freshman for his top eight finish at the finals. Brumm scored a 5-1 win over Hesperia’s Mack Baird in lhe 130-pound championship match Saturday at CC-C, after pinning Evart’s Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? Darren Gostlin with 38 seconds left in lhe first period of their semifinal match-up. Slaght opened the day with two pins before outscoring Ravenna’s Nick Schofield 14-4 in the 112-pound championship match. He stuck New Lolhrop’s Daven Lockwood with a min­ ute left in their semifinal match, after scoring a quick pin against Beaverton’s Seth Onweller to start the day. The Lion state qualifiers were joined at lhe regional by teammates Dillon Jorgensen at 160 pounds and /Xndrew Appelman at 119. Jorgensen was 0-2 on the day and Appelman l-2.?\ppelman took a 10-2 win against Garrett Muma from Beaverton in the opening round, but then fell 8-3 in his semifinal match-up with Hesperia’s Aydan Sturtevant-Roesly. Vassar's Chase Nickerson bumped Appelman from the slate tournament with a 6-1 win over lhe Lion junior in the blood round (consola­ tion semifinals]. Lowell tops TK on path to another state final Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Thomapple Kellogg varsity wrestlers had their team season brought to an end Wednesday (March 24) by the seven-time (now eight] defending slate champions from Lowell in the Division 2 Regional Finals al Lowell High School. TK knocked off Byron Center 36-31 in the regional semifinals, but then fell 50-22 to the Red Arrows. Carter West and Ashton Corson had pins for the Trojans in the dual with lhe Bulldogs to open the evening. Dylan Bailey and Jackson Curtis scored major decisions and Zach Gibson and Andrew Middleton earned lechni cal falls in their bouts. Kyron Zoet picked un a forfeit win for TK at 135 pounds P TK built a 36-4 lead i„ lhc dua, at 285 pounds, and it was Middleton’s 16-1 win Jaxon straforinTK the I‘45pOUnd as ~ f that over clinched theZy win boul West, Austin Chivis and Corson k..,i for the Trojans in the loss to Lowell i,Mhe regtonal final, and Middleton scored al major decision against Lowell’s J.wh m • 145 pounds. I,s Josh Meier at In one of the best matches of the evening. Lowell’s Ramsy Mutschler edged Gibson 6-4 in the 125-pound bout. Both were state quali­ fiers al 112 pounds a year ago, with Gibson winning the seventh place medal at the flight at Ford Field to conclude 2020. Il was Gibson who had lhe early lead, get­ ting a take down midway through the opening period. He still held a 4-3 advantage after he scored a reversal half a minute into the second period, but Mutschler managed a quick escape then got in for a take down with 12 seconds to go in the period lo take the lead. Mutschler rode Gibson for the entire third period to fin­ ish off the win. Lowell went on to win its way through the Division 2 Team Stale Quarterfinals and Semifinals Tuesday (March 30) at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo and clinch its eighth consecutive Division 2 Team State Championship with a 59 7 win over Goodrich in lhe championship match. Thomapple Kellogg still has five wrestlers with action ahead at Friday’s Division 2 Individual State Finals at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. 'l he group includes Gibson at 125 pounds. Zoet al 130, Middleton at 140, West at 285 and Corson at 119. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-04-08.pdf ad9e659d04344f19d51f321e18cba38d PDF Text Text Courts revamp 00 a f, * ,traclt stent Pa«e 2 Code Red jn Barry COunty See Editorial on page Ferris and Brumm reach i 4 championship goals . See Story on Page 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barry f County Since 1856 ■ CAK-RT LOT”C 005 C00c> Rlchaid Hemertng Nlatfee Dr ANNER ^5 1/149058-1134 6/30/2021 9 47 00 AM VOLUME 167, NoJ^ Thursday. April 8, 2021 PRICE S1.00 ■ Oewetopment arg Hastings library hosting guest presenter, children’s book sale Hastings Public Library' is planning a children’s picture book sale today. April 8. through Saturday, April 10. The event is hosted by the Friends of the Library, which selected gently used picture books to be included in the sale. The sale will be in the children’s room. Hardcover books will cost $1 and softcover books will be priced at 50 cents. Also, on lhe last day of the sale, customers may fill up a Friends bag with as many books as possible for $5. The sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The library also will host a virtual presentation by award-winning voice actor Lauren Ezzo at 7 p.m. Thursday. April 15. Ezzo. a Michigan native and Hope College graduate, win discuss publishing, recording audiobooks and voice acting. The presentation will be via Zoom, and participants must register to receive a Zoom link through lhe HPL website calendar. \ City yard waste ' pickup begins I Monday Spring clean-up in lhe city of Hastings will begin Monday, April 12, weather permitting. Residents may put yard waste out at lhe curb (not in the street) for pickup by city crews. Residents should make piles for twigs and branches, separate from piles of leaves and grass clippings. Also, beginning Monday, the city compost site will be open Mondays from to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a an. to 2 p.m. A Department of Public Services staff member will be at the compost site to sign in residents and check their loads. ^Questions regarding either the com­ post site or spring cleanup may be direct­ ed to the city Department of Public Services at (269) 945-2468. 13 st. Rose hosting St. Paddy’s Run st Rose School in Hastings has bypassed a couple of holidays to host its St Paddy’s Day 5K/1-M.le Fun Run ’'l he cvenTwill begin at 10 a.m. and is lhe event wi t rcgistrants. pn,Hed '?• likely will step off every !5 Participants hke y w coininitlee seconds.(orhowever hern determines, based o J guidelines). marked, but this The finish line wiB b .niended (<) will not be a timed racen dislflnl celebrate spring in a <“ • ,d the sanw way, and support the scl is $30, and ,he The 5« entrance fee ^kcts wi|, be tun run fee is 5HJ« 1 . • 9 a>ni. available for pickup ^J js|L»r online April 17. Participants may b ■ of at stroseschoolhastrngs.^111 t,mc’ itsyoumicexom. a.- Rebecca Pierce Editor A rezoning request, if approved by Barry C nuntv commissioners, tniccinni'd will open OPCH the door to County residential development on 35 acres of wood­ ed rural property in the northwestern portion of the county. . . Al their first in-person meeting since Nov. 17, commissioners briefly considered a request to rezone the property^ in Irving Township’s Section 30. north of Slate Road, as rural residential, instead of its current zon­ ing classification of conservation reserve. They voted unanimously to recommend the request for approval at their in-person board meeting at 9 a.m. Tbesday at Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry' Community Enrichment Center. . Planning Commission Director Jim McManus told commissioners that, when this particular zoning ordinance was done, they knew the owners, the Robinson family, wished to have a portion of their property placed into a conservation easement with the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. “So we planned and zoned it all for that purpose.” he said. “This (particular) acreage was not included in the conservation ease­ ment. They have since sold it. They went through the land division process and they deeded split rights lo lhe purchaser for the purpose of dividing the property.” Jon Raymond, of Kay-D Development LLC in Middleville, made the request, which went before the county planning commission during a Zoom session of a March 22 public hearing. “There was some public comment; most of it was against the recommendation,” McManus told commissioners Tuesday. “But the Planning Commission voted. 4-3, lo rec­ ommend approval to you to rezonc it.” “Our Master Plan is 15 years old.” he added. “Il needs to be updated. We hope to be able to start that this year. If this were a 3-year-old Master Plan, we might think a little bit differently. But some of the commitments out in that area have already been done. “We’ve already rczoned some property — kind of against the Master Plan recommends- «, --------- -- ------------- 7—, \ t Z/ ’ j| p ... . 4O' / ,.J * *'Cmu 1. Ooing Townshio — —r?------------- Z’ m F"—------------------I •; T . y T This Irving Township property in Section 30, along the north side of N. State Road, is being proposed for rezonina to allow for rural residential development. • —A . V . :- . . lions -- near this property So this recommen­ dation, I think, is thoughtAYrough.” Commissioner Vivian Corner serves on the planning commission board md she voted to OK the rezoning request. “This property was not conserved with lhe rest of it They had the devetopmeii rights,” she pointed out to commissioners Tuesday. “It was pretty clear that lhe trust, ih^ family, knew that this was going to be devehped. Il was pretty clear and. with our need Id hous­ ing, I thought it fit, especially whire it’s located. I “I drove out there. There’s lots of ni<L land out there. He (Raymond) is going td have some pretty nice lots. They’re not going lobe necting to the planning commission meetin® small. But it’s going to be. I think, consistent audio, signaled his disfavor with a thiimbsw ith some of the other housing in the area. down to indicate his “no” vote. *‘/Xs Jim said, our Master Plan is way past Residents who live near the property also due. (And) the fact that they didn’t conserve expressed their opposition during the March it, I thought it met lhe requirements for being 22 public hearing. rezoned.’’ Wayne Conard said he is in the process of When Conner voted for the request during building a house next to his mother’s resU the March 22 public hearing, she was joined dence. He said he’s worried the development by fellow planning commissioners Jack would have an impact on taxes, wildlife and Nadwomik, Jack Miner and John LaForge. stargazing. He asked, if the rezoning were tq Voting against the request were planning be approved, would it have to involve all 35 < commissioners Joyce Snow, Robert acres. Vanderboegh and Chairman Clyde Morgan. Vanderboegh. who was having trouble con­ See REZONING, page J? FEMA will Trailblazer for Hastings girls’ athletics pay families reflects amid NCAA women’s controversy for CO VID funerals Sophie Bates Stoff Writer When Judy And^on heard about jthe differences in the National Collegiate Alhbtic Association’s treatment of lnale and female athletes last month during the March Madness Tournament, the situation SOunded, well, Taylor Owens Staff Writer Families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 could have up to $9,000 of their funeral expenses covered by the federal gov­ ernment. On March 24, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a policy that will pay for COVID-19 funerals not covered by insurance or other, outside sources. Individuals can be reimbursed for funerals dating back to Jan. 20,2020. Dus is going to be so incredibly valuable lor our families,” Daniels Funeral Home Director Scott Daniels said. Daniels said he has seen families use crow unding websites or liquidate their sav­ ings accounts to pay for funerals, and has had Ot finS,X'P0,,C lunera,s b— familiar. „ ., Men’s teams wen? Provided a large, well, stocked weight ro* while women’s teams were given a single slack of )2 weights and a few yoga mats. Al<« *llh di,lin8 •" buffets, the men also receive"' arger swag bags than did the women. wl*’4"’ Pre-packaged meals out of plastic boxesThe women "c%v lcss rcIlable and less expensive < 19 tests. Tn Anderson. 111 1NCAA tournament represents anolher P*r in the long, hardfought battle rv’cognmon and equal rights in ^^"es. remember *p. 8 some of the same ehXg^elf.^Uofl970 Anderson I"" ‘ d * graduated from Indiana Univers" , £ starring her first job teaching Pb>5' Uta,lon »' Hastings H One oNhe Danieh ** ’W families’ is a Bodsend .” Monday; Wi" SUrt aCCCP,ine aPPlica,i°"s Coronals '» Pr08ram cora“ *•■<= Coronavtru, Response and Relief Supple,,,ental Appropriations A American Rescue Plan Art „i . approved earlier .his ye ‘r '' Wh'Ch W£re FEMA Administrator L. r , rs’. Acl">g COVID-19 pandX ± caTn,Sa‘d-"T,'e grief lor so many people Mi/ ’intense * i’iSSaWsrs See funerals, page 3 n>’«i“d when she arro^ 1 school lacked an inlerschola^’^ Ingram for g.rls. Instead, cheerl^ a ~al after­ school progra*1' ' ■‘Hable through the HR wvih'" 1 * ' Judy Anderson, Cynthia Robbe, Jim Atkinson and Ken Roooe p If you believe in something and you feel strongly about it, go for it.... Don’t let anything stand in your way." | i Judy Anderson Y™^oA^e'',^i'«"P-able. Growing "P ’>v«n "•™‘\ town of Milroy, In<i- 'Lipon, ‘ *1'l1ve ,hc opportunity 'O £W'w I'" something she girls’a *<u"ed to do. Her school didn’t 0< < liiil, cues; and. fo, a while, she fo"^ ,.1, a ^•'P^tr.g gan.es and r,ding bt^^’M^P ‘uends. But. in high f< n,on t0>>k matters into her own l)JLir to n . She went She ’%-unze her own girls" softball >,nv,n^> « teacher to coach them during games mid scheduled practices and games herself. In college, she had more opportunity, playing basketball, softball and volleyball for three years at Indiana University. Still, at 1U, the women athletes weren’t eligible for scholarships and didn’t receive varsity letters or any sort of recognition. Fbey weren’t provided uniforms, either. jof a picture, , ... rame to Hastings, she So, whcn Ande hcr s(udents the was determine tncvvr had . opportunities her high* al {hc Anderson began . principal’s office. _ every jf shc Several day* a u u> the office of could - An pich school Principal Bob then-Hastingi. n b ^nce him l0 kt Vander Veen. inler5C|10lastic athletics her start a £ • programnd there’s no sports program. ”1 canlf wind of poking around and all lhe And Xis around us had (girls’) sports,” othersch “So, then 1 started making Anderson n? *.ih principal and said, appoint00. See ATHLETICS, page 2 �Page 2 - Thursday. Ap.il 8.2021 - "w Hastings Banner Courts and Law Building revamp on a fast track > Rebecca Pfer-w Ed.'w .. n f A year's delay in the nearly $1 mi ion revamp of the Barry County Courts and Uw building appears to already have had two major outcomes. l' One, the project is expected to cost (he county $613,290 - representing a significant savings from what originally had been Estimated, County Administrator Michael Brown confirmed. ’ And. two. the county must get started on ihc work as soon as possible to ensure it doesn’t lose a $129,000 state grant that will further reduce the cost of Ute project. That grant is good through the end of September, Brown said. t ' Brown brought the information to the Barry County Board of Commissioners during hs in-person committee of the whole meeting at Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Community Enrichment Center Tuesday. Even though the item wasn’t on lhe agenda. Brown noted, he advised commissioners to consider acting next week on a contract so work on the building could get underway soon. “We really want to be in compliance with that September deadline,” he told the board. A draft of lhe contract already has been under consideration, Brown said, and the project has been years in preparation and planning. The work, which originally had been estimated to cost between $789,000 and $957B00, will involve major renovations at the 206 W. Court St. building. Vander Kodde Construction Co. of Grand Rapids has been retained for construction management services. The architect is Tim Spitzley of Lake Odessa. The plans involve relocation of Lhe Friend of the Court and the public defender offices, along with improvements to security screening, adult probation reception and lobby, district court magistrate hearing room, and district and probate court holding cells. The plan is to put Friend of the Court staff on the first floor of the Courts and Law Building in the space occupied by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and the public defender’s office. Then those offices will move to the lower level of the building. Although the space previously occupied by the Michigan State University Extension, which moved to the Tyden Center, is The interior of the Barry County Courts and Law Building at 206 W. Court St. in Hastings will be under construction this summer. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) technically vacant. Brown said, “we’re in the process of emptying out the lower level and making it ready for construction ... That’s the space that all of our used equipment went to. We’re now going to have to figure out what to do with it.” The point people on the project are Court /Xdministrator Ines Straube and commissioners Vivian Conner and Jon Smelker. Some parts of the project will incorporate a more open floor plan with a modular panel office system. Brown said. But areas that require confidentiality will be maintained. Smelker has said that enhanced security measures, videoconferencing and video arraignments also were among technological considerations in making these upgrades. Bringing these court functions together in a secure setting at the Courts and Law Building, which is set up to provide the necessary screening and security, is really the purpose of the project, Brown said. Once commissioners ink the deal, demolition would likely start within 30 days. “Our intent is [for departments in that building] to continue to operate.” he said. “Fortunately, a significant portion of the work takes place on the lower level, which is not used by the public.” When construction moves to lhe first floor, “we’ll have to do our best to coordinate with the court,” Brown said. “We may look at evening or weekend Fork. ... It isn’t a small project. But it’ll be a good project to get done.” The Friend of the Court department, which | ■ : Barry County Friend of the Court offices, currently housed in the building at 102 S. Broadway in Hastings, are expected to relocate to the Courts and Law Building. will lx* moving into the newly created space in the Courts and Law building, is currently housed in the building at 102 S. Broadway, Hastings. That building is in excellent shape, Brown said, and exactly what will happen with that space has not yet been decided. At one point, county officials had considered putting the health department there, once the building is vacant. But, since that space is not large enough to house the entire health department. Brown said, it’s unlikely that this idea would be feasible. “We don’t have a plan at this point,” he said Tuesday. “It’s still to be determined.” Equalization report spotlights economic health - and pandemic problem i Commissioner Vivian Conner offers her input during the meeting. —■— ■ County Commission Chairman Ben Geger welcomes two new commission­ ers Bruce Campbell and Catherine Getty. “I hope you guys feel right at home.” New Commissioner Campbell listens to thQ thQ proceed,n9s while County ~ Pam Palmer keeps theBruce minutes. Clerk billion and personal property was $112 mil­ lion. : . Commissioner Dave Jackson, supported by • Commissioner Vivian Conner, made the motion to recommend acceptance of the report. Among other action items that will be on the agenda for next Tuesday’s board meeting, the commissioners recommended approving: ’ • a request from Spectrum Health Pennock •w County Administrator Michael Brown addresses commissioners Tuesday during their first in-person meeting since Nov. 17. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) Rebecca Pierce Editor A couple of key Barry County properly sectors weathered the vagaries of 2020 very well, Equalization Director Tim Vandennark told the county board Tuesday. “Residential and agricultural markets arc quite strong,” Vandennark told commission­ ers during their Committee of the Whole meeting at Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Community Enrichment Center in Hastings. Stale constitution requires commissioners to adopt equalization values annually in April. And the board recommended doing so, after hearing Vandermark’s report. In his role with the county, Vandermark is responsible for advising and assisting the commissioners in equalizing property tax assessments on a county wide basis. He also conducts annual sales and appraisal studies that arc used to equalize assessed values for each class of property in 17 local units of government in the county. His equalization report - despite the pan­ demic — showed a year that “went pretty smoothly,*1 with few appeals, be said. The two classes in Barry County that Vandermark highlighted — residential and agricultural - were at $2,646028,920 and ^3 1389,200, Tbe county’respectively. s commercial class came .in Hospital to use the vacant county property directly south of the Urgent Care facility for a community garden. The mixed-use garden will be for lhe public to use to hold education­ al classes and other gatherings at 1108 W. State St. in Hastings. Key collaborators in the project include: Continued next page * \ & Commissioner Dave Jackson address­ es the chairman during Tuesday’s ses­ sion. third at a much lower value of $169,101500. But the class that took a major hit last year was industrial, Vandennark noted, and that was because of the ethanol plant in Woodland Township. The appeal of the property value was last year, be said. “Actually right during COVJD.” “They did a settlement; in that they reduced the value by about two-thirds,” he noted. Michigan Farm News last April reported die crisis in the ethanol industry. The industry was hit by a double whammy as record low crude oil prices combined with travel restrictions that reduced demand for ethanol. At that time, three of the state’s five ethanol ■ Barry County unJ0rS^or*! • n Sixberry answers a quests durin9 meeting. plants had closed atl.j [he rcn’a‘n*'J ' j including the one in Wood10111* settled back product,,. FncrgVt conThat plant, CartxjnGnrettB14"- J^ucing vetted some of it, t!ipacity '"J’ d > 20,000 gallons of ‘an,"Ur Y’ Michigan farm News u |<j during covIn'VT nw l’jd'a 1,h-’uy COVID, Vandermiuk big impact on the business; i,H|usttial class As a result the county s '" ^tlization ended up at $62,049700 in ,n ■ ’ ,rtV was at $3.3 In other totals, real ' n"' GQtty and Jon Smelker confer after Tuesday’s session. �Hastings superintendent looks to Past exPerienC ““'omplish future goals Sophl* B»w Goebel - then In the spring of I**-donn room al 19 - packed up his ntoved home Michigan State Universe J. Ihe first year for the summer, dissatisfi^1 Ltiinr Of his computer programm^ri Jwhcre Upon returning o Hes^en«, te father, James Goebel, . .. of Hesperia Community Schools ana Ins ^Wili«Uoebel.w«^PicenurSe - Goebel reflected on his freshm y ar. One thine had become clear during the previous year of computer programming classes: He didn’t like computer programming. “After that first year of doln8 alot of coding - a lot of sitting behind a computer - 1 just felt like it was not the right career path for me,” he said. For Goebel, one of four siblings, returning home meant being surrounded by teachers. “My father was in education. My grandfather was in education. I have aunts and uncles that are all in education. My sister’s a teacher,” Goebel said. “Education was always a big expectation in our family.” As he contemplated changing his major, he considered education as an alternative, looking to his dad as an example. That’s when his father’s leadership as a superintendent became one of the most influential forces in Goebel’s life, inspiring his professional career. “My dad has had a great impact on me in my life.” Goebel said. “(He taught me] about |iow to do the right thing; how to treat people appropriately.” Goebel’s mother had a similar impact, teaching him about kindness and compassion through her work. “My mom was a nurse — also a very giving profession.” Goebel said. “My mom has a strong influence on me as well — more the caring and treating people with kindness, especially when they’re going through crisis.” And both parents instilled in Goebel, Hastings’ newly appointed superintendent of schools, the value of community service. “Early on in my life, my parents expected us to volunteer for charitable organizations or nonprofits,” Goebel said. “It was kind of just an expectation for my parents to always give back to the community in which I live.” So, after unpacking from his first year of college, Goebel decided to volunteer in a fourth-grade classroom and was able to work with students with disabilities. Instead of feeling disheartened by a lackluster freshman year of computer programming, he felt newly energized arid excited. Spending time in that fourth-grade:<^a.^fbOtn'?ntdfc him'feel on fire. He had found his calling. Goebel’s experience with the students was so impactful, he decided to transfer to Grand Valley State University and change his major to education and psychology, with a focus on special education and helping students with emotional and cognitive impairments. “I really felt like working with students with disabilities was rewarding. ... It was really cool to see the transformation of a lol of my kids, not just academically, but socially,” he said. “I’ve always loved working with students with disabilities, and I’ve always felt like it was very rewarding. So, there’s always a very soft spot in my heart for students with disabilities, even now as a superintendent. “That was kind of the reason why I got into education in the first place.” Goebel graduated from GVSU with a Sbir Grandville I,'*0 StaJ a member of i?* h'gh scho01 football c school improvement Fiis involve Grandville Hieh" „<:au8,1, •he attention of Randy Morris ichool-s then-Principal he would suc T°'d GOCbC' hc "10Ught encouraged Goelvu'. “ ’ PrinciPal and administration ° purMle a rolc *“ scho°l ®"d ma-ster’s>C(h^J?tUn’cd 10 GVSU and earned a 2003' h. y*C 'durational leadership in education,. ,urncd m 2009 to earn an School /’ v r six >ean a< Grandville High Was hired as “ “““mt MmvT0 a* Orchard View High School in c£on- Three years later, he became the P cipaJ of Orchard View Elementary, crving in the position for three years before coming to Hastings. He was hired in Hastings as director of curriculum and instruction in 2013 and then, in 2015. he transitioned into the role of assistant superintendent of achievement, overseeing curriculum development and design within the district. This past November, when former superintendent Dan Remenap announced his departure, Goebel became interim superintendent. And, on March 15, the Hastings Board of Education announced its decision to hire Goebel as superintendent. During his time in education, Goebel has worked in human resources, special education, contract negotiation, student intervention, district finances and more. Having a variety of roles in education, he said, provided him with diverse experiences, knowledge and skills from which to draw. “I have been able to have leadership roles at each level, which has really prepared me for the superintendency. I’ve had leadership roles at rhe high school, middle school and elementary levels — that was a primary one. I’ve also had classroom experience as a teacher, so I can really connect with teachers in the classrooms,” Goebel said. “I also have the experience of having special education training. So, our students with disabilities, I have the ability to connect and understand the needs of students that have those specific needs. And then., at the central office, I’ve been able lo woYk with stale and federal grants and financesf building budgets and understanding how to be fiscally responsible for our taxpayers.” Goebel also volunteers in the Hastings community. Currently, he is in his second year as board president of lhe Barry County United Way and hc serves on the board of the Family Support Center of Barry County. He also recently finished a term as president of the Hastings Kiwanis Club. It’s important to Goebel to model his parents’ values of community service for his students and staff. “My leadership style is a very servant­ leadership style,” he said. “And I always felt like, in a leadership role, I could make a much bigger difference - whether it was lhe classroom or a building or a district or even the community. And that’s why I’ve been intentionally lak,,1/;.U(ed W roles with the Barry County a y» with Kiwanis. “I always think is a community 1,1 Partnership With schools bee-* >nunity itself £ a model for those With his new tun. Pnnmg. Goebel is looking toward the 1 h some goals in mind. These goal* lth tl>e district's strategic plan. guide e°p!^ by ,he board of education Goebel and the entire district into The plan Prio.nUn.aintcm^CaS: - such as facility and funding, communications an lty cn8a8ement, personnel and ’ . p’ ^ademics and programming, and 8 environment and CU&Xrs first coincides with the operations Pnon““ V? .<BsWc''s strategic plan — 9 milHon bond proposal , 1 infrastructure improvements in the g- election. The proposal millage rate in Hastings, 6;9.S’ dc^c by onetenth of a mill to f>S m>»s until the 2026-27 school year, when the .t tWld begin falling Without passage of’ 'he bond, the millage rate will drop to 6 mills after this year. Over the past severe months, Goebel has partnered with rep^’J^hves from Wolgast Corp, and BMA architects to identify the district’s infrastructure needs and create a plan to address them. If approved, the school district plan is to invest the funds raised by the bonds into air quality improvement, buses, student technology, security.energy upgrades, student equipment and classroom furnishings. Funds from the bond also would be used for roof and window replacements, asbestos removal, bathroom renovations, updated playground equipment, remodeling of the high school media center and locker rooms and more. “I think it’s very important we maintain and sustain the facilities of the community,” Goebel Said. “I tliink public schools are our community’s greatest assets. We’re providing education and inspiration for our students of the future. And so we need to make sure that we sustain and maintain those facilities.” Another goal for Goebel pertains to academics and programming, specifically preparing students for successful careers after school. He intends lobring an initiative called “What’s Your Plan” ilto the district and lhe community. J. , . The program js,Wesigncd to fit any individual to help them set and achieve their goals, whether ifs'a kiri^gartrier who has the goal qf learning letter sojpds Ipr a senior who wants to pursue a coUegecdueation. “‘Whafs Your Plan’ will be very careerfocused. And so it’s really an Ynilittive that will help students and staff dev lop goals, measurable goals, to find out what do they want to do. What’s their plan?” Goehd said. ‘The ;What’s Your Plan’ initiative can fit every tfngle person.” J Th eprogram would initially be implemented at thcHiigh school and trickle down |o the middle school and elementary buildings, beforp eventually opening up to the Intire community, he said. , | Gdebel’s goals also include creating ri plan to upgrade student and teacher technology and planning summer school to assist stuients • The meeting space in Leason Sharpe Hall at the Barry Community Enrichment Center allows for social distancing during the commissioners’ Committee of the Whole session. : From previous page (fie city of Ha garry County Great Start Health Depart™en _. 8 ^£nnedialc School Collaborative^ gnomic Development District.BarryCounty Garfenen Alliance. BafO ° |he community at Club, area schools an large„e and benefit increases for . 2-percent wage an employees deoartment heads an 2025 and increase r P .hk year through r dental/optical/ for this yc" j ns to their ocnuwr employee for aI)nual rep|ace S)00 on tof’°Jr ^r0Ugh 2025'benefi'* Officers unit are still in negotiations. rcaut^0r^2ati°n of funds approved in the 2020 capital budget to pay $20,750 to S.A. orman & Co. from the building rehabilita­ tion fund for the replacement of the access control system at the jail. • authorizing the replacement and repair of tPttriSi0”? couffhouse parking lot for ’a 2,n8 w‘lh maintenance and repair n-i a^’Eaton District Health Department dS ? f°.r $60W0 “d ">e sheriff's departmcnl parkmg lot for $ 177 P00. Call 269-945-9554 •or Hastings Banner classified ads with achievement gaps. He said he hopes to accomplish his goals by engaging collaboratively with the entire district, relying on his leadership to accommodate the individual needs of each district building, staff member and student. “I really try to serve the needs of our staff and our community and our students. I try to do that through a lot of different ways to make sure that I’m making connections with all of those people because people, you know, are different,” Goebel said. “Every individual is unique. “It is essential to have a team approach while putting this plan into action, and I plan on using collaboration to move our district forward.” FUNERALS, continued from page 1 commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not antici­ pate.” Girrbach Funeral Home will send out let­ ters to families they have worked with who may be able to benefit from the funding. Office Manager Sandy Billingsley said. Billingsley said she believes about 12 families who had funeral services through Girrbach may be eligible. One woman she spoke with may be able to recoup $2,000 that was not covered by insur­ ance for her mother’s funeral. Billingsley said. Funeral staff said the pandemic also has made it tough for families trying to plan funeral services. “I’ve been doing this almost 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Daniels, who has experienced these challeng­ es himself, since his wife’s father and stepfa­ ther both died.of COVID-19 last year. Many funeral homes have started .holding r services outdoors to accommodate more visi­ tors, but that wasn’t possible during lhe win­ ter. With legal caps on lhe number of people who can attend a service, families were forced to decide who would be able to come to a funeral. Some family members disagreed with each other on how their funerals should be handled in the midst of COVID-19. “This has ripped families right down the center,” Daniels said. Many families postponed lhe services until lhe situation changes. “1 would say the majority of our families are in a holding pattern," he said. “I’ve got a handful of people that have been waiting over a year for their service,” Billingsley said. Daniels said he was impressed by the level of financial support FEMA would provide to families. The $9,000 maximum amount would be more than adequate to cover basic funeral costs, he said. “I feel like that’s a very, very generous number.” Billingsley encouraged people to check the FEMA website and look at all the aspects of funerals that are covered under the funding. Even if their funeral is covered by insur­ ance, other details, such as burial plots, mark­ ers and headstones can still be paid for by FEMA. . FEMA will start accepting applications over lhe phone at I (844) 684-6333 on Monday, April 12. Online applications will not be accepted. They encouraged people to reach out to their local funeral homes if they need help “I’ve got a handful of people that have been waiting over a year for their service." Sandy Billingsley, Girrbach Funeral Home Office Manager with the application. But Billingsley also warned people to beware of scams. FEMA has already received reports of scammers contacting people and offering to register them for assistance, then attempting to get the funding for themselves. Applicants should be sure lo call FEMA; and not lo irus^. someone -jvho calls them Application requirements include: ‘ t The applicant must be a US. citizen^ non-citizen national or qualified alien who* incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20,2020j for a death attributed to C0VID-I9, which! occurred in the United States. An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals. The assistance is limits cd to a maximum financial amount of $9jD00j per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per, application. Applicants will need the following infor-j mation: • An official death certificate that attrib butes the death to COVID-19 and shows tha^ lhe death occurred in the United States. Thtf death certificate must indicate the death "maw have been caused by” or “was likely the result of’ COVID-19 or COVID-19-Iike symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attri4 button. • Funeral expense documents (receipts? funeral home contract, etc.) that include thd applicant’s name, lhe deceased individual’s name, lhe amount of funeral expenses and, dates that funeral expenses were incurred. J • Proof of funds received from other? sources specifically to help pay for funeral? costs. This funeral assistance may not duph-» catc other benefits received from burial orj funeral insurance, financial assl'\AnC? received from voluntary agencies, federal state/Iocal/tribal/territorial government pro­ grams or agencies or other sources. More information is available at fema.gov disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assis lance. BarfliCountV Commodity Food Distributi.onScheduIg q |J Community an effort to reduce transportation costs for our clients, we will be CSFP food eight months out of the year. During some months clients will receive food for two months. See schedule below October 20,2020 November 17,2020 January 19,2021 February 16,2021 April 20,2021 Mavl8>2021 Sy 20,2021 Sstl7,2021 _ T CSFPforOct.&Nov. TEFAP & CSFP for Dec. CSFPforJan. &Feb. TEFAP &CSFP for March CSFP& April & May TEFAP &CSFP for June CSFP for July & Aug. TEFAP & CSFP for Sept. id OOam-noon 1 in«L Thorn App’e Valley Church 2750 S ^43 Hwy 2 Association. The m r Matt Goebel and his wife, Amy, pose for a family portrait with their children, Emma, 12; Brendan, 15; Ty, 12; and Maddie, 11. Ml Remember, CSFP is for income qualifyind seniors, while TEFAP is for income-qualifying families, individuals, andseniors To recertify, please bring your income for everyone in your home during the expiration month that •$ (^rttribution your car(j �Page 4 _ Thursday. Apr.18. 2021 - The Has^, Banner liiMyObiiiion Code Red in Barry County Field maneuvers Dancing reportedly enhances the bond between Sandhill crane pairs, like these two gracefully rn0V!n9a*°P * n^® in field near Hastings las.week. But even when they're not intentionally dancing, their movements suggest a form of choreographed steps. Resident Sandhill cranes have migrated between Michigan and Florida for thousands of years. Some were seen locally in late February, among the earliest bird species to return. Do you Banner April 3. 1978 Officers of the Hastings Elks Lodge were installed Saturday evening. April 1, at a dinner held at the lodge on North Church Street. Officers installed were (from left) Bill Romick, leading knight; Smith Sherman, tiler; LeRoy "Butch" Waldron, esquire; Ron Bodenmuller, exalted ruler; Russell Nash, secretary; Darold Crandall, chaplain; and Jim Courtney, inner guard. William Eastman, trustee, was not present for the photo. met? At 66 or 67 (age is only a number) Eric Longman is finding that retirement seems to only shift “assignments” from a boss to his wife and family. Currently in the process of converting a 110-year-old summer cottage with no heat into a year-round home, con­ struction work fills his hours. The cottage, on the north end of Gull Lake, has been in his family since 1910. Winterizing is a major goal, but keeping the original character of the cottage also is important to his family members. The son of the late Ernest and Marion Longman, he graduated from Parkside High School in Jackson and went on to earn a bachelor of science degree from Michigan State University and a master’s in public administration from Grand Valley State University. Longman and his wife of 39 years, the former Charlene Dennis, are the parents of four grown children - Benjamin and James, adopted from Korea, and Lucia and Maria, adopted from Costa Rica - and have a 3-year-old granddaughter. Retirement from Hastings Mutual Insurance, where he worked with various business accounts as a loss-control consul­ tant still results in a few nights where Longman’s sleep is interrupted by dreams about late deadlines or missed appointments, but these have lessened over time. Now besides the work on the cottage, he is actively involved in the Chief Noonday ChS of ^e North Country Trail <md with the Friends of the Delton Distnct Library. A major role in both groups involves writing a quarterly newsletter intended to be both informative and entertaining. Writing articles that would be of interest to both memberships gives hur> plenty of op^rr.unity to leant and expand his knowledge at he «me time, he said. One recent example concerned the fact of opossums eat.ng up to 5^0 ticks a year, leading to. sevend questimnr Is it opossum or possum, and why. Along with, why - <hey out huntmg^ SsumZd while grooming, opossums cat 'Dingman is quick to admit he's far from the^Xtgani^d person in t e woHd k hr ? UL A Xuple of examples of his his workspace^A coup ,lHjke cre.uv.ty are Road Bowinw the Count)' Ch^ichE lhe Chief Noonday .«»■<«< <»“’'■ 'nd emergency two weeks ann . of bumbling leadership fronLatl ™ WakC °f No one saw a funnel cloud orl ^Crnm<:nL through town or water highways, but today we’re li same sortbe ofdeclared state of af™ emerpenev th,, typically circumstances. arizen participation ' A great example Township where happened recently 10 .^jghu to protest a protesters exercised (8^ excavating gravel pit permit Alleg submitted a contractor R. Smith an acres a( ' request to mine for grave zoned for 8409 Miller Road, property not . that use. At a March 18£*nshbut resist, Elks officers Have you eSPCCia"y But this time, the emergency is the ah^’ way government works-a of us have felt for years. a"M"on remember? Eric Longman bowling, was part of the Delton Founder’s Festival for four years, with teams throwing bowling balls down streets and counting strokes taken to reach the “hole.” The hiking challenge has more than 2(X) people and families working to hike the NCI’ miles in the three separate counties. Longman’s idea in creating this challenge was to gel folks outdoors and enjoying nature. The response has been gratifying, he said, and more people are accepting the chal­ lenge as lhe weather warms up. More infor­ mation can be obtained by sending an email to hikelhecounty@gmai 1 .com. For his contributions to his community and local organizations, Eric Longman is this week’s Banner Bright Light. If I were president: I would press to shut down all TV, social media, radio, etc., one evening a week, say Wednesday. It could become a time for family or socializing with neighbors. Favorite historic period: This may sur­ prise people, but I'd say right now. America is so fortunate with all that we have. Without modem medicine, one can only imagine how tragic the past year would have been, and I believe we arc coming out of the darkness that CO VID has brought upon us. While there are |>oor. struggling people, even these folks are far Ix-tter off than much of the world where famine, unsafe drinking water and war threaten their very lives. Thoughts on Barry County: Our popula­ tion is made up of caring and intelligent people. The support the schools and lhe libraries receive is proof of this fact. How 1 spent my childhood summers: On Gull Laie. As soon as school was done, we packed ip and didn’t return until Libor Day. My dad, an electrical engineer, took Fridays as vacation and was able to have three-day weekends through the summer. Earliest construction experience: I don’t have i single memory of the Longmans hir­ ing a Contractor for anything. At a very early age. Lwas re-shingling, helping with plumb­ ing and wiring. Many hours were spent in crawjspaces “assisting" my father. Generally, that nvolved crawling back to get a forgot­ ten r$ol or switching breakers on or off. Rfcent realization: Many jobs get done more quickly and with better quality if I hire someone else. But I also like the challenge of figuring the best (perhaps not the best, but a workable) way to complete a project. Most come complete with a “learning lesson. Quotes that have impacted my life: Henry Ford was known for saying. It you think you can, or you think you can 1 ~ you’re probably right.” Mark Twain had many quotes, but one I most apprec,ate ,s« “The secret lo getting ahead is getting start­ ed.” When I’m faced with a challenge. I often remember these quotes. They tavc served me well. . Favorite books: Two books 1 n:ad a long time ago and was sorry when they vn e , were “Lonesome Dove” and “Far Pavilions. Recently, I think tny favorite and most mean­ ingful book was "Killers of of Moon ” a non-fiction account o» » murders in lhe 1920s, largely caused y ■ den riches that Natiie °b through oil leases in OklahomaWhat I’d like people to North Country Trail: Not NCT, but about every asp*1 °f (th £ >re yoll more you put into something'ul lrticinating get out of it. I have been a iK”, P£ first 12 NCT member for 20 years- I°r inenl.As years, 1 had only occasional .op|c and 1 became more active, I met nto* I • or made friends. If you wait for |"ke|y to someone to come to you, )oU TL this past have a long wait. l)ul laStly- «' |ivc can year, simply getting outside a"“ hillg that be a major cure for just abo111 3 ; ailsyou' ties a P‘”°n Each week, the Bannef/WZ Do wu whu makes the eommuniN featured know someone who sDult, living Per’ because of volunteer w(,r^' ha* l<) sonality, for the stories h* (,r ',,muttion to or any other reason? NNewsroom. Hastings Bat1tter’ °r Highway, Hastings enudi news®fadgraphic M coumy Un<,er ,0<layS commission meeting - be a p* With state meeting “gf Barty County commissioners declared a attendance - 50 protestors lined the parking county wide slate of emergency last wedf in lot with "No Pit" signs to protest the actro . msponse to the continuing struggle with the More than two dozen people filed in and COVID-19 pandemic and the constrictions were able to speak in person or remotely it has caused in how government operates Last week’s specific focus was thfoXn Zoom during the public comment portion o the meeting. Meanwhile, citizens gathere Meetings Act and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s outside and listened intently to the public executive order that had amended the law comment. After each resident spoke, cheers allowing local government boards and erupted from the people outside, the sounds committees to meet virtually via computer carrying through the windows of the rather than the required in-person meetings Because the executive order expires at township hall. Due to those voiced public concerns, the end of this month, many county township officials decided to table the governmental bodies that meet in person action pending several studies over the will be non-compliant with additional state impact the mining and activity could have executive orders that require social on the area. distancing and maximum meeting attendee “I look forward lo the results of these numbers in their small square-footage studies that will help us make better facilities. Without the virtual meeting decisions,” said Hope Planning Commission option, some boards and committees would Chairman Bob Norton following the be unable to conduct business at all. meeting. Hence, the bold move to declare a state of So. for now, there won’t be any mining emergency by lhe Barry County Board of on the property until township officials gel Commissioners. enough information lo make an educated “This is a technical resolution we would call on the request. need lo pass in order to allow other local Another good example of civic governments within the county to continue engagement in the midst of mitigating meeting on Zoom,” said county commission meeting factors came at a recent county Chairman Ben Geiger. “The law that allows board meeting when more than 35 people local governments to conduct meeting by filibustered the meeting to voice concerns Zoom expires al the end of the month so, if via Zoom over lhe impact that the governor’s we were not to adopt a resolution today, that executive orders were having on local means we could potentially throw some businesses. Speakers referred lo the price local governments into a little bit of chaos.” financially, physically and mentally - that is "A lot of communities have been waiting, being paid for the isolation in communities, expecting lhe Legislature to amend the beset by anxiety, discouragement and Open Meetings Act to extend the date from depression, leading to business closures and the end of the month to some dale in the spikes in suicides. future." said County Administrator Michael Some county commissioners said they Brown. “But the Legislature has not done were overwhelmed by what they heard and that, does not appear to be interested in it prompted them to take up the issue at the doing that, so it now becomes up to each next board meeting. They agreed then on a unit of government, or county, if you may, resolution imploring the governor to hear the voices of the people who had spoken to to do so.” The county’s slate of emergency them, to see their tears and begin delivering resolution allows local bodies lo meet a pandemic response that values lhe lives, virtually through Dec. 31, ensuring that livelihoods and vitality of our communities. These are good examples of the local government business can continue under current social distancing and importance of taxpayer participation in local government that wouldn’t have been maximum meeting number restrictions. It all seems a bit crazy, but so is the possible without lhe option for meeting twisted road that our leaders have rumbled virtually. “I’m still a little uncertain how it’s all down to get us here. When lhe governor continued lo extend going to play out,” said Commissioner her executive orders regulating business and Bruce Campbell before casting his vote in citizen behavior during the pandemic favor of the state of emergency declaration without input from lhe State Legislature, and the continued virtual meeting option. legislators fell they had no choice but to file “The Legislature has left it up to us, so I’m a lawsuit to reduce her executive order voting yes to give the flexibility to operate authority. The issue made its way to the as need be - and it’s not because I agree Michigan Supreme Court which ruled in with everything that goes on in the governor’s office. But 1 want our townships favor of the Legislature. A defiant Whitmer, contending she didn’t to have the choice to do what they deem agree with the court’s interpretation of necessary.” Michigan’s Constitution, said she would “A number of counties have already never slop fighting to keep families safe and made this declaration for the same reasons,” vowed to find “alternative sources of said Brown, the county administrator. Ils authority” to control the spread of the virus. scope is narrow, he noled, because if lhe Within days, the state Health Department, current executive order was to expire on which the governor controls, issued April 30, the county would have “closed lhe directives reinforcing Whitmer’s executive door” on virtual meetings if no action was taken. orders. Apparently, it’s the new way of doing Based on what’s happening, maybe it’s politics. Now, like lhe governor, Barry time we demand a real slate of emergency County commissioners have had to find a applying lo all government bodies until they “work-around” to allow local governmental find some common ground on so many bodies to continue lo use the virtual meeting issues facing our state and nation. option. The situation is a good example of “A government big enough to give you government dysfunction and its inability - everything you want is a government big or unwillingness - to find some common enough to take from you everything you ground as to what’s best for allowing have,’’ warned former President Gerald R. governments to meet and be safe while still Ford. allowing taxpayers to participate. Let’s not allow contentious politicians lo County residents can lake some comfort, lake away our rights as citizens to be I believe, in local officials who are carefully involved. We’re in a slate of emergency, all and responsibly finding ways for local right - we just haven’t declared it yet. boards and committees to continue to operate and still be accountable to the people they serve. County commissioners were not comfortable in taking this slate of emergency action, but they realized it was in lhe best interests of local government and taxpayers. Many of our public servants were burdened with difficult tasks in the past year, due to the pandemic. Most of them accepted the challenge and have done their best lo continue to do the work of the people they represent. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. Bui it’s also important that citizens pay attention and are engaged in the process - Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner--Thursday. April 8. 2021 --page 5 v * Planning commission OKs chicken ordinance; addresses semi parking and building height Sop’*®?1” Stuff Wr,te[ Thornapple Manor staff prevails in these challenging times * To the editor: i I am writing lo share my gratitude for the amazing staff and team at Thomapple Manor. Ofer the years, we have been recognized within our community and industry for pro­ viding high-quality, state-of-the-art services. 1 haye felt blessed to be part of such a great organization and to work w ith such a dedicat­ ed team. ■ As we passed the anniversary of closing oqr building and working diligently to protect our residents from COVID-19,1 have taken a moment to reflect on the absolutely amazing successes our team has achieved. Here is a brief summary of their successes. : We closed our building March 12,2020, to oiftside visitors before ordered to do so by the state or federal government. We admitted our firpit COVID-19-positivc patient into an isola­ tion area we created April 6. 2020. This was followed by 17 more COVID-19-positivc admissions through August 2020, all of them recovered and were successfully discharged. During this time, we had zero cross-infections from our known COVID-19-positivc residents to other residents or staff. The staff working within (he isolation unit volunteered to do so. . We did encounter an unexpected COV1D19 outbreak in late August from a resident in for therapy unrelated to CO VID-19 1 low ever, the actions of our team within the first few hours of confirmation contained lhe virus spread. Although eight other residents and 12 st4ff became infected, two weeks later we had no further cases of COVID-19 within our building. Fortunately, those cross-infected with COVID-19 had only mild symptoms and fully recovered. Since then, we have had more than 70 staff test positive for COVID-19 from • . ........... - To the editor:' I manv ''^''‘'in. our team saw improvements in and while the state scon* ir”* nu,n’XJrs worsened. To under­ whit I1?., * *accomP^shment, this was done nut skilled-nursing facilities were overwiti C ,n l^C Carty days and not prioritized J personal protective equipment and other ।llaI sources. We faced daily and sometimes lour y changes in regulations and require­ ments trom multiple governmental agencies wt often provided conflicting rules and guid­ ance. We also faced, and continue to face, stalling challenges with our team working past the point of exhaustion. COVID-19 is not completely behind us. But there is light at the end of this long dark tunnel. With the vaccine, spring and sunshine in the air, we have a renewed sense of opti­ mism about the future. We have the pleasure of reuniting family members and w atching the hugs, kisses and tears following a year-long separation. Il seems entirely inadequate to simply express thanks, gratitude and admiration for your successes as wc and our families have. But I would like to publically like to recog­ nize to the entire team at Thomapple Manor for their love, dedication, care and compas­ sion for our residents. They make our resi­ dents’ days brighter and truly make a differ­ ence in their lives. Like never before, this past year highlights their efforts. I hope they are as proud of their efforts as 1 am to be part of their team. Donald A Haney, Administrator, Thomapple Manor • ,,,k. There Js more sacreil’'or inore important lo a citizen (St tliii cbuniiy''- the USA - than the opportunity and responsibility to vote. Without the absolute right of citizens to vote, we will not have the democracy we thought we had. The Michigan Legislature and lots of other state Legislatures have passed laws that will make voting more difficult. This is totally a mistake and another attempt to make voting m^re difficult - based on unfounded suspicion of other people who have the right to vote. As a voter for 70 years after an honorable discharge from lhe U.S. Army. I have been voting here absentee for about 15 years. The latest application for an absentee ballot in Michigan, which I used and copied, has a lot of'questions obviously based on suspicions about absentee volers that can, if necessary, be easily proven. The application, which has to be signed for ever} election, which is a waste of money and inconvenient, smells of suspi­ cion about applicants based presumably on total suspicions Trump created about the last election. Now I hear that the geniuses of our Legislature have concocted something proba­ bly more complicated for that application, which is a constitutional right of every citizen. Anything to harass lhe applicant for voting absentee. Let us hope our competent governor won’t sign it or our equally competent attorney gen­ eral of Michigan will gel rid of it, one way or lhe other. U %HsXpre.nbature * * *r|o share details, but we that Starr Commonwealth has SnC asked by *»c »ederal government to help “‘k' ^er" ‘stare “commonwetdffi Ann S1,bo in ° Statement. .f lh facility would I sabodecimed.tosay O provide housing ‘ Calhoun County could facility in eastern accommodate. century. our campus j "F°r "iorl‘ Xe and haven for children has served asmrefe eaUcd lo serve. ; 8° l<> the city chickens in the ci, said Vyfw^dSrt such *10 amcndrXu interest in raisingCl • • , ••The planning -mX P'" “ 101 of thought and delved ha^ °,f"“'.hand, which is a text k“P'"R of animals' ordinance as s 0 *chickens." * Community Develop^" » tector Dan King said. "A lot of inpu'- Publhr“ugh a survey that was sent out near 'he end of the year showed a favorable 'o some type of text and change to the a!Jcc' If approved by the ccunctl, the ordinance would permit chickens w.th,,, residentially zoned districts - other than rural residential, or RR zoned, where animals already are “IThe change sUtesJ that the keeping of chickens would be done on a noncommercial basis solely as a locally grown iood source of consumption of meat and eggs, that there would be a maximum number of chickens, depending upon the size of the lot from four to six. Roosters at all times would be prohibited. The chickens would be required to be in an enclosed enclosure, such as a coop; there will be design or building standards regarding those chicken coops," King said. “The ordinance does speak to keeping food and other sources like that covered fully at all times; and that the enclosures would be kept neat and clean at all times to avoid noxious odors or unsightly debris and mess. “One of lhe other components to this is the outdoor slaughtering of chickens would be completely prohibited.” Those interested in keeping chickens would apply for a permit through the city. If granted, the permit would expire after five years. Sewer rates could increase m southwestern Barry County \ Scan Bradley ■. Staff Writer • A ratcBncreasc could be in the futulj for properly owners connected to the Southwest Barry' County Sewer Authority sewer system. An increase of $550 per month has been proposed for 2,034 proj>erty owners in The authority's region of Hope. Prairiev^le, Johnstown and Barry' townships whbse George C. Williston, properties are connected to the authority’s Hastings sewage-treatment system. The proposal from the authority would increase to $40 per month, or $120 every quarter, from $34.50 per month, or $ 103.50 every quarter. “Tile reason it’s being proposed is the sewer authority is attempting to plan for future improvements that will be necessary'/’ Laurie Tamez, a consultant for the Southwest Barry County Sewer Authority, said Monday. Funds are needed for the future to keep the sewer system operating efficiently without Floyd Starr, and our mission of leading w'ith having to go into debt from the stale of courage to provide positive experiences so Michigan or to ask residents for funding via a that all children, families and communities special assessment district, Tamez said. flourish." All townships in the authority have to agree Starr Commonwealth closed the Albion to the rate increase for it to go into effect. As youth facility in 2020 following the death of of Monday, Hope and Prairieville townships a teen in Kalamazoo at Lakeside Academy, had approved die preposal. operated by Sequel Youth and Family Johnstown and Barry officials are waiting Services, which also had been contracted by for Scott Monroe, general manager of the Starr at that time. ■ Southwest Barry County Sewer Authority, to U.S. 3rd District Rep. Peter Meijer, present information to their respective boards R-Grand Rapids, whose district includes before voting on it, southwestern Michigan, was among 16 At a special meeting March 30, the lawmakers who introduced the Irregular Prairieville Township Board of Trostees voted Migration Surge Border Response to approve the proposal Trustee led DeVries Resilience Act in the House April 1. That bill directed the Department of '°"ro me "didn’t think it was a good time [to Homeland Security to establish a raise the rates)." ^VrieS Sa“> March comprehensive plan to respond to irregular 30 meeting|.ve -in t|,a( <jjs|rjct u|s0 pay migration surges with a goal of developing Residents Im eWatS(jn Dislrjc| strategies so the department is able to manage the crisis. reran assessme’11 he said. jsneeded now, Prairieville lh7ate’n£Jim Stonebumer said. Township Supc residents, but I feel it’s 4,1 “^Fsumcbumersaid. necessary. appmved the resolution at Hope le''1''’ j of trustees meeting. its March 15 <x Riding off any future “I think aS far as if something goes shock to lhe peojTownship Supervisor terribly wrong* Tuesday. thcy can Doug Peck 5iU it might offset some accumulate son# „ issues in the members didn’t view Peck said hi** 01 bad.” die rale increase’ Township officials Attempts to re‘^urv,uccessful. for comment Starr Commonwealth may figure in to DHS strategy John Hendler J-Ad News Services ■ Albion-based Starr Commonwealth confirmed this week that the federal Government has contacted the former youth facility about housing immigrants from the Monday evening- w SXss-iXtT5 Wi'h * * 5,aff OT resi’ Complicated voting is a threat to democracy . Hastings pla,’^^ment niemben> approved a text iu keepjn g ,0Jbecity ordinance to chickens within the city li,,11,:>’ jurjnp . . The decision, inadj] now »bnd meeting Before a pennit would be issued, a site review of the location for the chicken coops and enclosures would be completed by the city to ensure that enclosures don’t violate the ordinance’s setback requirements. The requirements slate that coops shall be located in lhe rear yard no closer than 10 feet to any property line and no closer than 40 feet to any residential dwelling on an adjacent property. The ordinance also requires the enclosure not exceed 8 feel in height or 100 square feet >n total area. Coops must be constructed to prevent harboring of rodents or vermin. And lhe use of tarps, fabric, rubber, paper, eardboard or similar materials for a coop is prohibited. Some members of the commission, such as John Resseguie. were hesitant to approve the change. Resseguie said he personally thinks chickens should be kept in the country, but voted to approve the ordinance because ‘that’s what the people want.’ Tlie change was approved with one “no” vote from Planning Commissioner Lois Bowers, who expressed concerns about compliance during the Monday evening session and at past planning commission meetings. The planning commission also set a public hearing for its next meeting. May 3, to consider a text amendment regarding parking of semi-tractors, semi-trailers or vehicles with two or more rear axles. Currently, no zoning district or site condition in the city allows for the overnight or short-term parking or storage of such vehicles. Parking of large vehicles is only allowed if they are part of a business. The text amendment, if passed, would See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations an y°ur print ng needsah r aohics’ PRINTING PLUS J-Ad J? I3 Hwy-- "°rth °’Has'in9s clt* limits 1351 N. allow for the outdoor storage of semi tractors, semi-trailers or vehicles with two or more rear axles on an off-street parking lot without connection to a business in a non-residential zoning district as a special land me. Additionally, the planning commission approved a text amendment change tn the B-l central business district as it pertains lo maximum building height. “Currently, the maximum building height in the B-l central business district is 40 feet. That standard has been out there for quite a while.’’ King said. “There are a few buildings downtown that exceed that, but those buildings arc 1(X) years old or older. So. it s the appropriate time for the planning commission to review the possibility of increasing the maximum building height." • The commissioners agreed to allow buildings to exceed 40 feet as a special land use. which must be approved by the planning commission. Commissioners also inserted a provision that developers who wish their projects to exceed 40 feel must provide front elevation drawings to show’ how lhe design would Fit into the neighborhood. In other business, the planning commission: • Approved the exterior design for a residential development project at 600 W. Woodlawn Ave. The commission previously approved the project’s site plan with the condition they review the exterior design standards. • Heard an update from Chairman Dave Hatfield regarding the addition of two-family dwelling units as a permitted use in the residential and apartment zoning districts. Hatfield appointed a committee to review what he said is a “complex issue.” (Write Us A Letter. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not __be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • "Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Q<now Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat. P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). •Mate Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48033 Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail; JulieCalley@house.mi.gov qtate Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373 2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michlgan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Peter Meijer. Republican. 3rd District (All of Barry County). 1508 Longworth House Office Build ng, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831. fax (2021225­ 5144 District office: 110 Michigan Street NW. Suite 460. Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503. phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate nr Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washmgto . • • 2°rarv Peters ^Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building. Washington, (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building Room 720 110 Mtehigan Street NW, Grand Rapids. Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233 91procident's comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BhUUCI* Devoted lo the Interests of Barry County since Pubhshttd by . Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phono: (259) 945-9554 • Fax. 045.5192 jVsas and press releases: new$@j adgraph cs com • Adverting Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuurlng CFO . NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Bret! Bremer (Sports Editor) • advertising ~ Scott Cam MikeG.’^3 OvO'’ Friday. Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker __________ --------- $52 pe^ year in Barry County SUb5CnPSXv ’ ■" feURMS SoJ ^'pe, ywtelaewhore____ Vi 4 3056 Cl as Sophie Bates Greg Chandler ------ ----------------------- -------- Sean Bradley Taylor Owens V. 4X68 �Page 6 n^ru,,. An„.8. ?0?! -ineHasHng* Ban.wr ■ A,|n Kidd Jameo TheodoreMcQuern uaned Ruby Marie Wendorf Jenna Mac Benedict Brenda R(lV Chandler I tF ' Ruby Marie (Thomason) Wendort. age 79. .. of Nashville, passed away Sunday. April 4, 2021. at S|x*ctnim Butterworth, with her . family by her side. * She was bom in Lisbon. ND, the daughter * of Olaf and Ester Thomason. She moved to ;; Nashville and raised four children. She ‘ enjoyed the outdoors, barefoot, her Howers 1 and all her many pets. She enjoyed watching NASCAR and was an avid Forel lover. But most of all she enjoyed her family and friends, especially Diana Finkler and most definitely her scratch of! tickets. Ruby is survived by her husband. Gary; sons. Brian (Teri). Jeff (Patricia). Gary Jr. (Pam): daughter, Jena (Jerry): brother. Olaf D. Thomason and many nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life in May. Call tor Hastings Banner elassM!esl aft Jenna Mae Benedict, age 26, of Hastings, passed away on April 4. 2021 as a result of an automobile accident. Jenna was bom on October 10, 1994, the daughter of Gerald Benedict and Tammy (Gould) Hall, Hall. She attended Hastings Public Schools. Jenna enjoyed roller skating, music and spending time with her children. Jenna is preceded in death by grandparents. Cindy and Alan Benedict and Bill Cunningham, and her cousin. Tiffany Mays Davis. She is- survived by her daughter. Mia Eaton of Hastings; son, Blake Downing of Hastings; mother. Tammy Hall of Hastings; father. Gerald Benedict of Kalamazoo: brothers, William Hall of Hastings and Sean Benedict of Hastings; sister, Breann Hall of Hastings: grandparents. Deb and Bill Hall ol Hastings, Betty and Alan Coston of Lake Odessa, and Paul Gould of Shelbyville. TN, and many aunts and uncles, and special person. T\ ler Eaton of Hastings. Visitation will be held on Saturday. April 10. 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at Thornapple Valley Church. 2750 M-43. Hastings. MI 49058 with a luncheon to follow at UAW Local 138. 127 W. Apple Street. Hastings. Ml 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit vvvvw. girrbachfuneralhome.net. ! Worship Together ...at the church ofyour choice Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us", 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email liastfmcfo grnail.com. Website: www. hasting frer.methvdist.com. Pirstor Brian Teed. Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director. Martha Sloetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 u.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags for chilrvn arc available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid’s Church is available in our 10:50 service. Our worship center is set up for stx-ial distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 PaMor f ather Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a m. Sunday. 7/jm HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Sen ices: 9; 15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Family Night 6:30 8 p.m., Kids 4 Tmth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade). 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328: N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E State Rd.. P.O. Box 273. Hastings. MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc, com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASAN TVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor. Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. W ELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 31X5 N. Broadway. Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sundav, 9:45 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765. (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry'. Wednesday night Bible study ami prayer lime 6:30 lo 7:30 pm. infniinalioti mi worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Brenda Kay (Gibson) Chandler, age 73, passed away on Friday. April 2.2021. Brenda was born April 13. 1947, to Gerald and Lois (Anderson) Gibson. As a teenager. Brenda enjoyed driving the speedboat at her home on Long Lake in Cloverdale and cruising in cars with her friends. She graduated from Delton Kellogg High School in 1965. She began workinn as a young teenager and held many interesting jobs throughout her lite Some of them included working al “the hotel” on Long Lake, picking and selling peaches at the family farm, working at F..W. Bliss. Hastings Mutual Insurance, and Southeastern Elementary School in Hastings. In 2015. she retired from Highpoint Community Bank (Hastings City Bank) after 27 years of holding various positions w ithin the bank. Brenda would tell you that the greatest accomplishments and joys in her life were her two sons and live grandchildren. She met needs in every possible way she could and loved her family fiercely She spent much of her time cheering at her grandchildren’s sporting events, band concerts, and theater productions. She enjoyed being surroufided by her family for holidays, birthdays, or a just because” day together. She scheduled regular day outings with her gra.ndchikif^^ especially when she discovered • that her lour granddaughters shared her enthsreiasm for shopping, which she could do tirelessly all day long. She encouraged and loved her family and truly enjoyed .all aspects of being a mother and grandmA hef. Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Lera Id. and mother. Lois. Sheps survived by her faithful life partner of ojer 25 years. Stephen Sensiba of Hastings: sons. Gregory Chandler and Derek (Raciel) Chandler, both of Delton; grandson Hunter Chandler: granddaughters. Alexis, Lydia, Brcanna. and Emileigh Chandler; brotier. Gary (Joyce) Gibson of Kalamazoo; neplews Gavin (Jackie) Gibson, Justin (Staci) Gibson; niece. Bethany (Nick) Gauthier: and many other relatives. She left belaud many lifelong friends as well. She toubhed countless lives and will be deeply miked by all who loved her. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Middleville United Methodist Church or charity of your choice. Visitation will be held on Thursday . April 8. from 10 to 11 a.m. al Hastings Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 11 nun. (livestream https://www.facebook.com/ GinbnchFuneralHome). graveside service following at Prairieville Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. 7b leave an online condolence, visit vvvvw. girrbachfuneralhome.net. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. _______. £ , Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 . n-nliiional anil Cremation Services • Pn.-l ’ning Services large’tuParking U>t • Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths l^.-arrangc-inciu I'r.insfci^ Accepted , .. - . - __ . , - - — 528 S. Broadway, Hastings, Ml >9058 7(^9-15-3252 • www.girrb.ichfuacralhoinc.nvt irSMti/V)! 1351 North M-43 Hwy. A Cathy Ann Kidder, age 71. of Sparta (formerly of Hastings) passed away 7'uesday, March 30. 2021 at Metro Health Hospital, in Wyoming. Cathy was bom in Hastings. on September 10. 1949, the daughter of the late Walter and Charline (Overley) Kidder. She was raised in the Flastings area on Heath Rd. and attended local schools, graduating from Hastings High School. Cathy was a diligent and hard worker, spending over 20 years employed at Monrex* Inc. in Kentwood, where she assembled speedometers and dash clusters for the automotive industry. After leaving the company. Cathy joined Meijer Stores in Cascade, where she served in several capacities; beginning her career in the health andbeauty section, and later assisting management with inventory pricing. Cathy retired in 2015 lo pursue her hobbies and spend more time with her family. Growing up. Cathy enjoyed spending time with her brothers at the racetrack to watch local dirt track racing. Cathy even tried her hand as a driver, racing a 1964 Ford Thunderbird at Galesburg Speedway. Although her driving career was cut short, her passion for racing continued as she often spent weekends taking in a dirt track race at 1-96 Speedway. Crystal Raceway and Galesburg. She also had horses growing up and Ginger was her first horse. She also taught Cecil the horse lo walk into the house She also loved her dogs Chi-Chi and Lucy. She enjoyed watching professional wrestling on television, doing small crafts, sewing, and crocheting blankets. Cathy was an avid shopper, and whenever possible would search out those special “deals”, to get those items, including shoes, purses, or a special outfit that she “wanted" but didn’t necessarily “need” Cathy always made the most of her situation, and moving to Harvest Way Retirement Home was no different. She kept herself active and involved by leading bible studies, volunteering to help with crafting activities, special events, and calling and playing “Bingo” games. Cathy is survived by her two sons and daughter, Myerel (Sue) Kidder of Hastings. Michael (Kim) Lewis of Rothbury, Michelle (Joe) Dunkelbcrger of Hastings, and her two brothers. Michael Benner of Woodland, then Walter Kidder, of Grand Rapids. Cathy also is survived by 11 grandchildren, sevengreat grandchildren, and twin great grandchildren on lhe way! She was preceded in death by her brother, Myerel Kidder, her father. Walter Kidder and her mother. Chari inc Kidder. Funeral services will be held at the Daniels Funeral Home. Nashville, at I p.m. on Saturday. April 10, 2021, with Sandy Woodmansee officiating. Hie family will receive visitors prior to the funeral service from 11 a.m. to | p.m. al the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. Friends and relatives are encouraged to continue celebrating Cathy’s life immediately following the funeral with lunch and refreshments being served at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Sparta Senior Neighbors Center Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 pufliify Owned and Operated^ —-S,n >»K Ray Girrtax li Owner Emedtva ■* tor SO wars James Theodore McQuern. 3gu Nashville, passed away on April 4 . James was born on December x -■ • c son of Everett and Edith (Evans) Me James graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School. He rettred from KelloggS, and previously worked for Gran Trunk Railroad and Lawson Printers. James proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War He was married for 49 years to Joyce (Mooney) McQuern. Janies enjoyed music, hunting, and fishing. He was an all-around sportsman, attained a pilot's license, was a horseback rider. Scout leader, and coached several baseball teams. James is preceded in death by his parents; his sister. Colleen Wetzel; brother. Jerry McQuern; son, James Theodore McQuern. Jr., and granddaughter. Angela Hope Schantz. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen McQuern and Naomi McQuern (Susan Hoffman) and son. Samuel McQuern (Suzy DeBruyn); seven grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great­ grandchildren; sister. Marilyn Keagle. and special friend. Glenda Geldersma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bob’s Bam Jamborees, c/o Robert Warner. 1417 Johnson Street; Lake Odessa. MI 48849. A visitation will be held on Wednesday. April 14, 2021 at 4 to 6 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 6 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home. 328 S. Broadway: Hastings. Michigan 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www girrbachfuneralhome.net. Michael Scott Vandecar, age 22, of Climax. Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday. March 25. 2021. He was bom on November 24. 1998. the son ol Eric Scott Vandecar and Kellie Sue Keller. Mikey attended Battle Creek and Hastings Public Schools. He was active in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, for many years. Mikey is survived by his daughter, Ale.v/andria Sue-Leanne Vandecar. son. Jayson Jasper Jamerson Vandecar. mother of his children. .Alyssa Allred; parents. Eric Vandecar and Kellie (Rob Gay) Keller; sister. Sarah Nicole Gay-Johnson: grandparents. Kenneth and Cathy Keller. Ron and Jancy Lear. Gary and Sue Vandecar; uncles, Kevin Keller, Ryon Lear. Fd Vandecar, Bobby: aunts, Genia LearOlmstead, Amber Lovell: his beloved dog. Ella and several cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Edwin Lee Vandecar. Mikey loved sports. When he was younger, hc was active in soccer, baseball and fwtball. He was an avid video game player, fisherman, loved being on and in lhe water. Hc enjoyed the outdoors, camping, taking care ot animals, riding four-wheelers, snowmobiling, bike rides, going on walks, listening to music and reading books to his children. Mikey will surely lx* missed by his family, friends and all those that knew and loved him. Visitation will be held at Baxter Funeral A; Cremation Service on April 12,2021 from 3 to 7 p.m. and April 13, 2021, noon to I p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Baxter Funeral Cremation, on Tuesday. April 13. 3021. 1 pm with Pastor Man Leonhardt officiating. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the family of Michael in care of his children. Following current state guidelines 25 visitors are allowed in lhe hincral home at a tunc * \nangemenis by lhe Baxter Funeral & Cremation .Service. �10232781 at the stories 011 locdl history —uS Bannon Massachusetts fa| p()i. Duffy calk’d .lh “ e health “a stcp. child of public ht« y By 1919- |67 health u Hca,th Department had’ <dcnLs h.“mts but still 77 percent of rural n no public health. Sanitation of * Mer supply and slaughterhouse L al(en ' ’on in the first rural public health . ]n lhe <.QUlh focus was on Before efl* were iinplen'c" agencies like th<TBAssrxiationnjad Health department was model for rest of state Conclusion The Barry County' Health Department, later merged with Eaton County, « reaching its 9Cr' year this year. Before its 5O"1 anniversary in 1981, Barry' County jUi^e Richard Loughrin, who also served as president of the Barry County Historical Society, wrote a series of articles on the creation of the local health department and the people behind its success. Those articles have been featured in this column over the previous seven weeks. This article, by Elaine Gilbert, and published in the Nov. 24, 1981. Reminder, focused on the 50th anniversary events. The three-day commemoration of the Barry County Health Department’s 50th year contained all the ingredients of a memorable anniversary celebration - a time for pride in accomplishments, a time for reflecting about the past, and a time for looking to the future. The anniversary events, held Thursday through Saturday, were co-sponsored by the Barry-Eaton District Health Department and the Barry County Historical Society. Seventy-five persons attended the anniversary luncheon at the Middle Villa Inn in Middleville. The event was highlighted with reunions of former directors and staff, as well as awards and speeches. Stale Rep.’’Doit Gilmer presented two legislative tributes - one to retiring public health nurse Louise Odrzywolska in recognition of her 40 years in nursing and another honoring the Barry health department for its 50 years of service. Louise's tribute made note that she always maintained the highest degree of professionalism during her career. In praising the health department for its continuous excellence during its 50 years, the legislative tribute commended the generosity of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the courage of the fl931] county board of supervisors for its establishment. V. Harry Adrounie and Commissioner James Cordon, chairman of the district health board, received special awards for their contributions in planning the 50™ anniversary celebration and made mention of their valuable roles in the department. The awards were signed by Dr. Edwin Larkin, medical director, and Judge Richard Loughrin, president of the historical society. Speaker John Duffy, Ph.D., professor of history at the University of Maryland, took the audience on a historical journey, back to the days before and during lhe development of organized public health units. Hc reminded the group of the previous mass-killer epidemic diseases, like diphtheria and others, which often claimed the lives of all lhe children in a given family long ago. Duffy talked of the past ways in which lhe medical profession dealt with disease,.such as quarantine of enforced isolation, a method dating back to the I41^ century'. In the 1850s. when an epidemic would strike, he said, folks literally cleaned the town’s streets in hopes that their action would eradicate existing germs. His speech contained documented statistical figures and dales as he traced the beginning of organized public health units, which first sprouted in large cities, usually in the wake of an epidemic or other health crisis. Louisiana was the first stale to have a public health board in 1855. after 11 .(MX) people died of yellow fever in .New Orleans. However, he noted, the first effective health board was established in 1869 in count, . f)r lwvhcal,h Program ( c 'lrk noted, private <nd the National ■ 'kanteonlribufions. Although he 0 •’ one of the hardest-hit state 1 t Depressions era. the economy did n<*Jrural health. Duffy said. The state had fo'1930, but had 25 (one of which J7.C°Unty) by 1932. as a result of d’e , .t °8g Foundation’s work. Will Keith,^contributed heavily in the areas of ’n1P ? education. public health and agrifulTs n. , In concluding ’^ jmarks. Duffy said. -One of the tragedy’ ^blic health is that the more success it ‘ ’ 1c less recognition it gets.” This is beOW^^ben no health crisis is brewing, taxpayernllh,5’Uclianl to want to pay money to fund Pubhc health, he said. Dr. Larkin spo^c * bout the past and the future in his remarks tollowing the luncheon. •‘There arc mountains to move,” he said in reference to today’s prime causes of death.He suggest^ the public health department’s mission should be to invest its resources in combating heart disease, cancer, strokes and accidents. Heart disease is on the top of the-chart as the prime cause of death Larkin said heart disease has increased by 50 percent in the past 50 years. Cancer-causing deaths have nearly doubled in that time, as well. Larkin also noted the tremendous past progress public health has made in the maternal and child health category', pointing out a tenfold reduction in birth-related deaths in the past 80 years. Eradicating widespread communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis and diphtheria, have been undertaken, with tremendous success, too, he said. One of the examples he gave illustrated the decline in deaths from TB. In 1930. Michigan had 2,443 reported deaths from TB. That figure was reduced to 67 deaths in 1977 and continues to decline by a rate of five to 10 per year. “Public Health Projections” was the topic discussed by Bailus Walker Jr.. Ph.D., director of the Michigan Department of Public Health “Public health practice remains always in a state of flux, changing with the demands of society," Walker said. Hc noted that lhe local department’s 50 years of grow th paralleled health issues of the times Barry Countyjvas fortunate, he said, to be part of a governmental unit that received its start from both private and public sources of funds, with lhe common attainment of achieving physical, mental and social well­ being of die population. Today, “of the 20 leading causes of death, only a few are sufficiently understood to allow a prudent attack,” Walker said. It is clearly a national and local goal to reduce'cancer, he said. Three types of cancer account for two-fifths of all cancer deaths. Many of the health hazards faced today are personal issues, not scientific debates. But. he said, the public today is somewhat confused about potential cancer-chusing substances and charged that the medii is to blame. “'Die public wants simple, unexaggerated truth ... we must help the community g«jl this information” Walker said, noting that banning all cancer-producing agent is not probable. Occupational conditions also have some bearing on cancer, and, he said, “we cannot afford in the future to relax conditions in the The Barry-Eaton District Health Department moved to 110 W. Center St.. Hastings, in 1981. This room in the Barry-Eaton District Health Department in Hastings has been ded­ icated as a library of medical and public health history in memory of Dr. James Stuart Pritchard, president and general director of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation from 1930 to 1940. On hand for the dedication were (from left) Commissioner James Gordon, chair­ man of the health department board; commissioner Albert Bell, who serves on the health department board; Dr. Edwin Larkin, BEDHD medical director; and Eaton County commissioner Edgar Fleetham, vice chairman of the board and former acting director of the department. workplace. “We can’t wait until scientists provide all lhe answers. We should act and not duck behind lhe cloud of uncertainly.” Walker said. A needed future thrust, he said, is for public health to develop a new approach to encourage health persons to avoid health hazards. Following lhe luncheon program in Middleville, many went to Hastings lo tour lhe health department. A room for a new library of medical and public health history was dedicated in the building that day in memory of Dr. James Stuart Pritchard, who served as the president and general director of the W K. Kellogg Foundation from 1930 until his death in 1940. Commissioner Gordon’s paternal grandfather was lhe uncle of Dr. Pritchard. Handsomely framed photographs of Dr. Pritchard and W.K. Kellogg have been donated by Gordon and grace the walls of lhe new library room. Gordon also has been a principal donor of books to lhe library. Old medical tests and scrapbooks of news clippings about the beginning years of the health department are part of the collection of material placed in the library'. Saturday, the health department’s golden anniversary' celebration featured a public open house at its new facility on the comer of Jefferson and Court streets. It was also the time set aside to ceremoniously dedicate the new building al a ribbon-culling ceremony. Dr. Larkin and Kenneth Radant, chairman of lhe county board of commissioners, officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Radant said he “was reminded at the 50^ anniversary banquet al lhe creation of the health department passed by a 11 -9 vote [May 1. 1931] by the board of supervisors, “I think this is indicative in every age that there are those of vision and those who have towailtobe shown.” Radant said.“Fortunately, throughout lhe 50 years, lhe [county board! and others have increasingly seen the tremendous service to the citizens of Barry County provided by the department of public health. “I’ve seen the health department expand in a series of building and facilities, and today, on behalf of the board of commissioners, which has come to appreciate the importance of the health department, we are very proud to see our Barry-Eaton District Health Department housed in this handsome and adequate structure.” Radanl said Hc also expressed appreciation lo the WKK Foundation for lhe early nurturing of lhe entire concept of public health in die counly. The celebration of the department’s 50ta anniversary actually began Thursday, when the historical society had its meeting in the health department building and heard an interesting talk by Andrew Pattullo, senior vice presidents of the WKKF. [April 1 Banner! SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Workers in the home and additional responsibility facility of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department in Hastings is official­ . during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Snipping the ribbon is Kenneth Radant ly dhH chairman of the county board, assisted by Dr. Edwin Larkin, medical director at ti hpw the health department. Vonda Van Til Public Affairs Specialist Do you plan 10 W a cleaning person, cook gardener, babysitter, or other household worker at least S2.300 this year? This amount includes any cash you pay lor your household employee's transport111101'. meals and housing. If you will al leasl 111111 amounl ,o o.n'i penion. you ,iave s°mc addl,ional <inanc,al in wages to a household worker- you must do all of the following: . ... • Deduct Social Security and Medicare taxes from those wages. • Pay these taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. • Report the wages to Social Security. Forevery $2300 in wages, most household employe earn crcd‘ts lowurd Social Security benefits and Medicare coverage. Generally, people need 10 years of work to qualify for retirement benefits (as early as age 62), disability benefits for for lhe worker and the Sealed Bid Auction for Surplus Vchic es A’l itr”/ ( County Birn C''-1'-’ • |he $ Born County AJmmutrutor can learn more about reporting 10021.pdf. Vonda Van Til if specialist for West Slicing1/ do , Social v..;,/ xwrrifv Administration, „ her irityn Knapp NE, Grand Rapids A./ email to vonda.vaniiN1 ssa Colors Time to Start Grad Gifts Thread, Zippers, Trims & , M 1" < cr3(1 b:jj |0 jin j nunn.r Ih)t th’ Countydeons p'i‘f ’"1 vl. rs"1 k dt«l^Jn11J.ciMlhil’«'-’Wu, “>< AHtpliJ I 1- You household worker income ) nw “I lousehold Workers” at ssa.guv pub^EN-05- L Cotton Prints & Solid ■— public notile r a bids for the foU»*in£ Birry . i- dF I5»f,uck2HKFim2CA36WI.U5bi72< il200 -k JlGSLC’EO\li|Utj5S6l ( SjOl\ 166A-'7 2) 2°!! 056x711.15I>» _ •J)20llv- y y.llllnlaup II2015 M*211 a AS-IS and M'tuUHe for V,U1S worker’s dependents, summers benefits tor lhe worker’s family and Medicare benefits. Patterns ■j- to be Mils Kit ir.krttf * -praif Tor Our QULSTIONS ASK US .. 945-9673 Vo ‘ifri I April Surplia Aulo Aw। wa HuWggg!fiPfc*'UpSq;—~ —__ _____ exhibit during the 5 �Page B — Thursday, April 8. 2021 — Th® HasVngs Banner How Michigan communities can, an<i should, spend stimulus nmXr confronting something of a welcome chal­ lenge this spring. The need to design pro­ grams and systems to maximize billions ol dollars in federal stimulus funding heading their wav — and spend it down before the federal government can take it back at the end of 2024. “We’re going to have to buy buckets to hand out money fn>m.” Ingham County Commissioner Mark Grebner joked in March after learning Incham is in line for nearly $5/ million from the federal government. “Maybe we could have parades and throw dimes at children?” Michigan cities, townships, villages and counties are expected to receive a combined $4.4 billion from the latest COVID-19 stimu­ lus package signed into law last month by President Joe Biden, according to initial esti­ mates. Half the money should reach local Governments this year, w ith the other half arris ing in 2022. That’s the equivalent of $441 for each of Michigan’s roughly 10 million residents, many of whom already qualified for their own $1.400 stimulus checks. All told, the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus plan is expected lo provide $10 billion for , s,atc government, which p m .a r'H,e 5,ov‘ Grclch<m Whitmer and the tiatc K ,n Legislature will need to negoAnd that's separate from Biden’s $2 trillion mtnistnicturo proposal unveiled last week. Aperts say the “rescue plan” presents huge opportunities tor local government officials to not only meet immediate needs and rebuild economies that suffered during the pandemic, ut to also think long-term. with an eye on equity, and begin lo invest in infrastructure thal will Iasi decades beyond the public health crisis. Jt s hard lo exaggerate how big of a deal it said Stephanie Lciscr. who leads the Local Fiscal Heahh Project al the University of Michigan’s Center for Local. State, and Urban Policy. ‘I’ve heard it compared to the New Deal, and I think this is a good way for communities to kind of frame this, as a really big injection ol resources, and probably not one they’re likely lo gel again for a long time.” lhe federal stimulus law’ includes some restrictions on how the money can be spent — stales can’t use it to cut taxes, and kKiil governments can’t prop up struggling pension JLake, (Metta Elaine Garlock Has spring arrived for good? Weather in the 70s would make one think so. Forsythia is showing its yellow color. Daffodils are al their best. Hyacinths are in bloom. Other spring flowers are coming into bud and blossom. We see robins quite often. Easier was a beautiful day. Central United Methodist Church had its Good Friday service at 6:30 p.m. with members and some guests present with the sanctuary bright with late afternoon sunlight. /X Tcnebrae service was held with several candles lil on the altar. This includes readers, a bell rung after each Scripture and music. Members of St. Edward Church and lhe local historical society will renumber residents Dr. William Lynch and wife. Arlene, who lived on’Beech/street-Off brow rTRoad for several years’before and after lhe turn of lhe century. Her father had been an implement dealer here many years earlier, but their building burned. After that, lhe Zerfas family moved lo Portland. Rene Conway was a member of lhe Zerfas household. She later married Leander Peacock and remained a resident the rest of her life. Now Evelyn has died al age 89. She was a duplicate bridge player, a former travel agent, MSU graduate, early an army wife in Oklahoma while her veterinarian husband served at an Air Force base in the 1950s. They raised their five children in Ann Arbor. A private mass was held in DeWitt and burial was al Fort Custer Cemetery near Battle Creek. Easter Sunday brought celebrations at all local churches. At Central Untied Methodist Church members arrived to find many butterflies in evidence, flowers at the entrance, a lawn sign with the greeting “Alleluia,” singing by Cantor Tom Reiser, a recording of an anthem “Our Savior is Alive” sung in a presious year. The platform was bedecked with man) lily plants. With temperatures in lhe 70s mosi days, one would wonder why the Fiona sojourners do not come home lo such near-perfect weather. One Lake Odessa couple used to plan on seeing lhe Florida Spring. Then they made a halfway stop in Tennessee for two weeks to again experience another spring. Then they gol back lo Lake Odessa in time for a Michigan spring. If they enjoyed fall weather, they might be able to have three falls by taking the reverse route in October. Water’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF^ (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you "X.• Mitrnflin ptai ... ? * yarlier stimulus packages ' ' ,)S exact ful|(1. mg additional guidance. r, v> hich they mg levels, from the U.S lft‘ expect bj early Maj. h.jvc already Bu. spending dwell*'1*" ( (|ing thill in Mun a. Officials anti^"' , •some cases will rival tlu'f 1 budgets. , , n. i “taking care ol l ne immediate priority 1 people." but beyond that. l(Ka ..^nerillil)„,| should focus on makii'f F ' change." said state Sen. ".‘,l ’“ u,.. ... . •he stimulus luudin., I(> mj? ln’"' usi,’r pay lor new tax CU1 f . !rct,l> <>r indirectly increases. But lhjll .. v’’) any pending tax >•' l<K«lg<>vern1nentrwh ,?d<KS,K,,1'PPly l-verpn,(K.rty tax" ;r'V(^h/"'-'<>vh<x,s7,f> Business or resident mi asscSsnicnis. take a variety ol fonns. said ChriT': C°“l11 director of state and fc<i,.ri| fl'Hackbarth. Michigan Municipal League f°r ,hc Some communities mn/.u •. funding to reimagine their *° Usc ,he Detroit Democrat who has •> in urban planning. "And if "c re !*' erational change, i'x real infrastmclure That's removing lead and copper lines' and taking those out.” . . . The stimulus also includes /unb.ltous national programs that could hit I . Michigan children out of poverty, and addttional funding for tribal cofn,nun,lie;'’ 1ere.s also money for local transit systems in Michigan, including $250 million lor cities from Benton Harbor to Saginn" , and another $20.6 million for rural transit agenc,esSome local governments "ill l°cus “w’r spending on immediate business or resident relief programs to help restore the pre-pandemic economy, and that’s reasonable given lhe number of businesses and people that got crushed" financially over the past year, said Lou Glazer, president of Michigan Future Inc., a nonprofit focused on encouraging a "knowledge-driven” economy. “But lhe wisest use of this money is to try to begin to make structural reforms that will last for y ears, Glazer said. “What are the basicservices, infrastructure and amenities that they have underinvested in. probably for decades, that are needed to be an attractive place where people live, work and play?" Here’s what we know so far about how (he money can be spent — and how a variety of experts say it should be spent to maximize its impact. Relief programs for businesses, residents The first “traunch" of federal funding is expected lo reach local governments by May. and experts say officials should work to deploy that money as quickly as possible to benefit those impacted by the ongoing pan­ demic. The federal law allows local governments to use funding for "costs related to the public health emergency, including assistance to households, small businesses, nonprofits and aid to affected industries like tourism, travel and hospitality.” That means cities, townships, villages and counties across Michigan could set up their own relief programs jnd hand out grants, either directly to local businesses or house­ holds. or through partnerships with nonprofits and other community organizations. “1 think we’if all in lhe business now of seeking the names of desperate restaurant owners "'said Grebner, the Ingham County Commissioner. “The real point of this stimu­ lus package al the local level is giving it to people and businesses in need, and Ibis is a procesi that is going to be controlled by the local units of government, which do not have any system for doing that." Selling up those systems will require local governments to identify residents or business­ es thit struggled in the pandemic. Some could havc/’a head start on that front if local busi­ nesses have already applied for other relief programs earlier in lhe pandemic.Then they’ll also’need to build systems to hand out the graqts, partner with industry' groups or build regional collaborations, which have generally W some already did during the nam? S- W "th restaurants and bars auract ciisu""'hc'P urere wary of eating or drinking’Se^ rctbL'kinrhow^^x'n^IXemlck''4" be year-round," Hackbanh said "Thei e " nmmties have an ability to help tJem whh some of that. H n ",l’’ Pandemic eMHnses tind ha«rd pav Unlike prior pandemic stimulus plans the American Rescue Act allows local govern ments to use the funding to p|ug budget hZ demic reVCnUe “lineS dUrinp 'hc Pa"' lhe size of those budget holes - an<j thcrclore the ability to spend the funding to fill it - "is kind of all over the place,’’ said Lciscr of U-M. “Communities that are mostly reliant on property taxes have fared better than the ones who have more reliance on income tax or the kind of excise taxes on tour­ ism-related things and have more of a gap to fill in.” I’hc 24 Michigan communities that impose a local income tax arc facing a combined loss of $250 million in revenue this year alone, according to Hackbarth of the Municipal League. That’s because residents who lost jobs during lhe pandemic no longer had an income subject to being taxed, and others who transitioned to remote work may no longer have reported to an office in the cities with a tax. Detroit, the slate’s largest city, reportedly lost $170 million in expected income taxes, part of a $410 million million revenue loss since the pandemic began in March of 2020. Other cities w ith a local income lax include: Albion. Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Big Rapids, East Lansing, Flint. Grand Rapids. Grayling, Hamtramck. Highland Park. Hudson. Ionia. Jackson, Lansing, Lapeer. Muskegon. Muskegon Heights. Pontiac. Pon Huron. Portland. Saginaw’. Springfield and Walker. Communities like Southfield, Troy, Utica and Auburn Hills in metro Detroit, with a large concentration of commercial office space, may still face a major budget hit in coming months as local businesses appeal their properly tax assessments. Hackbarth said Fhe stimulus also allow s local governments to use funds to provide hazard pay to govern­ ment workers who “|K*rformed essential func­ tions during the public health emergency." Specifically, lhe money can be used to pro­ side up to $13 an hour in “premium pay" to those employees, who are barred from receiv­ ing more than $25,000 total. The U.S. Department of Treasury' has not yet provided local governments w ith addition­ al guidance on who can qualify for that hazard pay, but it’s expected that officials will be able to provide back pay to many workers who stayed on their job during lhe pandemic. At the county level, thal could mean extra pay for sheriff’s deputies, health department , At the city ** level, , "fire uni wromedie* could benelocal pohw. BnI •d, .. mean extra pay for "peoAnd it nitglit wen tn * (I} g|;| jt pic who dtdti l fn*>' > w jt-. buI (djj now and hadn’t cven ‘. )r Said Grebner, qualify, such as > Xtntnissioner. "Maybe the Ingham C oun, > < ( |)]ing wc-re we won I. but it s ” thinking about, because s b- prohibilhe federal law ...cl. d^ < » tion fur local governments, iney the stimulus funding to prop up 1 । pose major budget cnaucii. lies in some parts of the slate. But using stimulus funding to f>» » 'lo1; " one part of the budget could ultnna e j . . resources for those other priorities, x said. “This will give them some breathing room to make it easier to do that m the longrun." Lead sen ice lines and clean w ater The federal law allows local governments to use the stimulus funding to make “neces­ sary" investments in water infrastructure, and that is a “huge opportunity to focus on clean waler,” said Justin Onwenu. a Detroit-based environmental justice organizer for the Sierra Club. Local governments could use the funding to replace lead service lines, whose dangers were exposed in the Flint water crisis, tor instance. Or they could build new water treat­ ment plants, and Onwenu said officials may also be able to fund water affordability pro­ grams. A new rule adopted in the wake of the Flint water crisis requires public water systems across lhe stale to replace any lead service lines thal still remain in the ground. That pro­ cess began in January, and the state is giving them 20 years to complete lhe job. Whitmer last year announced $139.6 mil­ lion in funding to help communities comply with lhe rule change and called on state law­ makers to free up more money. But available resources have paled in comparison to the likely cosl. There arc nearly 100.000 known lead ser­ vice lines siill in use in Michigan — and that’s only in lhe 148 communities that are certain what kind ol pipes they have underground. Another 56 public water systems suspect they have at least some lead service lines, and another 65 simply do not know whai is under­ ground and may have to dig to confirm, according to preliminary inventories submit­ ted to the state last year. All told, there are nearly 300.000 known or suspected lead service lines in Michigan, and 275,000 pipes made of unknown materials with no available documentation. There are another 560.000 pipes without documentation that officials believe are not likely to contain lead. Grand Rapids, lhe slate’s second largest city, reported 18557 known lead service lines and another 8540 it suspects are made of lead. Saginaw and Jackson each re|X)rted more than lO.IXX) known lead service lines. Detroit reported 2.420 know n lead pipes but more than 77.000 it suspects are also made of lead. The stimulus funding could help local com­ munities “accelerate" lead service line replacement initiatives they were already planning. Leiser said. “It’s sort of a remedial thing, as opposed to kind of investing in 21st Century infrastructure, but we only have to Continued next page Soiuntioottered through LPL Financut. Member F1NRA/SIPC K. A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING BARRY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber Barry Community Foundation Request for Proposal Marketing Professional Services New conetruciion. remodel, repair, dram cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS I iceuse Sunie D“>' #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Injured Who we are’ The Barry Community Foundation was founded in 1995 as a partnership of endowed funds. We are dedicated to improving lives by bridging resources. BCF h irix pndowments, distributes scholarships, hosts affiliate foundations, we are a DUn°5 initv crant maker and community convener. We strive to be a trusted resource commun y k headquartered in headquartered in Hastings, but our focus throughout the entire county. S mary’ BCF seeks to acquire the services of an as-needed basis marketing professional. annual repOrt-Each year BCF distributes a calendar as an annual renort showcasing programs and projects from the previous year. Rpsoonsibilitles would include creative design and layout, working with i Ad Graphics for printing. Three additional (6-8 page) annual reports would also need to be designed and sent for printing. Samples from • DMign'o/programs and invitations for multiple events. Design of D T,in. materials, advertisements, logos, posters, infographics, etc. Datiy will be given to provide a suitable timeline. Revfew of current marketing materials to advise where improvements . Xt ^Hh our marketing committee as needed. • n^nnnsive to communication, innovative, and appeal to a vast Requirements: DortfoUo of work such as requested to Jilljanrvbarrycf.org by audience. Please seno p April 30; 2021. Mobile^ «-^12 ~ NOTICEToMembersofHariinS!>Mu'U1,l,nS“ranCt,COn,Pi,ny’ Hastings, Michigan: KI . . xt° |,CC| Mutual , K‘rvI)y .„. .he Annual Meeting of Hastings vull be conducted via conference (\>n»raO beginning at 9:00 a nt., due ca on Wednesday. ’ j*he annual meeting agenda to the COV1D.J9 rcs,r,t ‘L limt of the following Director: includes a ballot forlbe * Kolanow ski. and Janice A. n,1.U.L’k‘S 1 Hrenth. contact Michael W. Puemer, Oshmski.For more in^a“ Secretary, 269-9IS-GJ*____ ______ ———■~ ***• than 50’ of EXECUTIVE director wanted Middleville Housing Commission (Lincoln Meadow Senior Apartments) is seeking a highlg motivated individual to serve as the director of a 50 unit HUD housing building, HUD experience is preferred. Applicant should have a minimum of an Associate in Business, experience in accounting, & budgeting. Must be able lo get along with people & a problem solver. Willing to work flexible hours, 25-30, a Deputy Director, 15-20 hours & available to be on call. Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications. Position is open until filled. Must be able to pass physical, drug screen & background check. Resumes may be sent to: Middleville Housing Commission, Please contact Jillian Foster 269-945-0526 jiUlarKjibarrycf.org 221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com c*n thx. or 800-22/763* 500 Lincoln St. Middleville, MI 49333 or emailed to: midhsg@yahoo.com �Continued from previous page look io the Hint water crisis to sec what are the effects of not maintaining basic infrastruc­ ture " lhe pandemic showed the importance ol access to clean water. Onwenu said, noting that Whitmer issued a statewide order impos­ ing a moratorium on water shutoHs to protect residents who had lost jobs and couldn t pay their water bills. “I think the theme of this moment is that there have been a lot ol issues that have been festering fora long time, and (. OVID just sort of ripped lhe mask off ot these issues,'* Onwenu said. Hopefully this is the chance to get lhe funding to get some real work done.’* ' lhe Michigan Legislature extended the shutoff moratorium, but that law expired Thursday, eliminating a statewide safeguard for both residents and businesses who may still be struggling to pay water bills. Some communities have already extended their own local moratoriums, including Detroit, where Mayor Mike Duggan has said the city will not shut off any residential w ater customers through at least 2022. Upgrading water infrastructure is a good investment because it can help local govern­ ments save money in the long run, said Hackbarth, of the Municipal League. ‘You’ve got some communities thal are fighting constant water main breaks,** he said. “If you gel funds now- and you can do that rebuild, then your maintenance” costs w ill go down. Broadband expansion The federal law also allows local govern­ ments to spend stimulus funds on broadband infrastructure, which could especially benefit rural residents whose homes still aren’t con­ nected to fiber optic cables and can also strug­ gle with poor cell phone reception. The Whitmer administration estimates as many as 1.2 million households — Lin-4 slatewide — lack a permanent fixed broad­ band connection. Existing state and federal grant programs aim to close that digital divide, but experts have predicted it could still take years lo dose. Tire pandemic further exposed lhe broad­ band gap in everything from school instruc­ tion to office work moved online. /\nd some of (hose changes — including new corporate flexibility for remote work — w ill likely con­ tinue even after the pandemic ends. '‘Broadband is probably one of the most important areas of investment going forward in the post-pandemic economy, where reli­ ance on internet and connectivity is absolutely vital.” Leiscr said. “There’s been a lot of emphasis on fixing lhe damn roads in Michigan, and thal contin­ ues to be important. But I think this is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime injection of resources and thinking long-term and thinking big about it is going to pay off. Investment in broadband infrastructure w ould be a really important use Thursday. Apnl 8. 2021 -Pag* 9 ol this nionrv , or the state." ' "'|,eci:1|ly in m„u. nlra| 1);UIs (Note: lhe fed* i local goverXnuT111' |,lan <’•>>> he extent they |Os. ..^s lo Wid on roads to b:!Vc used for that nun reJen,,e lhe> "ould ^mulus is not goin»^.erIn(,lherw«nK.thc hut Biden has ,x ‘he damn roads,” infrastructure nh. . . ? ^Paratc S2 trillion roads and bridges . |,<U ln°hides funding lor Honal fundim’Wr 1 hillions in addiwaler infrastructure\rOai,l>a,U1 cxPi,nsion and lead service broadband service or ^petition for\nst11^°'^ “’t* *° cmmentc i • • among local govsupplics \ r,',n" llP ‘he price of labor and tion nd’ A ..,h.“,’s."l,3 "regional axmlinalutelv aPa.c,‘y building is going to be abso!< ow «rn,,al- ix‘jser -‘“j- -if >•«“ d»"’' crashes •i-a, l<>r (>wvils fliylor stu/l Writer |\vo motor’51** crashes on ^'r Jj\e> in separate K°ad Prairieville Township this'-; nian A 26-y car-old ’ kavehng north on Lockshore je ' est Hickory Road when her 1 the road and hit a tree at 7 p.m. Sunday evening, according to a press release Irom Barry County Sheriff’s deputies l he driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was taken lo Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo where she later died of her injuries. At about 1 p.m. Wednesday a76-year-old ’nan was driving north on J>ocksliore Road near Milo Road when his vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree. The driver, also the lone occupant of the vehicle, was airlifted to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries, police said. Both crashes remain under investigation. v ,al your neighbors are doine, then you can Ik kind of working al odds.” ‘ t hat happened at the national level early in J- pam etnic as states were bidding against J-ac t other for personal protective equipment ause there was no federal coordination to prevent that from happening,” she added. It 'yas one ot the “biggest failures of the pan­ demic.” Upgrade sewer systems Aging sewer infrastructure is also a major challenge for some Michigan communities, and the federal law will allow' stimulus fund­ ing to be used for “necessary” upgrades to those systems as well. Environmental groups have been sounding alarms for years over decrepit sewer systems, leaking pipes and failing sewage treatment plants that contribute to the estimated 5.7 bil­ lion gallons of raw sewage that is dumped into Michigan waterways each year. “There is no shortage of investments that can be made in underground infrastructure,” said Hackbarth. of the Municipal League. While it is not specified, lhe National League of Cities is using the Treasury Department to define sewer infrastructure in a way that also allows local governments to fund work on wastewater and stormwater systems. /\ging septic systems, which are often used in niral areas without access to a municipal water supply, also pose risks in some parts of the state. As of 2016,10 fwrcenl of Michigan’s 13 million septic tanks were “experiencing operational problems,” according to a state report. Grebner. the Ingham County Commissioner, said he’s exploring the possibility of partner­ ing with small townships to help properly owners replace failing septic and well systems thal can drive down properly values if they are discovered by inspectors. “Just imagine if we said lo all these people that are hiding from us all this tunc We got cash money.” he said. “Come out of the woods, man. You’re welcome.” Marriage Verna Sunior to celebrate 100th birthday On Thursday. April 8. 2021. Verna Sunior is celebrating 100 years of life. Verna came to Hastings as a young woman from DesbratsOntario. Canada. She worked many years as the traffic manager for WBC’H retiring in the fall of 1981 with the adoption of Baby Ursula, a treasured gift still today. Verna enjoyed traveling with her husband Richard in their motorhome throughout the Southwest United States and Ontario. Gardening and flowers have always been such an enjoyment especially when entering the magic of her green thumb into the Barry County Fair for judging Verna shared her knowledge and excitement lor the outdoors and nature as a member and president of lhe Hastings Garden Club Little criilers have always held a special place in her heart. She had a special way and could nurse anything back to health, even Murphy the day old bunny. You proably won’t see her out and about in her favorite red bools but she would sfill love to receive birthday wishes and cards. Cards can be sent to: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 315 W. Center St.. Hasting?, Ml 49058. : \ Robert H Bracks to celebrate 90th birthday Cody Allen Reurink. Wayland and Dani Rae Herschbergcr, Wayland Kimberly Jalynn Lipscomb, Battle Creek and Lance Richard-Nicholas Carter. Battle Creek Ann Marie Schalk, Freeport and Daniel Jay Schalk, Freeport James Douglas Brinkman, Dowling and Mary Jo Amundson-Brinkman, Dowling Kathryn Ann Labioda. Hastings and Carl Peter Pricmier, Hastings Ilana Marie Delarosa. Middleville and Levi Benjamin Hatcher, Hastings Brianna Renae Kingsbury, Wayland and Nathanial Cole Pastrick, Kalamazoo Glenna Maxine-Ruth Knapp, Wayland and Cody Lee Hysell, Middleville Robert 11. Brooks will celebrate his 90th birthday on April 17,2021. He was bom iln 1931 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He married the beautiful Beverly A. Belson on September 6. 1953 and they have lived 67 years of love together as they continue lo set a wonderful example for their three daughters and sons-in-law. They have nine grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Please consider sending him a birthday card lo 875 Terry Lane, Hastings, MI 49058. Local M ARSP cancels meeting The Barry County chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel has canceled its semi-annual general meeting in May. Organizers encourage members lo stay safe and get a COVID-19 vaccine so that the September meeting may go as planned. CLOVERDALE DRAIN NOTICE DAY OF REVIEW OF DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS DATE: TIME: LOCATION: Rirag around the pfisnroet Dr. Universe: How did Saturn's rings form? Amelia, 9. Washington Stale Dear Amelia. We still don't know exactly how the rines around Saturn formed, but scientists who •'indy Saturn’s rings have come up with •> couple of ideas. One common theory many scientists agree upon is that Saturn's rings are made from the little leftover pieces of what used to be a moon. My friend David Atkinson is really curi­ ous about the solar system and told inc more about it. He is a graduate of Waslu’ngton State University and now works at the NASA Jet Propulsion laboratory in California. He also worked on the CassiniHuygens space research mission which helped us learn more about Satuni. Saturn’s large moon Titan, and the entire Satum/sysWhen we investigate questions about tein. Saturn’s rings, he said it helps to know about both moons and gravity. Moons are usually smaller than their planets. Our Earth has just one moon. but Saturn has 82 moons. Each moon has a name, such as ’Titan, Enceladus, NASADione. scientists think Saturn likely has Mimas. another 29 moons, but we are still waiting to confirm the discoveries and give the moons Saturn, like Earth and other planets, a so their names. has gravity around it. The gravity gets weak­ er the farther you travel from the planet. , Atkinson slid that for each moon. Saturn s gravity on the side of the moon that faces the planet is stronger than the gravity on the side that laces away stretches Irom the planet. "The gravity the moon out a it fie bit,” he said. We call this a tidal force. He told me the story of a scientist named Edouard Roche who figured out that if a moon gets close enough to a planet, this stretching force will be so strong, it can break a moon apart. “The theory is there was a small moon of Saturn thal got too close to the planet. I hat small moon got inside Saturn’s Roche Limit, or inside that special distance, and lhe tidal force broke lhe moon into pieces," Atkinson said. “Those pieces spread themselves around the planet, and that is the ring.” Over lhe years, scientists have been able to study the size, thickness and materials thal make up Saturn’s rings. We’ve learned that lhe rings are made up of rocks, ice and dust. Scientists also have asked what would hap­ pen if we took all ol the materials that make up Saturn’s rings and packed them together. “it turns out that it would pack together into a pretty small-size moon,” Atkinson said. You know, Saturn isn’t lhe only planet that has ring systems. Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune also have rings, too. But the rings arc pretty faint and much harder to see. even with a telescope. We still have much to discover about our solar system and the worlds beyond Earth. Maybe one day you can help us learn more about the way different planets form and help ”s find answers to big questions just like this one. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? A\k Dr. Universe. Send on email to Washington State UfiiverdtsA resident scientist and writer . [yr.IJnivvrsedf1 wsu.edu or vi>lt jler \i{ejt>kdrimiverscao,n. QUESTIONS: Thursday, April 22, 2021 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Ever After Banquet Hall 1230 N. Michigan Avenue Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-1385 At the Day of Review, the Drain Commissioner shall have available to review the tentative apportionments against parcels and municipalities within the proposed Drainage District, and shall (1) carefully reconsider and review the description of land comprised within the drainage district (2) carefully reconsider and review the apportionment of benefits; and (3) define and equalize lhe apportionment as is just and equitable. The com­ putation of costs will also be available at the Day of Review. Drain assessments are collected in the same manner as property taxes and will appear on your winter tax bill. If drain assessments are being collected for more than one (1) year, you may pay the assessment in full with any interest to date at any time and avoid further interest charges. A general description of the lands by section number proposed to be added or deleted from the Drainage District is as follows: Portions of Sections Added___ Municipality Drain Name Barry TbwnsldP_. _______ 4-9, 16-18 Hope Township, --- JO,J5-16,J9-2L 28-32^ 1-2, 10-16,21-23____ Prairieville Towiislnp. Cloverdale Drain Portions of Sections Removed _________ 5&6 ! 5-17^19-21,29-32 ____ _ ______ N/A_ be submitted to the Drain Commissioner in writing tejore »he 49058 °.enl the01 Barry C°Unly Drain Con'<’missione r 22ft w°^ m'SS'Oner ln w"l,,,a--------Day of or Review auhnn« lonrn bene,its may be be SUDm ’ea to the <•' S,ale Commenfs submi» Toun,y or9' or comments may submitted in Dn.nW Streel' Hastings. Michigan ensure consHbRT ,led advance musl be received by the Drakt Cnm or verbal|y at the Day of Review. assessed at.|arga,lon- BarrV Coun'V. BarrV Township. Hope To^nsWp'and' Pnor,0 'b%Dayo'Rev7J° y *”bnip, and Pramevillo Township will be ° (^l riosedn k'n,n9 the number and ,en9th 01 sections tho S DlStnct boundary revisions, and the Notice A Hinnnr brid ho amount inc,udin a map of theofproposed Wl|d|dblt!ie and 9specifications all tile or Dram^ o nn raQ0 ^',dth of eacb section, and if lhe drain culve ges to be installed, if any; and conditions unon r 9l?red' location, number, type, and size ot at1 wnich the contract will be awarded) can be found tact the Commissioner’s Office at the number noted VQ Paff?cipation in the Day of Review should conPersons |i(ias24 neod jng in accommodations at 7-1-11wmdi ’UD) Sabj loast hours advance of the for Daveffective nf n VG ^voice) or through the Michigan Relay Center assistance- you may appeal the Drain CommissionerVd Kev,ew request mobility, visual hearing or other County c,„a,ltp°urt within ten (10) days, and you mav -Mo IS!Or’ t0 revise the district boundary to the Barry Barry County Probate Court v/ithin ten (10) days. 0 nPPeal the determination of apportionments to the Dated: AP^O21 -- ■■■ i Jin, D(J|| «MM«4li^Couniy Qfn,n 1578S1 �„ _ T»,P Hnsl'ngs Banner Page 10 — Thursday, April 8, 2021 Hastings Live returning •"■■■■■■£ lf]|Q S UITI fT| A I* ■ Live is cumins 2021. I< ■ooHasungs kfcthanil ^inlhine^.s llemay h a, “Xik tlift'crent (han it___ IxissibJc tickets being offered for some events and venue changes for others, but music is expected to return to downtown Hastings. “We are thrilled to be hosting Hastings Live again." Thomapple Arts Council l-Xcvulivc Director Megan Lavell said. “We’re making safeh our first priority as we move forward with our 2021 programming. “We know this season is going to feel NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This Sale may be resanded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In mat event, or in the event the salo is set aside, tne purchaser may be entitled to the return of the b.d amount tendered al sale, less any applicable fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Faith Ellen Smith and Christina M. Upright, to John Smith dsted March 8. 2018 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County on March 9, 2018 in number 2018-002105 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof tho sum of Forty Thousand ($40. 000.00) Dollars and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage. Under the power of salo contained in said mortgage and me statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a salo of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venuo, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1 00 PM. on Thursday. April 22. 2021. Sad premises is situated in The Village of Cloverdale, County of Barry, and The State of M.chigan and is described as- Lot Number 31 of lhe Original Plat of the Village of Cloverdale. According to the Recorded Plat thereof, Commonly known as 7586 South M-43 Highway. Cloverdale. Michigan. 49035 Parcel Number; 08-07-090-021-00 The redemption period shall bo six (6) months immediately following tho salo the property If the property is deemed abandoned under MCL 600 3241a. then the redemption period shall be shortened to 30 days for tho date of salo. If tho property is so'd at a foreclosure salo lhe mortgagers will be held responsible to tho person who buys the property al the foreclosure or to tho mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period pursuant to MCL 600 3278 Dated March 23, 2021 For more information p'easo call: Robert L. Byington. Depot Law Office. PLC Attorneys for Mortgagee 222 West Apple St.. P.O. Box 246 Hastings. Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 157382 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Nonce is given under section 3212 of tho revised judicature act of 1961.1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding lhe circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1 :00 PM. on April 15. 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on lhe day of sale Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Sharon L Mears and Duwayne A Mears, wife and husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as trustee for Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust. Series 2006-4 Data of Mortgage: June 29, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 11,2006 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $118,644 71 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope. Barry County. Michigan, and described as: Commencing at lhe Southeast comer ot Section 27. Town 2 North. Range 9 West. Hope Township. Barry County. Michigan, thence North 20 rods for a po:nt of beginning; thence North on tho Section line 44 rods; thence West 20 rods; thence South 64 rods; thence East 4 rods; thence North 20 rods; thence East 16 rods to the point of beginning, and being a part ot the Southeast 1/4 of Section 27 Except commencing at the Southeast corner o* the Southeast 1/4 of Section 27; thence North 356 feet for a point of beginning; thence North 100 fr-et thence West 363 feet: thence South 175 feet; thence East 163 feet; thonce North 75 feet, thence East 200 feet to the point of beginning Common street address (if any): 8840 Wertman Rd, Delton. Ml 49046-8646 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or. if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as dblined by MCL 600.3240(16). If lhe orooerty is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 lhe borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at Sgago or .0,the .rnongago ho’der for damaging the property "Son Swner: If you are n< member on active duty, if your pedal o active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago^or d yo hav been ordered to aebve duty. attorney for tho party foreclosing the n g 9 tne telephone number slated in tNs not • This notice in from a debt collector Date of notice. March 18. 2021 Trott Lav/ P.C r 3’440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1431694 166950 (03-18)(04-08) different llnil k Band; *«e _ .~Jowing the safety protocols to keep the community safe and keep the program going all summer." Hastings Downtown Development Director Dan King said city stafl has been working with the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, City Police, and the department of public services to safely plan the Hastings Live season. Hastings Live includes the Hastings City Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of tho revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236. MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a salo of tho mortgaged premies. or some part of them, at a public auction sale to tho highest bidder (or cash or cashier s check at lhe place of ho'ding lhe circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at TOO PM. on April 29, 2021. The amount due on tho mortgage may be greater on the day of sale Placing tho highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle lhe purchaser to free and dear ownership of tho property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact tho county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Daniel J. Wright, and his wife. Lorena J. Wnght Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Inc . as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns Foredosing Assignee (if any) Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Date of Mortgage June 6, 2008 Date of Mortgage Recording. Juno 10.2008 Amount daimed due on date of notice $40,326 33 Description of the mortgaged premises Situated in Township of Castleton. Barry County. Mich.gan. and described as Beginning nt a po nt on the Norin line of Section 21, which lies 145 feet West of lhe Northeast comer of said Section 21, and running thence Southwesterly 137 feet to a point which lies 166 feet West of the East line of Section 21: thence Northwesterly 130 2 feet, more or less, to a point which lies 295 16 feet West of the East line of said Section 21. thence North 119 feet to tho North line of said Section 21. thence East 150 161 feet to the point of beginning, Section 21. Town 3 North. Range 7 West Common street address (if any) 7964 State Rd, Nashville. Ml 49073-9607 Tho redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241a, or. if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600 3240(16). If lhe property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 cf the Revised Judicature Act of 1951, pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period Attention homeowner- If you are a m.htary scrv.ce member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at tne telephone number stated in this notice This notice is from a debt collector Date of notice: April 1, 2021 Trott Law, RC 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1432721 (04-01X04-22) 157827 THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE BY ADVERTISMENT. Notice is given under section 3212 of tho revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1pm, on Thursday, April 22, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bld at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. The foredosure sale is pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Mortgage made by CHRISTOPHER B. WALKER and SHANNON J. WALKER. Mortgagors, to First National Bank of America, Mortgagee, dated November 9, 2004. and recorded November 17,2004, In Instrument Number 1137316, of Barry County Records. Michigan, on which mortgage there Is claimed to be duo as of the date of this notice $75.178.32. including interest at 9.95% per annum. Said premises are situated in Irving Township. Barry County. Michigan, and are described as: Beginning at the NW comer of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 9. T4N, R9W; thence 26 2/3 rods East; thence South 12 rods, thenco West 26 2/3 rods; thence North approximately 12 rods to tho place of beginning. Together with rights of ingress and ogress over the currently established road, except that part deeded to lhe State of Michigan in Uber 246 on Pago 589. c/k/a 6153 Cam Creek, Freeport, Ml 49325 The redemption period shall be six months from tho date o! the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600 3241a, in which case lhe redemption period shall be one month. t,me ,0 Pr°viUo the notice required by 600 324la(c) expires, whichever ts later. ie re emption period further may be shortened E !° MCL 600 323800) if tho property is not ihn a 8 7 rna,n,aine<L or if the purchaser is denied Ariv.rS!0*?1?? t0 inspecl ’he property Please be fofecin«u 0 i rnorl9aged property is sold at a 600 3278 th?£ 7 ndvertisGm®nt. pursuant to MCL '‘he|b0/0Wer be held responsible to foffirlnsii/A '? bUy5 th° Pf0P°rty at the mortgage Sninn .h 01 °r to ,ho holder for nnrior? Att ^oporty during the redemption ponooL Attention homeowner, if you are a military on active duty> if y°ur penod of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. or. you have been ordered to active duty, please contact tho attorney for the pafty foroc|osing tho mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice Dated. March 25. 2021 Randall T. Levasseur P41712 DWasseur Dyer & Associates. PC Attorneys for Mortgagee 3233 Coolidge Hwy Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 157355 „le 11118110 *’ t;_ -ay Niuht Night Features showcase some of uniiyayc-0hc7'(‘ features. Fountnm.andFfni playing1 tastings at the the region s finest up-and-coming performers, Live nt Summerfest. *nd 1 children's along with established artists. Friday Night Plaza Thursday ' Features performers, which will start at 7:30 entertainment series. f Fridays at the p.m., include: With the exceptin’1 ^house lawn, all June IS - Simply Queen Fountain on the C<)U.. Thorn apple Plaza, !U‘?Cn5 '.\ReV' Pc*tnn s Big Damn Band performances ui|| be althc Thomapple July 2 - Denise Davis Moving Playing m ihe ?luZ‘!.oW children and July 9 - Arena Rock Plaza this summer wiH n jance, sing, and July 16-Jake Kershaw their families mure n*1,n l°oCial distancing, July 23 Roosevelt Diggs play while maintaining A ress release, July 30 - Brian Randall Band organizers said in an APr‘ m observe what Aug. 6 - The Insiders Hastings Live events ' necessary when Aug. 13 - The Army Band safety measures are tJccn.\CcVCnts will remain Aug. 20 - The Accidentals the series begins. While u |nnjt audience Community concerts feature mine of the free, some may be tickctcd area’s finest local talent and will HU the 7;3() sizes. f many activities p.m. Wednesday performance slot after the “After a yearlong v0, nted, bringing back city band concludes its season.! he community that we once took for gr‘u;. wi|| be a breath concert lineup includes: Hastings Live pcrfornmnCC July 7 - Out of Favor Boys of fresh air,’’ King 5aiJslcf dating back to July 14 - Thornapple Jazz Orchestra With its ever-changing Band has been July 21 - Gooder ’n Grits pioneer days. Hasting* *:1' mon5 than 160 July 28 - Geez Louise entertaining audiences . h sChoolers to Aug. 4 - Allie Garland and Awesome Sauce years. Members range gather for Aug. 11 - Jesse Cline musicians in their 70s a” % city’s summer Aug. 18 - Grumpy Old Men five weeks, launching. tnt Cjly Band Aug. 25 - An Dro concert season. All Wednesdays, Fridays al lhe Fountain performances will concerts will begin al f--51’ ’ \ 9, 16, 23 and begin at noon on the Barry County Courthouse Performance dates are -y announced lawn near the intersection of Church and Stale 30. Music for those weeks streets. This year’s linc-up includes: prior lo the concerts. June 18 - Gary Niemensky June 25 - Chuck Whiling Jr. July 2 - Ellie Youngs July 9 - Susan Harrison July 16 - Daves at 7 July 23 - Hastings Heartbeat LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF THE FOSTER LIVING TRUST u/d/a March 14, 2006, as amended TO ALL CREDITORS: The Grantors. Donald G. Foster (Date of Birth. January 26 1923) and Margaret F Foster (Date of Birth: January 2. 1921), who entered into a Trust Agreement whoso principal place of administration is within Barry County, Michigan, have died (Donald G Foster on February 9. 2021. and Margaret F. Foster on November 12, 2009) At this time, there is no Personal Representative of either Grantors' Estate to whom Letters of Authority have been issued Creditors of the Decadent are notified that all claims against lhe Foster living Trust, dated March 14, 2006, as amended,will ba foroverbarred unless presented to Karen MJ Marble, Donald G Foster. Jr., pr Gregory H.Ftatet..Tri-T(USteo$. within four months after the date of this publication notice. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to il * Dated: April 8. 2021 • The Foster Living Trust Dated March 14,2006. as Amended Karon M Marble, Tri-Trusteo 4460 Pine Knoll Avenue Kalafliazoo. Michigan 49004 Donald G Foster, Jr., Tri-Trustee 15371 Xenia Court Thc/nton. CO 80602 Gregory H Foster, Tri-Trustee 6808 Helen Court Plano. TX 75023 Wiliam K. Knekard (P39475), Attorney 8051 Moorsbridge Road Portage. Ml 49024 (359) 323-3400 158106 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRYCOUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Bany County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing (ortho following Section 21 of Baltimore Township. Purpose: Requesting a speoal use permit to op­ erate a Contractor s Faculty pursuant to Article 23, Section 2319 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. . Caso Number: SP-4-2021 - Sammy S. Miller (Property Owner) .. . _ Location: 2501 Whitney Ro34-Has,in95'in Soe’ Uon 27 of Baltimore Ttrnn.^ Purpose: Requesting a sPec , . a Home Occupation-Majof Pursuan . Section 2339 in lhe A (Agn«'1"1’1 announced July 30 - Kilkenny Corkers Aij". 6- Community Music ScIkw! Aug. 13 - Dede and the Dreamers Playinc ar lhe PJaza. a children's music, entertainment and education series, will begin at H a m. The lineup includes: June 17- Brianna Harm June 24 - Ben Jammin July 1 - Kalamazoo Exotic Animals July 8 Drumming with Dedc July 15 - Tunes and Tales with Irisha July 22 - Palamazoo Aug. 5 - Stormy the Magician Aug. 12 - Mime Rob Reider Hastings Live at Sumnierfest will be the final concert series of the summer. The lineup, which coincides with the annual Summerfest celebration, will feature: s.friday'. Au?’ 27 “ Crooked Root; • • 5-7, Zion Lion: 7:30-9 p.m.. Crush: tween sets: Brianna Hann. Aug. 28 - 2-3, Brother Adams; 7-v n’S,,ent Bark: 5:3°-7* Uppermost: and > p.m.. Aeroforce; between sets: Th?'’0”5 Dancc Sh,dio’ CounciiCityu °f HnslinSs and Thomapple 'Szhrwc" FaccbcKik •?,he citpaves > °r will 1 kl.istinps Live cu^ihealU^tCK °n VCnUCS nnd Hasting । deP^rtnient guidelines. VC-.‘r funded in Pan by the Afra'^ and °r lhc Arts and Cu,turai /Vis. Loc-il NaI,onaI Lndowmem for the Lumber, \h(-^<riSOrS ,nc,udtf Bany County Highpoint Comn3111-1 ^am,b foundation, HMl'hPenn^ y Bank a"d S'x-C,nim Chase involving Nashville man ends in power outage A 53-year-old Nashville man was arrested after a chase by the Michigan State Police Monday evening. State troopers said they attempted to arrest lhe man al 5:20 p.m. in Barry County, but he fled in a vehicle. Police ended lhe pursuit, but shortly afterward, the man crashed into a utility pole on Kraft Avenue near 76th Street north of Caledonia. Power was knocked out in the local area. When troopers arrived, the man had a knife and was threatening to commit suicide. Hc was arrested and taken.to :l local hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in lhe crash; and for ingesting unknown drugs. ’ Fish finder stolen off vandalized boat A 40-year-okl man called police to report a break-in at his residence in the 5000 block of Thomapple Lake Road in Castleton Township. Two sheds on lhe man’s property had been broken into, and his boat was vandalized with spray paint. The man said he initially suspected his children had spray-painted the boat, until he noticed the $600 electronic fish finder was missing. The case is inactive without further leads. Drunken man crashes into fence Police received a complaint at 10:53 p.m. March 17 from a resident of the 4000 block of Cedar Creek Road in Hope Township who said a man had crashed in front of their res­ idence. The driver was not injured but did appear lo be intoxicated. Police arrived to find lhe truck had crashed through a fence and had come to a stop in the road. The driver, 57, of Delton, told police he swerved to avoid a deer, but admitted to drinking. He had a 0212 blood-alcohol content and was arrested for his second operating while intoxicated offence. Playing cards stolen from Walmart j TABLED Case Number SP-2-2021 - Alan & Jessica Endsley (Property Owners) Location: 1800 Maple Grove Road, Hastings, in .. . . ’ 7^ pM An unknown man stole $165 worth ot Magic: The Gathering playing cards from the Hastings Walmart at 7:44 p.ni. March 6. Employees watched the man lake lhe cards off a shelf and pul them into a backpack he’d taken from the clearance shelf. He then went through the self-checkout with a 43-year-old Augusta woman who was identified from her Electronic Benefit Transfer card. Staff confronted the man, but he left before police arrived. The case remains under investigation. Underage woman rolls car while drinking A resident of the 6000 block of South M-37 in Baltimore Township called police to report a woman had crashed tn front of a residence. The driver was bleeding from injuries and appeared to be intoxicated. 1 hc caller also reported a motorcycle, which appeared to be on fire, was tn the road. Police arrived anJ discovered it was not a motorcycle, but the engine that had flown out of the woman’s vehicle. It appeared the vehicle'had slowly .“i lll,l,n8 ^’'eral trees and rolling. The woman. 19. of Hastings, had a 0.118 blood alcohol content and was arrested. «™^:April«. ELACfi: Tyden Center. 121 South Church Street. Hasu u Michigan 49058 described properties Site inspections of lhe abow Commission will be completed by the pui|ntere5ted persons members before the hearing nflppea|.either desiring to present their thQ opportunity to verbally or in writing, will bo 9:ve jace and time bo hoard at tho above mention* ^a|Jed lh£j Any written response ma/ 948-4820. or address listed below, fa*®^ 10 ' Director James emailed to Barry County ^,^$¥££2 McManus at for public Tho special use application’ fLn.ng Department, inspection at the Barry CountY Michigan 49058. 220 Wes! State Street. Monday - Friday during the hours of 8 a.m p rting Department at Please call the Barry County ,^1 (269) 945-1290 for further •nft’7tfov»do necessary The County of Barry w‘l, % as signers for auxiliary aids and serv.-c®5- *^ap»s ot Pf,nlcd the hearing impaired and aU~ th(J meeting, to matenals being consider'd a(ie fpecting^heanng individuals with disabilitit*5 L» County of Bany upon ten (10) days not.c* 10 1 ''nng auxiliary aids Individuals with disab.1^ *0ounty of Barry by or services should contecl Biown. County writing or call the f0|iowt!ig $ueot. Hastings Administrator, 220 w^l Michigan 49056. (26g) Pamela A Palnw, (03-25)(04-15) ,,i(la,s 1 &7920 Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER'S NOTICE? Al! rrd xKrnUt11< ,n \.t S-.J 11 . । ed.r ■uh lar-’ul C .t.jx ttAh-Jj thereof ntiMtiiw.i .............. . m^p. lCdtMKlcy-,1 lettudutn. -l ">>n>cn ati.l rntpli M-cvt’n/................ i.............................. i‘, Ihix nfuvpuplf v.tll Tv.t xcipt AJt. divert’ t'v. t.'r tea! rM.r.r li tn Xtel.tum <J ■ that la repitit I 11 H.'UMita <\’Ot t Mil Du ll fuel. L C,l'‘ l ’. 2«Af Business Services BUYING AIL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley j-°?;g>ng. (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCT ION18 years experience. Dry ^all. painting tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish removal. 269'320389Q.____________ ______ MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CA HON and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. (’all 269-804-7500. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �- ■■ ■■ Tho HrW Banner - Thuredny. Ap"> »• 202’- p->0 Vaccine eligibility opening UP for those 16 and older rifle 1 •-------- — CO WD-19 cases on the rjse here and across the state increase tn infections c lhtc. ^nd-highest that age group in Michio^ eb‘ l9; cuses in Michigan schook nif3” rose 227 c*ses of the virus aFC rclX)rtin8 more Thylor Owens and Scan Bradley Staff Writers People as young as 16 may be able to get COVID-19 vaccinations (his month. Preschools lied lo MichiSan Eligibility officially opened up for all adults1 from 241 t|,P .2 stools rose to 296, on Monday, and Anne Barna of the Barry- Bridge M-i^;.PrV^°Us Wcck- sorting to Eaton District Health Department said a Percent in* one w^h^^ havc surged 23 Pfizer vaccine clinic for 16- and 17-year-olds two-week period, k’ 47 °VCr " is planned for later this month. The rate of vaccinations has slowly, but peonfct0 dlc keallb department, 83 unpredictably. increased over the past few* school Prr»rCz«rC!X)rtcd infectious while on weeks, she added. between Barry and Ealon Pc 'seen March 17 and March 31, a 43-pcr"Our vaccine supplies arc generally greater crease from the previous week. now than they were in February,’’ Barna said. ose cases caused about 5(X) students to "However, the amounts we’ve received in March and early April have varied greatly go into quarantine. num.^cr °F cascs dropped when many each week. We have received more overall •c ools switched to remote learning or went lately in (he county because of lhe addition of on spring break, l he department reported 49 the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.” As of Monday, 14.650 Barry’ County resi­ ?5t,ve cases on school grounds between dents had received their first dose of the vac­ 1 ‘^ch 25 and April 7, which led to the quar­ cine. and 9,652 of those people were fully antine of about 250 students. The majority of vaccinated, according to lhe health depart­ students testing positive were in high school. The only school with a recent reported out­ ment. break in Barry County was lhe Barry In lhe meantime, the number COVID-19 Intermediate School District, which reported infections continues to grow. four cases at its West Learning Center for The health department reported 286 active special education. Other districts have report­ cases in Barry County on Wednesday, up from ed C0V1D-19 cases, but that was the only 144 last week, and 95 the week before. One death has been reported in the past situation in Barry County in which the virus week in the county, which has a total of 4.028 was believed to havc transferred between peo­ confirmed cases, 424 probable cases and 52 ple on school grounds in the past two weeks. School districts that arc currently on spring deaths since the virus was confirmed here break plan to return to in-person learning next early last year. week, but officials will be watching case According lo the state, 21.32 percent of numbers in case a change to remote learning COVID tests done in Barry County on ’ Monday were positive. It was lhe second becomes necessary. "Unless we get some negative news regard­ highest single day rate since testing was ing people having to quarantine or testing expanded last spring. The highest positivity positive, we’re planning on being face-torate was 2152 percent, which was reported on face," Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent • Nov. 25. Kyle Corlelt said. . Bridge Magazine reported that, statewide. The district moved lo in-person learning COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen by last week; one student tested positive for the more than I.1OO patients in the past week, virus March 29. with 3554 hospitalized Tuesday for con­ Thomapple Kellogg High School also firmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. switched to remote learning last week. The . That’s a 45-percent jump in one week and district reported 15 active cases of the virus ’ bigger than any weekly increase that occurred among students and staff last Tuesday; 12 of during lhe surge in cases last fall. those cases were at lhe high school. Spectrum Health Pennock had three The district plans to have in-person classes COVID-19 patients on Monday, including when school returns on Monday. "We would only consider another model as one in their intensive care unit. The average age of people who arc being a last resort," Superintendent Dan Remenap hospitalized in Michigan. dropped said. "Those staff who wanted to be arc vac­ cinated and we trust our parents to make the over lhe past few months. best decision for their kids and family.” ; During the fall surge, lhe age of people Lakewood Public Schools Superintendent * being hospitalized with COVID-19 was in lhe Steven Skalka said the district will assess its 70s. It has since dropped to 61. Health offi­ situation at the end of next week, after enough cials say lhe change is due to a higher vacci­ lime has passed that they can determine if nation rate among older people, and the staff and students picked up the virus over effects of the more aggressive B.l .1.7 variant spring break. 'Die district had five cases of COVID-19 of the virus, which is believed to now be the among staff and students last week, and five dominant strain. The average daily new COVID-19 cases cases lhe week before. On March 26, Lakewood announced two of those people I Financial FOCUS Financial Advisor Brandon 307 E GreenWilkins St, Ste. 1 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2003 • Provided hy the Barry County offices of Edward Jones at 'Member te ilPC cSIPC , . Will investors change beh The COVID-19 pandemic may end up changing our lives in some significant ways. To cite one example, it’s like­ ly we'll see a lot more people continue to work remotely, now that they’ve seen the ef­ fectiveness of tools such as videocon fercneing. Education, too, may be forever changed in some ways. Perhaps just as im­ portant, though, is how many people may now think more about the future - includint* how they invest. If you work with a financial professional, you may have connected with this individual over die past several months througlt a videoconferencing platfonn, rather than in per­ son. Some people like this arrangement because it offers more scheduling flexibility and eliminates the time and ef­ fort of traveling to and from an appointment. Others, however, still prefer face-to-face contact and look forward to when such arrangements will again be practical and safe lor everyone involved. But if you’re in the first group - that is, you prefer videcxxjnierencing - you may now wish lo use this commu­ nication method in tlie future, at least some of the time. Bui beyond lhe physical as­ pects of your investing experi­ ence, you may now be looking at some changes in your in- ------------ ---------------- Vaccines DkrtribilS W ’K s Thousand. M . Million) y . i: Wendi StrattorT Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St. Nashville.Ml (517)760-8113 Hfter the pHTldemic^ vestment strategy brought on, or at least suggested, by your reactions lo the pandemic. For example, many people especially, but not exclusively, those whose employment was affected by the pandemic found that they were coming up short in lhe area of liquid­ ity. They didn’t have enough easily accessible savings to provide them with the cash they needed to meet their ex­ penses until their employment .situations stabilized. Conse­ quently, some individuals were forced to dip into their long­ term investments, such as their 401(k)s and IRAs. Generally speaking, this type of move is not ideal - these accounts are designed for retirement, so, the niorc you tap into them early, the less you’ll have available when you do retire. Further­ more, your withdrawals will likely be taxable, and, depend­ ing on your age. may also be subject to penalties. jfyou were affected by this liquidity crunch, you can take ens now to avo>d ns recurYour best move may L .o build an emergency fund ntainingdtree to six months of Ug expenses, with r „,!« held in a separate, the fundsh of b*!lly /cashequivalents. Of O’*1 0 oiven your regular ex­ course, gi •'|a|(C some lime penses, il i" • to build such an amount, but if you can commit yourself to putting away a certain amount of money each month, you will make progress. Even having a few hundred dollars in an emergency fund can help cre­ ate more financial stability. Apart from this new appre­ ciation for short-term liquidity, though, lhe foundation for your overall financial future should remain essentially the same. In addition to building your emergency fund, you should still contribute what you can afford to your IRA, 401 (k) and other retirement plans. If you have children you want to send to college, you might still ex­ plore college-funding vehicles such as a 529 plan. Higlier ed­ ucation will still be expensive, even with an expansion in on­ line learning programs. Post-pandemic life may con­ tain some differences, along ^itli many similarities to life before. But it will always be a smart move lo create alongterm financial strategy tailored individual needs, goals and risk tolerance. This article was written by Edward Jones far hy )vur El,vardJm^ Financial Advisor. s/pc'ml Jone Member li 21 A chart of COVID-19 vaccines distributed to Barry County since December. had contact throughwhich meant the cases were defined as tin outbreak. Barna said schoo in BEDHD s coverage area tend fairly small,” because schools have Ken quick to respond lo positive cases and quarantine contacts. “Our school districts do a good job ot mitigallon.” Barna said. She added that if people travel lor spring break, they should get a COVIDsoon as they get home, to avoid sprea their community. b ATHLETICS, continued from page 1 ‘You know, we need an intcrscholastic PI” And they were kind of dragging their feet saying ‘Well, how about GA?* - which was Girls Athletic Association - and it was kind of like an intramural program after school for 8 “I said, ‘No, no, no, no, no.’ I said. ‘Intcrscholastic ’ ’ . ... „ Anderson was joined ln her efforts by fellow high school physical education teacher Patricia “Miss Murph” Murphy (1936-2016) and middle school physical education teacher Cynthia "Cinny” Robbe (1926-2021). Jim Atkinson, Hastings’ athletic physician at the lime, bore firsthand witness to the women’s determination. ‘‘Pat and Cinny, you know, were (at HASS already). But Judy came in here with the idea that it was lime [for girls’ athletics). And she was in the principal’s office every- day,” Atkinson said. “Literally almost every day in every vacant period, Judy was down there.” Anderson, who sat next to Atkinson in an interview last week,chuckled and responded, ‘‘I was just selling my program." It took Anderson. Murphy and Robbe more than a year, but eventually Hastings’ administration agreed. "They just kept saying. ‘Well, you know, why we don’t think about GA?’ "And 1 said. ... ‘Look, you don’t have to pay us. All I want isyflteOK. Give us the OK to start the program. Youduu’t have to worry about a thing. We’ll do it all. We’ll schedule our games. We’ll get our buses. We’ve got equipment from the boy’s teams, and we’ll wear shorts and a T-shirt [for a uniform]. You don’t have to do anything. Just tell trie I can do it.’ “And so. they finally did,” Anderson said. In the fall of 1971. lhe first Hastings girls’’ basketball season began with Anderson and Murphy as coaches. Some of the neighboring schools had already established girls’ athletics programs. "We didn’t have good record because they’d never played any sport. And the schools around us had been playing probably at least five years," Anderson said. Then, coached by Anderson, the Hastings girls' softball team played its first game against Lakewood High School exactly 50 years ago this spring in 1971. Hastings lost, 19-33. All three women coached lhe Hastings girls’ volleyball team during their first five games in the winter of 1972. Murphy also coached girls’ track and cheerleading. Robbe coached tennis and the girls’ golf team, which had its first season during the 1973-74 school year. Overall, it was a ^ky start. With no budget, the girls’ athletics program had no way to pay for equipment, uniforms or even their coaches. ... .. . , "It was rudimentary beginnings, Anderson said "The baseball team gave me equipment (because] we didn’t have any budgets We didn’t have uniform5; We dtdn l have equipment. So. the Programs loaned us ;-»«* program women had succeeded t-^SJnrogmmunderw; iy, many more tn getting the pW s(orc fw ,hem The challenges w (then un(jcr different mlucu"> to give the girls ownership) was officials at games and recognition. Even d to trivialize girls’ tournaments atic t sports. . . . ^sk elball tournament in Once, at a distn ^tempted lo run lhe Charlotte, an o. * ^rs instead of 8-minute game in 6-minute 9 ning c|ock quarters and use . ‘Well, since this is the "The officials ^keiball) we’ll have a first year [of ?,rl And I said, ‘No,’” 6-minute runnl?fi -You know how you play Anderson recall0 • quarters so. when the basketball to S'nU dock stops? Well, [a ball becomes dea“.’sn‘t Mop. [ They did it) to running clock) d wjdi.” get the game over. up, rulebook in hand, Anderson jull’L officials let them play and demanded 1 ^ut a running clock. 8-minute quarteI^‘re not doing the 6-minute "And I said/y there was some other running clock.’ ^ught they were going stupid rule that tW. h< over my eyes on. to pull the wool 9 Anderson said. The first Hastings girls’ sports banquet was held May 3.1973, to recognize the girls' basketball and tennis teams. Pictured (from left) are Lori Cotant, varsity coach Judy Anderson and Deb Johncock, representing basketball; Jill Cotter. Sue Stack and coach Cynthia Robbe, tennis; and Martha Panfil, coach Patricia Murphy and Sue Martin, JV basketball. (Hastings Banner photo) “I think all of the country they underestimated the power and the emotional impact that sports make.” Jim Atkinson ------------------------- "1 said. ‘No.’ I said, ‘This is a state tournament.’ I said, ’We’re playing by the book.’” Back at her own school. Anderson continued to face pushback from (he administration. Funding for everything from buses to clothing was a continual battle. "I had wanted softball jackets for my softball team. I mean. I tried to order them for like three years — never enough money. So, being the patient person that I usually am, I think next year we’ll have enough money. But no.” Anderson said. “So finally, the athletic director says, ‘Well, how about let’s just order for half lhe team?’ I said, ‘OK. You tell me you’re going lo order half lhe jackets for your football ream. Tell me what players are going to wear those jackets?’ “I said. ’That is totally unfair.’ 1 said. ‘We either order none or we order them for the whole team.’” Despite the struggles, a tremendous amount of excitement surrounded the girls' athletic program, at least among the female student population. For lhe first several seasons of girls’ volleyball, which had three separate teams, about 120 students tried out for the team. Atkinson recalled. "There was a tremendous draw. They wanted to be part of something that was brand-new - 120 kids? You’d probably get 30 or 40 going out now," Atkinson said. Atkinson, too. was excited about the girls’ athletic program. In lhe early 1970s, he had tw'o rambunctious daughters — Paula and Amy — and he saw athletics as an opportunity for them to express and develop themselves. That’s why he decided to provide Hustings with his services as a doctor. After he was offered the position, Atkinson discussed it with his wife, Mary, who worried he’d be adding too much lo his plate by accepting the job. •‘I went home and discussed that with Mary," Atkinson said. ".She said. ’Jim, you don’t need to do this.’ And I said, ‘Need has nothing to do with it. I have two daughters, and I think this is a step into things that arc going to benefit my daughters.’ ' “So, I did it.” Atkinson accepted the position in 1972. And. when his daughters were on the softball team in the 1980s, Atkinson volunteered as an assistant couch. He and Dr. Liny Blair, who also as a volunteer assistant softball coach, were some of Anderson’s best supporters, she said. They came lo all lhe practices and bought the team uniforms and equipment. "From raising money, to the docs buying । uniforms and equipment, and offering iassistance in practices and games, their unwavering support and kindness went way above and beyond." Anderson said. "They were incredible.Ttie\ wxlre my sidekicks.” As his daughters grew into multisport athletes, Atkinson saw firsthand lhe benefits of providing athletics opportunities for girls. "What I saw in my daughters was a desire lo share the intensity of your emotions through athletics. Because you didn’t gel that in math class, and you didn’t get that in history class.” Atkinson said. "They wanted lo share in that camaraderie, in thal sphere, in thal intensity of emotion with the girls thal they grew- up with. "I think all of the country - they underestimated the power and the emotional impact that sports make." Through athletics. Atkinson said he saw his daughters build friendships, des elop their interests and personalities, gain physical strength and learn self-discipline. As a coach, Anderson saw her athletes develop a deep sense of discipline to balance their homework, practices, games, vseekend tournaments and other extracurricular activities. She also saw her athletes learn to handle high-pressure situations. "If you’re the one at the foul line that s shooting and you. you know can lie it up with your free throw. And jou’rc the one on the line. I mean how do you handle that? It '•just situations — life situations — that leaches you how to handle stuff.” Anderson said. Anderson’s athletes learned other life skills, too. like how to be OK with making mistakes and working as a team — win or lose. "Maybe the opponent’s winning run is coming across home plate throw comes in to the catcher and the catcher bobble* it or misses it. And the) re hanging their head. And I’m like. ‘You guys, you re high school players. The Detroit ligers professional teams -- are making errors, o not want you saying that this error cause our "I couldn't stand to see plajers by.rtiiij. riwnnelves up. ,\ml I sud. We re all m h s together; " Anderson recalled, tears welling ‘n Wlritemany uf the challenges Anderson, her fellow coaches and atli'ete- faced in the ?r,y and the\ws?«'eoflegi'h>i^llkf^ was signed into law 'one 23. I >72. by ^stiluS'-dnr"i'h"■» ,ha, they )iU. wh<n Judv *Xsuned.1 menu hterauy have any’w'nnen running around here. Were jU BuS’n's’lihe'l« NCAA's treatment of female athletes are a re.nmder that equuy has yCAnderson has this advice lor the women who will continue her fight: ' w believe in something and you feel stronely ab«« s° lor ..,l ' Don't lc! anything stand in y<»>r "ay. �.,V. Vt _ Tha Hastings Banner Page 12 — Thursday. April 8. 2021 — ™ Trio of statefinalists among county’s best on lanes Brett Bremer r— fa Sports Editor While things were certainly diffcrcn . c teams on separate lanes and a reworker o mat for state regional tournaments, ) bowling teams across Dairy County and the state of Michigan had a season slightly more normal than their classmates who compete in other indoor winter sports. Wearing masks from the season from the start of the season in January’ through the March State Finals. Bany County boys had a great season. The Lakewood xarsily boys bowling team, which does include a few ladies, captured its fourth Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship in six seasons powered hy a pair of wins in duals against the defending conference champions from Olivet. The Thomapple Kellogg boys proved one of the top teams in a tough OK Gold Conference, and got a pair ot guys through regionals to compete in the Division 2 Singles Slate Finals. Lakewood also had one individ­ ual slate qualifier this winter. The Hastings boys continued to work their way to being competitive in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Here arc the top varsity bowlers from Barry County. 2020-21 All-Barry County Boys’ Bowling First Team Phillip Butler, Lakewood: A freshman twohander, Butler qualified for the Division 3 Singles State Finals with a fourth-place regional finish and reached match-play at the finals with a fifth-place performance in the qualifying round of the state finals. Butler put together a season-long average of 180 bowling as the Vikings' anchor. He had a high game of 257 in conference action. Ethan Kriekaard. Thomapple Kellogg: Kriekaard finished just shy of 200 with an average score of 198 in his 31 games rolling for the Trojans in the OK Gold Conference this season as a sophomore. He had a high-game on the season of 268. Wyatt Jacobson. Thomapple Kellogg: Jacobson put together an average of 200 with a high game of 243 during lhe OK Gold Conference season forTK. He qualified for the Division 2 Singles State Finals as a sophomore this winter and placed 30th in the qualifying with a high- Gage Richmond L——z-i—1- Michael Willshire game of 211 at die finals. Gage Richmond. Hastings: A junior. Richmond had a high game of 192 at the Saxons’ Division 2 regional tournament and had his team’s top regional finish at 36th place. Richmond had a season-long average of 183. Richmond placed 26th at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Singles Tournament. Michael Willshire, Thomapple Kellogg: Willshire signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Davenport University Men’s Bowling Team this spring while finishing as the Trojans’ top scorer. Willshire had an average score of 211 dining the OK Gold Conference season and rolled a 300 early in the year. He qualified for lhe Division 2 Singles State Finals at the end of the season where he placed 36th in the qualifying. 2020-21 .All-Barry County Boys’ Bowling Second leam Connor Newland, Thornapple Kellogg: Newland had a high game of 224 this season for the Trojans. Hc put together a scoring average of 160 over lhe course of the year. Nate Palmer, Thomapple Kellogg: Palmer contributed to TK being one of the top teams in the OK Gold Conference this season as a senior with a scoring average of 163 in league action. He had a high single game of 193. Drew Rhodes. Hastings: A sophomore. Rhodes had a high game of 188 at regionals this season. He rolled lo an average score of 160 on lhe season. i Luke Stoneman. Lake wood: A senior, Stoneman earned all-conference honors in the GLAC for the third time with an average score of 172 overall. , He had a high game of 201 on the season and was only bested once in a head-to-head match-up during the 2021 season. Steven VanOoy, Hastings: VanOoy closed his senior season with the Saxons with an average score of 164. VanOoy led the Saxons at lhe Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Singles Tournament with a 21st-place finish. County honorees include state i qualifier, conference champ — ‘ ‘ Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was another strong season for the Barry County girls on the area bowling lanes. The girls finally got to start rolling in January and the Thomapple Kellogg girls made it all the way to the end of the season in March without ever being beaten in a dual. The TK girls went undefeated in OK Gold Conference duals and then won their way to the conference title by taking the conference tournament championship as well. The Saxons had an outstanding year, one of their best yet in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Hastings had the only representa­ tive in the girls’ competition at the Division 2 State Finals at the end of the season. Here are the 2020-2021 All-Bany County Girls’ Bowling First and Second Teams. 2020-21 All-Barry County Girls’ Bowling First Team Abby Barton, Hastings: Barton qualified for the Division 2 Singles State Finals as a sophomore this winter, placing 58th in lhe qualifying rounds at the state tournament. She earned that slate spot with a fourth place fin­ ish at regionals where she had high games of 192 and 215. Barton was 20lh overall at the 1-8 Singles Tournament. She had a scoring average of 146 for the season. Ally Herder, Hastings: Herder, a freshman, was the Saxons’ No. 3 at their Division 3 regional tournament placing 22nd overall. ----------- --- r 1 n.l .1. . - She had a high game of 174 there. Herder placed 17th at the 1-8 Singles Tournament at the end of lhe regular season. She put together a season long average score of 147. Dalace Jousma, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior, Jousma was the runner-up at the OK Gold Conference Tournament to her team­ mate Carly Snyder. Jousma had a three-game series of 619 and was one of fourTK girls on the all-conference first team. Jousma had an average of 165 on the sea­ son, a number that grew and few as lhe season progressed. She had a high single game of 227. Andrea Rhodes, Hastings: Rhodes had lhe Saxons’ second best scoring total at their Division 2 Regional at the end of the season, placing 19th with a high game of 173. Rhodes was one of the top Saxons at the 1-8 Singles Tournament where she placed 14th and led her team in scoring average for the season at 153. Carly Snyder, Thomapple Kellogg: A for­ mer state singles qualifier, Snyder won the OK Gold Conference Championship as a senior with a three-game series of 630. A 257 that she rolled al the conference champion­ ship tournament was the top score by an OK Gold guy or girl al lhe tournament. She just missed out on another stale spot this year with an 1 Ith place regional finish. Snyder led lhe county with a 195 average. 2020-21 All-Barry County /— C rl ’ I'.... Girls'♦ T> Bowling Second Teain Shyanna Baker, Hastings: Baker was the second best Saxon at the 1-8 Singles Tournament, placing 13th on lhe day. She had a scoring average of 133 for the season. Faith Foster, Thomapple Kellogg: Foster earned all-conference honors in the OK Gold this winter and rolled a high-game of 163 at the conference tournament. A 185 was her high single game for the season. Fo/ter put together a 138 average over the coursb of the season. Paige Green, Thomapple Kellogg: Green earned honorable mention all-conference at the OK Gold Conference tournament at the end pf the regular season. Green had a high game of 190 on the sea­ son and a conference average score of 133. Daisy Kerby, Hastings: Kerby capped off her senior season with a high game of 150 at her team's Division 2 Regional Tournament where she placed 33rd. She placed 16th at the 1-8 Singles tourna­ ment at the end of the regular season and had a season long scoring average of 133. Cayleigh Willard, Thomapple Kellogg: Willard capped off her senior season by earn­ ing all-conference honors in the OK Gold. She had a high game of 149 at the conference tournament. Her high single game of the season was a 179. She put together a scoring average of 139 overall in conference action. Andrea Rhodes Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? WEEKLY UPDATES NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS MORE hKUBaNNER (269)945-9554 www hastingsbanner.ccn' Dalace Jousma �Seniors fill ninci == °st of all-county basketball teams There were certainly highs and lows to the 2021 varsity boys’ basketball season, but a low point in 2021 was far better than not hav ing a 2021 season. i ;Lakewood had the most wins of any team r » jn the county. The Vikings finished the season " »J J at 10-8. their second ten-win season in a row. JlTf' Thomapple Kellogg was 5-11, but that came with a 4-4 start. Maple Valley was 6-12, E-j but won its last three regular season ball3jgj' games. Hastings finished with five wins and Delton Kellogg four. Syl No one was challenging for a conference championship, but everyone had their moments. The Panthers knocked off Kalamazoo Christian in Delton with a bucket |ni in the final seconds. Lakewood got a buzzer-beatcr from senior Brady Gawne to win by one at Olivet. One of the Trojans’ highlights was scare they put into the South Christian Sailors early in the season in Grand Rapids. South Christian went on to a 17-3 campaign. kS. . The All-Barry County teams are experienced ones this winter. There arc 12 seniors among the 15 honorees this winter. Here are the 2020-2021 All-Barry County gKL Boys’ Basketball First and Second Teams. ? ■ ■E& JnS SB MR KS ■E ■E SB SH |0 2020-21 All-Barry County Boys’ Basketball First Team Eft Sg 7$ 0 .0 {y; >; < Kirby Beck, Hastings: Beck surpassed the 1,000-point varsity scoring mark at the end of his senior season. He averaged 165 points per game to lead the Saxons this winter. Beck was named first team all-conference m the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference, the fourth time he has earned all-conference basketball honors. Jayce Cusack. Lakewood: Cusack did everything on both ends of the floor and is the Vikings’ leader according to head coach Chris Duits. Pretty impressive words for a sopho- more. ;2 *• k 1 Cusack was named first team All-GLAC . this winter. He averaged 15 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while ,' shooting 54.1 percent from the floor and 79.8 percent from the free throw line. Evan Eastman. Hastings: The Saxons’ < seniors center was named first team all-con­ ference in the Interslate-8 for the second sea­ . son in a row. , Eastman averaged 11 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this season. Hugheston Hcckathom, Maple Valley: A senior center/forward for the Lions. .; Heckathom averaged ten points, 6.8 rebounds. 22 assists and 1.8 steals per game while eam\ ing honorable mention all-conference in the GLAC. A three-ycar varsity player. Heckathom also drew a team-high 25 charges ■ on the season. ' “Hugheston was a great team leader this . year,” Lion head coach Ryan Nevins said. “He improved a great deal on the defensive : for us this year and was much belter at getting the ball to the basket. His season was high­ . lighted by a 23-point, 11-rebound game against Lakewood. Hc also made the game : winning free throws against Perry with 6.1 , seconds left to finish off a 12-point comeback in the last 2:30 of the game.” Cole Pape, Delton Kellogg: The Panthers’ 6-6, 305-pound center who has plans to play college football at Davenport University earned first team all-conference in the SAC Valley Division, finishing with a double-dou­ ble on most nights. He averaged 14.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, with a high scoring night of 28 points. L----.“He had -defenses playing football and rugby against him most of the year,” DK head coach Jim Hogoboom said, adding that Pape drew significant attention from opponents who often had two defenders on him. “I can’t say enough about his contributions to our program on and off the court. He is a great competitor, tremendous worker and really embodies our ’DO A JOB mantra. Cole Shoobridge, Thomapple Kellogg: Shoobridge averaged just under a double-dou­ ble at 9 8 points and 8.3 rebounds in his third varsity season. He earned all-conference hon­ ors in the OK Gold this season. He sits tenth all-time in three-pointers made at IK with 53. “Cole is a unique player as he plays the guard position standing at 6 feet 6 inches, TK head coach Josh Thaler said. There were irencau provided to our team Zffialw s UP bnd Buehls forcing an offender to throw ..bad . ^wetSng^are of the ball verse press- ^Austin VanBsb ■ in a row, his third on Xn^n.apple sits in the top ten in car 1 hjs grand. Kellogg with 788, one I VanE|st avcr. father who finished w I » d f 6blocks aged 17.4 points, 9.1 s()()| 37 percent per game this season. from behind the three-p< ancJ "Each year. Austin lx do|)b|e or in­ dominant offensive y .1( jjie ball inside, pie teams whenever he e ()0(1 a career coach Josh Thaler s.u • Quawa H*"s "s high of 35 P°in,s/ finished with a ouyear. Five times he " Kirby Beck Cole Pape I have been around in 35 years of coaching multiple sports. He was worth 12 top 15 points per game as a defensive specialist and hustle guy. He was on track to be a two or three time state qualifier in wrestling until he broke his neck as a freshman. Without foot­ ball or wrestling he made himself into a bas­ ketball player. He sets lhe lone every day in practice for (he team and will not allow poor effort without calling it out.” Levi VanderHeide. Thomapple Kellogg: A senior who averaged 5.1 points per game, he had a season-high 13 points in an overtime bailgame with OK Red Conference foe Grandville. “Levi has brought much of the team's ener­ gy and intensity the past two years,” coach Josh Thaler said. “Levi doesn’t always get the stat line as some of his teammates, but he is a huge contributor to the team playing his role as a stud defender and hustler.” Curtis Walker. Maple Valley: A senior for­ ward. Walker was named honorable mention all-conference in the GLAC this season. He averaged 10 points. 9.I rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots per game. He led lhe Lions in rebounding in his third varsity season and had nine double-doubles. “He was a workhorse down Iom. for us this ,year/- coach B.van^ioj gifl, quiet leader, dial led by example nor rimy irt games but in practice. Curtis also has a 3.9 GPA." Alden Whitmore. Delton Kellogg: The Panthers’ 6-1 junior point guard was named honorable mention all-conference in the SAC Valley Division litis winter averaging 63 points and three assists per game. Whitmore had a high of 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a ballgame with Constantine. “He is a good leader who we want to be a bit more aggressive and look for his shot more on offense, but just so unselfish,” coach Hogoboom said, “a pass first kind of guy. Hc stabilizes us on offense.” •­ ’• "• -• > « EfefracM driving crashes kill nine people per day Austin VanElst ble-double; and three other games he was one rebound short of a double-double. 2020-21 All-Barry County Boys’ Basketball Second Team Nolan Dahley, 'Thomapple Kellogg: A senior guard for TK. Dahley averaged 9.1 points and 3.5 rebounds a game while earning honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold in his third varsity season. He was the Trojans’ leading free throw shooter in each of the past two seasons. Coach Josh Thaler said Dahley also helped stretch the floor forTK’s post play as a shoot­ er on lhe outside. He had 16 points apiece in ballgames with South Christian and Wayland. Brady Gawne, Lakewood: A marksman with his feet set, Gawne led Lakewood with an average of 164 points per game. He shot 42.6 percent Irom three-point range, hitting 58 triples on the season. Gawne, a senior guard, also averaged 2.2 rebounds per game and shot 90.9 percent from lhe free throw |ine. He was named sec­ ond team All-GLAC. Terrell JcUerson.Thornapple Kellogg: One of the few varsity newcomers among lhe hon- See usfor “ jr,vitations and all your printing needs, business cardan PRINTING PLUS J-Au north of Hastings city limits 1351 N. M-43 HW*_------ orees, Jefferson averaged 8.9 points and 1.6 steals a game for the Trojans and traded duties defending opponents’ top guards with senior Levi VanderHeide. “He is an extremely well-rounded player,” coach Josh Thaler said. “He contributed offensively with his outside shooting as well as his ability to attack the basket and finish. Terrell finished in double digits in seven games" with a high ol 18 in a ballgame against Ottawa Hills. Lane Moiris. .Maple Valley: Honorable mention all-conference in the GLAC. Morris had 8.6 points, 3.9 steals. 2.1 assists and 42 rebounds per game, finishing third on his team in both scoring and assists. He led his team in steals and minutes played. “Lane was a real force on the defensive this year.” coach Ryan Nevins said. “He has really quick hands and got his hands on a lot of pass­ es this year. He did a really great job ot dis­ rupting the opposing team’s offense. Lane was one of our better outside shooters over the last two years, but really developed in being able to put the ball on the floor this year and gel into the lane. Blake Thomas, Delton Kellogg: The senior guard was a captain tor the Panthers this sea­ son and earned honorable .mention a|i.conference in the SAC Valley ^vision, He was the Panthers stat leader in all ‘he defensive hustle stats, deflections. steals and |tKJsC ball recov- U “Any team, any M**1’ school would want euy on “■f .J,'n Hogoboom said. "He «*» the best leaders As traffic begins lo pick up across the country, with increased vaccinations and decreased pandemic restrictions, drivers are reminded of the importance of focusing on the road ahead and not on their smartphones during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to 2019 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Distracted driving crashes killed 3.142 peo­ ple in the United Slates - an average of nine deaths per day. That number was up 10 per­ cent from the year before (2,839 deaths in 2018). In Michigan alone,64 fatal crashes involved a distracted driver, resulting in 71 fatalities in 2019. “Distracted driving remains a growing traf­ fic safety problem nationwide,” Adrienne WtMxlland. spokesperson for A/\A-The Auto Club Group, said. “Any distraction, whether it be texting or talking to a passenger, could be enough to cause a crash. | Drivers are strongly urged! to focus on what’s most inqx)rtani: that’s the road in front of them.” The top three risky driver distractions arc mobile phone use, in-vehicle technology, and passengers in the vehicle. Drivers who use their cellphones behind the wheel have chosen to ignore the message that such behavior is extremely dangerous. In 2019, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety nationwide survey found that: -Most drivers (96 percent) believe typing or reading on a hand-held cellphone while driv­ ing to lx? very or extremely dangerous. ‘-Still, some of them do it anyway. Thirtynine percent admitted to reading and 29 j>ercent admit to typing on a smartphone at least once while behind the wheel within ihe past month. -Checking a phone at ihe stoplight can be risky, too. AAA research found that drivers can experience a “hangover effect” where the mind stays distracted for up to 27 seconds after using smartphones or voice-lotext vehi­ cle infotainment systems to sent! text messag­ es, make phone calls or update social media, hi other words, once that light turns green, the driver's mind may still be focused on the phone and not on the road. "The bottom line is, if your mind is not focused on driving, you’re unable to properly react to what's happening on the road in front of you. 'I hat puts other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians at risk.” Woodland said. House Bills 4277,4278 and 4279 are cur­ rently (lending before the Michigan House of Representatives thal would implement improvements to Michigan's d.-Mracted driv­ ing laws The>e bills deal with a variety of issues, including banning lhe use of aan k devices beyond just texting and dnvmg to include the use of social media, video stream ing and other cell phone technologies. AAA offer, these (>> •<> W*1 J1«rac,ed dn Put’ it away. Place mobile devices out of sight to prevent :„;lljoll s>s. -Know the louie. If u-m.. .i n : u . urination betore driving, tern, program the. destmauon ....... texting othe -Acuvjk S : niMulb- <)puai) on |Hiu|k. or AllJr(,ld I—' '■•alH >■»"> “"W - Whn1.^e!!should avoid destractions while �Page u _ nr.,rsday. 8.2021 - !•» Banner Ferris and Brumm reach championship goals Delton Kellogg junior Caden Ferris smiles as he looks out from the center of the mat with his bracket and state ‘ championship medal following his victory in Division 4’s 215-pound weight class at Delton Kellogg 112-pounder Gage Vincent (left) battles for control with Decatur’s the Individual State Finals Saturday inside Talan Flowers during their consolation match Saturday at the Division 4 Individual Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. (PjSoto State Finals inside Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. (Photo by Brett Bremer) by Brett Bremer) L*-_____ __ Maple Valley senior Jesse Brumm waves to the stands after winning the 130-pound weight class at the Division 4 Individual State Finals inside Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Brumm, now a four-time state medalist, led Hudson’s Bronson Marry in the 130-pound final when Marry (a 2020 state champion) was forced to bow out with an injury. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg senior Hunter Belew (left) works for control with Clinton’s Logan Badge in the Division 4 189-pound championship match Saturday during the Individual State Finals at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Brcnier Sports Editor To be the best Caden Ferris. Hunter Belew and Jesse Brumm had to wrestle the best. Ferris, the junior heavyweight from Delton Kellogg, and Brumm, the senior 130-pounder from Maple Valley, defeated 2020 state cham­ pions Saturday inside Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids to capture their first state titles al the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 Individual State Finals. Belew ran into a two-time state wrestling champion in lhe 189-pound championship final and came up just short of his ultimate goal in the final varsity match of his senior season. Maple Valley had a second slate medalist as junior Matthew Slaght placed fourth at 112 pounds. Il is lhe second all-state performance for Slaght, Belew and Ferris and the fourth for Brumm, who was a state runner-up as a fresh­ man and finally got back to lhe championship final at the state finals. Brumm ends his senior season with a record of 32-2 after defeating Hudson junior Bronson Marry by injury default in the 130- pound championship Saturday. Brumm scored a quick take down in the opening period against the 2020 112-pound state champion, and then pushed his advantage to 5-0 early in the second period. It was soon after Brumm’s second take down that the Hudson comer began shouting “he’s out! He’s out!” and the officials halted the match. Brumm made his way through the medical staff to shake Many’s hand once his foe was in good enough shape to do so, then raised his right hand to the crowd before heading back to his comer to hug his father. Lion coach Lane Brumm, and coach Tony Wawiemia. Ferris (33-2) had his dad, Rollie, looking down from the stands and his uncle Bill Ferris, a DK assistant coach, in his comer. Rollie won the 275-pound championship in Class B in 1992 and 1993. Bill took the 275pound championship in Division 3 in 2001. New Lothrop senior Camden Orr (24-2) was the 2020 215-pound champion in Division 4, and looked to be on his way to the 2021 championship early on. He picked Cadcn up and put him on his back in the first period, and had a 7-0 lead in the championship after an early reversal in lhe second period. Caden Maple Valley’s Matthew Slaght (top) tries to score while fighting off a shot from Hudson’s Cole Marry in their medal round match for third place in Division 4’s 112pound weight class Saturday at the Individual State Finals in Grand Rapids. (Photo by Brett Bremer) battled ail the way back to force an 11-11 tie with a take down eight seconds before the third period expired, and nearly got a twocount in for the winning nearfall points before lhe clock hit 0:00. It was just eight seconds into the first sudden victory overtime period when Caden took Orr down again for the 13-11 win. Caden had lhe scouting report on Orr, who he was disappointed he didn’t get to compete against at individual regionals lhe weekend before due to Orr suffering an ankle injury or at 2020 regionals because Ferris was unable to compete in the 2020 tournament. Caden prepped for Orfs favorite shots and to count­ er his fireman’s take down skills, but he also spent time on dealing with a scenario just like the one that played out. “My coaches really just trained me to be ready for the overtime,” Caden said, “to work the extra mile. I went up to camps and stuff three weeks before, every week before state, and they really didn’t work on moves they just killed me to death. I did 20 minutes continu­ mtnn Kelloaa junior Caden Ferris (left) and New Lothrop’s Camden Orr each work for a take down during ,ook a 7-0 lead nound°championshlp final Saturday at the Individual State Finals hosted by Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.O« ’ b Bre„ iMheboul before Ferris rallied for a 13-11 win in a sudden victory overtime period to claim the state championsh p' Bremer) .*5 ous live with a college 197-pounder and then I rode a fan bike for two minutes on and two minutes ‘off’, and then for those two minutes offl’dbe wrestling‘diHtguy again?’i HI' ' Caden said the best part about the victory is that it gives him bragging rights over his big brother l\den Ferris who twice finished as the state runner-up (2016,2018).Tyden is now an offensive lineman on the Central Michigan University football team. Cayden currently has plans to wrestle at Central Michigan after his days are done at Delton Kellogg. “(Tyden] has always been a great big broth­ er, always supporting me and always pushing me," Caden said. “We sometimes go up into the room [although it has been a couple years] and he has just pounded on me - never giving up. Having his goals there helped me to reach mine." Delton Kellogg head coach Brett Bissett was shouting instructions to Belew as he grappled with two-time stale champion Logan Badge, a junior from Clinton, in the 189pound championship match al the same time as Caden was facing off with Orr - and before long he couldn’t help but shout instructions to Caden as well across the converted hockey rink. Badge took the Division 4 state champion­ ship at 189-pounds in 2020 as a sophomore and won the D4 state title at 215 pounds in 2019 as a freshman. An escape and then a take down in the second period proved all the points Badge needed in a 3-1 victory over Belew' in lhe 2021 189-pound final. Badge (31-1) rode Belew (33-3) for the entire third period to close out the victory. “Belew wrestled a three-time state champ and lost 3-1. I’m proud of that. Both of these guys performed very well today and the last three weeks in the tournament," Bissett said. “They’re practice partners, so thal goes to show you that practice partners really help make you who you are as a wrestler.’’ “Caden is super strong and he is taller. When they wrestle each other they each have their strengths and weaknesses. With Belew wrestling Caden, he obviously has that strength aspect he gets to work on. For Caden wrestling Belew. Belew is fast and he is a shooter. I feel like thal helps Caden with peo­ ple like Orr and the kid from Hudson [Cameron Underwood] he wrestled in the semi’s. Those guys are shooters. That pre­ pares Caden for that. They kind of feed off each other. They have totally different styles of wrestling, but both had a great work ethic and both had the same goal." Ferris scored a 3-0 win over Underwood in ihe semifinals after opening the tournament with pins of Whittemore-Prescott’s William Stolhers and Capac’s Bryce Tank. Belew reached the 189-pound final with pins ot Bronson’s Jared Shotzman and Springport’s Barak Haring. He was working towards another pin in the semifinals when Hanover Horton’s Trent Hoclor had to forfeit their match with a shoulder injury'. “Skill-wise, as coaches we jusl talked about today. Hunter has had the skill set to be top two in lhe slate or a slate champion lhe last two or three years," Bissett said. “He is a phe­ nomenal athlete. I think just mentally this Delton Kellogg 135-pounder Vinnie Quick (front) tries to get onto his feet and escape the grasp of Laingsburg’s Aden Baynes In a consolation match Saturday at the Division 4 Individual State Finals in Grand Rapids. (Photo by Brett Bremer) year, senior year, he knew where he could be especially the past few weeks. Early in the season he had those first two losses, and I think it kind of set him back on track. They were losses to good kids, but they got him right and lhe last few weeks he has just been mowing through kids." Maple Valley’s Slaght (36-2) made it as far as the championship semifinals before being knocked into the consolation bouts by his first defeat of the season. DK had two other slate qualifiers who missed out on the medal rounds 112-pounder Gage Vincent (21-15) and 135-poundcr Vinnie Quick (25-10). Maple Valley head coach Tony Wawiemia said hc felt liked Slaght and Brumm’s time together in the practice room helped them immensely as well. “We worked on (Brumm’s] shot all year, or the half a year.’’ Wawiemia said. “Him and Matthew just battling in the room every day. Every day they’re battling. It has helped them both. It got them both here obviously." Brumm had his heart set on a high school state championship to go along with multiple club titles from before he was even a member of lhe Lion varsity. He got to the state final at 112 pounds as a fresliman, and had expecta­ tions for himself to be back in lhe slate final each season. “It has always been a dream of mine. I think 1 deserve it. I have worked hard for it. I have done everything 1 could for it." Brumm said. Wawiemia was especially impressed that Brumm held the defending state champ Marry scoreless for their time on the mat. “Jesse’s technique right now is that he is so Continued next page �Gibson takes Thu Hastings Banner - Thursday. April 8. 2021 - Page t5 — of state opportunity consolation match in the 160-pound weloht cla« °'.?,lvel Kyle Petrie State Finals hosted by Wings Event Center "* *h“ Lakewood junior 125-pounder Zac Gibson fights to try and get behind Coloma's Caeleb Ishmael during their championship final match Friday at the Division 3 Individual State Finals in Kalamazoo. Gibson took a 2-1 victory to score his first state championship. (Photo by Michael Graham) Brett Bremer Sports Editor A single mistake can be enough to turn a possible state champion into a state runner-up, bui Lak&wo^,jiiiyoc. ;V Gibson ^captured his first m sjjip and third all-stale medal by winning the 125-pound weight class at the Division 3 Individual State Finals at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo Friday. Gibson faced off against long-time foe Caeleb Ishmael from Coloma in tile championship final. The two went into the find period lied 0-0 before Gibson managed a 2-1 yin. Gibson chose lhe bottom position to begin lhe third period, planning on getting at least the one point he needed from an escape and to go on to a state championship; but momentar­ ily it appeared he had the chance to go to his back instead. \ “We know that Caeleb has a good front quarter series, and he almost caught him in it the last couple minutes,” Lakewood head coach Tony Hanner said. “Zac was con­ trolling the arm and the wrist and went to go dump him. Caeleb flattened him out and then got into that front quarter. Zac did someihing that you’re not supposed to do. and Caeleb threw in the front quarter and started running the same direction as Zac. Typically thal puts you to your back. ‘‘I yelled, ‘what are you doing’’ and then all of a sudden Zac just powered, through- it with pure strength, will and determination and he got the reversal. He did something you weren’t supposed to do and just powered through it and got the reversal there in lhe end. Zac per­ formed lhe best that you could ask for at that tournament given everything else that was going on.” Gibson was hit with his second stalling penally of the final with 25 seconds to go. giving up a point a minute after his reversal, but managed to ride out Ishamael for that final half minute without being lagged with another violation. ‘‘It was a little hairy there for a minute. As you can expect in a finals match nothing goes exactly as il is planned. 1 got a little out of position for a minute, and was a little nervous, but I was working towards the legs and ended up getting it,” Gibson said. -ft was the second time Gibson had been able to fight his way out of a bad spot last week. He won a temporary restraining order REZONING, continued from page 1 Another resident, Brian Pappas, said, “I am opposed. Nothing against Jon (Raymond), we just don’t want it there. I farm and hunt and that would really screw things up, too. It should stay in the conservancy.” Sara Syswerda, who lives on the other side of the road from the property proposed for development, also expressed opposition to rezoning it as rural residential. “A lot of thal parcel is wetland, she noted. ‘•I feel there are going to be some drainage issues - and I know there Concern Ssniptog the habiut of spotted turtles and massasauga rattlesnakes. Written opposition from bteven ano wriiicn a emali to urge undeveloped to foster . Conner told During the publi , , |and is to the these residents that undeveloped 1 north and west of the property- ‘There’s lots of habitat for wild animals,” she said. But Planning Commissioner Joyce Snow pointed out that “part of the Master Plan is to keep the natural land we have. ...It seems there are a lot of places you could build where you don’t go into open land.” Raymond, who said any wetlands would not be touched, pointed out that the land he’s planning to develop is not open. “It’s all wooded....No farm ground is being taken.” Planning Commissioner John LaForge said lhe action to rezone this property is more of a map correction to a county-initiated zoning classification than an actual rezoning; the conservation reserve designation would require 20-acre parcels while the rural resi­ dential has a 1-acre minimum with 150-feel of road frontage. Raymond said he intends to build a private road to serve the seven parcels along the north side of West State Road Continued from previous page ■ ■ < "With his technique fine," Wawiemia saido[) He doesn t right now he is hard • IIiaje a couget out of position that mu wc haVe pie mistakes ear y ‘ those, and corrected those, he take down. X been working ^kewood 202! •’Since his last loss, * ^hc has been state champion more aggressive. In ‘ *r two miles every mghton that. He lias been g ■ has just been going g He wanted it and he w an awesome kid. running-weni, be[t<.r tunes |)js better, has wanted > ’ hard for it* Slaght was a state medalist at 103 pounds as a freshman in 2019. but was bested in his first two matches at the 2020 finals. He earned hts second state medal by scoring a 7-0 quarterfina vtetory over Manchester’s Jacob Bunn, but then was bested 7-2 by Clinton’s Connor Busz in the semifinals Slaght rebounded for a 3-l' in in ,he firs( sudden victory overtime period mainst Lawton’s Dustin Mallory in the consolation semifinals o earn a spot in rhe match for third. Another Marry, Cole Marry from Hudson, defeated Slaght 13-2 in that medal round mutch for third place. successful season was an increased emphasis on early scoring, going for pins and racking up points rather than carefully working towards a 2-1 win that leaves the margin for error even thinner than it would need to be. Gibson went to his comer, after raising his arm as the state champion, to embrace his father Dave Gibson who is the Lakewood program’s strength and conditioning coach. Zac remembers a lot of hours in the car driv­ ing to find strong MYWAY competition. “I just wanted lo give a huge thanks to my dad. He has always been there to support me. and my coaches. It was a long run to get there and it paid off,” Zac. VanAlstine opened the tournament like Gibson did, with back-to-back pins of Millington’s Ian Crump and Farwell’s Dominic Krabill. In the end, VanAlstine defeated Armada’s Kyle Coenen in the match for third place al 152 pounds to cap off his varsity wrestling career better than expected. Coach Harmer said VanAlstine wasn’t in the best place men­ tally when he came off lhe mat following a 6-3 loss to Sanford Meridian’s Nick Dodman Lakewood junior Zac Gibson smiles with his state championship medal and the bracket in the championship semifinals, but did a for the 125-pound weight class after winning the weight class Friday at the Division 3 great job of regrouping to win two two-point maiches to finish the day. He defeated Individual State FinaMosted by Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. It is Gibson’s third Essexville Garber’s Evan Becker 2-0 in lhe all-state performance^three varsity seasons. (Photo by Michael Graham) consolation semifinals to earn the chance to against the Barry’-FatoA Health Department Wednesday afternoon to avoid a Covid-19 quarantine that would have kept him from competing the state finals. Gibson had been deemed in close contact with a fellow Uikewood High School student who tested positive for Covid-19, a revelation that came after his regional championship victory, and was supposed to enter a week-long quarantine period. The temporary restraining order, com­ bined with a few' negative Covid tests in lhe lead-up to Friday’s wrestling, allowed him the chance to compete. “it was very stressful.” Zac said of lhe bat­ tle to be able to compete. “My parents and my coaches they told me to keep my head on wrestling. All they wanted was to give me a chance and that they weren’t expecting me to do anything. They didn’t want to put anything on me that was out of my control/It was a very stressful time, but I tried to keep my head on wrestling and not what was going on out- •side." * So, he went outside. Practice with team­ mates wasn’t allowed during his lead-up to the state finals. Gibson did a lot of running on the roads around his house to keep his weight down and stay in shape. Hc was one of four Vikings lo qualify for the Division 3 Individual State Finals and one of two to earn a stale medal. Senior teammate Keegan VanAlstine placed third in the 152pound weight class to earn his first all-state medal, that after also placing third at districts and regionals. Lakewood also had senior 160-pounder Kyle Petrie and junior 285-pounder Eastin Stank competing. Gibson ends his junior season with a 33-1 record. He got lo the 125-pound final by scor­ ing a 6-1 win over Millington’s Hunter Norris in lhe semifinals after opening the tournament with pins of Hart’s Austin Martinez and Dundee’s Logan Sander. Harmer said one of the keys to Gibson’s _ __ ' 1 larmer said he kmewihat vritfrsndnrqnick tournament there wasn’t time io dwell on a single disappointment. He pointed out VanAlstine’s next possible foe and a quick speech was enough to have his senior refo­ cused. “You can’t change the past, but you can definitely decide your future on where you want lo be on that podium,” Harmer said he told VanAlsiine. “Mentally he did a great job of jusl being ready and bouncing back where a lot of kids have a hard time doing that.” Petrie and Stank were both 0-2 at the tour­ nament. Harmer said he was happy Petrie got to experience participating in the state finals, and he thinks the experience will be good motivation for Stank as he prepares for his senior season. More secretary of state transactions now available online Michiganders can how renew their stan­ dard and enhanced driver’s licenses and state identification cards online and at self-service stations after the Michigan Department of Slate successfully completed a massive tech­ nology upgrade. “We have launched a new, service-driven era of operations that provides customers many more ways to conveniently conduct their business with us.‘ Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in an April 7 press release. “This is a major step forward as we continue to improve our service for all Michiganders.” ... . New online services mclude the opportuni­ ty to: ' , -Renew or replace enhanced driver s license or state ID >fn0^W Phol° is rc<lu,wd.’ -View the mailing ^'"s of the requested driver’s license or >,al4' -Pre-apply for an ong1"4' <?nver s license. -Request and obtain a dnv1Ilg rccord. -Add a motorcycle endorsement to an eh- stations include: ,renhanced drivef.s -Rencwmg ast.u^ license or state ID H m and -nI ()Ut a -Requesting a rep> r temporary license or I . cndolscnlcI1, lo an -Adding a moiorv) eligible driver’s ^^^e’s organ donor teg­ -Signing up on t’K istry. , , , Between March 16 - when the upgrade was completed - and the end of the month, thousands of residents who would have pre­ viously needed an office visit took advantage of the new conveniences. Benson said. More than 6 000 people renewed or replaced their driver’s licenses or IDs at a self-service sta­ tion and more than 5300 enhanced driver’s license or ID transactions were completed online. The department has 146 self-service sta­ tions and more planned, in various branch offices and other locations statewide, includ­ ing select Meijer and Kroger grocery stores. Transactions on the machines arc currently offered in English. Spanish. Arabic and Vietnamese. All accept credit cards, and some accept cash. The upgraded technology now supporting the department securely combines lens of millions of driver and vehicle records into one integrated customer record system and ends the department’s reliance on a legacy .system from the 1960s. The new system was launched with support fro^the Department of Technology, Management and Budget and FAST Enterprises. In addition to the new services online and at self-service stations, lhe department has also instituted ihe following improvements: -An electronic lien and title program, mak­ ing lien and title information available online for lienholders in lieu of a paper certificate of title if their financial instifction participates in the program. The graduated driver licensing process has been simplified lo reduce customer visits to branch offices. Student drivers are now issued a photo license hard card for a GDI- Level 1 license, instead of a paper license. Ihe) don t need to return lo lhe branch office for their Level 2 or Level 3 licensee and their opera­ tor’s license will be mailed to them upon turning 18. _ ... -The three Grand Ripids-area offices wiH be consolidated into two offices, so that start can sene at locations with higher eve s customer traffic. The Division Avenue office, which saw the fewest customers ot the three offices, will not reopen. Seven “,£*e‘Y stations have been placed in l ' ‘ • “K^ninsub branch offices within the Central time z"n‘ River, Iron Mountain and . en ■ c,nin] shifted their hours to S tuit-l f ” • time, to match the operatmgot he rcM of the department’s branch offices, winch arc o to 5 o ni. Eastern nine. "Tor transactions that do require . branch office visit, the department offers appointOrtict V1MI, tooled up to MX months in "r'S.’ ‘NXd^ W htbuents arc released to customers can book for the next week^Access m online services, self-service sulion locations and appointments can be found at Michigan.gov,SOS. �Pago 16 — Thursday. Apnl 8. 2021 — The Hasting-. Banner TK puts four on D2 medal stand Brett Brrmcr Sports Editor A week spent foewing o<> mental prepared­ ness lor the highs and heartbreak ot n one day Mate championship tournament paid oil for lhe Trojans Friday. ’Die Thomapple Kellogg vandty wrestling team sent five grapplcrs to lhe Division 2 Individual Stale Finals and four earned all­ state medals for their top eight finishes, including junior Ashton Corson who placed ihird at 119 pounds and senior heavyweight Carter West who was fourth in his first appearance at the slate finals. TK also had 130-pound sophomore Kyion Zoet and sophomore 125-pounder Zach Gibson place seventh. It is lhe second all-state performance in two years for Corson and Gibson. Both were sev­ enth at their weight class al the 2020 finals. Corson took the long way to his third-place finish, falling in his first match of the day and Hastings' Robby Slaughter and Northview’s Jailen Tatum glance back at the whistle then bouncing back to win four in a row. He as a near take down by Slaughter is ruled out of bounds during their consolation match did get a bit of a reprieve thanks to a bye in 5^7 Friday during the Division 2 Individual State Finals at Van Vandel Arena in Grand the first round of consolation due to another Rapids. Tatum took a 12-6 win to end Slaughter's time in lhe tournament and went on wrestler being unable to compete. He defeat­ ed Lowell’s Ramsy Mutschler in the 119- to a third-place finish. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg 125-pounder Zach Gibson (front) works his way out o. .sjon pound consolation final, a wrestler who of East Grand Rapids' Eran Marx during their consolation match Friday at me defeated him in the district round of the slate 2 Individual State Finals hosted by Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. G‘J550 {Q by tournament this year and every other time 7-1 win and went on to win the seventh-place medal at their weight class. ( they’ve ever met on the varsity or club level. Brett Bremer) In a typical season, five matches would be the limit in a single day for a Michigan high school wrestler. This regular season grapplers were limited lo three matches at the most in a single day. Corson said the long day was lough, but he made it tougher on himself by not wrestling at his peak in that opening round match. Each of the Trojan medalists wrestled five times. West, like Corson, was in line for six matches but a bye in the second round of con­ solation [the blood round} kepi him from that and also guaranteed him a stale medal. Hastings sent sophomore Robby Slaughter at 152 pounds. A bye in lhe opening round of consolation helped Slaughter to a spot in the blood round, but he was a bit overmatched bv talented foes in his first trip to the Individual State Finals. He had to face St. Joseph’s Jacob Halsey in the opening round and fell 15-0. Helsey went on to finish as lhe slate run­ ner-up. Slaughter got a bye in the opening •t>-7 round of consolation, but then fell 12-6 to Northview’s Jailen Tatum in the blood round. Tatum placed third at their weight class. Thomapple Kellogg head coach Dayne Fletke was pleased with how all of his guys wrestled, including sophomore 140-pounder Andrew Middleton who was lhe lone TK slate qualifier to come up short of a medal. “Definitely, lhe back half of the year he turned it on,” Fletke said of Corson. "In the middle of the season he struggled w ith some W6 ’ losses, some close loses. The back half of the I year he set a goal for himself and went after it.” “He started working harder in practice, had that fire, and didn’t like where maybe he was going. He said, I’ve got to make a change.’ Thornapple Kellogg’s Ashton Corson looks for an opening as he waits for and he took it upon himself to find a little bit bigger partner in the room. We switched to a Melvindale's Musa Yahia to come out of his shell below him during their 119-pound little bit bigger [practice} partner and it consolation semifinal match Friday at the Division 2 Individual State Finals inside Van seemed to help him.” Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Corson’s tournament run began with a 10-5 loss to Mason’s Tayden Miller, who went on to finish second to Spring Lake’s Jack Parker “Last year I wasn’t satisfied,” Corson said. third. Hc led the match with Mutschler al 119 pounds. “1 was happy I placed, but I wasn’t satisfied throughout after scoring a first period take “We talk about being aggressive and mak­ with seventh. 1 wanted to train all summer and down. Corson managed to trip up Mutschler ing sure your mind is in the right spot, and if work really hard and I wanted to place top in the second period for a 5-0 lead and went he wrestles his match he is a hard kid to beat,” three this year. That was my goal." on to a 5-1 win. Fletke said. “He has all the skills, it is just “I just focused on getting to my stuff quick­ "I wasn’t as nervous as my first time’wres­ believing in himself to pull the trigger and go er.” he added, “getting to legs and scoring and Thomapple Kellogg senior 285-pounder Carter West (back) tries to take down tling [Mutschler at districlsl.” Corson said. “I out there and wrestle free.” not basing my match off what the other kid have never beat him before, and I just didn’t Greenville’s Zach McMillan during their medal round match for third place Friday at the Corson had a 6-0 lead in his blood round does and just working on my stuff.” really focus on winning or losing [this time], Division 2 Individual State Finals inside Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. (Photo by match when his foe. Eli Beasley from Corson scored a quick pin of Bay City John I just focused on wrestling. It didn’t matter Brett Bremer) Fremont, had to bow out with an injury in lhe Glenn’s Lane Huizar in the third round of what the outcome was.” second period. From there, it was wrestling to consolation and then defeated Melvindale’s West was displeased with the outcome of qualifier. West pinned Lansing Eastern’s little bit bigger [practice} partner and it finisher higher on the medal stand than in Musa Yahi 7-2 in the consolation semifinals his final varsity wrestling match, but it was a Harun Mkumbakwa with 13 seconds left in seemed to help him.’’ 2020 for Corson. to earn the shot at Mutschler in the match for great day for the Trojans* lone senior'State the third period of their opening round match, None of Zoet’s wins Saturday were bigger but was then pinned late in the third period of than his first one. He trailed Lansing Waverly’s his quarterfinal contest with Romulus’ Jaylen James Wagner 16-6 late in the second period Culver. Culver finished as the state runner-up alter having been on his back a couple of at heavyweight, falling 8-2 to Lowell’s times, but Zoet managed a reversal and put Keegan Nugent in the 285-pound champion­ Wagner’s shoulders on the mat with 23 sec­ ship. onds left in the period. West got by the bhxxl round thanks to a bye Lake Fenton’s Zack Hall bested Zoet 10-1 and (hen pinned Flint Kearsley’s Dominik in the quarterfinals. Zoet then took a 9-3 win DiGenova in the third round of consolation in his blood round match with Drake and managed a 3-1 win over Pcnnfield’s Blackmun from Plainwell to clinch his state Dawson Ransom in lhe consolation semifi­ medal. Lowell’s James Link took a 6-4 win nals. Greenville’s Zach McMillan had a 4-1 over Zoet in overtime in the third round of advantage on West late in lhe second period of consolation and Zoet finished his day with a their third-place match when he put him on 3-0 win over Trey Myers from Fremont in the his shoulders. match for seventh. "He definitely worked wilh us on improv­ Gibson’s path to a medal was the same as ing some of his technique.” Fletke said of Zoet’s. He scored an opening round pin of West’s improvements this season. "I think Stevensville Lakeshore’s Kyle Slampfly. but physically he was there already, but we then fell 9-5 in lhe quarterfinal round against worked on some of his positioning on his feet Monroe Jefferson’s Dylan Garcia. and making sure hc was in the right position. From there, Gibson earned a -1 win over He definitely gravitated towards that and East Grand Rapids’ Eran Marx in the blood worked hard in the practice room to gel round. Eaton Rapids' Jay Shaull bested there.” While West had never been to lhe finals Gibson 44) in the third round of consolation before, Zocl suffered the pain of being bested and then Gibson bounced back to beat Lan don in the bhxxl round a year ago and had a goal Miller from Unveil 6-0 in the match for sev­ enth. of earning his first Mate medal this season. Those Trojan middle weights still have "Definitely, the back half ol lhe year he some lime to grow, and all hope to lx* back at turned it on,” Fletke said of Zoet. “In the mid­ the state finals with a few more teammates. dle of the season he struggled with some "Definitely having those guys around you losses, some close loses. The back half of lhe pushing you and supporting you in practice is year he set a goal tor himself and went alter of Middleville humongous,” Fletke said. “There is always additional inf..,. . „ it. someone there in the room and they’re sur­ To arrange a visit, please give us a call today. "He started working harder in practice, bad n ( drveth Vi’h • that fire, and didn t like where maybe he was rounded by others that were unable to be here (269) 795-4972 going. He said, l’\c gOl (0 raa|ce a change.’ today, but in the future will be that arc knock­ and he look it upon himself to find a little bit ing at the door too, It helps when there are no Renumber..* ifyou cant live alone... live with us! bigger partner in the room. We switched to a freebies in the room and everybody has to compete every day.” 690 W. Main Street, Middleville. MI 49333 J?-w Celebrating Over 20 Years in the Community As part of our Giving Back to the Community residents moving into our Independent or Assisted Living will be offered a LIFELONG GUARANTEED PRlcF WITH NO RATE INCREASES! We have also set aside additional rooms for those who need minimal care - at substantially reduced rates � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-04-15.pdf 92d2be2e90dab5b54f62bb174fb54a73 PDF Text Text Vaccines go unclaimed as virus surges locally Voting fueling a national divide See Story on Page 2 Sec Editor' °n Pagc 4 HHS track teams both top 100-point mark See Story on Page 15 devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 VOLUME 167, No. 15 ' ANNER ThursdayAP-'LL^Oat PRICE $1.00 Chief Pratt to step down Friday Taylor Owens Staff Writer Hasting' City Police Chief Jeff Pratt will goon leave Friday until his retirement begins later this year, dosing out 34 years in law enforcement. “Jeff Pratt has done a wonderful job for the City of Hastings, he’s been a great asset.” City Manager Jerry Czarnecki said Wednesday afternoon. “Jeff and I have been in discussion with this as a possibility over the last couple months.” They came to a mutual agreement about Pratt's plans to move out of the position. But the new s came as a surprise this week to some members of the Hastings City Council. ‘ I knew he was planning on retiring, but 1 didn’t know when, so this was kind of a shock to me,” City Councilman Don Bowers said Wednesday afternoon, ”... 1 had no indi­ cation about it.” Councilwoman Brenda McNabb-Stange Hastings City Police Chief Jeff Pratt said she received an email from City Manager Jerry Czarnecki Wednesday morning announcing Pratt’s departure Friday. Deputy Chief D* will interim chief. Boulter told The Hastings Banner that he will name Sgt. julissa Ke|*jy as his interim deputy-This all came very quickly,” Boulter remarked. p He also knew that 1 ratt had planned to retire this year, he said. mt did not expect it to happen so soon. Pratt said Wednesday nitemoon that he is transitioning to retiremcm, and just knew it was time to move on. -h's been a good nm. Pratt said. -Now it’s just time to let the department move for­ ward and let Dale take over, and it w ill still be a great police department.' Pratt started as a police officer at the Barry County Sheriff’s Office in March 19X7, and moved to the city police in December that year. He has been the chief of police for the ! See STEP DOWN, page 18 Hastings picks interim city manager Sophie Bates rently. secretary of Charlotte Area Netw orking Staff Writer for Developing & Opportunity , Inc. The I Listings City Council approved Mayor Guetschow will take over the interim city David Tossaxa’s appointment of Gregg manager position May 3. Current City Guetschow as interim city manager at its Manager Jerry Czarnecki’s last day is May 7. Meanwhile, the search fora new permanent meeting Monday evening. Guetschow, w ho has more than 40 years of city manager, which is being conducted by the experience working for local governments Michigan Municipal League, is underway. and nonprofits, ow ns Gregg Guidance LLC. a Guetschow will remain Hastings' interim government and nonprofit consultancy Finn. city manager until Czarnecki’s replacement is Previously. Guetschow served as the city named. I le said his specialty is helping to case manager of Hillsdale for eight years; city the transition from one city manager to anoth­ manager of Owosso for 17 years; interim city er, minimizing the leadership change impact manager of Ionia for one year; and interim on city operations. city manager, before transitioning to city “What I’m interested in doing — and what manager, for 13 years in Charlotte. He has a doctorate in public affairs and administration from Western Michigan University and has See MANAGER, page 8 served ns chairman, vice chairman and. cur­ Thornapple Kellogg High School Assistant Principal Kevin Remenap with his wife Molly and their three children (from left) Ryan, 13, Kelly, 15, and Kate, 10. (Photo pro­ vide^) . __ . Sudden ©tea® unleashes wfipwirmg fer TK leader That is a testament to how welldoved Kevin wasf Gregg Guetschow Cool heads, quick thinking earn praise Sheriffs deputies receive honors for life saving^ baby delivery and domestic dispute response Rebecca Pierce Editor The resourceful actions of three BarryCounty sheriff’s deputies saved a diabetic motorist w hose blood sugar had dropped to a life-threatening low level while he was driving in the Dowling area. Deputies Michael Royal. Joe Cooper and William Romph received life-saving awards and a round of applause from Sheriff Dar Leaf Undersheriff Jason Sixberry and commissioners during the county board meeting Tuesday. . Their life-saving response was triggered by the report of a reckless driver on Cloverdale Road at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Deputies were called to the scene and. when they arrived, they found a parked vehicle matching the description that had been called in to the dispatcher. “While making contact with the driver,” Sixberry said, “they found him disoriented while speaking. He was unable to tell the deputies what he was doing and where he was. He was quite sweaty with uncontrollable body movements. “He could not tell them about any medical conditions - except that he was diabetic.” Since emergency medical stall had been diverted to another location on another call, the deputies had to find a way to help the man. “Thus, they took it upon themselves.” Sixberry said. “They found a granola bar, cookies and a gummy bear that they had in their vehicles, provided it to the driver and used these to gel his blood sugar back up to a safe level.” , An initial test strip from an electronic blood sugar glucose monitoring kit read 36 mg/dL the first time they checked it Sixberry said. "Just a few minutes later, they gm it up to 48 mg/dL. And. just before the EMS arrived, it was up to 83 mg'dL. At that time, he was See PRAISE, page 2 e /from left) Michael Royal, Joe Cooper, William Romph receive praise ff°™ Undersheriff Jason Barty County sheriff’s dep.uliering the award presentation at the county commission board meeting Tues (Photo by Rebecca Bixberry and Sheriff Dar Lea u Greg Chandler Staff Writer In his more than 20 years as an educator, Kevin Remenap impacted hundreds of lives - first as a teacher and coach at Caledonia High School, then as assistant principal at Thomapple Kellogg High School. Remenap. who had been assistant principal at TKHS since August 2018, died suddenly last Friday while on his way home from a spring break trip with his family. He was 44. Remenap. the brother of Thomapple Kellogg Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap. “was just a great person, an easy person to talk to - working through issues with students, trying to find the best alterna­ tives for students at all times, 1K Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy said shortly after receiving the news of Remenap’s death. “Kevin touched everybody.” McCarthy said he got a call last Friday morning from Dan Remenap. who said his brother had become unresponsive while trav­ eling back to Michigan from Florida. “They ended up calling 911, and the police were not able to revive him,” McCarthy said. Remenap suffered a pulmonary embolism that caused him to go into cardiac arrest, according to a GoFundMe page set up by longtime friends Travis and Julie Plain. The Plains established the account to raise funds toward family expenses, specifically college funds for Remenap’s three children Kelly. 15; Ryan. 13, and Kate. 10. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $113,000 had been raised to assist the family, with near­ ly 900 people making donations, according to the GoFundMe page. “That is a testament to how well-loved Kevin was,” McCarthy said in a telephone interview Wednesday. Travis Plain and Remenap met as room­ mates at Central Michigan University, where they both studied education. The two forged a See REMENAP, page 12 Statewide EMT shortage hits crisis point in Nashville Taylor Owens Staff Writer A statewide shortage of emergency med­ ical responders is putting the squeeze on smaller, rural ambulance services, and Nashville is feeling the pinch. Castleton Maple Grove Nashville Emergency Medical Service Director Mel Oakley said he is losing staff to other agen­ cies, and even other industries, and is strug­ gling to fill shifts. 'I'he service had lour days last month in which they were unable to have minimum staff coverage of one emergency medical technician and one paramedic on a .shift. On Tuesday. one ol Oakley’s employees finished a 72-how shift to help cover lor the lost staff, while another closed out a 60-hour shift. -We’re staying open right now on the backs ot stall who are picking shifts that they really shouldn’t be picking up.” Oakley (old the Castleton Maple Grove Nashville EMS Board during a meeting Monday night. ‘The sacrifice being pm in to keep our service open right now is signif icant and it will run out. -That well will run dry - or one of them will get hurt.” , The service covers nearly 10.000 people across Castleton. Maple Grove and Woodland Townships, and half of Kalamo Township in Eaton County. The coverage includes the villages of Nashville and Woodland. „, Because of the cost, the CMOS does not have full-time employees. It instead relies on part-time employees, al of whom1 work 1H other services, to p.ck up shifts for Nashville in between their regular EMS J0lBi>t Oakley said that employment model ,S no longer able to sustain a sufficient workforce- Personnel am leaving tor other opportunities that offer higher pay and ben­ d Nashville’s service offers SI I an hour to EMTs and $13.50 an houf 10 Pi,ra,>,<:dlcs " 10 co,,,e ,alk *° Oakley told the board. . In the past year, the service lias lost six See SHORTAGE, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday. Apol 15. 2021 — rr»» Hastings Banner Delton, Maple Valley face swelling COVID-19 numbers l<x* - Scan Bradley and ’ Stall Wrih*rs Both Maple Vs,k> srhcwxl districts arc on the nnn* ' bei5M 0 of * .sc noct o strut. an . Vl nwin remote learning du< to ‘ nine COVID 19 positive eaminn . Delton just ^'"^‘‘Xses Mon-U and alter having ren1 |e Corlctt said , »’ v,r,ual : “Earned from spring break on of Education held a special jnecimg to disc uss ehineinr. the protocols ot when learning should be done in-person or remote, but ulti' mutely decided against any changes. The licilth department has been urging Thoels to re evaluate their approach in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases. -Gov. Whitmer came out Fnday with a strong recommendation that schools move to virtual instruction for the next two weeks and that youth ffiorts pause in-person activity as well;’ BEDHD representative Anne Barna said. “Given the continued rise in cases, we agree taking both of these actions together could help reduce spread in Barry and Eaton ---- - --- *----------“Given the value of in-person learning, we continue to recommend that districts consider pausing ah extracurricular activities before moving t0 a virtual platform - or at least at the same time. Continuing extracurricular but pausing in-person learning will not have the same impact on disease transmission.” Colette Scrimger, Barry-Eaton Health Department health officer counties.” “Given the value of in-person learning, we continue to recommend that districts consider pausing all extracurricular activities before moving to a virtual platform - or at least at the same time.” Colette Scriniger, health officer al BEDHD. said. “Continuing extracurricu­ lar* but pausing in-person learning will not have the same impact on disease transmis­ sion.” While the district is seeing an uptick in cases. Corlctt said these cases arc not believed to be from contact in the classroom. “What the (Harry-Eaton District) health department said is the majority of positive cases are from social gatherings and catching it from family members and it’s not happen­ ing at schools,” Corlett said during the meet­ ing. * Hie rise in cases in our district is mostly stemming from activities outside of in-person learning - social activities like family gather- mgs, sleepovers atwl “t'ative Anne iC’/'*-?? 111 ~prelast Friday. ‘ ( in a press release Delton Kcllop,, n ber Robert Il<nitn»u°‘"--h, mcmerr on the side of c ’• !.hc dl^nct should “I think we’re ut a b kids coming back frnn* ‘’n,;er?ns Point with said. "I think we have i() k?!?1’011, * Houtrow to change our position ’’ exible and ready “I’d anticipate the number * •» tests come back. I think th. 1 1 grow as change rapidly here in the ,S going ,o Rhonda Lundquist.« nurse for .^’® days’” a parent of a student in the di r • 7 d‘-Uict and the meeting. Mr,cl> said during Maple Valley faced its own rh„ii 30 percent of its in-person :lln.a c,18es after high students did not show-un0^1.Scnior Monday. Up fx)r c»^s on During a school board mectinu m . Superintendent Katherine Bertolini percent of grades 7-12 are in quarantine 'a district officials did not know about’ ' h remaining 12 percent. The number of students m quarantine doubled on Monday. According to BEDHD guidelines, a build­ ing that exceeds 25 percent in quarantine should be temporarily closed since conduct- h .racking •>nd WOU,d ** ing thorough tr. X (|)i)| nt. virtually '' irc(l it ,he bulwarks Bertolini “W^hipbreaking on a .\ba! the incidence rate -I am concem () jjg rising quickly, among students ag N()Venlber, and J am compared tn our ca. . jgertolini said. “I watching that VC’O' our kids in the do believe it is ks forthem. For learning formal. tl ‘ ( of our students that approximately /v p. wC ^ave jone an is face-to-face wor'- • f s for excellent job of maintainii'b a H that learning all y«»r. But Bertolini an increase after orcan have traveled, and Maple (lypjcally sees which students en|cred the events." Bertolini said. "I ' we can successfully get through the rest of this week which would be our (wo-wcc dow.” . _ . Other area districts arc in their first wee after spring break. COVID cases surge while vaccine appointments go unclaimed From the Barry-Eaton District Health Department There arc so many things happening in (he world of COVID-19 response and there arc many things we need your assistance with please read on to leam more. We arc asking everyone to choose to pro­ tect their families, friends, and fellow com­ munity members by wearing masks in public, getting tested for COVID-19. social distanc­ ing, handwashing, and getting vaccinated as soon as you can. We also recommend holding off on family gatherings and parties, avoiding unnecessary travel, attending church virtually and working from home when possible. We have been experiencing a surge in C0V1D-I9 cases in both counties. Barry County had 352 active cases on Wednesday, and Eaton County had 788. Test positivity rates arc at 20%. meaning that there are many people who have COVID­ 19 that we arc not finding. Please encourage everyone to get a test if they have symptoms. Free pop-up rapid testing sites are happening routinely in our area, and BEDHD is working to bring some here us well. Please michigan. gov/coronavirus to find a testing site. In the past two weeks, we have identified new ouibrcuk.s due ro sports teams, social gatherings, sleepovers, funerals, restaurants, churches, daycares, in-person learning, longterm care (nursing homes), banks, office workplaces, salons, apartment complexes and recreational venues like movie theaters and bowling alleys. If you are leaving your home for any reason, you could unknowingly be exposed to someone w ith C0VID-19. We have exceeded our staff capacity for timely case investigation and are no longer able (given the number of cases) to investi­ gate all of them. We continue to prioritize those under age 18 and those older than 65. We send many cases to MDHHS to investi­ gate, but they arc also overwhelmed and not able to get to all of them either. Residents arc urged to follow the isolation rules themselves and to notify their close contacts so that they can begin to quarantine. We issued a recommendation to our local school districts last Friday that they pause extracurricular activities (such as sports) before, or ut the same time, as moving to vir­ tual instruction. Many cases in high school­ aged children are connected with extracurriculars rather than in-person instruction, so doing both would be key. We also consult directly with all of our local sehmls on the epidemiological situation locally. BEDHD is releasing weekly data reports for each county at barrycatonhcalth.org/coronavirus. We have paused the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. I his pause is a sign that our vaccination safety monitoring is working so that scientists can evaluate potential issues. We will resume use of J&J if that recommendation is made. The situation on the availability of vaccine has drastically changed from a few weeks ago! If you or folks you know have been hold ing off until things settle down a bit. now is the time. On Wednesday, we had many vacant appointments on Thursday and Friday at our Lansing Mall clinics, and anticipate many appointments to be available at the Barry County Expo Center as well next week. Here are a few changes to our vaccination process and policies: Our website barrycatonhealth.org/schedule-vaccine now has direct links to schedule vaccination appointments’ We also are now able to label each clinic with the type of vaccine - Mixlema (for ages 18 and up) and Pfizer (for ages 16 and up). Since we arc observing the national pause on Johnson and Johnson vaccine, we do not have any future clinics scheduled with that vaccine. But if we do in the future, we will post the scheduling link there. People are still welcome to fill out our interest form and we will send them an invita­ tion to schedule an appointment - however, we recommend that they check the clinic openings first. We will post a new link to the next week’s schedules every Friday after 3 p.m. We have planned some clinics using (he PfizerBioNTech vaccine so that we can offer vaccinations to 16- and 17-year-olds. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We are now' offering stand-by appointments which helps us to minimize vaccine waste. BEDHD has begun to focus more on target­ ed, public-health-oriented vaccination clinics for the under-served, those with barriers or other reasons that a large mass clinic might not be right for them. VW have already served many AFC homes, senior apartment places. homeless, and hard-to-reach populations Please contact Rebekah Condon if you are ' . .• L . , Ud ,n hostinS 'his kind of clinic. PRAISE, continued from page 1 Barry Count/ Undarsherift Jason Sixberry (from left) with deputies Michael Royal, Joe Cooper, William Romph and Sheriff Dar Leaf. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Local vaccinators follow Johnson & Johnson pause Taylor Owens Staff Writer Further doses of the Johnson & Johnson C0VID-19 vaccine have been put on hold as a safety precaution while more studies of the vaccine arc performed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration announced the pause after six women had brain blood clots within two weeks of receiv­ ing the vaccine. As of Wednesday, out of 6.8 million people who received (he vaccine, those are the only reported cases that developed blood clots. . Sarali Suma ol the Barry-Eaton DtstnU Health Department said they are Io lowing the recommended pause, but most of the Johnson & Johnson doses the department received had already been re routed to local pharmacies. And, while many of the local P^at‘« had already switched to “Pj^ ** reasons, Pharmacy Care in .Middkv Ik I>al been administering Johnson A: Johnson excl M Owner and pharmacist Brian -Swartz said Pharmacy Care has put vaccinations on for at least a couple ol weeks. If the CDCs "pause" is said he will consider switching to < but said many of his customers ha >«-<• • ing Johnson & Johnson because it is COVID-19 vaccine thus fur that requi . * • ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -As of Wednesday, out of 6.8 million people who received the vaccine, (the six women) are the only reported cases that developed blood clots. single dose. Maple Valley Pharmacy had previously switched from Johnson & Johnson to Modema, manager Jody Moore said. Lake Odessa Pharmacy has been adminis­ tering Modema since it started providing vaccinations, Owner Andrea Cusak said. Cusak said she had been ordering Johnson & Johnson for weeks, but it never showed up. Family Fare was in the process of switch­ ing from Johnson & Johnson to Modema and is currently rescheduling appointments so that their customers will receive the Modema vac­ cine. In the meantime, Suma said, the health department is assessing if it has enough Modema vaccines available to ship to its pharmacies to make up for the loss. Barry County Sheriff's DePuty Elliot Hausler. (File photo) able to speak clearly and was actually s,a«'"E to function again. He was turned over to bMb at that time.” A doctor advised the sheriff’5 *department the measures the deputies h»d laken t0, the man’s life were feoitiniaW re^,nscs 10 lhc crisis. Sixberry noted^ r Tlie victim himself rctPcsted lhl)1 C°°^« Rompf and Royal be Jonin1Cfttkd for SaV S his life. . “On behalf of lhp c0^nnu;ntL°., county and the peOp]e.. e represC,,t’ y°U ‘^W ^intheear’’’ . ,heir awards. After the dcputies rerfi^ *h^urillK t„ Geiger told them qin,e n,‘ •• " know that folks like >ou a.e "“J lx.put> achievement award f,*r help10Middleville wonXtwch d'1^ *! hov Ja",19' hc at the Hausler, who c, ,j rviewwhen presentation, said in a j ,llU1arylllle Barry Township police officer Steven Perkowski (left) and county sheriffs Deputy Shawn Olmstead received meritorious awards Tuesday for their handling of a Feb. 13 domestic dispute situation in Prairieville Township. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) The Banner originally reported the account of the unexpected home deliver)', that police officers train for this situation in the academy, but to actually do it himself was something else entirely. A final presentation Tuesday - a meritorious award to Deputy Shawn Olmstead and Barry Township Officer Steven Perkowski involved their careful handling of a domestic dispute call on Feb. 13 in Prairieville Township, I-caf said. “This is one of those classic cases.” Leaf told commissioners. “These guys went above and beyond in a very tricky situation that could have turned out horrible.” Deputy Olmstead, who wits dispatched to the scene, placed the woman who was involved in his patrol car. A daughter had locked herself in a room in the basement of the house, he was told. So Olmstead had a dispatcher call the daughter with instructions to remain in the basement. Then Olmstead focused his attention on the suspect, visible through a window, who was sitting at the kitchen table. The officer watched him put a handgun in one of his front pants pockets. At that point, Barn Township Officer Steven Perkowski arrived. The suspect walked out of the residence and toward a bam, refusing police commands to stop, the .sheriff said. When the man appeared to reach toward his pocket, Olmstead deployed a stun gun. The man fell to the ground and, again, reached for his pocket. Olmstead deployed the stun gun again, striking the man’s hand and torso. When the man was laken into custody, officers found the handgun tn his pcxket. ' “Yes, this does happen in Barry County ” Leaf said. “And these guys handled it brilliantly. That’s why they’re getting this meritorious service award.” Barry Township Police Chief Mark Doster told commissioners, “Actually, I’m quite proud of both the deputy, Olmstead, and mv officer. Perkowski. We’re trained, all of us on the SRE [Special Response) Team. So, that training came in extremely helpful.” ’ Olmstead also thanked the administration for the SRT training they had received "And I thank Officer Perkowski," Olmstead said "I trusted my life with him that d iv That's why it turned out as well as it djj ' �The Hastings Banner — Thursday. Apn< 15. 2021 — Page 3 SHORTAGE, continued from page i -maplegr()] AREA EMS Castleton Maple Grove Nashville Emergency Medical Service Director Mel Oakley discusses the staffing crisis at a board meeting Monday. (Photos by Taylor Owens) employees who, Oakley said,covered most of the shifts. “We are bleeding a slow bleed, but it’s bright red,” he said. One employee took a job as a security guard tor a hospital, where they work fewer hours, have benefits and make more money than Oakley. Another employee left for a ser­ vice in Lansing, where union rules prevent them from picking up shifts to help out in Nashville. “We’re competing with places that pay enough that they can tell you what to do with your lime off,” Oakley said. To address the crisis, he said, the board will need to raise the hourly wage, create six full­ time positions and offer those employees health insurance and paid sick leave. Several current or former employees would work full time under those conditions, Oakley said. Board member Mike Trahan replied that they do not have the money for full-time employees. “Then shut down,” Oakley said. Other board members said they \yould talk to their respective tow nship boards to try to come up w ith funding to alleviate the crisis. “We cannot get people in the door for what we’re paying, for me that’s just a fact of life, and we need to do something to keep it in service,” board vice-chairman Jeff Butler said. “We’re so far out of the ballpark right now, we’re thankful for the people that do come to vyork.” . 7_.... . Butler, said he believed rhe residents ot Maple Grove Township would tvilHng to * .vole for a millage.increase jf they, understood the situation. “There’s no way to double our number ol calls; we’re just a very small community.” Butler said. “But we have chosen to provide advanced life support. and we’re going to have to fit the bill tor it.” 'Hie current millage - of a half mill in both townships - is not set to be renewed until next year. But board chairwoman Cheryl Hartwell said they w ill look for opportunities to go to voters, possibly in November, with a request for an increase. How ever. Butler said, even if the townships put a request on the ballot now, they could not start collecting the additional money until December 2022. Hartwell replied that the members would see what their township boards would be will­ ing to do to help the problem now. Butler said the Maple Grove Township board is aware of the crisis and is ready to do what it can to help. Residents may remember the service faced a staffing shortage in early 2018. which was part of the reason the Barry County Medical Control Authority revoked the service’s license for two weeks in January that year. But Oakley said the service is not in danger of bax in” its license revoked a second time. In additions staffing issues, the MCA also list•d a lack of communication, incomplete nanerwork and administrative issues with the previous director of the service as the.reasons for decision to remove the license tn .018. Oakley said those other issues have long . ,.n solved and he has regular communicadon With Barr) County Medical Control Authority Coordinator Dana Yarger. Yarger attended Monday night’s meeting and told the board she appreciated the conver­ sation. “I’m encouraged by the discussion, that makes me very happy,” Yarger said. “You’ve got an excellent ambulance sen ice here.” After the staffing crisis in 2018. the Castleton and Maple Grove Township boards agreed to pay $4,000 a year to help pay for hourly wage increases. The Village of Nashville also paid $4,000 over the course of a year toward the increases. At the time, the sen ice was paying EMTs S9.5O an hour and paramedics SI2. “That was the Band-Aid >ve applied at that point to get people to stick around, but it’s not holding.” Oakley said, expressing skepticism that another hourly raise, without any bene­ fits, would have much of an impact. “That’s going to do nothing?” Trahan asked. “Probably,” Oakley replied. While CMGN EMS is the hardest hit service right now. other people in the industry say staffing shortages are all too familiar. “It is a challenge - and it is not just Barry' County. Il’s all over." Thomapple Township Emergency Services Chief Randy Eaton said. “It’s a smaller and smaller pool of candidates to pick from.” Thomapple offers full-time positions with benefits and higher wages than Nashville, but still faebs staffing issues. ... ”W^struggleJ’ronL.limcjo titpe," Eaton said/“Right now. We seem to be OK. buWhHt could change in two weeks if wo have a cou­ ple people say, ‘Look, I’ve had enough.’” When there are jobs in other fields avail­ able that require less education and provide higher starting wages, the competition becomes fierce. EMS directors also find that some person­ nel frequently hop between different services. looking for belter wages, benefits and hours According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the average EMT makes $30,000 a year, after six months of training, which costs about S2.25O to obtain. The average paramedic makes $39,000 a year after 21 months of training, which costs about $8200. Oakley said the staffing situation at Nashville has always been “tenuous,” but it has worsened in the pasi year, which may have been partly due to the pandemic. The extra stress of coming into contact with possi­ ble COVID-19 patients, and the added work­ load of preparing personal protective equip­ ment and constant sanitization, may have made the job less appealing. “EMS is a harder job today than it was tw o years ago.” he said. But, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people interested in the indus­ try' has been dropping. The Michigan Bureau of EMS.Trauma and Preparedness reported the number of students graduating from paramedic programs in the state fell from 1200 people in 2016 to 250 in 2019. “The pool of candidates is dropping, but the need is still there,” Eaton said. "The stale has to do something to make it easier to attract new' EMTs and paramedics," President and CEO of Mercy Ambulance Emergency ^d^QV^eJ^onnG1 Pa,rick Alleman and Zach Smith show some of the gear required for treating patients during the Service Dennis Palmer said. Mercy scrves multiple townships in Harry County, includ­ ing the Hastings areaDespite offering "age packag­ es. ranging from $42/XX) to $62,000 a year along- with benefits, for paramedics. Palmer said he’s still short on staff. At a certain point. Palmer said, it’s no lon­ ger about the money - the personnel just aren’t there. Increased rules and regulations qn staff have made the job more difficult, he said. Plus, additional educational requirements have put the role of EMS in direct competi­ tion with other fields. For example, when people see the require­ ments to become i paramedic. they may decide it doesn't takelhat much more work to become a registered nurse. Palmer said. While Michigan previously had its own EMS personnel examination and licensing process, it is now part of the national registry, which Palmer said has been a setback for many people trying to enter the field. "It’s quite a hurdle to get over." Joe Huebner agreed. The human resources and continuous qual­ ity improvement director for Mercy Ambulance Service. Huebner has been a Barry County paramedic since 1988 and also serves an instructor w ith Kellogg Community College. “I predicted a few years ago that we were going to see the staffing shortage. But the depth of it - I don’t think anybody could see it coming," Huebner said. <ontribute I Many people only stay in the EMS business for five years before moving on to something else, he noted. 3 he job can be a great way for people to explore the larger medical industry to find a field that suits them best. But the people w ho have been in the indus­ try for decades, like Huebner, are starting to age out. and there are fewer people to replace them. “We just don’t have the volume of students, and we’re not seeing the applicants.” he said. Even so, it’s an immediate employment opportunity for people with the right training, offering plenty of open positions and room for advancement. “To be able to make a difference right away EMS is a great career," Huebner said. I advertise the htter^ of Barry County Since 1856 Devoted to the Interest, of Barry County Grove Nashville Patrick AHema"' Emergency Medi .... B — ANNER �« . .*««« Pape 4 — Thursday. April 15. 20*r* i ne UAsungs Oaonpr ' ...__________ ~ Did you M-43 culvert work wraps up Voting laws fueling 3 national divide This week’s closure ol M *n ^u* ^Bon -‘tea should be over scx>n. Lhc hirhw iv li)> been cIom.n1 between (Kboinc and Florin roads sjnCc Monday, with the detour route taking motorists on Milo. Norris and Delton roads, through some gorp’^ far,n 1 he dosurc is e'P<*ttd io end at 4:30 pan. today (April 15) - »L> Do you remember? Steury’s new Story line Banner April 6. 1961 New appliance department - Al Steury, owner of Steury Electric Service, 222 S. Jefferson, signed a franchise this week establishing him as an Admiral Television and Home Appliance dealer in Hastings. At the same time, he announced that Lyle Story, who has jeen associated with the Admiral line in Hastings for the past 25 years, would be the store manager at the local firm, which has specialized in electrical fixtures, supplies and electric motor repair here since 1945. Steury (left) and Story (center) are shown with Ward C Hynes, district manager for the Admiral Corporation. Hynes lauded Storys record in his previous connections with Admiral. A large inventory of Admiral Television and Appliances will be carried and complete service facilities will be maintained. A Grand Opening is planned. met? Have you Caring for the wellbeing of the local com­ munity runs in Dana Yarger’s blood. Born in Columbus. Ind.. Yarger moxed to Holland with her parents. Don and Sue Drummond, in 1978 after her dad was hired at Herman Miller. Her parents later moved to Barry County, built a log home near Freeport, and raised angora goats, alpacas and other types of fiber-producing animals. Once set­ tled, they both began finding ways to con­ tribute to the local community. Her mother loved the arts and wanted to help grow Hastings’ art scene. “She first moved over her from Holland, which of course is a very art-rich community. When she moved over here and saw that there wasn’t (much art], the famous story' within our family is that my mom told my dad that if we don’t fix this, she’s leaving.” Yarger said. “She was one of the co-founders of the Thomapple Arts Council.” Both parents were part of the Barry County Futuring Committee and founded Hastings FiberFest, which was later moved to Kalamazoo and eventually to Allegan where its known as the Michigan Fiber Festival. “My dad and her and a lot of community leaders w ere a part of the Futuring Committee in town back in the ’80s that helped look to the future - what they wanted Barry County to be and how to make those things happen,” Yarger said. “My parents were always very' future-focused and were able to see the gaps in some parts of a community and see what they could do to fit it. They weren’t ones that just pointed out the deficits. I hey were the ones that helped come up with a solution, which 1 think is an amazing quality to have.” Yarger lakes after their example. She senes the community as a volunteer emergency first responder at the Freeport Fire Department, nurse and trauma coordina­ tor at Spectrum Health Pennock. “Every hospital is required to have a trau­ ma center designation. ... a recognition o what they can do for trauma patients -- ser vices they can provide — jnst to ° understand what each hospital can oiler a trauma patient.” Yarger said. An par that requirement is there has to be a coon i nator or manager that oversees that t icy re doing everything the way they re suppose to.” . As trauma coordinator. Yarger audits tr.it ma patient charts during their phases o <• ensures patients are being cared tor P,UIH r and identifies trends o! concerns and way s r improve the trauma program. Before;settling in Freeport to raise her family of four with husband Jim Yarger. she studied it Culinary Institute in America in New York and worked in the restaurant industry in New .York City and then Seattle. She chose to come back because she found something here she couldn’t anywhere else: A sense of home. “After all of those travelsand all that I’ve done.I’ve chosen to be in Barry County, to raise ('my family here and to live, Yarger said. ”! spent so much time in all of those citiej walking around trying to find a certain feeling and 1 never found that feeling in those big cities. I found it one summer evening when 1 was jogging through Hastings and somebody was mowing their grass on one side and that smell and that sense of home has always been here for me... “I always like to stress that this is where I Dana Yarger She also serves as the emergency medical services coordinator for the Barry County Medical Control Authority, which coordi­ nates between EMS providers and doctors, making sure Barry County EMS has the resources and guidelines it needs. "When 1 took this job. I was also seated on the (BCMCA) board. That board is nice and diverse, h has people from all of the emer­ gency services and law enforcement on it to be able to make sure every body's needs are being taken into account when they make decisions, h’s a wonderfully functioning board. Yarger took over the position in November ol 2019 and spends her time advocating for the unique needs of Barry County EMS. ' I spend a lot of time working with agency leadership, making sure that the slate proto­ cols fit what we need here in Barry’ County because, being rural, we’re just different. We’re not a big city, so if we need to get to a larger trauma center, it’s typically a transport of 35 to 45 minutes.” Yarger said. “So, we need to make sure that we are providing care that’s appropriate and we have guidelines that are appropriate for those longer trans­ ports and for what we can do in rural EMS." Yarger N responsibilities keep her busy — particularly during the pandemic — but she hopes by doing so she is honoring her par cuts' memory. I hope that I'm honoring them with some of the things that J try to do in my small efforts.” Yarger said. chose to come back to.’’ For continuing her parents’ legacy of com­ munity service, Dana Yarger is this week s Banner Bright Light. My first job: I w orked at Burger King on Sth Street in Holland. ... , fl Persons I am glad «, have nwl: All at the Freeport Fire Department and aU J. responders throughout Barry County. 1 hey are amazing people who Pul the cll,zenS Barry County first First thing I bougM »«\X°nda money: A cassette p]aVer f°r m>’ 76 H Civic, ' I’m most proud of; My 1!’f grown into wonderfully funch°,,al :ldu,L - “oing aodXt ?>’■” u , . ,..in this crazy world. Voting is our he,ilagc <- noosing our “ “'mocracy tslradon and deciding on‘*'hc n.e” •'“’minm our communities tndXn,!La' considered patriotic The hou,d’Till be of power was how wc wem**11 lran'fer admired in the world. Oncc kno*n and Today, voting-and deciding wt. vote - is dividing our nation ? h° gCU lo A lot of last-minute chances ; , . laws, primarily due to the narvU . ect,on implemented and disputed in m‘C’ Wcrc recent elections. 0Ur mosl But how did all those accommodation, turn into the volcanic allegation blast still erupting over the validity of our elections" I he question continues to divide ev though assurances over the security of the 2020 election came from no less than the directors of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security and the former Attorney Genera! William Barr. z The conflagration has at least alerted Americans to the importance of safeguard­ ing our democracy by ensuring an accurate voting system. Today’s problem is that a lot of people view election credibility through a partisan lens and. as states review their election laws, that divide seems to be growing. Michigan Republicans say they want to make it “easier to vote and harder to cheat” as they prepare a 39-bilI reform package to send to the governor for approval. Chief among those changes, as it is in most of the other 47 states that have introduced bills to change voting requirements, is that a per­ sonal ID be required to vote. Hie repercussions of the voting reform discussion are reverberating into larger socicty. After Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed that slate's new “Election Integrity Act.” critics pounced, saying it disproportionately affects voting access for people of color. Within days, a backlash came from cor­ porate voices, including Coca-Cola. Delta Airlines, and even Major League Baseball, which moved the location of this summer’s All-Star game from Atlanta to Denver. What’s been lost in all the accusations and recriminations is that baseball’s protest move will adversely affect Atlanta, a city with a 50-percent Black population, as opposed lo Denxer’s 10-percent Black pop­ ulation. So millions of dollars will be lost by local minority-owned businesses and work­ ers all over Atlanta. Political activist and former Georgia State Rep. Stacey Abrams also asked the venerable Masters Golf Tournament, held each year at the nearby Augusta National Golf Club, to take a position on the issue. Fred Ridley, chairman of both the club and the tournament, responded that the right to vote is “fundamental in our democratic society,” but stopped short of condemning the Georgia law. “We strive to meet our duty and obliga­ tion to give back to the community that has gixen us so much,” Ridley added. Then Ridley announced that, because the community has suffered so much due to the pandemic, the Masters Tournament, along with partners AT&T. Bank of America and IBM, are contributing $10 million for the redevelopment of two neighborhood com­ munity centers that are just minutes from the golf course. Now that’s community service. These business and community leaders recognize people xvho need help the most and arc rising above bitter disagreements to give back. ‘The vote is precious,” said the late Rep. John Lewis, who served Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives and was an admired civil rights activist. “It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a dem­ ocratic society, and wc must use it.” The preciousness of the vote is sinking deeper in the public discourse, though, seemingly most ensnared by the voter ID provision. I disagree that requiring an ID to vole is racist; citizens are required lo furnish IDs all the time. “1 don’t understand xvhy asking for IDs is xvrong; you need an ID for just about any­ thing in America.” says former NFL player Hershcl Walker, who starred at the University of Georgia. “It’s a shame to make IDs political.” Recent national polls show that ID requirements are accepted by Americans because they increase security. Try to board a plane, purchase liquor, use a credit card for large purchases, or sign legal documCe.,S' • rn is commonplace - and the Satlt limits certain pcopteof-lor h ni.hing bm a pol.ital smoU w:wen make voting more difficult in oze i states nationwide,” executives rom more than two dozen major companies wro e in a statement issued April 2 by the Civic Alliance, a nonpartisan group of businesses working to encourage citizen participation. The statement calls on officials to work across the aisle to make it possible for every American to participate in our democracy. But. given that only about 55 percent of Americans voted in the 2016 election and slightly more than 66 percent in the 2020 election, shouldn’t the goal be for every citizen to vote? “ Phe best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” warned former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Whatever a voter brings to the voting booth, I think most Americans would agree that election integrity is a requirement for the good of our nation - as is reviewing the process in our country’s best interests especially when there have been concerns with election integrity. According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, there is evidence that our voter registration system is in need of an upgrade. “Voter registration in the United States largely reflects its 19th-century’ origins and has not kept pace with advancing technolo­ gy and mobile security,” that report states. Research shows that approximately 24 million - one of every eight - voter registra­ tions in the U.S. are no longer valid or are inaccurate. More than 1.8 million deceased individuals are still listed as voters and approximately 2.75 million people have registrations in more than one state. Meanwhile, the report estimates that at least 51 million eligible U.S. citizens arc unregis­ tered; that’s more than 24 percent of the population. In light of the changes suggested by the Pew Center, recent efforts being made by the states would seem to be more about voter integrity than about limiting anyone from voting. Showing an ID keeps people from casting a vote several times. It is not intended to discriminate against anyone or to keep them from voting. “Surely if we can land a spaceship on Mars, we can certainly put a voter ID card in the hand of every eligible voter,” says politician, diplomat and activist Andrew Young. That perspective tells me the idea that people of color who can’t - or don’t know how to - get an ID is actually what’s racist. So, when business leaders and even the president of the United States, who termed the new Georgia voting law “Jim Crow in the 21st century,” throw out the idea that some efforts to ensure vote integrity are racist, they’re doing more to divide us than any of the changes actually being proposed in state voting laws. The U.S. Constitution clearly states that setting election laws is the sole responsibil­ ity of the states. So let the stales do their jobs so that every voter feels their vote counts - and quit using racism as a wedge to divide us. “Our life is like a garden. We reap what we sow,” said author Napoleon Hill. “Seeds ot negativity that are planted in our menial garden ultimately grow into a crop of nega­ tive actions that choke our success potential. Like any gardener, we must eliminate the weeds before our garden can produce its best harvest!” Words matter. So let’s be careful about how we use - or abuse - them! Fred Jacobs. CEO J-Ad Graphics. Inc. Grow MOREL MUSHROOMS CREATE A MOREL GARDEN IN TOUR HACX YARD We provide the wctl .u;d caty lo u>c itutuxtien* In-cauu- „J ‘•"luilitv.Ji/r, , 'l,'r P 10 , for prrparw outdoor .W.uW Habitat You juit mi* the H-cd. nuu-.uin the Ihbi.at. and pick v.td cnioy pound* of froh MotvS S33.95 -»■ SK65 S/H - ORDER 7l)74i2«K7.Wl GOURMET MUSHROOMS Hastin i aduranl,^' A" l)f elMil PO BOX515CN21 'GRATON, CA95444 www.gmushrooms.org Spawn Guaranteed tu Pr.Kj-ice �The The Ha5linQS 0ann9r ”ThufSday- 15-2021 ~ 11 nature of Michigan Compiled Law 333.2253 ■' . -: time that it . . proviqUn On it” faCt’ parching have the far-reaching’ js ll0| ^lva,|al to |)e used Proposed election reforms are a good reason to call your state senator or representative To the editor: of1 ^VC had an °PP°rtu“'‘y to review nil 19 im^ur.?riKP0»d cl.ction rcfOTm Michie in I b‘- .Rcpub!,fan -senators in the f< clnntv S>Sla'Urc;Many of ,hcm P^Me securiiv'l «•" ° T™ T <>r improvc c,cclion eeuntj. I singled out the ones which I believe impede access to the ballot, make voting more difficult or interfere with fair and free elections. Below is the letter I sent to Michigan State Sen. John Biron, who represents Michigan s 19th Senate District, which includes all of Barry County. “1 am concerned about several new election law bills introduced by you and Republican colleagues into the Michigan Stale Senate this year. You stated about these bills: ‘For any republic to survive, it must be built on the solid foundation of free and fair elections. Today we look a major step forward to not only help guarantee secure elections but also to ensure fairness to observers and increase overall transparency.’ ’ I have had a chance to review the texts of the bills as submitted. It does appear that many of these bills do provide for increased clarity in election procedure laws and reasonable security. “However. Senate Bills 286. 287. and 310 appear to be intended to make it harder for voters to cast their ballots. Senate Bill 289 gives the Michigan Legislature veto power over federal financial assistance to the office of the Michigan Secretary of State. “Senate Bill 286 will remove the ability of a voter to return an absentee ballot lo a drop box after 5 p.m. the day before Election Day. 1 fail to see how that provides any additional ballot security as all of the provisions for such security remain in place. This will, instead, make it harder for those people who have time constraints or make election decisions close to the election lo place their ballots in drop boxes. Many people who assumed that they could use a drop box to vole may be so confused or constrained by time that they will not be able to place their ballots. “Senate Bill 287 prevents clerks and other election officials from using pre-paid postage for absentee ballot return envelopes. I fail to see any legitimate purpose lo this measure at all. Surely you agree that conducting elections is a valid and essential public function. If the public entity considers this a valid use of public money, how do you choose to interfere with this? It would make more sense to require all election offices to use pre-paid postage so that there would be no question of delis cry* failure or delay due to insufficient postage. “Senate Bill 310 prevents election offices from mailing voters an absentee ballot application or even providing them with a link to the absentee ballot request webpage. It is hard to see how- this is anything but an attempt to make it harder for people to have access to the right to vote by absentee ballot. Michigan voters chose by a 2:1 margin to allow no-reason absentee voting. SB 310 flies in the face of the will of the citizens of Michigan. We clearly want to have the right to absentee ballots and to guarantee that right to our fellow citizens. “Senate Bill 289 requires that any federal financial assistance to elections in Michigan must be approved by State Legislature appropriation of money. The use of this federal money would not require a State expenditure of funds, so there can be no reason to require state legislative approval except to retain an ability to deny the use of this money. “In conclusion although many of the proposed bills serve useful functions. Senate Bills 286. 287, 289 and 310 serve only to restrict free and fair elections. 1 hope that you will withdraw sponsorship of these bills, if you have signed on, and will urge withdrawal of these bills from consideration or oppose them if they come to a vote.” I did not comment about SB 285 which amends the requirements for identification and protocol for handling applications to vole by absentee ballot or in person if they do not appear on the voter registration list al the particular polling place. It is important to note that Michigan already has a identification requirement to cast a ballot. What SB 285 does is make it harder to make sure that your ballot will be counted and your identification verified if you don’t have that ID ready w'hen you apply to vote. Signatures on affidavits will no longer be accepted as adequate. Ballots submitted either in person or absentee will not be counted until ID is presented and that must occur within six days. This means that people who find it hard to gel to the polling place, get lime off from work, don’t have cars or other transportation or don’t have copiers and printers, aren’t properly recorded on the registration list, or don’t have the prescribed voter ID items will find it more difficult to cast a ballot that will be counted. Therefore, working people and the disadvantaged may have more difficulty casting their ballots. I hope, by now, people who have had doubts about the integrity of the election w ill have had time to learn that no one - I repeat no one - has presented evidence of significant voter fraud in the 2020 election. This is according lo ex-Attomey General William Barr; Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency director under Mr. Trump Christopher Krebs', 16 U.S. attorneys tasked with finding election fraud, 64 state, federal and U.S. Supreme Court rulings; the governors, secretary of states and election commissions of all 50 slates; and the Congress of the United States. If you believe in government of the people, by the people and for the people, you should believe that all American citizens have a right lo vole and that we should make voting easier not more difficult. Please contact your Michigan state senator and house member and let them know. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiscr, Prairieville Township The trouble with drones To the editor: On Easier Sunday afternoon, I saw a drone illegally trespassing, eavesdropping, above my property without my permission or con“"{'observed that '* was 25 fcet between house and another building It was 25 feet off he -round. Not knowing what no-good plans h was up to. 1 went and grabbed my gun. I was ' oing to shoot it down for spying - recordtng Later, the police told me that, if I had shot it down, I could have been arrested for mali­ cious destruction of property, even though it was spying on me and trespassing over my properly. You can’t even stay out of trouble on your land to protect your own rights. Eldon Shellenbarger, Hastings in a nKin"‘ .--(loinsfiiatlhe.v’*’h the rights and ly.Thc sta,e,*"P,c of the state ofMichigan<n; Itfucled ^cmmentisnot instituted or « sdf-^-n<)r 'h«uld ever continue - 11 j . Ina(j P entity. Course corrections ted. ns to time, and are to JLjcatcd an *,Uld flutes arc legislated, 1|r? W enforced by humans. s^mtLLllCd that J!.?and Provisions of laws are leg fol|owing ^lngly contradict each other. The will (|cmon. strate this. provisiOn. When Jaw> ^JieliOn Contradict each other, which <-0 . ould be followed? The contract of / e ability to |imjt rights in the nam J ()f C hc:dd>. or the con- needs to be reviewed, cither judicially or legis- required by government to fix this mistake th; lalively or executively. made. It is the duty of elected representatives to Aaron Gros protect the freedoms of the people and action is Hastrnj GUEST COMMENTARY i .............- - Banner MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Journeyman Plumber If you are looking for part time Hastings Area Schools Food Service is hiring. There are 3 positions available. Please email Matt Moore with any Questions. matt.moore@hasskl .org. Middleville Housing Commission (Lincoln Meadow Senior Apartments) is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the director of a 50 unit HUD housing building. To app^ please get an application rom administration office located inside o the middle school. Cotton Prints & Solid Colors Time to Start Grad Gifts releases: news@tadgraphics.com •Advertising:ads@j-adgraphics.eom Hank Seh™'1™ * a? ve?Jsing department Cla&wfied ads accepted MorxLiy through F^y. Thread, Zippers, Trims & fl JO am. to 5.00 pm. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Patterns Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Sophie Bate5 Gr^ Chandler Sean Bracey Taylor Owens HUD experience is preferred. Applicant should have a minimum of an Associate in Business, experience in accounting, & budgeting. Must be able to get along with people & a problem solver. Willing to work flexible hours, 25-30, a Deputy Director, 15-20 hours & available to be on call. Starting salary’ is dependent upon qualifications. Position is open until filled. Must be able to pass physical, drug screen & background check. Resumes mag be sent to: 500 Lincoln St, Middleville, MI 49333 or emailed to: 565 Pef year elsewhere midhsg@yahoo.com UaUingi, Ml 4905b Ofba Cti:Ui P.r-d * Middleville Housing Commission, Subscription Hates: S52 yoa( Cfl .6° p-r year in adjoining counties Rebecca P £dllor) Kathy Mautet( P djlor) Brett Btenter^0"-’ Mobile (269) 838-5112 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WANTED Hastings Banner, Inc. FrederiCrJ&8CE°OS Publisher & Gtu New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS l ivcnsu Same Day Installation anIH>'7(> Office (269) 948-2248 In Mired They are 3 to 3.5 hour jobs Monday through Friday when school is in session. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. S1 N M.43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 Nows and press J — Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, irent. The plan proposes investing more than many small businesses struggled to grow and $200 .' billion to increase housing supply and compete globally as a result of the U.S. aging address i the affordable housing crisis. infrastructure, constrained workforce, and a BROADBAND: 8.9 percent ol tax code that benefits large, multinational cor­ Michiganders live in areas where, by one defi­ porations. nition, there is no broadband infrastructure Prior to the pandemic, more than half of that provides minimally acceptable speeds. small business owners said infrastructure And 51.4 percent of residents live in areas investments were crucial to the success of where there is only one such internet provider, 1is;,"' their business; 7 in 10 said they felt it was Even where infrastructure is available, broad­ construction of >■' ■- Health Code (Act important for Congress to fund broadband band may be too expensive to be within reach. 368 of 1978). « ’ « states: “(1) This projects, and nearly two-thirds considered 14.1 percent of Michigan households do no’ code is intends is tent with applica­ local roads and bridges average, poor, or very have an internet subscription. The plan pro­ poor quality. ble federal and state law a d shol| poses to invest $100 billion to bring uni ver a! The American Jobs Plan currently under reliable, high-speed, and affordable coverage stntcd, when nece^'10 achtevc that consis­ tency." The title ol « «» section reads -Intent consideration is intending to reduce small to every family in America. and construction of . business shipping delays by upgrading trans­ CAREGIVING: Across the country’, hun­ The Ugislature- * th« umc m;lde h vcpy portation infrastructure; help “mom-and-pop” dreds of thousands of older adults and people plain that the Public Health Code Act 368 of shops reach new customers by providing uni­ with disabilities are in need of home and com­ 1978 shall not supersede any federal or state versal broadband; and train American workers munity-based services.The plan would invest law. But it was insmukd to pnnccl the heallh for future jobs. $400 billion to help more people access care The plan is proposing direct support to and improve the quality of caregiving job > safety, and welfare ot the peop|e of thi$ sUtc pursuant to Section 2 of MCL 333.1 Hl. In small businesses, including by increasing CHILD CARE: In Michigan, there is an short, this law lh.us lhc Public Health Code access to federal contracts and investing more estimated $1.29 billion gap in what schools of the state of MtclHgan were not intended to than $110 billion in financing and technical need lo do for maintenance and make impro v einterfere, but to be consistent” with other assistance programs that would benefit small ments and 44 percent of residents live in a businesses, including small manufacturers. “childcare desert.” The plan would modernize pre-existing laws, both state and federal. The following priorities for Michigan, as schools and early learning facilities and build The state of Michigan haying its own consti­ new ones in neighborhoods across Michigan tution included in the Michigan Compiled 1 .aw identified in that plan, are as follows: Michigan’s Report Card and the country. is, in fact, state law. in the Michigan For decades, infrastructure in Michigan has MANUFACTURING: Manufacturers Constitution, Article 1 Section 3: “The people have the right peaceably to assemble...” is cod­ suffered from a systemic lack of investment. account for more than 19 percent of total out­ ified and ratified therein. This is not up for The need for action is clear: Michigan’s infra­ put in Michigan, employing 631 DOO workers, debate or conjecture*, it exists for the people’s structure received a D+ grade on its or 14.2 percent of the state’s workforce. The plan would invest $300 billion to retool and benefit. The people of this state trust that the Infrastructure Report Card. ROADS AND BRIDGES: In Michigan, revitalize American manufacturers. government instituted for them and by them HOME ENERGY: In Michigan, an average will remember that the people have rights, 1,219 bridges and more than 7300 miles of highway are in poor condition. Since 2011, low-income family spends 8 to 10 percent ol regardless of circumstances. commute times have increased by 4.6 percent their income on home energy costs, forcing Furthermore, this issue predates the in Michigan and, on average, each driver pays lough choices between paying energy bills Michigan Constitution and is done so by the $644 per year in costs due lo driving on roads and buying food, medicine or other essentials. United States /Constitution in the First in need of repair. The plan would devote more The plan would upgrade low-income homes Amendment. It states. “Congress shall make than $600 billion to transform the nation’s to make them more energy efficient through a no law ... or abridging the freedom of speech, transportation infrastructure, including $115 historic investment in the Weatherization or of the press; or the right of the people peace­ billion for repairing roads and bridges. Assistance Program, a new Clean Energy and ably to assemble, and to petition the govern­ PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Sustainability Accelerator to finance building ment for a redress of grievances.” Peaceably Michiganders who take public transportation improvements, and expanded tax credits lo assembling is a guttfinteed right that the gov­ spend an extra 67.7 percent of their time com­ support home energy upgrades. ernment has no right to molest. Government muting and non-white households are 5.6 CLEAN ENERGY JOBS: As of 2019.there has the duty lo ujihofcsnd protect the same. times more likely to commute via public were 125365 Michiganders working in clean In recent case law in the People v Skinner. transportation; 17 percent of trains and other energy. The plan would invest in creating 502 Mich 89.99; 917 NW2d292 (2018): ”'(SJ transit vehicles in the state arc past their use­ more good paying union jobs to advance clean tatutes are presumed to be constitutional, and ful life. The plan proposes to modernize pub­ energy production by extending and expand­ wc have a duty to construe a statute as consti­ lic transit with an $85 billion investment. ing tax credits for clean energy generation, tutional unless its unconslitutiobaliiy is clearly RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE: From carbon capture and sequestration and clean apparent.’” Id. at 100. quoting |n re: Sanders, 2010 to 2020. Michigan has experienced 19 energy manufacturing. 495 Mich 394.404; 852 NW 2d $24 (2014), in extreme weather events, costing the state up VETERANS HEALTH: Michigan is home tum citing Taylor v Gate Pharm, 468 Mich 1, to $5 billion in damages. The plan calls for to more than 589326 veterans; 73 percent of 6; 658 NW2d 127 (2003). Not only is it clearly $50 billion to improve the resiliency of the whom are women and 53.4 percent of whom apparent that preventing people from gathering infrastructure and support communities’ are over the age of 65. The plan is calling for $18 billion to improve the infrastructure of is unconstitutional. Public Health Code Act recovery from disaster. 368 of 1978, makes it clear that it'was never DRINKING WATER: Over the next 20 Veterans Administration health care facilities intended to do so. years, Michigan’s drinking water infrastruc­ to ensure the delivery of world-class, state-ofIn conclusion, MCL 333.2253 Section (1) is ture will require $13 billion in additional the-art care to veterans enrolled in the VA repugnant to the Constitution of the United funding. The plan includes a $111 billion health care system. This includes improve­ States and the Constitution of the state of investment to ensure clean, safe drinking ments to ensure appropriate care for women and older veterans. Michigan of 1963 and Michigan Compiled water as a right in all communities. HOUSING: In part due to a lack of avail­ Law (MCL 333.1111). - From the American Jobs Plan fact sheet at MCL 333.2253 section (1) should have by able and affordable housing. 514,000 renters no means passed the Legislature 6r been in Michigan are rent burdened, meaning they whitchouse.gov. signed into law. Humans are not infallible. spend more than 30 percent of their income on Mistakes are made by people with good inten­ tions and this is one of those times. Given the facts stated in this writing, it is clear that a course correction is needed in regard to MCL333.2253 Section (I). It was flawed from the day that it was authored and Licensed Master Plumber Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by _______ ... The need for action in Michigan: The American Jobs Plan me without my permission. The Hastings _______ _ L 1/ l’ ‘ Whilst Cleaners Pick-Up Station �Pmo 6 - Thursday, April 15. 2021 - TM> fUn™ Hastings township amends cemetery ordinance, allowing for six burials per plot Sophie But** Staffs titer ... rhe Hastings Township Cemetery ",H n(]w allow lor up to six burials per p o » c 1 township boanl appnned the change at its ineehns Tkicsday evening. More specifically. burial Plo,s n“> up to fisc cremated remains - called creniains” - and one regular bunal. or MMotal ciemains. . . . Prior to the change, the cemetery only allots cd for one recular bunal and one ere­ mains per plot. .... .. Only one headstone will be allowed per plot, though, even if it contains more than one set ot remains; residents can indicate multiple rem litre on a plot using markers that are flat to the ground or by adding multiple names to the headstone. , Jr • Only one (head [stone is allowed tor this. 1 mean. tbev’iv only buy ing a spot 4-foot wide and 9-foot long.** Township Clerk Anita Mennell said. “We only allow for one head­ stone. “So, if they’d like to have other markers, they’d have to be flat on the ground. We don’t want multiple headstones going back behind. They would have to realize that, if you want to [have multiple remains on a plot), you’d better buy a really big [headjstone to tit all the names.” Township Supervisor Jim Brown said the timing of the amendment is appropriate. “.More people are being cremated, so 1 think it’s something we’d be smart to update in the ordinance.’’ Brown said, “so we don’t look back and wish we had done this sooner.” The tow nship board also discussed mainte­ nance and improvements in the cemetery. After louring the McKeown Road cemetery with representatives from Hallifax Services, which prov ides cemetery maintenance. Brown and Mennell said they saw several overgrown bushes, shrubs and trees in need of removal. Hallifax Services estimated an $1,800 price tag for the removal as well as new seeding. They also noticed some cemetery visitors are cutting comers too tightly, sometimes hit­ ting grave sites or the cemetery’s fencing. To help remedy the problem, Brown and Mennell suggested the township purchase 17 large boulders to be placed al the corners of the cemetery’s drives, io prevent damage from vehicles. When you go into the cemetery and drive around, you go across some corners here and there - very tight [corners) I will admit,” Brown said. “People cut it too short and run over graves or whatever, so the idea was to put something there that people couldn’t hurt. And one of them was to gel some seri­ ous-sized boulders.” Mennell said the rocks would cost $80 per ton with a $125 delivery fee. However, because she does not know how much the boulders will weigh, estimating a precise cost is difficult. The township board approved up to $5.(XX) for both the purchase of boulders and land­ scaping. Additionally, Mennell and township Treasurer Jenee Phillips requested funds to punchase new computers for township opera­ tions. “Jenee and 1 would like to have new com­ puters for our workstations. Jenee’s computer was purchased in 2013. Il is starting to go slow. Her operating speed is 6 gigabytes, now they’re recommending 8. She doesn’t use hardly any of the memory that she has on there, but the processing unit is quite old, too, and is going slow,” Mennell said. “My com­ puter was purchased in March of 2014. My processor is a 3 and now they say, you should have a 5 or a 6. I’m working on 4 gigabytes of RAM [random-access memory’, where data is stored when the computer is on]. “I need double the RAM.” Mennell said it would cost $815 for Phillips’ new computer, which would include a hard drive, keyboard, new monitor and Microsoft Office software. Menncll’s computer — including a hard drive, new keyboard, mouse and Microsoft Office software — would cost $690. The board approved up to $ 1,600 for the two new computers. In other news, the hoard: Approved paying $200 to Consumers Energy for the installation of streetlights on River Road. Approved payment of $13,375 for general township expenses, including board pay and utility costs. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmcfr gmailcom- Website: www, hastingsfreenietliodLst.com. Pastor Brian Teed. Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director. Martha Stoetze!. Sunday Morning W’orship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery* is remains closed. Weekly activity bags forchilnen arc available in the 9 am. service and Kids Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.ni. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m ; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindcrgartcn-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8Q04 for information. 301 E. State Rd.. P.O. Box 273. Hastings. Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifcgatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. Olmstead. (269) church phone. Service: 10 a.m. 758-3021 Sunday 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway. Hastings. Ml 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday. 9:45 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765, (comer of Mito Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton. Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool. (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses^_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A- exfob Hmsniioi UIHtHfil&sl 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058.( 945-4700 Douglas James Travis, „ Woodland, born on December ‘A .nA’ of welcomed into our Lord and Sivi.ir Was Friday, March 19.2021 at home JZl"5.0” by his loving family and friend/’"!?1 courageously fought a 4-year butt,’. . • . Mantle B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lvrnnh*11.' We are consoled in knowing D„ug longer in pain and is whole again. Geoffrey G. Ketchum. ?3, °f Hastings, Doug attended Hastings Area Schools -ln,| passed away on April 7,2021 • Lori Lynn (Evans) Holmes, age 60. of I’f'iduated from Hastings High School in Geoffrey was born on September 19, Delton, passed away on .April 8. 2021 at 1947. the son of G. Min<»r and Lucinda . A8-. Ile was a devoted son. brother, uncle Ascension Borgcss Hospital in Kalamazoo. hither, husband, grandfather, and friend (Brinkworth) Ketchum. He was a 1966 Lori was bom on April 30. I960 in Doug most loved being called Dad and Opa graduate of Hastings High School. On Kalamazoo to Samuel and Glenda (Peck) Doug is survived by his loving wife of 2] March 20, 1967. Geoffrey married Cynthia Evans. She worked for MSC for 18 years as S. Lewis, and they enjoyed 38 >'cars together years Deanna; daughters, Oakley (Terry) an inside sales supervisor, and at Vanguard Schneider of Pewamo; Beret Miller (Karsten for three years as an accountant. Lori was a until her death in 2005. Price) of Lake Odessa, and Gracie Travis of dedicated member of Doster Community Geoffrey was the owner an^ president of Woodland; grandchildren, Hazel. Herman, Reformed Church where she served as a Ketchum Machine Company f°r many years, and Langston; father, Jasper (Sharon) Travis Sunday school teacher, treasurer, and which he founded with his father. He of Hastings; sister, Janicc(Brian)VanAman deacon. She was a published gospel artist proudly served in country' as a reserve in the of Hastings; brothers, Jerry’ (Kate) Travis of and sang in the church choir and also as a Coast Guard. His hobbies included drag Bonne Terre, MO, and Bryan(Lisa)Travis of soloist. racing and tinkering with Buicks. He started Hastings; nieces and nephews include. Lori was an artist and was interested in Finish Line .Motorsports w ith his son-in-law painting and glass art. Shu was also an art Amber, Lindsay. Ashley. BJ. Amelia and Bobb to fund the racing habit. In his younger scholarship recipient, in her spare time, she Meg. He is also survived by Anita (Jerry) years, he enjoyed boatingliked stamping, reading, watching sci-fi, Lyons and dear cousins Rick (Lisa) Cullers Geoflrey was preceded in death by his collecting angel sculptures, travelling, and and Donald Cullers. The circle of friends wife. Cynthia S. (Lewis) Ketchum and his enjoying the occasional fancy cocktail. that have loved Doug that are most parents. G. Minor and Lucinda (Brinkworth) Lori was a very stylish person and was deserving to be included are too numerous to Ketchum. list. very proud ot her nail an. She could always He is survived by hi'* daughter. Amy be seen wearing jewelry , and was especially Doug was preceded in death by his (Robert) Makley; sons. Trevor (Tina) fond of her Black Hills Gold pieces. mother. Arlita Ann Travis; niece, Amy Lynn Ketchum. Aaron Ketchum, grandchildrun Most important to I_ori was her family, VanAman; sister-in-law. Gloria Travis; Anthony (Alexis) Makley, Kaitlyn Ketchum. especially her children and grandchildren grandparents. Comelious and Viola Cappon Jarred Ketchum. Amaftda (Joe) Ketchum. who will miss her vibranl wit and sense of and Wilson and Bonnie Travis. Natalie Ketchum, Nicole Ketchum, and four humor. Doug was a devoted family man that great-grandchildren. Lori will be dearly missed by her husband, enjoyed spending his spare time with his In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions Elwin “Al” Holmes; children. Dary l Claffey, children and grandchildren. He loved to can be made to the National Multiple Amanda (Travis) Nesmith. Samantha (Jesse) ride his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and Sclerosis Society. :P.O. Box 91891. Young. Elwin “Jay” (Mindy) Holmes. Erika the loud pipes could be heard miles away. Washington DC 20090-1891 or online at (Derek) Wykstra; nine grandchildren: one He also enjoyed spending time on Podunk https:/6vw wmationalmfciKicty.org/Donatu. great-grandchild: brothers. Jeff Evans. Kirk Lake with the Donovan family prior to Visitation was frrfd on Friday, April 9, Evans, Scott Evans; many nieces and moving to a small hobby farm in Freeport. 2021 from at Gitfbach Iiineral Home. 328 S. nephews. He also spent many hours in the bam having Broadway. Ikn/tngs, Michigan 49058 with a A memorial service for Lori will be held heart to heart talks with his daughters trying memorial service that followed. on Thursday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at Doster to solve the world ’ s problems. Arrangements by Giirbach Funeral Home. Community Reformed Church with Pastor He enjoyed attending Yutzy Auctions with To leave an online condolence visit uvvw. Rick Christy and Pastor Steve Slater his wife and his dear friends the Trudgeon girrbachfun0mlhome.net. officiating. Interment will take place in Fort family. Doug loved his family trips to Custer National Cemetery. Alabama lo spend the week by the ocean Memorial contributions may be made to with another dear found Trudy and her St. Jude’s. Wounded Warriors, or Doster family. He also loved the camping trips lo Community Reformed Church. Irons with the Snore family. Cherie. Mary Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. and Neil. com to share a memory or leave a Doug proudly attended band concerts, condolence message for Lori’s family. choir concerts, volleyball and track events. He was extremely proud of his girls! Honoring Doug’s wishes he has donated his body to science with the /Xnalomical Gift of Life Program al The University of Michigan in hopes of getting closer to a cure for all types of cancers. 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050.* Pastor. Steve WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690 8609. Lori id^pHofmes__ PLEAS ANT VIEW FAMILY CHURCH WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) Geoffrey Ga/e Ketchum, 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 HASTINGS Joshua Lee Perry, ace 3L ot Hastings. Michigan, passed *awa*v unexpectedly on April 12. 2021 due to a pre-existing medical condition. Josh was bom on March 19. 1990 in Grand Rapids. dle soll of Ji™ Lee Perry and Betty t Beauchamp) Elliott. Josh was a 2009 <»raduate of Hastings High School He "worked at K-Mart. McDonald’s and J&|| Seryicc Station. Josh was friendly and loved even°ne. He loved music and enjoyed plaving video games with his group of friends He t0 work T/ fish. He had a collection of tatloos’ ., loved spending iime v, friends and family and was well-known and likeable. Josh was preceded in death by his lather and grandparents. He is survived bv his mother, sisters* Jaime (Shaun) p..5. Brandy (Mike) Staudenmeycr, llalcv ' FllioU- aiecc" a, nephews, Aiden. BrLton. Ri,d>'nn 7 many o.her ni.’t d nepl>e«s. aim >. -ele... cousins close inendc brothers and siMejx.; . . A memorial vis,? -11 will Friday, April t6.' , 4 to 7 Pf Girrbach Funeral |A1 VS S. Broadway. ol Josh s life hcin , |.llcr date Arrangcnii-nts b?//' 1' ' ll riliu'i:i ""'V T‘> Ivavc an o.hiV',rl ±e vi>i« girrbaehrunera||l()lhi;^'ld' AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM Young Klndergarten/KIndergarten registration will take place at the Community Education and Recreation Center, 520 W. South Street, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m, on Thursday, April 29, 2021. Enrollment forms are now available online at our website yf\¥WJias$k12,Qj:g, at the administration office or at any elementary building. Parents will need to bring: • Certified State copy of birth certificate • Updated immunization records and • Proof of residency. Children must be five years old before September 1, 2021. However, if a child will be five years old before December 1, 2021, he/she can still attend school with an approved waiver. BY STATE LAW immunizations and vision and hearing testing must be complete before school attendance in the fall. At the time of registration, parents will also be given an appointment for the vision and hearing test. �j fl'3"’1' ">■ iKri ,!»< fl loo* ta* at the stories TURNING BACK THE PAGES j County’s oldest Civil War veteran siso was one of the youngest Tho Hastings Banner — Thursday. April 15. 2021 -- Page 7 Cavahv mu-h’11’Rebber ti„„ a month' Ihe remnant’s cn'b |:,,>g m MiVs„ '> included scouting •'"ll1. ,|,e U'"‘ "Me it, "’ K1" »' the war pioi.’t^.* Jl'mngh Arkansas, ,l*’|(lj Kentucky ’Georgia. North Carolina • .() He re -nh^cd h>r "’Pany May 6. 1864. and • ^fincssce. before mustering «ul . „econd vnijM ‘ Another record >h<ovsh«s-^ ^ntiwiMny 1864 until hd> lf>, his tJaj During (ho^ > , 42nd a8c/2.had joined Co • ^i. irg1’1* ‘,Une V) n^,nlry» brother. I3> s,f. aVy ArtiHe ( ; D of the Wisconsin Ist -j ,\ugust |}2r erving from October 1863 n ()j* After sceuif n f jr(1 'S »nth. human Webber e.di^a-s. Itll^ 5 1866. joining ’he s (hen ‘ and serving in *‘1Ic wa*^d « the Western Ierr,tOpL Fred Stevic<"harged June 15. 1869. from 1 ,p i f le. near whnt is now Sinclair. ' ‘ ,,f p2 b“i,t in 1868 where ' crossed the N""11 , e, ^he Rnilroa<1 " Hr’ abandoned less than 20 yeor> , t0 . Webber return^ '^consm and mayhave married a t le ,asl ’’nine of Greene in October ‘ • so the marriage did not last long B> .. } U.S. Census, he was single. 22. and'^rk’ng as a fiirni laborer hjr a rieighlmrmg family in Primrose. Dane County, Wis. the lad from drowning. He [Smith J was severely injured.' census in the summer of 1870 shows Mary Juhane "Julia- IJespins. are 16 >f I •.encl, Canadian desrcnl. living wiu, । cr’ parents u> Red R.ver, Kewaunet C<)u„, The Webber family moved a few times, living in various small towns in Wisconsin. Aller his wife died in 1899 and was buried in the same cemetery as Daisy, Weblxrr left the Badger slate. By the next year, he had met Mary (Zuvers) Hewitt/Thcy were married in Chicago in 1900. adding yet another geographic location to his life story. One account says Truman and his wife moved to Maple Grove Iownship, Barry County, in about 1905. The Hammond limes, in Like County. Indiana. Dec. 24. 1920, under the Merrillville neighborhood heading noted that “T O. Webber was calling on old friends Wednesday.” Since Merrillville is in suburban Chicago, perhaps he lived in that vicinity in the early 1900s before moving to Michigan. Mrs. Hewitt and her first husband were married in Like County. Indiana, in 1880. and later divorced. How she and Webber met is yet another question online resources may never be able to answer. To be continued ... r. r ,o,l:ly’ fro"> Primrose. Ihe lollowing Winter, however in lebniary 1871. Webber and Juba ik;pin? Were married in Brown Couniy. Wis How they met and how long they courted mav be known only to diose who’ve Ion,- depan«i nunan and Julia would have lour children: Maty l.uella "Lulu.” lidwin and Kathryn, who lived to adulthood, and Daisv ^'ho was bom in 1880 and died in I IS buried at Riverside Cemetery' ij Wrightstown. W,s.. a small cemetery near a bridge that crosses the Fox River. Webber was near another bridge over the Fox River six years later when he saved the hfe of another child. The Vernon Connie C enwr. out of Viroqua. Wis.. told of Webber’s heroics in its Nov. 23. 1898. issue. Boy\Narrow Escape While two hoys were quarrelinii on ihe Fox River bridge over ihe Little Chute rapids near Appleton, Lewis Smith, a^e It), wa\ thrown into the river, falling nine feet and striking on solid rack bottom, where the water was shallow, hut where the swift current mijjht have been fatal. T.O. Webber <>f Wrightstown, who wax riding by, rescued More protesting planned against proposed gravel pit Pralri®ville Township’s new police chief to begin May 1 Sean Bradlev Staff Writer f Additional detail> jave been disclosed regarding the contract Kevin Callahan signed with Prairieville Township to become ils*ncw Fort Fred Steele, just north of 1-80, was the final military assignment and the end of three enlistments in the U.S. Civil War for Truman O. Webber. By the time he left Wyoming, he’d been a soldier for eight years - and was all of 21 years old. (Roadtnppers.com image) Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Truman O. Webber was believed lo be the oldest U.S. Civil War veteran in Barry County lor several years before his death in 1941 at the age of 93. Hugh McLaughlin, featured in this column May 9, 2019, died two years later al 103. McLaughlin reportedly had served in the Civil War. took part in several battles and was wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg. However, because of various circumstances, he never received official papers verify ing his military service. Proof of Truman Webber’s military service - three separate enlistments - is undisputed and can be found online today, along with vital data and even anecdotes and stories. But that doesn’t make his life story any easier to clearly retell. Some of the information evokes more questions than answers about the man who was bom 173 years ago this week. One question: What brought this NewYork Stale native and Wisconsin farm boy to Barry Couniy midway through his long life? Another: Did his middle initial O. stand for anything, or was it just O.? Did he marry twice, or three times? Was he indeed buried in Clawson, as his obituary stated and later interred in Barry County? Other questions evolve from contrasting or inconsistent records. A 1918 newspaper article tells how a chance encounter by a stranger in Belvidere. III., led to Webber meeting his sister after 50 years, each having thought the other dead. That article is wrought with issues of its own: The woman in the article was identified as Mary Atwater, but his only sister. Ellenora or Ella, was married just once, to Sidney Pierce, and lived in Merrillville. Ind. The article also said Mrs. Atwater’s husband had come to Hastings to verify the connection, but Mr Pierce, the husband of Webber’s sister, had died 13 years earlier. , , Webber had half-sisters and at least one stepsister but none who match the name, location or dates given. His mother had lived in Belvidere. Ill- and his second wile was n uned Mary (as was his eldest daughter and his son’s wife). SO perhaps some of the details related to the heartwarming reunion were mlXEven without this story of the chance encounter. Webber’s life was peppered with interesting tidbits and experiences He was the second of three chddren born C^^i^H’dl) Webber in Urie Snt'y. NX SX,a..d cUo m w isr&Bsxsig i:||;i .inj (heir Borden, and the ltrs more step s.arc recorded in the younger brother z p<t.(er Wis. July 3. A month la L • - * j, I860, the trio also (heir mother and Wis- some 70 nnlus away to the 22nd and 24th president, apparently was not of importance to hi % father, who bore the middle name. “Unique distinctions lent interest to other families of the area .’’reads the 1948 Centennial History of Springdale Township. Dane County, Wisconsin, edited by Amelia Irene Johnson Pope. “There was a Webber family, for instance. Marlin Cleveland Webber was a first cousin of President Grover Cleveland, but the hard-headed M.C. was wont to say: ‘That’s no credit lo either one of us.’” That same 1948 publication also touched on the military contributions of Marlin. Truman and George Webber, but that. too. raises questions. “In the Webber family, grandfather, father and two sons served in the Civil War.” the commemorative publication continued. “George Webber was the youngest Wisconsin soldier in the war, his fine physique enabling him lo gel by under 14. r\nd once when Truman Webber was carrying a wounded comrade off the field, the southern soldiers ceased firing and applauded his courage.” Marlin and his iwo sons enlisted during the Civil War. However. Marlin’s dad, Hosea, died in 1853 in Erie County, N.Y.. perhaps prompting the family’s move westward. Truman's maternal grandfather. Truman Hall, would have been 63 when the war broke out, so if he indeed was the grandfather mentioned, he would have been from Truman's maternal side - and a senior soldier, at that. An article written after Truman’s 1941 death claimed he was 13 when the Civil War began, but passed as an older teen, given his size. Another article noted that after two years in the sen-ice. Truman induced his father and brother to join. Two years his junior. George also would have been 13 when he joined the ranks. Military records list Truman as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and George 5 feet. 8 inches, ‘When but 13 years old. Mr. Webber left home and enlisted in Co. F of the First Wisconsin Cavalry al Madison. Wis., in 1861, the Sept. 11, 1941. Banner noted in an article after Webber’s death. “Since he was large for his age. he was successful in making the recruiting officers think he was old enough to enter the service He was honorably discharged from the service July 24. 1865. in Edgefield, Tenn., a ter taking part in several important engagements - Murfreesboro. Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain. Stones River and J1., Cwla” one ot Ihe lasl ballles °l War. Mr. Webber also was a member of one of the regiments present when Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, was tapluadat Irwinsvitlc,Ga„ May 10, 1865 ... ( b hi °i <,hc 8rca,csl pleasures of Mr. Webber s hie was ,<> mcount his varied experiences of the war. and he took pride in County‘ CiVH War At least one military reeord lists his txxupauon as that of a blacksmith. However Xn^ktol’? I 'S' Cen'"S rucords- fanning is f . •. i <kv 7eul>-'lion. Two exceptions arc in I JOO. when he is listed •>». •» j- • i । in Wrightsville, Wis., and 1920 « ‘ p' when he was workinc ds i.„ . 7 worker al the Wool Hoot |.iicl0 near where adnos ,s today and about five blocks front Ins home on East Madison Sheet Getting back to his teen scars Altcr month', ol reermtmg. the |M Wisconsin police chief. . Callahan. 52. and a Prairieville Township resident, signed the contract March 31, and it officially takes eflect April 26. Both Callahan and Prairieville Township Clerk Rod Goebel confirmed that Callahan will start in the role on Saturday, May 1. “Mr. Callahan intended to start the 26th, but Priority Health was going to charge us a full month premium for the balance of April. He agreed to wait until May to start.” Goebel wrote in an email message Tuesday. Priority Health, the health insurance pro­ vider for the township, would have charged the township approximately $1,900 for the month of/Xpril to cover the family healthcare plan that Callahan and the township agreed on. But. if Callahan hail started work on April u’ l"al fU amount Wou,d sl‘H have been charged, even though it was covering one week. Goebel said. Ihe township will pay for all medical expenses for Callahan, his wife and their four children; this amount was confirmed lasl month at $22,406 annually. Callahan will have three weeks of paid vacation time, according to the contract. He also will have eight paid personal leave or sick leave days. The contract confirmed other previously reported information, such as that Callahan will have a one-year agreement with the township for an annual salary- of $50,000. Callahan will be responsible for paying any medical co-pays or deductible amounts, according to the contract. He is replacing William Thompson, who retired last month after 32 years as a police officer, with the past 13 years of that senice in Prairieville Township. Family Promise celebrating volunteers Satartay Family Promise of Barry County will host a “CAR-nival” in the parking Ipt at First Presby terian Church, 405 N. M-371 Hastings, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday . April 17. The local nonprofit assists families who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, by providing shelter and/or mentoring to help them get back on their feel as they create a stable environment. Everyone is invited to this drive-through, low-contact “CAR-nival” to celebrate volun­ teers Children will be able to play camival-typc games from a vehicle window. Prizes, balloon animals, cotton candy, slushies all will be part of the event, and kids will get a chance to meet a superhero. Anyone is welcome to decorate a vehicle in a superhero theme for a car costume contest. Decorated vehicles should go to the church during the CAR-nival to register the vehicle and have its picture taken. Photos of all regis­ tered cars will be posted on the Family Promise Facebook page forjudging. The three cars with the most votes will win various priz­ es from local businesses. Additionally, for each vehicle that enters the contest. $20 will be donated to Family Promise by Kara Hollars at Miller Real Estate and by Rick Reed Builders. Nicholas Robert Goodman. Chelsea and Voting will be open from 3 p.m. April 17 to Theresa Grace Feldpausch, Hastings midnight April 21 on the FPBC Facebook Christopher Ryan Grondman. Freeport and page. Brittany Dean McKay, Freeport ©ity of Hastings notice of public hearing ON ORDINANCE NO. 601 The Planning Commission will hold _ pub|ic Hearing for the purpose of hoorina written and/or oral comments fr«m the public concerning adding Action 90-930 to the City of Hastings Mun cipalCode regarding supplement narking requirements in non-residential । districts. The public hearing will be hsid on M°nday May 3> 2021 at 7:?° PM". л e to oatbering limitations from the State of public is asked to join the meeting rtinllv Please check the City of Hastings Vl heite at w.ww.hastingsrnLgrg or contact CH? Hall at 269-945-2468 for details. ah Sean Bradley Staff Writer Another protest against a proposed gravel pit in Hope Township is expected before the township planning commission meeting tonight. Allegan-based excavating contractor R. Smith and Sons submitted a request last year lo the planning commission for a special use permit to mine for gravel on 139 acres of a 153-acre property owned by the company at 8409 Miller Road on a portion of Wilkinson Lake, since the property is not zoned for that use. The protest is planned to begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hope Township Hall at 5463 S. M-43 Highway, Hastings. The planning commission meeting has a 6:30 p.m. start time. “What wc wanted lo make sure with this (last) one is that the planning commission knows this wasn’t just a flash in the pan.” David Ellyalt. owner of a home on Wilkinson Like and noted opponent of the proposal, said Monday. The protests are expected to continue until the planning commission makes a decision on the proposal, he said. . Last month, more than 50 people demon­ ’ strated against iheLproposal before the plan­ ning commission meeting. 'Hie planning commission voted last month to obtain an environmental impact study and other information before making a decision. interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. a z.r>nv of this information is available for A Khc inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM м dav ihr0U9h Friday at the Office of the Clirk. 201 East State Street. Hastings, Clt<,'n 49058. Michigan ritv t*'11 Provide necessary reasonable Tdt and services upon five days notice to ud-tincis city Clerk (telephone number 269­ 945 S) or TDD call relay services 1-800­ tu 649-3777Jane M. Snurman City Clerk Maniage Jgcenses CARLTON TOWNSHIP BOARD Serving Carlton Township since 1842 85 Welcome Road Hastings, Ml 49058 PH: (269) 945-5990 Fax: (269) 945-9571 Bradley Carpenter, Supervisor Carlton Township Board is accepting sealed bids from licensed contractors for the following work at the Carlton Township Hall, located at 85 Welcome Road, Hastings, Ml 49058: Boot Standing Seam 26-gauge color TBD Windows Double Hung complete replacement entire building Stationary entry sides Equal to: - Simonton U-rated-pro finish-low argon - Anderson Pro - Thermatru fiberglass smooth stan Air System-_MlnLSpllts 2 Units: one for office area . and one for^rneet Ing room, sized in accordance with rfca| sizes. Estimate to Include necessary work for these units. Bids to be sealed andd ^^olt trough Renovations and can be aropp Carlton Township Hall door s o . * will be accepted for Separate bids or contractor . each portion ol the b^tn 6:00 pm, June 14, All blds will be accepted until o p 2021. _ an appointment, contact For further inquiries q2Q,2536 or Brad Carpenter at (^o»/ carlton(owffKhil>onL �Page 8 - Tbu^ay. Apd. 15. Ml - MANAGER, continued from page 1 I've done in the two previous interim man. g r positions lhat I’ve heW goal of having a ver) sirexj . between permanent managers. <?u'lscho . said. "So.« hat I’m inlereMed what von should be iniercsled do — is to make sure that from ot city government operations. »c ™ * ' to as the public is eonvx-med as far as the business community ts con“"!^\h<»*iM as citv Staff is concerned, they realy she uld see that this is a sm<x«h transuion period that there is stabiliiv that they can have confidence in. My approach to that is to try and make sure that 1 am kind of stepping into Mr. Cnmecki s '"'^Obviouslv. there might be some slight differences in our management style," he added, “but my approach is to minimize those nccs S° as *° not create a disruption in the organization.” Guetschow* will be paid $80 per hour, mile age reimbursement and he also will be reim nursed for business expenses he incurs during his service to the city. Retschow said he likely will work between t and 40 hours per work, three to four days each week. lhc council is expecting to hear from the Michigan Municipal League in July about candidates for the permanent city manager position. If the council members find a candidate they like in the first round, Guetschow would leave his position after a transitional period. It they don’t find a good candidate in the first round. Guetschow will continue in the interim post until the city finds a replacement. Tile city council unanimously approved Judge orders tethers to remain for Null brothers T\vo area men lacing charges for an alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year will remain tethered as part of bond conditions set by the court, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced in a press release Wednesday. Judge Michael Stepka of the 86th District Court in Grand Traverse County ruled that global positioning system (GPS) tethers must remain in effect for Wolverine Watchmen defendants Michael and William Null. “These men were allegedly part of a complex plot to kidnap and harm the governor.” Nessel said. “The severity of these crimes and the disregard the defendants display for our institutions of government, warrant close monitoring by the courts.” Michael Null, 38. of Plainwell and William Null. 38, of Shelbyville, were both charged with providing material support for terrorist acts, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; a felony firearm, a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively. Judge Stepka indicated he would rescind the curfew and house arrest portion of the bond condition while maintaining GPS monitoring. dlohe. QdleAAa Elaine Garlock The Red Cross was in town Monday for a blood drive. One of the largest displays of seasonal daffodils is along Emerson Street at the comer of Pleasant Street. Hyacinths and crocus arc plentiful. Rhubarb plants are up a few inches but not yet ready to harvest. Trees are getting their leaves. A guest pastor from Hospice in Kalamazoo was the speaker at Central United Methodist Church Sunday. During the service, announcement was made that the incoming pastor in July will be the Rev. Paul Roesslerr, whose home has been at Wayland. He and his wife will be occupying the parsonage on Sixth Avenue. A new garage/storage building has been built on Arden Drive west of Willowbrook on the west edge of town. Saturday’s Reminder had an article about new s from Spanow Hospital. New ly appointed members of the governing board of the health system are Brian Calley and Dr. Lisa Sharpe. Brian is our former lieutenant governor under Rick Snyder and son-in-law' of Marge and the late Ronald Powell of Ronald Township, husband of Julie Powell Calley. Now on the Sparrow Hospital board among others, is Deborah Ginsberg who was known here as Debbie Leslie, first daughter of the late Joseph Leslie and Marilyn Leslie Cortney. Debbie graduated from Lakewood High School in 1968. Her husband was Ira Ginsberg. Debbie is president of Sparrow- Women’s Board of Managers. BARRY COUNTY SOLID WASTE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE (RECYCLING COORDINATOR) The Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee (SWOC) invites qualified individuals or firms to submit proposals for consulting services related to recycling and handling of solid waste in Barry County, Michigan. These services include tasks related to: • Administrative assistance to the SWOC • Solid waste management planning assistance • Household hazardous waste disposal event assistance • Recycling outreach and education to county residents • Assistance to local units of government Those wishing to respond may obtain a copy of the full RFP by contacting Amanda Robins at the Barry-Eaton District Health Department via phone at 269.945.9516 or email atARobins@bedhd.org . All proposals are due no later than 4:00 pm, on April 30, 2021. Electronic submissions to ARobjns@bedhd.org are encouraged, but proposals may also be submitted to: Amanda Robins, Barry-Eaton District Health Department 330 W. Woodlawn Ave, Hastings, Ml 49058. Specific questions regarding the RFP may be directed to the Solid Waste Oversight Committee via Amanda Robins at the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, by phone at 269.945.9516 or by email at ARobins@ bedhd.Qifl- Guctschow’s An . During moved forward ys and Hasting, . ,ri| new ordinances - called HOPS “ .social distriq ‘Die council mI social district per­ mits for Kloosi^P^^rts ’IaP a«d ™Ie. Seasonal Grille Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro. But ” tliesc establishments may begin selii^S10l in lhc social distnet they by 'he Michigan LiqlJOr . commission. Council ntetnt^°nX completed the first reading of tw0 ‘ * jhe first includes an amendment chJw^th’tl *DU,d a,,ow max’ tnium building he'iX n the central business district 10 “’'Cixtd'i'hec'jnvnl Until of 40 feet, if a special land.u,, nerrnit is issued by the city. c P" The second ordinance allows for keeping chickens tn the city, residential distnets. Council members took the opportunity to express concerns about the legislation. Councilman Don B(,wers said he doesn’t agree that chicks should be allowed in the city and, along u-th Councilwoman Brenda McNabb-Stange, Said he has concerns about the city’s ability to cnforce the regulations — relating to fencing and coops, sanitary condi­ tions, the number of chickens allowed on a property and more — as outlined in the ordi­ nance. “I moved into ihc cjty from the farm. One of the criteria was so j wouldn’t run into all these farm animals. And I think that’s just a terrible, terrible situation to open up Pandora’s box.” Bowers said. “I can go around and show you places and p|accs anj places (in the city] where the ordinances are being violated. I just think it’s a farce.” Councilwoman Therese Maupin-Moore advocated for the keeping of ducks to be included in the legislation, citing an opportu­ nity for youngsters living in the city to raise and show animals at fairs. ”A lot of times, the city kids don’t get to show animals at the fair, and this is one of the things that they could do to be able to show chickens and ducks - and meat ducks espe­ cially, Maupin-Moore said. ”1 think we should really consider that and give those kids the option to be able to raise them and take them to the fair.” Comments will be further addressed in two weeks when the city council meets again for a second reading and potential adoption of the two ordinances. Additionally, Julie Fauncc, the event coor­ dinator for Barr) County Relay for Life, requested the city’s approval for vendors to sell products during the Relay for Life event Aug. 7 at Tyden Park. Faunce brought the request to the council in hopes that having vendors in the park will attract attention tothe Relay for Life. Vendors will pay a fee to the Relay for Life to set up their booths. * “I’m realty looking for ways to draw peo­ ple to the downtown to the park and to part of the relay* Faunce said. “The American Cancer Society has a strict (COV1D-19] poli­ cy as well, and they will be the deciding factor whether we’re going to have an in-person event by July 15. So they very well could not have this event al all. It depends on what’s going on.” The council approved the request under direction from city staff. In other business, the council: Approved an amendment to the wastewater services agreement between the City of Hastings and Rutland Charter Township, which extends the existing contract for 30 years. Extended Airport Manager Mark Noteboom’s contract for three years, giving Noteboom time to choose and train his replacement, since he plans to leave the posi­ tion after a new airport manager is in place. Extended a real estate agreement for 128 N. Michigan, the former Moose Lodge site, until May 31. Renewed an existing contract between the city and WOW Internet Cable and Phone for 10 years. Approved a Prein&Nc*’^ ProP°sa* f°r design engineering maintenance and improve­ ment of the north and soU^ water lowcrsWork will include specialized contractors sealing the tanks from inside rePai"linS the towers and checkins and repairing other parts of the structures. The pro)601 is !° cost $292,000 and will be let out foribidding. The city paid Prein&Newhof $12^00 for the design proposal, which also will include per­ mit applications, project administration and bidding assistance - . . Approved a revised farmed Retirement System Hybrid and Defined Benefits city employees will rcce|Ve L. disability retirement while nn short-tenn disam i y leave, workers-^a^on admtntsua. live leave. Man dies in motorcycle crash , it ^rtjZ^^{nounced dead at th -A ’7'>Caf'old man “ P^ettt on M-179 the scene ot a motorcyc'e “ April 11 • neBt^8eR0aUa' said the moto^v.?’'"''5' Sheri,f5^ad wh'le 8oin8 motorcycle went off the r°’“ ,rce. Both around a curve and eras'*4werc ejected. “Sasssfr.. . ^Doctor Universe Burning defense system Hey, Dr. Universe: Why do we humans vet , ^are,,uti,llll..illnl,^hUrn' wh'n 0!>vyn, B, Indiana Dear Gavyn, Humans need sunlight to help keen their bones, blood and other tjy ^tems healthy, but loo much lime in the sun can sometimes leave people with a sunbum Sunburns often strike when the body rck too much of a type of light, called ultravio­ let light, from the Sun. As your body recog­ nizes there is loo much ultraviolet light, it turns on a defense system. The immune system, which responds to invaders like viruses and other harmful things like ultra­ violet light, kicks in. Some people might sec their skin get red or blistered. They might feel itchy or painful. But not everyone experiences sunbum in quite the same way. A big pan of the answer to your question also has to do with human cells. My friend Cynthia Cooper, a researcher at Washington State University, knows a lot about cells and how (hey work. She said the human body is made up of billions of cells, and they do all kinds of different jobs. Some cells help us get ener­ gy from food, some cells help us grow hair, and other cells in the skin can even make something like a shield that protects us from the Sun’s ultraviolet rays. These natural shields are what scientists call melanin, a kind of dark pigment. You may remember that pigments are colors we find in nature. Melanin is also part of what gives human beings their skin color. You can think of the melanin-making cells in your body like a hand with fingers reaching out to the neighbor cells called keratinocytcs. The “fingers” of a mela- i Im mss melanin to nin-making cell can hdP ’ same |inle. several keratinocytcs a melanin Then, the keratinocytes can mo to the cell’s control center. I te K,.cause This nucleus is really im|><>^‘" it protects your DNA. which co < instructions vour body needs lo g ‘ develop. DNA has all the information that makes you. well, you. . .e “The melanin almost acts like a i e flying-saucer that hovers over the nucleus. Cooper said. “Il reflects the ultraviolet rays to protect the DNA from damage.’ So, if you don’t make a lot of these shield-like flying saucers of melanin pie* ment, you may be more likely to experience a sunburn Meanwhile, some people don t produce any melanin at all. People with this condition called albinism must be very careful in the sun because they don’t have a lot of those natural shields. In the lab at WSU. Cooper and her team are investigating the inner workings of cells to leam more about new treatments for peo­ ple with cell diseases like albinism as well as treatments for the most serious types of skin cancer. When wc understand more about how cells work, we can continue help improve human health for everyone. Speaking of health, one thing you can do to help protect your body and its cells from ultraviolet light is to wear sunscreen when you go outside. When you wear sunscreen, you can help take care of your body, so your body can keep taking care of you. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer al Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Financial FOCUS Jim Lundin Financial Advisor Member SIPC U —----------------- --- ■ Jeff Domenico, AAMS0 Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 818-0423 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-8265 Help protect your family’s inheritance You might contribute to \ our IRA for decades to help pay for your re­ tirement But if you don’t need all the money, you ms\ want to leave what’s left lojour children or grand­ children. However, if you want to ensure they get ihe most from this inheritance, you’ll need to do some planning. Here’s a little background: Up un­ til a couple of years ago, when you left the proceeds of y our IRA to y our beneficiaries, they could choose to “stretch” required withdrawals over a long period, based on their life expectancies. These required with­ drawals were generally taxable, so this “stretch IRA” allowed y our ben­ eficiaries to greatly reduce the annu­ al taxes due, while benefiting from longer tax-deferred growth poten­ tial. And the y ounger the beneficia­ ry, the longer ihe life expectancy ,ind the lower the witMrawals, so this technique would have been especial­ ly valuable for your grandchildren or even great-grandchildren. Changes in laws affecting retire­ ment accounts hare significantly limited the stretch IRA strategy. Now. most non-spouse beneficiaries must withdraw all assets from the IRA w ithin I Oy ears of the IRA own­ er’s death The beneficiary generally does not hav e to Like out any money during that 10-y ear period, but a! the end of it, the entire balance must K withdrawn - and that could result in a pretty big tax hill. Tie stretch IRA strategy can still be used for sun iv ing spouses, ben­ eficiaries who are no more than 10 years younger than the deceased IRA owner, and beneficiaries who are chronically ill or disabled. Mi­ nor children of the original account owner are also eligible for a stretch IRA - but only until they reach dte age of majority, at which time the 10-year rule applies. So. i f y ou w ant to leas e y our IRA to family members who don’t meet any of the above exceptions, what cm y ou do? One possibility is a Roth IRA conversion. You could convert a tra­ ditional IRA to a Roth IRA o\ er your lifetime, so your heirs would receive the Roth IRA. They would still be required to withdraw the assets with­ in ID years, but unlike with a tradi­ tional IRA, Roth 1R/X withdrawals are generally tax-free. These amversions are taxable, so y ou’ll want to consult your lax professional in addition to your financial advisor, to determine if this strategy can help you achieve your legacy goals. Another option is to purchase life insurance, which can.provide a specific dollar amount to y our heirs or be used to help cover additional taxes. This may be especially ad­ vantageous if you are 72 or older, in good health, and taking withdrawals - technically called required mini­ mum distributions - from your re­ tirement accounts, such as y our tra­ ditional IRA and your 40l(k). Ifyou don’t really need the money*, yvu can use these w nhdrawals to pay for some or all of the insurance premi­ ums. Life insurance can’t replace an IRA as a means to save for retire­ ment. though, so y ou should consult with your financial advisw to make sure y ou are w orking toward all your goals. In any case, ifyou h.nc a sizable IRA or y ou don't need the funds that you’re required to take from your re­ tirement accounts, you may want tn start thinking about what you wart to do with the money The more thorouglt y our legacy phoning, the better your chances of meeting your legacy coals. This article uw by Ed' wardJuns for use by y<rjr local EJ h urdJones H/uncial. Idvwr EdwardJones. Member SIPC Edward Jones is a licensed in­ surance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through I'dwatd D. Jones & Co.. L.P and in Califor­ nia, New Mexico and M.ixchusdts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California. L.L C.; Ed­ ward Junes Insurance Agency of New Mexico. LL.C; and Eduard Jones Insurance Agency of Massa­ chusetts. L L.C. California Inst­ ance License OC24309 For zXrkansas (when ble): /Vkanxis Insurance License Number [insert FA license number] Call anv time to place vour Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �A B Thursday.April April 15, 2021 The Hasbngs Banner --Thursday. 1-— Page 9 - comparing election law reforms Proposed in Michigan, Georgia Bridge Magazine l^pi^ation legislation to overhaul overh.-nil election plrrltnn rules in • Michigan shares common chaiavtcrislics ~~ but a few diflerunccs - with a contniverstal new Georgia law that has sparked a national backlash and claims of \ oter supprt> sion. l ike Georgia, the Michigan bills pto|»osc strict voier identification requirements and new rules for absentee ballot drop boxes that could make it harder for many to vote. But the 39 bill legislation includes several unique provisions, and it does not include some ot the most criticized aspects of lhe Georgia law. such as a ban on free waler for voters waiting in line. Through the first three months of 2021, legislators in 47 stales had introduced a com­ bined 3ft 1 bills with provisions that could make it harder to vole, according lo the Brennan Center tor Justice at New York University Law School. Among stales with divided governments. •Michigan is unique because the slate constitu­ tion includes a mechanism that could allow the Republican-led Legislature to bypass vetoes promised by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 1 he .Michigan Republican Party is planning a petition drive to do just that. Chairman Ron Weiser said, selling the stage for a battle over election reform bills introduced last month in the state Senate. Here s a look at how the Michigan legisla­ tion, as introduced but still subject to potential amendment, compares to the new Georgia voting law. The Georgia law and the Michigan propos­ als both: Require voter ID for both in-person and absentee voters: The Georgia law requires voters to print their driver license or ID num­ ber on their absentee ballot application. The Michigan proposal would require applicants to include a photocopy of their ID when requesting an absentee ballot by mail. The Michigan law would also lighten in-person voter ID options to eliminate the option for voters without ID to instead sign an affidavit of identity. Make it illegal for election officials to mail absentee ballot applications to all vot­ ers: When the pandemic hit last year. Georgia ' Republican Secretary of Slate Brad , Raffcnspcrger and Michigan Democratic Secretary ol State k..i .ihcpnt.v* Ik.u„. . 1 )'n t “ BensOh absentee ’allot'appj,jX't? s"'’0" ninilcd the state ahead , lh., “ 1 vv':r> vlMer ,n r‘eorded lecoid tunu t'S. lation. which wouht i , Mh h,gnn means some voters will * absentee ballots for ,h d> ,’nl requesl lion. neM sl‘«t<"kle elec- GcorH H n l° SHCe<I VOJe hunting: The nn h n W,,, aUoW bv’gin pro­ w ek °lS kul not count them — three i\ K* i m UU ck*cl’on- l he Michigan pro­ wl? a 'OU »iCl li,Ocessmg start one-day early. ic ) was allowed for the first lime last year I na means absentee ballot counting in i Iidugati and Georgia could again lead to lengthy resuhs-rvporting delays, giving candic ales a window to declare premature victory and contest legitimate ballots counted later. In contrast, Florida allow s clerks to count absen­ tee ballots weeks in advance. Prohibit election officials from accepting third-party funding: Like the Georgia law, the Michigan proposal would bar state, county or local clerks from accepting any election administration grants from private organiza­ tions. h’s a response to COVID-19 grants provided by the Center for Tech and Civil Life after a S25O million contribution from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. His involvement fueled right-wing conspiracy theories of election manipulation and lawsuits alleging lhe group directed grants to Democratic cities, even though many Republican-led cities also got grants in Michigan and other parts of the country. Limit absentee drop box usage: The Georgia law will limit the number of absentee ballot drop boxes that local officials could make available, depending on the number of local voters. The Michigan proposal doesn’t do that explicitly, but it includes a mechanism that could allow partisan election officials to block drop boxes at the county level and would require clerks to prevent use after 5 p.m. on the day before an election. Expand early voting: The Georgia law expands early voting opportunities by requir­ ing local clerks lo open for early voting on two Saturdays before Election Day. makes early voting optional on the two Sundays before an election but prohibits counties Irom allowing early voting on other days, lhe Michigan proposal would establish a new, single statewide early voting day on lhe sec- Banner CLASSIFIEDS . । v bcl(,nV Mich; , eff«"Vely cfitu lXc|y V( v . «o''1' voters ean N,10‘ tick * "?rl? b* 011<l SulurdiO Olid SalUrdA) c erks casting an «»b>^ ^juired |O offices. *l”v wecke111 ’’•’lore th, . ‘ .'"A" eight h<’»r''** )„. the Michi..nn ' h<,nUnlike gan P^ixwnl would tioL |cf or flHHi. Prohibit free^ia |aw w ing in line: lhe <>e ouid „ukc a misdemeanor ^ Wto voters within . line outsij .t *’ or w ithin 25 feel ^“’proposal A*3 P<> Img place.TheMiehi^. ^^.nelude any similar n-’s tcr centers; tu.. Hon Jand lhe nc* Se not change tln*l- r . Proposal would . Nonpartisan groups crotins like lik«- the th,. League 1 «« ofrtn Women voters of Michigan could not. Let 16 year-olds pre-register lo vote; The Michigan legislation would allow 16-year-old citizens issued driver’s licences to pre-register to vote when they turn 18. Require voters get the full text of any ballot proposal: The Michigan legislation would require election officials to provide every in-person and absentee voter with the full text of any proposal that qualifies for the ballot II does not specify whether the full text must appear on the ballot itself, which could lead to very long ballots, or if it must be provided separately at the polling place or through mail. Require more consensus to certify some elections: The Michigan plan would increase the size of canvassing boards in counties with more than 200,000 residents, from the current four members to either six or eight members. ,.p.|ed Leol.i-. Business Services MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CA! ION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, While Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call tor pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. cence " The board.controlled by Republicans, could appoint a temP«rar>' ^placement to run BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, rubbish removal. 2&9-320-3890. Wq Are Your OLD PICTURES, i SLIDES & NEGATIVE Hoadquaters —wflw t hr & m ''bar pre paid retunl postage for absentee ballots: Voters who wan! to cast their ballot by mail would have to “nd pay for a stamp under the Michigan P"’!*’53'. which would prohibit local ’ f™m WPlying absentee voters with pro-paid return enve­ lopes. -Some local governments have provided free postage, and others have not, which Republican’s contend Has created an uneven playing field. e Add, allow surveillance: The Michigan plan would require local clerks to monitor every absentee ballot drop in the state with hieh-definition video cameras. It also would allow' political party poll challengers to film ballot tabulation inside polling places, a transparency provision that clerks say could intimidate voters and jeopardize their right to a secret ballot. Ban nonpartisan poll challengers: The Michigan proposal would ban nonpartisan jjoll challengers who arc currently allowed to monitor the ballot counting process to guard “against the abuse of the elective franchise.’’ Under the Senate GOP plan, only political parties could designate challengers. LEGAL NOTICES THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE BY ADVERTISMENT. Notice is given under section 3212 ol the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600 3212. that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale ol the mortgaged premises or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1pm, on Thursday, April 22. 2021 The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale Placing the highest bid at the sa’e docs not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. The foreclosure sale is pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Mortgage made by CHRISTOPHER B. WALKER and SHANNON J. WALKER. Mortgagors, to First National Bank of America. Mortgagee, dated November 9, 2004, and recorded November 17.2004. In Instrument Number 1137316, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice S75,178.32, including interest at 9 95% per annum. Said premises are situated in Irving Township, Barry County Michigan, and are described as- Beginning at the NW corner of the SE 1/4 of the SE IM of Section 9. T4N. R9W; thonce 26 2/3 rods East; thence South 12 rods; thence Wes4 26 2/3 rods; thence North approximately 12 rods to the place of beg nnmg. Together with rights of ingross and egress over establ.shed road except that P* 019 ^taW of Michigan tn Uber 246 on Page 589; Ma 6 53 riin rrPPk Freoport. Ml 49325. The redemption period0 Shall be six m°"ths ,ron> lhe data °’ 1,19 P: " the premises are determined to bo h -d nursusntn to MCL 600 3241a. in which abandoned pursusn case thei red P dc, tha nol| require(j by MCL XaX c) OXP'<>=. whichever is later. MCL 600.32 . > (urther bfl shononed The rodernpt on pc fl()0) |( (s nQt pursuant o MCL 600 * (f adequately m^am Vl/o Can Print Thom or Burn Thom to a CDI (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 LeVasseur PC Attorneys Dr Berkley. Ml 48072 IN­ OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8-4:30 txt J2 °Pa°,nM 7lhe mod^" Property is sold at a ridvued tnat artvaft,t’ament. pursuant to MCL foreclosure sale cy w(Jl ho)d f0 ibl0 l0 600 3278 the pfOperty m mortgag0 the person who wy to th0 mortgage ho!dor< for foreclosure sakh during (he redemption damaging the P’^^wner: if you aro u binary period Attention no dutyi j( your o( service member o ijdt>d less than 90 days ago. active duty has co lo duty p|Oase or if you have bee fof lhQ fofCClosing contact the an°rnh0 telephone number stated lhe mortgage at ^3rch 25, 2021 Randall T. in this notice. Du^LGva>SGUr Dyer & Associates. 1351 N.Broadway _____ _ LEGAL NOTICES Unhke' Georg'3- 'he ^Wgan proposal Follow The j Hastings Banner on Facebook to ■ keep up to i date until the; new edition t is printed! party lines, but certifying an election would require support from at least two members of each political party, instead of one under cur­ rent law. Seven ol the nine counties of that size in Michigan favored Democrats in 2020, and lhe bill could make it easier for a holdout canvasser to block election results. Create a new election results deadline. The Michigan proposal wouldn’t give clerks any more lime to count ballots, but it wou require them to deliver results to the county by noon on the day after an election. Last year, larger and more Democratic cities i e Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint hadn t fin­ ished counting absentee ballots by that time, and lhe legislation could lead to litigation over the status of ballots not counted by that deadline, potentially disenfranchising volc^* The bill doesn't give a penalty for missed deadlines. peEd^^X CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: " .... • . ...... i,l ctill The panels would sfill he be evenlv evenly Split split Ilion: along 3233 Coolidge Hwy 236-1765 157355 (O3-25)(O4 15) STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S TRUST In the matter of Douglas N. and Pamela S. Cook Trust dated September 28, 2010. Date of birth: Douglas N. Cook • March 30,1947 TO ALL CREDITORS; NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Douglas N. Cook, surviving Trustee, died February 27. 2021 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever baned unless presented to Highpoint Community Bank, Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: April 13.2021 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkos P43549 150 W. Court Street. Ste A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Highpoint Community Bank 150W Court Street Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-2401 158486 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE Estate of Betty S. Robinson. Date of birth10/6/1959. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Betty S. Robinson, died January 14, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Tyler Otiveho, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 10472 Ravine Road, Otsego and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 4/5/2021 Robert L Byington P-27621 . 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Tyler Oiiveno 10472 Ravine Road Otsego. Michigan 49078 269-447-0553 158485 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE FILE NO. 21-28769-DE Estate of Bernard LeRoy Emest Kiilinger, Sr. Date of birth: 8-20-1927. TO ALL CREDITORS: . NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The decedent. Bernard LeRoy Emest Killinger, Sr , died 3-6-2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kathleen M. Shay at 1505 North Jefferson Street, Hastings. Ml 49058, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street. Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date 4-6-2021 Michael J. McPhillips P33715 121 West Apple Street, Suii!te 101 * Hastings. Michigan 49058 269-945-3512 Kathleen M. Shay 1505 North Jefferson Hastings, Michigan 49058 158291 616-340-6078 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them 8. aXcauction sate to the highest bidder for cash or cash'er’s check at the ptace of holding the circuit court “Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM. on Apn! 29 2021 The amount due on the mortgage may be Greater on the day of sate Placing the h.ghest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the P^^er to free and dear ownership of the property A potenbal Lu Xr is encouraged to contact Ihe county register of deeds office or a tide insurance company. either o. .. . miv charae a fee for this Information. mortgagorfs)' Daniel J. Wnghl and his wife, Mortgage Electronic o On2on Systems he., as mortgagee, as nominee andSer’ successors and'or assigns '“'Sosing Msgnoo (if any) Lakeview Loan Servicing. LLC June 10.2008 ?™untSed due on date of notice. $40,326.33 £Stonof<he mortgagee(premises^^uatedin L'e*.. r-istleton Barry County, Michigan, and TownsM o ® inning al a po;nt on the North line of Se^on 21 w^ch l es 145 feet West of the Northeast STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO.CREDtTORS DECEDENTS ESTATE RLE NO. 21-28768-DE Estate ot Patricia L_ Hudley. Date of birth: November 21.1944. . TO ALL CREDITORS: - NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The decedent Patricia L Hudley, died December 21.2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Denise A. Walsh, personal representative, or to both tne prebate court at 206 W. Court St., #302. Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice Date: April 5.2021 Miller Johnson Lauretta K. Murphy P41984 45 Ottawa Ave. SW. Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616)831-1700 Denise A. Walsh 6751 Notfke Drive Caledonia. Ml 49316 158193 (616) 262-9604 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS. This Sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, or in the event the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, less any applicate fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee's attorney. . MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Faith Ellen Smith and Christina M. Upright, to John Smi* dated March 8. 2018 and recorded in the office of lhe Register of Deeds for Barry County on March 9 2018 in number 2018-002105 on "^*9® there is claimed to be due a! the date hereof the sum of Forty Thousand ____, ($40 000 00) Dollars and no suit or proceeding at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage .. Under the power of sale wntomsd m sad mortgage and the statute in such 0350 corn%°Lrtion 21 and running thence Southwesterly satd Sechon zi. a (Wesl Qf the East 137 ^ Section 21: Ihonco Northwesterly 130.2 feet, ""Griess to a point which Les 295.16 feet West of Fast bne ofsaid Section 21; thence North 119 . L North line of said Section 21. thence East fC in 161 f^t to the point of beginning. Section 21. _ i MOrth Range 7 West ^Common street address (if any) 7964 State Rd. N3Se redemption3pe°od shall be 6 months from the . . L Auch sa'c. unless determined abandoned in dance with MCL 600.324 la. or. if the subject real rSoerty is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16) ifthB property is sold at foreclosure sale under 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, urauant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held Sesoonsib'e to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sa'e or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention hemeowner If you ate a mtl.tary service rnember on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number staled in this notice This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 1, 2021 Trott Law, P.C 31440 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 145 Farmington HiHs, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 157827 1432721 (04-01X04-22) provided, no will be foreclosed premises, or y of tne mortgaged public venue, ° Xl'coJt’>'» at the place ol ho d ng the c , 2091 Coun^arrOOPMonJ^X^,. Said P™™** ,, ‘c and State of Cloverdale. Number 31 of the Michigan and i=» ***’ of C!overdal3. According W Original Pia» o. the commonly known as Parcel Number-O2LO-4»5 02 The redcmpvon eh. * Immediately '^^L^bandoned under MCL (he property's “-J-' 600.3241a. 'hen th Shortened to 30 ,o^pl;On period shall be q| £ed03UI9 M;e the mortgagors property f 49“ c,c 10 tno person who buys tha will be hod lc’?'Ki0SU,0 or lo the mortgage holder property or me r _ aufing tn0 redemption pe'iX^t'P^L 600.3278 ^^Xmswnp^seoa!. a°X°,L By "9lon' D*P0'UW PLC Attorney- D' Mortgagee Box24B zawestAn*’5’ ^ngs-MK^ 49058 269.a45 95»7 157382 �Page 10 - ThvrMtav AprU <3. *»< -Th. H»* Banne- Hastings Kiwanis Club honors young citizens iv.. ;r Iffl !• -'! HXXOC0 Kin^Tey^X^sabeha bOt,°m 'e"> p-ow, JileS' Jason J,meneZ' Evyn Northeastern Elementary School s Kiwanis Citizens of the Month are (foreground, from left) Ashlynn Goldsworthy, Lilly Randall. Addison Reaser; (back) Jett Nofz and Graden Courtright. (Missing from photo is Cylee Horn) Citizens of the month at Hastings Middle School include (from left) Brett Johnson. Cavden Pettenoill Tanner Armstrong Assistant Principal Adam Case. Charlotte Drake. Maya Fleming. Olivia Allen and Meredith Ansorge. ' ’’ Star School's citizens of the month are (from left) Carson Gole, Kaden Main, Kylie James. LiilLr; Edger. Kyanne Casey and Landon Griffin Hastings teachers have worked with lhc Kiwanis Club of Hastings to honor students who’ve shown exemplary citizenship. Students named February citizens of lhe month were chosen for their behavior, participation, interaction and other qualities. They include: Northeastern - Graden Courtright, son of Callie and Andrew Courtright: Ashlynn Goldsworthy, daughter of Brad Goldsworthy: Cylee Hom. daughter of Daniel and Collette Hom: Jett Nofz, son of Tad and Brandy Nofz: Lilly Randall, daughter of Greg and Teri Randall: and Addison Reaser. daughter of Courtney and Chad Girrbach. St. Rose - Tanner Krzysik. son of Ixn and Alice Krzysik: Bella Strimback, daughter of Heidi and James Strimback: and Harrison Thomas, son of Mamie and Andrew Thomas. Central Elementary’ - Zoey Carter, daughter of Ronald and Katie Gould: Joey Furrow, son of Ben and Tracy Furrow: Drew Jiles, son of Christy and Matt Jiles; Jason Jimenez, son of Jill and Jason Jimenez: Evyn Kindel. daughter of Andrea Jones and Bryan Kindel; and Isabella Ozdych, daughter of Ellen and Todd Ozdych. Southeastern - Rene Espinal-Lopez, son of Margarita Lopez: Sydney Lindsey, daughter of Eric and Teresa Lindsey: Jacob Kemen. son of Keith and Megan Kemen: Lillianne Hall, daughter of Andrew and Jesica Hall: BillyHilbert, son of Angela Hilbert; and Brennan Main, son of Bryan Main. Star Elementary School - Kyanne Casey, daughter of Cal and Brandy Casey; Lillian Edger, daughter of Clay and Emily Edger; Carson Gole. son of Jason and Karen Gole: Landon Griffin, son of Ashley and Jason Griltin; Kylie I.lines. daughter of Kristie Brow n and Ronald Aspitiall; and Kaden Main, son of Kristie Main. Hastings Middle School - Olivia Allen, daughter of Kristy Allen. Meredith Ansorge, daughter of Eric and Janette Ansorge; Tanner Armstrong, son of Jodv and David Armstrong; Marissa Baird, daughter of Jessica Smith and Brian Baird: Zoey Bennett, daughter of Kortnev and Jason Bennett; Ashley Brown, daughter of Amanda and Timothy Brown; Ben Carl, son of Carrie and Bob Carl; Ellie Cousins, daughter of Carrie Arens; Charlotte Drake, daughter of Bryce and Irisha Drake; Ella Ferguson, daughter of Mary and Gregg Ferguson: Maya Fleming, daughter ol Tara Beach and Mike Fleming; Mallory Harris, daughter of Laura Harris; Brett Johnson, son of Sarrah and Joseph Johnson; Kyle Jousma. son of Audrey Delcotto and Brad Jousma; Cordelia Kniaz, daughter of Rosemary and Jeff Kniaz; Caleb Kramer, son of Justine and Robert Kramer. Mathew Lehman, son of Tiffany and Daniel Lehman: Jaden Marble, daughter of Roger and Julia Marble; Jadalie Miller, daughter of Meggan and Robert Miller: Cay den Peltengill. son of Angelia and Cory Peltengill: Devlin Tait, son of Sandra and William Tail: Kaydence VanDenBurg. daughter of Kristy Allen and John VanDenBurg; Emma Warner, daughter ol Luke and Rebecca Warner: and Mazie Waterman, daughter ot Kathy and Shad Waterman. Hastings Middle School selected students include (front row. from left) Ben Carl. Mallory Harris. Ellie Cousins. Mazie Waterman, Jadalie Miller, (back) Caleb Kramer, Mathew Lehman. Assistant Principal Adam Case. Ashley Brown, Emma Warner (hidden) and Kyle Jousma. Amonq the cithons of the month at Hastings Middle School are (from left) Marissa Baird. Kaydence Vandenberg. Zoey Bennett. Assistant Principal Adam Case, Jaden Marble and Cordelia Kniaz. (Missing from photos: Ella Ferguson and Devlin Tait.) Bella Strimback, Tanner Krzysik. Harrison Thomas are the citizens of the month at • e m the month include (front, from left) Billy Hilbert, Brennan Mam; (back) Sydney Linds** P Southeastern's atizens of the moni.< aHal| 7 a*Linu Stein, Jacob Kemen, Rene Espinal-Lopez a P OL i iOSO. . �Delton Kellogg band planning second trip to Pearl Harbor n Pi°r ^ond time, the Delton Kellogg .”K>! X’.”?" 01 B*nd has has the the honor of of beiiiR fx-inp ed.,u’ Participate in the 2021 IVarl . lr Memorial events, eonnncmontlinp lhc . 1 anniversar) of World War II. The band . perform in the commemorative concert 7 in Wa‘k‘k>’ Hawaii. A 1 earl Harbor Parade selection committee received recommendations from various state and local music educators. Delton Kellogg, the band selected to represent the slate of Michigan, will have the opportunity to perform and pay tribute to those who served, 10 survivors, active-duty military members, and their families in a once-in-a-lifelime experience at Pearl Harbor. Tlie Pearl Harbor Commemoration Concert Series will be a patriotic and musical spectacle commemorating the 8(Xh anniversary of lhe attack on Pearl Harbor. This will take place on Historic Fold Island, an active military base, at lhe Pearl Harbor Avialion Museum’s Hangar 79. Hangar 79 is an awe-inspiring 80.000-square-fool hangar featuring blue glass windows slill riddled with bullet holes I left by the Dec. 7, F>41, mtack. During v ..... attack. During World War 11. it was an maintenance War ll, it and engine repair facility filled with fighters, bombers and patrol aircraft based in Pearl Harbor or en route to lhe front lines. While in Hawaii, the Delton Kellogg band also will participate in an official Pearl Harbor KOth anniversary wreath-laying ceremony nt the USS Arizona Memorial and lhe flag­ folding ceremony at the USS Missouri. The students also will have the opportunity’ to tour the National Cemetery of the Pacific, the USS Arizona Memorial, lhe governor’s mansion and slate capitol building, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the Hawaii Army Museum. They also will visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. Under the leadership of Sara Knight, Delton Kellogg band director, the band has put on a Veterans Day concert for the past several years, honoring veterans in their performance at lhe Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in Orangeville and Prairieville. Donations are being accepted to help the band realize a successful fundraising effort. Il will cost about $140,000 for the entire high Pie Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 15, 2021 — Page 11 pelton k H -___________________ ________— . x.______________ in DeXTer (Photo P^M?9 H'9h Sch°o1 band have ,he opportunity to perform at a Pearl Harbor memorial event in Hawaii school band to travel■ *'"^c who would like to help these studentsJi • J Wake checks out to the Delton Kellogg . posters and mail them to Delton Kellogg Bands, |()425 p,^ Pride Drive, Delton 1 . Another option is to donate through a special lax-deductible fund at the Barry Community Foundation, 231 S. Broadway. Hastings MI 49058; or through the foundation’s wcbsilc.barrycf.org. A fundraiser breakfast is planned from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday. April 17. at the Moose Lodge on M-43 north of Delton.Take-out will be available. Child Abuse Prevention Month proclaimed in Barry County Rebecca Pierce Plumbing bid $7,715. • HVAC: $65,750 budgeted; Lamphcar Service bid $63256 (which includes quick ship on heat pumps to avoid long lead time) • Electrical: $130,000 budgeted; Elders Electric bid $89290. • General and administrative 10 percent fees: $59,649 budgeted; Vander Kodde Construction bid $55,754. The project plans involve relocation of the Friend of the Court and the public defender offices, along with improvements lo security screening, adult probation reception and lobby, district court magistrate hearing room, and district and probate court holding cells. Friend of the Court staff will be moved to the first floor of the Courts and Law Building in the space now occupied by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and the public defender's office, which will move to the lower level of the building. Work on the basement of the building will be completed prior to any work on the first, second and third floors. In other business, the board: • Delayed voting on action to extend Hastings CityTBarry County Airport Manager Mark Noteboom’s contract for three years, through June 1. 2024. Commissioners said they want more information on lhe plan before they OK his request. • Approved a rezoning request to allow residential development on 35 acres of wood­ ed rural property Irving Township’s Section 30, north of State Road. The so-called rural residential zone, changed from conservation reserve, will allow Jon Raymond, of Kay-D Development LLC in Middleville, to build a private road to serve the seven parcels along the north side of West State Road. According to Planning Commissioner John LaForge, the action to rczonc this property is more of a map correction to a county-initiated zoning classification than an actual rczoning; the conservation reserve designation would require 20-acre parcels while the rural resi­ dential has a 1-acre minimum with 150-feetof road frontage. • Accepted the county’s equalization report for 2021. • Approved a request from Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital to use the vacant county property directly south of the Urgent Care facility for a community garden. The mixeduse garden will be for the public to use lo hold educational classes and other gatherings at 1108 W. State St. in Hastings. Key collaborators in the project include: MSU Extension, Blue Zones Activate, YMCA of Barry Couniy. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, the city of Hastings, Barry-Eaton District bid $1210. • General trades: $18,900 budgeted; Vander Health Department, Barry County Great Start Kodde Construction bid $18,900. Collaborative/Barry Intermediate School • Joint scalants:$ 1,600 budgeted; Slager District .Barry County Economic Development Alliance, Barry County Master Gardeners’ Restoration & Sealants bid $1275. • Hollow meta! doors and frames and wood Club, area schools and the community at doors: $16,000 budgeted; Automatic large. • Authorized 2-percenl wage increases for Equipment bid $11330. • Hardware allowance: $36,000 budgeted; department heads and non-union employees for this year through 2025. Allowance bid $22,000. • Security windows and glazing:$360OO • Authorized increasing employer contribu­ tions to dental/optical/hearing reimbursement budgeted; Superior Glass bid $29343. • LPDA: $105,000 budgeted; Hcyboer & account by $600 per employee - for general fund department heads, general fund non-repBolt bid $130,908. • Flooring: $30,000 budgeted; Sobie resented employees and elected officials, including judges, for this year, along with an Company bid $49,958. • Painting: $20000 budgeted; Eckhoff & additional $100 on top of that annual increase in each subsequent year through 2025. De Vries bid $14,145. • Casework: $24,000 budgeted; Grand • Authorized replacing current other post-employment benefits in the retiree health Valley Wood Products bid $22,900. • Toilet accessories and FE specialties: program and retiree life insurance benefit with MERS Individual Healthcare Savings $1540 budgeted; J.A. Scott bid $2,081. • Fire suppression: $28,000 budgeted; Ibtal accounts, including an employer contribution of $30 a month per employee. FP•bid $18250.$12000 budgeted; Carpenter 'Die county recently ratified collective bar­ Plumbing: gaining agreements with the Correction -----------------------------------------------------Officers unit, Correction Command unit, and the Barry Couniy Courthouse Employees Association.'Die Deputies unit and Command Officers unit arc still in negotiations. . Reauthorized funds approved in lhe 2020 capital budget to pay $20,750 to S.A. Morman & Co. from the building rehabilitation fund for the replacement of the access control sysumaiBiejaii. • Authorized the replacement and repair of Editor Child protective services workers arc cer­ tain (hat, once the pandemic ends, they will see “a huge increase” in child abuse cases. Linda Maupin said at the Barry* County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday. Maupin, executive director of the Family Support Center of Barry Couniy, told com­ missioners that there has been a definite decrease in the number of reported families being investigated last year. “We saw a decrease of 37.7 cases,” Maupin said. “Unfortunately, this is not because abuse and neglect has gone down; it’s because there is no visibility to these children.” Once school and church attendance return to routine levels, more cases of abuse and neglect arc expected to be observed and reported. So Maupin sought lhe support of commis­ sioners to raise awareness of the issue by declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the couniy. “We have never done a proclamation before,” Chairman Ben Geiger said. “The bylaws of the couniy board allow lhe board 'dwar or acting chair to proclaim a month.” And so that is what Geiger did. retroactive to April I. “There were 134 cases of child abuse in 2020,” he said in the proclamation, noting that the Family Support Center has been designat­ ed by the Michigan Children's Trust Fund to lead, alongside local community-based pro­ grams, and to assist in expediting efforts to prevent child abuse now and in the future. In other action Tuesday, the commissioners approved a $674,619 final contract - which represents a bid of $613290 plus a 10-perccnt contingency of $61329 - to cover the cost of construction management services and sub­ contractor trades to renovate the Courts and Law* Building al 206 W. Court Street in Hastings. Vander Kodde Construction Co. of Grand Rapids has been retained for construction management services. The architect is Tim Spitzley of Lake Odessa. The subcontractor bid breakdowns for the project, with budget comparisons, are: • General conditions: $38,800 budgeted; Vander Kodde Construction bid $38300. • Demolition: $23,000 budgeted; Specialized Demolition bid $28500. • Concrete: $4,000 budgeted; Coldwater Concrete bid $1.800. • Masonry’: $5,000 budgeted; Kortman Masonry bid $5,875. • Steel: $900 budgeted; Rail Components Call269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ails Barry County Commissioner Catherine Getty (left) with Linda Maupin, executive director of the Family Support Center of Barry County, and county board Chairman Ben Geiger after the board proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) the historic courthouse parking lot for $150,000, along with maintenance and repair of the Barry -Eaton District Health Department parking lot for $60,000 and the sheriff’s department parking lot for $177,000. • Approved pre-paid invoices of $3503381.16. claims of $124,977.20 and commissioner mileage of $109.87. 158-124 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN MQTSCE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY. MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Planning Commission of the Charter Township of Rutland will hold a public hearing/rescheduled regular meeting on Wednesday, Mav 5, 2021, at the Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan, commencing at 7:00 P.m, as required under the provisions of the Township Zoning Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the proposed item to be considered at this public hearing include the following, in summary. 1. Special Exception/Land Use Permit Application lo allow a restaurant with a drive-thru window. Parcel # 08-13­ 013-005-05, located at 1600 Green St. is zoned MU - Mixed Use District. Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance Article 220-9-3 reouires a Special Exception/Land Use Permit for this request. Property is described as RUTLAND TWP COM AT TH W % COR SEC 13-3-9. TH N 87 DEG 53' 57" E 2641.96 FT TO CEN OF SAID SEC FOR POB OF THIS DISC TH S 87 DEG 53’ 57" W 47.25 FT ALG S LN OF NW 'A OF SAID SEC. TH N 47 DEG 10- W 72 82 FT ALG FORMER ROW LN OF HEATH RD, TH N 30 DEG 15' E 140.37 FT. TH ELT ALG SLY LN M-43 M-37 278 62 FT ALG A 7714.44 FT RADIUS CURVE TO THE LEFT, TH CHORD BEARS N 72 DEG 2T 16- F 978 61 FT TH N 71 DEG 19’ 11’ E 166.42 FT ALG SAID SLY LN TH S40DEG 29' W 517.08 FT. TH WLY ALG NLY LN OLD HWY M-37 62.24 FT ALG A 1195.92 FT CURVE TO LEFT, TH CHORD BEARS N 66DEG 09’ 32" W 6Z23 FT. TH N 0 DEG 35’ 11’ W 61.34 FT TO POB ALSO THAT PART OF SW % SEC 13 LYING NELY OF CNTRLI GREEN ST. . . . 2. Such and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission. take PLEASE FURTHER NOTICE that the Application for Special Use along with the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map. Land Use P|an. and Land Use Plan Map of lhe Township may be examined at the Township Hall at any time durinq regular business hours on any day except public and legal holidays from and after the publication of this Notice and until and including the day of this public heanng. and may further be examined at the public heanng lo determine the exact nature of the aforementioned matters. v_„ arp invited to attpnrt this hearinq If you are unable to attend, written comments may be submitted inlieu of a XTal aPPearanX wri«n9 to 'be Township Clerk at the Township Hall. 2461 Heath Road. Hastings. ML49058. a®any hme up to the date of the hearing and may be further received by the Planning Commission at said public hearing. This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act). MCLA 41.72a(2)(3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). d, .tHnd Charter Townshio will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for theheanng fired and audiotapes^ printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with ri^biiwesat the '"Shearing upon reasonable notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabittes «qu.nng awriliaty aids or services should contact the Rutland Charier Township Clerk by writing or calling the Town. ip. All interested persons are invited lo be present for comments and suggestions at this public hearing. Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road, Hasting3* Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 �« , Page 12 — Thursday. Apn! 15,20M rh«* Hastings Banner Hastings schools move forward °n bond proposal, policies and more. Sophie Rafes Staff Writer The Hastings of forward on the district s bond pr< August election during a • ineeljnR ,niU,np M^nd propel, if Passed. millage rate in Hastings ,7 \.h X)| 6.9 mills toft 8 mills until the 2026-I school y<Qmently. without any intervention, the district^ millage rate is set to lower to 6 nulls 'in total", the bond would bring the district $21.9 million, which would be used for fact its improvements across the district, tncluding mediation of an air purification system in all district buildings, new buses, updated security, energy upgrades, building repairs withh Sthisi'an^.Crm<''"-A <>f ,ho purposes " SnPrT. I,on arc tor rvinvcs,,n.enl Thr til t • ^Pntcndcni Mau Goebel said (lows m ^'?s so,ne singlc-panc win renl-» ’. i nn0Us which would be 1 double-pane windows to m 'e. e,;erl’y efficiency. Such improve­ rs.,.. S UtHdd lead lo energy rebates and a . i”1 °n 1 le ‘HVCslmeni in the bond. Goebel A,Ki the tax nite will be decreasing a tenth a mill." he said, adding, "we feel like it’s a pcrfecl time to go to the public and the comwunity for this final proposal." , *1 worked with BMA architects and Wolgasl Corp, to identify the facility needs Within the district and develop plans tor cost-efficient improvements. Architects and Woi,Construction Services for lhe facility UpgaL The board ^.jd’ lhe fin*‘ wading of ■ ■ Staff Writer Sophie Bates contributed to this article. Eighth-grader Jayse Peterson holds up a kitchen decoration he made for his mother using a woodcarving machine in his innovation and design class at Hastings Middle School. Community residents moving into our Independent or Assisted Living will be offered a LIFELONG GUARANTEED PRICE WITH NO RATE INCREASES! We have also set aside additional rooms for those who need minimal care - at substantially reduced rates th Village > .. . cedure updates on included pro­ equal employment (a“nd,scri«ninatinn and ""nie Ixiard Will vote to adopt the policies at ment |>ohcics,;ind nnti-harassAnril 26 board meeting. tion policies. 1,1 and infnnna,US to the special meeting the NEOU “A lot of h is repctltj,. ■ nolicics were reviewed by the district s policy of non-discrimination ,n ":,1|ire. So. a lot Smmitiee. chaired by board Trustee Jenmfcr sonic of the .wii-h-,,, 1 ‘•‘‘lu-'.l opportunity, updates as descnhe/l T"', wi,h 8«nder ^Tuwld just like to say that there were there are some Ip,|lcil.5] '^ a* And then student school safety intL " ‘ “kl" ^ords. very little changes for the board to make, the protective facial coverim"''0'1'S°n,'; of ,h<-' committee to make." Eastman said. It was ’'^WinourHiey^ed^to kind of just changing of the wordmg. but viccico to nothing nothingsignificant. significant. Io enable his students’ creativity, Renner -- mainly through the use of grants — has purchased a multitude of technologies for his students to use: 3.[) printers, a high-tech wood cutter, vinua|.reajity technology, a laser cutter, drones, mhots and more. The most recent additions to Renner’s ever-growing collection is a Janome Memory Craft 500E embroidery machine and an *Saryc 'Voodcarving machine. Both were purchased through a $5,000 FOCUS grant awarded to Renner by the Calhoun Intermediate School District, the grant coordinator which is funded by the Guido A. and Elijahgtfj H. Binda Foundation. In his grant application, Renner explained why his students wanted the new technology. During the pandemic, masks have become part of our daily lives and my students want to customize them. An embroidery machine w ill make this possible,’’ Renner wrote. “Many of my students are interested in woodworking, but the shop class disappeared years ago. With the X-Carve, a student will be able to create a design using EASEL software and then carve that design.This process will teach my students many of the same skills as the embroidering machine but with different Eighth-graders Abigail Schoemer and Makaila Hawkins stand in front of the Janome media. This media differentiation, I believe, Memory Craft 500E, an embroidery machine they used to make personalized baby will support the engagement of students.” The machinery arrived in near the end of burp cloths. "My experience with using the embroidery machine, honestly, was a mix lhe fall semester, however, because the dis­ between [being] obviously super fun — and I would do it again —• but it was kind of trict had reverted to remote learning, students challenging because I had never worked with a machine like that/ Schoemer said. “I were unable to use lhc technology until they learned how to be super patient with myself when using a machine that 1 don’t know . . returned from w inter break in January. Even how to use." then, Renner, who pul the machinery together himself, was waiting on additional parts to arrive. But, now* both the embroidery and wood-carving machines are being utilized by students. And students are showing off what they’ve used the machinery to make. Jayse Peterson, an eighth-grader, used lhe X-Carvc to create a wooden kitchen decora­ tion for his mother. He designed lhe decoration himself, using a software website. “I went through a process to create my wood [carving 1 and 1 started on easel.com by making my design however I want it to be. And then I sent my design to my teacher, Mr. Renner. After my teacher received my design, he hooked it up to the X-Carve machine and began running the steps to start carving the design into my board,” Peterson said. "I creat­ ed this so I could have a fun decoration carved out of w ood in my kitchen for my mother. “It turned out successful in the end. ’ Learning how to use the new machinery’ was difficult, but rew-arding, Peterson said. "My experience using the X-Carve machine As part of our arrange a visit, please give us a call today, (269) 795-4972 www, CarvethVilIagc.com - ifyou caiit live alone,,, live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, Ml 49333 r in ,he fall. . fill So. So. ayain. again, this this isis for for the the adopt m 'tailing. Policy revisions are for review a. this William Renner\^lnnovation and Design Celebrating Over 20 Years in the Community of Middles iHe NFo1a t l-carniug Associates class al Hasting Middle School is dedicated to providing students the knowledge and opportunities to explore* thc,’r technology-re­ lated interests, making creative designs and products in the proc J'. Clarveth Village the opting Ohio Sophie Bates “I would just like to send our condolences to the Remenap family and to the community of Thomapple-Kellogg with the recent loss of their assistant principal. Our heart goes out to them and the community and they’re in our thoughts and prayers,” Eastman said. Caledonia Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Dcdrick Martin called Remenap’s death "a great loss.” "His impact spans across so many districts and the lives he touched are countless,' Martin said. "The outpouring of love is a true testament to his legacy and the impact he made on those around him. Our thoughts and prayers arc with the family, loved ones, and the school community.” While in Caledonia. Kevin Remenap dis­ played his sense of humor in a 2008 video clip titled "Laboratory Linebacker,” a spoof of the "Terry Tate, Office Linebacker" commercials for Reebok athletic wear. In a deadpan delivery’, he explains the diffi­ culty he was having getting students to followsafety rules, such as wearing goggles. "Here at Caledonia High School, we’ve experienced a recent outbreak of lackadaisical laboratory behavior,” Remenap says in the 4-minute video. Later in lhe video. Remenap instructs stu­ dents to wear their goggles, while his own goggles are pulled up over his head. Suddenly, the "Laboratory Linebacker,” 2006 CHS graduate Dan Jennings, tackles him and berates him for not wearing his goggles prop­ erly. "Nobody is above not wearing his goggles. Mr. Remenap!" Jennings yells. "Everybody wears them! Even you!” The irony is that, later in the clip. Remenap discovers Jennings also is not following safe­ ty procedures because his feet are bare, so Jennings can no longer return to the lab. So Remenap becomes the Laboratory Linebacker. “That’s right, rookie! No goggles, no lab!" he shouts al a student toward the end of the clip. "Keep your goggles on at all times, baby!” At that point, the rest of the class puts on their goggles. "This is Mr. Remenap, reminding you that safety comes first in my lab. Always wear your goggles,” he says, wearing his white lab coat. Remenap was a graduate of Grandville High School. Central Michigan University and Grand Valley Stale University. He is survived by his wife, Molly, and three children, along with other family. No funeral arrangements have been announced at press time. Giving Back to S.?’"1’ policies. HMS students explore new machinery m innovation and design class REMENAP, continued from page 11 close bond. “I’ve known him for 22 years and I don’t think I've ever lived more than five miles away from him. We were right down the road from each other for seven years. We raised our kids together, played softball together, did everything together," said Plain, who is prin­ cipal at Allendale Middle School in Ottawa County. Plain said Remenap’s love of people and his compassion made him special. “He’s selfless. He’s a guy who would drop anything he’s doing ifyou asked for help," he said. "He ended every’ conversation with [say­ ing] ‘I love you.’ and a big bear hug. He was just a great guy. “...Everybody he came in contact with, even those he had only one conversation with, walked away feeling like the most important person at that time. He had a way with kids, he had a way with adults, the elderly ... I’ve got three little boys and they loved him.’’ Julie Plain credits Remenap for helping her get a teaching job at Caledonia High, and the two worked together for nine years. •’I obviously knew and loved Kevin outside of school, but there was something special about seeing him in his school clement,” she said. "There wasn’t a student that didn’t at least know- of Rem, whether it be his lunch­ room blowups to misbehaving students or his whistle to get both students and staff to stop talking and pay attention.” Remenap taught chemistry at Caledonia for 17 years before taking the TKHS assistant principal position. He also served as adviser to the student council and coached the Fighting Scots boys* track and field team. "He played a huge part in forming the lead­ ers of the school and, in his special 'Rem’ way, made them all feel loved and seen," Julie Plain said. "I have never known a person to have more of an impact on as many students as he did and, more importantly, deeply care about each student he had - even years later.” Julie Plain said it was difficult for Kevin Remenap to break the news to his Caledonia High School student council students when he accepted the assistant principal job with Thomapple Kellogg. "I went to his house after and asked how it went. He said, ‘I sobbed the whole time. They sobbed the whole time. It was awful,’ ” she recalled. "I never told him, but I had many students come to me at the beginning of that first year without him, and continued to talk about how much they missed him - not because of any specific thing he taught - just because they missed him.” Kevin Remenap’s death was on the minds of many this week at Hastings Area School System, where his brother Dan had served as superintendent from April 1919 to November 2020. At the Hastings school board meeting Monday, Trustee Jennifer Eastman addressed the Remenap family and their loss. ...2™ pnX coming an Au, I. vision to provide upgrades io „„ '' * t facility necrls. con­ cepts develop^ "“^h c-ommumty input and the scope ,'f ,proj« '5 •*“?«“> >‘> attain the missi(J ' ■ vhiol> of I lasting Area School System, " Siat(-s students will be •inspired lo achi?v.. lf1d ’in a safe. caring and collaborative vnv;?* *,mi.*” <-‘Joebcl saltJ* l he board aPl)r n’i ^e scope of the facili­ ty renovations ,h^posal «nd ^Ilh°rizcd Goebel 4L'"working with BMA a<IditiOna] Ior «n Girveth Giving Back Cel i ge' was very fun and relaxing,” Peterson said. "I someone else. And both of our aunts had jusi learned that exploring new projects such as had babies — or were going lo have a baby the X-Cane machine may seem frustrating — so we decided that we would make person­ and hard at first, but once you get the hang of alized baby burp cloths." it. you’ll be enjoying the process and experi­ Neither Schoemer or Hawkins knew how to ence of making your project." sew or use a sewing machine going into the Eighth-graders Makaila Hawkins and project, so they had to overcome an initial Abigail Schoemer also have used the new learning curve. But with research and lhe help equipment, making personalized baby buq> of YouTube tutorials, they’ve begun to master cloths on the Janome Memory Craft 500E. the embroidery machine. Both Schoemer and Hawkins have taken “The first step we took with our embroi­ Renner’s class twice; and despite the chal­ dery project was learning how lo use lhe lenges of learning a new technology, they said machine. We had to learn how to pick out our using the embroidery machine is one of their designs, setting up the grids on the screen, and favorite experiences thus far. figuring out the placement of the designs. We "Over lhe last two years in Mr. Renner’s also had to figure out how to put our material innovation and design class, we have learned in tight and onto the machine." Hawkins said. many different things, but our favorite so far "Learning how to thread the needle was kind would have lo be the embroidery machine of difficult for me. at first, but 1 eventually, because we gol to nol only create something with the help of some YouTube videos, got the that we could personalize, bui we also gol to hang of it.” be one of the first people to use our new Like Peterson, Hawkins said that once she machine and learn how to use it.” Schoemer understood how to use the machinery, she had and Hawkins wrote in a summary of their a lot of fun constructing her project. project. “It’s kind of actually fun for me lo do now, Al first, they were apprehensive about except for when the machine doesn’t want to using ihe foreign technology, but w ith some cooperate." Hawkins said. “Wc made quite a encouragement from Renner and several days few- mistakes when using lhe embroidery of researching embroidery, they took a leap of machine, but that’s just part of learning how faith. ’ to use it right, learning from your mistakes. We thought, ‘No, that will be way loo Once you gel the hang of it. the embroidery hard. No, we don i want to do that.’ But, after machine is actually really fun to use, and a couple day s of us researching it, we finally knowing how to use one is also a bonus if you decided to give it a try," they wrote. "At first, warn to be able to design clothing or really we had no idea what we needed to do, but wc any material.” knew we wanted to make something for �The Hastings ANNER — SPORTS SECTION Thursday, April 15, 2021 County graduating some of top players since 2000 Ashlyn Wilkes Brett Bremer Sports Editor That is a lol of varsity basketball. The 2021 All-Barry County Girls’ Basketball l-'irst Team includes a pair of fouryear varsity players in Lakewood senior point guard Anja Kelley and Maple Valley sopho­ more point guard Ashlyn Wilkes, and thrceyear varsity player Paige VanStee from Thomapple Kellogg. They have had spots among the all-county honorees in each of their varsity seasons, and can count themselves among the top players at their schools in lhe past two decades. The rest of the spots on lhe 2020-2021 all-county girls’ basketball teams are Tilled with seniors who stepped up and the young­ sters who are taking over. VanStee led the TK ladies to lhe county’s best record at 9-7, the second consecutive winning season for the Trojans. Maple Valley and Lakewood both finished lhe year with seven victories. Maple Valley got to play the most basketball this winter, taking on all com­ petitors as they played their way to a 7-12 mark. Things were tougher at Hastings and Delton Kellogg where lhe Saxons managed two wins and the Panthers three, but those teams still had their stand-outs who can be counted among lhe county’s eliie. Here arc the 2020-2021 All-Barry' County Girls’ Basketball First and Second Teams. 2020-21 All-Barry County Girls’ Basketball First Team Hailey Campbell, Thomapple Kellogg: A solid scorer for the Trojans as a junior guard/ forward this winter, she averaged 9.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Campbell as an all-conference award win­ ner in the OK Gold for the first time this sea­ son. Anja Kelley, Lakewood: The Vikings’ senior point guard finished her four varsity seasons as lhe Vikings' floor leader this winter averaging 8.9 points and 3.1 assists per game. Kelley also contributed 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 steals per contest. “She really stepped up defensively this season,” coach Kelly Meints said. Josey Nickels, Hastings: Nickels took over lhe role of a senior leader well for Hastings this winter. She led the Saxons in rebounds with 86 and was second on her team averag­ ing six points per game. She had ten blocks on the season. She had a season high 17 points as the Saxons’ pushed Coldwater to overtime this season, and earned honorable mention all-con­ ference in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Maradilh O’Gorman, Lakewood: “Maradith has improved so much in just two seasons of basketball.” coach Kelley Meints said of her team’s junior center. “She was our leader on the boards and was finishing nicely around the basket towards the end of the sea­ son." O’Gorman, an all-state volleyball player, used her size and athletic ability and her growing basketball IQ to finish the season averaging 8.8 points, 8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. Paige VanSlec. Thomapple Kellogg: The senior who has plans lo continue her playing days at Grand Valley State University finished one of lhe lop varsity careers ever al TK just shy of 1,000 career points. She was a three­ time all-conference performer in lhe OK Gold in her three full varsity seasons. She averaged 16 points, ten rebounds, three Anja Kelley Paige VanStee steals and three blocks per game as n senior. Mary Whitmore, Dtjton Kellogg: A junior guard-forward. Whitmore led her team in scoring with 8.75 points per game, rebound­ ing at 9.7 per game and assists with 2.7 per game. A 22-rebound performance this season was the second most ever by a Panther in a single game. She was named honorable men­ tion all-conference in the SAC Valley in each of the past two seasons. “She was one of our leaders in a very lough year.” coach Mike Mohn said. “We had four sophomores and four juniors on the team this season with seven of them seeing varsity competition for the first time. It was a bit of an adjustment for her as she was defended, most nights, bv our opponents best defender." Ashlyn Wilkes, Maple Valley: Wilkes aver­ aged 17 points, six rebounds and three steals per game in her four varsity season and has started every varsity contest she has played in since. She was named first team All-GLAC this season. “She is a pure gym rat always wanting to get better," said Lion head coach Landon Wilkes. “Since her freshman year she typical­ ly draws the other team’s best defender or several defenders. She learned this year to believe in her teammates and became a very solid leader. The amazing part was watching her learn how to take criticism and rather than have an issue with it she embraced it and found a way to gel better. She did an amazing job of mentoring the underclassmen. 2020-21 AH-Barry County Girls’ Basketball Second Team Aubrey Aukerman, Delton Kellogg: A junior guard, Aukerman averaged 6.23 points, five rebounds and 1*° steals per game. She had a high scoring night with 17 and reached ten rebounds once as well. She also averaged 1.75 assists a game with a high of seven. Aukerman was named honorable mention all-conference in the SAC Valley this winter. Haven Beyer, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior who used her size in the paint and to take advantage of a good shooting touch outside as well. Beyer averaged 6.3 points and 5 rebounds per game. She fought through six months of recovery from knee surgery to play her senior season and earned honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold. Josie Lyons. Delton Kellogg: Lyons aver­ aged just a little over two points per game this season, but added more than four rebounds as well per game as a senior guard for DK. “Josie really improved over the past two seasons and has been a joy to coach. She was our Senior Leader and just played her heart out this year." coach Mike Mohn said, adding “1 consider one of the best rebounding point guards that I have coached. She just has a nose for the ball and a toughness to go get it its well." Trista Medina, Maple Valley: Medina aver­ aged five points, six rebounds, three steals and three assists per game for the Lions this season as a senior guard for lhe Lions. “Trista is a player that is always in the right place at the right time." coach Landon Wilkes said. “She is the first one to step up in a light situation and find a way lo get the job done. Always wanting her teammates to be success­ ful. She did an amazing job of mentoring the underclassmen. Her stab are not out of this w'orld. but it was hard to lake her off lhe floor." Ellie Possehn. Lakewood: “Ellie Possehn seis out to win every game." coach Kelley Meints said. “Her intensity and willingness tq do what it takes really sets her apart. I’m excited for her next two seasons." • Possehn averaged 6.6 points. 5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and one steal a game this season as a sophomore. * Moriah Sprague, Thomapple Kellogg: An outstanding catcher for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity baseball team, lhe skills trans-. late for the senior who kept opposing ball-han-: dlers from getting to the basket in the same way she keeps any wild pitches from getting to the backstop. Sprague was the Trojans’ defensive player of the year this season, capable of causing havoc for opponents both in the Trojans’ half­ court and full-court defensive sets. Megan Valiquette, Maple Valley: The Lions' senior point guard didn’t score much,' bur got the Lions moving in their new offense this winter and made positive contributions on both ends of the floor. , A true floor general and one of lhe best defenders I have ever coached," coach Landon Wilkes said. “She was willing lo guard anyplayer on the floor if asked. One of the best help-side defenders around. Her hustle and effort to gel belter has always amazed me. She also was amazing al mentoring the under­ classmen.” Macy Winegar, Hastings: A sophomore honored as an all-county basketball player fo^ lhe second time. Winegar led the Saxons witlf 6.8 points per game. She was tops on her team­ in total assists with 41 and steals with 34. Winegar had a season-high 15 points twice in conference ballgames with Coldwater and. Harper Creek. .’ Eagles look to be led by their defensive expertise in 2021 Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Barry County Christian School varsity girls’ soccer team is set to play its home open­ er Tuesday against lhe Algoma Christian Knights . , i I. Barry County Christian School head coach Justin Schuliz. who look over leading the program five years ago. expects the Knights to have one ol lhe best teams m the Great Lakes 6 League this spring along with th Creative 1 edmologies Academy. His girls went 8-8 during the •ol ’ and are in the midst of a bit of a rc ut 1 "We arc a young, but tough and team," Schultz said. "We "ill nec< to >e - cohesive unit and work together lo generate some wins." A couple of senior leaders for lhe Eagles this spring will be Rachel Shaffer and Joy Game. They’ll control things in the back for their team. Either can take turns al sweeper or goalie, and Shaffer may play some stopjier in the Eagle defense as well. “We have a strong defense and our girls are quick on their feet," Schultz said. The BCCS girls have a contest al Heritage Christian Academy in Kalamazoo this after­ noon (April 15), another big conference match for the Eagles. The Eagles arc on the road next Thursday (April 22) for a match with Creative Tech in Cedar Springs. The 2021 Barry County Christian School varsity girls’ soccor team. �Page 14 — Thursday. April 15. 2021 — The Hastings Bannm TK falls to Knights in first two ballgames of 2021 Runs were tou . IO come by as the Thomapple Kel](>,,' vanity baseball team opener! lhe 2021 uitk .. .,3ir of to ing Kenowa Hills in \jjddleville Tuesday. Kenowa Hills jUniors Justin Stulpc and Ires in Laming eonihincd lo •’'but out the Trojans’ 2-0 in the 0 nel of their OK Gold Conference doublC|K!a(jt.r, anil the Knights followed that up ,’in g.2 win in game two. Sltilpe got the Man ‘for t|K- Knights in game one and went five innings, striking out ten and walking two. He al|()w^d’jusl three singles the only three hits of the game for the Trojans. Laming came on for the two-inning save. striking out five .and walking one. T K got a solid performance from its senior starter Levi VanderHeide who went 6.1 innings. He allowed seven hits and walked five, bul TK held the Knights to just the two runs over that time. He struck out four. Carsen Burbridge came on to gel lhe final two outs forTK. Carter Stahl, Jonah Summerhays and Nolan Dahlcy had the three TK singles in game one. The Knights scored a run in the third inning and then tacked on an insurance run in lhe top of the seventh. Game two was a five inning affair in which the Knights took advantage of six walfcs and two Trojan errors to score eight runs on ju,{ three hits. Summerhays, VanderHeide and Stahl, Kniden Pratt had the four TK singles in fa game two loss. Stahl had an RBI. Bonnema and Burbridge scored lhe two runs. Bonnema walked twice out of the lead. offThe spot. two teams will finish their conference series this afternoon at Kenowa Hills Schcx)!. TK will return to action Saturday^ lhc Barry County Invitation,'!! hosted by Hastings. •/ Thornapple Kellogg senior Levi VanderHeide pitches during the Trojans' season opener against Kenowa Hills Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) -- ■ ... - ----------------- ------------.>,1 Thornapple Kellogg’s Alex Bonnema drops down a bunt to try and spark the TK offense during game one against Kenowa Hills Tuesday (Photo by Brett Bremer) •* Brett Bremer .’ Sports Editor ’ Thomapple Kellogg senior Wyatt Belzer was finally in a position to make a choice to • make himself happy. It helped his team too. •’ Belzer won the 200-meter dash al the Thomapple Kellogg varsity track and field , team’s season opening meet with Cedar • Springs in Middleville Tuesday. He hit the finish line in new personal record time of 23.64 seconds. Belzer last won a competitive 200-meter dash at the OK Gold Conference Middle School Championship in 2017. winning a conference championship in 25.90 seconds, a little less than half a second slower than his PR at the time. He ran an exhibition heat of the 200 during his freshman season in 2018, jnd also ran the race at the OK Gold Conference JV meet. He mostly competed in the three sprint relays and the long jump for TK as a sophomore in 2019. "I wanted to do the 200 so bad [this sea..son], because I wanted to relive those middle 5chool memories, so I just asked him if he could switch me from the [4x400-meter relay] <0 the 200. No argument, no debate, he just said sure, I will 100 percent do that.” . Helzer was a part of three wins Tuesday, taking the Jong jump with a personal record Thornapple Kellogg's Kylie Smith takes mark of 19 feet and he teamed with Logan off with the baton after getting a handoff Caruos, Jonah Schilthroat and Gilberto Tejada III to win the 400-meter relay in 47.32 sec­ from teammate Addison Satterfield in the onds. He was also a part of the Trojan 800- 400-meter relay Tuesday inside Bob White Stadium in Middleville. (Photo by meter relay that that was DQ’d at the meet. “You've got an athlete like that that you’re Brett Bremer) thinking how am I going to use him and you start strategizing as a coach. 1 told him. look Belzer said. “The end of the comer, that is when you we are going to tell you want we want you to do, but we also want lo listen to you as ath­ really start to book it,” he said of his 200. letes,” Ruger said of his Monday conversation “The first turn here, it is really kind of just with Belzer. “So, he politely came up like you making sure you’re jerking that right arm to Thornapple Kelloqg’s Cameron Gavette gets the baton from teammate Austin hope a leader would, and said I ihink I’d do gel that momentum going around the curve. VanElst in the exchange zone for ,he 1600‘meter relay during their OK Gold As soon as you hit that line there, the 100better in the 200 than I would in the 400. Conference opener aga‘nsl Cedar sPr‘n9s Tuesday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett “And he did. He was right, so sometimes nieter start. you just try and go all out and try .they help us out. Il is not always that way in and keep perfect form.” Bremer) Be could hear Cedar Springs sophomore tiles 8.99 seconds. Bowen other sports, but in track 1 think it’s really neat ‘'^‘nKler to give his Red Hawks a win in that race. to bet able to listen to you athletes and let them Antwuan Nicholls breathing behind his shoul­ run in 1:5758, finishing’ “[Lijoye] gave it all be could and he was t,,an SeC’ be able to tell you what they’re going lo be der as they came around the turn, but powered onds ahead of his teanun^ Clayton Akcrman feeling bad because he thought he lei lhe learn through the final 100 meters to get the win. who was the runner-up. Akernmn was also down. Cam goes over and says, ‘took, you did .good at. Be was right today.” Those sprints weren’t quite enough for the Nicholls finished in 24.14, His TK teammate second in the 1600 and won the 3 JX) meter a great job. You did nothing wrong. Keep il up You're going to be fine.’ Thai is lhe kind TK boys as they were downed by their new freshman Jaxon Sias was third in 24.76. run. Coach Ruger is han„y K> havC ?0,nC £Hki of kids we have, and 1 am super proud of OK Gold Conference foes from Cedar Springs Nicholls had already won the 100-meter dash, 73-59, The TK ladies were also bested by the in 11.55 seconds, leading a sweep of lhe top leaders on his team, HeVr antl J.U“,Cr .T them.” Reynolds, l.ajoyc was lhe runner-up in lhe 400-meter three scoring spots in the race for the Red Reynolds among them j|e Red Hawks Tuesday. 75-62. a distance runner, greeting sopboniorc middle dash with a time of 58.58. behind Cedar “It is so good to get back at it immediately, Hawks. Cedar Springs also swept the three scoring distance runner O.kTto'’;11C"d ° J"* Springs senior Ixigan Douglas who hit lhe after not having a season junior year. Track is finish line in 53.94. my favorite sport of all lime. I love running. places in lhe boys' 1600-meter run. led by meet. Bowers chased Jo*" TK's boys had some of lheir best moments The 200, that is my heart and soul of sport.” Corey Bowers a senior who finished in 5 min- blistering anchor leg jn ihe IbOO meter relay in the field. TK swept the high jump with senior Austin VanElst first at 5-10, Sias sec­ ond at 5-8 and Alex Harrington third at 5-4. TK senior Blake Monroe won the discus with a mark of 96-6 and the shot put at 36-0. Quintin Carr, a junior, also scored in both throws for TK with a runner-up mark of 85-5 and was third int eh shot put at 29-4. Trojan senior Cameron Gavette won lhe 300-meler intermediate hurdles in 4356 and was the runner-up in the HO-meter high hur­ dles in 17.18. Cedar Springs senior Alex Nylaan won the high hurdles and was second to Gavette in the 300's. It was a good day for the TK girls in the hurdles too. They swept the 100-melcr hur­ dles with freshman Kristen Offringa winning in 17.65. Trysla Hilton was second in 17.66 and Addison Satterfield third in 19.47. Senior Kylie Smith took the 300-meter low hurdles forTK in 55.70. The only other individual wins on the track for lhe TK girls came from sophomore Lindsey Veiling who took the 100-meter dash in 14.11 and the 400-meter dash in 1:09.67. The TK ladies did win the ihree sprint relays loo. Offringa, Anna Benedict. Satterfield and Smith teamed up to win lhe 400-meter relay in 5531; Hilton. Smith, Benedict and Veiling won the 800-meter relay in 1:56.98; and tlie team of Hilton, Offringa, Veiling and Lucy Van De mark won the 1600meter relay in 4:3550. “My sprinters surprised me,” TK girls’ coach Maggie Wilkinson said. “That was good.” She said she look the initiative to pul her girls in some different events than maybe what they were expecting, and she though overall they surprised themselves with lheir success too. She said Veiling’s 400 was one of the events w here she pushed one of her run­ ners with lhe choice of events and she really excelled according to her coach. Trojan girls were second and third in both throws. Dalace Jousma took the runner-up spot in each with a mark, of 28-11 in lhe shot put and 78-5 in the discus. Preslee Hall was third in lhe discus at 74-0 and Cassidy Dole third in lhe shot put al 26-4. Cedar Springs senior Ariana Myers won both throws with a mark of 79-0 in the discus and 31-3 in lhe shot put. TK went 1-2 in the girls’ long jump with Benedict winning at 14-85 and Smith second at 14-5. Cedar Springs freshman Annalise Elliott won the 800-meter run in 2:45.99, lhe 1600 in 5:58.45 and the 3200-metcr run in 12:49.20 �_ The Hastings Banner --Thursday April 15,2021 — Pag* - axon“ ac'( teams both top 100-point mark at Northwest -n n Contributing \\rhr, lhe I lasting varsity girls’ and boy>’ track and field I Interstate.8 ams posted strong wins over Conference rival Jackson Northwest in the first conference meet of the year 1 uesday- in Jacks'on. I he Saxon girls ter am scored a 110-36 vic lory’ mid the Hasting.. jxjmcu a gs’ boys team posted a 107 53 win over ihe Mounlics. Saxon head coach Brian Iced said.*'l was h°?me V N,lh lhc *»rls which team,n,s which Addev • andboys girlsandteam, . Kn|i G .d A(Jdey Nickels. teams performed tonight alterooys just one prac Josey Nickels a ’ ’ 1 \. rc(J Junior runner lice coming off spring break. We had a few Carissa Strode <• h^.,ong distance for kids out sick or injured and that meant several lhe Saxon teamI ‘ Ifirst in the 16<M) athletes on both teams stepped up and filled meter and 3200*11 m$, as We|| ;ji. spots on lhe relays.” relay members I he girls team took 13 out of 17 events tor 3200-meter ieby Lily Comensoli. Vann and Lauren lhe night, and junioi runner. Allison Teed, led Arnold. ... lhe girls team placing first in all three individ Other Saxon gtrl^^’ng firsl plaee jn thdr ual events: the 110-huixUes. 3(X)-hurdles and events were A«MO k«K n> the I(X).,netcr pole vault, as well as the 800 meter relay and 200-meter J-”' • 'atltlte Miller in the shot put. Natalie S ln the high ju Grimes in the long J I. and the 4(X)-meter relay team of < ‘ Graham, Skylar Fcnslemaker, Isabc Msien and Grimes. Second place lt’»M,cs Wcrc |ldd Saxons’ Grimes “i he l()()-meier dash Roosien 200-meter daMi. jOScy Nicke|s -n 400-meter and high Ju,np, Arnold in the «8(X)meter. Comensoli m ihe 1600-meter run. Fenslemaker scored m both ihe HO-hurdles and long jump. Addey Nickels 300-mcier hurdles, and Daisy Xerby with a personal record in lhe discus. Finishing in third p ace in their events were Graham in the 200-meter dash. Comensoli in lhe 800-meter run. barah Lichvar in the 110meler hurdles. Kerby in shot put and Maddie McMasters also with a PR jn ||ie discus. Coach Teed noted that "1 kept hearing cheering coming fu),n die top of ihe hill near lhc throws venues and I |aler found oul (|Wt every girl on our throws teams threw a new personal best in the discus. They have been working very hard as a group on their foot­ work and release and il showed tonight.” Ihe Saxons boys team powered through lheir events as well taking first in 12 oul of 17 events for the night. Saxon sophomore Layton Eastman scored first place in all three individ­ ual events: the 110-ineter hurdles. 300-ineter hurdles, and the high jump, as well as his 800meter relay leam that included Jason Haight, Bayne Signeski, and Kirby Beck Other Saxon boys placing first were Caleb Labrx: in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs. Jason Haight in the 100-meter dash, Milan num n blastings senior Kirby Beck clears the bar on his way to a win in the pole vault Tuesday during the Interstate-8 dual hosted by Jackson Northwest. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Robby Slaughter in the 200-meter dash. Kcaren Tolles in the 800-meter run. Kirby Beck in pole vault, the 3200-meter relay team of Laboc, Jonah Iced. Xander Signeski. and Tolles and the 400-meter relay team of Zane Warner. Haight, Caleb Waller and Slaughter. Finishing with second place spots for die Saxon team were Jonah Teed in the 1600meter run and long jump. Bayne Signeski in lhe 100-meter dash. Haight in the 200-meter dash. Jacob Arens in the 400-meter run. Riley Shults in the 3200-meter run. Adam Jacob in shot put. Daniel Weatherly in the discus, and Slaughter in pole vault. Saxons taking third place in their events were Slaughter in ihe 100-meter dash, Bayne Signeski in the 200-meter da^h. Shults in lhc 1600-meter run, Waller in the 1 l()-meter hur­ dles, Nate Kohmescher in the 300-ineier hur­ dles. Weatherly in shot put and Devin Smith in the long jump. Coach Teed noted that “wc still have a few holes to fill, but both teams arc very- young and maturing quickly. We will find out how quickly as several Division 1 teams come to town lor our high powered invitational oh Friday evening.*’ The Saxons will host X other schools at home on Friday night, putting the newly reiF ovated track to use for the first lime. * _ ‘..... ........ -•__________ : The Saxons' Carissa Strouse hits the finish line at the end of a race during her team’s 1-8 win at Jackson Northwest Tuesday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) The 2021 Barry County Christian School varsity baseball team. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Eagles are ready to run. The Barry County Christian School varsity baseball team went 27-7 and captured lhe Great Lakes 6 Championship in 2019. and then never got lhe chance to defend its confer­ ence title because of 'he pandemic last spring. The Eaeles did get together for a successful club, summer ball season in which it earned a regional runner-up finish. A handful of guys are back from the confer­ ence winning team front the spring of 2019. including seniors Jared Gamaat. Luc.ano Dilli Vecchia and Elijah Birmingham. Gamaat will be playing his third varsity sea­ son this spring and .US the Dalia Vecch.a a d ... . J u-vc both been on lhe Eagle Birmingham ha'c . r . • fi,/.r fredunan year, varsny since their 7 wj(| Gamaat and Pa f dung, at shortstop whe - - ^1V at Lakewood High Schooi. phol9o Jangs' non.con(erence . Lakewood senior Jayce Hansen pitches (durin k tough relurn fn)in break against a * - . 6 ^r3ham) °SS Lowell Monday a tough Imwc It was a IJ ball club for the 1 Jikewood var­ sity baseball team Monday. The Vikings were no-hit by a combination of Jive Red Arrow pitchers in a 5-0 non-confeience win for the Lowell boys at I.akew rxxl 1.owe JI had 11 hits, scoring a nin in the top High School. of the firq. three in the third and then one -Hind for more in (he seventh. Jayce Hansen got the start on lhe moi on the Vikings mid allowed four runs on seven in thrt 11 I f , • -II ot)l rtiinn^s. uj,\. •. ;.;u «./, n;r ;u('i ,.,m two walk'. He stnuk out two for the Vikinys. Hansen <!ot on base twice, walking once I akewood the Greater Lansing and getting hit Ixgan by a pitch. Activities Conference season Tuesday, scor- . ing a 94 win in game one of lheir conference double header at Lansing Christian. l he Vikings knocked seven singles in the win. Brent Sweet had two out of the lead ofl spot for the Vikings. He scored two runs and drove in one. adding a walk as well. Brady Gawne, Nathaniel Graham. Hansen, Andy Wolverton and Blake Price each singled once for lhe Vikings. Gawne and Hansen had two RBI each. Wolverton scored twice and drove in a run. Graham, Ethan Rodriguez, price. Denny Sauei> and Gavan Shong each o cd a run for the Vikinv'. (L’wu. >■' ’he di i,mt .- <-.n (he mound, (j, .,iu k oui nine in »evcn nuiings, walk­ ing one al1^ UP seven hits. Just two ot !llC four inns against him were earned. । he Vikings are set to finish their confer­ ence series Ihursday ui Lakewood High School. nam v'. 7will see time behind the plate as Da la Vucc 1 • | prandon Strong calls them well. Head coaui* both strong hiUer Jared stretches An °PPOS* .|jng early and looking lo defenses by i11 ‘ doubles,” Strong said ot stretch singles Vecchia a ltfader for Garnaat. He ca * VtfCvhla |f|( 3?2 ,ISsopb. his offense. a ong ,s |()0Ling for power omore and cojen . outofhisl>ai "“^;iIIgh‘ln hlls lhe ability to Coach sai for niaj€jn|? big plays, mix speed wttn MoJcn bases away iroin Garnaal is juS* ^eiils leader lor the Eagles, being lhe alljin i( Qne (hn>ugh ||, and ‘‘Speed. We pikh every inning ot plan to use H ^.'sirong sajd of his team’s every game.” ..|.rmkly( One ol the biggest strength’ b.lse|Klp I hast most jniellvcU'-1 bul Qne p| .iu.^ p|uyet.s coached. ’ugh our program (starting in has come up ’,^1 onto the varsity team, sevenih/eigh’h ^neral sense of ’it’s our The guys have lhe past three sea­ time.’. As they1 h;1ve produced extremely sons at B('cS defense.” high-level baseball teams." Guys like Wise and Grihorash need to step The Eagles were especially excited to take the championship at the varsity tournament up as the program has graduated 14 seasons in (hey co-hosted with Hastings in lhe spring of the past two years. Guys like Wise and Grihorash have had the chance to play a lot of 2019. The program is getting a boost this season J\ level ball though. Coach Strong said that as senior pitcher/utilily player Brody having plans to have just 11 guys on the var­ Grihorash and junior catcher Joe Wise open sity this season will once again give JV ball­ lheir first varsity season. Coach strong expects players a good chance lo leam under JV coach Grihorash to be one ot his team’s top tw o or Jon Hawkes. The Eagles should have a good shot at three pitchers and to see most of his time gaining another Gl.6 championship. The con­ defensively at a corner infield spot. “(Wise) slots in as our numlk*r one catch­ ference has just three schools with baseball, er,” conch Strong said. "He has grown yearly but Strong is looking forward lo next school in his baseball career and has made himself year when the conference expands to 12 into a strong catcher who takes the craft very teams and adds a lew more baseball pro­ seriously. He will need to learn to communi­ grams. cate well at lhe varsity level lo captain the TK ladies start with sweep of Knights lhe Thomapple Kellogg varsity softball team opened its first season under new head coach Ashley Garrett and its first in the reworked OK Gold Conference by sweeping a doubleheader with new conference foe Kenowa Hills Tuesday in Middleville. Ihe IK ladies scored 7-1 and 16-1 wins over the visiting Knights. Ihe Itojans got a couple of impressixe performances in the circle from pitchers Maleah Bailey and Paige VanStee. Bailey struck out 15 and walked one in the opener while : nmg up (u ■ two . nd o w run X.mStcc dithj i ,tn .-arncM rim m the fom inning IK win Hl ganK \-.mSt.e struck <'ut two. walked two and allowed two hits. VanStee also had a triple in that mercy rule shortened game two. She was 2-for-3 with three runs and four RBI in tliat win. Sophie ll.ivernan had a pair of singles, drove in three runs and scored once io game two for IK. and Cady Snyder and Bailey had singles for TK too. Eliiina O’Riley Jutting in the number two spot, had three walks Snyder and Natalie O’Riley both walked twice. TK took 12 free passes ui the w in. Mo Sprague was 3-for-4 at the plate in game one. scoring a run and driving in one. VanS'tce was 2-for .3. Elaina O’Riley had another three walks in game one. Haveman was 3-tor-3 with a run and ?.n RBI. Elie ReCcr-. >'•' Jv a.' ld ( ’ G-ek k’’h r . :•!>.• !<‘L • : ,-.| ,, ■,•.]. . ., >|j{. U45 a iriple .aid »i..\n ’ .. d...:b’-. c muc. TK was scheduled to play two againsl ( aledonia Wednesday alienioon. The Th)jan> w ill be a part of the Barry Couniy Ins Rational in Hastings Saturday. �I age 16 — Thursday. April 15, 2021 — The Hastings Banner of local high school varsity sports in this paper. Show your thanks by supporting these sponsors! +1* cnfief'Cin fhic I (tci? Thornapple Credit Union Quick Lube 108 S. Grovo St.. Delton (269) 623-G70Q 202 E Woodlawn Ave.. Hastings: (269) 9-18-8369 410 S. Broadway Middleville. Ml 49333- (269) 241-1034 430 W. STATE ST, HASTINGS VAVw.thornapplecu.com 269-948-8558 HASTINGS NAPA 122 N. Jefferson Rd. NAPA g Hastings 269-948-9696 Quality Aluminum Products 429 S Michigan Ave, Hastings, MI 49508 ,'tT.T ph- 616 570.7779 — B0H0I8G CONCEPTS'— www.baytobaybuildingconcepts.com NORTHLAND OPTICAL DEWEY’S AUTO BODY 1111 W. Green. Hastings vvvvvv.dexveysautobody.com Dr. Scott Bloom D.O. 400 W. State St.. Hastings 1510 N. Broadway (M-43 Hwy.) 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Ml 49073 517-852-1514-F« 517-052-2193 thornappletkeslates^gma'l.eom �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, AprH 15, 2021 — Page 17 Saxon guys have grown since last track and field season Tandra McKinstry Saxoo softball rebuild gets started year later than planned Brett Bremer Sports Editor The plan was for a rebuild to take place in the Saxon softball program in 2020. Like many other things, that got pushed back a year. The Hastings varsity softball team was set to open the 2021 season at Covenant Christian Wednesday afternoon and will begin Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action on the road at Coldwater this afternoon. Senior outfielder Tandra McKinstry will be the only Saxon ballplayer who has ever played a varsity inning when her team takes the field. She was called up^to-tho varsity as a sophomore along with catcher Aubree Highway who suffered an injury during bas­ ketball season and won’t be able to compete with the Saxons this spring. McKinstry is a team captain this spring. along with catcher Morgan Deal, who will share time in the dirt behind the plate with freshmen Isabella Storm and Sophia Suniour. Storm and Suniour will be in the infield when they're not taking their turns behind the plate. Saxon head coach Mike Davis is looking for­ ward to working with the pair over the next four seasons. McKinstry is one of four seniors returning to the program this season. She’ll be joined in the outfield by Kaeli Jo West and Grace Green. Emma Alexander will spend most of her time at third base. The Saxons have been working to find pitching for a while now, and Davis is excited to get started with lire group currently in the program. He had four or five girls at the JV level with some pitching experience. Filling most of the time in the circle for the varsity will be sophomore Cassidee Easey and junior Anna English. “The morale is great. There are no clicks,” Davis said. “Everybody is playing well together. That is something we definitely instilled. We are here as a team. When we are here on the field we arc here to play ball.” Wins won’t come easy for the young Saxon team, especially against top 1-8 programs like Jackson Northwest and Parma Western who Davis expects to be the conference’s power­ houses once again. The Saxons will be on their home diamond for the first time Saturday when they host their annual Barry Couniy Invitational which will also include Delton Kellogg. Thomapple Kellogg and Lakewood. Brett Bremcr Sports Editor Sometimes talent comes With tjme It has been a long tW since thc Hastings varsity boys’ track and field team finished the 2019 season, especially in terms of the growth of a high school athlete. “It has been very interesting with the boys, especially seeing the junior class which we last worked with as freshman,” Hastings head coach Brian Teed said. The year off and two full years of testosterone pumping in their bodies has already surprised us with sonic athletes. Boys who looked young and didn’t have a lot of muscle mass as freshmen and now showing up looking like men.” That is a good thing for the Saxons, because the team is mostly filled with young, young men - freshmen and sophomores. The group of upperclassmen for lhe Saxons is led by seniors Kirby Beck, who to be fair had some good muscle mass when he showed up on the varsity as a freshman, sprinter Jason Haight, thrower Sam Randall, middle distance runner Xander Signeski and springer Jacob Arens, along with junior sprinter Dillon Neal. It is a solid, deep sprinting group with those returnees, which include Beck who is also one of the area’s top pole vaulters. Beck was the runner-up in the lnterstate-8 Athletic Conference in the pole vault as a sophomore, clearing the bar at 12 feet 6 inches. Randall was top 20 in the 1-8 in both the discus and shot pul as a sophomore as well as the 1 IO­ meter high hurdles. “Our strength will be putting out a balanced team with depth," Teed said. “Already in our first meet we had to quickly go seven or eight deep in our sprinting group for relays because of injuty or Covid. Each athlete has to know and prepare to be in crucial roles for any meet. 1 think this team will be ready for that chal­ lenge,” There are varsity newcomers ready to con­ tribute all over the fiel|fbr the Saxons includ­ ing sophomore Layton Eastman in the hurdles and jumps; junior Daniel Harp in the sprints and jumps, freshman distance runner Caleb LaBoe; sophomore pole vaulter Robby Slaughter; sophomore Daniel Weatherly in the throws; sophomore middle distance run- Kirby Beck ner Kearen Tolles, freshman distance runner Rylie Shults; freshman middle distance runner/jumper/hurdler Jonah Teed; and freshman middle distance runner/jumper Charlie Nickels. ' “Young boys teams will take their lumps, but I think this group will leam from it and respond well.” coach Teed said. The Saxons have two meets in already. They will be at home for the first time this season when they host their Hastings Invitational Friday. Hastings will also host Interstate-8 Athletic Conference duals with Harper Creek Tuesday and Coldwater Friday in the week ahead. ‘Tusually have a pretty good feel for who other teams in the conference will have and how we will stack up," coach Teed said. “However, with the lost season, everybody is an unknown." Saxon seniors set for third season on varsity diamond Brett Bremer Sports Editor They’re few' and far between, and the Saxons have three of them. The Hastings varsity baseball leam will have a trio of seniors on its roster this spring who have two years of varsity experience after getting the call up as freshmen. The group includes shortstop Ethan Caris, second baseman Drew’ Markley and centerficldcr Carter Hewitt. Hastings head coach Jason Burghardt said having the trio has been a godsend in the pre­ season. The coaching staff doesn’t have to lake nearly as much time setting up stretches and getting drills rollinS, “We’re on step four instead of step one," Saxons can hit for distance, now working on the rest Conference finish that spring. Hastings new varsity boys’ golf coach Brett Brwner Kristen Laubaugh said she expects Jensen to Saxo" io get *° fill a regular spot in the varsity scoring line-up Wil) Jensen was lhe . e along with junior Joey McLean and sopho­ Play a varsity round(W() spot i more Colin Fouty this spring. The program is also looking for good contributions from Shooting out of ui j an 8» newcomers Owen Carroll, a freshman, and Hastings line-up h<jrTournaineot sophomores Jack Kensington and Damien Division 2 Regional Diamond I Hamilton High Scho° • ( ^201 • Gibson. . Golf Course the £ Laubaugh, who is also the Hastings’ varsity Jensen, an Imnorabl ga|e.g girls’ coach, said she likes that her guys are enthused about lhe game of golf and improv'ace golfer in the as a selli o "1 w Conference that seaf0,'..,s varsi')’ Wig to lead the 1 as,‘"fcon. Jensen and^ •earn into the 2021 Siixons were seventh ^ler a lburth-placc regionals 1 .u|etic fcrstatc'8 ' See GOLF, page 18 Burghardt said. There are quite a few varsity newcomers for lhe Saxon lenders to guid. Burghardt said the program has 42 guys in it as a whole. The varsity roster will begin with 19 members, and there are plans for two junior varsity teams with a large freshmen group joining a few sophomores who will be seeing their first high school action after the cancellation of the 2020 spring season- In a typical season the Saxons carry 14 or >5 varsity ballplayers. There were no cuts in me program this spring. Burghardt is also happy to welcome back to the program senior infielderMuch Rafter and senior first baseman M jchcll Eldred. AU five of the Saxon seniors bs >-d so far are also like­ ly to see time on the P'^ng mound -The nice thing is ",e hljve a lot of [pitch­ ing) options." BurgharJ' -said, "frobably three or four main starters and a bunch of guys that can fill in and finish pames out for them. He likes that the bullpen will be deeper this year with guys who are- comfortable on a The group bw* wi,h program all look to * '"'proved from the 2019 season according'"Burghardt. He said some guys got club >easons htsl summer and in the fidl. A fc* started working indoors as soon as that was allowed this pre- Ethan Caris season. lhc Saxons are scheduled to open the spring season with an Inlerslate-8 Athletic Conference doubleheader at Coldwater this afternoon (April 15) and will play their first home ballgames of lhe season when they host the annul Barry Couniy Invitational with hikewood, Thoniapplc Kellogg and Delton Kellogg Saturday. lYaditionally, the Saxons play the opening bailgame of the tournament at 9 a.m. and then win or lose play lhe final ballgame of the afternoon. The Saxons will be at Lumen Christi for a conference doubleheader April 20 and then home for doubleheaders with Fennville April 23, Jackson Northwest April 27 and Ionia April 29. Burghardt said he is unsure of what to expect from the 1-8 season. Not only arc pro grams two yean, removed from varsity base­ ball but there is also the pandemic to deal with and all that brings with it. He thinks students being deprived of some activtUes over the past year may have helped boost the numbers in the program a bit this spring. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �Page 18 — Ihursday. Apnl 15. 2021 - The Hasting* Banner Saxon tennis brings top player back from 2019 The Hastings varsity girls soccer team was set to take the field for the first time since 2019 last night at Ionia. The Saxons will be back in action this afternoon at Coldwater and will eventually play their home opener on Pierce Field April 29 against Jackson Northwest. Saxon soccer program building new leaders Brett Bremer Sports Editor Thc Saxons are working to get every one up to speed while pushing their senior leaders as the first varsity girls* soccer action since the spring of 2019 gets rolling. Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel has about 22 girls out for the program. There are a few who were as pan of the varsity and JV program before lhe pandemic put a pause on sports last spring, and there are many more who have played little to no competitive soc­ cer. With all 22 girls a part of the varsity team, Schoessel has former player Megan Deal who was set to be the JV coach this spring, work­ ing with those more experienced players oftentimes in preseason practice sessions .while he has been taking the less experienced group. “We have had a couple weeks of practice." Schoessel said. “We’re talking the basics of understanding touches, traps and passes and things like that. Understanding lhe field, posi­ tions and movement on the field.” The more experienced group includes cen­ ter midfielders Breann Micklatcher and Brianna Barnes, a pair of juniors who were called up to the varsity in the middle of their freshman season in 2019, and junior defender Hannah Crozier who was brought up for dis­ tricts that season as well. 'Die group of returnees to the program also includes senior Juliann Meeker al a forw ard spot, senior wingers Samara Jacobs and Rachel Graham and junior defender Alexis Gummo. “I am starting io see {Micklatcher and Barnes) and a couple of the seniors step for­ ward. understanding lhe leadership role. It hasn’t come easy.” Schoessel said. "We have had to pull them into that because they’re just not used to that yet. “One of my main goals this season is just to get them lo understand how that leadership role w orks. One of the things wc have worked tremendously hard on with them the fact that I. as a coach, am not on the field and they are.” The leaders with more experience of the game are having to focus on good communi­ cation skills to help those with less 11-v-ll experience on the field be in the right places. Schoessel said the team has a few' girls who got in a little chib play in lhe past year, but not many. While it isn’t varsity experience, there is some good on-field experience for goalkeep­ ers Skylar Dixon, a senior, and freshman Dakota Blough.as well as sophomores Lauren Lamphere and Molly Patton out in (he field. It is not easy to know w hat the competition in the Interslate-8 Athletic Conference will look like this spring. Schoessel expects Marshall to be able to reload as usual. The Saxons are scheduled to open the conference season next Wednesday. April 21. at Coldwater. The Saxons have a non-conference lune up for that match al Ionia Monday. Their first home match will be against visiting Jackson Northwest on Pierce Field April 29. GOLF, continued from page 17 ing. “They can hit a long ball, but need to work on accuracy and consistency.” she said. She is looking for them to leam to play smart golf as the season progresses. Just because her golfers can hit the ball a long way does not mean that is always the best shot. The team will need to work on its depth to compete with the top teams in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Getting solid scores from inexperienced four, five and six golfers will be key. “We have a lol of guys out this year that have potential but just don’t have a lot of experience. Getting them experience in com­ petitive situations will help our performance,” Laubaugh said. The Saxons already got lheir first competi­ tive round in before spring break, scoring a victory over Allegan. Hastings is scheduled to be a part of the Delton Invitational at Mullenhurst today (April 15) and the Thornapple Kellogg Invitational tomorrow (April 16). The Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season starts with the jamboree hosted by Harper Creek at Binder Park Golf Course Tuesday, April 20. The Saxons’ first home contest will be a non-conference dual against Ionia at The Legacy April 21. need a box? We sell boxes of ALL SIZES! Brett Brcnicr Sports Editor Saxon junior Brooke Youngs got a taste of first singles as a freshman for the Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team and knocked off three different Interstate-8 Athletic Conference first singles foes llirouchoul the course of that 2019 season. Youngs is back in the top spot for the Saxons this spring as a junior, ready to lead a solid singles line-up for the Saxons that also includes freshman Abby Beemer at second singles and sophomore Anna Haywood al number four. "We have the athletes to complete at the top of the league, we just need game experience to gain our own competitive edge." new Hastings head coach Andrew Haines said. Haines has been with the Saxon girls’ pro­ gram for a decade, leading the junior varsity. "Filling past coach Julie Severus’ shoes will not be easy." Haines said. “She was a great coach, mentor and friend.” The program brings back thc senior dou­ bles pair of Ella Carroll and Skyler Grego and junior doubles duo of Ruby Barber and Elizabeth Arnold. Coach Haines is also look­ ing for good things from lhe sophomore dou­ bles combination of Bailey Cook and Brinna Cobb. Hastings has one dual in so far this season. Thc Saxons were bested 6-2 by Wayland March 30. Beemer at number (wo and Finja Schmidt at third singles got Hastings' two points. Beemer bested Megan Kerber 6-1,6-1. Schmidt defeated Caw ley Cheyenne 6-2.6-0. Youngs put up a good battle against the Wildcats’ Ashleigh Graham, but was bested 6-4. 7-5. While Wayland swept the four dou­ bles flights there were competitive matches throughout. The Saxon fourth doubles leam of Brooklyn Youngs Erin Daniels and Olivia Ogcr captured lhe opening set 6-1 over Wayland’s Sarah Salisbury and Amaya ’Ihiong. but the Wildcat duo rallied for 6-4. 7-? wins in the final two The Interstate-8 Athletic Conference sea­ experience, we will compete al thc upper level sets. son starts when lhe Saxons visit Coldwater of our league.” The Saxons will return to action this after­ Monday. I he upper level of the league is likely once noon (April 15) at home against Ionia and “I look for us to be competitive and have a again to contain Parma Western and Jackson then travel to the Lakewood invitational winning record.” Haines said. “1 would expect Lumen Christi - a pair of perennial power­ Saturday. (hat as the season moves forward and we gain houses. HHS le@l gotife ©f scoring ©Dg p©mte ooi bog meets i3 Brett Bremer Sports Editor Missing a season is certainly a hurdle to thc development of a high school varsity track and field team, but the Saxons are lucky to have a couple outstanding hurdles to get them started scoring in lhe 2021 season. Junior Allison Teed and senior Josey Nickels were a pair of lhe top hurdlers in lhe Interstate-8 Athletic Conference the lasl time there was a varsity track and field season in 2019. Teed was the conference champion as a freshman in the 100-meter hurdles and placed third in the conference in the 300-meler low hurdles with a personal record time of 50.60 seconds, while also scoring as one of lhe con­ ference’s top pole vaulters. It was as talented freshman class for the Saxons in 2019, one which also included dis­ tance runner Carissa Strouse, thrower Maddie Miller, sprinter Hailey Graham and sprinter/ jumper Kali Grimes. That group is back lor a junior season to join senior leaders Nickels and thrower Daisy Kerby in10 lhis sca‘ son. "We always put a lot of emphasis on lhe team aspect of track and field. therefore, we focus on winning duals and team inyitationals.” Saxon head coach Brian Teed said." We have been successful at that in the past, but this year our team is set up more to score big points al big meets." 'I he depth will need to come through to get dual meet wins. That means some youngsters will need to step up. The group is a solid one. especially lhe sprint ctew dial ,rcs^' men Addey Nickels, Sarah Lichvar and soph­ omore Madison Nino. Those girls will all participate in field events as , Coach Teed also expects gwxi things from sophomore Nalalce Sunders in the nuddle distance races and the high jump and fresh- n ° n n ° n n Allison Teed man Lil) Comensoli in lhe distance races. ’Ihe Hastings girls have two meets in ahead). including a Tuesday night victory in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference opener at Jackson Northwest . Coach Teed said it is hard to tell at the moment who the top teams in lhe 1-8 will be this spring, but his girls will once again be pushing for a winning conference record and a top four spot at regional* at the end of lhe season. STEP DOWN, continued from page 1 city ol Hastings fw ^ven . .. “I’ve always loved worMW lor ,l,c 1 ">’" ' a great place to work lor.” *’r'111 . ' , And he intends t„ COI1tinuc Ins involvenienl 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN HOWDAV-FSI0AV 3 OU 4:30 PM in lhc community inch**!*11? 111 Club. " , •He'ssersed long alld r'ell for , Cdyol Hastings. ” McNabb-St;< c' , ••He’s going „i^J by the depart­ mem. but he’s still eoins 10 ** a,W,nd area.” Boulter said. Boulter joined lhe department in 2006 and became deputy chief in 2014. His interim deputy chief, Kelly, is original ly from California. She joined lhe Hastings City Police force in OctoixT 2018. Boulter said Kelly works well with other officers ipside and outside the department, and would bring new ideas to the administra­ tive side of the department. Both officers will be interim in their posi­ tion* until the city hires a permanent city manager. Until then, an interim city manager has been lapped to fill ihe opening left by Czarnecki, whose last day on the job is May 7 lhe permanent city manager will then decide how to move forward with the police chief’s post. Czarnecki said. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-04-22.pdf ef2e8b5ed9e578f69e064783349c5618 PDF Text Text Relu orce Delton spring sports teams previewed Sec Stories starting on Page 1* Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 ANNER PRICE S1.00' Gun Lake Casino announces new megamillion expansion HoteL domed pool, more, dining, options and luxury, spa wiU comprise £300zmjllion resort complex TUylor Owens Stuff Writer Gun Lake Casino announced plans Monday for a 250,000-square-foot. $300 million expansion, which will include adding a hotel, domed pool, more dining options and a luxury spa. It will be the largest project, to date, for the 10-year-old casino, which is still finishing up its current development - a S!00 million expansion involving a 72,000-square-fool addition of slot machines, game tables, dining areas and entertainment space. That current expansion is set to open at the end of this summer. At that point, they will immediately begin design work on the new project which is intended to transform the casino into a hotel resort. “We are proud of the continued growth of Gun Lake Casino which is directly connected to the outstanding effort of our team mem­ bers.’' Tribal Chairman Bob Peters said. “The Tribe remains steadfastly committed to rein­ vest in our collective future - for the benefit of tribal citizens, team members and the local community. “This will provide even more employment opportunities and enhance Gun Lake Casino’s position as a tourism driver for western Michigan.” The casino currently employs 1.100 peo­ ple. and it is not yet known how many more employees will be added with the next expan­ sion. A 10-year impact study released by the tribe in January reported economic benefits by employing local residents and stimulating businesses that supply goods and services to the operation. “It is with great pride that we reveal the largest expansion in Gun Lake Casino’s histo­ ry,” Sal Semola, president and chief operating officer of Gun Lake Casino, said Monday. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the reputation as a leading entertainment and gaming destina­ tion in Michigan. “As a vital business in Allegan County, we recoagnize our ability to invest in our local community. The elevation of our offered ame­ nities drives our economy through tourism and directly impacts the livelihood of local citizens through the development of new job opportunities.” Included in the project will be a 250-room, four-diamond hotel, full-service spa. threemeal restaurant and glass-domed pool with hot tubs and private cabanas. After dark, the pool area will feature live music. DJs. danc­ ing and more This hotel will be have about half the num­ ber of rooms of Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort or Firekeepers Casino Hotel. “I think it will have a huge impact on the economy of Barry County, and it will go a long ways to our tourism as well,” Barr}’ County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance President and Executive Director Jennifer Heinzman said. “Any time we can promote the county and bring more people in. it benefits all of the businesses.” The business community has sought to Stimulus means millions for local schools In its latest announcement, Gun Lake Casino announced plans to create a lux­ ury resort at its Wayland location on U.S. 131. (File photo) bring larger attendance events to the county, but a lack of hotel rooms tor large numbers has hampered that goal, she said. Heinzman said she also hopes to work with the casino to create tourism packages, which could Ik* built around visiting area lakes and parks or other attractions, such as the Gilmore Car Museum and MOO-ville Creamery. “The push toward getting people to visit here would be a lot more effective if we were able to create packages.” she said. “It brings a lot of people into the county. They buy gas, they eat and. hopefuBy^they’rv shopping.” “Any kind ofT>o!*1 development like that has far-reaching economic impact in the area.” Tim Perrigo, .Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce executive director,said. Further details on the expansion will be announced in the coming months. Renderings of this latest expansion are not yet available. Taylor Owens Stuff Writer The American Rescue Plan package could infuse as much as $9.1 million into Barry County school districts. While the specific amounts announced by the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency may change by the lime the funding is disbursed, school administrators do not expect many surprises. “I suspect the amount should not change significantly.” Hastings Area Schools Director of Operations Tim Berlin said. The funding is decided by the federal Title 1 formula, which gives more money to districts with families who have lower incomes. According to the agency. Hastings will receive $977 per student, for a total of $2,491579. “We believe these funds will be very helpful,” Berlin said. “We anticipate using some of these funds to improve our technol­ ogy and its availability to all students. “We also anticipate using it to enhance our curriculum to fill any learning gaps that may have occurred. Summer school and credit recovery programs will also be avail­ able to help in this process." Delton Kellogg Schools is set to receive a total of $1338,453, based on SI ,143 per student. “It’.S certainly, for our district, if s a pretty good sum of money,” Finance Director Andrew Nuremberg said. The funding the district has already received in previous federal COVID-19 packages has helped pay for most, if not all, of the district’s pandemic expenses up to this point. } The stimulus money will help the district .| with credit recovery programs and interven­ lions to help students get back on track, as ■ well as pay for additional COVID expenses 1 next year. Nuremberg said. 4 According to guidelines released by the 4 Michigan Department of Education, 20 per- *• cent of the stimulus funding must address j the loss in learning students have had 1 during the pandemic. The rest of the money ? can be used to address a wide range of I COVID-impacted issues. “We generally believe that decisions are best made at the local level with fewer fed- ■ oral strings attached," Berlin said. “With .f that being said, we are extremely grateful ’ for the funds and don’t feel the strings are i overly onerous." Of all Barry County area school districts, i Maple Valley School officials expect to see I the most money from the stimulus, with ? $2,494 per student for a total of $2394,168. • “The stimulus funds will be a tremendous i help to us as we get through the reorganiza- j lion years following COVID,” Maple Valley s Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said. | “The impacts to learning and social emo- i tional outcomes have been significant, and 5 we intend to address them directly with our 1 expanding social work and counselling s staffers in every building, continued support < from ERES A, and a new arm of curriculum • and instruction focus that will be created • this spring for full implementation next , year." ; The district laid off its high school prin- : See STIMULUS, page 10 Cemmittee delays dedsm @n drnvoway {for new Culver’s restaurant; Greg Chandler Staff Writer Plans are in the works for a new Culver’s fast-food restaurant just west of the Hastings city limits. One big question remains, though: Will local officials allow an entrance and exit to the eatery off of M-37 and M-43? The M-37 Corridor Committee Friday reviewed plans for the new’ Culver’s, to be built at the southeast corner of M-37/M-43 and Green Street, just south of Walmart. The Rutland Township Planning Commission earlier this month approved a site plan for the project, contingent on approval by the corridor committee of the entrance and exit off the highway, and will consider a special land-use request May 5. “What we are looking to do is to have a right-in, right-out [drivew'ay] out of the north side of this proposed development on M-43, just to improve How and disperse the traffic between the intersection with Green and onto M-43,” project manager Mikel Currier told the committee. The township planning commission already has approved a driveway off Green Street to the restaurant as part of the site plan approval. Currier commissioned a traffic study he says supports allowing an additional driveway off M-37/M43. However, Rutland Charter Township Supervisor Larry Watson expressed concerns about the proposed driveway. “We just got one problem fixed at Walmart [by having a traffic signal installed]. Hopefully, it’s resolved. It’s better than what it was,” Watson said. “Now we’re creating another one ... We do want Culver’s here, don’t misunderstand me. But we have to make this safe for the people driving down that road and exiting that road.” Michigan Department of Transportation engineer Jason Cole noted dial the proposed entrance to Culver’s off M-37/M-43 would be between two signalized intersections - one at Green Street and one leading into Walmart that are less than 800 feet apart. « See DECISION, page 2 Hope Township eyes gravel mine; Orangeville considers operation there Scan Bradley Staff Writer Less than five miles from the Wilkinson Lake site of a controversial gravel pit proposal in Hope Township, a Grand Rap.ds-based company is pitching a project for Orangeville Township. , . . JMK Realty LLC has plans to mine gravel on 76 acres at 9650 Keller Road m Delton, according to company owner Jell That limited liability company owns the land and leases it back to Kresnak s other business. Superior Asphalt, which would do the actual mining. Kresnak sai • nrnnertv An additional 40 acres next to the property on Keller Road, which n o' "ed byJMK Realty, would be> ^nutouring Superior Asph.il th u mine(j, facility in Caledonia. I he nlf ;1Ltllring crushed and trucked to m asohalt facility where it can be turned in • 4^ product that will be used I parking lots and driveways. K • ())al A majority of the ^a"Superior mined likely would be usee ) Asphalt to pave roads in Barr), and Allegan counties, he said. d “I think everything Iron) around tin u Rapids metropolitan area . Kapids, pits that were once closer to z ()St of like the ones closer to Kent < olin - n|eted.” the stone reserves have all bee Kresnak said. ,t wjthin They hope io be mining f°r l/f‘ the next few months, he said. .ubmitted In DtccmlK-r 2020. JMK Realty subm a soil erosion and scdimenudioi permit to the Barry' County Planning Commission. It was approved by James McManus, the county’s planning director and zoning administrator. Kresnak estimated mining could occur at the Keller Road properly for as long as 30 years. Die company will use the mined materials for its own use. he said. z ‘ Each cell has a few years of a shelf life,” Kresnak said. “Each cell could be anywhere between three and six years. Let’s say you have five cells, you’re in there a long time. Us being the main user of this product means we’ll have less trucks on the road and mining at a slower pace." In this case, a cell can be as much as 10 aCI^ruitlC tO m‘ned f°r graVel al one time' “That way, you can contain the area well,” Kresnak said. As for residents in the area of their operation, he said, “1 would like them to know we intend to come down here and be good stewards of the land and to be great neighbors and to do business. We plan on employing people in the community. We’ll create a handful of jobs." Their permit indicates the area needs to be graded for future use as tut equipment staging area. Next, engmeers will submit drawings of the project to McManus. After this, the proposal will undergo a public comment period. Once the public comment period is done the Barry County Planning Commission will review the publics concerns and make a determination whether the proposal meets the State of Michigan’s definition of having any “serious consequences.” As part of the permitting process, a reclamation plan also will be submitted with the application. Kresnak said. After this, (he county planning commission will vote on whether to allow the mining permit. The next meeting of the county planning commission will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the Tyden Center community room, 121 S. Church St., in HastingsThe project in Orangeville Township comes at a time when opposition is high against a proposed gravel mine on Wilkinson Lake in neighboring Hope Township. Some Wilkinson Lake residents are fighting a special-use application from Allegan-based excavating contractor R. Smith and Sons, which seeks pennission to mine gravel on 139 acres of 3 53-acre property It owns at 8409 Miller A portion of Hint gravel plt would be on WllIin dJis cm. the P'0^ not zoned for mining and. since -he ^nship has its own । on.,,ial Ixxly >must decide plannmg comnusM special-use whether to appro'v* 1 J re<1 r-St’ .1.. numberof residents who have Given Ik i o hj planning attended the <> « )hc J. may com.mss.on-. 01.11.^)^^ hdV“Th -re’sno reas,,n 101101 think ,he nulllbcr See SRAVa PITS, page 3 Tony Riley, along with other protesters, line South M'43 Township Hall last Thursday before the planning commission meeting, (rnoto oy bcott Harmsen) �Hastings DDA approves Seasonal Grille grant application^ sets informational meeting Sophia The ”»«i>>., tSivntowa Development Authority I], ‘ „ight approved a facade grant appliMlj ‘the Seasonal Grille restaurant. ..| reCeive a new metal awning anti illuminated sig"' The DDA\ f ,n•' improvement program isdesignedtoj.n^tim physical appearance of Hastings' <lOuP™ n and offers grams of up to $5XXX) to in^'^jze downtown property owners. Participate uroPerty owners must invest in at least 50 Orient oflhc ,ola project Cost in order to recciv.. n facade grant. In Seasonal Grille, al 150 W. State St., ^project cost is $18,900 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer checks out progress at the US-131/M-179 interchange ;Monday. Work on the project began March 1. (Photo provided) Governor visits M-179 interchange project Gov. Gretchen Whitmer traveled to the ■ U5. 131/M-179 interchange construction project in Wayland Township Monday to observe the partnership between the Gun Lake Tribe and the Michigan Department of •Transportation. During her visit. Whitmer discussed the .administration’s Rebuilding Michigan plan £nd the $300 million Bridge Bundling ’proposal to address bridges in need to repair ♦and invest in infrastructure across the state. The U.S. 131/M-l79 project will update the jnterehange to a single-point urban interchange >nd resurface several miles of U.S. 131 from * 120th Avenue to 133rd Avenue in Allegan County. r The cost of the project is approximately $26 million, with the Match-E-Bc-Nash-SheWish Band of Pottawatomi funding 80 percent of the cost. The two-year project kicked off March I and is scheduled to open to traffic in November 2022. In January 2020, the State Transportation Commission authorized MDOT to issue $35 billion in bonds over four years to finance infrastructure improvements, under authority granted by the Michigan Constitution and Public Act 51 of 1951. Funding raised through bond sales will finance new projects throughout the state, and free up funding already dedicated to this work for other projects, expanding the scope of the work or advancing project schedules. Rutland Township eyes decision on recreational marijuana Thylor Owens Staff Writer The Rutland Charter Township Board of Trustees plans to decide whether to move ‘ahead with drafting ordinances allowing ’recreational marijuana businesses at its meeting at 7 p.m. May 12. • The board had meeting with the township planning commission last week to receive advice from planner Rebecca Haney and attorney Craig A. Rolfe about drafting the ordinances. Township Supenisor Lany Watson said it’s time for the board to decide whether to continue with the process or walk away. If the township decides to allow recreational marijuana businesses, its next decision should be whether they want to limit the number of licenses it grants, the advisors said. Rolfe told the township and planning commission members that limiting the number of licenses opens the township to more legal ’risk than simply allowing all businesses that meet the licensing criteria. He said the risk would be even greater if the township chose to grant licenses through a competitive selection process created by the township, rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. 1 Potential business owners may sue if they ilon’t feel the competitive selection process is fair. Rolfe said. ’ “I think this competitive process is a plaintiff lawyer's ... dream,” he said. “First of all. you have some legal peril in how you define your standards for approval in the licensing ordinance ... You have a whole lot of legal peril in how you apply those legal standards, if those legal standards are not completely objective in their terminology. You even have legal peril in the process by which you pick winners and losers." Many of the recreational marijuana lawsuits he sees reported involve the competitive process, he said. Market forces would likely keep the . number of businesses low, even if a limit was not imposed, Rolfe added. Since larger cities already have their own marijuana retailers, any shops in Rutland Township would have to be supported by the local population. He asked board members how many marijuana laboratories they thought would open in the township. Several people said “zero.” Then why regulate how many, he asked. “Even if four can make it here, sustained, then do you care?” Rolfe told the board members to ask themselves if they believed recreational marijuana should be treated differently than any other business in the township. “This is a highly regulated industry in Michigan,” Rolfe said.“The level of regulation on this industry, if I was on their side of this, is daunting. It’s a staggering load of regulations. The good thing about that is some people in your shoes might see that takes a little bit of the onus off you.” Rolfe also answered questions from the board and commission. Several people said they heard the reason Baltimore Township moved ahead so quickly with approving recreational businesses was because the state was about to take the decision out of the township’s hands. Rolfe said that is not something that could happen. Watson said the township had not contacted colleagues in Baltimore because that township does not keep regular office hours, but Rutland board members did visit other townships and recreational businesses. Watson added that the township is receiving constant inquiries from potential business representatives asking how far along the township is in the ordinance process, but the board has had little input from the public. The only people in the audience of Monday’s in-person meeting were Nancy and Del Warner of Freeport, who said they were considering opening a business in the area. DECISION, continued from page 1 . “Aright-in, right-out only [driveway] could be feasible because you’re eliminating all the left turns in and out. So that definitely helps,” Cole said. “What I would ask for is ... did the traffic study look at the operations of the site and the other driveway - basically an option without any driveway on M-43 and how that .works with the other driveway on Green Street, the signal at Green, things like that. Barry County Planning Director and Zoning Administrator Jim McManus referred to the' M-37 access management plan in stating his concerns about adding the driveway off the highway. ., “Our recommendation back when we did this years ago was that there should be no Access onto M-37, and everything s iou come off of Green,” McManus said. Currier said he had seen the access management plan. ... , “That easement came up as part of pur * work. We knew it was there,” he said. c feel that with the change in use -1 don 111,n when that was enacted 20 years ago that t ere was a vision of where this could go wi i commercial out this way - there certain y wouldn’t have been a vision of a signalled — “We do want Culver’s here, don’t misunderstand me. But we have to make this safe for the people driving down that road and exiting that road.” Rutland Charter Township Supervisor Larry Watson intersection 800 feel away (from Green]. We feel with that signal there and with the traffic study backing it up, this could be an improvement for M-43 traffic and for Green, in allowing this to happen.” Cole and fellow MDOT engineer Kerwin Keen will review the traffic study and make recommendation to the corridor committee. A special meeting has been scheduled for 11 a an. Friday, April 30, via Zoom, to reconsider the Culver’s request for the driveway off M-37/M-43. as estimated bv Affordable Metal Roofing LLC. y A The Project will completed in two phases, which makes it eligible for two grants. Die first phasc wjfi be installation of new metal awnings and signaSe’ for which Seasonal Grille owner Justin Straube will receive a requested $4,950 grant from the DDA. The second phase will include installation of electric and gas lo lhc s’Bn*. In h’s application, Straube indicated he will apply for another grant during the second phase of the project. "He wants to put a new awning on his building, and the awning itself is steel,” DDA Chairperson Patty Woods said. “But there’s really kind of a continuation project in this. The awning would go in First and be in this fiscal year. And then a second grant could be allowed next year," “[The second phase would be] a movable sign underneath the Seasonal Grille wording. Vv.’iM mil < i ilh; ‘[The Sign] literally would be a gas-driven flickering fiamc. So the awning would go first and then this gas [and] electric work would be the second phase.” During the brief meeting, the DDA also set an informational hearing for its iMay 20 meeting, which will begin nt 8 a.m. Holding the informational hearing is required by stale because the DDA receives Tax Increment Funding, which diverts tax funds away from enlities like the City of Hastings to finance the DDA. The informational meeting allows the public a chance lo leant about what their diverted tax dollars arc doing in the community. “Thai’s part of the reporting that the state uirc. Il never used to is now starting to like in the last happen - 'histhe state is asking ycar-and-a-half or so rt what they re all of our TIF cnUt,c\ Czarnecki said. . doing,” City Manager of a . The board also which was sent to survey. The survey Downtown members of the DDA- « councjl _ Business Team and th Ha,.jngs’ 150th presented six logo opttons for Hast ng’ vm anniversary of incorporation a. . . The DDA formally rec?mm'"d 150th Anniversary Cclebrouon Committee choose the design that receive in the survey for the celebration. City council reviews budget, spending down fund balance Sophie Bates Staff Writer The Hastings City Council met Monday evening for a special budget workshop to review a draft of the city’s 2021-22 budget. City Manager Jerry Czarnecki said the meeting provided an opportunity to catch any errors and make changes to the budget, if nec­ essary. before the council votes to approve the budget Monday, April 26. “This is a draft, this is not what you’re going to be voting (».” Czarnecki said. “You are another set uf eyes for us for things that just don’t look like they did in the past or you’re not sure why they’re there. This is kind of a questions and answer going through this so that wc can make sure that we’re catching everything.” Czarnecki first reviewed city’s capital improvement plan, which outlines projects and equipment purchases formulated by refer­ encing various city plans, such as the parks plan. “We tried to hit things like parks and rec. We tried to follow' the parks plan. We put things in there — we’ll see some restrooms are in there. We see some redoing of our ten­ nis courts in there. Things like that,” he said. “For water and sewer, we followed the rate study; for those of you who were on the coun­ cil in 2018, we did a rate study and did a 20-year projection of what our projects are going to be. So this is following that projec­ tion that was given then." The projects and purchases to be completed as part of the capital improvement plan, as well as accompanying costs, will not be offi­ cially determined and announced until the council votes on the budget. “Right now, it’s in the workings. Once they — the council - approves the budget, at that point, that’s when our projects and purchases are set. So that’s why right now it’s a discus­ sion between us [city staff] and council," Czarnecki said in an interview Tuesday morn­ ing. “Once they approve that, that’s where they set our course of what we’re going to do for the upcoming year." . Czarnecki reviewed the budget itself, which includes wages, operating costs, capital outlay and the fund balance. The fund balance was a topic of contention during the meeting. A fund balance is essentially revenue left over after expenditures that acts as a reserve for the city. City Clerk and Treasurer Jane Saurman said a healthy fund balance is between 1-an 15 percent of the city’s yearly re ve n w. The 2020-21 fiscal ycar with a fund balance of more than $2^g mjHion - 59 percent of the city’s yearly revenue, with unassigned fund balance money al 44 percent of yearly revenues. 3 "It is a safety case something hap­ pens with funding " Czaroecki s0,.d of th'i fund balance. "But that needs to be in a good reasonable range A< Jane mentioned yester­ day. 12 to 15 fa good fund balance. We're currently ilt d>al - lhere i,re.s0,ne projects that we'^n'utili^ lhat *** h°' good to go and sn. t it all nwa)l in °nC b'8 one-timeVnd ^±e*ing "kc ,hl“- »eed to be punx^f »•Bul We Sh°U' see that dwind^^.^bit » "la' wc can puuhose [fundshowaidssOine °f ^Councilwonuu, Bre„da budget'cXCfn<:tTOc<1 ^SMI-O00 of lhe fund balance ad“ $350,000 in reveoo" the MpeCU * receive from lhe federal CARES Act. McNabb-Stange said, if the city continues spending in this manner, eventually the fund balance will be depleted. “We’re spending down our general fund balance by $641XXX). This is, to me, totally unsustainable and totally inappropriate. First of all, we haven’t decided what we’re going to do with the $350,000. Second of all, if you look out next year — the following year. I should say — and then the year after that, we’re going to be out of money spending this way,” McNabb-Stange said. “We’re down $641JOGO this year, then a million next year and we’ve only got $1.9 million left in our fund. We can’t keep doing this. Something has to come out of this budget.” Saurman responded, saying she agreed that if the city were to continue to spend in this way, the fund balance would be depleted; but said spending the fund balance is necessary to make sure taxpayer dollars are going into the city and do not sit stagnant in the fund bal­ ance. Saurman also explained that the city can continue to expend fund balance money of this amount — half-a-million to a $1 million a year — for four or five years and still have a healthy fund balance, she said. After those four to five years, the city would need to become more fiscally conser­ vative and begin saving money. “I agree lhat continuing this way — with trying to finish these projects and get things done and push all of this fund balance into the city with projects that will improve our infra­ structure situation — will eventually whittle away our fund balance. But even at the end of 2023, we’re projected to have a 30-plus per­ cent fund balance, which is more than healthy," Saurman said. “These dollars are collected from taxpayers, including stale and federal dollars — those are part of your tax dollars, too — and the point of these dollars is to push them back into the city on a regular basis.That’s why we’re being given it. We’re not being given these dollars to grow a fund balance to an unhealthy proportion, which we have gotten to be. “If I were a taxpayer and I knew your fund balance, I would wonder why you’re still tak ing my tax dollars. This money is supposed to go back into the organization, supposed to bo back into the city, because that's why thev give us these tax dollars is to push it back into the city to .mprove our parks, our roads, our sidewalks, our infrastructure.” Saurman also noted that, in the past thyears, the city has added SI.5 milLn , . fund balance. * on 10 Ils "We did not put any of tW ~ into lhe infrastructure of the citv " ba<* said. Clly’ Saurman 2020, OPEB liability was $102 million. Pension and OPEB debt are common among Michigan municipalities, Czarnecki said, and, in compliance with expectations from the state, the city is putting together a plan to pay back the debt. “A lot of municipalities are [in debt]. The state has given us the expectation to work towards getting that to where it is more manageable. Because it’s healthcare, and the cost of healthcare is increasing, that’s growing very very fast. So the cities are required to put something in place lo show that they’re man­ aging that liability,” Czarnecki said. “We’ve had some discussion about different options. No trigger is ready to be pulled right now. Right now we’re just in the discussion part." Councilperson Don Smith said he agrees with McNabb-Stange lhat the city should spend more money on pensions and OPEB, but some money also should be spent on cap­ ital improvements. He also stressed the importance of sticking to a budget development calendar. “I would like Jane or Jerry to really go over that [the budget development calendar) and do like an after-action review to figure out what we can do next year for the development of the budget to be able to understand a way to build a better plan or execute the plan bet­ ter,” Smith said. During the meeting, council members pointed out errors to be corrected and addilions to make to lhe budget. City staff will make those adjustments before presenting the budget to the council again. I want to thank you for your input and your questions because I think it’s important that everybody understands how this docu­ ment is put together and the purpose of lhe document. So I really appreciate it,” Saurman said. At the end of lhe meeting, Councilperson Don Bowers called for the council and city staff to work together more collaboratively and without interruptions or confrontation. I really don’t think we need the conflict that s going on. We can talk to each other and tell each other what we think about budgets or anything else and in a way lhat is not confron­ tational. 1 can’t go along with that kind of a situation and the interruptions of people are just terrible. Somebody goes lo talk and one or two others try to talk over. So, I think, boys and girls, we better start thinking about these things and try to clean it up just a little bit please,” Bowers said. Mayor David Tossava agreed with Bowers before adjourning the meeting. ‘My sentiments exactly.” Tossava said. McNabb-Stange said she fce>l • tional money should be scent w- ?ny addi’ vent raising taxes. She eX‘^1 e‘y ’° Pa­ using additional funds to oav .1 ^PP0" for sion and other post-employee ben r“y? P0"“Jane talked about: we brin/lh' “ dcbt' so we re supposed to Spend "8.,he in, which, yes, we are sup\,d d 0 ™n 'he city, you re willing to raiseTx^ But' unl«s more money, you can’t snena hc” >'ou need you get, especially when v„11?Ve,>,hi"8 'hat your pension and OPPn J^'n dcbt Employee Bendits] " v ,7 (0,her posl a/*s bilitywas SS^m^^ty'.spens^]^ ’ dnd “ of June 30. CORRECTION An article about Child Abuse Prevention Month on Page 11 of the April 15 Hastings Banner contained an error about last yeafs decrease in the number of cases being investi­ gated. The corrected quote follows: ‘‘We sa* a decrease of 37.7 percent,” Linda Maupi«« executive director of lhe Family Support Center of Burry County, said. “Unfortunately, this is not because abuse and neglect has gon« down; it’s because there is no visibility 10 these children.” Maupin said 37.7 percent represents 81 actual cases. _• . . . | I r . . ’ �GRAVEL PITS, continued from page i fhe Hastings Banner — Thursday, Apni 22, 2021 — 3 •3 ir 0 ALONE II NO Silica Hope Township res'den<s. hne Soulh M-43 Highway in front of Hope Township Hall to protest a proposed gravel mine on Wilkinson Lake before last ihuibuays planning commission meeting. Tim Kennedy brought dog Bizee to the protest in front of the Hope Township Hall last Thursday. of attenders - at least the |Healthy Waters Alliance] people - continue to show up,” Bob Norton. Hope Township Planning Commission chairman, said after last Thursday’s meeting. “I’d expect lhat number of people would increase, not decrease.” And so the planning commission unanimously charged its planner. Nathan Mehmed, with finding a larger venue for its next meeting, May 20 - and possibly for future meetings, as well. Some suggested locations were Camp Michiawana, for lhe possible use of its chapel or dining hall, or a Delton Kellogg school building. “The goal is that nobody feels unable to attend because of where the meeting is.” Catherine Kaufman, attorney for the Hope Township Planning Commission, said. “We should have a larger venue where people want to attend.” But any other location for the meeting has to be within the township’s limits. Kaufman added. The'audience capacity at the township hall, where the planning Commission meetings usually occur, is limited by attendance restrictions. I he latest Michigan Department of Health and Human Services epidemic order to combat the spread of C0VID-I9 requires attendees at public meetings be spaced al least 6 feet apart and wear masks. Approximately 30 people attended last Thursday’s meeting, according to planning commission member Craig Jenkins. At the commission’s March 18 meeting, the number of people protesting the gravel mine exceeded lhat number, so they had lo file in and tile out, one by one, to make public comment during the proceedings. Before last Thursday’s meeting, protesters Bob Norton. Hope Township Planning lined the highway in front of lhe township hall Commission chairman, said he expects at 5463 S. M-43, and residents attended the the number of residents who attend their meeting to voice objections, which they have meetings to increase. expressed since lhe proposal was introduced hist summer. one mile from the proposed site. Carol Mattson, who lives in the 6500 "Every thing about it is going to be wrong,” block of Woods Trail Drive, told planning .Slagter said, expressing her love for “the commission members about how she’d bought peace and serenity” of t^p Jake. "It’s going to her home for "peace and quiet.” be gone. Every thing all. day, long is going.lo Kathy Slagter said she owns Peace of be really loud. It’s going to.be really big and Serenity Ranch. The ranch is approximately bothersome to have it behind inc.” A map provided during last Thursday’s Hope Township Planning Commission shows the location of Allegan-based excavating contractor R. Smith and Sons property where a portion of the gravel mining operation would front along Wilkinson Lake. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) Don Sklenka displays a mask used to protect workers from exposure to silica dust as he addresses the Hope Township Planning Commission last Thursday. Sklenka also brought a sealed vial he said contained silica dust, which is toxic and would be a product of the gravel min­ ing operation. Wayne Ritchie, who said he lives on Rose .Road, said, “We don’t need the noise and dust where we live. It’s going to be terrible.” The next meeting of the Hope Township Planning Commission is set for 6:30 pJn. .May 20 at the Hope Township Hall. Wlapfe Valter foreed into wirtual learning Qjher area districts maintain Taylor Owens Staff Writer Maple Valley Schools had to move its junior and senior high students lo two weeks of virtual learning after nearly half of those students did not show up for class last Thursday. Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said some classrooms had less than five students in attendance that day. The district has 393 students tn grades 7 through 12, of which 315 attend lhe Junior/ Senior High School face-to-face. But 149 of those students were absent last Thursday, and 88 were counted as being in quarantine last included in the quarantine are the varsity baseball, junior varsity baseball and track ‘eaBut golf- g'f>s’ soccer and SOt,ba11 teamS ‘Av'hik^Xne'ot'hcr'districts have experiWhl "i. in cases or students in quaranenced an uptt ^-tum from spring break, tine following noI |0 the p()jnl of administrators say moving to virtual learning- As of Monday afternoon, Hastings Area Schools had 17 students who tested positive for the virus, including three virtual students. Eight of lhe in-person students had been at the high school. The district had 136 students in quarantine, including 35 from lhe high school. “These numbers do change daily, but we are currently optimistic.” Superintendent Matt Goebel said Tuesday . Delton Kellogg Schools currently has 10 positive cases among students, including six from the high school. “Wc have been quite lucky at this point,” Thomapple Kellogg Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy said Tuesday. “We have only had a total of 11 positive cases since wc have returned from spring break - and only family members have had to be quarantined. “We will continue with in-person instruc­ tion in all of our buildings.” The Barry-Eaton District Health Department advises district officials to close school buildings if they hit a quarantine rate of 25 percent, since comprehensive tracking and tracing of the virus would be virtually instruction impossible at that point. Last Friday in Maple Valley. 28 percent of junior/senior students were in quarantine. Bertolini warned the Board of Education that the building may have to move to virtual learning during a regular meeting April 12. She said the district would do every thing it could to keep students in the classroom, but if the quarantine and absentee rale kept rising, she would no longer have a choice. “This is where it gets taken out of our hands,” Bertolini told the board. The number of absences continued to rise in the following days, and it became even more challenging for teachers to balance edu­ cation across in-person students, quarantined students who were temporarily virtual, and students who were already regular virtual learners. “We both exceeded our capacity to provide our best teaching and learning due 10 the dif­ fusion of students in three areas, as well as our ability to track and trace students who were needing quarantine, as well as general absence tracking.” Bertolini said. Last Friday was the end of the district’s Pop-uP cl’n'c to °^er first doses Saturday .. pc.nnock will provide a Spectrum vaccine clinic ’ ._:»v_tvide CUV* community-' vlde\,. 451 p.nl. Saturday at from 8 Middle Schoo'Py1?; Tlioniapplc Kel’. ( (x)0 first dose» of the nasium will ProV,d ;L- a-e 16 and up. Pfizer vaccine to a">?"cvjn-day posidW On Wednesday . \jea|th’s 13-county nre acioss Spectrutn lljgllcsl it has Son-^^^ospita-omctah S’"" "Vaccines are t.l)Coura£e comnium'y- a protect :l8alp Douglas „et vaccinated ‘OF, OI1CS, P • f()r Center that are allowing us bring vaccine clinics out into the county to increase access ____ •»” access and and kri»n keep .v.«» care close.. ... to 1home. Since February 2021. Pennock lias administered 6,738 vaccines. Individuals interested in recciv ing a vaccine Saturday during this clinic nray register by visiting spectruinhealth.org/vaccine or calling the Vaccine Call Center at (833) 755-0696 Spectrum Health Pennock s scheduling process has changed based on health depart­ ment guidelines and less restricted vaccine supply. Information is available online at spectrumhealth org/vaccine. Click on • Schedule Your Vaccination." After answer­ ing some questions, a page will show the Spectrum Health vaccination clinic loca­ tions. where an appointment for the Thomapple Kellogg Middle School pop­ up clinic, or a location of choice may be selected. . ... . Appointment avadaoniiy ls based on [III*****' - . ___ :___supply...... iv As e Shipments vaccine Asin<< in»re sh‘Pmentsof ofvacvac­ cine are obtained. Spednim will add new appointments. New appointments will gen­ erally be released onJ eckly basis. All these appointments are offered tor a lirstdl>c'i?l''centcr hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 vears of age, phone contact must be made and a parent or ,,"usl accompany ■ Lht.n ihev ret'dVu l^ir vaccination, "’lhe 1 T'”’ hdp,hosc who n^d special assistance in getnng scheduled. ,jccine is available al lhe covidp lnsurance js not no on'of-^"rfor;,ni'PPoinimen1. required to regime* second week after returning from spring break. Within lhat time. Maple Valley has had 12 positive cases of the virus, including one instance of three people transmitting the virus at school, which the state of Michigan defines as an outbreak. It was lhe first outbreak for the district since the start of the pandemic. "’flic majority of the cases resulted from family contacts, particularly with Easier gath­ erings of families,” Bertolini said. The elementary schools are not experienc­ ing the same surge of cases or quarantine, and will remain in-person. The Junior/Senior High School is set to return to in-person learning May 3. r “In the meantime, please reinforce to your students that our ability to host our fun spring events will be dependent upon folks making choices to mitigate spread while they are out of school,” Bertolini said in a letter to parents. “We deeply regret this need to convert to vir­ tual learning so close to lhe end of our year. and we hope this allows us to return and remain in face-to-face learning through the end of May.’’ Lakewood Public Schools reported 14 new cases of the virus, and 80 close contacts last week. "It’s safe to say that even one student in quarantine is a concern because, not only dp we want students lo remain healthy, we know they are best-served instructionally and social/ emotionally in school as opposed to out of school.” Lake wood Superintendent Steve Skalka Wednesday. “With that said, we had several reports of students identified as close contacts coming out of spring break, but none specific to a classroom, grade or building. "Therefore, it is not necessary to move to remote learning for any larger group. The other positive information is lhe number 0/ students reported as close contacts dropped dramatically after Wednesday of last week. Contracts extended for several Delton Kellogg administrators these contracts be extended. Scan Bradley “All I’d like to say is lhat it’s a nice gesture Staff Writer to do it sooner this year, considering hou Several officials at Delton Kellogg Schools had their contracts extended by the district’s difficult it has been.” he wrote Tuesday. Corlett i.s not a member of the school board, board of education. so he doesn't have a vole. He said he only The board voted during its meeting Monday recommends actions to the board, which then to extend Delton Kellogg Schools votes on his recommendation*. Superintendent Kyle Corletl's contract In Julv 2020. the board approved onc-year through June 30,2024. Contracts also were unanimously approved contract extension.'for Trierweiler,Man-arms. to be extended through June 30. 2022, for Bourdo. .Mohn and Nurenburg. l he board also approved changes to two of elementary- school Principal Karmin Bourdo. the district's policies Monday evening. Emm middle school Principal April Margaritis, high sent by district personnel .ire to be stored tor school Principal Lucas Trierweiler, athletic years and then be deleted. director Mike Mohn, and finance director four Another policy »»' changed to allow Andy Nurenburg. - to toneal results of tmgerpnnts The contracts, which are usually brought to taken ihreuslxxi' of >u\k?rou^ lhe board lor possible renewal in May or June, diecks. Hie district requires background do not involve any pay increases, Corlett said . .-is for einpluyx'es every five years. after lhe meeting. The nevi rep.br meeting of the board wilt “Since I have been at DKS. the admins be at 7 pin. May 17 m lhe med.a center al receive the same salary increases that lhe D.-hon Kellogg Elementary^ School. Hie teachers get. So, il it’s determined based on Jneeunc will be in pe.son. hut also will be negotiations or the teacher contract (hat teachers will get a 1-percent or 2-percent '*'lhe school's website, dkschools.org has raise, then lhe admins receive that same more information. amount?' Corlett wrote in an email Tuesday. Corlett recommended to the board that �Page 4 — Thursday, April 22. 2021 — IP® HasW* p Did you SCC? A regular turtle troop The hard-shell fellows were sunbathing Saturday, hanging out on a log in a marshy area along M-43 just south of Delton But they were gone in a heartbeat, just after this photo was taken. Although turtles may seem ^pregnable in their fortress shells, raccoons, opossums, foxes and other mammals are known to raid turtie nests to snack on tender hatchlings- Heavy shells or not, cagey turtles move fast. These are common painted turtles; however, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources |s askjng residents and visitors to report sightings of other lesscommon reptiles Anyone who sees a Blanding’s turtiet Eastern box turtle, spotted turtle. w’00d turtle or Eastern massasauga rattlesnake is asked to report the observation at Michigan.gov/ EyesInTheField Do you remember? New supervisors Banner April 21.1966 Two new supervisors took their seats on the Barry County Board for the April session. Walter Soya (right), 48, Route 4 Hastings, was appointed to succeed Harold Stanton, who resigned as supervisor of Baltimore Township because of illness. William Hayes (center), 58, Route 2 Hastings, was appointed to succeed Milton Buehler, who had resigned the previous month to become director of Barry’s new equalization office. They are pictured with Jerome Van Matre, 53, who was appointed in August 1965 as supervisor from Yankee Springs to succeed Claud Willson, who resigned. Have you met? Originally from Battle Creek. Diane Bennett never aspired to be a school princi­ pal. After 31 years of teaching first- and sec­ ond-graders St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Hastings. Bennett’s heart belonged to lhe classroom; and the idea of being away from her students, tucked away in an admin­ istrative office, felt wrong. But when former Principal Lori Pearson left in April 2020 and the search committee failed lo find a viable replacement. Bennett was approached by Superintendent Margaret Erich. “1 love to teach, and I love being with lhe kids in the classroom. And that’s where I feel comfortable. So, I wasn’t interested in pursu­ ing the position. I’ve seen principals come and go before, so 1 just thought, ‘Well, we’ll find something new, someone who will lead the school,’’ Bennett said. “We, as a staff, were trying to help, and we were trying to figure out what to do because we thought it was important to start the year with a leader and with a principal. And then we started talking and we thought, ‘Well, what if one of the teachers stepped up?’ “Margaret Erich said something like, ‘Well, it’s funny you would say that.’ And then she approached me and asked if I w ould really be interested.” Bennett and Erich reached a compromise: Bennett would accept the position with the condition she continue to teach in the class­ room. She was appointed to lhe position in July 2020. My heart is at the school. But I still wanted to teach. And she agreed to it,” Bennett said. “I accepted the position and just kind of jumped in head first.” Taking over as principal during a pandem­ ic was challenging - and a little scary. But, Bennett said she had the support of lhe teach­ ers, administrators and Parish Pastor Stephan Philip to assist in her transition. She stays after school for two hours each day lo balance her duties as a principal and teacher. The extra work doesn’t bother her. Bennett said, because of her love for the school and because she feels this path was meant for her. “I do feel like I was on a path that 1 didn’t know about before, that led me to this. Because, like I said, 1 wasn’t planning on being die principal. I thought about it in lhe past, but then I decided no,” Bennett said. "I Bright Light. Favorite TV programs: “Gilmore Girls,” “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist" and “The Chosen.” Favorite teacher: Bonnie Brown at Battle Creek Central High School. Mrs. Brown taught the yearbook class and always seemed to genuinely like her students and believe in them. I’m most proud of: Raising my three beautiful kids. Person I’m glad to have met: My hus­ band, Kevin. We met in high school in 1983. First job: Besides babysitting, my first real job was as a waitress at Speed’s Koffee Shop in Urbandale, filling cup after cup with coffee for hours and being left a nickel tip. Favorite book: “Charlotte’s Web.” I first read it when I was 10-nothing’s topped it yet. . Something on my bucket list: Holding a polar bear cub. What the world needs now: Faith, com­ Diane Bennett just put it in God’s hands. If I’m supposed lo do this, then let it just fall into place, let it happen. And so, I really do feel like I’m just following that plan and that I’m in the place I’m supposed to be.” Bennett began working al St. Rose in 1990 as a recent Michigan Stale University gradu­ ate. Besides being a substitute teacher in Grand Rapids, this was lhe first real job she landed after college. And it became her home, both literally when she moved to Hastings in 1993 and figuratively. “The first time I walked in this building, il was just that real family atmosphere and it’s still like lhat. Il really is still like that where every body’s just a community and a family. And I’ve never seen it duplicated anywhere else,” Bennett said. “Il’s still like that; it’s still a good fit. 1 like teaching Catholic school because it’s like I am my whole self here because wc can talk about Jesus and God. “This is just my home away from home.” In her free lime, Bennett spends lime with her husband, Kevin Bennett, and three chil­ dren — Micala Tone/. Ethan Klipler and Brenna Klipler — as well ns her son’s fianc6 Maili Trumbull, son in-law Ethan Torrez and grandson Julian Tone/. I or her 31 years of educating area chil­ dren. Diane Bennett is this week’s Banner passion. hope and prayerR What rd tell a hif-h Schoo' g^uate. Be patient with yourself and others. Be God made you to be and you will set the world on fire.”— St Catherine of Siena. My biggest challenge: Saying grandson. I haven’t been able to <lo it y . If only I could: Find a place on Lake Michigan to stay for a lhl> ?um it would be a great relaxing vac^.?", it When it’s quiet: I uytoapPwc,“ ’ . What drew me to B^ryC?“n /Xing at St. Rose brought me here-11 . my kids in a safe. smaH40*" aunaph love hvmg on South Jeffc’^yds could walk lo work and churchJ library to school We can ^°XtS playgrounds, movies, P^^ h’arthelouddowntownorhearmusicJcan^ and lhe speaker from the f^ evenings, marching band practicing gn.at little bells that ring on the hour- 11 s a b town. Each week, the Banner Do you who makes the eommunW * featured know someone who ^L-loving perbecause of volunteer *<>*• * hns to tell or sonahty. for the slorics beor tion to any other reason? Sei>d .151 N.M-43 Newsroom, Hastings ,<><)5H; or Highway, Hastings email news<'.( j.adgril|)|;ics.con'- ‘Reluctant workforce’ jeopardizes recovery 10 turn aroundVro ded ,hat ifs'““r <ake *b°i" ,han i( is 'he numbers. 1 our unemployment COVID-I0tv.nl holes in America’s wX?'0 EaPinE the government has Bul’ whi,e helping us into the lifc^„ “'>.r'rocu5ed on following the compass to ‘ ^l”“.n®8lected economic recovery a P01001’3* vibrant govemmen.kSgener<)usprogramai| I — J— I 1 1 1his f orders - but not enough “' we ve got lots or oruc*. „ c j companies are doing. "We’ve advertised and talked to our employees, but we’re just no getting high of 14.8 percent in a rea(;hcd a ।enough response," he told me. And I m one month after the illnKs^khlM'^T ' getting pressure from ‘higher-ups tn our U.S. As vaccines and 'he Company for not being able to fill n growing sures began casing our fears that**’ "'S!' number of slots to keep up with orders. has been steadily on the decrease These concerns over the shortage of workers are certainly not the first I have unemployment levels seem to be a current4rate of 6.1 kvd percem well average percent we-’vT ,he encountered. Just last week, Judy s ett e Cafe in Nashville reduced its hours to offer fomeariy seven yeara straight aTd'de’s'p^ only breakfast and lunch on certain days due an economy that is, right now, ready to to lhe lack of staff. And several other restau­ rant owners in the area say their employees The confusing economic current is gener- are working extended shifts and more days atmg concern about all the aid being provid­ to make up for the lack of staff. ed by our own government to help us weath Across the country, we’re hearing reports er the pandemic storm. of businesses reducing production - or even Bill Dunkelbcrg, chief economist al the closing - due to the lack of employees to fill National Federation of Independent positions. Yet Washington is tone-deaf to a Business, is among the group of experts problem that needs immediate attention, throwing out a mayday call to political lead­ especially because it could kill the nation s ers who’ve created the confounding situa­ economic comeback. tion of having more jobs than workers to fill Although America is dealing with a cru­ cial worker shortage, fewer people are look­ them. “It varies a lot by industry." says ing for work than at any time since the Great Dunkelbcrg, who reports that 40 percent of Depression - and we’re still at a 6-percent NUB small business members have job unemployment rate. Reluctance to return to the workforce is openings they cannot fill. "For example, the highest would be in construction, manufac- creating a larger ripple effect for all of us. luring, and transportation.” “Michigan businesses are facing a very, Many NFIB members believe that the very uneven recovery,” former Lt. Gov. unemployment benefits offered by the gov­ Brian Calley. president of the Small ernment arc so high that they incentivize Business Association of Michigan, told Americans to stay off work rather than Bridge Magazine recently. “Larger busi­ re-enter the workforce. Even though bene­ nesses are doing better than smaller busi­ fits will run out at some time, unemployed nesses. And industries dominated by small­ workers w ould rather enjoy the extra money er businesses are generally more negatively and time off now than look for a job. impacted by the pandemic.” There’s no way to tell how many busi­ In March jawmakers passed the American Rescue Plan with $1,400 stimulus checks lo nesses have closed so far in real time, every American plus a $300 per week bonus Calley said, but the number is significant. through Sept. 6 for anyone already receiv­ An estimated 453 percent fewer businesses were open at lhe end of March in Michigan ing unemployment benefits. So. in a sense the government is paying workers a bonus’ compared to January 2020, according lo the database TrackTheRecovery.org. And older io stay at home rather than look for work Lawmakers on Capitol Hill were divided businesses are just as vulnerable as newer I over whether to extend the benefits. ones. Beyond the reality of business and indus­ Democrats saying the federal extension was necessary because the economy was still try being forced to close or move production weak and workers were having trouble find­ to other states or, worse yet, overseas, mem­ ing jobs. Republicans, on lhe other hand, bers of this reluctant workforce also may be maintained that continuing unemployment vulnerable themselves. Millions of with a bonus would deter people from going Americans who sit home, watching televi­ back to their jobs or looking for work at all. sion. playing computer games, overeating So far, it looks like Republications were and possibly abusing drugs and alcohol, become a threat to their families and com­ right. Congressman Peter Meijer was among munities. lhat unanimous group of Republicans who For the individual, though, experts con­ voted against the American Rescue Plan. tinue to remind us that being productive is "The sweeping American Rescue Plan, good for the soul. There’s nothing more which I opposed, incentivizes employees to satisfying than leaving a hard day’s work stay home by making unemployment bene­ feeling satisfied that something was accom­ fits at times more lucrative than getting back plished. Plus, people need people. We thrive to work," Meijer confirmed after our phone on the social interactions that work brings conversation this week. “When I visit busi­ us. nesses around Michigan’s Third District, I So as we fumble through this pandemic, hear about the same challenge over and over facing worker shortages and risking social again: There is a crippling labor shortage and mental health issues that might not even “The end of the COVID-19 pandemic is be realized until long after we get back to in sight, but businesses' inability to find some normalcy, let’s all agree that the econ­ workers is a roadblock to our economic omy will never get back to where it was if recovery.” we continue to encourage people not to Rather than just opposing the American work. Rescue Plan. Meijer offered an alternativeWith government handouts continuing He drafted a counter proposal. Direct tor another five months, how many jobs will Dollars Over Government Excess that go unfilled in the meantime? would have made supplemental unemploy­ “Humans need a sense of purpose, which, ment benefits smaller and phased them out for most of us, comes from the jobs we faster in exchange for direct cash payments hold," said Napoleon Hill in his book. Short upfront. J Lessons of Life. “Having a job gives you “My conversations within the West self-respect, dignity, and self-worth, which Michigan community suggest that direct provides the solid foundation that can lead targeted payments to individuals who need to a successful future.” it most would better serve our workfo™ America has lhe jobs. It has the workers. and labor market than current extended fed It has the chance for a successful future. eral unemployment benefits do" Meiil. said. "1 fear for September, when U.esX Jn Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. efits are set to expire, and we have ,nX to^’d^^ economic recovery-.” der our What we have now, technicnllv ;. sivc competition between 1S mas“ industry and the federal EOvlness and some 10 million despera elv nXT' f°r erawhowouMrathersithom^j^ “Michigan businesses are facing a very, very Larger businesses are doing better than smaller busine And industries dominated by smaller businesses are g more negatively impacted by the pandemic. • y Brian Calley, Small Business Association of Michigan president �Hustiriqs Banner — Thursday Apnl 22. 2021 — Pag* 5 ---- ■ QJjIJEST COMMENTARY What I s’* at the border and why we all should care must be. Local Government Accountability Forum censures GOP chairman Io the editor: I he Barry County Local Government Accountability Forum had its first meeting of the year on April 8. The Barry County LGAF ,s a grassroots movement of ordinary people who want to stay out of partisan politics and locus on holding elected representatives accountable for their actions - both to the constitutional and statutory duties and powers they swore to uphold. At the meeting, crucial information. such as Article 1 Section 3 of the Michigan Constitution, the Oath of Office and its impor­ tance. was disseminated and a resolution was passed. It was voted and unanimously passed at the forum meeting to censure Ronald Weiser, chairman ol the Michigan Republican Partv. Wc will be sending that action, with the signatures collected, to the Michigan Republican Party via certified mail. It we want to hold the government and persons of stature accountable, we need to do so lor all persons - no matter their political affiliation. Recent comments made by Weiser arc not becoming of the title he carries and we will not let such statements go unnoticed or unan­ swered. • • nK’u of ,hc Constitution and diverse .......i.°ntS’, )ul exPL‘cts persons of stature to • , , .L l!lenisclves in a manner that is con­ s en wnh what is considered acceptable ,n lheir Weed** positions. ... Hl-RhAS. Ron Weiser has stated, * la am, other than assassination, I have no other way other than voting you out.” WHEREAS, GOP Chairman Ron Weiser stated that the GOP’s “job now is to soften up those three witches and make sure that when we have good candidates to run against them, 1J k lrV ready ^or burning al the WHEREAS, Barry County LGAF finds (his language to not only not be helpful, but is furthermore stochastically terroristic in nature. WHEREAS, Barry County LGAF does cherish spirited political discourse; it docs not condone this type of behavior. Therefore, be it resolved, that Ron Weiser is hereby censured. Joel Ibbotson. Rutland Charter Township Hastings7 Bmiding Trades program worth replicating in other districts To the editor: It is important that I commend the work Jason Hoeffler is doing with his building trades class at Hastings High School. It is common for sports teams and those involved in music and theater lo be recognized for exemplary performances. What I have had the privilege of witnessing is some exemplary teaching and performance done by the students in Mr. Hoeffler’s class. This class is rebuilding our deck. They are getting practical experience, using what they have learned in class, right in the field. What I have witnessed is a teacher teaching and coaching'students who are truly engaged in what they arc doing, listening respectfully as instruction and advice are given. 1 have heard talk of safety. Measurement and math is naturally incorporated into this project. Students are respectfully communicating with one another to complete their job to the best of their abilities. These students are working hard, together, learning lhe value of time man­ agement. Now. I don’t know if they realize all of these things they are accomplishing, but it is truly evident to me. These students are receiv­ ing all that education should strive to give. They will walk away with valuable skills. Classes like building trades should be offered in all schools. Offering classes like this does more than leach a trade or a single skill. Students were not looking at their phones, they were actually communicating with one another. Students were not simply reciting facts, they were engaged in demon- strating their understandings. Students were actually listening to some amazing instruction from their teacher, and following through with the assignment. This is a program lhat should be emulated in other schools. Mr. Hoeffler should lx* proud of this pro­ gram, as should Hastings Area Schools. The community should be proud of this program and ask for more like it. Students need and deserve access to this type of program. Deb Cooley, Hastings One h^ge mess casu ruin a neighborhood To the editor: The homeowners on South Dibble street, between Hubble and Barfield, have nice homes. So it surprises me that one house is allowed to ruin the neighborhood. That one yard makes the city dump look like a meadow of wildflowers. Where is the city? Aren’t there regulations? I don’t live on Dibble Street, but I drive through there all lhe time and this mess makes me angry'. Helen Plaunt, Hastings Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature c.-.p Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), ./■Zhinan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. □rC 9 ,517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517nr toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. 37 ; ln Dr John Bizon. P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. mail. • U.S. House of Representatives Moiipr Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House PeteLMH nn Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831. fax (202) 225Office ® gtd^90ffiCe; 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, ph^e (616) 451-8383.__________ _________________ _ ________________________ The Hastings Banner * f thc interests of Harry County since 1856 P Hastings Banner, Inc. P A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. X Al Hiahway • Phone: (269) 945‘9554 ’ Fax: (269) 945-5192 Freder^f®bS Publisher & ending September 2020. a 29-percent increase from the previous year and a record-high fig­ ure since lhe epidemic started more than two decades ago. Just this week I spoke on the House fioor in support of a measure lo ensure our law enforcement can continue to seize fentanyl and chemically similar analogues, a measure the Democrats blocked. This move w as a sad reminder that w e arc failing on mul­ tiple fronts, but the failure to better police our border is one of lhe most glaring. In lhe first quarter of this year, the seizure of fentanyl at our southern border has increased by a staggering 233 percent from (he first quarter of last year. This epidemic impacts thousands ot Michiganders, and the crisis on our southern border is adding fuel to the fire by making it easier for narcotics traf­ fickers lo put our communities at risk. Michigan’s ’Hiird District also is being impacted by this crisis as more than 100 unac­ companied migrant children have recently been relocated lo Starr Commonwealth, an Albion-based nonprofit, for care. These chil­ dren are here through no fault of their own, and I cannot imagine how frightened they Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rolen: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year m adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Kathy Brett Bremer {Spo™ Sean Brad^V Taylor Owens change to Haung-., M| 4905M1B8 Second ChsvPmtago a! Holings. Ml 4905 ft US. Rep. Peter Meijer of Grand Rapids is a Republican representing the Third Congressional District which serves Barty County. CREATE A MOREL GARDEN IN YOUR BACK YARD Wc provide lhc seed and ca»y lo u»e imtructiont (or preparing an outdoor Monel Hubetot. You jurt sow the iced, maintain lhe Mortl ttablui. and pick and enjoy pounds of fresh Motel* $33.95 + SX.65 S/H - ORDER 707-K29-7301 The 110-member Lakewood Area Chora! Society, -^.(.ake Odessa, Ml, now in its 36lh season, is actively seeking to till its Accompanist Position The choir is currently inactive due to the pandemic; however, discussions to resume at some point in 2021 are being considered. Interested applicants should contact Robert C. Oster, artistic director and conductor, for more information regarding the job description, responsibilities, and audtion requirements. EMAIL rcojwo(ftsbcglobaLnet GOURMET MUSHROOMS P.O. BOX 515 CN21 ’ GRATON, CA 95444 www.gmushrooms.org Spawn ChnrajMMd to Puxlvce MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADF ORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation I iccusc #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 A Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 CELL PHONE and TEXT: 269.967.7245 Cotton Prints & Solid Colors ® City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2021/2022 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET The City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public con­ cerning the annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The public hear­ ing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 26 2021 in City Council Chambers on the second door of City Hall, 201 East Sta e Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The Ci y Council will consider the budget as proposeo by the City Manager and presented to City Council on April 19, 2021. The property tax millage rate proposedIto be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. AH interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. Tho City rti" P^vide necessary reasonable j cervices unon five days notice to the 3'ds pVgrK at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay Sices 800649.3777. ' Editor) POSTMASTER By lhe lime you read this. I will have Ixxji to Starr Commonwealth to ensure these vul­ nerable children are receiving adequate care. But, make no. mistake, unaccompanied migrant children have been flown thousands of miles because our federal government h4» failed to address this crisis. If lhe Bidch administration had a plan in place to respond to migrant surges like we are seeing now, non­ profits like Starr Commonwealth and others around the country wouldn’t need io step in as safe havens for children in distress. Wc must do better. Since thc Department of Homeland Security (DHS) currently docs not have a strategy to deal with irregular migration surges, I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to intro­ duce the Irregular Migration Surge Border Response Resilience Act. This bill would require DI IS to develop a plan to respond to irregular surge.; al the border so we can get thc current crisis under control while ensuring disaster of this magnitude doesn’t happeh again. The bill would make the necessary funding immediately available so DHS can implement thc developed plan and address the crisis now without waiting months for tradi­ tional appropriations. , Our federal government’s failure to prepare for, and respond lo, this humanitarian and security crisis is maddening, but lhe truth is we have struggled to implement meaningful immigration reform year after year, adminis­ tration after administration. There is no per­ fect solution here, but doing nothing is not an option. ' Now that I’ve seen lhe border crisis first­ hand. 1 hope our bill advances swiftly through Congress so we fix our present crisis anti prevent another in thc future. Mother’s Dav MOREL GIFT A copy of I*1'5 information, the entire proposed budget. and additional background materials Ngws ar.dp«& ------------ ------------------------------------------------^Aavailabl 0 ’or public inspection from 8 00 AM to 5 ’ 00 PM Monday through Friday at the • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Ctawhed adVMccptttl Monday through Friday Office of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, «-30atn to5:00pm. Sstings. Michigan 49058. Hank Securing Sophie Batfe5 Greg Chandler U.S. Rop. Peter Meijer ttS^.ad<7rapM«.<x>m-Advortoh9. a*@/.a^Wese<)m 1351 N. Rebecca p’e At the »'o»8 the Mexican Iwrder1o,l ' Valley, lies a city called Mc A . so^^rder Patrol facilities in NLA111' । 'Crowded lhat agents have been un(je|. hold hundreds of mi»’rnn of ’ h,^ay over­ pass. This was jus 'hj Mark scenes that greeted me a’H ^igucs from ule House Homeland Secu y Votnmiuee during a recent inspection^L wh To say rm 'h:“ saw is an understatement »» 1 . ^portions, In McAllen, and at <’*a’>ons along our southern border, u . • ''’J humanitarian crisis of our own 1 folding. I x«t nie be clear: 1 do not tnull pose who seek a better life for their but. lhc »’Jen Administration s rec' ctorjy |las cncour. aged hundreds of thous‘ s °l migrants lo put themselves and, in n’;in> c,lscs, their families and y oung childnni m danger. Thousands cross our border every day. and lhe surge shows no signs ot slowing down, h’s April, and we’ve alrvaiy surpassed the num­ ber of total border encounters froin u|| of |asl year, hi March. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded the highest monthly total of migrants in more th“n l)v° decades, along with 19,(XX) unaccompanied minors, includ­ ing infants - a bS-pc^nt increase from the previous record high. You may wonder why wc Michiganders, thousands of miles removed front the southern border, should care about what’s unfolding in places like McAllen. While I believe all Americans should be gravely concerned about the humanitarian crisis, the cartels that smug­ gle humans (you don t cross the border with­ out pay ing one cartel or another) also arc bringing lethal drugs like fentanyl that have made our terrible opioid epidemic even worse. This week, lhe Centers tor Disease Control (CDC) reported more than 87.000 Americans died of < opioid overdoses in the 12 months Jane M. Saurman City Clerk Time to Start Grad Gifts Thread, Zippers, Trims & Patterns & ft 'Pray. Tor Our Country ft QUESTIONS: ASK US... Sc^ten^ 210 E. State St. Hastings • 945-9673 m OPEN McrxlayErxWy 8 4^530ptn. SA’.izday 9 am 3 pm .J Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WANTED Middleville Housing Commission (Lincoln Meadow Senior Apartments) is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the director of a 50 unit HUD housing building. HUD experience is preferred. Applicant s ou have a minimum of an Associate in Bus ness» experience in accounting, & budgeting, us be able to get along with people & a pro em solver. Willing to work flexible hours, 25-, . a Deputy Director, 15-20 hours & av-ai able I be on call. Starting salary is depen tn ui qualifications. Position is open until hlKd. Must be able to pass physical, rug sere background check. Resumes mag be sent to: Middleville Housing 500 Lincoln St. MlddlevlUG MI «333 or email^u to. midhsg@yahoo,com �t»o 6 - Thursday. April 22. 2021 - The HosW Bunner Yankee Springs planners approve hew site for picklebail courts Greg Chaiw)k*r Staff Writer * . Picklcball enthusiasts tn Yankee Springs Township will soon have a new place to p ay -. and can treat themsehes to ice cream after­ ward. , . , ’ lhc township planning commission last week unanimously approved a site plan and special land-use permit that will allow for six dew picklcball courts to be built on property on the eastern portion of the Curley Cone restaurant and ice eream shop on M-179. ‘We could not be more excited and enthu­ siastic about lhe project, and I could not be happier with the amount of support that Yankee Springs Township has shown us,” Curley Cone owner Julie Fox said in a tele­ phone shortly after the April 15 evening meet­ ing. The passage of thc site plan for the picklc­ ball courts came three months after the town­ ship board voted to allow additional pickle­ ball courts at Yankee Springs Township Park. However, that approval set forth ground rules that included requiring the township to be responsible for all aspects of the project, including the hiring of the contractors and determining how funds raised by the Promote Pickleball Team would be spent. The citi­ zen-based group - which has been working to expand pickleball courts al thc township park for more than two years - had offered to raise $100,000 to pay for the construction of the courts. PPT representatives, who said they had their own contractors ready in place to build additional courts at the park, considered the township’s conditions a deal-breaker and decided lo pursue other options. • “I want to acknowledge lhat Julie is willmg to put pickleball courts on her property,” PPT representative Phyllis Wordhouse said during Thursday's public hearing. “This has been a 19-month process for us. and the town­ ship itself asked us to look for a business owner who would be willing to work with us. partner with us. I hope this is going to be suc­ cessful tonight, because we don’t want to wait 20 months. We’ve had over 10 meetings with the township.” Concerns were raised about an easement to tbc n.ea^y township water tower. 1 his is a vital water main. It connects the W’ater tower io the distribution line and M-179. said Don DcVnes. an engineer al Fleis Vandenbrink. "We currently don't use the easement for ingress and egress, we actually use thc drive­ way, ’ said Trustee Larry Knowles, w ho is the township board’s representative on thc plan­ ning commission. “I’d like to think that would still stay in effect." An earlier site plan for Curley Cone pro­ posed construction of a deck over thc ease­ ment area, which raised a concern for DeVries. Planning commissioner Frank Fiala praised the proposal, calling it “fantastic. “From looking at this .site plan and the planning lhat has gone in here and all the things that Julie has done al that facility, I think it’s just outstanding,” Fiala said. Il s an example of what we would like people to do, to accommodate the picklcball, the activities and the things that she’s doing. I just applaud lhat.” The board agreed to waive landscaping nnd buffering requirements for the project. No timetable for construction ot the courts has been determined. Marriage ficenses Nathaniel Aaron Jirtle, Hastings and Ina Karistyn Paige Sheldon, Hastings Robert Edw in Goris. Nashville and Jennifer Ann Ackett. Nashville Ryan Alan Rader. Battle Creek and Amssa Marie Olinger, Battle Creek Timothy Patrick Robertson. Nashville and Ruth Elaine Patterson, Nashville Bernard John Scheuncr, Hastings and Sara Elaine Fiores, Hastings Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Luge Parking Ix>t - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths lYe-arntngcnicnt Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome.net (KvTW-r Mnnjqrr Family Owned and Operated bwwrEmeri!^ Serving Hastings Barn < ountv and Surnnuuling (.omnutnilics for SO years Worship Uiwemce “Larry” Orlando Jordan passed away in Grand Rapids nt the age of 75 on Thursday April 15, 2021. Ltrry- was proceeded in death by his parents, Lawrence Jordan, Elsa JordanTaylor and Joseph T.iylor. He will be forevcr remembered by his loving wife. Bev. of 54 years; his daughter. Tami (Brian) Mayer; his son, Steve (Becky) Jordan; granddaughters, Anika (Jackson) Draime and q’eah Mayer; great grandchildren, Bentley and Navy Draime: sister. Joann (David) Logan; brother. Chuck (Linda) Jordan; brother-in-law, Richard (Jackie) Maivilie and several nieces, nephew s, extended family and good friends. Larry was employed by E.VV. Bliss for 20+ years and then retired after 10 years of working for thc City of Hastings. He will always be remembered for his time spent on the golf course multiple days a week with several good friends. When not on the course he enjoyed reading Ixioks and playing cards. In the summer you could find him manicuring the yard and splashing in the pool. But his tnie love was spending time w ith his family. The memorial service will be held at Gun Ridge Goll Course on Thursdav, .April 22, 2021 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, tbc family is requesting donations be nude to the VFW in Delton. Thomapple Manor Auxiliary. Welcome Comers United Methodist Church or Gun Ridge Golf Course. A celebration of life golf outing will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhomejtei. Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your con venience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "Wc Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc^ gmiul.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemtfthodi51.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to lhe current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags for chilren arc available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid's Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlaw n. Hastings. Matt Moser. Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.in. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. I.IFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E State Rd.. P.O. Box 273. Hastings. Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegalecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday. 9: 45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765. (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. 77im information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: sflexfob Hum 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Brenda .... fobbln jai> Bates Robb,n Jay Bates, age 67 of Hastings passed away on April 9. 2021. Robbin born on April 27. 1953 in Muskegon, the son of Jason and Arlene (Snyder) Bales. 1IRobb111,1 ?vas a 1971 graduate of Grand Haven High School, a 1974 graduate of the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music, and a 1998 graduate of Davenport Q71 roo!,e u°rked at W W’ GrainSer 1974-1994, Hastings Area Schools from 1994 - 2011. H&R Block from 1998 present and Girrbach Funeral Home from 2013 — present. Robbin was a member of the Algonquin L.akc Community Association. He served on the Rutland Township Board of Review. Hastings Public Library and was a trustee at the South Kent Baptist Church. Robbin was preceded in death by his parents. Jason and Arlene Bates and his sister, Linda Agerstrand. He is survived by his son. Michael J. Bales of Muir, and daughter, Elizabeth A. (Bates) Morrison of Muskegon; his grandsons. Jason 1’. Bates and Alan J. Bates, and nephew, Zachary T. N. Agerstrand. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, April 24. 2021 from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, Ml 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to A..A., https://contribution. aa.org/, General Service Office. Box 459, Grand Central Station; New York, NY 10163 or Meals on Wheels, https://www. barrycounty.org/commission_on_aging_ new/mea!s_on_wheels.php (Donations), c/o Barry' County Commission on Aging, 320 West Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings, Ml 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. g i rrbac h funeral home net. Brenda Marie Trumble, age 64. of Delton. . passed away on April 14.->-• Brenda was bom on March 13. । • Battle Creek, the daughter of Carol j,n Shirley (Mellen) Boyle- Brenda workedla Prairieville Township lor Y^a , was a member of Delton I.O.P.S- - e < all animals, especially birds and her eat. Jake. . . In her free time, Brenda enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, and canning. She especially enjoyed sharing stones an spending time with friends and family over ft good cup of coffee. . Most important to Brenda was her family, playing with her niece and nephew. Stella and Karson, and watching her grandkids sporting events. . Brenda is survived by her mother, Shirley Boyle; daughters, Melissa (Ed) Greene, Kat (Buck) Swain, and Camielita (Brandon)Bender; grandchildren. Kaleb (Jodi) Greene. Victoria (Jared) Greene. Betty Jo Swain. Jacob (Melissa) Swain, Joseph (Zowrie) Swain, and Cammie Swain; great grandson1, Deacon Swain; companion, Carson Nokes; sisters, Judy (Jordan) Larimer, Linda Wilson, and Carole (Chuck) Blincoe; several nieces and nephews. Brenda was preceded in death by her grandparents; father; husbands, Melvin Hofacker and Russell Trumble: brother-in­ law; Norm Wilson: and Aunt Bev. A graveside service was conducted Tuesday. April 20. 2021 at East Hickory Comers Cemetery. Pastor Mike -McCrumh. officiating. Memorial contributions to All Species Kinship will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Brenda’s family. Arrangements made by Williams-Gores Funeral Home. financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County qfficesif Edwardjones ' Member SIPC Andrew Cove, AAMSO Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-3553 ..... ... J,r'- Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor 400 w. State St, Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 {269)945-4702 * Be conscious of your ivestment environment Russell Dale Carlson. age 65• of Nashville, passed away on April 14, 2021. Russ was bom on May 6. 1955. the son of Laverne and .Marjorie (Genther) Carlson. Russ was the owner of Jo Dal Mechanicals in Nashville- On Au8usl -8­ 1977, he married Vickie J°N,a>'s' , Russ loved his work and loved meeting and getting to know his customers. He was a people person, and hc lovcd " “ 8 “Rose”. . Russ was preceded in death by his father. Laverne Carlson and h‘s brolb L Carlson. He is survived bv hi5 5^ 3caR>’ Vickie Carlson- mother. ^,i"joric CaJS<’? brother. Barry (Vi"k v> Carlson: sisters. Paula (Burt) Stites. Lorie nalC' “ wiH « - GiSt^ Mirroaih I-uneral Home, *-8 ° KT8' the faW«> -ks that >+ ««“?,!«»>.. ,» visit www; On /Xpril 22, we observe Earth Day, an occasion that has inspired millions of people over thc decades to take steps to clean up our world. Of course, your physical surroundings are important, but you also operate in other ‘•ecosystems” - social, cultural and political. And you’ll need to consider your investment environment, too. How can y ou improve it? Here arc a few suggestions: • Avoid “toxic” investment .strategies. ‘Hie dangers of pollution helped drive the creation of Earth Day. As an investor, you abo need to watch out for “toxins” - particularly in the form of unhealthy investment techniques. For example, chasing alter “hot” stocks can burn you. In lhe first place, by the time you’ve heard of them, they may already be cooling off. Second, and probably more important, these hot stocks just may wrong fur the investment mix that’s appropriate for your needs. Another toxic investment strategy: Irving to "time” the market by “buyini» low and selling high.” N<\ one can really predict xs hen market highs and k)Us w,|i <>ccur. and if you're always jumping in and out of (jle investment world. you’ll likely waste time and effort - not to mention money. Instead of looking for today’s hottest stocks or guessing where the market is heading, try to create and follow a long-term investment strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. • Reduce waste. Front an environmental standpoint, the less waste and garbage wc produce, thc better it is for our planet. As an investor, can you find “wasteful” elements in your portfolio? It’s possible that you own some investments that may be redundant - that is, they arc virtually indistinguishable from others you may have. Alsu, some investments, due to their risk profile or pertomiance, no longer may be suitable for your needs. In either case - redundancy or unsuitability - you might be better off selling thc investments and using the proceeds to purchase others that can be more helpful • Recycle wisely. Recycling is a major part of lhe environmental movement At first, though, you might not think the concept of recycling could apply to investing. But consider this: If you own stocks or mutual funds, you may receive dividends, and. like many people, you may choose lo automatically reinvest those dividends back into the stocks or funds. So, in a sense, you , arc indeed "recycling” your dividend payments to boost your ownership stakes - without expending additional resources. /\nd. in fact, this can be quite an effective and ' efficient way lo increase your wealth over time. • Plant some “trees.” Planting trees has always been a key activity among boosters of lite environment - with the recognition that their efforts will take years, or even decades, to reach fruition. When you invest, you must sometimes start small. By purchasing a limited . amount of an investment and nurturing it over the years by adding more shares, you may one day have achieved significant growth. (Keep in mind, though, that there are no guarantees - variable investments such us stocks can lose principal.) By making these and other moves. you can create a healthy investment ' environment - one that can help you achieve your long term goals This article was written bv Edward Janes for use by your load Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC �19828611 County’s oldest Civil War veteran also was one of the youngest, conclusion Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Last week's column concluded with a November 1898 clipping from a Wisconsin newspaper telling how Truman O. Webber had pulled an injured boy from the swiftlyflowing Fox River. Years later, after Webber had moved to Michigan, the May 2. 1934, Hastings Banner shared news of his son’s heroics in Illinois. Defies demands of bank robbers “Our readers probably noticed the account ot how three robbers, gunning for bank money Thursday ol last week, entered the Round Lake, III., bank. When the three robbers entered at about 9:30 a.m. and declared “This is a stick-up.” the cashier, EC. Webber, replied, ‘The hell it is.” He reached for his shooting iron and let drive. Two bullets came sailing at Webber from the bandit sentry at thc bank door, but he didn’t have to dodge, the slugs merely cracked the bullet-proof glass surrounding the cashier’s cage, and he escaped unharmed. “Webber fired three shots through the little opening in his cage, ’file three robes look to their heels. The town vigilantes heard this call to battle and were soon swarming from nearby shops. A bullet dropped one robber as he raced for cover toward a lumber yard. “Wm. Lubee. working in his garden nearby, grabbed his rake and whacked the wounded bandit on his head to keep him down. The other two took to their car and raced out of (own. “The plucky cashier, who refused to hand over his money, who fired al the would-be robbers and forced them to quit the bank, was Edwin C. Webber, son of T.O. Webber of this city. In recognition of the bravery of the cashier, he was promoted to the presidency of the institution, and his wife was made cashier. “In the Banner office window, you will find a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Webber.” That window was at the Banner office on West Stale and Church streets (now Seasonal Grille), and the photo likely was on loan from the proud father: What brought Truman Webber to Barry County is unknown. Boni in New York State, he grew up mostly in Wisconsin, perhaps moving between the homes of his divorced parents in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. At 13, he joined lhe Union effort in the U.S. Civil War and spent most of the next eight years seeing the country through the eyes of a soldier, the first four years with the 1 st Wisconsin Cavalry and the next four with the 71*1 U.S. Infantry. He may have been mamed, and soon divorced, after returning to Wisconsin in 1869. Some records are not clear. Other reliable documents show he mamed Chicago in 1900. He may have lived in northeastern Indiana for a few years before moving to Maple Grove Tbwnship around 1905. 1 he 1910 U.S. Census shows him living in Maple Grove Township with his wife, stepdaughter Mabie (Hewitt) Doxey, her husband, Leonard, and their two eldest children. The 1913 Barry County atlas show s aT. Webber owning 40 acres about a half mile east of what was still known as Maple Grose Center. By 1920, he was living al 507 E. Madison St. in Hastings, a home he would occupy thc remainder of his life. At some point. Webber joined the Leonard O. Fitzgerald Post of the Grand .Army of the Republic, based in Hastings. Eventually, he became its commander of the post, perhaps of a very short roster. He was thc last surviving member of the local GAR. which disbanded in 1941 before his death. Although he was not a longtime associate. Webber was celebrated by lhe local Women’s Relief Corps, lhe GAR auxiliary, when he turned 86, according to the April IK. 1934. Banner. Honored T.O. Webber on birthday WRC Ladies had partv for him at GAR Hall ’ “Covers were laid for 25 at thc birthday dinner given by members of thc Women Relief Corps Saturday at the GAR hall honoring T.O. Webber, who was celebrating his 86^’ birthday. He is lhe only surviving member of GAR Post 125. “Mr. Webber’s daughters and their husbands. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Marko [MarcoeJ and Mrs. and Mrs. RJ. Dorris, and family of Royal Oak came for the party, but the latter family got stuck in the mud on Mount Hope Avenue in Lansing, so didn’t arrive in lime for dinner. “Mr. Webber enlisted in Co. F, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, serving three years and 11 months when he was honorably discharged, having been with his regiment in 47 batiks, and a detachment of his regiment captured Jefferson Davis. He came from a family that did their pan in the Civil War. his grandfather [Ira Holden, father of his step-moiherj being in the 171^ Wisconsin Infantry, his father in the 42nd Infantry', and his brother in Battery D., 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery ... “In 1910, Mr. [Truman] Webber received his first pension check form the government, none of the others ever getting a cent for their war services [the other three having died by then]. “Mr. Webber’s many friends extend birthday congratulations and best wishes and wish for him many more such happy anniversaries.” Webber made the news later lhat year, in another publication. 'l he Suttons Bay Courier, in its Sept. 6. 1934, edition, noled that “Only tw'o Civil War veterans were able lo respond .. r> 1nTnn°Dav ceremonies. Thov are 'limn IH! E,V u.War^ are represen,eri n^vv/hi >r Civil War: Cornelius Manni L 6| a R ^er’ ^or','9b'' World War; Frank Reynolds, Spanish-American War; Truman Jurm 9 1938' Pl^ b* > stdiojSpan,ShA,nencan Hubbard, World War All are residents ol Hastings. (Banner to lhe call for what was announced as the ‘last annual reunion’ of the Barry County Soldiers and Sailors Association. J«unes McDonald, of Battle Creek, and T.O- Webber, ot Hastings, were the only ones of lb living veterans who could attend a dinner. McDonald is 94, and l’"hliS l ibrary . I*""-' Whai drew TnJ<^an t0 Barry County around 1905 is unknown, but he war spam the law third |n 1S41. l buM M ins h.adston. mdical„ b“» soldier before his de bis place cemetery. • «K»rd all listed Cla^ 3^^ Townsh'P beside his second wife at .............none..... .... If veteran, nanio wrtr ... Civil Yfar.. CHARLES H. LEONARD Funeral Home Truman O. Webber, 86, reports on World’s Fair it pZ,f 4 / him Hawkins; Joat him ‘ I indagt as e.i i,,H‘ libraryofcongrcs*'1 L SOCIAL SECURITY No. FULL Webber is 89.” v 0 NAME................................... T Webber's name shows up in the Banner periodically, especially in late May or early Perhaps the person who filled this funeral home form felt the weight as each of the' June for Memorial Day events, and again in November for /Srmistice Day activities. eight letters on the typewriter was tapped to spell “Civil War,” knowing it would be the lhe June 4, 1936. Banner recounted a last time those two words filled the second line. “ recent observance in Hastings, saying “Decoration Day was fittingly honored in this city.” ’ Members of the Legion and Spanish War veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and their auxiliaries marched to Riverside and Mount Calvary cemeteries to decorate lhe graves of deceased soldiers, the paper noted. A platform had been set up on the courthouse lawn, and a large crowd gathered. He may have been closer to 90 than to 80, marked thc rapid development of our coun­ A hearty singing of “America (he Beautiful.” but that didn’t slow Truman O. Webber. try. and here in this great building, one can an invocation, the Pledged Allegiance, music Barry County’s last surviving Civil War vet­ see at a glance all the agencies of rapid tran­ by the high school band, and more preceded eran. Spending all of his teenage years as a sit that have made for our growth. Here in comments from the speaker of the day. Rev. soldier, and traveling through many states this building, you can sec it al a glance, Karl Keefer ol Watervliet . , ami the Western -Territory may have given although one could -^peixF^reveraT-daysHfr He referenced in fitting words to the live him wanderlust. this one showroom and then not be able to living representatives of.the veterans of the Whatever the cause, thc Banner staff was see it all. Civil War. one of whom. Truman Webber, was happy to share his observations of the Of course, great crowds are at lhe grounds on the platform, and was asked by Mr. Keefer World’s Fair in the Sept. 20, 1933, edition. every day, and everything is hustle, hustle, io say a few words.” the article read. Not only did Webber convey his impressions hustle. ,-\ man of my age has to take it slower, “| Webberj made an appropriate response of the “Big Show.” he also provided glimps­ and one can’t go anywhere but what there in expressing his pleasure in seeing so many es of his energy, attitude and source of hap­ are crowds. You can take a bus or a wheel young people present, evidencing their interest chair, but even then, you can't see things as piness. in their country.” listing the generations of you would like to. In short, it’s a pretty hot military service his own family members, T.O. Webber of this city, aged 86 years, place for a man of my age. both older and younger. For sevcral years now. we’ve heard people recently was one of the interested visitors to “He was proud of that record. He offered the Century of Progress in Chicago, and talk about depression and hard times and the a fervent prayer which touched all of his thereby demonstrated that he still has more like. To see the crowds over here, one could hearers - a prayer for his country, for his enthusiasm and initiative than a great many haidly believe there has been any depres­ community, for all his fellowmen.” people much younger. Following ate a few of sion. l he real fact is that people of today do lhe Banner in early November 1940 his comments about the Fair as he addressed not know what hard limes are. They ought to have lived in the days of Franklin Pierce or announced Armistice Day plans in (he city, them to lhe Banner: . Well, here I am. an old veteran of the Civil James Buchanan, when wheat was down lo noting that several veterans, Women’s Relief War, al the Century of Progress exposition at 25 cents a bushel, and there was no sale for Corps, “and one Civil War veteran, T.O. Chicago. This is the third big fair I have beef or pork. People lived through those Webber." would be participating. However, a attended in Chicago, since I was a young day s just as we will live through the present Nov. 11 .storm curtailed events that day and man. The first was in 1865. In 1893.1 was a ones. moved the ceremony to Centra! Auditorium. As 1 intimated above, this is a pretty lively conductor on a street car line in Chicago and The following spring, some were hoping often attended the World’s Fair that year. town for an old man. 1 haven’t been here so Webber, by then 93. would be able to attend Now in 1933, I am again in Chicago to very long, but it will be a real pleasure to get lhe annual ceremonies. attend a World’s Fair, this one being culled a back to that little old shack of mine in the Following a schedule that again included second ward. It isn’t worthy much, and there ‘Century of Progress.’ singing, bands and speakers, thc May 29, In these days, we hear quite a little talk isn’t much in it. but to me, it’s the sweetest 1941. /M/mrr stated: “If T.O. Webber, the about hard times, but it surely doesn’t look and most beautiful place on earth because it only surviving Civil War veteran in Barry like it over here. One can hardly move on is ‘home.”One really doesn’t have to have so County is able to attend lhe exercises, he will •mv of the streets of this World’s Fair, but much money in this old world to be happy. be given a place of honor. what you will see are things from ail over the It’b a condition of the mind more than il is of I Ic was not able to attend. world, that you want to see, but I guess u the purse. We can all have it. if we will, and Webber died the following September at takes all sorts of things to make a complete alter we attain it. it is thc biggest blessing Pennock Hospital where he had been a patient life can bestow. for several days. He had been in failing health fair. . . , . I am indeed thankful for the spirit of hapOne of lhe S ’ gbts interesting to watch is for many months, according to thc Sept. IL pincss and contentment that 1 have cultivated the sky-riding - but none tor mc- 1 1941. Bantier. am! for the degree of good health that has much prefer m stand on good old Mother His wile Mary had died jn 1928. and he Earth and let those who desire take this been mine. If I keep on feeling as good as 1 had been cared for by Mrs. Eunice Martin at chance hundreds of feel above lhe ground [in do richl now, I am going to drive lo Detroit his home. next w eek and see my girt-- Not so bad for a a gondola]. . . Webber’s obituary, death certificate and ’’lhe exhibits arc certainly fine, in fact, y oung man ol 86 years. funeral home record all I’^d Clawson as the even thing L fine, and produced on a large burial site. The Sept- H - 1*94L Banner tribute Very truly yours, , <cale befitting such a show. Especially did 1 said he was interred at Oak View Cemetery. enjoy the" Transportation building. Royal Oak. However, neither he nor other T O- Webber Transportation has been one feature lhat lias family members app^afto ‘ buried in either citv. His name is inscribed ln a headstone at Hastings Township aka. Sponable or Valley Home, Cemeteryhowever, the township does not haVu record of his internment there. . .. Wherever lhe <>U 50,dl7 haU lx'en 1:11,110 ■ est. he'd left a a «?«"’«’" '"j*" u ho’d served eight ' *'h® "'"'fT >’>'' ‘ and Mio relished a good time he was 21 and <'nie spent with loved story, adventure, ones ■ lhe veterans pictured above, who took part in the i u,hH\search.com, Ancestry.com University fl Wisconsin Veteran MH-.ru,»; H"'"”’-'hlir l.ihr„n-: Cenli.d Alien County Digital Michigan Michigan UnW*r"Newspapers. Call 288-945-8554 for Hastiiws Bannerads Water ’s Edge Financial LBC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AU* (269) 948-9969 525 VV. Apple St. Hastings. Ml w\v\v.\vatersedgcHnuii< ’’l,,conl Taking care of what' imporkhh vo that you can focus on what mailers mt s ihluu.J. I J’l ; Wd . '' ___ �Page 8 — Thursday, April 22, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Variant strains hit younger population - ------------------------------- L ^^uently see patients Elaine liarlock The flowering trees that line Fourth Avenue Jowntown are at their prime with flowers on all the branches. They arc a beautiful sight to behold. The winter sojourners who fled Michigan’s snow and icc last fall arc slowly returning to their home grounds. Five members of thc Batdorf family of Coos Bay, Orc , were in town over the weekend, hoping to sec relatives in the Curtis family. The} visited here a few years ago en route home from seeing a son in Ohio. Their Michigan time included visiting the local library for family information and attending Central United Methodist Church. On a visit a few years ago, the gentleman spoke to the local genealogy society about the migration of the peoples of lhe Palatine region »n what is today’s Germany, to America. The suflix “dorp’ is translated to mean “Village.” % urnent plans at Central United Methodist Church include intentions of having Sunday morning worship services outdoors as was done in late summer last year. This means using thc sidewalk and thc front steps, plus lhe wide landing at the top of the steps with access to electricity. A new structure is taking shape on the Johnson/Anderson farm just to the north of the village using the post-and-beam method. The house adjacent to the new' posts was removed within the past month. -Newborn babies Abram Lee Parsons, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 17, 2021 to Courtney Grimwood and Jordan Parsons of Dowling. ***** Mavis Irene Althou.se, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 19, 2021 to Ashlcigh and Chad Althouse of Hopkins. ***** Evan Joseph Branham, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 27,2021 to Alyssa and Zach Branham of Dowling. ,Kooper LeeAnn Adam, bom al Spectrum Health Pennock on March 28.2021 to Ashley Wilkins and Jesse Adam of Hastings. Augustus William Carroll, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 29,2021 to Karley Childers and Jerimiah Carroll of Bellevue. ***** Carter Straube, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock to Samantha and TVIer Straube. ***** ' Iverson Allyce Harvath, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April I, 2021 to Noelle Fox and Keegan Harvath. ***** Lcnynn Sheldon, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 2, 2021 to Kerstin and Dillon Sheldon of Plainwell. 159099 NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Freese Decker said she hopes West Michigan hit the peak of ju clirTmt COVID-19 surge, but it’s difficult io Know ,or surv' The hospital network had 291 people hos­ pitalized with COVID-19 <)n Wednc5di0\ and nearly 70 of them wcnJ in the intensive care unit. Spectrum Health West Michigan President Darryl Elmouchi said during a vir­ tual press conference Wednesday. It was a 20-percent increase in hospitaliza­ tions over the past week, and a 35-percenl increase over the past two weeks. “It’s been a very rap*l<J uptick - much quicker than we saw in the surge we saw in the winter.” Elmouchi said. Barry County had active cases on Wednesday, and has counted three deaths due to COVID-19 since last week. But health officials are warning that high positivity rates of COVID-19 tests indicate the number of people with the virus is likely much higher. On March 1, about 4 percent of COVID-19 tests conducted by Spectrum Health were positive, but on Wednesday that number was 16.6 percent. One in every four COVID tests conducted in Barry County on April 12 and 15 were positive; the percentage was at 21.47 percent as of IXicsday. Those numbers arc in spite of the fact that 20212 Barry County residents over the age of 16 have received their first dose of thc vac­ cine. and 15234 residents, representing 30.7 percent of the population, have completed their vaccinations. Decker said the United Kingdom B.1,1.7 variant, which is now the dominant strain of the virus in Michigan, is a major factor behind thc surge. The variant is between 50 and 75 percent more contagious than the strain that people were being infected with last year, and it is more directly affecting young people. Spectrum has seen an increased number of children admitted to its hospitals, including those in the elementary school age group. Decker said those children also arc more like­ ly to spread the variant strain. “Even y oung, healthy people and children with no pre-existing conditions can get very sick from this virus,” she said. The average age of people hospitalized with the virus within Spectrum is 57. and 15 percent of hospitalizations are under the age Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission. 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058. until 10:30 A.M. May 4, 2021 at 10:30 AM for the purchase of the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. (1) USED TRACK TYPE DOZER (1)USED WHEEL LOADER The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY Frank M. Fiala David D. Solmes D. David Dykstra Chairman Member Member BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ZONING ORDINANCE ADOPTION BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN HEREBY ORDAINS: Pursuant to the provisions of Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended, notice is hereby given that the Barry County Board of Commissioners has adopted the following Ordinance which amends the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended, in the following manner: ORDINANCE NO.: A-1-2021 Rezone property on West State Road in Section 30 of Irving Township (see attached map). FROM CR (Conservation Reserve) RR (Rural Residential) LEGAL NOTICES SYNOPSIS HOPE TOWNSHIP Regular Board Meeting via zoom April 12, 2021 Meeting opened at 6:30 pm ADPIQkfiit Consent agenda Guernsey Lake Fireworks permit Publish Planning Commission approved minutes Resolution 2021-10 Allow public meetings to be held virtually Adjourned at 7:17 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson. Clerk Attested to by: Doug Peck, Supervisor 158636 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28757-NC William M. Doherty P41960 Court address 206 W Court Street Suite 302 Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no 269-945-1390 This map is a portion of the Official Zoning Map of Irving Township in Barry County, Michigan. In the matter ot Hudson Nowa Hernandez TO ALL PERSONS, induing whose address is unknown and whose interest 'n 1110 matlef may bo barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE- A hearing will be held on 5/12/2021 @3:30 P.M at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Hudson Nowa Hernandez to Noah Hudson Wymer. SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular M«’dng April2021 Supervisor Stoneburner «lled Legal Description: W 1/2 SE 1/4 Section 30 of Irving Township (T4N R9W) lying north of State Road. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN rnoetin010 order at 6:30 p.m Presort: Cle* Goebel. Supervisor Stoneburnor. Trustee OeVnes S Trustee Doster Agenda and March 30.2021 M“lu,osw<l'e approved Dot*- April 13. 2.Q21 Ben Geiger, Chairperson Barry County Board of Commissioners Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Published Date: jApril2Z^21 Th. ,h™> named ordinance becomes effective Agni 30.2021. A copy of this ordinance is I^labte for purchase or inspection in the Barry County Planning Office, 220 West State ^ta^Hastinas Michigan 49058 between the hours 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.. Monday Utrough fX Xe^ll(269) 945-1290 for further infonnafon. 158635 Reports were received ct.o7 Approved pay,nbl||8. $16,514 Approved P|an ^^mmrssion recommendation Approved Flr8 D , ^t 8^dment Approved 202|.2q22 Feo Increase App oved Cemetery FP^'^mment, were Pub"c comments and 803 received. Mooting adjoutnod ai 7.45 Pro Submitted by. Rod Goebel. Cle^ 158058 admitw or them doan under i Hiceaw.'’ Spectrum X Health LCrgXMedicine Throop and 50S in the 30s, 40s and 50s that are very ill and need to be admitted - and a lot of them do not have an underlying health disease.” said. • KXnrnridi president of Helen Hossain M •I said the hospital PcV(M Chddren '.Ho I- j. increa$c pf Sw^'Xi^childrenwi.hrcspira.ory J°hn Throop, Spectrum Health Emergency Medicine Doctor difficulties. „nrnuragcd people to con„cill(h K diMance and linuc ^*"8'"•“^"possible. gel vaccinate I < accjne has been shown ^n,°UC" relive a ’ "«-•varian*Strain 10 Same-day^vaccination appointments often of 40. We frequently sec patients in the 30s, 40s are Tailable al spec.rumheaM The Vaccine Call Center number ts (833) 755 0696. LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public heanng for the Mowing. Caso Number V-2-2021 - Hickory Bulldera (Applicant); Mary Sharp & Rafael Javier (Prooorty Owners) K Location: 4351 Indian Isle, Battle Creek, in Sec­ tion 30 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Request a variance to build a 22x28 residence (the required minimum is 24x30) with a core area less than 24x24 in the RL (Recreabonal Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-3-2021 - Home Specialists LLC (Applicant); Mark & Rebecca Ehrnstrom (Property Owners) Location: 4260 Lynden Road, Shelbyville, in Section 6 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct an ad­ dition to an existing structure that has a front yard setback of 3 ft (the minimum Is 10 ft) and a side yard setback of 4.2 ft (the minimum is 7 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district MEEQhLGLQAIEiMay 10, 2021. HME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tydon Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will bo given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4020, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at imcmanusQgbarrycounty.org. The variance applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 aunJo 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. • Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further Information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signors for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284* a Pamela A. Palmer. Barry County Clerk 158962 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236. MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court In Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM. on Apnl 29, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Daniel J. Wright, and his wife, Lorena J Wright Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns Foredosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan Servidng, LLC Date of Mortgage: June 6, 2008 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 10. 2008 Amount daimed due on date of notice: $40,326.33 Descnption of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Castleton. Barry County. Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point on the North line of Section 21, which lies 145 feet West of the Northeast comer of said Section 21. and running thence Southwesterly 137 feet to a point which lies 166 feet West of the East line of Section 21; thence Northwesterly 130.2 feet, more or less, to a point which lies 295.16 feet West of the East line of said Section 21; thence North 119 feet to the North line of said Section 21; thence East 150.161 feet lo the point of beginning. Secton 21, Town 3 North, Range 7 West Common sheet address (if any): 7964 State Rd Nashville. Ml 49073-9607 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241a, or. if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600 3240(16) If the property is sold at foreclosure solo under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower Will bo held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner. If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector Dale of notice: Apnl 1.2021 Trott Law. P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642*2515 1432721 (04-01 )(G4-22) 157827 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212.ofthe ro^ed judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236, McL600.321£ that the following mortgage will be forec.Oaed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or seme part o. them, at a public auction sale to the h-ghest b.dda for cash or cashier's check at the place of ho-d.ng the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on May 20, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on tne day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to tree and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jeremy R Ardema a/k/a Jeremy Aardema and Holiie L Felton a/k/a Hoilie Felton, as joint tenants with full rights of survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lycaste LLC Date of Mortgage: February 28, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 8, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $111,993.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and desenbed as: Lot 25. Hyde's Payne Lake Park, according to the recorded plat being port of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 17, Town 3 North. Range 10 West. Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan. Common street address (if any): 11438 Hydeaway Ct, Middleville, Ml 49333-8252 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to-MGk 600.3278 the borrower will be held respcnsWto uie person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property . during the redemption period. z ' Attention homeowner. If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated In this notice. . This notice Is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 22,2021 Trott Law, RC. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1433551 (04-221(05-13) 158680 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MIUTARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This Sale may be resanded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, or in the event the sale Is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, less any applicable fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee's attorney MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Faith Ellen Smith and Christina M. Upright, to John Smith dated March 8, 2018 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County on March 9, 2018 in number 2018-002105 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof tne sum ol Forty Thousand ($40. 000.00) Dollars and no suit of proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage. Under the power ot sale contained In said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part cf them, at public venue, at the place of ho!d:ng tho circuit court within Barry County, at 1 00 PM. on Thursday. April 22, 2021 Said premises is situated In The Village of Cloverdale, County of Barry, and The State of Michigan and is described as: Lot Number 31 of the Original Plat cf the Village ol Cloverdale. According to the Recorded Plat thereof, Commonly known as 7586 South M-43 H-ghway. Cloverdale, M.chigan, 49035 Parcel Number: 08-07-090-021-CO Tho redemption period shall bo six (6) months Immediately following tho sale the property If the property is deemed abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, then tho redemption period shall be shortened to 30 days for the date of Gale If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the mortgagors will be he'd respons<b!e to the person who buys Iho property at tho foreclosure or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during mo redemption period pursuant to MCL 600 3278. Dated March 23, 2021 • For more information please call Robert L Byington, Depot Law Office, PLC Attorneys for Mortgagee 222 West Apple St. P O Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269 945-9557 157382 �SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS By | 1% I m The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 22. 2021 — Page 9 UDdate, ann d reCe,Ves "aster plan «-*■* pprov®s gravel road resolution Staff^ritcT uses. Respondents did not exoan want t arKe sca*e residential. The classification change allows The Rutland Chart** l°Hnship nn. . r w 'n,mercial or industrial ar ofn tnwnchin hut oid thrv ?.?” n Algera to move forward with plans ro develop The Rutland Chi' rl< * J°*hship Board --------------------------------- 1 -- single-family • i- r--- '.I.. dwellings. township, but said they would like to see the property into 36 Trustees last Wednesday ard a presentation personal services businesses — suc^ as 'Hie amendment will be distributed for from Bradley Kotrba. • 1 hams & Works restaurants and small shops - inthe township5 review by the general public for a 42-day Additionally, our Plan for Retirement tool project manager an. . Panner, about Additionally, they expressed interest in comment period. updating the township s ‘ls,cr plan. development of agri-tourism and a year-round in your My Social Security account allows In other business, the board approved: The township hired Wnham.s & \vorks - a - A motion to pursue bids for a new public you to run various benefit estimate scenarios. Grand Rapids-based engineering, surveying farmers market. The survey will provide guidance ns the address system, including eight new Vou can compare different future earnings and planning company " 0 assist in updating township planning commission updates the and retirement benefit start dates for how they the township’s master p’ an, which was last microphones. Board trustees said thc new master plan. technology is needed because it is often could aft ecl your benefit amount. amended in October 2< • Thc board approved a $1,100 fee for the difficult to hear each other and thc audience Start improving your financial literacy Kotrba presented the board with findings survey. during socially-distanced meetings. Clerk today by logging in to your My Social Security from an online survey csigned to gather lhe board also approved a resolution and account. If you don’t have an account, create feedback and input from township residents contract with lhe Barry County Roacj Robin Hawthorne estimated the current township PA system is more than 18 years one nt ssa.gov/inyaccount. about their priorities for the community. Commission for dust control and gravel old. Thc survey consisted of 28 questions and expenditures to be completed in 2021, which - A motion to add a discussion on the Vonda Van Til is the public affairs was put online in mid-Deccmber 2020. The will be paid for using thc approximately township ’s blight ordinance lo the May specialist for West Michigan. You may write survey also was available at the township hall, $156,000 in road millage funds collected in township board meeting agenda. her do Social Security Administration, 3045 where residents could stop by and fill it out. 2021. - A motion not to review thc township’s Knapp NE. Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via The survey closed Feb. 1 with 7 to 8 percent The road repairs will cover all gravel roads sign ordinance.The board discussed reviewing of the township’s residents providing in the township — except those in thc Yankee email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. the ordinance at last month’s meeting due to responses. Springs Recreation Area uninhabited by changes in sign regulations from the Michigan “(That] doesn’t seem like very much," residents. The township will expend $42,038 Supreme Court. After review from zoning Kotrba said. “In thc world of surveys, if you in road millage funds for 2021 road services, administrator Les Raymond, the board can accomplish more than 10 percent or get in addition to $85,000 already allocated for determined the ordinance is in compliance anywhere close to 15 percent of respondents, this year by the township’s four-year road with the new regulations and does not need to you get pretty excited because that’s actually plan. be reviewed by township Attorney Craig a lol of people responding back." The board also approved an amendment to Rolfe. Kotrba outlined thc main takeaways from lhe township’s future land use map. The - An amendment to the township’s 1992 the survey. amendment changed the classification of 24 MJwer agreement with the City of Hastings for a coupon for $10 off a $25 or more purchase, Respondents indicated a desire to protect acres — owned by Carl Algera and located at redeemable at Family Fare, D&W Fresh groundwater and surface water and support 1331 N. M-37 Highway, Hastings — from 30 years. ’ A permit for temporary firework lent Market and other SpartanNash companyland development for parks and recreational county residential to medium-density wlcs at 1450 W. M-43 Highway. owned store. Participating Goodwill locations can be found at spartannash.com/earth-week. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Goodwill and challenge our associates and store guests to do some spring cleaning for a good cause,” Gremel said. “By donating clothing, electronics and household items to Goodwill, we can reduce landfill waste, in addition to thc great feeling of knowing these donations are generating thousands of hours Greg Chandler “Dealing with the state and the DNR is not of workforce development training in our Staff Writer lhe easiest thing, but we’ll see if we can do communities.” Irving Township residents who were hop­ something," Smelker said. “We need that service just SpartanNash associates throughout the ing to get broadband internet service extended Culver said she understands the frustration company’s 16-slate footprint are invited to for people to work from into thc township will likely have to wail until of those who are waiting for high-speed participate by bringing their donations to their home. It’s a disservice to broadband access in Irving Township and local Goodwill store or other nonprofit partner next year, and that has township officials feel­ ing frustrated. other areas of Barry County. our community. ” as part of the company’s Earth Week Great Lakes Energy, a rural electric power “We chose the Middleville circuit as an initiatives. Sharon Olson, area we were going to come to first because Since 2011, SpartanNash’s Earth Week cooperative based in Northern Michigan, was Township Clerk planning to extend its Truestream broadband we know there’s a huge need there and Goodwill donation drives have collected 13 service into Irving Township as part of an because that group has been pretty vocal on million pounds of donations, equal to more overall effort to expand service to western our Facebook pages," she said. “We know than 282.400 hours of workforce development Barry’ and eastern Allegan counties. However, there’s a need there. They’ve been supportive training in lhe communities we serve. lhe cooperative ran into a roadblock when il during Tuesday’s county board meeting lhat of lhe project came to crossing land in the Barry State Game he would speak with fellow Commissioner “We will get there. Il’s just unfortunately Area. Catherine Getty, who serves on a counlywide delayed right now for 2021, and we’re look­ “We went to appW* to the [Michigan broadband committee, regarding thc Great ing at 2022." . ' Departinehr or"Nattiral*"Resources] for ah Lakes delay. • - J.... easement," Great Lakes vice president Shan Culver said in a telephone interview Wednesday. “The state had originally pur­ ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 158957 chased lhe land from lhe federal government. CITY OF HASTINGS This was our understanding. When lhat hap­ pened, the federal government first has to RUTLAND TWPSAD SIDEWALKS PROJECT approve the application and then send it back HASTINGS, MICHIGAN to the DNR for approval. “We submitted [our permit application] in Sealed proposals for the construction of the RUTLAND TWP SAD SIDEWALKS October 2020 and are waiting to get lhat back PROJECT will be received by the City of Hastings, 201 East State Street, Hastings, from the DNR. From our understanding, Michigan 49058, until 9:00 a.m., Local Time on Thursday, May 6,2021. they’re waiting on the federal government to April’s a perfect time to plan for the future Vonda Van 1 il Public Affairs Specialist April is Financial Literacy Month, a time focused on educating people about thc importance of planning for a secure financial future. Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Wc have online tools to help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial future. You should periodically review your Social Security Statement with your personal My Social Security account at ssa.gov/ myaccount. Your statement is an easy-to-read summary of the estimated benefits you and . your family could receive, including potential retirement, disability and survivor’s benefits. SpartanNash celebrating Earth Week with Goodwill partnership, in-store savings To celebrate Earth Week and highlight its commitment to corporate responsibility, SpartanNash has announced a slate of Earth­ friendly initiatives company wide /April 23-25. For lhe 10th year. SpartanNash is teaming up with Goodwill Industries partners to hold Earth Week donation drives for customers and company associates. Customers who bring in donations to any participating Goodwill store between Friday, April 23, and Sunday, April 25. will receive a coupon book of savings. “At SpartanNash. we love Earth Week, because it allows us to engage and educate our associates, store guests and communities while celebrating and promoting environmental stewardship.” Meredith Gremel vice president of corporate affairs and communications said. “We were disappointed when we had to cancel our Earth Week plan in 2020 due lo C0VID-I9, but we are excited to bring back our Goodwill partnership this year. We also take this opportunity to raise awareness for the need to recycle, reuse and support Goodwill and its mission ot reinvesting in workforce development training.” The book of savings includes coupons for organic and ccofriendly products - as well as Broadband expansion efforts put on hold by permit delays ^Doctor Universe The trees we breathe Dr. Universe: How do trees give us air to breathe? Jamar, 11, Vineland, N. J. Dear Jamar, Our planet is home to all Wnds nf different plants, and they help make a tot of d e oxygen we breathe. To find out how nV uni.aeC oxygen- 1 asked my friend Balasahcb Sonawane. Sonawane is a scientist at Washington State University who researches photosynthesis, or the ways plants use energy from the sun and make oxygen. He said that in a way. plants breathe, too. ‘‘They don't have a nose or mouth.” Sonawanesaid. “They have tiny microscopic organs on their leaves called stomata.” The stomata allow gases to move in and out of a leaf. We breathe oxygen gas, but plants Like in carbon dioxide gas using the stomata on their leaves. Meanwhile, plants use their leaves to help absorb energy from sunlight. They also suck up waler through their roots. Waler is one key thing plants need to make oxygen. You may remember that atoms are like building blocks. When two or more atoms gel together, we get a molecule. For instance, one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms make a water During photosynthesis, plants can molecule. convert Sun energy into energy they can use to make sugar from the carbon dioxide molecules. When this happens, water molecules break apart and form oxygen molecules — the air we breathe. Along with oxygen, plants also let a little water vapor out of their stomata. 1 his is important for humans and other an,n1^ because it can be hard to breathe m dry environments. The moisture and oxygen help our lungs keep working. In the ocean, phytoplankton produce about half of lhe oxygen in the air. Like plants on land, they use carbon dioxide, sunlight and water as they produce food and oxygen. Plants and phytoplankton both need carbon dioxide to do their work, but now there is too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and it contributes to climate change. “Humans generate a huge amount of carbon dioxide as they bum fossil fuels in cars, planes and industries,” Sonawane said. “Plants are helping us reduce the levels of carbon dioxide, but they cannot do enough to make Earth’s environment happy.” The good news is there are ways to help reduce carbon dioxide in thc air. First, humans can try to avoid doing things that release carbon dioxide gas. Instead of taking a car that releases carbon dioxide, you might walk or ride a bike when you can. Wc also can plant more new trees on the planet. “To make a happy and healthy environment, we need to plant more and more trees,” he said. Perhaps, you and your friends can work with your town or city to help plant new trees in your neighborhood. Thc next time you see a tree, remember all of lhe amazing things it does to give us air to breathe. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.cdu or visit her website, askdruniversejcom. get approval. Once [the federal government gels] approval, they’ll come back to their pro­ cess and look al our permit application, and hopefully give us approval." Culver said at this point, she does not expect Great Lakes to move ahead with fiber-optic installation this year. “We had to pull back our resources. We had planned to build this year, in 2021, but wc just couldn’t take lhe chance of waiting six months, nine months, whatever it may be until get approval, and having all those contractors and suppliers just sitting there. So. wc reallo­ cated our resources to Oceana County,” she said. “What we’re hoping is that we receive the permits this year so that we can then build in [2022].” Township Clerk Sharon Olson received an update on the delay in Groat Likes’ plans last weekend and spoke to a company representa­ tive. “I just think there’s got to be somebody that wc can talk to at some level lhat would see it as [a critical need], especially under the circumstances with everybody locked at home, working from home, ’ Olson said at Tuesday’s township board meeting. The township hall is currently served by HughesNet, a satellite-based communications provider. Olson said the quality of service at the hall varies throughout the day. “My internet speed tonight when I came back after dinner was so much better than it s been all day long [that I’ve been] trying to do work here, because everybody’s on h;1 Olson said. “We need that service just for people to work from home. It’s a disservice to our com­ munity." „ Township Treasurer Aksse Cross was so frustrated with the lack “ “vatlable mternct service in the township that she and a neigh­ bor invested $5,000 b year to have a 100-foot-high tower in>lallcd to receive ser- "“iThesS is based on) line ofsight,and we 1 i'v? „ X woods. UH trees.” Cross said after Tuesday’s ■>’ ‘They took a bucket truck out and P«> dl way »P they said • You’re still g» <> need 40 or 50 fee* on top of where truck.c??*° Bidders shall review and comply with lhe Instructions to Bidders, which are incorporated by reference, and carefully review all Contract Documents, as defined in lhe Instructions to Bidders. Bids submitted after lhe exact time specified will not be considered. The Contracts will consist of the following principal items of work and appurtenances as specified herein and shown on lhe Contract Drawings. Description of Work The contract will consist furnishing of labor, materials, equipment, and construction of the following: 1. Approximately 556-ft. of 5-ft. wide concrete sidewalk along the north side of West State Street (M-37/M-43). 2. Connections with existing sidewalks at the ends of each section. 3. Restoration of the disturbed areas including placement of topsoil seed and mulch, and replacement of items as shown on lhe plans. 4. Soil erosion and sedimentation control measures as required. 5. Construction lo begin on or about Monday, May 24, 2021 and be substantially complete by Friday, June 30, 2021. of addenda and relevant and bid information _rc^.,slcr t0 notihcd Bidders, subcontractors, suDDliers mv Bide j rviected H ird conv nhn« nnH c r Reived from unregistered bidders will be ^r,hci,,,ons wi"be avaiiabk ci* bC addreS*d to: questions must be reived b^y, ApSffil.''’"’31' ,h“ °r So. we went in toyether P" >e tower). County Commission J«n Smelker sa.d 1925 ’ A“ ,h< Onaer' .he udmmis.ru.iuu, evuiuu.iou. liuch bid proposal shall be submilted in hard copy form on the proposal toons in a sealed sZKmttv , B,“rF?R ROLAND TOP SAD SIDEWALKS- provided and and Snretv Cnmnanv n m"1 led c,,ecl‘- cashier's check or bid bond, executed by the bidder and Surety Company payable to the City of Hastings in thc amount of Five Percent (J%) of the aicompanying bid. Proposal Guarantee shall provide assurance that the bidder will, upon acceptance ofalter the bid, executeclosing the necessary Contract with thefor Citv of Hastings. Nodays. bid may'­ be wuhdrawn scheduled time for resaving bids at’ least ninety (90) lite successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfuctoiy Performance and Payment Bonds. Ihu Owner reserves the tight to reject all bids and to waive irregularities in bidding. CITY OF HASTINGS, MICHIGAN k2M'3«i.Tw R”* & Travis Tale,I’E director of dps �■n? 10 -- Thursday, April 22, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Cloverdale Drain Project will likely be OK’d next week - despite $2,2 million price tag Rebecca Pierce , Lditor Ctunity is likely going lo take on a ‘ •' ’N’Hion Cloverdale Drain Project - but . circumstances of the project were unsatis«utoiy to commissioners who sjxvkc out during the county commissioners’ Committee ol the Whole meeting Tuesday. lhc vote to recommend proceeding with Hie plan was narrowly approved in a 4-3 vole, Mth Commissioners Dave Jackson, Jon Smelker and Howard Gibson opposing it. Jackson, who lives in that district in the Delton area, was especially outsjxiken about what had been assumed to be a $600,(XX) proj­ ect morphing into a monster that is “400 per­ cent over budget.” he told county Drain Commissioner Jim Dull. Barry County Commissioner Dave Jackson leads a verbal charge against a single bid for what will amount to a $2.2 million Cloverdale Drain improvement project. ‘ Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Pull expressed agreement with Commissioner Dave Jackson’s criticisms of lhe high cost of the project. Much of the expense was driven by the state require­ ments, Dull said. “I am very conflicted with this.” Jackson told Dull,“because you’re asking us to pledge the good faith of lhe county and credit over what I view as a train wreck of a project. As you mention, Jim. M-43 was closed for what? Six, eight weeks, under water.’’ Then lhe Michigan Department of Transportation got involved. Jackson said. ”... and you wanted to create this Cloverdale Drain District. “In my opinion, this was low-hanging fruit for your office lo complete,” he told Dull. “We needed a few hundred feet of pipe to connect Cloverdale Ijike to Long Lake. ...We needed to improve the infrastructure at the end of Long Lake so MDOT could pump water off M-43 and keep that open.” Jackson said, compared to some other proj­ ects, this should have been one of the easiest. “We built a dam on Gun Lake for $35O.(XX),” Jackson pointed out. “This should have prob­ ably should have been a $500.(XX) to 5600,000 Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 ror Sale FREE- HOME QUILTING System Little Grade II- Par­ tially assembled. Contact Jackie at 269-838-1263. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-750n. Card of Thanks BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call lor pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. l etterlev Logging, (269)818-7793. ' CARD OF THANKS Thank you to everyone, from family and friends to the Hastings City Police, for the numerous birthday cards sent to me for my 90th birthday. It was a special birthday that 1 will always remember. Sincerely, Kate Colvin DUMP RUNS SMALL FEE - will do tear-downs! Fenc­ ing, Scrap metal, unwanted appliances, Fuel oil/Propane tanks, Old black antenna dishes, Batteries, Automo­ biles, Mobile Homes, much more! David: 2«9-203-6881 (cell). SPECIAL ELECTION 159,28 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A SPECIAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN THE: COUNTY OF BARRY STATE OF MICHIGAN TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 FOR KALAMAZOO REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY (KRESA) THE PLACES HOLDING THE ELECTION IN SAID MUNICIPALITIES ARE INDICATED BELOW: BARRY TOWNSHIP JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP PRAIRIEVILLE TWP. Precinct 1 Precinct 1 Precinct 1 155 East Orchard Street, Delton, Ml 49046 13641 S. M-37, Battle Creek, Ml 49017 1015 S. Nonis Road.. Delton, Ml 49046 TO VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSITIONS LISTED BELOW: KRESA' KALAMAZOO REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY (KRESA) SPECIAL EDUCATION MILLAGE RENEWAL AND HEADLEE RESTORATION PROPOSAL 1.5 MILLS FOR 6 YEARS Full text of the ballot propositions may be obtained at lhe administrative offices ol Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency. I819 East Milham Avenue. Portage, Michigan 49002-3035, telephone: (269) 250-9202. Sample ballots may be viewed at www mi..qoy/yote. THE POLLS OF SAID ELECTION WILL BE OPEN AT 7 O’CLOCK A.M. AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 8 O’CLOCK P.M. ON THE DAY OF ELECTION. Ai^ZTvoier ballots must be mailed to voters no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday. a I 30 2021 Registered voters may contact their local Clerk to obtain an Coolication for an absent voter ballot. For any other questions relating to lhe & The Barry Countv Board of Commissioners’ Committee of lhe Whnio tnnL • .. . . . . . . . Udi in the Barrv Cnmm. > c u 4 t00k P,acQ ,n Person. with masks and social distancing, in the Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Community Enrichment Center in Hastings. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) thp I paenn CK “In my opinion, this was low-hanging fruit for your office (the Drain Commissioner) to complete. We needed a few hundred feet of pipe to connect Cloverdale Lake to Long Lake. ...We needed to improve the infrastructure at the end of Long Lake so MDOT could pump water off M-43 and keep that open.” Dave Jackson, County Commissioner Jackson was incredulous about all lhe costs wrapped into the project - engineering costs, mobilization costs, tree and slump removal, adding that he felt like this was being rail­ roaded. “I don’t see why we’re sitting here looking at one bid. Let’s tap the brakes and get the best possible bid for taxpayers.” Dull listened lo Jackson’s comments and then, when questions came back to him, he told Jackson he agreed with him. “Thc cost of this project is way over what I would have estimated,” he said. The problem with costs started with lhe slate Department of Environmental Quality (now called the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) which required them to install a filter between Cloverdale and Long Lake. “1 don’t understand the sense of it.” Dull told commissioners. "It’s lo filter cabomba. which is already in both lakes. It’s an invasive weed. The water from Cloverdale to Long has gone there since lhe beginning of time. But, for whatever reason, the DEQ required us to put a filler in. which I didn’t mind the $80,000 for the filter. I mean I didn’t like it I thought it was asinine. ... But this is what DEQ required.” Originally, they had expected to put a sim- STIMULUS, continued from page 1--------------cipal, Mike Knapp, last December, due to the pandemic. Until now, Bertolini has been filling lhat post, with help from other administrative staff, but federal funding can help restore that position. "We will be redesigning our high school principal position to include curriculum direc­ tor duties, which will expand the administra­ tive role lo a year-round position.” Bertolini added. “This person will supervise our assess­ ment and data coordinator as well as two intervention teachers at the elementary level. “We are going to be creating very inten­ tional learning for our students next year.” Lakewood Public Schools officials expect to receive $900 per student, for a total of SI 580302. and Thornapple Kellogg is set to receive $422 per student, for a total of $1,349554. But when exactly schools will receive this funding has yet to be announced. The state Legislature has released less than half of lhe fundin” that was allocated to Michigan schools last year, and this new funding may gel tjecj up in Lansing as well. “It’s a waitingRanie “Michigan Association of School Boards Doctor of Gover,une,H Relations Jennifer Smith »'<*•"Wc j,w " ould really like to see this money being approvaled." Smith said school dHlricl offic,a,!i are f,.us‘ ’rated by the wait - especially when the) could use the funding 1° Plan for lhe’r sun’.me[ programming and vvork lhe next sch<K)I year’s budget. , , . r Officials have l0-submit their budgets for next school year bv 3°’ and hoping the state vvilFfinalize how much arunr al tmiding wi|| to ,,’.U,nC?Or administrators io8iucofjx’rate ’,al ,,ll° hUF budgets. . election process, please contact your local Clerk: BARRY TOWNSHP JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP PRAIRIEVILLE TWP Deb Knight Sheri Babcock Rod Goebel 269-623-5171 269-721-3710 623-2726 PAMELA A. PALMER, COUNTY CLERK often deviate sipnifica»l,> lr0’,“ h'? nofs iwr-pupii t;||iJ)n!. I>‘‘’I«^\XX<L l<>« won t know untillh] budget uniil’q'^^'^ef already st.,,ted,!.^,. ton,ple(e the had pie pipe from lake to lake, Dull said. “Then the engineering work went on and on and on and on. 'Hie DEQ gave us eight correction requests.’’ lie expected a bid in lhe S6CXI.000 range and that’s what excavators thought until they looked at the materials list. That changed the costs. Hie slate requiring lhat filter between Cloverdale and Long lakes “is like having cattle and putting a really nice bam door after the cattle are already out,” said Dull, who mentioned that another requirement built into the project is a five-year plan documenting everything going forward. Dull said he may need a full-time maintenance person lo help save money on this. Commissioner Jon Smelker agreed with Jackson that it may be a good idea to go back out and seek bids again to get more competi­ tion. But Dull cautioned against that approach. “With this C0V1D thing, lhe cost of concrete has doubled,” he said, noting that those costs went up after they sought bids, so the prices would likely be higher now. Since this happened, Dull said they’ve had a weeklong argument, saying. “We ain’t doing S2 million. We ain’t taking one bid. This is a helluva lot more expensive project than any­ body would have dreamed.” "I agree with you. Jim,” Smelker replied. “I’m real hesitant about one bid on a $2.2 million job. Jackson asked Dull. “So you’re agreeing this should have been a $600,(XX) project?” Dull nodded. “If I hadn’t had to put that filter on, it could have saved almost S500.000 alone,” he said. Chairman Ben Geiger listens to the presentation Tuesday. In a recommendation to proceed with the drain improvement project, the vote was: Commissioners Catherine Getty. Ben Geiger, Vivian Conner and Bruce Campbell voted to proceed, while Jackson, Smelker and Gibson voted against the recommendation. In other business, commissioners recom­ mended approving a resolution to authorize the issuance of sewage wastewater treatment bonds for the Village of Middleville. Four bids were received for the 54,815,000 proj­ ect, which includes contingencies and engi­ neeringcosts. Since the village has $2500 XXX) on hand for the project, the amount issued would be $2315.000. The bonds will be authorized for 21 years, through 2041. 'Hie county’s bonding authority will save the village money, Geiger noted. “We appreciate thc support of the county,” Getty replied. In other business, the board: - Recommended approving incumbent members Jack Miner and Joyce Snow to two vacancies on the planning commission Recommended Jessica Bontrager to a citi­ zen at large two-year term on the animal shelter advisory board. Tammy Asbury. Terri Bourdo and Jennifer Meyer are lhe three Other candidates seeking to serve on that board.. Recommended the upgrade of vital records and land records software. Police track down hit-and-run suspect Police were called to investigate a hit-and-run suspect at a residence in the 7(XX) block of Miller Road in Hope Township at 6:11 pan. March 22. The suspect was involved in an acci­ dent in Plainwell and had left the scene, but a witness tracked the driver lo the Miller Road residence. Police arrived to find the suspect’s vehicle in the driveway, with collision damage. The 20-year-old driver said he “freaked out” and did know’ what to do after the crash, so he went home. The man had a suspended driver’s license and an active warrant in Allegan County. Police arrested him and turned him over to the Plainwell Police Department. Woman punches man after dog kills chinchilla Police responded to a reported assault at another residence in the 7000 block of Miller Road in Hope Township at 9 p.m. March 22. A 60-year-old man said he had been attacked by a 26-year-old woman who lived at the address. The man said he got a new dog. which attacked and killed the woman’s chinchilla. She became angry and beat the dog. He told her to stop, but she later became angry at him and hit him in the face. 'Hie man said he did not want to press charges. Information was sent to the prosecutor’s office. Extended family confrontation in Walmart A 58-year-old Hastings man called police al 1:54 p.m March 16 to report he was being harassed at Walmart. I he man said he was in lhe milk aisle when a 57-} ear-old Hastings man came up behind him and started calling him names and threatening to beat him. 'The com­ plainant said he is currently going through a divorce, and lhe suspect is his wile’s brother. He said lhe man had threatened him before, and he wanted to press charges. Soon after he called, the suspect called to file his own complaint, alleging the complainant was the one who had been harassing him. Information was forwarded lo the prosecuting attorney’s office. Boat and trailer stolen A 45-ycar-old woman reported a 14-fool aluminum boat and trailer stolen from a residence in the 1(X) block ol Little Long Lake Drive in Barry Township at 6:51 p in. April i. The woman said these are valued al $500 and were taken from outside lhe residence between 1 a.m. and 5 p.m. The case is inactive. �The H_______ astings A —— il SPORTS section ANNER I ^ivyrvJLCJ Thursday, April 22, 2021 Gawne gets a win and a save for Vikes I Hastings’ Drew Markley drives a sun-aided RBI triple to right field during the Saxons' win over Delton Kellogg in the consolation game Saturday at the end of the Barry County Invitational at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ________________________ _______________________________________________________ 1 The Lakewood varsity baseball team celebrates its victory at the Barry County Invitational hosted by Hastings High School Saturday. The Vikings defeated the host Saxons 5-1 in the opening game of the day and then bested Thornapple Kellogg 5-3 in the championship game. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor He had nine pitches left according to his coach. He only needed one. Lakewood senior ace Brads Gawne fin­ ished off Viking victories in both of his team’s games of lhe Barry County Invitational Saturday in Hastings, earning lhe complete game win in the opener against the ho«>t Saxons and then gercffijrtlftrfin.il out on a ground ball to get his team out of a seventh inning jam against Thornapple Kellogg in the championship game. "I tell you what. I’ll be honest with you. I really wasn't all lhat nervous. I knew that if we got into a jam, I knew that we had Brady for nine pitches and I knew that he would be able to get lhe job done." Ijikewixxl head coach Brad Tacey said after his team’s 5-3 win over Thomapple Kellogg. Gawne, who also threw as complete game victory in his team’s season-opening win over Lansing Catholic, came on with the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the sev­ Brady Gawne pitches for Lakewood enth against Thornapple Kellogg in the final during its opening round win over lhe host and got TK’s Eric Dipert to hit a fielder’s Delton Kellogg's Mason Nabozney choice to shortstop Blake Price. Price had just slides safely into the plate to score the Saxons at the Barry County Invitational in Hastings Saturday. Gawne got the win in taken over al short when Gawne moved from Panthers’ first run in their consolation Thornapple Kellogg's Carter Stahl knocks a single into left field during the bottom of the opener and then came on to earn the there to lhe mound. He stepped on the bag at round game against Hastings at the end the fifth inning of the championship game of the Barry County Invitational against second for thc force out. save in his team’s championship game of the Barry County Invitational Saturday Lakewood Saturday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Barry County Invitational champion­ win over Thornapple Kellogg. (Photo by at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Brett Bremer) ship is thc first for coach Tacey in his six ship game. Stahl had two singles. years leading the Lakewood program. Thc Bremer) Drew Markley had a big game knocking a Martin Hollern. Price. Gawne and Sweet double, a triple and walking twice. He drove tournament obviously didn’t lake place in those first two strikes with foul balls, before each singled once for the Vikings. 2020 and there was one other season in which all three Trojan runs. TK managed six hits off in three runs and scored three times. Carter finally working the walk. Graham came on TK senior starter Levi Vanderlleide took Hewitt and Mitchell Rafter also doubled for it was rained out during his tenure. lhe starter. Graham was the first reliever for and walked TK’s Jonah Summerhays on four thc loss on lhe mound. He gave up four runs, lhe Saxons. Getting to throw Gawne in lhe opener and the Vikings but walked thc two Trojans he pitches. Graham got to 0-2 on TK’s Kaiden three earned, on four hits and two walks. He Hewitt was 2-for-3 al the plate with a walk, Gavin Willette for most of the championship faced to push across TK’s final two runs. Pratt, but Pratt then looked at four balls to struck out four. three RBI and two runs scored. Cans walked was a rarity for the Vikings on a Saturday. The Lake wood scored three runs in the top of push in another Trojan run that made the score Brett Caswell relived Vanderlleide in the once and scored twice out of the lead-off spot Vikings’ Greater Lansing Activities the third inning against TK putting together 3 and brought Tacey out of the dugout lo fifth and got the final seven outs. He struck for the Saxons.Rafter had three Rbi and 5Conference ballgames with Maple Valley three straight two-out hits. Sweet singled and bring on Gawne. out two, walked one, allowed one hit and one Matthew Thompson two. Harrison Smalley, were postponed this week, so there was no came home from second on a single by “It felt like they kind of squeezed us a little earned run. and Mason Denton both singled once and reason for the team’s top pitchers to save Gawne. Gawne then came around to score on bit there,” Tacey said. “[Gavin] Willette got TK got to lhe championship game with a drove in a run. Denton scored twice and pitches. a triple off lhe bat of Graham, and Graham tired there. That is the first time he has ever 7-0 five-inning win over Delton Kellogg. Smalley once. Kaiden Shumway walked onceSingles by Ethan Cans, Ashton Benson and eventually scored on a passed ball. Lucas tried to go for a complete game in his varsity The Trojans’ seven hits were all singles, and scored two runs too. Matthew Thompson were the only hits for Tacey led off the top of the fifth with a walk career. I thought Graham pitched perfectly two by McKeown and one each for Garbrecht, The lop four batters in the Delton Kellogg Hastings against Gawne in lhe day’s first ball­ for thc Vikings and came around to score fine to those two batters he saw. At lhe end of Burbridge, Pratt. Dahley and Caswell. line-up each scored a run against thc Saxons, game - a 5-1 Lakewood win. The one run without the benefit of a hit. He took second on the day, Brady [Gawne] comes in there, one Garbrecht, Burbridge. Pratt, Dahley and Thomas, Jacob Kemp, Mason Nabozney and against Gawne was unearned. He struck out a passed ball, moved to third on an infield pilch and a ground out and game over. Caswell had one RBI each and Bonnema, Hunter Belew. Aiden Whitmore had Delton 16 Saxons and didn’t walk a batter. ground ball by Gawne and then scored on a “The guys played well. We played funda­ Garbrecht, Vanderlleide, Pratt. McKeown, Kellogg’s only hit, a two-mn single in the. Drew Markley threw’ well for the Saxons wild pitch. mentally sound baseball. I think we had one Dahley and Caswell each scored one run. bottom of the third inning. too. He struck out six in five innings of work, Thc seventh inning jam wasn’t lhe only one error in 14 innings. That is phenomenal. 1’11 Dipert pitched the Trojans to lhe win. He Tire Saxons did the typical Saturday bull­ allowing three runs [two earned] on three hits lhe Vikings worked out of in lhe champion­ be honest with you, I feel good. We have struck out 13 in the five innings, walking two pen thing in the final. Hewitt started and went and four walks. ship. TK had the bases loaded with nobody never won this tournament since I have been and allowing a lone single to the Panthers* two innings. He struck out three and walked Gawne had three of those hits and drove in out after Samuel McKeown was hit by a pitch, here. Normally we come out here and wc Blake Thomas. three while being charged with one unearned a run. All eight Lakewood hits in lhe opener Carsen Burbridge singled and Carter Stahl don’t play very well, and we played absolute­ Hastings pounded out a 14-4 win over run. Denton, Rafter and Patrick Gee all threw were singles. Nathaniel Graham had two and singled to start the bottom of the fifth. ly fundamental baseball here today. I am Delton Kellogg in the consolation to close the in relief for Hastings. Brent Sweet. Andy Wolverton and Willette Willette got Alex Bonnema on a called proud of the guys, lltcy played well." day. Garrett Schisser took the loss for the had one each. Graham had an RBI. third strike for lhe first out. McKeown scored Dahley. Summerhays, Dipert and Burbridge Thc Saxons finished off the Panthers with Panthers. Willette started the championship game for and everybody else moved up a base on an each singled once for TK jn l)lal champion* seven runs in the top of the fourth inning. the Vikings and went 6.2 innings, striking out RBI ground out by Reese Garbrecht. TK’s five and walking five. He was charged with Nolan Dahley walked to load the bases back up with two out, but Burbridge got a late break off of third to try and score on a wild pilch and was thrown out at the plate by Viking catcher Jayce Hansen. Willette helped his own cause with a oncout double in lhe top of the sixth and then his courtesy runner, Nathan Willette, advanced around the bases on a TK error and a wild Will Jensen and J<*y McLean led the playing in their second 18-hole event in two but that meet was postponed to April 28. pitch. days. Hastings was scheduled to host Ionia for a Hastings varsity boys’golf leani l0 a TK pul pressure on the Vikings in thc bot­ place finish at the ^hornapplc Kellogg Hastings earned thc runner-up trophy last non-confcrvnce dual yesterday and will betom of thc seventh. Stahl singled with one out, invitational at Yankee Spjinps Go|f bourse Thursday at the Delton Kellogg Invitational at back in action Friday at lhe Marshall* but was still at first when Bonnema flied out Invitational at Marshall Country Club. Mullenhursl where Jensen took medalist hon to Lakewood lef t fielder Denny Sauers. Gavin Friday. ors. lhe Interstate 8 will now get its season The Saxons fired J -'W to finish in sixth Willette then walked Garbrecht and Dahley to Hie Saxons were scheduled to open the started April 27 at the jamboree hosted by load the bases. Dahley was in an 0-2 hole. He place as a team. Jensen tied for fiHh ’’’dividualfy with a 78. lnlerstale-8 Athletic Conference season al Parma Western at Arbor Hills Golf Club. fouled oft’ four more pitches, after earning Melman scored a 92 lhe Saxons who were Binder Park Goli Course Tuesday afternoon. * Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Jensen follows up win with top five finish for Saxons at TK Invite �12 — Thursday. Aorl 22.2021 — The Mailings Banner Saxon boys win first meet on new track The Saxons' Robby Slaughter (right) extends the baton to teammate Jason Haight in the 400-meler relay Friday during the Hastings Invitational inside Baum Stadium at •Johnson Field. The invitational was the first on the newly renovated track in Hastings. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Valeric Slaughter . Contributing Writer . The newly renovated track inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field was still buzzing with activity and new personal records despite the annual Hastings Invitational being limited to just eight teams in what was the first home meet of the new season for the Saxon varsity boys’ and girls’ teams Friday. . ’Die Saxons boys’ team had the depth in its line up to finish the evening in first place. • .while thc girls team worked to a fifth place finish. , • Hastings head coach Brian Teed said, “the Joos s’ team put together a true team effort by • vvinning lhe meet I hey had no event champi. ons. which means they won the meet based on . their second- and third-siring depth. Little -things win championships, for example, if Ruben Solmes had not cleared opening height .as a first-time vaulter, or if Cole Greenfield had not volunteered to run the 3200-metcr we would not have won the meet.” While there were no individual champions in any of the events for the Saxon boys’ team, they worked on bettering their personal records to set a combined total of 21 PR’s for the evening. Coach Teed noted. “I can sec them maturing and gaining confidence almost every day.” The boys team took the lead after thc 800-meter nin and never looked back. They scored 731.5 points for lhe day and fin­ ished with a 7-0 tvcord, just 16.5 points ahead of Belding. The Saxons girls team finished with 531.5 points and finished in fifth place with a 3-4 standing. Coach Teed staled, “the girls team came into thc meet a little banged up and little thin from quarantines, but they worked togeth­ er and had a nice finish. Allison Teed was our only event champion of lhe day in the I (IO­ meter hurdles and also set a new meet record.” Hastings freshman Addey Nickels (center) races to a seventh-place time of 13.89 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the Hastings Invitational inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Allison Teed, a junior hurdler and pole vaulter lor thc team, ran a time of 1632 sec­ onds in lhe 100-mcter hurdles for her first place finish in lheevent. All together, the girls team set ten new pR’s. The invitational placed through the top six finishers in each event. Layton Eastman fin­ ished third in the 110-meler hurdles and fourth in lhe 300-meter hurdles for the Hastings team; Jason Haight was third in the 100-mcter dash; Caleb l^aboe finished fifth in lhe 3200-metcr run and sixth in the 1600meter run; Robby Slaughter placed third in lhe pole vault and sixth in the 200-metcr dash. Nate Kohmescherwas sixth in the 300-meter hurdles; Kearen Tolles placed sixlh in the 800-meter run. BapeSigncski finished fourth in the 200-metcr d^b. Other Saxons placing in field events wcro'Kltby Beck second in the pole vault. Sam R.mdull fourth in the shot put, and Adam Jacob was sixth in lhe shot, and Daniel Weatherly placed fourth in lhe discus. For the relay s, the Saxon boys’ team had strong finishes with the 400-mclcr relay team of Slaughter. Haight. Dillon Neal, and Daniel Harp taking second; the 800-meter relay team of Eastman. Haight, Bayne Signeski, and Beck taking third; the 3200-meter relay team of Laboe. Jonah Teed, Xander Signeski. and Tolles taking fourth; and lhe 1600-meter relay team of Jacob Arens. Xander Signeski. Beck and Tolles finishing 6th. Saxon girls finishing in lhe top of their events for the day included Allison Teed who also finished second in lhe 300-meter low hurdles and second in the pole vault. Skylar Fenstemaker took sixth in the 100-meter hur­ dles, and Addey Nickels placed fourth in the 300-meter hurdles and third in the 200-metcr dash. The Saxon 800-meter relay team of Addey Nickels. Isabelle Roosien, Kali Grimes and Teed finished third, and the 400-meter relay learn of Hailey Graham, Fenstemaker, Roosien and Grimes look sixth. In lhe field events, the Hastings throwers were strong in the discus with Maddie McMasters finishing in second , Daisy Kerby in third, and Zara Franklin placing fourth. Maddie Miller finished third in lhe shot put. and Grimes was fifth in the long jump. In the high jump, Josey Nickels took third and Natalee Sanders ended the day at sixth. Boys’ team standings at the end of the day. saw Belding second with 715 points, ahead of Grand Ledge 6623, Vicksburg 656, DeWitt 5485, Mona Shores 4605. Hamady 35657 and the Grand Rapids Track Club eighth with 2155 points. The top four teams in lhe girls’ standings were Grand Ledge w-ith 7595 points, ahead of Belding 703, Vicksburg 6355 and DeWitt 6295. Hastings will compete at home again on Friday in an Interstate 8 Conference meet. at Mton Invite The Lakewood varsity boys' golf team celebrates its victory Thursday at the Delton Kellogg Invitational at • Mullenhurst Golf Course. The Vikings beat runner-up Hastings by 14 strokes. Keep your friends . and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 It was a pretty great weekend lor lhe I Mewood varsity boys’ golf team to close its first week of competition. The Vikings captured thc championship even without its top player on a cold, west Thursday at lhe Delton Kellogg Invitational at Mullenhurst and then followed that up with a runner-up finish al the Ionia County Shoot­ Out Saturday. The 1 Me wood boys shot a 336 to win at Mullenhurst Thursday, outscoring Hastings Hastings varsity boys’ golf team members (from left) Joey McLean, Will Jensen. Collin Fouty, Owen Carroll, Jack Kensington and Damien Gibson gather with their runner-up trophy from the 2021 Delton Kellogg Invitational at Mullenhurst Thursday. which shot a 350 School6^1 361. Olivet 372. Maple Valley 382, Parchment 403. Saugatuck 419 and Constantine 449. The hosts from Delton KeU°8^^art’n no1 participate in the day’s event. t Will Jensen from Hastings was lhe day s medalist with a score of 78. The Saxons also got an 86 from Collin FW’ a ™ McLean and a 96 fion* Owen Carroll. Fouty was lied for eighth individua,I-v. , , Lakewood had t^guys top ten Jed by Logan Kenyon who shot a 79 to finish as the day’s runner-up. Liam Cavanaugh shot an 84 to place sixth overall for the vikings and Owen Richmond matched’s Fouty’s 86. Lakewood’s fourth score was an 87 from Drew Marquoit. Jack Jackson was right behind with an 88. Maple Valley had two top ten finishes. with Owen Bailey fifth with an 81 and Buck Schrader tied for eighth with an 86 of his own Back in action Saturday the Vikings were second to Portland at the Ionia County Shoot­ Out. The Raiders won the day’s event with a score of 338. ahead of Lakewood 355. Belding 370, Pewamo-Westphalia 375 and Ionia 424. Belding’s Mason Anderson as thc day’s individual champion with a score of 71. Portland was led by a 78 from Isaac Honsowitz. Kenyon led Lakewood with a fifth-place score of 85. The Vikings also got an 88 from Liam Cavanaugh, a 91 from Jackson and a 91 from Richmond. Saxon tennis doesn’t drop a set in dual with Bulldogs '....... Hie Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team returned from spring break to gel its first vic­ tory of the 2021 season Thursday on lhe new courts at Hastings High School T he Saxons took an 8 0 win over lhe visit­ ing Ionia Bulldogs in a non conference dual. The fourth doubles team ol Elizabeth Arnold and Olivia Ogei preserved lhe shut out <•__ h 6-4 for .iv the Saxons with a close i'-<>• ® ..win. over. the Ionia duo of Briatin*1 fcrranl ‘ Caitlin McGuire . • •« "-ingv bead coach all ol his girls played hard ano * competitive edge in lhc vK'^’ |hc Saxon 1 ''.is a iirsi varsity ' 't "’• ^eSaxon duo doubles teams. Al first telk of M^an Rd°llbl':S ThC lhW “S earned a 6-2 6-1 win a"d C“lin Rcd,nan AH four Saxon singles „t • Straight .sets as well whh u v°" «** first singlenSynBYS winning al number two. Finja Schmidt al number three and Anna Haywood at fourth singles. The Saxons followed up that dual by beat­ ing again Saturday on *ug- up “P on lhe "’C Bulldogs B"" ,he,rwa y Brunner . . >UP finish at the Lakewood Invitational. �girls finally get on the turf, fall to Hackett Kellogg 9°a,keePer Taylor Carter secures a Hackett shot in front of her net during the Panthers’ season opener at DKHS Monday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor 1 he Panthers weren’t just playing lheir first ballgame o! the season Monday, thev were really doing their first full-field action of the season. The Dellon Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team had its first couple ballgames of the sea­ son jxistponed er canceled and finally got to open on the new turf at Delton Kellogg High School Monday against Southwestern .Athletic Conference foe Hackett Catholic Prep, lhe Fighting Irish pulled out a 4-0 w in over thc DK girlx. scoring three limes in the second half to pull away. Hackett controlled thc play for much of the evening, but the Delton Kellogg defense was solid in front of new varsity keeper Taylor Carter, a junior who hasn’t played in goal since being a part of lhe Delton middle school team. Dellon Kellogg head coach Alan Mabie was happy with lhe saves he saw Carter make, seeing improvement from early season prac­ tices. . • . Mabie said he hits only had his full team together once so tar this season, a total of 14 girls, and Monday wasn’t lhe night. DK had just two subs on the bench throughout thc match. He said slay ing healthy and getting in better condition will lx* key lo success this season. He could see his girls wearing down a bii as the game progressed on a cold night in Delton. Having only a handful of girls al prac­ tice during spring break and thc first couple weeks of lhe preseason kept the Panthers from doing much full field play. Mabie said much of the time was spent working on skills. ”1 am pleasantly surprised with how far we’ve come since wc started practicing on the 22nd |of March].” Mabie said. Carter got some help from senior Evely n Zcttelmaier in the middle of the Delton Kellogg defense, and Caitlin O’Meara in the middle in front of Zcttelmaier. l he two have been varsity players al DK since their fresh­ man year. Coach Mabie was also pleased with what he saw from defender Samantha Higgins on lhe outside. She is a converted softball catcher who the DK coach thought would do well dealing with onrushing attackers because of that softball experience. lhe Irish did manage lo give the DK back line some trouble. Catherine McMahon scored twice for the Irish, and Lauren Wild and Layne Riddemian added goals as well, (.'entering passes from the right into the DK box led to the two goals for the Irish in the first hall. lhe one for Wild, which was assisted Dellon Kellogg mantha O Meara (1) looks to get by Hackett Catholic Prep's Kennedy Smucker the midfield during the first half of their Southwestern Athletic Conference ballgame in Delton Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) by Ridderman. and the flrs( ()f McMahon’s two goals. Hackett stretched its lead to 3-0 with 25:29 to go in thc second hall as Carter was unable to hold a ball flying into herbox and McMahon Wils there to body in the bobble. Ridderman scored with 1:42 to play on a well-struck free kick from about 30 yards out. “I know [Hackett] is not the strongest they've been, but I can’t say I am not pleased with the result.” Mabie said. ‘‘1 think we have a lot we can move forward on if 1 can get them all at practice.” 'lhe DK girls were scheduled to visit Delton Kellogg's Lauren Stoetzel go$s up to keep the ball from a Hackett attacker during their SAC contest at Delton Kellogg High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Watervliet last night. They will be at home against Schoolcraft Monday for another SAC bailgame. Trojans beat Catholic Central in Ada for first OK Gold victories I'hc Thoniapple Kellogg varsity boys’ and sonal record leap of 7-0. girls' track and field teams each went 1-1 in Freshman Addison Washier won the sprints lheir OK Gold Conference iri hosted by for the Hawks, taking the 100-meter dash in Forest Hills Eastern Tuesday. 1322 and the 200 in 2857. TK sophomore lhc TK ladies moved their conference Lindsey Veiling was the runner-up in the 100 record to 1-2 with a 109-27 win over thc and Offringa placed second in the 200. Grand Rapids Catholic Central girls and an Catholic Central freshman Emily Tomes 84-53 loss to the hust-Hiwks. won the 400-meter run in 1:07.01 and lhe lhe TK boys bested Catholic Central 161M) in 5:49.77. while adding a runner-up 98,33-38.66. bm were edged 75-62 by thc finish in the 800 behind FHE’s Kate Laidlaw. Forest Hills Eastern boys. FHE junior Sophie Parker won the girls’ There were many competitive events, bm discus and shot put, with TK sophomore the FHE boys really dominated the distance Alana Compton second in both events. races to take the wins over lhe Trojans and Compton upped her PR in the discus to 94-8 Cougars. Forest Hills Eastern’s Kyle McKee, and pul the shot 28-10. The TK ladies went into the meet fresh off Ben Clason and Aidcn Sullivan went I -2-3 in the 800-meter run and the 1600-meter run. a win at the Wayland Invitational last Friday and Clason won the 3200 with Sullivan sec­ where they finished lied in the final standings ond and teammate Caleb Peterson third. of the seven-team meet with Jenison. Both Those four guys also won the 3200-metcr teams closed the day with 698 points. “The support and team work is just amaz­ relay for lhe Hawks in 8:58.18. Trojan senior Cameron Gavette had a great ing on this team,’’ TK head coach Maggie day in the hurdles. He set a personal record in Wilkinson said. "We are so young and lhe winning lhe llO-meter high hurdles in 17.10 upperclassman are really showing a lot of seconds and took the 300-meter intennediate leadership and love for one another.” The TK ladies only won two events. hurdles in 44.81 seconds. TK inched closer at the end of lhe meet Zellmer look the pole vault at 9-0 and the with lhe team of Brennan Lutz. Jaxon Sias, team of Hilton. Veiling, Benedict and Smith Gabc LaJoye and Gavette winning the 1600- won the 800-meter relay in 1:56.11. Lucy VanDemark, Madison Nagel. Aubrey meter relay in 3 minutes 45.25 seconds. Martin and Jessica Durkee added a runner-up Il wasn’t jusl distance runners that did it for Fill:. The Hawks also ah the three fastest times in thc boys’ 100-meter dash, led by NiLsier Harris’ time of 11.89. Catholic Central sophomore Joseph Mullclt won the boys’ 200-metcr dash in 23.38 sec­ onds. but TK had the next two finishers with senior Wyatt Helzer second in 2351 and Sias Brett Brvnier third in 24.44. Those were new personal Sports Editor record times for the two TK guys. Hastings won lhe top two singles flights LaJoye. a sophomore, won the 400-meter and the top doubles flight, but Thoniapple dash for I K in a personal record lime of 56.73 Kellogg won everything else Saturday at the seconds. four-team Lakewood Invitational. In lhe field. TK had senior Austin VanElst The Trojan varsity girls’ tennis team out­ win the hit’ll jump al 5 feet 10 inches and scored the Saxons 20-19 at the top of the place second in the long jump at 17-8. Helzer standings, kikewood was third with 6 points took the long jump n'8-'and Ionia finished with two. l he hurdles and relays were some ot the Thoniapple Kellogg got flight champion­ best events for the TK ladies. Freshman hur­ ships from Sophia Beckering at third singles dler Kristen Offringa fan her fastest 100-htir- and Christel Hoskins at number four, lylor dle time yet. I7.6K to win that event. Junior Buxton and Jamie DeVries teamed up for the Trysta Hilton took the 300-meter low hurdles second doubles win for TK. with teammates it?a personal record un>e of 51 24. Ellie Essenberg and Heidi Church w inning at <> I'rin-.a also teamed with Anna Benedict. third doubles and Madeline Coe and Trinity I> • 7.n„„.r and Addison Satterfield to win Simons taking lhe fourth doubles victory. g4tH nXr tela> in 57.96. Offringa. One point here or there was the difference ..c t i '/.Hiner and Hilton won the 800- in lhe final standings. Nowhere was that more Bened.c , Zell ner evident than in lhe second doubles match-up meter relay tnit * wjn R)r ,pK h> |)u. between lhe Trojans' Buxton and DeVries and 6. and had two teammates Hastings’ Ella Carroll and Skylar Grego. 7vault by dca -rds jn |hc event JuIljor set new person- > (| ,f(| a( 6 (> fii.s|11Il;111 Buxton and DeVries took the ojiening sei 6-4, Leah Lityk »• l ll||1h ,u (> () (.l||; sC„il)r but lhe Saxon pair rallied to win lhe second Sy deny Ro x rOnncr-up spot with a pcr- 7-5. A ten-point super tiebreaker wasn’t near­ ly enough to decide the match as lhe iwo sides Eva Korle uxik l',c ’ ‘ finish in lhe 3200-metcr relay for lheTK girls. Senior Dalace Jousma was the runner-up in the discus al 85-11.5 and placed third in the shot put with a personal record mark of 31-7. Hilton and Kenady Smith were second and third in the high jump with Hilton clearing 4-6 and Smith 4-4. Benedict led TK in thc long jump with a mark of 14-.5 that pm her in fourth place, a quarter of an inch ahead of her teammate Kylie Smith who was fifth. The top individual finish on the track for TK came in lhe I (X)-me ter dash where Veiling was second with a personal record time of 13.84. The TK boys were seventh on the day. Helzer had the team’s top individual finish on the track with a second-place time of 23.79 in the 200. 7he TK team of Gilberto Tejada III, Helzer. VanElst and Sias won the 800-meter relay in 1:37.15. I TK senior Blake Monroe won the diseps with a personal record throw of 188-.25 and placed fourth in the shot put with a new PR of 36-9. VanElst won the high jump clearing 5-10 with Sias fourth in that esent al 5-8. Helzer added a runner-up mark of 19-7 in the long jump and Matthew Smith led TK in t]ie pole vault with a personal record leap of 10-0 that put him in fourth place. TK girls a point better than Saxons at Lakewood Invite 1 KpIIdqQ senior catcher Mo Sprague checks runners after scooping up a Thomapp'c Ke Jy durjng her (eanYs non-conference doubleheader with visiting ball m frontv^J^sday (April 14) in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) .hit ahead of the pitchers on The bats were a • s iu Middleville, a cold, windy Apnl J' o>ba|| (eain eap. 1 he Caledonia vanity [(> open ,|s tuned a pair <’> Thoniapple Kellogg season agatnsl i >«• ' r ighting-'.cols Trojans hist v.eek . V(.r(he IK scored 21-K and O' ded IS hits m the l he Fighting Scots | |)e||),.(| by llinc five-inning opener, an the bottom <>l 'b‘ two‘.ms .• ttl^ 7-6 lead after I K wanned U )ead |o the fomlh inningpUxh tl><. ...... .............................. IT Sthe noJ:u,s ■|jie .Scot*"11'111 1 lw2;1 l!t:|W1> ,cami combined for 13 errors. I he lug blow for TK was a two-run home run over the k-ft field fence by Sprague. She was 3-lor-5 wtth the two RBI. l-laina O'Riley had two Mttgles for TK and scored two runs too. Avery Hallo had lhe big bat for the Scots in game two. She was 3-lor 4 with four RBI and two ntns scored. Barbie DeGood went 2-for-5 with a double .mJ added lour RBI us well I he 1 ho. nappie Kellogg girJs are now 3.3 <>verail th,, season after 5plittillg tlleil ,wo ballgames Saturday at the Barry County Invitational m Hustmgs. The Trtjans are scheduled to return to action at home Friday wtth a doubk-header against StevensvilkI .akesliore, TK is currently 2-0 jn lhe ()R Gol(J Conk rente, lhc Irojans return to conference play with a doubleheader at Grand R ,ni<k Catholic Ccntrall'uesday. ■ battled until the Trojan team finally pulled out an J 8-16 win. Buxton and DeVries started their day with a 6-0.6-4 win over Ionia and closed out their flight championship by beating the Lakewood second doubles team 6* 1.6-1. • The Saxons' Brooklyn Youngs took the first singles championship and teammate Abby Beemer won at number iwo. Youngs besled Lakewood’s Kristen Finsaas 7-5. 6-0 in lhe day’s opener and then defeated Nancy Iloogwerf from Thoniapple Kellogg 6-3.6-0. Youngs closed her day with a 6-1. 6 -1 win over Ionia’s Je>sa Swineheart. Bades Cook and Brinna Cobb teamed up to win the first doubles title for the Saxon> lhe defeated thc lop team from Lakewood 4. 6-0. the lop team from IK 6-1, 6-3 and 6lhe top team from ionia 6-1. o-0. Thornapple Kellogg fixed >eeon< at sec­ ond singles and first doubles, and Hurd at second silicles where Charlotte Nelson had to make an eily ,lw ''»intamenl after defeatinn Ionia's Kate Brown to start the day. Lakewood's Izzy Wheeler earned the ran ner-upspot at second singles. cpe us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, h,,oiness cards, invitations and all your printing needs j-A<i Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS J35I N- M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �Thursday, April 22, 20?.1 -- The Hastings Banner Panther program «tai strong ©n *the ’ softball - 1 going diamond Garrett Schisser DK coach likes ball team's senior leadershop m 2021 Brett Bremer , Sports Editor a Tile Delton Kellogg varsity boss’ baseball team was chasing a third consecutive district championship with seven seniors who were three-year varsity ballplayers in 2019. The Panthers ultimately were bested tn a tough district final will) Bronson, and an almost totally new DK varsity took lhe field far lhe first time in the 2021 season Saturday at the Barry' County Invitational in Hastings. . The Delton boys have as good senior group once again, it is just one with far less varsity playing experience than the one that graduat­ ed in lhe spring of 2019. The group is led by captains Blake Thomas and Hunter Belew who were each a part of lhat 2019 squad as sophomores. DK head coach Jesse Lyons is happy to bring back seniors Britton Stevens. Jacob Kemp and Garrett Schisser to lhe program along with junior Seth Lebeck and sophomore Mason Nabozney. All seven of those guys could see time on the mound al some point. Belew' will be in the outfield when he is not on the bump. All the rest have plans for spots on the infield, with Kemp and Thomas seeing time in the outfield too. The group of additions includes a collec­ tion of seniors as well, outfielders Andrew Tales, Matthew Fales, Landon Pharr and Jerry Rose. Key newcomers to the DK program also include juniors Alden Whitmore. Alex Whitmore, Garrett Warren and freshman Adrian Deboer. Coach Lyons likes his team’s overall speed. Thc early part of the season will be mostly about the younger guys gaining experience so lhe team has a chance to start a new' run at a district championship by the end. Dellon Kellogg had its first two ballgames cancelled or postponed. The Panthers now have plans for a doubleheader al Parchment this afternoon (April 22) and a trip to Caledonia for two on Friday. DK will play its first home ballgames of the season April 29 against Hackett Catholic Prep. Coach Lions expects the Fighting Irish lo once again be one of the top teams in thc Southwestern Athletic Conference along with perennial powers Schoolcraft and Kalamazoo Christian. LYONS SEPTIC TANK SERVICE 3840 Harrington Rd. Delton 623-2089 • 945-5379 Brett Brvnier , , . Sports Editor It has been nearly two years s,nve ,he Dellon Kellogg varsity softball team won its second consecutive district championship. Girls graduated, many an: playing college ball, and a few members of that 2019 squad are back on the Held in 2021 to keep the pro­ gram rolling. 'Hie Dellon Kellogg varsity softball team looks to be strong up the middle with Lizzy Fichtner taking over at catcher. Josie Lyons filling the second base spot, and varsity new­ comers Abby Fichtner at pitcher and Alibi ey Aukerman al shortstop and Paige Thomas in Centerfield for head coach Duane Knight. That group led the DK team to the finals of lhe 2021 Barn* County Invitational in Hastings Saturday where lhe Panthers were ultimately bested 2-1 by the Lakewood girls. Abby Fichtner was excellent in her varsity debui in the circle Saturday in Hastings, and thc other Fichtner behind the plate threw out both girls who tried to steal second against her al thc tournament. Abby and Aukerman each belted their first varsity home run over the fence in the opening game of the tournament too. DK is also looking for contributions from Allie Trantham, Mya Brickley, Jordan Lyons, Karlee Aukerman and Allison Brandli this spring. The Panthers are scheduled to open Southwestern Athletic Conference play al Parchment this afternoon and then go to Gull Hike Saturday. The Panthers are scheduled to play their first home ballgames Wednesday, April 29. against Hackett Catholic Prep. bo^s ©has® fewrth straight SAC Wafev/ • * V- 114 Grove (M-43) Delton WILLIAMS-GORES FUNERAL HOME DELTON POLE BUILDING 133 Orchard. Delton 10036 M-43, Delton 623-3300 The^t. Local 103 S. Grove St. Delton (269) 623 8310 Coffee House 117 S. Grove St., Delton, Ml 62357?! THE HASTINGS Devoted to tfie interests 0/ Barry County since I85& BANNER J35/ N. M-43 Hwy, Hastings 945 9554 I * ' SMITH & DOSTER SALES & SERVICE 623-5111 tujax tavern •• C*# Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers are on their marks and set to get going, and thc starter’s pistol is finally supposed lo fire this afternoon. Lhe Dellon Kellogg varsity boys’ track and field team is set to compete for lhe first time since the 2019 MITCA Team State Finals when it plays host lo Hackett Catholic Prep for a Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division dual today (April 22). “We’ve already had our first three meets of this season cancelled or postponed. Athletes, parents, coaches and meet staff are all anx­ iously excited about getting the season started after the long interruption of competition,” DK head coach Dale Grimes said. The Panthers won their third consecutive SAC Valley Championship in 2019, going a perfect 6-0 in conference duals. This 2021 Fast Reliable Service For Over 50 years 623-5461 Lizzy Fichtner These sponsors help provide coverage of local high school varsity sports in this paper. Show your tharf5 by supporting these sponsors’ Cole Pape championship will be decided only by Valley Division duals. Dellon Kellogg has a handful of guy s back from the 2019 conference championship win­ ning squad, lhe group includes seniors Cole Pape in thc throw's. Hunter Marshall tn lhe hurdles, Micah Ordway in the distance races, junior thrower Caden Ferris, junior sprinter/ hurdler Corey Moore and junior jumper.-' sprinter Cameron Spaulding. Pape is u former state qualifier and coach Grimes said he is desperately seeking lhe chance to ihrow al the state finals again.. “The team this year is very well balanced in terms of lhe number of athletes per grade and each class is represented by several members who will undoubtedly contribute lo the scor­ ing.” Grimes said. “Wc will be relying heavily on our juniors and seniors who have that vet eran experience - even though it hits been basically two years since they have had the chance to compete. In addition, there is a sig­ nificant number of rookies, both upj>eichns- men and Joucrclaswcn. who xhow great work ethic and potential to contribute sienitlcantly to the leam.” A few guys in that group of newcomers working to score fur thc Panthers will be seniors Gavin Houtkooperand Kiran Vazquez in the sprints and jumps: juniors Peyton Pumel and Austin Blocker, sophomores Philip Halcomb. Hector Jimenez. Jason Lundquist and Isaac Shepard and freshmen lorren Mapes and Cade Burns. The Valley Division of thc SAC should be lough once again. Coach Grimes expects league new corner Parvlimeni to be a contend­ er for the conference title .dong with Constantine. Schoolcraft and the Kalamazoo Christian boys who should be decent as well. The DK boys arc also scheduled lo run at the Allegan Invitational Friday. Their league dual with Schoolcraft is set for Monday afteriKxm and then they will face GalesbuigAugusta m Delton Wednesday (Apnl 28). ° �DK/Martin looking for talent in sizable SToup of golfers Tho IM5t.no> aonnw - Thu>«13/. ApH 2?. 2W.15 Brett Bremer !\X IX S.'r-, '*"°n heads into the 2021 season’. ** 1 as 11 The lone guy w ith some varsity exrx-ri... Junior Tommy .Mason is the only other Euv «ho spent any nine in the DK/Martin nd gram partietpatmg on the JV team as a fresh­ man along with Guevcra. n I m anxious to see how these two have improved.’ DK/Martin head coach ?m Hogoboom said. Hogoboom took over the program before lhat 2019 season. He was looking forward to seeing what cvetyone looked like in the preseason. He has a b,g group to pick five or six scorers from There were ._•> student-athletes trying out for the team when it met for thc first time March , ’C".vfn lhe l;1,;k of experience our goals arc a tut different than two years ago when I took OTCf with a veteran team." Hogoboom said. We re just looking to introduce the game to as many kids as possible and try to fill a line­ up to go along with Javier who I suspect will be our number one player. Karter Ribble from Martin has some golf experience and we arc hoping those two along with Tommy Mason can help us be competitive.” He is hoping he can find enough golfers from among the rest of the group for lhe Panthers to finish in thc middle of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division. The DK/Martin coach expects the SAC Valley to be stacked at the top as usual with an outstanding Hackett Catholic Prep team leading the way and strong teams from Kalamazoo Christian and Schoolcraft not far behind the Fighting Irish. Coach Hogboom has some help developing the youngsters this spring. “Wes had a 40 year career al Gull Lake View and is a certified PGA teaching profes­ sional and the girls’ golf coach at Plainwell.” Hogoboom said. **My other assistant is Lucas Trierweiler, our high school principal. He is a better than scratch golfer who has played in US Open Qualifiers and is full of knowledge for our kids.” Halena Phillips DK will see where talented freshmen from 2019 stand' The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team opened its season by hosting its annual DK Invitational al Mullenhurst Golf Course Thursday, and finally got to honor long-time golf coach Kent Enyart (center) with a varsity letter. Enyart led the program for 28 years. Enyart is shown with current DK varsity boys’ golf coach Jim Hogoboom (left) and Wes Wandell who presented Enyart with the plaque as Panther athletic director Mike Mohn was unable to attend the event, which had originally been planned for tho 2019 event which was rained out. DK has a mostly new group of girls on new turf Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ track and field learn has a few talented student-athletes back from the team that placed third at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division Championship at the end of the last track and field season in 2019. l hat group includes junior sprinter/hurdler Emily Dake and Rebecca VanDyke, junior distance ninner Halena Phillips and junior thrower Glori Stanton. Dake was tenth in the 100-meter dash and VanDyke tenth in lhe 200-metcr dash al lhe SAC Valley Championship as freshmen, and Dake had a fifth-place finish in lhe 300-meter low hurdles. Phillips had a pair of lop perfor­ mances for the Panthers at thc end of her freshman season in the SAC Valley, placing fourth in thc 1600-meter run and eighth in thc 800. Stanton had her best throws in both the shot put and the discus at the S/\C Valley Championship at the end of her freshman sea­ son, getting a top ten finish in the shot put. DK head coach Katie Ingle is also looking Brett Bremer Barker will Till spots up top or in thc midfield into their Wednesday (April 21) ballgame Sports Editor this season. against the Hackett girls. The first game is in lhe books and Delton Coach Mabie likes his players’ good, posiKellogg head coach Alan Mabie is still look­ five attitudes, he just wishes he had a few ing forward to having his cnlire varsity roster more players. ‘'With only 13 players, wc do not have any together for the first time al some point this depth so lo be successful we will need lo stay season. Senior defenders Caitlin O’Meara and healthy and be well conditioned,” Mabie said. Evelyn Zettelmeier are the top returning ball­ “We have a lol of first time players so it will players back for the Delton Kellogg team as il take some time to develop their skills.” The Hackett Catholic Central girls scored a gets restarted for the first time since the spring 4-0 win over the Panthers in Delton Monday. of 2019. Coach Mabie expects his defensive line to The bailgame was the first for lhe Delton be pretty solid this season, adding sophomore Kellogg girls on the new artificial turf on the Chloe Tarkkanen to the group that also field at the high school in Delton. DK was slated to go on the road to face includes O’Meara and Zettelmeier. The Panthers will need to be strong in front of Watervliet last night (April 21) and will be their net as goalkeeper Taylor Carter adjusts back in action Monday at home against to varsity soccer. She is a junior who hasn’t Schoolcraft. DK goes to Coloma next played organized soccer since middle school. Wednesday (April 28). 11235 Sprague Rd, Delton Kalamazoo Christian is once again expect­ The Panthers are also looking for good things from a couple youngsters on the attack. ed to be the class of lhe Southwestern Athletic Sophomore Carly Ritchie and freshman Avery Conference. The Comets were 2-2 heading HOW. Center, Suite B. Hastings for good things from junior sprinter Hope Vanderwall and sophomore Joelle White who. could compete in sprints or distance events as well as lhe jumps. Coach Ingle said she has a great group of girls who are positive and motivated. It is a group with many new runners who are willing to try anything to help the team. The SAC Valley Division won’t have a championship meet this spring. Thc division championship will be decided entirely by the regular season duals. Thc Panlhers are slated to start those this afternoon playing host lo Hackett Catholic Prep for their first meet of. lhe season. Parchment, Schoolcraft and Kalamazoo Christian look lo be the toughest teams in the conference according to coach Ingle. DK had its first two meets of thc seasort, races with Schoolcraft. Parchment and Galesburg-Augusta postponed. Thc Panthers will make up lhe meet at Schoolcraft Monday and face Galesburg-Augusta next Wednesday (April 28) in Delton. The Panthers will also be at the Allegan Invitational this Friday (April 23). www.mei.net BUCKLAND AGENCY CHAPPLE REALTY INC. 623-5115 118 E. Orchard, Delton 948-3720 VVestMichiganLakes.com jDelton Moose Lodge, 269.6232112 I 5428 Moose Lodge Dr. B (2 miles north ofDeltone on M43) <)|’l N ' DAYS M I at 3r>m. 1 Ipm SJt & Sun food served every day Members^*^^ highpoint COMMUNITY DANK 1-888-422-2280 h ’Shpoj ntcprn m u n ity.banjccom. Member FDIC DELTON FAMILY PHARMACY 318 Grove St. (M-43)Delton 623-5250 623-4058 NftPA o NAPA of Delton 9939 M-43 Hwy 623-4804 GROVE STREET CAFE M-43 Hwy. across from Delton Schools Tru Our Pirr.i Ttifce b Bulr. Ti» C.r 623 3777 SIMPLY SWEETS, 623-8047 GO GO AUTO PARTS 7709 Kingsbury Rd. Delton (269) 623-2775 �16 — Thursday. April 22. 2021 — The Hastings Banner Trio of state champs among county’s best wrestlers Jesse Brumm and Zac Gibson Caden Ferris Brett Bremer Sports Editor Il was quite the abbreviated wrestling sea­ son in Barry County this winter. The locxd varsity wrestling teams don’t currently quite have the depth of talent to push for spots in the team state finals, but Barry County sent 16 wrestlers lo lhe individ­ ual stale finals in lheir respective divisions at the end of lhc season. Lakewood junior Zac Gibson. Delton Kellogg junior Caden Ferris 2nd Maple Valley senior Jesse Brumm all wrestled lheir way to their first state champi­ onships. - A handful of other local wrestlers closed lhe season on the state medal stands, and all those stale medalists earned spots on these 2020-2021 All-Barry County Teams. ‘ Thomapple Kellogg wrestled its way to another OK Gold Conference Championship this winter, and followed up with a district championship in Division 2. Delton Kellogg also captured a Division 3 District title. Only TK had more slate qualifiers among lhe county teams than lhe Lake wood team that finished second to Ixslie in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference. Hastings finished with the most wins of any team in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference this winter, claiming a share of that confer­ ence crown. Maple Valley and Delton Kellogg had some studs, but just didn’t quite have the numbers to advance further than they did in the team state tournament. Here are the 2020-2021 All-Barry County Wrestling First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Wrestling First Team 103 - Ashton Clark. Lakewood: An indi­ vidual regional qualifier for the Vikings this winter al 103 pounds. He closed the season with a 25-6 record, one victory' shy of earning a spot in the Individual Slate Finals. 112 - Matthew Slaght. Maple Valley: A three time individual slate qualifier. Slaght is now a two-time state medalist after placing fourth in Division 4’s 112-pound weight class at lhe Individual State Finals earlier this month. Slaght won his way to lhe slate semifinals before being suffering his first defeat. He closes his junior season w ith a record of 36-2. 119 - Ashton Corson. Thornapple Kellogg: Corson, a junior, won his way to thc third place medal in Division 2’s 119-pound weight class this season, battling all the way through the consolation bracket al Van Andel Arena after falling in his first match at lhe finals. Corson pul together a record of 30-4 this season and is now a two-time state medalist. He was seventh al 103 pounds as a sopho­ more. 125 - Zac Gibson. Lakewood: Gibson, a junior, earned his third all-state medal by w in­ ning lhe 125-pound weight class at lhe Division 3 Individual State Finals. Gibson was 33-1 this season. He defeated Coloma’s Caeleb Ishmael 2-1 in the state championship match after winning district and regional championships in the postsea­ son. 130-Jesse Brumm, Maple Valley: Brumm finishes his varsity wrestling career as a four time slate medalist and a slate champion after winning thc 130-pound weight class al the Division 4 Individual State Finals the first weekend in April. Brumm finished his senior season with a record of 32-2. with the only two losses against wrestlers who have won state titles as well. 135 - Kyron Zoet, Thornapplc Kellogg: A sophomore, Zoet is now' a two-time individual state qualifier in Division 2 after winning his way to a spot in the Division 2 Individual State Finals at 130 pounds this season. Zoet placed seventh to earn his first state medal at the finals, closing the season with a record of 27-9. 140 - Andrew Middleton. Thornapple Kellogg: Middleton closed his sophomore season by qualifying for the Division 2 Individual State Finals for the first time. Middleton had 20 wins this season. 145 - Matthew Middleton, Thoniapple Kellogg: An individual state qualifier as a sophomore in 2019, Middleton was unable to wrestle in the state tournament this w inter. Middleton was one of nine individual con­ ference champions for the TK team this sea­ son. He had 17 wins on the season. 152 - Keegan VanAlstine, Lakewood: VanAlstine capped his senior season by win­ ning the third-place medal in the 152-pound weight class al the Division 3 Individual Stale Finals. VanAlstine, a (uptime individual state qualifier in high school, was 30-7 this season. 160 - Kyle Petrie, Lakewood: Petrie quali­ fied for the individual state finals for lhe first lime as a senior this winter, earning a spot in lhe 160-pound weight class at the Division 3 finals. Petrie had 16 wins on lhe season. 171 - Nathaniel Graham. Lakewood: Graham was 21-3 during his junior season this winter, but an injury kept him out of the state postseason tournament. Graham was undefeated against Greater Lansing Activities Conference foes this sea­ son and had a big pin against lhe Saxons to help thc Vikings win a close dual in Hastings in March. 189 - Hunter Belew. Delton Kellogg: Belew closed out his senior season by wres­ tling in the 189-pound championship match at the Division 4 Individual State Finals, finish­ ing as the runner-up to Clinton's Logan Badge as he lost out in a tough 3-1 match. Belew' was 33-3 on the season, winning district and regional championships on his way to the finals. 215 - Caden Ferris, Delton Kellogg: Ferris is now a two-time state medalist and a state champion after scoring a 13- H sudden victo- ry win over New' Lothrop’s Camden Orr in the 215-pound final at the Division 4 Individual State Finals to close his junior season. Ferris won district and regional titles to get to the state finals for the second time and closes the year with a record of 33-2. Both of those losses came to heavyw eights who were also wrestling at the finals the first weekend of April. 285 - Carter West. Thornapple Kellogg: West closed his senior season by winning his first stale medal. He placed fourth in Division 2’s 285-pound weight class at the Individual State Finals. West finishes his varsity wrestling career with more than 100 victories. He was 34-4 this season, suffering two of lhe losses at lhe state finals. All-Burry County Wrestling Second Team 103 - Dylan Bailey. Thoniapple Kellogg: Bailey was an individual regional qualifier as a freshman this w inter for the Trojans. He put together a record of 23-11. 112 - Jack Wright, Thornapplc Kellogg: /\ sophomore, Wright won 17 matches for thc Trojans this season. Wright was unable to wrestling in the indi­ vidual state tournament, but had big w ins for TK throughout thc season in helping the team to conference and district titles. 119 - /Xndrew Appelman, Maple Valley : A junior 119-pounder in his first season with lhe Lions. Appelman won his way to a 27-7 record. Appelman was one win away from qualify­ ing for the Division 4 Individual State Finals twice, reaching the semifinals of his individu­ al regional tournament after placing third al districts. 125 - Zach Gibson, Thomapple Kellogg: Gibson is now' a two-time state medalist after placing seventh in the 125-pound weight class at the Division 2 Individual State Finals this winter. Gibson was also seventh in his weight class at the finals as a freshman. His sophomore season concludes with a record of 34-3. 130 - Tyler Bushman. Thomapple Kellogg: Getting to practice with slate medalists all around him in the Trojan room, Bushman had a great sophomore season in which he com­ piled a 21-3 record. He was an individual regional qualifier in Division 2, but was unable to finish off his state tournament run. 135 - Jackson Curtis. Thomapple Kellogg: A sophomore. Curtis wrestled his way to a 22-8 record this season. He was an individual regional qualifier at 135 pounds in Division 2, just missing out on a spot in the slate finals when he fell 5-4 in the blorxl round al regional* to Zeeland East’s Martin Landes. I4O - Mason Denton. Hastings: Denton closed his junior season by earning a spot in the regional round of the Division 2 state tour­ nament. Denton wrestled his way to a 23-12 record this winter. 145 - Jackson LaJoye. Thornapplc Kellogg: LaJoye compiled 18 victories in his senior season this winter with lhe Trojans. He was a conference champion for lhe Trojans going undefeated against OK Gold opponents. 152 - Austin Chivis, Thomapple Kellogg: Chi vis was an individual regional qualifier for the second time as a sophomore this winter, falling in the blood round at regionals to Hastings’ Robby Slaughter by two points in a sudden victory period. Chivis put together a record of 27-6 this season. 160 - Robby Slaughter. Hastings: Slaughter, a sophomore, was the Saxons’ lone individual state qualifier this season in Division 2 -eaming a spot in the finals for the first lime. Slaughter compiled a record of 31-8 this season. 171 - Victor Ramirez, Hastings: Ramirez was an individual regional qualifier as a junior this winter. He finished the season with 19 wins. 189 - Gavin Vaughn. Lakewood: Vaughn was an individual regional qualifier as a soph­ omore this season. Vaughn compiled a record of 23-8, and was one win shy of earning a spot in the individu­ al state finals in Division 3. 215 - Jackson Dubois. Hastings: Dubois wrestling mostly at heavyweight and some at 215 he won 25 matches in his junior season. Dubois dropped a wild 15-14 match with Kelloggsvillc’s Salama Furaha in the blood round of their individual district tournament. 285 - Eastin Stank, Lakewood: In his sec­ ond varsity wrestling season, Lakewood junior Eastin Stank followed in the footsteps of great Lakewood heavyweights by winning his way to the Division 3 Individual Stale Finals. Stank compiled 14 wins as he grew throughout lhe season, placing fourth at both districts and regionals. Clarveth Village Celebrating Over 20 Years in the Community As part of our Giving Back to the Community residents moving into our Independent or Assisted Living will be offered a LIFELONG GUARANTEED PRICT WITH NO RATE INCREASES! We have also set aside additional rooms for those who need minimal care - at substantially reduced rates - of Middleville To arrange a visit, Ple‘uc g*vc us •» <ali today* (269) 795-4972 www.GirvethViHagc.coin - “Remember... ifyou cant live alone... live with us! 690 W, Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 uj L—-^7 “lease call < C infort. «« Carveth Vil ?Uo“ «Wn8l,:lckcW-s / tkbniti0I1 Hunter Belew � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-04-29.pdf 33643f728785a1aaed765b95b6c7b10f PDF Text Text Lofts of Middleville See Story oit Page 2 Is conH^n sense still cO*^frion? TK softball boosts Gold record to 4-0 See Story on Page 13 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 ‘CAR-RT LCT“C 005 C005 Richard Hemening 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2021 9 47 00 AM VOLUME 167, No. 17 804879110187 ANNER Thursday. April 2?, 202 j PRICE $1.00 Vaccines widely available but demand drops M-37 work north of Middleville to begin Monday A stretch of M-37 Highway between Middleville and Caledonia is set to begin Monday, May, 3. according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. MDOT is investing $7.4 million to resurface approximately 6 miles of M-37 from the north village limits of Middleville north to 92nd Street in Caledonia. I he project also includes new concrete curb and gutter, geometric improvements, new guardrail. culvert replacement, new signs, pavement markings, and a new traf­ fic signal at the intersection of M-37 and binkbeincr Road/Crane Road just north of the Middleville village limits. The geometric improvements and the addition of a traffic signal at FinkbeinerCrane Road will improve safety and mobility, according to MDOT. The project will provide a smoother, safer driving sur­ face and will extend the service life of the roadway. Lane closures and traffic shifts will be in effect throughout the project. Work is expected to be completed by Aug. 20. Seniors may call for legal advice May 5 The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct interviews for legal advice and possible representation, without charge, over the telephone to interested seniors who live in Barrj’ County. Those who wish to speak with an attorney may call 269-224-5040 between 10:30 a.in. and noon Wednesday, May 5. Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office is a nonprofit organization that provides highquality legal assistance, representation and education to seniors in Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties. Hazardous waste, medication drop-off planned The Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee will host its semi­ annual household hazardous waste and medication collection from 9• tun. to I p.m. Saturday. May 8. at the Barry Expo CTtems that can be collected include ■ i and bases, paints, aqueous acids oases, oil-based v । reactives, solvents, ‘!e,r°S|iiauid or automotive liquids, pesttcides hqutd or solidf.autotnotiveandhousehodbauent , containers with the na ;_rnrTnfltion clearly labeled. Any personal tnfonnat.on should be crossed out. , lJp lo l() tires per dropped oft lor free. • ||)e department received a t ro,llnent. Michigan Department of « js a onc. Great Lakes and Energypersonal time grant and is dele tries will vehicles: no commercial ' Ire accepted. Space is h" me> firstwill be accepted on a t,rs ,. jires served basis until the trailers a heavily caked with dirt "ill not accepted. N M-37 The Expo Center is at I-’*' ailable Highway. More information “ by calling 269-79H-4I07. incIude: (Items that cannot be accep <wjten asbestos, electronics, latex F' । dry it can be taken tn the landfi y aste< tanks, commercially generate .nown radioactive material.explosives, wastes, console and projection te c and speakers in wooden casus.) Barry Township Supervisor Barry Bower (from left) discusses the Cloverdale drain project with Mika Meyers attorney Joshua Beard, Southwest Barry Sewer Authority Scott Monroe and Barry County Drain Commission Attorney Doug Kelly during the Day of Review April 22. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) $2.2 million Cloverdale project is all systems go Rebecca Pierce Editor A financial blessing, unanimously approved Tuesday by the Barry County Board of Commissioners, was the final hurdle for the $2.2 million Cloverdale Drain project to pro­ ceed. /Xnd this project is going to proceed fast, Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. “It’ll be started in about two weeks and we'll be done by the end of June,” Dull told The Hastings Banner Friday. The deadline for any appeals is May 10, Dull said Tuesday as he left the commission­ ers' meeting. He said he’s not aware of any appeals and expressed the hope that none would be filed But. even if appeals arc filed, “the project will go forward,” he told commissioners. Timing is critical, he said. “We can’t take any water north from Crooked Lake until we get Cloverdale down,” Dull told county commissioners at their Committee of the Whole meeting last week. “Last year in May, starting May 12. we had five days of rain that raised the lakes about 12 to 15 inches. It wiped out everything we had done the year before - and more. “If that happens. Cloverdale is going to be up even higher.” Dull came to commissioners last week to ask for the county’s full faith and credit for the payment of 2021 bonds. Even though county commissioners “have no oversight of the project,” he said later, the county’s backing would ensure the best possi­ ble rate to finance the project. But the $2.2 million price tag and the fact that only one bid - from Mead Bros. Excavating inc. of Springport — was received to do the work upset some of die commission­ ers. including Dave Jackson of Delton, who lives in that district. After a lengthy discussion last week, Dull’s request was narrowly recommended for approval in a 4-3 vote, with commissioners Jackson. Jon Smelker and Howard Gibson opposing it - largely because of the lone bid. Al Tuesday’s meeting, Jackson was absent and the vote to approve the action was unani­ mous although Smelker repeated his dissatis­ faction based on the fact that there was only one bid to consider. But Smelker said he had made his point and would vote to approve the project. Dull replied that he wasn’t happy about receiving one bid either. But. if they bid the project out again, the cost of the project would likely go even high­ er. The pandemic has driven up costs, he pointed out. “With this COVID thing, the cost of con­ Dr. James Weatherhead crete has doubled,” since they sought bids the first time, he said. Property owners and governmental offi­ cials had an opportunity to review the Cloverdale Drain project and ask questions during the Day of Review. Barry’ Township Supervisor Barry Bower said Tuesday that some residents believe this project involves the Watson Drain project. It doesn’t. Bower emphasized. That's a Sophie Bates separate project. Stuff Writer “Tell people the Watson Drain is still com­ After two years of serving as Hastings’ city ing," he told The Banner Material provided by Dull’s office specifi- manager, and four years since he initially joined the city staff as community develop­ ment director, Jerry Czarnecki attended his See CLOVERDALE, page 2 last city council meeting in an official capaci­ ty on Monday evening. At the beginning of the meeting. Mayor David Tossava read a proclamation recogniz­ ing Czarnecki’s service to the city. “On Feb. 27.2017 Jerry Czarnecki became the City of Hastings community development director.” Tossava said. “It wasn’t long before Jerry became the face of the City of Hastings. He would make his daily rounds through the capability, transpo^".’ food service, and downtown. He wasn’t hard to spot has his extracurricular aett Jcertamlyapprectate 6-foot-7 frame came down the sidewalk the support of 'W. studctits and “You could sec him and feel the positive community as the* Pistons unpact their energy that Jerry brought along w ith him.” Tossava went on to describe how ('zamecki. a former math teacher, stepped up when the clerkdreasurer’s office was struggling and became the new clerk/treasurer. After training '"j'^.dk'trici s«i-l,ed'o virtual Monday. his replacement tor the clcik treasurer post, Czarnecki w as appointed deputy city manag­ er, then director of public services More being named city manager July 1,2019. Students rd^dofft”n’ h>’rin? “Being the city manager, you have many responsibilities. You’re in charge ot the bud Monday, Ap»' j strict’. . • ....» get, personnel and all departments. He sat on . the 0 . s second virtual announced “ ^iday. many, many local boards and as well as inter­ governmental boards,” Tossava said. “Then positive cases •' ' P monthly on the along came COVID 19.Through the first few months of the pandemic. Jerry kept us all sate. See Vlf{TlJAL, page 3 He sent stall home, canceled events, up Hastings schools shift to virtual until May 10 Sophie Bates . . Staff Writer An uptick in the district’s COVID-19 cases spurred a return to virtual learning for students at Hastings Area School System, effective Tuesday, Apnl 27, until Monday May 10 Superintendent Matt Goebel notified the community of the change Monday, April 26. Transitioning to virtual learning is something that J do not wan| ,o d , believe m person learning is what is best for our students." Goebel sa^d. "However^ on the current increase in positive cases and close contacts, I believe taking n ...... • i, now is the best thing to do to preserie end-ofyear, tn-pereon acttvitics. such as graduation honors ntght. and other recognition events foi our kids. •‘'These decisions are extn»m»t. . taking into consideration overailmt’mS rates, teacher and staff human restmree Tnylor Owens mid Rebecca Pierce Staff Writers While less than half of Barry County adults have received COVID-19 vaccinations, phar­ macists are saying demand for vaccines has significantly dropped in recent weeks. “We’ve got vaccines silting in the freezer waiting to be injected, and nobody to take it,” Jody Moore of Maple Valley Pharmacy said Wednesday. luist month, the pharmacy had a lengthy waiting list of people try ing to get the vaccine, and they were administering about 20 doses a day. Now they’re down to administering about five doses a day. "We’ve opened it up for walk-ins, but there’s just no demand.” Moore said. Brian Swartz of Pharmacy Care in Middleville said they don’t have enough interest to start doing walk-in vaccinations, since they can’t be sure if they will get the 10 people needed to justify opening one vial of the vaccine. Pharmacy Care had been administering the School nurse Rhonda Lundquist pre­ Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which Swartz pares a vaccine at a Spectrum Health said had been requested by his customers Clinic at Thornapple Kellogg Middle since it only required one shot. School last Saturday. (Photo by Scott But after the government paused that vac­ Harmsen) cine for 11 days to investigate a dozen cases of blood clotting among the nearly 8 million people who had received the vaccine, interest “You know there’s a reason we don’t have poho or I smallpox anymore. There's a reason why measles, mumps and rubella are hardly ever seen. The reason is because there’s herd immunity induced by vast immunization programs worldwide. And it’s true.” Dr. James Weatherhead in vaccinations plummeted. “People aren't following through on their appointments,” Swartz said. As of Tuesday afternoon, the pharmacy did not have anyone scheduled for a vaccination, and Swartz said they would be calling people to ask them to come in. See DEMAND, page 5 City passes budget; says goodbye to Czarnecki Zoom meetings for all the boards and elected officials, sometimes being the only staff member at City Hall.” % “ Therefore, be it resolved, that I, David J. Tossava. mayor of the City of Hastings, and city council would like to acknowledge our appreciation and gratitude for a job well done and wish you much success in your next ven­ ture.” ,. .. Tossava then presented Czarnecki with a key to the city. . . r "This is a token of all our apportion for what you’ve done. Jerry, lor C'ly of I lastinns." Tossava said. "You really enjoy the Citv of Hastings ... and I want to make sure v< u stav here and come back for our events.’ > After accepting the key, Czarnecki took the opportunity to make a statement about Ins '^nt'Tl'X’ to thank the council for I ^xrtiinitv to be citv manager in the City t|,c^opportunityHJ oppor. H(V ^d one that not '«y many have had. X time "Uh "* cil>' h'LS Pn’'illcd me Lrierkvs - most that I would never ”Un> C't boated. I want to also thank my J1’’1' k rshipI -»« und the cmpI°'V CCS °f lhC C‘l> S Anything that’s been successfol during my wne >•> city manager is because of ‘^••I’will be leaving with many fond memocherished relationship because of the futr vetrs that I’ve spent with the City of j| i ungs I’1’1 unable to express the level of See GOODBYE, page 3 �Page 2 - Thursday. Apr.' 29. 2021 - The Hastings Banner •t»l I Dan Martin, owner and project manager at Kzoom, shoots video as the Hastings High School marchino band performs. (Photos by Sophie Bates) Sophie Bates Staff Writer The Hastings High School Marching Band donned uniforms and took to the football stadium, filling the field with sound and neat lines of marching musicians Friday. April 16. Il was an unusual sight for a chilly spring morning, months after the marching band season ended in November. On the sidelines, camera operators followed the band with swift, steady steps, careful to keep their shots smooth while they captured the performance. The band's performance, along with footage of other Hastings Area Schools programs and facilities, will be stitched together to form several videos, which will be used to market the district for enrollment and educate the public about what projects would be completed if the district bond proposal passes during the Aug. 3 election. For band students, the video performance was the first time since the end of the 2019 marching band season they suited up in full uniform. “I almost got teary-eyed as I saw all of the students in the official uniform,” band co-director Jennifer Ewers said. “For the freshman, this was their first time in full uniform. Several even stated, once they were all suited up, ‘I have been waiting for this moment!' It’s unique for us because we don’t normally have marching band up and running in April, but we ... (made) it work for this video. We didn't use full marching band uniforms in the fall due to ('OVID. “It was an exciting day," she added. The band had approximately three weeks to prepare for the video performance and did so by reviewing and adjusting segments of the 2020 marching band show. Also, band members had their uniforms fitted, courtesy of band parents Becki Ramey. Amy Meeker and Karen Eaton. “A lot went into preparing for this short video. None of the students had been fitted for a uniform, so it took about three band parents two weeks during band class to fit all of the students.’’ Ewers said. “We have what we cal! ‘drill cards’ which each performer gets that tells them exactly where on the field the) go. We passed these out so we could review some of those drill sets from the fall. We also had to close some drill spots because of absences; that is what took the longest.” Additionally. Ramey, Eaton and Band Boosters president Chris Stafford were on-site for filming, helping students with* their uniforms and moving and setting up equipment. “Our Band Boosters and band parent volunteers are amazing and stepped up right Census resrfte mean Mochigan to lose a seat m Congress Bridge Magazine The U.S. Census Bureau confirmed Monday what many expected: Michigan will lose a congressional representative in 2022. dropping from 14 to 13, because of slow population growth. Michigan’s population grew 2 percent since 2010 to just over 10 million, the fifth-lowest growth in the nation, according to the Census. The story W'as similar in neighboring slates, since four of the other six states los­ ing congressional seats — New York, Pennsylvania. Ohio. Illinois — are in the Great Lakes basin. West Virginia and California also are losing one seal. The losses set up a potential fight over the makeup of congressional districts, and point to diminished power among Midwest states over a host of federal policies. “It’s really significant as we think about the promotion of manufacturing policies, from the manufacturers that are key in all of our states in this area,” Eric Lupher, presi­ dent of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, said. The Great I-akes slates — which also include Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin — now have 118 of 435 seats in the U.S. House, but the number will decline to 113 in 2022.’ • ur . Ron Jarmin, the acting director of the U S. Census Bureau, said a net ot 84 seals in Congress have shifted from the Midwest, North and Northeast lo the South and the West since 1940. States gaining seats include Colorado. Florida. Montana, North Carolina. Oregon 3 The Census pegged the U.S. population at 331 million, a 7 percent increase from 2010, but the second-lowest growth rate in history. Michigan fell from the eighth-tag- est stale in the nation to the 10th. eS •■Somehow, we as a state have to -gu-e out why is it that young people don “ .ay in these rural areas and w hyts . businesses aren’t located there, Lupher said, referring to Michigan. A decade ago, Michigan was the only with a population decline. So the new numbers could lie interpre news, but they arc not enough to 3S,^wer. Along with the loss ol a conrclain povver. Mj'j ■ s loU1, ()felectoral ,',“l uJd » presidency. *> "”‘r This has been a trend for Michigan, which has lost a congressional seat in every' decennial Census since the 1980s, when the state had 19 seats. After each of those counts, the party in power in Lansing used population estimates to draw political maps. This year, however, the task will be handled by an independent redistricting commission approved by vot­ ers in 2018. The loss of a seal, combined with the uncertainty of the new panel, likely will prompt a tug-of-war to determine who remains in power. Michigan’s congressional delegation is now evenly split 7-7 between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats may be more vulnerable and may lose a scat or be consolidated into a competitive district, Adrian Hcmond, a Democratic strategist and CEO of Grassroots Midwest, predicted. Thai’s because Democrats tend to live in more densely pop­ ulated areas, such as Southeast Michigan, so it’s easier to make changes in those districts while adhering to criteria requiring districts to have roughly even population, Hemond said. According to the 2020 Census data, each member of the U.S. 1 louse of Representatives will now have to represent an average of 761,169 people. “Il really all comes down to where the population shifts.” Hemond said. “The city ol Detroit’s been losing population for a while, but we’re also starting to see an accelerating trend of more rural communi­ ties also losing population.” County-specific data will not be available until at least August, but Hemond said he expects incumbents to reach out to the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to try to keep their districts. “1 he congressional incumbents are going to try to have some influence on the process ... But ultimately, it’s not their decision, and it’s not the decision of elected officials.” he said. Edward Woods, communications director of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricling Commission, said the 13-member panel wants to hear from the public before making a decision. “We have a job to draw fair, transparent maps, and the commission is steadfast on that as part of our mission.” Woods said. •‘And this doesn’t change anything. And we will not waver in making sure that we meet those goah." away to help gel uniforms an^ etlu*pmenl ready,” Ewers said. The band will gather on the held once more in two weeks, when Kzoom — a Kalamazoo-based production company and digital agency —- will return to shoot drone footage of the performance after their drone malfunctioned Friday. Kzoom will create one six-minute video and two one-minute social media videos for the bond proposal and general marketing purposes. The district will also receive a three-minute video for kindergarten marketing. In total, the videos will cost HASS between $5,000 and $7,000; exact cost has yet to be determined and will depend on district requests. Superintendent Matt Goebel said. “'Hie purpose of the video is to inform the public about the Aug. 3 bond proposal projects. We hope to use this video in collaboration with other presentations to provide information to the public as we plan to reinvest and maintain our facilities. We are also putting together another video at the same time for marketing our kindergarten program, ' and for enrollment purposes.” Goebel said. ■ The video wM '.feature the district’s kindergarten program; trades, culinary, agriculture. < computee-aided design. Kzoom Producer Jonny Finch walks from the back of the football field to the front to shoot the band’s performance from a different angle. aquaculture and greenhouse facilities; and the district’s needs — • such as upgraded playground equipment, singlc-paned window replacements, locker room and bathroom updates, new buses and security upgrades — that could be addressed if the bond proposal passes in August. The proposal would lower the millage nite from the current 6.9 mills to 6.8 mills until the 2026-27 school year. Without passage of the bond, the millage rate will lower to 6 mills after this year. The bond would bring the district a total of $21.9 million, which Goebel said would be used for a variety of district’s improvements, including installation of air purification systems in all district buildings, energy upgrades, building repairs and more. A variety of students, staff and others were interviewed for the video, including Goebel, Star Elementary Principal Amy Smelker, middle school counselor Pamela Cole and high school teacher Edward Domke. Goebel said he hopes the video conveys the district’s dedication to maintaining its current facilities and gratitude toward the community’s generosity. “I hope the public understands that the school board, administration, students, and staff arc grateful to the Hastings community for the things it provides for this very special and unique place we call Hastings,” Goebel said. “I also hope they realize we take the responsibility of maintaining our facilities very’ serious as our public schools are the top asset of our community. Education is the foundation for our kids, which leads to a solid local economy, increased property values, and jobs.’’ CLOVERDALE, continued from page 1 cally states that the project on the Cloverdale Drain is different from the Watson Drain proj­ ect. “Although the Watson Drain and Cloverdale Drain projects are being constructed concur­ rently," the information states, “the Watson Drain is separate and anyone within the Watson Drain drainage district will receive an additional notice for the Watson Drain Day ol Review in the coming weeks.” Commissioners’ action Tuesday lo pledge the full faith and credit of the county means that, if there is any deficiency in assessments to pay the principal of. and interest on. the note when it comes due. the county shall pay the amount of the deficiency out of its general fund as a first budget obligation and. it neces­ sary’. levy ad valorem taxes to cover the debt. In other business Tuesday, commissioners: Heard public comment fro111 Larry' Bass of Hastings who implored the board lo take some action to mitigate the financial strife for local restaurateurs struggling to survive during the pandemic. . Re-appointed Anne Richards of Delton lo serve on the county’s Jury Board, beginning May I, 2021. through April 30. 2027, pursu­ ant to the recommendation 01 ^arr> bounty Circuit Judge Vicky /Mspaugh. OK’d an upgrade of vital records and land records software. Approved claims totaling $92,654. Approved an agreement with Environmental Testing and Consulting Inc. to update the county’s hazard mitigation plan for $19,000. ........... Brian Cenci. senior nroie®1 manager ,or GEI Consultants ('Rising. answers questions during pJ n‘ay ol Review on April 22. (Photo by Repacca P'erce) This map, showinn tho „ drainage district was n™ property classification and runoff factor in the Cloverdaw of the different apportion °e<110 ,he public durins ,he Day °* Review to show some gy. (Map provided hv, n, ne2t ,,lfoi™ation that was used in tho assessino methodoWx “han Cenci ol GEI Consultants. Lansing.) �r_ . Thursday Apn! 29, 2021 • The Hastings Banner -- T • > GOODBYE, continued from Page - P&Q& 3 Lofts of Middleville opens City Manager Jerry Czarnecki (right) stands next to Mayor David Tossava as Tossava reads a proclamation acknowledging Czarnecki’s contributions to the city and wishing him luck in future ventures. (Photo by Jim Cary) gratitude that 1 have for the time that I’ve addressed this concern and told council mem­ been able to spend with these great people in bers the city can continue to spend half-a-million to a million of its fund balance for four to this amazing organization. “I look forward to seeing the things that are five years and still have a healthy fund bal­ yet to come for the City of Hastings. I wish all ance. After those four to five years, the city of you on the council, the employees, the business owners and the residents the very’ would need to begin saving money to build up best as this chapter of the city closes and the that fund balance again. In an interview Monday. Czarnecki said the writing of the next chapter begins.” After the proclamation, the city council city expects to add slightly more than approved the 2021-22 budget, 9-1, with $700,(XX) to the fund balance before the end Brenda McNabb-Stange casting the only no of this fiscal year. The $700,000 was budget­ ed to be spent on city projects in 2020, but vote. The general fund portion of the budget pre­ those projects were canceled or postponed dicts revenues of nearly 55.7 million and because of COVID-19. “During this year, because of projects that expenditures of close to $6.25 million. The extra $502,670 in expenditures will be we froze or decided not to do, the money that transferred from the general fund into other was budgeted for that gets bumped into the fund balance. And so we’re bumping just over funds or project line items for the city. The city is expected to receive $3.1 million $700,000 into our fund balance. And then, in taxes, S364.000 in federal funding and next year, we’re anticipating of spending just $883,120 in state funding, according to the under $550,000. So that’s why we get about $150,000 increase in our fund balance by the plan. The budget includes funding for a road end of next year.” Czarnecki said. project on Woodlawn Avenue, which will hi other action, the council: begin this year, and a project on North - Approved a request from Barry County Michigan Avenue. The purchase of a new fire Great Start Collaborative Coordinator Julie truck for the fire chief, police cars and park McMillen to hold the 11th annual Very Barry improvements are other general fund expen­ Family Event in Tyden Park from 7:30 a.in. to ditures planned as part of the budget. noon Saturday, June 5. As part of the budget, the council approved - Approved a request from Downtown a rate of 15.9661 mills for the city’s general Business Team Chair Lynn Denton to hold operating requirements and an additional Spring Girls’ Night Out Thursday, May 6. The 0.9968 mills for the operation, maintenance council also voted to stay the necessary’ ordi­ and improvements of the municipal cemetery. nances for the event. McNabb-Stange, as the lone dissenting - Completed the second reading and adopt­ vote on the budget, said she was concerned ed an ordinance that allows buildings down­ because the budget calls for the city to spend town to exceed the previous 40-foot maxi­ $549,767 of its general fund balance — which mum building height, if approved as a special is revenue left over after expenditures and it land use. acts as a reserve for the city. - Approved invoices, including $31,990 to “My concern is that, if we’re going to be GameTime for wood fiber installation at Fish runnine the city based on dipping into the Hatchery Park, part of recent playground general fund reserves, what’s going to happen improvements’, $513,875 to Grand River when we run out?” McNabb-Stange asked. Construction for improvements being made at “What services are we going to lose because the wastewater treatment plant; $18,410 to we don’t have a recurring revenue of a level Hubbell, Roth & Clark Inc. for wastewater that we’re spending in our budget now.” plant construction services; and $48500 to At the city’s budget workshop meeting VanDyken Mechanical Inc. for a new ventila­ April 19. Clerk/Treasurer Jane Saurman tion system at the fire barn. VIRTUAL, continued from page 1 district’s website. In April, the district reported the most roVID-19 cases since the beginning ol the “Sear: it at the middle school. 10 nt the three at Star Eeme taQ for Elementary. >excluding the week April 1 through Apn 25,<.xciuo„b of spring break, Apn -•• • contacts: As The district also record.^ midd|(. of April 26. those, numbe school students. 14 r students. 57 Northeastern Elenren • ^dents. 35 Star .Southeastern Elements > )4 CelUral Elementary students Elementary siudents. nun,ber of students Just a week earlrer. th ()f Aprl| 19 designated as <■ ost 40 middle school was significantly , students. -5 students, 35 high ^dents. 15 Central Southeastern Llcntent.i, Northeastern Elementary ^^dnin'e Star Elementary Elementary students, ano students. . ■ close contaetx Goebel said the rise n Primary reason llie ,ast we k -The primary problem C()„t.icts. falls within the larg^J - ? ,.crease . However, we have su-t Gocbc| said, our posits cases, as ‘Some of these close contacts are coming back positive, which creates more close contacts and, (for) some of them, we are wailing for test results. Our staff has not been impacted that much; however, we are down four bus drivers based on close contacts, which has made it difficult to run all routes regularly, and we don t have any substitutes.” M^h 1“^® ?Prned S'iEh,ly fCWer cases Mnn.1 1-29. mcludmg 13 cases U1 the middle school s.x at the high school, three each at Star and Southeastern, two at Central and one at Northeastern. in COVlDT9h.and ^Pri' rcpreSent inCreaSes tn COVID 19 cases from February, when six cases were reported districtwide During this virtual learning period, high school and middle school athletics will continue, enabled by the rapid antmen tests _ which produce COVID-19 test results within 15 minutes - a protocol laid out bv the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Student athletes are given rapid anticen tesIS each Monday before they begin practicing with their teams. Students who receive negative test results are allowed lo practice. rzret! Greg ChanrtU,. Chandler 5W# Writer Six years ago. HudsonviUe-based real estate agent and developer JOanna Schlienlz purchased the brick building across the street from the Middleville Village HaU lha( had once housed the village post office. Schlicntz saw potential in the structure al 101 E. Main St., which had been built by Isaac Keeler in 1878 to be a dry goods store. She liked the location and the charm of the building. . “It was a solid building to begin with,” Schlientz said. “It didn’t need to be tom down. It just needed a little TLC.” After four years of restoration work and slightly more than SI million in private and public investment, Schlicntz’s vision for the building is now reality. With her husband, Chad, family members and business and government leaders al her side, she cut the red ribbon last Saturday, officially marking the opening of the Lofts of Middlerille mixed-use development. “The one word that comes to mind when 1 think of this project is ‘finally,’” village Planning and Zoning Administrator Brian Urquhart said during ihc ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It’s been a lohi time coming. “This is huge. We tope th\$ is a catalyst for continued growth here in Middleville, because we are doing great things." The 9,000-square-foot building features four two-bedroom apartments on the top floor, two retail spaces on the main floor and commercial space in the basement. One of the retail spaces will be filled this summer when My Sister’s Closet moves into the lofts. Much of the original brick and fieldstone from the building has been preserved and restored. The Lofts of Middleville project was enabled by significant State and local support. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation contributed $550,000 in community development block grants, and the Middleville Downtown Development Authority contributed $27500 in funding toward facade improvements, Urquhart said. Middleville DDA Director Katherine Schmidt shared comments that were sent by _ _ ... Sue DeVries, an MEDC community assistance team specialist. “As this space opens to the public, it is offering much-needed housing options to attract new talent to this area and offering them places to live in our downtown,” Schmidt read from DeVries’ letter. “It is providing vibrant retail and commercial opportunities for that same talent to also work in the downtown, while creating destinations for those visiting the community.” The Lofts of Middleville had $452XXX) in private investment, Schmidt said. “This historic building has been a feature of the downtown landscape for decades, and we are thrilled and so excited to see what Joanna and her team have been able to accomplish ... with the work they’ve done to this building,” said Nichole Lyke, an economic development specialist for the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance and former DDA director in Middleville. “This is a collaborative project that speaks to the importance of having the right people in the right place at the right time. “This has been a beautiful update to a memories and that legacy. One of the things that distinguishes Middleville, distinguishes much of West Michigan, is our continuing connection to our history, that sense of place, that sense of legacy,” Meijcr added. State Rep. Julie Calley. R-Portland. agreed, saying that when the stale looks at economic development projects, they are looking to “place-make.” to help a community create opportunities for people to live, work and play. “If this building could talk, what stories it would tell.” Calley said. “It has been a pillar in this community since the late 1800s. It has been the post office, a clothing store, a variety store and so much more. Now it is restored, rejuvenated, and repurposed, and it will continue being a pillar of this community.” Middleville DD/X board Chairperson Kim Jachim spoke of the diversity of people who make up the Middleville community. “We are rich with many generations of families, we are rich in industry, we are rich in farming, and we are rich in history,” Jachim said. “We are family in blood, and we are family in our village, where we meet in the historical building that marries the past to the middle Jachim also paid tribute to the \ate ViWage present, and is a much-needed and welcomed President Charlie Pullen, who served on the DDA board and was involved with the project. “I am sad that our very special Charlie Pullen is not here with us today. I have no doubt that Charlie has a huge smile on his face as he is watching us gather this morning to celebrate yet another project he helped bring about for many to enjoy for years to come.” she said. Pullen died Nov. 20,2020, of complications from COVID-19. A memorial service for him will begin at 1 pan. Saturday at the DD/X Amphitheater in downtown Middleville. The four apartment units in the lofts were filled late last year. Schlientz is still looking for tenants to fill the remaining retail and commercial space. Schlienlz gave tours of the building after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Highpoint Community Bank of Hastings handled financing for the project. Urquhart said. addition to our downtown, not only addressing the need for commercial space, but also housing, which is a huge need across the entire state,” Lyke added. U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, spoke during the ceremony about the importance of preserving local history through projects such as the Lofts of Middleville. “When you peel back the layers [of a building], you find things.” Meijer said. “You’ve got Chicago common brick, you’ve got cast iron supports, you’ve got fieldstone. A normal contractor or rcdeveloper is going to look at this and say ‘Tear it down’ ... once that history' is torn down, it’s not going to be replaced.” . “When you have younger generations that are walking alongside, you can’t point to a piece of ground and try to get their imagination going and talk about the history of what was here. But you can point to a building, you can point to the bricks and the mortar and the Bellevue teen killed in crash Taylor Owens Staff Writer An 18-year-old Bellevue driver, Michael Moskun, died following a two-car collision at M-66 and M-79 at 3:38 p.m. Saturday. Barry County ShenfT's deputies said Moskun disregarded the stop sign at M-79 Highway and his westbound Chry sler was hit by a northbound JeepThe other driver and all occupants were taken to area hospitals with non-lifc threatening injuries, pohee said. The crash remains under investigation. Mother and son die in collision 'piylor Owens Staff Writer . i- Hunter, of Bellevue, and Troy Loralie Junlvilje, died flowing a • h on Cronk Highway in Bellevue car crash on © j .1 -,„i in ndihon. the »hospmd n cniwa* d |0to lh<; fui)cral of Hunter. s |K\ ooss Hunrer’who died April Hh ri,n 'r- an y *t,eriff’s deputie-s said the l?u,n C otmt), j (i 1 wes( of BaUle veinclewasonk with ;; ( reck Htg > jrlVer o|. (hi, had pickup truck. 1 minor jn> under investigation, and 1‘’’’•th iiiforn1,,llon 011 lhc trash 15 “V? anyone w. h Troy 5,7.543. to contact IWCM 55*9‘ -.id they will announce more Police bal [ (hisweek. information law' i SINCE 1 f ml&rrnatiGn around lending, and other highp • sok highpomt �Did you kJ Horsing around Is common sense still common? A two-week old foal run p(?ace Of watches from n^rb^ v;i|e Township Serenity Ranch in Om^s thes0 Ilc'P me understand thfour men into spacei«nd ti this °nc: scn^ international space' , ' nieet UP with t,lc cargo, and their Un,oad ‘heir wilh computcr-on:hcstm!rTrnS lasl weck boat in the middle of prvcisi°n to a a future launch. C <)ccan for re-use in Ulis week, we’re still n to fix our roads entm, a^°ul how homeless people ’from and kccp en.p.ypJs^,^. - ^ rents in near Delton. ® the home of One Gypsy horses. It sal. ltiat uses Neigh At A Time, a prog the horses for recovery therapy- comes to grand dreams and Cn *' excel. But when we ennni acts’ We everyday problems, weP' *,th pcsk>'miserably. Why is that? m 10 fa11 Most of our problems don’t require roekw Do you remember? Honorable inductees Banner April 26, 1962 Honor Society members - Seventeen Hastings High School students were initiated into the William T. Wallace chapter ot the national Honor Society in formal ceremonies last week Wednesday. Have you The invocation and benediction were given by the Rev. George Elliott and an inspiring talk was given by Aiderman James Coleman, a charter member of the chapter. The choir sang several selections. Members of the chapter include (front row, from left) Judy Spencer, Judy Bowman, Janice Davis, president Ron Keithley, Jennette Barry, advisor Mrs. Richard [Merilyn] Foster, Lisa Godfrey; (middle) Cheryl Leonard, met? When Wyoma Smith of Delton retired from her 30-year career at the United Stales Department of Defense in April 2017, she realized she’d been so busy that she’d never gotten to know the Delton community. Smith, originally from New Hampshire, started out as an entrepreneur in the food and restaurant industry. She had aspirations to start a gourmet meal delivery' service or open a restaurant, but couldn’t find start-up funding. She ended up at the DOD somewhat by chance. Her husband. Richard Smith, was in the Air Force and, in the late 1980s, she developed relationships with the civilians who worked adjacent to her husband at the DOD. They shared stories of an exciting, challenging and diverse work environment — the perfect environment for Smith, who said she is energized by high-pressure situations and easily bored by monotony. Smith held numerous positions within the DOD. applying to new jobs every few years. She accumulated titles such as finance specialist, family support outreach coordinator, cataloger, eWorkplace program manager and more. She ended her career in the favorite of her DOD positions, functioning as the program manager for the Defense Logistics Agency’s Commercial and Government Entity Program. “I am easily bored with doing the same stuff over and over, so I bid on new positions about every three years. My diverse background and desire to achieve excellence in each position created my chance to promote and end my career doing what 1 found to be the most rewarding. Smith said. ‘There is not anything like taking a team and accomplishing the impossible within tight compliance regulations. As crazy as this sounds, I am energized by the stress of making it happen.” . Working for the DOD was an incredibly rewarding’ experience, she said, because ter efforts supported U.S. soldiers, an s le enjoyed managing and working in, Since Smith retired from the DOD. she s taken the opportunity to invest hersef in community service and gel to know c . where she’s lived since 2001. . . “After retiring. I realized that really d not know the community 1 called home . set out to get to change it.” Smith said, continue to engage in community -serK,tf. because 1 believe it is the right thing to do. Shortly after retiring, she Ixrcame of the Delton Rotary Club.and remains tn tin- Mike Allerding, Stephen Johnson, John von Reis, Rod Ward, Bernard Weller, Dean Dingman, Mike Youngs, Mary Crawley; (back) Anne Becker, Joy Hare, Carolyn Skidmore, Susan Buerge, Kathy Lang. Pat Guenther, Arne Hauser. Leslie Solmes, Merry Belson and Judy Bell. Mike Allerding isne new president of the chapter. Sue Buage is vice president, and Pat Guenther's secretary-treasurer. (Photo by LeC I a readies) daughter, Faith (Rick) Hall, and twin grandchildren, Brooke and Austin. For her community service and her efforts to combat hunger among children, Wyoma Smith is this week’s Banner Bright Light. First job: Dishwasher. If I could go anywhere in the world: Every where. I love to travel. Next up would be Italy or Ireland. Book I’d recommend: Most books by Kristin Hannah. Favorite teacher and why: Carol Elliott, North Stratford High School.English teacher. Mrs. Elliott never accepted excuses and taught me to change an excuse into a course of action. Person I’m glad to have met: Barbara Bush. Favorite season and why: Fall. I love the way the light changes, and the air is purely Wyoma Smith position. Joining Rotary, she said, opened her eyes to the needs of the Delton community — particularly when it comes to hunger. So, she helped found the Panther Pack Program, a backpack food program that provides five pounds of nonperishable food to children kindergarten through fourth grade to keep them well-fed over the weekends. “My role in setting up the program was to build the program starting from an idea that another Rotarian had but who did not have the time [to execute it). With the support of the club, I ran with it and continue to be the pivot point to ensure the Panther Pack Program can be sustained.’’ She also is involved in the Barry County Hungry Games, an annual bowling event that raises money to support local take-home meal programs for children in Barry County, such as Panther Packs. Smith serves as a point of contact between the Barry County Hungry Games and those who support food programs, such as the Delton business community. Additionally. Smith volunteers in a non­ medical capacity at the Bar.y-b-non District Health Department COVID-19 clinics. She also recently returned to DOD work part-tune, serving as a senior consultant to the office of Defense Pricing and Contracting. hl her free time. Smith enjoys many hobbies ranging from quilting to d.-rily yog-i to gardening. Smith and her husband have lieetl married 33 years. They have one magical. What motivates me: So many things. And the desire to help make positive outcomes really gets me going. Important lesson from childhood, c r smart. , What I’d tell a high m*001 K™duatc: They will succeed in ways they didn l expea and to be ready to accept that everyone mus make course adjustments. Nothing ever unis out precisely "as one pW- Perfection is impossible to achieve, yet peffection. J?” redefined lo be the moment in redefines their expectations and ‘ * needed steps to course CO^‘ da hler. Best gift I ever recch®”* ‘v y Faith. . A mument that Sghter.’ Realizmg 1 was pregnant ’y,hcre is no Favorite dinner: I’m a t^* 1 such thing as one favoriteMy biggest challenge: Greatest fear: l.Osing own First thing I bought "i" ’ money: A gift for my^un. -lltx,Cause If I won the lottery: I • 1 don’t buy tickets. |t js’ # fal* ^’",’n’t be in When it’s <,Uiel:ManypeoP h lhe quiet. I seek it when 1 . I’m most proud of; My ^"“y:whalever Favorite vacation destinul,( is lined up next. fi /"</■, ”«<««>,t makci lhe coinmumiy u' j^ause of someone who should f). T\a^,r , . for lhe vohmircr work, fun-ltn^per*'1*' > SION'S he or die ha\ l() tc(l t>r n'1)' ‘ s- /fanner. Send information to ,Veu... . >/•/• or 1351 A-.WT<' emull newstej-adgrapj^ ((,H1. , 1 1 i ^reived hfltcr tre/umtnt thun federal j‘«lnes i,u,:k preceded in death by Common Sense was wa^ ,$pf7r/s. <his parents Discretion, ,and his son. janghter, Responsibility; ijfe is sltrvived by three Tolerance and Whiner ^’when'Twaich or readthe daily news, I’m amazed how many sad. even tragic, stones are the result of a lack of common sense on the part of those involve^ Victims appear to simply because they fail to aPP 1 . everyone should know. Common sensej5 solve. We just fail to use ^ound. not a skill one inherits, like most traits we acquire. Rather, common sense is learned, sometimes as the result of bad c oices we Recently, a reader sent me a story callM "The Death of Common Sense^ £ make when we let our emotions take control and lead us into behavior that goes against people attnbute its origin to a routine the all sound reasoning. . . comedian George Carlin performed so well Common sense is a form of decision­ In reality, it originally appeared as a column making that allows us to imagine the by Lon Borgman in lhe March 15, 1998 consequences of something we’re about to edition of the Indianapolis Star. I thought I do. Hopefully, it slops us from making those would make it part of this week’s column to irrational mistakes by using self-discipline suggest that good ol’ fashioned common to think a situation through before making a sense may really be dead. The story, that’s knee-jerk decision that could even cost us or been slightly altered through the years, goes someone else their life. like this: America has a rich history in the art of Today we mourn the passing of an old common sense, dating back to 1776 when friend by the name of Common Sense. No Thomas Paine published his pamphlet, one really knows how old he was, since the “Common Sense,” promoting his arguments birth records were long ago lost in of American independence. Paine’s writings bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted were important because they called for his life to sendee in schools, hospitals, liberation from Britain. He completely homes, factories and offices by helping folks opposed the monarchy system of get jobs done without fanfare and governance, arguing for a declaration of foolishness. independence and immediate action. For decades, petty rides, silly laws and That’s why Paine’s teachings are still frivolous lawsuits held no power over important today, because he addressed the Common Sense. He was credited with issue of a divided nation and called on the cultivating such valued lessons as to know strength and character of the people and our when to come in out of the rain, the early leaders. It demonstrates the importance of bird gets lhe worm, and life isn't always fair. logic and reason as lhe path to peaceful Common Sense lived by simple, sound conflict resolution. Paine reminds us of the financial policies (don’t spend more than importance of moral values, unity and trust you earn), reliable parenting strategies that are lacking today. (adults are in charge, not kids), and adages When President Biden came into office, his message was unity, yet his governing such as "its OK to come in second.“ A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, seems to be more executive rule and not the Great Depression and the technological unification. So many decisions lack common revolution. Common Sense survived cultural sense and are creating an even greater and educational trends, including feminism, divide among us. Paine preached unity, body piercing, whole languages and “new independence and peace - a common-sense math.” But his health declined when he approach to governing that has lasted became infected with the “ifdt-feels-good- throughout the ages. Learning is one of lhe most wonderful do-it” virus. In recent decades, his waning strength aspects of life, but il doesn’t count for much proved no match for the ravages of if you don’t apply what you’ve learned from overbearing federal regulation. He watched everyday life experiences. We need to keep in pain as good people became ruled by common sense alive because the principles self-seeking lawyers and enlightened are as important today as they’ve ever been. “Government, even in its best stale, is but auditors. His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero­ a necessary evil,” Paine said; “in its worst tolerance policies. Reports of 6-year-old- state, an intolerable one.” Fred Jacobs. CEO, hoys charged with sexual harassment for J-Ad Graphics Inc. kissing a classmate, a teen suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student were more than his heart could endure. His health declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student, but could not inform the parent when a female student became pregnant or wanted an abortion. Finally. Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, MDARD celebrating conservation districts during Stewardship Week The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in partnership with the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, is celebrating Stewardship Week, April 25-May 2. The nationwide program is led by the National Association of Conservation Districts and recognizes the importance of natural resource conservation. This year’s theme is “Healthy Forests. Healthy Communities.” “Michigan’s 20.3 million acres of forests contribute significantly toward the values and quality of life shared by its residents,” MDARD Director Gary McDowell said in an April 26 press release. “Roughly 9 million acres are owned by individuals and families. MDARD works with these landowners to manage their land sustainably through the Forestry Assistance Program and Qualified Forest Program, which are carried out by the 75 conservation districts in Michigan. This week we recognize that forests are critical not only tor supplying umber products, but also for providing wildlife habitat, filtering air. cleaning ss-ater, preventing soil erosion sequestering carbon, reducing energy costs, and prov.dutg recreation, sightseeing, and tourism opportunities.” b Throughout the week, MDARD will oartner with MACD to highlight th. • P 1 of forests in Michigan 8 hC ,mPonanee al o^oortunh'v’r^16'1 Prov,<*es an education­ al opportunity for people (0 leam abou( our vast forest history,” MACD Executive Director Dan Moilanen said. “Our forests have played a critical role in the development of our cities, towns, infrastructure and econo­ my. It also has a significant impact on our soils, water quality and wildlife habitat. This year’s theme also falls [in line] with Arbor Day on April 30. Make sure you plant a tree in your community.” During the week. MDARD and MACD will share forest tips, as well as feature a “Fresh from lhe Field” podcast with Alcona and Iosco conservation districts forester anJ ‘Tree Guy” Eric Brandon. The podcast can be heard at https://bit.ly/3e.AQKif. Local conservation districts and the NACD resource page have additional information. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads 4 i ■ T ; . �As state tamPs down c0V|D three new variants anoear Bridge Magazine bven as Michigan Michigan again fvcn as again appears appears on on the the verge of tamping down COVID-19. health authorities are keeping a close eye on three new coronavirus variants that have begun to circulate. And chances are, you’ve never heard of them. I hat’s because the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services hasn’t publicly released data on them yet. That’s in part because concern has risen only recently about their danger of transmissibility. As of Friday, public and private labs had confirmed more than 400 cases of the latest variants in Michigan known by a string of letters in the alphabet soup of genetic sequenc­ ing ~ B.1.427: its close relation. B.1.429. and six cases of a third variant, B.l 525 according to G1SAID, an international data­ base of genetic sequencing. That’s likely an undercount, since only a small percentage of samples from COVIDpositivc tests are selected for genetic sequenc­ ing. a process that can take a week or more. Whatever the exact number, more variants are an inevitable result of a lingering pan­ demic, with every new case providing an opportunity for the coronavirus to change, said Heather Blankenship, bioinformatics and sequencing manager at the stale’s Bureau of Laboratories. “I do think we’re very much in that race trying to get to that herd immunity befor end llp .. CT either n a ' a nant that\ • c‘ther a boomer o^T.that s 10 require noslics,” BlankenJi1 !na-' a^ccl °ur diagMichigan more m*1 Bridge M,chi8ancaM >0 Positive COVin3” 0,b,’S scnd a' ** sequenced at th, 1 J ,saniples a week to ,;»r nK>whs now ;J>r’She saidants have talc,, 1 ree now-familiar vari­ as well in Mi I ’ ^°^a^y a°d confirmed in the fl k ,l?an: a 'nriant first identified identified in t ,u'Vn a.s B1L7: “ sccond B.1.351 .... 1. ?l! 11 Africa and known as known as p j *' 1 Urd ,t,enl‘fiC(I Brazil and cerninj in Crl?!'11 has Pn,Vcn the most concases1 "f r’C?,gan’ with 5346 conrirmed rcoorted nday’ As Bridge Michigan has latest cxPerts believe it helped fuel lhe worvi ,5U^|L *n p^VID cases, including the hi 1 n’*, nal’°n spike in Michigan which h-is been blunted only in recent days. t ’’Pl^nrs that at least two of the three nevv^-s variants in Michigan arc, like their predccssors, more transmissible than the initial coronavirus that spread across the globe early last year. 1 he Centers for Disease Control and revention classifies variants at three lev­ els of danger: variants of -interest.” of “con­ cern or “high consequence.” The last categoO the most serious, as it indicates medical interventions would fail against them. Fortunately, so far, none of the known corona­ virus variants has risen to that level. But last month, lhe CDC elevated two of Recent effort to change voting laws based on a lie Legislature is attempting to make these chang­ To the editor: In response to the April 15 "In My Opinion” es in a partisan way and without involving the entitled "Voting laws fueling a national citizens. Remember in 2008 when we all voted on divide,” I think Fred Jacobs is wrong on the the changes to our voting system? issue of voting. Why not allow us to do that again? After 1 don’t feel our legislators are Irying to change voting laws because they believe our all. don’t we deserve a say in how our voting system works? Or doesn’t the Legislature system needs better security. I believe they are trying to change them want to take a chance on us disagreeing with because of lhe lie that lhe election was fraud­ them? And shame on Fred Jacobs for playing lhe ulent. If Trump had won lhe eleclion, do you real­ racism card! ly believe the Republican-led Legislature Larry Osborne, would be making changes? Delton Also, folks like me aren’t angry because of perceived racism. We’re angry because the Fe©ple should request audit of voting machine programs To the editor: I have learned that all counties are in charge of, and responsible for, our Dominion Voting Systems Corp, machines. 1 personally think our county clerk, Pam Palmer, has a tremendous responsibility in making sure our ballots are programmed cor­ rectly for each machine. ’ I’m not sure how many people understand the work involved so that every precinct and w-.rd have lhe correct names, proposals, and needs io be on the ballot for ^individual location. The county clerk has ^ndd^^X^X driie. Wd »hen downloaded into each machine ‘h FwS wblu hive witnessed. Palmer does a exemplary jot’. ,hjs: ||ow does anyone Hut my qut5i>on ()n may have be^ know what other downloaded into installed in the softwur. lhe machme IM n[waK thal made I would like to have a forensic audit with an internal examination of a machine conducted to. No. 1, prove dial nothing was done by Palmer incorrectly or otherwise, as I am con­ fident she does an amazing job: and, No. 2, to know that our machines have not been cor­ rupted. If you feel the same, then call, e-mail or write to your county commissioners and coun­ ty Clerk Pam Palmer requesting that an audit be performed. It is up to we. the people, who have the power over those who work for us, to demand that any and all doubl is removed. And, if any issues become known, how do we prevent them being repeated in the future? Our country is dependent on us, in times of war or in times of peace, to stand together as a nation against tyranny and treason. Now is the time for you to be heard. Charles Hertzlcr, Hastings ^X^waminfonnalion:' The Hasting > Banner interests of Barry County since 1856 I,ni' demand lor the vaccine h-is-i" E»pen sakl tft’haVX variantthe new varinnn 0 - B 1,127 and its closely-^ ‘ .^ari^nt n,,n a “variant of interest" to *' inon. aligning them with lhc . 439 k variants. B.l .427 and * first identified in California. .|Cf Varj ’cat‘cn suggests that, like the <-• ^ore j-. • \ they may be more contagi011^ y to cause serious illness and flgjnal vu., I*?1050’lrcal or prevent than the<^ Ms behind COVID1 Preliminary data ^^427 and B.l.429. gleaned from more P‘' A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. u -hway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax; (269) 945-5192 N. M-43 W &l.^graphlcs.com-Advenlshy:aas&.adgraphlcs.com piS telt>3Scs: • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • lcr.2a/UlfoughFrid<v 1 2/Xx) SWab sampks in California, tn srn- ^nts are roughly 20 percent more '^le than the origi­ nal SARS-CoV— 4 J*spon$iblc for the pandemic. ^n,^*than ^ey appear to be less transmit* v ’he U.K. and South African variants. That preliminaO ‘ *yet to be pccr-revievved nor confirm’y abs, a CDC spokes­ person noted in an email. ‘ dn>l” off in vaccine .lemaml Department and Spectrum Bed??1 clin.es around B^t .,,ea.I,h lor people to get vaccinated. Ute health department will host Modema vaccine chmes at the Barry Eapo Center hhy 4 and 6. with a Pfizer clinic May 3. A Johnson VaJtXs pla« Valley High School May 15 Spectrum 1 leallh held a 1 fiOO-dose clinic at Thomapple Kellogg Middle School last Saturday; 220 people attended Tile clinic took place in the gymnasium, and doctors emphasized lhe speed at which they were able to get people through the pro­ cess. The tune that elapsed from when patients pulled up in the parking lot to when they walked out - including a 15-minute observa­ tion period - was 22 minutes. “We want people to know how convenient, how easy it is for them and what the advan­ tages arc to them." said Dr. James Wcalhcrhead. one of three Barry County doctors who volun­ teered to help al that clinic, along with Kimberly Norris and Lynda Simpson. The doctors, who have been vaccinated, expressed an urgency to get more of the com­ munity vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible. -Think of other contagious disease mod­ els." Weatherhead said. " ... You know there’s a reason we don’t have polio or smallpox anymore. There’s a reason why measles, mumps and rubella are hardly ever seen. The reason is because there’s herd immunity induced by vast immunization programs worldwide. And it’s true. “Il’s not enough for us to campaign hard for this country, if we don’t get herd immunity worldwide. ...We know the virus can run out of victims sooner or later, but it will run out quicker if we have a high percentage of herd immunity." In a press conference last week. Spectrum Health West Michigan President Darryl Elmouchi said wide-scale vaccination is lhe Michigan plays The state’s health d Paitmcnt has not pub­ licly released routine I dates about the most recent variants, though it hXs provided updates about the U.K.. South Afncan and Brazilian variants. . That’s because the variant weren’t consid­ ered “of concern.” until March, and it takes a week or more to sequence cases and even more time in reporting the results to the state. MDHHS spokesperson Lynn Sutfm said. Sutfin added that while commercial labs might load sequencing data into the GISAID database quickly, there s not an automated route to do the same with .MDHHS. “I can’t speak (to cases confirmed by) com­ mercial labs if they haven t reported them to us.” she said. As of Friday, the slate listed just 219 Michigan cases attributed lo the two California variants, even though labs had confirmed to GISAID nearly double that number (424 Michigan cases) of B.l.427 and B.l .429. Also as of Friday, the state still listed no cases of the third new variant. GISAID listed 6 cases of B.l 525. which was first identified in the U.K. and Nigeria. Sutfin said that vari­ ant is not yet tracked by MDHHS because the CDC had yet to elevate it as a variant of con­ cern. As a practical matter, lhe presence of a new variant does not change how COVID-19 is treated or guarded against in Michigan. A COVID test may confirm as quickly as an hour or less whether a person has CO VID, and lhat triggers contact tracing and possibly treatment — no maucr what the generic code, Suit in said. *r It may take a week or more lo run sequenc­ ing tests, she said. The viruses’ lineage, in practical terms, doesn’t change the ground-level fight against lhe pandemic, said Sutfin, lhe spokesperson, and Blankenship of the stale lab. Whether they are variants or the original coronavirus behind the pandemic, the steps remain lhe s;ime to prevent and control the virus — masking and social distancing and isolating when sick, for example. Adam Lauring, a University of Michigan researcher and infectious disease expert who helps to track COVID and its variants through GISAID. agreed. “I think sometimes we’re focused on lhe wrong thing,” he said. "Clearly B.1.1.7. (the U.K. variant) is a more transmissible variant. Il spreads faster. "But this means (people need lo) do that much better at everything we’re doing to con­ trol COVID — physical distancing, vaccines, all those things. The game got harder and so wc need lo do a better job al everything ... This isn’t over.” only way the world is going to emerge from this pandemic and get back to normal Another reason for the urgency u> vaccinate is to prevent more variant strains from pop. ping up. . Variants arc created when viruses replicate inside an infected individual. As the virus creates new copies, there is a chance tor the genes of those copies to mutate into some­ thing slightly different. The fewer the people who are infected, the less the chance for rhe virus to mutate into something more contagious - or more lethal. Doctors also warn that people who have been infected with an earlier strain of COVID19 might not be able to withstand a variation of the virus, so they could be infected again. l he Spectrum clinic, which dispensed lhe two-dose Pfizer vaccine at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School, will return there on May 15 lo administer the second dose, but it also will provide first doses to any people who are seeking them. Scientists disagree on what percentage of the population will need to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity and stop the spread of the virus, but many say it is in the range of 70 lo 80 percent As of Tuesday. 43.2 percent of BarryCounty adults had received their first dose of the vaccine, and 33 5 percent had completed lhe vaccination process. In lhe meantime. Barry County continues to experience a surge in COVID-19 cases. There were 373 active cases reported in the county on Wednesday. Health officials say lhe actual number may be much higher, since the percentage of COVID-19 tests that come back positive remains high. The percentage has fluctuated between 13 percent and 24 percent over the last seven days. Four deaths from the virus have been reported since April 20; that’s a total of 59 deaths known to be caused by COVID-19 since lhe first case of the virus was confirmed in Barry County early last year. Both Hastings High School and the Maple Valley School Junior/Senior High School are in a remote learning mode because of the rise in cases and students in quarantine. at the Community Education and Recreation Center, 520 VK South Street, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m, on Thursday, April 29,2021. Enrollment forms are now available online at our website www.hassk12.org, at the administration office or at any elementary building. Parents will need to bring: • Certified State copy of birth certificate • Updated immunization records and • Proof of residency. Children must be five years old before September 1,2021. However, if a child will be five years old before December 1,2021, he/she can still attend school with an approved waiver. BY STATE LAW immunizations and vision and hearing testing must be complete before school attendance in the fall. At the time of registration, parents will also be given an appointment for the vision and hearing test. CITY OF HASTINGS NOTICE of public hearing on the adoption of a brownfield PLAN AMENDMENT PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACT 381 of the PUBLIC ACTS OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN OF 1996, AS AMENDED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Hastings Brownfield Redevelopment Au’h°"^’®,, h0|d a delegated by the Hastings City Council of the City of Hastings. Barry County MicNga oublic headng on Thursday May 13, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. with the location to be j(s p^ers, adoption of an amendment to the City's Brownfield Plan. The Authority shall ex®', pnanclng Act. nursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Brownfield Redevelopment ?linq Act 381 of the Public Acts of the State of Michigan of 1996, as amended, in p osed to be added by amendment to the Brownfield Plan is identified as: Tax PafCel No: 55-2001-051-00 property Address: 128 N. Michigan Avenue. Hastings Ml • < .ko Brownfield Plan and the A description of the properly along with any maps and a description of the wo Community deposed amendment are available for public inspection at the office of ^sfingsinkQtg or development Director 201 E. State Street. Hastings. Mich.gan 49058, dKog B 30 a ni to 5 00 p m Pub<is^r “ HankSchuuring SgSa Miko GJmore TyGreenlield Jennie Yonkor SUbSCriSLR<1,eS-$52 year m Bo"? County $60 per year in adjoining counties S^Por yoar elsewhere Rebecca P Brett Bremer PP Sophie Bah* Greg Chand's' Sean Taylor °*en5 □hone 269-945-2468. . H ■ Birina the public hearing. The AH aspects of the Brownfield Plan amendment are open for discussion dun 8 n lntormation feting Shan be held in a hybrid formal for Authority members and pub ic P as to participating m the meeting is available at www.hastmgsrm.org. jane Saurman City Clerk * Mior) AtH&Mngs MUXW 5 DEMAND, continued from page 1 ———----------- Hastings Banner, Inc. Da 1351 Tlw Hrisiings Banner — Thursday. A©ni 29. �D?r<>thy rf. Arlen Glen Leinaar Elaine GarJock Despite sonic chillv weather last "te‘ when the dafiodils and tulips >ost sonlc/” their beauty, it seems true spring is again w it i us. We can easily handle some variations m temperature, even down into the 40s on I n. upper 30s in the nighttime hours sojong as the daytime numbers arc in the 40s to 70s. The dandelions keep growing and try to keep ahead of the lawnmowers. lhe oak and ginkgo trees are not yet in leaf, but their day is coining. The maples which are in abundance here, have a good start on their seasonal greenery. The downtown dowering trees have a showv appearance w ith all their blossoms. One sign of the times is the opening of greenhouses. In recent days, seasonal signs were evident. On our first trip through lhe aisles, we can get a preview of the new varieties for sale this year, the return of old favorites, colorful views overhead with the dozens of hanging baskets and larger displays. A welcome business to visit is Tru Value hardware in Lake Odessa, which was closed for several weeks in late winter until all employees had received their second vaccinations. They were too young to be in the first group of people eligible to get the vaccine, and it was not in a crucial enterprise, such as hospital or schoolroom to be eligible. Meantime, someone wanted to buy a screw or a bolt, he had to drive to Hastings or Ionia. It is good to have this major business open to lhe public. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Faster processing of disability claims for people with Alzheimer’s disease Vonda Van Til Public Affairs Specialist Tbday, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Since the onset of Alzheimer’s can occur in people before they retire, it may strike during an individual’s working years: preventing gainful employment as the disease progresses. As a result, people must come to grips with a devastating diagnosis while losing their salary and benefits. People with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers must figure out how they’ll pay for care. Our benefits and services are vital to people with early-onset Alzheimer’s who are unable to work and have no other source of income. For more than a decade. Social Security has included Alzheimer’s disease in our Compassionate Allowances program. The Compassionate Allowances program identifies debilitating diseases and medical conditions so severe they obviously meet our disability standards. Compassionate Allowances permit faster processing of disability claims for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, mixed-dementia, and primary progressive aphasia. Read more about our Compassionate Allowances program at ssa.gov/ compassionatcallowances. To learn more about how Social Security disability insurance works, visit our disability page at ssa.gov/ disability. Feel free to share these resources with friends and family. Dorothy M. RowL,„[tee_ 75.of Manin, went home to be with the lord on Sunday. April 25.2021. She loved camping, riding motorcycles, and most of all. her Ifiblc and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband. Geno Davis; parents. Walter and Helen Daniell; brother. Michael Daniell; sister. Jean Darnell. Dorothy is survived by her children. Major (Tammy) Rowe, Harold Rowe. Vernon Rowe. Heath Rowe; and their father, Harold Rowe Sr.; nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren. Dorothy was a lifelong member of the VFW Women’s Auxilliary Charlotte Post. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday. April 30, 2021. at Stegcnga Funeral Home. 3131 S. Division Ave.. Wyoming, with Rev. Scott Wiley officiating. Dorothy’s family will greet relatives and friends 'Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Grandville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Helen Devos Children’s Hospital or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be sent to the family at w vvvv .slegcngafuneralcliapel.com. Vanda Van Til is the public affairs, specialist for West Michigan. You may write her ch) Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525. or via email to vondaxantilQ ssa.gov. Mary Jane Bradfield, age 93 of n • passed away on April 26.202I. a>UnBs. Mary Jane was bom on January’ 1950 lhe daughter of Frank lulward and V-di? Izora (Brown) Bradfield. Mary Jane attended school in Boyne Falls and was an elementary school teacher for Gaylord Community Schools. She taught first through fourth grades for 34-1/2 years She enjoyed sewing, painting, and gardening. She loved the out-of-doors, rambling through the hills of both Peninsulas and traveling and camping throughout the United States from coast to coast. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Valia Bradfield; brothers, Arlie. Albert, Robert. Charles and Frank; sisters. Ilah Fnglerth and Jeannie Ccmbrowicz. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Monday. May 3, 2021 at II a.m. with a v isitation one hour prior at Girrbach Funeral Home. 328 S. Broadway; Hastings. MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mary Jane can be made to lhe Barry County Commission on Aging, or by mail to 320 West Woodlawn Avenue: Hastings. MI 49058. or Peace United Methodist Church, 6>O43 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit vvwvv. girrbachfuncralhonie.net. Ruby Marie Wendorf Worship Together GET ALL TOE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmcfrj, gmail.com- Website: »ww, hastinesfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director. Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 am. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags forchilren are available in the 9 a m. service and Kid’s Church is available in our 10:30 service. (Jur worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246) Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser. Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.. Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E. State Rd.. P.O. Box 273, Hastings. MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900 Website: www.lifcgatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 am. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coals Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328I N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616 690-86)09. • • il rt PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling. MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON In loving memory of Harold Glenn Root, who passed away on March 5. 2021 at the age of 86. Beloved father of Stan (Carla) Root of Allo. Please join us for a memorial graveside service honoring Harold’s life 0,1 Saturday. May 8, 2021 at 1 p.m. to be held at Hastings Township Cemetery. 2475 McKeown Rd. Hastings. MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbach fu 11 eral home. net - 1351 North M-43 Hwy, Hastings 945-9554 exfob 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 There will be celebration of life for Ruby Marie Wendorf 12/30/41 to 4/4/21. Please join us to celebrate the life of Ruby Marie Wendorf on Saturday. May 8. 2021 at her house. 3510 Barryville Rd., Nashville, starting at I p.m. i°a>7 m-37 iiw- । «"»■»” 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton. Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool. (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am. Nursery and 6 hildren’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Mother’s Day MOREL GIFT CREATE A MOREL GARDEN IN YOUR BACA YARD W'c provide the seed and easy Co instructions for preparing an outdoor Stew I Habii.it. Yau just sow the seed, maintain lhe Mvrcl Htbttut, and pkk and ctjjov pounds of fresh Morel* $33.95 + $8.65 S/H - ORDER 707-829-7301 •NEW Cotton Prints GOURMET MUSHROOMS PO BOX515CN21 • GRATON. CA 95444 Vme6:-30to7:30pm. , pillow Forms & Panels < < . Zippers, Theads, Trims, < Buttons & Patterns HhASTINGS 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads This information on worship senice is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: A- Arlen Glen Ixinaar. age 85. of Delton, passed away peacefully on /\pril 15.2021. Arlen was bom on June 1. 1935 in Delton to Lyle and Marion (Anders) Leinaar. Arlen Was a 1954 graduate of Delton-Kellogg High School. After graduating, he served four years in the United States Navy. Arlen worked al Hastings Manufacturing, before spending 27 Vi years al General Motors, retiring in 1993. On October 10. 1959 he married the former Susanne Reed and together they raised their four children: Karen Leinaar, Kipper Leinaar. Kimberly Leinaar, and Kelley (Ken) McLachlan. Arlen was a member of lhe Hickory Comers Masonic Lodge #345. where he served as Worshipful Master in 1970 and 1980. Other memberships included: a worthy patron of the Eastern Star, a charter member of the Delton Moose Lodge #1649. and Bellevue AMVETS #1988. Arlen enjoyed spending lime at his cabin in Luther, since its purchase in 1981. He is survived by his children: grandchildren. Dylan and Cortney; brothers. Frederick (Paula) Leinaar. luurry (Linda) Leinaar; and several nieces and nephews. Arlen was preceded in death by his wife, Susanne on August 15, 2017; parents; sister. Lois; and brother. Leland. Arlen’s family received friends on Monday. April 19. 2021, at the Delton Community' Church, 5380 Moosclodge Dr, Delton. MI 49046, where services were held. Pastor Mike McCrumb officiated. Arlen and Susanne were interred together at Fort Cusler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Delton Fire Club. Please visit www.willtamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Arlen’s family. ,f »r Our OMrfl j www.gmushrooms.org SjXdW.’ < *»:aI ‘ J *•* MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Muster Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber '•Obis. US. <> Pick-Up Station .5 New construction. remodel, repair, drain cleanin;:. BR ADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same r^y Installation Office 1269) 948-2248 Mobile (269| 838-5112 �Pago 7 00218177 Hastings was among sites for Airstream rallies Mr. and Mrs. [Gertrude] William Schilhaneck of 630 S. Park St. really boosted their home state of Michigan while at the International Rally of the Wally Byam Caravan at Laramie, Wyo., and the International Rally is to come to Michigan next year. The annual convention is expected to bring from 3,000 to 4,000 to the state, along with some 10,000 caravanners. {Banner July 8. 1965) Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Hastings was home io a travel trailer manufacturer, from 1940 lo 1955. Aerodynamic, air-conditioned campers were produced by the Royal Coach Company, rolling out of lhe factory building that was destroyed by fire last fall. Hastings also had an RV dealership through the 1980s and 1990s. In between, the city was a destination for throngs of the sleek, silver Airstream travel trailers. To this day, Airstream owners take part in caravans or gather at rallies across the country, named for Airstream founder Wally Byam (1896-1962). The local events were most popular in the 1960s and 1970s. due to lhe effort of Hastings resident businessman William Schilhaneck. The gatherings were in the infield of the old fairgrounds, now occupied by the Kmart plaza on State Street west of Market Street. The shady oaks provided comfort in hot weather. The grandstand was available forentertainment and special programs. The nearby cinder­ block Community Building was a venue for potluck dinners and pancake breakfasts, as well as an indoor venue for dances or other ^The’Vairgrounds were close enough to downtown that merchants saw an increase tn business and offered shoppmg spec.als for the ViSiTh^Mav 1963. Banner proclaimed the R “cai caravanners for city incivnvwould welcome Byam Trailer enthusiasts rolling into town for three-day convention Residents of the Hastings area are welcoming members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club of Michigan who are moving in to hold their annual Michigan convention at lhe fairgrounds here May 3,4 and 5. Some 125 or more “trailer families" are expected to converge on lite Barry County seat for their special programs and entertainment. The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and the retail division, working with William Schilhaneck, who as a member, is mainly responsible for bringing the caravan to Hastings, have cooperated in making our visitors especially welcome. Throughout the retail district, merchants are providing “Caravan specials” and other merchandising programs to make Hastings’ guests feel more at home. Some members of the Wally Byam Caravan moved in earlier this week, but most of them are scheduled to arrive today and tomorrow. This Thursday night, a potluck dinner has been planned al the Community Building on the fairgrounds. Friday, plans have been made for a tour of lhe Hastings Aluminum Products corporation, and a fish fry is to be held Friday evening al lhe Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Hall on South Church Street. Dancing is to follow' lhe supper. Saturday morning, the formal business state conclave. . at the Midwest Wally Byam Caravan Rally at tho ___ upre expecle?,„r nay weekend. Some 50 had already pulled in About 100 trailers W r (he iab° [Ge(trude] WiHiam Schilhaneck of Hastings fairgrounds in Hastings ovj Mr. and Mrs-1 Lgke near Ponttac talk over plans for the tairgrounuo and nety> K v of uniu' schilhaneck is past internatinmi (left) and Mr presiden sUrer. £des Minnesota, Wisconsin. Iowa, Ohio Sent^p^st interna1'®^^irfwes*^icpigan. (Undated photo, but flags and president of the re^tuCky, lndiana Illinois, Missouri, ^76) license plates indicate William Schi= 0( Hastings active in an m owners club bringing rahies ’ev^'ings, and also bringing lhe m Wally Byam International R* . M'chigan in 1966. The blue Airstream founder Wally Byam. became not only headgear for club members also part of lhe ( and the name he organization’s magazine. meeting of the Wa > . Jm Caravan Club of Michigan islobehdd..indSaturdayaftenl04)n antique cars are to ix. nn display at the fairgrounds for the: p easure of the visik)rs Harold Phillips* Benham, laurence Baum. Wellesley Ironside anj De| £ng|erth are among the antique car owners who may display their vehicles. Saturday afternoon will have a caravan treasure hunt arranged by Hastings merchants. Special numbers are to be distributed to the caravanners, one-half of the ticket will be given to the visitors, and the other half will be placed in a participating store. Caravanners finding their correct numbers will receive a gift. Members of the 4-H clubs are to serve a chicken barbecue for the caravanners Saturday evening, and an hour s 4-H talent show will be presented preceding a dance in the Community Building. Saturday night, plans include a teen queen contest in which the caravanners pick the teen queen from the caravan "family’’ to compete for international honors when the Wally Byam convention is held in Bemidji, Minn., June 29-July 4. Sunday will feature a pancake breakfast with Barry County maple syrup served at lhe fairgrounds. An interdenominational church service is to be held at the fairgrounds at 10:30 a.m. - - -------------- —----- —---------------- - ? •• x V_____ X__________ ___ ■________ | !akef? in 1964 in Princoton, NJ., bu! was kept in lhe Banner u ,llustrate the extent of the club’s popularity. Information y 9 he r?h0t0 reported that 2,015 Airstream travel trailers were at the ,nternal,onal ra,,y of toe Wally Byam Caravan Club June 29 to July 5. 1964. qc? • i uses were chartered to take the caravanners to the New York World’s Fair June <s/htih 3 y t/am Caravan Club Day.” Two years later, after Hastings resident William ' ^. na2ec2|CamPai9ned to have the international rally in Michigan, the Cadillac event i i a attendance records, with 2,828 trailers. The early major rallies, over an extended July 4 holiday, used the wagon-wheel pattern to accommodate the hundreds of travel trailers. (Airstream photo) archivpqPhnl?h7n S found his number or not. During the regular Wednesday turkey giveaway, seven turkeys were presented lo caravanners who deposited slips in Hastings stores. Trailers came from Michigan, Indiana. Ohio, Illinois. Wisconsin. Kentucky. Missouri. Minnesota, Iowa, California, Florida. North Dakota, Arizona, Colorado and Canada. The following year brought bigger news: The largest Airstream event would be in Michigan. The July 1, 1965. Banner announced: State lands international trailer meet Hastings man's bid accepted for 1966 rally Michigan will be host for the International rally of the Wally B\am Caravan Club Inc., in 1966. William Schilhaneck of Hastings, president of the Michigan Unit of (he Wally Byam Caravan Club, informed the Banner Wednesday. The decision to hold next year’s international rally in Michigan was made at the convention in Laramie, Wyo. Immediately following the Wyoming convention, a committee is to be in Michigan to select the most desirable site. “I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one in Hastings who sent letters lo me inviting this group to our state.” Schilhaneck wrote. The Schilhaneck* arrived in luiramie Thursday, June 24, after a “wonderful week’s See AIRSTREAM, page 8 Airstream owners congregated at state, regional and “interrnrrional” gatherings at various times of the sear. The Sept. 10, 1964, Banner reported on the recent Midwest rally, which had just concluded. 1,000 •traileritcs’ leave after enjoyable rally After spending a week full of activities and fun, more than 1,000 traileritcs. caravanners of the Fall Midwest Wally Byam Rally, left Hastings Tuesday. The rally was described by most caravanners, including ouigoing Midwest president, Jerry Enyeart of Michigan City. Ind., as “the biggest and best Midwest rally we’ve ever had.” Officials of (he Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, who cooperated with Bill Schilhaneck of Hastings in hosting the rally, have reported that estimates ranged near $50,000 that the caravanners spent in this community. They reported 357 trailers spent from six to eight days at the fairgrounds. Activities of the group included tours of Hastings Manufacturing Company and the Kellogg Sanctuary south of Delton, escorted by lhe Hastings City Police and the Barr) County Sheriff. A highlight of the event was the entertainment programs, which included the famous Allgaier family of Kalamazoo Sunday evening and the music of the Michigan Academy of Music under the direction of Phil Patten. Many caravanners and officers of the group labeled the entertainment as “the best in any rally, including all the international rallies." Many gifts were presented to the group, including a can of Casitc for each trailer. compliments of the area service stations. Hastings Aluminum Inc. donated many prizes for various contests. The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce donated a large packet of gifts to each trailer, containing literature about this area, plus a gift, 'phe chamber also gave a door prize, which was a 52-inch retractable aluminum awning, phis prizes for contests in fishing, horseshoeing and photography. The River Bend golf course donated golf balls to winners of a golf meet. The rally received the fullest cooperation form lhe City ol Hastings, jhe Barry County Fair Board and officials of t|1e Community Building. In turn, the caravan removed most of the stumps in the rairgtvnmd infield and presented about $250 to coUnly beards for use of the building and grounds. The caravanners mined over $225 to the area ministerial association as proceeds from their Sunday ehurcli sci^iOL'. Mrs. Chester Me) .Sfowell and the Hostings Garden <> [Unted a corsage t< each woman aliendit'b the rally. Stores in I lasting5 'PWl'Oied a truasu t .» i hv eara'-antlers would recede a ■ re- whrt*-- 'hey found their lucky prue mthe s > ()(.-^ ,() ,h;ll ,S nn r reived •* juil. every caravanm < «• 1,6 Information accompanying this undated photo, likely from 1976, reads, “Some 100 trailers from the Midwest attend the Wally Byam Trailer Rally at the fairgrounds in Hastings over the Labor Day weekend. The visitors enjoyed wonderful weather and a variety of programs." !• UF Neither minivans nor sport utility vehicles had been created wten tn^ph^^was taken in the mid-1960s. So, cars were the primary vehicle used to pull A. trailers. ————■■11111111 । ii ■ 159099 NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION « Road Commission. 1725 Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry Goumy 4 2021 at wwt M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158. Hastings. Ml 49058 until 10 30 A « > 10 30 AM for lhe purchase of the following items. . »he Road Commission Office Specifications and additional information may be obtariea <» at the above address or at our web site at www banycrc.org (1) USED TRACK TYPE OOZER (1) USED WHEEL LOADER or to wa vs irregulanlws >n ths The Board reserves the right to reject any or all propo- best interest of the Commission. „ nn COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS K°C0UN* Of BARRY Seo’Xs □. David Dykstra Chairman Member Member �Page 8 — Thursday. Apr.:201’1 — I'm' Hasl^P ' b‘l‘ Hastings council allows keeping chickens within city expressed his view that chickens should not Sophie Bates be -■ •the bekept keptminthe lhecitv.He city. He-u.. also..• took issue with Staff Writer . ordinance because he does not believe the city City of Hastings resident-- will ,u’• « has enough police or code enforcement allowed to keep chickens >« /^--ninr employees to enforce the ordinance’s districts after the city council OK d « c‘ n regulations. of animals' ordinance at its meeting < l/ • “I'm from the farm. and I don’t believe eV5.ing >• to - oirttnovo.es chickens should be in lhe city. Thai’s what rhe ordinance-ptKMtJ. / .. v,w> st.tnw farms are for,” Bowers said. "You're just from councilpersons Brenda • adding another w rinkle and another job lor and Don Bowers. lhe police to do that they can't do it because In past meetings. Bowers rc-R- Financial FOCUS ovided by the Barry County (tfflces of Edward Jones Hm Lundin Financial Advisor nko w M-43-Hwy- Suite A MI 49058 (289)818-0*23 Member SIPC Jeff Domenico, AAMS® Financial Advisor 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 (260)948-8265 Look at your financial situation holistically What’s die biggest financial mistake you can make? Choos­ ing the’wrong investments? Uniting too long to save lor retirement? Underestimating the costs of retirement? All these arc reasonable answers, but the biggest mistake you might make is not looking at your financial picture holisti­ cally ~ that is, not bringing into the picture all the elements of yourself. Let’s consider some of diem: • Your views on helping your family - Your decisions about helping y our family are clear­ ly going to be a major part of your financial strategy - and this is tree at virtually all stages of your life. When your chil­ dren are young, you’ll need lo decide if you’re going to put away money for their col­ lege education, and, if so, how much, and in what investment vehicles. When they’re young adults, you may also need lo decide how much financial support you're willing to pro­ vide for things such as the down payment on a new home. And when you're drawing up { your estate plans, you’ll need to consider how to distribute assets to your children, grand­ children or other family mem­ bers. • Your persona! beliefs - As someone with civic, ethical and moral concerns, you want to positively alfect the world around you. And that's why you may feel compelled to make chantable gills through­ out your life and then make philanthropy part of your leg­ acy. To accomplish these ob­ jectives y ou’ll want to include gifting techniques in your fi­ nancial strategy today and your estate plans for tomorrow. Of course, for the estate planning component, you'll need to work with your tax and legal advisors. • Your purpose in life when you retire - When you retire, you may lx* stepping off a ca­ reer path, but you're also en­ tering a world of possibilities. How will you define, and live out, your new sense of pur­ pose at this stage of your life? Do you seek to broaden y our horizons by traveling around the world? Do you want to give back more to the commu­ nity by volunteering? Can you spend more time pursuing the hobbies you enjoy*? Each of these choices will carry differ­ ent financial implications for how much you’ll need to accu­ mulate for retirement and how much you will need to take out each year from your retirement accounts, such as y our IRA and 401 (k). • Your health - Your physi­ cal and mental health can play big roles in your financial plans and outlook. On the most basic level, the healthier y ou arc. and the better you take care of your­ self, lhe lower your health care bills will likely be during re­ tirement. which will affect die amount you need to pul away for health care. /\nd you also may need to prepare for die costs of long-term care, which can be enormous - in fact, a private room in a nursing home can easily cost SI00,000 per year, according lo lhe insur­ ance company Genworth. It can be challenging to weave all these elements into a single, unified vision, so you may want to get some help from a financial professional. But, in any case, be prepared to look at your situation holis­ tically - because, when putting together a lifetime's financial strategy’, every part of your life matters. This article was written by . Edward Jones far use by your local Edward Jones Financial , Advisor. Edward Jones. .1 teniber SIPC they don't have the Manpower. Thenr.u... ■ •i — ■ T he ordinance includes scvendrequirement “What I’m« fhidin^' 1^ with is how we tun the city when it conJ.^1ordinanees and how for chicken coops and nins, as well A coop defined in the ordinance <" to keep them in Htle enclosure, and a run is defined McNabb-Stange S|v powers' concerns a covered fenced enclosure. about enforcement'^cc;iuse die ordinance an adjoined - First, chickens must be kept in a coop or docs not outline whai Ji happen if residents run at all times, which should Ik- liKated in the do not comply wj^ t|le regulations“The ordinance ,!(x.s st:uc that they have to property’s backyard. - The coop and run must not be closer than follow the noisv.. odors, dust, fumes 10 feet to any property line and must be al {regulations!, but ifiei other requirements least 40 feel away from any residential within the ordinal \ybal if they violate dwelling on a neighboring property. those? There’s nothin* in this ordinance that - Coops must not exceed H feet in height or says what happen. . 5j|Cnt as to that.” 100 square feel in total area; and must be McNabb-Stange sajj ..j jUSt don’t know the council’s power to eonic after the ordinance constructed lo prevent rats, mice and other vermin from living underneath or within the {is passed) and say happens if you coop. violate it.” - Additionally, all chicken feed, or similar Planning Coninussjon Chairman Dave items likely to attract rodents or vermin, must Hatfield, who attended the meeting to answer be secured in scaled containers. questions about the orjinancc. said that is - Coops also must be completely enclosed typical of most of the cjty’s ordinances. with a top or cover. Tarps, fabric, rubber, Mayor David Tossava asked Interim Police Chief Dale Boulter to explain how ordinance D iner cardboard or similar materials ate pnihibited for the constniclion of a coop. violations are handled within the city. Once a violation comes to (he city’s attention. Boulter said the violator is provided a copy of the ordinance to open communication between code enforcement and the resident. If violations continue, then a municipal trip.” The board of trustees of lhe international ordinance violation, which starts at $50, can rally mel at 1 p.m. Saturday. June 26. at the be issued. If the vio]ailon pertains to safety, a fieldhouse of the University of Wyoming, and uniform law citation can be issued, which each president of the state units was present. would move the violation to district court. “At this meeting, “Schilhaneck said.” 1 Despite initial hesitancy. Councilperson was given the privilege of presenting the Don Smith said he voted yes because lhe ordinance’s requirements for keeping chickens many invitations I had received for the international rally to be held in Michigan in arc thorough. 1966. These invitations were received from “One of the reasons I supported it is all parts of the slate, including one from because 1 think mitigation steps for the Governor Romney.” chickens, the coops, having the food inside Communities such as Hastings should containers — all the mitigation steps — 1 benefit when smaller caravans are formed think it's probably one of the more wellafter the international. The appearance of the written chicken ordinances in the slate,” rally in Michigan could bring trailer visitors Smith said. “I want to thank the planning to the Hastings area during June, July and commission fordoing so. August. “1 wouldn’t be in support of it if it didn’t have all the hazards that they would mitigate” The following spring, lhe Banner, in its With the ordinance’s passage, the keeping April 21. 1966. issue, announced the Silver of chickens will be allowed as an accessory Bullets were again assembling on Hastings. use in owner-occupied single-family dwellings in residential districts, subject to the following Hastings host to Michigan Travel requirements. Trailers - Residents are allowed a maximum of six chickens depending on lot size; roosters are Ninety-one trailers rolled into Hastings prohibited. F riday and Saturday morning for the rally of - To keep the maximum amount of six lhe Michigan Travel Trailer Club at the chickens, the lot must be more than one acre fairgrounds. in area. If a lot isahalf-acre to an acre in size, Floyd Todd, of Route 2 Hastings, a director up to five chickens arc allowed and, if the lot of the club, was chairman of the rally. is a half-acre or less, only four chickens are Friday afternoon, the visitors were allowed. officially greeted and welcomed with coffee - The keeping of Jiickens must be on a and doughnuts, furnished by the trailer club. nohcommcrciaf basV-rid any meat or eggs Saturday evening, a pancake supper was produced by the chidtts should be used only served in lhe Community Building, and by those occupying the property. Chickens Saturday night, teenagers enjoyed a record raised for meat are prohibited from being slaughtered outside. Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Hastings will hold a public hearing on May 24, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. for the establish­ ment of a Commercial Redevelopment District under the provisions of Act 255 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1978, as amended (“Act 255”) and Act 210 of Public Acts 2005 for new construction at 128 N. Michigan Street (tax parcel 55-201-051-00.) This meeting is sched­ uled to occur in a hybrid format. Please visit yzwyyJl^Jiog§.m.L.Grg for information on how to participate. Following the public hearing, the City Council may consider a resolution to establish the requested commercial redevelopment district under the terms of Act 255 and Act 210. All interested persons may participate in the public hearing and comment on the requested establishment of the commercial redevelop­ ment district. Written comments may be sub­ mitted to Dan King, Community Development Director at dking@haSiK)flSrnLQI9-or 269-945­ Jane Saurman City Clerk 159382 Quality Aluminum Products have the following positions open: a permit through the city. Prior to issuing a permit, lhe city will inspect the lot to determine if it meets (he requirements outlined in the ordinance. Unless all requirements arc met. a permit will not be issued. The permits will expire after five years. To continue keeping chickens after a permit expires, residents must obtain another permit °n or before the permit expiration date. If any of the above requirements are not followed, the city may revoke the permit and miliate prosecution for a civil infraction violation. Production Helper, Warehouse Helper, Shipping Helper and Maintenance Helper We have increased our starting Wage to SH 59 PL‘r ,irwith lhe ability lo earn up to $15.75 \vith’n ,s year! We give a 50C premium for 2nd and 3rd shill. Also TONS of growth opportunity- Our address is 429 S. Michigan Ave, Hastings, MI 49508 or m person. Hastings Area School System is accepting applications f°r: the position of Administrative Assisted Accounts Payable Successful candidate should have an Ass^iaie! in Business or related field, prior office env*r°n,ne” experience, be proficiency with Microsoft and have excellent organizational .skills. indlVKU\j should also have strong analytical an(j nwlhe,1J*‘Ul/J| aptitude, be dependable and able to handk c°n । ^(h information with discretion. 'Die ability 10 parents, employees, and community ntemb^5 lS 3 nlU* Please see our website lor lhe full job descnP1*0”' www.hasskl2.org Submit a cover letter, resume and refc^nceS l° Assistant Superintendent of 232 West Grand Hastings, Mi 4905g tim.berlin©hassikl2tOrtf Deadline tor application; Miyjg hop in the center. During the day, the youngsters - and oldsters — enjoyed games, flew' kites and participated in other activities. Downtown merchants held a special treasure hunt for the visitors, providing gifts. Sunday noon brought a potluck dinner followed by a short business meeting where plans for the rally in South Haven in May were made. The 1966 international rally, the ninth in lhe history of the club, was in Cadillac and had “Funderland” as its theme. It drew 2.828 Airstreams, the most in lhe history of the gatherings. That participant record held for a few more years, until it was broken in 1970 by the Hershey, Pa., assembly, which drew 3,402 trailers. Initially, the international rallies were held over lhe July 4 holiday, a condition that was relaxed in more recent years. William Schilhaneck owned a dry­ cleaning business before selling and getting into real estate. He was active with the chamber of commerce and served lhe city on its board of review and planning commission. He continued to be involved in the Airstream community and resided in Hastings until moving to Southeast Michigan. Schilhaneck and his wife, Gertrude, reached their 90s, dying three days apart. July 1 and July 4, 2003, as the 47^ International Rally was celebrated in Burlington. Vt. The last time the Wally Byam group gathered in Michigan was in 2017, when Escanaba was lhe international destination. • . Mr. Tim Berlin 2468. safety. To keep chickens, residents must apply for Universe Quality Aluminum Products znn limes. The keeping of chickens is subject to city’s code of ordinances as it pertains to noise. odors, dust, fumes, sanitation, health and similar nuisances to protect public health and AIRSTREAM, continued from page 7 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING COMMERCIAL REHABILITATION DISTRICT FOR 128 N MICHIGAN AVE., HASTINGS, Ml 49058 REFERENCE P.A. 255 OF PUBLIC ACTS OF 1978, AS AMENDED AND P.A. 210 OF PUBLIC ACTS 2005 - T he ordinance also dictates that c<x)ps and runs must be kept clean and neat at a/j ["^ C J Q L_J_ B/.A • Hors® sems® Dr. Universe: How do horses sense how you feel? Taylor, II, New Zealand Dear Tay lor. After 1 read your question, I called my friend and veterinarian Dr. Macarena Sanz, who had just finished checking up on the horses al the Washington State University Teaching Hospital. She was happy lo help. “Il’s a hard question lo assess scientifical­ ly.” Sanz said “But I think everybody who has worked with horses can tell you that horses really do have a certain sense about humans.” One part of lhe answer lo your question is that horses may be able lo respond to a situ­ ation using clues from both a person’s facial expression and lhe emotion in their voice. In a study from Japan, researchers showed horses some photos of humans with differ­ ent expressions on their faces, such as hap­ piness or sadness. Along with the photos, the horses also listened to recordings of human voices. Sometimes the voice and facial expression matched, for example, a happy face with a happy voice. But other limes, the horse might have seen a photo of a happy expression but heard a sad voice. “Horses were able to pick up on that,” Sanz said. “When the horse didn’t feel like things matched, they would stare at the screen a lot longer.” It kind of makes you wonder what exactly the horses must have been thinking. These kinds ol studies will help researchers put together a better picture of how horses respond to humans. You know, your question also made me curious about the ways humans figure out what horses are feeling, ft turns out that horses have 17 expressions they can use to communicate, such as puckering their lips or dropping their jaw. Some expressions com- municate they are in pain. If you’ve ever stubbed your toe or broken a bone, maybe you know that feeling that makes you scrunch up your face in pain. That’s a kind of expression called a grimace. Sanz said veterinarians use a scale called a grimace scale, which includes photos and information about different horse expres­ sions and behaviors, like when they hold back their ears. It’s a tool many veterinarians who work with horses will use in their careers. ”1 remember when 1 was starting my career, my boss would come in and say, ‘Oh. this horse has ’that look’ and it’s going to need surgery’’ and she was right. The horse needed the surgery . And now I can see that look too,” Sanz said. While humans and horses have been a part of each other's lives for thousands of years, there is still a lot to learn. Sanz said it’s likely we will continue to learn even more about the way humans and horses interact, especially since many studies have been showing dial these interactions can have lots of health benefits. Perhaps one day you'll be a veterinarian who helps us provide the best care tor horses or a researcher who helps us better under­ stand the ways in which horses sense the world. Dr. Universe PS. Do you want to support science edu­ cation and find out how to get an Ask Dr. Universe face masks ? Visit oskDrUnixerse. wsuxdtdmasks Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington Slate University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universc@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse coin. �AG warns against new spin on grandparent ^*arnily - emergency scam Michigan Attorney General Dana Ncs.se! is again reminding Michiganders to be on alert for grandparent and family emergency seams following recent reports of different variations of this scam. bi a consumer Ncssel pr0vidl.d . avoid krocomine <• -cams. »1 .„ • "u’ reissued April 19. ,:, °n ,o" ,o '‘lentify and "ms of f?™>dparent and mo'herTea*h'n/L':e da>s-lwo mid-Michigan kidnappers deni n,'i'"' J talls *™'n purported •beir daughters /'n!! “ ransom ,or return of knew the dauX'? “Ch inMancc’ ,hc ealler LEGAL NOTICES ents were !rS,k?nce’a couPle of grandpar'vire-transfenid $33’(XX)’ Thc-V bought w-icih • *3’000 10 someone they claimed he \ ^ran^son after he called and lice^e in A. Y C3U8ht fishin8 a fine. Thev * a”d needcd 10 Pa7 a $3,000 $K)00n .r. ta^cn f°r »n additional a'-fin tt/1Uer l,he suPP«^d grandson called SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting April 13, 2021 when hk a c°h°l aqd drugs were found his boat was searched, and hc needed Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. An board members present. Approved all consent agenda items Approved purchase of 2 new computers Approved amending Cemetery Ordinance 93-1 Approved cemetery improvements Approved payment of brils Dept reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:59 pm LEGAL NOTICES Respectfu'ly submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 159412 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE RLE NO. 21-28759-DE Estate of Leslie J. Sweeney Dale of birth: 07/11/1954. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent Leslie J. Sweeney, died 02/03/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will bo forever barred unless presented to William Sweeney, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street. Suite 302. Hastings, Ml and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice Date: 04/21/2021 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street. P.O. Box 248 Hastings. Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 William Sweeney 5275 West State Road Middleville, Michigan 49333 269-838-8342 159413 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In the matter ol The Jack C. Wickham and Joy M. Wickham Family Trust, dated May 21.2015. TO ALL CREDITORS: The decedents, Jack C. Wickham died on January 31.2020 and Joy M Wickham died on April 7,2020, lived at 7575 Usborne Road, Lake Odessa, Michigan *6849. leaving a certain trust under the name of The Jack C. Wickham and Joy M. Wickham Family Trust, dated May 21,2015, wherein the decedents were the Settlors and Lou Ann Barbour was named as Successor Trustee serv.ng at the time of or as a result of the decedents’ deaths. Cred.tcrs of the decedent and of Lhe trust are notified that all dams against the decedent or against lhe trust will be forever barred unless presented to Lou Ann Barbour, the named Successor Trustee, at Tripp.Tagg & Storrs Attorneys at Law. 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 04/23/2021 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway. Hastings. Ml 490o8 (269) 948-2900 S^TasteS. Lake Odessa. Ml -<8849 159379 616-902-9061 SYNOPSIS Barry Township Board REGULAR MEETING April 13, 2021 Regutarmeet^nedmorder®7.«) pm^ SeMoton approved minutes from March 16. 2021 „_pnda as presented. as presented. Mobon Approved Wnshlp han. Amphitheater. Pavilion rental agr^menU. SWBCSA Motion approver amendment. Re5O!ution 21-07 SWBCSA to Motion approved Resauu an bills as presented raise rates. '"“r “ ..“pZX".;■“ © 0.12 p.m. Respectfully Debra X Kmghl Barry Township Cle* Ka|)|er 159380 Attested to by­ Barry Township Supers N0TlC Ifnfs F°^2A^DOa,° °' birth: Estate of Joy06 ' NOT.CE TO cnEO ™^ .1 M.Aspinall.died ’^^ent are barred Creditors of th® (a.e will -.rnunity Ban^‘ claims against HighP0'*1' me probate unless presented or to b ,op Hastings, personal rep-ese''^ %jeet. ste e6EntaU* court 8! Z^n5B and the pt-^Stion of this Michigan 4S0->8 an Withiq 4 months after m ol pu 150 W. Court Street. Hastings. Ml 490->® 269-945-1921 m,,niiy0anl< Highpoint CormounV 269-045-2401 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate ■ t. . RLE NO. 21-28789-DE Estate of Jourdame Tasker. Date of birth. 03-28­ 1942. TO ALL CREDITORS: Northpointe Bank NOTICE TO CREDITORS- The decedent. Jourdaine Tasker, died 02-28-2021. Creditors of tho decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Joni Utting, personal representative, or to both tho probate court at 7471 Woodside Dr.. Hudsonville. Ml 49426 and the personal representative within 4 months after tho date of publication of this notice. Date: 3-30-2021 Joni Utting 7471 Woodside Dr. Hudsonville. Ml 49426 616-990-3538 Notico of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starling promptly at 1:00 PM, on May 20, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bld at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee foe this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jeremy R Ardema a/k/a Jeremy Aardema and Hollie L Felton a/k/a Hollie Felton, as joint tenants with full rights of survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lycaste LLC Date of Mortgage: February 28, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 8,2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $111,993.45 Description of tho mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 25. Hyde’s Payne Lake Park, according to the recorded plat beinq part of tho Northwest 1/4 of tho Southeast 1/4 of Section 17, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan. Common street address (if any): 11438 Hydeawav Cl, Middleville, Ml 49333-8252 The redemption penod shall be 6 months from tho date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or, if Mie s^ed real property Is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of tho Revised Judicature Act of 1961 pursuant to MCL 600.3278 trio borrower will be held responsible to he person who buys lhe properly at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage ^Sr^S9 ° "’e p,openV «unng the redemption period. a Attention homeowneq if you arG a 5ervice member or act vo duty, if your petiod of aJjve has cone uded less than 90 day2 ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foieclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice 9 ° This notice is from a debt coiieclar Date of notice; April 22, 2021 Trott Law. P.C. 3^440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 farming’00 H,l!s-Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1433551 (04-221(05-131 notice. Date: April 22.p43549) Stephanie S^FeWt® A 150 W. Court Streu Hasfngs Ml 490 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE FILE NO. 21-28800-DE Estate of Grace Hanford. Dato of birth. 09/20/1934. TO ALL CREDITORS­ NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Tho decedent Grace Hanford, died 07/31/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barrod unless presented to Bonnie Swainston. personal representative, or to both tho probate court at 206 W Court St., Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 04/23/2021 Sara B. Morey P83985 607 N. Broadway Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 Bonnie Swainston 419 E. Green St. Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 948-9250 159415 ’ 158680 $30,000 to P°5t b',nd l° Set Oll| of a jaU jn Canada. ,.mp. While there nn»Us variations of the typical grandpa,e they ure aiike their tactics. -Bad actors wil l»1() gc( money or personalI «>on - that includes exploiting your J concern for your family members, J. .^d. .<My ofricc js committed to cnsu 6 * ’.,chiganders are pro­ tected from these con an,^ anJ aware of best practice K)hVoid thc$e scams .. To avoid being scam^ lhe A(],s officc said individuals sho« 1 he suspicious of tele­ phone calls in which­ - A child or grandchild cal|s you from a far­ away location. - The grandchild says, “if& mc „ Qr .,irs your grandson,” or *l s Jour favorite grand­ child." - The child or grandchild js jn troublc or some type of distress. - The caller asks for money t0 be wire trans­ ferred. “If you receive such a call, you should ver­ ify the identity and location of tjie cbdd or grandchild claiming to be in trouble," Nessel said. “You should hang up and call another family member who can confirm your child or grandchild’s whereabouts. Try calling them at the telephone number through which you nor­ mally reach them. Stay calm and avoid acting out of a sense of urgency. Do not wire money unless you have verified with an independent third party that your child or grandchild is truly in trouble.’’ In addition, no one should ever give out any personal identifying information, such as bank account or credit card numbers to anyone who calls on the phone. “Con artists will lie. cheat, steal, and make up plausible stories to convince you to wire money or divulge sensitive information," she said. “The callers arc often professional crim­ inals who arc skillfully able to gel you to wire money or give personal information before you have time to properly assess lhe situa­ tion.’’ Anyone who has wired money to a scam artist should call (he money transfer company immediately to report the fraud and file a complaint. The number for the complaint department of MoneyGram is 800-MONEYGRAM (800-666-3947); Western Union’s number is 800-448-1492. Then, a complaint should be filed with the local police department and the Federal Trade Commission via its website or by calling tollfree. 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357): TTY: 866-653-4261. In addition, if the request for money involved a wire transfer to Canada, officials in the Anti-Fraud Call Center ask victims to report the fraud al their PhoneBusters hotline, 888-495-8501, or on the PhoneBuster’s web­ site. Consumer complaints can be filed online at the attorney general’s website or by calling 877-765-8388. Treasury: Only days left to complete FAFSA Students who want to be given priority consideration for state of Michigan financial aid programs have a mailer of days during which to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. This application is a critical step when applying for grants, scholarships and other forms of financial assistance. FAFSA submis­ sions received at the federal processor on or before May 1 are given priority consideration for lhe Michigan Competitive Scholarship and Michigan Tuition Grant. In late March, the state priority consider­ ation FAFSA deadline was extended to May ‘ Thu Hastings Banner — Thursday. April 29. 2021 — Page g ’—------------------------- TK bus driver hurt in rollover crash G«8 Chandler A 69-yearrold Kellogg Schools smiX,)'0’- Th,’rnaPP>c Tuesday afternoon w|,. ?,i""?u' injUfics driving wav struck bv ’ ,• b"S hc northeast Allegan Couniv , " in to toll over. y' <'aUs,nP the bus The crash occurred abc, intersection of Patterson kix i p,n au}le Avenue in Ix-.ghton l^,^ and ,08"' The driver of the school bus w. i■ way back to Middleville after drumm" "fr the Thornapple Kellogg lligh Superintendent Craig McCarthy said'1’'4"' "Based on the distance from Grand Rapids, it was roughly a half-hour to 45 minutes after he dropped off the track team," McCarthy said. A preliminary investigation into the crash indicated a 24-year-old Hastings num was driving a Volvo station wagon eastbound on 108th Avenue, when hc passed several vehicles and failed to stop at the stop sign at Pattenon. The Volvo then struck the school bus. which was southbound on Patterson. The impact caused the bus to roll over numerous times before landing in a ditch, said Trooper Austin McKenzie of the Michigan State Police Wayland Post. No students were in the bus. The driver of the Volvo was not burl. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash, McKenzie said. “The driver, while shaken up. bumped and bruised, escaped without serious injuries. We are extremely thankful that students were not on the bus and that the driver is safe and healthy." McCarthy said. Troopers were assisted by Barry. Allegan and Kent County sheriff s deputies; Leighton. Dutton and Caledonia fire departments; and Thornapple Township Emergency Services. ”1 would like to go on record thanking our emergency responders and say how impressed I was with their response, McCarthy said. Police cite hit-and-run suspect Police responded to a hit-and-run complaint on M-66 Highway near Quaker Brook Lane in Nashville at 2:15 p.m. April 23. A 27-year-old Greenville man said he had been pulled over on lhe side of the road with his hazard lights on when a passing vehicle hit his side­ view mirror. He started to follow the vehicle, but it took off on Thomapple Lake Road at a high rate of speed. Police located the driver, a 58-year-old Nashville woman, who admit­ ted to hitting the man’s side-view mirror and to driving at speeds between 80 and 90 mph to get away. She was cited for careless driving, and information was forwarded to the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney’s office. Woman attempts to steal $600 from store A 32-ycar-old Kalamazoo woman was arrested for retail fraud at the Hastings Walmart al 3:25 p.m. April 13. Store employees saw the woman attempt to take 80 items, worth nearly $600, out of the store without paying for them, through a combination of moving them through the self-checkout without scanning them, and scanning items with swapped barcodes. The woman was reportedly involved in a similar incident at a Kalamazoo Walmart in January, but claimed that was her sister. Neighbor denies stealing cell phone Son arrested after mother calls police Police arrested a 44-year-old Hastings man who had two outstanding warrants from his mother’s home in the 1000 block of Ryan Road at 7:21 p.m. March 30. The man’s mother called 911 and said he was grabbing knives out of lhe kitchen and yelling that he had a gun. The woman said she was in the bathroom and considering jumping out the window to escape. When police arrived, the man was silting on the couch with a collection of knives at his feet. He then got up. started to yell and started to pull his pants down when officers had lo physically wrestle him to the ground to arrest him. His prior warrants were for assaulting a police officer and damaging property. 159417 CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 599 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 599: TO AMEND CHAPTER 90 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING THE FOLLOWING: ARTJCLt 90 - VI, DIVISION 90 - VI - 12 B-1 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, BY AMENDING SECTION 90-474 (C). was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 26th of April 2021. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Fnoay. - AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurrnan City Clerk Students who wait to complete their FAFS/\ after the May 1 deadline may not receive all of the financial aid they might have been enti­ tled lo receive. “Please don’t wait it you haven’t complcted your FAFSA y<< R<)b"> Lott, executive director of the '.^’s Office of Postsecondary Financt. ( Planning, said tn a press release. "This application js free and can help ensure you get as much financial aid as possible. If you have questlons. please reach out to us." . . ,i„. . Prior to coinple,l,lp t,K FAFSA online, the student will need a f ederal Student Aid ID at fafsa.gov. This ID scrv“ as,a ,eBal signature and confirms an .>PP am s identity when accessing financial ‘"formation through certain U.S. Departi“cnt of Education webget started with FafsA- students or parents should g<> » Moro aboul Michigan’s scho'an J ‘*"d grant programs can be found >>' 'v/nustudentatd. Administered by ® ^‘treasury depart­ ment, Ml Student A* chtgan’s resource for ........ . av^u.W lor .'X’ll1geMore informal*011 *•' "'able at mistudenu^n"‘l»gan.?ov or by )g M'to 2687. ■ An 80-year-old man said he did not want lo press charges against a 67-year-old woman I who stole his cell phone at his residence in the 7000 block of Guy Road in Maple Grove Township al 2 p.m. April 20. He said the woman, his neighbor, went lo his house three separate limes to accuse him of stealing her purse and personal ID the last time she was there. The man said he let her inside all three times and. at one point, she reached into his shirt pocket and took his cell phone before walking back home. Police talked to the woman, who said she did not take the phone and told the officers to leave and get a war­ rant. 159418 CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. &uu , , „n Clerk of the City of Hastings. The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Michigan, does hereby certify that rcc 90 OF THE HASTINGS ORDINANCE NO. 600: AMEND CHAPTEH olLOWING: ARTICLE CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING THt usEs SECTION 90 . IX, DIVISION 90 - lX-3 ACCESSORY BUILO^oN (p) 90-835 KEEPING OF ANIMALS TO ADD . .Hastings at a regular meeting on was adopted by the City Council of the City o’ the 26th of April 2021. h for review at the office of the City A complete copy of this Ordinance is ava,’*a? bnqs, Monday through Friday. 8:00 Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street. Has y AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saumnan City Clerk �Poge 10 — Thursday. April 29. 2021 — Tht-’ H*9’' g Rotaract leader advises Hastings seniors on life after high school Devankar Mukhi offers some sugges­ tions to his audience about how to make the shift to life after high school. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) Rebecca Pierce Editor Young men in the Hastings High School senior class got a pep talk Monday in a traditional annual program to celebrate their graduation year. The Senior Boys Luncheon, adapted this year to protect against lhe spread of COVID19. featured speaker Devankar Mukhi, a 22-year-old Wayne State University student who is president of the WSU Rotaract Club. Rotaract. short for’’Rotary in Action” is a club for young men and women age 18 and up. His talk, called “Show Up to Change the World!” was sponsored by the Hastings Rotary* Club, whose members participated virtually. The program was in the Hastings Performing Arts Center, where lhe students were socially distanced and everyone was masked. Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro catered lhe lunch. Mukhi talked about his adventures as a member of Rotaract and advised his listeners to get involved in community organizations. First, he said, it’s important just to “put yourself out there” - in person or through social media - and take lhe time to get to know new people. Show up. he said, and then be sure to follow up. Taking time to get to know people helps create a network. “Your net worth is your network.” Mukhi lub President Sarah Alden (right) confers with Margie Haas, past Rotary District 6360 governor, before Monday's program via Zoom. Rn^rv'n95! Devankar Mukhi, a 22-year-old Wayne State University student who is president of the WSU Rotaract Club, was the speaker at a program Monday for Hastings High School senior boys. said. “Follow your passion” was his overarching theme - no matter if their interests are sports, social causes, outdoor pursuits, or entrepreneurship of some type. Bui. in doing so. Mukhi added, the young men should reach out to others through community groups, such as lhe YMCA, political groups, summer camps or service organizations like Rotaract. “Joining a community organization is worthwhile” he said,"since it opens doors lo world travel, time management and management skills, mentorships, leadership skills and lifelong friendships, jobs and internships, project planning and public speaking (like me).” After getting involved, Mukhi advised the young men to set some goals and use smart time management. Once engaged in a community cause in a leadership, learning how to delegate is important. “Don’t tell someone lo do something; lead them.” he said. “And give others the opportunity to do something, too." When goal selling, Mukhi recommended following a "SMART” approach. That stands for: Specific (simple,sensible, significant) Measurable (meaningful.motivating) Achievable (agreed, attainable) Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based) Time-bound (time-based, lime limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive) Time management, being able to distinguish between the urgent and non- CITY OF HASTINGS 159381 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON r NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERPRISE ZONE NO.1 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, wishes to designate a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone No. 1 (the “NEZ”), pursuant to Act 147 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1992, as amended. The City Council has tentatively determined that the following described parcel shall be included within the NEZ: Owner: Hastings Michigan Ave LLC Parcel Number: 55-201-051-00 Address: 128 N. Michigan Avenue, Hastings, Ml urgent; the important and non-important. is a same field, posting meaningful content that critical skill. relates to one’s passion and grows an audience And. in a leadership role, knowing how to while keeping them up to date. delegate is another skill that’s important to Mukhi said many of his suggestions were learn. taken from books such as “First Things First,” Not only does it help get things done, it by Stephen R. Covey; “Start with Why,” by also empowers those around you by giving Simon Sinek. “The 21 Irrefutable I-aws of them greater autonomy. No leader can do all leadership,” by John C. Maxwell, and the things at all times, and delegation is a key tool online writings of Tom Bilyeu. for boosting team and organizational The program ended with 24 .students performance and efficiency.” stepping forward lo address the group and Social media is a tool that, used efficiently, share their future plans. can connect them to other individuals in the beard authorizes bonds for Middleville wastewater plant expansion Greg Chandler planning for plant expansion. Staff Writer The project also will gel $1.5 million in The Bany County Board of Commissioners funding from the village’s local development voted Tuesday to authorize issuance of more financing authority and SI million from the than S2.3 million in bonds toward the village’s sewer fund. expansion of Middleville’s wastewater 'Hie project is slated for completion in the treatment plant. summer of 2022.. The commissioners' final passage of lhe bond sale clears the way for construction to begin on lhe project that will expand the plant's capacity from 500,000 to 900,000 gallons per day. Preliminary' estimates had pul the project cost at about $6.4 million, but a favorable bidding response by contractors resulted in lhe estimated price tag, including engineering and contingency costs, being reduced to $4.81 million. The village council earlier this month awarded the contract for lhe project to Lansing-based Davis Construction, the same Keri Ann Davis, Middleville and Brian company with whom the village contracted in Stuart Hadfield. Middleville 2017 for an improvement project al the plant. Megan Lea Doyle. Plainwell and Jacob The county in January entered into a Scott Staffen, Plainwell contract to assist lhe village with financing Michael Lee Jackson. Middleville and and construction of the plant expansion. Michael Stanley Thorington, Middleville Village officials had a conference call with Stephanie Nicole Vanderschecr. Hastings municipal bond advisers Monday. Bids on the and Casey James Miedema. Custer bonds will go live May 19. with a closing date Samantha Jane Blair. Hastings and Joe of June 9. Village Manager Patricia Rayl said Adam Baldwin. Hastings during Tuesday night’s village council Michael Robert Tumes. Hastings and Robin meeting. Lee Tngg, Alto “We are waiting on permits from (the Timothy Da\id Totten, Middleville and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Anthony David Thompson. Grand Rapids Lakes and Energy] to start work on the Cory Lee Hammond, Hastings, Jesscia project,” Rayl said. Louise Resendiz. Hastings The village began planning for the Kaleb West Forr. Grand Blanc, Chelsea expansion after the plant’s average daily flow Jean Siska, Montgomery, AL last year reached about 395,000 gallons per Robert Eugene Willett. Hastings and Nicole day. just shy of the 80 percent capacity that Marie Shaw. Hastings triggers a requirement by the EGLE to begin Marriage .licenses Description: Land in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: Part of Lots 440, 441 and 442 of the City, formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof, described as follows: Beginning at the Northeast corner of said Lot 442, thence South 00 degrees 06 minutes 13 seconds West, 86.03 feet along the East line of said Lot 442; thence South 89 degrees 51 minutes 30 seconds West, 103.83 (eet alonq the North line of the South 46.00 feet of said Lots 442 and 441; thence North 00 dearees 05 minutes 22 seconds East, 1.25 feet; thence South 89 degrees 51 minutes 30 cpconds West, 5.85 feet; thence South 00 degrees 05 minutes 22 seconds West 22-75 foot ninna the East line of the West 1/3 of said Lot 441; thence South 89 degrees 51 min’ ' m 30 seconds West, 81.05 feet along the North line of the South 24.50 feet of said Lots 441 and 440- thence North 00 degrees 02 minutes 51 seconds East, 107.52 feer thence M no dearees 51 minutes 16 seconds East, 190.83 feet along the North line of said Lots 440, 441, and 442 to the point of beginning. urmcE that the City Council of the City of Hastings will hold a public hearing TAKE NOi । Hastings City Council on May 24, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., to hear and con- at a meeting . to the proposed NEZ and all other matters relating to the Nl2 The sider any objec & hybrid format information regarding the public hearinq can be meeting snail o« . or by contacting Community Development Director nan King found at V^^SS'or 269-945-2468. f Ua at dkingWsiiog-sniifliS or z ....... Jane Saurman City Clerk Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Estate Sales Business Services LIVING ESTATE SALE­ Bedroom .sets, couch, an­ tique pew, lots of vintage. Thursday, Friday, Saturday. May bth, 7th, 8th, 2021, Bam to 7pm. 720 Washington Blvd., Lake Odessa, MI. MATE ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spear*. etc. Call 269-804-7506. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut. White Oak, Tulip Poplar, ( all tor pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. I elti rley Logging. (269)818-77q3- Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �• The HasT’ngs OANNER sports [section Thursday, April 29, 2021 Hastings baseball one ruin shy in late-inning rally Ashton Benson takes a swing at a pitch during the Saxons’ doubleheader with Parma Western Friday. (Photo by Vai Slaughter) Saxon first baseman Drew Gleeson awaits a pick-off throw as a Jackson Northwest runner dives back to the bag during their L8 doubleheader in Hasthgs Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) „ r .. Malt Thompson and Glen McFarlan all had Vai Slaughter hits for the team, and Shumway, Cans and Contrihutin Writer The Hastings varsity baseball team played McFarlan had two RBI each. Drew Markley an Interstate 8 Conference double header scored twice for the Saxons. In game two. the Saxons got off to a rough against Parma Western on Friday night, drop­ start and saw Parma lake a 15-3 lead before ping both games to a strong Parma team. Saxon hitters struggled throughout the first the game was called for darkness. Markley game to get on base and by the top of the scored two runs for the team and Carter seventh inning were down 11-3. but then ral­ Hewitt scored one run. Cans had an RBI sin­ lied for a near comeback before losing game gle for lhe game. one 12-11. Ute Saxon team was down 15-3 in " Hastings relumed io action Tuesday, falling game two when that game was called for in two ballgames with Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foe Jackson Northwest. The darkness. Assistant coach. Jason Markley said, ‘’the Mounties won game one 9-0 and then pulled team played well against a solid Parma team. out a 5-3 win in game two in five innings. Hewitt was 3-for-3 in game two with a run They showed great toughness battling until and an RBI.Those were the only three hits for the last out.” At the top of the seventh, lhe Saxons the Saxons in the game that was shortened by allowed Parma one run. increasing Parma’s the setting sun. Markley was 2-for-3 al lhe plate in game lead to 12-3, before the Saxons came to bat one with a single and a triple, and Hewitt sin­ for the final lime. Hastings’ bats fired up and scored eight runs in that inning to close lhe gled and walked. gap to 12-11. Kaiden Shumway. Ethan Cans. MHrhoii R-after pitches for the Saxons during their doubleheader with Jackson Northwest Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Saxons' Glen McFarlan races to first after belting two-run single in the seventh inning of 9anie one against Parma Western Friday in Hastings. (Photo by Vai Slaughter) TK softball boosts Gold record to 4-0 at GRCC Brett Bremer Sports Editor . ,r/»pks between ballIt was more than two w , varsity games, but the I homappl . softball team finally got •<> OK Gold Conference victories I The TK ladies, who won con^ pionships in 2018 and -019L jls in the conference with a sW“1’*, * |ic header at Gram! Rapids Catholic T'’ Tk’Lc > 4 () double­ Central - game one >0-6 in eight injgs. scoring five times in the top o break a 5 5 tie. lhe ballgame was b * forth all afternoon. TK scored t te 1 jj first and then went into the s.ec0" . I!ofnof Catholic Cenir.il scored twice m t1C , teain the second to go up 3-1, and then t. scored once in the third. IK evene at 4-4 with two runs in the top of the > then W the lead in the top of . before lhe Cougars found lhe equalize home half ol lhe sixth. Ebbie Appel started on second for TK in lhe top of the eighth. A single by Ellie Rogers and a walk by Kate Caldwell loaded the bases, and a one-out walk by Elaina O’Riley brought the first 1K run home. Emily Offringa and Carly Snyder followed with RBI singles. Eliana O’Riley would score on a Cougar error and Offringa came home on a groundout by Sophie llaveman to cap the scoring for TK in the eighth. Shelby Robinett pitched for TK, striking out .seven and walking four in the eight-inning effort. She allowed six hits and four of the five runs charged lo her were earned. Natalie O’Riley had a single, a double and two RBI lor TK in the game one win. Offringa singled twice and so did Rogers. Rogers scored two runs. Offringa scored lour times, walking twice as well, and drove in one run Eliana O’Riley had two RBI and two runs scored. TK wotked seven walks in the game including each for Snyder and Eliana O’Riley as well. . . Gaine two was of the same back and forth. TK scored twt« >n the bottom of the fifth inning to move >n front1-5un a game m which it was outhtt M. The Trojans were ^^reVhad'two siof'vs, Haveman doubled and^atX O’Riley-HB'ed for TK's to- hits Snvder Haveman-Natalie O Riky -urd Appel had one RBI f^atalie scored. Ithree limes. Caldwell and OfTnnga each walked 'wree. .n |||e circle again lor IKKohme1' ‘ 3nd walking two in the stnkmg out sever b bm six-inning game- ‘ , just three of the !■“ agamst her were “tk’k t FK now 5-5 <"-Cral1 lhis !>cason- ‘Y’ .ue'sted I’ 0 *and * *12-0 in a couple Trojans were 1^' visi(ini, non-conference ». Stevensville l-akesh^'nday. LHS gisys keep GLAC record . perfect, score coach’s 100th win Hie Lakewood varsity baseball team picked u„ its tenth win of Ute spring and the KXlth for head coach Brad Tbcey as it swept its.Greater Lansing Activities Conference doubleheader with visiting Perry Monday. The 12-2 win in the opening game was the milestone win for coach Tacey. Viking senior pitcher was hit for just two unearned runs in the five-inning complete game. Hc struck out six and didn’t walk a batter w hilc allowing six hits. . Gawne also led lhe ollense, going 3-tor-3 with a double and four RBI. Sawyer Stoepker went 2-for-3 with an RBI, two runs and two stolen bases. Nate Willette was l-for-2 with a walk, two RBI. two runs scored and three stolen bases. Brent Sweet and Nathaniel Graham were both l-for-3 w ith two runs scored. “Look, yes it’s a nice accomplishment, but what it ultimately means to me is that a whole lol of ballplayers al I-akewood have gotten to experience a ton of success in these four phis seasons,” coach Tacey said, “To Ik* able to win at a consistent level means these kids, and 1 mean all of them that contributed to Lakewood’s success, put the work in year in and year out. “It also means that parents in out program have raised a bunch of high character, hard working young men. That's key as well and shouldn’t be overlooked. 1 wish we could gotten there last season, but life had different plans. Il would’ve been great with that group of guys. But I'm glad this team was a 01 it Tse coached many of these guys in multi­ ple sports since they were little and tfs nice they got to be the ones getting this win. The 2021 Vikings got him win 101 in game two a H-3 five-inning victory. Nathaniel Graham got his first start and win as a varsrty pitcher, throwing four innings, allowing six hits, three runs (one earned), walking two and striking out two. Blake Price came in to relieve Graham, throwing one tnnmg. allow^^^^^usive attack with Price going 2-for-2 with two w ks two runs scored and two stolen bases *nd Graham g01ng 2-for-2 wtlh a Utple and an RBi*’ . Hansen wns 2-for-3 with an RBI for , Sweet went l-for-2 with a walk, the Vikin. . sWkn ^,.5 rx^r^«'>ad<’uwe’2RB,an‘i (,awnc v t |.for..3 wjth a “T'Tron X three stolen bases. Sauers stole four bases and scored three run- with Andy Wolverton and Gavm e h,.(tx>ih driving in runs. •n was a good couple ot games, we dtd a wwl ihim’N all tbe way mound the dial01°t£ind we did some bad things that we get cl ans-d up. The guys will get after ,U ™ w at practice and be ready for R ^ Tat Pciy." coach Tacey said. "tlkewwd was lookinK add "S 5'° r-l '\C resold and its 10-3 overall mark at Peny Wednesday (April 28). �P«gt> 12 — Thursday. April 29. 2021 — The Hsings Bennie TK attack on point against Wildcats in Gold victory •K Brvtt Brvtncr sports Ed‘l(,r ,, . ‘A.. j Thornapple Kellogg’s Abigain Numerick rises up for a header in the midfield during her team’s win over visiting Wayland Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Working inside-out |1C|pcd IK improve its record in this upsi<je jown season Monday night. The Thomapple Rc|(ogg girls knocked off Wayland 5-0 in an qK Gold Conference match-up inside |job White Stadium in Middleville to impmVe ,ls conference record to 3-1 and its overall mnrk to 6 2. Freshman 1 lolly Veiling had a goal an assist and helped set up frojans’ first goal as well. Veiling got the call-up ,o lhc varsil>' when junior attacker Kiah Nichols was forced to miss some time, and camed her spot on the varsity even with Nichols back. Nichols tallied two goals on the night. "It felt really good to be back,” Nichols said. "I missed my team, an<1 just P,ayin8- 1 practiced at home, but that was it.” "I thought \ve connected really well (tonight] and we were all really patient,” she added. "We found a Im of good through balls and crosses and a lot of people were there to finish and that is what most of our goals came from.” Nichols was one of (Wo TK attackers there in front of the Wayland net when Veiling sent a centering pass from the right comer into the goal mouth. Trojan forward Ainsley Oliver liad a shot at it in the box with a defender nearby, but got the ball over to Nichols who fired it past the Wildcat keeper in lhe 16th minute of play. The second Trojan goal came six and a half minutes later in much the same fashion, only this lime Oliver finished off the centering ball from right to left by Vetting herself. TK’s 2-0 lead held until 23:34 remained in the second half when Shayne Krystyniak scored to make it a 3-0 edge. Krystyniak raced onto a loose ball at the top of the 18 and car­ ried it to within ten yards of the net before getting a shot off that glanced off a lunging Wildcat defender and by her team’s keeper. "When we slow down and possess the ball we can be a pretty good team.” TK head coach Joel Strickland said. 'When we gel rushed and try and do it indivdually we’re not so good. It was a team win. Four girls scored for us, so that just shows you how good we can be when we’re movig the ball around and not playing as individuals. I think these girls belive in that - playing as a team and not mak­ ing it about ihemsevles." That teamwork made some lough moments 0.1 »H», ■ • ■TT—- ----------- - ’ Thornapple Kellogg Emma Schut speeds through Wayland defenders during the first half of the Trojans’ OK Gold Conference win over the visiting Wildcats in Mid avt e Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) for Wildcat sophomore keeper KayeLee .Martens, but she played well for lhe most part. Veiling punched in a shot from point-blank range with 20:28 lo play after Martens was unable to prevent a rebound on a shot from right to left by Oliver. "She is a hard worker and very coachable,” Strickland said after Veiling’s big night. "She did a really good job of getting deep and mak­ ing those crosses. That is where it is at. That is what we teach those outside forwards lo do and she did exactly that.” Veiling is now one of two freshmen on the TK varsity, joining Emma Schut who did a good job of carrying play through lhe mid­ field for the I rojans throughout the evening. Nichols finished off lhe scoring for TK as the rebound of another hard shot from in on lhe right by Krystyniak got free in front of the Wildcat net. Nichols powered it away from Martens and across the line. The TK keepers at the other end, Katelyn Hildabrand in the first half and Tristen Cross in the second, were strong. Cross faced more pressure than Hildabrand did and was up to the challenge each time. Cross batted a Wildcat comer kick away with 11:30 to play and then chased the ball down through a crowd to end the threat. “We kept possession most of the time which makes it hard for the other team to score obviously, and makes it easier on our keepers and our defense,” Nichols said. TK was scheduled to visit Ottawa Hills Wednesday afternoon and will be at Kalamazoo Christian Friday. TK will play at home again Tuesday against South Christian. Young Saxon team drops W© agamst Northwest Vai Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity softball team lost two games at home on Tuesday in an Interstate S Conference doubleheader against a strong Jackson Northwest squad. The Saxons remained scoreless in both games, losing 19-0 and 27-0. According to Saxon’s head coach, Mike Davis, the team is in a process of rebuilding, and looking to the next couple years for growth and develop­ ment to turn lhe program around. "The team is full of first-lime players and freshman,” Davis said. "We have a long way to go to build this program, but 1 have some great coaches that really want to help the girls succeed. We are starting with freshman pitch­ ers and catchers due lo all the Covid contact tracing, which has been a huge headache.” Davis considers the sophomores and some of his juniors as "freshman” players as they have not played a full season of high school ball before, either due to lhe loss of the 2020 season or because they just have not played the game before. Cassidee Eascy, a sophomore and Aubree English, a freshman, started the games pitch­ ing for the team, and Isabelle .Storm, a sopho­ more. and Sophia Sunior. a freshman, started behind the plate for the team. The Northwest Mountics racked up quite a few hits on both pitchers, but Davis commented that his team is still working on defense, "the girls are all learning different positions to see which one will fit them the best, and then we can locus on that with them. We are hoping with this year and summer ball that we can really start The Saxons’ Phoebe Schantz gets a hit in game one against Jackson Northwest Tuesday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Vai Slaughter) building lhe program the way we want to see it go and get back to a competitive squad.” Phoebe Schantz had a hit in game one, and Isabelle Storm had a hit in game two. The Saxons look for their first win yet this season and will play at home against Ionia Thursday night. The Saxons also fell in a couple 1-8 ball­ games at Coldwater last Thursday, 20-1 and 15-2. Kaeli Jo West walked and scored her team’s lone run in the opener, with an RBI from Grace Green. Storm. Tandra McKinstry and Carly Warner each singled in game two against the Cardinals, with Storm and Warner each scoring runs. Anna English and McKinstry had RBI. Trojan baseball team splits doubleheader with Red Hawks Lakewood boys win big at Cassidee Easey pitches for Hastings during its Interstate-8 Athletic Conference doubleheader against visiting Jackson Northwest Tuesday. (Photo by Vai Slaughter) The Thornapple Kellogg varsity baseball learn picked up its first victory of lhe OK Gold Conference season Thursday in a doubleheadcr against Cedar Springs in Middleville. Tlte Trojans made good Use of their last chance in game one against the Red Hawks, pulling out a 3-2 win. Trailing 2-1. Kaiden Pratt doubled to lead off the bottom of the seventh inning. Cat sen Burbridge reached on an error, and moved up to second as Pratt scored on a wild pitch to tie lhe game. Brent Caswell, the Trojan batter at the plate as Pratt scored, watched two balls go by before drill­ ing a double to the right .side that scored Burbridge from second to win the game in a v.alk-off, IK only had four hits in the win. one more fhan the Red Hawks. Ixvi Vunderl leidu triP]td, walked and drove in a run. Eric Dijrert singled for ’IK. Alex Bonnema walked three times out of lhe lead-off spot for TK and scored his team’s first run in the home half of the first. Cedar Springs scored unearned runs off of the 'Trojan pitcher Reese Garbrechl, one in the first and one in the second. Garbrechl struck out lour and walked four in his seven innings, giving up just three hits. Cedar Springs look lhe other game 5-0 with a five-run outburst in the bottom of the fourth inning. A single by Garbrechl was lhe only hit for I K off of Cedar Springs starter Dy lan Knauf who struck out ten and walked one in the complete game victory. Vanderlleide took the |os> lor TK going lhe full six innings. He struck on* one talked one. Cedar Springs had seven hit*'. TK v'a> back al it in the Gohl JXiesday, <»eitinf one full game in al Grand Rapids Catholic Central. The Cougars look a 7-3 win in the opener and had an 8-2 K*ad when game two was put on pause after f<)Ur innin£sTK outhil Catholic Central 8-5 in that opener, but the Conors took advantage ol five TK errors to ‘ (hree unearned runs against VanderHeidc.theTKstarter who''tf,U 5.2 innings on the mound- He 0111 knir’ walked six and allow.-d live hits. Bonnema, N0|ail pahlcy al,d Summerhays had t\V() hits e»ch for K‘ Carter Stahl and Garbr’cht adJ<nS 0,‘e Stahl and Summerhavs dn»e in Il,nS Stahl and Bonnema both doubled once. TK .scored all runs in lhe >op of the first inning. .. TK is slated to | ini,. |b conferee set with lhe Cougars in Midtnc,ille ll"'1 (April 29). lire Tn> ■ f.u'C Gold Conference pt'? „esi w"h games planned in Midd|cvilk Pilgrims’ GLAC jamboree It was a nail-biter through lhe first two Greater Lansing Activities Conference jam­ borees of the season. Il was not a nail-biter al Timber Ridge Golf Course Tuesday. The Lakewood varsity boys’ golf team strengthened its hold on first place in the GLAC by winning for the second time in three conference jamborees this spring. The Vikings outscored runner-up Lansing Christian by 15 strokes and was 20 strokes ahead of lhe Leslie team that was lied with the Pilgrims for second place going into the event on lhe Pilgrims' home course? Lakewood shot a 176, Lansing Christian 191 and Ixslie 196, ahead of Olivet 205, Perry 211 and Maple Valley 218. Lakewood's Trevor Simon and Leslie’s Cannon Risner shared the day’s medalist hon­ ors, each shooting a 40. The Viking team also got a 44 from Liam Cavanaugh, a 45 from Owen Richmond and a 47 from lx>gan Kenyon. I.ansing Christian was led by a 45 from Davis Garrett, a 46 from Isaac Haley and a 49 from C’aden Kinnas. Olivet was solid at lhe top with Dawson Redfield scoring a 45 and tylor Norton a 47. Maple Valley got a 46 from Owen Bailey, a 53 from Buck Schrader, a 55 from Cadcn F'aurot and a b2 from Kenneth Curtis. Perry will host the fourth conference jam­ boree today (April 29) at Glcnbrier. �■ The Hastings Banner — Thursday. April 29.2021 — Page 13 j ■ MS 8lrls score three injecond half to best Lions Brett Bremer Etlitfjt •p1c t tJdngs are'ahe id V‘k,ngs hope betlcr improved '*?rs,ty <’irls’ sotver team Confcrcnr- ” Grealer Lansing Activities MapkT" L Tnh ;l 3 0 "in °ver in ccmferenX pUy ’’' 'K‘' ,0'’S :"V ° ’ scoii'tv’r' pirls wi!l ,)C l<x,kinP to fer . C,-r irsl eonferenee goal, and first conaftern t Bax el to Olivet this look t >n The Ijikewmxl girls will 1 in Plil> a blt t,K’> battle lh .; ng C hnsl’W ith lhe conference lead on ton’?hl in Lansing. ^a,‘e-v iuni Lakewood battled • 1 a SCore^ess first bait, but that didn't * ong into the second 40 minutes. The ^kings’Anja Kelley f'nvd a ball into the uoalU)ui from the left side where teammate 1 nuren Lpright deflected that ball towards the n? .(• k°un^e<l back to teammate Hayden uw kins who knocked it into the itoal 25 sec­ onds m to that second half. [Hawkins] scored her first [varsity] goal on lhe rvbound. She crashed. She got to where s c. needed to be and put pressure on the detense.” Lakewood head coach James She also had another shot there in lhe sec­ ond hall that darn near found its way into the Lakewood’s MH Madason Morelli (17) --------------celebrates her 9°al'ha' Put the Vikings up 1-0 in their GLAG match with vjsj(ing Maple Valley wdh teammates Sadie Brearley (24), Anja Kelley (15) ancj Lauren Upright early in the second half Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) back of the net. She put the effort in today to Lakewood attacker Anja Kelley dribbles by Maple Valley’s Alyson Gusey in the get the opportunities at least. That was good.” midfield during the lirst half of their GLAC ballgame at Lakewood High Schoo! Tuesday. he added. Lakewood scored once more in the middle (Photo by Bret! Bremer) of the second half and a third time in the clos­ ing seconds. It was the closest bailgame of the “We hadn’t seen much speed yet.’’ LeVeque second game in goal this season. Cassidy GLAC season so tar tor the Lions who have said. “They had two girls that were flying been bested by Laingsburg. Leslie and around the field and they made stuff tough on Simpson has manned that position much of lhe spring, but coach Richard Seume liked Lansing Christian to open conference play. our attackers, which we’re just n ZZ d to what he saw with Simpson in the field and “They realized that it wasn’t going to lx* a seeing. Anja has been flying by people this McGIocklin in lhe net in their team’s loss to cake walk after the first half," LeVeque said. year.” Lxinsing Christian last week in Vermontville. “ i’he girls came in with the attitude that they Kelley did go flying by lhe Lion defense “We played hard," Seume said Tuesday. were going to mercy them, that it was going once, chasing down a chip from teammates “We only have 11. so no subs. We had a lot of to be easy, like against Perry or somebody like Cadence Poll and racing in on Lion keeper good things. Fhe defense held good. We have that, and we just came out flat, very flat.” Alison McGIocklin. She knocked a shot past three new play ers on defense, so they’re com­ I le said the speed of the Lions’ defense had the Lion keeper for a 2-0 lead with 23:20 to ing along well. We have to work on finish­ something to do with limiting his team’s play in the game. ing.” attack as well. Sadie Brearley scored Lakewood's final He said his team has been boosted this sea­ goal with 32 seconds to play, chipping a shot son by putting his strength through lhe middle from about 25 yards out over McGIocklin of tire field, a group led by Megan Valiquette. AT LEFT: Lakewood’s Lauren Upright after receiving a drop-back pass from Alivia Lydia Schilz., Melania Granger and Alyssa Walker. charge^Jg, on FAaple Valley net as; Everitt. Megan Valiquette. Lydia Schilz and LeVeque said th.it final goal was one of the Maple Valley's Azaleah Barlow gives chase during the second half at Lakewood best moments of ball movement his team had Melaina Granger along with Lyssa Walker. IxVeque liked lhe play of Ellie Minard on High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett all evening. McGIocklin was solid in her net, in just her defense in rhe second half. Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Ovid-Elsie had a 3-1 lead with two matches still out on the court, but the Lakewood ladies rallied for the tie Tuesday. The Lakewood varsity girls’ tennis team not wins from first singles player Kristen Finsaas. the first doubles team of Emmi Chase and Ellie Haddix and Allie Pickard at third singles to secure the lie with the visiting Marauders at Lakewood High School. Finsaas ground out a 6-4. 6-3 win in her first singles match with Alexis Phillips. T he Lakewood first doubles team of Chase and Haddix took a 6-3 win in lhe opening set of their match with Claire Thornton and Ry lee Lewis, but the Marauder duo rallied tor a 6-3 win of its own in the second set. On a bright sun-shiny afternoon, the team’s top doubles duos played a full third set rather than a super tiebreaker to decide things. Chase and Haddix prevailed with a 6-3 win in that tinal set to help their team salvage a tie. Pickard scored a 6-0, 6-0 win over lhe Marauders Hanna Pappila. It was Pickard's first singles match of the season. Ovid-Elsie got its lone singles point from Brooklyn Belill who bested the Vikings’ Kylec Goble 6-1.6-3 at number two. Goble was playinc up at second singles tor the first lime this spring. , The Marauder second doubles team of Jollee Swender and Abigail Hills scored a 6-3. 6-3 win over Lakewood’s Gabby Hansen and Abby Gibson. Al third doubles, the Marauder duo’ of Christina Rademacher-Vine and Katelyn Swender scored a 6-1.6-3 win over Lakewood’s Ashton Gibson and Courtme Malhe. , Lakewood also fell b-0 in a tough non-confcrence dual with Lowell Iasi Friday. The Vikings managed « few games here and there. Pickard and Izzy Wheeler pteked up two in a 6-1 ■ <>-1|oss “> Lo"'' s“?n.d doubles team of BOnn Jackson and Olivia Torline The Red Arrows got a 6-0.6-2 win from the third doubles team of Hallie Greenop and Ella Todd in W1,h lhe,Vl ’ ;, Gabby Hansen and Abby G.bson at thud dou­ Lakewood’s Emmi Chase hits a forehand return during her win 'der/Tuesday Haddix at first singles in the Viking team’s 3-3 tie with the vistbng Marauders Tuesday (Photo by Brett Bremer) bles 6-0, 6-2. Caitlin O’Meara scores three times in DK girls' first win ® ■ ■ y> i. » Kell^g Varsity girls’ soccer The Del o vj^ sjncc (|ie spring team picked up j Watervliet 5-0 on the of 2019 as!\ Apn’21). road Wednesday ( ’ |un Wa(crvliet j 7-3 on The DK g’rI' three goals from Caitlm lhe evening, *cb tlX)m A|eX Car(er and O’Meara and on* A: __ sKvkt.Ml r,n thf ranis Avery Barker. O’Meara assisted on the goals by Carter and Barker. Baker and Samantha O’Meara added assists for Delton Kellogg as well. The Panthris are now 12 overall this sea­ son. The DK girls fell 7-0 to visiting Schoolcraft Monday evening. Wednesday night DtllOH - r. , nn<T .7’ with’ C'oloma postponed. The ba !i:""\vill return to action Friday at home P‘,n,,,^Xa/«x'Ho,ncSclKx1l girls and ^^t Parchment luesdas. call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner aUs ____ , from Ovid-Eisie , Xlee Goble hits a backhand shot back at her (oo al >““‘l HiS" b’ B~"»" �Three-set doubts . . . TK ladies to “kL W"! w P? Hastings senior Ethan Caris is joined by Saxon varsity baseball coach Jason Burghardt and his parents Roger and Missie Caris as he signs his National Letter of Intent to join the Albion College Baseball prooram next year in the Hastings High School library. ~ Caris plans t© take diamond for the Britons next spring Ethan Caris got a spot on the Saxon varsity baseball team as a freshman. Next time he’s a freshman he’ll have a spot on the Albion College Men’s Baseball Team, Caris signed his National Letter of Intent this spring to join the Britons’ baseball pro­ gram “Ethan has been a member of our varsity team for four years now. and has always been a tremendous person, player, and athlete.’’ Hastings head coach Jason Burghardt said. “ I’ve truly enjoyed coaching him, as he’s made our team and the people around him better. In terms of playing college baseball it was always a matter of where he would play, and I’m extremely glad he was able to find a qual­ ity fit for himself at Albion. “There he will have a great opportunity to continue his education, prepare for his future, and continue his baseball career as well. We all will be very sad when he leaves our base ball program, but proud of what he has been able to accomplish and proud of lhe person lie's become over the last four years.” Caris was named second team all-confer­ ence in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference as a sophomore. Hc came up just shy of a school record with 28 stolen bases while battling 303 and playing mostly short stop and pitcher for the Saxons. Caris has been an academic all-conference student-athlete in each of his three high school years so tar. while also competing in soccer and basketball at Hastings High School. . “I’m looking forward to continuing my education and playing baseball at Albion College under coach Scott Carden,” Caris said in a statement. “I visited several schools but chose Albion due to the small campus size and academic opportunities. “Il seemed like a good fit academically as well as being close to home. I hc coaches at Albion were very welcoming, they took an interest in me personally and made me feel right at home.” Caris played in the South Central Michigan Youth League locally, under coaches Rob Tay lor, Mike Smith and Jason Markley, and also played travel ball with the West Michigan Elite Baseball program under Markley’s guid­ ance for three years. Caris was 2-for-4 nt the plate with a run and three RBI in the Saxons’ doubleheader last Friday against Parma Western. One of those two hits was a double. Meanwhile, Albion improved to 11-17 overall this season by taking three of four in a MlAAset w ith Trine University last weekend. Saxon tennis continues statg sprhg with win over The Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team took an 8-0 win over visiting Jackson Northwest in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual Monday at Hastings high School. Saxon first singles player Brooklyn Youngs led the way with a 6-2, 6-2 win over a Savannah Anderson, who Hastings head coach Andrew Haines called a lough, deter­ mined opponent. Those four games that Anderson took were the only ones the Mounties won on the singles side. Jackson Northwest forfeiied lhe third singles Bight. Abby Beemer continued her stroim play w ith a 6-0, 6-0 win over Kaitlyn Fairley al second singles for the Saxons, and teammate Anna Haywood scored the 64), 6-0 win over Kellie Fruend at fourth singles. In doubles action. Bailey Cook welcomed new partner Erin Daniels into the fold at fot doubles for the Saxons and they scored a 6-0, ° Vnja'schntidt moved front third singles.to the second doubles spot to te^wtth H!a Cml Saxon third'doubles team of Megan S I Catlin Redman continued its Srandtven'improving P-ay. notching another 6-0, 6-0 victory'. Rounding out the Saxon victory tour, the fourth doubles team of Julia McLean and Emily Simmons bested there foes 6-0.6-0. The Saxons were scheduled to travel lo Coldw ater for a tough conference dual yester­ day (April 28) and will be on the road at Harper Creek Friday. Hastings was downed 6-2 at Jackson Lumen Christi last Friday in conference action. Youngs, who has now won six match­ es in a row', bested Maggie Page 5-7, 6-2, (10-7) in their first singles match-up to cam one of the Saxons’ points. “Brooklyn is still figuring out her adapted game. She is working hard lo sort out winning combinations and il leading to victories. Better shot selections and placement have been a welcome addition to her playing style.” coach Haines said. The Saxon first doubles team of Bailey Cook and Brianna Cobb outworked their Filan opponents by a score of 6-0,7-6. “Cook and Cobb have yet lo lose a match in the first doubles position. They are competi­ tive grinders that work hard for every victo­ ry,” Haines said. A three-set win j |U>rn:i(>plc Kellogg second doubles dU() . jylor Buxton and Jamie DeVries hcbJ.wer the Trojans to a 5-2 OK Gold cOnJ. I win al Wayland Monday. ,en The victory moVcs . •fiminapple Kelloo,. girls to 2-1 in uk ‘"nfercncc so tar this spring. Buxton and DeVljtis tO0k » 6-3 win in the Opening set of thejr n).ltch with the Wildcat duo of Rylle HustOl/.uJj ,\may Truong, but the Wayland girls ra||:e(j to ^in a tie-breaker 7-0 at the end of the\econd set to force a third. Buxton and DcV ies fin^hy pulled awaj for a 6 1 win to olJt the match. TK won three and two doubles matches. Charlotte N^on a 6-1.6-0 win for the TK ladies at sCcond singles. Sophia Beckering won 6-0, at number three, and Christel Hoskins won (r0.6-l al number lour. The TK team of ElHc Essenberg and Heidi Church earned a 6.g 5.4 win fur TK over Alice Oddy and Sarah Salishnry at third dou­ bles. All lhe Trojan defeats *ere louc.h ones. Alaina Tobin and Presley Oatmen from Wayland edged Courtney Haveman and Katie Schorr 6-1. 6-3 in the first doubles match. At fourth doubles, Wayland’s Emily Drew and Morgan Dryer took a three-set win of their own over TK’s Madeline Coe and Trinity Simons by the scores of 6-3,2-6,6-2. Ashleigh Graham took the first singles point for the Wildcats with a 6-2.6-2 win over TK’s Nancy Hoogwerf. Hoogwerf returned to the line-up Monday after being out over the weekend with an inju­ ry. She was still there to cheer on her team­ mates between the rain drops at lhe Caledonia Invitational. The TK ladies were bested by Mona Shores and Byron Center on lhe courts at Duncan Lake Middle School Saturday and closed the day’s competition with a 4-4 tie against Caledonia. • Greater Lansing Lakewood <’Pt;ne |ioll Thursday to Activities Conference viclories over score a pair of thre ' b a| Ulkewood Maple Valley on sen.or <»b High School[jons 15-0 m game The Vikings txsKO i , one and 204) in game twoSu||। didn t Lakewood pitcher ~ striking 0 allow a hit in lhe op-nt ,;cjerau haJ a P‘l1’ nine. Viking freshman L b { Bellhan> and of doubles m two at-'>• - , with two ....... -........ * In game tw-o, Statu s running out of chances. She had a single, a double and a triple in three trips to lhe plate. Benham was 3-for-4 with two singles and a double. Slater. Hillard, MaryS!,a Gob) and F.intlie Yonker had two hits each I ion head coach Mary Usage said Stahl is the best pitcher her gtrls have seen so far this spring, and that she is likely the best pitcher they will face all season. Bre Short and Uxy Booher had the I ion singles m game two. ' The Lions were bested 17-2 and 17-0 in the two games of n GLAC doublehcadcr at Olivet Monday. Lakewood had to postpone its GLAC dou bleheader scheduled with Perry for Monday and will <><•' unable >« compete again until al least late next week. w victory at Wayland Thornapple Kellogg's match with Byron Center’s Liz \jQ ^e,Son a forehand return during her first singles by Brett Bremer) lncent during Saturday’s Caledonia Invitational. (Photo LizVhicem £ 2hlB4,jHdO^ bul was b«ted by TK picked up some games at every fiicht but u.s bested 8-0 in its dual wiS Z In the dual with the host Scots, each team won two singles and two doubles matches I hose doubles contests included a pair that stretched into super tiebreakers.'The TK team of Haveman and Schorr bested the Scots’ Tanner Pizzuti and Josie Zomer 6-3.4-6. (13­ II) in the first doubles match. At fourth dou­ bles it was the Caledonia team of Allison Weibcl and Lily Stauffer pulling out a 7-5, 2-6, (10-8) win over lhe TK duo of Coe and Simons. Emma Andrulis won lhe first singles match for the Scots. 6-1, 6-1 over TK’s Nelson. Beckering al number two and Hoskins at number three took wins for TK in the singles matches. The Trojans also had the team of Essenberg and Church scored a 6-1,7-5 win al third doubles. Caledonia got a fourth singles win from Lilly Hess. DK boys pick up winning poinfc in final race at Schoolcraft rhe Panthers just needed lo get the baton round the track, and they did Delton Kellogg’s varsity boys’ track and field team finished off a 69-67 win at Schoolcraft Monday afternoon with the 4x400-meter relay team of Rhys Bedford. Caden Ferris, and Kirarj Vazquez and Cameron Spaulding running unopposed to a winning time of 4 minutes 6.11 seconds. I hc DK boys did have a Hackett foursome to spur them on as the Fighting Irish werc also scoring a dual against the Eagles Monday. Delton Kellogg’s boys are now 2-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division after having also bested Hackett in a dual last Thursday,The DK girls are 1-1 after Monday’s defeat. DK won the two distance relays in lhe boys’ meet. The team of Micah Martin, Eli Austin, Gage Vincent and Hector Jimenez took the 3200-meter relay in 10:34.42. DK senior Cole Pajje took wins in both of the throws for his team, getting a mark of 45 feel 5 inches in lhe shot put and 136-3 in lhe discus. He led a sweep in lhe shot put with Ferris second at 39-5 and Jason Lundquist fourth at 34-11. Hunter Marshall, a DK senior, ran his fast­ est 300-meter intermediate hurdle race ever to win in 4758 seconds after finishing second in the 110-meter high hurdles. Jimenez led a sweep of the three scoring spots in the 1600-meter run for the DK boys, with three sophomores running their fastest varsity miles yet. Jimenez hit the line first in 5:33.90, with Martin second and Isaac Shepard third. Another DK sophomore. Philip Halcomb. won the 100-meter dash in 11.81 seconds. The DK girls were bested 80-40 by the Schoolcraft girls in their Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division dual. Junior Caitlin McManus had the lone wins for the DK girls in lhe field, taking the discus with a throw' of 76-6. Teammate Glori Stanton was second in the discus with a mark of • 75-10. McManus had a mark of 28-2 to win the shot put with Stanton second at 26-10. Freshman Breanna Chandler had two wins on the track for Delton, taking lhe 100-meler hurdles in 20.40 seconds and the 300-meter low' hurdles in 56.61. Schoolcraft has some fast freshmen of its own. Audrey Nadrasik won the 100-meier dash in 13.91 and lhe 200 in 3020 for the Eagles, and her freshman teammates Alyssa VanDussen and Jenna VanDussen took the 400-meter dash and the 800-mcter run respec­ tively. Neither team had any competitors in the 1600-meter run, the 3200-meter run or the 3200-meter relay. . It was a busy stretch for lhe Panthers who also ran Thursday and Friday last week. The DK girls were fifth and the boys eighth at last Friday’s Allegan Invitational. McManus had the top finishes for the DK eirls, placing fourth in the shot put at 29-2 and fourth in the discus at 86-11.5, setting s new personal record in each. Stanton was ninth in the discus and tenth in lhe shot put. DK had two top ten finishes in the girls’ pole vault too, with Joelle White and Amber Barton placing sixth and seventh by clearing the bar at 6-0. The lop relay team for the DK girls was the 400-meter relay team of Breanna Chandler, Hope Vandenvll, White and Emily Dake that placed fifth in 1:00.04. Chandler added a ninth-place lime of 57.30 in lhe 300 hurdles and a tenth-place time of 20.47 in lhe 100 hurdles. Pape won the shot put at 44-6 and (he dis­ cus at 39-1. Ferris wasn't loo far off those marks. He placed sixth in the shot put at 39-1 and was the runner-up in the discus with a mark of 117-9. The DK boys had a good day in the hurdles too. Marshall was seventh in lhe 110-mcter hurdles in 18.19. Freshman Torren Mapes led DK in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles with a fifth-place time of 46.32 and junior teammate Peyton Pummel was seventh in the race in 48.01. Halcomb placed seventh in lhe 100-meter dash with a lime of 11.98. The DK 800-meter relay and 1600-meter relay teams were both sixth. Spaulding added a sixth-place height of8-6 in the pole vault for lhe DK boys. St. Joseph won the boys’ meet with 1505 points. Thomapple Kellogg was second with 1185, ahead of Allegan 116. Berrien Springs 815. Delton Kellogg 54. Wayland 54, Hopkins 465 and Parchment 35.8. St. Joseph had an even bigger edge in the girls’ meet, winning with 163.33 points. Berrien Springs was second with 114 points, ahead of Thomapple Kellogg Parchment 70, Hopkins 64, Allegan 60.33, Wayland 60 and Delton Kellogg The DK boys beat Hackeu 96-38 to Thursday and the DK girls 3 ,n over lhe Irish. Barry County Christian keeps its GL6 record unblemished Brett Bren101* The Barry Cou^"^'' ball team is off k/a 4,o start ,n lhe C Stahl shuts out Lions twice, as Vikings get GLAC victories u ‘ Lakes Six (GL6) Confed lh^ Lk sea­ wins over Algoma Chri^^ ,n 1K Jarrodd GaEmZSand Rd Gainaat runs tn the double|lellder ^llwokcu|> knocked a solo S|WI |eft IwM one<ner the Eagk offense and Wi* kf c(.ntcr field to the wall tn the deepesl part1,1 |,;1se and .“Our key has Un Eagle using our speed whcn of a recent head coach Brandy SIfPng >'1 ( wcek we 7-1 stretch tor his gUys.''ln ^ ' have had 15 or moitin ^,,1CS lt<)m The Eagles tcu^ pyo " Cornerstone Potter’s House. Chr^11. “ g-l and ILL University last I balI horn The Eagles split witi,sijin,n‘ .7.9 and fallDcbuit List Thursday/xSint>i,^B.irry Connty ing 5-4 in the iWq’ ‘ aC(lon with Christum tjivtasl a,*., j (i Mgonta 6-2 and 12-1 wins ChristianApril April 19. 19. Christian Gamaat threw a five-inning no-hitter in the opener with Potter’s House Christian Isat Friday. He struck out ten to match a school record. Hc did it on 78 pilches “He threw two pitches effectively, worked both sides of the plate.” Strong said, “with a K/B ratio of 45/1. He is throwing at a very high level and working spots versus trying to beat hitters with his fastball. He is a lot of fun to watch on lhe baseball Field al present.” Brody Grihorash took a turn in game two of i n mound for the Eagles the doubleheader on . whik. and allowed just two hibinn . striking out six. (he gamc anj ,s “Brody i* c 'lound js very convery comfortable lrusUng sistent in'^'^'sXgs^his defense R| ,he Kil|amazoo The Eagk’ ■ |his after,HX)n (April SS be kwk in aetiott Friday agatnst Tri-UnityChnslian' -- y Eagles best Lions in Valley s first GLAC ballgames Olivet has a bit of a head start on lhe Lions. The Eagles improved to 12 0 overall this season b> sweeping it> Greater I anting Activities Conference doubleheader with the Lions Monday at Olivet High School. The Lions fall lo 1-2 after not having phi)cd tl ballgame since April 7. The Eagles took 12-0 and 6-0 wins, moving their confeiencc record to 7-0. Blaze Hamilton and Brody Lehman coin* ..xrrheoiiohn shut out on the mound m hined,ortl 7 hv. fclgjes. Maple Valley manlhC hits int eh game two defeat, with A*’*1 'hretB^ «u and Brennen Redding K-""'2, , fur the shut out for the Eagles. ,eCn6Lto^ set to face the Lions in v -u. Wednesday. They will be back in'^n'Mon^y for a doubleheader w,th .SusekbridgeinVerntontMlle. �Thft Hastings Banner — Thursday. Apnl 29.2021 — Page 15 Saxon runners deal with team shortages Vnl Slaughter .. ............................. Contributing Writer i;, in the 100-meter dash. Jonah boy$ and girls lrack faced : m ,6‘’Onu-'cr Riley Shults two Interstate 8 Conference rivals ovA the mt 3200 meter run. last week. “r '.h® Sa.x<»" girls’ team. Allison Teed lhe Saxon teams f;lecd off wil|, Ihc tv |S ?ISl ,n 1 IO meter hurdles and the Cardinals of Coldwater on Friday at Baum pole vault and finished second in lhe 200,C ‘lK k ar>ssa Strouse also took a first Stadium at Johnson Field, where both teams a i ?°r HiBhl in lht* 3200-meter run. again scored over the IW-poiul mark to • J ” ? yickcls finished with a second place increase their conference record. The Saxons then traveled lo Parma Western on Monday, m the 100-meter dash and the 300-meter hur­ with a light team due to Covid quarantines, to dles, and Josey Nickels jumped well for the mg it taking a second in the high jump and take on one of the top teams in the 1-8. Panna Western defeated both Saxon teams, giving tmrd m the long jump. Isabelle Roosien fin­ ished second in the 200-meter dash and third the Hastings teams their first conference loss \i ii e ^'rnelcr dash, and thrower Maddie of the season. Miller took a second in the shot put and third Head coach Brian Teed stated, “I was proud m the discus. Maddie McMasters finished of our athletes during the meet. We knew we second in the discus; Madison Nino took sec­ were going against the top boys and girls team ond in the long jump and Skylar Fcnstemaker in our league, and we were missing 25 percent finished in third in the 110-meter hurdles. of the boys team and 18 percent of our girls At last Friday’s meet against Coldwater, the team to contact tracing. Even in spite of those Saxons’ gir|s team defeated the Cardinals odds, they all competed well and never seem 101.5-49.5 for the night and had girls that set to let it bother them.” ten new PR’s. The Saxon’s boys team out­ Coach Teed added that the track team still scored lhe Cardinals 107-56 and had 21 new managed to post personal records for lhe PR’s. file Hastings girls were led by Teed who night, “We had 18 PR’s for the boys, and 12 took first in three events - the 100-meter hur­ PR’s for lhe girls.” The Saxons boys* team lost to the Panthers dles, 300-meter hurdles and pole vault. 110-52, and lhe girls team lost 112-50. Layton Strouse finished first in tw'o events - 1600Eastman placed first in both the 110-meter meter and 3200-meter run; and Nino also fin­ hurdles and lhe 300-meter hurdles for the ished first in two events - 400-meter run and boys with a new PR time of 43.92. Sam long jump. Lauren Arnold finished first in the Randall took first in the shot put with a new 800-meter run, and Josey Nickels first in high PR distance of 40’8. Caleb DiBoe finished in first in the 3200-meter run; Kirby Beck took first in the pole vault, and Robby Slaughter finished in first for the long jump. i Caleb Waller ended in second place in both 1 the 110-meter hurdles and the long jump, and Charles Nickels look second in the high jump. Finishing in third place for the night were jump. , The throwing crew for lhe Hastings girls team swept both the shot put and discus with Miller taking first in shot pul and third in discuss. McMasters taking first in discus and third in shot put, and Daisy Kerby taking second in both events. Addey Nickels finished in second place in i***Mfi*eA to >.xrvv The Saxons ’ Josey Nickels clearsby ValXughter) u • . hl9h iUmP Cornpe,il'on a' Parma Western Monday afternoon. (Pholo Layton Eastman gets the baton into the all three events for the Saxons- 100-mptr.r Slaughter took first in the long jump with a hands of teammate Kirby Beck in the 800. dash. 200-melcr dash, and 300-meter hurdles new PR of 19 feet 1 inch, and second in pole meter relay during their team’s win over Natalee Sanders took second ,n fhe g(X) , • vault. Jacob Arens ran a new PR for first in 1Coldwater Friday in Hastings. (Photo by run and the high jump. Kali Grimes finished the 400-meter run with a time of 57.41, and in third in the 200-metcr dash and long jumo also finished third in lhe 200-meter dash. Vai Slaughter) Roosien took third in the 100-meter dash ami Randall took first discus and second in shot the discus. Hannah Vann took third in the i600-melcr pul. The Saxons boys took first in all the relay Other Saxons placing in lhe top three for events. The 400-meter relay was run by the run. lhe night were: Haight with two second place The Saxon relay crew had a s(rong team of Slaughter, Haight. Neal, and Bayne taking first in the 8(M)-meter relay with the finishes in the 100-meter dash and 200-melcr team of Addey Nickels Roosien, Nino and dash. LaBoe also had two second place finish­ Signeski. The 800-meter relay team was won by the team of Haight. Slaughter, Eastman, feed; and first in the 3200-meter relay with es in the 1600-meter run and 3200-meter run; and Beck. The 1600-meter relay team consistand Waller took second in both the 1 10-meter the team of Arnold. Sanders, Vann and cd of Arens, Kohmescher. Beck and Tolles, hurdles and high jump. Kearvn Tolles was and the 3200-meter relay team of LaBoe, Strouse. The 4x100 relay of Sarah Lichvar, Roosien, and Grimes finished second in the 800-meter run. Nate Kohmescher finished with third place Teed, Nickels, and Tolles. The Saxons will compete Friday at the second. in both the 110-meter hurdles and 300-meter Hastings boys’ team was led by sophomore Harper Creek Spirit of the Wild Relays. I-ayton Eastman who finished first place in hurdles; and Charles Nickels took third in both the 800-metcr run and high jump. Jonah his three events - 110-meter hurdles, 300meter hurdles, and high jump. Beck finished Teed finished in third place in lhe 400-meter run, and Adam Jacobs ended in third place in first in high jump and first jn po|e vauk Feighan a fourtime winner as Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was a big night for Lakewood junior Connor Feighan as the Viking varsity boys’ track and field team bested Perry for its first Greater Lansing Activities Conference victory of the season Tuesday al Unity Field. Feighan was a part of three individual vic­ tories and a relay win as the Dikewood boys defeated the visiting Ramblers 83-52 to move to 1-1 in the GLAC. The Lakewood ladies were downed 72-50 to fall to 0-2 in the conference. Feighan had his two biggest throws as a varsity athlete yet. HE won lhe shot put with a mark of 39 feet 4 inches and the discus at 108-115. He added a winning lime of 55.25 seconds in the 400-meter dash for the Vikings. Feighan also anchored lhe 1600-meter relay team for the Lakewood boys at the end of lhe Hastings boys’ golf bl night, joining Rafflerand ininins Heath Heath Carter,Tyson Carter, Jacob Merryfield to win in 3 minutes 53.62 | seconds. Perry senior Jacob Orweller matched Feighan’s four wins, taking the 110-meter high hurdles in 16.54 seconds, the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 43.76 seconds and the pole vault by clearing 11-6. Orweller also teamed with Troy Barber, Nicholas Barber and Rease Teel to win the 400-meter relay in 46.69 seconds. The teams split the four relay races. The Viking team of Benjamin Scobey. Colt Endsley. Justin Warner and Cater-Won the 800-meter relay in 1:50.88. The Rambler foursome of Nathaniel Cochrane, Benjamin Hinkley, Elliott Mergos and David Zheng was unopposed in winning the 3200-meter relay. In fact, neither of the girls’ teams put a 3200meter relay team on the track cither. 1 he Viking boy s w ere a deeper group than lhe Ramblers overall. Lakewood had senior Nathan Alford win the 1600-meter run(4:57.47) and the 3200-meter run (11:29.0) and sophomore teammate Ryan Alford place third in those two races. Lakewood’s Raffler and Merryfield went 2-3 in the two hurdles races behind Orweller. Feighan led a sweep by the Dikewood boys in lhe discus, with Elijah Girvin second and Hunter Stank third. Eastin Stank was third in the discus for the Vikings. Merryfield won the high jump at 5-9 and teammate Nick Hell was second at 5-4, the only two guys to clear the opening height. Behind Orweller in the pole vault, the Vikings had Garrett Stank second al 11 -0 and Raffler • •J.. . ■ third at 10-0. Stank led a sweep of the long jump points for the Lakewood boys, w inning with a mark of 19-11. Endsley was second at 17-5 and Helt thirdwas at 17-2. Stank also the runner-up in the 100meter dash and lhe 200-meter dash behind the »*- Ramblers ’Teel. Hokulani Ka’alakca had the Vikings’ lone individual win on the track in the girls’ meet, taking the |(K)-meter hurdles in 19.36. The Lakewood team of Madison Bierens, Kylie Walkington, Aubrey Steele and Sophia Girvin won the 800-meter relay in 2:20.65. Connor Feighan rounds the final turn in the 1600-meter relay In the field, lhe Lakewood girls’ got a firstTuesday al Unity Field. (Photo by Lakewood junior __ _ place finish from Annabelle Stank in the dis­ during the Vikings' GLAC win over visiting Perry cus as she fired a thro* of 92-11 which is the Lakewood senior Emily Apsey placed sec­ best of her freshman season so far. Stank was Brett Bremer) also second in the shot put with a mark of the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash ond in the 32(X)-meter run. the 1600-meter run and was third in (he SIX). Perry junior Grace behind the Ramblers’ Hailey Lewis. 28-4, Viking senior Soph*’ Duits won the high Bierens managed the second-place points O’Neill won both the 1600 and the 3200. in the pole vault by clearing 7- and was also jump by clearing 4-4. Ka’alakca was the ru,»ner-up in the long second in the 400-meter dash. jump at 14-5, while also placing second in If ____ Ionia at The Legacy (Photo by ’Vai Collin Fouty hits a at teeHastings shot for Wednesday. the Saxon varsity boys golfSlau^S;'09 "S Win over Jensen, who finished with a I-under-par 35. Hastings sophomore golfer Collin Fomy was Va/ Shiu^htcT dose behind with a 40. Other Saxon golfers Contrihuiinii Writer In a cold match, with a burst ol snow /har­ contributing for the night were Jack ries. the Saxons boys’ golf team bested the Kensington with a 49 and Joey McLean with . Bulldogs of Ionia a! T he Legacy Goll C ourse a5L ~ Ionia's lead golfer, Evan Nuininer, finished Saxons shot a 178 to defeat the lhe night with a 48. in The Hastings last Wednesday. For the JV round, the Saxons lost a close Bulldogs, who ended with a 205. match against the Bulldogs who finished with Hastings head coach Kristen Dtubaiig) ' । s 1 to lhe Saxons 189. JV golfers were led stated, “fwas extremely impressed with (he h Reed Baldeison who finished with a 61, Phy from our (cam tonight in the very,10 x joe Gogg*ns "hh a 63 and Blake Barnum eonditiom,. Our course can be quite ddhcti 1 and the guy.s really handled their play "ell senior Will Ixading lonight. ” for (he .Saxons was se with a into sixth place in OK Gold golf standings Trojans settling si ’ golf Nathan each scored a 50 for TK and junior Wayland 169. Thomapple Kellogg 178 and • The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team placed sixth for ll,,e second time in two tries in the OK Gold Confcrenc<J Sprirlg »^mmate Trevor Hummer added a 52. dllHU! teammate Trevor Hummer added a 52. A trio of golfers each shot a 38. That group included Forest Hills Eastern senior Ben Abate, Wayland senior 'tyler Omness and Cedar Springs r'mhtree led198. the TK boy> with a 40. Ptisch Crabtree leu uicand 1 n. •Connor — shot .1 44. Nathan ~------Newland M«wlnnd each scored a 47 for TK and Hummer was right behind a 48. got three 39s to tie for first, Wednesday (Af)ril 20)Southwith (?hristian The Trojans scored a 200 at the conference Catholic Central junior Will Preston. scores from Ethan H underman, Evan fhe OK Gold was back in action Tuesday jamboree hosted by I’gjpt Valley Country Roedemaand I hys Vink. Dilon DeSmit added Chib. Catholic Central Won for the second at lhe conference jamboree hosted by Grace wB a 40 for lheCentral Sailors.’s John Hamion fired a 35 time in two tries in tl*' league this season, Country Club in Grand Rapids. Catholic Scores took a big drop from the tough track shooting a 171. Forest Hills Eastern was sec­ to lead the Cougars, with teammate Will ond at 175, ahead ol Wayland 185. South al Egypt Valley. South Christian and Grand Preston adding a 39. FHE’s Alex Erniine shot Christian 189. Kenowa Hi||s 191/ix 200 and Rapids Catholic Central lied for the day’s lead with scores of 157. Kenowa Hills was third a 39 too. C edar Springs 206. Austin Pitsch. a sophornore> |ed j k with a with a 165. ahead of Forest Hills Eastern 168, 48. Senior CJ Crabtree and junjor Drew �Page tf, _ Thursday, apfH 29, 2021. The Hastings Banner Jessalyn Hawkins Anna Benedict Brynn Turnes Brett Bremer Sport* Editor For as tough as everyone had it this winter with an abbreviated season competitive cheer teams might have had it harder than anyone. Varsity competitive cheer teams used to prepping a bit with a sideline season in the fall and then often spending more than a moth practicing before event stepping on the mat for their first competition were suddenly asked to lake the mat and begin whether they were ready or not. By the end of the season, cheer teams across the state and across Barry County were starting lo round into form. Hastings captured the Interstale-8 Athletic Conference Championship, Lakewood once again captured the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship. The Saxons went on to quality for the regional round of the state tournament in Division 2.along with theThomapple Kellogg girls who had one of the top teams in the OK Gold Conference this winter. Delton Kellogg qualified for regionals in Division 4 Members from those teams lead the way, but outstanding performances from all the county’s teams arc recognized. Here are lhe 2021 AlLBarry County Competitive Cheer First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Competitive Cheer First Team Ruby Barber, Hastings: Barber was one of four Saxons named first team all-district in Division 2 this winter and also an all-confer­ ence cheerleader in the Interstate-8. Barber, a junior ba.se/back spot, is a threeyear varsity cheerleader for the Saxons. Anna Benedict. Thomapple Kellogg: Benedict earned first team all-conference honors in the OK Gold Conference this winter as a junior while also being named first team all-district and earning the Trojans'Teammate of the Year aw ard. “Anna is a powerhouse main base with a great ‘we before me* mindset.” TK head coach Adrian Sinkler said. “Anna was a strong competitor in all three rounds this year. She keeps everyone laughing al practice, but also encourages everyone to do their best and work hard.” Savannah Chilton, Delton Kellogg: senior in her fourth varsity season, she grew into a three-round cheerleader for the Panthers. Chilton earned second team all-region in Division 4. after earning first team all-confer­ ence and all-district awards. “She stepped up to be a main base, learned new tumbling skills and was a fabulous leader on and off lhe mat,” DK head coach Zoe Reynolds said. jessalyn Hawkins, Lakewood: Hawks fin­ ished her fourth varsity cheer season earning all-conference honors in the GLAC for lhe fourth lime. She was a three-lime all district and all-region honoree, missing out on those honors as the Vikings didn’t compete in the postseason this year. Hawkins cheered in the 2018 state finals, spending four years ns a flyer and a threeround cheerleader for the Vikings. She was named to the Lansing State Journal Dream Team at the end of her sophomore and junior seasons. Curston Hiner. Lakewood: Hiner is a three year varsity cheerleader who earned all-con­ ference honors in the GLAC this season for lhe Vikings. She spent three seasons as a base, and com­ peted in all three rounds for Lakewood. Hokulani Ka'alakea. Lakewood: Ka’alakea is a junior who was in her third varsity season with the Vikings this winter. She earned first team all-conference in the GLAC for lhe sec­ ond time this w inter. She is a three-season base who competed in all three rounds for Lakew'ood this season. Savana Leonard, Hastings: Leonard earned Why is Estate Planning So Important? Even if you have a small estate, estate planning allows money and property to be distributed according to your final wishes. Your assets include any real estate you own. bank accounts, stocks, bonds, personal property, retirement accounts and bank accounts. 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Hastings: Nedbalek earned first team all-district honors in Division 2 and was an al I-conference cheerleader in the 1-8 this winter too. Nedbalek, a senior, is a three-year varsity cheerleader for the Saxons. Kylie Smith, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior who made great progress this w inter accord ing lo her coach “She is our strong center flyer that has pushed herself to her best. She tweaked her leg a bit at the start of lhe season and never let it stop ber from doing her best. Even during the most painful days, she did what needed to be done without hesitation to compete at her best in all three rounds.” coach Sinkler said. Smith was named first team all-conference and all-district this season. Liberty Tetzlaff, Thornapple Kellogg: A strong and versatile base in her .senior season for the Trojans. Tetzlaff was honorable men­ tion all-region in Division 2 this winter while also being named all-conference and second team all-district as well as an academic all­ state cheerleader. “She strives for perfection and sets high expectations and goals for herself and her teammates, making her a great addition to all three rounds.” coach Sinkler said. Zoey Thomas. Thornapple Kellogg: Thomas earned second team all-district hon­ ors in Division 2 and first team all-conference as a junior this winter. “ZT has got to be the loudest athlete I’ve ever coached.” coach Sinkler said. “She is a highly experienced back spot and always puls her team before herself. ZT played a critical role in all three rounds.” Brynn Turnes. Hastings: Turnes is a senior capable of performing as a base or a flyer. She was named first team all-district in Division 2 and honorable mention all-regionA four-year varsity cheerleader, she has earned district, county, conference and region­ al accolades in all four of those seasons. AlLBarry County Competitive Cheer Second r Ida Asman, Hastings. Asman, a foreign exchange student from Sweden, earned sec­ ond team all-district honors at the end of the season. She competed in a|| three rounds lor the Saxons, performing ’»s a hack spot in round three. Katelynn Uautni!iirtner. Thornapple Kellogg: A new competitive cheerleader as a junior, she quickly found her way into all three rounds for the Trojans. "After an injury lh„■could have benched her for the remainder of lhe season, she made the choice to stay t) toUrse and we are so happy she did. Katek,, received'he Toadies Award for the 2().a| season- lb- co.idi Adrian Sinkler said ~ McKenna Bazan ThornapP1'-, Kellogg: Bazan earned honorable men''0" a" 'heendof1hesea^piei>io»?."f'vrbc"'l' named an all confa ' cheerleader as well. -She also eamed'h’Sf academic all-state honors. . ,. “McKenna is an ieri‘r,,cet* ,na’n coach Sinkler said -.V£ as underclassman ,-LS" , uallv 1 faced with advekt°"s Ken"0 stepped up and pushed throng ,i her 'ea.nm.ues m all ‘ ..s Kayleu Bennett, Ila-'""’ named honorable „,(1iio" Division’. A senior hack spoi |)eii"el1 Bennett was ..ipdistncl in ‘ ,s “ ' Hokulani Ka'alakea varsity cheerleader who competed in all three rounds for the first time this winter. Kelsey Campbell. Delton Kellogg: A junior in her third varsity season. Campbell was named honorable mention all-region in Division 4 after earning first team all-confer­ ence and all-district awards. She joined the program as a strong gymnast her freshman season. “I needed a flyer and she stepped up and filled the role. She continues to be a three round starter and a valuable asset to our pro­ gram.” coach Reynolds said. ~ Ruby Frei. Thomapple Kellogg: A junior. Frei was named honorable mention all-con­ ference this winter while competing in all three rounds for IK. “Ruby stepped up and got multiple skills so our team could add new skills into round two this year. We are so grateful for her continued hard work.” coach Sinkler said. Presley Hall, Thornapple Kellogg: Hall, a sophomore, earned honorable mention all-conference accolades while cheering in all three rounds for TK. “Presley is a new and upcoming flyer with a ton of talent." coach Sinkler said. “We have watched her overcome crippling mental blocks and excel overall as an athlete.” Keirra Halloran. Delton Kellogg: A sopho more in her second varsity season, who earned her team’s most improved award al the end of her freshman season. Coach Reynold' said she has some great gymnastic potential and is her team’s lop flyer. Halloran was a three-round starter for the Panthers (his winter who aded a lew new gymnastics skills. She earned first team all district and honorable mention all-confer­ ence honors. Elizabeth Minard. I akewood: Minard capped her junior .season by earning first team all-conference honors in the GL AC. Minard was in her second year as a back spot for the Vikings. She performed in all three rounds this winter. Juliann Meeker, Hastings: Meeker earned second team all-district honors in Division 2. Meeker also captured al I-conference honors in the 1-8. Meeker is a three-year varsity cheerleader for lhe Saxons. Alexa Reitz, Maple Valley; Reitz stepped into a three-round role lor the 1 ions as a freshman this winter. She is haul-working. goal oriented and a talented cheerleader who not only challenges herself to improve her current skills, but also works to continue to learn new skills,” coach Sarah Huissen said. “She has the strongest and most elite skills on the team and is a great example for her other teammates to follow." Marissa Roberts. Hastings; Roberts was one of a handful of Saxon named second team all district in Division 2. Roberts is a sophomore in her second var­ sity season. She is very passionate about cheer.” coach Linsey Jacinto said. Jessy Weber. kikewood: Weber competed a, a base and a flyer for the Vikings in her third v airily season. A junior, Weber was named first team all conference in lhe GLAC this season while competing in all three pounds. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-05-06.pdf 7c9d3614fe82e59782ca2d25bf487a38 PDF Text Text Former TK teacher in murder-for-hire plot? A special day to celebrate moms County pledges to help local restaurateurs See Story on Page 10 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590502562549058113421 = 804879110187 o -CAR-RT LOT**C QUO ww Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134^^^ H rt31 lINUb Mother’s Day hot-air balloon festival planned FoxView in Nashville will host a hot­ air balloon festival Mother’s Day Weekend, May 7-9. Many special-shaped balloons will launch from the festival grounds at FoxView, 975 N. Main, twice a day, weather permitting. Plus, a balloon glow is planned Friday and Saturday nights. Other activities will include a car show, flea market, carnival games, bounce-hous­ es and daily entertainment. Food trucks and vendors will be ready to serve, and those attending are encour­ aged to bring their own lawn chairs. For health and safety, masks are required to be worn outside, and guests are asked to maintain social distance. More information can be found at nashvilleballoonfest.com/. Fundraiser will help hospital become stroke-certified Spectrum Health Foundation will host its ninth annual Julep Gala May 15 to raise funds for Spectrum Health Pennock so that it can acquire the necessary tools and training to become a stroke-certified hospital. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every four minutes, someone dies from a stroke. The Strides for Stroke Virtual Event is offering a Kentucky Derby-style celebra­ tion participants can enjoy from the com­ fort of their homes, event organizers said. An entry fee of $125 per person includes a 5:30 p.m. virtual happy hour with social time, pre-race bidding, online auction and technology support. At 6 p.m., partici­ pants will be welcomed, with hat voting in the “Best Chapeau Contest” and the race start. The event will conclude at 7 p.m. The goal for the gala is $50,000. Donations will allow for continued education for hospital and emergency medical services staff and the necessary equipment to treat stroke when it hap­ pens, according to event organizers. By December, Spectrum Health Pennock is expected to be stroke-certified, and 95 percent of the nursing staff and 90 per­ cent of the EMS team members will be educated regarding stroke treatment and prevention. Stroke care equipment will be pur­ chased in 2022, and trainers will be in place to educate the community on recog­ nizing the signs of a stroke and adopting healthy habits to prevent them. More information is available by call­ ing Tamara Elhart, 616-267-2986, or emailing tamara.elhart@ spectrumhealth. org. Guides to lead cerulean warbler tours Michigan Audubon will be offering cerulean warbler guided tours May 13 to 16. Daily tours will begin at 8 a.m. from the Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary southwest of Hastings. Experienced local guides will lead this caravan tour to several cerulean warbler nesting territories within the Barry State Game Area, where participants may see numerous other deciduous forest species, as well. All tours will meet at the Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary, 3560 Havens Road, Hastings. Pre-registration is required and may be accessed at michiganaudubon.org. The tours are offered for free as part of See NEWS BRIEFS, page 3 PRICE $1.00 Thursday, May 6, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 18 NEWS BRIEFS ANNER Help wanted: A worker Farewell to a special man who served in many ways to go down the drain Rebecca Pierce Editor The job description is straightforward: Clear drainage ditches of brush, debris, trees and other obstructions. The physical requirements of the job are clear: Walk long distances on uneven territory and swampy, muddy sites while carrying equipment and tools. Climb up and down trenches. Lift objects weighing up to 200 pounds. Carry and operate a chainsaw to cut trees and branches. Stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. Lift, drag and hook chains to remove debris. Pull on trees so they fall in the right direction. Load and unload clay and plastic tile and concrete structures. Dig ditches with a shovel. Move logs in water or on banks of drains. Work outside around heavy equipment in all types of weather. Loud noise and exposure to dust, environmental allergens, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals are among the many hazards. Also, applicants should be comfortable working in water up to chest-high. Drain Commissioner Jim Dull was back before the county board Tuesday - after receiving the county’s pledge of full faith and credit on a $2.2 million Cloverdale Drain project last week - to seek additional hours for a maintenance worker. Maintaining drains in a lake-rich county are a challenge rife with problems and perils, Barry County commissioners agreed Tuesday. After about 30 minutes of discussion, the board agreed to recommend changing the current special part-time drain maintenance position from 19 hours a week to a regular part-time employee working up to 35 hours a week. The vote was 6-1 with Commissioner Dave Jackson as the lone dissenter. The increased cost in this year’s budget was estimated at $11,654. In making the request for additional hours, Dull described the challenges they’re facing. His predecessor started and finished three drain projects in eight years, he said. “Mandatorily, once we get a petition, we have to act on it. We’ve received 17. Four See DRAIN, page 2 Czarnecki says goodbye; will step down Friday Sophie Bates Staff Writer During winter break 2016, then-adjunct professor at Davenport University Jerry Czarnecki was looking for a career change. The math teacher, raised in Wayland, had recently left Kelloggsville High School in Wyoming after 25 years of teaching. He’d excelled in that career, having been a finalist for Michigan Teacher of the Year in 2011; but he wanted to explore his talents and test his capabilities. “It was one of the things where I was just curious what else was out there. If I could do something other than be a teacher,” Czarnecki recalled. At first, he thought becoming a college professor might be enough of change. It wasn’t. He decided to step away from education altogether, but only if he found the right posi­ tion. On a whim, he decided to see if the City of Hastings had any job openings, and it did. It was a position Czarnecki was interested enough in to prompt him to leave education behind and set out on a new adventure. “I was on Christmas break, just sitting in the library just kind of looking through web­ sites and different things for jobs that were available that might fit my skill set,” he said. “And I clicked on [the city’s] website, there was a job for the economic and community development director, and I spent 15 cents to print out my resume and cover letter and walked it over to city hall. I filled out a small application right there and it was about a month later, I got a call. “I had interest in that position because I wasn’t going to jump from education unless it was going to be was something that I thought I was going to be interested in. So that’s what attracted me to actually make the decision to leave education.” Czarnecki was hired in as Hastings’ com­ munity development director Feb. 27, 2017, beginning his four-year stint with the City of Hastings, which will draw to a close Friday when he steps down as city manager. Community development director turned out to be an almost perfect position for him. He found economic development intriguing, and ever a people person, he enjoyed interact­ ing with Hastings citizens and developing community relations. “I was interested in the economic develop- See CZARNECKI, page 3 Barb Pullen accepted the flag after the flag-folding ceremony at Saturday’s tribute to her husband Charlie, who died Nov. 20. Photo by Scott Harmsen. Greg Chandler Staff Writer More than five months after Charlie Pullen’s death, the Middleville community came together Saturday to bid a final farewell to longtime village president. More than 150 family, friends, veterans and others gathered at the Downtown Development Authority amphitheater to pay tribute to Pullen, who served for 18 years on the village council, 11 of those years as president, before he died Nov. 20,2020, of complications from COVID-19. He was 71. “I knew Charlie for only a few months, but it was very obvious that he was a special person,” said Village Manager Patricia Rayl, who served as master of ceremonies for the memorial service. “Charlie was a man of many talents, all that pointed to a common focus: Others before self.” Community leaders, veterans advocates and family members spoke of Pullen’s love for his community, for those who served their country and for his family. “I looked at my calendar this morning and it was wrong. It said today is May Day. This is not May Day, it’s Charlie Pullen Day,” said longtime village council Trustee Ed Schellinger, who worked closely with Pullen on the development of the veterans memorial about a decade ago. “He was always for the village and its citizens. Charlie was instrumental in bringing the Paul Henry Trail to downtown Middleville, See FAREWELL, page 2 Committee rejects proposed Culver’s restaurant driveway Greg Chandler Staff Writer A new Culver’s fast-food restaurant just west of the Hastings city limits will not have a driveway off of M-37 and M-43. The M-37 Corridor Committee Friday unanimously rejected a request by project developers for a right-in, right-out driveway for the new restaurant, to be built at the southeast comer of M-37/M-43 and Green Street in Rutland Charter Township. The committee said the proposed drive did not fit the M-37 access management plan. “The access management plan has identified that location as an area where driveways are not desired,” Michigan Department of Transportation engineer Kerwin Keen said. The township planning commission last month approved a site plan for the new restaurant, contingent on approval by the corridor committee of a driveway off the highway. Commissioners approved a driveway off of Green Street into the restaurant as part of the site plan. Commissioners were to meet last night to consider a special land-use request for the development. A traffic study showed that adding a right­ in, right-out driveway off M-37 would not significantly reduce backups on Green Street for vehicles waiting to turn left. “The left-turn distance for the vehicles coming in off from Green Street, making a left, with the addition of the right-in, right-out driveway [off M-37/M-43] would change from 11 feet without a driveway to 7 feet with a driveway,” Keen said. “Effectively, the vehicle is 20 feet long and the model predicts that the change in queue length will be 4 feet, so no change - one car, either with the driveway or without the driveway, onto M-37.” Barry County Road Commission officials contacted MDOT to express concerns about the length of the backup for vehicles seeking to turn left off Green Street. “We do have a little bit of concern with the northbound or northwest-bound traffic on Green, turning left onto 37/43. It seems to be the majority of the traffic turns left there,” road commission operations director Jake Welch said. “They generally don’t go straight on Green Street to go onto Heath Road. That lane turning left versus the people that are heading southbound, turning left into the Culver’s driveway - that’s a little bit of our concern, as far as you have that who’s getting into the lane and how quickly are you getting into the lane, and people getting into the lane to turn left onto 37 early being in the turn lane to get into Culver’s.” The proposed driveway would have been located between two signalized intersections - one at Green Street and one leading into Walmart - that are less than 800 feet apart. Culver’s project manager Mikel Currier told the committee the traffic study led him to believe that a driveway off M-37 would improve the situation on Green Street. “It can only improve Green Street by allowing a second entrance, and looking for the long-term future as this [area along M-37] continues to develop and become more of a commercial corridor,” Currier said. Rutland Township Supervisor Larry Watson continued to voice opposition to having the driveway go out onto M-37/M-43. “This has been my backyard for 51 years. I know what goes on there, and what could go on there,” Watson said. “I don’t know, personally, how it can be safe. A human life means a lot to me, well over profit or money. We do want that restaurant sitting at the top of that hill, but we’ve got to do it safely.” Culver’s representative Chris McGuire asked whether it was possible for the speed limit to be lowered on M-37 from the current 55 miles per hour, given the development in that area. MDOT officials said that would be unlikely. “Speed limits are set statutorily,” Keen said. “They’re set as the 85th percentile of the operating speed. We can go and put signs out there that say anything above 25 miles per hour. It doesn’t matter, they’re not enforceable. The law says Michigan State Police, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation, will complete a speed study. They sit out there and observe how fast vehicles go. The speed limit is set based on the 85th percentile of those trips. “So, until the road is squeezed down, lanes are dropped and [movement] is restricted to a point where people are going to operate at a speed less than 55 miles per hour, it’s going to remain 55 miles per hour.” County Commissioner Catherine Getty proposed the committee take a second look at the access management plan, which was created in 2004, to take into account some of the development that has happened along the M-37 corridor. Keen welcomed the suggestion. “What we should all do is take the opportunity to look at it. It’s very comprehensive, it’s long, and over the past 20 years, things have happened,” he said. “We should take the opportunity to look at this and have some bullet points that we can discuss as a group and act on intelligently. “This is the community’s plan. We’re going to support it as long as it makes sense from a safety aspect... It’s your plan. Let’s look at it, see what we’ve got and see where there’s areas that need to be addressed.” �Page 2 — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — The Hastings Banner City planning commission approves taller building on former Moose property Sophie Bates ;4* Staff Writer * A commercial and residential development at 128 N. Michigan Avenue was granted a special land-use permit, which will allow the structure’s height to reach 55 feet, 5 inches in the B-l district. The permit was approved by the Hastings Planning Commission Monday evening. ' Previously, buildings in the B-l district were limited to a maximum building height of :40 feet; however, the Hastings City Council, ■following the planning commission’s recommendation, adopted a change April 26 that allows buildings a maximum height of up to 60 feet, subject to approval of a special land use. “As you recall, the planning commission ‘recently recommended a text amendment change to our B-l central business district zoning ordinance to address building height standards in the B-l district. The planning commission ... recommended a text amendment change to the ordinance to allow higher building standards as a special use,” Community Development Director Dan King said. “The city council had a first and second reading and passed that ordinance. And now we have a special-use permit request and site plan approval.” The special land use is granted based on four criteria: whether the building height will match the character of nearby buildings; whether the building will be served by essential public facilities and functions such as fire protection, refuse disposal and water and sewer; whether the building height will create excessive additional requirements at public cost for facilities and services, such a fire and police services or utilities; and whether the building height is consistent with the B-l district’s intent, which is to serve as Hastings’ downtown shopping district. In addition to the special land use, the planning commission approved the project’s site plan. The project, by developer AJ Veneklasen Inc will consist of 6 100 scjuare feet of retail space on the first floor and 21 residential units on the top three floors. The planning commission also held a public hearing on a text amendment change regarding the parking of semi-tractors, semi­ trailers and vehicles with two or more rear axles. Currently, no zoning district or site use in the city allows for overnight of short-term outdoor parking or storage for such vehicles. City staff recently discovered that the current ordinance pertains more to businesses that park such vehicles in or near their own buildings. “So, it’s necessary for the planning commission to consider the text amendment change to our ordinance or in addition to it, to allow for semi parking, both tractor and trailer, and equipment with more than two axles,” King said, adding that doing so would be the first step toward bringing current uses into accordance with the proposed text amendment change. King also said the city received a request to include recreational vehicles and campers in the ordinance. During the public hearing, commissioners heard comment from Bill Westerveld, who provides overflow parking in the industrial district for such vehicles when the city lot is full or on a short-term basis. He told the commission that two years ago, he was told he had to remove a trailer and motorhome parked on his property his property because it wasn’t allowed by the city. “I don’t know of a better place in the city to put motorhomes, trailers than in the industrial zone. It’s not bothering the neighbors. It’s not being in anybody’s way,” Westerveld said. “I’ve been doing this for 10 years now ... but now that the city lot is full, and 1 just don’t understand why we can’t park in the industrial zone.” After hearing Westerveld’s concerns, the commission moved to table the text amendment. City staff will make adjustments to the amendment before sending it back to the planning commission. Planning commission members also heard an update from chairman Dave Hatfield regarding the addition of two-family dwelling units as a permitted use in the residential and apartment zoning districts. At the March planning commission meeting, Hatfield said he’d appointed a committee to review the ‘complex issue.’ Hatfield said the committee will take another 30 to 60 days to before bringing the issue to the planning commission. Additionally, the commission set a public hearing at the June 7 meeting to submit a recommendation of adoption to the city council of the city’s master plan. FAREWELL, continued from page 1 More than 150 family, friends, veterans and others gathered at Middleville’s Downtown Development Authority amphitheater Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to Charlie Pullen, who served for 18 years on the village council, 11 of those years as president, before he died Nov. 20, 2020, of complications from COVID-19. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) and he saw that adding a bridge out on Crane Road would benefit Bradford White [Corporation] and the employees there. He was always ready to try something new for the village, if it made the village better and our citizens better. “Charlie listened and weighed each council member’s opinions and always kept an open mind. If discussions sometimes got a little heated, Charlie had a way of becoming a very calming influence.” Former Trustee Phil Van Noord spoke of Pullen’s influence in getting the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail extended to Middleville. Pullen’s daughter Amanda gave an emotional tribute to her father’s love for his family. “My dad ... loved his family so much. They were everything to him,” said Amanda Pullen, who serves on the Middleville Planning Commission and is its former chairwoman. “He was a loving husband, the best dad, and it wasn’t only to his kids, it was to our friends, too. One of the greatest things that he loved was his grandkids. “He also loved his community. As my sister Katie has said, ‘There was no such thing as a stranger to him, especially if you were a veteran.’ It didn’t matter what branch or what war you were in, he would walk up to you and shake your hand and thank you for your service.” “I am a much better person having Charlie as a friend, as a boss, as a mentor, and someone I will always remember.” Duane Weeks Charlie Pullen, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, was actively involved in veterans’ activities around Barry County. In addition to his leadership on the development of the Middleville veterans memorial, he served for six years on the board of the county Veterans’ Trust Fund, including two as chairman. He also volunteered regularly at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, often being the last person a veteran would see before dying. “This was an important and passionate mission for him, and one that he spoke about whenever he had the opportunity,” Pattrick Jansens, director of the county veterans service program, said. “It usually resulted in [Charlie] becoming choked up, resulting in a pause, so he could recompose and continue explaining the importance of what the No Member Dies Alone program entails.” State Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, read a proclamation he signed, along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and state Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, honoring Pullen’s service to the community and to local veterans. “The life of Charlie is a study in the power of hard work, dedication and commitment to his career, his family and his community,” Bizon read from the proclamation. “We are clearly grateful for his achievements, which will continue to help the family and all of Michigan in the future.” A seven-member honor guard from American Legion Post 45 in Hastings fired three rifle volleys, which is traditional for a veteran’s funeral, followed by the playing of taps. Commander Rich Jenkins of American Legion Post 140 in Middleville presented an American flag to Barb Pullen, honoring her husband’s military service. Several speakers, most notably Schellinger, concluded their remarks by referring to a signature line Pullen would say at the end of each village council meeting. “Thank you for your time, and thank you for your patience.” Then Schellinger paused and concluded, “Thank you, Mr. Middleville.” Nominations sought for local volunteer awards The Barry County United Way and Volunteer Center is accepting nominations for its annual Volunteer Awards, which will be virtual. The volunteer awards recognize, honor and celebrate residents within the county who have given so generously of their time and talent for the benefit of the community. “This past year has been like no other for our entire country. However, we have seen members of our community - our neighbors, our friends, our colleagues stepping up to do their part in volunteering to help others,” said Morgan Johnson, director of outreach and community engagement at Barry County United Way. “This year, compared to all others, is truly a year to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of volunteers in Barry County.” This event is an opportunity to celebrate volunteers who work in a variety of areas, she said Nominations are being accepted for Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Mentor Award, Continuing Service Award, Corporate Service Award, and Group Volunteer Award. Nominations must be postmarked by Friday, June 11, to be considered. Any organization that utilizes volunteers in Barry County is eligible to submit nominations, such as nonprofit agencies. service clubs and organizations, churches, and even businesses that are involved in employee volunteering. Because of COVID-19- related regulations, the annual ceremony will be virtual at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 8. Winners will receive awards, and all nominees will receive a certificate of appreciation. “We hope that you will take a few moments to submit a nomination and recognize a volunteer or volunteers that you know are doing great work for the community,” Johnson said. Anyone with questions may email morgan@bcunitedway.org or call 269-945­ 4010. DRAIN, continued from page 1 Barry County Commissioner Dave Jackson cast the lone “no” vote on Drain Commissioner Jim Dull’s request for more hours for a drain maintenance worker, saying it should go through the traditional budget process - along with all the requests the board receives from other departments. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) we’ve finished; the other 13, we’re still moving forward on.” The government shutdown caused by COVID-19 has set his office back, he said, and he’s running out of manpower. “I’d like to ask, just for commissioners’ benefit and any public listening [to the meeting]: What are the consequences if we don’t get these drains clean?” Chairman Ben Geiger said. “The farmers get flooded out,” Dull replied. “The property owners get flooded out.” No one questioned the need for the work to be done. But Jackson expressed concerns about the timing of Dull’s request. “There is a regular process to submit requests for new employees and funding positions and stuff like that. I personally would rather see this go through the budget requests because I trust [County Administrator] Michael [Brown] with his ability with everything going on in the county and kind of analyze this and see where it fits ... I’m not sure it’s an unreasonable request.” Jackson noted that, last year, the county had requests totaling $1.1 million for new positions, most of which were turned down. “I like Michael Brown’s ability to evaluate - I’m probably a ‘no’ vote at this point.” But Dull noted that the timing for this request was necessary. The chances of finding someone else later “are slim to none.” “The workers just ain’t out there,” he told Jackson. “Nobody wants to be 3-feet deep in a drain, cutting wood and chucking it out.” The last time they sought workers, two people applied, and one didn’t have a driver’s license. The chances of finding someone who could do the job “and not cut a leg off” are problematic, he said. Dull added that he was afraid to allow a woman to run a chainsaw. “Jim, have you read over the physical requirements on this [job description]?” Commissioner Jon Smelker asked him. “I wrote ’em,” Dull replied. “You pretty well ruled me out, didn’t you?” Smelker said, reading from the job description, “Lifting objects weighing up to 200 pounds?” “That [200 pounds] is me,” Dull said, laughing. “I know that sounds terrible, but if we’re out on a drain and I go down, I want somebody that can [lift 200 pounds]. They may not be able to lift me but, hopefully, they can get me out of the drain - or at least get my head out of the water.” “Michael [Brown] and I had a discussion about that,” he added. “He said to just wait for the EMTs to get there.” “How long can you hold your breath?” Smelker asked, chuckling. “Exactly,” Dull said. “So, they’ve got to be able to maneuver 200 pounds,” Smelker said. “Yeah,” Dull replied, adding, “They can put a rope around my neck and drag me out.” Before the board voted on the recommendation, Geiger said he wasn’t sure that just adding the hours to the existing position would be the best option. “But I know the farmers in my district. This is for them. And, for the lake property owners around Barry County, this is for them, too. “I’m going to support this, but I still would like this to see this as a temporary solution until we find a better one.” The timing of the request is understandable, Commissioner Vivian Conner said, acknowledging Jackson’s concern. Conner pointed out that, sometimes, actions such as adding hours are necessary because “things happen. ... A lot more work happens in the summer because of the water issues. “I think it’s excellent we’re trying to alleviate these drain issues that have built up over the years.” “We’re unique - and we have more water than any other counties around us,” Geiger agreed. After the board voted on his request, Dull expressed appreciation to commissioners, adding, “If anybody wants to volunteer to work on the drains, we’d be tickled to death.” “Only if I can run the chainsaw,” Commissioner Catherine Getty told Dull. Then she added with a smile, “I’ll bring my own.” In other action, commissioners: - Recommended approval of a reimbiirseWient’grant agreement for $20,000 from Two Seven Oh Inc. to complete four renovation projects, including fence, gutter, glass barrier and concrete projects at the Barry County Animal Shelter, 540 N. Industrial Park Drive. - Recommended submission of fiscal year 2022 Office of Community Corrections grant application for $116,636 to fund the Cog (cognitive behavioral therapy) program, drug­ testing program and the relapse-prevention group. This remains the same for 2022. - Recommended spending $24,448 to renovate the stairwells at the Barry County Courts & Law Building. In the prior bid, the original price for this work was $61,133, which the county rejected on the advice of Construction Manager Tim Vander Kodde. After soliciting other prices for the project, an acceptable alternative was found. The work, involving about 96 steps and 12 landings, will require shot blast and/or diamond grinding to remove existing clear coating to remove it and provide maximum adhesion of an epoxy-type coating that will be stain-proof. The paint on the walls of these stairwells and the chipped handrails are about 30 years old, Brown said. - Discussed plans for the upcoming county budget process, including scheduling a night meeting in August to allow interested residents who can’t attend daytime sessions to attend an evening session. - Recommended approval to amend this year’s general fund budget by $31,400 to reflect a more accurate estimate of the state grant for medical marijuana and interest on payroll revenues. This amendment includes benefits recently approved by the board for the retiree health savings program and increased costs for other post-employment benefits, position changes in the information technology and register of deeds offices, and reauthorization of funds budgeted in 2020 for the drain commission storm water rules update. Hastings Legion hosting Memorial Day ceremonies American Legion Post 45 of Hastings will conduct its annual Memorial Day ceremonies Monday, May 31, but with some changes. At 11 a.m., the ceremony will open with comments from officials at the Hastings Veterans Memorial in Tyden Park. Wreaths will then be placed at the base of the Civil War Monument and the POW-MIA flag. The Legion’s honor guard will fire a rifle salute, followed by the playing of taps. Remaining in the park, the entourage will then walk to the riverbank to place a wreath in the Thomapple River to honor those who have served on and under the waterways of the world. Another rifle salute and playing of taps will end the Legion’s Tyden Park ceremony. Sisters Faith Byykkonen and Kaylin Rhoades will lead a patriotic sing-along after the ceremony for anyone who would like to participate. At noon at Riverside Ceremony, Post 45 members will have a ceremony at the Avenue of Flags and at the Grand Army of the Republic monument, with comments from officials, placing of wreaths and giving honors. As in the past, organizers may honor the veteran most recently buried at Riverside. Masks and distancing will be observed, based on recommendations at the time. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — Page 3 CZARNECKI, continued from page 1 Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki’s last day on the job is Friday. (File photo) An artist rendering depicts what the new assisted-living housing complex might look like. (Image provided) Groundbreaking set for $14 million assisted-living project Thomapple Manor, the 161-bed countyowned skilled-nursing facility three miles east of Hastings, will host groundbreaking ceremonies for Harvest Pointe, a new 50-unit assisted living housing project, at 2 p.m. Friday, May 21. The public is welcome to attend. This complex, which will be built next to Thomapple Manor at 2950 McKeown Road in Hastings, is expected to help address some of the critical housing issues in Barry County for senior living. “As part of a larger growth plan, to include an independent-living campus, we will be including the infrastructure, which will be enable additional growth with the demands of the future for affordable living in our area,” Thomapple Manor Administrator Don Haney said. “Thomapple Manor will be 100 percent responsible for all debt payments, including the start-up phase,” he said. “We’ve been working on this for over two years. We are extremely excited to start this project and appreciate the support we have received from our commissioners and community.” Harvest Pointe will offer one-bedroom, one-bedroom deluxe suites and studio units. With dining services, spa, on-site laundry services, walking paths, transportation Harvest Pointe, a new 50-unit assisted living housing project, will be built next to Thornapple Manor at 2950 McKeown Road in Hastings. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) availability, barber/hair salon, activities, housekeeping, mail services, on-call nursing and more, Harvest Pointe will fit the needs of many, he said. Further information is available by calling 269-945-1326. < - Hastings school board approves superintendent contract, facility and equipment purchases Sophie Bates Staff Writer Hastings Superintendent Matt Goebel will receive a $135,000 salary for 2021-22, under the first of a three-year contract, approved at the April 28 Hastings Board of Education meeting. The contract, effective April 12 through June 30,2023, includes a pay raise each year. The $135,000 Goebel will receive for his first year as superintendent will be prorated since he did not assume the responsibilities of superintendent officially until April 12. In the contract’s second year, Goebel’s salary will increase to $137,500 and for 2022­ 23, his salary will increase to $140,000 for 2022-23. In addition to his base salary, Goebel will receive an annual $4,000 stipend, which will increase to $6,000 in 2022-23. The contract is eligible for extension by one extra year. If during his 2021-22 annual performance evaluation, Goebel receives a rating of ‘highly effective’ or ‘effective,’ his contract will be extended an extra year until June 30, 2024. The contract includes annual bonuses, the amount of which is based off Goebel’s annual performance evaluation. Goebel would receive $3,000 if rated ‘highly effective’, $2,000 if rated ‘effective’ and no bonus if rated ‘minimally effective’ or ‘ineffective.’ “We’ve got a very competitive and fair contract,” board of education President Luke Haywood said. “I’m really pleased with what we ended up with. I think it’s a competitive contract and offers some incentive to keep a superintendent here.” The board unanimously approved the contract and afterward erupted into applause. “I’d like to thank the entire board,” Goebel said. “This job has been a great job and I love this community and I love the school district. I look forward to many years of that. So, thank you.” In addition to the superintendent contract, the board also approved several expenditures for facility upgrades and equipment. The board approved a purchase of up to $28,000 to replace two 1998 maintenance vehicles with rust and engine issues; $9,914 to O.P. Aquatics to replace the pool filter at the Community Education and Recreation Center; and $7,745 to Pioneer Athletics for the purchase of a Crewzer Jr. turf brush, as requested by the maintenance department. Additionally, the board approved up to $66,247 to Straight Line Fencing to replace portions of fencing at the high school softball field, the middle school and Central Elementary. Included in the cost is Northeastern Elementary, currently the only building in the district without fencing, which will receive a six-inch chain-link fence along the west and northern ends of the playground. The district also is investing in a new website, which Goebel said they hope to have up and running before the upcoming school year. The website will be easier to navigate and use via mobile devices and will enable students to check their grades and communicate with teachers all on one site. For the new website, the board approved $11,900 to Edlio LLC, a website-design company exclusively for K-12 schools. The board of education also approved a second revision to the 2020-21 budget. The first budget revision was passed in November 2020. The revision calls for a $380,902 increase in revenue from local, state and federal income, amounting to $27.29 million. In the first budget revision, revenues were estimated to be $26.9 million. Expenditures also increased $621,070, from just over $26 million to $26.63 million. During his report, Goebel acknowledged personnel changes among district staff that have occurred since the March board meeting. Among those leaving the district are Kelly Adriason, building secretary at Central M-179 to close next week for casino construction Starting next Monday morning, 129* Avenue/M-179 will be closed on the east side of Gun Lake Casino for one week due to work for the Gun Lake Casino expansion project. The casino can still be reached from the west side, and access to U.S. 131 will remain open, the Michigan Department of Transportation said. A detour will reroute drivers south on 12* Street, east on 124* Avenue and north on 10* Street. Elementary; Tina Bovee, first grade teacher at Northeastern; Jennifer DeZwaan, food service snack bar supervisor at the high school; Kimberly Sweeris, high school math teacher; Tiffany Speer, health care paraprofessional at Star Elementary; Kelly Tobias, administrative assistant in the administration office; and Nikki Todd, food service employee at Southeastern. Among those hired are: Lawrence Blessing, substitute paraprofessional; Megan Deal, JV girls’ soccer coach; Skyler Grego, community center cardio and weight room attendant; and Jason Slaughter, middle school track coach. In other business, the board: - Held the second hearing for and approved NEOLA policies. - Approved fee schedule for the Hastings Performing Arts Center. The schedule includes and outlines several different rental options and offers reduced prices for nonprofit organizations. The PAC will remain free to use for districct events and groups. - Accepted a $2,807 donation from the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation. The donation included $175 for a subscription to Scholastic News magazines for first grade at Northeastern Elementary for the 2021-22 school year; $275 for the purchase of novel sets for Honors English language arts at the middle school; $191 for the purchase of a Mightier Program at Northeastern; $241 for the purchase of a sewing machine for the Innovation and Design classroom at the middle school; and $1,950 for the purchase of STEM materials at Southeastern. - Adopted a Schools of Choice resolution. NEWS BRIEFS, continued from page 1 Michigan Audubon’s education program. A suggested donation of $10 is optional when registering and will be used for Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary improvement projects, includ­ ing habitat restoration work, interpretive sig­ nage, and general improvements to enhance visitor experience and bird habitat. Tour sizes will be limited to 15 or fewer people. Participants are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing while on the tour. Questions regarding Cerulean Warbler tours may be directed to Lindsay Cain via email, lcain@michiganaudubon.org, or by calling 517-580-7364. ment part of it. I had a lot of fun doing that. You know, I enjoy interacting with people. I liked the position because I was out and about talking with people and people would share what they’re thinking about doing, and that would put a dot in my mind. And then later on I would be talking with somebody else and that would create a dot and I would go, ‘Hey, wait a minute. I can draw a line between these two dots.’ And that’s how I built some rela­ tionships between people,” Czarnecki said. “And yeah, that was a lot of fun. I really, really enjoyed that.” While he enjoyed the role, it turned out only to be a pit-stop in Czarnecki’s time with the city, during which he held five different positions. Less than a year later, Jan. 8, 2018, Czarnecki became the city’s clerk and treasur­ er. As a former math teacher, he had the know­ how, and it was an opportunity for him to again test his abilities and learn something new. Being tucked away in an office laboring over numbers wasn’t his favorite position, so it was a temporary one. “I didn’t know anything about being the treasurer, but I’m a big fan of learning and stretching yourself. So I moved over there, and that wasn’t the most favorite job that I’ve had. I enjoyed my time there. I enjoyed the staff — it’s a great staff in that department, but it didn’t fit me. I’m more of a people per­ son.” Shortly after he began the clerk/treasurer position, former Hastings city manager Jeff Mansfield announced his retirement. The city council ultimately voted to have him take the position as the new city manager. Czarnecki began to transition out of the clerk/treasurer position and helped hire Jane Saurman, Hastings’ current clerk/treasurer. Czarnecki trained Saurman in the role around the same time as Mansfield was training Czarnecki to be the next city manager. He began the deputy city manager position in January 2019, but quickly took up a new role as the interim director of public services in March 2019. Czarnecki enjoyed the role — particularly working with the city’s various departments — but in July 2019, he again changed jobs becoming the Hastings city manager. The uniqueness of the position — and the fact that he oversaw so many facets of the city’s operations — made the city manager position one of Czarnecki’s favorites. “Not a lot of people have been city manag­ ers. There’s not a lot of people — it’s a pretty specific job. It’s just all the things you get to be involved in, because really the city manag­ er is the chief executive officer, but you over­ see so many functions of the city. And ... there are things that it’s just very, very inter­ esting to be on side of the veil,” Czarnecki said. The city manager position was particularly fitting, Czarnecki said, because it connected to the same desire to help others that had prompted Czarnecki to start his career in edu­ cation. “I always told the students — and my goal here [at the city] has always been to remove obstacles that people have in front of them so that they have the best opportunity to be suc­ cessful. And I think both education and here you do a lot of those things of ‘how do we remove some of these obstacles that are not necessarily the individual’s creation,”’ he said. “The city manager [position], as I men­ tioned, fits right into my goal of trying to remove obstacles. I’m helping my staff. I’m trying to remove obstacles so that they can be as efficient and successful as they can be, which then in turn benefits the community. And that, to me, is the biggest thing... [because] any success here at the city really needs to be given to the staff and to the lead­ ership because they’re the ones that shoul­ dered in and carried it across the finish line. I just provided the opportunities and tried to remove the obstacles.” During his time with the city, he faced chal­ lenges in many shapes and sizes, not least of all steering the city through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The biggest chal­ lenge, however, was simply not having enough time in each of his roles to feel he had truly mastered the job. The uncertainty of moving from one posi­ tion to another brought stress and is a source of melancholy for Czarnecki, who said he finally feels like he’s hit his stride in the city manager position, even as he prepares to leave. “The thing that challenged me the most was I was never really in a position long enough to master it. It was always relearning. Just about the time you think you’re starting to get in a little bit of a groove, I would switch to anoth­ er one. The year-and-a-half that I’ve been city manager is the longest I’ve been in any one position,” he said. “So that probably was the biggest challenge. I kept telling my wife when I moved from one position to the next that it is going to slow down because eventually I’ll find my groove. And then I would come home and say, ‘Guess what? I’m going to be ...’ “I would joke with people and said maybe I’ll write an autobiography and I’ll title it ‘I Never Thought I’d ...’I never thought I’d be a clerk/tre*asurer. I never thought I’d be a city manager.” Holding so many positions within the city came with certain benefits, too. It gave Czarnecki the opportunity to test his abilities — the reason he left education in the first place. ‘ » “I’ve learned a lot of things about myself]" he said. “I’ve learned that I am adaptable, that I can learn new skills. The old saying you can’t teach an old dog new tricks — I defied that, and I guess I’ve proven to myself, being in these positions, that I wasn’t just one-di­ mensional. I could do more than just ope thing. I have sort of some abilities to live in different world and be successful.” As he looks forward to a new chapter in his life, Czarnecki is optimistic — both for the city and himself. His son, Aaron, recently graduated from Western Michigan University and his daughter, Alicia Czarnecki-Pellegrino, is married and living in Indiana. It’s an oppor­ tunity for Czarnecki and his wife Bridgett — who will have been married 30 years in June — to explore a new chapter in their lives. Spending time with his wife, his high school sweetheart, is one of Czarnecki’s favorite activities,^and he’s looking forward to doing more of it. ' “We’re in an interesting situation right now, where our youngest just graduated from col­ lege on Saturday. He has a job down in Virginia. And our oldest is married and lives in Indiana. And so my wife and I are looking for a new adventure, I guess,” he said. “What we’re finding out right now — because both of the kids are out of the house — my wife and I would like to some travelling. A lot of the travelling is going to see them. Again, I love spending time with my wife. I’m fortu­ nate that we’ve been married for almost 30 years and I wouldn’t trade one moment of it.” There are many things Czarnecki said he will miss about the City of Hastings — for example, knowing the inside scoop on city projects —but chief among them are the com­ munity and city employees. Czarnecki credits each success during his time as city manager — such as road resurfac­ ing projects, the installation of new play­ ground equipment and upgrades at the waste­ water treatment plant — to city staff. “One of the biggest things for me, across the board, is the employees and the staff here at the City of Hastings are in my mind second to none. I mean, I really enjoyed working with the different departments when I was depart­ ment head, but also from where I sit now. The staff is — they’re amazing. The city should be proud of what they have working for them,” Czarnecki said. His proudest accomplishment, he said, is the positive relationship between the city, its staff and its community, which makes Czarnecki optimistic for whoever comes along as his replacement. “There’s a very positive attitude around the city right now, from community members as well as employees and that kind of stuff. You know, I like to think that I have played little bit of a hand in that,” Czarnecki said. “I love working here ... this is the coolest job I’ve ever had. And I just — it’s just time for me to move on to something else, to give somebody else an opportunity to continue moving things forward.” Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 4 — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you inion see? k special day to celebrate moms Finally, fishing! The weather’s right. It’s time for fisher­ folk to hit the water. Here, Gun Lake offers an attractive spot for doing just that. Do you remember? School retirees Banner May 30,1974 Members of the Hastings Education Association honored eight staff members who are retiring at the close of the 1973­ 74 school year. They were the special guests Friday, May 24, at a banquet at the Hastings Country Club. Retiring are (from Have you left) Clay Bassett, a member of the custodial staff; Leona VanDelic, kindergarten teacher at Pleasantview; Leona Braidwood, third grade teacher at Pleasantview; Kay Hiison, department head and math instructor at the junior high; Gertrude Long, second grade at Southeastern; Dorothy Frost, secretary at Southeastern; Hazel Johnson, secretary in the general administration office; and Helen Gray, sixth grade teacher at Southeastern. met? Middleville resident Robert Williams, 83, spent his career working for the Young Men’s Christian Association and, similarly, has dedicated much of his personal time to involvements in service organizations. As a young man, he decided he wanted a career working with young people and was heavily influenced by the late Bob King, longtime director of the Barry County 'YMCA, who advised Williams on how to achieve his career goals. “I decided that [because of] the influence of my teachers and coaches in school, my Scoutmaster, that I would have a career /working with youth. And I didn’t know any­ one who made a full-time profession of it, but there was this one guy.... his name was Bob King,” Williams said. “So, I went over to see him and he said, ‘Well, there’s a col­ lege that trains people to [work with youth]. It’s called George Williams College. “I just took that to be the gospel.” So, Williams got a job at Bradford White to pay for classes at Grand Rapids Community College — where he met his wife of 35 years, Barbara Williams, who sat behind him in a government class — before transferring to George Williams College in Chicago in 1960. After graduating, Williams went on to get a master’s degree in psychology and guid­ ance counseling from Springfield College in Massachusetts. He married Barbara in 1963 — they would eventually have four children together — and graduated shortly after in June of 1964. By then, he’d already started his career in nonprofits, working at the Springfield YMCA part-time. Williams’ first full-time job after college was working as a program director for the YMCA of Palo Alto, Calif., where he orga­ nized high school clubs and worked at the summer camps for four years. He went on to found a YMCA in Schaumberg, Ill. — which originally was called the Twinbrook YMCA and is now the Campanelli YMCA — and was there for 10 years before becoming president of the YMCA of Kanawha Valley in Charleston, W.V. “It was really a wonderful experience for me and I learned so much. I made a lot of mistakes — goofy things — but when you fail, it’s something you learn a lot from,” Williams said of founding the Twinbrook YMCA. Then, in 1990, Williams, began working for the YMCA national office’s fundraising department. He worked on fundraising cam­ paigns for YMCAs in Pennsylvania and Maine, before the office was closed. Williams decided to stay in fundraising independently, which allowed him to work kids. “And I think the work that volunteers do is very important. They save lives, they change lives. And that’s important.” For his involvement in YMCAs across the country and his service as a Rotarian, Bob Williams is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: “The Best Years of Our Lives.” First job: When I was a kid my parents had a power lawn mower, which was new at that time. We got one with a gas engine on it and I would cut grass for people. Around Middleville, I had regular customers. I drive through town now and I look at homes and I say, ‘I used to cut their grass!’ It doesn’t matter whether she’s a mom, grandma, favorite aunt, teacher or a family friend, the women in our lives shape and define the kind of adults we grow up to be. I know from experience because my mom was one of those special moms who was always there to support me, no matter what, and was a great example of the kind of person I should always aspire to be. “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother,” Abraham Lincoln said. Children, who are loved, nurtured, encouraged and spend their formative years in a safe and loving environment grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted adults. According to psychologists, our ability to connect with the world around us begins with our connec­ tion to Mom. This Sunday, May 9, families around the world will celebrate moms of all ages by expressing their love, appreciation and respect for the important role mothers play in our lives. And even though Mother’s Day is cele­ brated on the second Sunday of May each year, we should consider every day special for the mothers in our lives who love us unconditionally - as someone once said, “Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother.” Mothers have been described as the glue that holds the family together; she sets the standards, and she gives us the strength, courage and the confidence that define us. “When you look in your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth,” newspaper columnist and author Mitch Albom said. Mother’s Day is a time for families to get together, for children who have moved away to return home to celebrate that person who brought them into the world. Even though consumerism has become an important part of the way that we express our gratitude, simple words like “I love you” and “Thanks for all you do” on her special day mean so much to moms. Erma Bombeck, an American humorist who achieved popularity for her newspaper columns in the mid-1960s to late 1990s, wrote about moms and motherhood. Many of her columns were clipped from newspa­ pers, saved and taped on refrigerators. One of those columns expressed the role moth­ er’s play in our lives. I share it here: When God Created Mothers When the Good Lord was creating moth­ ers, He was into His sixth day of “overtime” when the angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot offiddling around on this one.” And God said, “Have you read the specs on this order? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 move­ able parts ...all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disap­ pears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disap­ pointed love affair. And six pairs of hands.” The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands - no way." “It’s not the hands that are causing me problems," God remarked, “it’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have." “That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel. God nodded. “One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, “What are you kids doing in there?" when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and, of course, the ones here in the front, that can look at a child when they goof up and say. “I understand and I love you,” without so much as uttering a word.” “God, ” said the angel touching his sleeve gently, “Get some rest tomorrow ...” “Ican’t,” said God, “I’m so close to cre­ ating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick, can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger, and can get a 9-year-old to stand under a shower. ” The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly, “It’s too soft,” she sighed. “But tough," said God excitedly. “You can imag­ ine what this mother can do or endure.” “Can it think? ” asked the angel. “Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise, ” said the Creator. Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model.” “It’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “it’s a tear. ” “What’s it for?” “It’s joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride.” “You are a genius,” said the angel. Somberly, God said, “I didn’t put it there.” Bombeck’s observations about life as a homemaker and stay-at-home mom resonat­ ed with millions of readers and writing about mothers was one of her favorite sub­ jects. Mothers are so dear to us - they are first people we know when we’re bom and they love and care for us as we grow up. So, it’s important that, once a year, we take time for moms, tell them how important they’ve been in our lives and say, “Thanks, Mom, for all you do.” “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power,” poet Maya Angelou wrote. Mothers are like hurricanes as they whirl about, managing everyday issues and still having time to attend to our needs. “My mother is feisty, but she’s also the most loving person I’ve met in my life. When she gets angry, she is unstoppable with the hurl of word,” Angelou said, “yet she has the softest heart of anyone I know. “I thank her for being her.” So, set aside some special time with mothers this weekend - they deserve all the love and appreciation we can give. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a: Writer. Bob Williams Favorite book: I usually end up reading this book once a year, it flies and it’s short. It’s actually a play by Thornton Wilder, “Our Town.” It’s terrific. What I’d tell a high school graduate: from anywhere while he travelled to carry out YMCA fundraising campaigns in Nebraska, Kansas, Ohio and Michigan. He and his wife took the opportunity to move back to Michigan in 1991 and lived in a condo in Byron Center together until Barbara died in 1997. Williams continued working in fundrais­ ing until he retired in 2013 and dedicated himself to Middleville Rotary Club, which he joined in 2005. He’d been involved in Rotary while living in Illinois and West Virginia. Through Middleville Rotary, Williams become involved with the nonprofit House to Homes and took eight service trips to Antigua, Guatemala, building homes for res­ idents of the area. As of July 2020, Williams was elected president of Middleville Rotary Club and continues to serve in the role. In his time as president, Williams has helped raise funds for local scholarships, Rotary International’s End Polio Now program, the local food pan­ try and more. Williams said he has prioritized service throughout his life because of the example set for him by his parents, Margie and Charlie Williams, and other influential fig­ ures. “I just know it’s important. I don’t really know why. My parents were volunteers. I learned from the best. My Scoutmaster was a volunteer. My Sunday school teachers were volunteers, and they influenced me,” Williams said. “Why does a person become a pastor or a priest? They do it for the big money? No, they don’t. Even to be a teacher, they don’t make big money. They do it because they want to make an impact on Not to give up. And, if you have some objec­ tive you’re after, it’s hard to know when you’re close to it. It’s like playing football without the lines on the field. You don’t know where the touchdown line is. And you can be so close and you just don’t know it. I am most content when: I have a place that I go in my mind. I imagine being at a campsite on a lake, hearing a loon or seeing a loon, a warm breeze blowing across my face, maybe having a fire, just watching the fire. Greatest thing about Barry County: I think it’s a great place to raise a family. It hasn’t changed that much from when I was a kid. If I did something wrong — maybe pull a girl’s pigtails — some lady would come out of her house and say, ‘Bobby Williams, leave that girl alone.’ We value our kids very high­ ly. That’s still true. People volunteer to help out. It’s a very nice thing. I’m most proud of: Well, two things. I think I had quite a successful career. I heard about a lot of people who want to do some­ thing and then they couldn’t; I always believed I could, and I did it. And I have two sons and two daughters and I’m so proud of them. They’ve turned out so well. I’m just so proud of each one of them and the lives they’re leading. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. www.boligan.com �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — Page 5 GUEST COMMENTARY As unemployment benefits flow, businesses shoulder consequences Peter Meijer On March 11, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan, purportedly a COVID relief package. In reality, this nearly $2 trillion package, which I opposed, was a massive, multiyear omnibus appropriations bill that covered everything from bailing out multi-employer pension plans to school funding well into 2025. The American Rescue Plan had some posi­ tive elements: $160 billion for COVID vac­ cines, testing, and protective equipment, and $ 1,400 direct cash payments to help Americans weather the economic uncertainty. But the funding allocated to these areas paled in comparison to hundreds of billions of dollars either sent to cities and states, almost all of whom were running budget surpluses, or in the extended federal unemployment ben­ efits bonus program that has been rife with fraud. Ultimately, the price tag on this law falls on the backs of hardworking taxpayers while blocking the road to economic recov­ ery. Days after signing the bill, President Biden himself said, “The American Rescue Plan [...] will generate economic growth for the entire nation.” This claim is patently untrue. Those of us who live and work in West Michigan have either experienced firsthand or heard about the same challenge over and over: There is a crippling labor shortage because the extended federal unemployment bonus incentivizes employees to stay home by making unem­ ployment benefits, at times, more lucrative than getting back to work. Thankfully, the end of the pandemic is in sight. It has been a long, challenging, and tragic 14 months for so many around the world and here at home. Nearly a third of Michiganders are fully vaccinated, and almost half of adult Michiganders have had at least one dose. While the end of the pandemic draws closer every day, businesses’ inability to find work­ ers is a serious roadblock to our economic recovery. That’s precisely why I drafted a conserva­ tive counterproposal to the American Rescue Plan. My proposal, Direct Dollars Over Government Excess ($DOGE), would have made supplemental unemployment benefits smaller and phased them out faster in exchange for larger, up-front direct cash pay­ ments to those who need help the most. Democrats rejected my proposal to boost direct cash payments from $1,400 to $2,400, even though the end cost was $1 trillion less in debt. I’m mindful of the challenging situations families have experienced during the pan­ demic, such as the single parents who lost access to schools and daycare for their chil­ dren and were forced to stay home from work with no options for childcare or schooling. My conversations within our West Michigan community suggest that direct, targeted pay­ ments to these individuals would better serve our workforce and labor market than current extended federal unemployment benefits do. I fear for September, when the American Rescue Plan’s extended benefits are set to expire, and we have more individuals out of work and on the government payroll than ever before. With businesses closing their doors every day due to workforce shortages, what will happen in the fall when countless people need jobs that no longer exist? We must encourage Americans to return to work and ensure we do not continue to hinder our eco­ nomic recovery. I will continue to advocate for common sense policies that support American workers and foster economic growth. U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, represents Barry County in Michigan’s Third Congressional District. Movie underscores importance of local news To the editor: Recently I enjoyed a wonderful movie, “News of the World,” based on a novel by Paulette Jiles and starring Tom Hanks. It is post-Civil War and Capt. Jefferson Kidd performs live readings from newspapers to paying audiences who hunger for news of the world at that time - whether the happen­ ings in their own state of Texas, the progress of the railroad and the slaughter of the buffa­ lo, or the rebellions beginning amongst coal miners. The story evolves as Capt. Kidd commits himself to a 400-mile treacherous odyssey to deliver an orphaned child, raised by the Kiowa, to her surviving family. Although written as fiction, it is based on the true story of Caesar Adolphus Kydd, who was the orig­ inal reader of the news in small towns in North Texas in the 1870s. In this month of May, I am due to renew my subscription to The Banner. I will indeed renew since this is where I turn to for my news of our world here in Barry County. In this time of myriad digital options, print­ ed newspapers and local journalism are still so important. They build social cohesion, reflect local culture, and provide a snapshot of our history each week here in Barry County. We are fortunate to have this resource. Carla Wilson-Neil, Hastings Thanks to those who oppose high-priced drain project To the editor: I’m writing to publicly “thank” the three commissioners for voting against the $600,000 price tag for who knows what. It’s been like snow falling since they opened the drain in Mud Lake. Now, all of a sudden, all the lakes are being involved. I wrote The Banner a long time ago about this. My grandfather went to Hastings years ago when they tried this. He got an injunction to stop it because he said what would happen if they did. Well, it happened. I’m paying for their mis­ takes - as well as a lot of others. It says in my paper I’ll have to pay for 20 years. Well, I won’t because I’m 84, but my family will - and my land doesn’t even touch the water. Since when don’t the commissioners have to take more than one bid? I’ve never heard of such a thing in all my years! I guess whoever they are paying to do the job could charge whatever amount they wanted. When election time comes around, you need to remember all those who are costing you more tax dollars and don’t care. You need to call those who voted for this and let them know your opinions. Zelma Armintrout, Delton The Hastings BjlIlllCT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com ’Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler Sean Bradley Taylor Owens Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public inter­ est, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Hastings Aren Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings: One Stop Shop (Marathon) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Middleville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Tom's Market Gun Lake: Sams Gourmet Foods • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Hasting's Johnny's Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The General Store Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Marathon Mega Bev Hastings Pharmacy Marathon Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Walgreens Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Woodland: Woodland Express Freeport: L & J’s Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown's Cedar Creek Grocery Nashville: Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl's Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny's Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Banfield: Banfield General Store Orangeville: Orangeville Fast Stop Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Lake Odessa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny’s Carl’s Shelbyville: Town & Country �Page 6 — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Patricia Burtch Louise Marie Gross Donna J. Monica Donna Jean Monica left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 30, 2021. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and will be remembered for her legacy of faithfulness. •Bom on January 28, 1927 to Loretta ’(Bourdo) and William Diehl in Toledo, OH, she later moved to Orangeville, MI where she was raised in a loving home by her n’taternal grandparents, William and Lena Bburdo. She graduated from Martin High School in 1945. ’-She is survived by her husband of 75 years. Charles Monica, whom she married on February 16, 1946. They had a loving and supportive marriage their children and grandchildren will treasure as an example to them all. They celebrated their own love and their love for their family each Valentine’s Day by sending generous gifts to their grandchildren. She is also survived by her half-sister, Evelyn Myers, and her six children, Mona (Ed) Ellard, Gail (Mike) Gibson, Gregg (Karen) Monica, Brad Monica, Marsha (Larry) Veenstra, and Daneen (Victor) Caro, along with 18 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Hosting Monica Family vacations for up to five generations every other summer for over 40 years, she was truly a matriarch that treasured time with her family. She was always interested in their lives, calling them to check in the status of a new home, a new baby, or an upcoming wedding. With her six children, she was involved in the daily activities of raising them, like working at the school as an assistant librarian. She was a guiding light to the many children who came to her home as she always maintained an open-door for them. She was also active in leading her daughters and other children in Campfire Girls and 4-H. As a member of Faith United Methodist Church of Delton for over 50 years, Donna’s heart to serve the Lord was evident through her volunteerism in the choir, women’s society, providing leadership on a new church facility, establishing many activities for children, and hosting missionaries in their home. She and Charles took the word of the Lord to Costa Rica. Africa, Norway, India and Finland through short term mission trips. She served with Habitat for Humanity of Barry County for many years as a volunteer. She loved to golf and play cards as past times, which she shared with Charles, the love of her life. Always a lover of the outdoors, she became an avid gardener and could often be found enjoying the care and design of her garden. Donna’s commitment to service, family and faith will leave a legacy for generations to come. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. A celebration of Donna’s life will take place 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Faith United Methodist Church in Delton. Private interment will take place in Prairieville Cemetery. In celebration of Donna’s life, memorial contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity of Barry County (1215 N Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058) and Delton Faith United Methodist Church: Faith Promise for Missions (503 S. Grove Street P.O. Box 467, Delton, MI 49046). Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Donna’s family. "R Louise Marie Gross, of Lansing, has passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at the tender age of 80. She will be embraced in the arms of God, family members, and friends that await her. Louise was born on August 21, 1940 in Hastings, to the loving parents of Floyd Benjamin and Mildred Margaret (Hawkins) Todd, and brother Nelson Todd in Hastings. While growing up in Hastings she attended a one room schoolhouse until her high school years, at which point through church she met her future husband of 11 years, William Gross. After divorcing her husband. She spent a few years traveling, and finally settled in Lansing, in 1970 with her five children; Debra, Diane, David, Daniel, and Tina, where she would spend the remainder of her life. Louise was a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley and loved collecting his memorabilia, she also enjoyed collecting dolls, horseback riding, canoeing, and camping. Preceding her in death are her parents, Floyd and Mildred Todd; stepmother, Lois (Lee) Todd, aunt Ester (Hawkins) Gross; older brother, Nelson; niece, Karleen Todd; son-in-law, Dwight Gardner, and lifelong friend, Kris (Adams) King. She is survived by five children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, 22 great­ grandchildren one on the way, seven great­ great-grandchildren one on the way and friend Ilene Schmitts. Visitation was held Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at Girrbach Funeral Home 328 S. Broadway Street Hastings, MI 49058. followed by a graveside service at Fuller Family Cemetery, 4400 N Charlton Park Rd., Carlton. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave online condolences visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. “Until we meet again, may God bless you as he has me.” - Elvis Presley - Ronald Everett Cross Ronald Everett Cross, age 73, of Hastings, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 24,2021. He was born April 22, 1948, in Lansing, to the late Jaqueline Cook. He is survived by his two daughters, Starlette Terzes and Melanie Cross and granddaughter, Sophia Terzes. Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the pulmonary fibrosis foundation. Ron was cremated and there will no service per his wishes. ’ Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services £ ■< • large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachftmeralhome.net OwnerAlan a ger Family Owned and Operated oS^b Serving Hastings, Barty County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Russell David Easy, Sr. A man with hands to say hello and hands to seal the deal. Russell David Easey Sr., age 82, of Delton, passed away on May 2,2021. Bom March 25, 1939 in Barry County, to Richard and Dorothy Easey. Russ was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Allen, Donna Belle, Martha and Helen Easey. Russ will be dearly missed by his wife of 63 years, Marion L. (Pillars) Easey - married August 10, 1957; their four children, Debi, Russ Jr., Patty and Becky; nine grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and his lifelong friend, horseman and auctioneer, Lee Sheridan. Throughout his life, Russ held many positions. He was a livestock dealer, auctioneer, as well as time with Lacey Gravel Company, plus countless odd jobs in-between. If there was a horse auction at Shipshewana, St. Johns, Sand Lake, Wayland and Lake Odessa Livestock sales, you were sure to see Russ there with a quarter in his hand to flip with you for a dollars. He filled his days contesting horses, pulling ponies, pulling horses, horse trading and creating lifelong friendships through his infectious laughter and one of a kind story telling (partially due to the, occasionally incoherent, quick speaking of an auctioneer). A conversation with Russ might begin with “Did I tell ya the one-'about...” followed by many, many words that didn’t quite translate, and ending with giant, rolling belly laughs. Russ was a livestock farmer through and through. Whether he was on the farm riding a horse drawn spreader, cutting and hauling wood, hauling a full load of livestock to the auctions, or winning awards with his priceless horses, Midnight and Comanche, where Russ was, a horse was never too far away. They were both his passion and his livelihood. We can describe Russ in many ways, a traditionalist who dealt with cash alone, not putting his trust in banks, weatherman, computers or politicians. A talker, filling all the ears that would listen. A teacher, dealing out lessons about caring, being happy, making good deals and keeping them, and the hard truths of life on a farm. Soft hearted towards the little ones in his life. And compassionate; during the winter storm of 1975, Russ hooked a team of mules up to a bobsled and made his way into town, to make sure his family and neighbors would have the supplies they needed to make it through. Regardless of how you describe him, Russ will always be remembered as one of a kind man. Lastly, “if you figure out a way to make a million dollars, call me collect” was how he would end the conversation. No funeral or visitation will be held at this time. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Russ’s family. Patricia “Pat” Burtch would like you to know that her work here on earth is done. Patricia Ann Burtch, age 75, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Pat was bom May 12, 1945 at Camp Blanding near Starke, Florida to Donald and Mabel (Locke) Tompkins. She grew up in Traverse City, as the eldest of three girls. Pat was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Carolyn Low. Pat loved education and was always seeking more. Pat graduated from Traverse City Senior High School in 1963, graduated from Northwestern Michigan College obtaining a nursing degree in 1965, graduated from Michigan State University obtaining BS in Social Science in 1981, graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master of Public Administration in 1988, graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master of Arts in 1993, and was a few classes short of her PHD at Western Michigan University and Arizona State University. Pat worked as a registered nurse eventually being promoted to manager in charge of Sterile Supply at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She also found fulfillment as an instructor at Lansing Community College in Lansing; health teacher with Hastings High School in Hastings; and clinical health educator at Banner Baywood in Mesa, AZ. Pat was a registered nurse for 55 years and was still licensed in Arizona and Michigan. Pat loved to support and help people interested in health careers. She was an irreplaceable wife, mother, step-mother, nana, aunt and friend. Pat was always overjoyed knitting baby hats and sweaters for all those that adored her. She delighted in knitting blankets filled with bits and pieces Longstreet appointed to state advisory board Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday announced the reappointment of Cathy Longstreet, of Hastings, to the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council. The advisory council was created to review and make recommendations regarding legis­ lation relevant to the state’s public education system, identify and analyze issues impacting the effectiveness of Michigan’s public educa­ tion system, identify best practices in public education and recommend corresponding changes and improvements to Michigan’s public education system, and to provide other information or advice relevant to public edu­ cation. Longstreet is a counselor at Hastings High School, chair of the K-12 counseling depart­ ment, and an instructor with Michigan College Access Network’s school counselor post-secondary planning course. She earned a master in counselor education degree from Western Michigan University, master in the art of teaching from Aquinas College, and bachelor of arts in psychology from Alma College. Longstreet was reappointed to represent counselors for a term commencing May 10 and expiring May 9,2025. Others on the advisory council include Glenn Martin Sr., of Farmington, director of Upward Bound programs at Mott Community College; Benedict L. Pineda, of Lansing, a middle school social studies, life skills, drama, and speech teacher with Haslett Public Schools, and a former adult education teacher with Holt Public Schools; and Angela J. Perez, of Muskegon, an elementary Spanish two-way immersion teacher with Muskegon Public Schools. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice — Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags for chilren are available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid’s Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. John Allan Arnos Jr., Toledo, OH and Taylor Rose Nelson, Toledo, OH James Kyle Lawson, Wayland and Heather Irene Babb, Wayland Kasandra Carol Morgan, Nashville and Ryan Jacob LaLonde, Hastings Alyssa Rose Engel, Indianapolis, IN and Kurt Emory Son, Indianapolis, IN Erik Andrew Piccard, Hastings and Jaime Elisse Pollack, Hastings Charles Matthew Hall, Woodland and Katlin Sue Kellogg, Woodland Shawn Wayne Hawthorne, Hastings and Katerine Marie Russell, Hastings Matthew Allan Peake, Middleville and Susan Marie Mills, Middleville of grace, kindness and love. Pat had a zealousness for singing and playing a variety of musical instruments. She relished literature, art and cooking. Pat found much gratification in helping and teaching everyone that crossed her path. Pat married David Burtch on February 14, 1998. Pat and Dave had a whirlwind courtship that encompassed marrying six weeks after meeting. Pat moved to Mesa, AZ with Dave in 2004. Pat and Dave were married 23 wonderful years until her untimely death. Pat’s kindred soul is survived by her husband David Burtch; her twin sons Tony (Kay) Steele and Chris Smith; her step­ daughters, Haley (Richard) Clark and Tanna Burtch, her step-son, Kyle Burtch; her sister. Judith Tompkins; grandson, David Clark; nephews, Jonathon and David Low; cousins and countless friends and students that have the honor of carrying on her legacy. Please honor Pat by praying for the health and well-being of the three people whom she saved as a Gift of Life donor. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9: 45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Hubs Fiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Produc,s 1699W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 WMBSIffiM HotlheTools&Equipment 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — Page 7 X" X f fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Cook shared history, life lessons from the courthouse lawn halls, offices and basement, and also was commissioned to diligently mow the lawn, keep it clean and in the fall of the year, he was not to permit the leaves to remain were they fell and enrich the soil with their leafy mold. So, all the leaves were raked into piles and burned. Now what could the poor grass on the court yard to under such conditions? Here were the many big maple trees becoming larger every year, taking more moisture from the ground, shutting out more and more of Old Sol’s rays with their widening and thickening leafage. City water was applied by the janitor, but the tree roots took most of it. He did his best, but his work of mowing and raking and sprinkling could not feed the grass, so the soil “soured” on the whole proposition. His sprinkling could not restore the once velvety green, so the grass became pale and anemic. It refused to respond to his efforts to have it grow the fine green carpet that won the admiration of Editor Clark 60 years ago. The grass, in spite of the janitor, became paler and thinner, with increasing bare spots that were anything but pleasing. The supervisors noticed the bare spots on the lawn and the sickly appearance of the grass and decided something must be done about it. They found a chap who said he could make grass grow on that court yard. The board told him to go to it, and he did; and the proof is there that he could and did make grass grow. What did he do? First, from the east half of the court yard, he took out enough trees to give the sun a chance to get to the grass for some part of each day. By the same token, he removed also the rooty robbers that had stolen the moisture that should go to the grass roots. Next, he realized that grass, like a human being, has to be fed. So, he loosened the packed soil, then added food for the promised crop of grass by having several loads of rich, leaf-mold added. When this had been worked in properly, he sowed the grass seed. Did it grow? Did it grow? Do you inquire? If there is a lingering doubt in your mind This fountain was removed and repurposed during World War II, so this photo likely was taken around the time M.L. Cook wrote about the courthouse lawn in May 1941. on that proposition, take a stroll over to the east side of the court yard and convince yourself that it did grow. Then it might be worth your while to take a look at the west half of that same yard, and you will not the striking contrast. Grass is like folks - shut out the sunshine and forget that a life cannot grow unless it is nourished, and you see results that are not pleasant. Grass cannot do anything to control the conditions that limit or prevent its proper development. Grass cannot “be choosy,” but folks can do a lot of that. Growing a life means bringing out possibilities that are within us. Psychologists declare that folks develop but a small percentage of their possibilities, and some act as if they do not care anything about it. But it is worth caring for. The attention we give to that matter largely determines what we become. It is, of course, important that we all recognize that our Creator has furnished us not only the Perfect Example, but has revealed to us His Way of Life, and explained how we can have His help in getting it. We can learn from the courthouse lawn that we cannot rob ourselves of the things that would enlarge and enrich our inner selves and grow a real life. That life is within us. Too many outside attractions and distractions can rob one of the real joy of living. There are wholesome diversions - and we need them. But when they become the aim and chief purpose of our living, then bare spots and in anemic inner self are the results. A wholesome life must be fed. A real life needs constant nourishment. The forces, the habits and qualities that will feed the inner life and make it grow are available. They call for will power, intelligent choosing, often for sacrifice. But they are worth it. The greatest enemy of real life is neglect. If we neglect the things that make for health of body, strength of mind, dependable morals and spiritual growth, are we wise or otherwise? The new courthouse lawn did not “just happen.” It was planned. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber “The rains and the sun brought forth a fine crop of grass each spring,” on the old, mostly unshaded lawn, former Banner editor M.L. Cook wrote of the yard near the second courthouse. The wooden structure served the county from about 1849 to 1892­ 93. Former Banner co-owner and editor Marshall L. Cook frequently' recalled the early days of Hastings in his columns. The following, from the May 29, 1941, Banner, is more unusual in that it focuses on not a person or a building, but on the courthouse lawn. And, he compares the needs of grass to those of humans, both physically and spiritually. Many Banner readers have noticed the beautiful new lawn on the east side of our courthouse square. Until this year, it was anything but attractive in appearance - [it] was “spotty,” and what grass there was seemed to have suffered anemia. The development of that half of our downtown public square suggests some history and invites some thinking that may prove interesting. Nearly 60 years ago, M.H. Clark was the editor of the Barry County Democrat, then published in the old National Bank building [on the northwest corner of State and Jefferson streets]. At that time, there was a row of maples around the courthouse square, also on each side the wide walk leading from the north entrance of the old frame structure to the State Street sidewalk. While the trees were of considerable size, they were much smaller than now, and a considerable part of the yard had no trees. The city operated no waterworks plant in those days to furnish moisture in a dry season, but the rains and the sun brought forth a fine crop of grass each spring. Regularly, at that season, Editor Clark would make this announcement in the local columns of the weekly Democrat: “The courtyard is carpeted in beautiful green.” The following issue of the Banner would usually say in effect: “No one can question the beauty or the greenness of the court yard carpet, but that is so evident and so generally known that it can hardly be classed as news.” The explanation of this annual spring announcement in the Democrat was no doubt the fact that Editor Clark had spent most of his life in a city of considerable size, where an entire downtown block of green lawn could not be found - hence the editorial raptures over our court yard’s green carpet. It was comparatively easy to grow such a lawn then because the sun could reach all parts of the yard at some time during the day, and the grass had practically all the benefit of the usual rains. There came at that time occupants of the sheriff’s office who reasoned with themselves: “We concede that a court yard carpet of velvety green grass is beautiful and attractive, but no more so than maple shade trees, with their leafy limbs towering skyward. Their abundance of cooling shade is especially inviting to the public in the ‘good old summer time.’” So, Uncle Ike Vrooman and some of his immediate successors planted maple trees plentifully in the grassy area of the court yard. Maple trees refuse to be limited in their growth as is the grass. So long as they remain small, they do not interfere with a green carpet on the court yard. But when they became of much greater size, their roots steal the moisture that should feed the grass; also, their large and yearly-increasing leafage shuts off more and more sunlight from the green carpet, robs it of its strength, deep color and vitality, which isn’t so good - for the grass. In the old frame courthouse, the janitor’s job was not so difficult. He had to keep the hall and the offices clean and see that there was a supply of stove wood for the big heaters of that era. But when the new brick structure was place on our public square [1892-93], the janitor had plenty to do. He was expected to attend to the usual cleaning of the courtroom, New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 QUESTIONS: ASK US... Si4ten4 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Hu/st Cleaners Pick-Up Station Flayyy ‘Mother's Day Evelyn Johnson Hllerding Learn More At Our New Website! Hurry! Take Advantage Of This Month’s Amazing Discount Offer - For Details Visit: AmericanMetalRoofs.com/go Hastings Area School System is accepting applications for: the position of Administrative Assistant/ Accounts Payable Successful candidate should have an Associates Degree in Business or related field, prior office environment experience,be proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, and have excellent organizational skills. Individual should also have strong analytical and mathematical aptitude, be dependable and able to handle confidential information with discretion. The ability to deal with parents, employees, and community members is a must. Please see our website for the full job description. www.hasskl2.org Mr. Tim Berlin Assistant Superintendent of Operations 232 West Grand St Hastings, Mi 49058 tim.berlin@hasskl2.org Deadline for application: May 28,2021 ? Quality Aluminum Products Quality Aluminum Products have the following positions open: Production Helper, Warehouse Helper, Shipping Helper and Maintenance Helper We have increased our starting wage to $14.50 per hr. with the ability to earn up to $15.75 within the first year! We give a 50C premium for 2nd and 3rd shift. Also TONS of growth opportunity. Submit a cover letter, resume and references to: Shade trees now provide relief from the late-August sun during Hastings Summerfest. The grass, though trodden for three days during the festival, quickly recovers. J Gift Certificates 108” Cotton - Many Colors Our address is j 429 S. Michigan Ave, Hastings, MI 49508 T Apply at https://www.qualityaluminum.com or in person. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �.Page 8 — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — The Hastings Banner JLgJza OdeMa Vaccine nears approval for . adolescents Taylor Owens Elaine Garlock Central United Methodist Church Sunday ■held its first outdoor service of the season, which included congregational singing, for I the first time in many months. Marilyn Noffke was at the keyboard. Members were dressed for the weather which was cool enough one wanted to be dressed warmly. In keeping With the sermon theme, one rail of the front entry was entwined with a long grape vine. Fourth Avenue has many benches to benefit pedestrians and two of these were pressed into use by congregants. Most people brought lawn chairs. Folding chairs from the fellowship hall were provided for others. The May 9 service will include infant baptism. Phil Carpenter, who has owned a home on Johnson Street for about five years, has listed it for sale. The day after it was listed prospective buyers were touring the house, accompanied by a Realtor. New days, new ways! A report comes from Grand Rapids that Forest Hills High School last week had a drama performed in a new way. Actors went through their dialogue in advance and were filmed. Likewise musicians performed and were recorded. When the night of the performance came with a reducedsize audience, in conformity with health department rules, the actors wore transparent masks but said their lines silently as the sound recorded earlier resonated to the audience. They saw the actors’ lips moving but the sound came from elsewhere. Likewise they heard the singing recorded earlier. This should have relieve the teenage students from having stage freight or performance jitters. Arbor Day was observed by having a new tree planted near the beach by village officials and DPW members. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads NOTICE: SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Board: Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 3 citizen at large positions Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www. barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for: A position on an Advisory Board or Commission and click on apply; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 24,2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 159418 Ordinance No. 21-01 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP CEMETERY ORDINANCE An ordinance (21-01) to amend Hastings Charter Township Cemetery Ordinance No. 93-1 Section 7 (B) “Interment Regulations” and repeal any parts of ordinance in conflict herewith. THE TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS CHARTER, COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION I Staff Writer The Pfizer vaccine is expected to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for youngsters between the ages of 12 and 15 within the next week, and local pharmacies are looking for ways to provide it to area fam­ ilies. Lake Odessa Pharmacy Owner Andrea Cusack said she plans to partner with local health departments to administer Pfizer vac­ cines after it is approved for that age group. Maple Valley Pharmacy Manager Jody Moore said they are gauging the local demand to see if there is enough to justify purchasing an ultra-cold storage freezer and 1,000 doses of the vaccine. Moore encouraged people to message the pharmacy’s Facebook page if they are inter­ ested in getting the Pfizer vaccine for their teens. Pfizer is currently the only vaccine approved for teens aged 16 and 17. Canada became the first country in the world to approve the vaccine for youngsters age 12 and up on Wednesday. The Barry-Eaton Health Department holds semi-regular Pfizer clinics, and Spectrum Health Pennock will hold a clinic with the vaccine available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. M§y 15 at Thomapple Kellogg Middle School. Vaccine appointments are available at barryeatonhealth.org, spectromhealth.org or at a local pharmacy. As of Tuesday, 44.8 percent of Barry County residents had received their first dose of a vaccine, and 35.4 percent had completed their vaccinations. While the vaccination rate is high among the older, more vulnerable population, it remains low among younger people. More than 70 percent of people 65 and older have received at least their first shot of the vaccine, while around 22 percent of people in their 20s, 29 percent of people in their 30s and 36 percent of people in their 40s have received a shot. The amount of new cases of COVID-19 in Barry County has dropped slightly over the last two weeks, although the current rate of infection cases remains high. As of Wednesday, there were 273 con­ firmed cases of the virus, although health officials warned there are likely more cases due to the high percentage of tests that have come back positive. Health department epidemiologist Taylor Olsabeck said they are encountering an increasing number of people who refuse to talk to the department, or who refuse to isolate when they are possibly infected with COVID. In the last week, the county has recorded an additional four deaths due to COVID-19, for a total of 63 deaths from COVID-19 in the past year in Barry County. April was the third worst month for COVID-19 since the presence of the virus was confirmed in Barry County, with 23 peo­ ple hospitalized and nine deaths due to COVID-19. Peak months in the past year remain November, with 46 hospitalizations and 11 deaths, and December, with 34 hospi­ talizations and 18 deaths. ADMENDMENT TO SECTION 7( B) B.) Up to six cremains may be buried in the same burial space not containing a full burial; or one full burial and not more than five cremains shall be allowed in a burial space with prior approval ■ by the Township Clerk. SECTION II EFFFECTIVE DATE This ordinance shall take effect upon its publication following its adoption. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP Anita S. Mennell, Clerk 885 River Rd Hastings, MI 49058 269-948-9690 Airport commission approves March financial report Sophie Bates PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on June 2, 2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115S. Norris Rd., Delton Ml, 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from Eaglecrest Homes on behalf of property owner, Chris and Shelley Kocur, 11710 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Ml 49080, for a variance to allow for the construction of a new single-family dwelling. The subject parcel fails to meet the required lake frontage for a buildable lot pursuant to section 4.24 A of the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance. The subject site is located 11710 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Ml 49080., Parcel # 08-12-008-017-21 and is currently zoned R-2. 2. A request from Eaglecrest Homes on behalf of property owner, Chris and Shelley Kocur, 11710 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Ml 49080, for a variance to allow for the construction of a new single-family dwelling. The construction of the principal building fails to meet the side yard setback requirements pursuant to section 4.41 of the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance. The subject site is located 11710 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Ml 49080., Parcel # 08-12-008-017-21 and is currently zoned R-2. 3. Such other business as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ prior notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS By: Dale Grimes, Chairperson Prairieville Township Hall 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046 (269) 623-2064 159798 Staff Writer » The Hastings City/Barry County Airport Commission approved the March financial report and heard a report from Airport Manager Mark Noteboom at the brief meeting April 28. The financial report showed expenditures of $12,020 and $25,132 in revenues for the month of March. The airport’s year-to-date revenue is currently $86,001 and year-to-date expenditures are $28,205. During his report, Noteboom informed commissioners the airport has three hangars available for rent, with several potential candidates to fill the openings. Noteboom also said the fence being constructed around the airport is expected to be finished around May 7. The fence, designed to keep deer off the runways, was approved by the commission in September 2020 with a $87,919 bid for installation by Proline Fencing of Freemont. “The deer fence is in the works. It’s still slow. All the posts are in, so tomorrow they are supposed to start hanging the chain link fence at the end and then next week they’re supposed to finish,” Noteboom said. “I think they’ll be finished by Friday — next Friday.” Additionally, the commissioners received an update on a building expansion during Noteboom’s report. In January, the commission approved, a building expansion for Jeff Williams, the owner of Powrachute, a light-aircntft manufacturer. Williams, who has rented at the airport for approximately a decade, has completed an 80-by-80-foot expansion at the north end of his current building. Now that the expansion is finished, Noteboom said pavement will be poured before the project wraps up. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Teachers can find resources online Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist The past year has been difficult for everyone, including educators and their students. Our nation’s teachers have adapted, pivoted and provided for their students in ways they had never imagined possible. This year, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week from May 2-8, and honor all educators who prepare our children for the future. We know that well-informed instructors can have a powerful and positive influence on their students. That’s why we created an Educator Toolkit. It’s a shareable online resource for teachers to engage students and educate them on Social Security. The toolkit includes: • • Lesson plans with objectives. Infographics and handouts for each lesson plan. • Links to Social Security web pages. • Talking points. • Quiz questions and answers. You can access the toolkit at ssa.gov/ thirdparty/educators .html. We value and welcome the efforts all teachers make to educate America’s young people. We want to help spark discussion with students about Social Security, share our toolkit with the educators in your communities, today. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security’ Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. ewbom babies Carson James Beals, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 7, 2021 to Casey Ann Vandenberg and Christopher James Beals of Plainwell. Health Pennock on April 12, 2021 to Makayla Lester and Christopher Lamange of Battle Creek. Mycah Ray Ulrich, born at Spectrum Health Barrett Pinks, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 7, 2021 to Corinthia Pinks and Austin Pinks of Hastings. Pennock on April 18, 2021 to Elizabeth Kienutske and Brandon Ulrich of Nashville. Kinsley Phyllis, bom at Spectrum Health Ryleigh Ann Reeves, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 10, 2021 to Chelsea Reeves and Tony Reeves of Dowling. Pennock on April 21, 2021 to Brooke Turner and Eric Turner of Nashville. Colton Scott Furman, born at Spectrum Xavier Daniel Reinke, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 10, 2021 to Taylor LaBean and Nathan Reinke of Hastings. Health Pennock on April 25, 2021 to Tasha Perry and Cody Furman of Bellevue. Jordan Allen Lamange, bom at Spectrum Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Andrew Cove, AAMS® Member SIPC 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 Here’s a long-lasting Mother’s Day gift Mother’s Day has almost arrived. As an adult, you can fully appreciate all your mother has done for you, so, on this occasion, you may be happy to give Mom flowers, candy, jewelry or some­ thing similar. But Mother’s Day is here and then it’s gone. Is there a longer-term gift that can make a real difference in your mother’s life? Actually, there is - the gift of knowledge for her financial fu­ ture. Specifically, there are two key areas in which you may be able to provide valuable help to your mother: long-term care and estate planning. But don’t panic - you don’t have to be an expert in ei­ ther one of these subjects. You can, however, steer Mom - and possibly your other parent, too, if one is in the picture - in the right direction. Let’s take a quick look at both these topics. First, consider long-term care. If your mother is in good health, you may not have thought much about whether she would even­ tually need an extended stay in a nursing home or the services of a home health aide. But the odds aren’t necessarily in her favor: About 70 percent of adults who reach 65 will eventually require some type of long-term service and support, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. And this type of care is expensive: The annual median cost for a private room in a nurs­ ing home is more than $100,000, and it’s nearly $55,000 per year for the full-time services of a home health aide, according to a survey by the insurance company Genworth. Unless your mother has accu­ mulated a great deal of financial resources, she likely won’t be able to pay these costs out of pocket without jeopardizing her finan­ cial independence. Furthermore, Medicare typically pays only a small portion of these expenses. To help your mother deal with this potential financial threat, you might want to suggest she meet with a financial professional, who can explore possible strategies and products designed to address long-term care. And the sooner, the better, because these solutions will become more expensive and challenging the older your mother gets. The second topic you may want to bring up with your mother is her estate plan. Has she drafted a will? Has she safeguarded her wishes by creating the necessary legal documents? These could in­ clude a durable power of attorney for finances, which allows her to name someone to manage her fi­ nancial affairs if she becomes in­ capacitated, and a durable power of attorney for health care, which allows someone to make medical decisions for her if she is able to do so herself. Having her estate plans in or­ der can help protect your moth­ er’s finances and ensure her leg­ acy is honored - which is almost certainly an outcome she would keenly desire. So, if your mother doesn’t already have a compre­ hensive estate plan, encourage her to see a legal professional to start the process. Helping your mother protect herself from the catastrophic costs of long-term care and the chaos of an inadequate estate plan may not sound like a typical Mother’s Day offering, but your actions can help keep Mom in a good place in life -and that’s a pretty valuable gift. This article was written by Ed­ ward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Cali­ fornia, L.L.C.; Edward Jones In­ surance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insur­ ance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. Call anv time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — Page 9 Plans outlined for lifting state restrictions Taylor Owens Staff Writer Half of all Michigan residents over the age of 16 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, which brings the state close to its first goal for lifting state restric­ tions. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out a tiered plan for lifting pandemic restrictions and reopening the state last Thursday. Two weeks after 55 percent of the population has received its first shot, the state’s work-from-home order will be lifted. As of Tuesday, 50.6 percent of Michigan residents had their first dose of a vaccine. Unless the vaccination rate drops significant­ ly, the order could be lifted before the end of the month. Members of the business community said the lifting of the work-from-home order will not likely have a major impact in Barry County. Middleville Downtown Development Authority Director Katherine Schmidt said most of the businesses in the village are ser­ vice or production based, and few were able to have employees work from home. Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance President Jennifer Heinzman said many businesses with remote employees will not switch back to full in-person work immediately. She used the chamber as an example, and said some employees will continue to work from home as long as there are enough in-person staff for the office to be open. “I would encourage people to get vaccinat­ ed,” Heinzman said. “The sooner we get vac­ cinated and get COVID behind us, the sooner we can get back to normal.” Further goals will have a much larger impact on Barry County businesses. The next tiers of reopening are: increasing indoor capacity for sporting events, confer­ ence centers, banquet halls and gyms, as well as lifting curfews after 60 of the population is vaccinated, eliminating capacity restrictions and social gathering limits at 65 percent and lifting all restrictions at 70 percent. The orders will be lifted two weeks after each goal is hit, to allow for peak immunity to be reached. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Call 269-945*9554 for Hastings Banner ads Barry County Parks & Recreation Commission Hiring for Seasonal & Part-time Positions Maintenance & Grounds Workers Office Staff and Custodial Staff All positions must be able to work with public and provide excellent customer service. General duties could include: mowing, trash pickup, general landscaping, restroom cleaning, answering phones, special events set-up, ticket booth, gift shop, and other duties as assigned. Applicant must pass criminal background check, driver’s license check, and pre-employment physical as required. Work schedule; varied (20hrs.- 40hrs. per week) and may be required to work week­ ends, evenings, and holiday’s. Hours could be starting as early as 7:00AM and ending as late as 9:00PM. • Starting May 2021. • $10.00 per hour Must be at least 18 years of age for maintenance and custodial positions. Can be 16-18 years of age to work in the office/ticket booth with proper work permit. Please indicate position interest. Resume can be sent to: Barry County Parks Commission, 2545 S. Charlton Park Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 parks @ barrycou nty.org Application deadline May 14, 2021 “I am ready for full capacity,” State Street Diner manager Allana Maurer said. “We’re just ready to be busy again.” Seasonal Grille owner Justin Straube said businesses should have been able to make their own decisions regarding COVID-19 precautions a year ago, but at least there is now a plan in place for when they will be able to fully reopen. Straube said he does not believe everything will go back to the way it was once the orders are lifted though, and it may be a while before everyone feels comfortable about going back to restaurants. The restaurant was restructured over the course of the pandemic, and Straube said some of those changes will remain. “I don’t see myself stepping away from takeout and deliveries right now,” he said. Straube said he hopes the restrictions will be lifted, and the restaurant can be back to full capacity and catering services by mid-sum­ mer. Tom’s Meat Market owner Nicole Smith expressed frustration with the plan, especially its approach of coupling the lifting of restric­ tions with vaccination goals. “I think it’s unrealistic and manipulative,” Smith said. “I don’t think it’s fair to tie the vaccine in with reopening.” Smith said she was skeptical that the state would be able to hit the 70-percent goal. She said Tom’s has been able to maintain a relatively steady business throughout the pan­ demic, but it’s hard to know how things will change when the restrictions are lifted. “It’s been so long since we’ve had a normal business rate and lifestyle,” Smith said. Johnny DeMaagd, owner of Left Field Cafe in Middleville, said he was encouraged by the plan. “I was super excited to see a set-in-stone plan,” DeMaagd said, “especially one that is logical and is based on science and can get us back to where we want to be.” “I think it offers a great incentive for the community and everyone to go out and get the vaccine,” DeMaagd added. He said it means getting vaccinated isn’t just a way to protect against COVID-19, but a way to support local businesses. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has been lifting some addi­ tional restrictions and updating guidance as more people are vaccinated. Under a new order, which is in effect until May 31, masks are not required outdoors except for gatherings of more than 100 peo­ ple. Anyone who is fully vaccinated is not required to wear masks at residential gather­ ings, inside or out. Athletics no longer requires routine COVID-19 resting for fully vaccinat­ ed athletes .Masks 'are no 1 ongeFrequired for outdoor non-contact sports. Baseball and soft­ ball players, for example, will be required to wear masks in the dugout but not on the field. Capacity limits also have been raised on sporting events, festivals, fairs and other gath­ erings. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? hISnosBaNNER WEEKLY UPDATES NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS MORE U...... Banner CUSTOM YARD SIGNS? IS <269) S45-98S4 .^Banner WANT TO THANK il ABVERnSFRS HastingsDANNER 1351 N M-43 Hwy Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9554 www.hastingsbanner.com The MDHHS reiterated that people who are experiencing symptoms do need to follow protocols of mask wearing and quarantining. “The commitment by Michiganders to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vac­ cine is allowing us to move toward a return to normal,” MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said. “The vaccines work. That means, once Michiganders are fully vaccinated, they do not have to abide by as many health guide­ lines because of the protection the vaccine provides from the spread of the virus.” LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28813-DE Estate of Barry Ronald Beamish, deceased. Date of birth: 05/01/1946. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Barry Ronald Beamish, died 03/12/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Barry Ronald Beamish II, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 3620 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, Ml 49037 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 04/28/2021 Staci L. Salisbury P79632 1300 W. Centre Ave., Suite 104 Portage, Ml 49024 (269) 220-5658 Barry Ronald Beamish II 3620 W. Michigan Ave. Portage, Ml 49024 (269)209-1139 159795 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: SP-5-2021 - Robert & Amber Simons (Property Owners) Location: 4186 East Center Road, Hastings, in Section 24 of Hastings Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to have a Home Occupation - Major pursuant to Arti­ cle 23, Section 2339 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. MEETING DATE:May 24, 2021. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described property will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at imcmanus@barrycountv.org. The special use application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on May 20, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagors): Jeremy R Ardema a/k/a Jeremy Aardema and Hollie L Felton a/k/a Hollie Felton, as joint tenants with full rights of survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lycaste LLC Date of Mortgage: February 28, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 8, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $111,993.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 25, Hyde’s Payne Lake Park, according to the recorded plat being part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 17, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan. Common street address (if any): 11438 Hydeaway Ct, Middleville, Ml 49333-8252 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 22, 2021 Trott Law, RC. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1433551 (04-22X05-13) 158680 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In the matter of the Robbin J. Bates Trust dated December 6, 1995. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robbin J. Bates, born April 27, 1953, who lived at 2525 Chippewa Trail, Hastings, Michigan died March 26, 2021 leaving a certain trust under the name of the Robbin J. Bates Trust, and dated December 6, 1995, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Michae J. Bates was named as the trutee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedents death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Michael J. Bates, the named trustee at 536 Isham, Lyons, Michigan 48851, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: April 30, 2021 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Michael J. Bates 536 Isham Lyons, Michigan 48851 801-866-9948 159828 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING April 14, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Al­ legiance. Present: Bellmore, Spencer, Hall, Watson, Haw­ thorne, Greenfield Absent: James Approved the Agenda with addition Approved the Consent Agenda Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Review of the Sign Ordinance from the Attorney Approved Amendment to 1992 Sewer Agreement Received update from Brad Kotrba on the Master Plan Amended service agreement with Williams & Works Approved for distribution proposed amendment to FLU Map Hold Harmless Agreement and Approval of Fire­ works permit for Algonquin Lake Approved Resolution # 2021-268 for Dust Control and Gravel for 2021 Adjournment 8:49 pm Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 159799 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on June 3, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagors): Henry Davis and Frances Davis, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Argent Mortgage Company LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB AS TRUSTEE OF WV 2017-1 GRANTOR TRUST Date of Mortgage: August 16, 2004 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 24, 2004 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $50,850.47 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Castleton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point on the East and West 1/4 line of Section 32, Town 3 North, Range 7 West, distant West 1180 feet from the East 1/4 post thereof; thence Southerly 470 feet parallel with the West line of the East 3/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section 32, thence West approximately 348 feet parallel with said East and West 1/4 line of Section 32; thence North 2 degrees 10 minutes West 148 feet; thence North 88 degrees 01 minute East 146 feet; thence North 1 degree 00 minutes East 317 feet to the East and West 1/4 line of Section 32; thence East 202 feet to the place of beginning, Castleton Township, Barry County, Michigan Common street address (if any): 6730 E M 79 Hwy, Nashville, Ml 49073-8716 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 6, 2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1434595 (05-06)(05-27) 159796 �Page 10 — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Former TK teacher charged in alleged murderfor-hire plot Greg Chandler Staff Writer A retired Thomapple Kellogg High School teacher is accused of paying a hitman $17,800 in the form of the virtual currency Bitcoin in a plot to kill his wife, a former Hastings Area School System elementary teacher. Nelson Paul Replogle, 59, was arrested last month in Knox County, Tennessee, after Federal Bureau of Investigation agents received a tip from representatives of the British Broadcasting Corp, about a murder­ for-hire plot that targeted Replogle’s wife, Ann. He was ordered detained until trial Tuesday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Poplin, court records show. Replogle retired in June 2018 from the Thomapple Kellogg district, where he had taught social studies, Thomapple Kellogg Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy said. Replogle had served as one of the senior class sponsors and was among those reading the list of names of graduates at TKHS’ commencement ceremony in 2018, according to the district’s website. In a five-page affidavit filed with the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Tennessee in Knoxville, FBI Special Agent Clay Anderson described the alleged plot. Anderson said he received information April 20 about a possible murder-for-hire plot from the BBC representatives, who told him the target of the plot was Ann Replogle, and provided her name and address. It’s not clear how the BBC obtained the information they provided to the FBI. “The Knoxville FBI contacted the Knox County Sheriff’s office and advised them of the threat. The Knox County Sheriff’s office sent deputies to the residence of the victim to verify her well-being. In addition, the Knoxville FBI sent special agents and task force officers to conduct an interview of the victim and any other residents at the location,” Anderson said in the affidavit. Nelson and Ann Replogle were at home when agents and task force officers arrived. They both said they could not think of anyone who would want to harm Ann. Nelson Replogle was then separated and interviewed alone, and said he did not solicit his wife’s murder nor could he think of anyone who would, according to the affidavit. Anderson then contacted the BBC representatives who had provided the tip, and was told they had information that a payment was made with the understanding that an unknown person would kill Ann Replogle as she took a pet to a local veterinarian for an appointment. “The information provided was very specific about date, time, vehicle make, model and color,” Anderson said in the affidavit. “The payment for the murder of the victim was made using the virtual currency Bitcoin, and the date and time of the transaction as well as the receiving Bitcoin wallet was provided.” The exact amount of money that changed hands was not revealed in Anderson’s affidavit, but was later revealed at Tuesday’s detention hearing. “It is alleged that $17,800 in bitcoin was provided as payment,” a portion of the court statement from Tuesday’s hearing said. The FBI provided a blockchain analysis of the Bitcoin transaction and was able to determine that the Bitcoin wallets used to pay were CoinBase wallets. Investigators then went to work, subpoenaing CoinBase for records pertaining to the transaction, citing a threat-to-life situation. “The information provided by CoinBase “The information provided was very specific about date, time, vehicle make, model and color. The pay­ ment for the murder of the victim was made using the virtual currency Bitcoin, and the date and time of the transaction as well as the receiving Bitcoin wallet was provided.” - FBI Special Agent Clay Anderson from the five-page affidavit filed with the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Tennessee shows Replogle listed as the owner of the account and shows the transaction between Replogle and whomever is behind the murder­ for-hire website. In addition, CoinBase provided the registration information to include photo identification and photos of the suspect,” Anderson said in the affidavit. CoinBase provided connection logs that showed “multiple” internet protocol connections, the last one being April 20. Further investigation revealed the IP address involved with the CoinBase wallet was associated with Replogle’s AT&T account at his home, court records show. The CoinBase subpoena further revealed that Replogle paid for the Bitcoin out of a personal savings account at First Horizon Bank in Knoxville; his wife did not have access to that account. Law enforcement contacted the bank seeking information, which “corroborated the information from CoinBase,” Anderson said in the affidavit. Shortly after that information was confirmed, Replogle was arrested. During Tuesday’s detention hearing, the court outlined specifics as to why the suspect should remain jailed until trial. “While the use of cryptocurrency does not on its own implicate a risk of danger, Defendant’s alleged use of Bitcoin in connection with locating an individual on the internet to commit a murder for hire suggests that he was attempting to avoid detection,” the statement from the court read. “In addition ... the evidence of Defendant’s dangerousness is demonstrated by the allegations that in arranging the murder for hire, he took affirmative steps to provide specific information regarding his wife’s proposed location in furtherance of the plot to kill her.” Replogle’s family members had offered several living options for Nelson in the event he was released while awaiting trial. However, Judge Poplin ruled that releasing Replogle would present a danger to his wife and the larger community, and ordered him detained until trial. “The Court finds that the evidence and information provided at the hearing established by clear and convincing evidence that Defendant poses a serious risk of danger to the community or another person,” she ruled. “The Court finds that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of individuals of the community if Defendant were released on bond.” The Replogles and one of their children moved from Michigan to Knoxville in 2018, after both retired from their teaching jobs. Nelson Replogle was working part-time while drawing a pension from his teaching job and does not have any criminal history, court records show. A preliminary hearing in the case had been originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, but was rescheduled to May 26 in U.S. District Court in Knoxville after the defense attorney requested a continuance, according to court records. Goebel tells Rotary Club about Aug. 3 bond proposal Taylor Owens Staff Writer Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Matt Goebel updated the Hastings Rotary Club about a bond proposal for the district on the Aug. 3 ballot. If approved by voters, the district would request a levy of 6.8 mills. That’s slightly less than the 6.9 currently being paid, and it would bring in $21.9 million for the district. “We can continue to invest in our schools to keep our schools great without increasing the tax rate,” Goebel said. The millage would be used to replace aging technology and buses, including some vehi­ cles that have been in use since 1997. The funds also would pay for a number of building upgrades, many of which would increase security and efficiency, Goebel said. These include replacing single-pane windows with double panes, adding cameras, replacing lights, renovating playground equipment fix­ ing roofs and adding an air purifier. Goebel said the purifier would increase the efficiency of the heating and cooling system, and should help to decrease the number of staff and stu­ dent sick days. The largest single project would be renova­ tion of the high school roof, the cost of which Goebel said is equivalent to four years of the district’s sinking fund. Universe . Come see us for all your wedding needs. Shop your LOCAL printing company for customized • • • • Thank you notes Save the date cards Wedding invitations Photos • Frames • Wedding favors • Posters • Folding & Laminating • Custom Rubber Stamps • Plastic Binding and more! Invitations 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 4:30 VISA . ■ • . . • No clear answers in right- or left-handedness Hi Dr. Universe. My questions are: Why are people most commonly right-handed? Who/what decides if we are left-handed or right-handed? Are you left-handed or right-handed? Thanks, Mya, 8, Alexandria, Va. Check out all our Special Services: • Business Cards • Greeting Cards • Big Prints & Posters • Photo Books ■ Dear Mya, We don’t know exactly why so many people are right-handed, but one place we might look for answers is in the material that makes a person who they are: genes. The genes in your body help control all sorts of things, from the color of your hair to your skin to your eyes. These traits can be passed down through generations — from grandparents to parents to you. My friend John Hinz, who is a right-hand­ ed professor at Washington State University, knows a lot about genes and the study of how organisms pass their genes through generations. He said that while there isn’t a single gene that helps determine if you will be right-handed or left-handed, scientists have found around 40 genes that seem to be related to handedness. Sometimes there is just one gene that causes a certain trait, but often it is combinations of genes that con­ tribute to each of your characteristics. “Genetics is clearly part of it, but not the whole story,” Hinz said. He also said when both parents are left-handed, they are more likely to have a child who also is left-handed. Some studies have shown that if both parents are right-handed, there is a 10 percent chance of having a child who is left-handed. Meanwhile, if both parents are left-handed, there is about a 25 percent chance the child will be left-handed. But all we have to do is look at twins to realize there is more to it. Identical twins have all the same copies of every gene, but they don’t always use the same hand. This question has left a lot of researchers wondering about the very question you’ve asked, Mya. People have looked into how the language centers in our brains might be connected to our handedness or how our experience as babies might be connected to our handedness. Some researchers have even observed dominant hands as a fetus develops in a mother’s womb. They’ve also investigated how people’s different abilities are connected to handed­ ness. Of course, just because there are a lot of connections or correlations between what hand a person uses and other traits or behaviors, that doesn’t mean we can say for certain. We haven’t found a clear answer to your question. Yet. Whether you are left-handed, right-hand­ ed, or both-handed, hands can be really helpful tools. They can help us pick up things, climb to great heights, and even give a high-five. Perhaps one day you can join the community of creative and smart scien­ tists to help us investigate more about genetics and handedness. There’s still a lot of research to do among our four-legged animal friends, too. As for me, I’m a righty. How about you? Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. �The Hastings ANNER SPORTS SECTION Thursday, May 6, 2021 Young Saxon team comes up short against Mounties The Saxons’ Raegan Morrison looks to beat a few Mounties to the ball as she charges in on their goal during the teams’ Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match on Pierce Field Thursday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer Hastings’ girls soccer team lost 6-1 to the Jackson Northwest Mounties in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match-up on Pierce Field Thursday. Facing similar Covid issues that teams throughout the area are experiencing, the Saxons have had to work with a young team to fill regular holes in their lineup. Saxon head coach Tim Schoessel said, “We have a young team, and only one team with no JV, so we have seven freshmen on varsity and only four seniors, of which none have had any varsity experience. It is taking some time to get these girls up to speed and working together. Covid has taken it’s toll on us as far as players available and subs to help carry some of the game minutes. I have had at least four players out every week so far and that has continued into this week.” The Mounties scored aquick goal at the beginning of the match, making the Saxons work to contain their offense throughout the game. Northwest added two additional goals before the end of the first half to lead 3-0 at the break. Saxon goalie, Skylar Dixon, had five saves in just the first half. Hastings’ Lauren Lamphere gets physical with a Jackson Northwest defender as she battles for the ball during their match on Pierce Field in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) At the beginning of the second half, Raegan Morrison brought some life to the field scor­ ing the first goal for the Saxons. Although, that remained their only goal, the Saxon offense continued to put pressure on the Northwest goal. Dakota Blough had seven saves on the net for the Saxons in the second half, but the Mounties were able to score 3 more times ending the game 6-1. Coach Schoessel added, “the girls have worked really hard at getting into condition and learning new roles. This hard work is starting to show face in games as the girls have been able to score on some teams that they normally would be shut out against earli­ er in the season. They have a long way to go, with a short season to get there, but they aren’t giving up and continue to push for­ ward.” The Saxons were scheduled to face off with another 1-8 foe. Harper Creek, last night at Harper Creek High School. They will be at home for a conference match with Parma Western Friday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. Hastings fell 8-2 in a tough non-conference match at Byron Center Monday. The Bulldogs scored two quick goals, but coach Schoessel said that once his ladies got things settled down they were able to create some offense. Lauren Lamphere scored her first varsity goal, off an assist from Morrison to keep her team within 4-1 in the first half. The play was more back and forth in the second half, and Lamphere returned the favor by assisting on a Morrison goal. Dixon had nine saves in the first half, and Blough had 11 saves in the second half. Saxons travel to Harper Creek this Wednesday. ' Lions drop a couple close ones in the GLAC Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions had their best showing against the Eagles in the Finale. The Olivet varsity baseball team improved to 13-0 overall this season with three wins over the Maple Valley boys last week. The Eagles shut out the Lions in their two ball­ games in Olivet and then came to Vermontville where they were able to pull out an 8-6 win Wednesday. Maple Valley pulled within 6-4 of the Eagles with two runs in the home half of the fifth inning in that finale, and each team scored one run in each turn the rest of the way. Gregg Richardson led the Lion offense, going 2-for-3 with a triple an RBI and two runs scored. Chanse Courtney doubled and drove in a run for the Lions, and Ayden Wilkes and Callan Hoefler each singled once. Hoefler and Camden Carpenter each scored a run. Carpenter walked twice, two of the seven walks the Lions worked in the ballgame. James Wisner walked once and scored two runs for the Lions as well. David Hosack-Frizzell got the start and took the loss, but only two of the seven runs against him were earned. He struck out two and walked one while allowing seven Eagle hits in 5.2 innings. Blaze Hamilton and Brody Lehman com­ bined for the one-hit shut out on the mound in the opener for the Eagles Monday. Maple Valley managed three hits in the game two defeat, with Ramsey Bousseau and Brennen Redding teaming up for the shut out for the Eagles. The Lions were back in action in Vermontville Monday, starting its GLAC series with Stockbridge. The Panthers took a 6-4 win in the opener and held a 6-0 lead in game two when the game was paused for darkness. The plan was to finish game two before the start of game three at Stockbridge yesterday (May 5). The Lions took a 3-2 lead with three runs in the bottom of the first inning of game one, and the score stayed that way until the sixth when the Panthers scored twice and the Lions got a solo home run from Gregg Richardson to even things up at 4-4. The bailgame stretched into the tenth inning where the Panthers moved in front 6-4 with a pair of runs. The Lions’ Lane Morris sprints towards first after knocking a ground ball to the left side during game two against Stockbridge Monday in Vermontville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Ashton Knoll scored the go-ahead run for the Panthers in the tenth. He walked, stole second, went to third on a balk and scored on a passed ball with one out. That passed ball erased a strike out by Drew Phillip, which would have been the second out of the inning. Instead, Phillip stole second, went to third on an error and scored on a wild pitch to make it 6-4. Lane Morris started on the mound for the Lions and went eight full innings, striking out ten and walking two. He scattered nine hits over those eight frames. Richardson took the loss in relief while being charged with the two unearned runs. He struck out three in the tenth. Richardson doubled and homered. He scored twice and had two RBI. Singles by Courtney and Blaze Sensiba were the only other Lion hits. Courtney had two RBI and Morris and Callan Hoefler each scored a run. Aiden Troast started for Stockbridge. He went seven innings, allowing four runs on four hits and a walk. He struck out 11. David Hosack-Frizzell pitches for the Lions during game two of its GLAC doubleheader against visiting Stockbridge in Vermontville Monday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Andrew Davis threw three innings of no-hit, scoreless relief to get the win. He struck out five and walked one. �Page 12 — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Track team splits wins against Marshall Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings’ varsity rack and field teams competed in Baum Stadium at Johnson Field on Tuesday night, against Interstate 8 Conference rival, Marshall. The Saxon varsity girls’ track and field team once again broke the 100-point mark in defeating Marshall 109­ 37 in Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Tuesday. The Ratings boys’ team lost a close one, that came down to the very last relay, 84-78. Saxon head coach Brian Teed was impressed with the girls’ outcome, “on a night I’didn’t think was PR weather, they still put up 12 PR’s. That is quite a few for a meet this late in the season.” Hastings girls scoring points for the team with first place finishes were Hailey Graham in the 100-meter dash, Isabelle Roosien in the 200-meter dash with a PR of 28.69 seconds, Madison Nino in the 800-meter run with a PR of 3 minutes 6.7 seconds. Carissa Strouse finished first in both the 1600-meter run and the 3200-meter run, and Allison Teed finished first in all three solo events, taking first in the 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles with a PR of 49.87, and in pole vault. The Hastings throwers swept the girls’ dis­ cus event with Maddie Miller finishing first, Maddie McMasters with second, and Daisy Kerby throwing for third on the night. Kerby also finished second in the shot put, and Miller was third in shot put. Saxon jumper Josey Nickels took first place in high jump and second place in the long jump, while Nino jumped 15 feet 1 inch in the long jump for first place. Other field event placings for the Saxons were Kali Grimes in second at pole vault, and Natalee Sanders finished in third in high jump. Other top three finishes for the Saxon girls team were Miller and Sarah Lichvar finishing second and third, respectively, in the 100meter dash. Addey Nickels finished second in the 200-meter dash, Lauren Arnold took a second in the 800-meter run, and Lily Comensoli finished second in the 1600-meter run and third in the 800-meter run. The Nickels sisters finished second in the hurdle events, with Josey taking second in the 100meter hurdles and Addey finishing second in the 300-meter hurdles. The Saxon girls’ relay teams were on fire for the night winning all the relays. The Saxons’ girls are now 3-1 in league standing and 7-5 overall. The boys’ team had a tougher time with Marshall. Going into the last relay, the 4x400-meter, the Saxon team was down by one point. On the third hand off, Kearan Tolles was behind the Marshall team by quite a stretch. Tolles pushed around the track to Caleb Waller runs in the shuttle hurdle relay for the Saxons during the Harper Creek Sprit of the Wild competition Friday in Battle Creek. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter pull alongside the Marshall runner coming around the last turn but could not pass the other runner to pull off the win. The Hastings boys’ team only had one relay team that took first for the night, the 4x200-meter team of Jason Haight, Robby Slaughter, Layton Eastman and Kirby Beck. Coach Teed noted, “this is a meet the boys wish they could do over. Even though our numbers are still way down, we should have won the meet. It was a bunch of little things, like a poor sprint relay hand off, small inju­ ries, lack of focus at times. In spite of all that, they still put up 25 PR’s, which is a lot. This is our comeback week. For the next few days, we will start to get our contact traced and quarantined boys back.” Saxons finishing first in their events were Slaughter, who finished first in both the long jump and pole vault, Dillon Neal finished first in the 200-meter dash with a 25.2 PR, and Layton Eastman led the sweep in high jump with his first place jump. Charles Nickels and Beck finished second and third to complete the sweep at the high jump. Beck also finished second in the pole vault. Saxons scoring points for the team with second place finishes for the night were Eastman who took second in both the 1 IO­ meter and 300-meter hurdles, and Sam Randall who threw for second place in both the shot put and discus. Haight finished sec­ ond in the 100-meter dash, Nickels in the 400meter run, Tolles in the 800-meter run, Jonah Teed in the 1600-meter run. Jacob Arens placed second in the 200-meter dash and fin­ ished in third pace for the 400-meter. Cole Greenfield received points for third place in the 3200-meter run, Adam Jacob finished third in shot put and Tanner Rairigh took third in the discus for the night. The loss to Marshall dropped the Saxon Hastings’ Kali Grimes flies through the air above the long jump pit during her team’s win over visiting Marshall at Hastings High School Tuesday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) boys to a 2-2 league record and a 10-2 record overall. The team will compete in the 1-8 again next week Tuesday at Harper Creek. On Friday, last week, the team traveled to Harper Creek to compete in the Spirit of the Wild Coed Relays. The team finished 4th overall with 84 points, behind Olivet with 136 points, Harper Creek with 94 points, and Hamilton with 90 points. The Saxons’ relay teams winning events for the night were the Long Jump Relay with a team of Slaughter, Grimes, Caleb Waller and Nino with a combined jump of 65-0. The Pole Vault Relay team of Slaughter, Beck, Grimes and Allison Teed with a combined height of 37-3, and the Shuttle Hurdle Relay team of Eastman, Waller, Nate Kohmescher, Allison Teed, Addey Nickels, and Josey Nickels. Lions fall in final ballgame with Eagles, first two with Panthers Olivet swept its three-game Greater Lansing Activities Conference series with the Maple Valley varsity softball team last week, finishing off the series with a 19-2 win at Maple Valley High School Wednesday. The Lions found their bats a bit when he series shifted to Nashville Wednesday. Bre Short, Kylie VanAlstine, Branna Cruz and Lexy Booher singled for the Lions in the 19-2 loss. Abeni Hartwell had an RBI and Gracelynn DePyper and Booher scored the two Maple Valley runs. Nadi Martin struck out three Eagles in her three innings in the circle. The Eagles managed 12 hits and got a boost from some shaky defense by the Lions. “Olivet has some really good hitters and with those strong bats Olivet will do well in our league and give any team they play a good run for the league title,” Lion head coach Mary Lesage said. The Lions were back at it in the GLAC Monday, hosting Stockbridge for two ball­ games. The Panthers took 21-3 and 21-0 vic­ tories over their hosts at Maple Valley High School. Emma Pierce and Short had the two Lion hits in game one. Pierce scored two of the Lions’ three runs and Short had an RBI in the four-inning ballgame to start the day. The Lions worked four walks, but didn’t get a hit in the 21-0 game two loss. Booher threw all thee innings in game two. She kept the ball around the plate, walking four, but Stockbridge banged out 16 hits. Arin Szumlinski knocked three inside the park home runs for the Panthers in game two and teammate McKenzie Noble belted a ball over the scoreboard in left Centerfield for a home run. The Panthers had 14 hits in the opener with 11 of them singles. The two teams were set to finish their three-game GLAC set in Stockbridge yester­ day. Lexy Booher pitches for the Lions during game two of their GLAC doubleheader against Stockbridge at Maple Valley High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons push a few runs across in doubleheader at Harper Creek Maple Valley’s Abeni Hartwell is tagged out by Stockbridge shortstop Arin Szumlinski as she attempts to steal second base during game two Monday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) i The Harper Creek girls took two from the Hastings varsity softball team in Battle Creek Tuesday afternoon. The Beavers scored 16-6 and 17-7 wins. Harper Creek scored in each of the five innings in the 16-6 opener, with the Saxons putting all six of their runs on the board in the top of the fourth. Cassidee Easey, Emma Alexander and Morgan Deal had RBI singles in the six-run inning for the Saxons and Kaeli Jo West drove in the first run with a bases loaded walk. Elleri Winter, Maddie Parker and Breegan Woodworth had three hits each for the Beavers in game one, with teammates Kirsten Kushion and Ally Fountain each batting in three run. Tandra McKinstry tripled and Deal and Phoebe Schantz had singles for the Saxons in game two. Sophia Sunior and Easey had one RBI each. McKinstry drove in two runs with her triple and had a third RBI as well. The Saxons were bested in two non-conference ballgames with visiting Ionia last Thursday, 15-0 and 16-1. The Saxons were held hitless in game one. In game two, Sunior doubled and scored a run and Deal and Easey both singled. Easey drove in Sunior in the top of the fourth for the Saxons to plate their run. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — Page 13 Lions finally get on track as much of GLAC gathers at Olivet Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Maple Valley varsity track and field teams got to challenge their first Greater Lansing Activities Conference foes at Olivet High School Wednesday (April 28). Lion senior Ashlyn Wilkes managed the top finish for the Lions, winning the high jump by clearing the bar at 5 feet 1 inch. Her previous best was clearing the bar at 5-0 while clinch­ ing the GLAC Championship in the event at the 2019 conference meet as a sophomore. Olivet, Leslie, Stockbridge and Lansing Christian were all on hand competing Wednesday as well, with the Lions competing against Leslie and Stockbridge. Wilkes also had the Lions’ top finish on the track where she was third overall in the 200meter dash with a time of 29.39 seconds while also placing fourth in the 400-meter dash in 1 minute 5.90 seconds. Lion freshman Evan Brandenburg was third in the boys’ 200-meter dash with a time of 25.47. Maple Valley freshman Lilly Faurot got off to a good start on the track, placing fifth in the 800-meter run in 2:51.34 and eighth in the 1600-meter run in 6:39.29. Delton Kellogg’s Kassie Wilson works her way through the midfield with the ball during her team’s draw with visiting Parchment Monday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) • Avery scores for DK, but match ends in draw The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team finally got to get back on the field Monday after having a couple ballgames late last week canceled or postponed. The Panthers finished in a 1-1 tie with vis­ iting Parchment in Southwestern Athletic Conference match at Delton Kellogg High School. Avery Barker scored the lone goal for the Delton Kellogg girls, who are now 1-2-1 in the conference this season. The DK girls were scheduled to host Lawton for another SAC ballgame Wednesday and will be at Constantine for a league match next Monday. Sports Editor The Thomapple Kellogg girls’ and boys’ track and field teams were both 2-0 in double duals with Wayland and Kenowa Hills at Wayland Union High School Tuesday. The TK ladies scored a 91.5-44.5 win over the host Wildcats and edged Kenowa Hills by five points, 71-66. Wayland was bested 90-46 by Kenowa Hills in their match-up. The TK girls close the OK Gold Conference duals with a 3-4 record. The TK boys took a 73-64 win over Wayland and defeated Kenowa Hills 83-54. The Wayland boys won their dual with the Knights 78-59. The TK boys finish the season of conference duals with a 4-3 mark. The OK Gold Conference Championship is planned for May 14 at Houseman Field in Grand Rapids. Kenowa Hills girls won every individual running event on the track and took three of the four relay races, but the Trojans’ depth prevailed Tuesday. TK also got a strong showing from junior Trysta Hilton who won the 100-meter hurdles in 17.30 seconds and the 300-meter low hur­ dles in 50.70 seconds. Hilton also ran a per­ sonal record time of 28.99 to place second in the 200-meter dash and was second in the high jump at 4 feet 6 inches. Wayland’s Breanna Hyde was the overall runner-up in both hurdles races, but the TK ladies got a sweep of the 300-meter hurdle points in their dual with Kenowa Hills with Addison Satterfield third overall and Kylie Smith fourth. The TK ladies were strong in the throws too. Sophomore Preslee Hall won the shot put with a mark of 86-7, leading a sweep of the top three places in that event for TK. Cassidy Dole took the shot put for the Trojans with a mark of 29-10.5 and teammate Dalace Jousma was second at 27-11. Jousma was second and Dole third in the discus. In the field, the TK ladies also had Paige Zellmer in the pole vault at 7-6, and Smith and Anna Benedict place second and third in the long jump. Smith, Benedict and Zellmer took the top three scoring places in the high jump in the dual with the Knights, an event in 1:06.07. Alexa Reitz was sixth in the 800-meter t;jin for the Lions with a time of 3:29.86. The top relay finish for the Maple Valley girls came in the 800-meter relay where the team of Christopher, Greanlee DePyper, Faurot and Wilkes was fourth in 2:07.73. Lion junior Hannah Kinney was third in tjie discus with a mark of 77-4.25 and sixth in the shot put with a mark of 24-9.25. Faurot had two top-ten finishes in the field, placing fourth in the high jump by clearing 4-6 and sixth in the long jump with a mark of 11-3.5. Martin took the pole vault victory, clearing the bar at 8-6 for the Maple Valley boys. Brandenburg had the top finish on the track for the Maple Valley boys, placing sixth in the 100-meter dash in a personal record time ,of 12.40 and he was also tenth in the long jurpp at 16-6. Adam Blakely added a seventh-place finish in the 3200-meter run for the Lions with a time of 17:47.05. In the shot put, the Lion team had freshman James Penny eighth at 27-8, freshman Jericho Payne ninth at 26-9.5 and Martin tenth at 26-9. South Christian sweeps doubles on its way to win over Trojans Brett Bremer Sports Editor The South Christian varsity girls’ tennis team dropped the Trojans’ record to 3-2 in OK Gold Conference duals with a 5-3 win over the visiting Trojans Monday afternoon. The Thomapple Kellogg girls won three of the four single matches, but couldn’t quite keep pace with the Sailors on the doubles side. Charlotte Nelson took a 7-5, 6-0 win for TK over Isabelle Klaasen at second singles. Sophia Beckering earned a 6-2, 6-2 win over Sailor third singles player Natalie Northouse. Christel Hoskins scored a 6-0, 6-0 win at fourth singles for TK over Maya Wierenga. The closest of the four doubles matches as at number one where the Sailor team of Kayla Pruim and Sophie VanWieren scored a 6-4, 6-2 win over TK’s Courtney Haveman and Katie Schorr. South Christian first singles player Olivia Koeman scored a 6-3, 6-4 win over TK’s Nancy Hoogwerf in their match. It has been a busy stretch for the Trojans. They defeated Ottawa Hills 8-0 in an OK Gold Conference dual in Grand Rapids last Wednesday, beat Cadillac 5-3 Friday and then went 1-1 at the Comstock Park Invitational Saturday where they bested the host Panthers 8-0 and fell 7-1 to Lowell. TK only dropped a handful of games all afternoon at Ottawa Hills Isat Wednesday while getting default wins at third and fourth singles. Hoogwerf beat the Bengals’ top play­ er, Teresa Lin, 6-0, 6-1. Hoogwerf won by default at first singles in the dual with Cadillac Friday. Beckering and Hoskins won handily 'in straight sets for the Trojans in the dual with the Vikings at third and fourth singles. TK got close doubles wins at number two and number three. The TK duo of Tylor Buxton and Jamie DeVries earned a 6-3, 7-5 win over Cadillac’s Madalie Dickerson and Adri Beydoun. Ellie Essenberg and Heidi Church scored a 6-2, 7-6(2) win over Ellery Schaefer and Haylie Groen at third doubles for the Trojans. All four doubles matches were close ones. Cadillac’s Emily Sims and Ella Darrow nar­ rowly bested TK’s Haveman and Schorr at number one 6-3, 6-4. The Cadillac fourth doubles team of Frannie Kiomento and Haley Butkovich eked out a 6-2, 6-4 win over TK’s Madeline Coe and Trinity Simons. LHS track teams add wins TK baseball gets one win in over Lions and Pilgrims Brett Bremer Delton Kellogg’s Alex Carter settles a bouncing ball during her team’s 1-1 draw with Parchment at Delton Kellogg High School Monday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Trojans sweep double duals with Wildcats and Knights Brett Bremer The Maple Valley ladies were also led by freshmen in the throws. Lyssa Smith was sev­ enth in the shot put with a mark of 13-5 and Mackenzie Decker was fifth in the discus at 53-7. Decker also placed fourth in the high jump by clearing the bar at 4-0. Faurot had a sixth-place leap of 12-6 in the long jump, with junior teammate Liz Christopher not too far behind in eighth-place with a mark of 11-.75. Brandenburg added a fifth-place leap of 17-5.25 in the long jump in the boys’ meet, while also placing fourth in the 100-meter dash in 12.45. The top field finish for the Maple Valley boys came from Nic Martin, a freshman, who was third in the pole vault at 9-6. The Lions were back at it Saturday at the Portland Invitational where the Lion boys placed fifth and the girls seventh in a field of eight schools. West Michigan Aviation took champion­ ships, outscoring the Portland St. Patrick boys 125-113 at the top of the standings and the Portland girls’ 153-149 in their competition. Wilkes had the top finishes for the Lion ladies, setting a new PR by clearing 5-2 in the high jump and placing second in the 200meter dash in 29.17 and in the 400-meter run Wayland’s Hyde won with a mark of 15-0. Zellmer, Smith, Benedict and Lindsey Velting took the 400-meter relay for TK in 55.24 seconds. Kenowa Hills had freshman Lauren Rokos win the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash and junior Peyton Thayer win the 400meter run and the 800-meter run. Their fresh­ man teammate Jayden Turner won the 1600meter run and Knight sophomore Allison Postema won the 3200. TK junior Jessica Durkee was second in both the 1600 and the 3200 with season best times and also placed second in the 800. Victories in three of the four relay races helped power the TK boys to their two victo­ ries. Senior Wyatt Helzer won the 200-meter dash in 23.57 for the TK boys and the long jump at 18-5, and also teamed with Austin VanElst, Cameron Gavette and Jaxon Sias to win the 800-meter relay in 1:36.60. Sias Gavette, Gabe Lajoye and Brennan Lutz took the 1600-meter relay in 3:45.89. The team of Lutz, Howie Frizzell, Lajoye and Lucas VanMeter won the 3200-meter relay in 9:05.12. The high jump was a big event for the TK boys, with Sias and VanElst tying for first by both clearing 5-4. Gavette was second to Wayland senior Austin Reeder in both the hurdles races. Reeder took the 110-meter high hurdles in a personal record time of 16.25 and the 300meter intermediate hurdles in 43.12. Gavette ran his fastest 300 hurdles ever, finishing in 43.28. The TK boys got runner-up finishes from Lajoye in the 400-meter dash and Lutz in the 800 as well as Dakota Haskin in the pole vault. Wayland freshman Issac Dyer won the 1600-meter run in 4:56.91 and the 3200 in 11:05.00. Kenowa Hills had a two-time indi­ vidual champ in senior Logan Cunningham who won the shot put at 47-3 and the discus at 126-2.5. His senior teammate Branden Decker was second in both of those throws with marks of 43-10 in the shot put and 125-1 in the discus. Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity boys’ track team improved to 3-1 in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference and the Lakewood ladies got their first two conference wins as the Vikings hosted Maple Valley and Lansing Christian Tuesday at Unity Field. The Lakewood boys scored a 118-12 win over the Lions and a 124-3 win over the Pilgrims. Scores weren’t quite as lopsided on the girls’ side, with the Vikings besting Maple Valley 74-39 and Lansing Christian 89-19. Senior Garrett Stank and junior Tyson Raffler both had two individual wins on the track for the Lakewood boys and senior Nathan Alford had three. Stank took the 100meter dash in 12.04 seconds and the 200 in 24.88. Alford won the 800-meter run in 2 minutes 16.83 seconds, the 1600-meter run in 5:20.76 and the 3200-meter run in 11:32.78. Raffler won the two hurdles races for the Vikings, taking the 110-meter high hurdles in 17.48 and the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 45.42. Lakewood swept the top three places in both hurdles events, with Jacob Merryfield second and Shane Raffler third in both, and pulled off the feat in the 400-meter dash too. Junior Connor Feighan won the 400 in 57.19, with Alford second and Colt Endsley third. Endsley was a part of two relay wins for the Vikings. The team of Nick Helt, Endsley, Justin Warner and Benjamin Scobey won the 400-meter relay in 57.52 and the team of Elijah Jablonski, Endsley, Warner and Heath Carter took the 800-meter relay in 1:47.00. In the field, Feighan won both throws. He took the shot put at 38 feet 4 inches and the discus at 105-0. Scobey was second in the shot put and third in the discus, part of a 1-2-3 finish in the discus for the Vikings that also had Hunter Shank in the runner-up spot. A 1-2-3 finish in the high jump for the Vikings was led by Merryfield clearing 5-8. Jablonski was second and Helt third. Tyson Raffler was one of two scorers in the pole vault, clearing the bar at 10-6 to win the event. Garrett Stank won the long jump for the Lakewood boys with a mark of 19-4.25. The top finishes for the Maple Valley boys came in-the field. Freshman Nic Martin was second in the pole vault at 9-0 and freshman Evan Brandenburg second in the long jump at 16-1.75. Brandenburg was also the runner-up in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.53 and third in the 100 in 12.61. Lakewood girls won four of the five field events. Freshman Annabelle Stank took the throws, getting marks of 28-0 in the shot put and 99-2 in the discus. The Viking team had sophomore Madison Bierens win the pole vault at 6-0 and junior Hokulani Ka’alakea win the long jump at 12-10.5. Ka’alakea won the 100-meter hurdles in 20.29 and the 100-meter dash in 14.01. Annabelle Stank also teamed with Sophie Duits, Lydia Markwart and Katie Acker to win the 1600-meter relay for the Vikings in 7:26.00. Acker added a winning time of 13:03.3 in the 3200-meter run and was the runner-up in the 1600 behind Lansing Christian’s Madison Volz. Volz won the 1600 for the Pilgrims in 5:31.37 and the 800-meter run in 2:26.60. Lansing Christian also had sophomore Corinne Ritter win the 400-meter dash in 1:08.21. The Maple Valley girls won two relay races. The team of Mackenzie Decker, Greanlee DePyper, Alexa Reitz and Lyssa Smith won the 400-meter relay in 1:03.44 and the team of Hannah Kinney, DePyper, Lilly Faurot and Ashlyn Wilkes won the 800-meter relay in 2:08.00. Wilkes took the Lions’ lone individual wins by flying over the bar at 4-8 in the high jump and taking the 200-meter dash in 29.29. Wilkes was also the runner-up in the 100 with a personal record time of 14.31. Kinney had runner-up marks of 24-2.75 in the shot put and 84-11.5 in the discus for the Lions. Faurot added a runner-up time of 2:50.91 in the 800meter run. The Lakewood teams were in action last Friday at the Central Montcalm Invitational. The lakewood boys were third and the girls seventh in a field of 11 teams. Sparta took the boys’ meet with 131.5 points, ahead of Belding 113 and the Lakewood boys 105.5. Big Rapids was a dis­ tant fourth with 66 points. Garrett Stank won the 200-meter dash in 24.07 and the long jump at 19-9 and placed second in the 100 with a time of 11.87. Feighan was the runner-up in the 400 with a personal record time of 54.88 seconds, also placing third in the discus and fifth in the shot put. Alford was third in the 1600 and the 3200, and Raffler placed third in both hurdles races. The Vikings also got a third place finish in the field from Merryfield in the high jump and Tyson Raffler in the pole vault. Belding won the girls’ championship with 120 points, besting Central Montcalm 102, Sparta 98.5 and Ithaca 76 at the top of the standings. Ka’alakea had the top finishes for the Lakewood ladies with a winning time of 17.13 in the 100-meter hurdles and a time of 13.89 in the 100-meter dash that put her in the runner-up spot in that event. Acker was third in the 3200-meter run with a personal record time of 12:36.45 and also set a new PR in finishing sixth in the 1600. over Wayland Wildcats The Thomapple Kellogg varsity baseball team took a 2-1 win over Wayland for its sec­ ond victory of the OK Gold Conference sea­ son. Lead-off hitter Alex Bonnema scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh to clinch game one of the conference double­ header between the Trojans and Wildcats in Middleville Tuesday. , Game two was suspended with the Trojans leading after four innings due to darkness. The two teams are slated to finish off their conference series in Wayland this afternoon (May 6). TK had five singles in the win, two each from Nolan Dahley and Eric Dipert and one from Bonnema who scored both TK runs. Bonnema was on base three times, also walking twice. Levi VanderHeide got the win for TfC, throwing the full seven innings. He struck out six and walked three while giving up five hits(. TK came into the day having split its twj> ballgames at the Zeeland West Wooden Bat Tournament Saturday. The host Dux topped the Trojans 5-4 in the championship game after TK took an 8-5 win over the Allegaji Tigers to open play. J TK tied the championship game at 4-4 with four runs in the top of the sixth inning, but the Dux got the walk-off win in the seventh despite being outhit 7-3 in the bailgame. Reese Garbrecht doubled twice and drove in three runs for TK in the loss. Dipert and Carter Stahl both had a double, and VanderHeide, Dahley and Samuel McKeown each singled for TK. VanderHeide scored b run and had an RBI. Dahley, Stahl and McKeown each scored a run too. VanderHeide was charged with five unearned runs in six innings. He struck oi(t two, walked two and allowed three hits. Garbrecht had a double, a triple and foitr RBI in the Trojans’ win over the Allegan Tigers to start the day. Carsen Burbridge and VanderHeide dou­ bled with their wooden bats as well. Jonajt Summerhays and Stahl had singles for TK. VanderHeide, Stahl, Burbridge and Summerhays had one RBI each. , Dipert went 6.2 on the mound, striking out four and walking three. He gave up five run§, four of which were earned, on four hits. Brett Caswell came on to get the final out of the bailgame. Caswell gave up two singles and a walk, but managed to get the strike out he needed to seal the TK win with the bases load­ ed. �Page 14 — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — The Hastings Banner County board pledges to help local restaurateurs Rebecca Pierce Editor ’ Repeated pleas urging help for local - restaurateurs received a vote of action from ■ Barry County commissioners Tuesday. Led by Commissioner Jon Smelker, com­ missioners unanimously agreed to recom(mend using up to $90,000 from the county’s 100-percent tax payment fund to reimburse Eligible licensed food facilities for food license fees paid to the Barry-Eaton District ' Health Department in 2021. * The BEDHD board declined to take this ‘action in March, so Barry County did, ‘Smelker said Tuesday after the Committee of The Whole meeting in Leason Sharpe Hall at i the Barry Community Foundation. ( - But exactly how the county is going to 'accomplish this plan has yet to be deter• mined. * “I just feel that our restaurant and food establishments have waited long enough for .us to do something,” Smelker said, indicat­ ' ing a list of businesses and fees that would be ■ applicable. The total of all those fees, if they’re colr jected, would amount to $89,509 in Barry ^ County, he noted. The 100-percent tax payment fund, which * tjre board agreed to tap for this purpose, pro­ vides financial support to townships when people don’t pay their taxes, Chairman Ben Geiger said. County Administrator Michael Brown explained that, years ago, the board adopted a policy relating to the use of any money from this fund - above a cap. “Its primary puipose is to provide for the payment of revolving taxes to local units so the county treasurer doesn’t have to go out to borrow funds and the local units (of govern­ ment) are made whole.” After that, there are funds above that cap covered by a policy that sets forth what the money may be used for. “I believe this falls within that policy,” Brown said. "... Between now and the next board meeting, the board will have to take a look at that policy.” ■ “In 2011, we passed a policy that said we were not going to dip into this,” Geiger recalled. “A lot of counties had depleted ■ these funds for regular county business and we said we didn’t want to do that.” Barry County Administrator Michael Brown, left, discusses coming up with a pro­ cess to provide financial local restaurateurs with Chairman Ben Geiger, center, and Commissioner Jon Smelker, right, at Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Originally, Smelker had proposed provid­ ing the funds for local restaurants from the American Rescue Plan Act, which is the COVID-19 economic stimulus package that governmental units across the country are expecting to receive this year. Smelker envisioned local restaurant own­ ers sending in their proof of payment showing that they paid for their 2021 licens­ es - to the county administration office. Then administration would send it to the clerk and the clerk would reimburse the business. “But they will have to have paid it (the license fees) and we will not be paying late fees,” Smelker said. But several members of the public came forward Tuesday during the commissioners’ meeting and urged the commissioners not to wait on this so-called ARP funding but to pay the local businesses now. “One of the challenges is we don’t know when we’re going to get those (ARP) funds,” Brown pointed out, “and we have not received clarity on what those funds can be used for or how they are to be reimbursed.” Although Brown said it does appear funds for local restaurants would fall in the catego­ ry for ARP funds, “we do have a risk here that it might be determined that you can’t.” Brown said his department would be happy to facilitate the board’s plan, “but I make a preface that we don’t have a connec­ tion with any of the restaurants. ...We’ve got to think through a little bit about how we’re going to inform restaurants.” Geiger said the county needs to set up a portal on its website for restaurants to submit applications for reimbursement and work with the treasurer’s department to facilitate the payments to those businesses that are eligible. “I’m sure our administration will come through and we’ll find a way to fund this by next week,” Geiger said. Saxon golfers shooting to stay in second behind Mounties Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings and Coldwater were fighting to hold onto second place in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference as the league met for its jamboree at The Legacy in Hastings Wednesday afternoon. The Saxons were third at each of the two conference jamborees last week. Jackson Northwest strengthened its league lead with a pair of wins, including at Wednesday’s meet hosted by Harper Creek at Binder Park Golf Course. The Hastings boys had a tough time keep­ ing the ball in play on what head coach Kristen Laubaugh called an extremely diffi­ cult nine at Binder Park. Northwest took the day’s victory with a score of 175 and Pennfield was second with a 180. Hastings was third with a 187 and Marshall won a fifth-score tiebreaker to fin­ ish ahead of Coldwater as both teams earned a score of 189. Parma Western was sixth with a score of 190, ahead of Lumen Christi 195 and Harper Creek 200. Joe McLean led the Saxons with a 44 and Will Jenson shot a 45. Hastings also got 49s from Owen Carroll and Collin Fouty. Harrison Chapman from Marshall was the only guy under 40 for the day, shooting a 37. Harper Creek got a 40 from Mitchell BairPollard and a 41 from Ty Peet. Carter Wong led Pennfield with a 40 and Northwest was paced by Isaac Anuszkiewicz’s 41. Hastings and Northwest were the only two teams with four scorers under 50. The Saxons were fourth after losing out on a fifth-score tiebreaker to Lumen Christi for third place at Arbor Hills last Tuesday (April 27). Northwest won that event with a score of 179, ahead of Coldwater 181, Lumen Christi 184. Hastings 184, Marshall 188, Western 189, Pennfield 194 and Harper Creek 194. Jenson led the Saxons with a 39. Hastings got 48s from Carroll and Fouty and a 49 from McLean. Chapman scored a 36 to finish as the day’s medalist once again. Northwest won thanks in part to a 42 from Brenden Borowy and a 43 from Anuszkiewicz. Saxon tennis looks to get back over .500 in dual with Marshall Brett Bremer Sports Editor . There were good battles, especially at the top of the singles line-up, but Parma Western took an 8-0 win on the courts at Hastings High School to even the Saxon varsity girls’ tennis team’s Interstate-8 Athletic Conference record at 2-2 Monday. In a contest between two of the confer­ ence’s top players so far, the Panthers’ Caroline Davenport edged the Saxons Brooke Youngs 6-3, 6-4. Both girls were 3-0 against conference foes coming into the afternoon. Renee Marston took a 6-3,6-3 win over the Saxons’ Abby Beemer at the second singles flight. The closest doubles match was at number one where the Saxon team of Bailey Cook and Erin Daniels pushed Belle Sexton and Maria Macchia in a 7-5 loss in the opening set but then were downed 6-1 in the second. Hastings got its second victory of the con­ ference season last Wednesday, outscoring Coldwater 8-0. The Saxons didn’t drop a set to the Cardinals. Youngs won 6-2, 6-0 over Kelly Warner and Beemer took a 6-2, 6-4 win against Jillian Hawver. Finja Schmidt scored the third singles win for the Saxons, besting Emma Madden 6-0, 6-4. At fourth singles, the Saxons’ Anna Haywood took a 7-6,6-2 win over Urja Patel. The Saxon first doubles team of Cook and Daniels won 6-1, 6-4. Megan Rowley and Calin Redman scored a 6-4, 6-3 win in their match at second doubles against Allie Welch and Jossy Martinez. Ella Carroll and Julia McLean scored a 6-3,6-1 win at third doubles for the Saxons. Elizabeth Arnold and Emily Simmons won by default at fourth doubles. The Saxons three more conference duals ahead. They are scheduled to host Marshall this afternoon and then will be at Pennfield May 10 and at Harper Creek May 11. Vikings grab runner-up spot in GLAC jamboree at Glenbrier LOCAL NEWS read contribute advertise Leslie was on top of the Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamboree standings Thursday after back to back wins in the league by the Lake wood boys. The Vikings edged Lansing Christian 175­ 177 for second in the standings, at the confer­ ence jamboree hosted by Perry at Glenbrier Golf Course, behind Leslie’s 168. Perry was fourth with a score of 193, ahead of Olivet 199 and Maple Valley 210. Trevor Simon led the Lakewood team with a 40 at Glenbrier. Logan Kenyon shot a 44, Owen Richmond a 45 and Drew Marquoit and Liam Cavanaugh each scored a 46 for the Vikings. Leslie was powered to the win by a 37 from Garrett Mays, while also getting a 41 from Cannon Risner and a 43 from John Cranmore. Lansing Christian’s Isaac Haley was the individual runner-up behind Mays, shooting a 39. Owen Bailey led the Maple Valley team with a 44. Buck Schrader shot a 49, Kenny Curtis a 54 and Diesel Curtis a 63. Lakewood got off to a busy start to this week, placing fifth at the nine-team George Bitner Spring Lake Invitational at Spring Lake Country Club Monday and then winning a non-conference dual with Portland at Centennial Acres Thursday. Simon led the Vikings with an 81 Monday. Cavanaugh scored an 85 and Kenyon and Richmond each shot an 88. The host Lakers took the championship with a score of 313. NorthPointe Christian was second with a 319, ahead of Mason 325, Mona Shores 339, Lakewood 342, Allendale 344, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 355, West Catholic 357 and Sparta 365. The Vikings took a 168-177 win over the Portland boys Tuesday. Simon shot a 41, Kenyon and Jakeb Jackson each scored a 42 and Richmond added a 43. The Vikings’ five and six on the day were right behind that top four. Marquoit scored a 44 and Cavanaugh a 45. CJ Miller led Portland with a 40. Pennfield tennis scores 7-0 win over Lakewood ladies Pennfield won the seven contested flights in straight sets Wednesday to earn a 7-0 win over the Lakewood varsity girls’ tennis team. The closest match of the afternoon was at first singles where the Panthers’ Lauren Saxton beat out Lakewood’s Kristen Finsaas 6-1,6-2. Lakewood forfeited the fourth doubles flight. The Lakewood ladies are scheduled to host Leslie Friday and then host Thornapple Kellogg Monday afternoon. The Vikings will host a tri May 12 with Comstock Park and Grand Rapids West Catholic. Saxon baseball bested in two wooden bat games in Zeeland Non-conference foes were tough on the Saxons recently. Hastings fell in both of its games at the Zeeland West Wooden Bat Tournament Saturday. The Saxons were bested by the host Dux 10-0 in five innings to open the day. A double by Drew Markley, a single from Mitchell Eldred and a pair of singles by Matthew Thompson were the Saxon offense in the loss to the Dux. Allegan bested the Saxons 13-3 in the day’s consolation game, while Zeeland West went on for a win over Thomapple Kellogg in the championship. Mitchell Rafter was 2-for-2 with a double and a run scored in the Saxons’ loss to the Allegan Tigers. Mitchell Eldred doubled once as well and drove in a run. Ashton Benson singled and notched the Saxons’ other RBI. Markley walked three times out of the lead­ off spot and scored two runs for the Saxons, while stealing two bases. Rafter had a steal too. Ionia took 10-4 and 16-0 wins over the Saxons in the two games of a doubleheader last Thursday at Hastings High School. The Saxons outhit the Bulldogs 8-7 in the opener, but six errors helped the Bulldogs take the 10-4 win. Markley, Thompson and Benson had two hits each for Hastings, and Carter Hewitt and Rafter both singled once. Kaiden Shumway had two RBI and Rafter also drove in a run. One of Thompson’s two hits was a double. Hewitt started on the mound for Hastings, striking out two and walking four in 4.1 innings. He allowed two hits and three earned runs, but the Bulldogs scored two unearned runs off of him and three in the game. The Bulldogs extended their lead in game two with seven runs in the fifth inning. Hewitt doubled and Benson, Eldred and Rafter singled in the loss for the Saxons. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — Page 15 Cougars win big at Trojans’ golf jamboree Thornapple Kellogg’s Cole Shoobridge watches his tee shot fly on the par-3, number six on the gold nine at Yankee Springs Golf Course Thursday during the OK Gold Conference jamboree hosted by the Trojans. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The leaders pulled away Thursday. Grand Rapids Catholic Central put together another outstanding day on the OK Gold boys’ golf greens Thursday at Yankee Springs Golf Course, winning the conference jambo­ ree hosted by the Thomapple Kellogg varsity with a score of 146. The Cougars were 22 strokes better than the runner-up Hawks from Forest Hills Eastern. The Thomapple Kellogg boys were in the sixth spot where they’ve settled in the confer­ ence for most of the season. Forest Hills Eastern took the second-place spot with a score of 168, ahead of Wayland 170, South Christian 173, Kenowa Hills 176, Thomapple Kellogg 184 and Cedar Springs 198. .. CJ Crabtree-led the TK boys, with a score of 45. He managed pars on the par-3 seventh hole and par-4 eighth to finish out his round well. He was on the front of the green in two on the 377-yard number eight, but had his first putt for birdie just miss its mark. Austin Pitsch had a string of pars on five, six and seven on the gold nine at Yankee Springs and Connor Newland had pars on two, three, six and eight. Both sophomores closed the day with scores of 46. The Trojan team also got a 47 from Drew Nathan who had a par on seven as well. TK head coach Bob Kaminski was pleased with the way his guys finished once they adjusted to the cool, wet conditions. The early Thursday rain didn’t slow the greens down any. “I think a number of our kids finished well. We kind of got off to a rough start. Watching the first couple holes, they kind of just strug- TK’s Trevor Hummer watches a putt roll towards the cup on gold number seven at Yankee Springs Golf Course Thursday during the OK Gold Conference jamboree hosted by the Trojans. (Photo by Brett Bremer) gled,” Kaminski said. “I thought they finished well.” It was the first time this season that the teams were mixed up out on the course. To prevent the spread of Covid from school to school, and decrease worries about contact tracing, threesomes at the first conference jamborees were made up of three players from a single squad. The Trojans played with Kenowa Hills and Cedar Springs guys for the most part Thursday. “As coaches we talked about that. Catholic played really well playing with other schools. There is that competitiveness. They wanted to compete,” Kaminski said. “Sometimes when you play with your teammate it is just a fun round. Maybe it was that change, playing with somebody else there are nerves, and they got better by the end.” Freshman Will Preston led the Catholic Central team with a one-under-par 35. Catholic Central also- got a 36 from senior Andrew Armock and a 36 from junior Luke TK’s Austin Pitsch sends a shot flying from the fairway towards the green on gold number eight at Yankee Springs Golf Course Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Preston. The other three Cougars all shot 39s. Alex Emerine led Forest Hills Eastern with a 39. Wayland got 38s from Christian Look and Tyler Omness. The conference was together again at Railside Golf Club Monday and the Trojans had their best finish of the conference season so far placing fourth. Armock and Preston led the Cougars to the win with a pair of 38s and the Cougars fin­ ished the day at 160 as a team. Forest Hills Eastern was second with a 166, ahead of South Christian 178, TK 180, Kenowa Hills 184, Wayland 186 and Cedar Springs 236. Crabtree and Newland each scored a 44 for the Trojans. Pitsch scored a 45 and Trevor Hummer a 47. Emerine led all scorers with a 36. South, west neighbors tough on TK softball Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans scored in five of the seven innings, but it still wasn’t quite enough to keep pace with the Gull Lake girls in the final bailgame of the Thomapple Kellogg varsity softball team’s invitational in Middleville Saturday. The TK team was 0-2 for the day, falling 10-6 to Gull Lake to end the day after a 14-4 loss to Hopkins in its first ballgame. Gull Lake scored three times in the top of the seventh to pull away from the TK ladies, bumping a 7-6 lead to 10-6. Paige VanStee had a double and two RBI in the loss to the Blue Devils. Mo Sprague and Carley Snyder each singled and tripled in the loss. They both had a run scored and an RBI. Ebbie Appel also drove in a run for the Trojans. Snyder was on base four times, walk­ ing twice as well. TK had girls on the bases throughout the bailgame. Elaina O’riley singled and walked twice out of the lead-off spot. She came around to score three runs. Ellie Rogers and Ella Palazzolo also singled for TK. Natalie O’Riley worked two walks as well. Shelby Robinett went the distance in the girls for TK, striking out two and walking four. The Blue Devils managed ten hits, scor­ ing three runs in the first inning, four in the fifth and three in the seventh. TK fought back from the early 3-0 hole by scoring two in the home half of the first and adding single runs in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Sprague homered and tripled in the loss to Hopkins to start the day. Sophie Haveman had a single, a double and an RBI. Emily Offinga also had a double and an RBI. Appel was 2-for-4 with an RBI and Snyder had two hits too. TK was back in action Tuesday afternoon, suffering its first defeats of the OK Gold Conference season, against visiting Wayland, to fall to 4-2 in conference play. The Wildcats took 15-4 win in the opener before taking game two 4-1. TK pitcher Maleah Bailey held the Wildcats to one earned run in her six innings in the circle in game two, but two Trojan errors helped the Wayland girls score three unearned runs in the bottom of the first inning. Bailey allowed six hits while striking out four. She didn’t walk a batter. TK got its run in game two in the top of the Thomapple Kellogg third baseman Natalie O’Riley scoops up a Gull Lake bunt in front of the pitcher’s circle during the final game of the TK Invitational Saturday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) fifth as Natalie O’Riley singled, stole second, took third on a wild pitch and eventually came home when the Wildcats threw down to first to get a Trojan batter out after a dropped third strike. The Wildcats had 13 hits in the opener, facing TK pitchers VanStee and Peyton Stahl, and also worked ten walks to keep the base paths busy. Sprague tied the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the third, following a VanStee triple with a two-run home run to center field. Elaina O’Riley and VanStee had two hits each in that game one loss. Snyder and Bailey each sin­ Elaina O’Riley gets a jump off second during her team’s contest with Gull Lake at Saturday’s TK Invitational in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) gled once, with Snyder driving in two runs in the top of the first. Snyder’s two-run single put TK up 2-1 at the time, but the Wildcats evened things up with a run in the top of the second then moved in front 4-2 with two runs in the top of the third. After Sprague’s home run tied the ball­ game, the Wildcats took the lead back with four runs in the top of the fourth and added three in the fifth and four more in the sixth. �Page 16 — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Transmitter tower expected to improve signal quality A helicopter removes the old antenna Tuesday. Greg Chandler Staff Writer Barry County residents who have had trouble pulling in the signal from television station WWMT may soon be able to see their favorite CBS shows after repair crews replaced an analog antenna with a digital antenna on its 61-year-old transmitter. Repair crews removed the analog antenna from the station’s transmitter on M-179, just east of Patterson Road, in Yankee Springs Township Tuesday with the help of a helicopter, and finished installation of the new digital antenna Wednesday morning, George Markle, Channel 3’s chief engineer, said. “We wanted to verify something with engineering before they did the final lift [on the new antenna],” Markle said. “What we’re hoping is that this will improve the signal for all the areas that are having poor signal quality.” Markle said he has received calls in the past from county residents complaining about the station’s signal and hopes this will rectify Crew members work at the top of the tower preparing for the installation of the new antenna Wednesday. - “Stainless,” the name of the repair crew on the site, returns to the ground after work­ ing on the top of the WWMT tower in Yankee Springs Township. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) the issue. “I’ve got a list of a bunch of people that we’re going to be contacting to see how things have changed,” he said. “Myself and my engineers, we’ve got several pages of people that we’ve contacted over the last few years or who have contacted us over the last few years.” Some additional work remains to be done on the transmission line and at the transmitter itself, but Markle said he doesn’t expect to see any significant repairs affecting signal quality for the foreseeable future. The 1,100-foot-high transmitter was erected in 1960 by then-station owner John Fetzer, when the station’s call letters were WKZO-TV. Fetzer also owned the Detroit Tigers baseball team as well as Kalamazoo radio station WKZO-AM. The location in Yankee Springs was selected so that the station’s signal could reach Grand Rapids while staying within Federal Communications Commission rules. The WWMT broadcast tower is behind the building that contains the broadcast­ ing equipment. Earlier this week, the old antenna was removed, but the new anten­ na had not yet been installed. The tower is more than 900 feet tall. J Community/action Barry County Commodity Food Distribution Schedule **■*in an effort to reduce transportation costs for our clients, we will be distributing CSFP food eight months out of the year. During some months clients will receive food for two months. See schedule below. October 20,2020 November 17,2020 January 19,2021 February 16,2021 April 20,2021 May 18,2021 July 20,2021 August 17,2021 CSFP for Oct. & Nov. TEFAP & CSFP for Dec. CSFP for Jan. & Feb. TEFAP & CSFP for March CSFP & April & May TEFAP & CSFP for June CSFPfor July & Aug. TEFAP & CSFP for Sept. Time: 10:00am-noon Location: Thorn Apple Valley Church 2750 S MI-43 Hwy Hastings, Ml Remember, CSFP is for income qualifying seniors, while TEFAP is for income-qualifying families, individuals, and seniors To recertify, please bring your photo ID and proof of income for everyone in your home to the distribution during the expiration month that is listed on your card. Questions? or Visit us at www.caascm.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The new antenna with a red beacon was lifted to the top of the tower. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-05-13.pdf c8f6fbdb07ef178197bbafc0365dab30 PDF Text Text U.S. Rep. Meijer visits Hastings Time retool education ** again? See Editor^1 on page 4 See Story on Page 2 Saxons golf team wins 1-8 jamboree See Story on Page 15 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 iiii|i.l.|..i.|.|i.||li"lfl'"ii|in|i|||i|.i||1,„i...... ||(li ................................... -CAR-RT LOT-COOS COOS R.chaM Heme;: ng ANNER PRICE $1-00 2021 VOLUME 167. No. 19 Thursday. Multimillions big decisions for county Rebecca Pierce Editor “A whopping total of $590 million will be coming to West Michigan in thc next 12 months," Tim Mroz, senior vice president of strategic initiatives nt The Right Place Inc., said Monday. Barry County alone will receive a direct allocation of just over $12 million, he said. Mroz, who worts for The Right Place, an economic development organization based in Grand Rapids, spoke to the Hastings Rotary Club during a virtual meeting via Zoom. Garden club meetings to resume tonight I After more than a year, Thomapple I Garden Club will resume in-person mectings Thursday, May 13, at a new location - Green Street Methodist Church. Plans also are underway for its Day in a Garden tour and Garden Thyme Market June 26. George Martinez, a nursery owner and former professional boxer in Mexico, will be the guest speaker, sharing what’s new for spring planting and answering landscaping and other garden questions. The meeting will begin at 6:30, with the speaker starting at 7 p.m. Guests should enter the church from thc door on the left in the back parking lol. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, no refreshments will be served, but attend­ ees may bring their own drink. The June 26 garden tour will feature five new gardens in and around Hastings, and the market will offer garden-related items from local vendors. Elks hosting Armed Forces Day event Hastings Elks will host an Armed Forces Day celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. May 15, at lhe Hastings Elks Lodge, 102 Woodlawn Ave. The event is open to the public, with all active and veteran status military admitted at no charge and an entry fee of $10 per person for non-military attend­ ees. The event will feature Hawaiian chick­ en and Greek beef kabobs, beverages and live entertainment from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with Tom Ciganick. front man for Full Moon Fever and a Tom Petty tribute band: and a country’ power duo from 7 to 9:30, with Barry County’s own Nathan Douglas and Marty Fme - Douglas Fine Line. Donations - such as dried food and canned goods, pantry items, food prep and storage items, toiletries, and gift cards - will be accepted for the Happiness for Veterans group to help restock shelves. Country Chapel hosting baccalaureate for local seniors Country Chapel in Dowling will host a baccalaureate ceremony nt 6 p.m. Friday, May 21. , This special worship- and spirit-filled graduation celebration is open to all grad­ uating seniors - high school or college. Their friends and family members are invited as well. Baccalaureate is a Christian service that took place in schools several years ago. Country Chapel has brought this service back. I-ast year five graduating seniors attended its first baccalaureate, and organizers are hoping for an even bigger service this year. Cake and punch will be available immediately following the service. Barry County's American Rescue Plan Act Advisory Team members offering thoir expertise to Barry County commissioners Monday include (from left) Bonnie Geltys, Barry Community Foundation; Lani Forbes, Barry County United Way; Greg Moore, Consumers Energy; Cindy Vujea, economic development industry; and Jennifer Heinzman, Economic Development Alliance. (Photo by RebeccjlPierce) ■ ^.',1 Li Rebecca Pierce Editor Former Barry’ County Judge Gary R Holman of Hastings, who died May 4 at age 78, set such a strong example as a jurist that his decisions and demeanor live on in the minds of those who revere him. “He was that quintessential judge," Barry County Chief Judge William Doherty said in an interview Wednesday. “He followed the law, regardless of public opinion. He is someone I tried to emulate as a judge. He listened to everybody and made a solid ruling. ... Whether you agreed or disagreed, you saw the reasons for his decisions." Holman presided over more than a court. He was among a core group of jurists - along with retired Circuit Judge James H. Fisher and Probate Judge Richard H. Shaw - who oversaw changes in lhe way courts operate that continue to this day. Fisher and Shaw spoke with fondness of working collaboratively with Holman. "He was a very dear personal and professional friend of mine for more than 40 years,” Fisher said. the reouiremn8,COn"rn5 about thc imPaot of ^requirements on the mental health of stu- Gelderimis1^' T •" “id Julianna carried these attributes with him as a prosecutor and judge.” Holman also was the county’s first full- Judge Gary R. Holman “He was very intelligent, very down-toearth, very fair-minded and very humble. He ning our country, our world. How can they? They’ve suffered significant isolation and been beaten into submission with ongoing rhetoric." . . “I’m tired of hearing what can’t be done. It’s time to make healthy decisions for our children. We owe that much to them.” TKHS sophomore bkyler Wiseman spoke of her own mental health struggles through the pandemic, which she said led to her hospi­ talization at Pine Res' Christian Mental Health Services in Grand RaPldstwo weeks at the end of last year. “With the whole quarantining and the COVID stuff, it’s "01 rcllll>’ helping any of us or anybody with tnejita health (issues], whether they’ve bee< to Pine Rest or have gotten help." Sk>W£“- ‘Wt™ we get quarantmed. we ge ••W front people. Social aspects of « very important thing, especially «•••*» hfe. Il helps us through multiple tpt-Xm” during the pan­ demic, further away from M:ho01 Gelderloos added. "Behavioral. p ^ai,ab,c« whelmed. I’m a [registered nurJi 7lsovcr' you that. There's no pjacc f ‘I* can tell 1L1.'.i'.\| i i'l e the whole quarantining and the i Xine at this point. fee|s kind *f unIlcc. ■ L vet’ die poin‘ “f but we’re kids. •. “ * See DECISIONS, page 10 See HOLMAN, page 7 Propose©! Culver’s drive-through', geils M from Rutland plan board child out of school at the start i n >OU"8« year. Iler older son a i„ • ^2 lhe scl,<x)l her to allow him torL,” “TK1IS’ ask<:d could play on the Trojans’ l"aseVjH*’1 “ *“ But, she said,"] don’t knn^r ?a,n* . to make it to senior year ” Wc re going “Our children have lost .k,parents identify a concern u purpt)sc- 11 mental health.Lre?Xj‘*'^ child’s mental health (issues) to go q ren w tb pitalittd just to thwart their effort?,art“Children arc our future. In ',u,c,deless, these children arc supposcd (,r The subject of ARPA continued Tuesday, when Barry County Commissioners met with an AR PA Advisory Team, launched to help local leaders understand and maximize the .us? of these federal funds. ; \ The team, representing a swath of community and industry experts, is comprised of Bonnie Gettys, Barry' Community Foundation; Lani Forbes, Barry County United Way; Jennifer Heinzman, Barry County Economic Development Alliance', Carla Neil, health care industry; Greg Moore. Consumers Energy; Cindy Vujea, economic development industry; Robert Geyer, business industry; and Craig Jenkins Jr., Delton Kellogg Schools Board of Education. -. ’ “We’re here to advise, not to tell,” Moore told the commissioners. “We’re here to provide a resource ... There are a lot of partnering opportunities. We’re going to .get one chance to do this and do it right. • “As communities take a look at what the big projects are ... There arc some wonderful opportunities in this county and examples of projects that may well have a chance to get done because of this money coming into the community." “Regardless of your view - whether it [this money] should or should not be coming - it is coming and it is going to be spent by someone somewhere,” Moore noted. “For WMvss lasting legacy for county TK parents, students complain about masks, quarantines Greg Chandler Staff Writer I nistration over mandates for wearing masks and quarantining has led some parents and students in Thomapple Kellogg Schools to call on the school board to fight for increased local decision-making power in managmg the COVID-19 pandemic HiohXrr*5 ,a"d a Thomapple Kellogg S, rophomorv spoke out against the "“"daI; „al Monday’s Board of Education Allocations to thc county and townships - the first of two installments in American Rescue Plan Act funds - should start showing up in local government’s financial accounts this week, Mroz said. “The fact that there is over $18 million collectively that’s coming into Barry County through all thc townships and county government is obviously unprecedented - and the other unprecedented item is that nobody knows how they’re supposed to spend it," he said. Federal legislators developed a fiscal recovery fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some $2.08 trillion in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act money already was handed down, Mroz said. Then came the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion package approved March 11. Next, thc American Families Plan estimated at between $1.8 trillion and $2.5 trillion for individuals and social services and thc American Jobs Plan, also called the American Infrastructure Plan - estimated at between S2.2 trillion and $2.7 trillion - are expected to follow. “All told, $5.9 trillion to $7.1 trillion has been passed in federal funds in 18 months,” Mroz said. “In historical reference, FDR’s New- Deal, that was the big one ... in today’s dollars, that was about $746 billion. In the early ‘30s, it was $41.7 billion.” L"skyler'said We just want to sOnle.studeiits have gone °"r l,lc ou' and actually See COMPLIN, page 3 Sophie Bates Staff Writer The Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission approved a special land-use permit May 5 for a two-lane Culver’s drivethrough off of Green Street, just west of the Hastings city limits. The approval came after the request for a driveway off M-37 and M-43 was rejected last week by the M-37 Corridor Committee. The rejection does little to alter the site plan, except an adjustment in building height, Rutland Zoning Administrator Les Raymond said. “One thing that does change drastically — kind of drastically — is the actual elevation of the building,” Raymond said. “They were going to have to cut that elevation down roughly 3 feet or so. Now the elevation will be higher. 3 feet higher than what it was originally was. The basic design of the building does not change." Raymond said the site plan still complies with the township’s ordinances with the additional height. The restaurant will be accessible by an entrance on Green Street. Culver’s representative Chris McGuire attended the meeting and informed commissioners that a turn-right lane will be added for the Green Street entrance by resizing and repainting the existing infrastructure. McGuire said the drive-through will have two ordering stations and will hold an estimated 26 cars from the drive-through entrance to the end. Commissioners asked how significant drive-through traffic would be handled in the event of another pandemic. “God forbid, if we run into another pandemic, it [traffic] will be wrapped through like the Disneyland chain through the parking, ’ McGuire said. “But as it stands now. this site flows well. We would have loved to have the second drive-through. It does work though.” After commissioner discussion, a public hearing was held to address the special land use, but no one spoke. Commissioners then received an update from Williams Ac Works Project Manager and Senior Planner Bradley Kotrba about the Rutland C harter Township future land-use map, part of the township’s master plan update. Kotrba consulted commissioners on how they would like to see the future land-use map formatted in conjunction with the township’s zoning map and existing land-use map. The zoning and existing land-use map depict what type of developments are allowed in certain districts of the county. The future land-use map is used to guide future construction by grouping like developments together, making sewer access, for example, easier. “Zoning - that’s kind of a whole different thing. It follows similar to the existing land­ use map, but it defines each of those specific legal categories of like what the definitions are for a specific zone in the community and what can be done there and cannot be done there.” Kotrba said. “[With the future land­ use map], you’re trying to steer development into certain areas. “So, if you are recognizing that housing developments are coming into the area up here, then it may be beneficial to plan for the future and keeping those [developments] in that kind of area of the township, versus having one here, one here, one here all over the place.” The commissioners requested that Kotrba make the future land-use map’s colors and language as consistent as possible with the zoning map and existing land-use map, so the maps arc easier to read and compare. In addition, commissioners briefly discussed creating a marijuana ordinance and concluded that they must wait for the township board to vote on whether to allow or prohibit recreational marijuana establishments. ... . Finally, commissioners heard a zoning report from Raymond. His report concluded that the Culver’s site plan meets the township’s standards. He also staled that, since the Hastings City Council passed an ordinance allowing chickens within the city­ last week, he has received a multitude pf phone calls regarding the keeping of chickens. "| want to thank the city for their chicken ordinance thing, it’s gotten me about 12 phone calls today." Rajmond said. “I’d like to ask the commission to think about what wc could do to make our ordinance a little more user-friendly for the people that like to have chickens.”. �U.S. Rep. Mdier Meijs meets with Constituents m Hastings ’ U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer listens to a al in blastings. Rep. Peter Meijer. R-Grand Rapids, ted Hastings Tuesdxj to meet with a variof Barry County constituents, leijcr, whose Third Congressional District udes all of Barry County, met with manment of Viking Corp, in Hastings, as well as constituents at the Seasonal Grille in downlown Hastings to hear their concerns. Meijer also visited lhe Mooville Creamer)' in Nashville and met with local Audubon Society members in Yankee Springs Tow nship. ReP- Meijer (right) is given a lour of the Mooville Creamery in Nashville during his visit lo Barry County Tuesday. Nashville EMS approves pay hike ; i Tbylor Owens • Staff Writer • The Castleton Maple Grove Nashville ’Emergency Medical Services Board ’recommended wage increases for its staff in Ifljbeffort to ease a staffing crisis at the agency. 1 Thc board voted 5-0 to raise lhe hourly ’wige of emergency medical technicians from JSI1 to SI4. and paramedics from $1350 to rS18. rl-The raise is contingent on each of the «eh^ties that make up the board - Castleton ^Township. Maple Grove Township and the uNjshville Village Council - voting to fund the Expense at their next meetings. EMS Board •President Cheryl Hartwell said they have not yet decided on the amount each entity will ■need to pay to fund thc wage increases. Thc board also discussed asking the voters for a millage increase during an election later this year. The new millage would pay for the raises, and could be used to pay for benefits for full-time employees. “The idea is to kick in some money now to jumpsiart.it.throughboard Vjce Chapman.. Jeff Butler said. . If lhe millage passes, the three entities will be able to cut back on thc additional funding, he added. ' Butler, who is the supervisor of Maple Grove Township, said his board has already discussed the issue and is ready to help thc service. He asked EMS board member and Nashville Village Council President Mike Kenyon if the council would be willing to kick in some funding as well. “There is absolutely no way I will be a part of losing our service - and I think the rest of the board feels the same way.” Kenyon said. .“The village of Nashville is ready to do our part.” f Currently, the service is staffed entirely by part-time employees, all of whom have oilier jobs, and the service relies on them picking up shifts in their off hours. But CMGN EMS Director Mel Oakley said the service is no longer able to compete with other ambulance agencies, or other industries, due to low' wages and a lack of benefits. The service has lost a number of employees in "recent months, which has led to the ambulance going out of service for a number ,ofjecent shifts. The service missed six calls last month when it was out of service, and an ambulance from another agency had to respond to the emergency. Oakley said his goal is for the service to have three full-time EMTs and three full-time paramedics on staff to address the problem. He proposed that the board institute raises immediately to help mitigate the crisis, and consider other aspects, such as health insurance and a pay scale based on experience, if more money becomes available through a millage. Last month, lhe service paid $13547 in wages per two-week pay period. Oakley said thc service saved some money when the ambulance was out of service, but it ultimately paid a lot more in overtime hours. Since lhe service currently relies on a small pool Of employees to cover all of its shifts, it has been paying an abundance of overtime. Oakley said his proposal would cost an extra $1,000 per pay period, compared to last month. EMS board member Nancy Stanton abstained from thc vote. As a representative of the Woodland Township Board, which contracts with the service, she is the only member of the EMS board who does not represent any of the three entities which would pay for the increase. Board member Trahan initially abstained during the roll call vole, but when Hartwell asked why. he changed his vote lo a “yes.” “This is very encouraging. I thank you and commend you,” Barry County Medical Control Authority Coordinator Dana Yargcr said at thc end of thc meeting. She said Nashville may become “a shining beacon of EMS” with the new compensation strategy and initiative to train medical first responders. There arc currently seven members of the CMGN Fire Departmenl who are interested in training as Medical First Responders later this year, and an anonymous donor has pledged to pay for their training. Medical First Responders arc able to help EMTs and paramedics on the scene, or provide aid to a patient until the ambulance arrives. Nashville EMS employee Sandra Egleslon also spoke during public comment at the end of the meeting. “Thank you very much for listening to our pleas and our concerns,” Egleston said. “There’s nothing I want to do more than be in my community and work here. 1 love it here. 1 wouldn’t have been here 15 years if I didn’t.” More on the EMS board meeting, including updates from the Nashville Village Council meeting Thursday, will be in Saturday’s edition of the Maple Valley News. Pfizer vaccine approved for ages 12 and up ■* n Taylor Owens / Staff Writer ; .The Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer vaccine Monday for .youngsters from age 12 and up. On Wednesday, die Centers for Disease .Control and Prevention held a meeting to .^decide whether to recommend the vaccine /or children ages 12 to 15. “We have already started scheduling those aged 12-15 at upcoming Pfizer •cjinics,” Barry-Eaton District Health Department representative Anne Bama said Juesday. “We also recommend that parents explore vaccination through their healthcare system or regional pharmacy chain (such as tyjeijer). who tend to have access to Pfizer.” Pfizer is thc only vaccine currently approved for 16- and )7-year-olds. It also is the most difficult vaccine to store and lumdle, requiring storage at temperatures of -76 to -112 degrees Fahrenheit. Some local pharmacies have been .surveying their customers, trying to find out if dicre is enough interest in purchasing an uhra-cold storage freezer and a shipment of lhe vaccine. Lake Odessa Pharmacy has partnered with the local health department to get vials । r.; I of thc vaccine, and it will start scheduling appointments for children ages 12-15 soon. During a press conference Wednesday morning, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged primary care providers to sign on to provide the Pfizer vaccine to that age group. The spread of CO VID-19 in Barry County has continued to drop over the past few weeks, with 186 cases reported in lhe county on 'Idesday. The percentage of COVID-19 tests which are positive also has fallen, and is currently fluctuating in the 8- to 15-percent range. Michigan reached its first vaccination goal to lift state restrictions under lhe state’s “Vacc to Normal” plan. On Monday. 55 percent of all adults over lhe age of 16 had received at least their first dose of a COVJD-19 vaccine, which means the work-from-home requirement will lx: lifted two weeks later, on May 24. The next stage of lhe reopening plan will be to raise the capacity restrictions at businesses, which will occur two weeks after 60 percent of all adults have been vaccinated. As of Tuesday, about 46 percent of Barry County residents had received their first dose of lhe vaccine. Rep. Meijer (center, in front of whiteboard) met with management of Viking Corp, of Hastings. Oy coamcil] approves expenditures for irrfrastrutefore projects •Hbmit: J Sophie Bates ' Staff Writer l he Hastings City Councifapproved a host of expenditu/es for infrastructure-related proj­ ects. as recommended by Director of Public Services 'Davis Tale at its meeting Monday evening. / ' » First, the council approved Expenditures related tq a $214,870 Drinking Water Asset Management grant from the i Michigan Departnent of Environment. Great Lakes and Energy./ i Engineering and surveying company Prein & Newhof assisted the city in preparing and submitting the grunt application and w ill now provide a capital improvement plan for the city. Prcin & Newhof will utilize the city’s Water Service Reliability Study and Water Asset Management Plan, among other resources, to create a 10-ycar capital improve­ ment project list, including a detailed cost estimate and map. The council approved a lump-sum payment of $50,395 for Prcin & Newhof’s services, which includes the capital improvement plan, asset management plan, service line verifica­ tion and location, and water service mapping. Council members also approved a proposal from Flcis & Vandenbrink, an engineering firm, for S 10,000 for updating the city’s well­ head protection program. To update the plan, Flcis & Vandenbrink will identify existing and potential sources of contamination, create a water supply emergency contingency plan and plan for new water wells, among other services. The council also awarded a contract to Anlann Corporation for its bid of $57,483 for the Rutland Charier Township special assess­ ment district for 556 feet of sidewalk grading and restoration, 4,734 square feel of concrete sidewalk and for tree removal. “This sidewalk, Brenda. >s ?<,inSt0 be ,roni McDonalds to Aldis and then it’s going to include lhe crossing of the creek. Il’s not going to include any property on the south side of lhe road, other than the creek cross­ ing,” Mayor David Tossava said, addressing a question from Council member Brenda McNabb-Stange. The council voted 4-4 on a t0 approve $79,803 to A1 Asph«h Inc’ 10 ,niH and repave four city lots. Councilmembers Theresc Maupin-Mo^, Al Jarvis’ JaCMuie McLean and McNabb-S,anFe soled no’ expressing a desire to sec more bids for lhe P^kci S‘nCe A1 Asphalt is currently the only Interim city nianacer Gregg Guelschow suggested council nn h the repaving to the next fiscal year, s0 seek more bids on ,lle . N<> fllrl| • was made Ourmg public ^nt. Me.Ran »**"’ executive dir«-i„r J .w Thornapple Ans Council. re<ltlCMtd ' eiiy •-1^1’ Chnstnms |i(.hu . • jn ,)(,ttlltown before Haslmgs l.ivc nl(1„th. In other business, the council: - Approved a request from the Klovanich family to place a four-foot marble memorial bench in Fish Hatchcry Park in honor of a former director of public works, thc late Mike Klovanich, who designed and developed Fish Hatchery Park during the 1970s and 80s. - Approved Bunker’s Smokehouse and Grille to apply for a social district pennit through the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. - Approved and authorized Mayor Tossava to sign a 2022 Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Project Support application. - Set a public hearing at 7 p.m. Monday. May 24, for lhe establishment of a commer- cial redevelopment district for new construc­ tion at 128 N. Michigan Ave., lhe former Moose Lodge property. - Set a second public hearing at the same meeting for the designation of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone at 128 N. Michigan Ave. Thc Neighborhood Enterprise Zone program pro­ vides a tax incentive for the development and rehabilitation of residential housing. - Approved an invoice of $16,800 lo Hometown Tree Services for tree removal and trimming. - Approved Hastings American Legion .Annual Memorial Day ceremonies al 11 a.m. Monday, May 31, at the Veterans Memorial at Tyden Park. Hastings board prepares for end of school year Sophie Bates Staff Writer As the end of lhe 2020-21 school-year draws near, the Hastings Board of Education approved diplomas for Hastings High School graduates and passed a resolution recognizing retiring staff members, among other business nt its meeting Monday evening. The board approved a list of 183 Hastings seniors lo receive their diplomas, under lhe condition seniors have until May 21 lo complete any work and graduate on time. High School Principal Teresa Heide gave a presentation recognizing retiring high school math teacher Kimberly S weeds, and Northeastern Elementary Principal Eric Heide did the same for retiring first-grade teacher Tina Bovee; both B.ovee and Sweeris have taught in thc district for 30 years. “You taught not only your students, but all of us as well,” Teresa Heide said to Sweeris. “You’re truly an amazing woman and educator. We at HHS will miss you and wish you all the best in your future endeavors and urge you to keep teaching in all you do.” “Having ITinal leave, for me, will be a very sad occasion,” Eric Heide said. “But 1 honestly, can’t say enough good things about Tina. She’s the epitome of a fantastic teacher and employee. (She s a] caring, open-minded, student-oriented teacher who does whatever it takes to take care of kids." Other retirees include crossing guard Patricia Field*, teacher Elissa Lelot’, paraprofessional Barbara Lyons; healthcare paraprofessional Andrea Schmidt; and transportation supervisor James Vreugde. Supenntendcm Matt Goebel also noted the resignation of Dora Ixonard. high school behavior coach and district-wide multi-tiereri systems of suppon teacher consultant coach. ora’ continue to sit and serve on our istnct implementation team.” Goebel said. “She’s looking forward lo mentoring some other person within the district to take on that leadership role.” The board also approved a memorandum of understanding for an early literacy coach with the Barry Intermediate School District for an educator on loan. Thc BISD agreed to pay up to $95,000 for current Southeastern Elementary first-grade teacher Stephanie Watkins lo receive training required to become a literacy coach. In that role, Watkins will coach kindergarten through third grade teachers in literacy instruction. In other matters, the board: - Approved a resolution for the special school election Aug. 3.The resolution outlines lhe district’s facility needs — such as roofing replacements, security cameras, new locker rooms and bathrooms, LED lighting and more — and lhe terms of lhe bond project. The bond would lower the millage rate from 6.9 mills to 6.8 mills, though it is currently set to lower to 6 mills alter this year. The bond will bring $21.9 million to lhe district. - Recertified online and in-person instructional methods. - Heard a presentation from Bare) Intermediate School District Superintendent Richard Franklin about the BlSD’s 2021-22. with projected expenditures of $1,646,593 and revenue of $1,631,655. The BISD required to present its budget to sc kx districts within its jurisdiction. School boards then vote on whether they approve of budget, but the vote does not impact tl'v‘ budget’s implementation. The Hastings bc^ voted to approve the BISD budget. - Announced a special board meeting begin at 7 p.m. May 17 in the Commons A^ of Hastings Middle School. Announced a public hearing on drt iT^0 rd 2021 ”22 budget al 6:45 Junc 2S m the Commons Area of the middle school- 1 >I �Tho Hatfjngi Banner — Thursday, May 13, 2021 — Page 3 <• Family members decorated their cars and joined in the fun. Parade participants are greeted by residents and staff along the route outside Thomapple Manor, v notos by Lyn Briel) i*0:*C Parade celebrates Thornapple Manor residents, staff Castleton Maple Grove Nashville Fire Chief Wayne Gould waves to observers along the parade route. National Nursing Home Week was the reason for a festive parade outside Thomapple Manor Monday afternoon. Decorated vehicles bearing local dignitaries, honking horns, flags and balloons entertained nursing home residents, their families and staff. staff members Tricia Krebs and Rebecca Westbrook pose with Barb Dunn oo a chj|ly> but sunnyt afternoon. •' ’ Middleville ORV owners push back on proposed ban Greg Chandler Staff Writer Some off-road vehicle owners in Middleville aren’t happy about a proposal to ban ORV use on village streets. Two residents and a business owner spoke out Tuesday against the proposal by village council trustee Mike Cramer, issued at lhe council’s May 4 committee of the whole meeting, lo prohibit ORVs from being operat­ ed on streets in the village. The ban would cover dirt bikes, quads and side-by-sides. Andrew Beck, a side-by-side owner who lives in the Misty Ridge subdivision, called for the council to creale a committee “to research, understand and consider all options before unnecessarily requiring families lo alter their vehicles to meet” the requirements of the proposed ordinance change. “While I do agree with Mike that lhe pres­ ent ordinance is as clear as mud, I believe we can come together as local government, com­ munity members and side-by-side owners to find a safe, reasonable solution," Beck said. The new ordinance would allow certain side-by-side ORVs, such as the John Deere Gator and Polaris Ranger, to be retitled as an assembled vehicle that can be driven on the street, but it would have to be retrofitted to e *• • • include such features as street-legal tires, headlights and taillights, tum signals and windshields, according lo the Michigan Vehicle Code. It also would require anyone operating an ORV in the village to have a driver’s license. One of the issues Cramer raised in his comments last week was insurance and liabil­ ity concerns with the operation of ORVs on the street. Beck pointed out that coverage is available. “It is possible to get insurance, for both (personal injury protection] and liability for a side-by-side that is not considered street legal,’’ he said. “We’ve researched various auto insurance agencies in the area, and the insurance to drive our side-by-side, on the road, with such coverage, is readily avail­ able." Shawn Kramer, who also lives in Misty Ridge, expressed similar opposition to the proposal. He said his side-by-side has some of lhe features requested in the ordinance, such as tum signals and a horn, but doesn’t have a windshield. “I understand that we don’t want dirt bikes flying up and down the street. We don’t want quads flying up and down the street. We need to have some established rules as far as what’s Carbon Green receives one of four MDARD grants Durin^ its regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development voted to 'innrove Food and Agriculture Investment Rmd grants for four Michigan companies nreoarirm to grow operations, expand product million worth of com purchases from Michigan farmers and help provide products to Michigan’s various grades of alcohol markets, including low-carbon ethanol for automobile, industrial, beverage and other uses. * efficiencies. Ute projects Iro exEEctri to create several new jobs and ^r^Tdemand for products grown and ,rcc*P‘cnts include Ackroyd’s cot is Bakery of Redford Charter Township, W o'** •i?CC’Ve a 550,000 grant to support I,on e*Pansion project; Coulter’s ^Ca^G^BioEnergy LL£ of Lake they have to their of lhe Michigan Gary McDo . i(.u|lurc and Rural Department of t £ d |0 heIp Development. wud oroiects. which not support accEleites growth, but ffs farmers, producers, and supphem throughout the state. j re(Xjvc Carbon SgSjOOOforat $«.? biofuels and animal 10he,P*he production facility .( pf(x) diversify die sources com from Currently. Michigan farmsmore than 600 *°“ dd additional $11 The project wl" C V75 nnn New Era* receiving include m*d’on project that will fnr ,h nQ1 ^^Hed atmosphere rooms for the storage nf nnn!_ r and other LLC of T^TieS;/nd Cul,urcd Fcm’entS jfoioo for rSwil! “ organic kombucha tea prodiCerto hdP product line to incluT exPand kombucha. nC,Udc cu,tured hard Program provides finale,al suppon and agriculture projects lha| >o«| and agriculture processing l0 enabled the industry and Mich°.an^le8raw,h ,n Projects arc selected based on t?. ■ ** onornythe overall agriculture indus'irc*’ ‘"Tu *" impact to food and agricultun?IJ!nd1.,he,r investment in Michigan growth and going to be proposed fiere." Kramer said. Kramer said he uses his side-by-side to give his I2-year-old dog a ride. “I can’t take her for walks anymore. She has a harness and everything. If you saw lhe way she smikd when I took her for rides at 25 miles per hour - she loves it." he said. Wade Poland, who owns a business and property in the village, recalled being involved in discussions regarding ORV use in Barry County, when county commissioners approved an ordinadee in April 2016 allowing their use on many county roads. "There was a lot of people wlio spoke against that at that point in time, to s4y it was going to be a free-for-all, we’re going to have within our county bad things happening," Poland said. “We convinced them it wasn’t, and that’s pretty much been the case. “That is our hobby. That is what my wife and I do,” Poland said. “We typically get up on a Sunday morning, get a cup of coffee and we go for a ride to view the beautiful Barry County. Occasionally we need gas or we want ice cream, and we like the opportunity to come into Middleville and get that gas and fill up. or get some ice cream and be able to do that lawfully.” Poland said he carries insurance on his ORVs. He also supports Beck’s call for estab­ lishing a committee. During final council comments prior to lhe meeting adjourning, Cramer pushed back. “I’ve done my research. I’ve worked in liability. This is my view of it: What happens is when you have a vehicle that is not licensed for the road, and you carry liability insurance, that liability insurance is void when you’re using it unlawfully,” Cramer said. “I’m not opposed to forming a committee, but I don’t feel there’s going to be any new information brought. The secretary of slate has set forth specific guidelines that state to be operated on the roadway, they have io have the parts installed, they have to be titled, reg­ istered and insured like any other motor vehi­ cle. I can’t drive a jet-fueled motorcycle down the street. I can’t drive a monster truck down the street. It’s no different. It’s not an on-rohd vehicle, it’s an off-road vehicle." Trustee Kevin Smith encouraged ORV owners to check their insurance coverage. “ “1 think it would be worth at least one more conversation before an all-out ban [is adopted]," Smith said. Village Attorney Mark Nettleton will review the proposed ordinance language before it comes back to council for final action, Cramer said. The ordinance changes would not apply to department of public works equipment and Thomapple Township Emergency Services vehicles, Cramer said. COMPLAIN, continued from page 1 have a good year," she added. Another parent, Keara Hilton, said that two of her daughters have had to go through mul­ tiple quarantines. “I know tltal our school district is under a lot of pressure, as all schools arc, and 1 don’t want you to think that I don’t sympathize and I don’t feel for what you guys arc dealing with, but we hired you to do a job and we expect it lo be done " she told the board. Hilton quoted frotf a letter written by the president of the Sparta Board of Education in Kent County, appealing to the state to give local school boards the authority to make decisions regarding how best to handle COVID-19. That letter links mask mandates and quarantines to negative impacts on mental health of students. ano a^o calls for eliminat­ ing required testing of student-athletes, instead offering rapid tests to any students who might develop symptoms of illness. “They are standing UP for their kids, which is what we hired yout0 do»” Hilton said. The comments were made during the pub­ lic comment period at the beginning of the school board meeting-1 er its policy, the board did not provide an immediate response to the comments. , „ e . . Thomapple Kellotf Superintendent Dan Remenap said la‘er lh ' he undenUnds the parental ^rostrati011“I complete!) unde^„ fnd our Paren,s and students are w>i«'"bffwn.and we are just as frustrated as the Remenap wrote tn an e-mail to the > ^.mer Tuesday. ••Our siofl and stu^ done a great job the chal,cn- .and constant changes andlnterruptiou^ lhe P“d<:inicWe'H,e BarrVp3'l’n llcallh Department Tuesday issued an update on quarantine timelines, reducing the length of quarantine time from 14 days to 10 days for someone who has close contact to an individ­ ual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Otherwise, no other changes to the health department’s handling of the pandemic have been made, Health Officer Colette Scrimger said. Scrimger said she has heard from unhappy parents who oppose requiring wearing masks and quarantining, but says she has heard from just as many individuals who support lhe measures that have been taken lo date. “We have worked closely with the superin­ tendents, to help the schools take the steps they need to make sure the atmosphere is safe for all students." she said. Neighboring health departments in Kent and Ionia counties last Friday issued a joint statement, saying that school districts in those counties no longer had to require students to quarantine if they had close contact with an individual with COVID-19. The departments “advised the school dis­ tricts within their jurisdictions that, in consid­ eration of current epidemiological trends, increasing vaccination coverage rates, and lhe availability of safe and effective vaccines, the local health departments are not issuing countywide orders requiring all school dis­ tricts to comply with the MDHHS’ quarantine guidelines," the statement said. “Instead, the local health departments will maintain their continual assessment of vacci­ nation and new case data; consult with hospi­ tals, infectious disease experts and educators; and respond as warranted to particular school situations with individually developed guid­ ance and, if necessary, orders." Scrimger said thc statement, which also included lhe health department in Ottawa and Muskegon counties, was confusing. ' *' As of Tuesday, 186 active cases of COVID were found in Barry’ County, and 310 other individuals were in quarantine. Since the pandemic began more than a year ago. 5,169 confirmed positive cases havd been reported and 64 people in the county' have died, according to lhe BEDHD website? In thc Caledonia Community Schools-in southeastern Kent County, district officials issued an update to parents on Monday, based on the new’ guidelines from lhe county hcaltl\ department. Most significant is the change that no longer requires those who have had close contact to a COVID-positive individual to quarantine — unless there is an outbreak id a school setting. “However, the district strongly recom­ mends that students deemed as close contact’) voluntarily quarantine, the letter from dis-, trict administration said. If you choose to. voluntarily quarantine your student due to close contact they shall not be penalized. , “We do recommend that during self-qUan antine students do not attend school or panic-; ipate in any extracurricular activities." , The letter also defined close contacts asf students "who arc within 3 feet of a positive individual for 15 minutes,” and also says* all students who are currently quarantined may return to school and take part in extracurricua lar activities. , ’ The ujxlated order does not change thd quarantine requirement for district staff mem] bers if they are identified as a close contact| unless they arc fully vaccinated or tested pos| itivc for CO VID in the past 90 days, the letter said. • �Page 4 — Thursday, May 13, 2021 —-1* Did you — see; Reflecting on the Past While most kx:al Memorial Day « torclunl this year. Keep year due to the pandemic, M’nR‘r and The an eye on upcoming editions o raking place on or around Kinder for a full list of anx event' u< 1 i education our nXnVlK'i7<2""e has a,’iwers for President te 8^"’,.^" Memorial Day. May 31. joined the crowd Inst dlffercnt- He the educational system*™ by S“^csling SX’’ - -undXn°f^ again . i nood citizens. for work and lone 8 FortIh;im University According 1. * who are exposed to research study, st dualc, enroll in CTE are more J* employed and post-secondary p . niany of these “mhi^\Xyto Xafour-year students are as Hkeiy 1 yean^ Do you remember Cyclin' for a cause Bunner May 15. 1978 • These fellows and others are scheduled to go ’Cyclin' for CF" in the bike-a-thon Saturday, May 20t from 9 a.m. to noon. Linda Brown is the volunteer Have you chairperson for the event, which is being sponsored by the Hastings Junior High Student Council. The course will begin with registration at the junior high parking lot and will run for 2 miles. A participant may complete the course as many times as he or she wishes. It is open to all who obtain prior sponsorship for at least 10 cents a mile, pffidal/l Did It” T-shirts will be awarded to all who bring in $25 or more. (Pictured from left) are Brad Tolles, Mark Brown, Mike Cole, David Cridler. Bill Cridler. Chad Tolles, Mike Brown and Rex Brown. met? Former state representative. U5. Navy Officer and Middleville resident Bob Bender, 83. has spent much of his life in service to others. As a young man growing up on a farm, he aspired to be an agricultural teacher and earned a degree in education from Western Kjichigan University in 1958. Thc day he graduated, he went on a first date with Carol jjbx. and married her a year later. Carol, a retired Thomapple Kellogg teacher, shares hfs value of service. Bender’s teaching future didn’t go as planned. Uncle Sam intervened. ? “I was drafted into the military after I ; graduated.” Bender said. “I thought, ‘This is •going to suck. I’m not going to do this.’ So. I started looking around ... and (decided) ‘I’m Agoing to try the naval flight program.’” ’ Bender applied for lhe program, complet­ ed flight school and became a U.S. Navy •pilot. ' He quickly fell in love with his new job: the flying, lhe traveling and the culture of discipline and organization ingrained in mil­ itary life. Bender spent five years in active duty and Irmained active in lhe reserves where he Continued to fly until 1981. He spent 30 vjears in lhe Navy, retiring as a captain in 4990. He became an aircraft and mission commander, aviation squadron commanding pifficer and worked as a staff officer at lhe f^orth Atlantic Treaty Organization in prussels. .< He once was the personal escort of Prince Charles, as he conducted a NATO inspection four, Bender said, lamenting with a chuckle |6ai he’d hoped to meet Princess Diana. M During his time in lhe military, the Benders lived a nomadic lifestyle traveling from base io base — in Texas, Alaska, Florida and 9/ashinglon — as their family grew to Include three children: Cheryl. Julie and flreg. •Partway through his military service, bender branched into public service. He f»gan by being elected as the county plan­ ping and zoning commission chairman in 1970. He continued lo serve on lhe board (ijnil 1976, when he was elected to lhe Barry Bob Bender County Board of Commissioners and eventu­ ally became chair of that board. While board chair. Bender was encouraged to run for lhe Michigan legislature. I was driven into it by a group of people that were much more local — on govern­ ments and boards and all that kind of stuff. And, I guess, they said, ‘You know, you’ve done such a great job with the commission and running the commission that you ought to ... try a bigger level,* which is the legisla­ ture of course,” Bender said. “I wasn’t wild about it. but 1 finally yielded and did it.” After a narrowly-won election in 1983. Bender jomed the 82nd Michigan legislature as a Republican in the House of Representatives. He continued to serve in the legislature tor six sessions until 1994 He served ..n the House approprialions cornmjt. tee the hardest, but favorilc of |)is tnents - for three years. I k served on other committees including agriculture, eorrections military and veteran's affairs, and social services and youth. Bender left the legislature in 1995 |)ul con. tinned to serve ongovernmental boards throughout his lite brom 1999 lo । was on the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and was elected chair for two years. In 2002, he was elected to lhe Michigan Transportation Commission and sat on the commission until 2006. He also worked as the bovine tuberculosis eradication coordina­ tor for the Stale of Michigan between 1998 and 2002. After leaving thc legislature. Bender, who also owned and operated Bender Dairy' Fanns, joined lhe Peace Corps with his wife in 1995. The couple spent two years in the Peace Corps, living in a one-room apartment in southern Russia. Carol taught English to Russian students, and Bob taught agricultural business practices to Russian farmers. It was sometimes an unpleasant experi­ ence. certainly a difficult one, and even dan­ gerous at times, Bender said. But, it was rewarding to help make a small comer of the world better, and they both are grateful for the opportunity to give back. As a member of the Middleville Rotary Club, he became involved with the nonprofit Houses lo Homes, and weulon several scr" vice trips to build homes in Guatemala. For lus many years of service. militmy and otherwise. Bob Bender is this week’s Banner Bright Light. First job: Pitching manure. The first thing [ bought with my own money: A Holstein bull. .f What motivates me: Carol, my WlfeFavorite movie: “Dr, Zhivago ” „ Favorite book: Again. “Dr> z,,iv/g2’ ... . Person I’m gliuf l0 have met: British Prince Charles. , Favorite vacation dc«tina|i(>l,: <■ ’anadian Rockies. (Irvutest presldew. A1* l i"c?!‘1l v o.,,, Favorite cartoon chtf**4^ A ’ ° P post-high school education with free Wh SoXw? really community college. Here we go again: Race to the Ton government program or expanding Common Core and No Child Left Behind path that has proven results oy at b lo name a few government education CTE programs in high «hools acre« the programs, were supposed to ensure all country and positioning our ■ students were prepared for college or compete in a global marketplace. According to state data, nearly 530W careers. Yet, despite these wide-ranging Michigan jobs and 47,000 annua p initiatives, American students have in the professional trades are projec > consistently scored lower than students in 2028. The Michigan Department of Labor many other countries on benchmarks such and Economic Development proclaimed as math and science. According to a Business May as Professional Trades Month to honor Insider report, we rank 38th in math scores ihose in these fields, showing the value o and 24th in science, behind many other work and encouraging others to explore advanced industrial nations. opportunities in the trades. So what are we doing wrong? Why Due to COVID-19 and the Biden haven’t these big federal programs changed Administration’s support for continuing the trajectory of our overall scores? generous unemployment benefits, many Biden suggests that research shows former employees arc choosing to stay rising high school graduation rates fuel home rather than heading back to work. economic growth, which most experts Everywhere you go, signs for immediate would agree. Bui will his new program, openings are posted at restaurants, retailers focused on pre-school and post-secondary and industry where it’s estimated that more education, better prepare our students for all than 7 million jobs are being left unfilled. careers in a modem, global and competitive This is threatening the country’s economy? Probably not. economic recovery. Plus, Biden’s plan, if adopted, is One governor is looking at his state’s estimated by Goldman Sachs to cost more severe workforce shortage and is ending the than $200 billion over the next 10 years. enhanced unemployment benefits that are So here we go again, trying to prepare killing his state’s economic comeback. He’s replacing it with a retum-to-work bonus. all students for college. Montana's Republican Gov. Greg Will students really benefit from fouryear academic degree programs? Some Gianforte was first in responding to his students have a wide range of different stale’s call from business and industry to cut skills and learning styles. Not everyone is off the generous benefits and, instead, good al math, science and other subjects implement a program that promotes returning to work. that are part of a college-prep curriculum. Due to the pandemic, Montana, like Some students learn better by doing and other states, used federal money to increase they thrive in a workplace environment. We’ve seen the benefits of career and weekly payments and relax rules around thc | technical education in Hastings Area unemployment program.Now, with concerns about the economic Schools where, over the past 20 years, we’ve introduced a number of CTE stability of business and industry across lhe I programs that have given students a level of slate, Gianforte is moving from expanded I confidence they were unlikely to find in a unemployment benefits to a $1,200 return- I to-work program to, hopefully, fill thousands I regular classroom. I And, because of skills and interests of unfilled jobs. That’s a political leader with some instilled by those programs, many of these students are working at local companies and common sense. Arkansas, South Carolina and Arizona have moved up the employment ladder. So why shuffle them through colleges have joined Montana to end lhe generous that don’t prepare these students for anything benefits in an effort to get more people back into the workforce. - be it college, career or boih? With American students lagging behind Throughout our history, American high school students were taught vocational and in educational attainment, giving them two job-ready skills, along with reading, writing, years of post-secondary education isn’t the and arithmetic. But, in the late 1950s, a answer - finding what skills they have and different top-down philosophy emerged what they might excel at is a more common­ where students followed separate education sense approach. tracks based on what were considered their Connecting our youth to possible individual abilities. The idea was for opportunities by giving them the skills college-bound students to take an academic employers arc seeking should be a national track, while the rest of the students would priority. It’s an investment that makes sense Lake a career preparation track. and will last a lifetime for our students. Then, in the early 1980s, we decimated Next Wednesday morning, a group of our career and technical programs across local industries will meet with Hastings the country by pushing more students High School seniors to discuss lhe toward post-secondary programs. Now, here possibilities for employment close to home. we are again, 40 years later, and looking at These employers are offering summer jobs another government program that will cost to those who plan to attend college in the billions and do little to solve the skills crisis. fall as well as full-time employment for Il’s especially worrisome when, across students who are ready to enter the job the county, slate and nation, companies market. This is a great opportunity for our desperately need workers. They’re not even county's graduates to begin their careers at setting high standards, they just need people one of our local companies. to fill thc positions; they’re willing to train It just shows what a little common sense candidates on the job. can do to solve a crisis - rather than another Most Americans would agree the big expensive government program for purpose of K-12 education is not only to• which, ultimately, taxpayers will get the bill teach academics, but also lo prepare students• and our students will pay the price. The Hastings Bclllliei* Devoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 Puwstedby . Hastings Banner, Inc. 4 e kl A Division ol J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@Tadgraphlcs.com • Advertising: ads@]-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO 0.30 am. to S 00 p m. Hank Schuuring Miknrta?10'1 Mike Gilmore CFO luicli week, the Baiuiet pt"™*’ who makes lhe ne . know someone uk, should nc . „ because of vohm^ Jlk, W sonality, for lhe stories he she haS S~'£2-b-Si emad iiew-sdj'j -aOg^^coOl- to - ■ advertising department • Classed ac}s aowpiyd Monday though Friday. • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Bron Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler Sean Bradley Taylor Owens Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates; $52 per yeaf in Barry County 160 pw year in adjoining counties _________ 565 year elsewhere POSTMASTER address changes to: P.O. Box 168 Hasbngs. Ml 430594)188 lass PoMa°* P‘ld at Hastes. Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner - Thursday. May 13, 2G?.1 - Page 5“ Supplies delay slows Cloverdale Drain Project Rebecca Pierer --------Dull attended the B Pillar Commissioners meeting t ,nly B(,anI <’l Bam' ( ounty’s $2.2 million Cloverdale questions and update U.i } lo “^wer rain project was all-systems-go - unhl all didn’t make a formal nr,* ( mc,nbcn>. but he materials didn’t show.' In other bu»ineLs theT''”! \Vc re ready to go,” Drain Commissioner voted to approve snen.ta, b°llri ”,,ichilly mi Dull said, but all the materials needed to front lhe county’s ink 8 S90.IXX) o the work on Cloverdale Drain haven’t fund to reimburse eliiow'"! '-" Wni-nl arrived. facilities that s|u,w ., 8 -..heensed hxxl .......... .. For example, they’re Mill trying to get their corresponding pnx>f foZi .>f v pa) • • ,mcll, |or their hands on a box culvert. Dull said. 2021. 8 101x1 license fees in Hie Watson Drain project, which had been “Iliis week Rnm.r unanimously annrnvF?1""7 Co,nn,issioncrs queued up next, will be delayed, as well. Originally, plans had called for the Watson our local in T d P^'ding relief to project to get underway June, he said. “The ChainnanBenGci::,i'bli'h-'’-" ta"* L wr?tc ,n a ,cxt ,nev engineers can’t get the drawings done that sage to n.f, n a^,ler> “Right now. we are last. .. There are just loo many moving workinp th these refun troUgh. ‘he ,lo8’sl’cs getting parts.” more info ** *• ” 1 1C and 1 I 10 !* to ,uive But Dull expressed hope that thc Day of more information soon.” Review on lhe Watson project would happen reimik?”? discussion of how to handle the sometime in August. - fiUrSwv^nls‘Ble ^commendation was to He also said he hopes the Cloverdale proj­ thv »C ^'Percent tax payment fund and ect would still be completed by the end of <-n o potentially reimburse that fund with June. But that hope is contingent on a variety American Rescue Plan Act funds in the of factors, he emphasized, including obtain­ UJurJ"' ^OUI,ty officials had questions about ing the materials they need to get lhe work whether ARl’A guidelines would allow' this done. use, which will need to be confirmed. ir" . fund pro\i<hs i in ea,.., hi al"* r tax payment . pxes, i f.,r fence.gutter,B^unlJ An>m»lSheltcnSM) eels at the •» J pfi>eN. Industrial I - A 2022 Office grant application - Spending $2 . wells at the Barry e .■ J6 Corrections (O renovate the u-r.r ( k stair­ ' ^rts & Law l’U foe-paid ii>voic^()ot 27 mil,ion- Claims totaling**!. • • Commissioner m B ^mibursemenl $ Changing the curre^ special part-time drain maintenance *ho is limited to 19 hours a week - * regular part-time employee who may "<• P to 35 hours a week. Barry ISD adds two literacy coaches Thy lor Owens Staff Writer The Barry Intermediate School District is adding two additional literacy coaches to its lineup lo bolster professional dexelopment for elementary school teachers. ‘‘It should be huge, because it means it will triple lhe amount of time that those coaches are going to be working with teachers.” BISD Superintendent Rich Franklin said. The district hired Leah Ruesink of Gull Lake Community Schools and entered into a memorandum of understanding with Hastings Area Schools for Stephanie Watkins of Southeastern Elementary to be a literacy coach for lhe districi while she remains an employee of Hastings. Both coaches w ill start in lhe fall and will be funded through an ongoing early literacy grant from the Stale of Michigan. They will work under BISD’.s current coach Melissa Priest. Franklin said they will work with teachers at Hastings and Delton Kellogg schools on scheduled professional development days, but much of their time will be spent in the class­ rooms. There are nearly 50 elementary school classrooms across the two districts, and lhe coaches will move between them, observing teachers and giving them feedback. The early literacy grant is designed to help schools decrease the likelihood students will be retained because of the Read by Grade Three legislation. The law, which would have fully gone into effect last school year, requires third grade students to not lx* more than one year behind lhe reading requirement or they will be held back. But the pandemic caused such an overall learning loss, schools were exempt from enacting the law’ last yca*» and Franklin said individual districts will opt to do the same this year. . “Most school districts around the state will not be doing mass retentions this year," he said. “A lot of superintendents are saying ‘No, this isn’t right.’” He said he expects many districts will move students through to the next grade, unless the parents request a child be retained. The next regular meeting of the BISD will be at 8:30 nan. June 8. following the annual budget hearing at 8 ami. Meijer should have learned more before writing To thc editor: U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer made several claims in his May 6 guest commentary that must be addressed. His major point was that the American Rescue Plan’s unemployment benefits are keeping potential workers from accepting jobs. That’s a giant leap lo a conclusion. Had Rep. Meijer been more curious, he would know that there are many reasons why unem­ ployed people arc not accepting jobs and continuing their unemployment benefits. Some of those include the lack of safe, affordable child and elder care and unreliabil­ ity of in-school classes; employers who can­ not match the unemployment pay which cov­ ers basic necessities, due to lack of hours and/ or lack of pay ; concern about the coronavirus and unsafe working conditions; and working hours that are difficult to fit into a family’s schedule. If Peter Meijer had learned more about the reasons people are not accepting jobs, het would have written an entirely different guest, commentary. Maybe something like this: . "Employers have been telling me that pco ’ pie on unemployment are not accepting job< offers. Alter speaking to several of those pco-t pie, 1 have concluded that employers must. offer a livable wage with guaranteed hours and paid family leave, high-quality child and. elder care must be available and affordable, and people must get vaccinated so wc can­ reach herd immunity and feel safe to work, go to school, and visit our local businesses.” The higher unemployment benefits will soon end and many people will need to go( back to the life of struggling to make ends meet again, or not. U.S. Rep. Meijer has the power to make our economy work for everyone. , Cathy Albro. Irving Township Show EMTs extra appreciation next week; To the editor: Emergency Medical Services Week is May 16-22.1 invite all Barry’ County citizens to lake a moment to thank their local medical first responders, EMTs and paramedics for the job they do every day in service to their communities. We are fortunate to have these people who are willing to be lhe first ones at a scene when another person is having one lhe worst days of his or her life, whether it is from a medical condition or traumatic incident. Emergency 1 personnel respond 24 hours a day. seven days ; a week, every day of the year - often turning ’ away from commitments in their own lives td * help others. < These special people should be celebrated every day, but especially the week of May 16 , -22. ■! Dana Yarger, • Freeport • Workers seek fair pay, safety and dignity • Judge Holman was one of the good guys To the editor: As a member of the Barry County Bar Association, I have been blessed to have been guided and appear before truly great judges on the Barry County bench. Each of our county’s judges over our past 30 years has demonstrated what it IS’ to be good, fair and considerate in thc use of the power and authority inherent in our justice system - but none more so than Gary Holman. I am sure lhe Barry County courts treated individuals appearing before them with kindness, consideration and individual attention (rather than simply files to be processed) before Gary Holman became our district judge, but I wasn’t here then. I am certain that it is a result of his presence and collegiality with then-judges Shaw and Fisher that look three courts and made Barry County Trial Court the model and legacy it became across lhe state. That legacy remains today. Judge Holman was one of the wisest and kindest men I have ever known. He was the . best there was - laconic, laid-back, dedicated, doing what had to be done, knowing exactly what was necessary to get there, and not having to prove anything in getting there. His photo on the wall in our district court captures his kindness and even temper, but not his wit. good humor and approachability with everyone. He was an everyman draped in a black robe, but as capable and empathetic as anyone I have known. Several memories came to mind after I heard of his death last week. I had lost a hearing and was standing outside of the old yellow church (where districi court used to be housed). The door opened and shut behind me. and there was Judge Holman in his dress shirt and slacks. He walked over and asked. "Are you still angry [with me]?” I said: “I’m never angry with you And he said: "Yes, you are You know Department of Natural bw the office into prosecuung (eyeo-lbing. wt specifically) some poor guy wi orsomeni^l-dime«a^ gemleman (>n » represent himself a f bcIlcl> .rial, decide the Ulemen.Sof^ch^ doubt, but ... rhen ,lu . brilliant, for finding-he guy nmgu > ^orily o! -he Anyone vvhoh ndl«l^nsJvhiild.slric( people seemed lo respect was in their immediate circle and the laws of admiralty. 1 never tired of watching and listening lo Judge Holman politely and authoritatively explain why admiralty had no place in Barry’ County District Court, regardless of how many lakes we may have here. /\ politician once testified before Judge Holman that he knew a suspect he had left in his car for 20 minutes after a traffic slop hadn’t just drunk four massive bottles of Geritol that were there on the floor of his passenger compartment because he "knew what alcohol smelled like” - despite admittedly not being a drinker himself. The great defense attorney Fred Millon looked al me, then looked at the judge and began to ask the politician who didn’t drink to explain and differentiate as to what "alcohol smelled like” with a look in his eyes like tigers have when fresh meat is thnnvn into their cage. 'Die politician balked, the judge agreed it was a valid and legitimate request, and hilarity ensued. At a preliminary examination involving a husband and wife public schoolteacher pair ol defendants being represented by a significant big-city criminal defense attorney, the situation got particularly contentious between the two attorneys. The other attorney walked over to my table and clenched his fist, and I looked down al him and asked: "What are you going to do? Hit me?” Judge Holman evenly said from the bench: "Boys? Boys? Please approach ...” So we did, and we were set straight by a far cooler head than ours. A new defense attorney argued in front of a pac ed courtroom, prattling on sincerely a ut an obsolete and long-overturned case law as a reason not to bind over a defendant on open-murder charges. Judge Holman, w,thout miSS.ngabeat,knew ex^lIy whllt lhc ±^.1“la k,n-8 alx“”’kncw . 8 fn.'|,Slnce be was a rookie, the hc enor wilhoi'‘ humilimmK nv n,i,na8in810 compliment my thought process without calling me an grak-ftil * h' W1S’i‘nd S,i" am-eternally C .•A*®.; ra- • I could go on and on about Judge Holman Jn all ol lhe years I have been before him I have disagreed wnh Judge Holman, at m^t five Innes. And, in each instance, 1 event nliv realized he was tight. eventually A friend and former co-worker commented several tunes how -unusual" i, Was (0 h'^ me as the elected prosecutor handling the misdemeanor Reload <>n a rcgu|ar ( did il because I liked lhe system, and Judge Holman was lhe only person in eharne for all of those years. It was always g.x,d hin' j el,joyed his capac.ty f„r lK.a[,|lg decently. He was one of the good guys - and there aren’t nearly enough good guys as people think there are. Judge Holman was not only lhe finest judge I have ever appeared in front of, but was one of the finest men I have ever l]ad lhe pleasure to know and learn from. I havte been blessed to have been around him, watched him and learned from him. And 1 am glad to have seen his kindness and consideration toward people who, by simply being “frequent flyers” before him in court, may not have deserved it. He always afforded them courtesy and decency, as he did everyone. A long-since-deceased individual who was a frequent defendant appeared in district court on yet another misdemeanor charge. This time, he had entered his elderly neighbors’ home, walked between the couple and their television set playing "The Lawrence Welk Show” and proceeded to call a friend of his from their phone. This defendant showed up for court and, as the prosecutor handling court that day, I met with him. He wanted this and he wanted that, and I told him he could plead to the charge because he and I both knew what Judge Holman would do, if thjs defendant was simply appropriate. 1 gave him lhe plea sheet and he signed it. I took it into court, and [ happened to be silting there when thc judge called the case. This defendant walked up l0 the podium. Judge Holman said: “Good morning,” greeting this defendant by his first name, and asked "How are you?” And this defendant replied: “Good morning, Gary’. It’s good to see you.” No disrespect intended. And it Was just taken in stride. One guy talking to another. When their encounter was over, and final pleasantries were exchanged, lhe next case was called. Our current criminal court is packaged differently, but it is still the model of efficiency, courtesy, kindness, consideration and accountability that serve as a proud testament to the legacy of Gary Holman. In our trial court, every person matters, every person is treated as an individual, every person is listened to. aqd every person is given a fair shake. I’m a belter person tor my years under Judge Holman’s tutelage 1 was 28 when I first appeared before him-1 m p today. The only real ba>ls for my being the lawyer I ain is becauseJ had the good fortune to have acquired a job where I could work before the Honorable oaD R. Holman, and I’m grateful for it nilShane McNeill, Hastings To the editor: truly?) Arc the pay and working conditionsraj First, 1 commend U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer jobs that arc left unfilled worth the risk of for being informed, thoughtful and principled. contracting CO VID-19 and/or spreading it 40 tj’ While I don’t agree with many of his stances loved ones? on domestic issues, I applaud his willingness Rep. Meijer acknowledges that there aje , to work “across the aisle” in important ways. those who really need the benefit. I would li^e • Second, however. 1 would suggest that in to know what criteria will be laid out no • his guest commentary of the May 6 Banner, determine that - and how it will bq < he overlooks a bigger picture with regard to implemented. How do you weed out the many the extension of unemployment benefits people who slay home to take care of chiliiren, included in lhe American Rescue Plan. He elders, individuals with disabilities or illnesses ’ ; claims, as I have heard others, including state from the few scofflaws who may exist? Speaking of scofflaws, Janet Yellen; Rep. Julie Calley, say that extending unemployment benefits is an incentive for informed us this week that tax dodgers are • people to not work and that this is a waste of costing lhe U.S. $7 trillion in revenue. Now*, • compare that to the American Rescue Plan’^, our tax dollars. Here’s what I think: I personally know of price tag of $2 trillion. Where should w-e. no one who would lake unemployment rather really be putting our time, energy and money,1 , than have the dignity of a well-paying job (by were we to choose between those two? I which I mean one with which individuals can Elspeth Inglis, support themselves and their families) in a Barry’ Township safe atmosphere. (Is your employer operating accordine to COVID-19 safety guidelines. Why get vaccinated? Ask this doctor To the editor: Please consider my suggestion that you place Dr. Weatherhead’s photo and his quote on every cover of your publications. Get everyone’s attention. It is so important. This is thc shortest, truest, best reason for people to get their vaccinations as soon as possible. His photo and quote — ’^ou know there s a reason we don’t have polio or smallpox any­ more. There’s a reason why measles, mumps and rubella are hardly ever seen. The reason is because there’s herd immunity induced by vast immunization programs worldwide. And it’s true.” - should cover the whole page. He speaks thc truth plainly and truthfully. People need to be reminded! You have the power and you are capable of getting the news to the biggest audience. Give it some thought. ASAP. Please do. Thelma Curtis, Lake Odessa Dr James Weatherhead Part-time Deputy Register of Deeds/lndexinfl_Specia.li§t The purpose of this job is to index legal descriptions and proof indexing of recorded documents. Assist office staff and customers when needed. Must have a strong knowledge of computers, skill in drawing out and understanding legal description, property title and legal documents. Must be detail oriented and have good people s i s. Base pay starts $16.70 /hr 19 hours a week. Please send resume to bijuxless^^riy^untyxQrg Barry County Courthouse Register of Deeds Office 220 West State Street Hastings Ml 49058 No phone calls please Q__ _ o 4 -k. ranninvee. We hire only U.S. Citizens and i f 0 1? E<^Ual OpP°rtUTrnmDlv with the American’s with disabilities Act. lawfully authorized alien workers and comply WI1 ... । । �Page 6 — Thursday, May 13, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Russell David Easey, Sr. GATESVILLE, TX - JuanitaJane (Grabau) Misak, age 89. of Gatesville, TX passed away bn Thursday, May 6,2021. 1 There are no public services scheduled. The family is planning private memorial services later this summer. Juanita (Nita) Misak was bom in Jackson on Feb. 27, 1932 to Frances and Irvin Grabau. Nita graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School where she met her future husband, Frank Misak. After graduating, they were married Dec. 2, 1950. Throughout her life, Nita pursued many activities including playing accordion, piano, ftogan and singing. She was also known for making her famous onion rings at thc family owned business, the Saxon Drive-In, that the family owned for almost 10 years. She had many other hobbies over lhe years, most of which were arts and craft related. * Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Frances Grabau. and her husband of 54 years, Frank. She is survived by her .sons, Frank Misak ’and wife, Martha of Hastings, Jack Misak and wife, Cynthia of Gatesville, TX, Tom Misak and wife. Laura of Hamilton; daughter. Tina Aragon and husband, Robert of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great­ great-grandchildren; and numerous step­ grandchildren. 7 In lieu of flowers, the family has designated memorials lo be made to Thc American I leart Association at httpsyAvww2.heart.org DELTON, MI - John Robert Hill, age 66. of Delton, passed away on May 8, 2021. John was bom on March 11, 1955 in Hastings, the son of Harold and Agnes (Willison) Hill. John was a loyal employee of Bradford White for over 30 years. John was a member of the Delton Scvenlh-day Adventist Church where he served as a deacon and was always the first there so he could greet everyone. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and farming. John enjoyed listening to country music, pawn shopping in Florida with his father-in-law, attending B93 Birthday Bash concerts, and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He was always excited for the Sunday NASCAR races lo cheer on his favorite driver, Dale Jarrett in the #88 car, or any Ford to win. John is survived by his wife, Linda (Rorabcck) Hill whom he married on November 4, 1976; children, Nicole (Gary') Hanke, Christine (Jarrod) Slaughter, and Brian (Megan) Hill; siblings, Linda Noyes, Betty (Bill) Rozell, Bill Hill, and Harold “Buster” (Julia) Hill; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws. Herb and Marilyn Rorabcck; and sister- and brother-in-law, Marcille and Charlie Prichard. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in East Hickory Comers Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Delton Seventh-day Adventist Church will be appreciated. Please visit www. williamsgoresfunentl.com to share a memory' or to leave a condolence message for John’s family. Elizabeth R. Mnien ^9 Hastings, passed away on May 4,2021. Liz was born on March 20. 1962. the daughter of Kenneth and Barbara (Elder) Clemens. Liz was a daycare provider for many years. Liz was a fun-Ioving person with an eccentric personality. She was a woman of faith, and she loved her kids and spending time with her family. Liz was preceded in death by her parents. Kenneth and Barbara Jean Clemens and her brother, Timothy Clemens. She is survived by her children. Barbara (Carson) Minshall, Dorothy ( Tony) Smith. Jason Miller; stepson. Jaden Miller: stepmom, Connie: H grandchildren; brothers and sisters. Christine. Annette. Tom and Melissa, and stepbrothers, and stepsisters, Ricky, Bradley, Edward and Evelyn. Visitation was held on Saturday , May 8. 2021 at Gin-bach Funeral Home. 328 S Broadway; Hastings, Ml 49058 with a service that followed. Pastor Randall Bertrand officiating. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfu 11eralhome net. Fl —:---- — ■- JI-..—* V Lane Floria ।---------------- — •• Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An * Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9j 21. Email hasffmefa gmaiLcom. Website: www. ' hastingifrccmethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed. Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director. Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: ' 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. । ' Weekly activity bags for chilrcn ' are available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid’s Church is ’ available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.rn. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH -805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ : 4246 Pastor Father Stepban ’ Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlaw n, Hastings. Malt Moser. Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergartcn-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m Youth activities: call for information. • CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street, Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd.. P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6.30 p.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, Ml 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. &. S. M 43). Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390 Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry . Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6.30 to 7:30 pm. is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches This information on "'"n■I inP service aild ____ Hw« Hastings 945-9554 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 • MtaMkWai 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 DELTON, MI - On Monday, May 3, 2021 Lane Floria passed away peacefully at his home in Delton, at the age of 73. Bom in Kalamazoo, in 1948 lo Kenneth and Naomi, he was a lifelong resident of Delton. Lane was a caring and active member of the community, including being a charter member of the Delton Moose Lodge 1649, college professor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Chamber of Commerce member and past president, member of the Hiawatha Sportsmen’s Club, member of the board of directors of Hospice, and owner of L&S Service for 45 years. Lane enjoyed spending his free time hunting, fishing, cutline wood, playing euchre and programming computer software. He also enjoyed cruising the roads of Barry County with family and friends, telling stories of the good old days. Lane was a friend to all and was always there to help family, friends and even strangers. Lane was preceded »n dealh by. botb parents, as well as his brother, Dale Mona, and his wife Peggy (Acker) Floria. He is survived'by his sister. Betsy Day (Randy); children. Michelle Wendel (Paul) Norm Floria (Aniy) Keith Fiona (Nan) and Ruthanne Vida nAy stepehildren. Allen Acker (Narcia), Glends Ackcr (J"" and Ginger Acker (Bill Pc,<;r)' “ 23 grandchildren ..nd step-gnmdchildren. Viill’..1?..E.rcal'Bri>ndchi|dr<:n and grandchildren.' ’ Lane Lane’’ss ceidbwtj01.of life sstll be Saturday. ' --------June 5, 2021 at 3 p“ al the Delum Moose Lodge 1649. „ directed to the Memorial giQs ihe Delton Moose­ Delton Public Libr Lodge 1649. Please visit svuwwilliamsl?or':s,lu'lcral; com to share „ n .„10ry •« .,C4VC a condolence message for s Ul”‘ b 1 Gary Kay Holman, age 78, <>f Hasiin„s passed away on May 4,2021. A man with hands to say hello and hands Gary was born on July 11, <940 jn to seal the deal. Russell David Easey Sr., age Galion, Ohio, lhe son of Paul and Ona Fav 82,of Delton, passed away on May 2,2021 (Hamilton) Holman. Bom March 25. 1939 in Barry County, to Gary was a 1966 graduate of Western Richard and Dorothy Easey. Russ was preceded in death by his parents Michigan University where he studied political science and a 1969 graduate of and siblings, Allen, Donna Belle. Martha and Wayne State Law School where he obtained Helen Easey. Russ will be dearly missed by his wife of his Juris Doctorate. He worked for the Michigan Supreme 63 years, Marion L. (Pillars) Easey - married Court while in law school and then August 10, 1957; their four children. Debi. established a private practice in Kalamazoo Russ Jr.. Patty and Becky: nine with his lifelong best friend, Gary Stewart. grandchildren, many great grandchildren, Gary was the first full lime prosecutor for and his lifelong friend, horseman and Barry County in 1976 and became a Barry auctioneer, Lee Sheridan. Throughout his life. Russ held many County District Court Judge where he served positions. He was a livestock dealer, from 1979-2011. auctioneer, as well as time with Lacey In 1991. Gary married Kalhy Kramer and Gravel Company, plus countless odd jobs they enjoyed 30 years together. in-between. Throughout his life Gary pursued many If there was a horse auction at activities including piloting his own plane, Shipshewana, St. Johns, Sand Lake. playing fast pilch baseball, golfing, Wayland and Lake Odessa Livestock sales, sponsoring a race car team and remaining fit you were sure to see Russ ihere with a and active. In his retirement Gary especially quarter in his hand to flip with you for a enjoyed winters in Arizona with Kathy and a dollars. wonderful group of friends that gathered He filled his days contesting horses, often for golf and socializing. pulling ponies, pulling horses, horse trading Gary valued time with his family and and creating lifelong friendships through his watching his grandchildren grow was his infectious laughter and one of a kind story greatest blessing. telling (partially due to the. occasionally Gary was preceded in death by his parents, incoherent, quick speaking of an auctioneer). Paul and Ona I lolman and his brother, Janies A conversation with Russ might begin with' .Holman. ....• • “Did I tell ya the one about...” followed by, He is survived, by his wife,. Kalhy many, many words that didn’t quite translate*! Holman: son. Gary (Marisol) Holman of and ending with gianl, rolling belly laughs. Anderson. IN; daughter, Kimberly Russ was a livestock farmer through and, (Giovanni) Leonor of Berrien Springs; son. through. Whether he was on the farm riding Daniel (Kendra) Holman of Hastings; a horse drawn spreader, cutting and hauling brother. Paul Eugene Holman; grandchildren wood, hauling a full load of livestock to thc Tyler. MariAlexxa. Jared, Giovanni. auctions, or winning awards with his Giancarlo. Giordanni. Wyatt, Ethan and priceless horses. Midnight and Comanche, Landon. where Russ was. a horse was never too far Due to COVID the family will be holding away. They were both his passion and his a private celebration of Gary's life. livelihood. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made We can describe Russ in many ways, a to the Barry Community Foundation. 231 S. traditionalist who dealt with cash alone, not Broadway Street. Hastings. MI 49058. putting his trust in banks, weatherman, Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. computers or politicians. A talker, filling all To leave an online condolence visit www. the ears that would listen. A teacher, dealing girrbachfuneralhomc.net out lessons about caring, being happy. making good deals and keeping them, and the hard truths of life on a farm. Soft hearted towards the little ones in his life. And David Norman Berry compassionate; during the winter storm Of 1975. Russ hooked a team of mules up to a bobsled and made his way into town, to make sure his family and neighbors would have the supplies they needed to make it through. Regardless of how you describe him. Russ will always be remembered as ooe of a kind man. lastly, “if you figure out n way to make a million dollars, call me collect” was how he would end the conversation. No funeral or visitation will be held at this time. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneraL com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Russ’s family. DELTON. Ml - David Norman Berry, age 77, of Delton, passed away at his home on Friday, Oct. 30. 2020. David was born on Feb. II, 1943 in Battle Creek. Due to Covid-19, the service time and location has changed. A memorial service for David will be held on Friday, May 21,2021 al Il a.m. al lhe Leatherman residence, 730 W. Drake Rd., Dowling. Ml 49050. Please visit wwvv.williamsgorvsfuneral. com lo view David’s online guestbook or to leave a condolence message for his family. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945­ 9554 for more information. �Tlw Hastings Banner -- Thursday, May 13.2021 — Pagn 7 £ r fl look back at the stories and columns on local histom In the Hastings Banner [TURNING / |BflGK THE I PAGES 'Handsome' Hotel Barry opened in spring of 1902 Downtown Hastings had a few hotels in its early days - the Parker House, Hastings House and (he Hotel Barry, among them. Slocum Bunker, the town’s first white set­ tler. built a small log home on the northcast comer of East Stale Street and North Michigan Avenue, now occupied by Hastings City Hall. A plaque mounted on a boulder marks the spot, near lhe main entrance to the cily hall. Thai same comer also was the site of the Hotel Bany. which opened in early May 1902, as announced by thc Hastings Herald in its May 1, 1902 issue. Hotel Barry opened to day Old Ford Hotel now a modern hostelry Remodeled throughout and will be for­ mally ojH'ncd to thc public Monday next For many weeks, the carpenters, painters, paper hangers, furniture men, plumbers and other workmen and tradesmen have been busy with the handsome brick building on lhe cor­ ner of Slate Street and Michigan Avenue, formerly known as Ford’s hotel. ITie result of their joint efforts was made agreeably evident to the Herald representative when he visited thc building yesterday. The place has taken on a new and decidedly hand- The Ford Hole’ °f rd s Hotel underwent renovation just after the turn of the 20th century before opening as the Hotel Barry. some .ppc^.’^ Sd 'v * ma"a8C- mem. will open its £ a modern, up-to-date hostelry '°'e Barry. The house is ^“^ougl,^. S,nc-^h,ed and well eqmpP** '* t Hie office is located in the s‘,u1’’ nJ?,a .commodi­ ous and pleasant , is the writing room; across the ha"• P rlor- and beyond this, a sample room- n « another sample room in the basemen'■■ onh of the office is Otte of the pleasantest ntng nxmts to be found in a Michigan how anywhere. East of lhe dining room i$ d Patous and wellequipped kitchen. Thc corridors, Parl0% keeping rooms are carpeted with elegant Brussels carpets on lhe first and second noor. and first-class ingrain on the thirdere are 26 sleeping rooms for guests, all tuntished in first-class, modem style. Thc most fastidious guest can­ not fail to be satisfied m this respect. What is particularly noteworthy that every room has an outside window'. Tile various floors are equipped with first-class toilet rooms. The new landlord. Mr. Wesley A. Allen, is a young man and a hustler. He has had three years’ experience in hotel Work, as clerk of the Halladay House, Battle Creek. He informs the Herald lhal he has engaged the very bcsl hotel help obtainable in Grand Rapids. His cook, Mrs. M. Ferris, has had 30 years’ expe­ rience in such houses as the Livingston [Hotel in Grand Rapids]. Three experienced dining room girls and a porter, formerly al the Livingston, and a first-class clerk constitute a corps of assistants who will be able to cater to all thc wants of the traveling public in a high­ ly satisfactory manner. Hotel Barry will be formally opened lo lhe citizens of Hastings and vicinity Monday. May 5, at which time,6 o’clock dinner will be served at the low price of 25 cents per plate. The genial landlord, Mr. Allen, cordially invites all to call and inspect lhe hotel, wheth­ er they partake of thc dinner or not. Hotel Barry was formerly opened to the public Monday evening, and nearly 400 of our citizens availed tliemselves of the oppor­ tunity to cordially welcome the new propri­ etor, W.A. Allen, to citizenship in our beauti­ ful city. Everyone, so far as we know, was pleased with the elegant interior furnishings of this modem hostelry. The Hastings City Band famished some nice music for about an hour, and fully 200 persons partook of the menu prepared, the only trouble being that not enough was pre­ pared to go around; in fact, no such crowd was anticipated. if Mr. Allen ever attempts to feed the peo­ ple of Hastings again, we venture to assert that he will know he has cast his lot among a most generous people and will be prepared to accommodate about twice the number he can conscientiously expect. While the interior of the hotel was very fine and in keeping with all that pertain to an up-to-date hotel, the exterior may have a rath­ er rusty appearance - although as good as nine-tenths of those in the state. The Herald is informed by Mr. P.T. Colgrovc, the owner of the building, that the outside will soon take on a much different appearance. He contemplates building a veranda on the south side from the door and extending around thc southwest corner on lhe west side lo the other entrance, with a veranda around the comer on the second floor, lhe brick will all be painted and stenciled; and an awning placed to every window. Further, he will fill in and grade thc two lots east of the hotel and make it a little park [now the public library], where guests can sit evenings and feci just as though they were al home upon their own lawns. When all of these improvements are made, there will be few hotels in the state more The May S. 1902, Herald reported further pleasant, more convenient and more home­ like. on lhe hotel and its opening. The Modem Hotel Barry Nearly 400 people attend the formal opening Old Hotel Barry - Cor. Michigan & State More than two dozen sleeping rooms, a writing room, first-class toilet rooms on every floor and a parlor were inspected by local citizenry in early May 1902 before the Hotel Barry opened to guests. “What is particularly noteworthy," the Hastings Herald reported, “is that every room has an outside window'.” ^hirlee main love was bowling- , . as being the Guiness Book of WorId Rec #( lhc a,,c oldest woman to throw a . c an<j is of 80. She bowled several 7<Xen jn member ol the Bowltne • j her Battle Creek and Hast.ngs « daughter. Stacey. 'vo"."cnt. Shirlee Women’s State Bowling < ()n ^OTV and her son-in-law. Wally. . . |-or a long Bowling Classic and were fnen lime„t-d in death by her Shirlee was preceded m (s; her spouse, Frederick n'“’n^wel) Heath. B«« brothers. James Heath. . son-in-law. Heath and Albert Heath. • very fond .Michael D. McKee, whom she was > °f'She is survived by (Cheryl) VanDenburg. j McKee, VanDenburg: daugh^. Josh. Sheryl (Wallace) Let, g «m , tiicr), Roeky Wesley (Denice), Ryan . L (Brenda) (Flavia) VanDenburg, Jart McKee, Derrick, Devin, Dylan McKee. Danielle (Levi) Shriver, and many great­ grandchildren. Shirlee loved her dog (Ben) and she loved her grandchildren. She worked for Dean Lambert and Sonja for 50 years, and had many pood times with Dean, Sonia’ and their three children. Nichole, Kristy, and Lindsey, and they were her second family A celebration of life will be held on July 3, 2021 - details forthcoming. |n lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirlce’s name can be made to the Barry County Humane Society, c/o Barry Community Enrichment Center 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, Ml , ,, Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, lo ieaVe an online condolence visit wwwginbachfuneralhome. net. In a 1991 column, lhe late local historian Esther Walton provided additional informa­ tion she’d found in the July 10, 1935, Banner. “After a time, it was abandoned as a hotel physician to state medicaS society Shirlee Mae VanDenburg retiring front Hastings os married manager and bowling ?“c1' j they Frederick Thomas VanDenbwg..and they were married for 55 years until hts death tn and pul to various uses. Messrs. Cool and Dooley operated it as a garage. It was not convenient for that purpose. At last an oil station was pul on thc comer, which is a desir­ able location for that business. But it did not seem to lhe owners that they could afford to maintain and pay taxes on such a building when so small a portion of it was used ... , “The present proprietors of the building decided to demolish it because of weaknesses that had developed in thc structure itself, and because they could not afford, they said, to continue paying taxes on a large building that brought them in so little revenue.” Rnnn Clark Eltzroth ObituMies HASTINGS, MI - Shirlce M“ VanDenburg. age 92, of Hast.ngs, passed away on May 8, 2021. Shirlee was born July 3. 1928 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Burdett and Vent (Hicks) Heath. Shirlee attended Hast ngs I Ijgh School. Interior furnishings fine and arrangements being made for exterior improvements Ryan Clark Eltzroth passed away suddenly Friday. April 30. 2021. in Portland, Maine. Ryan was bom September 23, 1981 in Hastings, the son of Andrew and Julie Eltzroth (KJersey). Ryan was a 2000 graduate of Hastings High School, Hastings. He attended college al Aurora University in Illinois, finishing his studies at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, with a degree in physical education. Ryan truly loved to spend time with his daughter Ava, fishing and boating. Ryan also loved to golf, play basketball, snowboard, duck hunt, and ski where he was employed at Sugar Loaf Resort in Maine. Ryan is survived by his daughter, Ava Notebooni; his parents. Andrew E|lzrolh, Julie and Eric Kiersey; maternal grandmother, Nila Trick, of Hastings: many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding him in deal” were his brother, David; grandfather, Gordon Trick; grandparents. Gerald and Virgina Eltzroth. ° There will be a private fanij|y buriai at Riverside Cemetery, ID^ngs. A Celebration of l'ft’to determined, and announced al a later date. In lieu of Howers, memorial contributions may be made to n,s daughter Ava’s educational trust funo m care of Julie Kiersey, 525 N. Tafiee Unve* Hastings. Ml 49058. Belen Amat, M.D., a Barry County internal medicine and pediatric specialist, was re-elected to Michigan Stale Medical Society Board of Directors during the 156th annual meeting of the MSMS House of Delegates held virtually May 1. A graduate of lhe Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City. Dr. Amat will serve a three-ycar term on the MSMS Board representing physicians from Southwest Michigan. The board sets policies and oversees operations for thc 15,000-member medical society headquartered in East Lansing. Dr. Amat is the founder and owner of Direct Primary Care of West Michigan, an independent practice she started in 2017. Board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, Dr. Amat also is a member of the American College of Physicians, thc American Association for Physician Leadership, lhe Barry County Medical Society, and the Kent County Medical Society where she serves as president-elect. HOLMAN, continued from page 1 II time prosecutor, he said, and the longest serving judge. Fisher said he first met Holman in 1976. Fisher, who was from Hastings, had jqsl passed lhe bar and got an offer from Holman that allowed him lo return home. Il was the start of a great friendship that lasted more than 44 years, he said. Holman was a 1966 graduate of Western Michigan University where he studied political science. He graduated in 1969 from Wayne Stale Law School with his juris doctorate degree. He worked for the Michigan Supreme Court while in law school and then established a private practice in Kalamazoo. Holman became Barry County’s first fulh time prosecutor in 1976 and then the county’s district court judge where he served from 1979 to 2011. Fisher attributed Holman’s start on a farm as one of the reasons why he appreciated the value of hard work and believed that all people deserve respect. “He never acted like he was any better than anyone else.” “He was an amazing judge.” Shaw said. "He was very smart, well-prepared. He knew the law.” • In 1996, the stale Supreme Court picked six courts for a pilot project: Barry County was one of them. Holman was instrumental in the success of that project to merge thc courts, which received acclaim and recognition from lhe stale Supreme Court and the Legislature^ In a judicial crossroads report. Barry’ County was specifically cited for making great progress on lhe consolidation effort. • Holman “was instrumental in our success? Fisher said. “He was always willing to go above and beyond.” • Court operations now follow what Holman helped to set in place years ago, he added. "He was a trailblazer.” ’ “When we merged our courts,” Shaw recalled, "we gave up some of our autonomy. We governed ourselves by consensus. Those were times when we all did what was best for the citizens of Barry County.” “It was an amazing time to be on th$ bench,” he recalled. ‘‘Judge Fisher and I used lo call it ‘Camelot.’” *, Holman was a key part of that. Former Hastings attorney David Gilbert, now Calhoun County prosecuting attorney; wrote this tribute about Holman online: He was one of the finest judges and people I have ever met. As an attorney. 1 learned more than 1 could ever explain. He was always patient^, even when others could not be. He treated everyone with respect and dignity no matter the situation. He was just a wonderful man ib and out of the courtroom.” Without question, Holman left a legacy for others to follow, Doherty said. “If >ou looked up the definition of judge, his picture would be there. Call 269-945-9554 tor Hastings Banner ads : Water’s Edge Financial Llc Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF* (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 4905 www.watersedgennanclal.com r. mil'oriam to you /.Ron, < an ofwlial'i <j rs mtsl ft, Wll so that you can focus on . V SiPLFin4.x»I.M^F,SBA'MK‘ Sccurtlic* tdfcnJ thtvw^h Lrl- H_______ . —------------------- �Pago 8 — Fhu’^day, May 13. 2021 - Tho HasW‘Gan । । MDHHS assessing firefighter PFAS exPosu . fl aooui PFOMS More infomiationd Michigiin.gov/ The Michigan Department of Health and Ihvuaii Services Division of tnvironrncn • •bteahh recently launched the PI . Firefighters of Michigan J During this multi-year project. • ' swill assess Michigan firefighters . . Exposure to per- and pohfitioroSubstances - chemicals commonl) Vjftss B firefighting loams used to fif olvine gasoline, oil and jet fuel. ... ‘ lhc findings will help inform nctm<ws minimize firefighters’ pXLuliV’e 33c Joncigh Khaldun, chief medual txcc * and MDHHS chief deputy tor health. sa« May 12 press release. can continues to reveal lhe effects tha • *• liavt on human health, and the firefighters who participate in the PFOMS project will contribute to our understanding of PI-AS exposure among firefighters.” ’ Thc PFOMS project is currently in the process of recruiting career and volunteer firefighters who work for airport fire stations in Michigan, as well as randomly selected municipal fire departments across Michigan Seven departments arc participating in the first year of the PFOMS project, including ACW Unionville Fire Department (I'uscola County); Alcona Township Fire Department (Alcona County); Cambridge Township Fire Department (Lenawee County); Capital City Airport Department of Public Safety (Ingham Adie, Coumy); Detmi, M .in>pOlit.-»' Wayne County ruoLri( "n"l> AirPort Fire Department. The Airport I-rre D^^rt -Wayne County); fund« KWI> COS* aboul Sl n’illion nnd ') Dorr Township |. pepartment (Allegan funded hy Centen f()r ConIro| „n<l County); and R(lc| ,Hili'1 F> * K. re Department * * ft. vention and MDHHS. (Oakland County) . Over lhe eoi, ,\c ,,f the next Ihreeyears. MDIII1S plans -mil between <>00 and W> Hrefighters to ^ipa«=- TbeAP” * ’*”S * * btornomtoring Dr \launched April beginning with Detroit Metropolitan ..f^RCUa^FAMK.* DIVISION HELD INEpER^Jj°j^NSH,P B0AR° MEETING ." PERSON A REMOTELY • MAY 4 2021 notices publication notice to creditors present* guaS'° °rde'7 pm'A" bMrd ambers mother is Central’s chancel choir director. Guests included his grandfather Ron Cunningham who came from Georgia and great-grandfather Ed Miller of Bellevue. AH mothers were gifted with pretty pink tote bags, and everyone was treated to decorated cupcakes served as the congregation exited. Lakewood plans another parade for its graduates. Last year’s initial parade was such a success, other students indicated they would like to have a similar event when their turn came. It is set for May 20. A new structure is being built on the Brodbeck farm on Broun Road west of Woodland Road on lhe former Jordan farm. Department reports Public comment: Nono New business. No actions Old business: No actions / PeaesMan traffic around laXo STATE OF MICHKUn’^ JJrtY OF BARRY In lhe Matter Of l’ * Laurie Trust No. 2 dated November 6.2019 Decedent's date ol bnh 01.M-1943 concerns Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor TO ALL (NTERESTed PERSONS; Your interest in this matter may t>? . of affected by lhe follow.ng: Tlio decedent. Jua.th a Laurie, lived in Barry County, Nashville. M1Chigan 3.i9-2021. Cred.tors of the deceased aro notthat a'l decedent’s assets were he'd by the Trustee atdocedenfs death, and tho decedent has no probate estate Creditors of the deceased ate further notified tta»« M cJa,fnS against the trust estate win be forever baned presented to: Debra K. Erb, Co­ Trustee and/or the aitomoy's off'te representing Debra K. Erb as Co-Trustee wrthin 4 months ol tho publication ol thte notice. Th 3 nct;co & published pursuant to MCL 700 7603 II a prcba!e estate >s opened in lhe future lor tho decedent, is intended to satisfy the STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE FILE NO. 21-9420-NA In the matter of Easton Kwekel. dob 7/26/2018 and Kyler Maurer, dob 3/7/2020. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Brianna Kwekel whose address(es) are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: Bo advised that a Termination at Initial Disposition Bench Trial as to the Mother Brianna Kwekel will be held at 206 W. Court Street Sto. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before the Honorable William Michael Doherty at 1:45 p.m. on May 25, 2021. Date; 5/6/2021 Nancy L. Kirkpatrick (P51341) 325 North Burdick Street Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 requirements of m^L 700 3801 Notice is further given that the trust estate wiif be thereafter assigned and distributed to tho percents) entitled to it. Longstreet Elder Law 4 Estate Planning. PC SaraB Morey (P83985) 607 North Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 Debra K Erb 10906 Bell Road Clarksville, Mich-gan 400.5 (616) 648-3046 1«3C! FOR SALE 3Y OWNER 206 West Oliver Street, Hastings $149,900 Gift Certificates 108” Cotton - Many (Mors QUESTIONS ASK US.. 218 E. State St. Has’.-ngs • 945-9573 3 OPEN MondsyFrVhy C arn-S-lO pm; SctjrtUy 9 cr-3 pm Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station 3-BEDROOM, 1-BAIH, ninth style home located on a large corner lot filled with mature trees in a quiet area of town. Built in 1973 and owned by the same family ever since. The home is being sold with all appliances including stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer. ~ OPEN HOUSE ~ SUNDAY, MAY 16th 12:00-3:00 PM See Zillow for more information. ^AAAA^AAAAA/^AAAAAy. Maple Valley, Class of 1971 METAL ROOF PRICE CALCULATOR! 50th Reunion lune 6*", 2021 at 4:00 gm Nashville VFW A Dinner reservations by Friday, May 14, 2021 Admission: $25. $45 for couples. $35 at the door Food, Fun & Live Band For more information call Kim at 517-852-4730 Mapte Valley Schools Hastings Area School System is accepting applications for the position of: BEAUTIFUL ♦ WORRY-FREE • GUARANTEED Hs A METAL ROOF RIGHT FOR YOU? j Learn More - Text 947-208-6995 | OR Get An Instant Metal Roof Quote: PUPIL ACCOUNTING/ ENROLLMENT COORDINATOR 1W9’ '&XW7 STATE OF MICHIGAN BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT FAMILY DIVISION Production Helper, Warehouse Helper, Shipping Helper an<1 Please sec our website for complete qualifications nnd full job description Maintenance Helper Submit a cover letter, resume and references to: Wc I hive increased our s 1.11-11077^^^ SlL.SO per hr. thin the h» sl with tile ability lo cam up |(l year? Wc give a 50c premium fur •>* j nJ kd shift. \ls..Tt>\SulUru>rt|, „|,|;"‘;nitv Mr. Um Berlin Assistant Superintendent of Operations 232 West Grand St. PUBUC NOTICE ANNUAL REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE RECORD OF THE FRIEND OF THE COURT Under Michigan law, the Chief Family Judge annually reviews the performance record of the Friend of the Court. Tho review will be conducted on or about July 1, 2021. This review is limited by law to the following criteria: • Whether the Friend of the Court is guilty of misconduct, neglect of statutory duty, or failure to cany out the written orders of the court relative to a statutory duty; • Whether the purpose of tho Friend of tho Court Acts aro being met, • Whether the duties of tho Friond of tho Court aro being carried out in a manner that reflects tho needs of the community. Members of the public may submit writton comments to tho Chief Family Judge relating to these criteria. Send your written comments, with your name and address to: Honorablo William M. Doherty Barry County Trial Court. Family Division 206 W. Court Street Hastings. Michigan 49058 1OJ73 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of tho revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that lhe following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at tho place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on Juno 3. 2021. Tho amount due on the mortgage may bo greater on the day of sale. Placing tho highest bld at tho sale does not automatically entitle tho purchaser to free and clear ownership of tho property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a foo for this information: Name(s) of tho mortgagors): Henry Davis and Frances Davis, husband and wifo Original Mortgagee: Argent Mortgage Company LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY. FSB AS TRUSTEE OF VW 2017-1 GRANTOR TRUST Date of Mortgage: August 16,2004 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 24,2004 Amount claimed duo on date of notice: $50,850.47 Description of tho mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Castleton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point on tho East and West 1/4 lino of Section 32. Town 3 North Rango 7 West, distant West 1180 feet from the East 1/4 post thereof; thenco Southerly 470 feet parallel with tho West lino of tho East 3'4 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section 32. thence West approximately 348 feet parallel with said East and West 1/4 line of Section 32; thence North 2 degrees 10 minutes West 148 feet, thence North 88 degrees 01 minute East 146 feet; thence North 1 degree 00 minutes F-w 317 feet to tho East and West 1/4 lino of Section 32; thence East 202 feet to the ptace of beSro Castleton Township. Barry County, M’chlga?? ' 9‘ Common strcot address (if any)* 6730 F M 7a Hwy, Nashville. Ml 49073-8716 E M *79 Job Qualifications include: Knowledge of PowerSchool K-I2 Education Technology Software, knowledgeable regarding pupil accounting guidelines, administrative rules, and legislative action that impacts stale reports, experience nnd proficiency with Microsoft Office programs. Successful candidates should possess excellent organizational skills be dependable and able to handle confidential information with discretion. Patience in dealing with parents and employees and ability to develop effective working relationships with building administration. ISD auditor, and state employees a must. a-s« ■ ~ * defined by MCL 600.3240(16) Quality Aluminum Products Quality Aluminum Products have the following positions open: purposss 35 Chaptar ^oHho'R^sedVuS^A831® under pursuant to MCL 600 3278 tho responsible to the person wb^ •ho mortgage holder for damaging redemption period. Acl of 1961 erwil160 hcJd the Ln 1 Property P-opeRy at mort9a9e during the Attention homeowner if un.. n member on active duty if lour ™ ° has concluded less thin nn ?r todudrfxTJeremy^Carpenter whose address Is u or affected by the In the matter may be barrea u will bo he'd on Couft gtreet. Suite following: . TAKE NOTICE; A 6/9/2021 fat2;45P before Judge William M. 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 □ E|!!0-Grace Lynn Doherty to change the name Carpenter to Elhe-Grace Lynn Do Pre . STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT­ COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate FILE NO. 21-28793-DE Estate of Betty S Robinson. Date of birth. 10/6/1959. TO ALL CREDITORS; t NOTICE TO CREDITORS; The decedent, Betty S Robinson, died January 14. 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that an claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Tyler Oliverio, Pers°^ representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302. Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 5/7/2021 Robert L Byingion (P-27621) 222 West Apple Street. P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Tyler Oliverio 10472 Ravine Road Otsego. Michigan 49078 269-447-0553 tyrjoa STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate FILE NO. 21-28813-DE Estate of Barry Ronald Beamish, deceased. Date Of birth 05/01/1946. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Barry Ronald Beamish, died 03/12/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that al| claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Barry Ronald Beamish II, persona! representative, or to both the probata court at 206 W. Court St. #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 05/06/2021 Staci L Salisbury (P79632) 1300 W. Centre Ave.. Suite 104 Portage, Ml 49024 (269) 220-5658 Barry Ronald Beamish II 3620 W. Michigan Ave. Portage. Ml 49024 (269) 209-1139 1WCM Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that lhe following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on May 20. 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagors): Jeremy R Ardema a/k/a Jeremy Aardema and Holhe L Felton a/k/a Holiie Felton, as joint tenants with full rights of survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lycaste LLC Date of Mortgage: February 28, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 8.2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice; $111,993.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated In Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 25. Hyde's Payne Lake Park, according to the recorded plat being part of the Northwest 1Z4 of lhe Southeast 1/4 of Section 17. Town 3 North, Rango 10 West. Yankee Springs. Barry County. Michigan. Common street address (if any): 11438 Hydeaway Ct, Middleville. Ml 49333-8252 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or if the sublet Tf. J? ,or “Cultural purposes' os defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter,^ ?L!.he Rev,sod Judicature Act of 1961. ms’SXtS wll be bold 600’32 78 th0 servico of active duty o^ed to attorney for lhe party P e?,?0 contact tba the telephone numbeJ staS°^? tho mort939a at Xp^Xd9ing ,ha Attention homeowner: If you arc a member on active duty if von, h This notice is from a dAh? n,<m,s notlceDate of notice: May 6 2021 00 0CtorTrott Law, Rc. V ’2021 n IMSnoucoSfrom'aTernX?"0,,C0' Our address i, 429 S. Michigan Ave, Having*, 49508 piSF^^'6145 Dale of notice: April 22 202 Trott Law. PC. ’ 31440 Northwestern Hwy Suite Farmington Hills. Ml 48334 1434595 Deadline for appli< In tho TO ALL PERSONS, in- o^nd who$0 lntorest PUBLICATION AND NOTICE OF FRIEND OF THE COURT ANNUAL STATUTORY REVIEW Call 269-945-9554 lor Hastings Banner ads HEACASEN? 21-2MM-°C Pledge of Allegiance °^oden?fl Trust Estate Elaine Garlock •Our spring weather had a chill. A few days this week, wc had freezing temperatures in thc early moraine but the end of the week should bring wanner days, which hopefully will last for the rest of lhe season. Veteran gardeners used lo think May 5 was ,a safe day to plant a garden. Not this year. We had weeks of wanner days, even in lhe . mornings before we were hit with many days •with temperatures below lhe freezing mark. ‘ .Sunday’s service at Central United Methodist Church was held indoors because of thc weather. The day was marked by the special event of baptism of year-old Jacob Matthew Spagnuolo of Vermontville whose projecf can pEHbio- (05-06XQ5-27) Apply at hUpwZZwwBMiiialjh,aIMnii«iu,»,’s‘vnK ----------------------- P-Lfajpgnoit ________ 159796 Ctor 5 (248)642-2515 1433551 (04-221(05-13) 158680 �State individual income tax deadline » W°nday The Michigan Department of Treasury is reminding taxpayers that state individual income tax returns are due early next week. Stale individual income tax returns must he .submitted electronically or sent through the U.S. Postal Service before midnight Monday, • Mny 17. l or lhe convenience of taxpayers, the 'slate’s individual income lax deadline is the same date sei by the 1 mental Revenue Service. •'There is still time to file a return or make a payment.’* State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Taxpayers who owe taxes should be sure to make their payments on time to avoid penalties and interest. 1 encourage those tax­ payers who may be owed a refund to nol wait io file their returns. Every dollar helps right now as we navigate ihese extraordinary times.’’ Choosing electronic filing and direct depos­ it is convenient, safe and secure. Last year, more than 4.4 million Michigan taxpayers c-filcd, which is Xfi percent of state income tax filers. Individuals who c-file typically receive their refunds approximately two weeks after receiving confinnation that the tax return was accepted by the state of Michigan. Taxpayers can pay their outstanding tax balance by eCheck, debit or credit card. More information on e-hling can be found at mifastfde.org. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the May 17 deadline can request an extension lo Oct. 15. Taxpayers requesting additional lime to lile should esti­ mate their lax liability and pay any taxes owed by May 17 to avoid additional interest and penalties. Taxpayers with questions about their state income taxes are encouraged to use Treasury cServices. The online platform enables tax­ payers to ask state income-tax-related ques- A? amd Limda Weyemtzm manried 35 jyears om May 17, 2021 Marriage .Licenses Cappons So celebrate wedding anniversary Marshall “Dutch” and Vonda (Webb) Cappon will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on .May 26. 2021. Children of the couple are Daryl and Donna Cappon, Terry and Dawn Cappon, Martin and Carolyn Cappon. Darla Cappon is now with the Lord. They have 11 grandchildren and 32 great­ grandchildren. . Shower them with cards - please send your best wishes to: 1350 Yeckley Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. Due K> Covid, there will be no open house - celebrating with family only. Heather Ray Larson, Hickory Comers and Zachary Ryan Warren. Hickory Comers. Alexis Claire Vanepps, Tulsa, OK and Andrew James Brophy, Tulsa, OK. Amanda Lorraine Granger. Middleville and Daniel Nathan Bykerk, Demotte. IN. Ronie Jean Finkbeiner, Middleville and Joshua Benjamin Ray Gipe. Middleville. Nicholas Anthony Lorenz. Hastings and Jennifer Anne Lyke, Hastings. Tinnei! Annette Fairchild, Plainwell and Ricky Marvin-Coy Wells. Plainwell. Timothy /Mien Luntsford. Nashville and Jessica Lee Coy, Hastings. Carla Jo Lowinski, Middleville and Charles David Black. Middleville. Kaitlyn Elizabeth Lee, Jacksonville, FL and Christopher Scott Nichols, Jacksonville. FL. Vernon L. Stutzman. Nashville and Mary Ellen Miller. Nashville. Kristin Renee Schloff. Middleville and Patrick Lee Stevens. Middleville. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: AU reji nUie in th*’ /•ew rpapcr i. jufyrct ti, (hr 1 .u: HotBing Aa the CaiI Ad adlc:fiirl> n’J.e if k> &hcn,-c ‘ vi, pe/cfrf.cr. Itnuli'joa or dixinnifutnw, Kawul 0:1 face. color, /tlign.n sei, luutdfCHp, faniilul f&tu*. e.Jr-rJ Ufiym. ggc or ir.jra.tl itJta-. or nn i> tr.lc »r.y prrk;m.<, hnm.tn ■*!<><di .r.:ritu'i.V " 1I XutiA iutlodci children 'hr ngr id Ii Imr.f xi'.h fwmh *»* irtuni j. ti-iX’jdy «•! cMdrrn under IX Ih.i oru-p^/xr r.'f i.ivifinp) necepi any ud,ending (of ci-’f *t* h i. in ktuiu'.or. <d ft: Ij" Ouf redden mk hcisrh) u/ormed tM cdvertUcJ in (bl: neu/pper *te .A4»'>blc tiq jn rquud «’pportMr”0 7c report ui't till ths II o ji.fr Center at rhe Hl ;. ukrtnMic r.w.iber for U* htJ',?.^ r mpUtfed it 921 I or Sale Ihisioew Services SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1 /2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. (im age Sale BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnul, While Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call lor pricing. Will buy ’.ingle Wal­ nul trees. Insured, liability & workman’s comp. Fetterley I-ogging, (269)818-7793. MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE- Thurs.-Fri., May IJth14th, 2021, 9am-5pm. 550 N. Irving Rd., I lasting*. Infant to adult clothes, and lots of misc. GARAGE SALE- LOTS of good took, some household items, garden tub with pump. Fri. & Sat., May 14th-15th, 2021, 9am-2pm. 5115 Wilkins Rd., Hastings. SECTION .1 lions when cn'' Treasury cvp • wait times. --s“' ""“"i i™ Thx.” Ground broken for new pickleball courts near Gun Lake GregO]!,n'ller Construction i’ on six new pickleball court '!'slcn> portion of the Curley Cone res rant and icc cn.am shop on M-179 m W^ipnngs Township. Work was to I?°"d;'>. said Ken Pechumer. who has h effort to have the courts installed. Thursday, Ma> Curley Cone owner Julie Fox tumc er the first ceremo­ nial shovelfuls of dirt on the project. The township P>ann,ng commission cleared thc way for lhe devclopnfcm of the courts by approving a site plan an special land-use for lhe project last month, unng brief comments after Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony, Fox thanked thc towns ip for jls support of thc project. “When we went to the township, we didn’t know w hat to expect. Fox said. “They abso­ lutely could not have been more gracious and more helpful in this process? “This will be a marquee property when we’re done. It’s going to start with the pickle­ ball courts, there’s going to be a remodel and refresh of thc outside of lhe building, resur­ facing the tarmac, having a deck out here ... it’s just the start of what’s going lo be a really great campus.” Plans for the courts al the Curley Cone developed after efforts by local picklcball enthusiasts lo build additional courts at the township park fizzled amid conflicts with the township board over who should have the final say in hiring a project contractor. Pechumer made a point during his remarks ’Thursday to pay tribute to Phyllis Wordhouse, who was an active part in the earlier efforts to build additional pickleball courts in Yankee Springs. “Phyllis has been thc real ambassador for this sport around this area, not just Yankee Springs but Grand Rapids, Ada, Cascade,” Pechumer said. Fox said Pechumer has given a great deal of tpne and energy to developing lhe courts. “Il can’t be overstated the time and treasure that Ken and his family have donated to make this happen.’’ Fox said. “We donated the prop­ erty and some bathrooms, things like that, but that was a minor contribution compared to what Ken and his family have done ... You would nol believe the amount of time this has taken.’’ Pechumer is hopeful the courts will be ready for play later this summer. “If all goes as planned - and it’s been planned out pretty well with key people we’re hoping for the first part of August lo have a grand opening,” he said. Pennock’s derby-style fundraiser is Saturday Spectrum Health Foundation will host its ninth annual Julep Gala May 15 to raise funds for Spectrum Health Pennock so it can acquire the necessary tools and training to become a stroke-certified hospital. . The Strides for Stroke Virtual Event is offering a Kentucky Derby-style celebration participants can enjoy from the comfort of their homes, event organizers said. An entry fee of S125 per person includes* a 5:30 pan. virtual happy hour with social time, pre-race bidding, online auction and technology sup­ port. Al 6 p.m., participants wifi be welcomed, with hat voting in the “Best Chapeau Contest” and thc race start. The event will conclude at 7 p.m. The fundraising goal for the gala is $50,000. Donations will allow for continued educa­ tion for hospital and emergenCy me<iicai ser­ vices stall and the necessary equipment to treat stroke when it happens. By December, Spectrum Health Pennock is expected to be stroke-certified, with 95 percent of thc nurs­ ing staff and 90 percent of tbe EMS team members having been educated regarding stroke treatment and prevention> Stroke care equipment wifi pUrciiased in 2022. and trainers will be in pjace lo e(jucate the community on recognizing t|w sjgns of a stroke and adopting healthy habits to prevent them. . . More information available by calling Tamara Elhart, 616--”/-..986, or emailing tamara.clhart^spectrumhealih.org. flelp Wauled YMCA OF BARRY Coun­ ty is hiring Lead Preschool teachers and Childcare staff, 18 v for year-round positions. Sign-on, retention bonuses, and competitive wages for multiple locations. Email m arcifay nu aoib a rry county, org for more details. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ciassilieH ads The Haslmps Banner — Thur&4ay, May 13, 2021 — page 9 Doctor Universe Elite long-distance swimmers Dr. Universe: How do fish migrate and why? Nonna, 10, Indiana Dear Norma, While a lot of fish swim from one region to another to find food or have babies, different fish species migrate in different ways. That’s what I found out from friend Steve Katz, a professor at Washington State University who knows a lot about our planet’s natural resources and has researched fish such as steelhead trout, tuna and sevengilled sharks in lhe Pacific Northwest. He said steelhead trout often navigate through the water with help from a sense of smell. Steelhead trout use their nostrils to pick up on chemicals from rocks that have dissolved in thc water. The differences in the scents of thc water help them know which river or stream to follow. This is a helpful tool, especially since steelhead trout can swim for long distances over the course of a few years — in some cases, over 1300 miles upstream after they swim through the ocean for more than 3,700 miles. Katz reminded inc that not all fish migrate. For instance, some of the steelhead males will stay behind in the streams when thc females and other males head for the ocean. There is some risk in traveling long distances, so it can pay off for some fish to slay home and wait for lhe females to return. If you think a few thousand miles is a long way to swim, wait until you learn about tuna. Albacore tuna cross the Pacific Ocean twice a year, cruising at speeds of 5-10 miles per hour. In a lifetime, that might add about Financial 20 to 25 round trips. When it comes to migration, these fish are marathoners. “It’s spectacular.’’ Katz said. “Tuna are elite swimmers because they’ve got this extra red muscle and machinery that hdp> them swim at a steady, fast pace.” A fish that moves much slower is the scven-gilled shark. These fish Jive where the saltwater meets freshwater, or often where rivers meet the ocean, which we call an estuary. But when it starts raining a lot in the winter, there isn’t enough saltwater in thc estuary anymore. They have to head out into the ocean. Thc sharks travel up and down the coast for anywhere from 100 to 1 .(XX) miles while they wait for the estuary to become saltier; and then they make their journey home for* lhe summer. ’ ’j Katz said some research also has explored how fish might use Earth’s magnetic field — which extends from our planet’s interior out into space — or lhe angle of the sun to know which direction they should be going.* But the truth is, scientists arc still learning a lol about exactly how fish navigate thc waters on their migration. »• Perhaps you can find a species of fislr that lives in your state and learn more aboqt* its migration journey. The more species you’ learn about, the more you’ll realize just how many migration stories there arc to discover. Dr. Universe Do yon have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe® wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruni verse x'om. FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Kevin Beck, AAMS® Member SIPC Jim Lundin Financial Advisor 400 W. State St, Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-4702 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)818-0423 First-time homebuyer? Follow these steps. Is homeownership a pay for private mortgage goal of yours? It does offer insurance on top of your some benefits, in addition monthly payments. Also, to meeting your basic need as a first-time homebuyer, for shelter. The equity you you might qualify for down build in your home can be a payment assistance from valuable financial asset, and your local or slate housing you may get to deduct your authority or a nonprofit interest payments on your group. • Check your credit score. taxes. But if you’re a first­ time homebuyer, what steps A higher credit score gives you a better chance for a should you take? First, make sure lhe time lower interest nite. You can is right for you in terms of request a credit report from your personal and financial annualcrcditreport.com, and situations. For example, are you might be able to get a you fairly confident that your credit score for free from your employment is stable and that bank, if you need to improve your earnings won’t decline? your score, you may want to Of course, external events delay your home purchase. • Learn how much you can also play a role in your decision. A recent study by qualify for - and how much Morning Consult and Edward you should spend. Once you Jones found that 12% of think you’re ready to begin respondents postponed the home-purchasing process, purchasing a house during the you may want to contact a few lenders to determine CO VID-19 pandemic. But if you’re ready and the size of the mortgage for eager for homeownership, which you qualify. Be aware, consider the following though, that just because you can get a mortgage of moves: » Savefor a down payment. a certain amount, does nol 'The more money you put necessarily mean that you down for a home, the lower should. You don’t want to your monthly payments, become “house poor” -- that although there’s also a point is, you don’t want to spend at which overly large down so much on your house payments can be financially payments that you are cash unwise. However, if you strapped and can’t alTord to can make a down payment save for other goals, such of more than 20% of the as college for your children purchase price, you can or a comfortable retirement. generally avoid having to You may want to establish a budget for how much you can readily afford to pay for your mortgage each month - and try sticking to it before you buy the house. If you have extra savings, put it toward your down payment • Prepare for unexpected costs. You can plan for your mortgage, utilities, taxes and insurance - but when you own a home, you’ll always encounter unexpected costs. You may need to get a new furnace, repair your roof or face any number of other maintenance issues. To help prepare for these costs, try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with thc money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Without such a fund, you might he forced to dip into your long-term investments or take on added debt to pay for these unanticipated expenses. Homeownership can be a rewarding experience - and the rewards will be even be greater when you’ve “done tlic numbers" and prepared yourself financially. This article was written by Edwanl Jones for use by yvnr local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Edward Jones, Member SIPC MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning BRADFORD WHITE WAI FR HEATERS Same Da v In s tallotit m Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5 H 2 #8110376 A Insured �Michigan governments looking at $ 11 billion in stimulus funds Page rliirur it fnr “One thing is for sure: This is transforma ­ Bridge Magazine . tional if we execute these dollars correctly.” The White Hoow is asking olficiah to said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, whose city big as it sends nearly $11 billion do liar'' is .set lo receive $94.7 million in stimulus federal stimulus funds to the stale and funds -- nearly twice as much as the city governments, including $885 million in 1 spends in its general fund budget each year. iional funding Michigan had not expecK • Some Michigan cities will get significantly Thc U.S. Treasury this week umedec final more funding than initially estimated by allocations for some of the $350 bilhm Congress because the Treasury’ used a commu­ provide to state, local, territorial an • nity block grant formula that takes into government-, nationally through the n . account poverty rates and housing availability, Rescue Plan designed to speed up the na in addition to population. recovery from lhe COVID-19 . rn Pontiac, for instance, will receive $37.7 In Michigan, the state government• million, up from the $5.9 million initially esti­ receive $6.5 billion that can be spen mated by Congress. 1 hat’s about $635 per 2024 on health care, certain in nrs person in a city of about 59.000 residents. projects, essential worker pay. business < ‘‘That’s huge.” City Council President tancc programs and more . . • That’s up from an earlier congml sir Kermit Williams said. “Just to put it in per­ spective. .$37 million is bigger than our gener­ mate of $5.7 billion because the Trcasi ry . al fund operating budget for an entire year. If a formula that will send extra aid o s u it’s leveraged the correct way, it could really higher numbers of unemployed rest en s. “We don't know exactly which data the be the jolt that our city has needed.” State-appointed emergency managers ran congressional estimates were w'-c on. we’re happy to have additional funding to Pontiac from 2009 to 2016 and sold off local support Michigan.” state budget office spokes­ assets in an effort to cut tens of millions in annual spending. The federal funding could person Kurt Weiss said Tuesday. Michigan’s 83 counties will receive a col­ help lhe city rebuild from that era of “austerity lective $1.9 billion, and the state s 43 largest planning,” Williams said. Pontiac is already working with the Boys cities will receive a combined SI.8 billion. Townships, villages nnd smaller cities arc in and Girls Club to construct a new community line for a collective $644 million but won’t center, and with the new federal stimulus know their specific allocations until a later funding, “I think we can build something state of the art for our kids and our seniors, he date, likely next week. The funding will arrive in two waves: Half said. Ann Arbor, one of lhe state’s more affluent (his month, and thc other half next year. Intoxicated driver tears up yard An Irving Township resident reported a pickup truck driving in the yard in the 2000 block of Pine Trail Drive at 11:25 p.m. May 6. After hitting the deck of the house, thc driver left, but an officer was able lo locate the truck on State Road west of McCann Road. The vehicle was moving slowly and drifting almost completely across thc centerline, the officer reported. After being pulled over, lhe driver, a 47-year-old Hastings man, admitted to drinking “prob­ ably loo much.” But he denied driving in anyone’s yard. He had a blood alcohol content of 022 and was arrested. Drunk driver crashes vehicle Police arrested a 29-year-old Whitmore Lake man after he crashed his vehicle on North M-37 Highway, north of Adams Road in Thomapple Township at 12:43 a.m. May 8. The man said he had been drinking and had a 0.151 blood alcohol content. •9 Woman caught shoplifting for sixth time Employees of the Hastings Walmart watched a woman attempt to steal several items from the store by putting them in her purse at 7 p.m. May 7. The woman had put toiletries, dog and cat food, a pillowcase and other items totaling $87.19 in the purse. The woman. 67, of Hastings, has five prior convictions for retail fraud dating back to 1999. She admitted to trying to take the items.The woman said she had enough money lo pay for them, but that she has a problem with stealing, and has been try ing lo get help. Information was sent to lhe prosecuting attorney. Driver calls police after car is egged A 63-year-old Hastings woman called police lo report egg vandalism involving her vehi­ cle. The woman said she was driving on North Avenue near Dowling Road in Maple Grove Township at 4:30 p.m. May 8, when someone in a passing tnick threw an egg at her vehicle. It broke open, covering the windshield. After she took the vehicle to a car wash, she noticed a mark on the hood, which she said was caused by the egg. She filed a claim with her insur­ ance company and gave a description of the suspect vehicle. . ••:.. ..i_ from . appcan ,, h„c benefited the new federal a hx ' „ fonn"'11-11 "?IVC $24 million in tiX k"* person), more t^ble S" K Congress had inin j. ..stinuded. will reeci^ut M b m.lbon less than initially prni j but U > nearly $ 5 million allocation will s1’11 amounl l<! n,Orc than $990 per rc:.id1 The city is conducting community “focus circles” ,o develop a prior­ ity spending list. N ' lcy said.. The aim is to “enhance quality of fife for residents, the mayor said. nt Flint has sonic budget holes to fill as a result of the CQVlD |9 pandemic, but the city could also use the funding in areas training initiatives public safety, blight elimi­ nation and homeoiner property rehabilitation programs, Neeley said. rhe new New Experts have compared the massive injec­ tion of federal funds to thc “Ncw Dea1’ a scries of public works programs in the 1930s that helped the country emerge from thc Great Depression. But lhe White House has cited a more recent precedent,snying the Biden administra­ tion tried to leam from “the mistakes of lhe Great Recession” from 2007 to 2009, “when slate and local government budget cuts were a drag on GDP growth for 23 of the 26 quarters following thc crisis ” “'rhe funds win provide these governments with the resources needed to help address challenges in returning Americans to work,” the White House said Monday. Local government officials are poring over a new 151-page guidance document from the Treasury Department that spells out what they can — and can’t — spend the new stimulus funding on. Broadband upgrades are allowed, for instance, while tax cuts and pension bailouts are not. It appears governments cannot use the stimulus funds for major new road construc­ tion projects, but they can use the money lo replace road funding revenue they lost during lhe pandemic. Given the complexity, “I’m guessing it’s gonna be a good week before we have a good handle on it,” said Chris Hackbarth. director of stale and federal affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. “They were very explicit that they want these dollars to go towards actual investments or services, as opposed lo things like debt service or administrative costs.” In some communities, the immediate needs are clear. Lansing will initially use the funding to replace lost revenue-and avoid municipal lay­ offs, said Council President Peter Spadaforc, noting his city look a “big hit” when income taxes and parking fees plummeted as state employees transitioned to remote work during the pandemic. Lansing will receive$49.9 million in feder­ al stimulus funding, and that may allow for future spending on infrastructure improve­ ments and other one-time projects, Spadaforc said. “But for now. that first tranche of money that’s coming out is pretty much spoken for.” Stalled state negotiations Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has laid out broad priorities for using lhe state’s share of the fed­ eral funding, including grant programs for small business, investments in emerging tech­ nologies, clean waler, broadband and public­ health systems. . cilies, ... >rialso .• • RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 1599H1 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AT JUNE 2, 2021 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS OF MASTER PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAP AND ZONING MAP THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY. MICHIGAN, AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on June 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall located at 2461 Heath Road, within lhe Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The items to be considered at this public hearing include: TO: 1. The proposed amendment of the Future Land Use Map of the 2005 Rutland Charter Township Master Plan, on application of Carl Algera, to change the planning classification of a 24 acre parcel commonly known as 1331 North M-37 Highway in land section 5 of the Township (parcel no. 08-13­ 005-007-00) from Country Residential to Medium Density Residential. 2. The proposed amendment of the Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township, on application of Carl Algera, to rezone the property described in the preceding paragraph from the CR Country Residential District zoning classification to the MDR Medium Density Residential District zoning classification. If this meeting is held as an in-person meeting the persons attending the meeting may be requested to observe such Covid-19 “social distancing" protections as may still be required by any applicable Order of the State of Michigan. If this meeting is not held as an in-person meeting in its entirety the pertinent electronic meeting access information will be posted on the Township website at vvww.r^^^r^pwnsilipx orq. c Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at any time prior to this public hearing/meeting, and mav further be submitted to the Planning Commission al the public hearing/meeting. The Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance/Zoning Map/Master Plan (including the Future Land Use Map), and the legal description and a map of the subject property, may all be examined bv contacting the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Township Hall during regular business hours on regular business days maintained by the Township offices from and after lhe publication of this Notice and until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/meetingRutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/ hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for lhe hearing impaired and audiotaDeS of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Havvth°rne Rutland Charter Townsh’P C,crk 2461 Heath R»ad Hastings, Michigan 49058 ________________________________ (269) 948-2194 .But Vw'ncfilcd IfOm tllC has Bill Iler . . her administration not yet had subl !1‘’ ‘ with thc Republican-led i-UrC’ *las nought to use the feeler frn ?u,n*rY1S evcr«gc for policy concessions from the Democratic S<)VI:1£,/ . . • , rtO'.ific industries 5|*CU»( revenue: To make up for revenue, lost during the pandemic, including gas tax $ registration fees used to pay for road eonuruJtion and repair. This includes projected revenue growth that did not materialize. Ronus pay: To provide extra pay to cssenli ,bvorkctsP"wlio have borne and w ill bear the ”,,'c f’ffB last month unveiled its "i1° die new money, along with er ci tral aid left over from prior stimulus packages. 1 u, S<Une rln c *c8*sbdive spending proP< « s including $350 million deposit into lhe Mate s rainy day ’ savings fund. $595 nu hon to pay off the full Flint water crisis sett ement and repayment of road bonding debts - may not be allowed under new feder­ al guidance. The Treasury guidance rule specifies that fiscal recovery funds cannot be used to pay down debt service, legal settlements or depos­ its into rainy day or financial reserve funds. The money also cannot be spent on tax cuts or to prop up struggling pensions. Instead, state and local governments can use the funding across four broad categories: -Public health: To pay for COVID-19 mit­ igation efforts including vaccination pro­ grams, medical expenses, behavioral health and to pay some public health and safety staff - Economic recovery: To address “negative economic impacts caused by lhe public health emergency,” including assistance programs for workers, households, small business and S-'^^^^Th-^n grocery store and restaurant workers, januors and_ Mras—: To pay for water, sewer and broadband infrastructure construction or improvements. The broadband funding is intended to target areas that lack c°ns,*fn' internet speed of 25 Mbps downloads and 3 MXP'“- -ry explicit that they want these dollars to go toward actual investments or services, ns opposed to things like debt ser­ vice or administrative costs.” said Hackbarth of the Municipal League. In a Monday evening conference call with local government officials, the Biden adminis­ tration reiterated its belief that the nation s recovery from the Great Recession was slowed by continued financial problems at the local level. Hackbarth recounted. “So they really wanted to attack that. DECISION, continued from page 1 —---Who does the American Rescue Plan help? American families R« Stewart $1,400 checks FIMA dlsa*ttfr«ite< S47bilH’jn mt State and local aid (prevent layoffsand service cuts) former*, wnait txvinesie* and ethers tndu»trtr» Vaccloailoos and health care Reopen schools and higher education $350 billion Unemployment insurance S173 billion Uk credits aid. and child care for families those communities that arc a little reluctant, that say ‘We don’t want to be a partner in this, we don't want to use lhe money for these purposes, we’re going to send it back' - I understand that feeling. ... “The question is whether you arc in a better position to determine how this money should be spent ... Frankly, from what I’ve seen over the years, the folks in Barry County arc in a much better position to determine where this money should be spent than Washington. DC. [is].” Forbes mentioned that Barry County United Way, as the housing resource center for the county, received a $1.14 million grant in December to be spent on providing rent, utilities and internet services lo those in need. Thus far, only $326,000 has been spent, she said. Il’s important that these dollars arc spent in the most relevant way, Forbes added. “We want to make sure the townships understand that the dollars are already available to assist w ith that.so we’re spending our dollars in the most relevant way and nol using dollars that are already available [and being spent J in the same manner throughout our community.” During Monday’s Rotary Club meeting, Mroz offered tips for how to allocate the funds for “their highest and best use.” “Our public employees have a very, very difficult decision, moving forward,” he said. “You’re going to gel millions for your purposes as a local community. You have to balance that. ... Tliere may be opportunities for you to access [funds from other entities] and not burn up your funds.” Mroz offered what he called a classic example. “The first thing a lol of people want to do is provide small business relief grants,” he said, mentioning that restaurants and bars will be getting $25 billion in small business relief from lhe state. In addition, an additional $190 billion also is being allocated for small business relief. “When you look at that." he said, consider •What are we making the best use of our fun* for? Maybe your individual community funds can be used ln a different direction" s.nee small business relief grants will be provided from another source u.11.Ano'hcr '.’“"'P'e he mentioned is SI78 iXS^^'iont''"-8h.he involve infrastructure, new technology, and broadband. As far as health services, most of the funding is intended for vaccination clinics. /Xbout $52 billion is for Paycheck Protection Program loans. Also, there is emergency funding provided for housing and even a little for rural housing, but it’s spread across 50 stales, so it won’t amount to much when it's divided up, Mroz said. Most of the money allotted for agriculture will be earmarked for the USDA for food safety and inspection. Then, lhe 273 municipalities in the 13-county region that includes Barry County, will receive an additional $121.6 million. Thc state will get $5.65 billion, which will be used for a variety of needs that affect lhe individual counties and municipalities, so Mroz warned about watching out for duplications through this source of funding. “You can use your local money to invest in water, sewer and broadband,” he said. adding that any mention of roads was missing in this section of lhe act. “The best guess is that they were holding back on that for jobs plan this fall.” Another allowed expense would be to provide premium pay for municipal workers - such as trash collectors - who had to continue working and those most severely affected during lhe pandemic. Prohibited uses for lhe funds include using the money to cover any outstanding obligations as far as pension funds. ARPA funds will be paid out in two chunks: The first will be received sometime this week. The second will be sent at the same time next year. The funds have to be spent by Dec. 31,2024. Mroz also cautioned about the costs of particular projects, such as broadband, which is a priority for many communities across the state. Noting that there are about a half dozen broadband providers in Michigan, he pointed out that rates already have gone up 20 percent. “Il’s just like we’ve seen in building projects, he remarked. “Purchasing power will be greatly diminished. Local government officials will need to ask what is needed and most important tu stabilize their communities. In economic development. Mroz warned “The be<>i and worst thing you can po»ibly sec is one-time money. Whatever you spend a. be maintained. You can't put m duplication doesn’t occur "g SpCn‘ “ escrow. Some projects may equirc a rvla'tcd'he sairnmCs "",S1 COVID I9' tremendous amount ot mamtenancu later. allowed by theVdejT P°'""blc I’r°jetts z ‘vderal government can Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �The Hastings ANNER SPORTS SECTION Thursday, May 13, 2021 Storm settling in on attack for Vikes Delton Kellogg’s Caitlin O’Meara charges into the offensive end for the Panthers during the second half of their 2-0 loss at Lakewood High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings came into Tuesday night with a little more depth and a lot more rest than the Delton Kellogg girls, and as the game wore on it showed a bit on the scoreboard. The Lakewood varsity girls’ soccer team scored a 2-0 victory over die visiting Panthers in a non-confcrencc match at Lakewood High School. Junior Rebekah Storm scored thc opening goal of thc game for lhe Vikings in lhe 16th minute, finishing off a nice surge through lhe offensive end that had Sadie Brearley getting the ball to Anja Kelley who shot a pass from lhe left side of thc Panther net out front to Storm for lhe assist. Viking head coach James LeVeque said it was lhe third consecutive game with a goal for Storm who has stepped up well across the attack from Kelley with I-aurcn Upright out of the line-up at the moment. luikewood scored again in lhe 32nd minute on a penally kick by freshman defender Lakewood freshman Cadence Poll steps into a penalty kick to give the Vikings’ a 2-0 lead in their win over visiting Delton Kellogg Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Dellon Kellogg's Chloe Tarkkanen (5) races to the ball in front of Lakewood's Alivia Everitt during their non-conference contest at Lakewood High School Tuesday. (Photo by Breit Bremer) . Cadence Poli. Kelley again shot a pass across the Viking goalmouth. Kelley's’Uall deflected off a Delton Kellogg defender and towards thc goal, but a handball stopped the play giv­ ing lhe Vikings the PK attempt. The Vikings still have some work lo do on their finishing, but much of recent practice time has been focused on defensive tech­ nique. “They played hard. We passed lhe ball around better than we have been. The defense played pretty decent, gave up a couple chanc­ es. but nothing too bad.” LeVeque said. “We had Friday. Saturday. Sunday and Monday (without games) to not sprint up and down the field non-stop. We did have some fresh legs. That was good. It did show. The defense did play a littbfaster. We didn’t step and stab al the ball asMuch as we had been. We have been kind of stabbing, as you heard their coach veiling a lot in the game, and it made us look faster as a defense which was good. We have spent lhe last two practices really focusing on not stabbing and stepping at the ball and just forcing girls out wide and keeping them on lhe sideline and whatnot. It .showed." Tile DK girls were coming off a 7-2 loss to Constantine in a Southwestern Athletic Conference match from Monday evening, and had just one player on the bench throughout the contest. DK head coach Alan Mabie is still working out combinations on the field. lhe Panthers are looking for a good compliment to Carlie Ritchie on the offensive end. Ritchie and Caitlin O’Meara created a few of lhe DK girls’ best chances on the evening, and O’Meara was doing yeoman’s work from one end of lhe field to the other. She put a couple of the Panthers’ best shots on lhe Viking het and made a big play in lhe second half to clear a ball from trouble in her own goal box. /Xlex Carter, a regular attacker for the Panthers, broke a wrist in the match with Constantine Monday and that limited the DK attack a bit as well as shortened the bench. Ritchie scored off an O'Meara assist and O’Meara scored off a Ritchie assist in the loss to the Constantine girls. There were a few times the Panthers had the play set up to beat lhe Viking defense, but didn’t have the legs to finish off a run. Mabie admitted to lhe thought of canceling or postponing the match, but decided against that. His girls wanted to play and with only about a dozen players available it was more useful to play the full-field contest than (o have a limited practice session at this point id the year. ’ Kelley pressured lhe DK net throughout the, night, but had a handful of shots fly just wide of their mark. DK goalkeeper Taylor Carter made the plays she should have around her box. r* Lake wood got solid play in the defense and through the midfield from many players including freshman Alivia Benedict. *• Lakewood was scheduled to visit Laingsburg Wednesday to close out the' Greater Lansing Activities Conference regu­ lar season and will be a part of the conference tournament Saturday. % The next match on the schedule for the Delton Kellogg girls is at Fennville Monday, May 17. TK ends evening with Eastern in scoreless tiej Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans are in lhe top three. They were just waiting for one more match lo sort out the seeding for the new OK Gold Conference postseason tournament. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ soc­ cer team secured its spot as either lhe second or third seed for the conference tournament by finishing in a scoreless draw at Forest Hills Eastern High School Thursday evening. TK is now 5-1-1 in conference play this season, with its only conference defeat com­ ing a month ago al Cedar Springs. Cedar Springs finished off its regular season confer­ ence schedule with a 6-1 record. Forest Hills Eastern is 4-2-1 after the draw with the Trojans. lhe 5-1 Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars were set to face the 3-3 South Christian Sailors in the final conference regu­ lar season game. Wednesday evening (May 12). The regular season results and the confer­ ence tournament results each account for 50 percent of the final conference championship standings. Some of the most dangerous scoring chanc­ es on either end Thursday in Ada came in the second half of the second hall as both teams pressed for what they would hoped would be a game-winning goal. The Hawks earned a couple of deep free kicks just above the Trojan goal box, but the TK defense forced an offside whistle on one and second hall goal­ keeper Tnstcn Cross snagged another bard shot by the Hawks’ Breck McCloskey on the other. . Moments inter, a clearing ball from Irojan defender Peyton Pratt found its way to the midfield where it was collected by Emma Schut charging ahead. Schut tapped a pass toward the left side for teammate Ainsley Oliver who ripped a hard shot that had the Forest Hills lutslem goalkeeper, Sheridan Ruppcl. diving from her left to right to deflect the ball safely over the end line outside of her Thomapple Kellogg attacker Ainsley Oliver is knocked to the turf by Forest Hills Eastern s Sammy Hunting during the second half of their OK Gold Conference contest at Forest Hills Eastern High School in Ada Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) net. Cross made a couple other good plays in her goalmouth in the closing minutes She came out into a crowd to defleet one ball away, and then managed to get back to her line to grab the ball when a rebound shot came back in from the tup of t)ie Possession went bark and-forth throughout the evening, often times changing sides when one team’s player or the other wound up knocked to the turf. 1 Pratt and Grace McNabany were solid in keeping their keeper* from being tested too often in the middle of the Irojan defense. Both girls were ones who would have expect­ ed to have a more offensive focused role for the team at the start of the season. TK head coach Joel Strickland happy to have a num­ ber of girls like lhcnl wuh a team-first aliiBoth teams stru?^ed’<> 'he ball on the turf at times, with h“dets going back-and_ forth each way. StncMand would have liked lo see his girls win « ^w more of lhe 50-50 Thomapple Kellogg defender Peyton Pralt rises up to head the ball away from trouble in her end during the second half at Forest Hills Eastern Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) balls, although he admitted that that had as much to do with things the Hawks were doing well opposed lo anything his girls were really doing wrong. ‘That is the most physical game I have seen this year. Honestly, our girls battled and I am proud of them for how hard they worked,” Strickland said. “We’re pretty neat up we had a great game with South, which was a 3-2 win for us. but in that game we lost three starters.” The referee passed out one yellow card late Thursday, and seemed to be reaching for his chest pocket a couple other times before thinking differently of pulling a card. It was the first of two consecutive lies for the Trojans who finished in a 3-3 draw with the Zeeland East girls in Zeeland Monday. �Hactinm girls hold their own against 1-3 leaders Pape 12 - Thursday, May 13, 2021 - The Hastings B’.rnef o slidesduring out of her in an attempt to thwart an attack . Saxon g^ikoAner ^,sSkvlar Tory Dixon Lammers theirnetInterstate-8 match Inside Baum Radium at Johnson Field in Hastings Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) • Brett Bremer Sports Editor \ Hastings senior captain Brianna Barnes 'wtnt pin-balling off of defenders and she was on her backside by thc time the ball was rip­ pling across the net behind a diving Parma Western goalkeeper late in the first half Friday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. Parma Western improved to 7-2-2 overall with a 4-1 win over the Saxons, but Barnes’ goal was just the second scored by an lnterstate-8 Athletic Conference squad so far this spring. The Panthers an* currently 4-0-1 in the conference with (heir only blemish coming in a 1-1 draw with Marshall, (he RedHawks and Panthers are now tied atop the conference standings with identical 4-0-1 marks. Hastings left the ballgame Friday lo begin prep for a May 12 meeting with those Marshall girls. Parma Western led the Saxons 3-0 at the lime of Barnes’ goal, which came with 7:45 to play in the first half. Lauren Lamphcre carried that attack up the right side, and Raegen Morrison and Barnes were there putting pres­ sure at lhe top of the 18 when the ball found its way there. Bames fired a shot just inside the right post. The Saxons held the Panthers to one goal over the final 47:45, with solid defense in the back end and a few offside flags that began frustrating thc Panther attackers. Hastings had one of lhe best chances thc rest of the way, when BreAnn Micklatcher put a ball ahead of Lampherc in the closing moments of (he game. Lampherc beat a defender just inside lhe top of the 18, stepping to her left, and then knocked a left-footed shot back towards the right post which Panther keeper Kendall Robertson saved with a diving The Saxons’ Abby Gaskill (10) collides with Parma Western's Tory Lammers in the midfield during their match at Hastings High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) deflection to her left. “I felt real positive with us keeping it at four, putting one in and almost putting a sec­ ond one in,” Hastings head coach Tim Schocsscl said. ‘‘They’re growing. We’re get­ ting healthy. They’re finally getting sub sup­ port. 1 am excited forthem. Bre [Micklatcher) and Bri [Barnes] in the middle arc just solid holding down thc fon, and our two forwards [Lampherc and Morrison] are playing off each other and starting to understand.” 'fhe Saxon goalkeeping duo of Dekota Blough and Skylar Dixon combined for 12 saves against the Panthers. All over the field girls are getting belter and getting more used to varsity soccer for thc Saxons. “Molly Patton and Hannah Crozier, thc two in the back, they’re in there the whole game." Schocsscl said. "They don’t come out. They’ve been taking on some tough talent as young players. They’re doing well. They’re starting to understand each other." It was a tough start to the season for the Saxons. They were shut out in their first two ballgames, including an 8-0 loss at Jackson Lumen Christi. That started a siring of four games in which they gave up a total of 30 goals. Schocsscl said he started to sec things com­ ing around after a really tough start at Harper Creek May 5 in which the Beavers took an 8-3 win. Bames had two goals and Lampherc one in the second half of that loss at Harper Creek. “I have been impressed because they never hung their heads," Schocsscl said. "They just stuck to their guns and figured if they kept working things would come. We are starting to sec people learning positions that they didn’t know, and people that have no business Hastings' Raegen Monibvu ...w ball through the midfield during her team’s match with visiting Parma Western Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) understanding thc game starting to understand the game. Those are the big strides they re making. "They’re starting to trust each other. The defense never trusted anybody, so they got out of position and lhe scores were just coming left and right. Our two forwards are are start­ ing to trust each other with slot passes and stuff like that. And. they’re keeping their shape. That is a huge thing, because before they were all out of position, running all over. They’re starting to keep their shape and start­ ing to own the parts of thc field that they’re working on." The Saxons were 0-6 overall this season and 0-5 in the Interslate-8 Athletic Conference heading into lhe May 5 match-up with league-leading Marshall. The Saxons arc scheduled to host Pennfield Friday inside Baum Stadium and the 1-8 Conference Tournament begins May 19. Stahl great again as Vites beat OK giHs at Latewood Invite Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood senior pitcher Morgan Stahl followed up a perfect game against Marshall by striking out 17 as the Vikings bested Delton Kellogg 4-1 in the final game of Saturday’s Lakewood Invitational. Stahl held the Panthers, in their second match-up of lhe season, to five hits and one run while walking just one. Lakewood had 13 hits, but struggled to gel runners around the base paths until snapping a 1-1 tic with two runs in lhe top of the sixth. The Vikings added an insurance run in the seventh to secure lhe victory. • Josie Lyons was the only Panther who had much luck with Stahl, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Aubrey Aukerman, Allison Brandli and Allie Trantham had lhe other three DK hits. The Vikings look a 1 -O lead in the top of the first inning. Lily Federau, the Vikings’ fresh­ man catcher, singled to center field, went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Clair Behnam and came around to score on an RBI single into center by teammate Audrey Hillard. That 1-0 Lakewood lead lasted until the Panthers struck in the bottom of thc fifth. Abby Fichtner walked with two out and scored on a double oft' the bat of Lyons. Stahl managed her third strike out of the inning to end thc DK threat there. The Vikings answered right away in the top of the sixth, scoring twice lo get the lead back and then tacking on a run in the seventh. Thc Lakewood ladies also bested the Delton Kellogg catcher Lizzy Fichtner tags out Lakewood s Audrey Hillard at the plate during the top of the first inning of their ballgame at the Lakewood Invitational Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Panthers last month in the finals of the Barry County Invitational in Hastings. Delton Kellogg started its day with a 10-1 win over Marshall. The DK girls had ten hits in the win. led by a 3-for-3 performance from Jordan Lyons Mya Brickley pitches for lhe Dellon Kellogg Panthers during their win over Marshall Saturday at the Lakewood Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bromer) who scored twice and drove in a run. Abby Fichtner doubled once and Lizzy Fichtner was for-3 with a double and an RBI. Aukerman 2singled twice and walked twice, scoring four times. Allie Trantham and Mya Brickley had the other DK hits and both drove in a run. Chloe Colwell and Mya Brickley shared thc pitching duties. Brickley came on in relie in lhe second inning. She struck out five and allowed one earned run (two total) on four hits and three walks in the game that was shortened to six innings because of time con­ straints. The Panthers bounced back from thc loss to Lake wood lo score 16-1 and 15-0 victories over visiting Lawton in a Southwestern Athletic Conference doublehcader Monday in Delton. Game one was a four-inning affair in which DK pitcher Abby Fichtner allowed just one run on two hits. She struck out seven and walked three. The DK girls slammed 12 hits with Abby doubling twice, scoring three runs and driving in one. Colwell and Trantham were both 2-for-3 with two RBL Colwell scored twice and Trantham once. Colwell’s two hits were a double and a triple. Jordan Lyons tripled for the Panthers too. Aukerman. Brickley and Lizzy Fichtner each doubled. Brickley and Trantham had two RBI each. Brickley, Josie Lyons and Thomas scored two runs apiece. Game two was a 15-0, three-inning bail­ game. Lizzy Fichtner was 3-for-3 with a dou­ ble, a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Abby Fichtner had a double, a triple and two runs in three at-bats. DK got a pair of singles from Brandli, who drove in two runs and scored three times. Josie Lyons and Jordan Lyons scored two runs each as well. DK had DIh0ll ° n K0|| °99' s Jordan Lyons sprints fo first after knockinn • ,e of the fifth inning against Marshall Saturday at ih,.i L"9'® ,0 n9hl ,0 lead nine hits in all. Brickley got the win in thc circle. She (Photo by Brott BreX) ® Lake*°od Invitational. struck out five Blue Devils and walked one. She allowed just two hits in three innings. �Eagles take GLAC v^iVk *ins at MaPle VaHey High School kept their Gi travk a’Rl ^eld learns (Her the Maple \^n°rdS ,K‘fccl Wilh wins Tuesday afternoon,^ Nnshvi,,c the pole u1Vlt™?p|^?J:'',i'\l.lea7*1 9" OTer’ih?Ho„Stf,,red 4 '13.5-21.5 win lime of 25.60. a 138 8 W>*”C ”* hidi’mn.'n'”' l''? tl’c'r7most success at the cleared ?,P. K '°n se""’r Ashl-V" Wilkcs event le uf at a* 11X1 ~ ",chcs ,o win Freshm™ i "n ? !>Wecp b>' Ihc Lion l'"lics4 -<> and f k ' ^ilurot " as second by clearing <na.r ,h. k hn Decker made h third e bar a' 4-1 IOr the ilrM,iuK'10 place ’:'" Oiri?><bClhre:'-iu,np''tfanicd ,he Maple vaifcy 5 vv ii 9 y poiW!> ",e lkld CVCI,|S. 1 i J!nd ।al,nK each won one race on C JaLk' l’auroi took the 800-inetcr run with personal record time of 2 minutes 50.27 ^AdS.’ W’Ikes ,ook l,le 200-meter dash in - 66 seconds, with junior teammate Liz ^bnstopher setting a new personal record of -LW3 to place third in that race. < laple Nalley’s girls also picked up a point h W,lkes’ third-place lime of 28.66 in ’u *)’meter dash and freshman Greanlec DePypcr s third-place time of 1550 in the 100-meter dash. Thc Maple Valley boys had a few runner-up 200 ,ne,e» Jash with a third 1DKeBI ,kC,y: a soPhomore. earned the 1 i n^th Pt,,,U *n tllC K(X)->ncler mil for lhe ? .)? ’ ?1,X'?onal Ie^rd time of 4:04.41. noint ih d‘,hC Map,e Vrt,,e> boss added a po u thanks to freshman James Penny’s thirdplate d^tance of 30-6 in the shot put the Olivet boys’ team had five different guys wm field events. Senior Keith Otto took < CUS W‘,b 11 P^oual record throw of 1-5-5 and junior Blake Lincoln won lhe shot put at 43-7. Jordan Hall led a sweep in the boys’ pole vault for the Eagles. setting a PR y clearing 5-9. Eagle senior Connor Maurer cleared 9-0 m the pole vault, winning the event by doing so in fewer tries than Martin. Junior Dalton Tobias won the long jump for the Eagles with a personal record throw of 20-6. Junior Mason Molek won the two hurdles races for the Olivet boys, taking the I IO­ meter high hurdles in 17.06 and lhe 300-mcter intermediate hurdles in 43.98. Soyer Moon also had two individual wins on the track lor Olivet, taking lhe 200-meter dash in 2458 and the 400 in 54.70. Maple Valley freshman Mackenzie Decker lets loose a throw in the discus competition during her team’s GLAC dual with visiting Olivet Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) • ‘ LHS moves to 5-1 in GLAC with a few hard=f©yght victories A 2-0 bailgame went each way as the Blackhawks’ lead-off hitter. way around lhe bases. Kellogg to win their own Lakewood Lakewood varsity softball team split its “Credit Leslie for making plays when they Invitational and were back at it in the GLAC “If Maryssa doesn’t make that play that’s Greater Lansing Activities Conference dou­ an easy double with no outs." Hilley said. had to and their pitcher was solid in both Monday scoring two wins at Stockbridge. bleheader at Leslie Wednesday evening (Mav Leslie had the top of its order up for one games." Hilley said. “Leslie has three very Lake wood scored 4-0 and 5-1 wins over the 5). ’ last shot in the bottom of thc seventh, putting athletic left-handed shippers that were able to Panthers in Stockbridge Monday to move Tlie Vikings were playing in their first ball­ runners on second and third thanks to a walk put the ball in play and we made some errors their Greater Lansing Activities Conference games since winning the Battle Creek and a double with one out. Stahl, who struck that spotted them a run in thc fourth inning. record to 5-1 so far this spring. Lakeview Invitational. out the lead-off hitter in thc inning, finished Their other run came in the top of the fifth Stahl struck out 12 and walked one in the “For what these kids have been through the off the Blackhawks with strike outs of their inning on a two-out solo home run by pitcher game one shut out. giving up just three hits. last week, I was very pleased to see how they four and five hitters to finish the ballgame. Ada Bradford. I akewood was held hitlcss bj Stockbridge “We did a lol of watching strikes that got us pitcher Bailey Burtrum, who recorded 16 responded,’’ Lakewood head coach Brent “We knew going into this that Leslie was a Hilley said. “We won a tournament on team that would battle for lhe league title this down in the count and forced us into sw inging strike outs, but the Vikings tcxrk advantage of Saturday (April 24) and things are going well. year.” Hilley said. “They certainly were going at bad pilches. We have got to be more disci­ five Stockbridge errors and three walks to plined at the plate." he added. Then thc following Monday morning a gut lo come back and play well." score twice in lhe sixth and twice in the sev­ Stahl struck out 13 and allowed just two punch thc team gets quarantined. To make The only lime the Vikings had a runner in • things worse, it happens to- be prom wcek>-w sairinp-ppsition in-gameHwo was in the bot-,-hiLs in the loss. , Never mind softball, its heartbreaking when tom of (he firn. Federau jsot to second withThe third game of thf series svfis raint<Tpu| Fthe kidshave to miss out and Huge \ ijurii by Woodman, buf ’’’ Thursday afternoon. l?.fc Yikmgs ’.-'i.nied to <>l In _ Hfl'jj OJ h'j|v -n. kevents like prom.’’ ’ the Vikings couldn’t' get* her the rest of the action Saturday, beating Marshall andDenon Still down two regular starters, the Vikings managed to come out w ilh a lol of energy in game one to score their 2-0 win. The Delton Kellogg/Marlin varsity boys’ “The kids were fired up to be back playing golf team took a step outside the Southwestern and we got two players back off a prior quar­ Athletic Conference to participate in the antine that most of lhe team has nol seen in M-89 Challenge and thc Law ton Invitational over three weeks,” Hilley said. last weekend. Morgan Stahl was strong in the circle for Brett Bremer tiebreaker in thc opening set of her second The Panthers placed sixth at the eight-team thc Vikings, as she has been all season, strik­ Sports Editor singles match with Cedar Springs ’ Ella Moore M-89 Allegan County tournament at lhe Lynx ing out 16 while giving up just two hits and a The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls' ten­ and then surged toa6-I win in the second set. Friday. walk in the shut out. Javier Guevera led lhe DK/Martin boys Audrey Hillard bumped up from the clean­ nis team closed out a w inning season of OK TK also had Sophia Beckering lake a 6-2.6-1 up spot to the number three spot in the Gold Conference duals by bumping their win at number three and Christel Hoskins with a 92 which put him in 11th place individ­ ually. Lakewood batting order and delivered two conference record to 4-3 with a 7-1 win over take a 6-0,6-1 win at number four. Cedar Springs Tuesday in Cedar Springs. Cedar Springs got its lone point from first singles, including a key RBI in the victory. TK swept the doubles Hights with its top singles player Olivia Miller who won a lough Liv Woodman and Lily Federau were the two doubles teams scoring three-set wins over 6-4. 6-3 match with the Trojans’ Nancy other two w ho came through at the plate with the Red Hawks. TK’s Courtney Haveman and Hoogwerf hits for the Vikings. Trojans pushed two matches to three sets in Woodman, a sophomore, hadn’t seen live Katie Schorr scored a 6-1.4-6, 6-2 win over Hannah Cox and Carley Dreyer at number the dual with the Forest Hills Eastern girls last game action in more than three weeks and had one. Wednesday. Hoskins took the o|x?ning set of to switch from her normal position to fill in al The Stockbridge Panthers scored an 18-3 At second doubles. TK’s Tylor Buxton and her fourth singles match with Rishika shortstop for the Vikings. In lhe fourth inning, win over the Maple Valley varsity softball Jamie Devries pulled out an extended tie ­ Kokkula, but Kokkula rallied for 6-4. 6-1 with Lakewood holding a 1-0 lead, Leslie got team in Stockbridge Wednesday to finish off a a runner on with a single and one out. The breaker in the second set lo slay alive and then wins in the final two sets sweep of their three-game Greater Lmsing finished off a 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 win over Laura Haveman and Schorr won the first set of Blackhawk runner broke to try and steal sec­ their first doubles match with the Hawks’ Activities Conference set. ond and Viking freshman catcher Lily Federau Serek and Sally Odren. The Lions scored all three of their runs in TK had no trouble in the other two doubles Palak Rekhani and Bella Chiodini as well, but threw a dart down to second that was handled lhe bottom of the second inning al Stockbridge matches. Ellie Essenberg and Heide Church at then the FHE girls surged for 6-0,6-0 wins in perfectly by Woodman who made the tag. Wednesday third doubles won 6-1.6-0 and lhe TK team the final two sets. “That play really gave us a momentum Abeni Hartwell singled and stole a base and of Madeline Coe and Trinity Simmons won South Christian will host the OK Gold edge.” coach Hilley said. came home on an RBI single from Addison Conference Tournament Saturday (May 15). 6-0,6-0 at number four. Freshman centerfielder Maryssa Goble also Ramey. Ramey worked her way over lo third Charlotte Nelson scored a 7-6(4) win in a made.a big defensive play in the bottom of the with the Panthers throwing the ball around, sixth inning, tracking down a shot by the and it kept happening as teammate Brenna Cruz walked. Ramey scored and Cruz raced to third. Cruz eventually stole home on a pwr pick-off attempt al third base. Leslie look 23-0 and 16-1 wins over the enth inning. “* Stahl struck out 14 in game two. with a solo home run to lead off lhe bottom of life first by the Panthers’ McKenzie Noble Ure only hit against her. • ** Lakewood got singles from F.milie Yonker, Cora Griffin. Hannah Slater, Hillard, Woodman and Federau. Federau scored twice out of the lead-off spot. Woodman. Hillard and Goble each scored a nin as well. Staler had three RBI and Woodman one. The Vikings and Panthers were set to riipit for the last game of their three-game set at Lakewood Wednesday (May 12). DK/Martin golfers sixth at M-89 Challenge Thres-se^ (fcwSjfes victories top TK wm gift Cedar Springs !• . ., vri The DK/Martin golfers were back in actkfh Saturday at Lake Cora for the Lawfoh Invitational. Guevara again led DK'Martin with a 96. The Panthers were fourth in the sixteam Blue Division al the tournament. ' • DK head coach Jim Hogoboom said his players, who have placed fifth out of six amongst the SAC Valley teams at each con­ ference contest so far. are all getting better they continue lo gain experience on the course. , Lions bring a few around to score in finale with Stockbridge: Hastings scores 40 rims to split doubleheader at Lumen Christi Wayland climbs Gold golf . standings on home course: Vikings win four flights, forfeit one in tie with Ionia both went the Vikings >• a 6 4 win player Kristen Ftnsaas doubles, over Ionia’s Casey Lopez At fir^ Lakewoods Erntni Chas . earned a 6-3. 6-3 win over Jewel. and Emrna White. . i ,s and two douIjikewood took wo > victory bles nights-Hk 0>l>vr V.k | t 8 (our eame front Abby G>bson where she '^^'Xtsdunof Alli P‘cltl,nl Lakewood second dou Q win over and Izzy Wheeler st( rJ^ddyson Roundtree. Ionia’s Riley Br(;un"a” A.L,uHes match m Ionia took the V straight sets and won by lorl bles .Ionia also got wjns and Kate Brown m the -secono gles matches. Lions in Leslie in a GLAC doubleheaderj Monday. . } Leslie pitcher Sarissa Jones no-hit the] Lions in the three-inning game to open thedoubleheader, striking out four. Lexy Booher. Hartwell and Nadia Martini shared lhe pitching duties for the Lions. ' J Cruz reached on an error in lhe top of Hie* first inning of game two and came around to score on another Leslie error on a fly ball by« Hartwell with two outs in thc inning to get her team’s run in game two. ’ Jones again no hit the Lions through the* three-inning game, striking out three. • The Lions and Blackhawks were scheduled’ lo meet again for one game Wednesday in'. Nashville. ’ fourth douSwinehart lhird sin- I*hc Saxons didn’t let a game one defeat get them down. The Hastings varsity softball team scored its first victory of the season Monday, knock­ ing oil the 7 Hans of Lumen Christi in Jackson m game two of their interstate-8 Athletic Cbnference doubleheader. Lumen Christi scored a 20-19 walk-off win m the bo tom of the seventh inning of game one but the Saxons stuck with it and scored a 21-11 w in in game two. ^Adm^'T*1 16 Sin8lcS in 8al'“ (WO. A double by Emma Alexander was the only extra-base hit for Hastings in thc win Alexander was 3-for-3 and walked twice in the lead-off spot lor the Saxons. She drove in one run and scored four times. Morgan Deal had a game-high five RBI going 3-f‘>r-5 with three nuts scored. Tandni McKinstry also had three singles, and team­ mates C arly Warner. Cassidee Easey and Isabelle Storm each singled twice. Grace Green and Anna English had one hit eaeh. Stonn had two RBI and Easey. WameJ and English each had one RBI as well. [)e;d, Warner and McKinstry scored three times each. Aubree English. Anna English and Sophia Sunior scored two runs apiece. The Saxons took advantage of 13 walks in the win. Easey, Sunior, Warner. Alexander and Aubree English each walked tw ice. Easev got lhe fnc-mning wm in the circle. She gave'up 11 runs (eight earned) on 12 hits and three walks. She Mnick out three I Hans. There was a bit more power on display m game one. Sionn » pair of doubles. McKinstry and Deal each tripled. Deal and Kaeli Jo West added doubles as well lor Hastings. Alexander. Deal McKinstry' and Sionn had ihree l>>« each in game one McKinstry finished »'"• >hree RIH and Deal and Sionn bad two each. Deal scoresi lour runs and Alexander. and Slorm scored three times each. Me^D scored two nu s. Easey and Aubiec M‘ghsh shared lhe pitch' ing duties in the . Has.ines was rig"'>« aei'on al home •Ihesdav. tailing in t"11,.^"games of an I K doubleheader .mam4 l4™a Ween, lhe Panthers ttK.k 15-0 >'K-l w.ns Wayland shot well on its home course, and the Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team was edged by Kenowa Hills and South Christian to finish sixth at the OK Gold Conference jamboree at Orchard Hills Monday. J K had finished fourth at thc previous two conference jamborees. Grand Rapids Catholic Central tightened its grip on the conference lead by winning Monday with a score of 154. Forest Hills Eastern was second with a 159. ahead of Wayland 166, Kenowa Hills 170. South Christian 173. Thomapple Kellogg 174 and Cedar Springs 191. Sophomore Austin Pitsch had thc low round lor the Trojans, shooting a 40. I K also got a 44 from Connor Newland and 45s fiotn Drew Nathan and Trevor Hummer. Wayland senior Txlcr Omness won die day’s round with an even-par 34 Forest Hills Eastern senor Alex Emetine shot a 37 Catholic Central’s Will Preston matched Einerine’s 37 to tie for second individually.’ and thc Cougars also had Andrew Annock^ shoot a 38. Luke lYeston a 39 and Dioma< Gide and John I larmon each scored a -10. ; Catholic Central won last Wednesday (May. S) at Cedar Chase Golf Course with an overalk score of 156. ahead of South Christian 162’ i-oresl Hills Eastern 165. Thomapple Kellogg; 176. Kenowa Hills 179. Wayland 181 and Cedar Springs 201. Newland and CJ Crabtree led TK. each scoring a 42. Pitsch shot a 45 for lhe Trojans and Hummer a 47. . Catholic Central got 37s from Will Prestorf and Hamion. l he Cougars also had Anuock? Matthew Sokorai and Luke Preston each shoot a 41. South Christian’s round was powered b$ a 37 from Thys Vink and a 39 from Evan Roedema. �Page 14 - Thursday, May 13, 2021 — The Hasting* Banner Caledonia has many contributors in win over TK Thornapple Kellogg shortstop Alex Bonnema fires to first for an out during his team's loss to the Fighting Scots in a non­ conference ballgame In Caledonia Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor * The bench was emptied by the Fighting Scots as they played what has been as rare ballgame outside of the OK Red Conference Monday afternoon. ‘ Thc Caledonia varsity baseball team bested neighborhood rival Thomapple Kellogg 12-6 In a single, seven-inning non-conference ball­ name in Caledonia. The Fighting Scots had six different pitchers throw al least one inning, 15 different guys gel an at-bat and ten of those *15 guys scored a run. "This is really important for us this year.” "Caledonia head coach Pat Gillies said. "We have had six non-conference games cancelled ahd played two. The nice thing is that there ale young men who are working really hard in practice, but aren’t our league starters, they all got a lot of reps today and that is important, llicy deserved it and they earned it. We did some really good things.” Gillies and his young team have been focused on thc little things since opening lhe season a month ago with a couple of doubkMigit losses in an OK Red' Conference v. ________ CalStLTslmantXK^ Caledonia Monday. (Photo by Brett ft”) Eric Dipert pitches for the Trojans during their non-conference ballgame in Caledonia Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) doubleheader with Rockford. One of the things Gillies and his staff were looking lor on Monday was a good two-strike approach at the plate. "Putting lhe ball in play with two strikes that is a little thing in the game of baseball, Gillies said. “Give yourself a chance. Whether you get a hit or not. putting the ball in lhe play is a good thing.” Caledonia lead-off hitter Ryan Brown got the chance to work on it from the get-go. He took the first pitch from Trojan starter Eric Diperl for a strike and then fouled off the next pitch lo go into an 0-2 hole. Brown responded by lacing a double into right Centerfield. The Trojans were trying some new things Monday too. Dipert hadn’t pitched in a bail­ game in nearly a month. He plunked the next two Caledonia batters and then Owen Graham cleared the bases with a three-run triple lo right Centerfield, and came around to score himself when the relay throw in got away from thc Trojans. Ryan Brown had a great day.” Gilles said. "He pitched his one inning, did a really nice job. played second and played third and he swung tlic bat really well. Even when he was out he had a couple hard-hit balls.” I hat four-run outburst by the Scots in thc bottom of thc first wiped out a 2-0 TK lead. Thc Trojans evened the ballgame with two runs in thc top of the fourth, but lhe Scots ■Vikings bounce back ■ frogwi f Fst ■ •. ' defers answered with two in the bottom half. The same scenario played out in the sixth withTK scoring twice and the Scots answering with four runs. Caledonia finished the afternoon with 14 hits. Camden Raffler was 3-for-3 with a double and two runs scored to lead the Scot attack. Brown finished the day 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles. Graham was 2-for-3 with four RBI and two runs scored.Those were the only Scots with multiple hits. Joseph Coble and Aidan Kowalch both tripled for lhe Scots. Grad) Schneider, James DeMorrow, Nicholas Bender, Caden Dixon and Clayton Senti each singled once. Austin Deller was the only Caledonia guy to throw more than an inning from the mound. He got the win. pitching the fourth and fifth. He was charged w ith two unearned runs on one hit and three walks He struck out two. Bender started for the Scots. Zachary Elsbrie and Brown each threw a scoreless inning of relief, as did Nikolas Clark who stmek out the side in the seventh after TK .managed Two nms off of Kowntch orrbnerhlr ilLllle-SlXlh. .... -rr-rr -Dipert went four innings for TK. allowBigt einhl runs (four earned) on seven hits and two third,bwhi,e aVOidi"9 3 ,agba±X m 9 non-con,erence ba"9anW IB walks. He struck out six. Kaiden Pratt threw his first two innings of the season for TK in relief. He allowed four runs on seven hits and one walks while striking out one. “We were just getting a couple kids lhe chance to throw in a non-conferencc game and got a couple of kids AB\ that don’t no& mally get AB’s,” TK head coach Jack Hoberl said. . He liked lhe way Diperl and Pratt threw strikes. Carter Stahl led the TK attack. He was for-3 with two RBI and a run scored. He 3singled in TK’s two runs in the top of the first, a surge that started with a double from Alex Bonnema, a walk by Nolan Dahley and a sin­ gle to left center by VanderHeide. Dipert. Pratt and Jonah Summerhays each also sin­ gled once forTK. “We’re playing well. We played well over the weekend and we played well last week. I think we’re coming together Hobert said. “I’m excited for lhe next couple weeks.” The ballgame was lhe start of a busy week for TK who had plans for ballgames with Ottawa Hills Tuesday, Wayland Wednesday. Ottawa Hills Thursday and at West Ottawa Saturday. » n.f ini. Esigte ip)@TCir@d [by O rms isi G^me 2, wi^ ©ver Crasaders <'■■■■'•■ - - ■. Lakewood’s Walker Klifman takes a cut at a pitch during his team’s 1-0 win over Marshall to open the Lakewood Tri Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) -' Brett Bremer Sports Editor ' . Lakewood got compete game shut outs , * ** . i . nm/iv Gawne and Nathaniel from pitchers . > • Greater Umsing Graham to score 8- and S|<K.kbridgc Activities Conference t Monday. tr;t AC record to 10-1 . {..akewood moved ,e n()W )8-5 with the victory. and the V iking overall on the season. e, striking ; Gawne got the w.n m gamine ^o^HeX^tH-hitsandwaiked ’^hose were two Lakewood head coach r & went out determined to > clean games and;we du hm B ofgood (Gawne) > vefy ahd Nathaniel baseball well tonight and we P,aye n IaV two and behind them. Anytime y< ‘ chances not commit an error of being successful goes. | se( (o hnish •The Vikings and Panth jjkewood their three-game GI-AV s High School Wednesday (Map Offensively, the Want |or.j Wtlh a Price in game one. 1 ni- , bil<cS and three double, two RBI. two stolen ba.. runs scored. Gawne was 2-for-4 with four RBI. Brent Sweet doubled, stole three bases and scored twice. Lakewood also got an inside the park home run from Nate Willette and singles from Sawyer Stoepker, Andy Wolverton and Graham. Jayce Hansen had a hot bat in game two, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Price added anoth­ er hit. an RBI, a stolen base and scored a run. Walker Klifman singled, drove in a run and scored one. Gawne. Nate Willette and Graham each singled and scored a run in game two. Ukewood suffered its first GLAC defeat last Wednesday, 12-2 at Leslie. Graham doubled for one of four Viking hits. Stoepker, Hansen and Wolverton each singled once. Nathan Willette and Hansen scored the two Viking runs. Klifman had his learn s lone RBI. Hansen started nnd allowed three runs on three hits in 3.1 innings for the Vikings. Ikstruck out six but walked seven. He was fol­ lowed in relief by Martin Hollern and Sweet. Ethan Kaimon threw the full six innings for the Blackhawks, striking out three and walk­ jug (wo. Just one of the two runs against him were earned. Mason Krabel and Max Fourman 1,0th homered for Leslie. In between the conference match-ups the Vikings sl)^1 lwo ^anu‘s al their own hikewood Tri Saturday. Like wood took a I 0 Denny Sauers trots home t0 score the winning run in the Vikings' 1-0 w,n °ver Marshall Saturday morniHQ at lhe Lakewood Tri. The Larwood b°y.s were 2-0 on the day. also scoring a win over Portland. (Photo by Breit0refT,er' nine-inning win over Man^10 °iK’n dlc andGraham then fellstarted 6-3 to Portland*lnd S. " t l‘l- innings against the Marsh3" '! j st,u8ck out four, gave upj 2fo, walk anyone. Gavin Willedtnre . of scoreless, hitless relief. <’ ’une ~ scoreless innings to earn w,%v in the top Hansen got the run .sc<*'n£r vikinJs He ol the ninth started for ,he .f ilk worked out of an ()-2 10 *L ‘ nin|jcr Denny Sauers catne in as » C°UF *[ \..uk bN and went to second on ■> "dba I Wolverton. Price klllKi.cd » through the left side tn -‘x°re S U second. Gawne hit the lead-off n’?n.3"nd second in single to put RedHawkson I"'1 '. his wav the bottom of the ttimh. b»'c..nd out ol the jam. Stoepker. T' right field baseman, made a nice c itch »'!>h rt 1 to end the ballgame. ' ,.vo hits Sweet. Gawne and Gtt"’’1" hJd the day each in the loss t<> P1,rl|.Ui<l " “ ( j smurdav Graham and t^^ued the RH1. Wolverton. (iilw S"1*-1 three Viking runs. Barry County Christian senior Dakota Innes delivers a pitch during the Eagles doubleheader with Sacred Heart Academy May 4. The Barn’ County Christian School varsity baseball team split a doubleheader with the visiting Grand Rapids Crusaders Friday. The Eagles took a 12-2 win in lhe opener, but then fell 7-3 in game two. It was a dominant offensive performance for the Eagles in the opener as they drilled 15 hits in four innings. Head coach Brandon Strong said his guys capitalized on an aggres­ sive approach at the plate and everything went right. Brody Grihorash set the tone early with a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. He added a two-run double later in he game for lhe Eagles. Barn County Christian also had Elijah Birmingham go 2-for-2 with a triple and four RBI in game one. Isaiah Birmingham and Reuben Cook were both 3-lor-3 with a dou­ ble. Jarod Garnaat pitched well for lhe Eagles, bui recorded a season low with only lour strike outs. He pitched well to contact nnd we made plays behind him,” coach Strong said. Coach Strong said everything that went right in game one went wrong in game too. l he Eagles committed some costly errors and his guys were too selective at the plate. “ Hie Crusaders kept us off balance and left us guessing too often,” Strong said. Elijah Birmingham was 3-for-3 with two doubles in the loss for thc Eagles. Chris Lantzer pitched and struck out three in four innings. The Eagles split two with Sacred Heart Academy May 4 as well, falling 4-2 in the opener and then winning game two 5-4. The Barry County Christian boys took a 2-0 lead into the fifth in game one. bin walks and errors allowed Sacred Heart to pull in front. Sophomore pitcher Isaiah Birmingham was was flawless through four innings. He fin­ ished with six strikeouts. Chris Lantzer had two of the Eagles’ four hits, including a double in that opener. Grihorash struck out four and gave up five hits in his four innings on the mound in game two. while also adding lhe walk-off hit in lhe bottom of the filth. l he Eagles trailed that game two 4-0 before getting a run in the third nnd two in the fourth inning. Dakota Innes was 2 for-3 with a double for the Eagles in game two, and the Eagle offense took advantage of some Sacred Heart eirors late to secure the win. �B B> __ JL The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 13.2021 — Page 15 J1 ‘wo’Uii(ler as Saxons win 1-8 jamboree Sports It was a good rounii "r Will Jensen knocked a th^ Ve,y s,art left side of lhe fairway on ',^?*1 up the Legacy at Hastings wX ?bcr*hree‘“Th« put his second shot to withi^K.(May 5)' He the cup by letting the #b°UI ,Cn feeI of green where ther/w^ Up on the front stde. He ta^? P,nupl"eroCn‘ bitdie. m ,he P“tt for Jensen, a senior, went on to bogey the par- .. number seven; andT*,hc short two-under with a biniL *ln,s 1 round at lhe cup and dropping 0Lf“'/wirlin8 “round personal best VtuL!^, U!’,ber,*<’- Jensen's »he day's medalis/u,"d °f 34 bini Hastings Varsity bov.1 and helped die win >n an Inter^/^'ea"' lakc ■« numberfivfive; 4*4,number Cl scorn jamboree this season - Addetic Conference overall conferen<X''X'r..s':co"d pIate in lhe by winning with » U d,n8s fw themselves "" 4 of 169. Jackson I tv.. Hastings’ Collin Fouty hits his tee shot on number nine during the 1-8 jamboree hosted by the Saxons at The Legacy Wednesday (May 5). (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons’ Owen Carroll hits a put towards lhe hole on number eight during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree hosted by Hastings at The Legacy Wednesday (May 5). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Northwest was second with a 181, ahead of Coldwater 185. Lumen Christi 187, Pennfield 189. Harper Creek 189. Marshall 191 and Parma Western 204. Jensen said knowing csery ebb and flow of the Saxons' home course in Hastings really helped Wednesday. Ho’s been playing there since he was shooting elementary school rounds with his father and Junior PGA rounds as a middle school golfer. "I know exactly where the putts are going. 1 putted good today,” Jensen said, especially pleased with thc birdie putt that ended the round on number two. "I had a fun group to play with too, so that made it better." The putting was a big improvement for Jensen after a rough day a the conference jamboree hosted by Harper Creek at Binder Park Golf Course. “Will was just dialed in today,” Hastings head coach Kristen Laubaugh said. "You do The Saxons’ Will Jensen chips his ball up onto the number nine green at The Legacy in Hastings Wednesday during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree hosted by the Saxons. (Photo by Brett Bremer) have a home-court advantage. It is nice to have and he took advantage of hit. I think he practically lives out there, both him and Collin [Fouty]’’ Hastings got a great round from freshman Owen Carroll who scored a 42. Junior Joseph McLean scored a 45 and sophomore Collin Fouty scored a 48. “Owen Carroll really played well today,” Laubaugh said. "If I think Will and Collin are out here a lot, Owen is out here even more. He is just really enjoying it. The look on his face, he was having fun today. He is one that picked up golf during the shut down, because that is what he could do. Really, he played just extremely well today." Junior Tyler Richard led Northwest to the runner-up spot with a 42 and his teammate Isaac Anuszkiewicz scored a 43. Coldwater’s Talan Eberts, a freshman, shot a 38 to finish as lhe only guy other than Jensen under 40 for the day. Senior Rync Petersen led Pennfield with a 42. Harper Creek got a 43 from Mitchell Bair-Pollard to round out the top ten. "The one thing we have noticed, as we have talked with coaches, is I think a lot of these kids played a lot of gold during lhe shut down. That was one of lhe things they could do,” Laubaugh said, "but they have not played a lot of competitive golf. Putting kids in a compet­ itive situation is different. I especially see that with some of the sophomores who started and played three days and then sports were shut down (in 2020). Will has an advantage because he played his freshman and sopho­ more year." . The Saxons were second and fourth at the two previous conference jamborees. Northwest won the first two conference jam­ borees. Northwest was set to host the final conference jamboree at Hankerd Hills May 12. The 1-8 Conference Final is set for May 20 at Bedford Valley Golf Course. Saxon track splits 1-8 duals with Beavers and Titans Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity track and field teams competed in a double dual meet at Harper Creek on Tuesday night in Interstate 8 League action, taking on both Harper Creek and Jackson Lumen Christi. Both lhe Saxon girls’ and boys’ teams defeated Lumen Christi and lost to Harper Creek. The Saxons girls’ team hit the 100-point mark winning over Lumen Christi 100-52, but had a close meet against Harper Creek, which took the lead with only two events remaining to end with a final score of Harper Creek 86 and the Saxons 77. The girls' team is now 4-2 in the 1-8 with a 8-6 record overall. Allison Teed led lhe girls’ team with 1st place finishes in their events for the night with a cumulative 8 firsts. Teed won thc 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter low hurdles, pole vault and was on the winning 800-meter relay team against both teams. Madison Nino ended the night with six first place finishes, putting up a new PR in the long jump at 15 feet 25 inches, and participating on the 400-metcr relay and 800-meter relay teams that won in both duals. Other Saxon girls that had first place finish­ es included Addey Nickels with four. Maddie Miller with three. Nalalee Sanders, Josey Nickels, Kali Grimes and Isabelle Roosien all with two first place performances each for lhe night. , . Thc Saxons boys’ team also split their wins for the night and hit over the 100-point mark again, in their 120-39 in their win over Lumen Christi. They could not keep up with Harper Creek though and fell to the Beavers 102-61. The boys'team has a 3-3 record tn the 1-8, and they are 11-3 overall for the season Robby Slaughter led the boys teami with six first7 place finishes for the two duals. long jump, ran on me The Saxons’ Addey Nickels gets a hand-off to teammate Isabelle Roosien in lhe 800-meter relay during their 1-8 meet at Harper Creek Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Vai Slaughter) relay team, and was first in the pole vault with a new PR of 12-6. Layton Eastman ended the night with five 1st place performances, win­ ning the 300-metcr hurdles with a new PR of 43.06 seconds in both duals, the 110-meter hurdles against Lumen with a PR of 16.62, and the 800-meter relay for both duals. Bayne Signeski, Kearcn Tolles and Kirby Beck all finished with four 1st place standings for lhe night, and Xander Signeski. Daniel Weatherly, Nate Kohmcscher. and Dillon Neal all had two first place finishes. Jonah Teed. Charles Nickels and Sam Randall all had one first place each for lhe team. The Saxon’s will compete al home on Saturday in the Hastings Pre-Regional Invitational at Baum Stadium and Johnson Field. Panthers and Titans both take two from Saxon baseball team Conference victory of lhe seas blehca(lcrs The Saxons were swept ,n d . and at with visiting Parma Western fa]] to 0-10 Jackson Lumen Christi Mon «y in the conference. . doubleThe Saxons will face Marsh; II * 4 header in Marshall May 18 an doUbfcheader conference season with u -5. against Pennfield in Hastings •) on Non-conference ballgames .ue Saxons lhe regular season schcdulc f< pjainwell i" include a doubleheader wnn Hastings May 20 and this wee County Christian Eagle/Sax this Friday and Saturday. BafTy jlaljorial Lumen Christi took 10-0 and 14-4 wins over the Saxons in Jackson Monday after­ noon. Drew Markley and Carter Hewitt were both 2-for-3 with a pair of singles in the 10-0 game one loss for the Saxons. Mason Denton added a single. The game lasted five innings, with Cohen Spitzer going the distance on the mound for the Panthers. He struck out five and walked two. , In game two, Hastings got three singles from Mitchell Rafter, two from Patrick Gee and one each from Denton, Hewitt and Mitchell Eldred Rafter had the Saxons’ lone RBI.Gce scorcd a run’d‘d Hewitt, Denton and Eldred. Lumen Christi broke open a 5-4 ballgame with seven runs in 'bc of the fifth inning. Thc Titans pounded 13 hits in the six-inning win. Markley and Denton had the only two Saxon hits in the 13-J >°« to close the dou­ bleheader with visiting Parma Western Tuesday. A single by <'ec was thc only hit for the Saxons in gaine one, a complete game shut out for Western pi'.'-b" Ethan Trader who struck out seven and didn t walk a batter. Hastings split two games last weekend at the Big Rapids InvitationaL besting Reed City 6-2 before falling I”’1 ,o B,g Lapids to close the day. The Saxons' Cole Greenfield and Riley Shults make their way around the track in the 3200-meter run during their team’s meet at Harper Creek Tuesday in Battle Creek. (Photo by Vai Slaughter) Delton Kellogg boys win in return to the diamond Il was a pretty good start Monday for lhe Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team as il finally got to get back on the diamond. The Panthers took game one in Southwestern Athletic Conference doubleheader with visit­ ing Lawton. DK head coach Jesse Lyons was really pleased with the pitching performance from senior Garrett Schi&ser in the opener, an 8-6 DK win. Schisser threw the complete game and his defense was strong behind him for the most part. ‘‘We played great defense, and we pitched well and actually scored some runs.” Lyons said. "It was nice to sec lhe boys get going. ’ He said Schisser was hitting his spots well. "[Schisser] really was hitting his spots very well,” Lyons said. "His fastball, he was hit­ ting the corners and he really had control of the game. His curveball was working excel­ lent. He pitched a really, really good game. We definitely needed that coming off that two-week lay-off. The DK boys did give up three runs in the top of the seventh inning to allow tire Blue Devils back in the game a bit, and Lawton carried that momentum into the second game. The Panthers had trouble making routine plays and lhe Blue Devils had a 21-2 lead halfway through lhe second inning when lhe game was called due to darkness. " DK was off lhe diamond for two weeks and had a bit of a practice on Sunday, Mother’s Day, in thc lead-up lo Monday’s contest. �Page 16 - Thursday. May 13, 2021 — The Hast>nQ ■ jp Saxon tennis deteats Redhawks and Beavers Vukrie Slaughter Cumributing Writer The Saxon girls’ team finished their Interstate-# Conference duals Tuesday at Harper Creek, scoring a 6-2 win over the Beavers in Battle Creek. Fhc Lady Saxons easily took the sets for first and second singles with Brooklyn Young and Abby Beemer taking easy wins off the Harper Creek team. Youngs defeated Sophia Brandt 6-0, 6-0 and Beemer scored a 6-I,6-2 win over Sydney Hooker. The doubles teams for the Saxons took all the matches on the afternoon, led by the first doubles team of Bailey Cook and Erin Daniels which won a tiebreaker in the first set and then took a 6-0 win in set number two. Hastings’ head coach Andrew Haines stated that Cook and Daniels, "fought through a tough first set then easily closed out their counterparts in thc second set to secure their win." The Saxon second doubles team of Ella Ca/roll and Brinna Cobb also took a win for the night, while Harper Creek forfeited at third doubles. Sophia Ahearn and Julia McLean took thc last victory over the Beavers at their fourth doubles position. Coach Haines noted that his team has "a much needed week off to focus on Regional?, a week from Friday at Allegan.’’ In last week’s action, the girls’ tennis team competed at home on Friday against 1-8 Conference rival Marshall. The Saxons Maple defeated the Redhawks 5-3. leading thc Saxons was Youngs at first singles. Youngs finished a strong match against Rcdhawk's Rachael Zuck, 6-1. 6-1. Coach Haines stated that "Brooklyn continues to work on game management, which is lead­ ing to winning formulas for her." In the second singles set. Beemer improved her record on thc year to 9-4 after fighting her way out of an early first set deficit, to come back for a 7 5, 6-3 win over Marshall. Finja Schmidt took a forfeit at third singles for Hastings, and teammate Anna Haywood bat­ tled in lhe longest match of (he night nt fourth singles before losing her match 7-5.6-3. In doubles action, the Saxon first doubles team of Cook and Daniels made quick work in their sets, defeating thc Marshall team 6-1, 6-1. Marshall picked up a win at second dou­ bles by thc scores of 6-3. 6-1, but the Saxons came back in the third doubles spot as Megan Rowley and Cailin Redman won over the Redhawks, 6-0,6-2. Coach Haines noted, "Rowley and Redman are clicking ns a pair, playing their be^l tennis of thc season” The Saxon lady netters traveled to Pennfield on Monday, May 10. for another 1-8 Conference match: the Saxon girls’ team lost to the Panthers 5-3. Youngs and Beemer both improved their records to 10-4 on thc season with wins at first and second singles. Thc Saxons also picked up a win at fourth doubles with Cobb and Ahearn getting the win. Hastings first singles player Brooklyn Youngs sends a backhand back at her opponent from Marshall Friday during their 1-8 match at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) wfM*£** tMMMOS WMMM WWW The Saxons will compete in the Michigan High School Athletic Association state tour­ nament starting with regional action on Friday. May 21 at Allegan High School, and then close out their 1-8 Conference season with thc conference tournament on Monday. May 24. at Western High School. mnwiiUI Saxon second singles player Abby Beemer hits a forehand shot during her two-set win against Marshall Friday in Hastings. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Valley boys still playing for first GLAC Brett Bremer Sports Editor Stockbridge finished off a sweep of its three-game Greater Lansing Activities Conference series with lite Maple Valley var­ sity baseball Wednesday (May 5). The Panthers took a 6-4 win in the opener and held a 6-0 lead in game two when the game was paused for darkness in Vermontville Monday (May 3). Stockbridge finished oil game two with a 6-3 win on its home field Wednesday and then closed thc set with a 6-4 win in game three. The Lions scored three runs over the final two innings when game two shifted to Stockbridge Wednesday. ' iChanse Courtney got the Lions within <>-1 in -the bottom of the sixth. He led off the inning with a walk, stole second, went to third On' a wild pitch and eventually scored on a grdund out by teammate Andrew Sebastian. A Gregg Richardson double and a Nick Osborne single had runners on the comers for lhe Lions with one out in lhe bottom of the seventh. With Courtney at the plate. Osborne stole second. Richardson scored on a wild pitch that also allowed Courtney to get to third, and then Courtney singled home Osborne from third. James Wiser followed Courtney’s single with a walk to put runners on first and second, but Stockbridge pitcher Evan Bradley who came on to start the seventh struck out the final two Lion batters to secure his team’s victory. The Lions managed just the three runs despite keeping the base paths busy with six hits and eight walks. Richardson and Courtney had (wo hits each. Hoeller and Osborne had the Lions’ two other singles. Wiser and Sensiba each walked twice. Hosack-Frizzell started and look lhe loss, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks in three innings. Osborne was charged with two runs in his two innings of work on the mound for the Lions. Hoefler and Courtney •MIBilUll closed out the game by each scoring a score­ less relief inning. Hoefler struck out two and Courtney three in their time on the mound. Drew' Phillip started and got the win for thc Panthers. He gave up ihree hits and five walks in five scoreless innings while striking out four. The Lions found their offense a little too late in game three too, scoring three times in the seventh inning to pull within 6-4 in the end. T he Lions outhit the Panthers 6-2 in that finale, but the Panthers made the best of three Lion errors and eight walks. The Lions’ six hits were all singles, two each for Morris and Osborne and one apiece for Hoefler and Wiser. Richardson and Osborne had two RBI each, and Richardson also talked three times in the ballgame. Morris scored two runs out of the lead-off spot, and stjle a base, and Hoefler and Wiser each scored once. Richardson was the Lions’ starter and he baseball took the loss despite throwing two hitless innings. He gave up four runs on four walks. He struck out three. Wiser threw' the final four innings. He gave up just one earned run on two hits and four walks. He struck out two. Maple Valley is now' 0-8 in thc GLAC this spring. The Lions fell 6-1 and 5-4 in two games at Leslie Monday. Callan Hoefler was 3-for-4 at the plate for the Lions in lhe opener, but the team was never able to move him around lhe bases. Leslie led 6-1 when Lane Morris finally sin­ gled home teammate Andrew Sebastian in thc top of the seventh for the Lions. Morris, Courtney and Sebastian each sin­ gled once for the Lions in game one. and Sebastian walked twice. Hosack-Frizzell took thc loss on the mound, allowing three earned runs (five total) on four hits and six walks. He struck out six. Osborne allowed one run in two innings of relief. He struck out four and gave up two hits. Leslie look a walk-off win with a run in thc bottom of thc seventh inning of game two. It victory was back and forth early, with the Blackhawks scoring twice in thc home half of lhe first, the Lions taking a 3-2 lead in the top ot lhe sec­ ond and then Leslie getting the lead back at 3 with two runs in the bottom of the third. 4The score stayed 4-3 until thc top of thc sixth when the Lions’ put together a one-out single by Hosack-Frizzell. a walk by Wiser and a single by /Xydcn Wilkes to load the bases. Hosack-Frizzell scored on a ground out by Morris, but the Lions couldn’t extend thc rally from there. Leslie lead-off hitter Nolan Frohriep dou­ bled to lead-off the bottom of the seventh and teammate Jared Peck walked behind him. The Lions were able to cut down Frohriep at third on a fielder’s choice for the first out of the inning, but Mason Krabel followed with a double that scored Peck from second to win it for the Blackhau'ks. The two teams were set lo meet for their third match-up in Vermontville Wednesday (May 12). Vikings lead GLAC golf sfeirftags with 18 to play /X third place finish by thc Vikings at thc Medalist Tuesday has the Lakewood varsity boys’ golf team clinging to a one-point lead in the overall Greater Lansing Activities Conference standings. Lansing Christian shot a 173 to win thc GLAC jamboree hosted by Olivet Tuesday, the last GLAC jamboree of lhe season. The conference championship will be decided at lhe conference’s 18-hole tournament at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University May 26. The Pilgrims edged Leslie by two strokes as the Blackhawks shot a 175 Tuesday. Lakewood scored a 193, Perry 201, Olivet 204 and Maple Valley 207. Lakewood was led by 47s from senior Jakcb Jackson and junior Logan Kenyon. Sophomore Drew Marquoit shot a 49 for the Vikings and junior Liam Cavanaugh a 50. Leslie senior Cannon Risner was thc day’s individual medalist, shooting a 37. Lansing Christian got a 39 from junior Davis Garrett and a 40 from junior William Combs. Maple Valley’s Owen Bailey placed fourth with a 44. Senior Buck Schrader scored a 46 for die Lions, with junior Kenneth Curtis adding a 54 and junior Cadcn Faurot a 63. Leslie had been making a hard charge at the GLAC lead by winning last Thursday’s jam­ boree at Centennial Acres in Sunfield, as well as lhe conference jamboree before that. Leslie scored a 170 Thursday to best lhe Vikings’ 178 at thc lop of the standings. Lansing Christian was third with a 188, ahead of Olivet 196, Perry 200 and Maple Valley 212. Owen Richmond led the Lakewood boys with a score of 41. The Vikings also got a 44 from Trevor Simon, a 46 from Kenyon and a 47 from Marquoit. Risner was the day’s medalist, shooting a 38. The Blackhawks also got a 41 from Garrett Mays, a 43 from John Cranmore and a 48 from Ayden Rutan. Maple Valley got a 45 from Schrader and a 48 from Bailey. Kenneth Curtis added a 58 for the Lions and Diesel Curtis and Faurot each scored a 61. DK track teams fifth at Parchment Relays Friday The Delton Kellogg boys were fifth and the girls sixth al lhe Parchment Relays Friday. ‘ DK boys were first in lhe shot put and sec­ ond in the discus, led by senior Cole Pape who was the lop individual in each event. Pape, sophomore Jason Lundquist and fresh­ man Andrew Diamond combined to win the shot pul relay for DK with a total distance of 115 feel 10 inches. That same trio had a run­ ner-up distance of 294-6 in lhe discus relay. Allegan look lhe team title on lhe boys’ side with two more points than Plainwell, 103-101. Gull Lake was third with 85 points, ahead of Charlotte 80, Parchment 63 and Delton Kellogg 63. The DK boys had a couple of third-place finishes on thc track. lhe team of Kiran Va/quez, Cameron Spaulding, Micah Ordway and Torren Mapes was third in the 4x400-meter relay with a time of 3 minutes 56.98 scconds.DK also had the team of Mapes, Corey Moore. Christian Knauss and Peyton Pummel thud in thc 4xll0-meter shuttle hurdle relay with a lime of 1:18.77. Gull Lake won the girls’ meet with 102 points, ahead of Plainwell 93. Charlotte 89. Parchment 61.5. Allegan 58 and Delton Kellogg 555. The Delton Kellogg girls were second in the discus behind Gull Lake with a total dis­ tance of 219 feet 7 inches. Caitlin McManus. Glori Stanton and Hope Vandcrwall teamed up for that top finish of the day for the DK girls. The DK trio of McManus. Stanton and Samantha Makowski placed second in the shot put relay with a measurement of 76-5. On the track, lhe DK medley relay team of Hope Vandcrwall, Jodie White, Maelea Martin and Halena Phillips was third with a time of 21 28.71 to over an 800-800-16001600-mcter event. Individually, Rhys Bedford set a new per­ sonal record for DK in the boy’s long jump relay, flying 15-3. McManus spurred thc DK sliot put finish with a personal record mark of 31-85, with teammate Samantha Makowski setting a new PR pf her own at 184. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-05-20.pdf ea2d16db2d9aa1f73f1b1c5e6494b9b1 PDF Text Text Today’s cWffcs create tomorr®w s future p«ge 4 See Saxon defeat Panthers in last 1-8 track dual See Story on Page 15 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 .................... ^noT-cooi, coo-; Rjchflfd Hemen ng ri N T<tffee Dr ANNER Thursda^X^ 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 20 PRICE $1.00 r iiji .i Local graduation ceremonies begin tonight £ SH H && The property that received the variance is visible here, set back between the two dwellings in the foreground. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Fine Lake fracas Dense development on Indian Isle spurs misgivings over zoning variance Students in the class of 2021 in area high schools will have graduation ceremonies, although the location, schedule and audience may be different than in previous years. Some schools have moved commencement outdoors. Others are limiting attendance. Lakewood will have the earliest CMwnanic£, roovine ahead * week <wher than in the past. . Also ntw this will IT baccalaureate service for all local seniors, hosted by Country Chapel in Dowling al 6 pan. tomorrow. May 21. This special worship- and spirit-filled graduation ceremony is open to all graduating seniors - high school or college. Their friends and family members arc invited, as well. Plans at area high schools may still change. As of Wednesday afternoon, the schedules released by local school districts included: Lakewood Graduation will begin at 7 p.m. tonight, May 20, al Unity Field. A parade will precede commencement ceremonies, beginning al 5:30 pan. Gates to the stadium will open at 5:45. Each graduate has been given six passes to provide to family members. Lakewood will not have Honors Night. Senior awards were to be handed out during graduation rehearsal. Hastings Senior Honors Night will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, in the performing arts center. Unlike past years, this will be only for seniors who will receive an honor or award. Those students received invitations and will be allowed two tickets each for family members. Commencement will be at Baum Stadium/Johnson Field, beginning at 7 pan. Thursday. May 27. Outdoor venue guidelines at that time will be followed. Tickets will be required for entry, and each graduate will be allowed six tickets. In ca.se of rain, graduation will be at the stadium Friday, May 28. Thornapple Kellogg Graduation will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at Bob White Stadium in Middleville. A “storm dale” has been set for Saturday. May 29. if the ceremony cannot go on as scheduled the 7 hursday. The senior honors assembly will be at 7 pan.Tuesday, May 25. in the auditorium. Maple Valley Maple Valley’s graduation ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Friday, May 28, al the high school football field. Delton Kellogg Delton Kellogg High School will wrap up local graduation ceremonies June 3. Graduation for DK Academy will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the football field. . That will be followed at 7 p.m- with the traditional senior commencement at the football field. Each graduate will be given four tickets for family members. ’Hie rain date is Friday, June 4, at the same lime. Rebecca Pierce Editor The growing value of lake property in Barn- County is spurring high-density devel­ opment and heightening tensions for longtime residents as they watch changes they feel helpless to stop. A variance request involving property on Johnstown Township’s Fine Lake recently brought the issue home to the county Zoning Board of Appeals, which had to make a tough decision May 10. “I wasn’t expecting the contention.” Brian Winne. of Hickory Builders in Richland, told The Banner as he left the Tyden Center, where the public hearing took place. Winne was representing property owners Mary’ Sharp and Rafael Javier of East Lumsing at the public hearing. The couple, who are planning for their retirement, requested a variance to build a 22-by-28-foot structure al 4351 Indian Isle in the core area where their detached garage had once stood. Their request was narrowly approved, 3-2. But board members struggled with that deci­ “If you want to.build skyscrapers, move to New York! I mean you’ve ruined fee neighborhood. I predicted thiswhen I was here when they gavt the first variance to the manslonthat you built and it’s very obbusive/' . Tom Geibig, lake resident I \ sion. Yet the responsibility of the board is to consider the request, which must stand on its own. The question they mus( answer, board member Clyde Morgan said} is whether that property can be used in the nianner permitted ' by the zoning ordinance. “Then the answer is yes, it am be,” Morgan said. The property is on Indian hie, a road that leads out onto a densely developed promonto­ ry along Fine latke in Section 30 of Johnstown The property next door to the site where the variance was approved shows a garage with floors above it. Township. Zoning requirements call for a minimum structure size of 24-by-30-foot, Winne told the board during the public hearing, so their request is proposing a structure that is smaller than the required minimum. In their application for a variance, the own­ ers said they “would like to build a new garage with sleeping space and bathroom upstairs. (The) new building would be 22-by-29.5-foot with three bedrooms and one bathroom located upstairs and laundry and utility room located on the main level.” Since the zoning requirement calls for a minimum structure size of 24-by-30-feet, Winne said, their proposed structure is small- See ZONING, page 10 Businesses, schools navigate mask-wearing minefield Taylor Owens Staff Writer Mask mandates changed nationally and in Michigan last week. Following the new' recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced an easing of the state’s mandate, which went into effect last Saturday. This allows fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most places, with excep­ tions for healthcare environments and some other specific situations. Businesses are still required to put in a good-faith effort to encourage patrons to com­ ply with the new order. Mask required” signs are gradually chang­ ing to read “Mask required, unless vaccinated But questions abound. n. ,S mort‘ “^fusion than answers ” ‘‘iry ounty Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance President Jennifer Heinzman said. “I believe the CDC spoke too hastily when making the announce­ ment. “The rules vary by state - and county - in some cases. Now people must try to figure out which rules to follow. Businesses will now have a harder time enforcing mask mandates if they decide to continue requiring them.” “While no one has dealt with a global pan­ demic before, we should be able to expect consistent messaging from leadership,” Heinzman said. “The added confusion further muddles an already difficult situation.” Some local business owners said they have tried to follow the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders on mask wearing - whether they agreed with them or not, but aren’t quitc SUre what the new rules require of them. Curley Cone owner Juhc Fox said she has never fully bought in to the necessity of wear­ ing masks, but the restaurant has been strict about enforcing the order. After the governor’s announcement, Fox reached out to the Bany-Eaton District Health Department for clarification on the order and is waiting to hear back. “Our understanding is that, if there are workplaces, businesses, etc, that would like to, they can choose to let people who are vac­ cinated not wear a mask,” Anne Barna of BEDHD told The Banner on Monday. “It doesn’t appear that they require proof of that.” Barna said the health department was plan­ ning to get information out to its area busi­ nesses within the next day or two. But, she added, business owners still may choose to require masks for their customers - and they may do that. “They have the right to do that, just like they have the right to make you wear a shirt,” Barna said. “We’ve been doing our best to comply with the executive orders and MDHHS guidelines throughout this, including the most current,” Bob’s Gun & Tackle Shop President Steve Hayes said. “We’ve let people know that, if they’ve been fully vaccinated, they do not want to wear a mask any longer.” Hayes said that, throughout the pandemic, businesses have had to strike a balancing act - in more ways than one. “Throughout this, there’s been a pretty heavy burden put on businesses because we’ve had to dance a line on regulations and make sure we’re not asking people questions that violate people’s privacy while trying to enforce them.” Hayes said. “Some people thank us for doing what we can to protect See MASKS, page 3 Tractor parade to honor man who served farm community Rebecca Pierce a a e MethodistcZrch,Pannelee of Middleville promise Ji Bapllsl Church morning. P ™'eS 10 bca Saturday tr2hiXt ? f herr L°r “ Kooiman Jr.. 69,ol Middlcvdfc '' °f Ke"h Kooiman. who died May 6> icrve<1 ... area farming community his .-„,L , . J ile completed the John IV ' ,idU 1 lfe' program following his “rtificati‘>" Thornapple Kellogg High Schm>| hi'ioin"’"] went on to provide tractor and 1 97< “"d repair essential to a fanning com <,uipmew But it wasn’t just the'^, vi' Tn,ly -, . the fanning community thal end P.r'1’v“k’d so many. His engaging "d‘„4n:'l"n"0 capacity for lending a hclpil)g h« Keith Kooiman Jr. quirky sense of humor arc characteristics his friends will remember. They also recall his brave fight against cancer. So, Saturday, “fanners arc doing a parade to commemorate Keith,” Todd Peters of Middleville said. They’ll start staging tractors al 9 am. at Parmalee and Stimson roads, north of Middleville, Peters said. Phen the procession will get under way at |0 a.m. heading cast on Parmalee. taking a 50-ynrd jog at Whitneyville Road, then continuing east on Parmalee, turning south on Moe Road, then to Garbow Road and back to Whitneyville, south to Crane, then to M-37 a-< the tribute wends its way to the First Baptist Church. Hiey must arrive al the church by 11 for the Celebration of Life service and luncheon to honor Kooiman, Peters said. Planning the procession is taking quite a bil of precision since traveling that distance - including across M-37 - al speeds of 8 and 9 mph is going to take some time. It also requires the permission of law enforcement to allow the slow-moving vehicles to cross a slate highway. “We can’t hold up traffic for more than 10 minutes,” Peters said. Bill Hirsch of Caledonia had the idea for the tractor procession to honor Kooiman, Peters said. As far as how many farm vehicles will be involved, Peters wouldn’t hazard a guess. But he laughed at the question. “You’re dealing with farmers,” Peters •»aid. “The more, the merrier." �■ Page 2 " Thursday. - The ’HwW MMKsoay. May wry 20.2021 At. ,nr(' -w- Delton Kellogg announces Top 10 seniors Bradley Bunch Ethan Campbell Delton Kellogg High School has released the names of the lop 10 seniors in lhe class of 2021. Six young men and four young women comprise the group. While college plans for some are nol set in stone, they are looking toward careers in a variety of fields, including engineering, finance, computer science, architecture, psychology and aeronautical science. Valedictorian Bradley Huainan Bunch, son of Brian and Kendra Bunch, leads his class with a grade point average of 4.214. Activities and awards for Bradley during high school included football, twice serving as captain, most valuable player, All­ Conference. All-State Academic. Kalamazoo Drcam Team and Battle Creek All-Area; powerlifting 194-pound state runner-up, All­ Stale, Regional champion, five school records; and track, receiving All-Conference honors and lhe Coach’s Award. Bradley also was involved in StuCo, was class president and was named a 2020 Unsung Hero by the Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honor Societies. Bradley’s academic achievements included Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. National Honor Society. Elks MVP National Quarter Finalist, Horatio Alger National Scholar, DAR Good Citizen State Finalist, MTU Leading Scholar and U of V Echols Scholar. Bradley is interested in studying computer science, but is still deciding what college to attend. Lexi Mae Morris, daughter of Rodney and Stacey Morris, is the class salutatorian with a final GPA of 4.10. She earned highest honors all four years of high school and is a member of lhe National Honor Society. Her school activities include the Follies. Lexi Morns Caitlin O M«ara Garrett Elliot Evelyn Zettelmaier Gavin Houtkooper Mackenzie Hui! Adam Froncheck Jacob Shorey Math and Science Center all four years. Adam plans to study agricultural and biosysteins engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jacob plans to attend Western Michigan University and further pursue his study of psychology. Gavin Eugene Houtkooper, son of Brett Jacob Anton Shorey earned the ninth and Kim Houtkooper. is sixth with a GPA of position with a GPA of 3.628. He is the son of Caitlin Elizabeth O’Meara, daughter of 3.727. He is a member of the National Honor Suzanne and John Shorey. Patrick O’Meara and Kim Nguyen, is third in He has participated in the Delton Kellogg Society and was on the honor roll all four the class with a GP/X of 4.068. She has played soccer for four years and is years of high school. Hcibo attended Battle Theater Arts Company for four years. He also was on the Quiz Bowl team and is a member captain this year. Her other school activities Creek Area Math and Science Center. Gavin was on lhe soccer team all four of lhe National Honor Society. include kickline in the Follies for the past two He attended Battle Creek Area Math and years, achieving All-Conference, All-District. years, and yearbook all four years. Caitlin’s top cbqicc for college is.Lawrqnce , AlL;Xrea-.f AJi-Barjy, Co«uy -AnJ, AU-&aXc Spence Center f^fljr^^pars.aod^vj^ UualTechnological University and she plans to Third Team honors?We^aycd football for i enrol led at Kellogg Cqpjpiijnjty College; his senion year. . .. - , । . - • •Dekon Kelloggs awarded pursue architectural studies. All-Conference aid iAII-Barry County Garrett Kenneth Elliot, fourth in the class Offense. He has not yet decided which college to with a GPA of 3.87. is the son of Kelly and attend but would Ike to major in finance and Kenneth Elliot. He h;is been involved in Delton Kellogg play soccer at col^giate level. band. Follies, track, swim team and student Ranking seventh with a GpA of 3.707, council during his four years in high school. Mackenzie Catherine Hull is the daughter of He also received High Honors academically. Garrett is currently enrolled at Embry- Michelle and Bvhjamin Hull. Mackenzie was a member of the National Riddle Aeronautical University. He plans to study aeronautical science to become a Honor Society for three years. She was on the honor roll all,'four years, earning Highest commercial or corporate pilot. I lonors two yeirs. She also placed varsity volleyball for three Evelyn Lydia Zettelmaier, daughter of A ceremonial groundbreaking event is Tess and John Zettelmaier, ranked fifth with a years. set for 2 p.m. Friday, May 21, for a $14 GPA of 3.744. Mackenzie is planning to attend a million housing project at Thornapplc Over her four years in high school, Evelyn community college for two years before Manor. has participated in the Green Team, Gear Cats transferring to a university to earn a degree in The Barry County Department of Health Robotics Team, Youth Advisory Council, business and finance. and Human Services board worked with a Interact Club, Quiz Bowl, Delton Kellogg team from Thornapple Manor, CM Adam Matthew Froncheck, son of Rachel Theater /Xrts Company, Follies (drumline, Contracting, and representatives from kickline and more), soccer, marching and and Don Froncheck, ranked eighth with a Eckert Wordell to create the project, called GPA of 3.672. concert band. Harvest Pointe, in honor of lhe countryside Academically, she has been involved in lhe He played soccer all four years and earned where lhe 50-unit assisted-living project College Board Rural and Small Town Scholar, All-Conference Honorable Mention his senior will be built. National Merit Scholarship Program and year. He also is a member of the National Tlie public is invited to lhe ceremony at received the Letter of Commendation Award. I lonor Society and attended Battle Creek Area 2950 McKeown Road. Rounding out lhe top 10 is Ethan TVler Campbell, son of Sheila and Homer Campbell, who finished with a 3568 GPA. He was a member of the symphonic and marching band. He also was dual-enrolled at Kellogg Community College his senior year. Ethan plans to cam a degree in psychology from Western Michigan University and ultimately pursue psychology at the doctoral level. ■ .■ ■ ' , n serving as senior captain of the kickline, and being a member of the DKHS Equestrian Team. Her future plans include attending Michigan State University to study veterinary medicine. After high school. Evelyn would to pursue a degree in biomedicil engineering to someday become a neural engineer. Manor to break ground on project Band Boosters host scrap metal drive Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? Anyone with scrap metal lying around can get rid of it, help lhe Hastings Area Schools band program, and set the meta) on its course to be recycled - all in one trip. The Hastings Band Boosters will host a scrap metal drive Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23. at Dewey's Auto Body’ 1111 W. Green St., Hastings. Hours will be’ Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Acceptable items include aluminum and CTst-tron lawn furniture, beverage cans (bagged), food cans (bagged), refrigera­ tors. stoves washers, dryers, freezes, sinks, washtubs, barbecue grills, pots pans, antennas, aerial tower, satellite dtshes. metal window frames, metal bed frames, metal tables, tire firm ear batteries, lawn rnowen "vh ‘ th P ‘ metal fencing, bicycle^cclbarrows- WEEKLY UPD ATES NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS MORE I The D— Hastings OANNEB (269) 945-9554 www.hastln9«banner.c°m . ■w • . v; ‘ J wiring, copper pj|H. • motots, boxed), audio and video nlaver ” and computers. Ycre» recorders Commercial donations । Tho>e unable tn 7 wc,eomeweekend may take m. m ? r °lf ,lems lhal Hastings on'’ R;uln>ad St/T’^Padn0S the scrap be addX t^r^ thal Boosters’total K Hastings Band Anyone with n . dsolmcsfn dewevK. .,Cl ,Ons ma> cnmil 269-838 8106. y UObodyxoni or caH .*♦ : ■ ■ h’.i ..u • r. ...................... f j ’ Meals on Wheels event is Saturday After a year without a major fundraiser to help support the local Meals on Wheels program, organizers are preparing for lhe Trail Mix walkathon Saturday, May 22. The Trail Mix is the 32nd annual walk­ athon fundraiser for the program and is the main source of funding for Meals on Wheels. Saturday’s event, though, will be in a new location; Historic Charlton Park. Walkers will travel a mile-long loop around lhe recreation area. Musicians will be set up along the route. A raffle is new this year, and dogs will be allowed to lake part. The registration fee is $20 for adults, S15 for dogs, $10 for children and $40 for families of three or more. Registration can be completed by filling out a form on the COA’s Facebook page, website and office. Pledge sheets also will be available. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. May 22, and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. Rep. Calley to visit area Monday State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, is inviting residents meet with her in Middleville or Hastings on Monday. May From 10 to 11 a.m., she will be at the Middleville Village Hall, 100 E. Main St. Then, from 1 to 2 p.m.. she will be at Hastings City Hall, 201 E. Slate St. No appointment is necessary to attend. Listening to people in our community and understanding your priorities helps me better represent our area when I got to Lansing, Calley said. “I look forward to heating your input and assisting with any questions you might have.” " Calley also is planning a virtual option wnu are unable to attend m-pe^n events. Zoom appointments are available between 6 and 7:30 p ni Mav 24. Email JuIieCalley^housemri gov or 517-373-0842 to schedule a v^aUn call �Tho Hastings Banner — Thursday. May 20. 2021 — Page 3 Mask rule change prompts rt^ny questions, some answers visitors and customer* r. n . nri(,K€ M^nc . ,irWt-d The state also raasI« indoors. issued »«»uoons. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala had just vaev sports and |aft.e ouf? cd hch* guidance for sports and lai^e outdoor . guidance for a homebound patient Friday when the man new mask rules. ev«tts to reflect the stopped and asked a question. • What's a Rood-fnt«k Will people start forging COVID-L 'ag­ According to the oitf^0”7 nation cards, lhe man asked, no* that uo, posting a sign that we^?’ ‘hat could inc,udc Gretchen Whitmer is ending Michigan s m unless a person k J a nias^ required mandate for fully inoculated residents. another specified exce™-"31’*1 or falls inl° Mukkamala, who is past chairman o not wearing mask,’Whc,hef Michigan State Medical Society and abo specified excX ,aUPi,trons» co-owns restaurants in downtown rim . face masks of all n.’. TOn"nuin8 '« rc‘l“''e questions of his own: ... Earlier Friday rer^"'’a"d 'mPI°yecs' Who will enforce this? Will r«s rant and retail i» . prescnlat|ves from restaustaffers be expected to ask patrons if they Uiat the m!e w™l'18rOUPu5e,Prcssedconc,;m received the shot ? „ and sought guidan PUf‘ lhcm in a ,0“8h sp°' ‘‘Scientifically, it makes perfect sense, how to proc^d^ fTOm s,a,e °mcials °n Mukkamala said of the governor’s new order, which follows Guidance front lhe U.S. Centers it’s Ih^rj101 *dy*?in8 anyone right now that for Disease Control and Prevention and deeink ,rcsP°nsibility or that they should be reflects data showing saccine recipients are P cr,a® an<l seeking out vaccine credenmuch less likely to contract or get sick when • allow someone to move about the thev are exposed to the virus. restaurant without a mask,” Justin Winslow of “When you look at the people that are end­ e Michigan Restaurant and Lodging ing up in the hospital now, it s 99 percent of Association, sajd «q^lal.s (00 bjg a respond, them arc people that have not been vaccinat­ bdity to put on them without clear guidance ns ed.” to what this means.” But logistically? ^oes this mean I need to get vaccinated? “There’s a big gap here.” Mukkamala said. Of course not, but that’s the hope, accord­ “It will create this sort of confrontation or ing to CDC officials and other medical tension, because you know as well as I do experts. there arc going to be a lol of people who arc Michigan isn’t offering a million-dollar not going to be vaccinated and have no inten­ lottery, like Ohio, but Whitmer has already tion of being vaccinated that will just not wear incentivized vaccines by promising to lift ,a mask and try to blend in with those who are regulations when the state meets certain vac­ vaccinated.” cination thresholds. There are as many questions since the rule And lifting mask mandates for fully vacci­ ended at 9 am. last Saturday, such as; nated residents could encourage more people How are businesses going to police this? to get inoculated, Mukkamala said. How will they know who is and who is not Public opinion polling suggests 27 percent vaccinated? of Michiganders may never get vaccinated, A new order, released late Friday, specifics but roughly 55 percent of adults already have that businesses, stores, offices, schools and received one dose, meaning nearly 1 in 4 event organizers still must make a “good faith could still be “convinced,” he said. effort” to ensure unvaccinated employees. “And this is the sort of change in regulation 1 th*111 toward o , • * that could rn £"‘"8 »<•’ still wear a mask in all health care settings, reviewing COVID-1919Workplac reviewing’ ’those thoserules. rules.COVIDWorkplace Should I 1' cah MiMin । storc? including hospitals and medical offices. Safety SafelyDirector DirectorSean SeanEgan Egansaid saidFriday. Friday. Private b^fdy their Lrc °Wn according to the CDC. ••'Die agency has the flexibility it needs to policies for w>H ?"•« or <-uslomAnd that s an important distinction to help ensure consistency with public health guide­ cr>. and !>«’*$, their p,^,h'company. So, protect frontline workers, according to The lines and will continue to protect Michigan if you don । cany , f >advance, you Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of workers as we work toward ending this pan­ may still L Wing^.'OVcn"B whcn America. demic.” you set m>> to £ "PoLJit * re?ttur»n‘“For healthcare personnel, it is often not Temporary rules, which could last through ' Some n’lal1 n«w WhiU u kceP'r>B mask known whether patients have been vaccinated Oct. 14. require all employers to provide face rules in fight of *'"> re-evaluate when they first arrive in need of care, and we masks Io employees ar no cost, and to require their policies'" " new CDC guid­ provide care for many highly immunocom­ mask wearing when employees cannot cons’tspromised patients who may remain vulnerable fcntly maintain six feel of separation. ance. . fpstcow Trader J<* 5,vlCcinated f. man* howev­ to COVID-19 even after vaccination,” lhe M1OSHA also has proposed permanent er. said fuHy. t0 wear m?tS.tOmcr? are no medical professional society said. rules that include many of the same provi­ longer requircd while shopWon’t new COVID-19 cases rise, espe­ sions. but “I think this has dramatically cially among those who haven’t been vacci­ increased the chances that they will decide not P’some schooli^?oljf'ed parents they nated? to pursue permanent rules,” Brian Calley, were still rCq^^Tomhk\ administra­ It’s unclear, said Linda Vail, health officer CEO of the Small Business Association of for Ingham County. The pandemic is follow­ Michigan, said. tors await officials. Can bus n,^don? 1116 Mntc demand ing the same pattern as in 2020, when case ”1 will be very, very surprised if. if lhe changes in the epidemic emergency orders do "wX’erV^^Hhehasnointen- counts plummeted in the spring. And this year, as case counts arc again fall­ not foreshadow withdrawal of lhe permanent tion of be usf,|S,°'CalIcd vaccine ing, nearly 5 million people in lhe state have rules and significant modification to the tem­ passport that c<*\vC| Or allow inoculat­ been vaccinated, potentially blunting the porary rules,” Calley said. ed residents to1 cuch?^0 sPccial access wider spread of the disease once masks come What docs this mean for the MI AVacc to to restricted at* 85 hotels, gyms, the­ off. Case counts might just not fall as fast as Normal* plan? aters or music they would if everyone continued to wear Not much, according to Lynn Sutfm, Republicans * s ate Legislature are masks, she said. spokesperson for the Michigan Department of moving !° banrce^S Preemptively, But Michigan just endured lhe worst, by Health and Human Services. citing privacy . • hut none of those far, COVID-19 outbreak in the country and The 11 p.m. curfew for bars and restaurants bills have reached g0vemor’$ desk yet still has the highest average daily case count, remains in place, as do capacity limits for Employers, h0' * are legally entitled to although it has fallen precipitously in the past them and a host of other businesses, including ask employes w hey have been vacci­ month. movie theaters and sports stadiums. nated to return to That means infection remains high in the The governor planned to lift the restrictions Where else do * need a mask? state, and Vail said she doesn’t expect the gradually once Michigan passes certain vacci­ Michigan courtf continue to require unvaccinated will keep their masks on or nation thresholds, and remove all rules once staff and visitors to wear masks and follow practice social distancing. 70 percent of adults are vaccinated. social distancing B chnes, Administrator Do workplace safety rules still apply? “We’ll make adjustments if necessary,” Thomas P. Boyd told judges in a mcmo Michigan has a separate set of COVID-19 Whitmer said May 13. “If we see our positiv­ released Friday- . workplace safety rules, including employee ity rate plummet and our hospitalizations “CDC guidance inform* individual behav­ mask provisions that remain in effect but soon plummet, as well, and things continue to fall ior, and does not have the force of law,” Boyd could be changed, as well. on the vaccination front, we may re-evaluate, wrote. • The Michigan Occupational Safety and but at this point, it’s too early to say.” Even individuals who are vaccinated should Health Administration “is in the process of America reopening: Fully vaccinated don't need masks, CDC says Bridge Magazine Vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear face coverings or socially distance in most situations, according to updated guid­ ance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued last Thursday. The announcement marks a big step towards nor­ malcy in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance is a recommendation and not a mandate. Michigan is not required to imme­ diately loosen its guidelines, but the federal recommendations arc likely to increase pres­ sure on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to further reopen rhe stare. A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said shortly after last Thursday’s announce­ ment that her office was reviewing the CDC guidance. “We didn’t know this was coming, and I don’t think anyone did,” Anne Barna of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department said last Thursday. “We’re going to be looking to MDHHS to understand what the rules are locally,” According to the CDC guidance, fully vac­ cinated people - those who are two weeks past their second dose of the Pfizer or Modema vaccines or a single shot of Johnson & Johnson vaccine - will no longer need to mask outdoors even in crowded settings, or indoors in most settings. The agency still calls for every body to wear face masks while visiting hospitals or long­ term care facilities or traveling on buses or airplanes. Under the recommendations, the fully vac­ cinated would not have to mask up to go into stores, restaurants or offices, for example. “Demand certainly is dropping for vaccina­ tions,” Barna said. “We’re really excited that this might motivate some people to get vacci­ nated.” What the new federal guidance means immediately in Michigan is unclear, said Nick Derusha. president of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health, which represents the slate’s 45 local health depart­ ments, including Barry-Eaton. "Everyone’s going to have to analyze the CDC’s guidance, and the state will have to compare that to epidemic orders,” said Derusha, who even as the CDC released the new guidance, met a Bridge Michigan jour­ nalist at his Upper Peninsula office in Newberry with his mask on. Local health officials, he said, will expect guidance in the coming days from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. ' Whatever gets ironed our at the state fevd, Denisha worries that the new guidance will inflame culture wars on the local level - gal­ vanizing those who were opposed to masks from the get-go, while deepening the worry for those who feel safer with them on as oth­ ers around them who discard theirs. In addition to retail sites and restaurants, that debate could get heated at schools, Derusha said. There, few teens and especially adolescents 12 to 15 years old, have been vaccinated, as Pfizer’s vaccine was authorized for 12 to 15-year-olds just this week. “It’s a tough situation,” he said. "It’s going to take some time to sort it out.” Some hope that by loosening restrictions on the fully immunized, vaccine-hesitant Americans might feel more compelled to get lhe shot themselves. As of May 13. 55.4 per­ cent of Michigan residents have received their first shot. But the guidance also may create new dilemmas for businesses that, in effect, would be asked to have separate rules for different customers. “It could be inhospitable for a restaurant to ask for a vaccination card, and then segregate the dining room," said Kelsey Wonsavage, manager al Ann Arbor tapas eatery Aventura. “The whole point of hospitality is bringing people together and taking care - and if we start off by segregation I don’t know how we can achieve that.” BEDHD offers sensory-friendly vaccine options The Barry-Eaton District Health Department is offering a scnsoy-fri'ndly option for individuals to get the COVID-19 V11CSennsory-friendly clinics are being offered Saturday in bod. Barry and Eaton counties. These clinics will offer a more relaxed Adem'S ny^nd older who wolld from 7o a.n>. to 3 pan. Saturday at the Schoo! District-555 Agency - 090 E. Packard H.ghway, ChT,O,n,ake these clinics sensory-friendly. rate more private areas will be avatlable rPaHeck-h>. v3“ine adrninistranon and for check >r wjl) reduccd. Wa p"jure‘ communication materials for cxp>3'"'"%U“d by ap^?S'X^i’”,ion wUI * Fidget items will be on hand for distraction, comfon or stimming. if desired. soundslht encouraged 10 Inake any ,hat Ihey would like during the trained ‘Oa proce£s-s,afr members have been aXodaton^^t both locatio’nTT *ill.be “'minis'ered at appointments are avai n.Umb5r of highly recommended' Wai 6‘ T accepted only if thereat adc’ins ,W11* be For individuals under8aPsinnPP°’ntments. or legal guaX^'5" of 18’ a P3™ present at the appointrnc 60 reqU,rcd 10 be The link to rceiu^r . sensoryclinic. 81 lcr ls http://bic.ly/ Individuals with dkau-i fire always welcome at 1H1CS °f any kind department's vaccination r y of d,c hca,tb Accommodation req^* to covidvaccine(wbedhd emai,cd department also is provkr8’ health vaccinations to those LJ ,ng h°mebound leave their ^;-deDT a11,M are 269 ‘ arranged by “■'•0,517- Republican leaders in the Michigan Legislature have railed against “vaccine pass­ ports” that would allow the immunized to do things and go places that the unvaccinated can’t. Businesses that now require masks for everyone might hesitate to begin asking cus­ tomers if they’ve been vaccinated. That would be a nightmare scenario for Michigan restaurants, said John Winslow, president and CEOof the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. “As the governor and the Department of Health and Human Services consider adop­ tion of this recommendation in Michigan, we impldrc them not to pin employees in harm’s way to verify who is fully vaccinated,” Winslow told Bridge in a written statement. “We arc all working together to expedite a post-COVID environment and need to be thoughtful about how we get there amicably. Deputizing hospitality employees against their will to validate and enforce vaccination credentials is not a step towards that more amicable future." In late Apnl. Whinner tied further loosen­ ing of pandemic restrictions such as capacity limits on sports stadiums and fitness facilities and curfews on restaurants and bars to state residents reaching vaccine-based benchmarks. Just this week, Michigan hit its first bench­ .z MASKS, continued from page 1 them, and others are criticizing us for requir­ ing (masks). “It’s been xery difficult.? The financial impact also hasn’t fallen on businesses eyenly. While Hayes said they’ve had to spend additional money in some places, such as paying someone to count customers to ensure they are nqt exceeding capacity restrictions, sales in hunting, fishing, kayaking and other activities has been booming. “Those things have been on a pretty major uptick, not just al Bob’s Gun and Tackle but all around the country," Hayes said. “We're one of the businesses that has been impacted in a positive way. Our business has been phe­ nomenal in the last year, and it’s not just guns and ammo, it’s all of the outdoor categories.” When the Curly Cone faced a major chal­ lenge and the restaurant was forced to operate as a drive-thru only, Fox said she did every­ thing she could to prevent a negative impact on her employees and their wages. "When you’re a drive-thru and you’re com­ mitted to keeping your employees, it’s a nightmare,’’ Fox said, “ft’s a blood bath is really what it is.” Meanwhile, schools have faced increasing pressure to stop requiring students to wear masks, something administrators say they have little control over. Several parents attended the Delton Kellogg Board of Education meeting Monday to say they would rather homeschool their kids than force them to wear masks next school year. One parent calico the rules around masks and vaccinations “modem segregation.” Another parent. John Osborne, said his children have been experiencing headaches since they starting taring masks at school. "Since the teachers and staff have lhe option to get vaccmated, I don’t think lhe kids should be mandatco to wear them now,” Osborne said. Superintendent Corlett said he under­ stood parents’ fictions and appreciated their comments M'"3 meeting, but said the district has little <^1 over the issue. “MIOSHA has told Us before that, if we don’t follow mandates, we could be shut down,”Corletts^ He encouraged \°ple voice their concerns to the state. PO^ lin*'s Tuesday on i>s F*»book page to give the contact inform3"0" for MDDHS and the gov- mark of 55 percent of adults with at least one dose of COVID vaccine, allowing offices to reopen within two weeks. Other limits are loosened or lifted as the stale reaches higher benchmarks, up to 70 percent. President Joe Biden lauded the updated guidance in remarks from the White House Thursday afternoon, telling vaccinated Americans: “You did what I consider to be your patriotic duly. That’s how we have got­ ten to this day.” Vaccinations appointments are available at barryeatonhealih.org. at spectrumheallh.org or through local pharmacies. H- . »....) Meanwhile, several of the remaining state “The CDC and our health department are recommending that we follow our current restrictions are tied to the governor’s MI protocols ‘til lhe end of lhe school year,” “Vacc to Normal” plan, which ties the gradual Corlctt wrote. “Schools do have the option of lifting of restrictions to the percentage of res­ allowing vaccinated students to not wear idents who have been vaccinated. But the rate of vaccinations appears to have masks. I am only aware of a few schools in the state who are doing that and they are slowed considerably. While the state hit its first milestone, 55 requiring students to provide evidence that they’ve been vaccinated... If students are percent, on May 10, lhe percentage, as of May under 12. they are unable to receive lhe vacci­ 18, was reported at 565 percent. The remaining milestones are 60,65 and 70 nation and would, therefore, still be required to wear a mask unless these mandates are percent - at which point restrictions would be lifted. changed.” BEDHD’s Barna said vaccine demand has Maple Valley Superintendent Katherine Bertolini explained to families during a recent dropped in Barry County in recent weeks, and virtual town hall meeting that the district lhe department has focused on making the could face daily fines and lose its immunity to vaccine as easy as possible to obtain. “The higher lhe vaccination rate in our lawsuits if it went against state orders on communities, the more protected we’ll be mask wearing. She issued a statement on Sunday regard­ no more matter the rules," Barna said. The department has been filling vaccina­ ing the announcement of the new mask order: “This has caused a great deal of confusion tion appointments for kids 12-and-up, who regarding indoor mask requirements and vali­ have been approved to receive the Pfizer vac­ dations for meeting exemptions, Bertolini cine. Both Lake Odessa Pharmacy and Maple said. “We will proceed with all interior guide­ lines remaining the same per our current Valley Pharmacy have started administering the Pfizer vaccine to anyone 12-and-up, ‘Return to Learn’ plan. “We will adopt the outdoor relaxing of although minors do need a parent to be pres­ mask wearing for all people, regardless of ent. Family Fare Pharmacy in Hastings is cur­ vaccination status, immediately,” Bertolini continued. “Distancing is still a requirement, rently trying to determine if there is enough but masks will not be required at our outdoor demand to stock the Pfizer vaccine, which has . events, such as sporting events, graduation special storage requirements. As of Tuesday, there were 130 confirmed celebrations, and other outdoor activities.” Superintendents also say they do not know cases of C0VID-I9 in Barry County, for a what the state mandates are going to look like total of 5^59 confirmed cases, 571 probable next year- and have not been told when they cases and 64 deaths attributed to lhe virus since the start of the pandemic. will find out. CJffAD! PAd Graphics congratulates all local ritinc the state s JeVcraal on its policies for campaign agan . CnrlHi talked ^nt (he issue further on er ts to *»*c ^5^ link, after one person asked <f.‘ have to wear m^ students would graduates, Including children of employees. 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9554 269.945 ■ t.■■ �......... -........... ......... ! Motorists, be adviSed This week and next aro prime time fOr ° ' on Woodlawn Avenue. According to Director of Public Services Travis y , th® P130.15 as follows: On Saturday filling wil1 be onsite to mill the outer’|SrL;in each direc­ tion of Woodlawn, inc|u^ the «vo inter­ sections. Then it will be D w‘th a leVG ’ ing course. They expect be done by the early afternoon that da‘ N*xt Tuesday’ they will return to mill theyremaining midd,e section of road and then nave H wHh a,!euv‘ eling course. Next week more w°rk Wl b0 done by Weick Brothers fol'°wed by th° entire road being paved a top course next Thursday or Friday i . • ■ •' ■ • • n Did von <7 r-pmpmhpr? Safety rewarded Though undated, this photo i\ thought to be oj Hastings fifth- and sixth-graders in the early 1970s. Ready for. big day - Members of Northeastern, Southeastern and Central schools' safety patrols had a big day at Greenfield Village May 22, with the trip sponsored by the Hastings Lions Club, which purchased the tickets for the village, provided the lunch lor the trip and then took lhe youngsters to dinner on the way home. Making the trip were (listed by school, not by order in the photo) CENTRAL: Guy Backe. Randy Barry, Randy Benedict, Jeb Brown, Ross Brown, David Cain, John Carlson, Diane Denny. Linda Fitch, Randy Hard. Steve Hawthorne, Tom Henney, Dennis Jones, .Steven Kineman. Mark.Knickerbocker, Michael Lustey, Brad McPhail, Brian Morrill. Dennis Myers, Steven Olmstead, Rickey Patch, Janet Pennington. David Power, Steven Radant, Jim Radford. Randy Ritsema. Carrie Robleski, Matt Rowley, Terry Rowley, Ron Satterfield. Bill Sherwood. David Walton and John Zombor: ST ROSE: Kurt Beyer, Joe Bleam, Jim Gibson, Krneth Girrbach, David Hubert, Terry Loftus. John McIntyre. Mark McLean Robin Aichen, Steven Quada, Dan Smth and William Ulrich; SOUTHEASTERN Kandy Allen, Eric Baines, Jeff Bennet Cindy Cramer, Tim Keeler, Kim I though, Harvey Miles, Joe Miniot, Sebra Peake, Paula Pederson, Rich P^pma. Kathy Powers and Brian SinclaZ; NORTHEASTERN: Bill Burns, Brian Cook. Br’an Donnini, Tammy Foltz, Laura Hadhy, Susan Hoffman, WaynePeterson, Jkn Peurach, Fred Pierson anj Amy Usborne. Have you met? The family ties of Sandra Marcukaitis, a retired nurse and Yankee Springs Township zoning assistant, run deep in Barry County, and she spends much of her time caring for the land and community her ancestors left behind. Although bom and raised in Chicago, Marcukaitis spent many of her summers as a young girl on the family farm, on the west side of Yankee Springs. The farm, at the time belonged to her grandparents. Wendell and Helen Tichvon. In 2022, the farm will have been in their family for 100 years. "I went to school in Chicago.... but most summers I would stay with my grandparents because I love the farm us well as the outdoors,” Marcukaitis said. "If it wasn’t for my grandparents, 1 wouldn’t be here {in Yankee Springs). This is where I always wanted to be. growing up. "I mean I kne the city ... but yet I’m a country girl.” Marcukaitis inherited the farm from her parents, Wendell and Stella lichvon. and moved into it in 1988 w ith her husband and their three children, Sandra (now Paxton). Anthony and Brian Marcukaitis. In addition to maintaining lhe family farm, Marcukaitis is very active in the community. First, for the past approximately 16 years, she has worked in lhe township office part­ time as a zoning assistant. As such, she processes paperwork related to township zoning and prepares informational packets for (he township’s planning commission and zoning board of appeals meetings. She said she enjoys her role in the township because it allow s her to understand how the community came to be a> it is now'. Also, a lover of teaming'. Marcukaitis enjoys the continually changing nature ol zoning laws and the opportunity to learn something new every day. "You look around at your community and you wonder ‘How did this all come to be You JiKt don't take ; hoi/'C and plunk it in the middle of a lot. You have to follow rules and regulationshe said. "Zoning continually change., and ordinances change. And, so. it’s a way ol learning. Sandy Marcukaitis “Being a small office, you lean) about other things that happen {in the township). 1 like change because, if you don’t change, you stagnate. And then you gel very opinionated. I figure as long as I’m learning Marcukaitis also is on the township’s c/i u>,nrn,Uce and veterans committee. She has been a board member for (he vcterans committee for several years and has spent more than 10 years on the parks committee. She currently serves as chain)eron of the parks committee. ' 1 he park is very hcnr ,l|)() R) n|c because 1 ,n a regiMeri:t| nURC b pIofcssion and he park had,,,, of ,htf sun < r k s.. o. I... worked with people and pavilion. Marcukaitis said. -Wc-K. „ow ,'n/T L ul?ng “ 'K'"cr Held and a true baseball diamond. . । °Gt 4 ^rc‘11 con,mittep to work with who arc very enthiLsia^tjr ;ik,.. park continually blossom soti “Lav’ S Marcukaitis also ort»ani>..< ‘ ' blood a, <he Yankee .. ..........drives - bothIch^?^ fflion Woodlawh ^ork undei^^y ' . Methodius ('atholic Church. d,H "Almovt every 2 1/2 months, we have a blood drive at air church." Marcukaitis said. “We ran our first one last month at the fire barn .... And. for our first one, it was a success. "I’m actually trying to set up, in the community, a blood drive every* other month. I don’t know if I can do it.... It’ll be every month, almost. But if you can’t donate at Saint Cyril, the following month you could donate at the fire station.” She began organizing blood drives at her church about 10 years ago. after a car accident caused her husband to need a blood transfusion. Her nursing background also provides motivation for her community service. “I’ve always been involved in my community, whether it be when I lived in Chicago, working with Girl Scouts or working with the school for my kids. When I moved here, nothing really changed. And I think the nursing part of me brings out the compassion to help other people. Along with helping at her church, she currently volunteers at Fredrick Mcijcr Gardens; has organized community flu clinics for approximately 10 yea15'*has taUg 11 CPR classes at the township baH; «nd « a member of the Gun Lake General Federation Women’s Club, where she "'as recently given lhe Ms. Federation Aw^ for hef W°fk in the club. In her free time, Marcukailis enj°yS spending lime outdoors - gardcn,"B’ walking in the woods, time with her three children “ grandchildren. For her ongoing comtm'lli,y Sandy Marcukaitis is iku "cei: s Ba""e Bright Light. Favorite movies: “TOn (jun” and “ManW Mia.’’ 1 Best advice ever n;c„kf<J: F«)»> W ““ probably. He would say, -j jec toda) w > can face tomorrow ’’ * n First job: Wahnrss in » ‘“"t-Ko/Y hamburger shop in Chica,> ^Ilcd K K > Komor.’ c Continued page Today’s choices create tomorrow’s tcaehcrnasks‘'he?"o7“h7s<>; midrd,e Seh°o1 . _ ci(her. It really has based on just Sr« ' and interest levels moretodovvnhp ss,< n f <)ro^()ff jn roomful of hands r„ U_C r°r .hc,P- a accompanied by eager kin'- 'C m<’St tion-getting squeals CP18 from a high school teacher usu n' °n eye-rolling and resumption of’aS'm _ the absoluie vr whjch we stnlg. engagement dilen ■ how wc k cp gle. Passion and ja|ly wben they our s'udc",sjXfr abiliSes and what they What happens to our kids in school? How do they so quickly lose (heir enthusb asm for learning and their eagerness to dis cover new ideas and skills? S A recent poll of students by the Gallup organization reported that eight in 10 clc mentary students are actively engaged in lheir school By middle school, that number drops to six engaged students oui of every 10. By the time they hit high school, only four of every 10 students are still actively engaged in learning and school activities, Gallup’s research found. What happens to these students? Why the drastic drop? I believe, as the research suggests, that the drop-off has a great deal to do with inter­ est levels and lhe ability of our young peo­ ple to think about the future. If we start early to engage our students in preparing a plan and setting goals for the future - even in the elementary school years - the number of engaged students will increase. The Gallup poll submits that engaged students from kindergarten through 12th grade are 45 times more likely to be confident about their futures, compared with those students who are not engaged. Over the past several months, J-/Xd Graphics, along with several community partners, has been studying ways to shine a brighter light on the issue and address this truly unfortunate phenomenon. We recently asked schools throughout Barry County to participate in a program designed to encour­ age fifth-grade kids to think about their future. The "My Future Me" program asks students to write a letter to (heir "future self." We w ant kids to think about w hat they ask of themselves, what they might want to be. and what dreams they have. Their responses will likely include infor­ mation like best friends, pels, and hobbies, but we’re anticipating lheir replies also will include stories about the people who’ve made a difference in their lives - such as a teacher, conch, grandparent or lheir parents. If nothing else, the exercise will be a great way for students to someday look back in reflection on specific events and people who impacted their lives. What we're hoping for, from a broader perspective, is to gather these student essays and drawings into a booklet that will be distributed to each student and their teach­ ers. The entire exercise is meant to encour­ age and help kids pul into words how they define their futures. This is a great lesson in critical thinking, dreaming and articulating what each individual secs for themselves. No one knows what the future will be but our children hold the cards that will determine the outcome. “You arc the master of your destiny, you can influence, direct and control your own environment,” said lhe late author Napoleon Hill. “You can make your life what you want it to be.” Experts say that early career exploration gets students into (he habit of reflecting on their abilities. By the end of each academic year, then, they will be able to determine what skills and specific activities they’ll need to progress through the grades and achieve their goals. So we hope that this simple exercise will gel them thinking and that it will sene as a road map on their way to graduation. Most schools already have programs in place for young students to explore what careers match their individual abilities. Many also offer tours of local businesses and industries so kids gel a real-life look at what’s available to them. But most schools wail too long before they start to discuss careers and the classes that a student must take to prepare for cer­ tain careers. That exploration process should not be arc unsure ol mt-1 f carccr path, must achieve ,n p' ngagelnent success at J-VC seen rea' ,®Xre siudents taking “••“fing’H’^^hooFs career training part m one of the of our local programs were Inn. • exem Iiuy tuning companies. Due o t students lhe school provided them moved quickly into better » some even entered college a. p* company’s benefit program. Educational experts say s udents £ early as fifth grade should think abou ests and dreams and set goals for • As students progress through school, most of them don't realize the number °‘ paths available to them. But. the sooner they start to determine what interests they nave and what they might be good at, it brings into focus the possible paths where their strengths align. And that’s when lhe future begins to become clearer and more exciting for stu­ dents. As part of my research for this column. I found that any person who regularly tries to predict lhe future can tell you that the past is an important tool in determining what may happen in the future. Il’s the past experienc­ es that can be collected in the form of data to calculate probabilities of certain events happening in the future. When I was explaining the wonderful career-focus programs that already exist in our schools and our own hopefully success­ ful addition to that effort with our “My Future Me" project, a local businessman told me that he wished he had been a better student. He said he wished his school had had a project like this; it might have made a difference in his life - even if it only had reminded him who was responsible for his future. He’s happy to be successful today, he told me, but he made a lot of mistakes along the way. By focusing on his future at a young age, he might have avoided some of those errors, and that would have made reaching success a little easier. “I don’t know what the future may hold, I but I know who holds lhe future,” American I activist and minister Ralph Abernathy said. Tli ere are hundreds of thousand books on the subject, but how many students take the I time to read them and follow the time-tested advice from those who have achieved suc­ cess? “In every soul there has been deposited the seed of a great future, but that seed will never germinate - much less grow to matu­ rity - except through the rendering of useful service.” Hill wrote. In other words: If it’s to be, it’s up to me! We hope the “My Future Me” project becomes an annual event to get students thinking about their futures by putting, into their own words at an early age what they envision for themselves. Through lheir help, our sponsors - the Barry Community Foundation, Highpoint Bank, Southside Pediatrics and lhe Buckland Insurance Agency - not only made this effort possible, they also have demonstrated their investment in lhe future of our students and our community. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. The Hastings BaiHlGY Denoted to the Interests of Barty County since 1856 Pushed by Hastings Banner, Inc. 1351 N MdQU' /Div*ion of J‘Ad Graphics Inc. 135IN. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 . Adver,ising: Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Cl^hod ads MondVXK 830am tosCQpm. CFO Mike Gilmore • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Edtor) Kaihy Maurer (Copy EAtor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Ty Greenfield JonnleYonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties _______ 565 year elsewhere o P.O. Box 168 Ha J ngs. Ml 49058-0163 Hastings M| 43050 �g-m „ Non-P^ U’Ca* Pets are proof of vaccines’ importance The Hastings Banner — Thursday. May ?0, 2021 — Pago 5 Pipeline hack: How private companies compromise national infrastructure To the editor: fire ransomware attack on the Colonial I ipelinc system put the nation on notice for even kind of national calamity that our gov­ ernment has yet to address. Every' situation - from a grid overload that "ill destroy irreplaceable transformers, to banking computers off-line in an L.A. quake, to hackers commandeering Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems - must be addressed in a national oversight and emer­ gency [tolicy ASAP. The internet has offered quick, cheap con­ nectivity using lhe very same communication handshake and packet transfers all of us use in n Facebook post. Command and control systems have been connected via dependent systems by private corporations for utilities, bank, air traffic con­ trols, and retail systems via the internet. Let us examine the stakeholders and the issues. The engineering cost-to-make for all of these control systems was expensive, but the primary requirement for the connectivity was that it was initially cheap to install and cheap to operate. This likely means that the hard­ ware and software necessary to run these functions was purchased from third-partyvendors without qualification to security requirements. Not only was the purchase of the equipment made on the cheap, but the control communication for all of it is free of charge, on the Internet. Dedicated Tl lines are expensive and con­ trol software that is not capable of being changed by a simple download from a compa­ ny or a hacker is much more expensive to contract and initialize. It is so much cheaper wlJm < ,O all°" SW ",c . . ... lv 'endor who installed lhe units. ' eV 0Wns the nation, hackers can e - million from a pipeline corporation. • o we come to the relationship between the th I*00? ilaXpayer*lhe Private corporation, and me public infrastructure: Who is responsible tor operational systems that can be intercept­ ed and controlled from foreign nations? 'Hie relationship between the taxpayer and the government seems to be the one that allows the ‘oversight” on this issue. However, if these systems arc fully funded by a private corporation, the private corpora­ tions rule in every circumstance. Ransom is paid — even against government policy. I he nation has a rich history of these situa­ tions between private corporations and infra­ structure. A nation that does not have some sem­ blance of unified civilian coordination and backup infrastructure for every conceivable natural or manmade emergency is a nation that is not minding the store. It is a nation that is not spending its tax dollars the way it should. It is a nation that does not account for the role of its government in the protection of its citizens. It is a Titanic looking for an iceberg. Gas shortages in the Washington. D.C., are a very’ appropriate tap on the shoulder to pol­ iticians. Mark Ahearn, Hastings (Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All 'letters*' must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor's discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks’’ will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. To thO'd''"^''10..... 1 haw K-* >« '’KO- »> lhe time I „<H,l!eoryol .. of 'clenonry medicine- t >■ by '-e«c had been firmly e1’1'1 evidence for well over 1 ’ st‘Uc<, q rhef,em' 1 ,,111 ofj 'n>any diseases are caused l» :\„nse,*or “genns." such ns bacted1 • ,ei, funguses. Part of what has ,’eL..1!rsaieCon|h‘' some of these infectious di' • finial ‘ ’',u' and can be spread from on ) (Bno|, 'other, including from one pe'5' ,.h(X1| In vetennw lion . also learned the value of we coukieVCnli"1’ an.imal diseases. I lc:! (cctions by prev.cnl Patients from getting >' a * '"posing them to modified in^^recs ih P"* to exposure by lhe natural were „ , ,cltl- Son,e of these vaccina‘1 1; most were by injection. AU * flcmemBof d 10 cxPose the animal to >f the germ, which would tiled 1>-' 10^ Vs,cm- literally educate their bod^ . *«>g„lw Ihe iln.;ijcni and defend the^ ■ ^ductttg the chance ^X>;^^ ,,provide When 1 waS ’ ;u _ r?‘‘ry school, canine distemper was »■ Widespread problem. Vaccines W p n.lbl int??tcln’Rcr bccamc commercially "! ,ht-’ 1950s but many dogs still we* ’ K,na,cd in »hc 1970s. Distemper is a. ’‘b,e’ al1 body-system disease. I waS 511 . . *Bfected dogs early in my career, many mg terrible deaths, most of which suffered severe symptoms or had long-term ailments froni the discase As distemper vaccine became universally accepted as necessary, the numbcr of infccted does I saw drop!*41 almost to zero. We had achieved “herd immunity.” Unfortunately, dogs still become infected today. Some folk5 can t afford or refuse proper care. ,Some d°gs arc on their own and not cared for at an- Some puppies become exposed before they can be adequately vaccinated. Some folks have become complacent, and because we rarely see distemper now, d°n t bother with or even don’t believe in the vaccinations. But canine distemper is widespread in the raccoon population in Michigan. Have you ever seen a raccoon stumbling around or acting strange, perhaps approaching humans or dogs contrary to their natural tendency to avoid contact? They may have distemper. The other disease I will mention is canine parvovirus. This disease was completely unknown when I entered veterinary school in 1976. It was first recognized in 1978. They were calling it colitis X then. By the time I graduated in 1980. parvovirus was a worldwide panzootic — the veterinary equivalent of a pandemic. It had almost certainly been carried rapidly by people and their dogs around the world. The most likely explanation is that was a mutant variant of a feline or wild animal virus that had jumped species, much like the SARS CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. When I started veterinary school, there were distemper wards, where dogs with distemper were kept isolated to prevent spread. By the time I graduated four years later, those quarters were replaced mainly by parvovinis wards. Soon every animal hospital had wards full of dogs in quarantine. Animal shelters could not contain the virus. Parvovirus causes multiple organ disease, but its primary signs are propulsive unremitting vomiting and explosive watery and bloody diarrhea. Il’s devastating and heartbreaking. We still have very few effective anti-virus medications.Then there were none. We fought like hell to save those dogs, mostly with supportive care and fluids. It was a bit like treating Ebola in people. With the discovery that the canine parvovirus was very similar genetically to feline panleukopenia virus, also in the parvovirus family, an experimental vaccine using modified FPV was developed at the Veterinary College of Cornell University, my alma mater. I remember using it at my first veterinary job in California where this experimental vaccine was given provisional emergency authorization. It proved to be very effective and safe and was literally a life­ saver. 1 used that vaccine for a couple of years until the first fully approved commercial canine-origin parvovirus vaccines became available. Now canine parvovirus is only seen in dogs that have not been adequately vaccinated. Almost every boarding kennel and dog obedience school now requires dogs to be vaccinated for distemper, parvovirus and other important diseases, in particular lhe appropriately named Kennel Cough, before they will admit a dog. Is this an inconvenience to some folks? Sure. But it is a sound measure to protect their customers’ pels and their own economic interests. Rescue operations and shelters try to vaccinate dogs as soon as possible after entry. To lhe editor: Years ago. my «,q’luh-grade students had monthly visits 16 the VA hospital in Battle Creek.’ Z Many heard the World War II veteran who always lamented the Japanese students he had shot as they were running from their schoolhouse. “1 had to do il,” he repeated. Contiihuecl from previous page If I could go anywhere in the world: I’d want to go (o a party with all the people I know. If you could get ever)body you knew together, wouldn’t that be fuh? It’d be like a big reunion. Favorite teacher and why: My grandmother because she was here on the farm and she did everything. She was kind of like my personal hero. She taught me lhe value of work. Teachers in school, they come and they go. But my grandmother taught me how to clean a chicken, how to clean a chicken coop and all that farm stuff, which I like. Favorite season and why: Spring, because every thing comes to life. You come out of a dark situation, and every thing is reborn again. What motivates me: It’s always learning. I like to learn. Greatest fear: The loss of friends and family. If I won the lottery: I definitely would share the money. You have to share lhe money. And then probably I would fence my farm. I am most content when: I’m with family. Greatest thing about Barry County: We have so much open space. We have our state parks, we have our state lands, we have a lot of history here in Barry County. Just our natural beauty. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality', for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner. 1351 N. M-43 Highway. Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING The Hastings BANNER Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber 269-945-9554 Carole G. Smith, Delton Gift Certificates 108” Cotton Many Colors Office (269) 948-2248 ^JMobile (269) 838-5112 You Draw the Line. Your District. Your Voice. Your Future. City of Hastings REQUEST for bids Liquid Aluminum Sulfate Hydrate Solution „. <u-.«inL>s is soliciting bids f°r,he provision of approximate! v isn mn. The City of Hastings i .s g solution for xinutUj 350 tons of Liquid Aluminum SulfaU. J > removal > s Was ewater Treatment Plant to aidInnJff P addrcss lisJ bcl()w Bld Proposal forms □nd specifications are avatlanic ■"» c,“y,”r tSK* “don’t you see?’’ That tortured comment has stayed with me for many years. Recently, U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer co-sponsored a bill to repeal the authorization of the Iraq War. Yes, that war ended some time ago, but lhe authorization can be, and has been, used to enter into other military conflicts. Meijer, who served in Iraq in the Army Reserves and in Afghanistan as a conflict analyst for a non-govemmental organization, recently sponsored a bipartisan hearing on the hazards that veterans face from toxic pollution released by open burn pits in U.S. military camps. Young veterans are suffering myriad disorders that have gone unrecognized by our Veterans Administration. In 2019, more than 6,000 veterans committed suicide. Battlefield deaths are just the tip of the iceberg. Could war be part of the mental health crisis that we have in this country? Me"’ construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Dav Installation To subscribe, call us at: the right to reject any and all bick Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township Wars take a toll in ways we fail to see Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... . And tlrey have quarantine-, until the new dogs can be certified symptom-free or vaccinated. Of course, I am writing this letter because of concerns about people, not just other animals. I will make only one comment specific to the COVID-19 vaccines. Some people arc opposed to vaccinations for political reasons. I don’t sec how I can reach them with science, if that is how they feel. But many people arc reluctant to gel the vaccines because of concerns regarding safety. In particular, some people question how the vaccines could have come out so quickly. There are two important factors: First, the technologies behind the vaccines were already in use. as with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine; or had been in development for many years already, ns with the Pfizer and Modcma vaccines. MRN/\ vaccines have actually been in development for more than 30 years. Work had been done at various universities, commercial laboratories, including Modcma and Pfizer’s partner. BioNTcch, much of il supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, some of it Nobel Prize winning. Secondly, the most productive thing the Trump Administration did to help deal with COVID was to pour a lot of money into the Operation Warp Speed initiative, which covered a lot of the effort necessary to transform vaccine technology already in place into vaccine products that were new. The largest costs and time constraints in developing medicines, including vaccines, are often not in the science, but in lite financial, regulatory and logistic challenges. Operation Warp Speed cut through those, not least by eliminating the speculative risks that a drug manufacturer must take in bringing a new product to market. The U.S. government guaranteed the market. Between them, the Pfizer and Modcma vaccines had been tested for safety and efficacy in more than 70,000 people in controlled blinded studies, the scientific gold standard, before they were approved by the FDA. Since their release for emergency use in December 2020,230 million doses have been administered. We can see now that they are effective and safe, especially the Pfizer and Modema vaccines. These facts may help address some concerns. , • ““VL" “ • i ai the Office of the City Clerk/lreasurcr ^ni r ♦ Sealed bids will be recei £ w)58 unti| 9:0(» AM, Friday, May 28 him Hello MRh’8an Residents, For the hrs* time in history, you can impact on how district maps will be drawn in Michigan- Come. learn« and address the Michigan IndeperlC!ent ^tizens Redistricting Com^55’011 about its role In drawing maps for s Congressional, Senate, and House di5tr,cts at public hearings across the stat* For l!^0rrT1ation or to locate a public hear mg near y°l1 7IS ft33-Yo11 Www.michigan.gov/MICRC or tall that’s 833-968-3729 218 E. State St. Hastings • 945-9673 I -W - OPEN Monday 3° P°- I___ v "W La I"3*"** Hu/st CteNWTS Pick-Up Station Thank You On the behalf of my family I’d like to give a special thank you to Jerry Welsh. Rich Jenkins, Village Manager Patty Ray, and Patrick Jansen of Barry County United Way for the beautiful memorial service for Charlie Pullen. Thank you to all who attended. Thank vou so much for your support in a very difficult time. Barb Pullen & Family �County recycling coordinator gets 4-2 nod Psge — Thursday. fsge 6 b— inursoay. May M-iy 20. eu. 2021 — Tno HivrtrW " ’ Rebecca Pierce Editor ,f A recycling coordinator is in the ’utjn\oCb Barry County, if commissioners 0' through on their 4-2 recommendation i • during the committee of the whole n c Tuesday. . . boatd “This is a controversial issue. Chairman Ben Geiger told county ’ pja)a. Oversight Committee Chairman rra^ “We have discussed this for years. • • “F ink. why do we need a *9 ooonlinator?’’ ,n nnd “We need a staff person 1 help us," Fiala said. ,. ... lo ln>992..heco(m.yw3^^*“ have a solid waste oversight u because it has a landfill, he as lmm 1992 has to be redone it pertains to recycling - hut £ related activities. . However, the county has no pii f to help coordinate these requircme s. The health department provides some ue have there now are foil up. £ *£ • responsibilities. ... WeTe pushing people to 20:0. the 12-mcmber committee decided to seek b.ds looking for support for countywide recycling initiatives for 12 months. T\vo bids were received: One from Sarah Nelson, executive director at the Barry Conservation District, for $18,000. to be billed at $4500 every three months; and the other from Jim Brown, owner/director of Community Recycled LLC., for $24,000 annually with a two-year commitment. “Both of them could - and would - do an excellent job," Fiala said. During its meeting Friday via Zoom, lhe SWOC’ chose the low bid. then forwarded that recommendation to county commissioners for their consideration during the committee of the whole meeting “Is there enough money in your solid waste committee fund to handle this program?" Commissioner Howard Gibson asked Fiala Tuesday. “Yes," Fiala replied. “The fund balance is approximately $280,000.and we’re estimating to bring a little over .$70,000 this year. ... We budgeted $45.OCX) for this function this year. “I believe, if we do this al minimal cost for a number of years, we can fund that [recycling role] just through our tipping fees." “I guess my philosophical problem." Geiger said, “is I don’t know why we have to spend $24,000.... There are ways these funds can be used throughout the county to make it greener and better. “it’s just a philosophical issue I have with this proposal." L_ Commissioner Bruce Campbell, a member of the county's Solid Waste Oversight Committee, listens to a presen­ tation Tuesday on the recommendation for a recycling coordinator. Campbell said he favors having a central point person for recycling, since county efforts now “seem like a hodgepodge." Geiger asked Fiala if he knew any recycling performance percentages from neighboring counties. For Barry County, “last I knew when we hired a consultant/’ Fiala said, "about 3 percent was being recycled; 97 percent was going into landfill." But, as far as recycling efforts in other counties, they don’t have reliable metrics. That information is closely held. Fiala said, noting that Kent County does have a goal of no recyclablcs ending up in its landfill. "I’m not close-minded about this." Commissioner Dave Jackson said. "[But] what does success look like?" Fiala. who referred to his committee’s recommendation as a one-year pilot program, said they would specifically have metrics regarding recycling in lhe county and surrounding areas. “We’ll be able to give you a report of ... what we’ve accomplished," he said. "By the end of the year, we’ll tell you why we need to continue it." “That not a pilot program." Geiger pointed out. “That’s a program." Commissioner Bruce Campbell, who serves on lhe SWOC, told fellow Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... BASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hasifmcfo gmail.com. Website: www, hast ingsfrccmcthodist.coinPastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetze!. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags for chilren are available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid's Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA catholic: church 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m, Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6 8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindcrgarten-5lh Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. GUI Church Office 948-8004 for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E Slate Rd.. P.O. Box 273. Hustings, Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-9480900. Website: www.lifcgatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m.. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. • • PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor. Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765, (center of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43). Delton, Ml 490-16. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517 ) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Sers ice 10 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and pra) er ‘.inW 6 30107:30 pm. This information on worship service is provided by the Hastings Banner, the churches mid these local businesses: Flexfab Hustings KS--UUM 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W, M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 ;■ -ft J.-;J 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 ____ . . .1.1 ,vliino •, commissioners he . << establishing a cent ml recycling fortl,e co,lnl>Right now, u‘ effort-. •'seem like n hodr,.?""’5.’" Ca"'l,lk'11 -1 lopetullj, this wi|| C*'";1,; more in line with a central person to Ro .'/’"...di-” In the commissi;,‘ .‘^c to recommend the bid. Jon SniclkCr cihson. Jackson and Campbell voted fOr ’^vian Conner and Geiger voted agaiilsl J’ r.ferine Getty was absent. ’ ' Al lhe conclusion ’fuesday’s mcctin^ Brown, who is the rVisor of Hastings Charter Township, praj‘ , t|ie board for its recommendation. se “The cost of not something is extremely, extremely ijCr than no matter what we’re prepared |Oenav 1‘^ayC Brown told commissioners. *71 , plastics industry' with all of your eleeimnic stuft il s made fn,,n - is going lo come uJX)n u‘. like a freight train. The recycling industry is eoing to change dramatically.... “As far as cost. l'In cOjng to brag a little bit: We spend about $350 a month on our recycling program in Hastings Township. It’s less than $5,000 a year For everybody else in the county that’s doing it - and 1 give them credit for doing it jfs c|ose to $30 .(XX). Somew here in there is a middle ground where we can do .something. “Hopefully, working with a coordinator now. we can make some changes and do some improvements, too. That’s my two cents. “And thank you fordoing this. I intend to help Sarah do whatever it takes to get the job done." Denise Loftus Garn accompli'*1 Oeie„ „rvc been on , .he lhcr sote. said. boar‘1 °f ljmc and j know .....*.. points and |(^i(,na| staff will make « impact as creating oppornmn.es. - ,.Bul , hopc tIie> prove me wrong. They have a year in w hich t<> cl>mlnissioners hi other action, recommended: ( wage increases for . Approving 2 C(,nUo| One al) part-time court seme Cadet employees wno ux recently the eoHectivc-bargainmg agree mvnt ucen y ratified with the colons trtfkcm » correction command u . • . courthouse employees associa jo • ~ increase will nin this year through 2025 Campbell, whose wife. Sandra, is <1co rt security sercener, abstained from vo i g Frank Fiala, chairman ol the Barry this •action. Adopting a resolution to approve, ratify County Solid Waste Oversight Committee and confirm issuance of sewage isposa makes lhe case Tuesday for adding a bonds not to exceed $2.3 million to finance county recycling coordinator position. the cost of the Middleville sanitary sewer (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) system. In this project, the county is pledging its full faith and credit for repayment of the After the meeting adjourned. Conner, who bunds. serves on the SWOC, told The Banner, “] • Approval of a taxable value report, voted ‘no’ because I think that we need to help including a Headlee rollback. The rollback, our townships monetarily. There are a lot of which excludes new property, requires an volunteers out there and better ways to adjustment whenever the increase ol taxable value exceeds the rate of inflation. • Approval of the county’s Inmates Administrative Services Contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance which provides discounted rates for medical costs incurred by inmates in the county jail. This is not an insurance policy. County Administrator Michael Brown noted. Il is an agreement that is priced competitively, allowing the county to pay 11 percent of lhe costs incurred to Blue Arnold J. Newman, Jr. Cross Blue Shield. • Appointing commissioners to serve on Commission on Aging Board of Directors in the following rotation: Jackson in June, ; Campbell in July and Smelkcr in August. Hastings Township OKs burial rule revision Denise Giftus jbarn, age 64.' passed away on May 10, 202/ al Faith Hospice Trillium Woods, Byron Cbntcr, of complications from kidney disease $id metastatic cancer. Denise was bom September 18, 1956. in Hastings lo Patrick J. and Iris M. (nee Horsley) Loftus. She attended St. Rose of Lima and Hastings Public Schools, graduating with lhe class of 1974. Denise attended classes al Davenport School of Business and was employed in clerical services with E.W. Bliss.Thomappple Valley Meats, and Metalforming Equipment before joining Floral View Cemetery (currently Park Lawn Coqioration) in 1996 in Jenison. In 1984, Denise married the love ol her lile. Dean O. Gam, and they >'ears together before his passing in 2012. Denise was an active member ol lhe National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Hastings chapter, and the Michigan Democratic Party. Denise was compassionate about the needs of others, lending assistance in times of need and caring for others while showing unconditional love with a heart of gold. She was always the rierson to hake tasty treats at Christmas time and other occasions to make these events more special lor everyone. She was a niother to many, helping relatives and close fnends l0. raise several of their children during hectic times. Denise is survived bv her mother. Iris Loftus of Hastings; brother. Andrew lx>ftus of Annapolis, Maryland: stepchildren, Rochelle (Jarrod) Simon of Sandra (David) Pallante of Georgetown. Texas. D. Scon Gam and Randall^m ol Florida; uncle. Austin Loftus of / cousins, Stephen Loftus •MarshtieldI’ Wisconsin, Christine Jeff. Gary’ antJCohn (Cindy) Horsl ’ plkme Stoppa ol Australia. Richard (Sofibo Potter and Sarah Potter of London, r, „Luid: =>"** nephews, Dornier of *-!ls Nevada. Banan Loftus MdW *-°11?'” Infills. Lance Errthum nJ *‘n,ll.um' Loftussister-in-law Emhunt of Piai„ril..|(j n|inois: <•«■» 'lc*’: and grandcluldten. g, second cousins b She was preceded i„ ...alt I.y lwr l’''”lier; Terrance |x)fllH; f.,lh <*■; ick U>fots; and husband, Dean Gam 'r Due u> Covid ' . . (inns. J l’riv!!ltf memorial service win inintv<*lil,el>'A larger mem.sria|tt'>-:,l’:iJ later thi^v-ar "U' ,inw‘” *> C ifl "O'a View Memorial G. ,K'"‘ <j|()w a<!Ji<t»''al family and frieiuk । \ Demito ’s hte. CotUribution^^'v*-^. -he American Di.^ ** •„„ or American Cancer Society. Associ“u DELTON, MI - Arnold JelFerson “Jefl" Newman, Jr., age 76, of Delton, passed away on April 7, 2021 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. JeiTwas born on Jan. 20, 1945 in Jackson, the son of /\mold Jefferson Sr. and Wilma (Wolf) Newman. Jeff was a teacher at Comstock Schools for 33 years before becoming a realtor for Jaqua Realtors. He was involved in the teacher union and taught adult education at Delton Kellogg Schools. Jeff owned and operated Forest Shores Campground at Cloverdale Lake for 16 years. Jefl*w its very active at Faith United Methodist Church where he headed up lhe Faith House and Memorial Garden. In his free time he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and restoring his home and bam. Jefl* is survived by his loving wife, Freida (Shumaker) Newman; children, Arnold Jefferson “Jeff’ HI (Nicole) Newman, Alicia (Jury) Sollenberger. and Brett (Sarah) Newman; grandchildren, Graham, Mason, Jordan, Aaron, and one on lhe way; brothers. John (Cynde) Newman, Joe Newman, and Jim Newman; and several nieces and nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant brother, Jock Newman. Jeff’s family will receive friends on Fridav. May 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. al lhe WilliamsGores Funeral Home. Jeff's memorial service will be conducted on Saturday. May 22, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church. Mcnumal contributions to Minnesota Teen Uh.illcirec or Faith United Methodist Chmvh will be appreciated. Please visit www, williamsgore.sfunerul.com to share a metrnus or to leave a condolence message for k |l\ family. . . •■ Z'>j' -«•«« '■■•-.-'a. Dole IlilUti^stvy ManuUl.r —■■■Li o'mh. hcrvitiu it K,... ’ • • • • Sophie Bates Staff Writer . The Hastings- Charter -Township Board’s f amendment to lhe township's cemetery ordinance, approved at its May 11 meeting, will now allow six cremains - or one full burial and up to five cremains - in a single burial plot. The change will go into effect once lhe ordinance has been published. Currently, the cemetery allows one regular t burial and one cremains per plot. When discussing the change at April’s board meeting, township Clerk Anita Mennell clarified that only one headstone will be allowed per plot. Markers that lie flat on lhe • ground can be added lo indicate multiple remains, or multiple names can be added to the headstone. The board also approved just over $4200 in liability insurance through EMC Insurance. The township has used EMC Insurance services for many years, Mennell said, and the price of that service has increased $216 . since last year. Additionally, the board approved the payment of bills totaling $18,806 for general township expenses, such as energy and * salaries, the liability insurance and $2,000 for tree and shrub removal at the cemetery. . During her clerk’s report, Mennell said she completed the purchase of new and accessory equipment for both herself and Treasurer I Jenee Phillips. The board had approved up to » Sl.nOO for lhe new computers at its April meeting, however Mennell said she spent S2O2 more than that because of unanticipated ’ Approved $1,600. it cost me $1,800 ) l\x .V'C. by the time our credit card would let rec pm ukue money on it, they [the computers] ’ haJ <o c up >m price J a little bit. Plus. I had to extra h't the business package for ihe MkiVAoff piv'eiams that we use," Mennell told eouaeii mcmlxTs. Ntc-.incU also said several township iVNuUns aiv donating large rocks to be placed ihtvmvhoui the cemetery. \i the last township meeting, the board allocated $5»(XX) tor the purchase of boulders, as well as landscaping, at the cemetery. The boulders will be placed throughout rhe cemetery ul tight corners to prevent cemetery visitois from running off the road or hitring k living or grave sites. liadtuonal and <avnution Scrxxcs Ihx’-Hanning Services large Parking bn - H4n/:KU|v Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangenx .u b*<nsi\ Acecpkx- 528 S. Broadway. UasGngx. Ml 269-9«;3252 • _ Family' Owned and OiH’iWM "‘,J’VAh , O/H-rrtth-rtwh thtrr} < outny .tiul XunvmwtoK t oimry.nnftvx » .. �Th« Hastings Banner — Thursday. May 20, 2021 — Page 7 ,-t»iher Smith _ | t ft look back at the stories D+/:-D ^Galhlston In the Hastings Banner TURNING i BACK THE / PAGES Compulsory draft, world news foretold 'impending war Kathy Maurer Copy Editor More than a year before the United States was propelled into World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940. The first peacetime draft in U.S. history’, the Sept. 16, 1940. document required all men 21 to 45 years old to register for the draft. An editorial in the Sept, 19. 1940. Banner supported the drift, referring to it as ‘'current history’.” “Al! of us will regret the international confusion which makes this act necessary. A big majority, however, will appreciate the fact that in defense preparations, it’s better to start well ahead of time rather than a little bit late. “Only those who are completely blind to world events still believe there is absolutely no danger that this country will ever have to face an invading force. "If we take gorxi advantage of the months immediately ahead of us, it is probable that we can make ourselves so strong that no combination of powers could successfully invade this hemisphere. But there is no lime to waste. “In other words, if we are alert and ready, the young men of this country will have to go no further than training camps and mock battlefields. They will be spared the terrible ordeal of actual combat. “Since an increase in the armed forces of this country is essential, if we are to escape the fate of other nations That have fallen to the organized ruthlessness of the totalitarian powers, a selective draft is unquestionably the most efficient and the most democratic method available. “Recruits will be drawn from all parts of ihe country. Wealth and position will provide no exemption. More lhan that, lhe draft will present an intelligent method of making selections. Highly trained workmen and executives in key industries can be kept on the jobs where they arc most useful. In the last war. il will be recalled, many such individuals were among the first to enroll before lhe draft law' was enacted, and as a result there was an acute shortage of skilled workmen and experienced young executives.” 'Lhe registration board had completed its work, ihe Oct. 24, 1941, Banner reported, wiih a total at that time of 2,243 men. Each was assigned a number by a local draft board, and the numbers would be drawn in a lottery. "The drawing from the list of registrants will be conducted at Washington,” il added. "The names and number of the registrants drawn for Barry County will be sent to the Barry- County Draft Board before whom lhe drafted men will appear and be examined. That will probably start in November/’ The Oct. 31, 1940, Banner listed all 2287 Barry County men who had dutifully registered. The list filled column alter column over several pages in that edition. ('Die list will be reprinted over the new lew weeks ) Though assigned, the local serial numbers really didn’t matter since they would be drawn randomly. Still, eager young men with wanderlust and fraught mothers an likely scanned the lengthy list to find certain young men. The list began. 1. Frank Sackett 2. Frederick William Clary 3. Orson Lavern Boniface 4. William Emerson McLaughlin 5. Leon Eugene West 6. Carl George Enz 7. Irving Johnathan Jordan 8. Leland Newell Jones 9. James Kenneth Crawley 10. Harold Hendershot Haynes 11. Harold J. Marshall 12. Robert John Willison 13. Frank John Burdick 14. Charles Fredrick Meyer 15. Clyde Adrian Norihuts 16. Kenneth Harvey Aldrich 17. Llewellyn Fere Erb 18. Stewart Aven I Walers 19. Roland B. Chilson 20. William Harper Eddy 21. Lawrence Byron Gerlingcr 22. Hubert Clayton Pettcngdl 23. Dorian Dean Sanders 24. Walter Ivan Dunkelberger 25. Kenneth Chase 26. Benjamin Douglas Walls 27. Paul Leroy Kaiser 28. Berwin Ellsworth Stadel 29 Gerald Lee Crittenden 30. Orval Max Pufpaff 31 • Linden Jay Bryans 32. Earl Gilbert Warner 33. Richard John Morgan 34. George /Xrlhur Carey 35. Kenneth C. Lewis 36. Charles Roger Converse 37. James Nelson Valentine 38. Donald Elgin Mead 39. Arthur Jacob Strodtbeck 40. Clifton James Sawdy 41. Paul Hackett Kyburz 42. Earl Oliver Sense 43. Lloyd James Eaton 44. John Charles Higdon 45. Forrest Clifton Babcock 46. Galen Samuel McClelland 47. Robert Duane Howell 48. John Lester Warner 49. Cecil Marcell Morse 50. Albert Charles Parrott 51. Maurice Burchim Craig 52. Earl Robert Bryans 53. Frederick Wayne VanSyckle 54. Everett Eugene Brooks 55. Albert Emerson Brown 56. Gerald Martin Endres 57. Harold Millard Cook 58. Howard J. VanDelic 59. Philip Janies Quick 60. Alonzo Marion Smith 61. Lawrence Benedict Christiansen 62. David Wilbur Stafford 63. Harry Herbert Jones 64. Fred Franklin Landis 65. Samuel McKeown 66. David William Platt 67. Charles Willard Sanders 68. Nels Richard Johnson 69. Glee Marco Newton 70. Kenneth Dw ight Echtinaw 71. Amos Dal man 72. Ralph Frisby 73. Gamer Ward Greenman 74. Forrest Harland Willetts 75. William J. Schilhaneck 76. Edw ard Bruce Engel 77. Elmer Ronald Apsey 78. Homer Adrian DeWeerd 79. Oreal Omar Pin 80. Jack A. Emery' 81. Earl Clifford VanSickle 82. Edward Chuncey Haines 83. Richard Earl Lancaster 84. Harold William Weick 85. Raymond Otto Shaneck 86. Rex B. Frisby 87. Daniel Hull 88. Charles Haskins Geiger 89. Wilson Brown 90. Marvin Franklin Edwards 91. Hubert William Beadle 92. Marvin Harold Rosenberger 93. H. Vcm Neil 94. William Cashmorc 95. John Van Putten 96. Dudley Herman Washbume 97. Bernard Witherell 98. Burdett Smith 99. Robert Andrew Purdy 100. Robert Charles Francisco Leland Milo Hammond 102* Albert Cany’ Cruttenden 103. Leroy Elwin Kingsbury' 104. William John Streeter 105. Lester William Kennicott 106. Roscoe Vaughn 107. Charles Wayne Buckland 108. Kenneth Neil Mead 109. 1^lU^c,n£e Edmund _____ West 110. Harold Ernest Wiiha ams 111. Harry' Richard Stehr 112. Robert Lester Urd 113-Robert JidwaniBeauie 114. James k. Burghduff 115. Ernest E. Burr H6. Howard Alton Frost 1)7. Winston Leslie Boyes 118. Clarence Christopher 119. Wilfred Earl BuffenUcr 120. Duane Herbert Austin 12L Edward Glen Boweninn 122. Richard ThecxloreDcMou 123. Harold E. Jones °U 124. Carl Henry Schleh 125. Andrew Plummer 126. Cyril Wcxxlrow Fnyart 127. Cedric S Morey 128. Alvin James Poisal 129. W. Elbert Eaton 130. Edward Robert Ihxjs 131. Dale Hilton Hannon 132. Ronald B. 1 Chinan I'ts Glen 116. Sl| -O1 Hul'ebo, 137. Mai""1. 138’ Kenne*1' ^jrow Mead I39wfjjiti 140. Dale C * 141.la* hfui'Min 14?..CliK^’>dTUnicr 143. Ralph R-^e Organ 144. HaroW , 145. Vicior l- pliant l|,.n(| 147. Cla»‘1<”VJll?hnMcnick 148. Wiii>'«j'goyNay|or’1 149. Howard^Scobey 150. Speneei 030guillct 151. Rene P- u'5I--enis !52.Ho«ard • h 153-Glenn y nBL.n4 «d 154. VW ^rtRo* 155. Donald H^me, 156. Harvey ”:,0lcr 157-Bari 163. Merritt Do1’^!^’"' 164. Nelson Bo),We 165. Raymond *ydServen 166. Milton 167. Laurence Hllh,liL*"kln 168. Francis Ray O’ £ 169. Herbert W”1'3"’ 170. Harold Raymond Wand 171. Stanley Merle Meinen 172. Freddie EugCIJ® 0 Connor 173. Lawton E.W'l *^ns 174. Theron Samuel Hecht 175. Forrest Allen Rose 176. Kenneth Lucien Norton 177. John Forest Havens 178. Emerson Stewart Caimes 179. William Randall Kirkpatrick 180. Merl Eugene Lyons 181. Duane Jordan Miller 182. Albert Joseph Bell 183. Willard Jay While 184. Dale LeRoy Roush 185. James Ira Nash 186. Delbert Emery Lancaster 187. Donald Chapman Kelsey 188. Wallace Martin Graham 189. Leo Gerald Wood 190. Kenneth James Adams 191. DeWitt Clinton Gregory 192. John Chester Leary 193. Hugh Philip Gaston 194. Clay Arthur Bassett 195. Wilson Edwin Guernsey 196. Floyd A. Main 197. Max Merwin Robinson 198. Robert Edwin Gray 199. Francis John Coleman 200. John Edward Mcllvain 201. Kect Ivan Tpbias 202. Fay MacklinStaup 203. Kenneth Russell Slocum 204. Richard Clair Darby 205. Stanley Lyman Hansen 206. Melvin Wright Campbell 207. Delbert Merle Meyers 208. Lyle O. Newton 209. Victor Leo Torres 210. Peter A. Lamer . 211. How ard Elmer Belson 212. George Raymond Graham 213. Adrien LeRoy Pufpaff 214. Reid Addison Bassett 215. Hollis William McCormick 216. Claude Benjamin Bowman 217. Thomas Edwin McPharlin 218. Robert Lee Anderson 219. Kenneth Wcndel Allen 220. Alfred Gordon Helmbold 221. Claude Sevester Reed 222. Chester B. Hodges 223. Harold Carlton Gray 224. Loren EdwinStults 225. Wendell M. West 226. Farrell Clan: Anderson 227. Leon F. Thomas 228. Basil Clarence Coy 229. Waldo Boyd Shnkard 230. Lawrence Lynnwood McComb 231. Loren Paul Boyes 232. Bruce Milkr Randall 233. Ralph Erwin Palmer 234. Norbert George Schowalter 235. Gerald D- Scobey 236. Stanley Boo^mmey 237. John William Miller 238. Albert Wilson Htggms 239. Fremont RobertpB™*s 240. Charles Albert Gaskill 241. Eugene Datman 242. Winn Delos Green 243. Kenneth 244. Merle Wimt^hley 245. John William ^ylor Frank Sackett of Baltimore Township - No. 1 on the list of 2,287 Barry County men who registered for the compulsory draft in October 1940 - was never called up. He and his mother died after a freak accident in early August 1941. They were standing along a fence watching a motorcycle stunt show at the fair. A driver lost control of his motorcycle and it careened toward the fence, injuring seven people. Sackett died that evening, his mother succumbed the following day. 269. Henry Wayne Cunningham 270. Kenneth Frederick Chappci 271. Glenn Kenneth Kahler 272. Clarence Norman Rosenberg 273. John Leonard W. Bums 274. William Roy Thomason 275. Plyn Arthur Tuttle 276. George Elliot Taggart 277. Bertus Henry Mugridge 278. Verrol Rodney Conklin 279. Donald Allen Dadow 280. Ferris Quick 281. Earl John Williams 282. Leon E. Willsey 283. James Howard Brown 284. Otto Burdette Bechtel 285. Russell F. Benton 286. Gilbert M. Stone 287. Merle C. Kelley 288. Ivan D. Allcrding 289. Donald Richard Skelding 290. Lyle C. Kinney 291. John Lawrence Hawkins 292. Fredric James Slocum 293. George Irvin Frederickson 294. Frank Martin Knopik 295. Robert Eldon Chubb 296. Ralph Theodore DeMott 297. Emory Charles Finkbeiner 298. Roy Robert Chance 299. /\lbert Christian Stauffer 300. Boyd M. Cantrell 301. Clarence Albert McKelvey 302. Lemuel Roy Oaks 303. Alvah William Curtiss 304. Harden M. Hoffman 305. Mario Galliano Borras 306. Arthur Melvin Beeman 307. Michael Alden Todd 308. Vaughn Dee Stults 309. Harold Elsworth Bolo 310. Robert Jay Pierson 311. Hany Palmer Garris 312. Forrest Ray Wolfe 313. Arthur Edward Bennett Jr. 314. Donald George Chase 315. Daniel Douglass Hall 316. Clarence LeRoy Cairns 317. Edmund Howard Davis 318. Herman Jay Pennington 319. Gay Ion LeRoy Bell 320. Maurice William Ogden 321. Steven Louis Karmes 322. Russell Louis Schantz 323. Vernon Dale Hayes 324. Robert Carl Vander Veen 325. William Ivan Harris 326. Elton Herbert Gray 327. Charles Leon Pike 328. William Robert McGinness 329. Dale Robert Main 330. Walter lan Thomas 331. Stanley A. Stauffer 332. Charles William Parrott 333. Leonard Eldon Elwood 334. William Ramsay Ferguson 335. Charles Earl Pratt 336. Emerson Richard Stauffer 337. Fred Daniel Hayes 338. Galen Chalmcr Fry 339. Benjamin Nagel 340. Glen Jacob Dean 341. Clarence Cecil Garrett 342. Max LeRoy Storey 343. John Anson Wilkes 344. Clarke Leon Springer 345. Erving E. McFall 346. Nelson M. Abbott 347. Forrest Louis Johnson 348. Howard William Hubbard 349. Gordon Lee Utter 350. Clare R. Johnson 351. Nial Henry McGhan 352. John Newland Robertson 353. Robert Donald McGlocklin 354. Homer Charles Bauchman 355. George Wilson Spencer 356. Rolfe George Bulling 357. Albert John Chaffee 358. Verland Clements Ransom 359. Philo Henry Sheldon 360. NorvaJ Lawrence Nielson 361. Fred Francis Swift 362. Moris Henry Green 363. Henry Adolph Sandeen 364. William Scott Schader 365. Charles rXndrew Fuller 366. Jerald Powers Bedford 367. Clyde Raymond Stamates 368. Carl Boyd Sheffield 369. Charles LaRue Griffeth 370. Ernest Myers Cassaday See DRAFT, page 9 HASTINGS Internal and Family Medicine Your Choice for Independent Quality Care--------------- Why an Internist? Because as we age, it is more important to see someone that specializes in internal medicine. Internists treat a wide range of conditions in adults that affect the organs inside the body, including: • Cardiology • Endocrinology • Gastroenterology • Infectious disease • Hematology • Oncology • Pulmonary disease • Rheumatology • Immunology ^T^F^hutz Rach«al Brooker NP gtSSSR 252. Ixon W. I** 253. Lyndon C’h^ ’ W5I>’ 254. William »■« 255. Herbert 256. Jesse EU‘S ” Ba±., 257. Cecil Sts"'3*? , 258. Robert Vau«J«h"»on 259. Eldon 260. Loyd W. Fb261. Edward van g 262. Jerry Siam 263. Robert Lee 264. W1dterS<>y’0<.||(.r 265. LcoM.^Bw1ow 266. Eugene H 2S:^>enLock^ David Parker MD Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine Practicing in the Barry County Anita A&adoHan DO Lv **** J n» 4 <> fwn V t area for 20 years - Medicare Welcome ■ r „ . ./....... --- - - - - • ’ , ation about becoming a patient. Call or visit our website for more informal www.hastingsmed.coni • 2 225 S M-37, Suite 1 » Hoangs, M.eh.gan NOW ACCFPT1NG new PATIENTS �Pag* 8 — Thursday. May 20. 2021 — TM B*n,wr Elaine Garlock Central United Methodist Church s plans to meet outdoors in May has alrea y ' two Sundays with weather not con c for such a plan, so they met inside, ay will be the final day for 10:30 a.m■ svnl ’ The following week, members will summer schedule, with services at - ■ • through Labor Day weekend. Warmer temperatures are making changu in the local scene with lilac bushes showing their first lavender buds, coming soon into lull bloom. Snowball bushes likewise are rapidly shifting from orcen to white. Allium stalks are resplendent with their showy lops, looking for colorful golfballs atop long stems. Tulips conic in three varieties concerning blooming lime. The earliest arc finished. Now wc are seeing mid-season colors. We can expect to see j el more soon with the late variety coming into their season. The latest issue of Chronicle, one of the publications of the Historical Society of Michigan has in its column concerning centennial farms that have attained either the 100 year or 150 year status. Signs arc provided by the local power company. Scsquiccntenni.il farms near us include the Stein farm in Dorr, a VanSickle farm at Battle Creek, a Staines farm at Fenwick. Centennial farms newly recognized are in Bellevue, Lakeview and Shelbyville, the current owners arc lhe Kings. Mr. Royston and George Warner. The oldest farm listed was purchased in 1861. What a long time for a family to own lhe same farm. Again the Caledonia Fanners Elevator was listed as having earned a business award which was granted several months ago. More people have relumed home from wanner states. John and Teri Call are among them, home from Arizona. Grace Tarbet • to celebrate . 97th birthday ■ Grace (Tennock) Tarbct. ot ".'g1' be celebrating her 97th birthday May 'A, 2021 with Charles and Gunny lattet frit . South Carolina. She was born May I >■ A card shower would be appreciates in e honor. Cards may be sent lo Thornapple Manor, 2580 Nashville Rd.. Hastings. Ml 49058. iFerm Poland celebrates 99th birthday Happy Birthday pcrn Poland. 99 years young on May 17.2021 al Carvclh Village. Marriage licenses METAL ROOF PRICE CALCULATOR! Beautiful Home - 512 Acres - 9 Parcels [AMERICAN METAIJWS Deer Camp • Warehouse • At Auction! June 5th at 1:00 PM Executive Retreat’. V L; ’ Sellers: Tim Bills Executive Home - Large Toy Bam - Hunting Camp - Tremendous Hunting of deer, turkey, black bears, grouse, and more. beautiful-worry-free-g Weaver Raid Fairview, Ml 4S62I /$ A METAL ROOF RIGHT FOR YOU? Learn More - Text 947-208-6995 Scan this QRCode or go to B httpc//vicw.brightst2rjuction'512acrcsmi for much more. nnirm ^o Call Loren Beachy: BRIGHISTxR 574.238.5292 IVIetalRoofPricsag.com | A Prairieville Township Parks & Recreation Commission We are currently conducting a survey to use in planning the next five years activity for our parks. Please participate in our survey at this link https;//www.surveymQnk€>y.GQm/r/9kGTz PBP. Your feedback is vital to planning what our Commission needs to focus on for your most enjoyable park experience. The survey will be available until May 31,2021. Also, you are invited to attend our May meet­ ing with any ideas for us. Please come on Monday, May 24th. The meeting starts at 6:30 PM at the Prairieville Township hall. We will discuss the survey and planning first and then move on to conduct normal Parks & Recreation business. Thank you in advance for participating in our survey and planning for Prairieville Township Parks & Recreation. 160882 City of Hastings REQUEST FOR BIDS Poly/Ortho Blend Phosphate 'Hie City of Hastings, Michigan is soliciting bids for the provision of poly/ortho blend phosphate for use at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at the address listed below. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Scaled bids will be received at lhe Office of the City Clerk/Trcasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM on Friday, May 28, 2021 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. All bids must be clearly marked on lhe outside of lhe submittal package “Scaled Bid - Poly/Ortho Blend Phosphate”. Travis Tate Director of Public Services Capposis to celebrate 70th wedding anniversary Marshall “Dutch” and Vonda (Webb) Cappon will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on May 26. 2021. Children of lhe couple are Daryl and Donna Cappon, Terry and Dawn Cappon. Marlin and Carolyn Cappon. Darla Cappon is now with lhe Lord. , ^>*1They have 11 grandchildren and 32 great­ grandchildren. Shower them with cards - please send your best wishes to: 1350 Yeckley Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058. Due to Covid, there will be no open house -celebrating with family only. Quality Aluminum Products ■ ■wwrshw - Cooper Weidenfcller. Middleville. Thomas Leo Westbrook, Hastings and Daisy May Davis, Hastings. Daniel Scott Simmons, Delton and Sarah Anne Conrad, Delton. Julie Emily Hanna, Battle Creek and Robert Edwin Coy, Battle Creek. Quality Aluminum Products have the follouing positions open: Production Helper, Warehouse Helper, Shipping Helper and Maintenance Helper ■ Lauren Elizabeth Hambrock. Bloomington. IN and Justin Lynn Jenkins. Bloomington, IN.' Drew Edward Eerdmans. Hastings and. Amber Lee Franklin, Hastings. ' Brian David O’Keefe, Shelbyville and Stacey Bender Rago, Shelbyville. • Jennifer Lynne Luce, Hickory Corners and Brandon Wayne Taylor, Battle Creek. Alex James Allerding, Hastings and; Clarissa Star Jackson, Hastings. Isiah Christopher Meyer-Penney. Hastings, and Liveah Adele Foote. Grand Rapids. Vidya Lakshmi Pillai, Raleigh. NC and Brandon Ellis Shade. Raleigh. NC. Caitlin Geraldine Brooks, Hastings and* Justin Keith Halsey. Hastings. Falyn Christine Ruthruff, Hastings and We have increased our starting wage to < IV50 per hr. with the ability to earn up to S15.75 within the first year? We give a 50c premium for 2nd‘and ’hd shift. ________ Also TONS of growth opportunity. Our address is 429 S. Michigan Ave, Hastings, MI 49508 Apply at httP5://w\v^v.quantyj£<nnrinum.cojR or in person. City of Hastings REQUEST FOR BIDS Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus The City of Hastings is requesting scaled bids for the replacement of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. The Fire Department is located at 110 E. Mill St-, Hastings, MI 49058. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at the address listed below. Tltc City of Hastings reserves lhe right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s beSl ’nlcrest* price and other factors considered * ' Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM on Thursday, June 24, 2021 al which time thev will be opened and publicly read aloud. All bids must be clearly marked on lhe outside of the sub „;ftol package “Sealed Bid - Fire Department Kp f-Contai,,ed Breathing Apparatus. Roger Caris Fire C hid Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Jett Domenico, AAMS0 Member SIPC Financial Advisor Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-8265 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 v What to expect from a financial review The COVID-19 pandemic may have unsettled many as­ pects of your life - including your financial situation. Even if your employment and earn­ ings were not directly affected, you might have concerns about wiielher you’ve been making the right investment moves in such a stressful environment. The pandemic is, hopefully, just a oncc-in-a-lifetime occurrence, but different events can rattle financial markets. And changes in your own life also can affect your plans. To prepare yourself for whatever tomorrow may hold, you may want to get some professional help - but what, really, can you expect from a fi­ nancial ads isor? A financial advisor will look holistically al your life - your family composition, your career, your liopes and dreams, your in­ stincts about saving and spend­ ing money, your risk tolerance and other factory. So, during your initial meeting, and at sub­ sequent reviews allenv.ml. here are some ofthc key areus you'll discuss: • Feelings about your finanVial Utuation . imporunt to tiiuncul advisors, !>ul what’s hum nii-aningful w than is undent you distressed over volatility in die financial markets? Do you have concerns about your ca­ reer'? By getting at the answers to tliese and similar questions, a financial advisor can gain a clear sense of who you are and what matters to you. You can then follow an established process to build your personalized strate­ gies and take the specific actions needed to achieve your goals. • Progress toward your goals - It takes patience and discipline to achieve long-term goals, such as helping send your kids to college or enjoying the retirement lifestyle you’ve envi­ sioned for yourself. As you save and invest for these goals over die years, you’ II want to... .mea­ sure your progress regularly. If you seem to be falling behind, j our fmanci.il advisor can sug­ gest moves such as increasing your investments or adjusting your investment mix. • Changes in your family situation - Marriage or remar­ riage, the arrival of new chil­ dren, the departure of children for college, caregiving respon­ sibilities for older parents - any and all of these events can make a big difference in your goals and, as a result, your investment plans. During your reviews, to their diets. Are your financial advisor will >;»U“nMvnt about >our l)vvrai| consider these changes when l»ia.tdal0l„|l)0k?Ali.u).ittnf_ imiking suggestions or recom­ ned about your cashflow? Arc mendations. (Change* in your family’s status may alTcct your estate plans, so you’ll also need to work with your legal advisor or other estate-planning profes­ sional.) • Changes in jour retire­ ment plans - As you near re­ tirement, yon might decide that j our original plans for this time oi your life no longer suit you. For example, jou might have once thought that, when you retired, jou would stay close to home, volunteering and pur­ suing your hobbies? But now you’ve been thinking how much you would enjoy traveling, or pcrhiips even living abroad for a while. To accommodate your change in plans, a financial professional may i ecommend certain moves, such as working a couple of years longer or adjihting the iimount you eventu­ ally withdraw from your 401(k), IRA and other retirement ac­ counts. As sou work toward jour goals you may find it challeng­ ing to navigate tK- financial mar­ kets and respond to the changes myour hle but you don't have go it alone. And knowing uhat to expect from a financial advisor cm help srmxith vour journey. * This article was written fr,' hhvm j<mei /5r lm, br hnul Inhntnl J,,,.., , Aitxi.wr Edward Jone s. Memh. rSIPC �The Hastings Banner — Thursday. May 20, 2021 — Page 9 STATE NEWS ROUNDUP Despite challenges, food, ag exports boomed in 2020 Despite the challenges and uncertainties the COVID-19 pandemic presented, Michigan’s agricultural exports saw considerable growth in 2020 b According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Michigan’s agricultural exports totaled $2.16 billion in 2020. an increase of 18.7 percent frcm the previous year’s total of $ 1.82 billion. Significant increases in exports were seen in dairy products, soybeans, sugar beet byproducts, and wheat byproducts. Canada and Mexico remained Michigan’s top exjwrt markets, largely due to the recently renewed -United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Exports to South Korea and China saw renewed growth, moving up to the third and fifth positions, respectively. Michigan companies continue to seek opportunities to develop and grow export markets around the world. The state’s top exports include processed food products ($365 million); soybean, sugar beet and wheat byproducts ($253 million); cereals, baked goods and pasta ($208 mil­ lion); soybeans and soybean meal ($193 mil­ lion); and dairy products ($180 million). “Michigan’s food and agriculture export numbers haven’t been this high since 2014“ Jamie Zmitko-Somers, director of MDARD’s Agriculture Development Division, said in a May 19 press release. “As we approached the summer and fall seasons, there were legiti­ mate concerns about Michigan’s supply chain, but with almost no exceptions, it came through with remarkable growth. Across the state, foods were harvested, processed, and deliv­ ered right on time. This definitely played a role in the success of our exports.’’ More information can be found at michigan.gov/agexport or by emailing MDARDAgD@michigan.gov. MR A reports first sales dip this year Michigan Retailers Association Wednesday reported a decrease in retail sales, monthover-month, for the first time since November 2020. The April ReIai| . 67.1. a decrease from \<S'",VC-V eamc in i“ S>8bt percent of Michi 92‘*’ increase in sales <>4 n’*’“ilers reported an reported a sales de, r March’ 22 'Ktvcn' reported no ehanee Th and 20 perce"t performance Index is ?eas0‘>ally adjusted Retailers Association • "d"llcd bY Michigan Federal Resene ,n “’operation with the branch. of Chicago’s Detroit the state\\^°*nii’ndcX PKnides a snapshot of above 50 generallv ’^t ind"Slry • th*, hiok. ^ncra,,y indicate positive activity; 8 cr the number, the stronger the aclivi. . y.?.evcn Percent of retailers predict their » s u in continue to rise through July, but 15 percent said they expect a sales decline, and percent anticipate no change. That results in a 66.3 index rating, a drop from last month’s index rating of 80.3. Labor shortages and supply chain chal­ lenges that have been noted around the coun­ try have contributed to the decline we experi­ enced in April here in Michigan.” William J. Hallan, MRA president and CEO, said. “We are optimistic dial sales will trend higher in May due to the increase in vaccinations and Michiganders eager to resume their lives pre­ COVID.” Sales year over year are up. According to MR/X’s April retail volume report, home fur­ nishing sales have been strong over lhe past year, increasing more than 1.7 percent over April 2020. Department store purchases increased by 21428 percent, and clothing and shoe store sales arc up 20936 percent. Many businesses responding to the survey report their biggest challenges arc finding enough people to work and waiting on supply chain delays. One business said, “We cannot hire enough people to operate our store at the old schedule and staff our company. I’ve never seen this in my 55 years of being in business.” Another added, “Product availabil­ ity remains our biggest concern. It is much worse than prc-pandemic and last summer, and is not expected to improve until at least lhe end of 2022.” Michigan’s unemployment rate in April has not yet been announced. In March, the unem­ ployment rale in Michigan was 5.1 percent. Last year, Michigan’s unemployment rate was 23.6 percent. Hast<£cts rePr<;g*e for '2D hnard e’ection boar SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS SSI benefits for children with disabilities Vonda Van TH child who is blind must not be working or Public Affairs Specialist earning more than $2,190 a month in 2021; Social Security s Supplemental Security and a child who is not blind, must not be Income program provides cash payments to working or earning more than $1310 a month In a briel ^afen children with disabilities whose families have in 2021. Earnings amounts usually change every the Hastings «>e Una," • I**1 " limited income and resources. A child must meet medical requirements to be considered year. Some older teenagers may have part­ representative pis.ri« disabled under Social Security rules: time jobs or be involved in work programs, Intermediate Sch' । n • The child must have a medical condition, which Social Security will count for financial •■lhe Ham 1 .i,cir biennhl i ? r,cl or a combination of conditions, that results in eligibility. “marked and severe functional limitations." Jn addition, if an unmarried child under This means that the condition(s) must age 18 is living at home, Social Security may seriously limit the child’s activities. consider some of the parents’ income as thc • The child's disabling condition(s) must child’s income. We make allowances for the election >o •h»* >1 Mat/Xft ",lcd upon.” Stipe" pie th" said. last for al least 12 months or must be expected parents and their other children living in thc home when we consider lhe parents' income. ••There are «•''J, term of’f nmning: to end in death. We also help children through our Read more about children’s benefits in the Marsha B1”i^H11fieM f°r a term „f>'a,S and Allowances program. publication. Benefits for Children with then Deborah H’1* t|atrl(.1(| ™'ofsix years. Compassionate Both Bass®" • |lair,e|i|''incumbents Compassionate Allowances arc a way to Disabilities at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-O5-10026. running unopp^^.rcu Cllrrcntly serves quickly identify conditions that, by definition, pdf. If you are a parent or know a parent, meet Social Security’s standard for disability as lhe BlSDbo^ cllool°. The HaSUrTEastmanIo^ a?Provcd benefits. Thc list can be found al ssa.gov/ guardian, caregiver or representative of a child you think may be eligible, visit our Trustee Jennifer I> y/cPrcsent it In the compas.sionaleallowanccs/conditions.htm. Compassionate Allowances help us reduce Disability Bcnefits-Apply for a Child (under election, with 'Sc^tativc. nc Slnughtcr as waiting time lo reach a disability determination ago 18) at ssa.gov/benefits/disability/applyan alternate repre - b(X).’ Delton Kellogg . so will send a for children with the most serious disabilities. child.html to learn more and begin an Thousands of children receive benefits application. "1ST . because they have a condition on this list, but Vonda Van Til is the public affairs children with conditions not on this list may specialist for West Michigan. You may write still qualify for SSL A child must meet additional eligibility her do Social Security Administration, 3045 getting ready for £™"«'on. We’re very excited about gradual' next fhursday night, requirements for low income and limited Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525, or via May 27.1 hope y<>u ’ join us. \ve also resources to qualify for SSL To qualify, a email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. have honors nigh' " • “Incsday evening, as well. So we’re gclt'ng ready to pass out some scholarship5* • ere very excited about that. . “We’re just try mg to make sure that we’re keeping the end-o -t e-year activities Deputy Register of Deeds/lndexing Specialist available to our studcats, CVen al thc elementary and middle school levels. IWc’re] The purpose of this job is to index legal descriptions and proof indexing of trying to gel them out. having fun outdoors, recorded documents. those types of things- We’ve got 8 K days Assist office staff and customers when needed. left.” . . . Must have a strong knowledge of computers, skill in drawing out and Senior Honors Night will begin at 7 p.m. understanding legal description, property title and legal documents. Wednesday, May 26, in the Hastings Must be detail oriented and have good people skills. Performance Arts Center. Graduation will take place at the high Base pay starts $16.70 /hr 19 hours a week. school football stadium at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27. Please send resume to bburtess@barfycQuntyxOifl Barry County Courthouse Register of Deeds Office 220 West State Street Hastings Ml 49058 No phone calls please Eart-time Call 269945-9554 for Hastings Bannerads Barry County is an Equal Opportunity Employee. We hire only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers and comply with the American’s with disabilities Act DRAFT, continued from page 7 371. William Edmond Dunlap 372. Rolland Robert Pixley 373. Raymond Leo Preston 374. Robert E. Gaskill 375. Mack Janose 376. Earl Ellswirth Fender 377. Wilbur Eurbon Allen 378. Clarence Joseph Huvcr 379. Ward IL Wilkes 380. Everett LeRoy Couch 381. Ralph Theodore Cook 382. Marshall Rue Warner 383. William Earl Mason 384. Harold J. Perkins 385. Harry Johnson Cobum 386. Robert Carlton Smith 387. Syverin Mathison ’3$8.*Arthur McLeod 389. Fred Homer Buckingham 390. Homer Delos Fisher 391. Ben Allen Coulter 392. Paul Martin Nagel 393. Harvey Leon Babcock 394. Forest Romain Belson 395. Leo Robert Gurd 396. Donald Ray Silvemail 397. Oliver Charles Cheney 398. Rollo Ixroy Bowerman 399. Joseph John Lince 400. Adrian John Vcrploegh 401. Lloyd LeRoy Ranney 402. LaVerne John Bryant 403. Norman James Keller 404. Fred William Peake 405. Clare Adelbert Bassett 406. Hughlett Richey Wagner 407. Forrest Johnson 408. Roy Erb 409. George Vincent Wahmhon 410. Orville Meade Babcock 411. Charles Thornton Woodman 412. Harry Eugene Crandall 413. Lewis Gordon Foote 414. Eldon Alton Paulson 415. Walter Edward Lynd 416. Waynard Von Belson 417. Charles Storkan 418. Floyd Clinton Langs 419. Glen Frank Coy 420. Clarence Harry Stafford 421. Philip Roland Nichols 422. Howard Elton Cross 423. Morris Low Barlow 424. Francis Eugene Fredrickson 425. Floyd David Johncock 426. Kyle Howard Adams 427. Chester Carl Cramer 428. Robert John Hartman 429 Orton Vern Edwards 430. Emory Emerson Jones 431. Harold Charles Haskins 432. Theodore Engclsma 433. Enos William LaCourse 434. Harold William Britton 435. George Rankin Foote 436. Harold Vincent Lester 437. Frank R. Kelley 438. Leslie Ross Oversmith 439. William Franklin Hummell 440. Will Eugene Benjamin 441. John Ord Griggs 442. William Elmer Sponable 443. Earl Knowles 444. Claude James Williamson 445. Howard James DeMond 446. Carl Eldon Lenz 447. Merle Westley Varney 448. Vern C. Allerding 449. Adolph Douse Jr. 450. Vern Lamar DeMott 451. Earl Otto Weise 452. Carl Wayne Naylor 453. Ernest Hoffman 454. Allen Matthew Roche 455. Gerald D. Smelker 456. Merrill Elmer Isham 457. Richard Charles Welton 458. Forrest Arden Clark 459. David Wayne Carpenter 460. Walt Raymond Kidder 461. Charles Edward Liebhauser 462. Robert Edgar Mitchell 463. William Bryan Gallup 464. Carl O. Marble 465. Earl Monroe Boulter 466. Gerald Henry Smith 467. Fred Oscar Rounds 468. Donald Melvin Fredrickson 469. Charley William Rice 470. Marshall J. Seger 471. Herbert Edward Todd 472. Raymond Angelctti 473. Richard Gordon Perrault 474. Homer Elmer Yeckley 475. Robert Lewis Orr 476. Elmer Marlin Rayner 411 Walter Amos Wilson 478. Harry Theador Reid ^•^OnardWillium Day G,en Nottingham Palmer ^•Cec»Clair Marshall 483. Clyde Pennington 484. Lyle IL Johnson 4R6 rh°yd JTCS Nottingham 1r7 p^^^ullough Irm'tauE?:ard Uncock 488. Frederick Jay Klcpfcr 489. Merl John LoFountain 490. Gerald Clayton Pri^ City of Hastings REQUEST FOR BIDS Chlorine Gas REQUEST FOR BIDS Hydrofluosilicic Acid (HFS) The City of Hastings, Michigan is soliciting bids for the provision of Chlorine Gas for use at thc City's Water Treatment Plant. Bid proposal forms and specifications arc available at the address listed below. The City of Hastings, Michigan is soliciting bids for the provision of Hydrofluosilicic Acid (HFS) for use at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at thc address listed below. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in thc City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM May 28, 2021 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. All bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Scaled Bid — Chlorine Gas”. Travis Tate Director of Public Services City of Hastings REQUEST FOR BIDS polymer The City of Hastings, Michigan is soliciting bids for the provision of Polymer for use at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant in the dewatering process of biosolids. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at the address listed below. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to Waive any irregularities in tlie bid proposals, and t0 award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. 491. Paul Hyde 492. Louis Osbert Gnfilth 493. James Harvey Hatch 494. Joseph Edward O’Neal! 495. Laurence W. Rowden 496. Richard Allen Eascy 497. Claude Alvin Covey 498. Earl Ward Bever 499. George Paul Vaughan To be continued ... Sources: Hastings V/orldVfar2muutunj>rg, ancestrywn. findagnnemK. City of Hastings Scaled bids wi|| be rcccived at the Office of the City ClcryTreasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM Friday, May 28,2021» at which time they will be opened and publicly Jca<1 aloud. All bids must be clearly marked on ti10 outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid ” Bolymer”. p lnorK' Travis Tate Director of Public Services The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City's best interest, price and other factors considered. Scaled bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 Friday, May 28, 2021 at which time they shall be opened and publicly read aloud. All bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid Hydrofluosilicic Acid (HFS)”. Travis Tate Director of Public Services Hastings Area School System is accepting applications for the position of: PUPIL ACCOUNTING/ ENROLLMENT COORDINATOR Job Qualifications include: Knowledge of PoweiSchool K-12 Education Technology Software, knowledgeable regarding pupil accounting guidelines, administrative rales, and legislative action that impacts state reports, experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs. Successful candidates should possess excellent organizational skills be dependable and able to handle confidential information with discretion. in dealing with parents and employes and ab.ibq to develop effective working relationships with building administration. ISD auditors and state employees a must. Please see our website for complete qualifications und full job description Submit a cover letter, resume mid references to; Mr. Tim Berlin Assistant Superintendent of Operations 232 West Grand St. Hastings, Mi 49058 Deadline for application: May 28,2021 �Page 10 — Thursday. May 20, 2021 - The Hastings 8anner ZONING, continued from Page 1 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Hectinfl May ^2( 2021 , Supwviw Stonebumer called *** r'*«t'n9 to <rrfe- flt Present Ctert Goebel. Treats Fence. Supers* Stonebunw. Tmstee Doste’ & Thist«» 0*','r*s . Agenda and Apttf 14,2021 Mwte* *** 8«xov*a Pub* cocm-rts. it any. wre rtce.ved Fire Department report w» paced on «•Supennw’. Treasurer. Trustees OteT,t ? epof ' rece-xed Approved paying b^s $19 543 45 SYNOPSIS HOPE TOWNSHIP Regular Board Meeting via zoom May 10,2021 Meeting opened at 6.30 pm Aoptovad. Consent agenda Long Lake Weed treatment special assessment request Resolution 2021-11 SWBCSA Elimination of roving member Long Lake Fireworks permit Adjourned at 720 pm Submitted by; Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by. Doug Peck. Supervisor 160480 er than the tequirej, niiinirn- .. Tom Geibig, wh0 illci’,iriC‘ as “ neighbor, spoke up ,l,c •”?,"-llrln8"He didn't mentis th»'llf b’."" Jhe hn.Usc.: which was way , "L for the footprint. Geibig told the ZOll|n(J board. "The setback from that is 16 feet |n.fn the ro.id. It is 30 feet from the lake. bul either side of that three-story straight.’,,- h«lisc- thi: sidc se,‘ backs arc like 8 (fw| 3,td the sewer is right beside thc house. “The house itself wa< 100 ,ilc lol ...I’m sorry, h jlLst takes me a while to calm down.” Geibig brought photo* ant1 s*iaret* ^em with the board members. Apprcred Ordinance No 172 EMS 6SCLWX1 . . Pub':c axrrrents and Board arnmento we reeled Meetinfl ao.-ourred ol 7.32 p.m. Submitted by Rod Goebel Oe* 160612 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-23816-NC William M. Doherty P41960 Court address 206 W Court Street. Suite 302 Hastings, Ml 49058 Court tetephono no. 269-945-1390 tn rhe matter cf Nicote Hendnck. TO ALL PERSONS. Including whose address Is unknown and whose interest in the matter may bo barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE- A hearing will be held on 6/2/2021 C? 3 15 P.M. at 206 W. Court Street. Suite 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 before Judge William M Doherty to change the name of Nicola Joanna Hendnck to Nicole Joanna Cornejo STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28809-NC JUDGE: WILUAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURTADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Peggy Ann Kuipers TO ALL PERSONS, including- whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE A heanng will bo he-d on 6/16/2021 at 2.00 p m at 206 W Court Street. Suite 302, Hastngs. Ml 49058 before Judge Wiliiam M. Doherty to change the name cf Peggy Ann Kuipers to Peggy Ann Cahue-Kuipers. ifOxX STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate ALE NO. 21-28789-DE Estate of Jourda'ne Tasker. Date of birth: 03/28/1942. TO ALL CREDITORS: Northponte Bank. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Jourdarnc Tasker, died 02/28/2021. Crod.tors o! the decedent are notified that all claims agamst the estate wJl be forever barred unless presented to Joni Utting, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street. Ste. 302, Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 05/14/2021 Joni Utting 7471 Woodside Dr. Hudsonville. Ml 49426 (616) 990-3538 160871 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate ALE NO. 21-28827-DE Estate of Wes'ey L. Kahler. Date of birth: 1/2/1964. TO ALL CREDITORS­ NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The decedent. Wesley L Kahler, died 1/3/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all Claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Renda Keck, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street #302. Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date. 5/14/2021 Benjamin J Herbert (P70082) 6281 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo. Ml 49009 (269)459-1432 Renda Keck 402 E. Orchard Street Dolton. Ml 49046 (269) 804-1397 lOQBie SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting May 11,2021 Meeting called to order at 7 00 p.m. All board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Approved Ordinance 21-1 Approved EMC Liability Insurance Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on filo Motion to adjourn 7:29 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 160862 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’a Estate ALE NO. 21-28818-OE Estate of Marjorie Mafafda Merrick. Date of birth: 09/20/1927. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Marjorie Mafalda Morrick, died October 26, 2020. Creditors of the decedent aro notified that all claims against the estate will bo forever barred unless presented to Connie L Merrick, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street. Ste. 302, Hastings. Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date-May 18. 2021 Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings. Ml 49058 269-945-1921 Connie L. Merrick c/o Rhoades McKee. 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings. Ml 49058 269-945-1921 160910 STATE OF MICHIGAN BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT FAMILY DIVISION PUBLICATION AND NOTICE OF FRIEND OF THE COURT ANNUAL STATUTORY REVIEW PUBLIC NOTICE ANNUAL REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE RECORD OF THE FRIEND OF THE COURT Under Michigan law, the Chief Family Judge annually reviews the performance record ol the Fnend cf tho Court. The review will be conducted on or about July 1. 2021. This review is limited by law to the following criteria: • Whether lhe Friend of the Court is guilty of misconduct, neglect of statutory duty, or failure to cany out tho written orders of the court relative to a statutory duty; • Whether the purpose of the Fnend of the Court Acts are being met. • Whether the duties of the Friend of tho Court are being earned out in a manner that reflects the needs o! the community. Members ol tho pub'ic may submit written comments to the Chief Fam.Iy Judge relating to tnese criteria Send your written comments, with your name and address to. Honorable William M Doherty Barry County Trial Court, Family Division 206 W. Court Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 i®;n Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice Is given under section 3212 of lhe revised judicature act of 1961.1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to tho highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at tho place of holding the circuit court In Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on Juno 3. 2021. Tho amount duo on tho mortgage may bo greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bld at tho sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser Is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds offico or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Henry Davis and Frances Davis, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Argent Mortgage Company LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB AS TRUSTEE OF WV 2017-1 GRANTOR TRUST Date ol Mortgage: August 16.2004 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 24,2004 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $50,850.47 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Castleton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beg’nnlng at a point on tho East and West 1/4 line of Section 32, Town 3 North, Range 7 West, distant West 1180 feet from the East 1/4 post thereof; thenco Southerly 470 feet parallel with lhe West Imo of tho East 3/4 of the Southeast 1/4 cf said Section 32, thence West approximately 348 feet parallel with said East and West 1/4 line of Section 32; thenco North 2 degrees 10 minutes West 148 feet; thenco North 88 degrees 01 minute East 146 feet; thenco North 1 degree 00 minutes East 317 feet to the East and West 1/4 line of Section 32; thence East 202 feet to the place of beginning, Castleton Township, Barry County. Michigan Common street address (if any): 6730 E M 79 Hwy, Nashville, Ml 49073-8716 Tho redemption period shall bo 6 months from tho dale of such solo, unless determined abandoned In accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or. If the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property Is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of thc Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will bo hold responsible to the person who buys tho property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner; If you are a military service member on actino duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or If you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage al tho telephone number stated In this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 6,2021 Troll Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1434695 (05-06X05-27) 159796 h NOTICES ±n ble'aChsd gara0o once stood will make way for a garage with three room on an upper floor. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) STATE of MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO creditors Decedent's Estate PILE NO. 21-028765-TT Estate of Ardis f Makloy. Date of birth: 07/20/1937. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Tho decedent, Ardis E. Makley. died 10/27/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barrod unless presented to Jamie Makley - 1105 E State Rd., Hastings. Ml 49058 personal representative, or to both tho probate court at 206 W. Court St. #302. Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 05/05/2021 Timothy L TrompP4l57t 501 W. Stalo St Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 948-9400 Jamio Makley 1105 E. Stalo Rd., Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 908-8395 160510 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATECOURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent** Estate FILE NO. 21-28804-DE Estate of Phillip Alton Dunlop Data of birth 2/10/1926. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Phillip Alton Dunlop, diod November 25. 2020. Creditors of tho decedent arc notified that all claims against the estate will bo forever barrod unless presented to Patricia Flanders, personal representative, or to both tho probate court at 206 W. Court St., Sto. 302, Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative forithm 4 months after tho date of publication of ths notice. ' Date-5/14/202!l’n > Morgan L. Rogalke (P83981) 211 East Water Street. Suits 401 Kalamazoo. Michigan 4S007 (269) 343-2106 Patricia Aanders 11346 8th Avenue NW Grand Rapids. Michigan 49534 (616) 240-3273 mrM Notico of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of tho revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sate to tho highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at tho place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM. on June 17,2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bld at the sate does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of tho property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title Insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this Information: Namefs) of the mortgagors): Raymond L Thompson and Parnate K Thompson, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. Date of Mortgage: June 10,2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: Juno 0O> 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $79,536.64 Description of tho mortgaged premises: Situated In Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land In the West 1/2 of tho Southeast 1/4 Of section 36. Town 1 North. Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at tho Northeast comer of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4- thence South along 1/8 line 1000 foot to tho placed beginning of tho within description; thence contlnu;ng South along tho 1/8 Imo 329 feet; thence due West to tho West line of the East 56 acres of said We**! 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West line 343 feet, more or less, to a point duo West of the point of beginning; thenco due fai to trio point of beginning Common street address (rf W): 15700 Dunn Rd‘ Bellcvuo, Ml 49021-8292 Tho redemption period ehall bo 6 months from th© date of such sate, antes- detc<m‘ned abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241°: or, if tho subject real property is used fQ/agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sn'n nt foreclosure sa.a undur Chapter 32 of th© Revi-ed Jud’-alurD Act o/1001’ pursuant to MCL 600ap™ the borrower vvU be he'd responsible to th© p0,4 “ bo buys tho property at ’ho mortgage foreS? or to the mortgage Barry County Planning and Zoning Director Jim McManus, on left, answers a question from Brian Winne of Richland, who represented the Fine Lake property owners submitting a variance request, at a May 10 hearing of the county Zoning Board of Appeals. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) "Here’s what’s happening in this neighbor­ hood,” he said." ...They’re putting up garag­ es and then they’re putting two more stories with peaks on top of the garages . And this one is going to be taller than anybody’s.” Geibig said this little isle now has 18 hous­ es, six of which are in the core that are not on ihe lake, but some of these houses have access and lots to the lake. “But they’ve made lhe road 16-feet wide; it’s like a driveway,” he said. "And they’ve made this a corridor of skyscrapers.” "If you want lo build skyscrapers, move to 'New York! I mean you’ve ruined thc neightborhoqd,” he joldxthem. "I -predicted this when 1 was here when they gave lhe first variance to the mansion that you built — and it’s very obtrusive.” Winne replied, “When we built the original house nearly a decade ago, we complied with all die rules and regulations. And we did every thing we could do to be compliant and play by the rules - and we’re trying to do the same thing here.” Chairman Richard Patterson stressed that the board’s role was not to revisit history. "Clearly, the rest of the buildings were built there, either with variances or within these setbacks over lime, so they are what they are.” But Patterson expressed disquiet as well. "When 1 looked at this,” he said after the public hearing, "it just seemed, everything seems so crowded. It seems like it shouldn’t be done. But that hole sitting there is essen­ tially lhe footprint of what’s going to be there. It’s not encroaching on anyone else’s founda­ tion. “I’ve got mixed emotions on this one. guys.” During lhe hearing. Geibig questioned the use of the structure. “That’s my concern: These are not garages. ...My point is: Where do these people go? ...T heir cars are hanging out in the streets. T he kids go roaring around on go-carts. It’s a public road.... "My question is: Why do you keep giving these variances? Patterson replied, "It’s important to note that lhe past is lhe past and, whatever went on went on with reganJ to the rules, this variance stands on this own. We will not use the cur­ rent variance as any kind of punishment for what happened in the past. “It stands on its own." As far as this specific request, County Planning and Zoning Administrator Jim McManus advised thc board that “the garage has been approved. They want to convert that into a residential structure for a second-story house. So the base of it meets lhe require­ ments. This is a small lot. Just so everybody knows. ... for the small lots, there is a side­ yard setback of 6 feet. 'Fite road side of 20 is existing. So they tore down an existing struc­ ture ... They meet all the requirements.” 1 Winne called it a summer home. “It's not really a house. In fact.we refer to it as a bunk house. Tliere’s no kitchenette. It has three bedrooms and a bathroom. It’s for their family when they have overflow. J “At one point, we thought we would build it as a complete home with a kitchen and com* mon area. We ... shrunk it down and now it's just for overflow guests and family- It would be difficult lo sell separately without renovat­ ing it.” * Morgan, who ultimately voted against the variance request, said. "I’ll revert back IQ what I’ve said many a time, especially on a lake, people try to fit 10 pounds of crap in a 2-pound bag. ...1 think it’s more than what this lot should be permitted to be put on. ; “It’s too small enough for what it is.” When Patterson called for the question, no one made a motion. Finally. Shirley Barnum clarified that the board was only dealing with the question about lhe size of lhe structure. "We’re not dealing with other concerns; right?” she asked. "Right,” county Planning and Zoning Coordinator Jim McManus confirmed. So Barnum reluctantly made the motion^ with support from Patterson. 'The final vote was Patterson, Barnum and Stacey Graham irl favor of approving the variance; while Jame| Alden and Morgan voted against it. After the vote was taken, Geibig stood up and stormed out. saying as he left, “Thank you to the two people who said no. Rest good', the rest of you. You wrecked the neighbor; hood." » After the meeting that night. McManus reflected on how much lhe board members struggled with their decision. ‘’We’ve never had one like that - at least it) a decade," he added. "It’s difficult to deal with lake lots because they were platted way before an)one contemplated housing.” j holder for damaging ?ho Propefty dU'‘n9 redemption period Attention homeo^. 1( yOu are a military service member on active du^’i( Xr P*l0d of ac,iveduty has concluded less than days og0, ' y°U been ordered to acuity P!e3S0 0001301 the attorney for the !™rtH:,9£> al the telephone numb« St in th* notice. This notice is from a dint co^0'Dale o< notice: Doti Law. P.C. y<?0>2021 31440 Northwestern Hxw Suite 1*15 Farmington H.ils. Ml (248)642-2515 8334 1435351 (05-20X06-10) 160519 A sign welcomes visitors to Fine Lake in Barry County’s Johnstown Township. •: �Th* Hasting-, Banner — Thursday. May 20. 2021 — Page 11 Hastings Mutual wins fraud case sccirnm&r to BSY-nearl^ $750, OOP , A West Branch man has been ordered to Prepay nearls 57504100 to Hastings Mutual Jlmiiranco Company as a result of an alleged . insurance scam. » I fariIcnburgh. 50, was sentenced -April -1 m Ogemaw County Circuit Court to £0 days in jail and three years’ probation for •receiving and concealing stolen property in Excess of $20.(XX). J As part of thc plea agreement, Ilardcnbuigh jwrs not charged with several additional tcounb of insurance fraud, but was ordered to tpay restitution to Hastings Mutual in thc .amount of $746/129. along with another $28340 to The Hanover Insurance Group. He ‘also was ordered to turn over to law enforcement all of the medical equipment used in the scheme. ; The charges against Hardcnburgh resulted from a joint investigation between thc Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Fraud Investigation Unit and the Ogemaw County Sheriff’s Office. After an auto accident » left him "'hcclchairboun I n* a,,e£cd|y had accused of fraudulcntlv J. ar^enhurgh was care and medical cauinn Ce,v,n? attendant insurance company. As K ,U Prnv’dcd by his gathered b\ the o„' rcsuh of information Omcc during an invisdZ- C°Unt> S1,criff’’ a backhoe, Hasting m ,on ,nto the ^eft of fraud vomS "1” n,‘’d a" 01 >h lW M.'J(llT''* Wn.V and ,ltt effort w.th 'h^ s <p|FS Mrk.ng hand m ?'1'TX«g av,:Mi8»'i<>n Sherd said. ”1 .nn’ ;e ’ble to uncover th^ i?IVe',ai5u|et,rt'o<he(''<1 d0na,e Hardcnburgh. 1 1 DIFS against Working together hirer Unit investigaioni '!ln" ^raudlnves'i<5a.'!r°.n office determined n..,,, ™llnl> shcnfr.s fact w dk At ti laRlcnburgh could, in fa^ n- cL 'imc- Hardenburph w«s pkXl^e’.fT ,he backhoe theft, and a for the ille S le(l tbai included restitution tor the al egcd insurance fraud. insumnc‘Uknl “ksl,rnnec claims drive up thank il?. r?StS f°r evcry°ne, and I want to for C °?cmaw County Sheriff's Office n-ir .par(ncrine with us to bring Mr. turtlenburgh to justiceDIFS Director Anita F°X said. "Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to DIFS easily and, in most cases, anonymously, so wc strongly encourage consumers to speak up if they see something and works with 1 p0)seculc lh'ra “"<1 law­ enforcement ' fraud c,n * crimes. Suspected ins>m> lponed •<> DIFS safely or onlin" haymou'’l>' by calling »7T^ite. n,ln<: by vtsiting lhe department- f$ The s*a(c rh and fin . consumer protection. oU^s to MichS li-,Cracy and education f "igan residents. More inform^10*1 d at Michigan. Drunken driver is unlicensed and unregistered PUBLISHERSNOTICE; AH f-sl >n i\, Aeutpqer n n.tjecUo th« Ait m-J lb? Michi/sn Civil Right, Act 'vhich ixJlectivrly mil: it <’>0| Ju advrrtt«< "any ptefctt.rxr. li^uttoa nt diviti’P'Mtivn cn me. c. !<>, rdiyion. wv haixKap. UmiliJ Mtir-uU origin. age ur rr-artis! jutuv. or an in!entii’»i, tr male any prr ferrnu. h mitan.nn or dmrnnri nation ~ familial vtatus iiKhxJr* ihiij.cn unjtr Die aye of 18 living with parcnti nc l«p| uHtodiwH, pregnant women jn-l people ?ttunrig evttody rd chiM'tn under 18. Th:» r>ewtp<per will n* knowingly accept any a-.l.trtiiing f.*r real whkh ii In violation of the l>w Oe rt*Jtri air hereby infcr.r>ed th-it ill dwelling' aJvrrtivl in ihiv newjpapet are available or? on equal opportunity bai.v To report di«.nmiiutton coll ih* Fair ll<vu-;ng Center at 6IA-45I-2WO, The HUD toll-free tekpS.me number fry the hearing Impaired iv I-81M-927-927J Hit'Jites* Services Help Wanted BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. YMCA OF BARRY Coun­ ty is hiring Lead Preschool teachers and Childcare staff, 18-* for year-round positions. Sign-on, retention bonuses, and competitive wages for multiple locations. Email marci^mGiofbarryoounty.org for more details. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Garage Sale GARAGE SALE: 2841 Ham­ mond Rd, Hastings. Friday & Saturday, May 21st & 22nd, 2021. Sam to 5pm. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. 160794 AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR SOUTHWEST BARRY COUNTY SEWER AUTHORITY k. Authority Comnf171^1 ^°* 10 l^c ^n’c^cs °f Incorporation is adopted to reduce lhe number of Commissioners on ’ng Commissioner” *SSI°n ^°m Prescnt <1VC W Commissioners to four (4) Commissioners by eliminating thc "RotalArticle VII ot lhe Articles of Incorporation is hereby amended lo read as follows: ARTICLE VII: Commission, Representation, Terms, Officers, Compensation rnissfo°n Cm'n^ shall be a Commission which shall be made up of one (1) com­ moner h H k?,nled by of the Constituent Municipalities, as hereinafter provided. Each commiscaliv S a °e a mcnibcr of the legislative body of his/her Constiluenl Municipality and shall automatLmrn^,C Ws/her position on the Commission if he/she ceases to satisfy this requirement. Each co missioner, after lhe first commissioner is appointed, shall serve for a full term of four (4) years, ginning with the first day of April next following the effective date of his/her respective appointment. J? .lrstJ^mmissioners shall be appointed by the legislative bodies of thc Constituent Municipalities 'h (10) days a^cr the effective date of lhe incorporation of this /Xuthority and thc terms thereof sha be staggered as follows: Thc Barry Township commissioner shall serve for an initial term of office expiring March 31, 1992; thc Prairieville Township commissioner shall serve for an initial term of ouice expiring March 31, 1993; the Hope Township commissioner shall serve for an initial term of office expiring March 31, 1994; and the Johnstown Township commissioner shall serve for an initial term of office expiring March 31, 1995. Bctore taking office, each commissioner shall take the Constitutional Oath and tile it with the respec­ tive Township Clerk. Commissioners may succeed themselves and successor commissioners shall be appointed by the legislative bodies of the respective Constituent Municipalities on or before the 15lh day of March preceding the expiration of a term of office. Each commissioner shall remain in office until his or.her successor is appointed and qualified. ’ , — Within thirty (30) days after thc effective date of the incorporation of thc Authority thc members first appointed to the Commission shall meet for the purpose of organization. At such organizational meet­ ing lhe commission shall elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, who shall be members of the Commission, and a Secretary and Treasurer, or a combined Secretary-Treasurer, who shall also be members of the Commission. The Commission may also appoint an assistant secretary and assistant treasurer who shall not be required to be members of the Commission. Such officers shall serve until the organizational meeting of thc following year, which shall be held annually in April of each year, or until lheir respective successors shall be elected. Possible drunken driver gets a ride A caller notified police of a possible drunken driver in thc parking lot of Yankee Bill’s Wood-Fired Saloon al 8 p.m. May 13. The arriving officer saw several open and unopened cans of bcer inside the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle, a 62-year-old Nashville woman, came outside and asked why lhe officer was staring al her car. The woman became con­ frontational and said she would never drive drunk. The officer could smell alcohol on her breath, but she claimed she did not drink until she arrived at the bar. She refused to take a breath lest and said she would call her daughter to pick her up. While she was doing so, a man came out of the bar and asked why lhe officer was there. When the officer explained the situation, lhe man identified himself as ihe owner and started yelling at the officer to leave because they were driving away his customers. The officer left thc scene after thc w'oman got a ride scheduled. CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-95 gov/DIFS. $2,000 reward for catalytic converter thefts Thylor Owens Miller said a number of factors, including Steiff Writer the pandemic, have driven up thc price of ‘ I^ocal businesses arc offering a cash reward previous metals inside thc converters. They tor information leading to arrest of thc perpe­ can include platinum, palladium and rhodium trators behind a recent siring of catalytic con­ - the last of which is currently going for verter thefts in lhe community. $24,(XX) an ounce. Scrapped converters are ♦ Southside Auto Body, Center Point Auto, selling for hundreds of dollars, and cost a Spencer’s Towing & Tire and U-Rent-Em minimum of $500 to replace. Canoe Livery have chipped in for a $2,000 Miller said he could see on a security cam­ reward to help catch the thieves. era that at least two people driving a Chevrolet Chad Miller of Southside Auto Body said a HHR as they stoic lhe converter from his converter was stolen from the undercarriage vehicle on the night of May 1. He said they of one of his vehicles May 1, and several other seem to be targeting trucks, SUVs and vans businesses and residents have had lheir con­ that are high off the ground, because they verters stolen in recent weeks. don’t have to jack them up to get at thc con­ Miller said he had thought of offering a verters. Julie Fox said the converters were stolen reward, then more businesses and victims began chipping in money and it has grown. from her vans at U-Rent-Em in Hastings. “We obviously live in nice community and Hastings Interim Police Chief Dale Boulter said six catalytic converter thefts have been there’s not a place for this,” Fox said. “I just reported since February - including the most think it’s terrible that people have to be wor­ ried about this sort of thing.’’ recent on May 5. Anyone with information about these thefts Catalytic converters arc devices that arc attached to a vehicle’s exhaust system and arc encouraged lo call the Hastings City reduce toxic gases and pollutants from the Police at 269-945-5744. fumes. Banner CLASSIFIl No appointment to the Commission and no election of an officer of the Commission shall be deemed lobe invalid because it was not made within or at lhe time specified in these articles. A commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing legislative body of the Constituent Municipality which such commissioner represents. Thc removal of a commissioner shall not cause the Authority be disbanded. Each commissioner may receive for such services such reasonable compensation as may be fixed by the Commission. Each commissioner shall be entitled to reimbursement for all expenditures, made by them in carrying out official duties, including a reasonable allowance for traveling expenses. 2. This Amendment No. 3 to the Articles of Incorporation shall be published once in the Hastings Banner, a newspaper of general circulation within the limits of thc territory encompassed by the Authority. One (I) printed copy of such Amendment No. 3 lo the Articles of Incorporation, certified as a true copy thereof with lhe date and place of publication, shall be filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and thc County Clerk of the County ot Barry, within thirty (30) days after lhe execution thereof has been completed. The Secretary of the Authority Commission shall cause this Amendment No. 3 to the Articles of Incorporation Police were notified of a reckless driver on Towne Center Drive near M-37 in Middleville al 2:52 a.m. May 15. Thc caller said the vehicle was swerving, almost hit a sign and even­ tually came to a stop in lhe road. An officer located lhe vehicle and initialed a traffic stop The driver, a 19-year-old Grand Rapids man, said he’d consumed four shots and one beer but that he was not too intoxicated to drive. He had a 0201 blood alcohol content and was arrested. He also did not have a license, and the vehicle was unregistered and uninsured. to be published, certified and filed as aforesaid. Boyfriend attacks woman and her dog Constituent Municipality have endorsed thereon the statement o sue a op ion. 3. This Amendment No. 3 shall become effective upon the last date of filing of certified copies of this Amendment No. 3, as provided in the preceding Paragraph 2. This Amendment No. 3 to the Articles of Incorporation has been adopted by each of the Constituent Municipal­ ities. as hereinafter set forth in the following endorsements, and in w.mess whereof the supcrv.sor and clerk of each A 61-year-old woman called police at 7:35 p.m. May 16 to report her boyfriend for knocking both her and her dog unconscious in their residence in thc 6000 block of South Marsh Road in Orangeville Township. The woman said her boyfriend, 54, gets drunk and abusive every couple of weeks. It usually ends when she threatens to call the police and he leaves the house. This time, she decided to fo low through. The woman said he had drunk about a dozen beers and was throwing ''"8k >"^^“2ehan<,.slIi,nuni"8 doors because he couldn't find his pipe. When she tried to get him to stop he picked up her toy poodle and tow it against the wall. He then ^^er by ^ knocking her unconscious. When she awoke,^'d.her dog was stiff and motionless, TOWNSHIP OF BARRY Isl Barry Bower, Township Supervisor Isl Debra Knight, Township Clerk h"^gonX U>Xg JnfoXion was forwarded to the prosecu’ing atu>mey.VCd 2021TOWNSHIP OF HOPE Isl Doug Peck, Township Supervisor Isl Deborah Jackson, Township Clerk Car chase ends in basement, under Christmas tree May ILA Nashville 1]°''“.". .. d on m-66 at a high rate of speed Th^ (ltr Ma?le Stre-et at 10:33 p.m. The Deputy soon located the car hL°i?“r ended pursuit, but a Barry Goun R j/nlc truck tool: oft again, fleeing at 100 mnJT'wh°" Lawrence Road cast of Assyna thtf officer gave up pursuit in hoX', r the chase started to approach. ( Another cruiser located the vehicle nor^hbm cle would no! speed 'h^ dence in the 8000 block ot South M-43. Officer fou^ on M-43 before it Slopped at 4 ' us).cd hiin lo go inside and ell ttie suspect to com °om the suspect’s brother outsld . > cou)d |10t f ind him-1 ohee then searched the house The brother searched >ns>d<J. but a d ,n „ tutou( sc non of the ba^tem _ foreooinn Amnnrimnnt No 3 lo the Articles of Incorporation was adopted by the KMichi9an' a’ a m06ting dU'y h°,d °n ,h3 M . Apri1*2021- TOWNSHIP OF JOHNSTOWN Isl Barbara Earl, Township Supervisor Isl Sheri Babcock, Township Clerk The for6going Amendment No. 3 to the Articles of ln“^ra«°n *aStjn?duWd on ffie " O^day^l D< the Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, at a regular meeting duly ne o March-2021. them. The officers askul » Christmas tree on top of him. • and had a suspended l.cense- He admitted that n ls OUI on ,,ffCsted. _________________ _____ ------------ ------------ --------------- ?f day TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE Isl Jim stoneburner, Township Supervisor Isl Rod Goebel, Township Clerk r )F �Page 12 — Thursday. May 20. 2021 - The Hastings Banner ANNUAL REPORT ■■ tor«,» period 10/1/2019 —9/39/2020 ■■ ■ s ■ • Barry County Community Mental Health Authority fatty " Dear Community Partners: In 2020, the pandemic changed how all of us live and Interact with each other. The pandemic caused businesses schools and offices to close or operate differently. BCCMHA was not immune to the effects of the pandemic, but remained open providing services throughout lhe year. However, the new and changing rules made It difficult to deliver behavioral health, substance use disorder and prevention services. Therefore, BCCMHA quickly pivoted to providing services in a variety of formats directly to lhe consumer. These service formats Included tace-fo-tace using creativity and personal protective equipment, tele-health and telephonic. To continue to provide services In a safe and effective manner, BCCMHA re-fhaught processes and became more flexible and innovative In how the needs of individuals in our community are met. Thank you lo all the community partners and BCCMHA staff who continue lo help meet the needs of Individuals In Barry County In a safe and effective manner. BCCMHA looks forward to continuing to implement the lessons learned from COVID-19 and will continue to provide high quality and effective behavioral health services for Barry County. Sincerely, Richard S. Thiemkey - Executive Director BCCMHA Navigates Through the COVID Journey Jamie See Mandy Matthews While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes and challenges to the world in the past year, it has also paved the way for Barry County Community Mental Health Authority (BCCMHA) to provide services to the Barty County community in new ways. The doors at BCCMHA have been, and will continue to be, open for services despite the pandemic. In addition to providing face lo face services with all of lhe necessary precautions, Including the use of social distancing and personal protective equipment, BCCMHA has been creative in finding different ways to meet lhe needs ot those we serve. The staff at BCCMHA have shown their ability to be innovative and adaptive in serving and caring for the people of Barry County who are living with mental Illness, a substance use disorder or intellectual developmental disabilities. In person meetings and services didn't stop, they just look different than they did at the beginning of last year. Staff shared some of their experiences while serving clients over the past year: ’When lhe COVID pandemic first started, I was asked by a few people to please continue to meet with them face to face at their homes and continue to support them with daily living tasks such as reading important mail, making and keeping appointments, and staying .healthy," stated. Deolse.Lewis, Case Management Supports Coordinator Assistant. ’We followed-ffis proper safety guidelines so folks could continue to meet with me. Clients were very happy as these meetings reduced stress in their life compared to what has been going on." Jamie See, Clinical Case Manager, continued to meet with people in person, safely, throughout COVID. ’Case Management is an essential service; it was very important to me to find safe spaces and places to see people and assist them, especially when their residential homes were closed to visitors,” she stated. “Seeing each other, while taking a walk or sitting outside, helped people through these times and helped them feel connected and supported and not more isolated." Lauren Jansheski Denise Lewis “At BCCMHA, we do what is in lhe best interest of those we serve. For me, that meant meeting with clients in person during the pandemic, in safe ways, when they requested it," said Lauren Jansheski, Assistant Community Based Supervisor. “I have taken walks with clients, talked with clients while I sat in my car with the window down, met on the front porch, and even talked with them through a window. Seeing a friendly face made the difference." Mandy Matthews, Community Based Supervisor, leads the Case Management Team at BCCMHA. She had this to share: “Providing client services during a global pandemic made us think innovatively and utilize technology more than ever before. We found ways to band together as an agency to ensure that the needs of our clients and our community continued to be met, both in person and virtually. I am incredibly proud that our teams remained steadfast in our commitment to our clients despite the challenges Barry County Community Mental Health Authority 500 Barfield Drive, Hastings, MI 49058 , . Phone: 269-948-8041 ; ' J www.barrycountyrecovery.com Barry County Community Mental Health Authority Board of Directors April 2021-March 2021 (Updated 1/26/2021) Linda Maupin: Chair Robert Becker, Ed.D., Treasurer/Vice chair Don Bowers, Ruth Perino, Deb Hyatt, Kerri Selleck, Nora Hurst, Catherine Getty, Jennifer Meyer, Theresa Moody, Duane Secord, Coleen Tuokkola Board of Directors meetings for BCCMHA take place on the second Thursday of each month beginning at 8:00 a.m this created. Additionally, I am very thankful for the staff that I am lucky enough to work alongside, and I have appreciated them more than ever during this frying time." As with many in the community, state, and nation, BCCMHA staff have been productive and provided meaningful assistance while working remotely. At the beginning of lhe pandemic, BCCMHA staff quickly signed up to take shifts staffing a “Warm Line" to provide support and a listening ear to front line direct care workers and first responders. The BCCMHA Facebook page was used to share resources for additional support to community members. The state began to allow for therapy to be provided by telephone, which was not an option prior to the pandemic. Tele-health services, Including video conferencing, while already in place tor some services, quickly expanded at BCCMHA to reach as many clients as possible. . Tina Williams, Office Manager and Customer Service Representative for BCCMHA, has found that many clients have appreciated the changes, commenting, “The people we serve have stated it is sometimes easier for them io open up lo their therapists when they are in the comfort of their own home." Being able to receive therapy while at home has allowed the people BCCMHA' serves to ttiirifmize dkpdsure io the virus and continue to receive vital assistance on lheir path to recovery. Tele-health services provided on the phone and with video conferencing actually removes barriers to recovery, such as lack of transportation, and provides an entirely new way to access services. BCCMHA and the Substance Abuse Task Force (SATF), along with other community partners, such as Barry County United Way, Cheny Health, and Pine Rest, created and shared Mental Health Resource flyers both electronically,' in print, and through local agencies, organizations, and media. Outreach has continued In new and creative ways and has focused on encouraging people to reach out for help and support. Substance Use Prevention Services adapted to be able to provide early-lntervention and training services via virtual and video-conferencing methods. Both BCCMHA and the SATF have been focused on sharing social media messages of hope and recovery, with promotion of local resources for behavioral healthcare. Emily Whlsner, BCCMHA Chief Clinical Officer, says, “We know people are being affected by COVID and changes to daily lives. We encourage people to reach out for help If they're feeling overwhelmed. Connecting with a behavioral health professional can really make a difference during these unusual times." As access to vaccination has increased, requests for face to face services have accelerated, which are provided following all safety protocols." COVID has been challenging, not unlike the road to recovery and healthier living. BCCMHA has been proud to partner with many on this journey during the past year, and will continue to uphold and assist others during this time and in the future. The Veterans Treatment Program at BCCMHA is here to provide services and assistance to the men and women who have served their country. BCCMHA strives to understand the unique issues each is facing and gives support where needed. The Veterans Treatment Program assists veterans, and their dependents, in obtaining treatment and other community resources to help with the transition to civilian life and treat post-traumatic stress disorder. BCCMHA 2020 Stats: Clients served: 1,171 Fiscal year revenues: $11,740,212.00 Fiscal year expenses: $11,399,948.00 MISSION STATEMENT----------------------Barry County Community Mental Health Authority will provide accessible and affordable mental health and substance abuse services focused on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to county residents who can benefit from our endeavors and assistance. Our mission will be supported by efficient and _. prudent use of our finances and appropriate diversification. VISION STATEMENT Believing in Recovery Connecting with Community Combating Stigma Making a Difference Helping those in Need Aspiring to be the Best LIVE UNITED . Unj$ f Barry County United WiJ & Volunteer Center BCCMHA is a recipient of United Way funding for Substance Use Prevention Services United Way allocations for 2021 will be utilized to provide quality school-based prevention services, as well as programming or youth and parents in our community. �SPORTS SECTION Thursday, May 20, 2021 Saxons put two in top 10 at pre-regional round Hastings* Blake Barnum collects his ball and walks off the green on the par-3 white number seven Monday during the Pre-Regional Tournament hosted by Thornapple Kellogg at Yankee Springs Golf Course. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Thomapple Kellogg and Hastings boys aren’t strangers to Yankee Springs golf course. It is the Trojans’ home course. Thomapple Kellogg’s Connor Newland hits hits ball towards lhe green on white number nine at Yankee Springs Golf Course Monday during the Pre-Regional Tournament hosted by lhe Trojans. (Photo by Breit Bremer) . They. waulrd.ttf.be us prypurvd as possible for the upcoming port&mun Though, so the TK varsity boys' golf team hosted a PreRegional Invitational on the white and gold nines Monday and invited all the teams that will be a part of the Division 2 Regional Tournament there June I, with five teams from the region taking part in Monday’s tour­ nament. Hastings senior Will Jensen was the day’s individual champion, shooting a 74. South Christian senior Evan Roedema was second w ith a 79. and Plainwell’s /Mexander Johnson and Thomapple Kellogg’s Connor Newland tied for third w ith 80s. Roedema and the Sailors won the team title w ith a score of 337, ahead of Plainwell 337, Hastings 34-1, Thomapple Kellogg 352 and Zeeland West 354. .South Christian had a nine-stroke edge on the fifth score tiebreaker to beat lhe Plainwell boys. Jensen had four birdies during his round, on number three and eight on the white nine and one and fi\e on the gold nine. The Saxon team also got an 86 from Owen Carroll, a 90 from Joseph McLean and a 94 from Collin Pouty. “There are a lot of trees out here. You have to keep it in lhe fairway. It is not very wide. I ... The Saxons' Joseph McLean shoots his ball at the green on white number eight during the Pre-Regional Tournament hosted by Thornapple Kellogg at Yankee Springs Golf Course Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) played way better today (than al the TK Invitational in April]. 1 stayed in lhe fairway and hit a lol of greens.” the Saxon freshman Carroll said. Thc 90 pul Carroll in seventh individually for lhe day. He had birdies on five and eight on the gold nine where he said he hit good, long putts. He said he was good on a few parfours off ihe tee and the open par-fives, but he is slill focusing on keeping his drises long and straight. “Connor Newland played really well,’* TK head coach Bob Kaminski said. "He started off really well. Hopefully he can carry that through and he can play that well in two weeks, because that would really help. He was even-par through his first eight holes. I think he got tired being lhe first warm day. “He hit most of the fairways, he drove the ball well and he said his short-game was real­ ly good. That kind of keeps him out of trou­ ble.” DK girls at their best to beat Comets by two Members of the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ track and field team set 15 new personal records and the 1600-meter relay team cruised to victory to get lhe Panthers’ a 67-65 win over visiting Kalamazoo Christian .Monday in Delton. Tile DK foursome of Brenna Chandler, Hope Vanderwall, Joelle White and Halena Phillips pushed lhe Panthers into the lead in lhe end by winning lhe 1600-meter relay in 4 minutes 51.47 seconds, besting the Comet foursome in the race by over a minute. It was a big afternoon for Phillips who set new personal records in winning the 1600meter run and the 800-meter run. She took thc 800 in 2:49.15 and just missed breaking the 6-minute mark in lhe 1600 with a winning time of 6:00.02. Vanderwall also set a new PR in winning the 400-meter run with a time of 1:12.54. While Kalamazoo Christian sophomore Jada Ross won the 100 meter and 200-rneier dashes, the DK girls managed to win the sprint relays. The team of Breanna Chandler, Emily Dake. Rebecca VanDyke and White won the 400-meter relay for DK in 58.15. Die DK team of Chandler, Dake. Vanderwall and White won the 800-meter relay in 2:02.58. In the field. Kalamazoo Christian’s Tess VanDyk won lhe shot put and the discus, with DK’S Caitlin McManus and Glori Stanton placing second and third behind her in both events. vvv.K S *10nc victor>' in lhe r"-‘ld came from hue who won the pole vault by clearing the bar at 6 feet 6 inches. OlLs'iJm110"! K,tllogS boys were bested >1-45 in lheir dual with the Comets. nv L TS WC- ’ biS POin' SCOrer f0r ll,e the shot nJ 1 PapC WOn ond in the discus at 118 a wonIk I10-nw,., I,j,h was sec‘ ", “j" " 1 ends with teammate Monn. , n >^7,F rshmm 1TorCorey enMy.^~)i meter intermediate hurdles for iw • ’ sonal record time of 44.15. m a pcrKalamazoo Christian had <mVs n|,.. . and second in every other racc\J other than lhe 3200-meter run. uhere DK’s Micah Martin was the runner-un Th r K swept the victories in the four relay 2^ well. Behind New land for TK. Austin Pilsch shot an 88, CJ Crabtree a 92 and Christian DeBruin a 92 ’I K also got an 88 from Cole Shoobridge who was shooting for a TK *B’ team that included three guys. I K was playing its second straight round at home. The Lakewood boys took a 170-186 win over Thomapple Kellogg at Yankee Springs - •• -■ .... ---------- M ■ Goll Course last Thursday afternoon. Schoolcraft 392. Ionia 405 and Delton I he Vikings were led by a 40 from Logan Kellogg/Martin 459. Kenyon. Liam Cavanaugh scored a 42 and Jensen placed third with a 76. Gull Lake Jakeb Jackson and Drew Marquoit each shot junior Bryce Wheeler was the individual a 44. champ with an even-par-72. Fowlerville Crabtree led Thomapple Kellogg with a 43. senior Garrett Heart was one over at 73. TK also got a 47 from Shoobridge and 48’s Lakew ood earned its third-place finish with from Gavin Bailey and Camren Zoet. Marquoit shooting an 85. Jackson 89, Hastings was on its home course at 'Hie Cavanaugh 89 and Kenyon a 92. Legacy last Friday, hosting lhe Hastings The Saxons got an 87 from Carroll, a 94 Invitational. from Fouty and a 107 from Jack Kensington. Gull Lake took the championship at Tlie Delton Kellogg/Martin was paced by a 100 Legacy with a score of 319, ahead of St. from sophomore Karter Ribble. Javier Joseph 333. Fowlerville 353. Lakewood 355. Guevera shot a 104 for the Panthers, Zachary Hastings 364, Vicksburg 367. Charlotte 388, Hale a 118 and Marcus Momenee a 137. □ iiMtspfe gMs scoring gets TK in top three Gold ehampionship Brett Bremer Sports Editor Nobody was catching thc Ottawa Hills girls, but T homapple Kellogg’s varsity girls’ track and field team nearly chased down Forest Hills Eastern for the runner-up spot Friday at the OK Gold Conference Championship Meet at Houseman Field in Grand Rapids. The Bengals ran away with lhe champion­ ship by scoring 168 points. Forest Hills Eastern was second with 106.5, just ahead of TK’s 102.8. The TK boys were sixth on the day. just three points out of fourth place al the eight-team meet. Junior Trysta Hil,on was one of three TK ladies to earn all-conference honors, placing second with personal record times sin both the 100-meter hurdles and the 300-mcter low hurdles. She broke the 17 second barrier in the 100 hurdles, finishing in 16.99 seconds. She hit the finish line in ‘he 300-hurdles in 49.49, her first time finishing in less than 50 seconds. Ottawa Hills senior Makenzee Powell was the only rirl faster than Hilton in the two hur­ dles races. She won the 100 hurdles in 15.634 and thc 300 in 47-39- TK had three girls .score­ in lhe lop eight in both of those events. Freshman Kristen 0»nnga was third in thc 100 hurdles and *en,or Addison Satterfield eighth. In lhe 30° handles, TK senior Kylie Smith was fourth unU Satterfield placed fifth. Smith and thrower Alana Compton joined Hilton in earning aH-conference honors. Compton, a sophomore, was TK’s lone con­ ference champiot'-M,e -set a new personal record of 114 fed 1° ,nches to win the discus. Sophomore (eaiiu,v’’tj 1 reslcc Hall was third in that event with a 1R ’hrow of 95-2 and TK junior Cassidy I>',e with a mark of 70 0. , . . Compion was lh“ jn the shot put with a distance of 30-10 ^le fourth at 30-7 (a new PR). Hilton and freshman teammate Kenady Smith tied for seventh in lhe high jump, both clearing 4-6.TK’s Liberty Tetzlaff, Sydney Robertson and Leah Luyk were part of a five­ way tie for seventh in the pole vault, all clear­ ing 7-0. In the long jump, lhe TK girls’ team had Paige Zellmer forth with a PR leap of 14-105, Kylie Smith fifth with a PR of 14-95 and junior Anna Benedict sixth al 14-7. The lop relay finish for the TK ladies came in the 400-meter relay with the team of Offringa. Benedict, Satterfield and Zellmer third in 543. Ottawa Hills girls took the 800-meter relay, the 1600-meter relay and placed second in the 3200-meter relay. The Bengals got wins from junior Alicia Robinson in lhe 100-meter dash and thc 200melerdash and Adit Dau in the 800-meter run and the 1600-meter run. Dau was third in the 3200 behind teammates Madison Ebright and Selma Anderson who were 2-3 behind her in the 1600. The Bengals also had four of thc five fastest 800-meter times, with Catholic Central freshman Emily Tomes breaking up that pack with a runner-up finish behind Dau. The only individual race ihe Bengals didn’t win on thc track was lhe 400 which South Christian freshman Abby Winkle won in 1:02.9. Cedar Springs was fourth in the girls’ standings with 885 points, ahead of Kenowa Hills 85, South Christian 53.6, Wayland 36.6 and Grand Rapids Catholic Central 21. Scoring on lhe track in individual races for the 1K girls were sophomore Lindsey Veiling who was fourth in the 100-meter dash and seventh in the 400, and Trysta Hilton and Kylie Smith who were seventh and eighth in lhe 200-meler dash. I he 200 was one of lhe best events lor the IK boys on the day with senior Wyatt Helzer placing third in 23.25 seconds. TK also got a pair of third-place finishes from senior Camcron Gavette in the hurdles. He finished the 110-meter high hurdles in 16.86 and the 300-inetcr intermediate hurdles in 43.96. TK had two guys score in both hurdles races, with Jacob Pykosz seventh in the 110’s and senior Way de Barry eighth in the 300’s. Forest Hills Eastern won the boys' champi­ onship with 131 points, ahead of South Christian 985, Kenowa Hills 835, Wayland 5, Ottawa Hills 4. Thomapple Kellogg 2. Cedar Springs 68 and Catholic Central 52. The top finish of the day for lhe TK boys came in the 800-meter relay with lhe team of Gavette, Jaxon Sias. Helzer and Austin VanElst placing second in 1:3455. Brennan Luiz. Gabe Lajoye, Howie Frizzell and Lucas VanMeter added a third-place time of 8:55.8 in the 3200-meter relay for TK. TK had two scorers in a couple field events. Senior Blake Monroe set a new PR of 38-2 in a seventh-place shot put finish and junior teammate Christoper Sharrnr bumped his PR in lhe event up to 36-6 to place eighth. In the high jump, TK had Sias, a freshman, third at 5-6 and VanElst fifth at 5-4. In the pole vault, TK junior Matthew' Smith was third at 10-6 and junior Dakota Haskin seventh at 10-0. Helzer added a fourth place leap of 18-10.5 in the long jump for TK. Junior Jonah Schilthroal added a point for the TK boys with an eighth-place PR of 55.65 in the 400-meter run. Cedar Springs senior Corey Bowers capped his conference season in fine fashion, winning the 800-meter tun. lhe 1600-meter run and the 3200-mcier run. Catholic Central sophomore Joseph Mullett matched his three individual victories, taking the 200-meter dash, lhe 400 and lhe long jump. T K will head to Mason Friday to take part in its Division 2 Regional Meet. �'" ‘ ' ’ themselves in g|<ea^non-confereil£^^^^^ Vikes find Brett Bremer Sports Editor . Lhe Vikings have a big Greater Landing Activities Conference doubfeheader at home against Olivet Monday afternoon. but took some time away from the conference os ently. Lake wood’s varsity baseball team took one-run wins over rival Ionia in a ikxjblchcad er at Lakewood High School Monday alter splitting a pair nt Pennfield hwt Friday ■ Nathaniel Graham earned a walk-ott walk with thc bases loaded in thc bottom of the seventh inning of game two against the Bulldogs Monday to finish off a 7-61 aikcwood victory. Ionia reliever Collin Palmer. who came on with one out in the sixth, couldn t find the strike zone in lhe seventh Lakewood scored die winning run without the benefit of a hit. Blake Price reached on an error to lead off rhe inning, Brady Gawnc Walked and Jayce Hansen was hit by a pitch to load thc bases with nobody out. Graham watched four balls go by and trotted to first as Price came in to score the winning tun. Lakewixxl Jed 5-1 after two innings but the Bulldogs battled back with a nin in the top of the third and fourth in the fourth to lend 6-5. Mkewood evened things in the sixth with a run before taking die win in the seventh. Nathan Willette singled, tripled and drove in two runs while scoring one. He also walked once to lead the Viking attack. Graham. Hansen, Price and Brent Sweet all singled for the Vikings. Sweet and Ihicv each scored two runs Gawnc also scored a run. Sweet and Gawne both walked twice. Gavin Willette got the win on thc mound, in relief of Nathan Willette. Nathan started and was charged with six runs (four earned) in four innings. He walked two. slmck out three and gave up eight hits. Gavin threw three scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit while walking one and striking out two. Kane Lundslrum led the Bulldog offense going 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. Lake wood look game one 3-2, scoring two runs in lhe bottom of the first and one in the bottom of lhe second. The Bulldogs pul two around in the lop of the seventh, but thc Vikings ended the late rally there. Maple Valley freshman James Penny pulls to the front of his heat on his way to setting a new personal record in the 100meter dash with a time of 12.77 seconds at the GLAC duals hosted by Lakewood Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity boys' track and field team added three victories Monday, scoring wins over Greater Lansing Activities Conference foes Perry (81-46), Leslie (68-59) and Maple Valley (105-13) at Unity Field. A couple of seniors were al their best for the Lakewood boys’ team. Garrett Stank flew further than ever before in the long jump to win that event for the Vikings with a mark of 20 feet 45 inches. Teammate Heath Carter ran his fastest 8(X)-meten» ever to win lhat race in 2 minutes 11.80 seconds for the Vikings. Stank won three events on the day. also taking the JOO-meter dash in 1156 seconds and the 200 in 23.76. He was tied for third in the pole vault with teammate Tyson Raffler as they both cleared the bar at 10-6. Leslie senior Grant Weber won the pole vault by clearing 12-6 and Perry senior Jacob Orweller was second al 11-6. Orweller would go on lo win the 110-meter high hurdles and thc 300-mclcr intermediate hurdles as well, a pair of races in which ’tyson Raffler was second. Raftlcr set a new PR with his runner-up time ot 4352 in the 300 hur­ dles. Weber moved from lhe pole vault pit to thc track to win the 400-meter run. Lakewood senior Nathan Alford won the 1600-meter run in 4:48.94 and the 32(X)-meter run in 10:45 24, with his sophomore brother Ryan Alford placing third in lhe 3200 and .selling a new PR in the 1600-meter run with his fifth-place lime of 519 32. LAkewcxxi got a second place finish in the 800-meter relay from the team ol Benjamin dkife'z Nathaniel Graham pitches for the Vikings during game one Of their doubleheader with visiting Ionia Monday afternoon at Lakewood High School (photo by Brett Bremer) I-akcwood had eight hits in that opener, including 2-for-3 performances from Brady Gawne and Walker Klifman. Gawnc doubled and drove in two runs while scoring one him­ self. Nathaniel Graham had the Vikings’ other RBI. Sweet, Price, Hansen and And} Wolverton had thc Vikings' other hits. Sweet and Sawyer Stocpker each scored a run. Nathaniel Graham started on the mound and went 6.1 innings, stoking out four :ind w alking three. He allowed two runs on three hits. Gavin Willette came on to get the final two outs, but did walk a batter and give up one hit in the seventh. The two wins move the Vikings record lo 22-6 overall this season. Lakewood took game one 4-3 at Penniield Friday and fell 4-3 in game two. “We played great baseball all day long against a very good team, which is what you want your team to be doing as you hit lhe home stretch of thc season.” Lakewood head coach Brad Tacey snit| -| was very impressed with how we handled some adversity in both games and thc grit and determination we showed lo grind out that game-one win. “And we almost finished lhat comeback in game two. We never g(Ive up and fought lo the end. This is the type 0*r eflbrt you want to see out of your guys, jUM competing on every play and on every pitch- Vcr>' Proud ol our team today.’’ Gawne took the mound in the opener and threw 5.2 innings of split work, tossing the first five innings and then returning lo lhe mound in lhe seventh to gel two outs. He gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk. He struck out nine. He shared the mound with Graham u ho threw the sixth and then returned to get the final out of the sev­ enth and earn the save. Graham struck out two and didn’t allow a run. walk or a hit. Lakewood scored all four of its runs in the top of the second innin*’, after falling behind Lakewood second towards the bag at second to start 6f Stoe--P•----------------------------------ker scoops up a ground ball running lheir doubleheader against rival I 3 doub,e Pfoy for the Vikings during game one of °nia Monday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 2-0. Hansen and Graham scored on errors and Sweet drove in two runs with a two-out sin­ gle. Sweet was 2-for-3 in the win. Graham was 2-for-3 with a double. Gawnc was 2-for-4 with a stolen base. Klifman singled as well. Graham started on the mound in game two and went three innings. He gave up six hits and walked one. hut didn’t allow a run while striking out two. Nathan Willette look the loss in relief, with three earned and one unearned run against him. He gave up three hits and walked three. One of those three hits against Willette was a three-run home run by Pennficld’s Cody Hullink in lhe bottom of the third inning that put his team in front. He was 2-for-3 with a walk in game two. Lakewood scored two runs on a two-out, two-run single by Sweeting in the seventh after heading into the inning down 4-1, but couldn’t get another guy around. Sweet was 2-for-4 in game two with two Rbi and two stolen bases. Hansen hit a tower­ ing home run. and Sawyer Stocpker and Nathan Willette each singled once in thc loss. ‘That was without question, the best team we’ve faced this .season,’’ Taccy said. “How that team isn’t ranked is bey ond me. Iliey ve got a couple guys that will be playing at the next level next year and their one through four hitters came just rake. That shortstop of theirs (Hultink] has signed with U of M and his three-run home run is the difference between winning and losing that second game.” Pennfield took two from Jackson Northwest in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference double­ header Tuesday and is now 19-6 overall this season. Lakewood sophomore Madison Bierens gets over the bar at 7 feet to score in the pole vault for the Vikings during the set of GLAC duals which also included Maple Valley, Leslie and Perry at Unity Field Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Scobey. Colt Endsley, Justin Warner and Alexander Russell that finished in 1:4252. In the field, lhe Lakewood boys also got a win from junior Jacob Merry field who cleared 5-6 in the high jump. Junior Connor Feighan was lhe runner-up in lhe shot put with a mark of 38-3.5 for the Vikings, behind Leslie fresh­ man Brogan Dodge’s put of 39-4.75. Dodge also won the discus at 124-5. an event where Feighan was third. Freshman Evan Brandenburg had a couple of lhe Lions’ top finishes, placing third in lhe 100-meter dash with a personal record time of 12.16, behind Stank and Leslie freshman Christian Reed who was second in 12.13. Brandenburg set his PR al 25.03 in the 200metrr dash, with Perry' senior Troy Barber .second in lhat race with a PR of his own at 24.75. Another Lion freshman, James Penny, set new personal records in lhe 100 and the 200 too. scoring in his team’s duals with lhe Ramblers and Blackhawks with his sev­ enth-place time ot 26.26 in the 2(X). The Lions also got a personal record from sophomore Ashton Ripley in the 400-meter dash. He was fourth in that race in 59.79. Maple Valley’s boys were 0-3 for lhe after­ noon. falling 90-26 lo Perry and 92-23 lo Leslie. In the girls’ meet, Lakewood took a 69-44 w in over lhe Maple Valley girls, bested Leslie 73-43 and fell 64-50 to Perry. The Maple Valley girls scored a 60-59 win over Leslie, but fell 67-46 lo lhe Perry girts. In lhe scoring between Leslie and Perry, lhe Perry girls took u 7342 11,1(1 lhc Ixslie boys won 82- 37. Ashlyn Wilkes led the Lion ladies, winning lhe 200-meter dash and lhe 400-meter dash with the fastest times of her senior season in each. She took thc 400 in 1:04.62 and the 200 in 28.61. Wilkes won the high jump too, clear­ ing the bar al 4-8 with freshman teammate Lilly Faurot second at 4-6 and Lakewood senior Sophie Duits third al 4-4. Lakewood junior Hokulani Ka’alakea was the runner-up to Wilkes in the 200. lo Perry­ Lakewood freshman Ethan Cappon flies through lhe air over the long jump pit during senior Hailey Lewis in the 100 antl sllc won the 100-meter hurdles with a lime of 18.00. tho GLAC duals at Lakewood High School Monday. Monday. (Photo (Photo bv by Brett Brett Rromoa Bremer) Ka’alakea started her day with a fourth-place finish in the long jump. On the track, the Lakewixxl ladies also 8°l place second behind Perry’ junior Kallei Christopher, Greanlee DePypcr and Faurot to a victory from senior Katie .Acker in the 3200- Brown who set her PR at 8-3 in winning the win the 800-meter relay in 2:02.26. meter run. She finished the race in 12:32.99. event. Christopher was as fast as ever on lhe day. Wilkes was a four-time winner for the Acker was second in the 1600-meter run behind Perry junior Grace O’Neill- Acker’s Maple Valley ladies, teaming with Liz setting new PRs in both thc 200-mcter dash and the 400-meter run. distance running teammate Emily Apsey, another Viking senior, was fourth in lhe 1600 and set a new personal wilh hcr n,n" ner-up lime of 2:51 79 jn the 800-meter run. O’Neill ran her fastest g00 ever too to win that race in 2:38.84. Freshman thrower Ann3lx’,,e.Stanl\ had a good day in lhe field for the Vikings. She got The Maple Valley varsity girls’ soccer team Lydia Schilz scored lhe Lions’ Ion # .............; 5UI3 SUCC a winning mark of 87-5 in th* discus and was shut out Perry for the thc second lime ilm.» this season ’ _____ _ Lions' lone goal in second in the shot put with a mark ot 2 , . Saturday al lhe Greater Utnsing Activities lheir loss at Stockbridge last week. Maple Valley junior H<'1Iinah Kin"cy had The Panthers led that game 2-0 al lhe halt, Conference Tournament to finish off the con­ her best put of the season 'vith lhc.sho1’ gel" ference season. getting one goal on a PK. Schilz’ unassisted ting a fourth-place finish *id’ a distance 01 The Lions bested Perry 34) after a 3-0 loss goal made it 2-1 early in the second halt 24-10.5 while also Piacin, third in the discus Maple Valley is slated to take on Calhoun to Stockbridge to start the day. nt 71-11. * . It was the second straight game tor the Christian at Fuller Street Field in Nashville Lakewood sophomore MaJison Lions against the Stockbridge girls. Maple this evening (May 20) and then will open the was one of just iw0 »jrh to n,ake ,l °^r J . Division 4atstate Valley closed lhe conference regular season ballgame KaLitournament with a district initial height in the ptle vault, clearing 7-0 to with a 4-1 loss al Stockbridge last Wednesday. »ballgame «♦ Kalamazoo Heritage Christi»n Academy next Thursday (May 27). Lions blank Ramblers again in final conference match �Hastings Banner Thursday, May 2021 Page 15 ThflThfl Hastings Banner —— i nursaay, May 20.20. 2021 —— Page B Pitchers dominate as Vikes and Bulldogs split a pair Brett Bremer Bremer Brett i .i Editor sure th ir» Indies rallied late to make Ionia Ruin ° n,ns WouMi‘t be enough lor the Ss IgS l° SCOre at Ukewood School Monday. thpm.n !kingVap‘ity softball ’earn fell 1-0 to . °8S in the opener of their non-condoublehendcr. The Bulldogs took a c, i |Ca •’help °f a couple controver­ sial decisions by the umpires in game two. but me Lakcwtxxi girls battled back to win 2-1 in eight innings to salvage the split. ' udrey Hillard scored what proved to be the winning run in thc top of the eight for thc * ‘kings in game two. rushing home to score from second on a single into ccnterfield by teammate Cora Giffin with one out. lutkewood pitcher Morgan Stahl earned lhe win. shutting down thc Bulldogs in the eighth getting a pop out, a ground out and a called thiid strike to finish off the bailgame. Ionia pitcher Layna Braman matched Stahl pitch for pitch throughout game two, but Stahl was a bit better. Lakewood outhit the Bulldogs 5-2 in game two and Stahl struck our ten Bulldogs while not walking a batter. To say the only Bulldog run was unearned would be an understatement to the Viking fans in attendance. Josie Phelps led off the bottom of thc third inning with a ground ball to the right side. Viking first baseman Coni Giffin fielded the ball and threw to second baseman Bella Lab covering at first. Lab struggled with thc throw and had the ball in her hand as Phelps neared thc bag. Ionia coaches protested lhe out call and after a dis­ cussion thc umpires ruled that Lab hadn’t gotten thc ball out of thc dirt in time. Il looked like Viking catcher Lily Federau made up for the error gunning dow n Phelps as she tried to steal second on a 1-2 pilch to the next better, but after thc Ionia coaches filed another grievance the umpires decided Phelps was able to reach around Viking shortstop Hannah Slater, who’d been waiting for her slide at second base with the ball, and get a hand on the bag before slater’s tag hit her midsection. Phelps went to third on a groundout and then scored on a Viking error with two-out to put her team in front. Lakewood bounced right back in lhe top of “ ' ---------------------------------------------------------------- —--------------------- ------------- - ———। Ameri Pre Mil ITWU GUEST The Lakewood infield talks things over around pitcher M team’s game two win over Ionia at Lakewood High School team scored a one-run victory Monday. (Photo by Brett BferT1 the fourth, but couldn’t get the tying run in after singles by Giffin and Emilie Yonker. The Vikings finally broke through in thc top of the fifth. McKenzie Richards reached on an error, and was replaced at first by Fcdcrau who grounded into a fielder’s choice. Liv Woodman managed to bunt Federau to second, and then Federau stole third and came home on a Bulldog error. Stahl allowed a one-out single to Braman in the bottom of the fifth, but then retired thc next 11 Bulldog batters. Stahl struck out 17 in game one’s seven-in­ ning complete game effort She didn’t walk a batter, allowed just three hits and thc one run against her in that ballgame was unearned as well. Sarah Bevington threw the opener for the Bulldogs, giving up just one single to Yonker. Stahl during their y afternoon. Each She struck out seven and walked two. Ionia scored its onc in the top of the sixth. A pair of I-akc*°J^ errors gave Rajalai Esquivel the chance to drive in what would be the game’s only run on a bunt single to the left side. p The Vikings host retry fOr a doubleheader Friday and Monday will head to Olivet for a doublchcader with the Eagles. The Vikings were scheduled to face the Leslie girls for one game last night (May 19) in Olivet where the Eagles were also scheduled for one game with Leslie. Lakewood finished a three-game GLAC sweep of Stockbridge last Thursday, scoring a 3-1 win over the Panthers in which Stahl struck out 14 and scattered five hits*. Federau was 2-for-3 at thc plate for thc Vikings. Slater was Lfor-1 and drew two Lakewood second baseman Bella Lab picks the ball out of the dirt as Ionia’s Josie Phelps approaches the bag at first during the bottom of the second inning of game two between the Vikings and Bulldogs Monday at Lakewood High School. Initially called out, Phelps was ruled safe after the Ionia coaches questioned the call and she came around to score her team’s only run in a 2-1 Lakewood win in game two. Ionia took a 1-0 win in game one of the doubleheader. (Photo by Brett Bremer) walks. Hillard, Maryssa Goble and Yonker each had a hit in the win as well. Lakewood went into last night’s contest with a 20-4 overall record and a 6-1 GLAC record. The Vikings won two games at Pennfield Friday, 13-0 and 7-0 in a non-confercnce douhleheader in Battle Creek. Saxon track teams defeat Panthers in last 1-8 dual Hastings’ Caleb Waller (center left) and Layton Eastman (center right) run in the 110-meter high hurdles at the Pre-Regional event hosted by the Saxons at Baum Stadium Saturday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer Hastings’ track teams traveled to MarshalII on Tuesday night to compete in their last regu[ar season Interstate-8 Athletic Conference iZtlXt Pennfield, and the -Saxon girls and boys- teams both came away with anothe conference win by defeating “[h^cllc Facing the Michigan High School Atmeii Association Rcgionals competition on Freday (May 21), Hastings head coach Bn.» made adjustments agains hea|thy and goals for the meet were to leave to only run our region., J > wen_ races while still picking up the win. able to do all three of **,,n^ted the The Saxons girls team record Panthers 965-555, giving drem an -8 of 5-2 and a chance to I n in the conference after nex njgh[ ship meet. Allison lee pp hj h broke her with three first ^jied placed own single season scon first in the 100-meter hurdles, pore the 4x200-mcter relay. (| .ul(j , for girls picking up first place finishes for the team were: Carissa Strouse in thc 1600-meter L,Iy Comensoli in thc 800-meter run, Addey Nickels in the 200-meler dash, and Natalee Sanders in lhe high jump. Tire Saxon girls’ 4x 100-meter relay team of Madison Nino, Josey Nickels. Isabella Roosien and Kali Grimes finished in first place, as <Hd the 4x200-meter relay team of N>no. Addey Nickels. Roosien and Hastings boys team broke the 100-point -nark again for the season, to finish with a 131-29 win over the panthcR. n,,. Sax0„ boys are now 4-3 overall in the 1-8 and also have a chance to finish second overall in the conference after the championship meet. Bayne Signeski tallied four fiAt place fin­ ishes, winning the 100-meter and ->00-meter dash, and on his 4xI00-meler and 4x200 me­ ter relays. Layton Eastman and Robby Slaughter had three first place finishes for the night Eastman won the 110-meter and 300meter hurdles and competed on the 4x20) me ter relay. Slaughter won the long iun.n "L competed on the 4xl00-meter and 4x200 ter relay- Kirby Beck won the po!e LaS X’l Sam Randall brought home two first place results after winning both the shot put and discus. Other Saxon boys finishing in first place for their events were Jonah Teed in the 1600meter run, Xander Signeski in the 400-meter run, Charles Nickels in the 800-meter run, Cole Greenfield in the 3200-meter run. The 4x800-meter relay team of Xander Signeski, Teed, Nickels and Kearen ToIles also finished in first place for the night. Last Saturday. Hastings’ hosted a PreRegional Invitation^ • Baum Stadium and Johnson Field. There eight teams performed at a highly compeptlVe ’cvcl.The Saxon girls’ team finished third on the day scoring 99 points, behind Oliv^ With 103 and Holt with 116. The boys’ teaiJ][finished in fifth place with 60 points, Olivet with 139. Fremont 105, Overly 77. and Holl was also on the 4x200.n>eter wj,lning P1The Saxons ^Allison Teed *on llle lx>,c vault and 100meter hurdles wilh»n^ >PR of 15.92, and the girls- 4x200 reW *a'n of Nino, Addey Nickels, Roosien finished in first ,0 M«°" High School The Saxons’ Daisy Kerby throws the shot put during the Pre-Regional meet hosted by the Saxons inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Saturday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) on Friday to compete in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Regional compe­ tition. Coach Teed is looking forward to the com­ petition, “I’m most excited about watching our relays compete. We have a couple for both lhe boys and the girls that are seeded high and with relays, anything an happen.” Field events will start at 2:30 p.m. and the running preliminaries will begin at 4 p.m. DK girls fall in SAC match at Fennville The Panthers will close out the 2021 regu­ lar season with a trip to Calhoun Christian in Battle Creek Monday. The Delton Kellogg varsity giilr»’ soccer team was set to close the Southwestern Athletic Conference season yesterday after­ noon (May 19) m Kalamazoo Christian. ITic DK girls saw their record in the SAC bumped to 2-4-1 by a 5-1 loss at Fennville Monday evening. Caitlin O’Meara scored Delton Kellogg’s goal in the loss to lhe Fennv ilk girls, finishing a free kick from just outside lhe 20-yatd-line. Tlie DK girls open the Division 3 state postseason at home next Wednesday, May 26, taking on Springport in a district opener The winner of that match will go on the road for its Division 3 District Semifinal ballgame. �Page 16 - Thursday. Mav 20. 2021 — The Hastes Bdnne’ ■■■ Hastings drops shutout with Pennfield, wins one at B.C. Central Vai Slaughter Contribidinx Writer Thc Saxons varsity girls' *occer team hos cd Interstate-8 Athletic Conference nva Pennfield Friday on Pierer Field, shutting ou lhe Hastings offense to take a 2 0 victoryThc Saxons’ defense played a tough g« and lhe work in thc goal kept the scoreless until late in thc first halt- e' coach lot the Saxons Tim Schoebel M “Samara Jacobs and Lauren 1 amphere M had a couple good shots on goal in t ‘ half just missing lhe goal or hitting t c The score was 1-0 at half for the Panthers. The Saxons’ continued to work on defense with Moll) Patton and Hannah Crozier shut­ ting down several offensive attacks by the Panthers, lhe Panthers remained scoreless in the second half until under two minutes to go in the game when they were able to put anoth­ er one in thc back of the net. Saxon goalies Skylar Dixon and Dakota Blough both played tough in lhe box for the team putting together a combined 14 saves for the night. lhe Hastings girls bounced back from the shutout with one of their own Tuesday, scor­ ing a 4-0 win nt Battle Creek Central in a non-eonference match. Hastings’ Bri Barnes (16) looks to beat a Pennfield girl to th0 ball in the midfield during their Interstate-8 on P'erce Field in Hastings Friday afternoon. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) The Saxons’ Lauren Lamphere fires a corner kick towards the Pennfield net during her team's 1-8 toss to the visiting Panthers on Pierce Field in Hastings Friday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Lamphere started the scoring for lhe Saxons with a comer kick that ricocheted *nl° l*lc nct« and her team held that 1-0 lead through lhe remainder of the first half­ In lhe second half, the Saxons found sever­ al more opportunities for scoring and capital­ ized on them. Lamphere added another goal and an assist, and Raegen Morrison booted in two with one assist. Goalies Blough and Dixon combined for five saves with the Saxon defense really limiting the Bearcats chances to get off good shots. The Saxons will host the Thornapple Kellogg Trojans for the Michigan High School Athletic Association District playoff game at Pierce Field at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. May 26. Lakewood freshman midfielder Alivla Benedict bounds past Ionia defende * Dinehart towards the Bulldog net during the first half of the Vikings’ 5-0 win over rivals from the north Monday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikings beat Ionia after two tough losses in GLAC tourney Brett Brenier Sports Editor Senior night went as planned for the Vikings as they took a 5-0 win over rival Ionia at I^akewood High School. A pair of seniors found the net for the Vikings, with Natalie Lang knocking the first goal past lhe Bulldog keeper 14 minutes into □ Lions knock @ff Game 2 for first (SLA© ’yz’cnit Brett Breriicr ” SportsEditdr The Maple Valley varsity baseball team got its first victory of thc Greater Lansing Activities Conference season Monday, win­ ning game tw o of its doubleheadcr with visit­ ing Lansing Christian in Vermontville. The Pilgrims took game one 9-7, but thc Lions came back for a 4-2 win in game two. Three Lion singles, two walks and a Lansing Christian error allowed the Lions to score three runs in the bottom of thc first inning of game one. and Maple Valley tacked on an insurance run on an RBI double by Chanse Courtney in the bottom of lhe fifth after the Pilgrims had pulled within 3-2 with two runs in lhe lop half of lhe inning. Callan Hoefler got the Lions’ three-run outburst started with a one-out walk in lhe first. He stole second and went to third on a single into right by Gregg Richardson. Hoefler scored on a Pilgrim error, with Richardson racing to second, and then Richardson scored on a .single into center by Nick Osborne. Courtney walked after Osborne stole sec­ ond and went to third on a passed ball,putting runners on the comers with one out. Lansing Christian gol a strike out before Camden Carpenter drilled an RBI single into right field to plate Osborne. Carpenter stole second to put two on with two out, but the Pilgrims finally got a ground ball to end lhe threat. Starter David Hosack-Frizzell got the win for the Lions. He struck out three and walked four in four innings, but didn't allow a hit. He was charged with two runs (one earned). Courtney came on in relief and threw three scoreless frames, giving up one hit and issu­ ing three walks while striking out one. Courtney was 2-for-2 with a walk at the plate. The Pilgrims took game one 9-7 with ten hits. It wasn’t until the sixth lhat lhe Pilgrims really put things together though, turning a 4-3 lead to 9-3 lead with five runs in the top of the inning. Thc Lions answered with four of their own in the bottom of the sixth, but couldn’t quite complete the comeback after losing an early 3-2 edge. Maple Valley had just three hits, singles by Hoefler. Hosack-Frizzell and /Xyden Wilkes. Wilkes scored two runs and drove in one. Richardson had two RBI. Hoefler had an RBI and scored a run. Lane Morris walked and scored a run. Courtney walked four limes and scored a run. Courtney and Osborne score two bases each and Wilkes had a steal too. Lansing Christian had ten hits and look advantage of five Lion errors to score five unearned runs. James Wiser started and took the loss for the Lions. He struck out four and walked three while giving up six hits in 4.2 innings. Just two of the four runs against him were earned. Richardson came on in relief and gave up two earned runs (five total) on four hits and two walks. He struck out three over the final 2.1 innings. The Lions and Pilgrims were scheduled to get together again in Lansing yesterday (May Trojans win with big and small leads against South Christian Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Thomapple Kellogg varsity softball team improved its OK Gold Conference record to 9-3 with a sweep of its doubleheader against visiting South Christian Tuesday. Tbe Trojans tcxik the opener 9-7 over lhe Sailors and then dominated game two on the way lo a 14-1 win. South Christian led game one 5-2 alter two innings, but TK took lhe lead for good wilh four runs in the bottom of the third inning. Moriah Sprague had an RBI single after a single by Llama O’Riley and a double by Paige VanStee to start that third-inning surge for the Trojans. A walk by Natalie O’Riley loaded the bases wilh one out and everybody moved up a spot on a wild pilch. Sophie Haveman capped off the rally wilh a line drive single into center lhat plated Sprague and Natalie O’Riley. VanStee was 3-ior-4 with three runs and three RBI in game one. Malcah Bailey and F.liana O’Riley had two hits each in the top two spots in the order for IK. F.Iaina scored three runs and Bailey one. Elaina also walked once. Natalie O’Riky walked three times. Sprague finished lhe game with two RBI, as did Haveman. Carly Snyder also drove in a run for the Trojans. Bailey got the win in the circle forTK. She struck out two and walked one while giving up just three earned runs in her seven innings. South Christian managed nine hits. Sprague’s bat exploded in game two. She was 3-for-4 with three doubles. She drove in four runs and scored three limes. VanStee was 2-for-3 with two RBI and four runs scored. Natalie O’Riley also had a single, a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Haveman singled and drove in two runs. Bailey and Elaina O’Riley had one hit each. Bailey scored a run and walked twice. Elaina scored two runs.TK got a l-for-3 performance from Snyder who walked twice, scored one run and drove in one. Kale Caldwell also singled and scored a run for thc Trojans. VanStee got the win in the circle. She threw four innings, striking out one and walking two. She allowed four hits. Bailey threw two scoreless innings, giving up three hits and walking two. TK came into lhe doublcheader having scored two lopsided wins al West Ottawa Saturday. The Trojans took 12-5 and 19-5 wins over lhe Panthers in Holland. 19). Maple Valley willhe home Saturday for its’ annual Ken . foirdslee Memorial Invitational.The Lions clore GLAC play with three against Peny next week. Thc Lions smacked ten hits, including three extra-base hits, but it wasn’t enough to pull out a win against visiting Leslie in Vermontville last Wednesday. The Blackhawks keep adding nins in an 8-5 win Wednesday. Lane Morris, Carpenter and Richardson had two hits each. Morris doubled and drove in three runs. Carpenter doubled too. Osborne tripled in three at-bats. Richardson, Courtney, Hosack-Frizzell, Carpenter and Wiser each scored a mn for lhe Lions. Wiser and /Xndrew Sebastian had one RBI each. Leslie scored four times in the opening inning and upped its lead to 5-0 in lhe top of the second before the Lions put together an RBI single by Wiser and a two-run double by Morris in the bottom of the second to gel within 5-3. Hoefler walked and Richardson singled behind Morris’ double in the second, but the Blackhawk pitcher notched a strikeout to end lhe bascs-loaded threat. In between those GLAC ball games, the Lions went 1-1 at Potterville Saturday, best­ ing lhe host Vikings 17-2 and falling 8-4 to Charlotte. Morris was 3-for-4 with three runs and three RBI in the leadoff spot f°r die Lions in the win over Potterville. Richardson was 2-for-3 wilh a triple, three RBI and four runs scored. Osborne was 2-for-4 with a run and four RBI. Wilkes had a pair of singles.an RBI and scored three runs. The Lions also got hits from Wiser, Courtney, Sebastian, Cruz and Blaze Sensiba. Lakewood senior Anja Kelley pushes towards the Ionia goal box with the ball during the first half of her team’s win over the visiting Bulldogs Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) the contest. Senior attacker Anja Kelley scored two goals thc rest of the way, an sophomore Elaina Harring and junior Rebekah Storm added goals for the Vikings as well. luikewoodled the bailgame 4-0 at the half. “Our defense did a great job today of limit­ ing Ionia to one or two shots on goal, Lakewood bead coach James LeVeque said. “Our attack did a better job possessing the ball and passing, but still struggled finishing. It was a good bounce back for the Vikings after two lough losses al the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Tournament in Lansing Saturday. Kelley scored her team’s only goal in a 6-1 loss to Lansing Christian to open the toumament. Leslie then bested the Vikings 2-1 in the match for third. “This was a game we were really hoping to get.” LeVeque said. “Leslie was playing with­ out its superstar. “ The Viking offense was a bit out of sync though and the Vikings struggled to possess the ball. Leslie took a 1-0 lead and held it for a while before Sadie Brearley found the equal­ izer for the Vikings in the second half to make it a 1-1 game. . The Blackhaw its managed io tally a second goal with ten minutes to play and then held on for the win. “Our defense played well, not giving up too many quality chances.” LeVeque said. “Our offense could not capitalize on the couple good attacks we put together." The offense struggled in lhe opener too against the talented Pilgrims, who took a 3-0 lead in the first half. LeVeque said the offen­ sive struggles putt added pressure on the back line and thc Viking keepers, and they were under attack all game. • ! , i ‘ ' ©!K baseball keeps Game 1 : close watt Constantine boys. . The Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team was bested in a pair of Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division ballgames against visiting Constantine Monday. The Falcons edged the DK boys 7-6 in the opener and then look a 15-0 win in game two. Blake Thomas tripled once and singled twice in game one and scored two runs. Jacob Kemp, Mason Nabozncy and Adrian Deboer also scored runs for the Panthers. Garrett Schisser pitched well again for DK, but picked up the loss. It was a back and forth bailgame. The Falcons opened things up with two runs in the top of the first and the Panthers answered with three in the home half of the inning. Constantine took the lead right back with three runs in thc top of the second and then held that 5-3 edge until tacking on one more run in the lop of the fifth. Delton Kellogg evened the score with three runs in the bottom of the fifth, but the Falcons’ Caleb Hall homered to left to put his team back in front in the top of lhe seventh inning. K couple Falcon errors had Seth Lebeck on . third with two out in the bottom of the sev­ enth. but Falcon pitcher Brayden Clark got a called third strike on the final DK batter. Thomas. Seth Lebeck and Alex Whitmore ‘ had ihe three DK hits in their game two shut ' out loss which lasted just three innings. Kalamazoo Christian took two from the DK boys last Thursday in Kalamazoo. The Comets took 15-0 and 15-3 wins. Kemp and Deboer had lhe only two hits for Delton in game one with Nabozncy taking thc loss pitching. In game two, Thomas had two hits. Nabozncy, Deboer and Alden Whitmore scored the three DK runs. Landon Pharr picked up the loss pitching. Delton Kellogg returns to action at home against Hopkins Friday and then will be at Pennfield Monday. South Christian takes two from TK boys in Gold doubleheader Brett Brtn,er The Trojans fin'all'y „J^uple days off in a row, Sunday and Monday, hut the little bit of rest didn't help them nitich against South Christian Tuesday. The Thomapple Kellogg varsi,y b“eb?J1 team fell 11-0 and 9-t „ the two games ot its OK Gold Conference XublehwdCT Wi'h ’he visiting Sailors in Middlevi>le' , > . , South Christian DiX Al« Vos,ad shuI out the Trojans in tK^r. ^''8 oul 'en and walking one. r TK managed si* k-,. all singles. Alex Bonnema and Eric ivLrt had tw0 H”6 Cu each, and Levi and Jo,!ah Summerhays had o^^ch. N°lan Dah,ey worked TK’s lone walks hS”* ,0Ok ,he .,oss mound, eieht hits aii.l ll?l,ln8s- giving up eight runs on TK Hadiv ?a‘ks He two for Vandei CS 11 gamc including ftatt Cunwnt r. •d': “nd°"e b* Kniden mu Camiron Fain and Dipen. RBI*hi"by Fain400"** *Ks '°ne 011 “* eights unrb^ Ma"5d out two. Cars ' fifth for IK . allowed oik mt onc run giving up H k .MX'V;,'ks lnSs,,1,ek Burbr|dge came on in the g°‘ Ille r,"“l f,,ur oul’’ Hc on two hits while walking Sailors ^eina s,arled and got the win for the e ’‘truck out four and walked two in four innings while giving up three hits. Between Monday and Saturday last week the Trojans played seven games, with Friday the only day off. That run concluded with West Ottawa scoring 4-3 and 11-3 wins over lhe Irojans Saturday in Holland TK split a pair of OK Gold Conference ballgames last Wednesday and Thursday. TK whh a l"s ' SW«P of Ottawa Hills a 15-0 » x m u? hiUrsday in after v'0 Woland Wednesday. VamlerHe.de was 3-foM with four RBI Bl^'n.ukr^si" 'ha* n,1“le "i* 'he hits uid s'or-i r A eX Boi,nema had two RBI (hsi^D v ’“r •n'nS- Uahky h:ui ,br“ RBI. (.asm Davore tnpled and scored twice. �The Hastings Banner - Thursday. May 20, 2021 — Pago 17 Eagles take on walk-off home run MaS Frida? evening1 at Tohnson Fa * • —---- ~’ Thewilh ,heir tr0Ph* af,er winn.in9 back-to-back Eagle/Saxon Invitational titles in Hastings victories over the Hastings jVte ° pUrnmit Academy 8-6 In the finals to clinch the title after opening the tournament with xiciuiiet. uvu 1 dHI dna Holters House Christian. ;V? Maple Vatey girls pound out two victories ©ver Uhe Spartans Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions rounded the bases time and again to sweep a non-con fere nee doublchcader at Leslie Monday. The Maple Valley varsity softball team took 17-10 and 19-8 wins over the host Spartans. Federica Scancarello led off for lhe Lions and was 3-for-6 with two runs and two RBI. She was one of four Maple Valley girls with three hits in thc opener. Abeni Hartwell was 3-for-4 with three nins and an RBI. Lexy Booher went 3-for-5 with four RBI and a run scored. Karli Dahms was 3-for-4 wilh four runs scored and an RBI as well. Emma Pierce was 2-for-4 wilh three runs and two RBI . She betted n double and K triple. Addison Ramey had a double scored two runs. She also walked twice. Kylie VanAlstine and Rebecca Fairfield had hits for the Lions too. Maple Valley had 11 hits in game two. VanAlstine was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Pierce and Fairfield both singled twice and had two RBI. Scancarello scored three runs and drove in one with a single and . wvX. The Barry County Christian School Eagles celebrate a two-run. two-out home run by Chris Lantzer which gave the Eagles an 8-6 win over Summit Academy in the finals of the Eagle^Saxon Invitational at Barry County Christian School in Hastings Saturday afternoon. . Brett Bremer induced a pop out to child to. end the threat*.” Sports Editor Brody Grihorash threw thc final 1.2. Die Barry County Christian School won lhe Eagles knocked a home run right away off of Eagle/Saxon Invitational for lhe second time Grihorash. but he settled in to strike oul two in a row, adding lhe 2021 championship to its of the seven hitters he faced and coach Strong 2019 title, by besting Summit Academy from said his team played very solid defense over­ the Detroit area 8-6 in the championship game all. of tiie tournament Saturday. Eagle sophomore Isaiah Birmingham The Eagles scored early and often against tossed a perfect game against the Saxon JV Summit, getting two runs in the first inning, team to start the tournament. He struck out 11 two in lhe second and one each in the third in five innings. He threw 45 ot his 60 pitches and fourth innings. for strikes. Chris Lantzer blasted a shot to center field “Il was nice lo see his maturity in dominat­ on a 3-2 count with two oul in lhe bottom of ing the game." Strong said. the seventh to give the Eagles the walk-off I le added lhat of fensively his team, “worked win. Brody Grihorash started lhe Eagle rally­ some on our small game and advancing run­ in lhe seventh. reaching on an error and steal­ ners and executing at the plate. Overall a gixxi ing second. opening game.” “Chris hadn’t missed much all week, and The Eagles put together key hits with run­ ‘ that one he lagged well,” Eagle head coach ners on in lheir win over Potters House Brandon Strong said. “Brody’s hustle and Christian. Lantzer had a double and Joe Wise effort set up Chris for a chance at the win. a single in the first inning to gel the Eagles off Very' proud of the guys’ effort and mental to a good start. toughness.” Lantzer go the win on lhe mound for thc The Eagles started the tournament Friday Eagles, striking out 11 in five innings. He with a 6-0 win over lhe Hastings J V team and allowed just one hit, a fourth inning single. then beat Potters House Christian 4-1 to cam “He utilized three pitches for outs and man­ lheir spot in the championship game. aged to keep Potters House off balance,” The Hastings varsity was 2-1 on the week­ Strong said. “Catcher Joe Wise showed tre­ end. Summit bested thc Saxons 4-3 in thc mendous poise behind the plate - working the second round of the tournament Friday eve­ strike zone and blocking numerous pitches. ning after the Saxons started the tournament Not to often lhat a perfect game is followed with a 9-2 win over the Kalamazoo w ith a one-hitter. It’s a sign of good catching.” Homeschool Cougars. Hastings closed out its Hastings varsity opened its tournament run tournament run with an 8-2 win over Potters with a win over the Kalamazoo Cougars, led by lead-off hitter Drew Markley who was House Saturday. Jarred Gamaat started the championship 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run game on thc mound for lhe BCCS boys. He scored who also got the pitching victory . He struck out (wo. but coach Strong said he struck oul eight in five innings, walking one didn’t have his best stuff. „ and giving up two runs on three hits. Offensively. Mitchell Rafter was 2-for-3 “Jarred led with his voice and actions. with an RBI and a nm scored for the Saxons; Strong said. . He was replaced Aspen Neimeier followed Matthew Thompson was 3-for-3 wilh two runs and an RBI; ;md Mitchell Eldred who with 2.2 innings of stellar relief. “He got a lol of movement in all of his doubled, drove in two runs and scored once. pitches and was outstanding in ending Hamson Smalley added a single and two RBI Summit’s chances,” Strong said of Neimeier. for the Saxons. Carter Hewitt was l-for-2 “He was brought in with the bases loaded m with a run and an RBI. Summit took a 4-3 lead in , the third and two outs, and a pitch later “-au m ns round two i The Saxons’ Mason Denton looks to get a bunt down during the Eagle/Saxon Invitational at Hastings High School Friday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) bailgame with the Saxon varsity and then held on for the 4-3 win. The Saxons had seven hits, one each for Markley . Denton. Hewitt. Thompson. Eldred. Tyler Morris and Aiden Benson. Thompson and Hewitt had RBI- Markley. Denton and Ethan Caris each scored runs. Mitchell Rafter was hit with the loss. He gave up four runs (two earned) on five hits and four walks while striking out four in 3.1 innings. Harrison Smalley got the final two outs for the Saxons, striking out one. In the Saxons’ 8-2 win to close lhe tourna­ ment against Potters House Christian, they pounded 11 hits, led by Hewitt and Denton who were both 3-for-3 with two RBI. Hewitt smacked two doubles and scored a run. Renton scored three times. Hastings also got hits from Eldred, Do?*’ Gleeson and Markley. Eldred had two RBI and Markley drove in one. Markley and Caris scored runs for the Saxons, as did Canton Pederson. Hewitt went five innings on the mound to get the complete gan* win. The two runs against him were unearned. He struck out lour, walked one and gave up six hits. The Saxons returned to Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action Tuesday, falling in two games at Marshall. Th« Redhawks won game one lj-2, but Hewitt dazzled on the mound in game iwo. He held the Redhawks to one unearned run on four h’,s and two walks. He struck out three, but the Saxon offense couldn’t get going against Marshall starter Trenton Fuller who was even better. Fuller struck out 13. walked one and limit­ ed the Saxon attack <o s,ng>es by Rafter and Thompson and a douWe. TK girls start tournament time with win over Kenowa Hills I he Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ s<ktfcr team will face Grand Rapids Catholic entraj in lhe semifinals of thc OK Gold -^ference Tournament Friday in Middleville. Ihe TK ladies opened the conference tour n*nem as the second seed, defeating seventh *edcd Kenowa Hills 8 0 in Middleville Monday evening. ^bc JK ladies were 5-1-1 during the con- ference tegular season, and a„. overall on the year. Top Wcdeii c ■ ">W 9-3 2 will face South Christian j(1 I|le'’<'lrSl>'ings tournament’* other semitinal nial^1"l,:rcn<-e conference tournament chan1pionshn ul>. The set for Monday. May 24 "P |MHie is [ K tested itself to close oot the season, falling I 0 in a i>on coniv,v,; ’7"tc game against visiting East Grand The TYojans "i"'* e "’g' Ma> \ open the Div.»<>•> ’C on the Saxons in 1,1 "“'r district tournament- > * jm.a“* .n... r’. H I ..Lt- ills[r,ct semifinals at meets Gull June Harper Creek Hi!.1' u a walk. Ramey. Hartwell and Dahms also had hits for lhe Lions. Dahms had an RBI. Maple Valley took advantage of nine walks. Booher. Hartwell and Dahms each walked twice. The Lions and Leslie Blackhawks finished their three-game GLAC set Wednesday in Nashville with Leslie scoring a 23-0 win in four innings to finish a sweep of the series. Leslie pitcher Sarissa Jones held the Lions without a hit. Maple Valley was also in action Saturday, falling 20-4 to Charlotte and 17-6 to Potterville in a round-robin tournament hosted by lhe Vikings. The Lions had three hits in the loss lo the Orioles, a triple by Booher and singles from Ramey and VanAIsline.,Ramcy and Bri Short ‘drove in two runs feach. Booher and VanAlstine had one RBI each. Gracelynn DePyper and Ramey scored two runs each. DePyper walked twice out of the lead-off spot. Scancarello and VanAlstine singled for the Lions in the loss to Charlotte. Fairfield and VanAlstine each scored a run. Short and Scancarello had RBI. Saxoms knock it around a bit ©sime 1 with Redhawks Tandra McKinstry was 2-for-2 with a dou­ ble and Morgan Deal had two singles, but five hits wasn’t quite enough to power the Hastings varsity softball team to its find Interstate-8 Athletic Conference win of the season Tuesday. Marshall took two wins over the visiting Saxons 16-2 and 15-0. Deal walked once in that opening game and scored a run as well. McKinstry' scored her team’s other run and a single by Cassdee Easey was the Saxons’ other hit. Easey pitched for the Saxons. She struck out two and walked two. Marshall managed 12 hits and scored nine unearned runs thanks to five Saxon errors. The Saxons didn’t get a hit in thc three-in­ ning. game two loss. The Saxons headed to Athens for a tourna­ ment Saturday where they were 0-2 with a 12-9 loss to Athens and a 104) loss to Harper Creek. Hastings made the opener with Athens interesting with six runs in the top of the fifth inning that turned a 10-3 game into a 10-9 game at the time. Hastings outhit Athens 19-17 in the loss. Deal. McKinstry and Isabelle Storm all had two doubles for thc Saxons. Deal was 3-for-4 at the plate with tw o RBI and two runs scored. Storm was 3-for-4 wilh a run and two RBI. Kaeli Jo West was 3-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Easey, McKinstry, Aubrce English and Emma Alexander had two hits each for the Saxons too. with McKinstry driving in two runs and Easey and West each tallying an RBI Hastings had eight different girls score runs in the bailgame. One of Easey's two hits was a double. Singles by Sophia Sunior and Alexander were the only two hits for lhe Saxons in the ballgame wilh lhe Harper Creek Beavers. Vikings get all the doubles points, beat Greenville 4-3 Brett Brenier Sports Editor 'Utt Lakewood varsity girls’ tennis team took a 4-3 win at Greenville Monday. Kristen Finsaas picked up a point for the Vikings at first singles by rallying out of an early hole. She was bested by Greenville’s Kylee Kikos 6-2 in the opening set of their match, but took set two 6-3 and then won a super tiebreaker 10-6 to secure her team a point. Lakewood got its other three points on lhe doubles side. The Viking team of Emmi Chase and Ellie Haddix knocked off Hailey Smith and Tina Lin al first doubles 6 0.6-0. It was a 6-0, 6-0 win for Lakewood’s A.Hic Pickard and Izzy Wheeler over Shalamar Milewski and Madison Slrol at second dou­ bles too. Greenville look a forfeit win al fourth sin­ gles and Lakewood took a forfeit win at third doubles with lhe team of Courtnie .Mathc and Emily Pilar earning that point. 'Ihe Vikings have been busy lately. They had duals Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week I hey took a 4-1 win over Lansing Christian Thursday, Wheeler took a 6-3.6-3 win at second sin­ gles. Kylee Goble took a 7-6(6), 6-3 win at third singles. Lake wood won two doubles matches with the Pilgrims. Ashton Gibson and Abby Gibson won at number one and Pilar and Maihe win by default at second doubles. In tri at luikewood High School Wednesday, the Vikings were bested 6-2 by Comstock Park and 7-1 by West Catholic. Ashton Gibson took a 6-3. 6-4 win for the Vikings in thc dual with Comstock Park and the second doubles team of Pickard and Wheeler won 6-0,6-4 al second doubles. Against West Catholic, Finsaas got a point for her team with a 6-4. 6-1 w in over Grace Greenup at first singles. Portland beat the luikcwood girls 8-0 in lheir Friday afternoon dual. �Page 1B — Thuwday( May 20,2021—Thti Hastings Banner g Hastings Middle Schoolers try drum-inspired work°UTS Middle schoolers pose for a photo in the school gymnasium, Ripstix in hand, following lheir POUND workout. Standing in a circle, middle schoolers bring their bright green Ripstix together. Sophie Bates Staff Writer Hastings middle schoolers - 280 of them tried POUND, a drum-inspired full-body workout program, as part of their physical education and exploration of various exercise programs. POUND Ihn and Southeastern Elementary kindergarten teacher Tricia Mosley came to the school on Ibesday, May 11. and led stu­ dents through the 30-minute program, along­ side POUND Tour Crew Member Kelly Shepherd. . Both Mosley and Shepherd are trained in POUND and Generation POUND, which is designed for children between lhe ages of 6 and 12. The program contains yoga and Pilatesinspired movements, while participants tap along to music with lightly weighted drum­ sticks called Ripstix. The movements and drumming combine cardio, conditioning and strength training for a full-body workout. The choreography was designed lo energize students by getting them up and moving. In general, exercise helps to reduce symp­ toms of depression or negative moods and is Ripstix above the head in an ‘X’ is a signal for students during the percussive workout. Worm activity helps soil and plants Dr. Universe: How do worms help protect thc dirt? Fisher, 7, Palouse, Wash. Dear Fisher. Worms can help lhe soil in a few different ways. One helpful thing worms do is move around different materials, such as leaves and grass, and make holes in the soil. That’s what I learned from my friend Lynne Carpenter-Boggs. a soil scientist at Washington Slate University, who was happy to help with your question. “Worms arc actually very strong.” Carpenter-Boggs said. “They can break through soil and make holes that allow air. water and plant roots to follow' those chan­ nels.” As lhe worms wriggle down into the earth, they sometimes also pull leaves and dead grass down into their burrows. These materials can break down and add import­ ant nutrients lo lhe soil. Meanwhile, worms sometimes bring leaves and grass down into their burrows to save as a snack for later. For earthworms, soil is almost always what’s on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Worms eat all kinds of things in the soil. Scientists often call these organic materials - grass, leaves, roots and other materials lhat make up the soil. After worms digest their food, they ptxjp. It turns oul there is a particular word scien­ tists use when they talk about earthworm poop: castings. These castings look preUy much like dark soil and blend right into the mix. Castings are also a kind of natural fer­ tilizer that can help plants grow. We also find another important thing in the castings that help the soil: bacteria. Bacteria are so small we’d likely need a microscope to see them, but they also help with soil health. Different bacteria have different jobs in the soil. Some bacteria help break down, or decompose, different organic materials. Some bacteria even give off the very chem­ icals that create that earthy soil smell. Just as various types of bacteria live in your gut, a range of bacteria also live in the guts of worms. “We can see that there is this incredible diversity of bacteria in the earthworm stom­ ach.” Carpenter-Boggs said. Through digging holes, moving materials around, eating and dropping their castings, worms do a lot to help protect the soil. When you think about it. the soil is a pretty amazing material. Soil gives worms what they need to survive, and the worms help give the soil what it needs to thrive. That’s great for animals and humans who eat plants that grow in soil, too. The next time I go outside. I’m going to take a closer look at the soil. Maybe you can try it out. loo. Perhaps you will see some rocks, roots, grasses or maybe even a wrig­ gling earthworm. If you have a magnifying glass, you might be able to get an even closer look. Take some lime lo think aboul how important lhe health of the soil is to all thc life that lives in it — and how important soil is to all life on our planet. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruni verse .com. Welcome To ■< I i 1 1 i : I -A.—\ I Hastings middle schoolers play drumsticks with their hands as their lift their feet off the ground during a POUND workout sometimes known to improve self-esteem, cognitive function and academic achieve­ ment. in POUND, the benefits of exercise are coupled with the benefits of drumming, according to program proponents. Percussion and rapid beats may boost pain tolerance while decreasing symptoms of anx­ iety, fatigue and chronic pajn* ,he? said- In addition, rhythm is linked to improved blood flow in the brain that may enhance focus, higher-level thinking and decision-making skills. 5 Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Middle schoolers raise Ripstix above their heads. (Photos ornux^ H’ UVJQQq i ! �Tho Hastings Banner — Thursday. May 20. 2021 — Page 19 . Exore$$ Candler KEEP KIDS SAFE! g?1 lock UP ■ conventence stores get new owners and ,The E:Pro ^e ’"«• convenience IVairieCiik stores in , Urchin, townships are’u . are am<«w An .step f, MARIJUANA Prevent Accidental Poisoning of ARKO Corp. . in a FoUon Control • 1 800 222 the stores. arncO^Wtcthk. . “We are excite^10 n,s transaction ARKO is (he sixth largest convenience store operator in the country, with about 3/XX) locations in 33 states - 1/100 of which arc company-operated and another 1,625 dealer sites to which thc company supplies fuel, according to the news release. ExprcssStop stores were founded in 1957 by Galen Wilson in thc Saginaw area. Wilson Petroleum was purchased in 2013 by Brighton­ based Corrigan Oil Company. Corrigan then expanded into West Michigan by acquiring Senior Oil and Wykstra Oil in 2016, according to lhe ExprcssStop website. High h’ds delay Middleville depot project safety Grel’ E"andlef Slafl WritCr PRIVACY security lockOmedT ■■ • . • and welcome ExprcssStop to thc GPM family of community brands." ARKO chairman, president and chief executive officer Arie Kotler said in thc news release. “As our 19th acquisition since 2013, ExprcssStop is the latest example of our continued commitment to aggressive growth through the acquisition of strong regional community brands. “Wc look forward to providing ExprcssStop customers with thc same great products and service they have cornc to expect with additional value through our fast rewards loyally program and promotional activities throughout thc year.” > Lock boxes like these will be given out Saturday in Hastings. (Photo provided) Free marijuana lock boxes ;t© b@ gtiwite ©irt Sata’day ^Lock it r 1'he Barry County Substance Abuse Task ^orce will host its first lock-box giveaway •event from 10 a.m. to I p.m. Saturday. May 122, in the Barry County Community Mental ’.Health parking lol, 500 Barfield Drive, ‘Hastings. | [lie task force wiflgivcay uy frecJjKkMed Ibexes which can be used to secure marijuana •and cannabis products, as well as prescription ^Dedications. The lock boxes are part of a task •force campaign to bring awareness to thc need to “Lock It Up** to keep children and others safe by restricting and limiting access to marijuana. Any Barry County residents can receive a dock box at this drive-through event. Those ‘interested in receiving a box may simply drive .‘up: they will be handed a lock box with no ‘questions asked. Boxes arc limited lo one per •household and will be provided on a first<comc, first-serve basis. ‘ “Marijuana is legal for medical and adult .’recreational use in Michigan, but it’s not safe •for everybody, especially children.” SATF Coordinator Liz Lenz said. “These boxes will • help keep marijuana secure and out of the .reach of others.” Ihe lock boxes provide a safe way to prevent access to marijuana products by children, which could result in accidental ingestions and poisonings. Lenz added. “Parents and caregivers of children can do the next right thing to keep everyone safe and keep marijuana out of reach.” she said. ‘Ihe Cask force applied for and received the State of Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Oversight ,^i rant through Licensing and RcfHrrn 'Mpr-s fnr ! Funds from this grant were used to purchase the lock boxes, as well as to promote overall safety and harm­ reduction messages regarding marijuana. Other activities will focus on the importance of keeping marijuana products secure and safe, as well as on preventing youth access to and use of marijuana, stressing the importance of not driving after using marijuana, and avoiding marijuana use during pregnancy. The Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force is a community coalition working in local communities to prevent and address substance use issues for youth, adults and families. Further information is available by calling Liz Lenz, 269-948-4200 or emailing llcnz(« ixcmha.org. Anyone seeking help or treatment for a substance use concern may call Barry County Community Mental Health Authority, 269­ 948-80-11 or visit barrycountyrecovcry.com. Barry Road Commission ©@©®rv@S 8'fiafe The Barry County Road Commission is one 14 Michigan county’ road agencies that deceived a joint statewide award from the Jtouniy Road Association of Michigan. [, Barry and the other road agencies, includ­ ing road commissions in Kent. Allegan. Ionia, • Eaton and Ottawa counties, received CRAM’s IMPRESS Award al a virtual ceremony in April. The awards recognize county road agencies that demonstrate innovation with special projects in communications, opera­ tions and collaboration. The 14 agencies worked together to devel­ op a COVID-19 joint response plan of mutual assistance hi ensure their roads would remain safe during thc winter of 2021 In the event one agency was short drivers because of COVID-related illnesses, neighboring coun­ ties assisted if winter storm response was needed. “In a year when getting along and working together seemed rare, these 14 counties found a way to come together,” CRAM Director Denise Donohue said.“Their collective efforts prove their dedication lo maintaining county roads and keeping lhe public sale. An independent panel of communications and Hastings Mutual Insurance Company has operations experts from several of Michigan’s pained Richard Swain at its new vice president 83 county road agencies judged all IMPRESS Awards submissions. Award recipients were and chief marketing officer. ' Swain will lx* responsible for all marketing honored for projects that solved time con­ department functions for staff, both in the straints. labor costs, communication barriers and fostered collaboration. field and at lhe home office in Hastings. •' He has more than 30 years of experience in The 83 incmbcis of the County Road insurance and has spent much of his career in Association of Michigan represent lhe unified Jhc Midwest. Most recently, he’s been thc voice lor a sale and efficient county transpor­ yompany vice presidrnt/chief underwriting tation infrastructure system in Michigan, pfikcr. a role in which he helped develop the including appropriate stewardship of the pub­ lic’s righ’-ol -w ay in rural and urban Michigan. fckslionship between thc two departments. Collectively. Michigan s county road agen­ J An Iowa native, he is a graduate of Iowa plate L-'nivcrsiiy where he earned a bachelor cies manage 75 percent ol all roads in the fcf science decree, with distinction, m speech state, including 90.0CX) miles of Kiads and S.700 bridges. < ounty toad agencies also t'omrnumcation. st‘,u s 'l*^way syMem in 63 < “I am excited to continue lo build ...•mitiiin partnerships between Hastings Mutual and counties. Michigan has the nation’s roiu! 5*slc,n our agency force,” he said. “Wc are working fourth'll on a lot of new projects to make quoting, writing, and managing business easier.” Hastings Mutual announces new VP Plans by the .** Middleville to restore the exterior one train depot have been pul on h»l<J “"''I ncxt yettr nft„a bid for the projcCl >n thousands of dollars more than wM budgeted. The village re<*’v only One bjd repairing and preset « exterior of the 119-year-old noon deadline. That bid, AM Construction of Livonia, was for a ^80,000 - more than twice what a titoric preservation company had quoted e V1Hage for similar work last fall. The Downtown DeV'c|opmcnt Authority board Tuesday night voted unanimously to authorize Village Manager Patricia Rayl and DDA Director Katherine Schmidt to contact that local firm. Hastings-based Vintage Building and Restoration, (0 sec about “getting a commitment [to do the project] in 2022,” DDA board Vice Chairman Randy Eggers said in making the motion. The DD/\ board in late April had authorized Rayl to seek proposals from interested firms or individuals to undertake restoration of the depot’s exterior. Rayl said she was surprised by the bid from RAM. ”1 think they had an excess amount of items in [their bid] that might not have been needed," Rayl said after thc meeting. “I don’t think the materials wc were looking at have increased [in price] that much. We’re not talking about replacing lumber. This is all exterior detail work," she added. “The bricks are there, and we’re just trying to fill in lhe mortar around the bricks. The lumber prices being outrageous would not alfect that.” Owned by Rob Pohl, Vintage Building and Restoration had put together an estimate for the village in August 2020 for restoration work on the depot’s extnior. The price lag on the project bad been estimated at $40500, but Rayl said removing rAe iijstaTTaHori of a handicap-accessible ramp from the project took about SI^OfK) off that estimate. The DDA had about $42XXX) set aside in this year’s budget for the exterior restoration work. Another $20,000 had been put in reserve for any interior work on thc depot. That money will be set aside into next year’s budget, Schmidt said. “I’m prctly excited about the opportunity to work with a local contractor,” she said after lhe meeting. "1 think thc board made a wonderful decision. We can use lhe savings as long ns we stay within that original bid bracket. We can use that savings to do some extraordinary things for the community,” DDA board Chairwoman Kim Jachim spoke highly of Pohl’s work. “He’s really good, and he’s highly sought after.” Jachim said. “I know' his quality and his reputation [are] very good.” " ■ w The Middleville 1902 The Middleville depot depot was was built built in in 1902 and was a stop on the Michigan Central Railroad’s Jackson-to-Grand Rapids line. Thc village acquired the building from Thomapple Township in 2017. While the restoration work on the depot is on hold, the village is continuing lo pursue having thc structure added to lhe National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. The village last month hired the Ohio­ based consulting firm Mannik & Smith at a cost of $9,700 to prepare tire village’s nomination to have thc depot designated as a national historic site. A presentation by Mannik & Smith to thc village council is expected around November, Ray] said. 159549 NOTICE SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Board: Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 3 citizen at large positions Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www. barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for: A position on an Advisory Board or Commission and click on apply; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 24,2021. Contact - 269-945-1284 for-more information. -' ------------- TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 160592 NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of Ordinance No. 172 which was adopted by the Prairieville Township Board at a regular meeting, held on May 12, 2021. SFCTIONJ RF7QNING OF PROPERTYisIN-LA SECTION The Zoning Map as incorporated by reference SSeviMeSSSS; herebyND amended by rezomngan approximately 0.99 acre pared of tod in Land Section 6,12440 Oakridge Road, from the “R-2 Medium Density Rcstdcnttal District zon.ng classificauon to a “R-l Low’ Density Residential District” zoning classification. SECTION 11 RFZONING OF PROPERTW I.AND SECTOR The Zoning Map as incorporated by reference in the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by rezonmg an approximately 0.69 acre parceI o tod in Land Section 6.12485 Pine Lake Road from lhe "R-2 Medium Density Restdcnltal District zoning classification to a “R-l Low Density Residential District” zoning classification. SECTION in RFZONINC, OF PROPERTY IN I ANP SECTION 6, The Zoning Map as incorporated by reference in thc Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by rezoning an approximately 0.7 acre parcel of tod in Land Section 6. 12493 Pine Lake Road from the “R-2 Medium Density Residential District" zoning classification to a “R-l Low Density Residential District” zoning classification. SECTION IV RFZONINC, OF PROPERTY INLAND SECTION 6. The Zoning Map as incorporated by in the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by rezoning an approximately 1.31 acre parce ot tan in Land Section 6, 12431 Oakridge Road from the “R-2 Medium Density Residential District" zoning classificauon lo a “R-l Low Density Residential District” zoning classification. Tr n»CCI-,On 6’ “ describcd herein, from the “R-2 Medium D »n *»g o ’ approx,matdy 19-$ acre vacant parcel of * ’ oL0°n Sam RcsidcnliaI District” zoning classification* SEC 6 Tiv ^’dcmial District” zoning classification to RD N 89D-56M E E 119.09 & S 06D-45M E 1313.75 FT FROM m6/J1 N‘T< > °W. BEG AT A PT IN CEN PINE LAKE 7D-21M E 868.45 FTALONG FENCE TO A CANAL TO PIINEI P°ST SEC 6’ ™ S 06D-45M E 613 FT. TH S OF LAND DESC IN LIBER 260 OF DEEDS P256 Tl 1 N oy J? S 82D’38m w 48.22 FTTO STAKE ON E LINE 715.73 FT, TH N 26D-58M W 636.49 FT TO CEN PINE I k' W 39‘1 FT ALONG E LINE, TH N 64D-09M W PINE LK RD TO CEN LINE OF GRAHAM RD TH N 61 n ?N 51 D‘41M S 641.04 FT ALONG CEN LINE OF ’ OHJ-44M E 367.75 FT TO POB 33 FT ROW 19.659 ACRES SECIlffiLVU BEEEALshall /EFFECTIVE a,.a °r l,’‘ulces or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance take effectiiatp ciitht .si b '<«) days aner ils pub|ication PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE th b'l' I 1'. • ltXI 01 t*’*s Ordinance has been posted in the Office of the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address set fonh cd at the office of the Prairieville Township Clc k 1° ■W 'md lllal a ccpy 0, If,c o,din3ncc nuy ** potc^ed or inspectdatc of this publication. 1 r during regular business hours of regular working days following thc PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Rod Goebel, Clerk 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Michigan 49046 (269) 623-2664 �f. Pa^e 20 — Thursday. May 20, 2021 — The * ®a,H’ef Local industry representatives meet with graduating seniors a representative check near the new marching band practice field are (from left) band directors Spencer White and Jen Ewers, Barry Community Foundation Program Director Amy Murphy and Band Boosters President Chris Stafford. (Photo provided) i Hastings High School students learn Wednesday about local job opportunities during a program at the performing arts center. (Photo by Fred Jacobs) Five members of the Barry County Healthcare Coalition met with Hastings High School students to discuss jobs available for graduating seniors. Each of the representatives from Viking Corp., Hastings Manufacturing Co.. Flexfab. Hastings Fiberglass and J-Ad Graphics - all local companies - met with students at the high school performing arts center and offered a brief synopsis of their companies and dis­ cussed part-time and full-time job opportuni­ ties. Over the years, these companies have sup­ ported Hastings’ career and technical educa­ tion programs and have hired students who later pursued continuing education, due to the financial support of their employers. Pragmatically, the advantages to working locally arc many as well, they said, including saving on fuel consumption and drive time, reducing the costs of vehicle maintenance and breakdowns and providing for greater motor­ ist safety. These companies also set up tours Tuesday. May 25, so students may visit local operations to sec these industries in action. Company representatives said they hope to make this an annual event. Hastings selects representative for Barry OS© board election Sophie Bates Staff Writer In a brief special meeting Monday evening, the Hastings Board of Education elected a representative to vote in the upcoming Barry Intermediate School District board election. “The Barry Intermediate School District will be having their biennial election on Monday. June 7. and we as a board, as a local school board, need to send a representative to thc Barry Intermediate School District election so that it can be properly voted upon.” Superintendent Matt Goebel said. “There arc two people that are running: Marsha Basset for a term of four years and then Deborah Hatfield for a term of six years Both Bassett and Hatfield arc incumbents running unopposed. Hatfield currently senes as the BISD board secretary. The Hastings school board approved Trustee Jennifer Eastman to represent it in the election, with Secretary Valerie Slaughter as an alternate representative. Delton Kellogg Schools also will send a representative to vote in the election. Before lhe board adjourned. Goebel look the opportunity to offer some reminders: “The end of the school is near. We’re getting ready for graduation. We’re very excited about graduation next Thursday night. May 27. I hope you all can join us. We also have honors night next Wednesday evening, as well. So we’re getting ready to pass out some scholarships, so we’re very excited about that. “We’re just trying to make sure lhat we’re keeping the end-of-the-year activities available to our students, even at the elementary and middle school levels. [We’reJ trying to get them out, having fun outdoors, those types of ihincs. We’ve got 8 16 days left.” Senior Honors Night will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday. May 26, in the Hastings Performance Arts Center. Graduation will take place at lhe high school football starium al 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27. When practice starts for the 2021-22 sea­ son, thc Hastings High School marching band will have a new and improved field on which to practice. The new’ field is at thc northeast comer of the high school campus, 50 yards from lhe band room where students equip their instru­ ments. Simply having the field closer to the band room will add up to approximately one hour of extra practice each week, co-director Spencer While estimated. 'Die location of the new field - along with the fact that it is flat - will make transporting pieces of large band equipment easier and extend the life of lhe instruments. Thc new practice field was made possible by an $8,000 Barry Community Foundation grant, which paid for excavation and seeding. Hastings Band Boosters President Chris Stafford and Trustee Matt Haywood applied for the grant. Excavation of the field is complete, so the field will be ready for use once the grass grows fully. White said students will begin using lhe field during band class starting the first day of school this fall. “(Students) are very' excited to have a field that they can call their own,” he said. “They are looking forward to having the band room and bathrooms very close. They tire also very excited about not having to push equipment up steep hills go get to class. They are also excited that the field is all grass. The previous field had two softball fields on either side, and going from grass to gravel while marching is not ideal.” Thc practice field isn’t the only exciting news for the HHS band, which hosts a major marching band invitational each fall and has earned the highest ratings possible at the annual adjudicated festival for more than 60 years in a row. “Outstanding” is how White described rhe anticipated transition from the present year to 2021-22 - with nearly 97 percent of current high school band members committing to next year's program. In addition. 90 percent of current eight-grade band members will continue lhe program in high school. “In other words, almost no one is dropping out of band,” White wrote in an email Wednesday afternoon. “These numbers are fantastic - something lo be very proud of as a district!” In all. White and co-band director Jen Ewers are anticipating 151 students in the fall marching band program. Plans for summer camp, late-summer practice and the fall pro­ gram are already underw ay. “Wc arc beyoitd thrilled,” White said. Ksjmote Land Surveying under mew ownership su NEWS Brian Reynolds (left) from Reynolds Land Surveying officially joined the Wightman team this week. Wightman Director of Survey Brian Lieberg welcomes Reynolds to the team. (Photo provided) read contribute advertise «•****•** Ftp Hastings will have new marching band field ‘ ' —to the Inters oj Burry County Sind Hastings DANNER Wightman of Allegan has acquired Reynolds Land Surveying, a Hastings-based surveying business founded in 1987. The company s employees and range of services began operating as part of the Wightman family of services Monday, May 17. Celebrating its 75th year in business, Wightman is a full-service consulting firm that provides land surveying, civil engineering and architecture services. As a part ot the acquisition, Wightman w ill operate a survey field office at 109 S. Church St. in Hastings. Additional services, including civil engineering, architecture and business operations support will be provided by the Wightman Allegan office at 1670 Lincoln Road/M-40. Reynolds Land Surveying is owned and operated by Barry County Surveyor Brian Reynolds. A veteran surveyor in the industry. Reynolds will be joining the Wightman team on a part-time basis. Reynolds employee ave Cridler will be joining Wightman as a full-time survey crew chief. ~ Land surveying has always been a key *mcc of our firm,” Wightman President Matt Davis said. “The company was founded in 1946 by G.L. Wightman, a man who was both a land surveyor and civil engineer, which makes this acquisition extra fulfilling as it is not only growing our company but is also bring a long-time land survey professional to our team.” “I am looking forward to joining the Wightman family,” Reynolds said. “This is a great opportunity lo allow me to continue to serve my clients in Barry County while Liking a step back to a part-time role rather than a full-time owner rule I will continue to sene my elected role as Barry Count) surveyor, going forward.” Wightman Director of Surveying Brian Lieberg said, "I look forward lo having both Brian and Dave join our team of over 50 survey professionals meeting survey needs for a wide range of clients including residential, commercial, and utilities throughout the Great Lakes region.” Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-05-27.pdf e460d6466a04587ed41a3a0d2cd2cb55 PDF Text Text Hastings DDA reviews streetscape plan A time to cerate, to See Story on Page 2 See EditoPflJw^ge 4 remember, *° commit 13 local athletes in D2 track and field finals See Story on Page 15 ................................................... . ................................ LOT-C 005 coos Richard Hemertng COVID outbreak at jail triggers quarantine Tty lor Ovens Staff Writer Ten inmates at the Barr) County Jail tested positive for CO VID-19 over the weekend, the first outbreak at the facility since the pandem­ ic started in March 2020. Lt. Peter Nevins of the Barr)’ County Sheriff’s Office said an inmate reported mild symptoms of the virus Saturday, and a rapid test came back positive 15 minutes later. The office then conducted a round of rapid tests throughout the rest of the jail, including staff, and found positive cases among nine other inmates. Tire total jail population is currently 55 inmates. Nevins said. Nevins said these inmates, some of whom arc experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, have been quarantined. The only release from that group was one inmate whose sentence was up. Jail staff will conduct a round of tests every three days to monitor for further spread ot the virus. As of Wednesday, they were planning a second round of testing later that day. Nevins said they have been unable to trace the cases to a specific source. When the pandemic started, the jail changed its policy to house only people accused of violent felonies. That kept the population down, and ensured there would be enough space to quarantine all inmates as they were admitted and awaiting test results. But. in the wake of declining COVID-19 cases, the jail recently loosened its intake restrictions. And, as the jail population rose, they no longer had enough room to automati­ cally quarantine all new inmates. Nevins said it’s possible the virus was able to slip through the cracks when the jail took in a new inmate, or an asymptomatic stall mem­ ber may have unknowingly spread it. demic. they were not The outbreak over I the first time the virus • » Mr $ ul ^presents d,scovcred in the facility. . . , Last month, the P* P ^ed with the Barry-Eaton District Heaitn i->cpartmcnt |o administer vaccines to any mmates Wh() Wan(_ ed them, but only nine 0 ‘ X)u| 5Q inmates chose to get vaccinated. Nevins said three of those peopje Wefc «n the section of the jail where the outbreak took place, and all three ot those inmates have since tested negative for COVID. When they are sure there are no longer any positive cases al the jail, Nevi^ saj^ sheriff’s office will ask BEDIIDiq return to provide another round of vaccinations for any inmates who want them. City moves ahead with downtown development Sophie Bates Staff Writer t\ project designed to trigger private invest­ ment in downtown Hastings got a boost from tile Hastings City Council Monday. After public hearings on plans for residen­ tial and commercial development at 128 N. Michigan Ave., the city council established a Commercial Redevelopment District. This district will allow far u partial pbaument on property taxes for commercial redevelopment there. Next to come, after a 60-day notice period, will be the establishment of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone, interim City Manager Gregg Guetschow said. That designation will allow a partial tax abatement on residential proper­ ties in that zone. Both designations will last for 12 years on the property owned by Hastings Michigan Ave, LLC: A four-story’ building and proposed site for 21 market-rate apartments and 2,630-square-feet of commercial retail space on the first floor. Property tax abatement is a financial incen­ tive. Guetschow said in an interview with The Banner Tuesday. "What this does is to provide for an abate­ ment on some of the property taxes that would ordinarily be owed.That’s the primary thing,” Guetschow said. ‘‘It is one of a suite of eco­ nomic development tools that’s available to the city to encourage a private investment. “In this particular case, it means they [Hastings Michigan Ave] arc going to have a lower property tax bill for a period of time. And that’s to provide them the incentive then to come in and make that private investment. And we [the city} will see the benefit in the long run by the fact that, eventually, that abatement goes off the books and they start paying the full amount of the property taxes that they owe. “And. more importantly, or equally impor­ tantly. we believe that one project like this will spur other private investment in the downtown.” No one from the public spoke during the hearings, which preceded the council action to approve the resolution establishing the commercial district. In addition, the council OK’d amending the real estate agreement between the city and Hastings Michigan Ave, LLC to extend the contract. The contract had to be extended due to timeline complications caused, in part, by the pandemic. The council also adopted a Brownfield Plan Amendment, which makes Hastings Michigan Ave, LLC eligible for reimbursement for an environmental site assessment, site prepara­ tion and infrastructure improvements totaling up to SI50,000. In other business, the council considered a proposal from Director of Public Services Travis Tate to extend the city’s contract for Mourners watch the procession approach First Baptist Church of Middleville from mowing and maintenance services with a grassy outcropping overlooking the intersection of M-37 with Crane/Finkbeiner Leaping Lizards Landscaping, LLC. roads. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) That current contract is set to expire June 30. but Tate asked that it be extended to Dec. 31,2023. The cost for services would then go up 4 percent, increasing the current weekly rate from $2,465 to $2,563.60. Tate also recommended the city add the City Hall Grounds Maintenance contract, which is currently heldby HalUfox.to leaping Lizards Landscapings nddinp $236.75 per • - * Rebecca Pierce the xxttcvor, fXuxientd dw hitocut• week to ilicir contract while cvlVoliuating the listers mounted on a coupU of speeUl Editor services with one company. They began to gather at 9 a.m. Saturday, tractors carried the words: “In Loving Memory Several council members expressed oppo­ engines rumbling, big tires rolling down an of Keith Kooiman Jr. 1951-2021” and photos sition to the idea since the work had not been unpaved part of Stimson Road near of his smiling face, a family portrait, as well let out for bids. • Middleville. as scenes of Kooiman driving tractors and “It’s got to be more than one bid on things Oak trees line that road on both sides, working on them. . and. if there’s not. I want to know the reason creating an arch of green dappled with light, Kooiman, who graduated from Thomapplc why,” Councilman Don Bowers said. “In this where the tractors - 29 of them - were parked Kellogg High School in 1970, completed a case. I don’t know if Hallifax even had a in preparation for a special procession. John Deere certification program after chance to bid on this, which they’ve had the Bill Hirsch of Caledonia had the idea. graduating. He went on to develop an expertise contract for some time and we’ve been pleased Then Todd Peters of Middleville helped few have today. He knew tractors down to the with it. ground, friends said. spread the word, and it took off from there. “When did we start changing and taking on He also knew his community and the The tractor tribute they envisioned was to just one person rather than asking for bids? 1 mark the passing of Keith Kooiman Jr.. 69. people he served. will not vole for anything like this anymore whose life was claimed by cancer May 6. As they waited for the procession to begin, - unless we have more than one bid or a rea­ Kooiman was tractor technician. And. by Caledonia farmers John Finkbeincr and Butch son why we don’t.” Welton shared a few memories. all accounts, he was an extraordinary man. Tate said he wanted Leaping Lizards “He’d look al a tractor and say what was “He worked on just about every tractor Landscaping to take on the grounds mainte­ here.” Hirsch said proudly, gesturing to the wrong with it - and that’s what was wrong nance contract so the city would have one phalanx of tractors stretching down Stimson. with it.” Finkbeiner said. “He could diagnose “That one. the third one, that one was his.” An American flag, attached to the back of See See Tractor tribute stops traffic in Middleville TRIBUTE, page 3 DEVELOPMENT, page 6 Thornapple Manor breaks ground on $14 million Harvest Pointe The group who gathered to ^ark tt^ ^oundbroa^n^for Barry County's $14 million assisted living facility- H^est Pointe, are (from left): Richard Tobias; Jennifer Wyatt, with Eckert Wotdell; ^ad Xary services Department of Health and Human Serv manager Thorn^ ?°blas'direclor ol Harvest Pointe at Thom3Ppl° Manor; Michelle Yoder, dietary warmger at Thornapple Manor; Cassie 0ailej\d j h dR„ssegu;ei City Thornapple Manor; Tiffany Hagerman, die'anf Manor. Liz Bishop, director of nursing. ^or"apPle Manor; Ryan Wh.lden, director of rnfomrat.on technology, Thornapple°Tnor S of Hastings Mayor pro tern; Je"nJrpJXy Eckert Worded? Nichofe lT'® Manor: Darne" Paci"°' assistant d^tor of nursing. Thornfpp'e “aj°e’Sr Heinzm Administrator Don Haney, Barry 7 Health Pennock; Tammy Pnnr • Coun|y Commission Chairman 0 9er, WBGH woods Ch-Ln Tb nty commission - E"”ds' sp““m H“"h •• - "= Manor; Tess Slagstad and AmyeDavW. J'1® For more about the project, see r 9 (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Countv Chamber of Commerce , and Rebecca DeHaan, director of ’**’ �Pag® 2 — Thursday, May 27,2021 — Th Banner ■ I Hastings DDA reviews streetscape P'an '■ . ■ Sophie Bute* W*"" tp-year-old The City of H“""e plan has been downtown streetscape m.<I D()W nU)wn uixlaied. with input fro" p|anning. Development AuthontyNightman architecture and design comp.and McKenna. board At the DDA meeting May -0- «’•>«* At tni nJ | n looking member«***«££ly implemented in at how it could reaustiomy i downtown Hastings. The nlan is more than 75 png*-* «1U ,. i he pmi everything from the v^ddvrfsidewalk, to downtown beautification • • such -m«h as /is benches, bike racks to amenities, mm kini.and f,u i , n reflects the DDA s highest ‘^fordXwn. such as heated • sidewalks, which may or may not come to fruition over the next few decades. • Tire plan will guide what updates arc made in the downtown in the future, keeping a .cohesive vision foe downtown at the forefront .of the decision-making process, board members said. But. in her initial assessment of the plan. •DDA Chairperson Patty Woods noted that it -does not coincide exactly with the desires and considerations expressed by DDA members. .J For example, Woods noted that the plan recommends 16-foot-wide sidewalks on State Street, which currently has 10- to 12-foot­ wide sidewalks. DDAmembers had previously discussed this change and expressed concern that 16-foot sidewalks would make parking too tight, since the drive lanes arc 12 feet wide and remain that way in the plan. While the board did discuss particulars of the plan — such as snow removal, seating and lighting, flower displays and a fire pit — the majority of discussion was spent debating what parts of the plan the board should begin reviewing and changing, if needed, and what should be implemented first. The board decided to begin with roadways, iitih Presbyterian church I hosting blood drive ; today The American Red Cross will host al Wood drive today, May 27. from noon to* 5:45 p.m. The church is at 405 N. M-37 Highway, Hastings. Individuals of al! blood types arc urged to schedule an appointment to give blood. In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine may donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility. Appointments can be made by down­ loading thc Red Cross Blood Donor App. visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (8(X)-733-2767). .:„r^ctnirturc sidewalks and parking since that inrn^troctiirc would impact Hu- space available for other components, like benches and tree*. The plan proposes turning both e( erso and Church streets into oneay ■ running in opposite directions. Bo s J- • would have 8-foot w ide parallel parking spo on one side and 18-foot wide anglcc p<ir ii g spots on the other. Jefferson Street wou d keep its current 10-foot wide sidewalks and Church Street s sidewalks would lie extended from five to six feet to eight feel. It also proposes extending the State Street sidewalk from 10 to 12 feet wide to 16 feci by reducing drive lanes to 12 feet in wi It l Board members were receptive to the ideas, but said they need confirmation from the Department of Public Services, the police department, fire department and city council that they would be able to implement the one­ way concept on Jefferson and Court streets. “1 mean, it’s safe to say that we needI to go back and say. ‘City council, we would like to make these two streets a one-way. It s part of what we’re planning, and we need to know whether that’s doable before we ^continue because it will change everything. Trustee Deb Hatfield said. Community Development Director Dan King said he would check w ith the departments to make sure the one-way idea is feasible for those streets. The DDA board decided to continue discussion on the plan, once they have an answer from King, and set another workshop for 8:30 a.m.Tuesday, June I. Before that workshop, a survey will be sent out to members to gauge their priorities and opinions on snow removal, parking, sidewalks, trees, planters and sealing, a fire pit, lighting, water and electric systems and more. The board also approved an inter-local agreement with the brownfield redevelopment authority for a development project at 128 N. Michigan Ave, the former Moose Lodge property. The brownfield authority utilizes tax increment financing, which captures incremental local property tax growth, to reimburse developers for eligible expenses incurred during an infrastructure project. The project at 128 N. Michigan Ave., which entails both commercial and residential space, is eligible because a baseline environmental assessment completed in April identified mercury in the site’s soil at a concentration exceeding amounts set by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Hastings Michigan Ave LLC, the site’s developer, will be reimbursed up to $23,000 for an environmental site assessment, up to $72.OOO . . $72,000 fl()r .^nn<!iintn<;ssnnn (iOn and up to $55XXX) '‘,la‘>iealu’nd^''‘ths‘ DDA wou,d agreeing t w,b" 5lltr the (tax increment financing! s asslfc’frofn th® DDA to the brownfieu aPtnre nicnl authority for "Wment ofTht'anorO^ exI*nses that fihe developer] K ‘l^j] incur during the . construction , n j .^elop""11 of that site.” . King said Duri"8>he public comnwnt portion of the meeting. ‘ ( Bunker s Smokehouse and ^ues,ed ,ha* ,he h™"1 ^ideXding to f°ur “buskers,” or Ao perform at various . street rv.J locations "Xd downtown Hastings suggested thcy boJ.k buskers from 5 to 8 p.m. every Satlln)aj. fr<)in the first week offline to the second wcJk of September for a total of 17 Saturdays was*onderingiflht DDA would support financially havinc performers, Schaal said. "Other communigel (have performers], such as a Saugalucki where y°“ have regularly scheduled entertainment- There people say, ‘Where do you want to go? on the weekend or out to cal iAnd they s*yi 1 ,don 1 know, let’s go downtown.’ And they just identify downtown ns a destinat’on‘ knowing that there’s cool stuff going on: entertainment and places to cat and suay.” . . . Schaal said the idea to have buskers came from a desire to drive traffic to downtown. He requested a budget of $3,(XX) because the performers would cost approximately $175 per Saturday. . The City of Hastings has hired buskers in the past, and the DDA suggested Schaal work with Arts and Event Coordinator Maiya Merrick because Merrick’s office has connections to local musicians. The DDA approved up to $3,000 for the performers. Superintendent of Hastings Area School System Matt Goebel also spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. In an interview with The Banner prior to being hired as superintendent for Hastings, Goebel said one of bis priorities would be developing close relationships between the district, local government and community­ based organizations. In keeping with that intention, Goebel took public comment as an opportunity to brief the DDA on the district’s Aug. 3 bond proposal. “I’m just months on the job as the new superintendent at Hastings Area School System. But,really, 1 just wanted to make sure that I’m in tune and communicating with all -aspects of the city ofHastings. I think that’s . 'he schools and «l«K>nship between b «'her bM(in„v ,'y Hastings, he sa.d. meetings per veir ^marndalory informational moment” f‘lndcd UX >s diverted to the DT?Ar niCans ,ax revenuc Hastings mutlicj | ©|f,,’rn «J«r City of County and Ha.dnL^l ' such l,arry informational mectine i?"11 Sthools- The these municipal bcxli ? (W)rtunily f°r ““““ -- with the Chamber. Memorial Day ceremonies planned in area M /■-'/> , Restrictions lift as COWS© cases drop Margaret Wood and State Commander of the American Legion Barry Wood of Hastings wave to Memorial Day car parade participants from the veterans memorial at Tyden Park in Hastings after being one of the first of nearly 100 vehicles to complete the parade route in 2020. (File photo) The Orangeville community will kick off Memorial Day ceremonies with a commemorative service at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 30. The 14*h annual ceremony will honor deceased veterans - dating as far back as the U.S. Civil War - who once lived in Orangeville Township. Along with guest speakers Boyce Miller, Mark Englerth and Skip Coryell, the ceremony will include the Delton Kellogg High School band and the honor guard from Hastings American Legion Post 45. The public is welcome, and all honorees are asked to abide by current COVID-19 protocols. City Band to begin summer concert series Hastings Live is back, and the first con­ cert of the summer season w ill be provid-• ed by the Hastings City Band June 2. Each Wednesday evening in June, the longstanding group of musicians will per­ form a free concert at Thomapple Plaza near the comer of Stale and Apple/ Boltwood streets in Hastings. Concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. Attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on. Organizers had suggested a possible ticket reservation system because of the pandemic. However, no tickets will be needed. “With the recent relaxation of the requirements, we are pretty much back to normal for our music series,’’ Dan King, community development director for the J City of Hastings said. Spencer While, who directs the com­ munity band, used words such as excited, thrilled and ecstatic, when announcing lo band members they will Ire able to per­ form together for the first time since early July 2019. Concert themes will be: June 2 - “Welcome Back!’’ featuring band favorites June 9 - A Night on Broadway June 16 - Disney Spectacular June 23 - An evening with John Williams June 30 - A Tribute lo America Thc band, which dales back to 1857. is open to local musicians (regardless of hometown) high school-age and up. Practices will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, June 1. 8. 15, 22 and 29, al Thomapple Plaza. “We have had lots of folks say they are participating in this year’s City Band. While said. “I am very excited!” Anyone wanting more information about joining the band may email spencer, whiled ha5skl2.org. ’nimty Chamber of . .u_. r» nnrrv r County -,ApprovedI the ,h„,ugh the C°n»nercc for a >Buj)djng improvement UDA The Vonn will assist in paying toJ Prognun. The (tjK. chamber. 221 W. toialroofreplncerncn rccnt interest suite St. rhe ban has ina,ch; and requires ' d°" ,nding i26jl)OO on the Chamber anticip (<jta| pfojccl cost ■ v*lnl for that recite i Multi-township vehicle cruise Vet imjiact on schools remains uncertain^ educators say Taylor Owens Staff Writer Cases of COVID-19 in Barry County have dropped significantly in the past two weeks. About two lo four new cases of the virus have been reported each day this week, com­ pared to about 30 daily cases in late April. As of Wednesday, the seven-day average of COVID-19 tests that were positive was 5.59 percent, compared to a seven-day average of 19.39 percent on April 26. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported 74 active cases on Monday. A total of 5,298 confirmed cases. 572 probable cases and 65 deaths have been reported since the pandemic was first reported in Barry County in March 2020. Residents are to continuing to get their COVID-19 vaccines, albeit at a slower rale than before, officials said. As of Tuesday, 46.2 percent of Barry County residents had received at least their first shot of a vaccine. That number has been increasing by slightly more than a percentage point every week. Barry County has been slipping farther behind thc slate as a whole, which was at 58 1 percent on Tuesday. The state would be close to hitting the second milestone in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Ml “Vacc to Normal” plan, but that plan appears to have been dis­ carded. The lifting Of many of the restrictions that were previously tied to ‘he percentage of Michigan residenls whobavc been vaccinated is now going t0on June 1, regardless of vaccinations. On that date at] outdoor capacity restric­ tions will be liftcd and indoor social gather­ ings can occur m sn*nefceot capacity. Then all COVln io ^motions are expect­ ed to be lifted Juyf^ h . Bul ‘he imp y Michigan schools is unclear. “As of right nuw We ha'« no ideawbatthc orders, rules Or ,'|ines arc - or wl11 bc," for summer sch!“!d ! die fall" Thomapple Ke"°88 S^^nn'.enden; Dan Reinenap said, "i . ^e no idea when that information win ? While the „ re'/Toffi« trea,ed a Return to Uanjernflt)5 start of the school year that mapixj an ^thway to normalcy, su|>erintenden^tOU,|il,v don’t know if that plan is Still in -ffly 11 ' . ■‘Guidance "**• ^ttnendalions have been changim, d re£lk.” f1 Schools Superin2'D’ ’^tt Goebel said. Schools a^">'C?de,d have faced grow­ ing pressure r Mich'f'1" |hcir districts lo end COVlD.i9nifanlil^15, especialty mask requirements ,csuicl' But superints jV thosc '/SUeS largely ou7of th ndc"‘i/j»e » enforeemen by -he Mi t^na. Safety and “ main,a'Pn 4 a" ,ee“! "2X --d’a'igXS!?’uibylhc,■ Monday, May 31, a car cruise will begin at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of Gun Lake Community Church. 12200 W. M-179 in Yankee Springs Township. Vehicles will be driven to Orangeville Township before heading to Hastings and the veterans memorial at Tyden Park. Anyone wanting more information may call Al, 269-664-5194. or Mark, 269-838­ 1289. Middleville The Memorial Day parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 31. starting from the village-owned lot off of Slate Street, heading west through downtown, stopping at the bridge on Main Street for a wreath ceremony, then to thc veterans memorial for placing of a wreath honoring those missing in action. From there, the parade would head toward the cemetery, where a colors ceremony is planned. The parade will honor two longtime participants who died in the past year: Village President Charlie Pullen and former Thomapple Township trustee Walt Eavcy. Eavey was a fixture at past Middleville Memorial Day parades with his trailer with flags depicting the various military services. Some of his children will ride the trailer as part of the parade. Pullen will be represented by a rider-less horse carrying boots luckwarxl - indicating loss of a rider. memorial in Tyden Park. Wreaths will then be placed at the bases of the Civil War Monument and the POW-MIA flag. The Legion’s honor guard will fire a rifle salute, followed by the playing of taps. Remaining in the park, the entourage will walk to the nverbank to place a wreath in the Thomapple River to honor those who have served on and under the waterways of the world. Another rifle salute and playing of taps will end the Legion’s Tyden Park ceremony. Sisters Faith Byykkonen and Kaylin Rhoades will lead a patriotic sing-along after the ceremony for anyone who would like to participate. At noon al Riverside Cemetery. Post 45 members will have a ceremony at the Avenue of Flags and al the Grand Army of the Republic monument, with comments from officials, placing of wreaths and giving honors. As in the past, organizers may honor the veteran most recently buried at Riverside. Masks and distancing will be observed, based on recommendations at thc time. Lake Odessa The Lakewood-area Veterans of Foreign Wars will host a memorial sen ice at 11 a.m. Monday. May 31. The Jackson Mutschier VFW Post 4461 will preside over ceremonies at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa. Pastor Bruce Barker will give the sermon. An honor guard will be present, as well, Post 4461 Commander Steve Aldrich said. The fire department will assist in setting up chairs for the ceremony, which is expected to last 30 to 40 minutes, he said. Hickory Corners fhe Hickory Comers Memorial Day Parade and pancake breakfast will not take place ihis year. How ever, the Sons of the American Legion will have their chicken barbecue from Ham w1> P'n'i.Ml,';«?311 al S^mond-v Williams Post 484 m Hickory Comers Chicken, pulled pork and hot dogs don? with side dishes, will be available. T.'ike out wdl be encouraged; however, those wantinu to dine indoors will need to follow current COVID-19 regulations low <-urrent Hastings American Legion Post 45 of Hastings will conduct its annual Memorial Day ceremonies Monday, May 31, but with some changes. Al 11 a m., the ceremony will open with comments from officials at the veterans Prairieville Aniemorial service is plannedat Prairieville Cemetery at 1 p.m. Mond '“dc Every one ts welcome. * J ' �Harvest Pointe project underway Here, from left. Barry County Commissioner Howard Gibson, Thornapple Manor Director of Nursing Liz Bishop, County Commissioner Jon Smelker and county com­ mission board Chairman Ben Geiger at the festivities Friday. On May 21, Barn County officials from local government. health care and human ser­ vices celebrated the groundbreaking of a $14 million upscale assisted living development called Harvest Pointe at Thomapple Manor. The new 50-bed senior complex in Hastings Charter Township will be located on McKeown Road in Section 27 of Hastings Charter Township. Donald Haney, administra­ tor of Thomapple Manor, said. The apartment-style rooms with communi­ ty dining and lounge are comparable to Carveth Village in Middleville and Woodlawn Meadows in Hastings. Haney said. The site will include 107 parking spaces and an internal drive connecting it to Thornapple Manor. “In 1958. Barry County needed a medical care facility that would address the needs of the frail, elderly, and medically challenged.” the announcement of the new senior complex slated. "Now. 63 years later, Thomapple Manor is once again, as it has done repeatedly in the past, responding to a need in our area. "With the severe housing shortage in our community, the Barry County’s Department , of Health and Human worked Manor. ‘ wnrh a a I' from ikert roudly calling Harvest Pointe, in honor of the coun inside where the 50-unit assisted living proj­ ect will be built.” Thomapple Manor, the 161-bed county owned skilled nursing facility located three miles east of Hastings, hosted the ground­ breaking ceremonies last Friday. "Thomapple Manor is excited to be looking forward to the future with a new addition in TRIBUTE, continued horn page 1----------------------------- Thornapple Manor Administrator Doh Idaney sa!d Harvest Pointe will offer A Aate-of-the-art option for seniors needing support to maintain their independence. our continuum-of-care services.” Haney said. "We arc adding Harvest Pointe to provide another state-of-the-art option for Barry County seniors needing support to maintain their independence." Hastings High School students gather outside on the school’s front lawn Monday tor a Gay Pride Walkout. Hastings High School stadlerate hold Gay Pride Walkout Sophie Bules Staff Writer On Monday, May 24. Hastings High School students, some wearing rainbow-col­ ored dothing, left their fifth-hour classes and oulside on .he school’s front lawn for a Gay Pride fomlc(j a circ(e j&ns?^Erin Kordelewski. mother £ Hastings sophomore Alex K<>rd . , d organize the of’ the students who‘£ut. event, said she witnLS "It’s really amazing, orde|ewski •'aid. Kordeie From left, Che soy osier, Barry County Michigan Department of Health and Human Services board member: Sara Tobias, direc­ tor of Harvest Pom e at Thornapple Manor; Don Haney. Thornapple Manor administrator; Liz Bishop, director of nursing at Thornapple Manor, Brad Johnson, Barry County Michigan Department of Health and Human Services board chairman, apply ceremonial shovels to the ground at the construction site. * Ihey’re all standing around talking and a couple of teachers and the principal are lis­ tening. ... “I am impressed with this group of kids.” Organizing the walkout was a team effort by the students. Kordelew.ski said. District administrators learned about the plan lor the walkout over the weekend. High school Principal Teresa Heide esti­ mated that about 80 students participated. As with any thing and everything nssociate with students, our main concerns are always the safety and best interest of them an otters, Heide said. "Along with that, tndmg teachable moments that niay positive­ ) in uence our students is, without question, something we all desire to do.” Keep your friends and reinlives illfi)rmed n,ui ni) to date with all the local nexus from Barry County. Send them... 4he Hastings BANNER tribute to Keith Kooiman Jr. of Middleville, who died May 6. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) and say, ‘This is it.’” Welton said. "He helped me out of a lot of pinches.” "‘It ain't going to be pretty.’ That’s thc way he’d say it.” Welton recalled. ‘‘One time my hydraulic pump went out on my 4430. and we took that over to Sam’s, my nephew in Freeport, and used his shop. "I went in there one day and .. every bench. 1 mean, they had that thing just scattered all over the place. But he got it back together and it worked ... He tore it all apart and he knew how to pul it back together. He found that pump in Georgia. 1 think it was.” Kooiman was one of the few technicians who could work on those tractors, they said. These machines were built lo last and. thanks to Kooiman, they did. “You hear that one poppin’ down there?" one of the farmers asked. "That’s probably 80 years old. ... The ‘B’. I got sitting at home, that’s 70.” "B” is the model number on some John Deere tractors, and the fanners who mentioned them did so with pride. No question. Kooiman worked on a lot of farms in the region and what he did for all of them was important. But it was the man who really mattered, they said. He was a valued member of an extended family of fanners in the region. "Keith was something special," Finkbciner said. Saturday morning, Peters’ wife, Sonya, was waiting near the end of the line of tractors. She was behind the wheel of one of the big vehicles, and she was ready to roll. “It’s a wonderful thing for the community.” she said of the tribute, then turned to Landon Koster, 14, of Middleville, who was at the wheel of the tractor behind her. "He knows how to drive a tractor.” she said with a smile- "But this is his first tractor parade.” . Before the procession began, Todd Peters was using an all-terrain vehicle to get around fast. Hirsch was on loot, greeting arrivals, as they worked together on logistics and staging, directing tractor drivers to their places in the Bill Hirsch (from left) discusses logistics with Timothy Hirsch and Brandon Pyper, all of Caledonia. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) and across M-37 lo Finkbciner Road. Police were stopping traffic to allow the tractors to cross M-37 at that intersection. Some family members and friends stood on a grassy outcropping overlooking the intersection to watch as the line of tractors steadily made their way to the church. I wo of the young women watching held hands, another wept and others hugged as lhe procession went by. About 200 people from lhe community gathered at the church after the tractors arrived, engines rumbling and big tires rolling across the parking lol in the afternoon sun. , They all came to pay tribute io extraordinary' man who knew a lot about tractors - and a lot about people. KSO A BOX? We sell boxes of ALL SIZES! procession. . . , During a ^r. ,.ln l,ie action. Hirsch admitted apolog^11* Jhat he. was struggling to hold it togethcf- NOt,unan was not just his good friend, he 3 Malwart adviser to him. he said. % . After the Sl°n E°t underway, the emotions got»,lim and hc broke down in his lrUt-Ynu talk 10 h.is friends and family.’’ Hirsch said. ”tl<afl>’ hc » vcr>- wr> l-’irst Bantis1 C’ ’i °f Nliddlevillc. finally Singer d0W,‘ W-' R‘“d 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.8105 OPEN MONDAY F RIDAY 8:00-4:30 PM �Page 4 — Thursday. May 27. 202i — The Hasltnps Banner Did you see A time to celebrate, to remember, to commit Significance in this symbol Ron Koutz from the Lawrenco J. Bauer American Legion Post 45 hands poppies Friday outside the Walmart store in Hastings, Friday was National Poppy Day. The tradition of wearing a poppy dates back to 1920. when it became the memorial flower of The American Legion family. The American Legion Auxiliary has used poppies for many years to raise awareness and support for the nation's veter­ ans, active-duty service members and their families. Do you remember? Regional champs jU'iiuny) flirw ’. ji; Hastings Highte track Find field squad, which Saturday night scored a highly I coveted regional track victory at Grand Rapids Lee, will seek their first West Michigan B Conference title under the lights at Johnson Field Tuesday night. Trackmen above are (front row, from left) Mike Rogers, Frank Kenfield, Bill Yarger, Mike Clardy, Ivan Snyder. Jack Shay, Tom Palmer, LeRoy,,Waldron; (second row) Bert Keeler, Don Frost, John Bishop. Eari McMullin, co-captains Lee O'Donnell and Mike Aderhold, holding the regional trophy, Ken Neil, Ray Benner, Tom Laberteaux, John Houseman; (thud row) Coach Jack Hoke, manager Ted Bustance. Dave Wallace, Stan Aldrich. John Crawley, Rolland Curtiss. Dennis Ruthruff, Ulvis Grinvalds, Charles Fox. Dave Logan, Dim Durbin, Jerry Lyons, Larry James, Tom Stebbirs,. manager Bruce Babcock, Mike O'Donnell; (back) Don Williams, Dennis Malcolm, Phil Hayes. Bill Smith, John Helngel, Roy Hall. Duane Tack, Roger Cook, Jerry Roush. Jim Rhodes, Don Steeby. Charles Tervo, Monte Burnworth, Juste Grinvalds. (Mr. Bobs Photography) Have you HlCt ? Growing up in the little town of Bailey. Joyce Foondlc. 68. dreamed of becoming a fashion illustrator. At 18, she had plans to attend an an institute; but while waitressing al a restaurant in White Cloud, she met the Newaygo County treasurer and was offered a position working in the treasurer’s office. She continued to work in lhe county ’s mapping and description department and discovered a passion for working in county government. She enjoyed being able to assist citizens of the county and found excitement in lhe shifting environment of local government and zoning. Foondle continues to find enjoyment in her work, although now she does so as an assessor, evaluating properties in Barry County’s Johnstown Township and Calhoun Counly’s Bedford. Newton and Leroy townships. ‘ Her day-to-day work varies from taking ; phone calls from township residents to • on-site property inspection. Foondle primarily assesses residential properties, but • also assesses industrial, manufacturing, . agricultural and commercial properties. Much of her time completing property inspections is spent measuring anything and everything on a properly: driveways, pools, sheds, pole bams, homes and more. She also , photographs the properties extensively and evaluates the interiors either by questionnaires filled out by the property owners or by louring the interior. The property’s cost class is then determined based on Fcxrndle's assessment observations. ' Foondle assesses well over 2.500 properties a year, but she rarely encounters , angry or troublesome property owners. “People will generally say, ‘Oh you've • got a horrible job. Arc people mad at you a lot?’ Well, no. they really. aren’t. I think people understand that taxes arc something that they’re going lo have to deal with.” Foondle said. "Most of the people that I've dealt with for a long time .. (have) known ’ me. And so they’ve seen my name. They know what I do. and I really don’t have a lol : of problems with 99 percent of the people that are out there." In addition to her day-to-day assessing, f Foondle also holds a real estate license and Li Joyce Foondle is a member of lhe Michigan Assessors Association, having received awards and held office in lhe organization. She also was a .MAA instructor for 15 years, teaching classes on gathering held data and appraising single-family homes, as well as a slate assessor’s board instructor tor five years. Teaching, whether in an official capacity or during her assessor duties, is one of Foondle’s favorite parts ol the job. People might call her about a property they just inherited, home they would like to build or other question about interpretation of lax laws. “What J really like is, besides the actual appraising work - 1 love that - is helping people understand lhe tax law of whatever they have a question about. And I tell people I've been around like 100 years so there’s always new and different questions, but lor lhe most part, 1 enjoy being teacher.’’ In her tree time, Foondlc volunteers al cemeteries. She helps clean and repair headstones and uploads photos of to F’mdaGrave.com, a website that catalogs cemeteries. She also has a ground |xmclraling radar system and lends it to cemeteries if they need help determining the location of burial sites. “'lhe cemetery work is relaxing lor me. . . It’s respectful," she said. -It's a res]>ectful thing to people. I don’t care if they were alive one day or they were 115. They had a lite, and I just want to respect them for that ." Foondle also is an avid walker and swimmer and enjoys spending time with her two children, Nathan Foondle and Angela Everhart, six grandchildren and two rescue dogs. For her assessing and volunteer services. Joyce Foondle is this week’s Banner Bright Light. {■avorilc movie: “Mama Mia." Best advice ever received: From my mom. who is no longer with us,"Life is not always fair.” If I could go anywhere in lhe world. I would go to the Caribbean because I love hot, steamy weather. Person I’d most ilke (0 rotet: Abraham Lincoln because he just kind ofleaves a lasling impression on m,. He ''as for thc people and was admired and waS in ofl‘Ce a ume when things where tragic- So. I just really respect him. f avorite season: SummertimeI m most proud of: iuv childo-mIf I won the lottery- I would pay every dnng off. , ‘O a |o, f money, but 1 would nav Orting off ll'1111 owed. I would payPee 5 e off f«r W children and myPgLd /.,nd lhe rest Of the money 1 would sp^'a-ditik bit of and the rest would be left Best thing about luXv' Th* terrain, lakes and runi ? die county. rI’n'<>ritcteaeh?rr‘‘7'uIre0fXwasmy fifth-grade teacher M wh-b ,’nC at whi,e Cloud Public School si Sp ,d>ln>e h0W 10 diagram sentences le todiagram Mfmences. but -en of tltagramming sente,'b Something on m/. ' ,-a- A trip to Alaska because if butkl'‘ hinf- vcr> d,ffcrcnt. prism,,. ike what c-«n see anywhere ek '’",l;ing, >hi"k 'hat would Ik- a c’ «»<< on<terful ir«P- । rnVID 19. we’ve been fighting something remmkabk- majus,“mbcr’ against C OVID lhc c ouncil on I P<m m America this weekemL bout 10 haP- each other. A recent • u > - jjan crim,nal Criminal Justice, a P crime rates and justice think tank. exa'^ [n January I activities that brought rommnn, k 0,11 ”f drug offenses in 34 L.. • cjly homithis year’s Memorial Day cclcbrat •It>8cl,”:r- and February 2020 the ’^"lyvcrthe mark a return to the .rad,rion^ ~y cide nite increased by 3■ < Pthrough higher. For family picnics and ceremonies to^ ’ same period tn 201 J- r May. the rale was 194 pcrccn 5 ,h“e *ho gave their live, for & . . jlcr lhe miracle of vaccines allowing (K ik the summer months of June t thc homicide rate was 37.iie rdtc Protect ourselves from COVID-19 his ytded Americans with a special feclinf^r For September through Decern >e • . . rc^o,n to resume life as we onre knew”i^ was 28.2 percent higher. “We believe this surge in hornicidc'. . sochl dK?,O8C',OgCth,:r’frec of maiks and ‘\ £c»al distancing requirements. We want to something of a perfect storm. -sa,u fire up the backyard grills and enjoy sum­ Abt. senior fellow at CCJ and director of the ” ,ke wealhcr with outdoor .activities commission, who points to the pan emic. protests against police and other nation.! eric £*vcn up lor morc l^an a ycarlifJ?v1uj°yrOf rctUr.ning tO close-l°;normal factors as likely culprits. “I think it s irnpo ant to note, for context, that while this homi­ oic vvHl, of course, be tempered by the enor­ mous cost thc world has paid to the scourge cide spike will likely be the highest homi­ of the COVID-19 pandemic. In America, cide spike ever recorded in crime data, the we vc lost more than half a million people- rales are still far beneath their peaks in the ‘90s.” and, out of the 32 million total cases, some Abt suggested presenting "a balanced continue to struggle with what may be lifearray of potential punishments and rewards. Jong side effects. The virus hijacked everyone’s lives in You can’t arrest your way out of violence, but can't program your way out of it cither. some way. In lhe meantime, we sec stories of terrible High school seniors, for example, many incidents like a 6-year-old boy shot in an of whom will be graduating during or around this holiday weekend, were robbed of a spe­ apparent road-rage incident in California Friday. Over a onc-month stretch last year, cial year that should have included sporting six children under lhe age of 16 were killed events, concerts, special productions, com­ in and around Akron. Ohio. And. in Chicago, petitions, proms and much more. the city mourns the loss of a growing num­ But perhaps the impact of COVID-19 can ber of children underage 10 who were killed I help us better appreciate, in some small way. riding in cars with parents or playing outside the incredible price paid by those men and their homes when bullets struck them. women who sacrificed their lives to ensure Closer to home, in the large cities around the freedoms we enjoy as a country. us, innocent children also have become vic­ Memorial Day. originally called tims of these senseless shootings. The statis­ Decoration Day, was proclaimed in 1868 by tics are threatening and especially numbing Gen. John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of when they include children. These statistics lhe Grand Army of lhe Republic, an organi­ should scare us all. zation formed to honor the end of the US. Meanwhile, political elites do little or Civil War and the Union soldiers who died nothing lo quell lhe violence. Rather, they in that deadly conflict. Today, Memorial Day fan the flames with talk - but little action celebrates the memory of all soldiers who addressing the problems. gave their lives in defense of this nation. This continued rhetoric does morc to Now. morc than 156 years after thc end of divide the nation than bring us together. I that war and the occurrence of so many more So. as we think about the upcoming holi­ I wars since. I wonder if Americans still fdel day,Ji’s important xo take the time io attend the importance of this holiday tribute to all a.Memoriai pay celebration anc| reflect on I of our soldiers, or has it just become the end why those soldiers died to preserve our free­ of another school year and a holiday mark­ doms. ing the beginning of summer? But it’s equally important to understand That’s not the celebration we should be how important it is lo all Americans that we having - especially this year as we revel in promote peace at home and throughout the the freedom to assemble and a chance to be world. with each other again. “If we really care about peace, we must This holiday should be remembered for­ stay strong,” former President Ronald ever in history as the beginning of a new Reagan said. “If we really care about peace, chapter in America. We arc not just returning we must, through our strength, demonstrale to our old traditions and way of life; we need our unwillingness to accept an ending of lhe to come back as a people and as a nation peace. We must be strong enough to create that’s stronger and better than before. peace where it does not exist and strong Just as President John Kennedy chal­ enough to protect it where it does. lenged America in 1961 to fly to the Moon, “That's lhe lesson of this century and. I we must now commit to building a new, think, of Uiis day. The rest of my contribu­ prosperous and peaceful world, as Kennedy tion is to leave this great place to its peace, a said about the space program, not because it peace it has earned.” will be easy, but because it will be hard. As we see the growing violence and dis­ It’s time for the people of this nation to cord within our own borders, it should moti­ show just how resolute, skillful and thankful vate Americans to the point that they demand we all really arc. We have much work to do. action at all levels of government. When President Abraham Lincoln struggled As Americans celebrate Memorial Day. to keep the nation together through the Civil let us be reminded of the many who were War. the key issue dividing lhe country was willing to die to support peace. slavery. “It isn’t enough to talk about peace, one Today’s America is viciously divided over must believe in it.” former First Lady I issues like racism, immigration, violence, Eleanor Roosevelt said. “And it isn’t enough poverty and economic inequality. to believe in it. One must work at it.” “America will never be destroyed from Rather than focusing on what divides us. the outside,” Lincoln said. ‘‘If we faller and let’s commit to working toward a more lose our freedom, it will be because we peaceful nation by finding all the g<xxi we destroyed ourselves.” 1have in common. We’re doing a good job of destroying our­ selves right now. Many of our cities arc experiencing his­ toric levels of violence. Cities like Chicago. New York, Memphis, Cincinnati, Trenton. Portland, Seattle and Greensboro, to name just a few, arc approaching or have set his­ toric homicide records in 2020. Other plac­ es. like Fort Worth. Philadelphia and Los Angeles, arc reaching city gun violence lev­ els not seen in a decade or more. Fred Jacobs, CEO. While America was fighting the war J-Ad Graphics Inc. Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a lew conditions that must be met before they will be published. •AH writefs name and commun^d residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at « s»‘asssa»«««■ - . All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. I niters that serve as testimonials for orofcriticisms of businesses will d not be accepted. :S seXheHunction°o! "cards thanks" w.H not be a= unless there is a compelling public interest, which will bo determined by the edrtor • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be pubnshed or will be edited Volunteer f ■. f°r ,lt . -Crossfire" letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one . 'nan^ffort'to keep opinions varied, there is a limit ol one letter per person per month. A- -V 4 • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double spaced. �Th'j Hastings Bannor — Thursday. May 27.2021 — Pap/- 5 commentary GLEST : Students we remain! I i--' BIRCH Associating^ innmvns forward on fire station renovation Mercy, Ambulance contract extension considered “The present structure that we have right now, that houses all our equip­ ment, that particular structure would be used to house Mercy Ambulance. And then the new construction, it would be a wing on both sides of the old building there. Thai new con­ struction would be dedicated strictly for the fire end of it — our equip­ ment. So it’s a combination of reno­ vating the old for another use, which would be Mercy, and then the new construction would be built literally for the next 50 years for the larger fire equipment that we have.” Sophie Bates Staff Writer The BIRCH Association, which represents Baltimore, Irving. Rutland, Carlton and Hastings townships, met for its first meeting of the year on Thursday, May 20 to discuss renovating the City of Hastings Fire Station and extending their contract with Mercy Ambulance. Before discussion, the association elected officers for 2021. Jim Brown of Hastings was re-elected as chairman, Brad Carpenter of Carlton was elected vice chair and Jamie Knight of Irving was elected treasurer/secrelary. The Hastings Fire Station, operated both by the City of Hastings and the BIRCH Association, is in need of renovation because the station is too small for their equipment, making the space cramped and difficult to navigate. Last year, the City of Hastings, BIRCH Association and Mercy Ambulance each con­ tributed $ 1,000 to have an architect draw­ plans to rehabilitate and expand the station. Now that the plans arc drawn, the BIRCH Association discussed making them a reality. The plans, which received input from Hastings Fire Chief Roger Caris, as well as Mercy Ambulance, entail btiilefirig Extensions On both the ilbrth drid south sidLs' bf the sta­ tion. where fire equipment would be stored. It also would include space for Mercy /Xmbulance’s equipment and staff. “The present structure that we have right now. that houses all our equipment, that par­ ticular structure would be used to house Mercy Ambulance. And then the new con­ struction, it would be a wing on both sides of the old building there. That new construction would be dedicated strictly for the fire end of it — our equipment,” Brown said in an inter­ view’ with The Banner Monday. “So it’s a combination of renovating the old for another use. which wfould be Mercy, and then the new construction would be built literally for the next 50 years for the larger fire equipment that we have.” The renovation’s cost, as estimated by the plan, would be $1.6 million. Brown said SI .6 million is a rough estimate so they can begin figuring out how to finance the plan. Daren VanSyckle of Baltimore inquired whether the design is sufficient for the fire department and Mercy Ambulance’s needs. “For us, absolutely yes,’’ Mercy Ambulance President and CEO Rodney Palmer said. “It took into account how EMS (Emergency Medical Services] is probably going to evolve over the next few months and years in terms of having enough vehicle space and how you would locate them. Of course, I’m not going to speak for the fire department, but that’s more than adequate for us. Caris said the renovation plans meet thc fire department’s needs. With approval from Palmer, Cans and the RIRCH Association membership. Brown said he will begin discussion with the City of Hastings to finance and implement the reno- ^rwould love 10 continue this dialogue With lhe city and just keep it going, a step at a Jim Brown, BIRCH chairman ...----- :----------,—..... time, so at least when we get really serious about it, we’ll be going lhe right direction.’’ Brown said. Palmer was present at the meeting to brief the BIRCH Association on the state of Mercy Ambulance’s operations, since Mercy Ambulance’s contract with thc BIRCH Association ends in 2022. The current contract is five years and costs the BIRCH Association nothing because MercyiAmbidHiicwoperales oil user foesi< ' ilr.BIRCHriilyi&il-conUhcted with .Mercy! Ambulance since .19*75 and Palmer said he is hoping for a five-year contract extension. Palmer told the association that, in the last year, Mercy Ambulance’s call ratio went up by 25 percent. At the same time, they are hav­ ing difficulty finding enough paramedics and emergency medical technicians to keep both their ambulances operating. “There’s enough money in the system, there’s just not enough people. Thc reason I know that is we’ve been throwing money at the problem to keep people in the seats, keep good paramedics and EMTS, for the last yearand-a-half,” Palmer said. Additionally, Palmer estimated that on about half of their calls they arc transporting to hospitals other than Spectrum Pennock, which takes their ambulances out of the coun­ tyMercy Ambulance also transports patients from Spectrum Pennock to other hospitals and specialized care facilities as far as Detroit or Fort Wayne. Ind. “Half of those calls are actually going out to another hospital. And we only are contract­ ed for two ambulances. You can start doing the math and liming and you’ll see that wc may only be doing a few more runs a day, but we’re doing a whole bunch of calls outside of the country,” Palmer said. “We’re doing the best that we can, but. I’m not going lo lie, it seems rather hopeless when we are so con­ stantly short.” Brown said he will talk to Palmer about how the issues Mercy Ambulance is facing may be reflected in a contract extension and then he will return with ideas for the new contract. Normally, the BIRCH Association would not meet again until December; however, lhe association set a meeting for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 to continue discussion on the lire station and Mercy Ambulance contract. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 PuossMOby Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 ■ Fax. (269) 945-5192 „ L press reuses: news^g^cs^^ng: Nows Frederic Jacobs ‘DEPARTMENT. Publisher & CEU Hank Schuuring CFO Scott Ommen Miku Gilmore ___________ _ T Ty Greenf ‘Old Jennie Yonker Subscription Ratog. $52 Z7 ’ ~ "— .NEWSROOMRebecca Piwcer^ Kathy Bretl Bremer Sophie Bates Greg Chandler __________ k POSIMAS1EB (Sp°‘ Sean Bradley Taylor Oweno efeewhem ~- ■ ? US! Pastor Rick Foster gave a special ser­ mon for seniors Friday night. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) pastor Rick Fester We’re here this evening to recognize thc hard work and effort ot these young men and women who are seated among us. They are about to make a major transition in their lives. Graduation is a sign of achievement and suc­ cess - and we congratulate them. Thy Word is a lump to my feet Anda light to my path. -Psalms 119:105 I hope that everyone considers the Bible a gift - for the Bible can provide guidance as you travel through life. Today, I want to share three thoughts from one verse of lhe Bible. The verse I want us to look at is Romans 8:28. It is found at the bot­ tom of your bulletins and it reads: "And w’t’ know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NASB) The first thought I would share with you is: /. Learn from LIFE. Some people would try to read into this verse an interpretation which would say, “God works good inlb all things.” but this is jiist pot true. . ..... Not everything that' Is*$oing t6 happen in your life is going to be good. All you have to do is look around and you can see that there are a lot of bad things happening in this world. I could give you a list, and you could come up with one. loo. but I’m not here today to talk about bad things. What I want to say lo you is that whatever happens to you learn from it. We know this world is full of good things and bad things - we all have been in this world for a while. You will, in all likelihood, experience both good and bad. But notice what the verse does say, “All things work together for the good to those who love God.” 1 would encourage you to leant from all your experiences - both the good ones and the bad ones. Learn from them and grow from them. Paul, lhe writer of much of the New Testament..said it best when he wrote, "Ihave learned to be content in whatever circum­ stances I am in. 1 know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live with a lot and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and I have learned the secret of going hungry. ” (Philippians 4:11) As you travel through life. I encourage you to learn from all the things that you experi­ ence. Let me give you a real important secret: Education does not stop with graduation. Life is the greatest classroom that there is. Learn from it. The second thought is like the first: 2. Learn what has REAL VALUE. Some of you may be considering continu­ ing your formal education. ..X Pastor Foster offers a blessing for his grandson, a graduating senior, Gabriel Pusey,* 17, of Eaton Rapids. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) • I would encourage you to do that, but. first and foremost, realize that education is more than going to school. It is learning lo treat others with respect, being honest, and having a sense of integrity about you. It knows the difference between right and wrong and. when a choice must be made, it is choosing that which is right every time. Remember that your friends may come and go, jobs may change, and your life may take you halfway around lhe world. But there is someone who will always be with you wher­ ever you go. That person is you. Honesty, integrity and faithfulness are qualities that show through your character. In fact, they a& your character. Live life so that you can look at yourself mirror and see a per­ son who does not stand ashamed of anything. But, if you mess up,'admit it. " M Seek forgiveness and move on. , . _ Learn those things which hold real value. The third thing I would encourage you to do is: 3. Learn who GOD IS. I want to read Romans 8:28 to you one more time. TVc know that all things work together for good to those who love God. to those who are the called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NKJV) Did you notice that God is mentioned two times in this verse? ; The first time He is mentioned, the verse* speaks about our relationship with Him. He is able to cause all things to work together fori our good if we love Him. God has created us to have a relationship with other people, but' He has also created us lo have a relationship with Him and, if wc have a relationship with Him, He is able to cause all things to work together for our good. J What this tells me is that there are situa-, lions or circumstances that will come my way,’ that I may not like. But, if I have a relation-^ ship with God, I can gain from that experi-» ence. I may feel down and discouraged. I may be, disappointed and devastated. I may fecij dumped on or deserted. But. if I have a rela-'( tionship with Him Alcan know w ith certaintM that.He can cau^e, siltings. 10 formygood. ' ’ ri? Hu'! Because of the relationship that I have with! God, I can live a life of hope - because I know," that God is on my side. • Rev. Rick Foster is pastor at Country Chapel United Methodist Church in Dowling/ His church hosted a baccalaureate servicefor all local seniors on Friday. May 21. This is the message he delivered to seniors during thd. service. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT (POSSIBLE) TO USE A VIRTUAL PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on June 10, 2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton Ml, 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to any State of Michigan legislative changes to the Open Meetings Act. the Township Planning Commission may hold its meeting [including public hearing) electronically, in order to limit in person government activities, to protect entieal infrastructure workers to the extent possible. If the meeting is held electronically, information to electronically attend the meeting will be posted on the Township's website at http://vAvvj.prairievilletwp-mi.org. In addition to participation during an electronically held public hearing, members of the public may also provide comments for the Planning Commission's consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Planning Commission for receipt prior to the meeting, in care of the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson (ethompsoniJpcimf cpml or by leaving a phone message prior to lhe meeting with the Township Zoning Administrator. Eric Thompson at 269-943-4088. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item{s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subset to the Hastfo9s Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for mo# formation. A request from property owner. Jirn Parker, 6426 Heather Ridge. Kalamazoo., Ml 49009, for a Special Land Use/Sito Plan Review to allow for the construction of a detached accessory structure failing to meet die required setbacks and lot coverage requirements pursuant to section 4.20 “Accessoty Structures’. The subject site is located at 11228 Long Point Dr.. Parcel # 08-12-290-020-00 and is currently zoned R-2 - Residential. 2. Such other business as may properly come before the Planning Commission. The Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changer, in the above-mentioned proposed amendments) at or following the public hearing.] 1. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid lime and place, or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days prior notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact lhe Township Clerk at lhe address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION By. Myron Kox, Chairperson Prairieville Township Hall 11015 S. Noms Rd Delton, Michigan 49046 161735 �Page 6 — Thursday. May 27. 2021 - Tlw Hastings Banner Commission on Aging wrestles with ‘digital divide’ during pandemic -Meals on Wheels- 17 active volunteers . n,;.... n,.„ - Congregate Drive-Thru - Senior Meal Choice including Homecare Serxi Rebecca Pierce Editor f Tammy Pennington, executive the Barry Counts Commission on / g b* offered a scnior-c.yc-view of thc pan erm the county commissioners lbesda> discussed the past sear’s challenges < organization. . At the count) board meeting, she pn an annual report that was quite Ji ere those she offered pre-pandenne. One ot the challenges trsing lo bridge what she called - MMAP Counseling . • and Senior Center activities, including parking lot exercise, line dancing, painting group, healthy aging memory group. Iron Rails railroading group and adult day service returning nexl Tuesday. hi fundraising, lhe “Trail Mix walk took place last Saturday at Charlton Park, complete with dogs, she noted. . And, in January. CO A kicked oft Active Choices, a new phone-based, self-paced well­ ness program. ’Thus far, six participants enrolled and remain committed to the sixmonth prognun. They also have been working collabora­ tively with lhe Barry-Eaton District Health Department to call seniors and help anyone who w ants to get a vaccination. They arc not yet offering congregate meals, bingo and indoor parties, she noted. Pennington’s presentation concluded with comments from every commissioner, who thanked her and her organization for every­ thing they have done - and continue lo do for seniors in lhe county. ll’wt mans ot then- programs shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic, ’’wc matchid ol c adults with other programs that were mai a k online," Pennington said reused our f acebook presence. We created a TWmer account. We established our first YoulBbe channel.’’ They even tried Zoom. What the) found was “a lot of resistance front older folks ” to the move to digital and online programs. _ Thc pandemic s impact was significant. “It has really isolated folks.’’ Pennington sa‘d. They sought to ofler “extras, she said, ranging frorn grocery shopping to a Pen Pals program, to games like word search, and hol­ iday favors from pel blankets to make & take craft projects, along with three parking lot parties. t Pennington reviewed the COA’s response to the pandemic with lhe following statistical report on whal the organization is still offer­ ing: In other business, the commissioners: • approved awarding a contract to lhe Barry Conservation District for recycling coordina­ tor services for 12 months, as recommended by lhe Solid Waste Oversight Committee. In thc 4-2 vote, Commissioners Ben Geiger and Vivian Conner opposed the action. 'Flic con- DEVELOPMENT, continued from page 1 place free-standing easels and panels around downtown as part of an interactive public art display called the Bureau of Inquiry. • Approved the request of Hastings Rotary Club Treasurer David Solmes to use lhe Thomapple Plaza from 5 to 8 p.m. June 21 for an outdoor club meeting for members and guests. A liquor license will be required if any alcohol is served at the meeting. • Entered into a parking agreement between the City of Hastings and Bolthouse Merchandising Corp. for event parking from June I through May 31, 2022. The agreement allows event parking in the north­ east comer of the lot at 200 S. Bollwood St. Thc Council agreed to pay Si for event park­ ing. provide liability insurance to BMC. place barricades and have B\!C provide at least one-day notice before events. • Adopted a policy' for a new order of busi­ ness at Council meetings as suggested by Guetschow. lawn maintenance contractor, instead of two. “I think we need to give everyone a legiti­ mate chance to bid on this,” Mayor David Tossava said. The council unanimously voted against the Tate’s proposal and instructed that Goth con­ tracts be put out for bids. In other action, the council: • After its regular business session, went into a closed session with City Attorney Stephanie Fekkcs to discuss a mediation set­ tlement agreement. After returning to the public meeting, the council voted to ratify it. Bowers cast the lone “no” vote. • Approved lhe request of YMCA CEO Jon Sporer lo change lhe location of their Coordinated Approach lo Child Health (CATCH) SummerTlayground program from the large pavilib'hht Fi.<h'Hatchery Park to the Fish Hatchery Park Building. • Approved die request of Thomapple Arts Council Executive Director Megan Lavell to Worship Together HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Lead Moser, Pastor. 301 E Suite Rd.. P.O. Box 273. Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. hastfmcW Senior High Youth Group 6-8 Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. p.m. 8. 945-9121. gmail.com- Email Website: www. hastingsfrremcthodisl.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director, Sloetzcl. Martha Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.ni. Due to the current health nursery is crisis, remains our Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids (Children Grade). 6:30-8 p.m. Middle 2601 Youth Group; 6:30 Ml 49050. p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 Olmstead. for information. Sen ice: 10 a.m. closed. church Pastor. phone. Sunday service and Kid’s Church is WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH available in our 10:30 service. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, Our wonhip center is set up for Randall MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 chair accessible and elevator. Worship Sunday 9:45 a.m. Youth ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. Ma<s 4:30 p.m. Sunday. 10:30 a.m. activities: call for Services: 328I N. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool. (517) 204­ Street. 9390. Sunday Worship Sen ice Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, Children’s Ministry. Wednesday contact 616 690-8609. night Bible study and prayer Worship . Jefferson 10 a.m. -i»i rri 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 time 6.30 to 7:30 pm. Blue Shield. . . fo serve . appointed " Bornd °f Pirec-s in Commission on Apng .n jufW the following rotation- Jack Campbell in July and Smdker in r . Herbert Hesterly Please join us for a Celebration of Life honoring Herbert Heslerly (age 87) who passed away with his family surrounding him on May 22,2021. Visitation will be held at Hope United MethdUis(-’<GhU/ch?.J92() M-37, Hfctmgs. on Friday May EJ02O2I •ffi’tfrrl I'a'.tu. to F p.m. The service will be held immediately following al I p.m. The service will be livcslreamed and can be viewed at www. facebook.com/GirrbachFuneralHome . Herb was known for his kind and outgoing nature. He was most known for his love of striking up conversations with people from all walks of life everywhere he went. He loved baseball and was inducted into the Softball Fast Pilch Hall of Fame. Other things he loved included singing - both with his brothers and with the church Praise Team, his lime at Hastings Mutual Insurance Company; however, his ultimate love was his family. Die son of Charlie and Mildred Heslerly, he was the youngest of six kids. He was a devoted husband, brother, lather, grandfather and great-grandfalher who always put God and his family first. He is survived by his wife, Jane (Jordan) Heslerly; his children. Kimberly (Heslerly) and Brent Hassevoort and Scott Heslerly, Grandchildren Daniel Payne, Jr. and Jessica and Thomas Plochocki Jr.: great­ grandchildren, .Ashley, Sarah. Bailey, Bryce and Ryan; brothers, Ron and Mary Heslerly and Byron and Betty Heslerly, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sisters. Virginia 1 ousley and Doris Blair, and his brother, Verdan Heslerly. In lieu of Howers, a memorial has been set up at Hope United Methodist Chinch in Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Your Success Is our Business Gel । reSU|ts and unbeatable value from In business serviccsl Signs, Banners Z Posters . Businc^ - . । aminating • Marketing Materials * Priniing & CoP)" ‘’unndbook-s • And Much More! •---- . v.,„r promotional materials here! leiuscust^17 Flexfob 1699W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Stephen Blane Howard,45. of Hastings, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a weapon, a firearm, and committing a larceny in a building - stealing patio furniture and steak knives, MREs and a backpack from a duplex - as a habitual offender, in October 2020. in Thornapple Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 180 days in jail with credit for 90 days served. He was ordered to pay $1,823 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. He was ordered lo have no contact with lhe victim and successful­ ly complete Office of Community Corrections’ Cog program for cognitive, behavior­ al-based group treatment, as well as relapse prevention. Hie sentence is concurrent with sanctions against him out of Allegan County. A charge of possession of ammunition was dismissed at the time of sentencing. 10.30 to 11:30am, Nursery and This information on worship seme is provided by The Hasting Banner, the churches and these local businesses: A ance policy. CoUn > ^cnient (bnt IS prlced Brown noted, it >s -.MintV to pay 11 “STurel- incurred to B.ue < ross Sunday, 7025 Milo Rd. P.O. Box 765, CHRLST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. a.m. information 269-945­ Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 :i.ni. 9:30 School Worship Time p.m. Wheel­ Bertrand. Martina Marie Haynes. 35. of Kalamazoo, was convicted of uttering and publishing a $550 check on Feb. 9,2020. in Hastings Township, and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to pay fines and costs of $398. A charge of false pretenses of less than $199 was dismissed at the time of sentencing Steve 758-3021 WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH arc available in the 9 a.m. Bryan Paul Anthony. 39, of Delton, was convicted of aggravated domestic violence, aggravated assault, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated between Ma> I and 3, 2020. in Hope Township, as a third-time offender and was sentenced by Judge Schipper lo 24 days in jail w ith credit for 24 days served. Charges of assault with intent to do bodily harm less than murder, fourth-degree arson, and unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle; first-degree home invasion and assault with a dangerous weapon were dismissed at sentenc­ ing. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and receive 12 months of compliance monitoring to be released ty work and for treatment only. He will be placed on SCRAM (Secure Continuous demote ,AJcdho| Monitoring) and was ordered to'have no'cdiitabl wjfh lhe victims. ’, .............. ' mjiI ttr/biv Dicey Road, Dowling, (269) • !!PprXc Services (Xnir-.cl with Blue Administratis.which provides Cross Blue Shre ‘ 11' ‘ jncurrcd by discounted rates lor n • ,jn jnslir. Joshua Jacob Duffield. 26. of Kalamazoo, was convicted of indecency on June 23,2019 in Orangeville Township, and sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 31 days in jail with credit for one day served. He was ordered to pay $| ,126.64 in fines and costs. Three charges of multiple incidents of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, involving force or coercion, were dismissed at sentencing- He was placed on probation for 60 months. He was ordered to participate and successfully complete the Office of Community Corrections’ Cog pro­ gram for cognitive, behavioral-based group treatment, if deemed appropriate, as alcohol is an issue. He will be placed on SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring) for up to 12 months and must comply with all terms in the pre-sentencing investigation report. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 4 Truth School Weekly activity bags for chilrcti Michael Dclner Crumpt°n’ 43. of Portage, was convicted of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine ('n c. ‘ ' ^--0. in Johnstown Township, as a fourth-lime habitual offender and sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 38 months to 120 months in prison, with credit lor 6-1 days served He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. A charge of larceny in a building as a fourth-time habitual offender was dismissed al lhe time of his sentencing. Scot! Price. Phone: 269-948­ Kindergarten-5th , . Middleville sanitary - Middle*'" ..... - , ...„ of the .... nlv is pledging its full (hi, project, lhe s ■ , ()t l|,e bonds. Ldthnndcreihl <-r M>''>coiin|/s In,11;1Ie, Brown. 24. ol ■ >v‘1 e,. Was convicted of an assault with intent to do grcat bodily harm ess than „,urder.«hich amd On Jan, 13,2021. in Nashville, and was\en tenced by Judge Michael SchtpP««° -™ days in jail, with credit for 92 days served. 1k- was ordered to pay $39g in fines and costs. and placed O|1 prob.||ilin for 3ft lnonlh „ , release from jail, he wil| be on a comphance tether. He was ordered to participate bt and successfully complete ,hc OB.ce of Community Corrections’ Cog program for cognitive bchavtoral-based group T rela',SC Pf^entim>, have no contact with the victim or her children, and conipl J with all the terms in his pre-sentence report. Charges of second-degree aggnivated domestic violence and aggravated assault were dismissed8 at his sentencing. Justin Albert Hoffman. 36. of Caledonia, was convicted of domestic violence and being drunk and disorderly on Sept. 26. 2020. in Thomapple Township, and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 93 days in jail with credit for 86 days served, ordered to pay $425 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 12 months. His firearm, a 9mm MP Shield Smith & Wesson, is to be forfeited ...at the church of your choice Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is 'lb The World zXround Us”. '««•fl'r"I Sis (Mx>. >* "’|K‘l,illc‘l’ “PPmveda 2-pc1Vcnl w . $4300 every thru.. part-time court^w^'' .Plrctm1 We increase for all W“x<:rvase 11,1 • approved narry County f idct cinploycci Control One Administrator Mi'S’1.','’^.,, as the autho­ lhe "’Heciivc.ban-ai,...^’ ”*’* c,>',«red under rized representative ’ 1 liniy pertaining ratified With the cotrectinnf’m""’"1 "“"'b to the American |<e ’ p|,n Act tARI’A). rection command unit and °unit’cor’ They directed Hnm1,<:''\1|bmii a request for employees asstwiati.,',, j, C1)«rthouse funding though th. Department ol will ran this year throng], ztm intr';“'’c Treasury ARP,\,s„b|; ( ’|>l)t1al Bnice Campbell, whose wJi/'em"!1"'0,’er • approved !hc coimlv’s laxubk’ Va,Ue eourt security screener -.1, , ’ . nd,a' ls « ’' Ulnc<l from voting report.includingaHcndlcen>llb‘ick’ Ibcrol,‘ on this action. back, winch cxe|ud ‘ property, requires an adjustment w|K.|K.Vcr the increase of tax­ able value exceeds the r ite of innation. .... .................................... Contact 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Ty Greenfield, Steve Skedgell orJennie Yonker 269-945-9554 Joyce r raugnt pa^ed on M.iy 11. ?(£1. Her children Jon ( Jill) I aught. Kelley (Rick) Collett. Brandy (Donald) Cousins. Brooke (Johnny) McClain. She had 1) grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She was known as the Candy Granny to all. She will be missed by main. �The Hastings Banner — Tlnjrsday May 27, 2021 - Page 7 19828611 and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Compulsory draft, world news foretold impending war, part II Kathy Maurer Copy Editor By Dewration Day in late May 1941. some draftees nationwide had been called to serve for a year. Eyes were on Europe, and people debated privately and publicly whether thc U.S. should get involved in overseas conflicts, whether any other nation or empire was worth a drop of .American blood. Headlines in the May 31, 1941, Detroit Evening lunes reported on an air raid in Dublin that killed 40 people and injured 100 others, an eyewitness’ account of the sinking of the Bismarck, an appeal from Great Britain for .Americans to have one meatless and milklcss meal each week to allow more canned food to reach beleaguered Brits, bombing of Fascist garrisons in the Aegean Sea, a photo feature on "lhe Cadet Corps: Detroit s Schoolboy Soldiers" and more. 1 hat issue also included reader responses to a previous editorial by publisher William Randolph Hearst. "Don’t sacrifice the United Slates in order to insure British victory." Harold Powys of San Francisco wrote "She is fighting Germany not because of any German political or military philosophy but because Germany stands in the way of her world dominion. In a generation or so. some other country may be lhe target of her holy crusade ...,” Mrs. Pauline Gude of Los Angeles shared her view, but it was more of n plea. • r<* • . » "1 am writing lo thank you with all my heart for your stand against war. "I am a widow w ith an only son 18 years old. Please. Mr. Hearst, use your vast influence to mould public opinion against lhe colossal injustice of lowering the draft age. "I am encouraging others to turn lo your newspapers since you so courageously champion our cause. "You have my undying gratitude.” By June 1942. lhe draft age for the fifth registration would be lowered to include men as young as 20. Mrs. Pauline Gude’s son, Donald - 6 feet. 3 inches tall, weighing 193 pounds, with brow n hair, brown eyes and light skin - signed up. Hc was 20 years old and working at lhe Vega Aircraft plant in L.A. Like Mrs Pauline Gude, perhaps the families of the 2287 Barry County men whose names were on lhe first local draft list initially felt America should stay pul and stay far from fighting in Europe or elsewhere. Many would change their minds. The first 499 names from the original list in the Oct. 31. 1941. Banner were reprinted last week. The list continues below: 500. Richard Roscoe Engle 501. Howard Allen Wilson 502. Robert Peter Schnver 503. Lawrence Everett Barcroft 504. Edward Albert Kemski 505. Barry William Schultz 506. Leonard James Walters 507. Robert Janies Wilcox 508. Uurcncc Evart Garrison 509. lidward Russell Fisher 510. Don Herbert Curtis 511. Ivan J. Payne 512. Robert F. New ton 513. William Addison McConnell 514. Fred R. Kunde 515. Harold Loran Johnson 516. Ernest LeRoy Hooper 517. Andrew Arthur Hansen 518 519. 520. 521. 522. 523. 524. 525. 526. Harry Paul Firestone Charles ELeTourncau Howard Dale A-spniall Raymond Hugh Clinton Donald Dean Kinnncy Merrill Dale VanVleel Curtis A. Bow-man Lewis Whitaker Bernan! Wayne llammond 527. Cletus C. Valentine 528. Bernard Paul Woodman 529. James Harold Slocum 530. Roy Erway Jr531. Keith Jackson Schnurr 532. Uwin J. Baum 533. Richard J eRoy <>■ 5.14. Elmer C. (.aubaujih 535. (Jerald Lavem Lawren 536. Alpheous b Punn 537. Howard Milton Main 538. Melvin Rex Bt™ . ... 539. Roman Bert Kar|»n>M 540. Russell IJemond 541. Ernest Clarence lxJ 542. Herman S>m,lh 543. Clinton John Brill 544. J. Robert Alldredge 545. Harold Lawrence Doxey 546. Carl Raymond Willcutt 547. Earl Frank Travis 548. Rov Eugene Walters 549. Evart William Ardis 550. Chester Raymond Geukcs 551. Elwood Raymond Hawkins 552. Frank Raymond Boniface 553. Edward John Storkan 554. Max Miller 555. Roger Williams 556. Earl Wesley Ripley 557. Arthur Edgerton Kenyon 558. Dale Harrison Schoonard 559. Walter Ammon Eaton 560. Ralph Sterling Kenyon 561. Eugene Harvey Ball 562. Robert Owen Bowman 563. Forrest Luther Stamm 564. Frederick Winifred Roberts 565. Arthur Samuel Valentine 566. David Vincent Barry 567. Ruben Louis Sprague 568. Oliver Steiner Clapper 569. Ira Mery l Peake 570. Virgil Janies Monica 571. Allen Harry' Bishop 572. Gerald James Anders 573. Hobart Edward Hinkson 574. Burdett Mason Cline 575. Melvin Beachen Hornsby 576. Marshall C. Belson 577. Merle Marion Swift 578. Carl George Van Loo 579. Walton Dale Grove Bunnell 580. David McKeown 581. William Harrison Hart 582. Hubert Lyle McCallum 583. Frederick Lynn Houvener 584. Cecil Glenn Harris 585. Thomas Hartzelle Cobb 586. Elmer J. Willison 587. George Adelbert James 588. Rhierson Louden 589. Ward Willard Jordan 590. Robert Winston Blocker 591. John Edward LePine 592. Oral Duane Miller 593. Merritt Joseph Pike 594. Russel Spencer Bass 595. Howard Aldiouse 596. Earl Alonso Smith 597. Joseph Stutz 598. Ernest Franklin Wilkins 599. Richard Frank Slocum 600. Ralph Harold Cave 601. /Mien Edward Houghton 602. Gerald Leslie Reynolds 603. Paul Darwin McArthur 604. Burdette James Willson 605. Ray Edward Zimmerman 606. Keith Leonard McMillen 607. Peter Otis Hermenilt 608. Leo Edwin Hoyt 609. Valentine Joseph Kun610. Robert Frank Vrooman 611. John Griffith Davies 612. Richard Bertram Waite 613. Joseph Brozak 614. Lee Jay Burgess 615. Claud John Rosenberg Jr. 616. Ira Ebcr Scudder 617. Delbert Whitmore 618. Ralph Stinson McCann 619. Carroll Cecil Newton 620. James Francis Thomas 621. Gerald George Fincis 622. William Albert Woodruff 623. Leonard Homer Pebbles 624. Bury |C George Lancaster 625. Janies Richard Guy f?1* Fon*t Coykendall 627. Cordon Erwin Crothers 628. Arthur William Smith 629. Omar Dale Barnum 630. Herbert Loren Cutler 631. Edward Herman Moeller 632. George Herbert Schaibly 633. Richard Ix-on Covey 634. Glenn NewumC’ampbell Thompson 636. Raymond WiHiam Dalton 637. Robert Havens Otis 638. Henry J. Layton 9“^’" ^Johnson 640. Forest Sylvester Hynes 641. Nelson Glen Bini 642. Donald Enzian Reynolds 643. f hestcr Keith Eaton (y\A. John Harrison Long 645. Merle Edward Count d'a?^innnCa?a chance o^planned omhorin^** vet.eraP? Iik.e.ly no^ have pholos like this - men in uniform, perhaps in a foreign A/ndidSSar H Era’’ book created T°u 7'lhoi;tJdent,f,caJ,on: This photo, from the -Barry County Veterans of the a Vauahn, Bob Faulkner Rill Dihht ^°unJy Hlst°rica'^°ciely- identifies the “Barry County men in World War 11” as (from ’eft) Archie Vaugn . aulkner. Bill Dibble. Bob Roush and Herman Bessmer. Only Bessmer's name is on lhe first draft from the fall of 194U. i 646. Richard Edward Jacobs 647. Leslie Loyd Wilkinson 648. Clyde Rudolph Kuenipel 649. Linden H. Collison 650. Floyd Emerson Burkey 651. Francis Eugene Barnard 652. Willis Henry Dalton 653. Harold Herman Vanderschuur 654. Meryl Donald Neeb 655. Russell Irving Brodbeck 656. Roy Emmerson Brown 657. Lloyd Dorwood Tack 658. Charles Glenn Farthing 659. Palmer James Kimble 660. William Russell Lind 661. Lee Preston Rose 662. Von B. Rasey 663. Maurice William Johncock 664. Burdette Rudolph Hayner 665. Herbert Hamphcnd Couch 666. Laurence l-ockwood Ward 667. Roscoe Fighter 668. Forrest Truman Smith . 669 Everett Wesley Johnston 670. Robert Franklin Donovan " 671. Buryi Elwin Townsend 672. Jacob Eugene Miller 673. L.eon Mayford Parker 674. Ward Earl Freeman 675. Kenneth Patrick Labcrteaux 676. Byrle Wayne Potter 677. Lynn Poole Stoddard 678. Joseph Emmett Mix 679. Frank William Wallace 680. Cleo Laverne Haywood 681. George Albei t Sprague 682. Milo James Schondelmayer 683. Gilbert Wallace Paine 684. Samuel Llewellyn Hamilton 685. David Wallace Tarbet Jr. 686. Raymond Henry Tobias 687. Roy Moses Strickland 688. Verdari Vivian Coville 689. Bert Stenger 690. Donald Wilt 691. Robert William Olner 692. William Henry Gardner 693. Joseph Merle Scott Jr. 694. Gerald M. Crawley 695. Ira William Stairs 696. Forrest Henry Bidlcman 697. Mearl Bechtel Kelley 698. Howard Franklin Dudley 699. Lloyd Harold Demond 700. Alfred Waite Altoft 701. Earl Gerald Powell 702. Kenneth Millard Payne 703. Robert William Corkin 704. George Birge Thomas 705. John Alden Chandler 706. Raymond Austin Black 707. Caryl Emil Fuller 708. Earl Jenning Culp 709. Harry Doyl Beard 710. Wendall DotyAshley 711. Linden Jackson Snyder 712. James Lilburn France 713. Raymond R- Price 714. EJ. LaWnw Weaver 715. Ellis Romain Daniels 716. Willard Henry Landis 717. Carrell Walter rahnagc 718. Ronald J«h,’A,,dcrs 719. ArloR ^,lder 720. Floyd 1). Seiner 721. Eord Kenyon 722. Howard EUon aker 723. Carl John G“ T®er 724. Gerald Mon'y’nneme 725 Carl Wilson UUear 740. Glasier George Pease 741. Stephen Russell Dudley 742. Waiter Henry Cooke 743. Harold Whitaker Ycrty 744. William George Fellzer 745. Willis Edgar Murray 746. Ward Austin Bender 747. Arthur Michael Yarger 748. Paul Henry Freeman 749. Russell George Scott 750. Roland Herbert Taliaferro 751. Lawrence Leroy VanTyle 752. Kenneth Roger Pufpaff 753. Bernie I. Bowen 754. Joseph Fiala 755. Douglas McMartin Gainder 756. James Allen McClurkin 757. Bernard Dwight Skinner 758. Earl William Olis 759. Arthur James Harrington 760. Clair William Tungate 761. Lee Richard Camell 762. Earl Noblc BiKdkk . . 763. Clarence M^rpsg.^-mer .764. Kenneth Elven Litts 765. Richard Sackett 766. Ivan John Smith 767. Marvin Joseph Thaler 768. Maurice Hager Purchis 769. Montague Thomas Armstrong 770. George Elter Willison 771. Howard Earnest Pennock 772. Norman Walter Fillingham 773. Reginald Grant Cridler 774. Harry' Chris Mann 775. Richard Lynn Bogart 776. Milton Howard Case 777. Ray Bee Hermenilt 778. Frank Eugene Wales 779. Russell Edward Laubaugh 780. Francis W. Edgecomb 781. Gerald Dorane Burghdoff 782. D. Owens Freeman 783. Kenneth Carroll Hal! 784. Gordon Charles Manni 785. Harry' Carl Hill 786. Leslie Merton Raber 787. Donald Coulson Douglas 788. Burdet Vrooman Benaway 789. Ovid Horace Price 790. Adelbert Eugene Heath 791. Fred Ritsema 792. Avery’ Paul Rodgers 793. Charles Patrick Whitman 794. Noble William Sackett 795. Curtis Aldrich Lawrence 796. Elias Banks Willison 797. Floyd Henry Not flee 798. Clifford Ward 799. Alexander McGregor 800. Clinton LeRoy Brown 801. Edgar La Verne Hoovenair 802. Burl Morris Weadbrock 803. Maurice L. Carter 804. Ernest Earl Powers 805. Sterling J. Moore 806. Walter Philip Bender 807. John Llewellyn Woodman 808. Roger Humphrey Warner 809. John Wilford Beedie X10. Vemor Max Leclka 811. Charles Reed Hauser 812. Donald Robert Haney813. Oliver Ralph Elliott 814. Lester Merl Onnsbe 815. George Garry lownsend 816. Clare Richard Mugridge 817. Robert Tobias 818. Earl LeRoy Reid 819. Nelson Zepher Ross 820. Earl Marion Roush 727 Fores,i'fcr Anders 845. Raymond Leo Wolfe ‘ .t» .• 846. Robert Lee Rizor 847. Kenneth Lyle Shawriian 848. Andrew J. Cortright 849. Robert Carl Walldorff 850. Ellis Charles Cross 851. Ceylon Max Garlinger 852. Richard Earl Ross 853. Oscar Jay DeWitt 854. Gerald Burddett Dennison 855. Elmer Clarence Payne 856. Clifford Waller Clouse 857. Alvin Leo Huvcr 858. Robert Ansel Phillips 859. William Thomas McCall 860. Melvin Afton Smith 861. Fred Lyle Allen 862. Marline Bryant Mead 863. Harry Kenneth Johnson 864. Donald Francis Leonard 865. Albert Lee Dyer 866. Lester Noteboom 867. Henry Bernard Beverwyk 868. Ernest James Mead 869. Lorin James Stuck 870. Victor Duane Hoffman 871. Theron Bernard Beach 872. LeRoy Onn Sibbersen 873. Harold Earlman Fisher 874. Sidney R. Hull 875. Maurice F. Ingram 876. Elmer Sebastian Wiesenhoter 877. Anson Rockwell Dodge 878. Harlan Rodelle Scobey 879. James Walter Robertson 880. Kenneth Ray Dunlap 881. Alexander Robert Neil 882. Robert Ray Van tyne 883. Royal Arthur Gardner 884 Leo Harold Colburn 885. Frederick Fuhr 88o. John Bryans 887. Allen P. Lahr 888. Rufus Franklin Davis 889. Laurence J. Anders 890. Keith Willard Durkee 891. Robert Earl Fisher 892. Edward John McGrath 893. Herbert Louis Cooper 894. Bertrand Lewis O Donnell 895. Chester C. C alkins 896. Voyle Vincent Varney 897. RotK'rt Ora Burwell 898. James Leach McKelvey See DRAFT, page 9 Jeffrey A. Keessen. AIF C (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings. MI 490;,S www.watmedgeflnanciaU-om TakinK rare !t‘^ so that you can )vcus on >•'/«» IKj:r'ri ' ■ AD" . •vninl r» . Financial Luc Ji firry A- Kr. .xti , rtvyr? Water’s Edge 729: 730. John Win^M^n 731.1len.1an^’*r 733. Geory iwllll. 734. Allen 735. Richard A Joh 736. John An llh k ■737. Granl A1 K<..ylhl.r ™ B^lcrben Bird 739. J-awrvn^ 821. Donald Burr Cooley 822. James Harry Benham 823. Andrew Joseph Auber 824. Harold Albert Case 825. Ralph Roy Swift 826. Dale Harold Bishop 827. Wilbur Lewis Halstead 828. Charles Floyd Ogden 829. George Warren Williams 830. Lyle Francis Kun83 I. Robert Foote 832. William Frederick Cole 833. James Haney Huggett 834. Glenard DeBolt Showalter 835. Howard William Barnum 836. Albert William Barry 837. William Erie Peake 838. Myron Fredrick Reynolds 839. Maurice Eugene McMurray 840. Martin George Schramm 841. Lyle Paul Miller 842. Melbourne Lyle Miller .... < ... wunii-o ••ffcivu thfiMpt 1 < I 1 M.rJH'BNlUV'HX’. - ■' --------------------- — �Pape 8 — Thursday, May SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS — Elaine Gnrlock lhe local VI W poM. utth Steve A(Inch the commander, hu« announced pa ■ .... MemorialDayobscna.^As^ t 'M K at II run. Monday, May 31. Tl>e Rev Bruce Barker will bring the addrn’ again this yu r. Illis «lit be at 1 akeside Cemetery. l,:.s| vear the Sunfield chapter ol daughters of Union Veterans planned a meaningful observance since there could be no crowd on band. They arranged for a senes ol placards that gave Visitors a driving tour of the cemetery nilh quotes from famous people. Il was well planned. It combined patriotism and history. As last year, someone will play taps at 11 a.m. Memorial Day. The cemetery is on St. Joseph 1 lichway just east of South Sunfield Highway, tuo miles south of the village near the former C Lurch of thc Brethren. It is well worth the . drive. Work on lhe streets in Johnson s First Addition to the village will begin soon. This involves Emerson Street, which runs from Jordan I ake 1 liphway to Twin City Foods, but the work will extend only to Fourth Avenue. Three short streets, each one block long, extend from Emerson south to Tupper Lake Street. They are Pearl, Pleasant and Ionia. The work includes replacement of waler mains, service lines, street improvement and sidewalk replacement. The sidewalk on Emerson is only on thc north side chiefly to accommodate residents of Lake Manor and Emerson Manor and is much newer than thc other walks. This will affect all traffic lo Twin City Foods. Hopefully, this project will Ik finished before the start of the green bean season in late July. Tile village council has a new member. She is Jennifer Hickey who has been a resident since 1998. She joins a council which has only one male member. . Lakewood schools have announced their summer feeding program Breakfast and lunch will be provided Mondays and Thursdays with food for multiple days each lime. Pickup times are from 10 a.m. to 11 .nt. Meals can be picked up at lhe Woodland Elementary School. Lakewood Middle School on Brown Road, Van Buren Park in Sunfield and in lhe parking Jot of Clarksville Bible Church. Senior girls from Lakewood High School were entertained al lhe Hughie House on M-50 near the high school May 14 with an inspirational speaker Annie Agar. It was a red letter day on Pentecost Sunday al Central United Methodist Church. If it could be red, it was. The front steps were draped with red satin, red Howers and red bricks held it from blowing away in lhe wind. Pastor Vaughn Thurston-Cox wore a red stole adorned with flames, and the lilurgist also was dressed in red. Besides lhe usual hymns, prayers and message, there was a special “Blessing of the Bikes.” Included were motorcycles, bicycles, and trikes With most of lhe congregation dressed in red for the outdoor worship service, many photos were snapped, including a whole-group shot on lhe south steps. The Congregational Church will have a special service of remembrance this Sunday. , J° Xl*hgan Ftvmont and Mason John Hunter. Mi(!, * n7>|A'“ Va,’ll<-'ikoale. Del'0" und Alcxis Danielle l lhnu, h,,, Joel Isaac H '‘""jand A,*swl Marie Elliott, Dominie Paul P.X yVnrtier. Battle Creek nnd Taylor Jai Rob. ‘ Rltlje Creek Robert Uv McC\i| |JJ. Middleville and Anita Marie Sloan mli.iIcs’iHc Ashton Joseph and Sophia l ee Howled. Ha,,. ’ Andrew WesR-j, J filings and Kayla Delaney liedin.ita,’, ‘ Trisha Ann J011kcr Nfi(W|eville and Keaton John Williams, H;^:’ Jacob Richard Boger Woodland and Kmtlin Sophia Gingcl|.Nnshvi-||c Sall 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads celebrate volunteers who work in a variety of areas. Nominations are being accepted for Volunteer of thc Year. Youth Volunteer of the Year. Outstanding Mentor Award, Continuing Service Award. Corporate Service Award and Group Volunteer Award. The nomination packet can be found online at bcuniledway.org under the “News” Items. Nominations must be postmarked by Friday, June 11. to be considered. Any organization that utilizes volunteers in Barry County is eligible to submit nominations.This includes nonprofit agencies, service clubs and organizations, churches and businesses that are involved in employee volunteering. The virtual awards ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday. July 8. Winners will still be receiving awards, and all nominees will be given a certificate of appreciation. “We hope that you will take a few moments to submit a nomination and recognize a volunteer or volunteers that you know are doing great work for the community.” Johnson said. Additional information can be obtained by emailing morganfa bcunitedway.org or calling 269-945-4010. Solids • 108” Wide GUtilfBacldng t • Threads, Zipper, Trims ft Tray. Tar Our Country QUESTIONS: ASK US_. 218 E State St, Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN Mcnday-Frida/Barr,530pm; Sahrtjy 9 am-J pm Robert and Shirley (Hammond) Case will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on June 1. 2021. Children of the couple are Marilyn (Bill) Storm, Linda (Doug) Stampfler, Brian (Shelly) Case, Bruce (Lori) Case, and Stephen (Tina) Case. They have 15 grandchildren and 34 great­ grandchildren. Send them best wishes with a card at: 1061 W. Brogan Rd., I lastings, Ml 49058. They will be celebrating with family on Sunday. June 6. Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel. reMir drain denning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation IESSS1 Office (269) 948-2248 KgufiBM Mobile (269) 83jUgy^__ in Loving Memory of Egbert (Bert) Keizer) Quality Aluminum Products Quality Aluminum Products have the following positions open: Production Helper, Warehouse Helper, Shipping Helper and Maintenance Helper We have increased our starling wage to SI 4.50 per hr. with thc ability to earn up lo SI5.75 wilhin the first year! Wc jfive a 50c premium for 2nd and 3rd shift. Msu TONS of growth Opportunity.________ Our address is 429 S. Michigan Ave, Hastings, MI 49508 Apply at httpt^/www.aualitvaluiniomP^^B_______ or in person. _________ - i who was called home to heaven May 28,2020. We love and miss you more with each passing day. Our hope is in the Lord's promise that we will be reunited again one day. Lovingly Remembered W Dedens Chris & Shannon & Fal11iiy —. forget in time thnt men (and wnm'nr'’?1"' tired to win them." ^"I have This is why families, friends „ t communities come together to rememlxr the great sacrifices ol military members and ensure their legacies live on. Hie benefits wc provide can heln the surviving families of deceased military service members. For example, widows, widowers and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. You can learn more about those benefits at ssa.gov/siirvivors. We also offer support to wounded warriors. Social Security benefits protect veterans when injuries prevent them from returning to active duty or performing other work. Both the Department of Veteran Affairs nnd Social Security have disability programs. You may qualify for disability benefits through one program but not thc other, or you may qualify for both. Depending on your situation, some members of your family, including dependent v u., eligible to receive children or spo«'e-" Social Security Security bench ». members Social I*noy.|T)ern bers can can Wounded rniliL”? ^}nJ, (heir Social receive expedited prt>^ are ;1 veteran Security disability c* ent and and Total Total with a 100 (he Department of compensation rating ri^ .. yourdisability Veterans Affairs, we llcxpero j claim. . how vve can Want more inforrn“"“ ,‘dedwarrion. for help? Visit ^ 2°.’'questions <>r to answers lo commonly asM-t 1 ■ aK-{.ss find information about the app • ‘ Thinking about retire^ veteran who is? Military' J addition to receive Social Security benefits m . their military retirement benefits. ’ visit our webpage for veteran • •& peoplc/veterans. . Share this information with t c 1111 ’ ' families you know. We honor ano t ian v e veterans who bravely served and died or <)ur country and thc military service members who serve today. Vunda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration. J0J5 Knapp NE. Grand Rapids Ml 49525, or via email to vonda.vantiI(Rssa.gov. Garrison Alexander Lee Hammond, bom al Spectrum Health Pennock on April 26. 2021 to Hayley Bishop and Brett Hammond of Hastings. Hudson Thomas Fancher, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 6, 2021 to Alexi Maurine Knapper and Sterling Mikeal Fancher of Charlotte. Abigail Lillian Haack, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 26. 2021 to Jocelyn Haack and Matthew Haack of Wayland. Gabriel Robert Barton, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 6, 2021 to Daisy Randall and Ethan Barton of Hastings. Layu Rae Gardner, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 29. 2021 lo Christina Gardner ■' and Christopher Milsicad of Bryzon Lee Lewis Duncan, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 11. 2021 io Samantha* Lee Duncan and Darrell Lewis Duncan Jr. of-Bacry County. Cases to celebrate 65th wedding anniversary PLUMBING _. In,i. Luh Memorial Du’Z^' military service memlxr. wh^\h°?Ors their lives for our country A Jr r„ \\L g’VCn Tranklin D. Roo-cvelt sai •'H I0 ’"’1'"1 long enjoyed such pnv^“ .*■ - Nadrs'ille MICHAEL KINNEY Hufst Cleaners Pick-Up Station v>m<lii Van TH ^Newborn babies Nominations sought for local volunteer awards This past year has been like no other. However, many people - neighbors, friends, colleagues - have stepped up to do their part in volunteering lo help others. “This year, compared to all others, is truly a year to celebrate thc amazing accomplishments of volunteers in Barry County/ Morgan Johnson of the Barry CaBhly'^UdiLed’AVay and Volunteer Center said. The United Way and Volunteer Center are now accepting nominations for the virtual 2021 Volunteer Awards. The Volunteer Awards recognize, honor and celebrate residents within lhe county who have given of their time and talent for the benefit of thc community. The awards provide an opportunity to Agency honors military heroes Cra^^ UraiQ &Atny Learning Sh® taud staff Dear Dr. Universe: How do you learn somethin# hard? Kai. 12, Alaska Dear Kai. There are so many different things we can leant in our world, but that doesn’t mean learning is alu ays so easy. Maybe you want to learn a process, like how to com­ plete Rubik’s Cube, code an app, design a solution to a problem or answer science questions. My friend Sarah Fick, an assistant pro­ fessor of science education at Washington State University, was excited to hear your question. She said one way to learn some­ thing hard is to ask a lol of questions of yourself and other people. Questions like: Why is it hard? Are you trying to remember something? Are you trying to understand how it works? Are you trying to solve a problem that s hard to solve? Can you design something or come up w uh an idea that will help you solve that problem? Where can you find more information about your problem, or who can you ask about it? “Depending on what experiences you’ve had in learning - and the knowledge you’ve gained from your family and community you are going lo come at these problems with your own strengths,” Fick said. Things that are easy lor you might be hard for someone else, or thc opposite could be true. Fick reminded me that while we can le;irn a process, we also can learn more about how a process works That’s what scientists do - they help us bring deeper knowledge into the world Through collecting data, researchers can help us build on current knowledge to ere- ate new knowledge. Another thing scientists do is create a model or draw a picture show­ ing how they think lhe process works. A model can sometimes help us understand what wc know and what we still have ques­ tions about. When you are learning something hard, it also helps to ask yourself what is motivat­ ing you to learn. Maybe lhe motivation is that you want a good grade on a test We call that extrinsic motivation. But maybe y ou waul to learn how lo do something for, well, you. Then, you have intrinsic motiva­ tion. When motivation comes from within, it often helps us learn. Finally, while it may fed frustrating to learn difficult subjects or tasks, that’s some­ times a good sign. You might just be w res­ tling with knowledge that’s new to you and might be on your w ay to an “Aha!” moment when you gain a belter understanding. One of the areas Fick researches is help­ ing us better understand how students can use their knowledge from one subject, such as math, to help them learn more about another area, like science. Learning often happens when we find connections, includ­ ing connections to our daily life. A lot of different factors go into learning something hard, and these are just a few. l he next time you find yourself facing a learning challenge, lake a deep breath, ask yourself some good questions and get ready for the next step on your learning journey - wherever it takes you. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer nl Dr.Uniwrscv'vv.su.edu or visit her website, askdnmivetsc.com. �The Harings Banner — Thursday, May 27. 2021 — DRAFT, continued from page 7 WLHe^Xa^ 902. Alton lxn>) R 903. Rollo Olhi ci— nru '"'Siemens 90S Glenn I^mone Ketchum •X)6 wLcr Wdlhn1"n'XlinS . 958. Norval Junior 959. Carl W w" S ani,n 961 au,dr/s‘Ser 1017. |h,e C1’hc 1018. Cl-0,u,‘(kt 1019. M°l,n . p. IR’Ron ‘ 1020. d Mins 1021 ^ndJolphS'^ 1022. r Johnston 1023.00° ; r<ir| Huhbcj. 1024. Hindes 1025. Doug’- j.-^ncis |>u . 1026. CHI^ Li<h 1027. WiH’-J’’\ferrick Sl^ 1028. G^Bai'"11 1029.0^1 |v;1I1 Green l,’30 S’r llntfe^i" Sts®*. 965 k Dinsmore Nei) %l^ThLcoC'"k 908.1-arl J„hn Curt>« o:n' r?d Bl"”ct Bo*«m’an 9 ). C Ituvnce Cecil Wascher 911. Gerald Lyle Hine 912. Hairy Hale Reiglcr 913. Morl Leslie Lammers 914. George Hiram Swan 915. Laurence Dale Hecker 916. Clyde Roosevelt Schiffmann 917. Leo John Barry 9IS. Richard Mills Nixon 919. Roland Lloyd Valentine 920. Rex Reginal Dunnigan 921. Monty Talbot 922. Melvin Frederick Jacobs 923 Robert James Bryans 924. Leonard Garett Lester 925. Leslie Paul Davis 926. Farwell Cenius Webb 927. Earl Eugene Paine 92S. Donald Edward Wcndel 929. Stanley Elmer Johnson 930. William Franklin Hayes 931. Gerald David Gardner 932. Horace Maynard Mathis 933. Howard M. Martin Jr. 934. Joseph Hobbs Skinner 935. Gerard Edward Cusick 936. Karl Verdan Knoll 937. Carl William Damson 938. Chester Charles Ovcrsmith 939. Lloyd Lavem Elliston 940. Harold Lee Mathews 941. Donald Ernest Foreman 942. Louis Diamante 943. Carl V. Martens 944. Myron Alfred Bishop 945. Sidney Joy Stanton 946. Lloyd Ellsworth Linsley 947. Paul Russell Rearick 948. Guy Tyson Harden Jr. 949. Dewayne Edward Pugh 950. Charles F. Murphy 951. Marcus Shapley 952. Donald Lucas 953. Willard Henry Arnold 954. Nia! Reid Castelein 955. Lorraine Joseph Walters 956. Harry’ William Mugridge 957. Thomas Clair Ostrander 0, w £ K Magyas 969 1D'>n',ldDS,vdge ^■lonyRitsma 971' W*'! ^Orde" Br>d«es ™ ^(W.lteWeUer Glenn Valentine Leeper 071 u?Crnar^ Hammond 974. Winston Winn Warner 975. Howard J. McIntyre ... *u-’ ‘,, .fh J. McDonald Mohall Bra,,do* Tripp (Ml Neil Willttu" J°nn wk Lyle David Count 1043.Franc* kaiser 1014. Kenneth Ri,JJ 1045. Chad6* Enl';'1 Matteson 1046. Archie 1047. Woodro" v ‘ >,k Atlenling 1048. LeRoy 1049. Blaine Ross Manson 1050. Kenneth Raymond Cronk 1051. Howard Kenyon Newton 1052. Martin Paul Stutz 1053. Nile Ray A Herding 1054. Albert L.Orsborn 1055. Richard Hollis Shawman 1056. Dean Richard Cunningham 1057. Clifford Elzia McMannis 1058. Watson Junior Howsley 1059. Clifford Herman Allcrding 1060. Wayne Lawrence Garrison 1061. Elmer Gordon Dundas 1062. Norman Edward Stanton 1063. Lynn Arlie Edger 1064. Harold Kenneth Cole 1065. Earl Robert Pennock 1066. Howard Leslie Daniels 1067. Dennis Otto Allerding 1068. Joseph William Kidder 1069. Frank Alonzo Wolff 1070. Clifford Raymond Belson 1071. Fay T. Marble 1072. Andrew McKeown 1073. Victor R. Henney 1074. Loya Smith 1075. Fred D. Foote METAL ROOF PRICE,QALCWATOR! AMERICAN jietalroofs * Michigan Works’ West Central is soliciting pro­ posals for Region 4 Offender Success Program for the thirteen county area-Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will be posted on the Michigan Works! West Central website, www.mwwc.org on or around June 7, 2021. There will be multiple RFPs being released for Housing Providers, Health and Behavioral Health Providers, Resource Navigators, Employment Services Providers, and Social Support Providers. Proposals are due July 22, 2021 no later than 3:30 pm and shall be submitted based on the instructions in the RFPs. The RFP documents will be made available in alternative format, e.g. large type, audio tape, or other format upon request to Ellen Williams at (231) 538-0735, TTY:711. Michigan Works! West Central is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Female and minority owned business are encouraged to apply. IOX). Burr Arron Dennison 109L Clare Richard Conon 1092. Dale C. Mcrbu 1093.1 xv. is Sydney Kenficld 1094. John William Armbruster Jr. 1095. Oscar An er Rice 1096. Francis Benjamin Dawson 1097. Augu.t Ix-on Martz 1098. Shirley James Gillespie 1099 Milo Ix-Roy Hill Sources Hustings Runner, WorldWur2mns cum . familysearch .org, findagrave .org, ancestry .com, chroniclingtvnericanJoc.gov. l035 ®ri Stutz ;037 D&rn7,C^n oil’ Johnson Q7Q ^‘ctor Townsend 9/8 Verdan Luther Stowell Arthur Joseph Minor 980. Ralph Vem Hess 981. Wilson Pcrvis Guidet 982. Kenneth Lowell Martin 983. Harlcn Clinton Hollister 984. George Edward Van Houten 985. Robert Charles Jacobs 986. Robert Kenyon 987. Arthur Warren Lower 988. Dale LaVerne King 989. Dwight William Fisher 990. Vaughn George Fuller 991. Robert Glen Conley 992. Charles Woods 993. James Lester De Vault 994. Arnold Paul Perkins 995. John Earl Taggart 996. Glenn Forest Miller 997. Theodore N. Knopf 998. Joseph Wayne Bump 999. Frederick James Alton 1000. Royal Lester Miller 1001. Lloyd Bernard Huver 1002. Royal Lee Hayes 1003. John James Gurd 1004. Theodore Grant Hayward 1005. Russell Charles Whittemore 1006. Irving Michael Stuck 1007. Howard William Randler 1008. James J. Barnum 1009. Alfred Cutler Hooper 1010. James D. Heney 1011. Robert Earnest Louden 1012. Russell Campbell 1013. Harold Burdett Parker 1014. Harold /\lton Jacobson 1015. Stanley Brigham Wheater 1016. Barrel Price Daniels Request for Proposal 1076. Rol>crt William Field 1077. Lyle Alfred Leinaar 1078. Russell Oliver Martin 1079. Wilbur Elvaro Solomon 1080. Victor E. Mend 1081. Meryl Etters Boyer 1082. Floyd Shepard Roscoe 1083. Allen Smith Brumm 1084 Ixmis Stanley Carter 1085. Albert Daniel Steeby 1086. Harn'A Young 1087. Leslie Rolland Gould 1088. Earl Harmon Cheeseman 1089. Fae Henry Fisher Member SIPC Andrew Cove, AAMS© Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 If you have children or grandchildren. you may already lx.- somewhat familiar with the 529 plan, a popular education savings vehicle. But you may not have kept up with some recent changes in the plan’s capabilities and in the educational environment in which the plan might be used. Let’s start with the learning environment During the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges and universities switched to online classes, or at least to a hybrid of in-person and online. And even lx*fore the pandemic, many schools offered remote classes, though obviously not to the same extent. But after COVID 19 subsides, it’s likely that the online component will remain an important part of higher education. What does this "new world” mean for you, when you’re saving for college? Will a 529 plan still be relevant? in a word, yes. First of all, a 529 plan can offer tax advantages. Earnings in a 529 plan are federally laxfiee. jirovidcd the money is used fur qualified educational expenses. z\nd if you invest in your own state’s 529 plan, your contributions may be tax deductible. (Withdrawals used for expenses other than qualified education expenses Mate taxes as well as a 10% a private school, this use of a 529 plan might interest you. • Apprenticeships - 529 plans can be u>cd to pay for fees, textbooks, equipment and other supplies connected to apprenticeship programs registered w ith the Department of Labor. These programs, typically offered at a community college, combine classroom inMruction with onthe-job training. • Student loans - Families can withdraw funds from a 529 plan to repay the principal and interest for qualified education loans, including federal and most private student loans. There’s a lifetime limit of $10,000 for student loan repayments per each 529 plan beneficiary and another S10,000 for each of the beneficiary’s siblings. All of these newer uses of 529 plans may contain additional guidelines and exceptions, and stale lax treatment varies, so y ou’ll want to consult with your tax advisor before inking money from your 'alvobnL But'It's valuJble for you to know the different ways you can put a 529 plan to work. This article was written by fubcard Junes for use by your local Edward Janes Financial Advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEAUTIFUL' WORRY-Fi OR Get An In penalty.) Because tax issues for 529 plans can be complex, you’ll want to consult with your tax advisor before investing. Online learning costs arc eligible for a 529 plan’s tax benefits just as much as tho>c incurred from in-person classes. Tuition, textbooks, supplies, computers and services - all of these should qualify, assuming the school meets certain criteria. Also, students enrolled half-time or morc don’t have to live in a dorm for room and board expenses to be covered by a 529 plan - they can live in off-campus housing. However, these room-and-board costs typically must equal the cost of living on campus. Some schools identify a specific cost for “commuters” or “at-home students,” so you will need to contact the college directly to determine qualified room-andboard costs. Now, let’s take a quick look at what some changes in the rules governing 529 plans over the pasi few years might mean for }o'X' -filigibietnexpenses from your 529 plan include the following: • K-12 expenses - Parents can withdraw up to $10,000 per student, per year, from their 529 plan to pay for tuition expenses at elementary and secondary schools. So, if you intend to send your children to RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 2576 IS A METAL ROOF RIGHT FOR YOU? Learn More - Text 947-208-6995 Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor 400 W. State St, Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 529 plans: More versatile than ever may be subject to federal and TO; THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND. BARRY COUNTY. MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Planning Commission of the Charter Township of Rutland will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 2. 2021. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall. 2461 Heath Road. Hastings, Michigan, commencing at 7:00 pm as required under the provisions of the Township Zoning Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the proposed item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include the following, in summary: Prairieville Township Hastings Area School System Parks & Recreation Commission is accepting applications for the position of: Successful candidates will be a highly organized and creative individual that can oversee media and community relations for all school district programs and events. This individual is also responsible for student recruitment and public relations. They must possess excellent skills in writing and communication, project management, and be knowledgeable in website and social media management. Must be a team player, creative, and have strong organizational and communication skills. College degree preferred with a background and experience in marketing. Also vou are invited to attend our May meetig whh any ideas for us. Please come on Ing W>u< / The meetlng starts at 6MJS aMhe Prairieville Township hall. We 6.30 PM a the survey ^ev a first and wil! discuss a nd planning P & Please see our website for complete qualifications and full job description then move on to conuu Recreation business. advance for participating in our Thank youim ad _c Prairieville Township survey and planning 160882 Parks & Recreation. 1 ' . Please apply at. http.7/www.applitrack.con'i/barty’sd//onlineapp Deadline for application5^ 4:00 p.m., June 4, 202 Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads Consideration of the application for rezoning of property located at: Parcel #0813-005-007-00. Property is described as: DESCRIPTION PARCEL: 08-13-005-007-00 RUTLAND TWP NW % SE % SEC 53-9 EX COM AT E % POST SEC 5 T3N R9WTH N 89 DEG 18‘ 36' W 1308.96 FT FOR POB TH N 69 DEG 18* B36' W 530 FT TH S 00 DEG 5L 07" E 445 FT TH S 89 DEG 18' 36' E 530 FT TH N 00 DEG 51’ 07* W 445 FT TO POB ALSO EX W 330 FT OF NW ’A SE %. RUTLAND TOWNSHIP. BARRY COUNTY. MICHIGAN. QQ MARKETING LLb COORDINATOR We are currently conducting a survey to use in planning the next five years activity for our parks Please participate in our survey at this link httpSL//ygm5j irveymonkey.eom/r/9LGT: EBP Your feedback is vital to planning what our Commission needs to focus on for your most enjoyable park experience. The survey will be available until May 31, 2021. 9 This parcel(s) is currently zoned as *CR' COUNTRY RESIDENTIAL. The applicant seeks rezoning to ‘MDR" MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL. 2. Such and further matters as may properly come before lhe Planning Commission. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Rezoning Application, along with the Zoning Ordinance. Zoning Map, Land Use Plan, and Land Use Plan Map of the Township may be examined at the Township Hall at any time during regular business hours on any day except public and legal holidays from and after the publication of this Notice and unt.l and including the day of this public hearing, and may further be examined at the public hearing to determine the exact nature of the aforementioned matters. You are Invited to attend this hearing. If you are unable to attend, written comments may be submitted in lieu of a personal appearance by writing to the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 2461 Heath Road. Hastings. Ml 49058. at any time up to the date o the hearing and may be further received by the Planning Commission at said public hearing. This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA4L72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, sucli as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed matenals being considered at the meeting, to individuals w.th disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon reasonable notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxii'<Ky aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Townsh’p Clerk by wntrng or calling the Township. All interested persons are Invited to be present for comments and suggestions at this pubhc hearing 161273 Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 �Page 10 - Thursday, May 27. 2021 - The Hasting BB ~~ STATE news KOUNDVT AL NOTICES Calley to become SBAM pTeS* STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT * FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28825-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M DOHERTY P41960 HASTINGS, Ml 49056 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 2G9-945-1390 the matter of Michael Brayden M'ddlemiss In Hicks TO ALL PERSONS. inckKl ng whose address is f unknown and whose inteceft rn the matter may bo boned or affected by lhe toHow>ng TAKE NOTICE A hearing will be held on 6/9/2021 at 2.45 p.m at 206 W. Court Street. Suite 302. Hastings, Mi 49058 before Judge William M Doherty to change the name of Michael Braydon Middtem ss l+cks to Michael Alex Mrddiomiss 1®1KM NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Trust tn the matter ol Mary J- Trust dated August 25. 2010 TO ALL CREDITORS' NOTICE TO CREDITORS The decedent. Maty J BmdVJ. bom Jfenuary29 1928. who lived a! 716 S Market Street Hastings, Mchgan ch'xl April 26, 2021 leaving 3 certain trest undr nanv of the Mary J. Bradfield Trust a-xf dated August 25. 2010. therein the decedent was be Setter and Dorothy Eaton and Deanor Howard were named as the co-tusfots serri -g at the bme o! or as a result of the decedents death. Crediore ol the dtweckn! and of lhe trust are not lied that all claims ags rst the decedent or against the trust w..l be forever boned unless presented lo Dorothy Eaton or Eleanor HcASrtf, lhe named co-trusteos at 216 East William Street, Hasrngs. Mchgan 49058.-9415 E. Bluewater Hwy, Powamo. Mi 48873 with n 4 months alter be dale of pub'eafon of ths nofoe. Date: May 19,2021 Robert L By.ngton P-27621 222 Wes! Street. P.O Bex 248 Has::ngs. Mch gan 49058 269-945-9557 Donrtny Eaten & Eleanor Howard 216 E WZam St & 9415 E. B'uowatcr Hwy Hasbngs, Ml 49058 & Fowamo, Ml 48873 161243 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate RLE NO. 21-28810-DE Estate of HoHis G Vlielstra. Date of birth: i 3/30/1933. TO ALL CREDITORS: ! NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Hollis I G. Vhotstra. died December 6. 2020. ; Creditors of the decedent are notified that all • claims against the estate will bo forever barred unless presented to Robert J. Vl.ctstra, persona! ( represonlat ve, or to botn the probate court at 206 t West Court Street. Ste 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 tSniflfie e;^re*** within 4 n;h"l\. after the date of pt.oiicat.on of this notice Date: 5-27-21 Dame! J. Veon P47685 1676 West D Ave. Kalamazoo. Ml 49009 (269)381-4476 Robert J. Viietstra 1061 Esker Dr. Zealand. Ml 49464 (616) 437-1631 ■ • ' • | i t ‘ ThosXlB^® Decedents Estate RLE NO. 21-2B823-DE of Michael Charles Summerville, Estate COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUfTE 302. t N0^tocr^°rS STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS deceased. Date of birth: 0603/1943 TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS The decedent, Michael Charles Summerville, died 02/17/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against lhe estate wi'l be forever barred unless presented to Robert Hatfield, personal representative, or to both tho probate court at 200 West Court Street. Ste. 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the dale of publication of this notice. Dato: 05/21/2021 James Mikel McEwen P53923 550 Linco’n Road Otsogo. Ml 49078 269-692-3665 Robert Hatfield 180M-89 Plainwell, Ml 49080 269-760-6320 NOTICE Attention homeowner If you are a military service member cn active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature 161231 BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing (or the following Caso Number V-4-2021 - Sherwood Custom Homes (Applicant); Grant & Brandon Pocor (Property Owners) Location: 655 Eagle Point Road, Lake Odessa, in Section 4 of Woodland Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a new home with a front yard setback of 22 5 ft right-ofway (the minimum is 30 ft right-of-way) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning distnet MEETING DATEtJuno 14, 2021. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: tyden Center Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of tho above desciibed property will be completed by thc Zoning Board of Appeals members before the heanng Interested persons dcsmng to present their views upon on appeal, cither verbally or in writing, will be given tho opportunity to be heard al the above mentioned time and place Any written response may be mailed to tho address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning D.rector James McManus at impmanti? S.b.n.qycounty.prg The variance application is avadab'e for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department. 220 West State Street. Hastings. Michigan 49058. during the hours of 8 a m. to 5 p m. Monday • Friday Please call tho Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notce to tho County, of Barry. Individuals with dhfct.’.ies requiring auxiliary aids or services should tefk»r;ng: M.chae! Brown. County Administrator; 220 West State Street. Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 161018 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of thc revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600 3212, that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part ot them, at a publ‘c auction sale to the highest bidder tor cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on Juno 3, 2021. The amount due cn the mortgago may be greater cn the day of salo. Placing the highest bld at the sale doc-s not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at ' a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash Frances Davis, husband and wife Original Mortgagee. Argent Mortgage Company or cashier’s check at tho placo of holding the circuit | court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on JUNE 24.2021. The amount duo on the mortgago ; may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the i highest bld at the sale does not automatically entitle 1 the purchaser to free and dear ownership of the LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB AS TRUSTEE OF ; mortgage made by Steven M. Yawger, a single man, • to American General Financial Services (DE), Inc., Mortgagee, dated Dacember 18. 2006 and recorded December 20, 2006 in Instrument Number 1174117. Barry County Records, M’chlgan. Said mortgage is now held by Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB. D/B/A Christiana Trust as Trustee for PNPMS Trust II, by assignment. There is claimed to be duo at the | date hereof the sum ot Sixty-Five Thousand Eight and I 9/100 Dollars (565.003.09). • Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage j and the statute In such case made and provided, • notice is hereby given that said mortgago will be i foreclosed by a sale o' tho mortgaged premises, or j soma part of them, at public venduo at the place of : holding the circul court with-n Barry County, Michigan i al 1:00 PM on JUNE 24.2021. : Said premises are located in the Township of , Castleton, Barry County Michigan, and are described Lot 20 of B*ock D of Pleasant Shores, according j to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Uber 3 of Plats on page 59. 1067 Brooks Road. Hastings, Michigan 49058 The redemption period shall be 6 months from tire 1 dato of such sale, unless determined abandoned in ‘ accordance with MCLA §600.3241a. in which case ; the redemption period sIkl'I be 30 days from lhe date I of such sa'e. ' If the property Is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to ' MCL 600 3278, the borrower will be hold responsible ' to the person who buys lhe property at the mortgage j foreclosure ca'e or to tho mortgago holder for damage I to lhe property during the redemption period. ; Dated. May 27. 2021 File No. 20-006671 Fmn Name Ohans PC Firm Address: 1650 West Bg Beaver Road, Troy Ml 48084 Firm Pnone Number. (248) t02.1400 (05-27X06-17) 161233 PO Box 352 Grand Rapids, Ml 49501 6164136-6000 after scr^in^ as lieutenant governor. Callcy’s vision for SBAM builds on the association’s commitment to bipartisanship and ”Itinclusivity. has been a privilege to dedicate my career to the success of small businesses,” Calley said in a press release. "Fin proud of how our team rose to the challenges of the pandemic and provided critical sendees to our members when they needed us most. I look forward to continuing tJiis work at SBAM as Resident and CEO upon Rob’s retirement and appreciate the brwrd’s confidence in me.” 161232 CaS°.hN^r ,9-053225 Ck&«Sn5 agX1; g;von that by virtue ot on a property. Issued by the °'‘ t Mason and fee for this information: Namefs) of tho mortgagor(s): Henry Davis and • for this information. ’ Default has been made In the conditions of a H Radio PTjggg president of insurance .services and has served as president and CEO since 2003. Calley came on board as SBAM president in 2019 Notice of Execution Sal* •"Prop<!rty act of 1961, 1961 PA 236. MCL 600.3212, that the ; following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of • property. A potential purchaser Is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title j insurance company, either of which may charge a fee Vamum LLP d Bridgewater Place - pq box 352 Grand Rapids, Ml 4950, 616/336-6000 Donald A. White c/o Laura E. Radle. Bridget PldC° 945-1284 161218 issued. cla^mT aZX X Laura E NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF Pamela A Palmer. Barry County Clerk 0OBaW9«SSN. xxx xx-2976, Z"?L '''"’"‘Lof North Jolmson Road, l-vlng '?.wl iod AP"1 9' 20? Thoro I. no PoXL "L" S esmto ,o whom^."0^^"°n h°V° bMn After more than 20 years with the Small Business Association of Michigan, CEO Rob Fowler will retire al the end of the year. As a result, lhe SB AM Board of Directors Monday voted to appoint Brian Calley as president and CEO, effective Jun. 1,2022. “SB AM is the voice for small businesses in our stale, said lx»rri Rishar, SB AM board chair and CEO of Edge Partnerships. “This is a testament to Rob and Brian’s efforts, work­ ing side by side for thc grxxl of all small businesses. The bipartisan support that SB AM provides its members is unmatched and has become essential lo small businesses, espe­ cially as they navigate operations during the pandemic.” Fowler joined SBAM in 2000 as lhe vice WV 2017-1 GRANTOR TRUST Date of Mortgage: August 16, 2004 Dato of Mortgage Recording: August 24. 2004 Amount claimed duo on dato of not.ee: S50.850.47 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Castleton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a pomt on the East and West 1/4 line of Section 32, Town 3 North, Range 7 West, distant West 1180 feet from tho East 1/4 post thereof; thence Southerly 470 feet parallel with the West lino of tho East 3/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section 32, thence West approximately 348 feet parallel with said East and West 1/4 Imo of Section 32; thenco North 2 degrees 10 minutes West 148 feet; thenco North 88 degrees 01 mlnuto East 146 feet; thence North 1 degree 00 minutes East 317 foot to tho East and West 1/4 lino of Section 32; thenco East 202 feet to tho placo of beginning, Castleton Township, Barry County, Michigan Common street address (if any): 6730 E M 79 Hwy, Nashville, Ml 49073-8716 The redemption period shall be 6 months from tho dato of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or. if tho subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If tho property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of tho Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 tho borrower will bo held responsible to tho person who buys tho property at the mortgage foreclosure salo or to tho mortgage holder for damaging tho property during tho Court , State of Michigan, a9 Qn 7.7-20 Susan Richardson upon a 1°^. arXj against ,n'“|C'UkKton' BttnR PS^son that cn said Del. Mason and Susan 3-8-2021 . I Sott Hope tiIle. and Richardson in tho following, rea’^ 2021-002913 recorded In Barry County Recons PAGES 1 of 3 Und Situated in tho township of Orangovillo County of Barry. sta 0 Commonly Known as 12011 Parity ’ 006-082-13 Notroe h‘herebyt°h^ of the Defendant rights title aodhJ^ propertys as law directs to the Ng . th the location of tho Barry County Court'n the State of Michigan, on the 1*d Day ' Ju^2021. at 11:00 am. 5-21-2021 Signed^ Date Scott L Hope Court Office/ Deputy SheriffAny^^trons: Call Scott Hope at or (810)869-1001 Barry- State of Michigan VS Richardson (5-27) v ~ » (05-27)(07-01) fee for this Information: Name(s) of the mortgagors): Raymond L Thompson and Pamia K Thompson, husband and wile Original Mortgagee: Mortgago Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Ass’gnae (if any): Reverse Mortgago Solutions, Inc. Dato of Mortgage; June 10,2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30,2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $79,536.64 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 1 North. Rango 8 West described as: Commencing al the Northeast corner of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/8 line 1000 feet to the place of beginning of the within description: thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 foot; thence due West to lhe West line of the East 56 acres of said Wtest 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West lino 343 feet, more or less, to a point due West of the point of beginning; thence due East to the point of beginning Common street address (if any): 15700 Dunn Rd, Bellevue, Ml 49021-8292 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the dato of such sale, un’ess determined abandoned In accordance with M.CL 600 3241a: or, If tho subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600^240/16) If tho property |3 so!d। , foreclosure salo under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will bo held responsible to the per30n ^0 buys tho property at the mortgago forecSosum salo or to tho mortgago holder for damage th0 property during tho redemption period Attention homeowner if vou ate a mi!itary servico member on active du^if vLr period of active duty has concluded less SL LnXyTago. or if you have been ordered to acbvo duty P*350 contact th0 attorney for the p^,9tho mortgago at the telephone nu^s"^s notice. This notice is from a collector. Dato of notice: May 29 ^1 Trott Law, RC, y 2021 159796 Teen caught with illegal vape pen operation An officer stopped a driver who disregarded a red light at the comer of Green and Church streets in Hastings at 10:46 p.m. May 19. A strong odor of burnt marijuana came from thc vehicle, and the driver, a 19-year-old Battle Creek man, said he recently smoked “just a blunt.” Thc officer searched thc vehicle and found several trash bags of THC vape pen cartridges inside. The teenager said he makes thc cartridges and was on his way to Grand Rapids to sell some for $2,000. He admitted the cartridges are illegal, but said he plans to turn it into a legitimate business, and is currently attending college for business management. Hc was arrested, and the cartridges, his phone, and $3,644 in cash were seized from his vehicle. $140,000 Porsche stolen in Nashville Officers were sent to thc parking lot of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Nashville on a report of a Porsche 911 stolen from a transport hauler at 8:29 a m. May 13. The sus­ pect appeared to have cut and unhooked the straps securing the Porsche and Audi in the trailer, and backed them onto the road using ramps. The vehicles were unlocked, and the keys were inside them al the time of the theft. The driver of the hauler said he had parked ' it’there at 4:30jge pre yells' afternoon, aryi disc^qred the the^'.jhjj^pijyning. TTif owner oftKc Vehicle,a~63-ycar-old harbor Sprirljjs mamsaidhe payfcttnMvSumvehiclesmoved between his two residences. Hc said the Porsche had several features added on and was worth about $140,000. He also had a straw hat inside the car that he had purchased for $1.500. The case remains under investigation. driver causes collision after shooting heroin Police were dispatched to thc intersection of M-66 and M-79 in Nashville for a iwo-car collision at 5:23 p.m. May 19. While cn route, officers were advised that thc driver of one of lhe vehicles was combative and had to be restrained by a witness. When police arrived, the 35-year-old Hastings had calmed down somewhat, but was still agitated. First respond­ ers found a hypodermic needle in thc passenger seat, and the man admitted to shooting up heroin in his car about an hour prior to the crash. He said he had a seizure, possibly caused by thc heroin, right before the crash. He was arrested. Neither he nor the driver of thc other vehicle, a 40-year-old Vermontville man, sustained serious injuries. No suspects in vandalism, mysterious doll A 48-year-old old man called police at 11:39 a.m. May 21 to report vandalism at his residence in the 4000 block of Trails End Road on Gun Lake. Hc said that, within lhe past week, someone had thrown a rock through the kitchen window, removed lhe dryer vent and tore off a piece of a down spout. The man also show ed police a voodoo doll he found on his deck earlier in thc spring. Hc said he did not know who might have damaged his property or placed lhe doll there. The case is inactive. Security measure stops vehicle theft Police were called to the Shell gas station on South M-43 near Delton at 6:44 ajn. May 18 on a report of motor vehicle theft. A 36-year-old man said he had parked at thc gas station and went inside to buy a drink. When he came back outside, his car was gone. While he was looking around for his car, a bystander told him a car was just down the road with its driver’s side door open. Thc man told police his car automatically shuts off if it gets too far away from his electronic key. He also said hc had a handgun in the vehicle, but it was not stolen. The case remains under investigation. Catalytic converter thefts continue An employee of Broadmoor Motors in Hastings reported lhe theft of catalytic converters from two vehicles at lhe dealership at 4:52 p.m. May 19. This is another in a string of catalytic converter thefts that have led local businesses to pool money together and create a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the thieves. Last week. Hastings City Police Interim Chief Dale Boulter said there had been six reports of stolen converters since March. The suspects appear lo be using a portable electric saw to cut into the undercarriage of the vehicles. Police have received several anonymous tips on the case, but none have been actionable thus far, he said. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: 160519 redemption period. Attention homeowner; If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, pleaso contact the attorney for tno party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 6.2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1434595 (05-06X05-27) An officer was called lo a crash on Brown Road east of North Broadway in Carlton Township al 4:16 p.m. May 17. A52-year-o!d man said a car being towed on a dolly came loose and crashed into his horse fence, causing minor damage. Thc owner of the vehicle, a 27-year-old Muskegon man, said he recently had purchased lhe vehicle and was taking it home. He said the car became detached from the dolly as he was making a turn at lhe intersection. He was cited for a lack of insurance on the pickup truck hc was driving. 161234 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice Is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgao^ b0 foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged pfer.ises, or some part of them, at a public auction $3*® to the highest bidder , for cash or cashier's r tho place of. folding ( the circuit court In Ba'ryCounty.fiUrting promptly at | 1;GQ PM. on June 1Z, TMnmounf due on thu mortgago may be greater on the day of salo. Placing the highest bid at sale doos not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a 1435351 (05-20X06-10) Car falls off trailer, crashes into fence Call 269.945-9554 lor Hastings Banner J classified nns All rrJ ntstr in thi« n:»’ppcr it wtiject to tSc Fair lloi-Ung Ait ir-1 the Michipn Civil Right* Act which collectively male it illefd (:» jdveiMe preference, bm.uuon or Jik rindnation hired on race, color, relig-.i’a. rei. handicap, fvnihsl vbtuv. peuoiul origin, c/e vi martial itafuv, an Intention, to male any inch prelrrencr, ItmoMion or disc rimination ” iaiwlul status includes children under the age of 18 Imng with parents vr legal cusiodiant. perna-t women and people ^curing custody of ih?d:cn under IK Ih.a ncw»piper will not knowingly accept any aJreniung lor rcsl e>m‘e which is In violaltcn of the |.v». (h:r readere are hereby informed that a’l dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available an equal oppcnuiniy Kssic. In report cull lhe Fair Housing Crater at 6fo-i5j 2940 lhe HL’D toll free telephone number for the hearing iai(Mitt4> i« I-800-927-WJ Hastings Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... ’Che Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Srnices I or Sale MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Special. 517-852-4016. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley lagging, (269)818-7793. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified a4s �P“PP'es, prizes an<* Performers: Walkers aJ Trail The Hastings Banner - Thursday. May 27, 2021 — Page 11 ™**alkathon raise funds for Meals on Wheels 1 *2 ~ 1 i t —-- ■.. - ___- —_ ■ Meals on Wheels driver Michelle Baker (left) begins the walkathon's one-mile loop through Charlton Park with a smile, accom­ panied by Meals on Wheels Chef Theresa Lancaster (back, left), Lisa Baker (center, riaht) and COA Executive irector Tammy Pennington. (Photo by Sophie Bates) Meals on Wheels driver Michelle Baker (center), with help from Breianna Freeman (left) and Lisa Baker (right), raised more money for the Meals on Wheels walkathon than anyone else, a total of $842. Here, Baker smiles, holding a gift certificate she was presented for her fundraising efforts. (Photo by Sophie Bates) Amber Frey kneels to pet her dog, Maya, who is sporting a green Commission on Aging Trail Mix bandana, while they wait for the walkathon to begin. (Photo by Sophie Bates) Flutists Aubree McKenzie and Alex Malmquist sit at a picnic bench just off the walk­ athon trail and harmonize as walkers pass by. (Photo by Sophie Bates) Violinist Maggie Murphy performs “Maggie in the Woods" for those passing by. She paused briefly with a laugh to point out the coincidence between the song’s title, her name and surroundings. (Photo by Sophie Bates) r.niarkt nnd vocalist Ellie Youngs stanos near me shore of Thornapple Lake and performs for walkers with a rendition of "Stuck in the Middle with You.” (Photo by ; Sophie Bates) For Kim Veldheer, the Trail Mix walk­ athon was an opportunity to train her 8-month-old puppy. Major, while also giv­ ing back to the community. (Photo by Sophie Bates) Sophie Bates On Saturday, iMay 22, a1 the Charlton Park recreation area, . . 'lhe Barry County Commission on Aging field its 32nd annual walkathon fundraiser Saturday at Historic Charlton p^, raising $3,566 for lhe county’s Meals on Wheels program. . . 'l he walkathon traditionally has been in downtown Hastings, but, a ter it was canceled in 2020 because of the Pyemic, COA organizers decided to rtm^’1 the walkathon for 2021. renaming it the frad Mix. In addition to a nc*' *td location, lhe walkathon also ** , 1 to dogs and included performers. Loe usicians — u Elizabeth Forbes' dog ticipants gathered after the walk toward the Chartton Park pavilion, where parlooking for attention. (Photo by Sophie Bates) flutists, a violinist and guitarist - serenaded walkers as they strolled through Charlton Park and passed by Thomapple Lake. The walkathon began at 9 a.m. and after it finished at around 10, participants gathered beneath a pavilion for a drawing. Prizes - for both humans and dogs ranged from a squeaky toy lo restaurant gift certificates and a fire nng, donated by Tractor Supply Co. The funds raised al the walkathon are the main source of funding for Meals on Wheels, which provides hot, cold and frozen meals to homebound adults age 60 and up throughout Barry County. The Meals on Wheels program survived on donations last year after lhe walkathon was canceled. Including funds that were raised during the Trail Mix, the C OA has SI3,667 given by businesses and from general donations as well as proceeds from a COA pizza fundraiser in March to operate Meals on Wheels. After the walkathon, Elizabeth Forbes gives her d°9 Tuukka a treat. (Photo by Sophie Bales) �Page 12 — Thursday. May 27,2021 — T** H*8*”'95 Mn' ° Lions make good use of fancy new scoreboard Brett Brtnwr Sports Editor 11k Maple Valley varsity: ba-^l kepi its new scoreboard busy dtmng ' < al Ken BeuxMee Wooden Bal Toom«n« “ Griswold Field a< Royer Corey Piaimmd in Vermontville Saiunlay. in The Lions scored 13-.’ J; 1 . jd five-inning contests again* JeJicatc Potterville boys ^er a ceremonyta toMe the new scoreboard and honor 8 Rinds ball facilities caretaker Roger Corey, funds the new scoreboard were donated by the families of Sid and Sarah (Han«n> ^nyon •ind Harn and Susie (Hansen) Moon, in nuny ory ofHaroid and Molly Hansen and their WAs?^hoX’ <hat fact will bang on the hack of lhe press box at thc diamond. lite s gn reads “Harold and Molly were commuted to education and to the students of this commu­ nity. Chris (Class of ’73) played baseball for Maple Valiev and with his parents shared a love of this sport and lhe commitment to make a difference.” Hansen passed away last June at the age of 65. Sarah Kenyon and Susie Moore are his sisters. Hansen’s nephew, Nate Moore, helped spur the project. “My uncle (Chris] passed away last spring, and because of Covid we didn’t really get a chance to say goodbye - like everyone else,” Nate said. "Hc passed away in the hospital. We didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.There wasn’t a funeral, because of Covid. Almost a year ago, 1 was trying to find a way to honor his memory. Hc was an important part of my &*<... Maple Valley varsity baseball coach Bryan Carpenter starts his ** 1 * 2® thanking Nate Moore and the rest of those who helped conln°u,0u°_' " scoreboard and batting cage at the Lions' Griswold Reid at Rogef “or ' 7w.^ ' Vermontville Saturday during the program's annual Ken Beardslea Memorial vvoooen Bat Tournament. (Photo by Brett Bremer) life and there were a bunch of organizations I thought off." It didn’t lake long for Nate to turn his thoughts io Maple Valley and he soon found the Maple Valley Athk^ “nd 8°'in contact with Tai Gearhart. Nate planned to make a small donation. . . "I really thought it *•” 8<”"8 » * c"ou8h for some bats and some baseball. Nate sard. “I thought it might just be me.! wanted a way to feel good. 1 wanted to honor my uncle and know that his time on this planet is valuable and had meaning. Tai and I exchanged a cou­ ple emails and I reached out to my sister who lives in Indiana and my parents and my aunt and uncle. It went from a bats and balls to a new scoreboard and a batting cage, and like­ ly there will be some leftover for the dug­ outs." lhe scoreboard was hung the Sunday before the tournament, electricity was run to the board Tuesday and it was fired up Wednesday according to Mnple Valley High School athletic director Landon Wilkes. Concrete is poured and posts are in for the batting cages already. The Moore and Hansen families were happy to share the day as a cel­ ebration of Roger Corey as well. Wilkes and others shared stories of how often times opposing teams will ask to play a ballgame in Vermontville rather than host the Lions at their own field just to get the chance to play on the pristine turf with true hops Li—;---- Camden Carpenter pitches for Maple Valley during game one of the Lions doubleheader against Potterville in the annual Ken Beardslee Memorial Wooden Bat Tournament on Griswold Field at Roger Corey Diamond Saturday morning. (Photo by Brett Bremer) across thc infield. The Lions took advantage of their time on the field Saturday. They scored seven nins in thc top of the first inning of game one with the Vikings and went on to a 13-3 win. Blaze Sensiba was 2-for-2 with a double and two RBI in that game one win. James Wiser had two singles and two RBI. The Lions also got two RBI from Chanse Courtney and Lane Morris in game one. Morris scored two runs, as did Camden Carpenter and David HosackFrizzell. Morris, Nick Osborne, Courtney. Carpenter and Hosack-Frizzell had one hit each. On the mound, Hosack-Frizzell got the win, he shut out the Vikings for three innings, striking out three and walking two while giv­ ing up just two hits. Carpenter came on for two innings of relief, giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk. He struck out one. Morris scored the first run on the new scoreboard. He reached on an error to lead off the bottom of the first inning and moved to third as Wiser and Gregg Richardson walked behind him. Morris came into score on a ground ball lo shortstop by Osborne. Courtney followed with a two-run double into center field and the rout was on. The Lions scored later in game two, tally­ ing five runs in lhe bottom of the third to snap a 1-1 tie and then putting six on the board in thc fourth. The Lions outhit thc Vikings 10-0 in game two with Osborne and Richardson tossing the combined no-hitter. Osborne struck out four in three innings, walking two and allowing one unearned run. Richardson struck out five and walked one in two innings. At the plate, Richardson was 3-for-3 in game two with two RBI and three runs scored. He had a single, a double and a triple in his three at-bats. . Blaze Sensiba singled, doubled and scored twice for thc Lions, driving in one run. Morris, Callan Hoefler, Osborne, Carpenter and Connor Wood also had hit in game two. Hoefler had two RBI and Osborne, Carpenter and Kamdcn Cruz had one each. The Lions returned to Greater Lansing Activities Conference action at Perry Monday, splitting two with the Ramblers. The Lions took game one 8-2 then fell 6-4 in game two. The two teams were set to complete their three-game set Wednesday (May 26) in Vermontville. the Lions’ Nick Osborne pulls the ball to the left side during an at-bat in game one against Potterville Saturday in Vermontville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK toys finish SAC season ©tm tougti S©iath Haven course The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team closed the 2021 regular season a the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship T ournament hosted by Beaches Golf Course in South Haven Thursday. DK head coach Jim Hogoboom said Beaches is "a very challenging track, particu­ larly for kids who are new to the game of golf." Kalamazoo Christian took the day’s cham­ pionship. Hackett Catholic Prep’s Tommy Keyt was the day’s individual medalist, shoot­ ing a 73. DK scored a 459 as a team. Hogoboom said each one of his guys felt like they had their roughest round of the year, and the tough course had a lot to do with that. Tlte Panthers go back to South Haven for their Division 3 Regional Tournament June 2, play­ ing 18 at Hawkshead. . M baseball dr©p§ two one-run ballgames at Forest Hills Eastern Forest Hills Eastern scored a pair of onerun OK Gold Conference wins over the visit­ ing Thomapple Kellogg varsity baseball team Monday in Ada. Thc Hawks scored six times in the bottom of the seventh inning of game one to wipe out a 7-2 Trojan lead and earn the walk-off win. A walk, a couple doubles, a couple hit batters and a couple errors doomed the Trojans in the seventh. Ryan Przybysz knocked a ground ball through the right side with the bases load­ ed to score teammates Carson Jelsema and Brayden Stratbucker. The Hawks then took game two 4-3. TK had ten hits in game one. including a 3-for-3 performance from Alex Bonncma who tripled, drove in two runs and scored twice Nolan Dahley and Levi VanderHeide were both 2-for-4 nt the plate for TK in game one Dahley had an RBI. VanderHeide drove in two and scored a run. Carsen Burbridge dou­ bled. and so did VanderHeide and Dahley Reese Garbrecht singled in the lead-off spot for 1K drove in a run and scored once. VanderHeide started and took the loss He struck out one and walked one in 6.2 innings NEWS read contribute advertise while allowing eight runs on eight hits. Just three of the runs against him were earned. TK scored one run in the top of he seventh of game (wo to get within a run, and had the bases loaded with one out but the Hawks ended the evening by getting a double play ball to short. Eric Dipert was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored for TK in game two. Bonnema doubled and scored a run. TK also got singles from Carter Stahl, Kaiden Pratt and Sam McKeown. McKeown and Garbrecht each had an RBI. Garbrecht pitched game two for TK and allowed lhe Hawks just two earned runs on five hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out three and was charged with two unearned runs as well. South Christian finished off a three-gain* sweep of its series with the Trojans by scoring a 9-1 win in Middleville last Friday VanderHeide was 2-for-2 with a walk in th*1 ballgame. Pratt, Cameron Fain and Diperthad the other three TK hits. Fain had an RBI. with Stahl scoring TK’s lone run. f• ^eeP your friends and rehi lives informed ond up w-pl pie [ocai riews from Barry County. Send them... Hastings Banner The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 �The Hastings SPORTS ANNER SECTIQN ddBb Thursday, May May 27,2021 Thursday, Throwers, hurdlers lead DK teams in postseason CUPPERS Delton Kellogg senior Gavin Houtkooper closes in on the finish line in his heat of the 100-meter dash prelim’s Tuesday at the SAC Championship hosted by Martin High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor A few runner-up individual finishes high­ lighted the Dcfton Kellogg varsity track and field teams’ day at the 14-team Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship hosted by Marlin Tuesday. Delton Kellogg senior Cole Pape was the runner-up in both the boys’ shot put and the discus and freshman Breanna Chandler ran her fastest 300-meter low hurdles race ever to place second in that even for the DK girls’ team. Chandler was one of three freshmen behind Saugatuck senior Bailey Morrow in that 300meter hurdles championship. Morrow fin­ ished in 51.98 seconds and Chandler in 52.09. Chandler cut nearly a second off of her fourth-place regional time from last week at Kent City. Pape was a foot shy of the lop throw in the discus and about two feet short of lhe best mark in the shot put. Pape fired off a best throw of 133 feet 85 inches to place second in the discus behind Martin senior Mitchell Jager who earned a mark of 134-85. Schoolcraft senior James Downs came into the meet with a personal record of 46.9 in lhe shot put. Pape met that mark to place second, but Downs extended his furthest put ever to 48-8.5 to win it. Downs was a two-time champ, also taking the long jump with a personal record leap of 21-9. The DK boy s' team had two of lhe top scor­ ers in. the discus, with junior Cadcn Ferris improving his personal record in thc event to 122-55 to place fifth. Pape won a regional championship in both of the throwing events at Kent City High School last Thursday, earning a spot in the Division 3 Slatc Finals. The DK boys' team had four state qualifying performances at the regional, with freshman Torren Mapes win­ ning the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 43.35 seconds and senior Hunter Marshall placing second in the 110-mcler high hurdles with a time of 1736. Mapes was third in the 300 hurdles at the SAC Championship Tuesday with a time of 4453 nnd Marshall placed fifth in lhe 1 IO­ meter high huidles with a time of 17.68. DK had two guys in HO-meler hurdle finals Tuesday, with junior Corey Moore placing seventh in the race in a personal record time of 18.02. ...... , . Junior distance runner Halena Phillips ha two individual top eight finishes for the I K girls Tuesday in Martin. She was seventh in thc 1600-meter run with a time of 6:10.16 and eighth in lhe 800-meter run in 2:50.77. Phillips was also a part of the DK girls’ top relay fin­ ish of lhe day, placing fourth in the 16<XJrneler relay with the learn ot ( handler, Hope Vanderwall and Jodie White that earned a time of 4:42.41. 'The Delton Kellogg girls finished in a tic for eighth and lhe boys in tenth at the SAC Championship. l.mUoni^onHheS.m.mUKkt’irlslorthc Championship 105-91. ahead of Gobles 74, Pmch'men, hV famine 61 Christian 50. Martin 43, Delton Kellogg 36, —j— Delton Kellogg junior Emily Dake makes her way past the stands during a preliminary heat of the 100-meter hurdles Tuesday at the SAC Championship in Martin. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Coloma 36, Schoolcraft 35, Hackett Catholic Prep 19. Galesburg-Augusta 18, Fennville 17 and Watervliet 9. Thc DK girls managed points in the throws too. with junior Caitlin McManus fifth in the shot put at 29-4.5 and sixth in the discus at 88-5. Fellow junior Glori Stanton had an eighth-place throw of 85-4 in the discus. Kalamazoo Christian junior Tess VanDyk won both throws in the girls’ meet, getting a mark of 36-45 in the shot put and 101-0 in the discus. Lawton freshman Kendra Koster was the only other individual two-time champ on the girls' side, winning the 1600 in 5:34.26 and the 3200 in 12:2130. DK had two of thc top eight in lhe pole vault, with Amber Barton third and White seventh, both setting a new personal record by clearing the bar at 7-6. The Saugatuck boys won with 101 points, well ahead of lhe field. Only 85 points sepa­ rated second-place Schoolcraft from eighth­ place Kalamazoo Christian. The Schoolcraft boys finished with 61 points. Constantine 60. Parchment 57.33, Coloma 55. Lawton 53, Hackett 53. Kalamazoo Christian 525, Martin 49, Delton Kellogg 45, Watervliet 37, Fennville 23.66 and Gobles 155. Micah Martin had the top finish for a DK guy in a running race, placing eighth in the 3200-meter run with a time of 11:4352. Thc DK team of Mapes, Ferris, Cameron Spaulding and Micah Ordway scored a fourth­ place finish in lhe 1600-meter relay with a lime of 3:4936. Saugatuck junior Benny Diaz was the con­ ference’s lop sprinter and hurdler Tuesday, winning thc 100-meter dash in 1156 and the 200-meter dash in 22.84. He won the 1 IO­ meter high hurdles in 16.00 and the 300-meter hurdles in 4058. His senior teammate Nik Pettinga was thc boys’ best distance runner, winning the 3200 in 10:0856 and the 1600 in 4:3030. Thc DK boys’ and girls’ teams were both sixth al their Division 3 Regional hosted by Ravenna at Kent City last Thursday, getting the four state qualifying performances on the boys’ side. Pape won lhe shot put with a personal record put ol 47-11 and had a winning throw of 139-75 in the discus. Ferris scored in both throws loo, placing eighth in lhe shot put at 37-8 and third in thc discus al 120-8. Those were the lone points the DK boys earned in the held. On the track the hurdlers led the way. Mapes won lhe 300-meter low hurdles in a personal record time of 4335 and Marshall was fourth behind him in a personal record run of 46.74. Marshall was the regional runner-up in the 110-mcter high huidles in a personal reconi run ol 1736, with Moore seventh in that race in 18.71. DK had two guys run their fastest 4(X) ever at thc regional. Spaulding placed sixth in 56.53 and Ferris eighth in 56.98. Those two earned a stale spot end of .guys . nearly .ninino Mnnrc v- at the ----------" c I-^ in nt .K‘r,ai’ V^Ue?,0 P 7m "'‘n11; ol 3M5.7 he> «. . „vc, half a second ^---U^ Uam f„,m Ca.v.n DK senior Colo Pape takes his final attempt in the shot put during the SAC Championship Meet Tuesday at Marlin I ligh School. Pape won a regions! championship in the event last week and followed up with a runner-up performance at the conference meet Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK junior Caitlin McManus unleashes a throw in the discus during the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship hosted by Martin High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Teammate Gage Vincent added a scoring performance in lhe 800-meter nm for the DK boys, placing eighth in 2:17.10. The lop two finishers in each event as well as others that met the pre-set state qualifying times, distances and heights earned spots in the June 5 Division 3 State Finals. Teammate Gage Vincent added a scoring performance in the 800-meter run for the DK boys, placing eighth in 2:17.10. Phillips had two scoring performances for the DK girls with personal record runs. She was eighth in the 800 in 2:44.47 and eighth in the 1600 in 5:55.03. Chandler had a time fo 52.95 to cam her fourth-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles. McManus and Stanton scored in both throws. McManus was third in lhe shot put at 30-9 and fourth in the discus at 89-5. Stanton was fifth in the shot put with a personal record mark of 28-25 and placed fifth in the discus at 88-2. DK had two girls score in the pole vault at lhe regional loo. with Barton fifth at 7-0 and White seventh at 6-6. The Calvin Christian boys in the 1600meter relay capped off a regional champion­ ship for their team. The Squires finished the day with 116.5 points. Western Michigan Christian was second with 77 points, ahead of Montage 765, Saranac 755. Kent City 73. Delton Kellogg 70. NorthPointe Christian 38, North Muskegon 37, Holland Black River 35. Ravenna 28, Fennville 225 and Wellspring Prep 13. Montague beat out Kent City for the girls' championship, 143-133.5. Calvin Christian was third in lhe girls’ meet with 86 points, ahead of Saranac 655. Black River 63. Delton Kellogg435. Ravenna41.5, North Muskegon . 29, Western Michigan Christian 29 and Fennville 18. It was a big day for Black River junior. Kylee Poullon who won three regional titles. in the girls’ meet, taking the 100-meter dash * in 12.18. the 200 in 26.13 and the 400-meter run in 59.07. Wilkes one of top four ligh jump in Brett Bremer Sports Editor Maple Valley senior Ashlyn Wilkes and Byron senior Allison Glass both cleared the high jump bar set at5 fc<-‘t 2 inches Friday at lhe Division 3 Track and Field Regional host­ ed by Bath High School. Il took Glass fe*tr attempts to meet that mark, but both giHs be a part of the Division 3 MHSAA Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals June 5 at Jenison High School. , Nobody in Division 3 went higher than them at a regional n’cel last weekend. The top I wo in each event and others who met thc predetermined limes- Stances and heights at regional meets acrossthe state earned spots the June Finals. Of lhe 21 Division 3 state qualifiers in the hid1 Jump, only four made it over lhe bar at 5-2 at rcg*onals and only seven others cleared 5-0 aIld l*o of those were al lhe Bath regional (Augsburg junior Hailey Bila and senior Gra^ Graham.) The top eight at slatc meet cam all-stale medals. . . Wilkes has clc.tfeu the bar at 5-2 a lew times this season. Sjc *1 her petsonal record in the first two nieels of the season, clearing 5-1 al a GLAC medJ^ted by Olivet April 28 and then 5-2 al the »Ortland Invitational May The P W girls 1615 points. nearly doubling up the runner-up team from Laingsburg which finished with 8)5 points. Stockbridge was third with 78.5 points, ahead of Perry 685. Byron 59, Leslie 43. Potterville 33, Bath 33, Ovid-Elsie 26. Chary I Stockwell Academy 23. Maple Valley 17. Hamady 14, Durand 11. Springport 4 and Madison Academy 3. Freshman Lilly Faurot was the number two scorer for thc Lion ladies. She was sixth in the 800-meter run with a personal record time of 2 minutes 46.09 seconds and sixth in the high jump with a personal record jump of 4-8. Junior thrower Hannah Kinney set a new per­ sonal record in die discus, firing off a throw of 87-1 which earned her the seventh-place points. flic Maple Valley ladies also scored an eighth-place point in the 800-meter relay with the team of Grcanlee DePyper, Lyssa Smith. Faurot and Liz Christopher finishing in 2:0856. Sophie Thelen powered the PewamoWestphalia girls to the win with victories in the 100-meter dash (12.62 seconds) and the 200 (25.89). P-W also had freshman Saigc Martin win the 100-meter hurdles in 1639 and the 300-meter low hurdles in 48.33. Those two girls teamed with Katie Smith and Katie Freed to win lhe 800-meter relay in 1:50.34. Freed. Manin, Ella Kowatch and Amelia Smith won lhe 1 (XX) meter relay for the Pirates in 4:18.00. Kowatch. Amelia­ Smith, Isabel! Helman and Abby Arens took lhe 3200-meter relay for the Pirates in 10:22.96. , t Stockbridge junior Ry lee Poison matched Thelen and Martin’s two individual wins, tak­ ing lhe 1600-meter run in 5:29.78 and the 3200-meter run in 11:55.13. Her teammate Brooklyn Roehow was second in both of those events. Senior thrower Sarah Marvin from Byron won her two events too, taking . the shot put at 49-10.75 and the discus with a mark of 151 -0. Her teammate Rebecca Marvin was the runner-up in both throws. Pewamo-Westphalia won the team regional championships in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions Friday. Hie P-W boys scored P6 13 points to beat runner-up I aingsburg which finished with 84. Leslie was third w ith 66 points, ahead of Dansville 56. Perry 52.: H-miady 45, Potterville 42, Byron 34. Stockbridge 31. Bath 3033,Ovid-Elsie 2733, Springport 24, Chary I Stockwell Academy 22. Durand 13. Maple Valley 4 and Madison Academy 4. Evan Brandenburg capped vti his Irishman season by winning those points for the Lions. He placed fifth in lhe 200-meter dash with a time of 24.66 seconds. He also set a new' PR in the long jump on lhe day at 18-25. but was outside of the scoring in the event. �Page 14 — Thursday. Ntay 27. 2021 — The Hastings Banner Saxons close strong spring Brett Brvmer 5/x»m I'ditor Saxon first and second singles player Brook Youngs ami Abby Beemer battled to try and get into the championship match at their flight Monday at the Interstate- S Athletic Conference Tournament hosted by Parma Western and Xumcn Christi High Schtxds. They ultimately came up just short in the semifinal matches, but bounced back to both place third at then flight, matching the perfor­ mance of the Saxons’ top doubles team of .Erin Daniels and Baily Cook and the fourth doubles team of Brinna Cobb and Sophia Ahearns. „ • Parma Western captured the conference championship Monday, winning the confer­ ence tournament for the first time after also winning a regional title last week, lhe Panthers finished the day with 59 points Monday, ahead of Lumen Christi 55. Pennfield 42. Hastings 40, Marshall 38, IlaijX'r Creek 20. Northwest 19 and Coldwater J3. Youngs opened her day by scoring a 6 I. 6-0 win over Harper Creek’s Sophia Brandt, but then was upset by Lumen Christi’s Maggie Page 75, 6-2 in the semifinal round as she was slowed a bit by an injury. Youngs, who was lhe second seed at first singles going into thc tournament, closed her day with an 8-0 win in a pro-set against Penn field’s l-auren Saxton to finish in third place. Beemer started her day w ith a 6-1. 6-4 win over Coldwater’s Jillian Hawver in the second singles flight, and then started strong with a 6-4 win in the opening set against second seeded Renee Marson from Parma Western. Marson rallied from that first set defeat to score 6-2,6-3 wins in the final two sets to get a spot in the second singles championship. Saxon first singles PlaVer Brooklyn Youngs hits a volley during her opening round win over Harper Creek's top player at the Interstate-8 Athi0tic Conference Tournament hosted at Lumen Christi High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxon first doubles player Bailey Cook leaps up to hit an overhead winner as teammate Erin Daniels backs her up during their match against Jackson Northwest’s top doubles team at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tournament hosted by Parma Western High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Beemer went on to defeat Ma^hali’s Addison Powers 8-3 in the match for third. Cook and Daniels started their day at one doubles with a 6-4,6-1 win over the Northwest team of Mackenzie Rowley and Ashleigh Black, and then eyed an upset of the top dou­ bles team from Pennfield, Molly MacKenzic and Hannah Davis. Cook and Daniels took just two points off the Panther pair when they met a w eek and a half earlier, but split the first two sets at the conference tournament, rhe Pennfield girls took a 6-2 win in the first set. but Daniels and Cook surged for a 6-2 win in lhe second set. The two teams were back and forth in the third set w$ thc Pennfield girls scoring a 6-3 win to se’.d the Saxons to the match for third whcrejhey closed out their day with an 8-3 win iver Lumen Christi’s Caitte Webster and Gcfcvieye Brawner. Cobb and Ahreans//fourth doubles, scored a 6-0,6-2 win over Coldwater’s Lisset Beltran and Jossy Martinez Monday morning and then faced the top seeded Parma Western duo of Teagan Robertson and Alena Engle that knocked the Saxons to the match for third with a 7-5. 6-1 win before going on to the fourth double?, championship. Cobb and Ahearns won the match for third at fourth doubles 8-4 against the Marshall team of Reese Rellinger and Lucy Gensch. “Overall, the season was a success.’’ Hastings head coach Andrew' Haines said after his girls finished their season with a win­ ning record and a finish in the lop half of lhe conference Monday. Third singles player Finja Schmidt and fourth singles player Anna Haywood played well Monday too. Schmidt was fifth and Haywood sixth at her flight. Schmidt closed out thc third singles bracket with 8-5 pro-set wins over the number three players from Coldwater and Harper Creek. The Saxon second doubles team of Skyler Grego and Ella Carroll was fifth at its flight and thc third doubles team of Megan Rowley and Calin. Redman, pieced fourth for the Saxons. "While our seniors will be missed much of lhe team will be back in 2022. I’m excited to get back at it.’’ coach Haines said. Parma Western took the conference cham­ pionship with teams winning the second, third and fourth doubles flights Monday and first and third singles championships. Western first singles player Caroline Davenport proved the conference’s top player, knocking off Lumen Christi’s Page 4-6,6-1.6-2 in thc first singles championship match. The Saxons were in action at their Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by Allegan last Friday. Cook and Daniels opened the tournament at first doubles with a 6-3, 7-5 win over the top team from Lakeshore, and thc Saxons got their other point from Beemer’s quarterfinal win over Karlcy Way from Plainwell, 7-5, 6-2, to start lhe day at second singles. Both Beemer and the Saxons’ number one doubles team fell lo eventual regional cham­ pions from Allegan in the semifinals. , Ahearns and Cobb were close to pulling off one of. flie biggest upsets of the tournament, ’fhey battled three hours with the second seeded Allegan fourth doubles team of Grace Davis and Kenna Baker before lhe Tiger team took a 7-6(4), 5-7,7-6(8) win. Overall, Allegan captured the regional championship with 17 points, ahead of Otsego 12. Hamilton 11. Lakeshore 11, Hastings 2. Wayland 2, Plainwell 1 and Paw Paw 0. dkopg ihi@me doubleheaders Saxon Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer Hastings’ softball team hosted the Plainwell Trojans at home on Thursday night, dropping both games in lhe non-con fere nee double­ header 13-6 and 16-1. Hastings’ head coach Mike Davis said, “the girls arc shirting to play a little better, using their bats and making less errors in a game. Tonight’s first game was one of the better one played in a while, just .seems like one inning always kills us. It really hurls though to only have one pitcher on the learn. Right now, we are focused on playing with no errors and try ing hard every day to accomplish that." In game one. the Trojans’ batters got an early scoring two runs in the first inning. After tiie third inning the Trojans only held a onerun lead, but they would put six runs up on the board in the fourth inning before closing out the 13-6 win. The Saxon bats were led by Morgan Deal and Emma Alexander w ho had three hits each in the opening game. Kaeli Jo West and Anna English both racked up two hits each. The Saxons struggled lo get on the board in game two. Deal again led the team al bat with two hits in two at bats for the game. English Saxon second singles player Abby Beemer hits a forehand shot back at her foe from Parma Western in the semifinals at their flight Monday during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tournament at Lumen Christi High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) led with two stolen bases. Sophomore pitcher Cassidee Easey threw both games for the Saxons and collected six strikeouts. The Plainwell team kept its bats going all night against Easey. racking up over 40 hits, making the Saxon team play defense in lhe field. The Saxons played a clean defensive game though, not committing an error. Alexander led thc Saxon defense in game one with seven fielding changes, and Sophia Sunior had four in lhe field in game two. On Tuesday night, thc team hosted Interstate-8 Athletic Conference rival, Pennfield Panthers. The Saxon team again struggled to put runs on the board before dropping both games 16-4 and 14-3. Easey was again in the pitcher's circle for the night, she had seven strikeouts for lhe night. Hastings’ bats were busy as the team tallied 21 hits.. Sophomore, Isabella Storm had three hits in three at-bats for lhe team in game two. and Easey, Alexander and West had two hits each in game one. The Saxon team will be at home one last time on Tuesday in a non-confercnce game before facing Barry County rival ITiomapple Kellogg in the first round of Districts for the Division 2 Michigan High School Athletic Association state tournament. They will face thc Trojans at TK on Saturday, June 5, in the district semifinals. The Saxons’ Cassidee Easey gets her bat on the ball during her team’s doubleheader with Plainwell Thursday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) TK ladies take two lopsided victories in last Gold games The ritoniapple Kellogg varsity softball team overwhelmed Forest Hills Eastern a cou­ ple times in Ada Monday to close out the OK Gold Conference season with an 11-3 record. IK took the opener with the Hawks 12 1 in five innings, outhilling thc hosts 12-1. The top of the fourth was thc big inning for the TK ladies. Eliana O’Riley and Paige VanStec walked to start thc inning and then both scored on a two-run double off the bat of Moriah Sprauge. Sprague raced to third on the throw in and then came the jest of the way home on a two-run home run by ( arly Snyder . Sprague was 3 for-3 in lhe ballgame with four RBI and three runs scored. She doubled twice. Snyder was 2-for-3 with two runs and four RBI. Ebbie Appel singled and drove in two runs tor TK too. VanStce and Natalie O’Riley had one RBI apiece. VanStec was 2-fur-3 at the plate with three runs scored and an RBI, and she walked once loo. Maleah Bailey and Natalie O’Riley had one hit each. Bailey got the win in lhe circle. She struck out nine in five innings, walking three and allowing just tw o hits. Thc one run against her was unearned. 'I K look a 17-7 win in game two, slamming 19 hits. VanStec and SprUfille four hib cac,b VanStec tripled, doubled snd s,ngled She had four RBj . i four runs scored. Sprague had two double' *uwl tw° sin?les,l° go with two RBI and on ■ O*n scorvd’ Sn>, .singled twice and drove in ,l,nS JTplSfc scoring once. Bailey (jn>ce Zube,‘. * Offringa and Eliana O’Rifr}'113 d |w0 hlb CUC * too, and Appel doubled J >corvd a ,n‘n’ TK closed out last A with two losses <o a lough Obego team, I i16JJulW^ loON . and 13 6 wins over the *is*ltn- ^rOjans ,n Otsego. Saxon outfielder Isabelle Storm charges a rolling ball on the grass durina hnr to • doubleheader with visiting Plainwell Thursday in Hastings. (Photo by Valeri© Slaughter^ �Tho Hasvngs Banner — Thursday. May 27. 2G21 — Page 15 ??xons> Eastman^ Slaughter and Teed win 1-8 titles •&W-- Mi ??~e^AXOnS. Day.ne S'gnesk’,ooks over as lhe anchors for Harper Creek and Parma Western finish just ahead of him at the end c me er re ay Tuesday at the I- Championship hosted by Jackson Northwest. The Saxon boys were third in the 400-meter relay and second in the 800-meter relay Tuesday. Breit Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings boys moved up to third and the Hastings girls held onto third in the lnterstate-8 Athletic Conference varsity track and field standings with third place finishes at lhe conference meet hosted by Jackson Northwest Tuesday. Thc Saxons won a handful of individual conference titles. Saxon sophomore luiyton Eastman was the top point scorer in the hurdles in the confer­ ence. winning the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 42.47 seconds and finishing as lhe runner-up in the 110-metcr high hurdles with a time of 17.00. Another Saxon sophomore Robby Slaughter had a couple big leaps for the Saxon boys. I le cleared the bar at 13 feet to win thc pole vault competition Slaughter was also second in thc long jump with a mark of 19 feet 3 inches. Coldwater senior Deandre Douglas was thc only other guy to fly as far as 19 feet, winning the long jump at 19-6.5. Slaughter’s senior teammate Kirby Beck was third in the pole vault at 12-6. a spot behind Parma Western senior Jacob Tidwell who was the runner-up. also clearing 12-6. Eastman was far from thc only talented Saxon hurdler on the track. He was one of three Hastings boys in the 'finals'of the fiigh hurdles. $.op}iom'oig..Nai_c f\olvneycher was htlh and sophomore Caleb Waller sixth, and those tow also scored in thc 300 hurdles with Waller fifth and Kohmcscher eighth. The Saxons’ Daniel Weatherly spins in the shot put circle, about to unleash a throw, during the 1-8 Championship hosted by Jackson Northwest Tuesday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Hastings junior Allison ’Iced was the only girl to finish the lOb-nieter hurdles in leS< than 17 seconds Tuesday, w inning the confer­ ence championship in that race with a tune of 16.88. She added a fourth-place time of 51.75 in lhe 300-meter low hurdles, finishing just behind freshman teammate Addey Nickels w ho w as third in that race in 51.30. Parma Western junior Anna Burk was the runner-up to Teed in the f(X) hurdles and fol­ lowed that up by w inning the 300 hurdles in 48.60. Bulk and lced were a couple of the top competitors in the held too. Burk won the high jump by clearing the bar at 5-0 and Iced was the runner-up in the pole vault with a height of 8-9. The Hastings girls were 5-2 in 1-8 duals this spring and went into lhe conference meet in third place in the standings, behind Harper Creek and Parma Western which share thc 2021 conference title after Tuesdays results. Freshman Addey Nickels was the fourth­ place finisher in lhe 100-meter dash for the Saxons, hitting thc line in 28.85. Lumen Christi senior Renea Kutch won a couple sprints, taking the 200 in 26.68 and thc 400meter dash in 58.52. Saxon sophomore Madison Nino placed fifth in that 400 compe­ tition with a time of 1:04.49. Nino placed third in lhe long jump with a mark of 15-2. just four and a half inches behind the girls who went 1-2. Nickels. Nino, Teed and Isabelle Roosien ran to a runner-up finish for the Hastings girls in the SOO-in^ter relay, and lhe Saxons also had the fourth-place team in lhe 400-meter relay. ’ • ’’ ',,ri ja,r‘ ’ ’ Hastings junior Cirissa Strouse placed fifth in the 1600-meter run in 6:06.92 and third in the 3200-meter run in 13:02.76. Those dis­ Area gets Hastings sophomore Robby Slaughter gets vertical to get over the bar at 12 feet 10 inches in the pole vault at the Division 2 Regional hosted by Mason High School Friday. The 12-10 vault earned him a spot in the 2021 state finals. (Photo by Valene Slaughter) Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer A eroup ol 13 local alhleles from 1 aikewood. lor the June . i;..nis wjth their perforSuuc Tiack and l ie dl J A1|,klil. SdonRSn^t Ma-> ffigh School *X°wX‘“evt ' "Xapplc leles quality tor thu •» (|lJ)|clcs hit their i:SSCl—.......... Wyatt Hd/xf quai jOO-incter dash, ished in p* . . Male qualifying and he anchored the ,J. , nilis|ied second, 800 meter relay team Cameron and included teammate /axon bn Gavettc and Austin on TK s p,rl:; a Zellnier cndej p°,c Hastings' Addey Nickels gets the baton to teammate Isabelle Roosien in the 800meter relay Tuesday during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship Meet hosted by Jackson Northwest. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) tance races were dominated by Lumen Christi girls. Freshman Madison Osterberg won thc 1600 in 5:21.98 and her junior teammate Faith Smith won the 3200 in 11:30.28. Saxon senior Josey Nickels and sophomore Natalee Sanders had a solid day nt the high jump pit for Hastings. Nickels was third and Sanders fourth as both cleared 4-6. In lhe discus, the Saxons had senior Maddie McMasters second at 92-5 and junior Maddie Miller third at 86-1. In the shot put. Miller placed seventh (28-7.5) and senior teammate Dais) Kerby fifth (29-5). Parma Western senior Lily Kucharek won the two girls’ throws, but a wide margin. She had a throw of 121-1 in the discus ;ind took the shot pul with a mark of 38-1.5. The Hastings boys were 4-3 in conference duals, and the third place finish Tuesday moved them into third place in the confer­ ence’s final standings. Saxon teams were third in the 400-meter relay, second in lhe 800-meter relay, fourth in the 1600-meter relay and third in the 3200meter relay. That runner-up relay team includ­ ed Bayne Signeski. Slaughter. Eastman and Beck. Saxon sophomore Bayne Signeski was sixth in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.16 seconds and fourth in lhe 200-melcr dash in 24.51. Jason Haight was a second scorer in the 200 for thc Hastings boys, plac­ ing sixth in 24.97. Parma Western senior Julius Adams won lhe 100 in 11.82 and Harper Creek senior Micah Garcia the 200- metcr dash in 23.64. Garcia was the only guy in front of Bayne at the end of lhe 110-meter high hurdles. He won lhat race in 16.16. Xander Signeski. a senior, was fourth in thc 400-meter dash with a time of 54.29 for the Saxons. Hastings freshman Jonah Teed was seventh in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:15.07. The Saxons didn’t have a lop eight finisher in either of the longer races though they did have a couple of the fastest freshmen in the dis­ tance events. Teed was tenth in the 1600 and fellow ninth grader Riley Shults tenth in the 3200. Sam Randall scored a spot in the discus final for the Saxon boys and placed sixth w ith a mark of 108-8 to close his senior year. Randall and teammate Daniel Weatherly, a sophomore, were among lhe shot put finalists. Weatherly finished fourth with a mark of 41-55 and Randall seventh at 39-2. Parma Western senior Michael Mcaninich won the two throws, getting a mark of 137-5 in the discus and 47-2 in the shot put. Slaughter cleared the bar at 12-10 in the pole vault at regional* last week to cam a spot in lhe June 5 Division 2 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals. Hastings had three stale qualifying performances from the girl^ List week, by Nino in the 400-meter dash, 'le2d in the 100 hurdles arid the 800-nicieJ relay team of Nino, Nickels. Roosien nnd Teed. task and field finals The Saxons’ Madison Nino fakes off to start the 800-meter relay for the Hastings girls during the Division 2 Regional hosted by Mason Friday. (Photo by Valerie Hastings' Allison Teed races to a first place finish in th0 100-meter hurdles as Lakewood’s Hokulani Ka’alakea and TK’s Trysta Hilton close in from behind at the Division 2 Regional hosted by Mason High School Friday. (Pho10 bY Valerie Slaughter) joined by team members Trysta Hilton, who finished second in the 300-meter hurdles, and Alana Compton, who finished third with a qualifying throw ot ||| feel 7 inches in the discus. lhe Hastings girls1 lrack k..in, h;ld lwo regional champions at the event. Allison Teed placed first m lhe WO-meter hurdles nnd Madison Nmo placed fIr>l in the 4(X).n)rtcr run. feed and Nino are bmh <>n the Savons state qualifying «(X)meter relay team, which a so includes Ireshman primers. Addey Nickels and Isabelle Roosien ’.hr H»‘T 'Va,n h:‘d »nv «»•« qualifier. Robby Slaughter, who finished in fourth place in the |x,|c vanh with a qualifying jump of 12-10, a PR,. 1 • ‘ for the Lakewood Viking । • t Garrett Stank was the ,ule u Slank ended lhe day )n .evond |)lacc in lhe long jump with a personal record jump of 20-5.05. Overall, the area teams had multiple ath­ letes that placed at lhe ev«nt. but only the top two places or those,hal meet qualifying stan­ dards move on to tl’e slale finals. Hastings’ head Brian Teed noted. “We didn’t have asfl,anJ' PR’s as we normally do at the regional hut after looking at the overall results J sa\‘hat was a common theme for all the l^ins- lhe early heat alter being so cool this *P"n8 hx>k a loll on our athletes, but I was of the way they bat­ tled through” . . . TK’s girls team I1! 'e ""KI placers in Ik top eight for lhe <W-.lhe 3200-meUT relay (earn of Jessica ’* k«- Madnon Nagel. Addison Salicrlieli1•'ntl Aubrey Martin lm- a sy&Sas- ... . f 1 । ’ ZedflV:r wished eighth. Ilihon also pla**1 ''CV,:"tl, 1H,,h lh<; 200’ Slaughter) meter dash and the 100-meter hurdles. Durkee also finished seventh in the 3200-meter run and eighth in the 800-meter run. Kylie Smith finished with a fourth place in the 300meter hunlles. Veiling had a fifth place finish in the 100-meter dash. Smith ended with a sixth place in high jump, and Offringa finished sixth in the 100-meter hurdles. TK’s Helzer also placed fourth in the 100meter dash, Brennan I utz finished eighth in the 800-meter run. Gavette sixth in the 300meter hurdles, Blake Monroe eighth in the shot put. and the 400-meter relay team of Helzer, Logan Caruso, Jonah Schihhroat, and Lutz finished in third place. Hastings’Allison leed also placed fourth in pole vault and sixth in the 300-meter hurdles. Nino placed third in long jump. Natalee Sanders was fourth in high jump, Carissa Strouse was sixth in the 3200-meter run, Nickels finished seventh in lhe 300-meter hurdles, and Kali Grimes finished seventh in pole \ault. For thc Saxons boys' team. Slaughter also placed in two relays - placing tilth in the 400 meter relay learn, that included Jason Haigl, Dillon Neal and Bayne Signeski, and seventh in the 800-meter relay team that included Signeski. Lavton Fastman and Kirby Beck. Eastman also placed individually, seventh in the HXl-meter hurdles, and eighth in the 110meter hurdles. Xander Signeski finished with a fourth place in the 400-meter run. Lakewotul’s Stank also placed third in the 200-mcter dash and w as joined in the placings bv teammates Nathan Alford who was fourth in lhe 3200-meter run, Jacob Merryfield fourth m the high jump, and Connor Feighan who finished sixth tn the 4(X)-mcter run. For the Vikings girls’ team, placing in thc top eight for lhe day were Katie Acker who placed fourth in the 3200 meter and sixth in the 1600-meter runs, Hokulani Ka’alakea third in the 100-meter hurdles, and Annabelle Stank eighth m the disetu. These slate qualifying athletes will com­ pete in the MILS A A Slate Finals on June 5 al Zeeland Fast High School al the Zeeland Stadium. All tickets must be purchased online through the MHSAA website. �16 Thursday, May 27 2021 The Hastings Bunner Sweet sweep of doubleheader for Vikings • Lakewood senior Brent Sweet hits the game-winning single down the third baseline during the bottom of the ninth inning of game two against visiting Olivet Monday. The Vikings followed a 4-0 game one win with a 6-5 walk-off victory jn game two. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer t Sports Editor ' Brady Gawne raced out of the dugout with the big orange water jug and gave fellow­ senior Brent Sweet lhe first ice bath of his Jenure as a three-sport varsity athlete for the Vikings Monday. Any number of their teammales could have been doused foi a play they made against Olivet, but Sweet just happened to make thc last one - an RBI single past the Eagle third baseman (hat gave thc Lakewood varsity baseball team a 6-5 walk-off win in the bot­ tom of the ninth inning of game two of a Greater Lansing Activities Conference dou­ bleheader al Lake wood High School. The win moves the Vikings lo 13-1 in the GLAC this spring and clinches a share of lhe conference championship. Lakewood swept the doublehcader with the Eagles Monday, winning game one 4-0 with Gawne tossing the complete game shutout. Olivet is now 15-2 in the GLAC this spring. .The two icann> wilf meet' again at Olivel ’Wednesday. A Lakewood win gives the1 Vikings lhe outright conference champion­ ship. An Olivet win and the two teams share •the 2021 GLAC Championship. Thc Vikings did not get lo play their three-game series with the Maple Valley Lions this season. "We got to take it all on Wednesday, which 'is absolutely what our plan is. We’re not shar­ ing anything with Olivet.” Lakewood head coach Brad Tacey said after thc emotional twin. । It was as wild final few innings Monday. with Olivet tying game two at 4-4 in the top of the fifth and taking a one-run lead in the top of the sixth, and then the Vikings tying the game in the bottom of the seventh and win­ ning it in the bottom ot the ninth. "Honestly, we just wake up every day and we do the same thing every day and we do it perfect. We do everything to absolute perfec­ tion. That is why wc are the best team there is," Sweet said after the win. "We consistently hit the ball well. The defense played well. We made double plays when we needed them. The pitching was con­ sistent.’’ Nathan Willette led off the bottom of the seventh for the Vikings with a double and scored on an RBI single from Gavin Willette to tie the game at 5-5 and push it into extra innings. Nathan again led otf in the bottom of the ninth and walked. Hc stole second, went to third on a wild pilch and then came home on Sweet’s game-winning single. Sweet said he wouldn’t complain about the ice bath-“It as a hot day," he said. '<■ “Ljufh knew hedidn’tliavcia cone ball and he was going to throw me some cheese, and I sent it right where I wanted hit,” he said of his game-winning hit. Gawne returned to thc mound in the top of the sixth inning of game two after throwing game one. The Eagles had runners on second and third with one out and lhe score knotted at 4-4 when he look over for Nathaniel Graham. The Vikings got the runner from third trying to score on a ground ball back to Gawne for the second out, but a balk call that the Vikings didn’t agree with brought home the go-ahead run before Gawne could strike out the final Eagle batter of the inninc. Lakewood s Nathan Willette rounds third and heads for home to score the tying run 'I he balk call wasn’t clear to everyone ini­ tially. lhe Olivet runner at third broke for in the bottom of the seventh inning of game two against Olivet Monday. He would score home and then knocked down Lakewood again in the bottom of the ninth as tho Vikings took a 6-5 walk-off win to sweep the catcher Jayce Hansen as they were tangled in doubleheader with the Eagles. (Photo by Brett Bremer) lhe dirt around home plate. ’l he Eagle runner from second eventually wandered his way to top of the eight, but Gas in made a nice play Sawyer picks him up. That is how they have home amid the chaos, but was eventually himself to cut down a runner at second on a played all year. I couldn’t be any more proud called out ol the dugout by the umpires and sacrifice bunt and then got a couple of pop of the way they played and the way they sent to third where he was stranded in the end. outs. fought back in that game." “To have an absolutely horrendous call to In the top of the ninth. Jacob Waffle his a On (op of all that, thc teams verbally dis­ get down in the game and then to fight back ground ball back at Gavin to lead off the agreed about the number of pitches throw n by like that. They could have given up,” Taccy inning. Gavin scooped it up but fired high the Eagles’ starting pitcher Ramsey Bousseau said. "We scored in the bottom of the seventh over Gawne at first. Second baseman Sawyer in thc ballgame, a disagreement that started in inning to tie it up and then kept fighting into Stoepker made an out standing play backing the bottom of the seventh and lasted until the ninth and winning thc game. It is not up Gawne to grab the high throw' out of the air Bousseau was replaced to start the bottom of always going to go our way. obviously, it is and keep Waffle at first. It was a pivotal play. the eighth. The two sides disagreed about not always going lo go our way, but we have The next Eagle batter hit a fine drive to short where to start the ninth inning as well. The lo find ways to fight over lhe fop and we did that Blake Price snagged and then threw to Vikings wanted another chance to clinch the (hat today. I am very proud of lhe way that first to double off Waffle. Rankin followed share of the conference title on their home they played, of the way that they reacted to w ith a double to left Centerfield for die Eagles, field as the sunset, and the Eagle coaching so. the-defense clearing.the bases saved a run. staff was ready to call it a night and finish off what was going on in the game.” j . . . ,, ■ Lakewood dnwv V2-3oinrtlwrbottoni EefLfiridiT Nathart (WiHettCtlsavedra run too game two of the set in Olivet Wednesday of the sixth, and then Olivet went down fairly racing deep into the left Centerfield gap to before game three. “Honestly, it just makes the game more fun quietly in lhe top of lhe seventh. Thc final grab a fly-ball by Tyler Latunski to end the when every one gets talking and there is a little Eagle Gawne faced. Easton Rankin, reached inning. ‘'That is what these guys do.” Taccy said. bit of aggression in there. I just makes you on an infield single with one out, but Gavin Willette took over thc mound to get a fly-out "Our defense has been our staple this entire want it more than ever.” Sweet said. Not only were the Vikings and Eagles meet and catcher Jay ce Hansen took care of the rest year, hands down. This is the best defensive throwing out Rankin as be attempted to steal squad that I have had since I have been here again Wednesday. Lakewood took on Eaton and they just find ways to make plays. They Rapids Tuesday in the opening round of the second. Gavin had to get out of a couple jams in the don’t get rattled when somebody makes a bad Dean Shippey Capital Diamond Classic, fall­ ing 4-0 to the Greyhounds. final innings, and his defense did well backing play or a bad throw. "G. threw the one over [Gawne’s] head, but him up. Olivet got its first two guys on in the Vikings playing for Hal of Fam® titles Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Eagles have been successful in their role as spoiler so far this week. The Olivel varsity softball team swept its Greater Lansing Activities Conference doubleheadcr at Lakewood High School Monday, scoring 4-0 and 6-2 wins over the Vikings who are still chasing a GLAC Championship. Thc two teams meet one more lime in Olivet Thursday. Lakewood earns a share of lhe 2021 GLAC Championship, with Leslie, witlfa win on lhe Eagles’ diamond. An Olivet win Thursday means the Leslie ladies are the outright conference champions. Audrey Hillard plated the only two Lakewood runs Monday, belting a liro-MI. tuo-run home run over the left field fence tn the bottom of the third inning of game two. olivet senior pitcher Shyann Truax out-du­ eled the Vikings’ Morgan Stahl m the circle tn the two ballgames to earn the two wins. jlkewood took a key conference wtn over the Blackhawks from Leslie tn Olivet last WuSd just pulled out an extra-inning . I riLt Fades The three teams met -rS a" way to take advantage of available evenings and umpires-Four of the six temns '^..%cwood Lakewood senior Hannah Slater drives the ball to the left side d^’n9 game lW° °f her team’s GLAC doubleheader against visiting Olivet Monday (Photo Brelt won games “There have head coach score differences ^Xn"bridge, Lakewood. Lesfie and "T^V.kingsandBkwkhawk^-IOJ going into the bo*,on'.‘ () . jef|.field fence Cail 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads a sacrifice bunt to get her to third and a hardhit ball by Hillard scored Fedeniu. Stahl gave up just one hit and one walk in getting lhe win in the circle. She struck out 14. "Our defense played really well” Ililley said. “Leslie has multiple left-handed skippers with speed. Freshman Audrey Hillard made her first start at third base, moving from left field, and made multiple pbys agajnl>| ||)e steppers. Audrey had one practice at third base to learn our shill infield defense. She did a great job. ■•Senior shortstop Hannah Slater came up huge in the top of the sixth with an over-theshoulder catch into left field on Leslie’s num- ber one hitter. That phlv frT having their fastest stepper1’11 lKl'e'1 ' game changing plays •. ..rPcm Lakewood added a nnir^ w,nS ° ,??. in the GLAC last [’rid... well, besting c visiting Ramblers |().q I5'0 1,1 a P‘“ 1 GLAC ballgames. . ,.. , Lakewood is now 244°vcra^ ' * and 9-3 in the GLAC n.ii lhe V,kings ope.,edtlK,eU of kame (.lass,e w1!h a ”1 ,"...Jwas luesday evening. Slithl^k >7 l ()J named the player .>fthee<.^ ‘«imatch lad.es earned a Wether (*•* ' wit|, up with Holt at Runnev ’ the win. * 1 Lakewood first baseman Cora Giffin stretches to roach a pick off throw.-s an OItvet baserunner dives back to the bag during game two Monday at Lakewood Htgn benoot. (Photo by Breit Bremer) Delton Kellogg girls face Springport soccer in district opener today lhe Delton Kellogg varsity gi.L iris’’ ____ soccer team starts the state postseason this afternoon. I he Panthers will host Springport for a Division 3 District opener at Delton Kellogg High School shining at 5:15 p.m. (May 27). 1 hr DK girls closed out the regular season with a 3-7-1 record, besting Calhoun Christian 3-i in the final bailgame of lhe regular season on lhe road Monday, Cailie Ritchie. Avery Barker and Caitlin O’Me.ira scored thc three DK goals. Ritchie H the 'coring started with an assist from O’Meara. Stoetzd assisted on Barker’s goal. Sain O’Meara provided lhe assist on sister Caitlin’s score. Taylor Carter had ten saves m goal tor lhe DK girls. Kalamazoo Christian bested thc DK girls in their finnl Southwestern Athletic Conference match of the season last Thursday, 80. �__ Tbs Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 27. 2021 — Page 17 The 11 __ baxons takeGame 2 from Pennfield for first 1-8 victory ry m lhclr firM J3 Intcn>latc K Athkuc Conference contests this spring, the Saxons made the best of their last chance Tuesday. Hastings vanity baseball team earned a K doublchcnder with visiting Pennfield TUesda). scoring a 10-5 win in game two despite being outhit 15-11 bv lhe Panthers. Carter Hewitt made his wav through the first five innings on lhe mound ’for lhe Saxons aS his team built an 8-2 lead before the Pennfield struck for three runs in lhe lop of the sixth to make things interesting. Hewitt got the win. going 5.1 innings. He struck out three and walked one while living charged with five nms on 13 hits. Mitchell Rafter came on in relief for the Saxons, and allowed a couple of the runners on when Hewitt left to score but then shut down lhe Pennfield bats. He gave up two hits and one w alk in 1.2 innings, striking out three. Hewitt. Ralter, Matthew Thompson and Kaiden Shumway had two hits each for the Saxons in lhe win. Rafter was 2-for-4 at thc plate with two RBI Shumway had a single and a double, a run and an RBI. Drew Markle} tripled, drove in a run and scored twice. Ethan C aris singled and scored two runs for the Saxons. I hotnpson scored tw ice too. Drew Gleeson also scored a run for the Saxons. Hastings ends the conference season with a 1-13 record. Pennfield won the opener 16-2 in five innings. Harrison Smalley doubled, drove in a run and scored a run, and Hew id. Rafter and Braden Vertalka had the other three Saxon hits in the game one loss. Vertalka scored a run. Pennfield is 10-2 in the conference after split and has two 1-8 ballgames at Lumen 5** Mitchell Eldred pitches for the Saxons during their non-conference doubleheader with Plainwell at Johnson Field in Hastings Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Christi Friday to close out the conference sea­ son. l he Saxons were bested in two non-confcrence ballgames with visiting Plainwell last Thursday. The Trojans took 5-3 and 11-6 Catholic Central puts all six in top ten at Gold golf tourney Grand Rapids Catholic Central finished off an OK Gold Conference Championship spring by dominating the conference championship meet at Thomapple Pointe Golf Club Monday. The Cougars scored a 305 to finish 25 strokes better than runner-up Forest Hills Eastern which closed the dav with a score of 330. South Christian was third with a score of 342. ahead of Kenowa Hills 359. Thomapple Kellogg 365. Wayland 370 amt Cedar Springs 400. • • Connor Newland continued his strong fin­ ish to lhe season by shooting an 89 to lead lhe TK team. He had birdies on the par-4 number two and number 17 at Thomapple Pointe. Drew Nathan scored a 90 for TK, Austin Pilsch a 91 and CJ Crabtree a 95. Teammate Christian DeBruin was right behind with a 96. Newland’s 89 had him in 17th place indi­ vidually. Catholic Central had all six of its guys fin­ ish among the lop ten scorers, led by Will Preston and Matthew Sokorai who each shot a 74. The Cougars also got a 78 from Andrew Armock, a 79 from Luke Preston, an 80 from John Hamion and an 84 from Thomas Grile. Forest Hills Eastern earned the runner-up spot with Alex Emerinc third overall with a 78. joey Brown sixth with an 80 and Ben Abare eighth with an 83. The other member of the lop ten on lhe day was South Christian senior Thys Vink who scored an 84. The TK boys return to action Tuesday, June 1. at the Division 2 Regional Tournament they’re hosting at Yankee Springs Golf Course. ©v Ssmoms amraoMg IK® WMdW awfflirej wimero wins. Plainwell scored two runs in the top of the sixth and two in the top of the seventh to pull ahead of the Saxons in an error free game one. Hastings had six hits in the loss, including a double by Rafter and singles from Markley, Thompson, Smalley. Ashton Benson and Aiden Benson. Canton Pederson. Ashton Benson and Smalley each had an Rbi for the Saxons in the loss. Ihompson, Smalley and Caris scored thc team’s three runs, all in the bottom of the fourth to make the score 3-1 at the time. — Hastings’ Mason Denton drives the ball during game two of his team’s non­ conference doubleheader with visiting Plainwell Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Plainwell blew open game two with six runs in lhe top of the third inning and four more in the fourth. Hastings outhit the Trojans 9-6 in game two. but Plainwell managed three unearned runs. Rafter was 2-for-3 nt the plate with a dou­ ble and three RBI in game two. Mason Denton was 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Markley singled and scored two runs, also walking twice. Mitchell Eldred, Thompson and 'tyler Morris each also singled for the Saxons.Thompson and Morris had one RBI each. The Saxons are scheduled to close the reg­ ular season with a bailgame against Wayland at Comerstone University Tuesday (June 1), and will be at lakewood for its Division 2 District Tournament June 5, taking on Charlotte in an opening round ballgame. Lakewood and Olivet meet in the district tour­ nament’s other semifinal match-up that day. Dennfiefol gmd Hepkons each take tw© from DK ball team A talented PcnnfielJ squad look a pair of 14-3 wins over the visiting Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team in Battle Creek Monday afternoon. It was a good start for the DK boys though. Blake Thomas singled to lead off the first ballgame and Mason Nabozney drilled a tworun home run to right field to put their team in front 2-0. DK managed just two hits the rest of the game though, a single by Nabozney and one by Matthew Falcs. Nabozney finished with three RBI as he also plated teammate Jacob Kemp in the top of lhe third. Pennfield scored 11 runs in the bottom of thc fourth inning of game one to finish off that victory. Cullen Reed was 3-for-3 with a double out of lhe lead-off spot for Pennfield and Cam Reichel was 2-for-2 with a double, two runs and two RBL Treyvoir Fdtes also'drove* in two runs for Pennfield. Seth Clothier had two RBI and Cody Jultink three. A group of three Pennfield pitchers limited DK to one hit in game two, a single by Kemp. Hopkins took two from the DK boys in Delton last Friday, scoring 8-7 and 14-4 wins. The Delton Kellogg boys are scheduled to visit Schoolcraft for two Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division ball­ games this afternoon (May 27) and will be back in action Tuesday taking on Saranac in a Division 3 Pre-District ballgame in Potterville. The DK schedule also has a double header with SAC foe Galesbursg-Augusta planned for June 2. Delton Kellogg shortstop Blake Thomas battles a tough hop during his team's non­ conference bailgame with visiting Hopkins Friday afternoon. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Saxon soccer team shuts out Corunna Gol'ers /from led) Ryne Petersen (Pennfield), Harrison Chapman (Marshall), Collin Mrl ano (Marshall). Ty Peet (Harper Creek), Will Jensen (Hastings), Isaac Anuszkiewicz (Northwest) and Logan Baum (Parma Western) are honored in the clubhouse at Bedford v-illev for earning spots among the nine all-conference medalists in the in,Athletic Conference this spring at the conclusion of the conference cham_■ h r. lonrmment Missing from photo are first team all-conference award winners Brett Bremer Snarls Editor A victory Thursday at ’ J’J^Xd by Athletic Conference l°unia,nL|i*j Marshall Bedford Valley CTub propel into the second place spot in encc standings. , f 0|j onto Jackson Northwest manage. lhc day, the top spot despite placitvt * f Hastings number one Will An*' (eam 83 Thursday to earn a spot as all-conference honoree . fof (he Collin Fouty had the low toun Saxons,shooting an “Tins certainly was a lops) Hastings head coach Kristen U season” h sajd. * a jo( “The league jamboree conference throughout lhe season and in vCfy tournament was no different. _tavcd at pleased with how some of the f uys I poU(y the conference championship. n at put together his best round of the . • just the right time.” [•only s score put him among the honorable mention all-conference award winners in the 1-8 this spring. The Hastings team also got an 88 from °wen Carroll and a 94 front Joey McLean. the Marshall Redhawks took the victory Thursday wtth a score of 338. finishi ahcil^ Of Pennheld 342. Hasting 247. lumen Lh<n a u ’ Pi*n" yeS*tn’ 358- Coldwater 365 and Harper Creek 396. Marshall teammates Collin McLane and Harrison Chapman had the day’s two lowest rounds. McLane shot a 74 and Chapman a 76. Pennfield was led by a 77 from Ryne Petersen and Harper Creek got a 78 from ty Peet. The Saxons close the season third overall in the conference standings. The Hastings boys will be back in action Tuesday, June I, at the Division 2 Regional Tournament hosted by J homappk Kellogg at Yankee Spring*' Golf Course. Vai Slaughter Contributing Writer The lady Saxon vanity girls’ soccer scored a 6X) win over Corunna at Baum Stadium at Johnson Field on Monday night in a non-con­ ference match. . Hastings took an early lead, scoring the first goal within the first 60 seconds of the game starting, and then scored two additional goals before halt, going into the second half DPltnn Kellogg lhlrd baseman Brit Stevens snags a roller along lhe third baseline during Ns team’s d°ubleheader with visiting Hopkins Friday (Photo by Perry Hardin) with a 3-0 lead. Hastings’ defense played strong throughout lhe game with Corunna managing zero shots on goal. However, Saxon goalie, Dekola Blough, still go< in on the action providing an assist for her team. Lauren Lamphere, Raegen Morrison and Bri Barnes each added an assist in the game. Lamphere. a sophomore, led her attack with tliree goals. Morrison added two goals and Molly Patton added the final goal fur thc night. The Saxons were scheduled to host Thomapple Kellogg for a Division 2 District opener last night (May 26). The winner of that match will play in the district semifinals host­ ed by Harper Creek Tuesday. June 1, against Gull Lake. �Page 16 — Thursday. May 27,2021 — The Hast.ngs Banner Saxon teams help Special Olympians get chance to compote Delton Kellogg s Audrey Aukerman drives the ball during her team's doubleheader with visiting Hopkins Friday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The group of Special Olympians gathers with members of the Hastings High School track and field teams during their special event, to make up for missed opportunities to compete in recent years, Saturday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) on home diamond Vai Slaughter Contributing Writer A non-sanctioncd. Special Olympics event was hosted by the Hastings track teams at Baum Stadium and Johnson Field Saturday. The Barry County Community Mental Health Authority’s Madelcne Ellsworth worked with Hastings head track coach Brian Teed to get thc event set up. “One of lhe athletes volunteers at our church and he always takes an interest in how my kids and lhe track team are doing," Teed said. “I learned that through slate funding being changed and with complications from COVID it had been several years since they were able lo participate in Special Olympics. So. 1 thought our team could easily step in and fill lhai gap. They, the competitors and our track athletes. all seemed to love the idea, so we put a small competition together." Fill lhe gup is what they did. The track team set up events for the athletes to compete in. including a softball throw, a ‘javelin’ throw, long jump. 100-meter run and walk, 55-meter run and walk, 100-meter and 55-meter wheel­ chair races, and a wheelchair obstacle course. The competitors received some instruction and coaching from the track team, as well as being cheered along by the track team and their families. Track team member helped to time rncen and greeted participants at the fin­ ish line. High fives were spotted all around, as well as smiles, hugs and a few tears. Ann Kuhlman, mother of Nathan Kuhlman an athlete that participated, said “my son is 43 and has Down syndrome. He has attended the (Barry Intermediate School District] and went to lhe Positive Directions program. Since that program was stopped per Suite directive, it’s been very hard for the participants to socialize with their old friends and classmates. That’s why this track and field event was such a suc­ cess. It was inclusive with wheelchair races and events geared for lhe success of all. Nate ■ had a wonderful lime competing, cheering on his friends and being cheered on himself. There were high schoolers who were at the finish lines lo greet participants in thc activi­ ties and encourage them. Everyone was happy and smiling, it was a real treat after thc year of isolation we’ve had. Nate showed me his medal and was very proud of it. As a mom. 1 was proud of our community and its kindness to members of our area who are often over­ looked. I hope there arc more events like this DK girls fall to tough non-conference foes Sally Ledbetter receives some coaching and instruction from track team members Kirby Beck and Sam Randall for her softball throw. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) in the future.’’ After competing in the events, contestants received medals, and they and their families were able to sit and share a meal from the Saxon Spirit Bus. Volunteers, working the Saxon Spirit Bus and handing out meals included Hastings Middle School track coach and teacher Jason Slaughter, Linda Pacheco, Sue Arens, and track team members Sarah Lichvar and Jacob Arens. Others from the track team also helped to set up and tear down lhe Spirit bus tables and event. “I feci like it went well,” Teed said. “Now we will figure out how to do it again next year and make it a little belter. I think it was good for both those who had lhe opportunity to compete and for our track athletes. I think we learned that we all have special gifts. A few have l>cen given been given a special gift to mn fast, for example, but every one has been given thc gift of putting smiles on people's faces and there were lots of smiles." WEEKLY UPDATES \ -r -3 \ ’* |* NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS MORE two with two runs in the fifth, two in the sixth and then four in the top of lhe seventh. Again DK put together a late really, scoring four limes in the bottom of lhe seventh, but fell by two. Aukerman was 4-for-5 to lead lhe Panthers at the plate. She had a pair of doubles, a triple, five RBI and four runs scored. DK got three hits from Lizzy Fichtner, including a double, and three RBI. Brandli was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Josie Lyons. Brickley and Thomas each doubled once. Josie was 2-for-2 at lhe plate with two walks and scored three times. honors for thc day. Skyline also had Mitchell Strickland second with a 73, Luke Richard third with a 76 and teammate Vibhav Alokam tied for fourth with a 77. Bath's Ethan Swenson and Grand Rapids Christian’s Dylan Clark each scored a 77.The remainder of lhe lop ten included a 78 from Leslie’s Cannon Risner, an 80 from Grand Rapids Christian’s Alex VandenBerge, and 8 Is by Skyline’s Leuan Jones and Hudsonville's Foster Faber. The Maple Valley were scheduled lo head back towards the Lansing area Wednesday. May 26. to take part in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship Tournament at Forest Akers East Golf Course on lhe campus of Michigan Stale University. Lakewood ladies held winless at tough Division 4 tennis regional Brett Bremer 1-i* Mya Brickoly pitches for the Panthers during their non-conference doubleheader with visiting Hopkins Friday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Lions face tough competition at Lansing Christian Invitational The Maple Valley varsity boys’ golf team placed 16th at lhe Lansing Christian Invitational at Hawk Hollow in Bath Wednesday (May 19). The Lion team pul together an 18-hole score of 417, led by junior Owen Bailey’s 90. T he Maple Valley team also got a 94 from Christian Schrader, a 111 from Kenneth Curtis and a 122 from Caden Faurot. Ann Arbor Skyline look the day’s title with a team score of 297. ahead of Hudsonville 332, Grand Rapids Christian 334, Hackett Catholic Prep 346 and Lansing Christian 356 in the lop five. Skyline had four guys among the day’s top six scorers. Vima Alokam, a senior, shot a one-under-71 to lake lhe individual medalist Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? >’r. . With big match-ups ahead, the Delton Kellogg varsity softball team challenged itself late last week with tough non-conferencedoubleheadcrs against Gull Lake and Hopkins in which the Panthers were 0-4. Gull Lake scored 13-11 and 12-8 wins al Delton Kellogg High School Thursday and the Panthers took the field at home again Friday falling 5-2 and 12-10 in two ballgames w ith Hopkins. The Delton Kellogg varsity softball team has a big conference doubleheader al Schoolcraft this afternoon and will open the state postseason June 5 taking on Union City in a Division 3 District Semifinal bailgame hosted by Climax-Scotts High School. In the Panthers 12-10 loss to Hopkins Friday. Allison Brandli had three hits, going 2-for 4 with two runs and an RBI to lead her team. Aubrey Aukerman was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Lizzy Fichtner was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Mya Brickley and Josie Lyons also both drove in two runs. Lyons. Abby Fichtner, Brickley and Jordan Lyons had one hit each. Hopkins had a 6-0 lead after batting in the top of the fourth, but DK battled back to w ith­ in 10-7 heading into the seventh when, the Vikings tacked on two more insurance runs. DK scored three times in the home half of thc inning lo see their comeback bid end just short. DK got two hits each from Brickley and Chloe Colwell and singles by Brandli and Allie Trantham in the 5-2 loss Friday. Paige Thomas had two RBI. and Josie Lyons and Brickley each scored a run. All five runs against DK pitcher Brickley were unearned. She struck out five, walked three and gave up just five hits. Gull Lake took its opener with lhe Panthers 12-8 Thursday. Allie Trantham led the DK attack with a pair of doubles. She scored a run and drove in one. Lizzy Fichtner tripled nnd Colwell and T homas doubled for DK in the loss. Thomas, Brandli, Aukerman, Josie Lyons and Abby Fichtner each had an RBI. Gull Lake dug out of a 7-5 hole in game ■ ** Hastings B & ir (269) 945.9554 www.hastingsbanner-c01” Sports Editor The Lakewood vanity girls' tennis team closed >ts season al the Division 4 Regional ournamenl hosted by NorthPointe Christian High School Thursday. The Vikings were held without a win at the tournament. I he second doubles team of Allie Pickard and Izzy Wheeler put up „ f)gh, in ,||c [ mOI,U 1 an^ v’'b*nd their season, but p > ’ii"1 1 duo of Izzy Reynolds and Natalie Lotenz 6-2. 7-5. That vt l ’C iC OSe'I ,"aldl of <•* MX played by Viking players Thursday I akessiKid forfeited the third and fourth singles Bights. North Muskegon took the regional champi­ onship with 24 points. NorthPointe Christian was second with 19 points, ahead of West Catholic 18. Grant 17. Calvin Christian 9. Muskegon Catholic Central 4. Comstock Park 4, Hike wood 0 and Western Michigan Christian 0. lhe first singles championship went to North Muskegon’s Alicia Hall, who bested Grant’s Jada Zeriaut (>-1,6-1 in thc final after having not dropped a single game in her fW two matches of the tournament. The Division 4 Lower Peninsula Girls lennis Finals will be played in thc Portage area lune 3-5 with hosts Portage Central. [’*.,rtafe'e,.^1Vnhcrn- Loy Norrix :>"d I’odage West Middle School. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-06-03.pdf 8300f733de6264ab5e1fd56e7f97c437 PDF Text Text Win, pl*** and show o**r 9reed See Editorit\ Page 4 Saxons’ Will Jensen earns state spot See Story on Page 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barty County Since 1856 ANNER VOLUME 167. No. 22 PRICE $1.00 Why Memorial Day matters Nearly 21X1 2<X> people P"’l’l‘ X“">er„i Monday Monday for a Memorial Day tn mte " ai Veterans Memorial 1,1 '1,1 '(irk. hi towns and villages across the regionf similar obser­ vance' took place. Stm < an, commander of Lawrence J- Bauer Amer a an Legion posl ^() 45, offered the following (f[inrlR tfh, Hasting s program: Hastings High School seniors Kirby Beck and Josephine Nickels are among the seniors who received scholarships, academic and athletic awards at the Annual Honors and Recognition Ceremony at Hastings High School's Performing Arts Center on May 26. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Teachers share accounts of stellar student achievement Rebecca Pierce Editor The Hastings High School honors convocation last Wednesday spotlighted exceptional scholars and athletes on the eve of their graduation. Teachers conferring the awards offered personal tributes as they expressed their admiration for the students earning these honors. The program was punctuated with stories of seniors overcoming adversity and teachers’ heartfelt accounts of their students’ academic triumphs. Social studies teacher Greer Putnam teared up when she announced Lauren Sensiba as the recipient of her department’s award. “Lauren’s passion for experience at our slate Capitol helped recruit more students," Putnam said. “As a second-year delegate. Lauren was asked to sit on the Youth Governor's Council and was awarded Best Delegate for 2020. Though our conference was virtual this year, her passion in participatory government helped maintain our delegation through our pandemic year. “For three years’ active participation and leadership in Youth in Government. Lauren has demonstrated a commitment to the ideals of social studies education and civic engagement. “For these reasons,” she said. “Lauren Sensiba is our 2021 social studies recipient. Spanish teacher James Doran told another CQWD numbers at lowest rate locally in nearly a year Of 20 gasas ot Bot County, 21 are fromjail outbreak “I had just truly witnessed what success and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone looks like.” - Hastings High School Spanish teacher James Doran ’■’T't Thirty years ago. America engaged in a new war in a volatile region; Iraq |wj invaded the sovereign nation of Kuwait. It was an act of aggression that could not stand. 1 he United States led a coalition of 35 nations with a bold and clear mission to liber­ ate an occupied country. Among the half million U.S. troops deployed to the .Middle East was Army Specialist Cindy Beaudoin. A freshman at the University of Connecticut, Spc. Beaudoin enlisted in the National Guard and served as a medic with the 142nd Medical Company. The Hartford Courani reported that the young specialist had a chronic back condition that could have kept her home during the deployment. I'he daughter ol a Vietnam veteran. Cindy would hear none of it. “Of course. I’m going, silly. I couldn't let my best buddy go off alone," she told a friend and fellow service member. American Legion Commander Steve Carr of the Lawrence J. Bauer Post No. 45 On Feb. 28, 1991 . just hours after President salutes as a wreath is tossed into the Thomapple River in Hastings to honor those who George H.W. Bush declared a cease-fire to served on and under the waterways of the world. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) end the Gulf War. Spc. Cindy Beaudoin was killed in action after her convoy struck a land mine. She was only 19. Beaudoin wi btc a letter to be delivered to her Like many soldiers going to war. Spc. parents in the event that she didn’t return. See MEMORIAL DAY, page 2 I ■ *-u~--------— ' story'. He spoke of the outstanding academic performance of Savana Leonard and her growth as a student. “I have a great story for each and every­ one of my Spanish 4 students.” Doran said. ”... I’d like to thank each of them. But. in the end, I have to choose one student.” As he was thinking of all the experiences this past year, a certain memory stood out when he felt he almost made one of his students cry . “And to make things even belter, il was right around Christmas,” he said ruefully. One of the biggest challenges for students in Spanish 4. Doran explained, is transitioning from presenting just to lhe teacher to presenting to the entire class. When he told See HONORS, page 3 Taylor Owens Local group says: Take a hike! The Chief Noonday Chapter ol the North Country Trail encourages the public to walk a short distance or hike a longer distance lor National Trails Day. . The longest pathway in the National Traits system, the 4.600-niile North Country Frail traverses through Barry, Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties. Saturday. June 5. everyone is invited to arrive at one of the local trailheads to enjoy a summer adventure in the woods or prairie. "Hike Here” signs will bit near trailheads in. Barry County. M-179 (Chief Noonday R‘»d) on the north side, four-tenths of a mile west ot lhe of Yankee Springs.'Norris Road intersection, Middleville. ‘ Kalamazoo County: Fort Custer (railhead, two-tenths ot a mile east of Augusu on M 96'Dickman Road, just past the railroad tracks, turn north, opposite the park entrance road. ■ Cal Injun County: Ou Biological Preserve at the Jameson Street entrance, Battle Creek. ! About 5 miles to Bndges Park), imer.eelion of East Jamison Avenue and Powell I Street. Participants win be greeted between 9:30 “ ;"ul T* b>n C hid Noonday Chapter members who w>ll proV1(|e ., ,nlif ,nd chapter-l|"C'"‘>nb “h™ ‘he ,hc Hikers wishing to head . frails Day may ar rive al a t“‘°" ^t,O!,a’ is convenient for them, their frien I i families. ‘^fnendsot their Regardless of day or time |,il..^ i .. be prepared with bottled water snadt K ' Sp,ay sunglasses, hat and r.t'in jaej^ £ needed. Long sleeves and pants J.. ’ mended on unpaved trails. ‘ con)' Online information about in:lp> and be found at Hiips.’Z/nonhco^n" trail org and hups//northcountryir .;i \ trail/ntiehigan/cmV ‘ Lorg/ Staff Writer The number of CO^ID-19 cascs jn Barry County and Michigan l,as plummeted in the last month - and is al,he lowest nite since late Iasi summer. * u On Wednesday. «‘c H:irry-Eaton District Health Department rep°rt«l 29 active cases in the county and 20 p*>P,e *n quarantine. According to data fto’h lhe state, there were 60 COVID-19 tests ^ucted in the county on Monday - all of were negative. “We’re startingtoSC |real news that num­ bers are down.” V’hh °f lhe Barr>" Eaton District HcU 1 department said Wednesday. The state numbed* craB, have fallen to less than 3(X) new day - the lowest rate since July I he average ra« ot . * ID-19 tests which were positive oveiJ’ weekend was 3.2 percent, j<M ' le Bute’s goal of 3 percent. According to n«''‘ ‘ the Centers for Disease Control a”d . nHon, more than 60 percent of Michig*'n (v ^’nts over lhe age of 16 have received J •‘4 one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine Hospitalization*' v Epping. According to Bridge Magazine, there were 1.007 people hospitalized for COVID-19 on Tuesday, which was 401 fewer than seven days previous. Out of the 29 cases in Barry County, 21 are linked to lhe outbreak at the Barry County­ Jail. Lt. Peter Nevins said 18 inmates and three staff members have tested positive for the virus since May 23. It was lhe first instance of COVID-19 pop­ ping up in the jail since lhe pandemic began in March of last year. ITiree of those inmates were released due to time served, and advised to quarantine at home. Nevins said the symptoms have been mild in all cases. 1 he jail has been testing its inmates every three days and its staff nearly every day. and found no new cases during a round of testing 'Ibesday. Inmates who have tested positive are quar­ antined together according to the date of their jwsitive test. It no new positive cases are dis­ covered, Nevins said all inmates will be released from quarantine by June 12. Bama said the drop in cases has freed up lhe health department to get back to its non* COVID related tasks. “I think many of us healthcare providers and public care providers have been doing a tremendous amount of work over lhe past year and a half.” she said. “And even though that work isn’t over, it’s amazing that we can concentrate a little more broadly on more things - instead of just COVID and contact tracing.” . But the department will continue working to vaccinate as many people as passible, and ensure they have access to COVID-19 tests. “Our goal is to find as many CO VID cases as we can to stop the spread of infection,” Barna said. “We’re still seeing COVID circu­ lating amongst people that aren’t vaccinated ” The department is hosting a rapid test clinic at its Hastings offices on Saturday, and has moved to smaller community vaccination clinics in areas such as Freeport and Bellevue. “We’re kind of doing as many outreach clinics as we can,” Barna said. “We envision that to be something we’re doing through summer and the fall, at least.” They will especially work to vaccinate lhe younger age group, she said. About 20.7 per­ cent of Barry County residents ages 16 to 19 have received a vaccine, compared to 80 to 85 percent in the 65 and older range. �PAqe 2 — Thursday. June 3. 2021 — The Banner MEMORIAL DAY, continued from page 1 “I did mx come here to be a hero." she wrote. “1 came heir because my connin’ need' cd me to be here. As much as I hate being so far away from home, I am here with thou­ sands of other soldiers helping tn bang dow n a very deranged tyrant... If 1 should die while helping to achieve this, then I did not die in vain.” Cindy Beaudoin did NOT die in vain. Neither did any ocher American who we honor on Memorial Day. Nonetheless, wars are often unpopular. I'here is a good reason for this. It was Union Gen. William T. Sherman who said, “It is only those Mho have neither lined nr shot nor heard lhe shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blocxl, more ven­ geance. more desolation. War is hell.” But we should always remember that the decisions leading to war arc those of policy­ makers - not the veterans themselves. Sometimes the mission is clear-cut. In World War II. millions were liberated and truly evil regimes were toppled. Tlx? price can still lx? unbelievably painful, as Emma and Willy Lcbrecht experienced. The Jewish couple fled Nazi Germany for New York City with their two young sons in 1938. Seven years later. Ferdi and Alfred Lebrechl made the .supreme sacrifice for their new country while fighting the Germans in Europe. In his book, “Brothers in Arms,” author Kevin Callahan noted, “the memory of those two brave brothers, who escaped Nazi Germany, only to perish in its destruction, lives on.” And that's why we are here today - to recall not just the memories of Cindy Beaudoin and the Lebrechl brothers, but to honor the sacrifices made by lhe 1 million heroes who died while defending this country' since the American Revolution. And that sacrifice is painfully shared b> lhe Guld Star families and close friends of those heroes. Most of us will not truly understand the depths of their despair unless we have experienced it. But we can always offer our support. We can wear the poppy. We can place' flags and wreaths nt their graves. We can donate to charities that provide for their families. And we can look at their surviving brothers and sisters-in-arms and say: "Thank you for your service.” Our organization - The American Legion - recognized that, when rounds arc coming your way, there is no such thing as - quote “a small war.” More than 1,600 Americans have lost their lives fighting in covert operations and Cold War battles that occurred between the desig­ nated war periods such as the attack on Pearl Harbor. We honor their sacrifice as much as we honor those lost on Iwo Jima or at the Frozen Chosin. We are here today to honor ALL of our fallen heroes. Fallujah and the Philippines. Khe Sanh and Kandahar. Beirut and Grenada. We honor American heroes from the American Revolution through the Global War on Terrorism, and every battle in between. The location is unimportant. It is the hearts of these men and women that truly matters. It is the devotion within that led them to sacrifice their lives for the country that we all love. in Tvden pS^m^an »°J' Corn,T'a,,der S,ev0 Ca,r olle,s « keynole address during observance at the veterans memorial It is hard for us - the living - to equate in tyaen rark. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) J ourselves with those who made such a sacri­ fice. The surviving loved ones do not have to look very far to find their heroes: As Spc. Beaudoin wrote to her parents, “When you start to miss me. look inside your heart and you will find me.” We should all look in our hearts. We may not only find our heroes, but we can examine what kind of country we live in. Jeremiah Flo?t. 15, of Woodland, directs flag fading at the Riverside Cemetery in Hastings (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Scouts assist with the wreaths that were used during the service. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) American Legion State Commander Barry Wood offers remarks during the service in Hastings. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Hastings Interim Police Chief Dale Boulter, during the service in Tyden Park, is holding his granddaughter, Katrina Lajcak. To Boulter’s right, his daughter, Megan Lajcak, is holding Katrina’s twin brother, Bender Lajcak. Ryan Fronkel is shown on far left. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) No matter what critics can say about America, can a nation that produces such remarkable men and women be anything but a force for good? Can we do more to create a country that is worthy of such sacrifice? Can we insist that our policymakers always consider the true cost of their decisions and only send men and women to war "hen all other options have been folly considered? War is often not the best policy. But the heroes that wars produce are the best of America. God bless you arK| (](Xj p|ess America! Steve Carr is Ct)ftViKwler of Ltiwrence J. Bauer American L^ion P<>st N<h 45‘ _____________ ____ __ Alter a ceremony at the Avenue of Flags in Hastings, a long line of trucks and other vehicles. Hying American flags, parades past to pay tribute. (Photo by Rebecca P.erce) At noon Monday, Post 45 members offer a tribute at the Avenue of Flags and at the Grand Army of the Republic monument, shown here. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, Juno 3. 2021 — Pag« 3 HONORS, continued f,om PaSe 1 Hastings DDA develops streetscape master plan Sophie Bates Ibut Trustee Deb Button said she thought it Stuff Writer was unlikely they would get an accurate The Hastings Downtown Development picture of the amenity’s longevity in a short Authority is working to make downtown Itime period. Hastings an entertainment, restaurant and Trustee Lyndy Bolthouse said the testing shopping destination by implementing lhe would slow' down their implementation of the streetscape master plan, which was recently plan too much. updated after 30 years by planning, "We have this plan and I want to move architecture and design companies Wightman forward. I don’t want to drag it out a year or and McKenna. two.” Bolthouse said. The DDA board met ’Tuesday for a second l he DDA board has not determined exactly workshop to review the more-than-75-page how it will handle amenity testing but is master plan, which, though not all- moving in that direction. cncompassing. provides guidance on Chairperson Patty Woods said she intends sidewalks, outdoor dining, lighting, parking, to meet with Harvey and others who worked trees, flower baskets, benches, bike racks and on the streetscape master plan to adjust certain more. aspects, but won’t do so until the DDA has The DDA previously met with Wightman determined its top priorities of the plan. and McKenna representatives, as well as planning consultant Rebecca Haney, to draft the plan. They did so with their loftiest dreams, and goals for downtown in mind; Principal Teresa Heide officially introduces the graduating Class of 2021. (Photo by Scott a «n) now. they are looking at how to make those dreams a reality. The difficult part was getting started. With so many elements included in the plan — all of which beg questions, such as. ‘How large should parking spots be?’, ‘How many benches are needed per block?’ or, more prominently, ‘What should we invest our money in?’ — the DD/X spent a portion of the workshop ‘stuck in the weeds' while debating the plan’s details. Interim City Manager Gregg Guctschow Family Night at Camp Algonquin suggested they start by ordering samples for Tuesday, June 8. will be the First event for different benches, planters and other the No Family Left Indoors program. downtown amenities. Testing the amenities Along with scheduled programs at local would allow for public input, which venues lhe summer series also includes Guctschow said would guide their process. self-guided activities. He also suggested they determine their lop Tuesday, the YMCA of Barry County priorities and find funding before delving into will invite families in to enjoy a concen­ 1 more minute aspects of the plan. trated camp experience, including nature "I also think that you should do some of trails, games, a craft and s’mores. This these as a test. So, before you make event will be outdoors. Registration is commitments, gel a few of these in and install required and can be completed at http:// them, a few amenities you’re interested in, bit.ly/NFLIfamilycamp. and sec how they work ... 1 think your real That night, after darkness descends, issue is you’re having a tendency to get lost in families (regardless whether they visited the weeds here on some of this sluff. I would the camp) can take part in a self-guided suggest kind of bring it back, focus on what constellation activity in their own back­ you really want and then figure out how to yards and learn how to find constellations pay for it. Don’t do it lhe other way around, in the night sky. More information can be Hastings High School's honors convocation a! the Performing Arts Center began as the graduating seniors v/ere seated on the you’ll never be happy with that. Figure out found at https://stardate.org/nightsky/ stage. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) what you really want and then challenge Dan constellations (King, community development director] and "Since then, this girl has gotten up without activities. Recipients do not seek or expect his students they would have to give a five4 minute presentation to the. entire .class, he hesitation to give 5-. 6- almost 10-minute recognition fat their ;ictL icg.:-. . . .^ U.S. Rep. Peter MejjeJ R-Gnmd Rapids, presentations sometimes, including on this could see some looked nervous about it. “I think’ some aTRfiT is'jtwt hard fofyou to Al the end of lhe class, one student very* stage, in front of all her peers in a second chose Mary Grace Green iA “a true example visualize. So 1 say, try' it. Try some of these of what is good Xbout ’Ar young people approached him and asked if there was an language. things on a very limited basis. Spend a couple The Barry County Parkinson’s Suppon "She constantly competes for the highest today.” alternative. He told her no. of bucks up front here to get some benches, Group has resumed in-person meetings at Early College recognition went August get some trees in here just to try them as "I told her that she would have to present grades on assessments, writes some of the 5 p.m. lhe second Wednesday of the Malik, who eartied an associate's degree in temporary installations so you can kind of to the rest of the class." Doran recalled. "I longest essays and speaks with ease.” month. ‘‘I want to award the 2021 Spanish business management while she attended high visualize what those will look like in a realcould see lhe swelling fear in her eyes. Individuals with Parkinson’s, as well Starling to panic myself. I started giving her Department award to Savana Leonard because school. She plans to attend Grand Vulley State life setting." . as caregivers, arc invited to join this free compliments and told her that I thought she’d she is. hands-down, one of the top students - University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in DDA members agreed with Guctschow’s support group. but also because she has given me a memory business administration. do great." suggestion and Trustee Terri Albrecht noted The June 9 program will include Doran said he knew she didn’t agree with of perseverance I’m not going forget anytime The Bradley and Ka^en Johnson the DDA already is looking to invest in extra ice-breaker activities along with peer-tohim and. when he thought about his decision soon.” Doran said. Scholarship w as awarded by Bradley Johnson, downtown seating for the recently opened peer discussion. later, he concluded, “I was pretty much a jerk. Accounts like these prompted Principal who offered a personal account to pan ide a Hastings Outdoor Pods social district — the The group will not meet in July. Bui it was too late to back down. And my new Teresa Heide to offer a comment as the life lesson as well: perfect opportunity. Meetings arc at lhe Commission on thought was. ‘Man. I hope this works.’ program continued. “Il was about four years ago tonight, my “So to Gregg's point, we have to buy some Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. "So. the day of presentations came. It was “Listening to what all these great educators late wife, Karin [Gibson), and4] were in the benches for the social district, right? What it lite group meets under the leadership just like a movie. Every student got up, one by have said and shared,” I leide told lhe audience, audience on awards night watching our son we got a couple different variations? I mean, of Spectrum Health Pennock, lhe COA one. and did their presentation while my “this is the joy of our profession. ... We arc Sam graduate. Many of you guys remember it might look hodgepodge now, but we’ll and the Michigan Parkinson Foundation. nervous student sat in lhe back awaiting her blessed.” Hannah, she graduated hist year,” Johnson certainly know which ones take the wear and fate. We got down to her. And. when I called In addition to social studies and Spanish, said to the students. "My wife turned to me tear, which ones the people prefer.” Albrecht out her name, in the back of my head. I was department honors singled out excellence in and she goes, ‘Let’s set up one of those said.”l think it’s a good opportunity since we thinking this is going to work out just like 1 agriculture, business, construction trades, scholarships.’ I said to her. ‘Consider it done.’ have to gel something for the social district planned - or I’m going to be lhe teacher that culinary arts, engineering design, fine arts, And that's exactly what a couple of Hastings anyway.” „ . forced this student to embarrass themselves in language arts, math and science. Bouncing off Albrecht’s idea, Guctschow grads did. front of all her peers. In addition, Heide said hundreds of ‘‘Unfortunately, three weeks later from further suggested they seek public input on “So. she gets up; I hand her lhe clicker. thousands of dollars in scholarships For 164 years, Hastings City Band has that night, she lost her seven-year battle with the temporary amenity installments by placing Both of us are nervous at this point, and she presented to the seniors that night. been entertaining local residents and the cancer. So, the point is: Seize the day. When a a QR code on the amenities with a link to a starts to present. Five minutes pass - and she community, and a new season is under­ Among participation awards awards, the good idea hits you. just get out there and get ^HcTestiniatcd a cost of $10,000 to acquire Congressional Medal of Merit has been ‘er done. killed it. , way. ,, . "She gave one of the best presentations of presented to students in the 3rd District for the The band is kicking off the Hastings ‘‘I’m happy to a'vard this progressive, and install the amenities. all her peers and didn’t seem nervous at all. Live summer concert season. Each past 30 years. Recipients demonstrate renewal scholarship f°r UP to four years, and “Yes. you’re going to have kind of a Doran said, when be thought about what exemplary XVednesday evening in June, the long­ citizenship and academic UP to $3,500, to Addison Horrmann, ...who hodgepodge look to things initially, but you had happened. ”1 decided that 1 had just truly excellence in their high school years; they are will be attending Hope College and plans to out'up sig"4 and lcl •*°Ple kn0W’ ‘We’re standing group of musicians will perform witnessed what success and pushing yourself ea rs in the area of peer respect, community study education. ••• M w,fe was a teacher.” a free concert at 'Thomapple Plaza near trying this out. This is a test. Let us know outside your comfort zone looks like. the comer of State and Apple/Boltwood ‘•ervice, and involvement in extracurricular what you think.’ 1 would put a sign up there streets in Hastings. with a quick response code that takes them to Wednesday, June 9, the local band will j a survey that lets them give you input,’’ present “A Night on Broadway/' Guctschow said. “[KJ lets the people nt the Concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. downtown give you input when they see these Attendees should bring their own chairs things. That will give you some direction. or blankets for seating. There’s ways to make this work. But I think The band is open to local musicians th-n before you plunge headlong and try stuff (regardless of hometown) high schoolout invest a little bit of money up front '.atld up. Practices will be trom 7 to 9 because it will save you money in the long apKvd«yS.June8.l5,22i.nd29.al No Family Left Indoors begins Parkinson’s sup group to meet City Band to present music from Broadway Airport board seeks bids to fill hazardous ditch near runway Sophie Bates Stuff Writer Excavating, basedi, bL5^-000 f'°m B&R ditch. ,any bounty, to fill the along the ru"*a)JjX have craslied into the their aircrafu or d,tch afur 1°^ |al)Jing conditions, navigating ad of |jgl)t m.1U.ria|s, Because aircraft significant. damai-e to tltese P b|cn):, |„r 20 -[ J he ditch h. .J dozc|1 airplanes yeios. I know i. knnd 1KC„ damthat have gone obabl> wouldn t even aged excessive!) I • () lindll-, i^n have been <'a">ar‘‘, Xort Manager Matk thert- tn a„.” A-^’-'^'nicw fridiiy-”We Anderson sa'd m • j(]l. down betore. had <>ne Whine ।1k.c„ injuled -Luckily- ''"b7-Voll„|e Of airplanes totaled There have beeni a I lhlll. out complete'y? this year aciii■ nonthv-- Andetson sa.d. ally, the hist le' The ditch i$ about 7.. -» r high and an estimated 2 X?deep* 6'fecl built to direct water into n 4? ,onp and wa* should lhe airport ev / h(>rriapp!e River flooding. exPenence major "Die engineering COm„. under the whole alrpon f pUl ’n drainage Anderson said. “There ,\alcr tira’nag<-',’’ taxiways, under the tunw^i erts Under lhc was like a 500-year tlo<x| WUsJor if there never going to happen here 'i is ProhaMy year flood. ’,el alone a 100"But. for whatever reasOI, lh company pul all these draina/,/ ‘■ ’"sneering for the most part, arc fuie.CXc lk,k’s. which, side of the runway. We’re jlbt u ‘ °n l,k' south filled in as soon as wc e4n. trv P,“K lo runway a little bit safer in ca«.e U? ,IU‘ke the .sions off the runway.... we’re• c cxcur>,n* U>make it safer as well. 'Ve I’?1 Up l0 foot fences try­ ing to keep the wildl»eo“‘ an‘l make it a little safer. So. we’re ah'® (r>’»ng to improve it and make it beliefDuring the airp>’ Anderson, who Mark Noteboom-" , straction of the fent "’“naget's report. ' r Manager '? ““‘’h said C0"' Und "ie airport is >C"The tale of'» "ttle bit low, which pm0m"heCV?/ thing. So we ll 1”“ ,n’t s “",al Jus,‘ “ tie bit. But that ,n ,h.at you’ve had a <-•>; c '■’ll < eciease in exjxmditures." MichaelBro^ Month to dai .^I'ditures 4A» and year-to-dateWere $i7A IChairman " "«s-d>-nt Irot-i the meeting 01 DDA board members were in favor of the idea, although there was some debate regarding how long to leave up the temporary amenities. . . . . . Albrecht suggested leaving them up through summer, fall and at least a |X)rtion of winter to see they endure Michigan weather, Thomapple Pla^a. Anyone wanting more information about joining the band may email spencer.white^hassk 12 .org. Give the gift of NEWS! Send friends and family a gift subscription to The Hastings BANNER! To subscribe, call us at 26J-945-9-54 �Page 4 - - Thursday. June 3. 2021 - - B*’ Did you v‘‘ _ see Win, place and show our gree I Now that's a really tall treehouse When about 200 visitors Tyden Park Monday for ! ie • j htowm r->Un>n •v'.>tC<"IS>':. ’ ”CVCr BlOUghl Helio Day service. altentjon the big treehouse n . . |e(t cheri Heilman after the observanco^ btoHastings check sssssss--*-*-- and Ron Heilman, check out the inside. Do you remember? Golden anniversary class Banner June 16, I960 Members of the Hastings High School class of 1910 were especially honored Saturday night at the 73rd annual HHS Alumni banquet. Twenty-two members of the golden anniversary class were at the reunion, and here are 18 who met at the community room of the City Bank to talk over old times before having lunch together Saturday at noon at Pleasant Point. Photographed by Leo Barth of Barth’s Studio are (front row, from left) Mrs. Hazel Rounds Brooks. RFD Hastings, Mrs. Ella Scobey Burd. Nashville; Mrs. Pearl Lawrence Boye^, Delton; Mrs. Vesta Bostwick MacGregor. Flint; Mrs. Florence Bump Green. Woodland; Mrs. Mae Cairns Bauman, Plainwell; Dr. Malissa Cobb Worth. Ann Arbor; (standing) Floyd Wood, Hastings; Charles Belson. Athens; Mrs. Verna Blakeney Gelston, Alma; Mrs. Ethel Have you Robinson Bechtel, Hastings; Mrs. Ledah Aspinall Freed. Toledo. Ohio; Mrs. Artie Fuller Densmore. 206 W. Court; Mrs. Feme Bray Barnes. Plainwell; Miss Ethel Copenhaver. Hastings; Dr. Ethel Williams, Kalamazoo; Melburn Laubaugh,. Grand Rapids; and Floyd Duryea, Birmingham. Others attending the reunion b'H notin the photo were Miss Alice Fofey 812 S. Cnurch St.; Mrs. Katherine ironside Dolan. 536 W. Green St. and Gun Lake; Mrs.\ Lena Otis Laubaugh. Lansing; and Mrs. Hazel Nevins Weldermuth, Richland. met? From singing in a European cathedral with lhe Lakewood Choral Society to being the first female president of Hastings Rotary’. Patty Woods. 70, loves being involved with her community. Growing up in Redford Township on the west side of Detroit. Woods remembers stuffing envelopes and knocking on doors to help with her father, Eldon Funk’s, campaign for township board trustee. “My father was really active in just our little local area in the political scene. So, he would have us kids passing out literature and. you know, drop things oil at people’s houses when they ran for races,” Woods said. “He’s had a lot of influence on my life.” He also was involved with local charities, and her mom, Shirley Funk, volunteered at their church. Her parents’ work impacted Woods and instilled in her the importance of community. ••I’ve always looked at it as ... important to give back to my community. You’re supposed to share your time and your talents, so what better way to do it?” Woods said. Woods volunteered with her youth group and while attending the University of Detroit (now, Detroit Mercy) she joined a sorority, despite lhe lime constraints of commuting and working at a bank. But her community involvement truly began to blossom when she moved to Hastings 43 years ago. After earning a bachelor’s degree in education. Woods had a difficult time finding a job teaching. “When I got out of college, there were a lol of teacher, — no one was retiring. So. 1 went back to banking localise, all through college. I worked in a bank in the Detroit area.” WochIs said. She remained in the banking business until three years ago when she retired Iron) Highpoint Community Bank. Wood* had been a teller, loan officer, customer service representative. branch manager and even district manager, overseeing three branches. She worked al Great Lakes Bank Coips (now TCF bank), MainSlrcet Bank and HCB. Ironically, Woods found her background in teaching aided in her banking career. “I had all kinds of different jobs. You know, teller, officer, branch manager, different things. But it always really involved ****s '>asl Wcckend was a fine y h”'id,'y- 1 havc about Rotary is it allowed me to sit down and have lunch every week (with people in the community). You can move around it you want. 1 had lunch with people that I would probably never have talked to in lhe community for any oilier reason: doctors, lawyers, other bankers, body-shop guys,” Woods .said. ’‘I’ve mei a lot of people through all these different things, and it just kind of shows you there’s a lot of good people out there.” Since retiring. Woods has invested more of her time in community involvement, and recently began volunteering at the BarryEaton District Health Depadmenl s vaccine clinics, where she sometime sces customcrs» from her banking days. . hi her free time. Woods sings with the Lakewood Choral Society* and '1:LS ^or years, as well as the St ^ose l,ar’s^ choir. She also enjoys walking* rvadin^ and spending time with her two daughters. Colleen and Molly. Patty Woods For engaging with the Hasdngs community some leaching. It’s funny some ot the and volunteering to in3ke it a be,ter P’?cc' background I had, it never hurt me. It’s Patty Woods is this week’s Banner Bright interesting. So. I have no regrets. 1 worked al Light. Best advice ever rorf’'* Be Willi"8 '° three banks just here in Hastings.” Woods said. ”|I worked) an awful lot of jobs and 1 learn and adapt. First job: Sales at Fe*1315 Dcl’ar,menl think what got me through lhe years — and it s true even in all ot my volunteer stuff — 1 Store in the Detroit^. „.,r|s New Favorite TV pr()grato NC1S NuW really liked helping people.... there’s a lot ot detective work to it when .something really Orleans. Book I’d recommend: T1”: “Ou,lander” doesn I go right. So, 1 got i<> know a lol of customers really well, ” series. ’’You didn’t just know them as a face in Favorite teacher mid "b-v: instilled front of you. Half the time you knew how teacher at St.Ag;uha Nb Ren? many children they have, maybe where they my desire to travel ' rlive.” , •’» Riad .o have met: Former Bunking prompted Woods to join I lastings’ boss, Mary Spackm vaentio,, <totina,i0,,: A"y Downtown Development Authority board so she could monitor local economic beach house. I’> onts that lito < ll’birth 01 development. She continued to serve on the DDA for 24 years and has lH-en the board’s »ny daughters M chairperson for the past |o years. -XX******"".... Woods joined lhe Barry County United Way board al about lhe -,;mie time and slill serves on the public relations committee. She is also chaiqwison of lhe St. Rose Educational fireatest thillR . g#rry County: The topic­ Trust and became the first female president rettery and i„ ot Hastings Rotan Club in 1989. an Best iiiventil)H e,'' '1 oiyani/ation with which she continues to be involved ••I've been in Rotary 37 years. And it's been a great thing because one of the things ... Stf*... I administrat.ve lev eduCa,ion is j10llcry X dividual greed. a> clever ruse to ... (_ven Tixb\% °“c 7o achieve the level of used in the dn needed io reach COV1D-I9 veccmes herd-immun ty offering four SI mtlopenedthe b dd’ = > . rcceiving |hc lost my Over/Under bet of 8 in lhe TigersYankees game Saturday and my pick of Naonn Osaka to win the French Open, Whtch began Monday, never even reached the start line. Sports betting ruined my Memorial Day weekend and it s ruining sports for poor schmucks like me who think we’re going to make it big because wc know so much about sports. 1 should have known because more than 35 years ago, 1 was told this day greater society. It’s the lottery as the symbol would come when, as a brash and cocky- ofAmerica at its best and most Gambling - and especially sports betting sports reporter in Grand Rapids, 1 scoffed at my editor who refused to run the betting -also is seeping into the foundauons^of our * lines on lhe agate page. Bets were made culture, bending perspectives even y through bookies then, so why should the ly life where odds are being calcu a paper encourage illegal activity? parents on their children’s futures. Twenty-six percent of parents whose But then came the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed any state to children play high school sports hope their legalize sports betting. Michigan put down child will become a professional auilete, ils bet in 2019, and now the horses are out according to a 2015 study commissioned by of the bam in 25 states and Washington, National Public Radio, the Robert Wood D.C. When Michigan legalized online gam­ Johnson Foundation and the Harvard EH. bling - via laptop computers. iPads and cell Chan School of Public Health. For families phones - in January, it became obvious that with annual incomes of less than $50,000, that hope increases to 39 percent. The odds: the greed drive cannot be corralled. A Feb. 25 Forbes magazine article report­ Of 168 high school baseball players, one ed that sports betting in the U.S. generated gets drafted by a Major League Baseball $1 billion in 2020. and that number is team; out of 2,451 high school basketball expected to grow* sixfold by 2023. Forty- players, one gets drafted by National five percent of sports belting takes place Basketball Association teams. “Parents see those odds, but figure, ‘I online, which is an obvious clue to the demographic driving those numbers: better get started early with my kid.’” said According to Forbes, 75 percent of students author Tom Fancy who. in his book. “Game On: The All-American Race to Make gambled in 2018. “Recent research suggests that gambling Champions of Our Children,” describes the problems may increase as sports gambling merry-go-round parents ride from private grows explosively at the same time that coaches to travel teams to playing one sport mobile and online technologies evolve to all year-round. “Basically, they’re feeding create seemingly unlimited types of wager­ these kids with a fire hose from a very early ing opportunities,” said the National Council age.” If you don’t win your sports bet or the on Problem Gaming, as quoted in the Forbes piece. “Sports bettors have higher nites of Powerball jackpot, then play your luck on gambling problems than other gamblers by the children. Fortunately, my weekend bets did not go at least two limes.” I am generally not in favor of prohibi­ to an online 'sports book, they were merely tions. Gambling in one of the state’s 26 friendly family wagers. The betting culture, casinos can be entertaining, an escape from though, has altered lhe sports we follow. I life’s routines. .And 1 certainly value our When we wager lhe margin by which a | nearby Gun Lake Casino as an admired team might win or lose, when we bet on the I employer and as a caring contributor to total amount of points scored or even who I causes in the greater community. But casi­ will win lhe opening coin toss, lhe focus no I nos arc highly regulated by gaming com­ longer remains on the game itself. The missions. Likewise, we need equally strong beauty of play, the artistry of performance is ! statutes to hold online operators account­ only secondary. A Detroit sportswriter told me many able. The greater problem that undergirds this years ago not to be concerned about the entire discussion is lhe basic human desire already then-skyrocketing player salary lev­ for more. /\ gambler focuses on self and his els. “The game will always be bigger than I i or her possible financial gain. As an avoca­ the players,” he maintained. I hope that maxim applies amidst today’s tion, as an escape, as a hobby, gambling is enjoyable. In larger investments of time and sports-betting mania. ’ITiat’s why I follow I money, though, gambling takes one's focus the words of legendary college basketball away from others; those who encourage it, coach John Wooden who said, “If you want market it and sell it take our focus away to see the game of basketball played in ils from the greater needs in our society. purest form, follow the women's game.” Included in that gambling broad brush are That’s true with women's softball, too. state lotteries. and with Division III college sports where “You can’t win if you don’t play,” is the athletic scholarships are not allowed. There catchy come-on line from the Michigan are still places where players play for the State Lottery’. The slate lottery actually pio­ love of the game. neered online belting in 2014 and. through I guess I can make my peace with how its smooth marketing campaign, sells the the world and culture are changing. Just slate’s gambling house as a way to support don’t tell me that a 13-year-old kid ever gels public education. As if lhe focus of buying recruited for a Division I full-ride college a lottery ticket is on a struggling public edu­ football scholarship. cation student and not on an instant w indfall Oh, that’s already happened? Yep, so we can quit our jobs and stick it to The: then-seventh grader Isaiah Marshall was Man. presented an offer by Coach Jim Harbaugh In 2018-19. the school aid fund account­ of the University of Michigan in 2019 and, ed for only I percent of the state’s general since then, six more Division I offers have fund, and lottery’ revenue accounted for followed. Now. as a freshman quarterback only 7 percent of the overall school aid at Southfield High School in Detroit, fund, numbers assembled by Ken Haddad, Marshall better be ready: ’Hiere are a lot of digital content manager from Detroit televi­ sports bettors thirsting to put their wagers sion station WD1V. Sales and income taxes down on him. far outweigh the contribution to school aid than does the lottery. In 2019, only about 27 Doug VanderLaan, cents of every lottery dollar spent went to Guest Columnist The Hastings BdlUlClT Denoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 Pub'shedby. Hastings Banner, Inc. 14 A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. i Joi N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 - Fax: (269) 945-5192 m ________ tlndpress releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphlcs.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • newsroom • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Lreg Chandler Sean Bradiey Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • ClassiaxepteuMondayr S -jOam. !o5 0Qp.n,. Scott Ommen Mika6i!™* _ Tu Jax SUbSC"PS6oX" & 7’yoaradjoining counties 865 P6' year elsewhern _______ ^OSTMASTth h < pn61?? ,d'Jrvi'3 changes to. u * O. BqX |ga y Hxs’jngs, Ml 490S3-0I8H ______ htlsl-ngs. Mi 49osa �County should invest its federal funds in alternative energy To the editor: A large part of Barry County's federal stim­ ulus money should be directed toward alter­ nate energy infrastructure. in my opinion. Because we are a diverse community regarding topography, population density and land usage. I believe a mixture of alternative energy technologies, such as solar, wind, bio­ mass or methane capture would best suit local needs In order not to re-invent the wheel, the .existing township boundaries and township governments seem best to approve and devel­ op whatever alternative energy methods local people prefer. County officials would admin­ ister and oversee as needed. existfae utilifvrVCO,,lnientl co°rclinating with S*^^s^,heyundcr- .’ Percent or more on the annual costs> *l would help bod) families and our shared environment. Where to start? Call or write your favorite local representa»>c or official or attend a county or tow nship meeting. Michael Jones. Hastings Drain districts need apportionment figured out before Day of Review To the editor: J I realize it’s allowed by the Drain Code rules, but to double some of the assessments after the Day of Review meeting for the Cloverdale Drain District, to me. just isn’t ethical. Some people may not have even gone to the faceting, thinking their assessment was so small it wasn’t worth discussing. Surprise! ’• I hope that, for the Watson Drain District, they have the apportionments figured out before the meeting. 1 know they had to spread Jhe apportionment so the Sewer Authority isn’t being charged to other properties, but shouldn’t it have been done proportionally across all property types? Some properties weren’t increased, while others were increased 100 percent. It seems to me some property types were unfairly burdened - especially the non-lake, district-zoned, non-ripanan properties which obviously have the least benefit derived. Larry Osborne, Delton Schools, local government should use the funds they have, not ask for more To the editor: from the federal government, why not use this I don’t understand why Hastings Area money to build a new jail, and not put that School System has to be greedy, with all of cost on the taxpayers? Ixt our county use the money they are get­ the money they w ill be getting from the stim­ ulus, yet still wanting to tax"the taxpayers the ting from the federal government to get lhe full amount. r •< .. »; . . job done, instead of asking the taxpayers to ' That money should be spent properly and pay even more. . . not wasted. We need new leadership on the school As far as I can see, the school is just like the board and all the way to our county commis­ county: They’ve got to have more funding sion - and all over America. . than they need, yet they still expect the tax­ Eldon Shellenbarger. Hastings payers to pay for everything. With the $12 million we are getting here GUEST COMMEOTALW A most pressing responsibility requires some decisive setta UJS. Rep. Peter Meljer The state of Michigan is home to more than 600,000 veterans, a group I’m proud to be a part of as a veteran of the Iraq War. Our state has 37 VA medical clinics to pro­ vide care to the veteran population, and I’ve heard many stories, both positive and nega­ tive. about the quality and accessibility of care. , . f In Congress, I consider it one of my most pressing responsibilities to take care of vetcrans and advocate for polices that pnonlizc them and their service to our country. To me, this means die work isn’t done unttl every single veteran receives the absolute best care we can give them, and we have a long way to g°During my first four months representing During i y rnnnress I have introduced West Michigan tn Congres^ |egjsl.1(ion and suPl,ort.,;< nS^r veteran population. I was designed to help our LIVES Act proud to ncd into law and makes which was recently «. thcir spouses it passible for all veteran and«^VIP-19 and/or caregivers to receive the c vaccine at VA facll',ieh.’ I had the opportunay Creek Veterans Alla rs (VA.MC) to see firsthand visii the Battle a| Ccnlcr lded VacI * pandem. cination operation. As continue ic is in sight, it is '^^^.(erans and their to prioritize protection families. . moral oblig^00 Since we have an "^men who have totakeeareofthemenandw^j^so served and sacrificed for <>» S|otk.n joined my coffeaguc ’ JS|atjOn to address to introduce bipartisan e w open-air the needs of veleIran\r.,:n« overseas. toxic bum pits while ^ng 5inJgglc with Veterans acn»s the J(jng from toxic serious health c<’nd,,,"")Su^aUcratic obstacles bum pit exposure, >L receiving th® t-'nr have prevented them e day fi> they deserve. Waning < is l(X> long, treatment of this toxic tX£» Iu.d our veterans deserve bette Our bill, the Veterans Burn Pit Exposure Recognition Act. offers a critical first step to ensure service members exposed to toxic haz­ ards receive the care they have earned. Il would formally recognize that veterans who served near open-air burn pits in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places were exposed to airborne hazards and toxins and take the burden of proof off the veteran to establish this connection. The bill would require the VA to perform a medical examination to determine if toxic exposure is linked to a veteran’s particular ailment to make access to care easier. I’m hopeful it will advance through the House quickly. Another obstacle veterans face w'hen trying to access care through the VA is the ongoing staffing shortage at VA facilities. Recently, I introduced the Veterans Improved Access to Care Act to establish a VA pilot program aimed at expediting the on-boardmg process for new medical providmto help address these personnel shortages. The pilot program would include at least 10 VA med.cal facihties, and three of the chosen oa““ns n1'“l^in with populations of nSti r" tv?S^making fuc‘lities like the Battle' Creek VAMC eligible. This hill has real poten .al to improve access to and quality of care for our West Mwhigan veteran popula. :i'n C»rcmely proud '» leading the effort in the House. To our veterans and their families: Thank you for your service and sacrifices Please know that, as vonr . . Congress. I understand that urafim,?14'1’''' very liUle without action, and I wifi do cvtZ lhl„g I can to improve the status quo when it conies to quality ot care at the VA tn I hope you will contact one of mv ..tn | can ever be of assistance to y()ll * ' ,f Barry County r0scinCj°JTI,ri'ssione'’S Vice Chairwoman Vivian Conner and Chairman Ben Geiger disagree Tuesday about her proposed action i a state of emergency in lhe county, effective June 30. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) County’s state of emergency stands Commissio!^l^_debate the valu§-^-^Berson meetingsU^of technologY^Qincrease_cjti?§!i ^articjgstiQn Middleville Village Manager Patricia Rayl Rcbe«’n Pierct. Editor An effort to rescind a state of emergency in Barry County failed by one vote when the board chairman and h>s ‘cutenant disagreed over details. . But Tuesday’s debate raised bigger issues about how local government works and the role that technology may p|ay jn ils opcral;on in lhe future. ‘‘The pandemic taught us a few things.” Commissioner Dave Jackson said. “Technology is here to stay. ’ County commissioners declared the emer­ gency on March 23 through December 31 to allow local units of government to meet virtu­ ally and remain in compliance with the state Open Meetings Act. On Tuesday. Vice Chairperson Vivian Conner proposed that the board should rescind the order now, saying public and elected offi­ cials are more effective when they meet in person. Even the county board returned to meeting in person, she pointed out, “because we felt we did better work because we’re meeting in person. I was cut out ot a few (meetings) because of the connectivity problems I had. “I do belter work when I’m here among the rest of you.” Commissioners meet at 9 a.m. in a Committee of the Whole meeting every first and third Tuesday and a tomial board meeting every second and fourth Tuesday. But lhe location of then meetings was moved to Leason Sharpe HaU al the Barr}’ Community Enrichment Center during the pandemic to allow enough space for the pub­ lic to attend. Commissioners’ chambers at the courthouse would not be Jatgc enough to comply with the state’s social distancing requirement. “We’ve allowed people to participate in local govern­ ment that we’ve never had participate before because of our meeting time.” Commissioner Dave Jackson Jackson said commissioners initially approved the slate of emergency in the county “because the state didn t take any action or give us any guidance. So this was the tool that w as available to us to allow our local units of government to continue to meet - either with hybrid or Zoom or combined meetings or whatever.” But the increased citizen participation that they’ve seen since via those virtual meetings is noteworthy, he said. In addition, the time of their weekly meet­ ings - at 9 aan. - precludes some people from participating, especially when those citizens must attend in person, he pointed out. Now, with the advent of internet connectiv­ ity, Jackson added, “*e Ve allowed people to participate in local B°vcrnment that we’ve never had participate before because of our meeting time. ‘‘The board has been unwilling to address a change in meeting tunes to accommodate that. So we have this as our only tool that allows our local unit of government to do things - and I think this board should be more openminded about continuing thjs for a cou_ pie reasons: . “No. 1, the pandcni,c taught us a few things. Technology pf£,v,d’* us some things. I know, in the broadh^ committee, they’ve been able to pull P^c fn,r” different parts of the state together u,vcr a lot of informa­ tion quickly in a short amount of time and do some amazing work - Just because they’ve been able to do tho* "flings on Zoom. ... The county is going ^have to look at moving forward.” , a.-, . . Conner pointed lh“' ">«.purpose of the emergency order " JnB,t..P^*fically 10 .he!P local munieipalitie* " “ > V'T ‘ V" regard,ng social d*^ a"d other requmments during the I |e.L.in(, (hc VS R‘ P- ^erer IMJer: R-Grand R„„, < n.,,rev"'( W'e/ngun’s Third Con..^ P,\ District. wh,th ‘’“Tiules Harry Cuunty'"ffe lives i» Grand Rapuk mlh /„, “That’s why we have some commissioners who Zoom. ... We have young children who aren’t able to be vaccinated yet. It might appear that people are choosing, for some questionable reason, not to attend in in person when they could." of er propc. • greeting times or citizen gency >s not tnd |liv>i,ed (wo participatron, she socwldi.srancinp is going different subjects. •• c to go away. 1f,.ijv^la,1ging its guidelines The suite is air*1 > b * with regard to the pandemic, Conner noted. “That’s why 1 picked the end of June for when rescinding the resolution would go into effect. Come July 1. those (state) restrictions will be lifted.” Chairman Ben Geiger agreed that the pur­ pose of their resolution was specifically for the benefit of local governments that did not have the space to meet in person with social distancing or had not created contingency plans for meeting in person. “'rhe slate of emergency was only passed for that specific reason." Geiger said, asking for input from other commissioners. Commissioner Bruce Campbell said he could see both sides of the debate. “I’ve had some people say the emergency order was affecting them. They were disappointed in having it. I kind of side with Vivian. I’d like to see us try to get back to what we knew as normal. “But, like Dave, I’ve seen an increase in attendance in some committees I’m on. I guess I’m in the middle of the road on it,” Commissioner Jon Smclker said, “I think most every body here knows what I think of virtual. I don’t like it. I think all of our com­ mittees and stuff should be in person now. “But I also voted ‘yes’ for this to go until December, and I’m afraid I’m going to have to stick with that - although I dislike virtual." Commissioner Howard Gibson said, “I’d like to see us get back to normal meetings. I’ve heard some complaints about some elect­ ed officials still doing Zoom when they could show up in person. And that’s happening right here in Barry' County. “That’s not a good thing. They should be showing up in person.” Commissioner Catherine Getty said, “I sympathize with communities that don’t have facilities like this (Leason Sharpe Hall). We’re very fortunate to have access to a very large space." But Getty pointed out that vaccination lev­ els in the county “are still below 50 percent - and there are people very' concerned about their health.” So commissioners need to be mindful of those concerns when they consider this reso­ lution. “I also like in-person meetings much bet­ ter," Getty said. “. ...(but) there are opportuni­ ties for Zoom that ... get good participation when we can do it electronically. Like Dave said, we should consider what we can do in future." After listening to the input from around the table, Geiger said, “Well. I’ve seen this play out before"and it’s going to come down to me being the swing vote. I can see both sides of this.” . “To get back to what Dave mentioned ear­ lier,” he continued, “we did make a commit­ ment earlier in the year to address the issue of night meetings ... once our new commission­ ers had some experience coming to board meetings. I would be more comfortable with passinc Commissioner Conner’s proposal if it didn’t take effect until later in the summer and it was tied to having night board meetings.” So Geiger proposed that the board push the effective date of the resolution to August and, at the same time as it goes into effect, start meeting at night on lhe second and fourth Tuesdays. “If we’re taking away the option to Zoom, in the spirit of transparency and openness, it might be good to have a night meeting.” But Geiger’s proposal didn’t receive any support, so he withdrew the motion and called for the question on Conner’s original motion. 'Die vote for Conner’s proposal to rescind the state of emergency, effective June 30, w as defeated 3-4. with Conner, Campbell and Gibson supporting it, and Getty, Jackson, Smelker and Geiger voting against it. “Again, I’m comfortable with this (state of emergency) being rescinded in August,” Geiger said then, making a motion identical to Conner’s with lhe exception of the date when lhe action would take effect Aug. 1. Campbell supported the motion. But it failed. 2-5, with Conner. Getty. Gibson, Jackson and Smelker opposing it. As lhe meeting drew to a close. Middleville Village Manager Patricia Rayl spoke to com­ missioners during public comment time to express her appreciation to the county board for continuing to allow lhe Middleville Village government a virtual option. “We greatly appreciate that," Rayl said. “ Our council chambers are small. ’When we have to accommodate 6-foot distance between people, we can’t allow for more than commis­ sioners. ’That’s why we have some commissioners who Zoom. ... We have young children who aren’t able to be vaccinated yet. It might appear that people arc choosing, for some questionable reason, not to attend in in person when they could." But that’s not the case, she said. Virtual connectivity’ “makes more space to allow residents to come in when they want to,” Rayl pointed out. “I would agree this technology is going to be here to stay," she added. “So we need to figure out how best to interface lhe two options - to allow residents to participate and allow the personal interaction on governing boards." In other business, the commissioners: • Agreed to approve Equalization Director Timothy Vandermark’s 2021 tax rate request to allow for collection of summer taxes. • Approved recommending contracting with Lynn Filtenborg of Westwind Title Services to index all backlogged legal descrip­ tions for the Register of Deeds office from August 2020 to May 2021 to bring them up to date at a rate of $1 per document with a max­ imum cost for the work not to exceed $7,981. • Approved recommending lhe expenditure of $31,737 for Lansing Tile & Mosiac Inc. to replace the carpet in the Adult Probation and Office of Community Corrections, with the funds from the Building Rehabilitation Fund. (Write Us A Letter: J The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editors discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks ’ will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire" letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. �Hastings Middle School announces honor roll Pane 6 - Thurcdav. Juno 3. 2021 - The HftW Banner “ . Mia., ^unol has released Hastings Mid (||e Schoo* rcle”sed its final honor ro|| (j1C 2020-21 academic year The principaps |ist includes students who earned all A g^dc-, Z the quarter. The honor ruR includes .students who earned all A ail(| jj grades for lhe final marking period. „ Sixth gn,<1‘Pr‘n< tpuis U'1 ■ •V/ri ' Meredith AiuOr . | j|y Bishop, Jackson Busson, Alexa DC(_';Unp- Lilianna Enyart. Sadie Hanford, pt|^n Hawthorne. Sophia Haywood. BrisSJl ‘ncrnandcz-Hernandez. Caleb Kramer, Caroline Randall, Mallory Rohe. /Annika So|me$, Hannah Sorensen, Kendra Taylor, Allison Tefft an(j F.mma Warner. Jennifer Robles (from left) with Evette and Felix Brandli and Candra Howard. (P o provided) Bikes, breakfast - and more part of Very Barry Saturday The 11th Annual Ven- Barry Family Event steering committee is bringing a little extra fun to Saturday. June 5, with a drive-through version. From 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, parents can visit booths from community resource and service agencies while their children par­ ticipate in back-seat activities with volun­ teers. The event will be in the Star Elementary School parking lot. 1900 Star School Road. Hastings. “This year will look a little different due to the lingering COVID-19 restrictions.” a press release noted. “We will have all the fun you have come to expect from Very Barry, right in the comfort of your car." Families are invited to follow the cones and drive through the parking lot. gathering infor­ mation and participating in backseat actrx Hies as they go. . . Each family also will receive tree break­ fast. free books and community resource materials. Each registered child will be to be eligible to win a new bicycle (40 bicycles will be given away - see the bikes displayed al Hastings Ace Hardw are prior to the event). All registered families will be eligible to win a summer fun gift basket. The Very Barry Family Event is provided in collaboration by Barry County Great Start Collaborative, the Family Support Center of Barry County. Hitstings Rotary Club. Hastings Public Library and Thomapple Credit Union. Traditional and Cremation Sen ices Pre-Planning Services large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangenicnt Transfers Accepted ... Av and Hs Olivia Allen. Adria Arent. Brcnnen Armstrong. Kyra Bishop. Owen Boge, Ashton Brubaker, Benjamin Carl. Morgan Cross, Quinton Eberly. |{cn f-lzinga. Petra Foster. Bella Friddle,Jay|Cn Hamilton. Misha Haskin, Ava Herbert. Co|t Jousma. Gabryella Juskewicz, Madison Killian. Cordelia Kniaz, Reese Loftus. Rj]cy j una. Drew McDonald. Aaron Minogue,Ton Morgan. Ava Patterson, Zachary ^Patterson, Maverik Peake. Lilyien Pelkey. C hloe Pirtle. Brayden Reascr. Grady Reed. William Renner IV. Donald Smith. Max Steele. Riley Tay|or Jack Webb. Spencer Wilkins and Madison Wilson. Seventh grade Principal's List - All As Aden Armstrong Olivia Bucher, Aiden Bylc, Matthew Dom’enico. Charlotte Drake, Lauren Gee, Riley Herron, Ethan Holman, Daniel Jensen. Alexander Kohmeschcr, Carter Krzysik. Jadalie Miller, Trapper Reigler. Josalyn Russell, Matthew Shulls. Collin Tossava and Mazie Waterman. As and B's Arika Alexander, Annemarie Allerding. Ashlyn Bailey. Carter Bell. Cay den Cappon. Ellie Cousins. Spencer Crozier. Cohen Denton, Kyle Echtinaw. Madison Elzinga. Madison Fortier, Olivia Goodrich, Aaliyah Hale, Tanner Hill. Ethan Holman. Liam Kindel. Natalee Klinge. Blake Kordelewski, Jaden Marble. Dezarae Mathis. Adriana Meyers, Akmna Miller, Claudia Minch, Ava Noteboom. Maylee Olin, Aiden Oliver. Madilynn Peake, Carisa Rosenberger. Alyxis Rudd Jackson Sensiba, Bayley Smith. Natalie Snyder. Isabelle Stanton, Parker Stephens, Brayden Ihielen, Malachi VaiiEngcn, Family Owned and Operated Se rving Hastings. Barn C ounty and surrounding Communities for 50 years Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. pmail.com. hastfmet'd Email Website: OX. lusiiiuL'ilLccmcUiodhLn’m. Pastor Brian Teed. Assistant PuUor Emma Miller. Worship Director. Martha Stoetze!. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to lhe current health crisis, our nursery' is remains closed. Weekly activity bags forchilren arc available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid’s Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a in. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E Woodlawn. Hastings. Matt Moser. Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m Sunday Schoo! for all ages; 10:30 a.m Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5lh Grade). 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 pan. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 301 E Stale Rd.. P.O. Box 273. Hastings, Ml 49058. Pastor Scotl Price. Phone: 269-94809(X). Website: w ww.lifcgatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.tn. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday. 9: 45 a.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m Nurseryprovided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690 8609. ■ J 11 Tl n (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43). Delton. Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday ’right Bible study and pray er l.",K6J0'o7:J0pni. This information on worship service IS provided by The HuMigs Banner, die churches and these load businesses: Hum 14 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Juanita (Nila) Mae Acker, age 71, of Delton, died Sunday, May 30,2021 at home with her family. Juanita (Nita) Mae Acker was bom on March 5, 1950 in Plainwell, lhe daughter of Doris and Harry Vickery- She was raised in Delton and attended Dc,ton KcI,°^ Schools. She was married to John Jay Acker. Sr. on April 3. 1965 at Delton Church- She was employed at Kmart in Hastings until the closing of lhe store. . She was a loving w ife, and mother ot three children - Cindy Lou niarried to .Mark Iles, John Jay Acker Jf- married to Judy Acker and Sheri Wenief married to Martin Wenger. fc She was a fanner for man)’ years wah hcr family. Nita enjoyed hcr many grandchildren, tx-ing at lhe “big |aV/. •• She supported her children in all thLXe and small- She was a true faithful serva f^^’ . . Her family ^sl legacy and she was the glue and the tead*r 011 n ™ She is survived bv bn^crS’ P;,U ’ Ch’P’ Doris Vickery- |)r^. " Ralph Vickery Wher>- Phil,ip "nd btUkMi^af 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 A's and B s Keegan Archer. Gavin Argo, Tanner Annstrong.JettBamum.Javh Bartles, J.istine Bayabay. R.ley Bondurant. Chjristian Bontfacc, Ab.gayl Bower, Emma Dennison. ;»“■ ■■ Memorial .. ,njy be made to Thomapple Va||5’rV,,i‘''’-h which she loved wilh all her heart* " Dickhoff, Garrett Dunn, Tristiq MadisenBrooklyn Fields. n;-ijc. Alora Fish. Alex . Brninniin Furrow. JoDee Gaskin, j-likkcnuix b* j. Hamilton, Sophia Made y-> , >.n„cyi Lo,,,n lrL!nrv (’.'""' nm-lies. Jordan Humphrey. SebaMi.ln Mcye H I; . । ^.ine Isabella Kensington. J<,h m’kS Koninp. D-nald Kuek. o'' 1 i Jordan Milanowski. Keegan Alan 1-• . oijVer, Isabel Olmsted, N'C •’ S<>Olms'te<l. Kalelynn Orvis. Amelia Hayley Rascy, Brennan Reser. Abigail Wal^'Memphis White. Isabelle Wickham. JordynWmtcrsand EmdaWnghl. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Specialist answers questions about various benefits Who can get Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug coverage? Anyone who has Medicare can gel Medicare Pari D prescription drug coverage. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. People with higher incomes might pay a higher premium. If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for Extra Help to pay for the costs — monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments — related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. To qualify for Extra Help, you must reside in one of the 50 stales or the District of Columbia. For 2021, your resources must be limited $14,610 (or $29,160 if you are married and living with your .spouse). Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count your home and car as resources. Your annual income must be limit­ ed to $19,140 (or $25,860 if you are married and living with your spouse). Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Learn more at saa.gov/prcscriptionhelp. IV/wr is the average Social Security retire­ ment payment a person receives each month? The average monthly Social Security bene fit for a retired worker in 2021 is Si 547. Die average monthly Social Security benefit for a disabled worker in 2021 is $1,278. As a reminder, eligibility for retirement benefits still requires 40 credits (usually about 10 years of work). PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road. Dowling. MI 49050. Pastor. Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Eighth grade Pnm ipal’s List - All A‘s **y Bennett. Liliana Fox. Isabel Gee. ,’yn Gr«mcs, Rachael Hewitt. Micah m n?°n' Kennedy Lewis, Alyson Miller. ae,A'nn Miller. Kyle Morgan. Seth Pirtle. Hijah Randal. BIa„<|ol) Simmons. l.ilyah iro?kl>n Strickland, Viektoria lack and Melany Vargas. If 1 receive Supplemental Security Income disability benefits, what is the effect on my benefits if ! work? In most cases, yotir return to work would reduce your benefit' amount. Unlike Social Security disability, there is no “trial work period" for people who gel SSI disability ben­ efits. Reporting wages each month helps us pay the correct amount of SSL Timely reporting also may prevent you from owing us money or may allow us to pay a higher amount. We have several publications about SSL includ­ ing “Reporting Your Wages When You Receive Supplemental Security Income.” available at ssa.gov/pubs. Note that there are other work incentives that can help you return to work when xou receive SSI. You can read about them in “What You Need to Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income,” also available at ssa.gov/pubs. For more information, visit ssa.gov. 328 S. Broadway, Hastings. MI 19058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachftifKiralhonic.net <»m?i“SXS?r ""Wl Aiirrlinn Waterman w . ..,-t ... Angelina and. Grade Wilson. I recently retired and am approaching the age when I can start receiving Medicare. What is the monthly premium for Medicare Part B9 In 2021. lhe standard Medicare Part B pre­ mium for medical insurance is currently $14850 per month. Some people with higher incomes must pay a higher monthly premium for their Medicare coverage. You can gel details at medicare.gov or by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) (TTY 877­ 486-2048). How do I earn Social Security credits, and how many do 1 need to qualify far benefits? We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. The amount needed for a credit in 2021 is $ 1.470. You can earn a maximum of four credits tor any year. The amount needed to earn one credit usually increases each year when average wages increase. You must earn a certain number of credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and lhe type of benefit application. No one needs more than 40 cred­ its for any Social Security benefit. You can read more about credits in How You Earn Credits at ssa.gov/pubs. For more information, visit our website at ssa.gov. What is substantial gainful activity/ We use lhe lenn substantial gainful activity, or SGA, to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is considered substantial if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive Work1.^ generally con­ sider thai you are engaging in' &GA. For example, the monthly SGA amount for 2021 is $1310. For statutorily blind individuals, that amount is $2,190. In these cases, you would not be eligible for disability benefits if you made over those amounts. You can read more about substantial gainful activity and if your earnings qualify as SGA at ssa.gov/oacl/cola/ sga.html. Now that my husband and I have a large family, we've hired a housekeeper who comes once a week. Do we have to withhold Social Security taxes from our housekeeper s earn­ ings? Il depends on how much you’re paying the housekeeper. If you pay a housekeeper or other household worker $2,300 or more in cash wages throughout the year, you must deduct Social Security and Medicare taxes. T his holds true for a cleaning person, cook, gardener, babysitter, or anyone else who pro­ vides services for you. In addition, you must report these wages once a year. There are exceptions, for example, when you are hiring a company or independent contractor and paying them a fee for services instead of wages to an individual. You can leam more about household workers and tax deductions by reading our publication, Household Workers, al ssa.gov/pubs. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525. or via email to vonda.vantiK® ssa.gov. MfO A BOX? We sell boxes of ALL SIZES! �rhuesday. June 3< 2021 -r Pane 7 The Hastings Banrw back at the stories 3 columns on local history In the Hastings Banner turning BACK THE PAGES Compulsory draft, world news foretold impending war Kathy Maurer Copy Editor The list of names below is just a portion of a lengthy inventory of numbers assigned to Barry County men between the ages of 21 and 45 who had registered for the nation’s first peacetime draft in the fall of 1940. In all, 2287 names filled numerous columns and several pages of lhe Oct. 31. 1940, Banner. The numbers would be randomly drawn in Washington, D.C., and lhe local draft board and a physician would ensure that lhe men whose names had been drawn were fit to serve in lhe Armed Forces. Whether reluctant or eager, six months after lhey had registered, most of the men were still wailing. And. as lime passed. the pool of mandatory­ registrants grew. The June 26, 1941. Banner reported that Jul} 1 would bring the scheduled registration for local men who had turned 21 since Oct. 16.1940. “Registration will be carried on in lhe Council Chamber al Hastings Tuesday. July 1. from 7 in lhe morning to 9 in the evening," the article noted. “Forms and material for registration will be available." The reprinted list, which began in the May20 Banner, continues: 1100. Maurice Edwin Ford 1101. Robert Lee Bell 1102. Howard LaRoy Dingman 1103. Damon Davis McClelland 1104. Raymond Oswald August Vande Velde 1105. Kenneth E. Mosher 1106. Henry William Wickwire . 1107. Thomas R.Taffee 1108. Samuel L. Rugg 1109. Henry Joseph Loftus 1110. Wayne Z. Mourer 111L Bernard Maxwell McPharlin 1112. Claude Charles Lankard 1113. Melvin Sterling Chilson 1114. Warren Delbert Kidder Jr. 5. Burdette Hen,) Barber 6. Op,lie Eugene Pickard 7 .VtverneCarIJarstfer Squires 'a S-T** ,Jo>d Brad>’ -O.W bham Robert Hirst ;'-B,mcrHMty W^her -2. Dorr Edward Manning 1123. Alby Max Beach 1124. John Gilbert Tate 1125. Karl Henry Gasser 1126. Eddie Louis Foote 1127. Howard El win Manby 1128. Gerald L. Ryan 1129. Wilbur N. Tobias 1130. Keith Hany Fox 1131. Loyn Alien Welker 1132. Charles Ix-wis Keller 1133. George Flint 1134. Lester Everett Berry 1135. Kenneth Charles Hawkins 1136. Lenard Oswald 1137. Willard Fitz Smith 1138. Ch;irles Steven Bristol 1139. Russell Arthur Johncock 1140. Bernard Ermond Williams 1141. Ronald Earl Near 1142. George Avery' Aten 1143. Clifford Burdette Lewis 1144. Homer Els worth Reynolds 1145. George Eldridge Haynes 1146. Ortha Clyde Pitt 1147. Earl Wills Campbell 1148. Delbert Will Harding 1149. Clyde Edward Reid 1150. Marion Arthur Morse 1151. Donald William Henion 1152. Victor Clifford Manton 1153. Edward Watson Goodwin 1154. Robert William Ransom 1155. Elza Wayne lister 1156. Albert Aaron Gronewold 1157. Elliot Stuart Sjoberg 1158. Howard Ira Proctor 1159. Arthur Olaf Adcock 1160. Ilrunno John Venema 1161. John Joseph Eli Anderson 1162. Fred Rogers 1163. Ralph Leslie Moore 1164. Buryi Albert McKibbin H 65. Lari LeRoy I^onard 1166. Bernard LeRoy Vandcrwater 1167. Dale Richard Hall 1168. Virgil Allxrt McKenzie 1169. Jerry Johnson 1170. Thomas Owen Kurtz 1171. Gerald Arthur James 1172. Lawcrance Arthur Wood 1173. Herbert Ralph Largent 1174. Frank James Kenficld 1175. Frank DeG route 1176. Russell Daniel Booher 1177. Merl Henry Campbell 1178. George Owen 1179. Harold Edward .Smith 1180. Wilbur Nelson Landon 1181. Kenilh Noble Gillispie 1182. Carl Leonard 1183. Howard J. Cole 1184. Leo S. Church 1185. Robert William Newton 1186. Joseph Frank Konieczny 1187. Leo Robert Morgan 1188. Dale Charles Leonard 1189. Haney James Gallup 1190. David Alvinza Irwin 1191. Willard Lake Rogers 1192. Theodore Thomas Tack 1193. Fraine Conrad Gloyer 1194. Newton J. Lawrence 1195. Charles Willard Cox 1196. Clifford William Converse 1197. Glenn Edward Miller 1198. Leon Anderson Young 1199. Richard Arthur Tolles 1200. Robert Norman Linderman 1201. Harold M. Enders 1202. Francis Guy Silsby 1203. Charles Franklin Reid 1204. Herman Malcolm Neil 1205. Gerald Elmer Stuckcr 1206. Carl Hula 1207. Rexford Tate 1203. Harry' Lewis Williams 1209. Ray Ivan Gutchess 1210. Julius James Brauer 1211. Ralph Sage 1212. Kenneth Lee Ross 1213. Hubert Michael “Jack" Allerding 1214. Harold Edward Norton 1215. Calvin Earl Cornelius 1216. Kenneth Clinton Cavanaugh 1217. Evans Marion Robinson 1218. Mason Tobias 1219. Elmer Roush 1220. Pownall O. Williams 1221. Dale Leo Moon 1222. Phillip Luther Garlinger 1223. Ivan Jay Babcock 1224. Howard Burton Guy 1225. Donald Grow Tredinnick 1226. Myron G. Allerding 1227. Harvey Osborne Cline 1228. Victor Eugene Webster 1229. Birge Carlton Swift 1230. Lawrence Harry- Matteson 1231. Arthur Brewer Smalley1232. Basil Ira Tobias 1233. Dale Allen Miller 1234. Maynard Booth Morehouse 1235. Maurice Martin Blanck 1236. John Willie Hamp 1237. Paul Gary- Coppock 1238. Laverne Wendell Bowman 1239. Ronald Martin Graham 1240. Neil Lee Granger 1241. George Albert Gillett 1242. Lloyd Adelbert Miller 1243. NeldonR. Neil 1244. Lester Arthur Reynolds 1245. Spencer Drake Campbell 1246. Robert Carl Barton 1247. Elvin Samuel Heffelbower 1248. Ellis A. Kelley 1249. Arthur Hamid Howe 1250. William John Bitgood 1251. Joseph Lawrence Fischmeistcr Jr. 1252. William Edward Hackney 1253. James Franklin Hammond 1254. Harold John Tasker 1255. Clarence Eli Johncock 1256. Paul Adelbert Bell 1257. Rex M. Perry 1258. Alon Borden Flory 1259. Merlin Burton Pierce 1260. Howard Samuel Burchett 1261. Russell Earl Rose 1262. Richard Downs Green 1263. Howard George Johnston 1264. Clayton William Bryant 1265. LeRoy Milton James Steen 1266. Gordon Warner Bern 1267. Don Bek ins 1268. Charles Omer Williams 1269. Robert Arthur Porritt 1270. Orville Wayne Balance 1271 • Theodore Henry Moeller 1272- Chester Harley Turner 1073. Edwin Elmer Pumala j274. Edward J. Matthews 1275. D-na ■ * , f I 276. MOD1 ' ‘-pl i«nk J 277 Ro) ' ^-.,)ne .Sum) !27H. IL>r‘ 1279. Ho 'H r.u„ s 1280. Archie 1281. John •M"‘ j-jdier 1282. enrol >vl.|| ! 128.1. llnrrv" nlllll„(| 1284. Morl ihjlc, 1285. Ivan Job 1286. IlerlKd l; Hotpe IN honor OF ' THE STUNTS OF HASTINGS HIGfi "SCHOOL 1293. Hiram 1*^. * 1294. Huunas U 1295. Hugh 1296. Maynurd L* deer 1297. Albert Jam* P98 Fred Nd”00 1299. Fredrick BarI? ^«gla WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE 1300. Marvin 1301. Darrell Wil*01'Hall ‘ ~ -’ll Wilson 1302. Glcndon Fn. c^.~' 30X Ixslie Wheeler 1303. Leslie Wheckr Ox* 304. Lloyd Leroy 1304. U’to)Sixl*. ?.'berry 305. Edwin > 1305. Edwin Coral Coral oodnian 1306. Luther I^yfrne l^nz 1307. Keith Sterling Babcock 1308. Russell HennanZcrhvI 1309. James Richard ChnsjKil 1310. Don EMas,,p 1311. Ivon Gemell Bird 1312. William EW°n Chase 1313. Howard Owen। Al|cnjjn„ 1314. Leon Causia Gould 1315. Julius FerdinandSchippcr 1316. Russell John 1a-\\is 1317. Adron George McClelland 1318. Laurel Lee Sensiba 1319. Nils Oscar Olsson 1320. Gerald Vincent. Botimer 1321. Joseph Ralph Sowers 1322. Roland McArthur Furrow 1323. Arthur Herbert Haist 1324. Homer Forrest Cunningham 1325. Carroll Paul Pearce 1326. James West Reneau 1327. Harold Orren Elliston 1328. Alfred D. Greiner 1329. Ami Chester Bromley 1330. Ernest Aubrey Swan 1331. August Lustey 1332. Theron A. Doi bee See DRAFT, page 8 RICHARD A.BABCOCK ELLY CLEO E.CARD’ -•^.^Ot'lL'L/KIDOER CHARLES A.CASEY «£STLEV. KING ceorce h. cashmCrecJJiubert L. MC CALLUM LEWIS CASTLE V$IC'HAELrC. MC PHARLlN ORVILLE V. COOLEVi ^AROLb NORWOOD WILLIAM M CHRlSTtf ROBERTA. RElfl A BERNARD OAVlS. /RANK/W. ROGERS WILLIAM DE COU ■< HOWARD eSHELLINCTON JAMESkf-.DIBBLE ' , *lCLE0N i?.SMITH ROBERT C,GARDNER? S.OE FOREST SNYDER !?*RI’«WTH2RNE voonalo><olomon ERNESTffiOWE MERRltlHSHA . CD-I or THE : ... HASTINGS PUBLIC.SCHOO A plaque and monument at Hastings High School list names of former students who died while serving in World War II. Others in the county who died while serving: Ernest C. Belson, Don C. Brisbin, Neil R Brisbin. David S. Clark Claude E. Covey. Melburn R. Donovan, Robert Fifield. Bernard C. Fighter. Arthur B. Fischer. Amos L. Force. Wilbur L. Halstead. Victor D. Hoffman, Steve Hula. Raymond C. Lewis, Donald D. Loyendecker, Richard P. Munjoy, Patrick J. Reynolds, Carson L. Ricks, Carl J. Smith, William H. Sweet, James H. Swift. Herbert E. Todd, John Venema Jr., Leo J. Warner and Louis V. Williams. More than 80 men with ties to Barry County died during World War II. (World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing. June 1946) lilting Cotion Prints & i Solids < • I08” Wide GUiilt'Backing | MICHAEL IONNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeynyan Plumber * Nou coh<trtklK>n. rcmoilc*, rcpair/Jrain ckahing. • Threads, Zipper, Trims BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Sarne Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 Pray Tor Our Country. 216 E State St Hastings • 945-9673 M METAL ROOF PRICE CALCULATOR! - •> OPEN >.^ayTndayB»n-520pffi Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station______ | -J I •- - ' • AMERICAN WLROfJFJ * MICHIGAN independent^ CmiENS RtDiSTRICTING COMMISSION You Draw the Lines. Your District. Your Voice. Your Future. 2576 CALLING ALL MICHIGANDERS! How should your district election maps be drawn? For the first time in Michigan, you can draw the lines. Ensure that the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission hears your voice in drawing maps that determine who represents you in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Have your say at a public hearing and learn how redistricting impacts Michigan's Congressional, Senate, and House districts in your community. BEAUTIFUL ♦ WORRY-FREE • GUARANTEED IS A METAL ROOF RIGHT FOR YOU? Learn More - Text 947-208-6995 Metal Roof Quote IVIetaiR@ofPncing.com I Hastings Area School System Get informal’00 and find a public hearing near you at wWW Hichigan.gov/MICRC or call 833-You-Draw (833-968-3729). is accepting applications for the position of: RQ DU Request for Proposal Michigan W°rks! West Central is soliciting pro­ posals lor Re9,oh 4 Offender Success Program for the thirt°en c°Linty area - Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, LaK°> Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskego^ £ev/ay9o, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa. Th® neqUQSl for pfOpOsa|S (RFP) will be posted on ^e Michigan Works! West Central website, on or around June 7, 2021. There will be multiple RFPs being released for Housing \r°viders, Health and Behavioral Health Pf°v'cjQrs, Resource Navigators. Emoloyr°ent ?Grvices Providers, and Social Support Propers. Proposals are due July 22, 2021 no latef tna°3:30 pm and shall be submitted based on t^ ,n^njctions in the RFPs. The RFP documents 06 made available in alternative format, e-9- la.r?°Jypo- audi0 taPe« or °ther f°rmat X request to Bl|en WH|lams at (231) 538-0735, TTY-711- M’cni9an Worksl West Central is an Equal OPP0^"^ Employer. Femalo and minority owned bus^5'’ *re encouraged to apply. MARKETING COORDINATOR Successful candidates will be a liighly organized and creative individual that can oversee media and community’ relations fot all school district programs and events. This individual is also responsible for student recruitment and public­ relations. They must possess excellent skills in writing and communication, project management and be knowledgeable in website and social media management. Must be a team player, creative, and have strong organizational and communication skills. College degree preferred with a background and experience in marketing. Please see our website for complete qualifications and full job description UWW, hasskl2.org Please apply at; hitp;/AvuwappHraJi.ccinAinydsd/onlineapp Di’adlirx.* for applications; 4:00 p in.. June 4. 2021 �Pape 8 — Thursday, Jun« 3, 2021 — The Hastings Banner D/MFT, continued from page 7 '^•«lennE,lwMjTorran“ 1335: ojn^’^ing 1336. Rich^S Kenfi«ld NEWS Elaine Gariock Lakewood Lions Club is having ite A151 chicken barbecue of the season Sunday, June 6, with serving starting at 3:30 p.m. The location is the pavilion on Jordan Lake along M-50. This is a take-out dinner only with service on Virginia Street just off M-50 near the lake. This club is a combination of former groups in Woodland, Clarksville and Lake Odessa with membership coming for many miles. Last year’s event was one of the first after quarantine, and the result was a huge crowd. The advance ticket holders were lucky and got their meals but those who waited to buy on site were out of luck because the hosts ran out of chicken, and some people were refunded for their meals. When they had a second barbecue later in the summer they ordered 300 more chicken halves and had enough to serve organizers customers. Central United Methodist Church returned to indoor services Sunday and will continue in that fashion. In both 2020 and 2021, the church held some of its services on the front lawn with pulpit and worship center atop the north set of steps. The Congregational Church has held its services indoors but with less singing and its other minor changes in ils service format. St. Edw'ard Church has held mass in lhe Family Center in order to allow more space betwren worshipers. St. Herman’s Church at Woodbury held its service each week w ithout interruption. The downtown planters arc now set for summer, filled with bedding plants. The central item is a begonia surrounded with smaller plants that will surely thrive under the constant attention from caretakers who faithfully water the plants using a riding tractor with a walking attendant who handles the wand with sprinkler |;ML, 1453 Am ’455, AnLCor*>n Rose 14n,HarD’dAawSCTimeCr 45R’tIoyd IA Wntson ’^9,F^/-Makley every week. The filler of the large barrels changes about four times each year. Memorial Day services were held at Lakeside Cemetery with the local VFW In charge. The service was led by Commander Steven Aldrich and the Rev. Bruce Barker. A fine soloist sang the national anthem. Barker and Aldrich made introductory remarks, the post honor guard fired the gun salute and taps were played. The crowd was the usual size, with sealing provided with help from the fire department. Wreaths were presented, and three flowers were placed by a member of the Post Auxiliary. Woodland Township did not hold a service this year. Sunfield Township, with help from lhe Daughters of Union Veterans (Civil War) had an observance similar to that of last year. They had placed staked quotes from prominent people on lhe outer drive of the cemetery on St. Joseph Highway south of Sunfield so observers could easily read all of the quotes while in a vehicle. At some spots, there were identical posters on each side of the drive so they could be read by both drivers and passengers. At some point in the day. Taps was played. Snowball bushes had a short season. Just when they were at their best, a heavy rainstorm washed off most of the petals. Beauty bushes are having their last fling. A fine display is behind the Freshwater Cove building adjacent to Union Bank’s parking lot. There are two bushes on the Jordan farm north of Woodland. The Mutch lawn on North Fourth Avenue is full of plants with a new public garden planted curbside. It has tomatoes, peas and lettuce free for the picking when the time is right, later in the summer. ........................ ■■■—■ NOTICE OF HEARING OF PRACTICABILITY AND REVIEW OF GUN LAKE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL TAKE NOTICE that the Gun Lake Improvement Board will hold a public hearing on the practicability of a three-year improvement project (2022 through 2024) for Gun Lake consisting of nuisance aquatic plant control, inspection and oversight, water quality mon­ itoring, watershed management, administration, and contingencies. The hearing will be held at Gun Lake Chapel, 2910 Patterson Ave., Wayland. Ml 49340 on Saturday, Juno 19, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a special assessment roll has been prepared and is on tile al th© office of the Barry County Drain Commissioner located in 220 W. State Street In Hastings, Michigan for public examination during normal business hours. Said special assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing the cost of the improvement project to benefiting properties. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Gun Lake Improvement Board will hold a hearing Immediately following the aforementioned hearing of practicability for the purpose of reviewing said special assessment roll and for hearing any objections thereto. An owner of or party with interest in real property to be assessed or his/her agent may appear in person to object to the special assessment or may protest such special assessment by letter filed with the Lake Board at or prior to lhe time of the hearing. Written objections may be filed with or mailed to the Gun Lake Improvement Board c/o Barry County Drain Commissioner, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. Notice is also given that the owner of any real property within the Gun Lake Special Assessment District who, having made an objection to said special assessment either in person or In writing, may, within thirty (30) days after the confirmation of the special assessment roll, appeal such special assessment to the Michigan Tax Tribunal or other court of competent jurisdiction. Gun Lake Improvement Board Barry and Allegan Counties, Michigan 161835 NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION The Barry County Road Commission Is offering for sale three pickups: (2) 2020 GMC 2500 Crew Cab SLE pickup (1) 2020 GMC 1 Ton Crew Cab SLE pickups w/plow. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until in-qn AM Tuesday, June 15, 2021 for the following items. Please mark outside of bid envelope with truck number l.e #900010. Soecifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above phone number or at our website wwy&bflmrg, 0^ please make an appointment for all viewings of the trucks. NOTE: Ail trucks are sold as is. Due to COVID 19 the opening will be done by Zoom Meeting on June 15, 2021 at,1™oo7£o5in£^^ or by Phons ID #959 9723 0512. passcode: 186179 * P 2020 GMC 2500 Crew Cab SLE Pickups aWD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission .. rdtle PW & l-ocks- Keyless remote, Heated mirrors A'.’.%h t7 #900010 - Green Title - Approximately 29,300 Miles 1 - summit White Bid $47 000 ■. .uhita #900040 - Green Title - Approximately 15,171 - Minimum 1 - Summit White- #9uuimv 0id n rMC 3500 Crew Cab SLE Pickup Truck w/plow (1) 2020 GMC Dj0sel A)|ison Transmi8S|0n , ^E-ks Keyless remote, Heated mirrors, BOSS Plow, 8-10' Air Cruise, PW & Locks, w ext T k #900170 - Orange Title (MUNICIAPL Trtle - NOT i-Cardinal Red Truck #9001 /usalVAGE) 1 ,n024 Miles - Minimum Bld $55,500 Approximately proximate - trucks are being driven until they ara NOTE: All mileages are app sold. u ,lnhtt0 reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities The board serves the rigfi _,^n in the best interest oHhe - 1343. Rohml 1, 1344.1;erdinandUp|jSs Thomns 1345.Geraldja<!F-l'‘;clldder ™£Lancy Gilson r,Q 1348. Norman LiFountam *uss'llAfe!wnderH“re" 1350. Eugene LrW;s 1351. Albert EdWo£d fr°st 1352. Lannes j^Kenfield 1353. Carl K.fc* Russell Mdls 356. A Ivin Bmwn Al'erding 1357. LaVeme Dennis O’Connor 1358. Wayne OuoUrssenden 1359.OrvalI^X •360. RohandCs Leave" 1361. Charles Krauss 1362. John Wah„ BUir 1363. Francis Thomas 1364. Benjamin Adam Endres 1365. Gerald jennings Cairns Album Nosh 1367. Melvin M. starbard 1368. Ernest Bumctt Tungate 1369. Evan Odell Fuller 1370. Robert Pe^le Scobey 1371. Charles Wellington Kidder 1372. Donald V.Denike 1373. Charles B. Hawthorne 1374. Wesley George Cordes 1375. Kermit Elmer Bolton 1376. Arthur Glen Burhans 1377. Harold Clayton Holmes 1378. Victor Thomas Orsbom 1379. Elden Eugene Matthews 1380. Myron Glen Johncock 1381. Jesse Lowell Haney 1382. Wm. F. James 1383. Clyde Brandt 1384. Clifton Lee Harris 1385. Ronald Walter Kenyon 1386. Clarence Nelson Surrarrer 1387. Howard Kendall Buck 1388. Charles Leroy Wallace 1389. Kenneth Brass Shively 1390. William Loren Kidder 1391. Paul Hart Leach 1392. /Xugust Ray Wilson 1393. Shelby Noble Nash 1394. Ralph D. Fox 1395. William D. Howe 1396. Melvin Leroy McKibben 1397. L. Lentz Chaffee 1398. Ralph G.Dcwitt 1399. Paul We<ky Foster 1400. George Henry Cogswell 1401. Theodore Rudolph Hug 1402. Ernes.' LaVein Staxp 1403. Willhm Alton Clark 1404. Leon Earl Meyers 1405. C/ayton Ezra Shurlov/ 1406. Robert Archie Matteson 1407. Charles Roy Annable 1408. Lewis Robert Shay 1409. William Ellsworth Hudson 1410. William M. Bachman 1411. Kenneth Brown Spaw 1412. John Stuart DeLand 1413. Leo George Francisco 1414. William Elwin Ashby 1415. Harry Duane Baker 1416. Wallace Preston 1417. George Edward Tebo 1418. Edwin Earl Schleh 1419. Paul LeRoy Gibson 1420. Lawrence Robert Wilkins 1421. Alleyne Warner 1422. Wesley Earnest Bennett 1423. George Ernest Needham 1424. Ernest Cassius Belson 1425. Arthur Lyle Ingram 1426. Nelson Jones 1427. Kenneth Vane Reynolds 1428. William Howard Schantz 1429. Daniel Alonzo 1430. Eldon Eddon Unruh 1431. Albert John Wahmhoff 1432. Douglas Vincent LaCourse 1433. Forest James Mead 1434. Seymour Byron Hermemtt 1435. Bernard Claud Fighter 1436. George Orlo Holes 1437. Cecil George Wilkins 1438. Kendal Sylvester Curtis 1439. Robert Louis Ustcr 1440. Hugh Sherman Jones 1441. George Dana Burgess 1442. William Arthur CndJer 1443. Walter T. Thotnp5011 ’444. Kenneth Stanley ^111,amS°n 1445. Earl Earnest Hinton 1446. Theodore C Befk®*’ J44’- Floyd Benjamin^ 1448. Russell Moris W 1449. Raymond Roll* Re/nokk 1450. Kendall a Co*15 1451. Max Edwin 1452. Leonard Beirut Call 269-945*95S4 for Hasflit®8 Banner 1461. Lawren •462. Kelley Ryan 1464. °«o 1465. Glen B^mMcsccar 1466. Floyd 1467. GCnlldl^nMcC|urkjn 1468. Edward 1^?u°'v'n 1469. Maurice R .a .’'borpe 1470. James 1471. Eldred Joh-V^Soner 1472. Bruce Dwight Bm‘nR 1473. Burl Cook mm 1474. Burke Donald Cram 1475. William GeorgeS . 1476. Ralph Earl PX radfOtd 1477. Jermiah Lee Han.i.__ 1478. Ceil Charles M0l^r 1479. Donald Birdsell Hshe. 1480. Earl J. McKibbin 1481. James John Hermenitt 1482. Keith Theodore Bass 1483. Walter Adrain Raidt 1484. Fred Raymond Ziegler 1485. Henry Earl Singleton 1486. Ceci] Clare Bennett 1487. Alva Eugene Clark 1488. Milton Arthur Tidey 1489. Floyd Elton Barnum 1490. Clinton Lee Cassiday 1491. Herbert Bemell 1492. Jesse Wilbur Markillie 1493. Forest James Foley 1494. George Edmond Schafer 1495. Orson John Laubaugh 1496. Charlie Leon Moon 1497. Frederick Gustave Andresen 1498. Ralph E. Burroughs 1499. John Otway Bamett 1500. Herbert Clinton Cook 1501. Julius Steven Knowlton 1502. Monte Herbert Greenleaf 1503. Merwyn Chester Plumley 1504. Lloyd Adolf Anderson 1505. Milo Judson Morgan 1506. William H. Forbey 1507. Cleo Emerson Card 1508. Ivan Alvan Tobias 1509. John Anthony Hoos 1510. Robert Earnest Johnson 1511. Lyle Edward Story 1512. Richard E. Brower 1513. Willard J. Lawrence 1514. Elmer Earl Booth 1515. Roy Charles Elwell 1516. Vernon Voile Engle 1517. Charles Edward Vallancc 1518. Thomas William Ogden 1519. Russell Laurence Thomas 1520. Charles Walter Powell 1521. Harry Bun1522. Eldred Bernard Preuss 1523. Kenneth Clifford Dewey 1524. Robert Cantral Turner 1525. Ernest Neil Dunkelbergcr 1526. Paul Peter Smith 1527. Wayne Lester Armour 1528. Raymond Arthur Purscll 1529. Henry Herman Vahlsing 1530. Byron Keith Fletcher 1531. Leslie Harold Kelley 1532. Roland Marshalle Oliver 1533. Sterling Earl Modrack 1534. Lynn Everett Perry 1535. Otto Sherman Hedges 1536. Max Caster 1537. Elmer Michael Bender 1538. William Paul Barlow 1539. Cale Leon Flynn 1540. Amos Leon Brearly 154 LE J. Smith 1542. Gerald Henry Tischer 1543. Basil Ford Williamson 1544. Hart James McAllister 1545. Linwood Ernest Burdick 1546. Caryl Webster Isham 1547. Melvin Jacob Oaks 1548. Russell Cordell Solomon 1549. Richard Abraham Nipe 1550. Andrew Roger Taylor 1551. Harold Allan Kollar 1552. Vaughn Dean Lydy 1553. Charles Robert Cole 1554. Clark Alton Payne 1555. Hubert J. Long 1556. Edwin Leroy Taylor 1557. George Oliver Lydy 1558. Howard J. Edmonds 1559. Rudolph H. Soya 1560. Lyle Gorham 1561. Glenn I. Masters 1562. John William Gearhart 1563. Eldon Charles Day 1564. Floyd Ivan Gaskill 1565. Leslie Leo Rush 1566. Frank J. Purchis 1567. James Andrew Osis 1568. Harold Kirby Kingsbury 1569. Dennis Gale Frederickson 1570. Lewis William Schulze 1571. Charles Francis Kilmer 1572. Robert Ira Baldwin 1573. Glen Moses Bourdo 1574. Carl Henry Patten 1575. Fred Welsh 1576. Harley C. Warren 1577. Charles Lewis Eaton 1578. Ira Seeley Hall 1579. John Raymond Cheney 1580. Dorr Kenneth Howell 1581. Charles Edgar Jenner 1582. Clinton Claire Greenhoe 1583. Kenneth C. Hurless 1584. Donald Lyle Hill 1585. Clayton George Well 1586. Edward Thomas Lechlcitner 1587. Donald Harrison Howell 1588. Marion Wesley Becker 1589. James Carl Smith 1590. Loyd N. Hughes 1591. George John Miller 1592. Claude Bersell Payne 1593. Frank Robert Silcock 1594. Donald Clifford Weaver J595. William Ross Baini 1596. Wellesley Alexander Ironside 1597. Rex Foreman Jr. 1598. James Alfred Wallace 1599. Kenneth Von Makley Sources: Hastings Banner,, WorldWar2museumx)rg, familysearch.org, findagrave .com, ancestry.com, chroniclingamerica Joe gov. Financial FOCUS /*nn idctl b\ the Hany ( inuii\ ti/licc\ of h.(Iward ,/taa \ Jim Lundin Financial Advisor Member SIPC 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49056 (269)818-0423 Jeff Domenico, AAMSC Financial Advisor 450MwdowRunDcSdW100 Hasting Ml 4«68 • (2fi9)94M265 Financial tips for the self-employed Being self-employed has some benefits: You get to choose your own hours, you don’t have to count “vacation days” and you’ll never worry about getting downsized. On the other hand, you’re truly on your own - there’s no employ­ er-sponsored retirement plan and no benefits package. So, if you’ve recently started a busi­ ness or become a “gig worker,” possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what can you do to get on the road to financial se­ curity? There arc several steps you can take, including the follow­ ing: • Establish a budget. When you’re self-employed - and especially when you’re fust starting out - you need to keep tight control over where your money is going. So, establish a budget and stick to it • Open a retirement plan. As a self-employed individual, you can choose a retirement plan, such as a SEP-IRA, a SIMPLE-1RA or an “own­ er-only” 401(k). When your earnings are limited, you can contribute modest amounts to any of these plans, Ixit when your income rises, you can boost your contributions. WQiilc these retirement plans have some things in common, . including tax-deferred growth of earnings, they differ in oth­ er areas, such as contribution limits, and one plan may be more suitable for you than an­ other, depending on whether you have employees. You may want to consult with a financial advisor to determine which plan is best for your needs. • Build an emergency fund. When you work for a business or other organization, your income is predictable but that’s usually not the case when you’re self-employed. And when your earnings are uneven, you can be vulnerable to financial stress when you face an unexpected expenseTo help protect yourself from these threats, try to gradually build an emergency fund con­ taining a few months’ worth or living expenses, with the mon­ ey kept in a liquid, low-nsk account. , .. • pay down your debts. Some debts, such as Iw’“ help your business, may be un.tvoiible-sndescnp^ tivc. But other debts, <=>P«Y those that ant be from your uses and J hi ah interest rale, are tar Si ,0 >0“ xtupampaymcntp1^. With yourothercxrcns<rii’'<?u not be able to «hlttlc debts down as fast you’d like, but, over time, your efforts can Put mooej- aside for tax­ es. Because no employer is uithhdding taxes from your paychecks, you will likely have to make quarterly esti­ mated pajments. Plus, you’re responsible for all your So­ cial Security taxes, which, if you worked for someone else, would be split between you and yxwr employer. To make sure you’ve got enough mon­ ey available to pay your tax­ es. you might want to set up a special account - one that’s not u^ed for any other purpose. • Get proper Insurance. Depending on the nature of your work, you may or may not need some type of busi­ ness insurance, but if you have a family, you should certainly consider lhe need for life insur­ ance, and you may also want to consider disability insurance. Self-employment can be quite fulfilling - and you’II find it even more rewarding when you make the right financial moves. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Janes. Member SIPC �Tha Far,tings Banner — Thuftrfay, June 3. 2021 — Pago 9 TK faHs to ^Doctor • Universe KentW°ot| ;n final regular season ballgames jjrctt Bremer Sjh>W 193 Cheny StreeHn’fte^'ort''(Photo provtofd/^ COmmuni,y 10 ,he new church al New church gets a start The Gathering Place of Freeport is a new close, but we are glad that we can still use the church in Barry County. building as' a church. Those who built it over Karl Rewa and his wife serve as missionar­ 1(X) years ago intended it to be a church and. ies; the) have been there since 2017. lor now. so shall it remain.” -We have about 35 to 45 people attending Hie Gathering Place began as a church Sunday night sen ices at 193 Cherry Street in plant in Freeport at the town’s Community Free j tort.” Rewa said. Center Easter Sunday 2017 and continued to Recently, the United Methodist congrega­ meet there until COVID-19 put them in lock­ tion voted to sell the building and close it. down for several weeks. When their group was informed of this clos­ ’’From that point on. we were not allowed ing, they made an offer, which was accept­ to meet inside the Community Center.” Rewa ed by the Michigan Conference of the United said, “so w e bounced around from lhe Freeport Methodist Church. Park to our exceptionally large backyard, to They are set to close on the property June my office and. more recently, to a basement in 15, Rewa said. a small church just outside of Freeport. “We hope to raise all lhe money needed to "Just a few weeks ago, several of our pay cash for the building by the time we town’s people informed us that the Methodist close.” he noted. “We are well over the half­ church building was up for sale and ‘Tire way mark now.” Gathering Place’ was given first chance to A Saturday. June 5. chicken dinner, from buy lhe building. Imagine our excitement noon to 3 p.m. at the church, will be profes­ when our offer was accepted. Then we raised sionally catered, and they’re inviting people over $30,000 on our special offering Sunday. in the community to attend the meal at 193 Everyone clapped and cheered!” Cherry St.. Freeport. Because they arc a small mission church, Tlie dinner, which has been donated, will he said, they plan to raise the remaining include a tree-will offering from participants. $40,0(X) they need to buy the property as Funds raised from the ex ent will go to the quickly as possible, relieving them from hav­ church building fund. Those who would like ing a monthly payment. to reserve a meal may do so by noon Friday "Our prayer is for this building to Ik* a safe by calling, texting or emailing karlrcwaf" place for everyone ... a place to belong, to gmailrom, love each other, and to share the Gospel of “This church h?s beenJn.-wnywijor a Jesus Christ iq the towp yf Freeport,” Rewa long lime. Rewa' said. T iniuk the comer­ said. stone '-ditor East Kentwood two froni lhe Thomapple Kell<’g‘ Klida, *5',al| team in a postseason tunc-t’P ‘ . 'die Tuesday. The Falcons 'u'*J,*nP'ner of lhcir non eonference <l(l“ y 8-3 mid then scored a 10-0 « Tile Falcons score" Ur runs in lhc and second inning-** ‘ cn Went on to the 8-3 win in game oneLevi VanderUv-ide fOr the Trojans, and was relieved K . * Garbrcehl after getting five outs. Ua t finished things off. striking out < nd holding East Kentwood score!*5* cr the final five innings. He gave up »,v l,ts and didn’t walk a batter. • VandcrHeide had a P™r of singlcs, anJ TK got one each from . nsweifi Kaiden Pratt and Carsen Burbridge. VandcrHeide and Cameron Fain each had an RB1< The Falcons won game two in five innings VanderHeide, Drake Snyder and Gavin Devore had the three 1K hits in the shut out. TK will be in Wayland Saturday for its Division 2 District Tournament. TK faces South Christian in a n(X)n district semifinal following the 10 a.m- Semifinal between Way land and West Catholic. Slow growth of trees Dr. Universe: Why do trees grow so slow? Ann, 7. Covert, Mich. Dear Ana. When you eat food, you get a lot of important nutrients that help you grow. Trees living on our planet also need some nutrients to grew. Trees use their leaves to help capture energy from the Sun to make their own food. But as you may have noticed, a lot of trees lose their leaves during certain times of the year. Without leaves, they can’t make nearly as much food, and without those important nutrients, they can’t grow very fast. Thai’s what 1 found out from my friend Tim Kohlhauff, a certified arborist and urban horticulture coordinator at Washington State University. He is curious about the lives of trees. “These trees only get to make food part of the year,” he said. Usually, we see slower growth in these trees between March and October. Of course, maybe you are thinking about the kind of trees that do not lose their leaves, like pine trees or evergreens. When it is really hot or really cold out, these trees will also experience slower growth. They may be trying to save energy and make it through tough times. For instance, in the redwood forests of California where some of the tallest trees on our planet live, a redwood tree might grow two or three feet a year. But if lhe trees are stressed or don’t have water and sunlight, they might grow just an inch per year. Trees ' ’ ‘ are pretty good al adapting to changes in their environment. Not unlike humans, a lot of trees that live in forests grow faster in their younger years. In lhe forest, it can be a bit of a race to the top 'fhere’s a lot of competition between trees to grow tall so they can get enough sunlight. After all, that sunlight is where they get energy to make their food. While most humans don’t grow much taller after they reach age 18 or 20. some trees can grow for up to 100 or 200 years. One slow-growing tree is the magnolia tree, which can reach heights of about 60 to 80 feet and sometimes even 100 feet tall. These trees can grow about one foot — the length of a ruler — a year. Meanwhile, some trees will grow slowly but may never get very big. Dogwood trees only reach about 15 to 20 feet tall and grow about a foot a year. Some trees may grow slowly, but they don’t grow forever. At a certain point, they slop growing taller and start growing wider. Not only does the trunk itself get wider, but lhe branches also grow out around the tree to form its canopy. You know, we are still learning a lot about how the thousands of species of trees on our planet grow. But one thing we do know is that at least for some trees, growing slowly and steadily is just lhe right pace. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington Stale University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.UniverseC4 wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniversc.com. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classmefl afls I hu • XI 1 • .. AJ l» . » • WV 1 t -<• • I • NOTICE CARLTON TOWNSHIP BUDGET HEARING Betty Birman celebrates birthday Notice is hereby given that the proposed budget for Carlton Township for the 2021-2022 fiscal year will be submitted for consideration at a public hearing on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 6:30pm. THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE Pease help Betty Birman celebrate her 93rd birthday June 4! Please send a card with your well wishes to: Belly Birman. 1225 N. Jefferson, Hastings. Ml 49058. PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. The proposed budget is available for inspection at the Township Hall at 85 Welcome Rd. Hastings Ml 49058. Immediately following the public hearing a Township Board meeting will be held to consider adoption of the 2021-2022 fiscal year budget. Amanda Brown Carlton Township Clerk NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BARRY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT Organizers happy with Poppy Days proceeds riavs veterans and volunteers with Hastings American Legion Post 45 and a /-niiprtpd S3 400 in donations during the Auxiliary’s Poppy Days drive. Paper they served two-hour shifts at the entrances to Walmart and Family in Maqtinos collecting cash dona^°^°n J7?/ 21 and 22. Legionnaire Karl Ost . are < a/1 hours collecting a total of $847 by himself.. Proceeds are divided evenly legged - •;? -• qie Auxiliary to benefit veterans. Here, Auxiliary members between !he P^t ana converse, Jeralee Sheldon and Linda Vanderboegh (clockw.se, from left Lavv pfovided) . y count donations after a sn t X—I I '.Ml'* PLEASF TAKE NOTICE THAT THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING I HE PROPOSED 2021-2022 BUDGET Af HIE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF FDUCAflON OF BARRY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DIS­ TRICT: JUNES, 2021 DATE OF MI-EllNG- in two DK beats Potterville by 10 to earn spot in district semifinals Seth Lcbcek threw strikes, theing just two hits. He got out ,..„J tlrev made the the ball and they mauc .*.* dele rhey needed to advance m the stat blL-s^ld^* (oljriia- nobody nobodyout outpm jam inin(he the fourth fourthinninn inning hv bvdrib. strik­ ing out the next three batters g Y went Tuesday. baseball team The Delton Kellogg in >■< tauk an 11-J wrn ,<nt jn Saranac Division 3 pre-District bal F* Division Tuesday to earn a spot m Satm*» p.in(|Krs 3 District Semifinals in die firM fate Pvwiuno-WcstpbaSaturday t*o semifinal ballgames m • • * facing with Maple Valley and Climax * Blake Thomas had two hits, a Walk and scored three runs for the Panthers. Mason Nabozney had two hits and two walks Nabozney drove in lour runs. ‘ ’ ' DK also got hits from Leheck, Alden Whilit"’^-. KC,''P. Britton Stevens Vinnie Quick and Mathew bales. Qujck । ’ lliade big catch tn nght field early in tll’ ballgante to> P^em things fri)n) f netting »ra,lygo,ng- ihp .ivJi °ff in the second. „.|nrv f°r ^lC Lebeck got lhe ,Pllclu”g he Viking- Ile Panthers in lhe win over *■ BARRY ISD ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OR Z.(X)M CONFERENCING: PLACE OF MEETING l11tpS-.u>04v.cb /noni us j 77 ',5,’6l29X|?p\\d hOQil ?RS’lTH :R»'H YIZVvAl^dlRKOTOQ Meeting ID: 773 5261 2981; Passcode: ArRWTY HOL'RDFMFETJNg 8:00 A.M- 1 l-XEPHOsr' NUMBER OF Tl IE S(JPERlNTENDUhn ,S OFFICE: (269) 045-9545 BO ARD Of EDUCATION MEETING BAHRY 1SDADMINISTKAIIVF. O11 1UF. MINUTE5 ARE LOCATED AT: 535 WEST W00D1 AWN AVI NUE HAS1 INGS, Ml 49058-1038 A COPY 01'1111 PROPOSED 2021 -2022 BUlXiEElSCLlJDlNG THE PROPOSED proper iax Tillage rate is W\1I E0R I’UBIJC inspection l^i normal BUSINESS HOURSAI. BARRY ISDADMIN1SI RAUVF OFFICE 535 WESL WOOD! AWN AVI NUE HAS I INGS. Ml 49058-1038 I. I'ubl**' on the proposed 2021-2022 budget. 1 he proper!) tux initbgv rate prvpwd to be Io led to support the oro|’,"“' b“dRcl W|U bc a "r ,hi' hiari,‘8- 1 •>« B<>»rd may not adopt ib pn>po«<< 2O2I-.O2. budget until niter [bc|,ubl)C faring. Deb Hatfield Secretary. Bain Intermediate Schoo! District Board of Education �Page 10 — Thursday. June 3,2021 — The Ha^ Banner Vikings win program’s first regional championsnip HI i The Lakewood varsity boys’ golf team celebrates its first regional championship after winning the Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by South Haven Wednesday, June 2, at HawksHead Links. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Spans Editor Southwest Michigan’s Division 3 varsity boys’ golf teams were no match for the Lakewood Vikings. Lakewood had two regional medalists, including the regional champion, and cap­ tured lhe program’s first regional champion­ ship by winning the Division 3 Regional Tournament at HawksHead links in South Haven Wednesday (June 2). It was a good day from the start as Mkewood sophomore Drew Marquoit. play­ ing in die number five spot for the Vikings, birdied number 17. his first hole - a 517-yard par-5. Marquoit finished lhe day with an 83, tied for fourth place. “This is the group where we had the full compliment to our number one, which basi­ cally is our depth,” Lakewood head coach Carl Kutch said. “These kids are all real good friends, and yet they are just as competitive as they are a good group of friends, so they feed off of each other. That is the biggest thing, not having to worry’ about where you’re going to get thal fourth score. You hear coaches say Ijial all the time " . •- Lakewood junior Trevor Simon, lhe team’s nenibtY bne/Won -the individual regrorrul championship shooting a 75. He was five strokes ahead of the runner-up, Buchanan’s Ethan Valentine who shot an 80. The Lakewood team shot a 331 and was 36 strokes shape and checked in on the phone app that the players use to keep score to see where he stood individually. Seeing his name at the top of the leader­ board gave him a boost of confidence that he said helped in going after the eagle on 14. Simon knew he could have been even bet­ Delton Kellogg’s Javier Guevera hits ter though. He missed birdie putts he would his tee shot on number ten at HawksHead have liked to have had on 16 and 17 and then Links during the Division 3 Regional had a rough seven on lhe par-4 18th to close Tournament hosted by South Haven June out his round. 2. (Photo by Brett Bremer) “We all really enjoy playing golf." Simon said. "We play a lot after practice and stuff. We’ll go out a couple hours after practice some nights and just play or practice.” Quincy 397, Olivet 399, Dowagiac 417, South Junior Liam Caviuiaugh shot an 86 for the Haven 417. Buchanan 434, Constantine 437, Vikings and senior Jakeb Jackson scored an Delton Kellogg/Martin 441 and Niles 87. Owen Richmond was right behind with an Brandywine 546. 88. The DK/Marlin team was led by a 94 from Kutch said he thought the start that Javier Guevara. Karter Ribble shot a 106. Marquoit had was pretty significant in him Zachary Hale a 110 and /Xlyssa Smith a 131. being one of the five regional medalists. Guevara picked up his game late in the “When yon go one-under and have another season according to coach Jim Hogoboom. birdie putt on 18,and you’re one over through “He said he felt better over the ball today,” seven holes. Right there. 1 thought ‘wow.’ that Hogoboom said. “He has had almost a month­ was big for our teani score and obviously for long struggle with his string." Drew," Kutch <nd. “And he held on. As a “It has been a year of growth, and it is good first-year varsity pityer. to complete the round to have 15 kids, and they’re all back except of 18. and to hang fifi^iuf firtisH in the top five ‘for three or lour of the senior girls.” the DK is impressive.” ’* coach added. The top three teams and top three players Hillsdale was fourth ih lite day’s team standings with a score of..374, ahead of not on those teams at the regional earned Hopkins 380, Watervliet 396, Coloma 396, spots in the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals which will be held on lhe campus of Grand Valley State University June 11-12. 161825 Valentine earned a spot in the finals individu­ of Hastings ally, as did and Hillsdale’s Corbyn Beach and Request For Bids Buchanan’s John Gartland who survived a three-player, tiebreaker for the final two state City Property Grounds qualifying spots - beating out South Haven’s Maintenance Parker Williamson in a playoff. The City of Hastings is accepting sealed bid pro­ posals for grounds maintenance services for city property. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan until 9:00 AM on Friday, June 25, 2021 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to award the bid in a manner which it believes to be in its own best interest, price and other fac­ tors considered. Taylor Owens Bid specifications are available at the office of the Staff Writer City Clerk. Perspective bidders will be required to The Barry-Eaton District Board of Health provide satisfactory evidence of successful com­ will reimburse $90,000 in licensing fees for pletion of work similar to that contained within the Barry County businesses due to the COVIDbid package to be considered eligible to perform 19 pandemic and state shutdown orders. this work. All bids must be clearly marked on the During a virtual meeting last Thursday, the outside of the submittal package?MS®a*eC* “ board voted unanimously to accept the fund­ City Property Grounds Maintenance”ing from lhe Barry County Board of Travis Tate Commissioners and redistribute it to Barry Director of Public Services County restaurants that had paid their fees. “My board still felt they wanted to do something for businesses in Barry County,” Barry County Commissioner and Board of Health Chairman Ben Geiger said to Iris fel­ Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 low members. “We. as a county board, would be very, very happy and appreciative if the health department would send out checks to Barry County businesses, it wouldn’t cost the health department anything.” “You’re asking lhe health department to lie a passthrough, but I’m wondering why you picked winners." Eaton County Commissioner Joe Brehler said. “What about lhe other orga­ nizations that are also inspected by the health Qlovejyiale:. department? We just tell them ‘Sorry?’ ” Cloverdole General Woodldnc|Exp^ He pointed to child and elder care facilities Brown s Cedar Creek Gro; ry and fatten) parlors. Barry County Commissioner Jon Smelker ShglbyvHle; fradlnq Post said the action taken by Iris board, and on the Town & Country Little’s CounW $(orc board of health’s agenda, was only for the restaurants. J0W5 The Barry County commissioners have a Dehorn list of restaurants, and the total of their fees Family Fare Nashviite C for lhe year, which came to $89,509. Delton Johnny’s Carls The money for (he reimbursements will conic from the county’s 100-percent tax pay­ ment fund. Me Originally. Smelker had proposed provid­ L’l^OEsp^ Banfield General Store ing the lunds lor local restaurants from the ‘^ke-O-M id ■ American Rescue Plan Act, which is the Doidinfli COVID-19 economic stimulus package that Carl’s Goldsworthys governmental units across the country' are expecting to receive this year. But several members ot the public urged the county to L « J's ahead of second-place Schoolcraft (367) and 41 ahead of third-place Parchment (372). The Vikings certainly expected to be tn the running for a stale qualifying spot Wednesday, and to have a shot at a regional title, but did not expect to be that far ahead of the field on a tough, unfamiliar course. Coach Kutch said he thought his guys were even better al the regional than they were in winning lhe Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship at Forest Akers East last week despite a high­ er score. Simon was great on the ice nearly ail day long, at least once the competition started. He hit his drive about 340 yards on the par-5, number 14 and then fired a five-iron from nearly 2(X) yards out to within a foot of the cup. He tapped in lhe putt for eagle and then paired the next three holes. “I just found the grooves on my driver and it just really opened lhe rest of the course up for me.” Simon said. He struggled on the range (he monring before the regional and tweaked his grip, loosening it up a bit. “I was getting too strong, so I moved it over a little bit.” Simon said. He said he tries not to fiddle with his swing and grip too much, bul he decided he had to do something with how things were going on the range. Simon did his best to avoid looking at the scores on the front nine, bul with about eight holes to go he knew the team was in __________ good 161824 City of Hastings Request for Bids City Hall Custodial Services Tbe City of Hastings is accepting sealed bid pro­ posals for custodial services for Hastings City Hall. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hast­ ings, Michigan until 9:00 AM on Friday, June 25, 2021 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to award the bid in a manner which it believes to be in its own best interest, price and other fac­ tors considered. Bid specifications are available at the office of the City Clerk. Perspective bidders will be required to provide satisfactory evidence of successful com­ pletion of work similar to that contained within the bid package to be considered eligible to perform this work. All bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bld City Half Custodial Services”. Travis Tate Director of Public Services TTi in* approves $S©,@00 for restaurants Hastings PANNER Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Haiwifa One Stop Shop (Marathon) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Tom's Market Hastings Johnny’s The Genera! Store Marathon Mega Bev Hastings Pharmacy Marathon Gas Station (M-37West) Marathon Gas Station (M-37 South) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Middleville; Speeduay Harding's Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleinlle Johnny's Gfjn Lake; Sam’s Gourmet foods Orangeville Fast Stop Elaclaif® ■ Doster Country Store Prairieville Fast Stop Lakewood junior Trevor Simon chips his ball up onto the green on number 17 at HawksHead Links in South Haven during the Division 3 Regional Tournament. Simon was the day’s medalist, shooting a 75 and leading the Vikings to the team regional title as well. (Photo by Brett Bremer) I take action now, and not wait until the ARP funds arc distributed. In other business: Smelker asked Health Officer Colette Scrimger if COVID-19 work had pulled the environmental health staff away from their duties. He said he has heard complaints from many contractors who have been waiting on permits from the health department to start work. “This is prime building time, and my phone is ringing quite regular from builders.” Smelker said. Scrimger said environmental health staff have worked on some COVID-19 issues, but that has mostly taken place during overtime hours. ' 'Die real challenge is staffing, she said. A supervisor and two employee positions in the environmental health division have been vacant since lhe start of the year, and another employee has been out on medical leave. “ That has been a bigger contributor to the log jam to the permit process,” Scrimger said. Some staff have been coming over to help from Eaton County to help out a couple of days a week, but she has had difficult finding employees. Scrimger reached out io other health departments for help, but found they had the same issues. She also said it is a {Xir ticularly difficult position to find help tor .since the building codes are specific to Barry County. 7 ‘We have not identified a solution at this time. Scninger said. Smelker asked the Eaton County Commissioners it they me experiencing the same issues m iheii area. "Yes. we're having the same problem," Eaton C ounty C onmusskmer Jeremy Whittunt isXS’He asked Scrimger to continue looking ,, other options, such as contract work ' �Pu" ahead late for second win over Perry u V.. - SCOIVli (Mil'? in fL- r-z-.. * The Maple took two of dtree Activities Conference J!? Grvaler i^Mng week, finihhinji off the seJxiAk?1? ,asl the visiting Rambler^ ” 1 a;5'4 w,n (ncr Vermontville. Wednesday in lKd Tbs Hastings Banner — Thursday June 3, 2021 — Page 1111 B — m aflcr for innings, both teams scored once in the fifth nn<i . pushed across the t. d 1en !hc Lion> bottom of the sixth ,nnuig run in the to get the l'ioi>s'"mreL\v'in|-h ,hc|righl sidc with two outs in the bon ra started the Rambler, n' med £ Tl °f ",c sixlh afkr one Lion baserunnt. I^.h ?h‘ next three Maplc Valiev batU “ . .iHfl »lOefL. Lane Morris and < |o fQn.c jn Lions' fifth run. -(r,t RajT., Wiser walked th kr batter in the top of the scvcnL,0 out Iq f.?- ^Ti^c out, a ground out and a P*’f off the vic- lor>'-c* in ^ief nr Wiser got the s f Nick Osborne who gave up 1 dfUck oUt fr n s,x innings on nine bits. He 'our and didn’t walk a batter. At the plate, Osborne was 3-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Wiser's single was the only other hit for Maple Valley in the game. Hoefler had two RBI and walked twice. The Lion team worked six walks in all. The Lions returned to GLAC action this week, falling to Likewood in both games of a doublehcader in Vermontville Monday. The Lions and Vikings were scheduled to com­ plete their three-game league set Wednesday (June 2) al Lakewood High School. Maple Valley will head to Saranac Saturday for its Division 3 District Tournament. The Lions will face host Saranac at mwn after the other semifinal ballgame between Delton Kellogg and Pewamo-Westphalia. ^!1<>o'cra^ keeps DK from caPturing SAC Valley trophy Southwestern Athletic Conference Valles _ ........... .. ¥a,,'y Kv^th? r c*Ja!nP10J1sk*p. but those were dashed - ,hce cs in m Schodcraft Schoolcraft Thursday. Lion soccer shut out in D4 district opener The Maple Valley varsity girls’ soccer season came to an end Thursday. The Lions were rCn v i Hentnce ChriX to h ' ^a^mazoo the" Division 4 Distri ,° roU',d tnttr uivtsion 4 District Tournament in Kalamazoo. There were three shut outs in the opening round of the district tournament. Hackett Catholic Prep scored a 13-0 win over Bronson and the Lumen Christi girls bested Calhoun County Christian x o th? r . • X*!J’ . • r » d,slncl semifinals were planned for Wednesday . June 2. at Jackson l.umen Christi High SchooI« wiltl lhc ^sl Titans taking on ” ‘ “ Hackett and Kalamazoo Christian facing off against the Heritage Christian girls. lite Maple Valley girls won five of their final seven regular season matches, closing the year with a record of 6-8 overall. Missing truck found in Battle Creek A 27-year-olJ man called police at 9 p.m. May 21 to report his truck had been stolen from his residence in the 3000 block of Wood School Road in Irving Township. The man was in Florida, but a friend had stopped by the house and noticed the truck was missing from the driveway. An officer investigated, but found no leads. Two days later, the truck was found abandoned and towed in Battle Creek. There were no suspects and the case is inactive. Man crashes into semi-trailer in high-speed pursuit A Kent Count} man was arrested after a high -speed chase with an officer in Thomapple Township at 1:01 tun. May 23. An officer attempted to stop a vehicle after it failed to signal whifTTOHtthg from Whitney vifie Road onto Garbnw Road. As the officer turned to follow the vehicle, the driver accelerated to more than 70 mph. 'Hie vehicle eventually pulled into a driveway in lhe 8000 block of Garbow Road, where it crashed into the back of a parked semi-trailer. 'The driver, a 43-ycar-old Wyoming man. got out and ran into the woods. The officer found him lying in some brush. The man said he ran because he did not have a license. He also admitted that a bag of methamphetamine found by his car was his. He had been arrested May 11 for possession of meth. Sister suspected in laptop theft A 30-year-old man called police at 5 p.m. May 29 to report lhe theft of a laptop and Amazon package containing three T-shirts from his residence in the 1800 block of West M-43 Highway. Hastings. The man said his sister. 29. has broken into the residence sev­ eral times, and he suspected that she had taken the items. Neither lhe man nor his mother know where she is living, and the officer was unable to find hcr. The case remains under investigation. Man arrested for assaulting girlfriend's ex Police arrested a 30-year-old Dowling man following a fight during a child custody exchange in the parking lot of Family Fare in Hastings at 7 p.m. May 19. The man allegedly pulled out a knife and showed it to his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. 28, of Bellevue, during the exchange. They then got into an argument, and he shoved the ex-boyfriend. A witness called police, and the man was arrested. Driver intoxicated and on phone while driving A caller notified police of a reckless driver in Hastings at 4:19 p.m. May 18. An officer lex: a ted the vehicle on East Slate Street and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, a 30-yearold Battle Creek man, appeared to be on lhe phone while driving and smelled of alcohol. He had a 0.16 blood alcohol content and was arrested. 74-year-old woman arrested for OWI Police arrested a 74-year old woman for driving while intoxicated at 3:22 p.m. May 16. Officers had been notified of a reckless dnser and pulled over the vehicle on West Apple Street near North Cass Street in Hastings. The woman admitted to drinking four vodkas X and had a blood alcohol content of 0.126. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL--- The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: rxw^Mpcr is iubjeu m w+id-. PA'Iulnrl) "•-»*’ ‘ „ e, rJ.ca.se V-.de^. 4iM!ir/ur.g.‘;on » ’ ‘ J %wu». Mhroc. Iu.nd^p. Mtional <xtpf. 'le s* ”,A ‘ ( nv slAh /'7/r Kent TbfDROOM, 1 BATII Home nrivatr lake in Dehon' on rRichland.Furnished. ’’J’?moWnS $,550/ >n vi»>*. HfJJi 1 Jorv-ol “J L»e an c,luM htaii To report fk-e llv-i.- n; Center Jl 61 tlx. HUP Utl f»r< hoofritf rmpiirrd U *■ Uu. Oar . » । ^t| .] 1-29*0 ’ bcrfiV cfflONNI’.SLFY- FABR«- truilen,,jr'CUS,Om n’°; t heil NOT included), □nd o' , 23-1, leave ,ft9.965-46o3 ex'- x messaff! 24 '2— (itir(if!e s"/r th » nevx-pper will mJ W1J- wi-.crtr "F Senices - FA MIL Y 665ilB^eh,er Ro;'k' SALE- bO^ »sun junc4thFreeport5pni. Sunday 61h 202h 9^ P Cdrds Markdowns, l. Acccplt?d’ nut trees. Insunvt r TV.. a,‘ workman's comn r?bl ily & ■filing, (269)»i£^t<>rl<-y ' "i Sal,Slabwo.xlli^”oRSES. 1/2 lacecord. So2 dal. 517-852-4016 mer SPe' The Eagles C,<>*c its *^AC Valley season with a $we<?P sweef ( pelton rv«ltn» v ,5ri-uce double double-­ header against kraf| Mogg varsity softball team. S“ ^| an '°®k the opener 10-3 and then cap1 1-1 wm in game '"ok Struck for'w0^"sch,hroPof LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Btate FILE NO. 21-3B29-DE Estate of Leona EmmaMwno. Date of birth. 4-11­ 1921 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Tho decedent. Leona Emma Murrie, died 3-16-2004 Creditors of tho decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will bo forever barred unless presented to Darel Loe Murrio, Jr. personal representative, or to both tho probate court at 206 West Court Street. Ste. 302. Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after tho date of publication of this notice. Dato: 5-24-2021 Shano A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street Suito 101 Hastings. Michigan 49058 269-945-3512 Darel Loe Murrio. Jr. 7356 E Day Road Bollovue, Ml 49021 161457 269-420-2750 FORECLOSURE NOTICE (ALL COUNTIES) AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. ATTENTION HOMEOWNER: IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY, IF YOUR PERIOD OF ACTIVE DUTY HAS CONCLUDED LESS THAN 90 DAYS AGO. OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO ACTIVE DUTY, PLEASE CONTACT THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PARTY FORECLOSING THE MORTGAGE AT THE TELEPHONE NUMBER STATED IN THIS NOTICE. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement - Notice Is 9-ven under section 3212 of lhe revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgago will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court In Barry County, starting promptly at TOO a.mjp.m. on July 1. 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Pacing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of he property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office of a title Insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this Information. Default having been mad0?1 the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by Roberto P. Luna and Lena M. Luna of Barry County, Michigan, Mortgagor to Fifth Third Bank successor by merger to Home Equity of America. Inc. da-eo Jh0 day of Marchi 2005, and recorded in t£° otf,ce of tho Register of Deeds, for tho County of Barry and Stato of Michigan, on the Fifteenth day of 2005, Instrument No. 1142742 of the Bany Records on which mortgage there is claimed J® due, at the date of this notice, for princ'P^^y^662.09 plus accrued interest at 7 00000% annum. Which said promises are described All that certain Piece or parcel of To*?shJ1p of Rutland, in the County State of Michigan and described as Tho North 248J> feet of the East 308.5 South 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of the V4 of Section 1. Town 3 North, Range S-Rutland Township. Barry County, Michigan known as: 1621 Hammond rU Tax ID: 08-13­ 001-014-05 If the prop0 ,. a foreclosure °° l0 °lo Sonowoc 600.3278 wB be held responsible wh0 buy.s ",’a property at the mortga<£ *°'^ure sain or to Ore mortgage holder for da/JJ • f }he property dun°9 the redemption ^p,,°n be six months from jn acco^^ sa,®’Hu determined abandoned dance with MCL 600.3241 a. in winch case1 f ^P <oni period slwj Weinberg & Reis Co-, Cleveland, OH MWLT 5100 Fax: 216-3&H0; comWWR# 10152018- (06-03X06-24) Dated: June Weltman. 21®’73?»* 1 bhoen«wettman. 161355 a 1 p.m. semifinal, with the district char a I p.m. semifinal, with the district championchin game onmf* to tn follow. follow. ship LEGAL NOTICES f'o>> inning of game '"’leraft answered in the home half of ^’^*lded two runs in the second, two m h and three more in the third to toke ce bailgame. The Eagles took of four Dchon Kellogg errors to sco e unearned runs in game one. ... DK’s Allison Brand and Lizzy Rchtncr were both 2-for-3 witn «stng|c and a doubIe Fichtner had two RD a Brandli one. Josie Lyons, Aubrey Aukerni* n, \|ya Brickley and Chloe Colwell each had one hit in game ,)nc The Eagles took game tw0 in f„.e innings. DK had just four hits- Lyons doubled and scored on an error in me top of lhc third fof the only Panther run. The Delton Kellogg girls g0 to ClimaxScotts Saturday for tlie*r Division 3 District Tournament. The Panl will face Union bo 30 days from thu d 3. 2021 By; Benjarnrf’ N. pA City in a district semifinal match up at 11 a.m. . . Climax-Scotts lakes lakes on on Galesburg-Augusta Galesburv.Antniun in in Climax-Scotts NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In tho matter ol the Folicidad Sharoff Trust dated August 21, 2007. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. FeHcidad Shnroff, born May 10,1929, who lived at 313 Cardinal Court, Middleville. Michigan died May 15, 2021 leaving a certain trust under the name of Felicidad Sharoff Trust, and dated August 21,2007, wherein the decedent was tho Settlor and Dale A Draper and Gale M. Smith were named as tho co-trustees serving at tho time of or as a result of tho decedents death. Creditors of tho decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will bo forever barred unless presented to Dale A. Draper/Galo M Smith the named co-trusteos at 15722 Juniper Dr76620 N. 42nd St. Mame/Augusta, Michigan Within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice May 26, 2021 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 W. Apple Street. P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Dale A. Draper/Gaie M. Smith 15722 Juniper Dr./8620 N. 42nd St. Marne/MI 49435/Augusta. Ml 49012 161562 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust TO ALL CREDITORS: Tho Settlor. Maxine L Hall. DOB: 12/20/1927 SSN:xxx-xx-6083. who lived at 703 South Benton. Hastings. Michigan died May 8. 2021. There is no personal representative ol tho settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors ot the decedent are notified that all claims against tho Maxino L Hall Trust dated 10/8/1979 as amended will be forever banned unless presented to Rodney W. Han. Garry li: Plan, and Michael J. Hall Trustee(s) within 4 months after tho date of publication of this notice. Vamum LLP Laura E Radio P72886 Bridgewater Place - PO Box 352 Grand Rapids, Ml 49501 616/336-6000 Rodney W Hall. Garry L. Hall, and Michael J Hall c/o Laura E. Radio - Bndgowater Place; PO Box 352 Grand Rapids. Ml 49501 161545 616/336-6000 NOTICE Attention homeowner If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or If you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at tho telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice Is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgago will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or somo part of them, at a pubic auction sale to tho highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding tho circuit court In Bany County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on JUNE 24.2021. Tho amount due on the mortgago may bo greater on tho day of the sale. Placing tho highest bid at the sa'e does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownership ot tho property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact tho county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made In the conditions of a mortgage made by Steven M. Yawger, a single man. to American General Financial Services (DE), Inc., Mortgagee, dated December 18, 2006 and recorded December 20, 2006 in Instrument Number 1174117, Bany County Records, Michigan. Said mortgago is nov/ held by Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, D/b/a Christiana Trust as Trustee for PNPMS Trust II, by assignment. There Is claimed to be duo at the data hereof the sum of Sixty-Five Thousand Eight and 9/100 Dollars ($65,008.09). Under tho power of sale contained In said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby gwen that sad mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of tho mortgaged premises, or somo part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding tho circuit court within Bany County. Michigan at 1:00 PM on JUNE 24,2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Castleton. Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 20 of Block D of Pleasant Shores, accord ng to tho recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Uber 3 of Ptals on page 59. 1067 Brooks Road, Hastings. Michigan 49058 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241a. in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsive to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to tho mortgage holder for damog-a to tho property during the redemption period. Dated: May 27, 2021 File No. 2G 006671 Firm Name: Orlans PC Finn Address: 1650 West Big Beaver Rood. Toy Ml 48084 Firm Phone Number; (248) 502.1400 (05-27)(06-17) 161233 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING May 12, 2021 -7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present. Bellmore. Spencer, Hall, Watson. Hawthorne. Greenfield, James Absent: Approved the Agenda Approved the Consent Agenda Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Approved the extension of lhe 1992 Sewer Agreement for thirty years Approved to continue research and development to opt in to Manjuana sales Approved moving forward in developing the Blight Ordinance Approved contract with McKenna for planning services Adjournment 8 40 pm Respectfully submitted. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by. Larry Watson. Supervisor 161362 Notice of Execution Salo on Real Property Case Number 19-053225 ck Notice is hereby given that by virtue of an Execution against property, issued by the Judge of the 40th Circuit Court , State of Michigan, against Mason and Susan Richardson upon a judgment on 7-17-20 In favor of Lakestone Bank Plaintiff, and against said Del. Mason and Susan Richardson that on 3-8-2021 , I Sort Hope Deputy Sheriff levied the wnt of execution on and took all rights, title, and interest of above said Def. Mason and Susan Richardson In the following, real estate. Said levy recorded In Barry County Records 2021-002913 PAGES 1 ol 3 Land Situated in the township ol ’Orarigev.lle County• ot Barry, State -of Michigan Commonly Known as 12011 Parkway Dr Tax Id 11 006-082-13 Notice is hereby given I will auction all of the Defendant rights title and Interest In these propertys as law directs to the highest bidder at the location of the Barry County Court House In the State of Michigan, on the 14rd Day of July 2021, at 11:00 am. 5-21-2021 Signed this Date Scott L Hope Court Office/ Deputy Sheriff Any Questions: Call Scott Hope at or (810)869-1001 Barry- State of Michigan VS Richardson (5-27) (7-1) (05-27)(07-01) 161234 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of trio re-vised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place cf holding tho circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM. on June 17,2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day cf sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownerahp of tho property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title Insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Raymond L Thompson and Pamala K Thompson, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions. Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (If any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. Date of Mortgage: June 10,2015 Dato of Mortgage Record;ng: June 30.2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice. $79,536.64 Description of tho mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown. Bany County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 1 North. Rango 8 West, described as: Commencing at tho Northeast comer of said West 1/2 of tho Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/8 l.ne 1000 feet to the place of beginning of tho within description; thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 feet: thence duo West to the West line of tho East 56 acres of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; tnenca North on said West fine 343 feet more of Jess. to a pent duo West of the poht of beoinninq thence duo East to lhe point of begrnn ng Cornnwn street address frf any): 15700 Dunn Rd. Bg'Iqvuo, Ml 49021-8292 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the dato of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241a; cr. if the subject teal property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, oursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower wui be held responsible to tho person who buys tho property at tho mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damag’ng the property during the redemption period. Attention homoowner. If you are a mil.tary service frembcr on active duty', If your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. or If you have crdeied to active duty, please contact the attorney for thu party foreclosing ttxi mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This not’oe Is from a deb! collector. Date of notice: May 20,2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Huis, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1435351 160519 (05-20X06-10) �Pape 12 — Thursday, June 3. 2021 — Tire Hastings Banner Vikes capture GLAC title with tourney win at MSU Brett Bremer Sports Editor AU six l^akewood golfers were among lhe top 13 scorers, shooting 86 or better, as the Viking varsity boys* captured their first out­ right conference championship since 2011 at Forest Akers East Golf Course in East Lansing Wednesday. . The Lakewood boys clung to a slim lead in lhe conference, over Lansing Christian and Leslie, going into the Greater lensing Activities Conference Championship 18-hole tournament on the campus of Michigan State University. . -We started strong, maintained with a steady focus, and closed out strong, Lakewood head coach Carl Kutch said. Trevor Simon fired a 76 to lead the way for the Lakewood team, finishing as the day s runner-up individually. Lakewood put togeth­ er a team score of 324, finishing three strokes ahead of the Pilgrim* and Blackhawks. “It all came down to the last couple holes. Having Trevor back was obviously huge for this team,” Kutch said. “He hits the ball so long and has such a complete game. And. the depth of this ) ear’s team has elevated Lakewood to the next level in the GLAC.” Among the top four for the Vikings were Owen Richmond who shot an 82, Jakeb Jackson who shot an 83 and Liam Cavanaugh who fired an 83 as well. That is a personal best 18-hole round for Jackson, a senior. “He has worked so hard this year, and l*m so happy to see him put a great round together and help provide one of tlie four scores need­ ed to claim this year’s league championship,” Kutch said of Jackson. Simon and Richmond earned spots on the all-conference first team with their perfor­ mance this spring, and teammates lx>gan Kenyon and Cavanaugh were second team all-conference golfers. Kenyon and teammate Drew Marquoit each shot an 86 Wednesday, which had them lied for 13th individually in the field of 34 golfers. Lansing Christian placed second thanks lo a fifth-score liebreaker. The Pilgrims and Leslie boys each put together a score of 327. Leslie senior Cannon Risner was the GLAC’s top golfer this spring and scored a 5-under-par 67 to win Wednesday’s tourna­ ment. Olivet was fourth in the day’s standings with a score of 381, ahead of Maple Valley 386 and Perry 393. Maple Valley’s Christian ‘Buck’ Schrader tied Richmond for fifth overall on the day with an 82. The Lion team also got an 89 from Owen Bailey, a 103 from Kenneth Curtis and a 112 from Caden Faurot. Schrader and Bailey were both second team all-conference this season. The remainder of lhe all-conference first team included Lansing Christian juniors Will Lakewood varsity boys' golf teammates Logan Kenyon, Jakeb Jackson, Drew Marquoit, Liam Cavanaugh, Owen Richmond,* Trevor Simon and head coach Carl Kutch celebrate their team’s 2021 GLAC Championship after winning the conference tournament • at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing Wednesday. Combs and Davis Garrett and Leslie seniors Garrett Mays and John Cranmore. I he Lakewood boys played their final ninehole dual of the season at Morrison Lake Golf Course 'Ihursday afternoon, outscoring Ionia 170-189. Jackson was at his best again, shooting a personal best nine-hole score of 37. Marquoit scored a 42 for the Vikings, Richmond a 45 and Cavanaugh 46. Lakewood was set to lake part in its. Division 3 Regional Tournament at, HawksHead Links in South Haven which' Wednesday (June 2). Vikings and Lions have champions at GLAC track meet Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Olivet varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field teams finished off Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship seasons by winning titles at lhe conference meet they hosted Wednesday afternoon. Lake wood senior Garrett Stank, a state qualifier in the long jump, took the confer­ ence championship in that event Wednesday with a leap of 19 feet 1125 inches and fin­ ished no worse than third in any of his four events to lead the Viking boys’ team. Stank was lhe runner-up in the 100-meter dash with a personal record time of 1137 seconds, third in the 200-meler dash in 23.79 and he also placed third in the pole vault by clearing the barat 11-6. Senior distance runner, who is bound for a spot on lhe Ferris Stale University men’s cross country and track and field programs, took the conference championship in the 1600-meter nm in 4 minutes 45.06 seconds and also was the conference runner-up in the TheNews Is Just the Beginning Your Community... Your Family.. .Your Interests... Your Home.. .Your World... Call 800.870.7085 or pick it up at one of our locations listed below! It’s All a Part ofYour Local Newspaper! tb« httmt! t>! |U»ry Counfy Since 1956 Hastings IjANNER // < u locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! msnnos One Sop Stop IP' ' 66) IV-O ft; Family Fare Gunkeht Woodland Sam's Garnet foods Woodard Express RreUke Doster Country Sore Trading Post fraifexM Lite's Country Stere Tom's Marhet H;i*t.ng5jonnnys Johnny's the Gene'a: Stye MV Pharmacy Maratton MegaBav Penn-kx* G*‘t Stop P:.: GIqy&jWs Nashri.* C S’txe C^erda’e Gow al Carls Browns Cr. d..' Crci.* Grocery GisSritntf State St) iJkeMessn Lare-0 Express Fafr 7 Fare Gas Staton Wa’T&ens Town A Couni/y Delton Lake 0-Mri Odvss= Johnnys Car; 5 Fan-*y Fate Speedway Dean JohnnyP Mdtl'e.v'c Martetpatc MW BaHfci'j General Store M*. .10 • *9 I- iy s Qtntling GodsMXitr/s Fiteeon L&Js Freeport Genera1 Sw 3200-meter run with a time of 10:45.40. Freshman Annabelle Stank earned a con­ ference championship for lhe Lakewood ladies, throwing a new personal record dis­ tance ol 104-0 in the discus competition The top finish for lhe Maple Valley girls came in the high jump where senior Ashlyn Wilkes, a state qualifier in the event, won by clearing the bar at 5-2, Things went well in the field events for the Lakewood and Maple Valley athletes for the most part. Lake wood had three guys in rhe top six in lhe conference in the pole vault, with Tyson Raffler fifth al 106 and freshman Shane Raffler sixth with a personal record vault of 10-0. Maple Valley freshman Nic Martin was seventh, clearing thjbar at 9-0. • Jacob MerryfieU^ junior. had.a ninnen-up jump of 5-6 in the boys’, high jump, where freshman teammate, Lijah Jablonski was fourth by clearing 5-2. Connor Feighan set a new personal record for the Vikings in the discus with a third-place mark of 113-11, with freshman teammate Benjamin Scobey selfing a PR too with a fifth-place throw of 105-75. in the shot put, Feighan was fourth with a mark of 39-3.75. Feighan added a third-place personal record time of 5353 in lhe 400-meter dash too. Lakewood and Maple Valley both had a freshman in the top eight in the long jump. Evan Brandenburg scored for the Lions with a seventh-place leap of 17-35 and Lakewood’s Colt Endsley was eighth at 16-9. Lakewood junior l\ son Raffler w as third in the 110-meter high hurdles in a personal record time of 16.84 seconds and added a fourth-place time of *44.95 in the 300-meler intermediate hurdles. Merry field was sixth in that 300 hurdles race with a time of 46.40. Freshman Shane Raffler was seventh in the 110 hurdles with a personal record time of 19.06 Brandenburg added his fastest 100-meter dash time yet for the Lions, placing sixth in that race in 12.12. Lakewood sophomore Alexander Russell was eighth in lhe two sprints, finishing the 100 in 12.43 and the 200 in 25.41. । ..Senior, Heath Carter capped,his Lakewood* running career with a fourth-place time of 2:1252 in lhe 800-mcler run. Junior Hokulani Ka’alakea was a part of three runner-up finishes for the Vikings. She teamed with Sophie Duits. Madison Bierens and Kylie Walkington to place second in the 400-meterrelay in 57.84 seconds. Individually, Ka’alakea set a new personal record time at 16.72 in a runner-up finish in lhe 100-meter hurdles and placed second in the 100-meter dash in 1353. She placed sixth in the long jump too with a mark of 14-35. Maple Valley had a runner-up relay finish too. The team of Wilkes, Liz Christopher, Greanlee DcPyper and Lilly Faurot was see-* ond in the 800-mcter relay with a time of. 2:0035. ; Some of those relay runners were top field, even performers too. Duits was fourth in the high jump at 4-6 and Faurot fifth in that event, at 4-4. Bierens placed third in the pole vault with a personal record vault of 7-6. < Stank scored in both throws for the Lakewood girls, also placing fifth in the shot put with a mark of 29-75. The Lion ladies were led in lhe throws by a third-place discus* mark of 85-115 for junior Hannah Kinney. ■ Viking senior Katie Acker was the run­ ner-up in lhe 3200-meter run with a time of, 12:35.07 and placed fifth in the 1600-metcr nm in 5:5592. , ixFreshrnan Alexa Reitz scored, in both hur-; dies racqs for. Abe Lion ladies. Sheeps sixth in the 300-mcter low hurdles with a personal* record time of 1:08.44 and she placed seventh­ in lhe 100-meter hurdles in 26.98. . On the track, Lakewood senior Emily, Apsey ran hcr fastest 800-meter run ever to. place seventh in 2:46.43. Lion freshman Faurot wasn’t far behind in that race with an eighth-place time of 2:48.67. Duits added a sixth-place time of 1:1054 for lhe Vikings in the 400-meter dash and Wilkes was third in the 200 for the Lions in 27.81. Lbn softball fates two of three fr@m Perry to close GLAC play Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions have something to look forward to beyond the state tournament. ’Die Maple Valley varsity softball team split its Greater Lansing Activities Conference doubleheader at Pern' Monday (May 24), falling 16-8 in game one and then bouncing back for a 13-10 win in game two. The Lions then took lhe rubber-game in the series Wednesday in Vermontville* outscoring the Ramblers 15-14. “I am just proud ofthese Sirls’ with so much improvement” Lion head coach Mary Lesage said. ”The hitting is Anally coming around and Nadia Martin has improved so much with the pitching. 1 ,<K* Jorward to working with these girls next yearTind seeing more improvement as they mature in their softball skills.” ‘ The Lions won their fin3’ ballgame of lhe season Wednesday' in walk-off fashion. Abeni Hartwell Ko the winning rally started with a single in the bottom of Uie scvcnth’ b“l she was erased <)n ^e bases by a fielder’s choice off the bat of teammate Addison Ramey. Ramey promptly stole second and then took third ^ .' jpgle by Brenna Cruz. Freshman Kyh VjlnA|stineca,ne lhrou8h w,lh the game-winninp rBI single that scored Ramey from third base. ... u “It was great to the 8‘r’s bal( e ’° l^e end not giving u ,, j i:e said­ , ,herv^lhcJ^ial^lhefL!°n ° hang their heads aft” hpw die top of lhe sev­ enth inning play J . t exy Booherdrove in teammate Karli hi \ to Put their tca,n in front 14 6 in the k nt the sixth, but a few R-wbler hits errors and a few walks Jed to Pe^ eight times in the top of lhe sevens. the game. Martin fina||v U? ‘ j the Rambler rally there though. ° ihe win, pitching the complete gam? L I?01 -end out the Lion seniors, indudi^ v^rT varsity ballpluypairfield ns wellr as Cis Ramey and exchange >*tuden^^I{lnda Schaefer. Gee D’Angelo and Federica ScanCarello. Emma Pierce hit a home run to get lhe Lion scoring started in the third inning, on what Lesage said was probably the best ball she has seen hcr hit all season. VanAlstinc picked up an RBI in lhe fourth inning, Booher belted a two-run double and Hartwell knocked a threerun inside the park home run. In lhe fifth, the Lions got an RBI single, from Fairfield, an RBI single from DcPy per. and a two-run double by Booher. Pierce fol-1 lowed with a double to score Booher. i Climax-Scotts ended the Lions’ season Tuesday with an 11-1 win in their Division 3 Pre-District bailgame at Climax-Scotts High School. . TK walk off after losing lead against Zeeland East The Trojans saw an 8-5 lead gel away in the sixth and seventh, but rallied from two runs down in the bottom of the eighth for an 11 - It) walk-off win over the visiting Zeeland East softball team Wednesday, May 26, in Middleville. Zeeland tied the ballgame with two in the sixth and one in the seventh, then took a 10-8 lead in the top ol the eighth. Moriah Sprague singled to get FK going in lhe bottom of the eighth, driving home Paige VanStee from sec­ ond. Sprague stole second and went to third on a groundout by Carly Snyder, then scored the tying run on a ball back to the circle by Natalie O Riley who was sale at first as well. She went to second on an error and then scored on another Zeeland error following a* ground ball by teammate Kate Caldwell. . VanStee was 2-for-5 with three runs and. two RBI in the win. belling a double. Sprague was 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Elaina O’Riley, Natalie O'Riley and Grace Zubc had one hit each. TK will host its Division 2 District Tournament June 5. taking on Hastings in a semifinal game at noon. Lakewood and Ionia meet in the district’s first semifinal contest, at 10 a an. The Trojans were scheduled to hit the road one final regular season game at Hopkins Wednesday. ’ Kelley scores twice, draws a PK, as Vikings win district opener l he Vikings won lo play another day. lhe Utkewood varsity girls’ soccer team scored a 3-1 victory overWyoming Ixe in its Division 3 District opener at Uikewoixl High Schcxil Wednesday. Senior Anja Kelley kept hcr varsity playing days going by drawing a penalty kick for her team, which Cadence Poll converted for the vikings’ first goal, and scoring two times her­ self. Hie 8-9-1 Lakewood ladies earned the chance lo lace an IM-2 South Christian k. n Hui .s ranked 17th in the state in Division ". m. 1 he Vtktngs were set to host the Sailors tor • then thstnet semifinal ballgame Wedne.d n June 2. ^>«ay, I he district final is set for Juiw a ... Rapids Catholic Central’s athk-fic comptei?" �The Hastings Banner — Thursday. June 3. 2021 -- Pago 13 13 Second-ranked Gull Lake a goal better than TK J —r ’ & ~ • Thomapple Kellogg's Grace McNabnay works to contain Gull Lake’s Maggie Westra in the midfield during the first half of their Division 2 District Semifinal bailgame at Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek Tuesday. The Blue Devils took a 1-0 win to earn a spot in this weekend s district final. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer “We’re a great team, and honestly it could Sports Editor have been our game as much as theirs and From the opening moments. Gull Lake they took advantage of one opportunity and head coach Colton Johnson urged his girls to we weren’t able to capitalize on ours.” put pressure on the Trojans, to attack l-v-1 at The Blue Devils scored the game’s only every opportunity, and to score one goal, then goal in lhe 37th minute. Gull Lake freshman another and another. Maggie Westra couldn’t gel a shot off with The Blue Devils won their fair share of hcr left foot at the top of the 18 and lapped a those l-v-1 battles, but more often than not pass to senior teammate Anna McKay who another TK defender was there to slide and slammed a shot hard past a diving Trojan keeper. Katelyn Hildabrand. help out and clear the ball from trouble. Both Trojan keepers Hildabrand and Tristen The second-ranked team in the state man­ aged a first goal, but that was all as the Cross, in the second half, made big saves to Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team keep the game tight. Moments before the goal battled the Blue Devils in a 1-0 loss in the Hildabrand had made a big save on the Division 2 District Semifinals at Harper Creek Devils’ Maddie Bellinger as she crashed in on High School in Battle Creek Tuesday eve­ lhe goal. Cross went high in the air to deflect or pull down as couple balls in the second ning. “They’re a good team. I felt like overall, as half. TK had its best couple scoring opportuni­ a team, we definitely competed with them. I think ftUsYfWd Thefh'a,"'TK'Ttetad ties as the second half moved into its second eorch Joel Strickland said. “I think they had half. Trojan defender Sydney Moemtah had a the assumption that they were going to come free kick from just outside the top left comer in and doftriaatc our girls. I think that was of the box fly inches high of the crossbar, and kind of their mindset. You could just tell in the Ainsley Oliver skipped a shot in from just beginning, especially haw we were playing above the top of the 18 that had Gull Lake together as a team, it brought a lol of frustra­ keeper Sarah Willard on the ground to block. tion to their team and that is what this team The ball bounded away and sat on the turf to can do. the right of lhe Blue Devil goal for what felt Thornapple Kellogg freshman Alivia Raak attacks a comer kick in front of Gull Lake’s (from left) McKenzie Ford, Emma Sexton, Caroline Yapp (2) and Alex French (18) during the first half of their Division 2 District Semifinal match at Harper Creek High School Tuesday. She was whistled for having her cleats up too high on the play. (Photo by Brett Bremer) like a long lime before Willard was able to gel up and gel on it. Strickland liked the way his girls defended as a team throughout the ballgame, and saw his girls’ best attacks as usual coming when they worked the ball through the midfield. The Blue Devils did their best to pay special attention lo Emma Schut in the midfield, but she still managed to put forward a couple successful runs with the ball up to the attack. The game got more physical as it pro­ gressed and the Blue Devils began to control possession in the offensive end for much of the final ten minutes. “I think they were exhausted,” Strickland said’of Itib-girls In the eaf; ”Wc have been battling a lot of different injuries this year and we’re a smaller team, f think it says a lot about our team, as far how much they left out there on the field. They were giving it every­ thing they could. At the end of the day, I would rather see our team come off just exhausted than coming off like they have a ton of breath left because they’re not giving it Overall the Trojans outshot the Saxons all they can.” Gull Lake is 13-3 after the win and will 39-5, and Strickland said the Saxon keeper face Plainwell in the district final back at “did a good job of keeping lhe score where it Harper Creek Saturday. TK ends the season at was with several diving saves and outstanding plays.” 10-6-2. The TK program has grown accustomed to Nichols scored the first TK goal just the chasing district and conference champion­ minutes in. Cross punted a ball from her box ships in recent years, and they were just shy of over the Saxon defense and Nichols took it both this spring. They were bested in a shoot­ and put it in the net. out by Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the Nichols got a second goal 12 minutes in semifinals of the OK Gold Conference with the help of a great cross from teammate Tournament last month on an evening when a Ainsley Oliver, and the TK quickly made it TK win would have secured them the confer- 3-0 with Shayne Krystyniak finishing off a ence title. great ball into l^e goalmouth by teammate The Thomappfe’X^ojJt giiKwito their./Hklly Vclhrifr2 5 Division 2 DistridWfk:n^-T%Vcr thWaxW^- ^•Veiling ifti.'gM Wi aJSther Nichols goal at Hastings High-School" last Wednesday" to S^en minutes iffl(5md~secbnd half. Emma earn the semifinal match with the Gull Lake Schut scored once and assisted on freshman girls. Alivia Rank’s first varsity goal in the final “We really did a great job of possession and minutes of the game. controlling the game,” Strickland said. “Hastings had a few counter attacks that lead to a few shots and them converting on one in the second half, from about 20 yards out.” Latewood and Olivet playing out GLAC series Brett Bremer Sports Editor It has been a contentious season between the Lakewood varsity baseball team and the Olivet varsity baseball team this spring, and they’ll get to settle things on the field Saturday. The Vikings face the Eagles in the second of two Division 2 District Semifinal match­ ups at Lake wood High School Saturday. Hastings meets Charlotte at 9 a.m., with the bailgame between lhe Eagles and Vikings lo follow'. The Olivet team clinched a share of the Greater Unsing Activities Conference cham­ pionship with a w alk-off win over the Vikings Wednesday. May 26, in Olivet. The Vikings thought the GLAC season was done at that point. They had swept the doubleheader between the two teams at Lakewood High School two days earlier. Olivet closes the conference season at 16-2. The Vikings were 13-2 in the conference, and Lakewood head coach Brad lacey was; under the impression that due to the nature of put- week that they’d have to get in their confer­ ence set with the Maple Valley boys, which was postponed early in lhe season. Lakewood moved lo 15-2 in the conference with two wins over the Lions in Vermontville Monday, scoring 9-2 and 7-4 wins. The two teams were set lo meet for one last ballgame at Lakewood High School Wednesday, June 2. Hie Olivet Eagles look their share of the conference championship with a 7-6 win on a walk-off home run by Tyler Latunski to lead­ off the bottom of the seventh last Wednesday. Jayce Hansen had jusl delivered an RBI single in lhe top of the sixth for the Vikings to tie the game at 6-6. The two teams were knotted at 3-3 after two innings Wednesday, then the Eagles sprang for three runs in the bottom of the third. Lakewood clawed back with two runs in lhe top of the fifth and then the one in the sixth. Hansen drove in two runs in the loss, with vvS,iu^e’rU.^ou^*c arwl a wa^ *n two al-bals. a. r Klifman had a pair of singles for the Vikings and scored a run. Nathan Willette d°ubled and scored once. Brady Gawne had °l^cr a s’ngle. Brent Sweet, Blake Price and Gawne all scored nms as Area athletes perform well at Lansing Honor Roll Meet The Uta.™. H a" Honor Roll Meet of Champ1 Lansing Waverly'J uesdV, sc| ncw Lakewood senior.^‘?..<>2(»-nictertimeof Lakewood record with hi - |ha( was g<xxl 9 minutes 56.08 seconds. • । runners, enough for 12th place in a *crs jn the race All bul one of the lop 1 d Carson set a new varsity persona 0I1e of City-Crystal senior <Co,en,a r:iCC, won three members of,h,s 78 seconds. l^ere with a time of 9 minutes - • ; Jine in Jess were four guys across lhe fin ' 01ivet than nine minutes and .W «- senior Noah Griffith (9:27 31 <:• r,u Ryan Brown (9:27.92)aS junior Matthew Zelcke (9:28.43) Travis Williams «t the Lakewood bovs’ 3200-meter record previously in anoi at 9:58.7. 1 01 Lakewood had three athletes closinn their season season at the Honor Roll Meet Junior Hokulani Ka a akea placed third in the Xv 100-meter hurdles with a time of 1680 see onds. viking freshman Annabelle Stank w ts fifth in the girls discus with at time of 98 feZ 13 inches. Maple Valley semor Ashlyn Wilkes com­ peted in the girls high jump-htesday as well placing fod”11 b>’ dear,l,8 bar at 4-10 well. Hansen started on the mound for the Vikings, striking out two and walking two in four innings. He gave up six runs (just two earned) on six hits. Gavin Willette was hit with the loss. The home run was one of only two hits he allowed after taking over to start the fifth. He walked one and struck out one. Price, Gawne and Hansen had two hits each in the Vikings’ game-one win over Maple Valley Monday. Klifman, Hansen and Price had two RBI each. Nathaniel Graham and Gawne drove in one run apiece. Graham got the win, striking out 11 in seven innings. He allowed two runs on six hits and didn’t walk a batter. Gregg Richardson drilled a two-run home run to right field that scored Lane Morris and tied the game at 2-2-2 with two out in the bottom of the third for the Lions. Lakewood took the lead right back though as Hansen singled to lead off lhe fourth. He stole second and was replaced for a courtesy runner, Denny Sauers, at second. Sauers went to third on a ground out by Graham and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Klifman. In the Vikings’ 7-4, game-two win, Hansen was hot again going 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and a walk. Graham and Sweet both singled once and drove in a run. Nathan Willette was 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Gawne, Gavin Willette, Ethan Rodriguez and Sawyer Stocpker had the other Viking hits. Richardson belled another home run in game two, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Morris was 2-for-3 and scored a run for lhe Lions. Callan Hoefler. Nick Osborne and Ayden Wilkes each singled. Wilkes and Blaze Sensiba scored Maple Valley runs, and Hoefler and Osborne had one RBI apiece. Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? WEEKLY UPDATES NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS MORE hK.wsBaNNER (269)945-9554 www.hastlngabanner.com -------- �Pagw > ayv 14 — Thursday. loursaay. June uune 3, j, 2021 - The HasW '* ,x Jensen one-under at regionals, earns state spot Hastings’ Owen carroll checks out his path to lhe green on number one on the white nine Tue$day at Yankee Springs Golf Course. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings’Jack Kensington fires his ball from the edge of the fairway on number one on the white nine during the Division 2 Regional Tournament hosted by Thornapple Kellogg Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Saxon senior Will Jensen already had his state finals spot secured after 18 holes at Yankee Springs Golf Course Tuesday, bm there was still a championship to chase. Jensen finished as the runner-up al the Division 2 Regional Tournament hosted by Thomapple Kellogg on the gold and white nines at Yankee Springs. Jensen and Byron Center’s Jack Marzolinio each scored a oneunder-par 71, and then went into a playoff for the individual regional championship. Marzolinio birdied the par-5, number five on the gold nine lo close out his 18 holes and pull even with Jensen, and then the two went to their playoff. Both guys went bogey, par. par on their first three playoff holes, but Jensen snap hooked his drive on the fourth playoff hole and ended up having lo play a provisional after the first ball was declared lost. “His provision drive was excellent along will) the shot after that, but it wasn’t enough io win the hole,” Hastings head coach Kristen Laubaugh said. Marzolino paired lhe hole to win lhe play­ off. ' “The atmosphere during lhe playoff was unlike anything Will had ever played in before,” Laubaugh said. “There were about 60 kids following these two guys during lhe entire playoff. It was fun and exciting, but pul a lol of pressure on both of the players. Will handled it all very well." The top three teams and lop three players not on those teams Tuesday earned spots in the June 11-12 Division 2 Lower Peninsula Stale Finals which will be held at Bedford Valley Golf Club. Jensen was one of lhe three individual state qualifiers and Marzolino earned his state finals spot by helping his Byron Center Bulldogs win the team regional championship. The Bulldogs pul together a team score of 310. Grand Rapids Christian wits second with a 318 and Plainwell third with a 326. It was a fierce fight for that third and final state qualifying spot. Unity Christian was fourth with a 327 and Hamilton filth at 329. Behind those top five teams. Holland Christian scored a 335. Wayland 335. South Christian 336. Hastings 340. Thornapple Kellogg 346. Zeeland West 364. Holland 369. .Allegan 380. Ionia 389, Otsego 3X9 and Zeeland East 399. Sophomore Eli Timmerman from Hamilton and senior Isaiah Lowe from Holland Christian were the day’s other two individual state qualifiers. Timmerman shot a 73. Lowe scored a 74. They were third and fourth over­ all and Grand Rapids Christian’s Alex VandenBerge was the tournament’s fifth­ place medalist with a 76. w The Saxons' Will Jensen shoots his ball towards the green on white number two at Yankee Springs Golf Course Tuesday during the Division 2 Regional hosted by Thornapple Kellogg. Jensen scored a one-under-71 and then was bested in a playoff for the individual regional championship, earning a spot in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals in the process. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg's Austin Pitsch chips his ball upb the green on number nine on the gold nine at Yankee Springs Golf Course Tuesday during the Division 2 Regional hosted by the Trojans. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Senior CJ Crabtree led Thornapple Kellogg, finishing 21st with a score of 84. Jensen was even through his first nine holes and then went to one-under after 12. “He just played super steady golf, only one bogey, on his fourth hole, and then he had two birdies and parted everything else.” coach Laubaugh said. “He had a couple of opportu­ nities to go to two under, but just lipped out the putts. His game was just right on track­ yesterday.” The Saxon team also got an 86 from fresh­ man Owen Carroll, an 87 from junior Joey McLean and a 96 from sophomore Collin Fouty. “As a team I was pleased with how we played and placed,” Laubaugh said. “All of the guys had some great holes with either some birdies or nice strings of pars. Joey McLean had one of his better rounds for the year and Owen Carroll finished the season really strong. I’m looking forward to seeing them back next spring.” Behind Crabtree forTK, Drew- Nathan shot an 87, Connor Newland an 87 and Trevor Hummer an 88. Sophomore Austin Pitsch wasn’t far behind the TK top four, shooting a 91. The regTomu championship team fron\ Byron Center got a 78 from Brayden Elaingaj an 80 from Brayden Woudstra and an 81 from senior Luke Nickolaus. * LIKJS tafcs to join Ionia and Klasfcgs at TK Saturday Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity softball team earned a trip to Middleville Saturday by winning its Division 2 Pre-District bailgame with visiting Portland Tuesday afternoon. The Vikings took a 2-1 win over the visit­ ing Red Raiders, holding on after scoring a run in the bottom of the first and a second in the bottom of lhe third. Lake wood will take on Ionia at 10 a.m. Saturday in the first of two district semifinal ballgames hosted by Thomapple Kellogg. The hosl Trojans take on Hastings in the second semifinal ballgame, with the district champi­ onship game to follow’. Lakewood senior pitcher Morgan Stahl added to her single-season Lakewood record for strike outs by fanning 15 Raiders Tuesday. She walked two and gave up just two hits. The one run against her was unearned. Portland pitcher Sophia Novara struck out seven, walked four and gave up one earned run on three hits. One of those four walks was to Viking freshman catcher Lily Federau lo lead-off the bottom of the first. She went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Liv Woodman, to third on a ground out by teammate Audrey Hillard and then scored on a wild pilch. That Viking first inning surge kept going. WikSn®S °?k “ 7"3 win over 'lle Wayland ’ b?”£wne Pla>’ed at Cornerstone . n 710 c osc out lhc 2021 varsi|y bi‘ic’ ball regular season. ChT?L..S.'“0'.'S ilre now iwheduled to lace I C 'n 1 'e division 2 District Semifinals ‘'lllrday morning at Lakewood High School. GanK tune ls sc( f()r Q a m knkcW(xxI wln Hastings DANNER . - '• ” • p *' J . . . , - ’ . j I ’ • • • ... - Hannah Slater walked and Cora Giffin foU lowed with a single, bul Novara worked he?, way out of further trouble. Federau started things agains for the; Vikings in lhe bottom of lhe third with a lead-; off double. She went to third on a Raider error, and Lakewood had Federau at third and Woodman al second with nobody out. Federau scored on a wild pitch again, and Woodman,’ moved up to third, bul again Novara prevent-; ed things from gelling out of hand. ’ A walk, an error and a sacrifice bunt; allowed the Raiders lo push their lone run.’ across in lhe top of lhe sixth inning. Novara worked out of danger one more; time in the bottom of the sixth. Giffin led off with a single and went to second on a sacrifice; bunt by teammate Maryssa Goble. Claire Behnam walked to pul two on with one out for the Vikings, and McKenzie Richards' walked to load the bases with two out, but ar ground ball to short by Federau ended the; inning. Stahl had her own situation lo deal with in lhe top of the seventh. Brooke Seal led oftj with a double to center for the Raiders. She went lb third on a sacrifice bunt, but Siahlcaughl a pop up for lhe second out and then struck out the final Portland batter with the tying-run stranded at third. Saxons best Wayland, face Charlotte in district semi’s contribute advertise read i i‘ nvil nrnler Lans>ng Activities Conference "• Gltvet in the second semifinal ballgame .C. r3!: lhe championship game to follow. Denlon. Matthew Thompson and for o each singled twice in the *in nin k ,.axons Tuesday in what was a fiw-inK bal,8amc. 1 lan ison Smalley had a hit and two RBI. Ethan Caris drove in two runs as well. Denton and Rafter had one RBI each. Denton and Kaiden Shumway each scored twice for the Saxons. Rafter started on the mound and got the win. giving up three runs on seven hits and a walk in 3.2 innings. He struck out one. Markley tossed LI innings, sinking out one and not allowing a hit. Wayland had seven different guys w ith one hit. A double by Reagan Mutchler was the only extra-base hit of the ballgame. Dustin Loomans singled and drove in two runs for the Wildcats and. Cam Carnevale had an RBI single. �ft F �Hastings Banner • Graduation Issue. 2021 - page? 2 atkleenCtlieatn £mmaCdexande Ida Osman Kiexitin Boultex Jacob Qxens Kennedy Clllii • . Valeria Chtas-Fxanco Clubxee Bond Cllanna Beeman Rickie Bo wet man £tkan Caxb £lla Caxxoll Kaiden PeWeexd Ryan Piljak Zebulon Cate Skylax Pixon Hannah Clmstian. Keegan Cook Rata lie Count Uubtee Donaldson K Jaden Dtabik £than Punn KyxaPykkouie 117 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml DEWEY’S AUTO BODY 4V 517.852.S207 1111 W. Green, Hastings www.deweysautobody.com Jade towld . — - McDonald's n> ; & (M.AxxifT 122 W. MUI St. Hastings. Ml 430 W, STATE ST, HASTINGS 269.948.2811 269-948-8558 �VA- £van Sait man Rathan Flikkema Kaulunn Gonsalve; Isabelle Sdwaxdi Johnathan fdwaxd. Austin Fox Autumn Fox Candon Silax Mitchell Sldied Jonathan Giaon Rachel Gxaham Paniel Hall Christian Heath Qus tin Fenstemakex Aaion Gole Sarah Gulick Maya HaTtb Katliwn Hawbake1 Alexia Hexblet Gonzalo Hernandez-Ayala lllakenzie Hawkin. Caitex Hewitt Aubieanna Highway Huntex Haus Jagex Holm Pat Doezema Managing Urvker Rr.dtnr* WELTON’S HEATING & COOLING 269.R38.1469 r»k«»cira' 401 N. Broadway, Hastings 269-945-5352 'T GREENRJDGE REALTY HASTINGS 2169 W.M 43 Hwy. Hastings. Ml 49058 120 E Maia St. GIRRBACH TIL <269)445-3252 FUNERAL Home FAXOWM-Wa 328 S. Broadway. Hastings 269-945-3252 BROKEN— ------ SMOKER Southern J515Q & Catering Middleville, MI 49333 259-241-1050 �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue. 2021 - pagu 4 Klddisoii Hottmann Jesse Hunt Ashland Hout Cough Houseman | Katleij Howard Williamjensen Giant Hwvet Cillianjoknson ______________ -, ~ • Mackenzie. Johnstone Kylex Madden Paisu Kerbr Hanna Ceasl; Txevox Madden Ctlexandex Mahnquist-Hubett essica McKeevet KING’S ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES 130 W. State. Hastings 269-945-4284 Oladison ntcinastexs Pouglas Mead highpoint Savana Ceona-id Juliann Meeket COMMUNITY DANK 1-888-422-2280 Detton Oriv® Thru: highpointcommunitybonkcom 1OI99S.M43Hwy. 269-945-9249 0®ton, Ml 49046 Paniela Montiel tdejandio Hlattine PROGRESSIVE GRAPHICS Mr^nb«FD!C Pauton Cevett 115 S Jefferson St, Hastings Raven Moxww SAXON * * PRIDE * Tiffany Moyex Leaping Lizards Landscaping 269.9S3-74S2^|^ alcXttlg^logUnrtriMMtaoptnfl.cog �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue. 2021 - page 5 Maggie Hedbalek Jacob Fleil Jojephine Hickel Caxl Olson Claten Patten Zackaxy Pexxy Peinalda Plata £xic Pamey Cogan Rye Gavin Patton Bloxgan Poe • j Gxayson Patton Angelina Pxieto Alanna Pivexa Cucas Pichaxd Samuel Pandall Isaac Obexlin Mackenzie Coach - -------- T^-r------------- ----------- vij.' Anthony Pohm Abigail Salvador THE HASTINGS BANNER /.» lhe intemn of H Jry County w’/rr AW 1351 N.M-43 Hwy.. Hasting* 269-945-9554 Panlel Sanfoxd Skulax Saxvex GENERAL STORE Alexis Schild HASTINGS NAPA 122 N. Jefferson Rd. THE GENERAL STORE 118 South Jefferson Street. Hastings. Ml 269-945-1848 fllani Sedex Hastings 269-948-9696 Cauxen Sensiba BARRY COUNTY LUMBER 225 N. Industrial Park Dr. Hastings 269-945-3431 �Hastings Banner • Graduation Issue. 2021 - page 6 Idaiah Shave aiden Shumway atelun Simonton dndxew Sia Hannah Slauqhte llicholad Staffoxd Gainey Smith niya Steidl Caijden Smith Hicole Stxouje Cucad Teunessen dxiella Totten 6enjaminTotxed Coxbin Lllxich 6xynn Turned ’• vs>7■’•Mtii Steven VanOoy Cluta Wahl-Piotxowdki BxianaVanDenbexg TCU Thornapple Credit Union 108 S Gro*e St. Dtftun. (269) G2J-C700 2071. Wood-w.n Ave . Hastinflr (269) 9-16-8369 410 S. Broadway MWterfte. Ml 49333 (269) 241-1034 ivww 1hornappfccu.com PRECISION AUTO BODY REPAIR 819 E. Railroad St. Hastings 269-948-9472 O UnionBank HASTINGS Lake Odessa Clbigail Wallet BRIAN’S TIRE & SERVICE 235 S. Jefferson. Hastings 269-945-9549 �^.a.n.ner/ Graduation Issue, 2021 - page 7 A <7 2ee*e Wa £m ma White Kayla Willaxd Thomai Wickham Pheonix Wotk 'gWs Interim Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement Belli Stevens (from left) Superintendent Matthew Goebel and Principal Teresa Heide enjoy the ’Remember When'1 humor provided by seniors Grace Green, Jesse Hunt and Bailey Nye. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Jan Hawthorne, realtor NORTHLAND OPTICAL Dr. Scott Bloom D.O. 1510 N. Broadway -f Associate Broker Office: 269-701-1000 Cell: 269 838-2145 100 S. Jefferson St Hastings, Ml 49058 (M-43 Hwy) Hastings 102 E. State Street • Downtown Hasting269-945-9572 „ 269-945-3906 \ " Pediatrics 1375 W. Green St., Suite 3. Hastings 269-818-0070 www.brightstart-pediatrioi.cum tnzrfsunasi REAL ESTATE MILLER REAL ESTATE 149 W. Stale St, Hastings 269-945-5182 HODGES JEWELRY 122 W. State St, Hastings 269-945-2963 .OT HASTINGS. INC. Enj’incering trust. Arcund tncwontl.* West M-43 H-ghway, Hastings, Ml 49353 269-945-2.133 • Fax 269-945^.802 312 E. Court, Hastings - 269-945-341 Insurance for all of your needs. wv*w floxfab corn CREEKSIDE /X VISION & HEARING For vision For hearing For hoa’ih 1761 V/. M43 Hwy-. Hasfings 269-945-3888 • CreeksideVislon.com FIRST REHAB AND SPORT F PHYSICAL THERAPY 2169 W. M-43, Hastings 269-309-1090 across from Bob’s Gun A Tackle BROWN’S CARPET ONE & CUSTOM INTERIORS 221 N. Industrial Park. Hastings 269-945-2479 FARMERS INSURANCE TROY DALMAN AGENCY 128 W. Mill St., Hastings • 269 945-3423 �The Thursday, May 27, ceremonies were outside a! Baum Stadium. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Senior Abby Waller gets a hug from English teacher Krista Schueller. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Senior members of the Saxon band, clad in their caps and gowns, perform with the band one last time. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue. 2021 • page 9 HHS grads brave blustery ceremony at Baum Stadium Student speaker Sam Randall said COVID-19 commandeered their senior year, and they learned from the experience. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Rebecca Pierce Editor “This amazing class of2021,” as Hastings Superintendent Matthew Goebel called them, came together one last time as seniors Thursday. May 27. for the high school’s 145th annual commencement exercise. The strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the high school symphonic band, under lhe direction of Spencer White, greeted the graduates as they filed onto Johnson Field al Baum Stadium for the outdoor ceremony. The high school’s Varsity Singers, directed by Andrew Moore, sang “The StarSpangled Banner” as a brisk, cold wind swept across the field. Graduates were welcomed by seniors Josey Nickels and Grayson Patton. Principal Teresa Heide introduced guests, including faculty and school board members. Then Goebel encouraged the graduates lo reach for their goals. “This day represents the end of your high school story. But now it’s time to take the information, experiences and lhe characteristics you’ve developed here as Saxons to write your own new story.” Goebel introduced student speaker Sam Randall. “Well, we did it!” Randall told his fellow seniors. “This is surreal. It took 13 years to get here. Once, we were cute little kindergartners. Now we aren’t cute. We aren’t little. And we aren’t kindergartners.’’ In that time, he noted, they learned how to think things through by problem-solving and critical thinking. He looked back over what they had expected of high school and what they actually experienced there — and how COVID-19 commandeered the year so dial they, in effect, were living history. “It wasn’t a great senior year,” he added, “bul this ... has shaped us and who we are.” And all the experiences they have had thus far “have contributed to the next chapter, lhe next change,’’ he said. Randall quoted Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” saying they are not a victim of their circumstances: they are a product of their decisions. “There is hope we can change what we can do in the future,” he said, advising caution. “We can lose what we’ve got - or we can increase it tenfold. “What will we remember? The GPA? The money we earned? The friendships? This chapter only has so much room. What are going to fill it with?” Then Randall added his hope that they wouldn’t become “lhe graduating class defined by COVID.” Tlie way he said he looks at it, COVID “is merely one incredible bullet point” in their eventful K-12 career. The Varsity Singers sang “The Goodb>e Song.” Then students Valeria Arias-Franco and Abby Waller introduced the keynote speaker, English teacher Krista Schueller, who spoke on “Defining a Generation.” Schueller has taught for 12 years, five of them at Hastings High School. Students describe her as a teacher who has had an impact on the hearts and interests of much of the student body. Graduating seniors wait their turn to file onto Johnson Field at Baum Stadium for Hastings High School's 145th annual commencement exercises. (Photo by Scot! Harmsen) But Schueller stressed the fact that students also have a major impact on their teachers. That night, in lhe keynote address, it was her turn to provide the lesson. “We love to define tilings, to put things into their simplest form ... that things can just be this or that with no complex middle,” she said. “But I’m here to tell you, everything has a complex middle.” Entire generations have been defined by major events in history, Schueller said. “The Greatest Generation by World War II; lhe Baby Boomers by the Vietnam War and lhe unrest of lhe ’60s.” Now, with the class of 2021. she added, “my lesson is: Don’t be the graduating class defined by COVID ” Schueller recalled that 9/11, which occurred when she was attending college, greatly impacted her life. But lhe impact of her decision to become a teacher of English and literature was just as profound, she said. “Create your own stories,” she urged them. “I’ve never been so proud of a group of students as I have been of you. ... Life does have many adventures wailing for you out there.” She reminded them that COVID-19 shouldn’t define their time at Hastings, repeating Randall’s words that it was just one incredible bullet point. “Your mark on Hastings has been made,” Schueller concluded. “Now it’s time to go out and explore lhe world.” After lhe keynote address, the high school symphonic band, conducted by White, played highlights from the musical, “Wicked.” Grace Green, Jesse Hunt and Bailey Nyc recalled special moments for the class in the “Remember When” segment. Principal Heide certified the senior class, and diplomas were presented with assistance from students Gavin and Grayson Pallon. Students Ella Carroll and Maggie Nedbalek led the tassel ceremony, and closing comments were offered by students Kirby Beck and Lucas Richards. The band closed with “Fanfare and Recessional,” as families and friends, some of whom had been bundled in blankets as they watched from the stands, came forward to congratulate students. The traditional tassel ceremony took place as the commencement exercise drew to a close. �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, 2021 - page 10 the The time o ceremony was moved up an hour when the forecast indicated a possibility of rain. • viewers in the stands bundled up to keep warm amid cold, blustery conditions (Photo by Scott Harmsen) the Some audience bundled up (or a bird s-eye view of the proceedings. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Congratulations BARRY ^COMMUNITY lucas n W AT DIXON ENGINEERING, INC. FOUNDATION Dacmeon Richards 269-945-0526 231 S. Brodway St.. Hastings Ml 49050 269-207-7152 rwiri/f i!M« r« jcor? ___ FARM BUREAU INSURANCE* EDWARD JONES ..ADVANTAGE^ PLUMBING & DRAIN 139 W. State Street, Hastings Andrew R. Cove, AAMS Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn. Hastings 269’945-4520 269-945-3553 Lynn Denton w »»»Jht I) nndmton Jxeno xntn 4*. Southside *7 Pediatrics 269-945-0300 LITTLE CAESAR’S Hume of the Hot Ready Pizza! 216 N. Brvaduay, Hastings 269-948-2824 0 __ | BAY TO BAY Jri----- *r Ph. 300 Meadow Run Dr., Hastings South of Hastings on M-37 ww\>iijoinhhjdc4kickxx’m Quality Aluminum Products 269-818-1020 429 S Michigan Ave, Hasting*, MI 49508 W —’11111111 CHCtHt—- www.baytobaybulldlngconcopfs.corn 400 W. State St., Hastings Gmvrnx-rkc p.,a.»zinx Five Local 269-945-3777 ■^hNc �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue. 2021 • page 11 Hastings seniors receive awards, scholarships Numerous scholarships and awards were distributed last week as Hastings High School seniors were recognized during Honors Night May 2b at the performing arts center. Students were recognized for achievements in specific areas of study, for community service, athletics, music, leadership and more. Department Awards Agriculture. food and natural resources: /\ddison Homnann Business: Nathan Phillips (Construction trades: Austin Bleam Culinary’ arts program: Hanna Leask Engineering design: Maggie Nedbalek Fine arts: Alexander Mahnquist-1 lubcrt Language arts: M. Grace Green Math: Kirby Beck Science: Abigail Waller Social studies: Lauren Sensiba Spanish: Savana Leonard Face lhe Wind Award: Kaylee Bennett Special Awards Congressional Medal of Merit: M. Grace Green Early College Recognition: August Malik Athletics Saxon Scholar Athlete awards: Kirby Beck. Austin Bleam. Aubree Bond, Ethan Cans. Ella Carroll, Skyler Grego. Carter Hewitt. Rylee Honsowitz, William Jensen. Daisy Kerby. Savana. Leonard. Juliann Meeker, Maggie Nedbalek, Josephine Nickels, Gavin Patton, Grayson Patton, Zackary Perry', Samuel Randall, Hannah Slaughter. Corbin Ulrich, Aura WahlPiotrowski, Reese Warner and Thomas Wickham. 1-8 Scholar Athletes: Kirby Beck, Ethan Caris, Skyler Grego, Carter Hewitt, Rylee Honsowitz, Savana Leonard, Juliann Meeker. Maggie Nedbalek, Josephine Nickels and Samuel Randall. George “Buzz” Youngs awards: Kirby Beck and Josephine Nickels Most scholarships awarded Wednesday had specific criteria that must be met by the recipient. Some scholarships require admission to a particular university and/or field of study, such as attending Western Michigan University or studying engineering. The majority ot the scholarships require that the student complete an application process. Some of the awards are chosen by the donor and others are selected by a committee. Local Scholarship Awards L.H. Lamb scholarships: Mitchell Rafter and Aura Wahl-Piotrowski. Paul Peterson Scholarship: Aubreanna Highway and Zackary Perry. Woody Wyngarden Memorial Scholarship: Josephine Nickels. Thornapple Credit Union Scholarship: Josephine Nickels. Union Bank Scholarship: Austin Bleam. First Presbyterian Church of Hastings scholarships: Kirby Beck and Johnathan Solmes. Filar Teacher Krista Schueller, delivering the keynote address, encourages graduates to define themselves by their decisions in life as they go out and explore the world. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Hastings Athletic Boosters scholarships: Kirby Beck and Josephine Nickels. FFA Alumni Scholarship: Emma White. Grand Rapids Building Services Perseverance Scholarship: Reese Warner. College Initiative Scholarship: Alanna Beerman and Aubreanna Highway. Barry County Substance Abuse Tksk Force Youth scholarship: Lucas Richards. Eldon Willard Scholarship: Josephine Nickels. Coach and Kathleen Clarey Scholarship: Josephine Nickels. Southside Pediatrics Scholarship: Josephine Nickels. Robert Evans Memorial Scholarship: Josephine Nickels. Barbara Colleen Hooten Memorial Scholarship-Hastings: Josephine Nickels. Gies Family Scholarship: Kirby Beck. James and Mel Hund Scholarship: Reese Warner. GFWC Hastings Women’s Club “Jumpstart Your Future** Scholarship: Reese Warner Mary Youngs Music and Athletic Memorial scholarships: Kirby Beck and M. Grace Green Charles Baldwin Speakers Club Scholarship: Jesse Hunt. HEA scholarships: Ainsley Reser and Abigail Waller. Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation scholarships Dana Burgess • Hastings High School Alumni Association scholarships: Landon Eilar and Andrew Markley. Brad and Karin Johnson Scholarship: /Xddison Homnann. Hastings Kiwanis Club scholarships: Kirby Beck and M. Grace Green. Hastings Car Club Scholarship: Michael VanDorp. Helen Mott scholarships: Nathan Flikkema, Sophia Groendal and Alexia Herblet. Howard and Leona VanDelk scholarships: Aubree Bond and Landon Eilar. Robert Casey Scholarship: Aubree Bond. Jerry Lee Morton Memorial Scholarship: Valeria Arias-Franco Herbert J. Reinhardt Scholarship: Valeria Arias-Franco Gladys Cairns scholarships: Kierstyn Brisco, Skyler Grego, Zackary Perry. Ruth T’nngcrstrom Memorial scholarships: Aubree Bond and Reese Warner. Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Scholarship: Ethan Caris. Vai “Bub*’ Bennett Springer Scholarship: Abigail Waller. Trades /Technical Scholarship: Natalie Count. George Wibalda Scholarship: William Jensen. Hastings Rotary Club scholarships: Samuel Randall and Johnathan Solmes. Roscllen E. and Paul E. Siegel scholarships: Jesse Hunt. Laincy Smith, Kayla Willard. Beatrice Fisher Wollin Scholarship: Canton Pederson. Willard G. Pierce and Jessie M. Pierce Scholarship: Alanna Beennan. Andrea M. Storrs scholarships: Katelyn Simonton and Nicole Strouse. Carl and Loretta Schoessel Community Service and Leadership scholarships: Lucas Richards and Lauren Sensiba. Academic Awards 325 and above in seven semesters First-year award: Emma Alexander, Kennedy Allyn, Jacob Arens, Valeria Arias-Franco, Alanna Beennan, Austin Bleam. Aubree Bond. Juliet Bradfield, Haily Christie, Ryan Diljak, Mitchell Eldred, Autumn Fox, Alexia Herblet, Rose Lambert, Savana Leonard, Payton Levett, /Xugust Malik. Bailey Nye. Grayson Patton, Laincy Smith. Leila Sweeney, Brynn Tumes, Michael VanDorp, Reese Warner. Emma White and Pheonix Work. Second-ycar award: Skylar Dixon, Sophia Groendal, Daniel Hall, Jade Hunter, William Jensen, Jessica McKeever, Juliann Meeker, Jacob Neil, Josephine Nickels. Gavin Patton, Canton Pederson. Zackary' Perry'. Nathan Phillips. Ainsley Reser. Logan Smith, Nicholas Stafford and Thomas Wickham. Third-year award: Kirby Beck. Kierstyn Brisco, Ethan Caris, Ella Carroll. Aubree Donaldson. M. Grace Green, Skyler Grego, Carter Hewitt, Rylee Honsowitz, Addison Horrmann, Jesse Hunt, Daisy Kerby, Alexander Malmquist-Hubert, Maggie Nedbalek, Samuel Randall, Lauren Sensiba, Hannah Slaughter, Nicole Strouse, Lucas Teunessen, Corbin Ulrich, Aura Wahl-Piotrowski, Abigail Waller and Kayla Willard. Gavin Patton and Grayson Patton, who performed in musicals during their high school career, entertain during commencement. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Honor Roll: Kaylee Bennett. Kierstin Boulter. Zebulon Carey, Keegan Cook, Jaden Drabik. Ethan Dunn. Evan Eastman, Scott Fischer. Aaron Gole, Rachel Graham, Hunter Hays. Morgan Howell. Ashland Hoyt, Lauralie Hyatt, Andrew Markley, Madison McMasters, Raven Morrow, Isaac Oberlin, Morgan Poe, Justice Pyle. Lucas Richards. Alanna Rivera,Katelyn Simonton, Hayden Smith, Johnathan Solmes, Briana VanDenbcrg. Javcn VanZalcn and Brianna White. Blue and White Cords, 3-25-3J4 GPA,High Honor Roll: Emma Alexander. Kennedy Allyn,Jacob Arens, Valeria AriasFranco, Alanna Beerman. Austin Bleam, Aubree Bond, Juliet Bradfield, Haily Christie, Ryan Diljak. Skylar Dixon, Aubree Donaldson. Mitchell Eldred. Autumn Fox. Daniel Hall. Alexia Herblet. Carter Hewitt, William Jensen, Rose Lambert, Savana Leonard. Payton Levett. August Malik. Juliann Meeker, Jacob Neil, Josephine Nickels, Bailey Nye,Gavin Patton,Grayson Patton, Canton Pederson. Lainey Smith. Logan Smith, Nicholas Stafford, Leila Sweeney, Lucas Teunessen, Brynn Tumes, Corbin Ulrich, Michael VanDorp, Reese Warner. Emma White. Thomas Wickham and Pheonix Work. Blue and Gold Cords, 3.75-3.99 GPA, Highest Honor Roll: Kierstyn Brisco, Ethan Caris, Skyler Grego, Sophia Groendal, Rylee Honsowitz. Jade Hunter, Daisy Kerby, Alexander Mahnquist-Hubcrt. Jessica McKeever, Zackary Perry, Nathan Phillips, Ainsley Reser, Hannah Slaughter, Nicole Strouse and Aura Wahl-Piotrowski. Double Gold Cords, 4.0 GPA and above, Top Honors: Kirby Beck, Ella Carroll, M. Grace Green, Addison Horrmann. Jesse Hunt, Maggie Nedbalek. Samuel Randall, Lauren Sensiba, Abigail Waller and Kayla Willard. National Honor Society members: Valeria Arias-Franco, Kirby Beck, Austin Bleam, Ethan Caris, Ella Canoil, M. Grace Green, Jesse Hunt, Jade Hunter. Juliann Honor Cord Recipients Meeker, Maggie Nedbalek, Josephine Silver and Blue Cords • Early Nickels, Gavin Patton, Grayson Patton. Samuel Randall, Lauren Sensiba, Brynn College: August Malik. Double Gold and Blue - eligible for AP Tumes, Michael VanDorp, Abigail Waller Capstone recognition: Maggie Nedbalek, and Emma White. Samuel Randall and Lauren Sensiba. Double White Cords, 3.0-3.24 GPA, �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue. 2021 - page 12 ACADEMIC TOP HONORS (in alpluafeeiical order) Abigail L. Waller Kayla R. Willard Jesse D. Hunt Maggie E. Nedbalek Samuel R. Randall Lauren K.Sensiba Kirby J. Beck Ella J, Carroll M. Grace Green Addison R. Horrmann FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT Ida Asiuan STUDENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE BOARD •*. • Secretary Treasurer Grayson Patton Patrick Mallory Maggie E. Nedbalek President Vice-President Ella J. Carroll Zach Franklin Public Relations Gavin Patton Corbin Ulrich Aiderman Aiderman SENIOR CIASS Abby Waller Kirby Beck Lucas Richards President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Aiderman Lauren Sensiba Jesse Hunt JUNIOR HONOR GUARDS Morgan Deal Elisabeth Arnold S&oardI of Etlocaiion Luke E. Haywood Valerie A. Slaughter Jennifer L. Eastman President Vice-President Secretary Michael A. Nickels Daniel F. Patton Bradley W. Tolles Louis F. Wierenga Treasurer Adlmiofsifrariton Matthew J. Goebel Superintendent Dana L. Stein Beth A. Stevens Asst. Superintendent of Achievement Eric K. Heide Robert Tim Berlin Asst. Superintendent of Operations Sarah R. Geukes Teresa G. Heide Principal, Hastings High School Amy S. Smelker Michael K. Goggins Athletic Director/Asst. Principal HHS Matthew W. Moore Beth A. Stevens Principal, Hastings Middle School Dale D. Krueger III Adam R. Case Interim Asst. Principal, HMS Trustee Trustee Trustee Principal, Southeastern Elementary Principal, Northeastern Elementary Principal, Central Elementary Principal, Star Elementary Director of Food Services Director of Maintenance School EactaMo Richard (Scott) Allan Dan Baker Erin Bargo AnnMarie Beemer Teresa Borton Jason Burghardt Robert Carl Steve Collins Steve Crozier Jennifer Delaphiano Mark De Vries James Dixon Edward Domke James Doran Michael Engle Marshall Evans Jennifer Ewers Amanda Gurtowsky Andrew Haines Daniel Hayward Renee Herbert Jason Hoefler Mike Key Laura Kingma Justine Kramer Dora Leonard Cathy Longstreet Sara Matthews-Kaye Andria Mayack Michael McCann Steve Merring Andrew Moore James Murphy Kelli Newberry Jacqualynn Northrop Angela Peymbroeck Jeanette Pickard Julie Plain Greer Putnam Krista Schueller Justin Straube Kimberly Sweeris Joann VandenHout Daniel Volk Shawn Watkins Austin Wegener Spencer White Jill Withey MarKeese Boyd - College Adviser Otiicc anti ParaproleMfonal Siafff Amy Collins Kristi Erb Cheryl Northrop Danielle Petrak Angela Dunn Kathy Eilar Deb James Brenda Johncock Tim Kietzman Andrew Maurer Teresa Mitchell Rich Pohja Mike Schneiderhan Debby Sutfin Melissa Winick � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-06-10.pdf 50b7dd39ea3cd13991fe0a9e71af12d0 PDF Text Text Lafey mullet case delayed a9ain See Story on Poge 5 Developi^^saving ^nerica See Editor^' 0,1 Page 4 Vikings take district at TK in 13 innings : See Story on Page 12 devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 CAR-RTLOr. Richard Hemerhng L 005 con^ 421 N Taffee Or Ml 49053-1134 6Z30/20?n o ... '00 AM VOLUME 167. No. 23 ANNER Thursday. J^IO. 2o2) PRICE $1.00 Medical examiner’s view of CO VID count Rebc^ Pierve Editor Robert Pence is surrounded by current and former members of Prairieville Township Emergency Services (front row, from left) Mykal Gerrou. Pence; (middle) Tyler Brownell. Mary Herzog; (back) Mike Garrison, Don Haneckow, Ron Herzog. Richard Garrison. Zach Koon and Cassie Flick. Fire chief dies after station rededicatta Thylor Owens Staff Writer Prairieville Township Fire Chief Robert Pence died early Wednesday, just two days after learning of a special honor. Members of the Prairieville Township Fire Department organized a surprise dedication Monday evening, when the fire station was officially renamed to the Chief Robert Pence Station. Pence said, when he was invited to the sta­ tion Monday night, he expected to drink cof- fee and chat with his colleagues. But when he arrived to see a new sign with his name on the station, a small crowd of peo­ ple. a Hastings Banner reporter and a TV news camera. Pence said he was both shocked and humbled. Pence. 72. had been member of the depart­ ment for 33 years, the assistant chief for 26 years and the chief since September 2020. See FIRE CHIEF, page 4 Barry County saw a s"'?<-' in in number of deaths last year, but exacuy how many ue[v caused by COVlD-lV^’ns unclear, the county’s medical ex&tuiner told county com­ missioners Tuesday. The county expenenced a 13.5-percenl increase in deaths *n " । 1 whether those were a direct result of EOV ID “will be some­ thing that the state determines,’’ Dr. Joyce deJong said. “ ...1 don t have access to every death certificate and,in ,"c Mate of Michigan, the medical examinerdoesn’t scrutinize every death that occurs. So I don’t know that. “ ‘ On Monday, the ^any-Eaton District Health Department reported 19 active cases of COVID-19 in the county and a total of 67 deaths since the virus was confirmed here a year ago last spring. Commissioner Da\e Jackson asked deJong about the reliability of the COVID-19 num­ bers that have been reported by the state. “ Die one comment that we heard continually throughout the year, alot of times with skep­ ticism or scoffing, is the COVID numbers reported by the stale. 4 fan you explain that process on how we uMk up with that num­ ber?” deJong replied: "I had direct communica­ tion with the state registrar Jeff Duncan (of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) and I had the same question: How are you coming up with the numbers? “If the death certificate said that it was ( OVID.it was considered a COVID death. If it didn’t say that, and it was a natural death ... through a separate database they identified that the) (the deceased) had had a positive COVID test within 30 days of their death. See COUNT, page 5 Four plead guilty m Royal CoagGi arsom Evelyn Zettelmaier takes flight after she gets a carnation at the conclusion of the ceremony Thursday night. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Last local high school commencement Delton Kellogg 2021 grads take the field Rebecca Pierce Editor A verbal class history offered to 71 Delton Kellogg High School graduates last Thursday capped an eventful, perhaps historic. K-I2 ^After all, not every high school graduating class experiences a pandemic in their senior Keigan Sochor Taylor Owens Staff Writer Four men have pleaded guilty to breaking into the Royal Coach building before it bunted down Oct. 7,2020. Keigan Sochor. 22. of Hastings, was .sen­ tenced to prison after pleading guilty to entry' with intent, and preparation to burn the prop- year. . „ , ►» , . Graduating senior Evelyn Zettelmaier reflected on starting school as kindergartners and how incredibly terrifying school had seemed then, “no parents or siblings within arm’s reach, but we were alone - together. Fventuallv school was something to look hou Jnn ™al ?oach buildir)9. which had been scheduled for renown as an upscale fonvard to...because of friends.” housing complex, burned down Oct. 7. (File photo) 'Then came middle school, she remarked, and "duh. duh, duhn!” - saying the sounds for dramatic effect - school was “new and scary Sochor will serve h... > . sidcred for bool camp-"'“judge said. and unfamiliar all over again. v,Qr . rVc between three and 10 “But we had each other. We grew together.” fcSl “X see AflSON, page 5 In the years to come, “we suffered together, we laughed together, we danced together, we celebrated together. ... But there were still a few more leaps ” They experienced the loss of a classmate in their sophomore year, and then the CO VID­ net service, said the maim.... , . 19 pandemic began during their junior year. Zs^P*’Sed,OlaMftn,n,"S^S Wednesday morning, San Francisco nd' klo'W “What seemed like the end of the world.” experienced a glitch b> she said, “went on for nearly a year and a Reddit. Twitch. T* Lul*°r.k r,mcs “nd half.” , ........ . “And we made it,” Zettelmaier told her mote to go offline ‘ "“r•rite company ref^J* 1,ch classmates. “Thirteen years of friends, because of a bug in <‘re|c^ Wilre “Pda c' memories, growth. It went by in the blink of JS-....... ..... "»■» ... an eye. How close we have grown. How far After the update *^ng^;ha s,nEle we have come.” tomer made a routinf utrperst Even if the internet had been • Hie 55-minute program concluded that ... lining । * caused a chain setttngs.whtch >n <|„w,n ih<; webg.|es idents would not have been ab|c to vision eventful academic career, which was filled oflbcwor'd's .„om l-pul.tr 4X'* reacuon h> lhe company, according to a st»w« ’ j Local internet outage not part of national glitch Taylor Owens Staff Writer Residents of the Maple Valley area lost their home and cell phone internet for several hours Tuesday - but it wasn’t part of a global outage that was widely reported early Wednesday. . Vogtmann Engineering, Inc. President Rick Vogtmann said the outage was due to work on the local fiber lines by AT&T. Vogtmann, an Alger-based company that leases the lines from AT&T to provide inter­ with challenges and uncertainly the students acknowledged in their remarks. Salutalorian Lcxi Morris, reflecting on spending the entirety o! their senior year m a pandemic, said they learned to have ‘gratitude for the little things.” “Being isolated from the people I love made me sorry 1 ever took them for granted, Morris said. “Stand tall, be proud and go forth ... Be present in the moment, she advised. Valedictorian Bradley Bunch offered “a special thank you to all the teachers and administrators who navigated us through. Going into freshmen year, he joked. We already knew everything ” Then, each year, thev learned more and “this y ear has taught us to think outside the box ... and that not every problem should be addressed head-on. It uas a war filled with uncertainty, he added, but the class response to it “shows we have matured.” They have learned to play the best game they can with the hand they have been dealt, Bunch concluded. Marsha Bavsett. longtime Delton resident who served on the school board and is now president of the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation, was the keynote speaker. “That was a tough act to follow’” Bassett said of the student s|V.iken> who preceded her. In her address. Bassett focused on the adv ice she has gleaned from her adult children and others who recently graduated. * Her youngest daughter, two years out of Delton Kellogg High School, advised,“When See GRADUATION, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, June 10. 2021 — The Hastings Banner Hastings citizens committee plans election outreach Bcryjamin Simon Stuff'Writer A citizens committee brainstormed Tuesday how to get out the vote for the Aug. 3 Hastings Area Schools bond request. Committee co-chairs Becky Deni. Sam Randall and Jenny Haywood, along with Superintendent Matt Goebel, discussed a strategy for reaching residents of the school system The proposal would decrease the current amount of 6.9 mills to 6.8 mills through the 2026-27 school year The bond would bring in $21.9 million and allow for improvements in all district schools, including new window’s, public address systems, bathrooms, locker rooms, an air purification system and more, as well as additional busses. Fixing the high school roof would cost $1.8 million to $2 million and carries the “largest price tag “ Goebel said dunng the meeting. “This bond you saw, it’s not flashy,” Deal said. “We're not getting like, you know, a new swimming pool or a new football field or anything flashy, or even gyms or anything. We’re talking the roof. We’re talking windows, busing. I mean, we’re talking cement. We’re talking windows, refurbishing bathrooms.’’ Deal. Randall and Haywood said their goal is not to push people to vote for the request but, rather, to encourage them to vote. They mentioned that they haven’t heard many people say they don't support the request. “There’s no secrets,’’ Deal said. “Nothing is being held back. It’s completely on the website. Everything is right in there. No secrets, no nothing It’s just information. Do w hat you feel is right for you and your houscliold.’’ 1 he 90-minute meeting took place in the performing arts center al the high schixd. It began with an eight-minute video and a follow­ up presentation by Goebel, who highlighted what the bond would be used to repair or upgrade. The majority of the meeting was spent strategizing between the 10 attendees, who included parents and past parent-teacher organization leaders.They created a spreadsheet of potential contacts through high school clubs, sports teams, local organizations and churches. Over the next few weeks, the citizens committee will contact residents in hopes they can spread the word within their groups about the upcoming election. Deal called it “a giant phone tree.’’ With the election taking place in the middle of summer, the committee is concerned about turnout - especially with the bond being the only issue on the ballot. “The August vote is the hardest one because you’re probably out doing yard work or visiting friends or working,’’ Deal said. “It's too hot. You don’t want to go stand in the polls.” By reaching out to as many residents os possible, committee members said they hope to spread the details about the bond and encourage more people to vote. "People want our kids to be successful and want to support our kids,” Haywood said. “And I think, if you give them the information, they’ll make they’ll make an informed decision.” ThT|(>t Owens •• S7./Iyn7rr n,c ^'hvilln man charged in murder, torture ahd cOneen|fnent of a btxly is due in court lor a, 4 g.30 n m junc 23, Ihal Pnxce(|j'ng'|h3< was for the S"An2n'eW^«”y1 V Andrew ra . niiorncy. James Kinney, M dr County pis,ricl Cour' ,U<*8C Michael t the competency exam- 1 ne court, htnvPVer. has not yet received the report. That rcpurl to whether Lafey is able to undentand and participate in his own defense, and whed , legally insane at 1e cou^ have been Lafey. 21, is f Jj ‘lmc the crime. dcr. torture and conce!^”15 of °Pen mur* death of 18-year.oid «cnlofabody in the Ionia County. Jrflcyn Bricklcy of Barry County . Pratt alleges Lafey beat n* !U,ie Nakfoor her with a rifle, before hi r.,cy and shot residence on Guy Road ,n'\hcr body nt his on Feb. 16. ‘ Oulh of Nashville, In her prosecution of the she plans to advance the tasc‘,>ratt said grec murder. * r^un,c,it of first-dePratt said there is viden , aen evidence that Judge Michael Schipper Julie Nakfoor Pratt NEWS BRIEFS Book sale begins tomorrow The Friends of Hastings Public Library. I 227 E. State St.. Hastings, will host a book | sale this week, allowing readers, cooks, students. DIYers and others to pick up some new books. The sale is taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 • p.m. today and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Books may be purchased by the bag Saturday. Trees, trail part of weekly program The local No Family Left Indoors pro­ gram is continuing its tradition of inspiring individuals, couples and families to spend time outdoors. Weekly programs are planned’Tuesdays throughout the summer, a combination of in-person, self-guided and virtual activities. Next week's event, hosted by the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, will feature Trees on the Trail, along the Paul Henry Thomapple Trail in Middleville. Participants can learn about the variety of native trees through a scavenger hunt. Activity sheets will be available at the marked brochure area near the pavilion on the trail north of Crane Road. Additionally, participants can track down the “blue blaze” (NCT trail marker) starting at Stagecoach Park downtown. More information can be found at cedar­ creekinstitute .org. Summer concerts expand next week The Hastings Live free summer concert series will continue next week with the Hastings City Band presenting the music of Disney starting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. June 16, at Thomapple Plaza near the Apple/Boltwood and East State Street inter­ section. It will be the third of Five concerts, launching the rest of the Hastings Live sum­ mer concerts. Unlike past years, these pro­ grams are taking place Thomapple Plaza. The Thursday, June 17, concert, starting at 11 a.m. with Brenna Harm, will feature weekly children's music, entertainment and education. /\t noon Friday. June 18, the Fridays at the Fountain concert series will start with Gary Niemensky providing entertainment. The Friday lunchtime concerts are on the Barrv County Courthouse northeast lawn, 220 W. State St., Hastings. Then that evening, Thomapple Plaza wi^ again be the venue for the first Friday Night Features. FlyLiteGemini, a blues, folk, pop and rock group from Grand Rapids, will begin playing at 7:30 p.m. All concerts arc free, and attendees may bring their own blankets or chairs for seat­ ing. More information can be found at thornapplearts.org. Golf outing registration Monday Family Promise of Barry County is host­ ing a golf outing and ball drop Saturday, June 26, to help raise money for its mission to help the county’s homeless families with children. The families the organization works with are sheltered at the Family Promise of Barry County’s Hope United Methodist Church. The deadline to register a team is June 14. Sue Larghi, a member of the Family Promise of Barry County board of directors, said check-in time for the 8:30 a.m. golf scramble is at 8 a.m. The ball drop is at 1 p.m. They have arranged for a licensed heli­ copter from White Pines Helicopters of Waterford Township to carry the numbered golf balls to The Legacy in Hastings. The sponsor assisting with dropping the balls from the helicopter is John DcMaagd of DeMaagd Marble & Tile, Inc. of Woodland. For more information, call (269) 953­ 6189 or email executive .director® familypromisebarrycounty.org. All proceeds will go to the operating bud­ get for Family Promise of Barry County which is working to end homelessness in the county. 1___________________ _____ -______________ The Hastings BctlUlCT Deuoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 Pubishodby.. Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 Nows and press releases: news^J adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@hadgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Breit Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler Sean Bradley Taylor Owens . ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • ChssA«d ad. accepted Monday Ihfcugh Friday. 830 am. to 5 00 pm. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO. Bom 168 lUlbngs. Ml 49058-0188 Seco<Jd Class l^ostago Paid at HasbrMl 49056 shows at least part of the incident. Lafey also faces additional charges of using a firearm while allegedly committing the other offenses. , He did not appear in court, in person or via Zoom, during the short court proceeding Wednesday morning. James Kinney Planning commission recommends master ptam adoption, parking amendment Sophie Bates Staff Writer After giving the City of Hastings Master Plan a seal of approval Monday evening, the planning commission sent the document to city council for review and potential adoption at the council’s July 28meeting. The master plan is 1 long-term guide that uses past trends to inform projections on what issues Hastings may in the next five to 20 years. 'Die master plJ will be reviewed each year to guide the progress and be more extensively reviewed every five years, because the projections contained in the plan arc most accurate in the short term. “The Master Plan for the City of Hastings will be the guide for future growth and development. It will explain who Hastings is as a community, what we have, where we arc going and how we get there," the document reads. “This document will allow the City to plan ahead and prepare for the future needs of the residents, property owners and everyone that is a part of the Hastings community.” The master plan has two major components: community and action. The community section of the plan analyzes existing conditions within the city, summarizes community input and outlines goals and objectives for long-term growth. It is split into four sections: Hastings Showcased, which focuses on creating a sense of place in the city; Hastings Speaks, a compilation of input from residents and community shareholders gathered during the planning process: Hastings Envisions, which uses existing conditions and community input to develop goals and objectives; and The Library, a section of the plan that summarizes and presents existing conditions. The action section of the plan outlines future land use, transportation, zoning and action for Hastings. It also presents growth strategies for the plan’s goals and objectives. “This has certainly b«en an extendcd process, thanks primarily 10 COVID, but I think we have taken advantage of that opportunity to gain some additional input, and I really want to thank Rebecca [Harvey planning consultant! and ^er staff and associates for all the work that they did on it. Chairman Dave Hatfield said a^ler b°ld>n8 a public hearing on the plan’ w^,c^ drew no public comment. .. Before sending the on to cHy COUnC‘ ’ the commissioners had die opportunity to make changes to the document. Community DevdoPnienl DireCl0.r . ! King suggested conmiissi^^ add aj shopping district into ihe Plan' wh,Ch ud give the city special assessment capabilities. S^' ^nient distnets are an economic devrf' «x>',hal “““ a" additional tax on'W'alue of a property usually paid by nrontrt)' <>w"ers w,thin.d! district that W()11|j benefit from pu 1C improvements . . “The way (o lhi . asiut this is that there are a set of can use here m Hastings for econo je*l<>P'nent P>“PO“Sand the more C?" .iU in y0U- ,0?’ ’ the more capabU ’ SncZl'sh 1)an to do certain things. Unique assessments for a variety of purposes in the in any zoning district. By the ordinance’s downtown. Whether we do that or not is definition, recreational vehicles include another matter, but if we don’t include it in the camper trailers, travel trailers, truck campers, master plan, we definitely won’t be able to do motor homes, boat trailers, horse trailers, it.” utility trailers and off-road vehicles. King suggested they align the principal The amendment reconciles the shopping district with the boundaries of the inconsistency by permitting the parking or downtown development authority’s district. storage of a recreational vehicle in any zoning Commissioners were in favor of the district, subject to locational standards. addition,«s well a^eeded'AiUpping addition : * ffti other matters, theplanning df/Hmission': noted by Commissioner Chelsey Foster, and • §et a public : hearing for its July 6 unanimously approved the plan. . .meeting to consider site-plan appwyal and Later in the meeting, commissioners special-use permit for Spectrum Health reviewed a text amendment regarding the Pennock Hospital parking lot reconstruction parking of semi-trailers, recreational vehicles at 1009 W. Green St. and vehicles with two or more rear axles. • Heard an update from Hatfield regarding Currently, there is no zoning district, site progress on accessory dwelling units and use or condition, or public space in Hastings adding two family dwelling units as a that allows for the outdoor parking or such permitted use in residential and apartment vehicles. zoning districts. The amendment would allow for the “In my last report, I had indicated to you establishment of an off-street area where that we were really hopeful that we could find vehicles with two or more rear axles could be a comprehensive way to address that in order parked outside. Such an area may be to really deal with it as a single issue, but as established in a non-residential district if we’ve delved into this more and more, it approved by the planning commission. became increasingly evident that that was The amendment also targets an going to be extraordinarily difficult, if not inconsistency between two sections of the impossible," Hatfield said. zoning ordinance as it relates to recreational The committee Hatfield appointed to vehicles. oversee the issues is currently working to One section of the ordinance prohibits the resolve non-conforming issues in single­ outdoor parking or storage of a recreational family neighborhoods. Planning Consultant vehicle in residential districts, which is Harvey will likely present initial inconsistent with another section that permits recommendations at the July meeting. the parking or storage of a recreational vehicle NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale three pickups: (2) 2020 I GMC 2500 Crew Cab SLE pickup (1) 2020 GMC 1 Ton Crew Cab SLE pickups w/plow. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158 Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 15, 2021 for the following items. Please mark outside of bid envelope with truck number i.e #900010. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above phone number or at our website www.barrycrc. prg., please make an appointment for all viewinos of the trucks. NOTE: All trucks are sold as is. a Du0J° COV,D 19 the opening will bo done by Zoom Meeting on June 15, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. hupsr/Zzp^m. 1 or by phone 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID #959 9723 6512, passcode: 186179 GMC 2500 Crew Cab SLE plckuPs Dri?.uramax Diesel. Allison Transmission o •» uh. & Locks Keviess remote, Heated mirrors 1 - Summit White #900010 - GreenTitle - Approximately 29,300 Miles - Air 1 - Summit White- #900040 - Green Titled Approximately 15,171 - Minimum Bid $47,000 (1) 2020 GMC 3500 Crew Cab SLE Pickup Truck w/plow Air Cruise pia> . , D Dura™ax Diesel. Allison Transmission ‘ * & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors, BOSS Plow, 8-10' 1-Cardinal Red Truck #900170 - Orange Title (MUNICIAPL Title - NOT S at t°5Di$ <h- >’»u r^s . ‘ u ferunis otherwise have •», area, interim citv } khw! -Rv w. , . SALVAGE) approximately 10,024 Miles - Minimum Bid $55,500 ..... to do things up ° y0U . , as y niaiv‘f, adjustment in the . ''•‘erenJ- , iGrv to area, we then haVc |h< KKOTE. All mileages are approximate - trucks are being driven until they are ,il#. special irPlhe bestrimf,Ves ,he ri9ht t0 reiect anY or al1 Pr°P°sals or ,0 wa've irregularities ------ l eresl °f lhe Commission. �GRADUATION, continued from page t Open Year „ Round , 126 East Orchard Street, Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-6565 qii^ri?IlnKDenfCKv|n9c K'ran Vaz<’uez accepts congratulations Superintendent Kyle Corlett (right). (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) www.mei.net from BUCKLAND AGENCY CHAPPLE REALTY INC. 11235 Sprague Rd, Delton 623*5115 118 E. Orchard, Delton HOW. Center, Suite B, Hastings 623'4058 94S-372® WestMichiganLakes.com Delton Moose Lodge 269.623.2112 5428 Moose Lodge Dr. (2 miles north ofDeltone on M43) Oi l N D.US M I at.tnm. l2pmSat&Sun .Hid wrivd even dav Xlcmbyis & Quests highpoint After the past year, class Salutatorian Lexi Morris said, she and her fellow grad­ uates have “learned to have gratitude for little things." (Photo by Scott Harmsen) you leave high school, regardless of what you do after, take an opportunity to reflect on who you are.” Her middle daughter, who graduated four years ago, said that, if high school graduates think the prior four years went fast, hold on to their mortarboards, because the next four years w ill go even faster. Bassett's advice focused on opportunities, grabbing at every one that comes along, and having no regrets. “Build on what you learned - and you’ll be surprised at what you can do,” she said. High school Principal Lucas Trierweiler recommended the seniors for their diplomas, and school board President Jessica Brandli officially accepted the class of 2021. School board members and Superintendent Kyle Corlett awarded a diploma to each graduate. As the exercises drew to a close, most of the graduates threw their caps into the air, then recovered them before they filed out of the stadium to see parents, family and friends and celebrate their accomplishments. 9939 M-43 Hwy 623-4804 >• .?< 'i . • f . - nit: '•* > Graduating senior Evelyn Zettelmaier offers a review of the class history, exclaiming, "We made itl" (Photo by Scott Harmsen) NAPA NAPA of Delton ■ .t.l.la iUU piiUd I Utu. GROVE STREET CAFE M-43 Hwy. across from Delton Schools COMMUNITY DANK Try Our Pi::a Td/> & Bzitr. To Go. Dinc-in 1-888-422-2280 hiqhpointcommunitybank.com 623-3777 Member FDIC SIMPLY SWEETS, 623'8047 DELTON FAMILY PBIARMACY 338 Grove St. (M-43)Delton GO GO AUTO PARTS 7709 Kingsbury Rd. Delton 623-525® (269) 623-2775 LYONS SEPTIC TANK SERVICE SMITH & DOSTER SALES & SERVICE 3840 Harrington Rd. Delton 114 Grove (M-43) Delton 623-2089 • 945-5379 623-5111 Fast Reliable Service For Over 50 Years Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett speaks briefly during the pro­ gram. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) WILL1AMS-GORES FUNERAL HOME 133 Orchard, Delton 623-5461 DELTON POLE BUILDING 10036 M-43, Delton 623-3300 TheLocal TUJAX tavern 103 S. Grove St. Delton 117 S. Grove St., Delton, Ml 623.5777 THE HASTINGS BANNER These local sponsors support the Delton Kellogg Class of 2021 to «ie interests of Barry County sum’ I8r>o Graduate L^an ^hoto by Rebecca sign to the absence, (r Pierce) Alexandria Carter gets ready for the tassel ceremony. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Coffee House (269) 623-8310 1351 N. M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 graduates! �Page 4 — Thursday. Juno f o. 2021 — Tho Hastes Banner Did you SCC • Why turtles cross the road Developing (and saying) If this little fellow looks a bit pugna­ cious. he may have a good reason. Now's the time when turtles tend to travel. June is typically the month when they move from wintering areas to sum­ mer waterways and nesting areas. Soon, baby turtles will be out and about, too. Roadway mortality is believed to be a major factor in turtle population declines across the U.S. And that's a concern, since some spe­ cies of turtle take 12 to 20 years Io .reach reproductive maturity. So the death of even one female turtle takes a toll. So please take care on the road and drive carefully around turtles. Do you small-town America Small-town America just r • 1 break, it seems. can 1 catc^ a De of losin^Sltion11tVb^ Tennis champs Banner May 28, 1959 League, regional champs - Hastings High’s tennis team successfully defended its West Central B Conference and regional championships this season, winning seven matches and tying two in the season’s play. The team gave up only 1 point in league competition, winning 35-1. Pictured (seated, from left) are Mike Youngs and Bill Damson, the No. 2 doubles team, and Terry Sheldon and Chris Kaechele, the No. 1 doubles team; (standing) Coach Bruce Withers, who has guided the Saxon net team since 1948, and Dennis Cleveland, the Class B regional singles champion; Don Vahlsing, captain, holding the regional trophy; and Ron Bartholomew, the other singles player. Cleveland goes to Kalamazoo again, seeking the state singles crown. Mike McMillan and Tom Baty, who comprised the third doubles team, were not present when this photo was taken. (Photo by Barth) met? Whether she’s assisting families in inter­ preting a will or organizing the Thomapple Players Youth Theater Club, Carol Svihl is a helper. Helping others is what motivates the Gladstone native to be active in the commu­ nity, with organizations like the Thomapple Players, and it’s the most rewarding pan of her work as a trust officer at Highpoint Community Bank. Svihl, who has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master of business admin­ istration from Davenport University, has been in the financial services industry for 35 years, working at HCB since 2014. As a trust officer, she assists families and individuals with trust planning or settle­ ments, end-of-life situations, investing and other issues. Outside of work, Svihl continues to pro­ vide care as the Algonquin Lake Community Association secretary since 2007 and through her three years of service on the St. Rose of Lima Education Trust Board. She also assists with the church bazaar, volunteers at the annu:d Thomapple Arts Council Auction for the Arts and participates in the Spectrum Pennock Hospice Embracing Hope flower project, which delivers flowers to hospice patients, since 2013. Serving as the Thomapple Players secre­ tary and treasurer since 2003, as well as group’s youth theater coordinator, has been one of Svihl‘s most rewarding community involvements because she’s seen young thes­ pians blossom through the youth theatre club and summer drama camp, which she organiz­ es. “They have gained so much, building self-esteem and things like that,” she said, based on feedback from parents. “It’s amaz­ ing. And so, it’s been really rewarding from that standpoint that it lias given those kids an outlet to not just really perform, but to get over their fear of being in front of people and former Kmart Plaz" owner announced two possible ten- ams for the empty building, remember? Have you b*!’ ^imunitv for to our community * zyears; it s an invest- Carol Svihl speaking.” A performer herself, she also has played tenor saxophone with the Thomapple Jazz Orchestra since 2(X)6 and, since 2002, has volunteered as a Master Gardener in the demonstration gardens at the Barry Expo Center. Svihl was the 2019 Barry County Athena Leadership Award recipient. The Barry County Chamber of Commerce presented the award which is given each year to a woman who assists others in reaching their leader­ ship potential. In her free time. Svihl enjoys gardening, traveling with her husband of nearly 35 years, Dale Svihl, and visiting her father in the Upper Peninsula. For the many ways she provides care to the local community. Carol Svihl is this week's Banner Bright Light. Favorite TV programs: “Jeopardy,” renins of “Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Seinfeld” with a little bit of “Dennis to Menace" thrown in. Favorite season: Spring - the season of renewal and hope. I love to see the flowers and trees starting to blossom. I am most content when: 1 am in my garden. Our backyard is full of flowers, so there is always something to do. It’s a great place to reflect and plan for the future. Greatest thing about Barry County: Community oriented. There are s0 ,na"^ caring people and resources for those in need. Person I'm glad to have met: My friend, Norma Jean. She has taught me so much about our community and >eadcrsh,P; Personally, she and her husband, Doug, and have been very influential sharin£ lhe!r 1,ter* ary-, musical and theatrical talents with my husband and me. We ha'e traveled together many times to see sta^e P,a>’s* musicaJS ‘I", concerts and app^^e them so much. We have shared many family events logc, '7 both happy and sad arx*are ,hcre f°r h smoke clouds on the horiZT" pcndable patron base that °.nce*de’ town businesses and dow.n“ events and social causes hxs t eroded in both citieT and tr!^ Community leaders and business now scrambling to find new andHt!* and, hopefully successful - ways to nmyU services, education and entertainment Dial s why I m happy Hastings and sur­ rounding towns are among the hundreds of communities turning to downtown revital ization experts for guidance on what needs to be done to make our communities more attractive to shoppers. My concern is that our downtown development authority is tilting at the wrong windmills after a Mav 20 meeting with its consulting Finn. Experts from the Kalamazoo-based archi­ tecture and design firms Wightman and McKenna recommended an update to the 30-year-old downtown streetscape master plan with a continued focus on such beauti­ fication efforts as wider sidewalks, benches, trees and flowers, bike racks and trash cans' The premise is that sprucing up the town will attract more visitors and shoppers. The flaw is that these efforts and the develop­ ment plan itself do not address business expansion and the addition of more and wider variety stories as the key factor in a community’s growth. The DDA and its consultants maintain that more stores and business growth will come as a result of beautification efforts. But there are small towns across the state where local governments and downtown development groups worked to change the face of their communities with wider streets, trees, flowers, benches and more with little or no results. What the experts don’t want to admit is that people don't go to communi­ ties because of those amenities; they go to towns for the shops and restaurants. Today’s shoppers are looking for unique shopping experiences in a town that has a distinctive character and is clean and safe. Sure, the amenities can be part of an overall plan, but we have to be careful not to put the cart before the horse. Virtually every community in human his­ tory began and grew because of its location and economic activity. Hastings is a prime example, blessed with a strong industrial base that continues to grow and prosper. Agriculture also has been a major asset to the area, being the county’s second largest industry. So. the general vitality of our com­ munity is strong, which makes the possibil­ ities of growing our downtown more likely. But to become successful, small commu­ nities must always be on the lookout to bring new opportunities for shoppers. Last week, the City of Hastings established a neighborhood enterprise zone to spur pri­ vate investment in the downtown area. The district will allow for a partial abatement on property taxes for commercial redevelop­ ment, such as apartment projects, which the city desperately needs. Plenty of research available on the impact downtown dwellers bring to a main street. Yet Hastings has lagged in attracting a big apartment, townhouse or condo project to the downtown area. To make it happen, we need to bring together all the local officials as "code teams" to streamline the process making Hastings a pro-development community. Hastings already has a historic presence that can be an important asset to help spur growth. History helps define a community’s identity through distinctive, historic archi­ tecture, where shops and restaurants can take advantage as (hey plan their renova­ tions while contributing to the community’s sense of place. If Hastings leaders really want to make a difference without spending thousands on downtown renovations and amenities, they need to turn their attention to attracting more retailers to the community. These new businesses will bring jobs, taxes and growth hu,n' or “d business was cither Marshalls or IJ Maxx. but. due to the pandemic, new store open­ their attention on putting toget icr a propos al that might attract one of these major retailers. It would bring more shoppers and diners to Hastings where retailers and restaurants up and down State Street wi benefit, as well. , , Last weekend, my wife and I traveled to Rockford, which was filled with people who were shopping, eating and just strolling up and down the streets. Even the local library was busy with its annual book sale that appeared to be quite successful. fhey, vc not done a major street renovation; they ve not added a lot of amenities. The biggest city expansion has been a new parking lot in the downtown area, just a block off the main street, to accommodate all the shoppers and visitors. In comparison, we have a lot to offer in Hastings, with two jewelry stores, an appli­ ance store, a women's apparel boutique and at store that sells gently worn women’s clothes and accessories, a large hardware store, several top-notch gift shops, a craft store, two flower shops and much more. Plus, there’s a great selection of restaurants that continue to attract many to the down­ town area. ’ To be successful, downtowns need to concentrate on what’s appealing to custom­ ers: great food, great shopping and lots of friendly service, not just a streetscape proj­ ect. It’s what you have to offer that does the attracting. Experts warn that if small towns expect to survive and grow, they must create a downtown that combines culture, enter­ tainment, restaurants and walkability - an experience today’s consumers are seeking. We’ve done our best to preserve our rural landscape and open spaces, while promot­ ing places for recreation and events that attract people to our community. Our suc­ cess is, in part, due to our willingness to support and collaborate on business promo­ tion and growth. That just doesn’t happen; it takes people, money and a strong desire to make it happen. Planning for and ensuring growth, community strength and quality of life is in our genes. Back in the late 1800s, a small group of men led by bankers Chester and Richard Messer, realized that, for Hastings to grow and prosper, the community needed to invest in industries that provided jobs and a stable economy. Due to their determination and vision they were able to attract to Hastings industrialist and inventor Emil Tyden who built an industrial infrastructure and legacy we still enjoy today. We’ve got a lot going for us; we just need to focus on business expansion as the Messer brothers did nearly 140 years ago when their motivation was industrial expan­ sion. Their efforts paid off, and many of the companies that came from their efforts are still with us, employing thousands of people who make our community what it is today. If you have thoughts or ideas on how you believe our community can grow, contact me - I always love to discuss possibilities. Email fredtaj-adgraphics.com or call me at the number listed in today's Banner. Fred Jacobs, CEO. J-Ad Graphics Inc. other. ’ Favorite vacation destination: Pragu?’ Czech Republic We vis^ for <>Ur 2511T"h versary. It’s a loveK ^rical place which dates back to the 1400<-Prominenl cu tUra ’ ■SSaW»«** my husband, h’s m r li,,lC to talk about our Week ai*1 Plan f°F 1 * W end. because of v0|Mn* sonaluy tor the M any «'her reason? f^\Xuor „or ^alion w 11 ^N. mZ.”'1,“ email news® j-^^^n- FIRE CHIEF, continued from page 1 —__________ Looking back at his time at the department. Pence said the people he worked alongside is what he remembered most. "I’m most proud of my men," he said, “The dedication that they pul in; the sacrifices that they made." Pence expressed optimism about the future of the department. “We’ve got a bunch of new kids coming on,” he said. "...This group of new people we got looks very promising. “That's been the bugaboo of all fire depart­ ments is getting enough people to put the lime in to do it." Pence’s fellow firefighters spoke highly of their chief’s passion and commitment to the department. . "He was kind of the common thread, the glue (hat kept everything together,” depart­ ment Capt. Don Hancckow said. “He wa«, always there to help, and ready to work. “He will be missed." Assistant Chief Brian Uridgc is currently serving as acting chief. For more on the event, and Pence's reflec­ tions on his career, see this Saturday's edition of The Reminder. �HaS,iE Town5bip Writer Stajf Writer Hastings Charter Township is in sound financial standing, according to an audit report given by Walker. Fluke and Sheldon partner David Dellaan at the township board meeting Tuesday evening. _ pcllaan opened by saving thc audit was finished later than normafduc to the pandem­ ic, but the township’s financial statements were free of misstatements, earning it the best audit opinion possible. "Tlie only issue was on our end. We did have some people that were contact-ir.iced. quarantined, so it's a little bit later, and I got the draft to the tow nship a little bit later than normal due to that." DeHann said. “But from thc township .side, everything went very, very well. We give our opinion on the financial statements, and Hastings Township received a clean opinion, or an unmodified opinion — this is the highest form or the best opinion you can receive — that your financial statements are free of material misstatement and this is the opinion you guys have always received in the past.” DeHaan summarized the report with a few highlights. “General government (expenses] were up a little bit. That was due to the township hall. You guys had some repairs and sealcoaling done with the parking lol. and your election (expenses] were up from the prior year about $12,000.” DeHaan said. “Public works (expenses were] $255,000 compared to $117,000 the year before. That’s basically the clean audit, approve, signage for cemeier^ .................. . h year -’° was a '‘Calco v.,.. fr(lr n?‘"g laM last )**. vear. 20 2070 and so more lexncn.. i ’C n,a<’ xoininission. yea. "................................. occurred during that Total expenses for ifrin compared to SSnu ’Wcrc up S<>56.(XX). revenues stayed . wbile total S57().(XX)... 2O2O consistent at I he general fu. Tia 2O19of assets and liabilif. '* w,’leh consists operations, decreased * f,nance Kovenimcnt miH?onn,'’riiabi“iH.!jm*11 Jssets |wcrcl 1031 unassigned fun 1 irOll",1,y $72XXX), so an And basicallv a"eC °f rO"shl>' S955jOOO. used for re I aSMi!nc<l mcans il can 'There u? . "y Purpose" Dellaan said, bal inc ■ m or decrease in sour fund that sv<. \ i due to all the road projects fun I t C|C 1 on.e thc current year, but still. I ■>.! ance is $955,000 which is still very, ver>’ healthy." Il sounds like we’re very financially bor’rtg. lownship Supervisor Jim Brown said a”er DcHaan’s report. ‘7 hat’s a good thing. That’s a very gcxxl thing." DcHaan said. Alter the report, Township Clerk Anita Mcnnell shared some concerns regarding cemetery decorations. "We have a big problem with people not know ing what the rules arc as far as putting up decorations out there." Mennell said. According to the tow nship’s cemetery ordi­ nance. non-pemianent hard-surface exten­ sions. sometimes called patio blocks, can be made to the permanent grave foundation. However, stones. stones, aArn p/^hcr llnwpver r Other Iloose cmvu. materials and vegcin»^ns JWited. Additionally. all ? fhe like slcP' ping stones, urns anJ be on the concrete of thc foundation. Vertical ., • flag holders, solar lights and must be within the non-pcrni'1 ation. Mcnnell said the* 1 ** not followed nor w'idely know n b) . ’which poses problems for routine n nee crews who cannot perform their d “Orations are not appropriately P,a. ley Mcnnell sugge^ rcale and place signs throughout the ec 7 where the rules will be posted and hop6 ) nxire easily seen by cemclcry-goers. The signs would be * / to inches, with a bright background to n«rau Mention. Mcnnell said the signs would cos approximately $58 each and would be fl# e °f aluminum and guaranteed for 10 year5• . She also requested permission from the board to send a two-wcek notiCc to someone who placed stones and garden edging around a gravesitc, which is not allowed by the cem­ etery ordinance because the stones can become a hazard if thrown about by mowing °r edging equipment. "I w ould also like to get your permission to send a certified or regi5tcred letter to the per­ son who has the stone and garden edging to remove it in two-weeks’ time or the township will go out and remove it for him." Mcnnell said. “I’m just trying to get it easier for (groundskeepers] to go out and clean and COUNT, continued from page 1 they were classifying it as a COVID-related fatality." Given what this process entails, deJong added. “I think some of those would be defi­ nitely be overcalls. ...But we also know that there were a lot of deaths ...that may have been COVID, but never were tested. So those wouldn’t be in the mix." “That's how I believe that thc state is com­ ing up with the figures; I actually saw that on their state website, too. Click enough places and go deep enough into thc rabbit hole, they mention that’s how it’s done." Jackson called it “fuzzy math." and asked why people weren't hearing about deaths from other common causes, such as cancer, flu and pneumonia. “People were still dying of cancer," deJong replied, “they were still dying of natural dis­ eases. So the total numbers of deaths were up, I just don’t know jf ihey jy^re, al|, necessarily COVID-related. They may have been related to other factors because of CO VID - such as not getting the care you needed." “But wc were doing some pretty significant testing, including for influenza." she noted. "... Wc didn’t see a single positive flu. So I think whatever measures were taken, between thc masks, and the isolation, just not going out and staying home, I think that actually dimin­ ished the transmission of flu as well." Ultimately, to reach a more accurate COVID count. deJong said, “you’d have to look at every single death and try to sort it out and go through all the medical records. I think it would be a big job to figure it out.... I think what is interesting, though, is to see there were more deaths in the county, in all the counties. “That’s a number that’s a little hard to argue with. Did some of those deaths occur because people were afraid to go to the hospi­ tal? I think that’s certainly the case as well. We definitely saw a surge and I think it’s going to take a long time to really sort out what the numbers truly arc." In deJong’s annual report to thc county, she said her office experienced a 33-percent increase in the number of deaths that were reported to the medical examiner in 2020. “So although the scene investigation and just keeping track of the bodies that were beine reported to us was busier, the actual total number of bodies that required postmor- “ L^^MheTumber of deaths caused by deaths, the 30 of them that occurred, the big jump. like J said, was in drug-related deaths. "Falls were also up." Those incidents are usually related to the elderly population, she said. Topically. these incidents have significant contributing factors, other pre-existing fac­ tors. DeJong said. "The question we ask is: Would this person have died on that day had they not fallen and broken their hip? Was it a significant factor? How do you classify those?” Hcroffice works with health care providers and community organizations that serve these populations to help address the risk factors and raise awareness its far as prevention. Exactly $|’^?,6county5<:°^i’ County sioners during ihetrb^d 'neutmg^ The funds. County. American Rescue aCCOunt until a dcciwiJl be held in a separale wil| sion is made as to n r used. . hold onto those until "We’ll just con,,n“ forward.” Br°w" sald... the process moves da|icc that comes •There ^'"^Xment of Treasury mostout through the.BXently Asked Questtons, ly in the way of Frui^ as to the prohe said, adding . ••still fuzzycess for using he funds > _ we re •The issue I ■>» /”y jf you may looking for de,al, Jo^hift and change, but the rules seen 0 -re trying to work •' s 1,01 11 ,,«■ „n thc pro>u.^j> funder stgns off ,he USc of the lur won t h' up .••age to the signage may not be possible because of si/x constraints; however, the board agreed with Savage and said they will find ways to show their empathy through other township communications about the should show compassion toccnw*. as they continue to enforce V,s,lors cemetery. rules. hC tCmctery The board also approved $ 1,885 in dues for their membership in the Michigan Townships “People who go out to the cemetery tn Association and $17315 in invoices for town­ adorn your gravesites are doing u they have a really strong emotional conne^ ship expenses such as salaries, maintenance tion to the people that arc there. And 1 Woum and other expenses previously approved by like to think that we have empathy to . the board. Trustees Savage and James Partridge vol­ something in our message that shows that w* have empathy for their loved ones that are unteered to be on the election commission, which will meet after next month’s board gone,” Savage said. Mcnnell said adding an empathetic rnes- meeting, ahead of the Aug. 3 election. The board approved Mcnn-ir allowing her up to $500 to pureh\.,\ircq‘lest’ Trustee Scott Savage Jaid £ ARSON, continued from page 1 Charges of third-degree arson and entering with intent were dropped al the time of sen- 1 Two other men. James Miller and Zachary 1-ocklin, pleaded guilty to misdemeanors for fencing. ( entering with intent, for which they were Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor j fined. Pratt said her office weighed Sochor’.s age, The vacant Royal Coach building, at 400 along with the impact that thc fire had on the East Mill Street in Hastings, burned down in community, in prosecuting thc case. the early-morning hours of Oct. 7. The Thc intent is for Sochor to come out of three-story. 31 .(XX)-.square-foot former facto­ prison a better person, Pratt said. ry had been the focus of a major economic “If they end up accepting him into the boot­ development project to create an upscale resi­ camp program. 1 think that would be good for dential complex in a setting near downtown him,” she said. “That might be what he actu­ amenities. ally needs." About 40 firefighters fought the blaze, After receiving input from multiple parties pouring approximately 625,000 gallons of involved, including the properly owner, the waler on the conflagration as it burned to the Barry Community Foundation. Pratt said her ground. They were able to keep the fire from office was satisfied with thc outcome of the spreading to the nearby Hastings case. Manufacturing Company, but Royal Coach “We felt good about it," she said. was lost. After the fire, hot spots flared up .A second suspect, Steve Aladics II, 34, of there for days. Hastings, pleaded guilty to a charge of entry Heat from the blaze set a nearby power with intent. pole on fire, and Consumers Energy cut off Aladics, a four-time habitual offender, electricity to the area. Because of the place­ received the most severe sentence of the four. ment ot the line. Consumers had to shut off He was ordered him to serve between four to power to four distribution substations, which 32 years in prison. cut off electricity to 6.543 customers that day. In a separate case earlier this year, Aladics Officials said it was one of the largest fires pleaded no contest to second-degree criminal in the city’s history. sexual conduct, with a victim under 13-yearsHastings City Police said they suspected of-age. He was sentenced by Schipper to arson almost immediately, since the building serve between 14 and 32 years in prison on did not have gas or electricity service con­ nected at the time. that conviction. Aladics’ previous convictions include six Tile department connected Sochor with thc counts of burglary and one count of grand1 arson several days later, then Pratt charged die theft in Clay County. Florida in December' other three men several weeks after that. 2015. of Midilk viilv • Independent and Assisted Living • .Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available Request for Proposal Barry County medical examiner Dr. Joyce deJong falls and drugs increased But the number of suicides in the count) dropped, which came as a surprise to the com­ munity. ‘•There was concern." deJong said, “but it was one of the lowest years ever in Barry County.*’ As fur as drug-related deaths, there were four in 2018. “It went to five in ‘19; and it doubled in 2020, up to 10." deJong said. “A good number of those actually involved opi­ oids. When we say that, they’re most com­ monly not prescription opioids. These are illicit opioids. So it’s the fentanyl that’s being illicitly produced. That's sort of the heroin. They think they’re buying heroin, but it's fen­ tanyl - and sometimes a fentanyl and heroin mix. These are on the increase in Barry County and they’ve been on the increase else­ where. Thai's something we’re seeing pretty commonly as well. “Other than that, when I look at accidental Nearly $6 million in ARPA funds in county coffers now Rebecca Pierce mow sit so lhev .hey ilnn don’t hxve to “That’s not really how it’s working," Brown said. “There's not that level of pre-approval on projects so it provides a bit of uncertainty.” In other business, county board Chairman Ben Geiger noted that, at the May 27 BarryEaton District Health Department board meet­ ing, a $90,000 appropriation was accepted by the health department for reimbursement to Barry County food establishments. “this was discussed by this board previ­ ously." Geiger noted. “The issue we found was dial the county of Barry did not have the ability to reimburse a Ice that it did not assess. “Because the health department assessed the licensing lees, wc did not legally have the ability to give that money back." As a result. Geigei and fellow commission­ ers Jon Smelker and Dave Jackson insisted that the reimbursement to food establishments in Barry' County needed to happen. And the health board agreed to pass that reimburse­ ment back through to those specific local Itxxl service businesses. Brown confirmed that the money would be disbursed to the health department this week Then .he Barry County businesses will receive the distribution at thc end of t|le fisca| year in .September. Geiger said. Michigan Works! West Central is soliciting pro­ posals for Region 4 Offender Success Program for the thirteen county area - Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason. Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will be posted on the Michigan Works’ West Central website, www.mwwc.om on or around June 7, 2021. There will be multiple RFPs being released for Housing Providers, Health and Behavioral Health Providers, Resource Navigators, Employment Services Providers, and Social Support Providers. Proposals are due July 22, 2021 no later than 3:30 pm and shall be submitted based on the instructions in the RFPs. The RFP documents will be made available in alternative format, e.g. large type, audio tape, or other format upon request to Ellen Williams at (231) 538-0735, TTY:711. Michigan Works! West Central is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Female and minority owned business are encouraged to apply. Hastings High School and Middle School has the following coaching positions • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services f amily thi ueil and Operated \hice Z999 Call for details: 269 "95 «9~2 • uww.t anclhVillagc 690 W Main street Mhldk-vilk. Ml »933.l HS Boys JV Soccer HS Girls Sub-Varsity Volleyball (2) MS Head Foolb^ (2) MS Asst. FooibsH (-) MS Head Si<Id,RC Lhccr MS Asst Sitfe|inc(,,Mr MS Volleyball (3> Winter 2021 HSGitksUb-Varsuy Basketball Boys Sub-Vab«v Basketball The City of Hastings is accepting sealed bid pro­ posals for grounds maintenance services for city property. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan until 9:00 AM on Friday, June 25, 2021 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to award the bid in a manner which it believes to be in its own best interest, price and other fac­ tors considered. Bid specifications are available at the office ^f tfAe City Clerk. Perspective bidders will be required to provide satisfactory evidence of successful com­ pletion of work similar to that contained within tne bid package to be considered eligible t0 Perfo™ this work. All bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bia City Property Grounds Ma,ntenanCyra’vis Tate Director of Public Sen/ices (starting Aug. 2021) (starting Aug. 2021) (starting Aug. 2021) (starting Aug. 2021) (starting Aug. 2021) (starting Aug. 2021) (starting Aug. 2021) (Starting Nov. 2021) (starling Nov 2021) ?c "> good health. Must be organized. Must Be of h ive uood public tdal,°ns und interpersonal skills and enthuiias for wM •’**> Must have a flexible schedule that allows for coachi^ Jtlcn:°ons. evenings and Saturday. Minimum Qiiali,1Util‘“s’ a'ong «. t U iu j!lg fw . 161U25 _ City of Hastings Request For Bids City Property Grounds Maintenance AVAILABLE Fall 2021 hhii City of Hastings Request for Bids City Hal! Custodial Services The City of Hastings is accepting posals for custodial services* 9 ( h Sealed bids will be rece.v« a> he Ofl^ City ClerkTreasurer, 201 Evsb June , ings, Michigan until 9^00 •bB opened and 25, 2021 at which time tney w publicly read aloud a|| bids The City reserves the nghUo be|ieves and to award the bid ajnanrw fa(. to be in its own best inte.tb . h tors considered. e |j|ion )(1S preferable jXX^^rornny^poUH.n.-dtul«< aletterofinicn'’^' □□ (ho o(fic8 of lhe Bid specifications are y be required to City Clerk. Perspective biddere^ com. provide satisfactory 1 contained within the pletion °f "ork s"r considered eligible to perform bid package to b. clearly marked on the this work. All bids must b c e J Bjd _ outside of the J* City Hall Custodial Sere Athletic "“'tiim'Area School' ( ,.,s1iS‘iS ARI VSCHMl sYSUMISAN \ nl’A1 ()|>l’ORHJNH Y IMPLOYIR | Director of Public Services �Page 6 — Thursday, June 10. 2021 - The Hastings Banner Burghdoffs to celebrate 50th wedding anniversary Dan and Darla (Walton) BurghdofTwill be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married in Freeport on June 24, 1971. .. They hale two daughters, Sara LaVair and Angela Raulston. They have six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Anyone wishing to send cards may send them to 6587 Wood School Rd., Freeport, Ml 49325. The Red Cross^m be in to" n Tor it blood drive Monday, jllne ->|w from noon to 5:45 p.m. Thc usual rules are »PP,ied- will be at the fellowship |vdl of Central United Methodist Church, 912 Fourth Ave. June 13 will (h* final Sunday for the Rev. Vaughn Thurston-C°x before he and his family move iu Ludingl°n» wbcre llis w’fe will be pastor. ||e wj|, iconic the new pastor at the Pentwater United Methodist Church. His final Sunday will have t*K‘ a(Med item of an infant baptism. jn the following weeks, the pulpit will be filled by lhe Rcv* DeAnne Dobbs, an experienced pastor and June 27 and July 4, the former pastor Rev. Eric Beck of Eaton Rapids will be ill® 8uest pastor. The new pastor will be in the pulpit for his first time Sunday, July jj j|c and his wife will by then have moved into the parsonage at the Marriage ficenses Clarks to celebrate 70th wedding anniversary Worship Together, ...at the church ofyour choice ~ 'Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email gmail.com. Website: www. hasiingsfreeineihodisLcam. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Ptotor Emma Miller. Worship Director. Martha Stoetze!. Sunday Morning Worship: 9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the current health crisis, our nursery is remains closed. Weekly activity bags for chilren are available in the 9 a.m. service and Kid's Church is available in our 10:30 service. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Ma-.s 8 and 11 a m. Sunday. .. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-80& 301 E. Suite Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lilcgatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 for information. k • $ p.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling. MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 am. Youth activities: call for Information. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Warship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616 690-8609. • • •/ ii ti rr SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765. (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M43), Delton, Ml 49046 Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 1030 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Jack Lavern Kineman Ross Quentin Carter. ageV>, of Nashville, passed away flt his residence on June 8, 2021, surrounded by his family. Ross was born on May 4, 1955 in Logan, WV, the son of Grover and Mary (Bowen) Carter. Ross attended Oceana High School in West Virginia, graduating in 1973. He honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1976 to 1987, during the Vietnam War. Ross, held a bachelor;* degree in law * Efifortx'mcht.* 'He 'wdrkl‘d iA' iffilitafy logistics at Tacom in Warren from 1989 to 1998 and the Federal Center, Battle Creek from 1998 to 2009, w hen he retired. Ross married Betty Eickenroth on December 24, 1973. He enjoyed being in the woods hunting and being on the water fishing. Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Mary Carter, brother, Frank Carter and sister, Sandra McMillion. He is survived by his wife, Betty J. Carter, daughter, Tracy L. Carew, son, Roger Carter, granddaughters, Alyssa Carter and Annebelle Staley, five sisters; Ida McMillion. Edna Carter, Francine (Denver) Madden, Ruth Walker and Donna (Steve) Martin. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 fr°m । 10 P'T* at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. Arrangements by Girich Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave a memory or message to the famiIy visit www. girrbachfuncralhome.net- GET AU THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe i» t*1® $ Flexfob 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1 here will be a Lake Odessa Fair this year Last year had a very abbreviated event with hreworks. Again this year, fireworks will be Saturday night. 7 he parade will be Wednesday at 6 p.m. with the route starling at the village park near M-50 and ending at the fairgrounds A dairy show, Midway Rides, a rabbit show­ dodgeball, live music, livestock show, youth horse show, piekleball, the beer bam, Lions’ Andrea Alyssa Sferra, Goshen. OH and Christopher Thomas Reis. Goshen, OH Danielle Elizabeth Marie Miller, Hastings and Fred Dewayne Ray, Cottonwood, AZ Erin Joy Madill, Delton and Elijah Brooks Miller, Kalamazoo Alexandria Taylor Davis. Nashville and Gunner Joe Tobias, Nashville Eric Martin Englert, Middleville and Lindsey Jo Hildenbrand, Middleville Justin Timothy Cross, Delton and Rachel Naoma Hanna, Bloomington, IN Richard “Dick" and Mert (Colvin) Clark will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on June 23, 2021. Children of the couple are Mike and Vickie Ward, Mike Clark, Tom and Kathy Pierce, and Karen and Doug Maiville, They were married in Texas where Dick was stationed in the ?\rmy. They have seven grandchildren and 22 great­ grandchildren. Shower them with cards to ■ 690 \V,-Main St.. Room. 137, Middleville. Ml 49333..................................... . HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". foot of Sixth Avenue. The n .r . . vacant for the past year with PaT^rT^" Cox residing at tl.c ixZnXt ’ S'™0"' Where his wife is pastor ' L Wacousta Wort, continues on thc r„,„. <­ project of replacing under^mS •>nd redoing surfaces on Emerson. Peak Ionia ndP^ •raveled Emerson Street, which has both hnterson Manor and Lake Manor apartment 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Hastings U40?®*? Call 269-945-9554 for more julormation' Jack Lavem Kineman. bom October 16, 1935, in Brookport. IL to Owen Stephen Kineman and Mildred Fem Riepc.dicd May 31,2021. in Charlotte. Jack’s first 20 years were farm living and attending K-12 in Brookport, IL then to Paducah. KY Junior college for two years. Paducah is where he met his wife, Lavinia "Carolyn" Milner. They married September 14, 1957 and lived in West LaFayettc, IN while Jack earned his Civil Engineering degree at Purdue University, graduating*June 1958. As a professional engineer and registered surveyor, Jack was hired to lead a team surveying President Eisenhower’s Civil Defense Highway System by laying out 1-75 the length of Michigan to Sault Ste Marie. Next, Jack entered thc Civil Engineer Training Program of the Michigan Department of State Highways and quickly rose to oversee the layout of interstate, primary, and secondary highways throughout Michigan. After four years he returned to his home Slate of Illinois to work for the Illinois Department of Public Works as well as other Engineering jobs. However, he loved the rolling natural spaces of Michigan and was thrilled to be hired as the Civil Engineer Manager for Barry County in 1970-1979. Then on to Sanilac County 1979-1986, then back to Barry County as Manager 1986-Retiring 1997. Jack and Carolyn have three children (Steven, Rhonda, and Melinda) and five Grandchildren (Radie, Maizie. Zcphie, Bram. and Oskar). After his retirement, he studied American society and became a staunch Democrat working door-to-door supporting candidates that favored social and environmental justice. His biggest passion was to educate local people on the dangerous consequences of tracking. He also volunteered his many construction skills on International Mission 'Trips building schools, homes, and sanitary facilities. Domestically, he worked on numerous Habitat for Humanity Projects. His love of nature extended from his early years on the lann throughout his life, enjoying Barry County’s many opportunities for hunting, fishing, and hiking. Alzheimer’s t(x>k his life, but it did not take his spirit; this humble man made the world a better place and will Ik* missed by many. In lieu of Howers, please direct any donations to (https://www.alz.org/). A memorial service will Ik* announced later this year. Cards of remembrance can be sent to Steven M. Kineman 388 North Wheaton Road Charlotte, Ml 48813. To view Jack’s obituary' online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www buikhead-grven-kilgo.com The family is being served by the Burkhcad-Grecn-Kilgo Funeral Home. Club eye screening and more are planned. The Historical Society of Michigan has announced a new program to recognize historic houses. This is similar to thc centennial farms program- For a price of $395 plus shipping with proper documentation one’s house can be designated a Michigan Heritage Home if« was built at least a century ago, has remained basically the same in style and has beat maintained with authenticity With the village established in the 1880# many houses south of Tupper Lake street within the confines of the original village plat that might (nullify. Three houses were here & farmhouses even before there was a village One is the large Halianatc house on the comer of Tupper Lake Street and Washington Boulevard. This was built by Godfrey Hutchens on his 80-acrc farm. This was cither thc second or third dwelling on thc farm. His stepfather, John Swarthout, had a farm a half-mile nonh on Bonanza Road, and his stepsister Margaret Brisbin, wife of George for whom the Brisbin drain was named, was on a farm on the north side of Tupper Lake Street from Tasker Road to Jordan Lake Road Highway. The three couples had come from Lenawee County about thc same time. Well before thc hamlet of Bonanza was established. Another hou^c that predates the village is on the comer of M-50 and Sixth Avenue on what was the Fellows farm. Canuk “TJ" Donley Canuk “TJ’’ Donley, age 31, of Woodland passed unexpectedly on Sunday, May 16. 2021 from an automobile accident. Canuk was bom on December 22,1989 in < Hastings, to Tracy and Kevin Phenix. He worked for Bradford While in Middleville and was a graduate of the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy. On September 6,2019 he married Alexandrea Vanscoy. Canuk was a fan of the Power Rangers especially ranger Tommy. Canuk loved to go fishing, hiking, playing video games especially Mortal Kombat. The family will dearly miss his goofy sense of humor and thc willingness to help with whatever needed done. He will be forever cherished by his wife, . •Ale» ftieauliful); children. Rose, AlyCx> and *' little Hoss; parents. Tracy and Kevin, Patricia and David, Terry; grandma Pat; aunt Marilyn; brother, Kenneth; many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and family. Preceding him in death were his sister, Amber; grandpa Don and grandma Nancy. According to his wishes cremation has taken place an a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Barry County Animal Shelter. Condolences can be left at www.koopsfc.com. Laura L. Doomhaag Laura Lynn Doomhaag, age 64 of Delton, passed away on March 1, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Laura was bom on January 28, 1957 in Clare, the daughter of Richard and Marilyn (Seitef)'Ulrich. She was a graduate of Clare High School and Western Michigan University with a degree in social work. She worked for the State of Michigan in Health and Human Services until retirement. She was united in marriage to William "Bill” Doomhaag on July 30, 1988, and they enjoyed almost 33 years together. Laura was an avid reader and animal lover. She loved her dogs, cal. and several horses. She was involved in 4-H when she was younger and showed at the Clare County Fair. A little later in her life she became interested in dressage and showed in several events. It gave her such joy. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jackie; and her father, Richard. ’ laura will be missed and remembered by her husband. Bill; her mother, Marilyn; sister, Liz (Glenn); brother, Rick; and many other family members, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A graveside service will be conducted on Sunday. June 27. 2021, at 1 p.m. at Yankee Springs Cemetery. Pastor James Collison, olficinting. Memorial contributions to your local humane society or a charily of your choice will be appreciated. Please visit www. williamsgorvsfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Laura’s family. �Tho Hastings Banner -• Thursday. June 10, 2021 — Page 7 Len^, V draft list stirs memories fl look back at the stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner /V/’.v , I H””,,g.h fu»v As I •««’"%, ,h' l9.u, '"'»?« on microfilmed m [jbrary, a Banner at Hastings P" ’'mon 1 had been. °1 n»mes eaught my ' county, )",‘»ktns for information on , Webhe,, Civil veteran, Truman spccia| “Pmg to find him '*,ed i,"'n°dgVc«eranst^ ,'j a, what would be the f,n > "rentony of his life. . of tCM . The normal b ch deadlines and advertisements 1 yarded thml?11!^ in yems.A-sIfu^ofs^'hepage,. turning BflGK THE PAGES Earth Day co-founder lived in Hastings at time of draft Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Credit for the motivation and efforts that led to the first Earth Day in 1970 remains unclear. One name associated with its founding is Morton S. Hilbert. Online resources such as Wikipedia and the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan fleetingly mention that Hilbert, bom in Pasadena. Calif., graduated from the University of California in 1940 and began his career as a public health official and field engineer in Michigan. What such sources don’t say is where in Michigan he first lived: Hastings. The recent college graduate had been working as a student engineer with the Barry County Health Department, which, as this column recapped earlier this year, had been developed and funded by W.K. Kellogg as a model for public health. Perhaps the department’s distinction is what drew the lifelong Californian to Michigan. Hilbert’s name is one of 2287 on a list of men who registered for the nation’s first peacetime draft in the fall of 1940. The day before Congress passed the draft registration law, the Battle Creek Enquirer mentioned Hilbert in its updates on “Professional Activities.” “Morton -Hilbert of the ■ University of California has had as his territory Middleville, Yankee Springs and Thomapple townships. Morton S. Hilbert, who became an accomplished engineer, professor and a co-founder of Earth Day, lived in Hastings in the early 1940s and worked for the local health department. (Wikipedia.com) I. serial NaMC Sources: Hastings Banner, familysearch, org, findagrave.com, ancestry.com, chroniclingamericaJoc.gov, Bentley.umich. edu, newspapersx:om and Wikipedia.com. (I’rtni) ORDER NUMHER .Shelly •;orto: ——— (jrnnl) where he has done work with creameries, sewage disposal, water supply, resorts and homes, mapping the various activities,” the Sept. 15, 1940, Enquirer reported. “Much of the construction of the new Middleville creamery and the new sewage system has been under his jurisdiction. At the close of the season, he was transferred to Battle Creek to work in one of the laboratories in the ‘health games.’” He must have remained in Hastings and commuted to Battle Creek, since his draft registration card, which he signed Oct. 16. 1940. listed 118 W. Walnut St.. Hastings, as his address. Hilbert was still living in Hastings when he married his first wife. Doris Smith, a teacher from Fremont. May 24, 1941. Shortly after, he enrolled in the U-M School of Public Health and earned a master’s degree. The Wyandotte Neus Herald Nov. 16, 1944, reported that Hilbert, then director of engineering with the Wayne County Health Department, declared a public health hazard in many areas with open drainage ditches transporting wastewater. A law banning such practices had been enacted two years earlier, and Hilbert asked that violations of the law be reported to the health department. Hilbert returned to the University of Michigan, beginning a 25-year role as a professor. While teaching in Ann Arbor, he helped organize the 1968 Human Ecology Symposium, an environmental conference for students to learn from scientists the connections between environmental degradation and human health. From that. Hilbert worked with graduate students nationwide, ultimately organizing the first Earth Day in March 1970 at the U-M Ann Arbor campus. He also served as president of a variety of state and local public health organizations, was a member of the president’s Task Force on Urban Problems and helped relocate I million refugees in Vietnam. Hilbert lived for a time in Brussels, before eventually returning to the West Coast. He died in Bellevue. Wash., Dec. 24,1998. at age 81. For a while though, this Earth Day co-founder was a fresh-faced college grad who lived on a tree-lined street in Hastings. Halbert 2135 ..... ............---------- inutz_____ v- U ___ *• Puar ar Duru Paoadont 23......... JaS’.’ orniu <y*4____ • ** yoVR AonWM e. Cot’NTxr or Cm*rN»uir U. S. A a. linjkrroxKiir or Tint wlB Hilbert___ ......... Otr. _>*£• ----ado ..a Caliiornlt ’•A’lTA6Toouut St .........rrw» C^***}*j. X <7.. . " t ----------------------------__________ : ----------------------------fr ntv .Health..?Jgpt. !Student.Engineer ) .................................................... L —~---------- -- )hP aqes of 21 and„35 West Walnut Street _______________________________________________ _ Water's Edge financial LLC a Keessen, JeffrCy,^9) 948-9969 AIF®> .St Hastings, MI 525 W. APp’C.crs'edgennanciaI.eom Taking eur^"<>n what "l0"m m“",o vo" so that )«» Art* Compulsory drafts world news foretold impending war CoBwSMsion Kathy Maurer Copy Editor A month after President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the first peacetime draft in the nation’s history in mid-Septeinber 1940. hundreds of local men filled out registration cards. Their assigned numbers were printed in the Oct. 31. 1940. Hastings Banner-nW 12^ of them. The calls to service were sparse over the ncxt several months, with quotas requesting a few men at a time.The Aug. 14, 1941, Banner report*1 that three recent inductees Hastings had been transferred from Fort Custer. Jean England/No. 1920 on the local regis«»bon list) to Camp Grant, Illinois- on Bud Flynn (1539) to Virginia; and Chase (1709) to Chanute be . ’ ’ l,no,sThat same Hanne* a"J»“"<-ed that the Barry Count)'Board had received notifi , 0 a tentative call for 1-’ !° leave for training tamp tn September. ^.11,1941 However, the W ’ edition listed just e'. '-C!> ..... . ’its, heavier calls were probable in October and November. The reprinted list, which began with the May 20 Banner, continues: 1600. John James Witters 1601. Lynden Robert Johncock 1602. William Rush Kyee 1603. Gerald Russel Thompson 1604. Fain Samuel Williams 1605. Raymond Anders 1606. Peter Ulrich Fedcwa 1607. Robert Melvin Rhodes 1608. Merle GraydenTasker 1609. Maurice Earl Burchett 1610. Maurice F. Cogswell 1611. Carl Albert Ward 1612. Arthur Cecil Sfod"10* 1613. Raymond Le° WiSin6?ZkRoz.ell Parker Stanton 1615. John Duane UmnM' 1616. Benjamin Anure AdCM7. Lloyd Weldon Steeby ____ ______________............................................. required to register for the draft AH men between ded Morton Shelly HiIbert, a sanitary engineer who lived on October 1940 Jrheae ‘ n'Hastings. He was No. 1921 out of 2,287 ln the (irs, dra(t" (Ancestry-corn) :inp% 4-H Extension agent. Howard Ferris, No. 152, had a picturesque Archie Burd. No. 1046, and Marshall Tripp, Ifarm on the edge of Hastings. I encountered 1040, who married sisters Ester and Alberta I i him only a few times,yet he’s the person who Uirecn. friends of my aunts since about 1930. i comes to mind when I hear the 'The Burd and Tripp lawns were always neat immediately I term “gentleman farmer.” and tidy: their homes, like some preserved Paul Gibson and Russell Solomon - gentle­ museum models, rarely changed over the men and farmers - also raised horses and had decades. wagons with which they provided hayrides at No. 754. Joseph Fiala, who lived not far thc fair or on country roods. They, too. were from the Burds. He was the husband of rny married to teachers from my elementary third-grade teacher. He frequently helped her school days. out by filling in for recess duty. Les Raber, No. 786. was a Michigan Charlie Townsend. No. 1853. also married Fiddlers Hall of Fame inductee who also per­ to a teacher, was likewise a familiar helper at formed at the Smithsonian Festival of columns and c irrangcinCnt 7X suddenly school. American Polklife in Washington, DC., and broke the famtUJu Ji$l • rooming inj Our family attended the same church as was known in the Midwest for his fiddle-play­ saw a numbere J hcrenil unes Carl Hula. No. 1206. With an ever-present ing. He was kind enough to lend me a spare names. surnan! j county u- ”Cctcd wnh certain parts of Finkbeiner _ 1a.ur’ Durkee, twinkle in his kindly blue eyes, he couldn’t fiddle once after I showed interest in playing. help bm p]ay pcek-a-boo with little ones or Stanton. Garlingen " 78 and more. Awed by his kind offer, I enjoyed running the I reeognized ^mer DeWeerd. pretend to “steal the nose” of a toddler. bow over the strings, but ultimately decided 1 According to his draft registration card, he would rather listen to someone else play. Better known as j() u . he operated the Standard gU* ddlevillc and was working at Bliss Manufacturing in Seeing his name again reminded me of his Hastings. Five months earlier, he had married generosity - and his musical gifts. sponsored my br 55Q League team. Chester Geukes. a«- owned the meat Eva Stmmburgcr. his lifelong counterpart, Names of others pop up frequently in sto­ market on Mnm?'' |X.agU1!^®babl>’ >'kewise and 11 days before signing the card, he’d ries about thc city in decades past, such as No. turned 25. The card lists him as 5 feet. 8 inch­ 127. Cedric Morey, No. 75, William J. supported the Lj yanSicku °?raln' es tall, with brown hair, blue eyes and a ruddy Schilhaneck; No. 234. Norb Schowalter, or And No. 81 | was i„rhe suPerintcndent who died »M J*'» f'tst grade. One complexion. Thc card left no room to indicate No. 675. Ken Laberteaux. I can’t remember of his grandcluldn-’H , lassmatc. I didn’t whether his eyes had a certain sparkle. their roles, but their names, in my mind, have 1 hadn t thought about Mr. Hula in quite a a direct connection to the city. know that a supen- tutdrn w ,hcn w to spell the title-b“'1 h n’ber the signifi­ while, but I was grateful the unusual and Some surnames seem to firmly place the unexpected collection of names had stirred individual in a certain part of the county. cance of the tenet**ng us tn a circle to l ie memory of that sweet, smiling (sometimes Perhaps their families were early settlers, talk about Mr. VrmS*k^eath. What was this hs‘a 1 w°ndered. Why is it so mischievously), soul. I found myself smiling, lending their surnames to nearby road: too, at the thought of him. Whitmore, Brumm, Enzian, Gackler, Tischer, long? Why are no women included? Thc familiar names were not just from my Kingsbury and Cogswell are, literally, just a J had to scroll to get my answer: childhood. few. A draft list of localI num. ages 21 to 35, from No. 922, Mel Jacobs, a former boss who thcOct.31J940.Baimcr Besides the generally common names like was patient but firm, a great teacher in his Smith. Williams or Johnson, many local sur­ The men whose nanics 1 recognized were quiet way. Scarlet fever would prevent him gray-haired by the time »knew them. Decades from serving. Ultimately, he and his wife names are recurrent in the list, such as Allerding (12 times); Belson (10); Johncock before, however, a* Ofld War II loomed, • would buy the Reminder publication from they eagerly or une*4Sily made the obligatory Fay and Mae Green, parents of No. 242. Winn (8); Babcock. Barnum. Slocum and Tobias trip to town and filler out the little card, pro­ Delos Green. A U.S. Army technician fifth (7); Demond/DeMond, Ferris, Hammond, viding name, address (many were still RFD. grade, or Tec 5. Winn Green died shortly Kidder, Peake and Swift (6); Barry, Foote, or rural fire department, addresses; RR, or before Christmas 1944, lost at sea near the Kenyon. Lester and Roush, (5). Other local surnames appearing three or four times rural routes, had yet to be adopted), telephone Philippines. include Bender, Bowman. Brodbeck and (if they had one), birth information, citizen­ No. 1424 was Ernie Belson, whose story Burdick; Case and Chase; Lammers. ship, “Name of person who will always know I’d just learned in 2019. Also an Army Tec 5, Laubaugh and Lechleitner; McKelvey, your address” and relationship to that person, Belson died of malaria in the Philippines two McKeown and McKibbin; Pufpaff and employer’s name and address (some listed the days before the Japanese surrendered. In his Pennock; as w'ell as and Stamm and Stanton. Works Projects Administration, part of final letter home, he wrote to his mother about Obviously, much more could be said about Roosevelt’s New Deal, established five years being excited to soon see “that little girl,” his this collection of names - occupation, age, new niece. That same niece, Linda, was at a common first or middle names (the frequency earlier). The back of the cards, filled out by a regis­ memorial ceremony on Sept. 30.2019, along of Raymond, Burdette and Kenneth surprised trar. asked for weight, height, hair and eye with a few other family members, and Jim and me - as did the multiple spelling variations of color, complexion and “obvious physical Ted Dibble, grandsons of a neighboring fami­ McrVMurle, etc.), hometown or rural school, characteristics that will aid in identification.” or even who ultimately was drafted and who lyA few years earlier, the Dibble brothers had died while serving (more than 80). As I skipped backward and forward through Regardless of how it is scrutinized, the list, random names continued to pull me learned that Belson’s name was. not on a memorial plaque at Hastings High School. researched or fashioned, this list is a perma­ back to my childhi n man They learned that his education had ended at nent snapshot of the young men living and No. 1353, Carl with a weathered /ace who drove the after­ Edger School: he was not able to attend high working in Barry County in October 1940. I knew only a small fraction of them, but noon kindergarten bus I took to school. I school because he needed to work to help his specifically remember the lime he stopped the family. The Dibbles recalled a certain sadness I’m thankful for the unexpected discovery of bus on a gravel road and half-whispered, w hen their grandmother spoke of thc neighbor this list and the memories it has stirred of “Look at that, kids.” directing our 5-year-old boy who, like her own son. never returned. some from “the greatest generation.’’ I hope others, too, in scanning these names, eyes to a whitetail deer grazing in a clearing The Dibbles also came to realize that no for­ have found similar satisfaction in remember­ mal memorial service was conducted for (back when they were scarce). ing a former neighbor, business owner, teach­ Belson. so they set out on a mission to make No. 1765. Simon Maichele, a 4-H leader er, farmer or acquaintance from years ago. whose voice seemed to carry for miles and sure that, after 75 years, Emie Belson was no whose enthusiasm was without end. /\nd No. longer “a missing man.” Not every name has such a sad association. 179. Bill Kirkpatrick, the county’s long-serv- Creek (2166). > jS5). t. Bulling, WoodlandJ RoW(_ > Ellsworth Lins'ey- nnk Q Nashville (946). , Woodland Allerding, Route '■ Hiscock (1067): William < k (2()() ' Route 7. Battle ‘ Kenneth Clinton ' 4„d jOa(;pl| I, Dowling (f^v^y (2249) Oscar Merchant. Cf v A ninth nliUlauiHeervd to Adrounie (1732) '^.-h was to join the group. '' . at 7 U In depart from Hast* Monday, Sept. 22. number Despite the jv*d a month than had been anf,c’ v jmcd earlier, the papcf Payne 1618. Howard B. Watson 1641. Neville Charles King 1619. Norman C. Hall 1642. Lester H. Larabee 1620. Radford Hamlin 1643. Lloyd Paul Towns Stidham 1644. Lynn Otis Lawrence 1621. Garold Richard 1645. Victor Voelker Eckardt McMillen 1646. Francis Edward Lowry 1622. Richard John Powers 1647. Leslie Fredrick Steeby 1623. John Homer Ingram 1648. Claude William Miller 1624. Frankie By ron McNutt 1649. Maurice Howard 1625. Robert Bruce Mackinder Houvener 1626. Arthur Shirley Freese 1650. Richard Clare Chafiee 1627. Marion Francis West 1651. Franklin Charles 1628. Ciair Franklin Barnum Beckwith 1629. Harold Barnum 1652. Theo Max Kennedy 1630. Donald Ora Moore 1653. Ernest John Ball 1631. Donald L. McDonald 1654. Rav William Lumbert Patrick 1632. Joseph 1655. Walter Henry Mapes Armstrong 1656. Linwood Elijah Angus Stanton 1633. Charles 1657. Ixon F. Tliomas McNulty 1658. Charles Wendall Potter 1634. Clarence Ember Pixley 1659. Chester Laurence 1635. Rankin Frank Hughes ^1660. Stewart Charles Reigler 1636. Richard Stiles Culshaw 1637. Wayne Edger Williams 1661. Norman Todd Barry' 1638. Voyle Woodrow Benner 1662. William Hugh Sprague 1639. Robert Gordon Continued next page Thompson 1640. Lawrence Wesley ^PTTIME-Caregiver for Elderly and ten^ng to-heir individual physical, social ondsP^^neeJS ■m n-<ivi:ies of doiy living as Partner with residents to provide assistance w- h ac ’ outlined in core guides/service plans n„DIOp(iote memory core . provide residents with memory lmPoirmo'’^tvpes ond stages of SUppOrt communlcation/interventlons based o. wp ifnoaitment . . nccotd*n01° policy . Administer rnedications/treatments Io residenb . comp,eto dally chartin° and docurnontat,‘on a$ fCqJ VustbelB years or older . Must have High School Diploma or GED Please apply in person at WooHlnwii Meadows . ...................... ha c. 1R21 N East St Hastings, Ml Woodlawn Meadows, loziIN------------- �“o® 8 Thursday, June 10. 2021 — The Hastirrps Benner DrAFT, continued from previous page llWuuh,’CrTOk Lipkey Jr. 6^ ■”irr*D«,c Campbell 1AZ' ‘ 666. 1667. 1668. Clanrncc DcRoy Camp Campbell hKk Warren O’Connor Keith 1-eRoy jnnaid’ ‘‘ Clark William O'Donnell 1669. Charles William Castelein 1670. Charles Howard Hinckley 1671. Meric Frederick Cook 1672. Willard William Wilson 1673. Paul Thedoria Runyon 1674. Merle William Davis 1675. Samuel Oliver Goudy 1676. Gerald Hany VanAukcn 1677. Harold Henry Lambkie 1678. Walter I>eo Griffeth 1679. Kenneth Clinton Burpee 1680. William Charles Cramer 1681. Joel Obidia Hummel 1682. Leon Robert Hook 1683. Royal Toozc Good 1684. Frederick William Anders 1685. Lester Victor Campbell 1686. Forrest John Hallock 1687. Charles Elmer Hook 1688. Lyle James Lancaster 1689. Kirk Emory Foreman 1690. Merl LeRoy Sherk 1691. Richard Fay McMaster 1692. Clayton Roxie Morrow 1693. Donald Patrick Ihffee 1694. Donald La Verne Heeter 1695. John Raymond Adcock 1696. Wesley Kenneth Ferguson 1697. Donald Keith Yerty 1698. Leroy Joseph Durbin 1699. Harold James Ball 1700. Clyde Carpenter 1701. Ira Miles Baldwin 1702. Irwin Clare Marlow 1703. Richard Hugh MacLeay 1704. Henry’ Peter Schwartz 1705. Kenneth LaVcrne Daniels 1706. Alvin Leroy Basler 1707. Walter Maxwell Sinclair 1708. William J. Taffee 1709. Dwight Paul Chase 1710. Clarence Edward Helmer 1711. Ennis Hiram Fleming 1712. David Munro Leary 1713. Clement Raymond Mead 1714. Dale Slocum Bump 1715. Clifford Elton Davis 1716. Rolland Wesley Smith 1717. Thomas Daniel Harris 1718. Clarence Willman Donovan 1719. Myron Harrison Simpson 1720. William Rowley Dean 1721. Everett Corwin Tuttle 1722. Richard O. Brodbcck 1723. L.B. Palmer 1724*. Moody Denton Leach •47-25. Jacob Duits — •' 1726. Robert Dean Ehredt 1727. Leslie Clair Lockwood 1728. Wayne Erwin Gay 1729. Gordon Herbert Wright 1730. Ernest La Verne Miller 1731. Vidian Joseph Smith 1732. V. Harry Adrounie 1733. Carlton F. Babcock 1734. Kendall Loren Reahm 1735. Robert Mailian Mead 1736. Herald Dale Rock 1737. Leslie J. Pease 1738. James Blackford 1739. Dale Irving Pennock 1740. William Douglas Bames Jr. 1741. Robert Hamilton O’Donnell 1742. Earl Walter Shute 1743. Russell Don Parks 1744. Rollie K. Demond 1745. Sylvanus Franklin Reed 1746. Gerald Boylan Cole 1747. Dan Boddy 1748. Glenn Raymond Miller 1749. Richard J. Springer 1750. Paul Campbell Gackler 1751. Very! John Belson 1752. Carl Andrew Holtom 1753. Donald J. Deakins 1754. Erving William Lind 1755. Karl Loren VanSycklc 1756. William Nickolas Jenson 1757. Lyle Henry Scott 1758. Lloyd David Long 1759. Orville Herman Hammond 1760. Nelson Christian Wamer 1761. Russell Henry Endsley 1762. Robert Harris Johnson 1763. William Stephen DeMond 1764. Kenneth R. Blanding 765 Simon Christian Maichele j 766. Harold James Jacobs 1767. Edison Edgar Baas 768. Clayton Benjamin Matson 1769 Douglas McArdle Smi 1773. Haroiu Reuther 1774. Eugene Win 1775'^°hnUpward Mahler i^S&H^es 1780. Howard E^Ba(es 1781. Laurence” HaII)i)I0n 1782 EmmiK KotM iS.LeoCadNye 1784. Ly'»>w‘x^ Jup|)strom ^HS-Georse^^jnid, 1786. Joseph f J . coll'ns 1788. Abel R'G Mcad ! 793. AnthonyJ, if Ped Ferns 1794 Wayne w w ;^:CarlGrasbu.s 1796. Paul C. Hoffman 1797. Melbourne Albert Adams 1798. Raymond Edward Shroyer 1799. Wesley Perry Simmonds 1800. Vernon Albert Neal 1801. Roderick Swadling 180?. Raymond Benjamin Hanse 1803. William C. Ackerson 1804. Ernest William Shilton 1805. Ijewis Frederick Hine 1806. Burr W. Fasselt 1807. Lyle Fred Endsley 1808. Cleotis Armajo Cummings 1809. Albert W. Drake 1810. James Andrew Cool 1811. Herman Phillip Bessmer 1812. Horace Keith Powers 1813. Hugh Selwyn Wentz 1814. Robert James Nance 1815. Jay Dowing Wilkes 1816. Earl Leslie Kinne 1817. Kenneth Preston Griswold 1818. Martin LavcrnCox 1819. Roy Graves Garner 1820. Albert Frank Nash 1821. Ernie Lewis Bateman 1822. Clarence Evert Lester 1823. Edwin Hoffman 1824. Charles Unord Hutchings 1825. Lansing Edison Greenleaf 1826. Bon Morris West 1827. Wendell Calvin Bassett 1828. Earl Vincent Knoll 1829. Howard Chancy Gardner 1830. George William Deeds 1831. Bernard Carl Shepard 1832. Howard Raymond Snow 1833. Carl Richard Wachter 1834. Gerhard Paul Kunde 1835. Gorge Raymond Kelley 1836. Eldine Charles De Vault 1837. Harold Lee Edger 1838. Dean Thomas Davies 1839. Charles Arthur Osborne 1840. Hugo Ferdinand Anderson 1841. Robert Bankhead 1842. Clare Albertson Lammers 1843. Richard Courtney 1844. James Maurice Garrett 1845. Orlie Emerald Bames 1846. Robert Dclmcr Adams 1847. Basil Alphouse Dunn 1848. Lyle Newton Elwell 1849. Homer Maurice First 1850. Richard Wolcott Hilbert 1851. Richard Rcigler Durkee 1852. Earl Otto Schulze 1853. Charles Donald Townsend 1854. Harold Abner Hawks 1855. John Russell Bulling 1856. Burdette H. Cisler 1857. Leonard Charles Roscoe 1858. Henry Wayne McCarthy 1859. LeRoy Ralph Jones 1860. Paul Henry McDowell 1861. Law rence Cooley 1862. Donald E. Sothard 1863. Harold Henry Haywood 1864. Stanley David Glass 1865. Lowell John Whittemore 1866. Maurice W. Tceple 1867. Louis Robert Hooper 1868. Carl Damon Wamer 1869. Richard Eugene Hall 1870. Carroll W. Harvey 1871. Ernest Ray Peake 1872. Elwin Lammers 1873. Lloyd Claude Owen 1874. Ernest Arthur Lambka 1875. George Lynden Norris 1876. King Henry Smith 1877. Leonard Donald McKercher 1878. George A. Towns 1879. Clyde Edward VanWie 1880. Ethan Allen Winters 1881. Leo Chilson Chamberlain 1882. Harold Rose 1883. Walter Paul Cook 1884. William Edwin Pixley 1885. Arthur Jay Fisher 1886. Clayton Adelbert Newland 1887. Vivian Victor Barnum 1888. Gordon Porter Kenyon 1889. Charles Samuel Kenney 1890. Paul Francis Kesler 1891. George Frank Steams 1892. Birdsall Wolcott Holly 1893. Robert H. Munjoy 1894. Andy W. Louden 1895. Carl M. Lehman 1896. Keith C. Farlce 1897. Gail Shaw Beaver 1898. Robert Bennett Bums 1899. Gerald Wayne Potter 1900. Virgil Conrad 1901. Leslie Leroy Smith 1902. Aubrey Lynn Mix ] ^ranc*s Demond o?4- Lawrence Levi Chase cw r ^Usse^ Eugene McLcnithan 906. Melbum Ray Donovan lunZ’ ^ahcr Mantes Lewis Kenneth Eugene McCurdy imn' w o aX ax Go Gof,rdon don Reynolds !o!?’“°ri,“l.:XnnTun8ntc 191L Charlc, xvnfiamcouch Emory Irving Apsey 1913. Hoyd William Evans 1914. UVcm Ora Roberts 1915. ?rl Francis HOyt 1916. ^‘JLeinai 1917. Ray James Hwper 1918. are Jordan 1919. Keith Ixchleitner ..... .. 1920. Jean Fuller Eng] ‘nd 1921. Morton Shen/Hj™ 1922. Harold Allen Wa ? 1923. Harold George R<™,i 1924. Robert Archbald Holmes 1925. Ruble Henry Minum 1926. Harold George Woodard 1927. Marvin Uc Goodson 1928. Clarence Gerald Gn^nfidd I930. l*>31A]f ” “'onDe»" 19.35. Lcor, p F<r >9^-Krebs 1937. Wi|t!lr'^*>"«%ick 2()7n ii L'1‘ymanlJht r“r 1938. Geor®e r ‘‘7 u/podmansee 2*174. Lafayette ix-ir, 1WX <X.a|d, C*l'|“ounj<>u 1944. WUlian,^ Thomas 1945. AHx-n^ <gl«r Gerald B“eh,er 1947. 1948. Elza Olive, carf n 1949. 1949. Clarence g^spidel LeRoy H^-Kelvey 951-Myron Sn^Mead 952. Glenn Marccne Slocum 1953. Lewis Wood Johnson 1954. Elmer ConnKj pelchman 1955. Lawrence Newton phe,Ps 1956. Vemor Elvin Bennett 1957. Frank E.McMiUan Jn 1958. John Mason Brail 1959. Floyd Edward My<^ 1960. Hubert J. Mead 1961. Lyle Walter Rockhill 1962. Edward Dwight Barber 1963. Neil Edward Adair 1964. Howard Harrington 1965. Willard James Gonyou 1966. Emerson Nelson Struble 1967. Shirley E. St. Peters 1968. Carrol Hubert Miller Jr. 1969. Edward Bradford Caukin 1970. Sperry Evison Roush 1971. Richard John Bishop 1972. Bernard LeRoy Falconer 1973. Robert Willard Kidder 1974. Charles Derwin Agic 1975. Clifton Dexter Bird 1976. Maurice Leavi Whitney 1977. Claude Delmar Emerson 1978. George Raymond Myers 1979. Charlie B. Shilton 1980. Bertrum Wamsley Neil 1981. Arthur Earl Bryans 1982. Lawrence Basil Boudreau 1983. Edward John White 1984. Glenn Wilson Brisbin 1985. Earl Issac Moore 1986. Maxwell Bernard Tate 1987. Charlie Henry Hughes 1988. Lawrence B. Brown 1989. Leo J. VanBuskirk 1990. Glenn Herold hloviskcy 1991. Edward J. M?nni 1992. Clayton Oswald Case 1993. Joseph Patrick Thomson 1994. Gaylord Edward Gray 1995. Earl Floyd Hendrick 1996. Vere Everett Carter 1997. Joseph T. McClurkin 1998. Lawrence Orlando Janard 1999. Richard Franklin Palmer 2000. Carl William Huwe 2001. Orson Swift 2002. Arthur A. Main 2003. Kennard Byron Schaibly 2004. George Trego Gardner 2005. Roger Lyle Wilcox 2006. Louis Vere Williams 2007. Richard Murry Short 2008. Leland Oscar Enz 2009. Andy Willis Anderson 2010. Ezra Lincoln Brovont 2011. Seth Oren Wills 2012. Delbert Augustus Wickham 2013. Carroll William Hewitt 2014. Glen Homer Bachelder 2015. Clyde Laverne Bassett 2016. Wilbur Earl Tolles 2017. Gerald Bernard Skidmore 2018. Cloyd Max Williams 2019. Ray Carroll Gufd 2020. Zara Marcus Boulter 2021. Donald Arthur Siegel 2022. Dowell John Dalton 2023. Carl Ward Smith 2024. Samuel Ferman Shnver 2025. “ * Edward James Beaver 2026. HarryWiniam Beaver 2027. Gerald LeRoy Shepherd 2028. Harold Allen NeIson 2029. Lewis Warner Fcrris 2030. Forrest Lyle Wnghl 2031. Howard L. Sn^ 2032. Eugene Meivin flande.,I 2033. Hale Mceaull^T" 2034. Lionel LymanRho^ 203.*). Clarence CluhH1 2036. Cecil Hall Pre*tL,n 2037. Clare Janies Wl u 2040. Wiliam Wi^H‘1*. ™^dwa*Con< ’047 RoLGaTdncf,r'l^oW 2049: 2050. 2051. 2052. 2053. Roger k ,hP’vl?1. Lawle5cnne^5"’"b Ja,nesHC!Hef;il' Artie A1’^ s &•>%.»» M56^WMS 2057 Cb?1 < 2059. Rot«~ Sarr0VneK hV 2060 G..„ n,'ores1’sfurph> ,n kamiX* fUW. Robert Gilchriu , ™8**<>naldAmoBa4‘''i': 2083 N,rlMC7illFcrti' 83. Norwixxl Godfrey u, . 2084. Arthur John GrS,” 2085. Willie Nathaniel Grav M87?arO,S^J°h^ TnsR ?"? e'ch!U<1Mooa 2088. Gordon Samuel Buxl0ll 2089. Clayton James Tolhurst 2090. Frank D. Vosburph 2091. William Clair Hiscock 2092. Albert Wayne Cole 2093. Ward Ellis Baird 2094. James Frank Zasidil 2095. Frank Leo Cregar 2096. Vernon David Morford 2097. Darrel Vay Hart 2098. Albert Cecil Kennicott Jr 2099. Waller Kenneth Wolowicz 2100. Roy Edward Boice 2101. Adron George McClelland 2102. Alan Fred Redick 2103. Bryant Cecil Debolt 2104. Gilbert L. Gordon 2105. Charles Francis Gallagher 2106. Roy L. Merlau 2107. Bliss Erwin Boulter 2108. Homer Anson 2109. Howard Leroy Harvey 2110. Joseph John Hempie 2111. Clyde Edward Arnold 2112. John Emanuel Teller Jr. 2113. Richard Maxwell Simmons 2114. Robert Morris England 2115. William Edward Seymour 2116. John V. Wright 2117. Woodrow Wilson Bames 2118. Ward Howard Bevier 2119. William Burchett Chapman 2120. Kenneth Foght Rush 2121. Ernest Albert Tew 2122. Gail Alanson Eldred 2123. Howard Max Hamilton 2124. Victor Phillipv ------“• 2125. John Harry Williams 2126. Carl Everett Beach 2127. Gordon Kemper Dunaway 2128. Leon Albert Cole 2129. Milford Wayne VanAuken 2130. Charles Eddy 2131. Glenn Robert Brown 2132. Jack Gething Griffin 2133. Lloyd Benjamin Edwards 2134. Silas Edward Booth 2135. Guy Allen Cartwright 2136. Glen Merle Walkinshaw 2137. Philip Ned Shepard 2138. Marvin James Flint 2139. Lester John Robinson 2140. Clarence R. Bull 2141. Leo Frederick Frey 2142. Clinton Albert Hulsebos 2143. Aubrey Franklin Belson 2144. Neil Hulbert Brady 2145. Henry’ Albert Campbell 2146. Ray Daniel Wichterman 2147. Kenneth William Thornton 2148. Alva Anderson Pangle 2149. Clarence Morgan Elliston 2150. Earl Clark Barr 2151. Byron V. Elston 2152. Ross Owen Fruin 2153. Donald Earl Welcher 2154. Milboume Howard Shepard 2155. Vernon Arthur Karrar 2156* Glenn Vearl Hoover 2157. Leo Elba Boise ^158. Robert Dare Slack 2159 Claude M. Almond 2160. Lee Caldwell Brandow 2161. Miles Russel Ruffner 9162 Furnion Russell Wolfe ^163* Ralph Edward Schwarz 2164 William Harland Simmonds 2165 Burr Lloyd Manning 7166. Floyd Winfred Culver 2167. Andrew Lowell Frecmire 7168 Alvah Austin Hall 2169. Durellc C. Upson 2170. Lyle Glen Ferris 2171. Lyle Clyde Billings 9172. Civile George Russell 2173. Bernard Oliver Tasker 9174. Walter Ernest Shafc 2175. Merle Clyde VanAuken 2176. Paul Clifford Anderson 2177. Paul Wotring Smith 2178. John Merritt Whipple Jr. 2179. William Freeman Hall 2180. Clitrence Leroy Witt 2181. Oral Eugene Myers 2182. Howard Allen McDonald 2183. Verl Vernis Burd 2184. Donald A. St. John 2185. Frank Joseph Belka 2186. Clarence A. Vance 2187. Stanley J. Nowakowski 2188. George Franklin Benner Jr. 2189. Henry Lyman Davis 2190. William Howard Harrington 2191. Wendell Chas. Lix'ke 2192. Clare Sylvan Olmstead 2193. Kendall Emmerson Potter 2194. Clifford Louis Rogers v. Harry Adrounio (1915-2010) didn't wait for his draft number to be randomly jailed. Less than a year after registering '9 Stober 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was called back to service in *u9ust 1945 and, four years later, began « 20-plus career with the Air Force, sieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. also earned a doctorate degree in ^lf°nmental health, served on several awa%L<?Knd.1oCOmrnissions' and was his Legion of Merit, among photo)Umer°US accomPlishments. (File t’i^' . ' ^em;ird Clayton Whitmore 96-Gamer Addison Pennock 7 m' 5?’*'“ Hu?h Fiona 2 ^ Donaid Levi Phillips ^’*9. Carson Ames John Hickey Tyl?Sler Umbcrt ^•^IbertUFerris Cunis Clifton Jay Mason Elmer Reid 5aroId Manon Kinch 2206. Earlie Thomas Jolley Cllfford Eavcme Perkins 2208. Darrell Eviu Hoosier 2209. Clair Raymond Reid 2210. Clifton Robert Baxter 2211. Donald Eugene VanAuken 2212. Timothy Wood 2213. William Nathan Gladstone 2214. Albert Allen Butterfield 2215. DeForest Potter Walton 2216. Herbert Ernest Wcnsloff 2217. Stanley C. Lyons 2218. Frank Wang Rogers 2219. Lincoln James Farrell 2220. Kenneth Cameron Florin 2221. Charles Walter VanderMeulen 2222rio'ing LeRoy Bean 2223. LaRuc Winfield McMMw 2224. Donald Henry White 2225. Dennis Junior Yarger 2226. Allen Ward Woods 2227. Clarence Lenard Babcock 2228. John Gordon Williams 2229. Kenneth Reed Biddle 2230. John Milton Buehler 2231. Laurence Allen Case 2232. Lynndon Roy Eldred 2233. Alton Gail Elwood 2234. Dwight Dean Ferris 2235. Paul Edward Goforth • 2236. Harland G. Grinage 2237. Lester Haren Halstead 2238. Clinton Allan Hom 2239. Donald Dawine Leyendecker 2240. George Walter Miller 2241. Jack Rothaar Smith 2242. Lawrence William Strickland 2243. Russel Delos Watson 2244. Verlin Murphy 2245. William Edward Morrison 2246. Jay Lavcrn Baker 2247. Warren E. Brown 2248. Glenn Francis Thomas 2249. Joseph Oscar Merchant 2250. Muri E. Streeter 2251. Roger Albert Leyendecker 2252. Raymond Evelyn Wickham 2253. Laurence Alden Wolfe 2254. Lamar Henry Bullock 2255. Morris Clayton Brant 2256. Howard Duane Cronk 2257. Ralph Henry Hoover 2258. Raymond James Mann 2259. John Paul Langford 2260. Terrence Kain O’Laughhn 2261. Leon Webster Payne 2262. Charles Enoch Andrus 2263. Francis Stephen Baker ^64 Robert Jacob Brock Richard Witwer Chrzan 2266. Floyd Bernard Dukes 2267. Arthur Hile Eddy 2268. Arthur Burdette Fischer ■’■’69. John Wood Foster 2270. Robert Dudley Lyuer '’271. Edward Oscar Fu ir ^72. Fred H:»u*r Robert Hamilwn 1174, Corvin Victor Hoffman P75. William S. HubbmJ 2276. Urwrence iJWt’ <lll'e' ^77. Wayne li-vlKctmeen Tuni> Herman Klein ^. Charles Mikel Humphrey t 9980 John Daniel Potb Chester Arthur Richardson Sg2 Glen Home. Schroeder Cleon LolieSmtth E<1" in Lavcni .SrwtMmm ^S5.Ru>«ll Charles To" round ’"Kb. Charles Oscar Struble 2287. Virgil Jasper Whipple Hastines Banner. Sources.• \v,rld\Var2muscumMrii. familyneanh.org, ottre.rrrv.e out. dlrtvm'm.Uunwncu./oc^n. �Financial FOCUS FORECLOSUREAR^Wies, AS A DEBT COLLECJy^ND ANy J^MPTING TO COLLECT A OBTAINED WILL BE Andrcv; 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-3553 WendiStratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml ------- (517)760-0113 > Discuss financial goals with v your family June is btlcctixu Commu­ nications Month. And it’s a gcHxl idea to recognize the importance of good commu­ nications, because it plays a rule in almost excry aspect of living - including your fi­ nances. You II \x ant to clearly communicate your financial goals to your loved ones and you'll want to hear theirs, too. Let's look al some of the communications you might have xvith family members: • Your spouse - You and your spouse may haxc differ­ ent thoughts about a range of financial topics - hoxv much to save, how much to spend,. the level of debt xxilh xvhich you’re comfortable and so on. Try to reach some type of consensus on these issues. However, in regard to invest­ ing, you don’t necessarily haxc to act in unison all the time. You each may have dif­ ferent investment styles -- one of you may be more aggres­ sive, willing to take on more risk in exchange for poten­ tially higher returns, while the other xxould rather invest xvith an eye toward mitigating risk, even it means accepting a loxver return. Of course, there’s nothing stopping each of you from pursuing your individual investment strate­ gies in your own accounts - IRA, 401 (k) and so on. Still, if you arc going to xxork tc> wand common goals - espe­ cially toward a shared vision of your retirement lifestyle - you each may xxant to com­ promise in your investment choices. And tins accommo­ dation is even more necessary in your joint accounts. •Yourparcnh~lfyouniay someday be involved xvith your parents’ financial plans -which is highly likely-you should know in advance what to expect. This may not be thc easiest conversation to have, but it’s an important one. So, for example, ask your parents it .they have a durable pow­ er of attorney, which allows them to designate someone to manage their financial affairs if they become physically or mentally incapacitated. You might also inquire if they haxc protected themselves against die potentially enor­ mous costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay. If not, you might suggest that they contact a financial advisor, who can of­ fer solutions. Once you begin communicating about these issues, you may well want to go further into your parents' estate plans to determine what oilier arrangements, if any, they have made. If it seems that their plans are not fully developed, you may want to encourage them to contact an attorney specializing in estate planning. • Your grown children ~ Just us you talk to your par­ ents about their estate plans, you'll xvant to discuss the same topic xvith your oxxn grown children. Let them know who you have named as a durable power of attorney, xvhat’s in your last will and testament and whether you’ve established a living trust. If you’re already xvorking xvith a financial advisor and an estate planning professional, make sure your children know how to contact these individuals. Of course, you don’t have to confine your communications to estate plans - if you want to help your children financially, such as loaning them mon­ ey for a down payment on a home, let them know. By talking xvith your loved ones about key financial mat­ ters, everyone benefits. So, keep those lines o! communi­ cation open. This article was written by Edward Jonesfor use byyour local Edward Jones Finan­ cial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER ® 945-9554 Estate Sales Business Services LIVING ESTATE SALE720 Washington Blvd., Lake Odessa Thurs.-Sat., June 10th-l2th, 2021, 8am-7pm. JQntagil couch, antique chaits,. antique books, linens, Michi­ gan History Magazines^gtesware, home decor. Everything must go!! Make offers!!!! MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. GARAGE SALE: THURSSAT, lune 10lh-12th, 2021. Tools, Household items, De­ cor, Pictures. 812 Greenwood St Middleville. 8am-3pm GARAGE SALE: THURSSAT, June 10lh-12lh. 2021. 8ain-5pm. Household Clothes, Purses/ 1 hirty One, Office supplies, D^T'i oTS much good stuff to list- LOIb OF NEW STUFF! 216 Mead­ owlark Ct Middleville. BWTNG* ATE* HATtD- * WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterlex' Logging, (269)818-7793. Help Wanted CAREGIVERS NEEDED: FT/PT day and night shifts available at Carveth Village. We provide competitive wag­ es at S14-S19/ hour with bene­ fits. Call for details or apply online. 269-795-4972. www. carvetlwillage.com SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 l/2facocord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: AU rcil e>u:c advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which cvllcctivel) make it iUcgal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination baved on race, color, religion. »et. handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination." Familial statu* includes children under the age of 18 living with p.irentv er legal cusu>diint. pregnant women ar.d people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of thc law. Our readers arc hereby informed th.*t all dwellings advertised in this ncws[up« are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the fair Housing Center a! 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is I-8OO-927-9275. of hearing of practicability and review of gun lake special A assessment roll STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT-FAMILY DIVISION FOR n AfORMATION |p «^T PURPOSE. ATTENTION HOMEOW^h Yqu are a MILITARY SEWICE ACijve DUTY, IF YOUR PERIOD OF AC'Q on CONCLUDED LESS THAN 90 DAYS^°pUTY, Ptp^AVE BEEN ORDERED TO ACTIVE pAR)y ££ CONTACT THE ATTORNEY FOP TELEpJ^CLOSlNG THE MORTGAGE AT TR HONE NUMBER STATED IN THIS NOTlC o Foreclosure by Advertisement - Notic-^1 Qf section 3212 of the revised ju<*1C^ following Jl1,901 Pa 236. MCL 600.3212. that thb mortalw,i! be foreclosed by a sa!o o’ • Wic Mod premises, or some part of them, at • cashj“’icn Mie to the highest bidder for cash ^S diKk at the place of Itoldmg a.m7n.m n BarTY County, starting promptly at 1:9^ortqanorrlCn Ju,y 2a^1The amount duo on the 9th9o bo greater on BARRY COUNTY PUBUCAT1ON OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAFAE CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28828-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P4infin COURT ADDRESS: '^41960 tho day of tho solobld at the salo doos not automat'"'’ «tho purchaser to free and clear oemorsWO |o ^Perty A potential purchaser is encourage0 tact the county register of deeds office o -urance company, either of which may ihp* J* infomial;cn. Default having been made’1* ’ne^msand conditions of a certain mortgage ,^7intvyM°7?rto P. Luna and Lena M. Luna of Barry :c^93n. Mortgagor to Fifth Tlilrd Bank succe-^merger to Homo Equity of America, Inc. da b oe F^t (jny Of March, 2005, and recorded in the Register of Deeds, for the County of State of Michigan, on the Fifteenth day of M^-n> 2005, Instrument No. 1142742 of the Barry Records on which mortgage there is claimed to ba due, at the date of this notice, for principal d *°°-662.09 plus accrued interest at 7.00000% pefC601 PCf annum. Which said promises are described as foOow$-. aji tfxat certain piece or parcel of land situated n the Township of Rutland, in the County of and State of Michigan and described us follows to wit The North 248.5 feet of the East 308.5 fo«t of the South 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 1, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, Rutland Township, Bany County, Michigan. Commonly known as: 1621 Hammond Road, Hastings. Ml 49058 Tax ID: 08-13­ 001-014-05 If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the borrower, pursuant to MCLA 600.3278 will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to tho mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. The ’edemption period shall be six months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such salo. Dated: June 3, 2021 By: Benjamin N. Hoen HP-81415 Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LP.A. 965 Keynote Circle Cleveland. OH 44131-1829 Telephone: 216-739­ 5100 Fax: 216-363-4034 Email: bhoeni^weltman. comWWR# 10152018-1 161355 (06-03)(06-24) 2(56 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, 162125 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In the matter of Arlen G Leinaar Trust dated Oct 31.2017. TO ALL CREDITORS­ NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Tho decedent Arlen G Leinaar born 06-01-1935 who lived at 11602 Fiona Rd , Delton. Michigan, died April 15, 2021 leaving a certain trust under the name of the Aden Leinaar trust and dated Oct. 31. 2017, v4ierein the decedent was the Settlor and Kim Leinaar was named as tho trustee serving at the time or as a result of tho decedents death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will bo forever barrod unless presented to the Aden Leinaar Trust, the named trustee at 10750 S. Parker Rd., Delton. Ml within 4 months after tho dale of publication of this notice. Dato. 6-8-2021 Kim Leinaar 10750 S. Parker Delton. Ml 49046 162212 NOTICE Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact tho attorney for tho party foreclosing the mortgage at tho telephone numbar stated^vh/s notice.- ' ‘ Notice of foreclosure by acuetiisumenL Notice is given under section’3212 of the cevised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that tho following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of tho mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on JUNE 24, 2021. Tho amount due cn the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to .cpntppj .t^countyxegistpr.of &ed$ gffieg or a tijl^ insurance company, erther cf which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Steven M. Yawger, a single man. to American General Financial Services (DE). Inc., Mortgagee, dated December 18, 2006 and recorded December 20, 2006 in Instrument Number 1174117, Barry County Records, Michigan. Sa;d mortgage is now held by Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, D/B/A Christiana Trust as Trustee for PNPMS Trust II, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of S'.xty-Five Thousand Eight and 9/100 Dollars ($65,008.09). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at pub’ic vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JUNE 24,2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Castleton. Barry County M-C^gan, and are desenbed Said special asse benefits 9 P the imorovernent proj Gun Lake Improvement Board will hold a hearing . c, IRTHEH GIVEN ‘Mooned hearing of practicably (or ,ho pufpose osf NOTICE IS FURTHt afOrement fQr hearing any objections thereto. An owner immediately folio . . assessment bc assessed or his/her agent may appear in reviewing said spe jn rea| prop t or may Potest S1?ch special assessment by of or party with int©^ special ass r n?jor to the t,rne 0 hn h®?r,?9DVVr,tt0n objections person to object to Ul®^oard at °fnP?Tke improvement Board c/o Barry County Drain letter filed with the ” the Gunu^iings. Ml 49<?5A0, No ,ce ,s *lso 9‘ven that the mav be filed with of ma‘^ 0 street. Ha^e Special Assessment Dastr.ct who, having Notice of Execution Salo on Rea! Property 162123 161234 (05-27)(07-01) Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature het of 1961,^96) PA 236, MCLT)00.3212> that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 100 PM. on June 17, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on tho day of sale. Plaong the highest bld at the safe docs not automafrcaJy entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser Is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a Wlo insurance company, either of whrch may charge a feo for this Information: Nam-ls) Ol tho mortgagor(s): Raymond L Thompson and Pamela K Thompson, husband and "'original Mortgage Mortgagee: Registration Systems. Inc. as nomrnee for Reverse qolmions Inc. its successors and assigns ForXsU Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage S°DMoi Mort9a9e:June20'20ju5ne30 2015 XmcS"^ ^ Lot 20 of Block D of Pleasant Shores, according . to.the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Uber 3 of o?.heToSsVl/4 of section 36. Town 1 North. Plats on page 59. . 1067 Brooks Rood. HasWS. Michigan 49058 The redemption period sha" bo 6 months from the dato of such sale, unless^c™nod abandoneebn accordance with MCLA §60C1.324 a, m which case the redemption period she1 be 30 days from the date MCL 600.3278, the borrow'bo held responsible to tho person who buys «* at tho mortgage foreclosure sale or to the rr^S^Se holder lor damage to tho property during ^tmpfron period. Dated: May 27,2021 File No. 20-006671 H:X:s°T^B^-erRoad.W Ri r9° m'inckic?at UteNortheast comer of said West CommenOTgajm thonce South a|ong ,/B 1/2 tho p'aco Of beginning of the within i,no 1000 fc^°^p%Poantinu:ng South along the 1/8 des >nce duo West to the West Imo of the line 329 feet, 1/2 of tho southC3St 1/4 East 56 acres Noflh on said West tino 343 of Section 36, I** a p^t due West of the point of feet, more 0 It- . tQ pQinl of “Sm^t address frf any): 15700 Dunn Rd. 502.1400 u 16,233 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING Hold In Person & Electronically JUNE 1,2021 Meeting called to order 7 pm AH board members present, 12 guests in person, 1 guest remotely ’ Pledge of Allegiance Motion approved May meeting minutes Motion approved paying of the bills Department reports Public comment Motion approved township board letter of support for rezonlng property adjacent to Bay Pointe Woods Motion approved to table Bernard Museum request Motion approved to renew sexton contract tor 1 year Motion to adjourn, meeting adjourned 8 22 pm Submitted by; Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervtsor c BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21028841-NC JUDGE: WILLJAM M. DOHERTY COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, unlnow^and whose interest m the matter may be 00 TAKE N oo p m at 206 W ^0CuXey; JsX 302 H^ngs. M? 49058 before X Xm M. Dcneny to cto^ <he name of Levi Daniel Roberts io Levi . an. 162124 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY N0Snta™ at (0fec|OSUf0 sa|e under " the Ftevrsed Judcature Act of 1961. Chapter 32 o |h0 borrower will bo hold pursuant to wbo buys tho property at fesponaw® foTC|0sure sale or to tire mortgage {,n0Ve"rOro?a8'"’J3r’!’ lhe p,oporty dunn9 lh0 Estate cl Date ct brth. I'^'l^nHs ^fice TO CREOnOHS: The decedent. Russell L. Hughes d"jd n0,"8d ®i! ert-dforo^ thwll )3ew, bamd da.„,s ^ la Theresa Hughes, personal active duty, if your period of active duty ^’^nndudod k?ss than 90 days ago, or if you have has co 10 |o actlv0 oUty. please contact the been ° the patty foreclosing the mortgage at SpSro number stated In this notice. Zuii'ndens"-^’ Thto notice Is from a debt collector, pali o~ot.«: May 20.2021 ^viXl^t) I'ua^Norihwasteni Hwy.Suite 145 Marshall. Fa^Thng1o•’H•'b•M, 48334 (269) 781-9851 Theresa Hug6«s Zuri-nOenstrasse 111 S03 Zurich. Swuerland ^76 574 38 42 unless pfGj<- ~ representative, c J bolb probate court at Sw,uo(land and v0 Wllh;n 4 months after ^ast Michigan Avenue (248)642-2515 1435351 (05-20X05-1°) 1621W STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT • FAMILY DIVISION The redemp. determined abandoned in dato of such 600.3241a; or, if the subject accordance w agricultural purposes as Pt?Kct 600^240(16). redemption P^'^wnt.r. g yOU ara a military service Call 269-945-9554 tor Hannas Bani,er classified ads STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28848-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49056 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Mason Adam Ray. TO ALL PERSONS, including: Dylan Ray whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be baited ol affected by thalOlkMing; TAKE NOTICE. A pn 6/23/2021 at 2:15 pffyft 2p6 W. Court Street, Suite 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 before Judge Wiliam M. Doherty to change ths name of Mason Adam Ray to Mason Adam French. 162151 be 6 months from the BellevueJML49021 defined by MC Ml 46084 Firm Phono Number. (05-27X06-17) STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21028842-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1400 In the matter of Olivia Grace Roberts TO ALL PERSONS, including, whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may bo barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wednesday. June 23. 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Surte 302. Hastings. Ml 49056 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Olivia Grace Roberts to Olivia Grace Foote. Case Number 19-053225 ck Notice is hereby given that by virtue of an Execution against property, issued by the Judge of the 40th Circuit Court , State of Michigan, aga:nst Mason and Susan Richardson upon a judgment on 7-17-20 in favor of Lakestone Bank Plaintiff, and against said Def. Mason and Susan Richardson that on 3-8-2021 , I Sort Hope Deputy Sheriff levied the writ of execution on and took all rights, title, and interest of above said Def. Mason and Susan Richardson In the following, real estate. Said levy recorded in Barry County Records 2021-002913 PAGES 1 of 3 Land Situated in the township of Orangeville County of Barry, State of Michigan Commonly Known as 12011 Parkway Dr Tax Id 11 006-032-13 Notice is hereby given I will aucVocal! of the Defendant rights title and Interest in these propertys as law directs to the highest bldder at the location ol the Barry County Court House In tho State of Michigan, on the 14rd Day of July 2021, at 11:00 am. 5-21-2021 Signed this Date Scott L Hope Court Office/ Deputy Sheriff Any Questions: Call Scott Hope at or (810)869-1001 Bany- State of Michigan VS Richardson (5-27) (7-1) DescripVon of the mortgaged premrses: Situated DCbCripuo . Bany County, Michigan. inTownshipof ^nd in lhy0 Wo5,1/2 °f njKn mnriertv Is sold attoreclo=uro sale, pursuant Io t r,un Lake Improvement Board will hold a public hearing on the TAKE NOTICE lhat r improvement project (2022 through 2024) for Gun Lake oracticability of a threTZiatic plant conlro1' i.nsPect,on an^ oversight, water quality monennsistmg of nuisance aq administration, and contingencies. The hearing will be itoring. watershed manag^ ^910 Patterson Ave., Wayland, Ml 49348 on Saturday, June held at Gun Lake 19, 2021 at 10 0 3 mdTICE that a special assessment roll has been prepared D! paqF TAKE FURTHER rju Barfy County Dram Commissioner located in 220 W. PLEAS fiiP at the offio0 . n for public examination during normal business hours, ^reet in Hastings. M>c h®s boon P-pose of as8essing the cost of * HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Jason Ronald Jordan. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whoco address Is unknown and whoso interest In tho manor may be barred or affected by tho following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 7/14/2021 at 2 00 p.m at 206 W Court Street. Surte 302, Hastings. Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change tho name of Jason Ronald Jordan to Violott Vanessa Jordan. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate FILE NO. 2021-28799-DE Estate of Erika Mane Baley. Date of birth 12/12/1981 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS The decadent. Enka Marie Bailey, died 03/25/2021 Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be lorever barrod unless presented to Todd Bailey, personal representative, or to both the probate court al 206 West Court Street Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/04/2021 Nathan E. Tagg P68994 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Todd Bailey 5825 Usbome Road Freeport. Ml 49325 (269) 908-7843 162120 160519 49068 161900 �P.ige ID — Thursday. Juno 10. 2021 — Tho Hastings Banner Delton Kellogg seniors reco§f1ized for academics and more Like other local graduating senior*. tb<? final two years for Delton Kellogg High School's outgoing class were unusual and challenging. The senior tribute, (he school’s annual awards recognition, was one last unusual event before the students became Panther alumni. Instead of an in-person gathering, seniors received a panted copy of comments from school officials along with honors, awards and scholarships. Collectively, the class was offered more than $2.5 million in scholarships, ranging in size and provider, from small local organizations to major universities. “Your high school career was riddled with COVID. EEE, and many starts and stops.” Principal Lucas Trierweiler wrote to the graduating seniors, “and yet you still have accomplished many great things. I am so proud of all of you and your accomplishments over the last four years of high school, He shared his confidence in the abilities of these seniors, whether they are heading to further education, thc work force or die military. “This class has been a class filled with school spirit, teamwork, compassion, competitiveness, drive, focus and outstanding achievement.” Trierweiler wrote. “Your legacy and the relationships you have built throughout your careers will live on forever in the Delton community. Good luck in all that y ou do.” Class sponsors and teachers Laura Huflbrd and Mary McFanin pointed out that, along with playing sports, working, volunteering or other activities outside of school, many of the students also spent time helping younger siblings with remote learning over the past few semesters. “You have persevered,” they wrote, adding their reassurances to seniors, if uncertainty lies ahead. “It’s OK if you don't have any idea what comes next.” they advised. “It's OK if you change your mind. Il’s OK to not be OK right now, but ask for help, take the risk, carry' on!” Counselor Jim Hogoboom offered encouragement - and bit of financial advice for the students. “Although you’ve had to experience a weird, and challenging, finish to your school career, 1 don't want that to overshadow all the reasons you have to celebrate,” he wrote. “Each of you has played a significant part in who you are as the class of 2021 and how you have impacted our school and community. Regardless of your plans moving forward. I’m confident you have what it takes to be successful. Find a path that uses your gifts and fills you with joy. Just make sure it pays’” r*Aw'ards.‘ scholarships‘and honors given to tile graduating seniors included: Academic recognition Senior Scholarship awards - Valedictorian Bradley Bunch and Salutatorian Lexi Morris. Michigan Competitive Scholarship Acknowledgement of Outstanding Academic Achievement - Bradley Bunch, Lexi Morris, Caitlin O’Meara. Jacob Shorey and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Bronze honors - 3.00-3,49 GPA Logan Anderson, Alexandria Carter. Kitara Chase. Elizabeth Fichtner, Jazzmine Hannon, Toni Higgins, Hannah Maple. Hunter Marshall, Cole McCord-Lake. Kaitlyn McRae. Kiersten Moore. Cole Pape. Brett Seagle and Shawna Stonebunier. Silver high honors - 3.50-3 84 Ethan Campbell, Adam Froncheck, Gavin Houtkooper, Mackenzie Hull, Natalie Ritchie. Jacob Shorey and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Gohl Highest Honors - 3.85 4.00-plus GPA Bradley Bunch, Garrett Elliott. Lexi Morris and Caitlin O’Meara. Service and leadership recognition National Honor Society seniors - Bradley Bunch, Adam Froncheck, Gavin Houtkooper, Mackenzie Hull, Lexi Morris, Caitlin O'Meara, Natalie Ritchie, Jacob Shorey and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Leadership awards - Bradley Bunch, Mackenzie Hull,Cole Pape,Adam Froncheck. Hunter Marshall, Brett Seagle, Toni Higgins, Caitlin O'M earn, Blake Thomas, Gavin Houtkooper. Micah Ordway and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Citizenship awards - Ixigan Anderson. Bradley Bunch. Ethan Campbell, Alexandria Carter, Hattie Cleary', Logan Cross, Matthew Fales, Elizabeth Fichtner, Adam Froncheck, Chloe Harden, Toni Higgins, Gavin Houtkooper. Mackenzie Hull, Nicholas Johnson, Austyn Mann, Hannah Maple. Hunter Marshall, Kiersten Moore, Lexi Morris, Caitlin O’Meara, Micah Ordway, Trumcn Prell, Brett Seagle, Jacob Shorey, Shawna Stoneburner, Blake Thomas. Amy Wilderotter and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Service awards - Jaden Boniface, Bradley Bunch. Kitara Chase. Garrett Elliott, Adam Froncheck, Gavin Houtkooper, Mackenzie Hull. Lexi Morris. Caitlin O’Meara, Micah Ordway, Natalie Ritchie. Brett Seagle, Jacob Shorey. Amy Wilderotter and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Local scholarships DKHS Staff Scholarship - Hattie Cleary Woody Wyngarden Memorial Scholarship - Kitara Chase Delton Area Rotary' College/University $1,000 scholarships - Bradley Bunch. Lexi Morris and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Chamberlin Skilled Trades $500 Scholarship - Garrett Elliott John and Lillian Arnold $12500 Scholarship - Natalie Ritchie Donald Humphreys Memorial $500 Scholarship - Logan Anderson Gun Lake Women's Club Skilled Trades S500 Scholarship - Natalie Ritchie Gun Lake Women’s Club $2,000 Scholarship - Lexi Morris Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship $40,000 - Bradley Bunch Mark Jeska Memorial $1250 scholarships - Garrett Elliott and Evelyn Zettelmaier. George and Doris Leonard $1,400 scholarships - Garrett Elliott. Mackenzie Hull. Lexi Morris, Caitlin O’Meara, Natalie Ritchie and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Kate Kwasny Memorial $ 1,000 Scholarship - Kitara Chase Barry' County Humane Society $1,000 Scholarship - Lexi Morris Wyatt M. Cook Memorial S12500 Scholarship - Garrett Elliott Gladys Carol Williams $500 Scholarships for Academic Excellence - Bradley Bunch, Garrett Elliott. Caitlin O’Meara and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Barbara Colleen Hooten Memorial $1,000 Scholarship - Kitara Chase Delton Kellogg Trades/Vocational/ Community College $500 scholarships - NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT 162119 Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on June 28, 2021 at 7:00 PM at the Leason Sharpe Hall, Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058. ,2:"T Cnmiiiunily i e,<>k , Cornn 1lJ,,‘ly foundation foundation Multiple Sclent Scbolarship $500 - Lexi Morns DKF.F schoIarShips - Logan Anderson, BnH||ey j j,. Ethan Campbell. A exandna C;irk' B£.|ara Chase. Garrett Elliott. Matthew p_i s> Elizabeth Fichtner, Adam Froncheck,Gavjn’ Houtkooper. Hannah Maple, Kaitlyn |A*xi Morris, Caitlin O Mean.Cole Pnpc ^ta|ie Ritchie,Kaitlynn Roach. Brett Seag| ’. Shorey and Evelyn Zettelmaier. Kellogg Community College Richard S. Clair Poole Memorial scholarships $1,000 - Kiersten Monte aiK| Natalie Ritchie. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute $500 Scholarship - Shawna stoneburner College and university scholarships Kalamazoo Col|cpt, Lux Esto Scholarship $120,000 and Ka|ai^a7oo College Mandelic Award $26,000 - Qav‘in Houtkooper Calvin Universiiv Faculty Scholarship $40,000 - Shawna Stoneburner Ferris State UnivCn.itv Crimson Scholarship $6,000-Kaitlyn McRae College Board SAT Practice Scholarship $1,000-Kiuma Chase Michigan State University Michigan Resident Scholarship $6,0M - Lexi Morris Olivet College Presidential Scholarship $56,000 and Olivet Be More Grant $31,200 - Elizabeth Fichtner Lawrence Tech Presidential Scholarship $64,000 - Caitlin O’Meara University of Nebraska Ruth Leverton Scholarship for $52jDOO and $6,000 Housing Credit - Adam Froncheck Western Michigan University Scholarship $48,000-Chloe Colwell MIT Scholarship $256,000, National Horatio Alger Scholarship $20,000 and Elk Scholar MVP $4,000 - Bradley Bunch Club and extracurricular honors Student council - senior class officers: Jaden Boniface, Micah Ordway and Natalie Ritchie. MU (Mixed Use) RR (Rural Residential) r raizabeth Fichtner, Hunte”'??1'* B,,nchMicah Ordway, r Marshall and Green Team seniors ,, Robotics Team seniors ZcKchnaier and Evely n Zettelmaier " '°p',n Helton Kellogg Theater a seniors - pCy|On Beckwith J. Company Alexandria Carter. Jazzniine H' BonifftCe* LaTour, Hannah t T" Ash,<>" Kaitlyn McRae. Jaci/sho^""'* . 'V"'*"’Stoelzel. an<i Lauren Senior band awards -l™, A Peyton Beckwith. Ethan Camnhetl ^nderiOn. Carter. (Jarrett Elliott. Alexh Gau'’a."!"? S' Dr. Universe: Why are some berries poisonous? Where does the poison come from and how does it get in the berries? Bianca, 4 1/2, California Dear Bianca, A lol of living things on our planet have defenses they use in the wild to help them survive. For some plants, being poisonous may help keep them from becoming some­ one’s dinner. I hat’s what 1 found out from my friend Wendy Hoashi-Erhardl, a scientist who directs the Small Fruit Plant Breeding pro­ gram at Washington State University. Berries such as deadly nightshade, holly. and snowberrics - just to name a few - are not safe for humans to cat. These kinds of .» plants naturally produce poisonous compounds in their berries. You may remember that every tiling in our universe, including berries, is made up of atoms. When the atoms come together, they form compounds. Those compounds can sometimes form in a way that interferes with the work your body's cells arc doing to try and keep you healthy. In fact, the poison from some berries may make insects, birds, animals and even humans really sick. That sends a kind of message or reminder to those creatures to avoid the plant and its berries in the future - or else they’ll likely get sick again. Humans even have discovered different types of compounds in different berries that can make us sick. For instance, snowber­ ries and holly berries contain toxic com­ pounds called saponins. Meanwhile, dead­ ly nightshade contains compounds named trephine, scopolamine and hyoscy amine. Throughout history, humans have actual­ ly learned quite a lot about which plants are dangerous to eat versus which ones are good to cat. For the nutritious and delicious plants. 'Pray ^or Our Country : Commence at the N 1/4 post of Section o, 2i8 E. State St. Hastings • 945-9673 CPEN • Interested persons desiring to present their views upon the proposed P>ther verbally or In writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the arncnome • d tjfne Any written response may be mailed to Planning & above menboned(Pla«Hast>gs Michjgan49058 faxe(j |o(269)94^820 or . nmonrlment of the Barry County Zoning Ordinance is available for The Pr°P^e r County Planning & Zoning Department, 220 West State public inspection at tne y duf. the houfS of 8 a m t0 5 p m Mon(jay _ Friday. Street Hasbf^B^c0Unty Planninfl & Zoning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further ^formation- , _,rrw Houtkooper Spanish - Lexi Morris Technology - Brett Seagle Visual arts - Pey ton Beckwith and Hannah Maple Weight training - Hunter Belew and Elizabeth Fichtner . Yearbook editor award - Peyton Beckwith humans have been able to take those plants and make them even more useful through a process called plant breeding. HoashiErhardt said. For example, we can take a raspberry and blackberry and cross them to create an entirely new berry called a lay berry. Hoashi-Erhardl does a lot of work help­ ing to breed raspberries and said scientists have different categories for what we call “berries." Part of w hat makes a berry a true berry has to do with an organ in the plant called an ovary. A raspberry, for instance, grows from a single raspberry flower. But that flower has many ovaries and they become all the little _ segments, which_________________ are called drupelets,w___ that make up a raspberry. It tuntyoui a raspberry is not at true berry even (h<xif>h>wc call it ‘ ”: •> rii «-rt . .... i ; • i L a’*benyb' Meanwhile, a blueberry comes from a single flow er with just one ovary. Scientists call these berries that come from just one plant ovary “botanical berries.” True ber­ ries grow from a single flower with just one ovary. I was surprised that means bananas and cucumbers are technically true berries, too. It’s great to hear you are curious about berries. Bianca. They are truly an interest­ ing part of the plant to observe. It’s also important to learn which types of berries are safe to eat and which are not. You can’t tell just by sight; becoming familiar with edible species of berry' plants happens by talking to a botanist or carefully studying a field guide to wild edible plants. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS " Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 < License #8110376 Insured METAL ROOF PRICE CALCULATOR! 8^-5 30 pm. Cleaners Pick-Up Station Tib Posting bailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanusiffibaffYCTVntE pr.q. Physical education - Gavin Houtkooper Science - Lexi Morris Social studies - Bradley Bunch and Gavm MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Legal Description of Parcels: THN N 335 ft to the P.O.B. Anderson English •-Caifhn O Meara French - Jacob Shorey General studies - Hattie ( leary Industrial arts - Nicholas Johnson Math - Bradley Bunch and Evelyn Bananas, cucumbers and other ‘berries’ Threads Zipper, Trims All of the above mentioned property is located I in Barry County, Michigan. Morn. Department award* Band: John Philip Sousa Award •• Ju>gan Doctor 1 Universe Qjiilting Cotton Prints & Solids j I08" Wide GUiiltTBacking I A-2-2Q21 Request to rezone a portion of land in Section 8 of Orangeville Township, also known as 5075 Oarie Drive and 5050 Marsh Road. (See attached map.) FROM Power lifting senior. captain - Uxi h.e 1- Achicvcment.. L-Kltn’,, Ccnificarc of Interact semor. "<■* CI^Hi/abeth I tehCT B»^'>- Kitara Quiz Bowl ,cni() • N1»-ilic Riichic hvebn Zettelmaier. ' ' 'lc,,h shorcy and Tryouts for the Hastings FC. youth soccer program, will be held Monday. June 14, at the club’s fields at the Barry County Expo Center. Boys with bom between the years of 2007 and 2015 are eligible to participate in the youth travel club, and girls born between 2003 and 2015. Boys’ will begin chtft-in at 5:30 p.m., with tryouts held from 6 Mil 7:15 p.m. girls will begin check-in at 6:30 ftm., with tryouts held from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m; Pre-registration can b done at www.hastingsfc.com. Send email questions to info® hastmgsfc.com. While the league the Hastings FC partici­ pates in requires the club to hold a tryout to insure that each player has an equal opportu­ nity to demonstrate his/her skills and have a chance at making a team, Hastings FC would like players to know that its club is small and in almost every case is looking to add players to fill out age groups by combining ages. Club teams typically have eight game sin the fall and eight in the spring, with four home games and four away games each session. Hastings is thc furthest south of any team in thc league with Cadillac the furthest north. Most of the league’s teams are based in the Grand Rapids area. Teams typically practice twice a week at the expo center, with practices starting in mid August and games beginning the week after Labor Day and running through the end of October during the fall season. Much more information is available at the club website. „ .i,k„ McRae. McRae. Shawna Shawna Stoneburner 1... aTour.. Kailljn Stoneburner TrCaS'”':r G;,tK" Ver’si, Hastings FC holding annual soccer tryouts Monday The subject of the public hearing will be the consideration of the following amendment to the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended: MAP CHANGE bo’^ nl:’Br"idc.............. B^u »' Bradley Bunch, library assistant atSs1M‘1,ubl,cI,br“ry Drovide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as The County ot carry \ h audjotape5 of printed materials being considered at . .oners for tne hearing ,"’Pa'r®aH^._b,|ities at the moeting/hearing upon ten (10) days ^r; Hlno to individuals with disao disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or fo he County of Barry. Ind.vfouals w.fo or should contact the Count)r of 0^/slreel. Hastings, M.cmgan 49058, (269) BEAUTIFUL ‘ WORRY-FREE - GUARANTEED IS A METAL ROOF RIGHT FOR YOU? | Learn More-Texl 947-208-6995 I Brown. County Adr^istrao . 045-1284. fnbrpy/.n@barry..9-1rtrdance with the provisions of the Open OR 4 Saturday.June ............ ................................................................................................. An Instant Metal Roof Quote: MetalRoofPricing.com �The Hastings ANNER SPORTS SECTION Thursday, June 10, 2021 Teed and Hilton medal m hurdles at D2 Finals Thornapple Kellogg senior Paige Zellmer tries to get over the bar a 9 feet 9 inches during the pole vault competition at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals in Zeeland Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The local hurdlers were the highlight of the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Truck and Field Finals in Zeeland Saturday. Hastings junior Allison Teed ran to a fifth­ place finish in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 16.04 seconds and Thomapple Kellogg juniorTrysta Hilton set anew personal record in the 300-mere low hurdles with her time of 47.82 seconds which put her in in fifth place in that race. The Saxons. Trojans and Lake wood Vikings had athletes competing all over the Zeeland track and field campus throughout the day. All four girls ahead of Teed in the 100meter hurdle.-. Saturday were seniors, a pack paced by Allegan’s Hannah Antkoviak who won the race in 14.94. Teed has broken that 16-second barrier once as a hurdler for thc Saxon varsity, at the pre-regional meet hosted by the Saxons last month. Antkoviak won both hurdles races in Zeeland, taking the 300 hurdles in 44.69. Hilton was just behind conference rival Mallory' Huttenga, a freshman from South Christian, in the 300 hurdles. Huttenga was fourth in 47.65. Hastings sophomore Robbie Slaughter cleared 11-10 in the pole vault, but three tries at 12-4 were unsuccessful. TK senior Paige Zellmer got over the bar at 9-3 in the girls’ pole vault, but got stuck at 9-9. 1 he last of the eight state medalists in the boys pole vault cleared 12-10 while the final medalists tn the girls’event cleared 9-9. Also in the field, TK had sophomore Alana Compton competing in the girls discus and Sood had:senior Garrett Stank. cl«eh Lakewood senior Garrett Stank talks things over with head coach Jim Hassett after his second attempt at the long jump pit in Zeeland Saturday during the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings sophomore Robbie Slaughter rises up on his first attempt at getting over the bar at 12 feet 4 inches in the pole vault competition Saturday at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals in Zeeland. (Photo by Brett Bremer) varsity career in the long jump wuhabcs leap of the day coming tn at 19-7. Compton s best throw Saturday was 9 - Roosien. lhat Saxon that race with a time of ends, and Nino also> • the hur- nlinule 50.40 sec­ 400tl il “ :04.05. meter dash Saturday finis ife 200TK senior Wyatt Hel«r Jaxon meter dash after Join,n8 jn Van Elst in Sias. Cameron Gavette •ind performance, a tenth-place 4x200-metcr relay P, of Helzer was 18th tn 'he 2^finished its race 23.78. The Trojan relay tear" ' a second in 1:33.25. about seV.e,' ‘(e medalist relay behind the last ofthe eight state tn teams in the race. 2 girls’ teafn Petoskey took the Dl'? " ith 48 points, state championship Satur ^y Brjdg(,port 26. ahead of Parma Wes urn A1)egan 23. Frankenmuth 25. Be t|,?Vii71s Cranbrook Freeland 23, Bloomfie d HdH Raplds Dearborn Divine Child * * Christian 22 in the top tensenior disPetoskey was led to the tth-|hc tance runner E!,,n“ the 800-ntel« 1600-meter run m 4.55.0b. (|)(, 3„00 in 2:14.00 and plaecd se' I1;o3.8O. Grand meter run with a time o Hastings junior Allison Teed clears a hurdle in the preliminaries of the 100-meter hurdle race Saturday at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals in Zeeland. Teed ran to a fifth-place finish in the event Saturday. earnin9 a state medal with her time of 16.04 seconds in the event finals. (Photo by Bre^ Brerr,er) Rapids Christian junior Madelyn Frens won the 3200 in 11.01,53 alter finishing second to Squires in the 1600. Squires also teamed with juniors Noel Vanderwall and Caroline Farley, and fellow senior Sarah Liederbach, to win the 4x8(X)-meter relay in 9:27.33. Bridgeport junior Chaniya Madison won the 100-meter dash in 12.36 seconds and the 200 in 25.96. Belding freshman Brook Simpson set a neW Michigan High School Athletic Association Division - Finals record in winnine the high jump al 5-10. The boys’ team championship went to the Frankenmuth team ”"ishcd with 45;7)5 points, ahead of Fl'1'1. * ,5rs "tliolic -< Fruitport 40, Allen*11'-,.8; Fremont -6. Mason 25, EdwtrnfibW? Conroe Jefferson 23. Chelsea 22 and Holl-",‘l Christian 21 m the top ten. ,.VAr . , , . u Frankenmuth wa> I*''red by its relay teams, fan Stephen- 5 ' ‘ " Braman and Daniel l,‘“f'j . !e4x. n(j ter relay in 43.28 .«*<)*’ P'"“d second meterSclh tv lav. o ... Fruitport •in i j^phens. Malmo. I rankcnmuth lL‘u" Brenner WlVJ lbe runSam Barger and Rv‘ ,ux)-nleler rvhy ner-up io Yale in the ‘> ‘ ... „ uoi2Br doses in on the finish line at the Thomapple Kellogg senior sprinter Wyatt Heu the 2 end of his preliminary heat of the SOO^eter dash ba peninsula Track and Field Finals in Zeeland, (t™ i �Page 12 - Thursday. .June 1O. 2021 — The HAStinm Banner Vikings take district at TK in 13 innings Lakewood freshman Lily Federau claps at first base after knocking a two-run single to put her team up 5-3 in the top of lhe 11th inning of its Division 2 District Final at Thornapple Kellogg High School Saturday. The TK Trojans would score twice in the bottom of the inning to tie the bailgame back up, w’th Lakewood eventually scoring a 6-5 win in 13 innings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg senior pitcher Maleah Bailey throws for her team during the Division 2 District Final in Middleville against Lakewood Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Morgan Stahl thought she was safe, leaving a gallon or two of water in the big, plastic orange Gatorade jug after soaking head coach Brent Hilley bj surprise Saturday on the infield at 1 bomapplc Kellogg High School. A dripping Hilley got his senior pitcher back, to her bewilderment, moments after she left the container sitting in the dirt, ft was a wonder Stahl’s arms had lhe strength to douse her head coach in lhe first place. Stahl threw’ 20 innings, adding 35 more K’s to her Lakewood Mnglc-sepson strikeout record that now sits al -*’5K. asjbc Lakewooi varsity softball team took two one-run victo­ ries in the Division 2 District Tournament in Middleville. The Vikings bested rival Ionia 1-0. in the third one-run ballgame of the sea­ son between the two teams, and then knocked off thc host Trojans 6-5 in 13 innings in the championship game. Thomapple Kellogg took a 3-0 lead into the fifth inning of the district final, only to see the Vikings rally to tie it. The two teams played through lhe eighth, ninth and tenth extra-in­ nings and then into lhe 11 th. when tie-breaker rules start each half inning w ith a runner on second base, knotted at three. Lakewood struck first tn the 11th. scoring a pair of runs on a two-nm single off the bat of freshman lead-off hitter Lily Federau. Thomapple Kellogg senior catcher Moriah Sprague almost ended the ballgame with a two-run, walk-off home nm in the bottom of the 11th, but her shot to left Centerfield clanged olT the top of the fence as the specta­ tors behind it ducked and covered and the Vikings watched with anxiety in their hearts Instead of a 6-5 walk-off win for the Trojans, it was a game-tying. RBI double and the two teams went to the 12th and then thc 13th tied at 5-5, , Nearly everyone at the field thought Sprague’s blast was gone, bid there was just enough wind coming in from thc left field comer to keep it in thc fence. “I thought it was out,” Sprague said. “I thought it was thc hardest one I hit all year and then the wind kept it from going. 1 thought, why?” TK head coach Ashley Garrett said in her mind she was halfway home when the ball left Sprague’s bat. The Viking battery of Stahl and Federau thought it was gone too. Federau said her heart dropped. “I instantly was like, ‘are you kidding?,” Stahl said. “I thought it was going to be over the fence. That first instinct when they hit it In Memory of Bill Porter William Porter was elected as the President of thc Hastings Country Club in 2004. Bill had a vision for the Country" Club to give bads to the Hastings Area, in March 2004. the Charity Golf Classic was approved by lhe Country Club Board of Directors. In the summer of 2004. Bill suddenly passed away. The Charity Golf Classic Committee quickly renamed the outing to include Bill’s name. We thank you. Bill. You are missed. Charities Competing for the Top Cash Prize: • YMCA Summer C.A.T.C.H, Playground • Nashville Route 66 Business District • Next Gen Giving Network • Barry County Junior Golf HRSHV1UZ /Association Z & il 17® Annual Bill Porter Memorial Charity Golf Classic ESt 2004 Friday, June 18,2021 at The legacy at Hastings Event Details Four-person scramble Start time: 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start (or 8:00 a.m, & 12:30 p.m. if more than 36 teams) $ ■ Cost: $265 per team, or $65 per Individual Entry fee includes: o Greens fees o Goll cart o Heart Door prizes o Pour „ ballots for chai lfy vote o । -i 169-008- ISKf? is Paige (VanStee].” .,. r .. Hilley said the Trojans’ ,n,d^ e in , d defense was one of the toughest his team has Signature Sponsorship Levels ► Albatross: Three golf learns, banner and Lee sign—$2,500 » Eaglet Two golf teams, banner and lee sign—$1,500 ► Birdie: One golf team and tee sign—$700 ► Fan Tee sign with company logo and public recognition—$500 • Four-Ferson Golf Team Kegistration-$260 Hole games and prizes , clean off thc bat like that, that is my first instinct. I was just like, *oh, no, this is it and I got really scared, but then it hit the fence and I knew that my outfield would be able to gel it in. After that it was like okay we just need one more out and then we can go back in and then it is our turn.” Claire Behnam scored what would prove to be lhe winning run for the Vikings in thc top of the 13th inning. She opened lhe inning on second base, went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Maryssa Goble and then scored on a wild pitch. TK couldn’t advance its runner from sec­ ond in the bottom of the 13th. Stahl struck out the lead-off batter, the Vikings held the TK runner at second on abunt to third, and then Stqh] scooped up a gnxnid ball and tossed it to first qs' iTtc Vikinj/< d'strkr championship celebration began. • “That last inning, we were not going to let that run score,” Hilley said. “I was like, no more. Il gets to the point where it is almost a little dangerous for a kid to be throwing that many innings. I told them before the inning, that run is not going to score. No matter what. If we would have had to load the bases up or w hatever we were going to do, we were going to hold that one-run lead.” Goble was 3-for-4 in the win, with a walk. She scored two runs. Behnam singled and scored two runs too. Cora Giffin was 2-for-6 with two RBI for the Vikings. Federau was for-6 with a walk, a run and three RBI. 2Audrey Hillard and Emiiie Yonker had lhe Vikings’ other two hits. Sprague’s RBI double was the only extra­ base hit all bailgame. She was 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. TK also got two hits from Eliana O’Riley, who scored two runs. Paige VanStee was l-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Sophie Havernan singled once for the Trojans too. Stahl had a final line in the district final of 13 innings pitched. TK score two unearned runs. She struck out 21 and walked two. Maleah Bailey, the Trojans’ senior pitcher, was outstanding too. She struck out three and walked six, while giving up three earned nins on ten hits. “Maleah is lhe reason we are where we are today,” Garrett said. “She gave everything she had out there. She pitched good enough to win. It just didn’t go our way today“Maleah never stopped working. They have got a pole bam at their house and she pitched almost every day with her dad during the off­ season. and during quarantine. She and Mo (Sprague] both worked all year, and it showed. Those two are going to be hard to replace. So Be sure to follow our Facebook page tor regular updalo; WU Poiter McmocUd Charity Qolf Classic The Lakewood varsity softball team collects its district championship trophy at the end of a 6-5,13-inning win over host Thornapple Kellogg in lhe Division 2 District Final in Middleville Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood’s Liv Woodman celebrates as she accepts her district championship medal following her team’s 6-5. 13-inning win over Thornapple Kellogg in the Division 2 District Final in Middleville Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) in the Division 2 Regional Semifinals at Fowlerville High School Saturday nt noon, following the tournament’s opener between Owosso "and Haslett. The Olivet girls closed thc GLAC season by sweeping their three ballgames with the Vikings, leaving the Lakewood ladies a win shy of a conference championship. TK beat Hastings 21-0 in three innings in its district semifinal contest Saturday. Grace Zube and Bailey had three hits each in the win over the Saxons for TK. VanStee. Eliana O'Riley and Natalie O'Riley had two hits each. Natalie. Eliana and Paige had two RBI each. Bailey, Kate Caldwell, Sprague, Rachel Shoemaker, Ellie Vandefifer, Havernan and Zube had one RBI apiece. Sprague, Carly Snyder, Shoemaker, Vandefifer and Ellie Rogers each had one hit for the Trojans. Rogers, Zube and Bailey scored three nins each, and VanStee and Natalie O'Riley both scored twice in the four-inning game. Bailey threw three innings, striking out seven while not allowing a hit or giving up a walk. Peyton Stahl threw as perfect inning of relief forTK, striking out two. Lakewood managed its one run against Ionia in the first district semifinal ballgame of the day in Middleville in the bottom of the third inning. Back-to-back singles by Federau and Liv Woodman got things started with one out for the Vikings in the bottom of the third, and then Slater delivered a single into left to load the bases with two out. Federau came home to score on an error by the Bulldog catcher, before Ionia managed to get the final our on the base-paths. Federau was 2-for-2 in the w in, and Slater. Woodman. Bella Lab and Goble had the Vikings’ other hits. Pewamo-Westphalia beats up on district foes at Saranac High Every game in 1(St » 3 Dislrict baseball -^Xle gTng into Saranac ended with tbe m y h * 'r. . • > i cinci final in which Hint included the a 21-2 win over Pewamo-WeStpha|ia tallgamc. host Saranac in « on lhe Pewamo-WeSlphalia^^ final season wij lls wi„ in %tervil|c n-1 in Delton Kellogg l0 fall to the P-W trict semifinal of the day Saturday back in Saranac. Host Saranac reached thc district final with a 14-3 win over the Maple Valley Lions in the second district semifinal of thc day. Il was a 4-2 ballgame after lhe Lions scored twice in the bottom of lhe fourth inning. Saranac answered with ten runs in lhe top of the fifth to end the ballgame early. Maple Valley had six hits in lite loss. Lane Morris was 2-for-3 al thc plate. Gregg Richardson and James Wiser each doubled once, and Nick Osborne and Camden Carpenter both had a single. Osborne. Carpenter and Wiser notched the Lions’ three RBI. Richardson. Osborne and Carpenter scored the three Lion runs. Morris started on the mound arid took the loss, giving up live earned runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out two and was charged with five unearned runs as well. David Hosack-FrizzeJl threw an inning of relief, giving up four runs on five hits. He struck out one. �Pago 13 The Hastings Banner — Thursday. June Juno 10. 2021 — Page Pape finally gets a mea^ement, wins state title BrvttBrvmer —। uim — Brett Bremer Sports Editor Cole Pajx: scratched on his first four throws in the discus competition at lhe Division 3 ■ Stale Finals - three times his sophomore svason and on the first throw of his senior year. *’l hopped in the ring and my first throw felt so good coming off my hand and then all of a sudden il dinged. Il hit the pole,” Pape said of his opening attempt al the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Stale Track and Field Finals hosted by Jenison High Schoo! Saturday. ’ His fifth throw won him a state champion­ ship. ’ Pape unleashed a personal record throw of ■ 150 feet 7 inches on his second throw Saturday. Through the rest of lhe prelim’s and then lhe finals only two other guys. PewamoWestphalia freshman Gavin Nurcnberg and Leslie freshman Brogan Dodge, managed throws of over 140 feet. Nurcnberg finished as the slate runner-up with a mark of 142-8 and Dodge was third at 141-8. ‘‘I got a little nervous [after lhe first throw], but I was like, T got two more throws,'” Pape Delton Kellogg senior Cole Pape said. ”1 went out there for my second throw celebrates on the infield at Jenison High and it ended up going smoothly. When they School after winning the state measured out the tape I looked down and they championship in the discus at the Division said. ‘150’. I thought something must be 3 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals. wrong.” It wasn’t. Things went pretty well at the shot put pit too for the DK senior. Pape was a the shot pul with a personal record mark ol two-time state medalist, also placing fifth in 48-4. _ __u/ airt^-ian i- —- ■ Pape only sU^’ihi"a" in u^’00' mark three lime* « "His sophomore >* 0 -3,5. wk"?mPion ship with n . tin*'I,e wjh a personal best at ll*. ,40 fCq ? °°<uiMently between 120 f«‘ of eotiL s.l,0"t "'al sophomore n«ason;n,pc'c as, ;nni"'“se<l out onthe chance to ^mor ,n 2020. Pape threw I*1 his nt every meet but the firstthe sc^>n this spring. He I"' latite rtg,,,™^ second competition to u' jisc use a new special orof,am L??* Dal' Grimes got for 'f.Clhmu^ >. said coach Grimes .o'" ,K.ctlhat I36 fcc[ was the distance tn > nit fo C0lnpcle with the new discPape said the nc* , and nm weight just fit with his by|hm r c « got his footwork back into*™ s te‘the ycar off he was ready to cb^ praclic,?;1"’Pi°nship. 150 fee, out He set a marker up from the ring, a 'P®1 reach a „h ,d havc to hit if he was going a goal of a top three state finish. With the help °f Fleser es and DK assistant coach Ja*. th ’ ape said he stepped up state prep^ two weeks before the finals - * w S the amount of foJ. P's freshman ’"Pape isalready * - - — - .• -- Men’s Track and Field team should thc oppor­ tunity present itself and if doing so would not interfere with football. Pajje’s two throws put thc Delton Kellogg boys* track and field team in 13th place at the .state Imais, with 14 points. DK freshman Torren Mapes placed 11th in the 300-metcr intermediate hurdles. His time of 43.28 seconds, a new personal record, was only about a half a second behind thc fast of the eight stale medalists in thc race. Like Pape, Maple Valley senior Ashlyn Wilkes closed her time as a multi-sport varsity athlete on lhe track and Geld stale medal stand. Wilkes cleared thc bar at 5-2 to place third in thc girls’ high jump. She was one of four girls to clear 5-2 and only Kent City junior Mackenzie Brancheau went higher, clearing 5-3 to win the Division 3 state cham­ pionship in lhe event. Lawton freshman Heidi Newhouse was the girls’ high jump runner-up, clearing 5-2 in fewer attempts than Wilkes or Manchester junior Morgan Lutton who placed fourth. It was lhe fifth time this spring that Wilkes cleared the bur at 5-2, her personal best mark. Grass Lake took the Division 3 boys’ team state championship Saturday in Jenison, fin­ ishing the meet with 68 points, ahead of Benzie Central 34, Pewamo-Westphalia 30, Sanford-Meridian 26, Homer 23. Dansville 225, Chesaning 22, Traverse City St. Francis 20, Clare 18, Sand Creek 16 and Monroe St. * ‘ *” * 1 ,z ■■■' • Mary Catholic Central 16 in thc top ten. Grass Lake was led by senior sprinter Brennen Bargesser who won thc 100*meter dash, the 200-mcter dash, thc 400-meter dash and teamed with Trenton Holden. Andrew Stockton and Josh Sherwcxxf to win lhe 4x100 meter relay. Sherwood, another Grass Lake senior. was a medalist in the 1 (X) and the 2(X) behind Bargcsser. Pewamo-Westphalia and Grass Lake tied for the girls’ championship with 41 points apiece. Byron was third with 34, ahead of Shepherd 32. Hart 30, St. L»uis 26, Ithaca 24. Montague 23. Jackson Lumen Christi 22, Mason County Central 20 and St. Charles 20 in the top ten. Grass Lake’s girls were powered by a speedy Bargesser as well, with Brennen’s junior sister Lexus Bargesser winning the 100. the 200 and the 400 as well. Lexus set a new Division 3 Finals record with her win­ ning 400-mcter dash time of 5554 seconds. Byron senior thrower Sarah Marvin set a couple of new records as well. She set a newall-time MHSAA Finals record with her mark of 50-95 in the shot put and set a new Division 3 Finals record in lhe discus with a throw of 160-0. She bettered not only Pape’s discus throw, but also the winning shot put mark ffom Erie Mason senior Tyler Bates who took lhe boys’ title in lhe event at 54-7. DK girls win third straight district trophy Brett Bremer Sports Editor There will forever be a hole on lhe champi­ onship banner inside lhe Delton Kellogg High School gymnasium where lhe Panthers can ponder what might have been, but holes in the trophy case are getting fewer and further between. Thc Delton Kellogg varsity softball team won a Division 3 District championship for The third consecutive season Saturday at Climax-Scoris Midi .School. The maroon and white 01 fL-hofVKeTu.'?' the . blue and gold Panthers of Climax-Scotts 13-9 in eight innings in the district final. The Delton Kellogg girls won district championships in 2018 and 2019 and had high hopes for 2020 before that season was postponed and then canceled by the pandem­ ic. The DK program picked up right where it left off under head coach Duane Knight in 2021 though, .adding more numbers to thc banner. • Delton Kellogg will face Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division foe Schoolcraft in thc regional semifinals at Centreville High School Saturday (June 12). The Eagles took two from lhe DK girls in the final SAC Valley donbleheader of lhe season, preventing the Panthers from snagging a share .‘of the Valley Division championship. ' The Delton Kellogg girls slugged 18 hits in ■the win over Climax-Scotts. but had to rally in Lite end to advance in the state tournament. Climax-Scotts scored three runs in lhe bottom of the tiiird inning to tie the district final at 4-4, and then built a 9-4 lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth and three runs in lhe bottom of the sixth. The DK girls were left needing to score five runs in the top of the seventh to extend their season, and they pulled it off before scoring four more in the top of the eiglith to win it. Delton’s Mya Brickley delivered a clutch two-out double into left field in the top of the seventh inning that scored Chloe Colwell from first to lie thc game at 9-9 and eventual­ ly send it into extra innings. Abby Fichtner started the DK Panthers’ seventh inning rally with a bunt single to the left side. Josie Lyons walked to put runners on first and second. Aubrey Aukerman plated the first run of the inning for the Panthers with a line drive, RBI single into center field that scored Fichtner from second. Allison Brandli scored Lyons, with a oneout double through the right side, and sent Aukerman to third. Paige Thomas followed with a bunt single to the left side that scored Aukerman and moved Brandli to third, but Brandli was eventually caught trying to steal home for lhe second out of the inning. Thomas managed to advance to third as Brandli was picked off on lhe base paths though, and she scored on a ground ball single by Allie Trantham that pulled her team within 9-8. Chloe Colwell came in to run for Trantham at first and scored on Brickley’s blast. Fichtner struck out two Climax-Scotts bat­ ters and hit two in the bottom of the seventh, but got a ground out to end the threat and move the game into the eighth inning. Fichtner led off the top of the eighth with a double into left and scored lhe go-ahead run on ground-out by teammate Josie Lyons. DK put together doubles by Lizzy Fichtner, Brandli, Thomas and Trantham with a Climax-Scotts error to score three more limes in lhe inning. Il was a bit of a shaky eighth, as the Climax-Scotts girls put two on with one out, but Abby Fichtner got a pop out to Thomas in Centerfield and then struck out the final blue The Delton Kellogg varsity softball team gathers with its district championship trophy after winning the Division 3 District and gold Panther to clinch the win. Abby Fichtner and Trantham were both Tournament hosted by Climax-Scotts Saturday, the third district title for the Panthers in the last three seasons. The DK girls bested for-5 al the plate in the win. Fichtner drove host Climax-Scotts 13-9 in eight innings in the district final after a 17-1 win over Union City in the district semifinals. 3in two runs and scored three times out of lhe lead-off spot. Trantham had lhe one RBI. Lyons, Aukerman and Thomas had two RBI each. Lyons, Aukerman, Thomas and Colwell scored two runs apiece, and Brandli and Brickley both scored once. Lizzy Fichtner, Brandli, Thomas, Brickley and Colwell had low hits each. Climax-Scotts managed 12 hits off of DK pitcher Abby Fichtner. She struck out 13, walked five and allowed just six earned nins in the eight-inning win. Jenna Haynes look the loss for ClimaxScotts. She struck out five, walked one and gave up 18 hits. Just nine of the 13 runs charged to her were earned. Jennifer Ritchie led the Climax-Scotts attack going 4-for-5 with four RBL Jenna Haynes was 2-for-3 with three runs and three RBL Haynes snapped a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the fifth with a two-run home run to center field. The Delton Kellogg girls opened the 2021 postseason with a 17-1 win over Union City in four innings in thc district semifinals Saturday. Lizzy Fichtner powered die Panthers in lhe opener, going 3-for-4 with a triple, six RBI and a run scored. Josie Lyons and Paige Thomas both singled twice. Thomas drove in two runs and scored twice. Lyons also walked twice, scored four runs and drove in one. Brickley doubled and scored twice. DK also got a single from Trantham. Brandli walked twice and scored three runs. Brickley pitched and earned the win for *T----- — ■ .... The Saxons' Kaeii Jo West beats a DK. She struck out six and walked seven in throw in to home to score from third on a lhe four-inning bailgame. The one run against wild pitch during her team’s doubleheader her was unearned. She only allowed one Unity City hit. sweep of Ottawa Hills at Hastings High Climax-Scotts won its district semifinal School Wednesday. (Photo by Valerie Cassidee Easey P!t^es fOr the Saxons their sweep of visiting Ottawa Hilh in ballgame 8-2 over Galesburg-Augusta. goWfeaOD big wins ©ver Ottawa Hills a d° bynon-conference Valerie Slaughter) eader at Hastings High School Wednesday 2) f(Photn 7 (June ' rnol° . <|dUghtcr Eagles bested in playoff for Great Lakes Six title Sacred Heart Academy won a one-game playoff for the Great Lakes Six Championship Over Barry County Chrislinn’s varsity base­ ball team at Belknap J’arJc in Grand Rapids Tuesday. Lite Sacred Heart boys took an 8-3 win after the two teams split their four regular season contests against each other. Barry County Christian head coach ° ••­havinc a Brandon~ Strong said i ballgames killed some of lWeC" lum. and dealing with an hoUr and a delay didn't help things IWsday f nun Tlte Sacred Heart team took an x i i . the end of the fourth inning eaU at •*We just couldn’t string enough kwnti. get through it." Strong said. ° bats were alive on The lady Saxoi- lings ^ftbaU Wednesday, as in« -es in a home double­ team team took bot ftills to wrap up »ls header against Otta ns flnis^ed lhe se{P regular season. lne wilH^ fortheir bon with just three w .^ong return next yearyoung team to make ns defeated Ottawa In game one, the started in lhe cirHills 26-4. Cassidee pAscy phched lw0 cle for tlte Saxon n|y»nc run and one hit. innings and gave up The Saxon fielders while striking out had zero errors for * lite taxons finished In the batter’s Jf the bats of Anna with two home run English and Emma Alexander in the fourth inning. The Saxons racked up 26 hits for the game. Isabelle Storm and Carly Wamer had five hits each, Morgan Deal had three hits and Alexander and Phoebe Schantz had two hits a piece. Alexander dime home four RBI. while English. Warner and Schantz Lid three RBI each. In the second game, Hastings defeated Ottawa Hills 29-10. lhe Saxon fielders again played error five softball. Saxon freshman pitcher Aubree English started in lhe circle and had eight strike outs and allowed 14 hits and ten runs. Ottawa Hills managed to score eight runs in thc first inning, but thc Saxon batters rallied in the second inning with nine runs of their own. Alexander homered in the Slaughter) second, driving in three of those nine nins. ' In the third inning, the Saxons drove in another 14 runs, with Tandra McKinstry hit­ ting a home run. and Anna English hitting a grand slam. Deal led Ute ban in game two with five hits. English, McKinstry, Warner and Storm each had four hits tor the game, and Kaeii Jo West and Alexander had three hib each. English, with lhe help of her grand slam, led the team in RBI with seven for the game, followed by Wamer and Alexander who had four each Hastings opened lhe state postseason in the Division 2 District Semifinals in Middleville Saturday. The Thomapple Kellogg Trojans rook a 21-0 win in that ballgame to end the Saxons’ season. �Page M — Thursday. June 10, 2021 — Tho Brtnnfi Wilkes to help Grace chase a national nhampionship Brett Bremer Sports Editor Ashlyn Wilkes was Mill» uxJdl« «•»" J'cr father took over coaching lhe Map e • varsity girls' basketball program. Her first basketball memories “* °f '* dinners at the Wilkes’ home £cs jn a basketball as thc big girls [>’ P •• the Maple Valley Jr.’Sr High .School gymn Ul Wtlkes kept making memories in ^' gym­ nasium until senior night in । arc ’ . Lions wen- bested by Leslie in the final home game of the regular sea^n. The1-'0?” won four m a row heading into that final home contest and finished the season wtlh seven victories, as many as the team won tn her first three varsity seasons combined. Dropping more ballgames than she won didn’t spoil the high school experience for Wilkes. , .. . . , "The best memories from high school would probably be senior night.” she said. •Tvecy season in general, from freshman year to senior year, all the games, locker room chats, before game and after game, going to cat, team bonding and all of that. Wilkes had teammates, friends, family and coaches together in the Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School library May 7 as .she signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Grace Christian University Women’s Basketball program. “The second I went to open gyms and met the coach and thc players I just knew that it was home,” Wilkes said of Grace. "It was where I wanted to go. I had talked to other coaches and been around, and around Grace I knew it was the perfect place for me.” She has plans to work towards a major in social work and a minor in education al Grace, as well as work on her basketball skills. Wilkes was named to lhe Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan’s Division 3 BCAM’s Best honorable mention all-state lisl at lhe end of her junior and senior seasons and honorable mention all-stale in Division 3 in the Associated Press awards as well. She averaged 17.3 points, 6 rebounds 3.1 steals and 2.1 assists per game this winter, earning first team All-GLAC, first team All-Barry County as well. Wilkes started playing competitive basket­ ball in lhe Michgan’s Finest AAU program as a fourth grader, and joined thc Mid Michigan Excel program out of the Lansing area as a sophomore after taking her freshman year off from travel basketball. "She brings in a lot of energy every time she comes out," Grace University head coach Ashley Xiong Vann said- ’"I*10 r,rst l‘mc 1 mcI her. 1 know she Jas pretty shy. but she has definitely stepped out of hcr she11 and shc fils in really well with our players and Ecls a,on8 well.The biggCsl thing we’re going lo lake, as far as her contributing. ‘s lier shootin^’ offen­ sively, her shootin<, and knowing where to be on the floor. I was jjng die girls after one of our open gyms. s|ie reminds me of Paige Bueckers. She has a kiUer mid-range shot, knows how to move hcr^f and space herself out and get that jumpcf- Defensively, she’s long and she plays well - We’re excited lo have her and bring her on board and sec what she can do offensively for us ” Wilkes ran cross country during lhe fall of her freshman and sophomores years at Maple Valley, ending each season as an All-Barry County honoree, then joined the Lion varsity volleyball team for her junior and senior sea­ sons. She was a member ol the Maple Valley varsity track and field tcanl throughout high school, winning Greater Lansing Activities Conference championships tn the high jump at the end of her sophomore and senior sea­ sons, and earning a state medal in the high jump with a third-place finish Saturday at the Division 3 Lower peninsula I rack and Field Finals in Jenison. Basketball has always been number one Maple Valley’s Ashlyn Wilkes signs her National Letter of Intent to join the Grace Christian University Women’s Basketball program as her parents, Landon and Amy Wilkes, and Grace head coach Ashley Xiong Vang look on look on in the Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School library May 7, 2021. (Photo by Brett Bremer) though. “Ever since I was little, 1 don’t think there was anything else that could compete with basketball,” Wilkes said. “Even though it is stressful and a lot of hard work, it has proba­ bly always been my favorite.” The Grace Christian women have won back-to-back Mideast Regional Championships in thc NCCAA Division II National Tournament, playing in thc final four in each of the past two seasons. The Tigers are still chasing their first NCCAA National Championship “This year is different. We have a great group coming in and we have our entire start­ ing line-up coming back,” Xiong Vang said. "We’re excited.” Bailey scores spot in Division 4 golf finals Brett Bremer Sports Editor Maple Valley junior Owen Bailey is going to the state finals. Bailey scored an 85 at the Division 4 Regional Tournament at Calderone Golf Chib Wednesday (June 4) to earn a spot as one of lhe three individual suite qualifiers from the varsity boys’ golf regional tournament. Thc top three teams and top three individu­ als at regional across the state last week earned spots in the June 11-12 boys’ golf finals. The Division 4 Lower Peninsula Boys’ Golf Finals will be held at The Fortress in Frankenmuth. Bailey’s senior teammate Buck Schrader was just back in the race for a finals spot, shooling an 88. Cadcn Faurot shot a 116 for the Lions. Lansing Christian woo the team regional title with a score of 322. ahead of Hillsdale ■ Academy 351 and Hudson 363. Lewanec Christian was fourth with a score of 383, ahead of East Jackson 409, Jackson Christian 414, Addison 453 and Webberville 462. The day's top two individuals were from Lansing Christian, junior William Combs shut a 73 and junior Davis Garrett a 77. East Jackson junior Benjamin Maino shot an 80 and was the top individual stale qualifier from the regional. Hillsdale Academy freshmen Ridley Fast and Rykert Frisinger tied for fourth with 83s. Lewanec Christian senior London Gallant tied Hudson’s Ambrose Horwath for sixth place with scores of 84. Gallant joined Maino and Bailey in lhe trio of individual state qual­ ifiers. Bailey’s 85 had him in eighth place overall. Bailey paired lhe par-4, number 16 to open his round at Calderone. He had a strong turn. He scored a birdie on the par-3, number eight, shot a par on nine and then birdied the 55-yard, par-5 number ten. South Christen overcomes Trojan team’s early offense Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was the start the Trojans wanted, but not lhe conclusion Saturday in Wayland. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity baseball team look a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning of its Division 2 District Semifinal with OK Gold Conference foe South Christian. Thc Sailors scored a run in the bottom half of the inning, pulled even in the third and lhe pulled away with three runs in the bottom of the fourth and two more in the fifth. Alex Bonnema led off the ballgame for TK with a walk and went to third on a double into center by teammate Reese Garbrechl. Levi VanderHcide moved them each up a base with a ground ball to the right side, and then Garbrecht scored thejecond run on a passed ball. A double play;cnded the Trojan threat and South Christia/rphchers would strike out 15 Trojans over lhe next six innings while shutting out TK the rest of thc way. VanderHcide took the loss on the mound for TK. He went the full six innings, striking out five. He allowed five earned runs on ten hits. He didn’t walk a batter. Kaiden Pratt doubled for TK and Eric Dipert and Alex Bonnema singled the rest of the way. South Christian went on to win thc district championship. They bested Wayland 13-3 in six innings in the district final. Wayland start­ ed the day with a 9-0 win over West Michigan Aviation Academy. The Sailors move on to the regional semifinals. The were scheduled to face Olivet back in Wayland Wednesday (June 9). The winner of that game heads to Coldwater for regional finals and state quar­ terfinal action Saturday. ■ ALLENGE E 14TH-AUGUST 31ST more at a Powered by SPECTRUM HEALTH � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-06-17.pdf c9599976e8fbad454110f0d79d7cf9eb PDF Text Text Barry County Jail is COVID-free Yesterday’s dreams become today’s reality Divers earning spots in national competitions See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 11 804879110187 1070490102590503688749058113421 VOLUME 167, No. 24 Thursday, June 17, 2021 PRICE $1.00 Council narrows list of Orphan dam dilemma city manager candidates Barry County commissioners learn about problem Hastings Live expands this week Hastings Live will increase its free concert lineup this week with local and regional musical entertainment in down­ town Hastings. Playing at the Plaza will open at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 17, with Brenna Harm, who will share tricks and tips using a hula hoop. This event will be at Thomapple Plaza, near the intersection of Apple/Boltwood and West State streets, a different location than in the past. Singer/songwriter Gary Niemenski will kick off Fridays at the Fountain con­ certs at noon June 18 on the Barry County Courthouse lawn, playing melo­ dies from the 1960s to 1990s. Friday Night Features will return to Thomapple Plaza at 7:30 p.m June 18 with FlyLiteGemini, which draws inspi­ ration from some of the world’s greatest rock’n’roll bands. Hastings City Band will present “An Evening with John Williams,” beginning at 7:30 p,m. Wednesday, Jung |23. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets - and visit local shops or restaurants before or after concerts. More information can be found at facebook .com/mihastingslive. Hours extended at Hastings library Hastings Public Library staff has announced that, as of June 14, hours have been extended Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Summer Reading program, “Tails and Tales” for preschoolers to teens, is underway. Other programs include the Walking Book Chat and numerous spe­ cial interest clubs and activities. The Library of Things also includes non-traditional lending items, such as yard games and metal detectors. The website hastingspubliclibrary.org has additional information. No Family Left Indoors exploring pond life No Family Left Indoors encourages families and individuals to get outside, learn more about Barry County and have fun. The next event will be virtual pond exploration Tuesday, June 22, hosted by the Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center in Dowling. Participants can get a peek at what lies beneath the surface of the water and learn about the world of macroinvertebrates. Advance registra­ tion is requested and may be completed at http://bit.ly/NFLIponds2021 Digital or paper passports are avail­ able this summer. Those who complete at least six activities will be eligible for a prize. Paper passports and small prizes for passport completion may be picked up at Hastings Public Library or Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. More information can be found at cedarcreekinstitute .org. Dads admitted free at bird sanctuary The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, south of Hickory Comers, will give dads free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in honor of Father’s Day. Visitors can walk the sanctuary’s trails and see birds of prey, waterfowl, game- See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings City Council cut its list of candidates for city manager from 10 to five during a closed session Monday. Names of the applicants have not been released since they have all requested confidentiality, said Kathie Grinzinger, lead executive recruiter from the Michigan Municipal League. Once they accept an interview, however, they can no longer maintain their anonymity, she said. Names, cover letters and resumes for the candidates selected for interviews should be released to the public by the end of this week, Grinzinger said. Interviews will take place Thursday, July 8, with about 1 Vi hours allowed for each applicant. The council’s intention is to select a city manager that day. Although they have a schedule in place, Interim City Manager Gregg Guetschow said people should expect adjustments in the process. “We don’t know for sure how long it’s going to take,” he said. “We don’t know for sure that the candidates the counselors identified are still available and still willing to be interviewed for the position. “We think so, but, you know, things can change and minds can change.” The city started recruiting potential applicants after former City Manager Jerry Czarnecki submitted his resignation in the winter and stepped down in early May. Czarnecki took over the role after Jeff Mansfield retired in 2019. — “I encourage as many people from the community that can, if they have time, to go to the interviews and learn about the applicants and use public comment time to make sure their opinions are out there.” Kathie Grinzinger, Michigan Municipal League lead executive recruiter While Czarnecki came from in-house - he was the deputy city manager/zoning administrator - the council searched nationally this time. Candidates from as far away as California applied for the position. The recruitment process began by mapping out the ideal candidate. The city is seeking someone with a degree, experience in municipal government, comfort with planning and zoning, strong communication skills and See CITY MANAGER, page 2 for property owners on Canterbury Lake Rebecca Pierce Editor They call them orphan dams. Few people, if any, know who built these dams or why, but there are orphan dams in Barry County and the state wants someone to take responsibility for them, Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. During the county commissioners’ Committee of the Whole meeting, Dull and Attorney Doug Kelly briefed the board on the recent failure of an orphan dam in Orangeville Township. “About a month ago, we were called out to Canterbury Lake,” Dull said. “911 got some calls; DNR got calls. We got calls that lake was dropping. The dam was failing. An 18-inch culvert dropped down.” The last inspection of that dam was in 2005, he noted. “Somehow, the (state) Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) didn’t catch it for 15, 17 years,” Dull said. “It should have been inspected every three years.” It’s a dam that nobody owns, he con­ firmed, but nine property owners abut the lake, so these lake dwellers have a couple of choices: Pay for the repairs to the dam or to go through the court and establish a special assessment district that would require every­ one who benefits from the dam to contribute to the cost of its repair and maintenance. “It’s a really bad deal for these people,” Dull told the commissioners. But the dam is leaking and people don’t want to lose their lake. “They don’t want an onion field when they’re done. DEQ has been very forward-thinking in explaining to them, if you let this water leave, then you’re going to be accountable for all wetlands impacts that are created.” “If I lived on it, I’d rather pay $1,000 or $1,500 to keep my lake,” Dull added. But that amount is, at best, a guess. The exact cost of darn repair and mainte­ nance is not known. Some Canterbury Lake property owners didn’t sign the petition to initiate action to determine the normal level of the lake because they say somebody else should pay for it. During the meeting, some concern was expressed about the cost. Commissioner Jori Smelker asked, “Do you have any idea what this might cost?” Dull replied: “Somewhere between zero and $330,000.” Kelly said, “The quick math is if this costs $200,000, we can defray it through special assessments over 20 years that would See DILEMMA, page 3 Broadband expansion committee moves to new phase Taylor Owens Staff Writer High-speed internet has remained an elu­ sive goal for many Barry County households, but a large committee of local leaders hopes to change that soon. Last year, the Barry County Broadband Expansion Committee combined with several existing groups, and is now comprised of 16 elected officials, community leaders and busi­ ness representatives who are researching the county’s broadband needs. Members of the committee say they’ve known about the need for better internet for a long time. “We have been talking about broadband for over 10 years,” Committee member and Barry County Commissioner and committee mem­ ber Catherine Getty said. Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance President and committee member Jennifer Heinzman said she sent out her first email on broadband two days after she started in the role in February 2020. “We already knew it was a huge issue, and we heard from people all the time saying, ‘Can you help us?’ ” Heinzman said. “Over and over, it’s been brought to our attention.” “It’s a continual topic of discussion for the area,” Barry County Administrator Michael Brown said. “Certainly there are areas that are not served, areas that are underserved, and the technology is ever-changing. “The need for bandwidth will only increase as time goes on.” But the pandemic gave the issue new importance, as thousands of people across the county suddenly needed to learn and work from home. “It was a huge issue because so many peo­ ple who were forced to work from home weren’t able to,” Heinzman said. “I think we have all agreed that broadband is 100 percent an essential service for all of our residents,” Barry Community Foundation CEO and committee member Bonnie Gettys said. “Fast, reliable broadband is not a luxury it’s a necessity,” Barry County Board of Commissioners Chair Ben Geiger said. “It opens the world for young minds, binds our economy together and connects us with each other.” Heinzman said the initiative really took off last October, when the committee started mapping out areas of the county that are the See BROADBAND, page 2 Marking a major milestone Adult Drug Court honors recent graduates Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Chad Cullers watched his graduation from a seat in the jury box. One by one, team members stood up and shared memories of Cullers’ time in Barry County Adult Drug Court, a program that helps people recover from substance addiction. They talked about his motivation — how he walked into their offices, said he wanted to get sober and then never wavered. They talked about his work ethic - how he managed to graduate from the program while maintaining a full-time job at Hastings Manufacturing Company and raising his 7-year-old daughter as a single parent. They talked about how he achieved two years of sobriety. Thursday, June 10, Cullers and Ashley McCarty represented the two most recent graduates from the Adult Drug Court. There were no streamers or caps and gowns at this graduation — only the bare plaster walls of a district courtroom and sweets for the graduates. But this graduation didn’t need any pageantry to showcase its importance. “When you take someone like the two graduates [Thursday], who have been using since they were teens - many times a multitude of drugs - for them to stop, something like that is really amazing,” Schipper said. “It’s a much more significant accomplishment to me than graduating high school.” To graduate from Adult Drug Court, one must pass through four phases. The first phase is intense, Cullers said, with 15 different requirements. That includes meeting with a case manager four times a month, finding a job, attending three self-help groups a week and maintaining a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Although the requirements ease up as these phases progress, the program is intentionally strict. “We’re holding them accountable, and trying to reach them before they get too far down the wrong path,” specialty courts Manager Tammi Price said. “But also, we really try to wrap them in services and a caring, compassionate team that has their best interests in mind.” Adult Drug Court is part of a number of specialty court programs that Barry County provides, including Sobriety Court, for people with a drunken or drugged driving offense, and the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program, for people with a felony offense. Adult Drug Court began in Barry County in 2000 and, since then, has graduated 387 participants — about 66 percent of the people who started — with 23 participants currently enrolled. There is no set timeline for the program, and everyone moves at his or her own pace. The intent, said Price, is to provide support for people struggling with addiction, rather than punish them. “For the short term, placing them in jail may help,” Price said. “But you can only keep See GRADUATES, page 2 Chad Cullers sees the view from Judge Michael Schipper’s chair. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) �Page 2 — Thursday, June 17, 2021 — The Hastings Banner BROADBAND, continued from page 1 most underserved. The committee considers the minimum download speed for serviceable internet to be 25 megabytes per second. Any residences that don’t meet that bar, or are not planned to do so soon, are put on the map. “We’ve made a lot of progress,” Heinzman said. So far, they have counted more than 900 residences that don’t meet the minimum download speed. The map will help the county apply for grants and determine where it can use funding from state and federal sources, such as the American Rescue Plan Act. But the committee members have now reached the extent of what they are able to do with their resources. “They’ve gotten us to the point now where everybody on the committee feels like we’ve got to have a consultant come in,” Heinzman said. The committee is now collecting bids for consulting agencies to finish putting the map together, but Heinzman said there are few such companies - and they’re currently in high demand. She has collected two bids from consulting agencies, but is having trouble finding a third to bring to the Barry County Board of Commissioners. The board requires three bids, if possible, before voting to spend money on such proj­ ects. The firm also will help the committee come up with options for the best way to bring high­ speed internet to county residents. While fiber cables provide the best connec­ tion, they also are expensive, and may not make sense for low-population areas. “We want to weigh all of our options for each of the areas to make sure we are effective as possible,” Heinzman said. “We don’t want to spend five years building this out to have it be obsolete by the time it is out.” But Barry County also may be in competi­ tion with many of its neighboring rural com­ munities. NEWS BRIEFS, continued from page 1 birds and songbirds as they explore. “The sanctuary is a Wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the natural world around us,” Cara Barnes, KBS commu­ nications coordinator, said. The sanctuary is at 12685 Fast C Ave., Augusta. More information can be obtained by emailing birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or call­ ing 269-671-2510. Family Promise fundraiser June 26 Family Promise of Barry County will host a golf outing and ball drop Saturday, June 26, to help raise money for its mission to help the county’s homeless families with children. Sue Larghi, a member of the board of direc­ tors, said check-in time is 8 a.m. for the golf scramble which will have an 8:30 shotgun start. The scramble includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, light breakfast, lunch and a chance to win prizes. The cost is $260 for four play­ ers. The ball drop will be at 1 p.m. Numbered golf balls (corresponding to raffle ticket num­ bers) will be dropped from a helicopter over a hole at the Legacy Golf Course. The first ball in the hole or closest to it will win $2,500. Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be pur­ chased at https://rebrand.ly/yystpxr. The win­ ner will be announced immediately after the drop and need not be present to win. The sponsor assisting with dropping the balls from the helicopter is John DeMaagd of DeMaagd Marble & Tile Inc. of Woodland. More information can be provided by call­ ing 269-953-6189 or emailing executive, director @ family promisebarrycounty.org. All proceeds will go to the operating bud­ get for Family Promise of Barry County. “We have been warned that fiber, conduit and employees are going to be an issue because everybody in the country is going to be working on this at the same time,” Bonnie Gettys said. “I think that we are probably in the same boat as so many communities across the state, since the pandemic revealed some inequities in our service,” Gettys said. The American Rescue Plan Act, which gave money to every municipality and county, specifically names broadband internet expan­ sion as one potential use for the stimulus money. Tim Mroz, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at The Right Place, cautioned Barry County leaders about the rising cost of broad­ band during a Hastings Rotary Club meeting earlier this year. Mroz said there are few broadband service providers in Michigan, and rates have already gone up 20 percent. “It’s just like we’ve seen in building,” Mroz said. “Purchasing power will be greatly diminished.” While ARPA money can only be used for certain broadband projects, Heinzman said there may be more money available in the coming months. The infrastructure bill currently being negotiated at the federal level may have more funding for broadband, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the creation of the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office to expand internet service throughout the state. But Heinzman said she hopes that, since the committee started its work last year, before ARPA was created, Barry County will have a head start on the other areas. Once they have enough bids, the committee will bring them before the Barry County Board of Commissioners, who will then vote on whether to hire a consulting agency to continue the mapping work. “The Broadband Expansion Committee is dedicated to one cause - bringing Barry County together through high speed internet,” Geiger said. “I applaud Commissioner Getty, Barry County administration and the Barry County EDA for restarting this initiative and look forward their results.” CITY MANAGER, continued from page 1 more. Mayor David Tossava said he’s looking for someone who will engross themselves in the city. “I want somebody that feels, when they come to Hustings, they take ownership of the position they apply for,” he said. “They take ownership; they take on the responsibility of what that job is going to be, get invested in our community. I want somebody that’s really going to come here because they want to live in the city of Hastings. You know we can’t require that. But I want somebody that really is committed to the City of Hastings.” After speaking with council members about traits they would like to see in a future city manager, Grinzinger developed marketing materials to attract applicants. She then started screening people who expressed interest in the position by interviewing them, sifting the internet for their names, searching through media reports, exploring their social media presence and speaking with references. Monday, Grinzinger presented her findings on the 10 final applicants to the council before they whittled that number to five. Grinzinger, a former city manager herself, said she was “very happy and impressed with the caliber of applicants.” She pointed to a variety of factors in Hastings’ ability to attract qualified applicants, including its standing as the county seat, its historic downtown, a tradition of volunteering, its arts and a stable budget. Although the council will have the final say, Grinzinger expressed hope that city residents would participate in the process. “I encourage as many people from the community that can, if they have time, to go to the interviews and learn about the applicants and use public comment time to make sure their opinions are out there,” Grinzinger said. Mindfulness Meditation Class For Girls ages 8-14 Where: Gifts for Body and Soul, 118 N. Michigan Ave., Hastings When: August 10,11,12 From: 10:00 a.m. - Noon Registration timeline: June 7th - July 18th (Early registration encouraged due to limited space) Cost: $180 per student (Save $20 if registered by July 5th) Facilitator: Julie Ann Coon, Reiki Master/Teacher Contact Info: (269) 908-9227 or conduit67@yahoo.com www.julieanncoon.com’ Ibung girls struggle with adolescent stressors such as school, social media, family, and more. We are offering a meaningful and useful class to give them “tools” for dealing with those stressors in a healthy, natural way. C GRADUATES, continued from page 1 Ashley McCarty (seated) is surrounded by the Adult Drug Court team, including (from left) case manager Michelle Weeldreyer, Judge Michael Schipper, program manager Tammi Price, Deputy Gary Pearson, Probation Agent Cindy Hamlin, Assistant Public Defender Kevin Dennis, Chief Public Defender Kerri Selleck and community mental health Adult Outpatient Services Supervisor Christine Hiar. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) somebody in jail for a year, and then they’re going to be out and back to the same behaviors, the same people, the same places, the same things. ... By putting them in our program, you don’t disrupt their life, or their jobs or that type of thing, you really help them build a foundation for being successful long term.” Twice a month, members gather as a group to meet with Schipper, Price and the rest of the drug court staff, which includes Deputy Gary Pearson, Chief Public Defender Kerri Selleck, Assistant Public Defender Kevin Dennis, Case Manager Michelle Weeldreyer, Probation Agent Cindy Hamlin, and community mental health Adult Outpatient Services Supervisor Christine Hiar. On Thursday, each participant stepped forward — some in person, some over Zoom — to have a conversation with Schipper about their inspiration. They talked about their dads, their girlfriends, their children, their bosses — almost every one triggering multiple follow-up questions from Schipper. “Do they know you feel that way?” Schipper would ask, suggesting that they express their appreciation to their inspirations. With the pandemic, these types of personal interactions have been harder to'maintaim For a while, they didn’t^happen at all. Drug use rose in Barry County during that time, with 10 overdose deaths in 2020 - equivalent to the number in 2018 and 2019 combined, according to the county’s Office of the Medical Examiner. It has only made the program harder to oversee. “We saw drug use increase significantly,” Price said. “We saw people abscond, quit reporting, quit attending. They would not return phone calls. They wouldn’t interact. They just left.” That made the recent graduates’ accomplishments even more impressive. For Ashley McCarty, it was her third time trying the program before finally reaching graduation. “Right from the start, I just saw that she’s a sweet girl,” Schipper said. “This is a girl that’s got a heart. This is a girl that’s not mean. ... We were able to get her in drug court. And, finally, she was able to see some self-worth and some value and believe us that she could be successful and that she deserved it.” This time, everything clicked. Without the program, McCarty said she thinks she would have overdosed. “Before drugs, I was always working and stuff and I thought that person was gone,” she said. “I didn’t think I would live past 27, and I’m 29.” Cullers started a similar program at a young age, attending juvenile drug court at 16. He graduated from the program in two years, but struggled in and out of addiction for 15 years, he said, before asking to return to drug court again around 2019 - with another vow to graduate. Cullers did so while driving his daughter multiple times a week to gymnastics practice, holding a full-time job and waking up at 3 a.m. to work out — one of two workouts he does every day. “I’m very strong-willed,” he said. “Well, when I want something, I get it.” True to form, Cullers wasn’t planning to spend much time celebrating Thursday. He said he had to help someone move a bed directly after graduation, and he couldn’t eat the bag of Butterfingers they gave him as congratulations. “I got those for my daughter,” he said. “I gotta stick to my diet.” Ashley McCarty celebrates her accomplishment in Barry County District Court with her certificate of completion after graduating from Adult Drug Court Thursday. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) y*ECIMTV COURT GRAOUATIORh TESTIMONY • Wbat y®*5 mto the prografp? a Cc^ iij • What was the toughest part of the program and how did you manage? • What tods are you using to manage triggers and urges? t'pe -tao\ 4W ujorks besVCot- me 15 Ylaxi.no.4he ad bacK, • What part of the program was most helpful to you? Why? 'The ho w, beCauz Then a-K i needed 'hw ■ i^jha.4- • What advicewouH you give the other participants? Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads ■ Ashley McCarty answered several questions after finishing the Adult Drug Court program. She read the reflection during her graduation. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 17, 2021 — Page 3 DILEMMA, continued from page 1 be a $1,300, $1,400 bill per year per proper­ ty.” But Dull pointed out, “Until you get into it, you never know what you’re going to get. Common sense says this was established, if you go back to the same thing, you’re good to go* concern about the unknown costs involved in the requested lake level project trig­ gered by the dam failure on Canterbury Lake. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Drain Commissioner Jim Dull offers his input on the situation facing Canterbury Lake property owners. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Commissioner Howard Gibson asked, “Are property owners aware of what it’s going to cost them over time?” “Notice has been sent to them.” Kelly responded. “There’s no magic pot of money. Until we get the process started, then we’ll be able to tell them more definitively. We have two engineers with $100,000 gaps in between their estimates.” Residents will be better informed once it gets to court and they get an opportunity to find out more. “Somehow we’ve got to fund this until such time as we’re able to establish a special assessment district,” Kelly told the board. “We can reimburse the county for that advancement out of special assessment to the benefitting lands.” Commissioner Dave Jackson said, “My concern is we’re asking the county to advance Commissioner Bruce Campbell listens during the discussion about orphan lakes on Barry County. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) funds to cover the costs of determination and some inspection to see what needs to be done. “And if, at some point, it comes back and they go, ‘Whoa, we didn’t know it’s $300,000; we want out,’ is the county stuck with paying those fees up front that they no longer want to participate in?” “Can we back out of this?” Jackson asked Kelly. “Or is our commitment in approving this make it official that we will be reim­ bursed?” Kelly said all riparian owners will be noti­ fied of the court proceeding. “They could challenge this and say we don’t want this,” he added, “... I suppose any­ thing is possible. It’s a valid petition. I don’t see the process stopping. They do have the ability, you know, a landowner has the ability to appeal.” Kelly compared how this differed from the Attorney Doug Kelly and Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull brief the coun­ ty commissioners about orphan dams after a recent orphan dam failure on Canterbury Lake in Orangeville Township. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) situation with Gun Lake, where there were lands involved that weren’t on the lake. “I think we assessed a boat shop and a party story,” he recalled. “The good thing (in this case) is all of them abut the lake.” But the bad thing, he added, is that there are so few property owners to spread out the cost on Canterbury Lake. “With Gun Lake we had over a thousand properties,” he pointed out. With Canterbury Lake, Kelly said, the cost would likely be more than a thousand dollars per property per year. “Upon receipt of a valid petition, the board of commissioners shall initiate the necessary steps to determine the normal lake level,” Kelly said, citing the language underlying the request for the resolution. “It does use the word ‘shall.’ What it doesn’t say is how you’re going to pay for it.” When board Chairman Ben Geiger called for a motion on the resolution, which will then go to next Tuesday’s board meeting for a for­ mal vote, there was silence. “What are the board’s wishes?” he asked. “The law requires us to act on this.” The room was silent. Commissioner Vivian Conner pointed to the initial motion that was made prior to the discussion. Geiger called for a voice vote, which elicited one dissent from Smelker. As he left the room where the meeting took place, Smelker said he did not oppose the measure, but he could not support it until the cost of the action is known. The next meeting of the board of commis­ sioners will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, at Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Community Enrichment Center. Rutland further defines marijuana ordinance The Father’s Day car show will be the first event at Historic Charlton Park this summer. (File photo) Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Rutland Township Board took a few steps to outline its proposed marijuana ordi­ nance during a meeting June 9. The board voted unanimously to consider business applications on a first-come firstserve basis, and to require a special land use permit for each business. While board members also discussed whether the number of businesses allowed in the township should be restricted, they did not come to a decision. Trustee Gene HalLadvocated putting a limit on the number of businesses, and said he does not want to see high-visibility marijuana busi­ nesses in a family friendly community. “Tell me another business that we regulate like that,” Trustee Matt Spencer said. “I think you’re setting a bad precedent. I don’t think we as a township should regulate that.” Hall said other businesses do not sell prod­ ucts that are recognized as Schedule 1 drugs by the federal government. Supervisor Larry Watson said he has seen marijuana businesses in other areas that do not loudly advertise themselves, and are not easily recognizable as dispensaries. Watson also said the economic reality of the area would naturally limit the number of business­ es, and he could not see more than two dis­ pensaries able to support themselves. “You don’t know that,” Treasurer Sandy Greenfield said. Hall said if too many businesses come to the township, it may take years before they go out of the business and, in the meantime, they may lack the money to keep up the appearanc­ es of their storefronts. He said they should set a limit and select businesses either by lottery or a first-come first-serve basis. Trustee Sandra James suggested they allow just one businesses in each county, and allow more if the process is going well. “I don’t think we have to be the first big township in Barry County to go whole hog,” James said. Clerk Robin Hawthorne said she expects to discuss the proposed ordinance further at the next regular meeting on July 14. In other business: - The board discussed a proposed anti­ blight ordinance. Zoning Administrator Les Raymond said he would like to see language in the ordinance that gives his position some leeway when enforcing the ordinance. Raymond said every resident’s case is dif­ ferent, and he should be able to accommodate them when the situation is appropriate. For example, Raymond said there is a dif­ ference between someone hoarding building materials because the prices are rising, and a resident who experiences issues with money while working on their house. Greenfield said she understood Raymond’s point, but she also wants the ordinance to be fair and equitable to all residents. Watson asked the board members to review the proposed ordinance and come back with notes and suggestions at the next meeting. “We do need an ordinance; we need some teeth,” trustee Brenda Bellmore said. - The board discussed possible changes to its regulations on housing chickens. Several residents had asked the board to open up its policies on chickens, especially after the City of Hastings recently decided to allow them, Hawthorne said. Hall suggested the board wait six months and see how the City of Hastings does with its chicken ordinance before making changes to Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry County Jail has not have a posi­ tive COVID-19 test in at least 12 days, Undersheriff Jason Sixberry said. A total of 15 inmates and three jail staff tested positive for the virus in late May, but none reported any major symptoms. Jail personnel took steps to stem the spread of the virus, and restrict the number of new inmates that were accepted. Lt. Peter Nevins said inmates who tested positive were quarantined and the outbreak was contained to one section of the jail. While the jail is expected to move back to pre-outbreak protocols next week, Sheriff Dar Leaf said some viral mitigation procedures will continue after the CO VID-19 pandemic is over. On Monday, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported 11 positive cases of the virus in Barry County and no one in quarantine. James Gemmell Contributing Writer Jason Boersma and his family had a vaca­ tion in April they likely won’t soon forget. Boersma, 43, of Gaines Township, helped save the life of a 4-year-old boy who was found unconscious at the bottom of an indoor/ outdoor swimming pool at a ski resort in Breckenridge, Colo. For his efforts, Boersma was awarded a special plaque at the Gaines Township Board of Trustees meeting June 14. Handing the plaque to Boersma and reading a statement of recognition was Breckenridge Assistant Police Chief Deric Gress. Ironically, Boersma and Gress both have Michigan roots. Gress, who once worked for the Ypsilanti Police Department, made the announcement on behalf of Breckenbridge Police Chief Jim Baird, who had previously served as police chief in Ann Arbor. The boy’s first name is Thao. His last name was not released. He and his family live in Georgia and also were visiting Breckenridge Ski Resort at the Grand Colorado Peak 8 on a vacation, Gress said. Gress said Thao and his siblings were swimming in the pool under the supervision of two babysitters their parents had hired for a family-fun day. “The boy went down the waterslide and into the water a little too deep,” Gress said. “The babysitters didn’t notice right away, and the boy was under water for four minutes until someone alerted the babysitters. One of them finally jumped in and pulled the unconscious boy out of the water, and started CPR. And then, Mr. Boersma helped out with CPR for several minutes, and basically saved his life.” Jason Boersma and his wife, Jill, had been nearby, along with their daughters Gabbie, Alexa and Maia. All of them began praying while Boersma took over the CPR duties from the babysitter. “We just heard a scream and someone yelled for CPR,” Boersma recalled. “We had been facing the other way, looking out at the mountain. The girls were laying out in the sun. And I ran over and did the CPR for seven or eight minutes. “It’s scary when you see a blue-[faced] boy who is 4 1/2, and his eyes are rolled back in his head.” Boersma, who works at Allied Mechanical Services in Grand Rapids, said he has taken CPR courses about a dozen times for work and coaching purposes. Due to the mechani­ cal nature of his job, safety is a priority. “It’s really cool when you take CPR for work or for a job. Never in a million years would you plan on using it,” he told those in attendance at the township board meeting. “But it’s worth paying attention, because it really does matter. My wife and kids sat there and prayed, and God answered, no doubt about it.” Days after the life-saving rescue, Boersma learned that the little boy had to be put into an induced coma for a few days to give his brain time to rest. “And when they brought him out of it,” he added, “I think he had three days of physical therapy and three days of speech therapy. And he regained his full ability to speak and walk. He walked out of [the hospi­ tal] 11 days later.” As for the two babysitters, Gress told the township board “I may still charge them for some negligence.” Gress said the boy is “still recovering. It’s a slow process, but he is doing well.” Rutland’s rules. The board also discussed the state of Rutland Township Cemetery. “We do have to do something with that cemetery. It looks awful,” Watson said. “In what way?” Hall asked. “It looks junky,” Hawthorne said. “A lot of it has to do with the borders around the stones. People put them in there and don’t take care of them, and there’s weeds growing up and grass. It’s not the sexton’s responsibility to weed each gravestone - so it’s become very ugly and unsightly. It looks awful.” Watson told Hall, and the other members of the board, to go to the cemetery and see for themselves. “It looks ungodly,” Watson told the board. “... Form your own opinion, we’ll discuss it next month.” - Watson said if residents have ordinance violations they would like the report, they need to write out formal complaints with the township. - The board voted 6-1 to allocate up to $1,800 to purchase a wireless microphone and speaker system for meetings at the township hall. Hawthorne said there have been audio issues with elected officials and residents hearing each other at planning commission meetings, and the current sound system is inefficient. Spencer voted against the motion. Jail is COVID-free Father’s Day car show returns to Charlton Park Area man saves boy from drowning Charlton Park in Hastings will kick off the summer season with the largest one-day car show in the Midwest, the 39th annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 20. Guests are invited to tour the park’s historic village while viewing hundreds of vintage show cars covering more than 45 acres. Adding to the celebration, a DJ will be playing music from the 1950s and 1960s, and vendors will be on hand with festival food. Spectator general admission for anyone 13 and over is $5; children 12 and under are free. An array of swap-meet vendors and crafters will be selling products. The show will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, and vehicle awards will be presented at 3 p.m. A nondenominational church service will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Carlton Center Church at the park. The annual event is coordinated by the Southern Michigan Street Rod Association and park staff. Show car registration is $20 and includes all passengers; all cars must be 1996 or older and driven in under their own power. No trailered vehicles or motor homes will be allowed. Dash plaques will be given to the first 200 show cars. Exhibitors also will be eligible for door prizes, cash prizes and numerous awards, including peoples’ choice, and may participate in the poker run. Show cars must access Charlton Park via northbound M-79. Commemorative T-shirts will be available for purchase. Vendor spaces will be available on the day of the show from 6 tolO a.m. for $20 each. Shuttle service from parking areas will be provided by Barry County Transit, and the Barry County Sheriff’s Posse will be assisting with parking and other services. During the event, South Charlton Park Road, from M-79 to River Road will be open to northbound traffic only from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. All spectator parking will be free and available from River Road. (Spectator access is usually easiest using southbound Charlton Park Road to River Road.) Additional information can be found at charltonpark.org or follow the Park on Facebook. �Page 4 — Thursday, June 17, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Splashdown These children from Bellevue enjoyed excellent weather in Hastings Tuesday under the watchful eye of their grandfather, who lives in Hastings. The Downtown Spray Plaza was a particular favorite. Combine a sunny day, kids and jets of water spraying up from the ground and the rest is a sort of joyful poetry. Their grandfather had a great time, too. In My Opinion Yesterday’s dreams become today’s reality at Camp Algonquin Do you remember? Summer plans Banner April 2,1959 Planning wonderful summer Members of the Women’s Board of the Hastings Country Club met last week at the home of Mrs. Darrell [Loretta] Aldrich to plan activities for the new season at the club. Pictured (seated, from left) are Mrs. Ray [Anne] Branch, who is in charge of the food catering service at the club this year, and Mrs. Kenith [Katheryn] McIntyre, Mrs. Leon [Florence] Stander, Mrs. Ray G. [Jean] Finnie, Mrs. Einar [Gertrude] Frandsen and Mrs. James W. [Gretchen] Radford, who is having her coffee cup refilled by Mrs. Aldrich. In the foreground are Mrs. Lyle [Eileen] Gillespie and Mrs. Robert [Minet] Stanley. (Photo by Barth) Have you met? Gregg Guetschow’s office is bare. There are no photos of his family. No sign of the guitar he likes to play. No sign of the pottery he likes to collect. There’s a desk, two computers, a table, some cabinets with papers and an aerial view of Hastings. As Hastings’ interim city manager, Guetschow, 67, doesn’t want to get too comfy in his new office at Hastings City Hall. He’s not staying for long - maybe just three months, just until they find a permanent city manager. For 40 years, Guetschow (pronounced “good show”) has served as a city manager, in both full-time and interim capacities, in cities across Michigan, from Charlotte to Hillsdale, to Owosso, to Ionia. The job hasn’t changed. The size of the cities hasn’t changed. Even the state hasn’t changed. Ask him to define his job as city manager, and he can talk for five straight minutes about the intricacies of the role. But growing up in Plainwell, Guetschow didn’t know he would spend his life as a city manager. He just had two requirements for the job he wanted to hold. “One of them was that it had to involve serving others — so a public service career,” Guetschow said. “And the second was that it needed to have a lot of variety to it. I didn’t want to do the same thing day after day.” Then, during a class on development and the natural environment his last semester at Western Michigan University, he had a “lightbulb” moment. “I realized that what I wanted to do was to make cities better places for people to live,” he added. Not much has changed since. That is, until October 2020, when Guetschow decided he needed a slight change from full-time city managing. He created his own consulting firm, Gregg Guidance LLC, and part of the new job included serving as interim city manager in different cities. Half a year after he started the consulting firm, Hastings came knocking. Former City Manager Jerry Czarnecki announced he would be stepping down, and the city needed someone to take over for a few months. Guetschow didn’t live in Hastings, but he knew of the city. He had visited Hastings a decade ago as part of a mayor exchange program. He remembers walking down State Street, going to the library and sampling beers at Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro. Over the years, Guetschow continued to visit the city and try new beers at the Gregg Guetschow Walldorff. Guetschow grew to view Hastings as a model because of its arts, involvement from community members and nonprofit organizations. “We, in Charlotte, the folks there, always looked to Hastings as one of the best practice places you’d look at,” Guetschow said. “You know, we would oftentimes compare ourselves and look here and say, ‘Why can’t we be more like Hastings?”’ When Hastings picked his name out from a list of former city managers, Guetschow jumped at the opportunity to serve in the short term. “When you’ve been a city manager as long as I have, and I’ve worked in a number of different communities, you have the capability of coming in, quickly sizing of what’s going on in the community, identify what needs to be addressed in both the short term and the long term, and then map out a plan for how you go about accomplishing that,” Guetschow said. As interim city manager, Guetschow isn’t making big policy changes or shifting the course of the city plan, but he’s still treating the job largely the same. He’s offering advice in planning commission meetings. He’s having lunch with community members. He’s preparing written materials for the incoming city manager. He’s wearing a suit and one of his 30 ties and bow ties to work every day. “I take my jacket off and hang it, but that’s about as casual as you get,” he said. Guetschow lives in Charlotte, but, for three months or so, he’s working here in Hastings. “I’m not going to do anything that would interfere with my ability to continue to serve here until they are ready to, you know, boot me out the door and have somebody come in and sit in this chair,” Guetschow said. For serving the city as interim city manager, Gregg Guetschow is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: “High Noon” - the original version with Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. I’m not typically a fan of westerns, but “High Noon” is just one of the greatest movies ever done. Favorite TV program: I don’t have any particular series that I watch regularly, other than “PBS NewsHour,” but my wife and I are big fans of British police procedurals. First job: Working as a clerk in a hardware store. Best advice ever received: This actually ties into my first job. I had a box cutter to slice open the box. I was being pretty tentative about how I was doing it, I was pretty feeble in my efforts to get this box open. And my boss, who ran the store for many, many years, grabs the box cutter out of my hand, and in three quick motions, slices this box open, hands it back to me and says, “You’ve got to take control of the situation.” And I have never forgotten that. I’ve never forgotten that lesson. Favorite book: “The Odyssey" by Homer. I read that first when I was probably 13 and have read that now probably in every decade of my life, in different translations. But every time I’ve read it, I’ve read it from the perspective of a 20-year-old and a 30-yearold and a 50-year-old and a 60-year-old person. And so you see what’s going on in that book from different perspectives all the time. What motivates me: A challenge. I got to a point where I needed to challenge myself intellectually, I’ve been city manager for 20 years, and so that’s when I pursued a Ph.D. It’s part of why I moved from one community to another; there was a need for a new challenge. And it is the primary reason why I decided to go into semi-retirement and do something different — start up my own business. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. Summer can never begin in Barry County until the campers and counselors arrive for another season at YMCA Camp Algonquin. And when they gather Sunday to kick off a new summer, the moment will be just a little more special. Having started with nothing more than a Quonset hut and three Army-surplus tents in 1946, the magnificent 41-acre complex will be celebrating its 75th anniversary, com­ plete with a brand-new boathouse, a mag­ nificent lodge and screened-in cabins. Every year, another 300 youngsters gather for one- and two-week overnight camps to swim, hike and play on the camp’s challeng­ ing rope course and launch from a zip-line tower through the trees. The Camp Algonquin story will soon be available in a special 75th anniversary book being prepared by the camp in cooperation with J-Ad Graphics. To me, though, the marvel of the story is how Camp Algonquin was bom from the original Barry County YMCA and how that organization came together almost unintentionally over a quiet social dinner of community leaders in 1914. The story is worth recounting because, more than 100 years ago, it set the pattern for how good things happen in this community. According to our newspaper files, the dinner was held at the home of Hastings City Bank President Chester Messer Jan. 12, 1914, a wintry Tuesday night. It was Messer’s custom each year to invite the directors of the area’s four major corpora­ tions along with a few interested citizens and a special guest speaker. The 1914 guest list included prestigious local leaders such as Emil Tyden, Chester’s brother Richard, Aben E. Johnson, Archie Anderson, Luke Waters, Louis Health, T.J. Potter, R.C. Fuller, Kellar Stem, Joseph McKnight, W.R. Cook and Hastings Banner publisher M.L. Cook. • Special invitees that year were R.T. French of Middleville and his guest, the Rev. H.H. VanAuken of Charlotte, who had been the pastor of Hastings Presbyterian Church for several years. Also invited was a former Middleville businessman, Miner S. Keeler who had recently moved his brass factory to Grand Rapids and who was asked by Messer to arrange the dinner’s guest speaker. William Gay, proprietor of the Grand Rapids firm Berkey & Gay, known for its furniture from coast to coast, accept­ ed a request from Keeler to attend and speak. When dinner was over and the group moved to the parlor, Messer announced that Gay’s hope had been to talk about the YMCA organization, a group to which he continued to dedicate a great deal of his time at the city, county and state levels. As the paper recounted, a very plain, unassuming man then arose to describe the great benefits the “Y” was providing boys and young men in Grand Rapids. Gay went on to tell of the organization’s great work in shaping the minds and spirits of young men by “growing a Christian life and character.” According to the article, Gay clearly had the interest of his audience. Messer knew that Keeler also was a big supporter of the Y program and had recently returned from a world tour of several countries about which Messer asked Keeler to share. Once Gay and Keeler had completed their presentations, Rev. VanAuken rose to express the fact that there was an active YMCA program in Charlotte, and Eaton County doing great work for young men. He challenged the group to consider bringing the program to Barry County. What hap­ pened next is part of the legacy on which Hastings and Barry County exist today. “After hearing what Mr. Gay, Mr. Keeler and Rev. VanAuken said here tonight, I will not say a word about the Bookcase compa­ ny’s banquet,” Stem began of the subject on which he was invited to speak. “We have been hearing about the wonderful work of the YMCA in other communities. I think we should start doing something for our young men and women and begin here and now. I’m willing to support the cost of the rental space and a donation of $250 for this year.” Stem then turned to Tyden, asking what he thought of the idea. Tyden said he believed Stem was right, but “we cannot give the YMCA a fair chance in one year. I think we should plan for a five-year test.” “The Spirit of God moved them to do something they had not planned nor expect­ ed to do,” M.L. Cook wrote in the Banner of that wintry evening in 1914. In that same spirit, community leaders met 29 years later to discuss how to revive the program, which had been suspended during World War II, and to lay the ground­ work for Camp Algonquin. In 1943, the inactive YMCA and the Hastings Youth Council decided to combine their two groups under the YMCA banner in the best interest of serving the youth of the community. The Hastings Community Fund agreed to help finance the program and, again, local leaders stepped up to help implement another five-year plan to orga­ nize social and recreational activities for young people in the community. The bril­ liant efforts of that group resulted in the hiring of Bob King as the new ‘ Y’ director. King, recently discharged from World War II service in Europe under Gen. George Patton, had never heard of Hastings and was living at the time in a cramped Kalamazoo hotel room with his wife, “Pudge,” their 2-year-old daughter, Sally, and the family’s Scottie dog. Local leaders recruited King for a high school teaching and coaching job, which soon grew into the YMCA position. It was the entrepreneurial recruiting tactic - so typical of the vision of this community that sealed King’s decision to make his life in Hastings. As part of the recruiting package, com­ munity leaders added a six-room apartment on West Green Street. King jumped at the opportunity. From the day he arrived, as a coach/ teacher for one year and then as a YMCA director for the next 33, King worked hard to provide others with many programs and eventually the wonderful camp on Algonquin Lake. Eight activities were offered in 1946, expanding to 46 by 1956, 78 by 1970 and 102 in 1972. Today, the camp is a state-of-the-art facil­ ity due to the generosity of Hastings Manufacturing Co. Chairman Aben Johnson who led the original charge to purchase the land in 1929 that allowed the planning for Camp Algonquin to begin. In 2000, another Hastings businessman, Earl McMullin, his wife, Virginia, their daughter Earlene and her husband, Larry Baum, spearheaded a campaign to construct a new main lodge and cabins along with the updating of many other camp facilities. The story is an amazing account of com­ munity cooperation that makes us part of a worldwide YMCA program that was found­ ed in 1844, and now operates in 119 coun­ tries, reaching more than 58 million people of all ages. The YMCA is dedicated to bringing social justice and peace to young people and their communities, regardless of religion, race, gender or culture. Today, the nation’s more than 2,400 YMCAs are considered the largest not-forprofit community service organization in America. The Y’s core values are caring, honesty, respect, inclusion and responsibili­ ty - qualities that have stood the test the time and have become even more important in today’s restless and uneasy world. For Barry County and for Camp Algonquin, it’s a story that has continued since a simple dinner gathering in 1914 that set our own community values. That was a moment to celebrate - and to emulate. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 17, 2021 — Page 5 Michigan Senate passes voter ID legislation Three-bill package moves to state House for consideration Sergio Martinez-Beltran Bridge Magazine The Michigan Senate on Wednesday passed three bills to overhaul voter ID requirements and add new restrictions to those casting absentee ballots. The three bills, SB285, SB303 and SB304, eliminate the option for voters to sign an affi­ davit if they lack identification, requiring them instead to cast a provisional ballot and prove their identity within six days. The bills also would require voters request­ ing an absentee ballot to provide on the appli­ cation their driver license or state ID number, last four digits of their Social Security num­ ber, or submit an original or copy of their ID. Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, said the bills would help “deter and avoid election fraud.” “Requiring certification verification is a simple but critical step to ensure the integrity of our election process moving forward,” Theis said. “It’s not creating a personal secu­ rity risk. It’s not voter suppression, it’s not an undue burden.” \--------------------------------“Requiring certification verification is a simple but critical step to ensure the integrity of our election process moving forward. It’s not creating a personal security risk. It’s not voter suppression, it’s not an undue burden.” Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton There was one reported case of voter fraud in Michigan related to the 2020 election. In that case, a man forged his daughter’s signa­ ture on an absentee ballot. The ID proposals are part of a 39-bill pack­ age introduced by Republicans in the Michigan Legislature, similar to ones intro­ duced in other GOP-led statehouses following former President Donald Trump’s unproven claims of widespread voter fraud. Republicans cited a recent Detroit Regional Chamber poll that indicated 7(> 9 percent of Michigan voters favor a voter ID law. Most European nations and Canada also require IDs to vote, but opponents say the new measures are intended to suppress votes of minorities. Last November, a majority of the 11,400 Votes cM ■ Without mi ID were in Detroit, according to records analyzed by Bridge jyiichiganv In all, 0.2 percent of total votes were done so without an ID last year. Sen. Sylvia Santana, D-Detroit, slammed the measures as “egregious” and “garbage.” “This bill package is not about voter integ­ rity, it’s not about preventing fraud, it is not about ensuring the security of our election, and this is not about preventing foreign inter­ ference,” Santana said on the Senate floor. “This is about'being scared of losing an election because of what Brother Malcolm (IX) said, ‘We are not outnumbered, we are out-organized.’ ” The proposals are opposed by progressive groups and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat. Michigan estimates aren’t avail­ able, but some studies claim as many as 13 percent of African-American residents nation­ wide lack a government-issued ID. Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, slammed the Republican majority for passing the measures without having additional legis­ lation that would make it easier for Michiganders to get some sort of ID. That day, though, Sen. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, introduced a bill that would waive the fees associated with getting a state identification card. The Michigan County Clerks Association opposes some of the bills, including the pro­ posal that eliminates the in-person affidavit option. “The data is there to back up the fact that this is a secure process, and that we do not have a voter impersonation problem,” said Justin Roebuck, a Republican who is the Ottawa County clerk and co-chair of the clerk group’s legislative committee. ' “I really do believe that the Legislature, if they fundamentally think this change needs to be implemented, should produce the data that says we have a voter impersonation problem, because I’m not finding it and I’ve been here for over 10 years as an election administra­ tor.” The clerk group, though, supports the con­ cept of requiring voters to submit some form of identification for an absentee ballot. “Sometimes we have to walk that line GET ALL THE NEWS OTO ADDV DnLILllI COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. between making sure the process is simple and easy for voters, and making sure that it’s secure,” Roebuck said. “I do think there’s an importance to place on the security element.” The measures now go to the House, which is controlled by Republicans. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, will likely veto them, as her office has said “any piece of legislation that seeks to take away a person’s right to vote or creates barriers to voting is a non-starter.” Republicans are planning to bypass Whitmer, however, with a petition drive. Should organizers collect 340,047 signa­ tures to put the reforms before voters, the Republican-led Legislature could enact them into law. That’s because Michigan is one of two states with a constitutional provision that pro­ hibits the governor from vetoing resident-ini­ tiated legislation that is adopted by the Legislature instead. American Revolution references misrepresent its meaning To the editor: Many of the followers of Donald Trump whether they be insurrectionists and rioters of Jan. 6, protesters at the Michigan State or United States capitols or members of today’s Republican Party - like to think of them­ selves as the legitimate descendants of the American Revolution. Some sport symbols like the Gadsden “don’t tread on me” rattlesnake flag or the “an appeal to heaven” Pine Tree flag or wear tri­ corn hats and revolutionary war replica uni­ forms. This results from a serious misunderstand­ ing of history and a gross misrepresentation of the nature of the American Revolution. The Revolutionary War was fought to obtain dem­ ocratic self-rule free of the dictates of a king. It was not fought for George Washington to rule the country indefinitely, but so that the people of the United States could freely choose their representatives in the halls of government. After the familiar opening paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence beginning with “When in the course of human events” and referring to our “self-evident rights,” the bulk of the Declaration is a list of grievances against the arbitrary dictates of a single per­ son, King George HI of England, concluding with the statement that “A Prince whose char­ acter is thus marked" by every act which hiay define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” The Revolutionary War was fought to free the American people from the dictates of a single individual - not to enshrine a single individual as the sole source of power. There was no Republican Party platform in the pres­ idential election of 2020 except that they “unanimously agreed to reassert the Party’s strong support for Donald Trump.” And Donald Trump has continued to demand loy­ alty from the Republican leaders, members of Congress and the various state governments and candidates for office. He has refused to acknowledge his loss in the election, despite the certification of the individual ballot count and the Electoral College results by all 50 states and the Congress, multiple certified audits and recounts, the assertion of his own appointed attorney general and Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the rulings in more than 60 court cases, including two at the United States Supreme Court. The success of a thriving democratic repub­ lic rests on the informed participation of all of its people and the ability of our members of government to represent us. It does not depend on one “great leader” as in North Korea, one supreme leader as in Iran, or one “president-for-life” as in Russia or China. George Washington set the standard for presidents of the United States when he refused to run again after his second term, despite the certainty that he would have been re-elected. He chose to step down, relying instead on me strength' oKHie Corisututibh, the government upon which it was founded, and the wisdom of the American people to choose a new president to represent them. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township ^Doctor Universe Snapping sound Dr. Universe: Why does it make noise when you snap your fingers? Amelia, Michigan, 12 Dear Amelia, When I got your question, I snapped my fingers a few times to try and find the exact source of the sound. After a few tries, I decided to ask my friend Troy Bennefield, the director of Athletic Bands at Washington State University. While we may start a snap with the top of our thumb and middle finger touching, he said that the snapping sound actually hap­ pens when the middle finger hits the palm area at the base of the thumb. As the middle finger hits the base of the palm, you actually send some vibrations out into the air. Vibrations are a big part of the reason we can hear all kinds of things — from snaps to claps to a variety of musical instruments. When an object vibrates, it creates waves of energy that travel to a listener’s ears. The outer part of the ears collect those waves, and the ear canals channel them inside the ears. Meanwhile, the brain helps interpret the incoming information and allows you to put a name to the sound you hear. There are so many different sounds to hear in our world. Part of the reason a snap sounds different from a clap or a musical instrument like a violin or drum is that the objects are made up of different materials. The materials vibrate in slightly different ways, giving us all kinds of sounds to hear and music to make. Bennefield is really interested in how we can use snapping in making music. One famous scene with a lot of snapping comes from the musical “West Side Story.” Maybe you know a song or two that incorporates a lot of snapping, too. Think about how that sound can bring a certain emotion or feeling to the song. Maybe you can even try some snapping experiments of your own. Try a snap in your right hand. Now try the left. Did you notice any differences? Now, try playing with some different rhythms. Snap at a nice, slow steady pace or pick up the pace for a quick­ er rhythm. If you are up for the challenge, see how many snaps you can do in a minute. Record your results. Just a couple of months ago, Guinness World Records announced that the new world record for most snaps in a minute is 437 snaps. Perhaps you also can experiment with the volume of your snaps. The loudest snap on record was recorded at 108 decibels. For comparison, a motorcycle makes sounds that are recorded at about 100 decibels. Try a super loud snap or try to make the quietest snap you possibly can. Observe how the volume changes depending on how much force you create between your finger and your thumb. Whether your snaps are quiet or loud, slow and steady, or super-fast, remember that the sound all comes back to those vibra­ tions in the air. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. “The data is there to back up the fact that this is a secure pro­ cess, and that we do not have a voter impersonation problem. I really do believe that the Legislature, if they fundamentally think this change needs to be implemented, should produce the data that says we have a voter impersonation problem, because I’m not finding it and I’ve been here for over 10 years as an election administrator.” Republican Justin Roebuck Ottawa County clerk and co-chair of the clerk group’s legislative committee Brentley El win Donaldson, 54, of Hastings, was convicted of carrying a weap­ on, a shotgun, Feb. 3 in Rutland Township with unlawful intent. Donaldson was sen­ tenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 73 days in jail, with credit for 73 days served. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. Donaldson was ordered to have no contact with the victims or their residence; to partici­ pate in and successfully complete the Office of Community Corrections’ Cog Group pro­ gram for cognitive behavioral-based group treatment, undergo mental health evaluation and treatment and comply with all the terms listed in his presentencing report. A second charge of committing a felony with a firearm was dismissed at the time of his sentencing. Jason Howard Jordan, 45, of Nashville, was convicted of operating a vehicle Dec. 1, 2020, on Durkee Street and/or M-79 and/or Water Street in Nashville while he was intox­ icated as a third-time offender. Jordan was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for three days served, ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months. He will be entered in the Swift and Sure program as well as Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor pro­ gram upon his release from jail. Nickolaus Lee Janose, 35, of Hastings, was convicted of second-degree criminal sex­ ual conduct, engaging in sexual contact with a child under the age of 13 in Hastings in August 2018 and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 90 days in jail, with credit for one day served. He also was ordered to pay 1,058 in fines and costs and was placed on probation for 60 months. Janose was ordered to pay a probation fee of $30 per month and to have no contact with the victim. Additional charges, including first-degree criminal sexu­ al conduct and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, all involving a child under the age of 13, were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Anthony Joseph McCarty, 30, of Nashville, was convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition Feb. 23 in Hastings and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 66 days in jail, with credit for 66 days served. McCarty was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months. A charge of operating a vehicle on a suspend­ ed license was dismissed at the time of sen­ tencing. In a second case, McCarty was convicted of possessing a controlled substance, meth­ amphetamine, Feb. 10 in Nashville and received a sentence of 66 days in jail, with credit for 66 days served. His license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months. The sentences are to be served concurrently. Jay Lee Allerding, 39, of Hastings, was convicted in two cases of possessing the con­ trolled substance methamphetamine/Ecstacy. In one case, he was operating a vehicle while visibly impaired on West State Road/Country Club Drive Jan. 6. In concurrent sentences, he was ordered to serve 60 days in jail, with credit for two days served, for the first con­ viction, and two days in jail, with credit for two days served, for the second. His license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days, and he was ordered to pay $548 in fines and costs. As a condition of his proba­ tion, he was ordered to successfully complete Office of Community Corrections Cog Group program. Brandon-James Krouse, 36, of Hastings, was convicted of two counts of unauthorized use of computers Nov. 16, 2020, in Hastings and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve concurrent terms of 180 days in jail, with credit for 56 days. Krouse was ordered to pay $566 in fines and costs and placed on proba­ tion for 24 months. Three charges of using computers to commit a crime and a charge of unauthorized use of a computer were dis­ missed at the time of sentencing. In a second case in which he was convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, as a habitual offense, Krouse received a concur­ rent sentence of 180 days in jail, with credit for 56 days served. His driver’s license was revoked, and he was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 24 months, with a requirement that he be placed on SCRAM for 12 months. William Ray Jiles, 60, of Hastings, was convicted of operating a vehicle Nov. 7,2020, in Hastings while intoxicated, a third-time offense. Jiles was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 32 days in jail, with credit for two days served, ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months. He was to continue on SCRAM upon his release from jail. Seberiano Lopez, 51, of Hastings, was convicted of possession of the controlled sub­ stance methamphetamine/Ecstacy, Aug. 14, 2019, in Hastings and violating the terms of his probation. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 24 to 120 months in prison, with credit for 365 days served, and ordered to pay $1,198 in fines and costs. The judge ordered this sentence to be served consecu­ tively to any parole sanctions Lopez faces. A charge of delivery/manufacture of the con­ trolled substance diazepam as a second-time offender was dismissed at the time of sentenc­ ing. Scott Joseph Miller, 31, of Battle Creek, was convicted of attempting to surveil an unclothed person in his or her undergarments under circumstances in which that individual had a reasonable expectation of privacy between Feb. 26 to Feb. 29,2020, in Hastings. Miller was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay $1,925 in fines and costs. Charges of using a computer, computer program, system or net­ work to commit, attempt to commit, conspire to commit or solicit another to commit a crime; capturing/distributing visual images of an unclothed person; and using a computer to commit a crime were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Corey Joseph Risner, 40, of Dowling, was convicted of possessing less than 25 grams of a controlled substance - cocaine, heroin or another narcotic - Aug. 27,2020, in Johnstown Township and operating a vehicle on South Banfield Road while intoxicated. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to probation and ordered to pay $548 in fines and costs. Edward Lincoln Youngs, 42, was convict­ ed of possessing the controlled substance methamphetamine Nov. 16,2020, in Hastings as a second-time or subsequent offense. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 32 days in jail, with credit for two days served, ordered to pay $398, and placed on probation for 36 months. He also was ordered to suc­ cessfully complete the Office of Community Corrections Cog Program. The Hastings BfUUier Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO * NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Sophie Bates Greg Chandler Sean Bradley Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Subscription Rates: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �Page 6 — Thursday, June 17, 2021 — The Hastings Banner ZoAnn Reigler ZoAnn May Reigler, of Middleville, went to join the Lord on Friday, June 11, 2021 at the age of 59. ZoAnn was bom on May 5, 1962 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Clare and Clara (McKinnon) Goodman. She is survived by sons, Matthew, Cory, Andrew and their families. Along with daughters, Julia and Isabella; mother, Clara Goodman; and siblings, Nicole, Veronica, and Bill. Zipper was a loving nickname given to her by her father, Clare. She truly had a love for animals, with a soft spot for horses. Her dog, Miley continues on today with ZoAnn’s unconditional love radiating from her. ZoAnn had a wonderful eye for photography, especially during the “golden hour,” her favorite time of the day. While at home, she would blast music, dancing and singing along while cooking her heart away. Her love can be remembered by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. Most important to ZoAnn was her family, especially her grandchildren. There’s no question she’s in Heaven right now with her father, Clare, and grandmother, Myrtle, smiling down at her friends and family. The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale five pickups: (5) 2020 GMC 2500 Crew Cab. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 15, 2021 for the following items. Please mark outside of bid envelope with truck number i.e #900020. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above phone number or at our website www.barrycrc.org.. please make an appointment for all viewings of the trucks. NOTE: All trucks are sold as is. Due to COVID 19 the opening will be done by Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 10:30 AM. https://zoom.us/j/94238444705?pwd=aTc3aHIFQ2tWZIRuajluUTFWQVQxZz09 Meeting ID: 942 3844 4705, Passcode: 815407, (312) 626 6799 US (Chicago) (5) 2020 GMC 2500 Crew Cab SLE Pickups 4WD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors 1 - Cardinal Red - #900020- Orange Title Approximately 23,462 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 1 - Cardinal Red - #900080 - Orange ~ Approximately 18,680 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 1-Onyx Black- #900100- Orange Title - Approximately 7,750 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 1-Summit White- #900120 - Orange Title - Approximately 12,885 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 1-Onyx Black- #900140- Orange Title - Approximately 16,187 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 (Orange Title = MUNICIPAL Title - NOT Salvage Title) NOTE: All mileages are approximate - trucks are being driven until they are sold. The board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box Hastings. Telephone 269­ 8, 945-9121. Email 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. hastfmc@ Website: gmail.com. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH Philip. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Stoetzel. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: Sunday School for all ages; 9: 45 a.m.. Kids Church and 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Director, Martha Our Senior High Youth Group 6-8 worship center is set up for p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. social distancing. Aftermath Wednesday, Family Night Student Ministries: Sunday 6 6:30-8 p.m., Kids p.m. (Children Nursery are available. Kindergarten-5 th School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, Call Church Office 948-8004 (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ for information. 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and N. Street. Children’s Ministry. Wednesday 328 night Bible study and prayer Worship time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. provided. Pastor Peter Adams, Jefferson 10 a.m. Nursery contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. Laura Belle (Mangus) Winebrenner, age 94, of Hastings, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Friday morning, June 11,2021, unexpectedly at home. She was bom June 19,1926, the fifth child of Russell Edgar and Mary Jane (Blough) Mangus. Laura attended grade school in Indiana and graduated in 1944 from Albion High School. She married Walter Wayne Winebrenner on August 10, 1947. After the ceremony, they drove to Grand Rapids, to attend college and seminary. She went Grand Rapids Bible College for three years. Laura was a faithful partner to her husband who was the pastor of small mission churches in several towns in Michigan over the years starting in 1953. In April 1965 they answered the call from the Galilean Baptist Mission to pastor the church in Freeport. Laura grew up on a dairy farm in Indiana where she learned the importance of hard work. After they married, Laura and Walter always kept chickens, goats, a pony and a milk cow or two until the early 1980s when Walter decided to downsize the farm a bit. Her husband and children were her true pride and joy. Her most important mission in life was to make sure each one of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren came to know Jesus as their Savior. She was a small quiet woman, but could certainly be feisty at times. She was loved and respected by her family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter Winebrenner; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah (Sally) and Michael Schantz; her parents, Russell and Mary Jane Mangus; brothers, James and Roy Mangus; sisters, Olive Osterlund, Violet Sackett and Mary Bales. She is survived her sons, John (Cindy) Winebrenner, Thomas (Ann) Winebrenner, James (Karen) Winebrenner and Daniel Winebrenner; daughters, Mary Winebrenner, Margaret (Tim) Nicholson, Laura (Allen) Strouse and Grace (Tim) Fish; 25 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Freeport Baptist Church or a charity of your choice. A funeral service was held Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Hastings First Baptist Church, 309 E Woodlawn Ave, Hastings, MI at 11 a.m., Rev. Allen Strouse and Rev. Ron Wood officiating. Interment in the Irving Township Cemetery. To leave online condolences visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Brian Douglas Roscoe AKA Gouch, passed away on June 9, 2021 in Fort Meyers, FL, where he had been residing on and off for the past 10 years or so. Brian was bom on August 3, 1960 to Charles B. Roscoe and Patricia A. Roscoe (Lancaster) in Hastings, ML He attended Thomapple Kellogg High School and completed his GED through Berrien Springs High School. He leaves behind his four children; Brian D. Roscoe, Jr. of Parker, CO, Erica K. Watts of Spokane, WA, Tommy D. M. Roscoe of Spokane, WA and Ian C. M. Roscoe of Denver, CO. and 11 grandchildren. Additionally, father Charles Roscoe and his stepmother, Lynn; brothers, Kevin and Tim Roscoe and sister, Merry Sherk; ex-wives, Eileen Roscoe and Kelly Roscoe, and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother who passed away in March of this year, and by brothers, Charles Jeffrey (Jeff) Roscoe and Scott E. Roscoe and by beloved nephew, Jeremy J. (JJ) Roscoe. How did the Gouch get his nickname? Back in the Fishermans Haven days, his much loved and respected boss, Ron Buscar took Brian under his wing. Brian had a great respect for Ron and truly loved him like a father. For some reason, Ron dubbed Brian ..The Gouch... and the name stuck! Gouch was an avid hunter, be it game, fish, mushrooms or wild asparagus. He crabbed in the Gulf of Mexico for many years. He always knew just where the best spots were. He also loved music and was probably Ted Nugent’s biggest fan! We all know and love the wild man, Gouch. we’ve all been touched by him one way or another. He was truly a people person and spent his life making every stranger a friend. His enthusiasm was contagious and you just couldn’t help but like him. He had a big heart and would literally give you the shirt off his back. Thank goodness he didn’t offer those little shorts of his! Everyone was a friend or ..family., to him and he loved... really loved his friends. He made all of us at some point laugh or cry, he made us angry or joyous. Oftentimes, we hurt with or for him. Point is, he made us feel and he rarely apologized for making us feel that way. What you saw is what you got. Gouch was about as genuine as they get. He broke the mold and I’m not sure we could handle another like him. Rest easy Gouch. If Heaven is a quiet place, all that’s about to change. Celebrate with family and friends on Saturday, June 19, 2021 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Tyden Park, Hastings, the small pavilion. Rita Allerding passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 13, 2021, just two weeks shy of her 97th birthday. Rita was born June 26, 1924, the fifth of eight daughters to Edward and Loretta Weber on a farm in Allegan. She graduated Allegan High School at 16 years of age. She was a fiercely independent and strong young woman, who traveled alone for a week by train, to visit two of her older sisters in California, before she was 20. She got a clerk position at an A&P grocery store in California, which she continued to work at when she returned to Michigan. She was proud of her work and moved quickly to the office manager position. Rita met her future husband, Jack Allerding, at a dance pavilion called The Dixie. They married five years later on September 13, 1950. She continued her proud work ethic as she and Jack farmed the Allerding Centennial Farm north of Hastings and created a landmark homestead. They continued to enjoy their farm and their marriage for nearly 52 years, until Jack’s passing on August 13,2002. Rita was an active member of the Pennock Hospital Guild. Rita is survived by her daughter, Tami (Steven) Nicholas of Hastings; two grandsons, Ryan (Kelly) Nicholas of Alto and Nathan (Anna) Nicholas of Mattawan; four great grandchildren, Blake, Luke, Zoey and Maximus Jack, along with two sisters, Margaret (Bill)' Bailey, land Mary Ann Holthof and numerous nieces and nephews. Rita was preceded in death by her husband Jack; her parents Edward and Loretta Weber, and five sisters, Florence Haas, Ethyl Flynn, Evelyn Swope, Dorothy Opas and Lois O’Connell. Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Hospice at 2725 Airview Blvd, Ste 101, Portage, MI 49002. A private memorial will take place for the immediate family. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 "R 4 £ PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. fiFlexto Hhashngs Fiberglass Products 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 • Large Parking Lot- Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachftineralhome.net Owiier/Manager Family Owned and Operated Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years PART TIME-Caregiver for Elderly A church memorial service to honor the life of Pat Markle will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Emmanual Episcopal Church, Hastings. A small luncheon for family and close friends will follow at Seasonal Grille, Hastings. Provide care, comfort safety and general supervision to residents by partnering with them in activities of daily living, administering medications and tending to their individual physical, social and spiritual care needs. • Partner with residents to provide assistance with activities of daily living as outlined in care guides/service plans • Provide residents with memory impairments appropriate memory care support communication/interventions based on types and stages of impairment • Administer medications/treatments to residents according to policy and procedure • Complete daily charting and documentation as required - Must be 18 years or older - Must have High School Diploma or GED MBBfWmOF ft©;?y3^;aat 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Pat Markle * Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services ■Ika.jfak. p.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Rita Marie Allerding 4 Truth Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON Brian Douglas Roscoe ZoAnn’s family will receive friends on Friday, June 18, 2021, 12 to 2 p.m. at the Middleville United Methodist Church where her memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, ZoAnn’s family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the American Diabetes Association or the Barry County Animal Shelter. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for ZoAnn’s family. NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". Laura Belle Winebrenner Please apply in person at WOOdltTWH MCildoWS Assisted Living & Memory Care Woodlawn Meadows: 1821 N. East St Hastings, Ml Saxon tennis team wins a few 1-8 awards The Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team had a pair of playershonored amont the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference’s top players this spring. Saxon first singles player Brooklyn Youngs was named all-conference in the 1-8. Saxon first doubles teammates Bailey Cook and Erin Daniels were named honorable mention all-conference. Hastings head coach Andrew Haines said of the 15 Saxons that earned varsity letters with the tennis team this spring 12 earned academic all-conference awards. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 17, 2021 — Page 7 fl looK back at the stories and columns on local history TURNING BACK THE PAGES < 1941 column recapped June news 20-50 years earlier Goldfish in the courthouse fountain, graduating classes, biting dogs, fish that didn’t bite, injuries, deaths, business transactions, promotions and assignments and more were among the bits of news published in The Banner in June 1941. Under the heading “Backward Glances - Bits of Yesterday,” the column reviewed the news from 1891, 1901, 1911 and 1921. The following extracts were reprinted in three separate issues: Banner June 12, 1941 Twenty years ago June 2,1921 The last legislature raised the tuition fee for rural pupils attending city high schools from $25 to $60. The eighth-grade commencement will be in the high school auditorium Saturday afternoon with State Supt. Johnson giving the address. A health pageant picnic dinner and games at the fairgrounds are part of the program. The safe at the Wing and Hammond store was robbed of $150 sometime Tuesday night. The graduating class this year numbers 88. Mr. and Mrs. Vere Herrington of Jackson have moved to Hastings and will reside on Hanover Street. Mr. and Mrs. D.R. Foster have bought a home in Eaton Rapids and are moving there this week. Thirty years ago June 1,1911 The Palace of Sweets will open next Saturday with Miss Crandall as proprietor. Members of Fitzgerald Post G.A.R. and the Women’s Relief Corps attended the memorial service at the Wesleyan Methodist church Sunday and pronounced the message on “He fought a good fight,” by Rev. Chas. M. Duryea, one of the most interesting and scholarly they had ever heard. James Troxel, well-known musician and band leader, died Sunday morning from neuralgia of the heart. [A native of Holland and director of the Hastings City Band, Troxel had suffered heart trouble for more than a year, according to his death certificate. He was 36 and left behind a wife and three children under 5 years old.) Miss Anna Johnson (Hope Daring) is preparing to issue a new book next fall entitled, “Valedero Ranch,” a story of California life in the early days. Deaths: Mrs. Harriette Melissa Spaulding, 75; Mrs. Abijah Eaton, 70; Mrs. J.B. Mills, widow of the late Probate Judge James B. Mills, 71 [and mother of Ella Eggleston, the first county probate judge in the state]. Forty years ago June 6,1901 Word has been received from Washington that the two rural free mail routes from this city will start July 1. The route through Rutland will be known as No. 1, and the one to North Irving and O’Donnell [near where Ryan Road intersects Fighter Road in Carlton Township] will be known as Route 2. John Curtis will be the carrier on Route 1, and Grant Hendershott on Route 2, with Alfred P. Trumbull of this city as substitute. One day last week, the boys at the Table factory were recreating by playing ball. An extra strong batter knocked the ball through the window at James Grace’s residence, where it disarranged the bric-a-brac on the center table. The boys settled, and the game goes merrily on. [Grace lived at 305 E. Mill St., northwest of the factory]. County School Commissioner [John] Dr. Samuel Dickie, who served as Hastings’ first superintendent of schools, became the seventh president of Albion College in 1901, a position he would hold for 20 years. (Albion College photo) Ketcham has purchased the late W.S. Shriner resident in the second ward and has moved into same. Fifty years ago June 4,1891 Mrs. Annie Demond of Woodland Township, age 102^ was in the village the other day and had her picture taken. Fred Heath was pressing a cork down into a bottle with his thumb Monday when the bottle broke in the center, and his hand slipped down onto the broken part in such a manner as to sever an artery in the thumb. Geo. Van Sickle of Rutland was injured Monday forenoon when severely bitten on the left arm [by what it does not say] just below the elbow, also knocked down and injured about the face and leg. John Busby and a party of friends captured a boatload of Long Lake pumpkin seeds [panfish] Friday. C.M. Weaver of the law firm Stuart, Knappen and Weaver will leave the last of this week for Adrian where he will enter into partnership in the law business with his brother. Banner June 19,1941 Twenty years ago June 16,1921 Miss Retha Eckert, who graduates from Kalamazoo Normal this month, will have charge of 10 weeks of supervised play at the playgrounds in the city park this summer. Hastings has a fine new band. O.A. Skelcher is leader and Dr. C.H. Barber is president. City mail carrier Jakie Edger was bitten by a bulldog Thursday forenoon and although a painful injury, it is not expected to be serious. G.M. Fox has sold his farm in Rutland Township just west of the city and has acquired a store building and stock of groceries on Plainfield Avenue in Grand Rapids. Arthur F. Vickery has sold his drug store to John V. Sassaman of Charlotte, who has taken possession. club the evening of Sept. 2. The Hastings City Band, better known as “Troxel’s Band,” will be continued under the leadership of Dr. Clarence H. Barber. Tents for the coming Chautauqua should be ordered at once. A special school meeting will be held Monday, July 3, for the purpose of bonding for $65,000 for the erection of a new school building on the Central grounds. Mrs. Herman Frost gave an enjoyable at-home party Tuesday afternoon honoring the 80th birthday of Mrs. Sophia Brink. Andrew G. Cortright, former sheriff of Barry County, died suddenly Saturday morning at the home of relatives in Caledonia where he and Mrs. Cortright were visiting for a few days. Professor Homer C. Washbum, dean of the department of pharmacy at the University of Oklahoma, has been selected to found a school of pharmacy to be added to the University of Colorado. Forty years ago June 20,1901 The friends of E.G. Holbrook of Lansing will be pleased to learn that at a recent meeting of Lansing Division, U.R.K.P. [Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias drill corps], he was elected captain. Dr. Samuel Dickie of Albion, former resident of Hastings and first superintendent of schools here, was last week elected president of Albion College, to succeed Dr. John P. Ashley, resigned. Chas. H. Dawson graduated from the pharmaceutical department of the University of Michigan yesterday. Fifty years ago June 18,1891 Hon. Clement Smith will deliver the oration at the celebration at Freeport July 4. Cadet George Rock, who is completing his studies at the Glasgow university, recently took the first prize awarded by that institution to its students in naval architecture. [Later Admiral Rock, he was put in charge of the Brooklyn naval yard a week after the U.S. entered World War I and credited with aiding in the groundwork for modernizing the U.S. Navy.] Miss Maude Bartley and her class in instrumental music, together with the male quartette composing the [Methodist Episcopal] choir for which Miss Bartley is organist, gave a very pleasant musical at the home of W.H. Schantz Friday evening. Mr. Weaver, having removed from Hastings, Messrs. Stuart and Knappen have made an association with William O. Lowden with whom they will have an office in the new Hastings City Bank building. The graduating exercises of class ’91 of the Hastings High School will take place Friday afternoon, June 26, in the courtyard, if th6 Hastings First United Methodist Church was dedicated in September 1911. In June, The Banner announced “Bishop Quayle, noted author and famous preacher, will deliv­ er the address under the auspices of the Boosters club the evening of Sept. 2.” (File photo) weather is favorable, otherwise probably in Union Hail. Ed. Bottum will soon enter the employ of Ingraham Mfg. Co., manufacturing chemists and druggists of Detroit. Miss Edna Havens’ many friends will be pleased to learn that she has been elected principal of one of the schools in Owosso. Banner June 26, 1941 Twenty years ago June 23,1921 About 400 attended the alumni banquet Friday evening. The recent school census gives Hastings a 68-student lead over Charlotte, the record showing 1,274 boys and girls between age 5 and 20, a gain of 44 over last year. A farewell party was given for Mrs. Otto Krueger Tuesday afternoon, prior to her leaving the following day for her new home in Chicago. Through the courtesy of Claud Lydell, the courthouse fountain has been supplied with a large stock of goldfish. Mrs. Effa Beamer, 70, died suddenly Friday at the home of her son, E.F. Bottum. Thirty years ago June 29,1911 Thirty-seven members of the senior class of Hastings High graduated last Friday. Gerald Nash, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nash, and Miss Blanche Bidelman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bidelman, were married at the home of the bride’s parents at Quimby Wednesday at noon. The ceremony was performed in the presence of the of Middleville • Independent and Assisted Living Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Michigan INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING TTlh » SKA COMMISSION Vi Source: about.usps.com Fifty years ago June 25,1891 Wool commands 25 to 28 cents at Freeport. See COLUMN, page 9 Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured GUrilting Cotton Prints & Solids CALLING ALL MICHIGANDERS! Threads, Zipper, Trims How should your district election maps be drawn? For the first time in Michigan, you can draw the lines. Ensure that the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission hears your voice in drawing maps that determine who represents you in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Have your say at a public hearing and learn how redistricting impacts Michigan's Congressional, Senate, and House districts in your community. Get information and find a public hearing near you at www.Michigan.gov/MICRC or call 833-You-Draw (833-968-3729). Thirty years ago June 22,1911 The Methodists plan to dedicate their new church Sunday Sept. 3. Bishop Quayle, noted author and famous preacher, will deliver the address under the auspices of the Boosters Bellevue - April 1,1903 Clarksville Aug. 15,1902 Cressey-Jan. 15, 1904 Delton - May 16, 1904 Dowling - April 1, 1904 Freeport - April 1, 1903 Hastings - July 1, 1901 Lake Odessa - May 1, 1902 Middleville May 1,1899 Nashville - April 1, 1903 Quimby - July 1, 1904 Woodland - April 1, 1903 Forty years ago June 27,1901 The 19th annual alumni banquet was held at the Episcopal Parish house Friday evening. The business meeting was held on the lawn of Mrs. Rose Colgrove’s and the following new officers were elected: President Franz Willison, Vice President S.C. Greusel Jr., Secretary Miss Myrtle Sullivan and Treasurer Miss Mary Wooton. Prosecutor [Charles H.] Thomas and Squire [Alanzo] Kenaston, equipped with all the latest kinds of fishing tackle, went to Leach Lake Tuesday afternoon and succeeded in getting - wet. Miss Nonna Michael will go to Grand Rapids soon, where she expects to take a course prescribed for trained nurses at Butterworth Hospital. Misses Angie and Eva Bates, teachers in the public schools of Detroit, arrived Friday to spend the summer with relatives in this vicinity. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING You Draw the Lines. Your District. Your Voice. Your Future. QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 MM* p I OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 1009 WEST GREEN STREET The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public regarding the request for a Special Use Permit for parking lot reconstruction at 1009 West Green St. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 in a hybrid format. Please check the City of Hast­ ings website at www.hastingsmi.org or contact City Hall at 269-945-2468 for details. Rural routes date back to 1899 locally An article accompanying the Turning Back the Pages column in last week’s Banner mentioned that some addresses in 1940 were still rural free delivery, or RFD, rather than rural routes, or RR. However, this week’s column, a 1941 lookback at news from decades past, mentions that the U.S. Postal Service had announced in June 1901 two new rural routes for Hastings. Why, nearly 40 years later, some residents had RR addresses and others had RFD is not clear. The following is a list of rural route start dates for local post offices, as approved by the U.S. Postal Service. immediate relatives and friends. About 250 attended the annual banquet of the Hastings High School alumni Friday evening at the M.E. church. Miss Bessie Bush has finished her course at Kalamazoo Normal and has accepted a position as kindergarten teacher in the Ironwood schools. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. I IS A METAL ROOF RIGHT FOR YOU? I Learn More - Text 947-208-6995 I OR Get An Instant Metal Roof Quote: |MetalRoofPricing.coni | A copy of the plans and additional background materials are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the Community De­ velopment Director, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Mich­ igan 49058. Questions or comments can be directed to Dan King, Community Development Director at 269-945-2468 or dking@hastingsmi.org. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk �Page 8 — Thursday, June 17, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Governor pitches $405 million preschool expansion Ron French Bridge Magazine A massive expansion of the state’s taxpay­ er-funded preschool program could eventually offer free preschool to an additional 17,000 Michigan 4-year-olds, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Tuesday. The governor proposed a $405 million infu­ sion over three years to the Great Start Readiness Program, which offers preschool to 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families. GSRP currently operates on an annu­ al $237 million budget. The money would be a combination of fed­ eral COVID relief funds and cash from the state’s school aid fund. After three years, when the proposal is fully phased in, the expansion would cost the state an estimated $150 million annually. Combined with a separate $45 million increase that was already part of Whitmer’s 2021-22 budget in May, the governor’s efforts, if approved, would represent a major financial shot in the arm for a program that has been proven to improve academic skills of partici­ pants. The additional funds would guarantee enough classroom seats for every eligible 4-year old whose family chooses to partici­ pate. Eligibility guidelines would remain the same, with children from families earning up to 250 percent of the federal poverty line ($66,250 for a family of four, for example) attending GSRP for free. Currently, about 43,000 4-year-olds are enrolled in GSRP or the federally funded Head Start program. That’s about two out of three children who are eligible according to their family’s income. State officials hope 90 percent of eligible children will enroll by the time the expansion is fully ramped up, in three years. “We have a unique opportunity right now to make the type of investments in early educa­ tion and preschool that will pay massive divi­ dends by improving health, educational and social outcomes for our children decades down the line,” Whitmer said Tuesday in a news conference at a child care center at Michigan State University. “Parents across our state are aware of the importance of early education and now we have to seize this chance to eliminate waitlists for eligible chil­ dren.” The proposed increase isn’t a sure thing. The Republican-led state House and Senate would need to approve the funding hike. But Republican leaders in the past have supported investment in early childhood education, including Whitmer’s Republican predecessor ¥LcliAL IS'/-' A > W/ “ VT'1/-'13' <2 NUHCLS Notice of Execution Sale on Real Property Case Number 19-053225 ck Notice is hereby given that by virtue of an Execution against property, issued by the Judge of the 40th Circuit Court , State of Michigan, against Mason and Susan Richardson upon a judgment on 7-17-20 in favor of Lakestone Bank Plaintiff, and against said Def. Mason and Susan Richardson that on 3-8-2021 , I Soft Hope Deputy Sheriff levied the writ of execution on and took all rights, title, and interest of above said Def. Mason and Susan Richardson in the following, real estate. Said levy recorded in Barry County Records 2021-002913 PAGES 1 of 3 Land Situated in the township of Orangeville County of Barry, State of Michigan Commonly Known as 12011 Parkway Dr Tax Id 11 006-082-13 Notice is hereby given I will auction all of the Defendant rights title and interest in these propertys as law directs to the highest bidder at the location of the Barry County Court House in the State of Michigan, on the 14rd Day of July 2021, at 11:00 am. 5-21-2021 Signed this Date Scott L. Hope Court Office/ Deputy Sheriff Any Questions : Call Scott Hope at or (810)869-1001 Barry- State of Michigan VS Richardson (5-27) (7-1) (05-27)(07-01) 161234 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Brenda K. Chandler Trust dated September 16, 1993. Date of Birth: April 13, 1947. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Brenda the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Derek G. Chandler, Trustee within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: June 15, 2021 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Derek G. Chandler c/o Rhoades McKee, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 162805 FORECLOSURE NOTICE (ALL COUNTIES) AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. ATTENTION HOMEOWNER: IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY, IF YOUR PERIOD OF ACTIVE DUTY HAS CONCLUDED LESS THAN 90 DAYS AGO, OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO ACTIVE DUTY, PLEASE CONTACT THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PARTY FORECLOSING THE MORTGAGE AT THE TELEPHONE NUMBER STATED IN THIS NOTICE. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement - Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 a.m./p.m. on July 1, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default having been made in the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by Roberto P. Luna and Lena M. Luna of Barry County, Michigan, Mortgagor to Fifth Third Bank successor by merger to Home Equity of America, Inc. dated the First day of March, 2005, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for the County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the Fifteenth day of March, 2005, Instrument No. 1142742 of the Barry County Records on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, for principal of $89,662.09 plus accrued interest at 7.00000% percent per annum. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Rutland, in the County of Barry and State of Michigan and described as follows to wit: The North 248.5 feet of the East 308.5 feet of the South 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 1, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan. Commonly known as: 1621 Hammond Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 Tax ID: 08-13­ 001-014-05 If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the borrower, pursuant to MCLA 600.3278 will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. The redemption period shall be six months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sate. Dated: June 3, 2021 By: Benjamin N. Hoen #P-81415 Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. 965 Keynote Circle Cleveland, OH 44131-1829 Telephone: 216-739­ 5100 Fax: 216-363-4034 Email: bhoen@weltman. com WWR# 10152018-1 (06-03)(06-24) 161355 ■' SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting June 9, 2021 Clerk Goebel called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Present: Goebel, Doster & DeVries Agenda and May 2021 Minutes were approved. Commissioner’s Report Public comments, if any, were received. Department reports were placed on file. Trustee and Clerk’s Reports were received. Approved paying bills: $115,689.26 Approved Fire Department requests. Approved internet upgrade. Appointed Acting Fire Chief. Approved toner purchase. Public and Board commefjfc were received. Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 162676 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21028826-DE Estate of Terry J. Cole, Deceased. Date of birth: December 15,1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Terry J. Cole, Deceased, died March 13, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Denise L. Nelsen, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: June 15, 2021 Brian T. DeVries, PC. Brian T DeVries P65913 P.O. Box 329 Schoolcraft, Ml 49087 (269) 679-4535 Denise L. Nelsen 4687 Pepperbush Lane Kalamazoo, Ml 49004 (269)377-5115 162566„1 NOTICE Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please c^qtact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on JUNE 24,2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Steven M. Yawger, a single man, to American General Financial Services (DE), Inc., Mortgagee, dated December 18, 2006 and recorded December 20, 2006 in Instrument Number 1174117, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, D/B/A Christiana Trust as Trustee for PNPMS Trust II, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty-Five Thousand Eight and 9/100 Dollars ($65,008.09). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice Is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the cirwft court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JUNE 24, 2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Castleton, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 20 of Block D of Pleasant Shores, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats on page 59. 1067 Brooks Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA |600.3241a, in which case - the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: May 27, 2021 File No. 20-006671 Firm Name: Orlans PC Firm Address: 1650 West Big Beaver Road, Troy Ml 48084 ■ Firm Phone Number: (248)502,1400 (05-27X06-17) 161233 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28860-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1400 In the matter of Breylynn Princess-Rose Harvey. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wednesday, 7/14/2021 at 2:15 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Breylynn Princess-Rose Harvey to Breylynn Princess Rose. 162534 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE SALE DEFAULT having been made in the conditions of a certain Mortgage dated October 18, 1994 as recorded in Liber 617, Page 490 of the Barry County Register of Deeds Office, made by VIOLET FINNANGER, a single woman, whose address was 2700 Nashville Road, Hastings Michigan 49058, as Mortgagor, as assigned in the Barry County Register of Deeds to Bernard F. Banash and Minnie B. Banash, husband and wife, whose address was 8412 Jaspar Drive F-101, Newport Richie, Florida 34652, as subsequently assigned to their son, Bernard Banash as shown in Barry County Record Number 2021-002987 on March 12, 2021, securing that certain Note between Violet Finnanger as Debtor and Bernard F. Banash and Minnie B. Banash, husband and wife, as Creditor, dated October 18f 1994. . There is claimed to be due thereon, at the date of this notice, for principal andintweL the sum ofTWENTY^IX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTY SEVEN AND 40/100-($26,767.40) Dollars with interest at the rate of 10%, as secured by the above-referenced mortgage as of the date of the sale, July 15,2021. There also shall be attorneys fees, unpaid real estate taxes and costs. And no proceedings having been instituted to recover the debt now remaining secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof, whereby the power of sale contained in said Mortgage has become operative; NOW, THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by virtue of the Power of Sale contained in said Mortgage, and in pursuance of the statute in such case made and provided, the above said Mortgage, will be foreclosed by a sale of the premises therein described, or so much thereof as may be necessary, at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse, County of Barry, Michigan, that being the place of holding the Circuit Court in and for said County on the 15th day of July, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, of said day and said premises will be sold to pay the amount so as aforesaid then due on said Mortgage, together with interest payable at the rate of 10%, together with late fees, legal costs, attorneys fees and also any taxes and insurance that said Mortgagee does pay on or prior to the date of said sale together with interest thereon as though on an open account at the rate of 5% per annum; which said premises are described in said Mortgage, to-wit: PREMISES SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST % POST OF SECTION 5, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE NORTH 300 FEET, THENCE EAST 322.5 FEET FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THENCE NORTH 256 FEET, THENCE EAST 252 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 176 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 88°6’ WEST 135.7 FEET, THENCE NORTH 89°14’ WEST, 74.6 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 1°13’WEST, 76.5 FEET, THENCE WEST 40 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. TOGETHER WITH A RIGHT OF WAY TO AND FROM TWIN LAKES OVER THE NORTH 14 FEET OF A RIGHT OF WAY AS DESCRIBED IN LIBER 315 PAGE 150. THAT RIGHT OF WAY TO WALK TO AND FROM TWIN LAKE AND THE RIGHT TO ANCHOR A BOAT ON THE SHORE ADJACENT TO SAID RIGHT OF WAY AND ALSO AN EASEMENT OVER A STRIP OF LAND PRESENTLY EXISTING SOUTH OF A LINE DESCRIBED AT: COMMENCING AT THE WEST % POST OF SECTION 3, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE NORTH 310 FEET, THENCE NORTH 85°50’ EAST 312.4 FEET, THENCE NORTH 79°0’ EAST 64.8 FEET, THENCE FROM SAID LINE IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION OVER A DRIVE PRESENTLY IN EXISTENCE TO PLAINTIFF’S PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. GIVING ACCESS FROM THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO NORTH BROADWAY, COMMONLY KNOWN AS M-43. ALSO TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT FOR AN EASMENT OF RIGHT OF WAY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY FOR CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY AND MICHIGAN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY IN ORDER TO HAVE ELECTRIC, GAS AND PHONE SERVICE TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY Commonly known as: Vacant land The period of redemption will be six (6) months from date of sale unless the property shall be determined to be abandoned. Dated: June 7,2021 David H. Tripp Drafted by: ■ David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:\DHT Client FilesXBanash, Bernard and Minnie\ ForeclosureXNotice of Mortage Sale.doc 162329 Rick Snyder, who was responsible for one of the largest increases in state-funded preschool in the nation when he expanded GSRP in 2013. Improving education has been a key goal of the Whitmer administration. In theNational Assessment of Educational Progress, often called the Nation’s Report Card, Michigan students generally score around the middle of the pack or slightly below average. Michigan also is below the national average in the percent of adults with college degrees, which impacts personal income and the ability of the state to attract new businesses. Early childhood education is seen as one key in improving academic performance of students in Michigan’s public schools. A 2019 study found that students who enrolled in GSRP across Michigan scored higher four years later when they reached third grade on Michigan’s standardized test, the M-STEP, in both English language arts and math than their demographically-similar class­ mates who didn’t enroll in GSRP. Scores were higher for students who attend­ ed GSRP as 4-year-olds in every racial group and among students with disabilities. A separate 2018 study in Ottawa County found GSRP students were twice as likely to meet literacy and language growth targets between fall and spring of the school year as 4-year-olds not enrolled in the program. Still, growth of the program has been sty­ mied by funding issues. Many of the programs are operated by school districts, which some­ times lose money with every GSRP student they accept. The state hasn’t increased the rate provided to schools and community-based providers for a full-day GSRP student since 2014, when the state began paying local school districts $7,250 for a full-day preschool seat. In the 2020-21 school year, Traverse City Area Public Schools threatened to drop GSRP because of a $60,000 gap between state fund­ ing and district costs. The district was able to open its doors for about 100 4-year-olds in the fall after local foundations pitched in to defray costs. Some families lack transportation to get children to GSRP programs, or don’t know that free preschool is an option. In 11 of the state’s 57 intermediate school districts, which provide services to local school districts, less than 60 percent of eligi­ ble 4-year-olds are enrolled in GSRP or Head Start. Getting as many low- and moderate-income 4-year-olds into free, high-quality preschool allows more parents to take jobs, and those children to do better academically when they enter kindergarten, Whitmer said. Highlights of Whitmer’s proposed expan­ sions announced in her budget in May and Tuesday include: Increasing the per-student payment to GSRP providers to match the per-student foundation grant given to schools for K-12 students. Increasing the number of slots for children to match the number of eligible children — an additional 22,000 positions. Officials set a lofty goal of enrolling 90 percent of the state’s eligible 4-year-olds, which would be an addi­ tional 17,000 students. ; Grants to help establish or expand GSRP | classrooms. $50 million to expand preschool options in j underserved areas, improve curriculum, finan­ cially support preschool teachers for contin-1 ued education and increase marketing to | spread the word about the program. Increase funding for transportation to and * from GSRP classes from $10 million to $25 ■ million. The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce ■ issued a statement supporting GSRP expan­ sion. “In a letter to Legislative leaders earlier this i year, we called for more funding for GSRP,” ; wrote Rick Baker, the chamber’s president; and CEO. “(We) are thrilled to see the gover-; nor’s recommendation to increase this pro- j gram to meet the current demand from Michigan families.” Alan Oman, director of early childhood learning at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, said he was pleased with Whitmer’s proposal. “It’s important that working families have access to affordable and quality care,” Oman said. “Early education is really the foundation of a child’s success in school and later in life.” SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting June 8, 2021 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Received Audit report Approved Cemetery signs Appointed Aug. election commission Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:55 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 162673 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28857-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1400 In the matter of Brian Eugene Harvey 4th. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wednesday, 7/14/2021 at 2:15 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Brian, Eugene Harvey 4th to Brian Edward Rose. 162531 Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-4702 Jim Lundin Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)818-0423 Father’s Day gifts... for your kids If you’re a dad, you may be in line to get some nice gifts on Father’s Day. But your greatest gift may be your ability to help your children. One way of doing that is to get them started in the world of investing - and making a few investments on their behalf. Here are three possibilities: • 529 plan - If you invest in a 529 education savings plan, your earnings can grow federally tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified educational expenses. (Withdrawals not used for these expenses will generally incur taxes and penalties on investment earnings.) If you invest in your own state’s 529 plan, you might receive some state tax benefits, too, depending on how your state’s tax laws apply to 529 plans. State-by­ state tax treatment may vary, so you’ll need to consult with your tax professional about your situation. Provided you stay within certain limits, you can also use a 529 plan to pay for qualified K-12 expenses and registered apprenticeship programs. And you can even use it to repay certain qualified student loans, within limits. A 529 plan can affect financial aid, but its effect is generally lower than that of other assets. And as the account owner, you have control of your 529, so, if one child decides not to go to college or pursue further education, you can switch beneficiaries. • UGMA/UTMA account When you establish a special type of custodial account known as either UGMA (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) or UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act), you are providing financial resources that can be used for education or another purpose that benefits your child, such as summer programs. One potential benefit of an UGMA or UTMA is that some of the earnings will be taxed at the child’s rate, which is likely lower than your own. Plus, UGMA/UTMA accounts typically allow a wide range of investment choices. However, once children reach the age of majority (typically 18 or 21) they gain complete access to the money and can do whatever they want with it. • IRA - A child with any taxable compensation, such as money from an after-school job, is eligible to fund an IRA. You may want to open one on your child’s behalf and you can “sweeten” the offer by matching some of their contributions. You can’t directly invest in the IRA, but you can give your child money for that purpose. Keep in mind, though, that the total amount contributed can’t exceed your child’s taxable compensation for the year. An IRA is a great introduction to the world of investing. For one thing, your child can make small contributions throughout the year, so investing in an IRA doesn’t seem burdensome. Also, since an IRA can be invested in different types of securities, your child can learn about various investment vehicles - stocks, bonds, mutual funds and so on. Plus, you can point out that, with a traditional IRA, taxes won’t be due on the earnings until your child starts taking withdrawals decades from now. (And with a Roth IRA, withdrawals are tax-free, provided certain conditions are met.) On Father’s Day, you can show your, appreciation for whatever gifts you receive from your children. But by investing in their future, you can gain some longer-term contentment. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC ; i i ? • i ? z > . ? , k * \ �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 17, 2021 — Page 9 Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Conway-Grassmid Jeanette (Jenna) Conway and Corey Grassmid were united in marriage on April 10, 2021 at Woodgrove Parish. Mother of the bride is Jean Conway and parents of the groom are Steve and Marian Grassmid. Maid of honor was Rose Pennock. Bridesmaids were Kelsi Dirkse and Kayleigh Grassmid. Jr. Bridesmaids were Destiny Pennock and Lily Pennock. Flowergirl was Millie Dirkse. Best man was Darrick Brost. Groomsman was Phil Dirkse. Ringbearer as Theo Dirkse. The ceremony was officiated by Randall Bertrand. McKenna Alexandra Newell, Cathedral City, CA and Justin Robert Balczak, Peoria, AZ Matthew Hunter Belka, Middleville and Megan Elizabeth Genther, Middleville Makayla Jo King, Middleville and Collin Paul Irwin, Hastings Jacob Dillon VanderPool, Saint Petersburg, FL and Tara Ray Pannebecker, Saint Petersburg, FL Aaron Michael Higbee, Shelbyville and Emily Yvonne Regan, Shelbyville Shyann Alexis Lamb, Middlevile and Devan Joseph Swanson, Middleville Michael Dwayne Stewart, Hastings and Allison Nicole May, Hastings Robert Edward Stewart, Hastings and Stacy Michelle Rohdy, Hastings Lane Travis Aubil, Nashville and Mackenzie Marie O’Toole, Nashville Scott Alan Zalewski, Delton and Kathleen Marie Reichard, Delton Sydney Elaine Nikitas, Delton and Garrett Scott Harris, Plainwell Leah Marie Bridgman, Hastings and James Theodore Ross, Hastings Gregory Scott Jordan, Caledonia and Nancy Jean King, Caledonia Francie Lynn Brummel, Middleville and Mitchell Lames Nagel, Middleville Samantha Taylor Wallace, Bellevue and Brittan Spicer Clark, Nashville Joshua Andrew McDonald, Delton and Erin Elizabeth Welke, Battle Creek John Kenneth Olin, Jr., Hastings and Kaelee Christina Raimer, Hastings Duane Lee Milcher, Hastings and Nancy Jean Edwards, Hastings PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. ■ Sawyer Ray Johnson, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 27, 2021 to Cassandra Mae Johnson and Raymond Clay Johnson of Vermontville ; Lovanna Leigh Wells, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 11,2021 to Rheegan Wells of Hastings. Amelia Marie Mater, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 27, 2021 to Alivia Mater and John Mater of Nashville. Thomas Hale Reigler, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 19, 2021 to Kaley Reigler and Brandon Reigler of Freeport. Preslee Mae Richmond, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 29, 2021 to Paige Richmond and Jeffrey P. Feldpausch of Charlotte. Kodi Lee Slagstad, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 19, 2021 to Jessi Buschmann and Ben Slagstad of Hastings. Ethan Michael Lake, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 20, 2021 to Christie Lake and Shane Lake of Hastings. Rayann Marie Hause, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 27, 2021 to Melissa Nesbitt and Jeremy Hause of Hastings. Elaine Garlock The Red Cross will be in town for a blood drive Monday, June 21, from noon to 5:45 p.m. The usual rules are being applied. It will be at the fellowship hall of Central United Methodist Church, 912 Fourth Ave., with space provided by Central United Methodist Church. The guest speaker at Central United Methodist Central Sunday will be the Rev. DeAnne Dubbs who has served churches since 1994. Early in her pastoral career, she was at Country Chapel in southern Barry County. For the next two weeks after her appearance at Central’s pulpit, the guest pastor will be the Rev. Eric Beck, a former pastor at Central. The 3-month-old son of Matthew and Ashley (Barcroft) Singh was baptized at Central June 13. Several family members were present from the Flint area, Richland and Grand Rapids. Both parents are doctors in Grand Rapids. The flowers in the planters on Fourth Avenue area thriving. Each is centered with a tall begonia surrounded by smaller begonias and other flowering plants. The lampposts are marked with fluttering banners, most with a nautical motif. Counties to the south and east have been having their once-in-17-years visitors, the cicada, which soon goes back into hibernation for another 17 years. They are noisy visitors to their hosts. To our north, Mecosta County is having an infestation of gypsy moths which Beckett Weston Markwart, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 11, 2021 to Lauren Markwart and Makay Markwart of Woodland. Cade Austin Rickerd, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 16, 2021 to Erica Lee Rickerd and Cole Austin Rickerd of Hastings. are chewing the leaves of the oak trees, the most prevalent species in that area. One can even hear them munching on the leaves resulting in a green carpet beneath the trees as the fragments fall to earth. About two days later, the carpet has turned to brown. The gypsy moths cover windows of houses and number in the hundreds and thousands in the trees. A vacant lot on Fourth Avenue near Lincoln Street now has a sign indicating the site will be the location of another Habitat house for a local family. Likely it will be several months before this becomes a reality, considering the high price of lumber for building purposes. The last Habitat home built several months ago is now fully occupied on the same street but farther north. Yet another real estate item from the same neighborhood is that an unoccupied house that has stood empty for several years is now listed for sale. This house is on the same block as the Doty/Nielsen/Tischer house but on Johnson Street, a block west of Fourth Avenue. The new stop signs on Fourth Avenue seem to be having good adherence. Both north and south of the new signs is a large warning sign several feet in advance of the new signs. They should make for easier access to Fourth Avenue for motorists approaching from the side street. Visibility has been poor for anyone hoping to either cross Fourth Avenue or to make a turn onto the main street, because of cars parked close to the intersection. Pets SAWDUST FOR HORSES. MINI AUSSIE-POO PUP­ PIES- Great colors. 1st shots Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. Business Services MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. 1 " 1 • & wormed. 517-726-0706. Help Wanted CAREGIVERS NEEDED: FT/PT flexible hours at Car- veth Village. Competitive wages with benefits available. Stop by for application or call for details/apply online. 690 W. Main St, Middleville MI 49333. 269-795-4972. www. carvethvillage.com H।. LEGAL NOTICES Millers celebrate 70th wedding anniversary Ray T. and Joann (Story) Miller are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on June 19, 2021. The young couple were high school sweethearts and have lived in Hastings their entire married life. Children of the couple are Mitch and Brenda Miller, Bill and Raeanne Renner, and Dave and JoEllen Anderson. They have many grandchildren and many, many great­ grandchildren. Friends can drop in on Saturday, June 19 to wish them well at 4304 Trails End, Middleville, from 1 to 4 p.m. Bryzon Lee Lewis Duncan, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 11, 2021 to Samantha Lee Duncan and Darrell Lewis Duncan Jr. of Barry County. .................................. For Sale Barry IS0MNMM passes budget Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry Intermediate School District approved a $7 million budget for next school year during an eight-minute meeting Wednesday morning. The board held a public hearing on the bud­ get at its June 8 meeting, but had no public attendees. BISD Superintendent Rich Franklin said he expects school budgeting to return to normal next year, now that the pandemic has largely subsided. “We basically look for steady or very mod­ est growth in revenue and modest growth in cost, but overall this should be a very calm year for school budgets,” Franklin said. “A year ago we were all panicked, we didn’t know what to expect, but that was before the stimulus.” The state budget revenue estimating con­ ferences have had an improved economic outlook for Michigan each time they have taken place since last spring. “The state has come out so much better than they thought they were,” Franklin said. “We’re not hearing doom and gloom.” While the state has not yet finalized its budget for next year, it does look like schools will see at least a small increase in their per pupil funding, Franklin said. The budget for the next school year at the intermediate school district will likewise remain steady, with minimal staffing increas­ es and no major changes from last year. The projected budget’s general fund reve­ nues are $1,641,149 and expenditures are $1,658,774. It is projected to leave the district with a general fund balance of $237,512 which is 14 percent of expenditures. COLUMN, from page 7 Woodland has a baseball nine named the “No Goods.” The scores of the games they have played thus far show that they deserve the title. One of the neatest and finest manufacturing plants in the state is the Hastings Chair and Table Co. [which had just opened within the past year and was destroyed by fire in October 2020]. Work on the foundation for the Hastings electric light works plant is proceeding [perhaps in the triangular block between South Hanover, East Court and East State streets]. According to the plans, the buildings will be ornamental as well as useful. E.W. Morrill and a party of friends went to Gun Lake Saturday, and the lake is three feet lower than it was. More than 50 bass, 400 perch and a lot of cod is the story they tell. Compiled by Kathy Maurer STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28859-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1400 In the matter of Nigel Ju’mond Harvey. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wednesday, 7/14/2021 at 2:15 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Nigel Ju’mond Harvey to Nigel Ju’Mond Rose. 162535 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28858-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1400 In the matter of Dremony Jabarri Harvey. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wednesday, 7/14/2021 at 2:15 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Dremony Jabarri Harvey to Dremony Jabarri Rose. 162533 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28753-DE Estate of Gregory L. Hull. Date of birth: 10/18/1957. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Gregory L. Hull, died 01/18/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kelly S. Hull, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Kelly S. Hull 1975 Yeckley Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-953-5874 162537 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST ESTATE STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28848-DE Estate of Russell L. Hughes, deceased. Date of birth: 11/29/1935. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, RussellL. Hughes, died 05/09/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Theresa Hughes, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/15/2021 Brock R. Veenhuis (P80041) 203 East Michigan Avenue Marshall, Michigan 49068 (269) 781-9851 Theresa Hughes Zurlindenstrasses 111, 8003 Zurich, Swizerland +41 76 574 38 42 162671 Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board meeting June 14, 2021 Meeting opened at 6:30pm Approved: Consent agenda Cedar Creek Cemetery vacant land maintenance Resolution 2021-12 Foreclosed properties for sale Budget amendment Cloverdale Drain Hall rental resumes 7/1/21 Resolution 2021-13 Mute Swan Management on Big Cedar Lake Contracted positions Adjourned at 6:59 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Doug Peck, Supervisor 162821 TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor, Ronald E. Cross, (date of birth) 4-22­ 48, who lived at 2451 Star School Rd., Hastings, Michigan, died 4-23-21. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Ronald Everett Cross Revocable Living Trust dated 6-9-21, as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to Melanie Cross, Successor Trustee, within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Date: 6-9-21 Melanie E. Cross Successor Trustee 2285 Barber Rd. . Hastings, Ml 49058 616-948-9335 162327 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, Michigan starting promptly at 1:00 pm on July 22, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by Chip J. Hoving, an unmarried man, as Mortgagor to United Bank Mortgage Corporation, dated August 30, 2007, and recorded on September 14, 2007, Instrument No. 20070914­ 0002003, Barry County Register of Deeds, Barry County, Michigan. The balance owing on the Mortgage is $10,457.75 at the time of this Notice. The Mortgage contains a power of sale and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part of the Mortgage. The Mortgagee will apply the sale proceeds to the debt secured by the Mortgage as stated above, plus interest on the amount due at the rate of 6.750% per annum; all legal costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees allowed by law; and also any amount paid by the Mortgagee to protect its interest in the property. All that real property located in Yankee Springs Township, Barry County Records, Barry County, Michigan, described more fully as: LOT 16, GACKLER’S PAYNE LAKE PLAT, YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AS RECORDED IN LIBER 5 OF PLATS, PAGE 72, BARRY COUNTY RECORDS. Tax ID No. 08-16-085-005-00 Commonly known address: 809 Edgecreek Dr., Wayland, Michigan 49348 The redemption period shall be one year from the date of sale pursuant to MCLA 600.3240(12), unless deemed abandoned and then pursuant to the time frames provided for in MCL 600.3241a. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. June 11,2021 UNITED BANK OF MICHIGAN, Mortgagee PLUNKETT COONEY KELLI L. BAKER (P49960) Attorney for Mortgagee 333 Bridge Street NW, Suite 530 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 (616) 752-4624 (06-17)(07-15) 162540 �Page 10- Thursday, June 17, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Jensen just misses top ten at D2 Finals Drunken mother rolls Jeep with child inside Barry County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a rollover crash on Cedar Creek Road near Shultz Road at 5 p.m. June 9. A Jeep was on its side in the ditch. The driver, a 27-year-old Delton woman, and her 4-year-old son, had no visible injuries from the crash. The woman said she drank seven shots of vodka at her father’s house in Nashville before driving that afternoon. She told the officer she went too fast around the comer and crashed. She and her son were taken to the hospital, and information has been forwarded to the Barry County prosecutor’s office. Couple tricked out of $19,000 online A 46-year-old Hickory Comers woman called police on June 5 to report she and her husband had been scammed out of $19,000 while attempting to purchase a tractor online. The woman said they thought they found the tractor on Ebay, but Ebay later said they had no record of the listing or the transaction. She talked to the seller over Ebay, and sent $19,000 through her husband’s business account. But the seller said the money had to come through a personal account and sent it back. After the woman sent the money through a personal account, she never heard back from the seller. The address listed by the seller turned out to be a shopping mall in Kansas. The case is inactive with no further information. Apartment scam takes $1,640 A 24-year-old Wayland woman called police June 11 to report she had been defrauded of $1,640. She found an available apartment in Grand Rapids on Facebook marketplace and contacted the landlord. She paid $1,640 in application fees, deposit and rent. But when she arrived at the apartment with all of her possessions to move in, the landlord she had talked to wasn’t there. She called the man, but he hung up on her. The woman talked to a neighbor, who told her the apartment was owned by a company. When the woman contact­ ed that company, they told her the apartment was already being rented by someone else. They said they did not know the man with whom she had spoken. The case is inactive. Gas station employee walks away with $767 A manager of the Express Stop C Store in Prairieville Township called police to report that an employee had stolen $767 and failed to return to work on June 11. The suspect, a 46-year-old woman, was seen on surveillance tape collecting multiple deposits to take to the bank. The woman went to the bank, but failed to deposit one of the envelopes contain­ ing $767. She didn’t show up at work the next day, and has not been answering her phone. Police thus far have been unable to reach the woman. The case remains under investiga­ tion. Alcohol involved in crash into guardrail Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hine Road near Lakefront Drive in Hope Township at 6:31 p.m. June 11. The driver, a 67-year-old Delton woman, admitted to drinking, and had an open bottle of wine in between her feet. She had driven off the road, into a ditch, over a flowerbed and then back on the road before crashing into a guardrail. While it did not appear that she had damaged the guardrail, the front bumper of her truck got stuck on it. She tried to drive away, but the acceleration only buried the vehicle’s back tires in the dirt road in her attempt to leave the scene. She had a 0.253 blood alcohol con­ tent and was arrested. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that proposed Ordinance #2021-177 appended here­ to was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its June 9, 2021 meeting. This proposed ordinance will be considered for adoption by the Township Board at its next regular meeting on July 14, 2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Charter Township Hall. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to Rutland Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE # 2021-177 (proposed) ADOPTED: EFFECTIVE: An Ordinance to amend the Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township as incorporated into Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code by the rezoning of property in land Section 5 of the Township from the “OR” Country Residential zoning classification to the “MDR” Medium Density Residential zoning clas­ sification; and to repeal all Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION I REZONING OF PROPERTY IN LAND SECTION 5 The Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township as incorporated into Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code is hereby amended to rezone from the “CR” Country Residential zoning classification to the “MDR” Medium Density Residential zoning classification the following described property in land Section 5: DESCRIPTION OF PARCEL (parcel no. 08-13-005-007-00) RUTLAND TWP NW 1 / 4 SE 1 / 4 SEC 5-3-9 EX COM AT E 1 / 4 POST SEC 5 T3N R9W TH N 89 DEG 18’ 36” W 1308.96 FT FOR POB TH N 89 DEG 18’ B36” W 530 FT TH S 00 DEG 51 ’ 07” E 445 FT TH S 89 DEG 18’ 36” E 530 FT TH N 00 DEG 51 ’ 07” W 445 FT TO POB ALSO EX W 330 FT OF NW 1 / 4 SE 114 RUTLAND TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SECTI.ON.H REPEALOF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES/EFFECTIVE DATE All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall take effect eight (8) days after publication or on such later date as may be required by law. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township Wiers captures District 19 Division D Equestrian title Mylee Wiers, the lone member of the Lakewood Middle School Equestrian team this spring, with one of her horses at the District 19 Middle School Equestrian Championship at the Barry County Expo Center May 15. Wiers took the Division D Championship, for small teams, at the district competition. Wiers competed in nine different events. Lakewood coach Erin Ingram said Wiers’ best event was her hunt season jumping, which is kind of her speciality. “She rides a lot and she works hard for what she gets,” coach Ingram said. Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings senior Will Jensen was one of five golfers tied with a score of 148 in 11th place at the Division Lower Peninsula Boys’ Golf Finals over the weekend at Bedford Valley Golf Club. Jensen fired a 74 each day of the 36-hole tournament, missing out on a spot in the top ten by one stroke. “It was a fun tournament and I was very pleased with how Will played,” Hastings head coach Kristen Laubaugh said. “The level of play at the tournament was impressive. Will has worked extremely hard to refine his game and play at a high level. He put himself in good position all weekend to score low.” Jensen hit 16 of the 18 greens in regulation during day two, Saturday. He finished strong, shooting one-under-par across the final ten holes of his varsity career, including a birdie on the par-4, number two. He opened up the tournament with a birdie on the 508-yard, par-5, number four, and hit scored a birdie on three of his first six holes Friday. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice won the team state championship in Division 2, shoot­ ing a score of 290 each day to finish at u580. Flint Powers Catholic was a distant second with an overall score of 608, firing a 298 on day one and a 310 on day two. Williamston was third with a two-day total of 611, ahead of East Grand Rapids 617, Chelsea 620, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s u621, Grand Rapids Christian 626, Spring Lake 627, Gull Lake 632 and Byron Center 633 in the top ten. Notre Dame Prep senior Brockton English was the individual state champion. He shot a five-under-67 each day to finish with a total score of 134. Brother Rice sophomore Lorenzo Pinili was second at 139, shooting a 71 and a 68. Brother Rice also had senior Colin O’Rourke fifth with scores of 74-70-144, junior Matt Baer seventh at 68-77-145 and senior Patrick O’Leary with a 77-75-152. Brother Rice senior Max Brown scored a Hastings senior Wilt Jensen hits a putt at Bedford Valley Golf Club during the weekend’s Division 2 Lower Peninsula; Boys’ Golf Championship. Jensen finished^ in a tie for 11th-place at the 36-hole, twoday tournament. 77-81-158. Spring Lake’s Evan McDermott and* Whitehall’s Steven Cullen tied for third, each scoring a 143. O’Rourke tied Powers’ Robert Bums for fifth at 144. Baer from Brother Rice and Colin Beckett from Northview tied for seventh at 145. The Williamston duo of Wyatt6 Vogel and Sam Harvey tied for ninth with! 147’s. * Jensen had the fourth best score among all [ the individual state qualifiers, behind English,; Cullen and Beckett. Marshall junior Harrisonj Chapman was tied at 148 with Jensen, shoot­ ing a 75-73-148. Also tied with 148s were ’ Byron Center’s Jack Matzolino, Williamston’s J Caleb Bond and Detroit Country Day team­ mates Scott Hanna and Peter Hofley. TK parents, students demand end to COVID mandates Greg Chandler Staff Writer Chloe Lomakoski took to the microphone just in front bf the stage at Thomapple Kellogg High School’s performing arts center Monday night and shared her story about the challenges she encountered attending school in the midst of ajpandemic. Chloe, who just completed the sixth grade at Thomapple Kellogg Middle School, already knew she had asthma. But when the CO VID­ 19 pandemic hit last year, she found she had another condition that made it hard for her to breathe while wearing a mask. Chloe was diagnosed as having vocal cord dysfunction, where her vocal cords close instead of open while inhaling. Because of the VCD diagnosis, Chloe was exempted from the requirement nearly all her classmates had to follow to wear a mask. “When I walked into the middle school to start sixth grade, I was the only person in the entire school without a mask,” Chloe told the TK Board of Education Monday night. “It was already hard enough going into sixth grade and to deal with all the new changes and the unknowns of what middle school would be like. “But to make matters even worse, it made me feel isolated from everyone else. Even though I was the shortest one in my class, the teachers would still put me in the back of the classroom or at the end of the row because I didn’t wear a mask. Teachers would question me about wearing a mask and why I was not wearing one.” Chloe went on to say she had to undergo COVID-19 testing every week in order to be able to play sports. “It was very traumatizing and scary for me,” she said. Chloe’s mother, Moni, shared a story of an incident toward the end of the school year involving her daughter. “A substitute teacher yelled at her in front of the entire class, telling her to put a mask on, saying they had no idea why she wasn’t wearing a mask, and demanded that they tell her the reason why in front of all those stu­ dents,” Lomakoski said. At times, the stress got to be too much for Chloe. “She would come home crying and upset numerous times after fellow students yelled at her in the hallways, demanding that she put on a mask, telling her she looked weird, and constantly asking her what’s wrong with her,” her mother said. Chloe and Moni Lomakoski were among more than two dozen parents and students who spoke out against mask mandates and other COVID-19 measures at the meeting. Many of the parents who attended are part of a group called “Stand Up TK,” which is part of a growing movement of parent groups around the state who are urging local school boards to eliminate mask mandates and oppose vaccination requirements. Another parent group, “Stand Up Cal,” made a similar demand to the Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education last month, and is expected to make another demand when that board meets next week. The constant thread through the more than hour-long public comment period in Middleville was to let parents have the final Keara Hilton, one of the organizers of Stand Up TK, addresses the board Monday night on quarantine measures that were enacted after students and teachers tested positive for COVID-19. Thornapple Kellogg Schools parent Moni Lomakoski speaks to the district’s school board Monday night, talking about the impact mask mandates have had on her two daughters. say on whether their children should wear masks or be vaccinated, not the school dis­ trict. “I do not feel it’s the school’s responsibility to tell me what is best for my kid. That’s my job,” said Steve Hildabrand, a father of six who had a son graduate from TKHS last month. “I’m going to ask you to please stop making decisions for parents. Leave it out there for us to make those decisions, whether it’s vaccinations, masks, whatever it may be. It’s time to let the parents make the decisions for their own kids.” Keara Hilton, one of the organizers of Stand Up TK, shared results of a Freedom of Information Act request she submitted to the district. She said the district had 134 reported cases of COVID-19 among students and teachers during the past school year. She said those positive cases led to 1,186 quarantine orders, where students who’d had close con­ tact to a positive COVID-19 case would have to quarantine for two weeks. She said the information supplied by the district revealed only six of those quarantine cases developed COVID-19 themselves. “Six! That is 0.5 percent of students becom­ ing ill as a result of supposedly being in close contact with someone who tested positive,” Hilton said. “Students missed weeks of school - many were quarantined more than once and suffered depression, anxiety and stress in having to continuously adjust to changes in their educational platform - all for a 0.5 per­ cent risk of becoming ill.” Hilton appealed to the school board and Superintendent Dan Remenap to speak to the county board and to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department to advocate for students. “Be leaders. Our children are counting on you, and now is not the time to be complacent or passive,” she said. Some parents said they were ready to remove their children from the district and either homeschool them or send their children to a private school. In an email Wednesday afternoon, Remenap said he would advocate in-person instruction with no mask mandate when classes resume in the fall. “It is my intention to hold in-person instruc­ tion, five days a week, without any masking requirements in the fall,” Remenap wrote in the email. “This would only change by a change in law or lawful order. We want our families to be able to choose what they prefer: in the fall.” TK school board member Sarah Alden acknowledged the parental concerns Monday. “We’ve heard a lot, not just tonight, but throughout the year from our community,” she said. Alden offered a board resolution acknowH edging students, parents, teachers and staff for* all they went through this past year, and call-;; ing for the board to follow “applicable’^ guidelines, rules and regulations regarding CO VID-19, “while advocating at the same time for decisions to be made locally, where possible,” she said. “Each student and family is different. Each; student and family has their own values, their* own beliefs. We, as a board and as a district, acknowledge that and recognize that. We understand that to be extremely important ,”t Alden said. “Our guiding principle here is that we do what’s best for kids ... pandemic or no pandemic, we continue to be that way.” After an amendment by board member David Smith, the board approved the resolu­ tion unanimously. Remenap said he hopes the district is “at the back end” of the pandemic, and drew applause from some parents toward the end of the meeting about advocating for students and families. “I want to make it perfectly clear that I will continue to advocate for the families of TK schools to have choices,” Remenap said. “I also want to say that it’s important for all of us to recognize that every challenge is air opportunity. Our kids are watching us right now, in how we cooperate, in how we talk, and how we disagree. This is an outstanding opportunity for us, as adults, to model cooper-' ative dissent and model things we haven’t seen on the TV for the last year.” �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 17, 2021 — Page 11 HCDC divers earning spots in national competitions Members of the Hastings Community Diving Club had to wait roughly 15 months between chances to compete for their club, blit the summer diving season is in full swing nbw. HCDC divers returned to competition at an 4ge group meet at the Holland Aquatic Center l$4ay 15, and four girls went to take part in the USA Diving Region 6 Championship in Ipkhart, Ind., May 21-23. ; Divers Mayari Coriano-Lahiff and Aubrey Yarger had already qualified AAU Diving Rational Championship, which will be in Aid-July at The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park in Morgantown, W.Va., when they made the trip to Elkhart last month. f The HCDC regional team competed in a field of 102 divers from Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Tennessee at the regional. Coriano-Lahiff, Yarger and Abigail Dumond all were finalists in their 1-meter age group competitions, earning spots in the USA Diving Zone C competition that will be held in Knoxville, Tenn., June 24-27. Coriano-Lahiff placed sixth and Dumond ninth in the 14-15 age group. Yarger was sev­ enth in her 12-13 age group. The club also had Eve Bishop placed 25th in the 16-18 age group at the regional. “This was a great achievement for our team considering the year it’s been and the lack of practice time due to pool closure,” HCDC head coach Todd Bates said. “I’m beyond happy with the results.” The club opened its competition season in Holland May 15. Practices started in early February. Bates called the meet in Holland a good warmup for regionals. — Hastings Community Diving Club teammates (from left) Bethany ButchBaker, Mayari Coriano-Lahiff, Abigail Dumond, Jillian Brandli, Lexi Koorndyk, coach Todd Bates, Nuriya Nesby, Aubrey Yarger, Eve Bishop and Madi Koski are happy to get their 2021 diving season started at the age group meet inside the Holland Aquatic Center May 15. ' HCDC diver Aubrey Yarger poses with her medal beside the pool at the Elkhart Health and Aquatics Center in May after competing in the USA Diving Regional 6 Championship. Bates said the club is hoping that more div­ ing meets start getting added to the calendar to include future champions now that people are getting vaccinated and mask mandates are lifting. “We are part of the Michigan Safer Sports Testing Program so we are definitely doing our part to keep our athletes safe,” he said. The club also was one of only five diving clubs in the country to be awarded a National Competitive grant from USA Diving this year. The scholarship that Bates named “Drive to Dive,” will focus on divers who are at an eco­ nomic disadvantage and would not otherwise be able to participate in club diving. “I am always looking for new talent and athletes with that ‘drive to dive,”’ Bates exclaimed. Anyone interested in diving lessons or a “Drive to Dive” scholarship is asked to con­ tact the HCDC by phone at 248-227-7718 or email at toddbates@att.net. Tough course, hot sun challenge Lakewood boys at D3 golf finals CDC members Mayari Coriano-Lahiff, coach Todd Bates and Abigail Dumond brate medal-winning performances at the USA Diving Region 6 Championship at Elkhart Health and Aquatics Center in May. B strike of regional title the Brett Bremer Owosso pitcher Macy Irelan set down the Sports first first 16 16Vikings Vikingsininorder orderininthe theregional regionalfinal final SportsEditor Editor Senior shortstop Hannah Slater lined a sin­ before Behnam belted the third pitch she saw s’ into left field to lead off the top of the with one out in the top of the sixth over the cond inning of the Lakewood varsity soft- center field fence for a 1-0 Lakewood lead. The Vikings were one out away from a 11 team’s Division 2 Regional Semifinal showdown with Greater Lansing Activities regional title in the top of the seventh inning. Conference rival Olivet Saturday at Kendall Anderson popped a ball up on the infield that was misplayed by the Vikings. Fowlerville High School. Slater stood on first, jumping off the bag 13 The error gave the Trojans new life. Anderson times with hopes of advancing, as Eagle went all the way to second on the error and pitcher Shyann Truax struck out her team­ then stole third base with teammate Nevaeh mates Cora Giffin, Emilie Yonker and Bella Ginger at the plate. Lakewood was within a strike of a regional championship when Lab to end the inning. That was the result of the only hit of the Ginger drilled a 2-2 pitch for a double to cen­ ballgame between the two teams that closed ter field, tying the ballgame at 1-1. Stahl kept the GLAC season with the Eagles spoiling the her team alive by striking out Reese Thayer. Lakewood kept putting pressure on the Vikings’ chances of a conference champion­ ship with three consecutive wins. It didn’t Owosso defense the rest of the way, but take a hit for the Lakewood ladies to get the couldn’t break the 1-1 tie. Hillard singled in result they finally wanted against the Eagles the bottom of the seventh. The Vikings had the bases loaded with nobody out in the bot­ though. Olivet made three errors in the top of the tom of the ninth following a single by Goble sixth inning, allowing Lakewood to score two and a double by Federau and an intentional runs and eventually earn a 2-0 win in their walk to Woodman. Irelan got three consecu­ fourth meeting of the season. While the tive strike outs to get out of the trouble. A Viking error started the Trojans’ rally in Vikings’ ended the Eagles’ season, the Owosso Trojans ended the Vikings’ season in the the top of the tenth. Thayer reached on a regional final Saturday afternoon by scoring ground ball and then went to second on a onefive runs in the top of the tenth inning and out single from Madyson Rainey, with both of them moving up a base on an error. Stahl then holding on for a 6-1 victory. Lakewood’s Claire Behnam belted a home walked Irelan to load the bases. Reyn Tuttle delivered the big hit for the run in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Owosso Trojans and Lakewood was with­ Trojans, bounding a hard single into center to in a strike of clinching the regional champion­ score Thayer and Rainey. She went to second ship in the top of the seventh when Owosso on the throw in as Irelan went to third. Jamie got the game-tying hit it needed to stay alive Maier then knocked a ground ball through the left side, scoring Irelan and moving Tuttle to in the state tournament. Lakewood senior pitcher Morgan Stahl third. Tuttle scored on a sacrifice bunt from threw all 17 innings for the Vikings, going teammate Karley Kincaid as Maier went to 10.2 innings before allowing her first hit of second. Maier scored from there on a ground the regional tournament in the top of the ball single into left by Anderson. It was 6-1 in fourth inning against Owosso in the regional favor of the Trojans when Stahl got Ginger to pop the ball up to Hillard in left field for the final. Stahl struck out 13 and walked just two final out. Irelan put down the Vikings 1-2-3 in the while no-hitting the Eagles in the regional semifinal. Truax struck out 18 Vikings, walk­ bottom of the tenth to clinch the regional championship for her team and a spot in the ing one and allowing just the one hit. ’■ Maryssa Goble dropped a bunt to the right Division 2 State Quarterfinals against side and reached on an error to start Wayland Tuesday at Cornerstone University Lakewood’s two-run sixth against the Eagles. where the Trojans scored a 5-4, eight-inning Truax struck out Lakewood lead-off hitter win. Irelan finished the ballgame with 21 strike­ Lily Federau for the first out and then Liv Woodman sacrificed Goble to second. Olivet outs. She walked one and gave up four hits. Stahl struck out 15 in the ten-inning ball­ then misplayed a ground ball by Lakewood Audrey Hillard and a fly ball by Slater, allow­ game, giving up three earned runs on nine hits ing Goble and Hillard to score before Truax and one walk. Owosso meets Gaylord and Chelsea takes struck out Cora Giffin to end the half inning. Abby Williams worked a nine-pitch walk on Marysville in the two Division 2 State for the Eagles with one out in the bottom of Semifinal matches today (June 17) at the seventh inning, but Stahl got a fly out and Michigan State University. The D2 State Final a strikeout to end the bailgame, stranding is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. back at MSU. Williams on first. L j Lakewood’s Owen Richmond hits a tee shot on number 13 at The Meadows during the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Boys’ Golf Finals over the weekend in Allendale. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The fourth Lakewood varsity boys’ golf team to ever reach the state finals finished 14th at the 2020 Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals over the weekend at The Meadows on the campus of Grand Valley State University. The Vikings shot a 355 on day one of the 36-hole event Friday, and then scored a 356 Saturday. They moved up one spot in the overall team standings from day one to day two on the hottest weekend of the spring. “This is a demanding championship golf course,” Lakewood head coach Carl Kutch said. “The heather (tall grass) is very penaliz­ ing, and yes our guys did find it during these two rounds at the finals. I was proud of how they battled and gutted it out when they found trouble. Our guys did not cave in. “Time and again I saw our players coming back from a bad shot or a bad hole and mak­ ing par on the next hole or making a good recovery shot. ‘Get it back’ we say.” Junior Trevor Simon, a regional champion this season, led the Vikings individually at the event scoring an 82-84-166 over the two days. That had him 41st in a field of more than 100 golfers. Cheboygan sophomore PJ Maybank blew the field away, scoring a 66-69-135 to win the individual state championship. He was ten strokes better than Grosse lie’s Anthony Naso and Leslie’s Cannon Risner who tied for sec­ ond with overall scores of 145. Naso shot a 70 and a 75 while Risner tallied rounds of 74 and 71. Grand Rapids Catholic Central didn’t have a state medalist in the top ten, but had the deepest team overall. The Cougars captured the Division 3 State Championship with a team score of 306-217-623. Big Rapids was second with a 320-320­ 640. Hanover Horton shot a 321-319-640 to place third. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard was fourth with a total team score of 649, ahead of Grosse The Lakewood varsity boys’ golf team members (from left) coach Carl Kutch, Trevor Simon, Liam Cavanaugh, Owen Richmond, Drew Marquoit and Jakeb Jackson gather together at The Meadows on the campus of Grand Valley State University in Allendale for the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Boys’ Golf Finals. Pointe Woods University Liggett 649, Grosse He 650, NorthPointe Christian 650, Leslie 660, Elk Rapids 670, Boyne City 678, Saginaw Swan Valley 681, Portland 695, Lakewood 711, Covenant Christian 715, Shepherd 722, Schoolcraft 748, Hemlock 767 and Parchment 822. “This State Finals experience was a great finish to a wonderful season for this group,” Kutch said. “We are young. We will definitely miss Jakeb [Jackson], but he is our only senior and we have the rest of this team hun­ gry to get back here again.” Jackson had the second-best score of the weekend for the Vikings, shooting an 85-89­ 174. Viking sophomore Owen Richmond bounced back from a 97 Friday to shoot an 88 Saturday, finishing with a 36-hole total of 185. Fellow sophomore Drew Marquoit shot a 91-98-189. Lakewood used junior Liam Cavanaugh’s day-two score of 95. He fired a 105 Friday and closed with a total score of 200. Grand Rapids Catholic Central as led by freshmen Will Preston and Matthew Sokorai who each scored a 155 over the weekend, three strokes back of the last of the ten indi­ vidual state medalists. Preston shot a 77 and a 78 while Sokorai scored a 73 and an 82. Catholic Central senior Andrew Armock shot a 78-79-157 and junior John Harmon a 78-82­ 160. The Cougars split their number five spot, with junior Luke Preston shooting an 84 Friday and senior Thomas Grile scoring a 78 Saturday. Bailey just shy of medalists at D4 Finals in Frankenmuth Brett Bremer Sports Editor Maple Valley junior Owen Bailey put together a great two days at the Division 4 Lower Peninsula Boys’ Golf Finals at The Fortress in Frankenmuth. Bailey scored a 78 Friday and then fol­ lowed up with an 81 Saturday to finish just two strokes behind the last of the top ten state medalists with a 36-hole total of 159. Clarkston Everest Collegiate sophomore Remy Stalcup won the individual state cham­ pionship with scores of 70 and 72 for a total of 142. Hackett Catholic Prep senior Thomas Keyte was the runner-up with scores of 74-75­ 149. Keyte and the Fighting Irish captured the team state championship though, outscoring runner-up Lansing Christian 640-646 atop the standings. The Irish had a four stroke lead over the Pilgrims after shooting a 321 Friday, then dropped their Saturday total to 319. Charlevoix was third in the team standings with a 36-hole score of 667, ahead of Maple City Glen Lake 677, Kalamazoo Christian 688, Hillsdale Academy 703, Sandusky 722, Saginaw Nouvel Catholic 730, Hudson 736 and Mt Pleasant Sacred Heart 739 in the top ten of the 18-team field. Bailey was 14th overall in the field of at least 108 golfers. Blake O’Connor from Glen Lake and Jeffrey Andrus from Royal Oak Shrine Catholic were tied for ninth individu­ ally with scores of 157. The trio of Rykert Frisinger from Hillsdale Academy, Ben Bridenstine from Hackett and Aiden Coleman from Leland tied for 11th with scores of 158. Bailey was in tenth place after day one. He got his first birdie of the tournament seven holes in, on the 278-yard, par-4 eighth, and had one more birdie on the back nine. He got into a little more trouble on Saturday than on Friday, but his score got a boost Saturday on the par-4, number 13 thanks to a birdie on the hole he bogied Friday. The rest of the top ten medalists over the weekend included Lansing Christian’s Davis Garrett who was third with a total score of 150, as well as Charlevoix’s Jake Beaudoin and Nouvel’s Luke LeBourdais who each shot a 153; Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker’s Brady Krohn who scored a 154; Sacred Heart’s Michael Zanoni who scored a 155, and Lansing Christian’s William Combs who was eighth with a 156. �Page 12 -Thursday, June 17, 2021 ---The Hastings Banner Eagles end DK season in regional semi’s Delton Kellogg’s Allie Trantham dtills and RBI double into left centerifield during the bottom of the second inning of Jler team’s Division 3 Regional Semifinal* against Schoolcraft at Centreville High School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Brerfier) HASTINGS Internal and Family Medicine Your Choice for Independent Quality Care---------------- Why an Internist? Because as we age, it is more important to see someone that specializes in internal medicine. Internists treat a wide range of conditions in adults that affect the organs inside the body, including: • • • • • • Cardiology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Infectious disease Hematology Oncology Pulmonary disease Rheumatology Immunology Racheal Brooker NP David Parker MD Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine Practicing in the Barry County area for 20 years Board Certified as Family Nurse practitioner: American Association of Nurse Practitioners • Anita Asadorian DO Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Practice Medicare Welcome — Call or visit our website for more information about becoming a patient. www.hastingsmed.com • 269-948-0078 225 S M-37, Suitel • Hastings, Michigan NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS AT LEFT The Panthers’ Paige ThorhaS strains to beat out a bunt for a single in the bottom of the sixth inning Ms ______ Schoolcraft pitcher Liv Pavlak fires a Abby Fichtner pitches for Delton Kellogg during the top of the third inning of its throw to second baseman Jordan Watts Division 3 Regional Semifinal match-up with Schoolcraft at Centreville High School covering the bag at first. Thomas wbuld Saturday morning. (Photo by Brett Bremer) eventually come around to score the final run for the Panthers in her team’sj-&toss going to miss the three that are gone,” Knight Eagle pitcher Liv Pavlak got Lizzy Fichtner to to Schoolcraft in the "Division 3^Regional said hit a pop up in foul territory in front of the Semifinals at Centreville High School DK added its second run Saturday morning Eagle dugout which first baseman Camden Saturday morning. (Photo by* Brett following a lead-off double by Lyons in the Bruner caught up against the fence for the Bremer) bottom of the second. Lyons scored on a two- final out of the ballgame. Pavlak was solid in the ballgame, allowing r w.-. T out double into right field from Trantham. The Brett Bremer * * , Panthers scored their third and final, run in the three runs on nine hits. She struck out six and bottom of the sixth. Paige Thomas reached on only walked one. Sports Editor " All nine batters in the Eagle line-up had at It is a hurdle more than one Deltori Kellogg a bunt single and then scored from first on least one hit. Sophie Ridge, Lauren Evans, varsity sports team has to figure out .how to another RBI double off Trantham’s bat. The DK girls didn’t consistently move run­ Kelby Goldschmeding and Alayna Meade had clear: beating the Schoolcraft Eagles. The Eagles swej>t a late-season doiible- ners around the bases enough to claw back two each. Goldschmeding, Jordan Watts and header to keep the Delton Kellogg varsity into it though. Trantham was stranded at sec- Lauren Evans each doubled once. Ridge, Dani softball team from a share of the Soudiwestern qnd after her two RBI doubles. Allison Brandli Blyly, Watts, Evans, Goldschmeding and ” ~ ‘ ‘ champi' ­ reached on a Schoolcraft error to lead-off the Bruner had one RBI each. Athletic Conference Valley Division Brickley and Trantham wer e two onship and the Eagles ended the Panthers’ bottom of the fourth for DK, and Lizzy season with a 7-3 win in the Division ”8 Fichtner followed with a single into left to put Panthers who were 2-for-3 at”the plate. Delton Kellogg has reached the regional Regional Semifinals at Centreville *High two on with nobody out, but a strike out and a pair of fly outs to Centerfield ended DK’s round of the state tournament at the end of School Saturday. \ i Schoolcraft was keyed in on Dalton Kellogg scoring chances there. Again in the bottom of each of the past three seasons (2018, 2019^ sophomore pitcher Abby Fichtner in the top of the fifth, the Panthers had runners on the cor- 2021) thanks to district championship victo­ the second inning as the Eagles slammed ners with two out following a double by Mya ries, but hasn’t broke through during the and an error that allowed Aubrey stretch win a regional championship and three doubles, a couple singles and added a Brickley ‘ ’1 walk to score five times. Those-five runs Aukerman to reach base, but they were held advance to the state quarterfinals. Buchanan beat Schoolcraft 2-1 in nine wiped out a 1-0 DK lead that Fichtner gave scoreless. DK had two on with two out thanks to sin­ innings in the regional final at the end of the the Panthers with a lead-off horiTe run to open gles by Brickley and Brandli in the bottom of day in Centreville, following Buchanan’s 5-2 the bailgame in the bottom of the first. “They’re a good ball club. It has *aKvays the seventh, but couldn’t get a run home as regional semifinal victory over Watervliet. been that way. With Delton and Schoolcraft, we have always had this rivalry, but W’re having a hard time coming out on top,” DK head coach Duane Knight said. “Abby leads „ off with a home run and and you can’t. ask any more than that. * “[The Eagles] are fundamentally sound. They don’t make too many mistakes. They * did make a couple, but those are uncharacter­ istic.” * * “.. **' The Eagles threatened, with girls ’on the base paths,.for much of the rest o£ the ball­ game after that second inning outUirst,>but the DK defense came up with tile plan's it needed. Sophomore catcher Allie Trantham gunned down a would-be Eagle base-stealer at second in the top r of the third inning, and senior third basemamLizzy Fichtner started a 5-3 double play after the Eagles, put tvTo on with nobody out in the top of thb sixth. , Schoolcraft did manage to up its le^d fqi7-2 with two runs in the top of the fourth. The Eagles had 13 hits in the ballgame and worked five walks against Abby Fichtner, who struck out three. DK head coach Duane Knight said that while the walks have been a bit of a problem all season, Abby did aTbit better better job with the location of her pitch­ es after that second-inning outburst £ by ” Schoolcraft. 5 “I think it got in the heart of tjie plate a couple times there,” Knight said. “[AbbyJ.iSija scrapper. She just doves To play. That is what you want, a whole team of them. - * < '' “A lot of our players are travel ball pliers and they play year round. I am proud of the girls. They huhg in there.” - . . Third baseman Lizzy Fichtner, second baseman Josie Lyons and outfielder .Cliloe Colwell were the three Delton Kellogg seniors this spring. Lizzy , and Lyohs were Both ' brought up to the varsity as freshmen in coach Knight’s first season at Delton Kellogg djigh School, and they experienced their fair share of growing pains over what would turn into three varsity seasons that included more; man 70 total victories. Lizzy betaine a force with her bat as time went on, and was a gtanci^out at both her positions, thjrd base and CatdhefT as needed. Lyons transitioned from the out­ field to the infield to become a strong sedbn$ Delton Kellogg senior Lizzy Fichtner takes a deep breath as she steps in for her final baseman for her team. ■’ ... best today at-bat thejust bottom of the seventh inning Saturday against Schoolcraft in the Division “[Abby] did her andin w$ came up short. They have great attitudes^ all t3 Regional Semifinals hosted by Centreville High School. The Eagles took a 7-3 these girls. They play well together. I am victory, ending the Panthers’ season. (Photo by Brett Bremer) t � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-06-24.pdf 7678b62ea2b9074843b8ee5b0d86245b PDF Text Text Delton finds savings in elementary project Renewing our celebration of July 4 Area softball players earn all-state honors See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barty County Since 1856 1070490102590500519749058113421 ANNER **************** Richard Hemerling 421 NTaffeeDr Hastings Ml 49058-1 804879110187 9-.47:00 AM VOLUME 167, No. 25 United Way ‘stocking up’ is today Barry County United Way is taking part in a statewide food collection event, Summer Stock Up, Thursday morning to help fill the shelves of local food pantries. “We are asking that the community rally together to bring as many of the following items as possible: boxed macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, boxes of cere­ al, canned fruit,” Morgan Johnson of the United Way said in a press release. The collection will be from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 24, at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. Organizations supported by the Summer Stock Up drive include the Hastings Food Bank, operated by Barry County Cares; the pantry at Middleville United Methodist Church; Manna’s Market in Lake Odessa; and the Hastings Fresh Food Initiative, which is operated by United Way. “Every year, food pantries across Barry County are fully stocked during the winter months, thanks to generous holiday donationsT Johnson said. “But when summer comes, donations drop considerably, and pantry shelves become sparse.” Those who’d prefer to donate funds may “shop their impact” online at https:// app.mobilecause.com/e/njoiqw?vid=ix057 Alumni board canceling banquet The Hastings High School Alumni Association Board has reached the diffi­ cult decision to cancel the 2021 alumni banquet. After contacting some members of this year’s anniversary classes, the board determined that people continue to be uncomfortable attending large gather­ ings where a meal is served. Next year’s banquet is being scheduled for the Friday evening of Summerfest in August 2022. The board is looking for­ ward to returning to normal after two years without holding the banquet. Family event getting historical this week The weekly No Family Left Indoors program will be at Historic Charlton Park and McKeown Bridge next week. No Family Left Indoors is intended to get families - and individuals and couples, too - outdoors exploring natural and man­ made local treasures. Uncle Irving’s Treasure Hunt, hosted by Charlton Park and the Barry County Parks and Recreation Board, encourages partici­ pants to search for and follow clues throughout historic village to earn prizes. Nearby, during the same June 28-July 2 span, participants can take a goofy photo on the historic iron-truss McKeown Bridge or draw a picture of their favorite animal crossing the bridge. Passports are available this year (http:/1 bit.ly/NFLI2021). Anyone who completes six or more events for the passport can earn prizes. Passports may be picked up at Hastings Public Library or Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. More information is available at cedar­ creekinstitute .org. City band to have patriotic conclusion The historic Hastings City Band will conclude its summer season next week with its “Tribute to America” concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 30. The band, which dates back to 1857, and is comprised of local volunteer musi­ cians high school age and up, will play its fifth and final concert at Thomapple Plaza. Other programs in the Hastings Live See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Bret Harmon Richard Downey Susan Montenegro Sarah Moyer-Cale Tim Wolff Who will manage the city? Hastings City, Council narrows its nationwide search to five candidates Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The City of Hastings released on Friday evening the names of five finalists vying to become city manager. The candidates are: Richard Downey, vil­ lage manager of Kronenwetter, Wis.; Bret Hannon, administrative services director for the city of Sanger, Calif.; SiJsah Montehegro, city manager of Leslie; Richard Downey, vil­ lage manager of Kronenwetter, Wis.; Sarah Moyer-Cale, Paw Paw village manager/zoning administrator and DDA executive direc­ tor; and Timothy Wolff, Lake Isabella village manager. The release of these names marks the con­ cluding stages of a months-long effort to fill the opening. The search process began in early May when the former city manager, Jerry Czarnecki, stepped down. The council com­ missioned the Michigan Municipal League to identify a list of applicants. Lead Executive Recruiter Kathie Grinzinger facilitated a screening process involving about 20 appli­ cants. That number was whittled to 10. Then, during an executive session during the last city council meeting oh sfene 14, the council shaved the number from 10 to five. The next step is for the final live candidates to be interviewed July 8 during a daylong city council meeting. Mayor David Tossava said council mem­ bers are hoping to finalize their selection that day after the interviews are done. Here is a look at the five candidates, their background and what they said they hope to offer Hastings: Richard Downey When Downey started his job as city administrator of Elkhart, Kan., he had never been there - let alone to the state of Kansas. That began a bit of a trend for Downey. Since then, he has accepted jobs in Rock Falls, I11.5, and Kronenwetter, Wis., places he had never visited before. It’s the “small things!’ that have helped him to integrate quickly into unfamiliar places, Downey said. And, if chosen for the opportunity as city manager in Hastings, he said he intends to follow that same pattern. “It’s showing up at the farmers’ market, doing the Chamber of Commerce, getting involved with local organizations —- be it the Lions Club or Kiwanis or something of that nature....” Downey said. “And then,honestly, when I was in Kansas, even when I was in Illinois, I visited all of the businesses. I made sure [I knew] who they were, what they were about.” When asked how his strengths line up with the city manager role, Downey immediately pointed to his 20 years of experience. Through a Community Development Block Grant in Rock Falls, Ill., Downey helped create a housing rehabilitation program that allowed See CANDIDATES, page 2 Spectrum, Beaumont t It’s over: County rescinds announce intent to merge state of emergency Taylor Owens Staff Writer Spectrum Health and Southfield-based Beaumont Health have announced plans for a possible merger to create a healthcare organi­ zation of 22 hospitals and more than 64,000 staff members. The two non-profit corporations signed a letter of intent June 14, and aim to complete the merger this fall. “Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health are leaders in our respective markets and, by bringing together our organizations to create a new system, we have the opportunity to deliv­ er greater value in high-quality and affordable health care to our communities,” Spectrum Health President and CEO Tina Freese Decker said. “Together, we can provide a more per­ sonalized experience that prioritizes individu­ als ’ health while also attracting and retaining great talent to our vibrant communities.” Under the agreement, Freese Decker will serve as the president and CEO of the new organization, known as BHSH System, while Beaumont Health CEO John Fox will help with the transition before leaving the system. “Our organizations share complementary strengths in areas such as quality and have similar missions, visions and values,” Beaumont Health President and CEO John Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County’s state of emergency will end effective June 30, county commission­ ers decreed. The emergency declaration wasn’t unan­ imous when it was instituted last spring and it wasn’t unanimous when the vote to rescind it was taken Tuesday. In the 5-2 decision, commissioners Catherine Getty and Dave Jackson opposed it. The emergency, which was declared March 23 and originally intended to extend See MERGE, page 8 to Dec. 31, was largely driven by the need to ensure that local units of government could continue to meet virtually, county officials said. It also was designed to encourage greater participation by the public, who could attend open meetings virtually, in compli­ ance with the state Open Meetings Act, they said. Board vice-chairwoman Vivian Conner, who cast the lone dissenting vote in March, opposed the resolution from the beginning. See RESCINDS, page 3 National nonprofit selects Banner for news initiative Rebecca Pierce Editor The Hastings Banner is one of only three news organizations in Michigan that were chosen this year for Report for America, a national initiative to support local news coverage. Benjamin Simon, 21, of Philadelphia, a recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, is the newest staff member at The Banner. Simon also is a member of the Report for America reporting corps, a program created to transform the economics of local news by providing an infusion of local reporting resources. The overarching goal of the program is to replace the business model with one that will be sustainable into the future. Additional reporting positions come at a critical moment, when many local newsrooms are closing - leaving a vacuum of trusted, accurate information that is being filled by online and broadcast disinformation, said Steven Waldman, cofounder and president of Report for America. Michigan, in particular, has sustained large losses in the number of reporters covering community news. The impact is significant. In maintaining its commitment to covering the community, The Banner, among other J-Ad Graphics Inc. publications owned by the Jacobs family, created a news oasis in the midst of a local news desert in southwestern Michigan. Ben Simon (right) the Banner’s newest reporter and a member of Report for America’s reporting corps, interviews Chad Cullers last week for a story about the Barry County Adult Drug Court. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) “The business model of news is broken, mostly due to internet technologies that dismantled the way newspapers were able to pay for the news side of the business,” Fred Jacobs, CEO/publisher of J-Ad Graphics Inc., said. “For hundreds of years, newspapers covered the cost of local news by attracting readers and providing advertisers with a solid relationship with their customers. “Prior to the internet, local newspapers were the only way to get this information to the local audience. Now the internet is threatening many businesses, such as automotive, retailers, real estate and more, which were traditionally weekly advertisers.” Community support is essential to maintaining these businesses, along with the news organization that fulfills a vital role of informing the public about the workings of See NEWS, page 9 �Page 2 — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — The Hastings Banner CANDIDATES, continued from page 1 residents to invest $40,000 into their houses. Then, if the residents stayed in their houses for 10 years, they didn’t have to pay a dime in return. Projects like these have prepared him, he said, to adapt to the role of city manager in Hastings. “I’ve done things from brownfield rehabilitation to housing recruitment to downtown rehabilitation, so I’ve got a lot of similar skills, done a lot of budgeting, put teams together, worked with the elected officials - obviously for many years,” Downey said. Downey is currently the village administrator in Kronenwetter, Wis. He spent two months as the city administrator in Washington, Ill., eight years as the city administrator in Rock Falls, Ill., and three years as the city administrator of Elkhart, Kan. Bret Harmon Harmon has seen a bit of the world. He grew up in Oregon. He attended Brigham Young University in Hawaii. He took a mission trip to Kobe and Osaka, Japan. He finished his Brigham Young degree in Provo, Utah. And these days, he holds the post of administrative services director for the city of Sanger, Calif. Gun Lake group OKs three-year invasive weed control project James Gemmell Contributing Writer The Gun Lake Improvement Board figures the invasive weeds that were causing problems on one of Southwest Michigan’s largest lakes a few years ago are under better control now. And board members want to keep it that way. So, at their June 19 meeting, board members voted unanimously to approve a three-year improvement project for controlling aquatic nuisance plants. Many of the plants are invasive species. The meeting took place at the Gun Lake Chapel, in Wayland Township. One board member was absent from the public “hearing of practicability.” The improvement project will cover the years 2022 through 2024. It is a renewal of an ongoing program administered by the Gun Lake Improvement Board’s weed-control contractor, Clarke Aquatic Services. The treatment is done by chemical injection from a boat. Under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of 1994, the Gun Lake Improvement Board was created in 2003. It is authorized by the state to raise money by taxes or special assessment to improve inland lakes. The special-assessment district covers the portions of Allegan and Barry counties that are on the lake, including parts of Yankee Springs, Orangeville, Martin and Wayland townships. Property owners share in the cost of water quality and weed control; 1,789 property units are on the special-assessment roll. In an interview after the meeting, Board Chair Vivian Conner said they’ve had success the p^Wh^^eW’^t^rdte*aquatic weedr management program. “We haven’t had to use manual harvesting in^the3channels ‘[to address algae blooms],” she said. “The starry stonewort is under better control now. It was a problem four years ago. It ate up our budget.” Starry stonewort - a bushy algae native to Europe - sometimes can bring boats on the water to a standstill. The annual cost for the treatment program, which also entails water-quality control and watershed management, is $190,000. Over the three years of the contract, that adds up to $570,000. It would cost the average waterfront property owner $106.26 annually, compared to the current $105.82 fee under the contract that will expire later this year. In other words, owners of a waterfront lot on Gun Lake will see a 44-cent annual increase in their winter tax bill, which is due in February 2022. Not everyone thinks treating invasive species with aquatic herbicides or other chemicals is the best way to handle the weed situation. Middleville resident and retired chemist Bill Bryker told the board that using aquatic herbicides is “the easy button. It’s easy, quick and you’ve been doing it the past 20 years. But bio-remediation has not been considered.” Bryker said laminar flow aeration - a bubble-producing process that increases oxygen absorption and nutrients in the water - was used successfully a few years ago on Indian Lake west of Dowagiac. He said muck levels there were reduced by two feet, the fish population increased significantly, and the Eurasian milfoil weeds were eliminated. Stephanie Carol Stolsonburg of Middleville also said she opposes the chemical treatment on the lake. “The fish, the turtles and whatever else on the water that you treated ... are they going to come out three-headed next time?” she asked. The Gun Lake Protective Association monitors lake activity. One of its members, Deb Masselink, also sits on the improvement board as an at-large member. She stressed the importance of keeping the weeds under control. “There are places all around the lake where the invasive species are so thick that people can’t get their boats out,” she said. Peter Filpansick is an aquatic sales specialist for Clarke Aquatic Services. He noted the company’s June water surveys found plentiful algae and a little bit of invasive milfoil in WJWt<o£4jun Lake’s channehri’aiid canals. Other areas contained a combination of starry stonewort - which is being treated with copper algaecides - and milfoil, which is being treated with the herbicide Flumiox, mixed with contact chemicals. “There’s a lot of boat traffic in these [channel] areas. They’re tight. We aren’t confident in the systemic herbicides [applied to the vegetative part of plants] for the milfoil in these areas yet,” Filpansick said. However, he did recommend that a large section with Eurasian milfoil in the northeast portion of the lake - as well as several smaller pockets elsewhere - be treated with systemic herbicide. The Gun Lake Improvement Board’s next meeting will be 6 p.m. July 22 in the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Road, in Plainwell. Delton board shaves $1 million from cost of new elementary building Jean Gallup Contributing Writer In an update Monday on the progress in planning a new north elementary building financed by a successful $24 million bond issue in 2019, Delton Kellogg Superintendent Kyle Corlett said the building was $1.4 million over budget because of the price of building materials. Corlett said he and other staff members spent hours combing through the figures looking for ways to save money. The public understood the need for a new building, and that they would have to start from scratch, but they made it very clear they wanted to keep the historical look it had when built in 1936, he told the board of education at its monthly meeting. School officials managed to pare $1 million from the cost by design changes and other alterations. “The building will still have its original feeling and intent,” he said. “We’ll be able to do it. We’re using some general fund money. I’m still excited.” Summer school this year will feature transportation for some 60 elementary and middle school students on recommendations from teachers. Lunch will be served. Corlett said he is hopeful masks won’t be required at summer school, as well as during the regular school year this fall, but the district will follow the direction of the BarryEaton District Health Department. He noted that the local health department waits for direction from state officials. In other business, Barry Township Supervisor Barry Bower asked if the school board would sell to the township the 42 acres the district owns behind the library on M-43 Highway. The purpose would be for a park on one part of the property and affordable housing for the rest. School board Trustee Rodney Dye said the property would need to be rezoned for a park and housing and a second survey taken to better define the outlines of the plan. The district is willing to sell; it has the property listed with Drew Chapel with no price set. Corlett advised Bower that the next step would be for him to make a proposal to the school board and they will respond. He said he would follow up with Barry County Planning Director Jim McManus on the rezoning question. In the monthly coronavirus report, Corlett said he received good news from a health department report that was just 12 hours old. “Barry County’s positivity rate is 1.6 [percent], which is great,” he said. “It’s gone down 62 days in a row.” This summer, the Barry County United Way and health department are launching an effort for more vaccinations, he said. Toward the end of the school year, the district tested its student athletes every week for COVID-19. “For the last three or four weeks, we haven’t had a positive CO VID test,” he said. In personnel changes, middle school teacher Monica Reed resigned, and high school teacher Lisa Strang retired. Kindergarten teacher Emily Fracassa and middle school parapro Sarah Snyder were hired, along with additional summer schoolteachers and paraprofessionals Jillian Geier, Sharon Holroyd, Amy Lorenz, Candy Valentine and Kerri Todd. Other action items approved included a Michigan High School Athletic Association membership resolution, membership in the Michigan Association of School Boards, six NEOLA policies inadvertently left out from earlier approval, the final amendment to and adoption of - the food service budget, and the termination of Carmen DeCamp. Corlett said he is still working on a plan for a retreat for school board members. The last action by the board was to unanimously approve Corlett’s request to discontinue Zoom board meetings because “we’re not very good at it.” Now, he hopes to add Hastings to his list. “Hastings checks all the boxes,” Harmon wrote in a message to The Hastings Banner. “It is small enough for the city manager to know all the staff, which is really important to me, yet big enough to accomplish some great things. I am excited about the city’s culture and efforts to work together with the community and other government organizations. “It has something else that makes it a place where we want to put down deep roots: My wife’s twin sister and her family live close to Hastings.” For the past four years, Harmon has worked for two city governments, spending three years as the director of finance and city clerk and half a year as the city manager for the City of Lindsay, Calif., before 'moving to Sanger in January 2020. Harmon has seen multiple sides of city management. Before he served one municipality, he worked with numerous cities — all at once. As a client services manager for Avenu Insights & Analytics, he consulted with more than 120 cities during his tenure, including Beverly Hills, San Jose, Sacramento, Santa Clara and San Diego. “I worked closely with executive teams in large and small cities on the West Coast,” Harmon said. “That experience included developing economic strategies, budget planning, government affairs, service optimization and business analytics for cities of all sizes.” Susan Montenegro Two months into an internship with the city of Owosso, Susan Montenegro said she knew she wanted to spend her life in city govern­ ment. There was just something about the hustle-and-bustle and the opportunity to have a direct impact on her community that attract­ ed her to the job. “I love being a part of the collaborative process, recognizing you are a part of a team that gets stuff done,” Montenegro wrote in a message to The Banner. “City management is the oversight of a great team and implementa­ tion of policies or direction from city council. I am team-oriented and seek to empower those I work with. “Public interaction is also a large part of the role. Educating and communicating with citi­ zens about projects, new policies, potential development, or upcoming changes is an important part of city management and I thrive on that.” Before entering city government, Montenegro spent nine years as a pastor. That role, she said, is not much different from that of city manager. Itjsquired similar, as working with boards, communicating with people and budgeting funds. “I think the people skills I learned as a pas­ tor are invaluable,” Montenegro said. “So much of what we do as city managers revolves around listening, working to understand someone else’s perspective, and seeking solu­ tions to everyday issues.” That experience made the transition to city government just a little bit smoother. After 10 months on the job as an intern, Montenegro was hired as Owosso assistant city manager/ director of community development. She stayed in the role for almost five years before becoming the city manager of Leslie, a posi­ tion she has held since June 2018. Growing up in Stanwood, Montenegro said she has spent her whole life in small towns and she doesn’t want that to change. “Hastings has a beautiful downtown with lots of art and cultural appeal,” she said. “Being a part of a town that values and works with its citizens would be amazing.” Sarah Moyer-Cale Moyer-Cale answered the phone on the drive home from Hastings this week. She had spent the day walking through downtown, eating lunch at Seasonal Grille and watching “The Conjuring" at the Hastings 4 movie the­ ater. It was her first time in the city and the trip centered around “getting a feel” for Hastings , she said. “I think Hastings is such a great communi­ ty,” Moyer-Cale said. “I really like just the downtown closeness feeling that everything has ... nothing seems too far away. There’s definitely community strengths there.’* Moyer-Cole has spent the last four years as the village manager/zoning administrator/ DDA executive director of Paw Paw. “I am a very collaborative person,” she said. “I really like working with others to make change hap­ pen. And that’s kind of my favorite part about the city management job is just the diversity of experiences that you get to have in the position, meeting different people. It’s never the same thing every day.” During her time in Paw Paw, Moyer-Cale has taken pride in her ability to facilitate col­ laborative projects. She worked for about 2 Vi years developing a $4.18 million streetscape project. But it wasn’t just input from co-work­ ers that helped finalize the project — it was the input they collected from the people of Paw Paw. “I think that the resulting plan that we came up with isn’t just what the engineer would have come up with or what I would have come up with, but is really reflective of what the community wants,” she said, noting she hopes to do the same in Hastings. Before serving as the village manager of Paw Paw, Moyer-Cale spent more than a year as the village manager/zoning administrator for the Village of Almont in the Thumb, and planning assistant for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. Tim Wolff Wolff said he has spent 17 years as the village manager of Lake Isabella and was not looking to leave - until the city manager position in Hastings opened up and he couldn’t look away. “[Hastings has] a ton of potential ahead of them,” Wolff said. “They’re just so perfectly situated locationally; they seem to want to embrace things that would really build a strong sense of community that they already have; and those types of things excite me.” Working for a village with 2,063 residents, Wolff said he learned the importance of creating relationships as a city manager, noting that he knows about half of the people in his town on a first-name basis. “At the core of this job, I think, is people skills more than anything else,” he said. Wolff added that the average tenure for a city manager is around six or seven years, but he has been there for nearly two decades. “I think that speaks to the fact that I have the skills and the personality to connect with people and not alienate people,” he said. His biggest challenge in Hastings, Wolff said, would be something different: housing. It’s a problem Wolff has seen firsthand, checking the current real estate market. “I look through what would be something that would inhibit future growth in the community. It’s tough to find housing anymore, but it appears really tough to find housing in that market,” he said of Hastings. Before serving as the village manager for Lake Isabella, Wolff worked as a consultant for Crystal Lake Incorporation Committee and served as a village council member in Breckenridge. Citizens committee files campaign paperwork with county clerk Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings Citizens for the Future Committee filed June 16 with the Barry County Clerk’s office to become an organizational committee. That filing allows the committee to raise up fp $l,Q0Q.in its the bond request that appears on the Aug. 3 ballot. The Hastings Area School System is asking the voters to approve 6.8 mills for new equipment, building upgrades, security, air quality and maintenance projects, among many other improvements districtwide. The citizens’ committee’s “purpose is to serve as an oversight and communication committee for the Hastings Area School System.” They have been working to provide information to the public about the election. Becky Deal, Jenny Haywood and Sam Randall are serving as the co-chairpersons of the committee. At a June 8 meeting in the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center, the group shared an 8-minute video about the bond proposal and handed out brochures with election information. The brochure explains what the bond would cover, how Hastings’ millage rate compares to surrounding schools, how much the bond would cost an average taxpayer, and more. The district also produced a video about its kindergarten program in an effort to increase enrollment. “We have produced informational materials fpsMasNis tKwpact the potential bond could have for the future of Hastings students,” Superintendent Matt Goebel wrote in a message to The Banner. During the June 8 meeting, members of the citizens’ committee emphasized that they want to encourage people to participate in the election and cast their ballots — regardless of how they vote. They said they hope to provide general information about the bond request so people are well-informed when they vote. “Previous bonds, there’s been a lot of inaccurate information spread around on social media and stuff, which is always a big hindrance when you’re trying to pass a bond when you have a bunch of bad info out there,” Deal said after the June 8 citizens’ committee meeting. “... It’s all right there in that trifold and on the website so people can look at it any time.” DDA considers adding principal shopping district to city’s master plan Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings Downtown Development Authority board discussed the possibility of adding a principal shopping district to the city’s master plan at Thursday’s meeting. The DDA board was unable to take action on the idea because no quorum was present. But a special meeting is scheduled for 8 a m. today to consider the id£a when more board members are present. Adding a shopping district to the master plan had first been raised during the June 7 city planning commission meeting. This inclusion would give the city powers it wouldn’t otherwise have — specifically the ability to apply special assessments, which could place an added tax, on property owners in a specific area to help fund projects within those boundaries. In the case of Hastings’ potential principal shopping district, that could include “ongoing operations, maintenance, work plans, marketing,” Community Development Director Dan King said. Initially, city officials hadn’t known that this would be possible. “Our municipal code speaks to special assessment districts for capital improvements,” King said. “Our code Boes not speak to special assessments for ongoing maintenance or operation. So, I don’t know how to word this without sounding silly, but the city does not technically have the ability to access special assessments for ongoing parking.” King suggested a solution to that problem: Public Act 120 of 1961, which does allow for the possibility of a special assessment — as long as a principal shopping district exists. According to that law, the creation of a principal shopping district would allow the city to “acquire, own, maintain, demolish, develop, improve, or operate properties, offstreet parking lots or structures.” During the meeting, interim City Manager Gregg Guetschow emphasized that there’s no harm in adding a principal shopping district, even if the city doesn’t end up using its advantages, calling it a “very flexible tool.” “Whatever your decision is today, you could change your mind later on down the road,” Guetschow said. “The master plan is something that we want to have a five-year life to. So, there’s no harm in saying, ‘This is our principal shopping area’ and then later on, ‘We have that designation available should we want to move forward with operating under the principal shopping districts act.’ ” Part of the addition also would include aligning the principal shopping district boundaries with the DDA boundaries. This would eliminate “bureaucracy,” King said, and permit the DDA to double as the board of the principal shopping district. “What we want to see is that the DDA weighs in and makes recommendations to city council, that the city council adopt a formal resolution and establish the principal shopping district and then, based on prior conversations, we would then use that as the basis for starting the special assessment process,” Guetschow said. During the public comments portion of the meeting, interim Police Chief Dale Boulter updated DDA members on a software system that had been ordered for parking enforcement. Despite a year or more of time, Boulter said the software is still in development because the company is “trying to find people qualified enough to continue to write software.” Boulter also discussed the police department’s trouble overseeing public parking. With the three-hour parking limits, they can’t make enough rounds throughout the day to strictly enforce parking. Despite offering 196 citations since Jan. 1, Boulter said, motorists have stayed in the same spot for long periods of time, causing limited parking availability at times in the parking spots closest to downtown. Mayor David Tossava offered his own opinion on the topic during the meeting. “I still think our biggest problem is employees parking in those lots,” Tossava said, “and I think, if we get the employees to park somewhere else, that would kind of cool the frustration of the merchants because their customers have a place to park.” NEWS BRIEFS, continued from page 1 summer concert series, however, are just get­ ting started. Playing at the Plaza will host Kalamazoo Exotic Animals and Reptiles at 11 am, Thursday, July 1, at Thornapple Plaza. At noon, Friday, July 2, Ellie Youngs will perform for Fridays at the Fountain on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. Hastings’ own singer/songwriter, Youngs will bring the soulful music she also plays at venues in Hastings, Wayland and Grand Rapids. That evening, Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations will be the Friday Night Features group, with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Thomapple Plaza. Davis has per­ formed at entertainment venues in Metro Detroit, earning award nominations from The Detroit Music Awards Foundation and The Detroit Black Music Awards. Thomapple Plaza is on the east end of downtown near the intersection of State and Boltwood/Apple streets. All concerts are free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. For more information, visit facebook.com/ mihastingslive. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — Page 3 Barry County builds a process to award ARPA funds Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County officials are closing in on a way to consider local requests for American Rescue Plan Act funds. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 17. The application will likely be published in this newspaper. On Tuesday, two representatives of the county’s ARPA advisory team met with com­ missioners to recommend a process that will allow local units of government to pitch proj­ ect ideas to the county for how those funds could best be used. “What we really want to do is help people invest these funds, not just spend them,” Barry Community Foundation President Bonnie Gettys said, quoting Greg Moore of Consumers Energy. Moore serves on the county’s ARPA advi­ sory team along with Gettys and Barry County United Way Executive Director Lani Forbes; Jennifer Heinzman, Barry County Economic Development Alliance; Carla Neil, health care industry; Cindy Vujea, economic develop­ ment industry; Robert Geyer of Gun Lake, business industry; and Craig Jenkins Jr., Delton Kellogg Schools Board of Education. Forbes has been among team members who have been meeting in recent weeks with various township officials to discuss the fed­ eral funds and how they might best be used. “A lot of our townships are really strug­ gling with how the dollars are being spent,” Forbes told commissioners Tuesday. Gettys praised county board Chairman Ben Geiger for his vision in developing a plan and an advisory group that is reaching out across the county for input. That dynamic interactivity has gotten some attention, Getty said, noting that she has been invited to speak at two MAC conferences about the process being used in Barry County. “And a statewide coalition is looking at a regional partnership for this among anyone who wants to take part,” Getty added. About $590 million will be coming to West Michigan in the next 12 months and, of that, Barry County alone will receive nearly $12 million. The first allotment - $5,977,683 was received earlier this month - has been placed in a separate account for specific disburse­ ments. ARPA was signed into law March 11 to establish the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program. “This program is intended to provide sup­ port to state, territorial, local and tribal gov­ ernments in responding to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19 and in their efforts to contain impacts on their com­ munities, residents and business,” the ARPA team explained in documents it submitted to the board Tuesday. Commissioners are seeking proposals “from qualified local units of government to help inform its planning regarding use of the funding being received by the county through the American Rescue Plan Act,” it said. “The county will be considering the possibility for assistance with projects that have the potential to be transformative in nature and that may have impacts across municipal boundaries.” Barry Community Foundation President Bonnie Gettys discusses the process by which proposals could be considered at Tuesday’s county board meeting. (A video of her presentation will be posted on the Hastings Banner website.) -------------------------------------------------- “What we really want to do is help people invest these funds, not just spend them.” Barry Community Foundation President Bonnie Gettys quoting Greg Moore of Consumers Energy The county will consider a grant award for projects that demonstrate: • a critical, identified need in the communi­ ty, • a long-term investment in the community, • an impact that extends beyond the boards of the local unit, • and a funding need that is beyond the ability of the local unit to fund solely through its own allocation of ARPA funds as well as Other resources . Projects that are proposed need to adhere to certain guidelines governing the use of ARPA funds, including the following: Support public health expenditures, by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medi­ cal expenses, behavioral healthcare, and cer­ tain public health and safety staff; Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harm to workers, households, small Barry County commissioners and members of the American Rescue Plan Act advisory team confer during a break at Tuesday’s county board meeting at Leason Sharpe Hall. From left are: Commissioner Jon Smelker, Barry County United Way Executive Director Lani Forbes, Commissioners Catherine Getty and Dave Jackson and Barry Community Foundation President Bonnie Gettys. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) businesses, impacted industries and the public sector; Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue expe­ rienced due to the pandemic; Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastruc­ ture sectors, or Invest in water, sewer and broadband infra­ structure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, sup­ port vital wastewater and stormwater infra­ structure and to expand access to broadband internet. The team also noted ineligible uses for the funds include direct or indirect off-setting of a reduction in net tax revenue due to a change in the law from March 3 through the last day of the fiscal year in which the funds provided have been spent. Also, no recipient may use the funding to make a deposit to a pension fund. Funding debt service, legal settlements or judgments, deposits to rainy day funds or financial reserves also are ineligible for consideration. General infrastructure spending is not eligible - outside of water. sewer, and broadband investments. ' \ . The county will ’be looking for formal proposals - an the electronic copy must be received via email - no later than noon Friday, Sept. 17. The applications that are submitted will be reviewed by the ARPA advisory team to confirm that they meet all guidelines, then they will be submitted to the county board for its consideration. In other action: Barry County Board Chairman Ben Geiger was praised by Bonnie Gettys for his vision in developing a way to seek input from local units of government and organiza­ tions. • Alizah Blundell, 23, was sworn in as a sheriff’s deputy awhile her parents, Shwin and Chris Blundell, looked on. The Ionia County native is a graduate of the Mid­ Michigan Police Academy. Her mother said, “We are very proud.” • Joe Verlin, a CPA and principal of Gabridge & Co. in Grand Rapids, provided a positive review of the county’s financial report for the year ending Dec. 30,2020. “This report may be dense, but it is ster­ ling,” Geiger said. “It should give our taxpay­ ers confidence that we are good stewards of their money.” • Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to initiatenadak^levelt rprojeot for Canterbury Lake in response to the recent failure of an orphan dam on that lake. • The board approved a tentative agreement and successor collective bargaining agree­ ment with the Police Officers Labor Council, Deputy Sheriff Unit, for Jan. 1,2021, through Dec. 31,2025 and authorized the chairman to sign it. • The board approved claims totaling $84,324. ity, Campbell said, is the fact that, in his District 7, which includes Assyria, Johnstown, Baltimore and Maple Grove townships {excluding Nashville), “we have poor internet service.” For older residents who may not have knowledge of internet usage and in those areas where connectivity is poor, “a lot of my constituents ... are being left off these public meetings,” Campbell said. Getty called the board’s resolution a tool for the local units of government to use, if they need it. “All we’re doing is allowing them to make that decision,” she said. “This does not restrict their ability to meet in person.” Commissioners questioned what boards and councils in the county still continue to have virtual sessions - but they could think of few, such as the Barry-Eaton District Health Department board or the City of Hastings, which, like the county, offers a hybrid arrange­ ment allowing in-person and virtual connec­ tivity. Geiger mentioned that none of the govern­ mental units in his District 5, which includes Castleton and Woodland townships, and por­ tions of Hastings Charter and Carlton town­ ships, along with the village of Nashville, are meeting virtually now. All are meeting in person. As for commissioners’ meetings, which are being offered in person and via the internet at Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Community Enrichment Center, there will be no session next week since it’s the fifth Tuesday of the month. County board meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays, with the committee of the whole meeting the first and third Tuesdays. But that next committee meeting, on July 6, is being canceled due to a lack of agenda items. Starting July 13, Geiger said, the county board will return to its traditional in-person meeting place: The chambers on the mezza­ nine of the historic county courthouse. That news was greeted with cheers from commissioners and a comment from Jackson. “Where is that?” he quipped. RESCINDS, continued from page 1 “I don’t believe we’re in a local state of emergency anymore,” she said Tuesday, echo­ ing comments she had made at earlier meet­ ings when commissioners discussed the issue. Conner argued that the county’s declaration of a state of emergency should have nothing to do with the Open Meetings Act. But her efforts to rescind the resolution provoked debate about virtual meetings and how tech­ nology might be used to increase citizen par­ ticipation in local government. When she tried to rescind the resolution two weeks ago, her proposal failed on the last vote; the “no” cast by Chairman Ben Geiger decided the issue. Geiger had emphasized that the purpose of the resolution was for local governments in the county that did not have the space to meet in person with social distancing or had not created contingency plans for meeting in per­ son. “The state of emergency was only passed for that specific reason,” Geiger said then. But mandates regarding social distancing, among other state requirements, have been dropped now. So that challenge village and township boards had to comply with no lon­ ger exists. Commissioner Dave Jackson reminded fel­ low commissioners Tuesday that “several units of government have asked us to continue [this resolution]. This allows people to meet remotely. It allows people to participate in government.” “We have decided this issue already,” he added, asking if there were any board rules that precluded failed actions from being repeatedly proposed. “Are we going to continue to see this every two weeks?” Jackson asked. “My thoughts, they haven’t changed.” But Commissioner Bruce Campbell, who had voted with Conner to rescind the resolu­ tion two weeks ago, replied, “I go along with Commissioner Vivian Conner Vivian.” Part of the problem with virtual connectiv­ Dodgeball, cornhole, volleyball and more at Lake Odessa Fair Commissioner Dave Jackson Fair season has returned. The 86th annual Lake Odessa Fair is going on through this Sunday, with a variety of sporting events happening beginning with this evening’s dodgeball competition at 6 p.m. The Lake Odessa Fair also will have cornhole, sand volleyball and pickleball tournaments, an SJO Motocross event Friday evening, and a demolition derby Sunday, June 27. The deadline to register for the dodgeball tournament which will have four age divisions, including peewee, kids, youth and adult competitions was Wednesday. The peewee, kids and youth competitions have been covered by a donation from AIS Construction Equipment. Competitive and social cornhole tournaments will be Sunday, with check-in beginning at noon, and play starting at 12:30 p.m. Teams of two will be placed in a double­ elimination bracket. Players are required to bring their own partners. The cost to compete in the social tournament is $30 per team. The competitive event is $60 per team. Cash prizes will be paid out for first, second and third place teams, and prize amounts will depend on the number of teams participating in the competition division. There will also be cash and fair prizes in the social division. All ages are welcome. Bags will be provided, and any bags brought to the tournament must meet ACL/ACO regulation. Organizers would also like to remind players of the $5 fair parking fee. There will be three days of sand volleyball at the fairgrounds. An adult 4s evening tournament begins at 5 p.m. Friday. Youth 6s and teen 4s divisions will begin competition Saturday at 2 p.m. There will also be an adult 4s tournament Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. The cost to participate is $30 per adult and $15 per youth. Links to the registration page can be found at lakeodessafair.org/sandvolleyball. The pickleball tournament will run for three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The SJO Motocross begins at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $12 at the gate and $10 in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at lakeodessafair.org. The Night of Destruction demolition derby begins at 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online, as well. �Page 4 — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you Footloose and fancy free see? The sign says it all: No diving. No swimming under dock. No swimming in boat docking area. No running. No glass bottles. But it doesn’t say: No shoes. Ii My Opinion Renewing our celebration of July 4 Do you remember? Bus driver surprised, celebrated Banner June 28, 1972 Families along Chip St. Martin’s school bus route gathered for a surprise potluck dinner the evening of June 21. “Welcome Chip” and “We love you Chip” signs greeted the Hastings school bus driver at the home of Eldon Roush on Roush Road. The affair was a complete surprise to the guest of honor, and it took some careful planning and the cooperation of both Mrs. [Irene] St. Martin and their son, Mitch, to get Chip to the party. “A few fibs were necessary,” and to say he was surprised was putting it mildly. From the minute he arrived, he was surrounded by the children ... The kids could hardly wait to show him the large decorated cake - a big yellow bus, naturally - and the proclamation declaring ‘Chip St. Martin to be the Best Bus Driver Ever,’ signed by everyone present. ... Almost every family in attendance expressed their thanks to Chip tor some special act of kindness .shown to them; and for his understanding and patience with his young bus passengers. Pictured (from left) are Lonnie Payne, Star Boze, Cheri Fox, St. Martin, Darin Roush, Scott Payne, Kimmy Cairns, Bryan Cheeseman and Mark Fox. Have you met? Spencer White’s first job was in his dad’s dentistry office. He sorted through papers, mailed out statements and even served as his dad’s dental assistant a few times when the normal assistant was on vacation. “[I don’t know] as much as I should, with my dad being a dentist, but I guess I know a little bit,” he said. White didn’t pursue the family business. Instead, he followed another path of his par­ ents’ - music. From a young age, music surrounded White’s life. His dad played saxophone in the church orchestra. His grandmother played the organ in church. His mom played the piano. White, who grew up in Grand Rapids, said his parents wanted all five of their children to attempt different activities — to try music, to try sports — and see what stuck. For White, music stuck. Third-grade piano lessons mor­ phed into a spot in the sixth-grade band playing the clarinet. “When I got into high school, I realized I was just in love with it,” White said. “I loved doing band.” Nearly two decades later, White, 35, is still involved in band. He serves as co-director of bands for Hastings Area Schools and Hastings Performing Arts Center site coordi­ nator, in addition to National FFA band director. During the summer, he takes on the role of Hastings City Band music director. After graduating from Western Michigan University in 2008, White took a job teach­ ing band in Edwardsburg, near the Indiana border. He lived and worked in Edwardsburg for four years, before losing the job due to budget cuts. “If I wasn’t laid off, I don’t think I would have left Edwardsburg on my own and came to Hastings because I was happy,” White said. “I thought I had a nice job, and I did, but I’m very fortunate that happened because I’m very happy that I’m here.” Almost instantly, he was impressed with Hastings — the downtown, the locally owned restaurants, the plethora of nonprofits — and he has stayed. “Hastings is a really unique community,” he said. In 2012, White became the band director of the Hastings’ schools. In 2015, he also took over as the city band director. The new job required an adjustment. As band director Spencer White for the schools, he has anywhere from five to seven weeks to prepare for a concert, with rehearsal almost every day of school. But the city band is different. Musicians have just two hours to rehearse 11 to 13 songs. They meet the night before the con­ cert, pick up the packet of music and practice from 7 to 9 p.m. Once they’re finished, they leave the music behind and return the next night to perform. It took some learning and strategy to put together concerts with such little prep time. “You make sure you program correctly,” White said. “You don’t want to over-pro­ gram, like pick things that are too hard or too challenging or out of reach. “And then you want to make sure also that it’s fun and enjoyable because this is a volun­ teer band. You want the audience and the band members to be having a good time.” The Hastings City Band features about 65 to 70 people, ranging from high school stu­ dents to White’s own father. A few years after White took over the job as director, he asked his dad to play with the band. His dad, Dan, was reluctant at first. It had been 15 years. “I haven’t played my instrument in so long,” he told his son. But White talked him into joining. “It’s just nice when you’re conducting and you’re making eye contact all of a sudden, oh yeah — there’s Dad,” White said. For his work as the school and the Hastings City Band director, Spencer White is this week’s Banner bright light: Average day: During the school year, 7 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. working.... And then the summertime, it’s much more casual. City band is a great thing to do. That takes Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I write a lot of marching band shows for other schools. So, I do that a lot during the summertime, and then spend a lot of time with my family up in Grand Rapids. Music I listen to: All sorts. Of course, I love listening to instrumental music, like jazz and orchestra, pops and things like that. I love Southern gospel music. My brother Aaron helped me with a lot of projects last summer, so he got me into grunge music, which is like ‘90s stuff. I like classic rock. When I tell Alexa to play something, it can be one of those things. Favorite movie: “Jurassic Park.” First job: My first real job, that wasn’t nepotism, was working for a greenhouse in Grand Rapids. Favorite TV program: “Survivor,” I’ve watched every season. Favorite teacher: Paul Boelkins. He was Forest Hills Northern Middle School’s band director, and now he teaches high school band, and we’ve stayed friends through my career. Favorite vacation destination: Disney World. I love going there. When I was a kid: I wanted to be a pale­ ontologist because I loved dinosaurs. If I won the lottery: I would buy a semi­ truck and fill it with band instruments and just drive around to schools and let their director take whatever they wanted out of them. Hobbies: I like cooking. I love to grill. Meats, vegetables. Go-to cooking meal: In the summertime, kebabs. We’re still 10 days away from the biggest firecracker holiday of the year and already the heat is building. And it’s not the kind of heat America is used to on July 4. This year feels different because, although we’ll still be celebrating amid parades and picnics, the flags and fireworks, some Americans aren’t dealing well with the impact of the global pandemic and the uneasiness created by political and social unrest. More people today are questioning if the holiday, also known as Independence Day, is really saluting our democracy and if the country is doing its best to try and live up to its promise of freedom, liberty and justice for all. We celebrate July 4th because it’s the day we adopted the Declaration of Independence, a document that provided a young nation the moral compass of ensuring human equality. That’s the foundation that was built for us 245 years ago and the standard by which we judge ourselves today. In 1776, our Founding Fathers made a pledge that has united us all for one day each year. That pledge was “America.” Today, political factions are promoting their narrow perspectives of what they think America should be. This is nothing new. History shows that this has always been the case. There will always be factions who are free to disagree. But, according to a recent poll, 62 percent of Americans feel the country is deeply divided over how to handle the coronavirus and how to deal with protests in cities across the country. “I don’t feel independent from the oppres­ sors of the past,” one respondent said. “Someday I hope we can live up to our national values.” That’s a telling observation - and one that raises a question: How can we lift ourselves above the problems of the past? “If there is a single issue that drives the world today, it is independence,” President John F. Kennedy said during a presentation at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall July 4, 1962. “The theory of independence is as old ‘ as man himself, and it was not invented in this hall. But it was in this hall that the the­ ory became a practice; that the word went out to all, in Thomas Jefferson’s phrase, that ‘the God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time.’” In that speech of nearly 60 years ago, Kennedy praised the American democratic system, a system that encourages differenc­ es and allows for dissent. He reminded us, though, of the enduring relevance that the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence hold for all of us - no matter on which side we stand in today’s rancorous debates. That’s where independence becomes problematic because it requires acceptance of other views. That’s why we see so much discord today. When people focus only on the Declaration of Independence’s call for an individual’s rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” they often forget their own responsibility to ensure that everyone else gets the same chance. “Acting on our own, by ourselves, we cannot establish justice throughout the world,” Kennedy warned. “We cannot insure its domestic tranquility, or provide for its common defense, or promote its gen­ eral welfare, or secure the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” Another former president, Ronald Reagan, during a July 4 celebration in 1986, also referenced the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and the responsibilities in pursuing life, liberty and happiness. Reagan reminded everyone in his speech that 56 men gathered in 1776 at Independence Hall to hammer out an agree­ ment that could stand the test of time. Their courage, Reagan said, created a nation built on a universal claim to human dignity and the proposition that every man, Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. The Hastings BaiUlClT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics .com. woman and child has a right to a future of freedom. But Reagan’s message came with a warn­ ing. “The real obstacle of moving forward the boundaries of freedom, the only danger to the hope of America comes from within,” said Reagan, who marveled at how our Founding Fathers were able to sit down in Philadelphia and hammer out a document for independence that still guides us today. But here we are, 245 years after the birth of a nation, and the gravest threat we may ever have faced is the inability of our two political parties to deal with some of the real issues this country faces. Due to party poli­ tics, the focus now is more about winning and losing rather than what’s in the best interest of Americans. “Freedom is never more than one genera­ tion away from extinction,” Reagan said. “We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream, it must be fought for, protect­ ed and handed on for them to do the same.” Yet today we face the threat of division from factions that look for ways - and sometimes stumble into ways - to divide us. Rather than admitting that America’s his­ tory is filled with mistakes and missteps, these factions seem strangers to the concept that America still remains the best form of government known to man. We must find ways to move forward from that past, with all its faults and flaws, to work our way to a better future for all. But President Joe Biden slipped into that “oppressors of the past” history during his June 1 speech in Tulsa, Okla., which marked the 100th anniversary of the massacre of hundreds of Black people by an angry white mob. “I call on the American people to reflect on the deep roots of racial terror in our nation and recommit to the work of rooting out systemic racism across our country,” said the president who pledged to be a unifier. I believe this is the kind of discourse that will continue to divide us, making resolu­ tion of problems unlikely. We’re a nation of diversity, and we should celebrate that fact by working together to resolve the issues that divide us. But that takes real leadership to rise above the sins of the past, something that’s hard to find today in the halls of Washington. “America will never be destroyed from the outside,” said President Abraham Lincoln. “If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” We need to acknowledge the horror of that history and move on. Let’s focus on what we can do to create better tomorrows rather than concentrating on wrongful pasts, looking for issues with which to condemn America today. Our nation was established on the ideals of freedom and self-determination that Americans have always been willing to pro­ tect and fight for with their lives. Yes, there’s a lot to be found that’s wrong with America; and those ills run the gamut. But the Fourth of July was set aside to celebrate with those around us all the things that are right with America. That’s why so many of us relate to the words of songwriter Lee Greenwood: “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me, so I stand up next to you and defend her still today, ‘cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land - God Bless the USA.” That’s the kind of message we need from our leaders, words that help us move beyond our differences to solve these issues that divide us. That’s why this Fourth of July must be a renewal of our commitment to a document gifted to us 245 years ago and that, even now, still stands the test of time. • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner Thursday, June 24, 2021 —- Page 5 Keeping our promises to America’s seniors Hastings school district Approximately 15 percent of our popula­ tion here in Michigan’s Third District is made up of individuals 65 years and older. My own grandmother recently celebrated her 102nd birthday, and this incredible milestone caused me to reflect on the older generations and how the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportion­ ately impacted their lives. Now, more than ever, we must double down on the promises we made to seniors and ensure the programs they depend on are pro­ tected. Our parents, grandparents, and great-grand­ parents cared for us, and we have a moral obligation to take care of them when the time comes. Since its creation in 1935, Social Security has provided guaranteed benefits to America’s seniors. Many older individuals have planned for these benefits, and we cannot allow the system to become insolvent. When Social Security was created, the average life expectancy was 61.7 years; today it is approaching 80. Furthermore, there are currently fewer than three workers for every Social Security bene­ ficiary. j These changing conditions have created an increasingly untenable situation - benefits distributed exceed the Social Security payroll taxes collected. To protect Social Security for durrent and future retirees, Congress should Consider long-term reforms to the program. This is a complex issue that must be evaluated Cautiously, but it ultimately must be addressed to make the program sustainable for future generations without abandoning the current seniors who have paid into the system GUEST COMMENTARY throughout their lives. Medicare and Medicaid coverage are equal­ ly as important as Social Security benefits to many seniors across the country. Medicare Advantage (MA), also known as Part C of Medicare, are health insurance plans offered by private companies approved by Medicare. MA serves more than 26 million seniors across the country and more than 74,500 in Michigan’s Third District. MA is an incredibly popular program, with 98 percent of beneficiaries expressing satisfaction with the relatively high quality of care at lower cost. These are some of the reasons I recently joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration encouraging steps to strengthen and support the MA program. I oppose any actions that would weaken or limit this popular program, and many of my colleagues agree. Seniors should have access to quality care that meets their specific needs without an exorbitant price tag. The flexibility that MA plans offer seniors across West Michigan is exactly what they deserve. Unfortunately, there are people in the world who try to defraud seniors by posing as gov­ ernment employees reaching out about issues with Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs seniors depend on. I’m sad to say we have seen these disgraceful scams increase during the pandemic as seniors have These bills are pending in the Legislature and, as cunen^ly drafted; leave my communi­ ty - and all Michigan communities - unable to sufficiently regulate non-residential land use in residential neighborhoods. Let me be clear: I am not opposed to short­ term rentals. In fact, these vacation rentals have become a thriving part of Michigan’s tourism economy, and I wish for them to remain in our state and communities long into the future. The bills, as proposed, attempt to Support short-term rentals, but they do so by imposing a top-down, one-size-fits-all policy that ignores the unique needs of our individu­ al communities. Backers of these bills claim short-term rent­ als are a private property rights issue and appear to be reacting out of fear that some communities may ban the practice of short­ term renting. This fear is unfounded. I am not aware of a single community in Michigan that has been or is seeking to ban short-term rent­ als. In fact, exclusionary zoning is already against the law. Some communities have found it necessary to place reasonable regulations on short-term vacation rentals to ensure they are balancing the needs of long-term residents alongside those of visitors. There are many places in Michigan facing an affordable housing crisis where residents struggle with housing that is too expensive for their budgets - or they spend more money and time on long commutes to and from work and services. When short-term rentals are allowed to proliferate without oversight, it can further deplete the available housing supply and drive Fathers need to take responsibility for their children To the editor: I noticed that the “In My Opinion” article last week was not about Father’s Day. With so many single-parent and fatherless homes, and a revolving door of fathers/boyfriends/ significant others, etc. that these children are forced to live under, I would think that you would be shouting from the rooftops for men to be responsible sexually and for what they produce in life when they are not. For children and young people, one of the biggest roadblocks to having a successful and fulfilling life is not having a father in the house. All the problems that plague America crime, prison, dropout rates, drug use, and so on - are increased tremendously without a father in the house. One problem is that it seems lots of women have lost any powers of discernment in choosing a mate, opting for flash over substance. Another problem is that the government keeps rewarding these irresponsible sexual behaviors that produce Children with long-term government assistance. It is neither compassionate nor caring to enable a practice that has tremendous negative consequences on so many millions of children and young people in this country. It used to be U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer represents Michigan's Third Congressional District. He lives in Grand Rapids with his wife, Gabriela. Most workplaces in state drop COVID restrictions Bridge Magazine Michigan’s rollback of COVID-19 restric­ tions reached the workplace this week, as state officials updated safety rules to give many employers a choice in whether to con­ tinue pandemic-related health guidelines. Effective Tuesday, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration adopted regulations that fol­ low federal guidelines and only affect health care employers. That leaves the rest of the state’s employers free to choose whether they’ll continue with daily health screenings, masks and social dis­ tancing requirements, among other measures up costs for residents. Communities should that had been enforceable rules during most decide for themselves how to balance their of the pandemic. housing needs, not Big Government. The decision was announced by Gov. The private property rights argument also Gretchen Whitmer on the same day that fails to recognize that short-term vacation COVID-related restrictions — including lim­ rental businesses in residential properties are a itations on indoor capacity for places like nercial activity. They are mini-hotels, events venues and restabrapts — ended across and are increasingly operated by out-of-state the state. investors. Just as communities set limits on “As we continue to get Michigan back to the amount of other commercial activity in work, our priority remains keeping workplac­ residential neighborhoods, such as in-home es safe for employees and protecting custom­ daycares or home salons, so too should they ers as they support these businesses,” Whitmer be able to decide what level of short-term said in a statement. rental activity is appropriate to maintain the “With our state at full capacity, we can ... residential character of a neighborhood. ensure businesses can emerge from the pan­ Short-term rental regulation also is an issue demic stronger than ever while keeping their of public safety. Local fire marshals have workers safe.” found these properties lacking smoke and car­ Many of the state’s business advocates bon monoxide detectors, gasoline and liquid wanted officials to change workplace orders propane stored in the basement, as well as in May, when businesses and their employees other serious hazards. As currently written, still had to operate within the state’s pandem­ House Bill 4722 and Senate Bill 446 would ic regulations set months earlier. The rules impede a local government’s ability to inspect required masks, social distancing, health these mini-hotels to ensure they are being screenings despite the easing of the general operated safely. public’s restrictions, including the end of the Again, I strongly believe that short-term mask mandate for fully vaccinated people that rentals are a vital part of Michigan’s tourism took effect May 14. economy and I do not want to see them By May 24, the state announced some banned. changes for workplaces, adding flexibility for Instead of House Bill 4722 and Senate Bill vaccinated workers and ending a push to 446,1 urge state lawmakers to seek compro­ make the heightened safety rules permanent. mise legislation that balances the basic rights However, at that time, the state also left in of homeowners to rent their properties on a place until October some pandemic require­ short-term basis with the individual needs of ments that changed day-to-day business prac­ our local communities. Such a compromise tices, including a requirement for non-vacci­ also should create a more level playing field nated workers to continue social distancing between these predominantly commercial and a rule that employers maintain a written short-term rentals with the hotels and resorts COVID-19 preparedness plan. that invest and operate in our communities. Those rules have now ended. In health care settings, though, federal David Field, guidance on masks, disinfection and other Holland measures remain in place due to higher likeli­ hood of people carrying or being exposed to the virus. Despite the lifting of rules, the state still encourages workplaces to follow the guide­ lines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to observe recent from the federal called growing up, maturing, taking recommendations Occupational Health and Safety responsibility for your life. Nowadays, everyone is a victim and Administration for non-health care settings, everyone else has to pay. That is not right according to the state. “It’s important that all employers recognize thinking - and that lack of right thinking has had devastating consequences on America, that they have a general duty to provide a safe workplace,” Michigan COVID-19 Workplace especially in bigger cities. Safety Director Sean Egan said in a statement. Since the pandemic began, MIOSHA Joseph Perotta, Nashville received more than 15,000 complaints from employees who said there were uncontrolled COVID-19 hazards in the workplace. At dif­ ferent points in the pandemic, outbreaks have County administrator raged in nursing homes, prisons, manufactur­ ing facilities and other workplaces. deserves praise Employers have reported 61 workplace To the editor: deaths from COVID-19 in Michigan and 173 It seems we don’t see much praise for gov­ hospitalizations that may be related to work­ ernment workers lately. But I feel it necessary place exposure. to publicly praise the Barry County Statewide, 60.8 percent of Michigan adults Administrator Michael Brown. are vaccinated and cases have dropped dra­ Every time I’ve contacted him, he has matically in recent weeks. always been pleasant and helpful. And he The state reported 327 cases on Monday does an excellent job of researching my ques­ over the past three days, the fewest-ever tions and always responds. reported over three days since April 2020. Barry County is lucky to have him. Slightly more than 1 percent of more than 41,000 tests came back positive, the lowest Larry Osborne, since the pandemic began. Delton Short-term vacation rental law bad for Michigan To the editor: I am writing to express my opposition to House Bill 4722 and the identical bill, Senate Bill 446, dealing with short-term vacation been more isolated from family and caregiv­ ers over the last fourteen months. That’s why I proudly voted in favor of H.R. 1215, the Fraud and Scam Reduction Act. This bill, introduced by my Michigan col­ league Representative Tim Walberg, would make it easier to prevent these scam callers from targeting senior citizens by providing models to companies demonstrating how to pinpoint and block these calls. I am pleased to report that this bill passed the House, and it now awaits review by the Senate. The pandemic created unprecedented chal­ lenges for America’s seniors. Now that the end is in sight, it is critical that we reaffirm our commitment to the promises our country made to them. Rest assured, as the representa­ tive for West Michigan in Congress, I will continue to prioritize our seniors and promote policies that protect their well-being. preps for budget review Mondayjs public hearing, will provide a look back - and ahead - at spending plan Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings Area School System Board of Education will meet Monday, June 28, to consider and approve the district’s 2020-21 and 2021-22 budgets. The finance committee will start the public hearing at 5:30 p.m. by reviewing both budgets .At 6:45 p.mAssistant Superintendent of Operations Tim Berlin will offer a presentation on the 2021-22 budget. The final steps will begin at 7 p.m. when the budgets go to the board of education for approval. The 2020-21 and 2021-22 budgets will look a little different than in past years as a result of COVID-19-related funding, Berlin said. The school district already has started receiving funds through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). These sub-grants were developed to address the impact the coronavirus has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation, according to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Berlin said the district has received about $250,000 from the first ESSER payment, which it put toward pandemic-specific additions, such as shields in classrooms, hand sanitizer stations and Wi-Fi hotspots. “That was extremely expensive, and the district would not have been able to do that on its own without those funds,” he said. The next two ESSER payments will funnel in to the district during the 2021-22 school year. The school has received about $400,000 of the second allotment, which Berlin estimated will increase to about $1 million. Berlin said he is unsure of the exact amount and time frame of the remaining grants. The school district will use ESSER II and III, as they’re commonly called, to support general classroom technology, he said. Despite the increased revenue, Berlin said people should not expect a drastic change in the 2021-22 budget because of higher expenses, such as hiring an assistant principal at the high school and a dean of students at the middle school. Those positions were cut during the pandemic. But, for the exact numbers of next year’s budget, it’s all a guessing game. The budget must be approved by the board by June 30, but Berlin said he still doesn’t know for sure how much funding the district will receive. As a result, he expects that they will be making adjustments to the budget as the school year progresses. At Monday’s meeting, the district also will seek approval of its final revision to the 2020­ 21 budget. As of April 26, the district estimated just under $27.3 million in revenue for the 2020-21 year. If that stands, it would be the highest total revenue the district has recorded since 2007. The jump can be attributed to the increase in federal and state funding. While school officials estimated at the beginning of the year that the district would receive about $18.86 million from the state and $434,430 from the federal government, it ended up receiving $21.16 million and $1.82 million, respectively. Berlin attributed the increase to both COVID-related funding and the state having more money to hand out than expected. “The state was unpredictable when we first started, but, eventually, we did get more than we anticipated,” Berlin said. “We thought there were going to be cuts because, when they were discussing the budget, the pandemic was really strong. “We thought we would see more cuts - and we didn’t necessarily see those cuts.” Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous (letters, and names will "be* withheld at the iJ,dtlltW’feOJdi^er^tibTl"ufbf‘ compelling reasons only. , . , v . r ; • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not benutA lished. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. HASTINGS Internal and Family Medicine -----------------Your Choice for Independent Quality Care----------------- Why an Internist? Because as we age, it is more important to see someone that specializes in internal medicine. Internists treat a wide range of conditions in adults that affect the organs inside the body, including: • • • • • • • • • Cardiology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Infectious disease Hematology Oncology Pulmonary disease Rheumatology Immunology Racheal Brooker NP David Parker MD Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine Practicing in the Barry County area for 20 years Board Certified as Family Nurse practitioner: American Association of Nurse Practitioners Anita Asadorian DO Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Practice — ^ec^f*cctre We/come — Call or visit our website for more information about becoming a patient. www.hastingsmed.com • 269-948-0078 225 S M-37, Suitel • Hastings, Michigan NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS �Page 6 — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Gale Robert Morway William J. Cotant William J. Cotant passed on to be with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ early Friday morning, June 18, 2021, at home in Hastings. Bill, age 90, was the eldest child of Dwight and Gonne (Coles) Cotant of Hastings where he resided his whole life. He began his education at Star School, graduated from Hastings High School, and attended Michigan State College taking courses in general agriculture. He met Marilyn Marie McDonald in chemistry class when the teacher assigned Marilyn and her friend to join the table of boys to see if the girls could help the boys with chemistry. It worked - the chemistry sparked, and they married in 1950! Marilyn died in 2018 after 67 years of marriage, Bill caring faithfully for her, especially during their final years together. Together, Bill and Marilyn raised four children: Arthur (Judi) Cotant, Robert (Kathy) Cotant, Lori (Dan) Jorg, and Ann (Bruce) Scheck, each of whom love and admire their parents to this day. He is also survived by his sister, Jean (Don) Couch, nieces, nephews, and three generations of grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his younger brother, Richard Cotant. Growing up on the , family farm, Bill hunted, trapped, and learned to raise field crops, fruit trees, vegetables, chickens and livestock In 1947, he started Cotant’s Fann Market on South M-37 while still in school He eventually worked two full-time jobs, including 36 years at Kellogg’s in Battle Creek which helped provide the resources to support his “hobby” farming. His son Bob officially joined the farm market in 1975, but Bob jovially says he has been a part of the operation since 1953 (the year of his birth). In January 1958, Bill trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord, and for the rest of his life was active at the Evangelical United Brethren Church (now Hope UMC) in Hastings. Bill and Marilyn enthusiastically led the youth group for 25 years, taught Sunday School and also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Lay Leader. In the community, he served for 12 years on the Hastings Area Board of Education, a time on the Star School Board and Hastings Township Planning and Zoning Commission, and various grower organizations. He served as president of the school board for four years (1972-76) and one of the most meaningful honors he received was being chosen Hastings High School Alumnus of the year 1995. Marilyn loved to travel and dragged Bill along with her to Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii. He often said he would have missed out on a lot if she hadn’t just gone ahead and planned the trips. They enjoyed a full life together. Please join with the family in praise and thanksgiving to God for Bill’s life. Services will be at noon on Monday, June 28, 2021 at Hope UMC, 2920 S. M-37 Highway. Visitation will be held at Hope United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 27, 2-21 6 to 8 p.m. and 11 a.m. before the service on Monday. A luncheon will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Shirley VanDenburg The family of Shirley VanDenburg, is having a celebration of her life, July 3, her birthday, at the Hastings Bowl, 1 p.m. Bring your bowling gear. She wants you to bowl a game. It’s a gift from Dean and Sonja Lambert and family, so we will see you on her Heavenly birthday. Gordon was bom on March 10, 1937 in Hart, and passed away on June 18, 2021 in Hastings, at the age of 84. Gordon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn (Huisjen) Worth; xhildren, Bryan (Mari), Julie (Brad Gee); saughter-inlaw, Michelle (Bob Memering); ninw grandchildren, Daniel (Kelli), Andrew (Lina), Nathan (Lexi), Tristan, Marko, Patrick, Isabel, Lauren, Gabe; two great grandchildren Kaiden, Kaitlyn; brothers, Tom (Cathy), Gary (Jane); Sisters Linda Crane, Mary Riddell and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Patrick and Evonne; sister, Patricia and his parents. He was the oldest of six children of Ruby (Riggs) and Oscar Worth, and the first to graduate from college. He graduated from General Motors Institute School of Engineering in 1959. He then went into service with the United States Air Force from 1961-1965 assisting in the space exploration program at Brooks Air Force Base. After service to our country he and his young family moved to Battle Creek where he worked at Kellogg’s Company for 33 years in the central engineering department retiring as a senior systems analyst. While working for Kellogg’s he raised children, grand children and polled Hereford cattle on a farm in Dowling. With his love of farming he was a very active member of Barry County 4-H over many years, serving on several committees and enjoying his children and grandchildren being active participants as well. He spearheaded and was very proud of the tree planting project at the new fairgrounds in Barry County where the shade from all the work so many years ago is enjoyed by all today. Gordon was also active in the South West Michigan Polled Hereford Association for many years, as well as the Hastings Kiwanis. Gordon was also part of the Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association and was a volunteer lighthouse keeper for many summers alongside his wife. Gordon enjoyed giving lighthouse tours and sharing his special family history that he had family ties to the building of the Little Sable Lighthouse in Mears, and his great great grandfather was appointed the first lighthouse keeper at Big Sable Lighthouse in Ludington. He was a dedicated, hard working man always willing to volunteer and give back. He loved gardening, photography, genealogy, travel, woodworking and spending cherished time with family. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Lauer Family Funeral Home, 1401 North Broadway in Hastings. A Committal Service with Military Honors to celebrate Gordon’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 25, 2021 at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek. Memorials may be made in care of Gordon’s family to Barry County 4-H Youth Fair Improvement Fund, Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association or Interim Hospice. Please share condolences with the family at www.lauerfhhastings.com. Mary Zombor, age 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Hastings, surrounded by those who loved her most on June 10, 2021. She met and married Charles (Chuck) Zombor in August of 1958 living in several cities before settling in Hastings as they raised their family. Mary was a mother to her six biological and two adopted children, younger siblings, and countless others over the years. She was generous beyond measure, at times even giving to others as she went without. She was an amazing homemaker who taught her children how to keep a clean home, cook well, care for their own families and how to stretch a dollar farther than ever thought possible. She was hard working, genuine, loyal, loving, determined, rarely politically correct, feisty - with a heart of gold. As her days became numbered, she wanted nothing more than to spend time with her loved ones especially her children, grandchildren, and great grand babies. She lives on in every life that she touched, in our hearts, thoughts, memories and the people she helped each of us to become. She was an active member of the West Hastings Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and dedicated much of her time and life to living out the practices of her Mary will be forever remembered and missed by her husband of nearly 63 years, Chuck. Along with her children John Zombor, James Zombor (Julie), Jerry Zombor, Julie Kammer (Jim), Rebeccah Dubicki (Steve), Xzavion Zombor and Kari Zombor, her sister Linda Kulpa (Joe), twin brothers Robert Christian and Richard Christian (Kathy) and many other family members and friends. She was proceeded in death by her eldest son, Jeffrey Zombor, her parents, two sisters, eldest brother, aunts, uncles and grandparents and granddaughter Cheyenne Panske-Zombor. Visitation for all family, friends and friends of the family will be held on June 26, 2021, 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, ML Donations may be made in Mary’s name to either Faith Hospice of Grand Rapids, 2100 Raybrook SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, https://faithhospicecare. org/donate/ or the West Hastings Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3550 W M 179 Hwy, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Gale Robert Morway age 70, of Hastings, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Cedar Creek of Hastings. Gale was bom in Hastings, on February 27, 1951, a son of the late Ethyl (Johncock) Simon and Robert Morway. He was raised in the Hastings area and attended local schools graduating from Hastings High School in 1971. Gale spent the majority of his working career at the Hastings KFC, where he worked faithfully for over 20 years until his retirement in 2012. Gale was an avid NASCAR fan and loved watching the races on television. When he was not working, he could be found at Ritchie’s Restaurant in Hastings socializing with his many friends. During his quiet time, Gale enjoyed spoiling his cats (Precious and Smokey), doing crossword puzzles, reading a good book, watching the History Channel and taking in an old British Comedy show on PBS. Gale was a very compassionate man with a great sense of humor and will be missed. Gale is also survived by his sister, Linda L. Hayes; niece, Samantha (Jon) Douglas; nephew, John (Mary) Hayes; his stepsister, Anne Simon; two stepbrothers, Jim Simon and Gary Simon; special friends, Russ (Linda) Trongo, Amanda Easlick and Joe Longcor. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale (Squaka) Morway, and his sister, Emily Marks. Memorial service and celebration of Gale’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday June 24, 2021, at Grace Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Pastor Kenneth Scheck officiating. Interment will take place privately at the Prairieville Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Grace Hospice or Cedar Creek of Hastings. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome .net Cheryl Ann Huntley Robert Joseph Robert “Bob” Joseph, age 71, of Potterville, passed away Monday, June 21, 2021, at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital, Hastings. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will take place privately at Benton Township Cemetery in Potterville. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome .net Phyllis (Green) Foster, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Walnut Creek, CA on June 20,2021. She was bom on February 4, 1931 in Hastings, the daughter of Ward and Vada Green of Woodland. She graduated from Woodland High School, Michigan State University, and was an elementary school teacher for many years. She married her childhood sweetheart Lachlan (Lach) Foster of Hastings on August 18,1951, and they enjoyed 55 years together until his passing in 2006. Following Lach’s tour in Korea and study at Yale Law School, Phyllis and Lach moved to Los Angeles in 1957 where Lach was a lawyer, and their daughter Sue was born. They spent many years in the Pasadena area, eventually moving to Irvine, near the coast, where Phyllis lived until last year. Phyllis and Lach enjoyed traveling, including visiting Sue and her husband Steve in the San Francisco Bay area, and returning to Michigan to see their family. They loved spending time with their black Labrador Retrievers. The outdoors energized Phyllis: gardening, learning about nature, and walking with her dogs. She was a docent at the historic Gamble House, in Pasadena, touring visitors. After moving to Irvine, she taught Sunday School at the Methodist Church and volunteered in administration there. Phyllis is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Steve Ohanian of Alamo, CA; her sister, Pat Scheiterlein of Haslett, and numerous dear nieces and nephews. She will be buried at Woodland Township Cemetery next to Lach and many family members. A graveside remembrance of her life will be held on June 29,2021 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Phyllis asked that memorial contributions be made in her name to The Humane Society of the United States. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Cheryl Ann Huntley, age 60, of Lake Odessa passed unexpectedly at her home on June 20,2021. Cheryl was bom on August 22, 1960 in Pontiac. Cheryl owned and operated The Consignment Shop in Lake Odessa for the last six year and loved it. When not working she enjoyed crafting, sewing, making jewelry and gardening. Even though she loved her children, the grandchildren were especially loved by Cheryl. On January 2, 1981 she married Bill Huntley and they’ve been happily married for 40 years. She will be dearly missed by; husband Bill; her children, Amber, Christina, Richard, Matthew, Cody and Duane; grandchildren, Allen, Ashton, Abigail, Arwyn, Ariona, Brooklynn, Damien, Mariska, Quinten, Isaiah, Payton, Zila, Livie and Ryan; siblings, John, Orville, Michael, Frederick and William along with many nieces and nephews. Cheryl was proceeded in death by her parents, Orville and Gertrude Atwell along with parent-in-laws, Bill and Joanne Huntley; sister-in-law, Darlene Searles. According to her wishes, Cheryl has donated her body to MSU Willed Body Program to help further medical science. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be left at www.koopsfc .com Lauri Sarann McLaughlin, age 67, has been reunited with her beloved father, Neil in heaven. She fought a very long, hard battle with kidney disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Neil and Lena McLaughlin, and her partner,Kelly G. King. She leaves behind her brothers, Dennis (Nancy) McLaughlin, Darren McLaughlin, and her sister Cheryl Johnson; nephew, Brandon and niece, Jennifer. Also left behind pets Bailey, Peanut, and Snowy. They will live out their remaining days with Geri (Damm) Hayes, her friend of 40—plus years, neighbors Bruce and Cheri DeLine, many childhood friends, and workmates from AT&T. Lauri was an avid animal lover. She loved to travel, making an overseas trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland. She was a camping enthusiast, enjoying Michigan’s beauty. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Animal Shelter or Adopt-a-Pet. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — Page 7 TURNING BACK THE PAGES Hope Daring, Hastings’ own authoress Last week’s Banner, in a reprint of news from ‘yesteryear,’ reported that in June 1911, Miss Anna Johnson (Hope Daring), 50, was preparing to issue a new book, “Valardero Ranch,” a story of California life in the early days. By then, she had written numerous short stories for various publications, as well at least nine books. Ten years later, Johnson was featured in The Michigan Farmer in the article “Country Girl’s Dream Come True,” published Nov. 26, 1921. In that article, Johnson recalled the many months she had spent writing, rewriting and editing her first story. Only her mother knew of her intentions. Despite her later successes - many of which paid her well enough to travel extensively and pay off her home within a lew years of having it built - that first acceptance was the most unforgettable. “... no later achievement in life has ever given her the thrills which came when she got her copy of the paper and saw with her own eyes that the great Doctor Potts considered her story worthy of space,” the 1921 publication noted. That first success was not immediately followed by similar achievements. Waiting for months on end, she received rejections or, worse, sometimes no response at all. “I had no criticism, no books on short­ story writing ...” she told The Michigan Farmer. “It was just a matter of keeping at it, trying to find my own mistakes, studying the r-......................................................... —, Richard Allen Marsh, Jr. Richard “Richie” Allen Marsh, Jr., age 41 of Hastings, passed away on June 18,2021. Richie was bom on July 17, 1979 in Battle Creek, the son of Richard and Shirley “Shug” (Sult) Marsh. He was a 1998 graduate of Hastings High School, and worked at his family’s business, Richie’s Koffee Shop. Richie was fun-loving, quick-witted, and greeted everyone with a warm smile. Richie was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley “Shug” Marsh and his grandparents, Margaret and Robert Martin of Battle Creek, Richard Marsh of Battle Creek, and his uncle, Phillip Marsh. He is survived by his daughter Gianna Marsh of Middleville; his father Richard Marsh; sisters, Toni and Courtney Marsh, all of Hastings; niece, Madalin Trumbull;nephew, Mason Trumbull; great­ niece and great-nephew, Grace and Quintyn Trumbull; his aunts and uncles, Vikki (Larry) Fiandt of Delton, Owen “Dusty” (Kathy) Sult of Dowling, Liz (Jim) Campoli of Florida; grandparents Owen and Peggy Sult of Dowling. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Sunday, June 27, 2021, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, Michigan 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. magazine I had designs on until I thought I knew their needs, and then trying my luck. I never had the courage to keep on sending out the same stories, as so many authors say they do. A half-dozen times was always my limit, and is yet. If a story doesn’t sell on that many trials, I use it for kindling.” According to that 1921 article, most of her books first ran as serials, ongoing stories in magazines or newspapers, later being brought out by the publishing houses that owned those same papers or magazines. “Madeline, the Island Girl,” is a story of Mackinac Island and was followed by its sequel, “A Virginia Holiday.” “Father John,” a story of Detroit, ran serially as “Ruth Webster’s Quest.” “If I had ever dreamed of what was ahead of me when I started out, I should never have had the courage to try to write,” Johnson, then age 61, and still writing, said. “Isn’t it a blessing that ignorance veils our eyes to the pitfalls before us? I couldn’t do it over again, but I was young and full of courage and hope, and so I kept on, learning by my mistakes, and coming by slow and painful degrees to learn what to send out.” Her final comment in that article, in a few words, may provide a glimpse of how Johnson persevered: “I’ve always found it easier to laugh than to tell other folks my troubles.” The following article on Johnson, was published in the Feb. 4, 1993, Banner by the late Joyce Weinbrecht, a contributing columnist. Anna Johnson spent her life writing magazine articles and books, studying, researching and teaching. She adopted the pen name “Hope Daring” and became known to young readers all over the nation. Anna was born July 11, 1860, in Athens, Pa. Her family - George T. Johnson and Loretta VanVechten Johnson, with their four children, one boy and three girls [Anna being the youngest] - moved from Pennsylvania to a farm south of Hastings on Section 8, Baltimore Township in 1867. Anna, along with her brother and sisters, attended McOmber School. Anna had attended country school near Athens, starting at age 4. She could not recall, it is stated in a brief autobiography written in 1940, a time when she couldn’t read. And reading became a very important part of her life. She recalled times when in the winter, her family read aloud together. One winter they read the work of Charles Dickens - “Little Dorrit,” “Pickwick Papers” and “Great Expectations.” Her parents and occasionally her oldest sister, Eunice, took turns reading to the family. Anna counted it a special blessing that her parents, particularly her mother, were educated and understood the importance of young women acquiring an education. Anna began teaching at McOmber School the year after she completed classes there at age 16. She taught there several years and took several “teachers classes” offered at Hastings High School. During her school years, she began reading the weekly edition of the Detroit Free Press, to which her parents subscribed. This weekly newspaper had a children’s department and a household department written by a woman from Louisiana. The column encouraged women readers to write for the paper. Anna accepted the challenge and wrote articles for the column using several different pen names. She enjoyed taking both sides oi an issue under different names in the paper. The editor of the column urged Miss Johnson to consider writing as a career, “a life’s work.” She suggested Anna study the English language and that she “read, read, read.” To be certified to teach in rural schools, would-be teachers had to pass an examination that contained, among other subjects, algebra and bookkeeping, not Miss Johnson’s strongest areas of knowledge. She attended Albion College, taking classes in algebra, bookkeeping, rhetoric and English literature to prepare herself to become certified to teach school. She taught at Hendershott School from 1886 to 1889. She attended Albion for one year, and the Hastings author Anna Johnson report­ edly used a few pen names for her writ­ ing, as was “the fashion of the day,” but the name that brought her the most suc­ cess was Hope Daring. summer following, she wrote her first story. The Michigan Christian Advocate was familiar to her and her family. She had heard the editor, Dr. [James H.] Potts speak at the Albion College commencement. Johnson’s first story was prepared for publication for the Advocate. When the story was completed, in the envelope ready to submit to Dr. Potts, she sought a pen name. Pen names were the fashion of the day and allowed for privacy of the writer. “I reread the story, saying to myself, ‘I hope he will publish it, but that is a daring hope!”’ she recalled in her autobiography. “It was as if a voice said to me: ‘There is your pen name.’ So, ‘Hope Daring’ came to be and started on her way.” Her first stories printed by the Advocate were children’s stories. The Advocate didn’t pay for items published, but did buy material for a juvenile publication, Sunday School Advocate, put out by the Methodist Publishing House. She began submitting her work to this paper. Her first sale earned her a check for $2.50, and she felt the thrill of becoming a paid published writer: Her stories were considered worthy of publication and were salable. Johnson spent the next several years supplying a story each month for the Detroit Free Press’ Children’s Department and publishing articles with the religious press. In her autobiography, she mentioned the rates paid by Christian publishing houses were less than the general publishers, but she still preferred to stay with the former. She saw her role as that of teacher, of both academics and religion. When her father, George T. Johnson, became ill in 1890, Anna gave up the school teacher’s job to help with his care. The farm in Baltimore Township was sold, and the family moved [te-a terne on Hanover Street in] Hastings. Mr. Johnson died soon after (1894), and her mother, Loretta Jane, who went by her middle name, died in 1897. By the time of her mother’s death, Miss Johnson had purchased a second-hand typewriter and had taught herself to type. She continued to read, study and write. Her first full-length book was published by the American Tract Society. After she had submitted the manuscript, there was a long wait, five months, before she heard whether the book, “To the Third Generation,” would be published. In August 1901, she received a package containing 10 copies of the book, hard-bound in an attractive cover. What a thrilling moment this was for the author. In 1902, the Methodist Publishing House published “Agnes Grant’s Education” in hard cover. This was first published as a serial in the Epworth Herald. [The sequel] “An Abundant Harvest” was her next work, published both as a serial and in book form. “I was so happy with my work,” she wrote. In 1905, she had a home built at 428 S. Church St. She drew her own plans for the house, delighting in having all the closet space she could use and a working fireplace. She began to travel, spending summers at Bay View in Harbor Springs, one winter in Virginia, another in Washington, then to California and Florida. She spent eight winters in Biloxi, Miss., traveling to New Orleans and Mobile, Ala. She observed people and places, to make them become parts of her books. Her research was thorough, accurate and interesting. Her literary style, while purposely kept simple to reach her targeted readership of Christian youth, was( well done. Her faith was an important part of her life. Her writing reflects this, along with her choice of religious publishing houses. She also wrote short stories and serials for the David C. Cook Company, of Elgin Ill., during these years. Miss .ohnson never married and didn’t have children of her own. She did have four nieces and one nephew, all of whom she enjoyed. As a teacher, both country school and Sunday school, she was a friend to many young people, touching their lives significantly - aside from the messages of her books, which were designed to entertain as well as teach sone moral lessons. For many years, she taught a Sunday school 4ass of teenage girls in the Methodist Churchbf Hastings. She spent a great deal of time pr< taring lessons for this class. The group had meetings Saturday afternoG!is, sometimes at Miss Johnson’s home ( at the home of one of the class membe In the summertime, the class would pack pijic lunches and walk to “Goodyear’s Grubs”’ down the banks of West Creek as an outir In thwinter, the girls would meet in front of the boved fireplace in the Johnson home This is one of a few illustrations in Hope Daring’s 1903 book, “The Furniture People.” (Hathi Trust/University of Michigan; digitized by Google) and amid the firelight talk over their dreams, make plans for their future. They called themselves the “Hope Daring Girls.” This group kept in touch with Miss Johnson and each other for many years, and held a yearly reunion into the 1940s. Johnson also was a close friend to many of the wives of the Methodist ministers, living diagonally across the street from the Methodist parsonage, which was at 138 W. Walnut St. Along with her activities in the Methodist Church, she was a .charter member of the Hastings Women’s Club and belonged to a writers guild. In June 1940, Miss Johnson wrote her brief autobiography as a contribution to the “History of Michigan Methodism.” She published this as a delightful 16-page pamphlet and sent it to her personal friends as Christmas greetings. Several copies of this publication have survived. This writing gives a glimpse of her work, dreams, ambitions, accomplishments and frustrations. This work was published in the Banner June 7, 1945, following her death May 30, 1945. In 1936, her residence was listed in the city directory as 428 S. Church St. By 1940, she had moved to The Kelly House, at 202 W. Court St. (later known as The Curtis-EHouse) [on property now occupied by the Barry County Courts and Law Building]. By 1945, her health had failed and she was in residence at the Greenfield Nursing Home, 328 S. Park St., where she died at age 84 of congestive heart disease. She was buried at Riverside Cemetery. [Her headstone simply reads “Anna Johnson (Hope Daring) 1860-1945.” She is buried alongside her parents and her eldest sister Eunice M., or “Emma” Moore, who had moved in with Anna before her death in 1937. Interestingly, buried within the same small block of the expansive cemetery are former probate Judge Ella Eggleston, as well as Eggleston’s parents and daughters.] > In the 1950s and early 1960s, a Hastings city/school librarian felt that certain books should be removed from circulation. Among the books to be culled were the writings of Hope Daring. However, some were rescued by staff and were saved. Some of these books found their way to the Johnstown and Baltimore public library in Dowling, some still in circulation. ... Many are still in existence in private libraries. [In 2021, the state library and universities, including Grand Valle)/ State and Central Michigan, as well as the University of Michigan have some of her works, most not in circulation.] Sources: Hastings Banner, interviews with Agnes Smith, Charlotte Heath and Barbara Schondelmayer; Dowling Library; McOmber and Hendershott Schools. [Hathi Trust/ University of Michigan, familysearch.org, ancestry.com, findagrave .com] Water’s Edge Financial LLC ** Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale 1 pickup: (1) 2020 GMC 3500 Crew Cab DRW w/ BOSS Plow. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 6, 2021 for the following items. Please mark outside of bid envelope with truck number i.e #900370. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above phone number, our website www.barrycrc.org or our Facebook page, please make an appointment for all viewings of the trucks. NOTE: All trucks are sold as is. (1) 2020 GMC 3500 Crew Cab DRW SLE Pickup w/plow 4WD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors, BOSS Plow 8-10’ Ext 1 - Summit White - #900370- Orange Title - Approximately 12,644 miles Minimum Bid $58,500 (Orange Title = MUNICIPAL Title - NOT Salvage Title) NOTE: All mileage is approximate - trucks are being driven until they are sold. The board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. �Michigan schools revolt, won’t flunk struggling third-grade readers Elaine Garlock The Curtis family newsletter is published in Georgia for the descendants of several Curtis families, but especially for those form the family of John and Elizabeth Curtis of Connecticut in the Colonial days. Many local families are among their descendants, including the Curtiss family of Portland Road and Powell family members from Ionia County. The latest newsletter has the story of a couple from Texas who set the world record of longest marriage. Each lived to be past 100. They were married for 80 years before the husband died at 106. How about that for longevity! The committee that plans Ladies Day at the Ionia Free Fair met Monday to make final plans for this year’s event, which will be July 23. The featured speaker will entertain the audience with tales of the 1920s, its fashion trends and events of that decade, with plenty of audience participation and lots of door prizes. This committee also chooses the Woman of the Year. Several Lake Odessa ladies have won this distinction and therefore were able to ride in style in four parades in the county during the year to reign. Work progresses on the Emerson Street project. Access is limited to local traffic only, with people able to reach their own driveways but not drive the length of the street. New stop signs on Second Street seem to be having an effect. Cars and trucks now travel at slower speeds on Fourth Avenue most of the time. Access is easier from the side streets. This will be a great boon to the school buses which must cross Fourth Avenue en route from the bus garage to the elementary school on the boulevard. Hydrangea bushes are getting ready to bloom. Strawberries are now on the market. Hot summer weather is taking a breather this week with moderate temperatures. Some days, one even wants a sweater for comfort. The threat/promise of rain in moderate amounts is forecast for several days in the future. The Lake Odessa Fair parade was set for Wednesday night at 6 p.m. with the usual floats, bicycles, horses and lots of firetrucks from all the departments within Lakewood school district - namely Woodland, Sunfield, Clarksville and Lake Odessa - along with plenty of big farm machinery. Everyone gets to see the latest in tractors and harvesters. What a thrill! PART TIME-Caregiver for Elderly Provide care, comfort, safely and general supervision to residents by partnering with them in activities of daily living, administering medications and tending to their individual physical, social and spiritual care needs. • Partner with residents to provide assistance with activities of daily living as outlined in care guides/service plans • Provide residents with memory impairments appropriate memory care support communication/interventions based on types and stages of impairment • Administer medications/treatments to residents according to policy and procedure • Complete daily charting and documentation as required - Must be 18 years or older - Must have High School Diploma or GED Please apply in persori at Woodlawn Meadows • ■- I Agisted Livrng'& Memory Care . '■•‘’“Woodlawn'Meadows: 1821 N. East St Hastings, Ml Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www,. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m.. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PC A) WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass Products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 AWORLDWIDESUPPUEROF 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Ron French and Sophia Kalakailo Bridge Magazine Some Michigan schools are rebelling against the state’s third grade read-or-flunk law, saying they won’t retain students because of low reading scores. The law, which requires the Michigan Department of Education to recommend retention for third-graders whose reading pro­ ficiency is deemed to be at least one grade behind, goes into effect this year. Recently, families of 3,477 students (about 3.4 percent of third graders in the state) were sent reten­ tion recommendation letters. If all those students actually were held back, it would represent a five-fold increase over the number of students who flunked third grade in 2018-19 or 2019-20. The law, however, grants schools and par­ ents broad leeway to request exemptions from the state recommendation. School officials said they plan to take full advantage of those exemptions to assure no more students are held back than usual. “I’d be surprised if any of our districts retain students,” said Ron Koehler, superin­ tendent of Kent Intermediate School District, which provides services for the 26 school districts in Kent County. “Every conversation I’ve heard (with dis­ trict superintendents) reflects what you’ve heard elsewhere. They’ll work with parents to use exemptions because of the extraordinary circumstances of this school year.” Same goes in districts statewide, from urban schools like Detroit to smaller ones like Coloma Community School District in Berrien County. The district had five students who received retention recommendation letters, and all were waived after parents appealed, said dis­ trict superintendent Dave Ehlers. “We’re not a fan of holding kids back. I don’t know if any school is going to support that practice,” he said. The rebellion has the support of some high-profile officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who continues to be a critic of the read-or-flunk law that was signed by her Republican predecessor Rick Snyder. In early 2020, Whitmer launched an initiative with several high-profile foundations to arm par­ ents with strategies to help their children avoid repeating third grade. Michigan’s top school leader, State Superintendent Michael Rice, also has criti­ cized the law, saying that retention is not an effective tool for academic growth. Experts view third-grade reading skills as a key to improving Michigan’s schools, which rank in the middle of the pack among the states in academic achievement. Michigan ranks 34th in the percent of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Snyder and Whitmer both advocated for increasing the percent of adults with post-high school credentials as a means of boosting Michigan’s economy. In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed the law that requires students who are more than a grade level behind in reading by the end of third grade to be retained. At least 15 states have similar laws. Education leaders immediately raised con­ cerns. They predicted that low-income stu­ dents would be more likely to be held back because test scores often correlate to income. Studies are mixed at best on the long-term benefit of retention. Flunking an additional 3,000 third-graders also has a tangible cost: Michigan taxpayers would be on the hook for $24 million because of the extra year those students would be in the K-12 system, an amount some educators argue could be better spent on early literacy efforts. Compounding the debate is the pandemic, which caused most Michigan students to lurch between online learning and classrooms where everyone wore face masks. Experts say most students likely did not learn as much in the 2020-21 school year as in a normal school year, which could put more students in danger of retention. The retention recommendations are trig­ gered by low scores on the state’s standard­ ized test, the M-STEP. Because of the pan­ demic and the various modes of learning tak­ ing place across the state, federal officials’ waived the mandate that 95 percent of stu­ dents take the annual test. The result was an uneven percentage of students taking the test between districts, schools and classrooms. Students who didn’t take the test can’t be retained because of a low test score, while those who chose to take the’ test run that risk. Chrystal Wilson, spokesperson for Detroit Public Schools Community District, said the' district will “exercise our good cause exemp­ tions” to limit third-grade retention. In 2018-19, about 4 percent of Detroit third-graders were retained in grade; that per­ centage would jump to an estimated 20 per­ cent with reading score retention recommen­ dations. Wilson referred to a statement district superintendent Nikolai Vitti made last yean regarding the read or flunk law, saying thai| Vitti’s position remained the same. “The third grade reading] law places toon much emphasis on the state reading test. This) is punitive and contradicts what we know as! best practice and what we know is best fori children,” Vitti said at the time. “We should ; never use a standardized test to punish stu-| dents.” Grand Rapids Public Schools had 90 third; grade students with reading scores at or below? the cut score out of 668 who took the reading portion of the M-STEP this spring. Another* 434 third-graders didn’t take the test. With so many students not taking the tesM “the reality is that the data is not valid or reliT able,” said Grand Rapids Public Schools* spokesperson John Helmholdt. “The (Grand Rapids) superintendent has1 communicated directly with the families that she does not support automatic retention and she will honor any and all requests for sti dents to not be retained,” Helmholdt said. MERGE, continued from page 1 Fox said in a press release. “We also both have deep relationships in our communities that are built upon providing excellent care and service. “Together, we can leverage both of our strengths to further our focus on providing exceptional care for our communities.” The organization would have dual head­ quarters in Grand Rapids and Southfield. “We are enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing together two of Michigan’s most respected health systems to create a new sys­ tem that improves the health of individuals throughout the state,” Beaumont Health Board Chair Julie Fream and Spectrum Health System Board Chairman Robert Roth said in a joint letter. “Together, we will have the abil­ ity to further build a high-quality health care and coverage network that is ‘For Michigan, By Michigan.’ ” A website created to provide information on the merger, formichiganbymichigan.org, said major changes are not expected under the new system®: r . “We will respect the current medical staff structures, and our medical staffs will contin­ ue to function locally while collaborating to share best practices and to advance high-qual­ ity clinical care,” a press release on the web­ site stated. There are no plans for immediate changes to the hospital brands, and foundations would continue to support their local communities. No hospitals or services are expected to be closed as a result of the mergei. “Spectrum Health Pennock and all of Spectrum Health continues to be committed to delivering care close to home,” Spectrum Health Pennock Regional Market Leader and President Angela Ditmar said ina statement to The Hastings Banner. “We are proud to - and will continue to - partner with dur local com­ munity to improve health, inspire hope and save lives.” “The Pennock Foundation wll continue to support health care locally wifi a commit­ ment that funds raised in local communities will stay in those communities,” Ditmar added. “Most importantly, our hospital will retain local governance oversight and focus on the key areas unique to our Idpal commu­ nities. “We want our hospitals to have peal voices that reflect the communities we save.” An article in Bridge Magazine roorted that Beaumont has signed letters of inent with a number of other health systems -Inot all of which ended in mergers. Beaumont entered into talks wth Henry Ford Health System in 2012, but negotiations collapsed the next year after Beaumont’s doctors objected. A merger talk with Summa Healk in Ohio fell apart after that company’s leaers with­ drew two months into the COVID19 pan­ demic. Another potential deal, this tike with Illinois- and Wisconsin-based Jjvocate Aurora, fell apart in October of last yar after unrest among Beaumont’s docton and a no-confidence petition which demaned that Fox and Chief Medical Officer Davl Wood Jr. be removed from leadership. Julie Fream, the chairwoman of Baumont Health’s Board of Directors, said is time will be different. “The initial conversation we’ve hl inter­ nally with our senior leadership and/ith the doctor leaders has been just one o excite­ ment,” Fream said. “They undersold and know Spectrum Health and so they are very excited to be able to share knowledge and to work together — whether that’s in research or in extending to the fields that they are in.” Beaumont did successfully merge with Dearborn-based Oakwood Healthcare System and Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills in 2015. A press release on formichiganbymichigan. orgTisted five shared goals for the new sys­ tem, including improving health and health equity, enhancing the consumer experience, improving health care quality, value and out­ comes, making health care more affordable and ensuring the voices of team members and physicians are heard. In addition to 22 hospitals, the system would have 305 outpatient locations with more than 7,500 affiliated, independent and employed physicians, more than 3,000 advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses. An $8.3 billion organization, Spectrum Health currently comprises 31,000 team members, 14 hospitals and the nation's third-largest provider-sponsored health plan Priority Health, which serves more than J million members across the State of Michigan Pennock Hospital in Hastings merged with Spectrum to become the networks’s 12th hos pitalin2015. Beaumont Health is Michigan’s largest healthcare system, with more than 33 IKK) employees, eight hospitals, 155 outpatient sites, nearly 5,000 affiliated physicians and $4.6 billion in annual revenue. The merger is not guaranteed, and must be approved by the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the FTC denied five hospital mergers last year. Middleville approves ORV restrictions Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Middleville Village Council Tuesday approved restrictions on the use of off-road vehicles in the village. The council voted 6-0 in favor of an ordinance change that will require any ORV operators who wish to drive their vehicles on village streets to have proof of no-fault insurance, proper installation of safety equipment, a valid Michigan registration and a license plate. The vote followed a public hearing on the proposal. “This is clarifying what is allowed for an ORV,” Village Planning and Zoning Administrator Brian Urquhart said. Trustee Mike Cramer, who proposed the amendment, said he sees ORV users out on local streets without proper registration or insurance. He said vehicles don’t have to have insurance if they are being used on off-road surfaces, but it’s different if they are being used on a public road. “The last thing I want to see is a Go Fund Me [page] for some kid because somebody hit him with a side-by-side and their insurance doesn’t cover it, and they go bankrupt and then there’s medical bills that’s not getting paid. There’s laws for a reason, and we’ve not gotten compliance,” Cramer said. “I am fine with side-by-sides being in the village, but make it legal. We have 5 percent of our side-by-side users that are compliant, and I applaud those people, and I welcome them to town to every village business that we have. But if you’re going to run [an ORV] without plates and insurance, take it somewhere else.” Andrew Beck, an ORV owner who lives in the Misty Ridge subdivision, spoke out against the changes. “ORVs are permitted, practical forms of transportation in rural areas,” Beck said. A provision in a 1994 state law does not require ORVs to be insured without being road-legal, Beck said. He asked the council to form a committee of council members and ORV owners to address issues around their use. “Riding an ORV on the road holds no extra liability to villages, cities, townships or counties - only on those licensed to drive the ORV,” Beck said. Barry County has an ORV ordinance that was adopted in 2016. That ordinance allows for ORVs to be operated on the far right side of county roads, with the flow of traffic, at speeds of no more than 25 mph. The ordinance does not call for any insurance requirements for ORVs. Such vehicles are not allowed on the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail, in the Barry State Game Area or on any other state-owned land. Neighboring Allegan County adopted a similar ORV ordinance earlier this month, which will go into effect July 1. “If you could mirror the same rules that Barry County has and Allegan County has, I could drive my ORV to Middleville and patronize your businesses, your gas stations, your restaurants,” said Scott Beltman, one of the leaders of the campaign for the Allegan County ordinance. “As far as putting insurance on [ORVs], that’s an undue burden that’s going to isolate the [village] from anybody else coming in.” The Village of Nashville last month adopted an ORV ordinance, allowing their use on the far right side of the street at a speed of no more than 25 mph. Vehicles must have an ORV sticker, but no insurance or licensing of vehicles is required. Council Trustee Kevin Smith said he reviewed insurance provisions for several carriers that insure side-by-sides and all­ terrain vehicles, and pointed out issues in the exclusions section of those policies. “It’s extremely clear that if you operate a non-street legal vehicle on the road, you are not covered. Period. End of story,” Smith said. “What the goal here is not to be restrictive, it’s to be protective,” he added. Among the safety equipment required for ORVs to be legally operated on village streets are high- and low-beam headlights, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, a horn, a windshield, windshield wipers/washers, an independent parking brake and street-legal tires, as required by the Michigan Mote Vehicle Code. The Middleville ordinance already allow ORVs to be operated on unimproved c vacant private property of at least 5 acres i size between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. with tf. permission of the landowner, but they cariia be operated within 200 feet of an adjacei residential property. Council Trustee Ed Schellinger was absefrom Tuesday’s meeting. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — Page 9 Consumers Energy announces plan to end coal use by 2025 Consumers Energy Wednesday announced a sweeping proposal to stop using coal as a fuel source for electricity by 2025 —15 years earlier than currently planned. The effort would make the company one of the first in the nation to go coal-free and provide a 20-year blueprint to meet Michigan’s energy needs while protecting the environment for future generations. “We are proud to lead Michigan’s clean energy transformation and be one of the first utilities in the country to end coal use,” presi­ dent and CEO Garrick Rochow said in a press release. “We are committed to being a force of change and good stewards of our environ­ ment, producing reliable, affordable energy for our customers while caring for our com­ munities during this transition.” The plan, which requires regulatory approv­ al, ensures Consomers Energy would: • Be among the first utilities in the nation to go coal-free by 2025 • Use 90 percent clean energy resourc­ es by 2040 • Build nearly 8,000 megawatts of solar energy to power Michigan’s homes and businesses by 2040 • Stay on the path to achieve net zero carbon emissions • Save customers about $650 million through 2040. If approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, the updated plan would speed closure of Consumers Energy’s three coalfired units at the Campbell generating com­ plex near Holland. Campbell 1 and 2, collec­ tively capable of producing more than 600 megawatts of electricity, would retire in 2025 — roughly six years sooner than their sched­ uled design lives. Campbell 3, capable of generating 840 MW, would also retire in 2025 roughly 15 years sobner than Re scheduled design life. The updated proposal also calls for moving up closure of Karn 3 and 4, in Essexville, units that run on natural gas and fuel oil and NEWS, continued from page 1 Elsie Sage to celebrate 97th birthday We are excited to announce that Elsie Sage will be 97 years old on July 8, 2021. Can you believe it? She is still going strong. She was a HHS graduate of the class of 1942 and has been a resident of Hastings since then. She is a wonderful piano and organ player and has volunteered her talent all around the area for many many years. Until only a couple of years ago she was still blessing others with her music at the Thomapple Manor on a weekly basis. For her last two birthdays she received well wishes from so many people and it brought her so much joy. Please make her day special again with a birthday wish sent to 904 W. Walnut St., Hastings, MI 49058. government, education, business and health care, Jacobs said. “The crisis in our democracy, disinformation and polarization, is in many ways a result of the collapse of local news,” Report for America’s Waldman said. “We have a unique opportunity to reverse this decline by filling newsrooms with talented journalists who not only view journalism as a public service, but who can make trusted connections with the communities they serve.” The Report for America program leverages a unique funding-match model, paying half of a corps member’s salary, while encouraging local and regional funders to contribute a matching amount. Donors in the Hastings community already have stepped up to help support the program. Report for America matched their pledge, and Simon joined The Banner news staff as a general assignment reporter earlier this month. Simon is covering the City of Hastings, Hastings Area School System along with general assignment news and features. In addition, Report for America requires him to perform a local public service project focused on student journalism. “At J-Ad, we remain committed to covering as much local news as possible,” Jacobs said, “but the loss of regular advertisers is making it nearly impossible to keep up with the growing need. Our reporters cover local government, schools, sports, events and more for the entire county and beyond, which puts a strain on our budgets. Now, with increasing costs in ink, newsprint and general expenses, the pressure has grown even greater. “For J-Ad to be acknowledged by Report for America as an important source of journalism in a local market was one of the greatest honors I’ve experienced in my over 50 years in the industry. We will do our best to live up to their expectations by giving Ben a level of experience that so many young journalists were able to obtain as beat reporters.” The model being tried here is seeing demonstrated success in newsrooms across the nation, Waldman said. It relies on continuing to grow philanthropic support for news organizations from the communities “For J-Ad to be acknowledged by Report for America as an important source of journalism in a local market was one of the greatest honors I’ve experienced in my over 50 years in the indus­ try. We will do our best to live up to their expectations by giving Ben a level of experience that so many young journalists were able to obtain as beat reporters.” J-Ad Graphics Inc. CEO/ Publisher Fred Jacobs they serve. In all, Report for America had a nearly $10 million philanthropic impact on U.S. local news in 2020. The total amount donated to Report for America newsrooms grew from $861,000 in 2019 to $4.6 million - a 61-percent increase per reporter. Additional leading, current supporters include: The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Facebook Journalism Project; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Natasha and Dirk Ziff; The Joyce Foundation; Lumina Foundation; Jonathan Logan Family Foundation; Craig Newmark Philanthropies; Chan Zuckerberg Initiative; Heising-Simons Foundation; Tow Foundation; Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation; Henry L. Kimelman Foundation; the Wunderkinder Foundation; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Evelyn Y. Davis Foundation; Jesse and Betsy Fink; Leon Levy Foundation; Inasmuch Foundation; Select Equity Group Foundation; Annie E. Casey Foundation; Vai 7S. Browning Charitable Foundation; Newman’s Own Foundation; Further Forward Foundation; and McClatchy Foundation. Report for America is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, a nonprofit journalism organization that helps place journalists in local newsrooms to report on the community. Dennis and Andrea Storrs to celebrate 50th anniversary Andrea and Dennis Storrs of Hastings are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on June 26. They were married at the Middleville United Methodist Church on June 26, 1971. The couple has two children, Jeff (Danielle) Storrs and Steven (Ashlee) Storrs, both of Hastings, and five grandchildren, Jackson, William, Stella, Sylvia, and Fitzgerald. Danielle Brooke Friend, Hastings and Raymond Jason McConnon, Grand Rapids Shane Andrew Woodhull, Waterford and Megan Katherine Hazel, Hastings William Thomas Jazwinski, Middleville and Lisa Ann Andrus, Middleville Teri Ann Stayton, Freeport and Charles Wesley Gray, Wayland Kyle Richard Friberg, Grand Rapids and Camille Bess Means, Wayland Matthew Timothy Slobe, Caledonia and Madelynn Grace Benedict, Hastings ZacheryMichael Guthrie-Thompson, Hastings and Megan Ann Green, Nashville Ross Allen Voogd, Middleville and Charity Sue Fredrick, Belding Julian Huitzilopochtli Arenas, Middleville and Alma Delfina Montiel Flores, Middleville Kaitlyn Grace Jarvis, Delton and Mid James Sutherland, Battle Creek Heather Marie Bloch, Hastings and Scott Michael Minnich, Hastings From tiny seeds to big trees Dr. Universe: How do tiny seeds make huge trees? Robin, age 8 Dear Robin, . If you’ve ever eaten a handful of trail mix, you’ve likely eaten quite a few seeds from trees. Some nuts, like cashews and almonds, are also seeds that can give us energy when we hike or play. Seeds actually store their own energy in the form of starch, which is kind of like the food a seed needs to survive. The seed will use this stored-up energy to start growing into a tree. My friend Soon Li Teh, a scientist at Washington State University who research­ es apple and pear trees, told me more about it. When we water a seed, the water triggers a process that allows the plant or tree to start germinating. Under the soil, the seed pops open and little roots and leaves start to develop. It is completely dark under the soil, but once the seed sprouts up through the top of the soil, it can start to sense light. That’s really important because at this point, pretty much all the energy that was contained in that tiny seed has been used up in the growing process. But now that the tree has leaves, it will be able to use those leaves to absorb sunlight and help make a new kind of energy. “Sunlight, water and carbon dioxide com­ bine together to give the trees resources to build its own food system,” Teh said. The trees can use those ingredients to make carbohydrates they need to survive in the world. You also take in carbohydrates when you eat food. These important nutri­ ents help power our bodies and help us grow. For trees, this food system that makes carbohydrates helps the tree grow more leaves, fruit and a thicker trunk as well as grow taller. > At WSU, Teh and his team are asking big questions about pear trees. They are curious about ways to grow trees that produce lots of delicious fruit for farmers to harvest and for us to eat. It turns out that researchers and farmers don’t always need a seed to grow a tree. They can actually take a branch or twig from a tree, called a scion, and connect it to another tree’s healthy root system. Through this process, which is called grafting, a huge tree can start to grow from an individual branch. In fact, this is how farmers and researchers help grow a lot of the trees that produce apples and pears that end up in the supermarket. Whether a tree starts out as a seed or scion, remember how its ability to make and use energy is really important for growing up big and strong. Perhaps you can keep an eye out for seeds in nature or even at the dinner table. Maybe you’ll spot the helicopter-like seed pods of the maple tree, discover tiny seeds inside a pine cone, or even find a few seeds in the food on your plate. can generate more than 1,100 MW to meet peak demand, to 2023 — about eight years sooner than their design lives. “Consumers Energy is committed to a just transition away from coal as a fuel source for electricity,” said Brandon Hofmeister, senior vice president for governmental, regulatory and public affairs. “We supported employees and communities impacted by our 2016 coal retirements by finding new roles for workers who wanted to stay, fulfilling our environmental responsibilities at the sites and helping local leaders pursue new economic possibili­ ties. We plan to follow the same philosophy to help those affected by the proposed Campbell and Karn retirements.” By 2040, clean, renewable fuel sources, such as solar and wind, will comprise more than 60 percent of the company’s electric capacity. Combining that growth with advanc­ es in energy storage and customer efficiency will allow it to meet customers’ needs with 90 percent clean energy resources. The transition to clean, renewable sources includes the addi­ tion of nearly 8,000 megawatts of solar power. The solar ramp-up has begun and will con­ tinue throughout the 2020s. Consumers Energy currently operates solar power plants at Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University and in Cadillac and purchas­ es solar generation from several sites in Michigan. To ensure continued reliable, affordable energy for Michigan and the Midwest during this historic transition away from coal gener- ation, Consumers Energy proposes buying four existing natural gas-fired power plants in the state: Covert Generating Station in Van Buren County; Dearborn Industrial Generation in Wayne County; Kalamazoo River Generating Station in Kalamazoo County; and Livingston Generating Station in Otsego County. The proposed purchases require state and federal regulatory approvals. The Kalamazoo River and Livingston plants are smaller and used primarily to meet peak demand. These natural gas plants — along with Consumers Energy’s current natural gas-fired power plants in Zeeland and Jackson — would supply steady, reliable electricity for homes and businesses as the company invests more heavily in renewable energy and contin­ ues to explore emerging technology to mini­ mize impact on the environment, according to the press release. The plan creates price stability and, by using natural gas as a fuel source to generate baseload power, would save customers about $650 million through 2040 compared to its current plan. Further, the increased use of demand-management tools, such as energy waste reduction programs, would give cus­ tomers more control over their monthly ener­ gy bills, equipping them to save energy and money over the long term. More information on the clean energy plan can be found at ConsumersEnergy.com/ change. Financial FOCUS f Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Member SIPC Jeff Domenico, AAMS® Financial Advisor Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 423 N. Main St. Hastings, Ml 49058 Nashville, Ml (269) 948-8265 (517)760-8113 Even “singles” need estate plans If you don’t have a spouse or children, you might think you don’t need to do much es­ tate planning. But if you have any assets, any familial con­ nections, any interest in sup­ porting charitable groups - not to mention a desire to control your own future - you do need to establish an estate plan. In evaluating your needs for this type of planning, let’s start with what might happen if you die intestate - that is, without a last will and testament. In this scenario, your assets will likely have to go through the probate process, which means they’ll be distributed by the court according to your state’s intestate succession laws, es­ sentially without regard to your wishes. Even if you don’t have children yourself, you may have nephews or nieces, or even children of cousins or friends, to whom you would like to leave some of your assets, which can include not just money but also cars, col­ lectibles, family memorabilia and so on. But if everything you own goes through pro­ bate, there’s no guarantee that these individuals will end up with what you wanted them to have. If you want to leave some­ thing to family members or close friends, you will need to indicate this in your last will and testament or other estate planning documents. But you also may want to provide sup­ port to one or more charitable organizations. Of course, you can simply name these charities in your will, but there may be options that could provide you with more benefits. One such possibility is a charitable remainder trust Under this arrangement, you’d transfer appreciated assets such as stocks, mutual funds or other securities - into an irrevocable trust. The trust­ ee, whom you’ve named - in fact, you could serve as trust­ ee yourself - can then sell the assets at full market value, avoiding the capital gains tax­ es you’d have to pay if you sold them yourself, outside a trust. Plus, if you itemize, you may be able to claim a chari­ table deduction on your taxes. With the proceeds, the trust can purchase income-pro­ ducing assets and provide you with an income stream for the rest of your life. Upon your death, the remaining trust assets will go the charities you’ve named. Aside from family mem­ bers and charitable groups, there’s a third entity that’s cen­ tral to your estate plans: your­ self. Everyone should make arrangements to protect their interests, but, in the absence of an immediate family, you need to be especially vigilant about your financial and health care decisions. And that’s why, as of your estate planning,you may want to include these two documents: durable pow­ er of attorney and a health care proxy. A durable power of attor­ ney lets you name someone to manage your finances should you become incapacitated. This arrangement is espe­ cially important for anyone who doesn’t have a spouse to step in. And if you become incapacitated, your health care proxy - also known as a health care surrogate or med­ ical power of attorney - lets you name another person to legally make health care deci­ sions for you if you can’t do so yourself. Estate planning moves can be complex, so you’ll need help from a legal professional and possibly your tax and fi­ nancial advisors. You may not have an immediate family, but you still need to take steps to protect your legacy. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones. SIPC. Member NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale five pickups: (5) 2020 GMC 2500 Crew Cab. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 29, 2021 for the following items. Please mark outside of bid envelope with truck number i.e #900020. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above phone number or at our website www.barrycrc.org., please make an appointment for all viewings of the trucks. NOTE: All trucks are sold as is. Due to COVID 19 the opening will be done by Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 10:30 AM. https ://zoom. us/j/94238444705?pwd=aTc3aH I FQ2tWZI R uajl u UTFWQ VQxZzO9 Meeting ID: 942 3844 4705, Passcode: 815407, (312) 626 6799 US (Chicago) (5) 2020 GMC 2500 Crew Cab SLE Pickups 4WD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors 1 - Cardinal Red - #900020- Orange Title Approximately 23,462 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 1 - Cardinal Red - #900080 - Orange - Approximately 18,680 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 1-Onyx Black- #900100- Orange Title - Approximately 7,750 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 1-Summit White- #900120 - Orange Title - Approximately 12,885 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 1-Onyx Black- #900140- Orange Title - Approximately 16,187 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,000 Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. (Orange Title = MUNICIPAL Title - NOT Salvage Title) NOTE: All mileages are approximate - trucks are being driven until they are sold. The board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. , �Page 10 — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — The Hastings Banner HHS releases latest honor roll Teenagers warned against stealing marijuana leaves A 50-year-old man called police at 5:06 p.m. June 18 to report two teenage boys had broken into his shed in an attempt to steal his marijuana leaves. The man, a resident of the Yankee Springs Meadows mobile home community, said his son caught two teenagers, age 14 and 17, breaking into the shed. The man talked to the parents of the 14-year-old, who agreed to have their son work for the man in exchange for not pressing charges. But the man said the mother of the 17-year-old said the teen refused to work with him, and he is considering charges. He also heard the 17-year-old had a handgun and stun gun. The offi­ cer met the teenager, and confiscated the stun gun and “handgun” which turned out to be a black airsoft gun. The officer gave the teenager a warning and informed him that he was banned from the trailer park. The case was closed. Erratic driver flags down officer while high An officer noticed a vehicle erratically speeding up and braking while on M-37 Highway at 4 a.m. June 20. The officer followed the vehicle until it pulled onto the shoul­ der near Timber Creek Drive in Thomapple Township. The officer walked up to the vehi­ cle, and the driver, a 43-year-old Kalamazoo woman, said she flagged the officer down to thank him for everything he does. While she was saying this, the officer detected the smell of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. The woman admitted to smoking more than one joint while driving from Kalamazoo. She reportedly had a hard time staying on topic while talking to the officer, and failed the field sobriety tests. She was arrested, and her driver’s license was confiscated. Speeding driver arrested for OWI A 39-year-old Dowling man was arrested for operating while intoxicated while driving on Lawrence Road near Foster Road in Baltimore Township at 10:44 p.m. June 19. An officer was dispatched to the area after receiving a report of a reckless driver. The officer observed the vehicle traveling at 70 mph before initiating a traffic stop. The driver said he had sped up because the officer was tailgating him. He admitted to drinking a beer about an hour prior to being stopped, but refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test. The man failed his field sobriety tests and, at one point, got into an argument with the officer over which foot was his right or left. He was taken to the hospital to get a blood sample and then was transported to the county jail. Drunken driver hits two other vehicles A 50-year-old Dorr man was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated after striking two other vehicles on M-37 near Schnurr Lane in Thomapple Township at 5:16 p.m. June 14. Witnesses said the driver of a black Chevrolet Impala hit a van and Jeep, and the aftermath of the crash blocked the road. The passenger of one of the other vehicles was taken to a hospital with a minor injury. The driver of the Impala admitted to drinking four or five beers before driving, and had a 0.322 blood alcohol content. He also admitted to having a handgun in the car, for which he did not have a license. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads • Independent and Assisted Living • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillagi 690 W. Main Street. Middleville, MI 49333 CHARGE NURSE NEEDED Hastings High School has announced its honor roll for the conclusion of the 2021-22 academic year. The honor roll is calculated based on a cumulative grade point average, starting with a student’s first semester of high school through the end of second semester this school year. Designations vary by grade level. An asterisk^) indicates a 4.0 or higher GPA. Students on the honor roll include: 12th grade Top honors* (4.0 and above) Kirby Beck, M. Grace Green, Addison Horrmann, Jesse Hunt, Maggie Nedbalek, Samuel Randall, Lauren Sensiba, Abigail Waller, Kayla Willard. Highest honors (3.75-3.99) Kierstyn Brisco, Ethan Caris, Ella Carroll, Skyler Grego, Sophia Groendal, Ry lee Honsowitz, Jade Hunter, Daisy Kerby, Alexander Malmquist-Hubert, Jessica McKeever, Caeleb Meyers, Zackary Perry, Nathan Phillips, Ainsley Reser, Hannah Slaughter, Aura Wahl-Piotrowski. High honors (3.25-3.74) Emma Alexander, Kennedy Allyn, Jacob Arens, Valeria Arias-Franco, Alanna Beerman, Austin Bleam, Aubree Bond, Juliet Bradfield, Haily Christie, Ryan Diljak, Skylar Dixon, Aubree Donaldson, Mitchell Eldred, Autumn Fox, Daniel Hall, Alexia Herblet, Carter Hewitt, William Jensen, Rose Lambert, Savana Leonard, Pay ton Levett, Juliann Meeker, Jessica Mueller, Jacob Neil, Josephine Nickels, Bailey Nye, Gavin Patton, Grayson Patton, Canton Pederson, Lainey Smith, Logan Smith, Nicholas Stafford, Nicole Strouse, Matthew Sweeney, Lucas Teunessen, Brynn Tumes, Corbin Ulrich, Michael VanDorp, Reese Warner, Emma White, Thomas Wickham, Pheonix Work. Honor roll (3.0-3.24) Kathleen Ahearn, Kaylee Bennett, Kierstin Boulter, Zebulon Carey, Keegan Cook, Ethan Dunn, Evan Eastman, Scott Fischer, Rachel Graham, Hunter Hays, Morgan Howell, Ashland Hoyt, Lauralie Hyatt, August Malik, Andrew Markley, Madison McMasters, Raven Morrow, Isaac Oberlin, Morgan Poe, Justice Pyle, Lucas Richards, Alanna Rivera, Hayden Smith, Johnathan Solmes, Leila Sweeney, Briana VanDenberg, Javen VanZalen, Brianna White. 11th grade Highest honors (3.75 and above) *Ruby Barber, ^Brianna Barnes, Andrew Bassett, Hannah Crozier, *Hailey Graham, MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 FOR ELDERLY CARE COMMUNITY • • New Cotton Prints Part-time hours at 24+ per week. (many color choices) > • 108" Wide Cotton : • Cute Children’s Cottons Apply in person at 690 W. Main St. Middleville MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com __ (Zarveth Villas'e —— ----- — of Middleville www.CarvethVillage .com 'Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 ; • Zippers, Threads, Trims £ 1? "Pray. Ter Our Country. 'J QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • M 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station METAL ROOFING CLEARANCE! CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com BEAUTIFUL • W0™Y-Ff^ GUARANTEED SAVE UP TO 40% NOW!!! Hurry! Take Advantage Of This Month’s Amazing Discount Offer - For Details Visit: AmericanMetalRoofs.com of Middleville www.CarvethVillage.com ‘Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 Lindsey Herron, Connor Lindsey, ^Patrick Mallory, BreAnn Micklatcher, *Taylor Owen, ^Matthew Pattok, Emily Roe, Harrison Smalley, *Carissa Strouse, Allison Teed, *Emma VanDenburg, *Hannah Vann, Braden Vertalka, Breanna Willard, Owen Winegar, *Sage Winters. High honors (3.25-3.74) Hannah Bancroft, Faith Beede, Arian Bond, Matthew Bouchard, Rory Campbell, Justin Castelein, Marah Courtney, Mason Denton, Ian Dexter, Jackson DuBois, Cameron Eaton, Anna English, Patrick Gee, Morgan Gregory, Kali Grimes, Alexis Gummo, Joslyn Hinkle, Wyatt Holman, Aihsley Jones, Grace Kurr, Ethan Malik, Glen McFarlan, Joseph McLean, Noah Mead, Kiley Miles, Jenna Miller, Makayla Parsons, Andre Perez, Madison Pettengill, Dakota Roll, Phoebe Schantz, Ellen Shults, Azaleigha Wemigwans, Brooklynn Youngs. Honor roll (3.0-3.24) Elisabeth Arnold, Riley Bies, Summer Caldwell, Brandon Darling, Kierstyn Downs, Jacob Fish, Zachary Franklin, Drew Gleeson, Claire Green, Kaycie Jenkins, Madison McWhinney, Abigail Owen, Mary Park, Carter Rosenberger, Tristin Russell, Blake Sheldon, Caleb Teunessen, Mitchel Vann, Carly Warner. 10th grade Highest honors (3.75 and above) Lauren Arnold, Abigail Barton, *Isobelle Bergeron, Eve Bishop, Kathryn Clark, Bailey Cook, Ericka Critzer, *Grace Curtis, * Valery Eaton, Joseph Goggins, *Anna Haywood, Jocelyn Hernandez-Hernandez, Anden Hines, Gabrielle Horrmann, Jack Kensington, *Julia McLean, *Moily Patton, Isaiah Randall, Emily Simmons, *Isabelle Storm, *Kearan Tolles, Caleb Waller. High honors (3.50-3.74) Sophia Ahearn, Valentina Arias-Franco, Joy Aukerman, Reed Balderson, Saanj Bhakta, Mekih Botsford, Joseph Brisco,# Jackson Casey, Alivia Cassini, Erin Daniels* Justus Forell, Zara Franklin, Zachary Gole^ Victoria Jerzyk, Nathan Kohmescher, Juan, Osorio, Ashton Rasey, Cailin Redman Mackenzi Rivera, Marissa Roberts, Megan^ Rowley, Robert Slaughter, Bailey Southwell^ Lauren Taylor. Honor roll (3.25-3.49) ? Layton Eastman, Abby Gaskill, Graycee McCarty, Payton Miller, Amber Rabideau, Peighton Reser, Bayne Signeski, Ella Tellkamp, Aiyanah Wemigwans, Macy Winegar. / iw 1 1 Ninth grade Highest honors (3.75 and above) *Lucy Barnard, * Abigail Beemer, DiegoJ Coipel, *Lily Comensoli, Alydar Chad Digo, Logan Graham, Heath Hays, * Alexandr a* Herder, Allison Kerby, Olivia Meeker, Natalie, Minch, Kaitlyn Moore, Raegen Morrison^ * Adeline Nickels, Abigail Peake, Raedyn Rathbun, Riley Shults, Ellie Smith, ReubenJ Solmes, Sophia Sunior, *Olivia White. J High honors (3.50-3.74) Mason Bailey, Dekota Blough, Jackson Byers, Owen Carroll, Trey Casey, Jord^ Downs, David Jiles, Coreena Marsiglia^ Patricia Sue, Howard Teed, AdrianneJ VanDenburg, Audrey Vertalka. Honor roll (3.25-3.49) Blake Barnum, Kacey Campbell, PeightynJ Cronk, Kimber Fenstemaker, Lucas Gray^ Damien Green, A. Lang Haines, Dementia Johnson, Madysen Kuestner, Caleb LaBoe, Camilla Loss, Aiden Morton, Aubree Rowset Brennan Sensiba, Lars Sorensen, Landon Steward, Gavin Tinkler. Gypsy moth feeding season nearing its end/ Gypsy moth caterpillars have been busy this spring in areas across Michigan including Barry County. As these now large caterpillars near the pupal or cocoon stage, tree defoliation is at its peak. In highly infested areas, the caterpillars* munching is audible, -and round pellets-of trass, or waste, rain down throughout the day and night. Oaks, aspens, willows and other host trees may be nearly leafless, or defoliated, by their feeding. The hairy, yellow-faced caterpillars with pairs of red and blue spots down their backs can be found on buildings, vehicles, equipment or anything that’s been outside for a while. Widespread invasive gypsy moth outbreaks in Michigan became apparent in the mid1980s. Suppression programs in the 1990s and 2000s introduced predators, parasitoids and a fungal disease called Entomophaga maimaiga to aid the naturally occurring nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) in controlling populations. NPV and the fungal disease have important benefits - they are specific to gypsy moth populations and do not affect people, pets or beneficial insects like pollinators or insect predators. In addition, they remain in the environment, continuing to help control gypsy moth populations every year. The fungal disease spreads best in moist springs, so this year’s drought conditions may have slowed its activity. These suppression efforts have continued to keep gypsy moth populations largely in check since the 1990s, naturalizing gypsy moth infestations into Michigan’s forests. Today, gypsy moth outbreaks are cyclical, peaking approximately every seven to 10 years. In these years, the virus and the fungal disease are spread more easily through dense populations, eventually causing a crash. WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW After six to eight weeks of feeding, caterpillars build cocoons. This inactive stage should be beginning now in the southern Lower Peninsula and in one to two weeks in the northern Lower Peninsula, providing a natural end to the nuisance. If trees have been defoliated in a yard, water them frequently to help them “re-flush” and produce a second set of leaf buds for the year. Healthy forests will re-flush on their own with little to no long term impacts. Some decline is natural. Removing old or stressed trees from the ecosystem is critical to allow for more vigorous regeneration to take their place. While caterpillars prefer leaves, if forced to, they will eat needles on pines, spruces and other conifers. These trees cannot re-flush, so remove caterpillars when possible to prevent tree loss. The window for effective pesticide application has passed, but if caterpillars remain a nuisance on your property, there are a few inexpensive but effective things you can do to protect individual trees. Make a tree trunk trap: Cut a band of burlap 18 inches wide and long enough to go around the tree trunk and overlap a bit. Tie a string around the center of the band to make a two­ layered skirt around the trunk. When caterpillars climb trees daily to feed, they will get caught in the band. Scrape them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Use a safe and easy spray: Soap and water A gypsy moth caterpillar chews on a crabapple tree in Irving Township. Gypsy moth caterpillars have paired blue and red dots down their backs and tufts of hair on their sides. (Photo by Brett Bremer) mixed in a garden sprayer can be applied to caterpillars climbing on trunks, decks or siding. Gear up: It’s best to wear gloves when coming into contact with caterpillars, as their hairs can cause a slight allergic reaction in some people. For additional helpful tips, visit Michigan State University’s Integrated Pest Management gypsy moth webpage at CANR.MSU.edu. WHAT’S NEXT? Approximately two weeks after cocooning, adult gypsy moths will emerge for a short mating cycle. Females are white with brown to black markings and do not fly. Males are gray to brown with dark markings and will fly to locate females. Females produce a single, fuzzy, tan to brown egg mass that can hold over 200 eggs. Egg masses will persist until next spring when the hatch begins. To lessen impacts next year, it is important to look for, remove and destroy egg masses. ..... • Look on trees, buildings, outdoor furniture and playsets - anything that’s outside. • Use a scraper or hard plastic card to scrape egg masses into a container of soapy water. • Let them soak overnight, then bag and dispose of them. • Alternately, egg masses can be placed in a fire and burned. • Note that just scraping them onto the ground will not kill the eggs, and egg masses will still hatch next spring. • It’s important to check for and remove egg masses from cars, equipment and anything that has been outdoors before you pack up for your travels. • Leave firewood at home - it’s a common source for spreading gypsy moth. To find out more about invasive gypsy moth life stages, identification and management, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — Page 11 Ronald Ivan Allerding Jr., 30, of Hastings, was convicted of delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, on or about April 28 and May 8, 2020, in Hastings Charter Township. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Michael Schipper to serve 36 to 240 months in prison and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Anthony Janies Holtman, 26, of Hastings, was convicted of third-degree fleeing a police officer when he was signaled to stop, breaking and entering/illegal entry of an out-building on Heath Road, and assaulting/resisting/ obstructing a uniformed Michigan Department of Natural Resources officer March 18 in Rutland Charter Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 63 days in jail, with credit for 63 days served concurrently for each of the three crimes. Holtman was ordered to pay $698 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. He also was ordered to live with his father and placed on a curfew tether. Other charges of assaulting/resisting/ obstructing a police officer, reckless driving on M-43, operating a vehicle on a suspended license and having an open container of alco­ hol in a vehicle were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Duane Russell Harrington, 35, of St. Johns, was convicted of possession of a con­ trolled substance, methamphetamine, Jan. 9 in Nashville. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 90 days in jail, with credit for 46 days served, ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months. Harrington’s driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. In a second case, Harrington was convicted of possession of methamphetamine Feb. 23 in Nashville and received a concurrent sentence of 28 days in jail, with credit for 28 days served. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Hunter VanValkenburg, 21, of Hastings, had his probation revoked and was convicted of unlawfully driving a motor vehicle May 26, 2020, in Rutland Charter Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 40 to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,196 in fines and costs. VanValkenburg has been previously convicted of multiple felo­ nies in Barry County, including assaulting an Employee in the county jail and assaulting/ resisting/obstructing a police officer Feb. 5, 2020; attempted breaking and entering June 15, 2017, and carjacking Nov. 30, 2020, in Hastings. Amanda Lynn Brinks, 40, of Hastings, was convicted of domestic violence as a thirdtime offender Feb. 2 in Hastings. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 37 days in jail, with credit for 37 days served. She also was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. Rusty John-William Roe, 55, of Dowling, was convicted of possessing a controlled sub­ stance, less than 25 grams of a mixture con­ taining cocaine, and furnishing police with false verbal or written information identifying himself as another person while being detained by police for violating the Michigan Vehicle Code Jan. 1 in Johnstown Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 365 days in jail, with credit for 23 days served, for the first crime and a concurrent term of 90 days in jail, with credit for 23 days served for the second crime. His driver’s license was sus­ pended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Kenneth James Poole, 65, of Lake Odessa, was convicted of domestic violence Feb. 4 in Woodland Township, and sentenced by Judge Schipper to 14 days in jail, with credit for 14 days served. Poole was ordered to pay $325 in fines and costs. A June 29 release date was set, and he was placed on probation for 12 months. He also was ordered to have no con­ tact with the victim. A charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, a pistol, was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Stephen Michael Shipman, 39, of Vermontville, was convicted of two counts of assaulting or resisting and obstructing police officers May 18,2019, on Middle Lake Drive in Carlton Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to concurrent terms of 489 days in jail, with credit for 489 days served. Shipman was ordered to pay $566 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 12 months. He was instructed to continue with mental health treatment and take all medications exactly as prescribed. Two other charges of assaulting a police officer and operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license were dismissed at the time of sentencing. David William Harvey-Boze, 36, of Delton, was convicted of possession of a con­ trolled substance, methamphetamine, Dec. 13 , 2020, in Thomapple Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 60 days in jail, ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs, and was placed on probation for 24 months. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He was ordered to comply with all the terms listed in the presentence investigation report. Cody Joe Reid, 36, of Delton, was con­ victed of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, July 13,2020, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve l80 days in .jail, with credit for i31a days served. Reid was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He must successfully complete Office of Community Corrections programs, including the Cog Group. In a second conviction for possession of methamphetamine, Reid received a concur­ rent sentence of 180 days in jail, with credit for 45 days served, Fines and costs are $998 and 24 months on probation are concurrent with the first sentence. Banner CL/ PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. -1EDS Garage Sale Business Services GARAGE SALE- FRI­ DAY-SATURDAY, June 25 & 26, 2021 9am-5pm. 12368 S. M-37 Hwy., Dowling. Power tools, lawn equipment, misc tools, misc household, glass­ ware, children's bikes. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. POLE BARN YARD SALE: Come check out the finds we have for you. Tools, tools, and more hand tools. Lots of nuts and bolts, also screws. We have wire terminal refriger­ ation parts. Shelving. Camp­ ing gear. Table saw, propane heater, & more. Also tread­ mill. Outdoor stove top grill. We will accept reasonable offers. Time: Friday 6/25/21 10am-6pm, Saturday 6/26/21 9am-6pm. 2950 Heller Rd., Middleville. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. For Sale SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28856-DE Estate of Ben E. Hulsebus. Date of birth: 11/01/1957. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Ben E. Hulsebus, died 04/02/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Linda L. Hulsebus, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Hastings, Michigan and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/14/2021 Robert J. Longstreet P53546 607 N. Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-3495 Linda L. Hulsebus 617 S. Payne Lake Road Wayland, Michigan 49348 (269)795-3178 163049 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28864-DE Estate of Lawrence D. Hale, deceased. Date of birth: 07/02/1964. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Lawrence D. Hale, died 01/04/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Eric S. Hale, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/16/2021 Robert J. Longstreet P53546 607 N. Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-3495 Eric S. Hale 2895 McKeown Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (517)213-6500 163076 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE SALE DEFAULT having been made in the conditions of a certain Mortgage dated October 18, 1994 as recorded in Liber 617, Page 490 of the Barry County Register of Deeds Office, made by VIOLET FINNANGER, a single woman, whose address was 2700 Nashville Road, Hastings Michigan 49058, as Mortgagor, as assigned in the Barry County Register of Deeds to Bernard F. Banash and Minnie B. Banash, husband and wife, whose address was 8412 Jaspar Drive F-101, Newport Richie, Florida 34652, as-subsequently-^.Rigned to their son, BernardBanash as shown in Barry County Record Number 2021-002987 on March 12, 2021, securing that certain Note between Violet Finnanger as Debtor and Bernard F. Banash and Minnie B. Banash, husband and wife, as Creditor, dated October 18,1994. There is claimed to be due thereon, at the date of this notice, for principal and interest, the sum of TWENTY SIX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTY SEVEN AND 40/100-($26,767.40) Dollars with interest at the rate of 10%, as secured by the above-referenced mortgage as of the date of the sale, July 15,2021. There also shall be attorneys fees, unpaid real estate taxes and costs. And no proceedings having been instituted to recover the debt now remaining secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof, whereby the power of sale contained in said Mortgage has become operative; NOW, THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by virtue of the Power of Sale contained in said Mortgage, and in pursuance of the statute in such case made and provided, the above said Mortgage, will be foreclosed by a sale of the premises therein described, or so much thereof as may be necessary, at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse, County of Barry, Michigan, that being the place of holding the Circuit Court in and for said County on the 15th day of July, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, of said day and said premises will be sold to pay the amount so as aforesaid then due on said Mortgage, together with interest payable at the rate of 10%, together with late fees, legal costs, attorneys fees and also any taxes and insurance that said Mortgagee does pay on or prior to the date of said sale together with interest thereon as though on an open account at the rate of 5% per annum; which said premises are described in said Mortgage, to-wit: PREMISES SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST % POST OF SECTION 5, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE NORTH 300 FEET, THENCE EAST 322.5 FEET FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THENCE NORTH 256 FEET, THENCE EAST 252 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 176 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 88°6’ WEST 135.7 FEET, THENCE NORTH 89°14’ WEST, 74.6 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 1°13’WEST, 76.5 FEET, THENCE WEST 40 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. TOGETHER WITH A RIGHT OF WAY TO AND FROM TWIN LAKES OVER THE NORTH 14 FEET OF A RIGHT OF WAY AS DESCRIBED IN LIBER 315 PAGE 150. THAT RIGHT OF WAY TO WALK TO AND FROM TWIN LAKE AND THE RIGHT TO ANCHOR A BOAT ON THE SHORE ADJACENT TO SAID RIGHT OF WAY AND ALSO AN EASEMENT OVER A STRIP OF LAND PRESENTLY EXISTING SOUTH OF A LINE DESCRIBED AT: COMMENCING AT THE WEST % POST OF SECTION 3, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE NORTH 310 FEET, THENCE NORTH 85°50’ EAST 312.4 FEET, THENCE NORTH 79°0’ EAST 64.8 FEET, THENCE FROM SAID LINE IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION OVER A DRIVE PRESENTLY IN EXISTENCE TO PLAINTIFF’S PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. GIVING ACCESS FROM THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO NORTH BROADWAY, COMMONLY KNOWN AS M-43. ALSO TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT FOR AN EASMENT OF RIGHT OF WAY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY FOR CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY AND MICHIGAN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY IN ORDER TO HAVE ELECTRIC, GAS AND PHONE SERVICE TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY. Commonly known as: Vacant land The period of redemption will be six (6) months from date of sale unless the property shall be determined to be abandoned. Dated: June 7, 2021 David H. Tripp Drafted by: David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:\DHT Client FilesXBanash, Bernard and MinnieX ForeclosureXNotice of Mortgage Sale.doc 162329 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28853-DE Estate of Joseph B. Good. Date of birth: 05/11/1953. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Joseph B. Good, died 08/27/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Aaron L. Good, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 6/17/2021 Diane K. Peters P52818 905 W. Michigan Avenue Marshall, Ml 49068 269-248-6500 Aaron L. Good 606 Capital Avenue Bellevue, Ml 49021 (269)924-4340 163048 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21028843-DE Court Address 206 West Court, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: 269-945-1390 Estate of Dennis Leroy Smith. Date of birth: 02/06/1955. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dennis Leroy Smith, died 01/09/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Tyler Smith, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/16/2021 David H. Tripp P29290 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2900 Tyler Smith 4710 West Cloverdale Road Delton, Ml 49046 269-720-0522 Notice of Execution Sale on Real Property Case Number 19-053225 ck Notice is hereby given that by virtue of an Execution against property, issued by the Judge of the 40th Circuit Court , State of Michigan, against Mason and Susan Richardson upon a judgment on 7-17-20 in favor of Lakestone Bank Plaintiff, and against said Def. Mason and Susan Richardson that on 3-8-2021 , I Sott Hope Deputy Sheriff levied the writ of execution on and took all rights, title, and interest of above said Def. Mason and Susan Richardson in the following, real estate. Said levy recorded in Barry County Records 2021-002913 PAGES 1 of 3 Land Situated in the township of Orangeville County of Barry, State of Michigan Commonly Known as 12011 Parkway Dr Tax Id 11 006-082-13 Notice is hereby given I will auction all of the Defendant rights title and interest in these propertys as law directs to the highest bidder at the location of the Barry County Court House in the State of Michigan, on the 14rd Day of July 2021, at 11:00 am. 5-21-2021 Signed this Date Scott L. Hope Court Office/ Deputy Sheriff Any Questions : Call Scott Hope at or (810)869-1001 Barry- State of Michigan VS Richardson (5-27) (7-1) 161234 (05-27)(07-01) NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS; The Settlor, Norman M. Francis, (07/07/1934), who lived in Hastings, Ml died 05/30/2021. Mark J. Francis is the Successor Trustee of the NormanM.Trancis Revocable Trust. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Norman M. Francis Revocable Trust dated 11/05/2018, will be forever banned unless presented to Mark J. Francis within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Date: 06/16/2021 Mark J. Francis, Trustee 1602W. Kalamo Charlotte, Ml 48813 517-541-1267 163051 FORECLOSURE NOTICE (ALL COUNTIES) AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. ATTENTION HOMEOWNER: IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY, IF YOUR PERIOD OF ACTIVE DUTY HAS CONCLUDED LESS THAN 90 DAYS AGO, OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO ACTIVE DUTY, PLEASE CONTACT THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PARTY FORECLOSING THE MORTGAGE AT THE TELEPHONE NUMBER STATED IN THIS NOTICE. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement - Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 a.m./p.m. on July 1, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default having been made in the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by Roberto P. Luna and Lena M. Luna of Barry County, Michigan, Mortgagor to Fifth Third Bank successor by merger to Home Equity of America, Inc. dated the First day of March, 2005, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for the County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the Fifteenth day of March, 2005, Instrument No. 1142742 of the Barry County Records on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, for principal of $89,662.09 plus accrued interest at 7.00000% percent per annum. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Rutland, in the County of Barry and State of Michigan and described as follows to wit: The North 248.5 feet of the East 308.5 feet of the South 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 1, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan. Commonly known as: 1621 Hammond Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 Tax ID: 08-13­ 001-014-05 If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the borrower, pursuant to MCLA 600.3278 will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. The redemption period shall be six months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Dated: June 3, 2021 By: Benjamin N. Hoen #P-81415 Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. 965 Keynote Circle Cleveland, OH 44131-1829 Telephone: 216-739­ 5100 Fax: 216-363-4034 Email: bhoen@weltman. com WWR# 10152018-1 (06-03)(06-24) 161355 NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS: Michael R. Bedford (date of birth, August 11, 1958), died June 2, 2021. There is no personal representative of the decedent’s estate to whom letters of administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against Michael R. Bedford’s Estate, will be forever barred unless presented to Erin Johnson, within four months after the date of publication. Date: 06/18/2021 Alles Law Christopher Shourds (P82401) 5360 Cascade Road SE Grand Rapids, Ml 49546 (616) 365-5055 Erin Johnson 5160 S. Trotter Trail SE • Caledonia, Ml 49316 269-838-7647 163043 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28852-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, MI49058 i COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Lillian Jo Smith. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on June 23, 2021 @ 2:45 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Lillian Jo Smith to Lillian Jo Pewoski. 163055 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court In Barry County, Michigan starting promptly at 1:00 pm on July 22, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by Chip J. Hoving, an unmarried man, as Mortgagor to United Bank Mortgage Corporation, dated August 30, 2007, and recorded on September 14, 2007, Instrument No. 20070914­ 0002003, Barry County Register of Deeds, Barry County, Michigan. The balance owing on the Mortgage is $10,457.75 at the time of this Notice. The Mortgage contains a power of sale and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part of the Mortgage. The Mortgagee will apply the sale proceeds to the debt secured by the Mortgage as stated above, plus interest on the amount due at the rate of 6.750% per annum; all legal costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees allowed by law; and also any amount paid by the Mortgagee to protect its interest in the property. All that real property located in Yankee Springs Township, Barry County Records, Barry County, Michigan, described more fully as: LOT 16, GACKLER’S PAYNE LAKE PLAT, YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AS RECORDED IN LIBER 5 OF PLATS, PAGE 72, BARRY COUNTY RECORDS. Tax ID No. 08-16-085-005-00 Commonly known address: 809 Edgecreek Dr., Wayland, Michigan 49348 The redemption period shall be one year from the date of sale pursuant to MCLA 600.3240(12), unless deemed abandoned and then pursuant to the time frames provided for in MCL 600.3241a. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. June 11,2021 UNITED BANK OF MICHIGAN, Mortgagee PLUNKETT COONEY KELLI L. BAKER (P49960) Attorney for Mortgagee 333 Bridge Street NW, Suite 530 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 (616) 752-4624 (06-17)(07-15) 162540 �Page 12 — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Hastings students certified in CAD program students that gained certification can be very proud of their accomplishments, as this test is difficult to pass and requires a great deal of preparation.” Nine Hastings High School students recently earned Certified SolidWorks Associate in Mechanical Design status. Certified SolidWorks Associate is an entry-level credential for students trained in SolidWorks, a computeraided design and engineering program. The students learned the program through career and technical education classes offered at Hastings High School “The CSWA certification is proof that students and people in industry have the SolidWo ks expertise with cutting-edge skills that businesses seel out and reward,” Ed Domke, Hastings’ CTE director and engineering design instructor, said. Students recently took a th? hour industry certification test, which required a wci king knowledge of SolidWorks software, in general, and specific skills, such as: Sketch entities - lines, rectangles, circles, arcs, ellipses centerlines Sketch tools - offset, convert, trim Sketch relations Boss and cut features - extrudes, revolves, sweeps, lofts Fillets and chamfers Linear, circular and fill patterns Dimensions Feature conditions - start and end Mass properties Materials Inserting components Standard mates - coincident, parallel, perpendicular, tangent, concentric, distance, angle Reference geometry - planes, axis, mate references Drawing views Annotations Hastings students earning CSWA certification by receiving a 70 percent or higher grade were Ella Carroll, Chad Dico, Jack Kensington, Aiden Morton, Maggie Nedbalek, Devin Pacillo, Michael VanDorp, Caleb Waller and Owen Winegar. Waller received a perfect score on this certification test, Domke noted. “This does not happen very often and is quite an honor for Caleb to be at this level of achievement,” he said. “All Owen Winegar Maggie Nedbalek Jack Kensington Walter earns perfect score --------------------------------------------------------------- i “The CSWA certification is proof that students and people in industry have the SolidWorks expertise with cutting-edge skills that businesses seek out and reward.” Ed Domke, Hastings CTE director and engineering design instructor Caleb Waller Michael VanDorp . Aiden Morton Ella Carroll ?• Devin Pacillo Where Michigan stands now, COVID-wise Capacity limits on businesses across Michigan, along with mask mandates, ended Tuesday as CO VID-19 cases continue to plummet. Here’s what you need to know: Full capacity: Businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, fitness gyms and event venues, including funeral homes, had been limited to 50 percent of capacity. Now they can operate at full capacity. Masks: Those who are not vaccinated are asked — but not required — to wear masks indoors in public settings. The state is still recommending masks in some settings, including in long-term care facilities that had recorded more than 5,500 COVID-19 deaths, health care facilities and in jails and prisons and homeless shelters. Other limits: Lesser-known restrictions, including mandatory testing for staffers at jails and juvenile justice facilities, also ended Tuesday, as do restrictions for funeral homes governing expedited arrangements. Looking back: A first-term Democratic governor, Whitmer enacted tough restrictions early in the pandemic, shutting down schools and most businesses. But after Republicans successfully challenged her emergency powers in court, the restrictions on schools, businesses and individuals came from her health department. Vaccination rate: Many business owners have argued the restrictions should have ended months ago, and Whitmer had initially planned on removing limits once 70 percent of the state’s adults got at least one dose of the vaccine. Michigan is at a 60.8 percent vaccination rate, as demand for the vaccine has plummet­ ed. Yet cases continue to fall m Michigan and around the country. According to the State of Michigan COVID-19 data tracker, 48.6 percent of Barry County adults have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and 45.5 percent of have com­ pleted their vaccination. Case numbers: The drop continued Monday, with the state reporting 327 cases over the past three days, the fewest-ever reported over three days since April 2020. And slightly more than 1 percent of more than 41,000 tests came back positive — again, the lowest since the pandemic began. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported five active COVID-19 cases in Barry County on Monday; a drop from the 11 active cases it reported last Monday. Will restrictions return? It’s possible but officials say it seems unlikely. Michigan’s decline in cases the past month mirrors a drop last summer — bolstering the theory that COVID-19 could be more preva­ lent in fall and winter months, when people are less active, inside more often and immune systems are weaker. Unlike last summer, though, more than half of Michigan is now vaccinated, which decreases the likelihood of massive outbreaks that would necessitate more restrictions. Health officials indicated that limits remain a tool for Whitmer’s administration should cases spike. But doing so could be extremely divisive. No more weekend reporting: Because of the drop in cases, and with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer pulling data from states on weekends, Michigan has discontinued its Saturday reporting of COVID-19 data, said Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue to monitor case rates to determine any future changes to the data schedule,” Sutfin said. ■J Delton Kellogg parents question mask mandate, among other issues Jean Gallup Contributing Writer About a dozen people took complaints to the Delton Kellogg Board of Education at its meeting Monday. Speaking for 45 minutes during public comment time, parents outlined a variety of problems they have and offered advice to the board on how to address the issues. Many of the comments were followed by applause from other parents who were waiting to speak. Superintendent Kyle Corlett responded after all had spoken, thanking them for their courteous demeanor when talking to the school board. “I really appreciate how respectful you all have been ...” Corlett said. “We have the same core values; we represent you to do what’s right for our kids ... Basically, we’re all on the same page.” The major problem was the wearing of masks; six of the nine speakers spoke out against wearing them, one man comparing mask mandates to Hitler’s rule in Nazi Germany. He suggested that his son was not getting an education and said he might organize a home school. Several speakers agreed with a home-schooling concept. Another said he was concerned about parents not being in charge of their kids. Some asked if critical race theory was taught in the schools. Christine Bedford of Cedar Creek Road voiced several complaints: Her son fractured a finger and suffered tissue damage in a building trades class, and she didn’t feel the school followed up sufficiently on an injury of that level. Parents of the student who caused the accident were not even notified, she said. Bedford also said her son felt he was bullied into taking a gender survey, and that teaching about racism and questionnaires with gender inquiries were wrong and should be voluntary. “They expect us to try to get back to normal as much as we can,” Corlett said after all the speakers had concluded their comments. “We don’t have medical training. If we’re required to do it, we’ll do it. We trust our health officers. We have to wait. It looks like things are going back to normal.” Critical race theory is not taught in Delton Kellogg schools, he said. “We do talk about the race riots in the 650s and ‘60s. We teach [students] not what to think; we teach them how to think.” In other business, the board approved joining other districts nationwide in a class­ action lawsuit against Juul Labs, the manufacturer of an electronic nicotin^ delivery system, or vaping pen. Corlett said the school’s law firm, Thrun Law of Grand Rapids, told him there would be no cost to the district, and any awards would go to antivaping efforts. The suit was started about a year ago. School officials across the country say the pens are a continuing problem for schools^ with students as young as middle schoolers using vaping pens to inhale atomized nicotine! Juul markets the pens as an alternative fo£ adults to transition away from cigarettes, but critics say the products with flavors of mint, mango, grape, berry and menthol are aimed specifically at young people. The State of Michigan has banned the sale of its flavored product. Also Monday, Zoom malfunction made a budget hearing before the board meeting unavailable to the public, so Corlett gave a brief summary: “We did the final budget amendment for the school year and estimated our savings will go up 7 percent. We are very; conservative for next year’s budget. We estimate we may lose up to 70 students and expect to gain $165 per student in state aid* which would mean a loss of $168,000 in the fund balance.” *t*. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — Page 13 Alford ready for next level of competition at Ferris Brett Bremer Sports Editor Nathan Alford is excited to be engrossed in science, math and running The member of the the Lakewood High School graduating class of 2021, who quali­ fied for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Championships and set a school-re­ cord in the 3200-meter run with the Viking varsity boys’ track and field team this spring, signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Ferris State University Mens’ Cross Country and Track and Field teams in February. . He has high hopes of making the Bulldog varsity roster as a freshman, but also knows that is going to be a challenge. While it was a freshman, American International College’s Ezra Mutai, who won the 2019 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championship [the last one held], that is not how the transition goes for most high school runners moving up from 5K to 10K and 8K races against more experienced athletes. ; “What I have heard is that as a high school senior you’re killing all the competition all the time, and going into college as a freshman you’re going to get killed now,” Alford said. {T’ve been told don’t let it damage your ego, because people think I have a big ego.” j Alford chuckled a bit when asked if he thinks he has a big ego. “I don’t know. I think I’m proud of my own accomplishments, but I think I have a reason |o be proud because I have worked so hard. I don’t brag like, ‘I’m better than you,’ but if people ask about what I do I will tell them, ‘I win sometimes.’” He won the Greater Lansing Activities Ponference Cross Country Championship in pctober 2021, setting a new personal record with his time of 16 minutes 14.9 seconds, and then a few days later qualified for the cross Country state finals with an eighth-place Regional finish. He was forced into quarantine Soon after and was unable to compete in the finals at Michigan International Speedway. Alford felt like his senior year was cursed a bit, first missing the cross country finals and [hen battling an injury that limited him on the track all spring. He still managed to set new personal records in the 400-meter dash, the 800-meter run, the 1600-meter run and then finally set a new Lakewood school record in the 3200-meter run with a time of 9:56.08 at the Greater Lansing Honor Roll Meet of thampions June 1. He had been even a few seconds faster than that in the 3200 at an unof­ ficial, timed event, Distance Night at the CAT, hosted by Grand Rapids Catholic Central a few days prior to the Honor Roll Meet. GLAC thampionship as a Senior and waWecond in the 3200-meter run, behind Olivet senior Noah Grrffith. Soaking wet and covered in mud, Alford leaned across the finish line at fturkeyville six tenths of a second ahead of Lakewood’s Nathan Alford (seated center) smiles after signing his National Letter of Intent to join the Ferris State University Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field programs for the upcoming season. Ferris was joined at his signing day ceremony at Lakewood High School in February by his parents, Bill Alford (seated left) and Dawn Alford (seated right), Lakewood varsity track and field coach Jim Hassett, his brother Ryan Alford and Lakewood varsity cross country coach Curtis Tyler. (Photo supplied) Griffith to win the GLAC Cross Country Championship last fall. Griffith also has plans to run for Ferris State University, and Alford said the two are planning to be roommates at Ferris State as freshmen. “I am really looking forward to it,” Alford said. “I have been looking forward to college fres since freshman year. I wanted an environment - -----thatA was more serious, more professional, especially when it comes to running and stuff ... I have always wanted a team that has the same mindset as I do, of being that elite, next-level athlete. In school, I have always wanted to take the classes I felt would benefit me the most, not like art or history, I wanted to take science and math classes because that is what I want to do with my life. I have always wanted an environment that is more focused on my interests, and I always though college could be that place.” The hard work continues for Alford this summer. He is working on strength training this month, and has plans to transition to more mileage based woriLas the calendar turns to July and in the lead-up to move-in day in Big! Rapids in late August. He thinks he’ll be running 80-90 miles a week by then. He currently travels to AL! VE in Charlotte five or six times a week for CrossFit training - doing a lot of Lakewood’s Nathan Alford (right) and Olivet’s Noah Griffith close in on the finish line together at the end of the 2020 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Cross Country Championship at Turkeyville. The two have plans to be roommates and teammates, on the men’s track and field and cross country teams, at Ferris State University next season. (File photo) reps of light-lifting work and movements. ed to focus solely on running after a knee He has plans to run in a 10K or two before injury on the mat. the summer is done to see what it is like to Since the seventh grade, when he got brac­ race at that distance. es ..put kpn,. Nathan ha$ known he wanted a vjob .. ^Alforisa®ie-has been running as long^a^^inJte-dentaLSeld^HigMihns-To get into-the he can remember. His parents, Bill arid Dawn pre-dental program at Ferris State University. Alford, met at Lansing Community College Nathan was one of the top scholars in his where they both ran competitively. Nathan graduating class at Lakewood this spring, and also wrestled before high school and during is a member of the National Honor Society his freshman year at Lakewood, but he decid- and the Lakewood Circle of Excellence. Trio of area softball players earn all-state honors Brett Bremer Sports Editor They started out as the battery for the Lakewood varsity softball team as freshmen, pitcher Morgan Stahl and catcher Hannah Slater. It was a different conclusion to their time on the Lakewood varsity softball team than they would have expected back then, but both girls have just been named first team all-state in Division 2 by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. They’re joined in earning postseason honors from the MHSSCA by a Delton Kellogg girl just start­ ing her varsity tenure - slugging freshman first baseman Allison Brandli. Brandli came on strong as the season pro­ gressed, helping lead the Delton Kellogg var­ sity softball team to its third consecutive Division 2 District Championship. The Panthers were 20-11 overall this season. Stahl was also honorable mention all-state in Division 2 as a sophomore back in 2019. Like the rest of the varsity softball players in the state, Stahl and Slater missed their 2020 season because of the Covid-19 pandemic. A missed junior season wasn’t nearly enough to keep Stahl from becoming the Lakewood varsity softball team’s all-time Strikeout leader. The Vikings’ pitching ace finished her three varsity seasons with 990 strikeouts, besting the 847 total set by Stevie Spetoskey from 2003-2006. She broke her own single season strikeout record at Lakewood by striking out 498 this spring. Slater was named to the all-state team as a designated player (DP). She played shortstop for the Vikings this spring, a move made in part due to an injury and in part due to the fact that the Vikings had a new talented, freshman catcher in the program. The Lakewood team won a district champi­ onship in Division 2 this spring, and played in its first regional final in 25 years after besting Greater Lansing Activities Conference rival Qlivet in the regional semifinals. The Lakewood girls saw their season end in a 6-1, ten-inning loss to Owosso in their regional Lakewood senior pitcher Morgan Stahl has been named one of six first team all­ state pitchers in Division 2 by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. (File photo) final in Fowlerville June 12. The Vikings were one strike away from upending the Owosso girls in the top of the seventh inning before the Trojans rallied to stay alive in the state tournament. Owosso captured the Division 2 State Championship Saturday, besting Marysville 8-5 in the Division 2 State Final at Michigan State University. Stahl was in the circle for all 29 of the Vikings’ wins this season as her team finished the year with a 29-8 record. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Lakewood senior Hannah Slater has been named first team all-state in Division 2 as a DP (designated player) by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. (File photo) Delton Kellogg freshman first baseman Allison Brandli has been named honorable mention all-state in Division 3 by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. (File photo) Lakewood state champs prepping for Lansing Hall of Fame The Lakewood Viking 1975 Class B State Championship varsity boys’ basketball team will finally get to celebrate its induction into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame July 29 during the 45th Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony at the Lansing Center. The Vikings’ former head coach Roily Krauss learned that his 1975 team would be a part of the Hall’s Class of 2020 in late December, 2019, but the pandemic forced last summer’s 2020 ceremony to be postponed. A group of nine individuals, the 1975 Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team and the 1977 DeWitt varsity girls’ basketball team will be honored at the ceremony. A welcome hour will being at 4:30 p.m., with dinner at 5: 30 p.m. The Hall of Fame program begins at 6: 30 p.m. Krauss is still hoping to get in contact with Denny Geiger, Dan Bishop, Tom Johnson, Al Westendorp and Jim Elenbaas from that 1975 team to include them in the celebration, and he would appreciate any help from the com­ munity in tracking them down. Coach Krauss can be reached by email at sparty 1968©hotmail .com. Lakewood defeated Mount Pleasant in the 1975 Class B State Final, 69-47, at the University of Michigan’s Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor. Reservation forms to order tickets for the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony can be found on the lansingsportshalloffame.org website. The cost is $280 per eight-person table or $35 for each individual ticket. All ticket reservation forms must include payment in full. Orders will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Seating is limit­ ed. All seats are reserved and are available through advanced sales only. There will be no sales the day of the event. Those with any questions or who require additional information, may contact Bob Every at 517-484-0677 or email him at every21@gmail.com. Tickets will be mailed to purchasers approximately July 17,2021. �Page 14 — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Trojans honor group of 13 college-bound student-athletes Brett Bremer Sports Editor Despite masks, altered or canceled varsity and club seasons and everything else that came along with the Covid-19 pandemic, col­ lege coaches found the talent in the Trojans. Thomapple Kellogg High School honored its college bound student-athletes who have plans to continue competing in sports on the next level in May in the high school auditori­ um. TK athletic director Brian Hammer was happy to be able to host the annual event, which couldn’t be held in 2020. Tyah Jefferson is the lone Division 1 signee Thornapple Kellogg High School athletic director Brian Hammer welcomes the crowd to celebrate TK’s college-bound senior athletes in a ceremony in the high school auditorium in Middleville last month. (Photo by Brett Bremer) of the bunch, but she won’t be competing for the Michigan State University Spartans in basketball or volleyball where she stood out for the Trojans. Jefferson has been recruited to join the MSU Women’s Rowing team. Much like another local product, 2018 Caledonia High School graduate Emily Petrosky who was a talented volleyball player and an all-state skier and now a rower for the Spartans, Jefferson was recruited for her size and athleticism. With high school rowing pro­ grams few and far between, universities often have to find athletes in other fields to build their squads :- and collegiate coaches often prefer to build their rowers from the ground up. Jefferson’s talented Trojan basketball team­ mate Paige VanStee in all likelihood could have found a spot playing softball or golfing collegiately of she had wanted too, but basket­ ball is really her game. VanStee, often one of the loudest voices cheering for her teammates and classmates at the ceremony, has signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Grand Valley State University Women’s Basketball program. VanStee’s basketball and softball teammate Moriah Sprague, an outstanding catcher, has made plans to join the Cornerstone University Women’s Softball team next season. Another TK basketball player, Haven Beyer, celebrat­ ed her decision to continue playing ball for Judson University. A Trojan trio is headed to Olivet College, football lineman Blake Monroe, cheerleader Liberty Tetzlaff and Cole Shoobridge who is going to try his hand at playing football and basketball for the Comets. One more of Monore and Shoobridge’s teammates from the TK varsity football team has also found a collegiate home. Kicker/ punter Mitchell Middleton has signed his National Letter of Intent to join the. Ferris State University football program. Middleton set a school record at TK, booting a 52-yard field goal and was rated as not only one of the top kickers in the state of Michigan but also among the best in his class in the country. Shoobridge’s basketball teammate Austin Van Elst is taking his talents on the hardwood to Calvin University. Van Elst averaged 17.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game as the big man in the paint for TK during his senior season and closed the year among the Detroit Free Press’s honorable mention all­ state award xyinpers and was a BCAM Academic All-State Award winner as well. A pair of Thomapple Kellogg bowlers are headed to join the Davenport University Thornapple Kellogg’s Cole Shoobridge (center) and his parents Chris and Mitch Shoobridge remove their masks for family photos with smiles as Cole celebrates signing his National Letter of Intent to join the Olivet College Football and Men’s Basketball programs during the TKHS senior signing ceremony in the high school auditorium May 6. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg’s Moriah Sprague (center) celebrates signing with Cornerstone University to play softball next season, joined on stage by her class of 2021 teammate Maleah Bailey (left) and TK varsity softball coach Ashley Garrett in the TKHS auditorium May 6. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Bowling program, Michael Willshire and Carly Snyder, both of whom were individual state qualifiers during their time rolling with the Trojans. Thornapple Kellogg has a pair of girls headed to continue their soccer playing days on the college level. Abbie Numerick has plans to play at Great Lakes Christian College and Grace Snyder is going to play for Kellogg Community College. TK also has Nathan Hildabrand from the boys’ program headed to Cornerstone University to continue his soccer playing days. TK has one newly graduated senior headed on to continue his wrestling career as well, Carter West who placed fourth at heavyweight in Division 2 at the Individual State Finals in March. OUR BEST HOPE IS THE COVID-19 VACCINE The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It witl save Oves and help Michigan move forward Protect us all, by getting your dose of hope. To find vaccine or to learn more visit www.barryeatonhealth.org/schedule-vaccine NOT COVID � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-07-01.pdf a8726e27f2919cdc53e279973d80c8d3 PDF Text Text Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Health dept, medical Read-or-flunk law could Yarger in USA director steps down hold back third*graders Junior Nationals See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590500746149058195427 804879110187 ANNER ******************QAR-RT LOT**C 003 C003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Thursday, July 1, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 26 PRICE $1.00 Storm spawns two twisters; deluge causes minor floods Taylor Owens Staff Writer Two tornados hit southern Ionia County in quick succession last Saturday afternoon, damaging houses, silos, vehicles and bams. According to the National Weather Service Grand Rapids, the first tornado touched down about two miles east of Freeport at 4:31 p.m. It was on the ground for two minutes and traveled northeast for one mile, crossing East Freeport Road and ending at the intersection of East Vedder and North Messer roads. It produced winds of up to 75 mph, dam­ aged bams on two properties and ripped the roof off a silo. The second tornado touched down at 4:40 p.m. northwest of Lake Odessa, around the train tracks north of West Musgrove Highway. It travelled northeast, covering 4!6 miles in five minutes, and ended northeast of Clarksville Road near M-66. Winds from the tornado reached 90 mph, and damaged multiple homes, destroyed a barn, bought down power lines and smashed a jailer. ; The property of Janelle and Andy Eastridge received some of the worst damage. ■ “Thankfully, we were not home,” Janelle Eastridge said. “I was at the grocery store; my Jiusband was out helping some friends.” 5 While she was out, a friend called and ■ asked if she was OK, then told her house had been hit by a tornado. “I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh,’” Eastridge recalled. The couple came home to find their 40-by-50-foot pole bam was completely destroyed and their house may have been damaged beyond repair. Three trees were uprooted, one was on their roof, and broken branches stuck out of their lawn like spears. “Thankfully, we were not home. I was at the grocery store; my husband was out helping some friends.” Janelle Eastridge | “That was a little sickening to drive up on,” Eastridge said. A vehicle inside the pole bam was “tat­ tered,” she described, and some contents of the barn are still being found miles away. The couple’s nieces and nephews walked the path of the tornado and found a freezer door to the refrigerator. They later found out the rest of the refrigerator had landed in a yard about 7 miles away. Eastridge said she was glad no one was hurt. Parts of the siding and roof on the Eastridge’s house had been torn off, and water has been leaking inside since then. They put tarps over the house and had some help getting their belongings out and into stor­ age. “We had a great team of friends and family What’s up for July 4 fireworks and more James Gemmell Contributing Writer Many places in southwestern Michigan will help Uncle Sam celebrate his 244th birthday on this Fourth of July holiday, so there are plenty of activities to pick from this weekend. For many communities, 2021 marks a । return to traditional fireworks and other fes­ tivities that were canceled or scaled back last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting off the holiday weekend this Friday, the Hastings Live summer concert series will feature Ellie Youngs at noon for Fridays at the Fountain on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. Hastings’ own singer/ songwriter, Youngs will offer soulful music she also performs at venues in Wayland and Grand Rapids. On Friday evening, Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations will be the Friday Night Features group, with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Thomapple Plaza. Known for her powerful vocals and stage presence, Denise Davis has performed at the most pop­ ular entertainment venues in Metro Detroit, earning award nominations from The Detroit Music Awards Foundation and The Detroit Black Music Awards. Thomapple Plaza is on the east end of downtown near the intersec­ tion of State and Boltwood/Apple streets. All concerts are free, and attendees are encour­ aged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. For more information, visit facebook, cqm/mihastingslive. The Legacy at Hastings, 1550 N. Broadway in Hastings, is celebrating its 100& anniversary this month and, fittingly, its birthday party falls on the Fourth of July weekend. An All-American barbecue buffet ■ and golf scramble are among the festivities bn Saturday’s schedule there. Events from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. are kid- and family-friendly. Free snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy with a professional fireworks display at 10 p.m. will cap the celebration. People don’t have to play golf to attend the party, which will feature live music and lots of activities for both children and adults. A party-only /entry fee is $25 for members and $40 for guests, which includes the buffet lunch. Kids 12 and under are free. Weather permitting, Gun Lake is planning a blast on Saturday night with fireworks beginning around 10:20 p.m.. The Gun Lake Protective Association sponsors the show and they are saying that, if it gets rained out Saturday night, the event will take place Sunday night instead. The GLPA also says that money collected for last year’s canceled fireworks will be used to help supplement this year’s show. The rest will be held in escrow. The Village of Hopkins and Gun Lake Casino are co-sponsoring Fourth of July Fireworks on Sunday at dusk. Viewing areas will be available at 22nd Street and Fulton Street, and east of Hopkins High School, among other spots. Event activities get underway at 8 p.m. In Middleville, downtown festivities on the Fourth of July will conclude with a fire­ works show at 10 p.m. Sunday at AYSO Soccer Fields by the middle school and bus garage along Green Lake Road. To start the day, community worship will be offered from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the village Pavilion on E. Main Street. Also on tap: a Picnic in the Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids Games in Stagecoach Park from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. A “Touch a Truck” event sponsored by Thornapple Township Emergency Services, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. And a “Walk Through History” from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Pavilion. At 7 p.m., there will be live pre­ show music (including the national anthem), as well as concessions, games, and giant beach balls. In Richland, a parade at 11 a.m. Saturday along D Avenue East will get the Independence Day weekend underway there. The annual Gull Lake Fireworks show will take place beginning at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The fireworks go off at dark from the Gull Lake Country Club in Richland. Only club members will be allowed into the club that night, but anyone can view the fireworks Winds from the tornado reached 95 mph, and flattened barns at the Gutierrez family residence. (Photo by Ingham County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management) with trailers that came over,” Eastridge said. They don’t know Jf they will be able to move back into the nbitse. which they have lived in since 2012. Eastridge’s husband, Andy, is a builder, and he’s found evidence of structural damage from the tornado, including cracks in the walls. “You can almost visualize that it was picked up and set back down,” Eastridge said. The property was insured, and the couple is currently working with their insurance com­ pany toTma oufnext steps. In the meantime, friends, neighbors and even strangers have been showing their sup­ port. People have been stopping by the house to offer condolences, help and even bring them homemade cookies. “I really want to thank the community who have given their support and offered their help,” Eastridge said. The Gutierrez family, who lives nearby, also received major damage to their property. Their bam was destroyed, their boat was flipped over and smashed and tree branches See TORNADO, page 2 Bay Pointe Inn rezoning plan stalls County planning commission deadlocks on reguest Greg Chandler Staff Writer Barry County planners are saying “not so fast” on two proposed additions to the Bay Pointe Inn resort on Gun Lake in Orangeville Township. After 21/2 hours of debate and public com­ ment, tb|e county planning commission Monday flight defeated a motion to approve the addition of a laundry facility to the resort’s Bay Pointe Woods cottage complex. Commissioners also voted to recommend that the county board deny a rezoning request from Bay Corp. Inc. that would lead to con­ struction of five more two-story cottages at the complex. The motion to approve the laundry facility was defeated on a 4-2 vote. However, on a subsequent motion that would have denied the request, commission­ ers deadlocked at 3-3, since one board mem­ ber was absent. That led to a motion to table the request and bring it back before commis­ sioners at their next meeting on July 26. It was the second time that Bay Pointe owner Mike Powers had sought approval for the laundry facility. An earlier request was defeated on a 6-1 vote of the planning com­ mission in late April. Powers appealed to the commission for approval of the laundry facility because its existing facility, which is attached to guest rooms at the main inn, is not adequate to serve the entire resort complex. Housekeepers transport sheets, pillowcases, mattresses, blankets and towels by vehicle between the existing laundry facility and Bay Pointe Woods to be washed, dried and folded, Powers said. “On an average month, we’re doing about 30,000 pounds of laundry. We’re doing all that right now with one washing machine,” he said. “Obviously, it’s imperative that we are able to build this laundry facility so we can simply process the laundry that we have.” “We typically process laundry 10 hours a day. [It takes] about 30 hours to process one day’s laundry. Every day, we fall behind with our one washer by 20 hours, or two days’ supply. Even at 50-percent occupancy, we can’t process our daily laundry with one washer,” Powers added, saying that occupan­ cy at the resort is currently “in the high 80s.” Powers displayed a poster describing the accumulation of laundry. “This accumulation of dirty laundry stacks to the ceiling,” he said. “That’s a Monday morning picture. That’s just laundry from [Bay Pointe] Woods. That’s 1,000 pounds of laundry,” he said. “With that much laundry that comes in every day, it becomes an issue that is overwhelming for our staff. They can’t even move in that room. It’s unsanitary, quite See REZONING, page 3 See EVENTS, page 6 An architect’s rendering of the proposed laundry facility for Bay Pointe Woods. �Page 2 — Thursday, July 1, 2021 — The Hastings Banner TORNADO, continued from page 1 A map of the path taken by the EF-1 tornado, created by the National Weather Service. A drone photo shows the path of the Lake Odessa tornado through several farm fields. (Photo by Ingham County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management) A trailer is overturned and smashed open near a torn tree. (Photo by Clarksville Fire Department) fell on their house. Michael Gutierrez said his family was at home when the tornado hit, but it happened so fast they never had time to get into the base­ ment. The local tornado siren didn’t go off until the tornado was long gone, Gutierrez said. The National Weather Service determined that the Freeport area tornado was an EF-0, and the Lake Odessa tornado an EF-1, based on a survey of the damage of the property. “It’s been several years since we’ve had a multiple tornado day,” NWS Meteorologist Walt Felver said. The storm also brought heavy rains over the weekend, and Felver said between 414 and 514 inches of rain fell on the Hastings area between Friday and Sunday. And that added up to roughly a quarter of the total precipitation that the area has seen all year, Felver added. But, since the area was in a drought, the rainfall did not cause major flooding. “The ground was so dry leading up to this event that a lot of it soaked into the ground,” Felver said. If the weekend’s storm had happened last year, when the water table was already high from a wet spring, it would have been a differ­ ent story. “It would have been catastrophic flooding probably - at least major,” Felver said. “If this had just happened last spring, it would have been a disaster,” Barry County Road Commission Director of Engineering Jake Welch agreed. Instead, Welch said, “We kind of fared pret­ ty dam good.” Barry County didn’t see anything like the high winds produced just a few miles from its northern border - and there were few fallen tree limbs. Welch said there was minor flooding on some roads, but it wasn’t worse than they’ve seen in previous springs. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said flooding is at about the same level as two years ago. The water is about 314 to 4 feet higher than usual in most places, Dull said, and the lake docks have disappeared under the water. “... It’s so much water in a short amount of time,” Dull said. While there is more rain scheduled next week, officials expect the water to recede by that time. “I hate saying that, but I think the worst of it’s past us,” Welch said. A boat belonging to the Gutierrez family was flipped over and ripped apart by the tornado. (Photo by Yzabella Lab) A large tree crashed onto a power pole on the east side of Jordan Lake Road, just south of Bippley Road. (Photo by Yzabella Lab) An uprooted tree fell on the house of Janelle and Andy Eastridge. The damage from the tornado was so extensive the couple may need to tear down the house and build a new one. (Photo by Yzabella Lab) Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 1, 2021 — Page 3 REZONING, continued from page 1 frankly, because we don’t know what’s in that laundry.’ Powers said that, prior to the construction of the Bay Pointe Woods cottages in 2019, the resort had adequate laundry facilities. The popularity of the cottages with guests resulted ■ in the accumulation of laundry that has neces; sitated the need for a second laundry building. \ Because of the backlog of laundry bring * processed, new guests to the resort often find j themselves having to wait for their rooms to be prepared before they can check in for their stays, Powers said. Powers proposed a smaller laundry facility on Monday that would be 35 feet, 9 inches wide, a reduction of more than 2 feet from the proposed facility that had been presented to i the planning commission in April. It also ! would be built 8 feet away from the property : line, 2 feet farther away than in the site plan ■ that was presented in April and within the ; county’s setback standards, Powers said. Bay Pointe employs between 125 and 150 I workers and has an annual payroll of more than $2 million, Powers said. L In addition to the site plan for the laundry ..facility at Bay Pointe Woods, Powers also • asked for approval of rezoning two parcels, totaling about 3.7 acres, on Oarie Drive, a private drive that serves the resort, from rural ^residential to mixed use. Approval of the rezoning would allow Bay Pointe to add more Gages to the resort. loth comments made during Monday’s lie hearing and in writing were largely ■ split into two camps - with local businesses j and business groups supporting Bay Pointe’s \ proposal and neighboring property owners ■ opposed to it. | “[Bay Pointe] is a pivotal part of our com­ i munity, and it is so important that it continue ; to grow,” said Julie Fox, owner of the Curley I Cone ice cream shop and restaurant on M-179. “We are, sincerely, the only restaurant that has stayed open consistently in the Gun Lake ? area. And it’s not because people don’t want i to, it’s because it’s tough to for other business­ ; es in a destination location. J “Mike’s business is a destination location, i It brings people there who wouldn’t be there J < : \ -■ normally - people that will eat in our restau­ rant that wouldn’t normally be there. He’s here during the winter. There’s a lot more business [for us] because of Bay Pointe during the winter. That helps us so much. There’s a trickle-down effect to restaurants and other small businesses like ours.” “I could not more strongly support this. They’re just great for the community,” Fox added. Kimberly Bedford, president of the Gun Lake Business Association, wrote a letter of support, saying the project would draw addi­ tional tourism and business activity to the Gun Lake area. “It is well known that recreational accom­ modations in the Gun Lake area are much needed, and we feel that this project will not only benefit BayPointe Woods but many other businesses in the area as well, both in the busy summer months, but also in the winter months when business is slow and difficult for many of our members,” Bedford wrote. Richard Johnson, manager of the Town and Country Supermarket, said that the additional accommodations would increase business for his store and other businesses. “Anything that increases tourism to the Gun Lake area is beneficial to all the Gun Lake businesses,” Johnson wrote in a letter to the planning commission. But some neighbors of Bay Pointe point to problems with noise and traffic in the area of the resort and that impacts the quality of their lives, they said. “His ideas create problems. Now he needs a solution,” said Joel Kapteyn, who lives on Winchester Drive near the resort. “I can’t believe he didn’t see the laundry problem in the very beginning. If you put [the laundry facility] on the other side of the property, all our noise issues go away. “We pay taxes, too. We don’t pay as much as he does. All these people giving their testi­ mony don’t have to live with [the impact],” he added. Orangeville Township Trustee Linda Ribble agreed, saying the property surrounding the resort is almost entirely rural residential. “Bay Pointe hasn’t demonstrated a need for expanding rooms - other than for profit,’ Ribble said. Ribble also pointed out that the recent addition of a Ho iday Inn Express in Wayland and the upcomir g $300 million expansion of Gun Lake Casino , which includes 250 hotel rooms, addresses the need for lodging in the area. In addition, she mentioned reports of fights that occurred each of the first two Wednesdays in June, when the resort’s Gun Lake Live music series took place. Elizabeth Bronson, whose property adjoins one of the two parcels being sought for the rezoning, called the request “absolutely absurd.” “If this gets changed to mixed use, it will add five more cottages, parking spaces that are directly on Oarie Drive, that will back out into the road on Oarie Drive, a picnic area near the pond ... how many more cottages can we really have in this area?” Bronson said. “Five more cottages means more drunks at weddings wandering around on people’s property, more disputes on [Gun Lake] Live and a slew of noise issues that, yet again, never seem o be addressed?5 Powers did make reference to the June 9 incident where an individual sustained broken bones in a fight, but denied that noise and drunkennesswere problems at the resort. “In 18 ys [of ownership], we have had very few indidents like that,” he said. Powers ded that he received information County Sheriff’s Department from the B om of Information Act request through a F that said the sheriffs department had not received any recent noise complaints concern­ ing Bay Pointe. A layout of the Bay Pointe Woods cottages in the Bay Pointe Inn resort shows the proposed location of a laundry facility and the two parcels that would be rezoned to allow more cottages to be built. Jack Miner, Bob Vanderboegh and Joyce Snow voted against it. But on the later motion to deny the request, Snow joined Morgan and LaForge in oppos­ ing its denial. Commissioner Jack Nadwomik was absent. After the 3-3 deadlock, commis­ sioners voted to table the laundry facility until the July meeting, when they hope to have a full seven-member board present. In a phone interview with The Hastings Banner Wednesday morning, Snow said she wished the board would have tabled the laun­ dry facility proposal before a vote was taken on approval or denial because of the possibil­ ity of a tie vote resulting from Nadwomik’s absence. “I wanted more information in order to make the right decision for the [planned unit development] and for the residents,” Snow said. Commissioners then voted 6-0 against the rezoning, with several commissioners sug­ gesting the group wait until a new county master plan is developed before making future zoning changes. “I think it would be prudent if we waited until that’s done,” Snow said prior to the vote. “We’ll have a lot of public input in it.” The recommendation on the rezoning still goes to the county board for final action. County Planning Director Jim McManus is expected to present the recommendation to the board at its July 20 committee of the whole meeting, with a possible vote of the county board at its 9 a.m. meeting the follow­ ing Tuesday, July 27. {Health department medical director steps down i f ; Taylor Owens Staff Writer Dr. J Daniel Woodall notified the BarryEaton District Health Department he will resign from his part-time job as medical director after nearly five years in the position. Woodall, who has been an obstetrician and gynecologist at Spectrum Health Pennock rsince 2015, said his role there means he hasn’t ; have enough time to dedicate to the health | department - especially since COVID-19 came to Barry County. » “The pandemic just increased the amount I of time that everyone was working,” Woodall | said. While he has been medical care and overseeing communicable disease reporting, in addition to consulting on COVID-19 guidelines, Woodall has not been able to participate in much of the day-to-day work of the department. L “My time at the health department lately has been ‘call me when you need me,”’ Woodall said. “... They would like someone to !be more present at the health department.” Between his kids getting older and his work at the hospital, where he specializes in roboticassisted surgery, Woodall said he hasn’t been able to be as engaged with the health department as he’d like to be. “I just don’t have that much more time to give to the health department,” he said. “If I <had more time, I wouldn’t be leaving.” When that scarcity of time forced him to choose between the health department and his ■'role as an OB-GYN, Woodall knew the j hospital is where he belongs. “My primary goal with my career here has J always been to serve our community through women’s health,” Woodall said. “I’ve invested * basically all of my adult life into medicine. That will always be, as long as I’m able, my No. 1 job.” Woodall talked about what drives that passion in a video on spectrumhealth.org. ; “I believe women’s health is cornerstone for family health,” he said. “Because you can’t have healthy babies if you don’t have healthy women. And, if you don’t have ^healthy babies, you won’t healthy children J and healthy families. So the best way to improve the health of a population is through I women’s health, and so that’s why I chose this {specialty.” Woodall does not have an exit date as far as his role with BEDHD, and will stay on in the post until a replacement can be found. He said it can be difficult to find qualified candidates for the position because they need a master’s degree in public health. I BEDHD Health Office Colette Scrimger said they already have a qualified candidate interested in the vacancy, but finding a replacement for Woodall “will be a big i undertaking.” “We have been thankful to have the support of Dr. Woodall at our department over the last several years,” Scrimger told The Banner. “Public health has faced numerous challenges during that time and he helped provide Lguidance to our response efforts. ' “We appreciate his flexibility as we work toward finding a new medical director to work with our agency.” i Woodall also spoke to the challenges facing | the department, and the medical community |at large, during the pandemic. “We have been thankful to have the support of Dr. Woodall at our department over the last Ith several helped provitfe response efforts.’j to our 4 described as the turning point in the pandemic. from COVID and back to their regular tasks “As far as modem medicine goes, I don’t as the numbers have fallen. think it could have been done any better or While there have been challenging and faster,” Woodall said. stressful moments, Woodall said he values the The vaccines also have shown to be time he’s been able to spend at the department. “When I look...back on my five xyears effective: Last week, Barry County reported ----at the —■“^active cases Of C0V1D49, down from 'healtKdepartMt.'Was my greatest pfivilegb " JWes m the spring. to swerve the commuipty,” he said,.“It ^vasnjt . DUfirig a beard of health meeting last somethmg I took for granted^ It’s beep Thursday, Scrimger said many health ^ardmg. It’s been humbling. It’s been k department staff have been able to pivot away earmn8 experience. - Barry-Eaton District Health Department Health Officer Colette Scrimger Barry-Eaton District Health Department Medical Director Dr. J. Daniel Woodall and Health Officer Colette Scrimger speak to the Barry County Board of Commissioners at the start of the COVID19 pandemic in March 2020. (File photo) “It was definitely the most stressful in the early part of the pandemic when people were still trying to figure out what the virus was going to do and what the true mortality rates were,” Woocall said. “... This is a unique time in clinical history where we are making decisions in real time based on data.” He commended the state and national public health organizations for their work in getting the data for health care providers. “I think that they did the best that they could, and I don’t know that any other public organization could have done it better,” Woodall said. That praise also extended to the makers of the CO VID-19 vaccines, which Woodall Health department starts transition to normalcy Taylor Owehs Staff Writer Three new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Barry County in the last week, according to the state of Michigan, continuing a rapid decline in case numbers and signaling a return to some normalcy for the BarryEaton District Health Department, Health Officer Colette Scrimger said. Many staff members have been able to move back to their regular tasks, a mass vac­ cination clinic at the Lansing Mall is closing and the department is no longer releasing daily updates on the number of COVID-19 cases in the region. “We still have COVID happening. I don’t want to minimize that. There is a lot of work being done in that arena,” Scrimger told the Board of Health during a virtual meeting last Thursday. But the abatement of the pandemic means the department will be able to step back and reassess its position. A major part of that will be hiring and training. The department is looking to hire a new medical director since Dr. J. Daniel Woodall announced his resignation, as well as a super­ visor and a specialist for the environmental health division - and more. The hiring process for some pandemic sup­ port staff, including a nurse and two disease investigators, has been put on hold due to declining COVID numbers. The department also hired more than 20 new staff members during the pandemic, most of whom will need to be retrained to regular duties after providing COVID sup­ port. “That’s a third of our staff that has over­ turned in a year or so, and that’s significant,” Scrimger said. The department also is planning to cele­ brate its accomplishments in administering COVID-19 vaccinations. As vaccine clinics have been closed, Scrimger said a number of volunteers expressed interest in having a picnic to see each other one more time and say goodbye. Many volunteers formed friendships during their time working together, Scrimger said. BEDHD Specialist Anne Barna said a total of 233 non-medical and 59 medical volun­ teers worked at the clinics, and the depart­ ment is still receiving help from some of them. The time that these volunteers donated is valued at around $250,000, Barna said. Vaccination clinics will continue in a small­ er form. “You’ll be seeing us at more community events, at the fair and different community days around the district,” Barna said. “If you’re aware of anyone who has been hesitating to get vaccinated,” Scrimger added. During public comment at the health department meeting, several people asked the department to not require masks in schools when they reconvene this fall. Scouts will provide camping tips The weekly No Family Left Indoors is intended to get families - and individuals and couples, too - outdoors exploring natu­ ral and man-made local treasures. Last jweek’s program at Historic Charlton Park and McKeown Bridge will continue through July 2, with Uncle Irving’s Treasure Hunt at Charlton Park and goofy photos and drawings at McKeown Bridge. Local scouts will provide camping tips next week. Troop 105 from Middleville and the Village of Middleville are collaborating to present a video that will premiere at 6 p.m. July 5 and be available for viewing through July 9. Viewers will learn how to set up a camp­ site, pick a good location for a tent, start a fire and make a quick meal (http://bit.ly/ NFUcampingTroop 105). Passports are available this year. Anyone who completes six or more events for the passport can earn prizes. Passports may be picked up at Hastings Public Library or Pierce Cedar Creek Institute or downloaded at http:/ /bit.ly/NFLI2021. More information is available at cedar­ creekinstitute .org. Seniors may call July 7 for legal advice The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct interviews for legal advice and possible representation, without charge, over the telephone to interested seniors who reside in Barry County. Seniors who wish to speak with an attor­ ney may call 269-224-5040 Wednesday, July 7, between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office is a nonprofit organization that provides legal assistance, representation and education to seniors in Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties. Botanical art on display at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Travis Waldron is a self-taught artist who was bom and raised in mid-Michigan. She currently splits her time between Michigan, North Carolina and Tuscany, Italy. Her artwork can be found in collec­ tions in the U.S., United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Waldron is a botanical textile designer whose goal is to capture the beauty, vibran­ cy and magic found in nature through a process called leaf and flower pounding. This process involves gently hammering leaves and flowers onto a canvas of pre-treated cotton fabric, which absorbs the pigments from the plant material. “The pounding technique, itself, is a sim­ ple one,” she said, “but the entire process is complex and labor-intensive.” She uses fabric from cotton plants grown in the United States as her canvas. The fab­ ric is boiled in a process known as mordant­ ing, which allows it to readily absorb botan­ ical pigments. Plant material is selected, arranged, secured to the line-dried fabric, and gently hammered until the color, shape and pattern bleed into the cotton. The piece rests for 24 hours before being post-mordanted, washed and ironed. The outlines of the image are carefully enhanced with the use of a technical pen, and the background is quilted before being profes­ sionally mounted and framed. “The magic I experienced in childhood from playing in the woods continues today with every pounded piece,” Waldron said. “Each leaf and flower will yield only a sin­ gle pounded image, making [each of] these creations a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.” “It’s Only Natural - Poundings, not Paintings” by Travis Waldron will be oii display weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30. Pieces also will be available for purchase. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is 10 miles south of Hastings at 701 W. Cloverdale Road near Dowling. More information can be found at cedarcreekinstitute.org. �Page 4 — Thursday, July 1, 2021 — The Hastings Banner In My Opinion Read-or-flunk law could hold back third-graders Under water After the heavy rainfall this past weekend, Tyden Park is looking more like a lake than a park with a river right now. City Do you of Hastings Director of Public Services Travis Tate said there is nothing the city can do to lessen the flooding. “We allow nature to do the receding,” he said. Until then, the gate at Tyden Park is closed. (Photo by Scott Harrr sen) remember? On patrol Banner June 9,1955 County officers - Since April, Barry County has had “around the clock” protection from the county sheriff’s department, with one officer in one of the two county-owned cars practically all the time. Here (from left) are the full-time officers: Deputy Garold Mahler, Sheriff Clarence Donovan, Undersheriff Hazen Gray, Deputy Danny Ritter and Deputy Theo Bera, license examiner. Not pictured is the night turnkey, Clare Corson. Other deputies in the various communities are subject to call. Have you met? On the last day of eighth grade, a student asked the teacher, Mr. Smith, a question: If he wasn’t a teacher, what would be his job? Joel Smith hesitated. If he wasn’t a teacher? He muttered something about playing soccer, but, in reality, Smith said he had never thought about a profession outside of education. It wasn’t like Smith came from a line of teachers. Living in Fenton, a suburb of Flint, both parents worked for General Motors — his dad as a tool and die worker, his mom in the administrative office. But since fifth grade, Smith has wanted to be a teacher, and he hasn’t wavered. It all started with Mr. Morgan, Smith’s fifth-grade teacher. He was a funny person who created an environment where students were up and moving at all times. “I kind of looked at him teaching and I was like, ‘Man that looks like it’d be a lot of fun,”’ he said. So, Smith went to college, studied English and psychology at the University of Michigan-Flint and then received a master of education from Marygrove College. He took a job not far from his home, teaching English/ language arts courses at Linden Middle School, where he stayed for 11 years. But even as he taught courses on books like “And Then There Were None” and “Fahrenheit 451,” he began moving to a different realm of the education world: the administrative side. He sat on curriculum committees and served as the head of the English department at Linden. When an assistant principal job opened up at Hastings High School, he jumped at the opportunity, moved to the other side of the state and transitioned to small-town life. He has remained in the area ever since. Joel Smith “We like it way better out here,” Smith said. “It’s just the small-town feel. Everyone knows everyone. Everyone’s just nice and kind. We fell in love with the area.” Smith spent two years with the Hastings Area Schools before taking a job as the principal at Maple Valley’s Maplewood School in 2020. He didn’t stay at Maplewood long. Just a few weeks ago, Smith was hired as the high school principal and curriculum director. “I do really like the high school feel. ... I have a real strong passion for working with all the grade levels in curriculum work,” Smith said. Smith, 38, started his job at Maplewood “smack dab right in the middle of CO VID,” he said. Now, at Maple Valley Jr./Sr. High School, he’s trying to get up to speed. He’s trying to better streamline the curriculum through the district and acclimate himself to a new school. “Working on making relationships with people and connecting with people,” he said, “... it’s just a little bit harder when you’re meeting someone via screen. I’m more of a face-to-face-type person. I like to, you know, shake hands, say ‘Hi,’ meet, get to know people that way.” In addition to spending time with his three girls, his new role has made for some hectic days. He moved into his new office a few weeks ago, but he has no photos or personal items around him. He hasn’t found the time to decorate just yet. “It’s two big jobs, so it keeps me busy,” Smith said. “So that’s why there’s still pictures over at Maplewood, but we’ll get to that when we get a chance.” For his work in education, Joel Smith is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: “The Empire Strikes Back.” Person I’m glad to have met: My wife, Kay. Favorite TV show: “The Office.” Book I’d recommended: The Bible. Best invention ever: The toilet. Hobbies: For fun, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids, reading, watching movies, playing video and board games, and traveling. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send informatio i to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-aigraphics .com. Adults are lucky they’re not being blamed and punished for their reading skills like Michigan third graders. Thousands of families with third graders got a letter this summer stating their child may have flunked last year because he or she is not reading up to level. It makes me wonder about the reading abilities of our legislators in Lansing who came up with this cockeyed “Read by Grade Three” plan signed into law in October 2016 to be implemented this fall. They can’t write, that’s for sure. The law says third graders who aren’t proficient on the M-SET assessment test and don’t read proficiently can be held back to repeat the grade when school resumes for the new academic year. In 2016, the law seemed like a good idea to many. Reliable data shows that a child who cannot read at grade level by third grade is four times less likely to graduate high school than a third grader who does read at grade level. Also disturbing are the Michigan Department of Education statistics indicating that nearly 55 percent of third grade students failed the state’s M-SET test with only a slight improvement over last year’s test results. That number may be low because, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties and confusion with virtual learning, many third graders haven’t even taken the M-SET test or their parents may have exercised an option to excuse their child from being tested. More than the 3,477 families of third graders who received the department’s “notice of failure” may yet receive one. So here we are with another education dilemma. Michigan has invested more than $100 million in early literacy support since these third graders entered kindergarten and we still can’t be assured that our students are on the right path to some level of achievement. What has gone wrong? One thing that has certainly gone haywire is a group of lawmakers who, with their brilliant “Read by Grade Three” plan, are suggesting they can fix learning problems better than professional educators. This law is nothing more than the old political game of shifting responsibility arid blaming the victims. Teachers and administrators who understand the hearts and feelings of a third grader, though, are pushing back. Michigan’s top school leader, state Superintendent Michael Rice, has criticized the law, saying retention is not an effective tool for academic growth. Across the state, school superintendents say they have no plans to hold students back. They’re planning on working with parents to use exemptions because of the extraordinary circumstances due to COVID online learning. As with any issue, it’s easy to point fingers or throw more money at the problem but, with Michigan’s students ranking so low, it’s imperative we find some answers. Children who can’t read, though, are not going to get better because legislators told them they are bad. It reminds me of a story former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson liked to tell and the lesson it holds for all of us adults in attacking this reading deficit. Carson often commented about his early life of growing up in poverty, raised by a single mom in Detroit. Carson’s mother was a domestic worker, cleaning houses for people who had lots of books around their homes. She concluded that reading just might be the answer for her boys in giving them the hope they needed to be good students. So, she turned off the television and sent the boys to the local library. Their job was to read two books a week and submit a written book report to her. What the boys didn’t realize at the time was that their mother was illiterate, but she marked up the reports as it she had read them. In a short amount of time, Carson was able to go from the bottom of his class to the top, to a life as a surgeon and political leader. Reading helped change the way he felt about himself and the people around him. “You can do anything you want to do,” Carson said. “Don’t just sit around and bemoan the fact that things aren’t going well. Use the circumstance to get where you want to go.” It’s imperative that parents, grandparents and guardians get the message to their kids that it’s important to read. You can travel the world, learn about famous people, be anyone you want and find true enjoyment in the pages of a book. Despite the disturbing reports and the large amount of money Michigan continues to pour into trying to push up the numbers, the biggest roadblock to progress appears to be personal irresponsibility and the lack of parenting skills needed to build self-worth and impact the role reading will play in a child’s development. There’s no question that COVID and virtual learning has affected students in all grades, but hard work and dedication is the message we should be promoting to our students and parents. Promoting the importance of reading will help students realize what heights they can achieve. Plus, research shows that increased family engagement can improve important educational outcomes, such as grades, attendance and graduation. In reality, the work must start before third grade if we expect to see any measurable results in the coming years. First, we must engage parents by getting them more involved in their children’s education. They are on the front lines and have the most responsibility for their children’s future. After spending millions and seeing little improvement in the process, we should all agree that a different approach is needed. Rafe Esquith, a retired teacher from Hobart Elementary School in one of Los Angeles’ worst school districts, found one. A banner in Esquith’s classroom read: “There are no shortcuts,” and his students became a testament to the power of his philosophy. His classroom was filled with kids who spoke English as a second language, and grew up in neighborhoods where violence and despair were the norm. Esquith’s view is “learning isn’t easy and it shouldn’t be.” Success, he believes, comes from “a strong work ethic and from dedication and perseverance on the part of children, teachers and parents alike.” Esquith stresses the value of sacrifice, the importance of staying true to yourself, and the danger that television and technology can pose to growing young minds. He said he learned how to make children not just great students, but thoughtful and honorable people as well. If Michigan wants the “read-or-flunk” legislation to work, then it must create a culture of learning at all ages and implore parents to read to their kids at an early age and to foster an interest in reading to all. Flunking more than 3,000 third graders won’t solve the problem - and it could put Michigan taxpayers on the hook for more than $24 million because of the extra year those students would be in the K-12 system, money that could be spent on early childhood education, lower early elementary class sizes, one-on-one tutors for children in need, and diverse classroom reading materials. “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world,” Nelson Mandela said. If America expects to compete in the future, we won’t make the grade by settling for middle-of-the-pack results. We must focus more of our attention on what’s going on in our classrooms and be willing to set standards that will allow our students greater achievement. The Hastings ' . Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 ' 1 ’ ? ; , i i �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 1, 2021 — Page 5 Michigan’s licensed cannabis industry wants bigger piece of $3.2 billion market Bridge Magazine Michigan’s legal cannabis market nearly reached $1 billion in sales last year, but the industry says that most marijuana customers in the state still don’t buy through legal chan­ nels. About $3.2 billion in cannabis was sold in Michigan in 2020, according to a new report available to purchase in the state. The report also showed that an estimated one in five Michiganders, or 2 million people, used mariju ma in 2020, a 75-percent increase from 2010. The MG 4A said Michigan can consider cannabis an untapped source of revenue for the state aid its local communities. At the same time, he group’s web page notes that it has a goal of “reining in” sales that don’t go through its members and other licensed pro­ viders. Shelly Edgerton, chairwoman of the MCMA board, said the marijuana market­ place “has unlimited economic potential for Michigan.” “The bottom line is Michigan loves canna­ bis, and that’s indicated in this study,” Edgerton said. Cannabis) dispensary sales of almost $1 billion in 2020 produced nearly $130 million in taxes and fees, according to the report. Both medical and recreational marijuana are sub­ ject to a 6 plercent sales tax, and a 10 percent excise tax also is applied to recreational can­ nabis purchases. Using marijuana for medical purposes has been legal in Michigan since 2008. they now teach young people about the sins of Recreational cannabis was legalized in the the past, not to wallow in them, but to learn so state in 2018 via a direct ballot proposal and that these errors will not be repeated. We must first became available to purchase for adults take a similar approach to our American 21 and up in December 2019. Eighteen states history of racism. have legalized marijuana, and 11 have dispen­ Far too many people today want to just sweep all of this under the rug and move on saries selling cannabis for adult use. The unregulated market includes marijuana like everything is fine; that racism is only in that is provided by caregivers, grown in a the past. Few of us are overtly racist in our thoughts and actions. It is tempting for us to home, or purchased illicitly. These sources of conclude that racism is something of the past. cannabis are not subject to the same taxes and It is not. In fact, racism is so embedded in our fees that residents have to pay in a dispensary, society that we are frequently unaware of it. and they also do not have the same testing and Pretending that it is no longer an issue to safety checks applied to them. While growing limited quantities of mari­ confront will only get our country into deeper juana in a home is permissible under Michigan trouble. We can never be “unified” until this law, distributing marijuana without a license reckoning with our past happens. is considerejd a felony and can lead to fines Yes, I strongly believe that America is the best idea of a country in all of history, but that and criminal charges. The study did not provide a breakdown of does not mean we are perfect and not in need the exact Percentages for each unregulated of correction. I think back to the days of the source of cannabis in Michigan. Vietnam war, when protests and While the MCMA said it did not have any demonstrations threatened our national unity. Some hard-liners preached “My country, right policy recommendations to provide based on or wrong.” I found that notion to be ludicrous the findings of the report, Steve Linder, executive director of the MCMA, has been push­ back then - and I still do now. True patriots want their country to be true ing for all marijuana distribution in the state to to its founding principles - and to be honest happen through the regulated market so it can about when we have failed. Healthy patriotism be tested ana taxed. However, caregivers have expressed conmeans that we love our country so much that we must strive to correct for our past, as well cems about the potential for increased regula­ tions — at the urging of corporate growers as current, sins. And we can’t correct our country until we and distributors — limiting their right to confess our wrongs and deal with them grow cannabis for medical distribution. equitably. I .» PauL Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NQrML), said there are msri bumziabnu nriw EdSzumP^ki,: Hastings several reasons why consumers purchase can­ nabis from illicit sources, noting that it may involve price, access or someone under the legal age. States also can allow local communities to ban sales of marijuana and can make taxes and fees more expensive, potentially making it easier to purchase marijuana from an illicit source. that would serve the community for the next For Michigan, having recently legalized 55 years. marijuana for adult use, the huge market size The design cost of $3,000 was equally of illicit cannabis remains unsurprising, divided among the three partners. A lot of Armentano said. time, discussion, and related experience went Demand for cannabis usually starts out into this design phase. high once it is legalized in a state, driving up The initial estimate of cost came to $1.6 prices for the product, he added. But, as sup­ million, which is very reasonable to justify ply of the product increases and the official proceeding to a final figure. markets develop, prices can decline, which The medical life support partner in this long-range plan, Mercy Ambulance, has faith­ fully served our community for more than 45 years, and wants to continue for many more. The project is now at a very important time in this ever-changing environment regarding emergency services. Although a building is not the only cost ingredient in the mix, it is very important and necessary to house the people, equipment and other resources to get this ever-changing life-and-death job done. I would like to suggest that the Hastings City Council appoint one or two interested council members to join our planning group and help take the project to the point where final action can take place. It’s decision time. by the Anderson Economic Group for the Michigan Cannabis Manufacturer’s Association, an industry trade group. That leaves 70 percent of buyers still turn­ ing to illegal or “off the books” transactions, according to the report that offered a first glimpse into the state’s cannabis market 18 months after recreational marijuana has been Reckoning with our past is necessary for our future ; To the editor: ; I write in response to Fred Jacobs’s editorial in last week’s The Banner. He criticized President Biden’s June 1 comments regarding t-he anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa race riots. Be considers these remarks an example of fthe kind of discourse that will continue to 4divide us.” ! It appears that Mr. Jacobs believes that, for America to be “unified,” we must ignore the Errors of the past and present in the name of ^patriotism” and “unity.” But true patriotism must be honest and not gloss over the bad stuff. j Ask yourself these questions: When you were studying American history, did you ever learn about the 1921 Tulsa race riots? How about the 1898 Wilmington insurrection, in Which legally elected African-American Officials were deposed by a white mob and fun out of town? How many of us know that AfricanAmerican wealth in 2021 pales in comparison to white American wealth, and are ignorant of the reasons behind this fact? How many of us realize that displaying a Confederate flag is pot an expression of freedom, but a symbol of racism and treason? How many of us really understand that racism is literally written into our Constitution? (Read Article I, Section 2.) Is ignorance bliss? Is it better for us to pretend that everything is OK now and never deal with these issues? I, for one, don’t think so. America would be wise to learn the tenons of Germany,;^What Jiff they .after Wqrld War TO^Did they^preitendthat the Nazi era never existed oipt^ ‘‘all of. that, ip the past and we should now just move on?” No, can incentivize consumers to pursue legal avenues for cannabis. In December 2019, when sales first started, the price per ounce of recreational marijuana was $516.21 and the price per ounce of medi­ cal marijuana was $267.30 per ounce, accord­ ing to the Marijuana Regulatory Agency. In May 2021, recreational cannabis was sold at an average retail price of $221.21 per ounce, and medical cannabis was sold at $197.68 per ounce. “The illicit market is disrupted by the legal market, and the legal market begins to over­ take the illicit market over time,” Armentano said. “As the legal market becomes more mature and more evolved, people begin to gravitate toward it more. ...This isn’t going to happen overnight.” GUEST COMMENTARY Incentivize return to work Peter Meijer It is hard to believe we are halfway through 2021. This has been a challenging year, to say the least, as we have continued navigating the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel at last. Summer is in full swing, 45.5 percent of Michiganders have been vaccinated, and many people are traveling again - reuniting with family and friends as life moves steadily back to normalcy. I feel a sense of relief that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, and I hope you feel the optimism, too. We have certainly come a long way since this time last summer. Across the country, mask mandates have eased, restrictions are being lifted, and most states have returned to business as usual many with no restrictions at all. Nearly our entire country will be fully reopened, with a few restrictions in some places, by the Fourth of July. Normal life has resumed for many of us, but we cannot say the same for our economy as we continue to battle a crippling labor shortage. While the May jobs report was bet­ ter than April’s, it still paints quite a bleak picture. We added fewer jobs than experts predicted, and the labor force shrank by 53,000 workers. Despite our otherwise strong rebound from CO VID-19, there are roughly 3.5 million fewer people in the workforce compared to February of 2020. I hear from employers across West Michigan nearly every day about this labor supply problem that is forcing businesses of all sizes to either reduce hours or close entire­ ly because they cannot find willing employ­ ees. The reason for this is no mystery: the Biden. Administration’s ongoing enhanced federal unemployment benefits allow a third of work-1 ers to earn more unemployed than they would employed. We absolutely must tailor these expansive unemployment benefits and stop incentivizing Americans to stay home. That’s why I recently joined a couple of my colleagues in introducing the Strengthening Unemployment Programs to Provide Opportunities for Recovery and Training (SUPPORT) for New Workers Act. This bipartisan legislation would incentiv­ ize return to work by providing individuals who have become employed after previously receiving unemployment benefits with week­ ly payments of $180 - 60 percent of their previous $300 per week Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. The payments would begin at the start of their employment and continue until the expi­ ration of the enhanced benefits on Sept. 6, 2021, totaling a maximum of nine possible weeks. The legislation also requires that indi­ viduals who receive payments, but then quit their jobs voluntarily within six weeks for non-COVID-19 related reasons pay back their received payments as a condition of becoming eligible for a state or federal unemployment program. You may recall last month I led Michigan delegation Republicans in calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to end our state’s participa­ tion in these federal unemployment benefits altogether. Thus far, she has not acted. Doing something is better than doing noth­ ing, which is why I joined this legislative effort to reduce unemployment payments and incentivize Americans to get back to work. If we do not take action now, our economy will continue to remain crippled by our labor shortages. Rest assured I will continue doing everything I can to unleash our economy and strengthen our workforce. U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, represents Michigan’s Third Congressional Difortet. He lives in Grand Rapids with his * wife Gabriela. '■ b ut u i Emergency services funding needs to be a priority Editor’s Note: Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown presented this letter to Hastings City Council Monday. We share it with readers here. The building that houses the equipment of the Baltimore, Irving, Rutland, Carlton and Hastings townships (BIRCH) Fire Association and the City of Hastings has done a good job for more than 55 years. To continue to serve this function, it needs a physical addition and improvements relative to the present-day situation, which has changed dramatically over recent years. Unlike the “old days,” 85 percent of all emergency calls are not structure-fire related. The vast majority of calls are people-relat­ ed -r such as car accidents, sports, recreation, job accidents, and personal health situations. The use of fire equipment and personnel is sometimes used in these situations, but actual fires are only 15 percent of the total in this modem time. Two years ago, it was decided to get serious again about the possibility of upgrading the present fire station. The City of Hastings, BIRCH, and Mercy Ambulance hired Amy Meeker, a registered local architect, to design a structure that would make use of the exist­ ing building with additional new space added Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Jim Brown, Chairman BIRCH Fire Association WRITE US A LETTER: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the edi­ tor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. , • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined t by the editor. ; t • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. FW'I Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Peter Meijer, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President's comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. ___ Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings DANNER! I One Stop Shop (Marathon) 8M-43 North) perette Family Fare Tom's Market Hastings Johnny's ' . The General Store Marathon Mega Bev Hastings Pharmacy Marathon Gas Station (M-37 West) Marathon Gas Station (M-37 South) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Middleville: Cloverdale: Speedway Harding's Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Cloverdale General Woodland Express Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery ^gshvijle: She/bypHIe: Town & Country GunJLake: Sam’s Gourmet Foods Dglton: Orangeville: Family Fare Delton Johnny's Orangeville Fast Stop Pine Lgke: Benfields Banfield General Store Doster Country Store Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Woodland: Dowling: Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl’s Lake Odessa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Goldsworthys Freeport: L&J’s �Page 6 — Thursday, July 1,2021 — The Hastings Banner SOCIAL SECURITY MA ITERS Three ways to achieve independence Vonda Van Til Public Affairs Specialist Celebrating our nation’s independence every year on July 4 is a point of joy and pride. For more than 85 years, our programs have helped provide financial independence to millions of hardworking people. We have three useful online tools to help you achieve the financial independence you deserve in retirement. My Social Security - You’re in control with the many services available online through My Social Security. Creating a secure account will help you conduct Social Security busi­ ness from home or on the go. With your per­ sonal My Social Security account, you can: • Request a replacement Social Security card (in one of the 45 eligible states and the District of Columbia). • Review your earnings history. • Get personalized retirement benefit esti­ mates. • Check the status of your Social Security application or appeal. If you already receive benefits, you also can: • Request a replacement Social Security card. • Get a benefit-verification letter or proofof-income letter. • Set up or change your direct deposit. • Change your address. • Request a replacement Medicare card. • Get a Social Security1099 form (SSA1099). Frequently asked questions - What is your full retirement age? How do you apply for Social Security retirement benefits? Do you have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits? Discover the answers to your Social Securityrelated questions on our frequently asked questions page at ssa.gov/faq. EVENTS, continued from page 1 from the lake area. In Nashville, an America Fest fundraiser will take place starting at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Fox View, 975 Main Street. The fireworks will start at dusk Sunday. America Fest will feature military vehicles and a clas­ sic car show, a flea market, carnival games and an American Hero Costume Contest, apple-pie contests and food trucks. Professional wrestling is planned for 2 p.m. and live music from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., both on Saturday. The price is $15 per carload for an all-day pass. A live auction from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday will raise money for Children of Fallen Patriots, which provides college scholarships and educational counseling. An America Fest 5K run/walk will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday. The annual Caledonia Independence Day event will kick off Saturday with a parade at 11 a.m. Caledonia Township Supervisor Bryan Harrison asks participants to enter the staging area at Duncan Lake Middle School from Kraft Avenue, since the Johnson Street entrance will be closed. The fireWorks will start at dusk Saturday and good locations to view them include from Duncan I ake Middle School, CalPlex (5401 100th Street SE) or Holy Family Catholic Church. The church is running a canned-food drive to support its pantry, so donations will be welcome. The skies around Hastings will be illuminated Saturday evening, July 3, when the Algonquin Lake Community Association launches fireworks. The pyrotechnics are expected to begin at about 10:15 p.m. (the rain date is Monday, July 5). Boaters are advised to stay away from Snake Island. The fireworks can be seen from many areas around the lake. Community Baptist Church, 502 E. Grand St., Hastings, will host a free event form 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Pastor Ken Hale will share a message, followed by patriotic music provided by Jackie and Ken Hamilton, the husband-and-wife team who comprise Blended Hearts. The day’s meal will include hot-dogs, hamburgers, ribs and more. The village of Lake Odessa will celebrate the holiday with a boat parade on Jordan Lake. This year’s parade theme is rock bands. The top three vote-getters will win gift certificates from Buddy’s on the Beach. The lakeside restaurant and bowling center is sponsoring the event. Lineup will begin Monday at 7 p.m. at the public beach dock. Participants should call 616-374-4881 to register. Historic Charlton Park will not have its Fourth of July celebration this year, but the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Show will return July 9-11. Social Security’s official blog - Stay informed about our latest news, retirement planning ti|ps, and other helpful information. Our blog it blog.ssa.gov features messages direct from our commissioner, as well as information from other experts. You can sign up to get an email each time a new blog is available so you won’t miss new postings. From the blog, you also can connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln, Instagram and YouTube, where you can watch our infor­ mational videos. Don’t forget to share these resources with your family and friends and encourage them to join us. With so many services and information available c:nline, we are here for you when your schedule allows. Be sure to tell friends and family about all they can do with us from anywhere at ssa.gov. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email at vonda .vantfl @ ssa .gov. Cynthia Robbe Please join us to celebrate the life of Cynthia Robbe on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 11 a.m. Thp service will be at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 315 W. Center Street, Hastings. A reception will follow the service. Worship Together Elaine Garlock The 2021 Lake Odessa Fair is history. The opening parade was carried off Wednesday of last week. It had no marching band, but it had all the other usual components. Many young children were in the parade. Several church groups were represented. Less candy was tossed this year. Next year there will surely be far more political candidates in the line of march. The Knights of Columbus had a fines showing with several men riding on a float. Grand Marshal were Tom and Judy Scheidt from Buddy’s on the Beach. They have promoted many events centering on the lake. There will be a parade of boat July 4 with start and finish at the beach opposite their restaurant on Tupper Lake Street. Weather is in the news. We had five inches of rain in three days over the weekend. Any travelers on the weekend would have used their wipers about 90 percent of their travel time. Lake Odessa made the news. This prompted several people to call their kin in Lake Odessa asking if we were all right. The first tornado struck Ionia County at the county line at Vedder and Hastings roads with 75mph winds. It damaged some farm structures and continued to Vedder and Bell roads. The second landing was minutes later with 90-mph winds near the center of Odessa Township. The Ingham County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management shared photos showing a trough diagonally in a wheat field directly toward the Stalter farm where it leveled a centuryold bam and took off the roof, siding and the garage of the remodeled Odessa Center School building, now a dwelling. The storm continued eastward to the comer of M-66 and Clarksville Road. The Stalter bam was a tall structure. The original bam sat parallel to Jordan Lake Highway. Later a taller, larger bam was built about 1905. This near bam was facing north with the longer measure running east/west. Each of the bams had a central bam floor for hauling in hay, wheat or other grain waiting for the threshing machine. The east end of the new bam had three square windows above the ridge of the older bam. Only a small section of the west bam was left standing. This comer has a lot of history. The Clinton Trail, which runs ftonv Jackson rd1 GraJiS Haven since 1800 or earlier, is on a diagonal as it passes through Odessa Township. It passed this comer a bit south of the intersection We’re Hiring Home Care Companions Apply Today ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmaiLcom. Website: www, hastiiigs.fre.em.Q.thQd.i.s.t.c.Qin. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m.. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Fiberglass Hastings 945-9554 PnxkKte 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 • • • • WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. leaving small triangle on the Stalter farm. It continued across the road into Section 16 with a row of trees alongside the trail. This section cut across the Jasper Brokaw farm which was later the Heindeleiter farm, then Stalter farm, and then Behrenewald. With the last purchase the row of trees was removed and most of the 160 acres is one big field with irrigation equipment. Many years ago, the trail was diverted from a true diagonal to turning in midsection to go east to Jordan Lake Highway. Stalter grandchildren own parcels of 10, 10 and 12 acres. The remaining 67 acres have Jackson ownership. In the early days before all the townships of the county were organized, Odessa and Berlin were grouped together to be called Cass Township. The post office at the center was called South Cass. It sometimes was located farther south, depending on the political winds that determined who would be postmaster. A store on the east side of the highway was still standing when the late Rose Wilson Ainsworth taught at Odessa Center School. Residents of Johnson Street and parallel Fourth Avenue had their share of excitement over the weekend. Saturday after the tornado incident two miles north, firetrucks and line workers moved in to deal with branches that had fallen on power lines. Early Sunday morning linemen with a cherry picker on treads were in the alley between the two streets. They cut out several branches but left one dangling. One branch was badly burned. The firefighters Saturday mostly watched the limbs bum. Sunday morning, residents were without power from about 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. This meant sump pumps could not operate except if one had battery backup. In one case, the battery came to the end of its life so the guaranteed dry basement got a bit wet. The Rev. Eric Beck of Charlotte was in the pulpit at Central United Methodist Church Sunday and will return July 4. The coming pastor will be there July 11. Among the several visitors Sunday were Glenn and Kathy Good of Georgia. The Good family was hit with COVID-19 during the winter with some family members being hospitalized. The annual chicken barbecue will be July 9 with serving ipside. Take-out meals will be available. The chicken will again be prepared by High’s Barbecue Service of Indiana, masters of the trade. 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Flexible Schedule All Shifts Available $12 hourly Trainings Locations: • Battle Creek • Marshall • Albion • Hastings • Kalamazoo PLEASE APPLY workbyfaithhomecare.com HOME Scott Douglas Karrar, age 57, of Lake Odessa, passed away on June 28,2021. Scott was bom on November 22, 1963 in Grand Rapids, the son of Richard and Loma (McClellarid) Karrar. He was a 1982 graduate of Lakewood High School. Scott worked as an electrician and a farmer. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and farming. Scott liked turning wrenches from building dune buggies to repairing cars. He especially loved spending time with his family and getting way to go fishing. Scott was preceded in death by his grandparents Vernon and Helen (Slocum) Karrar and Norman and Vonda (Smith) .McClelland. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Loma Karrar; daughter, Rebecca Karrar; stepson, William Miller, Jr.; brother, Dan Karrar; niece, Danielle Karrar; step-niece, Courtney Robinson;step-nephew, Steven Ellison. Respecting Scott’s wishes, cremation has taken place , with no services planned at this time. In lieu o ? flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Scott’s memory to the American Cancer Society, https://donate3. cancer.org/ or PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Arrangerlents by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfur eralhome .net. CARE 269-986-7502 NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale 1 pickup: (1) 2020 GMC 3500 Crew Cab DRW w/ BOSS Plow. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 6, 2021 for the following items. Please mark outside of bid envelope with truck number i.e #900370. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above phone number, our website www.barrycrc.org or our Facebook page, please make an appointment for all viewings of the trucks. NOTE: All trucks are sold as is. (1) 2020 GMC 3500 Crew Cab DRW SLE Pickup w/plow 4WD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors, BOSS Plow 8-10’ Ext 1 - Summit White - #900370- Orange Title - Approximately 12,644 miles Minimum Bid $58,500 (Orange Title = MUNICIPAL Title - NOT Salvage Title) NOTE: All mileage is approximate - trucks are being driven until they are sold. The board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 1, 2021 — Page 7 first of its k ind anywhere in the United States. “The pkn, according to Masters, is to mix recreation end vocational training while the returned vets are shaking off the results of wounds, bettie shock and other war-made ailments. “Pine C;amp was one of the principal Coast Guard boot training camps in Michigan during the early days of the war, and an estimated ,500 guardsmen were trained there. “The amy had considered using the camp to house German war prisoners working on nearby fams, but a switch to an abandoned CCC camp in Allegan County makes Pine Camp available to the state. “The cemp consists of a large main building, 26 si.mail dormitory cabins, a building the Coast G lard used as a hospital, and other units. “Compk te facilities for taking care of 400 men are av;ailable to go with the camp. Canoes, boats and other recreation equipment is also there in abundance. “The mailin building, which is finished in knotty pine, is a year-round unit with oil heat and oil-burring ranges in the kitchen. The kitchen and ness hall take up one wing of the H-shaped building, while the balance of the ground flooi is utilized as recreation rooms, a library and offices. The second floor has a number of jingle rooms used by the Coast Guard as of icer quarters. Spacious rooms in the basement could be utilized as workshops and classrooms. “The camp is one of the finest in Michigan and was bur t by the foundation 10 years ago as a camp and school for underprivileged children of Michigan. “While i s use for war veterans would be possible with the present plant, winter use would require installation of heating plants for the 26 sleeping cabins.” “Veteran plan given backing,’ the Ypsilanti Dally Press announced in a headline in its June 17, 1944, edition. “With the enthusiastic backing of the State Veterans Advisory Board, Gov. Kelly will present to the State Administrative Board Tuesday a •equest for $60,000 to start a veterans’ rehabilitation and vocational education camp at Pine Lake near Hastings. “Endorsement for the plan was voted by the board Thursday after an inspection of the camp ... “George H. Fem, state director of vocational education, whose agency will The W.K. Kellogg Foundation leased its Barry County camps at Pine and Clear operate the c amp for the state, told Kelly he lakes for $1 per year to allow the government to train Coast Guard members. As the believed it could be in operation by Aug. 15. war waned, the C8>mps became infirmaries for recuperating service members. By the He said upwards of 100 discharged veterans time these Sea Scouts visited Clear Lake with their new watercraft in July 1951, the are applying to the state board of control for Pine Lake camp was soon to become a training and education center for adults with vocational education monthly for training. disabilities. Pictured here are (from left) Bill Buehler, Jack Kelly, Hubert Cook, George “The camp was described to the board as Udris, Phil Sheldon and Ralph Gwinn. The boat, “Sea Explorer Ship Morton Young No. a ‘bridge between army hospitals and normal 5076,” was named in memory of a former Hastings High School student who died civilian life’ for veterans who have been while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. (Photo from July 26,1951, wounded or psychologically affected and who Banner) > * need trained care arw^^ a trades education to fit them for civilian life. Kathy Maurer “The $60,000 requested from the $1 Copy Editor “Many boys who went into the million veterans reserve fund set up by the Two nearly 90-year-old camps established army right from school will find legislature will be used to build a $45,000 to improve children’s health continue to machine shop and for first year’s operating themselves unprepared to take operate, although their focus and ownership is expenses charged to the state. a civilian job. Our vocational not the same now as it was in the 1930s. “Other Operating expenses of about training program will meet the The camp at Pine Lake in Prairieville $118,500, covering salaries of teachers, requirements of all but the Township - now the Michigan Career and nurses, psychiatrists and similar trained exceptions. The army has done Technical Institute - has served as a training workers, as well as food, fuel and other a great job of teaching skills to a nd education center for adults with disabilities services, wi 1 be paid by the vocational its soldiers, but in many cases, from across the state, and has done so since education board, Fem said, from federal/state the 1950s. the skill is applicable only to mil­ funds provid >d for vocational training and In between, in the 1940s, it saw rapid itary use. Our technical training rehabilitation. ... changes in its purpose: training and later will be for peace-time practices “Lt. Col. Philip C. Pack, acting director of rehabilitating U.S. Armed Services members. in shops and factories.” the state office of veterans affairs, said training Throughout World War II, newspapers in machine, shop, welding, boat building, Hugh Pierce, director, Pine Lake across the country printed letters from service cabinet making, sheet metal work, drafting, Veterans Camp, 1944 1 members, lists of wounded, dead or missing watch and clock repairing, related technical soldiers, promotions, and general servicesubjects anc office practices would be related bulletins. The Pine Lake camp was offered.” mentioned occasionally, its geographic The Detrcit Evening Times July 25, 1944, reference in the articles varying from near mentioned the Pine Lake Camp in an article Plainwell, Hastings, Kalamazoo or Battle three separate camps located at St. Mary’s, entitled “Veteran Setups Forming.” In that Pine and Clear lakes in Barry County, where piece, Gov. H irry Kelly “warned that no work Creek. The June 15, 1942, Detroit Evening Times basic training for Coast Guard recruits in could be more important than rehabilitating announced that the camps would soon be used seamanship, lifesaving, small arms drills, boat returning veterans. handling, military drills and formations will for training. “The neec for a comprehensive program be given. Already, there are several hundred of reorientation, re-employment, education men from Midwestern points in training and rehabilita ion, both federal, state and local Kellogg Camps for Coast Guard “Advance units of Coast Guard officers there.” is clearly apparent,” the governor said through Little more was printed in Michigan a spokesperson. are to arrive this week to prepare the Kellogg Foundation camps at [Clear], Pine, and St. newspapers for the next two years, but just Five days later, that same paper published Mary’s lakes for the influx of approximately two days after D-Day, officials were eyeing an article headlined: 600 men who soon will begin their service the Prairieville venue for a new purpose. Unique school awaits vets “Gov. Kelly announced today plans for the training here, it was announced this morning. GIs can fish, loaf, study at Pine Lake “The three camps recently were offered to state to lease the Pine Lake Camp from the “Discharge*id GIs who arrive at the state’s the Coast Guard for use as training stations W.K. Kellogg Foundation for use as a new Pine Lake vets vocational and technical for the duration of the war, and only the veterans’ rehabilitation center,” the Ypsilanti school 30 miles west of Battle Creek Aug. 15 signing of a $1 a year lease remains before the Daily Press reported June 8, 1944. are in for a suliprise. “The camp, located 28 miles northwest of arrangement is official. Present equipment, “They are going to find their future ‘Alma including sleeping arrangements for 639 men, Battle Creek and 10 miles northwest [sic] of Mater’ the me:st unusual school in Michigan, Plainwell, covers 31 acres of land and [access a place where a war-tired Joe can knock off are to be turned over intact. “According to officers of the Coast Guard, to] 500 acres of lake. Kelly said he would his welding lessons and do a little fishing in only basic training will be given in the three meet with the veterans’ advisory committee at one of Michigan’s best pike lakes. local camps unless there is a need for the camp June 16 and that if it approves the “Or if he does not care for fishing, he can expanding the program here. Under the plan, project, he will ask state administrative board paddle around in a camp canoe, take a swim recruits would be brought here for a month to approval the following Tuesday.” or play ping-pong. If he just wants to loaf, The Detroit Evening Times provided there are lopnging rooms that many a undergo primary training and hardening. “Ordnance and signal equipment, as well additional information on Kelly’s plan in its Michigan big shot would pay heavy to loaf in, as large lifeboats, are being sent here for use June 11, 1944, issue. and around 55>,000 books to read. “Gov. Harry Kelly and his veteran affairs by the men. After the initial group is trained, “... Joe is going to get a break, and Hugh [the number of men may be bumped] up to committee, consisting of Lt. Col. Phil C. Pierce, the carhp director, is the authority for 1,000 a month, since by using double-decked Pack, Maj. Garnet Burlingame and Elmer J. that promise. Hanna, will go to the Pine Lake Camp of the bunks, facilities could be doubled. “While thl<s camp is an experiment, its “The camps total 78 acres and have been W.K. Kellogg Foundation near Plainwell next purpose is to bridge the gap between war in use annually by groups holding conferences, Friday with an eye to using it for veterans service and he return to civil life,” he as well as by schoolchildren from all parts of whose disabilities do not entitle them to explained. “Most men will make the change veteran administration help. the state.” easily, but there will be some who find it “According to H.B. Masters of the After several weeks of preparation, the difficult. We propose to help these men July 28, 1942, Detroit Evening Times foundation, the $400,000 recreation plant has through that period and prepare them for announced that the new three-site training been offered to the state on a $1 per year basis useful civilian life. for five years at which time, if the project has station was nearly ready. “Many bo> s who went into the army right “Saturday will be dedication day for the been proved a success, it will be deeded to the from school will find themselves unprepared Coast Guard’s first permanent training station state. to take a civilian job. Our vocational training “Masters said the foundation was at Battle Creek ... special ceremonies to be program will meet the requirements of all but interested in helping returned soldiers during announced in a few days. the exceptions “Officially known as the Battle Creek the period of readjustment after they return to “The army tias done a great job of teaching Training Station, the new facilities include civil life and that Gov. Kelly’s project was the skills to its soldiers, but in many cases, the , fl look book at the stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE RAGES < Pine Lake veterans camp dubbed ‘million-doilar setup’ “Discharged GIs who arrive at the state’s new Pine Lake vets vocational and technical school are in for a surprise. They are going to find their future ‘Alma Mater’ the most unusual school in Michigan, a place where a war-tired Joe can knock off his welding lessons and do a little fishing in one of Michigan’s best pike lakes. Or if he does not care for fishing, he can paddle around in a camp canoe, take a swim or play ping­ pong. If he just wants to loaf, there are lounging rooms . that many a Michigan big shot would pay heavy to loaf in, and around 55,000 books to read.” - Detroit Evening Times July 30, 1944 skill is applicable only to military use. Our technical training will be for peace-time practices in shops and factories.” The Nov. 2, 1944, Wyandotte News­ Herald, in its recap of the recent city council meeting proceedings, even included a report on a mid-October conference at the Pine Lake camp for training of counselors and receptionists, who represented about 50 communities in the state. The Dec. 15, 1944, Daily Monitor Leader in Mount Clemens reported: “Michigan, one of the first states to create machinery for aiding returning World War II veterans, has gained widespread attention by establishment of a rehabilitation camp which servicemen describe as ‘a million-dollar setup.’ “The camp, on Pine Lake near Kalamazoo, already houses 94 veterans who are being taught to overcome service-connected disabilities and learn new trades. “Disabled veterans assigned to the camp obtain free use of elaborate recreation facilities and services of a trained psychiatrist while refitting themselves for civilian life. “... Veterans attending the camp have all living expense and training fees paid by the state. “Workmen are now putting the finishing touches on a new $100,000 workshop building that will complete the camp. ... “The Pine Lake camp for veterans is geared in closely with the state’s regular rehabilitation and counseling service for returning soldiers, sailors, marines and coast guardsmen. The Oct. 15, 1945, Wyandotte News­ Herald in its “Michigan Mirrors” section reported the presence of five times more veterans than after the conclusion of World War I. “Michigan veterans are returning home at the rate now of 30,000 a month. The 1946 peak will come in June when 50,000 are due back. At least 350,000 veterans will be back home in Michigan by next summer.” That same edition of the News-Herald listed several issues facing the state legislature and how it would appropriate the $51 million veterans’ relief fund. Recommendations were to be accepted by Gov. Kelly and the Office of Veteran Affairs between Thanksgiving and Christmas. “At present, the OVA is a service agency, created by the legislature and a model for other state governments, which is likely to continue for some years if the $51 million fund is used for veterans service and not doled out immediately in dribbling sums.” The Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center, still referred to as “Clear Lake Camp” became the first public school camp in the nation when it was purchased by the Battle Creek schools system in 1940 and still operates as an education and conference center. (An article on the original WKKF children’s camps was printed in the March 18, 2021, Banner) hronicalingAmerica .loc .gov, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Pine Lake Association and W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Source: ChronicalingAmerica .loc .gov. Source: ChronicalingAmerica.loc.gov. Ash trays, dictionaries, fabric among 1945 list of needed items After a gathering at the Pine Lake Veterans Camp in Prairieville Township, a call went out in May 1945 for donated items to supply recovering U;S. service members -^affliy sites. The list of items likely saw widespread publication. The Detroit Evening Times knew right where to put that list in its May 4,1945, edition to get response: on page 10, devoted to “News for Modem Women.” Vet hospital needs listed A meeting of the camp and hospital ser­ vice of the Red Cross was held Wednesday at Pine Lake Camp, Veterans VocationalTechnical School at Battle Creek. Military personnel and field directors of the army hospitals and bases attended and listed the articles that are needed by their various bases. Also there were Mrs. Fred T. Murphy, national representative of the Camp and Hospital Council Service for Michigan; Mrs. Laura B. Higbie of the camp and hospital committee of the Detroit chapter; Mrs. Howard Bennett, vice chairman; and Miss Olive Saunders. * Mrs. B ennet presided at the meeting j Mrs. Higbie is handling all information and dona­ tions in Detroit. [Battle Creek’s] Percy Jones General and Convalescent Hospital staff is anxious to acquire four ice boxes, five dozen wastebas­ kets, a number of small tools, 10 used filing cases of one or two drawers, 30 ash trays, golf clubs, bolts of cloth, five to 10 ironing boards, curtain poles, pocket dictionaries, 20 earthenware jars and single copies of current magazines. Funds to equip a room for arts and skills and to further the watch-repairing project also are needed. Outdoor furniture, particu­ larly lawn seats, Adirondack chairs and tables are required, too. At Camp Custer, the veterans’ administra­ tion facilities division requires ping-pong tables, a bass viola and magazine subscrip­ tions. The Aug. 2, 1945, Wyandotte News-Herald published a review of a newly produced movie featuring veterans from across the state. Sound movie shows veterans’ activities in Michigan The Office of Veterans Affairs has pro­ duced a sound motion picture entitled “Michigan Welcomes the Veteran.” The picture was made in two versions: one for showing through regular theater cir­ cuits and the other for use in showing before clubs and other groups. Counseling centers will be advised soon the dates the picture will appear in the theaters. The version that shows in the theaters will run for 10 minutes, while the version for use in communities will run for 22 minutes. Prints of this version will be available soon for showing before community groups. The picture starts with action scenes in the Pacific. It shows Michigan soldiers transported to Percy Jones Hospital, Battle Creek. Several scenes explain the rehabilita­ tion processes there. The picture then moves to the Separation Centers at Fort Sheridan, Ill., and the Navy Pier near Chicago. Scenes depict actual discharge and pay­ ment of mustering-out pay. The action then shifts to Lansing and depicts the establishment of the Office of Veterans Affairs and the Michigan Veterans Advisory Committee. Jumping quickly about the state, many of the 152 veterans counseling centers are shown. In several of them, actual interviews between the counselor and the veteran are portrayed. From the counseling centers, the action turns to various channels of referral such as education. In this part of the picture are shown veteran students engaged in vocation­ al and academic courses in several Michigan educational institutions. Service officers of veteran organizations file claims for rights and benefits for veter­ ans; veterans are shown learning forestry, how to operate a poultry farm, how to judge cattle, and many other interesting situations. The picture moves to the Michigan Veterans Vocational School and shows a panorama view of the school in its enchant­ ing setting on the shores of Pine Lake in Barry County. It shows the veteran students pursuing courses in radio repair, watch and clock repair, drafting, office practice and also enjoying the outdoor sports that are a part of the rehabilitation program at the school. Scenes also are shown at the Michigan Veterans Facility in Grand Rapids and at some of the veterans’ clinics established about the state. The theme of the picture is based on the community’s participation and responsibili­ ty in the program set up by the Office of Veterans Affairs to assist returning veterans in re-establishing themselves in civil life. Those who enjoy the picture will find many short scenes interspersed that will touch their hearts, such as a veteran with artificial arms tying a necktie and then beaming his satisfaction of his accomplish­ ment to the audience. No individuals are starred in the picture. All scenes were actually taken at the place indicated. The actors in the picture are real veterans, and they are not acting. It is a pic­ ture that every citizen will have a chance to see and should see at the first available opportunity. �Page 8 — Thursday, July 1,2021 — The Hastings Banner • Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones ** 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome.net 'ncra Owner/ Manager Financial FOCUS Family Owned and Operated Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 EmeritL Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for SO years 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 Declare your financial freedom RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW Pursuant to provisions in MCL 211.7cc (19), MCL 211.7b, MCL 211.7u and MCL 211.53b, the Board of Review will meet on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the office of the Assessor at Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan to consider appeals related to Principle Residence Exemptions, Disabled Veterans Exemptions, Poverty Exemptions and to Correct Qualified Errors. Elsie Sage io celebrate 97th birthday Dennis McKelvey, Assessor RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2194 City of Hastings PUBLIC NOTICE Noxious Weeds and Vegetation We are excited to announce that Elsie Sage will be 97 years old on July 8, 2021. Canyc u believe it? She is still going strong, She was a HHS graduate of the class of 1942 <nd has been a resident of Hastings since hen. She is a wonderful piano and organ alayer and has volunteered her talent all arcund the area for many many years. Until c nly a couple of years ago she was still blessir g others with her music at the Thomapple Manor on a weekly basis. For her last two birthdays she received well wishes from so many people and it brought her so much joy. Please make her day special again with a birthday wish sent to 904 W. Walnut St., Hastings, MI 49058. Notice is hereby given that noxious weeds and vegetation as defined by Section 38-100 to Section 38-106, Division 4, Article II, Chapter 38 of the City of Hastings Code of Ordinances, as amended, not cut during the growing season may be cut by the City of Hastings or its designated representative, and the owner of the property shall be charged with the cost thereof. Independence Day is almost if appropriate, make sure you here. And as we make progress have a reasonable percentage in moving past the COVID-19 of growth-oriented investments pandemic, more of us will be within your 401(k) and IRA. able to enjoy Fourth of July Most people don’t “max out” activities. However you observe on their IRA and 401(k) each the holiday, it’s important to year, but, if you can consistently recognize all the liberties we afford to do so, and you still enjoy in this country. But you have money you could invest, may still need to work at one you may want to explore other particular type of freedom - retirement savings vehicles. • Illness or injury - If you and that’s financial freedom. were to become seriously ill How can you achieve it? There’s no one instant or sustain a significant injury solution. But you can work and you couldn’t work for an toward financial independence extended period, the loss of income could jeopardize your by addressing these areas: • Retirement savings - ability to achieve financial Approximately 45% of * independence. Your employer Americans think the ideal may offer disability insurance retirement involves “enjoying as an employee benefit, but my well-earned freedom,” this coverage is typically quite limited, both in duration according to the March 2021 Edward J ones/Age Wave Four and in the amount of income Pillars of the New Retirement being replaced. Consequently, study. But when you’re retired, you may want to consider the risk to this freedom is purchasing private disability obvious - the paychecks have insurance. Keep in mind that stopped but the bills haven’t. this coverage, also, will have an Furthermore, you could end date and it probably won’t spend two or three decades replace all the income lost in retirement. That’s why it’s while you’re out of work, but so important to contribute as it will likely be more expansive much as you can afford to your and generous than the plan tax-advantaged retirement provided by your employer. accounts, such as your IRA • Long-term care and your 401(k) or another Individuals turning 65 have employer-sponsored plan. At about a 70% chance of a minimum, put in enough to eventually needing some type earn your employer’s matching of long-term care, such as contribution, if one is offered. a nursing home stay or the Whenever your salary goes assistance of a home health up, try to increase the annual aide, according to the U.S. amount you put in your Department of Health and 401(k) or similar plan. And Human Services. And these services are quite expensive - the average annual cost for a private room in a nursing home is more than $100,000, according to Genworth, an insurance company. Medicare typically covers only a small part of these expenses, so, to avoid depleting your savings and investments (and possibly subjecting your grown children ’ to a financial burden), you may want to consider long-term care insurance or life insurance with a long-term care component. A financial advisor can help you . choose a plan that’s appropriate for your needs. By addressing these areas, you can go a long way toward attaining your financial independence. It will be a long­ term pursuit, but the end goal is worth it. i This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. Noxious weeds and grasses more than eight (8) inches in height, dead bushes, and bushes infested with dangerous insects and infectious diseases must be cut and removed from the property. Any owner who refuses to destroy and remove such material may be subject to a Civil Infraction and fine, and the City or its designated representative may enter upon the land as many times as necessary, and destroy and remove such material and charge the cost to the property ■■ , ■ ... . ... .. Any expense incurred by the City shall be reimbursed by the owner of the land. Unrecovered costs shall be levied as a lien on the property and shall be collected against the property in the same manner as general taxes. The City, through its Code Compliance Officer, shall have the right to enter upon such lands for the purpose of cutting down, destroying, or removing noxious weeds or vegetation and shall not be liable in any action of trespass. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk CITY OF HASTINGS NOTICE OF CLOSE-OUT PUBLIC HEARING MICHIGAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT Beverly Lambka to celebrate 90th birthday Beverly Lambka, age 90, of Hastings, will be delebrating her upcoming birthday. She was (born July 14,1931. A card shower would be appreciated in her honor. Cards may be sent to Beverly Lambka, 2700 Nashville Rd. (Thomapple Manor), Rm. 314, Hastings, MI 49058. No gifts please. (CDBG) FUNDING FOR 118 EAST COURT STREET PROJECT The City of Hastings will conduct a closeout public hearing on July 12, 2021 at 7:00PM in Council Chambers at City Hall at 201 East State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058, for the purpose of affording citizens an opportunity to submit comments and receive a final report on the completion of the 118 East Court Street Project at 118 East Court Street, Hastings, which was funded with a CDBG grant. The CDBG grant provided funding to assist with rental rehabilitation, as follows: The project had a total cost of $440,433.84. $140,433.84 came from private funds of the building owner, and $300,000.00 came from CDBG (federal funds through an MEDC grant award) at 118 East Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Five new apartments were created from this rehabilitation project: three, one-bedroom units, and two, two-bedroom units. The CDBG project benefitted at least 51% low to moderate income persons; zero persons were displaced as a result of the project. Interested parties are invited to comment on the project in person at the public hearing or in writing through 5:00 p.m. Monday July 12, 2021 and addressed to the Director of Community Development, Dan King at 269-945-2468 or dking@ hastingsmi.org. Citizen views and comments on the completed CDBG project are welcome. City of Hastings Dan King Community Development Director 269-945-2468 The City will provide reasonable and necessary aids and services for persons with disabilities upon five days’ notice to the City Clerk by calling 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services at 800.649.3777. City of Hastings Jane M. Saurman. City Clerk 269-945-2468 Amy and Phil Poholski, of Middleville, announce the engagement of their son, Luke Poiolski to Emma Rutkowski of Memphis, Michigan. Emma is the daughter of Melissa Hillock of Memphis. mke and Emma are both graduates of Ferris State University. An October wedding is being planned. In the blink of an eye Dr. Universe: Why do we have to blink? Michael and Virgil, 3 and 5, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Dear Michael and Virgil, If you’ve ever had a staring contest with a friend, you may have felt your eyes start to get tired and dry. Eventually, you just had to blink. Blinking helps our eyes stay healthy, and my friend Dr. Karen Janout, a clinical assis­ tant professor at Washington State University, told me all about it. With each blink, she said, your eyelids help spread tears over the surface of your eyes - and you actually do this a lot. Humans blink an average of 15 to 20 times a minute, which adds up to somewhere around 5.2 to 7.1 million blinks a year. Of course, the exact number of blinks also depends on how many hours you sleep and your personal blinking style. As you blink, you spread out tears made up of three layers: a mucus layer, a water layer and a layer made of fats, called lipids. These layers work together to help keep the eyeball moist and prevent the tears from evaporating. If humans didn’t blink, the transparent part of the eye covering the iris and the pupil, which we call the cornea, would get dry and bumpy. Because the surface is bumpy, light would travel through it in an unusual way and things would get out of focus. While too much exposure to air can cause some eye damage, eyes do need to use something important from the air to work: oxygen. The oxygen that comes into your eyes is used only by the cornea, and those tears you spread around your eyes when you blink help absorb some oxygen from the air. In just the right amounts, oxygen helps your eyes do all the things they need to do to help you see and stay healthy. You may also have noticed that blinking is something you don’t really have to think much about. You might blink quickly when a bright light shines in your eyes. But blinking also is something you have some control over. For instance, you might blink quickly to help spread tears and get a bit of dust out of your eyes. Of course, there is one time of day you don’t blink much at all. When you go to sleep, your eyelids close to keep your eyes moist as you rest. Janout also told me while some animals blink a lot like humans do, other animals have different ways of protecting their eyes. Some animals have membranes, which are like thin, transparent films that help shield their eyes. Some birds have both eyelids and a membrane. They don’t blink much but do close their eyes to sleep. Meanwhile, fish just have a membrane covering their eyes. But they don’t have eyelids, so they don’t blink. Who knows, maybe one day, you’ll be an animal scientist, a doctor, a researcher or an ophthalmologist who helps us learn more about the amazing world of eyes and how they work. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 1, 2021 — Page 9 HHS students honored for achievements Hastings High School had to forego its annual underclassmen honors ceremonies at the conclusion of the past two academic years because of the pandemic. Still, students were selected for department awards and recognized for outstanding achievement. Academic Letters Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to earn Academic Letters - a firstyear letter for maintaining a 3.75 or higher grade point average in the first three semesters at HHS, and a second-year letter for maintaining a 3.50 or higher GPA in the first five semesters. Senior academic letter recipients were published in the special section of the June 3 Banner. Academic Letter recipients among this year’s juniors include: First year: Faith Beede, Arian Bond, Rory Campbell, Mason Denton, Jackson DuBois, Anna English, Patrick Gee, Morgan Gregory, Kali Grimes, Lindsey Herron, Joslyn Hinkle, Joseph McLean, Noah Mead, BreAnn Micklatcher, Kiley Miles, Makayla Parsons, Andre Perez, Madison Pettingill, Ellie Pipenger, Phoebe Schantz, Allison Teed, Azaleigha Wimigwans, Breanna Willard, Brooklynn Youngs. Second year: Rudy Barber, Brianna Barnes, Andrew Bassett, Hannah Crozier, Hailey Graham, Aihsley Jones, Connor Lindsey, Patrick Mallory, Jenna Miller, Taylor Owen, Matthew Pattok, Emily Roe, Harrison Smalley, Carissa Strouse, Emma VanDenburg, Hannah Vann, Braden Vertalka, Owen Winegar and Sage Winters. First year Academic Letter recipients among this year’s sophomores - for maintaining a 3.75 or higher GPA in the first three semesters - are: Sophia Ahearn, Lauren Arnold, Abigail Barton, Isobelle Bergeron, Saanj Bhakta, Eve Bishop, Kathryn Clark, Bailey Cook, Erick Critzer, Grace Curtis, Valery Eaton, Zara Franklin, Joseph Goggins, Anna Haywood, Jocelyn Hernandez-Hernandez, Anden Hines, Gabrielle Horrmann, Jack Kensington, Nathan Kohmescher, Julia McLean, Molly Patton, Isaiah Randall, Ashton Rasey, Cailin Redman, Emily Simmons, Bailey Southwell, Isabelle Storm, Kearan Tolles, Caleb Waller. Department awards The following students were selected to receive the Outstanding Student Award by various departments within the high school. Freshmen receiving department awards at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year included: Administrators Award - Brayden Bies Art - Jordan Lyke Band - Riley Shults Choir - Adrianne VanDenburg Agriculture, food and natural resources Kaylie Carl Business - John Chmura II Construction trades - Zane Warner Engineering design - Aiden Morton English - Faith Kuck Mathematics - Lucy Barnard Science - Alexandria Herder Social studies - Blake Barnum Spanish - Coreena Marsiglia Department award winners1 among cuiient sophomores, along with last year’s recipients from the class (listed in parentheses) include: Administrators Award - Christian Owen (Christian Owen) Art - Aiyanah Wemigwans (Jocelyn Hernandez-Hernandez) Band - Valery Eaton (Abigail Barton) Tanner Max Schultz, Hiram, OH and Emma Elizabeth Ringleka, Middleville Lydnsey Marie Fisher, Middleville and Seth Robert Nawrocki, Middleville Melody Rose Hawkins, Freeport and Terrence Sanders Sanchez, Sergeant Bluff, IA Rory Joseph O’Neill, Murfreesboro, TN and Cynthia Marie Daconto, Murfreesboro, TN Thaddeus Joe Stampfler, Hastings and Reylene Mariah Jones, North Royalton, OH Rebecca Lee Davis, Hastings and Robert Lee Woodworth, Hastings Meritt Rae Weiler, Hastings and Ronald Clark Apsey, Hastings Deborah Lynn Hotchkiss, Hastings and Robert Dee Richardson, Hastings Daniel Kelvin Metzger, Battle Creek and Susan Fay Kane, Hastings Scott Anthony Starks, Bellevue and Megan Galen Vanamburg, Columbus Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Choir - Jackson Casey Agriculture, food and natural resources Kathryn Clark (Parker Roslund) Business - Lauren Taylor (Kearan Tolles) Construction trades - Collin Fouty (Xander Holtrust) Engineering design - Jack Kensington and Caleb Waller (Devin Pacillo) English - Zara Franklin (Grace Curtis) Mathematics - Anna Haywood and Molly Patton (Anna Haywood) Science - Julia McLean (Anna Haywood) Social studies - Abby Gaskill (Ericka Critzer) Spanish - Grace Curtis (Lauren Taylor) Junior department award recipients this year and (2019-20) include: Administrators Award - Dillon Neal (Eli Beck) Art - Dylan Jones (Kenadie Priser) Band - Zachary Franklin (Zachary Franklin) Choir - Connor Lindsey. Agriculture, food and natural resources Emily Roe (Faith Beede) Business - Ellen Shults (Abigail Owen) Construction trades - Dakota Roll (Jackson DuBois) Engineering design - (Tristin Russell) English - Patrick Mallory (Hannah Vann) Mathematics - Patrick Mallory (Patrick Mallory and Matthew Pattok) Science - Matthew Pattok (Emma VanDenburg) Social studies - Sage Winters (Jacob Fish) Spanish - Elizabeth Arnold (Brianna Barnes) i $ Senior awards were listed in the June 3 Banner. Recent seniors who received department awards at the end of their junior year included: Administrators’ Award - Juliet Bradfield. Art - Limias Montiel. Band - Grace Green. Agriculture, food and natural resources Michael VanDorp. Business - Scott Fischer. Construction trades - Hayden Smith. Engineering design - Ethan Caris. English - Grace Green. Mathematics - Samuel Randall. Science . - Maggie Nedbalek. Social studies - Lauren Sensiba. Spanish - Skyler Grego. CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 602 md undesigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 70-73(d), OF ARTICLE III, OF CHAPTER 70 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970 to determine the number of installments which assessments may be paid, but not greater than ten; was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 28th of June 2021. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021 BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM & MARTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following proposals will appear on the ballot: The Barry County Townships of Assyria, Baltimore, Calton, Castleton, Hastings Charter, Hope, Irving, Johnstown, Maple Grove, Orangeville, Flutland, and Woodland. And the Calhoun Township of Bedford. COUNTY OF BARRY STATE OF MICHIGAN PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualified elector of the above named jurisdictions who is not already registered, may register to vote at the office of the Township or City Clerk; the Office of the appropriate County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch office, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at www.mi.gov/vote and mailed to the Township or City Clerk. Voters who are a ready registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com. HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING AND SITE PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $21,900,000 Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Hastings Area School System, 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058-2298, telephone (269) 948-4400. Please take further notice that the bonds of the school District, if approved by a majority vote of the electors at this election, will be general obligation unlimited tax bonds payable from general ad valorem taxes. MARTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL EXEMPTING PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE AND OTHER PROPERTY EXEMPTED BY LAW 18.6169 MILLS FOR 5 YEARS The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, July 19, 2021. After this date, anyone who qualifies as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the following: Address Municipality Regular Business Hours Hours on Saturday, July 31 Hours on Tuesday, August 3 City of Hastings Jane Saurman 201E, State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm 7:00 am-3:00 pm 7:00-8:00 pm Annette Terry Assyria Twp. 8094 Tasker Road Bellevue, Ml 49021 By Appt. 10:00 am-6:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Penny Ypma Baltimore Twp. 3100 E. Dowling Road Hastings, Ml 49058 By Appt. Amanda Brown Carlton Twp. 85 Welcome Road Hastings, Ml 49058 Wednesdays-10am-no on ■: < ■ 8:00 am-4:00 pm Marcia Scramlin Castleton Twp. 915 Reed Street P0 Box 679, Nashville, Ml 49073 Wednesdays 1 pm-4:30 )m 8:00 am-4:00 pm Anita Mennell Hastings Charter 885 River Road Hastings, Ml 49058 Tuesdays 9 am - noon & -4 7:00 am-3:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Deborah Jackson Hope Twp. 5463 S. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml 49058 Wednesdays 9 am-noon & 1:15-3:00 pm; Thursday & Friday 1-3 pm 8:00 am-4:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Sharon Olson Irving Twp. 3425 Wing Road Hastings, Ml 49058 By Appt. 8:00 am-4:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Sheri Babcock Johnstown Twp. 13641 S. M-37 Battle Creek, Ml 49017 Monday & Wednesday 8 am-4 pm or by Appt. 8:00 am-4:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Holly Carpenter Maple Grove Twp. 721 Durkee Street Nashville, Ml 49073 By Appt. 8:00 am-4:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Melody Risner Orangeville Twp. 7350 Lindsey Road Plainwell, MJI 49080 Mon-Wed-Friday 9:30 am-1:30 pm 8:00 am-4:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm ’ Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm 8:66 am-4:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Robin Hawthorne Rutland Twp. ~ 2451 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058 8:00 am-4:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm f ! r -• 'V * ? —3—v<” 7:00 am-8:00 pm 156 S. Main PO Box 98 Woodland, Ml 48897 Consolidated with Carlton Twp. for this election only. 8:00 am-4:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Joyce Feraco Bedford Twp. 1115 S. Uldriks Drive Batle Creek, Ml 49037 Consolidated with Johnstoiwn Twp. for this election only. 7:00 am-3:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm . NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST Notice is hereby given that a Public Accuracy Test for the August 3, 2021 election will be conducted by the clerks of the named townships on the voting equipment pursuant to MCL 168.798 at the addresses noted on the following dates: July 15,2021 at 2:00 am at CITY OF HASTINGS 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 ; Wards participating in the July 15, 2021 date: City of Hastings Wards 1, 2, 3 & 4 July 17,2021 at 3:00 pm at ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP HALL 8094 Tasker Road, Bellevue, Michigan 49021 Townships participating in the July 17, 2021 date: Assyria Township July 17,2021 at 9:00 am at CARLTON TOWNSHIP HALL 85 Welcome Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the July 17, 2021 date: Carlton & Woodland Townships consolidated July 21,2021 at 2:00 am at CASTLETON TOWNSHIP HALL 915 Reed Street, PO Box 679, Nashville, Michigan 49073 Townships participating in the July 21, 2021 date: Castleton Township July 20,2021 at 10:00 am at HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP HALL 885 River Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the July 20, 2021 date: Hastings Charter Township July 15,2021 at 1:00 pm at HOPE TOWNSHIP HALL 5463 S. M-43 Hwy., Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the July 15, 2021 date: Hope Township July 14,2021 at 9:30 am at IRVING TOWNSHIP HALL 3425 Wing Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the July 14, 2021 date: Irving Township July 15,2021 at 1:00 am at MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP HALL 721 Durkee Street, Nashville, Michigan 49073 Townships participating in the July 15, 2021 date: Maple Grove Township PAMELA A. PALMER, BARRY COUNTY CLERK on behalf of: Baltimore Township Carlton Township Penny Ypma Amanda Brown Township Clerk Township Clerk July 9,2021 at 10:00 am at ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP HALL 7350 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the July 9, 2021 date: Orangeville Township Castleton Township Marcia Scramlin Township Clerk Hastings Charter Twp. Anita Mennell Township Clerk Irving Township Sharon Olson Township Clerk Johnstown Township Sheri Babcock Township Clerk Maple Grove Township Holly Carpenter Township Clerk Orangeville Township Melody Risner Township Clerk Rutland Township Robin Hawthorne Township Clerk Woodland Township Nancy Stanton Township Clerk City of Hastings Jane Saurman City Clerk Bedford Township Joyce Feraco Township Clerk Hope Township Deborah Jackson Township Clerk . < ■ . . ■ ' .£ July 15,2021 at 1:30 pm at BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP HALL 3100 E. Dowling Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the July 15, 2021 date: Baltimore Township July 12,2021 @ 10:00 am at JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP HALL 13641 S. M-37 Hwy., Battle Creek, Michigan 49017 Townships participating in the July 12,2021 date: Johnstown & Bedford Township consolidated YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO QUALIFY AS A VOTER! QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE Citizen of the United States At least 18 years of age on or before August 3,2021 Resident of Michigan and the township/city where you are applying to vote. ,5. ' Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Martin Public Schools, 1556 Chalmers Street, Martin, Michigan 49070-0241 telephone: (269) 442-0500. 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Nancy Stanton Woodland Twp. Assyria Township Annette Terry Township Clerk J|L«, ‘ July 13,2021 @ 10:30 am at RUTLAND TOWNSHIP HALL 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the July 13, 2021 date: Rutland Township The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the program and the computer that will be used to tabulate the results for the election have been prepared in accordance with law. MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021 LAST DAY FOR VOTER REGISTRATION OTHER THAN IN-PERSON Persons with special needs, as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, should contact the City or Township Clerk. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired may place a call through the Michigan Relay Center TDD#1 -800-649-3777. This notice is given as required by law (MCL 168.498(3). �Page 10 — Thursday, July 1, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Middleville planning commission hears few comments on marihuana ordinance Brett Bremer Sports Editor The public did not take advantage of the extra space provided by the Middleville Planning Commission holding its hearing to receive public comment on the issue of mari­ huana facilities in the village at the Thornapple Kellogg High School auditorium Monday. Only about two dozen area residents attend­ ed the hearing, and only four spoke to the planning commission in regard to the pro­ posed amendment to the zoning ordinance allowing recreational and medical marihuana facilitates in the Village of Middleville. Of the four members of the public who stepped up to the microphone to share opin­ ions with the planning commission two were opposed to allowing Marihuana facilities in the village in general, one for allowing them in general, and a fourth mostly concerned that some of the requirements and restrictions on marihuana facilities proposed by the planning commission are an overreach of local govern­ ment that could eventually harm business in general in the village. The planning commission will take Monday’s comments into consideration as it prepares to vote on the proposed amendment, likely at the regular planning commission meeting Tuesday, July 6, in the council cham­ bers of the Village Hall at 100 E. Main Street in Middleville. That meeting begins at 7 p.m. Should it pass the planning commission vote, the zoning ordinance amendment and a regulatory ordinance will likely then be taken up by the Middleville Village Council some­ time in August Brian Urquhart, Middleville Assistant Manager and Planning/Zoning STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY LETTERS OF AUTHORITY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FILE NO. 21-28854-DE Estate of HENRY C. SMOKER, JR. TO: BOBBIE R. BULTHUIS 12526 MARSH RD. SHELBYVILLE, Ml 49344 TELEPHONE: 616-460-4436 TO ALL CREDITORS: You have been appointed and qualified as personal representative of the estate on 6/8/2021. You are authorized to perform all acts authorized by law unless exceptions are specified below. New letters will be reissued upon the filing of properly completed annual paperwork. These letters expire: 8/8/2020. □to: $78/2021 Claudia Rose, Deputy Register I certify that I have completed this copy with the original on file and that it is a correct copy of the original, and on this date, these letters are in full force and effect. Date: 6/8/21 Claudia Rose, Deputy Register 163550 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28718-DE Court Address 206 West Court, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No. : 269-945-1390 Estate of David Joel Gilbert. Date of birth: 4/19/1949. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, David Joel Gilbert, died 10/17/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Anna Gilbert, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court St., Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Mariah Evans Fink P73757 3258 Broad St. Dexter, Ml 48130 734-426-7901 Anna Gilbert 8128 Main St. Apt. D Dexter, Ml 48130 269-720-9461 163537 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28870-DE Estate of David L. DeYoung. Date of birth: 01/04/1961. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, David L. DeYoung, died May 24, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Joseph M. Lorentz and Wendy K. Lorentz, co-personal representatives, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the co­ personal representatives within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/24/2021 Damon, Ver Merris, Boyko & Witte, PLC John Boyko, Jr. P32375 825 Parchment Drive SE, Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49546 (616) 975-9951 Joseph M. Lorentz and Wendy K. Lorentz 830 Ariebill Street SW Wyoming, Ml 49509 (616)531-6706 163331 Administrator, said at Monday’s hearing. The Middleville Village Council meets on the sec­ ond and fourth Tuesday of each month. “For the planning commission’s purposes, if the ordinance is approved, the planning commission will be responsible for the site plan review and the special land use approval of each [marihuana facility] license,” Urquhart said. “That requires a public hearing, notifica­ tion in the Sun and News and also property owners within 300 feet. To kind of restate where we are at currently this has been a long process, about two years, since we were requested by village council to look into adopting an ordinance. And here we are with the public hearing requirement for the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.” “There will be no more than five licensed marihuana facilities in the village,” Planning Commission Chair Jason Holzhausen read as he opened the hearing. “Additionally, mari­ huana-related, retail-oriented businesses including recreational retailers and medical provision centers would be limited to two licenses within the village, but they could co-locate with other license types.” Holzhausen and Urquhart briefed those in attendance on some of the key points of the proposed amendment which also include operating hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. for marihuana facilities of any kind and a require­ ment that all marihuana facilities must be at least 1,000 feet from a school, church or childcare facility. “The main reason I am here tonight, I am not really for or against the marihuana issue itself, but I am highly opposed to a lot of the stuff that is wrapped up in this ordinance,” SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING June 9, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Bellmore, Spencer, Hall, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield, James Absent: Approved the Agenda with one addition Approved the Consent Agenda Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Approved the tabling of the chicken discussion for six months Roll Call vote to use first come first served for marijuana licensing Motion passes Approved budget of $1,800 for PA system Approved payment of the MTA annual dues Approved resolution 2021-269 FLU map amendment Approved ordinance 2021-177 rezone of land in section 5 from CR to MDR Adjournment 8:41 pm Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 163490 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28867-DE Estate of Keith Gilbert CoIler, Sr. Date of birth: 08/09/1931. TO ALL CREDITORS: known and unknown. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Keith Gilbert Coller, Sr., died 02/23/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Roger N. Coller, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/23/2021 Benjamin L. Cwayna P70266 11973 Sweetwater Drive Grand Ledge, Ml 48837 (517) 622-1900 Roger N. Coller 14365 Jenkins Road Bellevue, Ml 49021 (269)243-0502 163192 Notice of Execution Sale on Real Property Case Number 19-053225 ck Notice is hereby given that by virtue of an Execution against property, issued by the Judge of the 40th Circuit Court , State of Michigan, against Mason and Susan Richardson upon a judgment on 7-17-20 in favor of Lakestone Bank Plaintiff, and against said Def. Mason and Susan Richardson that on 3-8-2021 , I Sott Hope Deputy Sheriff levied the writ of execution on and took all rights, title, and interest of above said Def. Mason and Susan Richardson in the following, real estate. Said levy recorded in Barry County Records 2021-002913 PAGES 1 of 3 Land Situated in the township of Orangeville County of Barry, State of Michigan Commonly Known as 12011 Parkway Dr Tax Id 11 - 006-082-13 Notice is hereby given I will auction all of the Defendant rights title and interest in these propertys as law directs to the highest bidder at the location of the Barry County Court House in the State of Michigan, on the 14rd Day of July 2021, at 11:00 am. 5-21-2021 Signed this Date Scott L. Hope Court Office/ Deputy Sheriff Any Questions : Call Scott Hope at or (810)869-1001 Barry- State of Michigan VS Richardson (5-27) (7-1) (05-27)(07-01) 161234 Justin Workman of Freeport said. “I feel that your job as a planning commission is to set constraints on zoning where businesses can go. I think you have done that with the ordi­ nance. Wher? I feel it goes off the deep end is by limiting the number of businesses, the number of opportunities. I know this is a very contentious issue, but I’d hate to see that ever go further in the future where you’re limiting the number of beauty salons or grocery stores or gas stations ...” Workman does not want to see competition limited, and questioned whether the applica­ tion process tor one of the marihuana facility licenses, wh ch includes a $5,000 application fee, may make it more likely that large corpo­ rations with experience going through the process are more likely to be awarded one of the licenses han a small, local entrepreneur. A marihuana facility within 1,000 feet of a school is sti 1 too close for Middleville resi­ dent Cori Ci rtis, who addressed the planning commission. “This ordinance would make this addictive drug, prover by science to be detrimental to young adults, within walking distance of our schools,” Curtis said. “The 1,000-feet restric­ tion is less than two tenths of a mile, making it easier to gjt into the hands of our youth. “This proposed ordinance would allow five marihuana based businesses in our village, two of which could be retail shops. What other busine >s would be as prominent as this in the Village of Middleville, with five differ­ ent locations'? We barely have more than five restaurants i i the village. Do we want to be know as the community that promotes drugs? A drug that is federally illegal? NOTICE OF MORTGAGE SALE DEFAULT having been made in the conditions of a certain Mortgaoe dated ’ October ‘ 18, " 1994 as recorded in Liber 617, Page 490 of the Barry County Register of Deeds Office, made by VIOLET FINNANGER, a single woman, whose address was 2700 Nashville Road, Hastings Michie an 49058, as Mortgagor, as assigned in the Barry Count / Register of Deeds to Bernard F. Banash and Minnie B. Banash, husband and wife, whose address was 8412 Jaspar Drive F-101, Newport Richie, Florida 34652, as sub$ equently assigned to their son, Bernard Banash as shjwn in Barry County Record Number 2021-002987 oi March 12, 2021, securing that certain Note between /iolet " ‘ “ Finnanger as “ Debtor ' and' "Bernard F. Banash and Vlinnie B. Banash, husband and wife, as Creditor, dated October 18,1994. There is claitoed to be due thereon, at the date of this notice, for principal and interest, the sum of TWENTY SIX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTY SEVEN AND 40/100-($26,767-40) Dollars with interest at the rate of 10%, as secured by the above-referenced mortgage as of the date of the sale, July 15,2021. There also shall be attorneys fees, Unpaid real estate taxes and costs. And no proceedings having been instituted to recover the debt now remaining secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof, whereby the power of sale contained in said Mortgage has become operative; NOW, THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by virtue of the Power of Sale contained in said Mortgage, and n pursuance of the statute in such case made and provided, the above said Mortgage, will be foreclosed by a sale of the premises therein described, or so much thereof as may be necessary, at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse, County of Barry, Michigan, that being the place of holding the Circuit Court in and for said County on the 15th day of July, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, of said day and said premises will be sold to pay the amount so as aforesaid then due on said Mortgage, together with interest payable at the rate of 10%, together with late fees, legal costs, attorneys fees and also any taxes and insurance that said Mortgagee does pay on or prior to the date of said sale together with interest thereon as though on an open account at the rate of 5% per annum; which said premises are described in said Mortgage, to-wit: PREMISES SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 14 POST OF SECTION 5, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE NORTH 300 FEET, THENCE EAST 322.5 FEET FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THENCE NORTH 256 FEET, THENCE EAST 252 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 176 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 88°6’ WEST 135.7 FEET, THENCE NORTH 89°14’WEST, 74.6 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 1°13’ WEST, 76.5 FEET, THENCE WEST 40 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. TOGETHER WITH A RIGHT OF WAY TO AND FROM TWIN LAKES OVER THE NORTH 14 FEET OF A RIGHT OF WAY AS DESCRIBED IN LIBER 315 PAGE 150. THAT RIGHT OF WAY TO WALK TO AND FROM TWIN LAKE AND THE RIGHT TO ANCHOR A BOAT ON THE SHORE ADJACENT TO SAID RIGHT OF WAY AND ALSO AN EASEMENT OVER A STRIP OF LAND PRESENTLY EXISTING SOUTH OF A LINE DESCRIBED AT: COMMENCING AT THE WEST % POST OF SECTION 3, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE NORTH 310 FEET, THENCE NORTH 85°50’ EAST 312.4 FEET, THENCE NORTH 79°0’ EAST 64.8 FEET, THENCE FROM SAID LINE IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION OVER A DRIVE PRESENTLY IN EXISTENCE TO PLAINTIFF’S PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. GIVING ACCESS FROM THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO NORTH BROADWAY, COMMONLY KNOWN AS M-43. ALSO TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT FOR AN EASMENT OF RIGHT OF WAY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY FOR CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY AND MICHIGAN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY IN ORDER TO HAVE ELECTRIC, GAS AND PHONE SERVICE TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY. Commonly known as: Vacant land The period Of redemption will be six (6) months from date of sale unless the property shall be determined to be abandoned. Dated: June 7,2021 David H. Tripp Drafted by: David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp, Tagg & SI orrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:\DHT Client F iles\Banash, Bernard and Minnie\ 162329 Foreclosure\No tice of Mortgage Sale.doc Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads ■..... ■". —.... I..... '................. ' '" ......... “The Village of Middleville recently spent several thousands of dollars to rebrand itself as a great community to raise a family. A charming location “in the middle” that fea­ tures wonderful schools, small businesses and outdoor amenities. To adopt the marijuana ordinance would be in direct contrast to our new Village brand, making our promises of a family-friendly community untrue.” Former Thomapple Township supervisor Mike Bremer took the public microphone first, and his sentiments were much like Curtis’ “I understand you’re here at the behest of your residents,” Bremer said to the planning commission. “You got more ‘yes’ votes on this subject than ‘no’ votes when it came up in 2018. That is why we’re here. Personal opin­ ion, that is what all this is by the way, just because everybody says it is a good idea doesn’t mean it is a good idea. “That said I am compelled to be here tonight to share my extreme disappointment with the plans to pursue the invitation to mar­ ihuana. After countless hours and years of joint planning, as the township supervisor with the Village of Middleville, to plan to maintain the rural atmosphere of our commu­ nity, to create our very own ‘Mayberry’ if you will here tucked between the metropolises around us, I fail to see the marihuana indus­ try’s role in that endeavor. Families come to the Middleville area because of our school system and the close-knit, small town feel of the district. How will the marihuana business­ es impact that?” He expressed concerns that the revenue generated by the village hosting the marihua­ na facilities may not cover the cost of the increased police presence needed. “The fact that the state of Michigan includ­ ed verbiage for increased local police protec­ tion in the recreational marihuana law itself should have been the very first red flag that came up and said, ‘is this what you want to do to your community?”’ Bremer said. Fran French of Middleville stepped to the microphone in favor of having marihuana facilities in the village, stating that a person must be 21 to get into a dispensary and pur­ chase marihuana. “I don’t see anyone going into that dispen­ sary, buying something and standing on the comer to sell it to the teenagers going to school,” French said. “I don’t drink alcohol. My husband doesn’t drink alcohol. My friends have been killed by drunk drivers. I’d rather somebody smoke a joint than go to the bar, get drunk and go and kill somebody. I urge you to ­ pass this. Thanks.” Curtis has similar concerns, but with mari­ huana, saying she lost a family member to a drug addiction which began with recreational marihuana use. ; United Way special drive collects more than 9,000 pounds of food Greg Chandler Staff Writer Barry County United Way is calling its first Summer Stock Up drive to refill the shelves of local food pantries a success. Between a collection of food last Thursday at the Barry Community Enrichment Center and monetary donations from the community, the Summer Stock Up drive resulted in 9,178 pounds of food being collected, BCUW Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Morgan Johnson said. With the help of three local businesses that had their own in-house collections - Flexfab, Union Bank and Thomapple Credit Union United Way collected 1,457 pounds of food onsite June 24. “Flexfab did their own collection. Union Bank and Thomapple Credit Union did their own and asked for community involvement in collecting,” Johnson said. United Way asked especially for donations of canned fruits and vegetables, boxed macaroni and cheese and boxes of cereal. In addition, the agency collected monetary donations it will use to purchase food through the South Michigan Food Bank at a cost of 19 cents per pound. With donations of nearly $1,500, United Way will be to purchase 7,721 pounds from the food bank, bringing the total amount of food collected countywide to 9,178 pounds. “We couldn’t be happier with our business participation and those who came out to support our friends, neighbors and family members struggling with food insecurities,” Johnson said. Local organizations supported by the Summer Stock Up drive include the Hastings Food Bank, operated by Barry County Cares; the pantry at Middleville United Methodist Church; Manna’s Market in Lake Odessa; and the Hastings Fresh Food Initiative, which is operated by United Way. The Barry County Summer Stock Up was one of 23 such food drives organized by United Way offices across the state. The event: evolved out of the popular Christmas in June annual food drive by United Way of Southwest Michigan. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, UWSM pivoted from an in-person food drop-off event to a virtual event that provided safe shopping options allowing donors to “shop their impact” by giving online. The success of Christmas in June caught the attention of Kellogg’s, and the corporation ' stepped in to help promote it as a statewide Summer Stock Up. Kellogg’s served as the lead sponsor of the drive. One of the goals of the Summer Stock Up is to help local families who are working but essentially living paycheck to paycheck. A recent United Way survey found that in 2019, 27 percent of households in Barry County lived at or below what is called the ALICE asset-limited, income-constrained, employed - threshold. ALICEJakes in the cost of basic household essentials: food,/ housing,, transportation, health care, child care and a basic smartphone plan, according to United Way documents. For a single adult, the ALICE threshold is $23,400. For a family of four (two adults and two children), that level is $64,490. Two years earlier, the percentage of households in Barry County at or below the threshold was 37 percent, according to United Way statistics. Several Barry County municipalities showed higher levels of households falling below the ALICE threshold in 2019. Castleton Township had 42 percent of households with incomes below the threshold. In Baltimore Township, that figure was 38 percent, and 35 percent of households in the city of Hastings fell below the threshold, according to the United Way report. “Thank you, Barry County, and we are excited to expand this event even further next year,” Johnson said. Meth found in glasses case An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle crossing the fog line at 10:20 p.m. June 21. The officer asked to search the vehicle and found a glasses case in the backseat with 4.5 grams of methamphetamine and a pipe inside. The passenger who had been sitting near the case, a 38-year-old Delton woman, admitted to owning the meth. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. The driver was let go with a warning. Drunken woman arrested at gas station Police arrested a 59-year-old Nashville woman for operating a vehicle while she was intoxicated at 12:55 a.m. June 24. An employee of the Shell gas station called police to say the woman was in her vehicle in the parking lot and appeared to be intoxicated. Police found an open container of vodka inside and that she had a 0.207 blood alcohol content. Mother ditches ding-dong ditchers Police responded to a report of a group of juveniles breaking into a car in Yankee Springs Meadows trailer park at 3:56 a.m. June 24. An officer located the car, which appeared to be intact, and found a group of kids nearby. One of the kids, a 16-year-old boy, said they were hanging out with friends and “ding-dong ditching houses.” The officer told them to go home, and went back to check the license plate of the vehicle. It belonged to the mother of the 16-year-old, who said he had snuck out of the house and driven the car to the trailer park. She then went to the park and took her vehicle home, leaving her son at the park. Shopper runs after attempting to shoplift A Walmart employee called the police at 9:02 p.m. June 20 to report a man had attempt­ ed to steal multiple items from the store. The employee watched the man open a pack of razors and use them to open other items in the store, then stuff them into his pants and a plastic bag over the course of an hour. The items include a flashlight, jeans and a knife. 5 When the man reached the door, the employee confronted him. He ran out of the door, but the employee was able to grab the bag out of his hand. The case remains under investiga­ tion. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 1, 2021 — Page 11 Interim manager catalogs city money missteps Rebecca Pierce Editor When the city of Hastings adopted its $6.2 million budget for the new fiscal year, the spending plan included $350,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. It’s a problem, but the city can easily resolve it, interim City Manager Gregg Guetschow told The Hastings Banner Wednesday, During the council meeting Monday, Guetschow said the federal ARPA money, the first allocation of a total $765,000 that the city expects to receive, was included in the budget “like any other unrestricted revenue.” “These funds are not unrestricted, however, and can only be used for limited purposes: Addressing the impacts of COVID-19; recouping lost revenues due to COVID-19; infrastructure investments related to water, sewer and broadband; and a few others,” Guetschow noted. “It is likely that the major­ ity of ARPA funds would be used for projects that would not be accounted for in the general fund and that would likely occur in future fiscal years. “In recognition of this, the Michigan Department of Treasury is encouraging accounting for the receipt and use of ARPA payments in a separate fund.” The city will have to move that money out of its general fund and segregate it in a sepa­ rate account. And, since the city has not yet applied to receive those federal funds, there is no prob­ lem with setting up a separate account to ensure they follow the accounting practices established by the Treasury Department, he noted. The 60-day window for the city to apply for the funds doesn’t open until July 6, Guetschow said. Without those federal funds co-mingling with general fund money, and “assuming all other revenues and expenditures occur as bud­ geted, the general fund appropriation from the available fund balance would need to increase from $550,000 to $900,000.” And, while the projection for the following fiscal year, 2022-23 did not include the city’s anticipated ARPA amount, that fund balance appropriation was already at $867,000, he noted. This means that, over the next two fiscal years, the fund balance would decrease from $3.8 million to $2 million, he said. A $2 million fund balance “is a very healthy reserve for a $6 million budget,” Guetschow noted. Yet “the rate of use of these funds, howev­ er, is not sustainable,” he added, pointing as an example to the rising costs of pension funds, which are expected to double over the next 20 years. “Other capital needs - a new public safety building, for example - must also be consid­ ered. when evaluating the city’s long-term fiscal health.” Guetschow said of greater concern is pen­ sion and OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) that the city will have to consider the corrective steps that will need to be taken to meet those obligations in the future. $791,300 in changes end fiscal year During Monday’s meeting, the council OK’d amending the $6.2 million general fund budget before closing out the 2020-21 fiscal year, which ended June 30. But city Clerk Jane Saurman’s request, which involved 18 separate appropriations totaling $791,300, elicited some displeasure from Councilwoman Deb McNabb-Stange. “No. 1, there are way too many modifica­ tions to be presented this late in the year,” McNabb-Stange said. “I don’t understand most of them. So I need some explanation going through what we’re doing here. “But, also, I don’t like leaving it6til the last meeting. Basically, we have a choice of either approving these or being in violation of state law. And I don’t like being put in that posi­ tion.” Saurman pointed out that some of the changes she requested were necessitated by interim City Manager Gregg Guetschow listens to discussion during Monday’s Hastings City Council meeting. financial information that the city didn’t have until June. “I think what should come to this meeting should be a final tweak of what needs to be made,” McNab-Stange said. “And then these (recommendations) should come sooner.” Guetschow interceded in the discussion, pointing to the fact that there are a lot of changes in the plan that occur during the year. “The budget that you adopt is a spending plan that doesn’t elapse until ... 14 months after you adopt it. There are lots of variations in that.” Guetschow pointed out that the way in which the council adopts a budget is not on a line-item basis. “It’s not even on an activity basis,” he said. “I think you’re adopting largely on a fund basis. So there’s latitude within that for the administration just to make variations in spending as it goes. And we’re just not that good at guessing to figure out, you know, even within thousands of dollars, oftentimes in any given department, where we’re going to end up.” Guetschow suggested that city administra­ tion provide the council with a summary of anticipated budget adjustments on a monthly or, at least, quarterly basis. So that “we’re coming back to you and saying we still want to go forward, (but) this is going to require a budget adjustment at the end; it may mean that we’re going to take more money out of fund balance than when you originally fore­ cast.” “I think that I’m understanding - and I see some other heads nodding - that you just want to kind of a running tally, as we go with the significant variations,” he said. “Right,” McNabb-Stange replied, saying that she had made a similar request before. “... I wanted some sort of a tally - and then got nothing.” Her concern, she told Guetschow, is to keep track of where funds have been spent and “what other things have we done where we didn’t spend significantly and we decided, well, it’s better spent over here. So that’s exactly what I want. Thank you for the ques­ tions.” B Banner CLASSIFIEDS ■ Z“NT O ? . A Z* ■ Upon n aching that understanding with the city administration, the council unanimously approved final amendments to the 2020-21 fiscal year budget. But the issue of money handling - and problems iwith the protocol currently being used - cropped up again at the end of the meeting. Purchasing rule ignored The city has a rule that any expenditure above $5 >000 requires council approval, Guetschow noted, yet he is finding numerous examples in which this rule is not being observed. In a June 23 memo to the council, he cited “three purchases made in apparent violation of purchasing ordinaiTees^requirement.’’ A variable frequency drive motor was pur­ chased without council approval. And an additional service not originally included in a contract for tree trimming and removal ser­ vice bumped the cost above the $5,000. At Guetschow’s request, the expense - for an additior al service of stump removal - was negotiated to bring it down below that $5,000 threshold. A third example he cited involves the city’s Nativity scene being refurbished at Bronner’s in Frankenmuth at a cost of $13,060. “Authorization was given for the work to proceed,” he reported. “All figures are expect­ ed to be completely refurbished within the next few weeks. I have been told that fund­ raising efforts were initiated to pay for this work. I have been unable to ascertain to what extent this is accurate. The last donation to the Manger Scene Fund occurred in 2009. I do not believe that any significant effort was put into soliciting donations.” Guetschow said he spoke with a representa­ tive of Bronner’s, saying he was just made aware of the situation and asked for their patience in paying the bill so fund-raising efforts could be completed. “I have discussed the matter with Mayor (Dave) Tossava. He and I will be heading up an aggressive fund-raising effort with a goal of $15,000, sufficient to cover the cost of the refurbishing work and transport back to Hastings. My goal is to complete this fund-raising before my time in Hastings is over.” • Even if the funds had been raised, however, Guetschow pointed out that this project still should have been authorized by the council before the work had commenced. “These three instances reflect weaknesses in administrative policies and procedures employed to manage the purchasing function. These must be corrected. I will be meeting with key staff members involved in this func­ tion to discuss changes we can make to tight­ en up our practices. I will also be emphasizing with the Executive Team the requirements of city code related to purchasing, my expecta­ tions for their efforts to comply, and the con­ sequences of continued failure to adhere to these standards.” Problems with procedures These problems with financial procedures were compounded last week when a clerical error resulted in bids for lawn mowing, land­ scape maintenance and city janitorial services being opened two days before the published deadline. The intention, the interim city manager said, had been to make a recommendation to Council for its meeting Monday. But, after the bids were opened last Wednesday, someone called to request a bid packet. When the vendor was advised that the deadline for submitting bids had passed, he pointed to the bid advertisement in The Banner that reported a Friday, June 25, dead­ line. Gpefschbw "saidtfie Trnfonhatioh ^acTWeen changed in the bid specifications, but not in the information given to The Banner for the ad. As a result, Guetschow decided to schedule a second bid opening. “The bids that were opened were secured,” he told the council, “with instructions not to Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 THIS Mad If or SALE ★Kantar Millward Brown, Feb. 2018 Annual July Sale 20% OFF FABRICS Excludes sale items. Ends 7-31-2021. Mor* than 50% of adult* hav* a positive perception of ad* in print newspaper*. * Want to b* next to tmated content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call thi* paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Ijcensc Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 ' TT^TTT'xr> provide information about amounts bid to anyone who might inquire. I also instructed staff to contact each of the vendors whose bids had been opened to alert them to the sit­ uation and the actions we were taking. One of those contacted has reached out to Mayor Tossava to express her concerns and has spo­ ken to me now as well.” “Vendors have good reason to be concerned as our actions are contrary to one of the rea­ sons sealed bids are solicited: To ensure that no one has information that provides an unfair advantage over the competition,” Guetschow wrote in a memo to the council. “I believe that our actions mitigate against this. Further, information from the bids that have been opened would be available to the competition if bids were rejected and new bids sought. “The situation is far from ideal, however, and could result in a challenge at the time bids are recommended for award. At that time, Council can decide whether it wishes to waive irregularities when awarding bids or reject bids and solicit new ones.” Guetschow told the council Monday night, “I apologize for the error that’s been made here.” But the overarching problem - of not fol­ lowing the city’s purchasing procedures - is a fundamental flaw, he emphasized. “We don’t seem to be able to get this right,” he added, saying that there are a number of possible causes. “The one step we are going to be taking is Jane and I and the individual involving in our accounts payable, and who sees a lot of the purchase orders and how they come through, we’re going to be talking about what steps we can take to really reform our processes here.” Guetschow said the city has “way too many ways we have allowed for people to ignore the requirements.” The system needs checks early enough in the process to make sure rules are being fol­ lowed. In at least one instance, he noted, the prob­ lem occurred at “a very high level of the organization,” when the city manager at that time did not come to council for approval of a purchase. Instead, an email was sent approv­ ing an expenditure that the council did not authorize. “So it’s a little hard to say you’re going to catch 100 percent of these.” But the rule limiting purchases to no more than $5,000 without council approval is in place for good reason. “This is one of those things I’ve talked about, the need for us to focus on the funda­ mentals. We don’t have this right yet. I don’t want to convey this in a sense to let the public think that we’re spending money, willy-nilly. “There are safegiwds , but they ’re not in the right spot... They need to be in place earlier in the process so that there is some­ body looking at this every single time. “I want to assure you, assure the auditors, assure the public that we’re being good stew­ ards of the public’s money.” QUESTIONS: ASK US... #8110376 ® Insured 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm : . ® Cri ■I Huist Cleaners Pick-Up Station clllill.: lllllilii®ill®® Pets For Sale RAT TERRIER CROSS pup­ SAWDUST FOR HORSES. pies, 1st shot, wormed. $450. 269-223-9194. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. GERMAN SHEPHERD PUP­ PIES- Father is AKC, Mother is ACA registered, up to date on shots. Ready to go 7-16-21, $1,500. Taking deposits now! 517-852-9289, leave message. LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES- Parents are AKC registered, up to date on shots. Ready to go 7-14-21, $1,500. Taking deposits now! 517-852-9289 leave message. MOUNTAIN CUR PUPPIES, 1st shots, wormed. $200.269­ 223-9194. Business Services MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Zhank \fou! In Need of a Private Investigator? We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation t!o our family and friends who came together Contact Assurity Investigations LLC for discreet, professional, personal, and efficient service. to help us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We are humbled by the generous gifts, cards, and flowers we received. We are so grateful for the love and support you all give us, especially setting up, and clean up, of the venue afterwards. Your actions are heartwarming beyond words. We wish it could have lasted longer! We love you all and wish Gods blessings on you as we have been tlessed. Assurity Investigations LLC Fann YEARLING ANGUS BULLS ready for breeding. Angus brood hows, heifers and steers for sale. Call for information 616-970-6977. A small number of the services Assurity Investigations can provide are: • Infidelity/Cheating Spouse • Workers Compensation • Missing Persons/People Locate/Skip Trace • Background Checks • Process Service • Bug Sweep, Bug Detection • And much more Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Sincerely, Dan and Darla Burghdoff P.O. Box 6 Hastings, Ml 49058 Phone: (269) 908-6540 Email: assurityinv@gmail.com �Page 12 —• Thursday, July 1, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Yarger dives to spot in USA Junior Nationals Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings Community Diving Club was formed about a year before Aubrey Yarger was bom. At the age of 11, she is the first diver in the 12-year history of the club to earn a spot in the USA Diving Junior Nationals. The 2021 USA Diving Junior National Championships will take place July 29-Aug. 4 at the Natatorium on the campus of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). More than 500 junior divers including Yarger, ages 18 and under, will get the chance to dive where USA Diving just hosted the Olympic Trials in early June. Yarger was eighth in her division at the USA Diving Zone C Championships June 24-27 at the University of Tennessee’s Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville, Tenn. She opened the competition in the Junior Olympic 12-13 Girls 1-meter division by putting up a score of 29.70 points with an inward dive in the pike position [40IB], the fourth best score of anyone in her division in round one. “Aubrey had a solid meet,” HCDC head coach Todd Bates said. “We changed her dives around a little and she was consistent and executed her dives well. Aubrey placed eighth in her event with plenty of room for error. I knew she was going to make top 10 after her first dive which scored almost 30 points. Each dive just kept getting better and her scores reflected that.” She also tallied a score of 28.50 on her for­ ward 1 somersault 1 twist in the free position [5122D]. She closed the competition with her two most difficult dives, a forward 2 somer­ sault dive in the tuck position [104C] and a back 1 somersault dive in the tuck position [203C]. During the eight-dive program, Yarger put together a score of 202.40 points. RipFest team diver Olivia Astrologes won the 12-13 Girls 1-meter competition with a total score of 273.73 points, beating fellow Hoosier Elie Hollingsworth from the Indiana International School of Diving by about ten points for the top spot. “Aubrey has her own goals and I have goals for Aubrey, and she’s definitely exceeding them,” Bates said. “We’ve only been back in the pool since February and only twice a week. I am beyond excited for her. Aubrey has her sights set high and she’s working on achievir g those goals, so it was great that she got to meet and warm-up her dives alongside Tyler Towns who just made the Olympic Team oh 3-meter.” Yarge r has also qualified for the AAU Summer Nationals, which will be held July 16-25 a! The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park in Morgan :own, W. Va.. HCDC also had Mayari Coriano-Lahiff and Abigail Dumond competing a few days earlier in the Junior Olympic 14-15 Girls 1-meter competition. Coriano-Lahiff placed 16th and Dumond 20th in a group of 28 divers. “They did an exceptional job and though they didn’t quite make it to USA Diving Nationals, they have both pre-qualified for AAU Diving Summer Nationals in West Virginia.,” Bates said. Coriano-Lahiff was just ten points shy of qualifyiig for the USA Diving Nationals along with Yarger Cloverdale drain project starting soon A 36-inch pipe sits on the southwest corner of M-43 and Guernsey Lake Road near Delton awaiting the start of the $2.2 million Cloverdale Drain project. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said he intends to start the work next week. Originally, Dull had expected to complete this project in June, but the pandemic delayed deliveries. For now, he said, “We’re stockpiling materials as they’re getting in.” (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Hastings Community Diving Club competitor Aubrey Yarger (left) stands alongside Tyler Downs at the USA Diving Zone C Championships at the University of Tennessee’s Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville, Tenn. Yarger qualified for the USA Diving Junior Nationals at the event, and got to warm-up alongside the 17-year-old, 3-meter board competitor Downs who earned a spot on Team USA for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics at the Olympic Trials last month. Algonquin Lake fireworks set for Saturday The skies around Hastings will be illuminated Saturday evening, July 3, when the Algonquin Lake Community Association launches fireworks. The pyrotechnics are expected to begin at about 10:15 p.m. (the rain date is Monday, July 5). Boaters are advised to stay away from Snake Island. The fireworks can be seen from many areas around the lake. Community Baptist Church, 502 E. Grand St., Hastings, will host a free event from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Pastor Ken Hale will share a message, followed by patriotic music provided by Jackie and Ken Hamilton, the husband-and-wife team who comprise Blended Hearts. The day’s meal will include hot-dogs, hamburgers, ribs and more. The village of Lake Odessa will celebrate the holiday with a boat parade on Jordan Lake. This year’s parade theme is rock bands. The top three vote-getters will win gift certificates from Buddy’s on the Beach. The lakeside, restaurant and. bowling center is sponsoring the event. Lineup Ayill begin Sunday at 7 p.m. at the public peach dock. Participants should call 616-374-4881 to register. Historic Charlton Park will not have its Fourth of July celebration this year, but the Antique! Gas and Steam Engine Show will return July 9-11. PFAS detected in Prairieville,Yankee Springs Taylor Owens Staff Writer Health officials have confirmed PFAS in the water near the former Kavco landfill near Doster and Day roads in southwestern Prairieville Township. PFAS, an umbrella term for a number of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man­ made chemicals that have been used in manu­ facturing and industry settings and do not break down. If PFAS gets into drinking water, it can build up in the human body and lead to a broad range of health conditions. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy detected the chemi­ cals at the former landfill during a test in May, but PFAS has not been found in any drinking water. “This area is served by municipal water because of other known contamination from the old landfill,” Barry-Eaton District Health Department Environmental Health Specialist Carol Balkon said. “The next steps are to sample the closest residential wells that are not connected to the municipal water supply for that area.” The health department will work with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to form a plan for next steps after the testing has been completed. ? . A positive PFAS test also has been reported in Yankee Springs Township’s ie|tion 19, just • UPS & FedEx Shipping • Copy Service (black & white or color) • Photo Processing • FAX Service • Laminating • And Much More OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00-5:30 1351 N M-43 - Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 Just north of city limits north of Gun Lake. Like Prairieville, the area also was known to have contaminants due to a former landfill, and the area is on municipal water. Yankee Springs Township ordered engi­ neering firm Fleis & VandenBrink to test three abandoned wells in the area in 2019. At least ore sample tested positive for PFAS, Gun Lake Water and Sewer Authority Director Larry Knowles said. It was likely the first time anyone had ever tested the region specifically for PFAS, Knowles said, but he wasn’t surprised that there had been a positive test. When the Yankee Springs Water Advisory Board was re-established this year, it reached out to EGLE to report the finding and ask for testing to be performed at residential wells outside |the area supplied by municipal water, to make sure the PFAS hasn’t reached there. “We’ie just trying to stay ahead of it, if we can,” Knowles said. There is not currently a timeline as to when EGLE niay check the wells, since they need to work it into their budget, Knowles added. Balkan said the Yankee Springs location will not yet be listed as a PFAS site, since EGLE has not confirmed the findings. Since PFAS results are measured in the parts per trillion, it’s possible the results can be contaminated by the person sampling the water, Balkon added. “We are assuming that PFAS is actually in the water, but there are too many unknowns right new to list this as a site and make any determination of a source,” Balkon said. Two previous sites in Barry County are listed ai known PFAS sites by the State of Michigan. The CES landfill in Hastings had samples exceed she 8 parts per trillion limit of PFOA in tests conducted last year, with the highest result coming in at 43 ppt. The area around Viking Corp, had a test result o ' 335,090 ppt in 2019, and additional wells ha ve been installed to monitor that loca­ tion. Hastings Community Diving Club divers Abigail Dumond, Mayari Coriano-Lahiff and coach Todd Bates stop for a photo in at the USA Diving Zone C Championships at the University of Tennessee’s Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville, Tenn. Dumond and Coriano-Lahiff both finished in the top 20 in their division at the championships. City one step closer to adoption of principal shopping district Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings Downtown Development Authority formally approved the principal shopping district to the city council, paving the way for the DDA to act as the board of the district. If accepted by the city council, the DDA would serve as the de facto board, meaning it would not have to establish a separate board to oversee the principal shopping district. For the past few weeks, the city has been considering the addition of a principal shopping district to its master plan. The literal name of the district is less important than what it would allow them to accomplish: special assessments. A special assessment, Gregg Guetschow, interim city manager, said, is “a charge that’s levied against the private property owners for some public service that’s being provided.” Special assessments can only be levied after multiple hearings and upon the specific people and businesses that would benefit from the project. The current city charter only allows for special assessments in the case of improvements. It does not allow for special assessments related to maintenance. In the near future, the city hopes to use special assessments for parking lot maintenance, Guetschow said, but it also provides them with other abilities down the line, such as marketing, marketing studies and more. “It’s really a way to kind of bring the business owners along collectively to do something that they would want to do and figure out a way to pay for it and to fairly distribute the costs,” Guetschow said. “That’s what we’re really talking about here. It’s the financing tool that’s the really important part of this.” The city is still in the early stages of establishing a principal shopping district. The implementation would be in three stages, Guetschow said. “Designate the area, designate the body that’s going to function as overseeing the district and then begin the process of running the special assessment for parking,” he said. The first stage, approving the boundaries of the principal shopping district in the master plan, is expected to take place during the July 12 city council meeting. Ththope, Guetschow said, is that the entire process will be finalized within the next few months. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 1,2021 — Page 13 Carpenter coaches West All-Stars at Comerica Park Brett Bremer Sports Editor Maple Valley varsity baseball coach Bryan Carpenter, the winningest varsity baseball coach in program history, isn’t sure he deserves the honor he had Monday, but he is extremely thankful for it. Carpenter remembers being out on the field . at the old Tiger Stadium at the comer of Michigan and Trumbull in downtown Detroit during a fan day event as a youngster, but he got to hit the field at the “new” home of the Detroit Tigers, Comerica Park, for the first time as he was chosen to be one of four ; coaches for the West Team in the 40th Annual ; Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game. It was an experi­ ence he was supposed to have at the conclu­ sion of the 2020 varsity season, that carried over when the 2020 game was canceled. ■ ■ “I kind of went into the whole thing as a fan,” Carpenter said. “I am a baseball nerd. I । really am. I just wanted to watch those kids >experience! that and experience it with them watch these kids do what they do and really ; just try to soak it all in while we had the chance.” Carpenter led the West squad Monday along with Kalamazoo Central coach Scott Spada, Otsego coach Matt Eldred and Cheboygan coach Kevin Baller. Area ball­ players for the West team included Pennfield shortstop Cody Hultink, Hackett Catholic Prep third baseman Stephen Kwapis, Zeeland East pitcher Ethan Houtaling, Grandville J catcher Spencer Verburg, Hudsonville short­ stop J.T. Sokolove and Portage Central team­ mates pitcher Gavin Brasosky and shortstop Luke Leto. “Every kid on our team, on the west side, is a DI commit,” Carpenter said. “There kids ’ going to the SEC [Southeastern Conference], kids going to Michigan State, Michigan. We had kids from all over the place.” The MHSBCA All-Star Game was called due to severe weather in the area after five innings with the East All-Stars holding a 2-1 lead over Carpenter and the West All-Stars. Carpenter said the biggest challenge was try­ ing to get everyone into the game. He said there were a few ballplayers there only to pitch who didn’t get to take a turn on the mound, but the coaching staff worked to get as many ballplayers as possible a chance to be out on the field. Carpenter said the coaches were given a heads up about (he approaching storms about an inning before t he game had to be called. The West took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning as Leto tripled into the deepest • part of the ballpark in right centerfield and then scored on a sacrifice fly into right field ft | f Maple Valley varsity baseball coach Bryan Carpenter (10) looks on from the dugout during the 40™ Annual Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game at Comerica Park Monday. Carpenter was one of four coaches for the West team that trailed the East squad 2-1 when the bailgame was called due to severe weather after five innings. Maple Valley varsity baseball coach Bryan Carpenter signs autographs on the concourse at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit Monday as rain falls on the field where Carpenter was one of four coaches for the West Team at the 40th Annual Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Associatio i All-Star Game. over the weekend at Comerica Park and then the Tigers headed to Cleveland to start a series with the Indians leaving the park open for the high school all-stars. The Maple Valley head coach was impressed by the overall talent level of his all-stars, but also by the way he saw the guys approach practice throughout the day Monday. The day started with game participants meeting at University Liggett High School for practice. Carpenter said the coaches divided Carpenter and the other coaches soaked up the views from all over the field as a the play­ ers wen through a mini media session for photos pregame. “I had not set foot on the grounds in Comerica, inside the fence,” Carpenter said. “It is just amazing. It is meticulous.” Carpenter had his own small group of cheerleaders in the box seats during the ball­ game, wife Sarah Carpenter and daughter Keilyn Carpenter were there along with < 1 <r twai.’vka.ii'ci inning. The Detroit Tigers managed to take two of three games against the Houston Astros between the raindrops in a three-game series together to practice for about two hours before lunch. The teams held meetings about the pitching rotations and line-ups after lunch and then it was off to Comerica Park. the group. “It wj.s neat to have? that support and see them, to look up into the stands like they say and see them. It was awesome to have that MHSAA opens registration for 2021-22 sports officials The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is accepting registra­ tions online or by mail for game officials for the 2021-22 school year. The MHSAA annually receives registration by more than 9,000 officials, but in part due to COVID-19 precautions had just 7,968 during the 2020-21 school year - a decrease of near­ ly 14 percent from 2019-20. “We are thankful for the leadership shown by our officials as they worked together to provide coverage of all levels of school sports events during this unpredictable year, but cer­ tainly we’re looking forward to refilling our ranks and taking some of the pressure off the many officials who worked nearly daily during the pandemic seasons,” said MHSAA assistant director Brent Rice, who supervises the officials program. “With the elimination of restrictions this spring and the return of full schedules anticipated this fall, there’s no bet­ ter time for experienced officials to return and those interested in registering for the first time to become part of this essential and valued group.” For all new and returning officials, those who register online again will receive a $5 discount off their processing fees. A $16 fee is charged for each sport in which an official wishes to register, and the online processing fee is $40. Officials submitting registration forms by mail or on a walk-up basis will incur a $45 processing fee. Officials registered in 2020-21 will be assessed a late fee of $30 for registration after Aug. 15. The processing fee includes liability insurance coverage up to $1 million for officials while working contests involving MHSAA schools. Online registration can be accessed by clicking “Officials” on the home page of the MHSAA Website at https://www.mhsaa.com. Forms also are available online that can be printed and submitted by traditional mail to the MHSAA Office at 1661 Ramblewood Drive in East Lansing. More information about officials registration may be obtained by contacting the MHSAA by phone at (517) 332-5046 or by e-mail at register@mhsaa. com. There is an officials’ registration test for first-time, officials and officials who were not registered during the past school year. The test Maple Valley varsity baseball coach Bryan Carpenter’s cheering section looks on from the rows behind the dugout at Comerica Park during the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game Monday. support,” Bryan said. The spring of 2021 marked the 20th season leading the Maple Valley varsity baseball program for Carpenter. Airport commission tables ditch talk Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings airport has a ditch. The ques­ tion is whether it needs to be filled and how much filling it would cost. But the answers to those questions were tabled during Wednesday’s Hastings City/Barry County Airport Commission session. The commission spent the majority of that meeting opening bids from potential contrac­ tors who want to fill the ditch. B&R Excavating said it would cost $21,500, Metternick Excavating bid $15,147, Weiler Excavating bid $55,880 and Bakers Excavating said it would cost $16,500. After opening the envelopes, Airport Manager Mark Noteboom said he doesn’t know if they should fill the ditch after all. They just spent $100,000 on a fence to keep out deer, he said, and the ditch has been there for 65 to 70 years. “Our ditch is not the problem,” he said. “People are going in the ditch.” The 2- to 3-foot deep, 6-foot high ditch is near Runway 12-30, around the southern part of the airport. In the past two years, Noteboom said, three student pilots and two certified pilots have gotten stuck in that ditch. If the commission goes through with the project, it would fill 95 percent of the ditch. Noteboom went on to acknowledge the potential safety issues of the ditch, but ques­ tioned how much of a difference filling the ditch would make. “I want people to be safe, but how far do we go to protect the pilots that are supposed to know how to fly?” Noteboom said, noting that “the feds OK’d [the ditch] when it was put in.” Noteboom said he is concerned that some of the bidding companies might not have the right equipment, such as a rock truck, to com­ plete the project in the desired two days. If the commission does decide to have the ditch filled, Noteboom said he would priori­ tize companies who own the right equipment. With two members, Don Bowers and Ron Holley, absent, the commission decided to continue the discussion until it meets again at 4:30 a.m. July 28. In other action, the commission agreed to solicit sealed bids to close underground stor­ age tanks on airport property. (jSJ Wanted; Machine Operators! The MHSAA is accepting registrations online and by mail for 2021-22 game officials, looking to boost the number of high school officia s in the state after the numbers dwindled during the 2020-21 school year. (File photo) is derived from the MHSAA Officials Guidebook, which also is available on the Officials page of the MHSAA Website. Additional exams must be taken by those reg­ istering for football or basketball for the first time or those who were not registered for those sports during the previous school year. Manuals for both sports are available on the Officials page. New officials and those who didn’t officiate during 2020-21 also must complete the online MHSAA Principles of Officiating course, also available on the MHSAA Website. There also are opportunities to officiate for students at least 14 years old and in grades 9-12 through the MHSAA Legacy Program. Juniors and seniors may officiate subvarsity contests, while freshmen and sophomores may officiate contests at the middle school/ junior high levels. Mentor officials will work events with Legacy participants to provide guidance and support. Find information on the Legacy Program by clicking “REGISTER NOW” on the Officials page of the MHSAA Website. Starting Pay up to $15.00 to $17.50! $1,000 Sign-on Bonus! Competitive insurance offered the first of the month after 30 days of employment. Stop in to fill out an application or call us at 269­ 241-1040 for more information! You can also Cal 1269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads check out our Facebook page for more information! 1900 Patterson Rd. Middleville, Ml 49333 �Page 14 — Thursday, July 1, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Rain doesn't wash awa all volleyball at Lake 0. Fair Ashley Sponhauer laughs as she passes the ball during the Lake Odessa Fair Adult Co-Ed Sand Volleyball Tournament Friday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Rachel Haskin lunges over the wet sand to pass the volleyball as Maradith “I feel like it feels sunny,” Laurel Steward said with a smile after sending the first 7 p.m. O’Gorman looks on from the other side of the net diuring pool play at the Lake Odessa match out onto the wet sand on the volleyball Fair Adult Co-Ed Sand Volleyball Tournament Friday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) courts at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds Friday. As Steward walked back under the tent team defeated King’s team in a rematch in the p.m. to call it. We talked with a lot of the different t:eams and everybody said, ‘hey with where she was keeping her tournament sched­ championship round Sunday. King played with Kalib McKinney, Kate the rair , we’re still in.’ So, all right, as long as ule and scoreboard, Ashley Sponhauer was describing the kind of might it just took to Kietzman and Logan Blough in winning the there was no lightning then we have the clear. “By 2 o’clock we had 11 teams that said, smack a water-logged volleyball back and championship Friday evening. King and forth across the net for two sets of a pool play McKinney teamed with Dylan Durkee and ‘we’re in,’ so we made it happen. Everybody Lauren Vasquez to get to Sunday’s champion­ came cut and we were getting courts ready victory. and had a lot of help. Now it is nice and clear, A group of 11 teams, out of 15 registered ship match. Murley’s team, which Steward said is based so nowi we’re happy.” teams, decided they’d rather play in the rain The skies weren’t completely clear. It drops and puddles than postpone any more of out of the Lansing area, also included Ryan the Lake Odessa Fair Friday. The Saturday Scott, Hailey Covieo and Sam Basler Sunday. rained early on in the action Friday, the rain The fair battled rain storms, thunder storms stalled for a bit between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and youth and teen tournaments were canceled, but 11 co-ed adult teams gathered Friday and and soggy ground throughout the weekend. then mpre rainfall returned as the celebration then again on Sunday for a second tourna­ Dodgeball was canceled Thursday afternoon/ picked up at the beer bam and trivia contest ment. evening after all the set-up was completed on inside the Fred Morris Building next door to the volleyball courts. The crowd in the carni­ Madison King and Gabe Murley captained the sand volleyball courts. the two teams that won chain pionships during “We were hoping this morning [to be able val and concession area picked up Friday the 2021 Lake Odessa Fair Co-Ed Sand to play], and actually tore down dodgeball to evening while the weather held off for a bit, Volleyball 4’s Tournaments. King’s team won prepare for it,” Steward said Friday evening. giving youngsters a chance to experience one Friday night’s championship while Murley’s -^We decided we would wait ‘til 1 p.m. or 2 pf the most impressive selections of rides the Barry County Fair will return in full J-Ad News Service The Barry County Fair will be back this year, from July 19 to 24, with all the trimmings and traditions people have come to expect. “Right now, we are planning on a full fair, just like we had planned in 2019,” fair board President Dennis Redman said. “Everything we had in 2019 is going to be back,” except for Farmer John, who retired in 2019. The numbers of participants in livestock shows may be down by about 30 percent, he guessed, due to the investment in the animals, when the pandemic was raging. But, given everything that the community has had to weather in the past year, the fair will return as a welcome community-wide JUST A REMINDER WITH THE 4TH OF JULY FALLIN© ON SUNDAY OUR ROUTES WILL NOT BE DELAYED THAT WEEK ALL OF US HERE AT LES’S SANITARY SERVICE HOPE YOU HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAYl 223 W. Mill Street Hastings Ml 269-945-3134 celebration involving all the activities families enjoy. “I believe our attendance is goin: as good a$ we’ve ever had,” Redm; said. ThiS fair, which takes place at the Barry Expo Center, has been around since 1852. “Our Roots Run Deep,” is the theme of this year’s fair, as illustrated on the fair book, which provides all the details for all the events coming up during fair week. Midway rides, provided by Elliott’s Amusements, will start at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; with a noon start on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets for rides may be purchased for $20, which covers the cost of armband including a coupon for $2. The Michigan-based Animal Oasis, running Monday through Saturday, will offer an interactive, educational experience for all generations. The lively Chase’s Racing Pigs, with show times to be announced, will run three times daily, Tuesday through Saturday. The Barnyard Tent will provide live farm animals to visit throughout the week. Yoi th judging will begin Saturday, July 17. Hamess racing at noon in the grandstand both Saturday and Sunday, July 18, will be free - as is the West Michigan Championship Mini Horse Pull at 6 p.m. July 17, and the Michi) an Heavyweight State Championship Draft] torse Pull at 6 p.m. July 18. Monday will feature free gate admission to all w ith $5 admission to the grandstand, Tue sday, veterans and seniors will be admitted all day for a $2.50 admission. Wednesday is Kids’ Day with a reduced price of $14 for an armband from noon to 5 p.m. for midway rides. Thursday is Ladies’ Day, with half-priced admiss on through noon for all women. The small animal livestock auction will begin at 5 p.m. Friday brings the large animal livestock sale day in the show arena, with lambs, steers, hogs and milk, in that order. Other 7 p.m. events in the grandstand during fair week - all with $10 admission include] Unique Motorsports Off-Road Derby Tuesday; Super Kicker Professional Rodeo Wednesday; Michigan Truck & Tractor Pullers Association Tractor Pulls Thursday; Night of Destruction Demolition Derby „ and SJO Motorcross Saturday. Friday; Friday also features a candlelight garden walk ir the Master Garden at dusk. David Sponhauer knocks an attack over the block of Glen Simon during their pool play match at the Lake Odessa Fair Adult Co-Ed Sand Volleyball Tournament Friday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) fair has ever hosted. The SJO Motocross that was planned for Friday night was canceled early in the after­ noon. The Derby Night of Destruction and the fireworks show have been postponed to Labor Day weekend, and will be held at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds Sept. 4. Hastings schools OK $26.44 million budget Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings Area Schools Board of Education approved the 2021-22 budget Monday, with a caveat that potentially big changes still could take place during the year. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Tim Berlin presented the upcoming year’s budget during the meeting at Hastings Middle School. The district expects to receive an increase of $164 per student, bringing its total per-pupil revenue from $8,111 to $8,275. The increase comes as school officials are forecasting a decrease of about 25 students during the 2020-21 school year. Despite the drop in student numbers, the budget is calling for $26.44 million in revenue, with $20.95 million coming from the state, $3.7 million from the local government, $ 1.51 million from the federal government, along with $265,000 from other financial sources. Since 2007, revenues for the district have exceeded $26 million in only one other year - and that was the past school year. Berlin attributed the jump to increased state aid and COVID-related funding. But, the district’s fiscal situation can change quickly. At the beginning of the 2020-21 fiscal year, for example, the school district projected $23.18 million in revenue. In its final budget revision, which also was approved Monday, as well, reported $27.37 million in revenue, a noticeable increase. The preliminary estimates for the 2021-22 school budget could shift dramatically again. With this in mind, Berlin said the school district budgeted “conservatively” for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The district is waiting for the Michigan Senate to finalize the state budget. If the current proposed budget passes, every school district in the state would receive $8,700 per pupil — an increase from what Hastings is set to collect - and one that could generate about $1 million more for the district, Berlin said. That change could significantly impact the budget, he added. “All schools would then get the same amount,” Berlin said after the meeting. “Right now, there are some schools, especially on the east side, that get over $10,000 per student. So, we’re wondering if the Senate is going to be willing to go along with that because that would then mean a cut for some of those schools that are getting larger amounts. But if it does go through, it would definitely help our district.” Berlin also pointed to the fact that the bond proposal, which will go to the voters Aug. 3, could have a substantial effect on the overall budget, as well. Another uncertainty is the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund — a COVID-19-related relief fund. Although Hastings Area Schools already received its first payment, estimated around $250,000, the district is set to receive two more ESSER increments throughout the school year. Berlin said he is unsure of the exact amount or when the money will come in, but he expects the remaining increments will total a few million dollars. The funds would go toward classroom technology, such as SMART Boards. The school district’s increase in revenue, however, has been offset by its effort to recover from pandemic-related cuts in 2020. That included the hiring of a new assistant principal at the high school, a dean of students at the middle school and a marketing employee in the administration office. It also reissued an additional $100,000 for curriculum supplies - funds the district had previously slashed. As a result, the district expects to finish the 2021-22 year with about $55,149 in excess revenue over expenditures, with a projected end-of-year fund balance of $3.3 million. In other news from the meeting: - The district reported that it still has about $343,000 left over from the 2015 bond. Berlin said they intend to use the funds by the end of the 2021-22 school year to finance new high school cafeteria furniture and doors. - Superintendent Matt Goebel expressed optimism about the upcoming school year: “We will not be requiring - and have not been requiring - masks within the second session here of summer school since last Tuesday. So those are certainly options for students at this time, and I’m very optimistic that that’s going to continue. We’ll also be reconvening just like we did last August with a back-to-school task force, which will include parents, local health care professionals, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, paraprofessionals - all of those people that we can come back to so that we’re all on the same page and, hopefully, kicking off to a great school year - and that’s what my hope is.” - During the public comment section of the meeting, Angie Webb asked for an update on the “issue with the pride flag being hung in classrooms.” Board Trustee Brad Tolles indicated that the board would consider a proposed resolution in late August or early September. He added, “The policy committee is doing some work on the flag policy. We’ve asked legal [counsel] for an opinion, arid Superintendent Goebel has gone to other districts to get their policies. So, we’re kind of putting together some information. We’re setting up some meetings with the LGBTQ community to get some more feedback from them as to really what their ultimate outcomes are, what they were hoping for.” - The school board received donations Monday, including $70,000 from the Baum Family Foundation to cancel the costs of payto-participate athletics, $3,000 from an anonymous donor for the summer food program, $1,280 from Co-Dee Stamping for new tennis bags, $3,181 from the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation for various districtwide materials and activities, $3,000 from the Barry Community Foundation for STEM Specials in the elementary schools and $999 from the Barry Community Foundation for drones in a middle school classroom. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-07-08.pdf 2861a0cb905af6080dcdeb1889856d31 PDF Text Text f Baums again cover student athlete fees Emergency services needs open discussion Richardson ‘retires from gymnastics See Story on Page 11 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 2 * - Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 8048791101 1070490102590503819349058113421 "'">v>tx*********^a _ ___ C°°5 C°°5 Richard Hemerling H 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2022 9:47:00 AM Thursday, July 8, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 27 II news] I BRIEFS Hastings sidewalk sales begin tomorrow The longstanding tradition of sidewalk sales in downtown Hastings will return tomorrow and Saturday, featuring bar­ gains from merchants and a variety of dining options. Hours Friday are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Supporting local businesses will be even easier - with sales outdoors, and plenty more merchandise inside. City manager interviews open to public Remote connectivity is being offered to the public to follow the Hastings City Council special session today when can­ didates for the vacant post of city manag­ er are interviewed. The public may attend in person or connect remotely by calling 312-626-6799. ~ The council has indicated it expects to select a new city manager and consider making a conditional offer of employ­ ment at the conclusion of its daylong session today. The meeting is expected to start at 9 a.m. on the second floor in the council chambers at the city hall, 201 E. State St. Five candidates will be interviewed indi­ vidually starting at 9:30 a.m., with a break at 12:30, starting up again at 1, I with interviews concluding at 5:30 p.m. Council members are planning to deliberate, starting at 5:45 p.m., and make a decision before they adjourn. Garden club to meet tonight Anyone interested in learning more about native plants and how to incorpo­ rate them into their gardens is invited to attend the Thomapple Garden Club meet­ ing July 9. Mary Parr, stewardship coordinator for Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, will share ideas on how to make flowerbeds more beneficial to insects and birds by adding plants that are native to Michigan. The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. with fellowship and refreshments. Parr will speak at 7 pm. The meeting will be at Green Street United Methodist Church (entrance though door with awning in lot at Center and Church streets). Membership information for the club can be obtained through membership chair Rose Ann Lipsch, 269-945-3242, or club president Mary Purchase, purchasem@hotmail .com. Hastings Live continues with full schedule Playing at the Plaza, part of the Hastings Live free summer concert series especially geared toward children, will host Drumming with Dede at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 8. Susan Harrison will be the Fridays at the Fountain performer beginning at noon July 9 on the Barry County Courthouse Lawn, sharing her jazzy, rock and soul style. Arena Rock will be the Friday Night Feature at Thomapple Plaza beginning at 7:30 p.m. July 9. This high-energy group plays legendary rock anthems by Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi and more. The Thomapple Jazz Orchestra will be See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 ANNER Mystery figure questions local clerks in sheriff’s investigation Taylor Owens and Rebecca Pierce Eight months after the 2020 presidential election, Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf is not saying whether his office has found any evidence of voter fraud. But he is continuing the investigation, Leaf said. The sheriff would not comment as to when or why that probe began, other than to say they received a complaint. Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said she has not received any informa­ tion from the sheriff relating to this investi­ gation. Her office typically doesn’t receive infer­ PRICE $1.00: Lafey charged with j assaulting jail employees mation abdut an investigation until it’s com­ plete, Pratt noted. “But if it’s an investiga­ tion of this magnitude, normally we would be involved.” In this case, however, she said she heard about it from the public. “I was Concerned because I heard there was somebody doing the investigation alongside tile deputy] who is not a police officer,” Pitatt said. Several local officials, including Pratt, confirmed that the sheriff’s office is work­ ing with a man named Michael Lynch to See MYSTERY, page 3 Sheriff discussed seizing voting machines Bridge Magazine Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf last year tried to enlist fellow “constitutional sheriffs” to seize Dominion voting machines at the heart of an election conspiracy theory pro­ moted by then-President Donald Trump, Bridge Michigan has learned. Emails obtained by Bridge through the Freedom of Information Act indicate Trump had at least some law enforcement support in his bid to overturn the 2020 election won by Democratic President Joe Biden. The emails from Leaf detail his unsuccess­ ful efforts to obtain voting machines and inspect them. The records indicate that Leaf’s attorney provided updates on the effort to Trump allies, including attorney Sidney Powell and a contact for former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Leaf told Bridge in a brief interview that he worked with other Michigan sheriffs on what he called an “ongoing” matter after the elec­ tion, but would not divulge specifics. “It is our job to investigate all acts of voter fraud,” said Leaf, a Republican who made national headlines last year for joining armed militia members on stage at a protest “Every single person knew the rules of the election going into the election, and to try to seize voting machines in contravention of federal law shows a fundamental David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research against Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 pandemic orders. The emails, which are coming to light as conservative activists continue to call for a forensic audit of Michigan’s election, describe a plot more befitting a “banana republic” than a stable deitiocracy, said David Becker, exec­ utive director of the Center for Election See SHERIFF, page 3 Murder suspect Andrew Lafey appears on a screen while attending court via a remote hookup from the Barry County Jail June 30. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Taylor Owens Staff Writer Murder suspect Andrew Lafey now faces two charges of assaulting an employee during an altercation in the Barry County Jail, Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt said Wednesday. The assaults occurred four days after Lafey, 21, of Nashville, was arrested for the murder of 18-year-old Gracyn Brickley of Ionia County, law enforcement officials reported. Police allege that Lafey beat Brickley and shot her with a rifle, before hiding her body Feb.16. Brickley’s body was found covered in snow near Lafey’s residence on Guy Road in Maple Grove Township Feb. 17, they said. Lafey has been charged with open murder, torture, concealment of a body and five fire­ arms violations. District Court Judge Michael Schipper ordered Lafey to be psychologically exam­ ined in early March. The examination was expected to determine whether Lafey is com­ petent to stand trial, and whether he was deemed criminally responsible, considered legally sane, at the time of the alleged offens­ es. Lafey had been scheduled in court for a hearing on the results of the exams in late May, but the hearing was delayed numerous times because the examination reports had not been completed. Nakfoor Pratt said Lafey recently had been found competent to stand trial, which opened the door for her office to file the assault charges against him stemming from the jail altercation. A court hearing on those charges took place June 30. . Now the case awaits the criminal responsi­ bility report, which has not yet been complet­ ed, she said. A conference on the reports and a probable cause hearing on the charges are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 21. Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf declined to comment on the case. Engine stalls, plane flips after emergency landing Benjamin Simon Staff Writer In the middle of a teaching session at 6 p.m. June 30, two pilots found themselves 1,000 above land in a small plane with a dead engine. That’s when the instructor, a 61-year-old man from Caledonia, took over the controls about a mile out from Hastings City/Barry County Airport and directed the aircraft safely down to a grassy area near Airport Road. As the plane came down, the instructor had two options: Squeeze down on the brake or take the chance of running through a fence onto Airport Road. The instructor squeezed down on the brake. Between that hard stop and wet grass, the plane flipped. The late-1940s Aeronca Sedan aircraft was damaged, but neither the instructor nor his student was injured. Airport Manager Mark Noteboom stopped short of calling it a crash; instead, he said this was an “incident.” “As far as crashes go, and this really wasn’t a crash per se, it was a controlled landing that got out of hand because the engine quit,” Noteboom said. Mark Anderson, assistant airport manager, expressed admiration for the instructor’s ability to navigate his way out of a potentially life-threatening situation. “The instructor did a great job getting them back to the airport,” Anderson said, declining to identify the flight instructor or the student pilot involved. “A lot of people wouldn’t have been able to do what he did.” The pilots were lucky to end up where they landed. When the engine of a plane dies, there’s not a lot of freedom to steer. For the most part, pilots must continue in “As far as crashes go, and this really wasn’t a crash perse it was a controlled landing that got out of hand because the engine quit.” Airport Manager Mark Noteboom the direction the aircraft is facing. “They could have ended up on top of some trees,” Anderson said. Anderson also noted that the instructor was wise to avoid the risk of ending up on Airport Road. “That might have caused more damage or injury.” Following the accident, the private plane, which sustained damage to the tail and propeller, sat for an hour and a half before the Federal Aviation Administration Flights Standards district Office in Grand Rapids gave the OK to move it. Michigan State Police from the Wayland Post also were at the scene. Anderson said he doesn’t know why the engine shut off. “That’s fer a mechanic to figure it out,” he said. They woij’t know the exact reason until the FAA finalizes its report on the incident, he said, which could take a few months. The crashi comes after the student had spent 13 years rebuilding it, Anderson said, and the pilot had returned to flying the aircraft. “It’s just an unfortunate thing that happens sometimes. Engines quit, parts fail,” he noted. Now there’s just one thing the pilot can do again, Anderson said: “Rebuild the airplane.” The Aeronca Sedan aircraft remains in its position after an emergency landing June 30 until the Federal Aviation Administration Flights Standards District Office in Grand Rapids gave the OK to move it. (Photo provided) �"Page 2 — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Baum Family Foundation continues commitment to student athlete fees Hastings High School athlete Mason Denton is among those personally thanking the Baums during an assembly in their honor in 2019. (File photo) Youngsters play in the spray of Thornapple Township Fire-Rescue Engine 251 to beat the heat during the Fourth of July celebration in downtown Middleville JSunday afternoon. (Photo by Brett ^Bremer) Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Baum Family Foundation recently donated $70,000 to cover the cost of pay-toparticipate athletics at Hastings Area Schools in 2021-22. “Oh my goodness, the Baum family and their foundation, they’ve done tremendous things for HASS and our community as a whole,” Dan Patton, board of education trustee, said of the donation accepted by the board last week. “But, at heart, they’re invested in young people and, specifically, school-age children in [Hastings Area Schools].” The donation started at least 12 years ago, Michael Goggins, Hastings High School athletic director, said. Before the Baum family began covering pay-to-play fees, if a student wanted to play a sport, the family had to pay a fee. Middle schoolers were charged $50, and high schoolers were charged $75, per sport. That’s when Larry Baum approached Goggins. He wanted to know how much students paid to compete in sports in an entire year. Goggins said about $50,000. The Baum family donated $54,000. Over the years, that total kept increasing, until it settled at $70,000. It has remained at that amount for eight or nine years. “Even if they (student athletes) didn’t stick with it, and dropped out, [Larry] was OK with that,” Earlene Baum, his wife, said. “He just wanted to give them the opportunity to give it a try and find those things that would work for them.” Fourth fun in the sun Youngsters bat around a 9-foot beach ball near the Thornapple Kellogg Middle School as they await Fourth of July Fireworks in Middleville Sunday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Change for a 20 passes back through the window for the purchase of a threefor-$15 elephant ear family special in Middleville Sunday. An elephant ear wagon, live music, youth activities and more were there for those who gathered on the AYSO soccer fields in the lead-up to the annual Fourth of July Fireworks. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 68th Street construction GET ALL THE to get underway next week LOCAL NEWS Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. ’CommunityAdin f Greg Chandler Staff Writer A $1.65 million project to rebuild 68th Street, between Cherry Valley Avenue and Thomapple River Drive in Caledonia Township, will get underway Monday after the project was delayed a week by area flooding. The project was scheduled to get underway July 5, but was put on hold because of emergency repair work on Thomapple River Drive, between 60th and 68th streets, where heavy rains June 24 through 26 caused flooding leading to erosion of the bank and roadbed, according to the Kent County Road Commission. The 68th Street project involves reconstruction of the road to a two-lane all­ season road standard. The project includes earthwork ditches, culvert replacement and paving, iricluding the addition of a paved shoulder, according to the road commission. The project is slated for completion Oct. 1. Kentwood Excavating is the contractor for the project. Barry County Commodity Food Distribution Schedule In an effort to reduce transportation costs for our clients, we will be distributing CSFP food eight months out of the year. During some months clients will receive food for two months. See schedule below. October 20,2020 November 17,2020 January 19,2021 February 16,2021 April 20,2021 May 18,2021 July 20,2021 August 17,2021 CSFP for Oct. & Nov. TEFAP & CSFP for Dec. CSFP for Jan. & Feb. TEFAP & CSFP for March CSFP & April & May TEFAP & CSFP for June CSFPfor July & Aug. TEFAP & CSFP for Sept. Remember, CSFP is income-qualifying families, individuals, and seniors -A? Time: 10:00am-noon Location: Thorn Apple Valley Church 2750 S MI-43 Hwy Hastings. Ml To recertify, please bring your photo ID and proof of income for everyone in your home to the distribution during the expiration month that is listed on your card. Questions? or Visit us at www.caascm.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider. “I kind of get used to it. Then I talk to other athletic directors.... and they’re just floored by it. They can’t believe that we have a family that, year after year, just comes through for us and makes these donations.” Michael Goggins, Hastings High School athletic director It all stemmed from Larry’s own interest in sports, Earlene Baum said. “My husband and I were both in Hastings High School, and he was always involved with sports, and he just felt like it was really an important part of education, and learning discipline and rules,” she said. Although the donation doesn’t replace the entire athletic budget, Goggins said, it’s a significant contribution that goes toward a variety of costs associated with sports, “everything from uniforms to equipment to expenses bf officials and pay for coaches. It is everything.” < On top of that, it eases the need for individual teams to fundraise on their own. And there’s no intention of the donation changing any time soon. > “I kind of get used to it,” Goggins said. “Then I talk to other athletic directors. ... and they’re just floored by it. They can’t believe that we have a family that, year after year, just comes through for us and makes these donations.” » NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page the featured performer at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, at Thomapple Plaza. The main concert venue is on the east end of downtown near the intersection of State and Boltwood/Apple streets. All concerts are free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Concessions are available for the plaza performances. For more information, visit facebook, com/mihastingsli ve. Barry County board to return to courthouse The Barry County Board of Commissioners is planning to return to its traditional meeting place on the mezzanine of the historic courthouse at 9 a.m. next Tuesday. Since March 2020, when commissioners met in person, they had been meeting in the Leason Sharpe Hall, Barry Community Enrichment Center, to ensure adequate social distancing. for income qualifying seniors, while TEFAP is for — NFLI is all about the birds The next weekly No Family Left Indoors program will focus on birds. W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary will host both a virtual and a self-guided event for individuals and families to learn more about feathered residents and visitor. Between July 12 and 16, visitors to the sanctuary are invited to seek out 25 life­ sized birds prints hidden along the Lake Loop Trail. Birding activity sheets may be picked up at the resource center before the search. Codes also will be available there after the search. During the July 14 virtual Birds and Coffee Chat, participants will learn about five bird species in Southwest Michigan that can be identified by their calls, markings and habitats. Those wishing to take part in the virtual session should register at http:// bit.ly/NFLIbirds 2021. Passports are available. Anyone who completes six or more events for the pass­ port can earn prizes. Passports may be picked up at Hastings Public Library or Pierce Cedar Creek Institute or downloaded at http:/ /bit.ly/NFLI2021. More information is available at cedar­ creekinstitute .org. Relay For Life returning Aug. 7 Saturday, Aug. 7, local participants will join together at the annual Relay For Life at Tyden Park to help beat cancer. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The park will be open for participants to walk and enjoy its amenities. Barry County Relay For Life committee invites the com­ munity to learn about the event, with oppor­ tunities to donate or make purchases from small business vendors and crafters. Drinks and food will be available. Items are being accepted for a silent auction. Anyone interested in setting up a booth at the vendor fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. may email barrycountyrelay@gmail.com. The committee is inviting all cancer sur­ vivors to walk the Survivor Lap at 6 p.m. and stay for a complimentary dinner put on by local restaurants and businesses. Anyone interested in participating or vol­ unteering may email barry county relay @ gmail.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — Page 3 MYSTERY, continued from page 1 investigate the case - which is prompting a number of concerns ranging from account­ ability to credibility to cost. “Apparently, he holds himself up as some kind of forensic auditor - and those are very expensive,” Pratt said. “So, I don’t know what he was auditing, or if he was in his capacity as an auditor. But, if he was, the question that popped into my mind was, ‘Well, who’s pay­ ing him?’ Is he doing this for free?’ “My understanding is that he was doing a tremendous amount of questioning. So, I’d like to know, if this is a law enforcement investigation, who is he?” The sheriff himself is unclear regarding Lynch. “I don’t know too much about him,” Leaf said, adding that he does not know who is paying Lynch or if he has an official title or special training. Lynch is not an attorney, Leaf added, but he is helping the department with election issues because the sheriff ’s officers are not trained in 4iow to investigate election fraud. I “This is pretty new stuff for us,” the sheriff ft aid, noting that his office frequently goes to outside parties for help. J Leaf said he’s not sure how Lynch fits into the investigation and would have to ask the jieputy involved to find out. 1 The Hastings Banner was unable to reach -Lynch for comment. Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer said she met Lynch about three weeks ago when he arrived at one of the local township offices, along with a sheriff’s deputy, and started questioning the township clerk about election procedures. Lynch identified himself as a “digital com­ puter forensic examiner,” Palmer said, but he didn’t give her a business card. “I showed up at the time they were going to be there, and they were surprised to see me and couldn’t wait to get me out of there,” Palmer said, adding that she was surprised to learn that Lynch and the deputy had already visited multiple townships. The township clerk had called her and was “very upset,” according to Palmer. The clerk told Palmer she did not know what she had done wrong or why they were questioning her. Palmer noted that she has a very good rela­ tionship with the township clerks and they usually tell her about something like this, but she believes they were advised not to say any­ thing about the questioning. “They [Lynch and a deputy] were showing up under the element of surprise ” she said. “The sheriff never gave me a heads-up or any indication that this was going on.” Hastings Charter Township Clerk Anita Mennell said she was the first clerk the inves­ tigators visited. They spent about 45 minutes at the township office, quizzing HerX)nrproce­ dures and asking her how she knew the num­ bers were accurate. Mennell said she has not seen any evidence of voter fraud in her township or in the couniy. Lynch and the deputy told Palmer they were going to interview every township clerk in Barry County, then talk to Palmer last. But Palmer made it clear that they would not be interviewing her at all; and she had her lawyer inform the sheriff’s office of that fact. She also questioned the validity of this “complaint” upon which the sheriff’s office is basing its investigation. “I don’t think there was a complaint,” Palmer added, “because we’ve asked for a copy of it, and it hasn’t been produced.” She said she asked for the name of the com­ plainant, and was told it was someone in Thomapple Township. Then she found out the name, Palmer said, and it did not add up. She declined to name the person. But Leaf said Palmer should not know the complainant’s name, and a copy of the com­ plaint will only be released after the investiga­ tion is finished. Part of the reason for this investigation, Leaf said, is how the vote results were report­ ed by news agencies. There were several times in the state when results reported by a news agency were changed a short time later, he said. He cited one example in which a third-par­ ty presidential candidate was initially shown to have a majority of the votes, but those numbers were later corrected to report that the candidate only had a small number of votes. Leaf compared it to a drunken driver. These changes with regard to Election Day reports are like the weaving of a car on the road, he said, and it is the police officer’s job to check it out and determine if a crime has been com­ mitted. On the night of the election, there were three or four instances when reported num­ bers changed in Michigan, and one situation involved election results in Barry County, he said. The sheriff previously acknowledged that those changes could be due to typos by a news agency in reporting the results during a busy election cycle. But Palmer pointed out that none of the numbers reported by news agencies immedi­ ately after an election are official, since those numbers have not yet been audited. And, as the results showed in the November election, the Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and Michael Pence won hand­ ily in Barry County - by more than a 2:1 margin - receiving 23,473 votes more than their Democratic opponents. Palmer emphasized that she has not seen any evidence of voter fraud in Barry County, and said the local clerks “all did an exemplary job.” Nakfoor Pratt said she does not know what the sheriff’s office is looking for or even if it has any probable cause. “We’ve been informed repeatedly that there are no issues and, if there are no issues, I’m not sure what’s being investigated,” Pratt said. “Why are we doing this? What’s the point of this?” she asked. “... What exactly are they looking for? Voter fraud? In what form? Someone tampered with the machine? It has already been established there is no evidence of that. “I’ve inquired about this, and I’m still puz­ zled.” Pratt pointed to the Republican-led Michigan State Senate report, which was found no evidence of a voter fraud conspiracy in Barry County. “This committee found no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud in Michigan’s prosecution of the 2020 election,” that report concluded. Leaf said he was disappointed by the Senate report, and he did not feel its audit was thorough enough. Sheriff responds to statewide news report Taylor Owens Staff Writer Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf said he was never planning to seize any voting equipment without first going to the county prosecutor. “It’s not something we’re going to do solo, because the reality is we’ve never investigat­ ed these types of claims; nobody’s ever had the training to investigate this,” Leaf said. The sheriff added that he was not trying to pressure some other sheriffs into seizing Dominion Voting System machines. In response to a Freedom of Information Act request from Bridge Magazine, Leaf’s office turned over hundreds of emails. The request asked for all emails containing certain words that had been sent within a specific time period. Leaf said many of the emails that were turned over had never been opened, and some of the emails miss details from phone calls and other conversations he had about the elec­ tion issue. He also said some of the emails were pro­ tected under attomey/client privilege, and should not have been turned over. Some of the emails the Bridge story used as source material were sent a week after Leaf filed a lawsuit to stop election data from being wiped from the voting machines. Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer said wip­ ing data from voting machines is standard practice after it has been uploaded to the State of Michigan and a hard copy has been made. But Leaf contends that there could be evi­ dence on the machines that would be lost. The lawsuit, in which Leaf is named as acting in his capacity as Barry County sheriff, was filed by lawyer Stefanie Junttila of Detroit. Leaf said Junttila originally contacted him and asked him to collect citizens’ election fraud complaints at the sheriff’s office. She collected several affidavits from citi­ zens who said they were concerned about markers bleeding through their ballots. And one citizen said the numbers they saw report­ ed on the news changed after the election. Palmer said the bleed-through was noticed before the election, but the election workers tested the ballots and it did not cause an issue. The lawsuit was thrown out the day after it was filed; the judge said it made “hazy and nebulous claims” about election fraud. Leaf said he might have considered an appeal, but Junttila had moved on to other cases. Now, Junttila faces potential sanction after the Michigan Attorney General’s Office claimed she filed a frivolous lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over alleged election fraud in January. “She pursued a lawsuit based on false­ hoods, used her law license in an attempt to disenfranchise Michigan voters and under­ mine the faith of the public in the legitimacy of the recent presidential election, and lent credence to untruths that led to violence and unrest,” the attorney general’s office said. “... Ms. Junttila is unfit to practice law and should be disbarred.” Leaf said he does not believe he’s facing any legal exposure for that lawsuit, although Dominion Voting Systems has been suing people for defamation over claims that its equipment was used for voter fraud. One of Junttila’s clients, former Donald Trump attorney Sidney Powell, is named in a $1.3 billion suit filed by Dominion. The two attorneys made headlines in April when Junttila argued to Michigan’s Eastern District federal court that statements Powell made about election fraud should be legally considered opinions and not facts. Leaf added he felt it was in poor taste for Bridge Magazine to bring up his on-stage appearance in May 2020 alongside Wolverine Watchmen who were later arrested for their involvement in a plot to kidnap Whitmer. That appearance, and comments Leaf made later about the militia members’ intentions, have followed him. Leaf said “some agencies,” yet not specify­ ing which ones, are suspicious of his relation­ ship with the militia because of his comments. SHERIFF, continued from page 1 Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf was the headliner at the “American Patriot Rally” at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapidfc in May 20>20. (File photo) Innovationi and Research. Talk of sseizing voting machines is “tinpot dictator stiff,” said Becker, whose nonprofit aims to improve voter confidence, participa­ tion and election administration. “It’s obviously extremely concerning, espe­ cially given the fact that the ballots in Michigan, which are all hand-marked paper ballots, were audited extensively.” The Trump Administration’s Department of Justice said there was no evidence of wide­ spread voter fraud. Even so, the former presi­ dent has continued his claims. Recently, he lambasted Michigan Republican senators for an exhaustive report that debunked lingering conspiracy theories about last year’s election. Barry County records obtained by Bridge show Carson Tucker — an Ann Arbor attor­ ney who represented Leaf and included him on numerous election-related emails — asked Trump allies for information that might justi­ fy voting machine seizures by his client and other sheriffs “expressing an interest” in St. Joseph, Shiawassee, Lake and Jackson coun­ ties. Tucker sent an email Dec. 15, 2020, to Carissa Keshel at the Fight Back Foundation, a nonprofg chaired;.by pro-Trump attorney L. Lin Wood, and askeefor information about “counties' mat^^^^^^otentially compro­ mised” in tfe Nov. 3 election. “My client Barry County Sheriff and sever­ al other county sheriffs in Michigan would like to consider issuing probable cause war­ rants to sequester Dominion voting machines if there is ^vidence of criminal manipulation,” Tucker wrote. In an earlier, Nov. 20 email to Powell — who lajter filed failed lawsuits seeking to overturn Trump losses in Michigan and other swing states — Tucker claimed Leaf had already seized voting machines and ballots in Barry County. But that did not happen, according to local election officials and Leaf, who told Bridge he did not recall why his attorney told Powell it had. Constitutional sheriffs Lake County Sheriff Rich Martin con­ firmed Leaf contacted him last year as he tried to get other sheriffs to investigate potential “impropriety with those machines.” But Martin said he never signed on, telling Bridge he “didn’t want any part of it.” “He does kind of his own thing,” Martin said of Leaf. “I’m friends with him, so he usually calls me first on some of these things, but I don’t have anything to do with that.” St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite and Shiawassee County Sheriff Brian BeGole did not return multiple voicemails from Bridge Michigan. The fourth sheriff men­ tioned in the emails, Steven Rand of Jackson County, did not seek re-election and is no longer in office. Leaf is among a handful of self-described “constitutional sheriffs” in Michigan who contend they are the highest level of govern­ mental authority and have the power or duty to defy or disregard laws they find unconstitu­ tional. “Constitutional Sheriffs have a legal obli­ gation and duty to ferret out criminal activity in the county on behalf of the citizenry,” Tucker wrote in the Dec. 15 email to the Fight Back Foundation. “And they are the chief law enforcement officers.” Leaf described Tucker as his personal attor­ ney and confirmed they also have worked together on legal theories that informed his decision to not enforce COVID-19 orders issued by Whitmer and her administration. In a brief phone interview, Tucker said the emails obtained by Bridge through the Freedom of Information Act were protected by attorney-client privilege and shouldn’t have been disclosed by the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. Asked his view on the role of a “constitu­ tional sheriff,” Leaf told Bridge it’s important for elected county law enforcement leaders to “exercise their authority” so that it does not get “diluted.” “It’s just a matter of us harnessing it and getting the office of sheriff back on track and where it’s supposed to be,” he said. Martin the Lake County sheriff, said he had been part of the national Constitutional Sheriff and Peace Officers Association but has “kind of backed out of it because it’s become so controversial.” While he took an oath of office to uphold the federal and state constitutions, “I’m not, by far, a fanatic like a lot of people in that organization are,” Martin said. From Antrim to Gen. Flynn The emails obtained by Bridge show Leaf and Trump allies were focused on Dominion voting machines. Keshel from the Fight Back Foundation, responded Dec. 15 to Tucker and Leaf with a document she said came from Flynn, the for­ mer national security adviser who twice pleaded guilty to lying about Russia but was pardoned by Trump following the 2020 elec­ tion. “Hi Carson and Dar, General Flynn wanted ya’ll to see the Antrim Forensics analysis, and we believe all 48 counties are affected the same,” Keshel wrote, referencing a factually challenged report on Dominion voting machines used in Antrim and dozens of other Michigan counties. “I am in contact with the team to be able to coordinate our next steps with these Dominion machines,” she added. Antrim County, about 200 miles north of Barry County, emerged as an unlikely foca) point in Trump’s fraud claims after a pro­ gramming error by the Republican clerk led to initially skewed results indicating Biden had won the heavily conservative region. The error was fixed, and the state eventual­ ly conducted a hand recount of ballots that confirmed Trump dominated the region despite losing statewide to Biden by 154,188 votes. The “forensic audit” Keshel shared with Leaf and Tucker was prepared by a pro­ Trump group called Allied Security Operations and has been widely criticized by election experts. It contained an “extraordinary number of false, inaccurate or unsubstantiated state­ ments and conclusions,” according to University of Michigan computer science professor J. Alex Halderman. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel had already called the report “another in a long stream of misguided, vague and dubious assertions designed to erode public confi­ dence” in the election. But Trump, like his allies, was attempting to use the Antrim County report to justify an unprecedented criminal investigation. In a Dec. 14 email recently released to Congress, Trump’s attorney forwarded the report to Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen with the subject line: “From POTUS.” Flynn, Wood and Powell are Trump loyal­ ists who continue to claim the 2020 election could still be overturned, putting Trump back in the White House. Leaf told Bridge Michigan he did not per­ sonally speak with Flynn or Powell about voting machines and did not seize any, as his attorney had suggested. The sheriff said he asked some clerks to keep voting machines “secure,” which is “a normal protocol for them anyway.” ‘Balanced to the ballot9 If Leaf had followed through on his “highly partisan” plot to seize voting machines, it may have been illegal, Becker, with the Center for Election Innovation and Research, said. That’s because federal law requires election officials to maintain exclusive control over records and equipment for 22 months. “Every single person knew the rules of the election going into the election, and to try to seize voting machines in contravention of federal law shows a fundamental disrespect for the rule of law,” Becker said. Trump won in Barry County last fall, but seven months after the presidential election, Leaf told Bridge he remains concerned about what he called “reports” questioning whether votes may have been “flipped” or “if we got hacked.” Local clerks say there is no evidence that happened in a county where Trump won 65 percent of the vote, up from 63 percent in 2016. Instead, election officials who spoke with Bridge said local administration of the elec­ tion went smoothly, and they never gave up possession of their voting machines to Leaf or anyone else. “I don’t know what Dar is digging for,” Barry County Clerk Pamela Palmer, a Republican, said, adding that there was no indication of local vote manipulation last year. In Hastings, the 2020 election “went great,” City Clerk Jane Saurman said. “We didn’t even really have any issues with the marker situation,” Saurman said, referenc­ ing a debunked Sharpie marker conspiracy theory Leaf previously promoted in a failed lawsuit. In fact, clerks said giving Leaf access to their voting machines would have created security risks and barred the use of those tab­ ulators in future elections, which would hav6 created new and additional costs for taxpay­ ers. “We wouldn’t give ours up without a court order or something like that,” said Yankee Springs Township Clerk Mike Cunningham, who won election in November. “As far as I know, [Leaf] had no contact with our townr ship office, and state law requires that wf keep them secure.” ; Barry County clerks did a “stellar” job in the presidential election, but various individu* als and organizations urged him to investi* gate, Leaf told Bridge, declining to divulge the source of those complaints. “I’m not giving out any names because of the death threats and harassment that peoplj get,” he said. Martin, the Lake County sheriff, said he had not seen any evidence of fraud in hi^ county, where Trump won with 62 percent of the vote. « “I’ve never said that there was any improv priety in the election at all,” Martin said. “So, it is what it is. I guess we’ve moved forward.” ‘Hazy and nebulous9 claims Leaf was active in other ways as well. In May 2020, Leaf appeared on stage with armed militia members at a Grand Rapids rally protesting Whitmer’s COVID-19 response. When two of those militia members were! later arrested in an alleged plot to kidnap Whitmer, Leaf questioned whether the two were simply trying to make a citizen’s arrest. And in December emails first reported by; The Detroit News, Leaf told a Genesee County resident there were “a handful of vio­ lations that could be used” to prosecute; Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for election crimes. ; Leaf also tried to use the courts to seize; election equipment. He was the lead plaintiff in a Dec. 7 lawsuit seeking an immediate order to impound all voting machines and : software in Michigan for “expert inspection.”^ Among other allegations, Leaf claimed ini the suit that Sharpie ballot markers used in conjunction with Dominion voting machines “likely” impacted the accuracy of the election and said his office “intends to conduct a full investigation into reports.” U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jonker, a Republican nominee, dismissed the complaint one day after it was filed. Leaf and his attorney in that case, Stefanie Lambert of Detroit, asked the judge to make “speculative leaps towards a hazy and nebu­ lous inference that there has been numerous instances of election fraud and that defendants are destroying the evidence,” Jonker wrote. One week later, Leaf and other sheriffs considered taking matters into their own hands by seeking probable cause warrants to seize Dominion voting machines, Tucker said in an email to the Fight Back Foundation. “Dar Leaf is point of contact,” he wrote. Editor’s note: Bridge Michigan obtained hundreds of pages of emails from Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf through the Freedom of Information Act as part of its ongoing reporting on the aftermath of the 2020 elec­ tion. This story by Jonathan Oosting of Bridge Magazine is supported by a grant from the Fund for Investigative Journalism. �Page 4 — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Outstanding field Emergency services building needs open discussion * Knee-high by the Fourth of July? Oh ■ yeah! Three generations of Haywoods, including grandpa Larry and dad, Luke, . stand at the edge of a cornfield in Hastings, illustrating this year’s robust ; crop. Grandma Ellen Haywood has taken a July 4 photo of her family in one s of their cornfields for as long as Luke can remember. Pictured here Sunday are (from left) Devin, Brenden (top), Ethan, Larry, Colton (top), Austin and . Luke Haywood. (Photo by Ellen Haywood) Do you remember? Sidewalk sales Shoppers fill the sidewalks along State Street in downtown Hastings look­ ing for bargains in July 1965 during the Hastings Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sales. A sign on the clothes rack in the bottom right corner lists dress prices at $2 to $3. This week, beginning Friday, local shoppers can find some of their own deals as they visit local mer­ chants for the 2021 version of sidewalk sales. Have you met? I was walking through my college campus when I saw a text message on my phone. “Hi Ben, I’m Pam Fine with Report for America.” Thinking it was spam, I started to put my phone back in my pocket. Then I stopped. Oh wait. Report for America — the journalism program that places emerging reporters in newsrooms across the country. The program I had applied to three months earlier. Hadn’t they already closed its acceptances? Why were they contacting me? Even when I applied, I was skeptical I had any chance to receive one of the few positions available. Report for America recruited nationally and attracted some of the county’s best journalists, regardless of age, many of whom had already held full-time journalism jobs. I didn’t think a 21-year-old graduating from Washington University in St. Louis would have much of a chance. But maybe I did have a chance. I again checked the text message from Pam Fine. “We’ve had a position open up at an excellent weekly paper in Hastings, Michigan,” it read. I couldn’t believe it. I showed my friend as we walked. We high-fived each other and looked at the message again. Wait. Hastings, Michigan? Where is that? I had never even visited Michigan before, let alone heard of a place called Hastings. My friend and I pulled out our phones, almost running into people on campus trying to find this place on the map. The following days felt like I was stuck in a tornado. A few hours after responding to Pam, I missed a call from a number in Hastings. It turned out to be Rebecca Pierce, the editor of the paper, asking if I had time to interview that night. And at 8 p.m., I sat in a classroom on WashU’s campus, Zooming across a few states. The next day, I interviewed with Report for America. Later that night, I attended a welcome event for Report for America corps members. Even later that night, at midnight, I answered some questions Rebecca had sent me. The day after that, Rebecca called and offered me the job. It had only been three days since I learned about the position. A few hours after Rebecca offered me the spot, I walked to campus by myself at 9:30 p.m. I sat in a lawn chair and stared into the darkness, trying to process everything that had happened. Over the past few months, I had planned Ben Simon out my entire summer. I would return home to Philadelphia. I would read a book a week, spend time with my parents, visit my brother in New York City, play pick-up basketball every day, have lunch with my grandmom and enjoy a post-COVID life. I had even ordered a U-Haul for the move home. And suddenly, in just a few days, I was potentially moving to Michigan and working more than 40 hours a week. I worried about how I would adjust. I’d never lived in a small town, never lived on my own, never held a full-time job before. But over the following days, I got excited about the position. I thought about walking the city, attending planning commission meetings, and sitting down with people in the community and hearing their stories. I thought about being somewhere where the news mattered — where people still opened up the newspaper at the coffee shop and where thousands of Twitter accounts weren’t breaking the news every 10 seconds. I thought about exploring someplace new and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I decided to accept the job. I’m not going to say it has been an easy and seamless transition. But, from the second I stepped foot in the city, the people of Hastings have welcomed me into their home. There’s my next-door neighbor, for example, who invites me into her house to talk on lonely nights. My neighbor across the street brought over strawberry pie. My landlord introduced me to someone my age in town. A co-worker shares emails on nearby cities, art exhibits and music performances to check out or to help me learn about the area. Just this morning the man who mows the lawn greeted me with a smile and asked, “How are you?” as I left for work. These moments have helped me adapt to the new city around me. I’ve learned a lot during my first few weeks in Hastings. I’ve learned how to turn stories around in just a few hours, how to read a city council agenda packet and how to define a “special assessment.” Most importantly, I have learned how to use the palm of my hand to show people the whereabouts of my new home in Hastings. For making a bold move and joining the J-Ad Graphics family of papers, Ben Simon is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite TV program: “The Wire.” Best TV show of all-time, hands down. Person I most admire: My mom. She recently visited me and make it her mission to sparse up my apartment - to make it “homey.” When I woke up, she was already working - hanging pictures, building a bookshelf, doing my laundry. When I went to sleep at night, she was still working, still trying to make my life just a little bit warmer, one IKEA piece at a time. My mom is the most caring and generous person I know, and I try to emulate that in my own life. First job: Dog walker for my next-door neighbor, Ms. Baker. Favorite vacation destination: The Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina, where family friends live. I love being up in the mountains with homemade sweet tea and good people. There is no place I am happier. I am most content: When I’m shooting baskets at Bob King Park. First thing I bought with my own money: Probably watermelon Sour Patch Since its beginning, our area has been built and has prospered thanks to the achievements of a handful of visionary leaders who not only could see the future but who worked to make all we have today happen. We have had leaders like Emil Tyden and the banker brothers Chester and Richard Messer, who brought the renowned indus­ trialist to town. People like Aben Johnson not only built Hastings Manufacturing, but also dreamt of and helped shape YMCA Camp Algonquin. The list winds through time and brings us to the present and the gifted men and women who are still shaping the future for our community. Today, we are going to need that heritage of leadership as we grapple with a chal­ lenge that the City of Hastings has been facing for more than a dozen years. Last week’s Banner included a letter in which Hastings Township Supervisor Jim Brown made the point that the present building housing the BIRCH Fire Association, as well as emergency equip­ ment from the City of Hastings, are not adequate for today’s emergency needs. The Hastings Fire Department provides emergency and non-emergency services for the protection of life and property for citi­ zens in a 135-square-mile radius that includes the City of Hastings and what comprises the BIRCH Fire Association, a group established in 1979 serving all of Rutland, Hastings and Baltimore Townships, half of Carlton Township and one-quarter of Irving Township. Hastings officials have held discussions over the replacement of the present build­ ing which sits on prime real estate in down­ town Hastings. They once even had a plan to close the adjacent Mill Street and build a new facility on the present location. The issue was first discussed in 2007 when the city hired a Grand Rapids archi­ tectural and engineering firm to study the possibility. The recommendation to build a new facility on the same site was shelved when the economic constraints of the 2008 recession hit. In 2014, the city took another run at the issue and paid $10,900 for a revised study. That conversation led to an expanded proposal that also included mov­ ing the city’s police department into a new facility on the same site. Like the talk before it, the 2014 study also went up in smoke. So here we are today, again discussing the needs of a new or expanded facility to meet the growing needs for emergency ser­ vices. In his letter, Brown mentioned that the city, BIRCH and Mercy Ambulance have hired a local architect to design a structure that would make use of the existing fire department building with additional new space that could serve the community for the next 55 years. But what Brown and officials are miss­ ing is the fact that the current fire depart­ ment building is in an area that is attracting high interest from several developers look­ ing to build condominiums, apartments and townhouses. That possibility could make our future both a gift and an achievement. The city block on which the fire depart­ ment and a city parking lot are located could be sold to the highest bidder, which not only would generate a large sum of money for the city, it also would put a gov­ ernment-owned and tax-exempt property back on the tax rolls. Of course, the next chess move would be where to locate a new fire department building. When city officials looked at this project previously, the study recommended a site somewhere between the two bridges near the river, between North Broadway and Michigan Avenue, still near the present location. But here we are, years later, and we find that the area is changing and the value of the land on which the present facility - and proposed structure - sits has become much more desirable for development. This land is better suited for being on the tax rolls and for addressing the housing crisis in Hastings. I think it’s in the best interests of the taxpayers of Hastings to sell the property and relocate the fire department to a new, state-of-the-art facility near the wastewater treatment facility along Apple Street. Due to its use, that property is not desir­ able for development, but it would be ideal for emergency services. It’s on a street with traffic lights at both ends to aid emergency vehicles leaving the building. Plus, the land is already off the tax rolls since it’s owned by the city - so we wouldn’t be taking addi­ tional land off the tax roll. Any time a municipality takes land off tax rolls, the transferal puts an additional burden on the rest of the taxpayers to meet the service obligations of the municipality. Since the property no longer can be taxed, taxpayers have to make up the difference. Here’s a great chance for our leaders to plan a new facility, offset some of the replacement cost with the sale of the land, and do taxpayers a favor by lessening their load. The present fire department facility once housed the city’s Department of Public Services before it was moved to the former county road commission garage on Boltwood, adjacent to the Hastings Public Library. The road commission moved out of Hastings off M-37/43 at the west end of Green Street in a deft move similar to what the city could be making with the first department relocation. Not only was the road commission able to purchase a large piece of property for future expansion, it also was able to mine gravel on the proper­ ty, providing savings for taxpayers. Hastings’ Department of Public Services area once was home to Barry County Lumber, the Goodyear John Deere Implement dealer, a grain mill, a car dealer­ ship and a gas station. But, just as the fire department area is experiencing today, that part of the city is changing, moving to more residential orientation and encouraging amenities like the library and the Thomapple Plaza entertainment area, which attracts thousands of people each summer. Brown’s letter makes the point that the work of the emergency services department is changing and it rightly needs a facility to meet those needs. He sent the city council a request to appoint two interested council members to serve on a planning group to formulate a plan moving forward. I believe that group also should consist of citizens from the city and townships to weigh in on a project of this magnitude. Many cities around us have merged their fire, rescue and ambulance services under one roof, some even adding police to the mix. These are all conversations that deserve discussion for the benefit of tax­ payers. The main aim should be to get as many ideas on the table as possible and encourage public participation in any deci­ sion-making process to assure taxpayers they are making the right choices for our future. Most of all, small towns should do everything they can in their planning to preserve valuable property for development that generates the tax base necessary to keep the community strong and vibrant. I applaud Brown for bringing the need to our attention, but, at the same time, good planning is necessary to make expert deci­ sions. Any wise decision-maker knows it’s wise to take time, to list all the options and talk to others in an effort to find the best answers to any complex problem. Leaders may even hear some criticism about the time it takes - but that’s nothing new, it goes with the territory. Noted historian Ron Chemow has stud­ ied gifted leaders for his best-selling biog­ raphies of men such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, the latter whose life evolved into a worldwide musical. Chemow, too, offers similarly relevant counsel when he said, “Unless you devote an enormous amount of time to anticipate the future, you won’t have any future.” Let’s continue this community’s tradition of achieving a gifted and prosperous future. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. Kids from the CVS across the street from my middle school. Person I’d most like to meet: Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons, so I could ask him why he doesn’t shoot. What I like about my job: Meeting new people every day. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. The Hastings Fire Department provides emergency and non-emergency services for the protection of life and property for citizens in a 135-square-mile radius that includes the City of Hastings and what comprises the BIRCH Fire Association, a group established in 1979 serving all of Rutland, Hastings and Baltimore Townships, half of Carlton Township and one-quarter of Irving Township. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — Page 11 Richardson ‘retires' fro gymnastics after Nationals 1 mean high-quality, resilient natural Sources that support fish and wildlife populations and sustainable resource-based industries like forest products and the capacity to explore and support renewable energies.” Thoughtful, responsible management of ^Michigan’s public lands yields many important results: Phillip Richardson perfoms on the rings during the 2021 Men’s Development Program Nationals a the Ocean Center in Dayton • Drawing millions of visitors and Beach, Fla. in May. supporting local economies through recreation and tourism. Bremer • Supplying Brett 20 percent of timber to the Dayton Beach, Fla. in May. A top 30 regional “With the dangers of not finish this spring earned him his spot at Sports Editor forest products industry. nationals where he placed 86^ in his division focusing on something > Recent Hastings Highfishing School • Providing hunting, andgraduate wildlife Phillip Richardson his lifetimewhich as a of 115 Level 10 18-year-old guys. viewing thinks opportunities, (as a c ymnast), it can He finished as high in the group as 70^ on gymnast contribute will serve him welltointhe theeconomy. Navy. billions injure you or put you out He• expects to need the mental toughness he the pommel horse and 72n^ on the high bar. Protecting Michigan ’s distinguished The focus needed, the variety of skills and fostered in thetreasured gym as much as anything and hunting traditions.when of the sport for a while. I Beads to boot camp Chicago next month. the exhilaration of the high bar have come to • Partnering on inurban revitalization think that focus will help ichardson got to put an outstanding dis­ make it his favorite event. “It is more precise,” Richardson said of the mount on the end of his time as a gymnast, me (in the Navy).” dbmpeting in the Men’s Development high bar. “To me, you can do cooler skills on Program Nationals at the Ocean Center in it. There are more releases. It’s the more Phillip Richardson Dayton Beach, Fla in May. A top 30 regional showy one to me. I’d say my favorite is the finish this spring earned him hist spot at Tkatchev. You’re doing back giants, so your nationals where he placed 86^ in his division ands are facing regularly and you’re swinging any major deductions or falls in any of the six of 115 Level 10 18-year-old guys. and doing giants around the bar, and you let events: the high bar, the floor exercise, the , ’Richardson got to put an outstanding dis­ go in front of the bar and catch behind the pommel horse, the rings^ the parallel bars or the vault. He said he was in his “best zone” mount on the end of his time as a gymnast, bar.” Richardson was pleased to put together a since Covid threw as wrench in the ability for competing in the Men’s Development New DNR land strategy plans future of 4.6 million public acres The title - “The Power of Public Lands: Your resources. Our commitment. Michigan’s legacy.” - says it all. A new strategy for the 4.6 million acres of state forests, parks, trails, game and wildlife areas, and other public lands the Michigan Department of Natural Resources takes care of has been submitted to the Legislature and is now available at Michigan.gov/PublicLands. The strategy was developed over the past 18 months through a collaborative process that included multiple opportunities for the public and stakeholders statewide to get involved and help shape the final document. The new land strategy will be implemented between 2021 and 2027, following consideration and approval by the Legislature, and sets priorities and guides actions for the best use of this large DNR-managed public land base to benefit Michigan residents and visitors and the state’s natural resources. Goals outlined in the public land strategy include: • Protecting natural and cultural ■ O. resources. • Providing access to outdoor public recreation opportunities. • Performing responsible natural resources management. These goals are important to the health well-being of Michigan residents - the le who own these public lands - as well &sto the quality of life in our state, and our Heritage and identity as Michiganders,” said Scott Whitcomb, DNR senior advisor for wildlife and public lands. Accomplishing them will ensure that iple of all abilities will have diverse and ssible opportunities to hunt, camp, fish, Igke, ride trails, and connect with nature and Ustoty in ways that are unique to Michigan* It Phillip Richardson does the splits during his floor routine at the 2021 Men’s Development Program Nationals at the Ocean Center in Dayton Beach, Fla. in May. pete. Richardson played a number of sports as a youngster, and got into gymnastics a the age of four or five. He began going to classes in Middleville and eventually made regular trips to Branch Gymnastics in Battle Creek. During his senior year in high school he was training at Branch Gymnastics four hours a day, six days a week. Unable to visit the gym throughout much pf_„ 2020, Richardson said he could feel his body changing. He could tell when he hadn’t done enough stretching, and would notice certain muscle groups getting weaker. He said he did what he could to stay physically Active while gyms were closed due to state orders. He not only missed the training, but missed the fam­ ily around the gym. “I like the dedication and you’re able to make it more of a family atmosphere, because it was an all-year round sport. It isn’t just one season with one group of people,” Richardson said of the draw of gymnastics. Eventually, he was able to get into some Zoom classes a few times a week. Richardson has been coaching at Branch Gymnastics for three or four years. He spent a couple years teaching recreational gymnastics Phillip Richardson turns above the to five, six, seven and eight-year-olds mostly pommel horse at the 2021 Men’s and has coached team gymnastics for Level 4, Development Program Nationals at the 5 and 6 athletes the last two years. He can Ocean Center in Dayton Beach, Fla. in envision himself coaching again in the future, May. if he has a good job and some free time. Richardson hopes to get in the Naval Special Warfare Command and get some thing [as a gymnast], it can injure you or put training in underwater welding and for that to you out of the sport for a while. I think that lead to a future career. focus will help me [in the Navy],” Richardson “With the dangers of not focusing on some­ said. Starting Pay up to $15.00 to $17.50! $1,000 Sign-on Bonus! Competitive insurance offered the first of the month after 30 days of employment. Stop in to fill out an application or call us at 269 A new strategy sets priorities and guides actions for 4.6 million acres of Department of Natural Resources-managed public lands like the Middleville State Game Area (pictured) and numerous other sections in and around Barry County. centered around access to the outdoors. The public land strategy provides a wealth of additional information on why public lands matter. It also includes details about the history of DNR-managed public lands, tools the DNR employs to manage a large public land base and a strategic approach to land acquisitions. This updated land strategy seeks to align # and leverage divisional and department-wide strategies anc priorities to set a comprehensive, coherent direction for the DNR to effectively manage the public lands that set Michigan apart today and years into the future. More information about the strategy and DNR-managed public lands can be found at Michigan .go1 VPublicLands. 241-1040 for more information! You can also check out our Facebook page for mor information! 1900 Patterson Rd. Middleville, Ml 49333 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — Page 5 GUEST COMMENTARY nvironment is not a partisan issue U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer As Michiganders, we are fortunate to be part of tn<te Great Lakes Basin, an ecosystem that prov des our communities with incredible natural beauty, boundless economic opportunity, and countless recreational activities. In West Michigan specifically, we strongly support protecting these natural resources we’ve in|herited, and we must continue to preserve them for future generations. To do this, we ijiave to offer thoughtful policy solu­ tions that balance preservation, our domestic energy demands, and American businesses and workers. Too often, we hear radical ideas about the enviromr ent and climate change from both sides of the aisle; some Democrats insist that the end of days is upon us, and some Republicans deny climate change exists on any level The truth is that climate change and environmental policies should not be partisan issues. The environment surrounds all of us, and we all hnve a vested, shared interest in pro­ tecting and preserving it. Don’t ]et either major political party’s rhet­ oric fool you - we can prioritize our environ­ ment without sacrificing our economy. That’s why I recently joined the new Conservative Climate ICaucus with more than 50 of my colleague is. We are a group of Republican lawmakers dedicated to implementing commonsense leg­ islation that boosts both the environment and the economy without sacrificing one for the other. The goal of this Caucus is to bring members of our party together to educate one another on climate policies that will make real progress on reducing emissions through American innovation and resources. While it may seem unlikely, there have been a number of bipartisan successes when it comes to protecting our natural resources. Members on both sides of the aisle who rep­ resent Great Lakes states have a long history of coming together to support initiatives that preserve one of the largest freshwater ecosys­ tems in the world. The Great Lakes Task Force, a group I joined in my first week of Congress, has con­ sistently called for and helped secure robust funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a program designed to protect our waters and coasts from invasive species, harmful contaminants, and erosion. I also am a member of the bipartisan PFAS Task Force, which specifically focuses on policies that encourage the cleanup of the dangerous pollutants in our groundwater and drinking water. I am proud of these bipartisan efforts, but there is still much work to be done. Any serious conversation regarding inno­ vative solutions to combat climate change also must include discussion about our nucle­ ar energy capabilities. This is a clean energy alternative that also will keep the U.S. com­ petitive with other foreign countries. In Congress, I also serve on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where I am eager to continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle on policies that invest in research to sup­ port our renewable energies and technologies, like grid energy storage and electric vehicles. The bottom line is that Republicans and Democrats alike should stop using hyper-par­ tisan talking points on climate change and other environmental issues and, instead, focus on advancing attainable, measurable solutions for the American people. We must unify around a message of caring for our planet and move away from the cul­ ture of shaming that has become all too prev­ alent in our political dialogue. It’s time to deliver results on behalf of future generations, and I stand ready to con­ tinue this important work for West Michigan. U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, represents Michigan's Third Congressional District. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 NEED HELP WITH YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN? MIC HAEL KINNEY • PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber 114 Licensed Journeyman Plumber \ V't" Boat owners are Mike and Kim Johnson, with boat passengers Stacy, Addison and Aendrix Javor, Ron and Trish Rogers. Here, they receive the trophy from the judge, Carlton Township Supervisor Bradley Carpenter. Carpenter, his wife, Kathy, daughter and son-in-law Nicole and John Linker and their children, Carpenter’s grandchildren, Brody arid Gabby, tbok part in the festivities. Winner is a Lucky Duck “Lucky Duck” took first-place honors in the Middle Lake Fourth of July boat parade tiiis year. The entry came complete with duck calls that they were quacking - and they even threw little rubber ducks from the boat to the spectators on shore and in other boats. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone ; number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for ’ compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. : • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not ‘ be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published ■ or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. ■ • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per i person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. The Hastings Bcllllldr Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Hastings Banner, Inc. i A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 ■ News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com I I Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker I • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) \ t ' ■ Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 question about their retirement plan. CALL US TODAY 1.866.735.7737 Jlnnual July Sale, 20% OFF FABRICS Saiurdau Break!as! Excludes sale items. Ends 7-31-2021, Resumes July 10® Covid vaccination available on-site The weekly Saturday Community Breakfast will resume beginning July 10, serving from 8am to 9:30am. The breakfast is held in the Emmanuel Church Parish House, 315 West Center Street, Hastings. Write Us A Letter: Published by... Vi \W New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation If you have questions about your pension, 4Oi(k) or profit sharing plan, call the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at (866) 735-7737 to get free legal advice. Funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging, MAPRP staff provides free legal assistance to anyone with a “We are so grateful to resume the weekly Saturday Breakfast. In addition to food, the breakfast is an opportunity to nourish generosity and friendship”, said Rev. Linnea Stiller, rector at Emmanuel. “We look forward to returning friends and welcoming new guests.” The weekly breakfast began in 2013 and was serving over 5,000 meals a year Pro to the pandemic. On July 10, Covid vaccine will be available without an appointment (walk-in) from 7:45am until 9am at the breakfast. City of Hastings Request For Bids - North and South Storage Tanks Rehabilitation The City of Hastings, Department of Public Ser­ vices is accepting sealed bid proposal for improve­ ments to the North storage tank located at 101 W. Colfax Street and the South storage tank located at 1135 S. Broadway Street in Hastings, Michigan. There will be access to the site for prospective bid­ ders on July 15th, 2021 at 10 AM at the North Tank and 10:30 AM at the South Tank. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at which time they will be opened and read aloud publicly at the above address. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to award the bid in a manner which it be­ lieves to be in its own best interest, price and other factors considered. Bid specifications are available at Prein&Newhof, 3355 Evergreen Drive NE, Grand Rapids, Ml 49525, or www.preinnewhof.com/plan-room, and some lo­ cal plan rooms. All bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid North and South Storage Tanks Rehabilitation for the City of Hastings”. 163887 Travis Tate Director of Public Services QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm ■I Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com www.CarvethVillage .com ?er... if you can’t live alone... live with us! r. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 THE HOTTEST STARS JAKE SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 LARRY THE CABLE GUY: REMAIN SEATED SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 EARTH, WIND & FIRE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 RANDY HOUSER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 Tickets available now at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. GET YOUR VftifFor iWl UREKE EPERS ■1 II BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue I Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. �Page 6 — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Planning commission OKs hospital parking lot reconstruction Benjamin Simon John Deere tractors and equipment will be the featured machinery at this year’s show, which begins Friday. (File photo) Charlton Park hosting celebration of antique iron July 9-11 Food vendors will be serving festival favor­ ites, and a swap meet and flea market will take place daily near the Gas and Steam Barn. Registration and camping is still available for vendors and exhibitors. To become a member of the Charlton Park Gas and Steam Club, annual dues are $20 per year and include bonuses such as networking with steam and gas enthusiasts, potluck din­ ners and a monthly newsletter. Admission to the event is $5 for anyone age 13 and up. Children under 12 years old are admitted for free. All event proceeds support the Charlton Park Gas and Steam Club and Charlton Park. Donations are welcome. All times are approximate. Charlton Park is between Hastings and Nashville, north of M-79, at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road. More information can be found at charltonpark.org, on Facebook, or by calling 269-945-3775. Now in its 49th year, the Charlton Park Gas and Steam Engine Club will present its annual Gas and Steam Engine Show Friday and Saturday July 9-11 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Displays of tractors, stationary engines, steam engines, farm machinery and other rare antiques are planned. Visitors also will get a glimpse of the famed 1884 Westinghouse Traction Engine in the park’s collection. John Deere tractors and equipment will be the 2021 featured machinery. A garden tractor pull will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, and a farm tractor pull is scheduled for Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. Trophies will be awarded to top finishers. Spectators should plan to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. A kids’ pedal pull and penny scramble are planned for Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant Jeffrey A. Keessen Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC AIF- Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box Hastings. Telephone 269­ 8, 945-9121. Email gmail.com. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Mass Philip. 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. hastfmc@ Website: HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH www. hast.ingsfreemethodisJ...CQ.m. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Matt Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m.. Kids Church and Moser, Lead Pastor. 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Wednesday, Family Night Student Ministries: Sunday 6 6:30-8 p.m., Kids p.m. (Children distancing. Aftermath 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. 4 Truth Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH Sunday School for all ages; p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. social information. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, worship center is set up for available. chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ Senior High Youth Group 6-8 are 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Our Nursery WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, Call Church Office 948-8004 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ for information. church School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and N. Children’s Ministry. Wednesday 328 night Bible study and prayer Worship Jefferson 10 a.m. Street. Nursery WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. provided. Pastor Peter Adams, Worship contact 616-690-8609. 9:45 a.m. Services: Sunday, $ flexfob Hhashngs Fiberglass Products Hastings 945-9554 multifamily dwellings in town,” he said. “We have talked about where it makes sense to increase permissibility of duplexes and possibly other accessory dwelling units. ... We’ve also gone beyond that. We are also starting to look at some of the undeveloped land in the city and how we might make that more desirable for future development so that we can get more economic diversity in the community than what we’ll get by just increasing rental units.” Alice Louise Bailey Gloria Jean Cavalier Alice Louise (Bartell) Bailey, age 86, of Hastings, peacefully returned to her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 2, 2021 as she was surrounded by family. She was bom July 15, 1934, in Mason City, IA the daughter of Delos A. and Lucille M. (Scoville) Bartell. Alice was a 1952 graduate of Mason City High School. She married John D. Bailey December 24, 1953, in Mason City. Alice was a devoted and loving mother. She loved supporting her husband and seven boys in all they did, and that surely meant she was an avid sports fan. She was the #1 fan of “her boys”. Being “Kibm’* was her most important and cherished calling in life. Alice was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she attended church in Hastings. Alice is survived by her husband, John. Also surviving are her brother Rex (Cecilia) Bartell of San Marco, TX; six sons, William L. Bailey of Jackson, James L. (Debbie) Bailey of Hastings, Daniel D. Bailey of Las Vegas, NV, John D. (Shelly) Bailey II of Battle Creek, Brian C. (Lori) Bailey of Hudsonville, and Bradley G. (Angeline) Bailey of Herriman, UT; 28 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Family was and is Alice’s greatest love and legacy. Alice was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Dr. Larry S. Bartell, Glenn A. Bartell; her son, David J. (Mandi) Bailey, and a very special granddaughter Brooklyn M. Bailey. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 10 to 11 a.m. Memorial Services will begin at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Hastings. Graveside service will immediately follow at Hastings Township Cemetery located at McKeown Road. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, guestbook available at www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Gloria Jean Cavalier, age 94, of Hastings, passed away on July 1,2021. Gloria was born on April 22, 1927, the daughter of Carl and Edith (Deniro) Bartlo. Gloria was a 1945 graduate of Wilson High School in Youngstown, Ohio. She worked at Youngstown Education Association in Youngstown, Ohio retiring in 1990. On June 15, 1946, Gloria married Paul P. Cavalier, and they enjoyed 67 years together until his death in 2014. Gloria was called Mom by many and blessed everyone with her love, knowledge and quick humor. She was sassy and classy. Everyone who was blessed to know her is a better person because of her. Her family and friends were her everything. Gloria was a lifelong member of St. Charles Church in Boardman, Ohio, where she and her husband Paul volunteered many hours helping in the kitchen, or anywhere else they were needed. She loved reading, bowling, knitting and spending time with her family and friends. She was the President of ALBA (Italian Women’s Lodge) in Youngstown, Ohio for many years. Gloria is preceded in death a by her husband, Paul; parents, Carl and Edith Bartlo; son, Skip Cavalier, and brothers, John (Lynn) Bartlo, and Lou (Norma) Bartlo. She is survived by her son, Anthony “Rick” (Pam) Cavalier of Hastings; grandson, Jeff (Christi) Cavalier of Spring Lake; granddaughter, Katie (Jeff) Greenwell of Crystal Lake, IL; sister-in-law, Lynn (John) Bartlo of Youngstown, Ohio, and great-grandchildren, Lauren, Ellie, Nicholas, Sierra, Brody and Trevor. She especially loved spending time with her Friday Night Friends’ Group. A private interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Youngstown, OH. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. “No matter what you do there’s going to be a longterm perception that there’s not enough convenient park­ ing up there. And that, in my mind, that’s really not an issue for us to address, it’s your issue to address. But those perceptions are always difficul to overcome.” Dave Hatfield, planning commission chairman “Generally, the project was intended to address the pavement condition at the hospital,” Casserly said. “If you’re familiar with it, it was in pretty rough shape. ... [A geotechnic 11 engineer] determined that we needed something more than a typical mill and overlay, but less than a full down reconstruction out there. So, what they’re doing is grinding the asphalt, mixing the aggregate and paving on top of that.” The reconstructed area will result in 303 parking sjDots, Casserly said during the meeting. With the existing 82 spaces and the additional 100 spots * *provided by , Fish Hatchery Park, Spectrum Health Pennock will have 485 total parking spots. He also discussed creating a safer pedestrian path between the parking lot and buildings. Casserly spent the majority of his time addressing the concerns of Rebecca Harvey, planning c nnsultant at McKenna, who asked for more clarity on the number of required parking Spaces, parking aisle width, landscaping and the need to receive approval from the city’s public services and fire departments. The planning commission, however, did not offer many comments. John Resseguie, mayor pro tern, addressed the lack of handicap parking in the site plan. Casserly responded by confirming there will be handicap parking in the final version. Planning commission member Tom Maurer asked about efforts to improve the storm sewer system. Casserly said they will add a few new basins. Finally, Travis Tate, director of public services, stepped forward during the public comment portion to recommend that the hospital specifies phasing timelines in the site plan. After hearing the comments, the planning commission OK’d the site plan, barring a few small changes, and exempted the north side of the complex from any additional landscaping. Despite the reconstruction, Dave Hatfield, planning commission chairman, acknowledged the viewpoint of limited parking at the hospital. “No matter what you do,” he said, “there’s going to be a long-term perception that there’s not enough convenient parking up there. And that, in my mind, that’s really not an issue for us to address, it’s your issue to address. But those perceptions are always difficult to overcome.” In other news: • Dan King, community development Richard John Leamy Kathleen. J. Mull Sunday This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. director, said the city is “very, very close to completing” its master plan. He said the hope is for city council to review the document and adopt a resolution at the July 26 meeting. • Hatfield provided an update on the planning commission’s ongoing work regarding accessory dwelling units in the city. He said he expects the commission will have something for consideration next month, “We have gathered significant information about where we have non-conforming Service: 10 a.m. 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. phone. Staff Writer The City of Hastings Planning Commission approved the site plan for the reconstruction of a parkingg lot at Spectrum Health Pennock Tuesday. Follow ng the approval, Spectrum Health can start its reconstruction, once it sorts out a few minor details, such as parking lot width. The reconstruction at 1005 W. Green St. will focus on the north and east sides of the Physicians> Center. The west side of the hospital will not be included. The project includes removal of existing pavement, curb/gutter, guardrail and underground storage tank, pavement reconstruction/restriping, grading/storm sewer improvements and new parking lot landscaping, according to the site plan review by McKenna Associates. John Casserly, civil engineer for Spectrum Health, attended Tuesday’s planning commission meeting. 1699W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 GET ALL THE NEWS nr ur raddv Drumi COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. In loving memory of Kathleen. J. Mull (Sharp), who went to be with the Lord on the 22nd of Dec. 2020. There will be a celebration of life, for those who would like to attend, on Sunday, the 18th of July from lpm-3pm at the Yankee Springs Bible Church, 8900 Duffy Rd, Middleville, followed directly by a small burial service at the adjacent Yankee Springs Cemetery. Richard John Leamy, bom November 2, 1925, passed away early July 6, 2021, joining his beloved wife Anna Catherine. Devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Richard (Dick) was truly a man for all seasons, meeting the challenge of memory loss with dignity and poise. Bom and raised in Chicago, he served in the military, played semi-professional baseball, and started a family prior to moving and retiring in Michigan. Having worked his way up from the ground floor all the way to Executive Vice President, Dick retired from a successful career in insurance. He went on to build a picturesque lake home for his friends and family to enjoy. Never one to complain, he lived a life of gratitude that was abundantly evident in his smile and appreciation of a cute face, a day on the links, or a meal with loved ones. Dick Leamy is survived by five children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at St. Petronille in Glen Ellyn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Food Bank of South Central Michigan; 5451 Wayne Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49073. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — Page 7 fl look back at the stories and goIumns on local TURNING BACK THE PAGES First ‘flying machine’ to visit Hastings draws crowds Misdirection, low fuel led to emergency landing * Banner July 4,1918 Hastings visited by its first aeroplane Maj. McIntosh and Lt. McConnell, of Selfridge Field, Near Mt. Clemens, were the pilots and travelled at better than 100 miles per hour Crowds visit landing place Thursday forenoon, around 11 o’clock, word was received that a flying machine was headed toward Hastings. The report spread like wildfire, and in an incredibly short time, the streets were lined with people gazing heaven-ward. And no one reached the streets any too soon, because directly overhead was the machine heading westward, and flying gracefully as bird, and much more rapidly. Interested spectators watched it until it was out of sight, and within a few minutes, it was seen returning from the west. When near the Consolidated Press Co., it made a graceful sweep downward and landed near that factory, on account of being nearly out of gasoline. The occupants of the machine were Maj. L.W. McIntosh and Lt. McConnell of Selfridge Aviation Field near Mt. Clemens, about 30 miles the other side of Detroit. They left Selfridge Field Thursday morning, and cov­ ered the 168 miles to Hastings in considerable less than two hours. They started on a flight to Chicago, intending to go by way of Battle Creek, but when they reached Jackson, they followed the Grand Rapids division of the Michigan Central, instead of the main line. When they landed in this city, they supposed Residents ran or walked briskly from their homes in the city, and others drove in from the country to get their first glimpse of an airplane, which was earthbound for about three hours. they were ir Battle Creek. [When first] passing over Hastings, the aviators must have gone nearly to Middleville when they discovered that the gasoline was running low., and decided to return and get a fresh supply.. So, they returned and looked for a place to make a landing. The farm of Daniel Manee, just back of the Consolidated plant [in 2021 occup ed by buildings along Enterprise Drive] looked to be the most inviting, so they landed there. Business was practically suspended, and everyone hurried to the landing place. The news quickfy spread around the country, and autos loadec with people constantly arrived at the scene, the crowd soon numbering up into the hundreds. After getting gasoline, oil and refresh­ ments, the two officers started their eight-cyl­ inder engine about 2 o’clock. With the loud whirring of the propeller, they bounced along the ground i(br a few rods, left the ground and in a wide circle over the heads of the specta­ tors, climbed up into the air, headed southwest toward Chicago, which city they expected to reach in a couple of hours. When the machine first appeared over Hastings, Miaj. McIntosh said it was up about 3,000 feet and that at that height, the air was warm and w reather conditions fine. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that a flying maqhine ever flew over the city. Were Hastings located anywhere else near the battle The machine was photographed about two minutes after leaving the ground, mak­ ing a wide circle and then heading for Battle Creek. lines in France, it is easy to conceive the utter helplessness of non-combatants during an air raid, and what destruction flying machines are capable of doing. We can all be thankful that they were friendly aviators, rather than ene­ mies bent upon destruction. LATER - From Hastings, the aviators flew to Camp Custer, making the 26 miles in 15 minutes. They landed at Battle Creek in the midst of a terrific rain storm. The aviators were thoroughly drenched, and unable to pro­ ceed further until the next day. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Planning ahead for turning 65 The first aeroplane to ever fly over or land in Hastings takes off after a brief stop. : Curious onlookers surround a “flying machine” after it makes an emergency landing in Hastings. Vonda Van Til Public Affairs Specialist This July marks the 56th anniversary of Medicare. Did you know you can apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to start your retirement benefits? Applying online can take less than 10 minutes. There are no forms to sign, and we usu­ ally require no additional documentation. We’ll process your application and contact you if we need more information. Knowing when to apply for Medicare is important. You have a limited initial enrollment period to apply. If you miss the initial enrollment period, you may have to pay a higher monthly premium. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after that birthday. Visit ssa.gov/benefits/medicare to apply for Medicare and find other important information. Some Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescrip­ tion drug plan costs. To qualify for Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Read our publication “Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan” for more information at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10508. pdf. The official website, Medicare.gov, offers many online services and answers to these questions: • What does Medicare cover? • Where do I find forms for filing a Medicare appeal? • How can I let someone speak with Medicare on my behalf? • What do Medicare health and prescription drug plans in my area cost, and what services do they offer? • Which doctors, health care providers, and suppliers participate in Medicare? • Where can I find out more about a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and enroll? . • Where can I find a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy in my area? Share these resources with friends and fam­ ily today. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda .vantil@ssa.gov. dewbom babies Payton John Kidder and Renee Sue Kidder, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Miles Swinehart, born at Spectrum Health June 7, 2021 to Shawna Rood and Justin Kidder of Hastings. Pennock on June 14, 2021 to Kiers ten Keesee and Dakota Swinehart of Delton. Hudson James Marlette, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 11, 2021 to Kaitlyn Marlette and Colton Marlette of Hastings. Koralynn Sue Mead, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 16, 2021 to Skyler Lesh and Gavyn Mead of Hastings. Kayson Lewis Bowerman, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 2021 to Carrisa Byers and Tucker Bowerman of Hastings. Kashton Joseph Rose, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 18, 2021 to Carlee Allen and Kyle Rose Jr. of Nashville. 163714 Position Opening Maj. L.W. McIntosh fills the gasoline tank after his craft makes an unexpected stop in Hastings in late June 1918. Kara Michelle Smith, Hastings and Jacob Benjermin Fillingham, Hastings Joseph David Madalinski, Hastings and Courtney E\ izabeth Hupp, Wayland Charlie Marie Simpson, Hastings and Devin Jay-Scott Planck, Hastings Mitchell Ross VanBemden, Dowling and Morgan Alexis-Bogle Chavez, Dowling Michael Dan McLean, Hastings and Michelle Ann Gonzalez, Hastings Cassandn Kay Bell, Middleville and Matthew Dan Heinze, Charlotte Keith Allen McCoy, Hastings and Chelyn Kay Pennington, Hastings The Barry County Equalization Department is now accepting cover letter/resume for a full time property appraiser for Barry County Equalization. The starting salary is $17.75 per hour and info is on our website at www.barrycounty.org. Experience is required in Real Estate or Tax Assessing. Please send a cover letter/resume to: Tim Vandermark, Director, Barry County Equalization, 220 West State Street Hastings, Ml 49058. An application and job description is available at www.barrycounty.org, or by contacting Tim Vandermark, 517-543-4101, tvandermark@barrycounty.org Deadline for resumes: Friday, July 23, 2021 by 5 p.m. �Page 8 — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Delta variant concerns state health officials . Bridge Magazine Michigan’s top public health officials worry that rising numbers of the Delta coro­ navirus variant may spark another surge of COVID-19 cases. ‘ The variant, which has triggered waves of new cases in India, the United Kingdom and southeast Asia, has increased in Michigan for the past three weeks, with cases detected in 15 counties, up from six counties two weeks ago. In a report issued Wednesday, a team led by the state’s top epidemiologist, Dr. Sarah LyonCallo, warned that “there is potential for another surge in Michigan” as the variant spreads because it is 50 percent more conta­ gious than the B.l.1.7 variant, now known as Alpha. “We do not currently have any Delta vari­ ant in our district,” Barry-Eaton District Health Department spokesperson Sarah Suma said. “However, patterns from abroad have suggested that it may become the dominant variant in the United States. We are currently monitoring the spread of the Delta variant.” The Delta variant has prompted Los Angeles County in California to recommend — but not mandate — the use of masks indoors, even for those who are fully vacci­ nated. In addition, the World Health Organization now suggests everyone wear masks and fol­ low social distancing and hygiene guidelines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not changed its recommenda­ tions stating that those who are fully vaccinat­ ed, in most cases, don’t need masks. The variant is blamed for a fivefold increase of the virus in the U.K. since June 1, but it’s too early for Michigan to add new restric­ tions, argued Dr. Arnold Monto, an infectious “Anyone who is eligible (age 12 and older) and is medically able should consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves against the Delta variant. Individuals who are not vaccinated should continue to wear a mask.” Sarah Suma, Barry-Eaton District Health Department spokesperson disease expert at the University of Michigan. “I don’t think it’s time to change anything,” he said. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted the last major restrictions in Michigan just last week, and the state has a similar vaccination rate as the U.K. and Israel, where hospitalizations have remained stable despite case spikes. Roughly 60 percent of Israelis are fully vaccinated, compared to nearly 50 percent in the U.K. and 47 percent in Michigan (where nearly 55 percent of those 12 and older are fully vaccinated). Michigan epidemiologists estimate that if the Delta variant had been the dominant strain during the winter-spring surge, cases would have topped 13,000 per day — nearly double the 7,000 daily cases the state reached when Michigan had the highest rates in the country. The good news is public health officials say those who have had both doses of the Pfizer- Jim Lundin Financial Advisor Jeff Domenico, AAMS® Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 Hastings, Mi 49058 (269) 948-8265 (269)818-0423 Don’t let investments go on vacation Now that we’ve gained at least some space from the COVID-19 pandemic, summer travel is heating up. But while you might be eager to hit the road, you won’t want your in­ vestments to take a vacation you need them to work hard for you consistently. But how can you make this happen? Here are some ideas: • Know your destination. “If you don’t know where you want to go, then it doesn’t mat­ ter which path you take.” This bit of wisdom, paraphrased from the classic children’s book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, may be appropri­ ate for, say, hikers exploring a new landscape. But as an inves­ tor, it matters a great deal which path you take. If you only dab­ ble in investing, occasionally putting some money into one investment or another, it will be difficult to build a portfolio that’s consistently working in your best interest. It’s import­ ant to create a long-term invest­ ment strategy based on where you want to go in life - that is, how long you plan to work, what sort of retirement lifestyle you envision, and so on. • Match goals with invest­ ments. Some investments are designed to achieve certain goals. To illustrate: When you contribute to an IRA and a 401(k) or similar employ­ er-sponsored plan, you’re investing for one specific, long-term goal: a comfortable retirement. While you can tap into these accounts for other purposes - though doing so might incur immediate taxes and penalties - they are de­ signed to provide you with income during your retirement years. Similarly, you may have other investments for other pur­ poses, such as a 529 education savings plan. Here’s the key point: Goals-based investing, by its nature, can help ensure your portfolio is always work­ ing on your behalf, in the way you intended. • Invest for growth. Ideal­ ly, hard work produces results, and one of the main results you want from your investments is growth - that is, you want your investments to appreciate in value so they can eventually help you meet your goals. But if you are overconcentrated in vehicles such as certificates of deposit (CDs) and government securities, you may end up lowering your growth poten­ tial. That’s not to say that CDs and Treasuiy bills are in some sense “lazy.” They can provide you with income and help you reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. But to achieve most of your goals, you’ll need a reasonable num­ ber of growth-oriented invest­ ments working for you, with the exact percentage based on your needs and life stages. • Check your progress. How else can you ensure your investments aren’t just taking it easy? By checking up on them. If you follow a buy-andhold strategy, your portfolio shouldn’t require many chang­ es if it already reflects your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Too much buying and selling could jeopardize your ability to follow a consistent, long-term strategy. However, “buy and hold” doesn’t mean “buy and forget.” By reviewing your portfolio at least once a year, you can determine if your investments are performing as they should. If they’re not working for you as you’d like, you may need to make some changes. If you’re traveling this sum­ mer, relax and enjoy yourself - but keep those investments working hard. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Vie’re Hiring Home Care Companions Apply Today • • • • Flexible Schedule All Shifts Available $12 hourly Trainings Locations: • Battle Creek • Marshall • Albion • Hastings • Kalamazoo wtw HOME caitw ft ft S CARE PLEASE APPLY workbyfaithhomecare.com 269-986-7502 BioNTech or Modema vaccines or the Johnson 8i Johnson single-dose vaccine are protected from the Delta variant. But just one dose of the two-dose vaccines only offers limited protection against the virus, according to reports. And the new monoclonal antibody treat­ ments being used to treat the disease have proven less effective in COVID-19 cases caused by the Delta variant. Statewide, nearly 5 million people — 61.7 percent of• those 16 and older — have at least one dose of the vaccine and 52 percent of everyone 12 and over has completed their vaccinatio>ns. But there are parts of the state where rates are half th it high; neighborhood data released in May sb owed some parts of Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and some rural areas were 20 to 30 percentage points below the statewide vacci­ nation rate:s. Accordiing to numbers reported by the state on July 2, -49.2 percent of Barry County residents ovei the age of 12 have received their first dose of the vaccine and 46.5 percent have completed their vaccinations. Monto s aid he fears what will happen when the Delta v ariant — or any variant — gets into areas where fewer people are vaccinated. “The virus seems to have an uncanny abili­ ty to find pockets” of people who have neither vaccine immunity or natural immunity from a prior COVID-19 infection, Monto said. “I’m concerned about the pockets.’ “Anywhere with low vaccination rates are at risk of laving higher levels of community spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant,” Si>uma said. “... The best way to pre­ vent large- scale outbreaks is to vaccinate the community against COVID-19.” The rising fears about the Delta variant come as rew coronavirus cases in Michigan are at their lowest levels since just weeks after the pandemic began, the result of mass vacci­ nations and warmer weather. Dr. Matthew Sims, who oversees infectious Barry County Brewfest coming to downtown Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County Brewfest will take place in downtowr Hastings this fall. The event, first launched in 2016, was designed to take place annually and move to a different c<ommunity in the county each year, “So far, we have held successful Brewfests each summer in four different communities: Middleville in 2016, Freeport in 2017, Delton in 2018 and Nashville in 2019,” Jennifer Heinzman, president of the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance, wrote in making the request for the event to take place in the city. “We would love to host our fifth annual Barry County Brewfest in downtown Hastings, at the county’s premiere venue: the Thomapple Plaza. It was scheduled to be held in Hastings in 2020, but was post­ poned due to COVID-19.” The plan, as approved by the Hastings City Council last week, sets the Brewfest to run from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Thomapple Plaza, 301 E. State St., with set­ up for the festival Friday, Sept. 24. The date was identified to avoid logistical issues with the Hastings Live summer concert series and to help “extend the summer season a bit,” to support local businesses. Past years’ Brewfests have drawn about 1,000 people, Heinzman estimated, adding that the larger venue in Hastings would likely double that number. Local Rotary and Kiwanis clubs would be the exclusive in-event food providers at Brewfest, but anchor dining establishments downtown are in support of the plan, she said. As the date of the event nears and more information becomes available, details will be published in The Hastings Banner. In othe - events happening in Hastings this summer, he city council has approved the following • Sidewalk Sale Days July 9 and 10 with music, sicewalk displays and sales along the downtown streets in retail business areas during this two-day attraction. • Hastings Summerfest Aug. 27 -29. The three-day festival will include a farmers mar­ ket, commercial food vendors, crafters, non­ profit organizers and service clubs selling their goods, with music and entertainment, a car show, parade, basketball tournament and the Elks Club beer tent on the comer of Apple and Church streets. • Barry County Serenity Club’s Overdose Awareness Day from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 31 at Thomapple Plaza, with set-up time at 4 p.m. that day and take-down time at 9 p.m. The event will feature live music, speakers, food and a Naican demonstration provided by the county Substance Abuse Task Force. • Barry County Boo-Fest in downtown Hastings Oct. 22-23, as well as a fami­ ly-friendly “Haunted Hustle” 5K Oct. 23, which would start and finish at Thomapple Plaza. disease research at Beaumont Health in metro Detroit, said a rise in cases from the Delta variant is inevitable. But it likely won’t create a surge that ripped through Michigan from February through April, he said. “I think there is a limit (to the number of new cases),” Sims said. “I don’t think we’re going to hit where we were in the last surge.” Still, because the variant is so transmissi­ ble, he said he expects there will be pressure to recommend indoor mask usage and social distancing. He said many state residents, who just discarded their masks, won’t be happy. “I think there will be a lot of pushback against (masks),” he said. Despite the overall reduction in cases and hospitalizations, hospital officials are keeping an eye on new cases and the Delta variant, said Ruthanne Sudderth, a spokesperson for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. “Our concern continues to be that its increased transmissibility will disproportion­ ately impact communities across Michigan with lower vaccination rates,” Sudderth wrote in an email to Bridge Magazine. “Our hospi- Elaine Garlock After a lapse of one year, Central United Methodist Church will have its chicken barbeque with the chicken prepared by High’s Barbecue Service of Indiana. The frill meal will be served on premises for either dining inside or for meals to go. Ticket price is $10 for adults. Serving time is from 5 to 7 p.m. July 9. The first diner was served in 1956 with continuous years except for last year. Memorial events are slated this week for the late Ronald Cobb, Della Meade and Lisa Nurenberg. A drive through the country looking for traces of the tornado show that in addition to the damage pictured in the Banner, the Stalter/ Jackson farm sustained several broken trees close to Bippley Road in a low, damp spot. The aerial photo last week showed the path of destruction in a large com field and then damage to a what crop. The route was from southwest to northeast across both fields. Checking old maps shows that in 1891, the farm was owned by the estate of Ezra Stalter. His successor was John Stalter. In a later time, Emerson and Frances Stalter were owners. Now the acreage is owned by David and Judy Jackson, and the frontage is owned by Stalter grandchildren in three parcels. The farm house is rented out to a non-family member. W tals are urging their communities to get fulj^i vaccinated as quickly as possible to protect both themselves and their children who aren’t old enough to be vaccinated yet.” That’s the same message from the state, Monto and others. “The key is to keep encouraging people to get vaccinations,” Monto said. “Anyone who is eligible (age 12 and older) and is medically able should consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves , against the Delta variant,” Surna added; “Individuals who are not vaccinated should > continue to wear a mask. ?q “It is still important to maintain good hand­ washing practices and to stay six feet away from others,” she continued. “Groups of s unvaccinated individuals are at particular ri§k ; for COVID-19 spread. Individuals can sign* up for a vaccination appointment on our web­ site (at barryeatonhealth.org.) We are also; accepting walk-ins at this time.” Hastings Banner Staff Writer Taylor Owefis 1 contributed to this report. The Rev. Eric Beck was again in the pulpit ’ of Central United Methodist Church Sunday. This time, he was accompanied to Lake Odessa by his wife, Heather, who is a nurse * at a Marshall hospital. They live at Charlotte. j The incoming pastor the Rev. Paul Reissmann J will be here July 11 to begin his pastorate. 1 He and his wife will reside in the parsonage J on Sixth Avenue. It has a been vacant for the j past year while the former pastor, Vaughan : Thurston Cox, resided in the parsonage in | Wacousta, where his wife was pastor. A new house is nearing completion on Bliss I Road on the former Robert Beard centennial | farm near Clarksville Road. Black raspberries are ripe. Rhubarb has I come to the end of its season. Once the acid in j the leaves works its way down the stems into i the stalks, they taste bitter. The central canna | plants in the planters maintained by the arts I commission have made great leaps in growth | so they now tower above the other plants. Members of the Garlock family are closely J following the hockey games of the Tampa | Bay Lightning which won the first two : rounds on the drive toward the Stanley Cup j which is facing the Montreal Candiens,. A* nephew/grandson is on the coaching staff, | videographer for the team. Tampa won last | year’s Stanley Cup in September. Making mountains Dr. Universe: How do mountains form? Zane, age 8 Dear Zane, When you walk around on land, you are walking on top of Earth’s rocky crust. Below the crust is another thick layer of rock. These layers form Earth’s tectonic plates, and when those plates collide with each other, they often form mountains. To find out more about how mountains form, I visited my friend Julie Menard, a professor at Washington State University who is curious about geology. “When the collision happens, one plate will not simply go on top of another,” she said. “The plates will just push against each other, and over a long period of time, a mountain will form.” Menard said these tectonic plates are huge. The plates are about 77 miles thick, and they move slowly — only about 2 to 3 inches a year. When the two plates come together, they push the rock upward. It can take millions of years for mountains to rise up. The plates move slowly, yet when they collide, they may not just help build a moun­ tain but also shake things up. The movement from the plates can cause earthquakes, too. Menard reminded me that a lot of moun­ tain ranges on our planet are forming at this very moment. The Himalayas, which are some of the youngest mountains on Earth, are growing about one centimeter a year. Mount Everest is part of the Himalayas and is the tallest summit on Earth. Meanwhile, the Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in North America, but they aren’t very tall compared to some of the younger mountains on the, continent. As wind, water and other ele­ ments in nature interact with the mountain j the rock goes through a process called ero­ sion and wears down over time. As mountains form, they create ecosys-. terns for all kinds of life — from ants to' alpacas to mountain goats to gorillas : depending on location and climate. Water iss also an important part of our mountain eco­ systems. When snow melts off mountains; । and flows down into streams and rivers, if helps provide lots of living things with* water. ' Menard said one of her favorite mountain^ ranges to explore is the Rockies, a range that* stretches more than 3,000 miles. Perhaps you can do some mountain investigation ofc ’ your own. Find out which mountain is thq r tallest in your state, region or even possibly ; underwater near where you live. ThenL investigate how and when it formed. Maybe you even have a volcano in your neighborhood. Volcanoes are a kind ofc mountain, but they don’t form in the same: » ways as mountains that are not volcanic. See 1 if you can find out more about the difference • between the two. When we ask big questions about the landscape around us, we are bound to dis-­ cover something new and exciting about this^ planet we call home. Dr. Universe * M Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe ? ’? Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer / at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web-& site, askdruniverse.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — Page 9 Middleville planners recommend approval of marijuana ordinance Greg Chandler Staff Writer An ordinance that would allow marijuana­ based businesses in the village of Middleville is one step closer to final approval. The village planning commission Tuesday voted 5-0 to recommend approval of an ordinance that would allow marijuana-based retail businesses - both for recreational and medical use - as a special land use in highway cohimercial-zoned areas of the village, primarily along M-37. The ordinance also would allow marijuana growing operations in industrial-zoned areas, primarily on the north side of the village, as a special land-use designation that would have to be approved by the planning commission. “We’re not regulating every business. We’re regulating controlled-substance businesses,” said Mike Cramer, the village council’s representative on the planning commission. “While it’s not federally legal, it’s legal in the state as a controlled substance. It’s the same way we regulate a liquor license, which is a controlled substance. It’s the same way we regulate a pharmacy that has controlled substances.” Commissioners have been working to develop the ordinance language since January 2020, when they were directed by the village council to work on an ordinance. The commission’s vote came one week after a public hearing at Thomapple Kellogg High School that drew less than 20 people, only four of whom spoke. The ordinance now goes to the village council for final action. A vote could take place Aug. 10 or 24, village Planning and Zoning Administrator Brian Urquhart said. In addition, the council must approve a second ordinance that places a limit on how many marijuana licenses would be allowed in the village. The council has discussed a limit of no more than five licenses, including no more than two retail licenses, which could be used for both recreational and medical marijuana sales. That action also is expected in August. “To me, getting this here is meeting a need for the people that need it medically, and if we have to bring [recreational] retail in, so be it,” Cramer said. “People shouldn’t have to suffer. This is a viable source of medical treatment that’s not a pile of chemicals that somebody pushed through. “I get it. As a parent, I don’t want my kids getting this stuff. If they do, I’m going to have to talk with them about it. But that’s my responsibility as a parent. That’s not a business’ responsibility to make sure that I parent my kids ... We’re putting in every restriction that we can and while still allowing them to have a viable business and make a profit.” No marijuana licenses would be issued for the downtown area. Recreational marijuana, medical marijuana provisioning centers and Driver arrested for two-car OWI crash A 56-year-old Fort Wayne, Ind., man was arrested for driving under the influence after rear-ending a vehicle at the intersection of M-37 and Finkbeiner Road in Thomapple Township at 7:09 p.m. July 2. The man said he’d consumed one beer before driving, and had a 0.176 blood alcohol content. An open bottle of liquor was found in the center con­ sole, and an empty bottle was found in his vehicle. Kayakers rescued from Thornapple River Three kayakers were rescued by police after getting stuck on a fallen tree in the Thomapple River at 7:12 p.m. July 5. A local resident led first responders to the scene near the 2000 block of East Center Road in Hastings Charter Township. Officers threw a rope to the kayakers and pulled them ashore. Drunk driver injured after hitting power pole A 23-year-old Kalamazoo woman was taken to an area hospital after hitting a power pole and causing wires to fall on M-43 Highway near Guernsey Lake Road in Hope Township at 5:40 p.m. July 3. Her passenger, another 23-year-old Kalamazoo woman, said they had been drinking all day. She said the driver took a curve at about 70 mph and went off the road. The driver had a blood alcohol content of 0.322 and reportedly did not make any sense when she gave her statement. She was taken to a hospital, and informa8 tion was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. ..............................................................................................— ■■■■■ i ! ! Ill .................................................. . ............................. ai m/AMy li.A 1 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: ■ , ■■ Case Number: SP-7-2021 - Colleen Byrd (Reurink) (Property Owner) j Location: 1497 Mathison Road, Hastings, in Sec­ tion 23 of Hastings Township. i Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to op­ erate a Kennel pursuant to Article 23, Section 2343 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. Case Number: SP-9-2021 Gary Golnek (Property Owner) Location: Meadow Lane, Hastings, in Section 15 of Hastings Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to construct an accessory building with a footprint in excess of 150% of the principal building pursuant to Article 23, Section 2304 in the MDR (Moderate Den­ sity Residential) zoning district. TABLED Case Number: SP-3-2021 - John Clarence Lieb II (Property Owner) Location: 15254 South M-66 Highway, Bellevue, in Section 34 of Assyria Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to op­ erate a Home Occupation-Major pursuant to Article 23, Section 2339 in the RR (Rural Residential) zon­ ing district. MailMSDATg: July 26, 2021. UM£: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Site inspections of the above described properties Will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or efnailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The special use applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials bbing considered at the meeting, to individuals with d sabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) dhys notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with d sabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 163681 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28888-DE Estate of Virginia J. Burd. Date of birth: 06/04/1937. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Virginia J. Burd, died 06/01/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Timothy J. Burd, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: July 2, 2021 Patrick S. Hirzel P23884 835 Golden Avenue Battle Creek, Ml 49014 269-963-8484 Timothy H. Burd 220 Phillips Street Nashville, Ml 49073 517-588-9661 163806 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In the matter of the Stephen C. Jacobs and Sharon R. Jacobs Family Trust, dated August 14, 2014. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Sharon Jacobs, who lived at 6379 Thornapple Valley Drive, Hastings, Michigan 49058 died 6-14-2021 leaving a certain trust under the name of The Stephen C. Jacobs and Sharon R. Jacobs Family Trust, dated August 14, 2014, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Alyce Yarger was named as the trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Alyce Yarger the named trustee at 6283 Thornapple Drive, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06-30-2021 David H. Tripp 202 S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 Alyce Yarger 6283 Thornapple Drive Hastings, Ml 49058 163660 microbu finesses would be allowed as special land usek in highway commercial-zoned areas of the vijlage. Recreational marijuana growing operations would be allowed in both the light industrial and heavy industrial-zoned districts. Secure transporter and safety compliance facilities would be allowed in both highway commer fial and industrial-zoned districts, accordin g to the ordinance language. In addition, anyone seeking a special land use would be required to go through a site­ plan re view process with the planning commission, according to the ordinance language. Marijuana businesses would not be allowed to open between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. “The restrictions that we have are reasonable. They are within state guidelines,’ planning commission chairman Jason Holzhausen said. Commissioners added the word “existing’ to a pre vision in the ordinance that would forbid l marijuana-based business within 1,000 feet of a school, church or licensed child care facility. Commissioners briefly discussed what would happen if the village received a request for a school or church to operate within the 1,000-foot limit of an existing marijuana-based operation. “You don’t want to sit there and say ‘Oh, wait, this [school or church] came in and we can’t rerew your license,” Urquhart said. Voters in Middleville supported Proposal 1, the statewide ballot measure that legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes, in November 2018. Sixty percent of the voters in that election - 793 voters in total - voted to approve the proposal, while 528 voters voted no. In Barry County, the proposal passed by 388 vo :es, 13,593-13,205, according to county election records. LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF MORTGAGE SALE DEFAULT having been made in the conditions of a certain Mortgage dated October 18, 1994 as recorded in Liber 617, Page 490 of the Barry County Register of Deeds Office, made by VIOLET FINNANGER, a single woman, whose address was 2700 Nashville Road, Hastings Michigan 49058, as (Vlortgagor, as assigned in the Barry County Register of Deeds to Bernard F. Banash and Minnie B. Banash, husband and wife, whose address was 8412 Jaspar Drive F-101, Newpod Richie, Florida 34652, as, subsequently .assigned to their son. Bernard Banash as shown in Barry County Record Number 2021-002987 on March 12, 2021, securing that certain Note between Violet Finnanger as Debtor and Bernard F. Banash and Minnie B. Banash, husband and wife, as Creditor, dated October 18,1994. There is claimed to be due thereon, at the date of this notice, for principal and interest, the sum of TWENTY SIX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTY SEVEN AND 40/100-($26,767.40) Dollars with interest at the rate of 10%, as secured by the above-referenced mortgage as of the date of the sale, July 15,2021. There also shall be attorneys ees, unpaid real estate taxes and costs, And no proceedings having been instituted to recover the debt nbw remaining secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof, whereby the power of sale contained in said Mortgage has become operative; NOW, THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by virtue of the Power of Sale contained in said Mortgage, and in pursuance of the statute in such case made and provided, the above said Mortgage, will be foreclosed by a sale of the premises therein described, or so much thereof as may be necessary, at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse, County of Barry, Michigan, that being the place of holding the Circuit Court in and for said County on the 15th day of July, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, of said day and said premises will be sold to pay the amount so as aforesaid then due on said Mortgage, together with interest payable at the rate of 10%, together with late fees, legal costs, attorneys fees and also any taxes and insurance that said Mortgagee does pay on or prior to the date of said sale together with interest thereon as though on an open account at the rate of 5% per annum; which said premises are described in said Mortgage, to-wit: PREMISES SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 1/4 POST OF SECTION 5, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE NORTH 300 FEET, THENCE EAST 322.5 FEET FOR THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THENCE NORTH 256 FEET, THENCE EAST 252 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 176 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 88°6’ WEST 135.7 FEET, THENCE NORTH 89°14’WEST, 74.6 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 1°13’WEST, 76.5 FEET, THENCE WEST 40 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. TOGETHER WITH A RIGHT OF WAY TO AND FROM TWIN LAKES OVER THE NORTH 14 FEET OF A RIGHT OF WAY AS DESCRIBED IN LIBER 315 PAGE 150. THAT RIGHT OF WAY TO WALK TO AND FROM TWIN LAKE AND THE RIGHT TO ANCHOR A BOAT ON THE SHORE ADJACENT TO SAID RIGHT OF WAY AND ALSO AN EASEMENT OVER A STRIP OF LAND PRESENTLY EXISTING SOUTH OF A LINE DESCRIBED AT: COMMENCING AT THE WEST % POST OF SECTION 3, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE NORTH 310 FEET, THENCE NORTH 85°50’ EAST 312.4 FEET, THENCE NORTH 79°0’ EAST 64.8 FEET, THENCE FROM SAID LINE IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION OVER A DRIVE PRESENTLY IN EXISTENCE TO PLAINTIFF’S PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. GIVING ACCESS FROM THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO NORTH BROADWAY, COMMONLY KNOWN AS M-43. ALSO TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT FOR AN EASMENT OF RIGHT OF WAY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY FOR CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY AND MICHIGAN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY IN ORDER TO HAVE ELECTRIC, GAS AND PHONE SERVICE TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY. Commonly known as: Vacant land The period of redemption will be six (6) months from date of sale unless the property shall be determined to be abandoned. Dated: June 7, 2021 David H. Tripp Drafted by: David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:\DHT Client Files\Banash, Bernard and Minnie\ Foreclosure\Notice of Mortgage Sale.doc 162329 Chad William Cowels, 28, of Hastings, was convicted of unlawfully driving away a vehicle belonging to another person, and assault or assault and battery, Feb. 9 in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 80 days in jail, with credit for 80 days served. Huff was ordered to pay fines and costs of $1,066 and placed on probation for 24 months. Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, a knife; and assault, or assault and battery, were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Christopher Lee Ewert, 36, of Hastings, was convicted of using a controlled substance, methamphetamine/Ecstacy, Sept. 22, 2020, in Hastings, and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to two days in jail, with credit for two days served. Ewert was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months, and his driver’s license was suspended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days. A charge of intentionally possessing methamphetamine was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Nicholas Joy Grinage, 47, of Nashville, was convicted of using a controlled substance, methamphetamine/Ecstacy, March 16, 2020, in Nashville, and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to $398 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. A charge of intentionally possessing methamphetamine was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Albert Ross Harkins, 40, of Bellevue, was convicted of operating a motor vehicle while impaired on Huff Road Aug. 29, 2020. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to a suspended sentence of 93 days in jail, with credit for one day served. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months, with 12 months on a Secure Remote Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor. Charges of operating a motor vehicle while he was intoxicated as a thirdtime offender and operating a vehicle while his license was suspended were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Justin Albert Hoffman, 36, of Caledonia, was convicted of being drunk and disorderly Sept. 26, 2020, in Thomapple Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 93 days in jail, with credit for 86 days served, and ordered to pay $425 in fines and costs. Hoffman was placed on probation for 12 months and instructed to forfeit his firearm, an 9mm MP Shield Smith & Wesson. A charge of carrying a concealed weapon, a pistol, in a car he was operating or occupied, and a charge of domestic violence were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Jason Robert McClurkin, 28, of Hastings, was convicted of assault, or assault and battery, Oct. 15, 2020, in Hastings, and assaulting, resisting and obstructing a police officer. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served. McClurkin was ordered to pay $448 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months, with instructions to successfully participate and complete Adult Drug Court, Office of Community Corrections’ cog program for cognitive behavioral-based group treatment, and relapse prevention. He was placed on SCRAM for six months. At the time of sentencing, the judge dismissed charges of fleeing a police officer and assault, or assault and battery, as well as failing to stop after a collision on North Boltwood and East Mill streets when he drove a Chevrolet Cruze into a Ford Fl50 pickup truck and failed to notify the owner or report the incident to police. Michelle Rae Long, 46, Battle Creek, was convicted of delivery and/or manufacture of a controlled substance, Alprazolam (Xanax), and operating a motor vehicle while impaired Nov. 13, 2020, in Baltimore Township. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to two days in jail, with credit for two days served, and ordered to pay $448 in fines and costs. Her driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. She was placed on probation for 24 months and instructed to successfully complete the Office of Community Corrections’ cog program. A charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Jeremy Ronald Nash, 36, of Freeport, was convicted of failing to pay child support on or about June 10, 2020, in Hastings Township and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to pay $14,634 in restitution and $398 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 36 months and ordered to pay $521 in monthly child support, with $395 of that amount going toward the arrearage. He also was instructed to file his taxes and comply with all the terms of his pre-sentence report. John Joseph Latzel, 30, of Battle Creek, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine/Ecstacy, July 7, 2019, in Yankee Springs Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 42 days in jail, with credit for 42 days served. Latzel was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. A charge of operating a motor vehicle on Yankee Springs Road while his license was suspended was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Harold Daniel Butcher Jr., 43, of Cutlerville, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine/Ecstacy, March 10 in Nashville. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 16 days in jail, with credit for 16 days served. Butcher Jr. was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 12 months. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He must participate in and successfully complete the cog program and comply with all terms of his presentence investigation report. Tyler Todd Rogers, 26, of Middleville, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, the analogous drug Alprazolam, and violating the terms of his probation. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 60 days in jail, with credit for 11 days served. Rogers was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. Another count of possession of a controlled substance, the analogous drug, and a count of operating a vehicle on a suspended license were dismissed at the time of his sentencing. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 For Sale Pets SAWDUST FOR HORSES. LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES- Parents are AKC Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. Business Services registered, up to date on shots. Ready to go 7-14-21, $1,500. Taking deposits now! 517-852-9289 leave message. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES- Father is AKC, trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Mother is ACA registered, up to date on shots. Ready to go 7-16-21, $1,500. Taking deposits now! 517-852-9289, leave message. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Farm YEARLING ANGUS BULLS ready for breeding. Angus brood cows, heifers and steers for sale. Call for infor­ mation 616-970-6977. 163712 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. • BARRY COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR MICHIGAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY PROGRAM INCOME FUNDING BARRY COUNTY will conduct a public hearing on July 13, 2021 at 9:00am in the Leason Sharpe Hall located in the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 for the purpose of affording citizens an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed Homeowner Emergency Program funded with Program Income received into the County. BARRY COUNTY proposes to use $ 76,530 CDBG funds to provide emergency repairs to home­ owners in Barry County whose incomes are at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for the County per HUD regulations. Zero persons will be displaced as a result of the proposed activities, and all repairs shall be classified as emergency conditions by MEDC/CDBG guidelines. Further information, including a copy of the Barry County Emergency Repair Program Guidelines, is available for review upon request. To inspect the documents, please contact Marilyn Smith at 734-341-1866, or you may review them in person at the County Clerk’s office at 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. Comments may be submitted in writing to the attention of Marilyn Smith in care of the Clerks’ office through July 13, 2021, or made in person at the public hearing. Citizen views and comments on the proposed emergency program are welcome. Barry County Michael C. Brown, County Administrator 269/945-1400 Equal Opportunity Employer Fair Housing Complaint �Page 10 — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — The Hastings Banner State celebrating wildlife conservation in July Support from hunters and anglers vital to state’s conservation work The first-year class of Arctic grayling arrived at the Marquette State Fish Hatchery in September 2020, part of the effort to restore the native fish species. Michigan DNR It’s hard to imagine a Michigan without white-tailed deer, elk, bald eagles or wild turkeys. But if not for the efforts of conservationists, volunteers and partner agencies, these species might be absent from the state’s landscape. In the spirit of these conservation successes, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed July as Wildlife Conservation Month to recognize the work Michiganders have done for conservation - and draw attention to the work that still needs to be done. “In Michigan, we are proud of our wildlife, waterways, and public lands and want to ensure that they are protected for future generations to enjoy,” Whitmer said. “This Wildlife Conservation Month, we celebrate our long legacy of conservation and recommit ourselves to bringing vital species back from the brink and protecting our state’s natural diversity.” Abundant wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities would not be possible without the state’s roughly 4.6 million acres of public lands. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages these lands to enhance JiAbMjaQIUtpr wildlifej.opj^ations, prevent the spread of disease and ensure wildlife flourishes. Sometimes the path to a flourishing species takes a while. Moose, a majestic animal central to the state’s cultural identity, were nearly extirpated, or locally extinct, in Michigan by the late 1800s. Because of conservation efforts in the 1980s-1990s, moose can now be found in two places in the Upper Peninsula. More recently, the Kirtland’s warbler was removed from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s endangered species list in 2019, thanks to decades of conservation partnership. Michigan’s wildlife conservation community has a long history and has grown to address the state’s evolving challenges. Hunting and fishing licenses provide tens of millions of dollars each year to support conservation of species such as deer, bear, elk, turkey, duck and moose. Hunters and anglers contribute $11.2 billion each year to Michigan’s economy and create 171,000 jobs, making this aspect of outdoor recreation among the state’s top 10 job-creating industries; support from hunters and anglers has been vital to conservation work since the inception of the Department of Conservation, the predecessor to the DNR. More people are becoming aware of the importance of wildlife management and getting involved in new activities to support that goal. Michigan’s 3.2 million wildlife watchers who enjoying feeding backyard birds, watching spring migration at favorite birding spots, or heading out to hear elk bugling in the fall have experienced the results of these efforts. “We take pride in being a part of the conservation community but recognize there is still much more to do,” DNR Director Dan Eichinger said. “We’re working with partners to bring the Arctic grayling back to Michigan and making science-based management and conservation decisions to ensure Michigan’s wildlife remains balanced and thriving for generations to come. Thanks to strong Wild turkeys are one of the most widely distributed game birds in Michigan; they can be found in every county of the Lo^ Peninsula, plus several areas in the Upper Peninsula. A jack pine forest is the natural habitat for the Kirtland’s warbler. partnership between government and nongovernmental organizations, there is an abundance of wildlife to hunt in Michigan, from white-tailed deer to ruffed grouse to elk and bear.” To see conservation efforts in action, individuals and families can check michigan. gov/dnr and then: - Head north to Mio for a Kirtland’s warbler tour to learn more about this unique songbird brought back from the brink of extinction. - Visit the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary near Hickory Comers to see trumpeter swans at the facility that partnered with the DNR to bring the species back to Michigan. - Take a day this fall to hunt at one of Michigan’s Wetland Wonders, where world­ class waterfowl hunting awaits. - Visit one of the 100-plus state wildlife and game areas in Michigan for a hike away from the hustle and bustle of the city. - Spend a day of hunting. - Check out 100 ways to celebrate the DNR’s 100-year anniversary and be part of Michigan’s wildlife conservation story. - Watch a video with images of some of Michigan’s threatened and endangered plant and animal species Visit Michigan.gov/Wildlife or Michigan. gov/Hunting to learn more and participate in wildlife conservation in Michigan. Hunters and anglers contribute $11.2 billion each year to Michigan’s economy and create 171,000 jobs, making this aspect of outdoor recreation among the state’s top 10 job-creating industries. People of all ages enjoy catching sight of the many bird species found in Michigan. Dedicated to helping people achieve and maintain independence. Michigan’s deer population remains a draw for hunters and wildlife watchers. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — Page 11 Richardson ‘retires' fro gymnastics after Nationals Phillip Richardson perfoms on the rings during the 2021 Men’s Development Program Nationals al the Ocean Center in Dayton Beach, Fla. in May. Brett Bremer Sports Editor I Recent Hastings High School graduate fillip Richardson thinks his lifetime as a gymnast will serve him well in the Navy. ; He expects to need the mental toughness he fostered in the gym as much as anything when he;heads to boot camp in Chicago next month. > Richardson got to put an outstanding dis­ mount on the end of his time as a gymnast, competing in the Men’s Development Program Nationals at the Ocean Center in Dayton Beach, Fla in May. A top 30 regional finish this spring earned him hist spot at naiionals where he placed 86^ in his division of 115 Level 10 18-year-old guys. J Richardson got to put an outstanding disnxount on the end of his time as a gymnast, competing in the Men’s Development Program Nationals^ atThe. . Ocean Center in Dayton Beach, Fla. in May. A top 30 regional finish this spring earned him his spot at nationals where he placed 86^ in his division of 115 Level 10 18-year-old guys. He finished as high in the group as 70^ on the pommel horse and 72n^ on the high bar. The focus needed, the variety of skills and the exhilaration of the high bar have come to make it his favorite event. “It is more precise,” Richardson said of the high bar. “To me, you can do cooler skills on it. There are more releases. It’s the more showy one to me. I’d say my favorite is the Tkatchev. You’re doing back giants, so your ands are facing regularly and you’re swinging and doing giants around the bar, and you let go in front of the bar and catch behind the bar.” Richardson was pleased to put together a clean program at nationals. He didn’t have “With t ie dangers of not focusing on something (as a gymnast), it can injure you or put you out of the sport for a while. I think that focus will help me (in the Navy).” Phillip Richardson any major deductions or falls in any of the six events: the high bar, the floor exercise, the pommel horse, the rings, the parallel bars or the vault. He said he was in his “best zone” since Covid threw as wrench in the ability for gymnasts aropndthe joldjp train .an caiXE New DNR land strategy plans future of 4.6 million public acres The title - “The Power of Public Lands: Your resources. Our commitment. Michigan’s legacy.” - says it all. A new strategy for the 4.6 million acres of state forests, parks, trails, game and wildlife areas, and other public lands the Michigan Department of Natural Resources takes care of has been submitted to the Legislature and is naw available at Michigan.gov/PublicLands. The strategy was developed over the past 18 months through a collaborative process that included multiple opportunities for the public and stakeholders statewide to get involved and help shape the final document. The new land strategy will be implemented between 2021 and 2027, following consideration and approval by the Legislature, and sets priorities and guides actions for the best use of this large DNR-managed public land base to benefit Michigan residents and visitors and the state’s natural resources. Goals outlined in the public land strategy include: Protecting natural and cultural resources. Providing access to outdoor public recreation opportunities. Performing responsible natural resources management. r.*y'These goals are important to the health end well-being of Michigan residents - the people who own these public lands - as well hs to the quality of life in our state, and our Heritage and identity as Michiganders,” said Sdott Whitcomb, DNR senior advisor for wildlife and public lands. /^‘Accomplishing them will ensure that popple of all abilities will have diverse and accessible opportunities to hunt, camp, fish, fjke, ride trails, and connect with nature and history in ways that are unique to Michigan. It Wil mean high-quality, resilient natural reSources that support fish and wildlife populations and sustainable resource-based industries like forest products and the capacity to explore and support renewable energies.” Thoughtful, responsible management of Michigan’s public lands yields many important results: • Drawing millions of visitors and supporting local economies through recreation and tourism. • Supplying 20 percent of timber to the forest products industry. • Providing hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, which contribute billions to the economy. • Protecting Michigan’s distinguished and treasured hunting traditions. • Partnering on urban revitalization Phillip Richardson does the splits during his floor routine at the 2021 Men’s Development Program Nationals at the Ocean Center in Dayton Beach, Fla. in May. pete. Richardson played a number of sports as a youngster, and got into gymnastics a the age of four or five. He began going to classes in Middleville and eventually made regular trips to Branch Gymnastics in Battle Creek. During his senior year in high school he was training at Branch Gymnastics four hours a day, six days a week. 2020, Richardson said -he could feel his body changing. He could tell when he hadn’t done enough stretching, and would notice certain muscle groups getting weaker. He said he did what he could to stay physically active while gyms were closed due to state orders. He not only missed the training, but missed the fam­ ily around the gym. “I like the dedication and you’re able to make it more of a family atmosphere, because it was an all-year round sport. It isn’t just one season with one group of people,” Richardson said of the draw of gymnastics. Eventually, he was able to get into some Zoom classes a few times a week. Richardson has been coaching at Branch Gymnastics for three or four years. He spent a couple years teaching recreational gymnastics to five, six, seven and eight-year-olds mostly and has coached team gymnastics for Level 4, 5 and 6 athletes the last two years. He can envision himself coaching again in the future, if he has a good job and some free time. Richardson hopes to get in the Naval Special Warfare Command and get some training in underwater welding and for that to lead to a future career. “With the dangers of not focusing on some- Phillip Richardson turns above the pommel horse at the 2021 Men’s Development Program Nationals at the Ocean Center in Dayton Beach, Fla. in May. thing [as a gymnast], it can injure you or put you out of the sport for a while. I think that focus will help me [in the Navy],” Richardson said. 0 Starting Pay up to $15.00 to $17.50! $1,000 Sign-on Bonus! Competitive insurance offered the first of the month after 30 days of employment. Stop in to fill out an application or call us at 269 A new strategy sets priorities and guides actions for 4.6 million acres of Department of Natural Resources-managed public lands like the Middleville State Game Area (pictured) and numerous other sections in and around Barry County. centered around access to the outdoors. The public land strategy provides a wealth of additional information on why public lands matter. It also includes details about the history of DNR-managed public lands, tools the DNR employs to manage a large public land base and a strategic approach to land acquisitions. This updated land strategy seeks to align and leverage divisional and department-wide strategies and priorities to set a comprehensive, coherent direction for the DNR to effectively manage the public lands that set Michigan apart today and years into the future. More information about the strategy and DNR-manage4 public lands can be found at Michigan .gov/publicLands. 241-1040 for more information! You can also check out our Facebook page for more information! 1900 Patterson Rd. Middleville, Ml 49333 �Page 12 — Thursday, July 8, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Crushers second in Mid-Michigan/IC Softball League The Crushers Lady Vikes 14U Fastpitch Softball Team, completed their season and play-offs with second place medals in the Mid-Michigan/IC League. The Lakewood area girls were able to topple every team except for Fowler. The Crushers were 14-3 overall on the season. The team consists of girls from throughout the communities of Clarksville, Lake Odessa, Sunfield and Woodland. The league consists of teams from Pewamo, Fowler, Saranac, Hastings, Portland, Ionia, Lake Odessa and the Crushers Lady Vikes. Crushers team members are (from left) Noami Grummet, Ella Simon, coach Shelly Behrenwald, Jaiyden Seese, Lexi McLeod, Heather Dykstra, Josie Elenbaas, Alana Cappon, Emma Hyatt, Kaytlin Koning and Lilly Mekediak. Missing from photo is Abby Pickard. Two weeks of hoops planned at Jensen earns all-state nod at conclusion of senior season! Hastings varsity golfer Will Jensen has recently been named first team all-stateli Division 2 by the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association. Jensen wa^a regional runner-up this spring as a senior for the Saxons, and went on to finish the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 2 Boys’ Golf Finals. (File photo) Maple Valley youth day camp The 2021 Maple Valley Youth Basketball Day Camp will run from July 12-16 and July 19-23 at the Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School. The basketball camp is open to all youth in grades K-8. The camp for kindergarten through fifth grade students goes from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. each day. The sixth, seventh and eighth grade camp runs from 9 a.m. until noon. The cost to participate is $20 per player, or $50 per family for those with three or more participants. Scholarships are available upon request. Camp participants will receive a camp T-shirt, a basketball and lunch each day. Registration forms will be available each day on site. This is a day camp focusing on the funda- mentals of basketball. Players will be working on the proper techniques of dribbling, pass­ ing, shooting and defense. No experience is required. Parents and guardians may drop players off each day, but are asked to please bring young kids into the school for sign-in each day. Prompt pick-up after camp each day is appreciated. There are plans for fun games each day mixed into the skill drills. Contact Tony Joostbems, Maple Valley Youth Basketball Coordinator, with questions at 269-838-8131 or by email at Tjoostbems@ yahoo.com. More information may also be found on the MV Youth Basketball Facebook page. Founders’ weekend 5K now signing-up runners Registration is going on now for the 17th Annual Delton Kellogg High School StuCo Founders Festival 5K, which will be held Saturday, Aug. 14, during Founders Festival. All proceeds from the race go to support DKHS student council programs. The cost to participate if $15 for those who register before July 13, and $20 the day of the race. Family rates are available. Early regis­ tration guarantees participants a T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded in seven age groups. Payment is due at the time of the race, or a check made out to Delton Kellogg Schools, c/o DKHS StuCo, can be sent to the school at 10425 Panther Pride Drive, Delton, MI 49046. A link to pre-register can be found on the Delton Kellogg Schools Facebook page. The 5K Run/Walk registration will be held at the soccer field from 7:45 a.m. to 8:25 aln. the day of the race, with the race set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Those who would like a T-shirt to support the DKHS student council may order one by registering as a “Phantom Runner.” The cost is $15. Send an email to stuco @ dkschools.org with any questions. OUR BEST HOPE IS THE COVID-19 VACCINE. I Why should I get mine? z The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. ft wilt save lives and help Michigan move forward, Protect us all, by getting your dose of hope. .w*’* * To find vaccine or to team more visit or call 517-543-2430 (Eaton County residents) or 269-945-9516 (Barry County residents). iiii i � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-07-15.pdf 705401482e718fc4a914fdba6c420a44 PDF Text Text Yankee Springs to test more wells for PFAS Fair is a tradition with a future Middleville teams on top at Nationals See Story on Page 7 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 804879110187 1070490102590503949649058113421 CAR_RT LOT..C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr ' Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2022 9:47:00 AM HrtOl Thursday, July 15, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 28 NEWS BRIEFS Historic St. Rose Clerks recount sheriff’s Church damaged in fire voter fraud probe ‘Who sent these guys out on their witch hunt?’ Seniors, Vets Day signup ends tomorrow Taylor Owens Staff Writer Barry County township clerks said they knew almost nothing about the man who questioned them about their handling of the election. He arrived at their offices with a Barry County Sheriff’s deputy, he was wearing a suit, introduced himself as Michael Lynch and offered no further details. “He didn’t say where he was with,” Thomapple Township Clerk Cindy Wilshire said. . She was just told the sheriff’s office had received a complaint and they were investi­ gating it. After the deputy introduced himself, he sat down and let Lynch conduct the interview. “The deputy didn’t say one word the whole time they were here, except to intro­ duce himself,” Rutland Charter Township Clerk Robin Hawthorne said. Wilshire said the deputy did not ask her any questions. “Michael Lynch is the one that ran that investigation,” Wilshire said. Hawthorne said she believed the deputy was recording the interview since she saw him fiddle with his phone and set it in front of her, but he did not say he was doing so. Many of the clerks said they have since spoken to each other about the interviews, and found the conversations were similar. Lynch asked them questions about how the voting equipment is programmed, and what Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer did or could have done - with the equipment. Castleton Township Clerk Marcia Scramlin said Lynch told her the clerks were not under suspicion, but he was looking for Local senior citizens and veterans have just one day left to sign up for a special event at the Barry County Fair. After some regrouping and planning, the Barry County Commission on Aging has pulled together a different version of the annual Seniors Day. All veterans and residents age 60 and over who pre-register may pick up a free boxed lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Barry Expo Center kitchen (west side of building). A bag of resource literature will be included, along with a chance to win prizes in a PLINKO game. Registration is due by Friday, July 16, and may be completed by calling 269­ 948-4856 Birds this week, books next Between now and Friday, local fami­ lies and individuals can visit the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary to seek out 25 life-sized bird prints hidden along the Lake Loop Trail. The event is part of the No Family Left Indoors summer event. Birding activity sheets, may be picked up before the search, are available at the resource center of the sanctuary, which is south of Hickory Comers. Codes also will be available at the resource center after the search. Next week’s event will be back in Hastings, with the Stroll and Read: Adventure Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Great Start Collaborative, Hastings Public Library and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Passports are available. Anyone who completes six or more events for the passport can earn prizes. Passports may be picked up at Hastings Public Library or Pierce Cedar Creek Institute or down­ loaded at http:/ /bit.ly/NFLI2021. More information is available at cedarcreekinstitute .org. Hastings Live featuring variety of Americana music n American-born music will fill the Hastings Live calendar in the next week, beginning with a special children’s pro­ gram. Playing at the Plaza Thursday, July 15, will feature Tunes ‘n’ Tales with Tricia, beginning at 11 a.m. After 30-plus years in the early child­ hood classroom, Tricia embarked on a career of providing entertainment for family events, pediatric units, libraries and schools with the same enthusiasm that has served her well for a lifetime. Daves at 7 will be back in town at noon July 16 for the Fridays at the Fountain series on the Barry County Courthouse lawn, with its elements of folk-rock, country and jazz. That eve­ ning, Jakes Kershaw, a blues guitarist, recording artist and songwriter, will perform at Thomapple Plaza, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Gooder’n Grits, an old-time string band inspired by the centuries-old fiddle tunes of the Upper South, will play at the plaza beginning at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 21. With the exception of the Fridays at the Fountain concert, all performances will be at Thomapple Plaza near the intersection of East State and Apple/ Boltwood streets. All concerts are free, and guests are encouraged to provide their own chairs or blankets. More information can be found at facebook.com/mihastingslive. PRICE $1.00 The fire broke or destroyed several windows. Construction workers covered the window areas with plywood after the fire Tuesday morning. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Taylor Owens Staff Writer A fire broke out at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hastings early Tuesday morning, destroying several stained-glass windows and the vestibule. Investigators say the cause of the fire appears to be electrical. Hastings City Assistant Fire Chief Rick Krouse said a nearby resident called 911 just before 4 a.m. Tuesday, reporting heavy smoke in the area. Firefighters arrived at the church within three minutes, and saw flames coming out the windows closest to South Jefferson Street. Krouse said they knocked the fire down within 15 to 20 minutes, and continued working on the building until around 8 a.m. More than 30 firefighters from five different departments responded to the incident. The Hastings City Police, Michigan State Police, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the scene throughout Tuesday. Hastings Police Interim Chief Dale information on the programming of the machines. Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf also told the Banner the clerks themselves were not being investigated, and he praised the work they did in the election. The clerks said Lynch’s interest seemed to focus on what may have happened to the election equipment before it reached the clerks’ hands. — “Our accuracy test was dead-on both times; the machines worked fine. I’ve been a clerk for 18 years and it was the same election as the whole time I’ve been here.” Rutland Charter Township Clerk Robin Hawthorne “It seemed like they were targeting the county,” Wilshire said. “They seemed to be more targeting Pam Palmer and the programming,” Hawthorne said. They said Lynch asked them if Palmer could have been in a room with the equip­ ment by herself, and what role Palmer had in programming the equipment. Hawthorne said she talked about Palmer’s role in the election, and explained to Lynch the limits on Palmer’s ability to alter the results, but Lynch kept coming back to her. “It was Pam this and Pam that,” Hawthorne said. Palmer told The Banner last week that the sheriff’s deputy told her they would inter­ See CLERKS, page 3 Hastings picks MoyerCale as its new manager Boulter said Wednesday the various departments’ reports are still being completed, but they are confident there was no malicious activity. “Everybody on scene agreed that there were no signs of accelerant,” Boulter said. The preliminary investigation led police to believe the cause of the fire was an electrical issue, Boulter said. After the law enforcement investigations are finished, the church’s insurance company will likely conduct its own investigation into the cause. “It’s pretty sad. It’s a very beautiful building,” Boulter said. The fire burned a stairway, broke several stained-glass windows and even destroyed items donated for a planned fundraising bazaar. A large window above the main doors, depicting St. Cecilia, was completely destroyed by the fire. “In my opinion that was the most beautiful Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Mayor David Tossava normally wakes up at 5 a.m. And when he woke up at 5 a.m. last Friday, all he wanted to do was call Sarah Moyer-Cale. He thought about texting her, but decided it was too early. He managed to wait until 7:30 a.m. before picking up his phone and welcoming Moyer-Cale to the city of Hastings. “I just told her how excited I was that she would be the next city manager,” Tossava said. Thursday night, about 12 hours before Tossava called Moyer-Cale, the Hastings City Council had unanimously agreed to condi­ tionally offer the position of city manager to Moyer-Cale, who conditionally accepted the offer. “I really enjoy small towns,” Moyer-Cale said. “I like being in a place where there’s real community and there’s resources to get stuff done and people to help you do it, but it’s not See ST. ROSE, page 2 See MANAGER, page 10 Sarah Moyer-Cale Broadband assessment plan gets county’s OK Rebecca Pierce Editor A $30,000 initiative to develop a broad­ band assessment plan for Barry County got the go-ahead from county commissioners Tuesday. Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance pitched the request to hire Antero Group, an urban plan­ ning, civil engineering and strategic consult­ ing firm with offices in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Texas and Colorado. Their assignment will be to provide a broadband assessment of the county by November; they will be charged with provid­ ing implementation support services as well. “We’ve gotten as far as we can go without bringing someone in,” Jennifer Heinzman, president of the chamber/EDA, told commis­ sioners. The Antero Group will run surveys, go through the communities in Barry County and, in effect, create a road map, Heinzman said. The county will fund $15,000 of the cost for this work and the Barry Community Foundation will kick in the other $15,000. “We’re really hoping this is going to push us to some implementation instead of just talk,” said Commissioner Catherine Getty, who serves on the county’s broadband com­ mittee. While Commissioner Dave Jackson was absent, the rest of the board voted unanimous­ ly to approve the request. “I just know that, in my area, broadband is extremely critical,” said Commissioner Bruce Campbell, who represents District 7, serving Assyria, Johnstown, Baltimore and Maple Grove townships. Commissioner Vivian Conner questioned the need for broadband maps, since the county already has some. But Heinzman said those maps aren’t “granular” enough, adding, “We need to get down to the address level.” “Poor Commissioner Conner,” Chairman Ben Geiger joked. “She has to go out on her roof to take calls.” Conner lives in Shelbyville, in District 6, which covers Prairieville and Orangeville townships and part of Yankee Springs town­ ship. One concern that was expressed about the November deadline for the Antero Group project is a September deadline for some American Rescue Plan Act funds. “Is that going to cause a problem?” See BROADBAND, page 9 �Page 2 — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — The Hastings Banner ST. ROSE, continued from page 1 Only the outside edges remain of one of the stained- glass windows destroyed in the fire. (Photo by Taylor Owens) A stairway inside the west end of the church is blackened and covered in ash from the fire. (Photo provided) Workers cover a hole left by the stained glass depicting St. Cecilia. (Photo by Taylor Owens) The stained-glass depiction of St. Cecilia was destroyed by the fire Tuesday. (File photo) The west end stairway led to the choir loft. (File photo) stained-glass window of the church,” Deacon Gene Haas said. St. Cecilia, the patrol saint of music, was a particular favorite of Haas’, and he loved to see sunlight stream through the window in the evening. “It was an absolutely spectacular, beautiful, stained-glass window,” Haas said. The windows were as old as the church itself, which was built in 1915. The parish was originally authorized by the Archdiocese of Detroit in the 1870s, Haas said. The original wooden church, which was completed in 1886, was destroyed by fire in 1909. The stone church that replaced it has gone through several renovations in its 106-year history, including restoration work in preparation for the centennial in 2015. Haas said it’s too early to tell when the church might be able to hold Mass again, but it could be as long as a year. In the meantime, Mass will be at the school gym July 18, with daily Mass in the conference room. Hastings City Fire Department received assistance from Freeport Area Volunteer Fire Department, Castleton Maple Grove Nashville Fire Department, Woodland Township Fire Department, Thomapple Township, Mercy Ambulance, Barry County Central Dispatch and the Hastings Department of Public Services. The current fieldstone structure that houses St. Rose Catholic Church was complet­ ed 1915 after a fire destroyed the 23-year-old wooden church in 1909. (File photo) Chamber/Alliance continue to focus on county’s development Jean Gallup Contributing Writer A new name and structure changed the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance culture and vision, but didn’t alter its goals: To continue working to make Barry County a place where people want to live, work and raise a family. “We have a new logo and new marketing; it’s just fresher,” President and CEO. Jennifer Heinzman said. The discussion of the chamber and alliance merging into one organization started in 2017, and they were officially joined Jan. 1. Each unit had a board of directors; they became advisory boards, and a new governance board was established, she said. Key areas of its focus are: pandemic recovery, workforce development, broadband, childcare, business development, housing, place-making, education and entrepreneurialism. Other areas include childcare, legislative advocacy, infrastructure, workforce development, drone videos and brownfield development. “Trails are a big issue, and the ag conservation board gets our support, and agritourism is growing,” she said. In Barry County, they work closely with the United Way, Barry Community Foundation, area schools, manufacturers ami businesses. At the state level, they partner with 15 associations, centers and commissions that promote economic development, commerce, small businesses, regional planning and “There won’t be economic growth without broadband. It’s just expected by businesses that it will be there.” County Commissioner David Jackson tourism. “We’re are a member of Region 4, that covers 13 counties,” she noted. A just-completed action plan covers seven areas the organization wants to see in place within three to five years: A strong, diverse and sustainable workforce; a healthy, engaged and collaborative organization; an innovative and dynamic business environment; broadband resources for business and community needs; available affordable housing throughout the community; and a thriving tourism destination. Each of those areas is followed by up to 10 ways to make the goals a reality. “The chamber of commerce is not your mom and dad’s chamber anymore,” County Commissioner David Jackson said. Jackson is on the BCCEDA Governance Board, and he said he expects a lot of challenges ahead for the organization. “We have to keep our eye on the ball,” he said; “a lot of things are happening, things that have to be addressed.” Jackson, a three-term commissioner and owner of a transportation business, said getting broadband coverage in the county is critical. “There won’t be economic growth without broadband,” he said. “It’s just expected by businesses that it will be there.” The housing shortage also is a top priority that has to be solved, he said. “And, it’s very important that we have a partnership with the state to build tourism and businesses.” As a commissioner, Jackson votes to support the chamber/alliance with county funds, though no law says commissioners must support the organization, unlike many other county services they are obligated to maintain. He said he is not deterred by the number of areas the organization has pledged to improve. “Jennifer has real spirit, a lot of energy, and she keeps everything going,” Jackson said. “She keeps a lot of plates spinning, and she is doing a great job.’ County Commissioner Catherine Getty is relatively new to the board, but she has been active in the area for several years on boards, committees and programs, working to provide opportunities for residents to enjoy affordable, safe and healthy recreational activities. Getty served as director of the Thomapple Area Parks and Recreation Commission almost 10 years, was Thomapple Township zoning administrator and is a board member of the Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission. She said she has always been centered on preservation of the county’s resources, and is a strong supporter of the chamber/alliance. “We definitely support continuing funding of the economic alliance,” Getty said. “They understand the economic impact of trails and parks; they attract employers and employees and retain people who like to live in a place with our amenities. “The BCCEDA has really made a difference. They took the lead in the broadband effort and the task force to help townships access and use funding from the Rescue America program. We’re getting a lot of bang for our buck.” Social media came to the forefront during the pandemic, Heinzman said, and they have learned from it. The Discover Manufacturing program, where area high school students visit manufacturing companies in the county, had to be virtual this year because of the pandemic. Still, 600 students took in the virtual tours of companies’ operations. “The companies liked it, so the next ones will be a combination of the two,” she said. Every school and manufacturer in the county gets Talent Connections, posters with detailed information on resources that can help students reach their goals if they go on to post-secondary education or if they go from school directly into the workforce. Manufacturers get information on many resources that can help them find and keep talented employees. Heinzman earned a bachelor of science degree from Central Michigan University, with a double major of psychology and sociology, and a master of science degree in administration, also from CMU. She has more than 20 years of experience providing in leadership. She was executive director at the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce from 2011 to 2019 and Clare Area Chamber of Commerce executive director from 2006 to 2011. BCCEDA events in the next few months include a manufacturers forum Aug. 4, Lunch and Learn Sept. 1, Barry County BrewfestHastings on Sept. 25 and the Athena Fall Luncheon in September. The Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance is a voluntary network dedicated to the economic prosperity of Barry County, through business attraction, retention and expansion, while preserving a rural quality of life. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 15, 2021 —- Page 3 Sheriff IDs election fraud investigator Who’s paying Michael Lynch? Rebecca Pierce Editor The man who has been interviewing local clerks as part of a Barry County sheriff’s voter fraud probe is a former chief security officer for DTE in Detroit. Sheriff Dar Leaf confirmed the identity of the investigator as Michael Lynch, saying Lynch is experienced and qualified to help with this investigation in the county. But the county isn’t paying him. “He’s privately funded somewhere,” Leaf said. “I don’t know. I don’t know if he’s a private investigator or what.” The Banner's efforts to reach Lynch were unsuccessful. But a DTE spokesman said Lynch retired in 2019 and doesn’t work there anymore. Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt, who has not yet received any information from the sheriff relating to this investigation, confirmed Wednesday that Leaf has scheduled a meeting with her next week. Leaf also attended the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, but none of the commissioners inquired about the issue, and the sheriff did not raise it. He did, however, schedule a departmental report for the July 27 board meeting. After Tuesday’s session, County Administrator Michael Brown said no county funds have been paid to Michael Lynch. “I get questions on this investigation a lot,” board Chairman Ben Geiger said Wednesday morning. “I tell people I know what Joe Six-Pack knows. I’m not a detective, fraud investigator, cybersecurity expert or a hacktivist looking to game the system. “Right now, the only thing I am is puzzled.” “But I’m also this county’s chief elected official,” Geiger added. “I have questions and hope to get answers soon. If your doctor said, ‘You need a biopsy on something,’ you’d immediately want to know on what and why. This election integrity probe feels similar. In my gut, I trust the sheriff’s office: Always let investigations play out and know we run clean elections in this county. “But I have lots of questions, and it’s hard being patient.” In an interview after the county board meeting Tuesday, Leaf said, “We’re taking the lead on a legitimate complaint that was filed in Barry County. The sheriff said he would not disclose the specific complaint until the investigation is complete. “It is unusual,” he said. “I can’t remember the last time we did an investigation on voter fraud.” That’s why they needed Lynch, Leaf said. His deputies are competent interviewers, the sheriff noted, “but when it comes to computers, we’re all in the dark on that.” “We had a theory to prove or disprove. This is about every election. Everything.” The probe is focused solely on the county, though, Leaf said, adding, “There’s nothing wrong with the clerks. It looks like they handled everything to the best of their ability. ... Quite frankly, Barry County’s awesome. What do you call the people that do the counting? There’s an actual name for them. Maybe they have a template for how things should be done [in the state].” Although Leaf said he does not know who is paying Lynch to investigate the complaint in Barry County, he said he doesn’t have any problem with not knowing. He indicated that, if the investigation is challenged, it will have to stand on its merits. Detroit attorney Stefanie Lambert Junttila recommended Lynch to Leaf, and he trusts that recommendation, he said. Junttila was the attorney who represented Leaf in the action taken in the Eastern District of the U.S. District Court Dec. 6, 2020, when he sought a restraining order to impound voting machines and software. It was Junttila who originally contacted him and asked him to collect citizens’ election fraud complaints at the sheriff’s office, Leaf said. But the request was thrown out the day after it was filed; the judge saying it made “hazy and nebulous claims” about election fraud. Junttila is now accused of “grave attorney misconduct” by state Attorney General Dana Nessel for filing a “frivolous lawsuit based on false statements and by brazenly attempting to disenfranchise Michigan voters during the recent presidential election. ... Ms. Junttila is unfit to practice law and should be disbarred.” .. ___ ____ . CLERKS, continued from page 1 view every clerk in the county, then interview her last. But Palmer said she had her lawyer inform the sheriff’s office that she would not be answering their questions. Hawthorne said Lynch questioned whether the cards used to program the machines could have altered the votes. “He was concerned about thinking the cards had some kind of programming in them, that when Trump got so many votes they flipped the votes to Biden,” Hawthorne said, “which is ludicrous because Trump won Barry County by 65 percent.” The clerks verify the machines and their accuracy in a test before the election in which members of the public are allowed to be pres­ ent. “Our accuracy test was dead-on both times; the machines worked fine,” Hawthorne said. “I’ve been a clerk for 18 years and it was the same election as the whole time I’ve been here.” — “There’s a paper trail locked down like you wouldn’t believe.” Rutland Charter Township Clerk Robin Hawthorne Hawthorne is certain no one tampered with the vote in her township. “There’s no way anybody can hack my machines,” she said. The election equipment can’t be connected to an outside computer, Hawthorne said. Even if someone had been able to tamper with the machines, it would leave evidence of that fact. “There’s a paper trail locked down like you wouldn’t believe,” Hawthorne said. Lynch never asked to look at the voting equipment or any documents, the clerks said. It also was apparent to some of the clerks that Lynch wasn’t an expert in the field, based on the questions he asked them. “I don’t think he has a clue on how the machines work,” Hawthorne said. “It didn’t seem like they had an idea of how an election is run,” Wilshire said. Scramlin said, at the end of the interview, Lynch typed up her comments into an affida­ vit, emailed it to her to print out, and then asked her to accompany him and the deputy to a local bank to have it notarized. The affidavit largely contained Scramlin’s summary of the usual procedures on how the election works, and how she followed them. When the men left, they told the clerks that “He was concerned about thinking the cards had some kind of programming in them, that when Trump got so many votes they flipped the votes to Biden which is ludicrous because Trump won Barry County by 65 percent.” Rutland Charter Township Clerk Robin Hawthorne they may come back with more questions. But Hawthorne said she wouldn’t talk to them again unless they have a warrant of a subpoe­ na. Hawthorne said she talked to them the first time because she has nothing to hide. But she said she has grown weary of the questions about the election, almost nine months after the fact. Leaf asked to Palmer to bring the election equipment into the sheriff’s office soon after the election, Hawthorne added, and Palmer refused on the grounds it would have been a serious breach in election security protocol. Hawthorne and her fellow clerks recently received a Freedom of Information Act request from a lawyer’s office on an extensive list of documents related to last year’s elec­ tion and previous elections. She told the office how much it would cost to prepare the docu­ ments, and asked for half the money in advance, but has not heard back since then. At this point, Hawthorne said the election has been certified, and the materials for it have not been secured since the audit was completed. “There is no way that you can do any kind of a recalculation,” Hawthorne said. “It’s over. “I’m sick and tired of it and I’m not playing anymore.” Hawthorne said still she wants to know how Lynch came to Barry County, who is paying him and what he’s basing his investi­ gation on. “Who sent these guys out on their witch hunt?” Hawthorne said. None of the clerks who spoke to The Banner said they saw any evidence of fraud in their townships during the election. “I can’t believe there was any in our coun­ ty, but there was none in our township,” Wilshire said. Some clerks, including Jane Saurman of the City of Hastings, Mike Cunningham of Hastings Charter Township and Johnstown Township Clerk Sheri Babcock said this week that they have not been contacted by Lynch or the sheriff’s office about the investigation. Judge eyes sanctions against attorneys who sought to overturn Michigan vote Bridge Magazine A federal judge said Monday that Sidney Powell and other attorneys had a professional responsibility to vet “fantastical” witness claims before citing them as evidence in a lawsuit that sought to overturn Michigan’s presidential election. U.S. District Court Judge Linda Parker demanded the attorneys appear for a sanctions hearing by Zoom as she considers whether to penalize them. She did not rule Monday, but she spent more than five hours questioning conspiracy allegations they had advanced in support of former President Donald Trump. Parker appeared especially interested in whether the attorneys had reviewed or factchecked error-filled reports from “expert wit­ nesses” before including them in a failed lawsuit that made national headlines and was eventually appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. “There is a responsibility, there’s a duty that counsel has to ensure that when you’re submitting a sworn statement... as evidentia­ ry support of your claims, that you have reviewed it, that you have done some minimal due diligence,” Parker told the attorneys and their legal counsel in a Zoom hearing. Parker, a Democratic appointee, rejected the underlying lawsuit in December, calling it an “amalgamation of theories, conjecture, and speculation.” The complaint had urged her to de-certify President Joe Biden’s election and name Trump the winner, or void the entire election and order a new one. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the city of Detroit and serial litigant Robert Davis of Highland Park have each urged Parker to sanction the pro-Trump attorneys. Requested penalties include fines large enough to “deter future misconduct,” reim­ bursement of all city and state legal fees, potential disbarment or a ban from practicing in Detroit federal court. The sanctions hearing came more than six months after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to block congres­ sional certification of Biden’s win, including his 154,188 vote victory in Michigan. “That insurrection can be directly linked to the lies that were spread by the attorneys in this litigation, shielded by the sanctity of judi­ cial proceedings,” David Fink, an attorney for the City of Detroit, argued in support of sanc­ tions. “These attorneys wielded the weapons afforded to them by the privilege of being admitted to the bar...to abuse the processes of this court in a devastating way,” he said. But Donald Campbel, an attorney for Powell and other attorneys in the hearing, argued that punishing lawyers for represent­ ing Michigan voters who questioned election integrity would set a “dangerous” precedent. “This case was driven by doubts arising from the eyewitness accounts in the statistical evidence, and it was merely part of the neces­ sary and proper process, intended to settle such doubts,” Campbell said. “Civil complaints do not foment revolu­ tion. Bringing claims based on affidavits from those who were there, and others who were able to study the available information, does not provoke insurrections.” Parker did not rule Monday, concluding the occasionally fiery hearing by giving attorneys additional time to file response briefs before she issues a decision. ‘Improbable’ claims The so-called “kraken” lawsuit relied, in part, on testimony from “Spyder,” who Powell and colleagues described anonymously as a former “Military Intelligence expert.” The Washington Post later revealed the witness as Joshua Merritt, a 43-year-old infor­ mation technology consultant who had once enrolled in but never completed entry-level military intelligence training. The Michigan complaint also cited evi­ dence from security analyst Russell Ramsland, who falsely claimed 781 percent voter turn­ out in North Muskegon (actual turnout was 78.1 percent) and referenced “hand counts” in Antrim County even though a hand recount was not conducted there until the following month. “Did anyone question the improbable turn­ out numbers,” Parker asked, “as shown in his declaration, which was attached to the origi­ nal complaint?” In both instances, attorney Howard Kleinhendler, who represented plaintiffs in the suit and is facing possible sanctions, said he had personally spoken with the witnesses before including their testimony in the Michigan lawsuit. Plaintiffs had a “good faith basis” to pres­ ent the claims, and “no reason not to believe Clarification At the June 28 Barry County Planning Commission meeting, reported on Page 3 of the July 1 Banner, Linda Ribble spoke in opposition to a proposal by the owner of Bay Pointe Inn for construction of a new laundry facility and rezoning of property from rural residential to mixed use to accommodate con­ struction of new cottages at the resort com­ plex. Ribble said she was not speaking on behalf of the Orangeville Township board when she made her comments on June 28. At its June 1 meeting, the township board voted 4-1 to send a letter of support to the planning commission for the Bay Pointe project. Ribble cast the lone “no” vote. them,” he told Parker, disputing suggestions the pro-Trump legal team sought to “disen­ franchise millions of voters” by overturning the election. “I reject categorically the mantra you’ve heard in the papers and you’re hearing again now that we did this as a publicity stunt,” Kliendhendler said of the lawsuit. “We did not. We filed it on behalf of plain­ tiffs who asked us to file it.” But including unsubstantiated claims in the lawsuit was far from “some kind of harmless error,” said Fink, the Detroit attorney. “These lies were put out into the world. And when they were put out into the world, they were adopted, and believed and believed by some.” Fink noted that Trump cited false Detroit voter turnout numbers from the Michigan lawsuit in a Jan. 2 phone call in which he pressured Georgia’s Secretary of State to “find” enough votes to overturn that state’s election. “Unfortunately, this kind of case is going to make people around the world believe that lawyers can say or do whatever they want,” Fink said. “And it doesn’t have to be true, they don’t have to inquire. It isn’t that way. You can’t put something in a pleading that you know to be false.” Powell, who sued multiple states in a failed attempt to overturn the election, said little during the hearing and at one point turned off her camera. But Powell ridiculed the proceeding in a closing statement, arguing it “leaves the American public with no confidence either in our election system or in our judicial system.” “The duty of lawyers of the highest tradi­ tion of the practice of law to raise difficult, and even unpopular issues,” Powell said. “We would file these same complaints again.” Powell told Parker she had spoken to Ramsland, the witness who published false turnout numbers, but said she could not recall if those discussions occurred before or after reviewing his affidavit and including it in her Michigan complaint. L. Lin Wood, a Powell ally, sought to dis­ tance himself from potential sanctions by telling Parker he had nothing to do with the lawsuit. He did not review any evidence and did not know Powell would put his name on legal briefs, he claimed. “I actually did not know at the time that my name was going to be included, but I certainly told Sidney Powell in discussions that I would help her if she needed me in any of these cases,” Wood said. “I just didn’t have any­ thing to do with this.” Powell acknowledged there may have been a “misunderstanding.” But, to the best of her recollection, she “did specifically ask Mr Wood for his permission” to put his name on the lawsuit, Powell said. “I take full responsibility for the pleadings in this case.” ‘Due diligence’ The complaint also relied heavily on affida­ vits from Republican poll challengers who had worked at Detroit’s absentee counting board at the TCF Center, some of which Parker called “fantastical” and full of hearsay. Powell and other attorneys told Parker they did not personally prepare or vet the claims because they had already been submitted in a separate lawsuit. Among them, Dominion Voting Systems contract employee Melissa Carone speculated that she may have witnessed election fraud at the TCF Center because a food van arrived but she never saw any food brought inside. Fink, the Detroit attorney, noted that Wayne County Judge Timothy Kenny, a Republican appointee, had already dismissed such claims as “incorrect and not credible” when he rejected the earlier lawsuit seeking to block certification. Powell, in one of her only unprompted statements, argued that including 960 pages of affidavits to an already “massive” complaint showed “extraordinary due diligence” on the part of the pro-Trump legal team. “The only way to test (the claims) is in the crucible of a trial or an evidentiary hearing, which the court has denied at every stage,” Powell said. Parker responded: “Volume in this court certainly doesn’t equate with legitimacy or veracity,” she told Powell. “So please under­ stand that.” Attorney Julia Haller, a former Trump cam­ paign staffer who worked on the Michigan lawsuit, argued the legal team did not have a responsibility to fact-check affidavits pre­ pared by other attorneys. She urged Parker to take testimony from witnesses who were cited in the lawsuit but never got their day in court, asking the judge to hold an “evidentiary hearing” before decid­ ing to “impugn” the credibility of witnesses. “We did not submit falsehoods, and we have not had an opportunity to have our wit­ nesses examined,” Haller said. But Parker repeatedly questioned whether the pro-Trump legal team had done enough to vet affidavits and reports before including them in an explosive legal complaint designed “make the public believe there was something wrong” with the Michigan election. “Every lawyer has that duty to do a mini­ mal amount of investigation before filing evidence, or what’s purported to be evidence, to this court,” Parker said. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads E ELDER LAW ATTORNEY SINGLE? YOU STILL NEED AN ESTATE PLAN Many people believe that if they are single, they don't need a will or other estate planning documents. But estate planning is just as important for single people as it is for couples and families. Estate planning allows you to ensure that your property will go to the people you want, in the way you want, and when you want. If you do not have an estate plan, the state will decide who gets your property and who will make decisions for you should you become incapacitated, and these aren’t necessarily the choices you would have wanted. An estate plan can also help you save on estate taxes and on court costs for your loved ones. The most basic estate planning document is a will. If you do not have a will directing who will inherit your assets, your estate will be distributed according to state law. If you are single, most states provide that your estate will go to your children or to other living relatives if you don't have children. If you have absolutely no living relatives, then your estate will go to the state. You may not want to leave your entire estate to relatives — you may have close friends or charities that you feel should get something. Without a will, you have no way of directing where your property goes. The next most important document is a durable power of attorney. A power of attorney allows a person you appoint - your "attorney-in-fact" or "agent" - to act in your place for financial purposes if and when you ever become incapacitated. In that case, the person you choose will be able to step in and take care of your financial affairs. Without a durable power of attorney, no one can represent you unless a court appoints a conservator or guardian. That court process takes time, costs money, and the judge may not choose the person you would prefer. In addition, you should have a health care proxy. Similar to a power of attorney, a health care proxy allows an individual to appoint someone else to act as their agent, but for medical, as opposed to financial, decisions. Unlike married individuals, unmarried partners or friends usually can't make decisions for each other without signed authorization. If you are planning to give away a lot of your money, there are ways to do that efficiently through the annual gift tax exclusion and charitable remainder trusts. Other estate planning documents to consider are a revocable living trust and a living will. Finally, for singles who are unmarried but have a partner, an estate plan is arguably even more important than for married couples because without one, unmarried couples won’t be able to make end-of-life decisions or inherit from each other. Set up an appointment with Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, PC to determine to discuss what estate planning documents you need to assure your wishes will be carried out and those you care about will be protected. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING �Page 4 — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — The Hastings Banner h My Opinion Barry County Fair: A tradition with a future Special drainage delivery Components for the new Long Lake drainage culvert stand ready for installation alongside M-43 in Hope Township. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull has been waiting for them to be delivered for weeks. Tuesday, Dull told the county board of commissioners the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project since they couldn’t get the necessary materials, but now they can get started. Thus far, the work crew has installed a bypass to allow emergen­ cy vehicles to get through. Monday, they’ll install sheet piling to shut off the water. “My guess is they’ll have the north end of Long Lake done in a week,” Dull said. After that, it’s on to Cloverdale. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Did you SCC • Do you remember? Lions work on grandstand June 26,1973, Reminder The fairgrounds grandstand gets a new face-lift with the help of the Hastings Lions Club, represented by (from left) Burt Payne, Elwin Bender, Jim Pelham, Ken Howe, Dick Beduhn, and chairman of the project, Zeno Banash. Have you met? By third grade, Ellie Youngs was “fed up with the piano.” She didn’t like reading music, and she wasn’t very good. “I was actually terrible,” she said. She wanted to try a new instrument. So she asked her parents if she could try guitar. They were skeptical. She didn’t even prac­ tice the piano. “Why would we pay for you to take [gui­ tar] lessons?” they collectively asked. They told her to wait until fifth grade to make sure she actually wanted to play guitar. By the time fifth grade rolled around, Youngs had forgotten about the guitar altogether. But her grandfather, Steve Youngs, had not. He bought her a classical nylon string gui­ tar and taught her the basics. “It’s like shoes. Sometimes shoes don’t fit, and sometimes they do,” the 20-year-old Hastings resident said. “And I guess the piano just wasn’t a good fit, and the guitar is, like, Cinderella. I tried it and I fell in love.” She hasn’t stopped making music since. At 12, she received her first paid gig at a family wedding, performing with her grand­ pa and singing church songs. “I remember, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, the pressure’s on. I’m making a whole 50 bucks out of this,”’ Youngs said. After her seventh-grade debut at the Mary Youngs Concert, an annual fundraising event in memory of her paternal grandmother, she lined up some weekly performances at a local restaurant. Once those gigs ended, she started the process of cold-calling - just showing up at different restaurants or bars with her guitar. She’d ask if a place hosted live music. If it did, she would ask if she could play at them. Sometimes they would have her try out right there on the spot. The impromptu appearances worked. By her senior year at Hastings High School, Youngs had secured multiple gigs in Wayland and Hastings. She performed anything from Stevie Wonder to Fleetwood Mac and, of course, her go-to tunes: “Home Sweet Home” by Motley Crue and “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes. “I think my senior year was really when I started to realize that this could be an actual job,” Youngs said. It hasn’t become her full-time job just yet, but she has backup plans. Currently a rising junior at Aquinas College, she is majoring in English composition and double minoring in journalism and political science. She could see herself working at a newspaper or some sort of journal - really anything that has to do with writing. “I don’t know exactly what I’m going to For her blossoming music career, Ellie Youngs is this week’s Bright Light: Ellie Youngs do with that. I don’t know where it’ll take me,” she said. “I just knew that I love writ­ ing, and I love reading, and I knew that was something that I wanted to do.” Music, though, is still the top goal. When the pandemic hit, she lost all of her gigs, including some in Grand Rapids. In recent weeks, she’s started to build them back up, including weekly performances at a bar near Gun Lake, a recent Fridays at the Fountain appearance in Hastings and others. “If I had enough steady, consistent gigs that I knew that I could support myself, that would absolutely be like my No. 1 choice,” Youngs said. “[Music] is like my No. 1 thing that I love doing the most.” Reflecting on musical career thus far, Youngs gives credit to her grandfather, whom she calls one of her best friends. When they’re not singing at St. Rose, they’re hang­ ing out at his house, sipping coffee and “geeking” over 1960s pop for hours on end. “That’s just the kind of music nerd that he is, and I love him for it because he’s also given that music nerdiness to me,” Youngs said. Youngs also points to the support of the Hastings community as an important influ­ ence in her life. “Genuinely, I’m so grateful to be a part of a community that has such an appreciation for music, whether you’re the one perform­ ing or you’re listening or you’re supporting it financially — whatever it is,” she said. “People want music to be a part of their lives and it really is so refreshing to know that people have that love for music.” Favorite movie: “Madagascar.” That movie never fails to make me smile. First job: My first legit job - that wasn’t one my dad gave me - was pizza delivery. Not my favorite job. If I could go anywhere in the world: I would go to Berlin. Just the art, the history, the culture, just to be around the people. I’ve never left the U.S. and I feel like I just want to interact with the people there. I also took German, so I would get to employ a little bit of what I learned. Favorite season: Spring because when you get to the end of winter, you’re just done with everything. Also my birthday is in the spring. If I could have any superpower: Be in two places at once. I forget I make plans and then I double-book myself because I’m unorga­ nized. So, if I could just be both places I said I would be, it would make my life a lot easi­ er, and I wouldn’t make as many people angry. If I won the lottery: I would pay for every­ body in my family’s school. I’d pay off all their student loans. Best advice I ever received: OK, it’s going to get a little philosophical here: Just be. If you put too many expectations on what you should be doing or what you’re not doing, then you’re just going to be upset. Not every day is going to be great, and not every day is going to be terrible. Some days just are. And that’s OK. And if you think every day has to be good or it was bad, you’re just going to be upset all the time.... Just be. Two words. Just be. Greatest fear: I’m terrified of bees. I’m not afraid of honey bees and bumblebees - those are nice, and we need those because the plan­ et thrives off of them. But hornets and wasps and yellow jackets - why? They’re just jerks because they can be. When I was a kid: I wanted to be an artist because my family hyped me up and told me that I was really, really good at drawing and stuff, but that was just comparatively speak­ ing to my older sister. I love her to death. She’s a great person. She cannot draw a stick figure to save her life. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. No doubt, there are many who look at county fairs as confirmation of the hollow­ ing out of American rural life. The alluring lights and sights, distinctive smells and sounds are back again. But, for modem America, county fairs are simply traditional celebrations of a bygone era. As I look through the many newspapers we print around West Michigan, I see that some fairs have just finished, such as in Lake Odessa, while others are either mid­ way through their runs in Eaton County, or just waiting for their eagerly anticipated first day. For Barry County, one of the most popular and highly-anticipated events of the summer will get underway this weekend. From rides to truck and tractor pulls, from demolition derbies and motocross races, there is always lots of entertainment for families and every fairgoer to enjoy. For me, it’s the food on the midway. I can’t wait to eat a foot-long hot dog, some caramel com, an elephant ear, ice cream treats, cot­ ton candy or other delicious delight that I’ve been thinking about for months. Amid all the summer excitement, though, it’s time to acknowledge that the annual county fair provides even more relevancy to American life. Most pertinent to that point is that the county fair has always offered great oppor­ tunities for kids to take part. Through 4-H Clubs and Future Farmers of America chap­ ters, young people are participating in horse and dog shows, animal husbandry projects, and science demonstrations. They are learn­ ing communication skills and participating in talent shows, cooking and sewing and learning the fine points of plant manage­ ment. These are all not just summer pas­ times; they’re life skills that will better pre­ pare our youth for adulthood. America is coming to see the relevancy of the county fair and opportunities in rural settings because of the growing number of research studies and reports that call atten­ tion to the problems resulting from growing inactivity among the young people of our country. According to a recent study by the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, 40 percent of children ages 5 through 8 present increased risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, hyperten­ sion and high total cholesterol, or diabetes. These diseases are often irreversible due to the continuous sedentary lifestyles that have been adopted by children. The lack of phys­ ical activity can add to feelings of anxiety and depression. Children today expend 400 percent less energy than did their counterparts of 40 years ago because they are spending more than five hours a day exposed to technology. Stroll down any residential street and I guar­ antee you will notice an absence of kids playing street ball, building forts, or just getting together for neighborhood baseball or soccer games or whatever events that help build character and strength through physical activity. In today’s environment of video games and other rapidly advancing technologies, it’s imperative that we continually educate dur youth about the world of agriculture, which still is the second largest industry in our state. Learning about agriculture gives our youth an appreciation for the land around them and how the industry benefits them - now and in the future. As adults, it’s our responsibility to plant as many seeds of knowledge as we can for our children to learn. County fairs highlight FFA and 4- H programs that offer great opportunities for kids to experience hard work, sacrifice and team participation. 4-H and FFA are our country’s largest youth development organizations. Retired Delton farmer Bob Gilmore stepped up to the responsibility and the opportunity by recently donating his 276acre family farm to the Hastings FFA, a gift of prized property with a value of $1.2 mil­ lion. Gilmore’s goal has been to keep the property from development, so he donated the farm to the FFA program to use as a training center for youth. For years, Gilmore watched farming corporations buy up fami­ ly farms and turn them into mega-farms. “It kills us small farmers,” Gilmore said. “It’s the small farmers that built this coun­ try; it’s not going to change and it will never go back to small farms.” Gilmore knows there’s nothing he can do to stop that trend, but at least he can save his own property for generations to come - and maybe pass on his appreciation of his beau­ tiful farm for generations. It’s Gilmore’s dream that donating his land to the local FFA Chapter will equip younger genera­ tions with farming skills through hard work while they learn about “the farmer thing.” Gilmore’s gift took nearly three years to finalize and began with a phone call to Ed Domke, career and technical education director at Hastings High School, to review all the complicated details. Today, the Hastings FFA is the owner of a property that will likely provide major benefits for the program in the years ahead. Domke, who has taught in Hastings for 36 years, has been wonder-struck by a gift that will offer overwhelming possibilities for learning. Domke envisions agricultural students growing their own plants, taking care of cattle and maybe even making their own maple syrup. Plus, science classes may run experiments at their own “onsite labora­ tory.” Students started to visit the farm in May and they’ve already begun growing pumpkins, sweet com, soybeans and hay. “It will take time to figure out how to most effectively use the farm,” Domke said. “It could take several years before every­ thing is just kind of seamless.” But now students have their own farm to help them understand all of the ramifica­ tions farmers face everyday, thanks to Gilmore, a man with a vision for the future - and the resolve to improve it. “People’s reasons for protecting their land are complicated,” states the Southwest Land Conversancy on its website. “Some folks want to make sure the land that they love will be passed down intact through future generations of their family. Some people fiercely want to stave off develop­ ment. “Some are passionate about conserving the ecological quality of their land, or mak­ ing sure that it remains an important gem in a watershed necklace. But most people feel a combination of all of the above - and more.” We applaud those who feel compassion­ ate enough to leave a legacy for all of us to enjoy - and to possibly gain a great deal of knowledge from it at the same time. People like Gilmore give meaning and passion to the 4-H mission statement that proclaims we’re all part of a community that is “pre­ paring youth for meaningful and productive lives.” So don’t miss this year’s return of the Barry County Fair. It’s a great opportunity to view the showcase achievements of our youth, who’ve been working on their proj­ ects for months, and also to celebrate the adults dedicated to equipping their future. It’s also a time to celebrate the return of rural-life relevance to American life. And now, it’s show time. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. The Hastings Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens . ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Subscription Rates: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — Page 5 Redistricting: Presidential lies are not new; Take back our history is rife with them your power To the editor: When President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, I was 14. This was a To the editor: I attended the redistricting meeting at the lesson in shattered dreams. Many years later, Barry County Enrichment Center June 30. I learned that, along with John Kennedy’s The meeting was hosted by the Barry immense charm, there was a certain amount Community Foundation to educate Barry of dishonesty. He was a major philanderer County residents about the redistricting who was able to deceive the American people as he betrayed his wedding vows with the process. In 2018, the voters of Michigan complicity of the press corps and the old the governor - and look where they are now. overwhelmingly passed Proposal 2 as an boys’ club and political society of Washington. To the editor: Reading articles about how our sheriff, Dar I implore you to ask the county prosecutor to amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It cannot That might have shattered my illusions Leaf, investigated confiscating our county’s investigate Leaf’s actions. be retracted except by another constitutional about the president. I had completely accepted If action isn’t taken, what’s to stop him amendment, which resulted in the creation of the public relations presentation of the loving election equipment and ballots infuriated me. How could he possibly think he had the from trying it again? the Michigan Independent Citizens husband of his beautiful wife, Jacqueline, and Larry Osborne, Redistricting Commission. his adorable children, Caroline and Johnright to do that just because he didn’t like the Delton results? And why isn’t he being held Thirteen randomly selected Michiganders, John. But I can’t say I felt shattered when the accountable as far as who planned to kidnap out of more than 9,000 applicants, were infidelities of Mr. Kennedy were revealed. I picked to serve on the commission: four was able to accept that he could cheat on his Democrats, four Republicans and five wife and still love her and that there was no Independents. Currently, Michigan has 14 relationship at all between his marital Congressional districts, 110 state House infidelity and the warm love he felt for his districts, and 38 Senate districts. These children. His personal failings also did not have an districts will all be redrawn by the MICRC, impact on my appreciation for President once the 2020 U.S. Census data is available. Why is this important to Barry County Kennedy as a leader. He had many failings, not an honest player. To the editor: residents? When my sister and I collected but his willingness to pursue racial equality in Along with lack of communication with signatures to put Proposal 2 on the ballot in the United States and his deep interest in I much appreciate the Banner’s further reporting on Sheriff Leaf’s post-election fellow officials, Leaf might be using county 2018, we found that most people didn’t really protecting our country from its declared shenanigans in the July 8 issue, following the money to conduct these “investigations.” know what “gerrymandering” meant. adversaries, particularly the Soviet Union How is Mr. Lynch being paid? How are the Gerrymandering is the drawing of district which was a foe with few redeeming qualities, Bridge Magazine article, “Emails: Michigan sheriff sought to seize voting machines amid deputies who squire him around being paid? lines to favor the ruling party, regardless of still seem true. I suggest there be an audit of expenses whether proposed legislation is popular or Trump claims.” Over the years, I have lived through some I continue to be astounded at the recklessness regarding this “forensic auditor.” Leaf said he not, essentially allowing legislators to select dishonesty in every American president. Leaf displays as he pursues these farcical doesn’t know too much about Lynch, who is their voters. If you have seen how some of our Lyndon Johnson got the U.S. into war with quests, using his office’s power to his paying the man, or if he has special training. districts are shaped, you’d scratch your head North Vietnam by the terrible deception on He also said “he’s not sure how Lynch fits trying to figure out how those boundaries the Tonkin Bay incident. I can’t say we purposes. Perhaps the thing that concerns me most in into the investigation and would have to ask were determined. wouldn’t have gotten into a deeper these recent articles is that Leaf is, again, the deputy involved to find out.” So Dar Leaf Currently, the state of Michigan is involvement in Vietnam anyway, but Johnson going off half-cocked and not even offering does not know what his deputies are doing? comprised of almost equal numbers of used a lie about a non-existent, unprovoked other local officials the courtesy of a heads­ This sounds like a dereliction of duty. Republicans and Democrats, but because of attack to begin a devastating bombing Driving around Barry County, I occasionally gerrymandering, some of the laws passed in campaign against the North Vietnamese that up. How difficult is it for him to let the county prosecutor know he has received complaints have seen large yard signs thanking Leaf for recent legislative sessions did not conform resulted in an intractable conflict that lasted his dedication to God, family and country. I with the views of a majority of the population. almost another 10 years and cost more than and is investigating them? Or was he planning on dumping whatever know many people with those same attributes, This is not fair, regardless of which party 50,000 American and millions of Vietnamese “findings” his henchman, Mr. Lynch, yet those people have never given me cause to gerrymandered the districts. lives. Much of that time, the Johnson produced on the prosecutor’s desk and also wonder about their motivations. This process, whether controlled by Administration and U.S. military were lying Dar Leaf does not appear to be serving the Republican- or Democratic-dominated to the American people about the consequences sneaking out a self-aggrandizing press release the same day, saying “Here’s the evidence, interests of Barry County. Legislatures in our state, will stop when new and progress of that war. prove otherwise”? And as with Kennedy, I have been able to districts are drawn fairly and independent of How can he go around the county clerk’s Christina Bush, political tampering. distinguish the harm Johnson did as a back and speak to the township clerks Nashville What’s happening now? The MICRC has dishonest warmonger from the good that he individually? Leaf is demonstrating that he is held 16 public hearings, collecting many did by making sure that the Civil Rights Act comments, and is now preparing to draw of 1964, the Clean Air Act of 1965, and the maps for Michigan’s new congressional Voting Rights Act of 1965 were passed and districts. As dictated by the constitutional that Medicare and Medicaid were created. Every president since Johnson has lied to amendment, the deadline to complete this process is Sept. 17, with the new maps to be the public about something. Richard Nixon drawn by Nov. 1, followed by a 45-day public managed to get re-elected with the largest Electoral College vote since Roosevelt’s first ' ..................... ...............................------ ------------------- ---------------------..................... .............. ......................... comment period and five public hearings. MICRC recently lost a Michigan Supreme re-election in 1936, despite using criminal The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but Court decision denying its request to delay the tactics, including the Watergate break-in of there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. deadline. The commission argued that, the Democratic National Committee because of difficulties related to the CO VID­ Headquarters, keeping a slush fund for payoffs The requirements are: 19 pandemic, extreme wildfires, an intense and dirty tricks, attempting to co-opt the FBI • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone hurricane season, and civil unrest across the and CIA for his nefarious schemes and then number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s country, the census data would not be available lying his head off to deny it all. A less famous name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous but perhaps more damaging Nixon lie was until the end of September. letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for MICRC asked the court to consider a ordering a secret campaign of bombing in compelling reasons only. deadline of Dec. 11 to have the maps redrawn, Cambodia, which was not an active participant • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not with adoption of the new districts by Jan. 25, in the Vietnam War, and then denying it. We might give a pass to Jerry Ford, except be published. 2022. It remains to be seen whether the court he was a party to Nixon’s lies, saying he will be petitioned on redistricting issues in the • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. couldn’t believe that a president would future. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not What can you do? Once the new maps are knowingly lie when he pardoned Mr. Nixon, be accepted. published, all members of the public have a and Ford knew about the secret bombing • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted chance to provide input. Visit michigan.gov/ campaign in Cambodia while a Congressman, but denied it. unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined MICRC for more information. I also am borderline on whether Jimmy by the editor. In addition, you can mail your comments to Carter lied to the American people when he MICRC, P.O. Box 30318, Lansing, MI 48909; • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published called the Shah of Iran an “island of stability or email Redistricting@michigan.gov. or will be edited heavily. If you believe that our democracy should in the Middle East” shortly before the Islamic • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will1 b6 be fair, please stay informed and involved. Revolution overthrew the shah’s regime. That limited to one for each writer. ' ! ■ ■ '!C Thank you to the Barry Community may have just been ignorance or wishful • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per Foundation for hosting this and any future thinking. person per month. Ronald Reagan indulged in a monumental town halls on this matter. deception in the Iran-Contra Affair. He • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. authorized the sale of Hawk and TOW Betsy Colgan, missiles to Ayatollah Khomeini’s Iran, which Hastings was illegal, to finance aid to the Contra rebels in Nicaragua, which was officially forbidden by an act of Congress, in the belief that 164418 somehow this would facilitate the release of American hostages held by Hezbollah in Lebanon, a group affiliated with the Iranians, when trading arms for hostages was explicitly against U.S. policy. He then publicly denied NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING he was trading arms for hostages, despite ON ORDINANCE NO. 603 clear documented evidence that this was exactly what he was doing. President Reagan was probably sincere in The City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing his belief that he was acting for a good cause. for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral I consider this a case of self-deception as well comments from the public concerning an as public deception. And he projected such a amendment to Section 70-70 of the City of friendly and well-meaning persona to the Hastings Municipal Code to amend Article III American people, he was forgiven by a lot of regarding report of city manager relative to । More than 50% of adults have a positive us when he atoned in public for his lies. improvement. The public hearing will be held on • perception of ads in print newspapers.* George H.W. Bush was not as skilled an Monday July 26, 2021 at 7:00 PM. The hearing actor and not so lucky. He promised never to will be held in the council chambers at City Hall. raise taxes with his paraphrase of Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry, saying “Read my Please check the City of Hastings website at lips: No new taxes.” When he did raise taxes, www.hastingsmi.org or contact City Hall at 269­ he was not forgiven by enough people to get 945-2468 for details. re-elected, despite his leadership during the First Iraq War which was a resounding victory All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and for the United States and its coalition and to submit comments. forced Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi army out of Kuwait in less than six weeks. A copy of this information is available for public Bill Clinton’s impeachable lie was due to inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday his inability to keep his pants up. He made The following County Treasurers will be offering tax-reverted through Friday at the Office of the City Clerk, 201 false claims to the American people and was real estate at public Auction on August 18th, 2021: Barry, East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. charged with perjury in denying that he had Kalamazoo and Saint Joseph. seduced a White House intern. It is pretty The auction will be held ONLINE at www.tax-sale.info from remarkable now that Republicans considered The City will provide necessary reasonable aids 10:00am to 7:00pm EST. Bids can be placed up to 30 days Clinton’s offense impeachable in 1998 but and services upon five days notice to Hastings City in advance and assistance is available for those without were gung-ho in their willingness to overlook Clerk (telephone number 269-945-2468) or TDD computer or Internet access. call relay services 1-800-6493777. For more information and a list of the properties being sold, Jane M. Saurman visit: www.tax- sale.info or call 1 -800-259-7470. Sale listings may also be available at your local County Treasurer’s Office. City Clerk Sheriff needs to be stopped Sheriff’s allegiance doesn’t appear to be with county (Write Us A Letter: ~ City of Hastings Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads | THIS AD FOR SALE! Public Land Auction Donald Trump’s interminable lies about his marital infidelities and even illegal payoffs to women to keep them quiet during the 2016 election campaign. George W. Bush’s lies were unfortunately reminiscent of Johnson, Nixon and Reagan. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was based on the lie that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. There weren’t, despite the claims of everyone in the Bush Administration. The only member of that team who has acknowledged the deception is Gen. Colin Powell, and it is clear that he himself had been deceived by the warmongers who needed a pretext to invade Iraq. We all have our value systems and levels of tolerance for what we are willing to call “white lies” or well-intentioned lies. Sometimes we believe dishonest means are justified by the righteousness of the ends we seek. For many Americans, that was rationale for the WMD lies that got us into Iraq. I believe the use of “extraordinary rendition,” “black site prisons” and “enhanced interrogation” - euphemisms for kidnapping people, holding them without charges or public notice in secret prisons and then torturing them - should be beyond the pale for everyone. It’s funny because I believe George W. Bush is a well-intentioned person. Yet he authorized some of the most heinous acts officially committed by Americans and then pretended he did nothing of the sort. I also am a fan of President Barack Obama, but he misled many Americans when he promised they could keep their insurance plan if they wanted to under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). And he lied about the disastrous Operation Fast and Furious plan to stop the illegal gun trade into Mexico that instead resulted in dumping and losing track of hundreds of guns used in violent crimes. These certainly aren’t the only falsehoods previous presidents have told, but I tried to select the most serious examples. The lies various politicians have told over the years have certainly contributed to the general distrust of politicians in this country. The presidents prior to Trump have certainly left me wary and cynical, as well. But with the exception of Richard Nixon, I still believe all of these men were wellintentioned and trying to do their best for the American people. Except for their excessive ambition, politicians really are not that different from the rest of us. I think most of my fellow citizens are also well-intentioned and want the best for us all. Which brings me to Trump and his supporters. For the life of me, I cannot understand how anybody can believe Trump cares anything about anybody else but himself, and maybe Ivanka. He does defend his other children, although he certainly doesn’t show them any affection or respect. He has managed to stay married to Melania, but he doesn’t show her any affection or respect, either. He had affairs with at least two other women, Stephanie Daniels and Karen McDougall, while married to Melania. Everything Trump does is about him. When his party needed to win Senate seats in Georgia to hold on to its majority, all he could do was complain about his election loss and attack people who were needed as allies just because they wouldn’t support his lies about winning the election. The seats were lost. And after all of his previous lies - tens of thousands by some counts, during his campaigns and presidency - the most damaging lie has been his claim that he won the 2020 presidential election. It feels so weird to still have to point this out, but as the U.S. Constitution requires, all 50 states certified the results of the election, which gave Joe Biden 74 more Electoral College votes and 7 million more popular votes than Donald Trump. Congress did do its constitutional duty and certify the election. The director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency appointed by Trump and his staunch supporter, former Attorney General William Barr, both attested to the results and the security of the election. Close to 70 court decisions or determinations, including three now by the U.S. Supreme Court, have found no merit in the challenges to the election results or procedures. The Republican-led Michigan Senate Oversight Committee vouchsafed the results of the election and the security and integrity of our election procedures. What is it about people that leads them to overcome their suspicions about politicians in general to believe singularly in Donald Trump? What is it that has led them to have faith in this man to the extent that they can accept his claims of a stolen victory, despite substantial evidence that our constitutionallymandated transfer of power has been successfully completed? I don’t mean this as a challenge - or even expect people to answer me. But it is long overdue for people to ask themselves what concerns, fears, beliefs, principles, prejudices have led them to place their faith and trust in a lifelong egotist, serial adulterer and tax, charity and business cheat who has been willing to place himself above party, principle and country. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township �Page 6 — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — The Hastings Banner John Andrews Hoyt John Andrews Hoyt, age 86, of Dowling, passed away Friday, July 9, 2021, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. He was bom March 6, 1935, in Battle Creek, the son of Jewell A. and Frances (Glau) Hoyt. John graduated from Athens High School in Athens, and shortly after graduating he attended Albion College until transferring to Western Michigan University in 1955. He enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956. John married the love of his life, Patricia Husband, on Aug. 17,1957, in Kalamazoo. They spent almost 64 wonderful years together. His faith was very important to him. John was a devoted Freemason. He had been a faithful member of Dowling Country Chapel United Methodist Church since 1988 and became a certified lay speaker in 1991. He was also very involved with Bedford Lodge #207, and he was the Lodge and District Mason of the Year in 1991. John had been a member of the Battle Creek Shrine Club since 1979, the Bedford Chapter 188 Royal Arch Masons. He was selected as High Priest in 1988 and most recently served as treasurer. John was a part of the Bedford Council #91 and Order of the Silver Trowel in 1989, serving as the recorder. He was a prominent member of Battle Creek Commandery #33, serving on the Drill Team and 6 Man Drill Team. He received the Knight Templar Cross of Honor in 2007 and also served on the Grand Commandeiy Education Committee. John served as the Eminent Prior of the KYCH Michigan Prioiy #122 in 2010. The York Rite College Western Michigan #10 was also very important to him, as he served as their Deputy Grand Governor York Rite Sovereign College of North America. John had been on the Bedford Temple Board since 1989 and was elected president from 1995-2000. He was elected the Worthy Patron six times for the Bedford Chapter #471 Order of the Eastern Star. John was the Grand Representative of Scotland in Michigan from 2012-2014. John began his Scouting journey at a very early age. He joined the Scout troop in East Leroy, Mich., where he became an Eagle Scout. He taught swimming and other merit badges as a Boy Scout camp counselor at Camp T. Ben Johnston from 1949-1956. He served as Scout Master in Kalamazoo and later of Bedford Troop 340, and he received the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow. John was a member of the Michigan Trappers Association, National Rifle Association, Concealed Cany Weapons Association and the Original Dulcimer Players Club. He was an avid musician who enjoyed playing the harmonica, hammer dulcimer, guitar and banjo. He was also a hunter, fisherman and trapper. John and his beloved wife, Patricia, prioritized family camping throughout their married life, traveling to many places to enjoy folk music and bluegrass festivals. John is survived by his wife, Patricia; their children, Tainyra Walters, Steven (Megan) Hoyt and Sheri (Bill) Gaughan; grandchildren Brandon (Karine) Walters, Blake (Macy) Walters, Hannah (Timothy) Laurio, Hilary (Matthew) Herndon, Aaron (Taryn) Hoyt, Jesse Hoyt, Ella Gaughan, Marlaena Gaughan and William Gaughan; 10 great-grandchildren; his siblings, David Hoyt, Mary (Gaiy) Lipscomb and William Thomas Hoyt; and an abundance of in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his granddaughter Maria Lynn. A visitation was held Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. A Masonic ceremony took place after visitation. The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Dowling Countiy Chapel United Methodist Church, with Pastor Rick Foster officiating. The cremation will take place at Oak Hill Crematory in Battle Creek, Mich. Memorial tributes may be made to the Holy Land Pilgrimage Fund; the Grand Commandery Educational Fund at Battle Creek Commandery #33; or to Dowling Countiy Chapel United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes; (269) 965-5145; www.bachmanhebble .com. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box Hastings. Telephone 269­ 8, ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmaiLcom. Website: www. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Martha HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Stoetzel. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: Sunday School for all ages; 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 Director, Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer 328 time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. provided. Pastor Peter Adams, N. Worship Jefferson Street. 10 a.m. Nursery contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH Valorie Anne Hurless Walter Lukas Leonard Standler Valorie Anne Hurless, age 66, passed away on July 7,2021. Valorie was born on May 8, 1955, the daughter of Douglas and Betty (Rogers) Miner. She was a 1973 graduate of Hastings High School. Valorie worked as a machinist and office manager at Hurless Machine Shop until her retirement in January of 2021. On June 10, 1995, Valorie married Mark Hurless, and they enjoyed 26 years together. Vai attended Grace Wesleyan Church as a member, teacher and organist until the early 1990s. She then became a member of Middleville Wesleyan Church, where she helped in various children’s ministries as well as being the church organist. She has attended the Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church since 2017. Through her church, Vai felt called to help support three orphans in Haiti. She loved to serve and help wherever she could. Vai was an accomplished organist since her youth. She played for church most of her adult life. She began playing baritone in her mid 40s. She joined several adult groups including the KCC band, Thornapple Wind Band, and the Hastings City Band. She was part of the Thomapple Players for a few years as cast or crew. Vai was also an incredible artist. She loved drawing and painting any chance she could. She spent many hours working with her children and grandchildren to develop; their own talent. Vai worked side by side with her husband, Mark, until she was no longer able due to Parkinson’s Disease. Valorie was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Betty Miner. She is survived by her husband, Mark Hurless of Hastings,; her children, Matthew Birman of Flat Rock, James (Megan) Birman of Clarkston, Alicia (Jason) Devroy of Delton;, grandchildren, Isabella, Adrian, Tyler, Ethan and William, and her sister, Sonjia (Jerome) Turner of Summertown, GA. Funeral service was held on Monday, July 12, 2021 at the Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church, 13120 Bell Road; Lake Odessa, MI 48849. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Walter Lukas, age 81, of Hastings, passed away on July 9,2021. Walter was bom on May 23, 1940, in Taganrog, Russia, the son of Nelly Batrukov. He was a 1959 graduate of Pershing High School in Detroit. He was employed at CCP, retiring in 2005 after 35 years of employment. Walter proudly served in the US Army from 1959 until 1962. On September 21, 1963, Walter married Frances Cosamano, and they enjoyed 57 years together. Walt loved to hunt, fish, read and travel. One great joy of his was going to Woodward Dream Cruise in his ’65 Ford Mustang. He enjoyed playing backgammon and cards with his own rules to make sure he wins! The biggest joy of his life was spending time with his family, especially the great grandbabies. Walter was preceded in death by his mother, Nelly Batrukov and special aunt, Rosa Ilnicki. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances; children, Michael (Jennifer) Lukas of Belle Vernon, PA, Timothy (Deborah) Lukas of Hastings, Paula (Edward) Pawloski of Middleville; seven grandchildren - Nicole (Nicholas) Kouch, Stephanie Lukas, Anthony (Kim) Lukas, Kevin Lukas, Kylee (Dan) Huey, Joseph (Katie) Pawloski, Wyatt Lukas; nine great-grandchildren, Jase, Easton, Rosie, Huey, Brooklynn and Brayden Lukas, Eloise Pawloski, Ace, Amelia and Abgail Kouch; sisters-in-law Rose (William) Waldorf, Marion Bell, Mamie Mills, and Mary Grace Cosamano; special cousin Emily (Roman) Wasylkevych, and many special nieces and nephews Visitation was Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at with a service that followed at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Walter’s memory can be made to the Freeport Library, 208 S. State St., Freeport, MI 49325 or Faith Hospice, https:// faithhospicecare.org/donate/ or 2100 Raybrook SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Funeral mass for Leonard Standler will be held Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 11 a.m. The service will be at St. Rose Catholic Church, 805 S. Jefferson St., Hastings, ML A memorial car show and luncheon will take place on August 1, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Fish Hatchery Park, Hastings,. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 Fiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 p^ucs 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 |THIS Mad [for SALE More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com ★Kantar Millward Brown, Feb. 2018 20% OFF FABRICS Excludes sale items. Ends 7-31-2021 Pray Ter Our tNaticn MfWBWW Hotfjnejboiss.Bjuipment Ronald Lee Otis, age 66, of Johnson City, TX, formerly of Hastings and Portage, died Saturday, June 5, 2021 at St. David’s S. Austin with his sister and niece by his side. Ron was bom March 2,1955 in Allegan to parents Paul R. Otis Sr. and Georgia E. (Will) Otis. Ron was preceded in death by both his parents and sister, Linda A. (Butch) Falconer. He is survived by brothers, Alan (Teresa) Otis, Paul (Denise) Otis Jr., Thomas (Virginia) Otis; sister, Elaine (Kevin) Hammontree and brother-in-law, Butch (Becky) Falconer. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, his Home Depot and Church of the Springs families and many friends. Ron will be greatly missed by all. per Ron’s wishes he continues to help people after death. Donations in his name may be made to https://www.txstate.edu/ anthropology/facts/donations/Financial .html or a charity of ones choice. A celebration of life will be held Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 at Thornapple Valley Church, 2750 S. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058 from 4 to 7 p.m., service at 5 p.m. with meal to follow. Annual July Sale. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: (iFlexfob Hm Ronald Lee Otis PLEASE JOIN US FOR MEMORIES, MUSIC AND SNACKS HONORING THE LIFE OF A GREAT MANI QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm ■I Hufst Cleaners ~Pickfup Stet/on} Saturday, July 17, 2021 • ALCA Lodge 2403 Old Iroquois Trail, Hastings 3pm - 6 pm i I j - j �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — Page 7 Yankee Springs to test additional wells for PFAS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Member SIPC Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 How does Social Security fit into retirement? they “max out.” Regardless of when you file, you’ll also receive an annual cost-of-liv­ ing adjustment. So, when should you start claiming your benefits? There’s no one “right” answer for everyone. If you turn 62 and you need the money, your choice might be made for you. But ifyou have sufficient income from other sources, you’re in good health and you have longevity in your fami­ ly, or you’re still working, it might be worthwhile to wait until your full retirement age, or perhaps even longer, to start collecting. Another key consideration is spousal benefits. If your own full retirement bene­ fit is less than 50% of your spouse’s full retirement ben­ efit, you would generally be eligible to claim spousal ben­ efits, provided you’re at least 62 and your spouse has filed for Social Security benefits. Survivor benefits are an­ other important consider­ ation. When you pass away, your spouse would be able to receive up to 100% of your benefit or his/her own retire­ ment benefit, whichever is higher. Thus, delaying Social Security could not only in­ crease your own benefit, but also the benefit for your sur­ viving spouse. Here’s something to think about: You could spend two, or even three, decades in retirement. To meet your income needs for all those years, you’ll generally need a sizable amount of retirement assets. How will Social Secu­ rity fit into the picture? For most people, Social Security won’t be enough to cover the cost of living in retirement. Nonetheless, So­ cial Security benefits are still valuable, so you’ll want to do whatever you can to maxi­ mize them. Your first move is to deter­ mine when you should start taking Social Security. You can begin collecting bene­ fits when you reach 62 - but should you? If you were to turn 62 this year, your pay­ ments would only be about 71% of what you’d get if you waited until your full retire­ ment age, which is 66 years and 10 months. (“Full retire­ ment age” varies, depending on when you were bom, but for most people today, it will be between 66 and 67.) Every month you wait between now and your full retirement age, your benefits will increase. If you still want to delay taking benefits beyond your full re­ tirement age, your payments will increase by 8% each year, until you’re 70, when An additional issue to think about, when planning for how Social Security fits into your retirement, is your earned in­ come. If you’re younger than full retirement age, your ben­ efit will be reduced by $1 for each $2 you earn above a cer­ tain amount, which, in 2021, is $18,960. During the year you reach full retirement age, your benefit will be reduced by $1 for each $3 you earn above a set amount ($50,520 in 2021). But once you hit the month at which you attain full retirement age, and from that point on, you can keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn (although your benefits could still be taxed). One final point to keep in mind: The more you accumu­ late in your other retirement accounts, such as your IRA and 401(k) or similar employ­ er-sponsored plan, the more flexibility you’ll have in man­ aging your Social Security benefits. So, throughout your working years, try to contrib­ ute as much as you can afford to these plans. This article was written by Edward Jonesfor use by your local Edward Jones Finan­ cial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Growing organic Dr. Universe: What are some of the challenges of growing organic food? Sabrina, 11, Scarsdale, N.Y. Dear Sabrina, We can find all kinds of different things to think about, along with a few challenges, when it comes to growing organic food. My friend Lynne Carpenter-Boggs is a soil scientist at Washington State University who works with many different farmers and knows a lot about what it takes to produce food that is organic. First, she told me about seeds. Whether you want to grow a pepper plant, a flower or any other crop, when people grow organic food, it all starts with organic seeds. Once you have your organic seeds, you’ll want to put them in some healthy soil. People who grow organic food must keep track of everything they put into the soil. “They can use anything that’s considered natural, unless it hurts people or the environ­ ment,” Carpenter-Boggs said. A seed will grow into a small plant called a seedling, and its roots will grow deeper into the soil. When the leaves start to form on a plant, that’s often when insects will show up. They like to chew on plant leaves or lay their eggs in the plants. That can sometimes make the plants sick. One challenge for growers is that they have to find ways to manage the insects and keep the insects from causing damage to the plants. They can’t use most products made by humans to kill the insects. But one thing they can do is bring other insects that like to eat those pesky pest insects into the field or garden. We can actu­ Tt Afy ‘ -- . .F : X-IV* Owner/Manager ally find lots of beneficial insects on farms — from pollinators to the pest-eaters. It’s also important for people growing organic foods to pick just the right varieties of plants for their farm. The plants need to be able to grow well in a particular climate or environment. Those are just a couple examples of the challenges farmers sometimes face, but Carpenter-Boggs said there are actually about 90 pages of rules that people who grow organic food must follow. “Every year, the growers have to prove they’re following the rules,” she said. “They keep track of everything they do, everything they buy, everything they feed to their ani­ mals, every fertilizer, anything that they put into the soil and even the seeds they buy.” As people grow organic food, they often learn how all of these different elements on the farm work as whole system. They also may try out different techniques they learn about through research to help grow better fruits and veggies. That’s good news for all of us who like to eat dinner. While farmers and farm workers may face challenges, they work hard knowing they’re bringing food to people who need it. Who knows, maybe one day you will help us learn more about growing organic food, and maybe you’ll even have an organic farm of your own. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writ­ er at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. * Traditional and Cremation Services * Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible * Serving All Faiths * Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 •www.girrbachfuneralhome.net Family Owned and Operated owZ-r Em^L Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Greg Chandler Staff Writer Yankee Springs Township will test two private residential wells outside of the township water system to see if PFAS has leached into its groundwater. The township board last Thursday voted unanimously to spend $800 on testing the wells for PFAS, a group of man-made chemical substances used in manufacturing and industry settings that have been linked to problems with the immune system in humans. The township in 2019 had three abandoned wells in Section 19, north of Gun Lake, tested for PFAS, one of which resulted in a positive test. That led to a recommendation from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to have additional testing done, Township Trustee Larry Knowles said. Four wells are being considered for the new round of testing - two on Park Drive, on the west side of Gun Lake, and two on Parker Drive, on the northeast side of the lake. One well will be chosen from the two on Park Drive and one from the two on Parker Drive, Knowles said. “The water table is thought to be running from the northwest to the southeast, so that pretty much puts it right in line with what we’re trying to accomplish - to find out if that aquifer’s been contaminated and how far,” said Knowles, who also is executive director of the Gun Lake Area Water and Sewer Authority. “If they did hit positive, I think EGLE would come in a little harder, to find out more [about what’s going on], and probably help us. It could be a couple of different things, either expanding the [water] system or providing private systems,” Knowles added. EGLE has applied for funding to do additional testing for PFAS in the township next year, Knowles said. Health department, hospital seek input for community survey The Barry-Eaton District Health Department, in conjunction with Spectrum Health Pennock and other community organizations, has begun the 2021 cycle of the Barry County Community Health Needs Assessment. The purpose of-the assessment is to measure health in the couhty, determine what health problems are most prevalent and the root causes of those health problems. One of the first stages of this assessment is a community survey that can be completed by anyone who lives or works in Barry County. No identifying information will be collected. The survey can be completed online or in paper, takes five to 10 minutes to complete, and will be open until the end of July. The survey gives anyone in Barry County the opportunity to share his or her experiences with health in the community. Community participation is essential to gather what community members think are the most concerning health issues facing people in the county. The information and perspectives shared on this survey will be used to help prioritize health needs and drive future programs and services. The survey can be found online at http:// bit.ly/barryCHA. Paper surveys also are available at the health department’s Hastings office, 330 W. Woodlawn Ave. Carl James Smith, Caledonia and Ashley Elizabeth Diersch, Caledonia Joseph Allen Haba, Delton and Carmela Hostigun, Delton Hunter Rose Monhollen, Nashville and Kevin John-James Fairris, Nashville Chelsea Marie Daylin Matousek, Middleville and Calvin Alonzo King, Middleville Shane Michael Tripp, Middleville and Kathleen Marie Klemm, Grand Rapids Amber Lynn Todd, Nashville and Robbie Clare Richardson, Olivet Brad Allan Balko, Nashville and Kristen Ann Zielinski, Lansing Dara Joy Jaworowcz, Freeport and Troy Neil Acklin, Freeport Dylan Robert Myers, Bellevue and Terran Nichole Ledbetter, Nashville Kelly Anne Galbreath, Hastings and Adam Clay Hughes, Hastings Kayla Michaelle Jager, Wayland and Levi Beryel Smith, Clovis, NM Kaitlyn Brook Addison, Hastings and Jacob Allan Huffman, Hastings Kara Marie Larson, Delton and James Lewis strawn, Caledonia, MS Franklin George James, Shelbyville and Heather Lynn VanderWoude, Shelbyville Clint Scott Starr, Hastings and Shelby Ann Price, Hastings Julisa Areli Pacheco, Middleville and Emmanuel Reyes Cortes, Middleville Paul J. Goodrich Gloria Jean Francisco Herbert Paul J. Goodrich, age 92 of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Hastings, passed away on July 11,2021. Paul was bom on July 13,1928, the son of Paul R. and Shirley (Remington) Goodrich. He was a 1946 graduate of Hastings High School. Paul retired in 1984 after 35 years in the propane gas business. He held multiple positions in sales and management over the years. After his retirement he began a handyman business he ran for 10+ years. On November 3, 1946, Paul married Arlene Beadle, and they were married for 48 years until her death. He then married Aline Pavlek in 1996. Paul loved to hunt, fish and camp. He spent many vacations on Canadian fishing trips over the years. He also loved to ice fish. He was an avid woodworker and craftsman and the textbook do-it-yourselfer. He also loved to travel. He drove from Florida to Alaska and back twice. Paul was an elder of Palma Sola First Presbyterian Church in Bradenton, and he led the property and grounds committee for nearly two decades. He was also a member of the Masons. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife of 48 years, Arlene Goodrich, who passed away in 1995. His brothers Robert Goodrich, Phillip Goodrich, Lewis Kaminga, Norman Kaminga, Kenneth Kaminga also preceded him in death. Paul is survived by his wife, Aline PavlekGoodrich; son, Lee (Christine) Goodrich of Cadillac; daughter, Cathy (Gerald) Brown of Hillsdale; daughter, Cynthia Olson of Lakeview, MN; and son, Kim (Nancy) Goodrich of Bedford, VA; step-son, Donald (Debbie) Pavlek of Meadville, PA; step daughters, Diane (Marvin) Ordy of Butler, PA and Denise (Fudd) Polanec of Tatillion, NE; grandchildren, Meaghan Bryant, Ryan Brown, Keri Stewart, Tammy Freeman, Emily Stiver, Jaime Goodrich, Jared. Goodrich, Ross Olson, Daniel Goodrich,^ Kaitlyn McFaden, and John Goodrich. He is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren, brother Donald (Elaine) Kaminga of Freeport, TX, brothers-in-law, Lynn (Jonell) Beadle of Houston, TX and Alan Kennedy of Hastings, sister-in-law, Irene Goodrich of Traverse City, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2021 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings. Funeral Service will held on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Green Street United Methodist Church, 209 W Green St, Hastings, MI 49058. Burial in Riverside Cemetery immediate following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Paul’s honor can be made to the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Gloria Jean Francisco Herbert, age 92, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family early in the morning on July 13. 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Lura Francisco, her brothers John and Ron Francisco and husbands, Dari Herbert and Glenn Wiley. She is survived by her seven children: Gary (Bonnie) Herbert, Gail (Larry) Phillips, Susan (Mike) Albertson, Mark (Jane) Herbert, Kathy (Kevin) Samis, Jeff (Rosemary) Herbert, and Kristen (John) Workman along with 20 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren with two more on the way. She also leaves behind three step­ daughters, Diane (Jerry) Frost, Sharon (Paul) Fisher, Linda (Art) Ribble and their children and grandchildren. Gloria was bom on a farm near Doster in Barry County. Growing up, she attended Doster School and then graduated from Richland High School. In the summers she picked cucumbers for the pickling plant in Hickory Comers. She and Dari were married upon his return from WWII and moved to the Herbert family farm located on Herbert Road south of Delton. There they raised their family. Along with being a busy mother and farm wife, Gloria attended Western Michigan University, earning her teaching degree. She was a long time member of the Lent Sunshine Club. She was also a member of the Barry County Farm Bureau Women’s Auxiliary and continued to live on the farm until her death. She and Dari were life-long members of Faith United Methodist Church in Delton. Together they served as missionaries, first to Native Americans in the southwest United States and then on to Columbia, South America and Kenya, East Africa embodying God’s love with every word and action. She leaves behind many friends both here and around the world. One of Gloria’s greatest pleasures was to have her large family together, where she welcomed numerous spouses (Honorary Herberts) with open arms. She set high standards for her family while loving them unconditionally. Her love of travel, dancing and sassy, but loving, humor was well known and a delight to all. She was a beacon of comfort, acceptance, and love. Where ever Gloria was, was “home” and she will be greatly missed. Gloria’s family will receive visitors on Friday, July 16, 2021, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home and on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 10 to 11 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church where her funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m.. Private interment will be held at a later date at Prairieville Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Faith United Methodist or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Gloria’s family. BARRY COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR MICHIGAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY PROGRAM INCOME FUNDING BARRY COUNTY will conduct a special public hearing on July 20, 2021 at 9:00am in the Board of Commissioners’ Chambers in the Barry County Court House, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 for the purpose of affording citizens an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed Homeowner Emergency Program funded with Program Income received into the County. BARRY COUNTY proposes to use $ 76,530 CDBG funds to provide emergency repairs to homeowners in Barry County whose incomes are at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for the County per HUD regulations. Zero persons will be displaced as a result of the proposed activi­ ties, and all repairs shall be classified as emergency conditions by MEDC/CDBG guidelines. Further information, including a copy of the Barry County Emergency Repair Program Guidelines, is available for review upon request. To inspect the documents, please contact Marilyn Smith at 734-341-1866, or you may review them in person at the County Clerk’s office at 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. Comments may be submitted in writing to the attention of Marilyn Smith in care of the Clerks’ office through July 20, 2021, or made in person at the public hearing. Citizen views and comments on the proposed emergency program are welcome. Barry County Michael C. Brown, County Administrator 269/945-1400 Equal Opportunity Employer Fair Housing Compliant �Page 8 — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — The Hastings Banner fl loot back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES , July events listed in ‘pioneer days’ review The Banner in July 1918 printed a collection of items from earlier decades, highlighting Independence Day activities and other July events. FIFTY YEARS AGO July 1,1868 LOCAL The net proceeds of the festival given by the ladies of Emmanuel Church Thursday were $90. We learn that the ladies connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church will furnish a first-class dinner on the Fourth and also sell ice cream, strawberries and lemonade. The tables will be set on the south side of State Street in the burned district. Married at Hagar, Berrien County, by Rev. A. Rowe, Mr. Stephen Cook, of that place, and Miss Mary Sheldon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sheldon, all former residents and well-known here. We hope to see a big crowd in Hastings at the celebration of our National Independence in this city on the Fourth. The evening of the 3rd, there will be two splendid dances. July 8,18(>8 ■ ; - • LOCAL • . ■ We hear that the Fourth was celebrated at Johnstown, near the residence of Mr. King. The oration was given by Frank Allen, of this village. Nashville had an old-fashioned celebration of the Fourth. The orations were given by Dr. J.H. Palmer and Clement Smith. At Middleville, there was a fine celebration of Independence Day, and an oration by Rev. D. Butterfield. At the special Hastings Township election Monday, which included the village, the proposition to extend aid to the Grand River Valley Railroad to the extent of $5,500 was carried by a majority of 137 in a total vote of . 191. We learn that the proceeds of the dinner and festival given by the Methodist ladies July 4 were $127.40. We hear this will be used to purchase books for the Sunday school library. The oration of C.G. Holbrook July 4 is pronounced to be the most able and eloquent and interesting of any ever given here, and there is a general desire to see it in print. Several of the old residents of Baltimore [Township] and some of the adjoining towns came out on a dress parade on the Fourth. Every conceivable kind of a mask, uniform, etc., was brought into requisition, with head dress from an inch to four feet high, to give them the most ludicrous appearance. THIRTY YEARS AGO July 4,1888 LOCAL J.W. Bentley’s fine new residence is being rapidly pushed toward completion. [This home, likely in the 300 block of South Broadway, is now a parking lot.] Miss Sarah Jones, who has been taking lessons in vocal music at Olivet College for two years, has returned and will organize a class here. The council is considering grading Green Street from Broadway east, and filling in where that street crosses Fall Creek - a needed improvement. Monday evening, the Young Men’s Republican Club of Middleville had an enthusiastic ratification meeting addressed by Gov. [Cyrus G.] Luce. After the governor’s address, the audience called on John Carveth, Clement Smith and C.H. Van Arman, who also made brief responses. The club has 250 members. Although the meeting at the courthouse Saturday night was announced but a short time previous, the attendance was good, and all present were enthusiastic in support of [Benjamin] Harrison and [Levi P.] Morton. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: Charles S. Brown, aka Charley Brown, captain of the losing side of a baseball game played at the old fairgrounds in July 1888, was said to have “furnished language enough for several games.” Perhaps “Good grief” and “rats!” were among his choice of words. THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Planning Commission meeting and public hearing regarding a rezoning application will be held on August 12, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include the following: 1. Zoning Ordinance text amendment to Section 3.1, Definitions, of the Township Zoning Ordinance, to add a definition of short term rental 2. Zoning Ordinance text amendments to Section 6.12-2, Earth Removal, Quarrying, Gravel Processing, Mining and Related Commercial Mineral Extraction Businesses, of the Township Zoning Ordinance. 3. Such other and further business as may properly come before the Planning Commission at said hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the rezoning application can be reviewed at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days and will also be available at the time and place of the hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that written comments will be taken from any interested person concerning the rezoning application at the email address of the Township Clerk below, at any time during regular business hours up to 4:00 p.m. on the date of the hearing and will further be received by the Planning Commission at the time of said hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes in the proposed text amendments at or following the public hearing. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Rod Goebel, Township Clerk Prairieville Township Hall 10115 S Norris Road Delton, MI 49046 (269) 623-2726 RGoebel@prairievilletwp-mi.org Ladies connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church were to furnish a first-class dinner July 4, 1868, and also sell ice cream, strawberries and lemonade. Though the church was at Jefferson and Green, tables were to be set on the south side of State Street. PERSONAL Jacob Osmun of Nashville was in town Monday. M.S. and Geo. Keeler of Middleville were in town Friday. Miss Nellie Feighner is spending her vacation with her brother Len in Nashville. Dr. [George W.] Lowry and family left Tuesday for a two-week’s visit with friends in Oakland County. Miss Blanche Mead left Monday for Lansing, where she has a position in the Auditor General’s office. Miss Belle Throop started Monday for North Fairfield, Ohio, where she will take a three months’ course in shorthand. Mrs. M.E. Nevins and Mrs. Susan Bentley returned Saturday from a visit with friends in the southern part of the state. Dr. S.M. Fowler, who graduated last month from the dental department of the University, will open an office here next Monday. The following recollection from the July 11, 1918, Banner did not include an introduction or dates for the historic items. However, online records show that Ruth Lake married Arthur K. Stewart in Hastings July 4, 1888, so all of the following items likely were from 40 years earlier. Judge Clement Smith was a selected orator at a July 4, 1868, celebration, and at a Republican gathering in July 1888, he was asked to give an impromptu speech. A Barry Coiffity, Republican Club was organized with the following officers: President, P.T. Colgrove; vice president, Chas. S. Brown; secretary, Wm. R. Cook; treasurer, Emery I. Busby. Executive committee: Assyria, Preston K. Jewel; Baltimore, Norman Latham; Barry, John H. Brown; Carlton, J.M. Rogers; Castleton, Friend D. Soule; Hastings Township, Philip W. Burgess; City, Geo K. Beamer, O.D. Beebe, Eugene Jordan and A.E. Kenaston; Irving, Enoch Andrus; Johnstown, Frank Bailie; Maple Grove, Thos. S. Brice; Orangeville, Eugene Harthorn; Prairieyille, Amos C. Towne; Rutland,*Eli Erway; Thomapple, John Carveth; Woodland, John Velte; Yankee Springs, Chas. W. Armstrong; Hope, David Morthland; Nashville, Orno Strong. LOCAL The high school library now contains 1,126 volumes. Rev. E.D. Ervine, who is from Pennsylvania, will officiate at Emmanuel Church next Sunday. Officers for the [International Order of Foresters] lodge for the ensuing term are Judson Ernsberger, noble grand; I.M.B Gillespie, vice grand; John M. Bessmer, right supporter; and M.L. Williams, treasurer. At a meeting of the board of education Tuesday evening, the following officers were elected: President, J.S. Goodyear; secretary, Glenn W. Greenfield; treasurer, John Bessmer. Yesterday some of the scaffolding on J.W. Bentley’s new house fell, and with it James Tyndall, who struck in such a manner that his right should was put out of joint. The Fourth was a dead day in Hastings, but some of the smaller towns in this vicinity made the eagle scream in glorious style. Rev. A.K. Stewart, formerly on the Hastings circuit, was married July 4 at the residence of the bride’s parents, in Hastings Township, to Miss Ruth Lake, Rev. Geo. D. Lee officiating. Rev. Stewart is now stationed at Grandville. A game of ball was played at the fairgrounds Monday evening that for real fun and sport and lack of science surprised anything seen here in many a year. Prof. J.W. Roberts captained one nine, and Chas. S. Brown the other. Charley’s side was left by many scores, but they did hard work enough in chasing the ball to have won anything they went after. All the same, Charley is a great captain, and he furnished language enough for several games. The drill corps of Hastings Division No. 19 gave an exhibition drill at Grand Rapids July 4, which was highly commended by the press of that city. At the democratic county convention Saturday evening, the following were chosen as delegates for the state convention: F.F. Hilbert, Robert Dawson, H.A. Goodyear, Louis Wellman, Norman Bailey, John Barry, John Shean, Dr. A.L. Taylor, W.S. Goodyear, John Bessmer, James Young and Milan Walldorff. The congressional delegates were William McMurray, F.G. Goodyear, A.H. Johnson, W.A. Lasher, Jay Carpenter, J.E. Cairns, D.C. Warner, Jerome B. England, Allen Jones, W.R. Youngs, John Marshall and E. Grelley. PERSONAL Miss Drusie Hale visited Nashville Friday. Miss Allie Sidnam is visiting friends in Kalamazoo. Mrs. Chas. Russell of Allegan is visiting friends in the city. Miss Belle Spaulding will start this week for the northern Michigan resorts. W.H. Powers made a business trip to southern Michigan the past week. Miss Gertrude Bentley went to Grand Rapids Friday for a two weeks’ visit with friends. Will Cook, Miss Myrtie Rose and Miss Belle Handy spent Sunday with Henry Clarke at his home in Carlton. G.D.G. Thurston of Chattanooga, Tenn., was the guest last week of his brother-in-law, R.B. Messer. C.D. Beebe and a party of Kalamazoo friends went to Gun Lake Saturday for a few days. Rutland ready for marijuana ordinance Jean Gallup Contributing Writer The Rutland Township Planning Commission is ready to move forward with an ordinance regulating marijuana industry in the township, Rebecca Harvey, senior principal planning consultant with McKenna Associates said last week. Harvey, who is working with Rutland Charter Township officials on the ordinance, said a recent training session found just two questions to be answered by township officials: to opt in or out of allowing marijuana businesses in the township and which part of the zoning ordinance is best to regulate it. Harvey gave the members an overview of the issues, taking suggestions and answering questions. “With those two questions answered, we can go in, make the changes and forward it to the township board,” she said. “That’s where we are now. This has been great. The commissioners gave me the feedback I needed; it’s been very helpful.” The planning commission sets the locations of the marijuana businesses, the same as any other business, Harvey said. She recommended the special land use review process because it has a public hearing and publishing required. Commissioners will say what zoning districts the businesses would go in and set standards, such as specific distances from day care centers or schools. “A special land use brings another level of control, and you still have the site-plan review, lighting, and so on,” she said. The special land use permit is submitted to the township board as part of the license application. “You’re still going to be involved, looking at all the issues and reviewing the site plans to give to the township,” Harvey told commissioners. At its June meeting, the township board approved opting in and using the special land use zoning ordinance for regulation. The board also approved a first-come, first-served basis on license applications instead of a lottery system. They discussed but did not make a decision on the number of facilities that would be allowed Also at the July 7 meeting, the planning commission approved a site plan for three additional storage buildings at 922 N. M-37 Highway. Zoning Administrator Les Raymond said the setbacks, lighting, signs and other provisions meet the ordinance, and the new units would be identical to these already on the property. “The Michigan Department of Transportation is satisfied and has no plans to change the in and out,” he said. All the commissioners agreed that junk cars, campers and other vehicles in the outside storage should be removed. Raymond said he can’t require that the area be cleaned up, but he will have a discussion with Jared Farmer from Farmer Development Inc. and “strongly request” that it be cleaned up. “If he doesn’t, we can deal with that later on with our other ordinances, but I think he will. Either way, it will get cleaned up.” In response to a request for a traffic flow study of the area alongside D&S Machine Repair building by Commissioner Dan King, Raymond said he will discuss that with Farmer to make sure there is enough room for larger vehicles to move between the buildings. In other business, the commission was asked to amend a proposed ordinance on owning chickens in the township, lowering the five-acre minimum to 2 1/2 acres. “Make sure people understand that, with the ordinance, there will be enforcement [of] compliance problems and inspections,” Raymond advised commissioners. “How do you enforce that?” Chairman Larry Haywood asked. “You’ll need a special use [permit].” Also, they would have to address freerange chickens. Haywood suggested all chickens be behind a fence and free-ranging chickens be prohibited, which Raymond said he would strongly recommend. Commissioner Brenda Bellmore asked Raymond if the township is getting a lot of permit requests to keep chickens, and he replied that the number has declined. Commissioner Stacy Graham said, since the township board had tabled the ordinance in June for six months to see how well allowing chickens was working in Hastings, the commission should table the request for the same length of time. The vote was unanimous to table it for six months. Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — Page 9 BROADBAND, continued from page 1 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Specialist answers questions about benefits and coverage I will rely on Medicare when I retire. Can ou explain the Afferentparts of Medicare? The different parts of Medicare cover specific needs. There are four parts, all of which work in tandem to deliver healthcare services: • Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care, and hospice care. • Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for doctors’ services and many other medical services and supplies not covered by hospital insurance. • Part C (Medicare Advantage plans) If you have Medicare Parts A and B, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan. Private companies offer Medicare Advantage plans, which are approved by Medicare. These plans generally help you pay the medical costs not covered by Medicare Part A and B. • Part D (prescription drug coverage) helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment. 1 Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance /President Jennifer Heinzman and David Stoll, president/CEO of MEI Telecom Inc. in Delton, offered some background on the need for a broadband assessment plan ^during the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) c ■■ sible for the county to get an extension as Commissioner Jon Smelker asked. Others pointed out that the September well. “It’s definitely a very important thing for rdeadline was only the first of several. r “We do what we can when we can,” Getty the county,” Conner remarked.. Getty also noted that some townships may Jsaid. • Geiger agreed. “There’s no precedent for be affected more than others. “This would give us a chance to reach out how to go about this. The board can do what­ . ever it wishes with the funds it has been grant­ to those townships as well,” she said. “It’s ed. With the challenge of broadband, we unprecedented money and we should be cau­ /know there’s a need across the county and we tious and deliberate in making our decisions.” In an interview with The Banner Wednesday, .know it’s significant. “If we wait until the end and, say, ‘Let’s Geiger said this broadband needs assessment . invest in broadband,’ there might not be the plan is just one of many considerations that I funds left to make anything that’s impactful. will, hopefully, lay the foundation for deci­ ...We want the impact across the whole coun­ sions about how to spend the county’s ARPA funds. ty“This money belongs to the citizens,” he “To spend funds up front to get a game plan . for broadband, we’re going to put ourselves in said. “We’re not making any decisions about how to spend that. ra better position to spend wisely.’’ “Right now, we are in data collection Geiger also thanked the foundation for its 'mode.” " /generosity. ' All proposals will be judged on their mer­ The Antero Group report will tell the coun­ ity where any broadband investment should be its, Geiger said. “In the fall, we’ll be able to compare and made, he said. c Conner suggested that the county could set contrast different ideas and initiatives,” he aside an amount up front, before an exact cost said. “People will be able to see then what will be beneficial to them.” his confirmed for a broadband project. r But Geiger pointed out that it may be pos­ Back to the mezzanine , ■ ♦ / understand you must have limited resources to be eligible for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. What does this mean? Resources include the value of the things you own. Some examples are real estate (other than your primary residence), bank accounts, including checking, savings, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, including U. S. Savings Bonds, mutual funds, individual retirement Accounts, and cash you have at home or anywhere else. To learn more about Extra Help, and to apply online, visit ssa.gov/ prescriptionhelp. I lost my Medicare card. How can I get replacement? The easiest and newest way to get a replacement Medicare card is by using your My Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov/ myaccount for more information on how to > AT Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown, shown here addressing the Barry County board, is not a fan of the mezzanine for county board meetings. (Photo by ^Rebecca Pierce) Rebecca Piece Editor ' When it comes to the mezzanine in Barry County’s historic courthouse, there’s a differrence of opinion as to whether it’s the best I space for a public meeting. But being in that place seemed to delight -some county commissioners Tuesday when Ithey convened their board meeting there for The first time in more than a year. i “Dear Lord,” board Chairman Ben Geiger said during the invocation. “It was been a Ijourney since the last time we assembled here lin this room. We ask that your hand be with Those who have lost loved ones in that time. We ask that you heal our land and bring us Together. And may the decisions made here be /pleasing and beneficial to you ” I Geiger jumped ahead on the agenda and .had to go back. “It’s been a long time since I isat here in this chair,” he said with a smile. ?“Let me start over. My name is Ben.” The room erupted in joyful laughter. Geiger commended the administration and IT departments for its efforts to facilitate rZoom meetings over the past year. | “Thank you for coming back to this phe­ nomenal room,” Drain Commissioner Jim Dull, a former county commissioner, told I them. “It’s been a long time - and we appre­ ciate you guys finding the way back here.” | But Hastings Charter Township Supervisor ! Jim Brown made it clear that he didn’t agree Lwith that view when he offered his input at the end of the meeting. i l “Last but not least, if we never, never, never met in this room again it would be too soon,” Brown declared. “We spent - I say ‘we’ almost $ 1 million renovating the Tyden Center which is extremely good, and that is where this meeting should be held. “This is insane to be up here in this -1 call it - ‘the crow’s nest.’ ” In other action, the board: • Rescheduled a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant Emergency Program Income Guidelines. Due to an error in the item that was submitted for the public hearing notice, the location of the hearing was indicated as the place where the commissioners have recently been meeting. The hearing will take place July 20 after the board Committee of the Whole meeting in the mezzanine of the courthouse. • Approved $3,755,750 in pre-paid invoic­ es, $85,794 in claims and $286 in commis­ sioner reimbursement for mileage. • Approved renewing the Liability, Vehicle Physical Damage and Property and Crime Insurance coverage through the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority from July 1,2021 to July 1,2022 for $424,061. • Approved the county’s equalization department’s appraisal contract with Accurate for 152 appraisals in the county’s Commercial and Industrial classes, and approved the trans­ fer of $8,360 to the contractual services line item to cover the cost. Is it true that if you have low income you can get help paying your Medicare premiums? Yes. If your income and resources are limited, your state may be able to help with your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles and coinsurance amounts. State rules vary on the income and resources that apply. Contact your state or local medical assistance, social services or welfare office, or call the Medicare hotline, 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), and ask about the Medicare Savings Programs. If you have limited income and resources, you also may be able to get help paying for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. Call Social Security, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778), or visit any Social Security office. Also, see our publication, Medicare, at ssa.gov/pubs/10043.html. For even more information, visit ssa.gov. I have medical coverage through my employer. Do I have to take Medicare Part B? You are not required to take Medicare Part B if you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on either your employment or the employment of a spouse. When your coverage ends, you may contact Social Security to request a special enrollment for Medicare Part B. We will need to verify your coverage through your employer in order for you to be eligible for a special enrollment. For more information, visit medicare.gov. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil@ssa .gov. C IV NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS: The Grantor, William J. Cotant, (date of birth, December 22, 1930), surviving spouse of Marilyn M. Cotant, who lived at 2712 S. M-37 Hwy,. Hastings, Ml 49058, died June 17, 2021. There is no personal representative of the Grantor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28854-DE Estate of Henry C. Smoker, Jr., deceased. Date of birth: 6-16-46. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all TO ALL CREDITORS: claims against the William J. Cotant and Marilyn M. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Cotant Living Trust, dated September 25, 2008, as Henry C. Smoker, Jr. died 3-22-21. amended, will be forever banned unless presented Creditors of the decedent are notified that to Trustee Lori J. Jorg, within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given tha|the > all claims aejainst the estate will be forever * ‘Trust will thereafter1i be * * assigned and distributee! to 6 barfed * unless presented to Bobbie R. the persons entitled to it. Bulthuis, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. Date: July 13, 2021 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal ATTORNEY: TRUSTEE: John L. Teeples (P39341) representative within 4 months after the date Teeples Law, PLLC of publication of this notice. 230 E. Fulton St. - Ste J Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 Date: 7/15/2021 (616) 776-7200 Bobbie R. Bulthuis Lori J. Jorg 1970 Campground Road Hastings, Ml 49058 12526 Marsh Rd. Shelbyville, Ml 49344 (07-15) 164684 616-460-4436 164316 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE 5th CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF BARRY **************** * create an account. You also can get a replacement Medicare card by calling tollfree at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). Keep your card in a safe place. You don’t want anyone getting hold of your Social Security number. They could steal your identity. Case No. 21-3328-AY and 21-3329-AY Notice of Hearing by Publication: Parental-Rights Termination Dispositional Hearing In the Matter of: ISAIAH L JOHNSON and GRACIE L JOHNSON: D.O.B. 06/10/2012, and 10/21/2013 To: GEOFFREY JOHNSON A, termination proceeding will be conducted by the court on this matter on: August 17,2021 at 1:45 pm ' via a virtual courtroom proceeding before WILLIAM M. DOHERTY. Instructions for connecting to the Virtual Court Room at the time of the proceeding are as follows: • Polycom Dial 162.255.37.11 ##5030695658 • Bx^P>EG^nclLaptQps: Go to Zoom Web Site (zoom.us). Click on “Join a Call”. Join using Meeting ID 5030695658. • TabJ.ets .and.. .Ph.Qn_QS_JApple...and. Android): install the Zoom App from the App Store or Play Store prior to the call. At the time of the call launch the Zoom app and join using meeting ID 5030695658. • Phone Call Only: Call 646 876 9923 or 669 900 6833 and connect using meeting ID 5030695658 (this option may only be used with the Court’s prior permission) This hearing may result in your child(ren) being made a temporary ward of the court and further may result in the termination of your parental rights. You have a right to an attorney. If GEOFFREY JOHNSON desires to participate in these proceedings, he shall appear in the virtual courtroom per the above instructions, or, personally appear before Judge WILLIAM M. DOHERTY at the 5th Circuit Court in Barry County (located at 220 West State Street, in Hastings, Ml) at the time stated above. To request a copy of the Petition, or any documents associated with this case, call the Barry County Clerk at (269) 945-1286, or contact the attorney for the Petitioners, below. Dated: July 14, 2021 JUDD & FRICKE PLLC Stephanie L. Judd Attorney for Petitioners 40 Pearl Street NW, Ste 800 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 802-0333 stephanie@juddandfricke.com NOTICE TO CREDITORS Horace G. Hull and Theresa J. Hull Trust Social Security Number of Decedent 300-32­ 9007. TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor, Horace G. Hull, born on 1/27/1940, who lived at 118 Woodland, Nashville, Ml, died on June 4,2021. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom Letter of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against Horace G. Hull, personally and/ or the Horace G. Hull and Theresa J. Hull Trust dated 7/1/2008 as amended, will forever be banned unless presented to Successor Trustee, within four (4) months after the date of publication. Date: 7-13-2021 By: Theresa Hull, Trustee 164365 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2021-28891-DE Estate of Charles Richard Replogle, deceased. Date of birth: August 3,1930. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Charles Richard Replogle, died May 22, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that al! claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Charles Leon Replogle, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 7/9/2021 Chad B. Spencer P51495 P.O. Box 238 - 403 S. Capital Avenue Athens, Ml 49011 (269) 729-5344 Charles Leon Replogle 3175 M Drive S. Athens, Ml 49011 (269)420-2463 164289 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28880-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Blakely Marie Wilmath. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 8/4/2021 at 2:45 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Blakely Marie Wilmath to Blakely Marie Rose. 164377 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE BY ADVERTISEMENT Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 p.m., on August 12, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. Default has occurred in the conditions of a Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by JOSEPH B. GOOD, single man, solely, as Mortgagor(s), to Honor Credit Union (successor in interest to Post Community Credit Union by merger), as Mortgagee. The Mortgage is dated May 31, 2014 and was recorded June 12, 2014 as Instrument No. 2014-005449 of Barry County Records and re-recorded June 25, 2014 as Instrument No. 2014-005897. The amount claimed to be due on said Mortgage and unpaid at the date of this Notice is FIFTY-SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FOUR AND 76/100 ($56,504.76) DOLLARS, including interest on the applicable indebtedness at an interest rate of 3.875% per annum. This sum will increase as additional interest, costs, expenses, and attorney fees accrue under the Mortgage and its related note and which are permitted under Michigan law after the date of this Notice. No legal or equitable proceedings have been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of the default. At the date and time as referenced previously in this Notice, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property herein described, or some part of them, at public auction, to the highest bidder, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the Mortgage, along with interest due, the legal costs and charges of sale as allowed by statute and/ or the Mortgage, and any taxes and insurance that the Mortgagee pays on or prior to the date of said sale. The property mentioned and described in the Mortgage, as located in the Township of Assyria, County of Barry, and State of Michigan, are more particularly described as follows: Commencing on Westerly Section line of Section 10 at a point 14 rods 10 feet South of East and West % line; thence North along said West Section line 500 feet; thence East a sufficient distance to describe a parcel of land of 11 acres, excepting therefrom Highway Rights of the Michigan State Highway Commission in Southwest 14 of Section 10, Town 1 North, Range 7 West. Now described as: Beginning at the West % post of Section 10, Town 1 North, Range 7 West; running thence North 00°49’00” West 259.00 feet along the West line of Section 10; thence North 89°13’15” East 871.20 feet parallel with the East and West 14 line of said Section 10; thence South 00°49’00” East 259.00 feet to said East and West 14 line; thence South 241.00 feet; thence South 89°13’15” West 871.20 feet to the West line of said Section 10; thence North 241.00 feet to the place of beginning. Excepting therefrom land deeded to the State of Michigan in Liber 307 of Deeds, on page 379; Address: 11617 S. M-66 Highway, Bellevue, Ml 49021; Tax Parcel No.: 08-01-010-002-10; together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements, and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, streets, roads, alleys, and public places, privileges, and appurtenances, public or private, now or later used in connection with the premises; and all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of all applicable land division or platting acts, as amended from time to time. Attention Purchasers: the foreclosing Mortgagee reserves the right to cancel the sale prior to sale or to rescind this sale at any time. In that event, your damages, if any, will be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at the sale, plus interest. If the mortgaged property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention Homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. The length of the redemption period will be one (1) year from date of sale, unless the redemption period is shortened pursuant to MCL 600.3241a or MCL 600.3238, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of sale or as otherwise provided by statute. DATED: July 15,2021 ANDREW W. BARNES (P70571) IKOTZ S ANGSTER WYSOCKI RC. ATTORNEYS FOR HONOR CREDIT UNION 317 Center Street, South Haven, Ml 49090 (269) 591-6915 164290 �Page 10 — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — The Hastings Banner MANAGER, continued from page 1 so large where you kind of lose connection with the community and the people that make up the place. So, I felt like Hastings had all of that, and that the council was stable, and that the staff was very talented, and that’s what made me feel like Hastings could be the place for me.” Moyer-Cale, who will become Hastings’ first woman city manager, has spent the past four years as the Paw Paw village manager/ zoning administrator/downtown development authority executive. Before that, she worked for 1 Vi years as the Almont village manager/ zoning administrator and 1 Yi years as a plan­ ning assistant for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. She received a bachelor’s degree in urban ministry from Moody Bible Institute and a master’s degree in urban planning from Wayne State University. She is currently working toward a graduate certificate in pub­ lic administration from Central Michigan University. The decision to pick Moyer-Cale marked the end of a months-long process - one that differed from previous years. The city had appointed past city managers, such as Jeff Mansfield and Jerry Czarnecki, from the inside without searching outside. But this time, city officials decided to take a new route, contracting the Michigan Municipal League to help track down the next city manager - whether that might be from Hastings or California or Paw Paw. Councilman Don Bowers watches during the day-long interview event. Interviews started around 9:30 a.m. and ended around 5:15 p.m. Deliberations then lasted for a little over an hour. Councilman Don Smith (left) speaks with Councilman Al Jarvis during a break in the interview process. Mayor David Tossava (from left) and council members Don Smith and Al Jarvis listen to interviews at Hastings City Hall. The search was led by Kathie Grinzinger, lead executive recruiter for the MML. It began with the council creating its “ideal can­ didate” - someone with a college degree, high-level communication skills, finance experience, a desire to stay in Hastings, and a desire to push the city forward, among other factors. After MML created a marketing guide to attract people, the city received a stream of applications. Grinzinger, who conducts multi­ ple city manager searches every year, said she was impressed by the number of candidates and their experience. MML staff then went through its own vetting process, narrowing the list from 20 to 10 candidates. From there, the council trimmed the list to five people, all of whom interviewed last Thursday. The process, Grinzinger said, couldn’t have gone more smoothly. “The council was very deliberative. ... I thought they were very thoughtful as they approached who might be the best for them today and in the future,” Grinzinger said. “So I think the search was very well executed. The folks involved spent a lot of time, so I’m hop­ ing that the residents of Hastings are satisfied and proud of what their elected officials accomplished.” At the end of the day, the council landed on Moyer-Cale - and there wasn’t a whole lot of debate. The process took a little over an hour, with the entire city council approving MoyerCale. “Everybody came together on the council and we all picked Sarah,” Tossava said. “So I think it’s going to make a difference. Just starting out, even before she steps foot into Hastings to go to work for us, it has got to give her a pretty good feeling that she has 100 percent support from the city council.” During Thursday’s decision-making pro­ cess, some city council members expressed concern over Moyer-Cale’s perceived lack of experience. But it was not enough to out­ weigh the positives. People pointed to her educational back­ ground in planning and her experience in development as DDA executive of Paw Paw. “It’s a plus when you have somebody that has that planning experience under their belt,” Tossavi said. Others lauded her communications skills. “She was very deliberate in responding to the questions,” interim city manager Gregg Guestschow said. “She clearly knew what she wanted to say and how to say it, oftentimes in not very many words. But in my view, she really showed a command of the information. ... The ability to clearly communicate your message clearly is really [important].” And everyone commented bn her energy. “I want somebody Who’s going to come in here and hit the ground running and ... have the energy to do that and it’s not just the same old thing again,” Tossava said. While city officials expressed enthusiasm over the decision, they acknowledged the job Thornapple Kellogg school board interviews to fill vacancy Greg Chandler Staff Writer Five candidates were interviewed Wednesday night for an opening on the Thornapple Kellogg Schools Board of Education. The interviews, which were conducted publicly, took place at the middle school. The five were selected during Monday’s school board meeting from among seven candidates who submitted letters of interest for the vacancy that was created last month by the resignation of Sarah Alden. Candidates who were to be interviewed included: - Victoria Pelton, a 2002 Thornapple Kellogg High School graduate, owner of Pinnacle Counseling and Psychotherapy Services and parent of two children. - Erin DeJong, a marketing product manager for Steelcase, district volunteer and parent of three children. - Kristina Hooson, director of operations at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and a parent of two children who will attend Thomapple Kellogg High School this fall. - Patrick Hilton, chief executive officer of Penguin Point Restaurant Group and parent of five children. - Tyler Wenger, a 2003 TKHS graduate and parent of two children. After the interviews, the board was planning to appoint Alden’s successor to fill out the remainder of her term, which expires in November 2022. The result of that action was not available at press time. See next Thursday’s Banner for more on this story. Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? hL^toBaNNER WEEKLY UPDATES NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS MORE ‘She’s going to get us to the next level’ won’t come without challenges. Tossava said Moyer-Cale’s No. 1 challenge will involve handling the city’s unfunded lia­ bility - or post-employment benefits. Guetschow discussed the lack of available housing and Moyer-Cale’s responsibility to appoint the next police chief. Moyer-Cale said she plans to better under­ stand the city and the issues important to its residents by speaking with community mem­ bers, meeting business leaders, attending community meetings, visiting chamber of commerce events and more. “Just at the beginning, it’s going to be a lot of relationship building, meeting people, learning the different traditions that Hastings has and connections and getting a feel for the new unique social structure of the city,” she Elaine Garlock July 18 is the day to celebrate the 90th birthday of esteemed lady Joanne Jackson, retired Lakewood teacher and girls’ basketball coach. She has been active her entire life in the church of her youth, even though it has had a number of names. Friday’s chicken barbecue prepared by High’s Barbecue Service in Indiana was served at Central United Methodist Church with many meals taken out to eat while several people 'ate in the dining room. These chicken rh vd said. “Every place has its own rhythm.” Although the city is in the final stages of finding its next city manager, the process is not over just yet. Michigan Municipal League will conduct a nine-part background search that will take about 10 days. During the same time, the city will enter contract negotiations with Moyer-Cale. Tossava said their first con­ versation will take place on Thursday, with hopes of completing the entire process in late July, early August. Once the contract and negotiations are finalized, Moyer-Cale will have to provide notice to Paw Paw before stepping foot in Hastings City Hall. Until then, Guetschow will continue to serve as interim city manager. Despite the remaining steps, Tossava can’t help but look toward the future. “I just think that she’s going to get us to the next level,” Tossava said. “We’re always striving on getting developers in here to build housing, maybe attract more businesses downtown. And I think this is in her wheel­ house. She’s going to strive to do that stuff for us.” ‘ dinners were first served in 1956 and have continued each year until last year when it was impossible due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Leftovers were sold Sunday to members of the host church. The new pastor worked on the serving line so he had an initiation to a long tradition in his new location. United Methodist Women of Central UMC met Monday afternoon for their first unit meeting since November 2019. It is gratifying to be able to greet and meet people in a familiar setting after a long span of no gatherings. Shoplifter attacks employee with cart Police responded to the Hastings Walmart at 7:20 p.m. July 2 for an attempted theft. An employee said a man put $160 worth of items in his shopping cart and attempted to leave the store without paying. The employee confronted the man and, when the suspect ignored him, the employee grabbed the front of the cart. The man yelled at him and rammed the cart into the employee’s shins, causing minor bruising. The man left the cart, ran to a vehicle and left the parking lot. The employee was able to get the man’s license plate number, but it led to a vacant residence. Police said they remain on the lookout for the vehicle, but the case is inactive. Drunken teen rolls vehicle Police responded to a report of a rollover crash on Bowens Mill Road in front of Yankee Springs Golf Course at 9:05 p.m. July 9. The driver, a 19-year-old Middleville man, appeared intoxicated. He initially denied drinking, but eventually admitted to con­ suming “a fair amount” of hard cider. He had a 0.135 blood alcohol and was arrested for his second operating while intoxicated offense. Man steals items after distracting cashier An unknown man escaped the Hastings Walmart with a speaker and vacuum worth a total of $377 at 12:12 p.m. July 5. He pushed his cart up to a cash register and appeared to ask the cashier to check on something. When the cashier left the position, the man pushed his cart past the register and out the door. The case is inactive. Debit card thief withdraws $800 1351 N M-43 Hwy Hastings, Ml 49058 A 52-year-old old woman called police to report that someone had broken into her garage in the 4000 block of Turtle Rock Drive in Orangeville Township and stole her wallet and purse on the night of July 12. The woman said the PIN number for her card also was in her purse, and the thief used it to withdraw $800 from her account the next day. Police obtained footage of the man from Thornapple Credit Union, wearing a hat, hood and gloves while using an ATM. The case is inactive with no further leads. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — Page 11 Local hunters won’t need to apply for antlerless license in 2021 Preparing for antlerless deer hunting will be a little different this year, as most deer hunters will not need to apply for an antlerless license. For most deer hunters, a universal antler­ less license is all that will be needed to hunt antlerless deer. This license is valid on public and private lands in all deer seasons. It can be used across deer management units open to antlerless deer hunting. Select hunters will need to apply for an access permit to hunt deer in certain areas of the Upper Peninsula and in reserved deer hunts at the Sharonville State Game Area, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Shiawassee River National Wildlife Refuge and Shiawassee River State Game Area. Deer hunting regulations for the 2021 sea­ son were approved in February by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at its regular meeting, hosted virtually. The changes, aimed at further simplifying deer regulations and removing barriers to hunting participation, go into effect with the start of the 2021 deer hunting seasons in September. The new regulations will provide additional opportunity, flexibility and cost savings for hunters and - based on existing and projected data the Department of Natural Resources uses to gauge the impact of proposed regula­ tions - are not expected to have a significant negative effect on the deer herd or the quality of deer hunting. “Our goals with these regulations are two­ fold: to make hunting regulations easier to understand and follow in Michigan, and also to manage Michigan’s abundant deer herd,” said DNR deer program specialist Chad Stewart. “We feel that these changes move us in the right direction.” In the Upper Peninsula, new deer manage­ ment units 351 and 352 will require an access permit and a universal antlerless license to hunt antlerless deer. Both are required for each deer harvested. DMU 351 is made up of DMUs 021, 349, 249,149,017 and 117. DMU 352 is made up of DMUs 027,036,152 and 252. (See page 60 in the 2021 Hunting Digest for a map of the DMUs). One thousand access permits will be available in each of these two DMUs. Also in the U.P., DMUs 022,122,055,155, 255 and 121 are open to antlerless hunting without an access permit, while DMUs 127, 066,031,131,042,007 and 048 are closed to antlerless deer hunting. In the mid-zone Upper Peninsula DMUs that are open to antlerless deer hunting, a deer hunting access permit must accompany the universal antlerless license. The deer hunting access permit, intended to limit participation where the population can be sensitive to harsh winter weather, will be available through a drawing. The northernmost DMUs of the U.P. are closed to antlerless deer hunting in all seasons. Archery hunters in portions of the Upper Peninsula may pursue antlerless deer on their deer or deer combo licenses. DMUs 127,066, 131, 042,031,007 and 048 will be closed to antlerless harvest during the archery seasons. The expanded urban archery season through Jan. 31 is now permanent in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Applications for limited-hunt access per­ Pandemic, improved technology, lead to more sports streaming Live postseason events streamed on MHSAA.tv during the 2020-21 school year were viewed nearly 1 million times, with 15 events drawing more than 10,000 live views apiece. The final championship weekend of the Spring - featuring Girls Soccer Finals and Baseball and Softball Semifinals & Finals, all across four divisions June 17-19 at Michigan State University - saw nearly 70,000 live views on MHSAA.tv despite record atten­ dance of those events at Old College Field. The Division 2 Softball championship game - which ended with Owosso claiming its first Finals title in any sport, drew a week­ end-high 5,677 live views on the network. The previous weekend, the Division 1 Girls Lacrosse Final won by Rockford on June 12 led the way with 4,284 live views. The total number of live postseason views on MHSAA.tv for 2020-21 was 962,371. The most-viewed live tournament events were the Individual and Team Wrestling Finals, which with all rounds over all four divisions com­ bined drew 244,044 live views. Among indi­ vidual games broadcast solely by MHSAA.tv, the Division 3~BoyFBasketball Semifinal matching Iron Mountain' and Schoolcraft (15,393 live views) and the Division 1 Volleyball Semifinal featuring Novi and Lowell (13,484) ranked among the most watched. MHSAA.tv is a partner of the NFHS Network. Postseason events streamed on MHSAA.tv included most sports’ Finals, and Semifinals and Quarterfinals for some - espe­ cially sports where multiple concluding rounds were hosted by the same tournament site. MHSAA.tv also ranked second among NFHS Network contributing states with 18,973 live events (postseason and regu­ lar-season combined) streamed during the 2020-21 school year. That total of nearly 19,000 live postseason events was an increase from 7,710 events streamed live during 2019­ 20 and 3,900 during 2018-19, and placed Michigan behind only Illinois. The School Broadcast Program is responsi­ ble for nearly all production of regular-season events. Having now concluded its 13th year, the SBP gives members an opportunity to showcase excellence in their schools by creat­ ing video programming of athletic and non-athletic events with students gaining Skills in announcing, camera operation, directing/producing and graphics. Rockford - one of the state’s largest schools with nearly 2,500 students - broadcast 242 events, drawing an SBP-high 74,437 live views and 89,604 total with on-demand replays included. Much smaller Pewamo-Westphalia, a school of 300 students, received the second-most views of SBP members in 2020-21 with 56,009 includ­ ing live and on-demand. Marquette, Lake Orion, Cedar Springs, Montrose and McBain also were among top SBP providers. In addition to bringing local events on air nationally, the School Broadcast Program gives schools the opportunity to raise money through advertising and viewing subscrip­ tions. NFHS Network subscriptions begin at $10.99 per month. Subscribers receive access to all live and on-demand video from across the country. School Broadcast Program par­ ticipants receive a portion of every subscrip­ tion sold by a school to benefit its program. Broadcasts from the majority of Michigan schools - especially those lacking the ability to staff events for production - are streamed using a Pixellot automated camera. Michigan schools have 774 Pixellots in service, thirdmost in the country behind only Texas and California. Most Michigan schools have one camera at an outdoor stadium and a second at the main indoor gymnasium.. mits may be purchased for $5 from license agents or online at Michigan.gov/ DNRLicenses during the July 15 - Aug. 15 application period. Learn more about universal antlerless licenses and the access permit drawing in the 2021 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/ Deer. Upper Peninsula supplemental and recre­ ational deer feeding regulations have changed, including: VALLEY POOL TABLE with slate top. Can be seen at 11485 Sprague Rd Delton from 9am-3pm. Call 269-330-0757. $1250 obo. SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. A permit is no longer required for supple­ mental feeding in the Upper Peninsula. Supplemental feeding can occur Jan. 1 to May 15. Recreational or supplemental feeding is prohibited if a location is deemed to be a safe­ ty hazard. All recreational feed must be given in increments of only 2 gallons per calendar day and only 2 gallons at any one time. Business Services Help Wanted MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. HOW WOULD YOU like the same schedule as your child? Nights, weekends & holidays off. YOU EVEN GET A SNOW DAY!!! Cale­ donia Schools Food Service is looking for help. Experience preferred in food & customer service, ability to work in a fast paced environment. If interested in joining our team please call 616-891-0227 from 8am-Noon Mon.-Thurs. Or apply online at aramark.com click on Caledonia Schools. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES- Parents are AKC registered, up to date on shots. Ready to go 7-14-21, $1,500. Taking deposits now! 517-852-9289 leave message. GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES- Father is AKC, Mother is ACA registered, up to date on shots. Ready to go 7-16-21, $1,500. Taking deposits now! 517-852-9289, leave message. / YEARLING ANGUS BULLS ready for breeding. Angus brood cows, heifers and steers for sale. Call for information 616-970-6977.____________ Use Happy Jack® Kennel Dip to control fleas, ticks, mange, stable flies & mos­ quitoes where they breed. At Tractor Supply, (www. kennelvax.com) The News Is Just the Beginning State changes unemployment rules /Vow 648,000 may have to replay benefits Bridge Magazine Nearly one-fifth of the Michigan residents who received unemployment payments during the pandemic are now learning their eligibility for jobless benefits didn’t meet federal standards. Michigan officials will re-evaluate claims filed by 690,092 people. The vast majority — 648,000 — will have to confirm thenjobless status from a different set of criteria and may learn they weren’t eligible for funds they already received. Another 42,092 who “were initially denied ... now may qualify for benefits,” said Lynda Robinson, spokesperson for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. As the department launches the review, the situation revives ongoing concerns about the unemployment system during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the Legislature to make plans to bring UIA staff back before the House Oversight Committee. “There’s just a number of issues that we’ve seen at the agency that need to be resolved,” Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, said. The problems range from repeated system crashes and widespread fraud investigations that froze benefits for hundreds of thousands of residents to delays in processing claims that continued for months after the state reached its unemployment peak in April 2020. Most recently, the state reopened its unemployment offices on a limited­ appointment basis, following months of frustration among bipartisan legislators who said their staffs still had to help constituents navigate the bureaucracy to get paid. “There’s clear mismanagement at the UIA,” Johnson said. The latest problem comes after Michigan officials learned their application criteria for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance payments weren’t authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor. PUA was created in March 2020 by the $2 trillion CARES Act to provide jobless benefits to people who do not qualify for the state’s unemployment system. They include part­ time, self-employed and so-called “gig” economy workers. PUA payments totaling $5.7 billion have been made in Michigan through the first week of July — an amount equal to the payouts through the traditional unemployment system. In July 2020, just under 1 million people were receiving PUA benefits in Michigan. A year later, that total is about 391,000. Recipients of the PUA benefits received an average of $216 per week in Michigan, compared to the weekly average of $312 for regular unemployment benefits. In late June, though, the state mailed threepage letters to recipients warning they may not have been eligible for the payments because they didn’t meet criteria acceptable to the Department of Labor. Eleven criteria were on the agency’s list in 2020, then it added three more in February. But when the PUA program was launched in Michigan, it included “four reasons^ that were not provided or approved by "the [Department of Labor],” according to the state’s letter. Those unapproved reasons were used in the state for both initial claims and continued certification. The letters • inform recipients that the following reasons can no longer be used: ’ - Work hours were reduced as a direct result of COVID-19. -Individual was seeking part-time employment and affected by COVID-19. - Recipient had insufficient work history to qualify for regular unemployment compensation and are affected by COVID-19. - Individual was unemployed or working less than regular hours as a result of COVID­ 19 and were denied benefits on another claim. Late Tuesday, it wasn’t clear when state officials determined that their PUA provisions were unclear and what steps they took to address the situation before informing affected residents. “At the onset of COVID, there was ambiguity in the federal guidelines and more latitude in the interpretation of those guidelines by the states, including Michigan,” Robinson, the UIA spokesperson, said in a statement. “As the program continued, [the U.S. Labor Department] became more prescriptive to states regarding what could and could not be included.” However, Rachael Kohl, director of the Workers’ Rights Center at nonprofit Michigan United, said she wonders if the state is acting on a Department of Labor request or making its own decision. She said the federal government made it clear to states early in the pandemic “to be incredibly flexible and err on the side of granting benefits.” Now, she asked, “[is the agency] choosing to be overly restrictive? Or is [federal government] saying, You got it wrong’?” Either way, Kohl said, people who chose the reasons for unemployment that the state now says are invalid will find similar reasons in the valid list — they’re just phrased in different ways. That only raises more questions about why nearly 700,000 people will have their accounts reviewed, she said. “Those reasons that they’re saying are not good enough are so close to what they’re saying is good enough,” Kohl said. “It’s semantics.” The letter from the state tells affected people they have 20 days from receiving it to do a “self-attestation” in their online unemployment account if a legitimate qualification applies to them. “However,” the state warns, “your selection should be truthful. Do not select a reason that does not apply to you directly.” Also unclear is how long the state will take to do the reviews and whether benefits will continue to be paid during that time. No estimate for how many people may lose access to benefits was available from UIA. “If you are eligible for benefits, you will be paid,” according to the letter. “If it is found that you are not eligible, you can file an appeal.” But if someone is found to be ineligible, they also could face having to repay the benefits. Details on how that would work and whether the federal government would have to approve that for the PUA funds were not available from the state on Tuesday. However, Kohl said state rules say that the agency should waive forced repayments when the payments were made by administrative error. Her advice for anyone found ineligible for benefits during this large-scale review is to file an appeal and say that an administrative error is the cause. Finding a new category to justify their claims may not be the only verification that a person receiving PUA benefits will face soon. The state also says it will be updating files to make sure it has accurate proof of employment or self-employment, along with sufficient identity verification. Kohl said many people have contacted her, fearful that they’ll have to repay spent benefits received while they were jobless. Johnson, meanwhile, said he hopes that people who receive the letter from UIA recognize that they have to take action. So far, he hasn’t received complaints from constituents, but described some of the official communication from the agency as “very convoluted.” “People can really get tripped up over it,” Johnson said. “They really need to use language that people can understand.” Your Community... Your Family.. .Your Interests... Your Home...Your World... Call 800.870.7085 or pick it up at one of our locations listed below! It's All a Part ofYour Local Newspaper! f’lFt Demoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings DANNER Area locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! GunLake Hastings One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M43N) Superette Family Fare Woodland Sam’s Gourmet Foods PineLake Woodland Express Nashville Doster Country Store Trading Post Tom’s Market Hastings Johnny’s Praineyille The General Store ■ Little’s Country Store Prairieville Fast Stop Nashville Johnny’s Cloverdale Nashville C Store Cloverdale General Carl’s MV Pharmacy Marathon Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Family Fare Gas Station lafe Odessa Shelbyville Middissills Speedway Middleville Johnny’s Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny’s Delton Carl’s Family Fare Delton Johnny’s Middleville Marketplace Greg's Get-lt-N-Go Lake-O-Express Town & Country Walgreens Freeport L& J’s Banlield Banfield General Store Dowling Goldsworthys Freeport General Store �Page 12 —- Thursday, July 15, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Area Champion Force teams on top at 2021 Nationals Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Middleville Charm team won the championship in the Division 4 Medium com­ petition at the Champion Force Athletics (CFA) Cheer Nationals at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, last weekend. Middleville Youth Cheerleading (MYC) sent a pair of teams to Nationals, with the Middleville Shimmer team placing fifth in the Division 3 Medium B competition. Caledonia Cheerleading CFA had a team finish atop the Division 3 XX-Small B competition as well. The Charm team is MYC’s try-out team made up of mostly athletes ages 11-and-up. The Shimmer team is for cheerleaders age 10-and-up. “When the announcer called D4 Middleville Charm for first place, even before the girls were starting to tear up and hug one another because they were the last team up on the stage so they knew they had won,” said Middleville coach Alli Joy Mattison, who leads the Middleville Division 1, 2, 3 and 4 teams with help from assistants Mady Tanner and Bella Pollice. “Falling confetti, more hugging and cheering followed and maybe a few tears before we accepted their first place ban­ ner and this was the first first place D4 Middleville has had in a while and definitely well deserved. I am so proud of all their ded­ ication, hard work, and how positive they have all been this season. It’s been an honor to coach them and team Middleville Shimmer this past season.” The teams qualified for Nationals based on strong regional and state performances. Mattison said the MYC Division 3 and 4 teams work on intermediate to advanced stunting levels with larger skills that require more strength and instruction than the cheer beginners. They also work on advanced jumps, dance, and tumbling. “These teams are the bridge teams for our Middleville Elite Program (Divisions 5, 6,7) so we can prepare them for advancement to continue their cheer career with more advanced stunting, tumbling, jumps, and dance elements,” she said. The teams worked together for three to four months to learn their routines for the state competition in mid-June and then had three weeks to prep for Nationals. The CFA teams perform one single two minute routine at competitions. “They only get one chance to lay it all on that Nationals floor. Every athlete comes off the mat cheering and hugging each other and everyone always says ‘WOW, that went by so fast,’ Mattison said, “because all their adrena­ line and energy kicked in on that stage. It’s amazing to watch and see our athletes in those bright lights. After their performance, we wait for awards in the back and parents wait until all the other teams in our division have per­ formed. For awards, we always have such a fun time dancing to the music while waiting for the judges to finish up scoring for the results. For Nationals, they call the top five teams back onto the stage out of the entire performing group.” The Shimmer team placed at Nationals for the second time after having competed at the first ever D3 CFA Nationals in 2019 where it The Middleville Charm team celebrates its championship in the Division 4 Medium competition last weekend at the Champion Force Athletics Cheer Nationals at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo supplied) ~ was also fifth. Caledonia’s D3 team took a championship at the CFA Nationals in 2019 as well as this summer. “When the announcer called D3 Caledonia for first place, all the athletes were so excited and flew into the air as confetti rained down from above them,” Mattison said, “hugging and cheering, the D3 Caledonia team accepted their first place banner, making this their sec­ ond year in a row to win first place at D3 CFA Nationals. Coach Sierra [Vroma] was so amazed and proud of all her athletes hard work.” “I think the Middleville and Caledonia teams stood apart in how clean and tight everything was,” Mattison said. “I also think that their performance with smiling and work­ ing together was something that set them apart. Our athletes smile the most and have the most fun up there on that stage because they are just such amazing athletes that love what they do and who they are doing it with. When they are up in stunts, jumping all together, or dancing during their routine, it gives me goosebumps when they all count together, as a team, and I believe their smiles and friendships are a product of that team­ work.” In all, 17 different Division 3 and seven different Division 4 championships were4 earned over the weekend of July 10-11. i *1 T mEMorial tournament returns for its 16th year Current and former members of the Lakewood High School volleyball program gather together on the sand courts during the 2019 Emily Duits mEMorial Sand Volleyball Tournament at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds. The 2020 event was canceled, but the tournament returns for its 16th year July 24. (File photo) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Selena Duits is hoping for clear skies as the 16th Annual Emily Duits mEMorial Sand Volleyball Tournament takes to the courts at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds Saturday, July 24. There are currently 25 teams signed-up for the tournament which was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. “This means a full day of volleyball with a large number of people in attendance once again. This community does not disappoint and have been so loyal over the years,” Duits said. “It’s been more than we could have ever 164417 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING NECESSITY OF THE IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR EXTENSION OF SIDEWALKS. Notice is hereby given that the Hastings City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday August 09, 2021 at 7:00 pm, in Council Chambers at City Hall. The purpose of the Public Hearing is for City Council to hear comments and to consider the necessity of the improvements and the establishment of a special assessment district for extension of sidewalks. The proposed sidewalk project includes areas without current sidewalk: West of Industrial Park Drive along West State St/M-43/37 on both the North (to Aldi) and South (to Dollar Tree) sides of the roadway. The City will provide necessary reasonable aid and services to disabled persons wishing to attend these hearings upon seven days notice to the Clerk of the City of Hastings, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Telephone 269/945­ 2468 or TDD call relay services 800/649-3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk City of Hastings Request For Bids - North and South Storage Tanks Rehabilitation The City of Hastings, Department of Public Ser­ vices is accepting sealed bid proposal for improve­ ments to the North storage tank located at 101 W. Colfax Street and the South storage tank located at 1135 S. Broadway Street in Hastings, Michigan. There will be access to the site for prospective bid­ ders on July 15th, 2021 at 10 AM at the North Tank and 10:30 AM at the South Tank. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at which time they will be opened and read aloud publicly at the above address. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to award the bid in a manner which it be­ lieves to be in its own best interest, price and other factors considered. Bid specifications are available at Prein&Newhof, 3355 Evergreen Drive NE, Grand Rapids, Ml 49525, or www.preinnewhof.com/plan-room, and some lo­ cal plan rooms. All bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid North and South Storage Tanks Rehabilitation for the City of Hastings”. 163887 Travis Tate Director of Public Services Jeff Duits greets everyone for lunch at the 2019 Emily Duits mEMorial Sane Volleyball Tournament at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds. The 16^ annual tournament is coming up July 24, and will feature High’s Chicken BBQ and Forman’s LegenDairy Ice Cream Wagon which will be open for the community to enjoy as well for a free-wi! offering. Chicken lunch starts at 11 a.m. and the ice cream wagon is slated to start serving at 1 p.m. (File photo) thought it would be with constant loving sup­ port in our loss and belief in coming together to remember has been nothing short of amaz­ ing. “With the passing of time, it has become a reunion of sorts and not just about Emily. During this 16 years there have been other tragedies and many of those have found com­ fort in the attendance because they know many from the community can be found there. We stand in awe that so many years have gone by and yet people still come. It speaks of the volleyball community as a whole as well as the Lakewood community and the kindness and care that have sustained us and many others.” “This will be the 16th year and that means we will have had the tournament as long as we had Em,” Selena said. Over the years funds have been donated in the form of a scholarship to a Lakewood High School student who exemplified the spirit of Emily Duits: love, joy, inclusion and a variety of interests at school and in the community. This year the scholarship stretched to the FarOut Volleyball family, Emily’s youth club, and was awarded to new Pine River High School graduate Emma Whitley who will be playing volleyball at Cornerstone University. “The funds raised at this tournament will be staying mostly local and be used to expand the volleyball courts and for the beautification of the Lake Odessa Fairground courts that are in memory of Emily,” Selena said. “Em played in the first annual sand volleyball tour­ nament at the Lake Odessa Fair and we have decided to continue the scholarship support­ ing some other passions that she had going forward.” Many of the players at the mEMorial Tournament will be ones who competed in the wet sand during the tournament at the Lake Odessa Fair last month, which had its youth competitions rained out along with many other fair events. Players will be given a choice of Michigan’B Best Donuts from Meyer’s Hometown Bakerj at sign-up the morning of the tournament' High’s Chicken BBQ out of Indiana will be coming for lunch beginning at 11 a.m. anc Forman’s LegenDairy Ice Cream Wagon wil be arriving at 1 p.m. to pass out free ice cream. There will be a free-will offering foi lunch. The community is invited, and encour­ aged, to attend. The entire tournament will take place at the fairgrounds this year, a change from years past. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — Page 13 Dawn Patrol draws crowd from far and near Ken Shuman, who flies out of Adrian, emerges from his RV-6 to join the Dawn Fatrol Pancake Breakfast Saturday at the Hastings Airport. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Emmett Bontrager bopped from one cockpit to the next, up and down the rows of parked aircraft, on the shoulders of his father, Ian Bontrager, or in the arms of his mother, Jessica Bontrager, during the annual Dawn Patrol pancake breakfast at Hastings City/ Barry County Airport Saturday. Emmett has a second birthday coming up goon. “He loves planes, so this is perfect,” his mom said. “He just gained an interest in [planes]. He looks in the sky all day and points them out, Bo he loves them. We just happened to hear ^bout this and we’re like, ‘That’s something worth checking out,’ getting breakfast and seeing all the airplanes up close. It is a lot of tun. I can’ believe how many there are here.” * The Bontragers rolled in from Hastings, but lanes flew in from all over to land for reakfast, which started at 7 a.m. By late i | ■ morning, three rows of vintage and custom planes filled the grass along the taxiway in front of the hangar where Middleville Lions Club members were serving pancakes, plain A plane nears the runway as spectators look on during the Dawn Patrol Pancake Breakfast Saturday at the Hastings Airport. (Photo by Brett Bremer) .i & and blueberry, along with sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee and orange juice. Area Scouts volunteered to help serve and clean up at the breakfast, as well. The annual event put on by the Hastings Flying Association, which missed its 2020 incarnation, has been happening since 1964. Ken Shuman flew in from Adrian Saturday morning, bringing his red and white, homemade RV-6 to a stop after being marshaled in by flagman Tom Kenyon. It took Shuman 10 years to put together the RV-6, and he was excited to be back flying after a recent medical procedure kept him grounded. He landed at the Hastings Airport (9D9) for the first time Saturday. “I have been around the country quite a bit, but I haven’t been here,” Shuman said. “I looked on the Michigan listing of pancake breakfasts, and this was the next one available. There are usually a couple every weekend somewhere in the state. This is the middle of the summer, and they’re just starting to pop up after CO VID shut everything down last year.” Those without their own planes could head over to the terminal and pay $30 per person to go up in a small aircraft to get views of Hastings and the surrounding area from above. BUSINESS BRIEFS Tierney joins Highpoint Community Bank Timothy S. Tierney has joined Highpoint ■ Gbmmunity-Bank’s execuiivc^adershipfeam as senior vice president of retail banking . Tierney has experience in sales, leadership, strategic planning, plan implementation, con­ sumer lending and business line integration. Most recently, he held the position of retail head at Fifth Third Bank. Tierney is involved in numerous communi­ ty enrichment activities, including co-chair West Michigan Inclusion/Diversity Council, co-chair Retail Women in Leadership, and donor development chair for the Grand Rapids Symphony. He also has been a board member at Aquinas College, Broadway Grand Rapids, and the Adoptive Family Support Network. He has been a Junior Achievement advisor for 15 years. Middleville Lions Club member Craig Kenyon puts blueberries into pancakes during the Dawn Patrol event at the Hastings Airport Saturday morning. .^Photo by Brett Bremer) Highpoint Community Batik is a full-serBellevue, Caledonia, Hastings, Marshall, Middleville, Nashville and Wayland, as well as a drive-through location in Delton. More information can be found online at highpointcommunitybank.com. , Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads TYDEIU PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 28th Cub Scout Ian Hall-Humphrey delivery a beverage during the Dawn Patrol Pancake Breakfast Saturday morning inside a b igar at the Hastings Airport. (Photo by Brett Bremer) *JWBMiKTOWMMW per team of 3 &r 4 players Entries must be to the Chamber by Friday, Aug. 20th Make checks payable to Hastings Summeifest 2021 Team Name / s u ' 1 CHECK IN.:. 8:30 AM Pick up T-shirts at this time f TIP OFF... 9:30 AM t >ys& Girls I | Boys & Girls ges 12-14) I_ _ _ I (Ages 15-17) I I Men & Women I i Men & Women I I_ _ _ l(Ages 18-25) I_ _ _ I (Ages 26 & up) | Age brackets subject to change based on participation Team Captain. Send Entries to. Phone # ■ 1 ■ IE Jessica Bontrager points out a landing plane to her son Emmett Bontrager amid the parked planes outside the during Saturday morning’s Dawn Patrol event at the Hastings Airport. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Team Members | Please fill out form completely Email. Age Barry County Chamber of Commerce 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... Call (269)948-3025 TYDERI PARK • SATURDAY, AUG, 28th �: ■ Page 14 — Thursday, July 15, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Evening grandstand events begin Sunday at county fair It has been a while since folks filled the grandstand of the Barry County Expo Center sat elbow to elbow while cheering on competitors in cars, trucks, on bikes or horseback and they’ll finally get their chance starting Sunday night. The 2021 Barry County Fair grandstand events kick-off with Michigan Heavyweight State Championship Draft Horse Pull Sunday at 6 p.m. entree into the grandstand is free that evening, with paid fair entry. The seven days of evening events a the grandstand this year include drag racing, truck and tractor pulls, two evenings of autocross and demolition derby, a rodeo and night of motocross racing. KOI Drag Racing will entertain grandstand attendees Monday. The cost to enter the grandstand is $5. Unique Motorsports will host an Off Road Derby at the grandstand Tuesday. Unique Motorsports will return to the grandstand Friday, July 23, for a Demolition Derby. Both events begin at 7 p.m. The cost is $10. Super Kicker Professional Rodeo will tiring its 2021 “Let’s Do This” Tour Wednesday, July 21, beginning at 7 p.m. The cost to attend the rodeo is $10. There are currently plans for bull riding, novice bull riding, bareback rid­ ing. saddle bronc riding, ranch bronc riding, girls barrel racing, girls break-away roping and team roping competitions. The Michigan Truck Tractor Pullers Association Tractor Pulls are scheduled for Thursd& July 22, beginning at 7 p.tn. The cost to attend is $10. An SJO Motocross will be held Saturday, July 24, beginning at 7 p.m. The cost is $10. AFT AIT OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings The Super Kicker Professional Rodeo will entertain grandstand spectators and challenge area cowboys and cowgirls at the Barry County Expo Center Wednesday, July 21. The fair grandstand events also include the Michigan Heavyweight State Championship Draft Horse Pull, Unique Motorsports Off Road Derby and Demolition Derby, Michigan Truck Tractor Pullers Association Tractor Pulls and an SJO Motocross. (File photo) . Call 269-945-9554 for more Grandstand events are back in the evenings at the Barry County Fair beginning Sunday. Unique Motorsports will be at the Expo Center Tuesday for an Off Road Derby and Friday for Demolition Derby events. (File photo) OUR BEST HOPE I COVID-19 VACCIN Why should I get mine? The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. it will save lives and help Michigan move forward. Protect us all, by getting your dose of hope. To find vaccine or to learn more visit www.bairyeatonhealth.org/schedule-vaccine or call 517-543-2430 (Eaton County residents) or 269-945-9516 (Barry County residents) Spread NOT COVID Barry-Eaton District Hea th Department � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-07-22.pdf 1e23b072a81bcf607ec88468a464eea8 PDF Text Text Delta variant confirmed in county Broad band of options in county HCDC third at state championships See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 13 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590501114649058113421 „..^..«.****«*CAR-RT Lor - Richard Hemerling 421 NTaffeeDr Hastings Ml 49058-113 6/30/2022 9.4700 AM Thursday, July 22, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 29 PRICE $1.00 Prosecutor calls for halt to sheriff’s vote probe Taylor Owens and Rebecca Pierce Classic and southern tunes this week at Hastings Live Hastings Live continues with free sum­ mer concerts. Most concerts are at Thomapple Plaza, near the intersection of State and Boltwood/ Apple streets, and just a block or two from local restaurants and shops. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Susan Harrison, founder of Palamazoo, will be Playing at the Plaza at 11 a.m. today, July 22, with a mix of puppets, music and interactive performances. The local group Hastings Heartbeats will perform for Fridays at the Fountain at noon July 23 on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. Band members Angie Seeber, Judy Van Dien, Dale Svihl, Doug Acker and Terry Van Dien play zydeco music, a genre bom in southwest Louisiana of blues, R&B, and creole music. Friday Night Features will host Roosevelt Diggs at 7:30 p.m. July 23. Blending folk, country, bluegrass, blues, rockabilly and rock, Robseveh Diggs brings a fresh approach to the tradition of acoustic music. Wednesday July 28, Geez Louise will play its mix of classic rock beginning at 7:30 p.m. More information can be found at facebook.com/mihastingslive. Animals theme of No Family Left Indoors No Family Left Indoors, the local sum­ mer series for families and individuals, will celebrate animals next week All things animal will be celebrated Tuesday, July 27, at Hastings Public Library. Participants are invited to visit the library to go on a scavenger hunt, enjoy a story walk, create an animal craft and more. The event will be outdoors. Registration is required. Stroll and Read and a scavenger hunt that began Tuesday is wrapping up. Through tomorrow, July 23, bags will be available at Hastings Public Library and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Families may pick up a bag and go on the self-guided Talking is Teaching hike at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. The library, PCCI and Great Start Collaborative are collaborating on this event. Passports are available for the summer series. Anyone who completes six or more events for the passport can earn prizes. Passports may be picked up at Hastings Public Library or Pierce Cedar Creek Institute or downloaded at http:/ /bit.ly/ NFLI202L More information is available at cedar­ creekinstitute .org. The proposed Royal Coach development City confirms $1.4 million award for Royal Coach project Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings will receive a historic $1.4 million award to build 73 new apartments on the site of the former Royal Coach building, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority recently announced. This was one of 25 projects chosen by the MSHDA, which handed out $27.9 million in low-income housing tax credit to developers across the state this year. Hastings Community Development Director Dail King said the Royal Coach Apartments will be instrumental in alleviating the city’s housing shortage. “Hastings will not have had development of this magnitude in decades, especially as it pertains to housing and the density of the housing itself,” King said. “Having [73] units — 54 apartments and 19 townhouse units - in such a dense area ... for folks of all demographic backgrounds and income levels, it’s an impact and it’s a catalyst development for us.” The process started three years ago when the Royal Coach site was sold from the Baum family to the Barry Community Foundation. Around that time, the General Capital Group, a Wisconsin-based developer, expressed interest, and “lightning kind of struck,” King said. Dan King, Hastings community development director In October 2019, General Capital applied for the low-income housing tax credit to redevelop the multi-story former Royal Coach factory into apartments. It was denied, failing to score high enough on the MSHDA point scale it uses to choose developers. General Capital decided to reapply around April 2020 but again, finished just a few points short of approval. Then they were met with another dilemma: In October 2020, the Royal Coach building was destroyed by fire. The hope for MSHDA money “went to the wayside,” King said, after it lost key points for the] historical significance of the destroyed building. But the Barry Community Foundation and See AWARDS, page 2 Fair reports record Tuesday attendance Optimism builds for rest of week Church hosting car show Sunday Antique and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles will drive up on the front lawn of Grace Lutheran Church in Hastings Sunday, July 25, for the church’s sixth annual car show. The free event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 239 E. North St. in Hastings. Vehicle registration will begin at 9 a.m., with dash plaques for the first 30 entries. Activities will be available for young visitors in a shaded area. The community is invited to an outdoor worship service beginning at 10 a.m. under the tent on the church lawn. A free neighborhood picnic will follow the service. Food and beverages, provided by the Grace family and Thrivent Financial, will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. or until food is gone. More details can be obtained by calling the church, 269-945-9414. “Hastings will not have had development of this magnitude in decades.” William Bever squints in the sunny day­ light. Greg Chandler and Benjamin Simon Staff Writers Barry County Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt called for a halt to the voter fraud probe here during a meeting at the sher­ iff’s office Monday afternoon. “Unfortunately, I can’t say a whole lot,” Pratt told The Hastings Banner in a voicemail later that day. “Mainly, I would only say that it was informative and that we are going to meet again in a week.” Pratt did add that their meeting lasted more than two hours and included Sheriff Dar Leaf, one of his deputies, private investigator Michael Lynch and attorney Stefanie Lambert Junttila of Detroit. “I asked that everything halt until I’ve had a chance to do some checking on a couple of things,” Pratt said. The prosecutor called the meeting after expressing concern about the procedures being used, particularly the involvement of Lynch. Lynch is a licensed private investigator from Royal Oak who retired in 2019 from DTE Energy, where he had worked as chief security officer. Repeated attempts by The Banner to contact Lynch have been unsuc­ cessful. Leaf has told The Banner that his deputies are not experienced in how to investigate voter fraud, so he said he invited Lynch to See CALLS, page 10 Leaf divulges investigation details at political rally Taylor Owens StaffWriter Sheriff Dar Leaf offered specific details about his department’s voter fraud probe during a political rally in Hillsdale Friday. -Leaf gave a 20-minute speech at that event, in which he talked about his time at the Barry County Sheriff’s Office and his support for constitutional sheriffs. He also talked about his office’s investigation into alleged voter fraud, including the original source of the complaint, which he had pre­ viously declined to divulge. “Right now, my biggest task I’ve got going on is I had a retired sergeant from my office, really frustrated with this last elec­ tion,” Leaf told the crowd. “She comes in and demanded an investigation into voter fraud. “Folks, I have an investigation open right now on voter fraud.” The crowd applauded this announcement. “I’m doing it at the county level,” Leaf said. “She brought in some documentation from the MyPillow guy, what’s his name, Mike Lindell, and brought some documen­ tation in from some attorneys from Michigan - and Barry County’s listed in there.” Dominion Voting Systems, which built the ballot tabulators used in Michigan, sued Lindell for $1.3 billion for defamation regarding his claims over voter fraud. Lindell has since counter-sued. “Plus,” Leaf said during this speech, “I’ve got one of my attorney friends here, also called me up shortly after the election and said, 'Hey, they’ve been going through your computers mathematically and they said there’s about 900, 2,300, in that ball­ park, votes that are in question, and I’m going ‘Where? Show me.’ ” Upon hearing these remarks about votes being questioned in her county, Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer told The Banner, “That’s not true. We balanced to the but­ ton.” Palmer added that none of the township clerks in the county have reported any evi­ dence of election fraud. “They’re all just kind of flabbergasted,” she said, “because they all balanced.” Leaf also told the Hillsdale crowd on Friday that clerks have expressed concerns to him about the election. “The big thing that my clerks are telling me - there’s a handful of clerks anyways they’re complaining that they don’t run the elections,” he said. “It’s run by the vendor See DETAILS, page 10 Bay Pointe rezoning request bounced back to plan board Staff Writers The 168th Barry County Fair is off to a great start in terms of attendance, fair officials say. Rebecca Pierce Fair board president Dennis Redman said Editor Tuesday, the first day of paid admission for The Barry County Planning Commission this year’s event, was the highest attendance decision to deny a Bay Pointe Inn resort figure for a Tuesday in :he fair’s history. “It wasn’t the highes; day we’ve ever had. rezoning request was sent back to the plan­ We’ve had four or five days higher than yes­ ning board by county commissioners Tuesday. It was an unusual action, county Planning terday,” Redman said ii an interview at the fair Wednesday morning “But yesterday was and Zoning Director Jim McManus said Wednesday. the highest Tuesday weVe ever had.” In kicking the issue back, the county board No specific attendance numbers were avail­ able for Tuesday, and a final attendance figure is asking planning commissioners to re-evalu­ for the week won’t be announced until after ate the basis for their decision, McManus the fair’s conclusion Saturday. But Redman said. And that action by the county is, in effect, said a number of factors - most notably the weather and the fact tlat people are getting neutral on the rezoning question. out after not having a county fair last year due On June 26, the planning commission spent to the COVID-19 pandemic - that are leading nearly three hours in debate and public com­ to the successful start. ment before it unanimously denied a request “The weather was perfect. We had a good to rezone the Orangeville Township property show. I mean everybody likes the auto cross,” from rural residential to mixed use. The he said of Tuesday’s off-road derby event at request, from Bay Corp. Inc., was to allow the grandstand. “And lice I said, people want construction of five more two-story cottages to get out, too. The carnival at Eaton [County], at the complex. they said the same thing. They were up 60 The planning commission’s decision to percent at Eaton County last week, and some deny the request was based on the existing of the vendors that weie in Big Rapids, they master plan, McManus said, but that plan said they were astronomically good. So, it’s needs an upgrade. not just here, it’s every place.” And, going forward, a denial on the basis of While participation ia local 4-H programs the county’s existing master plan could set a is down this year - likely due to uncertainty precedent and lead to other issues down the that the fair would be possible - visitors are line, he explained. still flocking to the various 4-H events, such County commissioners have a right to send as the horse and beef judging and the dog the request back to the planning commission agility competition that took place Wednesday. for rec-evaluation of the request and action on the request that is “site specific,” McManus See ATTENDANCE, page 3 said.“This doesn’t usually happen here,” he Board Chairman Ben Geiger offers direction to fellow commissioners during the meeting. added. “Typically, we don’t have this contro­ versial of a topic. But this is one that, histori­ cally, has been challenging.” Bay Pointe owner Mike Powers is asking to rezone two parcels, totaling about 3.7 acres, on Oarie Drive, a private drive that serves the resort. Approval would change the parcels from rural residential to mixed use zoning and that would allow Bay Pointe to add more cot­ tages to the resort. Bay Pointe employs between 125 and 150 workers and has an annual payroll of more See REZONING, page 13 �Page 2 — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Community Mental Health Authority awarded $3.3 million Plans to expand services, staff Barry County Community Mental Health Authority has been awarded a federal grant that will amount to $3.3 million over the next two years. The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grant is from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Mental Health Services. That administration announced the awards and anticipated future funding of 100 new federal grants, nationwide, to provide integrated care across the health care continuum, promoting a recovery-based focus to services through development of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. BCCMHA will receive its funding, beginning Aug. 31, 2021, through Aug. 29, 2023. The grant program will provide financial support for the local health authority to enhance and expand services for Barry County residents with increased access to behavioral health care, increased access to psychiatric services, and development of an intensive Assertive Community Treatment Team. Additionally, program evaluation, registered nurse care management, and services for veterans will be expanded. Grant funds will be used for these new and expanded programs, and 16 additional staff members will be hired. BCCMHA plans to serve an additional 200 county residents per year. The goals of the project are to increase access to behavioral health treatment for local residents, increase integration of physical and behavioral health through community collaboration and partnerships, and expand the capacity for high-intensity services for the severe and persistently mentally ill population. “It is the mission of BCCMHA to provide accessible and affordable mental health and substance use disorder services focused on “These funds will change lives for the better.” Kelly Jenkins, Barry County Community Mental Health Authority chief operating officer prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to county residents,” Richard Thiemkey, executive director of BCCMHA said, in a press release. “This CCBHC grant allows BCCMHA to do more - to grow our mission - to help our community residents with quality behavioral healthcare.” Kristyn Kostelec, integrated care supervisor at BCCMHA and the project director for the CCBHC Grant, said, “BCCMHA will now be able to provide an enriched array of services to those in need, with the intent of creating a ‘no wrong door’ environment for those seeking behavioral health or substance use services. We can now serve those with mild and moderate needs, while also strengthening services for individuals living with severe mental health challenges.” “BCCMHA is looking forward to responding to the behavioral health needs in our community,” Kelly Jenkins, BCCMHA chief operating officer, said. “We know this grant and its programs will improve the lives of many in Barry County. “These funds will change lives for the better.” Barry County Community Mental Health Authority is a licensed and accredited behavioral health agency providing treatment and prevention services to all Barry County residents. More information is available by calling 269-948-8041. AWARDS, continued from page 1 The former Hastings Table Company factory, later occupied by Royal Coach, a recreational trailer manufacturer, was to be converted to apartments before an arson fire destroyed the 130-year-old building in October 2020. New plans and a $1.4 million award are paving the way toward a housing project that could begin this fall. (File photo) General Capital tried again. Within the past year, they brought on the Gun Lake Tribe, managed to register the remaining property with the Michigan historical registry and designed a new site plan. As the project came to fruition, the group reapplied for the award in February, and it was approved. “This is the biggest project that has occurred within the city limits and probably, for as far as housing goes, in probably 40 to 50 years,” Barry Community Foundation President Bonnie Gettys said. The award will assist low- to moderate­ income residents, with everyone in the apartments required to have steady income. “It’s a workforce housing model, and it’s really about folks that are starting out and don’t have the higher-wage jobs, but they still deserve to live in a good place,” Gettys said; “they still deserve to live somewhere that is safe and affordable and stable.” King pointed to senior citizens as another benefactor of the apartments, saying they can downsize to live in the apartments. Doing so would open up additional homes on the market. On a more macro level, King said he hopes the apartments will attract even more developers to Hastings. “Once those doors are open and it’s occupied, number one, it will show other developers how vibrant the city of Hastings is,” he said. “... Those apartments will be leased out very quickly and will show other developers the severe need for housing in the city of Hastings, and that will lurch other developments forward.” King said General Capital aims to break ground in the fall. Once begun, the process should take about nine months, with the intention of finishing in the summer of 2022. A lot of work is left to be done, but for now, King said, the news is cause for celebration. “I’m 60 years old, so I don’t do cartwheels, actually never could, but it was very exciting news for the City of Hastings, for economic development, for the additional residents that this possibly could bring to town,” he said. Delta variant confirmed in J-Ad News Service An individual with the Delta variant of COVID-19 was identified in Barry County, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported Monday. The resident, who had not been vaccinat­ ed against CO VID-19, tested positive for the virus July 5, the health department con­ firmed. The first Michigan case of the Delta vari­ ant was identified in Ottawa County in June. Several other cases have been identified in the state since that first case was reported. Only a small percentage of COVID-19 tests are sequenced to identify the variant strain, according to a Bridge Magazine update Tuesday. In addition, it takes addi­ tional time to perform the genetic sequenc­ ing. Therefore, it is likely that there are additional unidentified cases of the Delta variant in Barry County at this time, health officials said. At this time, there is some evidence that vaccines remain effective against the Delta variant, they said. Health department staff is continuing to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals who work or live in Eaton or Barry counties. Vaccines are available at either health department office in Hastings or Charlotte, and mobile clinics also are offered at vari­ ous locations throughout the district. Vaccinations can be scheduled online through the BEDHD website, but walk-ins are available. Michigan added 1,028 COVID-19 cases Tuesday over the past four days, pushing the seven-day daily average to 273 and bringing the statewide total to 898,626 since the pan­ demic began. The case average has dropped slightly from last Friday and remains far below the 7,014 daily peak April 13. But cases have crept up since hitting a low of 110 on June 28. arry County The state, which is reporting this data twice a week now, also added another 14 deaths for the last four-day period - but all came from a review of death records. That brought the total number of deaths linked to CO VID in Michigan to 19,862. Health officials are urging people to con­ tinue to take precautions against COVID­ 19, especially as new variants of the virus become more prevalent. These precautions include individuals: - Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 when available and eligible. For the Pfizer and Modema vaccines, this means receiving both doses for the vaccine to be fully effec­ tive. - Wearing a mask around others if the individual has not been not vaccinated. - Staying 6 feet apart from others if not been vaccinated. - Washing hands often. - Ventilate indoor spaces. Joint Planning Alliance offers updates on broadband, trails, housing Jean Gallup Contributing Writer Joint Planning Alliance members were brought up to date on several topics at its Monday meeting. Sidewalks, trails, access to M-37 highway and a new housing development were part of the report. Hastings Interim City Manager Gregg Guetschow said not following the ordinance on a special assessment district to pay for a sidewalk to the Holiday Inn Express hotel resulted in a delay in the process and the need to start over. “The original Resolution of Necessity called for a 10-year-limit on special assessments, our ordinance called for five years and needed to be amended,” Guetschow said, “There were a number of conflicts. We are resolving all the problems. The new hearing for necessity will be held on Aug. 9, then it will be ready.” About a half dozen properties will be affected by the special assessment district on both sides of M-37/M-43 near the hotel, he said. The hotel management and its engineer now say they will install their own sidewalk so won’t be in the special assessment district. Asked aboutthe bridge oyer a^s^all creek near the hotel, Guetschow said that process also has problems^^ich he’s working to correct. One snag isthey are not sure how it will be assessed. “There are beneficiaries outside of the special assessment district,” he said. “Let me get through the necessity hearing first, then we’ll deal with the assessments. We’re trying to follow what the requirements are; we’re doing it the right way.” Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance President Jennifer Heinzman talked about broadband service. She said The Antero Group, with offices nationally, has contracted to identify all places in the county that are underserved or not served at all by broadband. The survey’s cost is $30,000, half paid by the Barry Community Foundation and half by the county, with the full report expected to be ready by mid-November. That “road map” will be used to determine the best way to deliver broadband to an area, whether underground, fixed wire above ground or satellite. Much depends on the amount of grant money that will come from a federal program, Heinzman said. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced in May that it had $288 million for grants to states, or its political subdivisions, and to providers of fixed broadband to deploy broadband service to rural and other areas that need the service. The Broadband Expansion Committee partnered with Great Lakes Energy in applying for a $30 million grant. “The grant is for shovel-ready projects, and Great Lakes has $30 million in projects already lined up,” Heinzman said. “They have been in on this with us since the beginning.” shejaid. “They know what we’re doing and have been very helpful, so we know they’Be good partners.”, _ : -L If Great Lakes Energy gets the full $30 million grant, it will be able to hook up 34,000 homes in the county. “They have lines into every one of those homes, so they can use their poles,” Heinzman said. Barry County Planning Commission Director Jim McManus said the commission will likely re-evaluate the M-37 corridor access management plan for the county. The last study was done in 2004. With changes and the development along the corridor, like the Holiday Inn Express hotel, Culver’s, and the traffic light at Finkbeiner/Crane Road outside of Middleville, a more up-to-date study is needed, he said. McManus said $100,000 in grant money remains available for brownfield environmental studies for commercial projects in the county. He also reported the two highest priorities for the trails seem to be extensions of the Hastings Riverwalk on Apple Street from McDonald’s to Walmart and three miles connecting the Paul Henry Trail from Middleville behind Bradford White’s plant to 108th Street at the Kent/Barry county line. However, there are a lot of property owners along the projected extensions. “It’s step by step; it’s a piecemeal process,” McManus said. Potentially, grants could provide “buying opportunities,” he said. He said he will ask owners of a Hastings property if they can go in and clear out some underbrush so people could at least walk through that area. Stacey Graham, member the Rutland Township Planning Commission, said the township board has approved opting in to marijuana facilities in the township. That should clearthg for the planning commission to develop a marijuana drdinaifee, with special land use zoning to regulate die facilities. The good news on the housing front, she said, is the planning commission recommended and the township board agreed to rezone 30 acres across from the county fairgrounds on M-37 from country residential to medium residential. Builder Carl Algera plans to build 17 new houses in the first phase of a development adjacent to Fairview Estates that will eventually have 50 houses. Rutland moves forward on marijuana ordinance Jean Gallup Contributing Writer The Rutland Charter Township Board has approved the last major requirement for an ordinance that would govern the growing and sale of marijuana in the township. At its July 14 meeting, the board voted not to put a limit on the number of facilities that might be allowed. Growers, processors, secure transporters, safety compliance cehters and provisioning centers many only be located in municipalities that “opt in” and enact ordinance permitting and regulating those facilities, according to the Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan. In June, the townslip board opted in and approved using the special land use zoning ordinance to regulate tie industry and a firstcome, first-served process for license applications instead of a lottery system. “We went with unlimited after about an hour of discussion; there were no arguments and very few people in the audience,” Supervisor Larry Wason said. “Now there’s just touch-up woik by the planning commission and attorney.” Watson said he expects the small details to be worked out at the planning commission’s Aug. 4 meeting. “They will decide things like bumper zones to keep facilities out of residential zones or any dense area,” he said. “We have plenty of open space in the township. No one is going to be crowded out of their space.” He predicted the new businesses will have little impact on township residents. “If someone doesn’t tell you, you’re not even going to know it’s there,” he said. Since recreational marijuana use was approved by Michigan voters in 2018, municipalities have struggled with a way to follow the law, with little help or direction from the state. Watson said his township has been dealing with the issue for two years, asking the same questions and getting the same answers, making little or no progress on the issue. That changed when township representatives contracted with Rebecca Harvey, principal planning consultant with McKenna Associates, and an attorney. “She dealt with it in the past, so she knows about it,” he said. “She gave us some directions. We’re happy with her.” Watson and Zoning Administrator Les Raymond visited several marijuana growing facilities and said they found the people operating them to be highly educated and running professional businesses. “It’s jobs. That’s what we’re looking at. There are going to be a lot of good-paying jobs that will help our residents,” he said. “We’re here for the residents. If you do that, you can’t go wrong. But you have to try. If you don’t try, you’ll never know. We think this will work.” The township is close to having an ordinance covering the manufacture and sale of marijuana in the township. Watson noted that Baltimore Township has a marijuana dispensary. “With marijuana, it boils down to how responsible you are in life; if you are responsible in that, you will be responsible with marijuana, alcohol use or driving a car,” he said. Marijuana use was prevalent in the 1960s and the Vietnam era, Watson said. “It was a young-people thing then; now it’s an old thing,” he said. | ------------------------- ------------------------- Hastings Charter Township to seek ARPA funds Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings Charter Township board agreed Tuesday to apply for American Rescue Plan Act funds. ARPA is a federal stimulus bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden March 11. “The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, authorized by ARPA, seeks to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery,” according to the Michigan Townships Association website. The website goes on to note that allocations are based on relative population counts with a maximum based on 75 percent of the local government’s budget - both general fund and all other funds - as of Jan. 27 , 2020 (pre­ pandemic annual budget). The application is due July 27. Supervisor Jim Brown said the township is in the very early stages of the process, and he has yet to see the application. “Who knows how much we’re going to get, when we’re going to get it, if we’re going to get it,” Brown said during the meeting. In later interview, Brown said he would lean toward spending the funds on broadband infrastructure in the township. Library planning 125th anniversary celebration Hastings Public Library will celebrate its 125^ anniversary at Thornapple Plaza in downtown Hastings from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7. A foam party and ice cream are planned, and organizers are suggesting attendees “dress for a mess.” Watch The Banner and Reminder for more on the celebration. Voters should return absentee ballots in person, via drop box Michigan voters in the 54 counties with elections on Aug. 3 should now return their absentee ballots in person or via drop box. The location of the local election clerk’s offic­ es and area drop boxes, as well as voter infor­ mation for applicable elections, can be found at Michigan .gov/Vote. “Michigan citizens have a number of options to vote,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Whether it’s voting absentee by mail or at their local clerk, drop box, or in person on Election Day, voters can be confi­ dent no matter how they choose to exercise their rights, the process will be safe and secure and their vote will be counted and their voices heard.” Those who do not yet have a ballot are encouraged to visit their local election clerk’s office, where they can be issued one, vote it, and return it to the clerk in the same visit. Those who already have a ballot at home should fill it out, sign the back of the envelope and return it in person or via drop box as soon as possible. Registered voters can vote early with an absentee ballot at their clerk office now through Aug. 2, or at their polling place on Election Day, Aug. 3. Those who haven’t reg­ istered can register online through next Monday, July 19, or register and vote in one trip to their clerk office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 3. For more election information, including the location of the local clerk’s office, area drop boxes, and sample ballots, voters can visit Michigan.gov/Vote. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — Page 3 ATTENDANCE, continued from page 1 Zane (left) and Clark Truer of Middleville play on machinery displayed at the fair as their father, Zeb Truer, watches. The boys, age 7 and 5, respectively, say they want one of these for Christmas - that, or a quad. Caroline Randall, 13, of Hastings, brushes her horse, Skylar, as her dad, Greg Randall, rinses the horse. All show animals - from ducks to goats to steers - must remain clean at the fair. If weather is hot,-a trip to the wash racks may be in order, to let the animals and people cool off. Cody Martin pets ^is\ chicken while Young Clover Zoe Bush smiles while showing her chicken on Sunday. Nate Boursma shows off his medal from the show. “They still have their shows, still doing the same thing - it’s just less people,” Redman said. “Really, from what I’m seeing right now, I couldn’t even tell there was less people. So, yeah there’s quite a few people here at the [beef] show.” Fair officials have faced no specific chal­ lenges so far, he said, and all the events are running smoothly. With good weather expected the rest of the week, Redman is optimistic turnout will con­ tinue to be strong. “Everybody knows this, this fair that we are ... weather-dependent. If it’s raining, we aren’t gonna have a very good crowd. If it’s sunny and 70, we’re going to be busting,” he said. The National Weather Service is calling for a slight chance of rain both Friday and Saturday. Today is Ladies’ Day at the fair, with admission at $2.50 until noon for all women. Amusement rides from Elliott’s Amusements will begin at 3 p.m. and continue until close. -- ----------------------------------------------“The weather was perfect. We had a good show. I mean every­ body likes the auto cross. And like I said, people want to get out, too. The carnival at Eaton [County], they said the same thing. They were up 60 percent at Eaton County last week, and some of the vendors that were in Big Rapids, they said they were astronomically good. So, it’s not just here, it’s every place.” Fair board president Dennis Redman The 4-H and FFA small animal sale of poul­ try, goats and rabbits will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Show Arena. Then at 7 p.m., it’ll be the Michigan Truck and Tractor Pullers Association tractor pull in the grandstand. Admission for the tractor pull is $10 per person, in addition to the general fair admission. talking to other showmen. Friday, the 4-H and FFA livestock sale, featuring lambs, steers, hogs and gallon of milk, will begin at 9 a.m. in the Show Arena. Amusement rides will open at 3 p.m. The Night of Destruction demolition derby will begin at 7 p.m. in the grandstand with admis­ sion at $10 per person. On the fair’s final day Saturday, the Show of Champions, featuring showmanship cham­ pions from the various judging competitions earlier in the week, will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Show Arena. The antique tractor pull will begin at 10 a.m. at the grandstand. The Barry County Fair Speed Show will take place at 1 p.m. in the horse arena, bring­ ing in youth and adult riders competing in barrel racing and related events. Midway rides will begin at noon and run until close. The SJO Motocross will start at 7 p.m. in the grandstand, with admission at $10 per person. Gate admission for the fair is $5 for anyone 13 and up (grandstand not included), $3 for seniors 62, and older and free for kids 12 and under. More details about the fair can be found at barryexpocenter.com. Hubert Hunt, 92, a lifelong HastTngs'resident, explains <he Intricacies of an antique hay baler. As a child in the 1930s, Hunt’s family had a trailer with a similar design, and he remembers following his father around as he drove in the trailer. Flags at the Barry County Fair wave in the wind around midday Monday. Pandemic, improved technology, lead to more sports streaming Taylyn Shoop, 10, Alyssa Shoop, 8, and their mother, Ashley Laclair, say hello to tortoises at the fair. Live postseason events streamed on MHSAA.tv during the 2020-21 school year were viewed nearly 1 million times, with 15 events drawing more than 10,000 live views apiece. The final championship weekend of the Spring - featuring Girls Soccer Finals and Baseball and Softball Semifinals & Finals, all across four divisions June 17-19 at Michigan State University - saw nearly 70,000 live views on MHSAA.tv despite record atten­ dance of those events at Old College Field. The Division 2 Softball championship game - which ended with Owosso claiming its first Finals title in any sport, drew a week­ end-high 5,677 live views on the network. The previous weekend, the Division 1 Girls Lacrosse Final won by Rockford on June 12 led the way with 4,284 live views. The total number of live postseason views on MHSAA.tv for 2020-21 was 962,371. The most-viewed live tournament events were the Individual and Team Wrestling Finals, which with all rounds over all four divisions com­ bined drew 244,044 live views. Among indi­ vidual games broadcast solely by MHSAA.tv, the Division 3 Boys Basketball Semifinal matching Iron Mountain and Schoolcraft (15,393 live views) and the Division 1 Volleyball Semifinal featuring Novi and Lowell (13,484) ranked among the most watched. MHSAA.tv is a partner of the NFHS Network. Postseason events streamed on MHSAA.tv included most sports’ Finals, and Semifinals and Quarterfinals for some - espe­ cially sports where multiple concluding rounds were hosted by the same tournament site. MHSAA.tv also ranked second among NFHS Network contributing states with 18,973 live events (postseason and regu­ lar-season combined) streamed during the 2020-21 school year. That total of nearly 19,000 live postseason events was an increase from 7,710 events streamed live during 2019­ 20 and 3,900 during 2018-19, and placed Michigan behind only Illinois. The School Broadcast Program is responsi­ ble for nearly all production of regular-season events. Having now concluded its 13th year, the SBP gives members an opportunity to showcase excellence in their schools by creat­ ing video programming of athletic and non-athletic events with students gaining skills in announcing, camera operation, directing/producing and graphics. Rockford - one of the state’s largest schools with nearly 2,500 students - broadcast 242 events, drawing an SBP-high 74,437 live views and 89,604 total with on-demand replays included. Much smaller Pewamo-Westphalia, a school of 300 students, received the second-most views of SBP members in 2020-21 with 56,009 includ­ ing live and on-demand. Marquette, Lake Orion, Cedar Springs, Montrose and McBain also were among top SBP providers. In addition to bringing local events on air nationally, the School Broadcast Program gives schools the opportunity to raise money through advertising and viewing subscrip­ tions. NFHS Network subscriptions begin at $10.99 per month. Subscribers receive access to all live and on-demand video from across the country. School Broadcast Program par­ ticipants receive a portion of every subscrip­ tion sold by a school to benefit its program. Broadcasts from the majority of Michigan schools - especially those lacking the ability to staff events for production - are streamed using a Pixellot automated camera. Michigan schools have 774 Pixellots in service, thirdmost in the country behind only Texas and California. Most Michigan schools have one camera at an outdoor stadium and a second at the main indoor gymnasium. �Page 4 — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Progress on project Work is progressing and a temporary bypass was created so the existing Long Lake drainage culvert can be replaced. The pipes are in the ground. Once the work is done here, it’s on to Cloverdale, according to Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Stimulus funds offer broad band of options in county Do you remember? Demolition derby winner Aug. 4, 1971, Banner Proud of achievement -- Orville “Chip” Curtis (right), of Irving, holds the trophy he received for winning the first heat in the demolition derby Saturday, July 24, the final night of the Barry County Fair. Clarence Hicks, 619 E. Thorn, as Orville’s pitman, had a big hand in the victory, too. Have you met? At 18, Yzabella Lab has written three 300page novels, and she’s working on her fourth. “Most kids are like, ‘Oh, what do you do for fun?”’ Some people go shopping, she said. “I go writing.” Lab, who lives in Lake Odessa, can spend hours in front of a computer screen, writing and writing and writing. She’ll sit at the com­ puter in her room and forget time exists. She calls it “binge writing.” By the end of these nights, she’ll have five to 10 single-spaced pages complete - and an annoyed sister/ roommate from all of the keyboard tapping. “I’ll just write and then, all of a sudden, I look up and I’m like, ‘Oh, the sun went down,’ or ‘Oh, I haven’t eaten in a while,”’ she said. The novels, however, aren’t meant for other people - not at the moment, at least. She hopes to publish them one day, but, right now, she’s content postponing the book agency conversations and keeping the texts for herself. “I’m really shy about them,” she said. “Writing, especially fiction, it’s like baring your soul. And so you don’t like to just throw it out there for it to be rejected.” For each novel she has written, Lab only has a few copies. One goes to her own per­ sonal library (she had so many books, she had to move them out of her bedroom and into the garage). A few more go to her two siblings, her parents, her grandparents and a close friend. Each book centers around the genre of Christian fiction. Lab started writing the novels at age 14 after her cousin died, and she has written one every year since. “I don’t like talking to people about prob­ lems, so I write them down,” Lab said. “For me, it’s if something’s too big for me to han­ dle, I give it to my character because, as the author, I know how they should handle it. And that’s like my own little therapy ses­ sion.” But Lab has had less time for her novels recently. She’s still writing - just in a differ- why she’s trying journalism. As much as she enjoys fiction writing, Lab understands the challenges of making a living in the fiction writing profession. She might follow in the footsteps of her mother, who teaches in the nursing program at Ferris State University, and become an English professor. She has even considered law school. In the fall, Lab will start her freshman year at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, where she has received a full-ride scholar­ ship and will play volleyball. Regardless of the profession she chooses, Lab has one requirement: She needs time to write. For her contribution to the world of writ­ ing, Lab is this week’s Bright Light: Yzabella Lab ent capacity. This summer, she joined the J-Ad news staff as an intern covering the Lakewood community. Now, she’s getting used to meetings and interviews. With the help of her father, a pastor and chaplain for the state police, she even got behind the caution tape to cover a tornado. Lab doesn’t mind the news writing, but it’s an adjustment. “I like fiction writing because I don’t need to ask people for facts, I get to exist in my own world and create my own people,” she said. “I’m a writer, not a talker.” Lab wants to try new things. That’s why she’s a third dan blackbelt (“dan” denotes the rank or degree) in Taekwondo, and that’s Favorite book: “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte. Favorite historical period: Renaissance and Reformation. I don’t know. I love all the art and all the ideas that were going on there. There’s definitely lots of change. I love a lot of the characters from there, like Elizabeth I - loved her. Favorite season: Well, my birthday is in fall, and I love pumpkins. I love the weather because I don’t like heat very much. And I love the colors. If I could go anywhere in the world: Europe. Anywhere in Europe. All over in Europe.... I have not been. My parents have, and I will never forgive them for not taking me. Person I would most like to meet: I think I might go for Jane Austen. She’s so witty. I love her social critique. I love it. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics .com. As the spigot opens on the $18 million coming to Barry County, the City of Hastings and surrounding townships and villages from the American Rescue Plan, local leaders are earnestly drawing up spending plans. The trick, however, will be how to use a one-time financial gift without becoming ensnared in maintenance costs on projects that could continue for years. That’s the caution passed on by Tim Mroz at a recent virtual meeting of the Hastings Rotary Club. Mroz is senior vice president for strategic initiatives at The Right Place, a Grand Rapids-based econom­ ic development agency. “The best and the worst thing you can possibly see is one-time money,” Mroz said of the federal fiscal relief to local govern­ ments intended to address the critical reve­ nue losses caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency. “Whatever you spend has to be maintained. You can’t put it in escrow. Some projects may require a tremendous amount of maintenance later.” This is why I’m encouraged by the dia­ logue beginning to take place in our com­ munity. Though the federal funds are restricted to infrastructure improvements, new technolo­ gy and broadband development, we certain­ ly do not lack for projects. However, we must plan and allocate carefully. Last week, the county board unanimously approved a $15,000 expenditure to develop a broadband plan for the county along with support from the Barry Community Foundation, which kicked in another $15,000 to ensure that a countywide broad­ band assessment will be completed by November. Broadband development has been a long-pursued need in this community. With more and more people relying on the inter­ net for their jobs, shopping, health care and pandemic-related virtual education, local broadband access and reliability is still a case of the haves and have-nots. Throughout the county, dead spots make it difficult for people to get the necessary speeds from their internet. Some say the internet is nice to have, but with today’s highly technical lifestyles, it has become critical. Whether working from home, studying, shopping or doing personal business, it’s become necessary to have quality internet service. According to the Federal Communications Commission, an estimated 20 million peo­ ple in rural America are without broadband coverage. Currently, the federal government is spending hundreds of millions of dollars, including a $20 billion FCC program, to expand rural broadband. Advocates say it’s not enough, though, and they are hoping communities such as Barry County will spend much of their federal stimulus money on broadband projects. I applaud our leaders for continuing to address an issue that has been plaguing this county for years. I’m not so sure, though, that broadband expansion should be at the top of our consideration list. Thousands of households, businesses and industries in the county already have accept­ able internet services. Those folks may be more inclined to see the money used for water, sewer and other infrastructure issues that would benefit a far larger segment of the community. The overlying focus should be on investing this gift for the benefit of all taxpayers. In the village of Freeport, for instance, houses have water service but are still on septic tanks, where, in Woodland, they have sanitary service but are on wells. In Delton, a water tower is needed before any housing projects are possible. In Hastings and Nashville, an expansion of water and sewer lines into neighboring townships would increase housing starts almost immediately. Investment in projects like these have addi­ tional spin-off value, spurring further devel­ opment and generate value that will contin­ ue long after the American Rescue Plan dollars are spent. I don’t diminish the critical need for broadband expansion. I’m more concerned with what continued technical development in the market might do to broadband invest­ ments made today. In his Rotary Club talk, Mroz pointed out the volatile changes in the broadband market. “There’s only about a half dozen broad­ band providers in Michigan, and rates have already gone up by 20 percent,” Mroz said, “so your purchasing power will be greatly diminished.” And by the time the county completes the plan, the prices could continue to escalate. Plus, with the fast pace at which technol­ ogy is changing, we must take into consid­ eration what internet connectivity will look like in the next few years. Take Starlink, for example. The satellite internet network of Elon Musk’s SpaceX company, Starlink recently passed the' 70,000-active-users mark and expects dra­ matic growth in the months ahead, antici­ pating more than 500,000 users within 12 months. Starlink operates as an internet network connected by thousands of satel­ lites, known in the space industry as a con­ stellation, designed to deliver high-speed internet to consumers anywhere on the planet. Starlink’s satellites are released in low altitude to decrease the latency, or time delay, in its service compared to traditional satellite services for faster download speeds. The future of broadband can hardly be imagined today. In the past year, SpaceX has sought regulatory approval to test its network in flight and expand the service to large moving vehicles, such as trucks and ships. It’s now the world’s largest satellite constellation, with more than 1,500 Starlink satellites launched into orbit to date. In the end, Barry County’s broadband connectivity will be resolved with a number of solutions, but officials should take into consideration all of the suppliers and ways to provide an acceptable internet infrastruc­ ture, given that the technology is ever-chang­ ing. That’s why community dialogue is so essential. “As communities take a look at what the big projects are,” Greg Moore, of Consumers Energy, said at a recent county board meet­ ing, “there are some wonderful opportuni­ ties in this county and examples of projects that may well have a chance to get done because of this money coming into the com­ munity.” Moore also acknowledged the existing reluctance of some local leaders to even be part of accepting and spending the federal dollars offered in the American Rescue Plan, but provided some sage advice. “Regardless of your view, whether the money should or should not be coming, it is coming, and it is going to be spent by some­ one somewhere,” Moore said. “For those communities that are a little reluctant, that say, ‘We don’t want to be a partner in this, we don’t want to use the money for these purposes, we’re going to send it back,’ I understand that feeling. The question is whether you are in a better position to deter­ mine how this money should be spent, and frankly, from what I’ve seen over the years, the folks in Barry County are in a much better position to determine where this money should be spent than Washington, D.C., is.” So, as local officials work on a plan to spend this pot of cash, they must be willing to promote open discussion of all the possi­ bilities with the understanding that “bad decisions have consequences.” Engaging the public as decisions are made leads to informed decision-making and better solu­ tions to problems that impact our communi­ ties. Local governments “are the new labora­ tories of democracy,” Zachary Markovits, vice president of the think tank Results for America, said. “Now is the time to formal­ ize relationships among local governments, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders to help localities make faster progress on long-term challenges.” Let’s slow down and take the time to look at all the projects in Barry County before we center on any one of them - it’s in the best interest of us all. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- In the village of Freeport, for instance, houses have water service but are still on septic tanks, where, in Woodland, they have sanitary service but are on wells. In Delton, a water tower is needed before any housing projects are possible. In Hastings and Nashville, an expansion of water and sewer lines into neighboring townships would increase housing starts almost immediately. Investment in projects like these have additional spin-off value, spurring further development and generate value that will continue long after the American Rescue Plan dollars are spent. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — Page 5 Proposed federal legislation would threaten voters’ rights To the editor: arry County needs to get tough with sheriff To the editor: After the recent revelation of how Dar Leaf is misusing our tax dollars and county assets by pursuing false election fraud allegations, how can our Barry County Board of Commissioners not, at a minimum, censure the sheriff? They need to send the sheriff a message that his actions are not acceptable or he’ll never refrain from such poor behav­ ior. They also need to make sure the sheriff knows that no money will be committed to a new jail facility as long as he is so reckless with the taxpayers’ money. The commission, as a whole, also needs to make a statement to the county and township clerks that they appreciate their efforts in facilitating a safe and secure election and apologize for how our sheriff is treating them. Our commissioners are responsible for the operation of our county. Until they stand up to the sheriff, our county will remain broken and the laughingstock of the state! Larry Osborne, Delton Vote ‘no’ on school bond request To the editor: The upcoming school bond issue is a slap in the face to our taxpayers in Hastings. The current people in charge sure know how to waste money - and that doesn’t help our kids or their education. The people in charge wonder why school enrollment keeps dropping and transfers to other schools are going up under schools of choice. Look at how little the Hastings school district offers to the kids, compared to some of the other school districts in Barry County. Why should we reward them by approving their bond request? The people in charge have no clue as to what is going on. It’s like they are living in the Dark Ages and couldn’t care less about educa­ tion for our kids. They are our future. What about the trades and vocational skills they will need? I hope that voters vote “no.” Let’s put new people in charge to help our kids. Besides, the federal and state governments are giving all the schools money. Why gouge the taxpayers at the local level? Elden Shellenbarger, Hastings Bond request is similar to maintaining a house To the editor: Because I am a member of (he citizens committee, a few people have contacted me asking for further information on the Aug. 3 school bond request, so I thought I would share a few things. This bond would allow our community the opportunity to reinvest in our schools without increasing the tax rate from what we pay now. Currently, our millage rate is set at 6.9 mills and will fall to 6 this next year. The request Aug. 3rd is for 0.8 mills, so if this were to pass, our rate this next year would be 6.8 mills. ... . Good buildings support great school system To the editor: I just graduated from Hastings High School and I’m on my way to one of the premier uni­ versities in the country. Hastings schools, from elementary to high school, have pre­ pared me to excel in college as I pursue my doctorate in emergency surgery . This isn’t the only thing that our schools have gifted me, though. The ability to partici­ pate in sports and many, many clubs and other extracurriculars gave me an understanding of how to serve my community. The ways to serve are limitless, but volunteering, voting and even taxes are some of the ways I can do that. I can’t wait to see my sisters become a state-level runner and a literal genius here in Hastings. The staff and coaches are ready to do so, but the buildings are lacking. The new science rooms in the high school are in danger from the leaking roof, and the locker rooms, while well kept, are something I and other students are ashamed of. I will be doing my civic duty and voting Aug. 3. Will you? This request is for general upkeep of our buildings: a new roof on the old portion of the high school, replacement of single-paned windows and other energy-efficient modifica­ tions, improvements to the ventilation sys­ tems, replacement of old buses, repairs and replacement of old playground equipment, and other needs specific to each building. Further information is available on the district website, hasskl2.org. It is important to understand that the money raised from this bond request can only be used for the needs specified on the bond request. Legally, it cannot be used for salaries, curric­ ulum or any other day-to-day expenses. I view the costs requested in this bond much like taking care of a house. All build­ ings need maintenance and repairs to keep them in good operating condition, and that is what this request addresses. It will allow our community to maintain our buildings and keep them in good condition for the next gen­ eration. Jennifer Haywood, Hastings Election claims don’t add up At the heart of a free America is the right to vote and have that vote count. Today, election fraud is a matter of enormous public concern, and Americans do not want to sweep it under the rug. Voter fraud is not a myth. People have been prosecuted for voter fraud, and the U.S. Supreme Court is on record saying “flagrant examples” have been documented throughout the nation’s history. But since the election of 2020, the allegations of voter fraud and election irregularities from election personnel are unprecedented, eroding trust in our election system. Many Americans now feel, if these election irregularities are not fully investigated and allowed to stand, this nation runs the very real risk of never being able to have a fair presidential election again. That is why audits of election ballots in the battleground states are taking place. Some states are passing election laws - or are in the process of passing election laws - to prevent voter fraud. They don’t want a repeat of the fiasco of the recent presidential election. They want it to be easy to vote and difficult to cheat. That is doomsday for Democrats: Panic time, and why Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer are now pushing House Resolution 4 - the “John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,” a bill that would do everything House Resolution 1/S.l would have done and more - so much more - and which Democrats failed to pass. A Rasmussen poll in March showed 75 percent of Americans support voter ID laws. H.R. 4, named after black Civil Rights activist Congressman John Lewis, who was instrumental in passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which makes it illegal to deny or abridge the right to vote on account of race or color, would outlaw voter ID laws. Voter ID laws are racist and discriminatory and suppress the minority vote, according to Schumer and Pelosi. If that were true, states that have passed voter ID laws should have been prosecuted for violating the Voting Rights Act. Why haven’t they? Because a voter ID law isn’t discriminatory. Yet this is the justification by Democrats to push to nationalize our elections and for bills H.R.1/S.1, and now H.R. 4. Democrats say the minority vote won’t be protected from being violated by the states Donald Trump and his supporters have, on numerous occasions, stated that he won the election with 75 million votes . At the same time, we are told that votes were somehow switched to his challenger, Joe Biden. If we are to believe that is true as well, he should have been claiming from the very beginning that he received many more than those 75 million votes he owned. The two stories simply do not add up. Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 published by... News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com 'Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ScottOmmen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Joan Jacobson, Lake Odessa To the editor: My husband and I walk our two dogs around the high school, middle school and Central Elementary neighborhoods twice a day almost every day. When my husband trav­ els for work, I walk one dog at a time. The reason being, at least twice a week, almost every week, for nearly a year now, we are/I am approached by loose dogs. Sometimes we are on the sidewalk near a home when a dog comes bolting from its yard. Sometimes we are across the street when a dog dashes across the street at us. All times, I am yelling at the dog to go home, yelling for the owner to come get it, and “dancing” to keep the dogs from getting at each other. This means I’m in the middle. Sometimes I throw myself on my dog to protect him from getting bitten and protect him from responding to the other dog. Sometimes it all happens too fast. This has happened on many different streets, with many different dogs, with many different owner responses. Some say nothing; some say their dogs wouldn’t hurt anything; others apologize. It happened to me twice today, thus this letter. Only this time, at lunchtime, I fell as I was trying to keep the dogs from interacting. I hurt my left foot in the process and limped home. I have it iced and elevated as I write this. It could have been worse. That dog could have bitten me or my dog. My dog could have bit- ten the other dog in response. I got lucky. I’ve had too many close calls to remain silent any longer. So I’m writing this letter to plead with the dog owners of our community. If there is even the remotest possibility that a dog won’t listen to its owners, or will leave its property to run at another dog - however friendly the dog may be - please leash it, or fence it, or pick it up and hold it. Owners need to be aware of where their dogs are, what they are doing, and of others who are walking by with their dogs. By not doing so, dog owners are putting me in dan­ ger, my dog in danger, and their dogs in dan­ ger. I don’t want their dog to bite or get bitten. I don’t want to get bitten. My dog doesn’t know their dog and their dog doesn’t know mine. My dog and I don’t know a dog’s inten­ tion when it comes racing at us. I can’t prom­ ise my dog won’t try to defend itself or me. Thankfully so far, he hasn’t been bitten or bitten another dog, and I have not been bitten yet trying to keep them apart. But I hurt myself today trying to make sure that was the case - because an unleashed dog ran across the street. What about next time? Help keep us all safe. Samantha Cairns, Hastings THIS AD FOR SALE! More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* THIS ■ ad ■ for SALE More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 of Middleville www.cnaads.com Public Land Auction The following County Treasurers will be offering tax-reverted real estate at public Auction on August 18th, 2021: Barry, Kalamazoo and Saint Joseph. The auction will be held ONLINE at www.tax-sale.info from 10:00am to 7:00pm EST. Bids can be placed up to 30 days in advance and assistance is available for those without computer or Internet access. For more information and a list of the properties being sold, visit: www.tax- sale.info or call 1 -800-259-7470. Sale listings may also be available at your local County Treasurer’s Office. Independent and Assisted Living Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVill 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Jlnnuat jufy Sate. 20% OFF FABRICS MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 Mark Bonsignore, Barry Township The Hastings BcUlIlCI' How dangerous is that? To sum up, if passed, H.R. 4 would essentially allow President Biden the ability to rig the rules in favor of Democrats in key states and give them the authority to void all existing and recent laws that states pass. The goal would not be to protect voting rights; it would be to make it easier for Democrats to win elections. Make your voice heard loud and clear. Contact your legislators and tell them to stop this massive partisan power grab, which is unjustified, unneeded and an intrusion into states’ sovereignty. Plea to dog owners: Protect yourselves - and others To the editor: Sam Randall, Hastings Frederic Jacobs until the federal government is in control of our elections. Bogus. And control is what unelected bureaucrats would have under H.R. 4. Through altering and weaponizing the Voting Rights Act and using a Supreme Court case, Shelby County v. Holder in 2013, it would give unelected federal government employees power to veto state election laws that they disagree with. The veto power is called “preclearance” and, to overturn a state’s laws, they wouldn’t even have to find discrimination. These bureaucrats would be able to stop nondiscriminatory laws also. Voter ID would be gone, ballot harvesting here to stay. This would be a true veto that could not be overturned, even the president of the United States wouldn’t have this power. #8110376 & Insured CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com Excludes sale items. Ends 7-31-2021. Tor Our Nation QUESTIONS: ASK US... OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station\ Please plan to join us for a Celebration of Life Concert in honor of STEVE REID Saturday, August 21st, 2021 Downtown at the Hastings Thornapple Plaza Starting at 5pm till approximately 8:30pm Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Middleville POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 ^7 www.CarvethVillage .com 'Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 Featuring local artist, Grumpy Old Men, Green Street Church Reunion Band, Brian Mote. As Steve shared his love of God and music with all of you, we hope you can join us to honor him! i, J �Page 6 — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — The Hastings Banner C. Von Geiger Floyd Duane Fisher, age 88, passed away on July 19, 2021. Floyd was bom on February 10, 1933, in Hastings, the son of Harold and Elsie (Charon) Fisher. Floyd was a 1951 graduate of Freeport High School. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force from October 1952 October 1956. Floyd married Norma Mae Bustance on July 18, 1951. Floyd was a self-employed painter, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Freeport United Methodist Church. Floyd is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Beverly Garrison and Margret Van Aman, and brother-in-law, Richard Bustance. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Norma Fisher; his sons, Kirk (Michell) Fisher, Harold (Monica) Fisher, and Phillip (Tatiana) Fisher. A graveside service will be held on July 31,2021 at 11 a.m. at the Freeport Cemetery, 200 N. Maple Street; Freeport, MI 49325. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. C. Von Geiger, age 91, of Lake Odessa, passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at his residence. He was bom January 15, 1930, in Freeport, the son of Russell and Phebe (Slater) Geiger. Von served in the U.S. Army and married Yvonne Short on September 19, 1953, in Angola, IN. She preceded him in death on September 19,1998. He was employed by General Motors for 31 years and retired in 1988. Surviving are his children, Rick, Ron (Kathy), Roger, Becky (Dan) Pickard and Rob (Tammy); grandchildren, Chip (Becky) Geiger, Jessica Geiger, Nic (Aly) Wieland, Brooke (Caden) Francisco, Eric Geiger, Megan Geiger, Alli Pickard and Abby Pickard; great grandsons, Beau, Jake and Ryhn Wieland; brother, Leroy (Donna) Geiger; and sister-in-law, Joyce Geiger. Von was preceded in death by his sisters, Eleanor Potter, Madeline Johnson Alferink and brother, Don Geiger. Von’s family received guests on Friday, July 16, 2021 at the Lake Funeral Home, 3521 S. State Rd., Ionia. A private family graveside service was be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial tributes may be directed to the Lake Odessa Community Library. Arrangements entrusted to HeeneySundquist Funeral Home, Farmington and Lake Funeral Home, Ionia. Jack Edward Herbstreith, age 79, of Hastings, passed away on July 14,2021. Jack was bom on January 3, 1942, in Hastings, the son of Hale and Anna (Hiher) Herbstreith. He was a 1960 graduate of Hastings High School. Jack worked for Eaton Corporation and Kellogg, retiring in 2005. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. On June 20, 1964, Jack married Gloria Jean Ruthruff, and they enjoyed 54 years together until her death in 2018. He was a “Jack” of all trades - electrical plumbing, construction, and he enjoyed fishing. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Jean (Ruthruff) Herbstreith; son, James Edward Herbstreith; his parents, Hale and Anna Herbstreith; brothers, Robert and Leon Herbstreith, and his sister, Marie Henge. Jack is survived by his children, Laurie (Steve) Lotter, Tom (Polly) Herbstreith, Karen (Joseph) Martin; five siblings; grandchildren, Megan (Taylor) Earl, Hannah (Dakota) Brownell, Ben Herbstreith, Tim (Makenna) Lotter, Natalie and Matthew Martin, and great-grandchild, Baby Jo Brownell due in September 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jack’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023; Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at GirrbacLJRiineral Home,. 328 S. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass Frobucts 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 !■■■ 1699 W. M43 Highway, 1301 W. Green St. Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 Helen Kaye Plaunt After a long and difficult struggle to sustain her health, Rosemary Ann Partridge passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 17, 2021, into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ. Her family was with her and surrounding her bedside. Rosemary was bom on June 5, 1956, in Battle Creek. She was the daughter of James Milo and Mary (Mackaluso) Partridge and moved to Hastings when she was six years old. Rosemary graduated from Hastings High School in 1974 and she graduated with an associates degree in business from Kellogg Community College in 1975. She was previously married, first to Robert Williams for five years and then the Larry Bingaman for 20 years. Rosemary started her career as a secretary for the United States Army at the Federal Center in Battle Creek. She then transferred to Fort Huachuca, AZ, where she worked for 20 years. She also traveled internationally many times and worked abroad in Worms, Germany for six years. She finished her government career by working at the Detroit Arsenal until her retirement in 2013. During her time in Hastings, Rosemary was a member of the First Baptist Church. In her youth, she was a leader on their quiz team and sang in their church choir. She was a compassionate Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for victims of child abuse in Arizona. Rosemary also won a citizenship award at Fort Huachuca and received awards for her outstanding work every year. Additionally, three banquets were given in her honor and a large photograph remains displayed in Grayling Hall to commemorate her achievements. For leisure, Rosemary enjoyed playing her computer games and participating in bingo events at the Commission on Aging. You would often see her with a good book in her hands or joyfully supporting her family with her time and presence. Rosemary was an active and passionate community volunteer and she gave many hours of her time volunteering with Michigan Blood and Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital. Rosemary was preceded in death by her father, James Milo Partridge; stepfather, Gary Arnold; grandparents, Paul Dominac and Rebecca (Slayer) Mackaluso and Milo and Lily Partridge; aunts, Barbara Underwood and Mildred Wiley, and uncle, Robert Louis Mackaluso. She is survived by her mother, Mary Arnold of Hastings; brothers, James Milo (Lainie) Partridge of Hastings and Frank Richard (Ginger) Partridge of Scottsville, KY; nieces, Lindsay and Katherine; nephews, Matthew and Jake; great nieces, Isabella and Rebel, and great nephews, Donovan and Nolan. Visitation will be Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Hastings Baptist Church, 309 E. Woodlawn Ave, Hastings, MI 49058 with a viewing one hour prior. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. Donations can be made in her honor to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Michigan Blood, and Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Helen Kay (O’Laughlin) Plaunt, age 79, of Hastings, went home with Jesus on July 18, 2021. Helen was born on November 11, 1941, in Battle Creek, the daughter of Terrence and Margaret (Garrison) O’Laughlin. Helen attended Hastings High School and received her GED from Lakewood High School in 1974. She worked for Hastings Manufacturing, Hastings House, and the Backdoor Deli. Helen married Lawrence Plaunt on September 18, 1959, and they were married for 61 years until Lawrence’s death earlier this year. Helen was a member of the Hope United Methodist Church for 50 years. She loved to read and draw. She loved to drink tea and have tea parties with her grandkids, great­ grandkids and her friends. She also enjoyed gardening. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; her parents, Terrence and Margaret O’Laughlin, and her infant daughter, Penny Sue Plaunt. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Parker of Hastings, Larry (Cary) Plaunt of Hopkins, Randy (Cyndi) Plaunt of Martin; 11 grandkids; six great-grandkids, and two great-grandkids on the way; three brothers Ron (Ellen) O’Laughlin of Hastings, Vaughn (Carol) O’Laughlin of Brownstown, Doug (Karen) O’Laughlin of Sebring, FL; 14 nieces and nephews and their spouses. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Helen’s memory can be made to the Hope United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/ donate or 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105. Visitation will be Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, 2920 M-37, Hastings, MI 49058 with a service to follow at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Jack Edward Herbstreith Worship Together HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodisLcom. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. Rosemary Ann Partridge Sang Im “JoAnn” Bell, age 82, of Hastings, passed away on July 15,2021. JoAnn was bom on April 17, 1939 in South Korea. She worked for C&F Stamping for several years. She was married to Daniel Bell, and they enjoyed 45 years together until his death in 2020. JoAnn enjoyed gardening and fishing. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband Daniel, her parents, and one brother. She is survived by her daughter, Ashleigh Hale; sons, Daniel (Kelly Jewel) Bell, Ray (Lisa) Bell, Tom (Heidi) Bell; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters and several nieces and nephews. There are no services planned. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. thoriihpple: P L H Y E R S Al TOIW » AUDKTIONcf • AUDKIONcf The Thornapple Players will be presenting The Odd Couple (female version) by Neil Simon this fall. Michael Moray Is directing. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Auditions will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 7:00 pm in the Dennison Performing Arts Center located at 231 South Broadway in Hastings. There are six female roles and two male rolls. Rehearsals are 7:00-9:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tech Rehearsal is Sunday, September 19,2021 - mandatory attendance. Show dates are September 22-26, 2021. Questions? Call Norma Jean Acker at 269-945-2332 or text 269-908-0870. If you cannot attend audition August 2nd, please contact us in advance to make other arrangements. Member. o£ the Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, INC. . — g^^ThOmapple ^^Arts Council — �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — Page 7 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner z TURNING / BACK THE I PAGES <3 ‘Air Forces' caravan was big draw after World War II This photo, perhaps a stock photo sent out in advance by the Army, was published in the Aug. 1, 1946, Middleville Sun. Text accompanying the photo read: “Pictured above is the huge Army Caravan ready for the road. It is appearing all this week at the Barry County Free Fair, with trained personnel to explain the use and operation of the items on exhibition. The display, as well as the fair, is free.” million-dollar exhibit will be open for inspection, under the supervision of trained Air Forces personnel, through the remainder of the exposition. The Caravan, which is located on the western end of the fairgrounds, provides fathers and mothers of Barry County’s fighting men an opportunity to see some of the weapons used so effectively in downing the Axis powers. The 14-unit show, which has been seen by more than 400,000 people in the past four months, is making its first appearance in Michigan and will go to the Ionia Fair from here. Its stop here is its 31st, and is under the command of Lt. Col. A.W. Schinz, who said the “purpose of the exhibit is to arouse and maintain public interest in the scientific and technical advances made by the Army Air Forces.” It is being used in conjunction with the recruiting program of the Fifth Army, and well-informed recruiting specialists will be on hand to give out any information about the advantages of enlisting in the nation’s peacetime Army. Finger of Light Charles H. Hinman Jr. (left) and Jack Echtinaw were recruited while an Army caravan was set up at the 1946 Barry County Fair. The two, who had just graduated, left in mid-August for basic training at Camp Lee, Va., and served 16 months at Adak, Alaska, before being discharged and returning to Hastings, where they continued their friendship. (Photo from “Barry County Men of the World War II Era”) Kathy Maurer Copy Editor The week of the 1946 Barry County Fair fell on the anniversary of the U.S. Army establishing an “aerial force,” nearly 40 years earlier. The 1946 fair also was celebrated within a year of the end of World War II - the first time in five years that the cloud of anxiety and uncertainty brought on by the war was not hovering over the community. Not surprisingly, the 1946 fair was a big success, drawing in greater crowds of people spending more money than in the previous years. And since the U.S. Armed Forces had more time on their collective hands, military officials decided to take part of their arsenal on the road and show Americans some of the equipment used in the recent war. Numerous caravans of equipment were assembled, staffed and sent out to small towns and big cities across the country. The display also bolstered recruiting efforts. The fairgrounds at the time extended from the current sheriff’s department east to Market Street, with the grandstand and racetrack taking up a good portion of the narrow grounds. What is now a five lane stretch of West State Street was a two-lane gravel road at the time, so fair-goers may have parked along the road, without the worry of crossing a busy highway. Still, with few designated parking lots and limited space, the record turnout and additional large vehicles likely led to crowded fairgrounds. The Aug. 1, 1946, Banner enticed readers, telling about the exclusive display to be at the upcoming fair: Barry salutes Air Forces today; caravan at fair Barry County residents will join with the rest of the citizens of a grateful nation today in a salute to the Army Air Forces - the world’s most powerful aerial fighting force which was founded 39 years ago today and slowly developed out of the ingenuity of what is America into the power that helped immeasurably to free an enslaved world during the recent war. County residents will not only pay honor to the AAF - in which several hundred Barry County men served during the past years - but they also will visit the greatest Army Air Forces caravan in the country at the Barry County Free Fair. See modern miracles Residents will have an opportunity to view the many modern miracles developed by the AAF under wartime pressure when they visit Caravan No. 11, which rolled into Hastings on schedule Tuesday morning. The several- Lt. Col. Schinz, a veteran fighter pilot in the Pacific and who earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with two clusters, and the Air Medal with two clusters, is commanding a group of nearly 40 officers and men who have already established a fine reputation in the city. Many are billeted in the high school gym, and some have quarters in various city homes. Among the outstanding exhibits available to residents is the 800 million candle-power searchlight, capable of picking up a plane at 60,000 feet. The beam from the light already has been seen by thousands of people, and the 12-mile finger of light will pick out the Army plane in night maneuvers. Of special interest will be a radar set that will “pick up” buildings just as it picked up German and Japanese cities, and show them in the scope. Combat films of fighter plane actions and bombing raids with outstanding photos of the intense flak our bombers encountered over Germany and Japan are being shown in the mobile theater. A big feature of the show is the smoke writing and night aerial combat maneuvers of the AT-6 “Texan.” The air show will be put on daily, and each evening, when weather permits. Smoke-writing pilot hopes to reach 3,300-hour mark here First Lt. William L. Walker, 24, of Tulare, Calif., flew over Hastings about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday for the first time, but his plane - an AT-6 “Texan” named Smoky Joe Jr. - by Saturday night will be very well known to county residents if the weather is good. He is with the AAF’s caravan. Lt. Walker, who has been in service with the Army Air Forces for 3^ years and who soloed two weeks before his 14th birthday, will do smoke writing in the sky daily throughout the fair, and tonight and Saturday night, is scheduled to perform night maneuvers, and if the weather permits, do some night sky writing. The veteran pilot, who served in combat over Germany with the Eighth Air Force flying B-17s, expects to hit the 3,300-hour mark during his flights over the city and county. During the night maneuvers, Smoky Joe Jr. will be followed through the skies by the big searchlight that was first seen in the sky Tuesday evening. Lt. [Walker] reports that the light, at 15,000 feet, is so brilliant that, because of the glare, it would be difficult to read a newspaper in the plane’s cockpit. Following his night maneuvers, he expects to land at Kellogg Field and return here the Ionia Fair this week. The young veteran, who was at one time an RAF pilot, was handicapped in his smoke­ writing by cloudy skies, but nevertheless his efforts thrilled thousands in this section. Not only did the Air Force personnel term their visit here a success, but Army recruiters from the Kalamazoo office - who assisted in making arrangements for the caravan’s stay in the city - reported they were pleased over results. Three boys, Charles Hinman, Jack Echtinaw and Richard Frantz, are scheduled to leave Tuesday for Army training, and others are practically signed up. The caravan’s visit was in connection with recruiting for the Fifth Army, as well as giving local residents an opportunity to see many scientific achievements of World War II. Hinman (1928-2017) and Echtinaw (1928­ 2010), both left for basic training at Camp Lee, Va., in mid-August 1946, and served together for 16 months with the 502 Quartermasters Corps at Adak, Alaska, in the Aleutian Islands, according to the publication “Barry County Veterans of the World War II Era.” Both 1946 Hastings graduates, they returned to the city and remained friends. Echtinaw used his Army experience to establish a service station and automobile dealership. Hinman initially worked at his parents’ grocery story and then White Products Co., before joining the state police and relocating to the Upper Peninsula. Frantz, who was bom in South Haven, graduated from Hastings High School in 1943. He later moved to Marion, Ky., where he worked at a machine and foundry plant. He died in 2004 at age 76. Show P-80 engine The sky writing will be done at about 10,000 feet with letters more than a block long. To the pilot, the letters appear upside down and backwards. Located on one van is a jet engine from a Shooting Star pursuit plane, which flies at speeds in excess of 600 miles an hour. The jet engine burns kerosene for fuel at the rate of 250 gallons an hour, average consumption. The engine weighs 1,870 pounds and has 4,000 pounds of thrust. In addition to the famous P-80 jet engine, a B-29 engine also will be on display, as well as the latest types of life-saving equipment, captured enemy equipment, and many types and sizes of enemy artillery. The Caravan, which is official known as the “Highways Project,” has been inspected by many generals of the AAF and different service commands and has been named the most unique mobile exhibit. A sate® jafeure?. the s reartisae sresgth as* imm aa a tefetet seAestial ter ter feres and prere- referee rest < a Fxredrel thretjM&re yrere sg& tedsy, the Amy Ate Fare** msw a. fan# ssatfe Bretfe te It®? teere w&z redy es* sjsd resisted There were W® tree yrsre later, OmHs Writer hb first srfister* rewft Tfee gams.. fsrre ahsafe e&3 a# WwW H gre* U® fisMs ssi sngissrrtT sf ths B'he *•*. frere ths firn, ths hsgreasst? -sf sis sse twrstsjt sf the futsre a- the Ths Air Freresthtt asks srrf Siushed with fijafee sj? st brasher ass SgtUss* where air® wss ts the- fesm-s ef war. Tassy, res-jtttw? t® fegjstare bresfere ter fisfesre. th?- ArwjtFASr**. w tegws s saigisAy resrerafe ter te? s-f s at ■re®?* te fey wstr iatre? x sass? Are? tesn the ArW? Ait s&d sgrete af a® srr srere .et-j’tnsifed yiresre, was she way te s&rea.* issr®apsifri engtee at' ife-e way yrete-ty is feres tret asd retest iBsaesilsi*- wMA: tew ssts-ttsA rite! wi? iinre. ire shfe wteh felgte Amy prsgTres fore tfe Ate wfei te th< te tee -y The Aug. 8, 1946, Banner followed up on the event, mentioning in an editorial that “the exhibits were of a quality you would expect to see at a Century of Progress Exposition or a New York World Fair.” Superforts roar over Barry; 18,000 inspect AAF Caravan Approximately 18,000 people - most of Smoke-writing pilot drew fair spectators Banner Aug. 1, 1946 them Barry County residents - now know considerably more about the type of equipment used by the Army Air Forces, for that number viewed the huge Caravan No. 11, which was on exhibition at the county fair from about 4:30 to 11 o’clock during the entire five days of the exposition. Hundreds of citizens turned out to honor the AAF Thursday - the anniversary of the birth of the most powerful aerial fighting force in the world - and saw a huge fleet of superfortresses roar over Hastings just about noon Thursday, accompanied by their fighter­ escorts. The planes were from Selfridge field and helped commemorate the 39^ Army Air Forces Day. One formation was not enough. About 21Z> hours later, another air fleet of about 15 C-47s roared over the city in another salute. It was estimated that about 35,000 people at one time or another were in the area occupied by the AAF unit on the western end of the fairgrounds. Under the command of Lt. Col. A.W. Schinz, the Air Forces officers and enlisted personnel made many friends in the city especially First Lt. William L. Walker, 24, who flew his AT-6 “Texan” - known as Smoky Joe Jr. - daily during the fair. Lt. Walker gave Barry and the surrounding vicinity its first exhibition of sky writing seen in a long time. He also flew in night maneuvers, followed through the sky by the 12-mile-long finger of light from the huge 800 million candle-power mobile searchlight that was seen by persons many miles from the city. Lt. Walker, veteran of many combat missions in the [European Theater of Operations] and who soloed before he was 14, had hoped to reach the 3,300-hour mark in the air here but fell several hours short of his goal. He will probably reach it while flying at the next day, landing on the Hastings Airpark. The local field is not equipped with night landing lights. During the day, when grounded, the public is invited to view the plane at the Airpark. The “Texan” is an advanced trainer used in fighter­ gunnery training and to Navy men is [known as] the SNJ. Lt. [Walker], early last year, bailed out with the rest of the crew over Germany and spent 19 days behind the lines. He returned with the help of the underground. In civilian life, he has done smoke writing professionally, as well as crop dusting and barnstorming. He spent one year at UCLA. This full-page ad, complete with the signature of Lt. Col. A.W. Schinz, was printed in the Aug. 1, 1946, Banner, inviting local residents to see the “Air Forces” caravan at the Barry County Fair. The bottom two lines read: “This message of great public importance is sponsored by the Hastings Manufacturing Company.” Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant �Page 8 — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Middleville to join county in fall Boo-Fest Greg Chandler Staff Writer Middleville typically holds its Fall Festival in October. This year, though, the village plans to tie in its local celebration to a countywide festival. The downtown development authority board Tuesday voted 8-0 to have the village be part of the Barry County Boo-Fest Saturday, Oct. 23. “I think it shows county unity,” DDA board chairwoman Kim Jachim said. The Barry County Chamber and Economic /^Doctor Universe # - .. * The chilly matter of ice cream Dr. Universe: Why do we have to keep things like ice cream and popsicles in the freezer? Asia, age 9, Seattle, Wash. Dear Asia, You may have noticed ice cream and popsicles will melt when they are out of the freezer for too long. To find out exactly why this happens, I headed to the Washington State University Creamery. My friend John Haugen, the creamery manager, was happy to help with your ques­ tion. He said a big part of the answer has to do with something called matter. All things in our universe are made up of matter even ice cream and popsicles. Matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. There are also three main states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. Temperature is one thing that has a big effect on a frozen treat’s state of matter. Haugen reminded me ice cream starts as liquid milk. At the WSU Creamery, workers add a few different ingredients, including fats and sugars, to the milk. They keep the ice cream mix liquid at exactly 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about as cold as the inside of your refrigerator. At this temperature, all the atoms that make up the liquid mix are able to spread out and move around. They can travel free­ ly in their container. But when the mix goes through a cooling process, things begin to change. First, the creamery workers put the liquid into a machine with a blade that stirs the ice cream mix to help it freeze into ice cream as it moves through a tube. The ice cream mix comes out a bit like soft-serve. It’s thicker than a liquid, yet not quite a solid. Next, that ice cream goes into a minus20-degree Fahrenheit freezer. Under these very cold conditions, the atoms slow down a lot. They get into a kind of organized, or in an orderly pattern, and they don’t move around nearly as much as they do in a liquid state. The ice cream that’s in the minus-20-de­ gree Fahrenheit freezer becomes way too solid for anyone to scoop. It has to go into a regular freezer at zero degrees Fahrenheit for a whole day before it’s ready to serve. If you eat ice cream on a warm day, the atoms start absorbing some of that heat energy. The energy causes the atoms to again start moving more quickly. The solid becomes a liquid - and you might just end up with a melty mess on your hands. Another part of the reason we keep ice cream and popsicles in the freezer has to do with food safety. If ice cream is out of the freezer for too long, it could invite bacteria to eat it. Those bacteria could potentially make us sick. Keeping foods at just the right temperatures is important for our health. The next time you go out for an ice cream, or maybe even make some of your own at home, think about all the atoms that make up your frozen treat. Now, that’s some sweet science. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Development Alliance is hosting Boo-Fest, and has contacted communities around the county to see if they would be interested in participating. Some of the activities planned for the festival in Hastings include hayrides, a harvest market, “Monster Mash” costume dance party, a haunted house, and a 5-kilometer run/walk dubbed the “Haunted Hustle.” “I do know that Nashville has talked about [getting involved], and so has Delton. It would be kind of neat to have a countywide fall event,” Jachim said. DDA member Randy Eggers expressed concern that moving Middleville’s event to be part of Boo-Fest might put it in competition with the events in Hastings. But fellow member Kristen Fisher considered being part of the countywide event a worthwhile idea. “I think we should give it a shot to see if it’s successful,” Fisher said. Middleville’s Fall Festival, typically the second Saturday in October, usually features a costume contest, pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating contest, classic car cruise-in, vendor booths for trick-or-treating under the Sesquicentennial Pavilion, and an arts and crafts fair at Stagecoach Park, according to the DDA website. It’s not yet been determined whether Middleville will keep the Fall Festival name as part of the Boo-Fest, DDA Director Katherine Schmidt said. In other business Tuesday, the DDA board: - Approved a contract with Freeport-based JtcJee Elaine Garlock We are enjoying ideal summer weather. Temperatures in the 70s and 80s are very welcome. Crops are growing. Wheat is turning golden. Gardens are visibly changing week by week. Potatoes are ready to eat. Squash is growing like crazy. We read that blueberries are ready for the market. Counties to our southwest are likely the nearest for berries to pick. Raspberries are now too dry for eating. Lilies are in their glory. Tomato plants are showing green globes of various sizes. Vines are climbing with their tender tendrils reaching for the sunlight waving their pencilthin tips for something on which to cling and then climb. The large planters downtown are full with greenery and blossoms. Meyers’ Bakery has a beautiful array of hanging baskets and planters. Relatives here in the Klahn and Winey families are now aware of the death lat week of Mary Jane Trout of Grand Ledge who died at age 99. She was bom the daughter of Arthur and Edna (Winey) Trout. Mary Jane had part of her elementary school years in Lake Odessa but lived mostly in the Lansing area. Among her accomplishments were a few years of teaching school, editorship of “Michigan History Magazine”, and being head of the genealogy division of tlie state library. Her late husband was an employee of MSU where he was chairman of major exhibits in the museum. Several members of the James and Cheryl Valentine family attended church in Lake Odessa last Sunday. A sudden case of COVID 1st Saturday jinxed plans for a gala event at the Bruce Garlock home at Big Rapids when son Brian realized he had lost his sense of taste and smell. He made a quick trip to the hospital for a test which proved positive. This prompted quick calls to NHL headquarters to cancel the arrival of the famed Stanley Cup on Sunday morning, other calls to cancel a fundraising event involving the cup, which would have benefited the Big Rapids High School hockey program, a meal already prepared for family and friends, a rented tent and notice to relatives far and near. His brother was en route from New Hampshire (via North Carolina) by plane but chose to continue anyhow. Relatives in Lake Odessa and Farmington stayed home. The parents were left to deal with perishable food for a crowd. A few years ago, the son of Nancy and Jeff Booi hosted their son the year his Washington team won the Stanley Cup. He the cup filled with frozen treats from Dairy Queen and they enjoyed eating the contents at a gala party. The Garlock party would have been similar but it just did not happen. Possibly Brian will have the cup for a day in September, but it likely will not be in Big Rapids. Life goes on despite disappointments. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING MAP NOTICE OF AUGUST 19, 2021 SPECIAL MEETING OF ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at the July 14, 2021 meeting of the Rutland Charter Township Board the following Ordinance No. 2021-177 was adopted. The original ordinance may be inspected or a copy purchased by con­ tacting the Township Clerk, Robin Hawthorne, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Ml 49058-9725, (269) 948-2194, during regular business hours of regular working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWN­ SHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTER­ ESTED PERSONS: TO: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Rutland Charter Township Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a special meeting (and public hearing) on August 19, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 for the purpose of considering the following matters: The application of Frederic J. Saint Amour, II for relief from provisions of the Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance to facilitate the reconfiguration of a parcel commonly known as 1919 Ottawa Trail (parcel no. 08-13-001­ 022-00) and a lot commonly known as 2114 Island Drive (parcel no. 08-13­ 040-028-20) so as to allocate some of the lake frontage and area of the existing waterfront parcel at 1919 Ottawa Trail to the existing back lot at 2114 Island Drive, and also create a separate back lot. The applicant is proposing to reconfigure the subject property so the resulting existing back lot at 2114 Island Drive would have 3T of lot frontage on Algonquin Lake, instead of the minimum of 100’ required by § 220-15-1 of the Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance for property in the Medium Density Residential District. Note: because the applicant’s proposal involves partitioning or dividing the platted lot at 2114 Island Drive, if the requested variance relief is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals the applicant’s proposal may also require consideration by the Township Board pursuant to Section 263 of the Michigan Land Division Act (MCL 560.263), which prohibits a lot not served by public sewer and public water systems from being partitioned or divided if the resulting lots do not comply with the applicable minimum lot requirements. 1. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE #2021-177 ADOPTED: JULY 14, 2021 EFFECTIVE: JULY 30, 2021 An Ordinance to amend the Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township as incorporated into Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code by the rezoning of property in land Section 5 of the Township from the “CR” Country Residential zoning classification to the “MDR” Medium Density Residential zoning classification; and to repeal all Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION I REZONING OF PROPERTY IN LAND SECTION 5 The Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township as incorporated into Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code is hereby amended to rezone from the “CR” Country Residential zoning classification to the “MDR” Medium Density Residential zoning classification the following described prop­ erty in land Section 5: DESCRIPTION OF PARCEL (parcel no. 08-13-005-007-00) RUTLAND TWP NW 1 / 4 SE 1 / 4 SEC 5-3-9 EX COM AT E 1 / 4 POST SEC 5 T3N R9W TH N 89 DEG 18’ 36” W 1308.96 FT FOR POB TH N 89 DEG 18’ B36” W 530 FT TH S 00 DEG 51 ’ 07” E 445 FT TH S 89 DEG 18’ 36” E 530 FT TH N 00 DEG 51 ’ 07” W 445 FT TO POB ALSO EX W 330 FT OF NW 1 / 4 SE 114 RUTLAND TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SECTION II REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES/EFFECTIVE DATE All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall take effect eight (8) days after publica­ tion or on such later date as may be required by law. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township Pixelvine Creative for updating the DDA’s website, at an initial cost of $1,200 for setup plus an additional $65 per month. DDA currently contracts with another company for hosting the website. The contract would retain the present middlevilledda.org website address and add features not on the current site, including a jobs listing and business directory, as well as search engine optimization. It also would have a design compatible with smartphones and tablets, according to DDA documents. - Approved a facade grant for new signage for Opus Artisan Boutique, which is opening later this month at 403 W. Main St., at the southwest comer of Main and M-37, in the amount of $1,731. “They had a successful business in Phoenix, Arizona, and they’re moving it here,” Schmidt said. “They are coming with an established business. It’s not their primary source of income. They are artists and have other income streams besides this. It’s a family business, a family passion.” - Tabled a facade grant request from Casey and Paul Haney for $4,480 to have new fencing installed around their home on Grand Rapids Street, near the skate park at Calvin Hill Park. There are few residences in the DDA district, but the Haneys are one of them, and the DDA’s facade grant program allows residents as well as businesses to apply, Schmidt said. “Whether it’s a commercial or residential space, if it improves the value of that piece of property, it improves the taxable value in the long term ... of the district down the road,” Schmidt said. Village Council Trustee Mike Lytle, the council’s representative on the DDA board, said he was not aware of any prior applications of residences in the DDA district for the grant. Under the facade grant program, the DDA can fund up to 50 percent for a facade improvement for any property within the authority district, as long as the work is completed within a year. “We don’t pay anything until the work has been completed,” Schmidt said. - Approved extending the Riverbank Music Series for one week, rescheduling a performance by the John Lip Band for Friday, Aug. 27. The band was to have performed for the music series June 25, but the performance was postponed because of rain. - Set Dec. 9-11 as the dates for the Christmas on the River holiday celebration, which will include Reindeer Night, the Holly Trolley, a holiday market and a decorating contest. The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider this variance application pursuant to the variance standards in § 220-24-9 of the Zoning Ordinance, and any other applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. This application may also involve variances from other requirements in the Zoning Ordinance, as may be determined based on the facts presented at the public hearing. 2. Markleys to celebrate golden wedding anniversary Brent and Cindy Markley of Hastings will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on July 23, 2021. Their children, Dana (Matt) O’Laughlin, Jason (Karyn) Markley, six grandchildren, and five great­ grandchildren wish them many more years of creating wonderful memories together. Thank you for the beautiful example you have set for all of us. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Board. The meeting/public hearing will be held at the Rutland Charter Township Hall located at 2461 Heath Road in the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance and Map, and the variance application materials, may be examined by contacting the Township Clerk, and may also be exam­ ined at the meeting. Written comments regarding the abovereferenced matters may be submitted to the Township Clerk prior to the meeting, and may also be submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the meeting. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2194 Edward Albert Beltz, Middleville and Sophia Grace Crambell, Middleville Alexis Grace Benedict, Hastings and Adam Michael Cusack, Hastings Jack Alan Harmsen, Baldwin and Cara Lynn Lydy, Hastings Jerome Stanley Goossen, Caledonia and Shirley May Carroll, Caledonia David Patrick-Kettle Horein, Hastings and Krotni Rochelle Christian, Grandville Brandon Dennis Lawhead, Dowling and Chelsea Jean Kubasiak, Dowling Aryeh Lev Nussbaum Cohen, San Francisco, CA and Abbigail Genevieve Schreck, San Francisco, CA �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — Page 9 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC Jim Lundin Financial Advisor 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 818-0423 The right emotions can be useful in investing You may have heard that it’s important to take the emotions out of investing. But is this true for all emotions? Certainly, some emotions can potentially harm your investment success. Consider fear. If the financial markets are going through a down period - which is actually a normal part of the investment landscape - you might be so afraid of sustaining losses that you sell even the investments that have good prospects and are suitable for your needs. Greed is another negative emotion. When the financial markets are rising, you might be so motivated to “cash in” on some big gains that you will keep purchasing investments that might already be overpriced - and since these investments are already expensive, your dollars will buy fewer shares. In short, the combination of fear and greed could cause you trouble. But other emotions may prove useful. For example, if you can channel the joy you’ll feel upon achieving your investment goals, you may be more motivated to stay on track toward achieving them. To illustrate: You may want to see your children graduate from college someday. Can Earnings history dates back to first job you visualize them walking across the stage, diplomas in hand? If so, to help realize this goal, you might find yourself ready and willing to contribute to a college savings vehicle, such as a 529 plan. Or consider your own retirement: Can you see yourself traveling or pursuing your hobbies or taking part in whatever activities you’ve envisioned for your retirement lifestyle? If you can keep this happy picture in mind, you may find it easier to maintain the discipline needed to consistently invest in your IRA, 401(k) or other investment accounts. Another motivating force is the most powerful emotion of all - love. If you have loved ones who depend on you, such as a spouse and children, you need to protect their future. One key element of this protection is the life insurance necessary to take care of your family’s needs housing, education and so on - should something happen to you. Your employer may offer group life insurance coverage, but it might not be sufficient, so you may want to supplement it with your own policy. Furthermore, you may need to protect your loved ones from another threat - your own vulnerability to the need for long-term care. Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of eventually needing some type of long-term care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This type of care, such as an extended nursing home stay or the help of a home health aide, is extremely expensive, and, for the most part, is outside the reach of Medicare. So, to pay for long-term care, you might have to drain a good part of your resources - or depend on your grown children for financial help. To keep your financial independence and avoid possibly burdening your family, you may want to consult with a financial professional who can recommend a strategy and appropriate solutions to cover long-term care costs. By drawing on positive emotions, you can empower yourself to make the right financial moves throughout your life. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Call anv time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Vonda VanTil Veroia Mills celebrating 100th birthday Mrs. Veroia Mills of Hastings will be celebrating her 100th birthday on July 31, 2021 with a special gathering of friends and family. . Mrs. Mills was bom on July 31, 1921 in Edon, Ohio as the eldest child of Wavel and Edith Fisher. As an adult she has lived in Battle Creek, Eaton Rapids, Lansing, and Hastings, and wintered for many years in Texas and Florida with her husband, Wayne Mills. She is also the proud mother of two children, with five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She continues to remain very active while living independently, and stays involved with her church and in playing cards with numerous friends. Mrs. Mills is a member of the Hastings GFWC, and she served both as an election poll worker and volunteered at the Pennock Hospital gift shop until her mid908. Public Affairs Specialist Ever wonder what you earned the year you worked your first job? Or perhaps any other year you worked? We can tell you. Your earnings history is a record of your progress toward your future Social Security benefits. We keep track of your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. This is why reviewing your Social Security earnings record is so important. While it’s your employer’s responsibility to provide accurate earnings information to us, you should still review your earnings history and inform us of any errors or omissions. This is so you get credit for the contributions you’ve made through payroll taxes. You’re the only person who can look at your lifetime earnings record and verify that it’s complete and correct. If an employer didn’t properly report even just one year of your earnings to us, your future benefit pay­ ments could be less than they should be. Over the course of a lifetime, that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in retirement or other benefits to which you are entitled. It’s important to identify and report errors as soon as possible. As time passes, you may no longer have easy access to past tax docu­ ments. Also, some employers may no longer exist or be able to provide past payroll infor­ mation. The easiest way to verify your earnings record is to visit ssa.gov/myaccount and set up or sign in to your personal My Social Security account. You should review each year of listed earnings carefully and confirm them using your own records, such as W-2s and tax returns. Keep in mind that earnings from this year and last year may not be listed yet. You can find out how to correct your Social Security earnings record by reading our pub­ lication “How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record” at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-0510081.pdf. Let your friends and family know they can access important information like this any time at ssa.gov and do much of their business with us online. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs special­ ist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A SPECIAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN THE: COUNTY OF BARRY STATE OF MICHIGAN TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021 FOR SPECIAL ELECTION THE PLACES HOLDING THE ELECTION IN SAID MUNICIPALITIES ARE INDICATED BELOW: TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 173 ADOPTED: JULY 14, 2021 EFFECTIVE; 1 DAY FOLLOWING PUBLICATION AFTER ADOPTION CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY GAS AND/OR ELECTRIC FRANCHISE ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE, granting to CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, its successors and assigns, the right and authority to lay, maintain and commercially operate gas lines and facilities including but not limited to mains, pipes, services and valves and to construct, maintain and commercially use electric lines and related facilities including but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, wires and transformers on, under, along, and across public places including but not limited to highways, streets, alleys, bridges, and waterways, and to conduct a local gas and/or electric business in the TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, for a period of thirty years. THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE ORDAINS: SECTION 1. GRANT and TERM. The TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, hereby grants to Consumers Energy Company, its successors and assigns, hereinafter called “Consumers” the right and authority to lay, maintain and commercially operate gas lines and facilities including but not limited to mains, pipes, services and valves and to construct, maintain and commercially use electric lines and related facilities including but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, wires and transformers on, under, along, and across public places including but not limited to highways, streets, alleys, bridges, and waterways, and to con­ duct a local gas and/or electric business in the TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, for a period of thirty years. SECTION 2. CONDITIONS. No public place used by Consumers shall be obstructed longer than necessary during construction or repair, and shall be restored to the same order and condition as when work was com­ menced. All of Consumers’ gas lines, electric lines and related facilities shall be placed as not to unnecessarily interfere with the public’s use of public places. Consumers shall have the right to trim or remove trees if neces­ sary in the conducting of such business. SECTION 3. HOLD HARMLESS. Consumers shall save the Township free and harmless from all loss, costs and expense to which it may be subject by reason of the negligent construction and maintenance of the lines and related facilities hereby authorized. In case any action is commenced against the Township on account of the permission herein given, Consumers shall, upon notice, defend the Township and its representatives and hold them harmless from all loss, costs and damage arising out of such negligent construction and maintenance. SECTION 4. EXTENSIONS. Consumers shall construct and extend its gas and/or electric distribution system within said Township, and shall furnish gas and electric service to applicants residing therein in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. SECTION 5. FRANCHISE NOT EXCLUSIVE. The rights, power and authority herein granted, are not exclusive. SECTION 6. RATES and CONDITIONS. Consumers shall be entitled to provide gas and electric service to the inhabitants of the Township at the rates and pursuant to the conditions as approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Such rates and conditions shall be subject to review and change upon petition to the Michigan Public Service Commission. SECTION 7. REVOCATION. The franchise granted by this ordinance is subject to revocation upon sixty (60) days written notice by either party. Upon revocation this ordinance shall be considered repealed and of no effect past, present or future. SECTION 8. MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION JURISDICTION. Consumers remains subject to the reasonable rules and regulations of the Michigan Public Service Commission applicable to gas and electric service in the Township and those rules and regulations preempt any term of any ordinance of the Township to the contrary. SECTION 9. REPEALER. This ordinance, when enacted, shall repeal and supersede the provisions of any previous Consumers’ gas and/or electric franchise ordinance adopted by the Township including any amend­ ments. SECTION 10. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect on July 23, 2021. We certify that the foregoing Franchise Ordinance was duly enacted by the Township Board of the TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, on the 14th day of July, 2021. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor Attest: I, Rod Goebel, Clerk of the TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the ordinance granting Consumers Energy Company, a gas and/or electric franchise, was properly adopted by the Township Board of the TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, and that all proceedings were regular and in accordance with all legal requirements. Rod Goebel, Township Clerk Dated: July 15, 2021 ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP CARLTON TOWNSHIP CASTLETON TOWNSHIP HASTINGS CHARTER TWP. HOPE TOWNSHIP Precinct Precinct Precinct Precinct Precinct Precinct 1 1 1 1 1 1 8094 Tasker Road, Bellevue, Ml 49021 3100 East Dowling Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 85 Welcome Road, Hastings, Ml 49058. 915 Reed Street, PO Box 679, Nashville, Ml 49073 885 River Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 5463 S. M-43 Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 IRVING TOWNSHIP JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP Precinct 1 Precinct 1 MAPLE GROVE TWP. ORANGEVILLE TWP. RUTLAND TOWNSHIP WOODLAND TOWNSHIP Precinct Precinct Precinct Precinct CITY OF HASTINGS Ward 1,2, 3 & 4 3425 Wing Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 13641 S. M-37, Battle Creek, Ml 49017 (hosting Bedford Twp. Calhoun Co.) 721 Durkee Street, Nashville, Ml 49073 7350 Lindsey Rd., Plainwell, Ml 49080 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 156 S. Main PO Box 98, Woodland, Ml 48897 Voting at Carlton Twp. Hastings Baptist Church, 309 East Woodlawn, Hastings, Ml 49058 1 1 1 &2 1 TO VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSITIONS LISTED BELOW: HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING AND SITE PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $21,900,000 Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Hastings Area School System, 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058-2298, telephone (269) 948-4400. Please take further notice that the bonds of the school District, if approved by a majority vote of the electors at this election, will be general obligation unlimited tax bonds payable from general ad valor­ em taxes. MARTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL EXEMPTING PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE AND OTHER PROPERTY EXEMPTED BY LAW 18.6169 MILLS FOR 5 YEARS Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Martin Public Schools, 1556 Chalmers Street, Martin, Michigan 49070-0241 telephone: (269) 442-0500. Sample ballots may be viewed at www.mi.gov/vote. THE POLLS OF SAID ELECTION WILL BE OPEN AT 7 O’CLOCK A.M. AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 8 O’CLOCK P.M. ON THE DAY OF ELECTION. Absent voter ballots must be mailed to voters no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021. Registered voters may contact their local Clerk to obtain an application for an absent voter ballot. For any other ques­ tions relating to the election process, please contact your local Clerk: ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP CARLTON TOWNSHIP CASTLETON TOWNSHIP HASTINGS CHARTER TWP. HOPE TOWNSHIP IRVING TOWNSHIP JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP RUTLAND 1 & 2 TOWNSHIP WOODLAND TOWNSHIP CITY OF HASTINGS Annette Terry Penelope Ypma Amanda Brown Marcia Scramlin Anita Mennell Deborah Jackson Sharon Olson Sheri Babcock Holly Carpenter Melody Risner Robin Hawthorne Nancy Stanton Jane Saurman . 269-968-3329 269-721-3502 269-945-5990 517-852-9429 269-948-9690 269-948-2464 231-373-4784 269-721-3710 517-490-9510 664-4522 948-2194 269-367-4915 269-945-2468 PAMELA A. PALMER, COUNTY CLERK �Page 10 — Thursday, Juiy 22, 2021 — The Hastings Banner CALLS, continued DETAILS, continued from page 1 goes and programs its computers. They from page 1-------- that “The big thing that my clerks are say it’s very vulnerable.” Georgia Jane Boness, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 24, 2021 to Sarah Boness and Andrew Boness of Hastings. Millie William Ryan Reigler, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 4, 2021 to Kirstin Reigler and Levi Reigler of Freeport. Rhett Walker Shaver, bom at Spectrum Ayla Faye Cordova, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 30, 2021 to Alexandria Miller and Santos Cordova Jr. of Lyons. bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 2, 2021 to Taylor Lynn Modreske and Brent David Modreske of Middleville. Thomas Calvin Modreske, Health Pennock on July 7, 2021 to Dawn Shaver and David Shaver of Dowling. Eva Lilly, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 25, 2021 to Taylor Wright and Noah Elliott of Hastings. Ava Harn, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 22, 2021 to Alyssa Clemons and Christopher Hom of Hastings. Mae Marie Rush, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 4, 2021 to Neena Marie Rush and Alec Riley Rush of Lake Odessa, Laiha Grace Dull, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 28, 2021 to Kayla Anible and Terry Dull of Hastings. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT (POSSIBLE) TO USE A VIRTUAL PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on August 12, 2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton Ml, 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, In addition to participation during an public hearing, members of the public may also provide comments for the Planning Commission’s consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Planning Commission for receipt prior to the meeting, in care of the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson (ethompson@pcimi.com) or by leaving a phone message prior to the meeting with the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson at 269-948-4088. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item® to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: A request from property owner, John & Ashley Sackett, 703 Fletcher Ave. Kalamazoo., Ml 49006, for a Special Land Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the placement of a recreational vehicle for temporary occupancy on vacant parcel land pursuant to section 4.40 “Temporary placement of recreational vehicles and tents for occupancy”. The subject site is located at 10844 South Dr., Parcel # 08-12-180-009-20 and is currently zoned R-2 - Residential. 2. Such other business as may properly come before the Planning Commission. The Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve I the right to make changes in the above-mentioned proposed amendment® at or I following^epyblij hearing, 1. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ prior notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION By: Myron Kox, Chairperson Prairieville Township Hall 11015 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046 ! IHl ........................................... hiiiim'7.... . assist in this probe due to his experience. But the sheriff added that he didn’t know much about Lynch, didn’t know who was paying him and couldn’t speak to his particular skills as an investigator. Junttila recommended Lynch, Leaf said, adding that he trusted her choice. Barry County township clerks told The Banner that Lynch has individually ques­ tioned them on their role on the election, and specifically about county Clerk Pam Palmer. Lynch has come to their offices with a Barry County sheriff’s deputy, but Lynch has been the one asking the questions, several clerks said. Barry County resident Ron Neil, who served for 26 years with the Michigan State Police and retired as the Hastings post com­ mander, confirmed Tuesday that Lynch is a licensed private investigator. But Leaf’s arrangement with Lynch is “unusual,” Neil said. “I’m just not aware of any situation in which a private investigator - and I’m a licensed one - would be called in to conduct an investigation that is criminal in nature,” Neil said. “That’s why we have law enforce­ ment to do that.” Neil said he does not know the specifics of this case, and Leaf may have some reason to believe Lynch’s experience would help them. But neither Leaf nor Lynch have said what that experience is - or why Barry County is the focus of a probe into alleged fraudulent activity during the November election. “In my 43,44 years of investigation ... I’ve spent quite a bit of time at the attorney gener­ al’s office, I’ve never heard of. a local sheriff investigating voter fraud,” Neil added. Law enforcement officials say the Michigan State Police and state attorney general’s office are the agencies that would typically be involved and they have units that are specially trained to investigate such matters. An eight-month probe ordered by the Republican-led Senate Oversight Committee concluded last month; it found no evidence of systemic voter fraud in Michigan. “The report... concludes there is no proof of dead voters or ‘fractional voting,’ no evidence of a fraudulent ‘ballot dump’ in Detroit and no proof any Michigan precincts had more than 100 percent voter turnout,” a Bridge Michigan article reported. “The report also repudiates arguments GOP activists have used in calling for a ‘forensic audit’ of the Michigan election, including claims that Dominion voting machines were connected to the internet or ‘manipulated’ in rural Antrim County.” “It looks to me like there’s been a lot of eyes on this investigation from all entities,” Neil said. “There seems to be a consensus that there was no fraud, if you will, involved in this.” Leaf, who staff members said is out of state to attend a political rally, did not respond to calls or texts for comment on Lynch or the meeting they had with Pratt on Monday. “That’s an outright lie,” Palmer responded to these comments. “They (the clerks) do run the election; they’re the ones that are there.” Palmer also pointed out that Leaf has not been the one who’s been talking to the clerks. That responsibility has been placed on a pri­ vate investigator, retired DTE Chief Security Officer Michael Lynch, who has been asking the questions with a sheriff’s deputy at his side. The Hastings Banner has interviewed sev­ eral township clerks in Barry County, all of whom said there was no evidence of voter fraud in their areas. In his speech, Leaf said he hopes other sheriffs will have the backbone to open their own voter fraud investigations in their coun­ ties. “Because we are finding some little things out there that can make a difference, especial­ ly if you look at the big national scale,” he said. “Like the voting from home, and regis­ tering to vote the same day. Yeah, we’re hav­ ing a hard time finding some people that claimed to have voted in some precincts here. So, yeah, we’re going to investigate that. Hopefully, we’ll catch them. Hopefully, we’ll prosecute them.” Palmer expressed mystification at Leaf’s remarks. “He’s coming up with all these allega­ tions,” she said. “I have no idea where they’re coming from. It’s just all a ridiculous accusa­ tion with no merit to it.” During his speech in Hillsdale, Leaf allud­ ed to Palmer as well as Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt, complaining that they had discussed Lynch with the Banner. Lynch has been questioning election clerks in Barry County for several weeks, asking some of them to sign affidavits while a sher­ iff’s deputy is standing alongside. “I can’t remember if he’s a private detective, but anyways, he works for one of these attorneys. He comes highly recommended. He’s done these investigations across the country, so I invited him on in. And we’re trying to keep the inves­ tigation quiet so that we could get it done. Lo and behold, two electeds in my county released his name to the news media.” Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf “He’s coming up with all these allegations. I have no idea where they’re coming from. It’s just all a ridiculous accusation with no merit to it.” Pam Palmer, Barry County Clerk telling me - there’s a handful of clerks anyways - they’re complain­ ing that they don’t run the elections. It’s run by the vendor that goes and programs its computers. They say it’s very vulnerable.” Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf “That’s an outright lie. They (the clerks) do run the election; they’re the ones that are there.” Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer “I can’t remember if he’s a private detec­ tive,” Leaf told the Hillsdale audience, “but anyways, he works for one of these attorneys. He comes highly recommended. He’s done these investigations across the country, so I invited him on in. And we’re trying to keep the investigation quiet so that we could get it done. Lo and behold, two electeds in my county released his name to the news media.” Bridge Michigan reported a brief phone interview with Lynch last Thursday. “Lynch told Bridge Michigan he is ‘part of’ the Barry County probe, but declined to say who hired him,” the magazine article report­ ed. “He said he was about to have a meeting and would call back. He has not.” “Instead, [attorney Stefanie Lambert] Junttila responded by email to a separate Bridge inquiry, describing Lynch as a ‘certi­ fied fraud examiner’ and ‘licensed investiga­ tor’ who ‘was previously employed at DTE for 40 years with 20 years spent serving as the director of security.’” “Michael Lynch has not been paid to inves­ tigate election fraud in Barry County,” Junttila wrote the Bridge reporter. Neither she nor Lynch would answer any further questions. Lynch’s reply to Bridge was: “Ms. Lambert [Junttila] sent you a response.” Meanwhile, Leaf told The Banner that Lambert had recommended Lynch for the job in Barry County and that he didn’t know who was paying him. But news agencies have been “relentless” in their questions about Lynch, Leaf said, telling his audience in Hillsdale that he car­ pooled to the rally with another speaker. They had planned to meet at the sheriff’s office, but when the man arrived there, he told Leaf that news reporters were waiting for him. “He calls me up ... and I’m going, ‘Meet me at K-Mart. I don’t have time.’ ” After hearing these remarks, Palmer asked why Leaf would duck the news media - and why he would give out details of this investi­ gation at a political rally when he had refused to share that same information with officials in his own community. “What does he have to hide?” she asked. A video recording of Leaf’s speech in Hillsdale is available at ariseusa.com. Tracing source of local voter fraud probe ................. 54697 HOPE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Hope Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a meeting and public hearing on Thursday, August 12th at 6:30 p.m. in the Hope Township Hall, 5463 South M-43, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within the Township, to consider the following variance request: Doug and Dawn Drenth wish to reconstruct and expand a house within the required side yard and front (lake side) yard setback areas on parcel (08-07-360-041-00) located at 4639 Cordes Road, Delton, Ml 49046. The Hope Township Zoning Ordinance requires that buildings and structures be set back 20 feet from the side lot line and 50 feet from the lake on lots in the RL, Residential Lake zoning district, which can be reduced by 50% on legally nonconforming lots, except that a structure shall not be any closer to a lakeshore than a straight line connecting the nearest building on each side of the lot. The applicant is requesting a 7’ variance in the front (lake side) yard and a 7’ variance on the side yard. A copy of the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance and the application is available for review at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during regular business hours. The Hope Township Zoning Ordinance is also accessible at www.hopetwp.com. Members of the public may provide written comments for the Zoning Board of Appeals’ consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Township Clerk for receipt at least one day prior to the meeting at clerk@hopetwp.com or at the address below. Written comments will also be received from any interest­ ed persons by the Hope Township Clerk at the Hope Township Hall during reg­ ular business hours and may be further received by the Zoning Board of Appeals during the hearing. Oral comments will be taken during the hearing. Hope Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon five (5) days’ prior notice to the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. HOPE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ■ Hope Township Hall 5463 South M-43 Hastings, Michigan 49058 ____________________ (269)948-2464 -____ Taylor Owens Staff Writer Julie Jones, a former sergeant with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, said she sub­ mitted the original complaint that started the investigation into voter fraud in Barry County. Jones, who retired in 2019, said her com­ plaint was based on a court document that came from a lawsuit filed by William Bailey in Antrim County. She obtained it from the website of Bailey’s lawyer, Matthew DePemo of Portage. “It all came from the information, Barry County-specific information, from Matt DePerno’s case brief,” Jones said. “My report pretty much mimicked what was in the case brief.” She filed her complaint in April; the lawsuit it was based on was dismissed by a judge in early May. The exhibit Jones put in the complaint graphs of voter information for several Michigan counties, including Barry County. It alleges that the ratio of ballots cast to regis­ tered voters in several Michigan counties was too similar. The witness who created the presentation for DePemo, Douglas Frank, has claimed that the number of votes cast in counties across the United States was actually determined by a hidden algorithm that he discovered. Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer reviewed the document and said she couldn’t make sense of Frank’s argument. “I have no idea where they came up with these numbers, or what database they’re using,” Palmer said. “They’re basing their investigation off a complaint that was thrown out.” The fact-checking website Politifact reviewed Frank’s claims in April and rated them “Pants on Fire,” the highest rating for falsehoods. The site noted that the numbers Frank used in his presentation differ from the sources he cited. When asked why the population numbers he based his argument on were different from the U.S. census numbers that he said they were based on, Frank said he had “interpolat­ ed” the census data for his report. Politifact also pointed out, as Palmer noted, that Frank’s count of the registered voters was taken Oct. 2 of last year, and ignores any res­ ident who registered between Oct. 2 and Election Day Nov. 3. “The committee closely followed Mr. DePerno’s efforts and can confidently conclude they are demonstrably false and based on misleading information and illogical conclusions.” A report released by the Republican-led Senate Oversight Committee 1 Frank declined to explain further details on the algorithm. Jones, however, maintained that Frank is a reputable source. “Attorneys don’t go to court lying,” Jones said. “They go to court with information they can back up, because they can lose their license over that.” The Michigan State Senate does not agree. A report released by the Republican-led Senate Oversight Committee specifically named DePemo as pushing false election claims, a Bridge Michigan article noted. “The committee closely followed Mr. DePerno’s efforts and can confidently con­ clude they are demonstrably false and based on misleading information and illogical con­ clusions,” the report said. That report also called for the attorney gen­ eral and Michigan State Police to investigate individuals who have made false claims about the election for profit or publicity. DePemo raised more than $384,000 for an “election fraud defense fund,” and announced a campaign for attorney general last week, according to the Bridge story. But Jones said what she read in the Antrim County brief has led her to believe votes were stolen from Barry County residents, and both Democrats and Republicans conspired to steal the election from Donald Trump. “Am I in love with Donald Trump? No. Am I in love with freedom? Yes.” “I’m pretty sure that there was fraud; actu­ ally, I would bet my life on it,” Jones told the Banner. “I’m a person that’s just very concerned, and I love my country and my community,” she added. “I wouldn’t go in there and make an a— of myself if I didn’t worry about the future of America.” Jones said she wasn’t accusing election officials in Barry County, because she believes any fraud would be happening without their knowledge. She said she believes the fraud lies in the Dominion voting machines that were used by the clerks, and said they were siphoning votes off each county by flipping them away from Trump. Bob Price, a four-term member of the Barry County Board of Canvassers, which certifies the vote every election, said he doesn’t see how that would be possible without leaving a trail of evidence. “I don’t buy it,” Price said. Canvassers are exacting in their standards on checking the election, he explained. They double- and triple-check the numbers, and rerun the ballots through the tabulators if there is any question. If the tabulators had been hacked to switch the votes, he said, one of two things would have happened: Either the fraudulent pro­ gramming would still be on the machines, or it would have been deleted. If it was still on the tabulators, it would be found. If it had been deleted, the numbers would have been different when the canvassers reran their bal­ lots through the tabulators days after the elec­ tion. Either way, it would have been caught, Price said. When the canvassers reran ballots through the tabulators during their certification, the totals came out the same as they did on elec­ tion night. Any issues that might lead to a difference, such as a ballot getting jammed in the tabulator, were accounted for and fixed. “I know that there is no voter fraud in Barry County; I’m positive,” a fellow member on the board of canvassers, Anne Richards said. “It’s just not possible. We feel very confident, the four of us, that the elections were very honest... We go through everything with a fine-tooth comb at the board of canvassers.” She called the claims made in Frank’s report “hogwash.” Richards also commented on the sheriff’s office’s investigation: “I don’t believe there is any validity. I think it’s a way of making peo­ ple think there’s a problem - and that’s too bad, because our clerks did an awesome job.” “It sounds like they’re fishing for support for speculation that there should be data to support it,” Price said. But upon hearing the information that the complaint was based on, Price said, “There is no data.” �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — Page 11 April Lynn Krebs, 41, of Delton, was con­ victed as a habitual offender of conspiracy to commit second-degree home invasion and larceny - stealing fishing equipment, collect­ ibles, ammunition, engines and/or electronics - in a dwelling house or shed in Hastings, and inducing minors, a 17-year-old man, to com­ mit a felony - larceny in a building - between June 30 and July 3, 2019. She was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 300 days in jail, with credit for 76 days served, on the first count, and 76 days in jail, with credit for 76 days already served, on the other two counts. Krebs was ordered to pay $5,044 in costs and fines, including $4,310 in restitution, and ordered to serve 36 months of probation upon her release from jail. She also was ordered to participate in and successfully complete the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation program. Charges of aiding and abetting in a home invasion on Tanner Lake Road and attempting to break in, bum, blow up or otherwise destroy a safe, vault or other depository of valuables in a certain dwelling house in Hastings were dismissed at the time of sen­ tencing. Her prior offenses involved the attempted resisting and obstructing of a police officer Feb. 12,2004; and operating/maintaining a meth lab Sept. 26, 2013, both in Barry County. Christopher Ray Rogers, 34, of Hickory Comers, was convicted of domestic violence and fourth-degree child abuse that occurred Aug. 29, 2020, in Yankee Springs Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve one day in jail, with credit for one day served. Rogers was ordered to pay $548 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. He also was ordered to participate and suc­ cessfully complete parenting class. He will be evaluated for the Office of Community Corrections Cog Program. A no-contact order was lifted, and a charge of third-degree child abuse was dismissed at the time of sentenc­ ing. His prior convictions involve carrying a concealed weapon March 8, 2018, and attempted possession of a dangerous weapon Jan. 11,2007, both in Barry County. Douglas Charles Gonsalves Jr., 40, of Hastings, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, Dec. 10, 2020, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay $498 in fines and costs. His driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Gonsalves also was ordered to participate in and successfully complete the Office of Community Corrections’ Cog program. Charges of operat­ ing a vehicle while his license was suspended and operating a motor vehicle without securi­ ty on West State Road were dismissed at the time of his sentence. Lafey back in court; case awaits independent forensic exam Taylor Marie Murdock, 27, of Allegan, was convicted of possession of the controlled substance methamphetamine. She was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to five days in jail, with credit for five days served, ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs, and placed on probation for 12 months. Her driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Murdock must obtain a GED or her high school diploma and abide by all the terms of her pre-sentencing report. Her 7411 status was revoked May 13. John William Gummo, 41, of Middleville, was convicted of failure to pay child support and sentenced by Judge Schipper to 47 days in jail, with credit for 47 days served. He was ordered to pay $21,206, which includes resti­ tution of $20,808. He was placed on probation for 24 months and ordered to comply with all the terms of his pre-sentence report. Estate Sales Estate Sales For Sale ESTATE SALE: WE'RE BAAAAAAAAAAACK! We have a great sale for you. Come and celebrate with usz the history, life, & 90 year collection of this grand cou­ ples Estate. Now to offer: Mid-Centruy Tampico dinner­ ware by Red Wing, Jewel Tea collection, Ruby Red King's Crown glassware, Depression ware glass, Fenton art glass, Waterford crystal collection, Murano glass, A large collec­ tion of art glass paper weights, crocks, and large assortment of household items & deco­ rative and much, much more. 2 large antique sculptures, Royal Danish sterling silver set, Drexel Heritage black lacquer side tables, from E. T. - Cetera collection, Drexel black lacquer wall chest by E. T. collection, Drexel roll­ ing black lacquer server by E. T. collection. Large black lacquer lighted Breakfront, Mid-Century lacquer Cu­ rio Grandfather Clock, Late 1800's furniture. Large Arts & Craft bookcase, Vintage Barristers stackable Bookcas­ es. Large Chippendale Dining room suite, Rare World War II military Marmite blood bank war container, Large antique "Buddy L" train set, Antique wash tub, Vintage enamel industrial pendant lights, Signed Paintings and Vintage Prints plus Wall art. Large assortment of jewelry, plus jewelry bags. Jars of Vin­ tage buttons. Toys/books/ tools/antique wood working tools and much, much more. Pictures can be viewed on: estatesales.net - Look for Red Barn Estate Sales. Absolutely No Early Sales! No one is allowed to view the collection until the 1st day of the sale! This is going to be a great sale. You don't want to miss it. We also have Big Mo's food truck to refresh you. We accept all major credit cards. We hope to see you there. Date of Sale: Friday, July 30th, Saturday, July 31st, Sunday, August 1st, 2021. 10am-5pm daily. 8411 North 32nd St., Richland MI 49083. 269-760-1682 or 269­ 275-3995. ESTATE SALE: THURS-SAT, July 22nd-24th, 2021. 9am6pm. 9490 Prairie Dr, Alto. SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. Help Wanted HOW WOULD YOU like the same schedule as your child? Nights, weekends & holidays off. YOU EVEN GET A SNOW DAY!!! Cale­ donia Schools Food Service is looking for help. Experience preferred in food & customer service, ability to work in a fast paced environment. If interested in joining our team please call 616-891-0227 from 8am-Noon Mon.-Thurs. Or apply online at aramark.com click on Caledonia Schools. Garage Sale GARAGE/BARN SALE! Multi-Family! Friday, July 23rd, 2021 9am-5pm, Satur­ day, July 24th 9am-noon. 1562 Iroquois Trail, Hastings. Toys, swing set, walk-in tub, rolltop desk, household items, kids clothes, bookshelves, dresser, and much more! Pets AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD MIX puppies. 1st shots & wormed. $350. 517-726-0706. Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Farm Use Happy Jack® Kennel Dip to control fleas, ticks, mange, stable flies & mos­ quitoes where they breed. At Tractor Supply, (www. kennelvax.com) PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY need a sox? We sell boxes of AL|, SIZES! NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28852-NC JUDGE: WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Lillian Jo Smith. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 8/18/2021 at 2:00 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Lillian Jo Smith to Lillian Jo Pewoski. 164729 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Kevin Carl Wilson, 35, of Delton, was convicted of disturbing the peace and sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to pay $200 in fines and costs. Charges of kidnapping/child entice­ ment and assaulting/resisting a police officer were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Christian Cossu Gonzalez, 42, of Hastings, was convicted of possession of the controlled substance methamphetamine and sentenced by Judge Schipper to 71 days in jail, with credit for 71 days served. Gonzalez was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. . ..... . Murder suspect Andrew Lafey appears on a screen while attending court via a remote hookup from the Barry County Jail June 30. (File photo) J-Ad News Services Murder suspect Andrew Lafey will receive an independent forensic examination after Barry County Judge Michael Schipper approved a request from the defense Wednesday. The 21-year-old Nashville man is charged with open murder, torture, concealment of a body and five firearms violations in the death of 18-year-old Gracyn Brickley of Ionia County. Police allege that Lafey beat Brickley, used a rifle to shoot her, then hid her body Feb. 16. Her body was found covered in snow near Lafey’s residence on Guy Road in Maple Grove Township Feb. 17, police said. On Wednesday, Lafey appeared in court via a remote hookup from the Barry County Jail. After the proceedinggJProsecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt said defense attorney James Kinney requested an independent forensic exam, so the next conference in the case will take place at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 1. Schipper ordered a psychological examina­ tion in March for Lafey, who had been sched­ uled to appear in court in late May for a hearing on the results of that exam. The exam­ ination was expected to show whether he was competent to stand trial. A report also was expected to indicate whether he could be held criminally responsible for the alleged offens­ es. But the hearing had to be delayed several times because the report had not been com­ pleted. Four days after his arrest, Lafey became involved in an altercation with an employee at the Barry County Jail. Nakfoor Pratt said the finding that Lafey was competent to stand trial opened the door for her office to file assault charges against Lafey stemming from the jail altercation. A court hearing on those additional charges took place June 30. TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor, Rita Marie Allerding, (date of birth June 26, 1924), died June 13, 2021. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the settlor are notified that all claims against the Rita M. Allerding Trust dated October 11, 2002, as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to Tamila A. Nicholas, Trustee of the Rita M. Allerding Trust dated October 11,2002, within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Rita M. Allerding Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Date: July 19, 2021 Nicholas Law Firm P.C. Steven R. Nicholas P39431 1315 Lansing Road, Ste. 1000 Charlotte, Ml 48813 (517)541-3701 Tamila A. Nicholas 4380 N M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml 49058 164698 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28855-DE Estate of Mary Ann Bradstrom. Date of birth: July 15 1944. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Mary Ann Bradstrom, died October 27, 2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Charles K. Bradstrom, personal representative, or to both the Barry County Probate Court, 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: June 17, 2021 Deborah Whyman P66937 42807 Ford Road #270 Canton, Mi 48187 (734) 981-5419 Charles K. Bradstrom 355 N. 28th Street Springfield, Ml 49037 (269)420-0302 164712 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE 5th CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF BARRY **************** Case No. 21-3328-AY and 21-3329-AY Notice of Hearing by Publication: Parental-Rights Termination Dispositional Hearing In the Matter of: ISAIAH L JOHNSON and GRACIE L JOHNSON: D.O.B. 06/10/2012, and 10/21/2013 To: GEOFFREY JOHNSON A termination proceeding will be conducted by the court on this matter on: August 17,2021 at 1:45 pm via a virtual courtroom proceeding before WILLIAM M. DOHERTY. Instructions for connecting to the Virtual Court Room at the time of the proceeding are as follows: • Polycom Systems (C.Qu.rt_BQQm^JaiJ^_eiQj.: Dial 162.255.37.11 ##5030695658 • Desktop PC’s and Laptops: Go to Zoom Web Site (zoom.us). Click on “Join a Call”. Join using Meeting ID 5030695658. • Tablets and. Phones (Apple and Android): Install the Zoom App from the App Store or Play Store prior to the call. At the time of the call launch the Zoom app and join using meeting ID 5030695658. • Phone Call Only: Call 646 876 9923 or 669 900 6833 and connect using meeting ID 5030695658 (this option may only be used with the Court’s prior permission) This hearing may result in yourchiid(ren) being made a temporary ward of the court and further may result in the termination of your parental rights. You have a right to an attorney. If GEOFFREY JOHNSON desires to participate in these proceedings, he shall appear in the virtual courtroom per the above instructions, or, personally appear before Judge WILLIAM M. DOHERTY at the 5th Circuit Court in Barry County (located at 220 West State Street, in Hastings, Ml) at the time stated above. To request a copy of the Petition, or any documents associated with this case, call the Barry County Clerk at (269) 945-1286, or contact the attorney for the Petitioners, below. Dated: July 14, 2021 JUDD & FRICKE PLLC Stephanie L. Judd Attorney for Petitioners 40 Pearl Street NW, Ste 800 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 802-0333 stephanie@juddandfricke.com SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting July 13, 2021 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Approved Assessor contract Approved applying for ARPF money Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:33 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 164711 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting July 14, 2021 Called to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Stoneburner, Goebel, Doster & DeVries Absent: Pence Agenda and July 2021 Minutes were approved. Road Commission Report Commissioner’s Report Public comments, if any, were received. Department and Officers reports were received. Approved paying bills: $30,082.59 Approved Resolution 2021-10, ARPA Funds. Approved Ordinance 173, Consumers Franchise. Appointed Fire Chief and Assistant Chief. Approved MTA Principles. Approved Reserve Officer. Approved Initiation of Merlau Road Project Approved Sale of Surplus Vehicle Public and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 164746 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor, Lucille V. Pearson, DOB: 4/03/1943 SSN: xxx-xx-3170, who lived at 10976 Shady Lane, Yankee Springs Twp., Michigan died December 15, 2020. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Jack and Lucille Pearson Trust dated 3/2/2006, as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to Jack H. Pearson Trustee(s), within 4 months after the date of publication. Varnum LLP Linsey Gleason P72242 Bridgewater Place - PO Box 352 Grand Rapids, Ml 49501 616/336-6000 Jack H. Pearson c/o Linsey Gleason Bridgewater Place; PO Box 352 Grand Rapids, Ml 49501 616/336-6000 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST ESTATE TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor, Della M. Bush, (date of birth) 12-10-1926, who lived at 1873 W. Sisson Rd., Freeport, Michigan, died June 25,2021. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Della M. Bush Revocable Living Trust dated Dec. 2, 2013, as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to Judith A. Appleby Successor Trustee, within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Date: July 14, 2021 Judith A. Appleby Successor Trustee 1873 W. Sisson Rd. Freeport, Ml 49325 269-908-3151 164466 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-5-2021 - Scott Ross (Property Owner) Location: 72 East Hickory Road, Battle Creek, in Section 29 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct an ad­ dition to a home with a side yard setback of 4.7 ft (the minimum is 6 ft) in the RL (Recre­ ational Lakes) zoning district. MEETING PATfrAugust 09,2021. UM£: 7:00 PM. PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described property will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jw^IlinusOamcQyntxorfl. The variance application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk �Page 12 — Thursday, July 22, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Civil War Muster at Charlton Park attracts fans from all over The cavalry rides through after the artillery demonstration Sunday. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Cyndi Carlson of Jackson wears cloth­ ing appropriate to the 1860s. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Gilbert Carlson of Jackson is decked out for the event. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) This past weekend, Charlton Park re-enacted Civil War times, when soldiers bivouacked along a country road. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Cyndi and Gilbert Carlson of Jackson have been participating in historical re-en­ actments for about eight years. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Sally Nosbisch of Manchester, dresses in clothing appropriate to the 1860s for the Civil War Muster. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Rebecca Pierce Editor Doug and Sally Nosbisch are going on their 26th year of historical re-enactments. The Manchester couple has traveled to Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, Florida and West Virginia to participate in re-enactment events. Sunday, they traveled from Washtenaw County to participate in the Civil War Muster at Historic Charlton Park. “I’m cannon fodder,” Doug Nosbisch said with a twinkle in his eye. They were standing outside Carlton Center Church overlooking the village green, waiting for the artillery demonstration. The two-day event offered food and enter­ tainment, educational lectures, artillery demonstrations and even a cavalry charge. “I’ve learned so much back-history of how people lived and how they got things done,” said Nosbisch, a retired plumber. He and his wife have learned how to craft practical items - such as caning chairs. Both can sew now. But they use a Kenmore machine, a considerably more advanced method of garment making than was used in the 1860s. Sally Nosbisch noted that her husband is better at sewing than she is. “I made myself three frock coats,” he said proudly, “a couple pair of trousers and a sack coat.” “Not any shirts,” he added. “That’s on my to-do list.” Both were dressed in period clothing for the Charlton Park event. “It’s a lovely setting,” Sally Nosbisch said. “It’s more period correct than Greenfield Village.” Gilbert and Cyndi Carlson of Jackson have been participating in re-enactment events for eight years. The second largest muster in the United Doug Nosbisch of Manchester, says his involvement in historic re-enactments has taught him a lot about how people lived and got things done. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) States takes place in Jackson, they said. “We went one night and we were hooked,” Cyndi Carlson said. Now, the couple said, they participate in re-enactment events for several historical periods, from Colonial to Regency, World War II “on the homefront” to the Civil War. And Charlton Park with its Civil War re-en­ actment of a muster - which refers to a formal gathering of troops, especially for inspection, display, or exercise - is a favorite location for them. “It’s beautiful,” she said. The Carlsons dressed their part: She was clad in a pale blue gown, with a fitted bodice and a hoop skirt belling out below, a light blue plume curving around the small bonnet atop her head. Her husband was kitted out in a frock coat, shirt and bow tie, vest and trou­ sers, complete with a dapper Panama hat. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-890-870-7985 Cindy Donahue of Mount Clemens (left) and Jen Billings of Hastings make their way toward the village green at Historic Charlton Park Sunday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Participants in period attire sashayed their way around the village square while visitors sought good spots from which to watch the artillery demonstration. Prior to the cannon being fired, Troy Bongard of Clare, who dressed the part of a Union officer, saber at his side, spoke to the audience gathered along the hillside overlook­ The Civil War Muster is complete with cavalry. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) ing the green. “Our purpose is not to glorify war,” Bongard said of the re-enactment. “My job is to remember those who served.” By the 1860s in America, weaponry used in battle was actually pretty good, he told his audience, a gloved hand gesturing to the can­ non on the village green behind him. It was being loaded by his men at a safe distance from where he was standing and the listeners watching from the hillside. “We got pretty good at killing each other,” Bongard said. “Two percent of the population of the United States died in the Civil War. It affected everybody.” After taking questions, he turned to his soldiers. “Let’s make this gun go boom,” he said. And that’s exactly what they did. Maple Valley youth football plans camp and fall sign-up Maple Valley Youth Football Association will host a free football camps for students from first through 12th grades July 26-29 in conjunction with sign-up sessions for the upcoming fall season. The camp for players entering first through sixth grades in the fall who are interested in improving their football skills will be from 6 to 7:30 each evening. The camp for any students entering grades seven-12 will be at the Maple Valley High School practice field from 7:30 to 9 p.m. each day. Questions may be directed to varsity head football coach Marty Martin, 517-231-48-41. Sign-up sessions for the Maple Valley Youth Football fall season will be from 6 to 7:30 each evening at the high school practice fields. The cost for the season is $75 for third through eighth grade players and $50 for the younger Mighty Mites. “We provide all of the equipment for the kids except for football shoes,” coach Martin said. “Additionally, we provide sign-up scholarships for players and families who request them.” Late sign-up sessions will be Aug. 16 and 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $90 for late sign-ups. Martin would also like folks to know that MVYFA is always in need of coaches. “If you are someone who understands that playing football is an experience unlike any other. If you are willing to put the players interests and the program’s interests ahead of your own. We can use your help,” coach Martin said. A copy of each football player’s birth certificate will be needed, as well as a completed physical card on file before Aug. 16. Returning players need a physical card on file by Aug. 16. Students can usually get the physical card from their doctor or pick them up at the high school office before going to the doctor for the annual exam The MVYFA season starts with practices Aug. 16, which will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Games will be played Sundays this fall. Weigh-in night for all players who will be either running or catching the football will be at Williamston High School Aug. 24. The third-eighth grade teams will again compete in the AUPANG Travel Football League. The MVYF Mighty Mites, tackle football for first and second graders, will begin the season Aug. 23 and it will run for six weeks with three games. All games will be played at Maple Valley against other Maple Valley teams. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 22, 2021 —- Page 13 HCDC third, with a few medalists, at state championships Hastings Community Diving Club coach Todd Bates after receiving the third place ; trophy at the Michigan Summer Championships at the Holland Aquatic Center this weekend. The Hastings Community Diving Club, .which practices at the CERC in Hastings throughout the year, placed third at the Michigan Lakeshore Aquatic hosted Summer Diving Championships in Holland over the weekend, finishing third in the final overall Team point standings. Jillian Brandli, Mayari Coriano-Lahiff and Aubrey Yarger won state championships in their divisions, and the synchro team of Abigail Dumond and Lexi Koomdyk earned silver medals - the highest placing HCDC synchro team yet. The club also had three bronze medalists Hastings Community Diving Club Nationals team athletes Lexi Koorndyk, Abigail Dumond, Mayari Coriano-Lahiff and Eve Bishop gather with coach Todd Bates during the weekend of competition at the 2021 Summer Diving Championships at the Holland Aquatic Center July 16-17. and a pair of fourth-place finishes over the weekend at the Holland Aquatic Center. Dumond and Eve Bishop earned bronze medals for third-place finishes, and Bethany ButchBaker and Lexi Koomdyk both placed fourth. “The next two weeks will be dedicated to our Nationals teams that will be competing at AAU Diving Nationals in Morgantown, West Virginia and USA Diving Nationals at IUPUI in Indianapolis Indiana,” Bates said. Those who are interested in learning how to use a diving board safely in a positive envi­ ronment can contact coach Todd Bates by phone at 248-227-7718 or through email at toddbates@att.net. The club offers both recre­ ational and competitive track programs. HCDC divers Bethany ButchBaker, Jillian Brandli, Abigail Dumond and Aubrey Yarger gather around head coach Todd Bates during their weekend of competition at the 2021 Summer Diving Championships at the Holland Aquatic Center. Hastings school officials discuss critical race theory with parents Taylor Owens Staff Writer Hastings Area Schools has no critical race theory in its curriculum, and no plans to incor­ porate it, Superintendent Matt Goebel said after the regular board of education meeting Monday. With only two action items on the agenda that required little discussion, much of the 45-minute meeting was taken up by commu­ nity members expressing their concern about the district’s response to COVID-19 this fall, and critical race theory. According to the American Bar Association, the theory is “a practice of interrogating the role of race and racism in society that emerged in the legal academy and spread to other fields of scholarship. ... It critiques how the social REZONING, continued from page 1 than $2 million, according to Powers. Many business people and residents spoke during the planning commission meeting on June 26 and many of the same people attend­ ed the county’s Committee of the Whole s meeting Tuesday to speak in favor or against the request. During the planning commission meeting, several commissioners suggested the group wait until a new county master plan could be County Planning and Zoning Director Jim McManus advises commissioners during Tuesday’s session in the court­ house mezzanine. Attorney David Tripp, in foreground, with Bay Pointe owner Mike Powers, who made the rezoning request. developed before making future zoning changes. Now the request will return to the planning commission for reconsideration on a site-spe­ cific basis, McManus said. “They will re-evaluate it,” he said, adding that any decision they make should be based just on those parcels in question in Orangeville Township. Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer, on right, trains account clerk Cherie Robins on taking the minutes during the Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday. construction of race and institutionalized rac­ ism perpetuate a racial caste system that rele­ gates people of color to the bottom tiers.” Goebel said he has heard from about 10 parents in the district about the issue, which also has been brought up during public com­ ment at school board meetings across the region, including Thomapple Kellogg, Delton Kellogg and Lakewood. At the same time as the -Hastings-- schooUbGard-meeting Monday night, about 90 people showed up at a Caledonia Community Schools board meeting to demand that theory not be taught in the district. Those superintendents, like Goebel, have been emphatic that it is not included in their curriculums. Four women spoke out against it during the meeting at Hastings. “I don’t think that our school probably would be enforcing that at all, although some different educational places are,” Faith Byykkonen said. “I would encourage you not to enforce that, or to even allow it to be taught.” Byykonen asked the board to encourage the staff to not take sides on political issues, or even discuss politics in the classroom. Byykonen said her daughters felt uncom­ fortable when politics that differed from their own were discussed in the classroom. “One of my daughters in particular ... felt very awkward and that she didn’t fit in, and kind of segregated her in her thoughts.” Byykkonen said. “Maybe not in reality, but in her thoughts, of feeling that she was ajone. I know we want school to be a safe place for all people.” Rachel Frantz said she agreed with every­ thing Byykonen said. She also asked to see the school curriculum, and said she was unable to find it online. Maria Calderon said Monday was her first time at board of education meeting, but she had to voice her concern over critical race theory. “That is my biggest concern as a parent,” Calderon said, “ensuring that this critical race theory and the 1616 Project has not infiltrated the school.” A long-form journalism project of the New York Times Magazine, the 1619 Project “aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative,” according to its website. Lindsey Endsley said she also was con­ cerned about the theory, and worried that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer might try to force it into the curriculum under the guise of “diversity” or “inclusion.” “How are teachers being held accountable to remain neutral?” Endsley asked. Board President Luke Haywood thanked the members of the public for their comments, and said the board is planning to schedule a workshop to talk with parents about this sub­ ject in an open dialogue this fall. Trustee Dan Patton said the work session also would be a good opportunity for the board members themselves to learn about the topic. “I’ve heard a lot of about critical race theo­ ry, I’ve heard a lot about 1619, and I honestly don’t know what’s factual, what’s not factu­ al,” Patton said. “It’s really something relatively new... peo­ ple are still learning about it,” Goebel told the Banner. “It’s not factual, the last word of critical race theory is theory.” “So, I think we’re all learning what it is,” he added. “Is it a curriculum or is it a prac­ tice? I myself am still learning what it actually is.” But Goebel does know it’s not being taught in his district. “No,” he said. “No way.” The district has no plans to implement that curriculum, or any new curriculum, into the Implementing new curriculum is a lengthy process that goes through multiple tiers of staff within the district, he added. “Believe me, after last year, our teachers have had a lot to take,” Goebel said. In other business: - Some members of the public voiced their concerns over viral mitigation measures for COVID-19 this fall. Byykkonen asked the district not to return to measures that were implemented last year, such as mask wearing and testing student athletes. Robin Nichols asked the district not to go back to remote learning this fall, and also complained about the lack of time her chil­ dren had with their teachers each day during remote learning last year. “We all know that our kids learn the best in the classroom, so we’re going to do every­ thing we can, within our power, to keep kids in school.” Haywood said to the audience. “Obviously, the pandemic could throw us some curves, I’m sure, this upcoming year, and we just need to be flexible and do the best we can. -—“Our^^rs-am^rking-v^ terd,” he added^“And.eMbn when the students are not in class, [the teachers] are working very hard to educate our kids.” - The board voted 4-0 to approve the prices of breakfast and lunch at school this fall. Breakfast will cost $1.75, reduced-price breakfast will be 30 cents, lunch will cost $3, and reduced-price lunch will cost 40 cents. -The board voted 4-0 to approve the cost of admission tickets for athletic events, which will remain the same. - Star Elementary teacher Amelia Noble resigned. - Trustees Valerie Slaughter, Jennifer Eastman and Mike Nickels were absent. HOPE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Hope Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a meeting and public hearing on Thursday, August 12^ at 6:30 p.m. in the Hope Township Hall, 5463 South M-43, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within the Township, to consider the following variance request: Philip Poholski wishes to construct an accessory building within the required side yard setback areas on parcel (08-07-250-033­ 00) located at 573 Harrington Road, Delton, Ml 49046. The Hope Township Zoning Ordinance requires that buildings and structures be set back 20 feet from the side lot line in the RL, Residential Lake zoning district, which can be reduced by 50% on legally nonconforming lots. The applicant is requesting a 6’ variance from the setback requirements for the side yard. A copy of the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance and the application is available for review at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during regular business hours. The Hope Township Zoning Ordinance is also accessible at www.hopetwp.com. Members of the public may provide written comments for the Zoning Board of Appeals’ consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Township Clerk for receipt at least one day prior to the meeting at clerk@hopetwp.com or at the address below. Written comments will also be received from any interest­ ed persons by the Hope Township Clerk at the Hope Township Hall during reg­ ular business hours and may be further received by the Zoning Board of Appeals during the hearing. Oral comments will be taken during the hearing. Hope Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon five (5) days’ prior notice to the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. HOPE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Hope Township Hall 5463 South M-43 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2464 �^-Th»«i.y.Ju,y22202i__ he Hastings Banner "SSSto ... =7s~.--fair Of the KOI Drag Raccs ----- as^o„ c Fair "■of “e grandstand at the Blryy M°n°d^X\h?KXX%^k’Up Ms a««. --------------------- -----------■ ------------ —---.................. r°"'°'-^anS W 5“-sE^S%!" . f Michigan this evenins Mother stop in B^en Youth Fa^ (JuI? 22) at the Py« — oy Brett Bre County Fah”^! e^ents of Fairgrounds.6 Co fir\s’r2easche^^^^^^^^ I ven?' °nIy a pS ofX fr°Wd Monday I tn n°rs up and operating th .^^ound food co «ghts WednesdaJ for a ^essional Rodeo event T July 2? 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I ---------------- - I .......................................................................................................................*....................................... .... ■MMaMHMHMHMMBaMMHNaHBMBwaBMMMaMaMMHMMMMmMBMi Help sought in locating Maple Valley youth teams win titles missing woman See Story on Page 2 See Story on Page 12 43314584 School bond heads to voters Aug- 3 Local talent at Hastings Live this week Local performers will entertain this week in free concerts as part of the Hastings Live summer series. Most events arc at Thomapple Plaza in downtown Hastings. Concert-goers may want to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating. Geer hxii.se will play its classic rock I tunes beginning at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, I July 28. The band’s repertoire ranges from I Alice Cooper io Alice Merton. Elvis | Costello to Elvis Presley, and from Tom «Jones to lorn Petty. Members include Kenny Brown. Angie Secber, Gordy Sharpe. Melinda Smalley and Terry’ Van Dien. Stormy the Magician will be Playing at the Plaza 11 a.rn. Thursday, July 20. t Stormy, aka Dave Storms, weaves stoj rics, laughter and tricks into shows for all I । A mix of ethnic music will be featured r at Fridays at the Fountain when the J Kilkenny Corkers perforin at noon July 30 on the Barry County Courthouse fawn. I The band - Paula Allcrding. Colleen I I Acker and Maggie Murphy - plays a van- 1 I cty of traditional Irish, modem Irish, folk, I I Cajun and Americana music. | That evening the Brian Randall Band j I will be the Friday Night Feature, beginI ning at 7:30 back at Thomapplc Plaza.The I I band plays a high-energy mix of today’s | I country hits, dancing music, and originals. Wednesday. Aug. 4. Allie Garland and i Awesome Sauce will play music from the 1950s to today at Thornapple Plaza, begin­ ning at 7:30 p.m. I More information can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/mihastingslive. i I Auditions set for i female ‘Odd Couple’ The Thomapple Players will present a ! female version of “The Odd Couple” by I Neil Simon in September. Director Michael Moray is looking for cast members to fill six female roles and two male roles. Auditions will begin at 7 p.m. Monday. Aug. 2. in the Dennison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broadway in Hastings. Rehearsals will be 7-9:30pan. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Technical rehearsal will be Sunday, Sept. 19. with mandatory attendance. Show dates are Sept. 22-26. Questions may be directed to Nonna Jean Acker by calling 269-945-2332 or texting 269-908-0870. Anyone interested who cannot audition 7\ug. 2 should contact her in advance to make other arrange­ ments. Art in the Park returning to Lake Odessa Thu 46th Art in the Park will be back in Lake Odessa, beginning at 9 a an. Saturday, Aug. 7, in the village park. The annual tradition, canceled in 2020 like so many other events due to the pan­ demic. is hosted by the Lake Odessa Area Arts Commission. . . The event will include music, a tnvia contest, food vendors, and booths for more than 70 artists and crafters. More than 5.000 people usually attend An in the Park, organizers said. Activities for children of all ages will be available ut the Kids’ Zone from 10 a in. to I pin. Children will be able to enjoy craft projects, have their faces painted, and enjoy cntertaimncnl with Marbles the Clown. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 3 Benjamin Simon Stuff Writer Tracy Downs has four kids who have attended Hastings High School. And all four kids, she said, will not use the school bath­ rooms. “They’re just old, they're disgusting, they’re falling apart,’’ she said. Only in the case of an emergency will one of her kids use the bathroom. “They will hold it ns long as they can,” she added. This isn’t a new issue for Downs, who lives in the city of Hastings. Her oldest child, who is now 28. graduated from the high school in 2010 and refused to use the bathroom then. Eleven years later, her youngest kid also refuses to use the bathrooms. Il’s one of the many reasons Downs will vote “yes” on the school bond proposal on the Aug. 3 ballot: The school needs serious upgrades to its facility and maintenance. But it’s also the reason some others will vote “no”: Decades have passed, bonds have failed, bonds have passed and people still feel like not much has changed. It has made for one of the most dividing issues in the Hastings community - some­ thing George Hubka, a former schoolteacher, saw firsthand from decades owning property in Hastings. “Those in finer of it feel they have to have it and those who can’t afford it or say they can't afford it, feel they can’t afford it.” he said. “So you got the two polarizations com­ pletely opposite. And, in the middle, they have to participate in other activities like going to church, going to the ballgame to watch their kids participate or something and sit beside these people.” The 2021 bond is proposed at 6.8 mills — a decrease from the current debt millage rate of 6.9 mills — and it would stay that way for five years if it’s approved. If the bond doesn’t pass, the school’s mill­ age rate would drop to 6.0 mills. The bond, which would generate $21.9 million in revenue. of upgrades thijwg e Hastings Area School System.T >*■ n ncrsan only be used to fund the items they — ihat WouId jndlKle replacing windows, ’ *sks, buses from 1997. and more. tncan upgrading playground equipn^ • ^furbishing bath­ rooms. revamping mg school locker rooms that date back to 19/0. nnproving the keying system, putting in an mr purification system, and installing LED lighting |argcsl cbunk of the funds would primarily g0 l0Wanl f|xing the two-decades-old roof at the high schooF, costing about $18 to 5- tni|fion “I'd say the most important thing with this Ixmd proposal is overall energy efficiencies and maintenance of our buildings,” Superintendent Matt Goebel said. “If you can imagine the square footage of this high school and replacing it with a brand new 21 st century roof pairing that with double pane windows - not single pane windows, which lose energy - not only is it going to increase the efficiency savings within the district, but it’s also going to increase our Consumers Energy rebates well over $300,000.” Even with the incoming COVID-relief funds and increased state aid. Goebel said they do not have enough funds to cover all the district's needs — not without a bond. “This bond you saw, it’s not fixshy,” citi­ zens’ committee co-chairwoman Becky Deal said in an early Ju< interview with Thu Banner. “We’re not getlhjg a new swimming pool ora new football field or anything flashy, or even gyms or anything. A’e’re talking the roof. We're talking windows,busing. I mean, we’re talking cement. We’re talking windows, refurbishing bathrooms.” With the school district’s 2015 bond set to expire this upcoming year, Goebel said he teels like it is the right time for another bond attempt. “We were able to have a perfect opportuni- See BOND, page 2 grant W Coury OKs Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County gave some 11!^ hour help to the Chamber of Commercc/Economic Development Alliance so that it could proceed with its plan to apply for a $30 million federal grant for broadband installation. The Chamber/ED/X President and CEO Jennifer Heinzman told county commission­ ers Tuesday that they had started the process, considered proposals from several companies, and picked Great Lakes Energy’s Truestream operation for “a shovel-ready project” that would extend broadband to 3.400 households. Then they found out they would not qualify as an applicant for the federal grant. The deadline to apply for the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration federal grant is 11 ;59 p m Aug. 17. ‘‘ ’ Ji needs to go under the name of the coun­ ty, Heinzman told commissioners. “So I’m here to ask if we can continue the work that we re doing toward the grant - but under the county s name and I have a list of things that dial would entail.” b He,nzman said they not only asked for the countyJo be listed as the key applicant, they needed County 7 Administrator Michael Brown t0 sign on as ^She said Brown would lx- needed in this • to act as fiduciary of any awarded funds T^anOnd,'C,MUre‘‘8ret--'-Hh • to sign a certification agreement with Truestream after there has been a contract^ discussion about dtsposnion of equipment •to create a workspace for the project’ on grants.gov. * •* 1 un . to allow the upload of documents t„ lh „ project under the county’s name . to provide all of the requested information that (hey will need, ,on • and to allow the county to take on the reporting afterward. J ' P® toward a variety Eaarry County Fair kicks up record crowd Fans in the packed stands gasp as Hunter Gunnerson is tossed from the bull Light 'em Up during the Super Kicker Rodeo at lhe Barry County Fair July 21. This year’s fair was one for the record books, organizers said. Tucked inside today’s Banner is a compendium of the coverage of that record-breaking fair week, thanks to a lot of peo­ ple in charge of the many fair programs and the creative energies of our own Copy Editor Kathy Maurer, Staff Writer Benjamin Simon, Sports Editor Brett Bremer and Designer Joe Williams who produced the section. Enjoyl (Photo by Brett Bremer) Proposed law spotlights faghS for S©©a! control In response to a *ast-minute request from the Barry Chamber of Commerce/ Economic Development Alliance, County Administrator Michael Brown stepped up to serve as the 'authorized organizational representative” tor a federal grant request for broadband extension in the county. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Chairman Ben Geiger asked if a non-dis­ closure agreement "ou d prohibit the board from gaining infofI,,at’On on lhe pro^i. “’rniestrcam dt)CSn 1 Wanl >ou Io have their proprietary infonv al,On on how they are hooking all of UP" Heinzman replied, “so it wouW J be the technical part of the broadband *n 0 |lal’0n. Then Commit01’ °VVard Gibson asked, See BR°ADBand, page 2 Greg Chandler Staff Writer Proposed legislation now pending in lhe stale House would remove all local control of requested permits for mining operations. A 19-17 vote in the state Senate in June approved Senate Bill 429. which would move the permitting process for sand mining opera­ tions to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. State Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, sought to introduce an amendment that would have exempted Barry County from the legis­ lation. But, after his amendment failed. Bi/on voted for lhe proposed legislation anyway. If he had voted against it. the measure who have deadlocked, 18-18. But, as the vote went, Bizon was one of 13 Republicans and six Democrats in the senate who supported the bill, which was sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint. Barry County Planning Commission Chairman Clyde Morgan strongly opposes this proposed legislation, citing the current controversy over a proposed gravel mine on Wilkinson Lake in Hope Township. This decision-making “should stay local, period,” Morgan said. “You can understand the concerns of the people, definitely.” Barry County Planning Director and Zoning Administrator Jim McManus said that the ability for local municipalities to limit mining operations has been restricted in recent years - largely because of die passage of House Bill 4746, which was signed into law by former Gov. Rick Snyder in 2011. Current zoning law states that an ordinance shall not prevent the extraction, by mining, of valuable natural resources from any property unless “very' serious consequences" would result from the extraction of those natural resources. “It puts the onus on the local government to prove there are serious implications” to suc­ cessfully reject a mining operation, McManus said. Coalitions have des eloped across the state on both sides of the debate. Various statewide governmental lobbying groups have spoken out against lhe legisla­ tion. including lhe Michigan Townships Association, the Michigan Association of Counties and lhe Michigan Municipal League. Other opponents include lhe Michigan chap­ ter of the Sierra Club, lhe Michigan League of Conservation Voters, the Michigan Environmental Council and the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association. “We recognize the need for material to fix the roads.” said Judy Allen, director of gov­ ernmental relations for the Michigan Townships Association. “ I he current process is working. It allows local governments to balance the need for gravel with the needs of See CONTROL, page 5 �BOND, continued from pa£e The media center at Hastings High School Hastings Area School System Superintendent Matt Goebel opens a locker in a high school locker room. ty to give our taxpayers lhe ability lo continue to decrease that tax rate, but make a tremen­ dous impact for our strategic plan as a district — and that’s the upkeep of our facilities," Goebel said. Bul some community members said they feel as though the school district has come to taxpayers with the same request in the past and they haven’t made much progress. “They’re asking for remodeling and win­ dows and doors and stuff." Jerry Greenfield, of Hastings Township, said. "Well, they got the money, so why are they asking them again? And again? And again?" Greenfield has served as one ot lhe leading voices against the bond. As he talked to Die Banner from his garage, he laid documents from past bond requests and school data on the hood of a car. Signs that read “No more school tax" and “Vote no on new school tax” are leaning against a wall. “I’m not against education," Greenfield clarified, saying that he hand» out scholar­ ships for non-traditional vocational training, like plumbing and nursing. He graduated in the first class from the new Hastings High School building in 1971. His kids also attend­ ed school in the district. In past years, Greenfield said he has voted yes for fhe bond. Bul that changed within the last decade. He grew upset with the school when it cut vocational programs, such as machinery, woodworking, building and trades. From there, he started digging into the finances, collecting a folder’s worth of Freedom of Information Act requests and questioning how the school used the money. ‘They think that I’m a jacka-. Well. I am." he said. "All I’m asking is. if 1 give you $30 or $40 million. I’m going to have S30 or $40 million worth of something out of it." Greenfield said he doesn’t care about the tax rate ("you got to pay taxes"). But, for oth­ ers, like Dowling resident Linda Mellen, taxes arc their main concern. When Mellen hears of another bond, she Lockers at Hastings High School date back to 1970, school officials say. A trash bag covers a urinal in a bath room at Hastings High School. said, "My hair goes up.” "I think it is a slap in lhe face lo lhe citizens of this township to ask them for more money. 1 jusl do.” she added. “I mean, there might be some people out there that can afford lo keep paying il. bul jou know what — there are a lot of us out here that are on fixed incomes.” With the current stale of affairs in the coun­ try, Mellen said she would benefit from not paying for a school bond. “It’s time people had a break once in a while because, No. 1. the prices of everything are going up, lhe cost of every thing is going up, the income doesn’t go up, but yet, we tefTY 9’OTHWIWAV Cards can be sent to 471 4th Ave. Lake Odessa, MI 48849 August 9, 2021 BEST GRANDMA WE LOVE YOU, YOUR FAMILY - JOYCE SRlNNINfrSTAULL S THORnfiPPLE The Thomapple Players will be presenting The Odd Couple (female version) by Nell Simon ' '£ X-. this fall. Michael Moray Is directing. Auditions will be held on Monday, August 2. 2021 al 7:00 pm In the Dennison Performing Arts Center located at 231 South Broadway in Hastings. There are six female roles and two male rolls. Rehearsals are 7.00-9:30 prn on Mondays. Tuesdays and Ihursdays. Tech Rehearsal Is Sunday. September 19, 2021 - mandatory attendance. Show dales are September 22 26.2021. Questions? Call Norma Jean Acker at 269-945-2332 or text 269 908 0870. If you cannot attend audition August 2nd, please contact us In advance to make other arrangements Presented by special arrangement witt) Samuel French INC bark/ want to keep paying the same thing over and over," she said. For some of the “no” voters, they said they feel unheard. This is especially true in the townships, where, with the exception of Rutland Charter Township. past election results show that citizens vote overwhelming­ ly against the bond. In the city of Hastings, on the other hand, citizen!vote overwhelmingly for the bond. "I think the peo yi the outer areas are I’m going to (ell you looked down upon . what — there’s a Id of people out in this area and they finally hive started waking up and paying attention,"Mellen said. After a June8 fleeting, citizens’ committee co-chairmembers Becky Deal, Sam Randall and Jenny Havwood emphasized that, by investing in schools, citizens would see their own property value increase. "Strong schools arc strong for real estate and communities," Haywood said. Goebel added they have made a conscious effort to keep the tax rate low, pointing to lhe decrease from 6.9 mills to 6.8 mills wilh this 2021 bond request. He emphasized that other school districts, such as Pennfield School and 'Fhomapple Kellogg Schools, have a lax rate that sit above 10 mills. “I think this community is very comfort­ able with a tax rate that is low'er than 7," he said. "... I also think that it’s important lo be fiscally responsible and I think you’ve got to balance that out." Sam Waller, a 2019 graduate of Hastings High School who will “yes,” said he has noticed the contrast between Hastings and other schools when he has traveled out of town for events. “Every' time you walked into their school, into their facilities, and il wasn’t like you’re in 1971, it’s like you’re in the 21st century." Waller said. “I’m not trying to bash our school system — it’s great and our schools have had a lot of renovation done in the last few years. It’s jusl this little bit of upkeep that we defi­ nitely need.” Goebel said the school district has made some conscious changes from past bond pro­ posals — specifically keeping athletics out. “One thing that we heard from lhe public is that they didn’t necessarily want alh,elics involved in the bond proposal," he said. “So that was one thing that, when we were plan­ ning for this particular bond proposal, we said we’re going to keep athletics out of it.” They also made the decision to run an informational caninaion he said, where they will be lhe only ilem on the ballot. Already, there has been an increase in vot­ ers. As of Tuesday morning, lhe city of Hastings had collected 676 absentee ballots, city clerk Jane Suumian said. During the 2017 special election, the city received 467 voters altogether. Greenfield said if the proposal look place during a presidential or gubernatorial elec­ tion, he would, expect the .J*?pp?»t3Q3“get murdered.” But this year, he dunks die vote will be close On the “yes” side of the vote .Tracy Downs plans to reach out to people in lhe community and inform them about the election. For now, she doesn’t want to take anything for granted. “There are years where we have thought, ‘Yep, this is going to pass,’ *' she said. “I’ve sat on this bond board before and had a great feeling that it was going to pass and then, all of a sudden, it doesn’t. “It just really depends on voter turnout, and who shows up.” . BROADBAND, continued from page 1 “Does Michael have time to take on this extra have to be spent in that lime, Heinzman noted. If there is no grant money. Great Lakes work?” Energy extension of broadband services will That’s when Brown stepped up. "If we’re capable of getting and leveraging lake about 10 years, she estimated. Commissioner Catherine Getty pointed out S30 million - or even up to - for broadband it’s just too big of a project, too important to that the county is fortunate to have Great the community,” he said. “We’ve talked about Lakes Energy and Truestream, which have lhe it for years and years.... Everybody’s pulling capacity and infrastructure to help apply for to make this thing work. Bui, in a nutshell, if the grant. “This is a big boost,” Getty said. “I’m not we can leverage and get $30 million for broadband, I think we’ve got to figure out sure we could have done this wilh a smaller organization. There’s a lot of heavy lifting.” how to get it done.” The grant terms encourage cost-sharing and Heinzman said she didn’t envision any matching lhe grant with money from the com­ risks to the county. munity, Commissioner Dave Jackson pointed Getty mentioned that county Central out. Dispatch Director Stephanie Lehman has “While they’re not requiring it, they look joined their broadband committee to ensure favorably upon it if you’re willing to pul that dispatch concerns would be addressed funds into it as well," Jackson noted. whenever possible. Heinzman said they’ve covered a lot of In other action, the board: those matching funds in lhe engineering study • heard annual reports from Brad Lamberg, and they will ask those townships that would managing director of the Barry County Road directly benefit to use some of their American Commission and Rich Thiemkey, executive Rescue Plan Act funds to reach the rest of the director of Community xMental Health 10-pcrcent matching funds threshold. Authority. They don’t have a map yel to delineate lhe • approved the appointment of William service area, but the project is intended to “Bill" Mattson to serve on the Animal Shelter reach 3,400 households. Advisory Board in a citizen-at-large position Heinzman said that number of households for a two-year term that began on Jan. 1, is based on the Great Lakes Energy customers 2021, and expires on Dec. 31.2022. who already have power running to their • ratified the re-appointment of Brenda homes. Schild to the Barry County Officers ‘They’re going to add the fiber to all of Compensation Commission for a four-year those homes that are already their clients — so term that will begin on Oct. I, 2021, and it’s just adding the fiber and the lines to get to expire on Sept. 30,2025. those homes,” she said. • referred a request for a zoning change in Commissioner Jon Smelker pointed out Orangeville Township from rural residential that Great Lakes Energy is already planning to mixed use, requested by Bay Pointe Inn to provide this service upgrade to these cus­ resort, to the Barry County Planning tomers - whether they get the grant or not. Commission for reconsideration. Smelker pointed out that $30 million lo • approved claims of $85,745. 3,400 households works out to about $8,000 • canceled next Tuesday’s Committee of per residence. the Whole meeting due to a lack of business, The major difference is that, if they obtain the next county commissioners’ meeting will the grant, lhe work will have lo be accom­ take place at 9 a.m. Au». 12. explicit “yes" vote. „ “This is a part of our strategic plan " he plished in a year since lhe grant money will said. “I’ve been very transp*rent wlth ,hat’ . opposition against the bond from community members, adding, “j don’t fee' *h‘. I feel very positive about this P™ posal,” he went on to sav “because I think the taxpayers really do u^ersumd thatthese are not just nickel-and-dime items. Diese are really going to help u, move forward in a very smart way. when it comes » maintaining a better environment fOr our kid*. bul ter energy efficiencies md being financially responsible toward our’taxpi'>'crs’ .. . > Community members <>n b‘,lh S1<fcS °fballot, however, do i.cl some uncertainty about the Vote, e "/X given the election cycle.mevotei^^onAug.Jand Flexfab celebrates 60 years with a special scavenger hunt Flexfab is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and is inviting the community join in the event wilh a scavenger hunt. In the "Finding Howie Challenge,” players can search Hastings for one of Flexfab‘s lost hoses named Howie. The first person to find Howie lhe Hose each day, from Aug. 2-6, will win 60 Barry Bucks. Howie will be hidden in a different location wil* P0^ ,he 1 An^ LC.f'ucelxK>k page at 10 a.m. daily, the F ><• |X'4tS “ P*c,ure w>th Howie on durin,, P*8* wilh “*FoundHowte" dr?wL?S- 2 6 “lso be entered in » drawing to win a 55-inch TV ate Zd ** leiSl 18 y'an old, and ate hrnned to one entry per day. I-'lexfibIJl’ornial'on *s available on the • textab LLC I-acebook page. �The Hastings Banner —Thursday, Juiy 29, 2021 — Page 3 _ Sheriff, prosecutor Postpone meeting County Shcrifl D* [«f. ju5' . <tnr>. i Dakota where he was a •tv.,»? speaker during a conference, lold .. »v dn??.f 1 UcsdaY he has nothing to report t pubhc this week regarding his election probe. x J C’?t.a meeting, which had been m.V/11 LxI wilh coumY Prosecutor Julie has been postponed until next Nakfoor Pratt later confirmed that the meeting had been rescheduled. during a July 19 meeting with the sheriff, the prosecutor called for a halt to the sher­ iff s investigation of alleged voter fraud here until she could check on some matters of concern. Nakfoor Pratt has mentioned questions about the procedure being used, particularly the involvement of a private investigator who was being escorted by a sheriff’s deputy to interrogate local clerks about the November 2020 election. The clerks were then asked to sign affidavits pertaining to the truthfulness of their statements. The complainant who triggered the probe is Julie Jones, a former sergeant with the sheriff s department. who eonfinned that she filed her coniplmnl based her allegations on a court document from a iawsuil fl|cd in April in Antrim County. The lawsuit was dismissed in May. In an interview with The Hanner. Jones said she believes any fraud occurred without the knowledge of the local clerks. She said she believes the problem lies with the Dominion voting machines that were used. But Bob Price, a four-term member of the Barry County Baird of Canvassers, which certifies the vote every’ election, said he docsn t see how that would be possible with­ out leaving a trail of evidence. If the tabulators had been hacked to switch the votes, Price said, one of two things would have happened: Either the fraudulent programming would still be on the machines, or il would have been deleted. It it was still on the tabulators, it would be found. If it had been deleted, the numbers would have been different when the canvass­ ers reran their ballots through the tabulators days after the election. Either way, il would have been caught. Price said. Police ask for help locating missing woman nn laundry facility proposal tabled again Bay . . dod-iio" v ^'n'e '"I r r,v to thc F laundry complex on °. J.ii< Pl;'nnin„ Co“"? til?1" v<’41 Con’n’>S'ion Aug. 23' als° «« c«l^«d 10 ,h°l lea7,U"‘ by Bay Corp- •" f ve more h 'ad 'o the construcrio"?' “^cottages at the comP'^ fflClor> le(| tfl Two ! . facility rJ^missioners puttingihel^ '“" Plan proposal on hold »Sa,n'Mence of «i>e • . First. ,he the Plannin”>"’n',5s.''>ncr, John ur'°'s £here anop,®. commi«ton in a P^iu0" the June £ vo,c w“ possible. At , deadlo^/8 'neeltng, commissioners on at 3-3. with ?nenv tetoc tabling it «>Mondhe >*u"dn' do t>ol?Mai' ’.full board,” Commissioner ^p^ard Th<: rcason it came back to s because] we did not have a full ( ^t,meeting." LaForge called J banning Director and Zoning Ad"11"1: ,et ,^cManus late Monday afternoon bee? know he wou,d not be able to he had been called into an cnlc^J2 mecung for Great Lakes Energy. C rc cooperative that serves a portion of ' S^nty. LaForge sits on the cooperatives tordofdirectore. Secondly, ibe P ‘ ning commission received a letter late Monday afternoon from the Michigan Department Of civil Righls regarding a possible issue with lhe Americans Wilh Disabilities Act. tied to the proposed location of the laundry facility. The letter advised the planning conimission ‘To contact and have conversation with the county attorney before we proceed with this,” McManus said. Commissioners had to pass another tabling motion because last month’s motion was FINDING HOWIE CHALLENGE At the time of her disappearance, Rachel Hazen was driving a silver Ford Escape with no license plate. (Photo provided) The Barry Couniy Sheriff’s Office is ask­ ing for help locating Rachel Lynn Hazen, who has been missing since July 21. The 41-year-old Castleton Township woman was last seen was last seen driving a sliver 2005 Ford Escape with no license plate. Deputies said Hazen left her son’s house around 2 p.m. July 21, and was seen by a neighbor al her residence in the Thomapple Lake Estates later that day. A close friend of Hazen’s called police at 11:05 a.m. July 26, to report that she was missing. Anyone with information about Hazen’s location are being asked to call lhe sheriff’s office at 269-948-4801 or Barry County Central Dispatch al 269-948-4800. NEWS BRIEFS, continued from pg. 1 Police say Rachel Lynn Hazen, 41, was last seen on July 21. (Photo provided) For adults, a new feature in 2021 is "Art of lhe Vine,” a wine-tasting venue. A variety of wines from Michigan vintners will be avail­ able for sampling from noon to 4 pan. The 2021 Art in the Park Visitors Guide may be picked up at area merchants or viewed online at LakeOdessaArts.com. cnmm.ctnn.^, resuming ....imino wouldavmddiscriminafionaeainstindividu; would avoid discrimination against individuals ‘ contingent on commissioners discussion on the laundry facility Monday. wilh disabilities,” Levy wrote, quoting the The new motion passed on a 6-0 vote. justice department. Ixvy added that it would be a best practice I in just disappointed that it was tabled again, Bay Pointe owner Mike Powers said for the county to contact disability as he was leaving lhe meeting. “I have to be organizations and get their input on what a honest, I was hoping it would be resolved decision might mean for them. “Having this on lhe record ... can help to tonight. I’m just disappointed about that. There s a need for that laundry facility right explain and defend a decision not to provide now.’* lhe accommodation.” he wrote. At the June planning commission meeting, Prior to Monday's meeting adjourning, Powers outlined a need for lhe new laundry Miner appealed to McManus to have an facility, saying Bay Pointe’s existing laundry attorney present for lhe next planning facility, which is connected to guest rooms at commission over the potential civil rights the main inn, is not adequate to serve the issue. entire complex. He displayed photos of dirty “We need lo have counsel, so that counsel laundry stacked from floor to ceiling. At knows what we’re talking about," Miner said. present, he said housekeepers transport sheets, “I’ve got 25 years as an expert witness. I pillowcases, mattresses, blankets and towels know how these things work. We need by vehicle between the existing laundry support." facility and Bay Pointe Woods. McManus said he would meet with "On an average month, we’re doing about Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt, the county’s 30,000 pounds of laundry. We’re doing all top attorney, to discuss having legal that right now with one washing machine,” representation present for the meeting. Powers said at that meeting. "Obviously, it’s In addition to the site plan for the laundry imperative that we are able to build this facility at Bay Pointe Woods, Powers also has laundry facility so we can simply process lhe asked for approval of rezoning 3.7 acres on laundry that we have.” Oaric Drive, a private drive that serves the Powers wants to locate the laundry facility resort, from rural residential to mixed use. within walking distance of an ADA-compliant Approval of lhe rezoning would allow Bay resort cottage in Bay Pointe Woods. Bul some Pointe to add more cottages to the resort. neighbors who have spoken out about the Business interests have spoken out in favor project want lhe facility located elsewhere of both lhe laundry facility and the rczoning because of potential noise issues. request, while neighbors of the resort complex In the letter from the state’s civil rights have complained of noise and drunken department, Director of Law and Policy behavior by guests, saying it has a negative Daniel Levy wrote that he had been contacted impact on their quality of life. by Powers about the applicability of the ADA Commissioners June 28 voted 6-0 to to the proposed laundry facility. He wrote that recommend the county not rezone the two while no legal determination has been made, parcels, with several commissioners he did indicate that if Powers believed lhe suggesting the group wait until a new county ADA was violated by any action against the master plan is developed before making future laundry facility, "he could make a complaint zoning changes. However, the county board [to the department] as both acts apply to sent the issue back to the planning commission ‘public services' including local government July 20. asking board members to re-evaluate bodies.” the proposal and make an action that is Levy went on to write that the U.S. specific to the site. Department of Justice has noted common Bay Pointe employs between 125 and 150 problems with the ADA’s applicability to workers and has an annual payroll of more local government. "City governments may than $2 million, according to Powers. fail to consider reasonable modifications in local laws, ordinances and regulations that Hello Barry County residents, it is Flexfab’s 60,J1 anniversary, and we’d love to invite you to celebrate with us! In an attempt to bring together the community we are so proud to be a part of, Flexfab will be hosting the Finding Howie Challenge. We have lost one of our hoses, named Howie, in Hastings and we need your help to find it! But don’t think your hard work will go unnoticed, there is a reward out for finding Howie. The first person to find Howie each day will be rewarded with 60 Barry Bucks. You weren't the first person to find Howie? Well, no problem! Everyone who posts a picture with Howie gets entered in a raffle to win a 55” TV. The Finding Howie Challenge will run from Monday, August 2nd to Friday, August 6th with Howie hidden in a new location each day. Make sure to follow our Facebook page @FlexfabLLC to receive the daily hints and clues leading towards Howies hiding spot! Rules: find our official rules at °'on ow F3Ceboo:i- ®Flex,abLLC * Finding Howie Challenge will run August 2 --6 ’ New Location Clues Provided Each Day at 10am on Facebook • 60 Barry Bucks Inside Howie Goes to the First Locator Each Day ‘ Posts Must be Made on ©FlexfabLLC Official Facebook Page ’ Post a Picture of Yourself with Howie and SFoundHowie m ™ ' 55” TV Awarded to Raffle Winner August 9* iim*) * "CONTEST! 2DAY KARAOKE CONTEST cridav Saturday, August 13 & 14 at 5 pm Ton 50% from day 1 adwance «»ay 2 sa r»no1st Place 03511 Prize 7 To|> 3 Awarded -1,000 Contestants Fee / Free to Attend f^DJKeilKaraoke William Smith Memorial Park 201 E. Orchard St., Delton, Ml 269-370-3776 This is an outdoor event, please bring a chair and necessities. please register by 5 pm on 8-13 WWW.TwJrTw.C0in fW*.UC. ‘kWWwrM 43)WW �Paw 4 — Thur?.day. Joly 29. 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you Cycling through history This cyclist P(K . view of history at lhe Civil War M. C, Historic Charlton Park July 18. N “s’cr * pafk is the Great Lakes Longbow cP Thursday. Aug. 12 through Su,X g. |5. That’s just around the corner Do you remember? We're dcdi^i .u.e to a photo­ graph taken by ’ "‘o our staff members that represents B;lrtv I unly. If you have a photo to share. p| 7 j jt to Newsroom Hastings Banner, hs1‘ jq M-43 Highway, Hastings. • 5g. or email news(d>j-adgraPhic please include information such a” wherc and when the photo was taken, who toOk the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Reading, writing and refrigerators Banner July 28, 1955 Rolfe Bulling of Bolling’s Appliance (left) is pictured Monday with Carlton Center and county school officials delivering the first new refrigerator under the special milk program started last year. Six area schools are already in the program, and County Agricultural Agent Arthur Steeby said he hopes at least 30 of Barry’s 47 rural schools join to give children more milk and help reduce the surplus. Also pictured are (front, from left): Mrs. Leo [Mabel) Barry, moderator of the Carlton district, and Mrs. Victor [Alice] Benner, treasurer; (back) Steeby. Clifford Andrus, school director, and Arthur Richardson, representing the Barry County Board of Education. (Photo □y Barth) [An accompanying article reported that the federal government would reimburse districts 3 cents for each half-pint consumed by schools and teachers in the 1955-56 school year. In addition, Steeby said a local dairy’ would deliver milk for 4 Id cents per pint, making the cost I’d cents per half-pint. ?\ refrigerator was the only cost to schools. Have you By the time this article ran. Bristol and Monroe schools in Johnstown Township already had refrigerators, and deliveries were planned for Chidester (Rutland). EagleBullis and Stevens (Johnstown). “Other schools definitely interested include the Fisher, Gregory, Altoft [all in Hastings Township). Welcome. [Carlton) Brown, [Carlton or Prairieville) King [Johnstown], and Mayo [Maple Grove), to name a few.” met? Ann Wilson can’t remember a moment in her life without pigs. Growing up in Stanwood, her family had as many as 800 hogs, making the Cramer family farm the largest in the county. Wilson remembered. Wilson's interest only grew after her father, Richard Cramer, started the hog program at lhe Mecosta County Fair. She was part of the first swine showmanship class, and kept showing for 10 years — until she was too old to show in youth 4-H. All five of Wilson’s siblings participated. Some showed sheep. Some dairy cows. Wilson even made an appearance in the horse arena one year. Bul everyone followed in the family tradition and showed pigs. Her siblings also went into various professions of agriculture. One sister worked at a small animal veterinary office. A brother is the executive director for the Michigan Bean Commission. Wilson, on (he other hand, became a nurse. “1 went into the human side of caring for [others},” she said. No one in her family worked in medicine, and Wilson can’t point to any trigger that prompted her to go into nursing. It was just her plan for as long as she can remember. “That's always what I wanted to do," she said. “There was never any question.” So that's what she did. She went to community college in Grand Rapids, graduated in 1979 and has worked as a nurse al Pennock Hospital/Speclrum Health Pennock ever since. Still, she couldn’t leave behind agriculture - and, more importantly, pigs. For the past 12 years, Wilson. 60, has served as the swine co-superintendent at the Barry County Fair alongside her husband, Allen. The Wilsons moved to Hastings alter Allen took a job at a guard base in Battle Creek. The moment their oldest son. David, turned 9, (hey signed him up for 4-11. From her years of experience, Wilson spent hours with her four kids out in the yard, teaching them how to walk their pigs and turn their pigs - all while keeping their eyes on lhe judge. She started as a club leader before transitioning into the co superintendent role. As husband and wife, they decided they wanted share lhe superintendent role, to complement each other’s strengths. “There are parts of it that he does well. And there are parts (hat J [do well)," she said. “His is the heavy work Mine is the bookkeeping.” Although it is a volunteer job. being a superintendent requires a commitment of months. The work usually starts in March, when pigs get vaccinated and the kids start to fill out forms. The Wilsons also have to find a judge from out of town, secure ribbons and trophies, order sawdust and decide how many pens each club will need and then assign spaces lo each club. “Setting up (he barn is fun for me because I like that puzzle thing," she said. “I do that al work, as part of (he surgery scheduling, it's a puzzle to fit all of that in and make it convenient and helpful for the patients. And now 1 do that with (he kids.” And then there’s preparing for show day. '1 he night before the show, (hey and a crew of volunteers spend hours rearranging the show area, moving in gates, pens and tables and chairs, lliey set up the ribbons and trophies. They rearrange the bleachers and create a gated walkway between the pig bain and lhe arena. Thanks to months of preparation. Wilson’s work is largely done by show day. She can sit hack, answer people’s questions and enjoy the show. “1 don’t think anyone knows, truly, what we do behind the scenes, what we have already done before we get up here,” she said. Although it can feel like a second job, Wilson has no intention of stopping any time s<xj|i, She calls it her hobby - what she does for fun. When the hospital shift schedule comes out in December. Wilson instantly blocks off the week of lhe fair. “I never thought 1 would not do it," she said of volunteering at the fair. “Never thought that ...I like the people, I like the kids, I like to sec their fares when they really have done a nice job and have really made a nice accomplishment. How excited they are when they come across that scale and they don’t think their pig isn’t going to make weight and they do - that’s exciting. 1 like lhe puzzle parts of putting lhe pieces together. 1 just don’t think I want to do anything different.” After the fair was canceled last year because of the pandemic, Wilson had extra lime on her hands. But she didn’t enjoy stepping away from lhe fair. She didn’t find a new hobby, and she waited anxiously for lhe 2021 fair. That event concluded last week, and Wilson couldn’t have been happier to be back sleeping on the campgr°unds, drawing out pig pens and organizing a program with 204 pigs. „ “There is a different feel here [this year),” she said last week. “There is a quietness that’s a peaceful quietness - especially at night. But there's just a sense that people are so happy to be here that there isn’t a lot of unruliness or turmoil. It just seems to be peaceful." They did somethinc new this year, too. After lhe 4-H kids showed their pigs, the adults took the ring for t^eir own pig­ showing competition. Gilson. though, watched from the sidd*nc "er granddaughter, soakine in the return to normalcy. 6 •They asked me to d„ it ” she said, smiling, "hut I told them For her work at lhe h ' iwl and the county fair. Ann Wilson is thjs week’s Bright Light: First job: The mXLj’s in Big Rapids. Favorite season- Sn Cooler and “ °rf weather and footh. n 1 „ What I like alam^^ob: AH people I interact with and m J raised "”,S' ChMren nu»test aecompIishment. Becoming a Fiddling while the fire burns Public libraries better be stocking up on rown paper bags at lhe checkout counters. Or maybe they can arrange a “reverse deliv­ ery nt the drive-up return box so patrons can check out their selections without notice by the thought police. We re back at it. folks, censorship has returned in a loathsome way and watch out if the wrong people catch a glimpse of what you may be reading or watching behind closed doors. New school board member Kristina Hooson found that out the hard way when she wils appointed two weeks ago to com­ plete lhe term of Sarah Alden, who resigned her position as a member of the Thomapple Kellogg Board in Middleville. During the meeting in which she was chosen by current board members from among a five-candidate field. Hooson was upbraided by one district parent who main­ tained the board should vacate Hooson’s candidacy because of her reading and discussion of the book “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism.” Obviously. Hooson didn’t pick that book up in the shadow of night at the library’s back door in a brown paper bag. Instead, because she dared to file a public Facebook post on (he discomfort she felt reading the book and examining her own biases and innocent passivity in supporting racism in this country. Hooson was accosted for “per­ sonal views” that the complaining parent believed “to be contradictory to the opinion of parents in the district.” If I lived in the Thomapple Kellogg school district, I’d take a brown paper bag and put it over my head. First, how did we lose - or did we ever have - an understanding of a school board member’s role? A public school board has only one responsibility: the hiring and monitoring of the only employee it hires, the school superintendent. A school board does not administrate, it leaves that job to the person who the board has determined to lx* best able to fulfill that mission. Board members do not shape and develop curriculum. They are confident enough in their one employee to leave education to the educators. z\H decisions a board makes come from the recommendations of its superintendent. •> ■ "It is not appropriate to elevate Ms. Hooson into a position wherc she can impact our schools in the interest of social justice," read the parent from an earlier email he had sent to Superintendent Dan Remenap. Sounds like the parent fears a “one-issue” board member, someone focused on a single subject and bent on recasting an entire school district and community as one, single member of a seven-trustee board. If that were true, why wasn’t the parent also fear­ ful of Hooson’s professional background as a degreed nurse who also holds master’s degrees in health care and business adminis­ tration and is now chief of operations al Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids? Perhaps Hooson, with her medical science background, will push for a mask mandate wilh the start of the fall semester, yet another high-rope issue in districts around the area. Second, why wouldn’t a community and the school board that represents it - feel enriched by a new member who is widely read, educated, and familiar with a range of viewpoints, perspectives, and beliefs? Is that not what we’re endeavoring to teach our children - to be open-minded, consider­ ate of all opinions, fair, and equitable? If reading choices of prospective school board members are going to be questioned, why would someone even volunteer to sene? The TK community is fortunate to have someone like Hooson whose profes­ sional credentials, analytical skills, and demonstrated vulnerability bring a high level of quality and credibility to its school board. It’s lucky Hooson didn’t put her book back in the paper bag and slam her front door. nuzzles, Barry P Each week, ,/,t. . profiler a person who makes ihe 1 Ajne. Do you know someone I* Jvaturetl I’eeause <,j Vo/ ',o >!“ 'irk, /unloving personality, fnr . ‘eer. „r she has lo tell or any ''"rirs ■ u^,r„uuion to Newsroom, n,!"'""' gunner. 1^1 AZ. Highway, '.''W B kli 4<K>5S: or email newsdi J "‘l,t'Upl,iCeC‘>n'- ^ comfortable with personal views(U,at "nntradictory to our own. After all, is i'lntm" whm our Founding Fathers sought for this greatest nation on earth beliefs? •fspast : “ P.hat we explore the beauty that comes torn diversity of race, gender, and opmion. Th? richness that groups and ■ndtv.duah add to the community is a quality that enhances the health and well-be.ng of us tdl. For her part. Hooson responded to the parent’s objections during the meeting at which she was appointed with the subhme grace that diversity can ofTcr. “I like to stay educated, and I was educatini: myself." said Hooson of her examina­ tion of the book in question. ’ I was really seeking to educate myself on how I lead my diverse workforce and then lie able to advo­ cate for them and also be able to instill those values in my children and be advocates for others as well.” . . . „ Finally, how does “social justice get linked with “radical ideology?" “Ms. Hooson has embraced a radical ide­ ology that declares white people are oppres­ sors, Black people are oppressed, and we live in a country that is institutionally fraught with racism," maintained the object­ ing parent. „ Whether racism is “institutionalized’ in this country’ or not, how can someone main­ tain that Hooson might "impact our schools in the interest of social justice?” Should not social justice be our intent for every American and each world citizen, no matter their color, language, gender, religion, or political interests? Social justice is a basic human right for every person in this world. How can social justice be a “radical ideology?” The discussion is unpleasantly close to another race-based issue bogging down school districts throughout our circulation area and around the nation: Critical race theory. Critical race theory is believed to assign the origin of racism to a social, not a scien­ tific. construct, suggesting that white domi­ nant society is responsible for instituting it. But, as more thorough research shows, crit­ ical race theory is actually an obscure intel­ lectual doctrine that originated more than 30 years ago as a way for the law and legal institutions to understand racism. If critical race theory is being taught, it’s taught in law schools, not high schools. For some parents, though, this vague, intellectual hypothesis from law school has suddenly become a great threat to our chil­ dren. “It’s the new War on Christmas.” writes columnist Leonard Pitts. Jr. in the July 17 Miami Herald. "It’s sharia law. gay wed­ ding cake, and New Black Panthers." While school boards fend off parents fueled by this latest social threat, concerned about critical race theory, and obsessed by what school board members read, Pitts observes that "the planet bums, the pandem­ ic decimates, the rich get richer and random bullets fly.” We’re playing our fiddles like the Roman emperor Nero and ignoring what really mat­ ters around us. In today’s shoot-with-the-send-button society, we’re mowing down our last claims to intelligence. The Hastings Doug VanderLaan Guest Columnist Banner Deuoled to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 Psb-ssMor. Hastings Banner, Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (ZWJ^'ls.gsM^Fax- (269) 945 5192 Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hobbies: Crre>L County Fair. Th‘nd-rtoall’of'us dlat ^hapsh’sfime ’ DEPARTMENT. Hank Schuuring CFO Jennie Ycnker • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens SUb3Cr'PX"a'eS: -_____ _ P«c-year ,n a^Oinin9 counbes P®f yoar elsewnere BBS, at tk£i.ngx Ml 4035a county �CrthA' . ^^i',a,i<>n 1,a' AgenPmcb"iill‘-r’ A and labor Michigan Michigan Michigan ofTeamsters, Michigan lTu hands Of !hc •css the lhe • Sheriff should be doing the job he was elected to do To the editor: ...» " as a ^id, " e had an old saying that lhe guy has gotten loo big for his britches.” .oo s to me like our sheriff has gotten too big tor his britches. He shared a stage with some pretty rough-looking guys and he looked like he was having a pretty good time doing it. , .ow he s off somewhere else sharing more of his w isdom. People wondered who was paving the expert our sheriff hired. I m wondering who was paying lhe deputy? I guess we all know! didn't^? °Ut ^lal our sheriff himself expert he hired. „„ i.,, 1 ? s l,nu‘ for Bar Leaf to stay home a end to the business he was elected to do here. He s said enough to last a lifetime and I, for one, am tired of his trying to show everyone else how to run theirs. " Welcome home, Sheriff Leaf! Bob Brooks, Hastings Vote probe has merit To the editor: Il was with interest that I read The Banner articles from July 22 dealing with the Barry County sheriff’s office probe into the November 2020 presidential election. The point that has been stressed in the investigation by the sheriff was that culpabil­ ity, if there was wrongdoing, did not lie with local officials. If there was a nefarious act, it would have been on a national or statewide level. In the past election, if the algorithms had been manipulated to transfer a small number of votes from each precinct statewide from one candidate to the opposition, the total number of votes for that candidate would have drastically altered lhe results in that state. Election officials in Barry County are hon­ orable people and may feel that they have done their due diligence. They have; but the algorithms altering the vote would be beyond their purview w ithout a forensic audit. Many people throughout the nation are questioning the voting process and its final outcome. 1 fvnd it absurd that die prosecutor has any say in negating the investigation. The prosecutor can’t halt an investigation by any law enforcement agency, be it the city police, Michigan State Police or the sheriff’s depart­ ment. The prosecutor seems to be acting on a political vent. Given the investigations in other slates, it would seem that research and investigation have credibility. The questions nationwide about the elec­ tion should concern every one who legitimate­ ly voted. If lhe election was aboveboard, so be it. But what about the many people who won­ der if their votes were properly counted and if the final tabulation was accurate? In the scheme of things, Barry County is a small potato in a large field - but it is a part of that large field. Antrim County found discrep­ ancies; we may as well. It may be loo late for the past election to be remedied, but what of future elections? There are multiple questions nationwide that need lo be answered and. if need be, cor­ rections made. Bill Johnson. Middleville Bohd request about good stewardship munity. And, no, lhe federal government will To the editor: I have recently Pondera! how lhe discus­ not pay for these updates. We. as a communi­ sions around the old stoves in the churches ty’, are responsible for maintaining our public and township buildings in the 1850s Barry- school buildings. Additionally, to give credit to our school County days might have sounded as my fourth great-grandfather and his neighbors board and other district decision-makers, talked about the future of the community we some of the improvements from lhe “past enjoy today. bond” money has relumed thousands of dol­ It is likely, just like today, new buildings lars in lax credits and lower cost of energy and improvements would have garnered spir­ use. We should look to continue that positive ited and reasonable debate. However, these return on investment as roofs and insulation ancestors, and lhe generations who followed, are replaced and the many single-pane win­ taught me that being good stewards of our dows from the 1950s are replaced its well. community buildings is a shared responsibili­ My children are the eighth generation in ty. We benefit from the decisions they made. this community. I am pleased to be able to Our current vote on the Aug. 3 bond pro­ show them places and a few structures where posal is a reminder that, lo thrive in (his com­ our family has lived, worked and enjoyed munity, we have a responsibility lo maintain time together for more than 150 years. public school buildings. You may be surprised However, today, when I see they are using to know that this request will result in a lower locker rooms in the middle school that were lax rate from last year to this next year. built more than 60 years ago, which their Currently, our tax rate is 6.9 mills and, if this grandparents may have used (as students), I were to pass, the rate next year will be 6.8 can applaud the fact that we got that much use mills. That’s right - it will be less! With these from them, bul remind myself that our respon­ funds, we will be able lo replace roofs, replace sibilities are ongoing. 60-vear-old bathrooms, and complete more Simply pul, taking care of public school than 50 districtwide building and facility buildings is good stewardship. It is everyone’s responsibility in the community. And we all updates. Caring for all of our facilities is a large benefit. undertaking and, quite frankly, the school board has worked extremely hard to be good Bob Gaskill, stewards of the dollars provided by our com­ Hastings lhe Hastings Bannw — Ihunsday. July 29,2021 — ~ spokesman »°r gan Aggregates A SdH > «o n>in- to find I'*’3""" . adding fn’"’ ",aJor population center” 8 to the cost of con. struction much or , •■We've Pa>ll’p.I0,hei 7 ^ ,o lruek the stone and sa*1^ b sue as we pay lor ''fit*? <—« •' Commerce also is <> the legislation. -This fits in ** f(xI^w,c> supporting cost-effective »’* rv)ads’” said Josh Lunger, the Gran nentPan .Chamber’s senior director of gov-em^m^. These resource* ny County, which are both plentiful and^' n’^are particularly attractive to the Gnmd^^ Jake Welch, dm* r of Derations for lhe Barry* County R°3” 'commission, says his agency has not had any issues wi(h having adequate material tor road projects in lhe county. ., "Barry' County ,s very rich in gravel." Welch said. MWe havc a number of longstand­ ing pits. We don t have much trouble getting gravel." But Welch added that other county road commissions in the region, including Ionia County, are having challenges. “They’re having to taick in gravel from way out of town,” he said. Jake Jelsema, Bizon’s chief of staff, says the proposed legislation addresses a major concern facing the aggregate industry, which supplies material used for road and other building projects. "During the flastj campaign season, the senator pledged lo do what he could to fix the roads, without raising taxes or bonding," Jelsema said. “One of the major challenges with road commissions has been inflation in material prices." With increased road construction activity across lhe slate, county road commissions and the Michigan Department of Transportation ’ are finding it increasingly difficult to find ; adequate material for dew projects, according to Jelsema. “The goal of the legislation, fundamentally, is lo increase the supply of aggregate, to bring down lhe price of aggregate," he said. Jelsema went on to say that some commu­ nities have delayed any action on approval of sand mining permits by not hiking a vote in favor or opposition to these requests. Delaying a decision is "a way to avoid the companies suing them for rejecting the per­ mit,’’ he said. Gordon Smith moved to Wilkinson Lake in Hope Township about three years ago after spending most of his adult life in Hudsonville. Smith said he envisioned spending his retirement years enjoying the quiet and the natural features of the area. However, not long after he moved to the township, he heard loud noises coming from near lhe lake. He says it turned out to be a sand mining operation. Since then, Smith and other township resi­ dents have campaigned to block a request by R. Smith & Sons Gravel and Trucking for a special land use exemption that would allow the company to a 8ravel mine on the lake. ., Roger Smith, president of R. Smith & Sons, submitted the proposal to Hope corrfpok' “We certainly have interest from lots oi groups," he said. Sen. Bizon and another senator were to meet with Gordon Smith and other Wilkinson Lake residents so they could share their con­ cerns regarding .sand mining. But Bizon didn’t show up for the meeting; instead, he sent Jelsema to represent him, Smith said. Jelsema told them that Bizon recognized the issues around Wilkinson Lake and even offered an amendment to lhe proposed bill that would exempt Barry County from the Gordon Smith, legislation. Wilkinson Lake resident “{Wilkinson Lake] is an unusual site selec­ tion, from what we’ve been told by those in the industry," Jelsema said. Bui Bizon’s amendment didn’t get enough Township that would allow the company to votes to be added to the bill. construct a gravel pit on a 153-acre parcel that Gordon Smith said he wasn’t impressed has 800 feet of frontage on Wilkinson Lake. that Bizon pitched an amendment to the pro­ •The sand and gravel deposits located on posed legislation. the site are precisely the type of construction ’This was his easy way out." Gordon Smith aggregate (hat is in high demand throughout said, “ft’s not just for us - every residential Michigan, as identified in lhe Michigan lake needs to have protection.” Department of Transportation’s Michigan The proposed legislation has been referred Aggregates Market Study,” Roger Smith to the stale House Local Government and wrote in lhe proposal that came before the Municipal Finance Committee, which is chaired hy state Rep. Julie Calley. R-Port land. township planning commission in June. "If this gets through {and becomes law], But. for people like Gordon Smith, sand mining is a local environmental issue. He said my wife and 1 are leaving the state," Smith he is working with other communities facing said in a phone interview wilh the Hastings similar issues with sand mining for a potential Banner Tuesday. “We’re going to go from Pure Michigan to Polluted Michigan." statewide protest. Sellck said he did not know when lhe Among communities that have taken a position against the proposed legislation are House committee would fake up discussion of Richland, a village in neighboring Kalamazoo the proposed legislation. Efforts to reach Calley for comment via County; Grass Lake, in Jackson County, and Metamora Tow nship, in Lapeer County on the phone and e-mail were unsuccessful. east side of the state. Smith said. “If this gets through (and becomes law) my wife and I are leaving the state We’re going to go from Pure Michigan to Polluted Michigan ” Senate BiO 429 - at a glance Senate Bill 429 would remove the requirement at the local government level to consider applications for proposed sand and gravel mining operations. It would add a sand and gravel mining provision, to be known as Part 639. to the state Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). It would: • Require an application for a mining permit to include the name and address of the applicant, the location and legal description and survey of the proposed mining area, a $5 XXX) application fee. an environmental impact assessment, a mining and reclamation plan, and assurance that the project has proper financial backing. • Require a mining and reclamation plan to include a description of materials, methods, and techniques that would be used for mining. • Require the Michigan Department of Environment. Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to publish public notice of the application in a newspaper of general circulation in lhe area of the proposed mine and transmit the notice lo the applicant and the supervisor or manag­ er of lhe township or chief administrative officer of the city or village where lhe mine is proposed to be located within 42 days after receiving an application. ’ • Specify that a person would have to submit comments on the application in writing to EGLE within 30 days after the notice was published and. if EGLE determined that one or more of the public comments constituted sufficient cause or that there was sufficient public interest in an application, require the department to hold a public hearing on lhe applica­ tion. • Specify that a mining permit issued by EGLE would be valid for the life of the mine and that the mining permit could be transferred or amended with the approval of EGLE. • Require an operator to file with EGLE by the first June 1 immediately after a mining permit was issued a plan map of the mining area, and on or before June I of each year, a mining and reclamalion report during the life of the mine. Source: Lcgislatureani.gov Spectrum Health to require staff get vaccinated Taylor Owens Stuff Writer Soectnim Health announced on Wednesday that it will require all of its team members, medical staff, students, volunteers and con- must do all wc can and our communi y. l c our actions will (hc ()f ^.S-^c-ear benefits to the pub­ cines soon. Spectrum’s press release said it may decide to act more quickly if it sees a risk to team members and public health as a result of the Delta vanant, or subsequent variants, based °n d«Ha m ns local communities. Similar announcements by Trinity Health and the Henry Ford Health System have been met wnh protests by employees and members of the public outside their hospitals Employees protested outside of Mercv Health in Grand Rapids last Saturday y Spectrum said it followed the science when making its decision ^nce wncn cin^-^hTno^S-^v- Almost idl people- who U" evidence and »Uc experts both in e xtund tiie foe*- ’ external, to under­ „After robust nl reviewing the Soffi* FDA tOS^ciruin j9 vaccine «id»( va^cinc> and will consider approving (he f JaW exemptions its re<l^ [ aV;1ilnble were Thc vaccines currem y approved urn er an tion by the I >* ‘ A(J|llinistrallon. (o re<|uire employees o £:TXu>«i'i-isf,d'yappro y ^r approval M”> 7’ jlls say they expect the P'c I. ap/roval for •>■<-• vac..nA to announce a tun u mid ncc-d hospitalization or die from n, , 9 arc-unvacciniued." Lian. sXa™,^,ejXU tious disease specialist at Soecinm, u i said in lhe release. “The D hl Hca,lh’ COVID-19 is causing signified,; Vanam °f COVID-19 infections and hospital" •" areas across the country where v > * • " • rates arc low. Wc encourage pcOple to cinated, in consuhauon with their physfei^ advice. ' s The press release pointed to sever d n why Spectrum made it, decision. incluX°n' . me COVID-19 vaccine reduce, h' for hospitalization and death by more thanks percent. . Currently more than 99 percent . .. deaths from COVID-19 infection are un ? unvaccinatcd persons. ‘ on8 - Vaccination substantially reduces the f k 5 tlnued from Pa& i --------- Join us on the Barry County of long-haul syn>p»n« from COVID-19 as nnnmGmatelv 20 t°30^VID-^will Percent of peopledevel with­ X o^mp-o^ Courthouse Lawn op at least one long'1"™ symptom. - The Delta vanani has been reported as 225 oercent more transmissible than the orig­ inal COVID-19 vinij from 2019. \ r July ^ata fo°,n CDC indicates tha;0pIo83^%OJi;,'l~CO\1DI9 August 4tbz 2021 lO.SOA - Noon cases are due to tMIKlla vanant, which is an increase front 50 P*’*'1' at the beginning of JUlyStates with lo* '‘'“’nation rates are see­ ing more young Pe0>’lc requiring 1CU and Vt"We agree w’111 ll,<: sc'cnce behind the vaccineMhe facts «he effectiveness of the vaccines and £ .'hmtntgh process the FDA takes in opl’ b sacctnes. Freese It.-. I.T Slid “"e ‘‘.I’P’ymg the same logic to the COVID-1‘> " We did reM“ir' ing the flu and oth^ '^ nes "As a health “'S'“"^on oares about our team n>c.nM> "h and our communi­ ties’ health, we SUPI* n thc science and wdl act according!)'p About half of '.ffiiH'ln'y rcslll‘;",-'.hi,;c received the • accorehng to the Barry-E-don Dr .. Heahh Department. Vacrines are J’’ the county at the walk-in clinic 3 , p ' HD s Hastings office and ‘It’"'*' n. .T" Car Show from'1' j ’3 I’ ">• Saturday A fill! schedule a’’3 PPuttilmcnts arc avail­ able at barryeato""L'",l'org,Schcdule vac. cine. Sponsored By: informal For more tnrormcrao . ■ • Tonia at 269-W5-6W9 or Barry County Local 269-948-9555 Planning Body • • �Thursday. July 29. 202! - The Hastings Bannot Stars shine for No Family Left Indoors Norma June McNutt NASA Solar System Ambassador l.i>a Wininrer will ho-t "A Star is Bom. a virtual X for the No Family U-ft Indoors summer -th NASA’s Propulsion' Lab. will tell about the ife of stars, from how they are born, through (heir life cycles to what happens when they run out of fuel. . , , . Pre-registration is required and may be completed at http://bit.ly/NH.Istars2O2l. More information is available al ccdarcreekinstitute.org. Garr) Wiggs, age 83, of Gun Lake, passed away on July 20,2021. Sr^e'T ^"e iu'gh-of Wham He was bom on April 13.1938 at Princeton, IN to Kenneth and Lorenc Wiggs. Ctonce-.mdLen.varM.llerfA^om He graduated from Franklin College in 1959 Nonna anended H^ngs High with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Garn’ and was employ** J4 worked a 40+ year career in plastics Manufacturing f<* 12 chemistry at a variety of companies and 24. 1943. Norma married William ucorge locations. He lived in cities and towns from MCN^ia a member of the Hastings Reno. Nevada to Conroe, Ttexas, as well as in several midwestem states. He was an Free Methodist Church. She loscd inventor and held several patents. After nrdenina. and all crafts Nonna was retirement, he enjoyed volunteering in the an avid Detroit Tiger, han. and especially community. Garry married Carole Ann loved watching Miguel Cabrera. Loosemorc on March 13,1959. Norma h preceded in death bv her parents, Garry’s successful career paled in William and Lenora: husband. William importance to his love of family. In his George McNutt; daughter. Lyndia; two children’s early years, he could be found grandchildren and one great-grandchild. leading scout troops and coaching soccer. She is survived by her son, William He was homework helper and quiet George (Linda) McNutt. Jr. of Hastings: cheerleader. In adulthood, his children could dauchtcr. Georgia (Bill) Tinkler of Elkhart, Indiana, daughter. Connie (Orty) Robert of always count on his listening ear. His wife was the light of his life. Woodland, daughter. Jacqueline (Bill) Garr)’ was preceded in death by his Moran of Cedar Springs; 17 grandchildren; parents and one brother. 41 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great He is survived by his wife of 62 years, grandchildren, and sister. Patricia (John) Carole, of Gun Lake; daughter. Cay (Tony) Higgins. Svob of Fountain Hills, AZ; son, Allen In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions (Michelle) of Bristol, IN; daughter. Melissa can be made to the American Diabetes Wiggs of Newago, and daughter Wendy Association. https://www.diabetes.org/ donate donate-memorial or P.O. Box 7023: (Darrell) Stokke of Fairfax, VA. Also Merrifield. VA 22116-7023. surviving are grandchildren. Alix (Charley) A memorial service for Norma will be Pickering, Dani Wiggs, Sydney Svob. Bryan held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 11 Stokke, Faith Svob. and Kara Stokke and a.m. with a visitation one hour prior at lhe great granddaughter .Sofia Askins. Hastings Free Methodist Church, 2635 Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers M-43: Hastings. Michigan 49058. may be made to the Barn County Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. Commission on Aging. To leave an online condolence visit www. A family memorial is planned for a later ginbachfuneralhome.net. date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuncralhome .com. Norma June McNun. age Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy. P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hast fme & gmail.com. Website: www, hast ingsfreemfthodist.com P.l4ot Brian Teed. Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director. Martha Stoetze!. Sunday Morning Worship: 9.45 a m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765. (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43). Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool. (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10JO to 11:30am. Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and j 1 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser. Ixad Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 am. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Family Night 6:30-8 p m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-Sth Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E State Rd.. P.O. Box 273, Hastings, Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone; 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road. Dowling. Ml 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654 Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hasting Banner, the churches und these local businesses: sfafob Hw 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS After a ten month battle with AMI. Leukemia, Joe Mix los( his battle and went to be with our I.ord and SaVjor. His family was wilh him and surrounding his bedside. Joseph was bom in Hastings, on September 20, |g87 a son of Barbara (Crouch) and Carry Mix, Joe was raised in lhe Hastings area and attended local schools, graduating from Hastings High School in 2006. He continued his education al Kellogg Community College, where he graduated from their Welding and Fabrication program. He was the husband of Anna (Crater) Mix. The couple was married October 4, 2019 in Hastings. They made their home together in Hastings where they enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing together. Joe worked at Mensch Manufacturing as a welder lubricator. He was mechanically inclined: he could build and repair almost anything. He really enjoyed working on steam engines with his dad. He was a member o! the National Threshers Association ot Wauseon, Ohio, the Charlton Park Steam and Gas Club of Hastings, Michigan and the Tompkins Center Freedom Festival Steam Engine Show, Tompkins Center. Joe had many GRAND ADVENTURES wilh his dad traveling the mid and central United Stales attendme steam engine shows. Of course we cannqfroigct his love for deer hunting. He was ah avid deer hunter, even this last year while battling cancer he managed to gel out hunting and managed to shoot his largest buck he’s every shot. Joe also enjoyed fishing both in the summer and the winter months. Joe is survived by his wife, Anna Mix; his parents, Larry and Barb Mix; sister. Jennifer (Mix) Johnson (Scott): brothers. John Mix and Josh (Evelyn) Mix. He was preceded tn death by his grandparents. Lynn and Emily Mix; grandfather, Stanley Crouch; aunts. Lorraine Mix, Jollene (Mix) Lancaster and Doreen (Mix) Wills. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday. July 31, 2021 at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, with Pastor Gary' Newton officiating. The family will receive visitors on Friday, July 30. 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers a memorial contributions can be made to the Family of Joe Mix at Lake Trust Credit union to help offset the medical expenses. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net. Leatrice Kate (Dunning) Jones, of Delton, passed away on July 23.2021. Ixatrice was born December 29. 1922 to Ixon and Beatrice (McDermott) Dunning. She graduated from Delton Kellogg High School and Western Michigan University Vonda VanTil before attending Wheaton College for her Public Affairs Specialist Masters. Have you ever thought you might need to Leatrice was a longtime teacher for visit a Social Security office? Chances are Delton-Kellogg Middle and High Schools. She served as a member and past president you do not. You can probably conduct your of the local teachers association. Leatrice business with us without leaving your home. Our online services page at ssa.gov/ married Lawrence Jones in 1945 and he preceded her in death on August 16, 2012. oniinescrvices provides a wide variety of self­ service options that can be accessed from a She enjoyed baking and made the best pies. smart, phone, tablet or computer. You can In her younger years, she was active in 4-H. Leatrice valued her many friends from the even apply for retirement, disability or Medicare online. Hickory Comers Wesleyan Church where With a personal My Social Security she taught Sunday school, vacation bible account, you can: \ school, and junior church for many years. • Get your Social Security Statement. Her goal in life was lo spread lhe WORD of • Request a replacement! Social Security GOD. that everyone might, bv faith, receive card. \ the GIFT of SALVATION. Ixatricc • Appeal a decision. I developed a constant dependence on God • Find out if you qualify foAbenefits. over the past few years, thanking him for all of his goodness. She most of all LOVED Do you receive Social Sccurihy benefits or Jesus’ Medicare? If so, you can create or klog in to Leatrice leaves behind a faithful son. your personal My Social Security account to: Jeremy Jones and his wife RoseElla; • Get your benefit verification lemVl for grandchildren: Whitney Blischki, Dakota Social Security. Medicare, and Supplemental Jones, Julian, and Amillionah “Millie”; great Security Income. : grandchildren: Mabel and Emerson; nieces • Check your information and benefit ' and nephews: Dan and Mary Sue Hurlbut, | Bob and Janet Lamper, Sherry Hurlbut, amount. • Change your address and telephone ‘ Randy and Sue Hendrick and Nancy Ann number. Otto, cousin: Sheryl Bowman; special • Start or change your direct deposit. friends; Jane Herbert, Rick and Terri • Request a replacement Medicare card. Hartman, Beverly Burdick. • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSAAlso preceding her in death was her son. 1042S for lax season. John Charles Jones; parents: and parents • Report your wages if you work and in-law, Donald and Blanch Jones. receive disability benefits or SSI. Leatrice*s funeral service was conducted on Wednesday, July 28. 2021, at Faith Create a personal My Social Security United Methodist Church. Burial look place account today al ssa.gov/myaccount to take in East Hickory Corners Cemetery next to advantage of these easy-to-use features. Also, her beloved husband. Lawrence. share our online services page with family Memorial contributions to Barry County and friends who need this important Commission on Aging or In Touch information. Ministries will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com lo share a Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist memory or to leave a condolence message for West Michigan. You may write her do for Leatrice’s family. Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp Arrangements made by Williams-Gores NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525. or via email to Funeral Home. vonda .vantil@ssa.gov. Take care of business online ’ traditional and Cremation Services •Pre-Plannin8Services • Large Parking Lot -1 handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths 7 'sewm * ^>r’c'arranBenient Transfers Accepted ^eral Ho^,328 s. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 Sign-up going on for Middleville 5K/10K run Pre-registration is going on now for the 2021 Middleville Heritage Da) 5K/10K Run which will be an out and back run on lhe Paul Henry Trail beginning at Stagecoach Park downtown. The race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21. Registration can be done online at tapre. org. The cost for those who pre-register is $25 for adults and $20 for those 12-and-under. Online registration will be available through Aug. 19. Day of (|le race registration is S30 for adults and $25 for those 12-and-under. Those who register bv Aug. 10 will be guaranteed a race T-shirt/ Runners are asked to meet in lhe gazebo at Stagecoach Park between 6:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. lhe day of the race. Awards will be hand­ ed out during a ceremony aI approximately 9:15 a.in. Parking for race participants will not be available behind the Village Hall this year. 'liming will be provided by the Thomapple Kellogg boys’ and girls’ cross country learns. — Ihik ’HillinRsIcv ,, )-'"945-3252 • www.girrbachfuncralhome.net ------ —————— ‘•‘"■•m'. Family Owned and Operated . * r 'tuMKvr St inn It KtiiUK O\\IHT I llirrilU* and Surrounding < (immunities for So vears NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION SST71"X'XMHa,1!ha <,“?n°';he 49058, until 10 30 A M M h 3 ^lghway’ P0- Box 158, Hastings, Ml (1 20 It t day' AU9US‘91 2021 ,or ,he following item: (1) 20 ton Tag Trailer, Tandem Axle CornSm Ofco™?™'i"'°r™?n may “ »>>“"« « »» Road banwe otg ab”e add,e“ or al "Jr "* haguS S*''"S lhe besl intsresl ol lhe Commission a, „„ ProP°sals, lo „„a ’ eP“'Pme"l al a lower price in BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS Fr."™Fla“UNTV°FBARHY ___ ______________ David D. Solmes D- David Dykstra Chairman Member Member �Tho Hastings Banner — Thur.vday, July 29, 2021 — Page 7 ................................. ■“................... .. • ’ fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner turning j BACK THE / RAGES dlj 1891 county fair enticed couple to be wed Local businesses offered prizes Kathy Maurer Copy Editor In 1891. when the Barty County Fair had been an annual event fo- just 39 years, lair officials were looking to wst a special activi- ly. something that would lure in more people. Their idea - though having nothing to do with animals, crops. clothing, food preserva­ tion or other likely matters - worked. The fair hosted a wedding ceremony. And so many people were drawn in. the crowd left no room on a designated platform for the young couple to exchange vows. For their part, lhe bride and groom had little else to do other than show tin in their finest ,GLalheM9Reatrice “'ebration for Albert and Maude Harding are (front row. from left): Thelma (Ball) Soya. m?rtrilprcorrell £|dred' Minnie (Woli^FHrAd0/?Marvin Dunkelber0er. Lucille Dunkelberger. Edith (Ball) Dunkelberger; (middle) (Harding) Fonda *Unknown)' Addie Smith. Maude (Lapham) Harding. Albert Harding. Lucy (Harding) J°mnS^mknown) Chanlreen Rnloh lanh^"1^ Gllchris1, Maltie (Harding) McCulloch; (back) Ray Chantreen. Maxine (maiden name unkn ) McKelv™ wjr uJames McKf;lve>'' Rose (Storms) Harding, Isabelle (McKelvey) Bensinger, Lillian SSSW JSXSS53 LtsIHMin® Li™»“• F«™ »**• attire, exchange vows before hundreds of friends, family members and strangers, and leave with a marriage certificate and a buggy full of gifts. Banner staff wrote about that event - and the couple’s upcoming 30th anniversary cele­ bration in the July 31. 1941,edition: Fair Association to honor Maple Grove couple Friday One of the distinctive features of the Barry County Fair next week will be the celebration Friday afternoon honoring Mr. and Mrs. Albert Harding of Maple Grove Township, well-known farmers of the Dunham School district, where they have resided for 40 years. Fifty years ago, at lhe 39th annual Barry County Fair, one of the feature attractions was a wedding - the first to be held at a local fair, although several neighboring fairs had made a wedding one of the features for several years. Asa Pennock was president of the fair asso­ ciation, M.H. Burton, secretary, and Norman l^itham, treasurer, and they were interested, us are the present officers, in making the affair as attractive as possible, so decided upon fol­ lowing the example Of lheir neighbors. The fair dates were Sept. 23.24 and 25. 1891, the wedding ceremony to be Thursday aftemcxin. Sept. 24. on a specially constructed platform Ixforc the grandstand. In order to attract the attention of a young couple wishing to be married, lhe officers announced special premiums to be awarded the lucky ones accepting the offer. The premi­ ums and the names of lhe donors listed in the Hastings Banner included: "1. Goodyear Bros. Hardware, cook stove; 2. Hastings Furniture Company, bedroom suite; 3. Hastings Chair and Table Company, fine chair or tabic; 4. Joseph Rogers, grocer, a fine hanging lamp; 5. W.H. Myers, harness maker, a traveling tnmk worth $5; 6. Dennis & Slingerland, publishers. The Journal for one year; 7. Cook Bros, publishers. The Banner for one year; 8. Thos. S. Brice, county clerk, will furnish the marriage license free.” Another item stated that “Archie McCoy [fur­ niture dealer] ... would frame the marriage certificate free.” Down in Maple Grove Township lived two young people who were seriously considering the question of marriage - Albert Harding and Miss Maude Latham - and they finally decid­ ed to accept the invitation of the fair officials lo be wed Thursday afternoon. So, dressed in lheir finest clothes, riding in Albert and Maude (Lapham) Harding lived in Battle Creek early in their marriage, a double buggy with an extension top, (the before returning to Maple Grove Township, where both had been raised (Photo pro­ equipage cost $250) and driven by a team of fine horses, Albert Harding and Miss Latham, vided by Eric Soya) accompanied by their attendants, Mr. and Mrs. Milton Culp, of Maple Grove, proceeded along lhe racetrack toward the grandstand. But the crowd was so great that lhe young people could not reach the platform so went to the judges’ stand where the Rev. William F. Kring, pastor of die Nashville Methodist Church, read the single-ring service. Following the ceremony, the bridal party went to the Hotel Barry' for the wedding din­ ner, of itself, a treat in those days. The bride wore a navy-blue velvet gown made in the prevailing mode of the 1890s with a Basque waist buttoned down the front and long, light sleeves. Silk was used for trim­ ming, silk gores adorned with white ribbon ■■ bows, decorating the Inng bell skirt. A report of the wedding, as printed in the Banner of Oct. 1, 1891. reads as follows: "No doubt the largest wedding, in point of attendance, ever held in Barry County, occurred Thursday afternoon when Mr. Albert Harding and Miss Maude Latham, both of Maple Grove, were united in marriage in lhe judges stand at the fairground. Long before the hour named when the ceremony was to take place arrived, the grandstand and lhe track in front of it were Pncked with people. A stand had been erected on the track, but it was impossible to get to it. owing to the crowd, so the marriage took pliK’e ln the judges stand. I he ceremony was a' impressive one. and if the happy couple start off with even the best ftrove IOWik” ”r» ..... fir ourry Mr. and Mrs. Albert Harding. *fffair as they neared their 50 anniversary. (File wishes of all who witnessed the event, as they no doubt do, they will have the best wishes of ounty Fair, were honored at nearly all the people ,n Burr>’ County. May >hoto) Albert Harding was remembered as a fair person, and he and his wife as happy people. They are pictured here with their daughters (from left): Stella, Lillian and Fem, circa 1906. (Photo provided by Eric Soya) they have a long and prosperous life is our wish.” These gotxl wishes really have come true as was evidenced when Mr. and Mrs. Harding were interviewed Monday at their pleasant farm in Maple Grove Tow nship. For the first 10 years of their married life, they lived in Battle Creek where Mr. Harding worked for the Grant Threshing Machine Company. The second year in Battle Creek, they purchased their own home, leaving it lo move back and their farm near the Dunham School in 1901. Mr. Harding was bom in Climax. Kalamazoo County. March 3, 1868, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Harding. The family moved into Maple Grove Township when /Albert was but 6 weeks old. He attended the Dunham School as have his children, grand­ children and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Harding was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. [Joanna Hardy] Gilbert Latham and was born in Maple Grove Oct. 25. 1874. She attended lhe Norton School and lived at home until her marriage. Three daughters came lo bless lhe Harding home: Fem, now Mrs. Geo. Ball; Stella, now Mrs. Harry McKelvey; and Lillian, who died several years ago (Lillian died of a blood dis­ order in 1921 at age 26], There are 17 grand­ children and nine great-grandchildren One grandson, Eugene Ball, is now stationed with Uncle Sam’s troops at Fort Sill. Okla., and another grandson, James McKelvey, expects to be called in the near future since he has received his class 1-A registration. For many years, Mrs. Harding has been a faithful member of the Scventh-day Adventist Church of Hastings and a member of the Dorcas Society. Mr. Harding formerly belonged to lhe Maple Leaf Grange No. 940 and for six years and was its treasurer. He also served as treasurer of the Dunham School District for nine years. Now in their later years, Mr. and Mrs. Harding are reaping the rewards of their wellspent lives, enjoying the respect and confi­ dence of their wide circle of friends and the fruits of their hard labor during lhe 50 years. For the past eight winters, they have driven to Lakeland, Fla., where they rent an apartment for several months and escape the rigors of Michigan wealher. When asked what induced them to be mar­ ried at the fair, Mrs. Harding replied. “I guess Continued next page -------------• ■i s All Aboard for the ____ Rocky RAILWAY i Jf,w^PDWrO PULLS US Join us for the fun! August 3rd - 5th, Tuesday - Thursday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm • Preschool - Sth grade First Presbyterian Church 405 N. M37 Highway, Hastings, MI ’ • ! 269-945-5463 Sign up online at firstchurchhastings.org .. ' There will be music, Bible stories, crafts, games and snacks. We have some special events each day, too! Stormy’s Foam Party and a train ride on Tuesday. John Bali Park Zoo on Wednesday, and 3 large inflatables on I hursday! Special request: Please plan to get a little wet on Tuesday! Bring a towel and wear or bring a swimsuit. It’s all in good foamin’ fun! See you soon!! T---- - - ■> . �rage 8 — Thursday. July 29. 2021 — Tho Hastes Banner City sets new terms for development Schools planning for maskless, in-person learning ot formei” Moose Lodge property Bn lor Owens Sluff Writer Local school district officials are in the process of finalizing their back-to-school plans, and most are preparing to have few viral mitigation rules imposed in the class­ rooms. “Otir goal and plan is lo move into the 2021-2022 scIkxjI year with normal proce­ dures and protocols.” Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Mart Goebel said. “We are finalizing our back-to-school plan this next week, so we can share it with the board of education and public with more details.” Maple Valley Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said the district will have almost no COVID-19 protocols. other than mask wear­ ing on buses as required by federal mandate. Staff and students will still be encouraged to be mindful of sanitization and wash their hands regularly “We will certainly comply with any local, slate and federal requirements and are main­ taining several additional school and bus-cleaning protocols put in place last year,’’ Lakewood Public Schools Superintendent Steven Skalka said. “But o\er.ilI. we believe it is important for students to be in a safe and familiar environment in which they can get back to participating in curricular and co-curricular activities provided prior lo the pan­ demic to the extent possible.” “We arc looking forward to a •return to normal’ school )ear,” Thomapple Kellogg Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap said in a letter to parents. The district is doing away with most of its COVID-19 protocols, but il will notify par­ ents if their students have been exposed to someone wilh a positive COVID test, as required by lhe Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Delton Kellogg Schools will keep most of its COVID-19 protocols in place this fall, although masks will no longer be required. “A lot of these things like social distancing, hand washing and wiping down surfaces, we found that wasn’t really too much of a hin­ drance in a normal school day.” Delton Marriage licenses ■ Tanner Max Schultz. Hiram. OH and Emma Elizabeth Ringleka, Middleville Lydnsey Marie Fisher, Middleville and Seth Robert Nawrocki, Middleville Melody Rose Hawkins, Freeport and Terrance Sanders Sanchez, Sergeant Bluff, IA Rory Joseph O'Neill, Murfreesboro. TN and Cynthia Marie Daconlo. Murfreesboro, TN Thaddeu Joe Stampller, Hastings and Rcylene Mariah Jones. North Royalton, OH Rebecca Lee Davis, Hastings and Robert Lee Woodworth, Hastings Meritt Rae Weiler, Hastings and Ronald Clark Apsey, Hastings Deborah Lynn Hotchkiss, Hastings and Robert Dee Richardson, Hastings Daniel Kelvin Metzger, Battle Creek and Susan Fay Kane, Hastings Scott Anthony Starks, Bellevue and Megan Galen Vanamburg. Columbus ' So we’re going to keep a lot ol those men suras in place for now." While COVID-19 cases have been down recently, superintendents say they arc keeping a close eye on the numbers. “I’m going to really be hopeful that the Delta variant or future variants don’t rear their heads to disrupt our learning.” Bertolini said. hl After remaining in the single d.p. O«rthe past several weeks. COVID eases tn Bany County have doubled since last week, front nine to 18. according to the health depart "’since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, Barry County has recorded 5399 con firmed cases. 599 probable cases and 69 deaths from COVID-19. , School officials say they are hopeful the state will not reimpose the mandates that were placed on districts hist year. “There has been talk that lhe state will be putting out back-to-schoo) guidance either at the end of this week or next week. Skalka said. “1 am hopeful that guidance is just that - guidance - and not requirements as districts across lhe stale arc in vastly different posi­ tions based on the level of in-person instruc­ tion they offered last year.” As of now, that doesn’t look like it will happen. . . Bertolini said she believes state restrictions are unlikely, based on her conversations with officials in health and education departments. “I really struggle lo see that they’re going lo make [wearing masks] mandatory, based on some of the pushback that you re seeing from all across the country’.’’ Dr. Dedrick Martin of Caledonia Community Schools told parents during a Q&A session last week. But. if the state does reimpose its restric­ tions, school districts would have little recourse to defy those orders. “If it is a requirement, and we decided not to follow [it], lhe state board [or] lhe local health department could take legal action to ... shut us down,” Martin told parents. There could be financial sanctions, includ­ ing a possible cutoff of lhe state’s per-pupil funding to the district. “In reality, if funding stops flowing to schools, we have about six weeks’ worth of money to keep us going,” Martin said. “At some point, this becomes a decision that we don’t have the funding to keep the doors open. Now that’s likely lhe most extreme (scenar­ io!.” The district has consulted with its attorney and insurance carrier, and Martin said the district could face legal action by defying a state or county order. "If I have a state or a local agency that has [been] given that authority and I intentionally say, ‘I’m not going to do it, I don’l believe it. we’re going to take our chances,' and I have one student or one staff member who gets gravely ill. we would lose our governmental immunity - i.e., our insurance is not going to pick up the bill for that lawsuit.” Martin said. “We would have to answer. ‘Under what authority did you make that choice that put this child or this family [at risk]?’ It doesn’t matter how I personally feel.” Martin acknowledged it is “an extreme worst-case scenario, but that is a possibility.” BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER GARBOW DRAIN NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DETERMINATION DATE: Thursday, August 12, 2021 TIME: 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: Thornapple Township Hall 200 E Main Street Middleville, Michigan 49333 QUESTIONS: (269) 945-1385 A Board of Determination will meet at the above date, time and location to hear all interested persons, receive evidence and determine whether the locating, establishing and constructing of the Garbow Drain, as set forth in the petition, dated April 7, 2020, is necessary and conducive to the public health, convenience or welfare, pursuant to Chapter 4 of Public Act 40 of 1956, as amended. A presentation will be made to the Board of Determination outlining a brief history of the Drainage District, and describing the roles, responsibilities and decisions made by a Board of Determination. The presentation is lo provide background for landowners and municipalities in the drainage district and to facilitate the dissemination of information and the receipt of testimony of landowners in the Drainage District. The Board of Determination will make its decision at the end of the meeting. Proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject to the provisions of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Information regarding this meeting, including the minutes of the meeting, may be obtained from the Barry County Drain Commissioner’s Office located at 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Drain Commissioner at the number listed above or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Anyone aggrieved by the decision of fhe Board of Determination may seek judicial review pursuant to MCI. 280.72a. Jim Dull. Barry County Drain Commissioner Barnin sbnon .. • Staff W""'r Hastings city (. ‘-"n took a step toward breaking «u ipcny at 128 N. Michigan AvcnUl. On Mondays ,1)' ,,,rcv<l to sell lhe land al a discount to • ?\j Veneklasen with lhe proviso tha| ., jeVeloper finishes the project before Nov 11 2022. The council’. rmd to reaching that deci­ sion. however. w;isnot smooth. Initially. AJ Veneklasen came to the coun­ cil with a reque ‘ cUl the city’s asking price for the pr0DcrtV from $135,000 to $67,500. inipeny In its first votc tlie council denied that request in a conten’tioUS 6-3 split. Councihyojnan Brenda McNabb-Stange voiced her issues with lowering the cost. At the beginnjno of the process, they had hoped the project would be finished by now. “We’ve given nunicrous concessions, [ have) made nunleruus changes, we’ve given numerous extensions.” McNabb-Stange argued. ”... \ve |lave U) pay the demolition costs regardless to the (Downtown Development Authority]- Wc owe lhat ,o them. We’ve committed to do that. So we would lose more money from our general fund in order to do this And I don’t think it’s in lhe best interest to do so.” 1 he council purchased the property, the former Moose Lodge, in fall 2019 before awarding a development deal to the Grand Rapids-bascd developer and contractor, AJ Veneklasen. The plan was to turn the downtown prop­ erty into three stories of 21 market-rate the developer a total '‘'.j^o.dd the developer a total <>i j".' _ would h^fui^h.llS^/XXJ.rhedil^ ho"si"8-|-<l ,norc McN-ihh c. “ he,n morc concessions.” we Untt h •?e '****• BuI ri"hl "°*.' "An1 wh 'nK “ deal ,U U5' i tW° >'cars? 1 mean, it’s aS,On{!as *1 has been.” qucnces if concern about lhe censewith AJ VcneklaXtt""! '° "‘roUE'' alrcadv K-r-n between tlm two. S58XXX). would be kept m escrow until they finish the •Urn nrooosal parsed in a 6--^ . SonuTcouncil members, McNabb-SlanfP ■unong them, were visibly upset by the deci­ sion and length of time awarded to the com’’'Monday's amendment marked the sixth umcndmenl that has been made to> Ihe: »?«<-. ment - due to delays and the pandemKOthers said they fell like it was best to just get started and as'ard AJ Veneklasen a pnee do"’' 72” d° som<:,hi"8 to negothe deal and back out of it. wi?rc ? to beanother two. three years before - if • we find somebody else to buy that prop­ erty councilman John Resseguic said. " .. CU-i understand where you're corning from. B it we re gomg to set ourselves behind I understand the fund balance and all that. another two or three years in getting grants Mayor Dave Tossava responded. But it and that kind of sluff." shows good faith.” Rcsscguie went on to suggest that they -scratch the initial vote, and make a deal to In other action: . incentivize the developer with a discount to The council moved into closed session to finish by a certain date. discuss the terms and conditions lor the con After mulling the legality of a re-vote — tract for its new city manager. Sarah Moyerwhich included interim City Manager Gregg Cale. Following the session, they agreed Guetschow running out of the room to get his unanimously to grant the mayor the ability to Robert’s Rule of Order book — they came to sign the contract, with the authority to make lhe conclusion that they could reconsider the a few’ minor changes. The details of the con­ council’s preliminary vole. tract won’t be released until they are final, On the second go-round, lhe council nei­ Guctschow said. ther accepted nor denied AJ Vencklasen’s The council adopted the city of Hastings request for an amendment to the asking Master Plan and lhe inclusion of a principal price. shopping district in a unanimous vote. Instead, lhe council landed on a new The council purchased a new police vehi­ stance: cle for S36.637, snow and ice truck equip­ It AJ Veneklasen finishes its construction ment for $98,098. a chipper body for by Nov. 13. 2022, the property would cost $10,674, and 12 fire hydrants for $25,400. CDC recommends indoor mask use But don’t expect mandates in Michigan Bridge Michigan Americans once again should wear masks indoors in schools and areas with high rates of COVID — even those who are fully vaccinat­ ed. according to recommendations Tuesday from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the new guidance, which targets coun­ ties of “substantial or high transmission,” unleashed plenty ofquestions. • Chief among then Will anybody listen? For now. requiri/ig masks will be left up to businesses, universities and others — rather than stale or county officials,said Linda Vail, Ingham County health officer. “What’s the likelihood lhat anybody’s going to tolerate any kind of epidemic orders right now?” she asked. This week, 11 Michigan counties were deemed as counties of “substantial or high” transmission: Gogebic, Iron and Dickinson in the western Upper Peninsula; Mason. Kalkaska and Alpena in northern Michigan; and Van Buren. Cass. Branch and Hillsdale on Michigan's southern edge. Sixteen others scattered throughout the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan were listed as having “low transmission.” The CDC's latest action reversed earlier decisions, and il complicated already difficult decisions for businesses, governments, public health officials and school districts as the sec­ ond half of summer gives way lo back-toschool and cooling temperatures that will drive people back inside. The reversal comes as COVID cases have increased more than 100 percent nationwide in the past 14 days, driven in large part by die contagious Delta variant and plateauing vac­ cination efforts. The number of Michigan cases remains relatively low compared to 0,^ier s!alcs* but they as well have crept upward in recent weeks. On Tuesday. Michigan added 1,762 cases for die previous four days, an average of 440 per day. Ten days ago the state was averaging about 290 cases per day. Th’5 was far below the third wave this spring when the average daily rates peaked at 7,014 cases, but il poses a worrisome trend to health officials. "Il seems that, with letting our guard down and not reaching the level that we want in vaccination, we’re at this point again” of indoor masks, said Jimena Loveluck, health officer at the Washtenaw County health department. "It is frustrating, but at the same time, these are the kinds of s (hat in public health, we have to respond to in order to protect our community members ” she said. But Loveluek, too ’said she doesn t expect state or local orders to ra9uire masks yCL Michigan liftB(1q“|f^ask mandate and remaining pai1(|cm-. in June, and any return to them wOu|<i face the groundswell ol opposition to SUch „ulliieinents 16 months into a pandemic On Tuesday, Gov G,eIchen Whitmer wore a face mask at ah ; ' lnor press conference on affordable hoMJit. . Whitmer saiq i>rnJonCigh Khaldun, chief medical executive, recommended that the lhe list of the toughest calls to make, said governor return to mask-wearing indoors and Karen Senkus. health officer for the Chippewa in groups. County health department on lhe eastern tip of However, Whitmer said she doesn’t expect the Upper Peninsula. to announce any other mandate. “Il is really tough. I get asked that question "I do not anticipate another pandemic order every- day.” about whether there will be a - not in the near future and maybe not ever,” mandate, she said. ./ Whitmer (old reporters. “The best way to stay Earlier this week, they were still wrestling safe is to get vaccinated. We’re really strongly with it, as she and others did a daily review of encouraging every one to do just that.” hospitalizations, case rates and other dast in Local health officials share the same senti­ the area. Senkus said. k ment. The latest guidance from Michigan henJJh “It really comes down to, right now, a citi­ officials makes it clear that local officials aqc zen’s decision whether or not they’re going to in charge for the time-being, likely leading 10* wear a mask." said Ann Hepfer, health officer a patchwork of policies if cases continue to for Bay and Tuscola counties at the lip of rise. Michigan’s Thumb. The two-page guidance, issued June 25, In the meantime, the health department will reads, in part, “ the number and intensity of step up assistance to make sure local employ­ prevention strategics can be adjusted based on ers and others have adequate masks and other the level of COVID-19 transmission in the resources. community.” "We want to stay open, right? And wc In Chippewa County, nearly every recent know that masks and social distancing works,” COVID case has been among the adults. she said. Senkus noted. Still, that could change quickly Hepfer finds truth in lhe old adage that School policies over things like masking like­ “you get more w ith honey” than sour lemons ly will change quickly, too. or vinegar — something she said is especially “We really need to be flexible this year,” true in lhe current climate. she said. « “If you could encourage people and edu­ How' does masking affect vaccines? Vaccinations remain lhe key tor thwarting cate them, they will make their own deci­ the virus, health officials say. sions.” she said. But vaccine rales have stalled — as of Al the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, Jason Winslow agreed, saying Tuesday.just under 60 percent of Michiganders such decisions must remain local, based on had had a first dose, far short of the state’s 70 percent goal. community need and demand. At least two Michigan health care giants What works for Ann Arbor may not work in — Henry Ford and Trinity Health — now a northern Michigan city — a statement truer require vaccinations. today than it was, say, in the middle of the Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of pandemic, said Winslow, the association’s Veterans Affairs announced this week lhat president and CEO. many ol its frontline workers w ill be required "This industry interacts with the public — to be vaccinated, and the the Department of whether you’re on the restaurant or the lodg­ Justice this month released an 18-page opin­ ing side — so tremendously every single day ion saying federal law' doesn’t prohibit that they need to be responsive to the general employers from such requirements. As masking and other mitigating measures sense of that community,” he said. fall by the wayside, and the pandemic is Sweeping mandates make him “genuinely fueled by Delta and other variants of concern, concerned,” about the safety of the industry’s vaccinations will be even more critical, said workers. Loveluck, lhe health officer at Washtenaw “1 don't know whether the public is going County. to be — this far removed from any restrictions Loveluck said she’s not requiring her start’ and regulations COVID — (willing) lo go to be vaccinated “at this time." Most already are, she said. back,” he said. But she predicts that other employers may What does this mean for schools? It’s not clear, bul it likely will vary from begin requiring vaccines or mandating more testing among employees who refuse. district to district. Vaccines, Loveluck said, are “one of the Across the state, local health and school officials are now hammering out back-to- best w ays to help every one be able to get back school plans. A possible mask mandate tops to life as it was before COVID." CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 603 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 70-70, OF ARTICLF ill OF CHAPTER 70 OF THE HASTINGS CODE REPORT OF Citv MANAGER RELATIVE TO IMPROVEMENT 11 T was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a rpnnia, meeting on the 26th of July 2021. 9 lar A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the nitim ot the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street. Hastinqs Monrt-° through Friday, 8:00 AM lo 5:00 PM. 9 ’ on0ay Jane M. Saurman City Clerk �Parking lot construction c?n«nues at hospital Pl^^ctjvili_aiio^ more efficient i paring"™:'repaxinp”unde'P'>"'f » ru. ,<uiu viMti . .. , fwr w-\ Wi" Hc b,oke" »>'« two fottr wtek phases to ensure parking remains available. 1 b Beginning Monday AU An«S- 2 a ’ construction .. . • iik. wdl begin n the mam parking lot between the Mcdre.il Aits Btiildini; and the Wellness • Center. lhe repaving of this lot will be spin into two phases For the month of August, signage will direct patients into the parking . lot through lhe west entrance, closer to the emergency entrance, and individuals will exit .on the cast side of the lol. closer to the Wellness Center. Patients visiting for surgery or cancer services will enter through the Baum Family Surgery Center main entrance. Patients may­ be dropped off at the doors to this space. • Parking for patient guests is available behind • the surgery center. directly in f„)nl. f"k2l'S.‘lir,:Cll> in f™< <>l lhe emergency ' patients seeking emcgency cure, along wilh lab and x.* . g,‘S dircc* visi'°" '» 'he appropriate spaces. Phase I of t|lc pn)jcc( _ rcpaving |hc parking lol dirvclly |he Bwjm FflmiJy * C.nIer nnd hospital - is complete. 7 look forward to having this project comp eled, offering our patients and visitors more eft icicnt and easy parking opportunities,” enuc Jone. Slip chief operating officer, said m a press release. “TTie updated lots will allow for a smooth flow and increased width ol parking spaces to enhance parking.” l he final phase of the project will begin in early September. All services will remain open during construction. More about Spectrum Health Pennock can be found atspectrumhealth.org/Pennock. The Hastings Barner — Thursday. July 29, 2021 — Page 9 1891 continued' Page 7 - Financial FOCUS "'"h 7.Iks b>" ' 1 re ««-h „ ,0' "> us. Ih, ones. US n« ny ye^ « used cookstove lc j)ng g I • ••AnoHier “C » gn,n,j^“ «”,d presented by * t-u|p who ai(e|)d ‘ 7. . Mr. and ()ved to Qu . l,K andgroom.I^ ^4fe-i,ndi‘ is though1 uf Hanling D1)r_|/’ , At the t»"e3l near the int^J^ his farm ISedion villc rni^'«utmn of Dowling i'ndDunh»n'-,hcrewas .1fi0|? d!c owner, Walt er . ct. where Mr n i'* ,ni c racetrack in 'he Pacing ho/t " bad trained some <1"hctrackUp “ Mr. Harding p'^^ion. P ”d " has Sln« been under c‘H hcn (|i prerem ^ilyt"’ IDyson]. and his ^n'd « the house sstrfti-"* reached Canada. oming to Maple Grove. The fam b h,ghly respected in lhe neighborhood- ~____ John Milton Culp a”d wife, Gertrude Barker, were when Milton died in 1925 at aSc ^rtnide moved to Tulare. Calif- (lhc samf. h°metown as the smoke-writing Pi,ot "?’n’Oncd in ,ast w<*k’s column on <hc 9,unt>' Fa‘OGertrude Culp. ?,Cd.,hc w>nter after the above article was pnnredHenry Dyson died m i AJ2 and was buried at Union Cemetery in Maple Grove Township. Some sources list 87 «r as his age at death. His death certificate has “unknown” written in the area for birthdate, and his cause of death was “old age.” His death certificate also lists farming as his occupation and notes that he was a former slave. The farm the Hardings owned had two Elaine Garlock Most of the straw from the wheat harvest houses, and they sometimes rented one out. Lake Odessa is soon to have a new has now been secured into round bales. Margaret (McKelvey) Wilson, 92, who restaurant which will be serving Mexican The quarterly newsletter of the county food, on Tupper Lake Street. genealogy society again has reflections on now lives in Waterford, is a granddaughter of Work continues on the Emerson Street COVID-19 with individual stories. One such the Hardings. Last week, she shared some of project. Underground work now is finished. story this time has a daily listing of the number her memories of her grandparents with her Last week, truck loads of gravel were hauled of cases in Michigan. That will be a good great-nephew Eric Soya, a great-great-grand­ in, maybe an indication that work is moving item to have for future reference. There was son of lhe Hardings. to the top level. “She remembers the 50th anniversary cele­ also mention of a shortages of certain paper Board members of the local historical products. How soon we forget. Remember bration at lhe fair, but said she didn’t remem­ society met Monday evening for lhe first when grocery store shelves for paper items ber (her grandparents! ever talking much time in many months. Tentative plans were were nearly bare. It was months before about the original wedding ...” Soya said. made for some future events. But not yet for the shelves were fully stocked again. The Margaret recalled her grandparents being monthly meetings which has been the format question was asked if there will be someplace invited on stage al lhe 1941 Barry County since 1968. Gills have continued to be given sometime a museum of masks to show the Fair for their 50th anniversary celebration. to the society from families w ho want to find a widespread variety of masks used. They are ”... then they rode around at the fair­ suitable place for preserving family treasures. still available in novelty catalogs. grounds in a buggy with a surrey top and The planters downtown continue to be The summer reading program of the Lake tossed/handed out candy to kids,” relayed show w ith cannas in center of each container Odessa library is drawing to a close with Soya, who now lives in Grand Rapids. “She at least fixe feel high. I hey range from yellow awards. Some of the sessions were held at lire would have been around 12 at lhe time, bul it to maroon to vibrant orange, with smaller village park. struck her as being a big deal, centered begonias at lower level but thriving. around them.” Margaret, daughter of Stella and Harry McKelvey, grew up two miles from Albert and Maude. Her aunt and uncle. Fem and George Ball, lived in the second house on the Harding farm. The Balls and McKelveys had children of similar ages, and they often played together, which. Margaret said, also meant being able to spend time with their grandparents. Margaret described Albert and Maude as “two of the most happy people I have ever known.’’ She recalled a story of a neighbor who had borrowed money from “Bert” Harding. “She was playing outside at Bert and Maude's house when the neighbor walked up," Soya said, sharing Margaret’s story. "She could sec he looked sad. The neighbor told Bert he couldn’t pay him what he owed, and Bert said lhat was OK and asked what he could pay. The guy said he had $2, and Bert said that would be fine, he knew he’d make it Another reason astronauts need space­ Dr. Universe: up later. Bert was wearing his normal attire of Whv du astronauts need astronaut suits? suits has to do with changes in air pressure. dress pants, vest, jacket and pulled a note pad Tamarin. 8, Sioux Falls, SJ). As we go about our day, air is always press­ out and wrote a receipt for the $2. The neigh­ ing down on us. We don’t get crushed by bor said ‘Bert, if it weren’t for you, my farm this pressure because just as air pushes Dear Zamaria. would be owned by the bank.’ Bert replied ‘I When astronauts leave Earth, a spacesuit down on us outside of our body, it’s also don’t want your farm. I have all the land 1 can help them stay safe in places that are pushing from the inside out. These two need. Go home and do your chores, I know opposing forces help keep things in bal­ quite different from their home planet. you will pay what you can.’ My great-aunt I learned all about it from my friends ance, or equilibrium. still remembers the look of relief in the neigh­ Stasia Kulsa, Lauren Reiving and Ian Wells, If you left Earth’s atmosphere and head­ bor’s face. Bert loaned others money over the a few members of a team at Washington ed to a place like the moon where there was years also and had a reputation for being very' State University researching how to clean less air pressure around you, that equilibri­ fair.” um would get out of balance. The body moon dust from spacesuits. Margaret described her grandfather as a On Earth, dust can sometimes be annoy- would likely start swelling as it tried to find very kind man, and couldn't recall him ever balance again. A spacesuit helps provide in- but dust front the moon can cause lots getting mad. She also said he would finish all just the right amount of air pressure not of problems lor astronauts, the ‘earn >s of his chores on the farm then take a bath and working on a "spacesuit car wash that w ill quite as much air pressure as there is on get dressed up for dinner every night, in dress Earth, but enough to keep lhe astronauts keep astronauts healthy and their equtppants and a vest. safe. Maude Harding mentioned two wedding ment Ar.,;tc h^in Many details go into an astronaut’s com­ Theclean. researchers told me spaccsuKs .help gifts still in use after 50 years: a chair and a plex spacesuit, but those are jusl a few. It astronauts stay safe in lots ot different trunk. turns out astronauts even wear a maximum “One of my great-uncles got the chair after * UCs say you were an astronaut heading absorption garment that allows them to go my great-grandparents died, and we don’t to the bathroom in space. They also have to the moon. Here on Earth, w<_ >rea know what happened to it aQer sOya oxygen all day, but on the moon, there > n t helmets that contain a little block of foam said. “ No one is sure about the trunk. ” they can use to scratch lheir noses. People nearly enough oxygen t orealm. In nine years, Soya added, the original Astronauts may carry oxygen ttmks ornhe who design spacesuits think of everything, Harding farm will have been in the family don’t they? back of their suits or use a how W «n> 150 years. Of course, spacesuits have changed quite nects their spacesuits to a space statton and Albert Harding died before great-grand­ a bit over lhe years. Creative people - like delivers oxygen they can breathe. daughter Teddic (McKe’vcyl Soya was bom. my friends at WSU - are always coming up She has a few memories* of Maude, who died re^^^brenheitdunng with ways to help improve spacesuits. Who when Soya was 5. Pne tidbit that hasn’t know s, maybe one day you can help design the day and minus-200 d‘£«s ' f*£ changed with the passing ol time: Susan B. spacesuits or become an astronaut who Anthony was Maude s second cousin, twice ;ll night. The human Ixtdy wears one on a mission. removed. those temperatures. so I a%11(>. Dr. Universe designed with materia s ' titioiis. Sources: Hastings Banner, niigenweb.orgI nauts lo survive in extreme c ( / harry, Jamilysearch.org> ^cestryx'om, Eric Do you have a question? AvA. Di. Some of these a sleeping Soya. Teddie Soya, blargutvt (Mi.Kelvey) lators. and they work stmt y |e fa, Universe. Send an email to Wadiinyimi Wilson. State ver s ' re"v< ic,ais 1 <ind bag. When the astronaut s lure ores, the mate.ial absorbs the hut^ writer al Dr.Universe^ wumdu or visit her when the temperature P astro­ website, askdr universe.coin. vises off hcat. nre spaces ... can nauts maintain a hoilth) ) Provided by the Harry County offices of Edward Jone^ .XtemkrSIK Jell Domenico, AAMS0 Financial Advisor 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-8265 Wendt Stratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 Is Roth IRA better for young workers? If jou'rv in the early stages of your career, you’re proba­ bly not thinking much about retirement. Nonetheless, it's never too soon lo start prepar­ ing for it, as lime may be your most valuable asset. So, you may want lo consider retire­ ment savings vehicles, one of which is an IRA. Depending on your income, you might have the choice between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. Which is belter for you? There’s no one correct an­ swer for everyone. Bul the more you know about the two IRAs, the more confident you’ll be when choosing one. First of all, the IRAs share some similarities. You can fund either one with many types of investments - stocks, bonds, mutual funds and so on. And the contribution lim­ it is also tile same - you can pul in up to $6,000 a year. (Those older than 50 can put in an additional $1,000.) If you earn over a certain amount, though, your ability lo contribute to a Roth IRA is reduced. In 2021, you can put in the full $6,000 if your modified adjusted gross in­ come (MAGI) is less than $125,000 and you’re single, or S198,000 if you’re married and tile jointly. The amount you can contribute gradually declines, and is eventually limited, at higher income lev­ els. But the two IRAs differ greatly in how they are taxed. Traditional IRA contribu­ tions are typically lax-de­ ductible (subject to income limitations), and any earn­ ings growth is tax-deferred, with taxes due when you lake withdrawals. With a Roth IRA. though, your contribu­ tions are never lax-deduct­ ible - instead, you contribute allcr-tax dollars. Any earn­ ings growth is tax-free when withdrawn, provided you’ve had your account at least five years and you don't take withdrawals until you’re at least 59%. So, which IRA should you choose? You'll have to weigh the respective benefits of both types. Bul when you’re young, you may have partic­ ularly compelling reasons lo choose a Roth IRA. Given that you’re at an early point in your career, you may be in a lower tax bracket now than you will be during retirement, making the tax-deduclion of traditional IRA contributions less beneficial. So, it may make sense to contribute to a Rolli IRA now and Lake tax-free withdrawals when you’re retired. Also, a Roth IRA offers more flexibility. With a tra­ ditional IRA, you could face an early withdrawal jxmalty, in addition tn taxes, if you take money out before you’re 59'Zr. But with a Rotlk you’ll face no penalty on withdraw­ als from die money you con­ tributed (not your earnings), ;ind you've already paid the taxes, so you could use the money for any purpose, such as making a down payment on a home. Nonetheless, you may still want lo be cautious about tapping into your IRA for your spending needs be­ fore you retire, since IRAs are designed to provide re­ tirement income. If your income level per­ mits you to select a Roth or traditional IRA, you may want to consult with your tax advisor for help in mak­ ing your choice. But in any case, try lo max out on your IRA contributions each year. You could spend two or three decades in retirement - and your IRA can be a valuable resource to help you enjoy those years. This article was written by Edward Jonesfor use by your local Edward Jones Finan­ cial Advisor Edward Jones, Member SIPC Call 269 945-9554 tor Hastings Banner ads RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF AUGUST 19. 2021 SPECIAL MEETING OF ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWN­ SHIP OF RUTLAND. BARRY COUNTY. MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTER­ TO ESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Rutland Charter Township Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a special meeting (and public hearing) on August 19, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall. 2461 Heath Road. Hastings. Ml 49058 (or the purpose of considering the following matters The application of Frederic J. Saint Amour. II for relief from provisions of the Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance to facilitate the reconfiguration , of a parcel commonly known as 1919 Ottawa Trail (parcel no. 08-13-001- | 022-00) and a lot commonly known as 2114 Island Drive (parcel no. 08-13­ 040-028-20) so as to allocate some of the lake frontage and area of the existing waterfront parcel at 1919 Ottawa Trail to the existing back lot at 2114 Island Drive, and also create a separate back lot The applicant is proposing to reconfigure the subject property so the resulting existing back lot at 2114 Island Drive would have 31’ of lot frontage on Algonquin Lake, instead of the minimum of 100’ required by § 220-15-1 of the Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance for property in the Medium Density Residential District. Note: because the applicant's proposal involves partitioning or dividing the platted lot at 2114 Island Drive, if the requested variance relief is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals the applicants proposal may also require consideration by the Township Board pursuant to Section 263 of the Michigan Land Division Act (MCL 560.263), which prohibits a lot not served by public sewer and public water systems from being partitioned or divided if the resulting lots do not comply with the I For ssSrortauts, it’s ail aboist the suit applicable minimum lot requirements. The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider this variance application pursuant to the variance standards in § 220-24-9 of the Zoning Ordinance, and any other applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. This application may also involve variances from other requirements in lhe Zoning Ordinance, as may be determined based on the facts presented at the public heanng. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Board. The meeting/public hearing will be held at the Rutland Charter Township Hall located at 2461 Heath Road in the Charter Township of Rutland, Bairy County, Michiga . The Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance and Map and variance app!.cation materials, may be examined by contacting the Township Clerk, and may ined al lhe meeting. Written comments regarding the abovereferenced matters may be to the Tbwnship Clerk prior to the meeting, and may also be submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals al the meeting. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary ^awBa^auwtery a,ds and services at the meeting to individuals with disabilities, such as sign * ■ .. . , , materials . wainn reasonable notice to the and, audiotapes of. printed being considered, consiue u , upon ► ._Township. .. , . . , with ... disabilities , . ।, _. .rtnuirino Individuals requiring auxibarv du* y Q'ds or services should contact the Township Clerk. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings. Ml 49058 (269)948-2194 �Page 10 — Tburtday. July 29, 2021 — Th* Hastings Banner NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTKE TO CREDITORS Trust In lhe matte* of The Witter W WnoOfenner snd Lau'a B Wmeixenner Ltv*np TYust. dated April 19. 1993 as restated July 1.2013 ‘ TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS- The decadents. who ii\cd at 4212 Hammond Road. Hast-ngs, KVcbgan 49058. Wayne W Winebfonncr, (ted on August 1. 2013 and Laura B Winetxennef. ded on June 11, 2021. leaving a certain trust under the name of The Walter W Wtnebrenncr and Laura B Wmobfenner Uvmg Trust, dated April 19, 1993. as rested Ju*/ 1.2013. whete-n lhe decedents were the Seniors and Laura B Strouse was n?.med as Successor Trustee sarvng at the t.me o’ or as a rcsu»t of lhe decedent's deaths. Credtem ol lhe decedents and of the trust ate netted that aft daims against lhe decedent or againast the trust w " be forever barred unless presented to Laura B Strcuse. the named Successo* Trustee, at Tnpp, Tagg S Stcus. Attorneys at Law. 202 South Broadway. Hastings. M ch gan 49058 wtthr 4 months after the date of pubhoaten of this notice. Date 7/262021 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broaoway. Hast ngs. Ml 49059 (269) 946-2900 Laura B. Strouse 1180 Iroquois Tra.-L Hasbngs Ml 49053 (269) 948-2261 03/30/1947. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Call 269-945-9554 for more information. NOTICE TO CRGorrnoq Tnedocedont Edwn,d A Weske. of 7036 WoTi7. na Road. Middleville, Ml 49333. Barry Counjy .j T.Jn d.ed May 06. 2021. Creditors of the ^Sont are notified that all claims against th9 be forever barred unless presented to’Thl Estate’s Attorney, care of Carrier law. pq Dougins N. Cook. d*ed 02/27/2021 Creditors of tho decedent nre noJiod that au claims against the estate will be forever barred un’ess presented lo Highpoint Community Bank. pefsona?representative. 'or to both the probate court £ast Beltline Avenue ’ NE. Grand Rapids 46525 within four (4) months after the date c?publication of this notice. Dnte July 27. 2021 David L. Carrier Prt 153-, 4965 East Belt!,™ Avc Grand Rap ds, M| 4955^ (616)361-8400 at 206 W. Court Street. Ste 302. Hastings. MI49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice Date 07/27/2021 Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street. Ste. A. Hastings. Ml 49058 NE 165154 O STATE f MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT C°UNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING 165189 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of: The Margaret M. Loftus Living Trust, 165111 Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. TO ALL CREDITOR . . . decodent. Bio No serious injuries in Amish buggy collision D**,eolbirth:October EMatootEdwnttfAw 11. 1964 wc5 Court Telephone No.: 269-945-1390 Estate cf Dougins N. Cook, date of 269-945-1921 H.ghpoint Community Bank 150 W Court Street. Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-2401 GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! N0nceiocREDl°BS STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate CASE NO. 21-28873-DE Hon. William M. Doherty CouftAddress... .onCQ 206 W Court Street. Sto. 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 dated August 2,2019. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Margaret M. Lofuts. who l.ved at 4104 Johnson Road. Mdd’evil’e, Michigan 49333. d.-ed on June 27, 2021, leav.ng a certain trust under the name of Margaret M Loftus Living Trust, dated August 2.2019. wherein Lhe decedent was the Settlor and Bridget R. Loftus was named as Successor Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent's death Creditors of tne decedent and o! the ttust are notified that a*l claims against the trust win bo forever barred unless presented to Bridget R. Loftus, the named Suxessor Trustee, as Tripp, Tagg & Storrs. Attorney;; a! Law. 202 South Broadway. Hastings. Mchgan 49058 within 4 months after tne date of pubteabon of this notice Date 7/21/2021 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway Hastngs, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Bridget R Lcftus 4104 Johnson Read, Middleville. Ml 49333 616-262-8291 164859 . , >. RleNO. 21-028900-DE In the Matter of James n Matthews TO ALL INTERESTS PERSONS including: Kathryn Nielson, A'fce coulon. Bruce Matthews, James Matthews. Jo^ Matthews, Jane Santman whoso addross(es) is/flre unknown and whose interest in tho matter mav be barred or affected by the following: y TAKE NOTICE: A heanng will be held on August 18. 2021 at 3 00 pm a( 206 West Court, Suite 302. Hastings. Ml 4905g before Judge William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose. Petition for Persona! Ropresentat.ve/Probato, via Zoom (for instructions call the Law Office of Tripp. Tagg & Storrs at 269-948-2°00) Date. 07/20/2021 David H. Tripp P29290 202 South Broadway Hastings. Ml 49059 (269) 948-2900 Robert Niewerowski 3282 Middle Lake Drive Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 953-7437 164858 south on *M n°W H.astinSs ,nnn crashed into the rear of an ^^24. The driv“ rrnfth i ' nc;ir ^iwrencc Road in Baltimore Township at 7.1 p- ' o-j-year-old Mn * ggy' a 77-y^-«W Hastings man. was uninjured. H.s passengcr mt n ri «Tan*Wlts dazx:d b* the crash a"d takcn 10 sPcctn,m1 Hcal,h, I te and he did nn h\Jh r85’ycnr o,d drivcr said hc did not sec the buggy UnU “t WflL Oh . vehicle The not have time to react. He said he did not see mv linhts on the back of the vehicle, tn. officer noted there were lights on the back, and they were switched on. although destroyed in he crash. The road was closed for about a half-hour while lhe site was inve. tigated and cleared. Intoxicated man flees from police, arrested A 50-year-old Hastings man was arrested after crashing his vehicle following a short chase with police. Officers were asked to locate the man after hc sent suicidal text messag­ es to his coworkers July 14. He was found at Camp Sharp Park in Yankee Springs Townsh.p nt 11:33 that evening. The man attempted to flee from police, lost control of his vehicle and crashed on Deep Lake Road near Bassett Lake Trail. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.149. Boyfriend accused of assault, vehicle theft A 41-year-old Hastings woman called police at 4:47 aan. July 14 saying her boyfriend, age 32. had attacked her and stolen her vehicle. The woman was at her boyfriend’s residence in the 3000 block of Goodwill Road in Rutland Charter Township. She said he hit her, pushed her to the ground and down a flight of stairs, then drove off in her vehicle. The man told officers he did not assault her and the vehicle belongs to him. Information was forward­ ed to the prosecuting attorney. Juveniles steal stop sign Police were called to Yankee Springs Meadows mobile home park at I a.m. July 6 on a report of juveniles damaging and stealing road signs. A man said hc saw the teenagers in his yard, yelled at them, and watched them run into a vehicle with a stop sign on top of it. Police found lhat two road signs had been damaged and noticed one was missing. The owner of the park did not want to press charges. The case is closed. Driver arrested for OWI after rolling vehicle A 28-year-old Charlotte man was arrested for operating while intoxicated after crashing his vehicle on M-66 Highway near Brown Road in Woodland Township at 6:18 pm. July 18. The driver told police he fell asleep at the wheel and the vehicle rolled over in the ditch. I le admitted to drinking a couple shots of alcohol that afternoon, but said he was not intox­ icated. A Breathalyzer test showed he had a 0.166 BAC. Shoplifters take trash cans, dog food Police were unable to locate two women who shoplifted from the Nashville Dollar General at 2:34 p.m. July 11. An employee said the women walked out the front door with two trash cans, a bag of dog food and a pack of paper towels. The employee had never seen the women before and was unable to identify their vehicle. The case is inactive. Woman turns belligerent after collision ol Middle v ilk- • Independent and Assisted Living Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services laniily Owned ami Operated since 1999 < .ill for details: 269-7954972 • wuAv.CinTtliVilUigc.coiu 690 W. Main Street. Middleville. Ml i‘KU THIS ■ AD [for SALE Horn than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.• THIS AD F0R SALE! More than 50». of addi'ts have • positive perception of ads in print newspapers. • Call this papar or 800-227-7636 Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www. cr.aada. cor. flew 108" Cotton in many colors Wo&tes, Cals, Go^, Tish, Sold Colors, Christmas, "Panels, minimal & Public Land Auction The following County Treasurers will be offering tax-reverted real estate at public Auction on August 18th, 2021: Barry, Kalamazoo and Saint Joseph. The auction will be held ONLINE at www tax-sa'e.info from 10:00am to 7:00pm EST. Bids can be placed up to 30 days in advance and assistance is available for those without computer or Internet access. For more information and a list of the properties being sold, visit: www.tax- sale.info or call 1 -800-259-7470. Sale listings may also be available at your local County Treasurer's Office. Childrens "Prints in Cotton "Flannel, "Fleece, Ripstop Nylon, Marine "Vinyl lippers, Threads, Tapers & Trims ft 7n God IVr Trust ft QUESTIONS: ASK US._ 218 E. State St Hast-nga • 945-9673 5T OPEN V-aneiy-rncay 6 are 530 pn. Sa5u;4//9.vn-3prr. j Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber A 36-ycar-oW Wyoming woman was arrested under, suspicion of operating .while intoxi­ cated and resisting and obstructing an officer at 12:20 a.m. July 16. Police had responded to . a two-car accident on M-37 Highway near Finkbeiner Road in Thomapple Township. A driver said the woman rear-ended her vehicle and appeared to be severely intoxicated. When the officer questioned the woman, she said she used to work for the Michigan State Police and demanded to know the officer’s probable cause to believe she had been drinking. The officer could smell alcohol on her and noted she had poor balance. The woman said she had not had any alcohol, but during the walk-and-tum sobriety test she proclaimed, “I can’t even do this when I’m not drinking.” She refused to submit to a breathalyzer test and resisted being handcuffed. After she was placed inside the police cruiser she slipped out of the hand­ cuffs and started banging on the window. The officers took her out to of the vehicle, put the handcuffs back on and tried to put her back in the vehicle. When she resisted, one officer had to lift her up while the other pulled her into lhe vehicle from inside. She managed to slip off the cuffs a second time before arriving at the jail and called the officers insulting names. Boyfriend accused of stealing, crashing car 36-year-old woman said her 38-year-old boyfriend stole her mother’s car, crashed it and slashed the tires after an argument at 6:51 p.m. July 13. The woman said her boyfriend accused her of carving other men’s names into their house in the 7000 block of Boysen Road in Orangeville Township. They got into an argument and he drove off in her mother’s car. She said he later drove by the residence several times yelling that the car would have flat tires. The vehicle was later located down the road with a dent in the front where it appeared to have hit a tree, and all four tires were slashed. Information was forwarded to the prose­ cuting attorney. Nashville man steals spare change A 30-year-old Nashville man was arrested for burglary after stealing about $50 worth of spare change from a residence in the 800 block of Sherman Street. A 30-year-old woman told police she saw him walking toward her house as she left in her vehicle at 6:02 p.m. July 18. The man is a friend of her boyfriend, but she suspected he might try to steal something. She turned the car around and got back in time to see him leaving the house. He appeared to be hiding something in his shirt, and after he left, she went inside and noticed her change jar was missing. Officers soon found lhe man walking down the street with the change jar in his hand. New construction, remodel repair drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation I iccnse #SI10376 Office (269) 948-2248 X Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 ------ ifrSlIt STOP THE WASTE If you vote No on School Bond you will save hundreds each year on your property taxes. 11 NOTICE: SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards: Community Mental Health Authority: 1 position Area Agency on Aging Council: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rc* floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.b^rryGoufityiQrg under the tab: How do I apply for: A position on an Advisory Board or Commission and click on apply; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 23,2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. �The H.rtnq-. Banrw — Thursday, July 29. 2021 — Pago 11 A look at the critical rac^ theory issue in Michigan > Bridge Magazine and Hastings Banner stafT Cntical race theory” is a college class A bill to ban the teaching of critic^ race Michigan public schuols wa.s inlroP“c"* " ,M“>’and son>c Parent, were so upset ibout ths prospect of n being taught in high Khoo classrooms their protest shut down a .chool board meeting in Grand I_cdgc , Some parents in local school districts from Hastings and Delton Kellogg to {Thomapple Kellogg and Caledonia - have attended recent board of education meetings to ask if critical race theory is being taught in Hastes, ; In Caledonia, Superintendent Dr. Dedrick Nfartin, the area s only black superintendent, jvspondcd to questions from nearly 50 parents about the topic for an hour and 20 minutes nfter the July 19 school board meeting. ) Local school leaders say critical race theory )s not being taught in their classrooms; that it jsn’t even being considered. » "Critical race theory is not, has not. and will not be a model used by TK Schools,” Thomapple Kellogg Schools Superintendent pan Reroenap wrote in an e-mail last month to The Banner. "There are not even discus­ sions going on - al any level - to seek its use. "It is not even being considered, nor will it » Here’s some background about lhe issue: ‘ What is the Issue? I Bills limiting discussions of how race and Racism shape American history’, often described as “critical race theory’,” have been signed into law by Republican lawmakers in Idaho, Iowa. Tennessee. Oklahoma and Texas. Similar bills are moving through various state legislatures including one in Michigan intro­ duced May 20. j The Michigan bill, similar to some intro­ duced in other states, is sponsored by Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, chair of the Senate Education and Career Readiness Committee. J What’s the complaint about critical race Jheory? f Conservative groups complain that anti-rac­ ism efforts in schools have gone beyond root­ ing out acts of haired or discrimination by Suggesting that racism in the United States is Systemic and has been since the nation’s founding. They also cite examples of school instruction they contend is in its own way­ racist. In one often-cited case, third-grade Students in Cupertino. California, were asked Jo rank themselves according to their power pnd privilege. ] “Critical race theory is an invention of lhe extremist political left that has manipulated Academia for decades and is now targeting private businesses, public institutions and, fcadly. our K-l2 classrooms, where it is indoc­ trinating young minds with anti-American falsehoods,” Theis said in a statement released hfter introducing the Michigan bill. • Theis said critical race theory divides the Country and rejects its true history . • “It’s not a curriculum, but rather a theory based upon race and social justice, being pushed under the guise of terms and concepts labeled ‘diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging/” said Keara Hilton, a Thomapple Kellogg Schools parent, at a July 12 TK board meeting. x... . racist document, and that certain races arc fundamentally oppressive or oppressed ” •n>e bin would also ban materials from Ilw 1619 Project, a Puhi,er Prizc-winning New York Times imtiative that places !he conse­ quences of slavery and the contributions ol Black Americans at the center of the national narrative and often, lesson plans and materials for middle and high schoolers. iKIinrefriamCS lhc foundadon of America to 1619. when the first enslaved African people were taken to the Americas and seeks to help people understand how those long-ago events continue to influence the present. ' The bill also bans discussions around the following ideas, which the Republican bill cites as “anti-American” and “racist”: That any particular sex, race, ethnicity, religion, color, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior That the United States is a fundamentally racist country That the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution are fundamen­ tally racist documents That an individual’s moral character or worth is determined by lheir race That an individual is inherently racist or oppressive based on their own sex, race, eth­ nicity, religion, color or national origin or is responsible for the actions committed by members of their same group in the past. Why now? The bills, by state and national Republican leaders, come amidst a racial reckoning in the U.S. that began over a year ago with lhe death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota. Floyd’s death sparked protests around the country, a small percentage of which turned violent. Critics of lhe measures accuse conservative groups of pushing lhe bills to boost its base before the 2022 midterm elections and change the subject from the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of lhen-President Donald Trump. Fox News, for instance, men­ tioned critical race theory nearly 1 JOO times over a recent three-month period, according in practice. Carter Andrews said she believes this bill and others across the country are intended to “ban any discussion of racism that allow them to integrate ’ white-majority suburbs. Those bamcn. have a wniu maju j / advocates note, continuing legacy today, ck .. 7nn:ng through such laws as stngle-fam y zon ng frictions - which may be wn ten tr n« ly neutral language, but can have the effect ot perpetuating segregatton by b“!nin® • htor. SlFhousing in those same whtte netghbor See ISSUE, page 12 protests. f °n and widesm.. i ••'This kh’d 0 .huts now rIfwi atsPrtad societal disco'"5'rfes Pe”Ple |ec >• £ WaY attack. is not histOrica|j . s about system* m .ornmunuj ry ttnd I**X.tl?‘>PP^^n<leC“fCO,Ora,,d "TrfS• Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 ”*URh‘ *“ K-12 schools no*’* schools in oljlc. .. Although som |(, the nle |6ro ^“7 used lessons Ration of s *' Davis Boyd. ^hools t0 . ,. Do they want o stop teaching about slavery or the rights movement? Would Rosa il Pooles• Them said in a P^s asc passage of her measure would" * claims would ignore subjects l^e H and Jim Crow­ segregation. bul th31 £h°?ls shouldn’t allow Soo teaching ’•«« * *«™ed and politi­ cized by an ideologic31 and historically inne- spoken out against CK M past board meet­ ings. called for her “ s net l0 expand the teaching of American n story to include more black history during <he conversation with Martin after the July 1 ? Board of Education meeting. . .. “Teach real American history, because you know what? There's amazing black history in this country that never gels laught in our schools.” Oppel said. 'Ve learned about the civil rights |movement], it’s a blanket. Il’s boring. There’s amazing things that happened. We don’t need Black History Month, we just need American history. Teach it all ... Celebrate everybody’s cultures. Don’t divide.” I low ever, it’s unclear how this would look Rutland board concerned over ‘carnival atmosphere9 at cemetery Estate Sales Ear Sale U a sin ess S ervices SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabw’ood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facccond. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-1016. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS; Walnut, While Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability k workman's comp. Fetterlev Logging (269)818-7793. ' 'k’e Sa INSIDE SALE: FRI.-SUN., July 30-August 1, 2021. 9am­ ?? 1711 N. East St., Hastings. Look for signs. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION anti repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Help Wanted ''UBelsjgOppel. “ C“'|^fOniil Parcnl "ho has PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: AU rt»l elite advertising in this heutpsper t» subject v»che I a.r Hnunng Act ard Ute Mtchiftn Cn»! RiybU Act *h<ch collectively nulc it lifer*! tn xhenivc “any preference, litrnution ex thicnmnulicn bavrd on race, colof, reiipon. set. handicap, fanitlial vutux. national origin, age or irrrtul vutuv. or an intention, to nuke any vuch preference. limitation or discriniifuu.'n.** Familial claim inJudet child.’vn unfer the age cf 18 he mg with parent, or lepl custodians ptejmant women and people securing custody of chit Iren under IM This newspaper will not kr.,winfly accept any advertising fix real estxe which is in violation <>f the Uw. Our readers are Streby informed that aJi are a».vljHe oa xn equu! oppxxtur.ty hikX To rejx<rt dt*crfmitutrrm <a!t the Fair H ’ujrns Center at 6I6-J.M-29NX The HUD toll f ree telephone nw.br (<>r the hearing impaired 11 I FOO V27-927S. HOW WOULD YOU like the same schedule as your child? Nights, weekends & holidays off. YOU EVEN GET A SNOW DAY’.!! Cale­ donia Schools Food Service is looking for help. Experience preferred in food & customer service, ability lo work in a fast paced environment. If interested in joining our team please call 616-891-0227 from 8am-Noon Mon.-Thurs. Or apply online at aramark.com click on Caledonia Schools. Eann _____________ _________ ____ Use Happy Jack*; Kennel Dip to control fleas, ticks, mange, stable flies & mos­ quitoes where they breed. At Tractor Supply, (www. kennelvax.com) Call us at 269-945-9554 a® time to place your dod ate testings A view of entrance to the newest part of Rutland Charter Township Cemetery. (Photo provided) • What is critical race theory? ! Dorinda Carter Andrews, chairperson for lhc Department of Teacher Education and professor of race, culture and equity at Michigan Slate University, said Theis’ Bescription, in part, inaccurately implies that Critical race theory' is a set of programs, a formal curriculum or toolkit of resources. Critical race theory' is one of many frame­ works or lenses used primarily in higher edu­ cation to examine race and racism. ’ Critical race theory is an academic concept first developed in the 1970s. It argues that racism goes beyond individual acts of bias or hatred; rather, it is baked into US. legal sys­ tems and government regulations and policies in ways that continue to bring about different Outcomes by race. Critical rare theory also itates that race is not biological or natural but rather a social and political creation used lo exploit people of color. .. : One died example: U.S. government poli­ cies from the 1930s that made it difficult for Black Americans to obtain loans that <M»u d deviates from the narrative Ute way that the ESTATE SALE: WE'RE UAAAAAAAAAAACK! We have a great sale for you. Come and celebrate with us, the history, life, & 90 year collection of this grand cou­ ples Estate. Now to offer: Mid-Centruy Tampico din­ nerware by Red Wing, Jewel Tea collection, Ruby Red King's Crown glassware, De­ pression ware glass, Fenton art glass, Waterford crystal collection, Murano glass, A large collection of art glass paper weights, crocks, and large assortment of house­ hold items & decorative and much, much more. 2 large antique sculptures, Royal Danish sterling silver set, Drexel Heritage black lacquer side tables, from E. T. - Cet­ era collection, Drexel black lacquer wall chest by E. T. collection, Drexel rolling black lacquer server by E. T. collection. Large black lacquer lighted Breakfront, Mid-Century lacquer Cu­ rio Grandfatner Clock, Late 1800's furniture Large Arts & Craft bookcase, Vintage Bar­ risters stackable Bookcases. Large Chippendale Dining room suite. Rare World War II military Mannite blood bank war container, Large antique "Buddy L” train set, /Antique wash tub, Vintage enamel industrial pendant lights, Signed Paintings and Vintage Prints plus Wall art. Large assortment of jewelry, plus jewelry bags. Jars of Vin­ tage buttons. Toys/books/ tools I antique wood working tools, Renaissance Armor and much, much more. Pictures can be viewed on: estalesales, net - look for Red Bam Estate i Sales. Absolutely No Eady | iS allo^Ttf to I view the collection until the 1st day of the sale! This is going to be a great sale. You don't want to miss it. We also have Big Mo's food truck to refresh you. We accept all major credit cards. We hope to see you there. Date of Sale: Friday, July 30th, Saturday, July 31st, Sunday, August 1st, 2021. 10am-5pm daily. 8411 North 32nd St., Richland MI 49083. 269-760-1682 or 269­ 275-3995. TVDEIU PARKASATURDAV, AUG. 28™ im Jm J*' The MEMOSIAL r *•14! Small trees and shrubs can grow big enough to be a problem cemetery caretakers. (Photo provided) Jean Gallup Contributing Writer Debris and litter at the cemetery in Rutland Charter Township is prompting the township board to ask residents for their opinions on what to do about conditions there. They plan to place an ad in the paper seek­ ing ideas for solutions. h°^Tl>e framework (critical race theory) does “We want them involved.” Supervisor notTay peop.e are Larry Watson said. A cemetery should be a quiet, peaceful, a—«■“ neat place, he said. “Our cemetery has taken on a carnival Andrews said. „ronertv for 400 “Human beings we «. 1 i|d a nati0ll. atmosphere. It started in the front, but it’s spreading to lhe old section. It’s out of con­ years and they were u cd t* And we need to l < 1 d |10W we trol. The sexton said there are places that they can’t even mow around. We’re going to try lo "communities from reverse that.” Watson pointed lo Riverside Cemetery in Hastings as a quiet, respectful, well main­ tained place for people to visit the graves of The Michigan • reuding guides,lesson their loved ones. ican and racist lheontand other “It’s going to take some lime,” he said. plans, activities, guide d Sta|es Nothing will be done until they get citizen resources that ^n. that the feedback and develop a plan to control how the cemetery will look in the future. ........................... ■M “We have 90 sites left and room to expand.” Watson said. *‘We need a plan.” Most cemeteries have similar problems, he added. Litter is one issue. Other matters have more to do with well-intentioned decisions by loved ones, such as planting sma|| lJial look nice but become large trees. The board will have to make decisions, SUv^ w|lul aIKj when to allow families to put Oul displays for graves of loved ones, how lOng (o there and how lo handle ebris left in the cem­ etery after a family changes diSp|aySt Some cemeteries have earetakers who jusl go in and discard all displays on a set jalet others have long lisls 0 Inhibited activities posted in lhe cemeteryWatson said he ex pec s the feedback from residents to help resolve questjOns of displays that can’t be mowed when they can put out Howers for their loved ones, when flowers should be taken m Und any other gravesite decisions. “I understand that pe°Pe grieve differently, but you ----------------should be resp^ . (01 your neighbor when you are there.” h<?sa,d /T BASXEnUTOOIjmilT Entries mutt be to thv Chamber by Friday, Aug. 20th — mu r ii ----- Slake checks payable to Hastings Sununerfest 2021 CHICK IN.7. 8:30 AM F,;i up T lA rtr at Um* JT1P OFF... 9:30 AM r- 1 IJ Uy* Team Name i a/j । "***! i _____ nun L-W«»w! _____ I ........... | Send Entries to... Email Phone *______ Team Membcra Age--------- t............. . i- ®n P7nY'lp^ion ta chAnoe Team Captain . n*"4 *'•'*' I Age • Age 221 W. SUU Sberi i Hastings, Mi 490SS Questions Call (269) 948-3025 ] out form completely TYDETO PARK ‘ mom �Pago 12 — Thursday, July 29, 2021 — The H■■ B"nn<’r Young Saxons focus on skills at summer basketball cainp Hastings varsity boys’ basketball coach Rich Long and JV girls’ coach Chase Youngs talk about how participants in the Hastings youth basketball camp can keep improving their skills at the end of the camp in the Hastings High School gymnasium Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Nathan Auten drilled a short jumper to finally bump Hastings varsity bojs’ basket­ ball coach Rich Long from one last game of lightning Wednesday in the Hastings High School gymnasium. Long’s deadly, outside shooting had knocked more than a few of Auten’s fellow campers out of the bailgame. It had been almost two years, but Saxon basketball players of all ages finally gathered again July 20-22for a summer youth basket­ ball camp. A group of 25 to 30 basketball players in grades five through eight gathered each day for the camp run by coaches and players from the Hastings High School basketball pro­ grams. Long said the three days focused on basic basketball skills for the most part. “We played a little 3-on-3, but it was most­ ly ball-handling, catching and passing, just the basics to get them introduced to basketball and to get them excited about playing a little bit. Also, kids love to see the high school kids to give them a little focus about what is ahead of them and to teach these (high school] kids to give back to the community a little bit too. “Everybody got to leant a little something.” Saxon junior varsity girls’ basketball coach Chase Youngs, who has been running the girls’ program this summer after varsity head coach Mike Engle stepped down following the 2020-2021 season, said this is the first time Hastings youth have been able to gather in this fashion for b asketball since March of 2020. “It is interesting how this [pandemic] has changed the focus for lots of people." Long said. High school kids have gone and gotten jobs, because jobs are prevalent every where. It used to be. [athletic camp] is what you did in the summer, and how quickly, one summer not doing it. kids found something different lo do in the summer.” Youngs has been happy with the number of girls coming to high school basketball work­ outs this summer. “It was nice to get back to summer basket­ ball,” Long said. Nathan Auten fires up a free throw to beat Hastings varsity boys’ basketball coach Rich Long in the final game of lightning at the Hastings youth basketball camp run by the Hastings High School coaches and players in the high school gym Wednesday (July 21). (Photo by Brett Bremer) ISSUE, continued from page 11 American historical narrative has been told in schools.” If the bill were to become law. she said, it will make teachers hesitant to have classroom discussions around racism. “So what it will do is hinder healthy racial dialogue between students and between teach­ ers as students," Carter Andrews said. “And we need healthy race dialogue in school. It helps build... their ability to engage (in) criti­ cal problem-solving." Theis did not return a call seeking comment on lhe measure. What would happen if schools don’t comply with such a ban? Under the bill. Michigan districts would lose 5 percent of their state funding for teach­ ing any of the banned material. That being said, it’s unclear who would determine wheth­ er a teacher or school district had violated the ban. What’s the status of the bill? The bill was referred lo (he Senate LOC NEW read TP contribute Committee on Education and Career Readiness. No date has been set for a hearing. If it were to pass the Republican House and Senate, is Gov. Whitmer likely to sign it? Whitmer has not commented, but it’s safe to say there is no chance the Democratic gov­ ernor would sign lhe Republican-sponsored bill into law. It’s also unlikely th( Michigan schools will stan teaching crilica.' race theory, since they haven’t in the past. Maple VaStey teams win 12U and 14U TCYBL titles Maple Valley teams took a pair of youth baseball championships this summer in the Tri-County Youth Baseball League (TCYBL). The Maple Valley Little League had 14U and 12U teams won championships lhe final weekend of June. A pair of teams from Portland finished ahead of the Maple Valley boys during lhe 12U regular season, but lhc Maple Valley team captured lhe championship at the league tournament on the field in Sunfield to close oul the season. The Maple Valley 14U team defeated teams from Portland in both the semifinals and finals to captured its tournament champion­ ship the final w eekend of June in Ionia. The league this year included teams fronj Ionia. Portland. Hastings. Lake Odessa; Belding. Saranac and Central Montcalm. Those were the only teams for their age group from the Maple Valley area this sum* met, with the Maple Valley Little League putting together a pair of 10U teams which also competed the weekend of June 26-27 in their tournament that concluded in Sunfield. •’ Jason Hoefler, who is on the TCYBL board, was happy to see the league return this summer and pleased to have fellow directors Bill Knudson, Phil Hill and LanceGoodemoof running lhe season-ending tournaments last month. The Maple Valley 12U baseball team gathers with trophies after winning the Tri; County Youth Baseball League championship in Sunfield the final weekend in June. Team members are (front from left) Nolan Hoefler, Darren Carpenter, Landon Wiggs. Caleb Williams, (back) Axyl Ashcraft, Isiah Hanlon, James Coblentz. Braden Joseph, coach Tim Hanlon, Alex Shepard, Teegen McDonald, coach Jason Hoefler, Dalton Emery, Aiden Converse, Kaiden Meyers and, missing from photo, Bobby Bryson. V- ■' advertise Dec ked to the of Berry Cq^ j$56 Hastings DANNER The Maple Valley 14U baseball team celebrates its Tri-County Youth Baseball League championship after a win over a team from Portland in the championship game in Ionia in June. Team members are (front from left) Brody Trowbridge. Teegen McDonald, Carson Milbourn. Bradly Harvey, Callan Hoefler, (back) coach McDonald, coach Musser, Jackson Burpee. Noah Musser, Jimmy Wiggs, Jake McDonald, coach Trowbride, Isaiah Ross, coach Ross, and, missing from photo, Josh Deppe and Trenton Billings. �County fair returns, breaks attendance records Benjamin Simon dance, for any day. in the Sto/f Writer fair’s history, he said. Dennis Redman can’t Redman is still waiting to repeat il enough: The 2021 confirm official numbers, Barry County Fair went well. saying those numbers likely “Exceptionally well,” he won’t be finalized until early clarified. next week. Throughout the entire Fair officials had been week, Redman didn’t waver expecting a large turnout in his insistence lhat lhe fair after hearing about atten­ couldn’t have gone better. dance at fairs in Ionia and “It was the best fair that Eaton counties, but Redman we’ve seen in a long time.” said the numbers in Barry he said. County were even higher The week was marked by than his own predictions. He record-setting attendance, said he was surprised by the with 41,000 people visiting number of people at the fair. the 2021 event, up from “I knew we would be up a 32.400 in 2019. Redman little bit... but I didn’t figure said. we were going to be up as Tuesday was the most-at­ hard as we were,” hc added. tended Tuesday in fair histo­ That’s not to say a suc­ ry, and Wednesday was the cessful fair was a given. highest single-dav atten­ The fair bo;ird decided to host a full fair just six weeks before opening day - an unprecedented turnaround to pull off. They also had to deal with decreased numbers for 4-H participation - down about 30 percent, Redman said - along with a pandemic that canceled the 2020 fair. It didn’t matter. People still traveled from Hastings and Nashville and Grand Rapids to visit the fair. There were few complications. And they didn’t observe any effect caused by the lower number of 4-H participants. Redman said, adding that he expects those. 4-H numbers to rise again next year. "They’ll come back up,’' he said. "We’re gonna have a fair; they’ll buy animals next Ben Quigno, 20, and Hunter Torres, 22, share a laugh shortly after the midway opened at noon Saturday. Although Quigno is originally from Mount Pleasant, Quigno and Torres have been living in Florida and working for Elliot’s Amusements. For Torres, it was his first time in the state of Michigan. (Photos by Benjamin Simon) Despite the 4-H registra- tion, Redman said sale prices were up this year. The aver­ age price per pound for hogs, lambs and steers were $6.01, $7.01 and $4.67, respective­ ly - a jump from $4.21, $4.86 and $2.88, respective­ ly, in 2019. "Whether it was contrib­ uted by the lesser animals or just people spending more money - 1 don’t know which it was,” he said. ‘‘But our sale numbers, dollar-wise, were up.” Almost every year, weath­ er somehow impacts the week’s-worth of events. But hinder record-setting atten­ during the ' first “ four " days of the fair, not drop of rain fell, which likely encouraged high attendance. ‘‘We are weather-depen­ dent." Redman said in an interview earlier last week. aren’t “If it’s raining, gonna have a very good crowd. If it’s sunny and 70, we’re going to be busting." That changed Friday and Saturday, when the area received a few moments of rain. The brief downpour wasn't enough to ruin the fair, but it was enough lo dance those days. Even so. Redman said. Friday and Saturday success successful. “It may have affected it a little bit. but you can’t tell.’’ he said. After taking nine days off to sleep at the fairgrounds. Redman said he's back to work as a plant manager at Co-Dec Stamping. But fair work isn’t over just yet. The fair board will meet in August to reflect on the week — and start think­ ing about 2022. Intermediate participants take a break from the Show of Champions to chat. Diego Coipel, 16, plays cornhole on the camp­ grounds during the middle of the day Saturday. Miley Schweizer, 10, of Hastings, tries the slide on Saturday at the Barry County Fair. Brian LeCleir watches as his children, Jack, 7, Ben, 5, and Daniel, 3, enjoy their ice cream. They traveled from Grand Rapids to visit the Barry County Fair. �Pago 2 — 2021 Barry County Fair Results BARRM COVI BflRICI COt U™“*®*M***'*: • ■ ------------ Mt The top overall beef showmen were honored after Wednesday’s contest. Pictured (from left) are: Blake Pillars, senior; Emma Shaarda, intermediate; and Charlie Mattice, novice. Missing from the photo is Maddyson Denton, who won the junior division. The Club Herd award in the beef project went to Lakewood Community 4-H club, represented here by (from left): Claire Benham, Jennifer Behrenwald and Allison Pickard. Addison Mays’ steer took second place in the Rateof-Gain contest for the beef project area. Not available for a photo was Colt Endsley, whose steers took first and third place in the contest. ctoi Jv • sieer division. Abbigail Pickard had the Supreme Champion female in the beef competition. C3naaraas steer also was the grand champion in the homegrown ° t, Allison Pickard of Hastings had the Grand Champion beef carcass, which was purchased by Morgan Electrical Services for $7.50 per pound. F"dn” �2021 Barry County Fair Results - Page 3 Non-livestock project winners Honors and awards for youth non-livestock projects were given out July 17 to 4-Hers for their outstanding art • f»°?i /?’ h\e?fock record-keeping projects and more. Best in Show and Outstanding award winners at the Mehiuu (r0,n ; rr?m le Ade’ynn Nurenberg. Nate Bryan. Tessa Rogers, Madison Koons, Baylie Guernsey. Misha Haskin, Lilly Randall, Natalie Miller; (middle row) Sienna Van Ooy, Madelynn Olsen, Sydney Martin, Emma Koons, Taylor Casey, Bridget Kayser; (back) Quinn Heyboer, Charlie Heyboer. Brent Zurface, Abby Corson Sadie Poppema and Sophie Poppema. Rocket launch champions Sophie Lebeck (third place), Nathanial Blasen (champion) and Owen Tietz (second place) gather alter having the top three performances at the youth Rocket Launch July 17 in the horse arena at the Barry County Fair. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. Best cf Show and Outstanding awards for several ycuth non-livestock projects were given out Saturday, July 17, to 4-Hers. Those winning the coveted purple or green and white ribbons include (front row, from left): Isaac Fleischmann, Maggie Martin. Kaitlyn Lipscomb. Lauren Ringewold, Madison Angus. Amanda Ringewold, Levi Boomsma: (middle row) Brooke Reurink. Jenna Sheely. Robbie Bcver. Joshua Brandow. McCoy Powers, Addey Nickels, Noelle Smith; (back) Brayden Brandow, Justin Brandow, Victoria Tack, Kylie McCarty, Josey Nickels. Micah Martin, and Austin Rounds. (See the July 24 Reminder for a full list of Outstanding and Best of Show winners.) J-Ati Graphics PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Highway north of Hastings city limits [JaaB® SrooDunscDLfs • GENERAL STORE 269-945-1848 .ADVANTAGE KING'S ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES STATE FARM INSURANCE 130 W. Stale, Hastings Dan Simmons 1225 W. Slate St . Hastings 269-945-4284 269-948-8001 WELTON’S HEATING & COOLING 269-945-5352 Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-5775 www.graenrtdge.com tI PHARMACY 400 W. State Si., Hastings 269-945-3777 GIRRBACH FUNERAL HOME elUy (fcitadi TH. 0^945-3251 f,« (1M5C66J 32X S. Broadway, Haslines 269-945:3252 269-818-1020 ~ (269) 945-0300 - WI Hastings I 300 Meadow Run Dr.. Hastings South of Hastings on M-37 w ww.soulh’tide4kids rom 401 N. Broadway, Hastings 2169 W. M-43 Hwy. DaleBB ; THE HASTINGS BANNER Dn<lnl/J lhe inimitx cf Ikun C<>*ntv mxr J 351 N. M-43 Hwy . Hastings 269-945-9554 MORGAN ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC. RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL FARM WIRING XI1 E. Railraid St , Hastings 269-948-9244 �Pago 4 — 2021 Barry County Fair Results_____________________________ ____________ . . SWINE WINNERS The supreme champion pig, a gilt shown by Reece Chapman of Bellevue, was purchased by Dragon Manor Ranch for $15 a pound. The reserve champion gilt, owned by Grady Reed (right) of Hastings, was purchased by Delton Pole Building for $9 a pound. Connor Joseph of Nashville (right) had the grand champion barrow, which was purchased by McDonalds for $4.50 per pound. The grand champion swine carcass, owned by Allison Pickard of Hastings, was purchased by Carpenter Gravel for $7.25 per pound. Ellie Benham (left) of Mulliken sold the reserve champion barrow, which was purchased by Spaulding Real Estate and Auction for $10 a pound. •-------------------- •• Check out all our Special Services: • Business Cards • Greeting Cards • Big Prints & Posters • Folding & Laminating • Custom Rubber Stamps • Plastic Binding and more! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 are winning^howmen^rev'shnHo f*hf Tuasdai's swine show. Pictured (from left) overall showman; Ava Kruisenga. sen^aXce^chu^^X.’in,ermedia,e and �2021 Barry County Fair Results - Page 5 DOGWINNERS T"!--------- r----------—________ “ SHOW OF CHAMPIONS ~--------------------- <^™W|a<cS were 9'ven Wednesday night alter the dog agility contest. Pictured (front, n are Sumrner Koster. Grand Champion for intermediate: Isaiah Koster urand Champion for beginners; and Mason Koster, Reserve Champion for begin- Barry County Fair top finishers and competitors in the dog project area include (front, from left) Isaiah Koster, best novice rally dog and intermediate notebook win­ ner; Easton Faist; Mason Koster, pre-novice dog and handler, junior notebook win­ ner; (back) Summer Koster, best advanced rally dog. top intermediate showman, top intermediate agility and best in showmanship; Amanda Ringewold, grand champion notebook; Jessica Hulst; Akvila Griffith, senior notebook reserve champion; and Hope VanderWall, top senior showman and Best in Show. Charlotte Dykstra, representing the sheep project area, won the overall intermedi­ ate Show of Champions, while Jackson Hayes, from the swine project area, won Reserve Champion. Pictured (from left) are: Mylee Wiers (horses), Nathaniel Blasen (goats), Emma Shaarda (beef), Dykstra. Brooklyn Bracy (rabbits), Hayes, Isaiah Koster (dogs). Emihe Landry (dairy), and Maelea Martin (poultry). The senior Show of Champions was won by Whitney Boerman, representing the horse project, while Hope Vanderwall, representing dogs, won Reserve Champion. Pictured (from left) are: Emma VanDenburg (rabbits), Ava Kruisenga (swine), Blake Pillars (beef), Boerman, Claire Benham (sheep), Vanderwall, Caleb DeHaan (dairy), Makayla Casarez (cavy), and David Hoskins-Oshinski (goats). See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �Page 6 — 2021 Barry County Fair Results SHEEP WINNERS Showmanship winners for sheep were crowned Monday evening. Pictured (from left) are: winners Charlie Mattice, junior: Charlotte Dykstra, intermediate; Claire Benham, senior: Ainslee Mattice. novice. Jessica Hulst of Wayland had the Grand Champion lamb carcass, which was purchased by Chapple Realty Inc. for $15 per pound. Ainslee Mattice of Hastings sold her Grand Champion ewe to Robin Chase Insurance for $9.50 per pound. Claire Benham of Mulliken had the Supreme Champion market lamb, a wether, which was pur­ chased by Dr. Scott Bloom, O.D., for $9 per pound. I1?0 Reserve Champion ewe, owned by Ainslee Mattice of Hastings, sold for $9.75 per pound. It was purchased by Greenstone Farm Credit Service Hastings. wether ^v!/^ °! ^Ito so,d her Reserve Champion pSlher to Wayland Hopkins Livestock for $9.50 a �dairy winners The top dairy showmen from Thursday’s contest include (from left): Emilie Landry, intermediate division; Caleb DeHaan, senior; and Landon Griffin, junior division. Tucker VanHaitsma of Dorr had the supreme champion cow in Thursday’s dairy show. Check out all our Special Services: • Business Cards • Greeting Cards • Big Prints & Posters • Folding & Laminating • Custom Rubber Stamps • Plastic Binding and more! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings The top dairy feeder showmanship winners were (from left): Addison Javor, intermediate division; Lydia Hilton, senior; and Easton Thelen, junior. 269.945.9105 Lauren Ringewold showed the dairy feeder champion steer. OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 2021 Barry County FAIR Sponsors DELTON POLE BUILDING SUPPLIES ' (800)974-3273 ubmkh.com 269 823 3300 JOE & BARB’S SEPTIC SERVICE 3305 W. Quimby Rd, Hastings 269-945-4240 ~ iW® CHAPPLE REALTY INC 118 E Ordiatd St.. Deiton Ml 49046 269-623-4058 W1LLIAMS-GORES FUNERAL HOME 133 Orchard, Delton WESTMICHIGANLAKES.COM 269-623-5461 Millpr www.pfcu4me.com 616-891-2027 I www.pfcu4mc.com 9864 Cherry VAIIcy Avenue SE, Caledonia inlh^oondoi Morris Plaza REAL ESTATE Pediatrics 1375 W. Green St.. Suite 3.Hastings 269-818-0070 www.brightsiart-pcdiatric.sxom miller real estate g( jJaMjngs DR. SCOTT BLOOM 269-945-5182 269-945-3906 1510 N. Broadway (M-43 Hwy). Hastings TCS Plumbing 269-804-4049 www.tcs-plumblnfl.com GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT 333 W. State St., Hastings 269-945-9415 �Pago 8 — 2021 Barry County Fair Results counts E Serafin Taber of Plainwell had the Grand Champion dairy doe goat. A quart of milk from the doe was pur­ chased by Deb and Jerry Jeurink for $325. J ____ ; Makayla Casarez of Hastings showed the Grand Champion market goat in the rate-of-gam contest. Paws and Claws boutique purchased the goat for $375. Brody Woodwyk of Alto had the Grand Champion market goat, which he sold to Burnips Equipment Company for $1,000. Goat showmanship winners include (from left): David Hoskins-Oshinski, senior; Nathaniel Blasen, intermediate; Addison Petersen, senior novice Addison Reaser junior and Lily Boomsma, junior novice. ’ ' ’ Did you know that you can read The Hastings Banner in an ELECTRONIC and PRINT edition? WEEKLY UPDATES NEWS SPORTS COURT NEWS LEGALS MORE &gsBaNNER (269) 945-9554 ■ ww.hastingsbannur.com Strength and^We^Mich^anSa^jflfQ^jgQQ 8 °' W°°d'andW3S �2021 Barry County Fair Results - Page 9 RABBITS AND CAVIES Noland Eilar (on left) won Reserve Champion fryer pen, rabbits, and Landon Eilar won Grand Champion fryer pen, rabbits. POULTRY SHOWMANSHIP Seniors winning in poultry showmanship are (from left): first place Lauren Ringewold. second Amanda Ringewold and third Zaida Smith. Makayla Casarez won Best in Show for both rabbits and cavies. She won Senior Showmanship winner for both as well. The top three poultry showmen in the junior division are (from left): third place Lilly Boomsma, second place Olivia Post, and first place Joseph Furrow. Intermediate showmanship winners for poultry are (from left): third place Aiden Thompson, second place Maelea Martin and first place Levi Boomsma. �Page 10 — 2021 Berry County Fair Results Makayla Casarez won Best in Show for both rabbits and cavies; and senior show­ manship for both as well. Anastasia Thompson of Battle Creek had the Grand Champion single fryer chick­ en, which was purchased by the VanDenburg family for $300. Sarah Russell brought the dozen eggs that were selected Grand Champion. The eggs were purchased by Miller Real Estate for $300. Joel Smith of Caledonia sold his pen ol three fryers to Oosterhouse Masonry for $400. Buckland Insurance bought the Reserve Champion roaster chicken, which was owned by Lauren Ringewold of Battle Creek. It sold for $500. Bridget Kayser of Caledonia had the Grand Champion roaster chicken, which was purchased by state Sen. John Bizon for $325. Olivia Post of Plainwell had the reserve champion pen of three fryer chickens, which she sold to Delton Pole Building for $800. ennmgton Bobcat and Backhoe Services for $225. �2021 Barry County Fair Results - Page 11 Battle Creek Farm Bureau paid $1,300 for the Grand Champion market turkey at the Barry County Fair The bird was owned by Lauren Ringewold of Battle Creek Buckland Insurance of Delton bought the Reserve Champion turkey from Aidan Thompson of Battle Creek for $300. Amanda Ray of Bellevue had the Grand Champion pen of three roaster ducks, which she sold to State Rep Julie Calley for $275. Allied Machine and Tool purchased Lana Hooker’s Reserve Champion pen of three roaster ducks for S300. Hooker is from Delton. Matt Spencer Automotive and Towing purchased the Grand Champion single roaster duck for $300 from Morgan Arvo of Hastings. Kolton Hooker of Delton had the Reserve Champion single roaster duck, which he sold to Bee Line Concrete Pumping for $150. See page 10 for more poultry winners 20SS ffiaaw KENT OIL & PROPANE 735 Durkee. Nashville 517-852-9210 ffAIR Sponsors 312 E. Court. Hastings ELECTRIC MOTOR SERVICE 225 N. Industrial Park Dr. Hastings 269-945-3412 Rick James, Owner 1569 S. M-37 Hwy.. Hastings 269-945-3431 "Since 1908" 269-945-5113 BARRY COUNTY LUMBER COLEMAN AGENCY ED’S BODY SHOP l| LUMBER & HARDWARE 219 S. State in Nashville 517-852-0882 269-945-5372 OVMI FARM BUHEAU T v\\ Michigan's Insurance Company DENTON I\SLRA\CE ’ 110 Johnson St., Caledonia 139 W Suic St. Hasting* 616-891-0150 269-945-4520 800-443-5253 w w u .edsbodyxom tomsmarkcl.hiz C ‘ 1 wmw Jhdjnnd* ntoxigcooxum hometown-lumber.com BUCKLAND AGENCY highpoint HASTINGS PRO AUTO HODGES JEWELRY COMMUNITY BANK 229 N. Broadway. Hastings 122 W. Stale Sr, Hastings 269-948-2121 269-945-2963 DELTON • 269-623-5115 1-888-422-2280 HASTINGS • 269-948-3720 hirhpvinicemniunitvb.ink.cvm Mfmhtr EPIC_______ __ �Page 12 — 2021 Barry County Fair Results Poultry winners, from page 11 Winners in rabbit showmanship were (from left) senior Makayla Casarez, senior novice Marcus Momenee, intermediate Brooklyn Bracy, and junior Chloe Wymer. I ■'< Landon Eilar of Hastings had the Grand Champion pen of three fryer rabbits, which was purchased by state Rep. Julie Calley for $350. Spencer’s Towing purchased the Grand Champion single roaster rabbit from Makayla Casarez of Hastings for $325. 'A Miller Real Estate purchased the Grand Champion single fryer rabbit from Chloe Wymer of Hastings for $650. Effie Jibson of Richland sold her Reserve Champion single fryer rabbit to Bernie and Debbie Tobias for $600. Landon Eilar of Hastings had the Reserve Champion single roaster rabbit, which he sold to Stanton Farms for $250. �2021 Barry County Fair Results - Pago 13 Junior horse showmanship winners were Mylee Wiers (left), grand champion, and Caroline Randall, reserve champion. noknm?.^n0ve?oChamp!?n til10 ,or tl0rscs went ,0 Jaynie Mueller (left), Chloe n nn^u °n Ove\ra Rese.rve Champion. The two also won grand and reserve cham­ pion in tne speed competition. The Senior Performance Grand Champion was Brooke Ortman (left), and Reserve- Champion Sage Winters. Top winners in the novice division for horses were BrandaLynn Steele (left) and Tessa Rogers. FASH Sponsors ADVANCED STONE FABRICATIONS loco'/ iTAnod 269-7950002 925 Grand Roptd; St, Middled. Ml 49333 Advanced3tonefab.com Carpenter GraVCl President Todd Carpenter Ph (269) 721 -9989 (269) 217-2372 Fax (269) 721 -3864 Creekside 10197 Garbow Rd. Middleville FRONTIER BEATING 6 COOLING 210 East Main Street. Caledanla 616*891*8900 Sand and Gravel and MORE! frkflA' www.crccksldogrowers.com Middleville 269-795-3550 500 Arlington St COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR Caledonia 616-091-3550 9820 Chary Valley Rd. DEWEY’S AUTO BODY Illi W. Green, Hastings www.dewcysautobody.com TIRES2000.NET COMMERCIAL \>/ BANK 629 W. Stalo St, Hastings, Ml 49056 269-1X5-9561 ' wwwxomnKjrcljl-bank.com FDK HASTINGS NAPA 122 N. Jefferson Rd. NAPA Hastings 269-948-9696 201 N 6-oclAcy Hastings. Ml 49C58 269-945-5888 �Pa$e 14 — 2021 Barry County Fair Results . Grandstand overflows at 2©21 Barry ©©miy The front wheels of Adam Schade’s 1974 International White Strip leave the ground as he makes a run in the Field Farm Tractors Class Thursday during the West Michigan Pullers truck and tractor pulls at the Barry County Fair. (Photo by Brett Bremer) a air Cars collide going in this direction and that during the Unique Motorsports Demolition Derby Friday in front of a full grandstand at the Barry County Fair. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Walker Klifman, Dillon Roberts and Josh Klifman celebrate their trophy winning performances in the Unique Motorsports Demolition Derby Friday night at the Barry County Fair. Roberts’ car was the last one moving. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brandy Kruplia rounds a turn during the girls’ barrel racing competition Wednesday at the Super Kicker Rodeo hosted by the Barry County Fair. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Tile combination of out­ standing weather and eased restrictions during a pan­ demic that has frustrated folks for more than a year combined to give the B;iny County Expo Center grand­ stand a few of its busiest evenings ever last week. A new attendance record was set Friday during the Unique Motorsports Demolition Derby with a standing room only crowd in the grandstand forcing some to be turned away at the gate and told if they wanted to watch the show they’d have to drive around to the infield and try to spectate from there. Fair board member Tammy Redman said the Unique Motorsports Off Road Derby Tuesday set a new grandstand attendance record at the Barry Expo Center, a mark that was quickly bested by the Super Kicker Rodeo crowd Wednesday evening - a record that lasted until Friday night when Dillon Roberts closed things out by­ winning the Demolition Derby in his 6D9R car by beating out Josh Klifman in the end. Jake Maher took the bull riding win during the Super Kicker event Wednesday with a score of 75. and Logan Nagy won the novice bull riding event with a score of 58. It was a tough evening for the bull and bronc riders. Fired up animals left few getting a full ride in. Rob Payne and Jake Hawkins won the team rop­ ing competition with a lime of 559 seconds, with Seth Madry and Hake Hawkins teaming up for a runner-up time of 5.85. Third place went to Madry and Dan Cline who roped their calf in 6.68. Kacie Worgiss won the girls’ breakaway roping competition with a time of 3.74 seconds, finishing more than two seconds better than her closest competitors. Kallecna VanHouten edged Ashley Baumbach in the girls’ barrel racing 13.818 seconds to 13.832. The final few days in front of the grandstand at the fair also included a West Michigan Pullers truck and tractor pull Thursday eve­ ning and an SJO Motorcross Saturday. Winners were crowned in eight different classes at the West Michigan Pullers event. Vic Wolfert won the Field Farm Tractors pull with his John Deere 4255. Brian Gottschalk won the Street Diesel Trucks class in a 2001 Dodge 3500. Jeff Stanton took the Modified Gas Trucks class in his Chevy Instigator II. The 2Hot2Farm Tractor class went to Adam Schade in his International Harvester 866. Jeff Bayles took the Pro Street Diesel Trucks class in his 1996 Dodge 2500 and Frank Kruger won the Limited Pro 3.0 Diesel Trucks Class in a 2003 Dodge 2500. I he Open Comp Tractors win went to John Moore on a John Deere 4010. The Field Fann No Limit victory was captured by Jason Eisinga on a 1972 International 1066. One of the highlights of the evening Thursday was the special exhibition perfor­ mance from the Valley Truck Parts’ Green Ghost pulling semi at the end of the eve­ ning. The Super Kicker Rodeo and Unique Motorsports Night of Destruction both included events for young­ sters. The Night of Continued next page �2021 Barry County Fair Results - Page 15 . ^Orbush anJ? ^is Chevrolet pick-up dubbed ‘Raspberry Shaker pulls the sled in front of the grandstand at tne Barry County Fair Thursday. Forbush was third in the Modified Gas Trucks class on the evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) y ' 1 From previous page Destruction included a Power Wheels race for kids. The Super Kicker Rodeo brought young kids in to try some mutton busting and also Perry Schrock fights to hold on as the bull “Bad some older kids for a one Company" bucks his rear towards the sky during the shoe race where they run Super Kicker Rodeo Wednesday in front of the grand­ from one end of the arena to stand at the Barry County Fair. (Photo by Brett Bremer) the other where they hunt for their missing shoe or boot in the pile of all the competitors footwear and then race back to the starting line. Youngsters get in on the action at the Unique Motorsports Night of Destruction Friday at the Barry County Fair. Power Wheels racing for kids was a part of the eve­ ning’s grandstand show which also included Off-Road Derby and Demolition Derby competitions. (Photo by Perry Hardin) 2021 fair was quite the ride Youngsters ride on a caterpillar rollercoaster on the fair midway on Saturday. at the Barry County Fair. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �. . ). ) ‘ read contribute advertise ) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-08-05.pdf 14221df8bcaabfae89675bd2193bdf05 PDF Text Text Area sees ‘substantial’ rise in COVID cases Proposed law is mining for trouble First HHS sports practices announced See Story on Page 11 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590501358549058113421 ************** CAR-RT LOT C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2022 9:4700 AM Thursday, August 5, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 31 PRICE $1.00 Hastings school bond request denied Tom Petty tribute band playing A Tom Petty tribute band highlights the free Hastings Live concerts in the coming week. Most concerts are at Thomapple Plaza. Spectators are encouraged to bring blan­ kets or lawn chairs. At 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, John Ball Zoo staff will be at Thomapple Plaza. Learn about wildlife in a hands-on learn­ ing experience with zoo education staff. The animals present will depend on their behavior and the weather. (If the tempera­ ture is 90 degrees or above, this event will be canceled.) Beginning at noon Aug. 6, Hastings Community Music School will entertain in the Fridays at the Fountain concert on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. The music school provides musical listening, learning and performance opportunities to people of all ages and skill levels. The students and teachers will show what they have been working on in the long months since they’ve last performed. B That evening, beginning at 7:30, the Friday Night Features will offer a perfor­ mance by The Insiders at Thornapple Plaza. After the death of Tom Petty in October 2017, front man Max Lockwood organized The Insiders by pulling together some of his favorite musicians for a bene­ fit concert. After a sold-out show raised thousands for a domestic violence shelter, The Insiders decided they “won’t back down.” Country singer Jesse Cline will perform beginning at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Thomapple Plaza. Growing up in a small Southwest Michigan town, he was interested in music from a young age. He learned new methods of reading music, studied cover songs, and sang along with them for friends and family. Today, Cline enjoys writing songs, playing gigs, and doing everything he can to share his music with the world. More information can be found at face­ book .com/mihastingslive. Library’s 125th to be celebrated Saturday The library’s 125th anniversary celebra­ tion will have an open-house format, with patrons and visitors encouraged to stop by anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at Thornapple Plaza. Stormy the Entertainer will bring his “foaminator” and to fill the front of the plaza with a four-foot wall of allergy-free, zero clean-up, environmentally friendly foam. Attendees are encouraged to wear swim suits for the foam party. Guests can decorate paper slips in the shape of book spines, which will be col­ lected and put on a paper banner designed to look like a bookshelf. The banner will be hung above the Teen Room indefinite­ ly. Ice cream and cookies will be available on the stage. The event is entirely free. NFLI wraps up with sun and shadows The final activities for the nine-week No Family Left Indoors summer series will focus on sun and shadows. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute south of Hastings is the place to pick up a col­ or-changing bead kit, at the south entrance to the visitor center. Participants can take the kits home, make a bracelet from the special beads and then head outdoors to explore the power of the sun. The institute also has kits to show how shadows move and change shape over See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Benjamin Simon . Staff Writer Seventy-nine votes made the difference Tuesday when the Hastings Area School System bond proposal was defeated. According to results released by the Barry County Clerk’s Office Wednesday, 1,610 people voted for the proposal and 1,693 voted against it for a total of 3,303 votes cast. Voter turnout was high for an off-year election, local clerks said. The process went smoothly, county Clerk Pam Palmer reported. The Barry County Board of Canvassers convened Wednesday morning at the courthouse and certified the results before noon. If the district’s request had been approved, it would have generated $21.9 million in school funding for building maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. The overall tax rate “There is no way to get it done without going to the public for funds. I mean, one way or the other, whether that’s through a bond or through a millage, the money has to come from somewhere. It doesn’t grow on trees, and the state doesn’t give it to us.” Mike Nickels, Hastings school board member would have decreased from 6.9 mills to 6.8 mills. Now, without the bond, the district millage rate will drop to 6 mills. The funds were being requested to cover the costs of district-wide maintenance needs, such as replacing a two-decades-old high school roof, locker rooms from 1970, bathrooms, installing a new keying system, adding an air purification system, removing asbestos, replacing buses and more. Superintendent Matt Goebel said he did not expect the request to fail. “I was actually pretty surprised that it was shot down or it was not passed,” he said. “...I just felt like it was a great deal for our taxpayers and to reduce the tax rate and to provide a lot of basic needs in regards to roofs and windows and locker rooms and bathrooms. I thought that the community would support it even more so. And I thought that it would pass.” The morning after the election, Goebel said he’s not sure about next steps, adding that school officials intend to “re-evaluate our needs, and then prioritize what needs to be done relatively soon.” He did point out that the district must address some of those needs as soon as possible, specifically mentioning the roof, air quality, windows and restrooms. But board member Mike Nickels noted that, without the funding from a bond, these maintenance upgrades may be challenging to achieve. “There is no way to get it done without going to the public for funds,” Nickels said. “I See REQUEST, page 3 Legacy Garden honors great ones who gave Greg Chandler Staff Writer A new feature at the Barry Community Foundation is the Legacy Garden that honors the contributions of past community leaders. “The foundation of any great organization is rooted in the people who serve,” reads a plaque in the garden, which was dedicated in an evening ceremony July 29. “They become the nurturing force which fuels the growth.” The garden’s centerpiece is a metal sculpture, shaped in the form of tree branches inside a circle, created by Richard Alan Morgan, a Wauseon, Ohio-based sculptor. The sculpture was part of the 2020 Midwest Sculpture Initiative, which provides sculptures for Hastings’ annual outdoor art display, BCF president and chief executive officer Bonnie Gettys said. “[Gettys] saw this sculpture and thought this really should have a home at Barry Community Foundation,” BCF board chairwoman Diane Gaertner said. “So, with a lot of help and a lot of input from other people, she made that happen.” During the dedication ceremony, Morgan welded two metal leaves to the sculpture’s branches, honoring original BCF board members Don Drummond and Richard Shuster. “The tree will grow, as we add leaves to honor those that have passed before us, that have served the foundation in many ways,” said Gettys, who has led the organization since its inception in 1995. Drummond, who was vice president and general manager at Flexfab, was a leading force and chairman of the Barry County See GARDEN, page 3 The sculpture with metal pieces twisted to look like tree branches is the centerpiece of the Legacy Garden. Additional metal leaves will be welded to the branches in recognition of community leaders for their contributions to the Barry Community Foundation (Photo by Scott Harmsen) U.S. Rep. Meijer, governor’s aide address labor shortage Hastings manufacturers^ forum addresses local employers’, concerns Taylor Owens Staff Writer The labor shortage was top-of-mind during the Barry County Manufacturers Forum Wednesday morning. Both U.S. Representative Peter Meijer, R-Third District, and Melissa Fish, a repre­ sentative from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, said the $300 federal supplement to unemployment benefits is keeping many peo­ ple from going back to work. “I have been acutely aware of the $300 federal unemployment insurance supple­ ment,” Meijer said. “We have seen some demonstrable impact in some states whose governors said. ‘We don’t want to be partici­ pants in this program.’ And I wrote a letter to Gov. Whitmer saying, ‘Please take us out of this program,’ ” he added. Meijer and Fish also said they do not expect the federal government to extend the supplement past the Sept. 6 expiration date. “Right now, I do not see much of an appe­ tite to expand that $300 federal employment supplemental past its September cutoff date,” Meijer said. “I think a lot of governors are glad that it won’t be extended.” Meijer also said billions in unemployment money could have been given out to fraudu­ lent applicants. Fish said she is notified regularly of fraud cases that the state attorney general’s office is prosecuting. The Whitmer administration also believes a lack of child care is a significant reason for the state’s labor shortage, Fish noted, and the governor has proposed $1.4 billion in invest­ ments to ease that issue. “We know that there are huge investments that need to be made in the child care space,” Fish said. “Because those are some of our lowest-paid workers that are doing some of our most important jobs - taking care of kids.” The state also is working on career techni­ cal education programs, she added. About 75,000 people have applied to a state CTE program, and the administration is consider­ ing using American Rescue Plan Act money See FORUM page 2 Election fraud claims lack credibility, congressman says Taylor Owens missing. Staff Writer Anyone with information about Hazen’s Allegations of election fraud were the location are being asked to call the sheriff’s purpose of a Tuesday meeting between Barry office at 269-948-4801 or Barry County County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt and Central Dispatch at 269-948-4800. Sheriff Dar Leaf. The deputy who is handling the missing Nakfoor Pratt confirmed in a release to all person case is the officer who was assigned news media that the sheriff “has communi­ to the election probe, the sheriff wrote. cated with our office that he is looking into Last week, Leaf told The Banner that he allegations of election fraud. had nothing to report to the public about the “As of this time, we do not have any election probe. police reports or requests for charges. If The complainant who triggered the probe additional documentation is provided to us, is Julie Jones, a former sergeant with the we will review it as we do in all of our sheriff’s department, who confirmed that she cases.” filed her complaint based her allegations on The sheriff, communicating by text to the a court document from a lawsuit filed in Banner on Wednesday, said the investigation April in Antrim County. That lawsuit was of a missing person is taking precedence in dismissed in May. his department right now. U.S Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Third District, Police are trying to find Rachel Lynn who represents Barry County, was in Hazen, 41, of Castleton Township, was last Hastings for a manufacturers’ forum seen was last seen driving a sliver 2005 Ford Wednesday morning. In an interview with Escape with no license plate. She left her The Hastings Banner after the forum, he son’s house around 2 p.m. July 21, and was discussed allegations of voter fraud that have seen by a neighbor at her residence in the proliferated across the state and nation. He Thomapple Lake Estates later that day. stressed that he has not seen any evidence of A close friend of Hazen’s called police at 11:05 a.m. July 26, to report that she was See CLAIMS, page 10 �. Page 2 — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Smoke from wildfires makes Michigan’s sunsets more vibrant Bridge Magazine ’ ' No doubt, Michigan’s summer sunrises and sunsets have been something to behold. And ‘if they’ve been particularly vibrant lately, thank — or blame — Canada and the West Coast. i That’s because wildfires thousands of miles away are making for hazy weather, obscuring .cfouds and turning typically yellow sunsets anto panoramas of orange, red and pink. . While the views have been magnificent, the 'sunsets also have raised concerns about air quality and promoted fears about accelerating climate change. ’ “We really have been dealing kind of off and on with the hazy skies since the beginning 3of the month, and that is because we have had ^persistent area of high pressure out West and 'that’s pushed the jet stream pretty far to the north,” said Sabrina Jauemic, a Gaylordabased meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Here are some answers about recent weath­ er patterns from the experts: What is causing this haze? Wildfires have taken over large swaths of The West, including Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. There are more than 90 fires total in several states, according to the National Ihteragency Fire Center. One fire alone, the Bootleg Fire in Oregon, began July 6 and had spread to 413,762 acres by Aug. 2 and was only 84 percent con­ fined. As smoke from those fires blow east, wildTfres are also consuming central Canada, >Jjich has experienced 4,891 wildfires as of Jujy 28. That is over 1,000 more wildfires than the 10-year average of 3,753. “I would say the vast majority of the smoke over our area right now is stemming from ■fires in Canada as opposed to like the western United States,” said Jordan Wendt, meteorol­ ogist at Marquette’s National Weather Service. ♦ “That’s mainly due to northwest winds aloft and there’s quite a few fires just to the feast of Lake Winnipeg along the Manitoba ' and Ontario border. The northwest wind kind of tracks right over upper Michigan and northern Minnesota across Lake Superior.” The smoke from the fires is trapped in the upper atmosphere and winds move it through­ out the country. Observers notice the difference most at sunrise and sunset, though, because of the science behind light and wavelengths. Smoke scatters shorter wavelengths like yellows and blues, but “longer wavelengths, like red and orange, can pass directly through the smoke layer,” according to the National Weather Service. “You see a red-orange sunset.” What does this mean for Michigan’s air quality? The fires have prompted Minnesota and some other states to issue air quality alerts. Last weekend, Michigan also had some issues with air quality, and state officials said there were some spikes in areas like Grand Rapids that could be attributed to the wild­ fires. Even so, there’s no cause for concern yet, said Hugh McDiarmid, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. “The upper atmosphere definitely has a thick smoke layer... but not a lot of it seems to be mixing down to the surface air,” he said. “Generally ... even though you can see it and even smell it in Michigan, it hasn’t really had a significant effect on overall air quality in Michigan - at least not yet.” According to AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map, certain areas of Michigan’s air quality index are deemed “moderate” and “good” as of Tuesday. “There would have to be pretty dense smoke near the surface for it to have any kind of impact on the person otherwise it’s just suspended in the air and just obscuring visi­ bility and creating like the off colored sun,” said Wendt, the meteorologist. Although Michigan is not seeing any dras­ tic changes in air quality, areas of the state A satellite view from late July shows smoke hovering over Michigan from western wildfires. (Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service) might be affected differently. Factors such as temperature, wind, the direction of the wind and the terrain could all affect how an area is impacted. McDiarmid said those with health condi­ tions should take precautions. “To this point (the fires have’t) had a big impact, but it’s one more drop in the bucket of unhealthy air for people who are sensitive to that,” McDiarmid said. Michigan provides some tools for residents to keep track of air quality, including local air quality indexes and other general information. How long should Michigan expect to see these effects? It depends on how long the fires last. “What you are looking for after the wild­ fires end is high winds just to dilute the smoke and mix it out of the atmosphere,” Wendt said.“So that could be in the order of even just a couple of hours or a day. If the winds are pretty strong it will move all of the smoke away and mix it out as long as there are no wildfires producing more, of course.” FORUM, continued from page 1 tp help fund it. tainers has gone up four to six times since ; One attendee asked if the federal govern- before COVID. tnent is aware of the challenges of passing an But Meijer said the federal government can infrastructure bill when there are already do little to improve the shipping situation, manufacturing supply and labor shortages. short of significant measures, such as nation­ ». “We have such a tight const ruction labor alizing the country’s ports. Ldon’t know .where tb^ people ^(ilU s_ ^^The broader supply chain issues,- it’s like borne froni in order to build the" projects,” squeezing a balloon,” Meijer said. Meijer said. “I mean, you can have^shovWhile some costs, such as labor and lumeT-feady projects, but you need people who ber, have gone leveled-offf Meijer said those have work gloves on who can grab that shovel 'higher ‘ ‘ costs have shifted over into other areas. But Meijer said the Biden administration and make it happen, and we just do not have that.... I think they’re hoping that’s something has been opaque on its tariff and trade policy. “At its core, the Biden administration is the* private market will fix - despite the fact that the federal government is making the incredibly, incredibly strong on labor. That is their first and last priority,” Meijer said. “And problem.” Meijer also said the labor shortage is just I do not know how that translates on the tariff Jonce of his three main concerns, along with and trade component.” One attendee asked Meijer what the federal supply chain and tariff and trade policies. / He said the cost of sending shipping con- government can do to protect companies NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page J time. The chalk shadow art kits also may be picked up at PCCI. ■ More information is available at cedar­ creekinstitute .org. Parkinson’s group to meet next week The Barry County Parkinson’s Support Group will host Kelsey Bolks, a speech ther­ apist from Spectrum Health, at its Aug. 11 meeting. Bolks will offer a presentation on the LSVT Loud Program during the in-person meeting that will start at 5 p.m. at the Barry County Commission on Aging office in Hastings. LSVT Loud has been proven to help peo­ ple with Parkinson’s disease improve their ability to be heard in conversation with loved ones. LSVT Loud helps strengthen some of the muscles used for swallowing, thus easing the progression of diseases such as Parkinson’s, according to health officials. The Barry County Parkinson Support Group meets at 5 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Commission on Aging office, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave. Persons with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners are invited to attend; registration is not nec­ essary. Refreshments and educational materials are available, free of charge, at these meet­ ings. More information can be provided by calling Tammy Pennington, 269-948-4856, or emailing tpennington@barrycounty.org. 2 DAY KARAOKE CONTEST Friday & Saturday, August 13 & 14 at 5 pm Top 50% from day 1 advance to day 2 *1,000 1st Place Cash Prize / Top 3 Awarded $20 Contestants Fee / Free to Attend ^DJKeilKaraoke William Smith Memorial Park 201 E. Orchard St., Delton, Ml 269-370-3776 This is an outdoor event, please bring a chair and necessities. Please register by 5 pm on 8-13 “I have been acutely aware of the $300 federal unemployment insurance supplement. We have seen some demonstrable impact in some states whose governors^? said. ‘Wb donstiva^ito be par­ ticipants in this pr^ram.’ And I wrote a letter to Gov. Whitmer saying, ‘Please take us out of this program.’” Peter Meijer, U.S. Representative against cyber attacks. Meijer said the United States has always had strong offensive cyber capabilities, but “our defensive capabilities have not been where they need to be.” The challenge, Meijer said, is finding a defensive solution that does not give the gov­ ernment intrusive access into private busi­ nesses’ computers. He said they are working to find ways to silo federal agencies so the law enforcement arm designed to prosecute crimes does not have access to the data that the defensive arm uses to prevent cyber intrusion. He also pointed out that other countries are catching up to the U.S.’s cyber capabilities. “We were probably 20 years ahead of the Chinese on quantum computing, Al and just cyber more broadly, five years ago,” Meijer said. “Today, we are peers. And we are behind them in some of those components - and that is terrifying.” J-Ad Graphics Inc. Publisher/CEO Fred Jacobs, on left, discusses economic issues with U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer at the J-Ad Graphics office in Hastings Wednesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Airport board approves bid to fill underground tanks; delays ditch conversation again Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings City/Barry County Airport Commission last week accepted a $19,700 bid from Rohr Gasoline Equipment to close and cap underground storage tanks. The two 4,000-gallon aviation fuel tanks have reached the end of their 30-year lifespan and are no longer in use. Assistant Airport Manager Mark Anderson called it a precautionary measure to close the tanks. “That way you don’t, down the road, have a contamination problem or a fuel leak or something that’s very expensive to clean up,” Anderson said at the July 28 meeting. “So that was a decision to go ahead and do it now, when it’s relatively inexpensive.” If the tanks start leaking, the airport would shut down and the damages would cost more than $100,000 to fix, he said. Rohr will fill the tanks with a cement slurry and cover them with a cement top. The airport built an above-ground storage tank in 2020 that is currently use to hold fuel. “People are going away from underground tanks, and most of the airports now are all above ground, and anything new is above ground because it’s a lot safer and the tank technology is a lot better now,” Anderson said. But not every construction company can close and cap these tanks, Anderson said, referring to the undertaking as specialized job. The airport had to seek out particular companies around the state to complete the task. The commission received three bids, passing on offers from Envirologic of Kalamazoo for $27,920 and Technical Environmental Services of Brighton for $31,055. In the end, it landed on Rohr, a Byron City-based company, that has decades of experience not only working with the airport, but the underground tanks themselves. It was the company who, 30 years ago, set up the tanks in the first place. Anderson said they hope to start the process in a couple weeks, with the entire operation expected to take a week or two. The commission also postponed its decision to fill the ditch on airport property. The ditch was built 65 to 70 years ago to protect against flooding. In recent meetings, it has been a main point of discussion, with the commission opening up four bids to fill the ditch. But not everyone believes the ditch, located near runway 12-80, needs to be filled. Although he acknowledged the ditch is not ideal, Noteboom has argued he doesn’t think it is worth the money or time. “We can’t protect them from everything,” he said during the meeting. In the past two years, three student pilots and two certified pilots have flown into the ditch. With the exception of one individual, Noteboom said he hasn’t heard any complaints from any pilots. Even if they decide to fill the ditch on the southern side of the airport, Noteboom pointed out that another ditch on the northern side would not be able to be filled. Anderson agreed: “I kind of wish they weren’t there, but it’s very expensive to get rid of them. And even if you get rid of them, I don’t know if you’re going to eliminate all the problems. You can’t eliminate every hazard everywhere - it’s just impossible.” Commission members deferred to Noteboom, pushing back the discussion until next spring to solicit further input from pilots. “I look to Mark [Noteboom] for advice on what to do here,” Hastings mayor and airport commission board member David Tossava said. “And it doesn’t really feel like Mark thinks anything needs to be done.” In other business, the airport commission approved its financial report for the month of June. It announced $25,276 in revenue, bringing the year-to-date total to $151,717. It also spent $30,6788, bringing the year-to-date total to $187,328. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — Page 3 GARDEN, continued from page 1 Jim Toburen of Flexfab speaks about Don Drummond, a former Flexfab execu­ tive, founder of the Barry County Futuring Committee and a former foundation board chairman. (Photo by Greg Chandler) Sculptor Richard Alan Morgan welds a leaf to the sculpture that now adorns the Legacy Garden. (Photo by Greg Chandler) Foundation board member and J-Ad Graphics President Fred Jacobs speaks about former BCF board member and Circuit Judge Richard Shuster. (Photo by Greg Chandler) A plaque in the Legacy Garden speaks to the value of the people who have shaped the Barry Community Foundation (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Futuring Committee, which was established in the late 1980s to deal with challenges such as farmland preservation, economic development and quality of life. Drummond’s efforts led to the creation of such organizations as the Thornapple Arts Council, Leadership Barry County and the Barry Community Resource Network, as well as construction of the Kellogg Community College Learning Center just west of Hastings. “He wanted people to grow. He would start the idea and let others take it over,” said longtime friend Jim Toburen, automotive business unit director at Flexfab. Drummond, who died in February 2020 at age 84, served as chairman of the BCF board as well as on the board’s investment committee. “I know he’d be pleased today with this honor that the foundation is bestowing on him,” Toburen said. Shuster moved to Hastings in 1957 to open a general practice law firm after having been an attorney in Grand Rapids for several years. “He wanted a meaningful life in a small, progressive community where he could raise his family and make a difference,” Fred Jacobs, a BCF board member and president of J-Ad Graphics, said. Shuster quickly became involved in the local chamber of commerce. Later, he swung a deal with local businessman and community leader Dick Groos to acquire the old depot building on West Apple Street, which Shuster restored to house his law practice. Shuster was appointed a circuit judge for Barry and Eaton counties in 1982 by thenGov. William Milliken, and would go on to serve as judge for 13 years. In addition to Shuster’s legal work, Jacobs spoke of his vast involvement in community organizations, such as the Barry County Fair board, Boy Scouts, Barry County 4-H, YMCA, Charlton Park and the Humane Society. “He loved Hastings and Barry County, and was always willing to donate his time and talent to make our community stronger,” Jacobs said. Shuster died in July 2018 at 89. “Shuster was a special individual who enjoyed a simple lifestyle, the courage of his convictions, and he was always willing to fight for what he believed,” Jacobs said. A retired metalworker for an aerospace company in the Toledo area, Morgan began sculpting art out of scrap metal more than a decade ago after his son, Nathan, was murdered in California. “I found myself out in the garage at 3 o’clock in the morning, pounding metal, can’t sleep, still holding the same job that I had for 36 years -1 still functioned and everything,” Morgan said. “It became more of a therapy for me. Morgan had a piece of artwork, titled “Hanging in the Balance,” featured at the 2015 ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids. REQUEST, continued from page 1 mean, one way or the other, whether that’s through a bond or through a millage, the money has to come from somewhere. It doesn’t grow on trees, and the state doesn’t give it to us.” In the long run, Nickels said, refusing to pass the bond will only exacerbate the problem. “Now we need to continue to put Band­ Aids on things that could have been replaced or repaired, and it’s going to end up costing us more,” he said. Jerry Greenfield, a Hastings Charter Township resident who has advocated in the community against the bond, recommended that the school district do a better job of connecting with local residents, especially in the townships. “You can’t drag this on and keep voting 50 times,” Greenfield said. “I mean, it costs money to have an election, so why keep spending money if you’re not going to fix the problem? You can keep having elections ... until you sit down with them and work this out and fix the problem, they’re going to continue to vote ‘no.’ So, you’re just wasting more money.” Nickels said he doesn’t know if there’s anything the school district can do to convince no-voters otherwise. “I don’t think we’re ever going to change their minds, to be honest,” he said. “We’re not going to change their minds. I see this as we need to get our ‘yes’ voters out.” Greenfield said he was surprised by the total number of voters - 3,303 - since this election took place in an off-year and the bond was the only item on the local ballot. “If it’s a presidential, you get a lot of people and go vote and then they just fill in the rest of it because they’re already there,” he said. “But for them to just drive or take the time just for school bond, a lot of times you don’t get that good turnout.” Local clerks confirmed that the number of voters exceeded expectations. In the August 2017 special election, for example, a total of 1,776 people voted in the election. In 2021, that number jumped to 3,303. Hastings City Clerk/Treasurer Jane Saurman credited the increase to higher absentee voting accessibility, bringing out “people who would normally not turn out,” she said. In the City of Hastings, nearly 20 percent of registered voters submitted a ballot, with 613 of people voting absentee and more than 500 people voting in person. That was nearly triple the total count in 2017. Rutland Charter Township reported 345 absentee voters and 269 in-person voters for a total of 614 - almost double the township’s count in 2017. City residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bond, with 61 percent of these voters supporting the proposal. In the townships, on the other hand, voters cast ballots largely against the proposal. With the exception of Rutland, where about 59 percent of people voted “yes,” about 36 percent of residents who cast ballots Tuesday in Assyria, Baltimore, Carlton, Castleton, Hastings, Hope, Irving, Johnstown and Maple Grove townships voted against the bond request. A plaque honors BCF President and CEO Bonnie Gettys, who has been its chief executive since the foundation was established in 1995. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Barry Community Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Gettys speaks about the mentors who impacted her. (Photo by Greg Chandler) The sculpture was completely made from repurposed materials. “I used to take [metal] to the scrap yard and get money for it. Now I go to scrap yards and buy it back,” Morgan said. Prior to welding the two leaves on his sculpture honoring Drummond and Shuster, Morgan welded another leaf honoring his late son. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the dedication. “I feel honored where it’s at, truly,” he said. “There’s nothing I did to get it in your hands, but I really appreciate the opportunity to be here and for the dedication for what it stands for. It means a lot.” Gettys thanked the people she credits for helping her get the foundation started. “Our roots are the people who came before us,” she said, “and the legacy of the folks who mentored me by sitting next to me.” A metal leaf welded to the sculpture honors Circuit Judge and former BCF board member Richard Shuster. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Barry County Commodity Food Distribution Schedule 'ansportation costs for our clients, we will be distributing ths out of the year. During some months clients will receive bod for two months. See schedule below. October 20,2020 November 17,2020 January 19,2021 February 16,2021 April 20,2021 May 18,2021 July 20,2021 August 17,2021 CSFP for Oct. & Nov. TEFAP & CSFP for Dec. CSFP for Jan. & Feb. TEFAP & CSFP for March CSFP & April & May TEFAP & CSFP for June CSFP for July & Aug. TEFAP & CSFP for Sept Time: 10:00am-noon Location: Thorn Apple Valley Church 2750 S MI-43 Hwy Hastings, Ml Remember, CSFP is for income qualifying seniors, while TEFAP is for income-qualifying families, individuals, and seniors El To recertify, please bring your photo ID and proof of income for everyone in your home to the distribution during the expiration month that is listed on your card. Questions? or Visit us at www.caascm.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider. �Page 4 — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? See plane? Mining for trouble No, that’s a seaplane. They sure don’t call them lake planes. But it was flying over Long Lake last week like it was intending to land there. Whether it did or not only the pilot knows for sure. Either way, they’re wished a happy landing on lake or sea. See? Do you remember? Young Olympians Banner May 23,1974 Hastings youngsters did a great job in the regional Special Olympics in Kalamazoo, with 14 qualifying to compete in the state finals May 23-26 at Central Michigan University. Those participating in the regionals from Doug Mepham’s room at the junior high were Joyce Burpee, Carol Byers, Darla Cappon, Mary Sue Ellis, Mark Fitzgerald, Lawrence Hawkins, Tammy Jordan, Have you Betty Morgan, John Oliver, Bob Copeland, Teresa Rugg, Paul Barnes, Bill McIntosh and Frank Helms. From Dale Hoover’s room at Northeastern were Ron Dixon, Sue Mann, Rex Burton, Debbie Stull, Tony Main, Brian Shriber, Terri Wallace, Wally Tucker, Kim Owens, Sherry Thompson and Steve Fruin. From Joyce Ogata’s room at Altoft were Jeremy Buehl, Glenn Francisco, Peggy Kaufman, David White, Tim Hard, David Hard and Jeff Lindsley. The state qualifiers are Tammy Jordan, Tammy Landis, Joyce Burpee, Carol Byers, members of the relay team that set a new record at Kalamazoo. Also qualifying for state competition are Mark Fitzgerald, John Oliver, Jerry Buehl, Davie Hard, Ron Dixon, Steve Fruin, Rex Burton, Brian Shriber, Sue Mann and Terry Wallace. (The June 20, 1974, Banner announced that Buehl and Dixon both won gold medals, and Dixon and Jordan brought home silver medals). met? This week’s Bright Light column has a bit of a twist: Hastings Public Library - from the perspective of a family new to the community. The library’s 125^ year will be celebrated at Thomapple Plaza Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., with a foam party, cookies, ice cream and the opportunity to add to a new banner that will be hung in the teen section. The library began as a cultural arm of the Hastings Women’s Club, when after having collected $75, the club was able to put in an order for books for its lending library in 1896. The club was limited to 40 members, and initially, only members could check out books. The collection expanded over the years, and the library went from being maintained at club members’ homes to a couple of second-floor locations downtown before its big jump and big expansion at the former Hastings High School in 1918. It was housed in two separate rooms during its nearly 50 years within the school building before becoming a public library operated by the city in 1965. The most recent home of the library, which it has occupied for 14 years, again led to expanded services, including the ability to adapt to changing technology. The July 31 Reminder featured numerous photos and articles on the library, including interviews with a couple of residents who recalled the library in its earlier forms. Matt and Dr. Abby St. Jacques have only known the newest library for seven years. They were willing to share their perspective on the library and how they see this “bright light” and its importance in the community. Matt grew up around Albany, N.Y., and Abby lived several places, including California, Ohio, Germany and Thailand, but resided the longest in Grand Rapids. They moved to Hastings July 31, 2014, about a month before their first child, Liam, was bom. Elliott, 4, and Brennan, 2, have since joined the family. What drew us to Hastings: Abby The St. Jacques family has only known Hastings Public Library for seven of its past 125 years, but they’re frequent visitors. Here, mom Abby, reads to the boys (from left), Liam, Brennan and Elliott in May 2019. (Photo provided) finished her medical training in Grand Rapids in 2014 and applied to pediatric jobs in the West Michigan area. The job opportunity at Southside Pediatrics and the local community in Hastings made this the place we wanted to be. We distinctly remember our Realtor talking about the amazing new library as one of the highlights of the town as she drove us around one Saturday looking at multiple Continued next page Most of Barry County is probably not too concerned - or even aware - of the roiling controversy in Hope Township where an Allegan-based excavating contractor is requesting a special-use permit to mine for gravel on a 153-acre tract of land it owns on Wilkinson Lake. Every citizen of this state who values local government decision-making should be alarmed, though. What’s happening in Hope Township is just the latest step in the state’s quiet but relentless effort to wrest decision-making away from local residents. This past March, the township’s planning commission considered the request for a special-use permit from R. Smith and Sons at a meeting where some 50 protesters, carrying “No To Gravel Pit” signs, assembled outside and nearly 70 folks spoke inside or virtually via Zoom, most in opposition. The planning commission has delayed making a final decision until results from an environmental impact study can be conducted. The delay also has bought time for mining concerns like R. Smith and Sons to continue working on alternative means around that local opposition and find a way to freeze out any oversight local governments have in projects like this, which come with sizable disruptions. Gravel miners have turned their attention to Lansing where a push to make it easier to open sand and gravel mines is part of a new bill sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich. Senate bills 429-431 would remove approval of gravel mining permits from local governments and turn the decision-making over to the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. To some, that might seem sensible because state agencies have the knowledge to review the permits and act on them in a timely manner. However, opponents are concerned that these large companies will have more political persuasion over Lansing bureaucrats, who wouldn’t take into consideration local property values, noise, traffic and potential groundwater pollution caused by large mining operations. Simply put, these big mining companies have a better chance to get what they want, based on their economic clout with legislators - people who don’t even live in the area. “I just wanted have a regulatory approach,” Ananich said. “I don’t think that local governments have the capacity, in many cases, to make sure that every step along the way is handled the way it should be, including making sure that land is restored to productive use once mining operations are finished.” Missing from Ananich’s reasoning is the fact that local officials are directly responsible to residents, so making sure the big companies follow the rules is paramount in any of their decisions. The main bill, Senate Bill 429, sets provisions for public notice of a proposed site, public comment time and a “potential” public meeting and time limits on handling the application. Approval or denial would be required to take place no more than 120 days after the application is deemed complete. Here’s why local citizens - in any community, no matter the issue - should be concerned: The bill sets up a formal process, but takes away local control over the permitting process. The voices of local residents in these proposed mining areas would be greatly diminished due to Lansing’s control. We’ve been down this road before, not too far from Hope Township. An assessment of a proposed gravel mine in Richland Township led to some stark conclusions when the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research released a report Aug. 15,2006. In no uncertain words, that report cautioned local leaders about the benefits of a request for a mining operation, concluding, “The proposed gravel mine will have significant negative impact on housing values in Richland Township. ... Once in full operation, the gravel mine will reduce residential values by more than $31 million. In addition, the mining operation will have an insignificant impact on area employment and personal income. At most, we estimate that only two additional jobs will be created, but traffic will increase by 115 to 120 truckloads a day.” So, when Lansing takes the lead on the permitting process, residents have good reason for a lot of concern. Larry Heslinga, a member of the Healthy Waters Alliance, an organization formed to protect Wilkinson Lake and three lakes attached to it, spoke at the Hope Township March meeting of his own experience when a mine opened a mile from his primary residence in Kalamazoo County’s Oshtemo Township. “If passed, SB 431 would trample on the property rights of local citizens and totally remove local government from any meaningful role regarding gravel pit locations or in providing oversight,” Heslinga said, adding that his property values dropped 8.2 percent when the mine opened. “Government works best at the local level, especially when the rights of local citizens are at stake,” he said. SB 431 would limit the power local governments have to implement constraints on mining operations for issues such as property values, dust control, noise and traffic - issues that impact neighbors, but not legislators or big mining companies. Big money and powerful influencers, though, are drilling through the rights of local property owners. The Michigan State Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the Homebuilders Association, the Michigan Manufacturing Association and others are putting their support behind the bill to move the process and reduce the cost of gravel for roads and building products. There’s no question that these powerful groups understand the importance of mining and want to streamline the process to make it easier for mining companies to get the necessary permits. But my concern is that the process, from the top down, will marginalize the ability of citizens and local governments to have any control over that process. It will be easier for these big outfits to send their front men to places like Barry County to find the right land - whether lakefront, forest or fields get a purchase agreement and head to Lansing to start the process. Once a drill breaks ground, all the benefits go to the mining company, not the neighbors or the community. Residents near the mining area could be faced with plunging property values, air pollution, degradation of the land and wrecked roads because of high volume of heavy trucks. Locally, our representation in Lansing is divided. “I don’t like it,” state Rep. Julie Calley has said. “I encourage residents to get involved in the legislative process.” Jake Jelsema, chief of staff for Sen. John Bizon, who voted for the bill, said Bizon is not opposed to it because “it addresses a longstanding issue with the way gravel mining operations are approved. There are dead spots where some local governments will sit on applications and not approve or deny them - sometimes for up to a decade.” So how do we work together to mine the gravel needed for roads and building materials while maintaining high standards of operation? Most vital is to keep the control local, where officials who live in the area monitor and make sure mining companies aren’t haphazardly running their operations with complete disregard for local regulations. Mining is necessary, but the best locations to mine are areas away from housing developments and lakefronts. That might mean hauling gravel farther than the mining company would like, but protecting property rights, the environment and local roads must be left to local officials. This is not something we want to leave up to Lansing. The answers are clear: “No” to the Senate Bills 429-431. “Yes” to retaining local control in the affairs of our communities. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. Here’s why local citizens - in any community, no matter the issue - should be concerned: The bill sets up a formal process, but takes away local control over the permitting pro­ cess. The voices of local residents in these proposed mining areas would be greatly diminished due to Lansing’s control. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — Page 5 Middleville council refines marijuana ordinance language owner of the Kenai Red Group, which operates a medical marijuana provisioning center in Baltimore Township. Benner told the council via Zoom the state already has detailed security requirements for a marijuana operation. “I don’t want the copy of those plans in the village, whether they’re available to the public or not, because if we have a data breach, that’s an issue,” Cramer said. “If the state’s requiring it, then I’m good with that.” The security plan requirement had been included in the scoring criteria by which license applicants would be evaluated. The deletion would likely mean the scoring rubric would have to be amended. Trustee Kevin Smith agreed with Cramer’s concern about potential liability. Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Middleville Village Council is ; continuing to modify the language on legalizing marijuana-based businesses in the village. Meeting as a committee of the whole Tuesday, the council deleted an ordinance provision that would have required a business to include a security plan as part of its application, including alarms, recording or monitoring devices and security guard arrangements. Trustee Mike Cramer, who proposed the deletion, expressed concern of a potential security breach where sensitive information could be made public. Cramer made his motion after the council received comments from Shawn Benner, GUEST COMMENTARY Ending the scourge of human trafficking U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Michigan has the ninth highest statewide rate of human trafficking in the country, with 3.64 cases per 100,000 peo­ ple. The underground nature of these crimes makes them difficult to detect and report, causing the problem to slip from the forefront of public view and consciousness. Because of this, we must make a collective effort to keep our focus on human trafficking crimes and do all we can to put a stop to these heinous activ­ ities. The Department of Homeland Security describes human trafficking as involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide, including here in the United States. It happens in every commu­ nity, and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use violence, manipula­ tion, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into these dangerous situations. Traffickers target people who are susceptible for several rea­ sons, including psychological or emotional vulnerability, economic hardship, victims of natural disasters, and more. Making the problem worse, language barri­ ers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement often keep victims from seeking help, making these crimes very difficult to detect and punish. That’s why I authored a bill to combat these crimes, and I’m pleased to report that it recently passed the House with strong biparti­ san support. My bill, the DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act, ensures that law enforce­ ment personnel and employees in custom­ er-facing industries are trained to identify and respond to a potential victim of human traf­ ficking by recognizing key indicators and then taking appropriate action. The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. While the Blue Campaign works closely with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components and other federal partners to combat human trafficking, it is often state and local law enforcement officers who are encountering victims and their traffickers firsthand. Individuals employed in industries outside law enforcement, from medical pro­ fessionals to airline employees, are also more likely to encounter victims and need to know how to identify and respond to them. Increasing widespread public awareness is critical to expanding these efforts. My bill would require the director of the Blue Campaign to develop web-based inter­ active training videos and provide online training opportunities for federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement offi­ cers. These changes will ensure our commu­ nities are well-equipped to respond to poten­ tial trafficking incidents and support traffick­ ing victims. It also would establish a Blue Campaign Advisory Board within DHS to consult regularly with the director on the development of effective awareness tools for distribution to industry partners that will help them identify and prevent instances of human trafficking. I am grateful that my bill has strong sup­ port from key groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation, the Kent County Area Human Trafficking Coalition, and Life Support Counseling and Coaching. I am proud to be part of these important efforts to put a stop to human trafficking once and for all, and you can rest assured that we will not stop until the job is done. U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R- Grand Rapids, represents Barry County, which is part of Michigan's Third Congressional District. He lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Gabriela. “It is too common for municipalities of our size to get smoked in cyber liability or a cyber event,” Smith said. “It is a mess to clean up, especially if there’s something that happens as a result of that [breach], if sensitive data is shared.” The council is considering two ordinances, connected with each other, that would legalize marijuana businesses in the village. The proposal is scheduled to go back to the council for potential final action Aug. 24. One of the ordinances would allow for marijuana businesses in areas zoned for highway commercial or industrial use. The other would set forth a limit on how many licenses would be issued, as well as the process of applying for a license and standards that must be met for approval, Assistant City Manager and Planning/Zoning Administrator Brian Urquhart said. “We’re allowing them as a special land use that would receive approval and review by the planning commission,” Urquhart said. “Following that process ... it would go before the village manager for review and issuing a license.” Village Attorney Mark Nettleton added that an applicant who is denied a license for a marijuana business may seek an appeal. “The ordinance ... sets up a process by which, if there’s a denial of the business license, then the applicant can appeal to the village council to make a determination as to the propriety of that denial,” Nettleton said. The regulatory ordinance would place a cap of five total licenses throughout the village, including two for retail. Retail businesses and provisioning centers that offer medical marijuana would be allowed in highway commercial-zoned areas only, primarily along M-37. Growing operations would only be allowed in industrial-zoned areas, primarily on the village’s north side. Recreational processing operations, secure transport operations and safety compliance facilities would be allowed as special land uses in both the highway commercial and industrial zones. “Once those approvals are obtained on the zoning side by the planning commission, then the applicant can come forward and submit their business license application,” Nettleton said. “That’s first reviewed by the clerk to determine that it’s administratively complete - basically all the boxes are checked and the information is provided. Once it’s determined to be administratively complete, it is reviewed by the manager, and the manager makes the approval or denial.” The village manager must review a completed application and make a determination Uy approye or deny a business license within 21 dayK If the application is denied, an applicant has 10 days to file an appeal, Nettleton said. Applicants must pay a $5,000 nonrefundable fee as part of its application. Permits would need to be renewed annually, Nettleton said. In November 2018, Middleville voters supported passage of Proposal 1, the measure that legalized marijuana for recreational use in the state. Of the 1,321 voters in the village that cast ballots in the election, 793 voted yes and 528 voted no, according to Barry County election records. In January 2020, the village council directed the planning commission to work on crafting a marijuana ordinance. Less than 20 people turned out for a June Continued from previous page houses for sale. Story time roots: Matt started taking Liam to the Infant Story Time, then later the toddler and preschool story times. Liam attended regularly until he started kindergarten. He learned many classic children’s songs from Library Director Peggy Hemerling and her ukulele. Toddlers and topical tomes: Everyone in jour family loves to read (or be read to). We all frequently check out books and often read library books as a family. We have also done a number of “themed” learning months when we will pick out books from the Hastings library and through inter-library loan to read about a certain topic for the month. This summer we have been reading about a different country each month and have found great books to read. Beyond the books: We have participated in summer reading programs for a number of years and love the extra activities that go along with each summer program. We also enjoy the family nights at the library. Our kids have great memories of learning about nature, building with various materials, and making crafts at these family nights. What we like best about the Hastings library: The programs we mentioned above are amazing. But what we probably love the most is the staff. Our kids know many of the library staff by name and when we see Peggy, Tammy, Paige, Emily or others around Hastings, they ask about our family and what we have been reading or enjoying recently. Compared to others: Hastings’ library may be smaller than some other libraries we have enjoyed, but we have a wonderful and unique experience here since it is the only one we have been part of since having children. Hastings truly feels like our family’s “home library.” When guests come to town: Our kids definitely love to tell family and friends about events, story times, and books from the library. Multiple times when their grandparents The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylo' Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 have been visiting Hastings, the boys have asked to visit the library and show some of their favorite books, puzzles and of course the train set. Residents of the city of Hastings, as well as Hastings and Rutland charter townships support the library through property taxes, so they may obtain library cards for free. The library is open to non-residents, but some services are limited. Library cards for non­ residents are $100 per household for a year - or about $8.30 per month. Saturday's celebration is free and open to everyone. More information can be found at hastingspubliclibrary.org. public hearing at Thomapple Kellogg High School on the ordinances. Only four people spoke at the hearing - one in favor of the proposal, two to deny it, and one who had a neutral position. One council member opposed having a limit of five licenses for the village. Council Trustee Ed Schellinger said he would support two licenses for retail, but opposed approval of any other licenses for growing or other marijuana-based operations. “I personally feel five is too many,” Schellinger said. “I personally feel that the town, when they hear that we’ve got five marijuana businesses coming to our little village, they’re going to raise up on their hind legs and [charge into town].” Schellinger asked Nettleton if it was possible for the council to approve the number of licenses to be awarded first before the overall ordinances are approved. Nettleton didn’t see that idea as workable. “I would want council to adopt a comprehensive regulatory ordinance that would specify that agreed-upon number,” Nettleton said. “I wouldn’t want you to have a standalone ordinance that says we’ll do three marijuana businesses, period, and then have a separate ordinance that says for those marijuana business licenses, this is the process that you follow,” Nettleton added. Schellinger’s proposed limit of two licenses ran into opposition from his colleagues. / , “They wouldn’t be able to grow it herQ. They wouldn’t be able to process it here ...J’ Cramer said. “I think that was why we settled on five [overall licenses] and just two licenses for retail. We wanted to limit the public face of what was being sold here.” “They can’t go to Grand Rapids, or they can’t go to Holland or wherever it’s grown, and buy it there? It can’t be delivered here?*’ Schellinger asked. “If we’re allowing business in our community, this is a legal business,” Cramer said. “Why wouldn’t we allow them tlie opportunity to grow their own product so they can sell it? It cuts their cost.” Smith offered an analogy to breweries. . “I just want to remind everybody in the room here that this is equally as legal as a brewpub and/or a microbrewery,” Smith said. “We have five outlets in this town that you can buy alcohol, but we’re limiting [marijuana retailers] to two, so we are being morp restrictive.” ’ “If West Michigan Beerhaulers or whatever decided to put in a distribution center in our commercial district and hire 400 employees, we’d probably applaud that. I think that the opportunity here is, what’s the difference, other than it’s marijuana, and it’s a legally sold substance in the state of Michigan. I think the business opportunity and the ability to reach a market where it will create jobs is very high.” (write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published,. The requirements are: . •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous; letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. ' • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not, be published. ' ’ • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not: be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted ■ unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. ; . • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published ■ or will be edited heavily. ' ;: • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be; limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. : • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature • ■ Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 4890k Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County)' Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; LLSl mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Peter Meijer, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth Housg Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503; phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C; 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. ; Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510^ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 238­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. •‘"■pi Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings DANNER Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings: MiddleviUe: One Stop Shop (Marathon) Speedway (M-43 North) Harding's Superette Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Family Fare Middleville Johnny's Tom's Market "77. . . ' , '■ ■\'7;.7cc Hastings Johnny's GunLake: The General Store Sam’s Gourmet Foods Marathon Mega Bev Orangeville: Hastings Pharmacy Orangeville Fast Stop Marathon Gas Station (M-37 West) Pine Lake: Marathon Gas Station Doster Country Store (M-37 South) Family Fare Gas Station Prairieville: Walgreens Prairieville Fast Stop Cloverdg Clover Br Woodland: General Woodland Express Cedar Creek Grocery Nashville: Shelbyville^ Town & Country Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny's BanfieM: Banfield General Store Dowling: Trading Post Little’s Country Store MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carls Lafce Odessa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Goldsworthys Freeport: L&J’s �Page 6 —- Thursday, August 5, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: Gerald Cisler Tammy J. Jordan 269-945-9554 mi Once Upon A Time there were three brothers. The oldest Bob, was Middleville's fire chief until 1990. Bill, who worked at Central Garage with his father and eldest brother, was an avid snowmobiler. The youngest Rod, who owned Central Auto Parts, was known for chairing the local parades for over 35 years. Each brother had three loves, family, friends, and their community. Please join our families in honoring the Kenyon brothers on August 7th, 2021 at a joint Celebration of Life Event, 11am: Honorary processional for the brothers to cemetery starting at Beeler-Gore 914 W. Main Street, Middleville Ml 49333. A graveside service for Rod and his wife Carol (Schenkel) at the cemetery, 1-4pm: Celebration of Lives at Historic Bowens Mills 55 N Briggs Road, Middleville Ml 49333 Lunch will be served from 13pm Help us celebrate the lives of these amazing brothers who loved and enjoyed their family, friends & community. Questions? Contact Neva Kenyon at 269.795.3669, Tom Kenyon at 651.895.3418 or Rob Kenyon 269.804.9087 Memorial donations can be made to: The Middleviiie Lions Club Box 1, Middleville, Mi 49333 A scholarship memorial will be established atThdmapple Kellogg High School Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is ‘To The World Around Us". I ‘2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box .8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ '945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. ^Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant "Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. ^Sunday Morning Worship: *9:45 a.m. Kids Church and "Nursery are available. Our ^worship center is set up for ^social distancing. Aftermath ’Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, '(comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 40:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday plight Bible study and prayer *time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Producls 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Gerald “Jerry” Henry Cisler left this life on July 31, 2021. He passed on as he had lived: surrounded by the love and care of his family, unwavering through to the very end. Jerry was born in rural Barry County on April 23, 1936, to his parents Gerald B. Cisler and Jennie (Slagel) Cisler. He was the seventh of 8 eight kids, raised by a farming family deeply rooted in the value of hard work. And in a love for helping others. Jerry was a man of honesty, character, and conviction—with a heart you could always count on to help. If you knew Jerry, you know he told it like it was, and you probably thanked him for it. He was dependable and true—just the one to call if you’re in a bind or need to borrow a tool. Jerry wore a lot of hats in his life (but you were most likely to see him sporting MSU or his classic Street Rod cap). He ran a sawdust business, worked as a foreman at Middleville Engineering, and served his community for 32 years at the Barry County Road Commission. Jerry volunteered to fight fires. He operated tanks and protected our rights on German soil. He was a farmer, a fisherman, a no-nonsense kind of man, and the proud driver of a sweet “Little Red” Chevy 3100 pickup. But by far, Jerry’s most important title didn’t come with a paycheck or blue ribbon. It was his role as family man—father, husband, Grandpa, and-feiend. , . . Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kay (Sweet) Cisler; children, Kim Cisler, Brent Cisler and Melissa (Campbell) Cisler, and grandkids, Karley Cisler and Ryley Cisler. He leaves behind his dear sisters, Joanne Raymond and Cathy Chapman. His spirit isn’t gone with his passing, but lives on with his family and friends, who will gather to celebrate Jerry’s life at a visitation on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 5 to 7 p.m., at Beeler-Gores Funeral Home in Middleville where his funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 at 1 p.m. Please join us in paying tribute to Jerry’s memory and saying goodbye, if only until we meet again. Burial will take place in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions to The Flower House or Spectrum Hospice will be appreciated. Please visit www. beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Jerry’s family. JBMWIW MUrirttiHDat 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Tammy J. Jordan passed away peacefully July 18, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Tammy was bom on December 26, 1961 in Grand Rapids. Daughter of the late Ogal Jordan and Janice Jordan. She is survived by her three sons, Jammerson Aicken, Caleb Aicken, Chad Aicken (Amy Aicken); her daughter, Kara Aicken; brothers, Scott (Terri) Jordan, Mitch (Marlene) Jordan; sisters, Kim Jordan, Becky Salazar and multiple grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Tammy graduated from Lakewood high school. She obtained her associates degree in data entry and worked multiple jobs throughout her lifetime, but found her most loved careers while working at a flower shop, Sunny Fresh in the QC department and Lincoln law firm as a legal assistant for years. Tammy will be remembered for the love she had in spending time with family and friends. She loved to see her grandchildren and celebrate holidays with her family. Tammy also had a love for reading romance novels, mushroom hunting, baking with the kids, going to auctions and garage sales, spontaneous adventures, picking sea shells, and enjoying a fountain pop. A celebration of life ceremony was held at Cunningham Acres in Lake Odessa on August 1, 2021 .with a luncheon that followed. 4980 W. Tupper Lake Rd. Kalvin Joe Mays Betty Ann Goodenough, age 80, of Hastings, passed away on July 31, 2021. She was bom on August 20, 1940, in Castleton Township, the daughter of Frank and Ethel (Freeman) Snore. Betty was a 1958 graduate of Nashville High School. She worked for Hastings Manufacturing for 18 years and then became a manager at Piston Ring Credit Union for several years before her retirement. On June 16, 1962, Betty married Richard Goodenough, and they enjoyed 59 years together. Betty enjoyed traveling to Arizona, going to the casino, and spending time laughing and making memories with her family and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ethel Snore. She is survived by her husband, Richard Goodenough of Hastings; sons, Steve (Vonda) Goodenough of Hastings, Don Goodenough of Hastings, Mike (Gayelynn) Goodenough of Hastings; grandsons, Aaron (Laura) Hartman, Andy Goodenough, Casey (Jessica) Goodenough, Stuart Goodenough, Hunter Tyner, Brandon Sanders, granddaughters Britney (Bretton) Curtis, Krista (Brandon) Shoemaker, Karley (Chase) Williams, Lacey Sanders, brothers Pete Snore, John Snore, Raymond (Annette) Snore, and many great-grandchildren. The family wishes to send a special thank you to Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital Cancer Center. Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 at Noon with a service to follow at 1 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, Michigan 49058. Interment at Rutland Charter Township Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty’s memory can be made to the Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital Cancer Center, Spectrum Health Foundation, 25 Michigan St NE, Suite 4100; Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Joan Iona Hill Smith Kalvin Joe (K.J.) Mays, age 36, of Hastings, passed away on July 27, 2021. He was bom on December 7, 1984, the son of Kalvin Mays and Tina (Gould) Eastman. Kalvin attended Woodland School and was the owner/operator of KJ Seal Coating. Kalvin enjoyed hunting and fishing. He liked to tinker with and fix things. He especially loved his children. Kalvin was preceded in death by his sister, Tiffany (Mays) Davis; grandmother, Dorothy Mays; uncles, Gene Mays and JR Mays; stepfather, Tony Eastman, and cousin, Jenna Benedict. He is survived by his parents, Kalvin Mays and Tina Eastman; children Kalvin, Anika, Ruby and Donna Mays; sisters, Magan (Isaac Serna) Mays and Kristi Mays; grandparents, Betty (Alan) Coston, Paul Gould; aunts and uncles, Tammy Hall, Penny (James) Young, Verna (Ray) Franco, John (Debbie) Mays, Danny (Rita) Mays, Dale Mays, Lori (Billy) Keown, Michael Gould, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Gathering is planned from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15,2021 at the UAW Local 138 Hall 127 Apple Street Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Joan Iona (Poff) Hill Smith of rural Bellevue, passed away on July 30, 2021. Mrs. Smith was bom July 29,1932 in Maple Grove Township to Dale and Mildred (Miller) Poff. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1951 and went to work at Hastings Manufacturing for 1 years before going to work at Rich Manufacturing, later Federal Mogul, in Battle Creek. She worked in the payroll department and as receptionist, telephone operator, and personnel secretary until the company closed. Her first marriage to David E. Capps ended in divorce. She married Martin E. Smith, Sr. on June 22,1962. She is survived by an adopted son, Randall B. Smith (Miriam) of Battle Creek; stepdaughter, Janet M. Booth (Edwin) of Gentry AR; half-sister, Dallas June Green of Elkhart, IN; niece, Pamela Kaser (Brad) of Elkhart, and nephew, Mitchell Alan Hill of Middleville. She also had 13 stepgrandchildren, 16 step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandchild. Preceding her in death was her mother, Mildred B. Hill; stepfather, Fred L. Hill; husband, Martin E. Smith, Sr.; half-brother, Gary Alan Hill; infant daughter, Vicki Rae; stepson, Martin E. Smith, Jr., and stepson, Thomas B. Smith. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Bellevue. She enjoyed the out-of-doors, dogs, writing letters, sewing, jigsaw puzzles, and especially one gray tiger cat, Smokey Joe, who has been her faithful companion for the last eight years. Memorial contributions may be made to Hastings Animal Control. Memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at First Baptist Church, 122 S Main St, Bellevue, ML Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org ■ i ; j j 1 j ; ! ■! : | j | j ] 1 | 1 I | | I | 1 1 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — Page 7 TURNING BACK THE PAGES < County seat may have been Barry, not Hastings The Monroe and Grand River Railroad, like the town of Barry, never came to be. Still, Hastings had to work hard to get railroad lines through the city. (File photo) justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Today, residents can refer to Potter’s 270page history of Barry County, published in 1912, all of it carefully intended for print. Cook, who was closely connected with the community and its people, was able to recall bits of information and conversation including background information from Potter - that, while maybe not intended for print at the time, found its way into the newspaper via Cook’s nearly weekly column. Here’s one of those treasures Cook recalled about the county seat that never came to be, near what is now Quimby and Thomapple Manor, first printed in the Aug. 8, 1946, Banner. The little church in Quimby might have been near the heart of the county seat, if th'e settlement of Barry had ever been realized. (Google Maps image) Marshall Lannis Cook was born in Prairieville in 1858, when the Hastings Banner was not quite two years old. By 1870, Cook’s family had moved to Hastings, where he attended school and would be one of five students in Hastings’ first graduating class in 1877. Cook attended Albion College, returned to Hastings, and joined the Banner staff. He and his brother, William Randolph Cook, eventually became co-owners of the newspaper - a relationship that would span more than 50 years. Marshall, the elder brother by about eight years, had memories of Hastings when it was still a village. Over the years as editor, he occasionally would share some of his recollections with readers. His son (and, later, grandson) would take over the paper, but M.L. Cook was never far removed. Retirement gave him more time to write about the early days. Well into his 80s, he wrote regular articles, sharing reminiscences that otherwise would have faded away. Those mefftbriefe, which contiiiue to find their way back into the Banner by way of this column, tell of unique characters from the city’s past, early local travel, how the grass on the courthouse lawn was established, the outstanding debt on the Civil War monument, and more. Cook was blessed with a good memory and, at the time, was one of few individuals alive who knew the people and back history of some of those early stories. For example, below he refers to William W. Potter and mentions Potter’s historic credentials. Another Barry County native, Potter not only was a historian, he became a judge, senator, Michigan attorney general and the chief PUBLIC NOTICE All Barry County Townships APPLICATIONS FOR DEFERMENT OF SUMMER 2021 TAXES Application Deadline: Sept. 14,2021 All township treasurers in Barry County are currently accepting applications for summer 2021 tax deferments (deferments are not exemptions). To qualify, a household annual income cannot exceed $40,000. The applicant(s) must also be: 1) 62 years of age or older, including the unmarried surviving spouse of a person who was 62 years of age or older at the time of death, 2) paraplegic, hemiplegic or quadriplegic, 3) an eligible serviceperson, eligible veteran or their eligible widow or widower. 4) a blind person, or 5) a totally and permanently disabled person. Those that farm agricultural real property may also qualify if the gross receipts of the farming operation are not less than the household income of the owner. Additional information and deferment applications may be obtained from the following treasurers: ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP Terry Ryder-Stephens, Treasurer Melissa VanSyckle, Treasurer (269) 339-9569 (269) 721-3502 BARRY TOWNSHIP Judith Wooer,Treasurer (269) 623-5171 CARLTON TOWNSHIP Terri Geiger, Treasurer (269) 945-5990 CASTLETON TOWNSHIP Joy Mulder, Treasurer (517) 852-9479 HASTINGS CHARTER TWP Jenee Phillips, Treasurer (269) 948-9690 HOPE TOWNSHIP Arlene Tonkin, Treasurer (269) 948-2464 IRVING TOWNSHIP Alesse Cross, Treasurer (269) 948-0633 JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP Karmen Nickerson, Treasurer (269)721-3611 MAPLE GROVE TWP Ginger Cole, Treasurer (517) 852-1844 ORANGEVILLE TWP Michelle Ritchie, Treasurer (269) 664-4522 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Judy Pence, Treasurer (269) 623-2664 RUTLAND TOWNSHIP Sandia Greenfield, Treasurer (269) 948-2194 THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP Debra Buckowing, Treasurer (269) 795-7202 WOODLAND TOWNSHIP Shawn Durkee, Treasurer (269) 367-4915 YANKEE SPRINGS TWP Deb Mousseau, Treasurer (269) 795-9091 CITY OF HASTINGS Francie Brummel, Dep Treasurer (269) 945-2468 M.L. Cook Did you know, if you live in the county seat here, it might have been called Barry instead of Hastings? Also, that it might have been located about three miles southeast of this city, on the flat lands west of Cedar Creek near its outlet into the Thomapple River? I think I hear someone remark: “Why does that old duffer ask such silly questions?” If I answer: “Go with me to Kalamazoo, and I can show you the proof,” it would not be surprising if the reply was: “Well, you’d better get to Kalanfezoo and stay there. What has that city to do with the county seat of Barry County?” It does. It’s funny, but it’s so. If speculators had had their way, our county seat would be called “Barry” and would be located where I have stated. Those speculators meant it; had a plat made and properly filed with the register of deeds. But at that time, all of what is now Barry County was part of Kalamazoo County. So, the plat of the proposed village of Barry was filed with the register of deeds at Kalamazoo. And it’s there yet. Speculators idea I have never seen that plat, but the late William W. Potter saw it, and said the proposed town consisted of 16 blocks, each with eight lots. Its location is as stated. The proposed village of Barry was pictured in the plat as having a railroad - which hadn’t been built then, and never was constructed. It was called the “Monroe and Grand River Railroad.” There was talk of such a line, but it never existed except in the imagination of its projectors. Mr. Potter, who was an authority on the history of this state and county, explained that in those early days, some speculators would prepare and get approval for proposed town sites in Michigan, then sell lots in them to gullible people back East, pocket the money, and let their dupes take over the towns if they desired. They took losses but did not build towns. There is no proof that that was the case with the proposed town of Barry. Yet it is possible that a search of the attics of some of the old houses of New England and New York might result in finding a deed, or deeds, to lots in that forgotten village. It never became a village except on the plat filed in Kalamazoo. All a dense forest When this county was organized and became a separate county, it was supposed that all papers, plats and everything pertaining to titles to land would be turned over to the register of deeds of Barry County. This plat of “Barry” village, however, was not given to Correction An error from 1941 was repeated in last week’s Turning Back the Pages column featuring Albert and Maude Harding, who exchanged wedding vows at the 1891 Barry County Fair. Maude’s maiden name was Lapham. Her great-grandfather Eli Lapham was the first settler in Maple Grove Township. Norman Latham, also mentioned in the article, was farmer in Baltimore Township who served on the fair association board, likely leading to the surname confusion. The Harding farm was in the family, at least partially, until 1968; the final portion was sold in the early 1980s. this county and still remains in the office of the register of deeds at Kalamazoo. Probably at the time the transfer was made, this plat was considered of no importance or value, since the village of Barry was not in existence. When the transfer of all records to this county was made, Hastings had become the county seat. Eurotus P. Hastings and those associated with him in establishing the village of Hastings [in 1836] had induced people to locate in Hastings, and its site was nearer the geographical center of the county, so Hastings survived, and Barry was dead and forgotten. Possibly the level land surrounding the county farm looked desirable to the projectors of the town of Barry as the place to locate a county seat. All of Barry County was a dense forest, except two prairies and little patches where the Indians raised corn - one of which was said to be near the outlet of Cedar Creek. That may or may not have been a reason for selecting that locality for Barry village. The residents of Hastings are no doubt well pleased that their homes are not on the county farm flatlands. Between Fall and West creeks, the land, beginning at the river’s edge, rises in three terraces. East of Fall Creek, the built-up section is well above the level of the river in flood time, and slopes to the south. On the north side of the Thomapple, west of Andrus Creek, the rise from the river is abrupt. Did you ever think what beauty spots those steep banks would make if the city would give a landscape artist the green light? A rose garden would be no comparison. Back of that, the rise is gradual to the north city limits. East of Andrus Creek, the land is far above the highest floods in our river and slopes gradually northward. Maybe you will think I like the location of Hastings. I confess that I think it ideal. I like the town that is built on it. I think in recent years the community spirit here has been good. That is what makes a town. The folks in it do the trick. The better the folks, the better the town, the greater its influence for good. That will also help the young folks who grow up in it to become a credit to the town and to themselves. Census year That same August 1946 edition of the Banner also included an article looking to the future and local growth. Population of City in 1980 may be 7,000 Consulting engineers estimate increases on past records; council men disagree - cite housing Tracing population curves in Hastings with an eye to providing adequate water facilities to meet future demands, the Jones & Henry firm of consulting engineers of Toledo stated in its initial report received by the city council Monday night that Hastings - if the population continues to increase at the average rate from 1920 to 1946 - should have a population of about 7,000 by 1980. The engineers estimate of population increases was questioned by councilmen who believed the city would reach 7,000 well within the next 20 years if sufficient housing could be obtained. Going back to 1890, when the city had a population of 2,972, Hastings jumped to 3,172 people, or a 7 percent increase, and in the next 10-year period, the populations jumped to 4,383, or 14 percent, the highest percentage jump in 50 years. In the next decade, it jumped 12 percent and then the population began leveling off. It had increased only 2 percent more by 1930 to 5,227 people, and, according to the 1940 census, the population was down 1 percent to 5,175. Compared with the growth registered by Charlotte, Hastings would have a population of about 6,700 by 1980 if it achieved a similar population increase, but if the city continued to grow at the rate of growth it averaged from 1890 to 1946, it would have about 7,600 by 1980. * So did it? U.S. Census Bureau records show a population of 6,418 in 1980, a 1.3 percent decline from the previous decade, which had 6,501 residents in the city. By 2000, however, the city had surpassed the 7,000 mark by 95 people, an 8.3 percent increase over 1990. Population Percent change _____ 1820__________ 1.793___________ 1880 2.531 4172 2:972 .... 1890 ...... 17.4 3172 1900 6.7 1910 4.383 38.2 5J32 1920 17.1 . 5227 1930 1.9 1940 5.175 -1,0 1950 6.096 17.8 1960 6.375 4.6 1970 ...... 6.501 2.0 018 _____ 19.80__________ ________ =L3_____ Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on August 23, 2021 at 7:00 PM at the Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The subject of the public hearing will be the re-consideration of the following amendment to the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended: MAP CHANGE A-2-2021 Request to rezone a portion of land in Section 8 of Orangeville Township, also known as 5075 Oarie Drive and 5050 Marsh Road. (See attached map.) FROM RR (Rural Residential) TO MU (Mixed Use) All of the above mentioned property is located in Barry County, Michigan. Legal Description of Parcels: Commence at the N 1/4 post of Section 8, T2N, R10W; THN N 88 DEG 09’15” W 384 ft; THN S 335 ft ; THN S 88 DEG 09’15” E 384 ft; THN N 335 ft to the P.O.B. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon the proposed amendment, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to Planning & Zoning, 220 West State Street, Hastings Michigan 49058, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty. ora. The proposed amendment of the Barry County Zoning Ordinance is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284, mbrown@barrycounty.org. This notice is given pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act (Public Act 267 of 1976) as amended. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk �Page 8 — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Barry Township to seek grants for water tower project Elaine Garlock Green bean season has arrived. Daily we see big semi-trucks loaded above the sides with tons of beans. This will continue until September. Likewise, we see open truckloads of the snippings being hauled away from the plant for disposal on some farm fields to be plowed under. First Congregational Church is advertising a backyard Bible school coming soon. In years past (pre-COVID) one might see publicity for several such schools for youngsters at churches in the community. One of today’s senior citizens relates that as a young boy, he was invited to go to one. He was totally unfamiliar with the term so he asked, “What’s that?” His inviter told him they would listen to a story and have cookies and Kool-Aid. His reply was, “Sounds good.” So that was his introduction to the church scene. He is still going to that church. The post office on Fourth Avenue is getting a new roof. This is one of the remaining few buildings with a flat roof. The trend was popular in the 1950s, but over the decades, most of them have been replaced by pitched roofs. The medical building next door, a dental office across the street, Fellowship Hall of Central United Methodist Church and likely some others now have pitched roofs. Yet one more downtown building first built with a flat roof was the Page municipal building. Work continues on the Emerson Street project. Most of the time, one can drive much of its length by dodging barrels. The side streets can be accessed to get to Lake Manor and the museum. Woodchucks are apparently running rampant on the countryside. Trapping is probably the best way to get rid of them. One was spotted on a lawn after dark this week. They are ferocious diggers/excavators. The Red Cross will be in town to collect blood Monday, Aug. 16. The respite program at Central UMC is returning some Thursdays after a lapse of many months. The church office can provide details. Funerals are again being held in a timely manner after months of delayed or without services. Look who is turning 80 Jerry Lyons Jerry is celebrating his 80th birthday on Aug 5,2021. Please joins us Sunday, August 8th for this occasion. AT THE POND, 385 North M-37, Hastings (next to the Presbyterian church). Reception from 1 to 5 p.m. BUSINESS BRIEFS Pennock adds neurology services Spectrum Health Pennock has announced the addition of Nicole Block to provide neu­ rology services at Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedic & Pain Center. Block, a board-certified nurse practitioner, specializes in general neurology began working in Hastings Monday. She will see. patients. fpry j>adaches, numbness,' dizzi­ ness, peripheral neuropathy and more. “We’re very excited to add neurology services locally,” Angela Ditmar, president of Spectrum Health Pennock, said. “Time and again we hear from community mem­ bers who say staying close to home for care is a priority, and this is another way we can meet that need.” Block will see new patients at Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedic & Pain Center and will be joined virtually via telemedicine with physi­ cian neurologist Dr. Cynthia Hingtgen. Block earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in nursing, family nurse practitioner, from Michigan State University. In her free time, she enjoys staying active with her hus­ band, walking their dog along local trails and playing a vari- Warners to celebrate 50th wedding anniversary Nicole Block ety of games with friends and family. More information can be found online or by calling 616-267-7104. 165588 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR BARRY COUNTY PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION AND PAVING BARRY COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Encrypted Bids will be accepted on the Bid Express site or separate sealed Proposals will be received at the Office of the Clerk, Barry County Administration, 220 West State Street, 3rd Floor, Hastings, Michigan 49058, until 11 a.m., local time, on Thursday, August 19, 2021, and then publicly opened and read aloud. Bids will be on the basis of unit prices as listed on the Bid Form, and may be submitted using the ebidding system or by buying the Bidding Documents as stated below and submitting the Bid Form. The major items of work are as follows: Pavement removal, subbase removal and replacement, and concrete walks and drives. Paving, Striping, Restoration, and all appurtenant work. All forms, information, and specifications are available for download free of charge at M+B Bid Express (https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/343Q1/home?agency=true). The Contract Documents may also be examined at the following locations: Barry County Building and Grounds 119 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 Moore & Bruggink, Inc. 2020 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505 Builders Exchange 678 Front Avenue NW, Suite 330 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 Project information may be viewed at Dodge Data & Analytics: httD://dodgeDroiects.construction.com/ Only Bidders who have been prequalified by the Barry County Administration within the required days in advance of the bid opening in accordance with the Information for Bidders section will have their bids opened and read. Plans and Specifications will be available after 1 p.m. on August 3, 2021, at either M+B Bid Express (https://www.bidexpress.c0m/businesses/343O1/home?agency=true) or the office of Moore & Bruggink, Inc., upon payment of a non-refundable fee of $40.00. An additional non-refundable fee of $15.00 will be charged if the Contractor requests these Documents be mailed. This project will be entirely funded by the Barry County Administration; no federal or state grants are involved. All Proposals shall be made in accordance with the Bidding Documents. A Proposal Guarantee payable to the Barry County Administration, in the sum of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, must accompany the Proposal in accordance with the Information for Bidders. The right is reserved by the Barry County Administration to accept any Proposal, reject any or all Proposals, and to waive informalities in bidding when it is deemed to be in the interest of the Barry County Administration. BARRY COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BY: TIM NEEB, BUILDING AND GROUNDS SUPERVISOR Steve and Kathy Warner of Vermontville will be celebrating their 5.0th anniversary on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021. They were united in marriage on Fridays Aug. 6, 1971 at St. Casimir Church, Lansing, Mich. Their children include Ryan/Melissa Warner of Perrysburg, Ohio and Kirk/Angela Warner of Cadillac, Mich. They have three grandchildren. There will be a celebration hosted by their family and friends on Sunday, Aug. 8 at Vermontville Community Center, 108 N. Main St., Vermontville, Mich., from 3 to 6 p.m. No gifts, please. Friends, family and neighbors are all welcome! HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Aug. 5 - Movie Memories and Milestones watches a 1940s musical that visits Argentina and launched Betty Grable as a leading lady, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 - 125th anniversary celebration. Foam party with ice cream and cookies at Thornapple Plaza, for all ages, free, 2-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9 - Quilting Passions group meets, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10 - chess, mahjong and euchre groups, 5:30 p.m.; Finance 101 with TCU, Zoom event on investing, 7-8 p.m., chance to win cash prizes. Wednesday, Aug. 11 - acoustic jam session, for all ages to play, listen or sing, 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 - Movie Memories and Milestones watches a1949 movie based on the book “Madame Bovary,” 5-8 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263, or checking its Facebook events. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads James Gemmell Contributing Writer Barry Township Supervisor Barry Bower said he’ll be “crowing like a rooster” if the township is able to secure $1.4 million in grants to pay for a new water tower in Delton. That’s wishful thinking right now. During a special meeting Monday, town­ ship board members discussed the possibility of filing three federal grant applications the Barry Community Foundation presented to the board. County and state grant funds may be available, as well. Barry Township has no water tower but, if it did, that would help encourage community growth, Bower said in an interview after the meeting. “We have just three wells, and that’s it,” Bower said. If a fire breaks out in the township, the local fire department has to pump water from a lake. “You can’t use any of the fire hydrants ...” he said. “All our fire hydrants are more or less just for looks.” Prairieville Township has its own fire department that only serves the Delton area when summoned on a mutual-aid call. But getting water for firefighting is not a problem, Prairieville Township Supervisor Jim Stonebumer said. “We’ve got water from the lakes for years - Crooked Lake, our own well. Water is not an issue,” Stoneburner said. “Just getting it there in a track is the issue. There’s plenty of water around. We can fill trucks.” As far as seeking a water tower for Delton, Stoneburner said Prairieville Township wouldn’t be involved in that project. “Prairieville is served by the sewer, but we’re not going to be served by the water tower,” he said. The estimate^ cost for a new water tower in Delton would range from $1.4 million to $1.6 million. And unlike a larger community where the cost for municipal water service can be paid for and divided by a large number of residents, there aren’t enough residents in the Delton area to cover that cost. “We have only about 102 people in our water district,” Bower said. Without any other funding source, each property owner in the district would have to pay about $13,725 to cover the cost of a $1.4 million water tower, which Bower called “astronomical.” “So, if we can’t get a loan, we’d have to get a grant,” he said. “We can’t put any more people in the water district until we get a watertower.” •' - morn) . ■ Municipal water lines would not need to be extended in the township, he noted, because that infrastructure is already in place. . Barry Township is due to receive half of its allotted $367,000 in economic-stimulus fund­ ing later this year through the Americarf Rescue Plan Act. “But that is a far cry frqnf the $1.4 million [needed to construct the tower],” Bower said. Half of the ARPA funds will be distributed by the U.S. Department of Treasury to mimic-* ipalities this year, and the other half next year. Federal guidelines stipulate that ARPA funds0 can be used only to address existing water? sewer, broadband and similar infrastructure7 needs. ! 0 “The [township] water system has probably been in place 15 years. So, we’re just going tof apply for grants and hope for the best,” Bower said. \ p Jennifer Heinzman, president of the Barry7 County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, said Barry Township would still need to ask for about $1.2 million^ in county ARPA funds, even after townshipf ARPA funds are deducted from the project cost. “And any that is awarded will then be deducted from the other grants that the townjL ship will apply for.” Heinzman said the chafnber provided then township with information from the federal*’ Economic Development Administration. '0 “The federal money is [available] through six different programs. One of them is called^ the Economic Adjustm&t Assistants Program. So, we gave [the township] arf application to apply for that one. And then thd EDA also has a public works program. So, township can apply for both of those, usings federal ARPA money. And then, if they stilb­ need additional funds, they cap apply for the USDA Waste Disposal Loan and Grant?1 Program.” Heinzman said she is optimistic BarryTownship will receive the necessary grants to? build the tower. ; “Hopefully, between all of those programs/ we’ll be able to cover the wholp cost of thS water tower - especially right noW with aljW these federal funds that are coming down the pipe just for infrastructure. “These are the exact types of projects wep feel the government wants to fund. So, wo arewell-positioned to get the funding.” The deadline to apply for the county AR PAo funding is Sept. 17, and the deadline to apply for the federal EDA money is in mid-October?' “They don’t say when they’re going to have an answer to us,” Heinzman said, “but the EDA said that they hope to have the answers about by the end of this year.” Mask beats shield Dr. Universe: What is more effective against coronavi­ rus, a face mask or a face shield? Rhma, 9, Washington state Dear Rhma, If you are like me, you’ve probably seen people wearing face masks, face shields or even both at the same time. To find out more about your question, I talked to my friend Armine Ghalachyan, a researcher at Washington State University. She’s curious about how apparel, including face masks, can help people in our world. First, she said it helps to think about how a virus spreads. When humans laugh, talk, cough and sneeze, they release tiny droplets into the air. A single sneeze has been shown to release around 40,000 drop­ lets. These droplets are made up of mucus and saliva from our nose and mouth — and they are just the right travelling size for a virus like SARS-CoV-2, which causes the novel coronavirus. When people design face masks, they think about these droplets. They research what materials work best to help block droplets that might contain a virus that can make us sick. But it’s not just a question of material. They also have to think about how masks fit on our faces. Face shields are not as effective as face masks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While face shields may provide some eye protec­ tion, they leave a lot of gaps around the face. That makes it easier for a person to pass droplets that might contain the virus to other people. There’s also not much material there to keep the person wearing a shield from breathing in other people’s droplets. Meanwhile, facemasks that fit over the nose, mouth and cheeks can help keep droplets from spreading. One type of mask, an N-95, is made up of material called J polypropylene, and blocks 95 percent of ’ tiny particles. People, including healthcare 1 workers, who wear these masks often do a , fit test. For instance, in one test, a person puts on a mask and then puts on a suit with a > plastic hood where they are asked to smell or taste things such as bitter scents. If the ; mask fits well, they shouldn’t be able to taste or smell anything. That’s one way we can test if the mask is doing its job to block out tiny particles. Some masks made of cotton threads that are woven tightly together also can help j bock droplets. Those crisscrossing threads 7 that make up the fabric can help keep a ,i virus from passing through the material. Since a virus will often enter the body through the nose and mouth, which are . connected, it is important to cover them „ both. It takes not only the right material but also a proper fit to help a face mask do its * jobthebest. . Finally, it’s important to remember that while vaccine trials are still underway for J children under 12, properly wearing a face , mask, handwashing and social distancing \ are the most effective tools we have to stay safe and healthy. Dr. Universe * P.S. Do you know an 8- to 12-year-old student with questions about volcanoes, earthquakes & geology? Submit the ques­ tion for a chance to be featured in an upcoming YouTube video at askDrUniverse.wsu.edu/ask/ Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. - r . �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, August 5, 2021 — Page 9 Planning commission works out parking details Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The planning commission for the City of Hastings continued its discussion regarding parking of semi-tractors, semi-trailers and recreational vehicles within the city limits. In recent months, the commission, along with planning consultant Rebecca Harvey, has discovered multiple inconsistencies in the parking enforcement laws. They noticed that city’s ordinance prohibited the outdoor parking or storage of semi-tractors, semi-trailers and recreational vehicles with two or more rear axles. But other parts of the ordinance allow recreational vehicles, specifically, to be parked or stored anywhere. Despite the contradictory language, the city fully intends to allow residents to park these vehicles within city limits. “[The planning commission is] tweaking the ordinance to make legal what a lot of folks are already doing,” interim City Manager Gregg Guetschow said in an interview. The city created a parking lot near BCN Technical Services Inc. for semi-tractors and semi-trailers, but it has become clear that it did not have the legal authority to do so. The planning commission has discussed amending the zoning ordinance to allow for construction of a parking lot for these vehicles. They also intend to clear up the messaging around recreational vehicles and clearly permit people to park them on their own property, which was not transparent before. According to the city, recreational vehicles include campers, travel trailers, motor homes, boat trailers, horse trailers, utility trailers and off-road vehicles. The planning commission has to sort through a lot of minuscule details. For instance, Guetschow asked whether they should reconsider the length restriction levied on parked recreational vehicles in city limits. Currently, the city allows for recreational vehicles with a maximum length of 36 feet, although some recreational vehicles are longer. Following Monday’s discussion, Harvey will make additional changes to the draft to specify the language. After the next conversation, Guetschow said he hopes the city can publish the amendment and have a public hearing. “They’re making good progress and getting there, and I think that the main message for most people is we want to make sure that the Delton Kellogg summer school on track; online learning sign-up underway James Gemmell Contributing Writer Parents and guardians have until 4 p.m. Aug. 11 to enroll their students in the Delton ICellogg Schools’ online learning program for the upcoming school year. A link to the sign-up form is posted on the district’s website. Superintendent Dr. Kyle Corlett said the program was a success for many families last year. It was a learning experience for the district as well, with so many children studying online during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve made some changes to improve the program,” Corlett said. “We’re going to have more support for grades K-5.” Although any kindergarten through fifth­ grade student is eligible to participate in the virtual student learning, the district says sixththrough-12th grade students must not have failed virtual courses on the same subject to qualify. Among other stipulations, a student participating in the full-time virtual program must take a full course load, the same as a full-time in-person student. Online students will be provided with a district Chromebook. In addition, help with internet accessibility devices will be available for families in need. There also is online learning for alternative education students seeking to earn a high school diploma. DK Academy offers courses through Edmentum, an online learning platform. Meanwhile, Corlett said, the summer school program “has gone really smoothly. Attendance has been excellent. We’ve had 45 high schoolers attend three days a week, and then we’ve had 140 pre-K through 8th-grade Students attend two days a week.” “We had more high schoolers come out 3ian typical, but, actually, our numbers for lementary and middle school are a little bit down,” he added. “And that was intentional, because we wanted to focus our summer school efforts primarily on those students who are struggling the most. In the past, we just opened it up to anybody. “Summer school was never only for kids who are struggling. It was always just for anyone. But because of CO VID protocols ... we just offered it to our most at-risk students.” I | j zoning ordinances are clear about where people can park recreational vehicles and what counts as a recreational vehicle,” he said. After the discussion around parking, the commission reviewed a site plan proposal for a ground sign at 400 W. State St. In 2020, a two-story, 5,400 square-foot addition was approved to the one-story, 2,987 square-foot building. The property owners requested permission to build an illuminated 16-foot sign for its tenants. The city ordinance, however, does not allow signs to surpass a maximum of four feet in that specific district. Although they can choose to permit the sign, planning commission members expressed concern over its height. “16 feet is too high,” commission member John Resseguie said. “Somewhere in the middle, like 10 feet, would be more appropriate.” In the end, commissioners decided to decline the sign request, asking the property owners to reconsider the height. Despite the decision, Guetschow suggested the planning commission consider amending its laws. Four feet, he said, is too low for signs. “What are signs intended to do?” he asked during the meeting. “Besides advertising the business, they’re intended to provide a way for customers of the business to find where they’re going. And when you have something that is that close to the ground, you really have difficulty in letting people know where is this place that [they’re] looking for.” Guetschow also provided an update on the Financial FOCUS Sh ongoing contract negotiations with appointed city manager Sarah Moyer-Cale. “We are still working on negotiating for the final language of her contract. So that remains NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 9, 2021 for the following item: (1) 20 ton Tag Trailer, Tandem Axle Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www. barrycrc.org. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive irregularities, or to purchase comparable equipment at a lower price in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY Frank M. Fiala Chairman David D. Solmes Member D. David Dykstra Member Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Member SIPC Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Kevin Beck,AAMS® Financial Advisor 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Family Promise Are trust services right for you? If you’re extremely busy with your career and family and you’ve accumulated a fair amount of assets, you might be concerned about a variety of issues related to financial management and legacy planning. Specifically, you might think you don’t have the time or expertise to deal with these matters effectively. If this is the case, you might want to consider using a trust company. You might think you need to have a large estate or millions of dollars to benefit from working with a trust company, but that’s not the case. And if you’re not familiar with what a trust company can do, you might be surprised at all the services it can provide, including the following: • Wealth management - Typically, when working with a trust company, you’ll receive investment management designed to help you achieve various goals, such as a comfortable retirement and college for your children. The company can manage retirement accounts, monitor investments and disburse funds, make changes as needed and ensure compliance with government reporting for contributions, withdrawals and rollovers. While different companies operate in different ways, you may have an arrangement in which you work with a personal financial advisor and a separate portfolio manager. • Financial management during incapacity - If you were to become incapacitated j underway,” he said. “We are hopeful that that can be wrapped up, and I think it’s very likely that that will be wrapped up in time for us to go back to city council on Monday.” and couldn’t make financial decisions, a trust company can step in, giving you peace of mind from knowing that your financial assets will be managed by a team of professionals, helping protect you and your family from potentially dire consequences. • Trust administration - A trust company can perform several essential tasks related to administering your trust. The company can act as trustee for a trust you’ve established, such as a revocable living trust, which can allow your estate to avoid probate while providing you with great control over how your assets will be distributed at your passing. Alternatively, the trust company can work alongside an individual you’ve designated to execute the terms of a trust. If your selected trustee resigns or becomes unable to make decisions, the trust company can serve as successor trustee. When it’s time to settle your estate, the trust company can handle the valuation, dispersion and re­ titling of assets, pay off any debts and expenses, and complete any tax returns related to your estate. • Bill payment and recordkeeping - A trust company can keep up with all the trust’s bills (household maintenance, medical bills, etc.) and provide statements summarizing receipts, disbursements and the value of assets within the trust. In addition to providing these practical services, a trust company may benefit you in a more intangible way. It’s unfortunate but true that, in many families, dividing up assets can cause conflict and bitter feelings. But when a trust company serves as trustee, it impartially administers distribution of the assets based on the instructions you’ve provided in the trust - helping minimize family disputes over inheritances. If you ever feel like the complexities of wealth management and trust administration are getting to be more than you can handle - or perhaps more than you want to handle - consider contacting a trust company. You might find that it can make your life a lot easier. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Edward Jones, Member SIPC. Edward Jones Trust Company and Edward Jones, and their employees and financial advisors, are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. Edward Jones Trust Company and Edward Jones, and their employees and financial advisors, are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. cities for Christ QI H?s9X™inneR^and Family Promise of Barry County with our Title Sponsor Tom's Meat Market would like to thank the following Community Partners for the success of our 2021 Golf Outing and Great Golf Bal Drop! The Legacy at Hastings Owners & Staff Brian's Tire & Service Phillips Tax Accounting Dairy Queen Hulst Heating and Cooling, Inc The Cookie Store DeMaagd Marble and Tile Tires 2000 of Middleville A&M Lazer Gifts Gilmore Car Museum Richie's Coffee Shop Beltone Hearing Aid Center Tripp, Tagg and Storrs Attorneys at Law Mary Collier MOO-vllle Creamery Edward Jones - Andrew Cove Left Field Cafe on Main in Middleville Bradford White Corporation Family Fare in Hastings Spectrum Health Pennock Biggby Coffee Thornappie Credit Union Post Balloon Club Michelle Gaudreau ~ Greenridge Realty Bay Pointe Inn Bright Start Pediatrics Hastings Bowl Lynn Denton Farm Bureau Insurance Kloosterman's Sports Tap Walker, Fluke and Sheldon Walmart Patrick Construction Hastings Mutual Insurance ■ ; Rose Hendershot of Photographic Memory White Pines Helicopter Middleville Tool and Die Bob Keller Southside Pediatrics WBCH Welton's Heating and Cooling J-Ad Graphics Bell Title Agency of Hastings Les's Sanitary Services Family Tree Medical Associates Cotant's Farm Market & Greenhouse TNR Machining TnT Golfapalooza Jessica Welton of Jaqua Realtors Martha Ports Sophie Ryckman - Photographer Jeff Gibbs Tracy Baker - At Home Real Estate Vicki Argo Walldorff Brew Pub & Bistro Jan McKelvey Noah Keovongsy Jack Altoff Thank you to all the local businesses, our church communities and our wonderful Barry County "Community*’ for their continued support in helping us "end homelessness, one family at a time!" Christianity is Under Attack Like Never Before. The New World Order Cadre Will Not Rest Until Christianity is Eradicated!! The one thing that no government in history has ever been able to eradicate is the 2-person home bible study. So that is what we are recommending for you: a two-person home bible study that will survive the most difficult times. Nobody but you and your partner (including ourselves) knows with whom, where, when or even if you meet. Remember the Lord’s words: “whenever two or more are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst” Matthew 18:20, “What then should we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Here are some recommendations. 1) As you get started, go to the ICPM (Inner-city Church Planting Mission) website “citiesforchrist.org” and select Teaching Resources/Teaching Videos for your bible studies. The ICPM has teachings on many different subjects, in 20 languages. 2) Select one of you to be an elder. Go to the bible and review the requirements for church elders, ITimothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7 and Acts of 20:28. If the lifestyle of the person that is to become the elder does not fully conform to these requirements, he must change his lifestyle to conform thereto. That person will then experience divine healing. Although the Lord will sometimes allow that elder to experience some form of sickness (for God’s glory) in general, the elder’s health is now in the Lord’s hands. 3) As an elder, the two of you can now practice the healing process described in James, 5:14-15. The ICPM has practiced this procedure for many years, and we have experienced many miraculous healings by our Lord’s hands. You will not find a more sure healing procedure anywhere! The ICPM has kept meticulous records on the results of this procedure over many years. Its records show that the sick person was healed over 90% of the time. Remember: Spiritual Healing (eternal life) can be yours if you - by faith - “call upon the Lord Jesus Christ” John 3:16-18; Romans 10:13, and Ephesians 2:8-9. 4) Although you can expand your bible study to more than two members, we recommend keeping the number down to protect your anonymity. Paidforby I.C.P.M., 755 Butterworth St. S. W., Grand Rapids Ml 49504 �Page 10 — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Giving for good SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Eligibility for spouse's benefits Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist Social Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information and tools that support you throughout life’s journey. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following: • Age 62 or older. • Any age and have in your care a child who is younger than 16 or who is disabled and entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at his or her full retirement age. If you choose to receive your spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit. If you wait until you reach full retirement age to receive benefits, you’ll receive your full spouse’s benefit amount, which is up to half the amount your spouse can receive. You’ll also get your full spouse’s benefit if you are under full retirement age, but care for a child and one of the following applies: • The child is younger than 16. entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. If you’re eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher spouse benefit. For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. At her full retirement age, she will receive her own $1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250. Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits? Are you at least 61 years and 9 months old? If you answered yes to both, visit ssa.gov/benefits/retirement to get started today. Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record. You can find out more by visiting ssa.gov/ planners/retire/di vspouse.html for more information. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads • 108” Cotton, in many, colors • TNotoes, Cais, Golf, Tish, Rotary District 6360 Governor Rita LaMoreaux, who has been a member of the Delta/Waverly Rotary Club since 2007, visited Hastings Monday to talk about her goals for the club. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Paul Harris Fellow awards to be presented to local club members (from left): Randy Teegardin, Megan Lavell, Greg Randall, Jan Hartough, Deb Button, Larty Neil, Dave Baum, Gene Haas, Margie Haas, and LaMoreaux, also a Paul Harris Award recipient, is shown at right. Paul Harrfs Fellow recognition was created in memory of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, as a way to show appreciation for contribution^ by members to the Foundation’s charitable and educational program. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) CLAIMS, continued from page 1---------------------------------------------------------- — widespread voter fraud. Meijer compared a continued search for evidence of voter fraud to looking for Bigfoot. “I don’t dismiss anything out of hand,” Meijer said. “But you have to have some rea­ sonable standard of credibility, and I have yet to see anything that rises to a reasonable stan­ dard of credibility.” “I am all for transparency, and I am all for due diligence,” he added. “I’ve read the [Allied Security Operations Group] report out of Antrim County. I watched all of Mike Lindell’s videos. I’ve read the Michigan State Senate Oversight Committee Report.” “A lot of the, I would say ‘source material,’ for the belief that there was some massive fraud in the election is incredible - in the lit­ eral sense.” Meijer said he spoke with cybersecurity officials and experts, and asked them about these claims. “You don’t know where to begin with how The auction will be held ONLINE at www.tax-sale.info from 10:00am to 7:00pm EST. Bids can be placed up to 30 days in advance and assistance is available for those without computer or Internet access. For more information and a list of the properties being sold, visit: www.tax- sale.info or call 1 -800-259-7470. Sale listings may also be available at your local County Treasurer’s Office. • Tlannet, Tleece, TUpstop Wyton, ,arve Marine Vinyl • Independent and Assisted Living Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 ......... (r!Si OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm —-- 1 Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station]-------165316 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING COMMERCIAL REHABILITATION EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE APPLICATION FROM HASTINGS MICHIGAN AVENUE, LLC AT 128 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 AS PROVIDED BY SECTION 4 (2) P.A. 210 OF PUBLIC ACTS 2005 Notice is hereby given that the Hastings City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday August 23, 2021 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers second floor of City Hall located at 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillagc.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 An 82-year-old Hope Township woman called police June 26 to report she had been scammed out of at least $1,000 by caller who claimed to from Publisher’s Clearing House. The man told her she had won $2 million, but he needed a $500 gift card before she could access it. After she sent him the card, he asked for another $500, and then for several checks. She sent him two checks worth $605, though she was not sure if they cleared. When he asked for a $2,500 check, she realized it may have been a scam and contacted the police. The case is inactive without any leads. A 48-year-old man and his 47-year-old wife reported finding three bullet holes in the wall of a pole bam on their property near the 6000 block of Rook Road in Orangeville Township at 10:19 a.m. June 27. The man said the bullets must have been fired into the building within the past several days. Two of them looked to be from .22 caliber bullets, while the third appeared to be shotgun round. The trajectory of the bullet holes indicated the bullets had been fired from somewhere on the property. The officer checked with the neighbors, who said they did not recall hearing any gunshots in the area. The case is inac­ tive. Angry boaters splash officers, ruining radio Multiple Barry County sheriff’s deputies were called to assist a Department of Natural Resources Officer after several people had become agitated during a boat stop on Gun Lake at 2:48 p.m. July 24. The DNR officer was on marine patrol and had stopped the boat for speeding. When deputies arrived, the DNR officer and several people were standing offshore in thigh-deep water, with their boats nearby. A 71-year-old woman splashed water 1 onto the DNR officer and jabbed her finger into his chest several times. The officer and a < deputy arrested her, although she resisted. The woman started pulling items out of the DNR officer’s duty belt and yelled, “Vote Republican. Get Whitmer out,” as the officers pulled her to shore. While this was happening, another deputy stepped in to prevent the other boaters from interfering. One 74-year-old man started yelling at the deputy and splashed water at him, before the other boaters pulled the man back. When the deputy later J tried to use his radio, it made strange noises and stopped working. The officer than saw water coming out of the radio. The cost of a replacement is estimated at $1,700. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. Mini-bike and tobacco stolen i JAKE OWEN . SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 A 51-year-old man called police at 11:21 a.m. July 9 to report a theft from his garage in the 1000 block of Beechwood Drive in Hope Township. The man said the garage had been ' left open during the night, and three sleeves of tobacco, a set of keys and a $700 mini-bike were stolen. The man said he and his family did not hear anything suspicious during the ; night. The case is inactive. Naked man arrested on highway EARTH, WIND & FIRE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 Parcel # 08-55-201-051-00 Jane M. Saurman City Clerk #8110376 & Insured THE HOTTEST STARS The purpose of the Public Hearing is for City Council to hear comments and make a determination on the Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate Application from Hastings Michigan Avenue, LLC for property located at 128 North Michigan Avenue, Hastings, Ml 49058 otherwise known as: The City will provide necessary reasonable aid and services to disabled persons wishing to attend these hearings upon seven days notice to the Clerk of the City of Hastings, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Telephone 269/945­ 2468 or TDD call relay services 800/649-3777. Woman loses money in fake contest Bullet holes found on pole barn of Middleville •Zippers, Threads, Tapers & Trims QUESTIONS: ASK US... Dar Leaf’s behalf, and recommended private investigator Michael Lynch for Leaf’s elep tion fraud investigation. o “It was a very different story from what they were saying in front of the cameras to what - when there’s actual consequences they’re willing to back up,” he said. Meijer said he did not know enough of the specifics of Leaf’s investigation to comment on it directly, although he is aware of the probe here. it “Obviously, we don’t want to be in a posi* tion where, especially township-level clerks, are being intimidated or kind of fearful’4’ Meijer said. “Because so much of our election rests on civic-minded and community-eri* gaged individuals stepping forward and doing these tough roles knowing that, no matter the outcome, somewhere shy of 50 percent of the people are going to be angry at you.” -g ■ Public Land Auction Jbiimal & Childrens Prints in Cotton God TNe Trust 'TJ* off it is,” Meijer said of the allegations. “I’ve talked to county clerks. I’ve talked to folks who are elections experts, and honestly there just seems to be a lot of cases where -1 don’t want to accuse anyone of intentionally trying to sow confusion - but it’s hard to look at a lot of this and believe that it’s operating in good faith.” “At a certain point, it becomes less about transparency than it is about driving a narra­ tive,” he added. “I think of it kind of like a Bigfoot documentary, where you go out in the forest where you could spend hours. You’re always going to find something: It’ll be bro­ ken branch somewhere and [you] say, ‘This could have been where Bigfoot stepped.’ ” Meijer also referred to a July court hearing in which a Michigan federal judge questioned several lawyers on their suit against the state alleging election fraud. One of those lawyers was Stephanie Lambert Junttila, who filed a separate lawsuit against the state on Sheriff The following County Treasurers will be offering tax-reverted real estate at public Auction on August 18th, 2021: Barry, Kalamazoo and Saint Joseph. Solid Colors, Christmas, 'Panels, 'u* 7n ? RANDY HOUSER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 Tickets available now at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. GET YOUR VlttPor F |J| JOE l-94to Exit 104 I 11177 Michigan Avenue I Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. Hastings City Police responded to a report of a naked standing in the middle of North Broadway/M-43 at 6:04 p.m. Aug. 2. Traffic in both directions was backed up while the 19-year-old man stood in the roadway with his clothes lying on the asphalt. Officers talk­ ed to the man, but he was uncooperative and gave many different names when asked.’ When officers asked the man where he was coming from, he answered, “Hell.” Another" officer said he believed he knew who the man was and that he had a history of drug use,; including methamphetamine and “whippets,” or nitrous oxide inhalants. The officers had\ to physically force the naked man into the police cruiser, and take him to the jail to get; him some clothing. Afterward, he was taken to Spectrum Pennock Hospital where he kicked and spit and had to be restrained. He was taken back to the jail but could not be * lodged because of current jail restrictions. Officers then drove the man home. i �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — Page 11 COVID back on the rise Eric Joseph Francis, 57, of Ann Arbor, was convicted of operating a vehicle on 108^ Avenue in Thomapple Township Oct. 9,2020, while he was intoxicated. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to two days in jail, with credit for two days served; his driver’s license was revoked; and he was ordered to pay $325 in fines and costs. Francis was placed probation for 24 months and ordered to wear a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor for 180 days. A charge of aggravated stalking was dismissed at the time of sentenc­ ing. His record shows a prior conviction in Plymouth District Court for operating a vehi­ cle while impaired Aug. 27, 2019. Timothy Maloy Riddle, 48, of Hastings, was convicted of larceny in a building, steal­ ing a credit card in a store in Hastings Jan. 26. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 59 days in jail, with credit for 59 days served; $398 in fines and costs; and probation for 24 months. Riddle also was ordered to partici­ pate in the Office of Community Corrections’ Cog program. A charge of illegal use of a financial transaction device was dismissed at the time of sentencing. His record shows two prior convictions: breaking and entering an occupied dwelling with intent to commit a crime April 14, 1989, in Wayne County and felony murder on that date, also in Wayne County. Jeffrey Allan Snowden, 37, of Okemos, was convicted of aggravated stalking Sept. 5, 2020, in Assyria Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 365 days in jail, with credit for 315 days served, and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Snowden was placed on probation for 60 months, with 24 months of that time on curfew tether. Hunter Alan Hewitt, 26, of Clarksville, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and attempting to flee a police officer who was signaling him to stop May 11,2021, in Castleton Township. Hewitt was sentenced by Judge Schipper to concurrent sentences of two days in jail, with credit for two days served, on each convic­ tion; his driver’s license was suspended for 365 days; and he was ordered to pay $545 in fines and costs. Hewitt also was placed on probation for 12 months. Charges of fourth-de­ gree fleeing a police officer who was signal­ ing him to stop, operating a motor vehicle without security, and unlawful use of a vehi­ cle without license plate, registration or title were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Michael Taylor Higbee, 25, of Caledonia, was convicted by a jury of sexually abusive activity - persuading or coercing a 12-yearold child to engage in a sexually abusive activity for the purpose of producing child sexually abusive material - and using a com­ puter to commit sexually abusive activity Dec. 22, 2019, in Thomapple Township. Judge Schipper found him guilty of being a second-time habitual offender, having a prior conviction in Kent County Jan. 20, 2015, for using a computer to commit a crime. Higbee was sentenced to serve 62 to 360 months in prison and ordered to register as a sex offend­ er, as required by the Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act. He also was ordered to pay $1,066 in fines and costs. David Robert Voss, 39, of Hastings, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon, a pistol, Feb. 7, 2020, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for 46 days served, and was ordered to pay $1,066 in fines and costs. Voss was placed on probation for 24 months. Two charges of carrying or having in his posses­ sion a firearm, a pistol, at the time he attempt­ ed to commit a felony was dismissed at the time of sentencing. His record shows prior convictions for three felonies in Kent County: attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle July 19, 2006; third-degree home invasion June 14, 2007; and assault with a dangerous weapon June 14,2007. Timothy Michael Robbins, 22, of Battle Creek, was convicted of first-degree retail fraud that occurred Dec. 20, 2019, from a store in Rutland Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 31 days in jail, with credit for one day served, and was ordered to pay $2,398 in fines and costs, including $1,400 in restitution. Robbins was placed on probation for 24 months. His record shows a prior conviction for second-degree home invasion in Calhoun County Nov. 14, 2008. He is to be released from jail Aug. 13. Patrick Eugene Hard, 37, of Hastings, was convicted of possessing a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine, April 11, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to three days in jail, with credit for three days served, and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. Hard’s driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He was placed on probation for 36 months. His record shows a prior conviction for using a controlled substance, cocaine. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. For Sale Pets SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. HEELER CROSS PUPPIES For sale- Very Cute. First shots, wormed, $350.00. 269­ 223-9194. Business Services Help Wanted MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. HOW WOULD YOU like the same schedule as your child? Nights, weekends & holidays off. YOU EVEN GET A SNOW DAY!!! Cale­ donia Schools Food Service is looking for help. Experience preferred in food & customer service, ability to work in a fast paced environment. If interested in joining our team please call 616-891-0227 from 8am-Noon Mon.-Thurs. Or apply online at aramark.com click on Caledonia Schools. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Call 269*945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads 55766 CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE Statement Regarding the Hastings Dog Park As many in the community are aware, there is currently a lawsuit between the City of Hastings and the Hastings Dog Park Companions regarding certain personal property located at the Hastings Dog Park. The City and the Dog Park Companions are pleased to report that they have reached a settlement of the matter. On August 15, the Dog Park Companions will be removing the fencing from the Dog Park. The City will be replacing and improving the fencing and Dog Park following the removal. The Hastings Dog Park Companions will be installing the fencing it is removing at its new location, 490 Powell Road, Hastings, Ml 49058, which will be open to the public as soon as possible. The Hastings Dog Park will be temporarily closed for the updates, beginning on August 15, but will be reopening as soon as possible. The City of Hastings and the Dog Park Companions apologize for any temporary disruptions caused by these changes, and ask for everyone’s patience as they work through the settlement and put an end to this dispute. If anyone has any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the City of Hastings, or the Hastings Dog Park Companions. Jane M. Saurman, City Clerk Barry, Countys rate moved to ‘Substantial Anne Barna Barry-Eaton District Health Department The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is publishing (and basing recom­ mendations on) an estimate of the severity of COVID-19 spread in each county. Counties are now rated low, moderate, sub­ stantial or high for COVID-19 transmission, based on the number of cases and the positiv­ ity rate of COVID-19 tests. Last week, both Barry and Eaton counties were at the yellow “Moderate” level of spread, based on case counts and test positivity. As of Monday, Barry County is now in the “Substantial” level of transmission. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported 45 active cases of COVID-19 in Barry County on Tuesday, more than double the number of cases report­ ed last week. Eaton County is still at the “Moderate” level, but is surrounded by counties at the “Substantial” level and will likely become “Substantial” soon based on case and positiv­ ity trends. This level of risk means a few things: Everyone age 2 and older, including those fully vaccinated, should wear a mask indoors in public, because of the increased conta­ giousness of the Delta variant, and new data indicating that vaccinated folks can potential­ ly spread COVID-19, even as their risk of severe morbidity and death is much lower. Individuals who are exposed to someone known, or thought, to have COVID-19 are highly encouraged to seek COVID-19 testing with in three to five days of exposure, regard­ less of vaccination status or symptoms. These individuals should wear a mask until receiv­ ing negative test results, or waiting 14 days with symptom monitoring in the absence of testing. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared with us that the preva­ lence of the Delta variant in samples they have sequenced has increased dramatically. They are recommending that local health departments assume new COVID-19 cases are of the Delta variant, even if they have not been sequenced. With the Delta variant, we’ve been getting a lot of questions. Here are three common concerns we’ve been hearing: Should I wear a mask again, indoors? Yes. BEDHD recommends that all people age 2 and older in areas of substantial or high transmission wear a mask when indoors in public, and consideiLwoaring a mask when in crowded outdoor conditions as well. This is regardless of vaccination status. People with compromised immune systems should contin­ ue wearing a mask indoors regardless of vac­ cination status and county risk level. People who are unvaccinated should get vaccinated as soon as possible and continue wearing a mask indoors in public. Does this mean the vaccinations don’t work after all? Vaccinations for COVID-19 are still work­ ing very well to protect people from hospital­ ization and death from COVID-19, but are not necessarily as protective against infection as we thought (when it comes to the Delta vari­ ant). The Delta variant is much more conta­ gious than previous versions of CO VID-19 and so people who are vaccinated may spread the disease to others. As of last Friday, 23,671 Barry County residents had received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, which is 53.6 percent of all residents age 16 and older. The depart­ ment’s goal is a vaccination rate of 70 percent. Why are more people getting breakthrough COVID-19 infections? A breakthrough infection is getting COVID­ 19 after being fully vaccinated for COVID­ 19. Some breakthrough infections are always expected with any vaccine given that the efficacy rate of COVID-19 vaccinations is not 100 percent. It also appears that the Delta variant is capable of infecting those who are fully vaccinated. Available vaccines still pro­ vide some protection against the Delta vari­ ant, just not as strong as with other variants. The vaccines are still excellent at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. What’s happening locally with break­ through cases? We’ve taken a look at our local data from individuals with breakthrough COVID-19. Overall, we have 178 reports of breakthrough COVID-19 in our district out of 80,690 fully vaccinated individuals. Look at our most recent vaccination data reports here (Barry, Eaton). Certain characteristics are associated with breakthrough cases. We know as more virus circulates through the community we will continue to see an increase in break­ through cases. However, certain individuals may be at greater risk of getting COVID-19, even after being fully vaccinated. We’ve noticed the following: - Travel history Breakthrough cases have reported higher rates of travel compared to our unvaccinated cases. In Barry, 12.7 percent of breakthrough cases traveled within two weeks prior to symptoms, compared to 6 percent of our unvaccinated cases. This finding was statisti­ cally significant. In Eaton, we are not seeing that pattern: 6 percent vaccinated travel compared to 5.5 percent of unvaccinated cases. If you combine both counties together we see 9 percent of our breakthrough cases trav­ eled, compared to 6 percent. This finding was As of last Friday, 23,671 Barry County residents had received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, which is 53.6 percent of all residents age 16 and older. The depart­ ment’s goal is a vaccination rate of 70 percent. not statistically significant, so mixed results by location with this one. - Healthcare workers 17 percent of breakthrough cases are healthcare workers. 3 percent of our unvaccinated cases were healthcare workers. Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 and may have higher rates of vaccination compared to the general public. - Pre-existing conditions 34 percent of breakthrough cases reported a pre-existing condition compared to only 20 percent of our unvaccinated cases. This find­ ing was statistically significant. Individuals with certain conditions may not have as strong of an immune response to the vaccine, making them more susceptible to break­ through COVID-19. -Age 43 percent of the breakthrough cases are in ages 60 and older. 15 percent of our unvaccinated cases were ages 60 and older. Like with certain pre-existing conditions, older adults experience a decline in immune function. This may mean that like individuals with certain chronic conditions, their response to the vaccine may be less strong, increasing the risk of breakthrough COVID-19. Adults over 60 have higher rates of vacci­ nation than younger people, so more of them are vaccinated. Additional Updates: We are asking everyone to choose to pro­ tect their families, friends, and fellow com- munity members by wearing masks in public, getting tested for COVID-19, social distanc­ ing, handwashing and getting vaccinated as soon as you can. We also recommend holding off on family gatherings and parties, avoiding unnecessary travel, attending church virtually and working from home when possible. We have been experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases in both counties. Test posi­ tivity rates also are increasing, meaning that there are people who have COVID-19 that we are not finding. Please encourage everyone to get a test if they have symptoms - even if they have been vaccinated. BEDHD is releasing weekly data reports for each county: Visit barryeatonhealth.org/ coronavirus and scroll down to “Weekly Data Reports.” BEDHD is focusing on targeted, public health-oriented vaccination clinics for the underserved, those with barriers, or other rea­ sons that a large mass clinic might not be right for them. We have already served many AFC homes, senior apartment places, homeless, and hard-to-reach populations. Please contact Rebekah Condon if you are interested in host­ ing this kind of clinic. LcviAL nv 1.1CJE/O STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28903-NC COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Victoria Mae Minning. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 8/18/2021 at 3:15 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Victoria Mae Minning to Victoria Mae Harden. 165747 LJdviAL fiO 11 ,, , • -..................... ................ : ................................................. ;................... .. „•........................... STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust ' In the Matter of Michael L. Pennington and Mary H. Pennington Trust. Date of birth: Mary H. Pennington October 26,1954. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Mary H. Pennington, surviving Trustee, died February 9, 2021, leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Melissa S. Pennington, Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: August 3, 2021 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-1921 Melissa S. Pennington c/o Rhoades McKee, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 165697 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28804-DE Hon. William M. Doherty Court Address: 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Charles Howard Palumbo. Date of birth: October 14,1950. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Charles Howard Palumbo, died April 17,2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Lori M. Palumbo, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street., Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 07/28/2021 Phillip E. Harter P24309 395 S. Shore Dr., Ste. 205, Battle Creek, Ml 49014 (269) 963-3900 Lori M. Palumbo 2524 W. Quimby Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)268-2716 165590 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28911-DE Estate of Gale Robert Morway. Date of birth: 02/27/1951. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Gale Robert Morway, died 06/12/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Anne Simon, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: August 3,2021 Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-1921 Anne Simon c/o Rhoades McKee, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-1921 165681 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING July iXtoiT-TbO p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Bellmore, Spencer, Hall, Wat­ son, Hawthorne, Greenfield, James Absent: None Approved the Agenda with one addition Approved the Consent Agenda Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Accepted Ordinance 2021-177 for sec­ ond reading and adoption Motion to issue marihuana licenses in an unlimited quantity- Motion passes 5-2 Approved Resolution 2021-270 Roll Call Vote- all aye Adjournment 8:15 pm Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 165608 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: SP-8-2021 - Daniel & Candra Boik (Property Owners) Location: 2115 Rozell Drive, Middleville, in Sec­ tion 33 of Irving Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to construct an Accessory Dwelling pursuant to Article 23, Section 2305 in the LDR (Low Density Residential) zoning district. Case Number: SP-10-2021 - Dana & Stacey Jones (Property Owners) Location: 6245 North Ridge Court, Middleville, in Section 8 of Irving Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit for a Home Occupation-Major pursuant to Article 23, Section 2339 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. MfETi.NQ.pATE:August 23, 2021. BMfi: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The special use applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 165384 �Page 12 — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — The Hastings Banner 24-Hour Challenge will keep to western Barry County school. Riders who complete the Day Loop at least three times by 9 p.m. Saturday continue on to the night loop for as many turns as they can make before 8 a.m. Sunday. Riders who have completed the three Day Loops may begin the Nigh Loops any time after 6 p.m. Saturday. There will be a checkpoint at Delton Kellogg High School to provide riders with water, fruit, rest and repair services. The event has previously had a longer day loop around much of Barry County, with checkpoints at Lakewood Middle School and Baseline United Methodist Church. A rider and event staff breakfast will be held Sunday at 8:30 a.m., followed by the awards ceremony. The top female rider at the 2019 event was Pascale Lercangee of Powell, Ohio, who rode 392.7 miles during the 24-hour session. The top male rider was Bryan Dobes of Glen Ellyn, Ill., who covered 462.3 miles. There are tandem and recumbent classes as well. Registration to participate in the event con­ tinues right up until 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, at register.24hr.bike. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The 38th National 24-Hour Challenge endurance cycling event will fill roads between Middleville and Delton beginning and ending in its home base at the Thomapple Kellogg Middle School in Middleville this weekend. The annual race, typically hosted Father’s Day weekend each year, is expected to draw more than 200 riders. The ride starts at 8 a.m. Saturday morning at the Thomapple Kellogg Middle School where a tent city will be erect­ ed for the overnight event. The course won’t fill quite as much of Barry County this summer. The 2021 event consists of a 50-mile Day Loop that runs from Middleville to Delton east of Gun Lake and then back to Middleville up through Prairieville, Orangeville and on Patterson Road west of Gun Lake. A 7.6-mile Night Loop rolls south on Bender Road, west on Adams Road, north on Cherry Valley Road and east on Green Lake Road, with detours along the service road between the bus garage and TKMS to the check-point in front of the Caledonia students aiming for chalk art world-record can do their own square together. The more squares, the better.” But as part of the effort to create the world record, participants need to provide informa­ tion so that it can be documented by Guinness. “To check in, they just need [to give] their name, their phone number and what they’re going to celebrate,” Holly Barker said. Chalk will be provided. And there’s a lot of it. The Caledonia KDL branch purchased 16,000 pieces of chalk, which was recently delivered by a semi-truck to the library. “We have to prove that it’s commercially produced chalk ... We have to prove all the chalk used, so it’s not mistaken for paint or crayon or something like that,” said Audrey Barker, Holly’s mother and a branch librarian at KDL Caledonia. Once the artwork is completed, the docu­ mentation process begins, and Audrey Barker said there’s a great deal of documentation needed to get the display recognized as a world record. ^‘Between 2 and 3 [pjmJ, we have drones coming to take a video of [the display],” she said. “I have timekeepers there ... [the art] has to be in place for five minutes. We’re going to make a video of it for five minutes all being in place. We also have to submit pictures of all the different art for the Guinness board to review to make sure that it all follows the same theme. All pictures have to follow the theme if they’re going to count.” The process for determining whether the display will qualify as a world record could take several months, Audrey Barker said. More information about the event can be found at somethingtocelebrate.org. Greg Chandler Staff Writer After more than a year of adversity tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Caledonia High School students believe there’s some­ thing to celebrate. And they want to break a world record in the process. Holly Barker, Kloey Brown and Kiana Haywood, with help from the Caledonia branch of the Kent District Library, have organized an effort to create the world’s larg­ est chalk pavement art display, and get it rec­ ognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. The three honor students are about to enter their junior year at CHS. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, area residents are invited to the Community Green park to try to set the record. Organizers are aiming for a goal of 1,000 participants. The current world record for the largest display of chalk pavement art is held by Novitas BKK, a German health insurance company,. whicl^had audLgUy of 944 draws Ings in one location in Itzehoe, Germany, in September 2019. The display was titled “Fursorge? which is German for care or wel­ fare, according to the Guinness World Records website. The Caledonia teens have been working for months organizing the event and raising awareness in the community. Each person or group will get a 5-foot-by5-foot square to create artwork. The art must fit the event theme of “Something to Celebrate.” “Each family is going to get their own square,” Brown, also 16, said. “They can do something together to celebrate, or friends TYDEIU PARK • SATURDAY, AUC, 28th I ,til — The ‘sjr w .. ■ Riders take off at the start of the 2019 National 24-Hour Challenge to the sounds of the Kalamazoo Pipe Band. The event retun to the roads of Barry County this weekend, based at the Thomapple Kellogg Middle School where riders will once again take < at 8 a.m. Saturday. (File photo) Times announced for first HHS sports practices of 2021-2022 Practices and tryouts for Hastings High School athletic teams begin Monday, Aug. 9, with high school sideline cheer opening Aug. 10 and middle school sports beginning later this month. All athletes must have a completed physi­ cal, dated after April 15, 2021, on file in the school office in order to practice or compete, It is recommended that student-athletes visit their family doctor for a physical, but the Hastings Area Schools and local health care professionals will offer sports physicals for those still in need Aug. 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the high school gymnasium. Physical forms are available in the high school, middle school and administration offices. . The varsity football team opens with a twoa-day practice Monday. The field house will be open for student-athletes beginning at 7 a.m. with a practice from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. and then a second session from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Players are asked to meet at the field house next to the high school tennis courts. JV and freshmen football teams will hold their first practice from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday. Players should also meet at the field house. The Hastings volleyball program will begin practice Monday with the varsity practicing from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the JV from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the freshman team from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tryouts for the Hastings varsity and JV boys’ soccer teams will be held beginning Monday at 4:30 p.m. on Pierce Field behind the high school. The boys’ tennis team will hold its first practice Monday on the tennis courts from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. The Saxon cross country program will meet near the main entrance to Baum Stadium for its first practice, from 10 a.m. to noon Monday. The Hastings girls’ golf program will hold its first practice from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Legacy Golf Course Monday. High school sideline cheer teams start their practice sessions Tuesday with all levels gathering at the high school from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Practice for seventh and eighth grade side­ line cheer and seventh and eighth grade foot­ ball will begin Aug. 18. Contact athletic director Mike Goggins It’ll back onto the turf inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Monday as the Hastings High School football team opens practice for the 2021 fall season. All the high school athletic teams open their 2021 practice and tryout sessions Monday, with sideline cheer following with its first practices of the season Tuesday. with any questions at mike.goggins@hasskl2. org or call 269-838-5010. The athletic department would like stu­ dent-athletes and families to know that the pandemic continues to play a role in school athletics. Precautions will be taken to ensure coaches’ and athletes’ safety. Those precautions will all be discussed at each team’s first practice, but may include the use of masks, ' BMKETBiufvnnmij «s jpww W ® ■ B ■ ' « .9 - . . .-JRaS S or * Entries must be to the Chamber by Friday, Aug. 20th Make checks payable to Hastings Summerfest 2021 | CHECK IN... 5. O AM Pick up T-shirts at this time TIP OFF... 9:30 AM Team Name Boys & Girls (Ages 12-14) Men & Women I ] Men & Women I (Ages 18-25) LJ (Ages 26 & up) | I I Boys & Girls II (Ages 15-17) Age brackets subject to change based on participation Team Captain Age Send Entries to... Phone # Team Members Email. Age Barry County Age 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... out form completely Call (269) 948-3025 TYDERI PARK * SATURDAY, AUG- 28th social distancing, temperature checks, and changes in facility use and cleaning protocols. Currently, mask use is allowed but not required by athletes or coaches. The athletic department would also like people to be aware that the situation is fluid, and changes may occur regularly and even at the last mitfute throughout the season. | ■ Golf fundraiser to help fix up Lake Odessa Fair buildings There are some words and pictures scrawled across the interior of the Fred Morris Building on the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds that won’t get printed in the newspaper. The Lake Odessa Fair Scramble Golf Tournament is a way to try and change that. All proceeds will go towards the Lake Odessa Fair building renovations. The golf outing fundraiser will be held Aug. 21, at Morrison Lake Country Club. Registration can be done online at lakeodessafair.org. The cost to participate in the four-per­ son scramble is $60 per player. Each paid golfer fee includes green fees, cart and a burger meal. Those interested in playing are asked to please register by Aug. 14. The tournament will begin with registration at 8 a.m. A shotgun start will take place at 9 a.m. Registration forms and checks made pay­ able to the Lake Odessa Fair can be sent to PO Box 669 Lake Odessa, MI, 48849. The fair also accepts VENMO payments at the @lakeodessafair account. Hole sponsorships are available for $100 and Platinum Sponsorships are available for $300. Those interested in being an event sponsor can contact the fair board at info© lakeodessafair.org, or complete the sponsor form online or call 616-322-4051 for more* information about sponsorships or registra-; tion. Platinum sponsorships include entry for’ a four-person team. I Viking Scramble set for afternoon of Aug. 15 The 17th Annual Viking Scramble will be held Sunday, Aug. 15, at Centennial Acres. The four-person golf scramble is a fund­ raiser for the Lakewood boys’ and girls’ golf programs. The cost to participate is $300 per four-per­ son team, or $75 per golfer. The cost includes 18 holes of golf, a car, lunch and prizes. Tee box sponsorships are available for $50 J Check-in for the event begins at 1:45 p.m^ Aug. 15, and the golfing gets underway with) a shotgun start at 2:30 p.m. Contact Lakewood varsity golf coach Cail Kutch with any questions at 269-953-3639 or by email at kutchc@lakewoodps.org. �The Hastings Banner —• Thursday, August 5, 2021 — Page 13 Lions work through shortened Pride Week Brett Bremer Sports Editor Uf A handful of middle school student-athletes |eok part in the Pride Week activities Monday %nd Tuesday on the football practice fields, Song with the high school athletes, at Maple galley Jr/Sr High School. | The group of ‘Tittle brothers” moved to their final station of the Michigan National Guard Warrior Fit session Tuesday and one jacked how much the neck/shoulder weights they were about to put on weigh. “About as much as you,” was the reply. I That didn’t deter the youngsters who Conned the bags and began some short runs •While other groups of student-athletes worked ^feth weighted jump ropes, tried to toss medi­ cine balls over their heads and over the foot­ ball crossbar, ran with kettlebell weights, P “I was sincere when I was telling them I wish you were playing [high school foot­ ball],” Maple Valley varsity football coach Marty Martin said. “I could use four more kids like that.” j Student-athletes from sixth graders up to seniors gathered on the Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School football practice fields Monday and Tuesday in an abbreviated version of the Lions’ Pride Week, an annual week of condi­ tioning in preparation for the fall athletic season. The group included 40 participants Monday when the U.S. Marine Corps led workouts and 34 were on hand for Tuesday’s National Guard session. “This core group has been doing this now for six years,” Martin said. “This is their sixth year of actually working with the Marines, working with the National Guard and working with the State Police. They were actually dis­ appointed last night when I told them (the State Police had to cancel Wednesday’s work­ outs), because they rise to the challenge. “What I like about it is, we have a young core group of kids that rise to any challenge that we have put in front of them. That is exciting. That is exciting for our community. That means things are starting to come around.” Eighth grader Jackson Burpee, who wres­ tles and plays football, was a part of the Monday and Tuesday activities. The toughest thing was carrying the [kettle­ bell] weights,” Burpee said. “The really fun one was the jump ropes. I can do a bunch of tricks on them. Doubles, double backs, cross overs, backwards cross overs, we can also do a sideways.” Burpee was one of many on the winning tug-of-war team at the end of the evening, before Martin and Sgt. 1st Class Tim Snyder addressed the group as a whole. Snyder was joined by Cpl. Dominic Colon and Spc. Dan Steele in running Tuesday’s drills. Snyder said he and his crew just wrapped up three days with the Hastings High School football program last week. The Pride Week festivities weren’t only for football players. New Lion varsity volleyball coach Josey Terpening was on hand to work with the athletes as well, and all students were invited. The Lions spent Monday evening with the I [session of the Maple Valley Pride week conditioning camp at the high school in Nashville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) i U.S. Marine Corps, going on an 880-meter run, lifting ammo crates and working through an under fire obstacle course. The high school sports season officially begins Monday with the first practices of the season. The Maple Valley 8-player football program opens practices Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. Shipley sisters back in Battle Creek for FireKeepers tourney A total of 144 players, including a couple local ladies, will take on the challenge that Battle Creek Country Club presents starting Friday with the first round of the eighth annu­ al FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship. Three featured groups highlight the compe­ tition for the 14th event of the 2021 Symetra Tour season, and one of those includes Gabrielle Shipley, Sarah White and Shasta Averyhardt who will tee off on number one at 2:09 p.m. to open the three-day tournament Friday. Shipley, a former MHSAA State Champion at Hastings High School and Division II NCAA National Champion at Grand Valley State University, had her best ever FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship finish when she tied for fourth in the event last year. The event was her first Symetra Tour event in 2014. Shipley and her sister, Sarah, are competing in the field this week on a sponsor exemption. White Grand Rapids) gained membership to the Symetara Tour last season after winning the 2020 Founders Tribute over Sophia Popov. A graduate of Texas State University, White won the 2018 Spring Lake Invitational in Spring Lake, Mich., at Spring Lake Country Club and competed in the U.S. Women’s Amateur that same year. Last season, she fol­ lowed her first Symetra Tour win with a top10 finish at the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort and Spa. Competing this week two hours south-west of where she grew up is Averyhardt (Flint). The Jackson State University alum­ na owns three career top-10 performanc­ es on the Symetra Tour. Last year, Averyhardt ended the season fifth in average driving dis­ tance (277 yards). This week is Averyhardt’s third appearance at Battle Creek Country Club. Defending champion Ruixin Liu (Guangdong, People’s Republic of China) filghlighrs onet>fthe4 dther tWb featuf^groups. In 2018, Liu claimed six top-10 finishes lead­ ing her to both become Symetra Tour Player of the Year and earn status on the LPGA Tour. She enters this week at No. 4 in the Race for the Card and looking to graduate to the Tour once again. This year Liu has claimed two champion titles in the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic and Casino Del Sol Golf Classic. She currently is No. 4 in the Race for the Card with season earnings of $74,442. Greeting the 144-player field in Battle Creek is a total purse of $175,000. Individuals are set to compete in a 54-hole stroke play format, cut to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes. The winner’s share for the event is $26,250. As well as the normal payout, players receive “Potawatomi Points” with $30,000 in total bonus money distributed over the three participating events. The top players in the points standings receive a sum from the prize pool, including $5,000 to the Potawatomi Cup winner at the conclusion of the Four Winds Invitational at South Bend Country Club in South Bend, Ind., Aug. 13-15. The Symetra Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour and enters its 41st competitive season in 2021. With the support of entitlement partner Symetra, the Tour’s mission is to prepare the world’s best young women professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL SPIRTS FIRST PRACTICE INFORMATION The pandemic continues to play a role in school athletics. Precautions will be taken to ensure coaches' and athletes' safety. Those precautions will all be discussed at each team's first practice but may include the use of masks, social distancing, temperature checks, facility use, cleaning protocols. Currently, mask use is allowed but not required by athletes or coaches. Please understand that things are fluid, and changes can and will occur constantly and last minute. All athletes must have a completed physical on file in the school office in order to practice. If you have not received a physical after April 15,2021, we recommend you see your family doctor. Hastings Area Schools and local health care professionals will offer a sports physical for those that still need one on August 10 from 6:30-8:30pm at Hastings High School main gym. If a new physical is needed, physical forms are available in the HS office, MS office and the Administration office. FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE INFO SFC Tim Snyder speaks to the student-athletes gathered on the football practice field at Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School at the conclusion of the Army National Guard Warrior Fit training session that filled the Tuesday evening of the annual Maple Valley Pride Week. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Varsity Football - Monday August 9 - Field house opens at 7 am, 7:30 to 10 am, and 11 am to 1 pm. Meet at Field house (next to HS Tennis Courts). Coach: Jamie Murphy jmurphy@hassk12.org or 269 804-2739 JV Football - Monday August 9 - Practice, 8 to 11 am. Meet at Field house (next to HS Tennis Courts). Freshman Football - August 9 - Practice, 8 to 11 am. Meet at Field house (next to HS Tennis Courts). Volleyball - Monday August 9 - Varsity 3 to 4:30 pm, JV 4:30 to 6 pm, Freshman 6:30 to 8 pm. Coach: Tiffany Hendershot 269 269 838-6805. Meet at Hastings HS athletic entrance. Girls Swim - Monday August 9 - Practice 3 to 5:30 pm CERC Pool. Open to Hastings, Middleville -Thomapple Kellogg and Delton Kellogg girls. Coach: Carl Schoessel 269 838-8407 Boys Varsity and JV Soccer - Monday August 9 - JV and Varsity Tryouts 2 to 4:30 pm on Pierce Field (behind the HS). Coach: Franny Lopez 269 953-3502 Boys Tennis - Monday August 9 - Practice 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the HS Tennis Courts. Coach: Krista Schueller 716 417-2671 Cross Country - Monday Aug. 9 - 10 am to 12 pm. Meet near the Main entrance of the football stadium. Coach: Steve Collins 269 804-7156 Girls Golf - Monday August 9 - Practice 8 to 10 am at the Legacy Golf Course (formerly Hastings Country Club). Coach: Kristen Laubaugh 269 320-3248 HS Sideline Cheer - Tuesday August 10 - 5 to 7pm at the HHS. For all 9th thru 12th graders. Coach: Lindsey Jacinto 269 838-2150 7th and 8th Grade Sideline Cheer: Practice begins August 18. 5 to 7 pm at Central Elementary gym. Coach: Connie Williams 269 953-0505 7th and 8th Grade Football - Practice begins Wednesday August 18. 5 to 7 pm behind the middle school. Contact: Mike Goggins AD - 269 838-5010 MS 7th and 8th Girls Volleyball and 6th, 7th, 8th Boys and Girls Cross Country practices will begin August 24, the 2nd day of school. 3:15 to 5:15 pm. Athletic Director: Mike Goggins 269 838-5010 or 948-4409 v Jayden Blakney works to hurl a weighted ball over his head and over the cross bar of the goal posts on the football practice field Tuesday at Maple Valley High School during the Pride Week activities hosted by the Army National Guard. (Photo by Brett Bremer) For Questions please contact Athletic Director Mike Goggins at mike.goggins@hassk12.org or call 269 838-5010 �Page 14 — Thursday, August 5, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Yarger and Dumond earn All-American honors at AAU Nationals Brett Bremer Sports Editor Aubrey Yarger capped off the Hastings Community Diving Club’s (HCDC) summer season by placing 40th in her 12-13 Girls’ 1-Meter Junior Olympic division at last week­ end’s 2021 USA Diving Junior National Championships hosted by the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Natatorium in Elkhart, Ind. Yarger and a number of teammates also competed in the AAU Diving Nationals in mid-July at The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park in Morgantown, W. Va. “I couldn’t be happier with the short season we’ve had” HCDC head coach Todd Bates said. “The divers competed against 517 divers at AAU Nationals and 569 divers at USA Diving Nationals. It’s been a whirlwind and we met a few notable Olympians both past and present along the way. It’s been incredi­ ble. Now it’s back to the board and back to business to prepare for the upcoming season.” Yarger started her performance at the USA National Championships with her highest scoring dive of the meet, an inward dive in the pike position that earned her a score of 28.80 points. The dive drew a score of 6.0 from one judge and a couple 5.5s. Over 550 junior divers from across the country took part in the USA Diving Junior National Championships, where the Olympic Trials took place earlier this year. “It was definitely a wild ride,” coach Bates said of the final months of the season which took his divers from Michigan to Tennessee to Indiana and West Virginia. “I am so proud of our regional and national teams. We have never progressed this far on the circuit before and we did it during an extremely challenging year.” At the AAU Diving National Championship last month, Yarger scored a sixth-place finish­ ing her 14-year-old division to become one of two HCDC divers to earn All-American hon­ ors at the event. HCDC also had Abigail Dumond place ninth in her division to earn All-American status, moving up from 11th to ninth during the finals of her 15-year-old Abigail Dumond and Hastings Community Diving Club coach Todd Bates celebrate Dumond’s All-American performance at the AAU Diving Nationals last month at The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park in Morgantown, W. Va. She finished ninth in her division. Aubrey Yarger and and Hastings Community Diving Club coach Todd Bates celebrate Yarger’s All-American performance at the AAU Diving Nationals last month at The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park in Morgantown, W. Va. She finished sixth in her division. group. All the HCDC athletes competed on the 1-meter board. Mayari Coriano-Lahiff placed 17th in her division in Morgantown, Lexi Koomdyk was 34th in her division and Eve Bishop also scored a 62nd-place finish. HCDC offers dive lesson for all ages and levels at the Hastings Community Education and Recreation Center. Divers must able to swim to train. Deer may test positive for COVID, but risk for spread is low Bridge Magazine At least some of Michigan’s deer herd has been exposed to the CO VID-19 virus, but you don’t need to worry about contracting the virus from your backyard Bambi. That’s the takeaway from a new study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that found 60 percent of 113 deer sampled in Michigan had COVID antibodies in their blood serum. But deer that contract the virus don’t seem to get sick. And their chances of spreading the virus back to humans is low. So while the results are notable, they’re not cause for alarm. Here’s what is known about COVID in Michigan’s deer, according to experts who discussed the study with Bridge Michigan: The risk of transmission to humans is low. Don’t worry about getting COVID from deer. Worry about the unvaccinated person sitting next to you at the restaurant or music festival, these experts said. Gail Keim, a spokesperson for APHIS, noted that there is “no evidence that animals play a significant role” in spreading COVID to people. Although animal-to-human transmission is not impossible, people pose a far greater risk than animals of creating and spreading new variants. That’s largely because humans spend way more time around other humans than they do around deer, said Dr. Srinand Sreevatsan, a Michigan State University vet­ erinary medicine professor who specializes in infectious diseases. Sreevatsan’s advice: Once deer season starts, hunters can take to the woods without hesitation. But if they bag a deer, they need to handle it with care. They should wear masks while processing the animal’s meat, and thor­ oughly clean any surface that comes into contact with the carcass. “Evep if the (dOVID) virus js not present in the deer, thete are other thihgs that you can get from deer,” Sreevatsan said. “So it’s best to have good hygienic practice.” Health officials stress that the COVID vac­ cine remains the best way to protect yourself against infection. Those who are sick with COVID, should avoid hunting while they’re contagious: They don’t want to pass the virus on to the local deer population, either. Humans likely culprit The results are no surprise. White-tailed deer are abundant in the United States and Michigan, regularly come into contact with people, and are susceptible to COVID. In a pandemic that has infected more than 114 million Americans, it’s not shocking that the animals in our midst could become infect­ ed, too. Of 481 study samples collected from Michigan, Illinois,, New York and Pennsylvania, 113 came from Michigan. Michigan’s 60 percent antibody rate was the highest. Across all samples, the antibody rate was 33 percent. Samples were taken from deer in 11 Michigan counties between January and March: Emmet, Lenawee, Montmorency, Jackson, Presque Isle, Alpena, Alcona, Mecosta, Gratiot, Ingham and Isabella. Only the Emmett, Lenawee and Montmorency samples came back with no positives. Keim stressed that the limited sample should not be used to draw conclusions about the prevalence of COVID in Michigan’s broader deer population. The results merely indicate that deer in some subpopulations were exposed to Saturday, August 6-8 pm Join us for an evening of fundraising fun! We've moved A Latesummer Night's Green to the beautiful out-of-doors and plan to celebrate in style with nature as our background. Help us celebrate the Institute the way we should be—with food, drink, friends, and fun outside! Strolling Dinner featuring homemade food from Chef Dan and his staff Vegan and gluten free options available Polish Mistake (sausage and cheese on cocktail bread) | Beef Crostini with Horseradish Aioli | Golden Peach Gazpacho Vegetables with Dilly Dressing on Puff Pastry | Mini Croque Monsieurs (ham and swiss on slider bun) | Shrimp Patty in Pita Mini Cheesecakes | Lemon Cakes | Key Lime Fondue Beer from Walldorff Brewpub | Wine, Spritzers, and Cider from Fenn Valley Vineyards Raffle Drawings | Fund A Future "Auction" | Live music from Who Hit John? Tickets are $50 each CedarCreeklnstitute.org or call (269J 721-4190 COVID. Agriculture officials said it’s unclear whether they contracted the virus from humans, the environment, other deer or other, animals. COVID doesn’t seem to make deer sick. None of the deer populations surveyed for the study showed signs of illness, official said. In a separate study, federal officials inten­ tionally infected captive deer with COVID. None of them showed signs of illness, either. But Sreevatsan noted that just because deer aren’t susceptible to the current strain of the virus doesn’t mean future mutations couldn’t make them sick. That makes it important for humans to avoid passing COVID on to deer by taking precautions, such as avoiding hunt­ ing when sick. Deer aren’t the only ones with COVID Minks gained a lot of attention last year when officials in the Netherlands eutha­ nized hundreds of thousands of the weasels after two cases of mink-to-human transmis­ sion during outbreaks at fur farms. Gorillas at the San Diego Zoo, a Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, and pet cats and dogs around the globe have tested positive for COVID. Dolphins and whales are also at high risk. So, why do we care? The study gives scientists one more datapoint in the search for COVID’s origins and its pathways to spread. “Studying the susceptibility of certain mammals, such as deer, to SARS-CoV-2 helps to identify species that may serve as reservoirs or hosts for the virus, as well as understand the origin of the virus, and predict its impacts on wildlife and the risks of cross-species transmission,” an APHIS release stated. The agency is working with partners including the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, to determine next steps, to determine next steps. State scientists weren’t involved in the study. Neither the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which oversees game ani­ mals in the state, nor the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services were involved in the study. Health spokesperson Lynn Sutfin said fed­ eral officials only notified the agency of their research last week. Sutfin said “more information is needed” to answer questions about what the findings mean for Michiganders. All proceeds support the Biological Field Station research program for college students and community programs for people of all ages. Call 269-945-9554 lor Hastings Banner classified ads � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-08-12.pdf d21685313eea83ef22b04e7d29eb06d2 PDF Text Text County’s COVID-19 transmission rate jumps Hastings schools owe response to ’no’ voters See Story on Page 7 See Editorial on Page 4 24-Hour Challenge rides through area See Story on Page 12 804879110187 1070490102590501595349058113421 Thursday, August 12, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 32 PRICE $1.00 Vote probe spurs questions BIE luncheon canceled The Business, Industry and Education luncheon that typically kicks off the new school year in Hastings has been canceled. The luncheon had been scheduled for Aug. 17 at Hastings High School, but school officials canceled the event because I of an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the area. Fountain, plaza programs wrapping up Playing at the Plaza and Fridays at the Fountain, two segments of the Hastings Live free summer concerts series, will end with these performances. Mime Rob Reider will perform at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 12, as part of Playing at the Plaza. A West Michigan native , Reider has dedicated his life to training that includes corporeal mime, pantomime, clowning, Chinese movements arts, dance and more. He has been performing mime for nearly 40 years throughout Michigan and the U.S. Dede and the Dreamers will bring their psychedelic, folk and jazz music to Fridays at the Fountain at noon Aug. 13 on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. The performances are free. Guests may want to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Sheriff Dar Leaf prepares to give his annual report presentation to the Barry County Board of Commissioners in the courthouse mezzanine Tuesday? (Photo toy Rebecca Pierce) County commissioners ask sheriff to elaborate on investigation Rebecca Pierce Editor A probe into allegations of voter fraud Army band, Grumpy Old Men returning drives Eligible donors can help overcome the critical need for blood and ensure blood is readily available by making an appoint­ ment to give blood. Upcoming blood donation opportuni­ ties locally include: Delton - Monday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m.4: 45 p.m., St. Ambrose Church, 11149 Floria Road. Lake Odessa - Monday, Aug. 16. noon5: 45 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, 912 Fourth Ave. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 That complaint was filed by one of his for­ mer employees who based it on an Antrim County lawsuit that had been thrown out by a judge the day after it was filed. As soon as Leaf concluded his presentation to the board, Chairman Ben Geiger said: See QUESTIONS, page 2 Gunman spoke of ‘suicide by cop’ The 338th Army Band will return to Hastings at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Thomapple Plaza. The 338th is made up of musicians from Michigan, Ohio and parts of Kentucky. Stationed at the 83rd Infantry Division Memorial US Army Reserve Center, Whitehall, Ohio, and in Livonia, members range in age from 17 to over 50. The 338th Rock Band, a subdivision of the 338th Army Band, returns to Hastings with songs people know, can sing along to, and leave the concert humming on their way home. The band performed here in 2019 as part of the local American Legion’s anni­ versary celebration. Next Wednesday, the local group Grumpy Old Men will play at Thomapple Plaza at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18. Comprised of local musicians Doug Acker, Tom Alderson, Gene Greenfield, Mark Ramsey and Terry Van Dien, the group plays clas­ sic rock songs from the 1960s and 1970s. Both performances are part of Hastings Live, the free summer concert series. Attendees are encouraged to bring blan­ kets or lawn chairs. Thomapple Plaza on the east end of downtown Hastings, a short walk from local shops and restau­ rants. More information can be found at face­ book .com/mihastingslive. Blood donors needed at area fueled several questions during the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, but no answers were forthcoming from Sheriff Dar Leaf. For the first time since the investigation was disclosed, however, the people asking the questions were the county commissioners. Leaf, just back from a week’s vacation in the Upper Peninsula, delivered his depart­ mental annual report, but said nothing about his highly publicized investigation into a complaint of potential voter fraud. Taylor Owens Staff Writer A48-year-old Hastings man was arrested in the early hours of Aug. 5, after a high-speed chase and a seven-hour armed standoff with police at a gas station in Woodland. Timothy Maloy Riddle was being sought as a suspect in a recent Barry County break-in, police said. Hastings City Police spotted Riddle’s matte black Chevy HHR at the Marathon gas station on M-43 in Hastings at 6:48 p.m. Aug. 4. After Riddle left the station and turned north onto M-43, an officer stopped him. He detailed his interaction with Riddle in a written report. The officer told Riddle he was not under arrest, but that Barry County Sheriff’s depu­ ties wanted to talk to him. He asked Riddle to step out of the car and wait for the deputies. Riddle appeared agitated at first, but he seemed to cool down after the officer explained the situation to him. He shut off the car and pulled out the key - but would not step out of the vehicle. He started talking about his ex-girlfriend, a 40-year-old Hastings woman, and insisted to the officer that he did not go near her. “I did not do nothing to her, man,” Riddle said. The officer told him he was not being See GUNMAN, page 2 Few leads for police seeking Nashville woman I Taylor Owens Staff Writer Rachel Hazen of Nashville has been miss­ ing for 21 days, leaving little trace of her whereabouts. Family and friends said Hazen, 41, was planning to go to a drug rehabilitation facility at the time of her disappearance, but police have been unable to locate her at any facilities in the area. According to reports obtained by The Hastings Banner, police were first notified of Hazen’s disappearance at 11:05 a.m. July 26, when a friend, Casey Bidelman, 40, of Battle Creek, called police from Hazen’s home in the Thomapple Lake Estates mobile home park. Bidelman said the place appeared to have been ransacked. An officer arrived to find a number of Hazen’s friends and Thomapple Lake Estates staff at her residence. The officer found “the cupboards in the house had been gone through as if someone were searching for something,” but he did not see any signs of a struggle or an abduction. Witnesses told police they last saw Hazen on Wednesday, July 21. She was driving her 2005 silver Ford Escape, which was missing a license plate. That vehicle has not been found. On that day, Hazen and her 18-year-old son went to her friend’s residence in Nashville. Hazen dropped off her dog with her friend, asking her to watch the dog while she was in rehab. Hazen’s friend said she appeared to be intoxicated; she was slurring her words and difficult to understand. The friend told the officer Hazen should not have been driving in that condition. Hazen’s son was helping her seek a poten­ tial rehab facility, but the places they contact­ ed were either full or wouldn’t accept her insurance. So they made an appointment with Barry County Mental Health for the next day. After that, Hazen and her son went to her eldest son’s house in Baltimore Township, and all three of her sons talked to her about See MISSING, page 11 Foaming for fun Hastings Public Library staff hosted a celebration Saturday in honor of its 125th anniversary. Parents, kids and Stormy the Entertainer had fun outdoors at the free event across from the library at Thornapple Plaza, with the sun shining and temperatures in the 80s. Here, Loralye Heide, 5, holds on to Keenan Heide, 1, as they slide down the hill. More inside. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) See story on page 3. �Page 2 — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — The Hastings Banner GUNMAN, continued from page 1 ----------- ----------------puffed over because of his ex-girlfriend, but Riddle kept talking about her and grew more agitated. The officer told him to step out of the vehi­ cle or hand over the key. Riddle held the key out the window, as if to hand it over, but pulled it back inside. “I’m just going to book it,” he said, and started the ignition. Twice the officer told Riddle not to leave. “I am,” Riddle said, and he drove off at a high rate of speed. < The officer took off after Riddle, driving north on M-43. Other officers from the city police and sheriff’s office soon joined the pursuit. According to the report, Riddle drove at more than 115 mph in an attempt to elude the police. More than once, he pointed a shotgun at the Hastings City Police cruiser behind him, which led the officer to back off and increase the distance between them. The chase ended at the parking lot of the Mobil gas station on M-43, east of Woodland. Details of what occurred there will not be released until after Michigan State Police Troopers finish their investigation of the standoff. Troopers did say that when Riddle got out of his vehicle, wielding a stolen shotgun, a sheriff’s deputy fired shots. No one was hit. As Riddle went inside the gas station and barricaded himself, at least one customer was able to escape the building. Two employees inside the store hid from Riddle and were later able to get outside. They were not harmed, police said. At some point, however, shots were fired inside the building. The Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team soon arrived at the scene and started negotiating with Riddle. At 1:30 a.m., after nearly seven hours of standoff and nego­ tiations, he surrendered. He was taken to Spectrum Health Pennock for evaluation and then to jail. He sustained minor injuries, although no police or bystand­ ers reported any injuries. Riddle was charged with three felonies later that day. These include felonious assault, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, fleeing and eluding a police officer, which carries a maximum of two years; and resisting and obstructing a police Officer, which carries a maximum of two years in prison. Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said her office expects to t ile additional charges on behalf of multiple police agencies. State troopers said the investigation is con­ tinuing, and witnesses are being sought. They are being asked to contact the state police Wayland Post at 269-792-2213. . The court record shows that Riddle has spent most of his life behind bars. He was 15 when he was convicted in 1988 of.breaking and entering and felony murder. According to a Detroit Free Press article from the time, Riddle broke into the home of 80-year-old Renate Henie and crushed her skull with a beer bottle. Her body was found two weeks later. * "Riddle was sentenced to prison for life. But he was released on parole in November 2019, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that man­ datory life sentences for juveniles are uncon­ stitutional. Timothy Riddle The Hastings City Police said they have had contact with Riddle in 23 separate inci­ dents since August 2020. In most of those incidents, Riddle was either a suspect or was arrested. In November 2020 police interviewed Riddle after a Hastings Secretary of State employee reported a rude encounter with him at her office. As he was leaving, the woman told police she heard Riddle say, “I’m going to bum this place down.” Riddle admitted to officers that he might have said that, and told them he has a tenden­ cy to get angry and say things he doesn’t mean. He later pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace. Riddle called police at 1:47 a.m. March 17, to report a man throwing things at a residence in Hastings. But when police arrived, a woman told them Riddle had slammed a door on her hand, causing her to fall the to the ground and scrape her knee. Riddle told police he was “amped up” after drinking two espressos at the hospital. Police requested a warrant for his arrest in that case, but it was denied. On March 27, Riddle’s ex-girlfriend said he attacked her while they were driving in a vehicle in Hastings. The woman said he accused her of sleeping with her adopted nephew, and he almost hit the nephew with the car. She said he threatened to kill her, would not let her out of the car and hit her on the hand. Officers saw her hand was swollen. The woman also said Riddle talked about committing “suicide by cop.” Riddle told police he did not hit the woman, and accused her of hitting him. When asked about his comment about wanting to commit “suicide by cop,” Riddle told the officers that, “while he often feels Tie should have remained in prison and doesn’t w am to be alive, he xwuld never put that on another person’s conscience.” When officers told Riddle a warrant might be issued for his arrest in the March 27 inci­ dent, he said he would willing turn himself in “as he’s tired of living this lifestyle,” an offi­ cer wrote in his report. Riddle was charged with domestic vio­ lence, but it was dismissed. He was then arrested on May 24 for steal­ ing a credit card in a store in Hastings on Jan. 26,2021. He was convicted of larceny in a building Delton-area police chase ends with arrest » *A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed passed a Barry Township police officer near Osborne and Hallock roads Aug. 4. Using lights and a siren, the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled the area driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed, according to a release from the Prairieville Police Department. The Barry Township officer was able to give a description of the vehicle as it fled west on Osborne Road. ‘A Prairieville Township officer was soon able to locate the vehicle on Parker Road and activated lights and siren to stop the vehicle. The driver again fled at a high rate of speed arid continued to drive recklessly, disregarding the safety of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, according to the press release. The driver briefly eluded officers. However, due to witness statements and evidence found in the area, officers were able to locate the vehicle in the 10000 block of South Norris Road in Prairieville Township. Officers surrounded the residence and attempted contact with the driver. One male, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was eventually taken into custody and lodged in the Barry County Jail on numerous charges. Barry and Prairieville township officers continue to investigate the incident, and additional charges are possible. Michigan State Police Troopers and Barry County Sheriff’s deputies also assisted. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page Hastings - Tuesday, Aug. 24, noon-5:45 p.m., New Life Assembly Church, 1490 E. State Road. Individuals who are at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Appointments are preferred and may be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-733-2767. Voice students presenting recital f ; Students from the music studio of Robert C. Oster will present a voice recital at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at Grace Lutheran Church, 239 E. North St., Hastings. The performers will include Hastings High School students Hannah Bancroft, soprano, and Connor Lindsey, tenor. Also performing will be Hastings resident Mary Kuhlman, alto; Middleville resident Rate Watson, mezzo-soprano; and Lake Odessa resident Cindy Thelen, mezzo-soprano. A variety of sacred, secular, Broadway, opera and art song genres in English, German and Italian from the mid-17th century into the 20th century will be featured. The concert is free and open to the public. The armed standoff at the Mobil gas station in Woodland lasted nearly seven hours. (Photo by Taylor Owens) for that offense in July and sentenced by Barry County Judge Michael Schipper to serve 59 days in jail, with credit for 59 days served; ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs; and placed on probation for 24 months. Riddle also was ordered to participate in the Office of Community Corrections’ Cognitive Behavior Therapy program. A sec­ ond charge of illegal use of a financial trans­ action device was dismissed at the time of his sentencing. He was released after his sentencing, on July 21. Just hours after his release, Riddle was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend in Hastings. An employee of a West State Street business reported hearing two people fighting outside a camper and saw a man throwing punches before running away. Riddle’s ex-girlfriend said he hit her in the face. She told the officers she was afraid he would come back and “he needs to be in jail.” He was arrested in Nashville later that night. Riddle was charged with domestic vio­ lence, although he ultimately pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace on Aug. 3. The next day, Riddle was already a suspect in a break­ ing and entering case, and he led police on the chase that ended at the Mobil gas station in Woodland. The Hastings City Police said they have had contact with Riddle in 23 separate incidents since August 2020. In most of those incidents, Riddle was either a suspect or was arrested. He will appear before Judge Schipper for a probable cause conference at 10 a.m. Aug. 25. It’s a place Riddle has been before; he was sentenced on July 21 by Schipper for the cred­ it card theft, and pleaded guilty on Aug. 3 in that courtroom to disturbing the peace. But since Riddle hasn’t pleaded guilty to any recent major or violent crime in Barry County, Schipper said his offenses didn’t rise above the level of probation. Although the Hastings City Police request­ ed domestic violence charges on more than one occasion, that information never crossed Schipper’s desk. “I never hear about the cases that are being investigated, all I see is when they come into court,” Schipper said. “... There was no domestic violence that he pled to, or that I have any record of.” The Barry County Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment on Riddle’s case, out­ side of the initial press release sent out last week about the standoff with police in Woodland. The judge did speak to the challenge of reintegrating someone into society after they; have been in prison for most of their life. . “When you take a kid at 15, 16 years old; and you throw him in prison for 30 years, they; basically are raised in prison,” Schipper saidJ “I don’t know how they get out and have any clue of how to live in society.” “That has to be so hard,” Schipper addedJ “unless you’ve got such a good family sup­ port system that can just take you in and basi­ cally raise you and kind of teach you for a few years. I don’t know how you do that.” Schipper also praised law enforcement’s handling of the standoff with Riddle. “The situation with Mr. Riddle was a per-; feet example of how amazing law enforce­ ment in Barry County is,” he said. “That situ-> ation very easily could’ve ended in numerous people hurt and, instead, it ended up in absoj lutely no one hurt. “Law enforcement in Barry County does ail amazing job and are incredibly patient.” QUESTIONS, continued from page 1 Commissioners Jon Smelker, in foreground, chose to speak one-on-one with the sheriff after the session concluded. Commissioner Howard Gibson is shown in back­ ground on right, and Chairman Ben Geiger is in background on left. Commissioner Catherine Getty asks who’s paying the private investigator assisting the sheriff’s department in the probe. “This board must ask about a serious issue on the minds of our constituents and local elected officials: it’s local election integrity. “Sheriff, what can you tell us about the status of the integrity of the Barry County elections and the status of the report of the investigation into the voting equipment?” Geiger asked. Leaf immediately replied, “Let us finish the investigation on that. And there’s still some followup that had to be done. I haven’t talked to my investigator in about a week. When we get done, we’ll do a report for you guys and share it with everybody.” The last time Leaf discussed the probe in any detail was during a 20-minute speech at a political rally in Hillsdale when he told the audience that a retired sergeant from his office demanded an investigation. He likely divulged too much then, he told The Banner Tuesday. “But I did agree with the prosecutor that we weren’t going to release anything until we were both ready because it is kind of a hot potato,” he told commissioners. “And I can’t think of anything I can really give you on it.” Leaf met with Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt last week. The only public statement following that session was a confirmation of the meeting and the fact that there was no police report or requests for charges. “It’s just a question that the people in the community have asked about and asked about and asked, more broadly, are Barry County elections secure?” Geiger told Leaf. “For the most part,” Leaf replied, “I would say yes, for the most part, just from what I have seen so far. “There are a couple of quirks we’re looking into and that’s the followup we’re talking about. And I don’t want to divulge on that.” Commissioner Catherine Getty asked about the involvement of a private investigator in this county probe. Leaf confirmed last month that retired DTE Chief Security Officer Michael Lynch has been asking the questions with a sheriff’s “... If we have a credible complaint and an investigation is deemed necessary, then if we hired an investigator we would ensure that they would be representing Barry County’s best interests. But having an investigator that’s being funded from outside sources ... that just raises a red flag for me.” Commissioner Catherine Getty deputy at his side. “I’ve heard from several residents that are concerned about an investigator working in Barry County ... and not knowing who is funding that investigator. Can you tell me who’s funding that investigator?” Leaf said he has never received a bill for Lynch’s services. “But somebody’s paying. They’re not doing that for free,” Getty said. “As far as I know, he’s doing it pro bono,” the sheriff replied. “Then I’d like to know what his motiva­ tions are for that,” Getty remarked. “I’ve been contacted by many, many residents (trying) to understand about how they’re working within our system and not knowing their motivations in the investigation.” Who is paying this investigator is a legiti­ mate question in this case, she stressed. “Expert witnesses have come in and spo­ ken to me way back in December, and I’ve never received a bill from them,” Leaf point­ ed out. “I’m not sure who’s funding them. Barry County is not.” Lynch was highly recommended by an attorney the sheriff has been working with, he said. “He’s handled investigations before throughout the country on voter fraud.” The fact that his office has never handled a voter fraud case, especially one that might be this detailed, he said, requires involvement from some more experienced professional investigators. “For the most part, he’s helping my deputy out,” Leaf said. “My deputy is taking the lead on it because he works for me.” The sheriff then expressed some irritation at the line of questioning, adding, “Our ques­ tion is we’re worried about this guy here, but? we’re not worried about the people who are programming the computers. I’ve never met any of them, never vetted anybody there. I? don’t know about anybody else. But that was; a question asked of me. And I don’t know? that.” Getty assured him that she would be very’ interested to know the outcome of this probe* “to ensure that our voting process is safe and,’ secure.” : “Certainly that’s the most important thing,”’ she added. “And if we have a credible coiik plaint and an investigation is deemed neces­ sary, then if we hired an investigator we would ensure that they would be representing Barry County’s best interests. But having aru investigator that’s being funded from outside sources ... that just raises a red flag for me.” : Commissioner Howard Gibson asked Lea^ if he had any idea how long the investigation^ would continue. “I don’t know yet,” Leaf said, pointing td the fact that he has been on vacation and has not received any updates from staff. Commissioner Bruce Campbell said the probe has got everyone concerned. “I do respect the wishes of law enforcement,” he said. “And we’ll look forward to a final com­ ment on this at the end of the investigation sqj we can all be at ease.” The probe - which had been temporarily halted at Nakfoor Pratt’s request last month has riled many of the township clerks, some of whom received surprise visits from Lynch ? and a sheriff’s deputy. Some said they were? interrogated and asked to sign affidavits attesting to the truthfulness of their state­ ments. County Clerk Pam Palmer has been outspo­ ken about Leaf’s probe, saying it is based “on; a ridiculous accusation with no merit to it.” Palmer keeps the minutes of the commis­ sioners’ meetings and watched the proceed­ ings from the back of the chambers on the ’ mezzanine. After the meeting adjourned Tuesday, she shook her head in response to the question if the sheriff’s statement to the board was satis­ factory. “No,” she said and left the room. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — Page 3 Foam, fun punctuate library’s 125th anniversary party I The Hastings Public Library’s 125th anniversary made a foam-filled splash last {Saturday. Parents, kids and Stormy the Entertainer indulged in the free event across from the library at Thornapple Plaza. The celebration featured Storms’ “foaminator,” £long with a plastic slide, cornhole, a giant Connect 4 board, ice cream and more for people to enjoy. Attendees also had the opportunity to share their talents for a banner fhat will be displayed in the teen room at the library. (Photos by Benjamin Simon) Foam cloaks the crowd at Thornapple Plaza Saturday afternoon. Kids spent the afternoon enjoying an assortment of events' in honor of the library’s 125th anniversary. ■' •' Dave “Stormy” Storms of Hastings aims his “foaminator” at the crowd. Storms, who is also a magician, puts on events for libraries, schools, birthday parties and more. Thornapple Plaza is transformed into a foam plaza Saturday afternoon. Join us for an Evening of Fundraising Funis Saturday, August 14,2021 6-8pm Isaac Li, 8, braces for a crash into the foam as he finishes his run on the slide. Foam completely covers a child at the bottom of the slide. We've moved A Latesummer Night's Green to the beautiful out-of-doors and plan to celebrate in style with nature as our background. Help us celebrate the Institute the way we ■ should be—with food, drink, friends, and fun outside! * Strolling Dinner featuring homemade food from Chef Dan and his staff Vegan and gluten free options available Polish Mistake (sausage and cheese on cocktail bread) Beef Crostini with Horseradish Aioli Golden Peach Gazpacho Vegetables with Dilly Dressing on Puff Pastry Mini Croque Monsieurs (ham and swiss on slider bun) Shrimp Patty in Pita Mini Cheesecakes | Lemon Cakes | Key Lime Fondue Beer from Walldorff Brewpub Wine, Spritzers, and Cider from Fenn Valley Vineyards Raffle Drawings | Fund A Future "Auction" Live music from Who Hit John? Tickets are $50 each CedarCreeklnstitute. org or call (269) 721-4190 All proceeds support the Biological Field Station research program for college students and community programs for people of all ages. DOUGLAS A. & MARGARi-rV Event is sponsored In part by DECAMP FOUNDATION EST. Library director Peggy Hemerling and Caleb Burrell, 11, play a game of cornhole. ' - �Page 4 — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? A round of applause for the B. Bus The B. Bus Mobile Library will con­ clude its summer rounds this week. The mobile library program, which is free to all, is aimed at engaging youth and fam­ ilies in reading, activities and fun from June 14 to Aug. 13. Stops Friday will include Little Lions Daycare at 9 a.m., Vermontville Pavilion at 10, the Assembly of God in Nashville at 11:30, and Thomapple Kellogg Middle School at 1:30 p.m. The brightly colored bus, operated by the YMCA of Barry County in collaboration with area school dis­ tricts, is shown here during its stop at Delton Kellogg Elementary School last Thursday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Do you remember? Kiwanis supports baseball players Banner Aug. 6, 1959 (The Hastings Kiwanis club, along with the Youth Council, provides 163 boys with supervised baseball. This is just a portion of the kids who played in the Pee Wee and Cub leagues. Bob Stanley (bottom right) and Coach Lew Lang (bottom left) Wednesday presented the league champion with individual trophies. On the left are Tom Reynolds and Paul Lubieniecki, who co-captained the Yankees, winners of the Cub league title, and (right) are Ken Cole and Rex Wieland, co-captions of the Redlegs, -who won the Pee Wee crown. Playground .staffmen who umpired the games included ’(top row, from left) Dave Storrs, Mike Youngs and Scott Cleveland, and (top, second from right) Don Baty and Tom -J^aberteaux. In addition, 30 boys played junior high baseball, plus the Elks’ Babe Ruth league entry for boys 13 to 16, and the Kjwanis Connie Mack team, which plays its fi^st game in the state tournament at Marshall Thursday. (Photo by Barth) Have you met? A new person is attending local township meetings, Rachel Frantz. She’s 31 years old, she hands out business cards, and she wants to talk recycling. Frantz is a conservation technician with the Barry Conservation District. She officially started her job in April but, since mid-June, has served as the recycling coordinator. That has meant getting into the community, learning about recycling practices, providing suggestions, conversing with citizens and attending every township meeting she can find. “And there are a lot of meetings,” she said, laughing. Before this year, Frantz never foresaw a career in recycling. Raised in Caledonia, Frantz studied biology at Western Michigan University because of an interest in gray wolves. At one point, she even considered the possibility of building a wolf preserve. After Frantz graduated from college, her focus shifted. She got a job with the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, which she called the “U.N. of West Michigan.” She worked at the council for nearly five years, focusing on native plants and shoreline restoration before a role with the Barry Conservation District opened up. She performed similar duties as a part of the conservation district until it secured a 12-month, $18,000 recycling contract in conjunction with the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee. Outside of her mother recycling a lot when she was a child, Frantz didn’t have much recycling knowledge. But she did have experience with outreach, social media and communicating information to the public. The conservation district saw her as the right fit for recycling coordinator. Now, she’s learning on the job about the intricacies of recycling and waste management. “There’s so many good resources out there already that I don’t want to recreate the wheel,” she said. “I just want to push these other resources. Kent County, for example, has excellent resources.” In her first months on the job, Frantz has already noticed the difference in recycling accessibility between the city of Hastings and its surrounding rural areas. In the city, She’s still working on meeting people. Frantz, along with her husband, two kids and white husky, moved from Middleville to Hastings in February. She has spent her first few months in town enjoying meals at Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro and afternoons at Charlton Park. They live in the city of Hastings with a garden of vegetables, blueberry trees and apple trees. She said she loves living in Hastings. “It’s just got everything you need,” she said, “and I haven’t even been to the movie theater yet.” For her work promoting recycling in Barry County, Rachel Frantz is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Rachel Frantz she said, she’ll see recycling bins lining the streets. But in the townships, many residents have to drive miles just to drop off their recyclable materials. “I know recycling is not available everywhere, curbside,” she said. “For me, personally, the idea of loading all my recycling into my car to drop it off - it’s just not going to happen.” For the duration of the recycling contract, Frantz has a straightforward goal. “I would just love to see the recycling surpass the trash,” she said. “Because it bums me out when I see people who’ve got their trash bin out, and there’s an extra two bags of trash next to it because they’ve got so much trash. And I think to myself, ‘You know, a good 40 percent of that could probably be recycled.’” Technically, Frantz works part-time. But, with the addition of the recycling position, she said it feels like “two part-time jobs.” Still, she called her job fun. “I mean, most biologists, we do it for the fieldwork,” she said. “We want to go outside. So, any chance I get to go planting or even meet people is a plus for me.” Favorite dinner: Ribeye steak. Favorite movie: “The Lost Boys” Favorite season: Summer because of flowers. The different flowers bloom at different times. When I was a kid: I wanted to be a veterinarian.... I just loved all the animals. I love animals. If I won the lottery: I would pay off all of my family’s debt and I would start some sort of women’s shelter for single moms with a daycare. Favorite cartoon character: Batman. Favorite Batman movie: Oh, “Batman and Robin.” Or “Batman Forever.” I have a hard time. Not the new “Dark Knight,” I don’t like that one. Batman’s voice, really, I don’t know. ... I just don’t like the way he’s so grumbly, I guess. The “Dark Knight 1 and 2,” the animated ones, though - those are really good. Hobbies: Landscaping, ballet and I guess art in general - I can’t pick a specific art. Painting. I just started doing stained glass. I’m not very good, but that’s been interesting to get into. Each week, The Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Hastings schools owe response to ‘no’ voters Education is one of the most important news beats we cover - and every reporter we have is responsible for at least one public school district: Hastings, Delton Kellogg, Maple Valley, Lakewood, Thomapple Kellogg and Caledonia. We have good reasons for placing a high priority on coverage of public schools. Obviously, they are essential in preparing children for successful futures, addressing high needs and shining a light on achievements. Ultimately, schools are a bellwether of the community’s health and well-being. They also play other important, but less obvious, roles. Schools employ people. They create infrastructure - which adds value - where students can pursue . academics, athletics and the arts in a safe, well-constructed environment that helps to encourage excellence. They’re a source of community pride, too. Given the fact that a large number of children attend public schools, a high level of community trust is placed on the school staff who are responsible for the safety of those students - from the superintendent on down. And an expectation of accountability goes right along with that trust. After all, schools care for the community’s most precious resource. Were those considerations in the minds of “no” voters last week when they rejected a bond request from Hastings Area School System? Or were they sending a message to the school board when they cast their ballots against the request for 0.8 mills, which would have replaced 0.9 that’s expiring from a total levy of 6.9 mills? So the vote was 1,693 against to 1,610 for $21.9 million to cover the cost of muchneeded upgrades and repairs in the school buildings. Hastings school officials need to delve into the reasons why their request was denied. Oddly enough, no one we spoke with who opposed the bond request has told us these repairs and upgrades aren’t needed. But they were thumbs-down on the request. Some said they didn’t want to pay more taxes; some were critical of the district’s money management. Now Hastings schools’ current rate, 6.9 mills, is dropping to 6. That’s low, compared to other nearby districts. Hastings’ new Superintendent Matt Goebel said they made a conscious effort to keep that tax rate low, pointing to the fact that, even if voters had approved the request, the total levy would have dropped from to 6.8 mills. Other school districts, such as Thomapple Kellogg and Pennfield, have rates that exceed 10 mills. Anyone who has anything to do with operating a district knows that it costs a lot of money to run schools - and a lot of their funds come from the state. Last month, the state Legislature approved the public school budget for 2021-22. At more than $17.1 billion, it represents the largest-ever investment in K-12 public schools in Michigan history. A key feature in that package was the elimination of the per-pupil gap in the basic foundation allowance, which has existed since Proposal A was enacted in 1994. This will bring all districts to the same foundation allowance of $8,700 per pupil (an increase of between $171 and $589 per pupil). Those of us who remember the system in Michigan that used to finance public schools, pre-Proposal A, recall its heavy reliance on property taxes. Now that was a hot mess. Talk about taxes. It brings back memories of scores of unhappy property owners, who were tired of being taxed to pay for schools. No wonder Proposal A, designed to lower property taxes, was enacted with approval by 61 percent of the votes cast in 1994. It also was the reason for higher sales taxes, higher use and cigarette taxes and a real estate transfer tax, which offset the reduction in property taxes, in Michigan. Annual growth in local taxable value is capped at the rate of inflation - or 5 percent. In addition, Proposal A raised the lower per-pupil districts to a basic level of funding and tied funding to a per-pupil concept rather than basing funding on property taxes in any given district. The problem with this funding model is the fact that it’s tied to a number of students. So, if the number of students in a district declines, the amount of funds that district receives declines as well. Guess what’s happening at most school districts now? The number of students attending public schools in Michigan has steadily declined, according to Ben DeGrow, director of education policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Ultimately, we may need to figure out a new system for financing schools in Michigan that isn’t so reliant on student population. In the meantime, though, we need to support those districts, like Hastings, that are struggling to foot the bill for the facilities it must provide - school buildings with bathrooms that work and roofs that don’t leak. As it stands, funds from the state are intended for the operational costs of running a school; so the burden falls on local taxpayers to provide for capital heeds, DeGrow said. That’s why Hastings took its bond request to the voters, earmarking those funds for roof repairs and building upgrades. That’s the way the system is supposed to work. DeGrow said local school boards are legally authorized to take out debt through resolution bonds. “The way it works is that districts sell bonds and then levy a tax on local property to pay off the principal and interest owed on the bonds over time. “There are limits on how much districts may borrow without asking voters: A district’s combined debt cannot exceed 5 pe£C£#f pt.the; total ‘state equalized value’ of property located within the district. SEV typically refers to half the assessed market value of a home or business.” DeGrow noted that, to raise taxes to pay for construction debt, a school district must receive majority approval from local voters. “State law mandates the information and type of language that school districts must use when asking voters to approve of their borrowing and taxing. More than 85 percent of Michigan school districts actively charge taxpayers to pay down various outstanding debts, according to an April 2016 report.” All of this should be reassuring from the standpoint that Hastings schools are operating within the parameters set by the state. So why are voters consistently nixing this simple, straightforward, needed request? At first glance, it appears school officials and the citizens’ committee did a poor job of educating the voters. The vote was split, virtually 50-50 yes vs. no. What school officials should be looking for is a healthy percentage in favor, not a close call. Close calls, either way, are indicative of disenchantment among a significant portion of the voters. Red flags should immediately go up. School officials need to take a close look at this election outcome. They should convene the community, talk to voters, analyze their criticisms, then chart a course that directly addresses the issues raised and come up with a plan that a healthy majority of voters in the district will support. In recent months, we’ve seen some great leadership on the part of several school officials in the districts we cover. We need to see that kind of leadership here. Rebecca Pierce, Editor The Hastings Bcllllld* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — Page 5 Facing an energy-efficiency quandary Control should remain with local authorities To the editor: Externalities are the side effects or consequences of an industrial or commercial activity that affects other parties without , being reflected in the cost of the goods or services involved. Of course, this does not mean these aren’t real costs. It means society , will have to pay those costs; they just won’t be counted in a timely manner as part of the bottom line of the company responsible or in the prices consumers pay initially. There are countless examples of the costs society will have to pay for these externalities when we have to deal with the pollution, health problems, environmental degradation and impacts on the quality of our lives. The Kalamazoo River is a Superfund site with toxic PCBs in river sediments and banks carelessly released into the river system by paper companies. The results render the fish too toxic to eat and cost hundreds of millions of dollars to remedy. The ground and surface waters near the Wolverine shoe company in Belmont and many other sites in Michigan are dealing with PFAS contamination and all the . health hazards that represents. In both examples, there was plenty of evidence that the manufacturing practices involved might lead to threats to the environment and communities in the area around these businesses, but because the calculated costs of those practices didn’t include the costs of those damages, the sound business decision based on the bottom line was to proceed. Who then pays the costs of those externalities? It’s too late to include those costs in the business plan after the pollution is in the environment and, more importantly, in the people affected. The Superfund Law (CERCLA act of 1980) and other federal and state laws may give the government the power to make those polluters clean up the environment after the fact. But who pays for the health damage once people have cancer or hormonal, reproductive or immune problems? The patients and their families, the health insurance companies and, of course, the taxpayers who fund the necessary medical programs. And what about costs that can’t be counted easily in dollars and cents, such as the mental anguish, family and societal disruption and losses to our economy from damaged health and lost lives? Extraction industries have the potential to create other kinds of externalities. The Michigan Legislature is considering Senate Bill 429-431 right now, a measure that would remove all local control of permits requested ; for mining operations. Under current Michigan law, a local municipality cannot deny mining operations if a permit applicant can demonstrate that economically natural resources are located in that municipality. The primary agency that may grant the permits is the Oil, Gas and Minerals Division of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. But, under current law, local zoning departments do have the authority to review the site and operations to make sure problems are prevented. SB 429 and 431 would eliminate that authority. There is a certain sound logic in the principle that natural resources of economic value will be found in specific locations and that we should not prohibit all access outright. Barry County is rich in sand and gravel resources - called aggregate by the industry - which can be used for road building and other construction. Like many other industrial practices, the extraction of aggregate can result in problems, in this case, excessive noise, dust, road damage, degradation of ground and surface waters and other environmental damage, plus reduced property values in the vicinity. The extraction industry would like to avoid having to deal with these external costs. Ideally, EGLE will regulate these operations in such a manner that these problems would be avoided, minimized or at least accompanied or followed by restoration. EGLE, however, has limited staff and resources to conduct oversight and they would visit the site of a mine infrequently. I do not question the integrity of EGLE’s staff, but I have extensive experience in environmental activities, and I was the planning commission chairman of Prairieville Township for 14 years. In my experience, problems can be created and go on for years in many cases before adequate attention is given to a problem and, even then, corrections are after the fact - if they occur at all. Some people argue that we should have a statewide set of rules so extraction companies know what to expect. I believe state regulations should establish a minimum level of protection, not a maximum. SB 429 would explicitly prevent a municipality from having more stringent controls. Conditions at any mining site are unique to that site. I contend that local authorities may be more aware of local conditions and concerns and willing to prevent problems. Some people argue that placing limitations on mining operations would increase the costs of the materials obtained and, therefore, increase the costs of construction. This may be true, but remember there are those external costs to the local community that are not unusually factored in. The mining company, construction companies and, eventually, the consuming public would be the ones to pay for preventing damage to the community where that damage could occur. Senate Bill 429 passed by a one-vote margin. The senator representing Barry County, John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, proposed an amendment to Senate Bill 429 to exempt Barry County. This was a cynical and hypocritical attempt to look as if he was trying to protect his constituents. That amendment was never going to pass. He knew the Senate would not give one county a pass while enacting a bill that would apply to the rest of the state. After his amendment failed, Bizon voted for SB 429. If it was a bad bill for Barry County when he introduced that amendment, it was a bad bill after his amendment failed. He should have voted no. I sent him an email telling him so. The Senate Bill has been referred to the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee, which is chaired by state Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, who also represents Barry County. I have sent her an email patterned on this letter to the editor. You might want to let her know what you think about SB 429, which would forbid local governments from having any control over mining. The entire text of Senate bills 429 the 431 can be found at legislature.mi.gov. To the editor: While I commend Consumers Energy for trying to get residential electric consumption lowered between the hours of 2 and 7,1 must say one size does not fit all. First, as a retiree, this means those of us who don’t go to a job are paying more simply because we are at home during the '‘summer peak hours.” I have no clothes dryer, air conditioner or fans. I don’t use the dry cycle on my dish­ washer, nor do I have an ice maker due to the waste of energy required to release the cubes. Almost every appliance is unplugged when not in use, such as the TV, DVD player and washing machine. Since I have a tankless water heater, I guess I’m not supposed to wash my hands in hot water during peak hours since it will kick on to warm up the water - not good during a pandemic. And, due to the fact that I don’t have a dryer and must depend on the sun to dry clothes, I’m simply hoping it doesn’t rain on the weekend since that’s apparently when I need to do laundry, not after seven weekdays, as the website suggests. Recently in a doctor’s office, I could see the Chris Lukasiewicz, Hastings City works through details of another amendment to downtown development Benjamin Simon Staff Writer When interim City Manager Gregg Guetschow took the podium at Monday’s Hastings City Council meeting, he started by acknowledging the feeling in the room. “I will preface my remarks by saying I’m sure, to you, this seems like a project that will never come to an end,” he said. Guetschow was talking about the project with AJ Veneklasen, a Grand Rapids-based contractor planning to develop the property at 128 N. Michigan Ave. The city initially purchased the former Moose Lodge in 2014 and had the building razed in 2018, but, three years later, there’s nothing on the land except for a sign. Instead, the project continues to exist only in the city council chambers, where the city worked through the particulars of a sixth amendment to its real estate agreement with AJ Veneklasen Monday. AJ Veneklasen plans to build a three-story structure with 21 market-rate apartments and 2,630 square feet of retail space on the ground level. At the July 26 council meeting, the city agreed to sell the property to AJ Veneklasen at a lower price with the proviso that the company complete the entire project by Nov. 13,2022. The city would hold about $58,000 in escrow, meaning that, if AJ Veneklasen completed the building on time, the developer would have to pay about $77,000. If they did not finish on time, they would lose the money in escrow and pay the complete $135,000 they had previously agreed upon. Monday, AJ ‘^n^klasen representatives returned with editing the wording of the sixth amendment - but that included two additional adjustments ip details they’d agreed upon at July 26 council meeting. While one adjustment made minor changes to the wording of the escrow funds, the other shifted the terms of the deadline. AJ Veneklasen representatives said they could commit to finishing the residential portion of the building by Nov. 13,2022, but not the retail space. They do not have anyone lined up to fill that retail space, and expressed concerns about being able to do so by that deadline. City council members agreed to the changes with the condition that the wording of the amendment be revised to more clearly state the desires of both parties involved. “The council was willing to be lenient. They’re mostly interested in getting the residential component done - that’s their primary interest,” Guetschow said. “The other is kind of a side benefit of having the additional space in the downtown. But that wasn’t the most important part, so the council was willing to cut down a little bit of slack as it relates to that portion of the project.” For many council members, however, it marked just one more bump in a long and frustrating process. “My opinion is that we need to take this one last step,” Councilmember John Resseguie said, “and, if they come back to us again with some other change, we’re done.” Although many members expressed concern with the delayed construction, Don Bowers was the only council member who voted against the proposed changes . “They keep reducing the amount, reducing the amount,” Bowers said. “I don’t think you’re doing this in good faith. And I personally don’t like this because I think that they are going to screw us around again.” The next steps will include the two parties clearing up the phrasing in the latest amendment. “The language that’s been proposed is a little bit sloppy,” Guetschow said. “And so we want to make sure that it passes muster with our attorneys, so that there’s no question about exactly what the parties intend.” The real estate agreement should be finalized by the closing deadline of Sept. 15, with the hope of AJ Veneklasen starting construction shortly after. “Can I guarantee that they won’t come back for any more amendments?” Guetschow said. “And the answer to that is I can’t guarantee that either. I hope not.” In other business: - Guetschow announced that they have a signed agreement with Sarah Moyer-Cale to become the next city manager. Moyer-Cale will begin her role Sept. 13. Guetschow’s last day as the city’s interim manager will be Sept. 12. - The city approved a request from the Elks Lodge to ban the sale of alcohol during Summerfest in the social district. In a letter to the council, Elks officials wrote, “As part of our liquor license with the State of Michigan it requires that we have written confirmation from the local municipality that the Social District permit holders will not sell or serve alcohol for consumption in the Social District during that period of the Summerfest Event,” adding specific times of midnight Aug. 27 through 2 a.m. Aug. 29. - The city purchased Neptune small water meters from Ferguson for $60,000, awarded a $258,400 contract to Fedewa Inc. for the rehabilitation of the north and south storage tanks and approved the closing and capping of underground storage tanks at the Hastings City/Barry County Airport for $19,685. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad THIS AD FOR SALE! 269-945-9554 or 1-890-879-7985 More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* of Middleville • Independent and Assisted Living Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services ^Vew 108" Cotton, in many colors 'HVoboes, Cais, Golf, Tish, Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Solid Colors, Christmas, 'Panels, Inimal & Childrens Prints in Cotton Hairnet, Tteece,, Pipstop Nylon, MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Marine'Vinyl Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township Zippers, Threads, Tapers & Trims H In God We Trust 'J Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber QUESTIONS: ASK US... New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm ——| Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station]_____ The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. thermostat was set at 69 degrees. And most businesses are so cold, I take a jacket in with me. Are they being charged extra? I use, on average, 3 kWh of electricity per day. I honestly don’t know how I could use any less energy. I’m tempted to have Consumers Energy do an audit for me just to watch them scratch their heads as they look around the home that should be their poster child of what energy efficiency is all about. __ . .___ ___ Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com ,arve CLASS OF 1981 40 Year Class Reunion Saturday, Aug. 28th 2021 Hastings Summerfest Weekend HASTINGS ELKS 120 E. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings 3:00 to5:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m. we will move our party down to The Walldorf upstairs in the Ball Room for “Back to the 80’s Party” There is a Facebook page for this event. Back to the 80’s of Middleville www.CarvethVillage.com “Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 IF ANY QUESTIONS - CONTACT ROBIN (KELLER) CHASE at Chaserobin81@gmail.com or on Facebook �Page 6 — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Michael Stifler Robert Lester Baines David Coppess Robert Lester Baines, age 86, of Hastings, passed away on August 5, 2021. He was bom on February 16, 1935, in Urbandale, the son of Harry Lester and Elsa Waunita (Martin/Hoppus) Baines. He attended the Urbandale Public Schools, Ann J. Kellogg, and Battle Creek Central High School. He worked a short time for DeNooyer Chevrolet in Battle Creek and was employed by the Barry County Road Commission from May 1956 through September 30, 1997, completing 41 years of service. Robert and Marlene Joan Slocum were married October 22, 1954, in Hastings and have lived in the community ever since. Robert enjoyed family and friends and was an avid motorcycle rider. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Ronald E. (Ann M.) Martin of Hastings and son, Robert Eric (Lora A.) Baines of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Stacey Martin, Joseph and Karen Martin, Alexandra and Elijah Cooley; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Nathan, Natalie, Matthew, Eloise, Ethan, and in-laws Joyce Baines, Robert (Katie) Slocum, Gina (Bernie) Blough, nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Harry L. and Elsa W. Baines; one sister, Mrs. James (Virginia R.) Holt of Battle Creek and two brothers, Joseph E. and W. Bruce, both of Battle Creek. Memorial gathering at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. ’David “Dave” Coppess, age 83, of Custer, SD, passed away August 8, 2021, at his residence in Custer. iDave was bom July 10, 1938, in Sunfield, to George and Margaret (Sherwood) Coppess. Dave proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and after his honorable discharge he married Kay LaVonne Darby in 1958. Obtaining a BS degree in Parks and Recreation led him to jobs' with the U.S. Government where he nioved to South Dakota and could enjoy hunting. Dave and Kay lived many places in the Black Hills but moved to Custer where Dave retired in 2000. In Custer they purchased an old house which required much more work than they anticipated. Dave stripped it down and found an original log cabin inside it. Dave was always ready to help others and his passions were hunting, camping and restoring old cars. Dave is survived by his wife, Kay Coppess of Custer, SD; son, Chad (Lisa Lynn) Coppess of Pierre, SD; daughter, Lisa Mafie Coppess Peters (Willy) of Faribault, MN; sister, Kathleen Coppess Rush of Ionia; four; grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m', Tuesday, Aug .47; 2021 , at United Methodist Church in Pringle, SD. Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... • HASTINGS FREE \ METHODIST CHURCH 7 We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". J>635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box Hastings. Telephone 269­ $, 945-9121. Email gmail.com. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 805 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass p.m. 4:30 Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. Website: HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH www, Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant * Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Martha 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Pastor. Lead Stoetzel. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: Sunday School for all ages; ^Director, J$:45 a.m. Kids Church and available. 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Our Senior High Youth Group 6-8 ■Worship center is set up for p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Nursery jocial are distancing. Aftermath Wednesday, Family Night Student Ministries: Sunday 6 6:30-8 p.m., p.m. (Children Kids chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. 4 Truth Kindergarten-5 th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for hastfmc@ hastingsfreemethodist.com. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, Call Church Office 948-8004 (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ for information. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor ftoger Claypool, (517) 204­ CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday 328 night Bible study and prayer Worship lime 6:30 to 7:30 pm. provided. Pastor Peter Adams, N. Street. Jefferson 10 a.m. Nursery contact 616-690-8609. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Shirley Jean Walton Wietnik ASHEVILLE, NC - Shirley Jean Walton Wietnik passed away August 3, 2021, in Asheville, NC, with her daughters, Marcia Johnson and Diane LaBin, by her side. She was 92 years old, bom February 20, 1929, in Pulaski, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin S. Wietnik; her parents, LR and Florence King Walton; step-mother, Helen Walton; and brothers, Richard and Steven Walton. Besides Marcia and Diane, she is survived by beloved granddaughters, Margaret Natasha Johnson Sainsbury (Stephen) of Asheville, NC and Abigail Brooke LaBin Black (John) of Berea, KY; and eight great­ grandchildren, Rory Johnson, Zoe Black, Willa Black, and Kaia, David, Simone, Ursula and Chloe Sainsbury; a brother, Dr. Robert Walton (Berta); very special sister-in­ law, Sharon Walton (Richard); and sister-in­ law, Laura Marasco. She also loved her many nieces and nephews. Shirley was raised in Pulaski, IA and Elkhart, IN, where she went to high school. She then attended Western Michigan University and majored in Education and Spanish and met Edwin. They married in 1950 and in 1951 they moved to Hastings, where she spent the majority of her lifetime. Shirley taught in Barry County public schools including Gregory School, one of the last one room schoolhouses in the area. For many years she taught Spanish and English at Hastings High School. In 1977, she joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Colombia, South America. After serving two years in Colombia, she lived in Ecuador and taught at the Colegio Americano in Quito for two years. She loved traveling all over the world and immersing herself in the culture of the countries she visited. She had numerous friends across the country and world that she visited when possible. She also had many good friends and neighbors in Hastings that she enjoyed spending time with doing yoga, hiking, birdwatching and volunteering. She adored her many grand-dogs and enjoyed dog sitting and walking them on her regular walks around town. Shirley’s love of her students at HHS kept her substitute teaching well into her 80s. She was proud of the fact she also mowed her own lawn in her 80s. She loved gardening and was a member of the Thomapple Garden Club for years. She worked tirelessly for the Hastings Public Library with Friends of the Library. In addition, she served as a CASA with the Barry County Courts for several years. Shirley loved her family and over the years spent a lot of time in Kentucky as well as Richmond, VA, Asheville, NC, and south Florida. She instilled a love of books and travel in her family and touched the lives of many people. We would like to thank her special friends who were faithful at writing her cards and calling her as Alzheimer’s started to shrink her world: Pat Kisinger, Carol Shanahan, Reina Romero and Jean Syswerda- who was kind enough to host her on her last visit to Hastings a few years ago. Your kindness will stay with us forever. There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony in Hastings at a later date this Fall. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at www. curealz.org, Hastings High School (Language Arts), 232 W. Grand St, Hastings, or the Barry County Humane Society at B arry countyhumane .org For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Weitnik’s obituary at www. WestFamilyFuneralServices .com. Fiberglass Products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 ABMHfWM aotHnelosls&Mpient 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Michael Stifler - ( May 08, 1949 - August 06,2021 ) The characteristics that we, his family, will most remember Michael for are his integrity, humor, forbearance, environmental stewardship, and commitment to God and his family. Michael Edward Stifler was bom on May 8, 1949, in Dearborn, to his mother, Winola Marie Stifler (Auiler), his father, Edward Reese Stifler, and two older brothers, twins Gerald and Donald. His father and brothers inspired his love for the Detroit Tigers and golf, and he inherited his wit and self­ possession from his mother Winnie. He graduated from Dearborn High School in 1967, and attended the University of Michigan, graduating with undergraduate and master’s degrees in civil and environmental engineering in 1972. He started his career in environmental protection in 1973, and soon after, met and fell in love with Linnea Peterson. They got married in October 1974, and lived first in Mason and then in Cadillac. To their three children, Luke, Daniel, and Britta, Michael was an active, present, and loving father who coached soccer, played catch, attended orchestra concerts, read books, listened and taught, encouraged his children’s interests, and modeled a life of faith and tolerance. Michael’s work for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Quality focused on watershed protection, compliance efforts, and spill response. He retired in 2010 after a 35-year career with the DNR/DEQ. Michael loved to spend free time in nature too—gardening, biking, playing golf, camping, and hiking along Michigan’s rivers and lakes. He also enjoyed visiting his kids and grandkids, woodworking, listening to music, and brewing and drinking beer. After retirement, he and Linnea left Cadillac for Linnea to pursue her calling as an Episcopal priest at St. Martin of Tours (Kalamazoo) and then Emmanuel Episcopal Church (Hastings). Michael was a beloved and involved part of his church communities. He volunteered with several organizations to feed and house his neighbors, and he served on the board of the Barry County Conservation District. In 2020, Michael was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died after a year of treatment and illness that he endured with characteristic grace and courage. He was preceded in death by his father, Reese Stifler; mother, Winola Stifler; and brother, Don Stifler, and is survived by his wife, Linnea Stifler, of Hastings; son, Luke Stifler (Kate, grandsons Sam and Louie) of Utica, IN; son, Dan Stifler (Tomo, grandchildren Kota and Ann) of Tsukuba, Japan; daughter, Britta Ossim (David), of Seattle, WA, and brother, Jerry Stifler (Janice) of Portage. Memorial contributions can be made to the Solar Array project at Emmanuel Episcopal Church (checks may be sent to 315 W. Center St, Hastings, MI 49058) or to the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay. https://www.gtbay.org/giving-opportunities/ memorials-and-tributes/. Michael’s memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Saturday, Aug.t 14,2021 at 11 a.m. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome .net. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads ft Catherine L. (Katy) Colvin, age 90, ofr Hastings, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 7,2021. . She was bom April 9, 1931 in Irvingn< Township, the daughter of Thomas and Zora (Dorman) Loftus. Katy was united in marriage to Floyd W. Colvin in 1951 and: y they were married for over 45 years until his" , death in 1997. C( She worked for Hastings Manufacturing Co. as a machine operator in the IBM Dept.,. , processing the factory payroll. The position she was most proud of was that of mom and homemaker, caring deeply for her family. , Katy was a faithful lifelong member of St.; Rose of Lima Church in Hastings. She served with the Altar Society, St. Ann’s Guild and Dusting Angels. She was a member of Pennock Hospital Guild #1 for many years. She was an active member of the Hastings Athletic Boosters when her children were involved in high school sports.. She and Floyd enjoyed bowling and golfing together and Katy also played on the Riverbend women’s golf league for many years. She shot a hole-in-one at age 78 and remained an avid golfer all through her eighties. She loved cooking, baking, sewing quilts and crocheting afghans for her children and grandchildren. She and Floyd traveled to Hawaii and Switzerland and she celebrated her 80th birthday by touring Ireland with her daughters and sons-in-law. Annual trips to : the family cabin in the Upper Peninsula and to Colorado Springs to see her daughter and ‘ family were her favorite destinations. She was preceded in death by her husband Floyd; sons, Bradley and Bruce; two sisters, Rosella Mary Davis and Helen Thomas; three brothers, Tommy, Alfred and Leo J Loftus and many sisters and brothers-in-law. She is survived by her three daughters, Brenda and Kirstan Vandersluis of Colorado Springs, CO, Bonnie and David Wade of Milford, and Barbara Colvin of Novi; daughter-in-law, Diane (Colvin) Neamberg ; of Albion; seven grandchildren, Brandi Colvin, Courtney (Bill) Miller, Mindy (Justin) Freeman, Alicia (Ivan Fan) Vandersluis, Kollin (Stephanie) Vandersluis, < Kaeli Vandersluis and Schuyler Vandersluis; • 10 great-grandchildren, Quinn, Zoe and Malachi Miller, David, Barnabas, Michaiah, Benaiah and Rebekah Freeman, and Brynlee and Breklynn Vandersluis. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mert (Richard) Clark and Verna Lancaster, many nieces, , nephews, cousins and dear friends. Catherine’s family will receive friends on Thursday Aug. 12, 2021 at Lauer Family Funeral Home 1401 N. Broadway in Hastings from 4 - 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. and at St. Rose of Lima Church on s Friday August 13, 2021 from 10 - 11 a.m. A H Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 H a.m. with Fr. Stephan Philip celebrating the Mass. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. fl In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church or to the Hastings High School Athletic Boosters. aI Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Hum Catherine L. Colvin Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC • Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbaclifuiieralliome.net Owner/ M a nager Family Owned and Operated o^r Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years □ ;H D �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — Page 7 State school board argues mask mandate i Bridge Magazine A Republican effort to dissuade Michigan schools from requiring masks, COVID-19 testing and quarantining of unvaccinated stu­ dents backfired Tuesday when Democrats instead adopted language that supports a dis­ trict’s right to impose such mandates. The vote on the non-binding resolution fallowed indignation, tears and three hours of ptiblic comment — mostly against mask man­ dates. iThe Michigan Board of Education mem­ bers’ passion for the issue did not match their authority, however. “We have no more ability to impose a mask mandate than to prohibit a mask mandate at th£ state board or the state department,” Superintendent Michael F. Rice said. Republican board member Nikki Snyder of D|xter, who opposes mask and vaccine man­ dates, said non-binding resolutions still mat­ ter. “We consistently discuss issues that we don’t have the authority to write policy or legislation [on], but our statements matter,” she said. “They make a difference.” The board voted 6-2 along party lines to replace Republican Tom McMillin’s proposed ban on mask mandates with a statement sup­ porting local districts’ “ability to make scien­ tifically informed decisions including mask mandates.” On the same party-line vote, the board rejected two other McMillin resolutions. One would have discouraged schools from penal­ izing, segregating or quarantining unvaccinat­ ed students. The other would have urged school districts to stop COVID-19 testing. The vote comes days after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, and her health depart­ ment urged — but did not require — K-12 schools to mandate masks in schools, in accordance with U.S. Centers for Disease Richard Harry Goodenough Richard Harry Goodenough, age 88 of Hastings, passed away on August 4, 2021. He was bom on September 8, 1932, in Hastings, the son of Vem Goodenough and Gladys McNutt. Richard attended Middleville High School. He worked for Bliss for 10 years and then Ketchum’s Machine Shop in Freeport, where he retired. Richard proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War. On June 16, 1962, he married Betty Snore, and they enjoyed 59 years together. Richard was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed traveling to Arizona, going to the casino, mowing the lawn, and making people laugh. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Snore) Goodenough; his father, Vem Goodenough; mother, Gladys Matteson; brother, Vem Jr. Goodenough; sister, Wilma Gosneigh; stepdad, Bob Matteson, and daughter, Vicky Rutzebeck. He is survived by his sons, Steve (Vonda) Goodenough of Hastings, Don Goodenough of Hastings, Mike (Gayelynn) Goodenough of Hastings; daughter, Sandy (Mark) Bowen; son, Dan (Cheryl) Goodenough; grandsons, Aaron (Laura) Hartman, Andy Goodenough, Casey (Jessica) Goodenough, Stuart Goodenough, Hunter Tyner, Brandon Sanders; granddaughters, Britney (Bretton) Curtis, Krista (Brandon) Shoemaker, Karley (Chase) Williams, Lacey Sanders; sister, Dorothy Roussel, and many great­ grandchildren. A combined service along with Richard’s wife, Betty Goodenough, who passed away July 31, 2021 was held on Friday, Aug. 6., 2021 It can be viewed at www.facebook. com/GirrbachFuneralHome. Visitation was Friday, Aug. 6 with a service that followed at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Interment at Rutland Charter Township Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Elks Lodge. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Control and Prevention guidance. That put the onus on the emotional issue among the state’s 891 traditional school districts and charter schools. Some, like Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo, will require masks for the beginning of the year, but many districts are making them optional. During debate Tuesday, Snyder, a regis­ tered nurse, cried as she said she distrusts the federal government’s ability to regulate vac­ cines because, she said, a drug she took during pregnancy caused birth defects in her children. Dozens of parents turned up for the board meeting — mostly virtually— to comment on mask and vaccine mandates. Nearly all opposed them. Among their arguments: Masks are uncom­ fortable. They create a false sense of protec­ tion from disease. They create an irrational fear of germs. They make it difficult for chil­ dren speaking English as a second language. They inhibit social interaction. Wearing them should be a personal choice. One mother from Grand Blanc said masks exacerbate her daughter’s social anxiety. “She doesn’t know how to deal with people because she can’t see them. She doesn’t know what they’re thinking and feeling,” she told the board over speakerphone. Board officials were unable to provide full names for commenters who participated remotely. Another mother, from Rochester Hills, said she supports mask mandates. “The negative effects of [the more conta­ gious Delta variant] on our children far out­ weigh any inconvenience of wearing a mask, and masks, we know, work better when every­ one wears them,” she said. “One parent choosing not to have their child wear a mask means my child is less protected.” The debate over mask mandates has been raging across the country. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is mandating them. In Florida, Democratic mayors are at odds with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis who threat­ ened to withhold funding from districts that mandate masks. New York City and Denver are requiring masks in schools. And places like Tennessee are implementing a patchwork of policies. McMillin, of Oakland Township, said almost everyone he’s talked with believes it’s abusive to require children to wear masks all day. People are “rising up all across the state. They want to be heard. This is child abuse, what’s being done to their children, and this is serious,” he said. Democrat board member Pamela Pugh, who has a background in public health, bris­ tled. “If masks are child abuse then Halloween masks are child abuse,” Pugh, of Saginaw, said. “Let’s not get into saying that masks are Barry ISD board discusses mask requirements, millage Benjamin Simon Staff Writer This fall, Barry Intermediate School District will require masks, with the exception of students who have medical waivers. Given the high-risk nature of the district’s students, Superintendent Richard Franklin said, they intend to keep the rules similar to last year. “Any students enrolled in our programs are tending to be medically more fragile,” Franklin said in an interview. “Not all of our students are medically fragile, but many of them are, so we would call them a vulnerable population. “And that’s why we’re being a little more restrictive than our local districts because we have kids with feeding tubes and all kinds of medical situations that [makes them] just more vulnerable But students will be able to opt out of the mask mandate if they receive medical waiv­ ers. “Some of our students have to have a med­ ical waiver. They can’t possibly wear a mask,” Franklin said during the BISD’s board meet­ ing Tuesday morning. “It’s not safe for them.” Although the district will require mask-wearing, Franklin noted they will not punish students for not wearing masks. “We’re just trying to help the students do the best they can,” he said. “It’s not about ‘You’re not going to get in trouble, you’re not going to get sent to the principal’s office.’ It’s not a defiance, compliance thing. It’s just ‘OK, let’s put on our masks.’” Trustee Deb Hatfield said, although she’s not a “huge mask proponent,” she sees the logic in mandating them for ISD students. “Especially for classrooms, I think that, once again, we are dealing with a population that is much different than just Gen Ed,” she said. “You know, I don’t like the mask, but I think, at this point, especially from what we’re seeing everywhere else it’s going to come back because we’re all going to be back indoors. And I think that for our students, I don’t mind the mask requirements.” Staff members also are expected to wear masks while in the classrooms with students. When not in the same room, however, fully vaccinated staff would not need to wear masks. Franklin said they have looked to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Barry-Eaton District Health Department to determine their COVID-19 policy. BISD board members also discussed a regional enhancement millage. Board mem­ bers initially had hoped to bring the millage up for election in November, but the Delton Kellogg board of education decided Friday at a special meeting not to request the ISD mill­ age. Millage requests for an intermediate dis­ trict must go through the local districts before getting final approval from the ISD board. In the coming weeks, Franklin said they plan to have a joint board meeting between BISD, Delton Kellogg and listings districts to discuss best steps forward. “[We’re going to] have some conversation about timing, which is really the big issue,” Franklin said. “I think there was concern that, because of Hastings having a vote last week that didn’t pass, it was maybe too soon to try to have another vote. Would that confuse the voters, or upset the voters?” They envisioned asking for millage to sup­ port special education as well as career and technical education at a proposed rate of 2 mills over nine years. At the upcoming meet­ ing, Franklin said they will further discuss the ideal amount and duration of a millage levy. “It would help [the districts] offset some of their current unreimbursed special ed costs, and that’s more general fund dollars they can spend on other things for students and pro­ grams,” Franklin said. “Or, it could mean new dollars that they can do some exciting CTE things with that they haven’t been able to do before.” child abuse.” Later, Pugh accused Snyder and McMillin of supporting policies that jeopardize lives. “Our children need to wear masks, not only to protect themselves but to protect others ,”J she said. “You want to take the protection they have away? You’re killing our children. That’s on you.” t Barry County updated to ^higlf COVID transmission Barry-Eaton District Health Department COVID-19 transmission level in both Barry and Eaton counties is now at “high,” an increase from the previous level of “sub­ stantial,” Barry-Eaton District Health Department officials said Wednesday. The data this level is based upon comes from co vid .cdc .gov/co vid-data-tracker/#county-view. Additional detailed data can be found at mistartmap .info/ and barryeatonhealth.org/ coronavirus. With this increased level of COVID-19 spread, BEDHD and CDC recommend that all individuals wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, individuals who have been exposed to an individual known to have - or who is suspected of having - COVID-19 should be tested for COVID-19 three to five days after exposure, regardless of vaccina­ tion status. Both Eaton and Barry counties are now classified at the high community transmis­ sion level. Barry County has a seven-day case rate of 112.1 cases per 100,000 persons and a test positivity rate of 10.42 percent and was clas­ sified as high as of Wednesday. The number of new cases identified in the county this week was 69 cases, an increa^t of 92 percent over the previous week. Most counties that neighbor the district also have met the substantial or high transmission threshold. Eaton County has a seven-day case rate of 112.45 cases per 100,000 persons and a test positivity rate of 6.49 percent and was clas­ sified as high as of Wednesday. The number of new cases identified this week was 124, which represents an increase of 210 percent over the previous week. The positivity rates that health officials are seeing indicates that not enough testing is being done - meaning that cases are being missed, and folks are spreading COVID-19 without being aware that they are positive, according to BEDHD. Visit solvhealth.com/ search?cobrandedSrpLocation=MI to find a testing site. BEDHD reported that current vaccination levels vary across the health department district: “While some areas have fairly good vaccination coverage, other areas are lag­ ging and are at higher risk. We encourage anyone who is able to get vaccinated. Vaccination prevents hospitalization and death among those who have breakthrough ^ cases. „ “BEDHD offers walk-in vaccinations at both of our offices.” Michigan COVID cases double to more than 1,000; deaths still low Banner staff and Bridge Michigan Barry County reported 58 active cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, up from 45 the previous week, according to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Michigan’s seven-day average of new CO VID cases is now more than 1,000 per day, jumping up from slightly more than 500 cases in less than two weeks.. .. . .. . That’s far faster than last year, when it took two months to go from 500 daily cases in July to more than 1,000 daily cases in October — and before more than 4.6 million people in Michigan had been fully vaccinated. The numbers rose as Michigan on Monday reported 2,720 new cases over the past three days for a daily average of 907. After a month of reporting new coronavirus data on Tuesdays and Fridays, the state is going to start releas­ ing CO VID information on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Health officials say this trend illustrates the potency of the Delta variant, which public health officials say is nearly twice as conta­ gious as the original virus - and which is predominantly infecting those who have not been vaccinated. The virus is far more common in some areas than others, with Branch County, in southern Michigan at 32 cases per 100,000, up from 21 the week before. ; Metro Detroit is now at about 12 cases per 100,000, up from seven the week before. . The increase has triggered a surge in hospi­ talizations, with the state reporting 752 confinned or suspected coronavirus patients .in" hospitals statewide, that’s up 42 percent from 531 on Friday. For the past week, 7 percent of Michigan coronavirus tests have come back positive, up from 6 percent a week ago and 4.25 percent two weeks ago. Deaths attributed to the virus have not risen in Michigan, but that count can typically lag weeks after surges. Since Friday there have been eight addi­ tional COVID-19 deaths. Since the pandemic began, there have been 19,958 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Michigan along with 1,270 cases in which COVID is indicated as the probable cause. ———— 165753 BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER WOLCOTT DRAIN NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DETERMINATION DATE: Monday, August 23,2021 ' £1 TIME: LOCATION: QUESTIONS: 6:00 p.m. Woodland Township Hall 156 S. Main Street Woodland, Michigan 48897 (269)945-1385 ... A Board of Determination will meet at the above date, time and location, to hear all interested persons, receive evidence and determine whether the main-., tenance and improvement of the Wolcott Drain, as set forth in the petitions, dated April 13, 2021 and April 20, 2021, is necessary and conducive to the public health, convenience or welfare, pursuant to Chapter 8 of Public Act 40 of 1956, as amended. . A presentation will be made to the Board of Determination outlining a brief history of the Drainage District, and describing the roles, responsibilities and decisions made by a Board of Determination. The presentation is to provide background for landowners and municipalities in the drainage district and to facilitate the dissem­ ination of information and the receipt of testimony of landowners in the Drainage District. The Board of Determination will make its decision at the end of the meet­ ing. Woodland church celebrating 165 years Zion Lutheran Church near Woodland is preparing for its 165th anniversary celebration at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 22. The event will include an outdoor service, picnic, socializing, church history exhibits, games for kids and an old-fashioned hymn sing. Everyone is invited, but must RSVP by Aug 16 via phone, 269-347-4817, (leave message) or email to zionwoodlandmi@gmail.com. The church was organized in 1856 by 20 German families and has expanded over the years. Here, youngsters get restless during the 1956 centennial celebration. (Photo provided) Proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject to the provisions of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Information regarding this meeting, including the minutes of the meeting, may be obtained from the Barry County Drain Commissioner’s Office located at 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participa­ tion in the meeting should contact the Drain Commissioner at the number listed above or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Anyone aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Determination may seek judicial review pursuant to MCL 280.72a. Jim Dull, Barry County Drain Commissioner Dated: July 26, 2021 �Page 8 — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Rutland officials review plans for M-37 housing High winds take down trees - and stairs High winds tore through mid-Michigan Tuesday night, knocking down trees and cutting power to more than 250,000 Michigan residents. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts reached between 60 and 70 mph in several areas of the state. Parts of an old stairway landing outside the Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro in downtown Hastings were nearly ripped off the side of the building during the storm. The area around the building was blocked off with cones and caution tape to protect passers-by. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Jean Gallup Contributing Writer The Rutland Planning Commission last week discussed a proposed 36-unit housing development across from the Barry County fairgrounds on M-37 between Hastings and Middleville. Township Zoning Administrator Les Raymond asked for time to talk about it on agenda Aug. 4, stressing that the issue was not a site plan review of the subdivision, but a preliminary look to give commissioners’ developer Carl Algera’s basic concepts. Planning commission Chairman Larry Haywood said it was “a very good sketch.” The drawing shows what Algera is plan­ ning to do in the medium-density residential zone as a site condominium development. Planning commission members do not con­ sider the houses in a condo land division, just the lots, typically called units, to make sure they meet township ordinances. The development will not have condomini­ ums, Algera said, but there will be a home­ owners association with dues based on snow removal of the 22-foot-wide private road. “We’ll use the normal guidelines on main­ taining the yard and so on,” Algera said. The homes will be built in one or two phases, hopefully with a three-stall garage for each. “I don’t like to see a 10-by-10-foot shed in every back yard,” Algera said. The third bay could hold the normal things a shed would; they also could build in a sixby-six-foot area that would allow entry of bikes and such from the front of the bay. Algera is the general contractor of the proj­ ect. He intends to build each house himself and landscape it since he is a licensed land­ scaper. His father owns an excavating busi­ ness and will do the excavating for the on-site sewer systems. Each home would have brick or stone on it, and Algera said he would like to have sprinklers if the water wells are strong enough. Utilities will be water, sewer, drains, gas, electricity and cable. “I’d like to build them all at once,” he said, “but 10 a year would be awesome ... I’m thinking of a two-story ranch-type, adequate for a family. If we get approval, and it looks like we will, I’ll build a website so people can look at what we have.” Algera resides on the property, on “Parcel A” of about 10 acres. The parcel fronts M-37 and is not part of the project, leaving 24.2 acres of property for development. He outlined several more ideas for what he would like in the project, saying, “This is my dream ... I don’t know how long this will last. My goal is just to get going ... some of my dreams may not happen.” “This step was not [technically] necessary,” Raymond told commissioners. “I just wanted to get a step up on it. He was just explaining what he wanted; you won’t have to deal with all of this.” In other business, the commissioners and planning consultant Rebecca Harvey contin­ ued working on details of a township marijua­ na ordinance. They discussed using the spe­ cial land use permit as the best way to control marijuana facilities, and felt there was no need to open up light industrial zoning areas to marijuana facilities when so much agricul­ ture zoned land is available. They will consid­ er operating hours for marijuana operations and agreed they should set safety standards of 1,000 foot buffers between any marijuana facility and recreation areas, churches, schools and parks. In his monthly report, Raymond said he and fellow commissioner James Blake and township Trustee Gene Hall visited a large marijuana operation in Pinconning Township in Bay County. The security at the 140,000-square-foot facility was exceptional, Raymond said, and its cleanliness put it in the same league as a hospital. They were given tours and treated very well, and he said he thinks the operators, “art. well versed in what they’re doing.” SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Retirement planning tips for women Elaine Garlock The municipal parking lot on Fourth Avenue between the dental building and the medical building of Dr. Richard Barnett is having major work done this week. This space, in the early 1960s, was occupied by five wooden store buildings left from an earlier era. They had been occupied by a ladies’ dress shop and a pool room in the later years of their occupancy. One or more may have been occupied for family living quarters. The new parking lot provided a much needed service to the village. Remember when Richard Doane had the blank south wall of his building painted with the motto, “Go Vikes?” Fellowship Hall held a joyous event Monday midday when United Methodist Women of the host church gathered for their annual salad luncheon with many guests from other churches. Kathy Dobie of Potterville was the guest speaker/singer with an entertaining, uplifting program with music and the spoken word. She is the daughter-in-law of the late Gerald Dobie (wife Marcie) of Ottland Shores. Guests were treated to a variety of salads, vegetables, rolls and cool beverages along with coffee. Among the guests were three clergy persons. Well after the crime scene crisis was past, the Mobil gas station east of Woodland was still marked with police tape to prevent anyone from entering the premises. Pity the station owner manager who loses income every day the drives are closed. One can only hope that in the days that followed, there was an influx of business, even the curiosity seekers, to compensate for the loss of income immediately following the episode. Tomatoes are ripening fast. The vines are showing signs of their maturity with yellowing leaves. This seems early for such a happening. Sunflowers are at their best. Certain varieties now tower above everything else in the gardens of those who planted this spectacular flower in the spring. Some of the tall stalks have already collapsed from the weight of the heavily loaded heads. Work continues on the Emerson Street project. Because of this, all the incoming traffic of semi-trucks loaded with green beans have to approach Twin City Foods by other routes instead of having a straight route from Jordan Lake Highway to the plant at the west end of Emerson Street. Those trucks take up a lot of room at the intersections with Fourth Avenue and Tupper Lake Street. Its best for drivers to give those bean trucks a wide berth, allowing them to make the turn safely. BARRY COUNTY, Ml FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER The Family Support Center of Barry County would like to thank the following Sponsors for their support of the 20th Annual Elk's Sponsored Family Support Center Golf Outing. In addition, we want to thank the staff at The Legacy of Hastings for their great customer service and support. Title Sponsor Other Sponsorships & Donors Hastings Elk's #1965 Amanda Castelein Advanced Eyecare Professionals Barnes Dental Char and Larry MacDonald Trilander Multi Sport Club Hastings NAPA Auto Parts Hungry Howie's inspiration Studio Designs J-Ad Graphics Kiwanis Clb of Hastings Les's Sanitary Service Connie McMillian Mexican Connexion Mid-Michigan Insurance Group Progressive Graphics Southside Pediatrics Storrs Family The General Store of South Jefferson Street The Legacy at Hastings Thornapple Credit Union Traveler's Protective Association Walker, Fluke and Sheldon Platinum Sponsor Murray's Asphalt Diamond Sponsors Barry Associates, Inc. Burnips Equipment Coleman Agency Flexfab, LLC Highpoint Community Bank Law Offices of Carol Jones Dwyer Munn Manufacturing Gold Sponsors Converse Family Edward Jones Investments Andrew Cove Stacey Garrison, DDS Key Cleaning Services Mullenhurst Golf Course Thank you to all the golfers and volunteers for their continued support in helping us with our mission to "eliminate and prevent child abuse and neglect through awareness, advocacy and education". Congratulations to our First Place Winners "Tossy's Team" sponsored by Munn Manufacturing. Shelby Lynn Chodyniecki, Middleville and Ryan Daniel Byxbe, Middleville Robert Michael Jordan, Nashville and Christine Ann James, Nashville Angela Christine Willing, Chicago, IL and Daniel Lewis Rabbitt, Chicago, IL Leeann Michelle Shaw, Delton and Alex Gregory Lowe, Delton Wendy Kay McCracken, Delton and Russell James Scobey, Delton Kenzie Nicole Brummelhoff, Delton and Ghabriel Richard Domeier, Grand Rapids Daniel John Holman, Hastings and Kendra Marie Mitchell, Hastings Andrea Kay Hartman, Lake Odessa and Robert Raymond Bond, Lake Odessa Kaylyn Rae Armstrong, Hastings and Steven George Bolo Ashley Elizabeth Lennon, Hickory Comers and Christine Stephanie Stefanic, Hickory Comers Bailey Ann Yonkers, Woodland and Devon Jacob Kim, Hastings Michael Mouch, Freeport and Kristina Welton, Freeport Doug Allen Eicher, Hastings and Alexandra Kaitlin Mesecar, Hastings Jennifer Sue Hurst, Toledo, OH and Joseph Richard Hessling, Toledo, OH Donna Kay Oostema, Middleville and Randall Lee Goodrich, Middleville Steven Timothy Miller, Shelbyville and Kimberly Lynn Totzke, Springfield Ashley Elizabeth Ulberg, Hastings and Ty Matthew Van Alstine, Hastings Brie Lovina Brubaker, Wayland and Travis Michael Burton, Wayland Ronald Curtis Vander Linden, Grand Rapids and Krynn Briana Feutz, Middleville Rosemarie Ann Poulson, Shelbyville and Brett David Marsh, Shelbyville Zachary Grant Wyman, Delton and Maggie Jo Spencer, blastings Paul James Hines, Ashland, WI and Kelsey Judith Frieberg, Saint Paul, MN Dylan Eugene Dunklee, Hastings and Stephanie Greg Bumford, Hastings Audrey Francis Bartus, Denver, CO and Alexander Scott Whittier, Denver, CO David Dwayne-Vem Irwin, Wayland and Rose Marie Leblanc, Wayland Jared Dennis Ballard, Hastings and Addy Atreides Willard, Hastings David Dale Deweese, Hastings and Megan Ruth Richards, Hastings Matthew Webster Morse, Hickory Comers and Bianca Marie Williams, Hickory Comers Lester J. Mullet, Nashville and Susann D. Hershberger, Nashville Eric Bradley Hall, Marshall and Emily Sue Brecht, Battle Creek James Jeffrey Wilber, Hastings and Emily Sue Brecht, Battle Creek Amy Joy Miller, Hastings and David Lynn Ockerman, Dowling Pamela Jill Gross, Palm Springs, CA and Lucas Adam Rosencrans, Los Angeles, CA Jacob Paul Piotrowski, Delton and Alyson Kristine Huver, Delton Marie Hannah Hendrickson, Lake Odessa and Connor Lloyd-Jackson Blough, Lake Odessa Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist One day in 1939, Ida May Fuller stopped by the Social Security office in her hometown of Rutland, Vt., to inquire about Social Security benefits. She had been paying into Social Security and wanted to learn more. The following year, she received the first Social Security benefit payment - $22.54 - arriving as check number 00-000-001. Ida’s story still holds lessons for women today, and it started with her getting the information she needed. Today, signing up for a personal My Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount can help you get information tailored for you to plan for your retirement. It’s never too late to start planning. Ida was 65 years old when she started receiving benefit payments, but she lived well beyond her life expectancy of 65 years, 4 months. In fact;Ida lived to be 100 years old, and received Social Security benefit payments for 35 years. It’s important to create your personal My Social Security account as soon as possible. With your account, you can view estimates of future benefits, verify your earnings, and view the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. Verifying earnings is important because your future benefit is based on your earnings history. Your Social Security benefit payments’ will provide only a portion of your pre­ retirement income. You may have to save more to have adequate income for your desired lifestyle in retirement. Savings need to be an active part of your plan to take care of yourself and your family’s financial future. Ida never married. She supported herself. However, you may find yourself widowed or divorced - and having to provide for yourself for several more years. Unlike in Ida’s day, you can go online to see if you’re eligible at ssa.gov/retirement receive a current, deceased, or former spoused benefits. It might make financial sense to claim those benefits instead of your own ~ since the payments could be higher based on the individual’s own earnings history. We encourage you to follow Ida’s example and plan for your financial future. Share thil information with your friends and family and help us spread the word on social media. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/d Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. Financial FOCUS offices of Edward Jones Jim Lundin Financial Advisor Member SIPC Jeff Domenico, AAMS® Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100' Hastings, Ml 49058 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 818-0423 (269) 948-8265 e Review your IRA, 401 (k) beneficiaries If you’ve had an IRA and a 401(k) for many years, you may occasionally ask yourself some questions: “Am I contributing enough?” “Am I still funding these accounts with the right mix of investments for my goals and risk tolerance?” But here’s one inquiry you might be overlook­ ing: “Have I used the correct beneficiary designations?” And the answer you get is important. It wouldn’t be surprising if you haven’t thought much about the beneficiaiy designation - af­ ter all, it was just something you once signed, possibly a long time ago. Is it really that big a deal? It could be. For one thing, what if your family circum­ stances have changed since you named a beneficiaiy? If you’ve remarried, you may not want your former spouse to receive your IRA and 401 (k) assets or the proceeds of your life insurance policy, for which you also named a beneficiaiy. However, upon remarrying, many people do review their es­ tate plans, including their wills, living trusts, durable powers of attorney and health care direc­ tives. If you’ve revised these documents, do you have to worry about the old beneficiary desig­ nations? You might be surprised to learn that these previous des­ ignations can supersede what’s in your updated will and other documents. The end result could be an “accidental” inheritance in which your retirement accounts and insurance proceeds could end up going to someone who is no longer in your life. Furthermore, your retirement plans and insurance policy may not just require a single benefi­ ciaiy - you may also be asked to name a contingent beneficiaiy, to whom assets will pass if the primary beneficiary has already died. As you can imagine, the sit­ uation could become quite mud­ dled if stepchildren are involved in a remarriage. To avoid these potential prob­ lems, make sure to review the beneficiaiy designations on all of your accounts at some point and especially after a significant change in your family situation. If you see something that is out­ dated or incorrect, contact your retirement account administrator - or your insurance representa­ tive, in the case of life insurance - to request a change-of-beneficiaiy form. And if you really want to be on the safe side, you may want to enlist a legal professional to help you with this review to make sure the beneficiary designa­ tions reflect your current family situation and are consistent with what’s in your estate plans. In fact, if you’re already’:f working with an experienced r, estate planning attorney - and : you should - you might also pick up some other suggestions? for dealing with beneficiaries. Just to name one, it’s generally not a good idea to name minor children as beneficiaries. Be­ cause children can’t control the assets until they become adults, a court would likely have to name a guardian - one that you might not have wanted. Instead, you could either name your own I custodian to manage the assets , designated to the minor or estab­ lish a trust for the benefit of the? minor, which can distribute the money in several disbursements over a period of years - which is1 often a good move, since young ■ adults aren’t always the best at managing large lump sums. If you’re like many people,:..' you have a strong desire to leave// j something behind. But you’ll want to do it in the right way. So, pay close attention to your bene­ ficiary designations - when you first create them and throughout your life. This article was written by Ed­ ward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — Page 9 payments, and all the other banks, including those in Detroit, followed suit. fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner The Wildcat era To relieve the money stringency, the Michigan Legislature of 1837 passed the so-called “Wild Cat” bank law, the main provision of which was that bank notes could be issued on 30 percent of capital paid in. In a few months, more than 40 such banks were established, most of which were founded on fraud and deception, and every one went out of existence before two years had elapsed. To comply with the law, a barrel of species would be transported to a bank to be exhibited to the bank examiner, and then taken away to another bank, to fill the same purpose, and so on. But after the wild flurry had partially subsided, the Bank of Michigan resumed specie payments. During 1839, the Dwights became dissatisfied with Hastings’ management, and he resigned. His integrity was not questioned. Apparently, he was too kind-hearted for a banker, but sufficiently strict in demanding full security for loans and prone to be overly generous in judging the character of loan applicants. Auditor general in 1840 Although Hastings was a Whig and later a Republican, he was never active in politics. Nevertheless, he was appointed auditor The Dwights became dissatisfied with the general (probably by Gov. William management of the bank and asked Eurotas P. Woodbridge who resigned Feb. 24, 1841, to Hastings (of their Geneva Bank) to examine become U.S. senator) and served in that its affairs and to remain on as director, if he so capacity from 1840 to 1842. This was desired. apparently a tribute to Hastings’ ability as an Finds evidence of fraud accountant and his reputation for honesty. Heading the committee of investigation, When he assumed office, he found the Hastings found the accounts of cashier James books to be in an utter state of confusion. McCloskey were carelessly kept and showed Under his direction, the account books of both evidence of fraud. A comprehensive the auditor general and the state treasurer examination of the books by Hastings over a were rewritten. He also took charge of the period of three months established definitely accounts of the Michigan Central Railroad, that McCloskey was $10,300 in arrears. then owned by the state, which had been During this time, Peter J. Desnoyers resigned, losing money steadily. and Hastings was elected in his place. At that time, the Michigan State Bank After receiving Hastings’ final report, the owed a large sum to the state for deposits, directors named him one of the committee of which it could not pay. Hastings was one of three to count the cash and take over the commissioners appointed to take over the possession of the key to the vault. This time assets of the institution he once had served as however, the funds on hand agreed with the president. After the commission reported a cash account. What had happened to the settlement, the assets were placed in the hands $10,300 shortage? While the examination was of the auditor general and the bank discharged in progress, McCloskey had received a special from further liability. deposit in the form of a box of money Assignee in bankruptcy containing $40,000 from Charles J. Lannon, At the expiration of his term, Hastings receiver of the United States Land Office at retained the assets because the Legislature Monroe. had not discharged the commissioners from Hastings secured the vault key, but only their trust. A law was passed providing that after a physical struggle for its possession the Democratic successor, Alpheus Fletch, with McCloskey. A count of the cash in the should receive the assets, and that Fletch box showed $10,300 less than the receipt should then collect them and pay them over to signed; by McCloskey called for. The. the treasurer. ' troublesome cashier had attempted to square Hastings, however, refused because of his accounts by perpetuating another robbery! liens on the property received, for which he No trace of the missing $10,300 was ever was responsible, and for which the state had found. McCloskey was charged with not given him protection. The persons holding embezzlement. C.C. Trowbridge succeeded those liens sought to enjoin Hastings, but McCloskey as cashier, and Hastings continued Chancellor Farnsworth dissolve the injunction. as president of the bank until 1839, a period of Later, the chancellor reversed this decision, 14 years during which time it had an eventful and the secretary of state demanded the history. assets. Hastings refused, appealed the case to A government depository the Supreme Court, and won. Only after the In 1832, the Bank of Michigan was Legislature provided for the liens, did selected by the government as one of the top Hastings turn over the assets to the state. depositories for the safekeeping and Spring 1841, Hastings was assailed in the disbursement of public money derived mostly Legislature. Certain representatives charged from the sale of government lands. President him with misfeasance in office, for paying Hastings was opposed to receiving and using bills contrary to law. [Eventually] a complete the money, but the Eastern stockholders investigation by a Senate committee advised it, and official assurances were given exonerated him completely after finding that to the officers that deposits might be used for the payments had been made honestly and commercial purposes. The bank’s footing of legally. $3 million made it one of the largest banks in Judge Ross Wilkins appointed Hastings as this region. official assignee in bankruptcy, in 1842, under Its bills circulated as freely in Texas, the old general bankruptcy law, a position he Louisiana or Maine as in Michigan or Ohio, held up to the time of his death. During the and nearly every prominent man in the West first few years in that position, he settled 660 and Northwest had more or less new business cases in bankruptcy, aggregating millions of with it. Money was loaned freely on notes and dollars. This position was not very lucrative in wild lands. Under the stimulus of approaching later years, and he engaged in several other admission to the Union, a tide of immigration businesses. During the first part of U.S. Civil set in from the Eastern states, accompanied by War, he was a clerk in the provost marshal’s wild speculation in lands. The Bank of office and, afterward, bookkeeper for J.W. Michigan established a branch in Kalamazoo, Tillman, the furniture dealer. which for a while did a profitable business. Active Presbyterian Most of the securities furnished to the Hastings was an active and prominent bank during that time were based on improved member of the Presbyterian Church in Detroit. real estate and wild lands. There was little He is believed to have been one of a group cash capital in the state, save that furnished by who founded the [Jefferson Avenue] the two banks. Presbyterian Church from the older First The charter of the Bank of Michigan was Presbyterian Church, which was exceedingly liberal, permitting the circulation nondenominational. of three times the amount of its capital, and Soon after coming to Detroit, Hastings also as much as the specie on hand. was chosen as ruling elder. When the first Reverses came church decided to sell its old property to raise President Andrew Jackson’s specie funds for establishing three new churches, circular of July 11, 1836, directing all public Hastings was one of the three trustees given officers to receive and pay out coin money complete authority to carry through all details only was a jolt that brought business to a of the transaction. standstill. Money was a short item in this new When the Jefferson Avenue church was territory. By Jan. 1, 1837, [just weeks before under construction, in 1854, Hastings was Michigan became a state] affairs had reached chosen chairman of the meeting held to a state of panic. Land promotions collapsed. perfect the organization and also was named Banks had to pay back loan monies deposited the first ruling elder in that church and by the government and were compelled to continued in that office until the time of his make drastic cuts in their own loans. death. He also served as clerk of the session of Merchants failed, manufacturing operations that church and the stated clerk and treasurer stopped, and banks closed their doors. In May, of the Presbytery of Detroit. He often the New York Bank suspended specie represented the Presbytery of Detroit as lay TURNING BflGK THE PAGES < City’s namesake was known for integrity, honesty Hastings will soon be marking its 150^ anniversary of becoming a city. Like the county, named for a U.S. postmaster general who likely never set foot on Barry County soil, Eurotas Parmalee Hastings may never have found his way here. Still, now seems like an appropriate time to find out more about the namesake who put the town on a map 185 years ago. The special Centennial Edition of The Hastings Banner May 3, 1856, featured a variety of historical stories, many written by Marshall L. Cook, including this article on a Presbyterian banker by the name of Hastings. Eurotas P. Hastings, man of good deeds Served state as auditor general in turbulent era City’s namesake noted for strong friendships and many generous actions It is probable that Eurotas P. Hastings never visited Barry County or the town site thqt carried his name. The deal that started Hastings on its way was merely a routine land transaction that involved the transfer of a title to a specific parcel of property from one man to a group of promoters - a deal typical,of. hundreds of other transactions in an era of unrestrained land speculation. County seat purchase The record shows that “on the 26th day of July 1836, Eurotas P. Hastings sold to Philo A. Dibble, Lansing Kingsbury and Cornelius Kendall, for $3,000, a tract of land in Town 3 North, Range 8 West, known as the ‘Barry County Seat Purchase,’ and covering the northeast quarter of the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 18, and the northwest and west half of the southwest quarter in Section 17. The county seat had already been located at that point by commissioners, but there were no settlers anywhere in that part of the county.” What sort of an individual was Hastings? The following personal sketch is derived from copies of clippings of the Advertiser and Tribune (Detroit) of June 1, 1866, and the Detroit News Tribune of March 1, 1896, obtained through assistance of the *Burton Historical Collection, Detroit, and other source material from the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Historical Commission. Eurotas P. Hastings was born in Washington, Litchfield County, Conn., July 20, 1791. When 6 years old, he moved with his parents to Clinton, Oneida County, N.Y. It was there he attended school, and at age 14 began work as a clerk in a general store. Five years later, he and his brother Orlando operated in general store together under the firm name of O.&E.P. Hastings. The brothers contracted in 1811 to furnish material for the first permanent building of Hamilton College at Clinton [one of the oldest colleges in the country today]. The brothers’ partnership was dissolved several years later, when Orlando entered law school. The old Bank of Michigan Eurotas’ next moved to Utica, N.Y., where he clerked for two years and then was appointed teller and later cashier in the Bank of Geneva at Geneva, N.Y. It was from here he moved to Detroit Feb. 1,1825, to examine the affairs of the Bank of Michigan. The Bank of Michigan, established in 1818, was the second bank to operate in the new territory. Its predecessor, the Detroit Bank, was started in 1805, and was abolished by Congress in 1807. In 1824, the Dwights, capitalists with interests in Boston, Springfield in Geneva, acquired control of the Bank of Michigan, and it was thereafter often called the “Bank of the Dwights.” NOTICE More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Public Review of the Barry County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Wednesday August 18, 7 pm at the Tyden Center 121 S. Church St., Hastings James Yarger, PEM, Coordinator Barry County Emergency Management Department Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! SALE Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com delegate in the new School General Assembly. For many years, he also conducted the music of the Sunday school. Hastings served as city recorder of Detroit in 1827, and in 1830 was treasurer of the Wayne County Bible Society. He served as secretary of the territorial school union in 1831, was named commissioner of the district schools in 1833, and aided in the establishment of the Detroit Board of Education 1842. Hastings was one of the first directors of the Michigan Central Railroad in 1835, served as United States pension agent from 1837 to 1854 and United States commissioner in 1843. Married three times When Hastings first came to Detroit, he lived in the abandoned officers’ quarters of Fort Shelby, which were rented from the city. For many years, he lived in his own house, built in the neo-Grecian style, on the south side of Jefferson Avenue next door west of Christ Church. After his death, it was owned and occupied by ex-governor Robert McClelland, and was tom down in 1890. Hastings had three wives and five children - and survived them all. His first wife, Electa Owen, died before he came to Detroit, [as did his eldest son.] His second wife was Mrs. Philema (Field) Moody whom he married in Geneva N.Y. She bore him [four sons], who died young, with the exception of Henry Dwight Hastings, who was bom in 1827 and died in 1850, age 21 years. His third wife, Theodosia DeVeaux Petit, was the widow of Probate Judge W.W. Petit. She was instrumental in founding the Ladies Free School Society, was one of the first directors of the Protestant Orphan Asylum when it was organized in 1836 and was its treasurer for several years. She died March 4, 1863, at tjie. age of 62 years. E.P. In paying tribute to Hastings, after his death at his Jefferson Avenue residence Friday June 1, 1866, at 6 p.m., the Advertiser and Tribune (Detroit) of June 2, 1866, referred:;to him as “one of our oldest and most esteemed citizens.” Years later, the Detroit News Tribune of March 1, 1896, described him as “respected admired and beloved as a man of Aristidean honesty and good deeds.” That, in brief, is a life sketch of the man for whom the city of Hastings, Michigan, was named. Hastings is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. A large marker also is engraved with the names of some family members, including his first wife and eldest son, who are buried in Geneva, N.Y. Compiled by Kathy Maurer, copy editor. Sources: Hastings Banner; Family Record of Dr. Seth Hastings, Sr. by the late Francis H. Hastings, 1899; Ancestry.com; politicalstrangenames .blogspot.com; findagrave.com. Portrait of Hastings namesake back at City Hall The portrait of Eurotas P. Hastings was printed in the Banner's Centennial Edition May 3, 1956, accompanied by the following text: “The above picture of Eurotas P. Hastings is reproduced from an oil painting now hanging in the William T. Wallace Memorial Library [at Hastings High School], that was presented to the City Friday evening, Dec. 23, 1910, by Charles W. Mixer. The portrait was accepted on behalf of the city by Mayor Charles H. Osborn, who appointed a committee consisting of Aiderman William G. Bauer, Charles H. Barber, and John A. Wooten to prepare resolutions thanking Mixer for the gift. “It is probable that the above picture was painted in 1835 by Alvah Brandish, a wellknown artist of that day. According to The Detroit News Tribune of 1896, “He (Hastings) was then 44 years of age, of medium stature and of slender frame, being about 5 feet, 9 inches in height , Weighmg'about 130 pounds1,1 with a healthy but somewhat pallid complexion. His dark hair was thin and sprinkled with gray, and his eyes were black and expressive. He had a well-shaped head, a scholarly, clean-shaven face, and was a good­ looking prepossessing man. He was always well-dressed in orthodox black, like all professional persons, or a high beaver hat and black silk stock. In cold weather, his usual outside garment was a Boston wrapper, as it was called, of black or brown cloth, quilted and lined with silk, and coming below his knees. He was quick in his motions, and cordial, cheery and inviting in his speech and manner. He was a man of strong likes and dislikes, but never carried the latter beyond the limits of good sense and courtesy. With him, the claims of friendship were imperious, and this, perhaps, was the most noticeable defect of his character. “Mixer requested that the picture be hung in the council chamber until such time as the city should have a public library. So, when a combination of school and city library wa^! opened in completion of the “new” high school in 1917, the portrait of Hastings was placed there - and transferred last year to the new William T. Wallace Memorial Library, where it now hangs on the south wall of the conference room.” Charles W. Mixer (1858-1934) of the Mixer Medicine Co., made his fortune selling an unproven “cancer cure,” Mixer’s Syrup. The connection between Mixer and Hastings (1791-1866) is unknown. The portrait now hangs in the lobby ^pf. Hastings City Hall. Photo provided by Dan King. More than one with unusual name Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Though Eurotas Parmalee Hastings shares his name with two local settlements - the city of Hastings and the little hamlet of Parmalee/ Parmelee in Thomapple Township - it is unknown whether he ever visited Barry County or the town that bears his name. He also was the first president of the Quincy Mining Company in the Keweenaw Peninsula - about 560 miles from Detroit which would have been an arduous trip if he ever journeyed there. Hastings was bom in Connecticut, the sixth of 11 children of Dr. Seth and Eunice Parmelee Hastings, named, perhaps, after a Greek river and his maternal ancestors. His unusual moniker is included in politicalstrangenames .blogspot.com, along with Ashmun Asaph Knappen (better known as Rev. A.A. Knappen) of Hastings. As unusual as his name is, he is not the only Eurotas Parmalee Hastings. He had a nephew with the same name, a minister, who married Anna Cleveland, the eldest sister of President Grover Cleveland. Eurotas was about 46 when Grover Cleveland was bom in 1837, and died about five years before Cleveland won his first election - that of Erie County, N.Y., sheriff and nearly 20 years before Cleveland was inaugurated as president the first time. So, if he ever met his nephew’s brother-in-law, it was long before Cleveland had any political aspirations. Sources: Family Record of Dr. Seth Hastings, Sr. by the late Francis H. Hastings, 1899; Ancestry.com; politicalstrangenames. blogspot.com. 165114 NOTICE: SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards: Community Mental Health Authority: 1 position Area Agency on Aging Council: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rc* floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do i apply for: A position on an Advisory Board or Commission and click on apply; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. I �Page 10 — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Watson Drain project estimated at $5.5 million Rebecca Pierce Editor The Watson Drain project - at a cost of an ■estimated $5.5 million - will be one of the most expensive projects undertaken by the Barry County Drain Commissioner’s office. That project, which will get underway after Oct. 15, will be up and functional by April 1, Z2Q22, Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim DUH told the county board Tuesday. Bids on the Watson Drain project came in fast week, and assessment rolls were reviewed Monday. “It’s a really expensive project,” Dull said, ‘ noting that $5.5 million is what they came up ; with in their computation of costs. “We will come to the county and ask for full faith and ■credit because it will save people interest rates.” A “phenomenal” interest rate of 1.8 percent for 20 years looks likely, he said. The district involves 1,082 parcels, proper­ ty owners and municipalities. The cost will be spread over 20 years. The project will involve the installation of ^684 linear feet of 12-inch storm water force ' main at an average depth of 5 feet; 4,006 lin­ ear feet of 18-inch storm water force main at an average depth of 5 feet; grading, excava­ tion and construction of two pump station . * Rick Moore listens to comments about .masks; he offered his view during public Comment as well. fl • ____ ----- Commissioner Dave Jackson poses a question during the drain commissioner’s presentation.(Photo by Rebecca Pierce) buildings, including intake and distribution lines; and the installation of pumps and pump filters in the pump station buildings; along with bringing the system online for initial operation. Dull said 117 contractors were invited to bid on the project. “We had 15 showed up for pre-bid with six actually submitting bids on the work,” he said. One of the pump houses will have four pumps while the other will have one pump, Dull described, noting that the timing of the work is being dictated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The DNR asked them not to draw down Crooked Lake until after Oct. 15. And the work must conclude by April 1, he said. Dull also is specifying building materials made to last: “I don’t want any maintenance being done on this for the next 50 years,” he said. “I want cement block buildings and steel roofs. They last forever.” During the public comment portion of the meeting, commissioners also heard from sev­ eral citizens who expressed concern about the potential for mask-wearing to be mandated in the county. Kaylin Rhoades of Dowling said, “I’m just very fearful that these kids are going to have to be in masks.” Kaylin Rhoades of Dowling urges com­ missioners to discourage any mask-wear­ ing mandates in the county. Faith Byykkonen of Dowling tells the county board that mask wearing can be harmful. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull details the Watson Drain project with the county board Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) health the way we see fit.” Rick Moore, from Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission, offered the follow­ ing response: “I would prefer to err on the side of safety rather than opinions from the internet,” Moore said. “And children, if they saw their parents wearing masks, they wrould be more likely to wear them. ...You notice in oriental countries where they’ve been worried about epidemics for years, they wear masks all the time. And you can breathe while wearing a mask. I wore a mask for a long time and had to get rid of the habit of breathing through my mouth because of the mask. But, then again, I might not have gotten COVID because of wearing that mask. So it is a good idea to do that. “Where I consider myself a Libertarian in some ways, and always erring on the side of liberty; at the same time, I wish to take care of friends and families — and if something as simple as wearing a mask can do that, then that’s great.” Then Moore thanked two men in the audi­ ence who were masked. “The children are so important and their lungs are so delicate, they need to be taken care of to the utmost degree,” 4 In other business? the commissioners: • Approved pre-paid invoices of $3,419,146, claims of $54,101 and commissioner reim­ bursements for mileage amounting to $184. • Approved, in accordance with the Airport Commission Joint Operating Agreement, the expenditure of $19,685.60 to close and c#p underground storage tanks at the Hastings City/Barry County Airport • Approved a tentative successor collective bargaining agreement with the Command Officers Association of Michigan, Barry County Command Division, for Jan. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31,2025. • Approved the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) Health Care Savings Program Participation Agreement for the Barry County Sheriff Deputies Unit arid Command Officers Unit employees and MERS Health Care Savings Program Participation Agreement for the Barry County Transit employees effective July 1,2021. ' • Authorized the chairman of the county board to approve the 2021-2022 Child Care Fund Plan and budget. • Approved the Title IV-D Cooperative Reimbursement Program contract Amendment Number 2, which covers Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023. • Appointed Commissioner Bruce Campbell as officer delegate and Central Dispatch Director Stephanie Lehman as officer alter­ nate to attend the* 2021 MERS annua! ^meeting on Oct. 6-8,2021, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. No suspects in theft of welder A 61-year-old man called police at 2:26 p.m. July 23 to report a welder and equipment had been stolen from underneath an open car port at his residence in the 11000 block of Enzian Road in Prairieville Township. The man said it was stolen the night before, and « he did not have any suspects in mind. The cost of the equipment is estimated at $350. The case is inactive. Man alleges hay taken from field A 74-year-old man called police at 4:07 p.m. June 20, to report someone had stolen the hay from his 71-acre field in the 7000 block of East Cloverdale Road in Maple Grove Township. His 53-year-old son said that sometime in the previous 10 days someone had cut the hay, bailed it and taken it off the property. A neighbor reported seeing farming equipment belonging to a 54-year-old Hickory Comers man on the field. The son said the man had expressed interest in farming the field, but he told the man he didn’t think his father would be interested. The man told police he had a verbal agreement with the owner of the field to farm it, but he’d some confusing correspondence with the owner since then. The value of the hay is estimated at $16,400. The case remains under inves­ tigation. Wallet, empty pill bottles stolen from car A 29-year-old woman called police at 6:20 a m. July 30 to report her wallet and some pili bottles had been stolen overnight from her car in the 400 block of Lincoln Street in Middleville. The woman said she had locked the vehicle with her phone, but her daugh­ ter may have been playing with the key fob and unlocked it by accident. The woman said the pill bottles, for a methadone prescription, were empty, but she needed a police report to get it refilled. The case is inactive without any suspects. $8,000 Skid-Steer stolen from farm A 39-year-old man called police at 3:36 p.m. July 31 to report a Skid-Steer had been stolen from his family’s property in the 5000 block of Head Road in Hope Township. The man said the thief must have had a key, or hot-wired it, because he still had the key 5 for the machinery. He said the Skid-Steer, and the property, belonged to family members who recently died. Another family member was currently serving as head of the estate, but the man said there had been some issues with ownership of the estate, and another family member may have taken the Skid-Steer. The value of the machinery is estimated at $8,000. The case remains under investigation. K-9 tracks down suspect Police officers responded to a report of a breaking and entering in progress in the 100 block of State Street in Middleville at 7:53 p.m. July 31. A caller gave a description of the suspect vehicle, which was headed north. An officer passed the vehicle on Woodschool Road and, as the officer turned around, the vehicle sped up. When the offi­ cer arrived at the Wing Road intersection, the vehicle was empty. The officer saw a man walk toward the vehicle, then turn and run when he saw the police cruiser. K-9 officer Grizzly was let out of the vehicle and tracked the man into the woods and swamp, before finding him lying near a tree. The suspect, age not given, came out and was arrested. Two laptops stolen from unlocked car A 60-year-old man called police at 2:05 pm. July 20 to report the overnight theft of his backpack from his car while it was parked in the 1000 block of West State Road in Rutland Township. He said two laptops,his passport and other items were inside the car, which was unlocked. He said the backpack was stolen the night of July 16, and no sus­ pects came to mind. The case is inactive. Denise Baughman of Middleville says wearing masks affects her blood pressure level. “I know you guys have a hand with the health department somehow,” she told com­ missioners. “Please stand up for the children. ...Help us with that.” Faith Byykkonen, also from Dowling, said that masks are not healthy. “I despise them,” she said. “We’re all Americans here; we have a right to choose.” She urged commissioners to encourage the health department to let mask-wearing be a choice, not a mandate. Denise Baughman of Middleville got up and proceeded to reach a series of numbers. “Those are my blood pressure readings when I was forced to wear a mask,” she told com­ missioners. “Masks are not for everyone. ... I just implore you to use whatever you have in your heart, in your mind, in your power to keep our choice our choice, to take care of our GET ALL THE NEWS W haddv DnlUII COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Breath of fresh air .Dr. Universe: How do lungs work to help keep you alive? Ellie, 11, North Carolina Dear Ellie, Take a deep breath. As air travels through your nose and mouth into your lungs, it brings oxygen into the body. To find out exactly how it all works, I talked to my friend Kim Chiok, a researcher at Washington State University. In the lab at WSU, she designs exper­ iments to help us learn about diseases that impact our lungs and other parts of the body that help us breathe. When you breathe in, little hairs in your nose help filter out particles like dust, so they don’t enter the body. The air warms up as it flows into a tube-like structure called the trachea. The trachea leads down to the bronchial tubes and into the pink, spongy lungs. Chiok said to explore how lungs work, we also can think about them as if they were made of bubble wrap. “But imagine that the bubbles don’t pop. Instead, whenever you squeeze the bubbles, they deflate but then go back to their own shape,” she said. The air sacks in the lungs are like the individual bubbles in the bubble wrap. We call these air sacks alveoli, and there can be hundreds of millions of these sacks in the lungs. The alveoli fill up with air and release air all day long. The air sacks are lined with lots of tiny, living things called cells. These cells may be small, but they have a big job to do. They help bring the oxygen to blood, so the blood can transport it around the body. Oxygen in your blood can help do all kinds of things — repair cells, boost the immune system that helps protect you from getting sick, and even give you energy. Not only do the air sacks bring oxy­ gen to the body, they also help release carbon dioxide, which is a kind of left­ over from the work some of your cells do. When you get the flu or have other respiratory problems, it can sometimes make it hard to breathe. That’s because the alveoli lining becomes thick when fluid, and inflammatory cells build up in the thin layer of tissue. The alveoli then have a hard time collapsing and expand­ ingThis also happens when smoke from wildfires or from smoking cigarettes fills up the lungs. While smoke can make it hard to breathe, it also can kill lung cells. Lung cells can repair themselves, but it takes a long time for them to get back to normal. In some cases, the cells never fully recover. Chiok said it’s as if the bubbles in our imaginary bubble wrap, those alveoli, get destroyed. That’s also why it’s really important to protect ourselves from smoke and other small particles that might make it hard for the lungs to do their job. When we keep our lungs healthy, the life-giving oxygen is allowed to flow into our bodies - and carbon dioxide to flow out - so we can all live our best lives. ' , Dr. Universe Know a kid with a science question? Adults can help kids submit a question for a chance to be featured in a future video, podcast, or Q&A post. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu. edu or visit her website, askdruniverse, com. > �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — Page 11 Hastings Charter Township eyes new emergency services contract MISSING, continued from page 1 getting help. The three boys told the officer their mother was “in bad shape and in the wrong state of mind.” One son said Hazen gave him a copy of her tax returns and the title to her vehicle, but she did not say why she was doing that. He said he put the title back in the vehicle. They told police she left them around 1 p.m., and that was the last time they saw her. One of the sons said he tried to call his mother on July 22 to see if she had kept her appointment at Barry County Mental Health, but that call went straight to voicemail. Witnesses told police they last saw Hazen on Wednesday, July 21. She was driving her 2005 silver Ford Escape, which was missing a license plate. That vehicle has not been found. Police contacted Hazen’s cell phone pro­ vider, and learned that her phone has been off since 6:32 p.m. July 20. It was connected to a cell tower in Nashville at that time. Hazen’s nearby neighbor and ex-boyfriend, 37-year-old Patrick Stephens, said he saw Hazen the night of July 20. Stephens told police that he and Hazen drove to Niles that evening to purchase a gram and a half of methamphetamine, then arrived back at Hazen’s residence around 3:30 a.m. July 21. Stephens said they each did “one big line” of meth, and later talked about getting help to overcome their drug addiction. He added that there was some meth left over. Stephens said he went home around 4 a.m. He lives in Thomapple Lake Estates with his mother, who said Hazen’s vehicle was gone when she left the house at 9 a.m. Stephens said he did not see it return. His father, Timothy, told police he saw a black SUV arrive at Hazen’s residence around 2 p.m., and someone got out and went inside the residence. He said Hazen then walked out IUDUS/AL/ Al NOTICES \ STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION \ BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28910-NC WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Karen Lynn Hays-Satterfield. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 at 2:45 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Karen Lynn Hays-Satterfield to Samantha Joane S0,meS165746 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of: The Sang Im Bell Living Trust, dated March 8, 2021. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Sang Im Bell, who lived at 1670 Star School Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058, died on July 15, 2021, leaving a certain trust under the name of Sang Im Bell Trust, dated March 8, 2021, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Raymond Bell was named as Successor Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Raymond Bell, the named Successor Trustee, at Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date:August 10, 2021 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2900 Raymond Bell 8455 96th Street, SE, Alto, Ml 49302 166118 616-366-2849 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 21-028874-DE Hon. William M. Doherty Court Address: 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Keith Lee Hurless. Date of birth: 08/03/1925. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Keith Lee Hurless, died 05/25/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Barney Hutchins, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street., Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8/5/21 David H. Tripp P29290 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2900 Barney Hutchins 1897 Campground Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-9120 165862 Rachel Hazen carrying an overnight bag, got in her own vehicle and both vehicles left. Stephens, who can see Hazen’s residence from his own, said he noticed that Hazen had left the lights on in her residence on that after­ noon, July 21, and he went over and turned them off. He left a note on her door to say he was sorry he missed her before she had left for treatment, and that he cared about her. Hazen’s son told police he found that note soon after. Stephens told police he did not think Hazen could have gone far, since she did not have much money; she had spent most of it on meth the night before her disappearance. Stephens also told the officer the house was messy, and already in the state that it was in when the officer arrived. Hazen’s mother, Rebecca Evanski, told police she had gone to the residence on July 22,23 and 24, and found everything clean and undisturbed. She did notice a bag of groceries sitting on the counter that had not yet been put away. On July 25, Evanski said she arrived to find the residence had been ransacked. She said she confronted Stephens, who told her had been in the residence looking for notes or clues that might point to Hazen’s where­ abouts. The officer asked Evanski if she knew any­ one who drove a black SUV, and she said Hazen’s ex-boyfriend, Preston White of Vermontville, drives a black SUV. White told the officer that he had last spo­ ken to Hazen by phone on July 13. He said he has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to her return, and asked his friends who own airplanes to look for her vehicle from the air. Two of Hazen’s female friends said that, before her disappearance, they went with her to the bank to close out her account. During that trip, they said, she talked about Stephens, telling them she would threaten him by saying she could send him back to prison. According to the Michigan Department of Corrections, Stephens has a criminal record dating back to 2005 involving several drug convictions, including operating a meth lab. Another woman told police she was “99 percent sure” she saw Stephens driving Hazen’s vehicle on July 22, the day after her disappearance. The woman said she was out­ side near Little’s Country Store, and she saw a silver vehicle drive by. The woman said she recognized the tattoos on the man’s arm, which could be seen outside the driver’s side window as he drove past. One of Hazen’s sons looked at the record­ ings from a security camera that was placed near the store, but he was unable to spot a vehicle fitting that description. Another motorist told police that he believes he saw Hazen’s silver Ford on the afternoon of July 21. The driver was south­ bound on M-37, just south of M-79 Highway, when a vehicle matching that description came up from behind and tailgated him. Then it drove past him at a high rate of speed and, when he tried to get the license plate number, he saw that the vehicle did not have a plate. Anyone with information as to Hazen’s whereabouts since her disappearance is asked to call the Barry County Sheriff’s Office at 269-948-4801. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the Barry County Silent Observer at 1-800­ 310-9031. 166015 Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown introduced a new $118,602 contract with Mercy Ambulance Service during its monthly meeting Tuesday. For the past 45 years, Mercy Ambulance Service has served the City of Hastings and BIRCH Fire Association, which covers Baltimore, Irving, Rutland, Carlton and Hastings townships. And for the past 20 or so years, Mercy has charged zero dollars for its services. That’s changing. The current contract with Mercy Ambulance Service is set to expire in June 2022 and, as a result, Mercy has proposed a new contract starting at $118,602. The contract would cover five years with a 3-percent increase to the agreed-upon amount following the second year. The contract would end in 2026-27 at $129,600. “As time has passed, Hastings and Barry County has increased in population who is getting older,” Mercy Director/Treasurer Rodney D. Palmer wrote in a statement provided by Brown. “Cost of operation, medical and mental health incidents have changed and the current business model is not financially, or logistically possible. “Looking down the road for the next several years, a reasonable amount of subsidy is necessary to offset the rise of such costs. To help keep this cost as low as possible, Mercy Ambulance plans to make a substantial investment in additional equipment and personnel to meet the needs of our system.” Despite the increase in cost, Brown said the request is “extremely reasonable,” calling it “coffee money” compared to the price that other townships pay. “It’s been nice that we’ve had this free ride for a long time, but the free ride is over,” he said during the meeting. “And actually, to be honest with you, it’s going to be even better than it was before.” He pointed to multiple positive aspects to the new contract, including additional equipment and a more narrow coverage area. “Because of the shared financial commitment by the City of Hastings/BIRCH Alliance,” Palmer wrote, “the service will be limited to the geographical areas both entities serve and not to exceed a 60-mile radius.” The city and BIRCH will divvy up the price using a formula based on the number of runs and property value. Brown said Hastings Charter Township will use its budget to fund its portion of the cost. “It’s really a no-brainer,” Trustee Timothy McNally said, addings that if the township didn’t choose to be a part of the contract with Mercy, it most likely would have to levy a millage. They’re waiting to hear from other townships, but Brown said he is confident the contract will come together as planned. He read Palmer’s letter at the Hastings City Council meeting Monday and the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday. “So far, it’s very positive because we’ve been in this business long enough, we know HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE what costs are,” he said. “And this particular cost is extremely reasonable for all things considered for the situation at hand/ Buzz Youngs Legends Golf Outing The Buzz Youngs Legends Golf Outing experienced a year of change. Hastings Athletic Boosters supported this year’s outing. The event is named for George “Buzz” Youngs, who had a deep love of Hastings and a passion for high school athletics. Youngs loved to spend his time golfing and attending high school sporting events. He covered Hastings High School sports for 37 years as a sports reporter and editor at The Hastings Banner and the local radio station WBCH. Greg Gillons and Denny Storrs came up with the idea of the Buzz Youngs Legends Golf Outing in 2000 to sup­ port the athletic boosters. This year, because of COVID-19, no legend was selected, but several past legends played in the event. Buzz Youngs’ oldest son, Mike, came from Illinois to play with Jock Clarey, Tim Clarey and Jock Hopkins - all past graduates of Hastings High School. A part of the outing as a special event with Superintendent Matt Goebel hitting against teams on the 13th hole to hit the green. Boosters expressed their appreciation to all participants, adding their generosity will benefit Hastings’ ath­ letes. This year’s first place team was made up of (from left): Danny Hooten, Nate Tagg, Andy Baber and Tom Watson. (Photo provided) ^^MEOnlinESTri 2 DAY KARAOKE ^--XOIUTEST ------ Friday & Saturday, August 13 8c 14 at 5 pm Top 50% from day 1 advance to day 2 $1,OOO 1st Place Cash Prize I Top 3 Awarded $20 Contestants Fee / Free to Attend DJKeilKaraoke William Smith Memorial Park 201 E. Orchard St., Delton, Ml 269-370-3776 This is an outdoor event, please bring a chair and necessities. Please register by 5 pm on 8-13 TYDEni PARK » SATURDAY, AUG. 28™ Thursday, Aug. 12 - Movie Memories and Milestones watches a 1949 movie based on the book “Madame Bovary,” 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13 - star viewing party and Guided by the Stars stories at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, 8:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 - Dungeons and Dragons, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 - Novel Ideas Book Club discusses the Celeste Ng book that started the TV mini-series “Little Fires Everywhere;” Movie Memories and Milestones watches 1962 movie based on Gypsy Rose Lee’s memoirs, 4:30-8 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263, or checking its Facebook events. CITY OF HASTINGS BASKETBALLTOUBNAMBIT Pl/BL/C JV077CE of 3 or rs. City Offices Will Be Closed The City of Hastings will be closing its administrative offices Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 5:00 pm and will be reopening Friday, August 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm. This temporary closing is necessary to facilitate an upgrade of our financial software systems Entries must be to the Chamber by Friday, Aug. 20th Make checks payable to Hastings Summerfest 2021 CHECK IN... 8:30 AM Pick up T-shirts at this time TIP OFF... 9:30 AM Team Name Boys & Girls (Ages 12-14) I I Boys & Girls II (Ages 15-17) I IIl |11Men & Women i—i Men & Women I l(Ages 18-25) I!(Ages 26 & up) | Age brackets subject to change based on participation Please be aware, if you are wishing to make a payment during that time period, only online payments will be accepted through our Point and Pay system. See our website for details. Age Team Captain Send Entries to... Email Phone # Team Members Age Business that is non-payment related will still be conducted by appointment only and the police department will remain open during that time. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk Age Barry County Chamber of Commerce 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 out form completely TYDERI PARK » SATURDAY, AUG. 28™ �Page 12 — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Challenge draws hundreds of cyclists to Barry County _________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________ ■__________________________________________ 22J A group of just under 200 riders takes off to open the 38^ annual National 24-Hour Challenge cycling endurance event at Thomapple Kellogg Middle School in Middleville Saturday morning. (Photo by Brett Bremer) t Hundreds of cyclists from around the country gathered in Middleville last weekend for the 38th running of the National 24-Hour Challenge. Cyclists rode two routes during the endurance challenge - a 50-mile day loop running from Thornapple Kellogg Middle School to Delton Kellogg High School, then a 7.6-mile lighted night loop around Thomapple Kellogg Middle School. The event was designated the North American 24-hour national championship event by the World Ultra Cycling Association. Cyclists were treated to a spaghetti dinner prepared by the Middleville Rotary on Friday night and a pancake breakfast prepared by volunteers frorS; Middleville United Methodist Church on Saturday morning before they took to the road. Middleville has hosted the National 24-Hotir Challenge for 20 years. • r»// Billions coming to Michigan towns, bringing tough questions about priorities ^Charles Maurer (left) and Paul Maurer roll around the corner at Adams and Cherry Valley roads during an early evening Night Loop of the National 24-Hour Challenge Saturday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Robert Dexter McGee, 36, of Hastings, was convicted of two counts of failure to pay child support. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to pay $566 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months. McGee’s probation may end after 12 months if he makes all his payments, plus $300 or more, toward his arrearage. He will pay $18,180 in restitution to the Barry County Friend of the Court. Jeremy Lee Gesmundo, 42, of Galesburg, was convicted of failure to pay child support and sentenced by Judge Schipper to 60 days in jail, with credit for 60 days served. Gesmundo was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months. The judge also ordered him to partic­ ipate in, and successfully complete, the Office of Community Corrections’ Cog program and regular drug testing. He will pay restitution of $27,712.65 through Friend of the Court. In a separate case, Gesmundo was convict­ ed of the possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, as a second-time or subse­ quent offender, and carrying a concealed weapon. He was ordered to serve 57 days in jail, with credit for 57 days served, pay $566 in fines and costs, and placed on probation for 36 months. His driver’s license will be sus­ pended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Michael David Stonehouse, 34, of Woodland, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and domestic violence. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for 77 days served, on the first conviction, and 77 days in jail on the second conviction, with credit for 77 days served. He was ordered to pay $1,108 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. A count of second-de­ gree aggravated domestic violence was dis­ missed at the time of sentencing. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 For Sale Business Services Help Wanted SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. HOW WOULD YOU like the same schedule as your child? Nights, weekends & holidays off. YOU EVEN GET A SNOW DAY!!! Cale­ donia Schools Food Service is looking for help. Experience preferred in food & customer service, ability to work in a fast paced environment. If interested in joining our team please call 616-891-0227 from 8am-Noon Mon.-Thurs. Or apply online at aramark.com click on Caledonia Schools. All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Pets HEELER CROSS PUPPIES For sale- Very Cute. First shots, wormed, $350.00. 269­ 223-9194. STABLE HAND POSITION­ LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WITH EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES. 269-207-4218 OR zlpowell@yahoo.com. Bridge Magazine Michigan’s municipalities are set to get a massive injection of federal money, prompt­ ing tough decisions on how best to prioritize funding when there are so many needs. From infrastructure and blight to mental health services and parks, cities and counties have delayed investments for years, limiting their ability to “be thriving places,” according to a report from the Michigan Municipal League. Now that cities and counties are set to receive $4.37 billion from the federal govern­ ment as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, experts say municipal leaders should take an important first step before making decisions: Listen. “It’s a huge responsibility for us and we take that very seriously,” said Vicki Wolber, the deputy county executive of Macomb County. “We want to take our time and make sure we can make the best decisions that will serve our population for a long period of time.” That county is among some local govern­ ments that are embarking on listening tours and community forums to decide how best to spend the money. The money is huge: Macomb County is expecting to receive $169 million — an amount equal to 61 percent of its general fund budget, while, in Saginaw, the $52 million it expects to receive eclipses that mid-Michigan city’s budget for an entire year. In Macomb, Wolber said officials are con­ sidering a new building for the Department of Health and Community Services, and a new central intake facility for the county jail. The talks are ongoing as community lead­ ers wait for money that has been described as a once-in-a-generation windfall to Michigan communities, which altogether have lost more than $7.5 billion in state revenue sharing money from 2002 to 2017, according to a Michigan Municipal League report. Overall, all 83 counties are set to receive $1.93 billion, while 49 metropolitan cities and townships in the state have been allocated $1.80 billion. Local governments of 50,000 people or less will be able to benefit from an allocation of $644 million. The cities are bracing for the money as Michigan public schools decide how to spend an even bigger pot — more than $6 billion from three federal CO VID packages. School leaders are facing some of the same kid-in-a-candy-store moments as municipali­ ties, trying to figure out how to best spend an amount of new money they’ll likely never see again. Funding projects range from additional staff to new heating and cooling systems, and many schools, like municipalities, plan to take time to figure out what to do. The federal government has attached some strings to the money. Plus, municipal govern­ ments have to allocate it by 2024 and spend it by 2026. “We think that the American Rescue Plan Act is a historical investment in us, and should be looked at as a downpayment on our future,” said Rachel Richards, the fiscal poli­ cy director of the Michigan League for Public Policy. She said local governments’ top priority should be to listen to their constituents. “Your people know the needs of their com­ munities the best,” said Rachel Richards, “They are often the ones that are on the ground every day, seeing where there are holes in state and local government services that need to be filled.” Broadly speaking, the federal stimulus can be used to pay for COVID-19 mitigation efforts, replace lost revenue, provide pay for workers, mitigate economic harm from the pandemic and invest in infrastructure. That means cities can get creative — and what they choose to do with the money can cause controversy. Last month, the Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners voted to use the funds to give themselves and top officials hazard pay. The payouts ranged from $25,0000 to $5,000. After public pushback, the commissioners said they’d return the money. Most cities and counties, however, likely will spend the money on upgrading infrastruc­ ture and public services and mitigation of crime and poverty. Kent County Board of Commissioners is likely to use the $128 million awarded for enhancing the county’s behavioral health sys­ tem, addressing lead and PFAS contamina­ tion, and boosting law enforcement officers, according to a spokesperson for the county. Meanwhile, the City of Detroit was award­ ed a total of $826 million, and has already received the first payment of $413 million. According to a plan put out by Mayor Mike Duggan and approved by the Detroit City Council in June, the city intends to use the money for blight remediation, city services and infrastructure, neighborhood investments, and to address intergenerational poverty, pub­ lic safety and the digital divide. “We held 63 community meetings with more than 3,300 residents participating,” Duggan said in a statement. “Our citizens’ input and ideas resulted in (a) much more complete plan.” Neighborhood investment was sought by the Detroit People’s Platform, an organization that fights to “protect, maintain and empower majority Black Detroit” such as recreation centers, parks, libraries and broadband. “There’s a lot of people that’ve been left behind before the pandemic, and we’re askihg for ... a demonstrated commitment to radial equity and inclusion in prioritizing the needs of investments,” said Renard Monczunski, the transit justice organizer with the group. “And specifically we believe in prioritizing’ investment in neighborhoods left behind by revitalization strategies ... and neighborhoods that experienced higher rates of CO VID.” 1 The money comes after municipalities and the state government delayed investments for decades, following economic downturns since 2000. ; One report claimed Michigan needs $4 bil-1 lion more per year in infrastructure improve; ments, while a report from the Michigan Municipal League found the state’s police force deployments fell 23 percent from 20^2 to 2017. But the pandemic exposed and exacerbated other needs as well, including the state’s $1.6 billion mental-health system and chronic shortage of affordable housing. / Chris Hackbarth, the director of state and federal affairs at the Michigan Municipal League, said local governments should part­ ner with counties to stretch dollars and solu­ tions. “That’s been our main message: take your time, make sure you talk with your commuft ty, talk with your residents, see what partner^ ship opportunities there are with your busi^ nesses and your nonprofits in your county, and wait to see what the state has available;” ' Hackbarth said. “You might be able to do’a project that you never thought you coukl because of the funding that’s available.” M ; Thornapple Township approves raises for emergency personnel Greg Chandler Staff Writer Firefighters and first responders for Thomapple Township Emergency Services will soon see more money in their paychecks. The Thomapple Township Board Monday unanimously approved a $3-per-hour increase in the base wage for all TTES staff. The raise, which will take effect with the next payroll period, was recommended by the board’s personnel committee. “It makes us more competitive with what’s going on in our area and across the state,” TTES Chief Randy Eaton said. The increase will boost the pay for full­ time staff members to roughly $21 to $24 per hour, while the top pay level for medics will rise to $22 per hour, and top pay for emergency medical technicians will increase to about $20 per hour, according to township documents. TTES currently has about 30 staff members, including three full-time firefighter/ medics and the chief, while the remaining staff are either part-time ambulance workers or paid on-call firefighters, Eaton said after the meeting. The pay increase comes as TTES has been experiencing a significant increase in call volume. For the first six months of this year, the department has seen a nearly 30 percent spike in the number of calls for service, from/ 570 last year to 739 this year, township documents show. In the month of June, TTES averaged 3.8 calls a day with a daily high of nine calls, v according to township records. *; At the same time, Eaton said he is finding it challenging to maintain proper staffing to meet the demand for calls. “We’re hurting a little bit now. We have one individual who’s been out for a while now, one of our part-time guys, and we had one of our full-timers leave for another job/’ Eaton said after the meeting. The two remaining full-time firefighter medics have had to work more overtime to make up for the loss of the full-time staffer. TTES has received three applications for the full-time firefighter/medic vacancy, Eaton told board members. Eaton said the department has enough room in its budget to handle the pay increase. “We will probably have to redo some things in the budget,” he said. The raises would boost spending for full­ time positions more than $22,000 to $205,871. t Part-time medic/EMT staffing costs would increase by more than $26,000 to $181,218, township documents show. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — Page 13 ' Longtime St. Rose parishioner shares memories, hopes Editor's note: Ellie Youngs of Hastings recently sat down to interview Anne Hubert. Both women have been lifelong members of St. Rose Catholic Church in Hastings, similar to their parents and grandparents. A fire at the stone church a month ago prompted the fpllowing interview. Ellie Youngs' comments Appear in italics. Ellie Youngs Contributing Writer Although I grew up being a part of St. Rose of Lima, and I do consider my experience as a parishioner to be a significant part of my life, I am 20 years old, which, in the grand scheme of things, is really not old at all. After having a truly insightful and refreshing con­ versation with Anne Hubert, one of St. Rose’s (host senior and treasured parishioners, I real­ ized just how much St. Rose has been woven into the lives of so many other families, including mine. Anne Hubert recalls a menagerie of experi­ ences as a member of St. Rose, as well as memories of her family’s involvement in the Church. Her father, Roman Feldpausch (1903­ 1986), received his First Holy Communion in the old church, a wooden structure that was destroyed by fire in 1909. Her dad later played violin for the St. Rose Orchestra, she Said. Her parents, Roman and Margaret Parker Feldpausch (1905-1953), were married at St. Rose (at 6 in the morning) and she and her three siblings, as well as all eight of her chil­ dren were baptized at St. Rose, as well. Hubert’s family’s involvement in the Anne Hubert has been attending St. Rose Catholic Church in Hastings her entire life. church goes back multiple generations. She recalled her grandma talking about “farmers bringing in stones from their fields to build our beautiful church.” Some of the rocks that were not used in building the current church were eventually used by her family for landscaping. As a current musician in the St. Rose choir, I was especially pleased to hear Hubert dis­ cuss some of her favorite memories at St. Rose and how the majority of them were from being in the choir. “Mom and Dad had us all take piano les­ sons to support the nuns,” Hubert said. Mother Adelaide, one of the nuns, “taught me how to play the organ. And, as a child in junior high during the summer, I played the organ for church. I can’t believe I did that, but I did!” Not only is organ playing a memory which Hubert fondly recalls, but the talented organ playing of her friend Mary Peterson, as well. “We sang every Sunday, and Mary Peterson played the organ, and that was a thrill of St. Rose,” Hubert said. “She was absolutely spec­ tacular. You could pull up the parts and hear that music and say, ‘Mary’s playing the organ.’ She had such feeling and such touch to that organ. It was something else.” Her own wedding was one of Hubert’s favorite memories, too. “My mother was still alive,” she said, “and, to me, that was beautiful to have her there with me.” Another treasured memory of Hubert’s went back generations. And she continued it without much thought. “One of the neatest things was a tradition that I followed. My grandmother walked to church every weekday Mass, as did my father after he retired,” she said. “I didn’t give it a whole lot of thought, but, all of a sudden, I walked from our house on Green Street to church every day for daily Mass. It was one of those things where I followed their example without even thinking about it.” Over the past year and a half, life has dras­ tically changed for everyone. People have had to put work and their personal lives on hold to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy and safe - and that included not attending church in the same way as before. As the situation started to shift back to a state of normalcy, the attendance of younger parishioners especially has gone down signifi­ cantly. Hubert said this is something she “worried about, but figured it was going to happen. I’m not judgmental. I know this is going to hap­ pen. I have a special prayer that I made up myself, and I pray every night that they have the grace to save their souls. That’s my big­ gest prayer.” After the church was damaged by fire in mid-July, the parish was forced to make some significant changes. The fire was a true test of how parishioners are able to work together during times of hardship and struggle, and Hubert said, “Everybody joins in. My first thought was, ‘I’ll pay off the bishop’s fund so that Father [Stephan Philip] doesn’t have to worry about that.’ I think people are all think-; ing that way: Make things as easy on Father as possible. I think he is doing a remarkable job and holding up beautifully.” This past year has brought multiple obsta­ cles we have all had to work together to figure out how to overcome, and it is truly amazing ; to have people like Anne Hubert and a com­ munity like St. Rose who are willing to help one another during times of need. Working together has never been more imperative, and Hubert exemplifies that perfectly. Changes will add to C.C. Finals, alter football playoff qualification Teams participating in all nine sports for which the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) sponsors postseason tournaments - featuring more than 100,000 student athletes statewide - will be allowed to begin practice Monday, Aug. 9, and with a plan to return to traditional schedules and MHSAA Tournament formats after COVID­ 19 resulted in various adjustments for the Fall 2020 season. There are handful of key changes to M^ISAA postseason tournaments this fall. A couple key ones include a new way for foot­ ball teams to qualify for the state playoffs and an increase in the number of runners who will qualify for the cross country championships. Postseason competition in cross country, football, golf, tennis and swimming & diving will revert to their customary formats this season, with all fall sports scheduled based on their traditional calendars other than beginning practice with a common start date for the first time. At the time of this release (Aug. 6, 2021), there are no COVID-19-related state-ordered restrictions regarding school sports, for either athletes or spectators, from either the MHSAA or the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS). County health departments and local school districts may institute restrictions for venues in their areas, and teams traveling to those schools and venues must follow local mandates. Cross country will provide an opportunity for more individual Finals qualifiers this sea­ son, as a minimum of seven individual quali­ fiers will advance from each Regional race. Previously, runners on teams that did not qualify as a whole could still advance to the Finals;if they finished among the top 15 indi­ viduals at a Regional - but at some Regionals runners from the team qualifiers filled the great majority of those top J5 finishes. The seven individual qualifiers from each Regional this season will be the first seven finishers from teams that do not qualify as a whole, even if they finish outside of the top 15. In football, there will be the full implemen­ tation of the “enhanced strength-of-schedule” format for selecting the 256-team field for the 11-Player Football Playoffs. The new format eliminates automatic qualification based on win total and bases it solely on playoff-point average, which also is determined differently in that it now awards teams more for playing tougher schedules. Teams winning five games during an eight-game schedule or six during a nine-game schedule are no longer guaranteed of making the state tournament. The new playoff-point formula was used in 2020 to seed teams at the District and Regional levels, but its use for qualification was put on hold as COVID-19 caused a one-season switch in playoff format that allowed all teams to qualify last fall. Another football change continues the focus on minimizing injury risk, addressing blocking below the waste in the free-blocking zone (the rectangular area extending laterally four yards to either side of the snap and three behind the line of scrimmage). The new rule states a below-the-waste block in the free-blocking zone must occur as an immedi­ ate, initial action following the snap, instead of the previous rule which allowed an offen­ sive lineman to delay and block below the waste as long as the ball was still in the zone. For lower peninsula girls’ golf, teams will be required to use the scoring platform iWanamaker also for the regular season, just as they were required to do so for MHSAA Tournament competition during the 2020-21 school year. The scoring platform is made available through the MHSAA Golf app, which was created and is operated by iWanamaker and allows golfers, coaches and fans to chart scoring in real time. In tennis, if a seeded player withdraws on the day of an MHSAA Regional or Final, all seeded players below that withdrawing player (including the provisional seed in that flight) will move up and be placed on the proper line for that new seed. (Non-seeded players drawn into the bracket will not be moved.) For most of the MHSAA’s modem history, football teams had begun practice Monday of the first week of the preseason, followed by the rest of fall teams two days later. A 2019 rule change allowed a few more sports to begin on Monday, dependent on their Finals dates that fall. The common start date for all fall practices this season and annually moving forward was approved by the MHSAA Representative Council at its Spring Meeting in May and allows all teams to begin the 16th Monday before Thanksgiving. Football teams still must have 12 days of preseason practice at all levels before their first game, over a period of 16 calendar days before the first kickoff, with the first varsity games this fall scheduled for Aug. 26 and the weekend of Aug. 27-28. Competition this fqll may begin Aug. 16 for golf and tennis teams and Aug. 18 in cross country, soccer, volley­ ball and swimming & diving. SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS read The MHSAA is changing how individuals like Thornapple Kellogg’s Jessica Durkee (pictured at the 2020 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals) qualify for the state cross country finals this fall. The top three teams and top seven individual finishers at regionals not on those top three teams will qualify for the 2021 Finals. In recent seasons, the top three teams and top 15 finishers regardless of team affiliation earned spots in the finals. contribute advertise Hastings �Page 14 — Thursday, August 12, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Lira wins FireKeepers Symetra golf event, ties BCCC course record SYMETRA fllBlEEHO ... i ; MPIONSHi Fernanda Lira picks up her first-place check of $26,250 from FireKeepers CEO Kathy George, left, and Jamie Stuck, president of the Potawatomi tribe, last Sunday at Battle Creek Country Club. (Shopper News photo by Will Kowalski) Gabrielle Shipley hits her approach shot to the 18th green last Sunday at BCCC. (Shopper News photo by Will Kowalski) Will Kowalski J-Ad News Service Mexico City’s Fernanda Lira earned her first professional golf victory last Sunday by a huge six strokes at the eighth annual FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship - a Symetra Tour: Road to the LPGA event - at Battle Creek Country Club. The University of Central Arkansas gradu­ ate closed things out during her final 18 holes of the 54-hole tournament by tying a BCCC course record. Lira carded rounds of 2-underpar 70 and 7-under 65 during the first two rounds of the 144-player event that was cut to the top 50 and ties for the last round of com­ petition. And then, on Sunday, Aug. 8, Lira posted a 10-under-par total of 62 for a final score of 19-under 197 - with her 10th birdie of the day coming on BCCC’s 18th hole via a 30-foot putt. That birdie putt for the 62 tied her with former PGA Tour pro Russ Cochran for low­ est 18-hole round ever at BCCC, with Cochran’s coming during the 1990s during a Post Cereals Charity Pro-Am event. As Doug Kreis, head PGA Pro at BCCC, explained: “Yep, (Lira) and Russ Cochran are now tied for the 18-hole course record, which has stood for many years,” he said. “Funny thing is, when Cochran shot his 62 and came into the clubhouse that day, (former longtime Hall of Fame BCCC head pro) Ron LaParl said, ‘well Russ, congratulations. You now own the left-handed course record here. But I’m still the right-handed course record-hold­ er with a 63.’ And now (Lira) has the right-handed course record. I’m sure Ron is looking down on us all smiling up there Sisters Sarah Joy (left) and Gabrielle Shipley both played in the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship at Battle Creek Country Club, and both are headed to an LPGA qualifying school tournament in California in two weeks. Sarah Joy, a graduate of Delton Kellogg High, just finished her collegiate career at the University of Kentucky. today.” LaParl passed away at the age of 97 on July 12,2015. Now ... going back to Lira’s accomplish­ ment and tourney championship last Sunday, she finished six shots ahead of four players: Lilia Vu, Sophia Schubert, Isi Gabsa and Daniela lacobelli, all of whom were -13. Following her round, during the awards presentation ceremony, Lira received the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship tro­ phy and a first-place check out of the total purse of $175,000 for $26,250 - as well as an extra $3,000 from The Potawatomi Cup Series coffers. Three Symetra Tour stops this season make up The Potawatomi Cup Series: The previous­ ly-held Island Resort Championship in Harris; the FireKeepers; and next weekend’s Four Winds Invitational in South Bend, Ind. The Potawatomi Cup champ at season’s end receives an extra $30,000. The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi runs FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek. Presenting Lira with her prize money and trophy last Sunday were FireKeepers CEO and tournament director Kathy George, along with Jamie Stuck, chairman of the tribe. The presentations came after a ceremonial and traditional drum performance and song cadence by Potawatomi members, off to the side of BCCC’s 18th green. By winning the FireKeepers Casino Hotel crown, Lira moved up to No. 19 on the Symetra Tour’s season money list at $37,617. The top 10 money leaders at season’s end earn LPGA Tour cards for 2022. Still leading the 2021 money list is one of Sunday’s four runner-ups, Vu, at $110,607. George noted that FireKeepers again enjoyed hosting this year’s tourney - which included a gallery this year after no spectators were allowed during the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic; that she was thankful for the tourney work done by over 200 volun­ teers and the BCCC staff that made the tour­ ney another success;-that next year’s FireKeepers event will take place in late July; and that about $15,000 is headed to the South Michigan Food Bank as recipient of this year’s charity proceeds. Said Champ Lira • About winning her first major pro cham­ pionship: “I came out with the goal of taking it shot by shot and keep focus on my process. That was my big goal - to not focus on the things I can’t control, but focusing on what I can control, and I did it pretty good. “I kept rolling them, tried not to look at the scorecard, and I did not look at the leader­ board until after I made my final putt. I felt really good and proud of myself out there ... and this championship means the world to me. • About tying the Battle Creek Country Club course record of 62 in her final round: “It’s not something I was thinking about during my round, that’s for sure, but it sure feels great to have accomplished that. It’s a great course, I love it here, and I hope to be back.” Complete Results/Stats For the tourney can be found at symetratour.com. Shipley Sisters Compete Sisters Gabrielle and Sarah Joy Shipley were once again the tournament’s event spon­ sor invitees - with Gabrielle, 27, having grad­ uated from Hastings High in 2012 and from Grand Valley State University in 2016 (she was NCAA Division II national champ as a senior); and with Sarah, who graduated from Delton Kellogg High in 2016, just finishing up her fifth and final year at the University of Kentucky (she was granted a fifth year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020). * Gabrielle has been a professional for some time, and does not play on the Symetra Tour but does play on the Women’s All-Pro Tour based out of Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas; while Sarah has just turned pro. Both will be heading to an LPGA qualifying school in a couple weeks in California. Gabrielle shot 70-76-69 for an 8-under 208 total and tied for 13th place, earning $2,865 - a year after she played in the tourney’s final threesome and finished tied for fourth at 9-under, earning $8,375. Sarah shot 74-72 in the first two rounds (with Round 1 interrupted by rain) and did not make the cut for Sunday’s final round - a year after she did make the final-round cut, finish­ ing 70th at 7-over and not earning money due to her then-amateur status as a collegiate play­ er. Following are comments made by both Gabrielle and Sarah Joy at tournament’s end: • Said Gabrielle about her performance in the tourney, and about her future: “It’s nice playing in this tournament, espe­ cially now that I’m on the road about all year long, and it’s really nice having my sister play in this tournament, and I really enjoy that they keep on bringing me back to play here because it’s easy on the family to come out here and watch us. I play a long way from home during the summers, I caddy in Tampa in the winters, so it was nice to be back around home again this week. “I was happy with my round today, but on the back nine I think my putter just got a little dry. Still, I held it together and I kept grind­ ing, because the moment you start playing defensive is when you don’t play well at all. “So overall, this tournament was really good for me. I’ve played pretty well this sum­ mer, having some ups and downs, but I feel like my mental process is something I’ve got figured out, and I’m staying positive and I’m having a peaceful mind out there. And all that will be very important, too, out at Q school.” • Said Sarah Joy about her performance in the tourney, and about her future: “This sum­ mer I’ve been playing in state opens as a professional, trying to make some money, and then I played in this tournament, and then in a couple weeks I’ll fly out to California for the LPGA Q school and play there again with Gabrielle. “And playing with my sister here again in this tournament this year - and with our par­ ents Todd and Laurie and other family mem­ bers and friends out here watching us play - it was really nice, for sure. And I played pretty: well here except for the first two holes, as I was 1-under for the last 34 holes. “So, I’m happy for the way Gabby played this weekend, I was happy with the way I finished out my last 34 holes here, it was nice coming back to Battle Creek Country Club again ... and now I’m just hoping that myself and my sister continue to keep on playing great golf and we’ll see what the golf future holds for us.” ■ Longbow event at Charlton Park this weekend Archery enthusiasts looking for a weekend of fun and friendly competition are invited to the annual Great Lakes Longbow Invitational ^Historic Charlton Park Aug. 13-15. Hosted by the Michigan Longbow Association, the event includes archeryrelated activities for all ages and skill levels. Activities will include tomahawk throwing and breaking clays at the Ol’ Sagamore Turkey Shoot, along with numerous competitions and 3-D courses. Another highlight is MLA story night, where guests can hear archery experts around the campfire. A coached children’s range with bows and arrows provided is available throughout the weekend for young archers looking to begin their longbow adventure. A nondenominational church service will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday in the Carlton Center Church. Many traditional archery vendors will be onsite selling custom-made items, and there will be a trade blanket and bam raffle for those looking to barter or pick up archery odds and ends. Demonstrations catered to the outdoor enthusiast, including bow building and flint knapping, will take place throughout the event near the gas and steam bam. Commemorative hats and T-shirts will be on sale and discounted for MLA members. A food vendor will be onsite serving ice cream, and Charlton Park’s beach and boat launch also will be available to guests. The MLA was formed in 1983 by a small group of enthusiasts who wanted to promote the use of the longbow and enjoy the camaraderie of other traditional archers who enjoy the sport. Since then, hundreds of members across the U.S. and abroad have joined the ranks of the MLA, including many Barry County residents. MLA membership is $20 and includes unlimited shooting all weekend, a subscription to the quarterly magazine Sticktalk, and members-only discounts on MLA merchandise at archery events throughout the year. “Our goal as MLA members is simple: Teach people about the longbow and archery and promote an appreciation of the outdoors,” John Buchin, MLA president, said. “There are few activities as inclusive and unifying as archery, and the longbow is a beacon for all of the above. We love nothing more than sharing it with folks.” Due to the MLA’s mission and the traditional nature of the event, adults are required to shoot longbows only (no compounds, recurves, or horse bows). Children under 16 may shoot recurve bows, and loaner equipment is available from association members. Event admission is $5 per person, age 16 NOW ENROLLING ^£1 j Community Head Start Early Head Start II 877.422.2726 www.caascm.org and up (not including shooting fees). Gate fee and activities are free for children 15 and under. Fees for adult MLA membership and shoots are payable at the event. Shooting options range from $25 for the entire weekend to $8 per round. Charlton Park is between Hastings and Nashville, at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road, just north of M-79. Additional event information can be found at michiganlongbow.org/glli. TK football plans corn hole tournament at Heritage Days In addition to opening the 2021 fall season with the first practice of the year Monday, Aug. 9, the Thomapple Kellogg High School football program is prepping for a Com Hole Tournament Fundraiser Heritage Days week­ end in Middleville. The com hole tournament will begin at 7:30 p.m., Friday Aug. 20 at the community pavilion downtown Middleville. The cost to participate is $20 per two-person team. Play is open to anyone high school age and older. The first place team wins $300. There is a $150 prize for second place and a $50 for third. A mystery prize will go to a randomly selected team in the bracket. All prizes have been donated by local busi­ nesses, so 100 percent of entry funds will benefit the TK High School football program. Registration for the tournament can be done at the Jason Parks Agency in downtown Middleville. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-08-19.pdf ab62558f2e47c67249c61c3e23c0c332 PDF Text Text |H Search for woman leads to complaint See Story on Page 3 L .. - | VMM I I MM MM M MMMMMMMM| The cost of freedom Freshman on top at Wayland Invitational See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barty County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590501835049058113421 J KgJ ”*”“**‘*M****“*******CAR-RT LOT*‘C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr ' Hastings Ml 49058-1134 I 6/30/2022 9:47:00 AM ANNER Thursday, August 19, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 33 PRICE $1.00 Some stick up for the sheriff NEWS BRIEFS. . The Accidentals playing here tomorrow Three self-described orchestra dorks, or “orc dorks/’ and an ensemble of eclectic instrumentalists will wrap up the regular schedule of Hastings Live, the free sum­ mer entertainment series. The Accidentals and An Dro will be the final groups performing for Friday Night Features and the Community Concert Series, respectively. Both groups will play at Thomapple Plaza in downtown Hastings, beginning at 7:30 p,m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for seat­ ing. The Accidentals will return tomorrow night, Aug. 20, for the Friday Night Feature. This multi-instrumentalist trio from the Traverse City area blends indie folk, pop and rock into a sound all its own, incorpo­ rating members’ Interlochen-trained stringed-instrument skills. An Dro plays a blend of traditional and original melodies from across the globe. They will play WMWbday, Aug. 25. Listeners will hear traditional Irish melo­ dies, medieval French songs, Breton dance tunes, Scandinavian refrains, Appalachian influences, Arabic rhythms and African grooves all performed with joy and freshness. The Summerfest series will fill the stage next week, with performances by Crooked Root, Zion Lion, Hotel California, Brothers Adam, SilentBark, Toppermost and Slippery When Wet. (More details next week) More information on Hastings Live can be found at facebook.com/mihastingslive. Back to school Teachers, students and their families are preparing for a new school year, with new gear and a new, or familiar, routine. Students in the Lakewood Public School district have already found their lockers and desks, met their teachers and walked the halls again, since school resumed there yesterday. Local public schools and there start dates include: Lakewood - Wednesday, Aug. 18 Hastings - Monday, Aug. 23 Maple Valley - Monday, Aug. 23 Thomapple Kellogg - Tuesday, Aug. 24 Delton Kellogg - Tuesday, Sept. 7 Hastings church hosting blood drive Tuesday Eligible donors can help overcome the critical need for blood and ensure blood is readily available by making an appoint­ ment to give blood. New Life Assembly Church east of Hastings is hosting a blood drive Tuesday, and appointment slots are still available. The drive will be Aug. 24 from noon to 5:45 p.m. The church is at 1490 E. State Road. Individuals who are at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligi­ ble to donate blood. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Upcoming local drives include Grace Community Church, Nashville, Sept. 2; UAW 1002 Bradford White Hall, Middleville Sept. 8; and First Presbyterian Church, Hastings, Sept. 30. Appointments are preferred and may be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-733-2767. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Rebecca Pierce Editor Some supporters of Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf spoke out Tuesday to defend him to comm­ issioners who had questioned him a week ago. A highly publicized probe into allegations of fraud in the November 2020 election fueled some commissioners’ questions at last week’s board meeting after Leaf presented his annual report. This week, some residents told commis­ sioners they had no business questioning the sheriff about his investigation. “What’s it going to hurt?” Charles Hertzler of Hastings shouted. “Either you find out the truth or you find out there’s problems. What’s it going to hurt? I don’t know what the big deal is.” “I’m personally thinking about bringing charges,” Hertzler added, “filing charges against you people for not standing up for the will of the people. If I have to sell my house Charles Hertzler to do it, I’ll sell my house to do it. Enough is enough.” session started a cascade of public comments Those first remarks from the public at from Gary White of Nashville, Elden Tuesday morning’s committee of the whole Shellenbarger of Carlton Township, Joel Barry County’s on the grow Census shows what’s driving development Greg Chandler Staff Writer New population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show Barry County as one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. According to official 2020 Census figures released last Thursday, the county’s population grew 5.5 percent over the past decade to 62,423 residents. The increase was the eighth largest among Michigan’s 83 counties. The 2010 census showed the county at 59,173 residents. The county’s population increase reflected a larger overall migration of people to the west side of the state. Of the four fastest-growing counties in the state in the new census, three of them [Ottawa at 12.3 percent, Kent at 9.2 percent and Allegan at 8.2 percent] are in West Michigan. Grand Traverse was the fourth. In Barry County, the largest part of the increase is along the western side, particularly along the M-37 verridon Thomapple Township, the couri^k most populated municipality, added more than 1,400 residents in the past 10 years, boosting its population from 7,884 to 9,331. About two-thirds of the township’s population growth came in the village of Middleville, which picked up nearly 1,000 more residents during the decade and now has a population of 4,295, a 29-percent increase from the 2010 census figure of 3,319. “I think it’s a response to the demand for people wanting to live in the Thomapple Kellogg school district, in close proximity to Grand Rapids,” said Catherine Getty, a county commissioner who represents Thornapple and Yankee Springs townships and also serves as zoning administrator for Thornapple Township. “We’ve done a lot of placemaking projects See CENSUS page 2 Lyons of Delton, Don Bradstreet of Hastings, and Adam Heikkila, a Hastings business owner. The fact that commissioners asked ques­ tions about the sheriff’s investigation was a problem for some. White said, “I voted for the sheriff. I voted for the clerk. I’m concerned that the clerk has an attorney. ... I haven’t seen this board ask the clerk any questions.” Elden Shellenbarger said, “The sheriff doesn’t have a duty to explain to you guys what’s going on. He’s not obligated to say anything. ... You should be arrested for obstruction of justice.” Don Bradstreet, who spoke from a wheel­ chair, pounded the table in front of him . “I’m sick and tired of elected officials not doing what they’re elected to do. When I hear you are not supporting Dar Leaf like you should, 1 feel like you should be - and will be - held accountable.” Michael Lyons Ibbotson of Rutland Charter Township, Gary Munson of Delton, Rod Romeyn of Hastings, Mike Marlow of Hope Township, Michael See SHERIFF, page 2 Barry County population changes since 2010 Thornapple Township City of Hastings Yankee Springs Township Village of Middleville Rutland Township Irving Township Barry Township Orangeville Township Prairieville Township Castleton Township Hope Township Hastings Township Johnstown Township Carlton Township Woodland Township Assyria Township Baltimore Township Maple Grove Township Village of Nashville Village of Freeport Village of Woodland 2010 7,884 7,350 4,065 3,319 3,987 3,250 3,378 3,311 3,404 3,471 3,239 2,948 3,008 2,391 2,047 1,986 1,861 1,593 1,628 483 425 2020 9,331 7,514 5,322 4,295 4,136 3,734 3,417 3,398 3,334 3,329 3,154 3,013 2,841 2,368 1,994 1,992 1,947 1,599 1,537 542 391 percent +18.4 + 2.2 +30.9 +29.4 + 3.7 +14.9 + 1.2 + 2.6 - 2.1 - 4.1 - 2.6 + 2.2 bL - 5.6 - 1.0 - 2.6 + 0.3 + 4.6 + 0.4 - 5.6 +12.2 -8.0 No mask mandate in Hastings schools when new year begins Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings Area School System officials reiterated their plan to start the 2021-22 school year without mask mandates when they head back to classes on Aug. 23. Superintendent Matt Goebel began Monday’s board of education meeting with a statement updating the public on the district’s policies. “We are following exactly what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are recommending ... We are recommending mask-wearing, but not mandating this, and leaving it up to the staff and parents to decide what is best for their individual situation,” Goebel said. “There will be no intended or unintended pressure, coercion, segregation or discrimination of anyone for wearing or not wearing a mask based on their choice or beliefs.” The meeting was attended by nearly 50 people, with the majority of tables in the middle school cafeteria occupied. The school district decision was met with thanks from people in the audience. “I appreciate the board doing what they did earlier,” Kelli Case said. Case went on to add that she is fearful the mask policy may change in the future. She pointed to Grand Rapids Public Schools, where masks will be required in the fall. “So, we are asking you ... to make the choice for all of our children and our grandchildren to do the right thing,” she said. “There are so many people out here that the mask just doesn’t work.” Others expressed disappointment in the decision. Sarah Barnum said she is a pharmacist and works in a hospital. “I’m trying to understand where we’re coming from if our transmission is excessively high - and it is,” she said. “We are having increased hospitalization. So I’m trying to understand why we’re waiting for the mandate, and why we’re waiting for them to force it upon us.” During his opening statement, Goebel noted that the district will continue with several CO VID-19-prevention measures, such as social distancing, contact tracing, hand washing, sanitizing, lowering lunch room numbers, cleaning buses and limiting visitors. A federal mandate requires children to wear masks on school buses. In addition to the discussion about masks, several residents stood up and discussed the recently failed bond request. School district voters turned down the Aug. 3 bond proposal, which would have generated $21.9 million for the schools. The funding would have gone primarily to pay for maintenance needs, such as a new roof, replacing windows, renovating bathrooms, improving air quality and more. If passed, the millage rate would have levied 6.8 mills. It will now drop to 6 mills. With 3,303 total votes - 1,693 people voted against the bond and 1,610 voted for the bond. In the first public comment of the evening, Elden Shellenbarger pushed back against the district’s decision to ask for the tax levy in the first place. “You guys spent more money than you See MANDATE, page 2 The current map of the Watson Drain district shows the area involved. $5.5 million Watson Drain project is one for the history books Rebecca Pierce Editor The $5.5 million Watson Drain project may very well be the biggest project of its kind in the history of Barry County. Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and Deputy Drain Commissioner Tammy Hayes say, in their knowledge of the history of the county drain department, they are not aware of any other project as extensive — or expensive - as Watson. The boundaries of the district sprawl over Prairieville and Barry townships in south­ western Barry County, encompassing Pleasant Lake, Upper Crooked Lake and Lower Crooked Lake and involving involve 1,082 parcels, property owners and municipalities. The multimillion-dollar cost for the exten­ sive work will be assessed over 20 years to the parcels that derive benefit from that dis­ trict. The key phrase in determining who’s assessed for the work is the term “benefits driven.” Dull said. See DRAIN, page 7 �Page 2 — Thursday, August 19, 2021 — The Hastings Banner CENSUS, continued from page 1 in Yankee [Springs], Thomapple [Township] and the village in the last 10 years with the [Middleville] DDA, and the special events and the [Paul Henry Thornapple] trail opportunities, Gun Lake, the state game area and rec area make a community really desirable,” Getty said. The population increase, particularly on the west side of the county, came as no surprise to county Planning Director Jim McManus. “That’s where the majority of the new housing has happened in the last decade,” McManus said, pointing to such developments as the Misty Ridge and Rolling Oaks subdivisions in Middleville. Middleville recently completed an update of its master plan, and Thomapple Township completed its master plan update a couple of years ago, with the idea of guiding future land use in the wake of expected future development Adam Heikkila, who owns a business in Hastings, urged Barry County Board of Commissioners Tuesday to keep their priorities while maintaining the community’s small­ on representing the local community. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) town flavor. The two entities take part in a joint planning authority to deal with issues of mutual concern, including infrastructure SHERIFF, continued from page 1 needs. “People move here for that small-town, or rigged?” Peltier asked commissioners Applause and shouts greeted some of these rural, agricultural feel,” Getty said. Tuesday. “Perhaps I missed it. Who is funding comments, prompting board Chairman Ben Brian Urquhart, assistant village manager the recount or the investigation? Who brought Geiger, at one point, to caution audience and planning/zoning administrator for in the outside person? ... members about the continuing outbursts. “Is that a question that someone could Middleville, said he wants to dig deeper into The final comment of the first public com­ answer? Where the funding is coming from?” the numbers. ment portion of the meeting was offered by a “I’m curious to see if there was anything in Geiger told her it is the board’s policy not poll worker. the census that says what the migration rate to respond to public comments or to answer Michele Peltier of Hastings said, “What was [between communities],” Urquhart said. questions during the public comment portion I’ve observed is only what I know. I wonder Yankee Springs Township saw the largest of meetings. where the transparency is with the investiga­ Peltier then pointed out that, as a poll work­ percentage increase of any governmental unit tion and why we feel the elections are unfair er, she can verify that the process is divided as in the county, rising 30.9 percent from 4,065 or corrupt? equally as possible between Democrats, inde­ in 2010 to 5,322. The surge came as little “I’ve been a poll worker. It is fairly admin­ surprise to longtime township planning pendents and Republicans. istered. I’ve been a poll watcher. It is a fair commissioner Frank Fiala. “We work as one,” she said. “When you go thing. [With this investigation] you’re calling “ We have the desirability of the state land to the bathroom, you have to be paired, into question everybody that was elected. and the lakes and the property for Democrat and Republican at the same time, to You’re calling into question everybody that ensure fairness and to ensure elections are development,” said Fiala, who has been either was elected in Barry County.” a planning commissioner or member of the equal.” Last month, Leaf confirmed that retired zoning board of appeals since 1972. He has “ I ’ m sure you all know the process, and DTE Chief Security Officer Michael Lynch I’m sure you’ve all volunteered to do this and been a planning commissioner for the past 20 has been asking the questions with a sheriff’s looked at the process of how it was adminis­ years and also serves on the county road deputy at his side. commission board. tered, ” Peltier told them. Last week, Leaf told commissioners he has Fiala said state land and lakes take up about Then she concluded, “As a poll worker, I never received a bill for Lynch’s services. two-thirds of Yankee Springs Township, so feel kind of insulted when someone says that “But somebody’s paying. They’re not local officials are careful in their approach to it’s rigged. ... I just don’t understand why doing that for free,” Commissioner Catherine Michele Peltier of Hastings, a poll they think we would do it unfairly or why welcoming development. It has relaxed some Getty said at the Aug. 10 meeting. of its zoning restrictions in recent years. In “As far as I know, he’s doing it pro bono,” worker, asked for transparency in the they think it’s rigged.” investigation of last November ’ s election. Other election officials, including Bob addition, the township updated its master plan the sheriff replied. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Price, a Republican and four-term member of about two years ago, and is also working “Then I’d like to know what his motiva­ the Barry County Board of Canvassers, said closely with the state on possible shared tions are for that,” Getty remarked, “I’ve been Who is paying this investigator is a legiti ­ in a later interview that any attempt at fraud initiatives such as trails around Yankee contacted by many, many resident s [trying] to mate question in this case, Getty said last involving last November’s election results Springs Recreation Area. understand about how they’re working within “We’re just trying to gently allow for week. here would have left a trail of evidence. our system and not knowing their motivations growth - slow, even, controlled growth,” “Where’s the transparency and the reason­ in the investigation.” The board of canvassers didn’t find any Fiala said. ing behind saying that the election was unfair evidence of fraud, Price said. Irving Township experienced a 14.9-percent Leaf told commissioners when they ques- ? population increase, gaining more than 480 tioned him last week th^t he believes elections residents, growing from 3,250 in 2010 lo in the county are secure “for the most part, just from what I have seen so far,” but he said 3,734 in 2020. The growth comes as the county planning he wasn’t ready to release any of their find­ commission is soon expected to begin work ings yet. During Tuesday’s meeting, Leaf could hear on updating the master plan. The county the public comment - some of it quite loudly recently sent out a request for proposals to expressed - as he stood outside board cham­ planning consultants who might be interested bers, watching the number of people coming in working on the plan update, McManus in so that the audience number didn’t exceed said. In addition, the Michigan Department of mezzanine capacity. Transportation has requested funding to address traffic and access management issues along the M-37 corridor between Middleville and Hastings. McManus said he hopes to hear in the next month or two whether the funding request has been approved. The county seat of Hastings, the only city in Barry County, showed a modest increase in the new census. Hastings gained 164 residents to boost its population to 7,514, a 2.2-percent rise from the 2010 census. Neighboring Rutland Charter Township gained nearly 150 residents, or 3.7 percent, to increase to 4,136. Hastings Charter Township’s growth mirrored that of the city, rising 2.2 percent to 3,013 residents, according to census data. Fred Jacobs, publisher and chief executive officer of J-Ad Graphics Inc., says the primary reason for growth in recent years in Hastings has been development of Meadow Stone, a complex of mobile homes and apartments constructed in the 1980s on the city’s south side. “The new owners have expanded it dramatically. As soon as there’s a spot [that’s open], it’s taken immediately,” Jacobs said. Jacobs said there are more opportunities for development just outside the Hastings city limits, but what’s needed is for the city to extend water and sewer service into the adjacent townships to encourage additional residential development. “If you extend the water and sewer into the township, you’ll get growth - immediately,” he said. Two major building projects are on the horizon that could fuel growth in the city - the addition of 73 apartment units on the site of the former Royal Coach building and the proposed construction of a mixed-used development at the site of the former Hastings Moose Lodge, which would consist of 21 market-rate apartments and 2,630 square feet of retail space. Dan King, the city’s community development director, calls them “highimpact, high-visibility projects.” “We really have not had any significant new construction in our central business district... in 60,70, 80 years,” King said. The city recently was approved for a $1.4 million low-income housing tax credit by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for the Royal Coach development, which will consist of 54 apartments and 19 townhouse units. “They’re still finalizing the engineering plans for construction. They’re looking to get the foundation in this fall,” King said. The city is continuing to work out details with Grand Rapids-based development AJ Veneklasen for the mixed-used development at the former Moose Lodge site. While the county grew overall as a whole, some townships and villages in the eastern half of the county lost population. Johnstown Township sustained the largest percentage decrease in population, losing 167 residents or about 5.6 percent, falling from 3,008 to 2,841, according to census data. Castleton Township lost 142 residents, or 4.1 percent, going from 3,471 to 3,329. Hope Township dropped 2.6 percent, from 3,239 to 3,154. The village of Nashville, which is part of Castleton and Maple Grove townships, lost 91 residents, or 5.6 percent, dropping from 1,628 to 1,537, census data showed. According to the census, other communities in Barry County that lost residents included: Prairieville Township [2.1 percent], Carlton Township [1 percent], and Woodland Township [2.6 percent], which includes the village of Woodland. MANDATE, continued from page 1 Gary White Elden Shellenbarger Adam Heikkila Don Bradstreet Gary Munson need to put it on the ballot in a non-election year,” Shellenbarger said. “That costs the school board and the taxpayers’ money that goes towards the kids as education and the school. To me, that’s uncalled for - to take money away from the school.” Jerry Greenfield, who said he has attended school board meetings for the past three years, also criticized the school’s handling of the election. “You’ve had four bonds turned down ... so you’ve let the kids down four times,” he said. “Under normal circumstances, if you work for any corporation as a project manager or CEO and you failed four times, you wouldn’t have a job. So, I really do think that the people on the board should look at themselves and maybe resign.” At the end of the meeting, three board members addressed the election results: “I don’t feel that the board has failed our students by bringing a bond for you,” Valerie Slaughter said. “I think we only fail if we don’t try to give you the option to give back to our students. So, if we don’t give you the option to have a bond, then that’s something we’re not giving to our kids.” Bradley Tolles said he was more concerned by the low number of overall voters than those who voted against the bond. He noted that just 20 percent of the registered voters went to the polls. “My question is not how do I change 10 percent of the people that voted [against the bond] in this election? How do I get the other 80 percent [who didn’t vote] to actually respond to us?” Tolles said. “I’m at a loss. It’s embarrassing.” Assistant Superintendent of Operations Tim Berlin added that district officials have not formally discussed how it will move forward to pay for the repairs proposed in the bond. They will discuss that issue in the coming weeks during a finance committee meeting, he said. In other business: - Two residents, Shellenbarger and Charles Hertzler expressed concern about former Hastings Police Chief Jeff Pratt being hired as dean of students at the middle school. After announcing his retirement from the police force, Pratt was hired in July by the school district. “You guys need to stop this good ol’ boy network,” Shellenbarger said, “because that is hurting the kids in the school, and this is hurting the whole community when we got stuff like this going on.” - Superintendent Matt Goebel provided more details on this year’s learning initiative, “What’s Your Plan?” He said the plan will be “career-focused, to try to empower students - and staff, for that matter - to be goal-driven, to try to help them have a goal and then also create and write down a plan to achieve that goal.” “I will be rolling this out in each of our buildings over the next three days with our staff.” he added. “Ultimately, this will be getting pushed out to each of our classrooms at the K-5 level. Then, six through 12, we’ll be using our advisers.” In support of the “What’s Your Plan?” initiative, Hastings Area Schools received donations of $5,000 from Highpoint Community Bank and $5,000 from The Baum Family Foundation. - The district accepted $ 10,000 in donations from the Hastings Athletic Boosters. Half of that amount will go toward renovating the inside of the football field press box and the other half will go toward a new athletic field painter. The district also received $100 from Ms. Ona E. Wall for the middle school library. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad Mike Marlow Rod Romeyn Joel Ibbotson 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 19, 2021 — Page 3 Heritage Days planners expecting bigger turnout Greg Chandler Staff Writer After a truncated celebration a year ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Middleville’s Heritage Days will be back in full force this year. The 30th annual festival, which celebrates the community’s heritage, will take place Friday and Saturday. “Last year was a very slimmed-down event. This year, I think there’s been a lot of people that are expressing excitement just to have things back, trying to get back to some normalcy,” Heritage Days committee chairman Randy Eggers said. Excitement and community support for the festival has been building for weeks, said Katherine Schmidt, director of the village’s Downtown Development Authority. “This year there are so many people from different backgrounds and different community groups - the schools, our business owners, all the civic clubs, the churches - that have really stepped up to invest back in the community and make this a great thing,” Schmidt said. “I’m hoping this is the grand comeback year, and that we keep building off that in the future. “With the momentum coming out of COVID, people are getting back together and remembering we need each other and celebrating your friends and neighbors above all else. We celebrate community, we celebrate the fellowship that we have, all the things that make Middleville special.” Activities get underway Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. with the Middleville Market at the Sesquicentennial Pavilion, and a vendor fair across Main Street in Stagecoach Park. At 5 p.m., Grimsby Hollow Meadery will be the site of a pet adoption and Humane Society benefit with live music. More live music will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the DDA amphitheater with the Kari Holmes Band, with root beer floats and grilling provided by the Middleville Rotary Club. A cornhole tournament to support the Thomapple Kellogg High School football program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the pavilion. Saturday’s activities feature a mixture of the old and the new. “We’re going to have the bounce house and stuff that is more popular these days ... but we’re also going to do a sack race and a three-legged race, a wheelbarrow race - the old-fashioned games,” Eggers said. The old-fashioned games will start at 2 and 4 p.m. The day’s activities will begin with the Thornapple Area Parks and Recreation Commission 5K and 10K races. Last year’s run was held virtually because of the pandemic. The races will get underway at 8 a.m. downtown. An adult volleyball tournament will be start at 10 a.m. at Thornapple Valley Church, while a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament (ninth grade and under) will be at McFall Elementary School. Judging for the bike decorating contest will be at 11 a.m. The Heritage Days parade will step off at noon, with members of the Charlie Pullen family serving as grand marshals. Pullen, who served as village president for 11 years, died in November 2020 at the age of 71. The stagecoach that symbolizes the village will be featured in the parade. “We have horses that will actually be pulling the stagecoach,” Schmidt said. The parade will start at Mt. Hope Cemetery and proceed west on Main Street through the downtown area. Pullen also will be remembered at the annual festival car show, which has been named in his honor, Schmidt said. “We plan to make that a tradition for years going forward,” she said, noting that Pullen coordinated the car show with former DDA board chairwoman Ann Ulberg for years. The car show will run from 2 to 5 p.m. on Main Street. Several new events are planned Saturday, including a “complete streets” exhibit on Russell Street, tied to the Blue Zones initiative. “What we’re going to have is a showcase of what it looks like to have multi-modal transportation, where you have cars, regular vehicles in a lane, you have bikes in a lane, you have a pedestrian area, you have some extended comers where people, especially in the heat, can sit in the shade and cool down,” Schmidt said. A team of community volunteers and artists will decorate the street. “It’ll be colorful and fun,” she said. Meanwhile, the Lions Club will set up a remote-control car track and jumps in the parking lot of Thornapple Valley Church. Club members will be walking the parade route. Rutlarid officials tour Pinconning marijuana facility Jean Gallup Contributing Writer Three Rutland Charter Township officials recently toured a Bay County marijuana grow facility and told colleagues about the tour during the board’s Aug. 11 meeting. Trustee Gene Hall, Zoning Administrator Les Raymond and Trustee James Blake trav­ eled to Pinconning Township to tour Pincanna, a Class C marijuana grow facility. The three were accompanied by two Pinconning Township board members. On their way to the grow facility, they spot­ ted a marijuana dispensary and were invited by the owner for an hour’s tour, learning about the background of the business, differ­ ent products and more. A marijuana retailer will typically sell flower, edibles, pre-rolls, concentrates, vaporizers, topicals and CBD, they were told. At Pincanna, they found “very knowledge­ able people running a very professional oper­ ation,” the fifth largest in the state, with no problem in the community after two years in business. “I’m totally impressed with it; they have had no problems at all. If you drive by it, it looks like a medium-large modem factory,” Hall said. The visit inside, they concurred, was “eye opening.” Security was mostly cameras, which were everywhere. “There was no place where you weren’t followed by four or five cameras,” Hall said. A room in the facility that reached 40-below-zero temperatures even had a spe­ cially built camera covering it. “Physical security seemed to be four or five people acting as security; it wasn’t an issue at all,” he said, adding the site was very clean, with employees wearing coveralls and boo­ ties. The 135,000-square-foot facility now employs 100 people who earn about $13 an hour and, when they add a planned retail out­ let, that number will grow to 150. The techs are probably salaried and make more, Hall said. The retailer was in the city of Pinconning; Pincanna is in an agriculture zone. “Bottom line was the professionalism of the grower and retailer,” he said. “It calmed some fears I had. If you want to know more, it can be a future agenda item.” In its promotional material, Pincanna says it has a world-class team, using a research­ based approach and a track record of excel­ lence: “We’re based here, we’re invested here and we’re growing here.” CORRECTION The front-page story headlined “School bond request denied” from the Aug. 5 Banner included two errors: The margin between yes and no ballots was 83 votes. Also, on Page 3 in that article, it should have reported that 36 percent of residents in Assyria, Baltimore, Carlton, Castleton, Hastings, Hope, Irving, Johnstown and Maple Grove townships who cast ballots in the Aug. 3 election voted for the bond. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page Blood drive planned in Yankee Springs When the temperature goes up, the blood supply goes down. So organizers are look­ ing for blood donors next week in Yankee Springs Township. The township fire station, 1425 S. Payne Lake Road, will host Versiti Blood Thursday, Aug. 26, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Versiti pro­ vides blood to area hospitals. “Our fire fighters and EMTs are heroes, but you can be one also,” volunteer Sandra Marcukaitis said. “Just donate blood and help save a life. One hour of your time equals three lives.” Anyone who is at least 17 years old, weighs more than 112 pounds who is in reasonably good health is eligible to donate. Appointments are preferred and may be made by calling 866-642-5663; walk-ins will be welcomed. “Make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donation,” she added. “They’re going to be walking in the back of the parade with their cars, and kids are welcome, if they’re waiting in line when they see the Lions go by, to jump out join the parade and walk the rest of the way,” Schmidt said. The Rotary Club will have its annual duck race at the canoe launch on the Thomapple River at 3 p.m. From 4 to 7 p.m., Thomapple Township Emergency Services will host a turkey dinner at the fire station, with kids’ activities and firetrucks on display. Donations will be accepted at the dinner, with all proceeds going to support the purchase of needed equipment for TTES, Chief Randy Eaton said. At 6:30 p.m. a concert with The Boyfriends and a dance will begin downtown. Another service available during the festival will be a shuttle to run people from various parking locations around the village to downtown. “TVC is donating vans and drivers to take people from large parking lots near TVC and Metaldyne on State Street, and McFall Elementary and the Christian Reformed Church on West Main Street to the downtown event center,” Schmidt said. “Middleville United Methodist Church has also offered their parking lot as a space for festival-goers to park, in addition to the downtown village parking lots.” Eggers is upbeat that Heritage Days will have a strong turnout. “Based on what we’re seeing with other events happening in the area, they seem to be drawing bigger crowds,” he said. “Ionia and Barry County both had record attendance numbers from the fair, and there have been some other events that seem to be drawing just as many people just because people want to get out and finally do something. I think the fresh air is doing people good [and it’s good] seeing other people’s faces.” Volunteers are still being sought for some festival events. Anyone who would like to volunteer may call Eggers, 616-893-1470. A complete Heritage Days schedule can be found at http://mymiddlevilledda.com/ heritage-days. After a limited celebration a year ago, the schedule for Middleville’s Heritage Days is again full - with some new activities added. The annual event returns Aug. 20 and 21, with the parade beginning at noon Saturday. Here, a youngster picks up candy tossed in the parade (File photo) Volunteers seeking missing woman prompt trespassing complaint Taylor Owens Staff Writer A 50-year-old Hastings man called police Aug. 3 to report numerous trespassers on his property in the 3000 block of South M-43 Highway in Rutland Charter Township. The property owner said two men went on the land and filmed a video, saying they were looking for Rachel Hazen, a Nashville area woman who has been missing since July 21. The complaint, and the contents of the video, were detailed in a Barry County Sheriff’s Office report. In the video, which was posted to the “Missing: Rachel Hazen” Facebook page, one of the men said he had been on the property the day before, and saw someone running away as he approached. The man, wearing a pistol on his hip, also pointed to tire tracks on the property. He claimed a secret meth community was using in the abandoned buildings on the property, and speculated that the people there may have had something to do with Hazen’s disappearance. The property owner told officers the buildings belonged to his late father, and there had been drug activity there before he died. But the owner said he has been trying to clean up the property. The tire tracks on the land were likely from a contractor he hired to help him in the effort, the owner said. The owner said he was sympathetic to the people looking for Hazen, but he was worried about an armed man coming on his property without permission. Since the video was posted online, more people have shown up on the property looking for clues, he added. The owner invited the sheriff’s office to inspect the property. A deputy searched the buildings, but did not find any evidence that might connect to Hazen’s disappearance. Deputies recommended that the owner put “No Trespassing” signs on the property. ' Barry County Undersheriff Jason Sixberry said Wednesday that his office has no update in the investigation into Hazen’s disappearance. Family members told deputies that Hazen had been looking for a rehabilitation facility, but was unable to find one, before she disappeared. She was last seen driving a silver 2005 Ford Escape with no license plate. Anyone with information as to Hazen’s whereabouts is asked to call the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, 269-948-4801. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the Barry County Silent Observer, Irving Township learns of new road treatment, ambulance service fees Jean Gallup Contributing Writer Solomon Road residents went to the Irving Township board meeting Tuesday, expecting to learn how much they would have to pay via a special assessment to have their gravel road improved. They had complained of dusty and wash­ board conditions on the road, saying grading did not seem to help and asked the board if it could be paved. They learned it may be possi­ ble to improve the road without a special assessment. In her update from the Barry County Road Commission, Supervisor Jamie Knight said the road commission has learned of a new product called Perma-Zyme being used in Flint. When applied on gravel, it hardens it to the consistency of cement. “Since they started using it, they have had zero complaints about the gravel roads,” Knight said. > Last month, Jacob Welch, director of engi­ neering at the road commission, proposed a system that has worked well on Moe Road in Thomapple Township: six inches of gravel with six layers of dust control on top of it to harden the surface. Since neither the road commission nor the township has the estimated $600,000 to $700,000 it would take to pave the road, Welch recommended the less expensive alter­ native. Knight was working with an attorney to set up the township’s first special assessment district where the residents who benefit from the improvements pay for the work through an annual assessment on their property tax bills. In this case, Welch estimated the cost would be approximately $10 to $20 a person a year on their tax bills. Knight said the township board will try Perma-Zyme, which the road commission will apply to Solomon Road at no cost to the township. “It would be a good solution for all involved,” she said. “If it doesn’t work, we can go with the special assessment.” Residents of the road at the meeting agreed to the new plan. In other business, a near fall from the front of the township hall when the railing gave way will lead to an upgrade of the entire front of the building to bring it up to present day state codes. Township Clerk Sharon Olson advised the board to get a professional opinion on what it would take for “an upgrade that would last 50 years before spending any money.” An election worker, Randy Shnowski, nearly fell off the front entrance of the hall when he leaned on the railing and it gave way. He wrote to the township, asking the board to replace the railing. The board will hire a pro­ fessional for an estimate of what is needed to meet state codes. “In the meantime, we need to get that fixed,” Knight said. Trustee Dean Bass will get quotes for get­ ting the top railing stabilized as soon as possi­ ble. The area has tape around it to let people know it is not safe to lean on. Jim Brown, Hastings Township supervisor and chairman of the BIRCH Fire Association, told the board of Mercy Ambulance’s plan to require subsidies from the communities it serves, including the city of Hastings and Baltimore, Irving, Rutland, Carlton and Hastings townships. After 45 years without subsidies from the municipalities, the costs for the service and quality trained personnel are going up and the need to upgrade its equipment forced the deci­ sion to ask for funding from the units of gov­ ernment it serves, Brown said. “The current business model is not finan­ cially or logistically possible. Looking down the road for the next several years, a reason­ able amount of subsidy is necessary to offset the rise of such costs,” he said. “To help keep this cost as low as possible, Mercy Ambulance plans to make a substantial investment in additional equipment and personnel to meet the needs of our system.” The cost for that investment, which will start with the next five-year contract in early 2022, calls for $118,602 for years 2022 and 2023, billed annually. An increase of 3 per­ cent for the remaining years will be applied, he said. That will mean a bill of $122,160 in years 2024 and 2025; $125,825 in years 2025­ 2026 and $129,600 in years 2026-2027. “Because of the shared financial commit­ ment by the City of Hastings/BIRCH alliance, the service will be limited to the geographical areas both entities serve and not to exceed a 60-mile radius,” Brown said. “When you get something for free, pretty soon you think you deserve to have it for free,” he said. “That’s not the case here because of the costs involved. Times have changed.” �Page 4 — Thursday, August 19, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you inion see? A flock of turkeys The cost of freedom A flock of turkeys, including seven baby turkeys, “poults,” stopped to nibble on fallen birdseed outside the J-Ad Graphics office recently. The poults will continue growing until they reach full size by the start of winter. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Do you remember? Contest winners Banner June 27,1973 The winners - Winners of the “Pops is Tops” contest are (from left) Colleen Corrigan, Bill Koetje and Ron Cotant, who received his grand prize from Dave Jasperse (right) of the retail committee. Have you met? When her parents couldn’t find a babysitter, Carole Davis played in the hallways of a community college. She would wait there for her mother, Beverly, who was taking night classes to become a nurse. Bored in the hallway, Davis would often poke her head into her mother’s classes. She would see Beverly writing down anatomy notes, laboring through labs and testing experiments. “I kind of crept in, and I looked, and I’m like, ‘That is so cool,”’ she said. For as long as she can remember, the former Carole Smith has been interested in science, calling herself a “nature, tomboy girl.” She would run through the cornfields on her family’s 100-acre farm in Shiawassee County, checking out plants, animals and whatever she could find in her backyard travels. But her interest in science blossomed in the Lansing Community College hallways, becoming something she would later study as a student. Those nights also gave her an appreciation for the community college education. So much so that nearly 50 years later, Carole Davis is new director of the Kellogg Community College Fehsenfeld Center in Hastings, starting the role just two weeks ago. “I understand what a lot of these students are going through,” she said. For four to five years, her mom would return home from her day job at a doctor’s office and go straight to the community college. On days when she didn’t have class, she would study in the house until 1 or 2 a.m. When she couldn’t stay awake to study, she’d get up at 4 a.m. to work with a fresh mind. She had to squeeze it all while raising her five girls. “We were just little kids, [saying things] like ‘Mom, why are you sitting there with all those books?”’ Davis remembered, “and we’d make up reasons to get her away and we’d use her notebooks as our coloring books. And now that I’m older, I’m like, ‘Wow, we were really stinkers.’” At first, Davis wanted to become a doctor, even following a pre-med track at Michigan State University. But after a junior year lab class focused on DNA, she discovered a new interest in biochemistry. She transferred to the University of Michigan, where she worked as a lab research associate and a teaching assistant. “After a couple of years, I’m like, ‘You know, research is fine,”’ she said. “But I love being in the classroom. I love teaching.’” Davis never did go back into research. In doing so, she followed a long family tradition Carole Davis of educators. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, her great-grandmother, Maude Robinson Rosen, and great-great­ grandmother, Delina Still Robinson, were teachers in a Tanner Lake School in Rutland Township. In her new office, Davis even has a black and white photo of her great­ grandmother - who started teaching at age 16 - with all of her students surrounding her at the old school not too many miles away. In 1994, after her husband received an accounting job in Kalamazoo, Davis and her family moved to Gull Lake. Davis saw it as a fresh start - a chance to try education. She accepted a part-time role at Kellogg Community College, teaching biochemistry, chemistry, organic chemistry and more. Instantly, she saw the difference between the university and community college settings. “A lot of people [at universities] just come get the material they need and leave. And you don’t form that relationship with your professors,” she said. “... community college isn’t like that. We’ve got the small class sizes, 20 to 30 students, and you get to know your professor. You don’t have [teaching assistants] doing labs and such. Your professor is the one who’s running the lab, who’s grading your papers, who’s helping you with homework problems.” Long before Davis ever considered becoming a director, she taught her first class, by chance, at the Fehsenfeld Center in Hastings - a community her family knew quite well. She grew up visiting her grandparents in the area, but the family ties went much deeper than that. Back in the 1830s, her ancestors (the Robinsons and Dowds) were among the first pioneers in Hastings. In the 1920s, her great­ grandparents, Arnold and Maude Robinson Rosen, owned Palm Tree Garden, a bakery and ice cream shop in Hastings. Davis spent 10 years teaching science, primarily at the Battle Creek campus. Then a position opened up to become the math and sciences chair at Kellogg Community College. She spent nine years in the role, finding that she enjoyed administration work as much as the teaching. “Being in science means I like solving puzzles,” she said. “And that’s what I always enjoyed about teaching science was that it’s just problem-solving. It’s figuring out ways to solve the puzzle, like Sudoku or a crossword puzzle, right? ... Going into administration is similar to that. It’s a different kind of problem-solving.” Even though Davis worked in Battle Creek for two decades, she lived in Barry County most of that time. Fifteen years ago, on her way to teach another class at the Fehsenfeld Center, Davis drove past a farmhouse for sale in Hickory Comers. At the time, she and her family still lived in the Gull Lake area. But when Davis returned home, she told her husband she wanted to live in the farmhouse. They bought it, and Davis, who calls herself “a small-town girl,” has lived in Barry County ever since. “I love living out in Barry County too because it’s just beautiful,” she said. “You get that connection to nature. Something that I just feel like I need. I love the drive in, in the morning.” Now, Davis has made the full return to Barry County. The position of director at the Fehsenfeld Center opened up in the fall of 2020, but with the pandemic, the building was operating “under a skeleton crew,” she said and did not hire a full-time director. Without one, Davis was asked to stop in once a week at the Hastings building and make sure things were running smoothly. As the months and pandemic wore on, the community college hadn’t filled the position. This past spring, Davis was offered the position of full-time director at the Fehsenfeld Center. She accepted. She saw enticing post-COVID opportunities at the center, such as the chance to better connect with the community and Continued next page The words painted on the back of John Higgins’ 1941 Ford coupe provide some semblance of inspiration as the world this week deals with the aftermath of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan after nearly 20 years of war. “The Cost of Freedom,” the expression Higgins displays on the car he drives proud­ ly around town and to special car shows, is a price he has paid personally. A Hastings native, Higgins served in Vietnam as an Army infantry point man, one of the most dangerous positions in any war. The flags painted on both sides of the Ford coupe and the etching on the car’s windows of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., are his tribute to those men - and all soldiers - who have served our great nation. Higgins, as anyone who served and loves this country, has been especially disappoint­ ed to witness the U.S. pulling all of our troops out of Afghanistan faster than anyone could have imagined, leaving the citizens and staff who supported our efforts vulnera­ ble to Taliban members. Left behind and, perhaps, equally helpless will be the young girls and women who were demeaned in that culture, but who were treated like indi­ viduals under U.S. support. As of Sunday afternoon, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled his nation as the Taliban stood on the verge of once again taking over the country and effectively ending what has been labeled America’s longest war. More than 172,000 people have been killed in the 20-year conflict, including more than 2,400 American service members, 3,800 U.S. con­ tractors and 66,000 Afghan national military and police. The toll is even greater when considering the service members of Allied countries assisting the U.S. and members of NATO forces which lost more than 1,100 troops in an effort to eliminate terrorists who had used Afghanistan as a safe haven. But what Higgins and many Americans are witnessing in the stunning turn of events which have included video footage of American military helicopters rescuing peo­ ple from our embassy - seeming like a sur­ real television rerun of our evacuation from Saigon as the Vietnam conflict ended more than 45 years ago - is a symbol of another failed U.S. policy. Saigon also fell with unexpected speed. After years of struggles against Communist forces, the South Vietnamese army collapsed in just weeks when it was unable to slow forces from the North. Now, once again, the United States exits rapidly while trying to rescue as many Americans and supporters who risked their lives in war-ravaged Afghanistan as it can. The scene of thousands of Afghan citi­ zens fleeing to the airport, running along­ side a U.S. military transport plane, seeking to escape and falling to their deaths as it taxis for takeoff, will play in the minds of Americans and their leaders in Washington for years to come. This all is happening just weeks from the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on American soil that precipitated our entry into Afghanistan. As part of his personal commemoration, and in honor of the heroism that first responders who lost their lives on that hor­ rific day, Frank Siller, CEO of the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation, kicked off the NEVER FORGET Walk on Aug. 1. Siller’s founda­ tion celebrates a legacy of courage and her­ oism built upon the mantra, “While we have time, let us do good work.” As an organization that supports our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders and military heroes and their families, I wonder how members of the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation feel about the families of the fallen soldiers of the Afghanistan war and what they may think about our quick departure that still leaves thousands in jeopardy. Critics are out in full force - as they should be. Many military experts warned this administration and that of former presi­ dent Donald Trump about the outcome of a quick withdrawal. How to end the war had been a frustration for other presidents all the way back to George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. All of them continued an American presence in Afghanistan knowing that the war was unpopular. Now the Biden Administration will own the consequences of ordering the final withdrawal and unraveling its after­ math in the days and weeks to come. Saturday, President Biden told the press, “I have ordered our Armed Forces and our Intelligence Community to ensure that we will maintain the capability and the vigi­ lance to address future terrorists threats from Afghanistan.” That is much like the statement he made in April: “I believe that our presence in Afghanistan should be focused on the rea­ son we went in the first place, to ensure Afghanistan would not be used as a base from which to attack our homeland again. We did that. We accomplished that objec­ tive.” Only time will tell if, once again with Afghanistan under Taliban rule, we have given up an important safety net against terrorists. “We are in a much different place than we were right before 9/11,” current Secretary of State Tony Blinken has assured. “The group that attacked us has been dramatically diminished. Its capacity to attack us again from Afghanistan dramatically diminished and our ability to see if it reemerges and our capacity to do something about it is very strong. And so, in that sense, I think we’re in a much better place than we were 20 years ago.” In just days, we have allowed Taliban fighters to sweep the country, to seize con­ trol of the capital and of all the equipment we left behind. After spending 20 years, sacrificing thousands of lives, and spending trillions of dollars, I don’t think we’re in a better place - especially in view of the fact that the Taliban took over the country in six days. It makes me wonder what kind of intelligence the president was getting when he made his decision. On Monday, Biden said, “I stand squarely behind my decision,” emphasizing that he was just honoring his promise to end this long war. But was it a war or was it nation-build­ ing? With fewer than 3,000 troops deployed, I think occupying Afghanistan was more of an insurance policy for the U.S. to keep the terrorist groups Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in check so that they couldn’t return the coun­ try to a terrorist state. Plus, look where Afghanistan is located; our occupation allowed us to maintain a military presence close to Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan. Does Biden realize that we’ve maintained a presence in South Korea since the 1950s with nearly 30,000 troops in the AsianPacific region to keep North Korea in check? We’re not in that part of the world to do nation-building, but to protect our nation’s interests in Asia-Pacific. U.S. surrender also sends the wrong mes­ sage to our enemies and to the Afghanistan people who relied on our support to main­ tain the peace for their people, especially the women of the country who sustained discrimination and often brutal treatment. Where are members of “The Squad,” the informal group of freshmen Congressional members known for their progressive agen­ das who espouse the terrible treatment of women and young girls? Why do they seem to be so silent in the face of this threat? Of course, Biden continues the typical political spin, insisting it was Trump’s nego­ tiated withdrawal agreement with the Taliban that precipitated the recent bungled events. Biden signed more than 100 execu­ tive orders on his first day as president. If he didn’t like Trump’s withdrawal agreement, then why didn’t he dispense with it then? This catastrophe will be another to plague the Biden administration. Since taking office, he’s opened the southern border to more than 1.5 million immigrants who have crossed into the U.S. without CO VID tests or vaccines. No doubt, virus numbers are increasing there due, in part, to the open-bor­ der policies. Last week, Biden asked OPEC nations to pump more oil after he single-handedly shut down a pipe line and drilling across the country, taking us from energy indepen­ dence to gas prices hitting all-time highs. Biden also allowed Russia to complete its pipeline into Germany when thousands of American pipeline workers were sidelined under his executive orders. Last week, the U.S. Labor Department announced more than 9.3 million jobs remain unfilled in the U.S. Yet the president continues to tout the couple hundred thousand jobs that have been filled since he took office. We are still paying peo­ ple to stay at home. Inflation is heating up in all sectors of buying. And now the country is losing face as thousands of Afghan citi­ zens are being threatened and possibly killed for sup­ porting the U.S. in our effort to quell terrorism after feeling the pain when our nation was hit on 9/11. I wonder how many citi­ zens who voted for Biden still “stand by their deci­ sion.” Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics Inc. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 19, 2021 — Page 5 COVID cases plateau in Barry County; two deaths reported Boosters shots available for people with impaired ijnmune systems Taylor Owens Staff Writer Barry County reported 51 active cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, just down from the 58 reported eight days before that. It was the first drop in COVID-19 cases after a steady increase over the past month. Barry County cases had fallen into the sin­ gle digits during the summer, before the arrival of the Delta variant of COVID-19 precipitated an upward swing. The county has recorded 5,540 cases of the virus since early 2020, according to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Two more deaths attributed to COVID-19 were confirmed by the health department this week, for a total of 71 deaths in Barry County. On Wednesday, the health department began scheduling COVID-19 boosters shots for individuals who are moderately or severely compromised. “For now, people with conditions such as untreated HIV, organ transplants, individu­ als on high doses of corticosteroids, etc., are encouraged to receive a third dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine,” BEDHD spokesperson Sarah Suma said. A full list of immunocompromising conditions is avail­ able at cdc.gov. Booster shots will be made available to the general public when the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines receive full Food and Drug Administration approval, which Suma said is expected this fall. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has not yet been included in the recommendation. “Registration for appointments will con­ tinue as before, with signup available on our website at barryeatonhealth.org or by call­ ing our offices,” Suma said. “We developed processes earlier in the pandemic to reach individuals with barriers to access and will continue these strategies for individuals needing a first, second, or third dose of vac­ cine. “We will also continue to work with our partners at pharmacies and hospitals to make access to vaccines as easy as possi­ ble.” Rutland sets four-year road plan Cemetery ordinance on agenda for specialjoint meeting Jean Gallup Contributing Writer The Rutland Charter Township board approved a four-year road maintenance and improvement plan from the Barry County Road Commission at the board’s Aug. 11 meeting. Trustee Gene Hall gave the township road committee’s report recommending the agree­ ment, saying the road commission drives and critically analyzes local roads and knows which roads need attention. The township has about $628,000 in funds to use for roads in the next four years; $85,000 from the township general fund and approxi­ mately $160,000 a year for four years from a voter-approved millage. The township roads were divided into three classification by the committee: primary and secondary roads, gravel roads, and subdivi­ sions. Each classification was studied and justifications given for the decision in the proposed agreement. Gravel roads will get gravel in 2021 and 2023 and dust control for all four years because, he said, more than 40 percent of the township roads are gravel, and taxpayers who live on those roads pay the same 1 mill as other residents. Subdivisions will have major work in 2022 since high-density taxpayer/voter housing and taxpayers who live there pay the same 1 mill as other residents, Hall said. Primary and secondary road work will be done in 2021-2024 with the $85,000 general fund contribution because all residents use those roads. The committee also wants promotion of road projects with signs at job sites, posted notices, inserts in township mailings and newsletters, he said, to let residents know that the maintenance or improvement work is being paid for by the road millage. “The road commission works well with townships ... If we approve the road plan now, they will hold the prices proposed and accept the $160,000 plus millage funds annually for work performed annually,” Hall said. Committee members included Hall, Al Hackett, Marty Hawthorne and Pat Sharpe, with Township Supervisor Larry Watson sit­ ting in. In other business, Watson said a joint meet­ ing of the township planning commission and the board is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, to make decisions on a cemetery ordinance. Watson said he wants to have the ordinance in place this winter so they can publicize changes in the spring and give those with loved ones in the township cemetery six months to remove shepherd’s hooks, flags, memorabilia, trinkets and lights. Board members agree that the biggest issue is the need for 36 inches of clear area around the headstones. They will consider making all decorations in line with the headstone, not expanding the area beyond the gravesite, and having nothing taller than urns except the flowers in the urns. Decorations placed on a gravesite at inter­ ment would be allowed to stay for 60 days and then be removed, and urns not used for two years would be removed. Hall said he looked at a few cemeteries in neighboring townships and found they usually have a “new” and “old” areas with excessive decorations mostly in the newer sections. Trustee Sandy James said she noticed besides the Rutland cemetery, those in Hastings and Irving are, “growing into the problems we are dealing with.” She ques­ tioned removing unused urns, suggesting those in good condition might just be emptied and turned over. New foundations are being put under old gravestones in Hastings, she noted. “We were doing that until CO VID,” Watson said. Decorations are the problem, Treasurer Sandy Greenfield said. They needed to find “a balance with for families,” but did need to address the 36-inch space allowed for memo­ rials. She said she will bring a sample cemetery ordinance to the joint meeting. “A draft ordinance has been out there for a while,” Hall said. Looking at other municipal­ ities ordinances, he estimated some were at about 80 percent through the process. “We’re a lot further than that. I hope to come out of the meeting with direction.” “Bring all you have to the next meeting, and we’ll try to get it done by the end of the year,” Watson said. Third District congressman among group blasting Biden for Afghanistan debacle The Third District’s U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Mich., and congressional freshman class president Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., this week led House Freshman Republicans in sending a letter to President Joseph Biden, denouncing his administration for failures in Afghanistan. The lawmakers urged the administration to immediately prioritize the evacuation of American citizens and the many Afghans who worked alongside U.S. forces. Their letter, dated Aug. 16, follows: Dear Mr. President: We write today as members of the House Republican Freshman Class to express our deep concern with the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, and to highlight the plight of Americans and the many Afghans who worked alongside U.S. forces and have still not been evacuated. While we may be new to Congress, the complete lack of leader­ ship and direction that has come from your administration in the midst of this ongoing crisis has not been lost on us. For nearly 20 years, brave Americans several of whom are represented in our Freshman Class - have served in harm’s way in Afghanistan. The primary goal of our nation’s mission in Afghanistan has always been to prevent the region from being a safe haven for terrorists who seek to violently attack our nation and our way of life, as it was GUEST COMMENTARY on September 11,2001. Over the course of our nation’s military operations in Afghanistan, our service mem­ bers and intelligence professionals have suc­ ceeded in preventing the many terrorist threats emanating out of Afghanistan from becoming a reality. The world has undoubtedly been a safer place because of the efforts to deny ter­ rorist groups the ability to use Afghanistan as a base of operations. As you oversee the final withdrawal from Afghanistan, we call on your administration to urgently prioritize the evacuation of American citizens, security of the airfield, and the evacuation of loyal Afghans who served alongside U.S. forces. We must safely and expeditiously get Americans and our Afghan partners out of harm’s way. Leaving Afghan allies behind would almost certainly seal their fate and would have harmful and lasting repercussions for our nation that cannot be overlooked. With these grave concerns in mind, we ask that you provide a briefing to Congress as soon as possible on your administration’s plan to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies. We would also ask that you brief our members on your plan going forward to prevent terrorists Continued from previous page-------------------------------------------------- - ---------expand the dual-enrollment partnership with local high schools. “As I was here those months, I’m like, ‘Oh, up here they could do this. Oh up here, they could do that,”’ she said. “And I just started getting excited about those possibilities and thinking maybe it’s just time to make a change, sometimes change does you good.” But it won’t be all change for Davis. That’s part of the reason she took the job: It is a return to her roots - to her ancestors in Hastings, to the country lifestyle, to her mom’s community college connection. “I feel more like this is coming home,” she said. For her new role as director of the Fehsenfeld Center, Carole Davis is this week’s Bright Light: improve their life, change their life, reach their goals, that they’re going to turn around to do that for others. I find that really rewarding. Favorite vacation destination: Michigan. Anywhere pretty much - Northern Michigan, the beaches, Yankee Springs, pretty much anywhere around here. Something on my bucket list: I’d like to visit all 50 states. ... I think I’m close to 40. Well, I’ve got some like little goofy New England states like Rhode Island I haven’t been to. And then some of the big ones like New Mexico and some of those out West I haven’t been to. And Hawaii -1 haven’t been to Hawaii. Greatest thing about Barry County: The people, the vibe. There’s a vibe. And it’s Best advice ever received: If you ever have a hard time making a decision - this was probably from one of my grandmothers - I always fall back ‘Well, when you’re 80 years old, what do you wish you would have done?’ And usually, that helps me settle out what I wish I would have done. First job: Waitressing at a local truck stop. Babysitting before that. Biggest accomplishment: Raising my autistic son. He’s an adult now, but as self­ sufficient as possible and able to communicate. He’s nonverbal, but he can write and read, and so that’s my biggest accomplishment. Favorite season: I love the fall mostly because the hiking is so much easier - the Michigan mosquitoes are usually gone. I love Michigan in the summer, but the mosquitoes and the bugs, ugh. What motivates me: Helping other people. I find it really rewarding to watch other people grow and develop. You kind of feel like it’s paying it forward. Like, by helping someone else and helping them jTHIS Mad [for SALE published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore CFO Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM • $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 THIS AD FOR SALE! More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted, content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation New 108" Cotton. - 70 colors Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 ff J Marine Vinyl - 54” wide « Thread, 'Pearl Cotton, Zippers, J 2)MC floss, Tapes, Trims < Ticketsfor 'Habitat Kaffte Quilt v J displayed here, Call anv time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hank Schuuring Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.eoin 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Larry Osborne, Delton • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Publisher & CEO • Independent and Assisted Living Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Anyone who watched the recent county board meeting saw that the sheriff’s department doesn’t currently have a drug enforcement officer. Dar told others it was because his department doesn’t have the funds. But his department has the funds to reimburse him for speaking engagements? Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 of Middleville To the editor: It’s one thing for Sheriff Dar Leaf to travel around speaking while representing our county, but it’s quite another when he gets reimbursed for it with our tax dollars. Using the Freedom of Information Act, I found out that is exactly what Dar did! Sadly, with our county’s accounting system, elected officials are allowed to approve their own travel expenses. just relaxed and be who you are and people being friendly and reaching out. Very accepting, since I have an autistic son. It’s nice to be in places where people notice right away that he’s different and they embrace that. We pretty much ride our bikes down to the gas station, everybody knows him. People are just very accepting of that, of differences, and that’s what I love about Barry County and the community here. The Hastings Banner More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* ★Kantar Millward Brown, Feb. 2018 Sheriff expenses go toward traveling, but not drug enforcement from capitalizing on the instability in Afghanistan. As members of Congress, we also need to understand how and why your administration had such a poor grasp of the situation on the ground in Afghanistan. The American people and our nation’s veterans who served in Afghanistan deserve to have a full accounting of the diplomatic, defense, and intelligence failures that led to the crisis we are witnessing today. Sincerely, (Signed) Members of Congress Stephanie Bice, August Pfluger, Nancy Mace, Pat Fallon, Beth Van Duyne, Peter Meijer, Randy Feenstra, Tracey Mann, Troy E. Nehls, Pete Sessions, Michelle Fischbach, Mariannette Miller Meeks, David G. Valadao, Ronny L. Jackson, Diana Harshbarger, Julia Letlow, Barry Moore, Blake Moore, Ashley Hinson, Tony Gonzales, Jake Ellzey, Young Kim, Bob Good, Andrew R. Garbarino, Victoria Spartz, Nicole Malliotakis, Andrew S. Clyde, Maria Salazar, Lisa McClain, Jay Obemolte, Jake LaTumer, Burgess Owens, Mary E. Miller, Michelle Steel, Carlos Gimenez, Scott Franklin. f Pray for cur Country 'u“ HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED Part-time hours available with competitive wages. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com J QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN; Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm ■I Huist Cleaners Pick-Up Station of Middleville www.Carveth Village .com ‘Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 �Page 6 — Thursday, August 19, 2021 — The Hastings Banner fl look Back at the stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner d J 7 n TURNING BACK THE PAGES < 1 J I s 4 i 'A 7 i I o j a First merchant helped shape Hastings For more than 100 years, buildings on East State Street housed a hardware store. (File photos) Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. ■ SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. Henry A. Goodyear The NAPA Auto Parts Store at the corner of Jefferson and Apple Streets once housed a portion of Goodyear Hardware, after Henry A. Goodyear’s sons took over the business. Hastings, as a modem settlement, dates back 185 years, to July 1836. Three Marshall men - Philo Dibble, Lansing Kingsbury and Cornelius Kendall - purchased from Detroit banker Eurotas P. Hastings land that now includes the city, and began laying out the town. Last week’s column featured background on Eurotas Hastings. This week’s column focuses on the first merchant, Henry A. Goodyear. Slocum Bunker was the first white settler, building a cabin at the site of the current city hall, the northeast comer of Michigan Avenue and State Street, in 1836. Next, the Bunker family built a sawmill and established a post office, school, trading post and tavern. Four years later, Henry A. Goodyear arrived, toting merchandise he intended to sell in the new settlement. Banner editor and owner Marshall L. Cook, who moved to Hastings in 1870 and ran the paper with his brother, later said Goodyear would have done well in any field. Cook also wrote: “First settlers have a tremendous influ­ ence in shaping the character of a communi­ ty.” Perhaps the proof in his observances is that the businesses Goodyear started continue today, after more than 180 years. Goodyear’s original hardware store, which he sold to two of his sons , John and David, in 1890, has become Ace Hardware, now owned by the Bolthouse family. The farm implement side of Goodyear’s business is now GreenMark Equipment north of the city limits. And the unintended bank that, according to Cook, developed simply out of the community’s trust in Goodyear, became the National Bank of Hastings and is now TCF Bank. Below is Cook’s recollection of Henry Goodyear, which was published in the May 3, 1956, Hastings Banner centennial edition. Henry A. Goodyear, the ‘grand old man of Hastings’ Was business leader, village president and first mayor of city M.L. Cook Had you lived in Hastings during the 1890s, you might have noticed a tall, spare, erect, gray-bearded man walking slowly along State Street. His smile and greeting were gra­ cious; his manner courteous and dignified. This was Henry A. Goodyear, pioneer businessman, banker and legislator who was recognized at the time as “the grand old man of Hastings.” The objective of these daily walks was the Goodyear Hardware store, located then as now [1956] at 111 E. State. Although retired from the business, he went to the store regu­ larly each day. Customers were always glad to see him, especially the older ones who delight­ ed to reminisce about the hardships and tri­ umphs of the pioneer days. Goodyear was bom in York, Pa., in 1818. His grandfather had served in the Revolutionary War, and from such ancestry, Henry inherited love of liberty and respect for human rights. After finishing school at age 16, he went to Philadelphia, where he became a clerk in a drug store. While there, he learned of an opening in Detroit. His application for the job was accepted, and he moved to Michigan shortly thereafter. In March 1840, he located in Battle Creek, and while there, heard of a new settlement to the north called Hastings. Since prospects for business there seemed good, Goodyear invested his savings in mer­ chandise and headed for the little community on the banks of the Thornapple River. Most of the settlement then was grouped in a clearing east of Jefferson Street and north of the river. Goodyear located his first store on the site that would now be at the southeast comer of Michigan Avenue and State Street. Since he believed the business district would develop west of that location, Goodyear later built a store at the comer of Jefferson and State streets, where the National Bank of Hastings now stands. The Indians far outnumbered the white settlers when Goodyear came here. There were Indian villages at Indian Landing on Thornapple Lake, at Quimby near the mouth of Cedar Creek, in Woodland Township, Middleville, Prairieville and in Assyria Township. For the first few years, Goodyear’s busi­ ness was largely that of barter with the Indians - a exchange of his goods for furs and pelts. Goodyear dealt with them fairly and won their goodwill and friendship. As adjacent lands were taken up by white settlers who arrived in increasing numbers, the Indians gradually faded from the picture - moving to reservations provided by the gov­ ernment near Mt. Pleasant or in the territory that later became the state of Oklahoma. A few declined to leave and remained here. Among them was Chief Askasaw, with whom Goodyear developed a lasting friend­ ship. When that chieftain, who was always friendly to the white people, died [in 1876], Goodyear raised the funds for a burial in Barryville Cemetery and a marble marker to place on the grave. Goodyear was a careful, conscientious businessman who won and retained the ) respect of the people of this city and county. His business prospered. Gradually, he dropped . all the other lines and concentrated on hard- J ware. Under his management, Goodyear Hardware became the leading store of its kind ' between Grand Rapids and Jackson. At the time Goodyear came here, the com- ; munity had no bank* People soon had confi- ~ dence in him and brought surplus funds to his store for safekeeping. As the adjacent country was settled, more people entrusted their cash to him, and banking became a considerable . part of his business. Eventually that depart- ~ ment was placed in charge of his son George, j After the Civil War, Andrew J. Bowen, who had acquired a considerable fortune as a merchant at Prairieville, and Fred N. Galloway, son-in-law of Dr. J.M. Russell, ; then one of the town’s leading physicians, ° decided to establish a private bank in Hastings. . They purchased Goodyear’s banking busi- ness, continued George Goodyear as cashier, p and started their bank in a one-story frame ; building on a site east of the present LyBarker drug store [122 W. State St., now occupied by 7 Hodges Jewelry and Gifts.] The same building was, for many years, the jewelry store of the late John Bessemer. Later, the bank became a National Bank, and was conducted for many years in the old three-story building that was torn down when the present National Bank building was erect- ’ ed. George Goodyear continued as cashier , until his death [in 1884]. Many well-deserved hohdrs came to J Henry A. Goodyear. In 1844, he was elected 1 to represent Barry County in the state legisla- , ture. In 1852, he was selected by the Democratic state convention as a delegate to b the National Democratic Convention in , Baltimore, Md., that named Franklin Pierce for the presidency. Goodyear was elected state senator in 1854 and was again state rep- f resentative from Barry County in 1874, even 1 though the county was strongly Republican at w the time. । After Hastings became an incorporated 5 village [1855], Goodyear was [one of the first to serve as] president. Later when the village ” became a city [1871], Goodyear was named ’ its first mayor, [and also served as post mas­ ter]. The Barry County Pioneer Society was organized about 1870. Goodyear was chosen as president and held that office up to the time of his decease in May 1901. 2 Goodyear was always strongly in favor of good schools and was a member of the school Q board when Hastings was a village and after it , became a city. He was a member when the three-story and basement brick building was J constructed in 1872-73 on the Central j grounds, after the old frame building was destroyed by fire. All of these honors came to Goodyear Continued next page J s Four men prominent in early affairs here : PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Loyal E. Knappen Andrew J. Bowne Fiberglass products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 AWWKIMW HotifeeftotoliBqo^meiit 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 The May 3, 1956, Hastings Banner Centennial edition published portraits for four early Hastings residents, along with a synopsis of their contributions to the settlement: Nathan Barlow, prominent here 10 years before Hastings became a village, built the original Hastings House, owned a grist mill on Fall Creek, entered the mercantile business in 1851 and aided promotion of the first railroad here. 4 Robert J. Grant Robert J. Grant, merchant and grist mill operator, served Hastings for mayor three terms 1878-80 and 1882-83 and as Barry County representative on the state legislature. Prominent and well-to-do, he once voluntarily served the Methodist Church for two years as a janitor. Grant was an owner of The Banner in 1856-57. Andrew J. Bowne, businessman and civic leader, started the First National Bank here. Nathan Barlow Loyal A. Knappen, graduate of Hastings Union School and the University of Michigan, became a federal circuit judge. He practiced law here for three years before going to Grand Rapids where he became a member of the prominent law firm of Stuart, Knappen and Van Arman. Judge Knappen always referred to Hastings as his hometown. 4 ) 3 I 4 4 2 4 �The Hastings Banner Thursday, August 19, 2021 — Page 7 DRAIN, continued from page 1 “Anyone in the district is benefitting from the project,” he said. The project is extensive, involving the installation of 684 linear feet of 12-inch storm water force main at an average depth of 5 feet; 4,006 linear feet of 18-inch storm water force main at an average depth of 5 feet; grading, excavation and construction of two pump sta­ tion buildings, including intake and distribu­ tion lines; and the installation of pumps and pump filters in those pump station buildings; along with bringing the system online for ini­ tial operation. And the work is expensive. Dull pointed out that he was among the first in the county to request funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, which will pro­ vide a total of nearly $12 million to the coun­ ty“If we get $2 million, you’re helping tax­ paying citizens,” he pointed out. Whether the Watson Drain project has a chance to get an ARPA infusion is an open question that’s unlikely to be decided anytime soon. But the pressure will be on to get this work done. They’ve got a start date sometime after Oct. 15, with the work to be completed by April 1,2022. The next important date for the community is Sept. 3, when the Day of Review will pro­ vide details about the district boundaries and provide a review of apportionments. The day­ long session will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Delton Kellogg Middle School gymnasium. That’s when residents can come, ask ques­ tions and find out everything they want to know about the district. From Dull’s perspective, the story of the Watson Drain is a cautionary tale about the formation of drain districts and how they can lead to a financial commitment in a district for which the law currently provides no easy out. All it takes is five property owners to file a petition with the drain commissioner seeking a district, Dull said. The trouble with Watson Drain began short­ ly after he became drain commissioner. “I was out there in 2017.1 got a call from Sharon Ritchie, who said that the lake seemed a little high. We checked the weir. The water was same height on both sides. “By next year, one of her kids said, ‘Ma, this lake is way high.’ “I had no reference as to what was high, but residents had water in their basements.” At that point, they created the special assessment district, he said. “Sharon gave us a petition after having five people sign it. “Then we had to move forward. We had the Board of Determination. We had 400 people show up at the township fire hall - and all but 10 of them didn’t want anything done.” Dull vividly remembered one of the resi­ dents sayipg, ‘Fixing this problem is like using a sledge hammer to do trim work.’ “None of them wanted this done. They said, ‘We don’t have a problem. We don’t have a problem. It’s your problem.’ ” But the drain code is “written for that guy at the bottom of the hill,” Dull said. But everyone in the district receives the benefit of Rutland Charter Township’s books that document drainage districts there is among the ones that are missing. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) the water and they contribute to the problem sation therefore being first made or secured in when the water is high. a manner prescribed by law,” the suit stated. The next year, the situation got worse. Dull also “deliberately determined that the Pleasant Lake was flooded. elevated amount of water in Upper Crooked “They were a foot and a half too high,” Lake shall be stored upon the plaintiff’s prop­ Dull said. “Then we got flooded houses, erties pending the eventual return, if any, of flooded sewers.” the lake level,” it said. Sandbags and pumps couldn’t stop the del­ It was Dull’s replacement of the Floria uge, which some property owners claimed Road culvert that ultimately led to the flood­ was Dull’s fault. ing of their properties, they claimed. So 17 Crooked Lake residents filed suit, “As a direct result of the modifications of demanding that the drain commissioner the drainage pattern of the Watson Drain, as declare eminent domain and buy their houses. directed by defendant Drain Commissioner, David and Leslie Bolton, David and Ann the lake level of Upper Crooked Lake has Skender, Robert and Sharon Ritchie, Michael risen to significantly that Plaintiffs’ properties and Sandra Golembiewki, Jill Sterling, Mark have become flooded, damaged and, in one or Nelson, Jason and Dana Adams, David Baker, more instances, uninhabitable.” Gary and Deborah Englehardt, and Joseph Replacement of the culvert occurred in a and Cheryl Reda claimed that Dull knowingly wetland regulated by what was then known as and deliberately set the forces in motion that the state Department of Environmental caused the level of Upper Crooked Lake to I Q^ty, the complaint said ■ ---------------------------_ rise and, as a result, flood their property. The state Wetlands Protection Act required In their complaint, they said Dull had, in a permit to be obtained fo iS^lace that culvert, effect, declared inverse eminent domain by and Dull did not have a permit to replace that flooding their houses through his actions, so culvert, the plaintiffs claimed. he might as well buy their properties and take They also called for the court to order Dull possession of them. to restore the lake level of Upper Crooked Crooked Lake had no outlet, so Dull had Lake to 922.75 feet above sea level, per a gotten a permit to channel the overflow 1942 court decision. through a culvert under M-43 and created a All the plaintiffs were residents, or former retention pond in Glasby Lake. residents, of the Watson Drain district and ail Under state law, “private property shall not owned property on Upper Crooked Lake. be taken for public use without just compenThe properties they owned had the follow­ ing condemnation values: Bolton, $171,800; Skender, $312,200; Ritchie,. $224,000; Golembiewki $219,000; Sterling, $138,600; entire membership. He was broad in his Nelson, $197,600; Adams, $153,400; Baker, sympathies, kind in his judgments and played the game of life “on the level and on the square.” Goodyear was a modest, unassuming man, a lover of his home and family, and was very hospitable. He cared little for what we call society, but he loved to visit with his friends. As a businessman, as a community leader and as a citizen, he had a large influence in the city and county. Continued from previous page entirely unsolicited. He never sought an office. But when elected by his fellow citi­ zens, regarded it as a mandate and devoted full time and energy to it. It was fortunate for Hastings that this first merchant was a man of unquestioned integrity and character. First settlers have a tremendous influence in shaping the character of a com­ munity. Goodyear never pretended he was in busi­ ness for his health, nor for the fun of it. He realized, as every man should, that unless the business can earn a profit, it is doomed to failure and will harm, instead of help, a town. His intelligence, attention to his business, and his sound judgment would have won success for him in any field. In politics, Goodyear was a Democrat, but not a narrow-party man. He was a Christian in his attitude toward life and toward his fellow man. He took a prominent part in the organi­ zation of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in this city, was present at every service, if able to attend, and was a vestryman through his Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull has books that document county drain­ age districts, but he doesn’t have all the township records. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) $187,000; Englehardt, $248,800. All of the property owners, except Joseph and Cheryl Reda, were seeking the condem­ nation value for their properties, along with other relief provided under law. They claimed the damages they incurred included the “complete or total market value of their property; increased utility cost to operate pumps in a ‘futile effort to mitigate their damages and save their properties;’ other costs and expenses of equipment, supplies, and/or the use of contractors; physical damag­ es to their residences; physical damages to the properties on which their residences are locat­ ed; and physical loss of some of the real prop­ erty on which their residences are located.” The suit ended up being dismissed, but the problems didn’t end. In 2019, flooding worsened in the Delton areaand submerged a portion of M-43 to the poiiit that it became impassable, Today, the people who sued are in much better straits, Dull said. “The water is down almost 216 feet from where we were.” He’s elated by that fact. “It has helped a lot.” Ironically, Ritchie, who started the project by filing the petition, no longer lives in the district. Dull said people now say to him: “Well, the lake’s down. Quit. “What they don’t understand is, now that those people are in the drain district, if we stop pumping today and they get flooded out, we are going to have to pay to replace every- CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED * A brief history on the National Bank of Hastings in the 1987 “ALook Back ...” cred­ its William H. Skinner of Battle Creek with opening a private bank here in 1856. He later sold that bank to Henry A. Goodyear. Other sources list the National Bank of Hastings as originating in 1933. That’s the year it was Sources: Hastings Banner; “A Look Back - a review of the businesses, organizations and history of Hastings Michigan,” 1987; “History of Allegan and Barry Counties, Michigan,” 1880; Ancestry.com. Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com www.CarvethVillage .com “Remember... if you can’t live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 Jensen Michael Vincent, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock, on July 11, 2021 to Leah Vincent and Matthew Vincent of Hastings. Lilith Rose Taylor, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 7, 2021 to Nautica Burkett and Chance Taylor of Hastings. Olivia Sue Dennie, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 12, 2021 to Stacy Slaughter and Dustin Dennie of Lake Odessa. Alizabeth Snyder-James, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 14, 2021 to Nichelie Ganther and Alexander Snyder-James of Portland. Lennon Joshua, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 17, 2021 to Kassandra Hoskins and Kory Hoskins of Portland. Sky Ashton Rogers, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 23,2021 to Madison Bolo and Skyler Rogers of Dowling. Heritage Days 5K/10K Run Samuel Colt Burkhart, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 21, 2021 to Amber Burkhart and Ian Burkhart of Nashville. A flat, fast out-and-back course on the scenic Paul Henry Trail along the Thomapple River. Jayse Carlton McCoy, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 2, 2021 to Cherlyn Kay McCoy and Keith Allen McCoy of Hastings. August 21 • Start Time 8am at the Paul Henry Trail Stagecoach Park, Downtown Middleville. Arlo Daniel Gabriel Bartzen, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 7, 2021 to Kay Tee Lamb and Matthew Bartzen of Wayland. Online registration open through Aug. 19 at taprc.org., $25(adults) $20(12 and under). Wylder Jean Pennington, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 30, 2021 to Danielle Jean Pennington and Steven Tyler Pennington of Middleville. Kinsley Ary Trudgeon, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 30, 2021 to Samantha Trudgeon and Derick Trudgeon, Hastings. Day of race registration is $30(adults), $25(12 & under) beginning at 6:45am. Awards ceremony at 9:15am. Proceeds benefit Thornapple Area Parks and Recreation Commission. $e.t (flctiv&lfitag, (fteilve. thing that’s damaged.” Drain districts create a totally different dynamic, he explained. “Under law,” he said, “if you live in a drain district and you get flooded out and your drain commissioner isn’t actively trying to fix your problem, then the drain district is responsible. “There is no insurance for drain districts,” he pointed out. “... so you better do your job.” As a result of the drain district being creat­ ed, the Watson Drain project must continue, even without any flooding threat. “We still need to do this project,” Dull said. And so Watson will join a number of drain­ age districts in Barry County, although it’s not clear exactly how many. “Twenty-five years ago, there were rough­ ly 230 or 240,” Dull said. “They exist in pernati:tz iin 1 or<? xi ol-vonrlz-xn petuity unless you abandon them.” courthouse document drainage districts, but he doesn’t have all the township books and he’d be willing to pay to get them. Those records can help him prove the exis­ tence of those districts. He sure would like to get the books for Rutland Charter Township, for example. \ Dull said he hopes to get all those docu­ ments on computer to protect the record. \ And, if he had his way, Watson Drain would be the last drainage district in the coun­ ty* “We’d just as soon not have another one,” he said. PUBLIC NOTICE Michigan Career and Technical Institute, 11611 W. Pine Lake Rd., Plainwell, Ml 49080 is applying for reaffirmation of accreditation with the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. Persons wishing to make comments should either write to the Executive Director of the Commission, Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, Georgia 30350, or submit their comments through the Council’s web site (www.council.org). Persons making comments must provide their names and mailing addresses. 166429 Please plan to join us for a Celebration of Life Concert in honor of STEVE REID Saturday, August 21st, 2021 t i J L Downtown at the Hastings Thornapple Plaza Starting at 5pm till approximately 8:30pm Featuring local artist, Grumpy Old Men, Green Street Church Reunion Band, Brian Mote. As Steve shared his love of God and music with all of you, we hope you can join us to honor him! i. V �Page 8 — Thursday, August 19, 2021 — The Hastings Banner BUSINESS BRIEFS Pennock welcomes new physician Spectrum Health Pennock has announced the addition of Carl Baker, M.D., to Spectrum Health Pennock Family, Internal and Pediatric Medicine - Hastings. He will begin seeing patients Monday, Aug. 16. Dr. Baker earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan Technological University in Houghton and a medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. He completed his family medicine residency at McKay-Dee Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare, in Ogden, Utah. Baker is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Tm excited to be back in Michigan,” he said. ‘Tm from the Kalamazoo area, so to be back in my home state is a dream come true. I want to belong to the Hastings community and help patients achieve their health goals. One of the things I find most satisfying is working with patients to help them manage chronic problems and be preventive in their care to help them achieve optimal health.” Baker is a hiking and camping enthusiast and an Eagle Scout. He and his wife are trying to visit all of America’s national parks, and they recently visited Glacier National Park in Montana. Elaine Garlock The Red Cross Blood Drive Monday yielded 40 pints of blood in the second summer visit to Lake Odessa. The green beans keep rolling into town on the big semi-trucks. We see several such trucks each day. They are still taking the circuitous route to Twin City Foods because the Emerson Street project is yet unfinished. We supposed all the underground work was past, but not so. Last week, there was yet another large excavation near the comer with Fourth Avenue. The street is driveable for those who live in the apartments or those intent on reaching the three side streets that connect to Tupper Lake Street. The surface work has not yet begun to put in new coats of tar. The Ackerson house on Johnson Street, which had not been occupied for many years, was recently listed for sale. There must have been a quick buyer because soon the sign was gone and a huge dumpster was brought in. It was soon filled with debris from the house interior. That has now been hauled away, but two large containers remain, filled to the brim, Carl Baker, M.D. “We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Baker to the Family, Internal & Pediatric Medicine clinic in Hastings,” Angela Ditmar, president of Spectrum Health Pennock, said. “Primary care is the building block for ensuring access to local care, and we are helping to ensure that our residents have that local health care option.” Appointments with Dr. Baker may be made by calling 269-945-0922. awaiting disposal. Many years ago, this was the home of Nellie and Ed Anway. Sunflowers are making their annual spectacular showing. You can get a glimpse of them on North Fourth Avenue where Mary Mutch has a short variety planted along a board fence. Next door, her Smith neighbors have the tall variety in their garden. There is even a stray plant in the alley behind their houses. Likely there are many others around town. Since the local fairgrounds are open for campers, there is an increased number of vehicles there. Last weekend there was an array of big equipment on the south side of the drive near the west entry. This is a new venture for the association. Why not use the grounds in the off season of the July fair? The pickleball courts often have players and the new playground equipment often has children at play. Children who live in the north end of town are too far from the schoolgrounds or the village park and Swifty’s Place to take advantage of those amenities. Forever a reminder of Cleveland ball club, and need to improve I wear a lot of hats. I’m speaking literally, not figuratively here. It has been a cascade over the years. There is always something Detroit Tigers in the rota­ tion. There were early years with a Kansas City Royals hat I remember - a tribute to George Brett and Bo Jackson who were a couple of favorites. I wore a Boston Red Sox hat for as long as they weren’t winning any­ thing, something that started with the “Save Fenway Park” movement back when there was a chance that Fenway Park might not be saved before I caught a ballgame there (still on the bucket list). Others have gone off and on over the years: Randall Cunningham’s Eagles, Chris Webber’s Warriors, a plethora of University Michigan styles, I was a big fan of the Florida Panthers’ color scheme when they made their debut, the classic logo of the Hartford Whalers has made an appearance in recent years, and the Los Angeles Angles made an appearance on my head when Shohei Ohtani announced he’d be joining Mike Trout in Anaheim. Those lists don’t include the hat from a senior photo in a 25-year-old version of the Thomapple Kellogg High School yearbook that shows me standing on the edge of a corn­ field in a Cleveland Indians hat. The Cleveland Major League Baseball team finally changed its nickname his sum­ mer, something that some people have been working on for most of those last 25 years and some longer than that. Soon to be the Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland did away with the Chief Wahoo logo that was embla­ zoned on the front of that cap a few years ago - the grinning, bright red mascot for the fran­ chise. He has been replaced by a block “C” HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Aug. 19 - Novel Ideas Book Club discusses the book by Celeste Ng that started the TV mini-series “Little Fires Everywhere;” Movie Memories and Milestones watches 1962 movie based on Gypsy Rose Lee’s memoirs, 4:30-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23 - Quilting Passions group meets, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24 - chess, mahjong and euchre groups, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26 - Movie Memories and Milestones revisits the Ziegfeld Follies with the 1937 film that won four Oscars, 4:30-8 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263, or checking its Facebook page. WATSON DRAIN NOTICE DAY OF REVIEW OF DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS Friday, September 3, 2021 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Delton Kellogg Middle School Gymnasium, 6325 Delton Rd, Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 945-1385 At the Day of Review, the Drain Commissioner will have available to review the tentative drainage district boundaries and apportionments against parcels and municipalities within the proposed Drainage District. The Drain Commissioner, engineers, and other staff members will be available to assist individuals throughout the day, and to make revisions where necessary. A general description of the lands by section number proposed to be added or deleted from the Drainage District is as follows: Portions of Sections Portions of Sections Municipality Drain Name Added Removed 4-6, 9, 16-18 4-6, 9, 16, 18 Barry Township Watson Drain 31 N/A Hope Township 36 N/A Orangeville Township 1. 10-15. 22-23 1-2. 10-11. 14-16. 21-23 Prairieville Townshio There is no need to schedule an appointment for a specific time on the Day of Review. Comments on the apportionment of benefits may be submitted to the Drain Commissioner in writing before the Day of Review at the Office of the Barry County Drain Commissioner, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 or idull@barrycounty.org, or comments may be submitted in writing or verbally at the Day of Review. Comments submitted in advance must be received by the Drain Commissioner prior to the Day of Review to ensure con­ sideration. The computation of costs will also be available at the Day of Review. Drain assessments are collected in the same manner as property taxes and will appear on your winter tax bill. If drain assessments are being collect­ ed for more than one (1) year, you may pay the assessment in full with any interest to date at any time and avoid further interest charges. Barry County, Barry Township, and Prairieville Township are to be assessed at large. Additional information, including a map of the Drainage District, and the Notice of Letting (containing the num­ ber and length of sections, the average width of each section, and if the drain will be closed, the amount and specifications of all tile or pipe required; the location, number, type, and size of culverts or bridges to be installed, if any; and conditions upon which the contract will be awarded) can be found at: www.barrycounty. orq/departments and officials/officials/drain commissioner. nership with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe which over the past few decades has been pleased to work with the university - giving CMU one of a handful of exemptions from the NCAA to continue on with a Native American nickname. There is no Chief Wahoo at CMU, no tomahawk chop or war chant; There are opportunities for education in both directions between the college and the tribe. So long as the university and the local tribe continue on together feeling it is a positive, respectful relationship I see no reason for CMU to change anything. There was enough Native American oppo­ sition to the Cleveland ball club’s name and certainly the Chief Wahoo logo that it was time for the change. The future is the Guardians and the change is made to help us all remember that there is a present and a future for the Native American community. These are not characters from our past from sports logos and Wonderful World of Disney westerns. They are the people of Earth, the same as you and me. We can all be better, even when it takes too long to find out that we needed to be. My Cleveland fandom has faded, but I at least think the Guardians nickname is a good one. The logo isn’t a jaw-dropper, but I am sure that will be tweaked in time. I’ve wan­ dered around the ballpark in Cleveland a few times, in the dead of winter when the Chippewas men’s basketball team was play­ ing in the Mid-American Conference Tournament across the street, but never noticed the Hope Memorial Bridge. I’ll be sure to check it out should I return to Cleveland. Get some pictures of the Guardians of Traffic. The one holding the stagecoach caught my eye. A different form of copying Dr. Universe: How do we clone things? Raphael, 8, Sao Paulo, Brazil 166186 DATE: TIME: LOCATION: QUESTIONS: currently and the new Guardians’ logo is a winged block “G” with a baseball echoing the Art Deco aesthetic of the Guardians of Traffic statues on the Hope Memorial Bridge over the Cuyahoga River near Progressive Field where the team plays. I was ignorant to the issues Native American mascots present at that point. In 1995, the Cleveland ball club was work­ ing its way towards the World Series with the likes of sluggers Albert “don’t call me Joey” Belle, Jim Thome, a and young Manny Ramirez, speed demon Kenny Lofton leading off and playing Centerfield, the middle infield duo of Omar Vizquel and Carlos Baerga and the catching duo of Tony Pena and Sandy Alomar. Being that I can’t name a pitcher not named Jose Mesa off the top of my head from that roster, it should come as no surprise that the Indians lost out in the World Series that year to the Atlanta Braves - another MLB team working through (hopefully) it’s own Native American mascot issues. A lot of us are walking a fine line these days, and it is a line that is always moving as we learn and grow. It is an issue that has been dealt with on the high school landscape for years. Marshall has a new nickname. Paw Paw has a new nickname. Belding has fol­ lowed suit. Who knows how many years before Saranac follows the Washington Football Team in the NFL in altering its nick­ name, something Washington owner Dan Snyder said he would never do. The first time I remember the nickname issue coming up was in relation to Eastern Michigan University - formerly the Hurons and now the Eagles. Central Michigan University continues on as the Chippewas thanks to a continued part­ Dear Raphael, From frogs to sheep to cats, humans have learned to clone all kinds of organisms. Like you, I was curious how it all works, so I talked to my friend Jon Oatley, a researcher at Washington State University. First, he told me that mammals — like you and me — are made up of billions of building blocks called cells. Other organ­ isms, like amoebas, are just a single cell. Inside each cell is a nucleus, which is like a small envelope that protects something very important: DNA. DNA holds the code to all sorts of differ­ ent traits, such as hair color, eye color and skin color. This genetic information can be passed down from grandparents to parents to their offspring. One type of reproduction requires both the DNA from inside a sperm cell and inside an egg cell for an organism to start developing. When these two cells come together, they form a single cell and then begin multiply­ ing. These cells make up an embryo, the earliest stage of development. But when we want to clone something, we don’t need DNA from both a sperm cell and an egg cell. Instead, the DNA comes from a single non-reproductive cell, called a somat­ ic cell. It might be a cell from muscle, brain or even skin. Scientists can pull out DNA from inside one of those cells and put it into the empty shell of organism’s egg cell. With a zap of electricity, the cells start multiplying and form an embryo. Following the embryo stage is the fetus stage, and then finally the offspring. The offspring, or clone, will have the same DNA as the original organism. “We can do this in essentially all mam­ mals,” Oatley said. Even though the DNA is identical, that doesn’t mean a clone will be a perfect copy of the original, he added. For instance, the first cat clone had the same DNA as her donor cat Rainbow. Rainbow was a calico cat with orange, black, and white fur. But Cc, the clone, was gray and white. A clone may look different than its donor because some traits occur randomly as the clone develops in the womb. The environ­ ment where a clone lives can make the clone look or behave differently than its donor, too. Cloning is a tool scientists can use in the lab to help us better understand genetics. It can help us identify genes and improve the traits of different food products, which is especially important for feeding Earth’s growing population. Cloning also helps us gain a better understanding of how genes work and when those genes might be the source of health problems. Oatley said it’s great to hear that you are already curious about the world of life sci­ ences, Raphael. Who knows, maybe one day you can help us learn more about the way genes work and how DNA shapes life on our planet. Dr. Universe Know a kid with a science question? Adults can help kids submit a question for a chance to be featured in a future video, pod­ cast, or Q&A post. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident sci­ entist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the Day of Review should contact the Drain Commissioner’s Office at the number noted above (voice) or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the Day of Review to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Within ten (10) days of the Day of Review, you may appeal the Drain Commissioner’s decision to revise the district boundary to the Barry County Circuit Court, and you may also appeal the deter­ mination of apportionments to the Barry County Probate Court. Call any time to mace your Hastings Banner classified ad Dated: August 16, 2021 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 19, 2021 — Page 9 Census 2020: West Michigan is key growth area for state Bridge Magazine U.S. Census data released Thursday con­ firms previous projections: There are a hand­ ful of bright spots in Michigan when it comes to growth — namely the western coast and parts of southeastern Michigan — along with wide swaths of concern. Michigan’s population rose 2 percent from 2010 to 2020, falling to 10th among states and costing it a congressional seat. Next year, Michigan will have 13 congres­ sional districts. Of Michigan’s 83 counties, 50 lost popula­ tion, including Luce County in the Upper Peninsula which lost 19.5 percent and the Thumb, where all counties lost population except Lapeer, which gained 0.3 percent. Even among counties that gained popula­ tion, many were negligible, such as Jackson County, which grew 0.1 percent or 118 people to 160,366. Oceana County, on the shore of Lake Michigan, north of Muskegon, grew by 6.3 percent, or 89 people to 26,659. Only five Michigan counties eclipsed the average U.S. population growth rate of 7.4 percent: Ottawa, Grand Traverse, Kent, Allegan and Washtenaw. “There is this growing dispersion where there basically are just a lot of these places — (50) counties in Michigan— that are shrinking,” said Donald Grimes, an economist at the University of Michigan. “Then a few places growing.” “That suggests a more extensive redistribu­ tion towards more prosperous areas,” said Grimes. While suburban counties continued to grow and suburbs such as Novi, Dearborn and Macomb Township posted double-digit growth, Detroit’s population declined for the seventh straight decade, falling 10.5 percent to 639,111. Leveraging growth West Michigan represents one of the state’s biggest growth areas, Grimes said. While anchored by developments in Grand Rapids, including multiple new medical facilities, the growth extends into the full region. The three fastest-growing counties com­ bine into a region with 1.074 million resi­ dents. When adding two additional bordering counties — Barry to the southeast of Kent and Montcalm, northeast of Kent — the regional population climbed to 1.2 million, roughly the size of Oakland County. While Census 2020 looks back at growth, it also sends signals to job creators that the region is ready for more of the same, said Andy Johnston, vice president of government affairs at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. “When companies are thinking about mov­ ing or expanding ... they will be focusing on where they can get the workforce to make it happen,” Johnston said. “We need to figure out how to continue to leverage that.” A large, thriving region attracts younger people who are drawn to bigger cities and away from smaller towns, said Lou Glazer, president and co-founder of Michigan Future Inc. Glazer has looked at migration trends for years, warning the state more than a decade ago that then-millennials were leaving the state for places like Denver and Chicago. The population gains in Grand Rapids are notable, in part, because a Bridge Michigan analysis found that the city reversed the trend and now attracts more people from Cook County, Ill., than those who leave Grand Rapids for the Windy City. “That’s good news,” Glazer said. “It hasn’t happened in a long time.” Like Grimes, Glazer awaits pending census data on migration, age and education to learn more about Michigan’s workforce by county. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Their speculation is that retirees are fueling growth in the northwestern Lower Peninsula, while younger, more educated workers are moving to the other thriving population cen­ ters. The significance of that for Michigan’s economy, Glazer said, is that “talent attracts capital,” with still more business investment likely to follow the workforce moves. That’s true in Washtenaw County, said Mandy Grewal, supervisor of Pittsfield Township, on the border of Ann Arbor. The township — next to Ann Arbor — chose policy goals over the past decade that Grewal said support growth. For example, the township gained 1,775 housing units during the last decade and about 2,400 in the 10 years before that. It also increased public transportation, leading to 13 percent growth in the past 10 years to 39,147 residents. An array of housing at different price points has helped fuel that growth, Grewal said. “I feel like it shows we can continue to try to strike a balance between preservation and development,” Grewal said “We don’t have to promote sprawl. We can bring people into our community through infill development.” Looking ahead As demographers and planners dig into the 2020 Census, one big question is how to stop Michigan’s population losses, said Ren Farley, a researcher at the Population Studies Center in the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. The Upper Peninsula, in particular, brings challenges to policy makers, he said. For Houghton County, the 733 residents it gained since 2010 means that it’s the only one of 15 counties in the Upper Peninsula to gain residents. In all, the U.P. lost 3.1 percent of its popu­ lation, falling to 301,608. Twenty years ago, only four of the U.P. counties were losing population, according to the 2000 Census. No doubt, as the Census is scrutinized and indicates more about how Michigan lives, its future job growth and economic vitality, the Online learning tools for teachers, parents Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist Our online learning resources for educators are great for teaching people about Social Security. Chances are a student will know someone who receives retirement or disability benefits. This could be a way to relate Social Security’s many programs to a new audience and show them that the programs help people ©ther than retirees. Understanding how Social Security helps wounded warriors as well as children and adults with disabilities can lead to greater empathy and provide a path to inspired learning. s_.We offer an educator’s toolkit to engage students and educate them about our programs. Teachers may use the toolkit to create their own lesson plans. The toolkit includes: • Lesson plans with objectives. • Infographics and handouts for each lesson plan. r • Links to Social Security web pages. • Talking points. • Quiz questions and answers. You can access the toolkit at ssa.gov/ thirdparty/educators .html. As a child’s first educator, parents can use the toolkit to introduce their children or grandchildren to Social Security programs. We value and welcome the efforts of teachers to educate America’s young people. want to .help spark discussions with students about the benefits Social Security provides to millions of people. Share our toolkit with your favorite educators today. Von da VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda .vantil@ ssa .gov. I Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 529 plans: Not just for college i ; ■; } • If you’ve heard of 529 plans, you might think they can only be used to help pay for college. And you wouldn’t be alone: Less than one-third of adults properly identified that a 529 plan can be used for more than just higher educa­ tion, according to a survey by Morning Consult and Edward Jones. But what are these oth­ er expenses? Before we get to them, let’s review the main benefits of 529 plans. Contribution lim­ its are high and earnings can grow tax-free if withdrawals are used for qualified educa­ tion expenses such as tuition and room and board. (With­ drawals for nonqualified dis­ tributions are subject to taxes and a 10% penalty on the earnings portion.) Plus, as the account owner, you maintain control of the plan, so you can switch beneficiaries to anoth­ er qualified family member, if necessary. Now, let’s consider the oth­ er uses of 529 plans, which have been made possible by various pieces of legislation over the past few years: Student loan repayments - The average amount of stu­ dent loan debt per borrower is well over $32,000, according to the Federal Reserve. So, many people welcomed the news that 529 plans could be used to repay student loans. There’s an aggregate lifetime limit of $10,000 in qualified student loan repayments per 529 plan beneficiary, plus $10,000 for each of the ben­ eficiary’s siblings. Being able to use 529 plans to re­ pay student loans gives you some flexibility if your family members have excess balanc­ es in their accounts. K-12 expenses -- A 529 plan can now be used to pay up to $10,000 per year in tui­ tion expenses at private, pub­ lic and religious elementary and secondary schools. This amount is per student, not per account. However, not all states allow 529 plans to be used for K-12 expenses - or to be technical, some states consider K-12 tuition to be a nonqualified 529 plan ex­ pense, which means the earn­ ings portion of a 529 plan is subject to state income taxes and possibly a “recapture” of other state income tax breaks connected with 529 plan withdrawals. So, make sure you understand your state’s rules on K-12 expenses be­ fore taking money out of your 529 plan. Apprenticeships - Not every child wants or needs to attend a college or university. And now, 529 funds can be used to pay for apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. These types of programs, which combine on-the-job training with classroom in­ struction, are offered at com­ munity colleges and trade schools. Once students com­ plete their apprenticeships, they often go on to well-pay­ ing careers in a variety of fields. And since these types of programs are typically far less expensive than a fouryear college degree, a 529 plan can have a particularly long reach. The tax treatment of 529 plans for all these expenses can vary from state to state, so, if you move to another state after you’ve established your plan, you’ll want to know the rules. Even if you don’t move, it’s still a good idea to consult with your tax advisor about how 529 plan withdrawals will be treated. Nonetheless, a 529 plan could be valuable to you in many ways. Consider how you might want to put it to work for you and your family. This article was written by Edward Jonesfor use by your local Edward Jones Finan­ cial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting August 10,2021 'Meettng'uatled to order m. Six board members present, one absent Approved all consent agenda items Approved amending 2021 budget Approved 2021 rate for form L-4029 Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:44 pm 166392 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 21-28909-NC In the matter of Michelle Deanne Haywood. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wed., 9/15/2021 at 2:00 P.M. at 206 W. Court St. #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty (P41960) for the following purpose: Petition for a name change for Michelle Deanne Haywood to be changed to Michelle Deanne Rodriguez. Michelle Deanne Haywood 2251 E. State Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (612)581-9019 166371 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting August 11, 2021 Called to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Stoneburner, Goebel, Pence, Doster & DeVries Agenda and July 2021 Minutes were approved. Drain and County Commissioners’ Reports Public comments, if any, were received. Department and Officers reports were received. Approved paying bills: $62,375.86 Approved Millage Request Approved Police Server Purchase Approved Hiring EMS/Firefighters. Approved Domain Name Change Approved Conflict of Interest Policy Approved Cemetery Sign and Garage Door Purchases Public and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk stays stagnant. “Clearly, the labor force is a function of population growth,” he said. Officials recently released 10-year jobs forecasts for the state through 2028, predict­ ing flat job growth due to stagnant population growth. That’s a concern to Glazer, who said the report signals that “it doesn’t matter how much demand (for labor) there is, because there’s not going to be enough people to fill new jobs.” In the big picture, Grimes said, the state will continue to see a divide between its haves and have-nots. “The rich and successful are getting richer and more successful,” he said. “For the dis­ tressed (areas), it got worse for them.” With federal funding tied to population, “over time that’s going to mean they have less resources to turn it around.” Citation mailings run amok in Delton Jean Gallup Contributing Writer Bowens Family Dining and the Grove Street Cafe in Delton closed for three weeks in late 2020 on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s orders to try to slow the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic. Both restaurants reopened three weeks later for dine-in service, in violation of the order, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Both Julie Aukerman, manager of Grove Street Cafe, and Ric Blesch, manager at Bowens, told news media that it was not something they wanted to do, but it was a matter of survival for their businesses. They said they observe protocols to keep their staff and customers safe: social distancing, mask wearing and operating at 50 percent capacity. The MDHHS issued a cease-and-desist order to both restaurants Dec. 7, 2020. After the restaurants remained open, MDHHS issued a citation for Grove Street Cafe on Feb. 24 for failure to comply with the order and assessed an $8,000 fine. But the status of Bowens’ citation is unknown. Blesch said he has tried several times to reach the state officials involved for information. “I have gotten no response from the state,” he said. Lynn Sutfin, public information officer at MDHHS, said in a statement: “An issue with mailing prevented the citation to Bowen’s Family Dining from being issued in a timely manner. The Grove Street Cafe citation is awaiting payment.” MDHHS Associate Public Information Officer Chelsea Wuth confirmed the mailing date for the citation to Grove Street Cafe, adding: “Due to a mailing issue, we were not able to issue the Bowen’s restaurant citation.” Aukerman, at Grove Street, said she had no comment. Some recent falsehoods were indicating these matters were being handled in Ingham County’s 30th Judicial Circuit Court. That is incorrect. The Ingham County Clerk confirmed that neither business has any case in that court. AT Nrvrirw<3 1 Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor news is grim for the Upper Peninsula and much of the northeast Lower Peninsula. “What is the U.P. going to look like if they have another 20 years of population decline?” Farley said. “What can be done to make those areas appealing to live and work?” The state’s population winners also are worth a look, Grimes said. Part of that is to ensure that they can provide services while absorbing more people, such as transportation systems. “They need to identify why people want to be in those locations,” Grimes said. The state will spend some time digging into the latest numbers, said Bruce Weaver, man­ ager of labor market analysis for the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, as it hires to fill its recently vacated role of state demographer. Ultimately, Weaver said, job expansion won’t happen if the population shrinks or 166426 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28883-NC WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Trenton James Hull. TO ALL PERSONS, including: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 9-1-21 at 3:00 p.m. in person or by ZOOM at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Trenten James Hull to Trenten James Cotant. 166188 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 21-28918-DE Hon. William M. Doherty Court Address: 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Ronald Roy Carpenter. Date of birth: 6/07/1934. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Ronald R. Carpenter, died 5/02/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Thomas A. Carpenter, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8/12/2021 John T. Klees P42185 Clark Hill PLC, 200 Ottawa Ave. NW #500 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 Thomas A. Carpenter 1815 Pinewood Ave., Traverse City, Ml 49685 231-357-8148 166237 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of the Anton J. and Helen D. Wingeier Irrevocable trust dated May 14, 2014. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Helen D. Wingeier, who lived at 8124 West Crane Road, Middleville, Michigan died February 14, 2021 leaving a certain trust under the name of the Anton J. and Helen D. Wingeier Irrevocable Trust, and dated May 14, 2014 , wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Lisa J. Johnson were named as the successor trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedents death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Lisa J. Johnson, the named successor trustee at 4707 West State Road, Middleville, Michigan within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: August 9, 2021 Robert L. Byington P27621 222 W. Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Lisa J. Johnson 4707 West State Road Middleville, Michigan 49333 166236 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 21-28871-DE Hon. William Michael Doherty Court Address: 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Agnes M. Krammin. Date of birth: 2/1/1929. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Agnes M. Krammin, died 11/3/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Jeanette Grassmid, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St.,STE 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8/11/2021 Michael J. Fraleigh P36615 6200 Pine Hollow Dr., Ste. 200 East Lansing, Ml 48823 517-575-0500 Jeanette Grassmid 4889 Coats Grave Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 616-446-3372 166200 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE ’ CASE NO. AND JUDGE 21-28875-NC WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 Court address: 206 W. Court Street, Suite #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. (269) 945-1390 In the matter of Jonathan Christian RamirezGiron TO ALL PERSONS, including whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 9/1/2021 at 2:30 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of: Jonathan Christian Ramirez-Giron to Jonathan Christian Giron. 166417 BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21028761-DE Court address: 206 W. Court Street #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. (269) 945-1390 Estate of Charlotte A. Carmoney. Date of birth: 9/25/1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Charlotte A. Carmoney, died December 31, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Bruce Carmoney, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8/11/2021 Evonne Ulmer (56708) 223 1/2 West Main St. PO Box 5 Ionia, Ml 48846 616-902-0851 Bruce Carmoney 823 W. Fargo St. Ionia, Ml 48846 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of: The Donna M. Nanninga Trust, dated October 27, 2017. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Donna M. Nanninga whose address was PO Box 338, Delton, Michigan 49046, died on August 6, 2021, leaving a certain trust under the name of The Donna M. Nanninga Trust, dated October 27, 2017 wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Mary Van Ommen was named as Alternate Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Mary Van Ommen, the named Alternate Trustee, at Tripp, Tagg, & Storrs, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. August 17, 2021 David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Mary Van Ommen 11357 Greenly Street Holland, Ml 49424 166370 �Page 10 — Thursday, August 19, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Vikings bested by Lowell in golf opener at Morrison Lake I Lakewood senior first singles player Clay Dumond hits a forehand shot back at his opponent from Lowell during the Vikings’ season-opening dual Tuesday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Seniors shuffling spots start season with win for TK tennis Brett Bremer Sports Editor The line-up has shuffled a bit since last fall, but an experienced group of Thornapple Kellogg varsity tennis players opened the sea­ son by scoring a 5-3 win over visiting Lowell in Middleville Monday morning. Seniors swept the four singles flights for TK in the win over the Red Arrows, with Nick Vreeland filling the top spot and helping his team secure the one-point win with a 6-1,3-6, (10-7) victory over Lowell first singles player Ty Knottnerus. Lowell kept pace with the Trojans on the scoreboard by pulling out two third set super tiebreakers of its own on the doubles side. The rest of the singles sweep for TK includ­ ed Jack Geukes scoring a 6-0, 6-0 win over Patrick DeVoest at number two: Josh Wedyke scoring a 6-2,7-6(4) win at number three; and Payton Wilkinson scoring a 6-4, 6-2 win over Noah LaMore at number four. For much of the 2020 season Geukes filled the number one singles spot for TK, Wilkinson number two and Vreeland number four. Wedyke has made the move to singles from his 2020 second doubles spot, with fellow senior James Thome jumping from singles to the doubles line-up - at least for the season opener. Seniors filled the top two doubles flights for the Trojan team as well. Thome and Ronald Simmons teamed up for a 6-4,6-2 win at number one over the Red Arrow team of Max Del Rosario and Cam Sluss. Hayden Oly and Robby Holler filled the second doubles team for TK, falling in a close two-set match 6-4, 7-6(8) to the Lowell duo of Sam VandenHout and David Kaczanowski. Lowell got super tiebreaker wins from the teams of Gavin Stewart and Aidan Dennings at third doubles and Zach Bannon and Jacob Kissinger at fourth doubles. TK’s junior team of Aaron Michalk and Ben Cuisson fell 6-3, 3 -6,(11 -9) to Stewart and Dennings. Freshmen Aidan Dudik and Kameron Nichols teamed up for TK at fourth doubles and were bested 6-3,4-6, (10-5). The Trojans are scheduled to visit Zeeland East for a dual this afternoon and then host Caledonia Tuesday. The Lakewood varsity girls’ golf team got in its first nine holes of the season Monday at Morrison Lake Golf Club, falling 196-221 to the Lowell Red Arrows. Claire Benham led the Lakewood ladies, shooting a 49. Of the 13 Vikings out on the course Monday, five were making their debut for the Lakewood High School golf program. Hailee Shepard had one of the highlights for the Vikings, chipping in for a birdie on; number five. Lowell had its top four girls all finish with ‘ fewer than 50 strokes, led by 48s from Stephanie Spinella, Elie Sluss and Emma Jo McCormick. Maddie Liley added a 49 for the' Red Arrows. The Lakewood girls aren’t scheduled to compete again until the Grass Lake Invitational Aug. 30. : Michiganders can test off-road trails during Free ORV Weekend I ■■ : . ...... C... ... ■ ....... - ' Side-by-sides traverse a trail in Marquette County. The Michigan DNR is hosting a Free Off-Road Weekend Aug. 21-22. ■attiiiiillM ■ ■ . . ■ Lakewood first singles player Asher Teigeler leaps up to knock down a volley during his match with teammate Logan Tefft against Lowell Tuesday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikings first doubles duo edged by Lowell Brett Bremer Sports Editor A long, long rally on the penultimate point ended with Lakewood senior first doubles player Asher Teigeler coming up shy on a diving attempt to save a low bouncing shot with some backspin on it as he raced up from the backcourt. The Lowell first doubles duo of Sam VandenHout and Max Del Rosario finished off a 6-4,6-4 win over the Lakewood team of Teigeler and Logan Tefft on the next point capping off an 8-0 win by the visiting Red Arrows in the first varsity boys’ tennis match of the season at Lakewood High School. That first doubles match was the tightest of the eight matches Tuesday. Lakewood’s new first singles player, senior Clay Dumond, came on strong in the second set, but ultimately fell 6-0, 6-3 to Lowell senior Ty Knottnerus in their bout. The Vikings picked up just a couple other games off the Red Arrows. Freshman Taggart Hyatt and junior Caleb Hull took one at third doubles and Emil Meyers, the Vikings’ soph­ omore third singles player, won one as well. Lakewood head coach Karrie Carter is pleased to have a full line-up there are 12 guys and a couple girls, who have other com­ mitments during the spring girls’ tennis sea­ son, out for the team this fall. The Vikings have spent the past three or four seasons The Lakewood varsity girls’ golf team gathers at the clubhouse at Morrison Lake: Golf Club during its season opening dual with the Lowell Red Arrows Monday. having to forfeit a flight, or two or three because of a lack of numbers in the program. “That is a good thing, that the word is out and people are giving it a try. One boy sat here, who joined yesterday, and he is the 14th one,” coach Carter said. The Lakewood line-up Tuesday also includ­ ed seniors Colin Heyl at second singles and Preston Weller at fourth singles. Seniors Troy Hall and Ellie Minard teamed up at fourth doubles while the freshman duo of Reily Teigeler and James MacKenzie filled the sec­ ond doubles slot. Dumond and Heyl have challenged each other in the preseason with Dumond earning the first singles spot. The two were fourth doubles teammates early on in their freshman fall before Dumond made the move to fourth singles. Dumond played third singles as a sophomore and some second singles in 2020 before teaming with Asher Teigeler at first doubles for much of the year. That duo won five of its final seven matches last fall. Coach Carter said Asher and Tefft commu­ nicate well together and thinks it can be an advantage to have the righty Asher and lefty Tefft together. The number one thing she has on her list of things to work on after Tuesday’s dual is “anticipation.” That goes for the whole team, but is also something that is best built by just spending time on the court. The Vikings have a trip to Thomapple Kellogg on their schedule for this afternoon and will be home for a pair of duals next week against Fowlerville Tuesday and Pennfield Wednesday. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting its second and final Free ORV Weekend of the year, Aug. 21-22, the final weekend before school starts for most area residents. During the weekend, Michigan residents and visitors legally can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. All ORV rules and laws still apply. “Free ORV Weekend is a great opportunity for riders to explore off-road trails and routes in the Upper and Lower peninsulas,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “It’s also the perfect time to test riding out for yourself or introduce friends and family to the sport.” Free ORV Weekend includes the state’s 4,000 miles of off-road trails and the state’s six scramble areas, including Black Lake, Bull Gap, Holly Oaks ORV Park, The Mounds Scramble Area, Silver Lake ORV Area and St. Helen’s Motorsport Area. The Recreation Passport and other applicable vehicle entry fees still apply. Olson said that the concept behind free weekends is to give a chance to those who might be thinking about purchasing equip­ ment or dusting off their ORV. The hope is that riders will have a great time and consider purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Fees generated through the sale of ORV licenses and trail permits are reinvested back into the ORV system. These important dollars help fund trail expansion, maintenance and infrastructure improvements, such as bridge and culvert construction and repair, as well as law enforcement and the offsetting of damage created by illegal use. The cost is $26.25 for an ORV license and $10 for a trail permit for a total of $36.25. e safe when heading back to school Whether they ’ re ready or not, B arry County students are headed back to the classroom, and the Barry County Sheriff’s Office wants them to make it there in one piece. Of the 301 school-age children killed from 2006 to 2015 in school-transportation-related crashes in the U.S., 102 were pedestrians and eight were pedal-cyclists, according to the most recent available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With public schools opening in the county, drivers and pedestrians alike need to put their phones away and pay attention to their sur­ roundings, Sheriff Leaf said. Deputies will be monitoring school zones, but here are some additional tips from the Sheriff’s Office for a safe trip back to school. If you drive your children to school: - Be sure to use the appropriate parent drop-off/pick-up area. - Once at the school, please follow the instructions of the school’s staff. - Drive defensively. Always anticipate the possibility that a small child may dart in front of your vehicle. Be prepared to stop at all times. - Slow down and watch out for school zones and children walking or biking to school or congregating near bus stops. - Also, be alert for student drivers. - Remember that buses will be making fre­ quent stops. It’s not only dangerous to stu­ dents, but it’s against the law to pass a school bus while it’s stopped on the roadway picking up or dropping off students. - When turning at an intersection, be sure to yield to pedestrians and cyclists. If you’re a student riding the bus: - Stay out of the street while waiting for the bus and allow the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the bus from the curb. - Make sure you remain in clear view of the bus driver. Never walk behind the bus. - Look both ways before getting on the bus and after getting off. - After getting off the bus, look both ways and then move immediately onto the sidewalk and out of traffic. If you’re a student walking or biking to school: - For bike riders, wear a properly-fitted * helmet at all times. A - Also, riders should use a bike that’s theJ right size for them and make sure that they don’t have any loose clothing, drawstrings or shoelaces. - Bike riders should ride on the right, in the ’ same direction as traffic, and use appropriate hand signals. Bicyclists also should respect traffic lights and stop signs. - Walk on sidewalks where available and always cross at intersections. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 19, 2021 Page 11 Students honored for completion of summer internship job program ■ Teenagers caught shoplifting from Walmart \ An employee of the Hastings Walmart called police at 6:24 p.m. Aug. 5 saying two J teenage girls had concealed clothing accessories and left the store without paying for the Stems. The employee had video evidence of the theft. The officer contacted the girls, a ;17-year-old from Hastings and a 16-year-old from Bellevue, neither of whom admitted to taking any items themselves. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Drunk driver veers off road, hits trees Police were dispatched to the area of Norris and Mullen roads in Orangeville Township s at 6:52 a.m. Aug. 7 after a off-duty officers noticed a car had gone off the road there. The officers said the driver was slow to wake up when they approached the vehicle, and he f appeared intoxicated. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, the 48-year-old Caledonia man said ? he had been drinking the night before, but he did not feel intoxicated. However, he did not I know how much he’d had to drink, when he started driving, or where he was. The man said j he got lost sometime that morning. It appeared he failed to negotiate a curve, went off the I road and hit several trees. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.09 percent and was arrested, r $14,000 in tools taken from garage { A 51-year-old Battle Creek man called police at 2:13 p.m. Aug. 3 to report his garage in K the 15000 block of M-37 in Johnstown Township had been burglarized. The man said he ^doesn’t live on the property, but family members had noticed the garage door was open while driving by. When he inspected the garage, he said around $14,000 worth of tools and equipment were missing. They included a riding lawnmower, scissor hoist, air compressor, printer, speakers, work table and full tool boxes. There are no suspects. r ■ ^Generator missing from worksite 1 Barry County Telephone notified police Aug. 2 that a generator had been stolen from one of its sites in the 8000 block of Keller Road in Orangeville Township. The theft is believed to have occurred over the previous weekend, and there are no suspects. The generator was worth around $500. About 27 people attend the end-of-summer ceremony for participants of the Barry County Summer Internship Program. Therin Drake stands at the front room after being congratulated for completing the Barry County Summer Internship Program. Drake spent the past two months working for Mid-Lakes Screen Printing. < r Suspect leaves bike in road for driver to hit Police responded to a breaking and entering near the intersection of Wing and Woodschool roads at 12:29 a.m. July 31. One of the suspects appeared to be riding a bike, but left it in the middle of State Road while fleeing police. A passing driver hit the bicycle, causing damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle. The driver told the officer they could not see it due to the emergency lights of the police cruiser parked nearby. A nearby resident told officers a suspicious man was walking near his residence and had asked for directions to the nearest gas station. The suspect then asked if the resident had a bike he could buy. Based on the resident’s tip, police tracked down the suspect, a 26-year-old Grand Rapids man, who then resisted arrest. .Hastings man scammed out of $1,500 ; A 71-year-old Hastings man went to the sheriff’s office July 12 to report he’d fallen victim to a scam. The man said he received an email stating a $499 purchase of Norton Antivirus software had been approved. When the man called the number on the email and said he didn’t purchase any software, the suspect told him to fill out a form requesting a refund. The man wrote his information, including his bank account number on the form, ^and sent it in. The suspect called back and said there had been a mistake; the company had - transferred his instead of $5tM)-Theman checkedhis cheeking account ! M f^nd saw $5T100liaff^eOteposited.Thesiispect told the man to purchase $4,500 in iTunes Igift cards in order to transfer the money back to the company. The man purchased $1,500 | from Walmart, which was the maximum amount he was allowed to buy, and sent over the Jane Smith, a job developer for money. He contacted the bank to inquire about his account, and discovered the $5,000 that WorkSolved, served as the program : was deposited into his checking account was actually his own money that had been transcoordinator. Although the program has 7ferred from his savings account. He closed the accounts and opened new ones. The case is taken place for a number of years, she | inactive due to a lack of leads. helped create a more individualistic experience for students this year. 'Catalytic converter stolen from motorhome A 76-year-old man called police at 11:28 a.m. Aug. 1 to report the catalytic converter <was stolen from his motorhome in the 1000 block of Lynn Drive in Yankee Springs ^Township. The motorhome had been sitting by the side of the road with a ‘for sale’ sign. tWhen the man started the vehicle to show it to a prospective buyer, he heard a loud noise fand found two saw blades underneath the hole left by the converter. The case is inactive ^without any suspects. Dirt bike stolen from storage shed A 24-year-old man called police at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 5 to report a 110-cc dirt bike was stolen from a storage shed on his property in the 12000 block of Bernie Court in Yankee ’2Springs Township. The man said the bike belonged to a friend, and he had been working on it. The shed was locked, but it appeared someone was able to pull open the doors enough “to tamper with the lock and open the shed. The case is inactive. Banner CLASSIFIEDS ■ CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 ! A j A Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this 'newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to ’advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, ^national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such 'preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people ^securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly •accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our •readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper tare available on an equal opportunity *basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Estate Sales ESTATE SALE- THURS.SAT„ 8/26/21 9am-4pm, 8/27 9am-6pm, 8/28 9amnoon. No early sales! indoor and outdoor furni­ ture, riding mower, tools, TV’s, DVD’s and videos, gardening, kitchen, sew­ ing and crafts, home decor, Holiday items; 3 Christmas trees, Autumn, and Easter, toys, and games, clothing; men and women, and household misc. 1520 E. Dowling Road, Hastings._________ Garage Sale 19TH ANNUAL GARAGE SALE: 4969 Thornbird Dr., Middleville. 9am-5pm. Fri., Aug. 20th, 2021. Woman's clothes (s-m) and 2XL. Lots of men's clothing and woman's shoes. Music CD's, furniture­ side table, lots of household misc., lamps, pictures, lots of purses. Family is downsizing. Help Wanted STABLE HAND POSITION­ LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WITH EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES. 269-207-4218 OR zlpowell@yahoo. com. HOW WOULD YOU like the same schedule as your child? Nights, weekends & holidays off. YOU EVEN GET A SNOW DAY!!! Cale­ donia Schools Food Service is looking for help. Experience preferred in food & customer service, ability to work in a fast paced environment. If interested in joining our team please call 616-891-0227 from 8am-Noon Mon.-Thurs. Or apply online at aramark.com click on Caledonia Schools. For Sale SAWDUST FOR HORSES. Slabwood $15 per bundle, 2 1/2 facecord. Summer Spe­ cial. 517-852-4016. Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Kaleb Dye showed up an hour early for work every morning. He didn’t tack on the extra hours because he wanted to get ahead on his duties or because he wanted to leave early. He just enjoyed working. “It was something I wanted to do,” he said. Dye is one of 16 students who completed the 2021 Barry County Summer Internship Program, an initiative designed for high school-aged students receiving services through Michigan Rehabilitation Services, a state organization that “helps people with disabilities find and keep employment,” MRS Rehabilitation Counselor Karen Martin said. As an employee at Jones Lake Campground near Delton, Dye rode around in a golf cart. He picked up fallen branches. He cleaned out the pool. He mowed the grass. He ran around with the German shepherd. He even repaired the two golf carts after they broke, despite having no experience with auto repair. Ailene Ernst and Anne Bierema, sisters who manage the campground, needed the help. They are a small operation without a payroll, and neither of their husbands can work. “It’s really nice to have someone as sweet and kind as he is,” Ernst said of Dye at an end-of-summer celebration. Through the program, Dye, 16, a junior at Delton Kellogg High School, spent the summer working twice a week at Jones Lake Campgrounds and twice a week at LJ Fluid Power. Funding through the MRS and Barry Intermediate School District paid the students’ salaries. That meant Jones Lake Campground, and the other employers participating in the program incurred no expenses for the extra help. Dye’s job gave him a new focus. Last summer, he spent a lot of the day in bed. Now, he wakes up at 7:30 a.m. Most days, he doesn’t even need an alarm to get out of bed. “[I’m] more active,” he said. “I can wake up easier in the morning. And [I’m] less grumpy.” For most of the kids in the program, this was their first job. Students worked at Ace Hardware, Way Too Cheap, Seasonal Grille, Kloosterman’s Sports Tap, Legacy Golf Course, B2 Outlet Store, The Cookie Store, BJ Hydraulics, LJ Fluid Power, Grove Street Cafe, Smith and Doster, Mid-Lakes Screen Printing and Jones Lake Campground. They participated in a week-long training course before spending seven weeks on the job. . Kaleb Dye, 16, stands with Program Director Jane Smith as he receives a portfolio that includes a resume, certificate of completion and two reference letters - one from program coordinators and one from his employer. “The goal is for students to have that first job experience, but to be able to be supported through it,” Barry ISD Transition Coordinator Rachel James said. “... It’s basically first-job experience to get them a taste of the real world and what work life is like and maybe what they want to do in the future or what they absolutely do not want to do in the future.” The students celebrated the end of the summer program Aug. 12 with lemonade, hot­ dogs and chips in the Delton Veterans of Foreign Wars multi-purpose room. Students caught up with friends, parents took pictures of their kids, and employers joked around with their former employees. Program Coordinator Jane Smith addressed the group. “I’m partially exhausted and glad that we’re done and very, very sad. It’s been an absolute joy to work with you guys,” she said. “I really thought that every day I’d be babysitting and hounding, and I didn’t have to do that at all. You guys did phenomenal.” One by one, Smith called the students to the front of the room. She shared details from their interactions and talked about their job performance. Each participant received a portfolio filled with a resume, certificate of completion and two reference letters - one from program coordinators and one from their employers. “I guess I can shake your hand,” she said before calling people up, “but I really want to hug every single one of you.” Although the local summer internship program has existed for half a decade, Smith, a job developer for WorkSolved, took over in this year. Smith went store to store, introducing herself to local business owners. She figured she would have a hard time finding employers, but she quickly learned she was wrong. “I was blown away at Hastings’ and Delton’s willingness to rally around their students,” she said. “I called one employer who told me to call another employer and they told me to call somebody else. It really was that community that helped me build all the employers.” Next, Smith had to fill the program with students. With help from the Barry ISD, they identified a list of participants who would fit in the program. After the students had applied through MRS, they went through in-take sessions. During those meetings, the students talked about their interests and how their disabilities might affect their work. “And then I’m kind of done with that and begin focusing on all of their abilities,” Smith said. “I try to make this program about their growth and their abilities and not focus on the disability.” After school let out in June, students began their pre-work training. They learned about professionalism, interview skills, customer service, resumes and more. But the key lesson was about being on time. “Early is on time. On time is late. And late is unacceptable,” Smith repeated over and over during the training. “I said it probably 2,000 times - they were so sick of hearing it by the end of the program,” she joked. Then the kids were sent on their way. In past years, students in the program worked in groups. At first, it was focused on specifically culinary jobs with the Barry County YMCA and later, it expanded to include other group positions, such as landscaping with the DNR. Sometimes, job coaches were present on site to help out with any complications. This summer, the program was designed to be more individualized. “There wasn’t a job coach on site,” MRS Rehabilitation Counselor Karen Martin said “They were checking in, but these kids really had to know and make sure that they were taking some responsibility and upping their skills and making sure they were there on time, checking in and out.” In the first few weeks, Smith and Lisa Strang, the job coach, called the employers on a regular basis. But after a couple of calls, the employers told them to stop reaching out. “They’re doing great,” they would say. Bridget Stolsonburg said she has noticed a distinct difference in her daughter, Laura, 17, who worked at Seasonal Grille. “It just seems like she’s much more mature,” Stolsonburg said. “I don’t really have to help her that much. She knows a lot. She knows to get up when she needs to, she knows to get in the shower and get ready.” The skills these students gained over the summer helped a number of them land permanent jobs. Laura, for example, will be working in the kitchen at Davenport University. Of the 16 students who completed the program, five received potential job offers from their summer employers - a pleasant surprise for Smith. “That wasn’t even one of the goals that we set out for because these kids are all going back to school... which is just unbelievable,” she emphasized. When Smith first spearheaded the new pro­ gram format, she had no clue where it would go. Now, she calls it “her baby” and wants to continue the program until she retires. “I told [my boss] I was going to work till I was 70,” she said. “So that would be a lot more years.” �Page 12 — Thursday, August 19, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Freshman tops leaderboard at Wayland Invitational been very supportive of her learning the game. O’Krangley said she spent a lot of time in the First Tee youth development organiza­ tion and worked often with Tom Koert who runs the West Michigan Junior Golf Tour and is the current Lowell varsity boys’ golf coach. She said there is more pressure playing as a part of a team rather than individually, but it also more fun to cheer each other on. Heading east on number 17 O’Krangley said she enjoyed getting the chance to chat with senior teammate Ellie Thelen momentarily as Thelen shot towards the 16 green from spot O’Krangley had been moments earlier. Plainwell junior Renae Jaeger and Carly Lukins from Zeeland East tied for second, one stroke back of O’Krangley, each shooting an 80. Zeeland West sophomore Rylee Smith was fourth with an 81. Thornapple Kellogg was led by senior Lane Kaminski who scored an 88, putting her in sixth place individually. She had a pair of birdies on par-5s on the front nine - on num­ ber one and number eight. She hopes to improve on that score with some work around the greens. Kaminski spent the summer playing in a number of Meijer/Callaway Tour tourna­ ments, but didn’t get too much regular prac- Brett Bremer Sports Editor It’s is debatable wether Copelin O’Krangley was introduced to varsity golf or if it was the other way around Monday at Orchard Hills Golf Course in Shelbyville. O’Krangley, a Caledonia freshman, fired a 79 to finish as the individual champion at the season opening Wayland Invitational held on the first day of 2021 competition allowed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. That round helped power the Caledonia varsity girls’ golf team to a run­ ner-up finish at the nine-team tournament behind the champion Dux from Zeeland West. The Thomapple Kellogg girls placed seventh to open their season. “It was fun. I was a little nervous going into it, honestly, but I think my team did good. I shot well,” O’Krangley said. O’Krangley fired a 38 on the back nine. She hit 17 of the 18 greens in regulation and never missed a par by more than a single stroke. “My approach shots were good today. I had one from 107 (feet away) I think, and put it to within three feet,” O’Krangley said, with that shot coming on 13 which she birdied. She said her father got her into golf and has Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ golf coach Bob Kaminski talks over strategy with Kendra Coe before she steps to the tee box on number 12 at Orchard Hills Monday during the Wayland Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg senior Lane Kaminski lines up a short putt on the 11^ green at Orchard Hills Golf Course Monday during the Wayland Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) tice time in. “It is definitely nice playing in tourna­ ments,” Kaminski said. “I usually keep pretty good data on how many chips and puts I have, so then going into practice I know what to practice. Here today, I hit every long club well but I just couldn’t chip. So, tomorrow I’ll go and practice chipping. I wouldn’t know that just from practice.” She was really pleased with how she hit her drive Monday. She had long drives on both of the birdie holes, and a seven-iron cleared a tree on its way to the green was a key on the second one. Her coach, Bob Kaminski, said she just put a few too many shots in “spots you can’t,” at Orchard Hills. Lane Kaminski plans to work on lowering that 88 as the season progresses, but is happy for the smooth start to the 2021 season. “I know Covid is still around, but it was nice not having so much of a setback. I am excited for the rest of the season because it is my senior season,” Kaminski said. “Hopefully, it’ll be pretty exciting. Hopefully, we won’t have too many obstacles along the way.” Smith and the Dux put together a team score of 371. The Scots were second at 374, ahead of Plainwell 376, Wayland 390, Sparta 393, Zeeland East 395, Thornapple Kellogg 404, NorthPointe Christian 421 and Allegan 426. Behind Smith for Zeeland West, Kairi Beckwith shot a 95, Anika Doan 96 and Morgan Smith a 99. The rest of the season-opening tournament for the Caledonia Fighting Scots included a 95 from Thelen, a 100 from sophomore Elizabeth Honhart and a 100 from junior Anna Mince. TK had a freshman among its top two play­ ers Monday too, with Ailana Leos scoring a 98. “That is awesome. Good for her. She learned a lot today,” coach Kaminski said of Leos’ varsity start. “I think she found some spots she needed to be more aggressive than what she was, but then the reverse of that she Thornapple Kellogg’s Katy Raphael hits her tee shot on number 12 during the; Wayland Invitational Monday at Orchard; Hills Golf Course in Shelbyville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) would get in a different spot where she was more aggressive than what she should have been.” The Trojan team also got a 108 from senior Katy Raphael and a 110 from sophomore Kendra Coe. “We have a lot of inexperience,” coach Kaminski said, “because we graduated two huge senior groups the past two years. We just need to learn a little bit. I need to learn about them and see where they’re at. We just need to get some experience. “We left a lot of shots out there, but that’s Okay. This is a fun group to be with. They have a good frame of mind. They’re not going to let it get them down.” The Trojans will host Zeeland West Friday at Yankee Springs Golf Course and then go to Broadmoor Country Club to take on Caledonia Monday. ' Delton Kellogg prepares for mask-optional school year “I’m not sure what it will look like not having masks, but I think it’s worth trying,” Corlett added later. “What we saw last year was students did great with the masks,” he said. “They did fantastic, they didn’t complain. I did feel bad for our little ones because at the beginning of the year, [grades] K through five did not have to wear masks and then they did. “The problem is it gets in the way of their development, especially with language. It gets in the way of social interactions in how they connect with each other and with the staff.” “So, I think if we can try it without the masks first, then we should,” Corlett said. “But of course, if we’re seeing outbreaks and Taylor Owens Staff Writer Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett said the school year will look more like normal this fall, and masks will not be required. Corlett reported to the board Monday what he heard from talking to Barry-Eaton District Healt^|^partment staff about the current state onCOVID-19. “There is concern about the Delta variant, and they are recommending masks, but they’re not at the point where they feel like it needs to be mandated,” Corlett said. “So I feel like if the health professionals don’t want to mandate it yet, then we shouldn’t either.” TYDEN PARK « SATURDAY, AUG. 28™ Ji* Jeiweii Entries must be to the Chamber by Friday, Aug. 20th CHECK IN... 8:30 AM Pick up T-shirts at this time TIP OFF... 9:30 AM Men & Women I I Men & Women (Ages 18-25) I_ _ I (Ages 26 & up) | Team Name Age brackets subject to change based on participation Team Captain ( Send Entries to... Email. Phone # Team Members __ A Barry County I Chamber of Commerce 9 I 221 State Street I Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... out form completely Call (269) 948-3025 TYDEN PARK » SATURDAY. AUG. 28™ would only be required if they were within 3 feet of each other. If masks are not worn, it will be within 6 feet. In other business: - Corlett gave a presentation summarizing the previous school year. While he said the district has been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment, that decline has slowed in recent years, partially due to an increase in Schools of Choice students coming into the district. “I think this is really optimistic, especially with our incoming kindergarten class,” Corlett said. “We had quite a few School of Choice kids last year, and we will this year, as well.” Delton Kellogg had 1,140 students enrolled last year, and has conservatively estimated 1,100 this year, he said. - The district had 253 online students at the start of last school year, and 220 by the end. Corlett said 57 students, more than half of whom are in the high school, are signed up for online learning this fall. - Middle school paraprofessional Beth Lepird and middle school teacher Kirsteji Herspst retired. - The board approved the hiring of'substitute Rachel Fleser, part-time online teacher CarM Poignard and middle school math teacher Rainy Schuhmacher. Mark Nobozny moved from coaching middle school track to varsity baseball, and middle school wrestling coacji Dan Philips became the high school wrestling coach. X - Delton Kellogg graduate Logan Anderson presented to the board pictures of his completed'Eagle Scout project to clean up the trails behind the high school and plant 20 trees in the area. About a dozen people helped with the project across several days, Anderson said. < “I’m so glad that you picked this project so that our science classes can really enjoy yotif work, so good job,” Corlett said. ; Board members Robert Houtrow, Brandy Shooks and Craig Jenkins were absent. Howie’s been found ffHHiNnnv Make checks payable to Hastings Summerfest 2021 students getting sick, then we’ll have to revisit it.” District officials also are planning to take a different approach to quarantining students. “Last year, what we told the health department was, we really wanted them to place students into quarantine and not us, because we felt like we were placing too many kids in quarantine,” Corlett said. “We had a thousand cases in quarantine and none of those students ended up getting sick. “We had zero confirmed cases of COVID caused by contact in the school,” Corlett added. “We had multiple positive cases, but we could always trace it back to outside contact.” Corlett also said the health department will apply quarantine differently, depending on whether the students involved are wearing masks. If students or staff members are wearing masks during contact, quarantine I Taylor Owens Staff Writer Nine-year-old Ty VanBuren of Hastings tracked down Howie twice during a scavenger hunt hosted by Flexfab earlier this month. Ty’s sleuthing earned him and his family a 55-inch television when his name was drawn in a raffle on Aug. 9. “He’s a lucky little dude,” Ty’s mother, Heather VanBuren said. When VanBuren read about the competi­ tion, she thought her son might be interested. Once she explained to him what a scavenger hunt was, she knew Ty wasn’t going to give up until he found Howie. Flexfab hosted the scavenger hunt to cele­ brate its 6CA anniversary, which is coming up later this year. The company placed “Howie,” a miniaturized version of one of its hoses, in different spots around Hastings. Anyone who found Howie and posted a picture of them­ selves with him on Flexfab’s Facebook page was entered into the raffle. VanBuren said the first clue pointed to a “tree split in three” in Tyden Park. “He literally ran all over Tyden Park look­ ing for trees split in three,” VanBuren said. After Ty tracked down the right tree, he found Howie again in Fish Hatchery Park. It got his name in the raffle twice, and doubled his chances of winning the grand prize. The new TV has become the VanBuren’s family unit, while the previous family TV now sits in Ty’s game room. Ty VanBuren, 9, of Hastings, poses next to Flexfab’s “Howie,” and the big-screen TV he won for tracking him down. (Photo provided) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-08-26.pdf 98fdc460afbaf9ad5ec6d4478df33913 PDF Text Text Increase in positive COVID tests locally County shouid grow with a pian See Story on Page 3 See Editorial o,t Hastings and Delton sports teams previewed * See Stories in Sports Section Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 iiihilliilllillilllihlll,i"llll,ll,ii,llilillllhl'hll""ili ................................... "CAR-RT LOVC 005 C005 Richard Hemer hng 421 N Tatfee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2022 9 47 00 AM VOLUME 167. No. 34 --- :------- ------ ANNER ~ Thursday. Augusl126.2021 ----------- '------------- :----------------- ----------------- ■ ................... - PRICE $1.00 Happy birthday, Hastings! Sa oaradp'nn R 3 V'lla9B f°r 16 SpeC'al evon,s ,akin9 P,ace l,lls weeke,ld include a parade on Saturday, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, 5-kilometer/10-kilometer run. an arts Ccmmp X f’r*' a"d hVe en,erlainnlenl- Thank you to the Barry County Chamber of Commerce Summerfest Committee for putting it all together! y What Congressman School’s Meijer saw in Kabul back in U.S, ffep, Peter Meijer reports on observations from secret trip to Afghanistan cern about heightened security threats to the massive airlift that began 10 days ago. Meijer. who represents the Ihird District of Michigan, which includes Barry County, has said that deadline “is con­ tributing to the chaos and the panic at the airport because you have Afghans who think that they have 10 days to gel out of this country or that door is clos­ ing forever.” U.S. Reps. peter Meijer. After their departure from R-Mich.. and Seth Moulton, Kabul. Meijer and Moulton D-Mass., traveled in secrecy issued rhe following statement.* to Kabul, Afghanistan, this “As veterans, we care deeply week to conduct oversight on about the situation on the ground the ongoing mission to evacu­ U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer at Hamid Karzai International ate Americans and its allies. traveled in secrecy to Airport. America has a moral The United Slates military Afghanistan this week to obligation to our citizens and is leaving the country this assess the mission to loyal allies, and we must make month after nearly 20 years of evacuate Americans. sure that obligation is beinn fighting. Though the UJS. (File photo) kept.” planned to leave the Afghan Meijer. who served in the mtlgovernment in charge of the itary in Iraq, also has worked in country, the Taliban took back power in a Afghanistan to help aid workers provide matter of days. humanitarian relief. Tire U.S. is currently evacuating remaining “Like many veterans, we have spent the Americans and Afghans who assisted the mil­ last few weeks working without sleep to try to itary during die war. get as many people as we could through the Tlie Associated Press reported Tuesday that gates and to safety,” the statement said. “As President Joe Biden has decided to stick with members of Congress, we have a duty to pro­ his Aug. 31 deadline for completing the U JS.- vide oversight on the Executive Branch. led evacuation from Afghanistan. The deci­ sion reflects in pan the U.S. military’s con­ See MEIJER, page 3 Hastings Benjamin Simon Stuff Briftr Hastings Area Schools returned to classes with a feeling of normalcy this week. The lunchroom Tilled with chatter. Teachers spoke in classrooms where students filled every scat. Kids circled together in the hallway. “I’m excited just to get kids back in the swing of things.” Superintendent Matt Goebel said. / Classes began Mo pay districtwide. The majority of student?’returned to school in-person, with about 50 oping into the online learning program. Hastings Virtual Academy. All students will be participating in the district’s new initiative. “WhaVs Your Plan?” which is centered on goal development. Goebel said they have had little to no complications to start the 2021-22 school year. The administration made the decision not to require masks for the fall and..so far. the decision has resulted in few problems. “It’s been great with masks.” he said. People have been very’ respectful of the personal preference of the individual. We hase staff who are choosing to wear masks, and we have staff who are choosing not to wear masks. And it s the same thing with Hastings Area School System Superintendent Matt Goebel stops in a classroom to See SCHOOL'S BACK, page 2 speak with substitute teacher Lin Nickels. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) liVMdSeviBie no legalizes marijuana businesses q lesliva?°Here Lassoing a bubble XXmeTpart o“bubb^XtwTfromT?XwandT '"f Sa,urday/“Xsth^90 Summerfest inside. (Photo by wren tremor/ Greg Chandler Staff Writer After more than two years of discussion and considerable public input, the Village of Middleville has legalized marijuana-based businesses within its borders. The village council, on identical 6-1 votes, approved two ordinances Tuesday night that legalize the sale :uid growing of marijuana in the village, and set the ground rules for any marijuana-based businesses that set up shop in the community. “I’m excited. ]'rn glad that, finally, we’re done," Village President Amanda Fisk said after the meeting. Ordinance No. 2119 amends village zoning to allow marijuana businesses as special land uses in areas zoned for highway commercial or industrial use. Retail businesses, both for recreational and medical use. are now allowed in the highway commercial zoned district, primarily along M-37. The ordinance also allows for marijuana growing operations in industrial-zoned areas, primarily on the village’s north side. Secure transporter and safety compliance facilities will be allowed in both highway commercial and industrial-zoned districts, according to the ordinance language. The village planning commission must approx e any special land use requests. No establishments will be allowed to set up shop in the downtown area, and no business may be within 1 .(XX) feet of an existing school, chinch or child care facility. Hours ol operation are limited to 9 a.m.-9 p.m., according to the ordi­ nance language. Ordinance No. 2120 sets a limit of five licenses to lie allocated by the village, outlines the process for gelling approval for each license, and details criteria for evaluating applications. A maximum of two retail busi­ nesses, which could sell either medical or recreational marijuana or both, are allowed in the village, according to the ordinance. The village manager will review and approve the awarding of licenses, after the planning commission approves the special land use. Businesses would need to have licenses renewed annually to remain in opera­ tion. The ordinance also must be reviewed every two years to determine whether the cap on licenses should be changed. The ordinances are expected to take effect Sept. II - seven days after the notice of the zoning ordinance change is to be published in the Sun and News. Under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. any ordinance change must be published in a general circulation newspaper within 15 days of its adoption, and goes into effect seven days after publication. After that date, the village can begin accept­ ing applications for special land uses and business licenses. Assistant Village Manager and Planning/Zoning Administrator Brian Urquhart said. Council Trustee Mike Cramer said he wasn’t comfortable with the idea of the ordi­ nances going into effect Sept. 11, which is the 20th anniversary’ of the terrorist attacks on the United Stales, ’Tin all for [the ordinances], I just don’t want it to go active on Sept. 11,” Cramer said. Village voters in November 2018 supported Proposal I, the statewide ballot measure that legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. Sixty percent of the village voters in that election - 793 voters in total - voted to approve the proposal, while 528 voters voted See BUSINESSES, page 10 �Page 2 — Thursday. August 26, 2021 — The Hastings Banner SCHOOL'S BACK, continued from pg. 1 students. Some students arc wearing masks, and some students aren’t ” “It’s been great with masks. People have been very respectful of the personal preference of the individual. We have staff who are choos­ ing to wear masks, and we have staff who are choosing not to wear masks. And it’s the same thing with students. Some students are wearing masks, and some students aren’t.” Superintendent Matt Goebel Outside the classroom. Goebel expressed excitement over various extracurricular activities to start the year. The school band, for example, has seen its largest enrollment >UHe also pointed to Thursday night's football home opener against Thomapple Kellogg High School. The game will be highlighted on WOOD-TV’s “Football Frenzy,” with the station arriving at the high school at 6 am. to create a “college game day type atmosphere," Goebel said. Parents of seniors decorated a hallway in honor of the students’ final year at the high school. The hallway featured banners, gold stars and even rod carpets- A sign welcoming students to construction class sits in a hallway at Hastings High School. Class resumed Monday following the summer break. RIGHT: Juniors Lauren Lamphere and Layton Eastman visit in the courtyard outside of the cafeteria. Sophomores John Chmuro and Gavin Eye play a game of Connect Four during their lunch break in the Hastings High School cafeteria. Adoptions steady at anima shelter, but volunteers decline James Gemmell Contributing Writer A couple of recent studies have shown that many people who arc infected with the novel coronavirus and become ill pass the pathogen on to their pets. But the Barry County Animal Shelter has not had to deal with that problem yet, nor with another unrelated problem that has seen an uptick nationally since the pandemic began: People abandoning their pets, whether at shel­ ters or on doorsteps. "We never have had a problem in Barry’ County,” shelter Director Ken Kirsch said. "Everything has been pretty steady with us. Every year averages about the same amount of stray, surrendered or lost animals that we have. I’ve been here four years, and every' year it’s the same.” Scientific American magazine reported in July on a study conducted at the University of Guelph in Ontario on potential infection in 198 cats and 54 dogs. The investigation showed that two out of three cats and two out of five dogs whose owners had COVID-19 had antibodies against the virus. That meant the animals had been infected with the virus, as well. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials consider the risk to be low for animals spreading the virus to people. Fortune magazine reported in late July that animal shelters in New York and Ixn> Angeles were near capacity, as more and more surren­ dered dogs and cats were being taken to the shelters. The same trend has been reported in many other communities across the county. The local cat population always surges in the late summer, as many outdoor felines give birth to litters this time of year. But Kirsch said that he is not seeing an unusual uptick in abandoned cats taken to the Barry County Annual Shelter, other than the usual seasonal rise. ■ People who have barn or feral cats they want spayed or neutered must first bring their driver's license to the g animal shelter to demonstrate that they live in Barry County, i he said, since the grants are restricted to assisting county residents. An appointment will । be set at that time. There is no cost to residents, other than the licensing fee. • -- —- ------------------- "Nothing has really changed as far as the number ot animals coming in or the number of animals being returned to us," he said. The county shelter started removing ani­ mals from homes, though, after some resi­ dents first became infected with COVID-19 last year, and died. "We did a normal quarantine, because nobody knew if the animals carried the virus, or if it was on their fur. So, we handled them just like we would a person. We quarantined for 14 days to see if they had any signs or symptoms. But they had none," Kirsch said. Kirsch said one thing that has been dramat­ ically affected by the pandemic is the number of volunteers helping out. He said before hist year, the shelter averaged 750 volunteer hours a month. But that’s been reduced to 25 volun­ teer hours per month since the pandemic began. The Bauy County Animal Shelter handles only cats and dogs. And there are always a lot of cats. To help control the cat population, the shelter has offered a (rap, neuter and return program for several years. “I gel grants from organizations that pay for the spaying and neutering of feral and bam cals in Barry County " Kirsch said. "And this year I’ve spent about$50,000ofTNR-donated funding, so far.” 1 hat is a typical amount for this time of year, he said. All of t|)C grant money comes from organizations. ° People who have bam or feral cuts they want spayed or neutered must first bring their driver’s license t0 (he animal shelter to demonstrate that they hvc in Barry County, he said, since the grants are restricted to assisting county residents. An appointment will be set at that time. There . ’ n0 cosl to residents, other than the licensin fec. Kirsch said every medical requirement is completed before any animals arc adopted out of the shelter. 7‘ "Il you adopt a doe <>r cat from Barry County, they’re eithcrfcspayed or neutered. I hey ve have had alt of ^eir heartworm tests. They ve had their emire series ol distemper tests. They’ve all 1.L1 flea-treated, and •hey ve all been niicnx.|,ipped (foridentifica"onpuqxisedandli , Il costs $90 to adum « do" ant* s7°10 a*loPl a eat. Michigan hm 4 months old lo u , iKllsed. A one-year license for a space,t .nu-red <l»g eosts $7. That all can be p^.,' "d ,, the Barry County Animal Shelter ? die only shelter in !''e«>unty.The^’^ianisl>r<laye ^•dke. who wm X ‘’I' ,he. Veterinary C|jnk. *s ‘p in Ilaslini!'. The Barry Couno , d Shelter office is open 8 a.m ll( s Ah |htough yrlday, and Saturday 8 »M except for major l">li<h'ys(ei;.e&|,i;X’lm.n 12:30 to I:30 P-l» > Hu-addre,s y^lN "idos.nal lark Unve, Hastings. ’ �Barry County board gets complaints and kudos Gary WhiteTownship Trustee o Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners completed their action items in record time - about 21 minutes - during their board meeting in the historic courthouse mezzanine on Tuesday. And they still had time to hear public com­ ments about alleged flaws in the election process. Gary White of Nashville, who addressed commissioners during their Committee of the Whole last week, returned to repeat his request that the board pass a resolution “to request or demand the state Legislature do a forensic audit” of the Nov. 3, 2020, election. White pointed to several incidents of com­ puter hacking in the state and nation that have been reported recently. He criticized commissioners for question­ ing the sheriff about his highly publicized prolx* into an allegation of voter fraud in an investigation stemming from an Antrim County lawsuit that was thrown out. White, who asked why commissioners questioned the sheriff but not the county clerk, critiqued the board’s performance on other issues, saying that the board docs not ask enough questions before making its deci­ sions. Scott .Savage, a Hastings Charter Township trustee. otTctvd his input after White. “I wasn’t going to make any comment this morning ” Savage said, “but I am compelled to say thank you to the board, one and ail. for On left. discusses his concerns with Barry County Chairman Ben Geiger, seated, and Hastings Charter t ravage, on right. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) continuing to represent the citizens of Barry County in a fair and unbiased way. Commendable, really.” Savage added a comment on the election as well, noting that the tabulators and polls arc not connected to the internet. “They are immune from hacking from the outside,” he informed all listeners. In other action, the board: • Approved employee service awards for Barry County Sheriff's Office employees Pete Nevins, jail administrator, w ho has been with the department 20 years; and Ron Stevens, corrections officer, who has been with the department 10 years. Neither could attend, but they received applause for their service. • Approved the purchase of Tyler Scott Savage, Hastings Charter Technologies web-based Adult Probation Township trustee, thanks the county offi­ Software, for up to $26,678, which will include setup costs, training, customization, cials for a commendable job during the and the first-year user fee, with funds to be election. paid from the Data Processing Fund. • Approved appointing Chairman Ben financial responsibility in the event that scrap Geiger to serve on the Barry County tire disposal costs exceed projections for the Commission on Aging Board for September State of Michigan, Department of Environment and October; with Commissioners Bruce Great Lakes and Energy, Scrap Tire Clean Up Campbell and Catherine Getty serving in the Grant Program, Fiscal Year2020-2021 grant. • /Xpprovcd claims totaling $924)22. months of November and December, respec­ • Next Tuesday is the fifth Tuesday of tively. • zXpprovcd a memorandum of understand­ •August’.so there will be no county commis­ ing between the Barry County Solid Waste sion meeting. The next meeting will be at 9 Oversight Committee and the Eaton County a m. Tuesday. Sept/7, in the county court­ Resource Recovery Department to establish house in Hastings./ County reports increase in positive COVID tests 7-day Rate per 100k, Confirmed Cases --------- Barry ----------- McMfM Moderate SufettemhJ .......... H<h COVID-19 data from Barry-Eaton District Health Department, jf ■ Taylor Owens since March 2020. 57//# Writer According to Mi» pcrCOVID-19 case numbers in Barry County- cent of Barry adults have deceived at have gone back up this week, with 74 active least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while cases reported Tuesday. 49.1 percent are fully vaccinated. Barry-Eaton District Hetdth Department Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Ms said she wlt\ officials said they believe there are many not mandate masks in schools this year, but more cases that have not been confirmed;, some health department officials have decided based on the number of positive tests in the to issue their own mandates. county. The Centers for Disease Control and Tlie most recent seven-day average for the Prevention has recommended masks in percentage of COVID-19 tests that were pos­ schools for 81 out of 83 Michigan counties, including Barry. itive in Barry County was 14.29. The Kent County Health Department issued The percentage hit 24.71 percent on Aug. IS, which is close to the county’s peak of a mask mandate last Friday for pre-kindergar25.74 percent, recorded on April 12 of this ten through sixth grade students. According to Bridge Michigan, 46 percent year As of Tuesday, nine Barry County residents of Michigan students attend a school district have been hospitalized with the virus this with a mask mandate. No mandates have been issued for any month. Two have died. A total of 71 Barry However, Barry County Board of County residents have died due to COVID-19 schools in Barry' County. Commissioners Chairman Ben Geiger said Tuesday that Leaf is planning to reimburse the county. “The sheriff is going to reimburse the cost to the county," Geiger told The Banner. “Also, he is going to make a donation from - 1 don’t know. But the sheriff did call me and said he is going to reimburse the county." In a text message to The Banner Wednesday. Leaf said Geiger’s statement is incorrect. He said CSPO/X is reimbursing the county for his Sunday, August 29,2021 at 9:30 a.m travel expenses. CSPOA paid for his room and board during at the the trip, according to Leaf, and he used a county card to pay for his travel expenses. However, at some points on the trip his coun­ ty card didn’t work, so he used his personal card. I-eaf gave the county his receipts from the trip, but said CSPOA would reimburse them. x-y Leaf also told I he Banner he may receive a All attendees will receive a free S500 speaking fee from CSPOA, which he ’ / beverage and a snack during A ' will donate to the county. Sheriff’s travel costs will be covered - somehow J-Ad Graphics News Service Barry County taxpayers paid for Sheriff Dar I-eaf’s trip lo South Dakota as part of his participation in the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association “Freedom Fest” in July. Leaf confirmed that he had sought reim­ bursement from the county for those expens­ es. “It’s a conference.” he said. “I speak and 1 also learn and get with other sheriffs. Where do you think I get information about standing up against some of these orders and perform­ ing my public duty? ... “Where do you think I get the courage, the confidence, to take that stand?” His South Dakota trip received heightened public attention when it was the focus of a Freedom of Information Act request. But Leaf said, when he attends work-relat­ ed conferences or accepts invitations, “if they invite me as Barry County sheriff, it’s cov­ ered. That’s how it works.” Other elected officials in the county receive reimbursement for attending professional “If they invite me as Barry County sheriff, it’s covered. That’s how it works.” Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf conferences. And while the sheriff accepted the invita­ tion to the event in South Dakota, he said he did turn down a request to attend an event in Texas, even though he has never been to Texas. “I try to keep it within reason,” Leaf said. County commissioners, who hold the pursestrings since they approve expenditures, approved his travel-related expenses without public discussion. Summerfest Outdoor Community Worship Service and Cookout Thornapple Plaza Invite your Mends! Bring a lawn chair! MEIJER, continued from page 1 —----------------------------------- -There is no place in the world right now where oversight matters more.’ Pressure had grown for Biden lo extend his deadline, which he set well before the laliban irs takeover of Afghanistan on AimPl5. It remains unclear whether the airlift .. « Kabul’s international airport can get all .... 1 A g’ Li snid "After talking with commandsratement^a ,.)und sveing ,hc situfltlo„ cr5 r">d it Ts obvious that because we started firsthand, it. no maltcr whal we do. the evacuatn 1 olll „n time, even by vve won t gel Se?e ’tlv utd inrstralingly. getting our people V ,d"on maintaining -he current bizarre out depend Taliban.' relation'b-P"’1 speaking prior to A Tabban „ick wil|, the word 0,,tB,ld<'dr]inedreiterated that the militant d>i outxi'c any extension of the group "'■>"ld -dlowed the airlift to continue ^un^'-H-nce. U.S. officials have repeatedly stressed the risk of continuing the airlift, due to threats of violence by the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan affiliate, Germany’s top military commander, Gen. Eberhard Zorn, said Tuesday the United States and Germany were particularly concerned about ISIS suicide bo!P?crJ P°ssibly clipping into crowds. Ihe US. ramped up its round-the-clock airlift of evacuees from Afghanistan lo its highest level yet on Tuesday. Biden had con­ sidered whether to extend his self-imposed deadline, taking into account the continued security threats by extremist groups in the Afghan capita . the Taliban's resistance to an extension and the prospect that not all Americans and at-risk Afghan allies can be evacuated by next Tuesday. About 21 ,600 people were flown safely out of Taliban-held Afghanistan in the Vhour period that ended early Tuesday, the While House said. That compares with about 16 (XX) the previous day. Thirty-seven ILS. military flights - p C-17s and 5 C-J30s — carried about 12 700 evacuees. An additional 8.SXX) people flew out aboard 57 flights by U.S. allies. "Washington should be ashanK.d of lhc position we put our service mcmb(.re in _ they represent the best in America,” Meijer and Moulton said. "These men and women have been run ragged and arc slil) runni s(rong. Their empathy and dedication to duty are truly inspiring. The acts of heroism and self­ lessness we witnessed at HKlA should make America proud. “In the coming days, we wit| have mofC |o share with our colleagues antl |he Anu.ncan people about what we learned, but after meet­ ing with Marines, soldiers, and dedjcated Slate Department officials Ol) (he groujul _ we want the world to know flrM and Jon.niosl that we have never evn prouder to be Americans" . “We conducted this Visit h» secret." Meijer and Moulton added, '‘leaking about it only after our departure.n,inimjZe the risk and disruption to the |W°P e on the ground, and because we were tlre^ ° gather information, nut to grandstand. ' e on a plane (from the U.S.) with ernp1) s'*,ts» seated m crew-on­ ly seats to ensure tM ,U)body who needed a seat would lose one bevausc of our presence.” & the service. After the service at 11:00 a.m., a free cookout for the community will be provided! The community focus this year will be the Hand2Hand program. Hand2Hand works through local churches to provide food for kids facing weekend hunger in West Michigan, Sarah Geukes, Hastings Middle School Principal, will speak about the need for and benefits of the Hand2Hand program in the Hastings area. Vicki Hooker. Regional Manager lor Hand2Hand, will speak about how the program works and how you can support the program. CHURCH This special worship event will be hosted by Green Street, Hope and Welcome Corners churches and will feature many talented musicians and singers from the community. �pac,. 4 — Thv»- Uy, August 26 2021 -The H.v»‘XIs B-v,‘:‘'’ Did you SCC 7 County should grow with a plan New signal 7 he new signals were installed a week ago and should be activated in the next two weeks as the $7.4 million con­ struction and resurfacing project on a 6 mile stretch ot M-37 between Caledonia and Middleville nears its con c’uston The signals are at the intersec­ tions of Finkbe:ner and Crane roa s jus outside the Middleville village limits.jne project, which began in early May, included widening the intersection at f08{b Sheet at the Barry.Kent county line to add a center-turn lane off the highwav. Also included were new guardreds. culvert replacement, and concrete curb and gutter. The project is slated .or completion about Sept. 10. according to John Rtchard spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation. Playing for another title Banner Nug. 31. 1961 Seek state championship - This photo of the Hastings Mfg. Company’s softball team was taken after they won the Class D District championship at Fowler and Sunday night the aggregation went on to win the Class D Regional Have you crown at Sunfield. The team is scheduled to play at 9:45 a.m. Saturday in the first game of the state tourney in Coldwater. They will play either a team from Wayne, Ann Arbor or Jackson. If they win. they will play again at 1 p.m. if they lose, they will play at 7:30 Saturday night. Pictured (front row. from left) are LaVerne Bowman, third baseman, manager Bob Stutz; Vern ■’Stub” Allerding. pitcher and fielder: Don Bowers, catcher; Leonard Burns, right field; Jack Chadwick, shortstop: (back) Tom Salik, utility: Norm Lubienieckt, first base. Art Fredenburg, center field Jerry Fager, pitcher and fieider; Ted Dalman, pitcher: Dale Geiger, pitcher: Shannon Lydy, left field; and Tom Sutherland, assistant manager. Added to the Piston Ring roster after the district game were Ernie Ball, infielder, and Don Williams, outfielder, both of Middleville, t Photo by Lewis Hine) met? When Katlin Hal! started as a dispatcher with Barry County Central Dispatch at age 20. she gave herself two years. Two years to try out this new job. gain some additional experience and then go back to school. Since she was 13. Hall had wanted to become a forensic analyst. When she accepted a job with Barry County Central Dispatch, her mind hadn’t changed. She had watched enough CSI episodes to know she would attend Michigan State University and receive her forensic analy st degree. Eight years later. Hall. 28. is still working for the county as a dispatcher. Earlier this month, "he was promoted to deputy director. And now. she says, she has no intention of becoming a forensic analyst - or doing anything different than serving as a member of the Barry County Central Dispatch. ”|The forensic analyst! ship has probably sailed. I’m pretty partial now to this profession, just 91J in general," Hall said Shu grew up in Woodland Township, and no one in her family worked in emergency services related fields. Her father was employed with the Ionia County Road CumnibMun. Her mother wasacosmetologist. But when Hall, formerly Katlin Kellogg, graduated irom Lakewood High School in 20IL she enrolled in the criminal justice program at Kellogg Community C ollege and shirted clocking in as a cadet with the Barry County Shen11 s Olfice. Hall ground through the next two years She worked the night shift for the shcriii’s department meaning that her ‘’day ” normally be .«n ;»t midnight. She would get oil work al s* a.m ami go straight to class. When she finished cl..--- at ? p.m., she would return home .Hid sleep before starting the process over e.’. in -l midnight. Alter graduating from KCU m 2013. she received a phone call from Stephanie Ixhman at Barty County Central Dispatch. They had an opening. Lehman said, and she thought Hall would be a good lit. Hall, at first, turned down the opportunity. Being a dispatcher sounded “too scary or. obviously, out ol my comfort zone,” she said Aller visiting the office and learning more alxiul the training progiain. Hall changed hei mind. “Well. 1 guess maybe it’s nos ilia! bad." she told her-elt. So I ended up applying and getting the job and moving forward from there.” Even after Hall acvepiud the position, she gave herself the two-year window still hoping to become a lorciiMC analyst That changed >ix months into the dispatching job. when she realized she didn’t w ant to leave. ‘I just tell in love with lhe culture that wc have at 9j|. the adrenaline rush, taking phone calls and helping people obviously was huge." she said. “That made me stay." But n wasn’t an vas\ transition. "When people call 911. they 're not calling on the best days of their life." Hall said. “So it takes a lot u> get Usej |o and to become comfortable w uh taking those kinds of calls," lor eight years, she served as a telecommunicalor, communications training officer and dispatch. She shilled into the role of deputy director in July, where she has found herself w ith a new schedule. Over the years, she grew accustomed to working night shifts, w eekends and holidays as a dispatcher. Now, she’s working the regular Monday throm.’h Friday . 8 a.m. to 4 pan. shill. \nd she’s not quite used to it. She's also gutting used io working in an olfice - and not aiiswcrim.’ calls on the floor. But sometimes, she can’t help it- When they're short staffed or need an extra hand. I lall w ill log in as a dispatcher and put on the headset again. "I miss it." she Saj(| very hard for me to come in and not |0„ in every day now." Lot her new role jcpUty director al the Bany County Central pisptdch. Hall is this week ’s /Jz/ght Lzg/rg Favorite inuvi ...... . pox and the Hound." ’ I uvorilv seas.,., and «hv: r>'l> be«u«of er andciiari^np^l-monte lacat,,,,. dc,tinal1,in- Upper Peninsula. I avarite I,,„„•<) -Clue." 1 :»n mostw|ivn: I am a' home. Bvsl iiiH-nlion t.u fl,fi.e. K... H.v, , or v„ /... ' Growth has always been an important component of American capitalism. Whether it s an increase in wages, an uptick in the stock market, or steady improvement in property values, grow th has been viewed in this country as a gtxxl thing for those lucky enough to be in a position to benefit. Barry County found itself in that fortu­ nate situation last week when The Hanner carried news of the recently released 2020 U.S. Census results. Our home, wc learned, is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. Who would have thought? Most of us think of Barry County as a quiet rural community that hasn't seen a lot of growth in recent years, but. according to the latest statistics, we have become the eighth fastest-growing county among all 83 counties in Michigan during the past lo year period. The population here has increased by 55 percent in that time, to 62.423 resi­ dents, reflecting the overall trend of migra­ tion to the west side of the state. That growth w ill benefit Barry County in a number of ways: 'Hie census population count determines how many representatives each state will have in Congress for the next 10 years and how much federal funding communities will receive for roads, schools, housing and social programs. The figures also ensure that funding is equitably distrib­ uted for numerous programs, such as Medicaid, highway planning and construc­ tion, special education grants to states, the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. So these numbers are important for local government, planners and investors because they show vitality. As always, though, growth can come with increased challenges - and. fur Barry County, potential dilemmas await. In 1987, a small group of Barry County citizens formed a Futuring Committee.They met for 10 years to focus on the coming grow th they saw then and what needed to be done to address mounting development pressure from outside the county. I was a member of lhe group and w as present when we made a presentation to lhe county board of commissioners. 1 remember telling com­ missioners that the lifesty fe we enjoy here is based primarily on the land and the wildlife that inhabits the county. Our vision. “Preserving the past while planning for a beautiful future.” defined our work. We consulted with experts from Michigan State University who warned us of the threat from development projects on some of the richest agricultural land in the state. Naturally, they were concerned about lhe loss of valuable farmland that, once developed, never returns to agriculture. They promoted farmland preservation pro­ grams and the rewriting of local regulations to support a plan of controlled growth. That plan served the county well. /\midst the robust growth in population, housing, and business of the past 10 years, the Futuring Committee helped us stand guard over the rich lode of soil that is the envy of agricultural interests statewide. It's been nearly 35 years since lhe Futuring Committee provided the vision that has served us to this point. Now' a new wave of growth provides an even bigger threat of tunring the beauty of our county into a development vending machine. Most of the growth is occurring along the western side and more to the north of the county, particularly along the M-37 corri­ dor. which was where the Futuring Committee indicated more than 30 years ago that pressure would be felt. T hankfully, much of the growth has been clustered in the village of Middleville with the Misty Ridge and Rolling Oaks subdivisions. Spilling into our area from neighboring Kent County is growth from Gaines Township where, interestingly enough, offi­ cials asked J-Ad Graphics to extend its Sun and News coverage area lo include the entire township, cover its meetings, and better inform the public about township ' ™ "roup warned county commissioners about nearh 3 years ago - that Kent County was X ’to overrun its borders and Bara County was on its map for potenual growth. The 2020 Census figures confinn i . Thornapple Township. Barry County s most populated municipality, adding more than 1.400 residents and its population rising from 7.884 to 933 L The census report also shows about two-thirds of the towmship s population growth came in the vi Middleville, which picked up nearly 1.000 more residents during the decade and now has 4295 residents, a 29-pcrcent increase from the 2010 census figure of 3319. Yankee Springs Township saw' the largest jxirccntage increase of any area in the coun­ ty. rising 30.9 percent from 4.065 in 2010 to 5,322. Next was Irving Township, which experienced a 14.9-percent population increase, gaining more than 480 residents, growing from 3250 in 2010 to 3.734 in 2020. Contrary and surprising numbers came from the City of Hastings, lhe county seat, and from neighboring communities such as Nashville, Freeport, and Delton where growth was stagnant. Hastings, for instance, reported only a modest increase in the cen­ sus, gaining 164 residents lo boost lhe pop­ ulation from 7514. a 22-percenl increase from the 2010 census. So. w hat are we to make of these num­ bers and the impact they’ll have on the county? One thing is certain: Growth is in the northwestern corridor, due mostly to new residents from the north seeking a more rural lifestyle and more affordable options. That will likely continue at an even greater pace. Our mission now as visionaries and managers of growth is to promote expan­ sion within and close to our cities rather than allowing it to sprawl into the townships and on to valued agriuultunil and open land. Several times I’ve suggested to Hostings City officials the extension of .sewer and water lines into the neighboring townships to promote growth closer to the city rather than allowing sprawl into lhe townships. Of all the departments in any city, the sewer and water plants are cash generators, so w hy not extend services to lhe neighbor­ ing townships, bringing more revenue to the city and promoting housing closest lo lhe city? “What do almost all successful communi­ ties and organizations have in common?’’ the late futurist Joel Barker asked Futuring Committee members so many years ago. “It is the power and depth of their vision of the future. Compelling goals and a positive, meaningful vision of the future provide pur­ pose and direction to lhe present. Great vision almost always precedes great accom­ plishments.” 11 we are intent on providing an updated road map for local officials to preserve our county and communities for years to come, we’re already behind lhe curve. We need lo renew our vision of greatness and we need to commit to achieving it through human action. Our vision is what we will become. Fred Jacobs, CEO. J-Ad Graphics Inc. The Hastings BaiHief Denoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Hastings Banner, Inc. , A D!vi£ion 0* J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phono: (269) 945-9554 . Fax: (269) 945.5192 m Nw M press rc.^es. rs.ee,n . A^^g. aoteg./ Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO ' A?V^TISING department . Hank Schuuring CFO TyG-eenfitW Jonnia Yonker re • NEWSROOM• ' business coverage ine developments, industry and >ions in housing brought on by dramatic the challenges gn-X'L are all issues that the Fu.uring Rebecca P.ctce (Editor) Kathy Maunjf (Copy Ed.(or} Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Subscription Rates: $52 per year ,n Balry County *6° ^'yearmaaiom,ng count.es ______ pur y&ar rJsewhene POSTMASTER Soetw*,,. c,,WMs!. PO.BulS Greg Chandler Bcnjamm Simon lay tor Owens Scvct-j ci«4 « Hastings Ml 49o4 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday. August 26. 2021 — Page 5 Will ^^igan’s hesitant take it now 1 eder.il approval is also likely to embolden 20.(XX) people who received placebos. To determine the vaccine’s safety, it reviewed hesitant employers to require large numbers data from 22.CXX) people that received the of employees to be vaccinated, said Ixiveluck, vaccine and 22,(XX) that did not. It also fol­ the health office in Washtenaw. At least two large Michigan health systems lowed the health status of nlxiut half of the Michigander p viK.-cine. dl least one trial’s recipients — about 12JXX) in ail — for — Southfield-based Beaumont Health and dose of a COv ’ h is Uncle Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health — said six months or longer. Bul jus‘ .h0,'nni’'",c‘:.,nC''1 kJ' the net The additional data indicated the vaccine in July they would require staff to be vacci­ Monday*'"’ nistr-11""' "hcln! r S’ ' <>O11 was 91 percent effective in preventing nated after the FDA fully approved a vaccine. and Drug A‘> ’’ • from Pi|lc COVID-19, the FD/X said in announcing its Spectrum said at the lime it would give employees eight weeks after full approval to ‘emergency ^-merson-Udijybw. gUe* sanl decision. Dr. Patricio W' * ‘ ..ff.iirs vice presi­ 7 he Pfizer vaccine is largely manufactured comply. With yesterday’s approval, that puts dent of conin’11 [jetroit |jpr'’du'"c med­ at a facility in Portage, near Kalamazoo — a that deadline to Oct. 18. ical education l<* it a|, cal Center. Spokespeople for the two systems said She said she h^^ ^fme from pc„. facility President Biden toured in February. Monday details were still being, sorted. About Reenergizing demand? p|c reluctant 'hat had until 75 percent of Spectrum’s employees are vac­ The approval has been long-awaited. this week uo'C^-re de^onfo; *"«Beney As the virus surged through Michigan this cinated. and about two-thirds of Beaumont use: The vaccine. loped so quickly, employees are vaccinated, according to the they will say-1d run au wait “nd spring, health officials were thrilled as Michiganders lined up for vaccines, some­ spokespeople. make sure tl>a"l*> trials.” In fact, nearly every large health system in times celebrating with balloons, selfies, and With Mond»> s ' “ent. ”a|| of lt)at media spots. But overall demand for the three Michigan already requires employees to be will hopefully go those people who vaccines has since slowed to a trickle, and vaccinated, with most having mandated were hesitant 'he vaccination gains today are won “inch-by­ employees gel a vaccine even before the FDA actual vaccine- w‘ "Lddyback said. full approval. inch,” said Washtenaw County’s Loveluck. Pfizer's FPA “PP^’lis „lso sllrc ,o Michigan’s largest universities, too. have Making matters more difficult , the pan ­ prompt more h<*P “'\\>r“'!<>ns, airlines, demic has revealed the messy, evolving nature mandated vaccines among students and staff. entertainment ven ’ "silics and other of science as researchers around the world Shortly after the FD/X approval Monday, institutions to requ ™ers or customers to sort through data, and check, recheck and Oakland University announced it, too, would be fully vacc,n“1., ' „CIJ many "'«« reluc­ question their findings on a virus that has require students to be vaccinated with a first tant to take while • es »ere approved killed more than four million people. The shot by Sept. 3 and. for the Pfizer and only for emergency frequent shifts in public health recommenda­ Modema vaccines, a second shot by Oct. I. A growing nunibc employers already tions — not to mention the broad stream of Those with medical or religious exemp­ have mandated vaccines and. jUst |asl weck disinformation — have left some unsettled on tions will be required to have “frequent the Biden administration announced it would whether to lake n vaccine. COVID-19 testing,’’ the university said. require universal vaccines among staff at But health officials say there remain oppor­ Still short of 70 percent long-term care facilities as a COndition of tunities to change the minds of at least some Some health workers still question how receiving Medicart an ; ledicaid funds, the of lhe roughly 3.5 million Michigan residents much Monday’s vaccine approval will help. financial life-blood of such facilities. age 12 and older who remain unvaccinated. Kayleigh Fox. a West Michigan nurse, test­ In Ann Arbor, Jinwna Loveluck said she is According to an ongoing project by KFF, a ed positive in March for COVID just days hopeful the FDA ruling will provide greater San Francisco-based health care research non­ before her son. Oak. was bom. assurance to an at-times skeptical public as profit, about 3-in-10 adults who remain As a nurse, she was among the first to be the delta variant fuels a resurgence of the unvaccinated said they would be more likely eligible for a vaccine, but opted against it virus. to get a shot if a vaccine were to receive full because she was pregnant and health guide­ “People can feel even more confident that government approval, as Pfizer’s did Monday. lines for pregnant women were uncertain at (the Pfizer vaccine) has met the gold standard The FDA’s announcement will help “boost that time. Health experts and the Centers for for safety and effectiveness,’’ said Loveluck, confidence’’ among those still undecided, said Disease Control and Prevention have since the Washtenaw County health officer. Mike Snyder, health officer at Public Health advised pregnant women to be vaccinated as Pfizer is one of three vaccines approved for of Delta & Menominee Counties in the Upper well. emergency use in the U.S, to combat the Peninsula. Oak was just 5 days old when Fox’s hus­ deadly coronavirus. The other two — by Just last week, nurses at a tent al the U.P. band drove her to an emergency in the middle Modema and Johnson & Johnson — have yet State Fair administered 54 of the one-dose of the night. Kayleigh struggled to breathe to be fully approved by the FDA, though Johnson & Johnson vaccine over two days. and COVID eventually caused a blood clot, Modema is expected to apply for that approv­ That’s evidence of still-unvaccinated then began shutting down her heart, she said. al as early as September. Michiganders who remain willing to roll up During her month-long hospitalization, she lhe two-dose Pfizer vaccine, which now their sleeves given the right moment, he said. underwent surgery and was nearly placed on a will be marketed as “Comimaty,” is the pre­ Nurses at lhe fair also offered a S10 bill — ventilator several times. Among her cowork­ dominant vaccine taken to protect against the cost of lhe fair’s admission —■ to anyone ers. she said, arc those who continue to refuse COVID, with Modema the next most popular. willing to be vaccinated. Some were wooed to be vaccinated. In fact, some health care workers, including Of 362 million vaccine doses administered in by the cash and a few ducked under lhe nurs­ the United States, nearly 205 million have es’ tent near the fair’s main gale lo gel a shot those al a protest earlier this month against before heading lo college, said Carrie Pollock, vaccine mandates, have said they wih walk been from Pfizer, according to the CDC. off their jobs before being forced to be vacci­ The FDA said it reviewed updated data on the health department’s director of nursing. But for most of the people getting vaccinat­ nated. Pfizer from the cXnical trials that initially “I have close coworkers who saw what I supported its December decision to authorize ed at the fair, she said, it was sheer conve­ went through and still won’t get a vaccine,” nience that tipped the scale. the vaccine. To determine its effectiveness, “It was mostly being able to walk in and be Fox told Bridge Michigan Monday. “What’s it lhe FDA compared data from about 20,000 going lo take?” people who received lhe Pfizer vaccine and done with it,” she said. Health of *** I‘fh»!'n^rul ful1 federal “PP^,viH vJ£B1<>NTceh COVID iust 6j c’nation rates Thanks to our local clerks; they have earned our trust Tb lhe editor: the’ Bn^oumv ClcA pl’POn^i,)' ,o 'hank as the Unship dat forT ^1'”" “S "c" job of providing a fair and .vfff •i'.' a.xec,lcnl cess for our county. and safe election pro­ Il’s my opinion that, if more residents took he inte m question these same clerks aiZ the election process, we would have a lot less turmotl in our county. I >lnigglc to understand why folks would believe someone they never met over the tacts as presented by a commu­ nity member they likely voted for. As far as community support.' I’d like to pomt out that, in the last election. Pam Palmer received 77225 votes and Sheriff Dar leaf received 25.464. That’s pretty telling to me - and I hope Pam realizes the amount of support she has. In conclusion, I want to ensure the commis­ sion members that, even though those sup­ porting lhe job Pam Palmer and the township clerks did aren’t as vocal as the ones who claim the election was fraudulent, we are out here in huge numbers! And wc arc satisfied that our election pro­ cess is not fraudulent - and that any funds spent to prove otherwise arc a waste of our tax dollars. Thank you. Larry Osborne, Delton Recycle - and recycle properly To the editor: I really believe more people need to recy­ cle, which I do once a week, but 1 get so upset because people don t know the proper way to recycle. rhey put things in a paper bag and throw them in with the tin cans - with labels still on. I always mash my cans and plastic contain­ ers, such as salad dressing bottles and water bottles. Put cardboard in with tin cans and plastic. The plastic bags like the ones you get when shopping go to Walmart — they have a bin there to put them in. Tlie public needs to be aware to put things in correct places. They even put tin and plastic containers in with the newspapers. Georgia Lindroth, Hastings ■JWrite Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous fetters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Q<now Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing. Ml 48933 Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon. Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Peter Meijer, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat. 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 2°rl™ Peters Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510- oono ohone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 23391p£>cirlent's comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and^he Senate: 1-202-224-3121. GUEST COMMENTARY America is beta than what we’re witnessing in Afghanistan come. Earlier this year, when the president U.S. Rt’P« l>etcr Meijer By the lime you’re reading this. President first announced he would execute the with­ Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and the drawal from Afghanistan, a bipartisan group Taliban’s immediate takeover of the country of my colleagues and I contacted his adminis­ will have dominated the headlines for roughly tration in April and May, urging him to imme­ two weeks. I served in lhe Iraq War and then diately begin taking the necessary steps lo worked as a conflict analyst with the humani­ ensure the safety of American citizens in tarian aid community, living in Afghanistan Afghanistan and streamline visa processes and evacuations for our Afghan allies and from late 2013 to early 2015. Like so many other veterans of this war. I partners who served alongside our forces for um both enraged and heartbroken by the two decades and whose lives would now be in images coming out of Afghanistan - people danger from retaliation by the Taliban. As the security situation continued to dete­ clinging to the wheels of departing aircraft, a mother so desperate and hopeless that she riorate and the administration failed for passed her infant child over a wall into the months to articulate any clear plan of action, hands of an American soldier, and so much we amplified our calls to evacuate these indi­ more. viduals from the country. Our repeated pleas were ignored until lhe As you may recall, I supporled a flll| wilh. drawal from Afghanistan when former end of July, and by Aug. 15. the Taliban had President Trump first negOtiated the )andinark completely overtaken Kabul. Now. untold numbers of Americans and our Doha Agreement, and I continued supporting allies cannot even reach the airport lo gel on a this action under IVesident Biden Reasonable minds can debate the pros and flight out of the region. It is clear to me that cons of this withdrawal, but, at this point, lhe the administration did not start evacuating merits of withdrawal front a policy perspec­ four months ago because it was not a priority, tive aren’t the issue.'Hie Biden Administration and they thought they had more time. This chose to move forward wiifo lhc plajined with. extreme intelligence failure demands lull drawal and failed the execution horribly. The accountability. Congress and the American people need to know- what led us to this point absolute lapse in leadership aj.^, seeing so we can prevent it from ever happening now- will be in the history fof gcnera. lions to come. again. I do not accept the Biden Administration’s Illis is the nightmare scenario that we were excuses that the disastrous situation we are trying to prevent, bul now that we’ve reached seeing on the ground was an unavoidable out­ this critical moment, our only option is to Give the gift of NEWS! Send friends and family a gift subscription to The Hastings BANNER! To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 keep lhe Kabul airport secure and operational until every’ American citizen and Afghan ally has boarded an airplane to safety. We must also take steps to help stranded individuals get through the Taliban’s check­ points and make it to the airport safely. I recently joined a group of my colleagues urg­ ing President Biden to take both measures, even if it means extending airport activity beyond his established Aug. 31 deadline. This is a zero-fail mission, and we cannot allow the Taliban or arbitrary time constraints to inter­ fere with its completion. Any conclusion other than one that brings all Americans and our allies to safety will be a dark and shameful moment in our nation’s history - truly a gen­ erational crisis. America is belter than this, and I refuse to stand by and leave Americans and our allies to die. Please say a prayer for the thousands of U.S. troops in harm’s way, for the people of Afghanistan, and for our veteran community. If you know of someone who needs help escaping Afghanistan, please contact my office at (616) 451-8383. If you are a veteran in crisis, please reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 1-800-273-8255. US. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Mich., represents Barry County. He lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Gabriella. NOW HIRING al ABOVE IHDUSTRY PAY ijj^i^anTConstruction Crews Call 269-671-4606 or stop by: 14790 Kellogg School Rd. Hickory Corners, Ml 49060 �Page 6 • - Thursday, August 26, 20? 1 — The Hastings 0ann<w * Special outdoor service set for City t^kes next steps with sidewalk construction, Aug. 29 at Thornapple Plaza ° Fciehner and Pastor Kim Melzer of the . \IHj Welcome Comers United Methodist Michigan Avenue development A special outdoor community worship event at Thomapple Plaza Sunday, Aug. 29, will bring people together to raise money for the Hand2lland program. Green Street, Hope and Welcome Corners United Methodist Churelics arc hosting c 9:30 to 11 a.m. service in which all oftenngs and donations made during the event"' S to the non-profit program's rflorts for Hastings children. , . ..hl. Hand2Hand works through local c urc to provide food for West Michigan > face hunger every weekend. But •' raised from the Aug. 29 community _ event in Hastings will stay in H8Sl,nf \Jnircj Bryce Feighner of Green Street United Methodist Church said. . . The donations received during•»«< « will serve the children who attend Hnshngs Area School System. ^b""s Middle SchodnMncipafPSarah Geukes willI speak lurches " ill lead worship. The .service will include musical performances by members of the congregations. This outdoor worship .service has become a tradition for Green Street United Methodist Church, which has held lhe event since 2011. It always takes place during lhe Hastings Summerfest and it raises funds for community outreach programs. The goal. Feighner said, is to “take worship outside of lhe church and to help the community.” In the past, they have raised funds for local non-profits such as Family Promise of Barry County, Barry County Cares and the Community Meal Program. Organizers are encouraging everyone to come and bring their lawn chairs. All who attend the worship service will receive a free beverage and snack. After lhe service, a free cookout for the community will be provided. Those who are unable to attend lhe service are welcome to attend the cookout. support it. fake Oriedda Elaine Gadock Harvests of garden produce arc in full swing. People who can and freeze produce are working overtime to take care of their abundance. Sweet com is now on lhe market. Tomatoes arc ripening fast. Some vines are climbing beyond their structures. A few years ago. a north-end neighbor erected a high wooden fence to surround his backyard property as a safe place for grandchildren to play. That has shifted to a garden space with further refinement. His wife felt sony for neighbors having a fence to look at, so she early on painted stylized flowers along the length of the fence. This past spring, she laid a row of bricks along the long side and filled the space between the bricks and the wooden fences with black dirt. Then she planted seeds and some bedding plants. Now the narrow garden is awash with sunflowers and other colorful plants. This was done for the benefit of neighbors who can sec the fence U'hile the lady gardener with the green thumb cannot see lhe end result of her labors unless she takes a walk. Another neighbor on Johnson Street has a curbside garden planted between the sidewalk and the street with vegetables and flowering plants so passersby can get the benefit of his/ her work. The Fourth Avenue neighbor also is raising tomatoes and peppers for the benefit of the public in the space between sidewalk and street. The lawn of David and Judy Lake on Washington Boulevard has a very* showy display of purple petunias in a circle with yellow mums in lhe center. Robert Warner is now out and about. He and his wife were both sickened, which meant no Sunday afternoon music jams for musicians in the Warner’s bam. Lakewood schools have been in session for nearly a week, ahead of most others in this area. Drivers are reminded lo watch for school buses. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "Wc Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy.. P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmcCqgmaihcuni Website: jmsL haMinpsfrcemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Iced, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director. Martha Stoctzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9:45 im. Kids Church and Nursery arc available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765. (corner of Milo Rd. & S. XI­ 43), Delton, MJ 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am. Nursery iind Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:50 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E State Rd.. P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 260! Lacey Road. Dowling, Ml 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-302! church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. MmrinS'*0" 1 Ire Hastings med Mon^Y cveninR moved forward plan to butld a sidewalk on West ?''. SiredTire sidew.dk built between the Holiday Inn and b'n„r Tree store, where there is no w;dkw T -edestrians to travel between the two|('. .. "There has been toSet' for ’> '«»"B time in getting sidewalk, out there to provide pedestrian access amonc the businesses,” interim City ManagcrGregg Guctschow said in an interview after lhc meetingThe city will use special assessment to spread the cost between the surrounding seven businesses. Guctschow estiniatcd the l,ro-iect would cost about $ Inn rvX). The city will pay abo\jt $15,000 of the total amount to install tWo cU|vcrts in the creek separating the buildjn5is< which will allow for the subsequent construction of the sidewalk. Guctschow said he and Public Services Director Travis Tate had discussed whether the cost should be assessed aga‘nst t*ic I,r°jc5l or whether there was a more general public benefit. Ultimately, they opted in favor of the latter, Guetschow sajd during Monday’s meeting. The council appa)Ved the resolution to build the sidewalk. The city can now move forward in soliciting bids for the project and determining the exact pricing- If aH g°es according to plan, Guctschow said he expects construction lo begin this fall“I know this has been a long time getting to this point,” he said. “I want you to know, I have been working on this the entire lime I have been your interim manager - right from the very first day I was here.” Earlier in the meeting, the council approved a Commercial Facilities Exemption Certificate and a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Application for the development at 128 N. Michigan Ave. Approving the applications will allow for the developer, AJ Vcneklascn, lo receive tax abatements for the former Moose l^odgc property. “Getting the approval on these two items were very important to them because it has to do w ith how much property taxes they will be paying on this development,” Guetschow said, "and all of that relates to whether they can meet their target for profitability on the project.” To lhe displeasure of many council members, the agrcemeol with A J Vcneklascn has gone back" and forth, resulting in six amendments to the tpginal proposal. But council members wet^not surprised by the applications presented a Monday’s meeting, and they approved them with little discussion. One council member, however, voted against the proposals. "I’m still disappointed that we let this company run over us,” Don Bowers said. "And I still think that they’ll continue.” Guetschow said the city will need lo approve a few more documents, but staff has taken care of the key steps in finalizing the deal with AJ Vcneklascn. Closing on the property will occur in the next few weeks, widt construction starting shortly after. During the public comment portion of jfewbom babies Jayse Carlton McCoy, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock, on Aug. 2, 2021 to Chelyn Kay and Keith Allen McCoy of Hastings. ««««* Lennox Lee Griffin, born at Spectrum Health Pennock, on Aug. 4, 2021 to Ashley and Jason Griffin of Hastings. Dorothy Willow Bvington, bom at Spectrum Health Penock on Aug. 6, 2021 to Brittney and Levi Byington of Lake Odessa. Hastings (269) 948-9969 w Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 wWw.watcrsc<lRefinanciaI.com 3185 N. Broadway. Hastings, Ml 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday. 9.45 am. 945-9554 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Ivy Recce Taylor, born at Spectrum Health Pennock, on Aug. 8, 2021 lo Amanda Main and Trey Taylor of Dowling. Keessen, AIF3i> Jeffrey WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH care w^ials unp°rtant t(> y°H that you can focus on what mailers most to you ....rtllrrcd through 1 PL l-iiuncMl, Member F1NRA/.MPC fccUf•'3 ------------------- -—■ - - and these local businesses: 1699W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Joleigh Lynae Newton, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock, on Aug. 10, 2021 to Cicrra and Jay Ion Newton of Hastings. Water ’s Edge Financial LLC Traditional and Cremation Services ProPlanning Services Luge Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving /Ml Faiths Prc-arrangcmcnt Transfers Accepted exfab' Hk 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Jak Douglas Prinkalns, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock, on Aug. 10, 2021 to Janet Klein and David Prinkalns of Vermontville. Hudson Wolffis, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock, on Aug. 5 20° 1 to Katelyn Pierson and Zachary Wolflisof Hastings. 77iiv information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches ■ Monday s meeting, several people stcp|>vd lorwnnl to exprvsv support for the dog park. Among other property at the dog park, the encing had been removed following n lawsuit between the City of Hastings and the Hastings Dog Park Companions. "As far as dog park is concerned. I miss it,” Karen Sweeney said, "ft was one of the things that I got to communicate with the community, and some elders, and some young ones, and J«« being down there. I’d make new friends. And that s gone, ft’s a hole in our community.” Guctschow said the city plans to get the dog park back up and running. Tate already has pul in a quote for temporary fencing of the dog park, but Guetschow said he hopes the city will Jmd more permanent fencing in the next week. I think there may be a misunderstanding on the part of some people that we weren’t going to re-establish the dog park.” he said. "That’s not my understanding of what council’s intent was here. "Once the other facilities were removed by die other group, we were going to go in and re-establish [the dog parkj. So that’s the plan that we have had in mind and I think that the members of lhe public should be aware that wc do intend lo re-establish that there." in other business, council members approved: - \ proposal from Grand Valley Automation to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls at the city hall and lhe city garage for $103,373. Although lhe city approved the payment of $103373 for HVAC enhancements, members of the council were unhappy with lhe high price tag. “1 know that, again, it was before current leadership here, but 1 don’t like the idea that this wasn’t taken care of in the first place.” council member Brenda McNabb-Stange said. “?\nd second of all, ] want lo know where lhe money’s coming from. This is another $100,000 not in the budget. How are we going lo make up for it?" Guetschow stepped forward to explain that although the cost will have an impact on the fund balance, upgrades are needed. The controls are old, and the city finds itself continuing to fix and replace many of the aging devices anyway. "I’m always reluctant to embark on something of this size w ithout having thought that through," Guetschow said. "However, we’re going to be paying this money. I’m afraid, as each of these controllers fails. We’re having to replace them and repair them and. in the meantime, you've got comfort issues?’ “I understand that,”” McNobb-Stangc responded/‘and that’s what I wanted to make clear. Here’s another $100,000 on top of the $1 million we’re already going into general funds overrun on. I understand this has to be done. But I think we need to look somewhere else to make up al least part of this money, if not all of it, in the budget.” - Proposals from Prein&Newhof to conduct elevated storage tank improvements for $56,000 and Rowe Professional Services Company to perform pavement surface evaluation and rating tests and roadway evaluation for $4,820. 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbacMunrr4lhon1c.nct H.iv t.irrlruh ’>-dc * < <Hiirt' Siirnmiiding t <minnmtnc*> for • yiar MIDDLEVILLE, Ml - Kenneth Fowler, age 96, of Middleville, formerly of Delton, passed away on Aug. 17, 2021 at Carvcth Village. Kenneth was born on May 24, 1925 in While Cloud, to Orren and Lucille (Sorden) Fowler, and was a graduate of White Cloud High School. He proudly served his country’ as corporal in the Army 104th Timberwolf Infantry Division during World War II. He w as held as a prisoner of war for six months from Nov. 1944 to May 1945. On June 1, 1946, Kenneth married Trclla Cole, who preceded him in death on Dec. 7, 2007. Kenneth worked as an institution plant superintendent for the Michigan Department of Mental Health. After retirement, Kenneth enjoyed spending his time outdoors in nature bird watching and fishing on Wilkinson Lake. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling. Kenneth was also a proficient carpenter and built duck houses for wood ducks. He was a member of the McCallum United Brethren Church. Kenneth is survived by his children, David Fowler, Chuck Fowler, Randy Fowler, Janice (Dean) Houscly, Nancy (Bill) Landcnburgcr, Tom (Eli) Fowler, eight grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; siblings, Carl (Barbara) Smith, Marlene (Jim) Toogood, Audrey Willlis, Did (Joyce) Fowler; several nieces and nephews.” • «•........ ■; He was preceded in death by his first wife, Trclla Fowler; second wife, Mae Tein Fowler; daughter-in-law, Karen Fowler, several siblings. Funeral services were held on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021 at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home. Pastor Mike McCrumb officiated. Burial took place at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Please visit www. beclergorcsfuneral.com lo share a memory or leave a condolence message for Kenneth’s family. Marriage .licenses 9 Stephanie Lynne Mull, Middleville and Doric Ryan Lustcy, Middleville Courtney Sue Moore, Hastings and Candon Noell Dalenburg, Hastings Candace Julie Smith. Middleville and James Lavern Meyers, Woodland /Xmy Jo Hollingshead, Middleville and Austin Gordon Rawn, Middleville Jesse Norman Cline, Hastings and Shayla Kay Burgess. I lastings Samuel Arthur Neyer, I lastings and Hannah Rae-Lynn Campbell, Hastings Tea Lorraine Kruisenga, Middleville and Chase Michael Sanmiguel, Kewadin Zachary Michael Dcabay, Middleville and Allison/\nn Schultz, Middleville Ronald Lee Fifield, Wayland and Sonva Jean Carruthers. Wayland Michael Loren Brown, Middleville and Katelyn Marguerite Nordbeck. Benzonia Derek Wayne Ramsey, Plainwell and Mehssa Kay London. Plainwell •K-nnifcr Lynn Taylor. Bellevue and Jack David Quigley. Bellevue Michelle Rae Tabor. Middleville and Joshua Paul Knoblock, Middleville Call 269-945-9554 tor Hastings Banner classified ads ........ �< players norudung^^ aXl)aGllattl,esM*S on |OMI mstor|| ,n the Hastings Banner r PAGES M.L. Cook recalled early mill and its operator The 150th anniversary of Hastines becoming a city will be celebrated this weekend with a “Happy Birthday Hastings" theme in the Summerfest parade. The community was first settled in 1836. became a village in 1855 and a city in 1871. longtime Bunner editor and owner Marshall L. Cook moved here when Hastings Wits still a village, and much later in life shared his early memories with readers. Many of his recollections were printed in the Banner in the 1940s, including this memory' of an early mill owner, published Aug. 1, 1946. Cook didn’t provide a lot of exact dates in this piece, but he is very clear about locations, including Michigan Avenue, which was known as Creek Street in his younger years. Mills were integral part of early settlements. An 1884 Sanborn insurance map of Hastings shows three saw mills, a flour mill and two planing mills. Water-powered mills were not the only businesses or services available in multiple numbers in the downtown Hastings of 1884. The Sanborn map shows 12 grocers, seven blacksmiths and six boot and shoe stores. Six hardware stores lined the downtown streets, as did an equal number of saloons. Five hotels served visitors, and five dry goods stores stocked merchandise for residents. Four clothing stores, two dressmakers, one tailor and one sewing shop accommodated those who didn’t make their own clothing. Two millinery stores kept heads warm, shaded or stylish. Visitors of 1884 would have found four meat markets, three drug stores, two bakeries, two furniture stores, two restaurants and two barbers, including one that, 137 years later, appears to be in the same location on South Jefferson Street. Among the special trades were four print shops, three harness shops, three tinsmith, two carpenter shops, a cabinet shop, a cobbler and two photography studios. Three grain elevators and two farm implement merchants accommodated the local farmers. Downtown also was home to at least one jeweler, bank, cigar and tobacco shop, a piano shop and a store selling candy and books. Perhaps among the more surprising occupants downtown were two roller skating rinks, a bowling alley and a shooting gallery', likely an arcade of some sort. Amid all of these were foundries and liveries, ice houses, warehouses and. of course, the mills. So, back lo Mr. Cook s recollection: Fall Creek powered grist, saw mills way back when; writer tells of ‘rocket death’ M.L. Cook When my father and our family moved from the Prairieville farm to Hastings in the fall of 1863. and for several years thereafter, there was a small, red grist mill, and just south of it a saw mill, with an old-fashioned, upright saw. The grist mill and most of the saw mill were in what it now Bollwood Street, just soutl) of Stale Street. Both mills were owned by Oscar Hadley. They were operated by water power. They water came to them via short mill race that connected with “Hadleys dam. e embankment stood on East Court “ extended for a little less than a block between Michigan Avenue and Boltwood Street. Th banks of this dam were about as high as th present Court Street roadway across the narrow Fall Creek valley at that point. Four blocks long This dam impounded the water brough to it by Fall Creek, which was then . much larger stream than now. Why ■■ wasUled Call Creek can be easily understood by obscrvmg the considerable fail in that sretk from Ketcham Road [likely Shnner Street) to “IS.* '2 blocks south from Court Sln-e was a little less than a bfoek wide, |o toward the lower end, front Court, it was quite deep. close to this pond to permit ba 11■ g.’hed •he swimmer wore the sort nalu Uurrash l he pond water did not I" gn:en summertime, for there wa -going in scum on top of iUhai argued against going swimming” in that pond. Thomapple River was much better. The deep water in the bend of that stream [the river] near the Bookcase factory was lhe favorite “old swimming hole” for the kids of that day - many years before a bookcase factory was even dreamed of [near what is now Wendy’s and the municipal parking lot on West Apple Street]. In winter, Hadley’s pond was a prime favorite for men and boys and a few girls, w ho loved skating. There were no refrigerators nor ice boxes in the Hastings of that period. A few families here had ice houses. They were filled in winter with ice from this pond. 'Then the kids had to be careful about going near the thin ice that soon formed on the places where ice had been cut. The blocks of ice were packed in sawdust from the Hadley saw mill. Powered the ‘upper mill’ Fall Creek also furnished power for a much larger grist mill in Hastings, known as “lhe upper mill.” It was situated near the southwest comer of Grand and Hanover. The dam was located a few blocks south of the mill. A long mill race, traces of which can yet be seen, brought the water to a very small pond, then located on what is now Hanover Street. From that point to the creek level west of it, there is a considerable drop. The upper mill had a big water wheel, which furnished much more power than Hadley’s dam. Both mills ground the grist that were brought in by farmers from considerable distances. [The mills’1 patronage was almost wholly local. They could not compete with the big mills that made flour for the market. Clearing lhe forests and draining the low lands that fed Fall Creek in lhe early days of Hastings had so decreased the flow of water in that stream that, in a few years, the two Hastings grist mills had to put in steam plants. Freight charges in towns that had but one railroad, as did Hastings, made coal too expensive to profitably use. In a few years after that, both mills ceased to operate. The Hadley home was at the comer of South Michigan Avenue and Court streets, near lhe edge of the pond. Mr. and Mrs. Hadley had no children, but adopted two girls form Carlton. They were then small and were orphans. They were Millie and Calista Kenyon. They were treated beautifully by their foster parents, and given a good education in the schools here. Mrs. Hadley and lhe two girls were devout members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Hadley was a spiritualist. Millie became lhe wife of Loyal E. Knappen, famed as one of Michigan’s leading attorneys in his day. He was for some years the U.S. District judge in Grand Rapids and later was appointed U.S. Circuit judge. He was bom in Hastings and practiced law here for a few years, then moved to Grand Rapids, which thereafter was his home. Calista married William J. Stuart. He was for a time superintendent of Hastings schools. The school house then was a frame building on the Central grounds. He afterward studied law and settled in Grand Rapids. He served that city as city attorney and was for four years its mayor. He was an uncle of Probate Judge Stuart Clement. Had ‘contagious laugh* Mrs. Hadley was a cultured woman, very highly esteemed in Hastings because of her Tine Christian character, her sincerity and her many charitable deeds. Mr. Hadley, though peculiar in some ways, was a kindly, intelligent, sociable man, with a great sense of humor. He was clean in life and in habits. Bul he was odd and very outspoken. He had a contagious laugh that soon had you laughing with him. b Oscar Hadley and my father were very good friends. It must have been due to the attraction of opposites, for they were wide apart in their beliefs, likes and dislikes My father [David R. Cook, 1830-1907} and Philo Sheldon were equal partners in the abstract and real estate loaning business. Their office was in an old frame building, its location is now covered by the west end of the Hotel Hastings [now the movie theater]. My father loved to play chess and would do so when not busy with work in the office He had a stand properly marked for that game and a set of chess men in the office, h was free to anyone who wished to play. If you know the game, you understand it calls for thinking no disturbance pstui JXcupjcd That table ' ' । Edl(()P Among the chess-pWfirf <’f t,,c hi t neorTe M. Dewey. N«nrian &b.lici,n candidate f‘,r I ,.Uerv other e^’.an^ Oscar "«lli:<„ all \VI,l'>his»ri?,,1o ’OW names I eanm>< * found, mill wav idle. Hadley (fic-c. PUjitig' ? In (<*>k and Sbeld<’',!'radiefifh,:''''enmhk *",h someone-my visit busy Mr. Hadley I"’ favorm.1 ""’er when they did not pW 1Ull,ld On such occasions. I '.^.nocrahMicr •. p Wadley was al* iritu«lis, nndRc*!“b,,ei"'Hadley 'v‘’t‘l.JdeliBhtedinndo..Iat,'er a universalist.Fal* in Spirit J2k,n« f«n at Hadley’s exi^^heir ar^m 'J^nces. When they ended op I .• M each "remained of Both |V* They never became a SO ‘ !l good "«>•' b^>cC^ibey spoke their sine*- Cutsw«<’d for heahh My father su,ft^70i |1S.e\cre stomach trouble. Ute in ll’e.‘ ,, d’1l,ls ''ealth was so badly shattered that o qu,(office wot)( altogether. He «> that'i™ owned 160 acres of heavily timbered Ian •" «two miles east of the city limits on the: mgs Center Road (between Powell an •■??' be 'lad rested several mo""”1 ™ gained some strength, he decidedlhe Mould walk daily to that place - over thn^ ties from our home on West Green Strec' - and chop wood, hoping to improve his• h“hh thereby. Father did not enjoy he loneliness of his work there, and invited his friend Oscar Hadley to join in the wood-cutting, giving Hadley all the wood hC Cou,d C,1OP that winter. Hadley’s mill then was idle much of lhe time, since water was low in Fall Creek, and competing mills in Bedford, Nashville, Middleville, August3 and Plainwell had greatly reduced its patronage. These two men chopped all winter, eating cold dinners in the woods, walking to and from their work. My father was an expert in wielding the axe. He taught his friend how to do it, and each accumulated a considerable cordage of beech and maple that winter, which helped a lol for many months to come. They both gained in health from this experience. Bul my father was never able to do office work again. He took up soliciting with Major Anderson [to try to bring the Kalamazoo. Hastings and Lowell Railroad to town; see Aug. 27. 2020, Banner], That kept him out of doors. He enjoyed it and was successful with this new employment. Oscar Hadley's mills were near the intersection of East State Street and what is now Boltwood Street at the site of the current city garage. The pond extended four blocks to the south, as far as East Grand Street. The larger, “upper mill” was just south of Grand Street. They were among several mills in Hastings in “1873. In the 1950s, Fall Creek was directed underground beneath what is now the Ace Hardware parking lot (Atlas of Barry County, Michigan, ,1873/University. of Michigan quod.lib.umlch.edu) Supply becomes limited Mr. Hadley sold all his mill property, including the pond and n number of city lots south of his mill - all the land from Stale Street south lo Green Street, lying west of Hanover to lhe east bank’of the dam. By that time in summer and winter, the volume of water in Fall Creek w as very limited. Rains in the fall, and melting snow and rains in the spring would remind you of Fall Creek as it was before clearing lhe forest and draining of low lands reduced lhe water that flowed into it. For some reason, lhe new owner of lhe mill pond kept its bank full of waler, for which there was no use whatever. It could serve no useful purpose. In the summer months, the smell of that stagnant water was nauseating. Nothing was done to abate this nuisance until after a serious epidemic of diphtheria in the Second Ward resulted in several deaths. No one could tell who did it. but one night, at the beginning of the following summer, all the water “leaked" out of that dam through a hole about where the culvert under the Court Street embankment is now between Michigan Avenue and Boltwood Street [known as Water Street in Hadley’s day]. When morning came, the pond was gone. An injunction by the city government prevented the repair of the embankment. Plenty of quick lime in the bed of the dam ended the stench from it. loud roar. All but one went over the heads of the daughters of Sara Jane (Thomas) and the people. That one struck and impaled Oscar Lansing Kenyon. Sara Jane died in 1861 Hadley, killing him instantly. when Amelia, or "Millie.” as Cook called her, There has never been a Fourth of July was 1 and Calista was 9. celebration in Hastings since that tragedy. The girls evidently moved to Michigan Probably there may not be another. Folks with their father, but were taken in by the enjoy the day at the lake, or the quiet of their Hadleys. Lansing Kenyon died in 1898 at age own homes much better. 70, and is buried at Fuller Cemetery in Several years after Mr. Hadley’s tragic Carlton Township. death, I heard my father speaking to another Calista later chose to go by Kate. She died man who knew the victim well. Both lamented in November 1945, al 93 years old. the fact thal he had met such a terrible death. The Hadleys apparently had a son whom Both spoke highly of him as a good man and Marshall Cook had forgotten about those a good citizen. Father added, “Yes, Oscar many years later when he wrote about Oscar Hadley was one fine man. But he never Hadley and his mill. Frank S. Hadley was redeemed one promise he made me. and wc bom in 1868, whether a biological child to the shook hands on it. One day, while wc were Hadleys or adopted is unclear. Julia Hadley chopping wood, we fell to discussing would have been about 39 and Oscar Hadley spiritualism. He was a sincere believer in it. around 44 when Frank was bom. He became He said to inc: D.R., if I die first, I promise a civil engineer and worked in surveying out you that my spirit will come back to earth and West, spending much of his life in Utah. Compiled by Kathy Maurer make me known to you in a way thal you can Sources: Hastings Banner, ancestryjcom. never doubt.” Father concluded: “I am still waiting for his fantilysearch.org, niitx'dit, quod Jib,umich. spirit. I would be glad lo welcome him if he edit; Hastings Public Library, city ofHastings. would come, bul he has never appeared." Untimely death Oscar Hadley met an untimely and horrible death. Hastings had an “Old-Fashioned Fourth of July.” Il was to end in a bjg display of fireworks that evening. The stand from which the rockets, etc. were sent heavenward was erected on a downtown street comer A big crowd had gathered to watch the display. One of the throng was Oscar Hadley Bv some mischance, sparks from the platform reached a package of sky rockets, which let go with a Hadley, bom in Ludlow, Vl„ in 1824 was 60 years old when he died July 4, 1884. His wife was the former Julia Baker (1829-1909), a native of New' Hampshire, the stale in which they were married in 1848. Julia died in Holland. Ottawa County. Both are buried at Riverside Cemetery. Oddly enough, the Kenyon daughters from “Carlton,” likely Carlton Township, also lived in Carlton. Orleans County. N.Y.. and were Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads THIS AD FOR SALE! J ' I . ; MICHAEL KINNEY PWMBING Licensed Master Plumber k Licensed Journeyman plumber New ^‘^ion, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. Bradford white water heaters ^y Installation OHice (269) 948-2248 U^!>i!ej269) 838-5112 Mor® than 50* of adulta havo a poaitxv® perception of ad* in print nawapap®rs * Call thia paper or 800-227-7636 �Page fi _ Thursday, August 26, 202’ — The HatfW ^nar Pierce Institute inducted into Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame ^Doctor Universe - • Full-body humor Dr. Universe: What happens in (,ur brain and body when we hear a funny Joke? Candace. 13, Irvine, Calif. Inductees of the 2020 and 2021 Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame gather at a recent awards ceremony, including (fifth from right) PCCI Executive Director Michelle Skedgell. (Photo provided) Financial Michelle Skedgell, PCCI executive director, speaks during the Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame inductee cer­ emony. (Photo provided) FOCUS Pierce Cedar Creek Institute strives to help make the drcams of young scientists, artists and writers a reality, and the biological field station, education center and nature center south of Hastings was recently recognized for its work. The Institute’s biological station program was recognized Aug. 18 tor its excellence by the Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame. Executive Director Michelle Skedgell attended the inductee ceremony at the Loosemorc Auditorium on the Pew Campus of Grand Valley State University. Every year the field station awards grants to undergraduate and graduate students from consortium colleges and universities to complete creative and biological projects every summer. Nearly $1.6 million in funding has gone to students and faculty to ensure they can follow’ their dreams and interests to learn more about the natural world. “It was truly an honor to accept such a prestigious award on behalf of our amazing staff members and board of trustees,’’ Skedgell said in a press release. “Our summer research program began in 2005, and it has provided 275 students and 70 college faculty members with a summer research experience that involved 205 projects encompassing the natural sciences, art and creative writing.’’ The Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame is led by lhe Muskegon Environmental Research and Education Society. Other recipients included Gregory Eagle, retired Michigan environmental conservation officer. Gail GruenwaN,executive director of Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council; Dr. Kathryn Savoie-Detroit Community Health director at Ecology Center; Jim Sy go. retired Michigan Department of Environmental Quality chief deputy director; West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum; April Scholtz. land protection director al I^and Conservancy of West Michigan; Steve Stewart, co-founder and director of the Great luikes Education Program; and John Scholtz. former director of the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department. Legacy Circle awards were presented in memory of the late Bill White, chairman and CEO of Charles Stewart Molt Foundation, and Tom Anderson. Southgate’s first mayor. Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Member SIK Andrew Cove, AAMSO Financial Advisor Kevin Beck, AAMSO Financial Advisor 400 W. State St, Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 421W, Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Ranking your goals: A smart move Like most people, you may have several financial goals. But can you reach them all? It would lx* simple if you had great wealth. But you’ll likely need to rank your goals in terms of their importance to your life and then follow appropriate strategies lo achieve them. By doing so. you may end up getting pretty close lo covering each of your objectives, in one way or another. When prioritizing your goals, consider following this process: • Identify goals as ’’must have” or “nice lo have.” Making sure you don’t outlive your resources is a must-have goal, so you need to be as certain as possible of achieving it. On the other hand, a nice-to-have goal might be something like buying a vacation home. If you don’t attain the money needed for this goal, you do have room to compromise, perhaps by scaling down to a smaller home in a different area or just renting a place for a few weeks a year. Having this flexibility can provide a psychological benefit, loo. Since this goal doesn’t have an eithcr-or outcome, you won’t have to feel that you failed if you don’t get the bin vacation home - instead, you can still enjoy lhe results of your investment efforts, even al a more modest scale. • Put “price tags” on your goals. You need to know what your goals will cost. Even if you can only make an estimate, it’s essential to have some figure in mind. As time goes by, you can always revise your projected costs. To arrive at these price tags, you may want to work with a financial professional who hits the tools and technology to create hypothetical illustrations and scenarios. • Follow an appropriate strategy, flic nature of your goals and their estimated cost will drive your investment strategy. So, for example, using lhe musthave goal mentioned above - the need to avoid outliving your money - you’ll w-ant to balance your growth objectives w ith your comfort with risk, as well as maintain an appropriate withdrawal strategy when you’re retired. However, for a nice-to-have goal, such as your large vacation home, perhaps you don’t need the same urgency - consequently, with part of your portfolio, you might be able to take more risk in hopes of greater returns. And if you fall short, you can always go with Plan B - i.c., the smaller home or the rental experience. But if your “nice lo have” is closer to a “must have’’ in this area as well, you might want to focus less on achieving greater returns and instead look at ways of adjusting your budget to save more. • Monitor your results. As you pursue your goals, whether must have or nice to have, you’ll want to check your results regularly. If you think you’re not making enough progress toward your desired goal, you may need to make adjustments. But don’t overreact to short­ term swings in the financial markets or in the value of your portfolio, or take on an inappropriate amount of risk. When trying to reach your goals, you can alter your path, but it’s usually not a good idea to change directions altogether. The decisions involved in identifying, prioritizing and achieving your goals can be somewhat involved. Bul by following a welldesigned process, you can help yourself get lo where you want to go. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Dear Candace, When we hear a funny joke, lots of differ­ ent things happen in the brain and body. My friend Paul Bolls, the director of the Media Mind Lab at Washington State University, told me all about it. Bolls said one part of the brain that gels “tickled" when we hear a joke is called the Ironlal cortex. I his is an area at the front of the brain that helps make sense of the joke and determine if it is funny. Of course, exactly what someone finds funny depends on everything from culture to experiences they’ve had in life and their ow n sense of humor. “When our brains get tickled, regardless of our different backgrounds and beliefs or w hat divides us. lhe brain processes involved in humor unite us as humans,” Bolls said. He said scientists have learned more about how the brain responds to humor with the help of magnetic resonance imagine, or MRI, technology, which can capture iimages of people’s brains. Scientists have observed that when a per­ son experiences something funny, the brain’s emotional center is activated. The emotional center includes a structure called the amygdala as well as the limbic system. Together, these different parts of the brain bring about that human experience of humor. You have may noticed that people also often get big smiles on their faces when they laugh. There are 42 muscles in the face, and laughter can give them a great workout. Meanwhile, a chemical called dopamine • Marine - ST wide Part-time hours available with competitive wages. • Thread, Tearl Cotton, Tippers, 8/27 9am-6pm, 8/28 9am- T HANK YOU TO ALL My family and friends who gathered last Sunday or sent a card to celebrate my birth­ day. The attendance of both old friends and new made it indeed a very memorable day. A special thank you to my children and grandchil­ dren for creating such an amazing event. I love you all!!! Rachel Jordan noon. No early salesl Indoor and outdoor furni­ Business Services NOW SELLING PINE build­ ing materials. Priced well below the lumber yards! Miller's Custom Sawing. Call for availability 814-952-4342, leave a message, or 517-852­ 9335. Estate Sales ESTATE SALE- THURS.- SAT., 8/26/21 9am-4pm, Apply in person al 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com • Ticketsfor Habitat 'Raffle QuiU Road. Hastings. Garage Sale displayed here GARAGE SALE: FRI. & SAT. 8/27-8/28, 2021, 8am-6pm. 212 W. North St., Hastings. Small computer desk, Tee­ ter hang-ups equipment, chair and ottoman, boy's bike 7-10yr old, snowboard set, clothes, and more. questions- ASK US... 216 E. Slate St. Hasting, . 945-9673 A www.CarvclhVillage xom "Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main'Street, Middleville. Ml 49333 269-795-4972 CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opporlunilies and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at <»r Middleville www.CjrvethVillage.coin "Rt nu mber... ijyou can't live alone .. live with us! 690 W. Mum Street. Middleville.Ml 49333 269 795 4972 <«»« ’ [' 0?£N Christmas trees, Autumn, mlsc. 1520 E. Dowling Trayfor our Country (Zarveth Village decor, Holiday items; 3 and Eastor, toys, and games, clothing; men and women, and household jDMC Ttoss, Tapes, Trims a ^530pr. Help Wanted Card of Thanks ing and crafts, home HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident .scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniversexom. CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 TV's, DVD'o and videos, gardening, kitchen, sew­ > Dr. Universe Banner CLASSIFIEDS ture, riding mower, tools, <» jVcw 108" Cotton - 70 colors ifs a super funny joke, you mig >■ heart beat faster, get tears in your eyes or even have (rouble catching your breath. Laughter can be a full-body experience. It can also be really good for your health. Some research has shown that laughter can decrease the number of molecules tn the body that make people stressed. Meanw i e. it also can increase immune cells and infec­ tion-fighting antibodies that help protect people from getting sick. Alright, here’s a challenge lor you: Try to write up a few jokes of your own. Or check out a book of jokes from your local library. Next, test them out on friends and family and see how they react. Bolls said jokes often work best when there is an element of surprise or when a couple of ideas come together in unexpected ways. Here’s one science joke to get you started. Q: How does the moon cut its hair? A: Eclipse it. Bolls and 1 want to thank you for helping us take a step back and think about some­ thing funny. It's always fun to investigate the inner workings of the brain, especially when it’s sparked by a great science ques­ tion like yours. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. ' MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Pets HEELER MIX PUPPIES for sale, loves attention, 1st shots & wormed. $300.00. 269­ 223-9194. DRIVERS FOR WHEEL CHAIR VANS NEEDED. THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A JOB. YOU’LL BE HELPING PEOPLE TO AND FROM DOC­ TORS APPOINTMENTS AND MORE. YOU NEED ^. TO BE dependable TRUSTWORTHY. AND RELIABLE. PLEASE CALL 269-420-1708 FOR AN APPLICATION. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate ad*ertfin; in thii newspaper i* subject to lhe Fair Hoocag Act and (he Michigan Cl»il Right* Ad **hkh c<Mlecu*tly make it illegal tu adteniie “any preference. Iitnilauen or dtv.nn*inatioo Kt*eJ on race. color, religion. *<*. handicap, familial »txu*. an intention. make any *ach preference. hmiutim or dijcritninatinn.** I'amilul Matus include* children under the jfect IM li»tng »»ith parents or legal custodian*, pregnant women and jexiple securing cutfody wf children under IS. Th:* ne*»‘paper will not knowingly accept any id*crtmng for real ectate which i* in tidation of tne law. Our reader* arc hereby informed that a’t duelling* ad*em*ed in that rc**paper are a*ailable on an opportunity bui't To te|*'rt dKriminutien call the Fair HiKi'inf Center at 616 451 29SO the Hl.Dh'l! free telephone number («>r the hearing impaired t* I MO-W’ 9275 _____________ P” —----I Hulst Cleaners Pickup Station AAA AAa A A aAAM Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads Seeking a Parish Administrator Seeking an individual who enjoys working with the public, comfortable using technology, a team player maintains confidentiality of member giving records, prepares and proof-reads reports and publications as directed and prepare copies for distribution and coordinates facility use and calendar. If you are looking for part time emp^y016'1*’ please contact Grace Lutheran Church at parishadmin@grace-hasting.org or cal1 269-945-9414. irz.751 Job Posting Library & Marketing Assistant at Hastings Public Library 2-16 hr./week including evenings & Saturdays Must be proficient In Olfice Suite and internet use Customer service & library experience preferred Social Media and Marketing experience preferred For job description visit the Library or go to hilpa;/&w*tiaslinfls£ub^ All applications must be completed online through lndeed.com Accepting applications through Friday, September 3, 2021 �The Hastings Banner •— Thursday, August 26 2021 — Page 9 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS T°P f'Ve !raud and scani prevention tO0's VondaVanTil P“hl*< Aljain spi ii k Knowledge k ptHvej. .. u,sf , uVl< to light I,ean mike ' hS ’l,c,rf'?l,t encc Knowledge also c,.n । ,. ' d,fler„»<! want loproteet. ,Kil>tho~e youlove We put together a tk» r . important resources related ?o J K j*'? n’°Sl **,KU to Social Security . Reatl and share our fact sheet “Beware of Soeinl Secunt, P|lone Sca,ns" u> (> spo . v ea s and entails tit ssa.gov/fraud.' jtsjcrs/niaienals'LN4)5. ] 053^.pdf. " New state troopers join the force Michigan State Police troopers who graduated Friday from the 139th Trooper Recruit School arc being placed al posts across the state. During the ceremony in Lansing, with Gov Gretchen Whitmer as the keynote speaker, Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police, administered the Oath of Office lo 57 graduates who are beginning their assignments this month. Iwo area residents are among the graduates, and four new graduates have been assigned to lhe posl that serves Barry County. Jonathan Cook of Hastings has been assigned to the Lansing post, and Kyle Bost of Clarksville has been assigned to the luikeview Post in Montcalm County. New appointees assigned to the Wayland post, which serves all of Barry County, include Stephanie Clark of Rockford. Christian Contreras ot Sturgis, Maxwell Taylor of Holland and Cody Tucker of Alpena. “Public service is a noble calling, and I'm proud of the 57 graduates who join the rank?* ot the Michigan Slate Police today to begin serving the people of Michigan,” Whitmer said. “The Michigan State Police is one of lhe premier law enforcement agencies in our country , and I want every trooper to know’ that as a former prosecutor, I got your back and I recognize and appreciate the sacrifices you make to keep us.safe.” , . The I39lh Trooper Recruit School began March 7 with 75 prospective troopers at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. Recruits received training in patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, cultural diversity and implicit bias, decision-making, leadership, first aid. criminal law, crime scene processing, firearms, water safety, defensive tactics and precision driving. Trooper Brock Bowers of Jerome, who has been assigned to lhe Marshall post, was elected class oralor by his fellow’ recruits and spoke on behalf of lhe graduating class at their ceremony. Also recognized during the ceremony were Trooper Charles Gutt (of Lapeer, assigned to lhe Richmond post) who received lhe Team Building Award, Trooper Joseph Miibockcr (of Elmira, assigned lo Metro South) who received lhe Outstanding Performance Award. Trooper Aaron Tail (of Marlboro, Md„ assigned to Jackson post) who received the Academic Achievement Award and Trooper Shawn Cosgrove (of Little Ferry’, NJ. assigned to Uapeer) who received the Marksmanship Award. “Today, as we celebrate adding these 57 individuals to the Michigan Stale Police family, their future is laid out in front of them, full of opportunity and excitement.” Gasper said. “Al a time when solidifying and growing relationships with the communities wc serve is critically important, I know these newest troopers will rise lo challenge, helping us to continue lo deliver lhe very best in law enforcement services.” Including the 57 graduates of lhe 139th Trooper Recruit School, approximately 1215 troopers are assigned stalewide, and a total of I 900 enlisted members are in the MSP. ’The next recruit school, the 140th Trooper Recruit School, began Aug. 22 al lhe MSP Training Academy in Lansing with 74 prospective troopers. They are expected to graduate Feb. 17. 2022. With hundreds of trooper vacancies due to continued attrition, lhe MSP Recruiting and Selection Section and Training Division remain busy. The MSP is actively recruiting for future trooper recruit schools, including the 141st Trooper Recruit School, which is the department’s first recruit school tor licensed law enforcement officers, and the I42iid Trooper Recruit School. Persons interested in learning more may visit michigan. rov/MSPjobs for information on how to apply- Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Se’.m A«""’ °"kl‘ln'P«tor General’s n t'Zn !re"C'S a’£‘>vtan> for - -i hoW u, • Read our bine tx>« t -.t ki« . , e •“ blog.ssa.pov/prob-r-tr / 'is01-1 SOCIa**securit\ -num­ to learn how .VJ'KHVCf to protect vn(1(. n ..u , ................. U.HUWV > r Social Security number Irom identity l,R;nr , t reate your own personal My Social J ?lrtlly aCCOunl al ''sn.gov. ms account lo c p icp Hack of your records and identify any suspicious activity. . Visit our page at bMi.gov’.'f*»u "ntbJ?’’1 RcPt,rW ^Mand how we combat fraudirces Share these n*»t scams with ) our friends and f«djja> * ,lch> us spread the word on M*’4 . Spei iul(Sf for West "rjte her StMSecur^ NE, Grand E^P1^ 'or via email t<> vanda xantil®^1*' ‘ Sheriff’s office searching for body in possible drowning Police are searching for the body of a 66-year-old man who they believe drowned in Middle Lake in Carlton Township last Saturday evening. A boater found the man’s kayak floating empty in the water around 8:40 p.m., and another boater reported seeing the man fish­ ing on lhe kayak just a short lime before. A search for lhe man is still underway; his name has not yet The sheriff’s office ius received assis­ tance from Barry County Central Dispatch, lhe Department 01 ajuraj Resources, Mercy EMS. Hasting*' Hre Department, Greal Hikes Search and Rescue. Great Lakes Drone and lhe alamazoo County Dive Team. LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN STATE OF MICHIGAN BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS probate court county of Barry Estate of Darlene A. Vickery. Date of death: 8-20-2021 IN THE MATTER OF Darlene A. Vickery. DOB 7-15-1922. creditors are notified that all claims against the estate will bo barred unless presented to Douglas M. Vickery Jr.. 1835 S. Broadway. Hastings. Ml 49058, executor of the estate within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date. 8-26-2021 Douglas Vickery 1835 S. Broadway Hastings. Ml 49058 269-838-6338 ’ 166789 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Nobce is g ven under section 3212 of the revised judicature ad of 1951 1951 PA 236. MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the 166546 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASENO.21-28933-NC HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41960 COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Parker Jay Loe TO ALL PERSONS, including Joseph Jay Ford whoso address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by tho following: A hearing will be held on 9/22/2021 @ 2 00 PM at 206 W. Court Street. Suite 302. Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William Michael Doherty to change the name ol Parker Jay Lee to Parker Jay Simon. 166729 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 21-28835-DE Court Address. Burry Couniy Courts a Law Building 206 West Court St Ste 302, Hastings Ml 49058 Court Tv'ephone No.: (269) 945-1390 l°3o'a'e Carlson Date of birth: August 21, TO AU. CREDITORS. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The decedent. Paul O. Carlson, dt-d August 12.2020. Cred.tors of the decedent are notified that ai| da-ms against me estate will be forever barred unless presented to Daniel P Carlson, personal representative o- to bom the probate court <4 206 W. Court St ,Sta 302 HaMmoMl 49058 and the personal representative Wly1n94 months after the date ol publication ol the, notice (269)671-5308 mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sate to the highest b.ddcr (or cash or cashier’s check at the p'ace of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1.00 PM cn September 23. 2021. The amount due on lhe mortgage may bo greater on the day of sale. Plaong tho highest b:d at the sale does not automalical’y er.ttle the purchaser to free and clear cwners.h:p cf the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register cf deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a foe for this information. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Lois L Rider an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc, as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any) Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB2 Date of Mortgage May 4.2012 Date of Mortgage Record ng May 16. 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice $182,781.57 Description cf tho mortgaged premises. Situated in Village of Middleville. Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 8. 9. >0 and 11. Block 63 of the Village of Middleville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 27. Barry County, Michigan Together with that portion of the Market Street right away abutting, being the North 23 feet thereof Lots 8 and 11. B'ock 63. Original Plat of the Village of Middleville, Section 26. T4N. R10W. Village of Middlewile, Barry County. Michigan Common street addiess (if any). 414 Russel! St. Middleville, Ml 49333-9602 . The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless^ determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16) If the property is sold atforec.osur0 sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Jud-cature Act of 1961. pursuant to MCL 600 3276 the borrower will tx> held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period Attention homeowner. If y°« are a mihtary service member on active duty. J Period of active duty has concluded loss than 9-0 da/8 39o. or (f you have been ordered to active duty. p!e3S<3 conlac{ the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Th,s notice .s from c° '«•<»• Dale of notice: August 26,2021 Trott Law, PC. e ... » 31440 Northwestern Hwy.Su ‘ 145 Farmington Hills. Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1442048 (08-26)(09-16) 165732 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate FILE NO. 2021-28897-DE Estate of Ryan Clark Ellzrcth Date of birth 09/23/1981. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS The decedent, Ryan Clark Eltzroth, died 04/30/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate Will be forever barred unless presented to Julio Kiersey, personal representative, or to both the proba’.o court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings. Ml 49058 arid tho personal representative witnin 4 months alter the date of publication of this notice. Date-08/19/21 Nathan E. Tagg P68994 202 South Broadway Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Julio Kiersey 525 Taffeo Drive Hastings. Ml 49058 (269)908-09-16 16673-1 Pamela A. Palmer. Barry County Clerk 166520 Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Rebeccas Pickard co Rhoades McKee. 150 W Court Street, Ste. A Hastings. Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 166539 166533 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION Wc OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be resended by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event your damages, if any. shall be km^ed so’ely to return cf the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE BY ADVERTISEMENT Notice is given under seefon 3212 cf lhe revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale cf the mortgaged premises, cr some part cf them, at a public auction sa'e to lhe h gnesl bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the crcu-t court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1 CO PM. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961.1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding tne circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1 00 PM. on September 23, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day cf sale Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownership of the property A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which cn October 14, 2021. The amount due cn lhe mortgage may bo greater on the day ot the sale Piaong tho highest b d at the sale does not automatically entt'e the purchaser to free and dear cwnersh:p of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact lhe county register of deeds office or a t ile insurance company, e ther cf which may charge a fee for ths information MORTGAGE SALE Default has been made in the cond.tons cf a mortgage made by Steven T Freeman a.nd Carofytm J Freeman, the rnortgagorfs) to Mortgage Electronic Regis!rat®n Systems. Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Reseaxn Center. LLC dba Veterans United Home Loans be original mortgagee dated February 15. 20IB. and recorded cn February 23, 2018. as Instrument No 201B-001703. in Bony County Records. M.chgan and last assigned to Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC. the foreclosing assignee documented by an Assignment cf Mortgage dated Ann115 2019. and recorded cn Apnl 23.2019. as Instrument No 2019-003909 in Bany County Records M.cb gan. on wh ch mortgage there is da rned to be due and owing as cf tho date of th s Nolte the sum cf Two Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Six Hunched Th'rty Seven and 69/100 U S Do a^. (V.72 637 69) Sad premise is s.tualed at 4533 Fcxmocr Court Middlev-."a Mxhgmi 49333 in the Township cf thi ng. Barry County Mchgan and ?5described as LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP Or IRVING, COUNTY CF BARRY. a single man Onginal Mortgagee: STATE of MICHIGAN DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS LOT 18 FOXGLOVE ESTATES SUBDIVISION. ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN UBER 6 OF PIATS. PAGE(S) 61. BARRY COUNTY RECORDS The redemption penod sha’l be 6 months (180 Days) f:0m the date of such sate, untess determined abandoned in accordance w tn MClA 600.3241a, in wivch case ine redempwn period sha'l be 30 days from the date cf such sate Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Rev sed Judicature Act cf 1961. if the property >s sold at (orecknurv sale tho borrower wi! be held responst-le to tne person who buys the property at the mortgage fc-ecos-re sate ci to the mortgage holder under MCLA600 3278 for darr .ig ng the property during the redemption penod ATTENTION HOMEOWNER If you are a mi' tary service member on active duty, if your period cl active duty has concluded less than 30 Quintairos. Pneto. Wood A Bo^ei PA Attorneys tor Seniper 255 South Oranae Avenue. Surtu 900 Orlando. Florda 32801 Hickory Comers Ml 49060 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent s Estate FILE NO. 21-28923-DE Estate of Carlyn Von Geiger Date o! Birth: 01/15/1930. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS’ The decedent. Canyn Von Geiger, died 07/M/?o?j. Cred tor’j of the decedent are nobbed that all daims against lhe estate win be forever bH/red unless presented fa Rebecca S Pickard, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 V.1 Court Street, Ste 302. Hastings, Michigan 49058 and '.ne personal representative w.tn-n 4 monins after the date of publication of tfJs r.ot.ce Date August 17. 2021 Rhoades McKee Stephanie S. Fekkos P43549 150W Court Street. Ste.A Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicaturoactof 1961. 1961 PA 236, MCL 600 3212, that lhe following mortgage will be forec’ose-d by a sale of the mortgaged premises, cr some part o* them, at a public auction sale to the highest b dder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of no'ding the crcu.t court in Barry County, startmg promptly at I 00 PM on September 23, 2021 The amount duo on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle Iho purchaser to free and dear ownership of tho property A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact lhe county negater of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this informatonNamefs) of the mortgagcr(s). Scott Donloy a/k/a Scott Leo Donley, a single man NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF Onginal Mortgagee Mortgage Electronic BARRY COUNTY Registration Systems. Inc., as mortgagee, as Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning nominee for lender and lenders successors and/ Board of Appeals or assigns will conduct a public heanng for the followingForeclosing Assignee (if any) Village Capital & Caso Number V-6-2021 - Gerald & Trisha Ben­ Investment. LLC ton (Property Owners) Date of Mortgage: January 30, 2019 Location: 4150 East Joy Road. Shelbyville, in Date of Mortgage Recording. February 5. 2019 Section 6 of Orangeville Township. Amount daimed due cn date of notice. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a de­ $286.42035 tached garage with a side yard setback of 6 9 ft (the Descnption of the mortgaged premises: Situated minimum is 10 ft) and a distance of 8 ft from the in Township of Assyria Barry County, Michigan, house (the minimum is 10 ft) in the RL (Recreational and described as- The West 1/2 of the Southwest Lakes) zoning district. 1/4 of Section 6. Town 1 North, Range 7 West, MEETING DATE:September 13, 2021. TIME: except the South 920 feet thereof. 7:00 PM Common street address (if any): 10773 North PLACE: Tyden Center Community Room, Ave. Dowling. Mi 49050-9753 121 South Church Street Hastings, Michigan The redemption penod shall be 6 months 49058. from the date of such sale, unless determined Site inspections of the above deoenbed property abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241a; or. will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals if the subject real property is used for agricultural members before tire hearing. Interested persons purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1951, be heard at tho above mentioned tune and place pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be Any written response may bo mailed to lhe address held responsible to the person who buys the listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Barry County Planning Director James McMahus at mortgage holder for damaging the property dunrig jnicmanus (gifeanycw Qty.org the redemption period The vanance application is available for public Attention homeowner; If you are a military inspection at the Barry County Planning Department. service member on active duty, if your penod of 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. during the hours of 8 a m. to 5 p m Monday - Fnday. or if you have been ordered to active duty, please Please call tho Barry County Planning Department at contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the (269) 945-1290 for farther information mortgage at the telephone number stated in this The County of Barry will provide necessary notice. auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the This notice is from a debt collector hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with Date of notice. August 26. 2021 disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) Trott Law. P.C. days notice to the County of Barry Individuals with 31440 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 145 disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 contact lhe County of Barry by writing or calling the (248)642-2515 following: Michael Brown, County Administrator. 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49056. (269) 1442192 (08-26)(09-16) 166733 945-1284 day., ago of d ycu have been ordered to active duty pitase contact the attorney for the paity fcredosmg thp mortgage at iho tetephono number stated in this not ce Dated 08/13/2021 For More Information, ptease call Martm-w R Rvinha'dl Esq Dale 8/162021 Rebecca McNulty P83567 2565 W Maple Rd . Troy. Ml 46084 248-206-1551 Dan oi P. Carlson 15560 Noonan Rd N. Noffke Drive. Caledonia, Ml 49316-9003 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date o! publication of this notice. Date: 4/12/2021 Louise 'Ellie* Johnsen P61338 146 Monroe Center NW, Sfe 630 Grand Rapids. Ml 49503 (616)634-5618 Deborah Torres 7581 N. Noflke Drive Caledonia, Ml 49316-9003 166560 In the manor of Stephanie Jeanno Aalberis TO ALL PERSONS, including: whoso address is unknown and whose interest in iho matter may be barred or affected by the following. TAKE NOTICE. A hearing will be held on September 15. 2021 at Barry County Trial Court, Family Division, 206 W. Court Street. Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 via ZOOM before Judge William Michael Doherty to change the name ol Stephanie Jeanne Aalberis to Stephanie Jeanno Neuhaus. NOTICE1 07/13/1970. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, David John Hager, dted 07/18/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against lhe estate will be forever barred unless presented lo Deborah Torres, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 7581 (616) 262-1034 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21028931-NC HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49050 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 TAKE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-DE Estate of David John Hager Date of birth. Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board meeting August 9, 2021 Meeting opened at 6 30pm Approved Consent agenda Audit report Equipment b'd for trailer Set Long Lake SA public hearing L-4029 M»llago request amounts Cedar Creek Cemetery garden wood ctearnng project Adjourned at 6 57 pm Submitted by. Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Doug Peck, Supervisor 168735 (855) 267-0240 Maher No 132070 (05-26X09-16) 166731 may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagors): Melvin B. Goebel, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Inc, as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/ or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any) Specialized Loan Servicing LLC Date of Mortgage March 29, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording. Apnl 13. 2005 Amount claimed due on dale of notice. S47.261 71 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County. Michigan, and described as. Lot(s) 8. Poplar Beach No 2. as recorded in Liber 3 on Page(s) 31 of Plats Common street address (if any): 7057 Shorel’ne Dr. Delton Ml 49046-6402 The redemption period shall bo 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600 3241a; or. if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of tho Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower w»H be held responsible lo the person who buys tho property at the mortgage foreclosure sa’e or to the mortgage holder for damag.ng the property dunng the redemption period Attenron homeowner If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period ol active duty has concluded less Unn 90 days ago. or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing tho mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a deb! collector. Date of notice. August 26 2021 Trott Law PC 31440 Northwestern Hwy Suite 145 Fannmglon Huis. Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1442026 106-26X09-16) 166730 �Middleville woman arrested for Police were called out to a residence in the 4000 blotk ®f ^a^,an had called and • honiapple Township at 4:40 n.m. Aug. A33-year-old woman windows. When told her he was on his way to the residence with a baseball a . 47-year-old Middleville police arrived, the man was nowhere in sight, but they did no ice * warrants were from woman at the residence who had three warrants for her arrcs • possession. Michigan State Police and the Barry County Sheriff's Office and in \hey found child neglect and failure to appear in court. When officers arrested the woma . > a bag of methamphetamine in her possession. Intoxicated driver arrested after lying in Police arrested a 33-year-old Hastings man for operating a vehicle while 1>e cated at 12:40 a.m. Aug. 15. A passer-by had called police to report a man Y 8 near a parked vehicle on Cedar Creek Road near Pifer Road in Barry 1 police arrived, they found n broken beer bottle next to the vehicle. behind the wheel, and the ignition was turned on. After some elTort, P° wake the man up, only for him to start vomiting and tell officers that he wa a 0.23 blood alcohol content. Vet Linda Robinson was known for giving her heart to the animals in her care first then to the owners. She and Rich Lyons didn't just sit and accept their clients’ thanks Sunday, they worked along with the organizers to make sure food and drinks were available for everyone. She was described as “an awesome vet" by many. (Photos by Jean Gallup) w|]en F . ,, u. • Woman visits jail inmate - becomes one herself A44-year-old Hastings woman went to the sheriff’s office to visit a jail inmate at ~ P-™* Aug. 12. While she was there, deputies found she had an outstanding warrant for s op g in Eaton County. The woman said she was aware of the warrant, but Eaton County epu le. would not arrest her. Barry County deputies contacted their Eaton County counterparts, w 10 disagreed. The w'oman was then placed into the Barry’ County jail herself, while she wait for Eaton County deputies to come and get her. Driver mixes alcohol and opioids with dangerous results Retired veterinarian thanked by community Police received two calls of a reckless driver on M-37 near Lacey Road in Baltimore Township at 8 p.m. Aug. 10. One caller said the vehicle was traveling at 75 mph in the opposite lane, and another said the driver was reversing the vehicle in the middle of the road. When police arrived, the vehicle was parked on the side of lhe road. The driver, a 64-year-old Battle Creek woman, was mostly incoherent and unable to control her body movements. The woman said she had no reason to lose control of her body. She was taking two different opioid medications, but said she had not been drinking. When a Breathalyzer showed she had a 0.13 blood alcohol content, she admitted to drinking some vodka at 4 that morning. She was arrested. Narcan administered in Nashville overdose Linda Robinson, DVM, retired last month after more than 20 years in her own practice, Green Street Veterinary Clinic. Friends, family and pet owners gathered at Fish Hatchery Park Sunday to thank her and wish her and her assistant Rich Lyons well. An hour after the event started, people were still lined up waiting to sign the guest book. Lyons could not say how many pets were had been cared for at the clinic, but, “it’s in the thousands." A 40-year woman called police to report her boyfriend was unconscious from a suspected heroin overdose at a residence in the 200 block of East Sherman Street in Nashville at 11:21 a.m. Aug. 5. The woman said he seemed fine until he went into the bathroom and she heard gurgling noises. The woman asked a friend to break down the door, and they found the 42-y ear-old man on the floor. First responders administered two doses of Narcan, after which the man woke up. Truck stolen overnight A 51 -year-old woman called police at 9:31 a.m. Aug. 9 to report her truck was stolen from her property in the 4000 block of Assyria Road in Maple Grove Township. The woman said it had been by the side of the road with a “for sale”-sign-when it was stolen the previous night. It had been unlocked, but there were no keys in lhe vehicle. 1 J Vfflag® of WooeOfemdr, ©©Miraiiv/ ago-e® to forge a zoning pairtoorshoip Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry’ County agreed Tuesday to enter into a partnership w ith the Village of Woodland to provide county planning and zoning services there. A partnership like this would be a first for the county. Planning and Zoning Director Jim McManus told The Banner Tuesday. This agreement with the Village of Woodland could ultimately serve as a template for the intergovernmental process, he said. McManus advised commissioners on the steps to follow, starting with a memorandum of understanding, which is an agreement indicating dial all parties - lhe county, the village and the township of Woodland - want to move forward. Commissioners voted 6-1 Tuesday to authorize the memorandum, which outlines the process and secures reimbursement for legal fees, not to exceed $6,000. that the county would initially incur related to this expansion of services. Commissioner Vivian Conner cast the lone dissenting vote after expressing concern at last week’s meeting that lhe board had not been advised of lhe plan at the outset. Conner said minutes of the village meetings when lhe issue was discussed might help provide the documentation she needed to support the measure, but none of those minutes were provided to her in lime for Tuesday’s session. “I am voting no because there is no documentation.” she told Chairman Ben Geiger before Tuesday's action to approve. Last week, she asked Geiger why he had not discussed this plan with fellow commissioners prior to his pursuit of it. “Usually, when there’s something different or special nr outside lhe scope of this board or someone is moving on an ad hoc basis, the board is made aware of that,” she said. “That’s why I’m bringing it to the county," Geiger replied. “Usually that comes before (the action being proposed!," she pointed out. Woodland Village President Ron Martin said they have been working on this issue for several months. Village officials were looking for “a little more backbone behind zoning” lo help them enforce any rules, he told commissioners. “We want to see the village sustained and thrive, and wc really think going with the county and having somebody look out for the village on a regular basis would be good,” Geiger said. Geiger, who called himself “a Woodland boy," represents District 5. which includes the village as well as Woodland Township. As a part of lhe memorandum, lhe village and Woodland Township have agreed to jointly reimburse lhe county for legal costs at a proportion agreed to by Martin and lhe township supervisor, Jeffery Mackenzie. According to the understanding, the plans and maps necessary to proceed with this expansion of zoning services will be completed within four months. Conditions include thal lhe county will provide the village and township with annual costs related to the expanded service: land-use complaints will be handled exclusively by the county: and plans and map related to these services will not negatively impact current businesses operating in the village. The commissioners' 6-1 vole Tuesday “says we’re all going to move forward,” McManus told The Banner Tuesday. Jack Ward, an ordinance enforcement officer who serves Woodland Township, told commissioners he could handle lhe additional duties from the village since he’s already responsible for ordinance enforcement in Woodland Township. “It’s going to add a little bit of work." Ward noted during last week’s committee meeting. “... I think 1 have 230 active complaints in the county across 11 townships. I got behind because of COVID.” Ward said he visits each township twice a year and provides an update to the boards. The county has experience expanding planning and zoning services to townships, but expansion to a village would be different; it will require coordination with the township. McManus said. “Legislatively, they were not enabled to be under the county umbrella,” he told commissioners. “They have their own rules.... Counties may not directly intermingle with villages and cities.” Townships may choose to have their own planning commissions, as in the case of Rutland and Hastings charter townships, whose planning commissions supersede the county. McManus said. Bul there is a fundamental difference between cities and villages, he noted, that puts villages under lhe auspices of the townships in which they reside. As a result, any arrangement lhe Village of Woodland may make with lhe county for zoning services must be coordinated through Woodland Township. McManus said. “You need lo have a formal contract ... >o thal this will be formalized," he added, saying lhe agreement between the village, county and a township “will be all intermingled to get this done,” The Village of Woodland does have some ordinances. McManus noted. “But, to the best of my knowledge, they do not have a master plan, so they could not create zoning ordinances, which would be significantly expensive." An intergovernmental agreement would last for 50 years, he said. Commissioner Jon Smelker asked last week if any other villages in lhe county have this type of arrangement or if Woodland would be the first. “Several years ago, the Village of Nashville reached out to us,” McManus said. “Al the end of the process, they chose to stay on their own." Woodland, also, could back out if it decides against the plan. But. for now, the memorandum, as approved, “says we’re all going to move forward,” he said. 'lhe next step, happening concurrently to an intergovernmental agreement, will be the process of creating a zoning map, defining different classifications. Feb. I. 2022. would be the tentative “turnover date,” McManus said, which allows for five months if the planning for expansion of services begins Sept. 1. "We want to make sure they’re comfortable with the map.’’ he commissioners last week. “We’d have a village inventory' and a drive-through. We’d match classes in the village as best we Can you’d have to approve lhe maps and contracts before it can start.” _________________________________________________________________ BUSINESSES, continued from page 1----no, according to county election records. In April 2019. the village council voted to hold off on legalizing marijuana establish­ ments in the village, with lhe planning com­ mission to revisit the ordinance once the state had finalized its regulations. Commissioners began crafting the ordinance language in January- 2020 at the direction of the council. A public hearing June 28 at Thomapple Kellogg High School drew fewer than 20 people, only four of whom spoke. “It’s been a long journey,” Urquhart said. He said he expects interest in licenses to set up marijuana businesses in Middleville. “I anticipate thal we will get several appli­ cations in." Urquhart said. Several individuals have expressed interest in establishing marijuana businesses in the community. One is Shawn Benner, who last year launched Lumberjack’s Provisioning Center, a medical and adult use facility on M-37 in Baltimore Township, which was the first municipality in Barry County to allow for marijuana businesses. Benner also has an adult-use marijuana growing facility in the township. “I’m going to try to work my way with you people and hopefully do something in Middleville,” Benner said, after congratulat­ ing lhe council on adopting the ordinances. Cascade Township resident Jason Gyorki, who said he often visits Middleville and fre­ quents its businesses, also has an interest. “I’m looking lo start a business, and I think Middleville would be a great place," said Gyorki, who has a professional background in facilities management. “Unfortunately, my township has not opted to take the voice of the people that voted for it, which is a pretty good percentage ... it’s kind of fallen on deaf ears.” Scoring criteria for applicants will include background, including past ownership experi­ ence; number of full-time employees in the business and employees from within the vil­ lage; presentation of a business plan, financ­ ing plan and marketing plan; physical invest­ ment in the property; a security plan lo deter and prevent unauthorized entrance into the business; design of the business; impact on neighboring properties, including residences; impact on infrastructure and energy efficien­ cy, village documents show. Council Trustee Mike Lytle was lhe lone “no" vote on both ordinances. He cited a neg­ ative experience with marijuana at a party years ago as the reason for his decision. “I know' what it did lo me. I just don’t want to make it easier for somebody to get marijua­ na, and go dowm and gel a six-pack or a case of beer," Lytle said. It’s likely to be al least a couple of months before the first applications for special land uses will be addressed by the village, Urquhart said. “'rhe way our submittal deadlines have already been established by the planning commission, the soonest you would be heard would be at the November planning commis­ sion meeting,” Urquhart said. Police urge residents to protect against extreme heat this week Extreme heat is exacted across much of ’he region through Sunday, according to the Michigan State |\mL ‘ . , The threat uf thunderstorms ubo remains in lhe lorecast. wh|c| lead to addihona power outages, n u, to the potential heal dangers. ' “ The state |H)|i r;nierge»l.v Ma™gcm!:nt :i»<l Homeland Se,. ,iitv Di''sion *? u'8in8 residents iuu( vi '. ' ' lkc pieeautions. Ihehi8''he:, S ll>n>i<Ii'> "nPU1U,r7 doots lor ativ J V „,t ainou»> ol time, kX . deputy Mm:d.recmandci of E-MHsd “l'h£ p°le,'tia ^or derstorms and power outages this week could leave residents without air conditioning and even more susceptible lo heat-related illness." Sweeney advised residents to: • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, blinds or awnings to reduce lhe amount of heat that enters your home. • Check on family members or neighbors who are elderly, young, sick or overweight, as they are more susceptible lo excessive heat. • Ensure pets have cool housing areas and plenty ot waler. • Learn about available cooling centers or public locations with air conditioning in your community. To prevent heat illness: °f water and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks that cause dehydration. • Wear clothing that allows good air circu­ lation. * ». ’ vlSorous activity. If outside, avoid direcisunhght by staying in the shade. try to schedule outdoor activities durine hLn?ni,nS °r cvcn‘”g hours to avoid the hottest part of the day. dlJ" Ica"’ ,nore aboul how to W «fe cov/mi e\re,ne heat, visit wwwinichipn. Twin I Iollow ,he MSP/EMHSD o» lw'tterat«vMn;hEMHS �Zoning 1^lor()tt(.ns Tho Banner — Inj 26, 2021 11 HH* Hastens J :> V> IT*., ’rda/. August 4O» £vr I — — Page Fc continues w former Kellogg School The Nashville , [recommend rezoning 314 v,Med 5-1«> •proper!) of the former Kell. e cn Sl-,hc ! BDD LLC. whieh SS St'h<’°1' ;n.squcsted the village ,l’v P''>porty. RI residential to planned?^ PJ'’p,:rt> from ;Tbe company is consul-r •'"development, ■apanment buildings •i,'’'1"!’ hui,din8 >"o Ion the property g U* W"h 18 '» M units. Intended it to the viDnL ■ PU’d :"K1 r'xo’,v .planning commission, which will it Imore detailed plan from BOB h..< '' [to send it backo the ,£ *>re1deCld,n8 :a| lor final approv• Mike Callton, who lives next to the proper’change.'*” Vo,e a8ainsl ,lle i To bring in 20 to 40 housing units is just [too (much] population density to stick in the The former Nashville W.K. Kellogg School has been vaca Michigan company is requesting permission to build apa {s afs, but a West n the property. (Photo by Taylor Owens) middle of an RI residential neighborhood of particular P?j^,‘J?Lhto,lphr>Opinion is wc single-family homes,” Callton said. "Regardless of how you feel about (his need to get it c might be there. J f°r whatever ‘resident Mike Kenyon said. ”1 don’t know how 1 leel exactly ing designation would open up new possibili* nlxiut (his project. I’m sure it’s worthy, but I lies for development in other ways "A lot of people don't like to see change,” would like to encourage us to recommend at least moving forward in chani’ing it from Ri Trustee Lori Courtney added, "t understand to PUD." that. I have also lived here all my life ... but “1’11 echo that opinion.” President Pro even when J went to school there, that play­ Tem|>oic Johnny Hartwell said. "I’ve been on ground was associated with trouble ... 1 think this council a long time. It wc don’t try to that’s a stomping ground that draw's people that want localise problems." change things, where arc we going to be? "If you've pot somebody that’s willing lo * That building has been there since I can remember, a lot of the lime it’s been empty. invest and do something with that, that’s aweIt’s lime lor something to be done with that yome.” Courtney said. "If they think they can property. We’ve got a company here that make somethin!’ from that. I think it’s pretty wants to do something with it. At lhe very amazing Because I can’t see someone mak­ least, we should recommend a change to PUD ing an investment like this to make a trash to al least give them a shot.” pit.” ’’Why just let it sit there, deteriorate and get ”1 think we’re really gambling,” Callton said. “1 would rather see a better project or a worse?” she added. different type of project. I’ll never be in sup­ ’l he planning commission meets at lhe vil­ port of any project that brings in a higher lage office at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of (he density than the rest of (he neighborhood." month, although Kenyon said it may be bellow trustee Henry Felder said he misted months before both the property owners and the planning commission’s recommendation. planning commission are ready to take the Trustee Tanett Hodge said she supports next steps in the process. changing lhe zoning, because even if the apartment complex falls through, a PUD zon­ [Rutland eyeing ordinance to control junk, bight in township Jean Gallup • Contributing Writer . In a wide-ranging discussion at a special I meeting Tuesday, Rutland Charier Township ; board and planning commission members • gave their input on what an ordinance to con• trol trash, junk and blight in the township .should look like. 1 • Rebecca Harvey, planning consultant wiih : McKenna Associates who will write the ordi­ nance, was at the meeting to gather informa­ tion and answer questions. After about two hours of discussion, Harvey said she had enough information to write a draft ordinance for officials. The panel approved a police power ordi­ nance instead of using a zoning ordinance to meet their criteria. Harvey explained the dif­ ference: Police power ordinance is entirely a project of the township board and not the planning commission. The township board "writes, adopts and enforces it. "Il is simpler and requires no public hear­ ings. ...” she said. “The board writes it, and it is retroactive. With the police Ordinance lhcy [violators) cannot go zoning board of appeals; that avenue is i ot open (O them.” Harvey also advised the township officials to give the zoning adnuntstratOr more "for relief in some fas non. (0 m.j.e excep. lions on times for compliance anj for gray areas in the ordinance "It’s totally administrative,*’ she saj(j A police power ordinance does not regulate the use of land, it regulates an activity and includes motor vehicles, parking, health code. food safety, boats and marinas, blight, noise and junk, A zoning ordinance controls the use of land, parcel size, structure heights, setbacks, use of land or inside buildings in some loca­ tions. A zoning ordinance cannot be retroac­ tive so may complicate compliance asked by a zoning administrator. If a violator says lhe situation predates the zoning ordinance, they may claim to be legal­ ly non-compliant or "grandfathered” in and the township has lo prove that they arc not. Zoning Administrator Les Ray mond said. He also cautioned against believing the township would always get the answer it expected from the courts. Almost every issue had two sides voiced. Should they raise the fees for violating an ordinance, since most pay lhe first ticket of community as well.” Glynn wrote. SI50 and continue to violate? Would a S500 Another neighbor. Bob Bouma. wrote thal fine be a sufficient deterrent? Powers has always listened to his concerns Trustee Sandy James agreed with an and taken action when needed. increase; lhe present fine of $150, she said, “Bay |Pointel Woods has not been prob­ "just doesn’t seem to bother them.” lematic and alleviated the parking issues we “You can write a ticket every day, you have seen in lhe past and I don’t feel that the know." Harvey said. new development will be any different,” Should they take the words "potential pris­ Bouma wrote. on time” out of the ordinance and use the Several planning commission members word "jail” instead? Definitions were said to be too detailed or met with county Drain Commissioner Jim Dull, who visited the site in advance of not specific enough, but they all agreed that Monday’s meeting. "He did not feel it should be developed, simply because there is no drain district." Commissioner Jack Miner said. "If this property, after it is developed, covered with tar­ mac, whatever happens to lhe water, if il floods downstream, he has to get a drain dis­ trict. Then you have skyrocketing costs, not for [Bay Pointe, but] for everybody down­ stream.” "The danger to the residents of Barry Counly is far loo high (o rezone this parcel mixed-use,” Miner added. Commissioner Vivian Conner - who senes on lhe county board representing District 6. which includes Orangeville. Prairieville and portions of Yankee Springs tow nships - also met with Dull and echoed Miner’s comments. “He said, basically, this is wetland vegeta­ tion, and you can’t do anything lo it,” Conner said. "You can’t trim them, you can’t groom them. They’re wetlands, and they’re protected ... there aren’t wetlands in mixed-use. Wetlands arc in rural residential.” Commissioner Bob Vanderboegh said Powers bought the parcels on speculation of being able to get approval for the zoning change and make a profit off the property. "You can call it gambling, I guess, Vanderboegh said. ”1 rl°n t see that having a return on investment on this piece of property is a viable argument because you bought this speculating something that you had no control over.” In addition to the rezoning. Powers asked for approval of a new laundry facility al Bay Poinie Woods, saying the existing laundry Reach over 1.9 million households with a facility, which is connected to guest rooms al the main inn. is inadequate to serve the entire Michigan MegaMarket State-wide classified network complex. Il was the third time this year he had asked the board for approval. An initial • Auctions • Fairs • Festivals ♦ Events • Concerts • Races request was rejected 6-1 in April. In June, commissioners voted 4-~ against approval, ♦ Online Businesses or Businesses with then later deadlocked at 3-3 on a motion to County planners oppose Bay Pointe rezoning, but ' laundry facility - with location change Greg Chandler Staff Writer For the second time in three months. Barry County planners are opposing a rezoning •request that would allow Bay Pointe Inn to .add onto its Bay Pointe Woods cottage com­ plex. ’ The county planning commission voted 6-1 ;Monday night to recommend denial of the •request from Bay Corp. Inc. to change the •zoning on two parcels, totaling 3.7 acres, on lOarie Driver a private drive that serves-the • '.Grangeville Township resort, from rural resi;denl‘i4 to mixed-use. The rezoning change •would allow for the construction of five two-story' cottages on lhe property. The recommendation now goes to lhe county board of commissioners for final action, which could come at its next regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 7. In a separate action, the planning commis­ sion approved the addition of a laundry facil­ ity to the Bay Pointe Woods complex, but not where Bay Pointe owner Mike Powers wanted it. On a 6-1 vote, commissioners approved locating the facility on the west side of lhe cottages’ parking lot, pending an administra­ tive review by county Planning Director Jim McManus. Powers expressed disappointment after the meeting. "We had a good plan for dial area; iorlfie” rczoning, and it would complement what we’ve already built and also enhance the whole vitality of the area." he said. "Hopefully, we’ll have better luck at the board of commis­ sioners (meeting).’’ Powers said the location commissioners chose for lhe laundry facility is 500 feet from his preferred location. He indicated he may pursue legal action. "I certainly hope not, but they may have forced our hand,” he said. "If that’s our only alternative, yeah, we’ll certainly have to [con­ sider it). We’re going to fight for what we feel is right, for the best location for our guests and our staff.’’ The planning commission in late June had recommended denial of the rczoning, saying a decision should wail until a new county mas­ ter plan is developed. However, the county board July 20 sent the rezoning back to the planning commission, asking members to re-evaluate the basis for its recommendation. "[They] indicated that you cannot use the concept of a future land use plan as the basts of a decision ... That can’t be done because we ha“ an existing plan You have to use what we have currently available, McManus . • “to his presentation to the planning commis­ sioners said he regularly has to send Xt al g««s o,hvr h,>,.elS “ • t . area because Bay Pointe is fully occupted lle Sd .he area proposed for the rezon.ngts des­ ignated for future mixed-use development in " «ic rezoning will Wend perfect­ *> already zoned . )JarrJ, Counly while acting m J p|anning in the future land use maj Pointe has “ £ raXow'h. iwill.I over KXUXX) experienced rapiu t visitors annuallybased attorney '’•"ntint"Bay U on Powers’ representing rights as a property “ ■ ()f pro|X.,ly , ■■ r"C ‘X to a re sonnble return on the.r ably deprive lhe owner of that return.” Tripp said. At present, a barn is on one parcel and a doublewide mobile home on lhe other, Tripp said. “It is not as though there is any type of rural residential home [on those properties) or a home that would come down. It’s properties that are distressed and need to come down,” he said. Four nearby residents spoke out against the rezoning/-citing conccms • that the project would disrupt the rural nature of where they live. "These parcels were zoned rural residential for a reason years ago. to help create family-friendly neighborhoods and bring commu­ nity together.” Elizabeth Bronson said. "It was intended to create a culture (hat was safe for everyone in lhe area, and since Bay Pointe Woods has added onto Oarie Drive, it has been every thing but safe and quiet for us.” Bronson submitted a Freedom of Information Act request in July, seeking an accounting of all calls made to Barry County Central Dispatch for lhe resort area in the past year. She said that, since February 2020. 39 calls had been made to dispatch for Bay Pointe Inn and Bay Pointe Woods, with calls including complaints for disorderly conduct, harassment and larceny. "This is not what my husband and I signed up for when we bought our house back in 2016, well before Bay Pointe even owned the property next door,” Bronson said. "We thought we were buying a house in a quiet area, next to a 3-acrc lot that was filled with beautiful wildlife on a daily basis.” Powers refuted the claims about the police calls. ’’ There just hasn’t been police complaints about noise, on record, thal I was able to gel on a FOIA request, so I’m not sure where Ms. Bronson is getting those [complaints],’’ he said. Another resident. Joel Kapteyn. challenged the assertion that the area is planned for mixed-use development. “T here are no major businesses developing in that area. There’s him - that’s it." Kaptevn said. Other than that, in Orangeville Township, there’s no major roads, no major ulihltes. no major schools, no other maior businesses.” J Linda Ribble spoke on parking issues tied to the resort’s Gun Lake Live Wednesday night concert series. She said al a recent con­ cert, three parking lots were full to the point where some had to park on lhe parcel where the bam currently sits. -Theic’s not enough parking now for the overflow parking, so where are these cars gotng to be parked [when the parcel is redeveloped|? Along Marsh Road? I think not Ribble said. -There is simpiy no. e„o ^, room tn tilts area for all these planned proieels. 1 J I hree letters in support of the project were read into the record. Mike Glynn, who . in two houses down from the resort’s Boat House Villa last year, called lhe inn "a tre­ mendous asset to the community" Glyn wrote that he understood lhe concerns alxiui traffic, parking and noise but expressed confi­ dence in the inn’s ability to deal with those issues. ”1 believe Bay Pointe has demonstrated in the pasi that they can handle these ly|>e ot situations with the upmost [sic] respect and courtesy of not only those who arc unending Bay Pointe’s gatherings, but members of the the ordinance had to be condensed. "It is important dint it be simple, easy to read and short, but it has to be detailed enough so it is clear.” Raymond said. Harvey warned about trying to foresee everything that might come up in the defini­ tions. "Il can’t possibly be done. Be very clear on what you want and let the zoning adminis­ trator handle it... I don’t think you should try to solve every thing in advance." Treasurer Sandra Greenfield made the case that the township was in “overkill” arguing for more time and number of vehicles for backyard mechanics to repair their vehicles, since people repairing vehicles may have to wail for parts, and work on them after work and weekends. All agreed they would not get into the height of grass and weeds in yards, rather let it be covered by the noxious weeds ordinance, and most agreed they need to "give the zoning enforcement more bite.” which Trustee Gene Hall suggested. Supervisor Larry Watson reminded the panel that enforcement is entirely complainl-drivcn. "We’re not out there every' day looking [lor violations). Some have been there for years ... 90 percent of violations arc cleared up after lhe zoning administrator talks to them. Some of them don’t even know they are in violation.” Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 deny approval. Powers wanted to locate the laundry facili­ ty within walking distance of a resort collage in Bay Pointe Woods that ih jn compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act. Commissioners had P^P^sed locating lhe facility near an existing storage shed that is close to the waler. "He never moved this io where the com­ mission asked ihcm to move it bceauu. jie thought that to he too expensive.” Commissioner John La said. Planning commiss,on,A^airnmn Clyde Morgan was (he lone ’1,0 vme on both pro­ posals. ., M “'That is an ideal spotorgan said of the proposal to locale the *aUI, Licility near the ADA-compliant cotwfA s JUst logical.” Bay Pointe current!) u”ploys abouI |4o workers with an annu*’ P‘^n'll of more than S2.4 million. I he rvs°rt 'Peeling lo add IB to 15 new jobs a 1 OI the rezoning and lodging expansion* er$ ad! Multiple Locations or state-wide draw! At just $249.00 per week for a 25-word classified ad, it’s the absolute best advertising value available today! r Ask about our Buy 3—Get 1 Special!^ Contact your Sales Representative or call 269-945-9554 for more information. Mdir I •The People Paper' �Pape 12 — Thursday. August 26, 2021 — Th# Hastings Banner Hastings’ streetscape plan back in motion Benjamin Simon Stuff Writer "Long lime no see," Hastings Downtown Development Authority Chairwoman Patty Woods said as Planning consultant Rebecca Harvey from McKenna Associates .stood up during their meeting. For a few minutes, DD/\ members and Harvey reminisced on when they last had talked. It was during the depths of COVID-19 and they had bundled up in Fish Hatchery Park on an abnormally cool August day to talk about the City of Hastings Streetscape Master Plan. But one year later, the streetscape docu­ ment continues to exist in the “review stage," Community Development Director Dan King said, with COVID-19 playing a large role in tire delay. "Dealing with something as comprehensive as streetscape redesign," he said in an inter­ view with The Bunner,"... really takes meet­ ing in person.’’ The streetscape plan, which was pul togeth­ er by McKenna planning and Wightman engi­ neering. features about 75 pages of maps, graphs, pictures and written explanations. It includes suggestions for all different aspects of the downtown, including plants, roadways, sidewalks, crosswalks, parking, outdoor din­ ing, lighting, street furnishing and public art. After meeting a year ago with the DDA, Harvey wcnl back and made changes, but she wasn’t able to present the plan in person, fhe DDA had questions, prompting members to request Harvey in the council chambers for its meeting Thursday. "We’ve interpreted and maybe we’re not interpreting it quite right." Woods said. "So there definitely were some questions." The plan, Harvey learned, had not been accepted or approved. "There arc just too many questions - or options may be the right word - that we’re all trying lo grasp and struggling to squeeze down lo say what we want it to look like." DDA member Lynn Denton said. "It's so vast, there are so many options and ideas, we didn’t know what to do." Much of the confusion stemmed from the structure of the document. Some members assumed the p|an W()U|d give more specific direction. But Haivcy explained thal it was intended to lx? broader. She hoped to provide the DD/\ with multiple suggestions, giving them room to pi^ ffOrn the options. The plan contains both map Iind narrative components, allowing readers t0 see various sides ol the propositions. "Thai’s how thjs document is intended to work - to provide you with t,ie v,s‘on- w*,b design specificity, nnd then the narrative gives you lhe specs for •• K|lt- .said. Haney went on*to break down Wightman and McKenna’s process in soliciting feedback for the plan, noting that it included three lay­ ers of design input. They began the process by meeting with a committee designed to execute the streetscape p|at), she said. I hey then received public input through design work­ shops and an online survey. Finally, they consulted with Bob Gibbs, managing director of the nationally known Gibbs Planning Group. "This represents tt culmination ot the vision Eagles, Beatles, Bon Jovi tribute bands among Summerfest entertainers Three tribute bands will highlight lhe Hastings Live free entertainment lineup during Summerfest Friday and Saturday. Aug. 27 and 28. Fans will recognize music of Die Eagles, The Beatles and Bon Jovi, when Hotel California. Toppermost and Slippery' When Wet, respectively, take the .stage. Several other groups are lined up, as well. All concerts will be at Thomapple Plaza on East State Street downtown. Attendees may want to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. The schedule includes: Friday, Aug. 27 4-5:15 p.m. Crooked Root - Performing popular covers and original music. Crooked Root blends blues, country, and rhythm and blues, aiming lo create and perform music that refreshes the soul. 5:45-7 pan. Zion Lion - Zion Lion may be the "baddest band to hit lhe Kalamazoo music scene." Performing just the right mix of reggae, African zouk, mucosa, and zoukous, concert-goers will hear blends of Caribbean. African and Creole music thal might make people want to get up and dance. 7:30-9 p.m. Hotel California - For more than three decades. Hotel California has been recreating lhe legendary' sound of The Eagles all over the world. The band is said to have lead vocal similarity and instrumental work closely matching the sound of one of the nation’s best-known musical groups. Saturday. Aug. 28 2-3 p.m. Brother Adams - A West Michigan folk-rock trio. Brother Adams performs with an emphasis on groove. The group is known for its energetic live shows and is a recipient of a WYCE Jammie Award, given for lhe best music in Michigan. 3:30-5 p.m. SilenlBark - A party band, SilenlBark’s live shows have been building a buzz in West Michigan since the group formed in 2006. The band performs elements of rock, pop, blues, alternative country' and funk. 5:30-7 Toppermost - Performing Beatles songs ranging from the Fab Four’s early days to its breakup, Toppermost has been the most booked tribute act in Michigan for the past six years. People of all ages will enjoy this family-friendly show. 7:30-9 Slippery When Wet - The ultimate Bon Jovi tribute band. Slippery When Wet was formed in 2003 after vocalist Jason Morey was asked "Are you Jon Bon Jovi?" one too many times. Since then, the group has played more than 1,600 shows throughout lhe U.S. alone and has traveled to Africa, Mexico, Singapore, Puerto Rico. Honduras and the Dominican Republic. After being handpicked that that committee said: ‘Here’s what wc want to fix or improve upon in this area,’” she mK.. hCH We Wenl 01,1 n,,d said- ‘0K- 8ivcn lose arc the issues, how do the business com­ munity and residents of (he community who use the downtown, what do you guys think a out a 1 that? What arc your priorities and what do you see happening?"’ 1 or the most pan, DDA and community members saw eye to c>e. But they felt differ­ ently about trees. Community members want­ ed more. ’The DDA wanted fewer - hoping to find a replacement, such as plant baskets, that didn t make as much of a mess. Ultimately. arvey suggested a decrease in the number of current trees, but not eliminating them fully - matching lhe desires of both parties. In the end. Harvey said, she was proud of the document they produced. "I was tickled to death about this plan,” she said. "To create a document that is so reflec­ tive of your public input is considered a plus And then lo create a document and a mecha­ nism that gives you guys the end result you want wnh the flexibility and implementation, I mean, to me, it was this great tool." By lhe lime they finished the meeting. DDA members seemed more understanding of the plan. ’Ihey even realized that they didn’t have the most up-to-date version. Many of their concerns, Harvey said, had been updated in the most recent plan. DDA mem­ bers are still waiting to receive that document. "It was an eye-opening experience for DDA and [HarveyI." King said. "We under­ stand where we need to go from this." Once they see the revised plan, the DDA agreed lo meet as a group and discuss the updated plan in more detail before moving forwaid. "It was a lot broader than what we thought it was." DDA member Deb Button said toward the end of the meeting. "But do you sec the value in it now/ Harvey asked We do now." Button said, to the tune of Harvey’s laugh. In other business, the DDA board: -- Approved two S5.000 facade grant requests front Tom Kramer for 102 and 110 W. Slate St. It will go toward replacing old windows, putting up a matching awning, fix­ ing upper-level masonry and covering the first-floor facade. - Reviewed changes to its bylaws and rules of procedures for the first time since rhe DDA was founded in 1986. Further edits will be made and presented at the .September meet­ ing. Once accepted by the DDA. lhe amend­ ments will go to the city council for approval. I he updates largely focused on more clarity around conflict-of-interest issues. The chang­ es come as part of a process with the Redevelopment Ready Communities program through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. - Voted lo establish a special assessment district and recommended the city council to hold a public hearing on the proposed district. This would allow the DDA to administer maintenance on existing projects, such as parking lol improvements. Before the city voted to approve a principal shopping district a few weeks ago, it could only levy special assessments for new projects. - Summerfest Elks’ tent is back _ JTv Lx_ An Eagles tribute band, Hotel California will entertain from 7:30 to 9;p.ni. Friday. It is one of three tribute bands playing at Summerfest, the other two being Toppermost. playing music of The Beatles Saturday from 5:30 to 7, and Slippery When Wet, a Bon Jovi tribute band, performing 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday. Concert-goers will hear blends of Caribbean, African and Creole music from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Friday when Zion Lion takes the stage. (Photos provided) to perform as Bon Jovi impersonators in Lis Vegas - and later selected to perform with Jon Bon Jovi on his Runaway to Paradise cruises - Slippery When Wet is reportedly ready lo rock Hastings Live. Between sets Saturday. Expressions Dance Centre students will njvc performances. More information can be found at facebook.com/rnihdstineslive. This year’s Hastings Elks Summerfest Refreshment lent comes hot on lhe heels of lhe first-ever Barry County Fair Watering Ilole Refreshment lent. lhe Elks Lodge <71965 and Barry County Fair Board partnered to offer lhe beverage tent during the July 2021 Barry Counly Fair and, during that event, plans were already well underway for this year's Summerfest tent. Co-chairwoman Missy Short described "community support like we haven't seen in many years, and this lent has been in exis­ tence since lhe inception of the Summerfest event itself.’" Along with this year's first-ever comhole tournament at lhe tent, more live music will be available both nights this year. Co-chairman Tony Coughlin of Coughlin Home Improvement, and Willard Pierce. Hastings Elks Lodge #1965 board chair­ man, along with partner Chase Coughlin, of The Dream Home Team with Bellabay Realty, have been working to pul in place the cornhole tournament, which is being sponsored by the Dream Home Team at Bellabay. The tent will still offer its Open Mic with 'Inn and Colleen Acker, but it has been moved from Saturday afternoon to Friday evening starting at 6 p.m. Performers of any and all talent levels or fields of talent can experience their 15 min­ utes of fame on the stage at the tent. The following is a schedule of events for the Elks Refreshment Tent: Friday Open: 3 p.m. Friday Dunk Tank will start at 5 p.m. with the following line up beginning at 6 p.m.: Chuck Bunge (Past Exhaulted Rule of Elks Ixxlge #1965 & avid Ohio State University fan) wearing his OSU gear; The Ground Express Team of Mark and Mike Sheldon along with Miller Real Estate’s Mark Hewitt and Justin Peck from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (maybe longer if ball throwers keep them in the water for the majority of that time) and Dunk Tank Extravaganza sponsor, Levi Dykstra. Dykstra's Flooring & Carpentry LLC should wrap up the hot seat in the tank for the night. Open Mic from 6 p.m. to 8 pm. Amprage Rocks live performance from some of our favorite local band members will start al 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 am. Tent w ill close by 1:30 am. Saturday Open at noon at the conclusion of the parade celebratingHastingsSesquicentennial Birthday, and honoring Grand Marshal Dave McIntyre. Dunk Tank Extravaganza, open at noon as well, will be staged just outside of the tent to allow minor participation after 7 pm. Comhole tournament, with registration at noon, will get started at 1:00 p.m. with some of lhe area's most fun-loving comhole enthusiasts around. 50/50 raffle to be held during this event to support Green Gables Haven, special thanks to CJwe Coughlin. Nathan Douglas and Marty of Douglas Fine Line lo perform at 5:30 lo 8:00 p.m. DJ Chef Johnny McCoy will round out the weekend lineup "cooking up all the hits" from 8:30 until close. Two food truck vendors will be available this year: Big Moe’s BBQ and Taqueira Tomatitos. They will be open throughout the entirety of lhe open lent hours. Also, Ron and Elizabeth Snider from Pike 51/ Hudsonville Winery will be back with their wine slushes, as well as beer and some fla­ vors of craft drafts and seltzers. Price points are from $4 (or four tickets) lo $7 (seven tickets) depending on lhe type of beverage purchased. l he Hastings Elks always recommends drinking responsibly; transit rides will be available for groups as well. This year, all attendees from the 1980s Hastings High School reunion are welcome lo the tent between their time slots for class toasts and catching up with old classmates and friends. Questions? Sec https://hastingselks.com TK shows off offensive versatility versus Otsego Brett Bremer Sports Editor A group of four different guys combined to score six goals as the Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team opened the 2021 season with a 6-0 win over Otsego inside Bob White Stadium in Middleville Thursday. "I feel we .shared the ball very well up top and did a good job of separating out the goals and making sure everyone got involved," TK junior attacker Terrell Jefferson said. Jefferson had a goal and an assist. Senior Alexander Harrington scored the first two Trojan goals of the season, junior Nacho Hervas scored twice and junior Austin Chivis tallied a goal as well. Senior Daniel Beyer earned the shutout in goal. -We have looked pretty gocxl in practice and I feel like we have put in the work in the offseason" Jefferson said. -Wc started out with tough conditioning and going at H right before tryouts to get everyone involved and get everyone gelling together because wc have some new guys corning up this year,' he added. Jefferson said saw lhe chemistry coming together during the .short preseason and intense summer workouts, but TK head coach David Wood wasn’t sure things would go auite a* weH d,ey did on 'r,,ursday evening, M -We have been working a lot during the first couple weeks, working on our rotations off the ball and a lot of ball movement,’’ Wood Thomapple Kellogg junior Jackson Curtis carries the ball into the attacking end during his team's win over visiting Otsego to start the season Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) said. "'lhe guys we have got .ire naturally gifted soccer players anyway, so it makes those transitions a little bit easier. In the first game, I knew we were going to go through the motions a little bit and have to fix some things, but right out of the gales they played well. I can’t complain." Goals have been plentiful as the Trojans have now opened up the season with a 4-0-1 record. TK took part in the Oakridge Invitational Saturday* scoring a 5-1 win over Kelloggsville. a 34) win over Muskegon Oakridge and a 4. f wjn over Williamston. TK followed (hat up by finishing in a 2-2 draw al East Grand Rapids Monday evening. Harrington’s two „oa|$ had the Trojans up 24) at the half a.,ainst Otsego in the season opener. The conlrolled possession on the attack for IIluch of lhe evening, bul Bulldog keeper Cooper Smalldon did a good job of keeping his b ill oul 0,’,he ,ieI carly Harrington put‘ first ball in the net with MX and a half miluiks t0 go in the first half. Smalldon made u .X1im blank save on Hervas, and soon after another on Jefferson, lhe rebound of that Jeffc.sun shot found its way to the feet ol Hanjn.,hJ|1 who Exiled a shot high mto the far right corner of the net. I he IVojans did . good job ol njovmg hor’/ontally. and moving fl* baU holn7OnmUy the offensive Cn . .moughoui the evening. Senior Grant WtXxls was about 35 >‘irds 01,1 from the touch li„- on the right side when Harrington started „ run on th* back side that led to their teanr ‘. Ld coal Woods sent an outstanding ball tl* ol the Bulldog goal-box io n. . ' „ wlio hurl hi-lirsl'hot thwarted by Sn"'X. 1 rrbO'"’d d’*‘n * g° far and with the Bulldog keeper on lhe ground Harrington gathered himself and tapped a shot into the empty net with 4:22 before lhe break. If anything about the Trojan attack was just a bit unexpected, according to Jefferson, it was Harrington becoming such a strong part of the offense making runs up out of lhe back. TK scored its next three goals in the first 19 minutes ol lhe second half. Hervas tallied his first goal five and a half minutes into lhe sec­ ond half, firing a ball from the top of the IX under a diving Smalldon. About 11 minutes later. Hervas rolled a ball ahead from lhe mid­ field to Chivis charging in on the net. Chivis chipped a shot into the net ns Smalldon came out on him for a 4-0 TK lead. It was junior Gabriel Lijoye putting the ball forward for Jefferson to score moments later. Jefferson then assisted on lhe final TK goal, a second one by Hervas. with 16:04 to play. "We knew we had a lol of options going forward and are trying lo find a system for all those guy s going forward," Wood said. "It is nice that we have not just got one person who wc are trying to rely on. We have quite a few players that arc dangerous. I think that is, hopefully, going to make us harder to break down. Those guys, lhe chemistry is great on and off the field not just lhe soccer sluff. They’re all gvxxl fnends and they gel on with each other For me, they hold each other accountable. Al practice they work hard. l hcy know the moments where it is fun and the moments where they need to be serious with each other.” Thomapple Kellogg's Reece Hoeksma slops in to knock the ball off the teet of Otsego s both Barck (front) during their non conference season opener Thursday m M.ddlev.lle, (Photo by Brett B(eXr) �The Hastings ANNER SPORTS SECTION Thursday, August 26, 2021 FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS ____________________ . ... ............................. ..._________ ____ A lot of experience in Saxon singles line-up this season Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxon varsity boys* tennis line-up for the fall is filled with familiar faces. None of (he Saxons have spent more time in the line-up than senior first singles player Joey McLean who ha* been in thal position for Hastings since lhe fall of his freshman season. Junior Joe Goggins is making the bump up to the second singles spot this year, and head coach Krista Schueller has plans for seniors John Tellkamp and Brandon Darling to fill the third and fourth singles spots. Schueller said that singles roster will be the strength of her team as it looks lo score a few team wins this season. She likes her first dou­ bles team too with senior Andre Perez team­ ing up with sophomore Keegan Lindsey. The Saxon head coach, who is entering her fifth season leading lhe program said she has seen big strides in a number of her players since last fall, but especially Perez and Goggins. Schueller said she’d give the nod to most improve to Perez at lhe moment. As Goggins makes lhe move up to stiffer compe­ tition at second singles he’s bringing some more strength, speed and spin to the court along with a much improved backhand. As far as McLean, coach Schueller said he is working on using his natural athleticism and combining it with the maturity that comes from having three full seasons at first singles in the bank. She said he has the strokes, now improving is all about being consistent and smart. She has seen big improvements in his powerful serve, which he is getting in the box more often and also moving around at times. The Saxons expect the same old teams to be tough to beat in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference this fall, with Parma Western and Lumen Christi likely lhe best of lhe bunch. The Saxons open the season at home against Ionia Sept. I and then will host Pennficld to start conference play Sept. 7. The Saxons are really looking forward to that match with lhe green and gold Panthers as they shoot for a rare conference victory’. Joey McLean Conference champs return for DK/TK/HHS swim team Brett Bremer Sports Editor A strong senior group helped power lhe Delton Kellogg/Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings to an OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Championship last season. Newcomers and an outstanding group of returnees w ill try and keep lhe team on top of the conference in 2021. The group of returnees for head coach Carl Schoesscl, in his 19th season leading the pro­ gram based out of lhe Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings, is led by seniors Abby Marcukaitis and Ellen Shults and juniors Anna Hqywood and Kasey Kapteyn. Marcukaitis is one of the lop senior swim­ mers around. She placed fourth in lhe back­ stroke at the Division I Lower Peninsula State Finals at the end of last season and ninth in the 50-yard freestyle. She and Haywood were both al I-conference swimmers last season. They were both a part of the conference championship team in lhe 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard freestyle relay. Marcukaitis also won the conference title in the 50-yard freestyle and the backstroke. The group of underclassmen in the program is paced by Sophie Marcukaitis, who joined Haywood and sister Abby on the two confer­ ence championship winning relay teams, and added a conference title in 2020 individually in the 100-yard breaststroke. She was an all-conference honoree as well. The DK/TK/HHS girls arc currently slated to visit Ionia lo open the season Tuesday and then will host Fremont for Little Sisters/Swim Club Night at the CERC pool. Coach Schoesscl said he expects Wayland and Ottawa Hills to be the teams most likely to challenge his team for a conference cham­ pionship this season. The DK/TK/HHS girls face Ottawa Hills in Grand Rapids Sept. 30 and will host the annual Cancer Awareness Meet with Wayland Oct. 21 in Hastings. Cetetorate tBie SAXON SWfflT PRE-GAME To show community support for our football team and the spirit of being a Saxon, Hassinas firea School Administrators Abby Marcukaitis art Athletic Boosters sponsoring a tailgate party with free grilled hot dogs Fowlerville tennis wins all eight flights in dual with Lakewood The Vikings won some games, but couldn t Meal a set against visiting Fowlerville in a varsity tennis dual at Lakewood High School Wednesday, Lakewrxxl senior first singles player Clay Huinond had the closest match of the after­ noon. ultimately falling 6-3, 6-3 i<> Fowlerville’s Carter Young. Emily Meyers, a sophomore al third sin­ gles. won lhe Vikings’ other games on the singles side. He was bested 6-1, 6-3 by Fowlerville senior Calvin Douker. Each of the Viking doubles teams took al least one game. Asher Teigeler and Preston Weller at first doubles suffered a tough 6-0. 6-1 loss to Fowlerville seniors Greg Wilkinson and Isaac Way al first doubles. Fowlerville also had the team of Jimmy Buunna and Owen Brown score a 6-1,6-2 w in over Iaikewood ft^hrnen Reily Teigeler and James MucKcri/‘e at second doubles; Alex Jonas and Ryder IMasjak best Tuggarat Hyatt and Caleb Hu^ । \6-2 at third dou­ bles; and Cole Sova ‘l,id Ethan Way cam a 6-2, 6-0 win over the Viking |eanj Elainn Haring and Ellie M»nnn* hi the fourth dou­ bles match. chips and a drink to anyone before the game with Thornapple Kellogg at the main entrance to Baum Stadium al Johnson Field. START TIME FOR THIS WEEK’S GAME WILL BE 8 P.M SAXON SPIRIT > ... let it show! �Page eai i cooPTS PREVIEWS » Saxon volleyball mixing in strong sophomore group The 2021 Hastings varsity boys’ and girls' cross country teams gather in front ol the high school during lhe preseason. Underclassmen lead the way for Saxon boys C.C. injury that will prevent him from starling the Brett Bremer season on course with his teammates. lutBoe Sports Editor The Hastings varsity boys' cross country was one of the Saxons’ top performers as a team has five returning letter-winners back to freshman, earning first team all-conference and all-county awards. lead lhe program into the 2021 season. Other returnees to the program this fall The group includes sophomore captain Riley Shults fellow sophomore Jonah Teed includes sophomore Kenneth Vast inc and who were both first team All-Barry County junior Alex Steward. Collins is excited to sec freshmen Micah and honorable mention all-conference in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference as freshmen. Johnson and Brandon Simmons as they look The group of five returning letter-winners to contribute following strong middle school also includes sophomore teammates Reuben seasons a year ago. Robert Bruce 111 and Solmes and Cole Greenfield. Hastings head Bailey Pennock, a pair of sophomores, are coach Steve Collins said Greenfield had a back w ith Saxon cross country after spending great freshman track season and Solmes had a their freshman season away from the pro­ gram. good runner of running. Hastings has a couple races in already. the “The boys look to build on the experience they gained last year and have come in with Aug. 24 Three Rivers Big Hill Invitational where it placed sixth in a field of 13 teams some nice summer mileage.” Collins said. 'rhe cross country team did suffer a bit of a and the Aug. 20 Portage Central Early Bird blow during the 2021 spring track and field Invitational where the Saxons were 17th in a season as Caleb LaBoe. another member of field of 18 teams. Simmons led the Saxons at Portage with a the class of 2024 for the Saxons, suffered an time of 19 minutes 0.2 seconds.'I hat put him in 62nd place overall. He was just off that time at Three Rivers, placing sixth in 19:08. Hastings got to see a few Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foes at the two meets. Collins said he expects Harper Creek’s boys to be the class of the conference this fall with each of the team’s top seven runners from last season returning. The Beavers won a confer­ ence championship, a regional championship and placed 27th at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals at the end ot the season. Coldwater, Parma Western and Marshall were second, third and fourth respectively in the conference last fall and also bring back big chunks of their roster. The 1-8 will meet for the first time this sea­ son when Parma Western plays host Sept. 14. Hastings will host a conference jamboree Oct. 5. *■ . ... .. ■ I Carly Warner Seniors set pace for small Saxon girls’ cross country Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons haven’t fielded a full line-up at an invitational yet this preseason, and depth is down overall, but the Hastings varsity girls’ cross country team has some experienced runners to lead the way. Carissa Strouse, Allison Teed. Hannah Crozier and Hannah Vann are all four-year members of the Hastings High School cross country program. Strouse and Teed are the co-caplains this season. Strouse is a former state qualifier ho has one all-conference and one honorable mention all-conference perfor­ mance under her belt. She was the 2019 champion at the Barry County Meet. Teed also has one honorable mention all-confer­ ence nod to her name in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Hastings had three girls compete at the Portage Early Bird Invitational Aug. 20. Teed placed 55th in the race with a time of 22:16.8. Strouse was 63rd in 22:34.3 and sophomore Lily Comensoli 158th in 25:335. That trio and teammate Crozier competed at the Three Rivers Big Hili Invitational Tuesday. Strouse placed seventh. Teed ninth. Comensoli 28th and Crozier 46th at the meet. Comensoli and fellow’ sophomore Adrianne VanDcnburg will look to contribute in their second varsity seasons, 'flic team is also pleased to bring back senior Autumn Guernsey. “We have some great experience on this team. Loaded with seniors we look to have a season of fond memories and fast times.” coach Collins said. He would love to see a few more girls join the “fun group” that he has. The Saxons will be looking to improve upon a fifth place finish in (he conference from last fall, but that won't be easy. Marshall. Jackson Lumen Christi. Parma Western and Harper Creek were the top four in the confer­ ence a year ago. They each have four, five or six girls returning from their teams that com­ peted in the state finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn al the end of last season. The Saxons w ill open the conference sea­ son at the jamboree hosted by Parma Western Sept. 14.The Saxons are set to visit Turkey ville for Marshall’s annual Barney Roy Invitational Tuesday and then head to Gilmore Car Museum for the Delton Kellogg Invitational Sept. 9. Hastings will play host to an Intcrstatc-8 Athletic Conference jamboree Oct. 5 Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons got matches in with Wayland and Hopkins Tuesday evening on one of the first nights of the 2020 varsity volleyball sea son. The Hastings girls were bested in both match-ups and now have some time to prep for their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference opener with Pennfield. at Hastings High School, Sept. 8. It is a fairly y oung Saxon squad for second-year varsity head coach Tiffany Hendershot, but a couple strong seniors return to help lead the way. Carly Warner should be one of the team’s top hitters in her senior cam­ paign and could also see time as a defensive specialist. Morgan Deal returns to fill either a setting or libero spot. Coach Hendershot expects a trio of sopho­ mores to be key contributors this season, set­ ter Isabella Hendershot, middle Audrey Vertalka and outside hitter Abby Bemmer. performance (tci? Thomapple Credit Union Quick Lube 103 S. Grove St., Delton: (269) 623-6700 202 E. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. (269) 948-8369 410 S. Broadwray Middleville, Ml 49333: (269) 241-1034 www thornapplecu.com 430 W. STATE ST, HASTINGS 269-948-8558 HASTINGS NAPA NAPA 833 761.ROOF ph. 122 N. Jefferson Rd. Hastings 269-948-9696 Quality Aluminum Products —imuiiGcoicnn— 429 S Michigan Ave, Hastings, MI 49508 www.baytobaybuildingconcepts.com Vertalka and Bemmer could also see time al DS as well Bemmer and Warner tied for the team lead in kills at the tournament in Wayland with four teach. Teammate Chelsea Ertner, another returnee from last year’s Saxon squad, had eight blocks. Coach Hendershot likes having a bit more height at the net this year than last fall, but sees that her team needs to work on its speed and its consistency around the court. “The girls get along really well and I think they could have a great season if we just gel a little more consistent,” she said. The Interstate-8 Athletic Conference will continue lo throw tough competition at lhe Saxons, especially from lhe likes of Marshall, Parma Western and Coldwater. Marshall and Harper Creek in Division 2 and Jackson Northwest in Division 1 all reached the regional round of the state tournament last season. Union Bank Your life. Your bank. :^r;Q7^^27\ ubmkh.com Jan Hawthorne, realtor’ Associate Broker 269-704-1000 ojjice: Cell: 269-838-2145 100 S.Jefferson St. Hastings, Ml AT > Hastings DEWEY’S AUTO BODY 1111 W. Green, Hastings www.deweysautobody.com O PHARMACY Electric Motor Service 400 W. State Si., Hastings Rick James, Owner 1569 S. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 Conscnienie P,.ek;reinp and f ree Lucd 269-945-3777 ... Service & Sales (269) 945-5113 or 908-9307 SAXON *; * * PRIDE * 269-953-7452 ^^‘n9''^landScap|l)a.C0_ Jaqua �nt. 9021 -PaO® 15 .^.-T^A^126-202 Saxons face some tough foes early on Brctt Bremer A'pcr/s I'diHfi lhe Saxon 2021 \arsity football season will start a little Liter than planned, but noth ing like the 2020 sea-on. Hastings wdl ho4 Htomapple Kellogg to open the season tonight ( Aug. 26) Kick-oft has been pushed back to X p.m. in an attempt to avoid the high heat indexes which have forced the cancellation or postponement of a number of other high school spoiling events across the area in recent days. I he Saxons and Trojans didn’t get the chance to meet in 2020. as the first few weeks rihslin2sheadc°’‘y Murphy said his seniors are £h'"8 ,o another dun nt the the rcek team, lhe class has never conic out ™ ‘°P in a battle with the Beavers. Murph)' ,c expects the Harper Creek team with a Jrong senior class and Coldwater and Luu* Chnsti to lx- especially tough in the lhe Saxons Creek Sept. 2 and then go on the”e first time when they visit J°' Homecomin8 is set for Oct. 8 when uie Saxons play host to Jackson Northwest Hastings has as b*g lfip on the schedule for late October, traveling to Gaylord to take on Escanaba in the final game of the regular sea- son. The Saxons had one of their best seasons in recent years in 2020. going 7-2 and canting a share of the Interstate ^ Athletic Conference Championship. Hastings returns five starters from a year ago last season, with especially solid depth in the hackfield in the likes of junior running back Robert Slaughter, senior running back Victor Ramirez and junior run­ ning back Lanny Tuencssen. Slaughter was honorable mention all-con­ ference in the 1-8 last fall. He rushed for 455 yards. Senior Owen Winegar will be leading the way on the offensive line for the Saxons after a junior season that earned him all-conference honors in the 1-8. He’ll sec time at linebacker along with Slaughter, Ramirez and Tuenessen on the defensive side of the ball. The Saxons are also pleased to bring back . h ick Mason senior quar-erbi.eVdef.ns.ve bac Denton. , , , . „ lo. of size and “^n J. Hastings did Io* ( , sprjng. Goa*-1' the trenches to bconcerns is a Murphy said one ‘ . rg„n ,he offensive hick of size and esptntnc and defensive lines. offcnsive front Adding their lakn _ • Kensington this fall are junior tight ui pan and Ijyton Eastman. J n Dicg0 Weatherly and sophomore line CoipcL . „-,l I roians wasn't enough of If facing the rival I roj. opener. the an adrenaline boost lor • • Foo)|,ai| ballgame has also>b 'WOOD TV ot Frenzy frame of the activities of Grand Rapids. There wdl be extra throughout the day. Saxon varsity golf girls will be learning on the fly Brett Bremer Sports Editor It ever then.* wi* as rebuilding year for the Saxon varsity girls* golf team, this is one. Julia McLean is up from the JV squad to lead the way for the Hastings team this fall. Sophomore Addy Nickels and junior Lauren Arnold, a couple of newcomers to the pro­ gram. will be shooting to contribute to the varsitv score throughout the season. Being led by a trio with little varsity golf experience is change for Saxon head coach Kristen Laubaugh who bad a state qualifier among a group of three all-conference golfers in lhe Interstate-8 Athletic Conference a year ago. “The are willing to work at improv ing their Mason Demon That is one of tw o meets the Hastings gtr s game and they enjoy being together as a will host this season, also hiding the axon team,” Laubaugh said. “In just a week of practice they have come Dozen Invitational Sept. 10. Laubaugh said she expects Coldwater an a long ways,” the Saxon coach said early in the preseason, “but there are so many things Jackson Lumen Christi to be lhe lop two you need to know about golf it is hard to con­ teams in the 1-8 this fall. Lumen Christi was vey all of that to them without overwhelming 13th at lhe Division 4 Lower Peninsula Girls Golf Finals in 2020 with a irio of sophomores them too much.” “I think individually wc have some players in the line-up. “This will be a tough year with a steep who have a lot of potential and I look forw ard to seeing how their game improves over the learning curve,” Laubaugh said. ” We lost four solid seniors from the program and there season.’’ The Saxons were scheduled to open the aren’t a lot of kids with much experience Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season at The coming onto the team this year. Our goal is to Legacy, hosting the first Interstate-8 jamboree keep il positive and fun and hopefully some of of the season, but that competition was post­ the playing pieces will fall into place.” poned to Sept. 1 because of the heat. PRECISION AUTO BODY REPAIR LITTLE CAESAR’S Home of the Hot <& Ready Pizza! BRIAN’S TIRE & SERVICE 819 E. Railroad St. Hastings 216 N. 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State St. Hastings INSURANCE 269-945-5182 TROY DALMAN AGENCY 128 W. Mill St., Hastings • 269-945-3423 sports pages support coverage of high school varsity sports in this paper �16 — Thursday. August 26. 2021 — The Hastings Banner FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS DK boys look to , back into top half o SAC soccer standings &' ■ •< FT *L <3?.|W *» <: '* S-fA'' •' ■ J----------------------.--------- The 2021 Delton Kellogg varsity boys' cross country team. Team members are (front) Parker Bagley, (kneeling from left) Brock Hickerson, Micah Martin, Mitchell Buckner, Gage Vincent, Hector Jimenez, (back) Ethan Rimmer, Isaac Shepard. Rhys Bedford, Brett Harsevoort and Eli Austin. (Photo by Brett Bremer) A little depth will help DM boys §c@r@ Setter Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers’ roster is larger and now it is working on getting faster. The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ cross country team returns a handful of its fastest guys front the 2020 team that placed seventh in Southwestern Athletic Conference and al its Division 3 Regional Meet and then fol­ lowed that up with a runner-up finish at the Barry County Meet. That pack is paced by returning sec­ ond-team all-county runners Hector Jimenez and Micah Martin, a pair of juniors in their third varsity season. Jimenez is a dual-sport athlete at Delton Kellogg in the fall, also a key­ member of lhe varsity boys’ soccer team. DK head coach Dale Grimes is looking forward to seeing their progression on the course this season. “Micah Martin is coming off a great track season and his best summer of conditioning and looks to lead lhe team both al meets and at practices. He will also likely be challenged for lhe top spot by Jimenez, who is intent on qualifying for the stale final." Senior captain Eli Austin is back as well, for a fourth varsity season. ”/\ustin returns as the most experienced competitor having raced at the varsity level al numerous conference championships, invita­ tional and regional meets." Grimes said. Also back for the program are third-year junior Isaac Shepard and second-year junior Gage Vincent who were consistent varsity contributors last fall. Freshman Ethan Rimmer has been showing great promise al practices according to coach Grimes, and will likely also be in contention for a top 5 spot on the varsity team. The DK coach expects good competition overall for lhe seven varsity scoring spots with lhe growth of lhe program overall. “Despite having a slightly larger team than in the past, there is still a need for added depth on the team,” Grimes said. “It will be import­ ant thal all members are healthy and ready contribute throughout the entire season. The team is looking to improve on last year’s fin­ ishing position at the championship meets and ultimately earn a spot at the state finals." Coach Grimes said he expects the toughest • Wl--.X<, James Blackburn Brett Bremer teams at the SAC Championship meet at lhe end of the season to be Saugatuck, Coloma. Kalamazoo Christian and Waters lict. I’he DK lx>ys opened the season al lhe Lawrence Early Bird Invitational last Friday (Aug. 20), placing saond at the ten-team meet behind St. Jo^ph Lake Michigan Catholic 47-51, Eau C^ire wits third with 70 points, ahead of L.awjence 85 and Fennville 99 among the teams with allcast five runners competing. Jimenez was third individually with a time of IS minutes 58 seconds. Vincent was tenth in 20:35, Martin 14th in 20:50 and Shepard 17th in 21:21. Rounding out the top five for DK was Austin with a 21st-place time of 21:51. DK was supposed to host Gull Lake for a dual at the Gilmore Car Museum Tuesday, but that meet was canceled due lo the heal. The Panther are scheduled lo run again Saturday (Aug. 28) at the Battle Creek Harper Creek Invitational and then Tuesday al Berrien Springs. DK will host an invitational of its own at Gilmore Car Museum Sept. 9. Sports Editor Hector Jimenez scored early and James Blackburn assisted on a goal by Giovanni late lo earn the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soc­ cer team a 2-2 tie in the season opening con­ test at Pennfield last Wednesday. That junior duo of Jimenez and Blackburn was n big part of the attack for Delton Kellogg last fall, with the attacking Jimenez netting 11 goals in the shortened season. Blackbum. a midfielder, had five assists on lhe season in 2020. Junior Marshall Warner is a key returnee to the DK midfield and senior Javier Guevara is back to lead lhe defensive unit in front of senior goalkeeper Marcus Momonee who will be seeing his first extensive varsity action in goal this fall. “W'e lost a four-year starter in goal last year due to graduation, but have a solid field play er (Momonee) that is stepping up to the chal­ lenge.” DK head coach Alan Mabie said. “W'e are a very young team and will have to learn to play in a fast pace physical game.” The Panthers will be looking for key contri­ butions throughout the year in lhe midfield from the freshman duo of Miles Hatton and THE HASTINGS BANNER TUJAX TAVERN Dc’volfd lo the interests of Barry Comity since 1856 1351 N. M-43 Hwy, Hastings 103 S. Grove St. Delton 945-9554 BUCKLAND AGENCY CHAPPLE REALTY INC 11235 Sprague Rd, Delton 118 E Orchard St., Delton Mi 49046 269-623-4058 623-5115 948-3720 WILLIAMS-GORES FUNERAL HOME 133 Orchard, Delton 110 W. Center, Suite B, Hastings WESTMICHIGANLAKES.COM John Sinclair and freshman Auslyn Lipscomb is joining the defense. “We will be fast on offense and have a solid midfield." Mabie said. Momonee had 12 saves in lhe lie with Pennfield. DK held a 1-0 lead after an early goal by Jimenez, but Pennfield scored twice in the second half to pull in front. Stea scored with just thee minutes to play to even the game. •■ .. t . The Delton Kellogg boys were 4-7-3 over­ all last season, and 3-6-3 in lhe Southwestern Athletic Conference. Mabie said he expects his team to get up into lhe top half of lhe con­ ference this season and to be able to finish lhe season at or above 500 overall. The DK coach sees Hackett Catholic Prep and Fennville as the top two teams in lhe con­ ference. Following the lie at Pennfield. lhe DK boys were back to Battle Creek Friday where they fell 2-1 al Harper Creek High School. DK was slated to play its first home game Aug. 24 against the Battle Creek Academy. 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Delton 623-2089 • 945-5379 Feist Reliable Service For Over 50 Years SMITH & DOSTER SALES & SERVICE 114 Grove IM-4'4) Delton 623-5111 DELTON FAMILY PHARMACY GO GO AUTO PARTS 3 )8 Grove St. (M-43)Dellon 7709 Kingsbury Rd. Delton 623-5250 (269) 623-2775 �The HAStmns Banner - ThurfzJ<i/ Aunust 26, 202’ — Pane 17 FAlJ-SPORTS previews Panthers’ seniors push for trip to MIS The Delton Kellntto • , start Frida}. g1fls P°l off to a great Fhc Panthers Won th.* i Invitational hy outscnT aWrcnce Bird -V-39 at the first vS"g Up bennvi,,e lltion of the season. Cn'S" eountI> ^pe­ in the top fivcHndi?;^1 AukermSn X \ °f SCnion? flnish '.hc ’*?• ^‘b~> minutes 13 second ’W’,lh :1 ,lmc *’* 23 was fifth in '23.3, antl Halc«a Phillips who has three tim * ,our A'ear varsity runner who Batr £ * ™CVamcd "^nferentre and Allcap?un and h h >norK She « « two-time “h ™ Xt COach Me Grim« «>i‘> “>e petitor U,C "orkhorse and intense comMch e ?. I"' 0,1 Can’in» “ lriP * MIS tf2)ln,Cn’a,,°”iJ f«r 'he all^X?nan “ “ lwol'me all-conference and the Pnr »? rUn”er’ and n,so a team captain for the Panthers this fall. ’’Aubrey has developed a keen sense of ‘ ^tra!.CBy has a very competitive nature that is motivating her to perform even better than previous seasons,” Grimes said. untor Joelle White is another returning Aree-year ninner for the Panthers who has been a regular varsity scorer for DK over her first two seasons. The group of second year runners includes juniors Kasey Kapteyn and Lilyanna Sinclair and sophomore Brianna Chandler. The Panther team hits added five seniors this fall. “Karlie Aukcrman. Melanic Monroe, Maddic Pape. Hope VanderWall, Mary Whitmore - all rookies who have had very successful seasons in several other sports over the course of their high school athletic careers ” Grimes said, ‘‘so these girls know how to wm and what it takes to prepare for success. They all bring great leadership, work ethic and great attitudes to the team and are increasing lhe pressure and competition fur earning spots on lhe varsity squad.” The Panthers will also look for pood contri­ butions from the freshman duo of Johannah Houtkooper and Lillie Steele. The two were fourth and fifth in the scoring for DK at the Lawrence Early Bird race. While was eight in 24: 47 with Houtkooper right behind in ninth with a time of 24:48. Steele placed 12th in 25: 04. ’’Lhe team is well balanced with talent from each grade level and lopped off with great experience and leadership from lhe seniors,” Grimes said. “This team has shown great work ethic in practices thus far. It will be exciting to watch this group of rookies (young and ‘old’) who have experienced much success in other sports (softball, basketball, track and volley­ ball) over the years as they bring their com­ petitive spirit and work ethic to the team. Once again DK is faced with a huge challenge to compete in Allendale al one of the most competitive D3 regional sites in the state.” DK had a meet with Gull Lake canceled due to heat on Tuesday afternoon. The Panthers will run again Saturday al the Harper Creek Invitational in Battle Creek and then travel to Berrien Springs Tuesday. DK will host an invitational at Gilmore Car Museum Sept. 9. The first Southwestern Athletic Conference jamboree of the season will be hosted by Fennville Sept. 15. Coach Grimes said he expects Saugatuck. Coloma, Kalamazoo Christian and Lawton to be the lop challengers for a conference cham­ pionship in the SAC this fall. The 2021 Dell°{'^®!l°99 varsi,y 0irls’ cfoss country team. Team members are (front from left) Halena Phillips, Melanie Monroe. Lillie Steele, Joelle v rote, Brenna Chandler, Jillian Leclercq, Lillian Lester, (back) Lilyana Sinclair, Aubrey Aukerman, Maddie Pape, Mary Whitmore, ukerman, Hope VanderWall, Kylie Main, Johannah Houtkooper and missing from photo is Kasey Kapteyn. (Photo by Brett Bremer) H a h i h / DK looks to open 2021 with win in Kalamazoo Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity football team geLs to open the 2021 season against of a trio of opponents w hich it missed out on matching p with during the pandemic shortened 2020 season. The Panthers are on the road tonight to face Kalamazoo Loy Norrix in the season opener. Loy Norrix has struggled in recent years against a tough SMAC East schedule, win­ ning two or fewer contests each fall since 2013. DK head coach Mike Mohn said he has been notified that all spectators in attendance will be required to w ear a mask in Kalamazoo tonight. The Panthers were a 500 team in 2020. winning four of their eight ballgames includ­ ing their postseason opener against Bronson. The lop returnees from thal team include senior lineman Alex Whitmore, senior run­ ning back/linebackcr Alden Whitmore, senior running back/defensive back Cory More, junior fullback/defensive back Vinny Quick, junior tight end/linebacker Mason Nabozny and junior running back/linebacker Ricky Ramsey. Alex Whitmore was first team All-SAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) last fall as a junior in lhe trenches, and Ramsey and Quick both earned honorable mention AllSAC accolades. Ramsey averaged 13.6 yards per carry on offense and nearly eight tackles per game on defense while leading the Panthers with six touchdowns and Quick averaged 6.7 yards per carry in the Panthers’ Wing-T attack. “We have a number of players in new posi­ tions on offense this year so only time will tell ( how things go.J DK head coach Ryan Bates said. “Our defense has eight starters returning. I believe we will be much belter on defense this year than in years past.” The Panthers allowed more than 30 points in each of their for losses Iasi fall. Some of ihai does have lo do with lhe competition the DK team faces on a regular basis. Delton Kellogg has lhe non-conference ballgame with Loy Norrix and then a bail­ game at Parchment Sept. 2 before lhe home opener Sept. 10 against Coloma. DK kicks off lhe SAC Valley slate with a ballgame on lhe lurf in Delton against Galesburg-Augusta Sept. 24. DK will play four in a row at home starting with that contest against lhe Rams. The Panthers' annual Veterans’ Game is slated for Oct. 1 (Lawton), homecoming is planned for Oct. 8 (Saugatuck) and Senior Night will be Oct. 15 (Allegan). “We play in a very tough and physical foot­ ball conference so lhe name of the game is how long can teams slay healthy," Bates said. The Panthers close out the regular season with a SAC Valley finale at Schoolcraft. The Panthers are still chasing win number one against the Eagles. Schoolcraft knocked off the DK team twice in 2020, in the regular season finale and in the second round of the state postseason tournament. The 2021 Delton Kellogg varsity football team. Team members are (front from left) Cole Lane, Seth Collard, Mason Nabozny, Ricky Ramsey, Corey Moore, Frank Rosado, (second row) Jayden Orns. Garrett Warren, Maverick Thomas, Vinnie Quick. Luke Watson Cooper Sandusky. Philip Halcomb, Clay Ashley, (back) Seth Lebeck, Liam Lulhy, Peyton Pummel, Alden Whitmore. Alex Whitmore Owen Wolfe, Cameron Wolthuis and Jason Lundquist. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK girts feeling groovy heading into new volleyball season Brett Bremer Sports Editor The teamwork and the atmosphere in die preseason have been pretty great so far according to Delton Kellogg varsity volley­ ball coach Erin Thomton. That is just what her team needed as it Joofo to goJ into the 2021 fall campaign with just three returning varsity Pla>c?; . ^•TTiese kids seem to already be meshing and getting in the groove sod great when things s disk Sihe^^ndat^dknowit-s earlv but it just leels good so far. assss’—— >7;^'",” net along side Kokx. — d.„.n.......... This will be Lillie’s second year on varsi­ ty, and she can’t wait to get some kills,” Thornton said. “ She works in the offseason just trying to get better at anything she can. She really has an amazing amount of passion for volleyball and winning, so hopefully that can translate lo a great season for her and lhe team.” Chandler is ready for a big role in lhe back row' for the Panthers. “She loves to be in the back row and get digs. She’s been a great tcacher/leader on the team, and I can’t wail to see what she brings this year,” Thomton said. She’ll be joined back there passing balls by junior defensive specialisl/libero Carlie Ritchie. Junior outside hitter Jordan Lyons is another key newcomer io the Panthers’ rota­ tion. “Carlie is a worker,” Thornton said. “She will do whatever she can to lie the best ai what she’s doing. This kid doesn’t quii. She wants to be at the lop of the pack within the volley, ball world, and that means everything to the team. She gets to every ball, and even when she doesn’t lhe first time, she will the next time. This is a kid W Ifk out for." The DK coach is lo°k,nS forward to having Lyons’ athleticism at the comer of the net. "She can play wherever you need her and is happy doing it. as wel1 a,i she‘s P°°d « “• We’re always working on fine-tuning, and she’s really got a great mind for the game. She knows that when she goes m, wherever it is, she’s got a job to do and will do lhe best she can to succeed.” Schoolcraft. Kalamazoo Christian and Constantine will continue to be tough lo beat in lhe Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Panthers play their first home SAC dual against Saugatuck Sept“We’ve got talent in each facet of the game, and these girls art‘n 1 Scared to show it,” Thomton said. “With coaching changes all over the league, it’s g0,n8 to be interesting lo see how our girls respond to the other teams and how different diey could be from the past.” . The Panthers host Sc loolcraft for their first SAC divisional match >- ’-pt. jq ars are (front from left) The 2021 Dolton Kellogg varsity volleyball team. Team members Mva Brickley Cadence Johnson. Carlte Ritchie. Lydia Chandler, Samantha Higgins, £) Jo'dan L^ons, Lilly Ferris. Emma Kokx. Abaigail Coburn and All.son Brandl,. (Photo by Brett Brerner) �Page 1fi — “Thursday, Au<ju’U ptf, 2021 -- Iho HasVnos Banner Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Minnesota and Nebraska may come to mind when people think of other states thal arc home to a city or town named Hustings, but they aren’t the only two. Several states, it turns out. have - or had - a Hastings on their maps. Some were intentionally established near a river, oi rose up after a railroad was laid out or natural resource discovered. At least three sene a< the county seat. One. in Indiana, was established one year after Michigan’s Hastings, but saw little growth. Combined, the various communities also reveal some interesting contrasts. For instance. Hastings. Minn., showed a population of 23222 in the 2020 U.S. Census, ranking it the 47th largest city in that stale. Comparatively. Hastings. Neb., recorded a population of 24,425 last year - a difference of just over 1,200 more people - but is Nebraska s seventh largest city. Another interesting contrast is between Hastings. Iowa, and Hastings-on-Hudson. N.Y. Hastings, Iowa, has a population of 156. yet is a city, while with Hastings-on-Hudson. N.Y.. which numbered 7.921 residents in 2019, is a village. Hastings, Mich. - named for Eurotas P. Hastings, former auditor general of Michigan - was settled in 1836. became a village in 1855 and rose to city stature in 1871. The latter is the reason for this year’s sesquicvntcnninl. “Happy Birthday Hastings’ is lhe theme of this weekend’s Summerfest parade. So, as the city prepares for its annual festival, here’s a glimpse al other U.S. settlements named Hastings, including population, namesake, notable residents and more, if available. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Downtown Hastings, Neb., like its Michigan counterpart, is lhe heart of the city. The city has a municipal airport and its own Hastings Public Library, a community college, and all of it is surrounded by farms and crop fields. A business loop of US-6 goes through downtown, on its way from Massachusetts to California. (Google Maps image) A roadside plaque declares Hastings, Fla., as that state's potato capital. This plaque was erected in 1965, sponsored by the St. Johns County Historical Commission. In 2018, residents voted to dissolve the town. (University of North Florida photo) Cities MINNESOTA - named for Henry Hastings Sibley, a proprietor and the state's first elected governor. The population was 23222 in 2020. It serves as the counly seat for Dakota Counly, and sits at the confluence of three rivers: lhe Mississippi, Vermillion and St. Croix. It’s also the hometown of painter Terry Red! in and comedian Craig Kilborn, among others. NEBRASKA - named for Col. T.D. Hastings, who was instrumental in introducing a railroad through the town, which is the seat of Adams County. The population in 2020 was 24.428. Oh, yeah, it’s the birthplace of Kool-Aid, which was invented there by Edwin Perkins in 1927. The city even has a Kool-Aid Days Festival, which was celebrated just last weekend. IOWA - in the far southwest of the slate in Mills County. Hustings, Iowa, is actually west (and north) of Kansas City. Kan. It was established in 1872. following construction of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Despite its small population of 156, it is still considered a city. Like this Hastings, it has State, Jefferson and South streets, as well as a similar Railway Street. Bul its more westerly location lends itself to names such as Silver, Platte. Buffalo and Indian avenues, the latter of which is also 360th Street. The city is so small, it doesn’t take much space to list all of its street names, the remainder of which include Hale, Harris and Pearlc streets as well as Tarkio Avenue. Villages, towns and boroughs NEW YORK - As its name implies. Hastings-on-Hudson in Westchester County, sits on the Hudson River, about 20 miles north of midtown Manhattan. Still, its population in 2019, was just 7.921. Among its notable SUPFu LOCAL NEWS read contribute advertise ■ rrH* '.a. FORI M fohmM* a/ tto'-y h^ngsDANNER residents have been B.F. Goodrich; actors Billie Burke and Frank Morgan, who portrayed Glinda lhe Good Witch and Oz, respectively in “The Wizard of Oz;” actress Molly Ringwald; actor William Shatner, and Civil War Admiral David Farragut. PENNSYLVANIA - Hastings Borough in Cambria Counly was founded in 1889 and named in honor of Pennsylvania governor Daniel Hartman Hastings. The 2020 population was 1,126, lower than its elevation of 1.824. Author Fem Michaels (aka Mary Ruth Kuczkir) was bom and raised there. Located in southcentral Pennsylvania, its only about 35 miles f rom Punxatawny. Unincorporated (or nearly uninhabited) FLORIDA - established in St. Johns County in the northeast part of the state, Hastings, Fla., was named after Thomas Horace Hastings who farmed the area to provide food for his cousin’s hotel in St. Augustine. l he town,by a vote among its 648 residents, was dissolved in 2018. A historical marker still stands apnng the homes there, declaring it the PotatoCapital of Florida. FLORIDA - Another Hastings apparently once stood in Hillsborough County in West Central Florida near Tampa. It has since been absorbed by Plant City West, which was named after Henry B. Plant, a person, not a plant like a potato. GEORGIA - US-41 intersects Hastings, Ga., in Clayton County. A person traveling the full extent of this highway, from Miami to Copper Harbor, would bypass Hastings, Mich., since lhe 2.000-rnile route goes through Wisconsin and Illinois to reach the Upper Peninsula. But just north and south of Hastings, Ga.. said traveler would pass through lhe neighboring towns of Bonanza and Lovejoy. ILLINOIS - southwest of Chicago and just across lhe Des Plaines River from the Argonne National Laboratory, is Hastings. III. Local commerce is varied and includes a bulk liquid hauling and storage facility, three golf courses, a senior living facility and a convent. But what shows up as Hastings, al lhe angled intersection of Main Street and Walker Road, is now part of Lemont. III. ILLINOIS - Farther south and a little west of Chicago is another Hastings. III. One source, histopolis.com, describes it as an unincorporated place. But it appears to be little more than farmland and one home at the intersection of 300 North Road and Road 250 East. (One can just imagine trying to give directions in that area of Vermilion County: “Go south about 2 miles on 300 North Road and the turn west onto Road 250 East.” growth?) INDIANA - about 120 miles southwest of the Banner office is Hastings, Ind., in Kosciusko County. But visitors won’t find much more than crop fields there. A post office was established in 1891 bul was discontinued just 12 years later. It was settled in 1837, bul apparently, other than the post office coming and going, not a lot happened after that. TEXAS - Hastings, Texas, is southeast of Pearland, which is southeast of Houston. The settlement was near the /Xtchison. Topeka and Santa Fc Railroad and al one time was the site of a rural school named for a pioneer family. The nearby Hastings oilfield spurred development in 1934. In 1949. it had become an oilfield community centered around an oil recycling plant. Hou ever, by 1982. only an abandoned railroad station and scattered dwellings remained. It’s near the angled intersection of Highway 35/Main Street and Hastings Field Road. MAINE - founded in 1851 by David Robinson Hastings in Oxford County, Hastings, Maine, was a lumber town with a population that peaked at about 300. Overharvesting of timber eventually led to demise of the company town. Later, a destructive wildfire, followed by flooding of lhe Wild River finished it off. By 1920, little w;ts left of the settlement that now is part of the White Mountain National Forest. Hastings Campground and a similarly named waterfall give a nod to the community that once occupied the valley. MASSACHUSETTS - An angled intersection of a local street and a railroad track mark the former location of Hastings, Mass. Hastings Station can be found on a map in Middlesex County along the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority railroad, but the station has no depot or other structure, just a parking lot. It’s all now considered part of Weston, Mass. NEW HAMPSHIRE - A three-way angled intersection surrounded by forests and a few houses in Merrimack Counly marks where Hastings or Hastings Landing once stood in the Granite State. That’s about all that’s left, but the intersecting highway is likely a busy one, running not far from the 4,100-acre Lake Sunapee. the stale’s fifth-largcst inland lake. NORTH DAKOTA - Hastings, N.D., is an unincorporated community in Barnes County, in the southeast part of the state. It has a cemetery’ and a fire department and just a few streets - Oak, Elm and Ash - and some grain silos. OHIO - An online map search for Hastings, Ohio, will take the viewer to an angled intersection of two local roads Hastings-Newville and Tucker - southeast of Mansfield. Ohio. Thai’s about it for this former settlement in Richland County. (What is it about angled intersections and lack of OKLAHOMA - This Jefferson County community had a population 128 in 2020. It was established in 1901 and named for the hometown of some local residents who hailed from Hastings, Neb. WEST VIRGINIA - is another town that popped up because of fuel - natural gas in this case. It started as a company town, home to the Hope Natural Gas Co., in Wetzel County, and was named for Dennis Hastings, the gas company’s first superintendent. It once had hundreds of residents, 50 company houses, a church, school, company store, athletic facilities, theater and more. Today, it’s home to a Dominion Energy plant, along with reportedly just two company houses. Town(ship) NEW YORK - The Town of Hastings, N.Y.. (not to be confused with Hastings-onHudson. the village), is like Michigan’s version of a township than a town. It was named after Hastings Curtiss, a prominent resident and statesman. This Oswego County “town” north of Syracuse was settled in 1789 near an abandoned fort. The center of it appears to be the angled intersection of US-II and Counly Route 38, right next to Shorty's Pub-n-Grub. Around the world Other countries with communities named Hastings include Australia, Barbados, Canada, India. New Zealand. Sierra Leone and of course, the United Kingdom, perhaps the best known, where the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066-just 770 years before Hastings, Mich., was established and 805 years before it became a city. Sources: "The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States," second edition, by Henry' Gannett, 1905; geonams.usgs.gov: Wikipedia; whitemountainhistory.com; geotargit.com; Wikipedia; Texas State Historical Association; histopolis.com: thedyrt.com. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-09-02.pdf bb0a35b568ab44f87f840e297ad87610 PDF Text Text Gridiron slate gets to sr in :■ '<cd Sec Story on Page 12 **r>r.v** * Denoted to the Interests of Barty County Since 1856 1070490102590502094749058113421 H CAR-RT LOT “C 005 C005 ANNER Richard Hemeriing 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49053-1134 6/30/2022 9 47 00 AM VOLUME 167, No. 35 PRICE $1.00 EEE-positive mosquito pool ; found in i Barry County ; Residents urged to I take precautions | Michigan residents arc being reminded! ; by the Michigan Department of Health and! Human Sen ices to protect themselves from! ■ mosquito bites following the detection of; j the first Eastern Equine Encephalitis- • ■ positive mosquito pool of the year in Barn . I County. The discovery in Barn County follows a report by the Michigan Department of! [ Agriculture and Rural Development of an; : EEE-positive hone from Livingston Count) • ! and underscores the need for both Michigan ■ residents and horse owners to lake precau’ lions. i “These discoveries indicate that the EEE • i virus is here in Michigan and provides; warning that residents could also become i infected by a mosquito.” said Dr. Joncigh' i Khaldun. MDHHS chief medical executive < ; Summerfest throws a hot party for Hastings Benjamin Simon Stuff Writer Hastings Summertest landed on some of the hottest days of the year, with Saturday reaching as high as 91 degrees and a heat index topping 100. Co-chairman of the Summerfest Planning Committee. Robert Byington, said he had planned for large crowds, but the heat may have kept people at home. “1 was expecting bumper crowds.” Byington said. “I just anticipated that folks See SUMMERFEST, page 3 On Saturday. Sutnmer(est hosted a para^ t0 honof thQ < ’ COVID cases cancel TK’s Thursday football games Health department warns of COVID rise, from Delta variant land chief deputy director for health.! “Michigan residents are urged to take prei cautions and protect themselves from mos-; I quito bites as EEE is one of the most dan- j i eerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S. Taylor Owens ' with a 33-percent fatality rate among • Stuff Writer \ humans who become ill.” I Thomapple Kellogg Schools canceled its '. EEE has a 90-percent fatality rate in hors- i JV and varsity football games which had been j es that become ill. and infection in both; scheduled for Thursday night, due to COVID • people and animals occurs through the bite infections on the football team. ! of an infected mosquito. EEE is not spread i Thomapple Kellogg SchoolsSuperintendcnt ! from person-to-person. Dan Remenap wrote in a letter toTK families, ' Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of; “We were made aware of two positive cases, ■ fever, chills, and body and joint aches. ’ a probable case, and possible exposures ; Illness can eventually develop into severe; among our football teams within the last 24 | encephalitis, resulting in headache, disori-1 hours. j entalion, tremors, seizures and paralysis, i For the safety of our kids, families, our ; Permanent brain damage, coma and death community, and Byron Center Schools (our 1 also may occur in some cases. scheduled opponent), our administrative team ; This is the first year the MDHHS Bureau opted to make this decision.” : of Laboratories has been performing testing So far this school year the district has I on mosquitoes collected by local health! reported five confirmed student cases at the ■ departments and academic partners. To date, high school, one at McFall Elementary and over 43 JXX) mosquitoes have been tested. two at Lee Elementary. Residents can stay healthy by following Hastings Area Schools has reported one ’ steps to avoid mosquito biles: case the high school and one at Southeastern i - Apply insect repellents that contain the Elementary. ; active ingredient DEET. or other U5.j Lakewood Public Schools has reported one ! Environmental Protection Agency-approved case at the high school and one case at the .' product, to exposed skin or clothing, and middle school. •. always follow the manufacturer’s directions Maple Valley Schools has not yet reported । for use. numbers for the new school year on its web­ - Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants; site, and Delton Kellogg does not start the fall I when outdoors. Apply insect repellent lol semester until Tuesday. : clothing to help prevent bites. : - Maintain window' and door screening to i j help keep mosquitoes outside. ■ - Empty water from mosquito breeding; 'sites around the home, such as buckets,! 1 unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar; ! sites where mosquitoes may Jay eggs. ‘ ! - Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating rate, at 11.2 percent. There have been breakthrough cases of the virus among vaccinated people, including 180 infections, nine hospitalizations and one death in the district between July 1 and Aug. 22. Olsabeck said that death w as a man In his with co-morbidities. including eanect. ...... Health DepaFtmenYepidemiologist Among unvaccinated people in that same time span, there were 578 cases, 27 hospital­ izations and two deaths. Health officials say the Della variant is Hie variant also is affecting children more Olsabeck’s BEDHD colleague Anne Barna driving the current rise in COVID-19 cases in than previous strains of the virus. said vaccinations are expected for younger Barry* County. Nationally, we are the highest we’ve ever age groups this year. ‘‘The best estimate is possibly late fall for T here were 90 active cases in Barry County seen in this pandemic for pediatric hospital­ izations.” Olsabeck said. She noted the num­ [ages] 5 to 11, and 0 to four would follow as of Tuesday. up from 74 last week. Around 15 percent of COVID-19 tests con­ bers were largely due to infections in the after that.” Barna said. “The reason for that is because for the under-12 age group they are ducted in the county came back positive in (he southern states. “Children do experience severe outcomes trying out smaller doses ... because they have last Week, which is significantly higher than from COVID,” Olsabeck said. “Children do smaller bodies.” the statewide average of 85 percent. The new dosage amounts mean the phar­ Barry-Eaton District Health Department get hospitalized and there are children that maceutical companies have to run a new trial epidemiologist Taylor Olsabeck said she die.” to prove the safety and effectiveness of the The virus is currently a top 10 leading expects the positivity rate to reach the coun­ cause of death among children in the United vaccines in the age groups. ty’s previous peak in April. “The FDA and CDC have been like, ‘Any She gave a presentation to the board of States, she added. time now, guys.” Barna said. “But that’s a While vaccinations are available for chil­ health during its regular meeting in Charlotte testament to the rigorousness of this process last Thursday. The 35-page slideshow of dren age 12 and above, the rate of vaccination that those trials have to be run.” Olsabeck’s presentation is available at barr- varies widely by school district. The CDC and the health department have In Barry County. TK has the highest rate of yeatonhealth.org. fully vaccinated kids in the 12 to 17 age been recommending people wear masks in Olsabeck said the variant strain is about public, and students wear them in the class­ 200 percent more transmissible than the orig­ range, at 30.9 percent. The district is followed room, although it has not been mandated. inal strain of COVID-19, and its increased by Ijikewood at 23.2 percent, Hastings at About half of all students in Michigan ability to spread is causing a nationwide surge 21.8 percent, Delton Kellogg at 19 percent attend schools where masks are mandated by in cases, despite the widespread availability and Maple Valley at 14.9 percent. the district, but no Barry County schools have In Eaton County, Grand Ledge has the of vaccines. highest vaccination rate among that age group, “We are starting to sec hospitalizations See CANCEL, page 6 at 43.9 percent, while Bellevue has the lowest creep up at a statewide level,” Olsabeck said. “Nationally, we are the highest we’ve ever seen in this pandemic for pediatric hospitalizations.” > Taylor Olsabeck, Barry-Eaton District Local congressman calls for Afghanistan review I areas. . ; “For horses. EEE is a serious but prevent-, • able disease,” said State Veterinarian Nora ! Wineland, DVM. “Positive mosquito pools । can help to identify areas of risk. Horse; ! owners should work with their vetennanan ; to develop a plan to protect their animals ! : Tn safeguard their horses, owners could I • take the following measures: ; '■ _ Talking to a veterinarian about vaccinal-1 ing horses against EEE. j ’ - Placing horses in a bam under fans (as; : mosquitoes are not strong flyers) during; i peak mosquito activity front dusk to dawn. ; ■ - Using an insect repellant on the animals, : approved lor the species. ■ ; . Eliminating standing water on the prop., ertv-ix- fill in puddles, repair eaves, and; ’Xgr’the water in buckets and bowls at I ilCaStConmcfing ’a veterinanan if a horse I : shows Signs of the illness: mild fever .utd 'Mumbling, which can progress to being) i down and struggling to stand. I In addition, health department olficials I ' .. renorting that West Nile virus activity in ; : X;h£nha.s increased in wildlife and mos-; have identified U ,x>si-1 j See EEE, continued on page 2 of Hastjngs. 150th anniversary (Pholo by Benjanlin Simon) Thylor Owens Greg Chandler Stuff Writer One week after making a secret visit to Afghanistan with a fellow member of Congress, and only a few days after the final transport plane carrying American forces left the country, U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer is calling for the creation of a special commission to investigate U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan over the past two decades. In an exclusive interview with The Hastings Banner Tuesday, Meijer called for the estab­ lishment of a commission - similar to one created after the Sept. 11,2001 attacks - to review not only the evacuation of Americans and Afghan allies, but also to look at U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan over the past two decades and four presidential admin­ istrations. “Yon don’t get the past two-and-a-half weeks, without the 20 years leading up to it,” said the Republican congressman who rep­ resents Michigan’s 3rd District, which includes Barry County. “It’s important for those Americans who sacrificed their lives, for the trillions of dollars invested.... We owe it to them. . . -We owe it to di those who participated, in our armed services and diplomatic corps, to hold accountable all those who are responsiW Meijer also *ant> to see Congress vote Federal judge sanctions lawyers, orders them to study election law “While the U.S . military is no longer present in Afghanistan, our mission there is not over." U.S. FleP- Peter Meijer every two years on '^Powers authorization. In recent years, too1 ten, decisions on |nj|. Hnry action have been "Me by the president, he said. What would ev«ry arms sale had U> be approved |by C.nl!e,’VssJ?” he said. Meijer did not J"*. . this, hut Article I. Section 8 of the L 01 ">n grants Congress the power to declanLand also to raise and supixirt armies, appropriation of money for that use be fOr a |ongef [erm than two years.” . . Congress has n formal dw|araHon of war since , 'V«ir |j The final transpo^•’ •“><.• carrying American forces left the anl» '» thc c. ‘ f d of Kabul on Monday 3 Meyer support*1 p but is critical of h<> cn(|jllg a oo-vear history. Jhdmwal (>f ltoops, jl)e Bi(Jel| alld See tfVlEw, page 5 Stuff Writer Stephanie Lambert Junttila. the Detroit lawyer who recommended private investiga­ tor Michuel Lynch to Sheriff Dar Leaf and also filed an election lawsuit on Leaf’s behalf, has been sanctioned by a federal judge for her actions in another case aJIcE’intj voter fraud. Junttila, and seven other attorneys, will be required to pa) legal fees incurred by the State of Michigan and City of Detroit, undergo 12 hours of education on the legal system and election law, and be referred for potential suspension or disbarment. These lawyers, which included Donald Thimp attorney Sydney Powell, filed a law­ suit seeking to have Trump declared (he w inner of the 2020 election based on allega­ tions of voter fraud. But n federal judge of the eastern district, I inda V. Parker, threw out the suit after find­ ing the lawyers’ claims to be based on “sfreculation and conjecture” which the attorneys failed to properly investigate before present­ ing“it as evidence in the case a historic and Ihis lawsuit represents profound abuse of the judicial process.” Parker wrote in her opinion on the sanctions hist week, “ft is one thing to take on the charge of vindicating rights associated with an allegedly fiaiidulent election, ft is another to take on the charge of deceiving a federal court and the American people into believ­ ing that rights were infringed, without regard to whether any laws or rights were in fact violated. This is what happened here.” “Although the First Amendment may allow Plaintiffs' counsel to say what they desire on social media, in press conferences, or on television,” she added, “federal courts ! are reserved for hearing genuine legal dis­ putes which are well-grounded in fact and law.” Parker spent six hours questioning the attorneys earlier in the summer, and found their answers to be “evasive and non-responsivc.” She said the attorneys* answers amounted to an admission that they “did not bother to find out what the Michigan Election Code requires, and whether the acts alleged to constitute violations of the Michigan Election Code were actually prohibited.” In her final opinion, Parker pointed to several other problems with the attorneys' suit, including information provided Joshua Merritt. Identified as “Spider” in the lawsuit, the attorneys claimed he was “a former US Military Intelligence expert” and “former electronic intelligence analyst with the 305th Military Intelligence.” See SANCTIONS, page 5 �September 2, 2021 - in® Hastings Banner * permit bill under scrutiny jn House > Utile, ' /ev says Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Fifty-five minutes into state Rep. Julie Calley’s 60-minutr-Iong office hours session Friday. a woman spoke from thc back of the room. T’m just here because I want to voice my concern over the Bill 341 that resides with your committee.” Julie Raider, a resident of Orangeville Township, said. Al this point, the crowd of about 25 people had discussed pharmacy benefit managers, disability insurance and alleged election fraud. But when Raider brought up the topic of the recently passed mining bill, thc .sound of "Oh yeahs” rippled throughout the room. Tb the displeasure of many Hany County residents, the Michigan Senate passed a proposal in early June to allow the state, not local governments, to issue gravel and sand mining permits. State Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, tried to exempt Barry County from the bill. Then, when his resolution failed, he voted for the proposal, which was approved by one vote. The proposed bill now resides in thc state House of Representatives with the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee, which Calley chairs. Development requires gravel and sand to build roads, bridges and homes. According to a Bridge Magazine article, by the end of 2021, the Michigan Department of Transportation will have spent $226 billion to work on nearly 3,000 lane miles. That’s where Barry' County comes into play: It's a place with an abundance of sand and gravel mining opportunities. “There is no silver bullet by any means,” Calley said. “We’re looking at what other states arc doing and trying to find best practices because we do have this resource available. But we want to make sure that it is mined in a way that’s respectful to everyone around it. if it’s mined at all.” For Raider, the mining bill is a personal issue. Just last year, she spent $100,000 building a home in Orangeville Township. She had lived in Middleville for years, but wanted to move to a more rural area. She picked al 1/2acre plot of land next to a 150-acre farm that had belonged to a family for years. JThen Jr\the middle of building the house, a new neighbor moved in. The family next door bad sold its farm to a gravel mining company. “Il’s like, ‘You’re kidding me,’ ” she said in an interview with 77ie Hastings Banner after the Calley meeting. “I’ve been wanting to move back out in the country’ forever. I finally moved back and I get worried about a gravel mine.” Raider said she didn't know anything about gravel mines or the legislative conversations going on at the state level. She just knew- that a company was going to start mining 50 feet Julie Raider attended state Rep. Julie Calley’s office hours at Tyden Center to express concern about a mining bill passed by the Michigan state senate. Raider recently built a house in Orangeville Township and, during the construction process, her next-door neighbors sold their 150-acre farm to a gravel mining company. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) “If there’s a middle ground, it has not been located yet.” - State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland from her property. She began doing research. She learned about the bill and gravel mines and became increasingly concerned about “the noise, the dust, the dirt, the vibrations, the potential for contamination to the water, the aquifers” - all of the different problems that mining could cause, she said. She’s womed about the new bill, how there won’t be any limit on operation hours and that the state won’t understand the needs of local residents. “I don’t want thc governing of it to go to die state level because they're going to be out of touch,” Raider said. “They’re not going to know what people here in Barry County are going to know about stuff. And, you know, just the fact that they’re removed, physically, it’s less real to them. There’s no connection.” Raider went to Calley’s office hours Aug. 27 at the Tyden Center to ask about the current status of the bill. In an interview following that meeting, Calley said she has heard similar concerns from constituents. “Those who reach out are 100-percenl opposed.” she said. Calley also said the bill is unlikely to gel off the ground in the slate House, noting that, in years past, the issue has stalemated and, State Rep. jU|ie Ca||ey, R-Portland, responds to Julie Raider of Orangeville Township, who as|<ed about a recent legislative propOSa| that would remove local control of grave| and sand mining permits. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) currently, she can’t say “the issue has any momentum in the House.” “Generally, whai happens is you put in enough things for one party or the other that everybody hates the contents, and it just dies,” she told the group. "And that’s exactly what happened (with last term’s mining bill]. If there’s a middle ground, it has not been located yet. “But like I said. I know it’s not working for locals as it stands, either, because it’s putting them in a very difficult position.” Many Barry County residents, like Raider, say that they don't want trucks digging holes next to their homes and spewing dust into the air. Calley said she hears their concerns. “I'm always hesitant to take away local control automatically because locals usually do it best,” she said. As chairman of the committee. Calley said she has spent a large chunk of her time trying to learn the intricacies of the issue. Before taking office, she knew very little about the topic. Now. she’s visiting mining sites, talking to township official and hearing from the Michigan Departmem of Environment. Great Lakes and Energy, the state organization that would oversee mining operations decisions if the bill were to passr , , . “I’m very’ deternmed to find out why ii hasn’t made any in the last decade because there’s no need to repeat any mistakes that have already been tnade,” she said. “A lot of what we do with the Legislature is actually historical research.” But she warned that the process will require patience. “You’ve heard there are three sides to every story. In Lansing, there are far more than three sides* she said. “So, it just takes a while as you continue to gather information.” Sky’s the limit for Delton teachers thanks to Leonard endowment Tbylor Owens “The teachers are really getting excited about it.” The initiative carries extra significance for Stanton, since Doris Leonard was her fourth­ grade teacher. She recalled Leonard as “a good teacher. Very gentle. Very' loving.” “She was a very mild-mannered lady,” Stanton said. “Soft-spoken, very kind, but very in control of her classroom. ... She always had a smile on her face.” Leonard was active in the community, and served on the local ambulance board, Delton District Library Board and was active in the Bernard Historical Society. At Faith United Methodist Church, Leonard served as treasur­ er. organist and choir director. She is remembered for having a love of theatre and performance. Leonard had a stage in her classroom where she would introduce kids to acting and singing. She did stage hair and makeup for the students and even sewed ate degree. The scholarships will be in addition to the their costumes. $20,000 the Delton Kellogg Education “She spent a lot of time with kids, even Foundation awards to new graduates every outside of school hours,” Bassett said. “She just was a beloved teacher in this district.” year. So far, the classroom grants have been used The classroom endowment will pay for more than $50000 in annual classroom grants toward the purchase of supplies such as for Delton Kellogg teachers. That number is books, band equipment and new rugs for ele­ about 10 times what the DKEF has been giv­ mentary students to sit on while reading. "Knowing that so much of our whole group ing out in its classrooms scholarships each instruction in the lower grades takes place on year. ‘That’s totally changing the whole picture the rugs or large carpet,” elementary school for teachers of Delton,” DKEF Board member principal Kannin Bourdo said, “it is so Marsha Bassett said. “We are almost retrain­ important to provide a desirable space for ing our teachers because they have been dig­ students to gather for whole group instruction, ging info their pockets for years fo buy stuff reading with a buddy, or small group instruc­ tion.” for their classrooms.” Bourdo wrote the grant application for the The Ixonard endowments are held al thc Barry Community Foundation. The DKEF rugs and another for literacy bags for teachers reviews the grant applications and makes rec­ to send students home with reading materials ommendations to thc BCF, which makes the to practice nightly reading at home. ‘The literacy bags allow us the opportunity final decision on disbursing the funding, to get resources home and back to school based on criteria left by the Ixonards. safely, while encouraging parents to partici­ “We are just amazed at their generosity to pate with nightly reading with their children.” the school, their Jove of the district and the Bourdo said. "If they are not reading yet, but kids that they would give us this money to are learning letters or sounds, they would then better our community and our children,” send home flashcards or sight word practice DKEF board member Doreen Stanton said. Staff Writer Delton Kellogg Schools staff will start the school year with new resources, thanks to a multimillion-dollar endowment from George “Bud” and Doris Leonard. As part of their estate, the Leonards left two gifts for the district: a $1.9 million endowment for scholarships and a $13 mil­ lion endowment for classroom grants. “The Leonard family was incredibly gener­ ous and will benefit Delton Kellogg teachers and students for years to come,” Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. “We are blessed with an incredibly generous community.” The scholarship endowment will pay for $76,000 in annual scholarships for Delton Kellogg graduates starting next year. The money will be available to new graduates and Delton Kellogg alumni attending a trade or vocational school or pursuing an undergradu­ activities.” First-grade teacher Nikki Massanari used grant funding to purchase hand-held dry erase boards and a 75-inch touchscreen for her classroom. She said the whiteboards allow her to give students instant feedback on their work. When she’s teaching math skills, she can just ask students to show their whiteboards after solv­ ing a problem, instead of waiting for them to turn in worksheets, grading them and handing them back. “The whiteboards have been really fabu­ lous for kids,” Massanari said. “They get that information really quickly-” The touchscreen TV is another way for Massanari to get information to her students faster. She can put an assignment onscreen and then highlight, underline or circle different parts by drawing on the touchscreen. Massanari will be able to use different edu­ cation software to have students sort objects or make notations of their own. The screen is big enough that three or four students can use the touchscreen at the same time. "I think it will be a really co**1 experience for them,” Massanari saidDuring her 30 yea^ aS a teacher, Massanari has written numerous grant applications for new technology jn classroom. She said education needs t0 be able to compete with the TV, smartphones qnd iab,els that many children grow up • need things to be eye-catching, Massanari said. “I n„J cei them excited or •hey-re not going f She has written W|.,refSnt appbcations for hands-on technology robots, . "Kids love to buil,i ,l it really helps their brain.” Massanari siiria"it’s something that’s fun for them.” . She hopes other n lron teachers will see svhat she has obtain^Ugh the grants and apply for their own K -ts , l “We can think the and Delton more of a 1 °Ltive place I(J Massanari said. that l»’e sk>’s hc limit.” 1 Kim Rodriguez, a member of the Barry County Serenity Club, holds up a T-shirt designed by club President Tina Noble. Serenity Club hosts concert to raise waremsss of drugs, overdose Benjamin Simon Staff Writer One morning, Tina Noble woke up and decided she wanted to put on an overdose awareness concert. No build-up or moment triggered that realization. It was just a random decision. But it meant she had to plan an entire event in two months. She had to find a vendor and file for permits and order T-shirts and book a band and get a guest speaker. ‘That was pure hell,” said Noble, president of the Barry County Serenity Club, said. Tuesday night, it all came together, when the Serenity Club hosted its first overdose awareness.concert. Thc event, which landed pn International^ Overdose Awareness Day, . took place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Thomapple Plaza in downtown Hastings. It featured music, speakers, a food truck, and the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force, which provided a demonstration on Narcan, a medicine that reverses overdoses. Tlie goal of the event. Noble said, was to further inform the public about addiction and drugs in Barry County, even noting the fact that drugs have seeped into the middle schools. “There are a lot of things in life that make you feel uncomfortable.” she said. "It makes normal people uncomfortable to hear us talk about it. But if we make it normal, more people will seek help. "They’ll know where to go get help and they’ll know recovery is possible.” In between sets of “Sweet Home Alabama” and “We Will Rock You” performed by The New Alternative Route, various people spoke about the issue. Interim Police Chief Dale Boulter discussed the Good Samaritan Law, which exempts people from prosecution when they call the police in the case of an overdose. Noble stepped on stage, along with other members of the Serenity Club, to share her story. “With some of the 12-step programs, it's supposed to be anonymous,” Noble said in a later interview. “Anonymous isn’t saving lives. I’m willing to say I’m an addict. I don't care who knows. Let thc world know. ... [Anonymity is] not saving anybody’s life. “If everybody is hush-hush about it, who are we telling? Who are we telling recovery is pO&lblfe?” ”77; Housed at ..301 S. Michigan Ave.the, Barry, County Serenity Club,has existed for seven years, assisting people in their journey to recovery. “Usually, when you get out [of jail], you have nothing left,” Noble said. "We’ve got clothes, we’ve got food. You don’t have to hit all your old contacts back up; you can actually start over.” • Although the club planned the event in just two months, Noble said it went “surprisingly well.” “People showed up,” she said. “They shut up when I was talking so they heard what I was saying. They lined up, they got Narcan. They know a little bit about the Good Samaritan Law now. They know they can go to the pharmacy and get Narcan.” Noble said the club plans to hold the event next year, but with a few changes. For one, they aren’t going to pull off the event in two months again. As a matter of fact, they're going to start planning for next year’s concert today - just two days after this year’s event. M-179 resurfacing work set for next week Greg Chandler Director Jake Welch said he doesn’t expect Staff Writer the project to have a significant impact on the The Michigan Department of surrounding county road network. Transportation will begin resurfacing work “It should be a pretty minimal traffic next week on a nearly 11-mile stretch of impact project,” Welch said. M-179/Chief Noonday Road from just west of The M-179 resurfacing work comes as the the Hastings city limits to the Barry-Allegan road commission is wrapping up its chip county line. sealing projects for the season. Chip seal The $1.9 million project, which will run work was done Monday on West State Road, from the intersection of M-179 and M-43 in east of Middleville, and work took place Rutland Charter Township to Patterson Road Tuesday on Bender and Finkbeiner roads in at the county line, is scheduled to begin Thomapple Township, Welch said. Tuesday and is slated for completion Nov. 5, The road commission will now* turn its said John Richard, spokesman for MDOT’s attention to gravel roads in the county, which Grand Region. have been impacted by recent dry conditions. ‘This project will increase safety, improve Welch said. There are about 480 miles of the ride quality and extend the service life of gravel roads in thc county. the roadway," Richard said in a press release. Similar to the resurfacing work that look place earlier this summer on M-37 between Middleville and Caledonia, the M-179 project will involve lane closures, with traffic reduced to one lane. "It will be a Bagging operation at times with both directions taking turns on the one open lane,” Richard said. live mosquito pools and 10 infected animals Besides the milling and resurfacing of the in the Itower Peninsula. road, the project will include the placement of No human cases of West Nile virus have aggregate on thc shoulder, centerline been reported to date; however, a case has corrugations and pavement markings. Richard been reported in ahorse from Midland County. said. Mosquito-bome illness will continue to be The Barry County Road Commission has a risk in Michigan until late fall when night­ been in constant communication with MDOT time temperatures consistently fall below freezing. with regard to thc M-179 project. Since thc project is on a state highway, the road For more information about mosqui­ commission has no involvement with the to-borne diseases, visit Michigan.gov/ project. Road Commission Operations emergingdiseases. EEE, continued from page 1 �SUMMERF£ST continued from page 1 , - M Dakota Roll, a Hastings High School senior, plays the tenor sax as the Saxon marching band parades down State Street. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) People walk througi downtown Hastings around noon Saturday. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Tom and Sheila Huis wave to members of the Battle Creek Shrine Club as they whiz by in mini-cars.(Photo by Benjamin Simon) would want to get out and enjoj themselves some. And that’s where I think thchot weather had a significant impact on it I was riding in the parade, for example, looking at what the crowds looked like They were smaller titan I expected to see.” Byington won't know the official numbers from all the events until he meets with the planning committee Thursday afternoon. From his perspective, they had an “average” weekend, compared to past years. “I talked with one of the vendors, and he put it probably the best. He said it was about an average year, overall, ft Wasn’t a bumper crowd. It wasn’t a failure,” Byington said The three-day festival, which took place Friday through Sunday, celebrated Hastings’ 150th year as a city. After skipping the 2020 Summerfest due to COVID-19, the annual festival featured a variety of events, including arts and crafts booths, a parade, car show, 3-on-3 basketball, weightlifting, food and carnival games. Despite the weather and lower-thanexpected turnout, Byington said they had no complications and everything ran smoothly. The event, he added, was “stupendous.” Slots available in Nashville blood drive today As of Wednesday afternoon, 10 appoint­ ment slots remained open for a blood drive today at Grace Cornniunity Church in Summerfest gave people a chance to dress for a festival and celebrate: In this case, a face-paint bedecked Saxon danced down the street. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Nashville. The American Red t^ss is conducting the drive from noon to 5-45 p.rn al cbUrch, 8950 E. M-79 High*3*Anyone who is at le^»t 17, weighs a mini­ mum of 110 pounds, is in reasonably good health and has not donated blood in 56 days is eligible. . Appointments nw made using the American Red Cross b °od Donor App, visit­ ing RcdCrossBlood.ojg. or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733'2700. All blood types are needed to ensure a e supply for patients. A blood donor caj* °r driver’s license or two other form** ’ n ^^'ation are required (Photo by Benjamin at check-in. . .v_r. Other upcoming s">thea - Wednesday. sTwh;. .m 11 p.m. at the Bradfoh1 .. e Uav 308 Washington S’- L ^ev>Ue. - Thursday, ScP1.;ne'ro'nn p.m..Fin,tPm>WwflS hurch^ :a include: jn to 5:45 1002 Hall, in to 5:45 5 N. M-37 CommunityAction NOW HIRING OPEN POSITIONS in Barry County: •GSRP Uad Teachers- GSRP Assistant Teachers • • l>rly Childhood Teacher • Classroom Professionals Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community to achieve and maintain independence. Applynovvatwvvwxaascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 & Community Action h an equal opportunity employe, equal opportunity pwMdar. Highway, Hasting'- I . �Page 4 — Thursday. September 2, 2021 — The Hasting Panner Did you see? ■ j Get along, little doggie This fellow s name is Axle. His owner. Audra Cheeseman of Creative Designs in downtown Hastings, said, according to her husband, they could have gotten car parts. Instead, they got a miniature dachshund. So she calls him Axle. He’s 3 months old - and he's sporting a nifty Boards owe response to the public .• w& ? ■ B £$'■ r* . 4 collar, too. Do you remember? New and returning teachers Banner Sept. 7. 1961 New faculty members - Fifteen new faculty members are among the 85 persons on the instruction staff of the Hastings Public Schools, plus six practice teachers who will work with the teachers during the coming months. The new teachers and student instructors were welcomed here at a community breakfast Tuesday at the Hotel Hastings sponsored by the Rotary. Club, with Roman Feldpausch (extreme right) as chairman of the event. The new teachers are (seated, trom left): Junia Jarvie. junior and senior high homemaking, returning to the staff; Mrs. Sue French, fourth grade at Northeastern. returning to staff; Mrs. Charlotte Heath, sixth grade. Northeastern, returning; Miss Lucinda Smith, high school English: Mrs. Dorothy Hooker, third grade. Southeastern; Miss Carole Regan, junior high English: Miss Ruth Scheresky, first grade, Northeastern; (standing) Gordon Brazas. algebra and bookkeeping: Donal Sorby, junior high geography and social science: James Miller, junior high social science and high school orientation; Fay Clardy Jr.: W.liam DeHaan, high school orientation; Duane Coykendall; Thomas Wentworth; John Meek; Darwin Hooker, junior hgh science; Donald Mullens, high school typing; Harold Ship, high school art; Clifford Bee. high school English; Gary VinSickle; and Roman Feldpausch. Clardy. Coykendall. Wentwcth, Meek. VanSickle and William Mackson, who isn’t in the pfvtaryaph, are student teachers. Henry French, who has returned as librarian, was not present. (Photo by Barth) Have you meu When Robin Hawthorne took over as Rutland Charier Township clerk in 2003. she didn’t everything the clerk did. She didn’t know about all of the files, election rules, zoning laws, payroll, fund accounts. She had just taken (he job because she wanted some­ thing new io do. Prior to that, the Hastings native spent five years as a paraprofessional fora student with a disability. She owned Haw thorne Marine in Hastings for 35 years. She managed a restau­ rant for nearly a decade and spent 14 years running a vertical mill at Bliss Manufacturing Co., now BCN Technical Services, where her father. Joe Burkholder, was employed in the engineering department. In the summer of 2003. Hawthorne decid­ ed to follow in the footsteps of her mother. Barb Burkholder, a third-grade elementary teacher, accepting a job with the Barry Intermediate School District. But right before the school year started, the township board reached out. The clerk. Robin McKenna, was moving to Muskegon. Hawthorne had no experience in government or public service, but she took the job. “It just sounded interesting to me.” she said. “It’s a different avenue. I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to try new things, try different things.” She spent the first three weeks pinned to McKenna’s side learning the different aspects of the role. She said she was surprised at first, wishing McKenna would stay longer to help her. ••‘This is like mind-boggling ... what did I get myself into?” she remembered thinking. As planned, however. McKenna moved to Muskegon after three weeks, and Haw thorne was fill the job of township clerk on her own. '•That first day that I was here alone. I sat behind this desk and 1 was freaking out. she said. “I was like. ‘Oh my god.’” She responded by attending every Michigan Townships Association training session she could find. She went to their annual threc-day convention and signed up lor a municipal clerks convention. Then she had her first election days. “That was blind panic that first year.” she >aid. Did she have enough booths? Did she do he signage correctly? Was she following all )f the voting rules? Was she making sure voters met the right requirements? “At the end of the night. I was just - i’ll icver forget that feeling,” she said, “But then was fine. Then I was fine.” Eighteen years later, Hawthorne. 67, is offices Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. jo 3 p.m. When she’s not there, she’s probably at Spectrum Health Pennock, serv­ ing as an aquatics instructor, where she leaches six classes a week. And when she’s not there, she’d still like to be attending a training session for clerks. “Even to this day. because there’s so much involved . . . 1 still attend trainings,” she said. “.And even though a lot of it is like yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, there’s always something.” For her role as a township clerk. Robin Hawthorne is this week’s Bright Light: Robin Hawthorne still sitting in the Rutland Township Clerk office. She hasn’t stopped learning and train­ ing and adapting to the yearly changes that come with serving as a clerk. lake the election, tor example. Over the years. Hawthorne has gone through three different voting machines and drastic chang­ es to the absentee voting laws. She said she’s lucky to have a crew of 15 helping her out in the larger elections. “Ihat’s thc biggest challenge is keeping (he rules - rules for this, rules for this, rules foi this - all straight.” she said. “That’s the biggest challenge.” But thc election is only one piece of Hawthorne’s job, and most people don’t real­ ize that, she said. She doesn’t blame them; she was lhe same way' when she took over in 2003. . ‘‘Whether it’s to pay taxes, whether it’s to register to vote, whether it s to buy a ceme­ tery lot, you’re here for just that one thing that you’re here for.” she >aid. “But there’s so many balls in the air when it conics to the clerk. ... A Io! of people that come in here don’t realize that because they’re here, for one specific purpose. Bui the townships pro vide more than one specific puqxi.e, Hawthorne works in the Rutland lownship Favorite movie: ‘‘Dirty Dancing.” I love the music and the dancing in that mov ie, oh, and Patrick Swayze! 1 bet I’ve seen it 20 times or more. First job: Behind the meal counter at the A&P store here in Hastings t Favorite TV program. ‘‘America’s Got Talent.” I love seeing all of tI,e fantaslic things people are capable of. If I could go anywhere in the world: I would love to take a European riverboat cruise someday. Person I most admire and why: My dad. I le was thc most compassionate man I have ever known. If I could have any supcrP0" 01*’^ "(,uId be: The ability to tum back time. Il goes by so fast. Favorite vacation dcstin«,ion: Camping in our trailer around Michigan. We truly live in a beautiful state What I’d tvi| a h sc|100l graduate: ( hensh these next f<,Ur 10 six >'ears becausc it’s about to get real Something on . ckct list: 1 would love someday to swim Lilh dolpl»ns-1 lh,nk they are amazing Crpa. ■ and would love to get up close to them (Jrealesi thinn t Barn County: 1 lived in ty my whole life, he atmosphere a,,ltl| vjtere is fantastic. Hastings is the c<Hlll|.I,u of Barry County. bl" " shl1 'hat homlmwnfcel. There are SO many opp()ru,ou just have to g«outand„un>(U!^J Each week, the n, profiles a person who makes the “ "l,tf shine. Do >'ou know someom. be featured because of x«,|Ull, fun-loving personaltty. tor t|u. M |1C has to tell or °""-T re:,sl)1‘.!t:s|ie‘ information to New.r.»>ni.||a.(. ■ Send 1J51 N. ,M 43 li:,sti,V IJi"'ui’ 49O58; °r email newsfo ; . , 11 IN. -------- ------ J ''dpr.,.. . ,.nln. boards maintain the pos.tion that they will Remember when public board meetings no! respond to any public comment, which I were mundane, slow-walking affairs? understand, because open debate with the Probably not, because most of us never public could take a great deal of time and attended them. end in a public discussion that docsn t help Today, though, school board meetings, city council and county board meetings, “‘buHI they expect the public to support even public hearings on gravel mining per­ mits. have become Facebook Live, must-see them, boards should consider adding an reality T V-like events for which it’s hard to agenda item that would allow them to just find a seat At a meeting last month of respond to. and possibly deal with, some of the Barry County Board of Commissioners, the issues that are brought up during the the county sheriff had to stand at the door to public comment time. That way. the public ensure that those who wanted to make pub­ will know it was heard and comments will lic comments didn’t exceed the room’s be taken into consideration. When board members maintain an impas­ capacity limit. Hot-button social issues like mask man­ sive posture - I’ve even seen some use dates and education curriculums, alleged facial gestures over a point that a citizen is election fraud and gender-neutral bathrooms trying to make - they send lhe wrong mes­ have turned otherwise reasonable and edu­ sage and show disrespect to the public. cated people into squabbling third-graders They forget they are elected to represent the on the playground. If thc behavior exhibited public and should welcome the participa­ lately by some board members and the citi­ tion. . Leadership is supposed to make a differ­ zens who address them during the public comment time on meeting agendas were not ence by initialing, guiding and encouraging so embarrassing, we could pass it off as groups to move forward for positive change. clown comedy. Lite in the public square has That change comes faster and w’ith less become both. resistance when board members exhibit To be sure, speaking before a public body open minds to what others have to say. In a can be intimidating. Some might wonder if democracy, all citizens have thc option and they II even be allowed to talk and, if so. responsibility to be a part of the process of will their remarks be cut off if they are not improving our communities. But to get accepted, lhe ability to speak directly to a things done, you have to bring the public governmental body, though, is one of the along - and that means they must be heard. most basic forms of citizen participation The danger of not encouraging and and. to their credit, most of these boards enforcing proper discourse after the public include a public comment session on tiieir comment portions of public meetings results meeting agendas. in a growing divide and disconnect between Despite lhe First Amendment’s right to board members and the public they endeav­ tree speech, the right to address a public or to serve. That distracts from the mission body is not included in the Constitution. of educating our children and leaching them Today, many boards would rather not pro­ to be open-minded, considerate of other mote public comment lime for citizens to air opinions, fair and equitable. complaints or to criticize the board on deci­ We are a nation faced with so many sions it has made. More and more boards issues, including violence, crime, drug are imposing rules for those who plan to abuse, public policy conflicts, and behavior speak during the public-comment portion of that has become abusive. It’s never been the meeting. Some even go so far as to ask easy to be lhe person who questions the people to sign up ahead of time and request prevailing beliefs. Nor has it been easy to be them td'Submit their topic's prior to speak­ a board member who. at times, is tom ing. They also set times for each speaker, between papular public demands and seeing and some boards allow only so much time a vision for what the community must be to for all public comment. survive and be vibrant in thc future. The move to regulate or even eliminate So. it’s important that citizens are willing comments from the public is understandable to attend public meetings to engage in the in these limes when board members are process when changes are being made and often ridiculed, insulted, even threatened to. hopefully, prevent unwanted action from the floor. In Caledonia, one parent through educated, respectful discourse. vowed. “We’re not done. You will be l he ability to speak directly to a govern­ recalled. We will get rid of you ... Third ment Ixxiy, a city council, a school board, a strike, you're out. This is your third strike, county board or a local zoning board is right now.” perhaps the most basic form of citizen par­ That sounds like the Thomapple Kellogg ticipation. Public comment is something School parent who, regarding the mask that citizens should cherish; they should be issue, recited the job description for board willing to fight for the right to stand before members stating that. ”. . You [on the an elected body to voice their concerns and board) took an oath to adhere to the offer their input. Constitution ... You don’t get to give me Elected officials need to show they’re permission to breathe.” listening by finding ways to respond to the With all this vitriol, my concern is that people who participate in the process. Thai’s defensive boards may lose the understand­ the only way to keep lhe public interested ing. appreciation and importance of allow­ and involved in our communities. ing citizens to speak. J understand that every board has a small group of citizens who show up regularly to voice their opinions, but there’s also value in hearing what they have to say. Often, they're representing a group of like-thinkers with information that could help the board as it contemplates options. Hearing from the public is an essential element of local government, and if these boards need to hold additional town hall meetings to interact with the public, it’s in Fred Jacobs, CEO. their best interest to do so. In fact, most J-Ad Graphics Inc. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the Interests of Barry County since 1856 pubi^hodby... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@i-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphicscom Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Classified ads accepted Monday ttvough Friday fl’30 a.m to 5 CO p.rn. Hank Schuuring CFO ‘ APV^IISING department ■ ~ • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens 2?men Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year m Barry County vdO per year in adjoining counties *65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER Send address chances io PO. Box 18a Hasbngs. Ml 49058 0183 Second Crass Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �Tho 2, 2021 — nagn Page *5 i no Hastings BannarThursday, Banner — Thursday, September 2. , Hastings dives into talks on Pensions, health care benefits Xears fop littlejnto the systeni^^Ltcguire toughdecisions for city council AVa/Z VV>7/rTOn Pot three hours on Mond-u ir Council i ‘'*onoay, Hastings City Crki.n,.;i sions and another $ 10 million for unfunded habt Hies or o icr post-employment benefits - and they have to figure oul 1how ..........(0 pay <•__ for And they could have gone on for much The bigger of the issues is pensions, where the city >s just about 44-percent funded down from 68 percent in 2006 Interim City Manager Gnrgg Guetschow ■££££.tar*- - The city owes about $10 million for pen SANCTIONS, continued from page 1 But a military spokesperson for his battal­ the predetermined narrative (a narrative that ion confirmed that Merritt never completed dangerous and violent consequenc­ the entry-level training course at the battalion es). Parker wrote. and is not an intelligence analyst. The lawsuit Junttila filed on behalf of Leaf, u ^tearly ^is is dishonest.” Parker wrote. •n his capacity as sheriff, and several other “This was not the experience on which Barry- County residents, sought lo prevent Plaintiffs’ attorneys premised Merritt's exper­ election data from being routinely wiped from tise in their pleadings.” the state s election equipment. It was thrown She also pointed to thc affidavit of Matt out by U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker the Cianlar, filed by lhe attorneys, citing it as “a day after it was filed last December. masterclass on making conjectural leaps and Jonker said thc suit made “speculative bounds.” leaps toward a hazy and nebulous inference Ciantar said he was walking his dog on the that there has been numerous instances of afternoon following the election when he saw election fraud.” a van pull into a post-office parking lot. two The suit was largely based on affidavits people gel out and put three or four large plas­ from Barry’ County residents referring to the tic bags with unknown contents into a postal use of markers to fill out ballots in local poll­ van and then leave. ing sites, which is not illegal and local elec­ Parker highlighted each lime Cianlar wrote tion clerks said did not cause any problems “appeared as if,” “which I fell” and “what when counting lhe ballots. looked like.” Junttila solicited for the complaints from Ciantar wrote that he found it odd that the Barry County residents online and accepted two people were smiling and laughing at each them in person at the sheriff’s office. other, and he believed those bags could con­ She also employed private investigator tain ballots. Michael Lynch on occasion, and recommend­ “A document containing the lengthy mus­ ed him to Leaf to assist in his investigation ings of one dog-walker after encountering a into allegations of voter fraud in Barry County. ‘smiling, laughing' couple delivering bags of Both Junttila and Leaf said Lynch was not unidentified items in no way serves as evi­ being paid lo coinc to Barry County and dence that stale laws were violated or that investigate the election. fraud occurred," Parker wrote. ”... At no Local township clerks said Lynch ques­ stage during lhe litigation process would such tioned them on their procedures during the 'evidence' count as evidentiary' suppon for a election, and appeared to have a particular factual allegation.” interest in lhe Dominion voter machines, and “Attorneys have an obligation to the judi­ Barry' County Clerk Pam Palmer’s role in ciary. their profession, and the public to con­ preparing them for Election Day. Lynch arrived with a Barry County Sheriff’s duct some degree of due diligence before presenting allegations as truth;” Parker added, deputy, w ho clerks said asked few questions, “to advance only tenable claims; and to pro­ and identified himself only by name. The investigation in Barry County was ceed with a lawsuit in good faith and based on based on a complaint by former sheriff’s a proper purpose.” “What is most important, however, and office employee Julie Jones, which was based what very' clearly reflects bad faith is that on tlie lawsuit filed in Antrim County, which Plaintiffs’ attorneys are trying to use lhe judi­ was throw n out by another judge. In the original police report, filed last April, cial process to frame a public ‘narrative.’ ” she wrote. “Absent evidentiary or legal sup­ the investigation was marked as “inactive” by port for their claims, this seems to be one of the deputy who look Jones’ complaint. According to the report, when the deputy the primary purposes of this lawsuit. “Second, there is a basis to conclude that reached oul to Jones a month later, “she Plaintiffs' legal team asserted lhe allegations advised at this lime she would only like the in their pleadings as opinion rather than fact, incident documented.” But during a political rally in June, Leaf with lhe purpose of furthering counsel’s polit­ ical positions rather than pursuing any attain­ said the complaint, combined with informa­ able legal relief.” tion from “one of my attorney friends,” “Once it appeared that their preferred polit­ became the basis of his investigation. ical candidate's grasp on the presidency was Leaf told the Barry County Board of slipping away. Plaintiffs’ counsel helped mold Commissioners the investigation is ongoing, the predetermined narrative about election but it was sidelined when lhe deputy assigned fraud by lodging this federal lawsuit based on to that case was assigned to investigate lhe evidence that they actively refused to investi­ disappearance of Nashville area resident gate or question with thc requisite level of Rachel Hazen, who has been missing since professional skepticism—and this refusal was July 21. That investigation also continues. to ensure that the evidence conformed with REVIEW, continued from page 1 his administration handled the withdrawal. The biggest mistake made by the administration was, “as we were executing lhe withdrawal, not continually re-examining the strength of lhe Aighan gov­ ernment and the Afghan security forces,” he said. It took only nine days for Taliban forces to seize control of the country, including the presidential palace. Meijer called the resulting chaos “an indictment on our entire senior national security visas [SIV].currently at 34.500, by an additional 10,000 for Afghan interpreters and other partners who assisted U.S. forc­ es. The legislation, titled lhe Showing American Values by Evacuating [SAVE] Afghan Partners Act of 2021. also would make clear that those employed under cooperative agreements and grants are eligible for the special immigrant visa program, Meijer said. “While lhe U.S. military is no U.S. Rep. Peter longer present in Afghanistan, Meijer represents the our mission there is not over,” staff. q .• Meijer and Rep. Seth 3rd Congressional Meijer said. “We still have thou­ Moulton, a Demotic con­ sands of interpreters and other District, which gressman from Massachusetts Afghan partners who put them­ includes Barry selves and their loved ones at and fellow military veteran, vis­ County. risk now stranded in ited the Hamid Karzat airport n Kabul on Aug. 24 to takei a look Afghanistan, and lhe chaotic at the evacuation effort first and heartbreaking withdrawal that the world witnessed over the last few hand, t „ lawmakers were criticized WhiJe the two te"^elosi as well as weeks shows just how vulnerable they still are. by HeUm th^Pentagon and State Department “By clarifying S1V eligibility requirements sources at the ren t, resources that and raising the visa cap, we will ensure that for diverting p«c» evacuation. Meijer our allies are protected, and our promises are were needed lor kept. Our credibility and moral standing in the defended the vivtL w (he rcgion world depend on the completion of this mis­ Meijer said th > . resources because sion.” using their own pc,. (he with(lrawa| In June, Meijer joined Crow in introducing they felt an urgent need t< legislation to increase the cap for the Afghan firsthand. clear or honest or SIV program by an additional 8,000 visas and ••We were not g = administration." remove some requircrnenls that were sk)wi accurate answers irom^h down the application process. b Also, Meijer cosponsored*a bill authored he told The Bantu a[)d spent two Mcijer A?enhanhtan. helping aid workers by Crow to temporarily Waive lhe medi examination requirement for SIV applicants years m Al^m • >f which was considered cost-pa)hibilive provide huntandarmn Kabu >a u Twoday^ltf 7%Je the airport by the difficult for many applicants t0 safely receive President Biden signed both measures into cide bomb'"e1/l,or1san Province, common > law as part of the Security Supplemental Islamic State Khorasa^ A lr(K)p, funding on July 30. known as IS1-' ■ _ Afghans. ISIS K repo The Hastings Banner also reached out to Michigan’s U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabcnow and Gary Peters, both DerniKrats, for comment on the Afghanistan evacuation. 'Fhcy did not return calls seeking comment. be fully funded. So which i<?" “...We were already in the hole. We’ve “...We were already in the hole. We’ve got­ It s got lo move to f00.” oVerley respond- ten tenfurther furtherand and further furtherinin the thehole. hole.What What we ed. ”... Again. I warned ..u...u have 1....... been doing in all .11 those .1.^. wanted u, to be transparent with should years, you. I mean. I vc been in front of council in when we were making additional payments, the past even working with past administra­ we should have made more additional pay­ tions. lhe limiting level for the city has ments.” dropped. I’m not trymg to dodge thal t)y any Now. Guetschow said, they will make those means.” additional payments. Over the years, the city has met all of the Following Overlcy’s presentation, correct payments, even making additional Guetschow projected a flow chart that detailed contributions at times, Guetschow said. But. how the city could pay off its pension and to thc frustration of some council members, OPEB debt in the future. the city continues to find itself in a ditch of The city will need millions of dollars and unfunded liability. Guetschow advised the council to think about “‘The challenge 5 have is that’s a “The reasons for our dropping _ why?” using a combination of methods to make up huge increase ^Vilh.^nOns1’” Guetschow McNabb-Stange asked. “Why hasn’t the for the money. said in an interview w e Hastings Banner. amount that you tell us .should be contributed The city could raise employee con­ “And we need to P Cnt about where that every year at least kept us steady?” tributions, for example, but that would only additional money is g g to come from in lhe There are many factors. Overley said, amount to “a drop in the bucket.” budget. We have other ninRs tjlal we want (o including the simple fact that people are liv­ “I’ve laid out a number of different options spend money on. . 1 Want to take and ing longer. But lhe main reason has to do with that are available to you.” he said. “Where spend every last available dime wc have only return on investments. you’re likely to end up, if you approach this The city. Guetschow explained, will pay reasonably, is to pick a mixture of these. No on pension.” But, first. the council had to learn nearly $800,000 in pension funds this year. one option is likely to be lhe whole solution.” about thc topic in more depth. That’s why a That money is then invested by MERS before On the pension, Guetschow suggested lhe special meeting was sc leduled for Monday, going back to the city. That return on invest­ possibility of cost-cutting through increased dedicated strictly 10 pensions and other ment is factored into the city’s final cost. But employee contributions or benefit restructur­ post-employment benefits, which js oftcn when MERS calculates the city’s final cost, ing. He also noted that the city could levy a referred to as OPEBthe return on investment is estimated. public safety assessment, go lo lhe public for The city brought in a representative Over the last few years, the returns have a dedicated millage or. most notably, cut costs from lhe Municipal -nip|Oyees’ Retirement fallen short of what was expected. As a result, on OPEB. System of Michigan. Regional m anager Mike lhe city started falling behind and didn’t make The city could restructure the OPEB con­ Overley. to explain the topic and the city's dip up for it. tracts currently in place and, for example, “When we missed the target on invest­ offer only part-fee reimbursements for people in funding. ‘The primary' purpose of that meeting was ments, that means we should put in more of over the age of 65. It also could offer benefit lo answer the council s question as to how did the city’s money, even though they told us, buyouts, among other options. That would not we get into this situation,’’ Guetschow said. ‘Here's what you owe.’ ” Guetschow said. only help solve the OPEB problem, but make “We haven’t set aside enough money to pay The miscalculation investment. Overley up for some of the unfunded liability on the for these pension obligations that we have. said, occurred for a number of reasons, most pension side. Why have we racked up the deficit in that notably lhe 2008 recession. “Some of these, 1 think you’re going to ‘This last 10-year period, it’s like a perfect view as being very harsh, very hard on folks,” fund that wc have? Overley started his presentation by break­ storm for pension plans,” he said. “There has Guetschow told the council. “And this is ing down lhe details of Hastings' pension never been a time, in MERS’ almost 80 years something you have to evaluate - how far do of existence, that there’s been a run like thal, you want to go with some of these?” plan: For 50 years, since 1957, the city offered a where the return was below that level.” Council members did not make any deci­ defined benefit plan. 1 he plan rewarded lon­ Guetschow noted that it was not the sions on Monday night. Instead, they partici­ gevity by calculating the final average com­ city’s fault, but they should have compensated pated in what was more of a learning session. pensation. sendee credit and a benefit multi­ for lhe miscalculation by contributing addi­ But decisions will be coming soon. plier of 2 or 25 percent in determining former tional money. And, regardless of what the council mem­ “What’s happened is, over that bers choose to do, they will have to make up employees’ pensions. 14-year period of time, until this past year, lhe ground they’ve lost, Guetschow said. About 92 people are still on that plan and make up the bulk of lhe unfunded accrued [MERS] never made their target,” Guetschow “We’re going to pay our debts.” he assured said. “They never met their target. So, every council members. “We’re going to pay lhe liability, he said. In 2007, lhe city moved to a hybrid plan - a year, we've been below in terms of the amount we owe for the pension. “We don’t have any choice but to do that.” part defined benefit and part defined contribu­ amount of money that’s coming into the sys­ tion plan, similar to a 401(k) - which Overley tem. called the “best of both worlds.” About 69 people are on lhe hybrid plan and it is 90-percent funded. 'Hie city has 161 whoare receiving - or set to receive - pensio/Kdenefits, including 56 active employees, 23 vested former employ­ ees and 82 retirees and beneficiaries. The city cut lhe OPEB program in the mid20005, but there are still employees left on thc plan. City officials must submit a corrective action plan by lhe end of September, although they have requested a 45-day extension becaitse thc city will have a new city manager, Sarah Moyer-Cale, starting Sept. 13. . 1 lie plan they submit will detail how they intend to make up the liability they.have “Forward, the soldiers brave!” To the editor: accrued. Was there a man or woman dismayed? Below is an ode to the 13 United States of “There’s not an immediate need to pay this No — though the soldier knew America military members who recently died off right now, but there is absolutely a need to Someone had blundered. helping others to evacuate Afghanistan. pay this off over time.’ Overley said. Theirs not to make reply, That event prompted me to recall a poem The lack of urgency did not make sense to Theirs not to reason why. by Alfred Lord Tennyson titled “The Charge council member Brenda McNabb-Stange. If a Theirs but to do and die. city like Hastings continues to float below the of the Light Brigade.” Into the valley of death Tennyson was inspired to write his poem 60-percent funding threshold, the slate could Flew the brave thirteen. about the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimea in come in and take over its finances. which several British soldiers suffered casual­ “You seem to be sugarcoating a bad prob­ All the world wondered. ties as a result of those soldiers reportedly lem at 144 percent] by saying you don’t need Then they flew back. being “the victim of some hideous blunder. that money right now.” McNabb-Stangc said. They that had served so well Having watched lhe events in Afghanistan “But you just said previously thal we should Came back from the mouth of hell. over the last tw’o weeks, I, loo, felt that our Will their glory' fade? military has suffered and, specifically, those O the difference they made! 13 brave soldiers who died helping others to All the world wondered. evacuate Afghanistan as a result of many Honor the difference they made! “blunders.” Honor the brave thirteen. We should all honor them in some way as Noble, brave thirteen! we hope they are the last Americans to die in said the city ** n<><it’s Mill *\rcnl °ther communities. 11 ne of the low...» in the ..... al) est-funded d,c >•*’was ••[We though',! Lctsciin? d <>f going work iisclf »«'• .vl. * during the meeting. “ WM « -s "re over the last 14 to 15 years.1’... The main message is. () ' figure out a way to put more mon \ xp In 2021. the ui'Y il.P£"!d'» pay $847,000 in pension costs, b" ’ * years, that number will rise to at 1M,SLnefit °" ,hc 0,her post-employmenl . Ute. the east will Increase ftom-MOO^’to W)^ b memory of those 13 brave soldiers Call 269-945-WS for Hastings Bannerads that hell of a country. Stephen Williams, Hastings “Ode to the Brave Thirteen” Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since . HastingsBanner chase the Hastings Banner! MiddleuHIe; One Stop Shop (Marathon) : (M-43 North) Supers^ Family Tom’s Hastings JOWs The General Store Speedway Hardings Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny’s Marath°n ^Station (M-37 South) Family F’a,t' Cloverdale General Brown's Cedar Creek Grocery Shelbyville.: Town & Couniry Gun Latex Sam’s Gourmet Foods Maratlw" Mega Hasting’ ^^cy Marathon,^ Station (M-37^ Clouertlfllej Oflistn Family Fare Delton Johnny's Woodland Express Trading Post Little's Country’ Store Nashville Johnny’s MV Phai macy Nrishville C Store Carl's Orangeville Fast Stop Pine Lake: Banlield General Store Doster Country Store Rotg/jiun Slation Lake-0 Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny':s Carl’s Goldsworthys Walgreeo5 Prairieville Fast Slop EttZport: L&J’s �D»’.go 6 Thursday September 2, 2021 — The Hastings Banner CANCEL, continued ,rom page 1 fii Doctor w Universe Happy as a water-siphoning clam Dt. Unix < rse: Win n would a clam open its shell? Why do th< diells open. A.\ far as I know, it opens when boded for food. Teng, 5, China Dear Teng. There are a lot of different reasons why a clam might open its shell. My friend Jonathan Robinson, a marine ecologist al Washington State University, told me all about it. If we spent some time where the ocean meets the shore, or the intertidal zone, we might observe how clams open their shells when they need to eat. breathe or move around. One thing most clam species have in common is they can open and close their shells using two super-strong adductor mus­ cles. Some clams will use those muscles to open their shells when they are in search of food. These filter-feeders cat and breathe through a tube-like part of their body called a siphon, which sticks out from the top of their shells. A clam will use its siphon to bring a bunch of water into its body for two main reasons. The clam gets some oxygen from thc water, so it can breathe. It also gets important nutrients, or food, from the water so it can survive. If there's any leftover stuff in lhe water the clam doesn't need, it gets filtered up and out a second tube-like siphon. If you ever have a chance to watch this happen, it will look like the clam is spitting into the air. When people harvest clams for food, they often use a knife to open the shells, and in the process, they also cut the adductor muscles. That's why we see clams that are partially open on the dinner table — they can no longer open and close their shells on their own. Humans aren’t the only ones who some­ times cat clams. Clams are an important food source for critters like sea stars, sea otters, seagulls and fish, too. Another reason a clam might naturally open its shell is to stick oul its fool and dig into the ground. Yes. you read that right: A clam has a foot. Of course, it isn’t quite like a human foot. "It’s one big muscle, and it kind of looks like a human tongue.” Robinson said. Some clams will use this foot to dig into the ground and hide from predators. A cock­ le clam can use its foot to sort of flip over and propel itself forward. It can use its foot to create this hopping-like motion on both land and in the water. Along with the WSU Beach Watchers, a group of volunteers who help protect the Salish Sea and Puget Sound, Robinson often explores the shores that arc home to several different kinds of clams, including lhe kind known as gcoducks (pronounced “gooeyduck.”) It turns out that not all clams have a shell that can actually open and close. Thc geo­ duck has a foot that is so large, it can’t even fit inside the shell. But the big foot helps the gcoduck dig really deep down into the sand or mud lo escape predators. It’s great to hear you are making obser­ vations and asking big questions, Teng. Maybe one day you will help us leant more about the intertidal zones that so many liv­ ing things call home. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmefa ymail.com. Website: www. hastingsfrtfemethodist.com. Pastor Brian ‘Iced. Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director, Martha StocUel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9:45 am. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43). Delton. MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool. (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am. Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6’30 to 7’30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.: Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindcrgarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616 690-8609. made the ivquirtinen| However, nioM svhoo,s a,c returning to in-pc^ |c<iniing» after moving to partial or total on|ine |Cnrning last year. -We really \V;lnt jn,person education," Olsabeck said. "We know i'nP°rlanl d to have students JeatninjT in person, but we do also w.int to keep them healthy•’* She compared qle t,ur|Vnt state ot the pan­ demic to the start of lIle 2020 fall semester. “Compared to |as( '.ar. we have more cases in the coninninj ‘ already, we have a more infectious strain a„d we have less miti­ gation strategies;’ ()jsabcck said, referring to thc lack of masks, Socia| j^tancing and other viral mitigation strategies this year. Olsabeck showed a slide with research data from the University* of Michigan. The data compared the antouni of time it could lake for one infectious student (0 spread the virus to their peers in a class of 25 students. In an elementary class with full-mask requirements, it wJukl |akc 120 hours of cumulative exposure for the chances of spread to raise above 50 percent.B*lhere was “imPerfecl” masking, it Woulj jn)p down to 24 hours. With no masks, it would drop to three hours. In a high school classiooin. it would take 89 cumulative hourx to spread the virus with complete masking, jg hours in a situation with imperfect masking, and two hours in a classroom without masks to raise the chances of COVID spread above 50 percent. “1 think we do a pretty good job of getting kids who are COVlD-posilive out of the school as quick as we can," Olsabeck said. “But it's very likely that kids will spend one or two days going to class ... because they just don’t know that they’re infectious al that point.” She said it is likely a student may go to school for those first couple of days with no symptoms, or mild cold-like symptoms, before the student or parent realizes they have COVID. Olsabeck’s BEDHD colleague Anne Banta said masks buy time for the students or par­ ents to have that realization and isolate their students before thc virus can have a chance to spread to other students. The department received several messages from the public over the last month. "We have received correspondence. I think al! of the staff, from concerned parents on the masking situation in the district,” health board Chairman Ben Geiger said. "Right now. the current status of our response is we are going to empower school boards to make their own decisions and strongly recommend that they do so. But. at this time, we have not issued a mandate.” Three people attended,the meeting to speak । againsi the use of ma.^ in schools. , . Bethaney Mathews (if Freeport said she doubted the number of reported COVID-19 cases since she dives not trust the results of thc COVID-19 tests. \ “We’re all going to die al some point, OK? We’re going to gel sick, but God has created out bodies with an immune system that is made to fight illness,’’ Mathews said. “When do we just quit with all the hysteria and the fear? I mean, our kids are like in bondage to COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths Barry and Eaton Counties, Ml July 1, 2021 to August 2Z 2021 WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. d ? Residents (80,204) Not Fully vaccinated Residents (91,614) OHO" Cases (180) Cases (578) LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E State Rd.. P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: vvww.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH Hospitalizations (9) Deaths (1) 2601 Lacey Road. Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654, Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 exfob Hmb 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 fear of even breathing ” John Hawkins said his entire family caught COVID, but they ended up fine. One woman voiced an opposite concern. Amanda Wilson, a pediatric nurse practi­ tioner, said her four children are not attending Olivet Community Schools this fall due to the lack of a mask mandate. "Kids seem lo be getting more hospitalized and much sicker than the last several vari­ ants,” Wilson said. “As a parent and ns health providers, we are reliant on you guys to be protecting our kids ... to do your jobs to issue the mask mandate.” “I know that this is a terrifying time with opfxjsition.” she added. ‘They’re scary right now. We know that, wc get it, but our kids are scared of going to school, too, 7 hey’re scared of getting sick. I have a daughter at home with multiple medical issues mid she can’t go to school.” “I know it’s hard. I know it's scary, but we’re relying on you,” Wilson said. "So please issue thc mask mandate lor at least K-12, so our kids can stay in school and learn and be safe.” Laura Wilbalda Marshall Ray Meyers Marshall Ray ’’Moose” Meyers went home to be ■ his Lord and Savior on Friday afternoon. Aug. 27, 2021 suddenly and peacefully after his big. tender heart could no longer sustain him. He was bom January 10. 1938 to Floyd and Gaylia (Klahn) Meyers from Woodland. He was the third of four children and firstborn son to them, and later the middle child when his father passed and Gaylia married Charles Brooks and had a Laura Wibalda passed away peacefully at fifth. Wocxllawn Meadows on August 30, 202! at As he worked most of his childhood for the age of 98 years. various fanners. Moose became his She was bom on April 2, 1923 in Hope nickname and remained his name the rest of Township at the family farm on Gurd Road. his life. She was the daughter of John 7'. and Jessie Moose got his entire education from (Wright) Hallock Woodland School, graduating in 1956. He She attended Dowd School and went on to was not a big fan of school, but his graduate from Delton Highschool in 1941. classmates and teammates would become This is where she met (he dove- of her life, ; close like family and very dear to him. George Wibalda and they were married on Moose loved to play football, basketball, July 21, 1941. They moved to Hastings thal baseball and later fast pitch softball and year where George worked al lhe Bliss until being in various clubs in school. After he was drafted into the Navy in 1944. After school, he and his buddies would hang out at George’s military service was over they Classic’s Drugstore in Woodland to share a moved to lhe farm on Tillotson Lake Road, cherry-cola fountain soda. where they lived for over 50 years. Because of his working on farms. Moose In 1968 George and Laura opened the became very mechanical and as a teenager original Dairy Queen franchise and operated started working for Chuck Mulligan at his that until 1970. After they retired, they began service station. Chuck became his mentor to travel. Some of their trips included and father figure for those teenage years. Alaska. Ireland. United Kingdom, Wales, Since pickings were getting slim in Scotland. Germany and Austria. Laura’s Woodland, he ventured to Lake Odessa in favorite was Ireland. They often shared their 1954 and cruised around until he found slide pictures with nursing homes. They also Madeline Hunt. When she finally quit volunteered for Barry County Hospice. running, they started double dating and had Laura also loved fishing, cooking, reading, some classic 50s fun with his best friend and bird watching and being with family and lifelong buddy Larry Bird. Two weeks after friends. She was a member of Cedar Creek graduation, he and Madeline married June Bible Church. 16. 1956 and started their life together. He Laura was preceded in death by her started his own service station in Woodland parents; her husband, George; infant briefly. He then traveled to Lake Odessa, daughter, Sally; sisters, Martha Daisy Long, Charlotte (where he worked for Wagner infant Rose Hallock and Bethel Peake; Loucks), Potterville, Vermontville and brothers, Forrest Hallock and Warren finally settling back in Woodland in 1976. Hallock. Moose started working for General She is survived by sons, William (Sharon) Motors, Fisher Body division on 1968 where Wibalda and John Wibalda; daughter. Nancy he would retire with his 30 years in 1997 (Jimmie) Campbell; grandchildren, Bradley because he never used his vacation time that Campbell. Bryant Campbell, Stephen accumulated up. Wibalda, Gregory Wibalda and Amanda He truly was not a traveler and stayed Fisher; four great grandchildren and two close to home enjoying pony and draft horse great-great grandchildren. pulling, playing cards with friends and Laura’s family will receive friends at bowling. His bowling career for Kent Oil Cedar Creek Bible Church, 9213 Cedar and the "Lake” Boys landed him two 300 Creek Road in Delton on September 2, 2021 games which were very proud moments for from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. him. Pastor Bob Norton and Pastor Ethan Holms This past June, Moose and Maddie were officiating. Interment will follow in East ab e to celebrate 65 years together along Hickory Corners Cemetery. A luncheon al with their children: Rodger Duane and his the church will take place. three sons Jason (Kate), Justin and Joel For those who wish, memorial Steven Floyd (Karlye) and his four children contributions may be made to Cedar Creek Steven (lanya), James (Candace), Garth Bible Church. (^t nee) and Knsten (Deon). Timothy Lauer Family Funeral Home in Hastings Ray (Julie). Michael John, Jeffrey Lvnn has been entrusted to care for the family. Caeleb^h ’111^ Nalhan (Lil,ian) and Please share condolences at wvvvv. indud- 14 ^alIauerftihastings.com. 1 FAMILY ruMIMt HOME! chiL(rulhkmisscd by ws w,fc k i SISItfr Marjory Rairich brothers; Marlin (Margaret) Meyers neXws g W"h m“,,y C°Usins- niec“ son’Twesd lav""’ b> his Stron8 and Dons Hunt. ■ ’ • J h > thk» Urrm W'locf, th® -wSr^S^ >ltalizi»tions (27) ■ 1 i t-Wu I>«r tixk WkMHftatil 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 ^trat jes.. nleahork Bafry Eaton District Health Department epidemiologist ay or LAUER This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Al- Compared to last year, we have more cases incom™ we have a more infectious strain and we have less mil g uSXS chUhe^ a‘,he Ki,«« b31coin >(» 'I*r, Tuesday, Sept 7 on ! 111 Woodland on Deaths (2) Hsga*. a m. Wednesday. Sent 8 n> i ^8*n at 11 Burial will take- ,1 ,<• • •' ,he church­ Park immediately follow^ “"d Mcnwrial �fl look back at the stories D19^.:+/:^^ Districts, teachers, students prepare for 1946 school start Students -ona|cj g !n9 School, a mile north of Dowling near Cloverdale Road, in 1946 include (front row, from left): Margaret tnii . ^ary 9 Klon, Kenneth Jones, Cecilia Vincent, Bonnie King, Miriam Gaskill; (second row) Yvonne Whitney, Joyce Edmon • nt, Chmi* Burghdoff, Alden Vincent, Janet Edmonds, Mary King, Michael Allen, Ruth Ann Stanford; (third row) Charles woodmane A bo’ Lynwood Whitney, Robert Woodmansee, Jack Burghdoff, Joanne Joubert, lone Allen, Larry Matson, Beve y pe|jc ,^ee. Dick Burghdoff, Joyce Myers, Norman Dunkelberger, Emmett Pierce, Joanne Tobias; (back row) teacher Leona Tobjas a°anne Whitworth, Norma Crawley, Marian Pierce, Betty Mahn, Helen Geller, Donald Hammond, Donald Preston. Forest Schf.^na[d Woodmansee and Albert Stanton. VanDelic, (1912-1999) a longtime teacher, continues to help students today, arships in her memory are awarded to two Hastings High School graduates each year. teachers’ meeting s.c ^uled for Monday. Sept. 9. Classes 'vl convene Tuesday morning. Nashville, < the first time, will charge tuition for gra $udents from outside the district. Tuition wi be ^5 a S(U(]cnl< below the $70 actual cost S(U(jcnt ’pujtjon for non-resident high school students is paid by the state. Add six new teachers As the 1946-47 school year approached, Ted Tack was hired to teach at Monroe, a one-room school near the intersection of Baseline and Hutchinson roads in Johnstown Township. Tack (1906-2002) would later serve as principal of Pleasantview Elementary for 11 years, closing oul a 40-year career in education. (“Barry County Rural School History Bookshelf,’ Barry County Historical Society photo.) * By late August 1946. World War 11 was over and most service members had relumed home, likely bringing a sense of normalcy. Nature’s garden and planted rows were performing right on cue with little supervision. Fruits and vegetables were plentiful. Cornfields were just starting to show hints of fading toward yellow. Cicadas buzzed in their seasonal choruses. Days were growing shorter, walnut trees were dropping leaves, and milkweed pods were beginning to swell. Just as kids today might interpret back-toschool commercials or store sales as indicators of classes resuming, the sights and sounds of late summer delivered a similar message to youngsters in the mid-1900s. And, for its part. The Banner delivered its annual report of how’ many students would be in the school rooms and hallways and who would be teaching at the local schools. Barry County once had more titan 175 rural schoolhouses, or about 11 per township. Hope Township had the most: 15. Carlton. Woodland and Yankee Springs each were home to 13 rural schools at one point. Thomapple Township had the fewest, with seven. Orangeville Township was home to eight schools, but had one of the few tworoom schools in the county. By the lime the following article was published in the Aug. 29.1946. Banner more than two-thirds of the rural schools had been consolidated into the nearby, village- or city­ based schools. Fewer than 50 remained, but The Banner announced the teacher at each of them, as well some anticipated pupil counts and start times at the bigger local distnets. 5,000 county youngsters headed ‘back to school’ the 50 o following week, an SnS - exited to enroll at the Nashville-Kellogg sclmoh AUh„cm. experiencing difficulties s|j|| in obtaining ol ||)e county s STS.’-S-x S&rt County School Commissioner Arthur Lathrop reported this week that a slight increase in enrollment is expected in lhe county’s schools this year. Last year, 4,884 students were registered, while during the 1944-45 school term. 4,657 attended county schools. 1,600 in city schools In Hastings, more than 1,600 children are expected to return to their classes in lhe grade, junior high and high schools, with more than 550 expected to enroll in the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes. The junior and senior high school classes will convene at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, while the grades will open al 9 o’clock. Rural freshmen and other newcomers registered at the high school Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, and new elementary pupils have been asked to report between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon and 3 and 4 pan. Monday al Central School. Al Middleville, the Thomapple Kellogg school will open Wednesday morning at 8:45 when students will enroll and go through an abbreviated schedule of classes. Buses will return them to their homes at noon, and no meal will be served in the cafeteria that day. The faculty will begin its work the day previous, in an all-day meeting and planning conference. Village schools opening At Freeport, both elementary and high school students will troupe to class Tuesday, Supt. Robert L. Bom, has announced, with registration scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. Tlie Freeport staff has been enlarged to seven, with Mrs. Mildred Carter, fifth- and sixth­ grade instructor, as the new teacher. Other instructors are Flossie Curtis, kindergarten, first and second grades; Hazel McCaul, third and fourth; Crystal Bragdon, seventh and eighth; and Evelyn Short, Edith Cramer and Supt. Bom will teach in lhe high school. Students attending the Woodland Township school will attend their first sessions of the second year at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, since a faculty meeting is to convene al 9 o’clock. ILA. Kitson is school superintendent. Buses will make their first runs after 12:30 p.m. Delton students will attend their first full day of classes Wednesday. Faculty meetings will predominate Tuesday. Superintendent R.W. Harper has announced. The school office is open this week. More than 5(X) students are expected to enroll in the Nashville-Kellogg Rural Agricultural School next week, where a Nashville, which during the summer added 12 rural distnets, also will operate lhe Mason and Beigh schools, which have been renovated. A meeting of superintendents and new field men of agricultural schools was scheduled Wednesday to coordinate their activities. Six new teachers have been added to lhe Nashville faculty. They include: Mrs. Dorothy Brown, kindergarten; Miss Cornelia Morrison, second grade; Mrs. Marjorie Slout, who will teach extra pupils in the second, third and fourth grades; Milton Brown, coach and commercial; Bernard Allen, agriculture; and Lester Marks, Kellogg field man. Instructors returning to Nashville this year include: Mrs. Theda Wilt, first grade; Mrs. Hilda Baas, third; Mrs. Leia Roe, fourth; Mrs. Cecil Allen, fifth; Miss Carrie Caley, sixth; Marvin TenElshof. principal and mathematics; Mrs. Olith Hamilton, hone economics; Ralph Richardson, shop instuctor; Mrs. Greta Firstcr, history; Mrs. Mry Walton, English: Ennis Fleming, mujfc; and A.A. Reed, superintendent. Five buses will transport pupils at the start of lhe year, with a sixth expected later. Rural instructors Instructors employed in the various rural schools of the county follow [arranged by township and alphabetically]: Assyria Township Assyria Center - Mrs. Maxine Randall and Mrs. IIah Carroll, both of Route 3. Bellevue. Briggs - Mrs. Shirley Sherard, succeeding Mrs. Ruth Howell. Checkered - Mrs. Margaret Schroeder of Bellevue, Route 3. succeeding Maxine Randall. Lincoln - John Babcock of Bellevue, Route 3. Baltimore Township Barney Mills - Miss Rossie Allerding of 614 S. Hanover, Hastings. Dowling - Mrs. Leona VanDelic. Dowling, Route 1. Durfee - Mrs. Leah Nceb of Hastings Route 1, succeeding Helen Tucker. McOmber, Mrs. Elizabeth Martin of Hastings Route 4. Striker - Mrs. Catherine Holton of Hastings Route 3, succeeding Leah Neeb. Weeks - Mrs. Gladys McCrary of Hastings Route 4. Carlton Township Brown - Mrs. Marie Cole of Hastings Route 3, succeeding Greta Cogswell. Carlton Center - Mrs, Lois Wickham of Hastings Route 2. Coats Grove - Mrs. Hazcl Sn ,der of Hastings Route 3, succcejin„ Catherine Holton. b Fish - Miss Louise Baldwin of Hastings Route 2. Rogers - Mrs. Lucille Yarger of Hastings Route 2. Welcome Corners - Miss Greta Cogswell of Hastings Route 3. succeeding Ruby Cogswell. Castleton Township Barry ville - Mrs. Helen Tucker of 1010 S. Broadway, Hastings, succeeding Nettie Tasker. Lakeview - Mrs. Ruby Cogswell of Hastings Route 3, succeeding Lena Lipkey. Martin - Mrs. Eva Kalnback of Nashville Route 1, succeeding Alice DeVries. Hastings Township Altoft - Mrs. Donna Baldwin of Hastings Route 2, succeeding Maurine Mullenix. Fisher - Mrs. Elma Hoffman of Bellevue, succeeding Doris McIntyre. Hastings Center - Mrs. Beatrice Laubaugh of Hastings Route 1. Quimby - Mrs. Pearl Mathews of Hastings Route 3. Star - Mrs. Gertrude Fuhr of 428 E. South St., Hastings. Hope Township Brush Ridge - Mrs. Ethel Anders of Hastings Route 5, succeeding Hazel Snyder. Cloverdale - Mrs. Edna McKibben of Hastings. ------- — Doud - Mrs. Zela Cortright of 115 E. Bond St., Hastings. Hinds - Mrs. Ora Babcock of Hastings Route 5, succeeding Mary Eaton. Shultz - Mrs. Irene Dickerson of Hastings Route 5. Irving Township Little Brick - Mrs. Phyllis Craig of 509 E. Hubble. Hastings. Wood - Mrs. Myrtle Wilson of 221 W. Apple St.. Hastings. Johnstown Township Banfield - Mrs. Irene Japhet of Delton. Bristol - Mrs. Cleo Brown of Hastings. Burroughs—Mrs. Margaret Johnson. Culver - Mrs. Stella Tuckerman of 917 S. Church St., Hastings King - Mrs. Eleanor Frey of Battle Creek Route 4. Monroe — Ted Tack of Bellevue, succeeding Mildred Carter. Stevens - Mrs. Martha Beadle of Hastings Route 4, succeeding Marie Cole. Maple Grove Township Dunham - Mrs. Hazel Douglas of 204 W. Marshall, Hastings. Mayo - Mrs. Ilo Berry of Bellevue Route 1, succeeding Elma Hoffman. Moore - Miss Una Lipkey of Hastings Route 1, succeeding Eva Kalnback. Norton - Mrs. Zelma Smith of Nashville. Orangeville Township Orangeville - Mrs. Winifred Brownell of Wayland and Mrs. Florence Artlip of Delton. Prairieville Township Milo - Mrs. Doris Saunders of Delton. Prairieville - Mrs. Doris Hyde of Delton. North Pine Lake - Mrs. Helen Horton of Delton. Rutland Township Si® Compiled by Kathy Maurer Sources: Hastings Banner, harry, migenweb .org, findagrave.com. Barry County Rural School History Bookshelf' by Barry County Historical Society. Marriage licenses James Jeffrey Wilber, Hastings and Amy Marie Swainston, Hastings Brody Leon Belka, Hastings and Jordyn Kelly Rynbrandt, Hastings Cindy Marie Schultz, Hickory Comers and William James Anders, Martin Charles Lee Reynolds, Hastings and Alexis Taylor Niezgoda; Hastings Kayla Marie Krebs, Hastings and William Edward Boyd, Hastings Christopher James Bilbrey, Hastings and Carisa Renea Cruz, Hastings Michelle Ann Gonzalez, Hastings and Michael Dan McLean, Hastings Hannah Elizabeth Anderson, Plainwell and Ryan John Nowakowski, Plainwell Anthony Ray Sobeck, Nashville and Stephanie Michelle Berry; Nashville Thomas Alyan Shuman, Hastings and Deanna Michelle Bolo, Hastings. Matthew' Michael Stewart, Delton and Laura Susan Weller, Woodland Kira Michelle Franke, Hastings and Michael Anthony Calabrese, Hastings Marcus Dwight Chase, Hastings and Emily Marie Dyer, Eagle Kash Ryan Gruver, Wayland and Averie Kaydee Allen, Wayland Chancelor Christopher Mc/\rthur. Hastings and Damica Ann Wilson, Southend-On-Sea, Essex Abbi Danielle Wisecup, Hastings and Griffin James Quisenbeny, Hastings Cody Michael Jonker, Hastings and Allison Diane Weller, Hastings Chris Jacob Kamhout, Middleville and Erin Michelle McAlpine, Middleville Samantha Jo Tucker, Bellevue and Tylor Thomas Kecsling. Bellevue Caleb Michael Bowman, Middleville and Michelle Kathryn McDowell. Wayland Pailon Marie Krenn, Middleville and Zakary Allen Koster, Middleville Morgan Elizabeth Kraut, Bellevue and Kalab Dalton Gary Sara Jolene Ncwsted, Middleville and Kevin Thomas Maciejew-ski, Middleville John W. Zimemnnan. Hastings and Kenedi Endeara Rozegnal, Hudsonville REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS OCTOBER 14,2021 • COLOMA, MICHIGAN X SEPARATE AUCTIONS«SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN' of Middleville • Indepen(lent ancJ Ass|sted Living 55 FT 2-SIDED BILLBOARD WITH MICHIGAN PERMIT Spacious one and tWo bedroom apartments available * l ‘..... " ««</ »)/,<«>/<•</ »/««’ I’)W t all lor ikiaihs |(),2 , anethV illagc.iom _________ .......................................... . Ml ,.».W ______ __ On 1-94 near Exit 39. Situated on 9 Acres. Suggested Opening Bld: $250,000 • Providing the comforts of home including hous<reepinp anj laundry services____ .... 40 ACRE PARCEL ZnnfKl Aqricultural with older home and barn at 2774 Park Road. Suggested Opening Bld: $325,000 ........... FAMOUS DEER FOREST FUN PARK Now dosed On 32 Acres al 6800 Indian Lane. Former Zoo -nd Amusement Park with numerous buildings, log cabin, MICHAEL KINNEY train station, old west theme. Zoned for numerous uses On-Site Inspections: Noon to 2 pm. plumbing Sept. 21,30, and Oct. 6. Previously Valued To: $3,200,000 Lttensed Master Plumber • Licensed .JoUrncyman plumber rail for Hastings Banner ads yfifl-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Algonquin Lake - Mrs. Carrie Fisher of Hastings Route 3. Chidester - Mrs. Merlyn Sandecn of Hastings Route 1. NCon ADP^'ion- remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADF0Rl) WH1Tt; water HEATERS nf^’le Insinuation ‘ (269) 948-2248 ^lkl269) 838-5112 08110376 A Instiled Suggested Opening Bld: $450,000 Q job infobmation contact Rick l evin & Associates, Inc. since 199/ 3)2.440.2000 | www.ricklevin.com In conjunction with Southwest Real Estate �Page 6 — Thursday, September ?. 2021 — The Hastings Banner Burning through EMTs Take (fyeMa \ • I-lainc Garlock Days are a bit shorter. The sun sets somewhat south of where it was in June and July. Thankfully, the 90-p|us degree days are no longer with us. Wc welcome and 80s and 0$. I-ven thc late-planted seeds are yielding what lhe seed packets promised. Labor Day this year is nearly the latest possible date for the holiday Sept. 6. There has been much publicity because this is the 20th anniversary of thc infamous 0/11 attack. Central United Methodist Church will revert to 10:30 am. worship services Sept. 12. Sunday school classes will resume. As a celebratory kickoff to the new season people w ill share dips and dippers during thc codec hour. Members of the Garlock family met Sunday at the Big Rapids home of Bruce and Janet Garlock who are enjoying the company of their son Brian of Tampa. Family members w ere ins ited to see his ring w hich was part of the recognition of thc Tampa Bay Lightning team winning lhe 2021 Stanley Cup. Thc ring is embedded with diamond chips and Call 269-945-9554 tor Hastings Banner ads — —i amethyst chips. The event is an annual tradition to observe a parental birthday, some wedding anniversaries and in past years it was lhe sendoff for the young adults in the family going off to college. Now thc family has young children starting kindergarten. Members came from Grand Rapids, Richland and Lake Odessa. The Emerson Street project which has been months in the process appears to be near the finish. The short streets Ionia, Pearl and Pleasant, as well as thc much longer Emerson Street now have tar which is driveable as necessary. However thc “street closed signs are still in place. This was a major project with replacement of water lines, sewer lines and probably other utility items replaced. Most of the work was underground. Thc short streets arc purely residential, but Emerson is a major street carrying much of the traffic to Twin City Foods, two apartment houses but only one dwelling. Also the Depot Museum is on this street. . After a year of no such information, the funeral home on Fourth Avenue is again posting funeral notices. In a recent week there were three current listings, a shart contrast to the months when such events were impossible except for private events with chairs six feet apart. , A new two story house is being built on Cunningham Road between Brown and Vedder roads. Staff Writers Pacing a MllS‘.,:ini' adequate Malli,'l> I0"*'1’ service, the Thon . evc,s.r. °r c,nc‘Tency month approved township board last for first rcsjxjnder?" Wa^e blcrease The pay invn. 'and firefighters. actions emergent*S jUSl <>ne ™ a nu,nbcr <>f around lhe slate *erv,ccs departments EMTs and medie^ ‘}lb,nS 10 tr> to retain The increase k” . c staff members tn, >s,s lbe Pa>' ^°r full-time while the top pav>b,y $21 lo $24 per hour, per hour, and ton eVel for medics is now $22 technicians is now m ^”,cr8envy medical ing lo township (i/.iout ^er bour’ accordThe pay incre??.1":'"15', Township Emerveh " c°mcs as Thornapple ricncing a signified Scrvictfs.has bccn exPe“ For the first six ’ ,n<-rease ,n call volume, department saw a n on.tb* of t,lis year* tbe thc number of calk 30-percent spike in year to 739 this J°r servicc’froi» 570 last show. ycar‘ low»ship documents TTES currently i, . bers, primarily Part .s ab<Mn 30 staff memor paid on-call ambulance workers has a full-time chitf 8oTlv r ! <ie|’ar’1",cnl full-tm e trying to fill position . j‘.'Yc|’re. hu"in8 a little bit now. We have one md.vidual who’s b^,, oul for a whi|c n()w one of our part-time guys, and we had one of °ur full-timers leave for another job,” Eaton said after the Aug. 9 tow nship board meeting. The two remaining full-time firefighter/ medics have had to work more overtime lo make up lor the loss of lhe full-time staffer. Nashville area emergency medical service employees received hourly wage increases in June, in a bid to fix the staff shortages that had been plaguing the service for months. • 7iexv108n Cotton-70 colors HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED • Marine. Vinyl-ST'wide. / Michigan Department of rand Human Services, said the department is “acutely aware of the staffing crisis" in EMS and the role education plays in that. Increasing access across the state to EMS programs is of high priority, she said. Hp^hhSUif^nilSpo^es^erson for fhe Emergency Medical Technicians now receive $14 an hour, up from $11. and para­ medics have been bumped from $13.50 to S18 an hour. nMVh‘k*,beCaslIeton Maple Grove Nashville ‘-MS Board had previously asked its parent cniiues to chip in money to pay for thc raises, the board later found they bad enough to cover lhe expense to hold them until the American Rescue Plan Act money arrived. lhe service had lost a number of employ­ ees in previous months, which led to the ambulance going out of service for a number of shifts. They missed six calls one month when it was out of service, and an ambulance from another agency had to respond to lhe 911 calls. Die service is staffed entirely by part-time employees, all of whom have other jobs, and the service relies on them picking up shifts during their off hours. CMGN EMS Director Mel Oakley said the service struggled to compete with other ambu­ lance agencies, or other industries, due to low wages and a lack of benefits. But Oakley said the situation has stabilized since the service instituted the raises. Wc have a great team who is working hard to serve our community,” Oakley said. “We seem to be past the outages we had previously been experiencing.” Oakley and other EMS representatives have met with State Rep. Julie Calley. -I onland, and stale Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, and 3rd District U.S. Rep. eter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, in a bid lo get the situation addressed at the state level. Scrambling to fill the void The difficulties being experienced by Barr}’ County emergency service providers are not DMC Tloss, Tapes, Trims unique. hi a remote pocket of thc Upper Peninsula • Tickets for Habitat Taffle. Quilt $ Apply in person at west ol Marquette. Bay Ambulance Inc. nor­ 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 mally counts on a staff of six paramedics to displayed here $ handle emergencies across 1,500 square miles or online at www.carvcthvillage.com of territory. V Trayfor our Country SJ* $ That s now down to four paramedics — a loss that can add critical minutes to emergen­ ^4 QUESTIONS ASX US... cy response times, while leaving the remain­ of Middleville ing staff scrambling to fill the void. 210 E. State St. Hastings • 945-9673 w w w .Carve thVil! age.com OPEN: Mocdly Frida, fldn-5 30p~i; “We’ve been in this situation for the past “Remember... if \ou can't live alone... lhe with us! year-and-a-half arid unable to fill thosd' posi­ 690 \V. Main Street. Middleville, Mi 49333 Hulst Cleaners PickAip Station |_____ tions. said Bay Ambulanee^irqcto^ Gqry 269-795-4972 Xaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa/ Wadaga. “We’ve got to get this fixed or we will get in big trouble.” Across the southern tier of Michigan, Emergent Health Partners provides emergen­ cy medical response for about a million resi­ dents in 14 counties. It is short by roughly 85 first responders of a full staff of 375, which the company acknowledges has slowed Looking for professional and dedicated response times in cities like Jackson and Ann Seeking an individual who enjoys working Arbor and along rural stretches of St. Joseph caregivers for our community to provide with the public, comfortable using and Branch counties. assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, “In a rural area, it might normally take 15 technology, a team player, maintains and contributing to life enrichment activities. to 20 minutes to get to a scene,” said Emergent confidentiality of member giving records, Longterm opportunitiesandbenefitsavailable Health Partners president and CEO Ron prepares and proof-reads reports and Slagell. “Now. there’s some people that might with full-time and part-time flexible hours. be experiencing a 30-minute wait.” publications as directed and prepare Apply in person at The Michigan Association of Ambulance copies for distribution and coordinates Services, a trade association whose members 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 facility use and calendar. provide about 60 percent of ambulance trans­ or online at www.carvethvillage.com ports in Michigan, calculates there are more than 1,000 openings for full-time paramedics and emergency medical technicians scattered If you are looking for part time employment, across (he slate’s ambulance network. Emergency officials say it’s a crisis that’s please contact Grace Lutheran Church at of Middleville been building for years, but has been made www.CarvcthVillagc.com parishadmin@grace-hasting.org or call worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, with first ’Remember... if you coni HYe atone... th* with us269-945-9414. responders (and potential recruits) showing 690 W. Main Street, Middleville. Ml 49333 166759 ______________ 269-795-4972 _______ more reluctance to endure long hours of stressful work that can pay on par with fast­ food jobs. I6724H “This has been going on for a long lime,” BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER Clark Imus, faculty coordinator for the EMS MCARTHUR DRAIN program at Kellogg Community College in NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DETERMINATION Battle Creek, said of a problem that extends beyond Michigan. DATE: Thursday, September 16, 2021 “Now it’s at a point where people arc 6:00 p.m. TIME: burned out from the job and there’s not LOCATION: Woodland Township Hall enough in lhe pipeline coming in. People can 156 S. Main Street see they’d be making less money than you do if you’re flipping burgers at McDonalds.” Woodland, Michigan 48897 Entry-level EMTs earn about $12 lo $14 an (269) 945-1385 QUESTIONS: hour, a wage that can amount to $30,000 a year or more because of the long hours they A Board of Determination will meet at the above date, time and location to hear all interested per. receive work. evidence and determine whether the maintenance and improvement of the McArthur Drain as «??Srth in the Beyond the low wages, Imus said prospec­ petitions, dated September 29,2020, is necessary and conducive to the public health, convenient '“Welfare tive first responders also must weigh lhe time pursuant to Chapter 8 of Public Act 40 of 1956, as amended. n'ence orwe|lare’ and cost of earning an EMT certificate about $3,300 and 194 hours of training at KCC; investments thal foixl-service or retail A presentation will be made to the Board of Determination outlining a brief history of the Drainan r. . h and workers need not consider. describing the roles, responsibilities and decisions made by a Board of Determination. The nJ, DlS ■ n is to It costs far more to become a paramedic provide background for landowners and municipalities in the drainage district and to facilitate i!enta0°mina— $11,000 in tuition at KCC. Paramedic tion of information and the receipt of testimony of landowners in the Drainage District ?! dl? afH of coursework takes nine to 15 months to com­ Determination will make its decision at the end of the meeting. ' Tt’e 0°ar plete and more (han 1.000 hours of classroom study and clinical training, including course­ Proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject to the provisions of the Michigan On Meetings work in anatomy and physiology. Paramedics wages range from $14 to more than $20 an Act Information regarding this meeting, including the minutes of the meeting, may be obtained, Barry Jouni Drain Commissioner’s Office located at 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058> Tns S hour, and they can make about $45,000 to $60,000 a year. disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should con, PerS° nrain Commissioner at the number listed above or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1 th®£ 24 Federal reimbursements fall short EMTs are trained in basic, noninyasive foura in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. T°D> at le medical interventions, including initially assessing and treating a patient for lile-thrcatAnyone aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Determination may seek judicial review Purs . t0 MCI ening injuries or illness. Paramedics are qualiiled^to perform more advanced hie support 280.72a. Uan procedures, such as heart defibrillation, inserting airway tubes or mterpreting ItKC.s Jim Dull A decade or so ago, Imus said, the KCC Barry County Drain Commissio Dated: 8/30/2021 Part-time hours available with competitive wages. • Thread, Peart Cotton, Tippers, Clarveth Village —----- 1 Seeking a Parish Administrator 5E CAREGflVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Carveth Village I r paramedic program typically had an enroll­ ment of 30 or more students. It has 18 this^ fall. At the root of this shortage, according to MAAS executive director Angela Madden. isn the reality that federal reimbursements for*ambulance service under Medicaid orfi Medicare fall short of meeting agency expens­ es. According to Madden. Medicaid typically pays anywhere from 10 percent to 25 percent-! of that cost, while Medicare pays about 30percent. < According to MAAS. Michigan ranked i 35th in 2019 among the states for Medicaid I reimbursement for basic life support nmbu- [ lance service, at $165.18 per trip, compared to j the national average reimbursement of ' $258.46. While the cost of ambulance service varies ■ by region, MAAS officials said it ranges from j $8(X) to $1200 per trip. Agencies rely on pay- j ments from commercial insurance and patients 1 to make up the difference. J With upwards of 60 percent of ambulance transports reimbursed under Medicaid or Medicare, those payments, in turn, limit how much agencies can pay their staff. Madden said that’s an issue among virtual-n ly all of the state’s 285 licensed EMS agen-*cics, which range from large for-profit firnisd to nonprofit operations to shoestring township services that transport fewer than 400 patients^ a year. fl “Funding is a key component. It affects every agency oul there,” she said. ’> MAAS and the Michigan Association ofh Fire Chiefs arc pushing state legislators to ■» beef up the state’s general fund contribution h to Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance service by $10 million a year, which wouldleverage another $20 million in federal funds.<* There’s a proposed $2.4 million general fund hike for Medicaid ambulance reimburse-* ment in lhe $65 billion budget for next year - not nearly enough, in Madden’s view. n “We need at least $10 million,” she said. Stale Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock-‘ whose district encompasses Bay Ambulance in lhe U.P. - argued for even more funding. 11 “I think we should go for $20 million,” he said. Gideon D'Assandro, spokesperson for GOP. House Speaker Jason Wentworth, said Wentworth would leave negotiations over Medicaid funding for ambulance service to committee chairs: “He will defer to lhe budget committee chair and subcommittee chair on । any questions like that as long as their negoti- j ations with the Senate and lhe administration are still going on.” Tough to find recruits In the meantime, Markkanen said ambu­ lance agencies in the western U.P. continue to ' lose EMTs and paramedics, who graduate from community college certification pro- • grams only to travel to regions where they can cam more money. “A lot of (hem leave the state and go else­ where. We are losing a lot of the people we are training up,” he said. Madden of MAAS said the potential supply of paramedics was further squeezed begin- j ning in 2013, when approval of training pro­ grams switched from state oversight to a national accreditation body, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. That led many agencies who were operating their own training programs to drop । them. Madden said. . “The accreditation process is costly, panic- । ularly for a small agency to maintain. It has a , large administrative burden. We saw the num­ ber of EMS programs decline by about I percent,” Madden said. Lynn Sutfin. .spokesperson lor the Michigan I Department of Health and Human Services, 1 said the department is “acutely aware of thestaffing crisis” in EMS and the role education plays in that. “Increasing access across thc state to EMS programs is of high priority, she said, and MDHHS is “analyzing trend data and work­ ing toward adaptive solutions to increase access to EMS education.” Madden said the COVID-19 pandemic made it harder to recruit medical first respond­ ers, with the virus putting workers al direct risk of exposure to lhe coronavirus. “We did see some practitioners walk away,” Madden said. “In many cases, lhe biggest factor was that they were not willing to risk their family and loved ones. They were con­ cerned over what they were going to bring home.” In Oakland County, lhe Waterford Regional Fire Department dropped its paramedic train ing program in 2018. Captain Jim Cooper, program director of the Waterford EMS Academy, said it had become too expensive and lime consuming to keep abreast of the regulatory requirements to maintain program certification. “Wc didn’t have (he ability to go through thal lengthy process,” he said, though the department still offers EMT certification and public training in CPR and basic first aid. Before it terminated its paramedic pro­ gram. Cooper said, (he department (rained anywhere from a dozen to 25 paramedics a Continued next page �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 2, 2021 — Page 9 From previous page year, both for the Waterford department and Ambulance services and fire departments in Oakland and Genesee counties. It did cost - S5.0CX) - that’s about half wh so at n at many community colleges currently cha programs. ilTge for their “Wc were turning out great paramedics,” he said. Coopct said most paramedics and EMTs who remain with lhe job do so for one reasonThey love the work BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN U°NG LAKE°AQUAT|F spec,al ASSESSMENT public hearing PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT L to undlfrtuQ N°T1CE lh,lt k*pon motion of the Hope Township Board, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, the Township Board PfOp°\ndt0 C,CM® a sDpraqiUaUC Pf'1nt conlfo1Propst (with associated activities) on Long Lake in Hope Township, as mom particularly described bel0'*!' A>sps$mcnt District ‘ aw<r5$nwnt district for the recovery of thc costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benef.ted The U 1 n shall be known as thc LONG LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO 2021-1 •'That’s the reason they get into it and the reason they stay with it, he . What it takes to continue lE flCSIDL^ gASE TA ANU PR0PLRTY owNfR$ or THE HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARR/ COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: ro to »eP'°5’Lp: ■Ut3ch<’‘L6.j0 aid. 07'°!?00"-c0 Bui Cooper said it’s risky to medical first responders will assume enough continue to stav in lhe profession if there are no improvements made in pay and working hours. “The bottom line is enough people. This is a problem that'is^im 0701 m5-00 " 07-015-0 07 going away, he said. According to MAAS, Michigan ranked 35th in 2019 among the states for Medicaid reimbursement for basic life support ambulance service, at $165.18 per trip, compared to the national average reimbursement of $258.46. 07-016^1 Castleton Maple Grove Nashville Emergency Medical Services Director Mel Oakley said their situation has stabi­ lized since wages were increased. (File photo) Back in the U.P.’s Bay Ambulance territory, Nathan Stockton has been a full-time para­ medic for nearly 17 years, serving a popula­ tion of about 9.(X)0 people, most of them in Baraga Counts . The money is never going to compensate for it. You never do this job to make money, he said. That might explain why he’s stayed with it over lhe try ing past 18 months, even as he and three other paramedics log grueling hours to compensate for two open paramedic positions thc agency’s been unable to fill. “When wc had six paramedics, I was on call about a third of the time. Now it’s at least 60 percent ol the time.” A sample of his recent schedule: He started work at 3 p.m. Thursday, a 12-hour shift that ended at 3 a.m. Then he was on call from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, then back on duty for a 24-hour shift then ended at 3 p.m. Saturday. Then he was on call until 3 a.m. Sunday. When Stockton is on call, he has to be with­ in five miles of the ambulance garage in Baraga. If he’s out mowing his lawn, he’s got his cell phone at his hip. He might like a cold beer on a hot summer day when he’s off work. But even that’s not allowed when he’s on call. For all this. Stockton makes about $63,000 □ year, an amount that does not include over­ time pay. Even when he is not working or on call, he’s not immune from potential duty. On those occasions when he’s called in from time off to handle an ambulance run. his reward: MO. “It’s better than a sharp stick in the eye. he observed wryly. But Stockton said the benefits of his profes­ sion can’t be measured strictly in dollars. Over the years, he’s responded to car crash­ es, accidental gunshot wounds, knifings, drug overdoses, elderly people in diabetic crisis and an assortment of wilderness snowmobile and hiking accidents. And he figures he’s helped save at least a few lives. “When you do emergency response in a small town, you know everyone and they know you,” he said. “I’d saj about 70 percent of lhe people I respond to know me by my first name. They expect a lot when I show up. 07'016'^7 10 07-016^ 07-016016-00 07-016020'00 07-016-024 00 07-01^ 07-020-006-20 07-020-025 00 07-020-05200 07-020-056-00 07-020-061-00 07-020-065-00 07-021-006-00 07-021-013 00 07-021-021'00 07-021-025-00 07-040-001-00 07-040-005-00 07-040-011-00 07-050-014-00 07-070-001-00 07-070-005-00 07-070-009-00 07-070-013-00 07-070-017-00 07-070-022-00 07-070-026-00 07-070-031-00 07-080-002-00 07-080-006-00 07-080-010-00 07-030-014-00 07-080-018-00 07-080-022-00 07-130-001-16 07-130-006 00 O7-13O-O1O-OO 07-130-013-10 07-130-032-00 07-140-002-75 07-140-006-00 07-190003-00 07-190-006-00 07-190-010-00 07 190-016 00 07-190-021-0 J 07-190-026-00 □7-210-001-50,; 07-210-007-<X) 07-220-002-00 07-220-008-00 07-220-010-2C 07-220 011-00 maeFUR JHER NOTICE thal the land and premises In the special assessment district within which the foregoing Improvements and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed Is more particularly described by the parcel numbers and 07 010006-40 07-015-010 50 07-015 01G-00 07-015-025-00 07-015 031-00 07-015 036-00 07-015-040 00 07-015-044-00 07-015-049-00 07-015-057-00 07-015 061-00 07-015 066-00 07-015-006-00 07-016-006-02 07-016-006-75 07-016-012-00 07-016 017-00 07-016-021-00 07-016 025-00 07-017-00500 07-020-008 00 07-020-026-00 07-020-052-50 07-020-057-00 07-020-062-00 07-020-066-00 07-021-006-10 07-021-014-00 07-021-022-10 07-021-026-00 07-040 002-00 07-040 006-00 07-040-011-50 07-050-015-00 07-070 002-00 07-070-006-00 07-070-010 00 07-070-014-00 07-070 019-00 07 070-023-00 07-070-027-00 07-070-045-00 07-080-003-00 07 080-007-00 07-080-011-00 07-020 014-80 07-030 019 00 07-080-023-00 07-015 007-00 07-015-012-10 07-015 017-00 07-015-026 CO 07-015-033 00 07-015-037-00 07-015 041-00 07-015-045-00 07-015-050 00 07-015-058 00 07-015-061-50 07-015-067-00 07-016-003-00 07-016-006-30 07-016-006-80 07-016-013-00 07-016 018 00 07 016-022-00 07 016-028-00 07-020-021-00 07-020-027-00 07-070 053-00 07-020-058-00 07-020-063-00 07-020-067-00 07-021-008-00 07-021-015-00 07-021-023-00 07-021-122-00 07-040-003-00 07-040-007-20 07-050-016-00 07-070-003-00 07-070-007-00 07-070-011-00 07-070-015-00 07-070-020-00 07-070-024-00 07-070-029-00 07-080-004-10 07-080-008-00 07-080-012-00 07 080-015-00 07-080-020-00 07-080-024-00 07-130-002 00 07-130-007-00 07-130 011-00 07-130-015-00 07-130-003-00 07-130-008-00 07-130-012-00 07-130-018-00 07-140-001 -00 07-140-004-50 07-190-001-00 07-190-004-50 07-190-009-00 07-190-013-00 07-190-019-00 07-190-023-00 07-190-108-00 07-210-005-00. 07-140 004 00 07-190 004 00 07-190 007-00 07-190 012-00 07-190-018-00 07-190-022-00 07-190-027-00 07-210-004-00 07-210-008-00 37 220 002-50 07-220-009-00 07 220-010-35 07-220-404-00 07-220-006-00 07-220-010-00 07-220-010 40 07-015-006-00 07-015-008-00 07-015-014 00 07-015-018-00 07 015-028-00 07-015-034-00 D7-015 03S-90 07-015-042-00 07-015-046-00 07-015-051-00 07-015-059-00 07-015-063-50 07-015 068-00 07-016-006-00 07-016-006-60 07-016-007-00 07-016-014 00 07-016-019-00 07-016-023-09 07-016-401-00 07-020 COS-10 07-020-024-00 07-020-035-00 07-020-055-00 07-020-060-00 07-020-064-00 07-020-068-00 07-021-012-00 07-021-018-00 07-021-024-00 07-021-216-00 07-040-004-00 07-040-009-00 07-050-004-00 07-050-020-00 07-070-004-00 07-070-008-00 07-070-012-00 07-070-016-00 07-070-021-00 07-070-025-00 07-070-030-00 07-080-001-00 07-080-005-00 07-080-009-00 07-080-013-00 07-080-017-00 07-080-021-00 07-080-026-00 07-130-004-00 07-130-009-00 07-130-013-00 07-130-020-00 07-140-002-50 07-140-005-00 07-190-002-00 07-190-005-00 07-190-009-12 07-190-014-00 07-190-020-05 07-190-025-00 07-210-006-00 07-220-001-00 07-220-007-00 07-220-010-02 07-220-010-50 07-050-008-00 See also the accompanying map identifying thc proposed special assessment district. Corcy James Fleurv, 43, of Holt, was convicted of possession ol a controlled substance. methamphetamine, March 22 in Middleville. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 56 days in jail, with credit for 56 days served, and ordered to pav $498 in fines and costs. Fleurj’ was placed on probation for 12 months, and his driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. A charge of possessing less than 25 grams of a mixture that contained cocaine was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Michael Edward Holt, 48. of Hastings, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and resisting and obstructing a Michigan State Police officer April 13.2020, in Hastings Charter Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 288 days in jail, with credit for five days served, and ordered to pay 5466 in fines and costs. Holt will be placed on probation for 24 months and must participate in the Office of Community Corrections’ Cog program. Charges of possessing the controlled substance/ analogue, suboxone; transporting an open container of alcohol in a vehicle on a highway; and unlawful use of a license plate, registration or title not issued for that vehicle were dismissed at the time of sentencing. His record showed prior convictions Sept. 17,1999, for larceny from a person in Shiawassee County; Feb. 21,2006, for selling/fumishing marijuana/ hashish in violation of a California statute in San Francisco; and Aug. 10, 2007, for petty theft with a prior conviction in San Francisco. Braendon Kenneth Hook, 22, of Pierson, was convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with a 13- to 15-year-old victim and second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a 13- to 15-year-old victim in Hastings in December 2020. He was sentenced by Judg Schipper to sen e concurrent terms of 30 days in jail on each charge, with credit for one day served. Hook was ordered to paj SI.066 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 60 months. Three other charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under age 16. but at least 13 years old, were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945.95^ For Sale NOW SELLING PINE build­ materials. Priced well ing below the lumber yards! Miller's Custom Sawing. Call for availability 814-952-134Z leave a message, or 517-8529335. Husiness Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Cali for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability workman's comp. Fetterley „ (269)818-7793. - matt endsley, fabri­ cation and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Pets drivers for wheel HEELER MIX PUPPIES for sale, loves attention, 1st shots & wormed. $200.00. 269­ 223-9194. this is more than JUST A JOB. YOU’LL BE HELPING PEOPLE TO AND FROM DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AND MORE. YOU NEED TO BE WQRnVC_ANP RELI­ ABLE, PLEASE CALL 269-420-1708 FOR AN APPLICATION. JANITORIAL POSITION: Permanent position for night dean-up at local small busi­ ness. Includes sweeping and mopping floors. Apply at: Wash King Laundry, 121 F Woodlawn Ave., Hastings PUBLISHER’S NOTICF All kaI csuit .vdvertuing in this lit*spaper it subject tv lhe Hit Housing Act and the Cisit Rights Act Urscly nuke it ilkgul tn sds er Use “any prtfetrncs. limitation or discnnuratioa h.ucd vri race, color, rebfion. handicap, familial national origin, age or martial stair an ihtcntroo. make any such pirfcrcr.«. Irunutn,;, __ j 1 ord1 .nri»njrtion“ iarmltJ* status includes children under lhe jpe of IH hvin>! v»i!h parent* or legal tustudrarw. pregnant w.d pcopk »x» unny custody of children under Ih |pi: nc*>pa|*r will ivx Knoisinitly accept an) advertising fur real c-.tatr which i» violMhm el'■ Ihr law. OUf . are hnrby ,Ju| Jwclhn;- mhcrtivrd ill (|,n ... . PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimates on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Clerk's office from thc date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-p.irccl special assessment each year for a period of five years (2021 through 2025 Inclusive) of an annual assessment proposed to be $136 per year for front lots and $48 per year for back lots. If the amount to be specially assessed Increases by more than 1076 In any one year, then mailed notices of the public hearing on the reassessment would be provided to owners of record of property to be specially assessed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, cost estimates and the carryover of surplus funds from the expiring Long Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District 2016-1 will be held at the Hope Township Hall at 5463 S. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Michigan commencing at 6:30 p.m. on September 22,2021. At the hearing, the Board wi|| consider any written objections apd comments to any of the foregoing matters which are fi|ed with thc c)erk al or before the hearing, and any Ejections or comments further notice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or PLEASE Take F(JRTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the Help Wanted CHAIR VANS NEEDED. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that thc Township Board has received plans showing the proposed aquatic plant control project, associated activities, any proposed improvements and locations thereof, together with an estimate of the cost of thc project In the amount of $202,950 (including administrative costs). Of the total project cost, $141,800 is proposed to be raised by special assessment, with the remainder being covered by funds carried over from thc existing special assessment district which is expiring. The Hope Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. ' |K'(>ci ire jijrwMe rm rm equal ni1 pportunity . bath. Id rcjwrt dixiiinliuuon call the lair llwwif CfFlcr at 6l6-45l-2<JaO IM HUD f'll fire telephone munb« r for the beating impaired H I-*00-927 hearing, S'8nC<J by the record ownersof land constituting more than 20% of the area within the proposed township board may nQt procped unfes$ pctillons in $uppOrt of the project, signed by record owners of more than50% lhe are a to be ade Into pedal assessment dlstrJc^ are fj|(?d W( th thc lownship. Written comments or objections may be filed with the derk at the address set out below. required in order to appeal the amount of the spec TAKe FURTHER NOTICE thal appearance and protest at the public hearing is • I ent to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owncr,r) interest, or his or her agent, may appear In person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or ' c hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons a to be present In person or by representative and to submit comments concerningthe establishment of the special assessment district, u • cost estimates or the carryover of surplus funds from the expiring Long Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District 2016-1- iroceed with the special assessments, the board w.li record owners of property proposed to be specially 'Unent roll to be ptepand and another hearing will be held, after notice to .TAke FURTHER NOTICE that if the township board determines to pi cause a as! hear qblic comments concerning the proposed special assessments. for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed al bcinil r°v'de necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers (7) days’ notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals m*t'disab«l»<!<?s rfcqtr at lhti bearing, tu Individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven wl n r|n8 auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk. Deborah Jackson Hope Township Clerk 5463 S. M-43 Highway Hastings. Ml 49058 (269) 948 2464 �Page 10 — Thursday, September 2,2021 — The Hastings Banner TK gjrls shoot their way into middle of pack at first jamborees STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. 21-28937-NC HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY P41M0 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST ESTATE TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor, Gayl Charles Ueb, (date of birth) 12* 2-1941. who lived al 7256 Keyes Rd.. Bellevue. Ml 49021. died July 24. 2021. There is no personal representative of tho COURT ADDRESS: 206 W. COURT STREET, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 COURT TELEPHONE NO.: 269-945-1390 In the matter of Ave^y Violet Brown TO ALL PERSONS, including whose address is unknown and whose Interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A heanng will be held on Wed.. 9/15/2021 & 2.00 p.m. at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302. Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William Michael Doherty to change the name of Avery Violet Brown to Averly Violet Howlett. 167267 settlor's estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against lhe Gayt C Lieb Trust dated Oct 14. 2009 as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to Sandra Bnggs, Successor Trustee, within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter bo assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it Date-8-31-2021 Sandra Bnggs, Successor Trustee 7310 Keyes Rd. Bellevue. Ml 49021 269-209-7756 167300 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 revised judicature act of 1961.1961 PA236, MCL60O3212, that the following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to tho highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of ho.ding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM. on September 23, 2021. Tho amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact tho county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage w!l be foreclosed by a sa*e of the mortgaged premises. or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1.00 PM. on September 23, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on thc day of safe. Plac^g the highest bid at the sale does no! automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownersh p of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a ttte insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Name(s) of the mo.rtgagor(s) Lois L Rider an unmamed woman Ong na! Mortgagee. Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Ass-gnee (if any) Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB2 Date of Mortgage May 4. 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording May 16, 2012 Amount daimed due cn date of notice. $182,781.57 Description of the mortgaged promises: Situated in VUage of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as. Lets 8. 9. 10 and 11. Block 63 of the Village of Middleville, according to the recorded p'at thereof, as recorded in Uber 1 of Plats on Page 27, Barry County, M;ch gan. Together with that portion of Lhe Market Street right away abutting, being the North 28 feet thereof Lets 8 and 11. Block 63 Original Plat of the Village of Middleville, Section 26. T4N. R10W, Vrlage of Middlewile, Barry County. Michigan Common street address (if any). 414 Russe'l St. Middlevil’e. Ml 49333-9602 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600 3240(16). • If the property is sold at foreclosure safe under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant lo MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be he'd responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure safe or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period Attention homeowner If you are a military service member on aetve duty, if your penod of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at tho telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Ave, Dowling, Ml 49050-9753 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL600 3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600 3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at tho telephone number stated in this notice This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice. August 26, 2021 Trott Law. P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hitts. Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 Date of notice: August 26. 2021 Trott Law. P C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1442048 (08-26)(09-16) 166732 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961.1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212. that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on September 23. 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sate. Placing the highest bid at the sate does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Melvin B. Goebel, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for tender and lender's successors and/ or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Specialized Loan Servicing LLC Date of Mortgage March 29. 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording. April 13, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $47,261.71 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Prairieville. Barry County. Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 8. Poplar Beach No. 2. as recorded in Liber 3 on Page(s) 31 of Plats. Common street address (if any): 7057 Shoreline Dr. Delton. Ml 49046-6402 The redemption period shall be 6 months from lhe date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sate under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sate or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. or if you have been ordered to active duty, ptease contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice Is from a debt collector Date of notice- August 26, 2021 Trott Law, P.C 31440 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1442025 (08-26)(09-16) 166730 may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of tho mortgagor(s): Scott Donley a/k/a Scott Leo Donley, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/ or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Village Capital & Investment, LLC Date of Mortgage: January 30. 2019 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 5, 2019 Amount claimed due on date of notice. $286,420.35 Description of the mortgaged premises. Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The West 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 6. Town 1 North, Rango 7 West, except the South 920 feet thereof. Common street address (if any): 10773 North 1442192 (08-26)(09-16) 166733 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WiLL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY ATTN PURCHASERS: This safe may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event your damages, if any, sha'I be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE BY ADVERTISEMENT: Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA236, MCL 600.3212, that lhe following mortgage wilt be foreclosed by a sale cf the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sate lo the highest bidder for cash or cashier s check at lhe place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on October 14, 2021. The amount due on lhe mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing lhe highest bid at the sate does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee (or this information. MORTGAGE SALE: Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Steven T. Freeman and Carotynn J. Freeman, the mortgagor^), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee (or Mortgage Research Center. LLC dba Veterans United Home Loans, the orig;nal mortgagee, dated February 15, 2018, and recorded on February 23,2018, as Instrument No 2018-001703, in Barry County Records, Michigan and last assigned to Lakev.ew Loan Servicing, LLC, the foredosing assignee, documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated April 15, 2019, and recorded on April 23. 2019, as Instrument No. 2019-003909, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as cf lhe date of this Notice, lhe sum cf Two Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Six Hundred Thirty Seven and 69/100 U.S. Dollars ($272,637 69) Sa d premise is situated at 4533 Foxmoor Court. Middleville. Michigan 49333 in the Township of Irving. Barry County, Men,gan, and is described as: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF IRVING. COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 18. FOXGLOVE ESTATES SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN UBER 6 OF PLATS. PAGE(S) 61. BARRY COUNTY RECORDS Tho redemption period tha’J be 6 months (180 Days) from lhe date of such sate, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600 3241a. in wh.ch case lhe redemption period shall bo 30 days from the date of such sate. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold al foreclosure safe the borrower will be he’d responsible to lhe person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sate or to lhe mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period ATTENTION HOMEOWNER: If you are a military service member on active duty, rf your period of acVvo duty has concluded less than 90 for thc Thornapp|c Kellogg g»rls *n the OK Gold Conference when Cedar Springs hosted the first jamboree of jhc year« The TK varsity gjr]S» golf team placed fifth with a team score of 219. South Christian took the day’s champion­ ship at Cedar Chase with a score of 164. ahead of Catholic Central 166. Forest Hills Eastern 171 and Wayland 213. Kcnowa Hills (232) and Cedar Springs (240) finished sixth and seventh rcSpcc^vcfv Lane Kaminski lCd the TK ladies with a 48. Ailana Leos shot a 51 Kendra Coe a 57 and Liberty Hess contributed a 63. Thc top 14 golfcrs at the meet were from either South Christian. Forest Hills Eastern or Catholic Central. South Christian senior Elie Bolkema was the individual champion with a 37. Her sophomore teammate Ashley Thomasma and Catholic Central freshman Ava Wisinski both shot a 39. The conference was back in action with the rest of the league Monday at Indian Trails Golf Course where South Christian won again with a score of 1^3 Catholic Central was second at 172. ahead of FHE 173, TK 197, Wayland 206, Cedar Springs 206 and Kenowa Hills 220. H 6 Kaminski shot a42 forTK, Leos a 49, Katy Raphael 51 and Coe 55. Thomasma took medalist honors with a 35 and Mia Clarke, a senior from Catholic Central, was second with a 36. Wisinski placed third individually with a 38. In between the first two conference jambo­ rees, the TK ladies hosted their TK Invitational at Yankee Springs Golf Course Friday. South Christian won there too with a score of 330. ahead of Byron Center 348. Zeeland West 354. Lowell 374. Caledonia 391. Sparta 391, Zeeland East 394, TK 395, Wayland 400, TK Eadies sseond in two race at Optimist Invite Only the St. Joseph girls were faster than the Thomapple Kellogg girls as the Trojans opened the 2020 cross country season at Harper Creek’s Optinist Invitational in Battle Creek Saturday. The meet was broken up into junior/senior and freshman/sophomore races, with the St. Joseph girls finishing atop the standings in each. They outscored the TK girls 8-17 in lhe race for upperclassmen and 10-23 in the race for underclassmen. Delton Kellogg competed as well, placing fifth in thc junior/senior race and seventh in the freshman/sophomore race. St. Joseph had the two fastest ladies in thc junior senior race, with Riley Mullen winning in 20:32.1 and classmate Jillian Tunnicliff right behind in 20:435. TK had senior Jessica Durkee third in 21: 16.4 and junior Emelia MacDonald fifth in 22: 12.8. St. Joseph’s number three was junior Olivia Ippel in 22:24.0 and TK’s number three was junior Lindsey Veiling in 15th in 24:05.8. Junior Joelle White led lhe DK girls, plac­ ing 18th in 24:32.7 and junior Kasey Kapteyn was 26th in 26:44.9. DK’s third finisher was junior Lilyanna Sinclair 30th in 27:512. St. Joseph had five of the ten fastest girls in the freshman/sophomore race. Elena Figueroa, a freshman, won it in 20:00.45. TK had fresh­ man Ava Crews second in 20:56.7. TK also had sophomore Holly Veiling seventh in 22:24.3 and freshman Lydia Schillhroat 16th in 24:27.4. Delton Kellogg’s leader in lhe race for youngsters was freshman Johannah Houtkooper with a 23rd-place l‘mc Panther freshman Lillie Steele was 26th in 25:40.2 and sophomore Brea Chandler 32nd in 27:25.6. In the boys’ meet, Thomapple Kellogg was sixth and DK seventh in the rflCC for Juniors and senior. TK was also sixth in the freshman/ sophomore race. OK didn’t have enough young guys to get a team score in the race for underclassmen. Harper Creek wOn the race for upperclass­ men on thc boys’ side outscoring Parchment 16-27 at the top of tke’standings. Two guys finished the junior/senior race in less than 17 minutes parchment senior Garrett Winter won it in 16-073 and Hanover-Horton junior Rogan Mellin^ was second in 16:50.6. Senior Camden Reynolds led Thornapple Kellogg with a "3^ time of 18:58.4 Senior Matthew was ini' *n 19:04.4 and senior Benjamin Trude11 37th in 21:27.7. DK had juX .4^ah Mart'” l7'h ,n 19:48.2, senior Cad .^Ferris 25th in 20:38.6 and junior Isaac Sh U rd 32nd in 21:18.2. TK sophomorj. Van Meter was the runner-up in thc u ;race for freshmen and sophomores. He , finish line in 18:15.5. TK had sophomore £ Jen Hamming 25th in 22:06.3 and 22:49.0. Hunter Tietz 33rd in nnian Delton Kd| ,,-d freshman Ethan Rimmer 20th in ., u and freshman Broc Hickerson 45th ih 2u Olivet soph0ni„ . ' ,s HoPkins w0" race in 17:38?^ won with 18 (855) 287-0240 Matter No 132070 (08-26X09-16) points. Harper CiJJJJ* second with 22. Kaminsiu fmm Leos, a .^s from Raphael . and Coe. Lakewood runners cut tunes down at Happy Acres Invite Members of thc Lakewood varsity girls’ cross country team shaved about a minute off of each of their times for the most part from meet one to meet two this season, and junior Sadie Brearley was closer lo a two minute cut Junior Regan Lab ran lhe fastest race of her short high school cross country career, plac­ ing. 26th at the 3rd Annual Happy Acres Invitational hosted by Webberville Saturday. Brearley was just behind her in 27th place with a time of 24:07.01. The lutkewood ladies were ninth in a field of 14 full teams. The Viking girls’ team also had junior Emma Lancaster 49th in 25:17.08. sophomore Claire Fortier 56th in 25:3429 and junior Gabby Rosenbtirgcr 77th in 27:29.17. Chelsea won the girls’ championship at the meet with 69 points. Leslie was second with 91. Fowler 92, Lansing Christian 106 and Ovid-Elsie 138 in the top five. Chelsea junior Trilian Krug won the girls’ race in 19:57.02. Leslie freshman Erin [ ubahL. wa> second in 20:48.23. Uns.ng Christian junior Ashlyn Kephart was third in Junior Ryan Alford paced the Lakewood boys, who did not put enough guys m the race to earn a team score. Alford was 44th in 20:32.35. Senior teammate Logan Kenyon was 98th in 23:28.26, about a 1:45 faster than he had been at the season’s first meet. , Breckenridge ran away with the boys championship, scoring 69 points. Riverview Gabriel Richard was second with 132. Charlotte third with 135, Leslie fourth with 158 points and Dansville fifth with 158 points in a field of 17 full boys’ teams. Breckenridge senior Mason Sumner won the race in 16:06.1 and Dansville freshman Theodore Davis was second in 16:54.35. Charlotte junior Koda Brandt was third in 17:1054. Full Viking tennis line-up scores its first 2021 victory Brett Bremer days ago. or if you have been ordered lo active duty, ptease contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number staled in th*s notice Dated: 08/13/2021 For Mora In'ormacon. ptoase call Matthew R. Reinhardt, Esq. Qu*ntairos, Pneto. Wood & Boyer, PA Attorneys for Servicer 255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900 Oriando. Florida 32801 166731 Byron Center sophomore Made Elzinga pu k » ,,lndl Vldllil1 ‘‘tie with a score of 74 and tile Bolkema from South Christian shot a 77 to place second. Rylc Smith a sopllOmore Sports Editor Lakewood finally has what Pennfield doesn’t this fall: a full line-up. The Viking varsity boys’ tennis team won all five contested flights and picked up three wins by default in an 8-0 win over Pennfield on the courts at Lakewood High School Wednesday. It hits been a few years since the Lakewood program has been able to fill a 12-person ros­ ter in the fall, but head coach Karrie Carter and her players are happy to in 2021. Carter, entering her 11th season with the program, said her guys (and girls) are eager to compete and to continue to improve their skills. It is a group that has some experience in it. Lakewood lost just one senior to graduation last spring, top singles player Brady Gawne, but senior Clay Dumond is stepping up to fill that spot this season. Also back are senior first doubles player Asher Teigeler and senior sec­ ond singles player Colin Heyl. Teigeler was teamed with another senior, new varsity player Logan Teft, to open the year at first doubles. Junior Emil Meyers is stepping back into lhe third singles role behind Dumond and Heyl. He won four matches between third and fourth singles a year ago. Thew Viking team is 1-3 so far this season. The Vikings were bested 6-2 by Ionia Monday. In the win over Pennfield last Wednesday, Dumond pulled out a 6-1,7-6 win over the Panthers’ lop player, Shane Carpenter. Heyl rallied at second singles after falling 4-6 in the opening set. He pulled out a 6-3 win in the second set over Pennfield’s Reese Chapman and then took a super tiebreaker 11-9 for the victory. Meyers scored a 6-0, 6-1 win at third sin­ gles. In the top two doubles spots, the Vikings had lhe duo of Asher Teigeler and Preston Weller and the duo of Roily Teigeler and James MacKenzie score wins. Lakewood’s two wins on the against Ionia came on the doubles side. The team of Asher Teigeler and Weller scored a tough 7-5, 6-4 win over the Bulldog team of Landon Duell and Lucas Wandell. The Vikings also had Elaina Haring and Aiden Pyle score an 0-6, 6-4 (11-9) win in a super tiebreaker. Financial FOOS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Jim Lundin Financial Advisor Member SIPC Jeff Domenico, AAMS® Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy, Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)818-0423 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Mi 49058 (269) 948-8265 Start thinking about your retirement income plan If you’re getting close to re­ tirement, you’re probably think­ ing about lhe ways your life will soon be changing. And one key transition involves your income instead of being able to count on a regular paycheck, as you’ve done for decades, you’ll now need to put together an income stream on your own. How can you get started? It’s helpful that you begin thinking about retirement income well before you actually retire. Many people don’t - in fact, 61% of retirees wish they had done better at planning for lhe finan­ cial aspects of their retirement, according to an Edward Jones/ Age Wave study tilled Retirement in thc Time ofCoronavirus: What a Difference a Year Makes. Fortunately, there's much you can do to create and manage your retirement income. Here are a few suggestions: • Consider ways to boost income. As you approach re­ tirement, you’ll want to explore ways of potentially boosting >our income. Can you afford to delay taking Social Security so your monthly checks will be biggef? Can you increase jour contribu­ tions to your 4()l(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan, including taking advan­ tage of catch-up contributions if you're age 50 or oldef? Should you consider adding products that can provide you with an income stream that can potentially last your lifetime? • Calculate your expenses. How much money will you need each year during your retirement? The answer depends somewhat on your goals. For example, if you plan to travel extensive­ ly, you may need more income titan someone who stays close to home. And no matter how you plan to spend your days in retire­ ment, you’ll need to budget for health care expenses. Many peo­ ple underestimate what they’ll need, but lhese costs can easily add up to several thousand dollare a year, even with Medicare. • Review your investment mix. It’s always a good idea to review your investment mix at least once a year to ensure it’s still appropriate for your needs. But it’s especially important lo analyze your investments in the years immediately preceding your retirement At this point you may need to adjust die mix to lower the risk level. However, you probably won't want to sell all your growth-oriented invest­ ments and replace them with more conservative ones - even during retirement you’ll likely need some growth potential in your portfolio to help you stay ahead of inflation. • Create a sustainable with­ drawal rate. Once you’re retired, you will likely need to start taking money from your IRA and 401 (k) or similar plan. But it’s imjwrtant not to take tix> much out in your early years as a retiree, since you don’t want to risk outliving your income. A financial professional can help you create a sustainable withdrawal rate based on your age, level of a.\sets, familv situa­ tion and other factors. ' By planning ahead, and mak­ ing the right moves, you can boost your confidence in your ability to maintain enough in­ come to last throughout your retirement. And with a sense of ftmuicial security, you’ll be freer to enjoy an active lifestyle during your years as a retiree. Dtis article was written by Elnardjonesfor uSe hv \our local Edttyrd Jones Einancial Ach iior. Edward Jones. Member SIPC �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 2. 2021 — Page 11 ■ ?” Pro'Am at the Legacy to ^efit junior golf returns Friday c- 57h in.\ niii began to fill 1 , . .. .. ' <la>s bc,orc "'c •■he legacy in (BCJGA). 11,101 * GoU Association BCJGA ’an-Hh ''h e'eclllne director of the Bl JUA and the busrness manager at The xg.Kj.s.ud there ls currently a wait list to get ^Tt"1 .. travel time typically needed ।when sindlei numltets require teams to travel t„ many dif fcicnt courses around the area for tonmamenis. ••Titrough the summer kids are active doing other dungs and parents are still working, so it is hard for them to get i„vohe(| willl KoII < roll. by tts nature, tt takes lotmer It is not like a soccer game where you’re done in an hour or so. Poholski said. 1 here were four. 12-person teams of play­ ers ages 6-13 playing two-person scramble matches this summer in the Junior Golf xague at the Legacy. An all-star team from the Hastings program was selected at (he end of the summer season, and that team took on other all-star teams from across the west side ° Michigan in a state qualifier where it earned a spot as one of the four state finalist teams. Janson remembers starting the PGA Junior Goll League at the Ixgacy about nine years ago with 12 golfers, and having one or two teams each summer. Having four teams did tnivpl lime Ivnirnllv Editor It was only a matter nt e'Cnl Wl,lch The BCJGA supports youth golf initiatives across Barty County and this summer it once again helped the Legacy's PGA Junior Golf league to a successful season. The PGA Junior Golf League, ran by Janson tn Hastings, had 48 young golfers out rhts summer nt the Legacy. That number was the goal set out there alter the 2020 season to be able to have an in-house league in Hastings for the first time in 2021- greatly reducing lhe . . 51« -a Am in Hastings > f<.w ytai>. borated on (he tom nametit I* ,^ani,in . Redman pepped down year5, ( The Pro-Am ret»m^,6.o<)l) f<„ t ™ 'be event raised mote j'jpns nle( 'and Janson said «l* H looking 1(, ' c.n KIIcr tally this year. . JjC O|• . ard to the funds growing ^ford ?1h<; '"^a by helping youngstt-f lees, tnstnic- lion and cquip^e ' of the 23 • Janson will be F^ ^jotnedby three amateurs i|so h T Janson and Poholski said pro we'«>me Yankee Springs P< a^> Cook as well as Jeff Bronkema. »' |n#>, l>ro some in the Hastings area |(> famtItar with. Janson said S°nlC.^ ;1 fCw hr: llp wilh iocal players while a * bring their 0Wn foursomes to cr owner r । Janson is the formj^er of the Hii stings Sports Editor Maple Valley’s varsity cross country teams got their season started in 90 degree heat at The Laingsburg “Early Burg’’ Invitational Friday. The top finish of thc day tor the Lions came from sophomore Lilly Faurot. thc team’s returning state qualifier. She earned a medal for her 16th-p!acc time of 23 minutes 16.2 seconds, besting her lime from thc same race last year by over a minute. ' “Freshman Brianna Gurd also had a great race starting her high school cross country season. She’s been working on increasing her mileage and managed to run her third mile faster than her second mile. I am excited to see how she will progress through the season as her confidence grows,” Maple Valley head coach Tiffany Blakely said. • Gurd placed 83rd overall in 42:03.3. Maple Valley had three guys hit the course. Junior Ashton Ripley led the way, placing 50th in 21:33.2. Ripley was a stale qualifier as a freshman before focusing on soccer last fall ■as a sophomore. The Lion team also had Adam Blakely 84th in 26:55.2 and Brodv Trowbridec 101 st in 40:58.7. “The high temps made it a more challeng­ ing race, and the boys agreed their finishing times weren’t quite what they wanted,” coach ^Blakely said. “However we were successful in how we worked different race strategies. The goal was to go out. have a solid first mile, hang on to the second (we knew this mile would be in full sunshine/no shade), and fin­ ish strong in the third mile. “All three boys ran their fastest miles of the season. |Ripley and Blakely) both had really strong finishes, outrunning runners at lhe line. Sophomore Brody Trowbridge had an out­ standing first, high school, cross country ever, managing to run even splits for his second and third mile. His goal is now to bring those split times closer to his first mile time.’’ The Capital Area Homeschool boys took the day’s championship with 38 points, ahead of Fowlerville 60. Holt 73. Marshall 86. Bath 114, Laingsburg 151. Greenville 188 and Durand 242. Fowlerville had the two fastest guys. Senior Zachary Curd won in 16:47.0 and teammate Brett Marschall was second in 17:27.7. Capital Homeschool sophomore Logan Zahn was third in 17:35.7. Marshall took the girls’ championship with 32 points, ahead of Capital Homeschool 53. Holt 76, Laingsburg 123, Fowlerville 125. Greenville 151. Perry 172 and Bath 219. Holt had the two fastest girls. Emma Netzel. a junior, won in 19:32.8. Holt freshman Lauren Walker was the runner-up in 20:21.1. Marshall hadits five fastest girls al! place in the top ten. led by senior Brooke Waito who as fourth in 21:33.4. Panther teams run to middle ©f pack finishes at Berrien Springs Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg girls were fourth and the boys fifth al Berrien Springs’ seven-team Shamrock Invitational Tuesday. Stevensville Lakeshore freshman Preslee Perkins’ won the girls’ race in 21 minutes 29.40 seconds. Perkins beat oul Harper Creek junior Madison Berning for the lop spot by a second. Berning led a trio of Beavers that placed second, third and fourth as lheir team took the day’s championship with 33 points. Lakeshore was second with 47 points in lhe varsity girls’ cross country standings for the day. The Kalamazoo Homeschool team was third with 93 points, ahead of Delton Kellogg 101. Niles 104 and Berrien Springs 133. Senior Halena Phillips led the Delton Kellogg girls with a time of 22:39.20 which pul her iin ninth place individually. The Delton Kellogg pack had 14 girls run­ ning Tuesday. Senior Aubrey Aukerman placed second in 22:57.00. Joelle While was 20th in 23:52.80. Johannah Houtkoopcr 31st in 25:0.30 and Lillie Steele 3th in 26:52.90. Harper Creek also won the boys’ meet with just 28 points, ahead of Berrien Springs 70, Kalamazoo Homeschools 74, Stevensville Lakeshore 83 and Delton Kellogg 105. DK was led by junior Hector Jimenez who was ninth overall in 18:18.90. The Panther team also had Micah Martin 20th in 19:53.30. Ethan Rimmer 24th in 20:08.60, Brett Harsevoort 37th in 21:54.00 and Eli Austin 40lh in 21:57.50. Lakeshore senior Race Bettich won lhe boys race in 16:36.20. He was more 45 and a half seconds faster than his nearest competitor Josh Maurer from Harper Creek who was second in 17:21.70. Harper Creek had five guys m the top eight, with Blake Bess, Owen Gilbert. Brian O’Dell and Hunter Weller plac­ ing fifth through eighth respectively. ^The Trojans managed to pull out a 5-3 win on the Sailors’ courts, with third singles play­ er Josh Wedyke bouncing back from a rough second set to secure the third singles point tor his team. Wedyke bested South Christian s 1 uke Post in the opening set Monday. 6-4. only to see Post rally for a 6-2 win m the sec­ ond Wedyke snapped a 5-5 tie in the third set bv winning lhe final two games, taking a 7-5 Wi"ninere Vert close match-ups throughout. 6-3 6-4 win from its number one * m <>f James Thorne and Ronald doubles team < J ,d ()U( a 6.3 Si-nmons. and a k W ! •rJ Sou h Chnsttan^ Gonzalez P^rc Nick Vreelam ro ma(d| lbe Sailors won and fo|)rth d'rnble'; fligb's to make things interesting tn the end. win ftoin (he team of TK got a Nichols nt second Hayden Oly an • Wilkinson won 6-1. doubles, and TK s •-y 6-3 at fourth sing esSchumaker and South C hrHi.it . ,jn ()Vcr fx Sam Kaassen seor<’. ‘ cuis,on at third dou Robby Holler and But cut Drowning victim identified Taylor Owens Staff Writer State troopers located and identified thc body of 56-year-old William Reagan, who police believe drowned in Middle Lake Police did not disclose Reagan’s home­ town. A boater found the Reagan’s kayak float­ ing empty in the water around 8:40 p.m. that evening, and another boater reported seeing him fishing on the kayak a short time before. Alter several days of searching. Michigan State Police Marine Services unit found Reagan’s btwly around 5 p.m. Aug. 29. The Barry County Sheriff’s Office also received assistance from Barry County Central Dispatch, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Mercy EMS, Hastings Eire Department, Great Lakes Search and Rescue. Great I-akes Drone and the Kalamazoo County Dive learn. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent s Estate CASE NO. 21-26927-DE Court Address: 206 Wes! Court 302. Hastings, Ml 49058 rzu'flL o Court Telephone No: ^5l2 Estate of Juanita Fay Spruytte. Date of birth: Mg. 1940. TO ALL CREDITORS. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The decedent. Juanita Spruytte, d ed 5-28-2021. Creditors of the decedent am notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Ronald Spruytte a! 7882 Cox Road, Bellevue, Ml 49021, personal representative, Or t0 both the pfObate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastngs, Ml 49058 and the personal representative withtn 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8/24/2021 Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street. Suite 101, Hastings. Ml 49058 269-945-3512 Ronald Spruytte 7882 Cox Road, Bellevue, Ml 49021 269-758-3748 167255 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28889-DE Estate of Arvids Davidsons. Deceased. Date of birth: 04/30/1925. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Arvids Davidsons, died 05/02/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Abdolazim Housyhar, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street. Ste. 302, Hastings. Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice Date 08/27/2021 Minka PLC by Imants M. Mlnka (P29211) 5985 Wes! Main St. Kalamazoo, Ml 49009 (269) 353-0100 Abdolazim Housyhar 11448 East Shore Dr. Delton, Ml 49046-8481 (269) 623-4551 167240 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 21-28919-DE Honorable V/illiam M. Doherty Court Address. Barry County Courts & Law Building. 206 W. Court St.. Ste 302. Hastings. Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate o! Patrick Caryl McKee Date of birth: 5/12/1975. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent. Patrick Caryl McKee. d*ed 7/3/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Emily K. McKee, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St.. Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date cf publication cf this notice Date: 8/26/2021 Deborah J. Davis P70843 108 W. State Street. P.O. Box 68. Colon, Ml 49040 269-432-3000 Emily K. McKee 14374 East LAve.. Galesburg. Ml 49053 269-838-5499 167232 BARRY TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-4 TO: THE RESIDENTS ANO PROPERTY OWNERS OF BARRY TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND'ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Barry Township Board, upon having received petitions to make certain public improvements as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake an aquatic plant control project (with associated activities) on Fair Lake tn Barry Township, as more particularly described below and to create a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Special Assessment District shall be known as the FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO 2021-1 PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the land and premises in the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed are all parcels with frontage on Fair Lake in Barry Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed aquatic plant control project, associated activities, any proposed improvements and locations thereof, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $40,235. The total project cost, including administrative costs, is proposed to be raised by special assessment. The Barry Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimates on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Clerk's office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. The Barry Township Offices are located at 11300 S M-43 Htghway tn Delton. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of four years (2021 through 2023 inclusive) tea? be $ 86.00 per year per lot. If the amount to be specially assessed increases by more than 10/. tn any one year, additional notice will be provided as required by law. Wedyke wins three-setter as TK narrowly gets past the Sailors The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys ten­ nis team got pushed by a much South Christian squad if the first OK Gold varsity boys’ tennis match of the season during lhe Pro-Ain Scores will be tallied for a competition in a low pro competition, as well as best ball net and gross scores amongst! the groups. LEGAL, notices Lion C.C. teams battle foes and heat at 'Early Burg’ Brett Bremer Country Club now known as the Legacy. He is set to be inducted into the Michigan State University Athletics Hall of Fame Sept. 24. There will Ik three competitions going on bles and at number four thc Sailors’ Eli Zylstra and Davis Kemper scored a 6-3, 6-4 win over TK’s Aaron Michalk and Aidan Dudik. I K was set to lace Forest Hills Eastern in another tough conference dual last night in Middleville. Saxon spikers split their two matches at Jackson tri The Hastings varsity volleyball leam went 1-1 at lhe Jackson fn Itievday. closing its evening with a win over Jackson. Hastings bested the Jackson girls *>5.03 25-18 after a hard-fought 14-25. 25 23. 15-g loss to Grass Lake to start lhe evening. Audrey Vcrtalka led (he Saxon team in kills at the tri with 12. Chelsea Erlner added eight kills. Abby Bvmmer served 21 points on die night for lhe Saxons. Labella Hendershot had a team-high 18 assists. 7 he Saxons are off now until starting t|le lntcrstate-8 Athletic Conference season at home against Pennfield Sept. 8. PLEASE TA KF FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district and cost estimates will u n the rT ti£F Orchard Street, Delton commencing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September be held at e; Barry Township Hall, 155 E. Orchc rd objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters 13,2021. At the hearing, the Board will consider any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at which are । ed Wlth the c|erk at or before the hea"^' b made wjthout further notice), the township board may the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may accP«mpnt district revise, correct, amendJ or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEA Ct: T* M’E eiidtmfr NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the TAKE FURTHER Hhvthp record owners of land constituting more than 20,* of the area u-Pro^mSE Township at or before the hearing, signed by the proceed unless petitions in support within the proposed special assessment district, then tl^XXo a special assessment district. please take further noticelha‘i" order to aPP^I the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal wtth.n 30 days after tn P confirmed. • at thp hearing to protest the special An owner or party |n interest< or his or her agent, may appear tn P^°"rance or protest by letter and his/her assessment or Sha|| be permitted to file at or before Ite gL , ,re invjted to be present in person or by personal appearance shall not be required. All interested Persons assessment district, the plans representat've and to submit con)inents concerning the establishment of the specta and/or th<? COst estimates. P^ASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the T“w^sh'P a^d^X'hearing will be held, proposed special assessments. , -»nd services such as signers for the hearing B3nrtV?OwnshiP will provide necessary reasonab,.ejaux’,,a[Yfh‘dLaring, to individuals with disabilities at the impaired 0 ’ Qdj0 tapes of printed material being considered at W1th disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or hearing ^on day/ n0tice t0 the Township Clerk. Individuals wit services sl10U contact the Township Clerk. Debra Knight, Barry Township Clerk P.O. Box 705 Delton Ml 49046 (269) 623-5171 �Thursday, September 2, 202! — The Hastings Banner Things get tougher in week two Hastings quarterback Mason Denton tries to pull away from a Thornapple Kellogg at tackler during their season-opening ballgame Thursday inside IBaum ------- Stadium “ Johnson Field. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was a frenzy in Hastings last week as television station Wood TVS had lhe Saxons’ varsity football opencr with the Thomapple Kellogg Trojans as its game of lhe week. Now the Saxons have to keep the momen­ tum going themselves as they look to finish atop lhe lntcrstate-8 Athletic Conference standings for the second year in a row. Hastings opens conference play al home against Harper Creek tonight (Sept. 2) “It was kind of a welcome distraction all week it seemed like there was a buzz about lhe football frenzy and having it highlighted and lhe rivalry’, two schools that have been competing against each other for years,” Hastings head coach Jamie Murphy said of the season opener. “It just seemed like lherc was an exciting buzz in lhe air the whole first week of school and first week of practice. The kids managed it really well in terms of staying focused at practice. They knew what was on lhe line and they know what they had to get done.” The Saxon defense stepped up, stopping TK when it had to to keep the Trojans lo just six points: Cbach Murphy sees7the Beaversds'' having another tricky offense to defend, led by what he calls maybe the best duo of backs his team will see all season. Thomapple Kellogg won’t get the chance lo bounce back right away. The Trojans have had to forfeit lheir Thursday night contest with Byron Center. TK Schools Superintendent Dan Rcmnap wrote in a message to TK families Tuesday, “We were made aware of two positive cases, a probable case, and possible exposures among our football teams within the last 24 hours. “For thc safely of our kids, families, our community, and Byron Center Schools (our scheduled opponent), our administrative team opted to make this decision.” Lakewood will play its home opener this week, hosting Belding. The Vikings fell to the Saxons’ 1-8 partners from Pennfield in the opening week of the season. The Vikings will be looking for their first win over the Black Knights since 2017. Belding opened the year by beating p on the Vikings’ rivals from Ionia 34-7. Delton Kellogg has a four-game winning streak going against Parchment going back to 2014 which it would like to extend tonight. Lawton, a team with a real shot at finishing atop the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division this fall, throttled the Parchment Panthers 56-0 in week one. DK head coach Ryan Bales said his team will have a mobile quarterback to contend with for thc second week in a row. Maple Valley has Colon on the early season schedule for the third season in a row. Thc Lions go on lhe road tonight to face a program thal has had big playoff runs in each of (he past three season. Colon went to the eight-play­ er regional finals in Division 1 last fall, after winning a state title in 2019 and reaching thc state semifinals in 2018. 1-0,0-0 Lawton 1-0,00 Delton Kellogg 0-1,0-0 Galesburg-Augusta 0-1.04) Saugatuck 0-1,04) Schoolcraft Greater Lansing Activities Conference 1-0,04) Leslie 14), 0-0 Stockbridge 0-1,00 Lakewood 0-1,0-0 Olivet 0-1,04) Perry Tri-River 8-Man Foothall Conference 1-0.0-0 Britton-Deerfield 1-0.0-0 Concord 0-1.0-0 Maple Valley NorthPointe Christian 0-1.0-0 01,0-0 Vandercook Lake Here is a round-up of last week’s local gridiron action. Hastings 30, Thomapple Kellogg 6 The Trojans couldn't finish drives against the Hastings Saxon defense and that brought an end to Thomapple Kellogg’s three-game winning streak against their rivals to the south dow n M-37. The Hastings varsity football team scored a 30-6 w in over the visiting Trojans in lhe 2021 ’season-opener iritf de Baum Stadium at Johnson Field in Hastings. Hastings junior running back Robert Slaughter said he and his teammates really wanted to get off to a good start when the 8 pan. kick off finally rolled around Thursday night after a day, and really a week, that felt like it completely revolved around football. At least some of the Saxons were itching to get their hands on the football, but it was the Trojans who received the opening kickoff. Hastings had to get its spark from its defense instead of its offense. TK drove right from its own 20 down inside the Saxon 20 over lhe course of eight minutes, but the drive stalled there with a couple tackles for a loss and two incomplete passed by new' Trojan quarterback Carsen Burbridge. A couple of holding penalties late in the drive were costly as well. Hastings took over on its own 19-yard-line and started marching the other way. Slaughter picked up a first down on a fourth-and-2 at midfield and then a minute and a half into the second quarter finished off a nine-yard run in the end zone. “The holes were big. The linemen did a lot of the hard work for me, made me look good,” Slaughter said. He thought Glen McFarlan and Owen Winegar were blocking especially well when Hastings running back Daniel Harp (10) finds room to run around the right side as Thornapple Kellogg’s Ben Hanson (64) sets his sights on a tackle during the Saxons’ 30-6 season-opening win over the Trojans at Hastings High School Thursday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) ! his number was called. Slaughter rushed eight time for 78 yards in the ballgame and scored two touchdowns. “He had a whale of a game.” Hastings head coach Jamie Murphy said of the junior run­ ning back. “He is a tough kid. We struggled a little bit in the first quarter in terms of their defense stepping up and stuffing the run a lit­ tle bit. Robbie ripped off a couple decent runs and it opened up. They had to take care of Robbie on the inside, which opened up the edge forTJ Russell and Dan Harp. That really helped us out. Defensively. Robbie had a real­ ly good game too. Saxon quarterback Mason Denton only passed the ball once,a five-yard completion. TJ Russell had 14 rushes for 77 yards for lhe Saxons and Daniel Harp ran nine times for 57 yards. Harp and Denton each had a rushing touchdown. TK did answer that first Saxon touchdown before the half, tying thc game at 6-6 with a 14-yard TD pass froci Burbridge to Zackary Gibson. ’Die Saxons didn’t break too many long runs w ith lheir Wing-T offense Thursday, but managed lo free up Slaughter for a 45-yard TD run with 22 seconds left in the first half. A two-point run by Lanny Teunessen had thc Saxons up 14-6 at the break. The TK defense started the second half thc way the Saxon defense started the first, finally stymieing a long Saxon drive. TK though turned the ball right back over to Hastings deep in its own territory and Denton scored with 2:34 to go in the third quarter to put his team up by two scores, adding the two-point run for a 22-6 advantage. TK lost a fumble at the Saxon 31-yard-line on the first play of the fourth quarter and Hastings sealed the win with a drive that ended in a four-yard TD run by Harp. A Teunessen two-point conversion put the final points on the scoreboard. TK manged to get the ball onto the Saxon side of the 50 two more times before time ran out, but eventually it did. “They had a couple of really good drives,” Murphy said of the Trojan offense. “They have an explosive offense. They’re going to do well. They’re going to w*n 50010 £amcs this year. It is a brand new offense for them this year. At any point they can get a first down or they can have a long gainer. That is what their offense seems to be designed around. They have a couple of different options routes they give and then they also have some really good pass routes they give. We were just able to recognize some of the pass routes early and took some of those away. Il seemed like that first drive they were always getting a first down, and later in the game wc stopped them and it’d be third and long and they’d connect with a QB and receiver and get another first down and keep lheir drive going.” Burbridge finished the ballgame 14-of-24 passing for 120 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He also led TK on the ground, rushing 14 times for 40 yards. Jayden Garcia rushed seven times for 37 yards for TK and Tyler Gavette had eight rushes for 35 yards. Gibson had four receptions for 22 yards in the game, and senior back Jonah Sumerhays had one big 41-yard reception. “We just had to stjck to or responsibilities and I guess it worked,” Slaughter said of the Saxoris^’deYe'nsiVe'jxFfb’rmanci'.J Murphy was really pleased with the way his defensive backs battled against the Trojan passing game. “Recognizing route combinations was of huge importance for our defensive backs this week. We knew they could throw the ball and they were pretty proficient with it. We needed lo take part of that game away from them.” Murphy said. "Drew Gleeson did a great job on the edge and Layton Eastman did a great job. They’re kind of on an island oul there by themselves and they did a great job of getting into their coverage, turning, getting into thc second phase of their coverage and recognizing route combinations.” Victor Ramirez had a team-high 105 total tackles for the Saxons and Teunessen added 55 tackles and Matt Thompson had 55 too including a sack. Murphy was also especially pleased with Daniel Weatherly’s efforts on the defensive line. “The line was always a question mark [in thc preseason] and I think our defensive line stepped up an answered the call in terms of new guys stepping up and really taking con­ trol and solidifying their places on the defen­ sive line. Dan Weatherly did a fantastic job at defensive end. Showed he belongs.” Delton Kellogg 34, Loy Norrix 30 Thc Panthers gave good answers to some of the team’s biggest questions Thursday night, in a 34-30 win at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix to open the 2021 varsity football season. i Despite a lack of depth, the Delton Kellogg* guys held p well on a sweltering evening in Kalamazoo. New varsity quarterback Philip: Holcomb handled the offense. The running: backs being asked lo shoulder a bigger load this fall certainly carried that load well. ’ Vinnie Quick rushed 17 limes for 178 yards’ and two touchdowns to lead lhe Delton Kellogg attack. “We knew they were fast and athletic so we had to keep the ball away from them as much as possible. Wc had 75 plays to their 46. We made a few long drives that took a lot of ticks’ off the clock,” DK head coach Ryan Bates said. New DK quarterback Philip Holcomb, helped seal the win with a two-yard TD on a keeper" up' the ’ middle in‘'(ltd second half,’ which put his team up 34-22 following the’ two-point conversion. “I thought our QB play was good consider-' ing Philip has been a QB for three weeks. He is an athlete and he is able to just make plays,”’ Bates said. Mason Nabozny made the first big play for DK. scoring on a 17-yard run in the opening quarter. The two teams then went back and’ forth throughout the first half. Loy Norrix tied the ballgame at 8-8. went in front 14-8. DK tied things back up at 14-14 before the end of the opening quarter. The game stayed that way until Loy Norrix, quarterback Tyler Roberts connected on a 65-yard touchdown pass to open the second, half. Loy Norrix led 22-20. • A ten-yard TD run by Seth Collard for the. Panthers got DK within 22-20. A two-point try failed, but the ensuing on-side kick attempt did not and DK got the ball back. The. Panthers went in for a 16-yard TD run by Quick that put his team in front 26-22. , Roberts scored on a five-yard scramble to, gel his leam within a touchdown late. He scored three touchdowns for Loy Norrix. Continued next page Local Standings (W-L, playoff points) 1-0(50,000) Hastings 0-2 (3.000) Thomapple Kellogg 0-1 (0.000) Lakewood 1-0(60.000) Delton Kellogg Maple Valley (8-player)0-1 Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference 1-0,00 Hastings 1-0,0-0 Lumen Christi 1-0,04) Marshall I-0,0-0 Northwest 1-0.0-0 Parma Western 1-0,00 Pennfield 0-1,04) Coldwater 0-1.0-0 Harper Creek OK Gold Conference G.R. Catholic Central 1-0,0-0 1-0,04) South Christian 14), 04) Cedar Springs 0-1,04) Forest Hills Eastern 0-1,00 Kenowa Hills 0-1,04) Thomapple Kellogg 0-1,00 Ottawa Hills 0-1,0-0 Wayland Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Maple Valley running back Andrew Shepard tries to pick v through the Athens secondary after bursting through the line on run during the Li0?q0ss on the first night of the varsity football season at Maple Valley High Schoo) Frida/- <ph0’° by Bre” Maple Valley sophomore quarterback Ayden Wilkes fires a pass down field for the Lions during their season-opening loss to visiting Athens Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Bremer) . �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 2. 2021 — Page 13 TK’sfirst defeat conies in Gold opener ■ n •' ■ mb1* Thornapple Kellogg’s Gabriel Lajoye pushes out of the Trojans’ end with the ball during the first half at South Christian High School Monday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor South Christian touched thc ball into thc net four times Monday evening. The first three times it went in the proper net as the Sailors scored a 3-1 OK Gold Conference victory over the visiting Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team, handing the Trojans their first defeat of thc 2021 fall season. The Trojans held thc Sailors off the score­ board through thc first 33 minutes of play, but South Christian took a 1-0 lead was Jordan Gabrielse, a senior attacker, finally finished off a long scramble in front of thc Trojan net following a Sailor comer kick with six and a half minutes to play in the first half. Diego Tiscareno scored from his midfield spot for die Sailors four minutes later, using some fancy footwork Trojan defenders as he charged into the box and then ripping a shot by TK keeper Daniel Beyer. Beyer made an excellent save prior to the Sailors’ third goal, with 7:40 to play in the game, but the rebound found the Sailors' Sam Medendorp who sent a shot streaking into the open net. The two teams were back and forth p and down the field all evening long, but the Trojans were always a touch or two away Experienced Viking team off to 3-0 soccer start Brett Bremer a freshman. Carter had 12 goals and six assists Sports Editor a year ago. It has been four years since the Lakewood Viking head coach James LeVeque, who is varsity boys’ soccer team captured a Greater entering his 11th season leading the program, Lansing Activities Conference championship. is also pleased to have three-year starter Drew The Vikings are pushing to get back on top Marquoit back in the midfield, where he will be joined by freshman midfielder Jackson of the conference this fall. Lake wood brings back seven starters from MacKenzie. Ben Scobey will fill the import­ . last year’s team that earned 14 wins, including ant position in goal for the Vikcs. LeVeque expects JLihsing. Christian and. three of the top. four scorers from 2020 and Laingsburg to be the Vikings stiffest competi­ much of its back line on defense. Thc group of returnees is led by senior tion in lhe conference this season, and his defender Connor Feighan, who was an guys got off to a good start with a 2-1 win all-conference and all-district player a year over the Laingsburg boys last Wednesday. ago. He’s joined in the back by Tyson Raffler. Garrett Feighan and Alex Russell both a senior who was honorable mention all-con­ scored in the second half to put their team up ference as a junior. 2-0 and then they held on for the one-goal Up front, the Viking team brings back all­ victory. league and all-district junior attacker Colby “Wc controlled most of the play, but did not Carter who was the team’s leading scorer las generate near enough pressure on the season and sophomore forward Garrett [Laingsburg] goalie,” LeVeque said. Feighan who was the second-leading scorer as Crosses into the Laingsburg box, which the Vikings attempted throughout the afternoon but were thwarted by the Wolfpack's big, back line, finally paid off early in the second half when Joel Apsey received a cross from Jackson Mackenzie and put the ball right back across the Laingsburg net where Garrett Feighan was waiting to tap the ball into the net. A misplay by thc Laingsburg keeper pro­ vided Russell with his opportunity to add to the Lakewood lead about ten minutes after the initial goal. “Our defense kept them at bay for most of the game and kept us in it long enough for our attack to get its footing,” LeVeque said. The Vikings are now 3-0 overall having scored a 5-2 win at Charlotte Friday and a 5-1 win over visiting Pennfield Monday after­ noon. The Vikings were scheduled to play their second GLAC ballgame yesterday at home against Maple Valley. FOOTBALL, continued from previous page ————— scrambling when a passing play broke down. The first two were in lhe first quarter, one covering 27 yards and a second covering 37. “Their QB was elusive for sure,” Bates said. “We had a few breakdowns in our pass rush lanes. Once we left our backers in cover­ age, they did a nice job of spying on him and keeping him contained. We will be faced with the same type of kid this week [at Parchment] the DK quarterback, Holcomb, finished l-of-4 passing for 23 yards. He also rushed ten times for 33 yards. DK goi eight carries for 82 yards from Nabozny and nine carries for 60 yards from Collard on lhe night. Alden Whitmore had the team’s lone reception. Whitmore. Nabozny and Quick had three tackles each to lead lhe The Vikings are leaning into their Veer offensive system this fall, and Markwart was pleased with what the team was able to do rushing and passing the football. “Our defense had some holes in it and they took advantage of it,” Markwart said. Pennfield scored on the possession follow­ ing the turnover to go up 14-6 and pushed its lead to 22-6 by the half. Lakewood got a touchdown run of about 30 yards from back Denny Sauers and a one-yard TD plunge on a QB snake from Willette in the second half. “Wc played hard the whole game. We just have to fix some of the little things,” Markwart said. Panther defense. „ “I thought they responded well to the heal. Bates said of his guys. “We don’t have a great deal of numbers and a lot of guys didn’t come off the field. I could see we were getting gassed and I didn’t know how much they were going to have left in the tank in the second half. By the fourth quarter they found another gear and held on to win a close ball game. A defense forcing six turnovers and allow­ ing just 285 yards of offense is going to win a lot of games for an eight-player football team, but that isn’t how things played out for the young Maple Valley varsity football team in its season opener Friday. The Maple Valley offense couldn’t turn that defensive effort into points as the Lions fell 30-6 to visiting Athens. I was really proud of our defense. It was a great defensive effort today. They played hard the entire game. I don’t know how nianv limes we gave up the ball in our own end only said°P *hem’ L'On llCad coacI1 Many Martin Eennfield 28, Lakewood 18 The Lakewood varsity football team look the opening lead, lost it and was on. isway in to try and gel it back when it had the first uimovcr of lhe season. Hig^ School Thursday evening. Lakewood “We worked or we djd |o!je ,he Jose the junto ())a( , 11S behind.” turnover battle I f lwjcc< V,.k,Ilgm c- me onthe second drive of Thai first fuml> e■ ‘ 7.6, looking the game, ‘a k aftcr scoring the first six to gel the lead btouchdown run ‘ han Xue. The Vikings by quarterback Nhad driven the ba 20-yard-line when they » tl)(. p ther of lhe foot. ball। r t«ik the wind out of us. but -That kind of * * terday." Markwart we moved the ball y said. Athens 30, Maple Valley 6 P°Pptd a ““Pie big runs, one for a 29-yard I'D by Brock Milam to open the scor mg and another 51-yarder by Landon Bennett to close it as the final minutes ticked down on the fourth quarter. Jakob Gardner also scooped up a blocked punt and rambled 29 yaids for another Athens touchdown in the opening quarter. 1 b Running back Tyler Rose scored the 1 ions’ Jone points, on a four-yard TD run with 4 26 to play in lhe first half, pulling his team with, in 16-6 at the time. The Lions turned the ball over six times themselves, and managed just 175 yards of offense. Thc ball seemed especially slick in the 90-degree heat early in lhe second half. The Lions fumbled away the second half kick return. Athens quickly drove inside the Lion 20-yard-line where Rose forced a fumble that was recovered by teammate Andrew Shepard. Rose recovered a fumble later in the quarter and both teams pul the ball on lhe ground one or two other times in the third. Penalties for illegal blocks wiped out backto-back fake punt runs for the Lions deep in their own end early in the second half, and then another blocked punt gave the Athens boys the ball at lhe Lion six-yard line where they punched it in for a 22-6 lead on a run by Bennett. Maple Valley had the ball at the Athens tenyard-line or closer twice in the third quarter but couldn’t punch it into ihc end zone, and had a pass by quarterback Ayden Wilkes picked off in the end zone early in the fourth quarter and then a final drive in the fourth that stalled at thc Athens’ 23-yard-line. Wilkes was picked off twice in the ball­ game. Coach Martin said there is a lot to iron out on offense. The quarterback needs a bit more time to throw and ends need to run bel­ ter routes according to t^e coach. Noah Musser had an interception in the end zone at the other end for the Lions, off Athens’ quarterback Dakota Converse who was 3-of-4 passing for 41 yards in the ballgame. The Lions weren’t able to complete any of their ten pass attempts. . Jesse Deppe led the Don defense with ten tackles and three sacks. Rose had five tackles. Rose, Noah Musser, Nicholas Marlin, Shepard and Cam Carpenter each picked up an Athens fumble for the Lion D« “Jesse Deppe played a great game. This is his third year on the vatf’ty- He is a junior. He is the leader of our defense an(j a great job of coaching our kids UP and making sure they know what they are oing,” coach Martin said. “If he is out. he >s n^t standing on the sideline at practice. »’c hatching from behind and he is coach,nBthem up. He did a great job, and I though1 a limes our corners really made nice pluys orc,hg the play back in to our linebackers. “These kids arc coac e, they ’ re pay­ ing attention and the> re making adjust­ ments.” . The Lion offense ha of backs carry the load. Rose finished 13 carrjcs por 53 yards. Callan Hoefler nisbes f(>r 59 yards and Shepard had ui,drries for 54 yards. “I am so proud 0/ ,. here today, coming out and pl^'111^... 115 heat and just doing a great job,” s‘< J Thornapple Kellogg's Nacho Hervas runs onto the ball on a charge in towards the South Christian net during the first half of the Trojans’ 3-1 OK Gold Conference defeat at the home of the Sailors Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) from really threatening lhe Sailor goal. A ball deflected off a Sailor defender past his team’s back-up keeper with 3:45 to play in the sec­ ond half to prevent the shut out. Beyer made a few strong saves and drew himself a yellow card midway through the second half. That gave fellow keeper Luke Kaiser a moment in net to thrill everyone. Kaiser’s brief time in goal began with South Christian’s Alex Leenslra ripping a shot around a Trojan wall from about 25 yards oul. Kaiser deflected the shot away from his net up into the air and then made an outstanding save on a strong header from the Sailors’ Jerred DeVries who powered through into the box after the rebound. Thai was the conference opener for the Trojans who saw their overall record drop to 5-1-2 with the defeat. TK was scheduled to host lhe West Michigan Aviation Academy last night and will return to action at home against Forest Hills Eastern Sept. 7. TK scored a 4-0 win in a non-conferencc bailgame at Hastings last Wednesday. Aug. 25, and lied Zeeland East 1-1 on the road last Friday. Vikings second at Grass Lake two-person, best ball tourney The Lake wood varsity girls’ golf team completed its first 18-hole tournament of the season Monday at Grass Lake’s best ball invi­ tational at Hill’s Heart of the Lakes Golf Course. The Vikings finished in the runner-up spot with its three, two-person, best-ball teams combining for a score of 297 which left them just ten strokes out of first place. Claire Benham and Hailee Shepard teamed up lo shoot a 92 for the Vikings. Karmyn Winkler and Makenzie Vasquez scored a 98 and Audrey Hillard and Makayla McGarry’ scored a 107. Grass Lake won its event with a score of 287, finishing ahead of the Vikings* 297, a 317 from Olivet, a 317 from Hanover-Horton and a 322 from East Jackson. Napoleon, Michigan Center. Addison and a few extra girls from Grass Lake competed as well, although didn’t have teams with enough golf­ ers to earn a team score. The day’s top duo was the East Jackson leam of Addy Rudd and Paris Khan which scored an 82. Benham and Shepard were tied for lhe third-best two-person score of the day. The Vikings were set to host a Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamboree Wednesday afternoon (Sept. I) and will be back in action Sept. 9 at the jamboree hosted by Laingsburg. DK/TK/HHS swim team dives into season with win at Ionia Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg/Thomapple Kellogg/ Hastings (DK/TK/HHS) varsity girls’ swim­ ming and diving team opened its season with a 96-77 victory at Ionia High School Tuesday evening. , , „ , . DK/TK/HHS head coach Carl Schoessel said all of lhe girls swam and dove very well, with many making their best times and scores to date. . ... The team closed out lhe evening with the team of Preslee Hall. Audrey Hawks. Cadence VanOoy and Abby Marcukaitis winning the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4 minutes 16.46 seconds. VanOoy and Hawks led a sweep of lhe top three spots in lhe 200-yard freestyle for the DK/TK/HHS girls early in the meet, with Lizzy Middleton third in that nice. VanOoy won lhe race in 2:23.04. Sophie Marcukaitis won thc 200-yard indi­ vidual medley for her team in 2:26.31 Abby Marcukaitis took thc 50-yard free­ style in 25.12 seconds and followed that up by winning the 100-yard butterfly in 1:02 55. DK/TK/HHS had the first three to touch the wall in the butterfly, with Anna Haywood second and Hall third. Abigail Dumond was the diving champion, pulling up a score of 194.60 for the DK/TK/ HHS team. DK/TK/HHS had thc top four divers with Eve Bishop second. T’J Myers third and Maelea Martin fourth. Maelys Bonafe had a big evening for lhe Bulldocs. She won the 500-yard freesty le in 5:29.95 and took lhe 100-yard breaststroke in 1:13.39, edging Sophie Marcukaitis for first in the breaststroke by less than half a second in the meet’s penultimate event. The DK/IK/HHS girls arc set lo host Fremont Sept. 9 at thc CERC in Hastings. Top G-R- area teams offer early challenges for Lakewood ladies The Lakewood varsity volleyball leam con­ tinues to push itself in the early preseason. The Vikings went 1-3 at the Rockford Rumble Saturday, scoring a win over Allendale while falling to Rockford, East Kentwood and Lowell. The Vikings pushes Lowell to three sets in their match. The Vikings will get another shot at Lowai Sept. 8 when they host the Red A trows lor a best of five set match at Lakewood 1 »g1 Lakewoixl was a part of the East Kcniwood Quad last Thursday, scoring wins over Grana Ixdge and Traverse City St. Francb an * ing to the host Falcons in three sets. • We are continuing to >"'P«’v.elna"d doing a Jot of good things just have to cont ue to work on way s to score and out Iasi big Division I teams who are more physical across the net from us.” Lakewood head coach Cam Rowland said. “This is the tough­ est our schedule has ever been and it will have us ready in November.” Maradith O’Gonnitn had a team-high 68 kills over the course of the two competitions late last week. Abby Pickard had 58 assists and Skylar Bmp had 46. Bump added 18 kills and three aces. O’Gorman had five blocks, three aces and 49 digs. Viking sophomore libero Carley Piercelield had a team-high 74 digs. Alli Pickard added 35 digs. Paige Wolverton had four aces. Alivia Everitt had five blocks and 11 kills while Tori Wickcrink added 13 kills and three blocks. �Page 14 — Thursday. September 2, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Panthers getting used to pace of varsity volleyball Brett Bremer Sport* Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team Scored its first win of thc season at its own Delton Kellogg Invitational last Wednesday. Wins have been tough go come by in thc early going E)K he ul coach Erin Thornion said her girls worked to find lheir rhythm together, with just three reluming varsity players back, at (heir seavcin opening Gull Lake Invitational Aug. -(E Die DK youngsters were still getting used lo the speed of pjay against talented varsity opponents. Ihv Panthers got win number one during I’luy at their home tournament Aue. 25. Our hilling struggled, but looked a little •nore comfortable than against the (Class] A •sc tools al (mil Lake.’ coach Thornton said. * augatuck look the tournament title. bcnl•ng Constantine for thc championship. DK was back in action at thc Cereal City Invitational hosted by Harper (’reck Saturday, and they struggled with their sene receive throughout lhe day making it tough to gel thc offense going. We have a lot to work on. and have been going strong in practice since," Thornton said. “We’re working on getting quicker, which has been a downfall the past Few years I think. Delton Kellogg junj0r Jordan Lyons hits an attack from the left side of the net against Galesburg-Augusla at the DK Invitational Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) It’s hard .o come against another team that just has that instinct cloven mi to th y. i»irk are all-around athletes, not J j . girls are an <nuu working on hon> to happen for passing, as wc re_p setter from her spot quite a bit. J»s ■ & on thc basics, but faster, at this point. DK’s next match will be at home Sept ? against the Saugatuck team that won the DK' Invitational last week. "Wc know (hat’s going to be tough compe­ tition. It’s just a matter of playing the game now.” Thornton said. "We’ve got to give I(X) percent every day and not lay off until H feels natural to play bard and fast. DK will follow up that match with a tnp la Climax-Scotts Sept. 11. ? Teams take Jensen Memorial tourney titles at Tyden Park Saxon gyys already hitting personal records in August Delton Kellogg junior outside hitter Lilly Ferris looks to smack an attack by a Galesburg-Augusta block during their pool play match to start lhe Delton Kellogg Invitational Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) •••S.A, M -j Delton Kellogg setter Cadence Johnson turns to pass the ball during her team's opening round match against Galesburg-Augusta at Wednesday's Delton Kellogg Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Weatherization Assistance Program provides FREE home energy conservation services lo low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. Services reduce energy inc and lower utility bilk. d be cut by: Dedicated to helping people achieve and maintain independence. C.c<11.h,;i. Action . ___ ______ _—-------------- If typical improvements happen throughout the season, the Saxon varsity boys’ cross country team is in good shape. Many of lhe members of the Hastings var­ sity boys’ cross country team ran their best varsity 5K ever Tuesday at Marshall 's Barney Roy Invitational at Cornwell’s Turkeys ille Saxon sophomore Riley Shults ran his fast est race o! the year to place fifth in 17 minutes 51.7 seconds. Sophomore Reuben Solmes and freshman Brandon Simmons placed 11 th and 12lh. both running lheir fastest varsity race yet. Solmes hit the finish line in 18:33.8 and Simmons came in .1'8:36.6. Cole Greenfield, Bailey Pennock, and Robert Bruce 111, a trio of sophomores, each set new personal records us well for (he Hastings’ boy s team (hat placed fourth in the final 11-team standings. Greenfield was in the lop five scorers for Hastings, placing 49th overall. The Saxon leam also had sophomore Jonah Teed 14th in 19:08.7. Olivet took the boys’ championship for the day with 69 points. Marshall was second with 71. ahead of Charlotte 79. Hastings 84. Battle Creek St. Philip Catholic Central 110. Parma Western 117. Springoort 160 and Pennfield 204. Parma Western senior Jacob Singleton won the boys’ race in 16:21.1, with C harlotte junior Koda Brandt setting a new personal record with his runner-up time of 16:38.1. Olivet had sophomore Lucas Hopkins third in 17:24.9, sophomore Conner Fountain fourth in 17:47.2 and senior Anthony DeVito eighth in 18:26.0. Shults,Teed. Solmes and Simmons were all medalists for the Saxon boys. Carissa Strouse, /Mlison Teed and Lily Comensoli from the Hastings girls’ team were medalists too. The Hastings girls placed filth. Marshall won thc girls’ meet with 26 points, ahead of Parma Western 54,Charlotte 94, St. Philip 96. Hastings 134, Olivet 136 and Pennfield 180. Marshall had four girls in the l0P seven, led by senior Brooke Waito who was third in 21:13.6. Parma Western senior Alyna Lewis won lhe race in 19:43.8. well ahead of Comstock junior I ydia Krui s u ,in was secnnd in 21:03.9. Strouse placed I2ih in 22:43.0, leading a Saxon squad with enough girls ,o earn a te:,m score for thc fi^t time this season. Allison Teed was 18th in 03-11.4. Lily Comensoli 34th in 25:11.1, Hannah Crozier 59th in 27:56.3 and Autumn Guernsey 81st in 31:24.0. Inspire, the team of Malachi Vanengen, Lucas Ploeg. Jett Barnum and IsaiatV Lamphere, took the 12-14 championship at the 2021 Jim Jensen Memorial 3-on-3 Tournament Saturday. - Hastings boys have a week to prep for first |.g game with Pennfield It has been a t0,,„h start for the Hastings varsity boys’ soccwtain. The Saxons tlX)>. ,.| win in their season opener in Auguq .’ ’’ .e since been shut out in consecutive' h ,o..ames l>> WdZPle “,,d "’e Wayland t<x>k a„ K n win o'er the Saxons Saturday i„ ,h 1 tt, the Wayland Wildcat Invitati,, , The Saxons sli|, , some time to prep toi the start of t|le ln 'K ,v|t|eiie Conference season. They wi„ |a , |>eiitHield on Pierce The Burger Boys, James Gerber, Joey McLean, Latyon Esstman and Braden. Vertalka, took the 15-17 championship al the 2021 Jim Jensen Memorial 3-on-3 Tournament Saturday. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-09-09.pdf 51a40e0b9cf971b82c666c421e640668 PDF Text Text Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 HiiaiUi CAR-’'’L ANNER r,chard HemerVng H _... ■-............. “ Thursday.JeP^^^S^Ogl VOLUME 167. No. 36 PRICE $1.00 Schools eye the options: Ask for millage - or leave ISD Thylor Owens Volunteers sought for prairie project Staff Writer All three boards of the Barry Intermediate School District met together for the first time in years Tuesday night. While Barry ISD Superintendent Rich Franklin said he hoped it would be the start of more communication between the boards, it may instead be the start of the dissolution of the ISD. More than 20 Board of Education members from Hastings Area Schools, Delton Kellogg Schools and the ISD spoke for nearly two hours about the two broad paths ahead: 'fry for a millage, or dissolve the ISD. Attendees came to a general consensus to form a study committee with members from the three boards, to explore the options and report back to their respective entities within six weeks. In the meantime, Hastings Superintendent Matt Goebel and Delton Superintendent Kyle Corlett plan to present options to their school delicate subject." Goebel said he plans to give a similar pre­ sentation to the Hastings school board. “I’d also like to talk to Rich and Kyle both about moving forward, doing a little cost analysis on services, so we can provide some more detailed information to our board to make an effective decision on just providing good quality services to our students," Goebel said. Alter those conversations occur. Corlett said he would like to have another joint BISD meeting so the three boards can come to some conclusions about what they want for the future. "Since 1 started - this is the start of my fifth year at Delton - it’s been a topic of conversa­ tion," Corlett said. "Rich has always handled it ver)' professionally, and I think the root of the discussion is: How can we get more sup­ port in the areas of CTE and special ed? "We have looked al comparing our ISD to other ISDs and what services are offered and “I think our ISD does good job with what we have, but it’s just very lifted because of its size.... Its not a level playing field when districts around us receive millions more in funding. On rhe Ground. Michigan United Delton Superintendent Conservation Clubs' volunteer wildlife _Kyle Corlett habitat improvement program, in partner­ ' ship with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is looking for volun- . boards during October meetings. . teens for some projects in September. One Corlett said he will "summarize in detail ; of those is in Barry County. the pros and cons of being in Barry ISD or a A prairie restoration project is planned at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute south of different ISD." "We’ve talked about it, just brainstormed, Hastings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, but we haven’t sat down and just crunched the Sept. 11. numbers and made a list,” Corlett said. "I Volunteers will use hand saws and lopthink a lot of it has been, you know, it’s a pers to cut and pile wood brush. Chainsaws will be available, as needed, for larger vegetation that needs to be removed. The goal is to remove woody vegetation . and begin restoring a prairie on publicly accessible land at the institute. To prepare the field for a prescribed bum and other ecological restoration efforts, a hedgerow and other woody shrubs will be removed from a 5-acre field. This project will benefit a variety of native wildlife and pollinator species. Necessary' equipment, including- per- : 4.006 Jitjeii feet of 18-inch storm water force main al an aver­ sonal protective equipment, will be pro­ age depth of 5 feet; grading, excavation and construction of vided, although volunteers are encouraged . Rebecca Pierce two pump station buildings, including intake and distribution to bring their own work gloves. Editor lines; and the installation of pumps and pump filters in those All registered volunteers will receive a The signup sheet indicates 62 Barry County residents came pumpstation buildings: along with bringing the system online free lunch and volunteer appreciation gift. to the Watson Drain Day of Review Friday to discuss a $5.5 for initial operation. Registration can be completed online at They’ve got a start date sometime after Oct. 15, with the mucc.org, via the "About” tab and then the • million project that will have a financial impact on them for the next 20 years. work to be completed by April 1.2022. Dull confirmed. calendar. Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and his deputy, Tammy On Friday, residents arrived for the Day of Review in the Hayes, expressed disappointment at the turnout, but exactly Delton Middle School auditorium and signed in to talk with what that low turnout indicates is unclear. Dull, attorney Doug Kelly or engineer Brian Cenci. As resi­ Dull and Hayes said they are hoping residents won’t have dents patiently waited, they talked about the district and what any confusion about the plan. they wanted to know. Some expressed skepticism: others were Letters were sent. Information has been posted. They’ve resigned. The Legal Services of South Central reached out to answer questions and make sure the plan is One resident who has lived in the district since 1978, came Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct clear. in with questions yet little expectation of getting answers, he interviews for legal advice and possible Now the project, which involves more than 1,082 parcels, said. representation, without charge, over the property owners and municipalities in Prairieville and Barry Later, after meeting with Dull, he called The Hastings phone to interested seniors who live in townships in southwestern Barry County, encompassing Banner to report that he got the answers he had sought after Barry County. Pleasant Lake, Upper Crooked Lake and Lower Crooked Seniors who wish to speak with an all. Lake, is expected to move forward in about 10 days. He went on to praise the Watson Drain project team for their attorney may call 269-224-5040 between A long list of people has been compiled to indicate who will honesty and for providing all the information he wanted to 10:30 a.m. and noon. Wednesday. Sept. be assessed and how much they will pay over 20 years for know. He was impressed, he said. extensive work intended to prevent the flooding that damaged Another resident said she was not surprised by all the infor­ Legal Services of South Central homes and property several years ago. mation that was shared. Michigan-Battle Creek office is a nonprof­ Dull and his crew are currently in negotiations with the She said she was satisfied by what she learned Friday. it organization that provides legal assis­ Southwest Barry Sewer Authority to determine how much that Dull "is very’ good at explaining everything," she said, addtance, representation and education to authority will contribute to the project. seniors in Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. The work will require the installation of 684 linear feet of Joseph counties. 12-inch storm water force main at an average depth of 5 feet; how the millage rates differ, and we’ve brain­ stormed on them at different approaches," Corlett added. "I think our ISD does good job with what we have, but it’s just very' limited because of its size.... It’s not a level playing field when districts around us receive millions more in funding." "It would be great to have access to a career center,” he said, "and we’d like additional support with emotional and cognitive impair­ ments." Franklin said the three boards used to have annual join meetings, but the practice fell by the wayside several years ago, before he became BISD superintendent. He acknowledged there have been recent challenges with communication between the three entities, and a need for more services for the school districts. They couldn’t have an ISD with just one school district. Franklin noted, so if either See OPTIONS, page 8 $5.5 million Watson Drain project proceeding Qay. of Review draws, few residents Seniors may call for legal advice Sept. 15 See PROCEEDING, page 3 Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull consults with attorney Doug Kelly during the Watson Drain Day of Review Friday at the Delton Kellogg Middle School Auditorium. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Local couple to join Farmers Hall of Fame Gordon and Patricia Endsley of Hastings . will be among a small group of producers '• inducted into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame Saturday in Marshall. The Endsleys have been involved in the ■ agriculture industry for more than 55 years. They currently own 840 acres and rent an additional 820 acres nearby, grow­ ing soybeans, wheat, hay and com. Gordon Endsley’s father and grandfather brought the first Charolais cattle to Michigan in 1955 from Texas. Today, the Endsleys have the oldest continuous Charolais herd east of the Mississippi River. 'Die Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame was founded in 1982 by another Barry ’ County farmer, the late Bill Aukerman. For the next 28 year, the annual induction : ceremony took place during the Prairieville Farm Days. . ... . Jn 2015. with the assistance of Harry sand Sharon Pratley and the Fredonia ' Grange 1713. a board of directors was ;■ established and the Farmers Hall of Fame ■ moved to its current home at the ( alhoun ; County Fairgrounds in Marshall. 'Additional inductees Saturday include: ’Quentin and Linda Harwood of Ionia. ■ Dennis and Shelly Hartmann of South ' Haven, Dennis and Diane Hanson of .Cornell, Jerry Voyce of Fast Leroy, and <• the Norton family of Bronson. More information can be found at • MichiganFannersnallOfFame.org. I County flips planners action; OKs Bay Pointe rezoning request Rebecca Pierce Editor A Bay Pointe Inn rezoning request — sent back to the Barry County Planning Commission for reconsideration, and deci­ sively rejected twice by that board - was endorsed by county commissioners Tuesday. This action took place during the commis­ sioners’ Committee of the Whole meeting, so a formal vote to approve the request is expect­ ed at next Tuesday's 9 a.m, board meeting. Board Chairman Ben Geiger texted The Hastings Banner after Tuesday’s meeting: "Barry County commissioners owed Bay Pointe and Gun I-ake residents’ action - one way or another. While I’m concerned about overturning lower board decisions. I’m more concerned about continuing this divisive debate. "It’s time to come together for the future of this county" Their 5-2 vote to OK the request - preced­ ed by resort owner Mike Powers’ pilch for the project, emotional comment from several residents who vehemently oppose it. and indi­ vidual views from commissioners - got con­ fused when it became unclear what an "aye" meant. Did a "yes" vote support lhc planning com. missions demal of the request or did it approve the rezomng.' Finally a point of order Was called> thcn a recess taken while CoUn.., , . . . Michael Brown consult^ ralor Order a guidebook> Par|iainent . dure. Geiger and Vice Chainvoma" Vivian Conner, who wereor debate, disagreed on lW t() d a vote on the issue. Conner, whose 6th the Bay Point pro^y in Orangeville rownship as well r ‘neville and portions of Yankee Springs> WlpSi slri , ()s. es the Bay Corp. Shc q netghbors there 10 ^e con(.erns ilbolll commercial growth anti ,K rural property. In deciding this request. sider the people.J‘ ^er Said T|)al |aii(1 .|S zoned rum resident'tha(,s (| ixiople settled thereJ Conner and Chairman Ben Geiger take opposing sides tn the <Ph°'° * Reb6CCa PierCe) See Fl.ips page 2 ._. - —............... - -X -..... . �■ Barry County Planning Commissioner Jack Miner speaks in support of “the pro­ cess” Tuesday after the county board opted against planning commissioners’ decision to reject the Bay Corp. Inc. rezoning request. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) The residents who spoke to commissioners Tbesday pointed to continuing problems with noise and overflow parking creating crowded conditions along the roadway, restricting access to their homes. Residents Joel Kapteyn, Elizabeth Bronson and Linda Ribble detailed the disruptions created by the resort complex. Commissioner Jon Smelker. who agreed with Conner in denying the rezoning request, said the county board should not disregard die actions of its planning commission. Planners already had rejected the request, 6-0, on June 28. Then, when it came to the county board for action on July 20, commis­ sioners sent it back to planners, asking them to re-evaluate the proposal and make an action that is specific to the site. “It’s the first time I’ve ever had a decision sent back for reconsideration,’’ Planning and Zoning Director Jim McManus said Tuesdayafter the meeting. McManus said he’s been with the county since 1994 and he’s never seen a planning commission action go to the county board and then get kicked back for re-evaluation. “Mostly that’s because we don’t usually have a rezoning that’s denied,” he said. “It really says we need to get our new' plan done.” The county’s master plan is overdue for a redo. After the county board sent it back in June, planners reheard the request, McManus said. They did their due diligence. “They had a lot of data, a lot of public comment. A lot of information, all those letters.” . Then, for the second time in three months,# planners voted 6-1 to recommend denial of the request from Bay Corp. Inc. to change the zoning on two parcels, totaling 3.7 acres, on Oarie Drive, a private drive that serves the Orangeville Tow nship resort, from rural resi­ dential to mixed-use. The rezoning change would allow for the construction of five two-story cottages on the property. Planning board Chairman Clyde Morgan cast the lone vote favoring the request. During the first deliberations, several plan board members suggested the group wait until a new county master plan could be developed before making future zoning changes. But county commissioners have said the concept of a future land use plan cannot be Bay Pointe Inn resort complex owner Mike Powers asks the county board to approve rezoning 3.7 acres on Oarie Drive to allow for the addition of more cottages. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Commissioners Vivian Conner and Chairman Ben Geiger ask County Administrator Mtchae1 Brown to consult Robert's Rules of Order to determine proper Committee of the Whole procedure. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) ' Mark Bonsignore of Barry Township discusses the Orangeville Township rezoning request with Barry County Commissioner Catherine Getty, who is the zoning adminis­ trator for Thornapple Township. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) used as the basis of a decision now. County Commissioner Catherine Getty, who is the zoning administrator for Thomapple Township, advised the commissioners Tuesday about this point. The county has an existing plan and that must be the basis for their decision. In his remarks to both the planning com­ mission and the county board. Powers pointed to the zoning. “This strategic rezoning will blend perfect­ ly with numerous contiguous properties already zoned mixed-use or commercial, while acting in the spirit of the Barry County­ future land use map and urban planning in the master plan." he said. “Bay Pointe has experi­ enced rapid growth, (withJ over 100,000 visi­ tors annually.” Bay Pointe currently employs about 140 workers with an annual payroll of more than $2.4 million. He expects to add 10 to 15 new jobs as a result of the rezoning and lodging expansion. Powers said. David Tripp, an attorney who lives on Gun Lake and represents Bay Pointe, also addressed county commissioners in support o! Powers' rezoning request. He emphasized that a future kqjd use map say not be used in con­ sideration of this plan, Tripp noted that the cottages that wilLb/idded to this site look residential, not commercial. When Geiger sought input from commis­ sioners. he went around the table “I’m learning how difficult it is to be a commissioner,” Commissioner Bruce Campbell said as he told his fellow' board members that he have visited the Bay Pointe resort to check it out and foupd the complex to be “immaculate” and “classy.” “I do plan to support it.” he said of the rezoning request. Commissioner Dave Jackson expressed concern about deviating from the land use plan as it currently exists. “I’m concerned about taking a stance to change the plan.” he said. “It seems odd to plant our flag on 3.7 acres.” Commissioner Catherine Getty, the Thornapple Township zoning administrator, offers insight on zoning issues during the Committee of the Whole meeting. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) ». . Commissioner Howard Gibson said he agreed with Getty’s view. But Smelker pointed out that they had put a planning commission in place for a purpose. It would be wrong to “turn around and ignore them." he said. Mark Bonsigliore of Barry' Tow-nship, who was observing the session from the audience, stepped to the microphone during public com­ ment at the conclusion of the meeting. “I am extremely disappointed,” he told them, point­ ing to the request from “a multibillionaire making tons of money.” The request from 14 individual families to deny the rezoning request was ignored in favor of a man who has created a public nui­ sance. he said. “Instead, you reward him with possibility of further public nuisance. “I do not sec where the sentiments of the board are - where someone gains and 14 peo­ ple lost.” The final public comment came from Jack Miner, who serves on the county’s Planning Commission and was among those members who voted to deny the Bay Corp, rezoning request. “I have served on the Planning Commission for several years,” Miner told them. “You had to make a difficult decision today. We have a process and the process worked. Now let us all support your motion. Let us move forward without second-guessing. “Barry County is an awesome place to live. And I thank each of you for your service.” Amazon adding to Gaines Township site; Eaton County ©enter m the works James Gemmell Contributing Writer It was as recent as March 2020 that Amazon Inc. opened its $150 million fulfillment center in Gaines Charter Township, in southern Kent County. Now the retail company has announced plans to expand its footprint even further in West Michigan. In a news release Wednesday, the company announced the opening of a fulfillment center in Eaton County’s Delta Township, along with the expansion of its Gaines Tow nship site, and three new operations centers to support cus­ tomers in Grand Rapids and metro Detroit area. Altogether, that will generate an additional 1.500 jobs, the company estimates. TK superintendent takes immediate medical leave ular meeting Monday, Sept. 13, Cove said. Remenap. 49. was hired in November 2020 to be TK’s superintendent, succeeding Rob Blitchok, who had retired at the end of September 2020 after two years in the post. Last fall, the board brought in Dan Tokens, former superintendent of Byron Cenlcr Public Schools, to serve as interim superin­ tendent between Blitc|10k’s departure and Remenap’s hiring. Prior to taking the Yg job, Remenap was superintendent of the usings Area Schoo> System. He started at HASS in April 2019. Before that, he worked for 10 >'ears as prin‘ cipal at Allendale Hinh School in Ottawa County. ® Remenap’s past ■ .,iee also includes hr“ years as assist principal * Spnng l-ake High School J sears of teaching School board will discuss selecting an interim Monday Greg Chandler Staff Writer Thornapple Kellogg Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap announced last week a temporary medical leave of absence from his post, starting immediately. In a letter to district parents dated Sept. 3, TK school board president Kristen Cove announced that Remenap is expected to be on leave for about eight to 10 weeks. In an interview Friday. Remenap said he I took the leave at the recommendation of his doctor. He cited several factors in his deci­ sion. “I’ve had some ulcer issues. I’ve lost 30 pounds since my brother died,” Remenap said. “I’m OK. I’m just not going in a good direction. J need to take some time off to get back on a better path, mentally and physical­ ly” . “I am very open to discussing this. I am not ashamed to admit I am struggling and need the Lime and help ... I am looking for­ ward to returning.” he added. Remenap’s brother. Kevin, an assistant principal at Thomapple Kellogg High School since 2018, died April 9 after becoming ill while returning home from a family spring break trip. “It’s hard to grieve properly and be the experience at Grandville H'S1’ Sc1hool,,n suburban Grand •1. where he also Dan Remenap superintendent of the district at the same time. It’s the long and short of it,” Dan Remenap said. Cove noted that Remenap will not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the district during his leave. Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy will serve as acting superintendent until the school lioard can choose an interim superintendent. The board will discuss this at its next reg­ 1,1 last Thursday’s i f Cove wrote that ,he TK school board ' ^rted Remenap’s request for a leave . Knee and w'shcs '>»•> the best ashe« u%n his health. The board has confidence in the strength of the :il| ,ea"'’" ,ShC wrote. "Mr. McCar h"' ell-P<’'i,i<,,,e‘l 10 ron day-to-day * !!' ' . Remenap thanked ^’"^ud fori,s suPP°rt ,n his interview Fr: । ,c * ‘ ‘‘lhe board h-K- ?’ zrv sUpP°r,ivtfget it." hc been ' Jwl they knew Kevin because he w ( ” _____ wtu at rl b • ____ A rendering of Amazon’s Delta Charter Township fulfillment center, projected to nnon in mid-Michigan in 2022. (Photo provided by Business Wire) Once it opens in 2022,the 1,000.000-squarefoot fulfillment center in Delta Charter Township will require 500 full-time jobs and innovative technologies that allow- the ship­ ment of larger items to customers, “such as bulk paper goods, sports equipment, patio furniture, and larger home goods and elec­ tronics,” the news release said. The center will use zero-emission power industrialized truck (PIT) equipment. The Delta Charter Township location is Amazon’s eighth Michigan fulfillment center. The company said it has created 21,000 jobs in Michigan, so far, with an investment of $6 billion since 2010. Delta Township Supervisor Ken Fischer said the expansion will be good for the region. In Gaines Township, on 68th Street SE, a new sortation and delivery station will be located across the street from Amazon’s exist­ ing fulfillment center that opened last year. The new sort center will launch in 2022 and the delivery station in 2023. Ryan Companies is expected to build the sortation plant. low nship Planning Commissioner Tim Haagsma was quoted in May as saying the sort center is the next level of the Amazon distribution chain, where mail is routed to a final delivery point. Amazon sources have said these two sites will employ “hundreds of people while pow­ ering Amazon’s middle mile and last-mile delivery capabilities.” Gaines Township Supervisor Rob DeWard said the township appreciates the investment that Amazon has made. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship with the company as they, and our township, grow,” DeWard said. Also announced by Amazon in West Michigan was a 112.000-square-foot delivery station in the city of Walker, a Grand Rapids suburb. The state-of-the-art facility will employ more than 100 people. As for other sites, Amazon has announced that it will open its sixth delivery station in metro Detroit in 2022, which will employ more than 100 people. The company opened its Pontiac robotics fulfillment center in Oakland County on Wednesday; that center employs more than 1200 people. It also reported that its new Huron Charter Township XL Non-Sortuble Fulfillment Center near Romulus will employ more than 100 people. I �Parmer Ken Osborne confers with engineer Brian Cenci. (Photo by Scott Hamnsen) Robert Trader, on right, asks questions while attorney Doug Kelly (center) and Drain Commissioner Jim Dull listen. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) J GENERAL OESCP.'PTION Of LANDS COMPHtSNGTHE WATSON DRAIN DRAINAGE DISTRICT7 ' Jim Minich meets with engineer Brian Cenci. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) CARRY TOWNSHP (TIN. RSW) sccnossi.4.kft. r.e »ia. v, u HOPE TOWNSHIP (T2N. RSW) SCCTKW 31 ing that she felt sorry for him because some people aren’t very nice. She said Dull is striv­ ing to be informative. “It’s fair,” she said. “Fair is fair.” Another man shook his head as he left the Delton Middle School, saying he was consid­ ering a lawsuit. Several have theories as to what caused the flooding problems in the first place. But chances are that, even though lake lev­ els are significantly lower now. precarious weather conditions could lead to flooding trouble in the future. They haven’t forgotten what happened in 2019, when flooding was so bad in the Delton area it submerged a portion of M-43 to the point that it became impassable. Today, the situation is much improved, Dull said. “Tlie water is down almost 21* feet from where we were,” he said. Even so, Dull said Tuesday, they’ve told residents not to get rid of their sandbags. ORANGEVILLE T0WSHP(T2N, R10W) SECTION 3S PRA'RLVlLLE TOWNSHIP (TIN. R10W) XCTX3M33.3. «.nil.U. U. J3 GENERAL ROUTE AND COURSE OfTHl; WATSON DRAIN: DC DRA/N CCNTLRUNC DCSCR.BCD N THE F WAI ORDER OF DfrUWeMTiON OF THE WATSON DRA-N DATED 1 AND ALSO THE DRA'N CENTERLINE DESCRIBED N THE FNAL ORDER OF DETERM NATION OF THE WATSON ORAN EXTENSION DATED APRIL 19. 1909 Early school attendance shows stabilizing enrollment Taylor Owens Staff Writer After local schools took a hit in enrollment numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic last year, early attendance numbers show a stabi­ lizing enrollment this year that is making superintendents cautiously optimistic. While school officials won’t have official numbers until count day next month, they have been able to create rough estimates based on current enrollment and attendance. School officials also note the numbers are subject to change during the fust few weeks of school. Hastings Area Schools is estimating 2519 currently in the district, down from the 2,537 enrolled last year, according to mischooldata. org. Thai enrollment count is higher than the 2,478 projected by the budget passed last June. „ . . . Thornapple Kellogg Schools current enrollment estimate is 3.201. which is up from the last year's enrollment of 3,167. Lakewood Public Schools currently has ] 7^8 students registered, has counted 1.715 attending, and projected 1,656 for full-time equivalent in its budget. “FTF is always less than the number attendinc because some students have part-time schedules or attend other Wltl’ ^hnm we share the FTh, Lakewood Superintendent Steven Skalka said. "But. if wXn maintain 1.715 students m attendance that will ultimately turn out Io be more than the 1.656 FTE budgeted for - which is a posi,iv^r?sul'! kcwood started in mid-August Lhas buyable to gel a count of students in SXS«*« •***"— cd classes Iucsd‘^* day of school and. “Today was , 135 students, which is right now. we frQm |asl year;• an increase of , gyJe Corlett said. Delton Superm u a |iule. bul that-s • That number n I y w£ had pn)jccl. really positive news ed 1,100 swdenw|s cuffenIly b8S 976 Maple Va.,Ieyp ’school student tracking students on its*'" Catherine Bertolini system. Superintend*” said. , . „ift slodents enrolled last The district had year. . ;ncrtase for us over our "This is « ^ca‘ for budget of 850 stuprojected enrollment for . dents,” Bertolini said. “I am hopeful we retain these students and stabilize our enrollment over the next couple of years, but there is still some volatility in student numbers due to the impact COVID is having on schools, so it is a day-by-day and student-by-student situation.” Michigan’s fall count day is Oct. 6. after which school districts will have a more accu­ rate enrollment count for their budgets. » Utct KMO4TV menromat r. mooo tvtoAC) _______ ______ ........ .... '* IXAAXX COUV.U.xr r.jjtarrooontMACi a »<: IX nr (I o Bi (X n «V»*4 D) Hastings Planning Commission considers 16-foot sign on State Street Benjamin Simon Staff Writer . Eric Builcr wants a 16-foot sign in front of his building. He said he wants people to see it; he wants people to know the names of his tenants; and he doesn’t want it blocked by trees. The Planning Commission, at the moment, does not want a 16-foot sign. The maximum height of signs in the district is 4 feet and the commission doesn’t sec the need to make an exception. Butler is proposing to place the sign in front of his property at 400 W. State Street. The building, which is currently occupied by Hastings Pharmacy and Edward Jones, will be expanding and accepting new tenants in the coming months. Butler said he expects eight tenants, mostly professionals, such as lawyers and doctors. The sign would list the names of all eight tenants in one column, with the building’s address at the bottom “I do have to advertise and I do wanl t0 make it safe for people who are driving west­ bound to have enough time to look at some signage and be able to comprehend what’s going on and get their eyes back on to the road so they’re not going to cause an acci dent,’* Butler said. dLC1“ Multiple members of the commission pushed back against the proposal, arguing it was excessive and in violation of the district code. Interim City Manager Gregg Guetsehow compared it to a “billboard.” The Planning Commission neither denied nor accepted Buller’s request Instead, it sug. gested that Buller come back with additional drawings displaying the sign at diftervnt heights. “Part of the problem is that we don’t have anything to look at other than this,” Chairman Dave Hatfield said, referring to a drawing of the 16-foot sign. “So what we are asking is for you to help us by g»v>ng us some alterna­ tives.” In other action, the Planning Commission approved a site plan for Thomapple Credit Union at 202 W. Woodlawn. The plan will include renovations to the first floor, a new second floor, building facade changes and additional parking. During the final portion of the meeting, the commission provided an update regarding accessory dwelling units and duplexes. A committee comprised of Hatfield, Guetsehow, Mayor David Tossava, Mayor Pro Tempore John Rcsseguie, Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey and Community Development Director Dan King has spent about six months doing research and devising a p|an t0 jncrcase the housing types *n *1 *c * “There’s more opportunity to place those kinds of units selecii'ely * *within the commu­ nity and not change the character of the neigh­ borhoods,” Hatfield said. think we've got two primary concerns- One, we know we’ve got a housing shortage, but we also know that we’ve got some very attractive neighborhoods that we don't want to see wholesale conver­ sion to affoidablc tenia* properties to the det­ riment of the qiialil>() he neighborhood.” I he meeting laste “early 2 hours and 15 minutes, which “said “may be the longest meeting । h»'v<\ever presided over.” As a result, the■ & Mission didn’t have additional lime to d1.^^ housing. Instead, it will continue the di> sMun during its next meeting on Oct. 4- CO VID cases trend upward in Barry County Taylor Owens Staff Writer COVID cases have continued to tick up in Barry County, where 123 active cases were reported on Tuesday. One additional death also was reported, for a total of 90 COVID-related deaths since (he pandemic began in March 2020. accord­ ing to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Two cases were recently reported at the Barry County Jail, which has put the jail into CO VID lockdown routines for two weeks. So far this school year, 28 cases have been reported at Hastings Area Schools. 22 at Thomapple Kellogg Schools and 10 have been reported at Lakewood Public Schools. Delton Kellogg Schools, which just started class on Tuesday, and Maple Valley Schools, have not yet reported CO VID numbers. NOW HIRING OPEN POSITIONS in Barry County: •GSRP Lead Teacher** GSRP Assistant Teachers • • Early Childhood Teacher • Classroom Professionals Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community to achieve and maintain independence. Community Actfonhahoenrollingfor HttSCHJOL!!!!!!! Applynowatwww.caascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Community Action Is an equaH^pportunlty ploysr, equal opportunity provider. �Page 4 — Thursday. September 9. 2021 — The Hastings Benner Did you see? Did we end a war or fuel a war machine? We can see clearly now If some windows in downtown Hastings seem to be sparkling in the sun, thank Billy Hubbard of Hastings for taking care of it. Even a photographer couldn’t interrupt him for long. He had a big task ahead: Those windows are almost as tall as he is. We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Blue and Gold Banner Aug. 25, 1955 Blue and Gold lettermen - Here are eight Saxon lettermen from last year’s HHS team, which won six out of nine encounters. The eight stalwarts will form the nucleus for Coach “Jock” Clarey’s 1955 eleven, which will begin drills Monday. Pictured (front row, from left) are: Mike Huver, center; Chuck Merrick, left half; Ron Houseman, fullback; August Tumes, tackle; (back) Gale Lyttle, guard, end and fullback; Jim Helm, end and halfback; Linden Skidmore, tackle; and Dave Stem, quarterback. All but Merrick are seniors, and Turnes, Houseman and Skidmore have earned two grid letters. [The 1955 team finished the season 4-5, beating Cassopolis, St. Johns, Belding and Wyoming Lee, and losing to Greenville, Eaton Rapids, Portage Central, Charlotte and Ionia. The backto-back Greenville and Eaton Rapids games had identical scores: Hastings 13, opponent, 14. A score of 13 showed up often that season, which began Sept. 16 and ended Nov. 11. Along with Greenville and Eaton Rapids, the Saxons also finished with 13 points in its loss to Charlotte. Portage Central scored 13 points in a shutout against the Saxons, and Hastings prevailed over St. Johns 19-13. Source: /richigan-football.com.] (Photo by Barth) Have you On a winter day driving back from work, a deer stepped in front of Hannah Duits’ car. She slammed on the brakes and came to a screeching stop. She managed to bump the deer’s rear end. It didn’t cause any damage, other than deer poop on her car. That incident in November 2020 was just another sign that Duits, who was pregnant at the time, didn’t enjoy the 45-minute com­ mute from her home in Woodland to her job in Kentwood. “So many deer,” she said with a little chuckle. “So many deer.” Duits needed to do something different. For five years, she’s worked for the City of Kentwood, both as a full- and part-time employee. She couldn’t move any closer to Kentwood, either. She and her husband purchased a farmhouse that had been in his family for 100 years. “So...” Duits said, laughing in a conference room in the Hastings Administrative building. Moving wasn’t the answer. That meant Duits had to find a job closer to home. She stumbled upon openings in the Hastings Area School System and accepted a job as the district’s new marketing coordina­ tor and administrative assistant. For Duits, it is a return to her roots. Growing up in the East Lansing suburbs and Portland area, Duits said she dealt with bul­ lying in school, playing a role in her desire to become a teacher. “I had kind of a difficult childhood, and sometimes teachers were the better people to go to in my life,” she said. She spent her two years al Lansing Community College with the full intention of becoming a middle school special education teacher. She just needed to complete three more years of classwork at Cornerstone University. But after she graduated from LCC. she learned she would have to graduate in two years, before her financial aid ran out. She wouldn’t be able to fulfill the education degree requirements, either. She needed to find a new major. On one of her first days at Cornerstone, Duits walked into the office of her new adviser. “OK, this is my personality,” she told him. “I like planning. I like having events for peo­ ple. I designed my friend's wedding invita­ tions, all of her stuff, baby shower, every­ thing. I like that kind of stuff. I’m a people’s person. I need to get done in two years. What can you do with my credits?’” week’s Bright L.ight: Favorite movie: “Dirty Dancing If 1 could go anywhere in the world: Greece. Hannah Duits Marketing and management seemed to be the answer. While working for the City of Kentwood, she worked part-time at the fire department as an office assistant and then full-time as an office specialist with public works. They tried to use her marketing degree, but for the most part, it didn’t come in handy. Now, with Hastings Area Schools, market­ ing is in her job description. “I want to be the face of a company,” she said. “I want to be the person that is making the impression: ‘Hey, I remember that because of this girl.’ I want to be that good impression and help make things better for people.” During her first two months on the job, Duits, 25, has spent most of her work hours revamping the website, posting on social media and helping around the office. Walking the halls of the middle school, she still feels a desire to try teaching. Maybe, some years down the line, she’ll fulfill her childhood dream. “Especially being in this selling, it really lugs al me,” she said. “I’m like. ‘Aw yeah.’ It’s maybe something I would do after I’m done having kids when 1 have time to go back to school.” For now,she’s content.T hat’s because she has an 8-monlh-okl baby, Dawson, waiting for her every day at home. “Right now [I’m] a mom, which is great.” she said. “It’s what I wanted in life.” For her new role as marketing coordinator and administrative assistant lor ihe Hastings Area School System, Hannah Duits is this Favorite teacher: Rachel Hammond, Cornerstone University professor. She made a great impression on me. Her faith was very evident, and she was such an inspiration to me. She is the reason I chose to pursue the degree that I have. Favorite season and why: Fall, it’s the coziest time of year. I love football, chili and sweater weather. What motivates rne: Making people happy. Favorite vacation destination: The Upper Peninsula. Important lesson from childhood: You don’t need to come from much to do great things in life. Material possessions don’t mean anything. Something most people don’t know about me: I love to sing, whether I’m good or not is debatable. ~ Greatest song ever written: There are too many good songs, but I really love rock from the 1960s and 1970s Favorite board game: Candy Land. I’m most proud of: M>’ son‘ He is lhe greatest thing I’Ve ever done in my life. Something on mv bucket list: Travel to all 50 states. What the worid nceds now is: More kindness. I am most content when: I’m spending time with my son and husband, especially traveling together Favorite eart0(,n ,.harflcUT: Piglet from Winnie ihe P<)oj, ■■ Favorite childho,.,. memory: Going to my grandparents- la??i10use with my mom and brothers. Some of ,ny lK'sl ’ncmOricS are Il 1 could live in u tin”-'’,d ,ikc ,0 see what life w,J m a"d ‘70s Hobbies: IWeJ'^asionally quilting wnh my grandma, Ji-‘ ting.singing’ sh°P' P”’g- Lately, mv * 0 ■ .hbies consist of ^"’^areotm’ Each week, lhVju°”L profiles a person who makes the « shine. Do you know someone wh'’,l"h<>ul‘i be fcal,,rcd Ix-cause of volUni 'll sl k fun-loving per­ sonality. for the ** 'V”*'S|,e has 10 (ell or any other rea^..,'1*I,einformation lo Newsnxnn, ||a>lj Sen'1 ))5I N.M-43 Highway. ||;l > Ha'11'1; ■ 49058; or email newsra ; S!"’8s, J "^aphics^1"' Saturday. Sept. 11, will mark 20 years since Islamic extremist hijackers on a sui­ cide mission flew three jetliners into the World Trade Center towers in New York City and into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C causing 3.000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries to American citizens. Most victims were innocently working at jobs to provide for their families and sud­ denly, in many cases, they were valiantly sacrificing their own lives lo save others. Even more died at ihe Pentagon where they worked to keep our nation safe. And. in a Shanksville, Pa., field, all the passengers on a fourth flight died as well: these patriotic heroes overcame the hijackers who were intent on crashing that plane into the White House. “One of the worst days in American his­ tory saw some of the bravest acts in American history,” said former President George II. Bush in a 2008 speech at the Twin Towers site. “We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here, at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice. “As we look at this terrible tragedy, which served as a test of our American spir­ it and resilience, we should always set aside some lime to reflect and remember lhe many that were lost and those who risked their lives to save others.” Tragically, today, we can add to that list the 13 soldiers who gave their lives in last month’s ill-fated mission lo withdraw our troops from Afghanistan as well as many other injured soldiers who lie in hospital beds hoping to return to service. Plus, more than a hundred Afghans lost their lives when a terrorist’s bomb went off. The pain that remains from the memory of 9.11 has been amplified by the agonizing sight of citizens and allies who had to be left behind amidst a hurried and bungled with­ drawal plan to end the war in Afghanistan. Withdrawal from conflict has never been easy. Some of us recall the horrific last days of the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam when people desperately grabbed onto helicopter runners lifting off from the top of the American embassy. The scenes are real-life reminder's that peace cannot be assured by war. The difficulty for many of us today, though, is that, as we watched our nation’s mission collapse, we could taste the bit­ terness of giving back a country where we had invested the lives of so many men and women to eradicate terrorists, once again these same radicals will run that country. President Joe Biden has said our engage­ ment in Afghanistan is “the longest war in our history.” But was it a war or should we have looked ZZ » an insurance policy to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a per­ manent safe haven for terrorists to operate? While we spent 20 years, thousands of American lives, and trillions of dollars, the threat that we went to Afghanistan to slop is not over - it has just begun. The U.S. spent billions to help and train Afghan military forces and equip them with items such as 33 Black Hawk helicopters, three C-130 Hercules aircraft, 23 A-19 light attack planes, 33 AC-208 planes, 43 MD-530 helicopters, and 32 Mi-17 helicop­ ters, plus close to 500,000 assault weapons, more than 22,000 Humvees, and 42,000 SUVs, according to the U.S. Government Accounting Office. But those aren't the only things we left behind. We left hundreds of Americans and Afghans who supported us over the past 20 years, because this administration was focused on ending a war and scoring a political victory. The cost of war keeps mounting: Since 9/11, lhe Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs al Brown University lists America’s war spending in Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan at $5.9 trillion. In its 242 years, this country has been at peace for only 16 years. So. when Biden administration officials proclaim that the war is over, they are mis­ leading Americans. We’ve always been al war and this latest conflict has allowed the terrorists we focused on for 20 years to once again regain control of the region, now equipped with more hardware than many other nations in the world. Our reputation for warcraft, though, cer­ tainly didn’t help us in the Afghanistan evacuation. Biden said that, as president, he hears responsibility for “all that’s hap­ pened.” But he denied that his decision to withdraw forces by the end of the summer led inevitably to lhe chaotic scenes of evac­ uation al the airport, or the deaths at the hands of the terrorists. In a July phone conversation. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani warned Biden that the Taliban was already gaining ground in the region and he needed more air support to control the country. A Marine was relieved of duty following a video he posted to Facebook criticizing senior military officials and demanding accountability following the bombing in Kabul that killed 13 U.S. service members and more than 100 Afghans. Marine Corps spokesperson Maj. Jim Stenger said in a statement that Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller had been relieved “due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command.” Americans should demand that Scheller be reinstated with honors and require Congress to immediately establish a com­ mission to demand accountability of this and previous administrations and top mili­ tary officials for their incompetence. In last week's Banner we reported that U.S. Rep. Peter Mcijer is calling for just such a special commission to investigate U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan over lhe past two decades. He’s calling for a commission similar to one created after 9/11 to review not only the evacuation of Americans and Afghan allies, but also lo investigate how we’ve handled our involve­ ment over two decades and four presidential administrations. We have more than 800 military' bases in more than 70 countries and territories and hundreds of thousands of troops encircling the globe. Yet we abandoned one of the largest military bases in lhe world to the terrorists we were fighting lo protect our country' from another 9/11. So, as our nation plans to commemorate that day in history', let us not forget that, in abandoning Afghanistan to lhe terrorists who planned 9/11, we’ve also created anoth­ er symbol of American decline. After Sept. 11,2001, Americans mourned and demonstrated their patriotism by flying flags at their homes and businesses. Others wore shirts and pins with flags and slogans reminding us of our resolve. Communities across the country' held vigils and ceremonies lo honor those who were lost during lhe attack, showing the country’s feeling of unity as it came togeth­ er against the deadliest terrorist attack in history perpetrated on our soil. On Saturday, we will once again remem­ ber those who sacrificed. But, due to the incompetence of our officials and a disas­ trous withdrawal, lhe anguish created by their actions will now tarnish that day. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. The Hastings OdlUlCl* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 pubiisn&dby... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News ano press releases: news@j-adgraph:cs com •Advertising: ads@j~adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO ■ ADVERTISING department • ads accepted Monday through Fnday 8J0 xm to 5 00 p nt. Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandier Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens Scon Oinmen Mike Gilmore TyGreenf.eld Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties _____________$65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER, Send address changes tc po eox Hast ngs. M? 49058-01B8 Second Class Postage Paid at Hast^gs Mi 49058 �The Hastings B-inncr — Thu^day, September 9, 3021 — Page 5 GUEST COMMENTARY Afghanistan mission far from over ILS. Rep. Peter Mcijer Blight ordinance needs some teeth, and anonymity To the editor: In the Aug. 26 Banner, Fred Jacobs, CEO of J-Ad Graphics Inc., outlined a wellreasoned plan for lhe “county to grow with a plan.” Also in this edition was a lengthy article outlining Rutland Charter Township’s move lo add a much-needed ordinance lo control junk and blight. At a special meeting, the board and planning commission members gave their input on what an ordinance lo control trash, junk and blight in the township should look like. This input was given to a planning consultant who will write the ordinance. The township board first broached the potential of such an ordinance at its May 13. 2020, meeting. Further discussions took place at lhe June 10. Aug. 12, Sept. 7 and Oct. 14, 2020. meetings. The issue laid dormant until the April 14 meeting.'when it .wasiresurrvcted. Further discussions took place at the May 12 and June 9 meetings. During that 13-monih span, the board could not agree on what junk was, what blight was. how many junk cars should be allowed and for how long. etc. Let’s just say it was a litany of “what ifs.” So, they hired an outside consultant with expertise in - regardless of what President Biden says. We still have thousands of interpreters and other partner.-, who put themselves and their loved ones al risk now stranded, and the chaotic and heartbreaking withdrawal has demonstrated just how vulnerable they still are 'I hesc are not random people seeking safe­ ty. These are men and women who proved their commitment to the American mission by serving alongside our own forces and working directly with our government to improve the lives of their families, friends, and neighbors in Afghanistan. Now that we are in this terrible predica­ ment. we must bring all resources to bear in getting every ally out safely. For several weeks, my office has been working around the clock helping at-risk indi­ viduals who served alongside our forces evac­ uate, and we won’t stop until the job is done. I recently joined my friend Congressman Jason Crow in introducing the SAVE Afghan Partners Act of 2021. I his legislation would increase the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) cap for Afghan interpreters and other partners by I(),(XK). By raising the visa cap, we will ensure that our allies are protected, and our promises are kept. Make no mistake: our credibility and moral standing in lhe world depend on the comple­ tion of this mission. We cannot leave a single person who served our country behind, and my office will remain actively engaged until the task is com­ plete. On Aug. 31, the United Slates officially completed our planned withdrawal from Afghanistan. 'Illis is an incredibly historic moment for our country and, as a veteran of lhe Iraq War, I wish we could celebrate this momentous occasion and solemnly close this chapter. But, unfortunately. President Biden botched the execution of this withdrawal so badly that we will talk about this crisis for generations to come. Thirteen American service members were killed, American citizens remain in enemy territory, and thousands of our Afghan part­ ners are stuck in Afghanistan, in grave danger, but in his recent address to lhe nation. President Biden called this withdrawal an “extraordinary success." Unbelievable. To be clear, the brave American service members on lhe ground in Afghanistan did the very best they could in an impossible situation they did not choose. I saw their efforts firsthand during my recent trip to lhe region. They are heroes, and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they never should’ve been forced to make. Before my trip to Afghanistan, 1 strongly supported extending the Aug. 31st deadline to continue evacuating Americans and the Afghans who served the U.S. mission. After spending time with commanders and officials on the ground. I now* know that extending this deadline was not possible. Since the Biden Administration ceded control to the Taliban, reversing our arbitrary with­ drawal timeline would have almost certainly resulted in more American deaths. While the U.S. military is no longer present in Afghanistan, our mission there is not over US. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, represents the Third District, which includes Barry County. O4A/V drafting such ordinances. The ordinance will be a “police power” ordinance, not a “zoning” ordinance to meet their criteria. The article highlighted the fact that many who received a ticket just paid the fine and continued breaking the existing ordinance. The fine is $150. Some thought it should be raised. I agree. I suggested that to the supervisor at least three years ago. To give some insight into how' little teeth lhe current ordinance and $150 fine has, I did a little research. From April 2005 to October 2019, the tow nship collected a grand total of $2365.50. That works out to $10.11 per month. I was informed that if the fine was not paid to the (Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks’’ will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. ( Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature rnwprnor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909 rm 7) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County) Michiaan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml M|cn,9d (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JuheCalley@house.mi.gov 48^p Senator Dr. John Bizon. Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517nr toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U S 373-2426 or 10l^r®egizon_ p.o. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. J 9°V’ mail: Sen. urU.S. House of Representatives o . luiPiier Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House peter Me‘jec P D c 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225Office Bultldl"soff’ce. 11 o Michigan Street NW, Suite 460. Grand Rapids. Mich. 49503 piSeS 451-8383. U.S. Senate o,.h0now Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Debbie S1,9n2\ 224-4822. 20510, phone Russe|| Senate O((|C0 Building, Washington, D.C. 20510Gary Peler%?o 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building. R00m 2202, phone NW Grand Rapids. Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 720, 11° Micnigdn 9150. -mment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress PreSidc2'nate- 1-202-224-3121. and the Senate. । township it went lo court and the court only reimbursed the township $16.50. So, I asked how many went to court over that 234-month period, l he answer was two. adding another $33 to the township cofiers. Does the (ownship need a new ordinance? Absolutely. Docs it need some teeth in it? Absolutely. Do the enforcement officers want it? Every thing I have been able to read says yes. So, to help Fred's vjtfdh for the county, it w'ould be good to clean up Rutland Charter Township, which is one of the county’s major gateways. One provision in the new ordinance I don’t agree with is that in order for a possible violation to be inspected, a written complaint must be made and lhe person making the complaint is identified to the potential violator. There is no reason the person making the complaint needs to be identified. In doing so, it just opens up animosity, or worse, between neighbors. John Llewellyn, Rutland Charter Township EBUSINESS EBffiJIEIFS barney appointed to serve on state commission Donald A. Haney of Middleville, adminis­ trator for Thomapple Manor in Hastings, was recently appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the state’s Certificate of Need Commission. The commission, an 11-member indepen­ dent body appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of lhe Senate, has lhe responsibility lo develop, approve, disap­ prove or revise CON Review' Standards. The commission operates a state regulatory program intended to balance lhe cost, quality and access of Michigan’s health care system to ensure that needed services and facilities provide quality health care for residents. Haney earned a master of business admin­ istration degree from Grand Valley State University and bachelor of business adminis­ tration from Western Michigan University. Haney was appointed to represent nursing homes for a term that expires April 9, 2024. FUo price tags. YOU set the price. Huge selection of furniture, antiques, household, garden, books, tools, toys & more! 100% proceeds benefit local nonprofit, the Barry County Veterans Memorial Dog Park so come shop for a great cause! 269-945'9554 or 1-800-870-7085 MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS ^(Une Day Installation Date: Fri. & Sat., Sept 1O & 11, 2021 Address: 490 Powell Road, Hastings Ml Time: 9-4 PM Wo early sales. Qarveth Village of Middleville • Independent and Assisted Living • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing lhe comforts of home including ling and laundry services Ijeense~ #8110376 Insured U&— —= I HOUSEKEEPERS wanted parUime hours available with competitive wages. ?,'■> • llailmeccn & Christmas >. ? 'Fabrics - note in stock ' I | • 108" Gallon Quilt 'Backing. yl • 'Ihread, Tapes, Tippers, "Buttons, A > & 'Patterns ’W yPply in person at 690 W- *’“"1 St., Middleville, Ml 49333 or He succeeds John Lindsey Dood of Interlochen, whose term expired April 9. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of lhe state Senate. COMMUNITY WIDE "DONATION ONLY" RUMMAGE SALE! Call to place your Hastings Banner ciassiM si Office (269) 948-2248 Nloliile (269) 838-5112 Donald A. Haney J? y, ca r ve t h v i IJ agexoni V?- 'Prayfir our Country QUESTIONS ack US.. 216 F. hl 045-3673 llMhtdleville i c/xi w HwwCurvethVillagcxuni /iV<‘- lire u'* Main Streel, Middleville, Ml 49.U.1 769-795-4972 fweist Pick-Up St.rllonj— . < �• 'age 6 - Tkjfrd jy. September 9, 2021 — Th* Hastings Banner Patriot Day observance set for Saturday in Middleville Greg ('handler Stuff Writer A commemoration ceremony. a concert and a movie will highlight Patriot Day activincs m Middleville Saturday, marking (he anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. The commemoration ceremony. sponsored by American legion Post 140. will lx•<m at 7 p.m. at the Sesquicentcnnial Pavilion on FaM Main Street across from the village hall. “*fi\ at a different lime [than in the past I, but 1 think it's going to lx? a great program, said Jerry Welsh with the Middleville Veterans Memorial, who is helping organize the event. , “It's the 2(>lh anniversary, and that’s hard. Because I think [of people who are! 20 years old. ft means that there’s real adults out there ih.n have no remembrance of that day. The ceteniony will honor those who lost their livo that day a? the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in central Pennsylvania, as well as nflilary. police, fire and first responders . Having the ceremony in the evening will allow for greater participation from Thomapple Kellogg Schools. Welsh said. ‘•We’re going to have more involvement by the IK high school, quite simply based on the fact that it’s not on a weekday." he said. The high school choir will sing, and the band will play the national anthem at the beginning of the ceremony and laps at its conclusion. A student representative from the high school also will speak. Welsh said. Barry County District Court Judge Michael Schipper will be the master of ceremonies and keynote speaker for the commemoration event. Among the expected speakers at the ceremony will be Capt. Rich Jenkins of American legion Post 140; Bob Buys, who was named Middleville’s honored veteran of 2019; Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf; and Thomapple Township Emergency Services Chief Randy Eaton. The ceremony also will include a civilian fly over by the Thornapple Flying Association and the singing of “God Bless America. TTES will conduct a striking of the “Four Fives" (five bell strikes, repeated in four series) in memory of the firefighters who died al the World Trade Center while try ing to rescue people from the bunting structures. The TKHS jazz band will perform at the downtown development authority amphitheater at 8:30 p.m.. followed by the final showing of the village’s Movies Under the Stars series of the season. "Remember the Titans." starring Denzel Washington and Ed Harris. "With the evening, we were thinking, especially with the movies in the park that was previously scheduled and the jazz band concert, it made sense to put it all together. DDA Director Katherine Schmidt said. Restoration Christian Reformed Church will provide free popcorn and water to those attending the concert or the movie. Schmidt said. Middleville began holding a Patriot Day observance in 2017, with then-Village President Charlie Pullen working closely with local veterans groups to coordinate the event. in-person and on-line worship services that proclaim the message of the Gospel, especially to the unchurched. This is a part-time position paid a weekly salary based on working 10-15 hours per week. i jfn M turns methooist CHURCH Green Street is a Christian fellowship community that serves people in the Hastings area in many ways, places, and at alTmany man> different times. receive a job description or to send in resume, please email: office. in > your ° gree n st rec t ti me g m a i 1. com r Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... !■ HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "Wc Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8. Hastings. telephone 269945 9121. Email haslfmcfr? gHJUlljilin. Website: www. hiudj ngJjxfiin dl) odisLXflmPastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller. Worship Director. Martha Stoetze!. Sunday Morning Worship: 9:45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery' arc available. Our worship center is set up for Aftermath MKial driancin; Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON i. 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M 43), Deho:;, Ml *19046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 2049i9;>. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to H 50am. Nuncry and Children .> Ministry. Wednesday night Bible '•’.inly and prayer tune 6:30 to 7:30 pm. r ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 pan. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.. Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade). 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E Suite Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, Ml 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, Ml 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway. Hastings, Ml 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. llii\ injur nation on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 V/. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Mildred Louise “Millie" Gordon of Holt, passed away on September 4. 2021. at the age of 94 alter a short illness. She was bom April 12. 1927, in Watertown Twp.. Clinton County, to Peter Paul and Blanche (Hathaway) Mollitor who both preceded her in death. Millie enjoyed reading her novels, old movies, golfing, traveling, being a boy scout den mother and craft projects. She graduated from Everett High School and is an alumnus. Millie touched many lives through her loving heart. Millie worked for Lansing. Farm Products. John Henry Corporation as a typesetter, Lansing School district as a cook in the kitchen at Otto. Gardner and Beekman Center. She retired from Suites News in Lansing where she loved stocking and preparing children’s bookfairs for the Lansing Schools. She loved meeting the authors of all her books. Millie married the love of her life. Vernon Leo Gordon on August 22, 1948. in Allegan County. Vernon passed away July 13, 1965, due to a swimming accident, 'lb this union there arc four children, Melanie (Michael) Alexander of Delton, Timothy (Patricia) Gordon of Charlotte, Barry (Kathy) Gordon of Charlotte and Tracy (Elizabeth "Liz") Gordon of Delta Tvsp.. Lansing; six grandchildren; 21 gxut grandchildren, three of them passed’”ti*6y, Natalia Katrina, Gabriella Suzanna Gorton, and Emily Irene Morton. Surviving are her beloved sisters, Bessie Maxine (Mollitor) Caduell and Alice Leone (Mollitor) Hannahs, both of Holt; numerous cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her 10 brothers and sisters. The family wishes to give special thanks to Franciscan Health Hospital and nurse Theresa from Crown Pointe. IN, Thomapple Nursing Home in Hastings, for taking wonderful care of Millie. Also. Mike Mills from the Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, for his assistance and caring for mom and the family. Per Millie’s request, cremation has taken place. Burial will be at Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing, with her true love, Vernon. A memorial service will be planned for a later date. To leave online condolences for the family please visit the Mills Funeral Home at www.millsfuncral.com. 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 s? st rR - - i fW'' Douglas Malcolm Vickery Jr. passed away August 31.2021 at Spectrum Butterworth in Grand Rapids with his family by his side. Doug was bom in Kalamazoo, on December 2, 1942 the son of Douglas Sr. and Darlene Vickery. He graduated from Delton Kellogg High School in 1961 and went to work at E. \V. Bliss from 1961-1972. In 1969 he opened the COBRA dance hall with live bands such as Dick Wagner and the Frost, Alice Cooper, and Bob Seger. He then found his niche in real estate and went to work for Buehler RE in 1973 as an associate broker. In 1975 opened Formula RE in Hastings during which he purchased rentals properties. He had offices in Hastings. Delton, and Gun Lake until 1991 when he purchased the Gun Lake Building and rented out three stores and purchased and operated Southside Pizza. In 1997 he added the Gun Lake Princess tour and dinner boat to the lake. In 2006 he leased the restaurant for a few years then sold it in 2017. He loved his family, music, the outdoors, deer hunting in the UP, spending lime at Wiley Lake fishing, boating, and relaxing with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and sailing and cruising the BVI with friends. He loved people and could talk to anyone. He loved and enjoyed his grandkids Le’Titia, Liana and great grandchild Brcxtyn and spend time with them a lot when he was unable to gel out. He was preceded in death by his parents Douglas Sr. and Darlene; father and mother­ in-law, Carl and Doris Naylor, brother and sister-in- law, Gary and Peggy Vickery', brother-in-law. Howard (Dutch) Vrooman and son. Todd Alan Vickery Surviving are his wife Sharon of 57 years married April 18, 1964; son, Steven (Tracey) Vickery, of Hastings; granddaughters. Le’Titia Vickery (Brandon Cross) Liana Vickery' (Carson Fouly), and great­ granddaughter. Brcxtyn Todd Cross. Sister, Shen Armintrout; brother, Duane Michael Vickery; sister-in-law, Janice Vrooman, many nieces and nephews. According to his wishes cremation has taken place, with burial at Prairieville Cemetery al a later date. In place of flowers, he requested donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa. FL 33607 . A short service celebrating his life will be held September 18. 2021 at Thomapple Valley Church, 2750 M-43, Hastings. MI 49058 at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.com. Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services kirge Parking Uh -1 landicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pru-arrangcmunt Transfers Accepted 328 s- Broadway, Hastings, Family Owned and Operated Serving I mi 49058 269-945-3252 • www.glrrbachftini-ralhoinc.net Ha> Girrbach Owner Emeritus , Barry County and Surrounding < onimunitlcs for SO years Check out al! our Special Services: Business Cards Greeting Cards Big Prints & Posters Folding & Laminating Custom Rubber Stamps Plastic Binding and more! /-Friday 8 a.m.-l:30 p.m. David (Dave) LaNew. age 79. passed away peacefully at his home in Saranac, on August 31 2021. after battling Parkinsons disease for many years. He had his beloved wife Melody by his side. He was born in .Adrian, on November 14, 1941 to Otis (Ray) and Martha (Waldeck) LaNew. Dave and Melody were married for 52 years, and they had two sons together. Matt (Julia) LaNew of West Haven. UT and Jay (Jill) LaNew of Clarksville, ML Dave served 10 years in the United States Navy as a pattern woodmaker. He then relumed to Grand Rapids, where he met and married Melody (Johnson) LaNew on April 12. 1969. In addition to their sons. Dave and Melody shared four grandchildren: Blake Niethamer LaNew. Shelby LaNew. Gage LaNew. and Blanc LaNew. Dave was a floor covering installer tor over 20 years. He then went to work for Alto LP Gas Company, where he acquired his CDL and mechanical license to deliver propane and service equipment. He retired in 2004. Dave and Melody enjoyed camping, traveling, snowmobiling, and riding their Harley-Davidson. Dave spent much of his time tinkering in the shop with Matt and Jay, showing them how to work on cars and fix other things around the house. Friends, relatives, and neighbors will remember him as always willing to provide a helping hand, never wanting anything in return, and able to put life into perspective with a short phrase or saying. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother. Dana LaNew; daughter, Loretta Tuttle; grandson, Richard Scott, and their Welsh Corgi named Misty. He is survived by his wife; sons: daughter, Linda LaNew Scott, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as a special aunt and uncle. Herald and Joyce Bassett. A memorial visitation will be held on September 19. 2021 al the Lakewood United Methodist Church from 1 until 3 p.m., 10265 Brown Rd.. Lake Odessa. Ml 48849. Private family burial will take place later. Mary Helen Fager Mary Helen Fager. age 62 of Delton, passed away on September 1,2021. Mary was born on September 27, 1958 in Gwinn Ml. the daughter of Lawrence and Ruth (Bednark) Stanley. Mary was a Barry County 911 dispatcher tor over 20 years where she made her mark on the community. Mary was strong willed. independent. and a great listener, who was always willins to share her oprnion with others.’.She enio'yed collecting glassware, reading, making Iricnds, watching, Survivor and NASCAR especially #5, Kyle Larson. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 38 years. Jerry Fager; daughters. Brandee fagtf| i i1!" * 1* * * *111)111 * Uames) Butler; grandchildren, Ziirck Kiewiet. Taylor Smith. Bin Jm’1!‘Sn"lh; s,blin8s- Steven Stanley. ■I (Michelle) Stanley, and Annie (Dana) Butk-r; several nieces and nephews. er Mary s wishes no services will be held. Those who wish to make memorial contnbuoons are asked to consider the needs of the family. Please visit w'wwu illiamsgoresfu neral, com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message lor Maiy\ family. �Th© Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 9. 2021 — Pago 7 was pul e*1r-s pounds fl look back at rhe stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner |( weighed ' „lh. lhe I’hoi,,(1.measured 51 mein•> >" k"„( poor (|l j ■K'«>"i|>ani«l the siory ..heaiir'ei's. '">• making it dillieull to M-t. | v ee. |e( ;,|0|K. rcvealmg <OI» "r buildings in the backg have Such deia' the he! °»n«ed. but this story intiI turning ■,kt m jiS lhe fJ t an(j weight the angler. as Bags 28'1,',|1",1fr-l<>i>« baiti^*11 r,,<l “Ber wind lake i .’’.‘-'■''y weights tangle on a , Rerwyn J’,IC!11|y told by John Salhabd of ^>0. II. „,c BACK THE PAGES < weighed in at - • sc , b>l of 47 inches. Snlbaba m’l*' "! is Sil|^ «• 200 pounds, height 6 feetdistrict 4 S own slory as told to Bob FortnO bet supervis()r o| ( State Fish . • | wascasbfb faC(,. s!nS a light tubular steel rod with J*n .ver exik'1’ 'V,u:n tllis bl8 ntusky -struck. I » Peeled to land hin . My line was >*<> > £ *'• and the fish was so big. he did Jilsl a J^ed lor what n.ust Big, surprise catches, ‘obnoxious fish’ pulled from local lakes in the rest of the way. “Anyhow, at the landing. I picked up that big musky in my arms. net and all. and never stopped running until he wns laid dow n on the lawn near my cottage. My neighbor butchered the fish for me and cut it into steaks, and wc all had a “musky f ish fry." have been an 1 . ‘ I decided to try and horse him m- ana aftCr., (ong (!me / him up to the . -I got the landing nd 0Vcr his |aj| then things really ’'aPPe"ed- He just shot up in the air and came <- ar the boat and went under it. .... lh0Ugl’' Itf man t brcak ll«se then. But I finally mwaged to get him clear of the boat, and he really took off this time. “After a long "n,e> 1 horsed him up to the boat again. This time. I threw the rod in the boat and worked the landing net over his head and got enough of us body ln lhe ne| (Q heavc him into the boat. 11 ten threw my body right over him and held him for a |ong lime ’ c -How I got the outboard motor slarled anJ the boat headed for the boat landing. I don’t know, since I sure was excited. When the boat was quite a long way from the dock, the motor stopped, and I can’t tell you for sure how I got Perhaps efforts of local men several years earlier led to Smith’s and Salbaba’s surprise catches in the mid-1940s. The July 7. 1938. Banner reported on progress by local men to help improve local fisheries: Obnoxious fish taken from hikes Fishermen who in the past have enjoyed the fishing in Barry County lakes, and more especially those who will fish there in the future, will greatly appreciate the work done recently by a group of Hastings men. These men. working under a permit obtained from the Slate Department of Conservation, have been taking obnoxious fish from our lakes. Naturally, they could not work on all the lakes, nor is it to be expected that they have taken all the undesirable fish from the lakes where they have been, but they are to be commended for the splendid work they have done so far. This group of men is composed of Dan Ashalter. Earl Erway. Edward Erway. Rolfe Bulling. John Bulling, Eris Jarman and Eddie Tudor. They arc not hired by the Conservation Dept, and receive no pay for this work. They are doing it for the pleasure derived and for the satisfaction there is in cleaning up the lakes for better fishing. The spearing is done al night with the aid of strong lights, and it is a thrilling experience to try to land one of these larger fish. Usually after a spear enters the fish, [it is| overbalanced and swims in circles, eventually coming lo the surface where lhe men in the boat can again get hold of their spear. One large carp, estimated to weigh about 50 pounds, was able to remain upright and swam toward the shore, turned about and rushed back under the boat with such force that the spear handle was snapped in two and the carp escaped. T hese fish arc taken near lhe shore in 6 Icct or less of water and arc sometimes seen with tail sticking out of the water, where they arc burrowing in the mud in the bottom of the lake. Rolfe Bulling reported spearing one that had become entangled in the bushes and was entirely out of water. In some instances, the fishermen have been pulled from their boat into the kike in their effort to hold these fighting fish. As many as a half-ton have been taken in a single night by one boat. The lakes where these obnoxious fish have been taken are Gun and Thomapple. and the men estimate that, in the month of June, the haul “was at least three tons,” which everyone will agree is ’‘some fish." The fish taken in this “raid" are carp, dogfish and billfish (gar) .... and most of them were speared. The largest part of the catch was made at Gun Lake, anti they have really had some big ones. They have speared carp weighing as much as 45 pounds, dogfish and billfish of 12 pounds .... The carp eat the fish spawn and vegetation, thus depleting the lakes of gamefish, and and have long been recognized as an enemy by ardent fisherman. The billfish and dogfish are barbaric in nature, living on other fish. One bilffish taken by the men had a good-sized bluegill in its mouth when it was removed from the water. Billfish seldom bite the bait but are occasionally taken on a line, nevertheless. They will rush up and grab the line and in thrashing about, the line becomes tangled around their jaw and they are unable to extricate themselves. These objectionable fish are not ordinarily considered good eating, although some people do eat them. However, they must be disposed of at once, and there has come to be quite a demand for them for fertilizer, also for feeding to hogs. Hastings Area School officials talk financial strategy, GOVID-19 relief money Benjamin Simon Staff Writer T he Hastings Area School System finance committee met last Thursday to discuss the failed bond proposal. COVID-19 relief funds and a number of sinking fund improvements. The district’s bond proposal was rejected on Aug. 3. with 1.610 people voting for and 1.693 voting against the request, according to the Barn County Clerk’s office. Superintendent Matt Goebel said lhe dis­ trict plans to create a survey to solicit com­ mentary from community members. “1 think the board felt like we needed to pause and get some feedback through sur­ veys. through reaching out through the com­ munity, w anting to listen, making sure that we are reaching out to the community, and hear­ ing what they have to say as well." Goebel said. That bond would have generated $21.9 million for the school district, putting the millage rate at 6.8 mills. Il now sits at 6 mills The funds would have gone primarily to fix­ ing maintenance issues, such as old roofs, single-pane windows, deteriorating bath­ rooms, improving the air purification system Photographs of big fish reported in the Banner in 1938 and 1946 were either non­ existent or of low quality. This image from the July 22. 1948. edition, still fits the purpose of showing a big fish pulled from local waters: 'A.W. Henson of Galesburg was trolling a live minnow in Barry County's Fish Lake Sunday when this German Brown trout hit the bait. A half-hour later, Henson managed to boat the great fish. It weighed 9 pounds and one-half ounce, measured 29 inches long, and 14 7s inches in girth. Cal Fiona, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Floria, Delton, operates the concession at Fish Lake. He is a veteran of the Army, having served in Korea. (Photo courtesy of the Kalamazoo Gazette)’’ Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Prize catches, whether fish, fowl or the four-legged kind, have been the topic of newspajxr headlines for decades. In Barry County, where lakes are numerous - many of them stocked by the current Michigan Department of Natural Resources or its predecessor the Department of Conservation - fishing successes are plentiful. (So are the futile outings, lost equipment. unresponsive motors, flying pests, or other aggravations that lead to frustrating defeats for anglers. But those woeful accounts seem to be better suited for chats around a campfire or kitchen table where the audience is known and limited.) The Aug. 1, 1946. Banner was dotted with fishing-related stories. Among the pages were articles on the local state hatchery, new regulations for bass and pike limits, and a big bass that went after a little hook and ended up pulling a boat and two surprised anglers. I he first two will be saved for later columns. I he big-fish, little-hook story was attributed to two brothers. Harold and Ed Smith, ol Hastings: Sinitty h(X)k.s big one h pays to fish bluegills’ Not only because they do a good job of smelling up a frying pan. but it seems that the big bass like to be taken on a bluegill hook. Sunday evening about 8:30. just as Harold Smith and his brother, Ed, were preparing to leave Algonquin Lake after pulling in eight nice bluegills, a fighting 3 .')q>ound bass took Harold's bait on a No. 10 hook, and since the lx»ai\s anchor was already up, gave the boys a ride in the weeds. Harold, who was fishing with a cane pole, succeeded in landing the dandy. The bass measured 18 inches long and 6 inches across [For comparison, this page is 14 inches across. Two columns, plus the margin in the middle, add up to 5 inches). They had been fishing about an hour and a half when the fish took the bail. Smith was back in the headlines the following week, but not for any new catch of his own. In fact, upon reading his name in the paper, he may have reacted with something like. “Wait a minute. What did 1 do?” Sniitty outdone by lady Hooking big bass while fishing with a cane pole and bluegill hook never really was a rare feat, but of late, it’s become quite the vogue. Outdoing Harold “Smitty" Smith - who July 28 caught a 3 i-pound largemouth that went 18 inches - last Thursday morning was Mrs. Ann Hoover, who picked up a 5-pound, 1-ounce, smallmouth at Gun Lake. The fighting fish broke the lady’s pole, but she succeeded in landing him. Witnesses were Bob Beckwith and his wife. The following fish tale from the Sept. 6, 1945, Banner appears to be a local catch. But’ in keeping with the code of concealing secret fishing spots, the location is never mentioned. However, the story was relayed to the supervisor at the former Hastings fish hatchery, which perhaps narrows down the location. The type of fish reduces it even more. Thorntrpple and Gun lakes have both fostered muskies in the past. In fact, the current state record Northern muskellunge Although they can’t tackle everything that was proposed in the bond, district officials will try to prioritize its needs in lhe coming year. Top priorities will be the roofs, with fixes to be made al lhe high school, middle school and Star Elementary School. Goebel said they will have ongoing conversations about how- to fund these projects. They also will focus on upgrading the security system with sinking fund dollars. The committee discussed the possibility of going for another bond or sinking fund, but Goebel said lhe district does not have plans lo do either at the moment. They want to con­ duct the survey and hear from the community first. “We’re in public education.” Goebel said. “So we’re problem-solvers. We’re critical thinkers each and every' year. ... We do have to move on. We have to educate these kids each and every' day. Wc have to love them up each and every' day. Make sure that they ’re safe and secure. Moving in to this school year is just something (hat wc do as educators. We just have to keep moving on.” and more. These problems, however, have not disap­ peared, Goebel said. “We’re not trying to hide anything here," he added. “We’re trying to be very transparent with what the needs are. And we feel like they’re not very flashy. These are not just wants. These are needs. And I think some­ times people feel like they’re wants and not needs. “The board feels like, and our administra- The district also will receive federal fund­ ing through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), which is allocated to districts across the coun­ try in response to lhe COVID-19 pandemic and is intended for specific purposes. Hastings Area Schools will receive the funds in three increments: Il has already used its first increment, ESSER 1, which totaled around $250DOO and went primarily for per­ sonal protective equipment and WiFi hotspots. The district will receive about Sl.l million in ESSER 2 and up to S2 million in ESSER 3 funds. These funds are intended to lower class sizes, improve classroom technology, such as lhe district’s Generation I Chromebooks. and more. A certain percentage of those funds also have to support student achievement, Goebel said. In other business, the district reviewed bids for security cameras, asphalt for a service drive at Star Elementary' School and irrigation for a drilling well being installed at the new agriculture bam behind the high school. More information on the bids w ill be provided at the next school board meeting on Sept. 20. Water’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF00 (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgennaiicial.coni Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Mrrn Hayward A'ltn!ntstn»U»t luuUat Securities offered thtuugh 1 PL I iruncul. Member 1INRA/SIFC " BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER MCARTHUR DRAIN notice OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DETERMINATION Thursday, September 16, 2021 DATE: 6:00 p.m. TIME: Woodland Township Hall LOCATION: 156 S. Main Street Woodland, Michigan 48897 (269) 945-1385 QUESTIONS: A Board of Determination will meet at the above date Ume^nd *°eh XAdhulDrainSt forth^the evidence and determine whether the maintenance and 'W health convenience or welfare, petitions, dated September 29,2020. is necessary and conducive to tne p pursuant to Chapter 8 of Public Act 40 of 1956, as amended. K , K,iof history of the Drainage District, and A presentation will be made to the Board of Determination outhni>ng a b The presentation is to describing the roles, responsibilities and decisions made by a Boam (q fa(.|jta(e the disse^naprovide background for landowners and municipalities in 9 Drainage District. The Board of ^n of inf°rmallon and the receipt of testimony of landowners in t Determination will make its decision at the end of the meet g. u- . ihP nrovisions of lhe Michigan Open Meetings proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject tc. hejp be ob(a|ned from the Barry Act. intonation regarding this meeting, indudmg Ihemmutes ottne 49Q58 pereons h County Drain Commissioner's Office located at 220 W. ‘ . the meeting should contact the Drain disability needing accommodations for effective PfCIP*'°" , Re,ay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 com<nt’s'°ner at the number hsted above or through the W' ’ assislance. pours m advance of the tneeting to request mobility, visual, heanng • Any°ne a99r'eved by the decision of the Board of Determin- । noted-J^O/2021 rnav seek judicial review pursuant to MCL * Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner �OPTIONS, Continued from page i ~__ ________ district left lhe isiy . n Elaine Garlock , 1 IaPP.V September to all. Lake Odessa had a novel way to celebrate v . a )or Day holiday. The fireworks display Planned tor the Lake Odessa Fair in Julv was rained out, so the board decided to save the voiorful event for another holiday. Saturday night was the lime chosen, and the weather was fine With the later date, the fireworks could begin at a earlier hour. The display ■started soon after 9:30 p.m. and concluded 7 /a!^Cr 10 ?‘m* res’dents had not read he Lakewood News section in lhe Reminder they were likely much surprised lo hear the booms and see the colorful skies Saturday night. A new house is being built on lhe site of the (long ag0) Brown school al the comer of Brown and Usborne roads in Carlton Township. The site already had a well and hkely a septic system since the school had been used as a dwelling for several years before it burned many years ago. Sunday sen ices at Central United Methodist church will return to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 12, after three months plus of an earlier lime. Sunday school classes will begin at 9:30 a.m. The church welcomes visitors. The summer edition of “Chronicle.” a publication of the Historical Society of Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Michigan has a brief story of the Thompson farm in Campbell Township, north of Hastings, at the comer of M-50 and Hastings Road, which has reached centennial status. The farm was purchased in z\pril 1920 by Ervin and Lydia Thompson. It later went to son Floyd and his wife, Mabel. He was one of their three children. Floyd’s son Kenneth married Charlotte Cappon. They bought the farm in 1952 and raised cow s, calves and feeder cows. They grew mostly com, wheat and oats. They expanded the farm lo 500 acres. Grain storage was added in 1998 and 2018. More bams were added in 2005 and 2015. They raised feeder cattle uniil 2000. Kenneth’s son Brian now operates the 1,800-acre farm where he grows com and soybeans. The buildings are highly visible from M-50 as one approaches from the cast. The designation sign comes from Consumer Energy Foundation. Signs indicate street closures on the southwest side of town starling Sept. 7. We shall see what this project will be. Work continues on lhe Emerson Street project even though lhe tarvia has been laid. Still there are plenty of orange barrels on site, and the street is open fro local residents only. Work also continues on the parking lot on Fourth Avenue between the dental office and the medical parking lol on Fourth Avenue between the dental office and the medical office ol Family Health care. Only lhe front rows of parking spots are affected. Two gardeners in the north end of town have planted small garden spots in the space between the sidewalks and the street for public benevolence. Whatever grows there was planted for the benefit of the public. The one in tile south block of Johnson Street has had free tomatoes. The other in the last block of Fourth Avenue has peppers and other veggies. )d dissolve. If either party WanLs ()lJ( jt can t continue. Franklin, Corlett and former Hastings Superintendent Dan penlcnap met more than a year ago to stnn <|jscuSSing possible solu­ tions. ,uU ,ed us to the conversation about (he regional enhancement millage, which has sonic flexibility jn h()W mljch you can ask for, Franklin said ‘*Thjs is the one last thin« we wanl to try together.” The ISD brought the millage idea to the two school district^ then each scheduled a social meeting jn ’Au<nist to vote on (he potential millage rvqUcs[. But after Delton’s Board of Education voted the millage idCa down in a 2-3 vote on Aug. 6, Hasting’s noartl of Education can­ celed its special meeting. Franklin said. Delton Board President Jessica Brandli said the board needed rnore preparation before voting “yes’ on a potential millage. “We want to know what we're doing so that when we go to the public we know what we’re asking of them and what we want to provide for them,” Brandli said. The millage would have been for special education and career technical education, and would have levied 2 mills for nine years. It would have raised about $1-5 million for Hastings, $750,000 for Delton and $20.(XX) for the ISD each year. The money would pay for all of Hastings’ special education costs which are not specifi­ cally reimbursed by the government, and much of Delton’s unreimbursed expenses, Franklin said. Tuesday’s joint meeting was originally scheduled for the board to discuss the millage and get an idea as to whether they wanted to continue moving forward or not. Franklin, and a lawyer from Thran Law Firm, Michael Gresen, answered lhe board’s questions about a potential millage. Franklin also moderated the discussion and, at certain times, he asked the attendees to pretend he was not the B1SD superintendent so they would feel free to voice their opinions. Hastings board member Brad Tolles expressed concern that combining CTE and special education in the millage could confuse voters. Plavw.ihd thC ^n,i,nlics ** have to ed thev lu V°!C’ Snid To,les’ wh0 sl’Pgestw iv °b >y Malc Ie!’,skilors to change the level h°SC S-VMe,ns nre funded al the stale a bJXV ’n? lhe ,SI) or why don’t we as uh '•* rs,arI 'wntnenng on our community, e ! |‘S. frus,ra,in!:1y V‘>'inp-' Get on your legtsknors and get this changed." Tolles s'ttd. thro.. 'i 'mX SUi'!’ “ hilrd tlmc Petting millages > < ugh. • he added. "lts I10t necessarilv for a W. of understanding. ifs „ liltk of V()1„ we can present things in the most perfect way ou7'cr> r™rm ii.nder ,hc sun-••,nd whcn >ou have 3,«M) people l(lrl, ou( f()r V|)|(. ere not getting an answer fro,n the communi- •It’s a battle between committed ‘yes' and committed ‘no.' and, ultimately, the schools UK1 up suffering from it.” Every chance wc get to communicate with jegtslators about that subject, about inequity m special cd funding, we absolutely do." I'rankhn said. "Unfortunately, the appetite ■Ml t there in the legislature yet to do a grand ,lx-... Hut I can tell you that it's getting more conversation.” Craig Jenkins of Detlon school board expressed skepticism in passing a millane after a Hastings school millage was voted down Aug. 3. “When it comes to passing anything, if we’ve got to pass it with you guys, it’s defi­ nitely going to be difficult right now,” Jenkins said to Franklin. But, if Delton joined another 1SD. it would automatically meet that LSD’s millage rate without the need for an election. “If we were to go to Allegan 1ISD], which we’re pretty sure they would take us. it’s only w lake ___us. ,. r another 2.6609 [mills], going to up and they already enjoy economies of scale . . . . __ j with lhe LSD,” Jenkins said. Franklin said, in that circumstance, some residents may feel they are facing “taxation without representation.” “Il’s not though, if you think about it.” Jenkins said. “When people make that argu­ ment. ‘It’s taxation without representation,’ I would say: ‘We are lhe representatives.’ ” “1 get that it’s an un-voted tax, bui I’m try- ing to do what’s best,” he said. Franklin said it can lie easy to look at o*hcf LSDs like shopping in lhe Sears catalo.. .1 •'» • ! Delton and Hastings joined another ISD they would end up being a smaller fish in a bigger pond. “As an ISD person. I’m trying to figure out what we can do lo make it work.” BHD hoard member Deb Hatfield said. “What wc art­ providing. I think, is good. I know you want more, so that’s my question is - is it ju-.t the need for more, or arc you unhappy with wh it we’re currently providing? Could vve do it differently?" “The services that are provided - that’s not what the problem is," Delton board vice pres­ ident Kelli Martin said. “It’s tliai there is »o much more that we could have... Is staying and doing an enhancement millage what'best for our kids? Are we doing our job in looking at lhe hard things? It’s not an easy conversation to have because it’s people’s jobs.” Corlett said Franklin and the BISD staff have done a good job of listening to Delton’s needs, but the money is an issue. He cited recent help the BISD gave them with a special education classroom. Corlett said the ISD was able to get them what they needed, but. because those costs were unreimbursed. Delton lost money. “If you’re part of another ISD. they have more money, so il wouldn’t hurt our bottom line,” Corlett said. Hatfield said she struggled with under standing why Delton would want to give up local control. “Il’s a fear for me. and maybe that’s all it is,’ Hatfield said. “But you become part ot {Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency], or you become part ol Allegan, which, no offense. I can’t imagine why you’d want to go to Allegan... You’re such a little teeny part of that voice than where you are today. It I was on your side, that would be a struggle for me.” Franklin said he would love to give Delton school board members more reasons to stay in the ISD when they have more time available. “We may have opened more questions than we can answer tonight.” Franklin said. 167242 BARRY TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF BARRY TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS; PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Barry Township Board, upon having received petitions to make certain public improvements as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake an aquatic plant control i \ project (with associated activities) on Fair Lake in Barry Township, as more particularly described below and to create a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Special Assessment District shall be known as the FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO 2021-1 | ’ PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the land and premises in the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed are all parcels with frontage on Fair Lake in Barry Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed aquatic plant control project, associated activities, any proposed improvements and locations thereof, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $40,235. The total project cost, including administrative costs, Is proposed to be raised by special assessment. The Barry Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimates on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Clerk’s office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. The Barry Township Offices are located at 11300 S M-43 Highway in Delton. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of four years (2021 through 2023 inclusive) of an annual assessment proposed to be $ 86.00 per year per lot. If the amount to be specially assessed increases by more than 10% in any one year, additional notice will be provided as required by law. y PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district and cost estimates will be held at the Barry Township Hall, 155 E. Orchard Street, Delton commencing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday September 13, 2021. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing* and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. P PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are fihd with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20y nf the area within the proposed special assessment district, then the township board may not proceed unless petitionc in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the area to be made into a special assessment district, are filed with the township. Written comments or objections may be filed with the clerk at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing k ^uired in order to appeal the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. nu/ner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to nrru* npcial assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his/her appearance or protest by £ thu his/her aooearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present h?erandh' , by Representative and to submit comments concerning the establishment of the special assessment d'stfe’me and/or the cost estimates. l- PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that If the Township Board determines to Drn. .h the HI assessments, the board will cause a speoal assessment roll to be prepared and another hea^^.t helt1' 5rfer notice to record owners of property proposed to be spec.ally assessed, to hear public comment""? ^‘ ^the proposed special assessments. ncer o Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as sinner., .ring Barly Town:. P being cons,dered a( Ule hearing w individun|s 8"e s fof (he hear ng impaired and a P notj£e t0 thc Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring '5abilitieS or SZ coo"a?theyTownship Clerk. ’ Wlary 0 Debra Knight, Barry Township Clerk P.O. Box 705 Delton Ml 49046 (269) 623-5171 Dr. Universe: How do memory' cards work? Ngyiien, 10, Vietnam Dear Ngyucn, Memory cards can help us store all kinds of information, from photos to songs to videos. While some of the early computers were as big as two refrigerators, they had only enough memory to store what would today be a single photo. Now. we can store thou­ sands of photos on a memory card the size of a fingeniail. One device that changed the way we could store information was the super-liny transistor. My friend Ganapati Bhat, an assistant professor at Washington State University, told me more about it. A transistor is about 2,000 times thinner than a strand of human hair. You can think of it as an electrical switch inside the mem­ ory card. Transistors help lhe memory' card deter­ mine if an electrical current should “stop” or “go” along the circuit board — and there can be billions of these transistors on a memory card. When you look at a memory card, you also may notice it has several shiny termi­ nals at the top. Some of those terminals help bring power into the memory card from your device. Others help the memory card communicate with your device in a language called binary. The language has just two symbols: I and O.The 1 and 0 arc known as bits. When enough bits come together, we call them bytes. In computer language, a ”0” means “off,” so the transistor will stop the ilow ot electricity. A ”1“ means “on.” and the liny transistor keeps the electricity flowing. If we wanted to store lhe word “Hello! on lhe memory chip, it would require lh,s binary code: 01001000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101 111 (XJllXXKll. Each letter of the alphabet has its own set code in binary and it is known as ASCII (pronounced “asky.” and short for American Standard Code for Information Interchange) encoding. Even numbers have their own codes. Meanwhile, your device uses software to translate the binary language, so all those ones and zeroes show up in the form of photos, music or lhe phrase "Hello In fact, most computers store data this way, but some devices can’t store it forev­ er. As soon as you turn off the device, the data is lost. Scientists and engineers who wanted to come up w ith a way to store data for longer amounts of time designed some­ thing called a flash transistor. A typical transistor has a part calico a source, which is where the electrical cur­ rent comes into the transistor. I he current leaves the transistor through a part called the drain. Sandwiched between the source and drain is a part called the gate. But flash transistors in a memory card have two gates. Some of the electricity sneaks up from the bottom gate into the top gate stays there. It sort of traps the electric ity so the memory card can continue to store information.even when it isn’t insert­ ed into your device. Over the years, humans have figured out how to put a lot of information into liny storage devices, h's something to think about the next time you text a friend a pic­ ture. listen to your favorite song or upload a school project on a flash drive. Dr. Universe Do you have a question” Ask Dr. Universe- Send an email lo Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer al Dr.Universe^wsu.edu or visit her website, askdniniv erse .com. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 9. 2021 — Page 9 BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Financial FOCUS LONG BfSiotms by the Harry County 1) Member SIPT Jim Lundin Financial Advisor 2169 V/. M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)818-0423 . Help grandkids prepare for the future U.S. Department of Libor When they re children... • Open a savings account, h's important lor your grandchildren to develop good financial habits - and one way you can help is to open a savings account for them and encourage tliem to contribute to it. You might even offer an incentive, .such as matching their contributions, either in whole or in pan. Consider shopping around for a high-yield savings account that’s free to open and charges no monthly maintenance fees. • Establish a custodial account. You may want to introduce your grandchildren to the w orld of investing by starting a custodial account (known as UGMA or ITTMA) in their name. You can put most types of investments, such as stocks and mutual funds, inside this account and track their progress along with your grandchildren. Children often enjoy learning about investing - and they may like owning shares of companies that make familiar products and sen ices. The earnings generated by these investments can have tax implications, so you’ll want to consult with your tax advisor before opening the custodial account And you can’t hold onto tliis account forever - once your grandchildren reach the age of majority, they gain control of the account, so they can do what they please w ith the investments. When they nt young adults... • Help with the down payment nn n home. Once your grandchildren are out in the world, they may well want to become homeowners. And, as you know, it can be challenging to come up with a down payment, so. if you can afford it, y ou may want to help in this area. You’ll be doing your grandchildren a big favor, because home ownership is a key element in building wealth. • Provide financial guidance. As your grandchildren join the working world, they could benefit from advice and guidance on various issues, such as setting short- and long-term goals managing their 401 (k) plans and choosing an appropriate investment mix. So. consider making an appointment for them with a financial professional. By helping your grandchildren at different points on their road through life, you can make their journey more pleasant - and, in the process, you’ll gain a lot of satisfaction. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Specialist answers Medicare, benefits and eligibility questions / will rely on Medicare when 1 retire. Can yon explain the different parts of Medicare? The different parts of Medicare cover your specific needs. The four parts of Medicare all work in tandem to deliver healthcare services: • Part .A (hospital insurance): Helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled-nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care, and hospice care. • Part B (medical insurance): Helps pay for doctor services and many other medical ser­ vices and supplies not covered by hospital insurance. • Part C (Medicare Advantage plans): If you have Medicare Parts A and B. you can join a Medicare Advantage plan. Private com­ panies offer Medicare Advantage plans, which are approved by Medicare. These plans gener­ ally help you pay the medical costs not cov­ ered bv Medicare Part A and B. • Part D (prescription drug coverage): Helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment. / to sign upfor a Medicare Part Cand D plan, hut Im not sure which plan uant. h there a resource to help me find u plan! Yes Medicare.gov has an online plan tmd er and inactions available on how .o. use this tool To access the Medicare Plan Finder. ^It nJSicare.gov/rind.a-plan/quest.ons/ homeaispx. Who is eligible for Supplemental Security Income' QlJATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT ' °wt.rns of the hope township, barm county, Michigan ano any other imteresteo persons: pljASE TAKg ^0T) P,opo‘rt0Ru»Ik'pronm”2p‘’ T°T"!,iC n° '"<• " aulhonred by PA 1BH oT IBS*. M am.<lw Township Board Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 U you re a grandparenL yn. eta! need Grandpa Da\, observed on Sept p to remind \ou of ftlc joys of basing grandchildren. Yet* you might want to use this day ns an opportunity to think about ways to help provide for your grandchildren’s future. ’ The type of gift or support you preside will be different at various stages of your grandchildren’s lives. I k-re are a few suggestions: When they >r burn... • Open a 529 plan. Its never too early to start saving for college or other types of advanced education. To help your grandchildren meet these costs, you could invest in a 529 education savings plan, which offers potential tax advantages if the money is used for qualified education expenses. If the grandchild for whom you've established the account ends up no: using it. you can change the beneficiary to a qualified family member of the original beneficiary; (Be aware, though, that a 529 plan could affect your grandchild’s financial aid prospects.) If your grandchild doesn’t go to a college or university, a 529 plan can also pay for expenses related to apprenticeship programs offered through trade and vocational schools and registered with the LAke°aJ?^?.^SPECIAL assessment public hearing _ resources. Go to ssa.g . resource limits. lhe gener. Treasury makes SSI paymen come out of the Social Secun y 65 or 0|der. r(|ieU.S. 1 have a J8-year-old w/flf'fffto allied by cerebral win ;,<■ be eligiapply for retirement benefits W it blefor benefits as my< disi|1)|ed before Yes. In Senc'‘‘‘'7! ,•). child's benefits if a age 22 may be eligib > rcteiving retire­ parent is deceased orconsidcr this ;i men! or disability ’ nay jt on the ••child's" benefit because »<ord. parent’s Social Security ' adopted The adult child -- \"C'US..hi|d. grand­ child, or. in some cas<'s’ rnUSl |>c unmarchild. or .step grandv ii i jjsabilil> tliat tied, age IS or older, and haveJ started before age ..,, waiting Fertl 1 Why is there it Ji\ < benefit^ . for Sue ial Security Security disability Thu Jaw states Social • benefits can be paid only after you have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. Social Security disability benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You are not able to receive benefits for any month during the wailing period. Learn more al ssa.gov/disabiliiy. / iwB speaking with my sister and she told me she receives half of her spouse’s benefit. Why am I not eligible for benefits from my spouse? If your spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits, you could be eligible for one-half of their benefit at your full retirement age. However, if you worked and are eligible for Social Security benefits on your own record, your own benefit may be higher than what you could be eligible for on your spouse’s record. If you have questions regarding your eligibility for benefits, call 800-772-1213 (1 TY 800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. bfiov^ *,'ld .orient b 4Ue$stncnl d.-tr r?f° W th as$ocIatcd activities) on Long Lake in Hope Township, ai more particularly described ,Mr,ct 'hall bp known t th Specif «‘covery of the costs thereof by special assessment aipinst the property benefited The pLEA5E TAHE FUR • AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO 2021-1 vdxhhityWchth?Ut to b» *n the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements nd and <• costs thereof are to be s pro .illy assessed is more particularly described by the parcel numbers and 07-010 005-40 07-015 010-50 07-015 016-00 07-015025-00 07015031-00 07-015-036 00 07-015-040- 00 07-015 044 00 07-015 049-00 O7-O1S-O57-OO 07-015-061-00 07-015 066 00 07-015 006-00 07 016-00002 07016-006-75 07-016-012-00 07-016-017-00 07-016-021-00 07-016 025 00 07 017-005 00 07-020-008 00 07-020 02G-00 O7-O2O-O52-5O 07-020-057-00 07-020062-00 07-020 066 00 07-021-00640 07-021-014-00 07-02102240 07-021-026-00 07-040 002-00 07-040006-00 07-040-011-50 07-050015-00 07-070-002-00 07-070-006-00 07-070-010-00 07-070-014-00 07-070 019-00 07070023-00 07070-027-00 07-070-04500 07-080003-00 07-080-007-00 07-080-011-00 07-080-014-80 07 080019-00 07 080-023 00 O7 015 CO O7O15S)-OO o7O17c6-io SSgS o7Ol6'°?loo 07-016-01^ 07-O16°200? 07-016-0240? 07 0200 07-020-°52^° 07-020056-00 O7-O2O-O61-W 07-020-065^0 07-021-006^0 07-021-013-00 07-021-02100 07-021-02500 07-040-001-00 07-040-005-00 07-040-011-00 07-050-014-00 07-070-001-00 07-070-00500 07-070-009 00 07-070-013-00 07-070-017-00 07-070-022-00 07-070-026-00 07-070-031-00 07-080-002-00 07-060-006-00 07-080-010-00 07-080-014-00 07-080018-00 07-080 022-00 07-130-001-16 074 30-006-00 07-130-010-00 07430-013-10 07-130-032-00 07-140-002-75 07440-006-00 07-190 003-00 07-190-006-00 07-190-010-00 07-190-016-00 07490021-00 07 190 026-00 07-210-001-50 07-210-007-00 07-220-002-00 07-220-008 00 07 220-010-20 07 220-011-00 07-015 007-00 07-015-01240 07-015-017-00 07 015 026 00 07-015-033-00 07-015 037-00 07 015 041-00 07-015-045-00 07-015-050-00 07-015 058-00 07-015-061-50 07-015-067-00 07-016-003-00 07-016-006-30 07-016-006-80 07-016-013 00 07-016 018 00 07-016022-00 07-01G-028-00 07 015-008-00 07-015-014-00 07-015018-00 07 015 028-00 07 015-034 00 07-015 038-00 07-015-042-00 07-015046-00 07-015-051-00 07-015-05900 07-015-063 50 07-015-068-00 07-016-006-00 07016006-60 07 016-00700 07-016 014-00 07-016-019 00 07-016 023-00 07-016-401 00 07-020-00640 07-020-024-00 07-020-035-00 07-020-055-00 07-020-060-00 07-020-064-00 07-020-068-00 07-021-012-00 07-021-018-00 07-021-024-00 07-021-216-00 07-040-004-00 07-040-009-00 07-050-004-00 07-050-020-00 07-070-004-00 07-070-008-00 07-070-012-00 07-070-016-00 07-070-021-00 07-070-025-00 07-070-030-00 07-080-001-00 07-080-005-00 07-080-009-00 07-030-013-00 07-080-017-00 07-080-021-00 07-080-026-00 07-020-021-00 07-020-027 00 07-020-053-00 07-020-058 00 07-020-063-00 07-020-067-00 07-021-008-00 07-021-015 00 07-021-023-00 07-021-122-00 07-040 003-00 07-040-007-20 07-050-016-00 07-070-003-00 07-070-007-00 07-070-011-00 07-070-015-00 07-070-020-00 07-070-024-00 07-07^029-00 07-080-00440 07-080-008-00 07-080-012-00 07-080-015-00 07-080-020-00 07-080-024-00 07430-002-00 07-130-007-00 07430-011-00 07-130-015 00 07-190-004-00 07490007-00 07490012-00 07490018-00 07490-022-00 07-190-027-00 07-210 004-00 07-130-003-00 07-130-008-00 07-130012-00 07-130-018-00 07-140-001-00 07-140-004-50 07-190 001-00 07-190-004-50 07-190-009-00 07-190-013-00 07-190019-00 07-190-023-00 07-190-108-00 07-210-005-00 07-210-008-00 07 220-002-50 07-220 009-00 07 220 010-35 07-220-404-00 07-220-006-00 07-220-010-00 07-220-010-40 07-015-006-00 07-140-004 00 07430004-00 07-130-009-00 07-130-013-00 07-130-020-00 07-140-002-50 07440-005-00 07-190-002-00 07-190-005-00 07490-009-12 07-190-014-00 07-190-020-05 07-190-025-00 07-210-006-00 07-220-001-00 07-220-007-00 07-220-010-02 07-220-010-50 07-050^X53-00 See also the accompanying map Identifying the proposed special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed aquatic plant control project, associated ECCXT B activities, any proposed improvements and locations thereof, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $202,950 (including administrative costs). Of the total project cost, $141,800 Is proposed to be raised by special assessment, with the remainder being covered by funds carried over from lhe existing special assessment district which is expiring. The Hope Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimates on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Clerk's office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a net-parcel special assessment each year for a period of five years (2021 through 2025 Inclusive) of an annual assessment proposed to be $136 per year for front lots and $48 per year for back lots. |f amount to be specially assessed increases by more than 10% in any one year, then mallei notices of the public hearing on the reassessment would be provided to owners of record of property to be specially assessed. What is the benefit amount a spouse may be entitled to receive? If you are eligible for both your own retire­ ment benefit and for benefits as a spouse, vve will always pay you benefits based on your record first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you will receive a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse’s benefits. A spouse generally receives one-half of the retired worker’s full benefit unless lhe spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age. If the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age, the amount of the spouse’s benefit is reduced by a percentage based on the number of months before he or she reach­ es full retirement age. For example, based on the full retirement age of 66, if a spouse begins collecting benefits: At age 65, the ben­ efit amount would be about 46 percent of th.* retired worker’s full benefit. At age 64 it would Ik about 42 percent; at age 63, 375 percent; and at age 62, 35 percent. However, if a spouse is taking care of a child who is either under age 16 or disabled and receives Social Security benefits on the same record, a spouse will get full benefits regardless of age. Learn more by reading our Retirement publication at ssa.gov/pubs/IOO35. him I. Vonda VanTd is the public affairs special^ fur West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp 14E, Grand Rapids Ml 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil^xsa.gov. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, cost estimates and the carryover of surplus funds from the expiring Long Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District 2016-1 will he at the Hope Township Hall at 5463 S. M~43 Michigan commencing at 6:30 p.m. on September 22.2021. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the clerk at or before the hearing, and any objeajOns or --- ------- ------------further notice), the township board may revise,• correct amend or cn<n »tha> • k nrd with the Township Board at or before the PLEASE take FURTHER NOTICE Thai if wnlTcn objections to the P'°i«'nX r rihu.' ’ARE fURTHtK NUiivc. .han 20% ol the area withm tne a special^ 1 Strict, are filed w.th the township. en> to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 AO ow-"*' %['V T hC' district p p-oposed special assessment district then the p.op»/ afea t0 be made Into . reau)rcd in order to appeal the amount of Pt'e*mE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the>P«ijlJ” which m jy he mjdc Without ^smenWol'U'wnhnned. s , lh. ,^1 assessment, or shall be permitted to X ^:«X^^as" estimates or the carryover or 2016 1. with the special assessments, the board will =^s~=ssst.-Z Z—“ sZ3s=ss::Sgsss=-.... .... Deborah l*>ckwn . Hope Townsh-.p Oert HaiW.MUWM (769)948 2464 �Page 10 — Thursday. September 9.2021 — The Hastings Banner Local businesses get tips to improve customer service ____________ James James Gemmell Gemmell Contributing Writer lhe people at Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance says now is a good time to spread the word about how local businesses can improve customer ser­ vice. The chamber hosted a “Lunch and Leam” virtual panel discussion on customer service, featuring representatives from local compa­ nies, Sept. 1. Best-practice tips and examples were provided by the speakers during the online meeting. One of lhe speakers was Craig Stolsonburg. a business-solutions representative with West Michigan Works, an which specializes in workforce development in a seven-county region. Stolsonburg said he primarily serves employers in Barry County, but also some in Allegan and Kent counties. He helps them find workforce talent, and then helps the com­ panies administer training dollars for their new' employees. For example. West Michigan Works created its Essential Sers icc Awards 13 years ago to shine a light on frontline and behind-thescenes workers who seldom receive recogni­ tion. he said. “These arc individuals whose commitment is unwavering,” Stolsonburg said. “Their integrity is steadfast, and their passion is con­ tagious. They keep our economy and commu­ nities running while everybody else is work­ ing hard. They touch our everyday lives.” Honor good work by rewarding it, he said. For example, the 2021 Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Award winners will be announced in November. Honorees will each receive a $100 Meijcr gift card. The deadline for local companies to submit nominations to Michigan Works is Sept. 21. T T Jennifer Heinzman, president/CEO of the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance, hosted the online forum on customer service. (Photo by James Gemmell) Emily Gary is a talent-solutions manager for lhe West Michigan Works* service centers in Barry* and Allegan counties, w hich employ 15 staff members. Gary said these service centers were the go-to agency during the COVID-19 pandem­ ic. “It’s vitally important that your internal customer service matches your external cus­ tomer service,” said Gary, who gave an exam­ ple of a company (hat failed to align the two in 2016. Gary’ said that company’s goal was tor its stall to provide excellent customer service. “But internally, their marketing requirements and productivity were rated on how many accounts they could get or make with new customers. And they found their staff had , on (he (levclop(*i®• * • falsely falselymade madeupupn vBullion tnj|j jOncustomer customeraccounts accounts Wc We<!ndon omM, a quick meeting u,.„» about«,hv whythat thatvalue value the effect trauma . ....uomer service.... so they could reach their quota.” is important, and wc do an activity that goes of children. Gary ’s point is (|)nl cOinpany goals have to along with it. We also recreated our Employee "S<>. * we itllde and inking that pirt of be achievable. And jt also is important (hat of lhe Month program for this year to reflect having co-npa^u-na J. extra step to try t< P . they ’re employees understand what the goals are and on that value, as well,” Fueri said. healing an.l help.ng th how they play a in a culture (hat can Having a strong culture between employees supported by, the.1 abouI having achieve those goals results in better customer service, she said. Timmerman .said And e expcriencc$ ‘What drives them or the organization to “When you love (where] you work, it’s not provide excellent customer service?” she horrible to be there. Your mood is better, your and promoting more p ■ ■ • „rcat within them. So. customer service . g asked. “Why do wan( to do (his for our productivity is better.” customers? And ensuring that the emphasis to do that.mnther kev ICU offers various incentive programs for place Finding answers lor people is another Key isn’t on numbers an<1 roai$. but on the actual its employees. Before the credit union rolls -it Michigan Works. Gary said. service that’s being provided.” out a new product or service, it holds a contest ‘ -If your staff (members) are unable to help Part of that service requires training staff among employees on how to use the service members so they cun provide all the informa­ so they fully understand it. That way. employ­ the person, it's so important they don t say'the words i don't know' or 'Sorry. I can t help tion about resources and referrals to job seek­ ees can better explain it to their customers. ers. At West Michigan Works, they may have Another panel member who spoke at the them job-shadow a career coach to see how online forum was Deb Timmerman, who y°Gary said the stiff is instructed to tell cus­ they resolve problems. chairs the education committee of the Trauma tomers they will try to quickly find an answer 1 he customer-service workers at the front Informed Workgroup of Barry County. She or guide them to another resource or orgamzadesk are called career navigators, Gary said. said they are educating organizations about (ion that can help. Job seekers “may need gas money to get to work, housing helpOr food assistance. So, lhe goal of the career navigator is to provide those resources and referrals to those job seekers, in order to make sure they’re getting a well-rounded, holistic service in our service Ashley Fueri spoke during the virtual panel discussion, as well. She is lhe marketing, community engagement and education man­ ager tor Thomapple Credit Union, which employs 28 people at branches in Hastings. Delton and Middleville. Fueri said TCI’ created a new culture pro­ gram in 2020 and a new mission statement, with all employees submitting ideas for what that should be. “Then, wc went through and picked 12 values that we thought really made up what TCU [is] about. And we actually celebrate each one of those values every month now. State News Reuaiadop Remains of two Michigan ssahrs to fee retimed The remains of two men from Southwest Michigan serving in the U.S. Navy who died in lhe attack on Pearl Harbor will be laid to rest in Augusta in the coming months. A third will be reinlerrcd in Hawaii, according to press releases from the Defense POW/M1A Accounting Agency. Wesley E. Graham. 21, of Watervliet, and Joe R. Nightingale. 20, of Kalamazoo, both Navy Seaman 1st Class, were assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored al Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when it was attacked by Japanese aircraft Dec. 7, 1941. 'ITie USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize, resulting in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Graham and Nightingale. From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crewmen, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu cemeteries. In September 1947. tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of lhe American Graves Registration Service disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. The laboratory staff was able to confinn lhe identifications of only 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The /\GRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of lhe Pacific, known as the “Punchbowl.” in Honolulu. In October 1949. a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Graham and Nightingale. In 2015, the remains of all the “unknow ns" associated with the USS Oklahoma were again exhumed and some later identified Kids Sunday Funday through DN/\ analysis. Nightingale was accounted for Aug. 29, 2019. and Graham was positively identified June 5, 2020. Their names were recorded on the Walls of the Missing al the Punchbowl, along with others missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to Graham’s and Nightingale’s names \o indicate they have been identified. Both will be buried at the National Cemetery in Augusta. Graham’s burial will be Oct. 27. and Nightingale's Dec. 7. Wilbur F. Balance, of Paw Paw. also was a Seaman 1st Class serving on the USS Oklahoma in December 1941, His remains were identified Feb. I. Unlike his shipmates, he will be reinterred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, according to a June 2 DPAA press release. THE HOTTEST STARS * Free Family Fun * Sunday, Sept 12 11:00 am-3:00 pm SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 Games, Activities and Prizes Hot dogs • Chips • Popcorn • Popsicles ; TO THOSE THAT CHOOSE TO STAND USE YOUR VOICE DO NOT CONSENT DEMAND YOUR RIGHTS BE ENFORCED AND THEIR OATH OF OFFICE FULFILLED REPRESENTATIVE PEI ER MEIJLR SENATOR GARY PITERS SENATOR DEBBIE SIAliENOW MI HOUSE REP SURI THAN! DAR Ml STATE SENATOR DR- JOHN BIZON GOV. GRE1CHEN WHITMER 202-225-3831 202-224-6221 5I7-373-OI44 517-373-2426 517-355-785X BARRY COUNT Y CLERK PAMELA PALMER INTTNDS TO OBSTRUCT AND PREVENT VOTING MACHINE INVESTIGATION LED BY SHERIFF DAR LEAF ______ ___ SUPPORT OUR SHERIFF, AND ALL WHO DEFEND AND ENFORCE OUR CONSTITUTION, OUR RIGHTS AND OUR FREEDOMS PAID I OR BY JENNIFER CIJHJSIY, DI.LI ON. Mf Staff Writer Barry County residents can drop off house­ hold hazardous waste, unused medications and tires on Saturday. Sept. 18, at lhe Barry County Expo Center. The collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants must stay in their vehi­ cle and wear a mask when they drop off their items. Household hazardous wastes that can be accepted include aqueous acids and bases; oil­ based paints: reactives; solvents; aerosol cans; automotive liquids; pesticides; automotive batteries: alkaline, nickel cadmium and/or silver oxide batteries; liquid cleaners and heavy metal solutions. Motor oil drop-offs are limited to 10 gallons per vehicle. The following items cannot be accepted: asbestos; electronics; latex paint; propane tanks; commercially generated waste; radio­ active material; explosives; unknown wastes; console and projection televisions; speakers in wooden cases and tires heavily caked with dirt. Paint, solvent, medicine, motor oil or chemicals should not be poured down lhe drain or dumped in the trash where they may end up in the drinking water. Medications need to be in their original containers with the name of the drug clearly labeled. Any personal information on the con­ tainers should be crossed out. The tire drop-off is made possible by a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment. Great Uakes and Energy, and is a one-time-only free event. Up to 10 tires per car can be dropped off, and should only be household tires. Tires will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until all trailers are full. The drop-off is sponsored by the Barry’ County Solid Waste Oversight Committee with thanks to the Barry County Fair Board, Waste Management, Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force. Barry’ County Sheriff’s Department. City of Hastings Police Department and local pharmacies. For more information about the drop-off, call (269) 798-4107. [PoDbc® seek sosspeeft on indecent exposure report Troopers from the Michigan State Police Wayland Post are investigating an Aug. 29 indecent exposure incident in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area. Police said an unknown man exposed him­ self in front of two females near lhe north channel building at the recreation area in Yankee Springs Township. An Aug. 17 report provided a similar description of the suspect at that same loca­ tion, police said. He is described as a white male approximately 30 to 40 years old with dark hair, and glasses. He was wearing a tank top style shirt and no bottoms. A witness said his overall appearance was “dirty.” Anyone with information that may lead to the apprehension of the suspect are asked to contact the Wayland Post at 269-792-2213 or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-773­ 2587. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... For more information go to www.HastingsElks.com YOUR CONSTITUTION, YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR VOICE, CHOICE, VOTE AND YOUR FREEDOMS, ARE ALL BEING VIOLA TED AND A T RISK OF BECOMING LOST, REDACTED, NON-ESSENTIAL, NON-EXISTANT... WILL YOU STAND IN OPPOSITION OR WILL YOU KNEEL IN SUBMISSION THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE IS YOURS! Greg Chandler RANDY HOUSER Hastings Elks Lodge #1965,102 E Woodlawn Ave ______ AMERICANS------------ Household hazardous waste drop-off Sept 18 TYLER HENRY HOLLYWOOD MEDIUM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 DICK FOX'S GOLDEN BOYS FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 Tickets •vailable now at the FireKeepers or FireKct penCasino com. Office The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Business Services Help Wanted All real c»U!c aJ»ctU»inx in thii ncwrtpipcr i» tub>crt totbc • Act ami the Mivhipn CimI Rah’.t Act which cutlecti'cl) '• illcp) t.» tthcnitt “any p'cfctcn,T. hmitati. n or ditctitnnuuon tu'ed ucc. color, religion, vet. handicap. LuD'lui! status, nauoiul cmgm. u;e »’•' nunal stilus, or MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 2n°-S0-l-750o. CHAIR VANS NEEDED. nn intention. prefertnce.ltrniOtH'ncr Jacnmination. “ f amilial Matut includes children under GET YOUR VfJifFoN* t-<MtoU.t104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue I ftceek.450,4 CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Looking for professional anj dedicate<1 caregivers for our community to p«>vitlc assistance with ADLs. med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichni<.„t’activities' Long term opportunitics and be .fits available witli full-lime and part-time flexj],le h<’lirs' Apply >n pmon al 690 W. Main St., Middleville Ml 19333 or online at l'3flvcarvef)u,j|’|iy,t.jS<>ni the age cf I# living with parents or kpd rustixfuns, prerna.-.t women and people securing umiod> H children under Is This ncusp-’per will nol Lnow.ngl) a.icp any aJvcms.rg (or res) esuw wh.ih is in swlati.xi <4 the law Oar readers ate hereby informed that ail dwellings adsertned in th>» newspaper are as^LiNe on Mi es(u d opportunity lo report iBunmit'it'cr, call lhe lair limning Orntor JI r>|r»-45|. Die HUDtcU lice telephone nv-..bc' r. t lhe hearing impaired is t -M» 927-92’5 BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut. While Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (209)818-77^3 Bets DRIVERS FOR WHEEL THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A JOB. YOU’LL BE HELPING PEOPLE TO AND FROM DOC­ TORS APPOINTMENTS AND MORE. YOU NEED TO BE RELIABLE, PLEASE CALL 269-420-1708 FOR AN APPLICATION POODLE CHIHUAHUA MIX Puppies, very cute and lovable. Great lap puppies! First shots and wormed, $375.00. 517-726-07(16 Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER /DY H '’’!’ ,P ' ill 49333 To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 �synopsis y±“s beachgoers with lawn tractor Raguiarmca"°d 10 Oraor »n<i Pledge ot ^hon A"& Betwxe. pied, and the incident wk officer front the \ il|agc S",’!'d ™" 0VCr a v,,llc.vbali ncl Sincc deputies were occuahoul onc ”",c lmm ,hc Villa8e of I Me Odessa, an STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedenl’a Estate CASE NO. 21-28761-DE Judge William Michael Doherty Court Address-206 W Court Si. Slo. 302 Hast nos Ml 49058 Court Te'opl’.ono No . (269) 945-1390 Estate o! Charlotte A Carmoney Date of b-rth9/25/1 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The decedent. Charlotte A Carmoney, ded Dec 31. 2020 Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Bruco Carmoney personal representative, or to bath the probate court at 206 W Court St. Sto 302. Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 jaXn. S?C^»0t)Rqport man receives a juries in rollover content m ffi-fn lt?s arres,cd after crashing his car with a 0.159 blood alcohol a guardrail and rolled .1 \v ° T” “*d hc?wcr'^ ,o ,niss a deer when his vehicle hit He had ntino Sap<T R“ad ncar Sou,h Cook >’• Hope Township. injuries and was taken lo the hospital for evaluation before going to jail. Man chokes girlfriend after argument fo^d fo^^'V 9* ‘ 3:27 P m‘A“K' l7‘,o rcP°» h« 29-year-old ex-boyAecwdineM .h! 'r hcr ,rcs,dcncc ln ,he 4tx> b'°^ of Main Street in Nashville, hobbv of doin^i^”CC reP°rt-ll,';.''1<’"'an S!ud her boyfriend “asked for her help with his noked hin roc^s‘ When s^c did not help, he immediately became upset, wnrn.n nn . ,C PU._Shcd hcr down and choked " ith his hand. When he stopped, the h »r n t n Th °U| 10ne’ knockc<j *l oul of her hand, pushed her down and choked ncr again. lhen he picked up her phone, went outside and eventually left. The officer noticed injuries to the woman’s hands, arm and foot which were consistent with assault. The woman san t e couple have had an on-and-oti relationship with one child in common, who w.ls outsi u wien the incident occurred. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Drunken driver crashes info guardrail, leaves parts in street At 1:02 a.m. Aug. 20. a caller reported a reckless vehicle driving on M-79 with “sparks flying off a rear wheel. Soon after a second caller reported hitting car parts in the road, and told Barry County Central Dispatch she was stopped near the vehicle on M-79 cast of Charlton Park Road in Hastings Charter Tow nship. When the officer asked the driver. 20. of Hastings, how much he had to drink, he replied. “I haven’t had that much... not even a six pack.” He had a blood alcohol content of 0.16 and was arrested. The driver's great-grand­ mother, who lives nearby, arrived in a truck and towed the vehicle away. Man arrested after choking girlfriend A 28-year-old woman called police to report her boyfriend assaulted and choked her at their residence in the 11000 block of Farmview Drive in Orangeville Township at 6:17 p.m. Aug. 10. The woman said they got into an argument and her boy friend, 25. held up a cutting board lo hide his face. When she tried to pull it away he hit her on the nose with it. He then got behind her and put her in a chokehold. The woman said she was unable to breathe, but eventually he let go. She told him to leave or she would call the police. He refused, but did go outside, and she locked him out. After she called the police, the man left, but an officer spotted his vehicle and arrested him. Both of the woman’s children, ages 1 and 4, were in the room at the time of the assault. While die woman said she did not want to press charges, information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. S5,on tabled to next Cemetery Ord'n3nce "’Approved Ro’»lu"1’" 2021-27, Ro|( Ca|| Vote - 2°2'-272 Ro" aVAd^urnS,8 07P"’ Respectfull/ 5ubrT>.l Robin Hawthorne. Cicr Attested to by. Larry Watson. Supervisor months after the date of publication cl this notice. Date- 9(3/2021 Evonne Ulmer P56708 223 1/2 West Ma n St PO Box 5, lonta. Ml 48848 616-902 0851 Bruce Carmoney 823 Fargo Street. Ionia. Ml 48846 616-527-3987 167597 167600 n0T,CEb^Ec®NTS0f ^allhe 03ny County Notice is hereby Planning commission wi'l conduct a public N®ann9 for the following. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Caso Number: SP-H^02 - joff Krcsnak (Ap­ 15 of Orangeville Township Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to mine for sand and 9r^'cR p^s^nt to Article 23, Section 2351 in tho RR lKura’ Residential) zoning dl'M£En!l&^- StPTnbrr 27- 2021. UMfi: 7:00 PM. ELA££: ]y°cn Contor, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections ofaBo?° described property will be completed by mo Planning Commission members before tho hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will bo given lhe opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time Any wntten response may be mailed to tho address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820. or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmCI^nyS^nrrYEpunty^org The special use application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department 220 West State Street Hastings, Michigan 49058. during the hours of 8 a m. to 5 p m. Monday - Fnday Please call tho Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information Tho County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hcaring upon ten (10) days notice to tho County of Barry Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call tho following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street Hastings. Michigan 49058, (269)945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer. Barry County Clerk • ; 167462 NOTICE Attention homeo .vier: If you are a rr.iMary service member on active duty J your per.od cf active duty has concluded Nicholas /Ulen Mooney. 36, of Hastings, was convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a third-time offender on M-66 in Maple Grove Township May 18. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for 79 days served and was ordered to pay S398 in fines and costs. Mooney was placed on probation for 48 months. A charge of operating a vehicle while his driver’s license was suspended was dis­ missed at the time of sentencing. Court records showed prior offenses for operating a vehicle under the influence Sept. 21, 2004, and May 9.2006, in Hastings, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated May 19, 2010. in Barry County. Other offenses, which all occurred in Barry County, include, June 1, 2004. a conviction for entry without breaking wnh intent: June 30.2010, receiving and con­ cealing stolen property over SI.000 but less than $20,000: July 27. 2017, failure to pay­ child support: and May 11. 2017, attempted malicious destruction of fire/pohee property: and attempted resisting and obstructing police. Michelle Marie Plant. 37. of Battle Creek, was convicted of two counts of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, an automo­ bile, April 2 in Johnstown Township. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to two concur­ rent terms of 180 days in jad. Her license was suspended for 90 days, and she was °^'ed to nav $1066 in lines and costs. I lor placed on probation for 24 months. Upon reit-asc- she will be allowed only sujierv.sed visits with her children. Five W ^“"'‘’“a.dmal'k-iousdcstru ci’io'n of personal ‘"^v worth $200 or more but less than SU»0 a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban - were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Marcic Sue Tschupp, 45, of Plainwell, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, as a sec­ ond-time or subsequent offender July 22, 2020, in Orangeville Township. She was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay S398 in fines and costs. Her license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Jay find Paul Scott, 24, of Kalamazoo, was convicted of unarmed robbery of a CricutSmart cutting machine Nov. 2, 2020, in Rutland Charter Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. Charges of unarmed robbery and second-de­ gree retail fraud were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records showed prior con­ victions for third-degree retail fraud Feb. 25, 2020, in Kalamazoo, and attempted retail fraud Oct. 19, 2020, in Branch County: as well as attempted assault, resisting and obstructing an officer May 24, 2018, in Kalamazoo County. Terry LeeTraLstcr II,40. of Dowling, was convicted of disturbing the peace March 16, 2020, on Lacey Road in Assyria Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 90 days in jail, with credit for 22 days served and ordered to pay $325 in fines and costs. Traister II was placed on probation for 12 months. Charges of domestic violence and domestic violence as a third-time offender were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records showed prior convictions for assault and battery Oct. 23, 2002. and Sept 14,2004. 1 Sports Editor irll rnsiem scored an 84) wm over [•ore..Hlil'',‘3> boys' tennis the Thomapph h Wednesday afternoon, team >» Mid‘^ vl"c “)nc^t off ol the The I rojans won J l b|es team of Robby Jlawk.,. " son owning their match Holler and Ben cm. • K1)liwinsiu by With Pretv opening «-t rhcFHF. scoring a 6-4 'Tb,he li,ial ,W° SCU learn responded I * the scores of 6^- ’ ’ tarts like that. Josh JK had a payion Wilkinson Wedyke at ^shed their opponents at fourth lor ‘.pi,,,, sei before falling to 7-5 scores m me i will be foreclosed by a sa’e of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding lhe circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on OCTOBER 7. 2021. The amount duo on the mortgage may bo greater on Lhe day of the sale. Placing lhe h'-ghest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and dear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information Default has been made in the cond.lons of a mortgage made by Bryan M DeHaan AKA Brian DeHaan and Connie DeHaan AKA Connie Jo DeHaan, husband and wife, to ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., Mortgagee, dated February 24. 2005 and recorded March 8 2005 in Instrument Number 1142428 and Affidavit Affecting Realty recorded on June 11. 2020, in Instrument Number 2020­ 005718, Barry County Recons. Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by NewRez LLC. F/K/A Nev/ Penn Financial. LLC, D/B/A Shetipo-nt Mortgage Servicing, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred One Thousand Seven Hundred Nine and 96/100 Dollars ($101.709 96). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage w-ll be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at tho place of ho.a ng (he circuit court within Bany County. Michigan at 1 00 PM on OCTOBER 7.2021 Sad premises aro in two. Aidan Burkley closed out Wedyke by the score ol 6-0 in the second set. Justin Hunter finished off Wilkinson 6-3, Srecjay Ramakrishnan and Grant McFarlane got the wins for the Hawks at first and second singles. TK was scheduled to finish off a rain inter­ rupted dual with Lakewood in Middleville Tuesday, but that match was postponed again due lo lhe weather, lhe Irojans were set to go to Kenowa Hills for another OK Gohl Conference dual Sept. 8 and will be at Otsego for a non-confercnce match today (Sept. 9)t The Trojans host a conference dual with Cedar Springs Monday. TK is currently 1 j ln conference play. in located Township may charge a fee for this information: Namo(s) of tho mortgagor(s) Melvin B. Goebel, a single man Original Mortgagee. Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/ or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Specialized Loan Servicing LLC Date of Mortgage: March 29, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 13, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $47,261.71 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County. Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 8, Poplar Beach No. 2. as recorded in Liber 3 on Page(s) 31 of Plats Common street address (if any): 7057 Shoreline Dr. Delton. Ml 49046-6402 The redemption period shall bo 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, or. if tho subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600 3240(16) If tho property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of tho Revised Judicature Act of 1961. pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at lhe mortgage foreclosure salo or to tho mortgage holder for damaging the property dunng the redemption period. Attention homeowner. If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered lo active duty, please contact the attorney for tho party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this Section 12. Town 4 North Range io West, described as Commencing at the South V of Section 12. thence North 89 degrees 48 minutes 23 seconds East. 801 5 feet along the South line of said Souttreasl 1/4; thence North 00 degrees 11 minutes 37 seconds West. 33.0 feet lo the 166730 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Nobce is given under section 3212 cf tho revised judicature act of 1961.1961 PA235. MCL 600 3212. that the following mortgage w.ll be foreclosed by a sa'e of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of hold.ng the orcuit court m Barr/ County, starting prompL’y at 1.00 PM. on September 23 2021 The amount due on the mortgage may bo grea.er on the day of sale. Placing lhe highest b.d at the sale does not automatically entile the purchaser to free and clear ownership of me property A polenta! P^ch^ser a encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of whch may charge ^Na^rot^mortgagorls) Lois L Rider an Un^tZwe: Mortsoge Etoaronic Systems. Inc. as nomneo for lender and lenders “KwS’H an/) Cascade Fund.n3 MCL600 3278. lhe bone*6. response to tho person v.ho buys (he pr«*£, fo,'a ™"’a0e'crectosure sate or lo the mortgage to tho property during the redempt on Dated September?02 File No 20 001729 Firm Name Ortons PC FirmAddress. 1650 of M dd’evri’e according to the recorded plat Sf as redded in bber 1 of Plats on Page 27. ? / nf?5?-h ran Together with that portion of the Barry County. ' 9 abutting beng the North 28 ...« Middled Ml sh3l| 6 from the (09 09)(09.30) detenn.ned abartoooeo tn . CQQ30413 or if the subject real /« igSto.nl purposes as defmed by 32 of the Rwsed Judicature Act cf 1561. P^Ie »iri Ann 3278 the bono*er wtrt be htd respv - perern who Ms IMtpi foreclosure sate or to tho mortgage 1.0-de. K L property dunng the redjrmptonfW.Krd J Attenuon homoowner. If >oj 3'e,a „.lvQdu’, Ms member on act.re rf You' pent" conduced less (nan SO n yys ago ordered to aebvo fluty. p.ws<reon^ party foreclosing me mortgage at me (0, nUirbe, 167666 2021. David J Shana 1850 S PoseyviPe Road Mid'and. Ml 48640 989-835-1964 167599 Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961.1961 PA236. MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage Will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier's check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM. on September 23. 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale Placing lhe highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s)- Scott Donley a/k/a Scott Leo Donley, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Inc . as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/ or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Village Capital & Investment. LLC Date of Mortgage: January 30. 2019 Date of Mortgage Recording. February 5, 2019 Amount claimed due on dale of notice $286,420.35 Description of the mortgaged premises. Situated in Township of Assyria. Barry County. Michigan, and described as: The West 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 6, Town 1 North. Range 7 West, except the South 920 feet thereof. Common street address (if any): 10773 North Ave. Dowling, Ml 49050-9753 The redemption penod shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or. if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16) If the property is sold at foreclosure sate under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Art of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600 3278 the borrower will be held responsible lo the person who buys lhe property at tho mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during tho redemption penod Attention homeowner If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago. or rf you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this 1442192 (08-26X09-16) 166733 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFiCE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS. This sa'e rray ba rescinded by toe fcrectong mortgagee. In that even!, your damages, if any, shall be I mlted solely to return cf the bd amount tendered at sale, plus interest NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE BY ADVERTISEMENT. Notoe is given under section 3212 of Lhe revised judicature oct of 1961. 1961 PA236. MCL 6003212. that the fo"owng mortgage win be foreclosed by a sa’e cf the mortgaged premies, or some part cf them al a public auction sa-e to the highest b.dder for cash or cashier's check a! the place of bo'd ng toe creu t court in Bany County, starting ptompty al 100 PM. on October 14.2021 The amount due on toe mortgage may be greater on toe day cf toe sa'e Plaang the highest bid at the sa'e doea not automabca’ly entitle the purchaser lo free and dear ownersh;p of toe property A potent-41 purchaser is encouraged to contact toe county register of deeds office for ths information. MORTGAGE SALE Defau't has been nude in the cond txxts of a mortgage made by Steven T Freeman and Carctynn J Freeman, the mortgagees), to Mortgage Electron* Registration Systems. Inc . as nom.neo for Mortgage Research Center. LLC doa Veterans United Heme loans, toe cngnal mortgagee, dated Fetrujry 15. 2018 and lecorded on February 23.2013. as Instrument No. 2018401703, m Bany County Records M cb-gan and tost assg’wl to Lakswew Loan Servicing LLC, toe foradcsing assignee, documented by an Assignment 0f Mortgage dated STATE OF MICHIGAN. DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS LOT 18. FOXGLOVE ESTATES SUBDIVISION. ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN UBER 6 Or PLATS PAGEiS) 61. BARRY COUNTY RECORDS The redempson pt- od shall bs 6 montos (180 Day Jl from toe date u- sutto sale unless dete’re.ned abandoned « arcordaace with MCLA 6C0 3241a, m whrh case toe redempbon period sha i tre 30 dan from toe date cf such wte Pu^ant to Chapter 32 o the Revbod Judicature Ad cf 1961 f the property » wdIrt lorecJowie sale the boroww v». i txi hod resppns ve tn .he person who buys toe praperN at toe mortgage ‘creuosure safe 5 to the mortgage bo dir under MCLA 600 3273 damag^ HOMEOWNER If you are a nv.tary serviw member on aetve a Jy if your pc 'od cl aetve duty Km concluded lew man 90 days ago or it you have been erdf-ed to active duty. contact the attorney for toe party foredos ng toe mortgage at telephone number slated minis no we Ualud Oort 3/2021 For More informaton please cs l. Msrhew R Reinhardt Esq. Date of notice August 26.2021 Q.nlajcs Pneto Wood S Buyer. PA Attomevs for Senrcer 255 South Oienge Avenue. Suite GOO Oitondo. Florida 3x801 Parmington Hil»s Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1442045 (08-28X0^-16) th* date of to-S Nobce toe sum of Two Hund-ed Seventy < wo Thousand Six Hundred Th rty Se\en and 69'100 U S Do! *s 1^27263769) Sato premise :s stunted at 4533 Fcxmoor Court, M-ddlcvi’e '.'itoigan 49333 .n lhe Township of Innng. n-iay County. Michigan, and » described ai LAND SITUATED £ THE TOWNSHIP OF IRVING. COUNTY OF BARRY. lhe property dunng toe nxkmption penal /vTitNilON Trott La*. pC 31440 Northwestern Hwy. Swte Firm Phona Number (► notice, or Jan. 9. 2022. First publication Sept 9, Apni 15 2019. and reoonfod on Aral 23 2019. as Instrument No 2019-303909 m Bany County Records. McNgan. cn wnxto mortgage there is du med to be due and owing as cf stated in Ib'S novce This notice is from a debt co.'CC’ r R.unae Troy Ml 48084 Hastings, Ml 49058, and the persona! representative within 4 months after the dale of publication of thia (•n? Date of Mortgage Record^. May «. 20’2 Amount claimed due on date of not>ce 5182.781.07 mortgaged premises Situa.ed S’kTgJ Mdd’eWte BaVCounty. Michigan, and ,n Village of MJdxvt.a. '^iSS^’sotoatfotedosuresa'eunderCbaoter period shall be 30 day5 , .creclo, sa,e It the property » 5=!d * Jsale, pumuant to representative, or to the Barry County Probate Court Trial Division, at 206 W. Court St, Su te 302. or a Ltle insurance company either cf which may charge a ot lhe West line ot lhe £.«’ot the SouUmest 1/4 ot the Southeast 1«. ” end'"3 o! ®aje the redempt on un’ess presented lo David J. Shane, personal Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 (248)642-2515 da.e o. j wth MCLA §500 3241a. * ' claims against tho estate will be forever tarred Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 50 seconds West 138^ North 45 degrees 35minutes50secondsNonnM, degrees 22 mmules 30 f’t1'* MM1° ’ U>ecentedineo<sa;d30t^ MidgiA^? ,?nd. 7250 West Gartwai rV*‘e‘ ^lc!’;9a'’ 4S303 lhe redempl.o-1 pe"’d 5 dX?”"'3 ,rom th‘ da'° ot such sale, unless dele-"^ ’ ’”"<R>ned ,n accordance 26. 2021. Creditors of the decadent are rxibfied mat all Date of notice: August 26, 2021 East 1l8g0 30 JO degrees 20 minutes 14, 1953. The decedent, who resided at 11838 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 145 1442026 (08-26)(09-16) Shane, Schreiner Road. Bellevue. Ml 49021. died on July Date of notice August 26. 2021 Northerly right-of-way « 0?°*^oad and lhe of beginning of the certtert.ne of a 3g (oot Wlde stnp of landjhence North 02 deg^es 03 mmules West, 19523 feet thence North 59 degrees -5 In tho matter of tho estate of Richard A also known as R ck Shane, who was born on Dec Trott Law, P C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 145 of 1/4 of lhe Southeast 1/4 ofSecLon 12, Town 4 North. Range 10 West Together with a 30 foe’ easement for ingress and egress described as ’R'at Part of tho Southeast 1/4. CASE NO. 21-28942-DE Honorable William M. Doherty notice. This notice is from a debt collector. notice This notice is from a debt collector and aro described as. BOO feet of the Southwest Thomapple. Barry County The East 280 feet of the feel; thence North 26 East 105 05 feet thence Forest Hills Eastern sweeps dual with Trojan tennis team Breit Bremer less than 90 days ago. or if you have been ordered to active duty, p'easo contact the attorney for the party foreclosing lhe mortgage at the telephone number staled in this notice Notice of foreclosure by advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of ths revised judicature act of 1961. 1961 PA 236. MCL 600 3212. that the following mortgage NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of tho revised judicature act of 1961.1961 PA 236. MCL 603.3212. that lhe following mortgage will bo foreclosed by a sale of tho mortgaged premises, or some part of them, al a public auction sale lo tho highest bidder for cash or cashier s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly al 1 00 PM. on September 23. 2021 The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale Placing tho highest bid at tho salo does not automatically entitle tho purchaser to freo and clear ownership of the property A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact tho county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which plicant) JMK Realty, LLC l^opcrty Owner) P Location: 9650 Keller Road. Delton, m Section BARRY COUNTY PROBATE COURT 166732 (855) 287-0240 Matter No 132070 (08-26X09-16) 168701 �R-'l ' ■■■■ ---- =--------- II. IJ HI I I I I I । Page 12—• Thursday September 9. 2021 — The MaM»ngs Banner playing conference football Lions Breit Bremer Sports Editor Ph* first Friday night of the 2021 football season is here. and it is something of a special one at Maple Valley this week. l he Lions are hosting an early honiecom ing contest thanks to a schedule loaded w ith away contests late in the season, lhe Liens will play host to Vandercook Lake looking for their first victory of lhe season. The contest is the first for the Lions in the new Tri-Rivcr 8-Man Football Conference, which played its firs! contests last week with Britton-Decrfidd scoring a 6-1-8 win over Concord and NonhPoinie Christian scoring a 46-20 win over Vandercook Lake Jayhawks. Maple Valley is excited for lhe chance to participate in a football conference for (he first time since leaving lhe 11-player competi­ tion in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference for 8-playcr football. Head coach Marty Martin is looking forward to his team playing for a conference championship trophy and also having lhe chance for players to earn all-conference honors once again at the con­ clusion of the season. The Lions opened their special 8-Man Tournament, with teams from schools too large to qualify for the MHSAA X-player tour­ nament. with a w in over Vandercook Luike in lhe semifinals last October. Both teams are playing fortheir first 2021 victory. Hastings hasn't done anything but win in two contests so far this season. The Saxons will look to improve their lntcrstatc-8 Athletic Conference record to 2-0 when they travel to Marshall Friday night. The Redhawks lost a shootout to Pennficld last week, 42-40. and points should be plentiful again this week as lhe Saxons have scored at least 30 points in each of their ballgames so far. Delton Kellogg will be home for the first time this season when it plays host to a Southwestern Athletic Conference crossover ballgame with former divisional foe Constantine. The Falcons have dominated their first two foes. Union City and Harbor Springs. They outscored Harbor Springs 60-0 in week two rushing out to a 46-0 lead in the first half while completely stymying the Harbor Springs offense. Thomapple Kellogg is looking to get its season restarted this week after missing week two due to Covid concerns. The Trojans have a tough task ahead traveling to East Kentwood High School to face South Christian in the first OK Gold Conference contest of lhe sea­ son. The Sailors beat up Grand Rapids Christian in week one and then suffered a narrow defeat against East Grand Rapids in week two. Lake wood plays for its first victory in the eater'Lansing Activities Conference opener at Leslie this week. The Blackhaw ks are 1-1 on the season and looking for their first win ever over the Lakewood Vikings who have won seven in a row since (he formation of the GLAC. Local Standings (W-L« plnvoff points) Hastings Delton Kellogg Thomapple Kellogg Lakewood “ 2-0 (50.000) 1-1 (30.000) 0-2 (5.500) 0-2 (4500) Maple Valley (8-playcr) 0-2 Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Hastings 2-0, 1-0 2-0.1-0 Lumen Christi Parma Western 2-0.1-0 2-0. 1-0 Pennfield 1-1,01 Marshall Northwest 1-1.0-1 0-2.0-1 Coldwater 0-2.0-1 Harper Creek Delton Kellogg’s Corey Moore (right) fights to bring down a Parchment receiver during their non-conference contest in Parchment Thursday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) OK Gohl Conference G.R. Catholic Central 2-0.0-0 Cedar Springs 1-1,00 Forest Hills Eastern 1-1.0-0 Kenowa Hills 1-1,00 Ottawa Hills 1-1,0-0 South Christian 1 -1,0-0 Thomapple Kellogg 0-2,0-0 Wajland 0-2,00 Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley I jiwton 2-0.0-0 Delton Kellogg 1-1.0-0 Saugatuck 1 -1,0-0 Galesburg- Augusta 0-2.0-0 Schoolcraft ........... 0-2,0-0 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Leslie 1-1,00 Olivet 1-1,00 Stockbridge 1 -1.0-0 Lakewood 0-2,0-0 Perry 0-2.0 0 Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference Britton-Deerfield 2-0. 1-0 NorthPointe Christian 1-1. 1-0 Concord I -1,0-1 Maple Valley 0-2.0-0 Vandercook Lake 0-2,0-1 Here is a round-up of last week’s local grid­ iron action. Hastings 30, Thornapple Kellogg 6 Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity football team kicked off its interstatc-8 Athletic Conference season at Baum Stadium at Johnson Field with a 38-35 win over Harper Creek. The Saxons lake a 2-0 record going into a conference game against Marshall at Marshall on Friday -r.----- Hastings running back TJ Russell bursts through a hole around the right side_oni a run against Harper Creek Thursday night inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) night. Hastings Head Coach Jamie Murphy staled “we knew this was going to be a good match up. On paper our teams are pretty identical. We had to put together a flawless game, and in the end we made some mistakes, but we made fewer mistakes than they did.” The Saxons were able to celebrate a win over the Beavers, and for the seniors on this team, it was their first ever win over Harper Creek. Senior running back TJ Russell noted, “it feels really good and me and the other guys are really excited for the rest of lhe season. Moving forward it are just going to keep working hard at pnedee and try and keep our team on the winning Side this year.” Harper Creek had one turnover an intercep­ tion picked off by Drew Gleeson. Hastings played a solid game and had no turnovers for lhe night. They started off the first quarter w ith a score on their first drive with a 23 -y and touchdow n by Gleeson, and a two-point con­ version by TJ Russell. Later in lhe first quarter Lanny Tcunessen ran in a 9-yard touchdown and quarterback Mason Denton scored the two-point conversion, to lead 16-0 going into lhe 2nd quarter. The Beavers started off the 2nd quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by Mason Oaks to close the gap 16-8. Going into halftime lhe Saxons were up 16-22. The Beavers came out strong scoring three touchdowns in the second half. The Saxons dropped a kick return on the next play, and what looked to be lhe first turnover of the night, was saved when Robby Slaughter came out of lhe pile with the ball. Coach Murphy noted. “Robby digging that ball out from their lineman was a turning Delton Kellogg quarterback Philip Halcomb sprints around the left side on a run. during his team’s loss at Parchment Thursday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) point in the game. Wc scored on the very next play.” Russel) ran lhe ball in for a 38-yard touch­ down after that save to increase the lead 38-22. Russell ended the night with three touchdown runs and led the team in rushing with 264 yards for the night. Coach Murphy said, “we knew this would lx* an offensive game and would come down to who had the ball last. Our defense had a tough time stopping their running backs. Harper has three of the best backs in the league. We knew we need defensive stops to win this game. Dan Harp opened up a lot of holes for Russell.” Russell gave credit to lhe line, “our line is pretty much what gets our offense going, from our right tight end to our left, they really come through when we need them.” Harper Creek scored two more touchdowns in lhe fourth quarter, and with three minutes on lhe clock Hastings got the ball back. The Saxons were unable to get a first down and had to punt the bull back to Harper Creek. The Beavers had the ball going into the final drive of lhe night and were down by only three. With less than a minute lo go the Beavers scrambled to gel lhe ball down lhe field, but as the clock wound down to zero, the Harper Creek pass to the end zone was no good and the Saxons won 38-35. The Saxons rushed for 394 yards for lhe night, while keeping Harper Creek lo 274 yards rushing, but the Beavers gained yards in the air by completing 142 receiving yards for lhe night. Saxon quarterback Denton had one completion for 8 yards receiving for the night. The Saxon defense making the stops against Harper was led by Matt Thompson with 10 tackles, Victor Ramirez with 6.5 tackles. Slaughter with 6 tackles and Owen Winegar and Ijiyton Eastman grabbing 55 tackles each. Parchment 42, Delton Kellogg 24 ’ T he Delton Kellogg varsity football team suffered its first defeat of the season Thursday t falling in a double-digit hole early in the sec­ ond quarter that it couldn't dig out of at Parchment. The host Panthers took a 42-24 win while compiling 445 yards of offense. Parchment led 22-6 after a 20-yardTD pass from quarterback Cole Dean early in the sec­ ond’quarter. Dolton Kellogg clawed back to within ten points as couple times, on a sixyard TD run by Mason Nabozny later in the period and twice in the third quarter, thanks to a three-yard TD nin by Nabozny and a 70-yard TD run by quarterback Philip Halcomb. Parchment had an answer each lime though. Halcomb had two longTD runs. He scored on a 65-yard run to cut an early Parchment lead to 8-6 in the first quarter. Halcomb fin­ ished with seven rushes for 157 yards in the bailgame. He was l-of-4 passing for seven yards. He was intercepted once. Delton Kellogg’s Vinnic Quick had eight rushes for 57 yards. Seth Collard rushed five times for 50 yards and Corey Moore added seven nishes for 39 yards for DK. Nabozny scored his two touchdowns on just three car­ ries. Ricky Ramsey had a team-high seven tack­ les for DK. Halcomb and Nabozny had four Continued next page �■ ■ ■ The Hastings Banner — Thursday. September 9. 2021 — Page 13 Lions put a scare into top-ranked Lakewood Lakewood s Jackson MacKenzie (17) leaps up to try and get his head on a corner kick in front of Maple Valley peeper Landen Garlinger and the rest of the Lion defense during the second half of their GLAC match at Lakewood High School Wednesday (Sept. 1). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor There is a difference between playing with urgency and panicking, and lhe Vikings were doing the latter as the final minutes and sec­ onds wound down against visiting Maple Valley Wednesday. A power outage in the Lake Odessa area prevented the scoreboard from showing the Vikings exactly how much time they had left as the Lions set up for a late goal kick with the score lied 2-2 at Lakewood High School. The goal kick floated high to the top of the Lions’ box where Lakewood junior attacker Colby Carter was able to collect it. He beat a Lion defender and then pul a shot past Maple Valley goalkeeper Landen Garlinger to keep the Lakewood varsity boys’ soccer team’s record perfect so far this season. There were 21 seconds left on the referee’s watch. Lake wood, a team with hopes of winning a Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship, survived for a 3-2 GLAC win over the rival Lions. The Vikings are now 2-0 in GLAC play this season and 4-0 overall. They were schgdfevd. to, return,tp GLAC play last night. Sept. 8, at Stockbridge. Though head coach James LeVequc is knowledgeable enough to know his team is not the most talented in the state in Division 3, somehow lhe Vikings did come into the week ranked number one in lhe state in Division 3 in the Michigan Interscholastic Soccer Coaches Association poll based off of their season opening wins over Laingsburg and Charlotte. Maple Valley is a team still looking for its first win of the season. The Lions fell to 0-4 this season with a 4-1 loss to visiting Charlotte Thursday. The match with lhe Vikings has been lhe Lions’ only GLAC con­ test so far this season. The Vikings and Lions went back and forth throughout the first half Wednesday. Carter scored twice on the evening, netting the Vikings’ opening goal, off an assist from Jacob Merry field, and their last. Lakewood had lhe lead twice in the first Maple Valley senior Owen Bailey gathers himself as members of the Lakewood half, but never for long. Carter scored and that varsity boys’ soccer team celebrate Colby Carter's goal with 21 seconds remaining in was answered soon after bj a penally kick the second half Wednesday that pushed the Vikings to a 3-2 win over the visiting goal from the Lions’ Owen Bailey. Maple Valley’s Caden Faurot was taken out as he Lions. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood's Brody Jackson as he tries to get between Maple Valley’s Matthew Slaght (left) and Ben Schuch into the Lions’ box during the second half Wednesday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) went after a high ball in the box to earn the comer kick. Tlie Vikings responded with a goal by Jackson MacKenzie who headed in a comer kick to get the lead back. This lime, Faurot answered with a breakaway goal on a counter attack. “There was absolutely zero energy.’”’ LeVequc said of his team’s first half effort. The Vikings played w ith tons of energy in the second half. The ball was rarely on the Vikings’ half of the field, but that energy was not always focused. “Guys were stressed out," LeVequc said. “Maple Valley, credit to them, they passed the ball betler than any Maple Valley team I have ever seen. They were just patient in the first half. They strung together seven or eight passes at a time. They were super patient w’ith it in their back end, swinging it in and pushing it out and swinging it in and pushing it out.” The Vikings worked to put more pressure on the Lion defenders with the ball in the second half, and that was the key to their dominance in lhe second 40 minutes. “The first half we had more possession,” Lion head coach Andy Roush said. “Wc moved the ball around good. We had good open space. The second half we kind of got compacted in and had trouble getting out of the zone. That made us play a lot of defense in the second half, which is harder and puls a lot more pressure on lhe keeper. Obviously, that is something we have to work on: getting the ball out of there so we can enjoy lhe ball a little bit instead of always playing defense. It is not as much fun as playing offense.” That was all lhe Vikings did in the second half. They played offense. Too often though the Vikings tried to push everything through lhe middle or settled for long shots. Lion goal­ keeper 1 Jinden Garlinger was strong in his net and he did come up with one or two very good saves. Lakewood had a stretch in the final 20 min­ utes where they had comer after comer, from one side of the field to the other, but came up empty each time. Not long before Carter finally snapped the 2-2 deadlock, the Vikings’ Adrian Del Cura rifled a high shot that Garlinger managed to deflect. The rebound clanged off the inside of the post at the upper 90 on the left side of lhe goal and away from trouble somehow. ”1 don’t know if you can get much more dominant than that without running up six goals.” LeVequc said of his team’s second half effort. Roush said after the game he wished his team had another game or two under its belt before this match-up with the Vikings. Maple Valley had one contest postponed due to heat and another due to Covid at its opponent’s school. The Lions were scheduled to play at Lainsgsburg Sept. 8. They will face another lough conference match at home against Lansing Christian Monday. game, then added the two-point run himself. “Ayden really started to get it going, mak­ ing some nice throws and he made some nice decisions tonight. At times we ran the ball really well.,” coach Martin said. “Travis Mater probably played the best game has hits played for us at center tonight. A four year senior center, he is out there battling and he is out there leading by example and that is what the spot. ‘’(Penny) demanded some double teams and kept the offensive line districted with him so our linebackers could really play well,” coach Martin said. He was pleased with the play of his middle linebackers as well - Jesse Deppe and Nicholas Martin. Drppe led (he defense with 15 tackles. Nicholas Martin had 12 as well as two fumble recoveries. IXlcr Rose added seven tackles. Callan Hoeffler intercepted one Colon pass for the Lions. Caydcn Scott had a team-high 70 yards on five nishes for lhe Lions. Carpenter had four receptions for 67 yards. FOOTBALL, continued from previous page ---------tackles each. Parchment got a spot on lhe first DK pos­ session of the ball game and then marched right down the field for a two-yard TD pass from Dean lo a wide open Ezariah Liggins. Dean then ran in the (wo-point conversion attempt. Halcomb got DK right back into the ball­ game, rolling around lhe right side for a 65-yard TD run in which he dodged lhe final defender culling back lo lhe middle as he crossed the 20-yard-line. DK’s two-point try was no good though and they trailed 8-6. The teams went back and forth with the big plays. Dean scored on a 60-yard run on Parchment’s first snap following the DK touchdown to stretch his team’s lead back to 14-6. Parchment then had a short field to go for its third touchdown after the DK offense turned the ball over on downs when it came up short on a fourth-and-3 nm from its own 36 yarddine. Parchment converted its fourth down attempt on the ensuing drive. Dean’s 20-yard I'D pass lo Kofi Barima on a fourthand-9 play and lhe ensuing two-point conver­ sion pushed their team’s lead to 22-6. A DK fumble late in the first half led to Juiother fourth down TD pass from Dean to Barima before lhe half, from 15 yards out. Dean scored on a one-yard QB keeper through lhe line in the third for Parchment and Parchment tacked on a TD run in lhe fourth quarter to seal the victory. Belding 36, Lakewood 0 The turnovers were loo pleniiful. ^P^-’^'y early on. lor the IMewood varsity'foolbi » The Black Knights improved lo 2-0 on lhe season, dropping Lakewood 36-0 in the Vikings’ home opener. Lakewood head coach Mark Markwart said little mistakes plagued his team throughout lhe evening. Some of the “little” mistakes were bigger than others. Lakewood drove to lhe Belding 20-yard-line on its opening pos­ session only to lose a fumble. Belding answered with a score, and then the ensuing Lakewood drive ended in an interception. Belding led 14-0 at the end of the first quar­ ter and then stretched its lead all the way to 364) by die half. The Knights returned one interception for a touchdown. Lakewood’s defense did manage lo recover a pair of Belding fumbles. “Belding is a real good team. They’re a well-coached learn. They’re disciplined. They do what they do very well. We went into this week saying we have lo do what we do well.” Mark wart said. They run a power-T and (hey come off the ball hard on both sides,” Markwart said of what Belding docs well. “Their offensive line comes off really hard and fast. And they make it tough on you. They go either direction and they hit that edge. I hey re trying io gC( a whole bunch off bodies off that left side or that right side ” The Vikings moved the ball well on the round themselves. Running back Denny Sauers was over 100 yards rushing. “The kids played hard for lour quarters,” Markwan said. "They never quit. They're a grxxl group of alhletcs “nd “ good gr,M,p 01 kl<1> •cam to keep pace with evening at JJikcwood High School. Colon 61, Maple Valley 21 A talented Colon team scored 26 points in the opening quarter and went on to a 61-20 win over the visiting Maple Valley Lions Thursday. The Magi scored 24 points in the opening quarter. “They’re one of the best eight-man learns in (he entire state tonight and we really bat­ tled.” Lion head coach Marty Martin said. “We had some really g00^ plays and wc had some people step up and P,ay really well tonight and that was a g(X)d l,”ng.” He said his young gW* 8°* in their own heads a little bit early an* >ul eventually set­ tled into the game and earned a few defensive Stops. Quarterback Simon Vinson scored the first three Colon touchdowns,n the first eight and a half minutes of the gnme on a 40-yard run, a 28-yard run and a mne-yard TD pass to Justin Wickey. Katcb Johnson scored on a 35-yard run with 2:45 1° 8° >n the quarter to push lhe lead to 26-0Vinson would go on add a 53 yard TD pass to Kinley Dovey. u ‘yyard TD pass to Wickey. a I-yard TD R* 10 c»nnor Helman and score on another eigm-yard run himself. Vinson had 11 rushes lor 1yards on t|le night, and completed I6'0 passes for 207 yards. He was picked On offense lor lhe quarterback Ayden Wilkes had hi> ga’ne yet, complet­ ing 5 of-14 passes for ” '*U S’ completed a 30 yanl TD pass to Carpenter w ith 6:26 to go in lhe oi^,H,1g quarter for the I ions’ fi(M points. eight-yard run in the Andrew' Shepherd -•* •u’d final touchdown "* 'cored on an he Lions’ third * ’-3 to go in lhe we need.” Along the defensive iront, coach Martin was pleased with the play of sophomore James Penny at nose guard. He moved into the position for lhe first time this week as the Lions looked to get more production out of Vikings score four doubles wins to defeat Eaton Rapids Brett Bremer Sports Editor A sweep of the four doubles flights secured the luikewood varsity boys’ tennis team its second victory of the season Wednesday (Sept. 1) on the courts at Ealon Rapids High School. laikewood didn’t drop a set on the doubles side, and lhe Greyhounds didn’t drop a set on the singles side, but both teams defaulted at fourth singles giving the Lakewood squad a 4-3 victory. Asher Teigeler and Logan Telit back together at first doubles led the way for Lakewixxl with a 6-3, 6 0 win over Landon Cosby and Jake Smith. Reily Teigeler and James MacKenzie scored a 6-1, 6-1 win for the Vikings at sec- ond doubles. Taggart Hyatt and Caleb Hill beat their Greyhound foe> 6-0, 6-3 at third doubles. In lhe fourth doubles match. Lakewood’s Troy Hall and Elaina Haring scored a 6-2, 6-1 u in. Tyler Wolf got the first singles win for lhe Ealon Rapids team as he outscored Clay Dumond 6-2, 6-0. Eaton Rapids also got sin­ gles wins from Caleb Haile and Connor Woodcock. The Viking team is now 2-3 so far this sea­ son. luikewixxl was scheduled lo finish off a rain-inlcinipted dual with lhe Thomapple Kellogg boys in Middleville Tuesday, but that contest was postponed once again due to die weather, 'lhe Vikings will visit Lansing Christian for a dual this afternoon. �Page 14 — Thursday, September 9, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Lady Saxons open in fifth at 1-8 jamboree Valeric Slaughter Contributing Writer The Lady Saxon’s poll team hosted their opening event fOr (|1C Interstate 8 Athletic Conference on Wednesday at 'Hie Legacy in Hastings. Coach Kristen Laubaugh stated that, “this being the first match lor all of my girls, I was really pleased with how they played. While we still have a long way to go, they have made a lot of improvement since our opening day of practice." The Saxons have a young team, led by two sophomores, neither of who did not play golf last fall. Addey Nickels and Izzy Roosien were the leading scorers shooting a 69 and 70 respectively. Parma Western had the top indi­ vidual score from senior. Sydnic Redovich. who shot a 34. Other luidy Saxons finishing in the top 30 for the day were junior luiuren Arnold ended with a 73, senior Elisabeth Arnold shot a 74 and sophomore Peightyn Cronk finished with a 79. “With this being the first match for all of my girls. I was really pleased with how they played,” Hastings head coach Kristen Laubaugh said. “While we still have a long way to go, they have made a lot of improve­ ment since our opening day of practice.” Tlie Saxons finished the Jamboree in fifth place scoring a 286. Parma Western led the 1-8 Jamboree with a score of 185, followed by Coldwater with a score of 187, Harper Creek with a 201 and Lumen Christi with a score of 204. The conference was set to get together again yesterday (Sept. 8) for the jamboree hosted by Marshall. Hastings will host its Saxon Dozen tournament at The Legacy Friday. Hastings’ sophomore Peightyn Cronk finishes off a putt Wednesday during lhe 1-8 jamboree hosted by the Saxons at The Legacy. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) । Trojans tested by Scots’ speed in early morning i Brett Bremer Saxon junior Lauren Arnold hits a tee shot during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree at The Legacy in Hastings Wednesday (Sept. 1). (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Bath beats Vikes on tiebreaker at first GLAC goK jamboree Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings have a challenger for the Greater Lansing Activities Conference crown in 2021. Bath and Lakewood each scored a 191 al the opening GLAC varsity girls’ golf jambo­ ree of (he season Wednesday, with the Bees taking the fifth-score tiebreaker to earn the day’s title. Lakewood’s Makenzie Vasquez was lhe day’s individual medalist at Centennial Acres, shooting a 42. Bath got a 43 from Anna Schaible and a 46 from /Xubrie Schaible, which was matched by lhe Vikings’ Claire Benham. Rounding out the top four for the Vikings were Audrey Hillard with a 51 and Karmyn Winkler with a 42. Bath got a 48 from Ally Estrada and a 54 from Kaitlyn Dickey. Aubri Torok’s 55 was the difference for the Bees in the tiebreaker, as she finished a few strokes ahead of the Vikings’ number five scorer Morgan Hdd. Laingsburg’s Grace Elfring shot a 46 to finish as lhe top individual not from Bath or Lakewood and Perry was led by a 47 from Jackie Mattison. Perry was third with a team score of 207. ahead of Laingsburg 208 and Olivet 217. The GLAC is set to get together again this afternoon (Sept. I) at the jamboree hosted by Laingsburg. The Vikings will also head to The Legacy in Hastings Friday for the Saxon Dozen Invitational. Sports Editor The Thomapple Kellogg varsity cross country' teams got up with the sun Friday for a tough 8 a.m. dual with the Caledonia teams at Caledonia High School. The Caledonia boys, who are hoping to match or better their Division 1 State Runnerup title from 2020 this fall, put up a perfect 15-50 score to win their dual with the TK boys. T he Caledonia girls pulled out a 21-38 win over the TK ladies. Thomapple Kellogg freshman Ava Crews and senior Jessica Durkee broke up the pack of Caledonia girls at lhe front of their race lo open lhe morning's racing. On a fast, mostly flat course, Crews cut nearly 50 seconds off her time from hcr first varsity cross country' race. She was the run ner-up Friday with i time of 20 minutes 6.8 seconds. Crews was tested only by Caledonia senior Tatum Verburg who won in 19:58.6. The race was the first of the season for the Caledonia teams. Verburg was more than a minute faster than she was on the Scots’ home course in the first meet of the 2020 season. Every Trojan was faster than they were the previous weekend at lhe Harper Creek Optimist Invitational loopen the year. Durkee, a senior who was a state qualifier a year ago. placed fifth overall Friday in 20:52.8. TK also had sophomore Holly Veiling eighth in 21:20.2, junior Lindsey Veiling 13th in 22:22.3 and senior Kendall Snyder 18th in 23:36.1. The Scots’ top five also included senior Savanna Coulter third in 20:16.3, senior Barbara DeGood fourth in 20:32.3, senior Kaitlynn Robotham sixth in 21:11.3 and junior Natalia Quigley seventh in 21:13.4. Caledonia’s leaders set a blistering pace in lhe boys’ race. All-state senior Josh Oom won the run in 16:46.7 with his classmate Cooper Sorsen right behind setting a new personal record with his time of 16:48.3. The Scots had six guys finish the race in less than 17 min­ utes. The Scot team had junior Jordan Domany third in 16:49.7, senior Caden Dixon fourth in 16:52.4, junior Brett Guzman fifth in 16:56.2 Thornapple Kellogg’s Jessica Durkee (left) and Ava Crews (right) work to keep pace with Caledonia’s Tatum Verburg during their Friday morning dual at Caledonia High School. and senior Donavan Mattson sixth in 16:575. The Caledonia team also had senior Benjamin DeGood just off that pace in seventh place with a time of 17:062. TK’s leader, sophomore Lucas Van Meter, placed eight overall in 17:21.3. Van Meter broke out for the TK boys’ team as a freshman and closed out his first varsity campaign by breaking the 18-minute mark for the first time at the Barry County Meet in November. Van Meter smashed that PR by nearly 38 seconds Friday. Trojan senior Benjamin Trudell ran his fastest varsity race yet too, finishing 24lh overall in 20:02.7. • TK also had senior Camden Reynolds 14tb in 18:265, Aidan Buisl 29th in 20:44.0, soph­ omore Kaden Hamming 31st in 20:57.0 and freshman Aiden Walsh 32nd in 20:59.8, Hamming set a new PR, finishing in less than 21 minutes for the first time. The Trojans were scheduled to open the OK Gold Conference season al Cedar Springs Sept. 8 and will run again Monday when they host their annual Coach B Invitational at Gun Lake. TK girls fourth at back-to-back OK Gold Conference jamborees Brett Bremer Sports Long Term Care & Medicaid Planning Update Wednesday, September 15, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Highpoint Wealth Management is partnering with Attorney Robert Longstreet to provide information on the many changes that have taken place over the past year in Michigan State Law. Topics covered include. The OK Gold Confe^nce gathered for its third jamboree of the season last Wednesday al Orchard Hills Golf C°urse in, Wayland where South Christian won again w,lh a team score of 165. It was lhe Sailor’ third win in three tries in the conference this fall- The Th()rnaPP,e Kellogg Varsity gbls1 golf team «■»> the second straight i.unborce. I-orest Hills Eastern was right Lh nd a 169, ahcad ol Catholic Central 177 TK ISL Wa>',:lt’L19-Kenowa Hills 2in ind Cedar Springs — 1 ^Knnunl-Z a.TK « What is Estate Recovery and what you can do to protect your home . Planning techniques for estate preservation , What assets and income one may keep and still receive Medicaid , Major eligibility factors . Special rules (or spouses . How Medicaid pays for a nursing home This update will take place in the community room of the Hastings Branch. So W«t Court St. Attendance is free to the community. Please reserve a seat by calling 269-948-5573 Refreshments will be served. Highpoint @ me f * Trojan team. /Xilana Leos shot a 43 and Katy Raphael a 47 forTK. Paris Hale contributed a 53. Kaminski birdied the par-5 number one and the par-4 number four on her way to finishing three-over for the nine-hole round. Only GRCC freshman Ava Wisinski shot better than Lane Kaminski Wednesday, scor­ ing a 36. FHE junior Hailey Curry matched Kaminski’s 39, as did South Christian's Ashley Thomasma. South Christian also got a 41 from Elie Bolkema, a 42 from Claire Vaneldcrcn and a 43 from Samantha Heldcr. TK was scheduled to host a conference Ionia wins a11 e'ght Hights in straight sets against Saxon netters The Saxons „(lshed lhe B>‘lldo*s at a.fe"' flights, but pull o'" a non-confcrenee du »l " •’»> ,hC 'T""c ',’T varsity boy,- tL“U,“. .., Wednesday.Sept. I. Brandon D ul ' \t t’P l*’e °. anybody on the’^Cn "lua‘l .H” ’’'Ti,' !o->iayitha„Rw;i'|lllin a e.mplc lall­ ing 6-4,6-4 in ti, i Hastings- , ' k‘ fT McLe!‘”6 “ b ‘ uTlK'l1'10--'' •S1"" PP ‘ Ionia took the dual by the score of 8-0 lhe Saxons are scheduled to travel lo Coldwater for an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual this aftemixm (Sept. 9) and will be a part ol lhe Wayland Quad Saturday. I laslings has a pair of 1-8 duals on the slate for the week ahead, visiting Lumen Christi .Monday and hosting Jackson Northwest Wednesday. jamboree at Yankee Springs Golf Course Wednesday. Sept. 8. The conference has a jamboree at Gracewil Golf Course Monday, and Egypt Valley Country Club Wednesday in; the week ahead. • TK boys bested by FHE in OK Gold soccer match lhe Trojans will try and get things righted in the OK Gold Conference when they travel to Kenowa Hills this evening. lhe I hornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soc* cer team is off to a 6-2-2 start this fall, but is now 0-2 in the OK Gold Conference after a 4-2 loss to visiting Forest Hills Eastern luesday evening, TK wits also bested by South Christian in ih conterence opener last week. I he Trojans kept their undefeated non-con: ference streak to Mart the season intact with 4 4-0 win over visiting West Michigan Avialiori last Wednesday. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-09-16.pdf 2fe63db4353962581d95571cc3055e45 PDF Text Text County board OKs Bay Pointe rezoning Loss of BISD would diminish local education Saxons, Vikings, Lions score conference wins See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 14 The Hastings VOLUME 167, No. 37 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Thursday, September 16, 2021 804879110187 PRICE $1.00 Reform NEWS gone BRIEFS wrong M-66 closed next week Total closures for railroad crossing work ] will be in effect from 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21,1 through 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, on M-66 north I of Lake Odessa. The highway will be closed between Eaton I Road and M-50 (Brown Road/Grand Ledge 1 I Highway). The detour will take motorists west I to Clark Road, returning east on Eaton Road or I M-50. Up-to-date information on this project and I others can be found at michigan.gov/drive. Local service clubs tee off tomorrow The 10th annual Golden Club Golf Outing | will tee off Friday, Sept. 17, in Hastings to raise | funds for local service clubs and their projects. I The event will get underway with a 12:15 I p.m. lunch program at The Legacy golf club, 1550 N. Broadway, followed by a par-3 golf I । scramble, and shotgun start at 1 p.m. । The Hastings Kiwanis Club and the Deltbn, ’ Hastings and Middleville Rotary clubs are I hosting the fundraiser and vying to earn points. I The service club that collects the most points ] I for participation will be awarded The Golden I Club, a local traveling “trophy.” Given the later date of the event, tee boxes have been moved forward to create a par-3 I course. The public may register as two- or four- I person teams. The fee for a team registration is I $75 per person, which covers lunch, 18 holes | of golf and a cart. A tee-sign sponsorship is I $100, and a gold sponsorship is $350, which I includes a sign at the golf tees, and a twoperson team’s lunch, with the ability to display 1 a company banner at the course entrance. Service clubs can earn points by having the I tee-sign or gold sponsorships, or they gain a I point for each volunteer who helps out on the I day of the event. A point is awarded for the I I lunch-only participants, and points also go to those who golf at the outing. For more information, call Troy Dalman at 269-945-3423. Chamber hosting ‘Courageous Conversations’ I Barry County Chamber and Economic I Development Alliance will host “Courageous I Conversations for a More Equitable Community,” a three-week online series I beginning Sept. 23. The webinars will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. I Thursdays. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions at the end or type them in a chat I box throughout each session. The purpose of the presentations is to I promote a more equitable community, chamber President Jennifer Heinzman said. Speakers I will include: - Sept. 23, Ken James, director of inclusion at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, who will address diversity, equity and inclusion and the return on investment of these efforts in ■the workplace and communities. - Sept. 30, Vicki Shumaker, counselor at I Meadow Run Holistic Counseling, who will discuss the importance of mental wellness for teens and adults and how to address mental health challenges facing communities. - Oct. 7, Dionardo Pizaiia, diversity, equity and inclusion specialist with Michigan State University Extension, who will talk about equity versus equality and implicit bias, and how to work to better understand and overcome biases. * Register at https:/ /business.mibarry.com/ events/. A Zoom link will be sent to those who register or RSVP. Anyone may participate; those not affiliated with the chamber may register by emailing Jillian Foster, jillian@barrycf.org. The | conversations are being co-sponsored by the chamber, Leadership Barry County and Thornapple Arts Council. Thirty-three years ago, Jesus Arias suffered a near-fatal car accident. Ever since, he has needed 24/7 care to live - someone to take him to the bathroom, someone to feed him lunch, someone to care for him. In the past, his medical costs had been paid for under Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance law. That changed July 1, when a new law cut reim­ bursement rates for in-home care providers by 45 percent. The reform was heralded as a major milestone in Michigan. But something went wrong. The Arias family in Hastings is just one of thousands of families now facing financial disaster as a result. They, like many others, thought their case would be grandfa­ thered into the system. That didn’t happen. Now it’s unclear how much longer Arias’ provider, A Moment in Time, will be able to continue providing care for him. Their situa­ tion is precarious. To learn more about this Hastings family and their fight to care for their father, see Saturday’s Reminder. For more coverage of the issue, follow The Banner. Jesus Arias is shown here with his family and medical provider after attending state Rep. Julie Galley’s office hours on Aug. 27 at the Tyden Center to discuss how the new no-fault auto insurance law has had a devastating impact on their lives. From left are: Amy Henney-Planck, owner of A Moment in Time company, his in-home care provider; Julia Arias-Pease, Arias daughter and his legal guardian; Arias; Becky Hricovsky and Rachael Smith, his daughters. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Watson Drain project Barry ISD ponders balloons to $6.67 million Three residents appeal their assessments Rebecca Pierce Editor Watson Drain, the most extensive and expensive drain project in Barry County history, suddenly got more expensive when a cost computation added up to more than $6.67 million - instead of the earlier stated $5.5 million. Drain Commissioner Jim Dull told The Hastings Banner Tuesday this project cost is now final - it will not exceed $6,675,000. But that does not reassure property owners in the district, who had been informed of their estimated assessments earlier this month. The $1,175,000 jump in the overall project cost came as a surprise; then some learned they would have to pay significantly more over the 20-year life of the project. After the Sept. 3 day of review, when property owners had an opportunity to ask questions about their individual assessments, three actions were filed in probate court within the 10-day period allowed for appeals. “There has never been an appeal,” said Dull, who is in his fifth year as drain commissioner. “But there has never been a project this big.” Thomas Fleckenstein of St. Augustine, Fla., filed the first appeal Sept. 9, followed by Samuel Newland of Delton and Daniel Farmer of Plymouth. Fleckenstein, who said he owns two 40-foot lots in the district with all the structures on one lot, posted remarks on Nextdoor, a hyperlocal networking service. “I have been informed the amount we owe is $16,572 of the total amount over $6.6 million!” he wrote. ... Single lots with a quarter more property and at least a hundred foot of frontage on the lake are paying approximately $8,800. I’m not upset at these people. I just want to be treated fairly. “The yearly amount we are to pay is over $1,150 and for 20 years. That makes our share with interest over $23,000! Certainly, I am appealing this [at a cost], but what choice do I have?” Dull said the appeals process requires appellants to pay for a $1,500 bond, up front. Plus, if they lose, they must pay for all legal fees - even those of the drain commissioner’s attorney. These could be some of the reasons why people did not pursue appeals before, Dull said. The process, which is handled in probate court, was unfamiliar to court staff Tuesday, so they checked first before releasing any documents to ensure they were following proper procedure. The project is focused on installation of about a mile of pipe to resolve a catastrophic See WATSON DRAIN, page 10 the future Benjamin Simon Staff Writer When Barry Intermediate School District Superintendent Richard Franklin walked into last week’s joint meeting with the Hastings and Delton-Kellogg school board members, he expected to talk about a mill­ age. Two hours later, they were talking about the two K-12 schools leaving the BISD alto­ gether. On Tuesday, BISD board members held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting, where they recapped the recent joint board conversation and confirmed that they want the intermediate district to continue. “I think [the BISD board is] genuinely excited about things that are going on in Barry County,” Franklin said. “But they want to be sure that we’re telling that story clearly and working with our partner school districts to make sure everybody knows all of their options.” During their Sept. 7 special meeting, members from all three boards decided to form a study committee and spend six weeks determining best steps forward. They will look at the cost-benefit analysis of the current system, Franklin said, choos­ ing between the option of a regional enhancement millage request or dissolving the intermediate school district altogether. “I think our ISD does a good job with what we have, but it’s just very limited because of its size,” Delton Superintendent Kyle Corlett said Sept. 7. “... It’s not a level playing field when districts around us receive millions in funding. “It would be great to have access to a career center and we’d like additional sup­ port with emotional and cognitive impair­ ments.” For weeks, BISD officials had been pre­ paring for a millage request. They had scheduled a meeting between the three school boards in August. But that session was canceled after Aug. 6, when the Delton board of education met and voted against seeking a millage, citing a desire for more information. A regional enhancement millage would have levied 2 mills over nine years, generat­ ing an annual amount of roughly $1.5 mil­ lion for Hastings, $750,000 for Delton and $20,000 for the intermediate district. It would have covered special education and Career and Technical Education programs. Now the BISD is back to the drawing board. During Tuesday’s meeting, BISD board members expressed their intention of keep­ ing the intermediate district intact. See BARRY ISD, page 5 McCarthy tapped for interim TK superintendent Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Thornapple Kellogg Board of Education Monday voted unanimously to make Craig McCarthy the district’s interim superintendent while current Superintendent Dan Remenap is on medical leave. McCarthy, who has been the district’s assistant superintendent since 2018, had filled in as acting superintendent since Remenap went on leave Sept. 3. In a letter to district parents that day, school board president Kristen Cove said Remenap was expected to be on leave for eight to 10 weeks. “We felt it was simple, [the] easiest path to go during this temporary time,” said Matthew Powers, vice president of the board and chairman of its personnel committee. In an interview earlier this month, Remenap said he took the leave at the recommendation of his doctor. He said he had been struggling with ulcers and had lost 30 pounds since the death of his brother, Thornapple Kellogg High School Assistant Principal Kevin Remenap, April 9. McCarthy will continue to retain his duties as assistant superintendent while serving as interim superintendent, Powers said. “When Superintendent Remenap is back, they’ll both resume their positions,” Powers said. McCarthy has 29 years of experience in education. After working in the private sector as an accountant, he joined the Kent Career Technical Center as a business service technologies instructor in 1993, working at KCTC for 14 years. In 2007, McCarthy became assistant superintendent of Northview Public Schools in Grand Rapids, and served in that role for nine years. He then was director of business operations at Cadillac Area Public Schools for two years before joining TK in 2018. McCarthy told the board that he can adequately fill both positions for the time being. “I’m doing a little bit more delegating. I’ve got a strong finance team ... they’re picking up a little bit more of the slack on that end,” he said. “I want to thank the board for your confidence in my ability to fill the role of interim superintendent until Dan Remenap returns. I’ll do my best to fulfill your expectations,” McCarthy added. McCarthy has an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University, a secondary teaching certificate and vocational teaching certificate from Aquinas College and a master’s in educational leadership and professional development from Western Michigan University. Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy will serve as TK’s interim super­ intendent while Dan Remenap is on med­ ical leave. (File photo) �Harry Herbstreith, 90, of Battle Creek, served in the U.S. Army infantry from 1950 to 1953. He drove a heavy tank in Korea. On Saturday, Herbstreith was in Hastings with his daughter, Deborah, who was born and raised in Hastings. As they drove by the courthouse, they noticed a gathering on the courthouse lawn to honor those who per­ ished in the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001. So they stopped to pay tribute. The Herbstreiths, like many Americans, honored the day. And, as the nation pledged 20 years ago, they will never forget. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Nephews donate memorial display, other items to library Presentation made on anniversary, ofuncl&s death Dibble items: Memorabilia from the life of Lt. James P. Dibble is displayed in the Michigan Room of Hastings Public Library. Dibble’s nephews, Jim Dibble of Hastings and Teddy Dibble of Kansas City, Mo., donated the items, with plans to contribute more material on the life and service of their uncle who was killed in World War IL (Photo by Bonnie Mattson) Dibble presentation: Hastings Public Library Assistant Director Diane Hawkins, Teddy Dibble (center) and Jim Dibble display items donated to the library by the broth­ ers, illustrating the life of their uncle, Lt. James Dibble, a U.S. fighter pilot who died in World War II. These and other memorabilia will become part of the library’s history collection. The presentation was made Sept. 9, the anniversary of Lt. Dibble’s death in Italy in 1943. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1939. A similar plaque was donated to the high school in 2006. Comr Action OPEN POSITIONS in Barry County: *GSRP Lead Teachers♦ GSRP Assistant Teachers • • Early Childhood Teacher • Classroom Professionals Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community to achieve and maintain independence. Community Action isalsoenroHingfor PRESCHOOL!!!!!!! Applynowatwww.caascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Community Action is an equal opportunity employer, equal opportunity provider. Barry County employees receive honors and applause for their years of service during the county commissioners’ meeting Tuesday. They are, from left: Sheryl Overmire, 25 years; Jack Ward, Claudia Andler-Rose and Rebecca Prowdley, all five years; and Mary Bassett, 10 years. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) County board OKs Bay Pointe rezoning to allow for more cottages Rebecca Pierce Editor In a rare reversal, Barry County commis­ sioners overturned their planning commission Tuesday and OK’d a rezoning request that will allow more development at Bay Pointe resort complex. In a 5-1 vote, the board approved changing the zoning on 3.7 acres on Oarie Drive from rural residential to mixed-use. Commissioner Vivian Conner, who vehe­ mently opposed this action, was absent. Commissioner Jon Smelker cast the lone “no” vote. The decision, which will allow for the con­ struction of five two-story cottages on the private drive that serves the Orangeville Township resort, capped months of debate in which the planning commission decisively rejected the request twice. When that first denial came before the county board, commissioners sent it back with a request that the planners reconsider it, only to have the planning commission deny it again in a 6-1 vote. Last week, Conner argued against the rezoning request x saying the concerns of resi­ dents, who objected to the noise and parking congestion, should be given priority over the request from Bay Corp. Inc. owner Mike Powers. Smelker said commissioners should not disrespect the recommendation of the plan­ ning commission. There was no county planning document that could serve as a basis for the denial, how­ ever, other county commissioners pointed out. A denial cannot be based on a future plan or one hat has not yet been enacted, they said. During the first public comment portion of the meeting Tuesday, Joyce Snow of Hope Township, who is a member of the Planning Commission, addressed the board. “You guys have a difficult decisions to make,” Snow began. “...I wanted to let you know I serve on the planning commission. You appoint people to serve on those various boards that you can trust to make decisions and to make recommendations to you. “There were seven on our commission that made a decision regarding the Bay Pointe rezoning. The first time it came to the board, you didn’t like the decision. So you sent it back. The same decision was brought forward to you a second time and this board has decid­ ed to overturn it. And that’s your prerogative. But the perception is that maybe money talks or, you know, the threat of a lawsuit maybe talks. And that perhaps that makes it difficult to hear the people. “I can tell you the individuals on the plan­ ning commission did their due diligence and did look at their manuals and did talk to the people and did listen to the people. “With that said, I just want to give you some words from Joni Mitchell ...: ‘Don’t it always seem to go? You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. They’ve paved para­ dise and put up a parking lot.’ “Just some words for thought.” A short while later, just before commission­ ers voted on the rezoning request, Chairman Ben Geiger addressed the audience: “I do want to make some comments. First of all, it is insulting to the members on this board and the members of planning commission to opine that we make decisions because of some­ body’s wallet. That is not the case. “This map change was not about anything else but rule of law. We called it like we saw it.” “Am I happy that we overturned a Planning Commission decision?” Geiger asked the gathering. “No. But we are deciding this on the merits of the case. I’ve served on the Planning Commission; admirable people that work hard. I’ve served on this board for 12 years and, I can tell you, not once have we ever been influenced by money. We call it like we see it and we’re moving on with this deci­ sion.” Before the meeting concluded, Snow got up and offered an apology to the board. “Mr. Chair, I apologize to you and all board mem­ bers if they took my comment... as a person­ al offense. “I wasn’t referring to any commissioner taking money. I was referring to the money Barry County Planning Commission member Joyce Snow of Hope Township dis­ cusses the Bay Pointe rezoning request with the county board at its meeting Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) that would be generated by the taxes and that sort of thing. So please don’t misconstrue what I said. I don’t think anyone on this board is someone that would do something like that.” The final public comment of the session was offered by Powers, the owner of the Bay Corp, resort complex. “I just want to thank this board for thendecision on the rezoning,” he said. “We will certainly continue to make you proud.” In other action, commissioners approved: • Public Act 116, Farmland and Open Space Preservation applications, for Edward Behmdt/Behmdt Farms Inc. in Section 32 of Castleton Township and sections 4,5,16,22, 27,32 and 35 of Maple Grove Township. The county Planning Commission reviewed the request Aug. 23 and unanimously recom­ mended that it be approved. • Extending the current heating and air con­ ditioning three-year service contract with ESS for an additional year for the original annual cost of $22,870. • Contract renewal for Professional Code Inspections for five years retroactive to Aug. 1, with no change in fees. • The 2022 grant contract between the state and county for the continuation of Indigent Defense Services in Barry County at a total cost of $824,445 for the annual continuation of state grant support of $595,406 with a local share of $229,039. • The addition of an appendix, entitled the “Barry County Security Camera Policy,” to the Barry County Information Technology Policy, to regulate the use of video surveil­ lance in the historic County Courthouse and the Courts & Law Building. • Awarding the Historic Barry County Courthouse parking lot replacement bid to the low bidder, Katerberg VerHage, at a cost not to exceed $ $162,030, with funds to be paid from the Building Rehabilitation Fund. • Scheduling a public hearing during the regular meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners at 9 a.m. Oct. 26 to consider the 2022 Barry County Proposed Budget, possibly followed by action to adopt of the budget, general appropriations act and mill­ age after the public hearing. • A Municipal Employees’ Retirement System defined benefit plan adoption agree­ ment amendment for members of Division 23-Central Dispatch Telecommunicators, hired between May 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2020, to increase the employee contribution from 0 percent to 1 percent, effective Jan. 1, and a separate MERS plan adoption agree­ ment for Central Dispatch Telecommunicators hired on or after Jan. 1 to establish a new linked division 23, with an employee contri­ bution of 2.5 percent, effective Jan. 1. • Approved pre-paid invoices of $5.7 mil­ lion, claims of $85,558, and commissioner reimbursements of $294. Middleville area foundation postpones Hometown Hero dinner Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation has postponed its annual Hometown Hero dinner that was to have taken place Sept. 23 at the Barry Expo Center. In an email issued Monday, TAEF board president Kristen Cove said several factors, including increases in COVID-19 cases locally, led to the decision by the foundation’s board of directors to postpone the event. “We intend to host this event in the spring of 2022 or possibly the fall of 2022,” Cove wrote in the email. The dinner was to have honored Mike Bremer, former Thornapple Township supervisor and longtime community volunteer. TAEF announced earlier this summer that Bremer would be the recipient of this year’s Hometown Hero honor. Bremer served as supervisor of Thomapple Township from 2012 to 2020. He was also the founding program director of the Thomapple Area Parks and Recreation Commission when the organization began in 2001. Bremer also has been involved in such organizations as TAEF, the Middleville Rotary Club, YMCA of Barry County, Middleville Downtown Development Authority, Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital Foundation, and Middleville Village Players. He also played an integral role in events such as Heritage Days and the National 24-Hour Challenge. For those who already purchased tickets for the dinner, the Barry County Chamber of Commerce will process refunds. “It may take a billing cycle for your refund to come through,” Cove wrote. Established in 1992, TAEF is a geographic affiliate of the Barry Community Foundation. �We want the green monster to continue to thrive.' B xi ■ ■ TheHastin9sBanner~^^ fn!CM^?S ov®rf,ows " that’s the challenge Rutland board revises cemetery plans, roadwor Hastln8s Township’s program Algonqum Lake weed control report recommends ‘stay the co Benjamin Simon Or, Treasurer Jenee Phillips said, turning to Jean Gallup Regarding the ARPA money, Geiger said the Geiger, who was in attendance, “get more of safo1 'ft** board s second readin Contributing Writer Swlh 1S/°!ici?g feedback from residents on them in the county!” Rutland Charter Township Attorney Craig Although he initially had opposed having a now the funds should be spent. : In his road committee report, Hall sa Ch?"1?that !eemS t0 tower over the Hastings “My only thing on the ARPA fund is, I don’t Rolfe has been sent a revised cemetery recycling coordinator, Geiger said he has been S !h t°Wnship set its PJans for fou Charter Township Hall. ordinance with the goal of restoring the impressed with the new Bany Conservation hVa. tc?lPend m°ney on any more consultants,” Eveiyone at Tuesday’s Township meeting thevri? S°Unty R°ad Comm townshi P cemetery to a place of quiet and District recycling coordinator, Rachel Frantz, he told the township board. “I don’t want more they discovered the 1 mill dedicated to expressed pride in how well the unit has worked lan™* 16 ’ h Wdl StUdy the content and ut he said he worried about the veiy problem studies. I want the money to be put to use to language before sending it back to the board approved by township voters would not It s always filled to the brim with recycling. improve the lives of your constituents.” Hastings Charter Township has encountered. estimated $165,00 a year, but $157,000 t s very successful,” Supervisor Jim Brown !n response, Brown brought up the topic of for final readings and publication. ft you increase opportunities to recycle peo ­ said. It s one of the best things in the county.” The board discussed possible changes a year'or $V320nnfOWrShip ShOrt ab°Ut $ broadband service. Geiger said the county is But there’s also a problem: It’s always filled ple will take advantage of it,” Geiger ’said he sSl tS ’“? °r OUr years’of read looking into expanding the infrastructure, but theTwnsh 0 C ° ntroI ° Vera11 W^ncetf You re supplying space, and they will meet the to the bnm with recycling. the township cemetery, banning extravagant he said. The road commission suggested demand. . I will say it would be sad if the suc­ wants to learn more about “what it means to “This is Tuesday,” Brown said. “And that unit displays that interfere with maintenance of the eliminate resurfacing Hammond cess of this was restricted because of lack of invest m broadband.” out there is full.” “It’S not a quality-of-life thing. It’s a utility” =7 a?d ltS atmosPhere- The ordinance considered a “nice to have, not need to space. McNi,i7aS fU11 las‘Tuesday” Trustee Timothy Geiger clarified. “The challenge is, we as^a would not be ready to go into effect until project and, in 2023, do $20,000 in g Others on the board expressed concern about work instead of $22,000. 8 McNally responded. 7 county government can’tcreate a company to go 2022, and notices would be published in the enlarging the township’s recycling operation. the Tuesday before that,” Brown out where we want. And those counties that tfy newspaper and on the township website to let .k Tba- doesn t c°me out to $32,000 You could make us bigger, but then we’re said. They 11 start emptying it tomorrow. Before ,ha' °“ Whe" Ch"8es ™“U =vZ.••“iklS to do it usually fail. So how do we promote go“nto”X? K bigger for everybody else” the weekend is here, it will be full again.” companies to invest in broadband?” They have an “inflow volume” problem, Phillips said. When inflation takes effect and Discussion centered on the changes hkJ ?°ard, V°ted t0 Opt int0 SociaI Security a/? J™1 ~ what s the solution?” McNally Brown said, and they need to find a solution At proposed: confining decorations to the spfce construction begins, that 1 mill could pos benefits for elected officials. Township Clerk F the moment, cardboard is emptied from the unit added. We can’t tell other townships what to al ^raiteJ'mkin’theH»htofdiSpIays. be more, he said. each Wednesday, and the rest gets taken do. So it comes down to - we have to solve our We re not going to make up $32,00 and what constitutes a marker. Urns hat has not paid part of paychecks to receive Thu;sday- Brown noted that six townships and orohiZ”S Pr0Wem With°Ut making another four years, but it will take up part of it Rations may be placed in Social Security. Mennell added that this is her j“a when subcontractors’ bids come in, that the City of Hastings use the unit, and something line with the headstone in the area of the Geiger called it the most successful recycling ■last term, and she wants to make sure the insur­ needs to change. s cover it, he added. “The road commis ance program is in place for the township’s gravesite and may be no taller than the has been working with us over the year Could they have more pick-up days? Limit project in the past 10 years, noting that he would younger headstone, unless it is a plant or flower and future employees. P think we’ll be fine with it.” y the residents who can use it? Create a designated need J? t0Wnship Secure more money if they “I would like Hastings Township to join planted m an urn. Veterans’ flags are exempt drop-off time? ID people who show up? Also at its Sept. 8 meeting, the bo everybody else and pay Social Security on our O?nhSe ^yian temP°rary and removed in Encourage more townships in the county to fhri,W”rant ?e gree” monster t0 cont’nue to ' 42 the h “ pdated master Plan for a requ C A°u er ’ C erk Robin Hawthorne said. workers so that we can get people willing to innve, he said. invest in a recycling unit? Other changes in the ordinance include a 42~day Pubbc comment period. After come into these jobs,” Mennell said. In other news at the meeting.* McNally argued that it would be challenging ban on planting shrubs, trees or vines The motion passed unanimously. - Geiger, who represents a portion of the plans that cover future land use in o regulate who and when people may drop off Tbe boar<I approved Brown to attend the mlmonnakedCeS °F CUrbS’ aS WeU as mounds’ township in District 5, attended Tuesday night’s recycling. r memorials, decorations or benches that hinder townslup, it will be the subject of two readi “You would have yourself a nightmare,” he meeting to present the county board report. He the free use of a lawn mower. The townshin by the board and a public hearing bef said. It would be a total nightmare to lock it discussed multiple topics, including reappord C,°Py of the pIan can be found reserves the right to trim or remove any tZ ad0p C°Unty’S Amerfcan Rescue the township s website, rutlandtownship.or down and say you can come between 12 and 4. Pl“dsand andSu7e oSfohmaintain pr°per They re just going to throw it by the can. You’re Pat Sharpe, president of the Algonqu control at Leach Lake. The meeting wiluSe ana use of the cemetery. He said the county board is considering an Lake Community Association, updated^t better off either trying to find a way to expand One rule stipulates that urns not used for place at 7 p.m Monday, Oct. 11, in the Carlton what we have there or finding some other way to expansion to eight members. It cuirently has ?ruSteears T rem°Ved by the sexton- township board on the lake treatmem progra Township Hall, 85 Welcome Road, Hastings. seven. He predicted 60-40 that it will stay at for control of exotic and invasive sjZS get additional pickup.” frustee San<i y J ames suggested that be seven. 7 he lake for next year. Sharpe said the la amended to allow the urn to be turned over if it is not deteriorated. The board agreed the looks good, and the 2022 budget does n Pa«uly members should be the ones to remove include an assessment increase for taxpayer lntr0£iuced Jaime Desjardins We urns, it it is necessary. Trensurer Sandra Greenfield said she would Md LandrMIOr,al manager fr°m PLM Lak like to make clear that a bench could be set in and Land Management Corp., who gave p ace of a headstone on a gravesite so family ShXrt to 2022 sd”d“le for lake could sit and talk to their loved ones. Y Mie said the program is going well with th Taylor Owens will mandate additional viral mitigation How long decorations can be left at a control of exotic plants like Eurasian milfoi Staff Writer co”?'’ Cr°SSeS into both and some new herbicides have provide Maple Valley Schools will not require stu­ efforts, such as masks. gravesite after interment was set at 60 days control for a longer time. P I don’t want to go there, I really don’t ” dents who have been close contacts of people but some board members were concerned nnhliT than 3 d°Zen residents sPoke during ’ who test positive for COVID-19 to quaran- Green said. about how to keep track of how long the items that?ei “ managing k as well as possible, an Superintendent Katherine Bertolini voiced public comment at the meeting, which was have been in place and how sexton nZv that helps native plants,” Desjardins said. moved to the junior/senior highlchool libraiy her opposition to the decision Moving forward, they are looking to After more than hours of ----vxxcua two uvvu uours or public public com“i '-’-t&ioii. to accommodate the attendance. y statue? W°U d fed ab°Ut removing family' mitigate phosphorus with a new treatmenftha ment and discussion Monday, the bbard of said “I’m S r publlcly state” Bertolini Almost all of those who spoke were in education voted 6-1 quarantine ai Heate^e ------1 m-grtrvtely concerned of the potential Generally, the board agreed floral nftrilm frT the Water’ That wil1 be used in .repao,. lagany the dislric,_ »Z Oms“™8 "" dMs“ “ “P V WMB policy, with a requirement to review the poli­ MeCm£n to 1 g[aveIshould be aUowed from nufrient-nch areas. portdlStnCt ~ and tbiS d°eS nOt baVe my sup' BasmaUy, she said, “it’s ‘Stay the course.’ ” cy at its next meeting. Memorial to Labor Day or perhaps October “Your job is to educate our children, not to before being taken up. If they weren’t the Justin Keiffer, who made the motion, said e report, approved . unanimously by the worry about lawsuits,” Lori Danton said That township board, gives the timeline for 2022 the board already agreed over the summer to ous to set”a Precedent that W0Uld be danger- eThoed Statement township would have them removed. °ther "o' Tmstee Gene Hall prepared the report on fom wTn °nly ^hat V1FaI mit’Sation efforts were Wi" !W1> f” “ Be rt°lim said the district ’ s legal counsel he Michigan Department of the possible changes to the ordinance departfment1^1^ StatC a"d 10Cal heaIth After the motion was passed, two Maple had strongly advised against the decision 1 would also suggest that the revised Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Next VaHey teachers Aaron Saari and Victoria Since the health department only recom- since the district could be vulnerable to lawordinance become effective either six or 12 spnng the company will notify all residents Hams, voiced their concerns that the district months after it has been revised with several of the treatment schedule by letter, perform a tinT the J3! dT?tS fOTCe Students c<uaran- srnts. If a child catches the virus from a fellow student the school chose not to keep quaran­ may lose staff because of the decision. tine, the district does not have to do so. not ces being published in the local papers survey, make the initial herbicid^/algZde just pray that, when you have sick kids tined, the district could be liable. during that period,” he said P P application and take water quality samples eiffer also said he is more concerned with me and J„ly wil, ^ mental health of students who are isolated o, Aad’s,ince tbe district chose not to follow coming to school, exposing staff, that you Supervisor Lany Watson said they should the heafth department’s recommendations, it have enough staff left to work, to educate send the ordinance to the attorney, get a draft applications and water testing. August and the vims ntme’ ”Sk °f illness from could lose its government immunity to those HaS?1^/1^?011 S° badIy want educated,” review it m March or April of next year' £e eptember may see another application, the Hams said, because there’s already a staff i over the course of the summer and ad<Z fall survey and water quality testing, followed Board President Brian Green cast the only kinds of lawsuits, she said. It would only take one lawsuit to eat up the St°ff!ige'> ’ Staff d°n t Want t0 come t0 work by a year-end review of the progrm. dissenting vote against the motion. it again m September 2022. Staff don t want to get sick.” m an?a cusbi°n the district has built up in Hawthorne suggested putting a notice in th/7/tportbsts the treatment methods used, of 1S Sair he trying t0 Weigh the loss As of Monday, 48 students had been quar­ the paper m April reminding residents that in the cost and application rate of both the of learning from quarantining individual stu­ the three years since it fell into deficit antined The district has reported eight cases Bertolini added. Elicit, dents to the loss of learning if the school disthe ftem °CtOber CleanUp °f the cemetery, if usedZhe^?-01^3^ C°ntact herbicides ha2Urently’ uarry C°Unty sch001 districts of the virus. The state of Michigan considered the items are not gone, they will be removed SiswS"" bUd«“ fo' urCe? ShUt d0W” due t0 a maJ°r out­ Maplewood School to have a COVID out­ break. He also said he worried that, if the have largely chosen to leave quarantine deci­ St7 PUt a n°tice in the paper and online break after a link was established between The board also appointed Carl Lickly to the district is shut down, the health department sions up to the parents, while most Eaton the ent anSeS ^are com*ng in tbe cemetery and ounty districts have required students to vimt StUdentS Who tested Positive for the the entire ordinance will be published in the zoning board of appeals as an alternate. Staff Writer arry County Commissioner Ben Geiger calls it the “green monster” - the gigantic refy- fe‘S P.Ol'Cy on quarantines P f °b,ect,ons ,rom superintendent cases continue to rise locally y City council puts permanent year year. Staff Writer Thomapple Kellogg Schools reported five The Barry-Eaton District Health COV?Dmfot reRPOrteCl148 aCtive cases of new cases of the virus on Monday, for a total Bany C°Llnty on Tuesday, up or J3 since the school year began. Hastings Area Schools has reported 41 from 123 the week before. The average number of COVID-19 tests cases of the virus since the school year began which were positive over the most recent sev- including 11 in the second week of September’ oth school districts have reported more en-day stretch hit 17.16 percent, which health department officials say indicates there are than one “outbreak” of the virus; health offi­ likely many more cases of the vims which cials found it likely that the virus had spread between staff or students at school or a school have gone reported. activity. cJimhe rattOf tests has continued to An outbreak, defined by the state of and had lts highest single day number Michigan as two or more confirmed cases of yet - 26.15 percent on Sept. 6. There have been a total of 5,941 positive the virus which arise within a 14-day period cases, 676 probable and 72 deaths in Barry were epidemiologically linked within the dis­ County since the pandemic started early last trict, but no connection outside of a school setting could be found. Taylor Owens ** reported? F ThornaPPle Kel]ogg schools i flve'Person outbreak at the high school and a two-person outbreak at Lee Elementary. «l Star Elementary, a two-person outbreak outbreak at at Southeastern Elementary and a four-person outbreak at the middle school. On Tuesday, Lakewood Public Schools reported ■«, „ ascs of the fof _ ™ of 15 since the school year began. The Delton Kellogg district has reported our cases of the vims since the school year began last week. year Maple Valley Schools has had eight con­ firmed cases of the virus, as of Tuesday A three-person outbreak was reported at Maplewood School. P at Health department hosting pop-up vaccine clinics Greg Chandler ^it* • tt ■I fence at dog park Benjamin Simon Staff Writer pureEs"S«3C7i,iA°“"cl1 the purenase ot $37,964 a permanent fence for ^H. smgs Dog for park Pduring”»^ aftl|bm!encfe had been taken down Aug. 15 after the city settled a lawsuit with a eronn earned Dog Park Companions. The old fence has been moved to 490 Powell Road fo astmgs Charter Township, where Dog Park Companions is setting up a new dog p^k Council member Brenda McNabb-Stan s»e questronecl whether the council should Sg Ess extlnsiV 7 On the tOpic and consider a less expensive temporary fence or push back the decision until the spring. W3S- litt,e conversation, and the p”“i„“”°USly “”'d “> “ Se Cn!lW?'ty Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale speaks during her first City Council meeting. rfre?°U have People, you have eyes behind day ”h?saidPdant " dayIight to dark, eveiy ? d ?unng the meeting. “... We need the dog park back in there to keen the undesirables out.” tne thereUbwfoShIV]Ce D?eCtOr Travis Tate said Cale said during the meeting. “That helps me adjust the way I do things to know th?S really serving you guys. So I’m really lookin? forward to working here.” y ng p other action, the council declared Sept Sth T Constitution Week, marking the ConLaVe,Wy °f ,1K Stales nJZ^'^-Chadolle. BEDHD wffl a c„ . . . vziicuiuue, BEDHD DtUHU „is Staff Writer The Barry-Eaton District Health con muing to hold pop-up clinics around Thursday Sept. 23, at Delton Kellogg High Department reports it administered 19 H y and Eaton counties. It held a pop-up Schwl. Vaccinations will be given belJeen 3 chmc Monday at Olivet College, Suma sfid vaccinations during a pop-up clinic at tesr-s ,„Tg ,xfcd DaS?hter^frm e Ated the Proclamation to the e will take anyone who wants to get and 7 p.m. that day. Thomapple Kellogg Middle School Saturday. Another clinic at TKMS has been Sarah Moyer-Cale attended her fimt citv Daughters of the American Revolution Nancv t, prrSeS fr2m BEDHD administered both vaccinated at this point,” Surna said. “Every scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, council meeting as the new city manager She Bennett stepped forward to accepY foe duriZlZ J°h"SOn & J°hnson vaccines person makes a difference who decides to set said she spent her first da/mX S proclamation on behalf of the BattlePCreek vaccinated. ” s during the four-hour clinic, department chapter of DAR. dlue (~'reek The Pfizer vaccines are available to schelTnainf°imatiOn °n vaccines and department heads, and she encouraged peop e spokeswoman Sarah Surna said. We do historical preservation education “thher°UnC 1 r°°m tO Set Up WoinS: scheduling a clinic is available online at In addition to providing vaccines at its anyone age 12 and older, while the Johnson & and patriotism,” Bennett said. “We’ve given barryeatonhealth.org/schedule-vaccine. Johnson vaccines are for those 18 and older tosSfi C°PieS P£Cket Constit?ions h«tfTbatiUSt,belps me Set to know you guvs better and what your priorities are,” Moyer- �Page 4 — Thursday, September 16, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? On his way to a record for ribbons Loss of BISD would diminish a local voice in education Jim Gross of Lake Odessa is a veter­ an and a competitor and an artist, too and he’s got the ribbons to show for it. “ I have 43 first-place ribbons, 46 sec­ ond-place ribbons, 28 third-place rib­ bons, for a total of 124 ribbons this year.” His artwork has made the rounds of the state and county fairs, where he got a first-place and best in show ribbons at the state fair, first-place and outstanding ribbons at the Barry County fair, first place and grand champion ribbons at the Lake Odessa fair, along with first place ribbons at the fairs in Calhoun, Allegan, Eaton and Ionia county fairs. He also got a first place at the Veterans Administration art show in Battle Creek. Do you remember? Camp Fire Girls collect papers, donate proceeds Helping others - Girls in the Sh-Za-Na-Mi Camp Fire Group, headed by Mrs. Joyce Dilworth of 500 Meadow Lane, held a paper drive and collected enough to earn $50. Here, they present the money to Rex Frisby of the Barry County Association for Retarded Children. The money will go to help these special youngsters. The Camp Fire Girls are (from left): Debbie Nelson, Lisa Dilworth, Lori Armour, Mrs. Dilworth, Cindy Armour and Terri Nelson. Of course, the girls had some good help, including assistance from Jerry “Butch” Young and Bob Nelson. (Banner photo; publication date unknown) Have you met? Seven years ago, Chris Stafford’s eldest son, Benjamin, came home with a volunteer form for the marching band. Chris, 46, had played the tuba throughout high school. He’d encouraged his own kids to try an instrument in sixth grade. But he’d never signed up as a volunteer. With Benjamin entering his first year in marching band, Stafford decided to give it a try. He spent one day as a traffic-control volunteer at the school’s big marching band invitational, but that was it. Two years later, in 2016, his youngest son, Nicholas, entered high school and was in the marching band as well. Stafford didn’t need another sign-up form to motivate him to get more involved. With both kids in band, Stafford promoted himself from traffic control and “jump in up to my neck” in volunteering. Since then, he’s been designing props for the band, running around the sidelines at football games and organizing community service projects. Growing up in Dowling and attending Hastings High School in the early 1990s, Stafford said he’d found a sense of community in band. “You go to concerts, you go to festivals, you go on trips,” he said. “It’s just a fun group of kids together. You have an end outcome, you’re going to perform for somebody, you’re going to have a show or something like that. It clicked with me.” As a kid, Stafford spent his weekends engineering with his dad, Dan. Sometimes they fixed a car. Sometimes they constructed decks. One time, when Stafford was 11 or 12, they helped an uncle build a pole bam. “That was kind of our thing,” Stafford said of weekend projects with his dad. From a young age, Stafford knew he wanted to be an engineer. By the time he graduated, he had his plan laid out: He would attend Kellogg Community College and study pre-engineering, before finishing his degree in mechanical engineering at General Motors Institute, now called Kettering University. But a job at Hudson’s department store introduced him to security guard work, which led him to change his major to law enforcement with plans to become a state trooper. While attending college, Stafford worked on the side as a plainclothes security officer for a year and a half before switching to customer service and then to receiving dock manager. When he graduated from KCC in 1997 with an associate of applied science degree in law enforcement, Hudson’s offered him a management job in Columbus, Ohio. He spent seven months in the big city, working 40 to 60 hours a week at the office. But that was enough of the retail lifestyle for him. He returned to Dowling, took a job at Bradford White Corp, on the assembly line and prepared for a state trooper test. The only problem, Stafford has tinnitus, causing him to hear high-pitched ringing in his ear, which prevented him from passing the state trooper hearing test. Chris Stafford But that was OK with Stafford. At Bradford White, “the engineering thing kind of started kicking in,” he said. He enrolled in Auto CAD and computer programming classes and in July 1999, he received a job as an engineering technician at the company. To become an engineer, the vice president said, Stafford needed to get a bachelor’s degree. He mulled it over, but decided he was content with the title of engineering technician. “I don’t know how I could have a family and go to school,” he said. “So it was one of those dilemmas in life, like, what do you do? I really like my family. I enjoy [spending] time with them. ... I will just be a technician for now.” But 10 years later, the vice president came back. He wanted to know if Stafford would take a job as a design engineer. He didn’t need to go back to school after all, the vice president said. Stafford had proved he could handle the job. Stafford spent more than nine years in the role. He started by designing residential gas water heaters before moving into commercial gas water heaters for hotels, schools and hospitals. He served as the primary or secondary inventor on four to five different patents before leaving in 2019 to open his own engineering consulting business, Creative & Practical Solutions. The new job has allowed him to pick his projects and set his own hours. Now he can spend more energy on other things he cares about. He can carve out additional time for his wife, Jennifer, and their sons, who both are currently students at Western Michigan. He can commit himself more to the school band, where he is currently in his second year as band boosters president. He still helps at performances, organizing the equipment going on and off the field equipment he may have built himself. And, finally, he can dedicate more time to the barn in his Carlton Township yard, which he will use to create a fabrication prototype shop. It’s been a two-year project, and he’s still putting together the final pieces. He most recently installed a 14.5-foot tall, 1,000pound spiral metal staircase to access the second floor. When his kids are home, Stafford takes them out with him, reminding him of his childhood days with his dad, who died in 2013. “It brings back memories,” he said, “good memories.” For his role in the community and with the high school marching band, Stafford is this week’s Bright Light. Favorite movie: “Batman.” I kind of like the Dark Knight just because it’s a little more dark than the first Batman. That one was a little more comedic. First job: In high school, I worked on a horse farm because I didn’t want to work in fast food. If I could go anywhere in the world: Australia Person I most admire: My father. Just hard-working in supporting his family and giving us what we need. Favorite book: Anything by James Patterson. Biggest accomplishment: My family. Favorite teacher: Elbert Black, Hastings High School. He was my math teacher for three years. He was a very quiet person, but his understanding and how he could teach mathematics was just phenomenal. And his interactions with the kids were just great. Favorite season: I love fall. Football, cold weather and, I hate to say it, marching band. We go to shows, and I love watching that stuff still. What motivates me: Helping people. Favorite vacation destination: Out West. Yellowstone. I fell in love with Montana. I’m not a fisherman, but I could stand out there and fish because it just looked right. When it’s quiet: I read. Favorite childhood memory: Riding all over Barry County on my dirt bike and seeing and meeting people. Hobbies: Metal fabrication, anything with building stuff. I enjoy movies and reading. If I could change one thing: People to have more understanding of others. Everybody has a little different view on life doesn’t mean they’re right or wrong. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Talk of dissolving the Barry Intermediate Local taxpayers should be aware and con­ School District leaves me as cold as the cerned about what’s going on because, if hearts of the politicians who maneuvered either board leaves the BISD, the lone, taxpayers into taking the blame for our remaining district would be compelled to poor-performing public schools. join another intermediate district due to the With the passage of Proposal A in 1994, fact there are only two K-12 districts in the state legislators convinced voters that fund­ BISD. When Jeff Jennette was the BISD ing for local schools should come from the superintendent in 2013, the state threatened state and not from local taxpayers. That to dissolve the intermediate school district sounded good to taxpayers who had been and force each of the two K-12 districts to screaming for property tax relief. The rub, join a neighboring ISD because it would as we’ve now learned, is the high cost of have saved the state some money. programs that the state is mandating every But a group of local leaders joined with school district to offer, but for which our Jennette to save the BISD and, as a result, legislators are not providing the needed maintain a stronger voice than we would funding. have had by joining a larger ISD. At that Take a look at special education, the high­ time, too, a larger intermediate district would est-cost programs in any school district. It’s have provided additional benefits - but at a a noble effort, ensuring care and learning for much higher cost to taxpayers. the most challenged children in our commu­ We also had discussions then about pro­ nity. For state and federal leaders to hold posing a special millage for Career and districts legally responsible for offering Technical Education training, but, because these resources - without providing ade­ the two K-12 districts have run their own quate funding for them - is absolute political millages for buildings and maintenance, chicanery. some felt local voters wouldn’t support the Ever since 1994, local school district lead­ additional taxes. ers have struggled to balance their budgets, Complicating matters now is that, if the paying for special education programs with BISD is dissolved and each district joins a funds from general education program bud­ neighboring intermediate district, millage gets. So it’s no surprise when districts come rates will go up - and that could affect the to their constituents, empty pockets turned ability of these school districts to pass local inside out, pleading for understanding. millage for anything in the future. That’s why, last week, the three boards of At last week’s meeting, Franklin told the BISD - Hastings, Delton, and the ISD school board members that it’s easy to look - got together for the first time in years to at other ISDs and what they’re able to offer, discuss the future of public education in our but, in joining them, they would end up community. Under the dictates of Proposal being a smaller fish in a bigger pond. A, only ISDs are able to levy voter-approved The problem as I see it is that, for far too millages for the operational expenses of long, these three boards - Hastings, Delton, high-cost programs on behalf of their mem­ and the ISD - have done a poor job of col­ ber districts. Local districts are limited to laboration. To be effective, the three boards asking voters only for buildings and capital should meet at least twice during a school improvement projects. year - plans are for another meeting in For local districts hanging by threads to October - to look over options and discuss meet program demands, ISDs and their abil- the needs of the two districts. The ISD also | ity to raise ne^gd<Wd^tfiWt^B>rfll^ 1 MiaW1 a? ■ reWpohfeibllfty M& obfifciddr W * overall । yofes Js^ift Hastings adiiiinisfratiye cgsts, |q identify where cuts Delton, and BISD boards, reported in last could be made to free up some , funds for Thursday’s Banner, was called to discuss the programs. potential for a special millage to be used for Much of last week’s discussion centered special education and career technical edu­ on Career and Technical Education training, cation programs. A proposal, first discussed which has been a huge concern for years for in August, would have asked ISD taxpayers business and industry throughout the state. for 2 mills for nine years. That would have Michigan employers have cited access to raised about $1.5 million for Hastings, talent as one of the most important factors $750,000 for Delton and $20,000 for the for businesses in the state. They expect high ISD in each of the coming nine years. The school graduates to be work-force ready to money would pay for all of Hastings’ special compete in the new global marketplace. education costs, which are not specifically Yet, so many high school graduates and reimbursed by the federal government, and dropouts are unprepared for the world of much of Delton’s unreimbursed expenses, work. A survey conducted by the Association ISD Superintendent Richard Franklin said. of American Colleges and Universities During last week’s meeting of the three found that only 55 percent of students local district boards, the discussion centered attending high school feel prepared to enter on two issues: The potential for a special the world of work. millage to support the costs of special educa­ For more than 30 years, local citizens and tion and Career and Technical Education or education officials have discussed the lack just dissolving the BISD. Not mentioned of CTE programs. We’ve been able to put was the fact that, if the BISD is dissolved, together a few programs, but it’s taken way taxpayers would have to pay a higher mill­ too long to get these programs up and oper­ age rate anyway because the Hastings and ational. Plus, due to COVID and online Delton districts would be required to join a programming, it has impacted participation. neighboring ISD and pay that ISD’s current Both Hastings and Delton have a number millage rate. That would immediately of CTE programs. Plus, Kellogg Community increase property taxes for all Hastings and College, the Michigan Career and Technical Delton taxpayers. Institute at Pine Lake, and the Gilmore Car “Some residents may feel they are facing Museum offer programs that are available taxation without representation (if forced to for students from both districts. The schools join a neighboring ISD with a higher tax just need to work together and invite stu­ rate),” said BISD Superintendent Richard dents from both districts to participate in the Franklin. programs that interest them. “It’s not, though, if you think about it,” Do we need to dissolve the BISD? NO. replied Delton school board member Craig But all the boards must work cooperatively Jenkins, who appeared to favor dissolution together to set a higher standard for this of the BISD. “When people make that argu­ intermediate school district - and then see ment - (that) it’s taxation without represen­ that those goals are met. tation - I reply, ‘We are your representa­ Do we need a millage to cover shortages? tives.’ I get that it’s an un-voted tax (by Probably, but the three boards need to col­ joining another ISD), but I’m trying to do laborate and put together a request that is what’s best.” clearly defined so voters can support it. Delton was proposing to join the Allegan Let’s not allow politicians to blame us for ISD, which currently levies 2.6609 mills, failing our children. while Hastings school officials didn’t dis­ close which of the area ISDs they would join. But, if they joined the Calhoun ISD, the current millage rate there is 6.2057; or Kent, which is 5.6465; Ionia at 5.8723; and Eaton RESA at 3.8778 - all much more than they presently pay the Barry ISD, which is at 2.2978 mills. “Complicating matters now is that, if the BISD is dissolved and each dis­ trict joins a neighboring intermedi­ ate district, millage rates will go up - and that could affect the ability of these school districts to pass local millage for anything in the future.” Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 16, 2021 — Page 5 It’s a great time to be alive To the editor: What a great time to be alive! One of the things that gives life meaning and satisfaction is accomplishment. Then, again, adversity can lead us to despair and make life miserable. Let’s not look at adversi­ ty as a totally negative aspect of life, but consider the possibility of accomplishment presented by adversity. We are at a pivotal moment in human histo­ ry right now. Many problems face us. Do I need to make a list? Environmental and polit­ ical concerns top the list and threaten the sta­ bility of our existence. Many of these prob­ lems are intertwined and are best tackled concurrently. With each problem or challenge is an opportunity to find a solution and make things better - maybe even better than they were before. So do we despair and do nothing? Or worse, do we work against those who are try­ ing to solve problems and make things better? I think it’s much better to not ignore the warn­ ing signs we are being given. It’s better to support those who are actively trying to work for the betterment of all people and the pro­ tection of our environment. If we, as a global community, survive the next few decades, it will be because we faced our adversities and accomplished much to make things better. Think how satisfying that will be. What a great time to be alive! Scott Savage, Hastings I was raised in our “Great State,” defended it and our cities across the “Deep South,” and the “Great Northwest,” for which I lived for a total of 15 years. When, on a lovely afternoon in downtown Hastings, my beautiful chocolate brown granddaughter was accosted with a racial slur, my husband and I were both embroiled with anger and it saddened us greatly. I should note special thanks to our grand­ son who stood up for his cousin. For the refusal to see that we are all beauti­ ful and wonderfully made: Psalm 139:13,14. That should not be a scripture touted to apologize for cultural and ethnic difference. We should be seen in the truth and reality that we are all one race: Human, Acts 17: 26, 27 Desiree C. Holley and Joe Sancimino, Hastings Great community response for Hand2Hand Shadows of darkness still alive today To the editor: Summerfest Worship on Thomapple Plaza was fabulous! The many people who attended helped make this special Summerfest worship possi­ ble. The music was fantastic, the food was deli­ cious, and $1,120 was received in special offerings to support the Hand2Hand program here in Hastings. Hand2Hand works through local churches to provide food for school children who face hunger on weekends. Summerfest Praise Team - The Green Street Praise Band - sang the crowds’ favor­ ite contemporary worship songs while chil­ dren colored encouragement cards for Hand2Hand volunteers and recipients. After worship, a free cookout took place for the community. Rev. Bryce Feighner, Hastings To the editor: I recently moved to Hastings, Michigan, from a bustling metropolis. Before that time, I never heard of this mostly farming communi­ tyPerhaps it is the secrets of your past and the shadows of the unsaid that this community wanted hidden, but not forgotten. Finding out that our Michigan community was a “Sundown Town” was quite shocking and saddened many hearts. Friday is deadline for local ARPA project proposals Barry County commissioners are seeking proposals “from qualified local units of gov­ ernment to help inform its planning regarding use of the funding being received by the coun­ ty through the American Rescue Plan Act.” The county will be looking for formal pro­ posals - and the electronic copy must be received via email - no later than noon Friday, Sept. 17. These ARPA-funded projects could be transformative, commissioners have said, and could have an impact across municipal bound­ aries. As a result, the county board has OK’d the intention to collaborate with other coun­ ties or the state if the project is appropriate. County officials have said they will consid­ er a grant award for projects that demonstrate a critical, identified need in the community, a long-term investment in the community, an impact that extends beyond the boards of the The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Peter Meijer, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Subscription Rates: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 local unit, and a funding need that is beyond the ability of the local unit to fund solely through its own allocation of ARPA funds as well as other resources. Projects that are proposed need to adhere to certain guidelines governing the use of ARPA funds, including the following: Support public health expenditures, by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medi­ cal expenses, behavioral healthcare and cer­ tain public health and safety staff. Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harm to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries and the public sector. Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue expe­ rienced due to the pandemic. Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have BARRY ISD, continued from page 1 They discussed the 'advantages of the oper­ ation, in which Hastings and Delton-Kellogg are the top priority. “If the school becomes part of an ISD in another county, which is the case for some of the school districts in our county, then they’re kind of a tail of the dog, if you will,” Franklin said. “It’s not that the whole dog isn’t import­ ant, but this is the end, you know, and you’re farther away from the center of things.” BISD board members President Bob Becker, Vice President Carl Schoessel, Secretary Deb Hatfield, Treasurer Bette Matteson and Trustee Marsha Bassett brain­ stormed ways they could better highlight the options that the intermediate district offers to students. Becker called it a “focus issue.” “If we can be the facilitator to say, “Here’s all that is available,’ can’t we find a way to support each other?” Becker said. “It will build a strengthening between, not just the two districts, but the students. They will now know and understand people, and you can’t help but grow stronger through that.” In other action, the board: - approved hiring paraprofessional April Tobias, paraprofessional Claudia Spieth and Young Adult Program teacher Annette Shumay. - selected Becker to represent the BISD board at the Michigan Association of School Boards Special Assembly. Hatfield will serve as the alternate. - went into closed session to conduct the superintendent’s evaluation. They did not assign an evaluation score. They said they will continue their discussion during the BISD’s Oct. 12 meeting. borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastruc­ ture sectors. Invest in water, sewer and broadband infra­ structure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, sup­ port vital wastewater and stormwater infra­ structure, and expand access to broadband internet. Ineligible uses for the funds include direct or indirect off-setting of a reduction in net tax revenue due to a change in the law from March 3 through the last day of the fiscal year in which the funds provided have been spent. Also, no recipient may use the funding to make a deposit to a pension fund. General infrastructure spending is not eligi­ ble - other than water, sewer, and broadband investments. A fact sheet on The Rescue America Plan Act of 2021 explains the relief will go to sup­ port urgent COVID-19 response efforts and continue to decrease spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control, replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs, support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses, and address sys­ temic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the unequal impact of the pandemic on certain populations. “Recovery funds provide substantial flexi­ bility for each jurisdiction to meet local needs, including support for households, small busi­ nesses, impacted industries, essential workers and the communities hardest-hit by the crisis. These funds also deliver resources, address issues related to water infrastructure, broad­ band, the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts to help mitigate future pandemics,” the fact sheet indicates. The $1.9 trillion federal rescue plan was signed into law March 11. State News Roundup Michigan National Guard praised for helping food bank The Food Bank Council of Michigan Wednesday celebrated the Michigan National Guard for their service and devotion of more than 150,000 hours to the food bank mission. “It is truly amazing what can happen when no one cares who gets the credit, and that was the precise ‘can do’ attitude the men and women of the Michigan National Guard brought with them to our warehouses,” Dr. Phillip Knight, FBC Michigan executive director, said during the luncheon celebration. “Their work, impact and dedication enabled Michigan’s food banks to do more than ever before in our history. I am thankful for these men and women and the leaders of the MNG for their vision, selflessness and strength to accomplish the mission.” For Michiganders facing food insecurity, the Michigan National Guard’s efforts to distribute food helped equate to more than 55 million meals. To distribute food safely during the pandemic, distribution centers used a drive-through style process, providing a safer, quicker and more efficient way to deliver food. “With a joint task force comprising an average of 95 MING members, approximately 1.3 million pounds of food moved through seven food banks weekly to local homes, schools and shelters,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Meadows, commander and officer in charge of the Joint Force Air Component for the Michigan Joint Forces Headquarters. The National Guard assisted the state’s seven regional food banks in distributing 47 percent more food in the first 12 months of the COVID pandemic than at any other time in history. “The members of the Guard were diligent in learning every aspect of food distribution,” said Dr. Knight. “During their time with us, they truly became members of the food bank team.” For more information, visit https://www. fbcmich.org/. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Online glossary helps with terms and acronyms Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist Some of the terms and acronyms people use when they talk about Social Security can be a little confusing. We’re here to help you understand. We strive to explain your benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate information clearly in a way the public can understand and use. This can be particularly challenging when talking about complicated programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare. If there’s a technical term or acronym you don’t know, you can find the meaning in our online glossary at ssa. gov/agency/glossary. Here are a few examples. If you’re considering retirement, you may want to know your full retirement age, or FRA, and your primary insurance amount, or PIA. These terms determine your benefit amount based on when you when you start getting requirement benefits. The PIA is the amount payable for a retired worker who starts his or her benefits at full retirement age. If you start your retirement benefits at your FRA, you’ll receive the full PIA. Most years, your benefit amount will get a COLA (cost-of-living adjustment), which usually means extra money in your monthly benefit. What about DRCs, short for delayed retirement credits? DRCs are the gradual increases to your PIA that occurs the longer you delay taking retirement benefits after your full retirement age. Every month you delay taking benefits, up to age 70, your monthly benefit will increase. If one of these terms or acronyms comes up in conversation, you can be the one to help clarify the meaning, using our online glossary. Learning the terminology can deepen your understanding of how Social Security programs work for you. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. �Page 6 — Thursday, September 16, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Wanda Pearl Guernsey Howard Richard Hartley Sandy Huber Sandy Huber, originally from Hastings, , Sandy attended Manchester College and Central Michigan University, and received her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. She taught for three years in the Reeths Puffer School District, before becoming a special education teacher for Grand Haven Area Public Schools. Sandy demonstrated her passion for life­ long learning by earning master’s degrees in both special education and educational leadership. Shortly thereafter, she became the assistant principal and then principal, of her beloved White Pines Middle School. Sandy’s career with Grand Haven Area Public Schools spanned over 30 years. During which time, she was known for her tireless commitment to her students, her dedication to her staff, and her advocacy for public education. When she retired, her passion for the youth and her community continued. She spent the next 15 years of her life (until just months prior to her death), as a volunteer and respected leader. Her service to the Grand Haven community included board and committee roles with the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, the Grand Haven Schools Foundation, Tri-Cities Kiwanis, Greater Ottawa County United Way, Momentum Center, S.C.O.R.E., League of Women Voters, C.H.I.L.L., Lakeshore Environmental Education Program, and many, many others. In what little free time she had, she could be found driving students and residents to appointments or afterschool programs and providing treats along the way. She rarely missed a Sunday with her progressive, inclusive friends at C3. She fostered relationships through countless cards and notes, offering comfort, encouragement, and humor. She had an innate ability to recognize those most in need and dedicated her life to helping them. Sandy was also a diehard Democrat all day, every day. During election season, if she wasn’t canvassing or searching for a republican to convert, she was helping Democratic causes and candidates with her fellow Ottawa County Democrats. ‘ One of her proudest moments was in 2019, when she was honored for her lifetime of service and inducted into the Grand Haven High School Hall of Fame, by receiving the Honorary Award for Service. Best known for her many sayings, her most recognized, “For you, the world”, was a true representation of all she gave to her students, young people, and the community throughout her life. She is survived by her husband, Paul; daughters, Megan and Chelsea; sister, Cheryl (Jack Nachman) Allerding; sister-in-law, Joyce Allerding; nephew, Bradley (Katie) Allerding; niece, Julie (Justin) Clark; and special friend, Todd VanZantwick. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Juanita Allerding, and her brother, Michael Allerding. Her celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m. in the Grand Haven High School Performing Arts Center. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Tri-Cities Kiwanis Foundation (memo line: Homeless Youth Fund), P.O. Box 571, Grand Haven, Michigan, 49417. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh. com. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box Hastings. Telephone 269­ 8, 945-9121. Email ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 Jefferson. S. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass p.m. 4:30 Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. hastfmc@ 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall hastingsfreemethodist.com . Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Matt www; Moser, Lead Pastor. Wheel­ Bertrand. chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH Stoetzel. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Sunday Morning Worship: Sunday School for all ages; Hastings, MI 49058. Director, Martha 9:45 a.m. Kids Church and 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Our Senior High Youth Group 6-8 worship center is set up for p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Nursery are available. Wednesday, Family Night Student Ministries: Sunday 6 6:30-8 p.m., Kids p.m. (Children social distancing. Aftermath 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten-5th PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. MI 49050. 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, Call Church Office 948-8004 Olmstead. (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ for information. School Group; Youth Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 4 Truth Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle 6:30 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, church Pastor, Steve (269) 758-3021 phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Children’s Ministry. Wednesday 328> night Bible study and prayer Worship time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. provided. Pastor Peter Adams, Worship contact 616-690-8609. 9:45 a.m. N. Jefferson 10 a.m. Street. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, Nursery MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Services: Howard Richard Hartley, age 80, of Middleville, passed away at home on Tuesday, Sept. 7,2021. Howard was bom on August 31, 1941 in Carmichaels, PA to Oscar F. and Goldie (Brand) Hartley. Howard proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. He worked as an insurance salesman for many years before retirement. In his free time, Howard enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and camping. He could often be found working on the Robertson farm or at TK Kitchen having coffee with friends. Family was very important to Howard, and he loved spending time with them as much as he could. Howard will be dearly missed by his partner of 25 years, Jane Robertson; children, Meredith (David) Kutil, Andrea deLeon, Rebekah McClure, Jordon (Shawna) Hartley, Travis (Holly) Tumes, Sarah (Corey Crouch) Fox; siblings, Jean Tucker, Edgar Hartley, Janet (Robert) Weinzierl; brothers-in-law, Charles (Robin) Robertson, Marc (Brenda) Robertson, Walter Jay (Rene) Robertson; 20 grandchildren; special friends, Gary Cole, Rusty Barton, Richard Fritts; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brandon John Hartley; sister-in-law, Heather Hartley; vbrother-in-law, Tom Tucker; special canine fbiend, Libby. Relatives and friends may meet with Howard’s family for a visitation and Celebration of Life on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Robertson family farm (7027 W. State Rd.) in Middleville, with a memorial service starting at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Howard’s family. Wanda Pearl (Barnes) Guernsey was blessed with 98 years on this earth. As a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, and a friend to so many, Wanda was accepted into the arms of Jesus comfortably and peacefully at home in Walkertown, North Carolina on Friday, Sept. 10,2021. Wanda was born on October 19, 1922, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Frank Kenneth and Mary Ellen (Baughman) Barnes. She graduated from Clarksville High School in 1940. Wanda was married for 33 years and was preceded in death by Wilson E. Guernsey, Sr. She was an incredibly strong woman. As a homemaker and mother of eight, Wanda also worked. She worked at a fish pole factory, sewed baby clothes at Baby Bliss in Middleville, and worked as a key punch typist at both the Kentucky State Police in Louisville, Kentucky, and at the Battle Creek Federal Center in Battle Creek. She also taught Sunday School in Freeport throughout her children’s younger years. During her lifetime, Wanda enjoyed reading, sewing, and fishing. She was a homemaker, and made sure her children were well fed. She could be seen peeling potatoes every night. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and preserving vegetables from the garden. She loved caring for her family. She is survived by her daughter Anita Proctor of Battle Creek, daughter Donna (Duane) Priddy of Midland, son Wilson (Kay) Guernsey, Jr. of Willow Springs, Missouri, daughter Rebecca (Bob) Wilcox of Branch, son Robert (Leslie) Guernsey of Nashville and daughter Bonnie Caudill of Walkertown, North Carolina, 15 grandchildren, 3P great^hdChildfbh, 14 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, all of her brothers, Kenneth, Richard “Dick”, Donald, and Duane Barnes, and two beloved children, Barbara Ellen Guernsey and Sharon Mary (Guernsey) Brewer. A graveside service will be held at Irving Township Cemetery, 4035 W State Road, Middleville, MI 49333 on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Rodger Claypool officiating. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, please visit w w w.girrbachfuneralhome .net. Haroldine Louise Brail WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH Youth HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH Website: gmaiLcom. Michael Len Smith Sunday, Haroldine Louise (Hartley) Brail, age 88, of Hastings, went to Heaven on Friday, Sept. 10,2021. Haroldine was born February 16, 1933 in Coldwater, the oldest child of Harold and Wilhelmenia Hartley. She graduated from Parma High School and then worked in Jackson, where she met her future husband. She and Donald Lee Brail were married May 9,1953 in Parma. In 1964, Haroldine and Don responded to God’s call and moved to Iowa to begin a lifetime of Christian ministry. They faithfully served Free Methodist pastorates in Iowa City, Hamburgh Sioux City and Toddville, Iowa; then Hastings and Zeeland, Mich. Haroldine loved to sing and was a frequent church soloist. In retirement, they were active in senior adult ministries throughout northern Michigan. Haroldine was devoted to Jesus and her family. She loved family gatherings and cherished her seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was a fierce competitor at table games and a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast. Haroldine was a diehard fan of University of Iowa football and basketball and the Detroit Tigers, but her favorite sports were those played by her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Don Brail of Hastings; son, Bob and Deb Brail of St. Charles, MO, son, Brad and Pam Brail of Winona Lake, IN; daughter, Liz Michael Len Smith, age 69, son of the late Leonard and Dorothea Smith, died peacefully with family in his home in Delton, on September 14, 2021. He was a 1970 graduate of White Cloud High School and 1976 Pharmacy School graduate of Ferris State College where he made some wonderful lifelong friends. Mike contributed to the Hastings community as your friendly pharmacist at Bosley Pharmacy and Walgreens and moved numerous historical, commercial, and residential structures as Smith Housemovers. He was a dedicated, loyal, hard worker and was passionate about providing service through numerous community organizations such as the Delton Moose Lodge, the Long Lake Association, the Hastings Jaycees, and Barry County Hospice Board. He was a longtime member of the Thornapple Jazz Orchestra, where he tooted his own horn. He was an idea man with creative talent and a true zest for life. Mike was an accomplished trumpet player from a young age and continued to entertain throughout his life. He listened to music with enthusiasm and loved to share his knowledge with anyone who would listen. He could often be found on or in the water, enjoying campfires, telling jokes at the local bars, hosting all-night karaoke parties, working with and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his former wife Brenda Stone of Port Charlotte, FL and children Lisa Smith and Simon Lilley of Seattle, WA, Stephanie and Steve Quada (Mahala and Britton) of Delton, Amy Smith and Patrick Casey (Sofia) of Battle Creek, Karah Smith and Daimann Gilbert (Chyenne, Shawn and Olivia) of Toledo, OH; and former wife Sandy Smith of Hastings, and children Sydney Smith of Hastings, Mike Smith of Mesa, AZ, stepson Dustin and Megan Bateson (Stella) of Middleville. He is also survived by his siblings David Smith, Charles Smith, Jennifer Smith, Thressa (Arthur) Hoekstra, Steve (Vicki) Smith, and Richard Smith, his aunt Kaye Katt of Essexville, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He will be deeply missed. A memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway; Hastings, with a memorial reception on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, between 4 to 8 p.m. at the Delton Moose Lodge, 5420 Mooselodge Dr, Delton, MI 49046. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thornapple Arts Council, 231 S Broadway St., Hastings, MI 49058 - https:// thornapplearts.org/donate/ or Barry County Animal Shelter, 540 North Industrial Park Drive Hastings, Michigan 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Michael Norton Brail of Hastings; daughter, Dawn and Duane Secord of Hastings; seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, her sister, Nancy Denison of Ithaca. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Billie Gavett. Visitation is planned for 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 at the Hastings Free Methodist Church, 2635 M-43, Hastings, MI 49058. A private interment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. Memorials may be directed to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Michael “Mike” Norton, age 77, of Nashville, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Grand Rapids, Kent County. There will be a time of fellowship and celebration of life for Mike on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Nashville VFW Post 8260, in Nashville, ML Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website www.danielsfuneralhome. net Correction A Sept. 2 article on Page 2 of The Hastings Banner, headlined “Serenity Club hosts con­ cert to raise awareness of drugs, overdose,” erroneously reported the name of a band par­ ticipating in the concert. The flier called the band The New Alternative Route. The Banner later learned the band was AmpRage. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Graphics Keep pour friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them.. AFiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Products 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 A WORLDWIDE SUPPLIER Of HotlineM&Equipment 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, September 16, 2021 — Page 7 I Won’t Say Anything About the Fishing Here. - fl look back at the stories and columns on local history Come and Try It. TURNING BflGK THE PAGES County’s lakes and streams source of pride, ‘veritable utopia’ Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Barry County doesn’t border a Great Lake, nor can any of its water bodies be found on a list of the 20 largest inland lakes in the state by surface area. The county cannot even lay sole claim to its biggest bodies of water: Gun Lake extends into Allegan County, and most of Gull Lake lies within Kalamazoo County. And those two, at 2,680 and 2,046 acres of surface area, are about half the size of No. 20 among the state’s largest inland lakes. However, this little county has long been noted for its abundance of lakes, and, according to some articles from decades’ past, the productivity of smaller lakes shouldn’t be overlooked. Last week’s column featured clippings on anglers pulling big catches out of local lakes, as well as work by local volunteers to cull, with permission, some area water bodies of “obnoxious” fish, specifically carp, dogfish and gar. As tourism was getting attention in the 1930s and 1940s, the Banner frequently printed articles on fishing news and local lakes, sometimes promoting the nearby treasures. The July 7,1938, Banner included statistics supporting the economic value of area lakes: County lakes are valuable asset Restocking lakes increases tourist appeal; provides additional income Probably no other county in Michigan, perhaps no other county in the United States, could more appropriately celebrate the opening of the fishing season than could Barry, with a bluegill festival, such as was held here for two days recently. More and more are the people of this county realizing how highly favored we are with the practically untouched “gold mines” within our border. As the vast possibilities are recognized and these unused resources are developed, the coffers of this city and county will be reached. There are within the borders of Barry County, more than 200 lakes, this county ranking second only to Oakland in this regard [in the Lower Peninsula]. And from a tourist and recreational standpoint, Barry County would seem to have the edge, due to the natural setting of our many lakes, situated as they are away from the noise and bustle of the larger cities, yet within easy driving distance of many of the larger centers. Those seeking natural beauty, combined with a restful quiet and plenty of good fishing, can find a veritable utopia among our lakes and streams. At many of these lakes, there are cottages for rent, hotels for the accommodations of overnight guests, and other attractions for the tourist and vacationist. Besides these more than 200 lakes, Barry County also offers beautiful Thomapple River and many other smaller streams that furnish additional fishing area for the sportsman. Thomapple River is known, not only throughout Michigan, but in several other states, as well, as an exceptionally good bass stream, and each year is visited by many tourists from Ohio and other neighboring states, who enjoy fishing between its wooded banks. These lakes and streams are replenished each year with thousands of fingerlings reared at the state hatchery here and their rearing ponds at Gun Lake, in the Rod and Gun Club rearing ponds at Orangeville, and with some of varieties not reared here that are brought in from other hatcheries. During the past year, more than 1,168,000 game fish were planted in the lakes and streams of Barry County. Of this number, more than 230,000 were bluegills reared at the three ponds at Orangeville conducted by the Barry County Rod and Gun Club. It is hoped to double that number this year. About 600,000 pike perch and an additional 151,600 bluegills were planted in the lakes while more than 50,000 trout and more than 60,000 bass were planted in the streams. Several other kinds of fish also were freed in varying numbers. Besides this, large numbers of obnoxious fish have been taken from those lakes, making fishing more pleasant and also more profitable. Fishing and hunting are Michigan’s finest recreational attractions. Both are assets that cannot be too carefully preserved if our state is to cultivate what has become its largest single “cash crop” tourist trade. To show more clearly the almost untouched wealth of resources that these more than 200 lakes in Barry County contain, one example may be given. Wall Lake, located in the southern part of Hope Township, is one of the largest in the county, containing an area of approximately 700 acres [current information puts the surface area closer 530-550 acres, depending on the source. Still, only Gun, Gull, Pine and Crooked lakes are larger]. Situated as it is on M-43 only a short drive from Kalamazoo, it has been a favorite mecca for a large number of vacationists as well as many who make their summer homes on its beautiful shore. According to official figures, the average annual income per acre for the best farming land is $20. Supposing this 700-acre tract of water could be converted into fertile farmland producing the average income per acre, this farm income would be about $14,000 per year. While we have no figures to prove our statement, we venture to say that the income from the lake in its present form is a great deal more than that. And what is true of Wall Lake is true of in varying degrees of other lakes in our county and could be made true of others. The lakes of Barry County are her best asset, bringing the tourists into her borders to spend their cash with a very small cost to the taxpayer for the returns received. The farm income for the state of Michigan last year was approximately $246 million, which included the cash benefits paid by the national government, about $6 million. Compare this with the conservative estimate placed upon the tourist business in our state during the same period, $300 million, and one can readily realize the possibilities that are unfolding for Barry County. This is not to be construed as derogatory to the farming interests of Barry County, which is fundamentally agricultural. Our lakes furnish a source of income that is additional to farming and all other interests, and Barry County can well afford to expand its program to meet increased demands upon these recreational assets. Don Gillies, sports editor for the Detroit Times, wrote in his “In the Open” column for the June 13,1943, issue, reporting on the latest census of lakes by the forerunner of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Count shows state has 11,037 lakes The announcement Saturday by the conservation department that the state now has 11,037 lakes, or twice the number with which it is usually credited, brings to mind a story tourist officials like to tell about J. Lee Barrett, manager of Detroit’s Tourist and Convention Bureau. Barrett, who has been mentioned considerably of late in press stories out of Washington for the appointment of United States minister to Canada, was attending a tourist convention in Minnesota. Now Barrett is far from a novice when it comes to telling the world of the beauties of Michigan and what a fine city Detroit is for conventions. On Barrett’s automobile was a sticker, “Visit Michigan, the land of 5,000 lakes.” A Minnesota tourist expert collared Barrett as he was getting out of his car. “That might be all right in display in other states,” the Minnesotan said, pointing to the sign, “but you are in Minnesota now, the land of 10,000 lakes.” Land of lakes “That might be true,” Barrett shot back, “but what state in the country has the most shoreline?” The argument ended. The Minnesota man strode to the convention hall, his face slightly red. Michigan’s last published lake directory listed 6,454 “named” lakes, but by careful check of all recently corrected state and county maps, C.J.D. Brown of the conservation department’s institute for fisheries research, County Lakes This undated post card may be giving a nod to the legendary musky catches in Thornapple Lake. “I won’t say anything about the fishing here. Come and try it,” the card reads across the top, with “Greetings from Hastings, Mich.” along the bottom. (Images from Fred Jacobs’ post card collection) arrived at the 11,037 figure. And he warns against underrating the smaller bodies of water. “Acre for acre,” he said, “they will produce a greater quantity of fish than large lakes.” No lakes Only two Michigan counties, Sanilac and Saginaw, were found to be entirely without inland lakes [although both border Lake Huron]. Arenac, Bay, Midland, Huron, St. Clair and Monroe each have less than 10 [again, all but Midland bordering a Great Lake]; Emmet Macomb, Missaukee, Tuscola and Wayne each has less than 25. Seven counties have more than 300 lakes each: Marquette, 835, Luce, 571; Iron, 528; Gogebic, 488; Oakland, 447; Schoolcraft, 340; and Barry, 327. Half of Michigan’s lakes are less than 10 acres in surface area, only 19 cover more than 5,000 acres, and the average size for all Michigan lakes is about 66 acres. There are 41 artificial lakes over 200 acres in area, 182 of less than 200 acres. The other 10,814 are natural lakes. The Aug. 1, 1946, Banner had several fishing-related articles , including one on results of a recent creel survey: The Thornapple River, running through the top half of the county and fed by streams from many townships, has long been a source of recreation. A1938 Banner touted the Thornapple as being known throughout the state and beyond as “an exceptionally good bass stream.” This undated post card shows children piloting a rowboat, while two adults stand nearby on a bank. A plank bridge is in place slightly upstream. Resident anglers have better luck; more lady nimrods Resident anglers who know when and where the fish are likely to be biting continue to hold a definite edge over visiting fishermen, the Institute for Fisheries Research 19th General Creel Census report for 1945 reveals. Local fishermen averaged 1.1 fish per hour while nonresidents fish-per-hour rate averaged only 0.9. The general creel census is based on reports by conservation officers who last season interviewed 42,283 fishermen and tabulated their catch. With travel still limited a year ago [due to restrictions imposed by World War II], one in 10 of the fishermen checked came from outside the state. Yellow perch continue to fill more space than any other species in northern Michigan creels, while southern Michigan anglers are still catching more bluegills. For the entire state, these two species made up 68 percent of the total catch. Fisheries men have concluded Michigan has six different kinds of fishing, divided by waters as trout streams, trout lakes, non-trout streams, non-trout lakes, Great Lakes, and connecting waters of the Great Lakes. Each has special characteristics that are not statistically comparable, they say. Seventeen percent of the anglers interviewed last season were women, an increase of nearly 2 percent over the year before. After the old solid-walled ice shanties had been hauled back home and anglers were organizing tackle for open-water fishing, the April 22, 1948, Banner ran another tally of lakes in the region. This account focused on the local state conservation department district: “Barry County has 327 lakes covering 11,939 land acres,” the headline announced. “Supervisor Robert Fortney and his District 10 crew of fish experts supervise 716 lakes in the district and 1,805 miles of streams. The district includes Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Calhoun and Jackson counties, with headquarters at the state fish hatchery here. Of the total number of lakes, Barry County has 327 covering 11,938 acres, and 400 miles of streams. A summary of the waters below: Acreage Miles of streams Barry 327 11,939 400 Eaton 34 755 275 Calhoun 138 5,056 500 Ingham 29 987 280 Jackson 188 10.307 350 Total 716 29,044 1,305 Sources: Hastings Banner, chroniclingAmerica.com, Michigan.gov/dnr, Wikipedia.com. Situated on M-43 only a short drive from Kalamazoo, Wall Lake “has been a favorite mecca for a large number of vacationists as well as many who make their summer homes on its beautiful shore,” a 1938 Banner article noted. The article used Wall Lake as an example of the untouched wealth lying among the county’s bodies of water. U Seeking Worship Leader Green Street is seeking to fill a new Worship Leader position. The person in this position is tasked with planning, preparing for, and leading both in-person and on-line worship services that proclaim the message of the Gospel, especially to the unchurched. This is a part-time position paid a weekly salary based on working 10-15 hours per week. Green Street is a Christian fellowship community that serves people in the Hastings area in many ways, places, and at many different times. To receive a job description or to send in your resume, please email: office. greenstreetumc@ gmail.com RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE VACANCY Rutland Charter Township is seeking an individual to serve as Trustee on the Township Board. Applicants must be a resident and a qualified elector of Rutland Charter Township. Interested residents may apply at the Township Clerk’s Office, Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Applications must be received by 1:00 p.m. October 6th. The position will be filled by Township Board appointment at the October 13th, 2021 Board Meeting. Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, MI 49058 269-948-2194 167815 �Page 8 — Thursday, September 16, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Jeff Domenico, AAMS® Elaine Garlock Fall is on its way. Burning bushes are changing from green to red. Com stalks in the fields are turning brown at their lower level with the tops remaining green. Climbing vines are likewise changing color with the upper foliage becoming more sparse. School events are filling the calendar with football games the big events of each week. Cross country and other athletic events are becoming more prominent in school news. The nose count is again making the new with project enrollment figures getting attention because that determines funding from the state. Mask requirements and other factors involved with the COVID-19 epidemic have an effect on the number of students in classrooms or at home with in-home school. Central United Methodist Church hosted its annual fall kick-off events with many people wearing shorts and jackets advertising favorite teams from colleges and high schools. A meal followed with hot-dogs and plenty of trimmings and also dips and dippers. Sunday school classes began with a large enrollment in an adult class led by the new pastor, Rev. Paul Reismann. The project on Emerson and side streets continues. The street surface seems to be finished. Work continues on the adjacent curbs and sidewalks. Barrels remain, but the streets are drivable. The detour signs are still in place. Trucks headed to Twin City Foods are still using alternate routs. There were hopes the project would be finished in time for the start of the green-bean season. Instead, it will more likely be finished after the green­ bean harvest concludes. Music will return to Bob’s Bam Jamborees Sunday, Sept. 19. There has been an absence of the music for several weeks because of the operators being afflicted weeks ago. The village garage on Jordan Lake Street is getting an addition set at an angle, attached to the existing structure. Middleville Rotarians pitch covered bridge idea Greg Chandler Staff Writer Some members of the Middleville Rotary Club want to build a covered bridge on the Paul Henry Thomapple Trail, and they want to name the structure in honor of the late Village President Charlie Pullen. Longtime Rotarian Don Boysen presented the idea to the village council Tuesday night, saying the project would serve as a reminder of the village’s past as well as honor Pullen, who served on the council for 18 years, 11 as president, before he died Nov. 20, 2020, at age 71. The bridge would be known as the Charlie Pullen Memorial Bridge, Boysen said. “We’d like to dedicate it to (Tiarlie, for all of his efforts that he put forth here in the village,” he said. Boysen presented a model for the proposed structure, which would be based on a covered bridge that was built over the Thomapple River in 1887 and served until 1905, when it was replaced by a concrete and iron bridge. The new bridge would be built on the old train trestle on the Paul Henry Trail just south of the downtown area. “We thought this would be a community­ wide project,” Boysen said. “Funding would come from the people in the Middleville area, and hopefully, we wouldn’t have to work on any taxpayer money.” It is not known how much the structure would cost, Boysen said. The original covered bridge was 140 feet long, had an 18-foot-wide roadway and walkways on both sides. It cost $1,800 to build. The new structure would be 60 feet long and 18 feet wide, Boysen said. After Rotary Club members build the bridge, it would be turned over to the village, Boysen said. “It would be yours to maintain, insure, and all those good things,” he said. “It would be your bridge.” Boysen proposed that the roof of the bridge should be made of a similar material to the roof of the village’s Sesquicentennial Pavilion. “I think this would get a lot of recognition in the county... and I think this would be quite a tourist attraction, as well,” he said. Council Trustee Kevin Smith expressed support for the proposal. “We’ve been looking for something to memorialize Charlie and his efforts, and ... something that’s worthy of the effort that he put into this community,” Smith said. “My first thought is, this is certainly something of the scale that I think we can all agree ... would surpass some of the recommendations we’ve had in the past.” Anthony Michael Moore, Wayland and Patricia Marie Gerou, DonKeenan Wayne Mokma, Middleville and Leah Elizabeth Trembout Oosting, Middleville Jacob Thomas Powell, Delton and Juliene Jean Jozwik Travis Grant Matthews, Delton and Hannah Marie Haines, Delton Andrew Keagen Taylor, Nashville and heather Michelle Gambrell, Nashville Tyler Lee Anders, Middleville and Mikayla Mae Schnittker, Middleville Morgan Rebecca Joy Livermore, Hastings and Michael Christopher Grumley, Hastings Rebecca Ann Bower, Middleville and Christopher Robert Tedrow, Middleville Alyssa Taylor Blossom, Woodland and Bradley Clinton Fox, Woodland Kaitlyn Nicole Lee, Woodland and Brennan Aaron Simon, Woodland Keara Jo Finkbeiner, Hastings and Andrew Michael-Mickinley Anderson, Hastings Kristin Pauline Rose, Nashville and Jay Howard Visser, Nashville Taylor Jordan Knutson, Wayland and Justin Michal Perry, Wayland Mark Nathan Peabody, Hastings and Kimberly Anne Sandborn, Hastings Kayla Marie Teune, Saint John, IN and Jeremy James Huisenga, Dyer, IN Brittany Bowlds Nicole Bowlds, Delton and Zachariah James Bolton, Delton Chelsea Marie Sauers, Nashville and Christopher Eric Devries, Nashville Candi Lynn Sweeney, Hastings and Joshua Gene Johnson, Hastings Shian Jomarget Rymarkiewicz, Hastings and James Allen Kubek II, Hastings Rachel Mae Hoffman, Hastings and Travis Edward Blankenship, Hastings Kristin Geri Labert, Hastings and Kevin James Wilks, Hastings Mary Faith Feldpausch, Hastings and Daniel Aaron Rodriguez, San Marcos, CA Ashley Danielle Stanton, Nashville and David Harold Wolfe, Croswell Alexis Renee Ham, Hastings and Logan Exaviar Twiss, Middleville Wesley Robert Wandell, Delton and Sydney Alexis Wilson, Plainwell Garret Patrick Evans, Hastings and Taylor Sierra Veitch, Hastings Joshua Sammy Clark, Hastings and Alaina Sophia Richter, Hastings Amber Nicole Zinn^N^shville and Nicholas Scott Brown, Bath Tegan Marie McQuaid, Warrenville, IL and Trevor Hidenori Fischer, Warrenville, IL See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 of Middleville • Independent and Assisted Living Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Public Land Auction Tax reverted real estate in Barry County will be offered at an online-only public auc­ tion at www.tax-sale.info. All bids must be placed by 5:00pm EST on Oct 15th, 2021. For more information and to view the list of the properties being sold, please visit www.tax-sale.info or call 1 - 800-259-7470. THIS I FOR SALE ,.„i ,ip— Net Magik Pros Web Design Email: Coppins@NMPWeb.com Marc & Barb Coppins NMPWeb.com Dowling, Ml Serving S.W. Michigan Phone: 269-758-3416 Hows: M-F Ham-5pm More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com IM||I ■ ■ i , . > i|., ii i, Local Lawn Maintenance " business seeking experienced, reliable i person for commercial and residential lawn , maintenance position. Must have valid i ; driver’s license. Experience preferred. Call 269-804-5904 and leave a message. Member SIPC Financial Advisor Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 423 N. Main St. Hastings, Ml 49058 Nashville, Ml (269) 948-8265 (517)760-8113 Plan ahead before joining the “Great Resignation” It’s been called the “Great Resignation” - the large number of Americans vol­ untarily leaving their jobs. If you plan to be part of it (ide­ ally with another source of employment lined up), you’ll need to make the financial moves necessary to keep making progress toward your long-term goals. Here’s some background: After a year in which the pan­ demic caused so many people to lose their jobs, the econo­ my is opening back up, but the “quit rate” - the number of jobs people have volun­ tarily left - has been breaking records. Some economists say this high quit rate is be­ cause people are confident of getting better jobs, with high­ er pay and more flexibility to work at home, or because they are preparing to start their own business or join the gig economy. If you’re thinking of join­ ing this temporary migration from the workforce, how can you help ensure that you’ll be financially stable and can continue to make progress toward your long-term goals? Your first move is to look clearly at your financial situ­ ation. As mentioned above, it’s best to have new employ­ ment in hand before you quit your job. Alternatively, per­ haps you have a spouse or life partner who earns enough to sustain the two of you, or you’ve built up an emergency fund that gives you a cushion. However, if your short­ term income is less than you previously earned or you need to go without a paycheck for a while, could you still pay your bills? If you are strapped for cash, you might be tempt­ ed to tap into your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored re­ tirement plan. But this move will generally result in taxes and, if you are younger than 59 Z*, a 10 percent penalty as well. Because of this, and because your retirement ac­ counts are designed to be a financial resource after you retire, think twice before dip­ ping into these funds if you leave your current employer. If your employer allows it, you can leave your money in the 401(k) so you’ll still be accumulating resources for retirement. You also have the option to roll those funds into an individual retirement account (IRA) or a new em­ ployer’s retirement plan. And if you plan to work for yourself as a freelancer, consultant or business own­ er, you’ll still want to save toward retirement. Possi­ ble retirement plans for the self-employed include an “owner-only” 401(k), a SEPIRA or a SIMPLE IRA, all of which may be relatively easy to establish and offer tax ben­ efits. A financial advisor can help you find a retirement plan that’s appropriate for your needs. Here’s something else to keep in mind - an emergency fund. As mentioned above, if you already have one, you’ll have some breathing room if you’re thinking of leaving your job and might have a temporary gap in income. But as the name suggests, an emergency fund is there to help cover unexpected costs, such as a major home repair, without forcing you to take out a loan, or cash out part of your longer-term invest­ ments. So, ifyou are planning to tap your emergency fund, work to restock it as soon as possible. If you’re participating in the “Great Resignation,” it means you’re feeling posi­ tive about your future em­ ployment prospects, which is great. But you’ll want to support that optimism with a strong financial foundation. This article was written by Edward Jonesfor use by your local Edward Jones Finan­ cial Advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC. Cellular instructions Dr. Universe: What are cells made of? Leia, 10, Bogart, Ga. Dear Leia, You have all kinds of cells in your body that do lots of different things. In fact, there are about 200 different types of cells in the human body — from blood cells to skin cells to bone cells. To find out exactly what all those cells are made of, I visited my friend Deirdre Fahy. Fahy is a scientist at Washington State University who is curious about how and why things work, including cells. She reminded me the human body is made up of billions of cells. You might think about each cell as if it were a tiny room. But this room, or cell, is so small, you’d likely need a microscope to see it. Now, picture a kind of barrier around the room that allows different things to move in and out of the cell. That’s the cell mem­ brane. Inside of the room, we find a book with a set of instructions. The book is like the part of a cell called the nucleus. It holds all the information, the DNA, that tells the cells how to work. Each of the cells in your body relies on the same instruction book to do its job. But what makes the cells do different things depends on which section of the instruc­ tions they use. “You could imagine you had this enor­ mous recipe book, but one cell only made breakfasts, and one cell only made snacks, and one cell only made dessert,” Fahy said. “They’re all in the same book, but just some of the recipes are being used by cer­ tain cells.” Of course, the cells aren’t actually cook­ ing you breakfast, snacks or dessert. Instead, they are helping your body do all the things it needs to survive. For instance, some cells use a recipe for building bone material, while other cells build muscle tissue. Some cells carry oxygen around the body, and others even help you think, feel and move. Like all things in our universe, the dif­ ferent parts of a cell are made up of atoms. The atoms come together to form mole­ cules. One molecule that makes up most of the cell is water. In fact, about 70 percent of a cell is water. Using its wide range of recipes, the cell also can create other kinds of molecules that help the cell do its job. You might say each cell has its own rec­ ipe for success. In her research, Fahy has used knowledge of how cells work to study everything from the inner-workings of plants to why some animals get sick when bitten by ticks that carry particular bacte­ ria. When we better understand how cells work, we can leam more about ways to prevent different diseases and improve the health and well-being of all kinds of living things. Who knows, maybe one day you can use your knowledge of cells — or other parts of science — to help make our world a better place. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 16, 2021 — Page 9 Evictions up, but resources available for tenants, landlords Jean Gallup Contributing Writer A recent Barry County court docket showed 15 or more families listed for pretrial hearings in eviction proceedings. But an Eviction Diversion Assistance program through the Barry County United Way is helping to resolve issues before these families are out on the street. “It’s not as bad as it seems,” BCUW Housing Impact Specialist Angie Metzger said. “Typically, we’re able to resolve the situation.” That help begins in the courtroom. “We have funds from CO VID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) that tenants can apply for,” Metzger said. “If they qualify and are approved, they will get the amount of back-rent and possibly a couple of months’ forward, preventing eviction. “At the pretrial, we’re right there; we help with the application and, if we get the application quickly, alot of them are dismissed before trial.” For example, among the 15 tenants listed on that recent court docket, several were dismissed ahead of time, and the paperwork just had not caught up, she said. So far, they have helped 120 families with CERA grants since March, “and we’re working on getting more,” Metzger said. “We are working very diligently with the courts, landlords and tenants so that everyone can stay housed.” Helping a family avoid eviction is rewarding, she said. “I love my job. This is a team office, it’s not just me. Everyone here is involved.” The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has a contract with each county that handles tenant/landlord eviction assistance, according to Karen Todd in the office of 24th District state Sen. John Bizon. A federal program operated by the states helps people who have been impacted by COVID-19 and are about to be evicted. “Landlords literally can get back-rent and sometimes even a few months’ rent in advance, depending on income. Also, the funds can help renters get help with utilities,” Todd said. In Barry County, that official agency is the United Way. Executive Director Lani Forbes said it’s important to give credit to Barry County Courts Court Administrator Ines Straube and the Legal Services of Southwest Michigan for their help in developing a program to handle the responsibilities of the renter/landlord assistance program. “It took us literally two weeks to pull it all together and be ready to roll,” Forbes said. “We’re using the same program today. Our concern was not only the tenants but also the landlords: What if they have a mortgage on the property? How do they pay their bills without the rent payments? “With federal and state grants, our campaign, other grants, work with Michigan United, CO VID funds, volunteer hours, in-kind donations and other help, United Way has spent $4.55 million in Barry County for Barry County residents. “We’re trying to do the best we can for the residents of our county.” Jean Gallup NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING SOUTHGATE DRIVE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 21-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, the Township Board of Prairieville Township, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake a road improvement project (including paving and related improvements) on Southgate Drive in Prairieville Township as more particularly described below and to create a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Township Board of Prairieville Township is acting pursuant to petitions, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes parcels on Southgate Drive generally extending 0.46 miles northerly from the intersection with 4 Mile Road and includes the following tax parcels: SOUTHGATE DRIVE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 21-1 - PROPOSED DISTRICT: The properties indicated by parcel numbers: 12-007-009-10 12-450-001-10 12-450-001-55 12-007-009-30 12-450-001-20 12-450-001-70 12-007-011-00 12-450-001-30 12-450-001-90 . 12-450-001-00 12-450-001-50 12-450-002-00 12-450-003-00 12-450-004-00 12-450-005-00 12-450-006-00 12-450-007-00 12-450-008-00 12-450-009-00 12-450-010-00 12-450-011-00 12-450-012-00 12-450-013-00 12-450-014-00 12-450-015-00 12-450-016-00 12-450-017-00 12-450-018-00 12-450-018-10 12-450-018-20 12-450-018-30 12-450-018-40 12-450-018-50 12-450-019-00 12-450-019-10 12-450-020-00 12-450-021-00 Southgate Drive Special Assessment District Rutland Township hears plan for Save A Lot property Contributing Writer The Rutland Township Planning Commission got a preliminary look at development plans for the former Save A Lot store property at the 1670 W. M-43 Highway near the comer of Heath Road. Engineer Rob LaPlaca from Fleis & Vandenbrink, a civil engineering firm that will handle engineering and site plans for the project, gave a short overview of the plans for the 3.44-acre parcel. LaPlaca said the former Save A Lot building will be razed and two new buildings erected to hold four retail businesses with 1,600 or 2,400 square-foot spaces. He’s in talks with the Barry County Road Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation about the project. A comprehensive traffic study will be completed in time for a Sept. 27 meeting of the M-37 Corridor Committee and representatives of MDOT, the township, road commission and himself, he said. Starbucks is “very interested” in a space, he said, and several other retailers have made inquiries. There are several options for a variety of businesses; one retail space has a drive-through in its plans, he said. The “exit only” driveway onto Heath Road is expected to be discussed at the Sept. 27 meeting. Rutland Township Supervisor Larry Watson has spoken against it, saying he saw a close call involving two youngsters that almost resulted in a tragedy, and it is too dangerous to keep as an exit. Larry Haywood, chairman of the planning commission, said the exit doesn’t lend itself well to the layout of the proposed buildings. He suggested changing the direction of the buildings. LaPlaca said the exit is under the control of MDOT. “Our goal is to do what’s the safest and best for everyone; we’ll try to find a middle ground ... we may have to change the traffic pattern to the exit,” LaPlaca said. The current exit/entrance on M-37/M-43 is not in question. Commissioners set the Oct. 4 meeting for a special land use designation and site plan review for the project. The developer, Alrig USA, is a privately PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN held commercial real estate investment and development firm based in metro Detroit. Rebecca Miller and Jordan Chapman from the company were at the meeting to answer questions from commissioners. Miller said if the project is approved, Alrig USA will execute its contract to buy the property. In other business Sept. 1, the commission sent the master plan to the township board, which will start the 42-day public comment period. The document, which contains what officials want to see for future land use in the township, includes two amendments commissioners made. One extends the light-industrial zone in the land-use plan by almost 39 acres in an area along M-37 near D&S Machine Repair at 874 N. M-37 Highway. Haywood questioned if they needed that much acreage. Zoning Administrator Les Raymond said he felt they did. “It’s only on the land-use plan; it’s not a rezoning,” Raymond said. The second change involves sewer service to Algonquin Lake. Due to nutrient load, Algonquin Lake would need wastewater treatment facilities in 10 to 20 years, according to the master plan. Commissioner Jim Blake argued for lowering the time frame to one to 10 years. “There are a lot of funds out there for improvement projects,” Blake said. “The federal government is giving out monies we could use ... we will never have the opportunity to get federal money like we have right now.” Commissioner Brenda Bellmore pointed out that Carter Lake flows into Algonquin Lake and would have to be addressed first. In discussion, it was noted that an earlier attempt to install sewer service to Algonquin Lake “fizzled,” and residents were resistant to special assessments. Blake said, with cost-sharing, federal money and low interest rates, now is the time to “get things accomplished and stop sitting on our hands.” He said it was important to the township for growth and recommended forming a committee, “to steer this thing,” adding he would be glad to chair it. The vote was unanimous to lower the time frame to one to 10 years for action on sewer service to Algonquin Lake. Barry County Michigan Barry County Land Information Services 08/1 0/2021 ESRI:1 03079 i . » Southgate Drive Special Assessment District PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed road paving project and associated activities, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $158,064.38. The cost of the project is proposed to be raised by special assessment on parcels in the proposed district. The Prairieville Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimate on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Township Clerk’s office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of ten years (2022-2031 inclusive) of approximately $451.61 per year. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, and cost estimates will be held at Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on September 30, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Township Clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total frontage on the road, the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement and for inclusion in the special assessment district, are filed with the township. Written comments or objections may be filed with the clerks at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to express their views at the public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the township board determines to proceed with the special assessment, the board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessment. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk at the address below. Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 �Page 10 — Thursday, September 16, 2021 —The Hastings Banner WATSON DRAIN, continued from page 1 flooding problem in a region that benefits 1,082 parcels, property owners and municipalities in Prairieville and Barry townships. The district involves the areas around Pleasant, Upper Crooked and Lower Crooked lakes. Dull mentioned that negotiations have been concluded with the Southwest Barry County Sewer and Water Authority, which agreed to pay $250,000 as part of the project. Also, they intend to purchase solar panels as part of the project, Dull said. Building a solar system to power those panels would likely cost a half a million dollars, he estimated. While that’s not in the plan, the purchase of these solar panels may someday offer a potential backup source of power for the pumps. Dull attributed the last-minute overall increase in project cost to the addition of $120,000 for those solar panels, $420,000 for a monitoring system, and 10 percent ($606,818) to cover contingencies. As far as why the original estimate did not include these costs, he replied, “Sometimes you miss things.” Jim Minich of Delton said, “I think the people who are involved deserve an honest answer as to what their bill is going to be. The increase was a huge surprise to me. Most of us had resigned ourselves to the cost in the estimate - then some of our assessments jump by $1,000 a year.” “This is a legitimate project to keep the lake at a reasonable level. The $1.175-million mistake was a big miss. It’s inexcusable. The obvious question is, do we have the right engineering team running this?” Dull pointed to the constraints created by the law that make it almost impossible for a small team like his to put together such a large, complicated project in the time allotted. “The way the law is written, [engineer] Brian [Cenci] was literally working on [cost estimates] the night before” the day of review so they would have all the financial details ready, he said. “A week before, I thought it was under $5.5 million.” The overall cost for the project will not be reduced by any successful appeals, he emphasized. If individual assessments were to be lowered as a part of the appeals process, that reduction would have to be offset across the rest of the district, Dull said. In their appeals, Fleckenstein, Newland and Farmer are “aggrieved by the apportionment of benefits made by Jim Dull, Barry County Drain Commissioner on Sept. 3, 2021, for improvements to a certain drain known as ‘Watson Drain’ in Prairieville Township, and this property owner takes appeal therefore,” according to a probate court order setting a $1,500 bond on the notice of appeal. Chief Judge William Doherty has appointed a three-member board of review to consider these appeals: Kerri Selleck, the county’s chief public defender, and local attorneys James Kinney and Robert Byington. “Some of you have indicated questions regarding the procedures that should be followed,” Doherty wrote in a letter to them in the court file. “I have enclosed a copy of the statutes, which specify the requirements of the board of review.” Then Doherty offered them the following guidelines: • View the lands benefited by the drain. If at all possible, go as a group. • Review apportionment made by the drain commissioner. • Select a chairperson to preside during public proceedings. • The chairperson should introduce members of the board, make a short statement as to their purpose of how the hearing will be conducted. • Allow the petitioners and their attorneys to address the board. Thereafter, the drain commissioner may make a statement. (At no time should the board of review and the commissioner privately discuss matters pending before the board.) • The hearing may be continued to hear additional proofs. • The board’s decision must be in writing, signed by a majority of the board and delivered to the commission with any other papers relating to the decision. • The findings to be made are to sustain the apportionment of the commissioner, or if there is a manifested error in equality in the apportionment, order and make changes to the apportionment, which are just and equitable. • Each board member shall submit an itemized statement to the probate court as to the time and travel incurred. A date for a hearing has not yet been scheduled, according to probate court staff Tuesday. The law pertaining to drain district appeals is dictated under the Drain Code Act 40 of 1956. Online glossary helps with terms and acronyms Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist Some of the terms and acronyms people use when they talk about Social Security can be a little confusing. We’re here to help you understand. We strive to explain your benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate information clearly in a way the public can understand and use. This can be particularly challenging when talking about complicated programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare. If there’s a technical term or acronym you don’t know, you can find the meaning in our online glossary at ssa.gov/ agency/glossary. Here are a few examples. If you’re considering retirement, you may want to know your full retirement age, or FRA, and your primary insurance amount, or PIA. These terms determine your benefit amount based on when you when you start getting requirement benefits. The PIA is the amount payable for a retired worker who starts his or her benefits at full retirement age. If you start your retirement benefits at your FRA, you’ll receive the full PIA. Most years, your benefit amount will get al COLA (cost-of-living adjustment), which| usually means extra money in your monthly J benefit. What about DRCs, short for delayedg retirement credits? DRCs are the gradual increases to your PIA that occurs the longer you delay taking retirement benefits after your full retirement age. Every month you delay| taking benefits, up to age 70, your monthly benefit will increase. | If one of these terms or acronyms comes | up in conversation, you can be the one to help clarify the meaning, using our online glossary. Learning the terminology can deepen yoiirl understanding of how Social Security> programs work for you. . Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist*! for West Michigan. You may write her c/p\ Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. Governor, legislators OK deal to avoid shutdown I I Watson Drain computation of costs summary Surveying, establishing drain and laying out drain district.........$29,940 Board of Determination..$1,850 Rights of way, easements, property purchases......$488,800 Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy permitting $868,681 Engineering, design and bidding......................................................................................................................................... .$482,934 Drain construction....................................................................................................... ..................................................................................... $3,574,167 Appeal for apportionments (estimated)..$38,500 Notices <dram> project’websitfe and public scope meeting ................v......$5,860 Probate judge fees (estimated)............................................................ .$ 1,500 Bridge Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration and leaders in Michigan’s Republican-1 led Legislature have reached a budget deal to avoid a government shutdown, officials; announced Wednesday. ; While details of the likely $50 billion to $60 billion spending plan will not be public until | next week, negotiators described the handshake deal as a significant step. “This is a budget that is good for Michigan,” Budget Director Dave Massaron said in a state"- | ment. “It reflects shared priorities that will move Michigan forward as we continue to emerge' from the pandemic as an even stronger state.” The Michigan Constitution requires Whitmer and the Legislature to finalize a balanced bud-1 get by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. Assuming they do so, the state will avoid its first J temporary government shutdown since 2009. With that deadline approaching, lawmakers are expected to begin voting as early as nexL week on an “omnibus” budget bill “covering the funding for all state departments and agencies: for the next fiscal year,” according to a joint release with Senate Appropriations Chair Jimt Stamas of Midland and House Appropriations Chair Thomas Albert of Lowell. As Bridge Michigan reported last week, the deal is not expected to include any of the $8.5{ billion in federal stimulus funds available to the state. Whitmer and legislative leaders are J expected to continue negotiations over that money following completion of the budget. Whitmer and the GOP-led Legislature agreed to a record-setting $17.1 billion K-12 edica­ tion budget in July, a major breakthrough after a prolonged and acrimonious standoff over statewide COVID-19 orders the governor ultimately lifted this summer. “And now we are close to finishing work on other parts of the state budget that will teip | meet the needs of Michigan residents and continue the state’s recovery from the CO VID pan- f demic’,” Albert saidrin a statement. . > • - Xi “Hook forward to votes on the budget soon.” Legal costs .............................................................................................................. $300,282 Interest and borrowing expenditures............................................................................................................................................................................................................ $29,267 Financing expenses........$67,458 Reimbursements/payments-$7,961 First years capitalized interest for 12 months at 2.8 percent..........................$186,900 Gross sum of expenses ....$6,068,182 Contingent expenses (minimum 10 percent, maximum 15 percent)......$608,818 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Total cost of Watson Drain$6,675,000 Source: Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 THIS AD FOR SALE! More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED Apply in person at DEPUTY TRIAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Qual­ ified individual must have a minimum of a Master's Degree in public adminis­ tration, social work, criminal justice, or closely related field and 5-7 years of experience in casework and/or case flow management preferably in a court or closely relat­ ed setting. This position is part of the management and administration team of the Trial Court. Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) writing and applying for grants, budgets, preparing fi­ nancial and program reports, monitoring expenditures and revenues, supervising pro­ fessional and support staff, monitoring workflow and file management standards. Full­ time, salary range $67,641.60 - $81,161.60, plus benefits. Detailed job description can be viewed atbarrycounty.org. Please send cover letter and resume to: Ms. Daisey Cherniawski; 102 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Or email: dcherniawski@barryco.org. HEELER MIX PUPPIES for sale, loves attention, 1st shots & wormed. $200.00. 269­ 223-9194. of Middleville www.CarvethVillage .com CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED “Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Halloween & Christmas fabrics -nowinstock > GwmL 1 108” Cotton Quilt 'Backing. Thread, Tapes, Zippers, Buttoi Apply in person at & 'Patterns I 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com ft Prayfor our Country. ft QUESTIONS: ASK US... Setter 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 269-795-4972 MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Pets ,arve www.CarvethVillage .com “Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Help Wanted BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Part-time hours available with competitive wages. 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com Call this paper or 800-227-7636 Business Services OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm ,nrI_____________________ ,________ --- 1 Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station]. I ■ aaaaaaaaaa,^a.-aaaa,\/..\za.',aa/ All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. ■ ■ t BARRY COUNTY FRIEND OF THE COURT CASE-1 WORKER: Provides case-1 work functions to review, t independently assess, and analyze domestic Friend of 1 the Court cases for the pur-1 pose of enforcing, reviewing, and modifying child support, v parenting time, and custody provisions of court orders. | Completes investigations, / reports, and drafts orders r and recommendations for | the court as necessary. Must f possess a Bachelor's degree in ‘ psychology, criminal justice, social work, counseling, or a % closely related field as well as f 1-3 years of case supervision £ experience preferably in a ; court or counseling, mental | health, substance abuse agen­ cy or related area. Full time, $21.89/per hour, plus bene- r fits. Detailed job description can be viewed at barrycounty. | org. Please send cover letter and resume to: Ms. Daisey B Cherniawski; 102 S. Broad­ way, Hastings, MI 49058. Or email: dcherniawski@ barryco.org. DRIVERS FOR WHEEL CHAIR VANS NEEDED. THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A JOB. YOU’LL BE HELPING PEOPLE TO AND FROM DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AND MORE. YOU NEED TO BE DEPENDABLE, TRUST: WORTHY., AND ,JRELL: ABLE. PLEASE CALL 269-420-1708 FOR AN APPLICATION. s �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 16, 2021 — Page 11 - >ULCiAL MW iuati /^IvC nOUCfc/j Driver arrested for OWI after boat falls off trailer A resident called 911 at 11:31 p.m. Sept. 4 to report a boat had crashed on the road and in their yard in the 12000 block of Saddler Road in Orangeville Township. The responding officer reported that the driver, a 33-year-old Plainwell man, appeared to be intoxicated. He had failed to negotiate a curve and the boat slid off the side of his trailer. He admitted to drinking six beers in as many hours, and had a blood alcohol content of 0.266. He was arrest­ ed. Reckless driver arrested for OWI A caller reported a reckless driver on Coats Grove Road east of Durkee Road in Hastings Charter Township at 7:42 p.m. Sept. 3. The caller said the vehicle almost hit him head-on, so he turned around and followed it. The other driver was swerving across the road and nearly hit several other vehicles before coming to a stop. The driver, 39, of Lake Odessa, appeared intoxicated and on the verge of falling asleep. He admitted to drinking eight beers, but refused a Breathalyzer test. He had two previous convictions for operating a vehicle while being intoxicated, a revoked license and an expired plate. He was arrested. K-9 tracks down parole violator A K-9 unit tracked down and arrested a 47-year-old man who ran from his parole officer at 10 a.m. Sept. 1. The parole officer was at the man’s residence in the 500 block of Gaskill Road in Carlton Township when the man tested positive for methamphetamine. The officer called for a Barry County Sheriff’s deputy to arrest the man, but while they were waiting for the deputy, the man ran into his house, out the back door and into a wooded area. The K-9 unit tracked him down, bit him and held him until he was arrested. Boyfriend burns girlfriend’s clothes A 36-year-old woman called police at 8:57 a.m. Aug. 28 to report her boyfriend put her clothes on the grill and lit them on fire. The woman said she and her boyfriend, 38, got into an argument after she took his keys away to keep him from driving while he was intoxicated. She left her residence, in the 4000 block of Circle Inn Drive in Orangeville Township, and stayed the night at her mother’s house. The next morning, she watched through a security camera on her front porch as her boyfriend put her clothes and other items on the grill and set them on fire. She went and put the fire out with an extinguisher. The boyfriend admitted to police that he had set her clothes on fire; he said he was angry. Information was forward­ ed to the prosecuting attorney. Couple caught trespassing Police were dispatched to the 5000 block of Head Road at 4:58 a.m. after a resident saw someone on a security camera walking around with a flashlight. Officers arrived to find two vehicles parked nearby, both of which were registered to a 51-year-old Hastings man. A K-9 unit led officers to a shed connected to a silo. The man was hiding inside the shed with a 44-year-old Delton woman. Near them were two pairs of gloves, multiple wire cutters and a small container of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The woman told officers she knew the property did not belong to her, but she and her boyfriend had parked there, and ran inside the shed when they saw headlights. She told the officers her boyfriend is not able to go to her house, since he doesn’t get along with her uncle. The boyfriend admitted to officers they had gone to the property to have sex at the top of the silo. The woman said the couple always carries wire cutters with them, and the^gloves were there > because her boyfriend tends to dumpster dive. She admitted to officers that she would fail a drug test, but said the meth did not belong to her or her boyfriend. Both were arrested and their vehicles were towed. Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY TO: COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on October 6,2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton Ml, 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, In addition to participation during an public hearing, mem­ bers of the public may also provide comments for the Zoning Board of Appeal's consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Zoning Board of Appeal's for receipt prior to the meeting, in care of the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson (ethompson@Dcimi.com) or by leaving a phone message prior to the meeting with the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson at 269-948-4088. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: , 1. A request from property owner Phyllis Rogers, 336 19th St. Otsego, Ml 49078, for a variance to allow for the creation of a new parcel that will be noncon­ forming, pursuant to section 4.41 “Schedule of lot, yard, and area require­ ments” of the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance. The subject site is locat­ ed at 12715 West Pine Lake Rd, Plainwell, Ml 49080. Parcel #08-12-006-01510 and is currently zoned R-2 Residential. 2. A request from property owner Patricia Flanders, 11346 8th Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49534 for a variance to allow for the creation of a new parcel that will be nonconforming, pursuant to section 4.41 “Schedule of lot, yard, and area requirements” of the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance. The subject site is located at 12715 West Pine Lake Rd, Plainwell, Ml 49080. Parcel #0812-006-015-10 and is currently zoned R-2 Residential. 3. A request from contractor Power Home Solar for property owner William Kline, 14310 Kane Rd, Plainwell, Ml 49080 for a variance to allow for the construction of a ground-mounted solar array that fails to meet the waterside setback, pursuant to section 4.24 "Waterfront Lots" of the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance. The subject site is located at 14310 Kane Rd, Plainwell, Ml 49080. Parcel #08-12-030-00250 and is currently zoned AG-Agricultural. 4. Such other business as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and ser­ vices, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days' prior notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS By: Dale Grimes, Chairperson Prairieville Township Hall 11015 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046 (269) 623-2064 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28943-DE William M. Doherty P-41960 Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone Nd. : (269) 945-1390 ’ : Estate of Dana R. Knickerbocker. Date of birth: 11/28/1964. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dana R. Knickerbocker, died 7/25/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kody Knickerbocker, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 09/16/2021 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248, Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Kody Knickerbocker 2950 Clayton Drive, Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-262-9165 167963 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28817-DE Estate of Joseph Earl Fairchild. Date of birth: 8/1/1955. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Joseph Earl Fairchild, died 4/17/21. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Lindsey Jo Harper, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 9/14/21 Lindsey Jo Harper 614 W. Madison Hastings, Ml 49058 616-901-4367 168051 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting September 8,2021 Called to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Stoneburner, Goebel, Pence, Doster & DeVries Agenda and August 2021 Minutes were approved. Drain and County Commissioners’ Reports Public comments, if any, were received. Department and Officers reports were received. Approved paying bills: $108,893.17 Approved Financial statements from Auditor Approved Amended Police budget Approved, purchase of AEQs. Approved Hiring full time patrOLofficer Approved Resolution 2021-11, .Southgate Drive special assessment Adopted Ordinance No. 174, Short Term Rentals, Gravel Mining Public and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 167964 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the* foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE BY ADVERTISEMENT: Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on October 14, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. MORTGAGE SALE: Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Steven T. Freeman and Carolynn J. Freeman, the mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC dba Veterans United Home Loans, the original mortgagee, dated February 15, 2018, and recorded on February 23, 2018, as Instrument No. 2018-001703, in Barry County Records, Michigan and last assigned to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, the foreclosing assignee, documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated April 15,2019, and recorded on April 23, 2019, as Instrument No. 2019-003909, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of the date of this Notice, the sum of Two Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Six Hundred Thirty Seven and 69/100 U.S. Dollars ($272,637.69). Said premise is situated at 4533 Foxmoor Court, Middleville, Michigan 49333 in the Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and is described as: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF IRVING, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 18, FOXGLOVE ESTATES SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN LIBER 6 OF PLATS, PAGE(S) 61, BARRY COUNTY RECORDS The redemption period shall be 6 months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. ATTENTION HOMEOWNER: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Dated: 08/13/2021 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt, Esq. Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Attorneys for Servicer 255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900 Orlando, Florida 32801 (855) 287-0240 Matter No. 132070 (08-26)(09-16) 166731 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on September 23, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Scott Donley a/k/a Scott Leo Donley, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/ or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Village Capital & Investment, LLC Date of Mortgage: January 30, 2019 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 5, 2019 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $286,420.35 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The West 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, except the South 920 feet thereof. Common street address (if any): 10773 North Ave, Dowling, Ml 49050-9753 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 26, 2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1442192 (08-26)(09-16) 166733 NOTICE Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by -advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on OCTOBER 7, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Bryan M. DeHaan AKA Brian DeHaan and Connie DeHaan AKA Connie Jo DeHaan, husband and wife, to ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., Mortgagee, dated February 24, 2005 and recorded March 8, 2005 in Instrument Number 1142428 and Affidavit Affecting Realty recorded on June 11, 2020, in Instrument Number 2020­ 005718, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by NewRez LLC, F/K/A New Penn Financial, LLC, D/B/A Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred One Thousand Seven Hundred Nine and 96/100 Dollars ($101,709.96). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on OCTOBER 7,2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: The East 280 feet of the South 800 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 ofSection 12, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Together with a 30 foot wide easement for ingress and egress described as: That part of the Southeast 1/4, Section 12, Town 4 North, Range 10 West; described as. Commencing at the South 1/4 corner of Section 12; thence North 89 degrees 48 minutes 23 seconds East, 801.5 feet along the South line of said Southeast 1/4; thence North 00 degrees 11 minutes 37 seconds West, 33.0 feet to the Northerly right-of-way line of Garbow Road and the place of beginning of the centerline of a 30 foot wide strip of land; thence North 02 degrees 03 minutes West, 195.23 feet; thence North 59 degrees 35 minutes East, 118.86 feet; thence North 26 degrees 13 minutes 30 seconds East, 105.05 feet; thence North 10 degrees 20 minutes 50 seconds West, 138.44 feet; thence North 45 degrees 35 minutes 50 seconds East, 88.36 feet; thence North 84 degrees 22 minutes 30 seconds East, 44.56 feet to a point of the West line of the East 280 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4, Section 12 and the place of ending of the centerline of said 30 foot wide strip of land. 7250 West Garbow Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: September 9, 2021 File No. 20-001729 Firm Name: Orlans PC Firm Address: 1650 West Big Beaver Road, Troy Ml 48084 Firm Phone Number: (248) 502.1400 (09-09)(09-30) 167666 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 21-28922-DE Court Address: 206 W. Court St, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Jeffrey Alan Vandenboss. Date of birth: 11/28/1954. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Jeffrey Alan Vandenboss, died 01/14/2017. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Patricia L. Vandenboss, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 09/08/2021 Michael B. Walling P55771 4625 Beckley Road, Bldg. 400 Battle Creek, Ml 49015 269-968-1101 Patricia L. Vandenboss 1808 Gray Street South Gulfport, FL 33707 269-986-2194 167761 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA236, MCL600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on September 23, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Lois L Rider an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB2 Date of Mortgage: May 4, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 16, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $182,781.57 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 8, 9, 10 and 11, Block 63 of the Village of Middleville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 27, Barry County, Michigan. Together with that portion of the Market Street right away abutting, being the North 28 feet thereof Lots 8 and 11, Block 63. Original Plat of the Village of Middleville, Section 26, T4N, R10W, Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan Common street address (if any): 414 Russell St, Middleville, Ml 49333-9602 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 26,2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1442048 (08-26)(09-16) 166732 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA236, MCL600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on September 23, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Melvin B. Goebel, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/ or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Specialized Loan Servicing LLC Date of Mortgage: March 29, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 13, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $47,261.71 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 8, Poplar Beach No. 2, as recorded in Liber 3 on Page(s) 31 of Plats. Common street address (if any): 7057 Shoreline Dr, Delton, Ml 49046-6402 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 26, 2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1442026 (08-26)(09-16) 166730 �Page 12 — Thursday, September 16, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Woodies cheer Viking spikers on to two big wins Brett Bremer The boys take off at the first middle school cross country meet of the season last Wednesday in Middleville. The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced this week that it will host regional championships for middle school cross country teams around the state next month, the first middle school championships ever conducted by the organization. (Photo by Brett Bremer) MHSAA plans its first ever middle school C.C. regionals The first postseason events in Michigan High School Athletic Association history for students at the junior high/middle school level will be conducted in cross country this season at eight Regional sites during the second half of October. The Junior High/Middle School Cross Country Regionals were approved by the MHSAA Representative Council during its Spring 2020 meeting, on recommendation of the MHSAA’s Junior High/Middle School Committee. Students from the nearly 650 MHSAA-member junior highs and middle schools may participate, with Regional meets not counting against the 10 events teams are allowed to compete in during the regular sea­ son. “The MHSAA has, over the last decade, grown its investment in junior high and mid­ dle school athletics in hopes of providing TJie N ews Mt ? Is Just the Beginning Your Community... Your Family.. .Your Interests... Your Home.. .Your World... Call 800.870.7085 or pick it up at one of our locations listed below! It's All a Part of Your Local Newspaper! memorable experiences earlier that will result in students wanting to continue playing sports longer instead of stopping before they even reach high school,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “Adding a postsea­ son element to cross country may be just the start of how we can provide more opportuni­ ties for our younger students to compete in ways that will keep them excited to return next season.” Each of eight host sites will conduct one girls and one boys race. Host sites determined the dates Regionals will be run. Teams may enter up to 20 participants in each race, dependent on the size of their school (as larg­ er schools may enter more participants). The Regional races will be two miles in length, with girls and boys teams assigned to sites based on their regional “Zone.” Zone 1 - Saturday, Oct. 16, hosted by Portage Central High School at Portage West Middle School Zone 2 - Saturday, Oct. 23, hosted by Hudson High School at Hudson High School Zone 3 - Saturday, Oct. 23, hosted by Macomb Dakota High School at Macomb Dakota High School Zone 4 - Saturday, Oct. 16, hosted by Midland High School at Northwood University Zone 5 - Saturday, Oct. 23, hosted by Carson City-Crystal High School at Carson City-Crystal High School Zone 6 - Friday, Oct. 29, hosted by Grand Rapids Public Schools at University Prep Academy Zone 7 - Saturday, Oct. 23, hosted by Gaylord High School at Michaywe Golf Course Zone 8 - Friday, Oct. 22, hosted by Marquette High School at Gentz Homestead Golf Course Hastings Gunlake One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43N) Superette Family Fare Woodland Sam’s Gourmet Foods PjneLake Doster Country Store Tom’s Market Hastings Johnny’s The General Store Woodland Express Nashville Trading Post Little’s Country Store Prairieville Prairieville Fast Stop Nashville Johnny’s MV Pharmacy Marathon Glovegdale Nashville C Store Cloverdale General Carl’s Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Family Fare Gas Station ShelbyviIte Walgreens Town & Country Petfon Middleville Speedway Middleville Johnny’s Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny’s Carl’s Family Fare Delton Johnny’s Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go Lal&Qdsssa Ftesgoii L& J’s Banfield Banfield General Store Dowling Goldsworthys Freeport General Store the Vikings. Alli Pickard added 12. Bump Alivia Everitt and Kruger had two blocks each. The Vikings weren’t quite at the same level in their Greater Lansing Activities Conference opener with Lansing Christian Wednesday, but did what they needed to do to score a 25-23,25-20,25-16 victory. “When the match got tight in the first set we met the challenge and did the things we are exceptional at (serving and passing) to pull out the win and wear Lansing Christian down throughout the night,” Rowland said. “Lansing Christian is a great team and if I had to choose a favorite for D4 this year they would be my choice. They have two outside hitters who can bring pace on the ball and their setter is consistent and a threat to score as well. I am excited that they have continued to improve as it gives us a quality match in the conference to look forward to playing.” O’Gorman had 13 kills and 12 digs in the win. Abby Pickard had 16 assists and Bump 15. Wickerink and Bump added seven kills each, with Kruger adding five and Possehn three. Piercefield had 18 digs, with Alli Pickard recording nine digs, Abby Pickard seven and Bump six. Possehn, Wickerink, Everitt and Kenzie Wells had one block each. It was a busy stretch for the Vikings. They went to East Kentwood for a tournament Saturday and went 3-1 with wins over West Catholic, Holland Christian and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Rockford handed the Vikings their only defeat of the day. Coach Rowland said his girls were more consistent throughout the day than they had been at any tournament so far this season. O’Gorman had 52 kills at the tournament. Abby Pickard had 47 assists and Bump 33 i Bump added nine aces and 27 digs. O’Gorman had 44 digs and seven blocks. Piercefield recorded 59 digs. Lakewood opened the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season with a 25-5* 25-12,25-6 win at Olivet Tuesday. “We took care of business and played effi­ ciently to get in and out,” Rowland said of the win over the Eagles. He was pleased to get a number of girls time on the court. Kruger had seven kills for the Vikings and O’Gorman five. Abby Pickard had 12 assists, Bump nine and Paige Wolverton added three. Piercefield had a team-high ten digs and eight aces. Wolverton had six aces herself. Alli Pickard chipped in six digs. Possehn and Bump had four kills each. TK responds to first Gold loss by besting two foes 8-0 The Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ tennis team bounced back from the tough defeat against Forest Hills Eastern to score 8-0 wins over Kenowa Hills in a conference dual in Walker last Wednesday and a non­ conference dual at Otsego last Thursday afternoon. The Trojans host a conference dual with Cedar Springs Monday. TK is currently 2-1 in conference play. TK only dropped one set in the dual with Kenowa Hills, at second doubles where the Trojan team of Hayden Oly and Kameron Nichols were edged 9-7 in a tiebreaker at the end of the first set before bouncing back to win the final two sets 6-2, 6-3. TK had the team of James Thome and! Ronald Simmons at first doubles score a 6-3, 6-0 win. Holler and Cuisson won 6-2, 6-0 at number three doubles. TK’s fourth doubles duo of Aaron Michalk and Aidan Dudik won 6-2, 6-1. At first singles, TK’s Nick Vreeland scored a 6-3, 6-1 win over the Knights’ Logan TenBrink. Jack Geukes scored a 6-1, 6-1 win at second singles, Josh Wedyke won 6-1, 6-2 and Payton Wilkinson won 6-2,6-4 at number four. The Trojans had the same line-up win all eight flights in the dual at Otsego Thursday. Panthers earn win and draw Vikings keep in pair of SAC match-ups GLAC record perfect with win over Panthers Brett Bremer Area locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Sports Editor Lakewood High School athletic director Mike Quinn gave the Wacky Woodies a shout out on his Twitter feed before the start of the Lakewood varsity volleyball team’s big non-conference dual with Lowell Wednesday evening. After back-to-back big wins, over the Red Arrows and then the Lansing Christian Pilgrims Thursday at Lakewood High School, it was Viking volleyball head coach Cameron Rowland celebrating the student-section which was really getting to cheer on its vol­ leyball classmates for the first time since the fall of 2019. “They were loud and energetic both nights,” Rowland said. “The gym felt like a true home court advantage again because of them being there. We hope to have them all year and throughout the post season.” Lakewood returned from the Labor Day break to play their first big home best-of-five match of the season Wednesday, defeating the Lowell Red Arrows 25-18, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23. Both teams finished as the state run­ ner-up in their respective Divisions [Lowell DI and Lakewood D2] last season. “It was a great match with a great atmo­ sphere in the gym,” Rowland said. “It felt like old times with loud students and fans from both teams present. Both teams played some of their best volleyball on the season as well, which made it that much better of an atmo­ sphere.” “On our side of the net we have been work­ ing on being the better ball control team against all of our opponents and then being creative in ways to score and cause disruption for our opponents, I thought we executed both at a high level throughout the night. Lowell had to score points against us as we played low error volleyball and forced them into tough situations over and over. Tori [Wickerink] and Ellie [Possehn] really stepped up their roles and blocked effectively all night to get great touches and funnel balls to our defenders.” Maradith O’Gorman was great at the net as well, finishing the night with a team-high 25 kills and six bloc ks. She also added an ace and 17 digs. Wickerink matched her six blocks and Possehn finished with two. Skylar Bump had 21 assists and ten kills as well as 12 digs. Wickerink and Zayda Kruger had six kills apiece. Setter Abby Pickard con­ tributed 21 assists and nine digs. Libero Carley Piercefield had a team-high 23 digs for Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity boys’ soccer team won’t find its name at the top of the Division 3 Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association rankings again this week, but the Vikings are still undefeated. The Lakewood boys scored a 4-0 win on the road at Stockbridge in Greater Lansing Activities Conference play Wednesday (Sept. 8) to improve to 3-0 in the conference this fall. Colby Carter scored twice for the Vikings in the win over the Panthers Wednesday. It was the first shut out of the season for the Vikings, who are still undefeated overall this season. Lakewood finished in a 1-1 tie, the first blemish of any kind on their record this season, at Dansville Friday. The Vikings bounced back Tuesday to score a 5-0 non­ conference win over visiting Grand River Prep. The Vikings were slated to host Olivet for a GLAC ballgame Wednesday and will visit Lansing Christian for a battle between the GLAC’s two best teams next Wednesday, Sept. 22. Delton Kellogg’s varsity boys’ soccer team finally got to play on its home turf for the first time this season Monday and scored its first win. Delton Kellogg scored an 8-0 win over visiting Parchment with Marshall Warner powering the offensive attack with three goals and three assists. Hector Jimenez had three goals and two assists for the Panthers. James Blackbum contributed two goals and an assist. DK also got two assists from John Sinclair. DK is now 1-3-2 overall this season and 1-1-1 in Southwestern Athletic Conference action. The Delton Panthers were slated to return to conference action yesterday (Sept. 15) at Schoolcraft. Last Wednesday, the DK team finished in a 2-2 draw in SAC play at Kalamazoo Christian. DK had a 1-0 lead at the half thanks to a breakaway goal from Jimenez. The Comets tied the game at l-l in the second half, and then DK took the lead back on a shot by Warner that deflected off a Comet defender and into the net. Kalamazoo Christian tied the game back up with 12 minutes to plays, and the two teams continued to go back and forth the remainder of the ballgame. Viking teams get a few best new times at Hornet Run The Lakewood varsity cross country teams competed in the Central Montcalm Hornet run, a meet broken up into races for each grade level. Junior Ryan Alford had the top time for the Lakewood boys’ team, placing eighth in his race with a time of 20 minutes 19.92 seconds. Lakewood sophomore Ethan Cappon ran his fastest race yet to place 39th in his compe­ tition with a time of 25:55.12. In the girls’ race, Madason Morelli was the lone senior running for Lakewood. She placed 32nd in her race with a time of 26:41.56. Lakewood’s best pack was in the junior girls’ contest where Reagan Lab was 23rd ih 23:44.33 - a new personal record. Sadie Brearley was 27th in 24:17.30 and Emma Lancaster 32nd in 25:38.99. Viking sophomore Claire Fortier ran her fastest race of the season, a time of 25:21.40, to place 37th in her competition. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 16, 2021 — Page 13 Pennfield falls to Saxons in first 1-8 tennis dual £■ h------------------------------------------------ -------------------- s———----- ’— ----- --------;—2-----------£- Hastings second singles player Joe Goggins hits a return back at one of his foes during the Wayland Quad Saturday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Members of the Hastings varsity girls’ golf team, Elisabeth Arnold, Lauren Arnold, Peightyn Cronk, Cassidy Easey, Addie Nickels, Izzy Roosien and Kaydence VandenBurg (listed alphabetically) are all smiles at their Saxon Dozen Tournament in which ten teams played 12 holes at The Legacy in Hastings Friday. Saxons play 12 at The Legacy for the first time Brett Bremer L i The Saxons’ Keegan Lindsey hits a forehand during a first doubles match at the Wayland Quad Saturday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity boys’ tennis team opened the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season with a 6-2 win over visiting Pennfield Wednesday atjjastings High School. The Saxons and Panthers had five contest­ ed matches, with the Saxons picking up default wins a the bottom three doubles flights. \ Hastings captured three of the four singles points and narrowly missed out on the fourth. Pennfield’s Reese Chapman took a 6-1 win in the opening set of his second singles match with the Saxons’ Joe Goggins. Goggins bat­ tled back for a 6-3 win in the second set before ultimately falling 10-6 in a super tie­ breaker at the end of the afternoon. . Joey McLean scored a 6-0, 6-0 win for the Saxons over Shane Carpenter in the first sin­ gles masch. John Tellkamp and Brandon Darling finished strong at third and fourth singles for the Saxons. Tellkamp scored a 6-3, 6-0 win over Pennfield’s Hunter Jenney. At number four, Darling scored a 6-4, 6-1 win over Owen Lewis. In the lone doubles match that was contest­ ed, the Pennfield pair of Luca Gregor and Caiden Bradley earned a 6-3,6-1 win over the Saxons’ Andre Perez and Keegan Lindsey. The Saxons are now 1-1 in the 1-8 this fall. Coldwater scored an 8-0 win over the Saxons last Thursday. The Saxon second doubles team of Lang Haines and Heath Hays won the only set for their squad, but fell 6-4,4-6, (10­ 4) in the end. McLean at first singles and the Saxon third doubles team of Mitchell Vann and Caleb Borton battled to 7-5 scores in the second set of their matches, but couldn’t quite force super tiebreakers of their own. The Hastings boys were back in action Saturday at the Wayland Quad. Wayland took the day’s championship with 20 points, ahead of Otsego 10, Plainwell 10 and Hastings 8. McLean was 3-0 for the day, besting foes from Otsego and Plainwell and getting a for­ feit win over Wayland’s top player. Darling went 2-1 at fourth singles for the Saxons. On the doubles side for Hastings, Hays and Haines scored a second doubles win and the fourth doubles team of Evan Porter and Ethan Helmholdt won a pair of marathon matches. The Saxon duo at number four pulled out a 6-4, 5-, (10-5) win over the fourth doubles team from Plainwell and went to a super tie­ breaker against the number four team from Otsego as well, pulling out a 1-6, 6-2, (10-8) victory. Leaders set torrid pace at first OK Gold jamboree Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Bengals set a blistering pace at the first OK Gold Conference cross country jamboree of the season, hosted by Cedar Springs, Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 8). Ottawa Hills had the two fastest guys and the two fastest girls while the Forest Hills Eastern girls’ team and the South Christian boys’ team each finished in first place. Ottawa Hills sophomore Selma Anderson was the individual champ in the girls’ race with a time of 19 minutes 6.02 seconds with senior teammate Adit Dau hot on her heels in 19:06.86. Catholic Central sophomore Emily Tomes was a distant third in 19:43.33, followed across the finish line by the two fastest members of the Forest Hills Eastern girls’ team which finished with 40 points on the day. The two leaders for the Bengals helped their team to a second-place total of 94 points, ahead of Cedar Springs 103, South Christian W4, Catholic Central 113, Thornapple Kellogg 124, Kenowa Hills 145 and Wayland 189. Thomapple Kellogg freshman Ava Crews was by far the fastest freshman in the girls’ race, placing sixth in 20:00.4 just behind FHE sophomores Ellory Clason and Ashlyn Smith who were fourth and fifth respectively. FHE had five girls among the first 13 finishers. TK had two in the top 15, with senior Jessica Durkee placing 15^ in 21:10.99. The Trojan team also had sophomore Holly Velting 28^ in 22:33.29, junior Lindsey Velting 34^ in 22:52.42 and senior Kendall Snyder 44^ in 23:30.13. Junior Benne Anderson led the Ottawa Hills boys with a time of 16:05.12 and his senior teammate Juan David Hernandez was the runner-up in the race with a time of 16:05.66. Only Forest Hills Eastern junior Aiden Sullivan was in a minute of the Bengal duo. He placed third in 16:07.34. South Christian’s Joseph VanderKooi was fourth in 17:06.28 leading his team to a victory with a 70-point finish. Cedar Springs was second with 80 points, ahead of Forest Hills Eastern 88, Catholic Central 92, Ottawa Hills 109, Kenowa Hills 137 Sophomore Lucas Van Meter was the leader for the TK boys, placing tenth in 17:40.4^. TK senior Camden Reynolds was 28^ in 19:02.56, senior Matthew Smith 42n^ in 19: 44.75 and senior Benjamin Trudell 50^ in 20: 08.19. The TK team also had sophomore Kaden Hamming set a new personal record with a time of 20:45.92 which earned him 63place. Sports Editor With a goal of getting young golfers used to playing in longer tournaments, the Hastings varsity girls’ golf team hosted its first Saxon Dozen Tournament Friday at The Legacy in Hastings. A mix of varsity an JV players played 12 holes at the course in Hastings. “Everyone seemed to have a really positive experience and we had a lot of kids on the course that it was just their first or second nine, and they had never played any more holes than that in a round,” Hastings varsity girls’ golf coach Kristen Laubaugh said. Vicksburg took the day’s championship with a score of 294. .Thomapple Kellogg placed second with a scorer of 316, ahead of Hopkins 321, Paw Paw 326, Allendale 335, Hastings 337, Lakewood 338, Wayland 382 and Charlotte 382. Lauren Arnold led Hastings with an 80 and Addie Nickels shot an 81. “Lauren Arnold and Addey Nickels are both showing some great strides in improving their game,” coach Laubaugh said. “They are both getting off the tee better and once they can dial some of their short game in a little better, I think they will really see some lower scores.” Hastings also got an 85 from Cassidy Easey and a 91 from Izzy Roosien in the top four for the team. Vicksburg was led by a 66 from Peyton Smith and a 69 from Maddie Diekman. Thornapple Kellogg’s leaders were Sydney Robertson with a 75 and lbby Mosley with a 77. Lakewood got an 81 from Izzy Wheeler and an 82 from Audrey Hillard. “The Legacy sets up really well to play 12 holes and it avoids walking the super steep holes on the back nine,” Laubaugh said. “Hopkins just started their girls’ golf pro­ gram this year and they brought a team. It was a good way to encourage new golfers,” she added. The slightly more relaxed tournament came after a competitive nine for the Saxons at Marshall Country Club last Wednesday where the Redhawks form Marshall hosted an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree. Lumen Christi won the day’s event with a score of 181, finishing ahead of Coldwater 188, Parma Western 196, Harper Creek 201 and Hastings 289. Arnold led the Saxons with a score of 66. Nickels shot a 67, Easey a 76 and Peighton Cronk contributed a^-80^ 2LParma Western’s Sydnie Redovich was the day’s medalist with a score of 41 and Lumen Christi’s leader, Ashley Hilderley, shot a 42. HHS girls run with four, boys halted at first 1-8 jamboree It wasn’t the best start to the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season. What Hastings head coach Steve Collins called a long course prevented any of his girls from running new season best times and storms that moved through the Jackson area prevented the boys from even finishing their race. Marshall won the girls’ race hosted by Parma Western. The Redhawks scored 33 points to best Lumen Christi’s girls by eight points. The Titans finished with 45 points, ahead of Parma Western 60, Harper Creek 88, Jackson Northwest 161, Coldwater 172 and Pennfield 185. Hastings did not have enough girls running to earn a team score. Saxon senior Allison Teed led her team with a time of 25:02.5. Senior Carissa Strouse scored a 25th-place time of 25:51.6. Hastings also had sophomore Lily Comensoli 32n^ in 27:05.2 and senior Hannah Crozier placed 51st in 30:14.8. Lumen Christi sophomore Madison Osterberg was the individual champion in 20:43.4 Parma Western had senior Alyna Lewis second in 21:44.6. Marshall was led by a third-place finish from sophomore Camille DeCola and her senior teammate Brooke Waito placed fourth. In all, Marshall had five girls among the top 13 finishers in the race. Hastings had been busy in the lead-up to Tuesday’s conference race. They were at the Delton Kellogg Invitational last Thursday and ran in the Battle Creek Lakeview Invitational Saturday. The Hastings boys and girls both placed fourth in the Division 2 standings at the race. Riley Shults led the Hastings boys with a 22nd-place (across all divisions) time of 17:37.39. Hastings freshman Brandon Simmons placed 45^ in 18:35.92. The next three Saxon scorers were sophomores who finished in the top 100 - Jonah Teed, Reuben Solmes and Cole Greenfield. Teed was third in 18:56.51, Solmes fo7rth in 19:04.79 and Greenfield 95th in 21:42.42. The Hastings girls had five running. Strouse led the way in 22:32.64, finishing in 38^ place. Allison Teed placed 50^ in 22:53.50. Comensoli finished 65^ in 24:00.92. The Saxons also had senior Hannah Crozier 96^ in 28:06.46 and senior Autumn Guernsey in 32:06.25. Otsego won the Division 2 championships in both the boys’ and girls’ races Saturday. St. Joseph took the Division 1 boys’championship and Portage Central took the DI boys’ title. Osterberg from Lumen Christi was the fastest girl at the meet, winning in 19:11.08. Nick Cockerel, a senior from Otsego, finished with a time of 15:59.55 in the boys’ competition. Cockerel set a new PR in winning, as did the runner-up from Lakeview, senior Parker LaGro, who finished in 16:01.17. Lions suffer another one-goal loss in GLAC soccer action Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions talked a lot about playing from whistle to whistle last week. Laingsburg scored less than half a minute into its Greater Lansing Activities Conference contest with the visiting Maple Valley boys Wednesday and eventually went on to a 2-1 win. The Lions had just suffered a one-goal loss at Lakewood the previous week in which the Vikings scored the game-winning goal in the final half minute. “Its a good learning lesson for the guys,” Maple Valley head coach Andy Roush said. Maple Valley did have time to battle back this time. The Lions evened the score at 1-1 in the second half when Owen Bailey converted on a penalty kick. Maple Valley’s Daniel Perez was taken down in the box to earn the shot on goal for the Lions. The Wolfpack broke the 1-1 tie with about 15 minutes to go, heading in a comer kick. “That is something we need to work on staying focused at the start stop,” Roush said. “Sometimes that is where little lapses can happen, not staying with the guy the whole way through and he got a head on it and was able to get it in the goal.” Overall though, he likes the progress he is seeing. Against Lakewood, the Lions were pressed into their defensive end for the entire second half. They were able to create more chances at Laingsburg and even out the possession quite a bit. The Lions faced another tough GLAC match Monday, hosting Lansing Christian. The Pilgrims scored an 8-0 win over the Lions. Maple Valley was scheduled to visit Bellevue for a non-conference match Wednesday (Sept. 15) and will host its Maple Valley Invitational Saturday. Hastings soccer scores draws with Charlotte and Pennfield The Hastings varsity boys’ soccer team will hit the road for an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match with Jackson Lumen Christi this afternoon (Sept. 16). The Saxons had their Tuesday afternoon trip to Coldwater postponed this week. The Saxons are still going after their first Interstate-8 Athletic Conference victory of the season. Hastings finished deadlocked in its past two games. Charlotte and the Saxons finished in a 3-3 draw Saturday in Hastings. That came two days after the Saxons and Pennfield Panthers finished in a 4-4 draw in their 1-8 match-up in Hastings. Hastings has another Saturday morning match at Allegan this weekend. �Page 14 — Thursday, September 16, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Saxons, Vikings, Lions score conference wins Brett Bremer Sports Editor Maple Valley varsity football coach Marty Martin quoted long-time Lion leader Guenther Mittelstaedt after his team opened the first ever Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference season with a homecoming victory over Vandercook Lake Friday. “We’re in first place this week and we’re going to try and be in first place next week,” Martin said. The Lions, Saxons and Lakewood Vikings will all be trying to stay at the top of their conference standings with wins this Friday night. The Saxons are 3-0 for the first time since 2010 and will hit the road back towards Jackson to face Interstate-8 Athletic Conference rival Parma Western. The Panthers were trounced by Harper Creek 50-22 last week, a Harper Creek team the Saxons beat in week two of the season. Hastings will be try­ ing to snap a four-game losing streak to the maroon and gold Panthers. Lakewood got its first victory of the season in its Greater Lansing Activities Conference opener last week, and the Vikings and Olivet Eagles are the two teams with 1-0 conference records. It is a few weeks before the annal showdown between what have been far and away the to best GLAC teams over the short history of the conference. The Vikings are back at it in the GLAC this week, hosting Perry. It’s the GLAC opener for the Ramblers, who are 1-2 on the season. The Ramblers got their first win yesterday with a dominant performance against Saranac. Maple Valley looks to get to 2-0 in the Tri­ River hosting Concord. The Lions are facing the Concord program for the first time, and the Yellow Jackets come into the bailgame with a 1-2 record. That is a deceiving number though as their two losses have been to unde­ feated Britton-Deerfield and Bridgman teams. Delton Kellogg is still a week away from the start of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division season. The Panthers go on the road to take on Coloma this Friday night. It has been a rough start for the Comets who are 0-3 and have given up a total of 137 points in those three ballgames. The Comets aren’t the only team around chasing win number one. The Thromapple Kellogg Trojans are looking for win nurilbef one as they host Forest Hills Eastern feu: the^r Trojans’ annual Salute to Service Night in Middleville. The Trojans are on their home turf for the first time this season after going on the road to face Hastings and South Christian and having to forfeit their week two bailgame. Local Standings (W-L, playoff points) Hastings Delton Kellogg Lakewood Maple Valley (8-player) Thornapple Kellogg 3-0(51.667) 1-2 (24.000) 1-2 (15.333) 1-2 0-3 (9.000) Conference Standings (overall, confer­ ence) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Hastings 3-0,2-0 Lumen Christi 3-0, 2-0 Parma Western 2-1,1 -1 Pennfield 2-1,1-1 Harper Creek 1 -2,1 -1 Coldwater 1-2,1-1 Marshall 1-2,0-2 Northwest 1-2,0-2 OK Gold Conference G.R. Catholic Central 3-0,1-0 Cedar Springs 2-1,1 -0 Kenowa Hills 2-1,1-0 South Christian 2-1,1 -0 Forest Hills Eastern 1 -2,0-1 Ottawa Hills 1 -2,0-1 Thomapple Kellogg 0-3,0-1 Wayland 0-3,0-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Lawton 3-0,0-0 Saugatuck 2-1,0-0 Delton Kellogg 1-2,0-0 Galesburg-Augusta 0-3,0-0 Schoolcraft 0-3,0-0 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Olivet 2-1,1-0 Lakewood 1-2,1-0 Perry 1-2,0-0 Leslie 1-2,0-1 Stockbridge 1 -2,0-1 Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference Britton-Deerfield 3-0,2-0 Maple Valley 1-2,1-0 NorthPointe Christian 1-2,1-1 Concord 1-2,0-1 Vandercook Lake 0-3,0-2 Here is a round-up of last week’s local grid­ iron action. Hastings 48, Marshall 28 Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings Saxons are 3-0 on the season, for the first time since 2010, after defeating the Marshall varsity football team at Marshall Friday night 48-28. Saxon senior captain, Owen Winegar, is proud of how the team is playing so far this season, “All the hard work is paying off, with every challenge on the field the team has pulled together and finished strong. Our coaches have worked extremely hard to devel­ op the team.” Saxon offensive coordinator, Pat Coltson said the offensive line, “is the catalyst of the offense that makes it go so smoothly. Glen McFarlan and Owen are the coaches on the field. They truly believe that we should score on every play and that attitude becomes infec­ tious to the backs.” The Saxons had a slight 8-7 lead after the first quarter and a 53-yard touchdown run and two-point conversion by TJ Russell. Hastings took a bigger lead going into half­ time 24-15, after a 37-yard touchdown by Robby Slaughter and a two-point conversion pass from Mason Denton to Russell. Russell would add another touchdown with 31 sec­ onds left in the half, and another two-point conversion was ran in by Lanny Teunessen. The Saxons have taken advantage of the running game by converting all the extra points to two-points this year. Winegar stated, “the offense has been the best in the last few years. Teamwork and positivity are strong throughout the team.” That positivity continued in the second half when the Saxons scored on the opening drive on a 46-yard touchdown and two-point con­ version by Slaughter. After the defense shut­ down Marshall, Slaughter would score again with 4 minutes left in the third, and the twopoint conversion run by Collin Fouty was good, for a 40-15 Saxon lead. Marshall scored again in the third on a 42-yard pass from quarterback Nate Tucker to Jamari Culliver to shorten the Saxon lead to 40-21. The Saxons answered with 1-yard run by Teunessen less than a minute into the 4th quarter, and a two-point conversion pass from Denton to Ashton Benson. With 30 seconds to go in the game, Marshall completed another 8-yard touchdown pass for the final score of the night. Closing the game with a 48-28 Saxon victory. Offensively, the Saxons rushed for 500 yards on the night, led by Slaughter with 217 yards and three touchdowns for the night. Russell added 181 yards and two touchdowns. They are supported by a strong offensive line, who Coach Coltson said is constantly making adjustments, “this years line is led by a great group of seniors, Owen Winegar, Glen McFarlan, Jackson Dubois and Ashton Benson.” On defense, the Saxons held Marshall to 135 yards rushing, but faced 318 passing yards. The Saxons were able to pick off three interceptions on the night by Layton Eastman, Fouty and Slaughter. The leading tackler on the night was Winegar with 6.5, followed by Victor Ramirez and Drew Gleason with 6 each. Constantine 40, Delton Kellogg 6 Delton Kellogg, playing its home opener, didn’t fare any better than the Falcons first two foes on the first Friday night of the 2021 varsity football season. Constantine improved to 3-0 on the season with a 40-6 win over the Panthers. The Falcons have now outscored their three oppo­ nents by a combined score of 142-19 this season. A 67-yard run by Panther running back Vinnie Quick on the opening play of the fourth quarter put the Panthers in position to score their only points. Two plays later team­ mate Ricky Ramsey plowed into the end zone from two yards out to put an end to the run­ ning clock which started late in the third quar­ ter. Constantine quarter back Caden Hetmansperger scored the first of his two touchdown runs on his team’s opening drive, after the Falcon defense turned the Panthers over on downs in Falcon territory on DK’s first possession. The Falcons had success with backs Lukas Hagenbuch and Dom Jacobs carrying the ball, and started to really take control when full back Bennett Vandenberg started to find some space through the middle. Vandenberg scored on a one-yard run to put his team up 24-0 in the closing seconds of the first half. Jacobs and Hagenbuch each scored once in the second half and their team was a perfect five-of-five on two-point tries over the course of the evening. Quick finished the ballgame with nine rushes for 75 yards for DK. Nabozny had 16 rushes for 53yards and Corey Moore added 11 carries for 34 yards. Halcomb had a team-high five tackles for the DK defense and was 3-of-6 passing for for six yards on offense. South Christian 35, Thornapple Kellogg 14 The Trojans didn’t appear to have missed a beat on offense after missing the chance to compete in week two. Thomapple Kellogg quarterback Carsen Burbridge capped off a 75-yard drive with a one-yard plunge into the end zone at East Kentwood’s Falcon Stadium in his team’s OK Gold Conference opener against South Christian. The Sailors scored the game’s next 35 points though and went on to a 35-14 win over the now 0-3 Trojans. Burbridge was 11-of-17 passing for 113 yards in the game and rushed for 96 yards. A 50-yard pass to Jaxan Sias put TK into posi­ tion to score a second touchdown with 3:50 to play in the ballgame. Zack Gibson scored on a three-yard run and then Burbridge tossed a two-point pass to teammate Logan Westcott to complete the scoring. South Christian back Chandler Van Solkema rushed nine times for 101 yards and a touchdown and teammate Nate Brinks ran nine times for 91 yards and two scores. Sailor quarterback Jake DeHaan was 3-of-8 passing for 28 yards and a touchdown to teammate Will Fennema, and DeHaan rushed eight times for 73 yards and a score as well. TK held its 6-0 lead late into the second quarter when Brinks scored on a 43-yard run that put his team in front 7-6 with the extra­ point kick. The Sailors scored twice in the final two minutes of the first half, also adding a 47 -yard TD run by DeHaan with 19 sec­ onds to go before the break. The Sailors scored three more touchdowns in the third quarter on a two-yard run by Van Solkema, a six-yard run by Brinks and a 25-yard touchdown pass from DeHaan to Will Fennema. Lakewood 35, Leslie 28 Lakewood scored on its final drive of the first half and the first drive of the second half to dig out of a 14-point hole and went on to a 35-28 victory in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference opener at Leslie Friday night. Lakewood quarterback Nathan Willette rushed for 189 yards and three touchdowns and threw a pair of touchdown passes - one each to Montreal Reid and Nathaniel Graham. Viking head coach Matt Markwart was thrilled with the job of blocking the six or seven offensive linemen rotating on and off the field did, and with the way the Lakewood running backs blocked on rushing plays for their quarterback. Back Denny Sauers added eight rushes for 78 yards for the Vikings in the ballgame. “I have a lot of running backs that are good blockers. Montreal [Reed] and Denny [Sauers] and Brendan Straub are good block­ ing running backs. They like to go out and hit people. They were opening him holes all night and letting [Willette] run through them.” “We have a real good team chemistry,” the Viking coach added. “They knew their job. They knew their roles and they were glad to do their roles. They went out and blocked and were disciplined. We started cleaning up the little mistakes. Our whole offensive line played tremendously. They were opening holes all night. They were driving guys off the ball. They worked hard.” Markwart said the Blackhawks never really did figure out how to slow down the Viking offense. Lakewood had a touchdown pass dropped on its opening offensive possession. “The rest of the game they didn’t stop us,” Markwart said. “We didn’t have to punt. We didn’t turn it over^^e popped ourselves on that first drive, and that gave them that 14-point lead.” The Lakewood defense, which allowed 21 points in the first 15 minutes of action, man­ aged to keep the Blackhawks at bay through­ out the second half and batted away a last second throw into the end zone to preserve the victory. The Vikings also blocked a Leslie field goal attempt late in the first half, a spe­ cial teams play that nearly allowed the Vikings tie the bailgame up before the half. “It was a typical Leslie football game,” Markwart said. “We had to stop them on the last play of the game to win. We had to bat down a pass on the last play of the game at the goal-line.” Leslie quarterback Mason Tow was 16-of22 passing for 200 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for a TD too. David Whitehead led the Blackhawks on the ground with 23 rushes for 159 yards and two scores. Aiden Borst had the Blackhawks’ TD reception on a 19-yard pass from Tow with 9:23 to go in the first half that helped put their team up 21-7 at the time. Viking kicker Ellie Minard was a perfect 5-for-5 on her extra point attempts. Hastings’ defender Collin Fouty dives to trip up Marshall receiver Jake Jacob during their 1-8 match-up in Marshall Friday night. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) Hastings running back TJ Russell with fellow back Robby Slaughter and the Saxon offensive line working to open up holes at Marshall Friday night. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) Maple Valley 55, Vandercook Lake 28 It is a little early for homecoming, but it is never too early to get win number one. The Maple Valley varsity football team improved to 1-2 on the season with a 55-28 win over visiting Vandercook Lake on home­ coming night at Maple Valley High School in what was the Lions’ first ever football game in the newly created Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference. “Our offense moved the ball and our defense played well enough. It was just a great team effort,” Lion head coach Marty Martin said. “We just played well as a team. We definitely could see the improvement we have made in the last couple weeks.” Cayden Scott rushed for three touchdowns for the Lions, Tyler Rose rushed for two touchdowns, Callan Hoefler had a shot TD run, Reece Proctor-Burhans recorded a safety for the Lion defense and Jesse Deppe recov­ ered a Jayhawk fumble in the end zone for a Lion TD as well. Deppe kicked an extra-point, Rose rushed in two two-point tries, Scott scored a twopoint run and Ayden Wilkes tossed two-point passes to Hoefler and Cam Carpenter on the Lions’ point-after-try attempts. The Lions finished the night having outgained Vandercook Lake 330 yards to 194. Hoefler had 13 rushes for 93 yards. Rose had 13 rushes for 77 yards and Scott added 11 carries for 77 yards. Wilkes completed 6-of-8 pass attempts for 96 yards. “Our running backs did a really nice job of reading those blocks and running the ball. They ran really hard, all of them did from Callan Hoefler to Andrew Shepard to Cayden Scott, Tyler Rose and James Penny. All of our running backs ran the ball really hard tonight,” coach Martin said. Both quarterbacks in the game had two passes intercepted. Hoefler and Rose had one interception each for the Lion defense and Delton Kellogg tight end Cole Lane turns up field with the ball after hauling in a reception during his team’s bailgame with visiting Constantine Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Nicholas Martin recovered two fumbles for the Lions while adding eight tackles. Deppe had a team-high ten tackles for Maple Valley and Proctor-Burhans and Rose had six tackles apiece. Proctor-Burhans had three sacks and Deppe two. “We can go from a good defense to a very good defense if we can limit big plays,” coach Martin said. “Teams have a hard time moving the ball slowly down the field and Vandercook Lake tried to do that to us tonight, just have a sustained drive, and they couldn’t do it.” Quarterback Andrew Cheney led the Jayhawk attack rushing 21 times for 109 yards and completing 4-of-8 passes for 85 yards. He hit a couple big passes early and had one big run, but for the rest of the evening the Lion defense mostly bottled up the Vandercook Lake offense. The Lions are now 2-0 all-time against the Jayhawks having bested them in the semifi­ nals of last winter’s large school 8-player postseason tournament. Coach Martin was also really pleased with the enthusiasm and support from the Lions on the sideline. Maple Valley’s Callan Hoefler bursty through an opening in the right side durincj his team’s homecoming win over Vandercook Lake Friday night at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Delton Kellogg’s Mason Nabozny slams into Constantine quarterback Cadect Hetmansperger, knocking the ball away, during the first half of their ballgame in Delton Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 16, 2021 — Page 15 Saxons’ Shults shaves big chunk off PR at Gilmore The Saxons’ Carissa Strouse (left) and Allison Teed race together about two miles into the Delton Kellogg Invitational Thursday at Gilmore Car Museum. (Photo by Brett Bremer) .. Saxon sophomore Lily Comensoli makes her way along the course at Gilmore Car Museum during the Delton Kellogg Invitational Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country team takes off at the start of its 2021 Delton Kellogg Invitational on a newly rede­ signed course at Gilmore Car Museum Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor With a season-opening dual with Gull Lake postponed due to heat, the Delton Kellogg varsity cross country teams ran their only iiome meet of the season on the slightly redesigned course at Gilmore Car Museum Thursday. That means it’ll be the lone race at Gilmore for the other area teams that took part as well, including the Hastings boys and girls. It was as great afternoon winding past the Fords, Cadillacs, bams and com fields for Saxon sophomore Riley Shults who placed fourth in the boys’ race with a time of 17 minutes 29.81 seconds — a new personal record. He was 30 seconds faster than his personal record from the end of his freshman season. < , “At the end of track season [in the spring] I decided I wasn’t doing very well and ‘hey, Why not put in a bunch of miles and train over fie summer,” Schults said. “I didn’t have a very good first couple meets [this fall], because 1g wasn’t x^ifortahL^^^-jthose^ faster pacesf*But today ["stucTwn^m^^top guys and I just kept on going, and going, and going and I ended up fourth overall.” Senior Garrett Winter and junior William Winter^fram_£grchment finished the boys’ gice 1-2, with Garfet^poming in at 16:19.30 and William in 17:11.40 Kalamazoo Christian senior Isaac Bos was third in tne boys’ race with a season-best time of 17:16.10. « Shults beat out Paw Paw junior Austin y/illiford over the final few hundred meters to place fourth. Williford ended up fifth in 17:33.4 with Wayland junior Devin Weaver sixth in 17:54.95. " “I have never really had a very strong kick,” Shults “I decided to start kicking with 0out 800 meters to go and I decided the last ttim why not push it?” ' Covenant Christian won the boys’ and girls’ championships at the 15-team invitational. The Hastings boys were fourth and the DK boys seventh. Covenant Christian finished with 63 points, ahead of Kalamazoo Christian 80, Wayland 85, Hastings 110, Paw Paw 123, Parchment 142, Delton Kellogg 145, St. Philip 178, Pennfield 262, Hopkins 268 and Marcellus 316. Cole Greenfield also set a new PR for the Saxon boys placing 57th in 21:03.60. The rest of the Saxon top five included Brandon Simmons 15^ in 18:36.15, Jonah Teed 19^ in 18:56.53 and Reuben Solmes 25^ in 19:18.74. Delton Kellogg got a personal record from new varsity runner Tyden Ferris, a senior who placed 32nd overall in 20:01.11. Ferris opted out of playing football this fall in an effort in part to stay in top physical condition for wrestling. He is also a part of the DK varsity boys’ soccer team for the second consecutive fall along with fellow harriers Hector Jimenez and Joelle White. .. _ Jimenez T3th-pW?^e IW® DK als&IM Micah Martin run his best time df the season in placing 26^. He came in at 19:34.74. DK also had Ethan Rimmer 38^ in 20:17.60 and Isaac Shepard 43r^ in 20:27.85. Hastings didn’t get a team score on the girls’ side with three competing. Allison Teed led the Saxon pack with a 14th-place time of 22:21.72. Carissa Strouse was 17^ in 22:35.49 and Lily Comensoli 38th in 24:22.8. Aubrey Aukerman led the DK girls with a season-best time of 22:28.62 that put her in 15^ place. Halena Phillips was 18^ overall for DK in 22:42.81. The Panthers also had Johannah Houtkooper, a freshman, set a new PR in 23:57.33 and senior Melanie Monroe set a PR with her 59th-place time of26:10.69. White was also in DK’s top five, placing 43r^ in 24:47.51. Saxon sophomore Riley Shults races ^wew^personah^e^rd time -and a fourth place finish at the Delton Kellogg Invitational Thursday at the Gilmore Car Museum. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Covenant Christian senior Meghan Beute didn’t have any competition at the front of the girls’ race. She finished in 19:24.39. Wayland sophomore Olivia Barabas was the runner-up in 20:48.50. Covenant Christian also had Lydia VandenBerg and Amber Koole place third and fourth respectively. Covenant Christian won the girls’ meet with 35 points, ahead of Kalamazoo Christian 50, PawPaw 123, Hopkins 135, Wayland 139, Delton Kellogg 139, St. Philip 162, Parchment 176, Marcellus 228 and Pennfield 276. Delton Kellogg’s Hector Jimenez races a few strides ahead of Hastings’ and during the first mile of the Delton Kellogg Invitational Thursday at Gilmore Car Museum. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Pennfield rallies for five-set win over Saxon spikers in 1-8 play Valerie Slaughter The Saoxns’ Audrey Vertalka goes up for an attack as teammate Carly Warner looks on during their match with Pennfield at Hastings High School Sept. 8. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Contributing Writer The Hastings Saxon varsity volleyball team lost to Pennfield in their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match at Hastings High School Wednesday (Sept. 8). The Saxons took the first two sets over Pennfield 25-13 and 25-22, before the Panthers made a comeback and took the last three sets 12-25, 15-25 and 8-15. Hastings Head Coach Tiffany Hendershot said, “the girls put everything they had into those first two sets. They were passing well and hitting well and made very few unforced errors, but by the third set they started getting tired and made more unforced errors which caused them to get into their own heads and they just couldn’t find a way to come back from that.” The Saxon team was led by Audrey Vertalka who had 15 kills on the night and 5 solo blocks and 2 assists and 6 aces from the service line. Morgan Deal led in assists with 15. The defense was led by Isabella Hendershot in passing. Hendershot also added 3 aces from the service line. On Saturday, the Hastings team traveled to Union City for the Union City Classic. The Saxons dropped their first two set to Mendon 19-25 and 24-26. Coach Hendershot noted “it was a very close and well played match.” The Saxon team then defeated Union City 27-25 and 25-19, in what Coach Hendershot described as their best played sets of the day. In the next round they split sets with Colon 25-17 and 18-25, before defeating Union City JV in the first round of their bracket play 25-19 and 25-14, before dropping two sets to Athens. Leading the Saxons in kills for the day was Carly Warner with 17. Vertalka added 12 kills and 10 assists along with 9 solo blocks and 8 block assists. Bailey Cook had 11 kills. Deal added 21 assists for the team along with 22 service points and 7 aces. Abby Beemer added another 30 service points and 6 aces along with 12 kills and 5 digs. Hendershot added another 15 digs and 6 aces for the Saxons. Hastings varsity volleyball players Bella Hendershot and Cailin Redman play defense in the back row during their team’s five-set loss to visiting Pennfield in an 1-8 dual Wednesday (Sept. 8) at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) �Page 16 —Thursday, September 16, 2021 — The Hastings Banner DK/TK/HHS girls handle Fremont in Hastings Brett Bremer Sports Editor The divers for the Delton Kellogg/ Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings girls’ swim­ ming and diving team certainly got the job done Thursday. DK/TK/HHS junior Eve Bishop boosted her score from meet one to meet two by more than 30 points as she won the diving competi­ tion at her team’s dual with Fremont at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings. Freshman teammate Abigail Dumond upped her score to place second in the event and sophomore Maelea Martin was right in line with what she scored in the event the first time around, placing third Thursday. Those were the only three divers compet­ ing, and the DK/TK/HHS team had a signifi­ cant depth advantage all the way around as it scored a 95-59 victory to improve to 2-0 on the season. Things get tougher from here for the DK/ TK/HHS girls as they host the MuskegonMona Shores Co-op for a non-conference dual Thursday, Sept. 16. The Muskegon- Mona Shores girls and the DK/TK/HHS girls spent years battling each other for OK Rainbow Tier II Conference championships before the Muskegon girls’ recent move out of the conference. “We have several brand new kids. For many of them the meet with Ionia was their first meet, so this was their second meet,” DK/TK/HHS head coach Carl Schoessel said. “We’re seeing improvements in them with times, but starts and turns and things like that we still have to work on.” Bishop’s big score Thursday was a 202.50 to win the diving competition. Dumond was second at 199.73 and Martin tallied 146.25 points. DK/TK/HHS won all 12 events in the dual with Fremont. The meet started with the team of Lily Foy, Erin Daniels, Preslee Hall and Ellen Shults taking the 200-yard medley relay in 2 minutes 15.92 seconds. Cadence VanOoy and Sophia Marcukaitis won the next two races for DK/TK/HHS and were the only two girls to win two individual races on the evening. VanOoy took the 200- Freshman Melany Vargas anchors a 200-yard freestyle relay for the Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team during its home opener against visiting Fremont Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) yard freestyle in 2:20.40 and followed that up later by winning the 500-yard freestyle in 6:23.77. Marcukaitis took the 200-yard indi­ vidual medley in 2:27.82 and then the 100yard breaststroke in 1:15.96. Sophia Marcukaitis also teamed with Holly Carpenter, Anna Haywood and Abby Marcukaitis to win the 200-yard freestyle relay with a time of 1:50.83. Abby, Aubrey Hawks, Haywood and Carpenter won the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:13.04. Carpenter was the 50-yard freestyle champ with a time of 28.72 seconds. Abby Marcukaitis won the 100-yard butterfly in 1:01.70. Haywood took the 100-yard freestyle in 1:03.28. Hawks took the 100-yard back­ stroke in 1:13.95. Vikings pull even with Bees by winning jamboree at Pine Hills Brett Bremer Junior Erin Daniels swims the 100-yard breaststroke for the DK/TK/HHS varsity girls’ swimming and diving team in the CERC pool in Hastings Thursday during its win over visiting Fremont. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Sophomore Bella Morey swims the 100-yard backstroke for the DK/TK/HHS girls’ swimming and diving team during its win over visiting Fremont at the CERG in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Sports Editor The Vikings are back on top. There have only been two Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamborees this season, but Lakewood pulled even with the Bath Bees atop the conference standings by winning the conference jamboree hosted by Laingsburg Thursday afternoon at Pine Hills Golf Course. The Vikings tallied a score of 203, ahead of Bath 211, Olivet 215, Laingsburg 232 and Perry 240. The Vikings and Bath Bees were tied at the end of the first conference jambo­ ree, with Bath taking the first place points by winning the fifth-score tiebreaker. The Thursday jamboree didn’t come down to that thanks to the Vikings’ depth. Senior Claire Benham and sophomore Makenzie Vasquez each scored a 49 to lead the Vikings, and senior Hailee Shepard scored a 50. BARRY COUNTY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE, MEDICATION COLLECTION, AND *FREE* TIRE DROP-OFF! SATURDAY, SEPT. 18, 2021 FROM 9 A.M. - 1 P.M. BARRY EXPO CENTER, 1350 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings Household Hazardous Waste Limit of 10 gallons per vehicle Including aqueous acids and bases; oil-based paints; reactives; solvents; aerosol cans; automotive liquids; pesticides (liquids and solids); automotive batteries; alkaline, nickel-cadmium and/or silver oxide batteries; liquid cleaners; heavy metal solutions ------ ---------------------- ------------------ —,--------.— —_ ----------............... Participants must stay in their vehicle and wear a mask at drop off time. We Cannot Accept: Asbestos; electronics, latex paint (when dry it can go to the landfill); propane tanks, commercially generated waste; radioactive material; explosives; unknown wastes; console and projection televisions; speakers in wooden cases; tires heavily caked with dirt. ELECTRONICS NOT ACCEPTED Medications Medications need to be in their original containers with the name of the drug clearly labeled. Cross out any personal information on the containers. Help keep your home, environment and community safe. DISPOSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS SAFELY Don't pour paint, solvent, medicine, automotive oil, or chemicals down the drain or dump them in the trash where they may end up in our drinking water and lakes! Tire Drop-Off FREE thanks to to a grant from EGLE *This is a ONE TIME ONLY free tire-drop off event LIMIT OF 10 TIRES PER CAR • HOUSEHOLD TIRES ONLY (NO BUSINESS TIRES) First come, first serve until all trailers are full Questions? Please call (269) 798-4107 Sponsored by the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee with thanks to the Barry County Fair Board. Waste Management. Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force. Sheriff's Dept., City of Hastings Police Dept., and local pharmacies Benham and Vasquez tied Bath sophomore Aubrie Schaibly for fourth individually on the day and Shepard was seventh. Vasquez fired a birdie on the short par-4, number two and Benham birdied the par-4 eighth hole. Bath senior Ally Estrada and Laingsburg senior Grace Elfring each scored a 46 and Olivet junior Miah Kiss scored a 47. Lakewood had each of its four in the top ten with sophomore Audrey Hillard tied for ninth with a 55. Viking junior Karmyn Winkler was right behind with a 58. The Vikings were set to get together with the GLAC again Tuesday for the jamboree hosted by Perry at Glenbrier Golf Course, but that match was brought to an early end due foj the weather. Bath will play host to a GLAC jamboree this Thursday (Sept. 16) at Timber Ridge. TK girls fourth behind Sailors, Cougars and Hawks at Yankee Springs Brett Bremer Sports Editor So far the big battle in the OK Gold continues to be for the second spot behind South Christian. Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Forest Hills Eastern continue to go back and forth. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ golf team placed fourth at an OK Gold Conference jamboree for the third and consecutive times when it hosted the conference at Yankee Springs Golf Course Wednesday and then gathered with the conference again Monday for the jamboree hosted by Kenowa Hills at Gracewil Country Club. South Christian won last Wednesday’s event with a score of 164, ahead of Catholic Central 178, FHE 178, TK 192, Kenowa Hills 205, Wayland 207 and Cedar Springs 221. Senior Lane Kaminski led TK with a 43, finishing in a tie for seventh individually on the day. South Christian junior Natalie Northouse was the top scorer at the jamboree with a 40 and her teammates Claire Vanelderen and Ashley Thomasma both shot a 41 to tie for second. Senior teammate Elie Bolkema was right behind with a 42. Scores of 42 were also turned in by Forest Hills Eastern senior Phaedra Melinn and Catholic Central freshman Ava Wisinski. TK freshman Ailana Leos scored a 47 and senior Katy Raphael a 49. The Trojan team also got a 53 from senior Paris Hale. At Gracewil Monday, South Christian won with a score of 16. FHE was second at 180, aheakd of Catholic Central 182, Thomapple Kellogg 194, Wayland 195, Kenowa Hills 206 and Cedar Springs 212. Kaminski shot a 43 and Leos a 47 to lead TK. Raphael shot a 50 and teammate Hale a 54. FHE sophomore Sophie Skoog was the top individual Monday with a score of 39. Thomasma shot a 40 to lead South Christian and place second individually. Bolkema and Lucy Dehaan from South Christian each scored a 42 as did Wayland’s Ali Oddy. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-09-23.pdf 1e614d3ef5af10e70c52f455e0195326 PDF Text Text Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 TK school board president resigns Saxons set for clash with football Titans I See Story on Page 9________ I See Story on Page 11 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 s 1070490102590502804249058195427 ANNER £ State st tln3S Ml 49058. Thursday, September 23, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 38 PRICE $1.00 Mask mandate fuels outcry Parents demand end to mandate J-Ad News Staff Maple Valley Schools canceled classes for the rest of the week on Tuesday night, to give fami­ lies time to prepare for the new mask require­ ments, and because of a number of COVID-19 positive tests and exposures in the district. The board met for seven hours between Monday and Tuesday night to hear public comment on the Barry-Eaton District Health Department’s new mandates and discuss the district’s response. The health department issued two orders last Friday, requiring public school students to wear masks and quarantine if they are close contacts, starting Wednesday. Hundreds of parents, community members and students attended the board meetings of Maple Valley, Hastings Area Schools, Delton Kellogg Schools and Caledonia Community Schools to speak out on the new orders. Many parents demanded their school boards defy the mask mandate, and said they would not allow their children to wear a mask at school. Several parents said they would pull their children out of the school district if masks are required. Few people spoke in support of the man­ dates. 7 “I’m telling you right now, I will not mask my kids, I will not quarantine them,” Sara Brumm told the Maple Valley Board of Education Monday night. “... These are our God-given rights and you will not take that away. Our family is prepared to un-enroll our children. We will not put them through this again.” Maple Valley Superintendent Katherine Bertolini outlined a number of reasons behind the decision to cancel school, in an update on the district’s website. “We had minimal time to adjust to the masking and quarantine emergency orders that went into effect today, which was creat­ ing confusion, frustration and challenges for many of our families,” Bertolini said. “Due to the publicly shared intention to protest and challenge the orders, many par­ ents were notifying us that they would not bring their children to school to witness that discord,” she added. The district also had several positive COVID tests and exposures among staff, which, given the shortage of substitute teach­ ers, would have created a loss of teacher cov­ erage in some classes. Fuller Street Elementary See PARENTS, page 9 Citizens call for county to act During meetings that lasted nearly six hours Tuesday, the Barry County Board of Commissioners heard from 59 people who shared their concerns about mask man­ dates relating to COVID-19. Names were sometimes garbled or not mentioned in the emotion of the moment. Here, an unidentified parent asks commissioners to stop any mask mandate from taking effect. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Rebecca Pierce Editor Two-hundred and fifty eight people attend­ ed the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday. On Monday, people were predicting that 250 people would show up, many expressing frustration with school officials at districts in the county. Many said they were seeking someone who could stand up and do something to stop the mask mandate issued by the Barry-Eaton District Health Department that would go into effect Wednesday. On Monday afternoon, Chairman Ben Geiger was not planning to move the meeting. On Tuesday morning before 9 a.m., the commissioners’ chambers were packed to beyond the fire marshall’s occupancy limit of 37 - and people kept arriving. The idea of having people take turns enter­ ing the room to speak during the public com­ ment portion of the meeting was not possible, given the number of people who kept coming - and coming. So the meeting was moved to the circuit courtroom on the first floor. So the group turned around and walked down the stairs or took turns for the elevator. See CITIZENS, page 3 The county commissioners had to move their meeting from the mezzanine in the historic courthouse to the circuit courtroom where there was a standing-only crowd of 258 people. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) State police probe 2 suspicious deaths Students, parents protest mask mandates Benjamin Simon Staff Writer About 20 students and parents protested Wednesday morning against new COVID­ related restrictions in Hastings Area School District. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department has announced mandates that require all staff, students and visitors to wear masks and follow quarantine protocols. On Wednesday, students said they walked into the high school without masks and were asked to leave. They receded to the lawn in front of the school after the first bell at 8 a.m., where they protested the mask man­ dates. The bulk of the students huddled around each other before leaving the premis­ es 30 minutes later. The meeting was reassembled a short time later in the courtroom. Geiger explained to the crowd that the county commissioners’ hands are tied as far as mandates issued by BEDHD Health Officer Colette Scrimger, but many members in the audience weren’t buying that - and they said so several times over as the public comments began. The audience lined up to speak and then the session began and what transpired over the next several hours was emotional. Some were perplexed and some were angry. Mothers and fathers, grandparents and stu­ dents all, in effect, testified about the impact that COVID-19 has had on their lives. They described the toll is has taken and how many of them just couldn’t take any more. The subject of suicide seemed to be a uni­ versal issue - especially for teens and young adults. Teachers implored the county board to remove the mask mandate, saying they couldn’t do their jobs well when their stu­ dents were masked. “The problem is that not one adult inside of that building is standing up for these kids,” junior Erin Daniels said. “We’re by ourselves. And our health should not be up to someone who doesn’t live in our commu­ nity. ... And that’s why I believe that we shouldn’t go in there because nobody’s standing up for the kids. So the kids have to stand up for the kids.” Along with other students, Daniels said she planned to attend the health department meet­ ing Thursday morning. If nothing changed after that, she said she was unsure about her next steps. “We go from there,” she said. Alicia Miller, a Baltimore Township resi­ dent and the parent of a Hastings Middle School student, joined the protest as her daughter sat in the car. She said she would homeschool her child until the mandates are lifted. “It’s about the choice,” she explained. “It’s not about masks. It’s about the freedom.” Some of the students, however, said they were protesting because of the mask man­ date. They mentioned that they have trouble communicating with masks on, forcing them to feel isolated. “Beginning of this year, everyone was fine, everyone was happy, no masks. Felt like it was going be a great school year,” junior Macy Winegar said. “Last year, it didn’t feel like that. You dreaded coming to school every See STUDENTS, page 5 Temperance France, a sixth-grade stu­ dent at Hastings Middle School, protests against the mask mandate in the district. (Photo by Ben Simon) Greg Chandler Staff Writer Michigan State Police are investigating the deaths of two people whose bodies were discovered Tuesday inside their home. Troopers from the Wayland Post were called to a residence on Lakeridge Drive in Yankee Springs Township at about 5 p.m. Tuesday in reference to what was described as “a suspicious situation.” Upon arriving at the scene, troopers entered the home and discovered the bodies of the two individuals. The police are not released their names have not been released at this time. An investigation is being conducted by the MSP Wayland Post with assis­ tance from the Barry County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police Laboratory. There is no known threat to the public, police said. �Page 2 — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — The Hastings Banner BUSINESS BRIEFS~~| Hasting implements mandatory masking, quarantining Staff Writer Benjamin Simon standing up for its community members. H noted that board members have reached o The Hastings Area School System to the Board of Commissioners and he h announced Monday it would comply with the Saturday, Sept. 25. The post is at 2160 S. personally contacted the office of State Re Barry-Eaton District Health Departments M-37 Highway Julie Calley, R-Portland. orders to mandate masking and quarantine in The work is not completed, however. Full On Wednesday morning, he spoke wi all schools as of Wednesday. plans for the backyard will be accomplished BEDHD Health Officer Colette Scrimg Last Friday, the health department over several years. But the grand opening during their regularly scheduled superinten announced two emergency orders requiring will be mark the first official use of the dent meeting, where he said he relayed th all school personnel, including staff, students This Saturday in downtown Hastings is space. pushback they’re getting from parents an and visitors to wear masks in schools and the 5th annual Barry County BrewFest. school district residents. quarantine if exposed. This event will take place at the Thomapple “I think this particular mandate has made Once exposed, students have the option to Plaza from 1 to 7 p.m. tremendous disruption,” Goebel said. “I thin quarantine for 10 days without a test, eight The event will feature a selection of it goes all the way down to just scheduling days if they receive one negative test or con ­ beers from 28 of Michigan’s craft brewer­ ... [We’re] in the midst of this semester. An tinue attending school if they receive a daily ies, wineries, meaderies, and distilleries Hastings Superintendent Matt Goebel now we have some kids that have been doin negative test. If asymptomatic, fully vacci­ with live music, food and drink in down­ speaks with a community member after in-person learning for a period of time an nated people who have been exposed to the town Hastings. Pre-sale tickets for the Monday's school board meeting. (Photo want to go virtual, and then they may want to virus or those who have tested positive for event are available for $30 until Friday at 5 by Benjamin Simon) Grace Lutheran Church in Hastings will come back. COVID-19 in the last 90 days do not have to p.m. host a free 90-minute information and train­ I believe that kids thrive in more of a rou quarantine. Tickets are available for purchase at the “I am asking you and the board to stand up ing session on use of an automated external tine and structure environment.” Superintendent Matt Goebel said he heard gate Saturday for $40. Admission includes and not comply with these mandates,” defibrillator from 12:15 to 2 p.m. Sunday Goebel added that he does not know how of the health department mandates at 11 a.m. commemorative tasting glass and five tast­ Christine Becker said. “This isn’t OK. This is Sept 26. ’ long the mandates will last. Friday and reached out to board members, ing tickets. Additional tasting tickets will going to be a domino effect. The more you An AED is used to help people experienc­ “I’m hoping that this is a short-term issue consulted with the district’s legal team and be available for purchase. give in, the more they’re going to keep doing ing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a sophisticat­ so that we can get back to optional mask use,” talked with other superintendents to deter ­ Entertainment will include Matt Gabriel, it. Enough is enough.” ed, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can he said. “I’m being positive about that.” mine the best step forward. a singer/songwriter who has spent over a “If we want to risk it with COVID; we analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, In response to the mandates, the district If the district didn’t comply, he was advised decade writing and performing music want to risk it...,” Angie Webb said. “And I deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation’ has seen an uptick in students enrolled in that they could face jail time, fines of up to around the country. His Boy Elroy is an mean, sorry. I’m sorry you guys are in this to help the heart re-establish an effective Hastings Virtual Academy. They began the $200 and a loss of governmental immunity, easy-listening cover band of popular and position, but please help us. Help us fight for rhythm. year with 110 students in the program, but meaning the district and its administration classic rock music from Marshall. Paul our kids. We don’t want this.” Having access to an AED and knowing that number has grown to around 140, with a could be sued. He said their attorney advised Rogers and “Bucky” Rogers are on guitars, Jessie Orr, a Nashville resident, held back how to use one, along with CPR and rescue vast majority of the increase coming over the the district to go with the restrictions. and Gerry Light is on bass. tears as she said she would pull her daughter breathing, is critical to increasing a person’s past two days. On Monday, Goebel sent a letter to families Hastings’ 150th Birthday will be a focal out of the Hastings Area School System chance of survival. The bulk of the new online enrollees, in the district detailing the new mandates and point since the Fifth Annual BrewFest is because of the mask mandates. Anyone interested in this training may Goebel said, weren’t previously students in the district ’ s decision. He read the letter during taking place in the same year that Hastings “I hope you guys get their medical bills for call 269-908-0024. The church is at 239 E. the district. Monday s regularly scheduled board meeting. celebrates its sesquicentennial. all of the physical rashes that they’ll get from North St., Hastings. In other business: “It is imperative that you understand that Parking is available throughout the the masks, the sicknesses that they’ll get from — Three people stepped forward to raise these orders are mandated by the health city, excluding the Ace Hardware Parking the mask, the psychological effects that these concerns about the hiring of the district’s new department and do not express my personal masks do,” she told the board. “I hope they Dean of Students Jeff Pratt, recently retired views nor that of the Hastings Board of sent you the medical bills because you guys Hastings police chief, who was present at Education,” he wrote, bolding the word man­ are not standing up for us and our children.” Monday night’s meeting. dated. During the board comment portion of the Jeremy Rose asked for more information In an interview with the Banner on meeting, Trustee Dan Patton told the crowd The American Red Cross will have a blood on the hire. Wednesday, Goebel said the district will com­ “you can come to school board meetings and drive from noon to 5:45 Thursday, Sept. 30, <T don’t know Mr. Pratt. This has nothing ply with the orders, but emphasized his belief have some impact, but it’s pretty limited. Our at the First Presbyterian Church, 405 N. M-37 to do with him personally,” Rose said. “... But that people should have the right to choose. Members of the Lawrence J. Bauer hands are tied as much as anybody.” Highway, Hastings. when we went from a vice principal to a dean I would prefer that the health department American Legion Post 45 in Hastings Instead, Patton encouraged people to con­ Individuals who are at least 17 years old, of students in this hiring, to me, it did feel a give the local school districts the options and worked throughout the summer months to tact their elected officials and attend commu­ weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in little bit like a position being created for a choice that they did at the beginning of the develop the venue’s backyard, and now they nity meetings. generally good health may be eligible to person rather than someone filling a position school year,” he said. are ready to share the new space. Trustee Mike Nickels added that the board donate blood. that was open.” Community members attended the two“We’ll show off what we’ve done, includ­ still believes families should have the right to All blood types are needed to ensure a reli­ - The board accepted a $15,735 bid from hour board meeting to express their displea­ ing playing horseshoes and com hole,” a choose if their children wear masks, but these able supply for patients. A blood donor card Murray’s Asphalt Maintenance to repair the sure with the new mandates. Some said their press release announced. “We’ll sit around mandates are not up to them. or driver’s license or two other forms of iden­ Star Elementary School service drive and a freedoms were being stripped from them. the fire as twilight draws near and have “We want those options and we’re all in tification are required at check-in. $24,640 bid from Hoekstra Roofing Company Some argued that the masks have detrimental sandwiches and salads at the new picnic support of those options,” he said. “...We’re Appointments are preferred and may be to encapsulate the Central Elementary con­ effects on their kids’ physical, mental and tables. And we want to highlight those not the health department. We are not health made by downloading the American Red crete roofing edge. emotional health. Some threatened to leave Legion Family folks who have done the professionals. So it’s not our job to make Cross Blood Donor App, visiting?RedCross- Accepted a $2,500 donation from the school district altogether. And many work to bring this into being, so, bring the those decisions. And we have to play by the Blood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800­ Spectrum Health Pennock to fund a blood called on the board to “stand up” to the man­ family.” rules. 733-2767). pressure machine for athletic trainers. dates, which prompted thunderous applause The party is planned*'from 5 to “But let them know how you feel, as we - Approved 2021-22 district provided that rippled throughout the elementary school have.” Professional Development Plan. gymnasium. Goebel said he feels like the district is -Approved 2022-23 school year calendar. Fifth Annual Brewfest in Hastings Saturday Hastings church hosting free AED training Legion opening backyard with party Blood drive planned in Hastings DDA considers changes to facade grant guidelines of Middleville Independent and Assisted Living • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including _________ housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.Carvethvaiage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Everyone is invited to Hastings High School 2021 Fall Expo * 150+ Craft & Vendor Booths in gyms & in the main first floor hall Benjamin Simon Staff Writer It has been more than 15 years since the Hastings Downtown Development Authority made changes to its facade grant design stan­ dards. Now, council members are thinking about revising them. The discussion wasn’t planned on the agenda for Friday’s 8 a.m. DDA meeting, but it came up during the group’s regular facade and BEIG update. By the end of the meeting, three members Deb Hatfield, Tom AViswell and Tracy Baker - agreed to form a committee and con­ sider upgrades to the design standards. The guidelines will be used to review facade grand applications from downtown business owners. Currently, the downtown district’s facade design standards place an emphasis on histor­ ical features. But Community Development Director Dan King. said the language is “extremely broad.” < There really weren’t specific components other than the statement that the goal of the DDA facade grant program is to maintain the historical characteristics of the buildings,” he said. “That’s a nebulous statement. That’s really cloudy.” ’ The current eight-page guideline docu­ ment, which provides recommendations for front facades, rear facades and new buildings, states: “The objective of these design guide­ lines is the protection of the historic character of the downtown buildings and the protection of the integrity of the current structures to prevent further damage. The following guide­ lines are intended to direct the physical and economic revitalization of the Downtown Overlay Zoning District and to [ensure] a consistency in the quality of design for the downtown area.” The hope is to provide broad guidelines so each downtown building doesn’t look identi­ cal. Still, King said, they need to provide more concrete specifications. “What historical components are really being referred to?” he asked. “Is it windows? Is it the brick facades? Is it the doors? Is it the thresholds? You know, what does that actual­ ly mean?” In its rewriting, the DDA recommended that the committee encourage historical mate­ rials, styles and features that are still popular today. King gave the example of corrugated metal. “I believe that the committee will try to look at ... trendy things from the past that still have legs and still are popular in current trends,” he said. King noted that the DDA hopes to encour­ age these upgrades without “breaking the bank,” which can be the case in many histor­ ical restoration projects. “One thing I know that they’re going to be very cognizant of is the cost of trying to do these facade improvements,” he said. “It will not be lost on the DDA the potential econom­ ic costs of some of these design standards.” In other business, the DDA: - Will bring back McKenna Planning Saturday, September 25 10 AM - 3 PM 520 W. South Street, Hastings, MI CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Parking available in front and back of school in parking lots Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Free Admission - Come shop and at! This event raises $ to support the student’s at Hastings High School! Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com Carveth Village of Middleville ww w.CarvethVillage .com ‘Remember... ifyou can’t live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 Consultant Rebecca Harvey and Wightman Regional Director Mickey Bittner to its October or November meeting to discuss the next steps in its streetscape design plan. That will include a conversation about how the project will be funded, as King estimated it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions. - Approved $1,621.26 to pay for sesquicentennial celebration costs at Barry County Brewfest this Saturday. - Approved a new street banner for the 2021 Jingle & Mingle event that will take place from December 3-5. - Provided information about a facade grant proposal provided to Barlow Florist. — Presented a holiday billboard that will go up on November 8 at US131 and 142nd street. King said the DDA approved the art­ work for the billboard in concept. — Tabled a discussion around amendments to the DDA s bylaws, rules and procedures. Committee members will wait until the new city manager, Sarah Moyer-Cale, has more time to get up to speed. - Closed the sale of the property at 128 N. Michigan Ave last Wednesday. After six amendments to the initial sale, the land is now owned by Hastings Michigan Avenue, LLC, or AJ Veneklasen, a Grand Rapidsbased developer. Construction will begin within the next 60 days and should finish around November 2022. The development will bring 21 market-rate apartments and 2,630-square-feet of retail space to the down­ town area. Watson Drain appeals hearing set for Thursday Property owners in Barry County’s Watson Drain district, who appealed their assessment for the $6.67 million project to deal with flooding, will get their day in court Thursday. Thomas Fleckenstein of St. Augustine, Fla., Samuel Newland of Delton, and Daniel Farmer of Plymouth originally filed the appeals. A hearing is scheduled in probate court at 10 a.m. Thursday before a three-member board of review. The court file states that Fleckenstein, Newland and Farmer are “aggrieved by the apportionment of benefits made by Jim Dull, Barry County Drain Commissioner on Sept. 3,2021, for improvements to a certain drain known as ‘Watson Drain’ in Prairieville Township, and this property owner takes appeal therefore,” according to a probate court order setting a $1,500 bond on the notice of appeal. Chief Judge William Doherty appointed Kerri Selleck, the coun­ ty’s chief public defender, and local attorneys James Kinney and Robert Byington to the board, which is charged with viewing the lands, reviewing the apportionment and hearing the arguments. The board is charged with making findings to either sustain the apportionment of the drain commissioner or, if there is an error in equality of their appor­ tionments, to order and make chang­ es that are just and equitable. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — Page 3 Confrontation at the courthouse Citizens call for county to act I Adam Heikkila CITIZENS, continued from page 1 5 “How are students supposed to jwork as a team when we can get close to each other?” one asked. * A seventh-grader told commis­ sioners, “Almost all my classmates told me they want to kill them­ selves,” she said. “We children have been isolated from the world for no reason.” A nurse, a 22-year veteran of the medical field who also is a parent, described her experiences serving on “the frontlines of COVID.” “I should have the right to choose for my children,” she told the board. Commissioners had scheduled two meetings for Tuesday. So, after all the comments had been heard and the numbers in the audience had dwindled down to a size that allowed the board to move back to the mezzanine, commissioners reconvened in a second session. The comments had an impact. Geiger went around the table asking commissioners about their impressions. Commissioner Bruce Campbell wept as he described how the experiences have harmed a family member, who is struggling to cope. He later said that all the com­ ment he heard from citizens were words “striking home at the very heart of what I’m dealing with.” One of the people in the audi­ ence approached him after the meeting and said to him, “Would you mind if I give you a hug?” “We’re not the bad guy,” Campbell told The Banner Wednesday. Retired teacher Rebecca Bowes So many people attended, the meeting had to be moved from the mezzanine to the first floor courtroom. Barry County Commissioners (from left) Bruce Campbell, Dave Jackson, Vivian Conner, Ben Geiger, Howard Gibson, Jon Smelker and Catherine Getty listen during their Tuesday session in Barry County Circuit Court. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) BEDHD mandates mask, quarantine protocol Greg Chandler Staff Writer Students attending schools in Barry County are now under public health orders, issued by the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, mandating the wearing of masks and setting forth quarantine and isola­ tion procedures for local schools. The orders, issued by BEDHD Health Officer Colette Scrimger, went into effect at midnight Wednesday. Scrimger issued the orders last Friday. They will remain in place until she rescinds the orders. “With today’s emergency orders, Barry and Eaton county school districts are man­ dated to follow evidence-based prevention strategies for control of the COVID-19 epi­ demic in schools and educational institu­ tions,” Scrimger said in a news release issued by the health department. The orders were issued pursuant to the 'Michigan Public Health Code, which autho­ rizes public health officers to “take actions and make determinations necessary or appropriate to carry out the local health department’s functions to protect the public health and prevent disease.” Barry and Eaton counties have seen large increases in ill and quarantined school-age students in recent weeks. BEDHD reported a 219 percent increase in new cases among 0-17 year olds when comparing the twoweek period of Aug. 1-14 and the two-week period of Aug. 29- Sept. 11, Scrimger said. As of Tuesday, there were 175 active cases of COVID-19 in the county, up from 148 the week before, and 123 the previous week. One additional death was reported, for a total of 73 since the pandemic came to Barry County in March of last year. The percentage of COVID-19 tests which were positive in Barry County fluctuated between 10 and 21 percent in the most recent seven days reported by the State of Michigan. Health officials warn the high rate means there are likely many more positive cases in the county. Since the school year began, Hastings Area Schools has reported 57 cases of COVID-19 among students and staff, Thomapple Kellogg Schools reported 42, Lakewood Public Schools reported 18, Maple Valley reported 12 and Delton Kellogg Schools reported five. “Furthermore, children under 12 are too young to receive the vaccine and further contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in schools,” she said. Scrimger went on to say that studies have overwhelmingly demonstrated the effective­ ness of facial coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Face coverings prevent asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic infected individuals who feel well and may be unaware of their infec­ tion from spreading respiratory droplets into the air allowing other people to become infected,” she said. “Face coverings trap virus-containing droplets and aerosols that are spread when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs.” With mandatory full masking, schools will have the option to implement any of three quarantine protocols for non-house­ hold exposures less than three feet. • No test: Quarantine for a full 10 days from exposure. • One test: Receive a negative COVID-19 test taken on post-exposure day 6 or 7 and return on Day 8. • Daily test: If a school implements an approved testing protocol, student can attend school if they receive a negative daily rapid test. Students and staff with household expo­ sures are required to quarantine for 10 days after the last day of exposure to the COVID­ positive household member. People who are fully vaccinated are not required to quaran­ tine. BEDHD had held off on any new orders regarding COVID up until now, while other West Michigan county health departments issued mask mandates. Kent, Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon counties all have mandates requiring students from pre-kin- dergarten to sixth grade to wear masks. Those orders were issued in late August. Barry County Commissioner Ben Geiger, R-Nashville, who chairs the BEDHD Board of Health, the governing body of the health department, said that he and Scrimger had “spirited discussions about the necessity for a mask mandate,” but supported the orders. “We live in contentious times, and there’s few things more contentious today than a mask mandate for our schools ... Despite my views, I always reiterated this is a diffi­ cult decision, and hers and hers alone to make,” Geiger said in the news release. “Ms. Scrimger has made her decision, and state law does not allow it to be overturned by local county commissioners. Accordingly, the Board of Health respects her decision and refuses to engage in divisive political theatre that changes no minds and overturns no orders. For the sake of our children, our families and our public health staff, let’s move forward with respect, empathy, and civility.” �Page 4 — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? State lawmakers keep the nightmare rolling Screening with a smile The Barry County Courts and Law Building, 206 W. Court St., is undergoing a major reconstruction project right now. The plan involves relocating the Friend of the Court and the public defender offices, along with making improvements in security screening, the adult probation reception and lobby, district court magistrate hearing room and district and probate court holding cells. The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and the public defender’s office will move to the lower level of the build­ ing. Hopefully, the first-floor part of the project will con­ clude soon, for the sake of screeners. That crew has been in a tight spot, to say the least. David Sixberry, shown here, is among court screeners who’ve been doing their work in the entryway of the building. Word is, they’ll be out of the box by the end of the month. Hey, good news: That’s next week. Do you remember? Junior golfers Banner Aug. 31, 1961 HCC junior golfers - fifty were regis­ tered for the six junior golf lessons given children of members of the Hastings Country Club, and Friday, 37 participat­ ed in the second annual Junior Golf Tournament and picnic. Jonn Peterson carded a 42 to set the pace for the boys playing in the tourney, while Carol Have you McAllister had a 63 to pace the girls. This photo was taken following Friday’s tournament. The young golfers are (front row, from left) David Sare, Jim Fisher, Tim Clarey, Robert MacDonald, David Fisher, Jim Peterson, Dean Lambert, Rick Castleman, Martha Ironside; (sec­ ond row) Bob Ironside, Randy Sare, Diana Christensen, Terry Castleman, Dean Rose, Steve Castleman, Mary Storkan; (third row) Chuck Guenther, John Peterson, Susan Rose, Alice Christensen, Suzann Turkal, Patty Clarey, Cindy Lang, Carol McAllister, Ann Clarey; (back) mothers Mrs. Wayne Peterson, Mrs. Otto Christensen, Mrs. Anton Turkal, Pro Bill MacDonald and his wife, Alice, and daughter Tena, Mrs. Doug Castleman and daughter Ann Castleman in front of Sandra Gillespie, who, with Karen Frost, also helped Pro MacDonald. (Photo by Barth) met? One day last week, Rayann Campeau was stung by 20 bees. . But that’s OK with her. She wants to get stung. “The more you get stung, the more your body knows that venom,” she said. “So, if you don’t regularly get stung, your body overreacts.” Actually, her favorite part of being a bee­ keeper is holding the bees in her hand. She can feel them move. She can watch them lick her hand. She can talk to them, tell them about her day and calm them down when they get rowdy and start to sting. “No, no, it’s all right, I’ll slow down,” she’ll say to them. “I’m not out to get you; I’m not out to hurt you.” Now 21, Campeau’s interest in bees started when she was 14. She wanted a job, “something to make a little extra cash,” she said. So she got a job as a beekeeper. “Everyone thought I was crazy,” she said. After years of watching her mother, Nicole, work as an assistant to the chief nursing officer at Spectrum Pennock Health, Campeau grew up wanting to become a doc­ tor or nurse. As a middle and high school student, she thought about a career in psy­ chology. But, by 2016, during her senior at Lakewood High School, she knew that she wanted to go into beekeeping. She can’t even really articulate why - she just knows she’d rather be outside than in an office. “It’s so hard to describe for somebody that has not been in a beehive,” she said. In 2016, she got a job working for Oren Best, a beekeeper at Best Honey Farms who had nearly 3,500 bees. Around the same time, her dad’s friend, a mechanic who worked with the family, offered her a beehive as a gift. It was the start of her Campeau’s bee­ keeping business, RC’s Bees. By the end of 16, she grew her collection to six hives, producing around 400 to 500 pounds of honey that she would sell at the Hastings and Charlotte farmers’ markets. By 2018, that number jumped to about 25. By the spring of2020, she had 57. By the end of 2020, she had 113. Now, she has 119 hives, which she splits between her parent’s back­ yard and 15 other landowners who hold on to Campeau’s bees in exchange for honey. Rayann Campeau Campeau didn’t learn all of the intrica­ cies of beekeeping in school. She had to learn on her own. And it does require some learning. Talk to Campeau now and it’s almost as if she speaks a different language. She brings up mites and nukes and brood boxes and combs. Campeau picked up tricks from Best. He taught her how to catch a swarm of bees and let the queen lay her eggs. He told her that if she wanted to be a commercial bee­ keeper with hundreds of hives, she would have to drop the traditional bee suit for a long-sleeve shirt, jeans, gloves and veil. “You do not want to be in a bee suit that is constricting you or you’re getting over­ heated,” she said. “So a veil is a lot more cooling, because you’re just in a longsleeve shirt. Yeah, it is hot, but you’re less likely to overheat.” When Campeau isn’t learning from Best, she is reading. She reads the American Bee journal every month. She scrolls through beekeeping Facebook pages and picks up tricks when she can find them. But Campeau has learned there isn’t a universal method to beekeeping. “If you ever talk to another beekeeper, you’ll hear this: You can have one question and get 100 different answers from 10 dif­ ferent beekeepers,” she said. Campeau’s beekeeping has even drawn her away from Michigan. Every winter, she sends her bees down to Georgia to escape the freezing Michigan temperatures. In January, she sends them off to California, where they pollinate almonds. Last year, she spent a month and a half away from Barry County - her longest time yet. These days, since starting in August 2020, she works Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for Greg Wilco of Fase Apiaries. The days start at 8 a.m. and can sometimes go until 8 p.m. Off days, she takes care of her own bees at home. And, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with the help of her grandparents, she’ll take them to the Hastings farmers’ market. For four years, Campeau split her time between beekeeping and studying as a stu­ dent at Kellogg Community College. She graduated in the winter 2020 with a degree in business management. “It’s a fallback if anything does happen because, with bees, you are relying on a living creature and if you have a really bad year, I have to have something to be able to do,” She said. “With a business manage­ ment degree, I can go do a lot of different things.” But she doesn’t have any intention of changing her path in beekeeping. Campeau and her fianc? are getting married next May and she expects to have kids. She likes the idea of being able to run her own beekeep­ ing business and organize her own schedule - even if that means a few bee stings along the way. For her beekeeping work, Rayann Campeau is this week’s Bright Light'. If I could go anywhere in the world: I would visit every state, especially Alaska or Maine for the wildlife. What motivates me: Watching people smile and laugh, even during tough times. What I would tell a high school grad­ uate: Follow your dreams because you only live once. Don’t let other people rule your life. Favorite dinner: Texas Roadhouse rolls, Caesar salad, herbed chicken and steak fries I’m most proud of: Growing my busi­ ness to what it is today, and the support my whole family gives. I am most content when: Spending time with my fianc? or relaxing reading a good book. Hobbies: Fishing, reading, cross-stitch­ ing, spending time with friends and family. Laws, like taxes, are the price we pay to live in a civilized society, but both should be equitable and fair to every citizen. That’s why I want to know where did the compassion, the empathy, the heart of our state legislators go when they changed the no-fault automobile insurance law on July 1,2020, and why do they stand by now like flickering streetlights watching the devas­ tation they caused for the least among us? Catastrophically-injured car crash vic­ tims and their families are concerned about the changes to the law because it will affect the level of care patients now receive. It’s all a result of the shameful effort of legisla­ tors to win votes by reducing insurance premium rates for the rest of us, while coldly throwing back out onto the street those who need help the most. The problem is serious. But it’s not get­ ting the attention it should because the number of permanently injured people and their families - now in catastrophic finan­ cial straits - are small in comparison to the number of drivers who were paying high prices for auto insurance. They were the ones demanding action by state legislators. Last weekend’s Reminder published the story of Amy Henney-Planck who can’t sleep because of her concern about what will happen to her patient, Jesus Arias, who was in a near-fatal car accident 30 years ago. He requires 24/7 care to live. She’s worried that caregivers across the state won’t be able to continue to offer their special care because of the changes in the law. She knows that people like Jesus Arias will be left with no one but family mem­ bers to care for them. In-home care providers, like HenneyPlanck, had their reimbursement rates cut from 100 percent to 55 percent under the change in the law. It now allows only 56 hours per week of in-home care if provided by a relative, friend, business associate or anyone living in the same household as the injured party. The prior law allowed for the coverage of 24/7 provided by a commercial agency. It’s now nearly impossible to con­ tinue the mandatory special care needed by totally dependent victims of auto accidents. Another change in the law determines how health care providers charge for their services. Medical charges now have to adhere to the new Medicare-based fee schedule, a percentage of what is payable under Medicare. The change affects doc­ tors, hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers in an effort to curtail the practice of inflating bills for private health insur­ ance holders. Hospitals also are prevented from charging far more for the same ser­ vices because a private insurance company is footing the bill. They said these changes were necessary to get the high cost of the previous system under control. But our legislators totally left the freeway when it came to actually finding a way to cut all the greed and graft that was built into the system. Lawmakers dramatically dropped insur­ ance premiums for all drivers, but they failed to guarantee the care and comfort for those who have been so unfortunately vic­ timized by catastrophic accidents. So what drove up the cost of no-fault insurance in Michigan over the years? The biggest program, admirable as it was at the start, was the Legislature’s cre­ ation in 1978 of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, a nonprofit, unincor­ porated entity formed to ensure that perma­ nently disabled auto accident victims and their families would be financially support­ ed for the remainder of the accident vic­ tim’s life. We, as citizens of the only state in the country to have such a program, should be proud of the commitment we made to for­ ever protect the least fortunate among us. The problem was that legislators didn’t provide oversight of the MCCA in an effort to control costs, rather than just monitoring the amount drivers were being charged for auto insurance. The previous Michigan insurance law also limited the ability of auto insurers to negotiate prices from health care providers. Plus, legislators failed to deal with some of the real issues that drove up the costs such as drivers with terrible driving records and out-of-control medical costs and rates that are determined based on where drivers live. That neglect made it nearly impossi­ ble for a number of our residents to even afford auto insurance. And there’s still neglect in the new changes to the bill that went into effect in 2020. One big oversight lies at the heart of the cold clear dismissal of the most help­ less and needy among us. Michigan drivers have always been required by law to have a no-fault policy that includes a Personal Injury Protection benefit. Drivers had no choice on the level of that benefit - it was high due to the pro­ vision of unlimited coverage for cata­ strophically-injured drivers. Now, in their exuberance to win votes from their constituents and to offer lower rates, lawmakers have allowed drivers to choose their level of PIP protection: No coverage and maximum limits of $50,000, if also enrolled in Medicaid, $250,000, and $500,000. Unlimited coverage is still avail­ able at the higher premiums. But, for those who choose to opt out of any PIP coverage or who choose a lower PIP, major problems result if tragedy strikes and they are injured. Letting the general public choose an option of coverage is dangerous and threat­ ens the financial stability of the injured and their family - unless they choose unlimited coverage. So these legislators, who have been entrusted with the lives of their citizens, are allowing us to gamble with our future health. They have capitulated to the insur­ ance companies - no doubt, valued cam­ paign funders - who now step to the payout window proudly claiming to have lowered premiums for frustrated drivers. But that deal comes with a lifetime guarantee that they’ll pay out less in benefits and settle­ ments. For years, Michigan voters have listed escalating auto insurance rates as one of the top issues on their frustration list. They expected state leaders to dive in and deal with a failing system that has allowed pre­ miums to increase at unreasonable rates. Yet, based on the actions from state legisla­ tors, it’s readily apparent that they aren’t fixing the system - they’re just reducing the protection and benefits by putting more of the risk back on drivers and their fami­ lies. That’s their idea of fixing a broken system. I think it’s time that our elected leaders go back to the drawing board and review how the plan works, determine who over­ sees the benefits and the payments made, and how the medical and insurance compa­ nies benefit from this convoluted system that protects big corporations from losses. It’s also time for citizens to get educated, get organized, and express their opinions, their outrage, and their ideas. Our elected leaders failed to fix a system that should be efficient, cheaper - and still caring. Could there be anything else as critical that our elected leaders are failing to fix? We could likely make a list, but I won’t take the time. Right now, this serious issue needs their immediate attention. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �Page 6 — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — The Hastings Banner NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Barry County Road Commission will be holding a public hearing to hear support or objection of the abandonment of the un-named road section North of First Street that runs between Beechwood Drive and Wall Lake Drive in Delton, Michigan. The public hearing will be held at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S'. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan from 7-7:30 PM on October 5, 2021. If you are unable to attend please feel free to submit a response to the road commission up until October 4^. Additional information George Charles Williston can be obtained by contacting the Barry County Road Commission at (269) 945-3449 or by email at jwelch@barrycrc.org. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BUDGET PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on October 26,2021 at 9:00 a.m. the Barry County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the 2022 Barry County budget during the regular Board of Commissioners meeting in the Commission Chambers, located on the mezzanine level of the Barry County Courthouse, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. A copy of the proposed 2022 Budget is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the County Administrator's office, 3rd floor, Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058, or at http://www.barrycounty.org/proposedbudget Pamela A. Palmer, County Clerk Barry County Board of Commissioners Seeking Worship Leader Green Street is seeking to fill a new Worship Leader position. The person in this position is tasked with planning, preparing for, and leading both in-person and on-line worship services that proclaim the message of the Gospel, especially to (he unchurched. This is a part-time position paid a weekly salary based on working 10-15 hours per week. Green Street is a Christian fellowship community that serves people in the Hastings area in many ways, places, and at many different times. To receive a job description or to send in your resume, please email: office. greenstreetumc @ gmail.com Worship Together Kenneth E. Haight, age 89, passed away on September. 17, 2021. He was bom on September 26, 1931, to the late Clarence and Ruth (Rupe) Haight. He graduated from Niles High School in 1949. After graduation he worked at LyBarker’s Drug Store, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Tumes. Ken served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952 — 1954. He was stationed in Germany. He worked several jobs in Hastings and Grand Rapids including Associated Truck Line and Meijer’s, in Data Processing. He retired from Hastings Manufacturing Company after 23 years of service. Ken and Elizabeth were married June 25, 1955, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Hastings. He was a league bowler and loved to golf for fun. He was a member of St. Rose Church and a 50+ year member of the Knights of Columbus. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don and Maurice Haight and sister, Lena Belle (Haight) Tift. Ken is survived by his wife of 66 years and seven children. James (Bonnie) of Lindley, NY, Brian (Darla) of Caledonia, Jeffrey of Hastings, Robert of Mecosta, Kenneth Jr. (Beth) of Middleville, Jacqueline (Bob) Parker of Wilmington, NC and Susan (Frank) Kulesz of Hastings; 19 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. He will also be missed by many nephews, nieces and friends, Visitation was held Tuesday, Sept. 21, at Girrbach Funeral Home 328 S. Broadway Street, Hastings, MI 49058. A funeral mass was held at St. Rose Church 805 S. Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI 49058 on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021. Interment following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery then a luncheon at the Green Street Methodist Church 209 W. Green Street, Hastings, MI 49058. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave online condolences visit www.Girrbachfuneralhome.net. ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Gale Frederick Wilcox, age 95, of Middleville, passed away on September 14, 2021 at Thomapple Manor. Gale was bom the youngest son of Lewis and Alma Wilcox at home in Irving Township on September 12, 1926. He was a three sport athlete at Thomapple Kellogg High School but left school after his junior year at age 17 to enlist during WWII and become an Army Air Force Cadet, training at Michigan Tech. He married his high school sweetheart, Roberta Slagel, whom he met while in the junior play, “Pigtails,” on July 13, 1947. Every conversation he had the past year William John Storm, age 93, of Dowling, passed away on September 15, 2021. Bill was bom on February 5,1928 in Battle Creek, the son of John and Helen (Mack) Storm. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army as a tank driver during the Korean War. He was a member of Cedar Creek Bible Church for many years and was an accom­ plished mechanic at Hill Piston for 25 years and a truck driver for Hoffman Brothers for 15 years. Later in life, he was known as the community mechanic. His grandkids always got a kick out of the way he could wiggle his ears and take out his teeth. Bill loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and going up north. In his younger years Bill enjoyed riding motorcycles. He will be remembered as a family man. Bill is survived by his wife, Betty (Herbstreith) Storm; children, William (Marilyn) Storm, Valerie Staton, and Gary “Buzz” (Jennifer) Storm; nine grandchildren: Josh, Ben, Amy, Luke, Jessica, Jacob, Sarah, David, and Emma; 15, great grandchildren; sister, Ruth Jones; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Fred Staton; brothers, John Storm and Donald Storm. -.Bill’s family received frjends on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 at the Cedar Creek Bible Church where his funeral service was con­ ducted on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Burial with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 45 took place at Dowling Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Spectrum Hospice or the Battle Creek VA will be appre­ ciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Bill’s family. George Charles Williston, age 93, passed away peacefully at his son’s home Wednesday, Sept. 15,2021. He was born in Detroit in 1927 and gradu­ ated from Redford High School with a classi­ cal education. From there he entered the Univ, of Chicago before enlisting in the Army and serving in the Korean Occupation as a Sgt. Military Police. After serving he gradu­ ated from Ohio State, Columbia, and the Univ, of Washington with a Masters in Social Work. He was a lifelong student of American History, an avid gardener, “antiquer”, and woodworker. From the age of 16 he worked on family genealogy and published a series of small books. He enjoyed playing tenor banjo and mandolin. He frequently entertained friends and could be heard playing for the neighborhood from his porch. As a Democrat, George was politically active and often outspoken on his views. He was a lifelong supporting member of the American Civil Liberties Union, his was a deep patriotic belief in our Constitutional Government. George was married to the love of his life, Jane Ellen Ables, a Registered Public Health Nurse from Anaheim, CA, for 53 years until her death. He is survived by three sons, William (Bill) of Traverse City, George and daughter­ in-law Kelly of Delton* and Richard (Dick) and daughter-in-law Christa of Pinckney. He has six grandchildren, Gabriel Williston, Kate Williston, Betsy Williston, Andrew Williston, Emily LeCour, and Jacquelin Williston. He has seven great grandchildren. There will be a celebration of his life held 2 p.m. at the White Lodge Hall, 3630 Colonial Drive, Pinckney, MI 48169, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021. All friends are invited. while staying at Thomapple Manor started with, “how is Bert doing?” As long as his lifelong love was okay, he was content stay­ ing there. They celebrated their 74th anni­ versary last summer. Gale attended Western Michigan University for a short time and was primar­ ily self-taught to learn all the skills neces­ sary to be a design engineer. A career from which he retired from Steelcase, where he was awarded several patents for his designs. He loved sports, hunting, fishing, being outdoors and he had a special way with ani­ mals. He spent many days at the cabin he built in the Higgins Lake area, fishing the backwaters of the Reedsburg Dam for bass and bow and gun hunting for deer in the Deadstream Swamp. For several years he hunted for mule deer and antelope in Wyoming and spent several winters in Hemphill, TX, fishing the Toledo Bend Reservoir for bass. He continued deer hunting through his 93rd year. Opening day of gun deer season was a special event at his home outside of Middleville for decades. During his younger days he was involved in starting the summer baseball program in Wayland and coached little league baseball there for 17 years. During his years of retirement, his main hobby was intarsia. He created many beau­ tiful wood art pieces which fill his home and he shared many of his works with family members and friends. Gale was a very tal­ ented craftsman. Gale is survived by his wife, Roberta Wilcox; son, Tom Wilcox; daughter-in- law, Marilyn Wilcox; son-in- law, David (special friend, Cindy Ayote) Sleeper; grandchil­ dren, Keith (Kelly) Sleeper, Kirsten (Aaron) Carlson, Travis (Ellie) Wilcox, and Katie Wilcox; great grandchildren, Russell Carlson, Sloane Carlson, Sara Sleeper, Samantha Sleeper, Quinnlyn Wilcox, and Harper Wilcox; brother-in-law, Frank Slagel, and many nephews and nieces. He was a dedicated son, husband, father, grand­ father, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Gale was preceded in death by all of his siblings and their spouses, Duella (Harold) Dooling, Howard (Rosa) Wilcox, Kenneth (Lucy) Wilcox; ArLou (Frank) Richter, and Merna (Ed) DePew; brothers-in-law, Fred (Fay) Slagel and John Slagel. Along with his special cousin who was more like a brother, Richard (Arlene) Wilcox and his long time fishing/hunting buddy, Bob (Carolyn) Howard. He lost his daughter, Gail Elaine (Wilcox) Sleeper to cancer in 2011. Gale’s family received friends on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, at the BeelerGores Funeral Home where a time of shar­ ing took place. Out of respect for others, if you are currently or have recently been ill, please express your condolences in ways other than in person. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Make-A-Wish foundation or a charity of one’s choice will be appreciated. Please visit www.beelergoresftineral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Gale’s family. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: ft A M Fiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Produote 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 * Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot Faiths AfflUWEWKIM HotlineTbois&Equipment 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfiineralhome.net Owner/Manager Family Owned and Operated XXr Em/dL Serving Hastings, Barn' County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 23, 2021 Eyes on the ArtPrize Watson named to state association board The Michigan HomeCare and Hospice Association has announced the results of its annual election of board members who will serve new two-year terms. Among the new members is Sam Watson of Hastings, who is senior vice president of field engagement with the Michigan Health and Hospital Association in Okemos. A Lakewood High School graduate, Watson has been with the Michigan Health and Hospital Association for more than 18 years. He served on a planning board to cre­ ate the Spectrum Health Pennock Cancer Center, which opened in 2017. He and his wife, Colleen, have three grown sons. Michigan HomeCare and Hospice Association board members work to improve the home health care industry by providing i | ‘ [ I | j I I ArtPrize, the independently organized international exhibit recognized as one of the world’s largest public art events, is taking place through Oct. 3 - and an entry by Andrew Woodstock of Hastings is part of the renowned competition where the public picks the winners. The illustrator/artist, shown here with his wife, Sherry, on the day they installed his artwork on the Skyway in Devos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, works in a studio in his home on Long Lake in Cloverdale. Woodstock’s entry is entitled “A Simpler Time” and it “harkens back to a time in American history that was uncomplicated,” he says. “Daily life revolved around hard work and simple pleasures. A stoic farmer standing with his team of mules and the curi­ osity of a young girl combine to give the audience pause to reflect back, if even for just a few moments, to a time when restrictions and shutdowns were not a part of daily life. My hope is to bring joy to the viewer and a brief respite from the challenges of these lessthan-simple times.” To find out more about Woodstock and his artwork, see Saturday’s Reminder. Harvest festival returning to Charlton Park । The Barry County Steam, Gas and Antique ; Machinery Association and the Charlton Park Gas and Steam Engine Club are prei senting their annual fall harvest festival at I Historic Charlton Park Sept. 24-26. • Event activities will run from 9 a.m. to 4 J p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. ‘ Volunteers stationed in the park’s Historic Village and throughout the grounds will be ! offering pumpkin painting, com shelling, ; apple cider and steamed-apple samples, along with rope-making and numerous kids activities, including a pedal pull in the Gas and Steam Bam. >■ A tractor parade will take place daily, along •with'-a transfer sled tractor pull Saturday. Ribbons will be awarded to the top finishers. Wheat threshing, antique sawmill, shingle mill, and many other activities will be Page 5 demonstrated throughout the day. Spectators should plan to bring lawn chairs and blankets for parade seating. Food vendors will be selling festival favor­ ites, and a swap meet and flea market will take place daily near the Gas and Steam Bam. Spaces are still available for $10 each. “We’ve intentionally designed this event with families in mind, carefully creating var­ ious activities to promote having fun while observing our rural heritage,” said Daryl Cheeseman, Charlton Park Gas and Steam Engine Club president. Daily admission to the event is $5 for any­ one age 13 and up. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. Charlton Park is between 'Hastings1-and Nashville, north of M-79, at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road. More information can be found online at charltonpark.org. advice to trade association management as well as oversight of all MHHA activities, including legislative and regulatory advoca­ cy, and continued advancement of home care best practices. Michigan HomeCare and Hospice Association is a state trade association serv­ ing as a unified voice, a principal resource and an advocate for 240 member organiza­ tions in the home care and hospice industry. Members are best-practice providers of home health, hospice, private duty, home medical equipment and pharmacy-infusion services. Founded in 1981 MHHA, it is the primary provider of home health education in the state, and supports cost-savings projects and industry research. More information can be found at MHHA.org. Sam Watson Michigan GOP’s bid to block mask rules with budget looks dead on arrival Bridge Michigan After months of negotiations, the Republican-led Michigan Legislature on Wednesday approved a $70 billion budget, sending it to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer a week before the Oct. 1 deadline. But tucked in the deal are multiple provi­ sions that prohibit mask and vaccine man­ dates, issues that have pitted the Democratic governor against lawmakers for many months. On Wednesday, Whitmer acknowledged that her administration negotiated every­ thing in the budget with Republicans and, although she agrees with the “vast majori­ ty” of the items, there are some parts where she disagrees. She did not elaborate, but the budget contains language that would make it ille­ gal to require state workers to get the vac­ cine and bar local public health officials from ordering school mask mandates. The governor on Wednesday wouldn’t directly answer if she would veto the mea­ sures, although it is highly likely. “We will do our task of going through line by line of the budget to see what is enforceable, what might not be enforce­ able,” Whitmer told reporters at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference. “And then I will do my action and get it signed, and make some- changes if neces­ sary.” Bobby Leddy, Whitmer’s spokesperson, said in a statement that the office is con­ ducting a legal review on the budget bills. He said that throughout the negotiations, Whitmer said “she would uphold the effec­ tive tools we have at our disposal to ensure public health and would not prohibit busi­ nesses, local health departments, schools, or other establishments from using all of the tools necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “We will continue to support public health measures that protect people and save lives, but oppose any attempts that diminish local ability to manage this pan­ demic or prevent local health departments from doing their jobs.” Steve Liedel, an attorney who worked as legal counsel to Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, told Bridge that lawmakers can­ not ban vaccine mandates and limit the authority of health officials with a budget bill. “When the Legislature attempts to do something through a boilerplate that the constitution prohibits them from doing, it is generally never enforced,” Liedel said. “We have a state statute, which is the Michigan Public Health Code, that empow­ ers the state and local public health officials to issue health orders,” Liedel said. “If the Legislature is not happy with that statute that a prior Legislature enacted, they are free at any time to go in and amend the public health code. “But what the constitution doesn’t per­ mit is a shortcut.” Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, declined to comment on how the provisions would apply or whether he believed they are enforceable. Abby Mitch, Shirkey’s spokesperson, told Bridge that Republicans “are pleased to have worked with our partners in the House and the administration to reach agreement on important matters like increasing accountability and transparency in public health orders.” The budget - which has been hailed as historic by both Democrats and Republicans because of how much will be spent on issues such as childcare, and bridges received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers. Sen. Curtis Hertel, D-East Lansing, told Bridge in a statement Democrats voted for it because they knew the provisions relat­ ing to health restrictions were not enforce­ able. “This is nothing more than a political talking point,” Hertel said. “If some need to add meaningless talking points to this bud­ get to justify voting yes, we should not let that distract us from celebrating this histor­ ic down payment on affordable child care, water quality, infrastructure job training, and more.” Walk for Warmth in Hastings Saturday Community Action sponsors its annual Walk for Warmth to raise funds to help low-income, elderly and disabled residents who have fallen on hard times to stay warm in their homes. Last year, Community Action helped hun­ dreds of individuals and families throughout Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties keep their heat on by asking community members to collect pledges for a walk through their county. The Barry County walk will be Saturday, Sept. 25, at Fish Hatchery Park in Hastings. The 36th annual event will begin at 11 a.m., with doughnuts donated by Cotant’s Farm Market, and apple cider for participants. A scavenger hunt for kids, with prizes, and a silent auction table for adults to bid on items donated from local businesses will be part of the event, as well as a hot dog lunch. Walk for Warmth is the agency’s annual fundraiser for household utility relief, such as deliverable fuel, metered gas or electric service. Participants help by collecting funds prior to the walk and may register at caascm.org. Businesses also can visit the same website to learn more about various ways to support the event, including donating items for gift baskets, prizes, food or drink donations and contributions from customers. Community Action will provide bags for all walk partici­ pants. All sponsors have the opportunity to provide coupons, business cards, flyers and information about their business or organiza­ tion for inclusion in the bags provided to the walkers. Anyone may donate simply by making checks payable to “Community Action Walk for Warmth” and designating the community to which the donation should be credited. Checks may be mailed to the Community Action, 175 Main St., Battle Creek, MI 49014. More information can be provided by Alysia Timm, 269-441-1399; via email to alysiat@caascm.org; or caascm.org. Protesters gather outside Hastings High School as Superintendent Matt Goebel, far right, talks with concerned parents. On Wednesday, students walked out of the school after they refused to comply with the mask mandate. (Photo by Ben Simon) STUDENTS, continued from page 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------day, you couldn’t breathe, you had hot flash­ es, it was horrible.” Around 8:10, Superintendent Matt Goebel stepped outside to address the crowd. “If you do so choose to go back to school and get an education, you do have to get a mask,” he said. “If you choose not to, we do have virtual options.” He said he supports giving families the option to choose if they want to mask or not HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED but said there is not much more the district can do to change the requirement. “I’m truly sorry,” he said. “This is not my order. This is the health department’s man­ date.” ► • Halloween & Christmas ; fabrics -now in stock. 108” Cotton Quilt 'Backing. Part-time hours available with competitive wages. Marc & Barb Capping NMPWehcom Dowling. Ml Phone: 269-758-3416 Serving 5.W. Michigan Hoars: M-F 11am~5pm ._________________J & 'Patterns > 'th 'Prayfor our Country 'J QUESTIONS: ASK US... www.CarvethVillage.com "Remember... if you can’t live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 Email: Coppins@NMPWeb.com Thread, Tapes, Zippers, Buttons, Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com of Middleville Net Magik Pros Web Design 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm ■I Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you lluist Cleaners fic^Up Stat/on~|. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — Page 7 Fish hatchery in Hastings supported sport, research Kathy Maurer Copy Editor What is now Fish Hatchery Park in Hastings opened as a state-managed fish-rear­ ing site in 1920. Talk of having a pond here had begun years earlier. The Dec. 6, 1916, Belding Banner (not affiliated with the Hastings newspaper) reported that the superintendent of the Comstock Park state fish hatchery visited Hastings to check out properties then owned by P.T. Colgrove and R.M. Bates, “through which West Creek flows, in order to deter­ mine its fitness for a hatchery. We under­ stand he was very favorably impressed with the feasibility of this ground for a hatchery, and that there is a likelihood of his reporting to the state fish commission in favor of this site.” The five ponds that remain are evidence that the recommendation was accepted. Projects and progress at the local hatchery were regularly reported in The Banner. After all, the county was home to more than 300 lakes, and both fishing lures and fishing rods were manufactured in Hastings. So, activities at the hatchery would have been of interest to readers. The history of the hatchery has been featured in this column over the years, and as the third in a series spotlighting local lakes and fishing, this week’s column takes a peek at the hatchery in its prime. Not only were fish reared here to be plant­ ed in lakes across the region, the site also shared research with others in the industry. Even goldfish were reared for a while. (See related story.) Whether the end of World War II (and per­ haps more time for fishing) had anything to do with it, minnows as bait were limited, and the local hatchery, according to the Aug. 1, 1946, Banner wanted to help alleviate the shortage. Local hatchery, others experiment with minnows Thirty-one ponds covering 46 acres at seven Michigan fish rearing plants are now devoted to experiments by the conservation department’s fish division. Spurred by scarcity of minnows both among bait dealers and in some waters that formerly supplied local fishermen, the divi­ sion is developing the “know how” of min­ now raising, so dealers will be encouraged to grow their own. To study costs The Hastings, Drayton Plains, Harrisville, Comstock Park and Wolf Lake state hatcher­ ies, the federal hatchery at Northville, and the Almena state rearing station are participating in the experiments, now in their second year. Records will show the prospective private minnow-raiser not only which methods are practical, but the equally important facts on costs. Typical of the information already acquired are the facts that creek chub eggs are readily incubated in hatchery jars, and chub fry are hardy enough to withstand long hauls in milk cans, but that suckers are delicate in the fry stage, and not easily handled without consid­ erable mortality. Besides chubs and sucker, golden shiners are now being grown, and Northern pearl dace and Northern fine scale dace each have a pond set aside for them. A handbook of minnow culture, based on the experiments, will be issued later this year. Last season, the division sold a small surplus of minnows produced in the experiments for 2 cents apiece, and this year, it has an estimat­ ed 1 million on hand, with orders for 100,000 already booked. The following story from the March 14, 1948, Battle Creek Enquirer News was tucked in the Banner archives: 716 lakes served annually by Hastings fish hatchery To a motorist or pedestrian passing by the state fish hatchery in Hastings, it is a quiet, snow- and ice-covered area where activity evidently is at a standstill waiting for the opening of the season longed for by 81,666 persons who purchased fishing licenses in District 10, served by supervisor Robert Fortney and his hatchery staff. While the hatchery is as quiet as it appears, state employees working out of local head­ quarters have very little time to stand still. Tinies change The fish division is a far cry from the fish-planting agency it was 25 years ago, having evolved into an organization whose primary function is managing fishing waters to obtain maximum production. The work of the department employees here also has developed into a year-round proposition. The law and fishing pressure at this time of year, however, does give the fish experts a chance to make extensive repairs to their equipment and buildings, repair seines and nets, clean screens and do the dozens of other vital jobs connected with rearing fish. But the major task is not forgotten, though the ponds, lakes and many streams are frozen over. Checks winterkill And the freezing over even gives Supervisor Fortney the added job of checking lakes where winterkill of fish might be taking place. While it is difficult to determine the exact number of lakes in which fish have suffocated because of the ice, Mr. Fortney has reported that Cotton and Mud lakes in Calhoun County and Leeke Lake in Jackson suffered damage. In addition to supervising the 716 lakes in the district - which includes Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Calhoun and Jackson counties - and the 1,805 miles of streams, four experiments are being made here under the direction of the Institute for Fisheries Research and the Department of Zoology, Michigan State College. One of the experiments is to determine the value of using commercial fertilizer in boost­ ing fish production. With increasing fishing pressure on^rm-watet fisft,“3Uch as’ bass and bluegills, the experiment is to determine where fertilizer can be used economically. May help bait shortage The Hastings hatchery also is attempting to “grow” the answer to the question whether commercial bait dealers may profitably grow their own minnows. A great shortage of min­ nows for bait has developed all over the state, and, if the experiment in minnow culture works out economically, fishermen and the natural supply places now seined will benefit. The experiment, which will interest not only fisherman but thousands of farmers, is one covering the management of farm fish ponds. Considerable publicity in recent years has made many a farmer itch for his own pond - which can serve as a skating rink in winter - and when the experiment here and at other hatcheries is completed, the answers to many questions will be known. Another experiment is to determine the regeneration of clipped fins on panfish. Fins are clipped by fisheries men so that planting can be recognized and development traced. Considered information had previously been obtained on the growing out of the fms, which had been clipped on trout, but little on panfish. It is known that clipped trout fms are often regenerated or grown out - but general­ ly not enough so that an expert could not determine what had been done to them. Similar information is desired for panfish. Fish given anesthetic In clipping fms - the dorsal, pectorals, etc. - the fish are first given an anesthetic by immersion in water permeated with ether or urethane. The anesthetic makes the fish easy to handle and speeds the job considerably. The fish “come to” when they hit freshwater. Not only are experiments being conducted by Supervisor Fortney, but he also is super­ vising the raising of bass and bluegill for stocking in winterkill lakes. Supervisor Fortney also is responsible for more than 200 public fishing sites covering 752 acres in the six counties, their improve­ ment and operation, including such ponds as the Cook and Bates in Barry county, and Portage Pond near Jackson, which are special trout pods. There also is the Gun Lake pond, used last year to rear bass and bluegill. A project still in the experimental stage is the introduction of trout into Fish, Lime, and Horseshoe lakes in Barry County’s Orangeville Township and in Swains Lake in Jackson County. The state has acquired all of Fish Lake and owns frontage on the others, fl look hack at the stories and columns on local his TURNING BflGK THE PAGES and last year 5- and 6-inch fingerlings and a few legal-sized trout were planted there. In line with obtaining maximum utilization of the district’s waters, Supervisor Fortney is investigating potential trout streams for pos­ sible stocking, such as Sebewa dredged stream in Sunfield and Roxanna townships in Eaton County and then at a Nottawaseppi Stream in Burlington and Newton townships in Calhoun County. Requests pour in District officials also check on restocking requests made by owners of private ponds and lakes. Requests are made for stock from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but are first referred from Lansing to the district office to determine whether the species required is suitable for the type of waters. Michigan does not stock private waters. Last year, the hatchery men supervised the planting of 129,200 trout - most of them legal size, plus about 30,000 bass and blue­ gills. The hatchery, established in 1920, has 12 ponds. (Sources: Hastings Banner, Battle Creek Enquirer News, chroniclingamerica.com) State Hatchery gave goldfish away EDITOR’S NOTE The June 16, 1938, Banner published a story on the then-recent dispersal ofgoldfish at the Hastings Fish Hatchery. The imported fish were intentionally reared in the local ponds, but dubious behavior by some recipients was leading to what would be termed today an invasive species issue. That it pays to advertise in The Hastings Banner has been proven many times by many people. However, another interesting incident proving this truth recently occurred. About three weeks ago, Mr. Brass, who is in charge of the state fish hatchery here, inserted the three-line notice in the front page of The Banner stating he had some goldfish at the "hatchery ftT give’ aXvay and" requesting those who desired them to bring containers. All sorts of containers As soon as The Banner was out, the people began to come, with every conceivable kind of container, and this kept up for six days. In fact, they are still coming, although the fish were all gone at the end of six days. All roads in Barry County lead to the fish hatchery and what is more, roads from other counties also lead in the same direction, for Mr. Brass gave fish to people from at least six counties that he knows of and he estimates that at least 3,500 fish were given away during this period. Some took two fish and others took more, even as many as 50 being given in some instances. Mr. Brass said he feels he has stocked every rock garden pool, backyard tub, horse tank and house globe in the county with goldfish. If anyone who wished a goldfish did not get them, it is just too bad, for they’re all gone, and the hatchery has gone out of the goldfish business. For at least 12 years, the local hatchery has been giving away these ornamental fish, and people have come from The state fish hatchery in Hastings, now Fish Hatchery Park, had as many as 12 rearing ponds. (Fred Jacobs’ post card collection) Hastings Fish Hatchery raised goldfish in the 1920s and 1930s. (Detroit Public Library, Burton Collection) all parts of the state to get them, one man driving down here from Charlevoix to get a supply to stock his resort pool. About 12 years ago, a large pool was given over to the raising of goldfish. Conditions were favorable, the fish were not disturbed in their natural habitat, and they spawned in multiplied rapidly, so rapidly in fact, that it became necessary about every so often to give many of them away in order to not over­ stocked the pool. Poor sportsmanship The reason for the insertion of this notice in The Banner and the reason for the discon­ tinuance of the raising of goldfish at the state hatchery might be summed up in one word: Poor sportsmanship. Goldfish have long been used as bait for other fish and as decoys for winter fishing. Some concerns raised them and shipped the uncolored ones to the state for this purpose. Although it was not unlawful to use these fish in this way, it is certainly very unsports­ manlike. It was learned that some people had obtained the goldfish professedly for their pool but had used them for bait in the lakes instead. These fish are hardy, will stand trans­ portation well, and thus are especially suit­ able for this purpose. They recover rapidly from injuries, and thus if they escaped from the hook and their chance to be both male and female loose in the lake, they soon mated, and since they multiply very rapidly, they soon became a nuisance. Therefore, the state decided to get out of the business, so to speak, and the order to dispose of the fish here was received from the Lansing office of the state conservation department. Carp from overseas It is perhaps not known by many that gold­ fish are a member of the carp family. They were brought into this county country from Asia, and their original color was olive green. By selection and careful breeding ..., the brighter colors have been developed. The fish when bom, however, are still the original olive green, and they do not become gold or silver until a month or so of age. The Chinese and Japanese people have made a great deal of developing these fish, and there are many unusual markings and combina­ tions of colors seen on these fish. They grow to quite a large size if properly fed and kept under proper conditions. Some of these those given away at the local hatchery where a foot or so long and had attained and age of a dozen or so years. Mr. Brass said in some ways, it was with regret that he obeyed the order, since he felt that many times, these fish he gave away were for the entertainment and company small children and old people, possibly invalids, and, too, that perhaps the fact that the child had a few goldfish in a pool to watch might keep that child out of the street and from beneath the wheels of a speeding automobile. However, the order was from the state conservation department and had to be obeyed, and for that reason, no more goldfish are available at the local hatchery. �Page 8 — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — The Hastings Banner LLviAL FiOIICLj Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Garage Sale Help Wanted MULTI-FAMILY HOUSE­ HOLD GOODS and Cloth­ ing Sale: Friday, September 24th, 2021 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. and Saturday, September 25th 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. at 207 Meadow Lane, Hastings. Don't miss out. Lot's of an­ tiquehousehold items, dishes, furniture and tools. Miscel­ laneous non-antique house items such as couch, end ta­ bles, coffee table, etc. Men's and women's name brand clothing in great condition as well as young women, teen name brand clothing in excel­ lent condition. Something for everyone!!!! DEPUTY TRIAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR: Quali­ fied individual must have a minimum of a Master's Degree in public administration, social work, criminal justice, or close­ ly related field and 5-7 years of experience in casework and/ or case flow management preferably in a court or closely related setting. This position is part of the management and administration team of the Trial Court. Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) writing and applying for grants, budgets, preparing financial and program reports, monitoring expenditures and revenues, supervising pro­ fessional and support staff, monitoring workflow and file management standards. Full­ time, salary range $67,641.60 - $81,161.60, plus benefits. Detailed job description can be viewed at barrycounty.org. Please send cover letter and resume to: Ms. Daisey Cherniawski; 102 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Or email: dchemiawski@barryco.org. MOVING SALE: WED.SAT.Z Sept. 22nd-25th, 2021. 13812 S. Jones Rd., Battle Creek (Banfield), crossroad M-37 & Hickory Rd. 9am-? 100's of Halloween items & costumes, fine art & jewelry. B a siHess Services MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Pets CHOCOLATE LAB PUP­ PIES- 1st shots and wormed. Very cute! $400.00, 517-726­ 0706. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. BARRY COUNTY FRIEND OF THE COURT CASE­ WORKER: Provides case­ work functions to review, independently assess, and analyze domestic Friend of the Court cases for the pur­ pose of enforcing, reviewing, and modifying child support, parenting time, and custody provisions of court orders. Completes investigations, reports, and drafts orders and recommendations for the court as necessary. Must possess a Bachelor's degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work, counseling, or a closely related field as well as 1-3 years of case supervision experience preferably in a court or counseling, mental health, substance abuse agen­ cy or related area. Full time, $21.89/per hour, plus benefits. Detailed job description can be viewed at barrycounty.org. Please send cover letter and resume to: Ms. Daisey Cherniawski; 102 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Or email: dcherniawski@barryco.org. THREE BROTHERS PIZZA, Hastings location is looking for help! Friendly work en­ vironment, good pay, 401k match, management oppor­ tunities. If you would like to be part of our team, drop off a resume at the shop, 1600 South Hanover. 269-948-4300. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY NOTICE Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on OCTOBER 7, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Bryan M. DeHaan AKA Brian DeHaan and Connie DeHaan AKA Connie Jo DeHaan, husband and wife, to ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., Mortgagee, dated February 24, 2005 and recorded March 8, 2005 in Instrument Number 1142428 and Affidavit Affecting Realty recorded on June 11, 2020, in Instrument Number 2020­ 005718, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by NewRez LLC, F/K/A New Penn Financial, LLC, D/B/A Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred One Thousand Seven Hundred Nine and 96/100 Dollars ($101,709.96). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on OCTOBER 7,2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: The East 280 feet of the South 800 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 ofSection 12, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Together with a 30 foot wide easement for ingress and egress described as: That part of the Southeast 1/4, Section 12, Town 4 North, Range 10 West; described as. Commencing at the South 1/4 corner ofSection 12; thence North 89 degrees 48 minutes 23 seconds East, 801.5 feet along the South line of said Southeast 1/4; thence North 00 degrees 11 minutes 37 seconds West, 33.0 feet to the Northerly right-of-way line of Garbow Road and the place of beginning of the centerline of a 30 foot wide strip of land; thence North 02 degrees 03 minutes West, 195.23 feet; thence North 59 degrees 35 minutes East, 118.86 feet; thence North 26 degrees 13 minutes 30 seconds East, 105.05 feet; thence North 10 degrees 20 minutes 50 seconds West, 138.44 feet; thence North 45 degrees 35 minutes 50 seconds East, 88.36 feet; thence North 84 degrees 22 minutes 30 seconds East, 44.56 feet to a point of the West line of the East 280 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4, Section 12 and the place of ending of the centerline of said 30 foot wide strip of land. 7250 West Garbow Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: September 9, 2021 File No. 20-001729 Firm Name: Orlans PC Firm Address: 1650 West Big Beaver Road, Troy Ml 48084 Firm Phone Number: (246) 502.1400 (09-09)(09-30) 167666 Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ZONING ORDINANCE ADOPTION BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN HEREBY ORDAINS: Pursuant to the provisions of Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended , notice is hereby given that the Barry County Board of Commissioners has adopted the following Ordinance which amends the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended, in the following manner: NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Matter of the Richard C. Rutherford Living Trust dated January 15,2013 TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor, Richard C. Rutherford (date of birth: May 19, 1929), who lived at 528 W. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058, died August 16, 2021. There is no personal representative of the Settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Authority have been issued. Creditors of Richard C. Rutherford, deceased, are notified that all claims against Richard C. Rutherford Living Trust dated January 15, 2013, will be forever barred unless presented to Carol H. Garnaat, Trustee, within four (4) months after the date of publication of this notice. Notice is further given that the Trust assets will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled thereto. Date: September 15, 2021 Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. Stephen L. Simons (P33047) Attorneys for Trustee One West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Ml 49017-3625 269-966-3000 Richard C. Rutherford Living Trust Dated: July 15, 2013 Carol H. Garnaat, Trustee 1561 Clearview Drivem Dowling, Ml 49050 ORDINANCE NO.: A-2-2Q21 RR (Rural Residential) MU (Mixed Use) This map is a portion of the Official Zoning Map of Orangeville Township in Barry County, Michigan. All of the above mentioned property is located in Barry County, Michigan. Legal Description of Parcels: Commence at the N 1/4 post of Section 8, T2N, R10W; THN N 88 DEG 09’15” W 384 ft; THN S 335 ft; THN S 88 DEG 09’15” E 384 ft; THN N 335 ft to the P.O.B. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Date: September 14, 2021 Ben Geiger, Chairperson Barry County Board of Commissioners Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Published Date: September 23, 2021 The above named ordinance becomes effective October 01, 2021, A copy of this ordinance is available for purchase or inspection in the Barry County Planning Office, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 between the hours 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call (269) 945-1290 for further information. NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor of the David V. Wozniak Trust, David V. Wozniak, of Middleville, Michigan, died on July 3, 2021. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s Estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against David V. Wozniak or the David V. Wozniak Trust under agreement dated November 21, 2018, will be forever barred unless presented to David V. Wozniak, Jr., Trustee, within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Case Number V-7-2021 - Amy Evans (Property Owner) Location: 444 Grace Drive, Lake Odessa, in Section 3 of Woodland Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a shed with a 0 ft rear yard setback (the minimum is 20 ft) and 2 ft off of the side lot line (the minimum is 10 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-8-2021 - Pamela Strode (Property Owner) Location: 11720 Cobb Road, Delton, in Section 11 of Barry Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a porch with a front yard setback of 29 ft right-of-way (the minimum is 50 ft right-of-way) in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. Case Number V-9-2021 - Daniel & Judith (Julie) Welton (Property Owners) Location: 120 Coats Grove Road, Hastings, in Section 5 of Hastings Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 24x36 detached garage with a side yard setback of 5 ft (the minimum is 10 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. MEETING DATE:October 11, 2021. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The variance applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Kaitlyn Nicole Lee, Woodland and Brennan Aaron Simon, Woodland Joshua Sammy Clark, Hastings and Alaina Sophia Richter, Hastings Marshall Test Fidlar, Davenport and Keli Test Fidlar Amber Nicole Zinn, Nashville and Nicholas Scott Brown, Bath Teagan Marie McQuaid, Warrenville, IL and Trevor Hidenori Fischer, Warrenville, IL Mark Nathan Peabody, Battle Creek and Kimberly Anne Sandborn, Hastings Jennifer Marlene Wilburn, Delton and Wendy Lynn Kriekaard, Delton Brittany Nicole Bowlds, Delton and Zachariah James Bolton, Delton Angela Dieu Nguyen, Wayland and Kenneth Michael Kienutske, Middleville James Douglas Brinkman, Dowling and Mary Jo Amundson-Brinkman, Dowling Andrew John Ketchum, Wayland and Haley Jo Brink, Wayland Joshua Lee Richardson, Hastings and Alicia Marie Milligan, Hastings Morgan Cheyenne Ryder, Freeport and Jordan Austin Gerard, Freeport Sarah Jeanne Watson, Middleville and Curt Thomas Harris, Middleville Megan Rose Kelly, Alexandria, VA and Kyle Hayden Palumbo, Alexandria, VA Ryan James Flynn, Middleville and Janelie Lyn Westlake, Middleville Zachary Scott Webb, Nashville and Megan Nichole Ethier, Nashville Anthony James Hull, Hastings and Haley Nicole Johns, Hastings Abigail Rose Brooker, Middleville and Ryan Matthew Holcomb, Kalamazoo Quinn Menno Grassmid, Middleville and Gillian Isabel Van Duine, Alto 168443 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING September 7, 2021 Meeting called to order 7 pm, all board members present and 4 guests. Pledge of Allegiance. Motion approved August meeting minutes. Department Reports. Public comment. Motion approved renewal of propane contract. Motion approved budget amendments. Motion approved to table proposed salary/wage increase. Board Comment. Motion to adjourn 7:54 pm, meeting adjourned. ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP SPECIAL MEETING ARPA FUNDS September 14, 2021 Meeting called to order 7 pm, all board members present and 13 guests. Pledge of Allegiance. Motion approved to open Public Hearing. Public comment. Motion approved to close Public Hearing. Board Comment. Motion to adjourn 7:45 pm, meeting adjourned. Submitted by Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by Tom Rook/Supervisor September 16,2021 Andrew L. Rassi (P57309) Schnelker, Rassi & McConnell, PLC 44 Grandville Ave. SW, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 (616) 828-5375 David V. Wozniak, Jr., Trustee c/o Schnelker, Rassi & McConnell, PLC 44 Grandville Ave. SW, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 (616)828-5375 168267 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust Estate In the Matter of the Living Trust Agreement for Jack Klomparens and Gladys Klomparens, Number 1, u/a/d, May 24, 2010 as amended. Decedent’s date of birth: June 14, 1925. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Your interest in this matter may be barred or affected by the following: The decedent, Jack Klomparens, lived in Barry County, Hastings, Michigan, and died August 9, 2021. Creditors of the deceased are notified that all decedent’s assets were held by the Trustee at decedent’s death, and the decedent has no probate estate. Creditors of the deceased are further notified that all claims against the trust estate will be forever bared unless presented to: Janice Warner, Trustee and/or the attorney’s office representing Janice Warner as Trustee within 4 months of the publication of this notice. This notice is published pursuant to MCL 700.7608. If a probate estate is opened in the future for the decedent, this notice is intended to satisfy the requirements of MCL 700.3801. Notice is further given that the trust estate will be thereafter assigned and distributed to the person(s) entitled to it. Date: 9-15-21 Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, PC Robert J. Longstreet P53546 607 North Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 Janice E. Warner t 428 Cider Mill Dr., Middleville, Ml 49333 269-205-2279 168455 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 2021-28916-DE Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Michael Eugene Little, Jr., deceased. Date of birth: 01/09/1988. TO ALL CREDITORS; NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Michael Eugene Little, Jr, died June 11, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that- all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Michael Little Sr., 5722 Mount Vernon Avenue, Portage, Ml 49024, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: September 15, 2021 Matthew Conklin P71194 519 Main Street, St. Joseph, Ml 49085 269-983-0561 Michael Little, Sr. 5722 Mount Vernon Avenue, Portage, Ml 49024 269-365-1453 168153 168441 Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board meeting September 13, 2021 Meeting opened at 6:30pm Approved: Consent agenda Mercy Ambulance EMRA alliance Re publish mower bids Road Commission ARPA funds letter of support Adjourned at 7:13 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Doug Peck, Supervisor Rezone a portion of land in Section 8 of Orangeville Township, also known as 5075 Oarie Drive and 5050 Marsh Road. (See attached map.) FROM NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Emerson Woodmansee, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock in August 2021 to Cristal Cook and Brett Woodmansee of Hastings. ***** Lillian Marie Skaggs, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 12, 2021 to Ema Marie Skaggs of Delton ***** 168154 Finley Lou Keiser, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 18, 2021 to Katlynn Tobias and Nathan Keiser Sr. of Hastings. Adilyn Sue Kelly, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 24, 2021 to Heather Sibley and Tyler Kelly of Hastings. Cash Michael Smith, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 26,2021 to Ashley Roskam and Brian Smith of Lake Odessa. ***** Ira Leon Huss, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 5, 2021 to Kelsey M. Huss and Nathan W. Huss of Hastings. ***** Thatcher Roy Hartman, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 5, 2021 to Jaymee Lynn Hartman and Ryan Louis Hartman of Dowling. ***** Bailey Harper, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 3, 2021 to Brooke Harper and Zac Harper of Lowell. Noah Keith Jenkins, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September, 7, 2021 to Angela Lynn Lester and James Roland Jenkins of Hastings ***** Forrest Lee Johnson, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 16, 2021 to Rachel Johnson and Tyler Johnson of Hastings. Margaret Armstrong to celebrate 90th birthday Please join us for a celebration in honor of Margaret Armstrong's 90th birthday on Sunday, Oct. 10 at Hope Township Hall from 2 to 5 p.m. Desserts and refreshments. No gifts please. Scarlette Kay Laughry, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 9, 2021 to Meghan Laughry and Lance Laughry of Lake Odessa. ***** Chloe Sue Rottman, bom at St. Mary’s Hospital on September 7, 2021 to Jason and Sarah Rottmaqn of Clarksville. Weighing 10 lbs. 8 ozs. and 23 inches long. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — Page 9 Cove resigns from TK board Greg Chandler Staff Writer Thomapple Kellogg Schools Board of Education President Kristen Cove has stepped down from the board after six years of ser­ vice. Cove, who became president of the school board in January, submitted her resignation letter this week to TK Interim Superintendent Craig McCarthy and her board colleagues. Her resignation takes effect immediately. “I am submitting my resignation to pre­ serve my mental and physical health,” Cove wrote in her letter. Cove had come under attack by some TK parents at the district’s last school board meeting on Sept. 13 over an e-mail exchange she had several weeks earlier with Colette Scrimger, health officer for the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, seeking guidance with regard to the wearing of masks or other COVID-related mitigation strategies. Some accused Cove and her fellow board members of going behind the back of TK Superintendent Dan Remenap, who had taken the position that the wearing of masks should be optional and left to the discretion of par­ ents. “In August, I sent an email to the Health Department,” Cove wrote in the letter. “Many other people and leaders in our community sent emails. My email was not what caused the Barry-Eaton District Health Department Health Officer to issue a mask mandate a month later. Mr. Remenap knew I was send­ ing a communication to BEDHD. I did noth­ ing behind his back.” In a text message to the Hastings Banner Wednesday, Remenap confirmed that he knew about the emails. “All citizens have the right to advocate for what they believe, including board members. They do not lose that right when elected,” Remenap wrote in the text. He is currently on medical leave from the district. Remenap went on to share his thoughts on Cove’s departure: “This is a big loss for TK schools. Kristen loves this district and it is sad to see her go. We are appreciative of her service to TK students, staff and community.” Scrimger issued two public health orders Sept. 17, four days after the TK board meet­ ing, mandating the wearing of masks and setting forth quarantine and isolation proce­ dures for local schools. The orders affect all K-12 students attending Barry County schools. A parent associated with the group Stand is? ■ hrfr "T ~ Up TK received a copy of the email exchange between Cove and Scrimger through a Freedom of Information Act request. Excerpts of the emails were read into the record during the public comment portion of the Sept. 13 meeting. The email exchange between Cove and Scrimger is, as follows: (The first email was submitted by Cove Wednesday, Aug. 18, nine days after the last regular TK board meeting and six days before the first day of classes.) “Good afternoon, “My name is Kristen Cove, and I am the President of the Thomapple Kellogg Schools Board of Education. I am writing to you to ask for guidance and regulations for schools Matthew Powers, at Monday’s Maple Valley school board meeting, is expected to become the new president of the Thornapple Kellogg Board of Education following this week's resignation of Kristen Cove. Powers teaches in the Maple Valley Schools. (Photo by Taylor Owens) regarding Covid-19 and the delta variant. “For the last 6 weeks, my Board of Education colleagues and I have been wres­ tling with a Return to Learn plan for Fall 2021. We have surveyed our community, our staff and researched what strategies other school districts are implementing to mitigate Covid-19/Delta. We are Board of Education members. The Michigan Association of School Boards trains us in how to run a school. We are not public health profession­ als. It would be reckless for us to create poli­ cy for a pandemic. “When H1N1 hit TK, we worked coopera­ tively with BEDHD to determine what miti­ gation measures to implement and even when to close the school, which was ultimately necessary. Local Health Departments work hand in hand with school districts on all health matters, from a simple issue like lice to a more complex issue like a pandemic. Please work with us right now to determine what is best for our students and their families. “I am vaccinated. I wouldn’t say I like wearing masks. I have sat through 4 TK Board of Education meetings where commu­ nity members screamed at us about parental choice. In the same meetings, parents have openly cried and pleaded for masks to protect their unvaccinated students. Parental Choice is not a rational argument when we are con­ sidering the safety of our students, which impacts our community as well. Seat belts are regulated. There is no parental choice option. This is about safety. I can handle upset community members screaming at me. I cannot fathom the loss of another commu­ nity member or possibly a student due to COVID-19. “Today, Allegan and Kalamazoo County Health Departments mandated masks for Kindergarten through 6^ graders and people providing services to those students. Their mandates end six weeks after children in that age group can be vaccinated. This seems like a reasonable mandate with a defined end date. “This pandemic has gotten unnecessarily political. Public Health is not and should not be political. We need to do what is best for our kids and their families. “School resumes in 6 days. I urge you to take action before our halls and buses are full. Please let me know how we can work togeth­ er to create a safe environment where kids can learn and grow! Let’s keep kids in school and healthy! “Respectfully, “Kristen Cove” Scrimger sent an email in response to Cove the following day: “Thank you very much for contacting me to share your views about school masking policies in Barry and Eaton counties. I sug­ gest that you also share your views with your State Representative and State Senator, and the Governor’s office.” Cove responded to Scrimger’s email later that day: “Good afternoon, “Local health departments in Michigan are governmental entities with a legal responsi­ bility to assure the public’s health [Michigan Public Health Code, Public Act 368 of 1978]. This is quite literally your duty. I am stunned by the ‘pass the buck’ response to my heart­ felt plea. “From the Michigan Guide for Public Health: “Health Officer “Local governing entities hire health offi­ cers who are charged with administration of local health departments and are responsible for hiring employees to carry out agency functions. A health officer can be a governing entity’s best public health resource, assisting in answering questions from the LGE and the communities they serve. By state administra­ tive rule, a health officer requires specific education and training in public health [Michigan Department of Community Health, Administrative Rule R325.13001325.13004]. Health officers have explicit authority and responsibility related to pro­ tecting the public’s health. Examples include declaring a public health emergency due to a disease outbreak or other public health threat; notifying the public about health risks; and taking necessary legal actions that may include isolating those carrying infectious diseases, quarantining people or places when a health threat is suspected, excluding ill chil­ dren from school, closing a restaurant, and stopping construction or habitation when unsafe public sewage disposal or drinking water conditions exist. “Per your instructions, I have forwarded my email along with your reply to State Representative Calley, State Senator Bizon and Governor Whitmer. Not sure what good that will do. Did community members in Allegan and Kalamazoo County have to engage their elected officials to assist with advocating for the Health Department to cre­ ate public health policy? “Please, put the political crap aside and do your job! “Kristen Cove” A lifetime resident of Barry County and longtime Middleville resident, Cove was first elected to the TK school board in 2015. In the school board election last fall, she was the top vote-getter among the five candidates that were seeking board seats with 4,033 votes. She has been actively involved in many local organizations and committees, including serving on the boards of the Thomapple Area Kristen Cove Enrichment Foundation, Thomapple Area Parks and Recreation Commission and Barry County Central Dispatch. She was also co-chair of the Barry County United Way 2018 campaign and received the Athena Young Professional Leadership award from the Barry County Chamber of Commerce in 2017. “I was committed to enhancing our com­ munity for our children, future grandchildren, and my neighbors. This passion was my only driving force,” Cove wrote in her resignation letter. “The Middleville that I know is a big family. We carry each other through the tough times and celebrate together in good times. “Sadly, our Middleville family, like many other communities, is divided by a public health crisis. I hope we look back at this dark period and regret how we treated one anoth­ er.” Cove is the second member of the TK school board to resign this year. Sarah Alden stepped down in late June after serving on the board for more than three years. She was replaced by Krissy Hooson in July. Matthew Powers, who was appointed vice president of the board in January, is expected to take on the role of board president after Cove’s resignation. Powers, who also is a teacher in Maple Valley Schools, chairs the board’s personnel committee. Cove closed her letter with an appeal to the school board and administration, saying the district is “at a critical crossroads.” “Continue to make the best decisions for our district,” she wrote. “I encourage commu­ nity members to attend Board of Education meetings and use their voices to promote polite conversations. We cannot afford to lose outstanding educators and administrators.” : o* PARENTS, continued from page 1 had 31 reported instances of COVID-19 close contacts among staff and students. The combination of COVID quarantines, and parents who were planning to keep their kids home on Wednesday, may have led to the district exceeding the 25 percent limit for absences for the state to count the day as part of the school year, Bertolini explained. “Ironically,” she added Wednesday, “the power was out in Fuller this morning, so that would have resulted in closure there as well.” The closure Wednesday and Thursday will take two of the districts six days allowed by the state for emergencies such snow days and power outages. Friday, which was already scheduled as a professional development day for staff only, will proceed as planned. Board trustee Justin Keiffer told parents they could use the extra days to obtain doctors notes stating their children have a medical exemption to the mask order, and speak out at the Board of Health meeting Thursday norming. The school board also unanimously passed a resolution stating the school will follow lawful mandates, and allowable exceptions, but the board does not believe the current COVID-19 caseload warrants the Barry-Eaton District Health Department’s latest mandates. The resolution also asked for a broader definition of mask exemptions, and BEDHD’s assistance with tracking tracing positive cases and close contacts of COVID-19. Local parent and coach Mike Walker, a strident critic of the new orders, told the board he was happy with their decision, and he felt it was a step in the right direction. “Don’t take this as a threat by any way,” Walker said. “But you’ve seen how we will come out of the woodwork. We’ve behaved. I don’t want anybody to misbehave. I don’t want any kid to miss school, but please remember that this issue is this important, and I don’t want to see this community destroyed over it. But this is our choice.” During a Hastings Board of Education meeting Monday, Superintendent Matt Goebel read a letter to the community explaining the school’s response. “It is imperative that you understand that these orders are mandated by the health department, and do not express my personal views nor that of the Hastings Board of Education,” Goebel said. “I would prefer that the health department give the local school districts the options and choice that they did at the beginning of the school year,” he told The Banner after the meeting. “I am asking you, and the board, to stand up and not comply with these mandates,” Christine Becker said during public com­ ment. “This isn’t OK. This is going to be a domino effect. The more you give in, the more they’re going to keep doing it. Enough is enough.” Later, trustee Dan Patton told the crowd “you can come to school board meetings and have some impact, but it’s pretty limited. Our hands are tied as much as anybody.” Instead, he encouraged people to contact their elected officials and attend community meetings. Goebel said board members reached out to the Barry County Board of Commissioners, and he contacted State Representative Julie Calley. He also relayed the community’s response to BEDHD Health Officer Colette Scrimger, during a meeting between area school officials and the health department Wednesday morning. “I think this particular mandate has made a tremendous disruption,” Goebel said. “I think it goes all the way down to just scheduling. ... [We’re] in the midst of this semester. And now we have some kids that have been doing in-person learning for a period of time and want to go virtual, and then they may want to come back. I believe that kids thrive in more of a routine and structure environment.” More than 75 people attended the Delton Kellogg Board of Education meeting on Monday to protest the mask mandate, and around 20 spoke during public comment. Some threatened to take their children out of the Delton school district if the mandate stays. “If we don’t take a stand our children will be in another school,” one person said. “Mandates are not a law, why are we treating it like it is?” another man asked. “You are going to lose so many students.” Superintendent Kyle Corlett said he and the board have no choice, they have to follow the law. He said with just four cases of COVID and few, if any, symptoms, he didn’t think the mask mandate was needed at this time. “I will advocate for no masks,” Corlett said. He wrote a letter to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, arguing against the mask mandate, and spoke at the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday to do the same. Thomapple Kellogg Schools did not meet this week, but interim superintendent Craig McCarthy said the district will follow the mandates. “The health department is charged with pro­ tecting the health of the citizens in both Barry and Eaton Counties and they have to make dif­ ficult decisions,” McCarthy told The Banner. “The district is compelled by law, and board policy, to adhere to those decisions. While the decision to issue a mask mandate has created challenges for everyone, we are doing our best to work through them. I would ask for patience on behalf of the community and reiterate that we must comply with this mandate.” Lakewood Public Schools Superintendent Steven Skalka released a statement on Facebook regarding BEDHD’s new orders on Sunday. “Put simply, during the duration of the orders, we are returning to last school year’s rules and expectations for isolation of positive individuals, quarantining of close contacts, and everyone wearing a mask while inside the school building,” Skalka wrote. He also addressed the question many par­ ents have: ‘why doesn’t the school district ignore the orders?’ Skalka said the board of education and administration have consistently held the posi­ tion of following all federal, state and local orders. He added “the question of whether a ‘mask mandate’ is legal has already been decided.” He cited a case in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the legal basis for mask mandates in Michigan. In southeast Kent County at Caledonia Community Schools, students in kindergarten through sixth grade are under a Kent County Health Department mask mandate. Nearly 100 people turned out for a school board meeting Monday night at the Duncan Lake Middle School performing arts center, mostly to pro­ test the mask mandate and call on the board to defy the health department’s order. School board member Tim Morris spoke out during the meeting in favor of leaving the decision on masking to parents. “There is no lesser vulnerable COVID-19 demographic than the ages found in [grades] K-through-6. The mandate decision is com­ pletely void of common sense,” said Morris, who has served on the school board since 2012. “I’m trying to find the basis for this emergency. The masking of our parents’ chil­ dren is creating many health issues, while making existing health issues worse. “I personally have heard from parents whose children are now experiencing new [physical] health and mental health-related issues, direct­ ly tied to the effects of masking. I believe the vast majority of the community would support a common sense approach, alternatives to the mandate that was handed to us. “This is not an easy task. The board mem­ bers up here, every one of us, cares about the community and kids. It’s not an easy task. I feel that the community would support us in this matter. I am just not finding this as a solu­ tion that’s working,” Morris added. One parent, Betsy Oppel, wore a white hazmat suit as she sought to illustrate her point about what she sees is the futility of masking students. “If our children are truly in imminent danger, why aren’t they wearing hazmat suits?” Oppel asked. “Why are kids even allowed in school? Do you really feel like a cloth mask is going to protect our children? I’m not buying this.” “I ask, why are you doing this? My only answer is funding. So let’s be honest with our­ selves. Our schools have sold their children out for funding. Our children are not people any­ more. They’re strictly dollar signs and data.” MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber k Licensed Journeyman Plumber } New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured 168222 TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of Ordinance No. 174 which was adopted by the Prairieville Township Board at a regular meeting on September 9, 2021. ORDINANCE 174 ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS REGARDING SHORT TERM RENTAL DEFINITION AND MINING SECTION I AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 3.1, DEFINITIONS. This section is amended to add a definition of short term rental. SECTION II AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6.12-2, EARTH REMOVAL, QUARRYING, GRAVEL PROCESSING, MINING AND RELATED COMMERCIAL MINERAL EXTRACTION BUSINESS. This section amends the Zoning Ordinance regarding earth removal, quarrying, gravel processing, mining and related commercial extraction business, including location requirements, setbacks, screening requirements, nuisance abatement provisions, reclamation of mined areas, requirements for operational and reclamation plans, hearing requirement, insurance requirements. SECTION III able. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are sever­ SECTION IV REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES/EFFECTIVE DATE. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall take effect eight (8) days after its publication. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of the Ordinance has been posted in the Office of the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below and that a copy of the Ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the Township Clerk’s office during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Rod Goebel, Clerk 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Michigan 49046 (269) 623-2664 �Page 10 — Thursday, September 23, 2021 —The Hastings Banner State’s $70 billion budget prioritizes child care PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING SOUTHGATE DRIVE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 21-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, the Township Board of Prairieville Township, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake a road improvement project (including paving and related improvements) on Southgate Drive in Prairieville Township as more particularly described below and to create a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Township Board of Prairieville Township is acting pursuant to petitions, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes parcels on Southgate Drive generally extending 0.46 miles northerly from the intersection with 4 Mile Road and includes the following tax parcels: SOUTHGATE DRIVE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 21-1 - PROPOSED DISTRICT: The properties indicated by parcel numbers: 12-007-009-30 12-450-001-20 12-450-001-70 12-007-011-00 12-450-001-30 12-450-001-90 12-450-001-00 12-450-001-50 12-450-002-00 12-450-003-00 12-450-004-00 12-450-005-00 12-450-006-00 12-450-007-00 12-450-008-00 12-450-009-00 12-450-010-00 12-450-011-00 12-450-012-00 12-450-013-00 12-450-014-00 12-007-009-10 12-450-001-10 12-450-001-55 12-450-015-00 12-450-016-00 12-450-017-00 12-450-018-00 12-450-018-10 12-450-018-20 12-450-018-30 12-450-018-40 12-450-018-50 12-450-019-00 12-450-019-10 12-450-020-00 12-450-021-00 Southgate Drive Special Assessment District Barry County Michigan soo ft Barry County Land Information Services 08/10/2021 ESRI:1 03079 Southgate Drive Special Assessment District PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed road paving project and associated activities, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $158,064.38. The cost of the project is proposed to be raised by special assessment on parcels in the proposed district. The Prairieville Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimate on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Township Clerk’s office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of ten years (2022-2031 inclusive) of approximately $451.61 per year. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, and cost estimates will be held at Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on September 30, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Township Clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total frontage on the road, the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement and for inclusion in the special assessment district, are filed with the township. Written comments or objections may be filed with the clerks at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to express their views at the public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the township board determines to proceed with the special assessment, the board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessment. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk at the address below. Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 Bridge Michigan Republican leaders in the Legislature and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a budget deal Tuesday that will modestly boost spending on infra­ structure and the state’s fledgling free community col­ lege program. The deal’s biggest winners, though, are working fam­ ilies and their employers struggling with a growing child care crisis. The budget allocates $1.4 billion in federal COVID relief funds to help support child care providers, bring down costs and expand subsidies to another 105,000 Michigan families. The budget also includes $30 million for a one-time $1,000 bonus for child care staffers. “On a scale of one to 10, this is a 100,” said Dawne Bell, chief executive of the Early Childhood Investment Corp., a Michigan-based nonprofit that advocates on early childhood issues. “This is a truly historic investment in child care.” The pending deal, which still requires approval this week from the House and Senate, likely ends the possi­ bility of a state government shutdown that was looming Oct. 1. The general fund budget of about $27 billion includes across-the-board increases, including another 5.4 per­ cent increase for universities and colleges and $150 million to stabilize the unemployment system, whose coffers are sagging from a record number of claims. All told, along with federal funding and other sourc­ es, the budget is closer to $70 billion. And upwards of $10 billion in federal COVID relief money still remains and has yet to be budgeted. “I am thrilled that the Legislature and I were able to come together to agree on a bipartisan budget,” Whitmer said in a statement. House Appropriations Chairman Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, said the budget “provides much-needed sta­ bility and peace of mind - desperately needed in this time of instability.” The budget increases come largely because of federal COVID funding, but also because state tax revenues exceeded dire projections earlier in the pandemic. But Republicans and Whitmer haven’t agreed on all provisions, including a section added by the Senate that would prohibit local health officials from enacting school mask mandates to thwart the spread of the coro­ navirus. Whitmer no doubt would veto such a requirement.Here is a look at some highlights of the budget: Child care help The staggering cost of child care is one of the biggest economic burdens facing Michigan families. The cost can delay home ownership and keep some parents out of the workforce, according to a 2016 report for the Michigan Department of Education on child care access and affordability. Child care for an infant or toddler can cost upward of $300 a week at many centers. Four years of child care can cost Michigan families as much as tuition at the University of Michigan. Those costs also hobble businesses looking to attract or retain workers who must calculate whether their pay­ checks justify the cost of child care. That may help explain why the state’s overall work­ force is down by 136,000 women compared to early 2020, before COVID-19 hit, with many saying child care is a factor. Currently, Michigan helps families with child care costs less than almost any state. Business leaders from across Michigan are increasingly framing child care as an economic issue and have coalesced to push state leaders into action. The budget will provide a series of investments, including: • $108.1 million to increase income eligibility to 185 percent of the federal poverty level ($49,025 for a fam­ ily of four) through fiscal year 2023, then 160 percent ongoing in the following fiscal years. The current eligi­ bility level is 130 percent of the federal poverty line, which equates to $34,450 a year for a family of four. • $13 million to waive parent copays for child care through fiscal year 2022. • $158 million for an ongoing 30 percent rate increase for child care providers for subsidized care, with anoth­ er $222 million for a temporary rate increase. • $117.4 million for enrollment in child care through fiscal year 2023. • $36.5 million over three years to expand the number of child care spaces for infants and toddlers. • $800 million in direct funds for child care providers, many of which are on the edge of going out of business because of low profits and the inability to find workers. The money can be used to increase worker pay. “This relief is coming not a moment too soon,” Annemarie Valdez, president of First Steps Kent, said in a statement released by the governor’s office. “These funds will make it possible to stabilize not only the child care industry, but will help bring Michigan parents back into the workforce, which will in turn alleviate pressures on our economy overall.” Other priorities include: Police: The Michigan State Police’s budget would increase 12 percent to $829 million, including $3.8 mil­ lion for expanded use of body cameras, $12.5 million for $12.5 million for professional development and training and a trooper recruiting school, $2.5 million to help replace blood-alcohol testing devices and $2 mil­ lion to increase the number of patrols on secondary roads. The increase comes as some city officials nationwide say they want to cut police budgets in response to bru­ tality allegations, but both Whitmer and Republicans have found common ground in supporting more money for training. Counties, cities, townships and villages: Because sales taxes were higher than expected, revenue sharing to municipalities would increase 2 percent to $1.4 billion.The money will help local communities pay for police, fire and public safety, Whitmer said. Roads and bridges: The plan also includes $129 million more for the state’s crumbling infrastructure. The proposal increases the budget of the Michigan Department of Transportation by 2.5 percent to $5.2 billion. Of that, $196 million is expected to go for the fixing of local bridges. Higher education: Funding for Michigan’s colleges and universities would increase 5.4 percent to $2.2 bil­ lion, including an additional $108 million for the state’s 15 public universities. Much of that increase, $85 mil­ lion, would pay for pension obligations at the seven universities that are part of the state pension system. Free community college: The fledgling Michigan Reconnect program, which offers free community col­ lege or job training for Michigan residents age 25 or older, would increase $25 million to $55 million. Environmental cleanup and protection: The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s budget would increase 35 percent to $690 million. That includes $45 million for lead service line replacement and other projects in Flint and another $92.7 million for work on PFAS contamination, drinking water assis­ tance, high-water-level projects, dam safety and con­ taminated cleanups. Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices qfEdyyard_ Jones Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Are your loved ones prepared to be caregivers? Once you’re retired and your children are grown, they are likely “off the books,” as far as your financial responsi­ bility for them is concerned. Yet, you’re probably still pre­ pared to do anything to help them - but are they ready to take care of you if the need arises? Consider this: Almost half of retirees say that the ideal role in retirement is providing support to family and other loved ones, according to the Edward Jones/Age Wave study titled Four Pillars ofthe New Retirement: What a Dif­ ference a Year Makes — and a slightly earlier version of the same study found that 72% of retirees say one of their big­ gest fears is becoming a bur­ den on their family members. So, if you are recently re­ tired or plan to retire in the next few years, you may need to reconcile your de­ sire to help your adult chil­ dren or other close relatives with your concern that you could become dependent on them. You’ll need to consider whether your loved ones can handle caregiving responsi­ bilities, which frequently in­ clude financial assistance. If they did have to provide some caregiving services for you, could they afford it? About 80% of caregivers now pay for some caregiving costs out of their own pockets - and one in five caregivers expe­ rience significant financial strain because of caregiving, according to a recent AARP report. One way to help your family members is to protect yourself from the enormous expense of long-term care. The average cost for a pri­ vate room in a nursing home is now over $100,000 a year, according to the insurance company Genworth. Medi­ care won’t pay much, if any, of these costs, so you may want to consult with a finan­ cial advisor, who can suggest possible ways of addressing long-term care expenses. Even if you don’t require a long stay in a nursing home, you still might need some assistance in the future, espe­ cially if your health or mental capacities decline. So, start talking to your loved ones about their possible roles if you should ever need caregiv­ ing. You may want to create a caregiving arrangement that specifies payment for care­ giving services and outlines the expenses to be reimbursed ifpaid out of pocket by a care­ giver. Also, you may want to create the appropriate legal documents, such as a durable power of attorney for health care, which enables someone to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated, and a durable power of attorney for finances, which allows you to name someone to make your financial decisions if you become unable to do so yourself. A legal professional can help you make these ar­ rangements and incorporate them into your overall estate plan. A financial advisor can suggest ways of preparing for the costs involved with caregiving and can direct you to relevant resources, such as social services provided by your city or county. Clearly, there’s much you can do to help shield your family from the financial strain of caregiving. But you are not alone: By drawing on other resources and outside help, you can ease the burden on your loved ones. And ev­ eryone will feel more secure when you have your arrange­ ments in place. This article was written by Edward Jonesfor use by your local Edward Jones Finan­ cial Advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC. �Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 SPORTS SECTION Thursday, September 23,2021 Saxons set for clash with Titans Lakewood defender Denny Sauers closes in on Rambler quarterback Cody Swain as he tries to escape with the football Friday night at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings Saxons scored their first ever victory over the Jackson Lumen Christi Titans on the gridiron in 2020, and they’d be thrilled to add win number two inside Bam Stadium at Johnson Field in Hastings Friday night. The 4-0 Saxons are hosting the 4-0 Titans. Both teams are 3-0 in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action, a game better than the 2-1 Harper Creek Beavers and Coldwater Cardinals. The winner in Hastings Friday will have the conference lead to itself. The Saxons fell in their first five all-time match-ups with the perennial powers from Lumen Christi. The Titans have won nine state championships since 1996, while the Saxons played in the state postseason for the first time since 2012 last fall. Lakewood is still undefeated in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference after getting to 2-0 with a homecoming victory over Perry Friday night. The Vikings and Olivet Eagles, the two perennial GLAC contenders, are both 2-0 tied atop the conference standings. The Vikings have a long trip to Harbor Springs for a non-conference bailgame this Friday night. Delton Kellogg is just opening conference action, hosting Galesburg-Augusta Friday in the first Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division bailgame of the fall. Thomapple Kellogg hits the road in the OK Gold Conference this Friday to visit Kenowa Hills. The Knights were shut out 38-0 by Cedar Springs last week and they have been outscored 59-106 on the season which is a point differential more in line with the Trojans’ 0-4 record than the Knights’ 2-2. It is still September, but the Maple Valley varsity football team is playing its final home game of the season Friday against NorthPointe Christian as the Lions look to get their Tri­ River 8-Man Football Conference record back over.500. The Lions and Mustangs are both 1-1 in the conference currently. The Mustangs are playing eight-player football for the first time this fall. Local Standings (W-L, playoffpoints) Hastings 4-0 55.555) Delton Kellogg 2-2 (28.750) Lakewood 2-2 (20.750) Maple Valley (8-player) 1-3 Thomapple Kellogg 0-4 (10.750) Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Hastings 4-0, 3-0 Lumen Christi 4-0, 3-0 Harper Creek 2-2, 2-1 Coldwater 2-2, 2-1 Parma Western 2-2, 1-2 Pennfield 2-2, 1-2 Marshall 1-3, 0-3 Northwest 1-3, 0-3 OK Gold Conference G.R. Catholic Central 4-0, 2-0 Cedar Springs 3-1, 2-0 2-2, 1-1 Kenowa Hills South Christian 2-2, 1-1 Forest Hills Eastern 2-2, 1-1 Ottawa Hills 2-2, 1-1 Thomapple Kellogg 0-4, 0-2 Wayland 0-4,0-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Lawton 4-0, 0-0 Saugatuck 2-2, 0-0 Delton Kellogg 2-2, 0-0 Schoolcraft 0-3, 0-0 Galesburg-Augusta 0-4, 0-0 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Olivet 3-1, 1-0 Lakewood 2-2,2-0 Perry 1-3,0-1 Leslie 1-3,0-2 Stockbridge 2-2,0-1 Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference Britton-Deerfield 4-0,3-0 Maple Valley 1-3, 1-1 NorthPointe Christian 2-2, 1-1 Concord 2-2, 1-1 Vandercook Lake 0-4, 0-3 Here is a round-up of last week’s local grid­ iron action. Hastings 34, Parma Western 18 Vai Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings Saxons take a 4-0 start on the season after a 34-18 win over Parma Western High School at Western High School on Friday night. The Saxons move to 3-0 in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Saxon senior quarterback, Mason Denton said “our team played tough against Parma, but it was sloppy. Our offensive line opened up good holes for us and we were able to get big gains when we needed them. We have a lot to work on and we need to make sure we fix the little things to prepare for Lumen.” Saxon Head Coach, Jamie Murphy said, “I thought our boys played a good game against a very talented Parma Western team, although we made some big mistakes like fumbling seven times, but we didn’t turn the ball over. We also had a few penalties that caused us to leave points off the scoreboard. With all that happening we still had a couple kids step up and play well. Zander Forbes had another great game offensively and defensively. He is a force for us on the front line.” The Saxons scored on their first drive of the game on a 24-yard run by Robby Slaughter and the two-point conversion pass from Mason Denton to TJ Russell. In the second quarter, both teams would score multiple times, Slaughter ran in anoth­ er 8-yard run at the beginning of the quarter and Russell ran in the conversion. The Panthers answered with a touchdown pass from Nolan Wheeler to Cole Wilcox, but their two-point conversion was no good, put­ ting the score 16-6. However, TJ Russell gave a quick answer back with a 97-yard kickoff return and a twopoint conversion by Slaughter to put the team back up 22-6. The Saxons took advantage of an interception, one of two for the night by Lanny Teunessen and Layton Eastman, to score again with 46 seconds left in the half on a 27-yard run by Russell. Parma Western ran a quick passing drive down the field and then a 4-yard touchdown Saxon defenders Layton Eastman (24) and Collin Fouty (6) smother the Panthers Lincoln Raczkowski during the first half of Hastings' I-8 victory at Parma Western Friday night. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) by the Panthers to push the score to 28-12 at the half. Neither team would-^core in the third quar­ ter, Coach Murphy said coaches Pat Coltson and Brian Donnini “made some key adjust­ ments at halftime keeping a good Parma Wester team on their heals.” Lanny Teunessen finally scored in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard run to put the Saxons up to 34. Parma quickly answered again on a 5 8-yard pass from Wheeler to Wilcox again to set the final score 34-18. The Saxon offense rushed for 415 yards for the night, while the Panther offense passed for 228 yards and rushed for 110. Russell led the Saxons with 202 yards rushing on 30 car­ ries and one touchdown and one kickoff return. Slaughter rushed for 82 yards on 9 carries for the night and two touchdowns, and Teunessen added another 60 yards and a touchdown. On defense Slaughter, Forbes and Victor Ramirez led in tackles with 4.5 each fol­ lowed by Eastman, Teunessen and Collin Fouty with 3.5 each. Delton Kellogg 56, Coloma 0 Delton Kellogg kept kicker Clay Ashley’s foot busy booting extra points Friday night at Coloma and he was perfect on his eight tries. The Panthers improved to 2-2 overall this season with a 56-0 victory over the Comets in the final ballgame before the start of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division season. Back Mason Nabozny rushed 15 times for 140 yards in the ballgame for DK and Ricky Ramsey added ten carries for 117 yards. Vincent Quick tallied nine rushes for 76 yards. Quarterback Philip Halcomb scored the first DK touchdown on a 24-yard run early in the opening quarter and then two plays into the Comet’s ensuing drive he intercepted a pass to get his offense the ball back with a short field. He rushed into the end zone from seven yards out this time to help bump his team’s lead to 14-0. Halcomb had six rushes for 51 yards in the ballgame. DK recovered an onside kick and went in for a four-yard TD run by Nabozny. The next Comet drive ended with another interception, this time Alden Whitmore picked off a Coloma pass and took it 37 yards to the end zone. The two teams traded turnovers, including a second interception for Whitmore, before Corey Moore scored on a 28-yard run provid­ ing Delton Kellogg with a 35-0 halftime lead that could possibly have been even larger if Moore hadn’t lost a fumble as he closed in on the goal-line at the end of the Panthers’ open­ ing possession of the ballgame. In the second half, DK got TD runs of 7 and 44 yards from Ramsey a 7-yard TD run from Quick, while recovering a second on-side kick and getting interceptions from Cameron Wolthuis and Halcomb to seal the win. Forest Hills Eastern 41, Thornapple Kellogg 20 Forest Hills Eastern spoiled the home opener for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity football team Friday, scoring a 41-20 OK Gold Conference victory to open the 50th season at Bob White Stadium in Middleville. The Hawks built a 21-6 halftime lead and pushedTheir advantage to 34-6 by the end of the third quarter. Forest Hills Eastern’s defense came up with a big stop on the Trojan offense inside the five-yard-line in the closing moments of the first half. “I thought we played harder throughout the entire game this week,” TK head coach Jeff Dock said. “That was an improvement from last week.” Quarterback Carsen Burbridge threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the win. Gilberto Tejada took a long pass in for the Trojans’ only first half score. Tyler Gavette scored on a screen pass and Burbridge scored a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Dock said pressure from the inside of the Hawk defensive line was key in limiting the Trojan attack. The Hawks controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and the Trojan offense forced the defense to try and protect a short field a few times. The Hawk defense secured three interceptions. Noah Rosenberg continued some solid play on the defensive line for the Trojans. He had a strip and a fumble recovery early in the bailgame. Lakewood 31, Perry 0 The Lakewood varsity football team is 2-0 in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference after shutting out Perry 31-0 on homecoming night at Unity Field Friday. The Vikings took control with some big plays early. Quarterback Nathan Willette con­ nected with Nathaniel Graham on a pass play that covered 49 yards to set up a 5-yard TD run by Willette on the next play. The pair hooked up again three plays into the Vikings’ second drive. This time Graham made it to the end zone at the end of a 3 5-yard pass play. Willette ran in the two-point try after the sec­ ond touchdown to give the Vikings a 14-0 lead six and a half minutes into the contest. A punt that bounced off the Perry return man with a little over two minutes to go in the first half helped the Vikings add to their lead. They took over at the Rambler 20-yard-line and Willette weaved his way into the end zone from there on the Vikings’ first offen­ sive snap following the miscue. Lakewood led 20-0 at the half, partly on the back of Denny Sauers who had over 100 yards rushing in the first half thanks in part to one long 74-yard run. Perry’s offense didn’t get much of anything going in the first half. The Ramblers gained a total of 31 yards, lost three fumbles and the Vikings also forced them to turn the ball over on downs once in the first 24 minutes. While Sauers was caught short of the goal­ line on his big long first half run, and the Vikings ultimately turned the ball over on an interception just shy of the end zone, the senior running back did manage to score in the opening minutes of the second half on a 16-yard run. Lakewood led 28-0 after Willette’s two-point run. See FOOTBALL, page 12 DK/TK/HHS girls defeat old league foes from Muskegon Brett Bremer Sports Editor It wasn’t for a conference championship this fall, but it was still a very competitive dual between the Delton Kellogg/ Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team and the Muskegon/Mona Shores team Thursday in Hastings. Both teams got a win at the end of the evening. The Muskegon/Mona Shores girls pulled out a victory in the 400-yard freestyle relay, which was one of the most hotly contested races of the evening. The DK/TK/Hastings team of Holly Carpenter, Sophia Marcukaitis, Ellen Shults and Abby Marcukaitis was second in 4 min­ utes 3.38 seconds, just 63 hundredths of a second behind the winning foursome of Sydney Sytsema, Gabby Gaston, Robyn Hunt and Caroline Carlson from Muskegon/Mona Shores. When the DK/TK/HHS ‘B’ team in the race touched the wall in third place in that final relay, the DK/TK/HHS team had earned a 107-79 victory. It was the only race out of four which Abby Marcukaitis didn’t win on the eve­ ning. She took the 100-yard freestyle in 57.90 seconds, the 50-yard freestyle in 25.24 seconds, and teamed with Carpenter, Sophia Marcukaitis and Preslee Hall to win the 200-yard freestyle relay with a time of 1:50.56. The DK/TK/HHS girls and the Muskegon/Mona Shores girls were in an annual battle for the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Championship each fall before the Muskegon area co-op team moved out of the conference. Sophia got a win in the 200-yard indi­ vidual medley with a time of 2:25.32. Hall won the 100-yard butterfly in 1:06.85 and Lizzy Middleton took the 100-yard breast­ stroke for DK/TK/HHS in 1:22.65. DK/TK/HHS got a big boost on the scoreboard from its divers once again as the trio of Abigail Dumond, Eve Bishop and TJ Myers finished 1-2-3 in the stand­ ings. Dumond, a freshman, won the event with a score of 211.05. Bishop and Myers both finished with just over 176 points. �Page 12 — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Touches a little off as DK boys fall to Comets Delton Kellogg's Hector Jimenez (right) spins around Coloma's Brodie McQuillan on his way into the goal during the first half of their SAC match in Delton Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Coloma handed the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team its first defeat since Labor Day Monday evening, scoring a 2-0 win over the host Panthers on the turf in Delton in a Southwestern Athletic Conference match-up. Delton Kellogg had shut out its two previ­ ous foes, Schoolcraft 4-0 last Wednesday and Parchment 8-0 last Monday, in SAC action. “That wasn’t our best game,” DK head coach Alan Mabie said. “I am not taking any­ thing away from them, because they were good. That wasn’t how the past couple of games have been going for us.” The Panthers struggled with their touches throughout much of the match. Times when they had the right idea to move balls through the midfield went awry and they were always one play or two away from being able to cre­ ate a great scoring chance. “I think in the first half we were struggling with just keeping composure and control,” Mabie said. “I think in the second half we did better at that. Instead of just swinging wildly and running through we kind of had a little more composure. Our passes still weren’t spot on, but they were better. The second half, we did better than in the first half, but I think by then we were tired so we didn’t get as many runs and they kept people back defen­ sively.” “It is what it is. We’ll practice tomorrow, move on and get ready for Saugatuck on Wednesday.” Delton Kellogg defender Caden Ferris stabs the ball off the feet of Coloma’s Luke Phillips as his DK teammates Myles Hatton (13) and James Blackburn (17) look on Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK attacker Hector Jimenez did look like the most dangerous attacker on the field in the early going, but had one of his best charges in on goal thwarted by an offside whistle. Coloma moved in front 1-0 in the 22n^ minute on a goal by Cannon Hodges. A through ball from Lucian Whitaker in the midfield spring Hodges for the breakaway - an attempt that was nearly thwarted by Delton Kellogg’s Giovanni Stea as he chased after the Comet as he closed in on goal. The Coloma senior trio of Whitaker, Luke Phillips and Cannon Hodges proved a strong bunch in the middle of the field for the Panthers to deal with. DK senior James Blackbum had a foot in the Panthers’ best chances of the second half, including a great crossing pass from right to left that teammate John Sinclair just couldn’t quite steer into the net 11 minutes into the second half, a curling shot towards the upper left comer of the Coloma net that the Comet keeper batted down and secured, and another shot that just bounded wide from a tough angle. Coloma’s Hodges tacked on his team’s second goal with 18 seconds left on the clock in the second half, breaking in all alone from midfield with the Panthers pressed into the offensive end trying to score the equalizer. Delton Kellogg is now 2-4-2 overall this season. Coloma’s Lucian Whitaker and Delton Kellogg’s Austyn Lipscomb fight for control of the ball in the midfield during their team’s SAC match at Delton Kellogg High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) FOOTBALL, continued from page 11 ------------------------------------------------------------ Lakewood's Nathaniel Graham leaps up to haul in a pass in front of Perry defensive back Keaton Lantis before taking it in for a touchdown during the first half of the Vikings' win over the visiting Ramblers Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Viking kicker Connor Feighan added three points with a 28-yard field goal in the final minute of the third quarter. The Viking defense came up with one big stand early in the fourth quarter to preserve the shut out. The Ramblers took over at the Lakewood 19-yard-line following a Viking fumble. Somehow Rambler quarterback Cody Swain managed to complete a thirdand-28 pass for a first down, after his team had been backed up by a penalty. The Ramblers had first-and-goal at the nine, and again got pushed back by a penalty. Graham and Brenden Straub stepped up to slam Swain as he tried to scramble forward on a third down play from the 12, and then a Rambler pass on fourth-and-goal fell incom­ plete. One sustained drive by the Viking offense erased the last 8:08 from the clock. Concord 60, Maple Valley 18 Concord was the better team Friday night. The Lions kept hanging around in the first half. They were moving in on the Concord end zone in the closing moments of the sec­ ond quarter when a fourth-and-goal attempt from inside the five was stymied by the Yellow Jackets’ defense as the Maple Valley varsity football team worked to pull within a touchdown of its guests. Concord took over with a couple ticks left on the clock, looking to move away from its own end zone. The Maple Valley defense got to Concord quarterback Tyler Carpenter in the end zone and the ball came free. That’s when things really started to go wrong for the Lions. Logan Lamb scooped up the loose ball and raced 99 yards for a Concord touchdown. Instead of the Lions maybe going into the half trailing 26-20, they were down 36-12 and Concord kept rolling in the second half to a 60-18 win at Maple Valley High School. “We couldn’t get out of or own way. We’d make a play and they’d make an even better play on the next play,” Maple Valley head coach Marty Martin said. It was Lamb’s second long fumble return for a touchdown in the first half. He also ran back a Lion fumble for a 65-yard touchdown midway through the opening quarter which aided in his team getting out to a 14-0 lead at Maple Valley High School. The Yellow Jackets’ quarterback, Carpenter, rushed for three touchdowns and threw two to Mekhi Wingfield, who also scored on a 43-yard run for his team on its first offensive play 72 seconds into the bail­ game. Carpenter and Wingfield connected on a 70-yard TD pass with 1:32 left in the first quarter and then again on a 31-yard TD late in the third quarter. Carpenter had a 31-yard TD run in the second quarter and TD runs of 65 and 48 yards in the fourth. “The QB had an amazing night,” Martin said. “He just ran through us. We gameplanned for him. He was the guy we had to stop. He just ran through us and we just got beat by a better football team tonight in all phases.” The Lions cut into a 14-0 Concord lead with 2:30 to go in the first quarter with a 14-yard TD pass from Ayden Wilkes to Cam Carpenter, but it was less than a minute before the Yellow Jackets got those points back on the first Tyler Carpenter to Wingfield TD pass of the night. Running back Tyler Rose scored the other two Lion touchdowns, on a 14-yard run early in the second quarter and on a one-yard run early in the fourth. Rose finished the night with 17 carries for 77 yards. Andrew Shepard rushed 14 times for 115 yards for the Lions and Callan Hoefler had 20 rushes for 90 yards. Martin was happy with the way his backs ran the football, but turnovers and injuries caused havoc for the Lions all evening long. The Yellow Jackets recorded two intercep­ tions. Maple Valley is now 1-3 overall this sea­ son and 1-1 in the Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference. Hastings running badk TJ Russell crashes ahead with the football during his team's win at Parma Western Friday night. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — Page 13 TK scores three times in second half to beat GRCC Brett Bremer Sports Editor A handball in the opening moments of the second half by Grand Rapids Catholic Central that resulted in a PK goal by Thornapple Kellogg’s Nacho Hervas was the spark the Trojans needed. Thomapple Kellogg never relinquished a lead after that and went on to a 3-1 OK Gold Conference win over the visiting Cougars inside Bob' White Stadium in Middleville Thursday. “They were strong. They stayed in the game,” TK head coach David Wood said of his team’s performance. “We moved the ball well offensively. The first half we failed to get much movement. We spoke about it at halftime. We can’t just be static up top. We have to have different movement up top. The second half they fixed it right off the bat. They played well. “We got a lot of off-the-ball movement. We can’t be static. We have to make sure we’re constantly trying to move the back line Thornapple Kellogg goalkeeper Daniel Beyer safely secures a ball above a crowd in front of his net during the second half of the Trojans’ win over visiting Grand Rapids Catholic Central Thursday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) around and create opportunity on the back line and a lot of diversion on the runs.” TK followed up the victory with a 3-0 win in Wayland Tuesday evening. The TK team runs its OK Gold Conference record to 4-2 with the wins and the team is now 10-2-2 overall this fall. The game against Catholic Central was a physical one from the start and the intensity only grew as the second half wore on. TK pushed to a 2-0 advantage when Austin Chivis finished off a comer kick in the 49^ minute of play. The assist wen to Reese Hoeksma on that goal. The TK lead remained at two goals for 12 minutes until Josiah Martinez beat TK keeper Daniel Beyer with a shot to get his team on the board. The GRCC goal started with a strong charge out of the back end by Cougar defender Ben Smitley. The Cougars got the ball in deep and slid a pass towards the mid­ dle for Martinez. “When the game gets physical like that it is just trying to keep playing and not let the emotions get the better of us,” coach Wood said. “Eventually, when they did bring it back and score, I said to the guys at the end of the game that I was happy with them that they didn’t crumble under that type of pressure and they continued to play and they reacted really well.” The Trojan defense didn’t allow many dan­ gerous chances in the ballgame. It was the second straight bailgame in which TK allowed just one goal. The Trojans also best­ ed Cedar Springs in an OK Gold Conference match Tuesday in Middleville. “From Daniel in goal and Mitchell [Comer], and Alex [Harrington], and [Grant] ‘Woody’ [Woods] and Gabe [Lajoye] on either side, they have been great all year. They communicate well, they talk well and they have played together for quite a number of years. I think they have a lot of trust. They trust each other to play well, and as soon as you have that it makes it easier. They’re not going to get on top of each other. It works well, the chemistry works well between the guys.” Thornapple Kellogg’s Terrell Jefferson manages to avoid being tripped up by Catholic Central’sCarl Shadowens as he pushes towards the touch line in the offen­ sive end during TK’s 3-1 win over the visiting Cougars in Middleville Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK got the insurance it needed Thursday with just over six minutes to go. Nice passing up the left side of the field led to Fran Blasca Beltran getting the ball to Hervas at the top of the 18. It took a moment for Hervas to find his footing with the ball, but when he did he rocketed a shot through the Cougar keeper’s grasp into the net. The Trojans play host to Ottawa Hills today (Sept. 23) in another OK Gold Conference contest. Lion foursome battles tough Mouties come back from a Lions score corse at Country Mill Classic goal down twice in Hastings their first three soccer victories of the season Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings Saxons soccer team tied 2-2 against Jackson Northwest in Interstate-8 Athl etic Conference action Tuesday night at Pierce Field. The Saxons scored early in the first half on a goal by Drew Thompson and an assist by Cohen Smith. The score remained 1—1 throughout the majority of the sec­ ond half until a Saxon score by Cohen Smith off an assist from Colton Smith before the Mounties scored again to force the tie. Saxon Head Coach Franny Lopez stated the team was work­ ing through some struggles, “due to a lot of injuries early on, but they are making the most out of a turbulent season. The still have shown a lot of resiliency though, especially on Pierce Field, where they are still to be beaten.” Saxon junior goalie, Zach Chipman, had multiple saves at the goal on defense for the night. The Saxons are scheduled to visit Harper Creek this afternoon (Sept. 23) and will be at Coldwater Saturday morning. Hastings will host Parma Western next Tuesday. The Saxons' Drew Thompson puts his head on the ball during his team’s 2-2 draw with visiting Jackson Northwest on Pierce Field in Hastings Tuesday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Hastings' Cohen Smith (13) looks to score as a Jackson Northwest defender chas­ es after him during their I-8 match on Pierce Field in Hastings Tuesday evening. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions have win number one. Maple Valley shook off a 1-0 deficit to score a 3-1 win at Bellevue in a non-conference match Wednesday evening (Sept. 15). Mateo Fernandez, Caden Faurot and Ben Schuch scored for the Lions in the victory. “I think we had the majority of the possession, most of the pressure was being put on them,” Maple Valley varsity boys’ soccer coach Andy Roush said. “We had one communication mistake in the beginning with our defense that led to a goal. Obviously their kid put it in, but it had more to do with what we didn’t do than anything [Bellevue] did.” “I thought the defense stepped up well the rest of the game.” The Lions moved the ball well and created a number of scoring chances throughout the rest of the game. It was only about ten minutes before Fernandez got space at the top of the 18 to fire a shot. He put it in one of the top comers of the net to tie the game at 1 -1. “That kind of got the guys settled back down a little bit,” Roush said. The Lions and Broncos went into the half tied at 1-1, and it wasn’t long into the second half when Bailey fired a long throw-in to Faurot who was able to finish a shot to put their team up 2-1. The Lions use Bailey’s long throw-ins like comer kicks in the offensive end. It was a corner kick that sparked the third goal for Maple Valley. Duncan Seume booted a comer that Schuch head­ ed into the back of the net late in the second half to secure the win. “Those were good ones,” Roush said. “That was part of the talk at halftime not trying to just create our own goals, but get stuff for other people and crash the net. It is always good when they take the stuff from halftime and make it hap­ pen out onto the field.” Roush said it was good to get the win heading into his team’s home invitational Saturday. The Lions were a perfect 2-0 Saturday on Fuller Street Field in Nashville, scoring a 4-0 win over those same Bellevue Broncos and a 7-0 win over Factoryville. Maple Valley was slated to play a Greater Lansing Activities Conference match at Olivet Sept. 22 and will be back in action at home Monday taking on Calhoun Christian. Brett Bremer Sports Editor Maple Valley sophomore Lily Faurot scored a medal Saturday at thee Country Mill Cross- Country Classic at Country Mill Orchard in Charlotte. w Faurot placed fifth in the girls’ race, earn­ ing a time of 23 minutes 18.0 seconds. Maple Valley had two girls and two guys competing Saturday. Faurot’s teammate Brianna Gurd placed 37th in 34:49.3. “On one of the more difficult courses we will see both girls did really well,” Lion head coach Tiffany Blakely said. “Lilly Faurot had a great race getting stronger each day from her back injury. Her mile splits were very close to even, and I couldn’t be happier with how she managed the race. Brianna Gurd, who has improved every race she’s ran, took off another minute to run her personal best. It’s been exciting to see her confidence grow each race.: Leslie freshmen Erin Lubahn and Jaidyn Smith placed 1 -2 in the race. Lubahn won the race in 20:31.8 and Smith hit the finish line in 21:12.1. Their Blackhawk team took the day’s championship with 30 points. nrm Charlotte was second in the girls’ race with 46 points, ahead of Jackson Northwest 66 and Homer 98. Leslie nipped Charlotte for the title in the boys’ meet - 38-45. Home was third with 83 points, ahead Of Springport 103, Jacksd.i Northwest 110 and Jackson Preparatory 129. Charlotte junior Koda Brandt was the indi­ vidual champ on the boys’ side with a time fo 17:00.1. Leslie had the next three guys across the finish line, a group led by junior Cameron Pierce who finished in 17:32.3. Maple Valley junior Adam Blakely was 32nc^ in 27:26.8 and sophomore teammate Brody Trowbridge placed 46^ in 37:19.4. “Adam Blakely, battling an ankle injury, mostly ran the race as a hard training day, and still took off a minute from his course best time. He said he was just focusing on getting through the run as fast as he could, while watching his footing on the rough terrain,” coach Blakely said. “Brody Trowbridge reached one of his personal end of the season goals and was happy with how the race went along with his time. He’s looking to increase his strength to work on faster times.” More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com 168446 Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Remonumentation Program is seeking Requests for Qualifications for the following: The Barry County Remonumentation Program is seeking applications from qualified licensed professional surveyors/surveying companies to be prospective contractors for (3) vacancies of annual contract holders for the 2022-2023 Barry County Remonumentation Grant Program. The complete Request for Qualifications can be found online on the Barry County website, www.barrycounty.org, under Public Information/Request for Proposal. Deadline for submittal is 4:00 p.m. on October 15, 2021. No faxed or emailed responses will be accepted. Mail, hand or special delivery to: Barry County Remonumentation Grant Administrator Attn: Susanne Huebner c/o Barry County Planning & Zoning 220 W State St, Room 6 Hastings Ml 49058 The Request for Qualifications letter is also available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please contact the Grant Administrator at (269) 945-1290 for further information. �Page 14 — Thursday, September 23, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Lakewood wins some long ones at home tourney Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Viking wins took some time Saturday. The Lakewood varsity boys’ tennis team finished third at its own Lakewood Invitational, finishing with nine points. Ionia took the day’s championship with 18 points, ahead of Greenville with 14 in the runner-up spot. Lakewood second singles player Colin Heyl started the stretch of extended Viking victories when he opened his day with a 7-6(0), 6-3 win over Hillsdale’s Erik Hecklinger, proving just a bit more consistent throughout the course of the match. Heyl did breeze through a tie-breaker at the end of the first set, not conceding a single point. Hillsdale was fourth on the day with 7 points, ahead of Pennfield 5 and Mt. Pleasant 4. The Viking fourth doubles team of Troy Hall and Aiden Pyle pulled out a 3-6, 6-4, (10-6) win over the duo of Gavin Flanner and Christian Miller from Ionia for Lakewood’s lone win against any Bulldogs Saturday. The Viking number one doubles team of Asher Teigeler and Preston Weller scored a 6-4, 7-5 win over Aidan Steele and Brayion Haist from Greenville. Caleb Hull and Elaina Haring in the third doubles spot scored a 9-8 win in a pro-set against the number three team from Hillsdale to close their day while also earning a default win over Mount Pleasant. Fourth singles player Logan Tefft also earned a point for the Vikings with a default win over the Oiler team. The Vikings came into the tournament hav­ ing suffered a tough 8-0 loss to Harper Creek Thursday afternoon. Lakewood second doubles player James MacKenzie sets himself to hit a backhand during his win with teammate Reily Teigeler against Hillsdale at the Lakewood Invitational Saturday morning. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood second singles player Colin Heyl reaches high for a volley during his tight two-set victory over Erik Hecklinger of Hillsdale Saturday during the Lakewood Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Bath and Olivet beat out Saxons shoot at final 1-8 Vikings for top spot at .. jamborees, tourney today Bees’ jamboree Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings have some work to do now. The Lakewood varsity girls’ golf team placed third at the Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamboree hosted by Bath at Timber Ridge Golf Course, finishing behind the league leaders from Bath and one stroke behind Olivet Thursday (Sept. 16). Bath took over sole possession of the con­ ference lead by winning Thursday with a score of 227. Olivet scored a 257, Lakewood 258, Perry 259 and Laingsburg 271. The top two scorers were Bees on their home course. Bath got a 53 from Ally Estrada and a 54 from Aubrie Schaibly. Bath also had Anna Schaibly and Madison Grennell tie for seventh individually with 60s. Lakewood was led by a 59 from Claire Benham. Karmyn Winkler and Makenzie Vasquez each scored a 66 and Audrey Hillard and Hailee Shepard both scored a 67 for the Vikings. Lakewood will travel to Portland for a dual with the Raiders today and then host the Lakewood Invitational Friday. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The calendar turned to fall and the Hastings varsity girls’ golf team is headed to Bedford Valley today. The Saxons and the rest of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference will be at Bedford Valley for the conference’s 18-hole champi­ onship tournament. Hastings was fifth at the final conference jamboree of the season Monday, hosted by Coldwater. In very windy conditions, the Saxon team was led by a 65 from Cassidee Easey. Jackson Lumen Christi won the day’s event by a single stroke over runner-up Parma Western, 191-192. Coldwater was third with a score of 204 ahead of Harper Creek 217 and Hastings 281. Lumen Christi had five girls shoot 50 or better, led by a 45 from Ashley Hilderley. Parma Western had the day’s top two scor­ ers. Sydnie Redovich shot a 40 and Brune Savage a 44. Lauren added a 68 for the Saxons and Addey Nickels and Isabelle Roosien were also among the Saxons’ top four on the day. The Titans from Lumen Christi head into Thursday’s championship with 29 confer­ ence points, two better than the Panna THIS AD FOR SALE! Celebrate the More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* SAXON SPIRIT Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and;a network of newspapers ’.in' the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 PRE-GAME www.cnaads.com TAILGATE PARTY CITY OF HASTINGS FRIDAY, SEPT. 24 REQUEST FOR BIDS 2021 Liquid Aluminum Sulfate Hydrate Solution To show community support for our football team and the spirit of being a Saxon, The City of Hastings is accepting bids for its 2021 Liquid Aluminum Sulfate Hydrate Solution for the wastewater treatment plant. Specifications are available at City Hall at 201 East State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/ Treasurer at the above address until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 29 2021 at which time they will be opened and read aloud. is sponsoring a tailgate party with free grilled hot dogs, chips and a drink to anyone before the game with Lumen Christi at the main entrance to Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularity in any bid, and to award the bid in a manner it believes to be in its own best interest, price and other factors considered. START TIME FOR THIS WEEK’S GAME WILL BE 7 P.M $ SAXON SPIRIT . let it show! B Contractors will be required to provide proof of insurance in the amounts included in the bid package. All bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid 2021 Alum.” Travis J. Tate, P.E. Director of Public Services Western and Coldwater teams that are tied for second. Hastings was at the Cascades in Jackson last Thursday for conference jamboree num­ ber three. It was a good day for the Saxons in the 1-8 as they put together a fifth-place score of 259. Roosien led the way for her team with a 59 and Arnold scored a 63. Easey and Nickels both also contributed to the Saxons’ four scores of the day. Lumen Christi won the day’s event while Coldwater’s Taylor Musselman was the day’s medalist with a 40. Many Panthers turn in best times yet at first SAC race Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg girls were fourth and the boys eighth as they competed in the first Southwestern Athletic Conference met at Fenn Valley Winery for its first varsity cross country races of the season. Kalamazoo Christian won both the boys’ and girls’ events, with the Comets outscoring Saugatuck 43-88 at the top of the girls’ standings. Schoolcraft was third with 94 points, ahead of Delton Kellogg 125 and Coloma 159 in the top five of a field of 11 full girls’ teams. Delton Kellogg freshmen Johannah Houtkooper and Lillie Steele both ran their fastest race of the season. Houtkooper placed 29th in 23 min­ utes 51.18 seconds and Steele was right behind with a 31 st-place time of 23:55.59. Senior Aubrey Aukerman ran her fastest race of the season as well to lead the DK team. She placed 13th in 22:03.50. Senior teammate Halena Phillips was 16th in 22:40.31. DK’s number five scorer in the girls’ race was junior Joelle White who placed 43rd in 24:56.18. Lawton sophomore Kendra Koster won the girls’ race in 19:13.76. Coloma senior Ava Genovese was the runner-up in 20:34.29. Kalamazoo Christian had girls place third, fourth and fifth. That pack was paced by freshman Alaina Klooster who set her personal record at 21:03.49. The Kalamazoo Christian boys totaled 57 points to win their compe­ tition. Coloma was second with 86, ahead of Saugatuck 95, Watervliet 126 and Gobles 135 in the top five. DK finished the day in eighth with 188 points, one ahead of Fennville and 40 back of seventh-place Constantine. Parchment is home to the two fast­ est guys in the conference so far. Senior Garrett Winter won the race in 15:55.82 and junior William Winter was second in 16:39.18. William set a new PR, ad did Kalamazoo Christian senior Isaac Bos who was third in 16:48.22. Junior Micah Martin led the DK team in 19:12.62. DK’s top five run­ ners and six of its fastest seven all had their fastest race of the season. DK junior Isaac Shepard set a new PR with a time of 19:51.85 that put him in 32n^ place. DK had sopho­ more Austin Bagley 40^ in 20:08.75, senior Austin Blocker 52n^ in 20:43.50 and junior Brett Harsevoort 55th in 21:02.65. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 23, 2021 — Page 15 Viking soccer set for showdown with Pilgrims Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings had a week to prep for their big showdown. The undefeated Lakewood varsity boys’ soccer team came out of a 7-0 Greater Lansing Activities Conference win over visiting Olivet Wednesday planning on practicing Thursday, and then resting for three days before going hard to prep for its match at Lansing Christian that was planned for Sept. 22. “We’ll shore things up, work on game plans, and we will be ready for them,” Lakewood head coach James LeVeque said. “We circled this game at the beginning of the year. We knew we had a really good chance of being undefeated going into it, and we know that if we can win that game we have a very, very good chance of finishing undefeated.” The team that wins Wednesday’s match will have a leg up on the chance to host the GLAC Championship Tournament next month. The top team in the conference regu­ lar season standings hosts a tournament with the league’s top four teams to determine a champion each season. LeVeque said the Pilgrims have been the top seed and hosted every conference tournament since the con­ ference’s formation in 2014. Lakewood last won a conference championship in 2017. “This team plays hard. They’re fast, they’re strong and they’re very aggressive. That has only been a problem in one half of the 16 halves we’ve played,” LeVeque said. Lakewood is now 7-0-1 overall this sea­ son. The Vikings have shut out three of their past four opponents including a Grand River Prep team it bested in a 5-0 non-conference match Tuesday at Lakewood High School. The only blemish on the Vikings’ record so far is a 1-1 tie with Dansville last Friday. The Pilgrims are 8-1 after a 3-0 win over Dansille Tuesday. They were bested in their season opener against Eaton Rapids and have now won eight straight. “We have some momentum going,” LeVeque said Wednesday. “We have been Viking goalkeeper Ben Scobey punts the ball out of his box during the Vikings’ shut out of visiting Olivet Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) struggling scoring, so once the ball started going in the back of the net it really ramped up the team. The same with yesterday. Scoring five goals yesterday was good for us. We needed it. It just gets everybody excited a little bit more.” He has liked the improved build-up of his team’s attack as the season has progressed. There will be some focus on finishing in the coming days. “The defense is patient with the ball. They trust our mids. Our mids come back to the ball better than they used to,” LeVeque said. “We’re just patient. We’re not playing kick­ ball, not near as much kickball. We trust all of our backs. All of our backs are very good with the ball, so we can drop it back to them. They run a lot of good overlaps. They get up into the play aggressively. It give us more people to play the ball to and more options up the field.” Finishing wasn’t much of an issue against Olivet Wednesday. Lakewood built a 4-0 lead over the Eagles in the first half with goals by Colby Carter, Garrett Feighan, Brody Jackson and Jackson MacKenzie. Jackson, Gavin George, Drew Marquoit and Adrian DelCura each had an assist. The score remained 4-0 until MacKenzie was knocked down in the box 15 minutes into the second half. George stepped up to fire the penalty kick past the Eagle keeper. The Vikings went on to add two goals in the final eight minutes, one each for Alex Russell and DelCura. MacKenzie fired a long ball up that Russell collected to score with 7:32 to go. Donnie Wells assisted on DelCura’s goal with 4:31 to play. Lakewood's Will Grant (1) and and Olivet's Coehn Martin (24) battle for control of the ball in the midfield during the Vikings' GLAC win over the visiting Eagles Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood’s Garrett Feighan tries to get a shot off as Olivet’s David Beekman attempts to run him off the ball during the GLAC match at Lakewood High School Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikings spend Saturday morning on home course Lakewood sophomore Ethan Cappon works his way around the course at Lakewood High School Saturday during the Vikings’ own Lakewood Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor With five girls finishing in the top 20, the Lakewood varsity girls’ cross country team placed third at its own Lakewood Invitational Saturday morning at Lakewood High School. Junior Reagan Lab led the Lakewood ladies with a sixth-place time of 22 minutes, 24 seconds,, her fastest time ever. Being in front, she was the first of the Vikings to get to dodge the mist and the full on spray of the sprinklers on the north end of the Lakewood High School soccer field as the race wore on. The Grand Rapids Chariots of Fire Homeschool team took the day’s girls’ cham­ pionship with a score of 29 points. Hamilton was second with 35, ahead of Lakewood 70 and Portland 95. The Lakewood girls’ team also had juniors Sadie Brearley, Emma Lancaster and Gabby Rosenburger each run their fastest time of the season. Brearley was tenth in 23:15.5. Sophomore Claire Fortier and Lancaster were within a couple strides of each other throughout much of the race, with Fortier placing 18*h in 24:33.59 and Lancster 19^ in 24:39.5. Rosenburger was right behind them in 20^ place with a time of 25:04.29. Hamilton captured the boys’ championship with 24 points at the meet. Chariots of Fire’s boys finished with 33 points and Portland with 83. Lakewood sophomore Ethan Cappon was the lone runner for the Lakewood boys’ program, finishing 26th in 25:28.59. The Hamilton Hawkeyes had seven of the first 11 across the finish line in the boys’ race, led by junior Max VanHuis who set a new personal record with his winning time of 16:59. His freshman teammate Abatu Dykstra was second in 17:07.4. The Chariots of Fire Homeschool team was paced by junior Justice Shaffer who placed third in 17:31.7. In the girls’ race, the two fastest runners were from the Chariots of Fire team. Freshman Sinead Noonan won in 19:49.59 and senior Maire Noonan was second in 20:04.09. Hamilton girls placed third and fourth, with Trina Farris coming in at 20:31.2 and Ella Schwartz fourth in 22:04.9. Lakewood’s Claire Fortier races a few strides ahead of teammate Emma Lancaster during Saturday morning’s Lakewood Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 16 — Thursday, September 23, 2021 - The Hastings Banner Scots best TK after strong conference showings Brett Bremer Sports Editor While the Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ tennis team’s senior singles players are nearing a peak to their high school tennis performance, Caledonia has a couple guys just getting warmed up. The Fighting Scots and Trojans split the four singles matches and a sweep of the four doubles flights gave the home team a 6-2 win in a non-conference dual at Caledonia High School Thursday. Caledonia’s sophomore first singles player Sam Kossen evened his record for the season at 8-8 with a 6-0, 6-0 win over TK senior Nick Vreeland in the first singles match Thursday afternoon. That match came on the heels of tough losses to the top players from Grand Haven and West Ottawa earlier in the week for the Scots’ first-time first singles player. “[Kossen] has done a lot of drilling. He is out on the court a lot year round, playing hard, lessons, drills, competing with other kids,” Caledonia head coach Scott Bont said. “We have been playing some tough matches. We have played some tough matches, like West Bloomfield. Anyone you play at one singles is tough. There has been as learning curve from playing tournaments and playing doubles last year to playing one singles.” Kossen, who played at second doubles as a freshman for Caledonia in the fall of 2020, said that competing last winter with senior teammate Grant Peek at the Premiere Tennis Club in Grandville helped him realize he cold have a shot at playing first singles this fall for the Fighting Scots, and Kossen did manage to fight off Peek for the top spot in challenges this preseason. Peek scored the Scots’ other singles win Thursday, besting TK’s Jack Geukes 6-0, 6-2. While there is something of a competitive rivalry between the Scots’ top two players, Kossen said Peek has also been really helpful. “He always tells me to turn my body more on my backhand and it always helps a lot when he tells me that,” Kossen said of Peek’s advice. “I notice, but I don’t notice quick enough, so he helps me. When I’m not doing that balls are going out because I open my hips and I hit up. If I close my hips it gets me to turn more and it goes in with more spin and more power.” Kossen said everyone he has faced at first singles is tougher than the competition he faced as a doubles player. He is learning how to adapt his game, both to opponents’ strengths and weaknesses but to also how his performance is going each and every match. He said he worked on his net game some against Vreeland. Thornapple Kellogg’s James Thorne hits a forehand return during the first doubles match at Caledonia High School Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK senior Payton Wilkinson knocks a forehand shot back at his foe from Caledonia during his fourth singles victory Thursday afternoon at Caledonia High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) “He’s still learning how to be aggressive and trying to control a point. What is his style of play? We’re working on that,” Bont said. “He likes his forehand. He has a good fore­ hand, but now how do you use that? How do you use your weapons?” Thomapple Kellogg seniors Josh Wedyke and Payton Wilkinson used their weapons to score singles wins for TK. Wedyke defeated Scot senior Spencer Chapp 6-4, 6-3 at third singles. Wilkinson earned a 6-2, 6-0 win over Caledonia freshman Justin Trees at fourth singles. “When I started four years ago with this group of seniors I didn’t know what I was going to get out of it, but I knew there was win over TK’s James Thome and Ronald Simmons at number one. The Scot team of Jeffery Liggett and Aiden Sowerby scored a 6-3, 6-4 win over Hayden Oly and Kameron Nichols at number two. At third doubles, the Scots’ Carter Petersen and Eli Deese bested TK’s Ben Cuisson and Robby Holler 6-4, 6-1. The Caledonia duo of Lucas Williams and Tyler Oliver won over the TK team of Aaron Michalk and Aidan Dudik 6-2, 6-1 at fourth doubles. “I am proud of their composure and how they have played this season, but how they’ve gotten there is they’ve practiced, they’ve played, they’ve hit balls and they have asked a lot of questions,” Sylvestre said. “We have something good in it,” TK head coach Philip Sylvestre said. “I just didn’t know if the bread was going to rise. It has definitely risen. They have done a great job for themselves and rep­ resenting us. They have done a great job.” TK came into the non-conference dual with the Fighting Scots having tied Grand Rapids Catholic Central 4-4 in an OK Gold Conference dual in Middleville Wednesday afternoon - a team the current crop of Trojans had been best­ ed by in every previous varsity meeting. Forest Hills Eastern is the only OK Gold Conference team to best the Trojans so far this fall. Caledonia won all four doubles flights in straight sets Thursday. The team of Adam Morris and Alec Bisterfeldt scored a 6-1, 6-4 Hastings first singles player Joey McLean hits a shot during his three-set win over the top player from Jackson Northwest on the courts at Hastings High School Wednesday. (Photo by Vai Slaughter) The Saxons’ Heath Hayes waits for a high-bouncing forehand near the service line during the second dou­ bles match against Jackson Northwest Wednesday in Hastings. (Photo by Vai Slaughter) McLean beats Northwest’s top player Brett Bremer Sports Editor Saxon first singles player Joey McLean proved the best player on the courts at Hastings High School Wednesday afternoon. McLean rallied from a rough second set to defeat Jackson Northwest’s number one sin­ gles player Mason Schroeder in three during the Saxons’ Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual with the visiting Mounties. McLean won by the scores of 6-2, 1-6, 6-3. Those two sets were the only ones that the Saxons were able to take in what turned into a 7-1 win for Northwest. Each of the Saxons’ other singles players won two games each, Joe Goggins at second singles, John Tellkamp at three singles and Brandon Darling at four singles. The Saxon duo of Andre Perez and Keegan Lindsey got off to a good start against Landon Schroeder and Karson Schroeder in the first doubles match, but the Northwest duo surged for a 6-4, 6-0 win in the end. The Saxons also fell 8-0 in an 1-8 dual at Harper Creek Monday afternoon. The closest match on the singles side was at number three where Hastings’ Tellkamp was best­ ed by Brady Vette from Harper Creek 6-3, 6-1. The Beavers’ top player, Mitchell Kyger scored a 6-1, 6-0 win over McLean at number one. The Saxon second doubles team of Heath Hays and Lang Haines put up the best fight on the doubles side for Hastings, pushing the team of Ethan Newman and Liam Mackey in what was eventually a 6-4, 6-2 defeat. done a lot of stuff. I have never had a bad group of guys, let’s be honest, but this is a group that wanted to play tennis and they decided to do something about it and it is good. They have had some nice wins this year.” Sylvestre said it was good for his guys to play a team like Caledonia that “puts some heat on the ball” in the lead-up to conference and regional tournaments. TK was scheduled to host Ottawa Hills Sept. 22 and will be back in action for a non-conference dual at Calvin Christian this afternoon. TK is slated to make-up a rain-in­ terrupted match with Lakewood in Middleville Monday afternoon and then visit Wayland for a conference make-up Tuesday. In between the two conference duals, the Saxons were a part of the Otsego Tri Thursday, finishing in third place behind the Grand Ledge Comets who won 15 points and the host Bulldogs who finished with eight. Hastings got its lone point on the day thanks to a default win by Darling at fourth singles due to a hole in the Otsego line-up. Saxon head coach Krista Schueller said her team played well Thursday despite not taking home any other wins on the court. Hastings was scheduled to host Parma Western Sept. 22 for a conference dual and will be back in action Saturday at the Grant Invitational. Hastings returns to 1-8 play Monday at Marshall. There are non-conference duals on the Saxon schedule for Tuesday at Waverly and Wednesday at home against Lowell. Saxon spikers bested in three by Coldwater Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Coldwater varsity volleyball team scored a three-set win over the visiting Hastings Saxons in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual Sept. 15. The Cardinals won by the scores of 25-13,25-14, 25-10. Mackenzie Scheid, a sophomore, led the Cardinals in kills with 11 and senior Allison Miller had nine kills on just 15 total attacks. Coldwater served the Saxons tough, record­ ing 16 aces in the three-set match, with Miller hitting five and Scheid four. Freshman setter Ellianna Foley put up 22 assists for the Cardinals. Hastings was back on its home court Thursday where the Saxons were bested 25-11, 25-11, 25-12 by Portland. The Saxons were scheduled to visit Jackson Lumen Christi for an 1-8 match Sept. 22. They will head to the Battle Creek Central tournament Saturday, Sept. 25, and then play host to Jackson Northwest for a conference match Sept. 29. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-09-30.pdf 781db5117c118c0990ebeb46e5908837 PDF Text Text Band invitational marks 30tii year To mask or not, that is the question See Story on Page 10 See Editorial on Page 4 1070490102590502952049058113421 Thursday, September 30, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 39 PRICE $1.00 Police probe citizen's arrest Sheriff says an apology would be a good idea County planners OK Orangeville gravel mining Neighbors claim ownership ofstrip blocking access Taylor Owens Greg Chandler Staff Writer Hastings City Police say they are investi­ gating the events that brought an abrupt end to the six-hour Barry-Eaton District Board of Health meeting last Thursday. Public proceedings were halted when Hastings business owner Adam Heikkila announced that he was making a citizen’s arrest of BEDHD Health Officer Colette Scrimger. Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf said he spoke to Heikkila on Friday and warned him of the legal jeopardy he faces because of his actions. Potential charges include false arrest and imprisonment. Heikkila also may have bro­ ken city and state statutes by disrupting a public meeting, the sheriff said. Leaf said he told Heikkila it would be a good idea to apologize to Serini ger for his behavior. Leason Sharpe Hall had been filled to capacity when the meeting started that morn­ ing; by the second round of public comment that afternoon, though, the audience numbers had dropped from 175 to about 50 people. That’s when Heikkila approached the podium, declared that he was making a cit­ izen’s arrest and cited several laws, includ­ ing the Fourteenth Amendment, as the basis for Scrimger’s arrest. Then he read aloud her Miranda rights and asked if she under­ stood. Scrimger, who was sitting beside health board members at the table in the front of the room, did not respond. “Your silence will say that’s acceptance,” Heikkila said. “Officer Miller, I’m handing over custody to you under Michigan law, for you to take her under custody. This is the law.” “Do your job!” one man in the audience shouted at Hastings City Police Sgt. Kris Miller. “Calm down,” Miller said. “We’re tired of being calm, Miller,” the man replied. “Thank you, Mr. Heikkila,” Barry County Commissioner and Board of Health Chairman Ben Geiger said. “Is there further public com­ ment?” But Heikkila refused to leave the podium. side for more than an hour and a half. The first round of public comment, which started just after 9:30 a.m., went long enough for people to come in and speak on their lunch breaks. It did not end until after 2 p.m. People told stories of their children’s strug­ gles with masks when they were required last year. Several parents brought their children with them to speak about their experiences. Staff Writer The Barry County Planning Commission Monday night approved a special land use and site plan for a pro­ posed sand and gravel mining operation in Orangeville Township. But a township couple claims they own a strip of property that the owner of the proposed mining operation would have to cross to get to the site - and they are seek­ ing to block that access. Despite objections raised by more than a dozen residents, planning commissioners approved the request from JMK Realty for the nearly 75-acre site at 9650 Keller Road. JMK Realty is the land-holding compa­ ny for the project, which would be devel­ oped by Grand Rapids-based Superior Asphalt Inc. Both entities are owned by Jeff Kresnak. “We have basically a five-cell opera­ tion; five different areas that we’re going to be extracting sand and gravel from, with most of it being stone. That’s what we’re anticipating that most of the use for this pit to be,” project engineer Brad Meyers said. “[Kresnak] needs those materials to keep his operation going.” The cells for the gravel pit would range in size from 7.5 to 10 acres, and be mined in three-year increments. Once sand and gravel are removed from one cell, Superior Asphalt would then move to the next cell. The site is expected to be fully mined by May 2036, according to the application drawings. “It could be quicker, based on what we’re seeing right now with fixing the roadways,” Meyers said. “We’re hoping that it goes quicker.” “We could go a little longer,” Kresnak added. “We just don’t know how deep the veins of stone go.” Materials from the site will be trans­ ported by truck to Superior Asphalt’s Dutton asphalt mixing plant at East Paris Avenue and 68th Street, Kresnak said. Township residents Karen and Glen Hayward, who live across from the pro­ posed mining site, are seeking to block the project, saying they own a strip of land on the north side of Keller Road that Superior See HEALTH, page 3 SeeORANGEVILLE, page 8 See POLICE, page 2 Protesters wait to get in Leason Sharpe Hall just before the Barry-Eaton District Board of Health meeting began last Thursday. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Six-hour health board meeting marred by unruly conduct, threats Citizens line up outside for long wait to speak out against mask mandate Taylor Owens Staff Writer Hundreds of people attended the BarryEaton District Board of Health meeting last week, and provided nearly five hours of argu­ ments against the department’s mask mandate. Thursday’s meeting might have gone on longer, but Adam Heikkila of Battle Creek brought it to a halt when he announced he was making a citizen’s arrest of Health Officer Colette Scrimger, and refused to leave the podium. A sign on the front door of Leason Sharpe Hall states the room has a 175-person capac­ ity. Even before the meeting started at 9:30 a.m., the room was filled and a line of people waiting to get inside stretched down the street and around the comer. People waited patiently in the cold rainy conditions, holding umbrellas and listening to the meeting on their mobile devices. Several had young children with them. Some of them, when they finally got to the podium to speak, told the board they had waited out­ Barry-Roubaix returns to Hastings after a two-year hiatus Benjamin Simon Staff Writer When the Barry-Roubaix race organizers sat down for an emergency meeting in mid­ March 2020, they didn’t know much about COVID-19. They figured it might last a few weeks, maybe a few months, but hopefully, not long enough to interrupt their gravel bicycle race in April, the largest in the world. “It was in the early stages and we weren’t thinking about how long this was going to last,” Event Director Scott TenCate said. “Is this like a two-week thing? Is it a three-week thing? Is it even going to come to Michigan? Do we have to worry about it?” The day after the Barry-Roubaix meeting, the NCAA canceled March Madness. The organizers realized the virus wasn’t going away and decided to postpone the event. The Barry-Roubaix will return to Hastings Saturday when 3,200 cyclists are expect­ ed to compete in one of four races. This look back at the 2018 event shows a group of cyclists on Gun Lake Road between Hastings and Yankee Springs. (File photo) “We just put the brakes on everything,” he said. They planned on bringing it back in the fall of 2020, but that didn’t work. They planned on the spring of 2021, but that didn’t work either. So they landed on Oct. 2, 2021, and hoped nothing would cancel the event again. Nothing did cancel the event and, this Saturday, Barry-Roubaix will take over the City of Hastings for the first time in two and a half years. About 3,200 bikers will travel to the city this weekend to compete in one of four races. The 100-mile race will take off from Church and Center Street at 7 a.m., followed by the 62-mile race at 10 a.m., the 36-mile race at 10:12 a.m. and the 18-mile race at 10:36 a.m. Participants will then speed through the back roads of Barry County for the chance to win more than $34,000 in total cash prizes. “It’s like - kind of a carnival,” TenCate said. “I mean, there’s so much going on, whether it’s sponsor tents, music, awards, the race, the racecourse.” At 3,200 riders, the race will have a slight­ ly lower number of participants than previous years. In 2019, the event attracted 3,300 rid­ ers and, in 2020, it sold out within a week as 4,100 riders signed up. TenCate pointed to various reasons for the dip, including more bike races in the fall and COVID-restrictions limiting international travel. But TenCate said people can expect an event similar to previous years - from the race course to the awards to the packet pick-up. “Our goal is to just keep a great experience and continue to make small tweaks instead of major changes, and so, right now, we’re not going to make any big changes probably for 2022 either,” he said. Barry-Roubaix started in 2009 after Tim Curtis, a Hastings resident, invited TenCate and other members of his racing team to check out the gravel roads of Barry County. Rick Plight, a member of the team and race promotor, joined Curtis on the ride. When Plight returned from the course, he had no doubt in his mind: There had to be a gravel bike race in Barry County. The first one took place at Long Lake Recreation Area in Yankee Springs with just 280 riders. The next year, the riders doubled and, over the years, it kept doubling. They moved the race to Gun Lake State Park for two years until they ran out of space once again. That’s when Mike Stevens, the owner of Founders Brewing Co., a title sponsor of the event, suggested the organizers look at Hastings. “Let’s blow it up,” TenCate remembered Stevens saying. “Let’s really make this a big event.” In 2012, Barry-Roubaix hosted its first race in Hastings and they haven’t left since. “It was like this perfect fit,” TenCate said. The City of Hastings has come to adopt the event as well. On Saturday, Hastings Mayor David Tossava said he will watch the race from his normal post on the comer of Green and Church streets. “It’s just an energy,” he said. “... There’re old people, they’re young people, there’re kids. When they ride down Green Street, you can hear every pedal of that bike, every time they pedal. It’s just a neat sound.” The event also showcases Hastings to peo­ ple all across the country and world. This year, it will bring people from 27 states to Barry County. When there’s not a pandemic, people from more than 40 states and countries such as Canada, Australia and Germany will visit the city. “The economy is boosted by this,” Tossava said. “...They’re spending money as they get here. When you’re downtown Saturday morning, there won’t be any place to park. You’ll see racers having breakfast at our restaurants. So it did generate a lot of revenue for the city of Hastings.” When asked what he is most looking forward to, TenCate pointed to the after-party in the Barry Community Foundation and Green Street United Methodist Church parking lots. There, thousands of riders, spectators and community members will celebrate the day’s activities. “They had this experience, they’re all talking about their particular story of their experience out on the course and their smil­ ing and they’re having a great time laughing with their friends and stuff,” TenCate said. “And that, to me, is what it’s all about.” �Page 2 — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Historic assessment appeal succeeds on $6.67 million Watson Drain project Greg Chandler ‘Conversations’ focus on mental health tonight The second program in the Courageous Conversations series, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. tonight via Zoom, will feature local mental health specialist Vicki Shumaker. “We as a community need to be able to address and discuss these hard topics,” said Jillian Foster, director of Leadership Barry County, which is co-sponsoring the three-part series. “It’s important to have these conversa­ tions now with everything that’s happening nationally and locally.” Foster said mental health - especially while the community is still dealing with COVID-19 - is a particularly timely topic to address. In this second Courageous Conversation, Shumaker will address mental health and well­ ness in teens and adults and the current mental health challenges facing our community. Shumaker, who has been a social worker in Hastings since 2011, is a certified trauma spe­ cialist and neuro-emotional technique practi­ tioner. She has a private practice at Meadow Run Holistic Counseling and provides help to children, families, individuals and couples. The program is a free discussion series designed to engage community members in top­ ics that can be tough to discuss. Anyone wishing to register may email Foster, jillian@barrycf. org, or visit business.mibarry.com/events. The third and final program in the Courageous Conversations series will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 via Zoom. Donors needed for blood drive today Individuals who are at least 17, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood, and American Red Cross officials say the need is urgent. Anyone wishing to roll up a sleeve to donate blood may do so today, Sept. 30, from noon to 5:45 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 405 N. M-37 Highway, Hastings. Caledonia Christian Reformed Church, 9957 Cherry Valley Ave., SE, Caledonia, also is host­ ing a blood drive from noon to 5:45 p.m. today. All blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. < Appointments are preferred and may be made by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Donors can save time by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. Local women’s club meets next week GFWC Hastings Women’s Club meets the first Friday of most months at the Barry County Commission on Aging building, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. However, since members are helping with Saturday’s BarryRoubaix Gravel Road Race, the October meet­ ing has been moved to Oct. 8. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a 130-year-old organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. and feature speakers presenting information on local volun­ teer projects and topics that affect the communi­ ty. Lunch and fellowship follow the presentation. Prospective members are welcome to attend. More infonnation can be provided by club . President Kathy LaVictor, 269-945-0745. Staff Writer A Florida man who has a summer cottage on Upper Crooked Lake in Prairieville Township has won an appeal of his assess­ ment for the Watson Drain improvement project. A three-member board of review last Thursday upheld the apportionment appeal, submitted by Thomas Fleckenstein of St. Augustine, Fla., challenging the $16,580 assessment that had been issued earlier this month by Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull. The assessment was placed on two lots Fleckenstein owns - one where his cottage stands and a second vacant lot adja­ cent to the cottage. On a unanimous 3-0 vote, the board elim­ inated the assessment on the vacant lot and increased the assessment on the parcel where Fleckenstein has his cottage to $8,788, cutting the amount he will have to pay by 47 percent, and allowed the lots to be combined as a single parcel for the pur­ poses of the drain project. The decision capped a more than threehour-long hearing in the courtroom of Barry County Chief Judge William Doherty, who appointed the three board members - Robert Byington, James Kinney and Kerri Selleck. The appeal is historic, not because it was successfill, but because it’s believed to be the first-ever appeal of a drain project spe­ cial assessment district, Dull said. Fleckenstein’s lots were among 1,082 parcels being charged to share in the cost of the Watson Drain project, which at $6.67 million is reportedly the largest drain improvement project in the county’s histo­ ry. The assessments are to be paid off over a period of 20 years. Fleckenstein’s two lots, which take up 80 feet along Upper Crooked Lake, had two separate tax roll numbers. In his appeal, he contended that three nearby property own­ ers who own more than one lot have only one tax roll number for their properties, and were being assessed about half of what he was being charged. “Our position is that Mr. Fleckenstein’s property is not benefitted twice as much as the [other properties],” said James Reed, a Battle Creek-based attorney representing Fleckenstein. “It is benefitted the same amount. The apportionment of this assess­ ment should be based on the benefit accru* ing to the property, not to the owner of the ; „ property, but to the property.” “All I’m looking for is a fair shake on this. I want to be treated as an equal,” said Fleckenstein, a retired nursing home admin­ istrator who has owned the property since 2004. “I don’t want anything more than anyone else; I don’t want anything less.” But Dull argued that Fleckenstein’s lots are indeed separate, as opposed to the other parcels. “Right now, they’re each buildable lots, according to [Prairieville Township asses­ sor] Kevin Harris and [zoning administra­ tor] Eric Thompson,” he said. “Both of them can be sold individually. None of the other ones can be split and resold because the zoning doesn’t fit it. That was our big­ gest basis -1 understand his point... but he literally has two properties, whether they’re side by side or they’re 100 feet apart; they’re still two individual properties.” Brian Cenci, an engineer who is working with the drain commission on the project, pointed out that on several properties where lots have been combined, the home on the property straddles both lots. Unlike those parcels, he said, Fleckenstein could sell the vacant lot. “It could be sold tomorrow, and that property owner that would buy that lot BEDHD Health Officer responds receives all the benefits of the drain project Colette Scrimger that all of these other people have, but Barry-Eaton District Health Officer would not pay for it if it’s not assessed,” At yesterday’s (Sept. 23) Board of Cenci said. Health meeting, we listened to nearly But while Fleckenstein has been five hours of public comments regard­ approached by a neighbor in the past ing the two emergency public health about selling the vacant lot, he has no orders I issued regarding school mask­ plans to do so. ing and quarantine/isolation in schools. “It would devalue what I have here ... I After public comment, I read a state­ have no intentions of wanting to sell that ment clarifying my position on these lot. If I had, I would have done it in the orders, followed by our staff who pre­ past,” he said. sented data and facts regarding COVIDFleckenstein made a request to Harris to 19 in Barry and Eaton counties. have the two lots combined into a single tax During the second public comment parcel earlier this month. Harris approved period, the last person to speak stated that request in an email dated Sept. 13, that he was placing me under citizen’s Fleckenstein said. arrest for impersonating an officer. He Kinney, a local attorney and former Barry then demanded that law enforcement in County planning commissioner, moved to the room take me into custody. Law sustain Fleckenstein’s appeal. enforcement officers determined that “I think there is an inequality in that they would not take me into custody. regard, because I don’t see any additional The BOH meeting was adjourned with benefit that he gets by paying twice,” no further action/comment from board Kinney said. “If that was just one parcel, he members. Law enforcement has stated would have one bill, and the drain would do that they would continue to investigate exactly the same thing, whether it’s one bill the person’s claim. I have been informed or two, to be quite honest.” they have no basis for arresting me and, Byington, a Hastings attorney who in fact, they could be charged for false­ chaired the meeting, called the assessment ly conducting a citizen’s arrest. on the two lots “a matter of inequality.” While we support the right for people “I think under the code, they are to be to peacefully protest, as well as people assessed based on the benefit today, not to provide feedback and public com­ based on what the benefit might be tomor­ ment at public meetings, it is important row, or next year, or 10 years down the that folks do that civilly and responsi­ road, but what it is as it exists today,” he bly. The safety of everyone concerned said. “The fact the parcels may be split in is at the top of my mind. While many the future, to me, makes no difference what people have differing views on the nec­ the assessment should be today. essary mitigation measures, as a public “I don’t see that Mr. Fleckenstein is any health officer I base my decisions on different than any other property owner in the best science available, patterns in the area that has adjoining parcels. Some of the local spread of disease, and the those adjustments have already been made opinions and recommendations of ... I see no reason why that can’t be done in experts in the field of public health. Mr. Fleckenstein’s case. For the last 18 months, Barry-Eaton The board’s upholding Fleckenstein’s District Health Department staff have appeal is expected to have a “minuscule” been working diligently to fulfill our impact on the final assessments for the duties as the local public health depart­ remaining properties in the drainage dis­ ment responding to a global pandemic. trict, drain commission attorney Doug In the 23 years I have worked for Kelly said. BEDHD, we have never experienced a With the conclusion of last Thursday’s crisis of this size, duration, and with hearing, the assessments for each property this level of chaos. I am incredibly owner in the Watson Drain district are proud of the work the staff have done now set. during this time. We have strived to The project is meant to alleviate flooding base our actions on the best information of properties in the area of Pleasant, Upper available to us as public health experts Crooked and Loy^r Crooked lakes in < . during a time when information has Prairieville and Barry townships. Two years /been politicized, misused, and/or con­ ago, portions of M-43\ in Delton were stantly evolving. impassible because of flooding over the Misinformation has been one of the road surface. greatest challenges we have faced In May 2018, a board of determination during the last 18 months. With infor­ ordered that a project was needed to allevi­ mation easy to come by through the ate the flooding in the Watson Drain dis­ internet and social media, false infor­ trict. mation circulates quickly, creating con­ “We had engineers go out and got a lot of fusion and mistrust among many. surveys, gathered a lot of data, to figure out Under the Michigan Public Health some way of curing the problem,” Dull told Code, State Law, I have a statutory duty the review board. to prevent an imminent danger in the The Watson Drain project entails the community that could cause disease, installation of 684 linear feet of 12-inch death or physical harm. The Public storm water force main at an average depth Health Code gives me the authority to of 5 feet; a little more than 4,000 linear feet issue orders that help mitigate spread of of 18-inch storm water force main at an disease during an epidemic. This duty is average depth of 5 feet; grading, excavation assigned to me, not the Board of Health and construction of two pump station build­ or the Board of Commissioners. ings, including intake and distribution lines; Over the past couple of months, I installing of pumps and pump filters in have spoken to many, many people in those buildings and bringing the system our community regarding masks in on-line for initial operation. schools-both for and against. I have “[It’ll] essentially take the water to the had numerous meetings with school nearest water course, to get it out of the officials to discuss the same. I have district so these people are not flooded,” consulted with our health care systems. Dull said. I have read emails and listened to pub­ Construction is slated to begin after Oct. lic comment at various meetings. I 15, with the project required to be complet­ have worked with staff to explore all ed by April 1, 2022. options in search of the most effective way to reduce the spread of this dis­ ease in our community. I have studied the data of our local community, our region, the state of Michigan and the country. In the end, I determined the issuance of these two orders was in the best interest of our district and was a necessary step to increase the likeli­ hood our schools will be able to stay open AND reduce the spread of disease and the incidence of severe illness/ death in our community. This was not an easy decision to make. However, I take my duties as a Health Officer seriously. I have worked in the district for 23 years, I am a resi­ dent of this district and my youngest child attends school in the district. I have witnessed the harm COVID has caused for individuals and families. I have heard the concerns of our health care partners regarding climbing num­ bers and the impact on their systems. I too would like COVID to be over so we can go back to normal. But we aren’t there yet. Individuals and families con­ tinue td be iftipacted and the’ vihi§ con­ tinues to evolve. This is a disease that doesn’t just affect individuals. If that was the case, individual choice would make sense. However, this disease is spread easily from person to person. One person expressing their individual choice to not wear a mask can have a devastating impact on the individuals surrounding them. We constantly review a variety of data points in order to track the impact and spread of COVID-19 in our com­ munity. Our team of case investigators and public health data experts investi­ gate outbreaks and examine community conditions and disease trends. As the pandemic has evolved, we have adapted our methods to consider case counts and population rates, geo­ graphic, age, and setting distribution, hospitalizations, deaths, health system capacity, vaccination rates and patterns, and testing data. We will evaluate the community situ­ ation across the district using all avail­ able information to determine when masking and quarantine/isolation orders are no longer necessary for educational settings and at that time, I will rescind the orders. POLICE, continued from page 1 ------------------------------------------- ;------------------------------------“We’re going to wait until a superior offi­ cer gets here, and understands the law that has just been read,” he announced. Geiger said he would end the meeting, and audience members shouted at him. h “If Mr. Miller is not going to uphold the law that has been required and requested of him at this time, to take Ms. Scrimger into custody, from my custody, then we will stay here,” Heikkila said, “and I will stay here until his superior comes in and informs him of the law that he needs to follow.” “The board will stand in recess at this time,” Geiger said. He pounded the gavel on the table, threw up his hands and stood up. ' “She’s under arrest, she’s not allowed to leave the premises,” one woman called from the audience. “She’s not under arrest,” Geiger replied. - “Yes, she is!” several others shouted. - Health board members and Scrimger remained at the front of the hall, talking to each other as they waited for more police to arrive. " Over the county’s livestream of the meet­ ing, one of the commissioners could be heard laying they would need a police escort out of the building. A Barry County posse member walked over and stood between the audience and the 'table where Scrimger was sitting. j Some people continued to call out that Scrimger was under arrest. “I don’t have handcuffs,” Geiger told them. At one point, members of the audience started saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and some of the commissioners stood, turned to the flag, and held their hands over their hearts as they recited the pledge. Afterward, some people in the audience began shouting “USA! USA!” Then a woman led the group in prayer. “God, we come to you again, with anger and frustration and righteous fury, against one person...,” she began. Heikkila left the podium, and came back a few minutes later with an announcement, “At this time, we do have some further information in what’s going to happen,” he said, “and there is an investigation that has been underway and so we are going to release her under her own free will at this time, bar­ ring this investigation.” “Why?” several audience members shout­ ed out. “I want to see it happen,” one man said. Heikkila turned to the officers. “So, you guys, I am no longer requiring you ... I am no longer going to arrest her at this time.” Heikkila said he had spoken to Sheriff Dar Leaf. Later, during an interview with The Banner, the sheriff summarized his conversa­ tion Thursday with Heikkila: “I contacted Adam and told him to un-arrest her.” Scrimger walked out of the building, a member of the Barry County posse accompa­ nying her. Leaf, Hastings interim Police Chief Dale Boulter and Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt arrived at Leason Sharpe Hall and spoke to commissioners, as audience members, including Heikkila, slowly began to leave. Scrimger was never really in Heikkila’s custody, Leaf told The Banner Tuesday. If Scrimger had gotten up and walked out of the building, Heikkila would have been power­ less to stop her, he said. Leaf also said he was not aware of any investigation of Scrimger by the sheriff’s office, although they had received a petition signed by about 200 people requesting one. The sheriff said he would have to check with his deputies. On Tuesday, Heikkila told The Banner he was referring to that petition to the sheriff’s department when he announced at last Thursday’s health board meeting that there was an investigation underway. Heikkila said he expected that petition to trigger an investigation into Scrimger’s actions. He declined to discuss his actions further, due to that ongoing investigation, he said. Heikkila, who lives in Battle Creek, served two years as Bedford Township supervisor. He was recalled in November 2018, after more than 1,000 people petitioned for his removal from office. According to the Battle Creek Enquirer, the recall petition accused Heikkila of “fail­ ing to keep business hours at the township office, telling township employees to dismiss an ordinance violation case pending against him, being threatened with arrest for disor­ derly conduct toward township employees and establishing ‘a pattern of intimidating and threatening behavior which has created a hostile environment for both township employees and residents.’” The petition was filed by Kraig Dingman, a Hastings City police officer, who ran against him and was later appointed to the board to fill the post of the trustee who defeated Heikkila. Geiger said he could not comment on the incident that disrupted the health board meet­ ing because of the investigation. Boulter said he could not say how long that investigation would last, but that any recom­ mended charges would be turned over to prosecutor’s office. He could not recall any citizen’s arrest incident since he has been with the depart­ ment, he added. Leaf said the last instance of a citizen’s arrest that he could recall occurred before he was sheriff - and that did not result in any arrest either. The way the law is written, some people may think they can make a citizen’s arrest of anyone who they believe broke a law, “which is dangerous,” Leaf said. Both Leaf and Boulter said there are few, very specific instances during which a person can legally make a citizen’s arrest. One example would be in a case where a citizen witnesses someone committing a serious fel- Sheriff Dar Leaf ony when no police officers are present. It’s not the first time Leaf has spoken about the law regarding citizen’s arrests. In October 2020, the sheriff suggested to news agencies that the men who were charged in a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer may have thought they were attempting to make a citizen’s arrest. Leaf had been photo­ graphed standing next to William Null, one of the men later charged in the plot, at a Grand Rapids rally that was organized to protest Whitmer’s executive orders on COVID-19. Heikkila later told news agencies that he was the one who invited Leaf to the rally. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — Page 3 HEALTH, continued from page 1 Keara Hilton, from Thornapple Kellogg school district, leads audience members in prayer during her two minutes of public comment. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Several people held makeshift signs inside and outside of the board of health meeting last Thursday. Laura Hall of Eaton Rapids asked people to consider the situation local school districts are in. She told The Banner that she was shunned for expressing an opinion that differed from the group of protesters. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Students talked about being turned away at the door of their school, or being sent to the principal’s office to await their parents, for refusing to wear their masks. Many claimed masks are ineffective, or actively cause other health problems. Others accused Scrimger of manipulating or falsify­ ing the district’s COVID data to justify the mandate. The vast majority of people who spoke Thursday demanded an end to the mask mandate - and many called for Scrimger’s resignation or termination. Many of those who spoke, parents and chil­ dren, became emotional as they spoke; some screamed and cried. “I will tell you if I lose my daughter to sui­ cide because of your mandate, and your malice and your negligence, there will be repercus­ sions,” one woman, who did not give her name, wept as she shouted at the board. “You will not stand up here and kill my child!” “Last year, my oldest would come home from school with a headache from wearing a mask, every day,” Maple Valley parent Scott Leslie said. “She cried the day she had to go to gym, because she knew what was coming and there was nothing she could do about it. “I will not do that again. Nobody will make me do that again.” Olivet parent Denver Rose referred to the Holocaust in her statement. “I went to Poland, and I was in Auschwitz and I saw it, and you guys might say, ‘Oh my gosh, like it’s going to happen.’ It will, if this stuff keeps going on,” Rose said. “I will never be in a place like that; my children will never, and this is what I say to you: Over my dead body.” “You cannot stand against the Lord most high,” Rose added. “He is greater than you, your mandates fall because he is greater.” More than once, a person at the podium or someone in the audience led the group in prayer. Another Maple Valley parent, Erin Stephens, asked for the health department to allow par­ ents to sign a waiver allowing their children to be exempt from wearing masks. “Sure, it may just be masks, but the fact that we don’t have a choice is tyranny,” Stephens said. “We can fight the tyranny from the gov­ ernment that we fought against in the (American) Revolution.” Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Matt Goebel said he was speaking on behalf of him­ self and the Board of Education. “I am here today to respectfully disagree with you today regarding the recent mandates regarding masks and quarantine options for educational institutions in Barry and Eaton counties,” Goebel said. “The Hastings Board of Education and I believe that giving parents the choice to mask their children is essential to About 175 people filled Leason Sharpe Hall last Thursday morning for the Barry-Eaton District Health Department meeting. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) ‘I am here today to respectfully disagree with you today regard­ ing the recent mandates regarding masks and quarantine options for educational institutions in Barry and Eaton counties.’ - Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Matt Goebel Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Matt Goebel was one of two area superin­ tendents who spoke out against the health department’s mask mandate last week. Delton Kellogg Superintendent Kyle Corlett spoke to the Barry County Commissioners at their Tuesday, Sept. 21 meeting. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) The line to get into Leason Sharpe Hall, after the building had reached capacity, stretched down the street and around the corner. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Barry-Eaton District Board of Health members (from left) Ben Geiger of Barry County, Jeremy Whittum of Eaton County and Jon Smelker, also of Barry County, listen to public comment. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) the overall health of their individual child.” “While I understand you come from a broader perspective of protecting health in two counties, I hope you can take into consider­ ation the unfavorable effect this decision has on many of our students,” he added. “Furthermore, the announcement of this man­ date in the middle of a semester, rather than at the very beginning of the school year, is just cruel to our students. It also negatively impacts our parents who are now forced to make dif­ ferent plans which upturn their lives.” Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett said he sent a letter to the board of health, stating he did not believe the man­ dates were necessary, based on the number of cases in area schools. “My letter also said that a mask mandate would divide the community, as it has,” Corlet told The Banner. “We need a clear end goal in mind to base our decisions on and the mandate doesn’t state when the mandate would end. “As leaders in the community, we need to work together and communicate to help bring the community together.” The Maple Valley Schools Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution stating it did not believe the amount of COVID-19 infections warranted the mandates. The health board did not take any action during its meeting last Thursday, besides its monthly business, such as paying the bills. BEDHD board chairman and Barry County Commissioner Ben Geiger said the agenda included an item for board members to voice their concerns and ask questions after the sec­ ond round of public comment, but Heikkila’s intervention brought the meeting to an end before it could get to that point. Barry County Commissioner and health board member Jon Smelker said he planned tp use that time to ask Scrimger to rescind the order, and to ask for her resignation if she refused, but he did not get the chance. Smelker said he had already had that con­ versation with Scrimger in private that morn­ ing, and she declined to do so. Smelker said she informed him that, even if she stepped down, the mandates would remaii in force. Geiger said the Barry County Board of Commissioners has reached out to its legal counsel to ask if it has the legal authority to rescind Scrimger’s orders. Health board member Dave Jackson, also a Barry County commissioner, spoke at the staij of the meeting. He said he was grateful for the public participation, and asked audience mem­ bers to be civil. “We’re glad you’re here,” Jackson said. “It has been a long year and a half with this pan­ demic with mandates flying.... I don’t think many of you knew Colette prior to a week ago. But I have to assure you that your health department has a lot of troubling decisions that they’ve had to make. TheyVe worked* seven days a week for the last year and a half trying to do what’s best for families.” “Just be civil,” he added. “Because, in th| end, we are still all friends or families or com­ munity. We live together, work together, our kids work and play with your kids.” Even before Heikkila announced his citi­ zen’s arrest, the health board meeting had several tense moments. Hastings City Police officers, a Barry County Sheriff’s deputy and several posse members were posted at thf entrance to Leason Sharpe Hall, and around the meeting area. On several occasions, the officers took a few steps toward the audience, or asked people to calm down, when the meeting started to get out of hand. After the first round of public comment, and a 20-minute recess, BEDHD official Anne Barna and epidemiologist Taylor Olsabeck gave a presentation on the current state of the pandemic. ; Their report occasional laughter from the audience as the employees talked about the number of cases, and several people called out questions. At one point, Geiger, who sat at the front of the audience area to see the slideshow presen­ tation, stood up. “We do have some questions from the audi­ ence and I will be receptive to entertaining [them],” Geiger said. “But this is my only rule, and this is a ground rule, treat these staff mem­ bers with a little grace, cut them a little slack.” “No,” a woman called out from the audi­ ence, as several people started speaking at once. “When are you going to give our kids a break?” one man shouted at Geiger and got out of his seat. Police and posse members took a few steps forward until the man sat down. > “No, listen to me, I’m a politician...” Geiger started to say but was shouted down. “If you have questions I’m going to let you ask, just don’t yell at them,” he said. But audience members continued to shout at Geiger. “All right, well, we can’t have this,” Geiger said, then he sat back down and called for the presentation to continue. After the presentation was over, Geiger tried to take questions from the audience where answers could be offered, but eventually he stopped that attempt as unruly responses con­ tinued to erupt from the audience. The next health board meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 28. A location has not been announced. Geiger said the board had not yet decided whether it would call a special meeting before then. As of Tuesday, BEDHD reported 140 active cases of COVID-19 in Barry County, down from 175 the week before. Two additional deaths were reported, for a total of 75 since the pandemic began in March 2020. �Page 4 — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? ‘Mask-up face-offs’ reveal true character Pumpkin spice is nice... But an oil change is for vehicular consumption only. (So don’t even think about adding it to your morn­ ing coffee.) Do you remember? Marching in Michigan’s band Banner Oct. 17, 1963 The 184-member University of Michigan Marching Band has one of its busiest seasons this year since it is playing at seven home games and also at the Minnesota game in Minneapolis Oct. 26. The all-male group rehearses 11/a hours every weekday to prepare its shows. Band members include Hastings residents William Smith (left), 725 S. Benton St., and David B. Logan, 1096 Cook Road. Have you met? Jennie DeWitt discovered her passion when she lived in an old farmhouse near Dowling. The home had a south-facing bay window, and DeWitt envisioned stained glass in that place. But her kids were still young and the family couldn’t afford the cost. So, her then-husband suggested she make the win­ dow herself. “And it just kind of exploded from there,” DeWitt, now 70, said. At the time, DeWitt had been a stay-athome mom for four or five years. She was looking for something to do, and art had always interested her. As a kid growing up in the Battle Creek suburbs, she watched her grandmothers do needlecraft and sewing. Her mom also sewed. One of her grandmothers taught DeWitt how to crochet and embroider and, before long, young Jennie was making doll clothes. But that was the extent of her art experi­ ence. For most of her childhood, DeWitt thought she would become a nurse. Then she got married, had kids and never went back to school. She had worked in various jobs in insurance and retail before raising her children. Looking for activities, DeWitt found her­ self drawn to glasswork. She never did make the stained-glass window for her farmhouse, but she did start taking weekly classes at Delphi Glass in Grand Rapids. Over a three- to four-week period, she com­ pleted a class and, not long after, she met an older couple who taught her how to repair bent glass panels and traditional stained glass, which she calls a lost art. She never took another class. But almost as soon as she learned how to work with glass, DeWitt started spending the bulk of her free time huddled in the pole bam cre­ ating 12-by-16-inch stained-glass panels, repairing church windows and piecing together lamps. She hasn’t stopped. Four years after she began making glass art, DeWitt received a job as a legal assis­ tant. With that full-time job, for almost 22 years DeWitt had no choice but to relegate her glass projects to the weekends. That changed in 2014 when she started to envision a retirement filled with glasswork projects. From there, she built an extension on her house in Hastings Charter Township and turned it into a glass-making studio. She compiled about 700 pieces of glass from a , man who’d spent 60 years in the business. She made a 1,200-piece replica of a Tiffany > peacock lamp that was accepted in the 2017 Grand Rapids ArtPrize international com- Jennie DeWitt petition. She signed up for more shows and bigger shows. Up until retirement, DeWitt had little time for shows, having a booth only at Hastings Summerfest. But after dedicating more time to art, she traveled to shows across the state in Ann Arbor, Milford, East Lansing, South Haven, Lowell and Grand Rapids. To participate in the larger events, she had to send in pictures of her work and be accepted by a committee. Although DeWitt still sews, creating 1,000 masks during the pandemic shut­ down, she takes pride in bringing her glass­ work to shows. “There’s usually not that many glass art­ ists around anymore,” she said. She also prides herself in selling a range of glasswork. Her products start at $5 and go as high as $5,000. They feature a multi­ tude of stained-glass art types, from music boxes to candleholders to kaleidoscopes. “When you think of stained glass, you normally will think of a church window or the little suncatchers or possibly a lamp­ shade,” she said. “And it’s actually much, much more. You can enjoy it. You can have it set around, just have something pretty to look at. It’s functional. It’s useful, besides nice to look at.” DeWitt creates glasswork for her busi­ ness, Jenill Studios, out of a back room in her house, where she lives with her hus­ band, Paul DeWitt, a retired physician who owned a private practice in Hastings for 40 years. The room is filled with purple pieces of glass, half-made creations and a stainedglass window of a white tiger. She normally enters the room at 6 a.m., shortly after she wakes up. She said she “tries” to wrap up by 6 p.m. but sometimes she’s so deeply involved in her work that one of her many wooden clocks is showing 10 p.m. before she’s done. DeWitt can’t always stay up that late, though, since she has plenty of other obli­ gations. She has three grown children and four grown stepchildren. She likes to travel, most recently visiting her son, Randy Haire, in North Dakota. DeWitt serves on several boards for the county, volunteers at the schools, helps with elections and, for nearly 20 years, has served as an advocate for victim services at the sheriff’s department. When she’s not making art or volunteering, she’s at Spectrum Health Pennock, taking classes six days a week. “So I stay busy,” she said. For her creativity and her commitments in the community, Jennie DeWitt is this week’s Bright Light'. Favorite movie: “Dirty Dancing" Favorite season: Summer, because I like sunshine and blue skies, and it’s the cheeri­ est season of the year. Favorite vacation destination: New Orleans, although I like to travel and visit new places. Favorite dinner: Steak, baked potato and salad. What I like about my job: Being retired. I don’t really have a job, but enjoy the cre­ ative outlet that my art shows give me. I really enjoy being able to make new stainedglass items any time I want to. I also have other things that involve helping and giving back to our community in many ways. I’m most proud of: My sons, who I raised mostly on my own. They have turned out to be wonderful, loving and interesting men. I am most content when: I’m with my family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and when I’m creating new artwork for my shows. What the world needs now is: More caring and understanding - like there was when I was growing up. The world today is much too politicized and not tolerant enough of the different cultures and values that make up our nation. I wonder how the subjects of local artist Andrew J. Woodstock’s ArtPrize entry would have handled life in our current ran­ corous times. Featured in last week’s Reminder, Woodstock’s piece, “A Simpler Time,” har­ kens back to an earlier period in our country and depicts a stoic farmer and a girl, maybe his daughter, standing by a team of mules outside their bam. The watercolor and graphite picture brings back memories of a different time when life was simple, and hard work, dedication and respect for each other was a way of life. Reality returned a few pages later in that edition of the paper with several stories about citizens standing in line, impatiently waiting to deliver, in almost all cases, caus­ tic words of disapproval to school board members regarding recent mandates that their children must be masked in schools. Citizens also attended the Barry County . Board of Commissioners and the BarryEaton District Health District meeting to voice bitter opposition to mandates. It’s a different time in America - no lon­ ger simple, gracious or respectful. The passion from speakers was understandable, reflecting a way of life they have had to endure since the deadly pandemic began. But to mask or not to mask was not the question of the day. Rather, the issue was the mandate from the health department that took the masking decision out of the hands of families who had been under the impression they could make that choice for their kids. Although school board members are under the authority of county health depart­ ments and have no recourse in the matter, they faced the misdirected ire of parents. Angry parents wanted to be heard, especial­ ly after being told so many conflicting views and opinions about the use of masks. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article authored by two well-known physicians/researchers, recent mask guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention isn’t grounded in the latest science. Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Dr. Cody H. Meissner, chief of pediatric infec­ tious diseases at Tufts Children’s Hospital, maintain that the CDC doesn’t have suffi­ cient data or science and, most importantly, doesn’t know the health effects of masking -especially as it relates to children. When questioned whether masks reduce COVID-19 transmission in children, they replied, “Believe it or not, we could only find a single retrospective study on the question, and its results were inconclusive.” Yet authorities across the country have imposed mandates in schools and elsewhere on the theory that masks are not harmful to children. Some children are fine wearing masks, but others struggle. Those who have health issues, wear glasses or struggle emo­ tionally find it difficult to wear the masks. Still, government officials say parents should follow the mandates, regardless of any struggles their children face. “The adverse developmental effects of requiring masks for a few weeks are proba­ bly minor,” Makary and Meissner wrote, “but we can’t say with any confidence, when the practice stretches on for months or years, that it doesn’t negatively affect a child’s behavior. Covering a child’s face mutes nonverbal forms of communication and can result in robotic and emotionless interactions, anxiety and depression. Seeing people speak in a building block of phonet­ ic development is especially important in children with learning disabilities.” Currently, both the CDC and the World Health Organization recommend cloth masks be worn by the general public, although both organizations had recom­ mended the opposite. Many feel these shift­ ing guidelines have caused confusion as to whether masks protect against the virus. In fact, with so many changes in policy, some have lost confidence that these officials even know what they’re talking about. Adding to the public doubt about masks is the fact that, across the country, state actions have varied in setting these man­ dates. Michigan ended mask mandates June 22, along with all COVID-related capacity limits for gatherings. The state had already The Hastings BcUUlCI* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell, or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. lifted mask orders for fully vaccinated citi­ zens in indoor public places and for all people outdoors. Face coverings are still required to “protect vulnerable popula­ tions” in long-term care facilities, prisons and housing for farm workers, but schools were left up to local health officials. It’s this kind of inconsistency that rattles parents and the general public. So, when public meetings in our area these past few days filled up with parents, grandparents and concerned citizens, they were there to be heard as they expressed their concerns about a mandate that overrules their ability to determine what’s best for their kids. “The Constitution was not written to restrain the citizens’ behavior,” retired Congressman Ron Paul said, “it was written to restrain the government’s behavior.” That’s not to say the Constitution makes governing easy. If anything, the Constitution makes it more difficult, because it requires the majority to respect the minority. But, when the Constitution works as it should, and when opposing sides come together to find an effective solution, it’s amazing what can be accomplished. Public opinion is always appropriate in a democracy to keep government in check, yet it’s only effective if it’s done in a way that is civil and with respect. Otherwise, it’s considered mob rule. We’ve witnessed that over and over in America these past several months, citizens bringing attention to issues of concern in marches that get out of hand amidst burning and looting. Then the focus on the issue is quickly lost. So where do we go from here? There’s no reason why the health department, schools and parents can’t find some com­ mon ground on the masking issue. Instead of arbitrarily saying, “Take it or leave it: Kids have to wear a mask to attend school,” why not have kids wear masks on the bus and while walking in the halls? Once seated in the classroom, allow students to take them off so they are ready to learn without the distraction of masks. Experts like Makary and Meissner warn that the possible psychological harm of widespread masking should concern us all. Facial expressions are integral to human connection, particularly for young children, who are only just learning how to signal fear, confusion and happiness. It’s inexcusable that, during these meet­ ings, some speakers lose control, use inap­ propriate language, insult and even threaten hardworking public officials. Anger can short-circuit the rational mind, so some make comments in the midst of hysterical, unthinking tirades - and their comments only serve to feed the anger and hysteria of those who speak after them. That vitriol, spewed to hard-working people who should be accorded respect, is an affront to the community at large. But it’s important for officials to listen to what citizens and parents have to say. Amid all the shouting and histrionics, there are some civil, thoughtful accounts of great pain and suffering that reveal the price many people have paid during the pandemic. No one has been immune. The Barry County commissioner who wept after six hours of a nearly nonstop harangue from the public said he shared their pain. Some seem to view their local public servants as their ene­ mies, but they are not, he said. Why call a meeting and listen to everyone? Why both­ er? Clearly, these local officials care. So, now that these meetings have taken place, it’s necessary to come together to address legitimate concerns that were raised. The people deserve a response that respects their concerns and addresses their fears - for the good of all. • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — Page 5 Meijer introduces bill to expand civic education Nancy Goodin (left), representing the Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County, pres­ ents a check for $8,150 to Janie Bergeron of Green Gables Haven. (Photo provided) Women's Giving Circle supports Green Gables Haven The Aug. 4 meeting of the Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County was at the Blue Wagyu Restaurant at Yankee Springs Golf Course. Speakers at the meeting were Jayne Flanagan, who represented Manna’s Market, the recipient of the May combined donations, and Janie Bergeron, representing Green Gables Haven. Members at the meeting voted to give donations to Green Gables Haven. Those combined donations totaled $8,150. Members of the Women’s Giving Circle commit to contributing $50 per quarter, or $30 per quarter for those under age 30. The next meeting of the Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 3, at Bay Pointe Woods. Information will be emailed to members prior to the event. Information about the Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County is available from any of the organizing members: Caroline Dimmers, Stephanie Fekkes, Sue Kolanowski, Debra McKeown, Kim Norris, Carla WilsonNeil or Nancy Goodin, or by emailing NanGoodin@aol.com. Information, which includes guidelines and a membership form, will be emailed to interested women, who may join the group at any time. Self-restraint is essential to freedom To the editor: In the United States, we are proud to assert our ideals, especially liberty and freedom. It is easy to treat freedom as an absolute ideal but worth thinking about it a little bit. Like most Americans, I think it is an ideal worth striving for, but I know of no one who seri­ ously believes in absolute freedom. Everyone who is in possession of their faculties restrains themselves in some ways. We don’t generally walk around naked in public. We don’t utter every insulting thought that comes to mind. We don’t take everything we want without paying for it. We all exercise some self-restraint on our freedoms. And we expect others to exercise some self-restraint as well. All of us recognize that there is a need to constrain the freedoms of others. Driving at excessive speeds or under the influence puts other people at risk. Firing a gun on a crowded street or shouting “Fire” in a crowded theater could be deadly. We do not allow people to freely take whatever they want from others. There is always give and take, a consider­ ation of what the cost of acting too freely might be. We don’t always agree on what cost is too high, and we commonly assume a right to act freely in some way that we begrudge others. But we recognize the need to live with the responsibilities that come with our freedoms. Or at least we should. A classic metaphor for the limits of free­ dom is that “your right to swing your arms ends at my nose.” For 14 years, I was a town­ ship planning commission chairman and for the past 25 years, I have been an environmen­ talist active in water protection. My own metaphor is that “one person’s right to take a pee ends at another person’s right to clean drinking water.” During my tenure as a planning official, I learned the practical side of another truth about freedom. Freedom doesn’t exist as an absolute except in slogans and song lyrics. It can only have real meaning when considered as the “freedom to do something” or “free­ dom from something.” The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states we have the right to freely exercise our religion, freely speak our minds and freely assemble. The Fourth Amendment states that people have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures; that is, we have a right to freedom from unreasonable governmental intrusion. In his State of the Union address Jan. 6, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt out­ lined four freedoms that were worth fighting for to help explain to the Congress and the American people why it might be necessary to go to war with the Axis powers almost a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor drew the U.S. into World War II. Roosevelt listed the freedom of speech, the freedom of wor­ ship, the freedom from want, and the freedom from fear. Note that two of these are freedoms to do something and two of these are free­ doms from something. Sometimes it may seem that two different freedoms can be in conflict. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been many recommendations and some mandates for people to regulate their behavior. Many people have resisted these strictures as limita­ tions on their freedom to do what they want. And, of course, they are limitations. But they are introduced to allow us to have other free­ doms. The purpose is to allow people to go into public spaces, conduct their businesses, go to work or school with the maximum free­ dom from exposure to a serious contagious disease and the risks of illness and death. The current debates are about vaccinations and masks. I have discussed vaccinations in another letter to the editor, and it is a compli­ cated issue. But the question of masks is not complicated. It’s simple: Except for a very few people with certain medical or psychological issues, a requirement to wear a mask in public imposes a minimal burden. Medical health professionals have been wearing masks for prolonged periods of time for more than 100 years to protect our patients from the possibil­ ity we will infect them with a contagious dis­ ease. I am a retired veterinarian, and for 40 years I always wore a mask during surgery. I referred to debates about this issue. I wish we were only dealing with debates. There have been mobs of shouting people, threats to school and public health officials, and even physical violence. Recently, someone tried to run the Kent County Public Health Officer off the highway two days after his department issued a mask mandate in the public schools. It is a question of balance. Is the freedom to go maskless more important than the free­ dom to conduct our lives in public without being exposed to a serious contagious dis­ ease? If there was really a heavy cost to wear­ ing a mask, then the answer might be yes. But there isn’t a heavy cost to wearing a mask. No freedoms are absolute or just ideals in space. We are talking about freedom from wearing masks. And we are talking about freedom from exposure to disease. It’s always a matter of opinion. I get that. But it is also a matter of facts. No serious problems are caused by wearing a mask. COVID is highly contagious, especially the delta variant which is the most common one now. COVID kills. Close to 700,000 Americans have died from COVID in the past year and a half. This is 10 to 20 times the number of deaths caused by influenza. And masks work. There have been studies following infections from COVID in school children done in many school systems, includ­ ing in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Utah, Wisconsin, Australia and the United Kingdom involving about 5 million kids in total. In every study, children in schools where masks were worn had significantly fewer cases of COVID-19. This is not just a matter of opinion. My opinion may not be worth more than Dr. Fauci’s or your neighbor’s or a televi­ sion commentator’s or a YouTube influencer’s. Studies involving millions of students are worth more. Do your own research. Start with the CDC report on those studies: cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7039e3 .htm?s_cid=mm7039e3_x. Don’t trust the CDC? It’s not about the CDC. Read about the studies and then decide. You can also get summaries of several studies by searching for Masking in Schools - Children’s Hospital Colorado. It’s not a matter of trust. The results of comparing schools with and without mask policies are clear. If masks are worn in schools, there are fewer infections. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township U.S. Reps. Peter Meijer, R-Mich., and Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., introduced the Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act of 2021 to promote and expand high quality, evidence-based civic education and service-learning programming in K-12 public schools. “According to a 2020 report by the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, significantly greater federal invest­ ment in civic education, widespread adoption of proven, state-based best practices, and incorporation of service-learning within school curricula are critical to preparing young Americans to realize their obligations as citizens and expose them to opportunities to engage in military, national, and public service,” a statement from Meijer said. This legislation will create a “Civic Education and Service-Learning Grant Program” to support the implementation of high quality, evidence-based civic education and service-learning programming in K-12 public schools. The bill would authorize the appropriation of $400 million for the pro­ gram. It also will establish an Office of Civic Education within the Department of Education to promote civic education throughout the United States. “Studies today show students lack access and exposure to high-quality civic education in U.S. classrooms. A federal investment in civic education and service-learning would help prepare young Americans to realize their duties as citizens and cultivate a culture of service to country,” Meijer said. “Serving my country has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life. That call to service may exist in students across our country who don’t currently have the resources to gain more meaningful knowl­ edge about the different ways to demonstrate their civic responsibility. “I’m proud to join Rep. Scanlon in intro­ ducing this legislation to improve civic edu­ cation and increase participation in military, national, and public service with heightened focus on experiential learning in congressio­ nal hearing, courtroom, and public hearing simulations in schools throughout Michigan and across the country. Our students and teachers deserve these resources and learning opportunities.” “Our young people need to acquire the skills to understand how our government works, become effective citizens, advocate for them­ selves and their communities, and navigate the masses of misinformation found on social media,” Scanlon said. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort alongside Rep. Meijer to expand and revitalize civic education and pro­ mote public service in me United States.” The act is supported by the Michigan Center for Civic Education, the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, CivXNow Coalition, and the Center for Civic Education. “The Michigan Center for Civic Education (MCCE) applauds Representative Meijer for his commitment to informed, active, and vibrant civic communities,” Ellen Zwarensteyn, executive director, Michigan Center for Civic Education, said. “The Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act of 2021 represents a significant milestone in raising the awareness of and support for meaningful civic education. “The Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act of 2021 represents stu­ dent-centered, inquiry driven, and prob­ lem-based educational possibilities. We wel­ come the emphasis on developing civic knowledge, civic skills, and civic dispositions. “Opportunities to practice those skills in K-12 settings are proven to inspire the confi­ dence and competence necessary for meaning­ ful civic engagement. The act would allow more professional learning opportunities for teachers to cultivate their own knowledge and skills to inspire their students, schools, and communities. MCCE enthusiastically endors­ es The Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act of 202las it paves the way for the knowledge, skills, and dispositions our students need to fully participate in the practice of democracy.” “Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon’s and Rep. Peter Meijer’s Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act of 2021 offers significant and much-needed assistance to states and local school districts in fulfilling their essential Civic Mission to provide high-quality civic education to all students,” Ted McConnell, executive director of the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, said. “Their legislation, enacting the recommendations of the nonpartisan National Commission on Military, National, Public Service, should be swiftly passed by Congress to help ensure a well informed and engaged citizenry.” “We are grateful for the bipartisan agree­ ment and commitment to civic education and service learning as critical investments for all K-12 schools, as demonstrated by the cospon­ sors of the Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act,” said Shawn Healy, senior director of Policy and Advocacy, iCivics. “The CivXNow Coalition, a project of iCivics, is deeply com­ mitted to greater federal prioritization of, and investment in, K-12 civics as a means of strengthening our constitutional democracy. “We believe the Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act significantly advances this goal and are particularly thankful for the leadership of Representatives Scanlon and Meijer on this issue.” Peter Meijer The Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act would create a civic education and ser­ vice-learning grant program to: - Support the development and imple­ mentation of high-quality, evidence-based civic education and service-learning pro­ gramming in K-12 public schools and pro­ mote hands-on civic learning activities like simulated Congressional hearings, simulated public hearings, and courtroom simulations^ - Provide teacher development with respect to civic education and service-learn­ ing programming in K-12 public schools. - Assist states, institutions of higher edu­ cation, and nonprofit organizations in sup­ porting civic education and service learning in K-12 public schools. - Establish an Office of Civic Education within the Department of Education to pro­ mote civic education throughout the United States. . - Require the administration of National Assessments of Education Progress (NAEPs) in civics and history at the same frequency as reading and mathematics in grades 4, $, and 12; and require that civics and history assessment data is published in the aggre­ gate for the United States and separately for each state. - Establish an annual Excellence in Civics Award to highlight excellence in the devel­ opment and teaching of civic education ana service learning. i - Support the development and distribu­ tion of educational materials and teaching resources related to civic education and effective citizenship by the Library of Congress, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the National Archives. Values have strayed to sad levels To the editor: I went to the Hastings Area Schools board meeting recently and, by the time I left after the public comments, I was so sad. I wondered where my country and commu­ nity is headed when wearing a mask to pro­ tect our children, the people who are teaching them and serving them in our schools becomes so contentious. When did our values stray from working together and doing things that are uncom­ fortable for the benefit of the greater good and the protection of those who are vulner­ able? We were able to do it during World War II and, more recently, after the attacks of 9/11. What has happened to us now that has When government officials overstep To the editor: A government leader instructed midwives to allow newborn girls to live, but to kill baby boys. They did not heed what he said. Then the same leader said that baby boys were to be thrown into a river. The parents of a son did comply. Another man made a tall image of gold and commanded everyone to bow before it. Three young men refused. Still another leader said his word was ulti­ mate and anyone who did not follow it would be thrown to lions. Yet one man continued to pray as he had always done. Leaders told a group of men they were forbidden to speak in public. They replied that they could only declare what they had seen and heard, and that the leader’s words were not the highest authority. The first accounts are from the Bible, Exodus chapters 1 and 2. The second and third are from Daniel, chapters 3 and 6. The fourth is from Acts, chapters 4 and 5. God created government for the benefit and order of society. In the usual routines and patterns of life, government is to be support­ ed and prayed for (Matthew 22:15-21; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; Titus 3:1,1 2; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Yet we also read that any person who says his world is supreme has gone into an area in which he has no business. Increasingly, government officials are over­ stepping this boundary. They are not account­ able to the people. They say their word is final. They push that people’s money will be used to kill babies. They mandate that citizens cannot gather and worship according to the dictates of their own consciences. They direct that employ­ ees must be vaccinated or else they will be fired. A storm is upon us. Our only hope and help is from above. We must turn from our stub­ born ways. May the Lord of heaven and earth have mercy on us. Dan Bowman, Plainwell County in desperate need of leaders To the editor: What happened at the Barry-Eaton District Health Department meeting last week rests squarely on the Barry County Board of Commissioners’ shoulders. As you probably know, the man making a citizen’s arrest said he had discussed it with Sheriff Dar Leaf. Because of the board’s refus­ al to censure Leaf’s actions, he continues to negatively affect this county without fear of condemna­ tion. And at Tuesday’s meeting, the board allowed Drain Commissioner Jim Dull to say that only one per­ son spoke negatively about their Watson Drain District assessment without even questioning him. That was wrong, and it’s hard to imagine that not one commissioner realized that. The county board is supposed to provide the leadership for our coun­ ty, which sometimes means making hard decisions - including holding other county officials accountable. When they were elected, that is what was expected of them. Sadly, the turmoil in our county is a result of that not taking place. These folks wanted the job of commissioner - I’m assuming because they wanted to lead. So they need to start leading. Our county needs it desperately. Larry Osborne, Delton caused so much anger over the simple act qf wearing a mask? Is it really so hard to do if it could save just one child from becoming seri­ ously ill and potentially dying? Is giving up one small personal right not worth that? I Mary Beth Adyniec, Hastings Let’s talk about what we’ve been missing i To the editor: The recent letter about Hastings being a “sundown town” and the writer’s grand­ daughter being labeled with a racial slut, saddened me greatly. My own wonderful grandchildren are not being raised here because my Asian-American daughter-in-la^ saw no diversity here. We miss so much wheh we exclude others who don’t look like us. I applaud the many people who attended the first of three, “courageous conversations^’ sponsored by the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance. There, we learned that silence means compliance. S|) speak up! Let’s have an even bigger response at the next Zoom meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 30 (tonight). Carole G. Smith, Delton THIS AD FOR SALE! More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 �Page 6 — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Phyllis May Settles By Elaine Garlock * Football rankings listed this week include Cfckewood whose record thus far is three wins and two losses. Meantime, Portland has won all five games. Dewitt and Grand Ledge each are 4-1. In schools a bit smaller PewamoWestphalia and Portland St. Pats each have SO records. It should be interesting to see how they fare in the rest of the season. The annual fall rummage sale at the Fellowship Hall of Central United Methodist Church on Fourth Avenue is on for three days starting today with hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and shorter hours Saturday. Also there will be fresh doughnuts for sale, especially in the morning hours. They might be sold out by afternoon. Sunday was observed as the annual United Methodist Women Sunday with the lady members doing a skit, each wearing black as a’background for the props each held. The theme was the Great American Pie with over­ tones related to the Purpose. To take the theme to a nice conclusion, warm apple pie was served during coffee hour that followed the service, which included communion. Green beans are still rolling in. Tuesday, a Ryan James Flynn, Middleville and Janelle Lyn Westlake, Middleville Zachary Scott Webb, Nashville and Megan Nichole Ethier, Nashville Anthony James Hull, Hastings and Haley Nicole Johns, Hastings Abigail Rose Brooker, Middleville and Ryan Matthew Holcomb, Kalamazoo Quinn Menno Grassmid, Middleville and Gillian ISabel Van Duine, Alto Bridgett Nicole Hilton, Middleville and Timothy Trent Doxtater Jr., Hastings Caitlin Elaine Branch, Hastings and Joshua David-Hubert Newell, Hastings double-bottom semi was noted carrying away a heaping load of snippings. Another feature of the season is that the siding at Twin City Foods this week has five refrigerator railcars. That will hold a lot of green beans. Both the Raffler and Allen rural homes have been razed. One of the building sites overlooks a lake. The other is pure country. We will wait to see what transpires at each site. Members of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel organization this week received the first issue of the state pub­ lication in a long time. Some chapters are starting to meet or are making plans for future meetings. Clarksville’s own Georgia Richardson, now Sharp is the co-chairman for legislative affairs for this statewide group, which operates in behalf of retired school personnel, whether bus drivers, cooks or superintendents. We read about shortages of teachers. The latest is that one urban school district had to call the National Guard in order to have driv­ ers for all of its buses. With illness and quar­ antines, some schools have trouble being fully staffed. Ferris Joshua Abdallah, Red Lion, PA and Courtney Elizabeth Barker, Middleville Caitlin Jane Dyer, Middleville and Jeremy Brian Heavner, Middleville Angela Marie Metzger, Hastings and Brad Allen Jousma, Hastings Isabelle Sue Rapson, Middleville and Nathan Dale Stahl, Freeport Shaun Michael Engle, Hastings and Jaimie Marie Perry, Nashville Elizabeth Grace Cason, Bancroft and Craig Lee Ross, Hastings Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hasting.sfreeme.thodis.tC.Qm.Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Huongs Fiberglass JWMWEWIW Products 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Phyllis May (Kelley) Settles, age 95, of Hastings, , passed away on September 21, 2021. Phyllis was bom on May 3, 1926 in Lafayette, Indiana, the Daughter of Jesse and Ethel Amy (Grove) Kelley. She attended Hastings High School, gradu­ ating in 1944. She attended Grace Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit, graduating in 1947 as part of the Army Corps of Nursing program at the end of World War II. Phyllis was married to David Settles of Hastings on November 15, 1947. They were married for 64 years. Phyllis had a beautiful alto voice, singing for many years in the choir at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings. She was also a guest soloist at several other Hastings church­ es. Phyllis participated in the yearly produc­ tion of Handel’s “Messiah” presented by the Grand Rapids Symphonic Choir. She and David lived in Gainesville, Georgia with Mary and Charlie for nine years, during which time she sang in the choir at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church. She remained an active member of Emmanuel Church in Hastings until her death. Phyllis was a dedicated writer. She was best known for her poetry, but she also wrote Fisk resigns as Middleville village president Greg Chandler Staff Writer Middleville Village President Amanda Fisk has resigned after eight months in the position. Fisk, who was appointed to the position Jan. 12 after the death of longtime Village President Charlie Pullen, submitted her resignation letter to Village Manager Patricia Rayl and her council colleagues Friday. Her resignation was effective immediately. Fisk’s resignation letter was in the packet for Tuesday’s council meeting. “The last 19 months have been hard on all of us, and we have all carried our own stress and worry as we dealt with an unprecedented (in our lifetimes) pandemic,” Fisk wrote in her letter. .. Memory of Keith Meaney 11/6/1946 - 10/2/2010 LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Donna Fox, age 73, of Hastings, passed away on September 22, 2021. Donna was bom on November 9, 1947, the daughter of Wink Closson and Bernice Gay Walton (Closson) Stehr. She was a graduate of Thomapple Kellogg High School in Middleville. On February 14, 1987, Donna married Stephen Fox, and they enjoyed 34 years together. Donna was preceded in death by her par­ ents, Bernice (Harry) Stehr, Wink Closson, and brother, Rick Stehr. She is survived by her sons, Chad (Sherri) Nixon, Bryan (Maureen) Nixon, Travis (Holly) Tumes-Robertson; her daughters, Bernice “Bunny” (BJ) Gallardo, Sarah (Corey) Fox, and Jacqueline (Joe) Nixon-Tribanas; sisters, Nancy Striegle, Gayelynn (Mike) Goodenough; brother, Michael (Sue) Stehr, and many grand­ children, nieces and nephews. A Memorial Visitation for Donna was held on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. volumes of prose. She left dozens of stories about her early life in Battle Creek and Hastings. She belonged to several writing groups through the years and turned out hun­ dreds of poems. Her favorite medium was haiku. Several of her poems were published in poetry journals. She was also a dedicated journalist, writing daily entries in dozens of notebooks through the years. Phyllis’ spirit will live on as a singer of songs, a leader of neighborhood Christmas carols, a player of autoharps, a writer of poems, a knitter of afghans, scarves and mittens, a watcher of movies, a prolific gluer of scrapbooks, a keeper of gardens, kittens, puppies and fish, a raker of leaves, a lover of big sandwiches, a cooker of scrump­ tious meatballs and firepit stews with that special smokey taste, and a lover of life, in all that it had to offer her. She will be missed. Phyllis was preceded in death by her par­ ents; her husband, David, and her brothers, Jack Sage and Keith Sage. She is survived by brother, Dick Kelley of Marshall; daughter, Mary Lynne Settles (Charlie) Andrus of Fishers, IN; son, Michael David Settles of Decatur; grandchildren, David (Courtney) Andrus of Fishers, IN, Jonathon (Amy) Andrus of Greenville/ Spartanburg, SC, Ericka Andrus of South Pasadena, CA, and Amy Jo Andrus of South Haven. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church “Solar Array Project”, 315 W. Center St. Hastings, MI 49058. Graveside burial service for Phyllis will be conducted by the Reverend Mother Linnea Stiffer at Riverside Cemetery (North) in Hastings on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. The world changes from year to year, Our lives from day to day, But the love and memory of you Shall never pass away. Forever in our hearts, Gloria Matt & Pyper Andrew, Mel, Amelia & Emerson Jerrod, Mel, Jackson & Hannah SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting September 14, 2021 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All board members present Approved all consent agenda items Leach Lake Weed Control renewal Social Security for elected officials Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 8:44 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk _____1§8848 “Staff and council went through countless chang­ es, none more difficult than the loss of Charlie. We had to overcome and adapt challenges seem­ ingly every day, and we are better for it. I am proud of the work that has been done and my role in it, and proud of where the village is going. The goals and plans for the coming year are exciting, and I am glad to see growth continue. “However, as a working single parent, the stress of balancing everything is an ongoing battle. It has become clear to me in the past few weeks that my health is suffering, and it’s time to take an inventory of my life and take the steps forward to fix it. I no longer feel I can serve here in the village the way I wanted to, nor do I feel I am successfully balancing my careers and my family. Both my kids and council and staff deserve a better version of me, but my family comes first.” Fisk went on to say it has been increasingly difficult to see people in the Middleville com­ munity turn on each other. “I would never expect the world of local pol­ itics to be without some conflict, and I surely have seen plenty of pushback on even small issues like curbs and sidewalks for years. Those discussions are easy to have,” she wrote. “We have reached a fever pitch, however, and I can­ not bring myself to move forward in service when any disagreement is met with rage, anger, threats, and unnecessary disruption. The mob mentality is disheartening and disappointing. This has certainly made me question my future career in service and politics, but more impor­ tantly, it’s taken a toll on my mental health. “I am aware that this is a difficult time to make this decision, especially with budget dis­ cussions happening as we speak. I sincerely apologize for that. It is my hope that the timing allows for a new appointment coinciding with the beginning of a new year and a somewhat easy transition into 2022,” she added. Fisk, 35, was elected to the village council in 2018. She was the top vote-getter among four candidates running for trustee positions, captur­ ing 762 votes. In 2020, she initially announced she was running for Barry County clerk as a Democrat, but later withdrew her candidacy due to work and family circumstances. Fisk came under fire shortly after her appoint­ ment as president over a Facebook post she made following the death of conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. The post led to a firestorm of complaints seeking Fisk’s resignation. More than 340 people jammed a virtual council meeting a week after Fisk’s posts, with community members speaking out, both in support and in opposition to her. Fisk apologized for the post. Rayl and several council members expressed sadness over Fisk’s departure at Tuesday’s coun­ cil meeting. “It’s just sad that there’s so much contention in the community, that people who have service in their hearts are not able to continue in the position,” Rayl said, referring not only to Fisk’s resignation but also the recent resignation of former Thomapple Kellogg Board of Education president Kristen Cove, which was submitted just a few days before Fisk. “She worked hard,” Trustee Tom DeVries said of Fisk. “I know we don’t all agree with everything, but I appreciate her heart of service for the community. She really had that.” He suggested the idea of a token of apprecia­ tion for her. “Amanda certainly had a servant’s heart, and was very committed to the community. It’s sad to see her go,” Trustee Kevin Smith said. Village President Pro Tempore Sherry Ronning presided over Tuesday’s meeting and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Village Attorney Mark Nettleton walked the council through the process of finding Fisk’s successor. Under Michigan law, the council will appoint a successor to serve as president until the November 2022 general election. “There is no provision in Michigan law for council to call a special election to fill the posi­ tion,” Nettleton said. There is no specific timetable for when the president’s position should be filled, only that the appointment be made in “a reasonable amount of time,” Nettleton said. Ronning said the council should take its time in filling the vacancy. “I don’t want to rush this,” she said. “We need to digest what’s going on here, because last time, I felt it was rushed, and mistakes were made. “I felt that when we lost Charlie, there were people here that had been with him a long time who didn’t get that chance to process and grieve [his death]. I want to slow down,” Ronning added. Fisk was appointed two months after Pullen’s death. He died of COVID-19 on Nov. 20, 2020 at the age of 71. Pullen had been village presi­ dent for 11 years. Trustee Mike Cramer echoed Ronning’s sen­ timents. “I would like to get through the budget before we add something else to our plate,” Cramer said. Smith called the last process of choosing the village president “sloppy.” “It was like having two left feet the last time. It was uncomfortable and strange,” he said. “If I may be so bold as to say, we should really focus on what process makes sense to all of us, that we feel confident that how we appoint is the focus.” Trustee Ed Schellinger suggested the council first appoint a new member, and then have the full seven-member council choose the president from there. But Nettleton said that’s not the rec­ ommended process under Michigan law. “You have only one vacancy,” he said, refer­ ring to the village president position. “You need to fill that vacancy.” Fisk concluded her letter by expressing her gratitude for the support and kindness village staff has shown her this year. “I cannot thank you enough for helping me through what was certainly one of the toughest times in my life,” Fisk wrote. “Not only are you great at your jobs, but you are all incredibly kind people, and I truly appre­ ciate you. I am sure our paths will cross again in the future - this is still a small town, after all.” Fisk is a 2003 graduate of Thomapple Kellogg High School. She holds an associate degree in sociology and psychology from Lansing Community College, a bachelor’s degree in psy­ chology from Michigan State University and a master’s in public administration from Walden University. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — Page 7 . fl look back at the stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner TURNING i BACK THE 1 PAGES dB This “Causeway east of Delton” from an early 1900s post card must have seemed like a great improvement to the pioneers of that time. (Images from Fred Jacobs’ post card collection) . Gates, Spalding, Orange suggested for local township names The 16 townships that currently make up Barry County were once one large township, then four townships, separating repeatedly until each of the 16 measured 36 sections in a 6-mile square grid. Marshall L. Cook, in the July 31, 1941, Banner, wrote about how the townships were named, revealing that the process could be contentious and that some had been known by other names. How the townships of Barry County received their names History of bestowing names is interesting Four honored New England and New York towns from which pioneer settlers came M.L. Cook The writer recently received a letter from a woman in the southwestern part of the county asking how Orangeville derived its name. The writer was able to give the answer from information he obtained from the History of Barry and Allegan Counties, which was pub­ lished many years ago [1880]: ....... After having answered the inquiry, it occurred to him to look in the same volume for the history of the names of all the 16 town­ ships of this county. This is presented below. ASSYRIA - While that township was a part of Johnstown, a post office within its present limits was called Assyria. After the township was separated from Johnstown, Feb. 29, 1844, the name of the post office was given to the township. The first town meeting was held at the home of Cleveland Ellis, who was elected the first supervisor. Forty-three votes were cast. John S. VanBrunt was chosen clerk. Mr. VanBrunt later moved to this city and for many years operated the horse-driven bus that car­ ried people to and from the passenger depot, which was then the present freight depot. Many years later, the passenger station was built in its present location. [A circa-1890 his­ tory on the township’s website doesn’t specifi­ cally say why the name Assyria was chosen, only that the post office needed a name that was not the same as another post office in the state. It may have been selected for the ancient empire referenced in the Old Testament.] BALTIMORE - Until 1849, this township was part of Johnstown, but was informally christened Baltimore as early as 1842 by lead­ ing men in the township who came from Baltimore, Md. In 1842, Thomas Dowling, after whom the village probably was named, and Andrew Kelley, brothers-in-law, both from Baltimore, Md., selected farms on Section 15. BARRY - In 1836, all of Barry County was one township called the Township of Barry, and was named in honor of Postmaster Gen. [William T.] Barry, a member of President [Andrew] Jackson’s cabinet. In 1838, by act of the legislature, the county was divided into four townships, the southwestern quarter of the county being called Barry, which then included Hope, Prairieville and Orangeville. In 1841, the west half of Barry was set off and named Spalding, in honor of C.W. Spalding, who settled on a farm in Prairieville Township in 1835. Hope was made a separate township in 1850, leaving Barry at its present size. CARLTON - This township, together with Woodland, Castleton and Hastings, was made by the legislature one township and was called Hastings. Carlton was set apart as a township in 1842 and was named Carlton at the suggestion of Zebulon Barnum, a pioneer who came from Carlton, N.Y. CASTLETON - Castleton was a part of Hastings Township until it was made a sepa­ rate township in 1842. According to the his­ tory mentioned, the honor of christening this township was awarded to William P. Wilkinson, an early settler there. He desired to give it the name of his native village in Vermont, so he called it Castleton. HASTINGS CITY - a Detroit banker named Eurotas P. Hastings was the owner of a large tract of land, including the present limits of the city of Hastings. It appears that the site of Hastings was designated as a coun­ ty seat and was named Hastings in honor of the Detroit banker mentioned. That was in 1837, when four men living in Marshall pur­ chased the land from Mr. Hastings and laid out the plat for the future county seat. HASTINGS TOWNSHIP - The name Hastings given to the county seat also was, by act of the legislature, given to Hastings Township when it was organized. HOPE - This township was part of Barry until 1850, when it was set apart and named Hope. The story goes that Salmon C. Hall, then a representative in the state legislature, gave the name Hope to this township because he remembered a peculiar expression a pio­ neer of the township, William M. Campbell, often used in reference to conditions, as he frequently did. Mr. Campbell would say he “hoped things would improve by and by.” There were some people who did not like the name and tried to change it to Cedar Creek, but the movement failed. IRVING -A.E. Bull was the first settler in Irving Township, taking up 40 acres on Section 33, where he resided for a time. However, his land holdings included what became afterward known as Bull’s Prairie in Rutland. He was a forceful man. Previous to a legislative act of 1839, Rutland was a part of Yankee Springs, and what is now Irving was part of Thomapple. In 1839, the present Irving ad Rutland townships were designated as the township of Irving by the legislature. Mr. Bull was a great admirer of Washington Irving and asked that the township be given that name in honor of his favorite author. In 1847, Rutland was separated from Irving. JOHNSTOWN - In 1837, the four town­ ships of Assyria, Maple Grove, Baltimore and Johnstown constituted one township, which was called Johnstown. It appears that a Quaker preacher named John Mott, living in Jackson County, purchased a large tract of Wolves were a constant challenge for early settlers who tried to raise sheep. But by 1909, the date of this post card, local farmers seem to have prevailed. This particular card was sent by Flossy Bolo of Maple Grove, who would have been 13 at the time. The back of the card bears only her name, no message, and contrary to the verdant image on the front, it was sent in January to Miss Effa Dean in Long Beach, Calif. land in the southeastern part of Barry County, where he intended to locate a colony of Quakers, or Friends, as they were pleased to call themselves. In accordance with Quaker custom, Mr. Mott was always called John by his Quaker brethren. Early settlers and land seekers who came into that area designated it as “John’s Town” because of his large holdings of land. So, when the county was divided into four townships, the southeast­ ern quarter was named Johnstown. The proj­ ect of settling a colony of Quakers in that area was abandoned, and the Mott tract of land was sold to other settlers. In 1844, the township was divided, the west half retain­ ing the name of Johnstown, and the east half Assyria. In 1849, the northern half of Johnstown was set apart as the township of Baltimore. Johnstown retained its present name and the limits it has today. MAPLE GROVE - Maple Grove was a part of Johnstown until 1844, when it became a part of Assyria Township. It was said to have been christened; Maple Grove by the wife of one of its early pioneers. The name was, no doubt, given because there was so much maple timber-in the township. ORANGEVILLE - This township was a part of Prairieville until 1847, when the legislature set it apart and gave it its present name. The name is said to have been given at the sugges­ tion of Peter Falk. He wanted it called Orange, which was the name of the Ohio township from which he moved to Michigan. Since there was another Michigan township called Orange, that name was rejected. A compromise was reached by calling the township Orangeville. PRAIRIEVILLE - Until 1841, this was a part of Barry Township. In that year, what are now Orangeville and Prairieville townships was set apart under the name of Spalding, in honor of C.W. Spalding, a pioneer who bought a farm in the township in 1834 and moved there in 1835. He was prominent in the early history of the township and of the county. How it came to be called Prairieville is not explained in the History ofAllegan and Barry Counties. However, that history does mention that the prairie land found on Gull Prairie extended north from Kalamazoo County into Prairieville Township. That may account for the change in its name from Spalding to Prairieville. In 1847, it was sepa­ rated from Orangeville and given the name Prairieville instead of Spalding. RUTLAND - We have explained that this township was a part of Yankee Springs and then of Irving. It was set up as an independent township in March 1847. The name was bestowed, according to the History ofAllegan and Barry Counties, at the suggestion of Winslow W. Ralph, one of the early settlers, who came from Rutland, Vt., and wished to honor his former home. THORNAPPLE - This township received its name from the Thomapple River. The river was so named because there was such an abundance of thomapple trees growing on and near its banks. It was so named before Thomapple Township existed. The township was organized in 1838. At first, it included Irving, Rutland and Yankee Springs. The last named was set off in 1839 as was Irving, which then included Rutland. WOODLAND - This township was includ­ ed with Carlton, Castleton and Hastings as one township until 1842, when it was made a township by itself. The name Woodland is not explained. It was probably given because the township was so densely covered with woods. [The local compilation, The History of Woodland, Michigan, 1837-1987 was limited to the same assumption of the early heavy forested lands: “During the winter of 1841-42, the Michigan legislature enacted measures nam­ ing Township 4 North, Range 7 West, as the township of Woodland. The original name proposed by the pioneers was not Woodland at all, but Orange. However, it was discov­ ered by the legislature that there already was an Orange, Michigan, and so they changed the name to Woodland, for reasons that at the time must have seemed obvious.” Ionia and Kalkaska counties are both home to an Orange Township.” The Thornapple River, named for the many thornapple trees on and near its banks, was called such before the township was similarly named. 8n this 1909 post card, sent from N.E.H. to Mr. A.H. Mottinger of Oswego, III., mentioned the area, saying “This is a very pretty place up here. The country is full of little lakes. Sorry I didn’t bring my fish pole. There is a lake seven miles from here that has 95 miles of beach - so it isn’t so small.” YANKEE SPRINGS - This township received its name in a peculiar manner. Henry Leonard and family, and with them a young man named Charles Paul, were driving toward Thomapple Township. When they reached the springs that gave the name to Yankee Springs, they stopped to eat their dinner and quench their thirst with the fine spring water. Later a stranger joined them. Their talk revealed the fact that all of them had come from New England and were therefore entitled to be called Yankees. Someone in the party suggest­ ed they ought to give the name Yankee Springs to this place where they had been refreshed. Accordingly, young Paul stripped the bark from one of the large trees near the springs and carved the name “Yankee Springs” upon that tree. The name seemed to stick. William Lewis, who established his hotel that made the name famous as Yankee Springs, was very proud of the name. It was believed that his influence resulted in first naming the township Yankee Springs. But Calvin Hill, a prominent pioneer living in the northern part of the township, did not like that name. His neighbor and friend Nathan Barlow was then a member of the leg­ islature. Through him, Hill had the legislature change the name of the township to Gates, in honor of the New York town-from'which Mr. Hill came. Yankee Bill Lewis was wrathy when he found the name had been altered. He stirred up enough opposition so that the fol­ lowing legislature restored the name of Yankee Springs, which it has ever since retained. • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 HOUSEKEEPERS WANTED Part-time hours available with competitive wages. Apply in person at 690 W. 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Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 �Page 8 --Thursday, September 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner TKHS teacher dies in car crash Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Thomapple Kellogg Schools commu­ nity is mourning the loss of a longtime high school special education teacher. Heidi Prior, who had taught at TKHS since August 1995, was killed early Tuesday morn­ ing in a car crash in Gaines Township while on her way to school. She was 57. According to the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Prior was in a car that was struck from behind on 100th Street at East Paris Avenue. Four cars were involved in the crash. The driver who struck Prior’s car from behind was injured and was airlifted to a Grand Rapids hospital. s A resident of Grand Rapids, Prior played an instrumental role in putting together the Hearts and Hoops Special Olympics basket­ ball tournament, which involved students from TK as well as neighboring school dis­ tricts. In an interview printed in a 2019 edition of the “TK Key,” the official publication of the school district, Prior spoke of the connection she had with her students. “I get emotional when they graduate and move on,” she said. “They always laugh at me because I’m crying, but it’s hard to give them away. They are my world.” Prior also spoke of never giving up on any of her students. “There are 1,001 ways to do one thing - I just have to find the right one that fits with each student,” she said. “I am never willing to give up on any of them.” TKHS art teacher Barb Maring knew Prior for more than 25 years. Maring’s daughter, Maggie, was a student in Prior’s cognitive impaired class all four years in high school. “I think the thing that describes her best was her passion for the students,” Maring said of Prior. “She cared for the person that was in the classroom as well as outside class. She wanted to make their lives wonderful.” Ray Rickert, band director at TKHS, spoke about Prior’s impact on her students. “The thing that stood out for me was that she loved those kids like they were her own,” Rickert said. “She defended them, she went to bat for them.” Prior also was a class advisor at TKHS and helped planned homecoming events, proms and graduation exercises, Rickert said. Before joining the TK district, Prior had taught in the Grand Rapids Public Schools and Lawton Public Schools districts. She was a graduate of Grandville High School, Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University. Her husband, Jim, is a custodian at Discovery Elementary School, part of Kentwood Public Schools. Funeral arrangements were unavailable at press time. ORANGEVILLE, continued from page 1-------------------------------------Asphalt would have to cross in order to access its property. Karen Hayward handed out photos to com­ missioners that she says show a stake survey proving the couple’s ownership of the strip, as well as information from the county’s geo­ graphic information system website. “JMK Realty or Jeff Kresnak do not own the property that would give them the right­ of-way to the property of the proposed gravel bit,” she said. “Barry County does not have the right to grant this special-use permit across my property line - and my attorney has advised me of that.” Kresnak disagreed. “We haven’t seen anything to show us that [we don’t own that strip],” he said. “You can’t stop anyone from accessing the right­ of-way.” County Planning Director Jim McManus said the dispute will have to be resolved by the land owners who are involved. Phil Corson, who owns an excavating busi­ ness based in Middleville, supported Kresnak’s application. “He’s trying to make a living like everybody else is,” Corson said. “He needs resources. As of right now, we’re running out of resources to drain fields, driveway material, all aspects of [building]. It’s all going way up in price. The more [mining] spots we get opened up, hope­ fully we can bring those prices down.” Opponents objected to the project for a variety of reasons, including noise, dust and safety. Jeff Kirkwood, who lives just east of the proposed gravel pit, complained about the noise from existing activity on Kresnak’s property. “It is constant. There’s no escaping it,” Kirkwood said. “I can’t close windows nothing. There’s just no end to the noise when they’re at it. It goes all day.” “I’m just for community, my community, my neighborhood,” resident Phillip Joseph added. “I just can’t see any positive things coming out of it for me. Obviously, for them, they get paid, they get money. I moved out here ... to Orangeville [Township] to raise a family and have some peace and quiet, away from the city, away from all that, to have that lifestyle. Now that this is coming in, it’s a 15-year death sentence for me.” Joseph went on to share the story of a neighbor, an Afghanistan war veteran, who wanted to buy the property proposed for the sand mining operation, but was outbid. “So now he loses out on his lifestyle, his peace, his quiet,” he said. Meyers promised several measures to try to mitigate noise and sight concerns, includ­ ing planting trees as a buffer on the southeast side of the property, near a residence to the east; creating an extra 50-foot setback beyond county standards to the far north end of the property, again abutting residential properties to the north; and conducting mining work below grade. “Being below grade, it acts as a barrier for that. It helps [mitigate noise],” Meyers said. Orangeville Township Supervisor Tom Rook said the mining operation will contrib­ ute to increased wear and tear on Keller and ‘Mother Nature has blessed you, or cursed you, with a lot of gravel. That’s why all the gravel companies that I represent... are buying up property out here because you have very rich gravel.’ - Ken Vermeulen, the attorney representing Grand Rapids-based Superior Asphalt Inc. Norris roads. Last year, the township spent $69,000 on Keller Road alone, and the town­ ship is spending $319,000 on road mainte­ nance this year, supported by a township millage, Rook said. “A 40-cubic-yard semi with a trailer behind it weighs 160,000 pounds, as compared to a half-ton pickup that weighs 7,100, gross vehi­ cle weight,” he said. “That equals 22 1/2 vehicles, times 16 1/2 trips per day, is equiv­ alent to 371 extra vehicles on that road.” Rook asked that the board require Superior Asphalt to begin its operations at 7:30 or 8 a.m. for safety concerns. Another resident, Roger Smith, expressed concern about the impact of the project on local tourism and recreation. “You’re going right through a big major tourist area,” Smith said. “It’s almost 365 days a year now through Gun Lake and the Yankee Springs [Recreation] Area. You have everything from pedestrian traffic, hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, motorcycle rid­ ers. They’re coming up and through on Norris Road. To me, that’s a huge danger, running those big construction trucks up and down. I’m wondering, is there even an alternate route that they could be taking that would be less dangerous?” Larry Heslinga, a Hope Township resident who has been actively involved in efforts to block a gravel pit operation on Wilkinson Lake in that township, spoke of what he saw as a bigger concern about a proliferation of properties in Barry County being sold to gravel pit operators. He called for the board to “push the pause button” on consideration of mining operations. “We can’t just look at one in isolation,” said Heslinga, who is part of the Healthy Waters Alliance. “We have to take a step back and say how do we want to manage gravel pit applica­ tions appropriately within the county. There’s going to be lots of [applications] coming up.” Ken Vermeulen, a Grand Rapids-based attorney representing Kresnak, said there are limits to a local planning commission’s abili­ ty to deny a mining permit application. “With natural resources extraction, you can only mine it where Mother Nature put it,” Vermeulen said. “That’s why you’ve got a whole bunch of mines in this area, because Mother Nature has blessed you, or cursed you, with a lot of gravel. That’s why all the gravel companies that I represent... are buy­ ing up property out here because you have very rich gravel.” Superior Asphalt owns a 230-acre sand and gravel mining operation in Ionia County’s Danby Township, near the Grand River and the city of Portland. The planning commis­ sion received several letters of support prais­ ing the company and Kresnak as a good neighbor in that community. “The mine has the most beautiful, land­ scaped entrance I have ever encountered in all the mine inspections that I do on a yearly basis,” Danby Township Zoning Administrator Jeanne Vandersloot wrote. “Everything on the property is kept neat and well taken care of. Any neighbor inquiry is [dealt] with immediately. He strives to always meet all of the approval conditions of the permit.” Vandersloot went on to say that Superior’s facility is next to an upscale housing develop­ ment. She wrote that Kresnak planted thou­ sands of pine trees to serve as a buffer between the mine and the housing develop­ ment, and undertook other measures to miti­ gate blowing sand and noise from the mine. She added that a study by their planning commission found there was no loss of prop­ erty value for those homes. “Your planning commission will not regret approving a mining permit to Jeff Kresnak,” Vandersloot concluded. A neighbor of that site, Ben Spitzley, echoed Vandersloot’s support. “They are stewards of the land and have only improved it,” Spitzley wrote in his letter. “Jeff has allowed his neighbors to use the property for walks, access for servicing their own property and cutting firewood. He paved a road to keep dust down and he operates at appropriate times of the day so noise is a non-issue. He has employed neighbors to help in maintaining his farm and has improved wildlife habitat.” Commissioners put several conditions on their approval of the special land use, most notably hours of operation. Commissioner Joyce Snow moved to allow Superior Asphalt to operate between 7:30 a.m. and 6: 30 p.m. weekdays and between 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays during its prime mining period. Operations in the off-season, between December and February, will be dawn to dusk. The machine that will crush the rock will be allowed to operate between 7: 30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. In addi­ tion, sensors will be required on vehicles that back up. The special land use passed on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Jack Nadwomik voting no. The site plan passed on a 5-0 vote. Commissioners Vivian Conner and Bob Vanderboegh were absent. Conner was attending the Michigan Association of Counties convention on Mackinac Island. Finandal FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Kevin Beck,AAMS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC 400 W. State St, Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)818-0423 Prepare yourself financially for illness... just in case All of us hope to live long, healthy lives, so we do what we can to take care of ourselves through proper diet, exercise and avoiding unhealthy activities. However, none of us can predict our future, so it pays to be prepared for anything - including a serious physical illness or the onset of some type of mental incapacity, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Of course, you may never face these infirmities, but you should be aware that they could upset your long-term financial strategy and place considerable stress on your loved ones. What steps can you take to head off these threats? First, make sure you know what your health insurance covers and how much you might have to pay out of pocket for treatment of illnesses such as cancer or kidney ailments. If you’re on Medicare (supplemented with Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C), you’ll want to know all about deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. However, if Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia is involved, Medicare may not cover the costs that could be incurred in an assisted living facility, so you may want to consult with a financial advisor, who can suggest ways of protecting yourself from long­ term care costs, which can be quite high. Your next move is to make sure you have adequate liquidity. It’s hard to predict how many out-of-pocket costs you could incur when coping with a serious illness, but it’s a good idea to have enough cash readily available, rather than dipping into your 401(k) or other retirement accounts. So, if you’re retired, you might want to keep up to a year’s worth of living expenses in a liquid, low-risk account. Here’s another important step: Update your estate plan. Hopefully, if you have a serious illness, you’ll be able to recover. But it’s still a good idea to review your estate plan to ensure eveiything is in order, such as your will and your living trust, if you’ve created one. If you’ve kept up your life insurance, you’ll also want to ensure your premiums are still being paid. And don’t forget to review your beneficiary designations on your 401(k), insurance policies and other financial documents, since these designations can supersede the instructions in your will. As part of your estate planning, you may want to include a durable power of attorney for finances, which allows you to name someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, and Staff Writer For the second time this year, the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved funding for a project in Middleville. The MSF board Tuesday approved a $750,000 community development block grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to help pay for replacing sewer lines and water mains in The Downs subdivision on the village’s west side. “We are good to go,” Village Manager Patricia Rayl said Tuesday night as she informed the Village Council of the grant approval. The Downs are located just south of West Main Street and east of Bender Road. The grant is through MEDC’s Water-Related Infrastructure Program, which is designed to assist local municipalities in making needed water, sewer and wastewater infrastructure improvements. Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The project will entail installation of sewer main lining with cured-in-place pipe to repair the crumbling clay tile mains that were installed when The Downs was developed in the 1960s. The sewer main will also be replaced on Greenwood Street between Whippoorwill Court and Greenwood Court, and the water mains under Greenwood and Whippoorwill courts will be replaced. The project has an estimated cost of $900,000. The village is providing a $150,000 local match, which is being used for engi­ neering work. The project is expected to go out for bids in January or February next year, with construction expected to be completed during the 2022 season, Rayl said. Middleville is one of 11 Michigan commu­ nities that were approved for grant funding through the Water-Related Infrastructure Program on Tuesday, totaling nearly $15 mil­ lion in funding. Other communities that received approval for grants included Bangor, Escanaba, Fowlerville, Hart, Hartford, Houghton, Morenci, Rogers City, Shelby and West Branch, according to the MEDC news release. “As we accelerate Michigan’s economic growth, it’s absolutely critical that we make investments in our infrastructure to support that growth and ensure a bright future for all Michiganders,”MEDC chief executive offi­ cer and MSF board chairman Quentin Messer, Jr. said in the news release. “Today’s grants will allow these communities throughout our state to make the improvements needed to remain vibrant and attractive places for busi­ nesses to invest and where talent wants to live, work, visit and play.” A total of 61 communities applied for the grant program, with applications totaling about $87.5 million, according to the MEDC news release. a durable power of attorney for health care, which lets you name someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so yourself. You may also create a health care directive or living will to express your wishes if you don’t have a power of attorney for health care, or the person named in a power of attorney for health care can’t be reached in an emergency. And since estate planning can be complex, you’ll certainly want to work with a legal professional, and possibly your tax and financial advisors, as well. You might think it’s somewhat grim to prepare yourself financially in case you become seriously ill or if your life is touched by Alzheimer’s or another mental infirmity. But it’s a positive move - you’re protecting yourself and your loved ones from whatever life may throw at you. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. Hastings to receive $765,127 in ARPA funds Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings officials announced Monday that the city will receive $765,127 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. The first half of the money will arrive in about 30 days, and the second half will come within 12 months. Mayor David Tossava said the city has about three years to spend the money, and he is unsure how the funds will be used. The city council will schedule a workshop to deter­ mine the best path forward. The news was shared with council mem­ bers during the Sept. 27 meeting. “I think we have to be pretty smart about how we spend it,” Tossava said. “... We want to make sure however we invest that money, it’s going to be worth it.” Before making any decisions, the city will need to become familiar with regulations on how it can disperse the funds. The city will start by filling out a formula with the Government Finance Officers Association to determine revenue loss. If any revenue loss is found, the money can go toward the city’s general fund and can be used for anything. If there is no revenue loss found, the funds can only be used for specific projects, such as water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale said she does not know when they will receive the answer to that, but it will affect how much they’re able to accomplish. “It’s not going to be a massive project if we were to use it for infrastructure,” she said. “If we were using it towards some kind of an State funds for Downs infrastructure upgrade OK d Project to repair crumbling sewer lines will cost $900,000 Greg Chandler Jim Lundin Financial Advisor The Michigan Strategic Fund board earlier this year approved a $990,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program low-in­ terest loan request from the village to be used for the 112 E. Main mixed-use development to be built east of the village hall. Groundbreaking for that project has been delayed several times, and is now expected early next year. The Village Council Tuesday approved two contracts tied to The Downs project. The council approved a $5,000 contract with Lansing-based TriTerra for an environmental protection study that is required under the grant program, and a $12,000 third-party grant administrator contract with Portage­ based Abonmarche Consultants. The two contracts will be paid for with funds out of the state grant. The village earlier contracted with Williams & Works to develop engineer­ ing plans and specifications for the bidding process. economic development project - and I’m saying this very broadly because I don’t have one particularly in mind - it’s more money in that context than it would be strictly for infra­ structure. So, it kind of just depends on how you look at it.” Both Tossava and Moyer-Cale discussed the possibility of leveraging the city’s ARPA funds. The city could work with other public and private organizations receiving ARPA dollars, such as the state, county or Barry Community Foundation, to combine money for a mutually beneficial project. “There may be a way that we can leverage our ARPA funds with some of their funds to do a bigger project,” Moyer-Cale said. “So that’s certainly worth at least looking into, just to see if we can stretch our dollars fur­ ther, essentially, keeping all of our options open at this point.” In other business, the council agreed to: - Suspend the downtown social district, which permits the open carrying of alcohol, during the Barry-Roubaix gravel bike race this Saturday. - Close Green Street from Broadway to Cass Street 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, from for trick-or-treating. - Close Fish Hatchery Park Oct. 9 for tree removal. If canceled due to inclement weath­ er, the tree removal will be pushed back to Oct. 16. - Go into closed session for an undisclosed reason. Moyer-Cale and Tossava said they could not comment on what was discussed during the closed session. No action was taken following that session. Hastings fatal crash Greg Chandler Staff writer Hastings Police are investigating a two-car accident late Wednesday after­ noon that left one person dead. Police were called to the crash scene at North Broadway Avenue and Benson Street at 5:11 p.m. The crash involved a white Ford Explorer and a navy blue Buick. One of the two drivers was pro­ nounced dead at the scene. That person has not been identified. No one else was reported injured in the crash, according to Rick Krouse, assistant chief of the Hastings Fire Department. Broadway was closed in both direc­ tions at Benson while investigators sought to find a cause for the crash. Responding to the scene were Hastings Police, Hastings Fire Department, Michigan State Police, Barry County Sheriff’s Department, Mercy Ambulance, AeroMed and Michigan Department ofTransportation. An investigation was in progress at press time. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — Page ,9 LEGAL NOTICES Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Garage Sale MOVING SALE: WED.-FRL, Sept. 29th-Oct 1st, 2021. 13812 S. Jones Rd., Battle Creek (Banfield), crossroad M-37 & Hickory Rd. 9am-? 100's of Halloween items & costumes, fine art & jewelry. Business Services MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Farm Use Happy Jack® DD-33 to kill fleas & ticks on dogs & cats on contact. At Tractor Supply (www.fleabeacon.com) Help Wanted THREE BROTHERS PIZZA, Hastings location is looking for help! Friendly work en­ vironment, good pay, 401k match, management oppor­ tunities. If you would like to be part of our team, drop off a resume at the shop, 1600 South Hanover. 269-948-4300. Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 [THIS Mad [for SALE More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com ★Kantar Millward Brown, Feb. 2018 BARRY COUNTY 1st Shift Custodian : i1 1 • ? • . ’/,>»/ 3 id 1G ’ 111 Hl I Barry County is seeking Resume’s for a first NOTICE Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM on OCTOBER 7, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Bryan M. DeHaan AKA Brian DeHaan and Connie DeHaan AKA Connie Jo DeHaan, husband and wife, to ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., Mortgagee, dated February 24, 2005 and recorded March 8, 2005 in Instrument Number 1142428 and Affidavit Affecting Realty recorded on June 11, 2020, in Instrument Number 2020­ 005718, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by NewRez LLC, F/K/A New Penn Financial, LLC, D/B/A Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred One Thousand Seven Hundred Nine and 96/100 Dollars ($101,709.96). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on OCTOBER 7,2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: The East 280 feet of the South 800 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 ofSection 12, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Together with a 30 foot wide easement for ingress and egress described as: That part of the Southeast 1/4, Section 12, Town 4 North, Range 10 West; described as. Commencing at the South 1/4 corner of Section 12; thence North 89 degrees 48 minutes 23 seconds East, 801.5 feet along the South line of said Southeast 1/4; thence North 00 degrees 11 minutes 37 seconds West, 33.0 feet to the Northerly right-of-way line of Garbow Road and the place of beginning of the centerline of a 30 foot wide strip of land; thence North 02 degrees 03 minutes West, 195.23 feet; thence North 59 degrees 35 minutes East, 118.86 feet; thence North 26 degrees 13 minutes 30 seconds East, 105.05 feet; thence North 10 degrees 20 minutes 50 seconds West, 138.44 feet; thence North 45 degrees 35 minutes 50 seconds East, 88.36 feet; thence North 84 degrees 22 minutes 30 seconds East, 44.56 feet to a point of the West line of the East 280 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4, Section 12 and the place of ending of the centerline of said 30 foot wide strip of land. 7250 West Garbow Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 The; redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: September 9, 2021 File No. 20-001729 Firm Name: Orlans PC Firm Address: 1650 West Big Reaver Road, Troy Ml 48084 Firm Phone Number: (248) 502.1400 (09-09)(09-30) 167666 shift Custodial position. Please send Resume’s to: Tim Neeb, Supervisor Barry County Buildings and Grounds 220 W. State Street Hastings, MI 49058 (269) 9451293 16884 168841 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY TO: COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on October 14, 2021 commenc­ ing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton Ml, 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, In addition to participation during an public hearing, mem­ bers of the public may also provide comments for the Planning Commission's consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Planning Commission for receipt prior to the meet­ ing, in care of the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson (ethompson(g)pcimi.com) or by leaving a phone message prior to the meeting with the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson at 269-948-4088. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from property owner, Andrew Hart, 10928 South Dr. Plainwell, Ml 49080, for a Special Land Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the construction of an addition to a non-conforming accessory building pursuant to section 4.20 “Accessory Structures” and section 6.16 “Non-conforming buildings/structures”. The subject site is located at 10928 South Dr., Parcel # 08-12-180-002­ 00 and is currently zoned R-2 - Residential. 2. A request from property owner, Fred Junker, 10944 Houvener Rd, Plainwell, Ml 49080, for a 2 parcel re-zoning pursuant to section 9,4 "Amendments", The subject sites are located at approximately 10944 Houvener Rd,, parcel #08-12-004-012-00/10 and is currently zoned A-Agricultural, the applicant is requesting to re-zone the parcel to Rl-Low Density Residential, 3. Such other business as may properly come before the Planning Commission, The Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes in the above-mentioned proposed amendment(s) at or following the public hearing. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days' prior notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION By: Myron Kox, Chairperson Prairieville Township Hall Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA236, MCL600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on October 28, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Rita M. Bates, surviving spouse Original Mortgagee: Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, A Subsidiary of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. Date of Mortgage: July 25, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 6, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $101,198.64 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 31, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the South 1/4 corner of said section; thence North 00 degrees and 00 minutes West 2303.95 feet along the West line of said Southeast 1/4 to a point which is South 00 degrees 00 minutes East 330.0 feet from the Center of said Section 31; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes East 385.17 feet along the North line of Church Street to the place of beginning of this description; thence North 00 degrees 27 minutes 15 seconds West 165.0 feet along the East line of Race Street; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes East 132.0 feet; thence South 00 degrees 27 minutes 15 seconds East 165.0 feet to the North line of Church Street; thence South 89 degrees 54 minutes West 132.0 feet to the place of beginning. Common street address (if any): 6463 W Irving Rd, Hastings, Ml 49058-9787 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 30, 2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 11015 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046 1444453 (09-30)(10-21) 4 168775 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 20-028568-01-DE Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Rosemary Mercer, deceased. Date of birth: 11/17/1951. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Rosemary Mercer, died 3/11/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to David Mercer, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Str., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 9/28/2021 Lane R. Zabawa 92 Woodcrest Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49504 734-770-7090 David Mercer 3924 Ward Dr., Lot 42, Wayland, Ml 49348 616-795-5715 16888 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 21-28948-DE Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Stephen James Coffield, deceased. Date of birth: March 15,1951. TO ALL CREDITORS: Including Michigan Department of Health & Human Services who address is uncertain. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Stephen James Coffield, died July 6, 2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Candace Coffield Scott, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: September 22, 2021 Trudy Y. Luedecking P41260 PO Box 593, Kalamazoo, Ml 49004 269-381-3053 Candace Coffield Scott 1445 School House Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 805-722-0999 168776 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust The Shirley M. Van Denburg Trust, dated August 4, 2004. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Shirley M. Van Denburg, born July 3,1928, Settlor of the Shirley M. Van Denburg Trust dated August 4, 2004, who lived at 1551 North Michigan Avenue, Hastings, Michigan 49058, died: Shirley M. Van Denburg May 8, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are_notified.Jbat.all claims against the Shirley M. Van Denburg Trust dated August 4, 2004, will be forever barred unless presented to Stacey McKee and Sheryl Lee, Co-Trustees of the Shirley M. Van Denburg Trust dated August 4,2004 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 9-30-21 Stacey McKee 9912 Bird Road Dowling, Ml 49050 Sheryl Lee 1820 Erway Road Hastings, Ml 49058 168897 STATE OF MICHIGAN : PROBATE COURT , BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate * CASE NO. NA Court Address: NA Court Telephone No.: NA Estate of Shirley M. Van Denburg. Date of birth: 7-3­ 1928. : TO ALL CREDITORS: > NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Shirley M. Van Denburg, died 5-8-2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claim^ against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Stacey McKee and Sheryl Lee, Co-Trustees, personal representative, or to both the probate court at and the personal representative within 4 months after the date qf publication of this notice. Date: 09/20/2021 * Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street, Suite 101 Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-3512 Stacey McKee and Sheryl Lee 1820 Erway Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-9938 Decedent’s Trust NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Shirley M. Van Denburg, born July 3,1928, Settlor of the Shirley M. Van Denburg Trust dated August 4, 2004, who lived at 1551 North Michigan Avenue, Hastings, Michigan 49058, died: Shirley M. Van Denburg May 8, 2021. I Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Shirley M. Van Denburg Trust dated August 4, 2004, will be forever barred unless presented to Stacey McKee and Sheryl Lee, Co-Trustees of the Shirley M. Van Denburg Trust dated August 4,2004 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 9-30-21 Stacey McKee 1 9912 Bird Road f Dowling, Ml 49050 Sheryl Lee 1820 Erway Road , 269-945-9938 168897 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY ' NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate > CASE NO. and JUDGE u 21-28951-DE . William M. Doherty । Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Kim Alan Rogers. Date of birth: 04-16-59. TO ALL CREDITORS: < NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Kim'Alan Rogers, died 07/06/21. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Rodney Dye, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 09/23/2021 ; David H. Tripp P29290 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2900 Rodney Dye ' 2766 Circle Drive, Delton, Ml 49046 269-806-6179 168778 PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS FILE NO. 21-28962-NC Decedent’s Estate including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by j Hastings, Ml 49058 STATE OF MICHIGAN PERSONS z 2004. TO ALL CREDITORS: PROBATE COURT INTERESTED 168898 The Shirley M. Van Denburg Trust, dated August 4, STATE OF MICHIGAN In the matter of James Bowman. ■ NOTICE TO CREDITORS PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING TO ALL t ; n FILE NO. 21-28939-DE Estate of Steven Alan Johnson. Date of birth: 9-2-198$: TO ALL CREDITORS: The decedent, Steven Alan i Johnson, died 8-16-21. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Creditors of the decedent the following: on are notified that all claims against the estate will be 10/13/2021 at 2:00 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, forever barred unless presented to Mike A. Johnson, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. personal representative, or to both the probate court at Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: 206 W. Court St., Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held Petition for a Name Change for James Michael personal representative within four months after the date of Bowman to be changed to Brynn Marie Bowman. publication. « Date: 09/22/2021 James Bowman Date: 9-30-2021 Mike A. Johnson ' 2564 Algen 361 W. Hammond St. Otsego, Ml 49078 Middleville, Ml 49333 (616)835-5635 168942 STATE OF MICHIGAN 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF HEARING CASE NO. 21009455-NA PETITION NO. 21009982 TO: Franklin D. Vergeson III IN THE MATTER OF: Carly Joann Rugg A hearing regarding Preliminary Hearing on Petition to Terminate Parental Rights will be conducted by the court on 10/22/2021 via Zoom meeting ID 5030695658 at 1:45 p.m. in 3rd Floor Courts and Law Bldg., 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 before Referee Jan M. Otto. You have a right to an attorney and the right to a trial by judge or jury. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Franklin D. Vergeson III personally appear before the court at the time and place stated above. This hearing may result in the termination of your parental rights. 168967 269-680-0460 168909 Prairieville Township Parks & Recreation Public Announcement The Prairieville Township Parks & Recreation Commission has completed its preparation of the Five (5) Year Plan that includes input from the public. It is now available for review from September 30 through October 31,2021 on the Prairieville Township website. If you are unable to view the document electronically please contact Joanna Haneckow at 269 664-6677 or johaneckow@ yahoo.com to request a hard copy viewing. The Parks & Recreation Commission looks forward to providing its public the best possible parks and recreation experience every time you visit and will work on recommended and implementable improvements over the next five (5) years. �Page 10 — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Hastings Marching Band Invitational returns for 30th year Delton, Lakewood among, 28 bands performing Benjamin Simon Staff Writer After 30 years, one might think the Hastings Marching Band Invitational could run itself But that is far from the case for one of the largest high school band competitions in the state of Michigan. Hastings High School co-band directors Spencer White and Jen Ewers each spend about 100 hours a year preparing for the invi­ tational. Saturday, their work will come to fruition when Hastings hosts its 30th annual marching band invitational. Twenty-eight schools and 2,200 marchers from Bridgman to Brooklyn to Tawas will travel to Hastings this weekend to perform their halftime shows on Johnson Field at Baum Stadium. Thirty bands had originally signed up for the 30th annual event, but two had to back out. “That’s OK, though,” Ewers said; “28 bands is still a huge number of bands! We are the largest scholastic marching band compe- Seniordrum major Zach Franklin, lead­ ing the Saxons in their presentation of “Villain,” said he’s looking forward to Saturday’s event. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Like clockwork, one band exits and another one prepares to take the field during the 2019 invitational, which drew 20 bands. This year’s event, Saturday, Oct. 2, will include 28 bands with about 2,200 students, plus their parents or other spectators. About 150 volunteers will aid the clockwork, guiding buses, bands and attendees to keep the show moving according to the schedule. (File photo). Hastings has a long tradition of supporting the school band program. As recently as 2018, the Bowling for Bands fundraiser brought in more than $15,000, allowing for the purchase of three new brass sousaphones, or marching tubas. Kyle Morgan (center) wasn’t even in middle school at the time, but is now a part of the band that benefits from the community’s support. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) tition in the state of Michigan and have held that title pretty regularly throughout the event’s existence. “Even last year, in a pandemic year, we were still able to host a show with 12 bands signing up,” she said. “As soon as registration opened for our show for this year, the regis­ trations came in quickly.” Senior drum major Zach Franklin said he’s looking forward to the invitational returning full force after the pandemic limited the event last year. Only two spectators per band mem­ ber were allowed to attend in 2020, and then after each performance, the band and specta­ tors had to leave. Despite the pandemic, Franklin said last year’s invitational didn’t feel much different. The audience was much smaller and wait times longer, but neither got in the way of the music. “That’s a great thing about band and about music, in general,, it just breaks free of any social or societal stuff going on... and allows for a sense of hope and release and even, like, fun,” he said. This year, bands will compete in six differ­ ent categories based on school enrollment size. Performances will be judged by a panel of band directors, professional instrumental­ ists and college professors. Bands will compete against others in their class, vying for the highest score, as well as special caption awards, including best field commanders, percussion section, color guard, music, and marching. As host, Hastings will not be competing, but will give an exhibition performance. At the end of the night, the top overall scorer, regardless of classification, will be deemed grand champion. “I always love seeing all the bands come in,” director White said. “It’s always great to connect with the directors that are visiting and just see what all of these educators are doing around the state. It’s inspiring, it’s encouraging, it’s fun??.” The invitational is open to anyone. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for children under 5. The audience is asked to remain seated and quiet during each performance. The event will begin at 11 a.m. with the national anthem and will continue throughout the day. Hastings will be the final band to perform at 8:30 p.m. with its show “Villain,” which includes “Paint it, Black” by the Rolling Stones, “The Imperial March” from the “Stars Wars” movies, “Bad” by Michael Jackson, “Send in the Clowns” by, composer Stephen Sondheim and music from “The Phantom of the Opera.” Last weekend, Hastings placed first in Class B at the Otsego invitational, taking cap­ tion awards for visual presentation and per­ cussion. The Saxons were just 1.2 points behind grand champion Mattawan and had the second highest score at the event, Ewers said. The Lakewood High School band took first place in Class C at Otsego, taking caption awards in percussion, color guard and visual presentation. Delton Kellogg, less that 3 points behind Lakewood, placed third in the same division. All three schools, along with nearby Caledonia, Wayland, Hopkins and Ionia will be among the bands performing Saturday. Introducing our new Hastings Relationship Center. More centrally located. More ways to engage. More ways to find your power. The invitational serves as a major fundrais­ er for the Hastings band program and pro­ vides a chance for local and regional bands to compete. “It’s a great opportunity to just see the band perform for an attentive audience,” White said. “Sometimes at football games, it can be a little distracting because there’s a lot of things going on at halftime. And while a lot of people do watch the shows there, it has a whole different vibe when you’re at a perfor­ mance that is specifically designed to show­ case these bands.” For Franklin, the sheer size and range of schools make the event unique. When he’s not volunteering with concessions or parking, he plans to talk with other band members, watch their performances and maybe even gamer a few ideas for new props. “It’s this huge melting pot of so many dif­ ferent bands,” Franklin said. “8,t Not all com­ petitions have such a large number of bands, such a large variety of music. You really gef to see so much stuff at this invitational.” Both White and Ewers like to use statistics to illustrate the size of the show, which will take about 10 hours from playing of the national anthem to the final results: • - 28 high school bands -58 buses - 37 equipment trailers - 2 semi-trailers - 2,200 student marchers -110 adult volunteers - 40 student volunteers The return of the invitational, especially after the past 18 months, provides a greater sense of excitement. “We’re happy to see a year of performanc­ es for all marching bands, and we’re glad to be a part of that,” Ewers said. “It’s also great for our students to get a chance to see what 27 other bands shows are and what they’re per­ forming this 2021 season.” After the national anthem at 11 a.m., Saturday’s schedule includes the following bands and their halftime shows: Class D • 11:15 a.m. - Eau Claire, “The Legend of the Headless Horseman.” 11:30 a.m. - Hartford, “Songs from the Heart.” 11: 45 a.m. - Bridgman, “In a Dream.” Noon - Gobles, “Emerald Isle.” 12: 15 p.m. - Bangor,” Queen.” GRAND OPENING EVENT September 29-October 9 1500 W. M 43 Highway Class C EWER TO WIN. Stop by before October 9 and enter to win a daily drawing for a $100 gift card to a local Hastings business. GET A FINANCIAL WELLBEING CHECKUP. Connect with our branch team members about your financial goals. GET $10. GIVE $10.* Open your account and you'll get $10 deposited into your account from Lake Trust, and we'll also donate $10 to Hand2Hand, a local nonprofit. Helping you. Helping Hastings. 12:45 p.m. - Hopkins, “The Beach Boys: Celebrating 60 Years.” 1 p.m. - Tawas, “Superheroes.” 1:15 p.m.- - Columbia Central, “Things Are Looking Up!” 1:30 p.m. - Schoolcraft, “Resurgence.” 1: 45 p.m. - Delton Kellogg, “Remember.” Class CC 2: 15 p.m. - Dowagiac, “Divided.” 2:30 p.m. - Lakewood, “A Galactic Adventure.” 2: 45 p.m. - Parchment, “Motown Magic.” 3 p.m. - Fennville, “Estancia.” 3: 15 p.m. - Grand Rapids Catholic Central, “British Invasion.” Break for Class C, CC and D awards 5 p.m. - Marcellus (Class C, exhibition), “Go West.” Class B https://pages.laketrust.org/hastings-branch?utm_source=Print&utm_medium=Print&utm_campaign=Hastings-Branch 5:15 p.m. - Wayland, “Go West.” Find out more at laketrust.org/hastingshome LAKE TRUST THE POWER IN ALL OF US ♦Visit laketrust.org/hastingshome for more details. Federally insured by NCUA. 5:30 p.m. - Ionia, “Flight.” 5: 45 p.m^ 1 Otsego, “Plan B.” Class A 6: 15 p.m. - Holland, “Dreamscapes.” 6:30 p.m. - Kalamazoo Central, “Magic of Mangione.” 6: 45 p.m. - Caledonia, “The Musiquarium.” 7 p.m. - Battle Creek Lakeview, “One Small Step.” 7: 15 p.m. - Wyoming, “Inside the Web.” 7: 30 p.m. - Mattawan, “Save Me.” Class AA 8 p.m. - East Kentwood, “Endure the Unknown.” 8: 15 p.m. - Grand Ledge, “America the Beautiful.” 8:30 p.m. Hastings (exhibition), “Villain.” �SPORTS SECTION Thursday, September 30,2021 Trojans set to celebrate 50 years in ‘The Pit’ Saxon defender Owen Winegar gets to Lumen Christi running back Cole Simpson as his Hastings teammates Glen McFarlan (67) and Daniel Weatherly (63) chase the play Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Bob White Stadium in Middleville, affec­ tionately known as “The Pit” to Trojan fans and less affectionately so to foes, was ready for football in 1971. The Trojans took one home victory that fall, and then didn’t lose another game at home over the course of the next four seasons. The Trojans are celebrating 50 years of Bob White Stadium during the annual home­ coming festivities happening this week. The Trojans have won 140 ballgames in “The Pit” since it opened and are hoping to get win number one in 2021 on the relatively new artificial turf this week when they play play host to a tough Cedar Springs team. TK built a little momentum last week with a defensive effort that stymied the Kenowa Hills Knights in a 34-14 TK win. The Trojans are now 1-4 overall this season, taking on a 1 team of Red Hawks who have scored more 4points than any other OK Gold Conference team so far this fall. Powerhouse Rockford handed the Red Hawks their only defeat so far. There are special happenings and a tough match-up at Delton Kellogg High School this Friday night as well. The Panthers are hosting their annual Salute to Veterans and First Responders Night. Veterans, active service members, first responders, police and fire personal are invited to join the Panthers on the field for the National Anthem to be hon­ ored by the team and the community. The Lawton Blue Devils have honored their community by winning football games this fall. The Devils come to Delton Kellogg with a 5-0 record, and DK head coach Ryan Bates had the Lawton team pegged as the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division favorites from the get-go. It’ll be the first conference ballgame for the Blue Devils who have outscored opponents by a whop­ ping 285-21 so far in five games. A now 5-0 Jackson Lumen Christi team handed the Hastings Saxons their first defeat of the season last week, now the Saxons will look to bounce back and stay on the Titans heels in the chase for an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference championship when they travel to Pennfield this Friday night to face the 2-3 Panthers. Pennfield was thoroughly handled by a Parma Western team last week that the Saxons defeated in week four of the season. Lakewood made the most of a four-hour trip to Harbor Springs last week to improve its record to 3-2 overall this season. The Vikings spent the two Fridays prior picking up a pair of Greater Lansing Activities Conference wins. Lakewood will look to keep its conference record perfect when it goes on the road to face Stockbridge Friday. The Panthers are 2-3, and 0-2 in the GLAC. They gave 118 points combined in league losses to Olivet and Leslie, so the Vikings should have a chance to put up some points of their own. 1968. They added one more win to their total Friday night as they took sole possession of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference lead by scoring a 33-22 win over the Hastings Saxons in a contest between the only unbeaten teams left in the conference. Hastings spent seven seasons from 2013 to 2019 never finishing with a winning record, and then broke through in 2020 to score their first ever victory over the Titans and the title of 1-8 Conference Champions Local Standings (W-L, playoffpoints) for the first time. Hastings 4-1(49.400) That is what made Friday night so tough. Delton Kellogg 3-2(28.800)The Saxon program is at a point right now Lakewood 3-2(22.800)where they all wanted, worked and expected Thomapple Kellogg 1-4 (22.800) to win every single week and finish atop the Maple Valley (8-player) 1-4 1-8 again. Hastings is now 4-1 on the season Conference Standings and 3-1 in the Interstate-8. The Titans move (overall, conference) to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Interstate 8 Athletic Conference “We have a group of kids that decided they 5-0, 4-0 Lumen Christi wanted to change it,” Murphy said of the 4-1, 3-1 Hastings winning culture around the program. “Lumen 3-2, 3-1 Harper Creek Christi has a heck of a football team. I don’t 3-2, 3-1 Coldwater know many teams in the state of Michigan 3-2, 2-2 Parma Western that they won’t beat. Hats off to them. Our 2-3, 1-3 Pennfield kids are pretty resilient. Our captains have a 1-4, 0-4 Marshall good head on their shoulders. They really 1-4, 0-4 Northwest keep in touch with the players on a personal OK Gold Conference level on a day to day basis. They have a great 5-0, 3-0 G.R. Catholic Central connection with them and I have a ton of trust 4-1, 3-0 in them. The connection they have. The rela­ Cedar Springs 2-3, 1-2 Kenowa Hills tionships the coaches have with the kids. It 3-2, 2-1 South Christian makes all the difference in the world.” 2-3, 1-2 Forest Hills Eastern 2-3, 1-2 Ottawa Hills 1-4, 1-2 Thomapple Kellogg 0-5, 0-3 Wayland Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley 3-2, 1-0 Delton Kellogg 3-2, 1-0 Saugatuck 5-0, 0-0 Lawton Brett Bremer 0-4, 0-1 Schoolcraft Sports Editor 0-5, 0-1 Galesburg-Augusta Lakewood’s Drew Marquoit swung the Greater Lansing Activities Conference ball across the field to find teammate Colby 4-1, 3-0 Olivet Carter in the offensive end. Carter collected 3-2, 2-0 Lakewood the ball, took a couple dribbles and ripped 1-4, 0-2 Perry a shot in from just above the 18 to give the 2-3, 1-2 Leslie Vikings a 2-1 lead midway through the 2-3, 0-2 Stockbridge second halfat Lansing Christian Wednesday. Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference They held it the rest of the way to take Britton-Deerfield 5-0, 3-0 over the top spot in the Greater Lansing 3-2, 2-1 NorthPointe Christian Activities Conference standings and keep 2-3,1-2 Concord their record undefeated on the season. 1-4, 1-2 Maple Valley Lakewood is now 5-0 in the GLAC after 1-4, 1-3 Vandercook Lake knocking off the perennial conference Here is a round-up of last week’s local champs from Lansing Christian. gridiron action. “It was just a really, really good hard Lumen Christi 33, Hastings 22 fought game in the rain and muck and wind,” Lakewood head coach James “That was a tough one,” said Hastings varsi­ LeVeque said. His team is now 11-0-1 ty football coach Jamie Murphy as he finished overall this season after also scoring a 1-0 up his postgame interview on the turf inside win over visiting West Michigan Aviation Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday night. Thursday afternoon, a 4-1 win over Portland Win or lose, that is what everybody says when they walk off the field having just Saturday and a 1-0 win over Delton Kellogg played the Jackson Lumen Christi Titans. outside the conference this weekend. The Titans have won 80 percent of the The Vikings chose to take the wind at varsity football games they have played since Maple Valley has the long ride this week, traveling outside of the Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference for a bailgame at New Buffalo. The Lions were shut out by NorthPointe Christian last week, but teams have been able to put some points up against the Bison who come into the contest at 3-2. New Buffalo can certainly score points. The Bison scored 82 points in a victory over Lake Michigan Catholic two weeks ago and bested Eau Claire 58-44 last week. Hastings defender Collin Fouty fights to pull down Jackson Lumen Christi’s Cooper Keene after a reception during the first half of their I-8 contest inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) That Saxon captain group this fall includes seniors Mason Denton, Owen Winegar, Victor Ramirez and Dan Harp, and their skills on the field were as important as their leader­ ship as the Saxons rallied in the second half. The Titans led 25-8 after a three-yard touch­ down run by Cole Simpson 85 seconds into the second half. Saxon senior Jackson Dubois recovered a Titan fumble midway through the third quar­ ter and the Saxons moved 43 yards six plays to get a 19-yard touchdown run by Robby Slaughter. Slaughter added the two-point run to get his team with 26-16. The Titans went the other way until a drive was killed by a fourth down interception by Ramirez in the end zone. Denton turned in one of the plays of the game for the Saxons following that intercep­ tion. On a third-and-seven run from his team’s own 16-yard-line he performed his slight-of-hand in the backfield and rolled around the left end* “Up in the box they noticed that they weren’t checking our quarterback very well and we were getting a little more of a push off tackle, which opens up the quarterback and makes that comer dive inside and help out on the off-tackle play,” Murphy said. “[Assistant coach Pat] Coltson saw it and had them look for it up in the press box. Sure enough it was there, so he called the play. It was a gutsy play and Mason did a heck of a job. He does a really nice job hiding that ball. He puts that sucker right behind his back. He is pretty coy with it.” He was at least ten years down field before he pulled the ball in front and picked up speed. He flew up the visitor sideline 55 yards before he was taken down at the Titan 39-yard-line with nine and a half minutes to go in the game. “I think it was the comer on the opposite side who saw him. It was a good play.” unfortunately for Denton and the Saxons, he didn’t get up right away, and spent the rest of the bailgame on the sideline with an injury forcing JV quarterback, sophomore Owen Carroll, to step. “We have been watching him,” Murphy said of Carroll. “He was a JV quarterback as a freshman and the JV quarterback this year. We like his leadership and we like his com­ mand of our offense. He understands what we’re trying to do. He has a good head on his shoulders. Those are all the characteristics you want leading your team on the field. The kids rally behind him. They love him.” Carroll snuck through the middle for a first down on a fourth-and-1 to keep the Saxon drive rolling, and tossed an 18-yard pass to teammate TJ Russell for another first down in the face of heavy pressure. See FOOTBALL, page 12 GLAC lead belongs to Lakewood their backs in the first half Wendesday, which coach LeVeque said was steady at 30 to 35 miles per hour, throughout the eve­ ning. It didn’t help them tally goals the way they were hoping, and in fact coach LeVeque though his guys may have started trying to rely on the wind a bit too much. He was pleased with the way his guys moved the ball with control on the ground with the wind in their faces in the second half. “The first half we were relying too much on through balls and we didn’t play much of a possession game,” LeVeque said. “We were trying to hit everything over their heads and take advantage of the wind while we had it.” The two teams were tied 1-1 at the half. Garrett Feighan scored the first goal for Lakewood, flicking a header off a long throw in from teammate Tyson Raffler, into the net. Lansing Christian added a penalty kick goal to even things up. “The game was very, very fast paced and very entertaining. We kind of have a bend but don’t break mentality on defense. We don’t pressure real high, but once they get near the 18 the guys step up a little harder,” LeVeque said. The Viking defense didn’t allow many strong chances on its net, even pushing hard the final ten minutes to get the equalizer. The emotional conference victory took a lot out of the Vikings, and it showed back on the field Thursday afternoon as they bested West Michigan Aviation 1-0. Alex Russell beat the last Aviation defender after getting a through ball from Carter 15 minutes into the contest to score the only goal of the evening. Ben Scobey had to make a few big saves for the Vikings. He only made three total saves on the evening, but coach LeVeque said it was really the first time this season that the Vikings have had to rely on him to bail out his teammates. Lakewood was scheduled to return con­ ference play yesterday at home against Perry and then will play a final GLAC regu­ lar season game at Leslie Oct. 6. The GLAC Tournament, which the Vikings will host should they finish atop the regular season conference standings, will be held Oct. 9. �Page 12 — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner • DK/TK/Hastings girls neck and neck with Unity Christian Brett Bremer ( Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings sophomore Sophia Marcukaitis swims the anchor leg of the 200-yard breaststroke relay during the DK/TK/Hastings Relays Saturday at the CERC in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/ Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team suffered its first defeat of the season Thursday evening in a close dual with the Hudsonville Unity Christian girls, but got a smidge of revenge Saturday afternoon. Holly Carpenter, Abigail Dummond, Preslee Hall, Abby Marcukaitis and Sophia Marcukaitis won events for the DK/TK/HHS girls in the Crusaders’ home pool Thursday evening, but it wasn’t enough for their team to pull out the dual meet. The two teams faced off again in the Community Education and Recreation Center along with six other teams at the 17^ Annual Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings Relays. Neither team could chase down the cham­ pions from Ottawa Hills, but the DK/TK/ DK/TK/Hastings sophomore Holly Carpenter leads off the 200-yard freestyle relay for her team Saturday at the DK/TK/Hastings Relays in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) HHS girls managed to finish the day eight points ahead of the Crusaders in the run­ ner-up spot. DK/TK/HHS took three of the day’s ten events, including the first. The team of Abby Marcukaitis, Sophia Marcukaitis, Hall and Carpenter took the 200-yard medley relay in 1 minute 57.65 seconds. That same foursome won the 200-yard butterfly relay in 1:156.29 and the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:47.10. In two of those races the DK/TK/HHS team had two relay foursomes finish among the top six scoring groups. The team of Bella Morey, Erin Daniels, Kallie Leary and Abby Gaskill was sixth in the 2000-yard medley with a time of 2:23.98. In the 200-yard butter­ fly relay, the team of Lizzie Middleton, Aubrey Hawks, Leary and Ellen Shults placed sixth in 2:24.48. With first and sixth place finishes, DK/TK/HHS scored a total of 132 points in those two races alone. DK/TK/HHS also got a big boost in the scoring from the divers as the program’s A dive team placed second with 172.25 points and the B dive team fourth with 153.10. A Calvin Christian/West Catholic squad won the diving competition with a total score of 173.25. DKJ/TK/HHS had a pair of third-place relay teams. Hawks, Lily Foy, Leary and Cadence VanOoy placed third in the 200-yard backstroke relay with a time of 2:23.21. The team of Daniels, Middleton, Foy and Sophia Marcukaitis was third in the 200-yard breast­ stroke relay with a time of 2:30.93. Ottawa Hills compiled 552 points to win the championship Saturday and the DK/TK/ HHS girls will continue to see a lot of the Bengals. The two teams have a dual in Grand Rapids tonight (Sept. 30) and then the DK/ TK/HHS girls will be at the Ottawa Hills Invitational Saturday. DK/TK/HHS was second with 516 points Saturday, ahead of Unity Christian 508, Wayland 434, Ionia 290, Calvin Christian/ West Catholic 264, Grand Rapids Union 184 and Fremont 108. Ottawa Hills girls won three races Saturday. The team of Thea Pazdernik, Danica Sadowski, Jeasy Rodas and Lily Gloege took DK/TK/Hastings junior Cadence VanOoy completes a turn and heads to the finish during the final leg of the 200yard backstroke relay Saturday at the DK/TK/Hastings Relays in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) the 800-yard freestyle relay in 8:56.36. Meg Strand, Naia Wainer, Sadowski and Pazdernik won the 400-yard relay individual medley in 4:34.13. Strand, Rodas, Pazdernik and Sadowski won the 200-yard backstroke relay in 2:01.38. Wayland girls won two relays, the 200yard breaststroke relay and the 500-yard freestyle progressive relay, and Ionia took the 400-yard freestyle relay to conclude the day’s events. FOOTBALL, continued from page 11----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Russell would cap off the drive with a twoyard TD plunge with 5:33 to go that got Hastings to within 26-22. The two-point try was no good. Lumen Christi put together a three-minute touchdown drive that covered 7? yards, endjng in a 12-yard TD run by quarterback Teddy Ahlers through the middle. The extra-point had the Titans back up 33-22 with 2:34 to go. “They do a really nice job running on the edge, and we set up our defense and we thought we were in a good position in terms of changing our defense a little bit to help on the edge without giving up the middle,” Murphy said of the Titans’ offensive success. •‘It is always a tricky balance when teams can run outside. We have seen on some films that their quarterback has run for some really long •fUns. He is fast and he hides the ball well. We had to stay home on the back side. We qouldn’t commit everything to the outside.” V Lumen Christi scored two first quarter touchdowns, on powerful runs by Simpson, and led throughout Friday’s contest. Hastings fulled within 12-8 with 5:45 to play in the first half on a 7-yard run by Slaughter, but the Titans answered a touchdown in the final two minutes of the first half and one in the first two Of the second half to extend their lead to 26-8. “Robby Slaughter really had a nice job on the inside, in terms of hitting a couple trap plays which really opened up the run on the edge,” coach Murphy said. “He did a really nice job. He got a couple really nice blocks by Glen McFarlan on the inside.” Slaughter finished the night with 19 carries for 92 yards. Denton helped keep the Saxons in the game with five rushes for 79 yards before leaving. Russell had 17 carries for 56 yards as well as a 17 yard reception from back-up QB Owen Carroll. The Lumen Christi quarterback Ahlers led his offense with nine rushes for 77 yards. Delton Kellogg 33, Galesburg-Augusta 19 Delton Kellogg opened the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division season with a 33-19 win over visiting GalesburgAugusta Friday evening. The Panthers shared the load, offensively and defensively, with newcomers filling in and regulars stepping up. “We have been dealing with injuries and quarantines just as everyone has this season. This week we had more than usual. We were not sure how the younger kids were going to hold up. We were pleasantly surprised,” Delton Kellogg head coach Ryan Bates said. Ricky Ramsey scored a pair of first half touchdowns to take the Panthers into the break up 14-6. He got his team the game’s initial points on a 1-yard TD run, and then scored again on an 11-yard run after the Rams had pulled within 7-6. DK had its lead up to 27-6 early in the fourth quarter. Mason Nabozny scored on a 1-yard run in the third, ^d Corey Moore broke loose on a 36-yard TD fun early in the fourth. The Rams pulled within 27-13 before Torren Mapes shut the door on the Rams with a 33-yard TD run. The Panthers finished the night with 312 rushing yards. Quarterback Philip Halcomb rushed seven times for 54 yards. Nabozny had 15 rushes for 62 yards. Moore had nine carries for 67 yards. Vincent Quick contribut­ ed eight rushes for 53 yards and Ramsey had eight carries for 43 yards. On the other side of the ball, coach Bates was pleased with the job defensive linemen Alex Whitmore, Jason Lundquist, and Frank Rosado did denting Galesburg’-Augusta’s offensive line and scraping to the play. “It seemed in film that Whitmore and Lundquist were in on almost every play,” Bates said. Ramsey, Quick and Adrian Deboer had eight tackles apiece for the DK defense and Alden Whitmore and Lundquist recorded seven each. “We had a coach on our staff with a very serious health episode this week as well as all of the other injuries and quarantines,” Bates said. “I thought the kids did s tremen­ dous job with staying focused with so many distractions.” Thornapple Kellogg 34, Kenowa Hills 14 > Hastings junior fullback Robby Slaughter fights to shrug off a Lumen Christi tackler ^s he gets through the line during the second quarter of their 1-8 ballgame inside Bam Stadium at Johnson Field Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK got one on the road and now it’ll try and get one on its home turf. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity football team scored its first victory of the season Friday, besting Kenowa Hills 34-14 in an OK Gold Conference contest on the north side of Grand Rapids. The Trojans didn’t get the start they want­ ed Friday night, but the finish was what they were hoping for. Kenowa Hills led 7-0 early in the second quarter as TK’s offense saw its first three possessions end in an interception, a punt and a fumble. After the Trojan defense forced a turnover on downs with 8:15 to play in the first half near midfield, the Trojan offense finally saw a drive through to the end. TK quarterback Carsen Burbridge completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Logan Westcott to get their team with 7-6 at the end of the short drive. TK got the ball in a good spot again less than a minute later when junior defensive lineman Noah Rosenberg gathered in a Knight fumble. Burbridge fired a pass from the Knights’ 46-yard line on the Trojans’ first offensive snap after the turnover that sopho­ more Tyler Gavette took for a touchdown and a TK lead. Burbridge ran in the two-point try to put their team up by seven points. Back to back Kenowa Hills drives ended with the ball in Rosenberg’s hands. He snagged another Knight fumble on their very first snap. This time TK started at the Knight 27. Burbridge hit a pass to Zackary Gibson for 18 yards and Gavette ran into the end zone from nine yards out on the next play. The extra-point kick by Bryce Lemmen moved TK to a 21-7 edge. The Trojan defense didn’t give up another point after the Knights’ opening score. Kenowa Hills’ Andrew Bradley returned an interception for a touchdown that got his team within 21-14 two and a half minutes into the second half. TK got a 20-yard TD run by Gavette two minutes into the fourth quarter and a 48-yard TD run by junior Jay den Garcia with five min­ utes to gp in the game to salt the game away. Garcia finished with six rushes for 68 yards. Burbridge carried the ball 20 times himself for 56 yards. Gavette had nine rushes for 39 yards and the two scores. Gavette had four recep­ tions for 81 yards and Westcott had four catch­ es too, covering 80 yards. Gibson finished with three catches for 30 yards. Gavette also had an interception on the defensive side. Burbridge was 11-of-18 passing for 191 yards in the ballgame. The Knights intercept­ ed him three times. Lakewood 18, Harbor Springs 0 Denny Sauers and Montreal Reid had short touchdown runs for the Lakewood varsity football team in the second quarter as the Vikings finally got the knots worked out of their legs from a four hour bus ride. Sauers added a second short touchdown run in the third quarter as the Vikings scored an 18-0 non-conference win at Harbor Springs Friday night. “Then we just kind of did our thing to get out of there,” Lakewood head coach Matt Markwart said. “We left at 10 o’clock this morning, stopped at Ferris and ate and got here to play the game and walked around town a little bit. I wanted to see how we would react and play. The boys came out and shut them out. It was better than we expected at times. It was a good effort.” Sauers finished the night with 24 carries for 121 yards. Reid had 11 carries for 55 yards. Nathan Willette was 2-of-8 for 16 yards passing for the Vikings, and the Lakewood quarterback also rushed eight times for 32 yards. Markwart said his team’s defense played really hard and hit well and executed. “It was just a great team effort by them on defense. Everybody played hard on defense,” Markwart said. “They were trying to run some counters and reverses and our ends stayed home very well and stopped the counters. They had a few big plays on us, but that was more us missing tackles than them really executing. A pass went off our fingertips for a long run by them, but other than that the kids really played hard and hustled to the ball, ran to the ball and made big plays when we needed them.” The Harbor Springs offense worked the ball inside the Vikings 30-yard-line on a cou­ ple of occasions. The Lakewood defense also recovered a pair of Harbor Springs fumbles - one recovery each for Gavan Shong and Walker Klifman. contest up in two sentences. “Our defense did a great job.” The first series of the game we forced them to punt. “It was a tough night offensively.” The best part of the Lions’ defensive effort came in coverage. Cornerback Tyler Rose had a one-handed interception to end a Mustang drive late in the first half. Coach Martin was also pleased with the play against the pass from defensive backs Callan Hoefler, Cayden Scott and Andrew Shepard as well as linebacker Nicholas Martin and Jesse Deppe. Deppe had another fine defensive game, finishing with a team-high seven tackles. Scott had six tackles in the ballgame. “We had really good coverage all night long. They completed some passes against us, but nothing that really hurt us,” Martin said. NorthPointe Christian took a 20-0 lead in the first half, getting touchdown runs from DeDe Person, John Braam and Victor Valdez,. Person scored a second TD o a 39-yard run late in the third quarter and the Mustangs tacked on their last TD with 3:11 to play on an 87-yard fumble return by Bill DeLano. The Mustangs only had 50 more yards of offense than the Lions, out-gaining them 202 to 152. Rose led the Lion offense with 20 rushes for 87 yards. Scott added eight carries for 45 yards. Rose also completed 2-of-4 passes for 22 yards and one interception. Person led the Mustangs on the ground with five rushes for 51 yards. Valdez had three carries for 39 yards. NorthPointe Christian 35, Maple Valley 0 NorthPointe Christian may be new to eight-player football, but the Maple Valley varsity football team still has a roster that is mostly new to varsity football of any number of players. The Mustangs scored a 35-0 win over the Lions in the final home game for the Maple Valley team on Friday night in a Tri-River 8-man Football Conference contest. Lion head coach Marty Martin summed the Hastings varsity football coach Jaime Murphy looks on during his team's 33-22 loss to Jackson Lumen Christi in Hastings Friday night in what was a battle of two previously unbeaten teams.(Photo by Brett Bremer) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — Page 13 DK harriers drop times at pair of competitive invitationals Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg ran to a third place finish in the girls’ meet at Wednesday’s (Sept. 22) Parchment Classic. Seniors Aubrey Aukerman and Halena Phillips led the way for the DK girls, with Aukerman 14^ overall in 22 minutes 31.54 seconds and Phillips 17^ in 23:05.14. Panther junior Joelle White was 23r^ over­ all in 23:53.43, sophomore Johannah Houtkooper 26^ in 24:22.07 and senior Melanie Monroe 36^ in 24:59.70. Kalamazoo Christian won the girls’ race with 31 points, ahead of Buchanan 52, Delton Kellogg 88, Parchment 109, Quincy 119, Berrien Springs 143, Galesburg-Augusta 192 and Constantine 213. Coloma Senior Ava Genovese had no com­ petition at the front, winning in 20:09.93. Kalamazoo Christian had junior Aubrey Herder second in 21:16.23 and freshman Alaina Klooster third in 21:19.54. The Delton Kellogg boys were seventh on the day. Bronson won the boys’ meet by two points over Berrien Springs, 69-71. Kalamazoo Christian was third with 82 points, ahead of Coloma 100, Constantine 108, Parchment 109, Delton Kellogg 148 and Quincy 179. Parchment senior Garrett Winter was the boys’ champ in 16:29. Quincy junior Rhett Reif placed second in 16:58. Junior Micah Martin led the Delton Kellogg boys’ team with an 18th-place time of 19:10. Freshman Ethan Rimer placed 22n^ in 19:32. Junior Isaac Shepard was 28^ over­ all for DK in 20:14, and DK had junior Brett Harsevoort 44^ in 21:08 and senior Eli Austin 50*k in 21:45. The Delton Kellogg teams were back in action Saturday, pushing themselves on the flat fast course at the Gainey Athletic Complex in Grand Rapids for the Cougar? Falcon Invite at the Eagles Nest. Martin and Shepard led the DK boys’ team with personal record times in the Falcon Division race at the event. Martin placed 26^ in 18:38.6 and Shepard 39^ in 19:40.6. The Panther boys’ team also had senior Austin Blocker 56*^ in 20:57.3, Harsevoort 59th in 21:08.2 and Austin 68th in 22:20.1. Otsego won the boys’ Falcon Division race with 22 points, ahead of Hart 62, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 100, Holland Christian 135, Saugatuck 143, Coloma 163, Grand Rapids Track Club 166, Ludington 174, Delton Kellogg 238 and West Catholic 303..5 The three fastest guys in the race all set*# new personal record. Holland Christian senior Parker Lambers won the race in 15:51.1', ahead of Otsego seniors Nick Cockerel in 15:58.8 and Tristin Canales in 16:12.8. Otsego had seven runners finish among the top 11 in the race. Two other Bulldogs set personal records and another tallied a new season-best time. Otsego also won the Falcon Division girls? competition with 41 points Saturday, ahead of Hart 49, Grand Rapids Track Club 126;, West Catholic 140, Holland Christian 156? Grand Rapids Catholic Central 164, Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart 199, Saugatuck 210, Ludington 220, Coloma 245, Schoolcraft 274 and Delton Kellogg 297. Hart had the three fastest girls in the race, led by sophomore Alyson Enns who finished in 18:08.2. Freshman Jessica Jazwinski was second in 18:31.5 and senior Audrianna Enns third in 18:52.8. Aukerman ran her fastest race of the fall to led the DK girls. She placed 31st in 21:45.6'. White was 58^ in 24:04.1. Monroe ran her fastest race ever to place 64^ in 24:35.4. Brea Chandler was 75^ in 26:13.3 and Lilyanna Sinclair was 76^ in 26:21.2 - a new PR for her. Vikings all score a kill at Perry The Saxons’ Cole Greenfield and Micah Johnson make their way around the course together during Saturday’s Bangor Invitational. Hastings boys at their 2021 best on course at Bangor Invitational Every Viking on the roster got a kill and they all shared the victory as the team improved to 4-0 in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference with a win at Perry Tuesday. The Vikings won by the scores of 25-8, 25-13, 25-11. Zayda Kruger and Maradith O’Gorman tied for the Viking lead in kills with five each. Tori Wickerink had five kills. Skylar Bump, Paige Wolverton and Alivia Everitt had four kills each. Alivia Woodman had three kills. Kenzie Wells and Ellie Possehn had two kills each. Carley Piercefield, Alli Pickard, Abby Pickard and Bailey Fifelski had one kill each. Abby Pickard put up a team-high 15 assists and Bump added 14. Fifelski led the Vikings in aces with five. Alli Pickard and Bump had three aces each, Abby Pickard had two and Piercefield and Wolverton had one each. Piercefield had a team-high 16 digs in the match, with Wolverton adding seven and Alli Pickard, Kruger and Fifelski recording six kills each. Alli Pickard and Bump had one block each. The Vikings will continue the conference season at home against Maple Valley Tuesday, Oct. 5, and then will host their own Lakewood Invitational beginning at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 9. Brett Bremer Hastings sophomore Jonah Teed runs to a 21 st-place finish Saturday at the Bangor Invitational. He was the third Saxon across the finish line at the meet. Sports Editor The three fastest Hastings guys and the two fast­ est Hastings girls earned medals at Saturday’s Bangor Invitational, all finishing among the fastest 21 runners in their respective races. Hastings freshman Brandon Simmons ran his fastest varsity race yet to lead the boys’ team. He hit the finish line in 18 minutes 23.20 seconds, in 12^ place. He cut about 13 seconds from what had been his previous best times this season. The Saxon boys’ team also got personal record times form freshman Micah Johnson, and sopho­ mores Cole Greenfield and Bailey Pennock. Solmes and Jonah Teed placed 20^ and 21st for the Hastings boys. Solmes hit the finish line in 19:09.16 and Teed in 19:09.83. Johnson was fourth for the Saxon boys’ team in 37^ place with a time of 20:17.64. Greenfield placed 38^ in 20:18.33. The Kalamazoo Homeschool team won the boys’ race with 46 points, ahead of Plainwell 94, Gobles 111, Three Oaks River Valley 128, Hastings 128, Watervliet 137, Allegan 167, St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic 181, Lawrence 223, Eau Claire 229 and Lawton 258. Gobles senior Nile Devers ran his fastest race ever to win in 16:43.68. Plainwell senior Eli Veen was second in 16:54.45. Kalamazoo Homeschool placed third in 17:36.66, setting a pew PR to lead his team to the championship. Plainwell dominated the girls’ meet finishing with just 22 points.There were five Trojans among the first seven girls across the finish line. Senior Mackenzie Hill led Plainwell with a run­ ner-up time of 19:55.39. Lawton sophomore Kendra Koster was the girls’ champion individually with a time of 19:30.93. The Kalamazoo Homeschool team was second with 71 points, ahead of Lawton 79, Lake Michigan Catholic 82, Watervliet 153, Marcellus 161 and Bangor 165. Hastings had three senior girls competing. Allison Teed placed eighth in 22:31.95 and Carissa Strouse 11^1 in 22:47.75. Hannah Crozier finished 60^ in 28:13.14. Lion soccer squad still working towards a conference victory Maple Valley’s varsity boys soccer team fell to 0-4 in Greater Lansing Activities Conference play this fall as the Lions fell 3-1 at Olivet in a league match Wednesday evening (Sept. 22). The Lions’ only goal was an own goal by the Eagles, which tied the game 1-1 early on. The Eagles led 2-1 at the half and sealed the game with a third goal in the second half. “I felt like were were close to breaking through and coming out on top, but shots went wide or hit a post or something. We just never could quite get over the top,” Lion head coach Andy Roush said. He said his team was on the attack and still getting more chances throughout the final ten minutes of the game. Maple Valley closes out the conference regular sea­ son with home games against Leslie Sept. 29 and Perry Oct. 6. The Lions had won four of their previous five matches heading into last night’s match with Leslie. The Lions followed up that GLAC loss by scoring a 4-2 win over visiting Calhoun Christian Monday evening. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING FOR LEACH LAKE WEED CONTROL TO: The residents and property owners bordering the foregoing Lake and all other interested persons. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Hastings Charter Township Board has scheduled a public hearing for an aquatic weed control project for Leach Lake within the Township, on the estimated costs of such improvement and on the special assessment district proposed to be created within which the costs of such improvement is proposed to be collected. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the aforesaid special assessment district is more particu­ larly described as follows: Approximately 21 properties that front on Leach Lake A complete list of parcel numbers is available at the Township Hall PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the estimated costs for a lake management program for the control of weeds and/or algae in Leach Lake for the 2022 through 2026 seasons is in the approximate amount of $20,000.00 to $25,200.00 or $4,000.00 to $5,320.00 per year and are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination and will be available at the scheduled public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has tentatively declared its intent to make the foregoing improvements and to create the afore-described special assessment district for the collection of the costs thereof and has tentatively found the foregoing to be reasonable and proper. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the public hearing on the foregoing improvements, esti­ mated costs and the special assessment district within which such costs are to be collected, will be held at the Carlton Township Hall, 85 Welcome Rd, Hastings, Ml within the county on Monday October 11, 2021 commencing at 7 p.m. At the hearing the Board will consider any written objections to any of the foregoing matters filed with the Board at or before the hearing as well as any revisions, corrections, amendments or changes to the plans, estimates or special assessment district that may be raised at such hearing. The Township Board reserves the right to revise, correct, amend or change the plans, estimates of costs or special assessment district at or following said public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the improvement are filed with the Township Board at or before the aforesaid public hearing, signed by record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total frontage upon the lake proposed to be improved, then the Township Board may not proceed with the project unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of such frontage are filed with the Township. Such objections may be filed with the Township Clerk at the foregoing address. Please take further notice that if the Township Board determines to pro­ ceed with the project, it will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared for the recovery of the costs thereof and another hearing will be held preceded by notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed and by publication in the Hastings Banner, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessments. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Hastings Charter Township will provide necessary and reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the hearing to individuals with disabilities upon reasonable notice to the Hastings Charter Township Clerk of the need for the same. Individuals with disabilities requiring aux­ iliary aids or services should contact the office of the Township Clerk in writing or by calling the under­ signed Clerk at least five days prior to the hearing. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, in person or by representa­ tive, and to submit comments concerning the foregoing. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP Anita S. Mennell, Clerk 885 River Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-8960 �Page 14 — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner TK tennis finishes Gold duals with only one defeat Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ tennis team is getting into the swing of things at the right time. The Trojans have won three consecutive duals, including victories in the final two OK Gold Conference duals of the sea­ son. TK scored an 8-0 win over the Wildcats in Wayland Tuesday afternoon to improve to 1-1 5in conference duals this fall. Only Forest Hills Eastern bested the Trojans in the OK Gold this fall. South Christian will host the conference championship tourna­ ment Saturday. TK won all eight flights in straight sets. Wayland’s second doubles team put up a fight to get one, but TK’s Hayden Oly an dKameron Nichols pulled out 8-6 wins in a pair of tiebreakers to win in straight sets. The top doubles match was competitive as well. The TK team of James Thome and Ronald Simmons earned a 6-2, 6-4 victory. TK had the team of Robby Holler and Ben Cuisson scored a 6-1, 6-1 win at third doubles and Aaron Michalk and Aidan Dudik score a 6-0, 6-1 win at fourth dou­ bles. Nick Vreeland defeated Wayland’s best player, Andrew Murphy, 6-1, 6-3 in the first singles match. TK’s Jack Geukes scored a 6-0, 6-0 win over Nolan Ritz at second singles. The Trojan team also had Josh Wedyke score a 6-0, 6-1 win at third singles and Payton Wilkinson earn a 6-1, 6-2 win at number four singles. The line-up for TK was the same last Wednesday as the Trojans scored a 7-1 win over the Ottawa Hills Bengals in Grand Rapids. Ottawa Hills forfeited the fourth singles point and the second, third and fourth dou­ bles points. Thome and Simmons scored a 0, 6-1 win for TK at first doubles. Geukes 6won 6-2, 6-2 over Ryan Yon at second sin­ gles, and Wedyke scored a 6-0, 6-0 win over Nhan Nguyen at third singles. Rohit Agarwal picked up the Bengals’ point as he bested TK’s Vreeland at number one singles 6-2, 6-3. In between the two conference clashes, the Trojans finished off a dual with Lakewood that was interrupted a couple times by the weather this season. TK took a 6-2 win in the dual. Vreeland bested Lakewood’s top singles player, Clay Dumond, 6-1, 6-0. Wedyke won at third singles and Wilkinson at num­ ber four for TK. With Seth Bainbridge filling in at second singles for the Trojans, Lakewood’s Colin Heyl scored a 6-3, 6-3 win at that flight. The Vikings also got a 6-3, 6-4 win from the team of Asher Teigeler and Logan Tefft in a dual with the TK duo of Nate Burkhead and Logan Gorman. Oly and Nichols won for TK at second doubles, Holler and Cuisson won at number three, Michalk and Dudik won at number four for the Trojans. There are currently two designs for a new Sheridan Road park near downtown Middleville. Public input is being sought. Design one includes one more full size ball field than design two and an extended multi modal trail section. (Graphics provided) TAPRC seeks input on Sheridan Road park with online survey Greg Chandler Doubles teams have some success for Saxon tennis squad Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity boys’ tennis team took three of the four doubles matches in a non-conference dual at Lansing Waverly Tuesday afternoon, one day after a tough Interstate-8 Athletic Conference defeat in Marshall. The toughest of those three doubles wins for the Saxons came at number three where the duo of Mitchell Vann and Caleb Borton bested Katurah Brown and Gupreet Singh 6-4, 6-3 in two close sets. The Saxon duo of Heath Hays and Lang Haines scored a 7-5,6-0 win over Waverly’s Brandon Edmonds and TJ Barker at second doubles. Evan Porter and Ethan Helmholdt won the fourth doubles match for the Saxons by the scores of 6-3, 6-1 over Michael Cross and Landon Watkins. The Hastings first doubles team ofAndre Perez and Keegan Lindsey were nearly able to pull off a sweep of the doubles to earn a tie in the dual, but the Waverly team of Paulson Justin and Sai Tun rallied to take a super tiebreaker in the end. The Waverly pair won by the scores of 3-6, 6-2, (10-4). Hastings didn’t get more than a single game in any one set on the singles side against Waverly. The same could be said for Monday afternoon’s 1-8 dual with the Marshall Redhawks. Marshall scored an 8-0 conference victory. Staff Writer The Thomapple Area Parks and Recreation Commission is inviting Middleville area res­ idents to offer their thoughts about the new park planned for a location on Sheridan Road, north of Mt. Hope Cemetery and west of the Department of Public Works building. Two preliminary designs are presented in the survey, based on feedback received by TAPRC earlier this summer. Residents are asked to weigh in on what they like about each of the two designs. “The final design may be either of the pre­ liminary designs or a new concept that blends recreation elements from each,” TAPRC board chairwoman Catherine Getty said. One design proposal calls for development of two full-size baseball fields with 90-foot basepaths, two other baseball fields designed for youth baseball with 60-foot basepaths and a T-ball size field with 50-foot-basepaths. It also calls for multi-modal trails, a picnic pavilion, playground, basketball court and bathroom/concession stand. The second design proposes one full-size baseball field, three youth-sized baseball fields, a pavilion/concessions area, play­ ground, basketball court, adventure course, mountain biking trails and a multi-model trail, according to TAPRC’s website. To take part in the survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/TAPRCSheridanPark. The Saxons didn’t win a set in Marshall and forfeited the fourth doubles match. It was as busy start to the week for the Saxons, especially on the heels of a trip north for the Grant Invitational Saturday. In Grant, the Saxons saw Lansing Catholic earn a championship with 23 points. Grant was second with 13, ahead of Comstock Park 8 and Hastings 4. Perez and Lindsey had an exciting win for the Saxons at first doubles on the day, besting the Comstock Park team of Brady Vanoverloop and Isaiah Bouwman 7-5, 76(6) in a match. At fourth doubles, the Hastings team of Porter and Helmholdt scored a 6-3, 6-2 victory over the Comstock Park team of Austin Ellsworth and Connor Phinney. Hastings also finished off a couple wins with Comstock Park teams retiring early. Hays and Haines at second doubles scored win in a 6-1, 4-3 match against Comstock Park as well. Vann and Borton bested the Comstock Park third doubles team of Rory Mehren and Ewan Robinson 6-1, 1-0. The Saxons were scheduled to host Parma Western Wednesday afternoon and will be back in action Friday for the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tournament. The Saxons have a dual at home against Lakewood Tuesday, Oct. 5. Public input is being sought on preliminary designs for a new Sheridan Road park near downtown Middleville. Design two includes an adventure corse and mountain bike trails. (Graphics provided) Saxon soccer going through stretch against 1-8’s top teams Net Mogik Pros Web Design Email: Coppins@NMPWebxom The Hastings boys soccer team is in the midst of a tough stretch to close out the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference regular season. The Saxons 0-4-2 in conference play after suffering an 8-1 against visiting Parma Western Tuesday. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE VACANCY Rutland Charter Township is seeking an individual to serve as Trustee on the Township Board. Applicants must be a resident and a qualified elector of Rutland Charter Township. Interested residents may apply at the Township Clerk’s Office, Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Applications must be received by 1:00 p.m. October 6th. The position will be filled by Township Board appointment at the October 13th, 2021 Board Meeting. Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, MI 49058 269-948-2194 167815 The Saxons were bested 5-0 Saturday at Coldwater. Coldwater is currently tied with Marshall atop the conference standings with 5-0-1 records. The Marshall boys will host Hastings this afternoon (Sept. 30). The Saxons will get outside of the 1-8 Saturday morning, traveling to Lakewood for a non-conference contest against the currently undefeated Vikings. DK scores five-goal wins over Olivet and Saugatuck boys The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team closed out last week by scoring victories over Saugatuck and Olivet for wins three and four on the fall campaign. DK defeated the Olivet Eagles 6-1 Saturday morning in Olivet. James Blackbum scored three times for Delton Kellogg and Hector Jimenez scored twice. John Sinclair added a goal as well. Marshall Warner had three assists for the Panthers, and Miles Hatton, Jimenez and Mel Baixas had one assist each. The Panthers hosted Saugatuck last Wednesday and scored another five-goal win, besting the Saugatuck boys 5-0 in their Southwestern Athletic Conference match. Hatton, a freshman, scored the Panthers’ opening goal off an assist from Blackbum and DK quickly made it a two-goal advantage when Jimenez beat the Saugatuck defense to a through ball from Cameron Spaulding to go in for a goal. DK held that 2-0 lead over Saugatuck until midway through the second half when the Panthers pt in three goals in a span of less than seven minutes. Blackburn finished off a corner kick, Warner assisted on a goal by Jimenez and then dribbled through the Saugatuck defense himself to score the Panthers’ final goal. Marcus Momenee got the shut out in goal. Delton is now 3-2-1 in conference. Outside the conference, the Panthers were bested 1-0 by an undefeated Lakewood team Monday at Lakewood High School. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — Page 15 Kiwanis, Southeastern seeking to secure playground grant Kiwanis International has a mission to improve the lives of all children and values the benefits of play. The Southeastern Elementary Playground Committee of the Kiwanis Club of Hastings has spearheaded the challenge of raising funds to improve the outdoor area at Southeastern Elementary while working closely with school Principal Dana Stein. Through various community and private donations, Kiwanis members are proud to be nearing the deadline for one of their largest grant endeavors through GameTime and Sinclair Recreation of Holland. Sinclair Recreation recently installed of the accessible playground at Tyden Park in Hastings and overhauled the Fish Hatchery Park playground. GameTime has a grant opportunity recently awarded to the playground committee: a 100 percent matching grant. Kiwanis has raised approximately $25,300 through community donations, local grants and the school’s par­ ent-teacher organization. However, there is a caveat: GameTime, the manufacturer and grantor of the matching funds, requires a min­ imum structure purchase of $40,000 with a deadline of Nov. 3 to submit the order. Kiwanis has the chance to double commu­ nity donations via the GameTime grant if the committee can meet the deadline and mini­ mum requirement, said Kiwanis members and committee chair Korin Ayers. A recent bond proposal was voted down for the Hastings Area Schools that would have included funds for these desperately needed playground updates for all of the schools, Ayers said. Southeastern Elementary last saw an update in 1997. Sadly, she said, many of the swings had to be removed to meet safety stan­ dards, and some of the structures don’t offer adequate space for the number of students. The new structures would provide safe and appropriate play options for the burgeoning class­ es. These effective play structures are designed to meet the social, emotional and physical needs of the students. Many students find much-needed release through play that meets their sensory needs like climbing, swinging and spinning. “For my child with autism superpowers, any extra equipment like swinging or spinning pro­ vides input to help him process and cope with daily triggers,” said Ashley McBrian, a parent of three children who attend Southeastern Elementary. “Play is so important for the health and wellness of our students.” In order to make this dream a reality for Southeastern Elementary and double the effectiveness of every donation, Kiwanis is looking to raise another $15,000 before Nov. 3. Other efforts include Direct You Dollars receipts from Spartan stores, direct dona­ tions, and applying for supplemental grants. Businesses and individuals may send dona­ tions and Spartan Store receipts to Korin Ayers: Kiwanis Club of Hastings, PO Box 38, Hastings MI 49058. The community also can follow progress and updates via a Facebook event “Southeastern Elementary Playground $100 xlOO Campaign by Kiwanis Club of Hastings” which seeks to find 100 people or businesses to donate $100 (or more) each. Kiwanis is a 501(c)4 nonprofit in the city of Hastings. These are the two options being considered for the playground at Southeastern Elementary School in Hastings. Both structures offer multiple possibilities for playing, climb­ ing and sliding. (Image provided) TK coach sees ‘fire’ in his girls at Gold jamboree Brett Bremer Sports Editor Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country head coach Sam Wilkinson was happy to share a story following the second OK Gold Conference jamboree of the season Tuesday afternoon at Gracewil Country Club. “How did they do tonight, Coach?,” Wilkinson was asked. He started gushing with pride. “Oh my gosh. They were amazing!” “Really? Where did they place?” asked the enquirer. “I don’t know,” Wilkinson answered. “Huh, did they have fast times?” the TK coach was asked. “I chuckled, ‘Ha, I don’t know that either, but boy did they light it up. I’m so proud of them,”’ Wilkinson said. “I’m sure I left the conversation with confusion just lingering in the air.” When he finally saw the results roll in they weren’t what he was expecting. His girls performed well, but the other teams had picked up their game as well. Forest Hills Eastern continued its domi­ nance of the league by winning the jamboree with 32 points. Ottawa Hills was second with 99 points, ahead of South Christian 102, Cedar Springs 106, Thomapple Kellogg 121, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 146, Kenowa Hills 149 and Wayland Union 149. Times were outstanding across the board for everyone, but TK boys’ coach Josh Reynolds expressed concern after the race that the course might have run a little shorter than it was supposed to Tuesday. Still, it wasn’t the times or the scores that caught Wilkinson’s eye. It was how his girls looked running on the course from start to finish, no matter who was ahead of them, behind them or just exactly how many kilo­ meters they traveled. “Only yesterday I expressed concern because so many of us were running in races with our eyes down,” Wilkinson said. “We talked about keeping our eyes up and being in the moment. We talked about not just running fast and running hard in a race, but being in a race and racing people. We talked about being our strongest in our toughest moments. Even though the girls were politely attentive as they always are in those moments, I never really know if it’s making a difference. Maybe it didn’t. Maybe they flipped the switch just because they decided it was time to flip the switch. I’m good either way.” “Tonight I saw them really racing,” he continued. “When I looked at their faces there was clear determination. When I looked at their eyes there was focus and fire. They were gettin’ after it. I felt like something spe­ cial was happening and that I was being blessed to see it unfold. Well, something was happening. We are starting to enter the back half of the season with more experience, with growth from the first half of the season, and with more confidence, and I love it.” Freshman Ava Crews led the TK girls’ team with a tenth-place time of 19 minutes 48.48 seconds. Jessica Durkee, a senior, wasn’t far behind in 20:17.90. Junior Emelia MacDonald placed 24^ in 21:32.87, sophomore Holly Velting 36^ in 21: 53.13 and junior Lindsey Velting 40^ in 22: 00.34. The TK top seven also had freshman Lydia Schilthroat and junior Lucy VanDemark in it. Wilkinson was happy with how they all performed and especially thrilled to see VanDemark, who has recently returned to action following a stress fracture, run well enough to get back into the top seven for the team. “These were definitely not the only strong performances,” coach Wilkinson said. “As I mentioned, I saw a fight in our girls that I’ve been waiting to see, and it was in all of them. Times were fast, and admittedly the course was a bit suspect, but we all ran on the same course.” HOPE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Hope Township Planning Commission will hold a meeting and public hearing on Thursday, October 21st, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hope Township Hall, 5463 South M-43, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within the Township, to consider the following variance request: Delton Venture LLC is requesting to rezone property (08-07-020-029-00) located at 277 Lakeside Drive, Delton, Ml 49046 from RL, Residential Lake district to MHP, Mobile Home Park district. A copy of the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance and the application is available for review at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during regular business hours. The Hope Township Zoning Ordinance is also accessible at www.hopetwp.com. Members of the public may provide written comments for the Planning Commission’s consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Township Clerk for receipt at least one day prior to the meeting at clerk@hopetwp.com or at the address below. Written comments will also be received from any interested persons by the Hope Township Clerk at the Hope Township Hall during regular busi­ ness hours and may be further received by the Planning Commission during the hearing. Oral com­ ments will be taken during the hearing. Hope Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with dis­ abilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days’ prior notice to the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. HOPE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Hope Township Hall 5463 South M-43 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2464 Ottawa Hills had the two fastest girls in the race. Sophomore Selma Anderson won the race in 18:51.33 and her senior teammate Adit Dau was second in 18:53.93. Forest Hills Eastern put four girls in the top seven, led by junior Sarah Dixon who placed third in 19:22.26. Ottawa Hills and Forest Hills Eastern had the fastest individual guys as well. Ottawa Hills junior Benne Anderson won the boys’ race in what goes down as a personal record time of 15:33.30 for now. Forest Hills Eastern junior Aiden Sullivan was second in a new personal record time of 15:39.77. The Hawks’ won the boys’ meet as well with 83 points, ahead of Catholic Central 90, South Christian 92, Cedar Springs 94, Wayland 96, Ottawa Hills 104, Kenowa Hills 147 and Thomapple Kellogg 176. Sophomore Lucas Van Meter led the TK boys’ team with a 16th-place time of 17:28.3. The net for TK guys in recorded their best time of the season. Senior Camden Reynolds was 25^ in 17:43.98, senior Matthew Smith 39^ in 18:25.2, sophomore Kaden Hamming 60^ in 19:37.94 and junior Aidan Buist 65^ in 19:46.68. Seniors Benjamin Trudell and Michael Blair were the six and seven runners for the TK guys. 16877BOPE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Hope Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a meeting and public hearing on Tuesday, October 26th, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hope Township Hall, 5463 South M-43, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within the Township, to consider the following variance request: Ashlee Russell wishes to construct a house within the required side yard, rear yard (road side), and front yard (lake side) setback areas on a legally noncon­ forming parcel (08-07-032-031-00) located at 9049 S M43 HWY, Delton, Ml 49046. The Hope Township Zoning Ordinance requires that buildings and struc­ tures be set back 20 feet from the side lot line, 20 feet from the rear lot line, and 50 feet from the lake on lots in the RL, Residential Lake zoning district, which can be reduced by 50% on legally nonconforming lots, except that a structure shall not be any closer to a lakeshore or roadway than a straight line connecting the nearest building on each side of the lot. The applicant is requesting an 8-foot variance in the front yard (lake side), 2-foot variance in the rear yard (road side), and a 5-foot variance in the side yard. A copy of the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance and the application is available for review at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during regular business hours. The Hope Township Zoning Ordinance is also accessible at www.hopetwp.com. Members of the public may provide written comments for the Zoning Board of Appeals’ consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Township Clerk for receipt at least one day prior to the meeting at clerk@hopetwp.com or at the address below. Written comments will also be received from any interested persons by the Hope Township Clerk at the Hope Township Hall during regular busi­ ness hours and may be further received by the Zoning Board of Appeals during the hearing. Oral comments will be taken during the hearing. Hope Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with dis­ abilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days’ prior notice to the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. HOPE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Hope Township Hall 5463 South M-43 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2464 �Page 16 — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner The sting of a bee Dr Universe: What happens when you get stung by a bee? And what happens to the bee? Fatima, age 9, Nigeria > ’ J Dear Fatima, A few different things happen when a bee stings you, and a few things happen to the bee, too. When I got your question, I called up my friend Brandon Hopkins, who works as a honeybee researcher at Washington State University. Just as bees have a defense system that helps them survive in the world, humans have a defense system of their own. If you get a bee sting, it’s likely your body’s immune system - which works to protect you - will kick into gear. The body will detect unusual invaders, or the molecules in the bee venom. As the immune system responds to these invaders, you might experience some redness, itchiness, swelling or, rarely, a severe allergic reaction. When Hopkins was first working with honeybees and got stung, he would swell up and itch a lot. But now when he gets stung, it just looks like a little bug bite. The sting still hurts, though. Over time, his body’s immune system has recognized the venom in his body isn’t really going to do any harm. Of course, everyone’s body is a little different. The reac­ tion from a bee sting in one person might be quite different from a reaction in another person. Now, for the bee’s perspective. Hopkins reminded me honeybees, wasps, bumblebees and yellow jackets sting in different ways. Wasps, bumblebees and yellow jackets can sting you multiple times. They don’t lose their sting­ er when they fly away. But honeybees can only sting once. Part of the reason for this has to do with the body parts the honeybee uses to sting. First, there is the honeybee’s stinger. It isn’t exactly like a needle, but rather a pair of saws that work side by side. Then, there are the muscles. A honeybee uses its mus­ cles to slide those saw-like parts back and forth. Meanwhile, the muscles help pump venom from the bee’s venom sack into the animal it wants to sting. All of these parts work together to help the honeybee defend itself. After the honeybee flies away, it leaves behind this little packet of stinger, venom, and muscles in your skin. This causes so much damage to the bee that it can no longer live. But the stinger packet can keep on stinging. As Hopkins put it, it’s a kind of “self-operating stinging machine.” Before they fly off and die, honeybees also will release some chemicals called pheromones into the air. The pher­ omones set off a kind of alarm to let other honeybees nearby know what’s up. If another honeybee picks up on the chemicals, it also might go into stinging mode. But for the most part, bees don’t really want to sting you, Hopkins said. Usually, they are busy taking care of their family or moving pollen around which helps us pro­ duce everything from flowers to fruits to vegetables. For the honeybee, a sting is truly the last resort. Dr. Universe Do you want to help support Science Education and get an awesome STEM-inspired mask? Find out how at askDrUniverse.wsu.edu/masks. Do you have a question? Ask Dr Universe. Send an email to Washington State University ’s resident scientist and writer at Dr Universe@ wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. BARRY TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN RE-NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF BARRY TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Barry Township Board, upon having received petitions to make certain public improvements as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake an aquatic plant control project (with associated activities) on Fair Lake in Barry Township, as more particularly described below and to create a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Special Assessment District shall be known as the FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO 2021-1 PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the land and premises in the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed are all parcels with frontage on and/or connection to channels and/or waterways connected to Fair Lake in Barry Township, which include the following parcel numbers: 08-03-001-001-00 08-03-055-025-00 08-03-080-007-00 08-03-080-051-00 08-03-001-004-00 08-03-011-004-31 08-03-080-001-50 08-03-008-010-00 08-03-080-054-00 08-03-001-007-00 08-03-011-004-60 08-03-014-001-00 08-03-080-013-00 08-03-080-057-00 08-03 001-010-50 08-03-011-013-00 08-03-055-001-00 08-03-080-016-00 08-03-080-060-00 08-03-011-002-01 08-03-012-007-21 08-03-055-004-00 08-03-080-019-00 08-03-080-063-00 08-03 011-004-15 08-03-012-010-00 08-03-055-007-00 08-03-080-022-00 08-03-080-034-00 08-03 011-004-32 08-03-012-017-00 08-03-055-010-00 08-03-080-025-00 08-03-080-037-00 08-03 011-004-70 08-03-104-001-09 08-03-055-012-10 08-03-080-028-00 08-03-080-041-00 08-03-012-005-00 08-03-055-002-00 08-03-055-016-00 08-03-080-031-00 08-03-080-044-00 08-03-012-007-50 08-03-055-005-00 08-03-055-020-00 08-03-080-005-00 08-03-080-049-00 08-03-001-002-00 08-03-055-008-00 08-03-055-026-00 08-03-080-008-00 08-03-080-052-00 08-03-001-005-00 08-03-055-011-00 08-03-055-026-00 08-03-080-011-00 08-03-080-055-00 08-03-001-008-00 08-03-055-014-00 08-03-080-002-00 08-03-080-014-00 08-03-080-058-00 08-03-002-002-00 08-03-055-017-00 08-03-080-003-00 08-03-080-017-00 08-03-080-061-00 08-03-011-002-50 08-03-055-024-00 08-03-080-006-00 08-03-080-020-00 08-03-080-064-00 08-03-011-004-20 08-03-055-029-00 08-03-080-009-00 08-03-080-023-00 08-03-080-035-00 08-03-011-004-50 08-03-012-018-00 08-03-080-012-00 08-03-080-026-00 08-03-080-038-00 08-03-011-005-03 08-03-014-002-00 08-03-080-015-00 08-03-080-029-00 08-03-012-007-00 08-03-055-003-00 08-03-080-018-00 08-03-080-032-00 08-03-080-045-00 08-03-012-007-70 08-03-055-006-00 08-03-080-021-00 08-03-080-033-00 08-03-080-050-00 08-03-001-003-00 08-03-055-009-00 08-03-080-024-00 08-03-080-036-00 08-03-080-053-00 08-03-001-006-00 08-03-055-012-00 08-03-080-027-00 08-03-080-039-00 08-03-080-056-00 08-03-001-010-40 08-03-055-015-00 08-03-080-030-00 08-03-080-043- IO 08-03-080-059-00 08-03-002-002-20 08-03-055-018-00 08-03-080-004-00 08-03-080-047-00 08-03-080-062-00 . 08-03-080-043-00 PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed aquatic plant control project, associated activities, any proposed improvements and locations thereof, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $45,235. The total project cost, including administrative costs, is proposed to be raised by special assessment. The Barry Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and cost estimates on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Clerk's office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. The Barry Township Offices are located at 11300 S M-43 Highway in Delton. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of two years (2021 through 2022 inclusive) of an annual assessment proposed to be $190.06 per year per lot. If the amount to be specially assessed increases by more than 10% in any one year, additional notice will be provided as required by law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district and cost estimates will be held at the Barry Township Hall, 155 E. Orchard Street, Delton commencing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 11, 2021. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the area within the proposed special assessment district, then the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the area to be made into a special assessment district, are filed with the township. Written comments or objections may be filed with the clerk at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his/her appearance or protest by letter and his/her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to submit comments concerning the establishment of the special assessment district, the plans and/or the cost estimates. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the Township Board determines to proceed with the special assessments, the board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessments. Barry Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days' notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk. Debra Knight, Barry Township Clerk P.O. Box 705 Delton Ml 49046 (269) 623-5171 Yankee Springs part of large DNR energy project In a step toward reducing greenhouse gas emis­ sions, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has signed a power purchase agreement with South Lyon-based Utopian Power, LLC to supply almost 1 megawatt of clean energy to seven state parks and offices in southwest Michigan. That’s more than 100 times as much power gener­ ated through the Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center pilot program. The agreement covers the installation of solar systems totaling approximately 884 kilowatts, with the first systems (capacity of 300 kW) installed and active throughout fall 2021. The DNR anticipates saving $1.4 million through a discounted utility rate, as the 25-year agreement allows the depart­ ment to save on utility costs over several locations without the capital investment or ongoing mainte­ nance for the solar arrays. Individual projects (and expected completion year) for awarded solar installations in the south­ west region include the headquarters building (2021) and campgrounds (2022) in the Yankee Springs State Recreation Area as well as: • DNR Customer Service Center, Plainwell (2021). • Fort Custer Recreation Area, Kalamazoo County - Headquarters building and beach house (2021); east and west campgrounds (2022). • Holland State Park, Ottawa County - Lake Macatawa campground (2021) and Holland Beach building (2022). • Ionia State Recreation Area, Ionia County Headquarters building, campgrounds and cabin rentals (2021). • Muskegon State Park, Muskegon County Headquarters building and cold-storage building (2021) and Muskegon Channel campgrounds (2022). • P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon County - Headquarters building (2021) and campgrounds (2022). “This agreement is in line with our commitment at the state level to strategically deploy solar power across state-owned land where it makes sense, and to pursue clean energy solutions that protect public health, boost efficiency and make us more effective stewards of our natural environment,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “The projects also demonstrate how a move toward renewable energy creates investments in local communities and good-paying jobs. I will work with anyone who wants to put Michiganders first and help usher in a new era of prosperity for our state by building a clean energy economy that works for everyone.” The annual production of the installed solar arrays in the southwest region will be enough to power roughly 90 residential homes, or equivalent to reducing 159 passenger vehicles’ greenhouse gas emissions or the carbon dioxide emissions from 82,000 gallons of gasoline. Utopian installed the solar array system at the Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center. DNR Director Dan Eichinger said that system and the arrays planned for the southwest region will help the department demonstrate clean energy in action. “A lot of people think ‘clean energy’ sounds like a good thing to do, but maybe haven’t seen many examples of what that really looks like or how it works,” said Eichinger. “Going forward, visitors of all ages to these state parks and facilities will see firsthand that renewable energy can be easily inte­ grated into everyday operations.” Eichinger said the southwest Michigan project is the latest in line with Whitmer’s goal of bringing renewable energy to state-owned facilities and leveraging the power of state-managed lands in climate-friendly ways. Others include: The previously mentioned pilot program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and convert to renewable energy by installing solar panels at the Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitors Center in Emmet County. The development, via a 25-year land lease agreement, of large-scale solar arrays on state for­ est land at two former mine sites: Groveland Mine in Dickinson County, a former 347-acre iron mine tailings site gifted to the state, and 7 Mile Pit in Crawford County, a 169-acre property previously use for sand and gravel mining. The Bluesource/Michigan DNR Big Wild Forest Carbon Project in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, the first of its kind in the nation, to leverage the carbon storage capacity of trees on state forest lands. A pilot program to mitigate climate change by promoting mass timber construction, an environ­ mentally friendly building technique that allows construction of tall and large buildings using engi­ neered wood. Projects include the DNR’s own planned mass timber building in the Upper Peninsula town of Newberry. The Utopian project will be developed, financed and constructed by Michigan companies with a total investment of $2.5 million into the Michigan econo­ my over the next six months. Utopian is partnering with several companies, including an energy-specif­ ic financier based out of metro Detroit and The Green Panel based in Brighton and Grand Rapids. Utopian Power President Forrest Cohn said the company was founded with the goal of accelerating renewable energy development in communities throughout Michigan and beyond. “We believe in the impact that clean energy has in maintaining Pure Michigan,” Cohn said. “These solar systems will provide economic, environmen­ tal and social benefits to our communities and neighbors, and we are proud to lead that effort. We thank the state for the opportunity to provide renewable energy to these DNR state parks and facilities.” To celebrate the first region completed as part of the DNR’s renewable energy efforts, a ribbon-cut­ ting at Holland State Park is slotted for spring 2022 as an opportunity to showcase the installed solar arrays. More information to follow as plans are finalized. The DNR utilizes a vendor prequalification pro­ gram to solicit proposals for each region, with requests for proposal published at Michigan.gov/ SIGMAVSS. Vendor response to the bid solicita­ tion for southwest Michigan yielded six vendor proposals. Currently, there are 11 registered, quali­ fied vendors in the system. The department expects the next RFP, for the northern Michigan region, will be issued this fall, with site visits scheduled in late October. The northern region will contain state parks and DNR field offices estimated at a total of 1 MW of clean energy for all locations. Those interested in becoming prequalified ven­ dors for future solar power purchase agreements should contact Laura Gyorkos at GyorkosL@ Michigan.gov. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 30, 2021 — Page 17 TK survives five-setter against Cedar Springs TK senior libero Kiah Nichols reaches back to make a pass in front of her bench during the Trojans’ loss to visiting Grand Rapids Catholic Central Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK sophomore setter Charlotte Nelson puts a pass up during her team's threeset loss to visiting Grand Rapids Catholic Central Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer The Cougars won nine of the first ten points, with Grace Braselton starting a big night at the left side of the net. TK didn’t have an answer for Braselton. She pounded 14 kills. TK won four straight points at the end of that opening set to get from 24-13 to 24-17 before the Cougars finished off the game. “We needed to carry the momentum from the first game when we were making our comeback into the second game and then we needed to hold and we tend to let other teams get on runs. We have to stop the runs,” coach Cross said. “That is a good team also.” TK did carry the momentums little hit The Trojans won the first four points of the second set. The two teams were tied 6-6 and as late in the game as 11-11. A big block by Compton in the middle which she followed with a kill on the next point had TK up 11-10 before that 11^ point started the Cougars rolling. “[Compton] is always looking for that block and a way to improve her block and go after it every time. She is definitely a spark on the court for sure,” coach Cross said. “Defensively, she is definitely going after it up front and working every single play to learn from one play to the next to the next.” Compton and Tristen Cross had four kills each for TK. Drenten led the Trojans with seven assists. Nichols had ten digs. TK returned to action at Wayland Tuesday, Sept. 28, falling 3-0 to the host Wildcats. The Wayland girls outscored the Trojans 25-16, 25-7, 25-13. Sports Editor It stretched about as long as a varsity vol­ leyball match could, but the Thomapple Kellogg varsity volleyball team finally secured its first OK Gold Conference win of the season Tuesday (Sept. 21) over visiting Cedar Springs. The Trojans bested the Red Hawks by the scores of 28-26, 19-25, 25-21, 24-26, 15-11. Peyton Pratt and Tristen Cross had eight kills apiece to lead the Trojan attack and Alana Compton chipped in six kills. Sophomores Charlotte Nelson and Jessie Drenten shared the setting duties, with Nelson putting up 16 and Drenten 12. Senior libero Kiah Nichols had a team-high 29 digs. Pratt added 20 digs and Cross T3. .‘‘It was a lot of fun,” said TK head coach Tia Cross. “It was back and forth all night. We had a great time with that match.” “We came out really strong in that fifth set, got ourselves a good lead and we held it.” The Trojans couldn’t quite carry the momentum from the victory into another OK Gold dual at home Thursday. The Trojans were bested 25-17, 25-14, 25-11 by the visiting Cougars. A power outage at the school early Thursday morning forced TK to cancel classes for the day, and that likely contributed to a slow start by the TK ladies. “We weren’t ready to go right off the bat. Once we picked it up we started playing a little better and we got in that groove,” coach Cross said. “I tried to change some things in the third game so the girls could have a little more fun and make it a little more practice-like, and it didn’t work out. So, I’ll take the heat on that.” Thornapple Kellogg's Peyton Pratt looks to fling an attack over the net during her team's match with Grand Rapids Catholic Central Thursday evening in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Bath takes control of GLAC golf standings Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity girls’ golf team finds itself somewhere it hasn’t in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference standings - in a hole. It took the Vikings a few too many strokes to get their balls in the holes on the front nine at The Medalist in Marshall Monday as the conference met for the final jamboree of the fall season. The Lakewood girls, who have won eight consecutive conference championships and have been in a battle this fall for the top spot in the conference with the Bath Bees, placed fifth at the jamboree. Bath tightened its grip on the conference lead by scoring a 212, beat­ ing out Olivet which finished at 233, Perry 237, Laingsburg 242 and Lakewood 255. Senior Claire Benham led the Lakewood ladies with a 56, while Bath had its top four scorers all in the 50s. Senior Madison Grennell scored a 51 to lead her team to the win. Sophomore Aubrie Schaibly scored a 52, freshman Anna Schaibly a 52 and senior Ally Estrada a 57 to round out the top four for Bath. Behind Benham for the Vikings, Makenzie Vasquez shot a 64, Hailee Shepard a 67 and Audrey Hillard a 68. The day’s leaderboard was led by Laingsburg senior Grace Elfring who scored a 47. Olivet senior Elie Sheppard tied the Schaibly sisters for third individually with a 52. Benham’s 56 had her in sixth place. The conference is getting together at Forest Akers today (Sept. 30) for the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship 18-hole Tournament. Lakewood’s Hailee Shepard watches her tee shot fly on number eight at The Medalist Monday during the GLAC jam­ boree hosted by Olivet in Marshall. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Vikings’ Audrey Hillard hits a chip shot up towards the green on number seven at The Medalist Monday during the GLAC jamboree hosted by Olivet High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood had a chance to regroup Tuesday afternoon against area rival Portland at Portland Country Club. The Raiders bested the Vikings 183-220, but the Vikings were mostly happy to get on the right side of 60. Shepard led the Vikings with a 53. Benham shot a 54, Hillard a 55 and Vasquez a 58. The Raiders had four girls in the 40’s. That group was led by junior Aubree Faulkner who shot a 43. Gina Sonday shot a 45 for Portland, Ashley Bower a 46 and Malia Thelen a 49. Lakewood will head to The Cascades Golf Club Wednesday, Oct. 6, for its Division 4 Regional Tournament hosted by Jackson Lumen Christi. Lakewood's Claire Benham hits a put into the cup on the seventh green at The Medalist in Marshall Monday during the GLAC jamboree hosted by Olivet. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 18 — Thursday, September 30, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Saxon progress continues at 1-8 tourney The Saxons' Arnold gets the line on a putt on the 15th green during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship at Marshall Country Club Monday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor 4 Lauren Arnold worked on her goals on the way to Marshall Country Club Monday according to Hastings varsity girls’ golf coach Kristen Laubaugh. Arnold thought about setting her sights on scoring a 120 at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference 18-hole Championship, but also wanted to be realistic and thought maybe just besting 130 would be a good enough goal. The Saxon junior Arnold easily cleared both numbers Monday, scoring a 115 to finish in 23 place overall on the day at the final event of the conference season. “Her short game has come around,” Laubaugh said of Arnold. “She could hit a decent ball coming in. She had played a little bit this summer, but that short game is criti­ cal. That has come around. “It has been a struggle still when you go and play a different course. Putting is always different and tricky. So, really figuring out that short game has been critical.” Arnold scored a par on the par-3 number 11 late in the round. There has been a lot to learn for all the Saxons this fall, who are all new to varsity golf and mostly new to the game in general. “I think they realize it is not just about how far you can hit the ball,” Laubaugh said. “It is about keeping it safe and then being able to finish that hole strong. It has been a fun group to work with. It is just they didn’t come in with any experience. “What do you even do?” she asked herself numerous times this season. The Saxons spent time working on how to score on the course, but also how to record a score on a scorecard (and in the digital app varsity teams across the state now use.) “There is just so much involved,” Laubaugh said. “It is hard to pick and choose. “Oh, I didn’t talk to them about marking your ball on the green,” she realized at one point. “As somebody who has played golf for Hastings junior Cassidee Easey gets a hug from head coach Kristen Laubaugh after finishing up her 18 holes at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship hosted by Marshall Country Club Monday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) so long, you just assume some of those things.” Parma Western senior Sydnie Redovich’s and Coldwater senior Taylor Musselman’s coaches didn’t have to worry about things like that with them. Musselman won Monday’s event with a score of 78 to finish second to Redovich in the final overall indi­ vidual conference standings. Redovich was third Monday with an 83. Lumen Christi junior Ashley Hilderley was the runner-up at the tournament with a score of 80. She was third in the final overall conference standings. Lumen Christi’s team won Monday’s tournament and the conference title with a score of 351 at Marshall Country Club. Parma Western was second with a 365, ahead of Coldwater 381, Harper Creek 387 and Hastings 537. Lumen Christi had four girls among the day’s top ten scorers. Junior Anna McClure shot a 91 and junior Alexa Spencer a 92 for the Titans. Hastings at least had four girls competing to earn a team score. Marshall and Jackson Northwest brought less than full teams to the course this fall and Pennfield didn’t compete at all. Junior Cassidee Easey scored a 124 for the Saxons and sophomore Addey Nickels and junior Julia McLean rounded out the Hastings varsity roster Monday. Janson takes his Garrett, Aquinas’ best hitter spot as first golfer ever, joins school Hall of Fame in MSU Hall of Fame Brett Bremer Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Spartans have made some room between Kirk Gibson and Erin “Magic” Johnson in the list of mem­ bers of their Michigan State University Athletics Hall of Fame for the hall’s first golfer - PGA pro and former owner of The Legacy in Hastings Lynn Janson. Janson was inducted long with the rest of the 2021 Hall of Fame Class, which also includes Spartan greats Franklin Gomez (wrestling), Anthony Hamm (men’s cross country/track and field), Carol Hutchins (softball/women’s basketball), Lynn Janson (men’s golf), Elizabeth (Shimek) Moeggenberg (women’s basketball), Floor Rijpma (field hockey), Charles Rogers (foot­ ball) and Ron Scott (hockey), during the annal “Celebrate weekend last Friday, Sept. 24. Janson golfed for Michigan State between 1968 and 1970 where he was a three-time All-American and two­ time All-Big Ten athlete. He led Michigan State to its first Big Ten Men’s Golf Championship in 1969. That Big Ten victory came after he won the 1968 Michigan Amateur Championship. From Michigan State he went on to compete in a number of PGA events including seven U.S. Opens, seven PGA Championships a Senior PGA Championship and one Senior U.S. Open. “It was really quite thrilling,” Janson told msuspartans.com of his seven U.S. Open appearances. “The first one I played in 1974 was at Winged Foot and I made the cut. The next year I also made the cut and got paired with Arnold Palmer in round three in a two­ some. That was obviously a real thrill. I think he was in his late 40s at the time and was starting to be at the end of his really great career.” The Celebrate 2021 weekend at Michigan State included the llth-annual Varsity Letter Jacket Presentation on Thursday, and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday. There was also a special recognition of the 2021 MSU Athletics Hall of Fame Class during the Michigan StateNebraska football game at Spartan Stadium on Saturday. “It was a wonderftil weekend for my wife [Norma] and I, and my family,” Janson said. Media sessions were held Friday before the banquet. The hall of fame wall and plaques were revealed and Janson and the rest of the inductees got the chance to address the crowd. Lynn and Norma, who live five months of the year in Hastings and the rest of the year in Florida, have three sons and a daughter and now 16 grandchildren. Lynn has happy to have ten of the grandchildren among the crowd in a suite for Saturday’s football game, which the Spartans won 23-20 in over­ time against Big Ten foe Nebraska. Janson grew up in East Lansing, always expecting to attend Michigan State, like his father and many of his siblings. “I played basketball, some baseball, but I switched because the season was the same, from baseball to golf my sophomore year [of high school],” Janson said. “I had a feeling at that time that golf was going to be future and not baseball.” Janson spent 16 years as a teacher and head professional at Green Ridge Country Club in Grand Rapids and then another 16 at the course when it transformed into Egypt Valley Country Club before moving on to Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Fla. Janson was drawn back to Michigan when the opportunity presented itself to take over ownership of Hastings Country Club, which he held for seven years. He now spends winters in Florida and works with the youth pro­ gram at The Legacy in Hastings (which is the new name of the Hastings Country Club.) He keeps in touch with the Michigan State men’s and women’s golf pro­ grams as he can. “They have facilities now where northern schools or cold climate schools can compete in golf and Michigan State has really wonderful, both men’s and women’s, golf teams,” Janson said. “They’re very competi­ tive nationally. They have facilities we never dreamed of. Indoor facilities for when its cold and out door facilities.” The MSU Athletics Hall of Fame, located in the Clara Bell Smith Student­ Athlete Academic Center, opened on Oct. 1, 1999, and displays plaques of the 154 previous inductees. The char­ ter class of 30 former Spartan stu­ dent-athletes, coaches and administra­ tors was inducted in 1992. Sports Editor It is safe to say no Saint his hit the ball better than Ashley (Aspinall) Garrett. Garrett was officially finally inducted into Aquinas College’s Coach Terry Bocian Athletic Hall of Fame Sept. 17, after learning she had earned a spot in school’s athletic hall of fame in early 2020. Garrett, who played at Aquinas from 2006­ 2009, there are more career batting records in the Saints log that belong to Garrett than don’t. She has more career hits, home runs, doubles, RBI, runs scored, total bases, walks, and leads the Saint leaderboard in batting average, on base percentage and slugging with a triple slash line of.425/.499/.710. She holds single season Aquinas records for most doubles (21), home runs (14), RBI (63) and total bases (126) and has single season totals at or near the top in each of the other offensive categories in which she is the career record holder. Garrett was named an NAIA All-American in 2009. Garrett is now a certified athletic trainer at Thomapple Kellogg High School and gets her softball fix as the head varsity softball coach for the Trojans. “I have not played softball in four years. I live vicariously through my team,” Garrett said. Joining Garrett in the Hall of Fame class during Aquinas’ homecoming weekend were Jackie (Braspennix) Ehnis (‘07, women’s bas­ ketball), Kurt Huizenga (‘95, baseball), Paul Lauer (‘90, men’s basketball), Pedja Lazic (‘11, men’s basketball) and Vicky (Sackett) McWilliams (‘02, women’s track and field) as well as the 1984-85 women’s basketball team and the 2004 men’s cross country team. Garrett was excited to be joining Lazic and Ehnis, who were at Aquinas while Garrett attended school there. “Getting to play with 20 other girls who had the same passion as I did for the sport, it was amazing,” Garrett said of her collegiate experi­ ence. “There are a few of us who still get together once in a while.” The first thing Garrett could think of when asked about on-field highlights was “never los­ ing to Cornerstone.” “There were a lot. It is hard to pinpoint. Our spring trips, we went to Florida my freshman year and then Arizona the next three years. Those are always a good time, to get out of Michigan in early March and play some ball. The road trips and spending time with your team.” Garrett said she had initially verbally com­ mitted to Lake Superior State University and then at the last minute decided that might not be right for her - and was offered a spot by then Aquinas coach Ronda Vamesdeel. Thornapple Kellogg varsity soft ball coach Ashley (Aspinall) Garrett looks on has her TK varsity softball team competes in a Division 2 District Final in June. Garrett, who played high school softball for the Trojans went on to play at Aquinas College, was inducted into Aquinas' Coach Terry Bocian Athletic Hall of Fame Sept. 17. (File photo) Garrett was nominated for the Hall of Fame by current Aquinas Women’s Softball coach Brad Koch. Garrett said she knew of the hall’s existence, but being honored in this way was never a thing that had crossed her mind. Garrett said she played baseball until sixth grade when former TK softball coach and ele­ mentary physical education teacher Jon Greenman tapped her for some softball. “He always called me ‘athlete,’ ever since I was little. He was like, ‘hey athlete, come play catch with me,” Garrett said. She was on her way to lunch at the time, but stepped aside with Greenman. She said after one toss he invited her to come play with a trav­ el softball team he was coaching. “There were girls from all over, Wayland and Forest Hills, and that is when it kind of started. I was 12.1 played travel ball throughout. I took a couple summers off and played basketball, which was probably good. I didn’t get burnt out. I had a little bit of diversity. “It is always good when you love the game and you’re successful at it. It makes you want to keep going. So, I was lucky enough to find that success - with a lot of hard work” � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-10-07.pdf 99f2fa1cccfe4a26e94ff281b55f8d3d PDF Text Text 1070490102590503194749058113421 VOLUME 167, No. 40 Retired TK teacher to enter plea in murder-for-hire Greg Chandler Staff Writer A retired Thomapple Kellogg High School teacher has agreed to plead guilty to charges he tried to hire a hit­ man, using virtual currency as payment, in an attempted plot to kill his wife. Nelson Paul Replogle, 59, entered into an agreement Sept. 24 to plead guilty to one count of murder for hire in connection with the plot that targeted his wife, Ann, a former elementary teacher in the Hastings Area School System. Replogle is expected to enter the plea Oct. 25, according to documents filed with the United States District Court Eastern District of Tennessee in Knoxville. He faces up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $250,000, and supervised release for up to three years after he’s released from prison, according to court documents. Replogle retired in June 2018 from the Thomapple Kellogg district, where he had taught social studies. He had served as a class sponsor and was among those reading the list of names of graduates at TKHS’ commencement exercises in 2018, according to the dis­ trict’s website. He was arrested in April in Knox County, Tennessee, after Federal Bureau of Investigation agents received a tip from representatives of the British Broadcasting Corporation about the alleged murder-for-hire plot. According to court documents, Replogle used the internet April 15 to arrange for the murder of his wife. “Specifically, the defendant used the internet to contact a dark web entry that purported to arrange murders in exchange for money,” the court docu­ ment noted. “The defendant used the internet to provide the would-be killer with [Replogle’s] wife’s name and address, a description of her vehicle, a specific date, time and place where she could be found and the murder effect­ ed, and his intention that the killing appear as ‘road rage of [a] car-jacking gone wrong.’” See MURDER, page 8 ................ ■ ------------- - --------------------------------------Thursday, October 7, 2021 PRICE $1.00 Budget weaponized in mandate fight Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners took a page out of the state Legislature’s playbook Tuesday, saying they may withhold their half of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department budget if any districtwide mask mandate is enacted in future. Those mask and quarantine mandates for area school districts, enacted by BEDHD Health Officer Colette Scrimger on Sept. 17, were rescinded by Scrimger last Thursday at 11:59 p.m. . “The rescission of these orders is due to boilerplate language included in the fiscal 2022 state budget that purports to restrict funding to local health departments with COVID-19 local emergency orders in effect as of Oct. 1, 2021,” Scrimger said in a health department news release last week. That “boilerplate language,” which the GOP included in the 2021 -22 budget approved Barry County Commissioner Jon Smelker talks with fellow Commissioner Catherine Getty during a break after taking action Tuesday to address the mask man­ date issue. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, bars local health departments from issuing or enforcing mask mandates for individuals under the age of 18. Under the terms of the budget bill, any health department with a mask mandate in place on Friday, Oct. 1, would lose state fund­ ing - unless the order was supported by their county board of commissioners. Scrimger, along with some other health officers in Michigan, weren’t going to take that risk, even though the governor declared the language an unconstitutional attempt to craft policy in a spending bill. That didn’t reassure health departments across the state; 15 of them had issued mask mandates. According to a Bridge Michigan article, BEDHD, along with health departments in Berrien, Allegan and Dickinson-Iron, were among those that rescinded mask mandates, citing the threat of funding cuts. Marquette, Ottawa, Washtenaw and Kent county health departments opted to keep their mask man­ dates, while three others were debating wheth­ er to continue student quarantine orders. Barry County commissioners, who partici­ pated in the Michigan Association of Counties annual conference last week, did not meet last week. But, the week before, they had to move their regular meeting to the circuit courtroom to accommodate 258 people who came to speak out against the BEDHD mask mandate. After nearly six hours of public comment, largely favoring freedom of choice with regard to mask wearing, board members reviewed what they had learned from constituents. Then, at Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Commissioner Jon Smelker proposed applying the state GOP strategy what some have called “weaponizing the budget” - to prevent a mask mandate from being re-enacted locally. See BUDGET, page 8 Green Gables facing tough financial straits Loss of federal gra^t represents 41 percent of its budget Taylor Owens Gravel racers hit the road The city of Hastings was the place to be for 3,200 cyclists on Saturday when the 2021 Barry-Roubaix gravel road bike race got underway after a yearlong absence. Karen Surdenik, of East Lansing, was among many visitors who came to participate or watch or both. Here, Surdenik's sign adds some levity to the event she was enjoy­ ing while waiting for her son, Danny, to finish the 100-mile competition. She said she had never attended the event before and she has never participated in a race. But, after seeing the Barry-Roubaix for the first time, she said she feels motivated to ride in the 18-mile competition next year. “It was awesome to see,” she said. For a visual recap of this year's event, turn to Page 18. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Staff Writer ' 'Earlier this month, Green Gables Haven Community Shelter unexpec dly lost a fed­ eral grant of $210,000, whk; represent 4 41 percent of its annual budget, The shelter’s executive r ector, Janie Bergeron, and board president, Stephanie Fekkes, said they were shoe n by the news. “I don’t know why we didn’t get it,” Bergeron said. “There is no explanation - and I’ve asked.” She said the grant has been essential to the shelter’s ability to provide for the needs of domestic violence victims in Barry County. “This grant paid for my dedicated staff to be in the shelter 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays,” Bergeron said. “... This grant paid for legal services saving clients from losing everything, [and] helped pay for essential counseling. “This grant paid for so much,” she contin­ ued. “It allowed us to help the most vulnera­ ble in our community, hence helping our community to be stronger, safer and happier.” The shelter has received about $210,000 a year Victims of Crime Act grant funding since 2017, Bergeron said. Recently the grant became competitive, with many domestic vio­ lence shelters competing for the same alloca­ tions, but Bergeron said her conversations with state officials led her to believe there would be enough money to continue funding Green Gables for the foreseeable future. Bergeron and Fekkes said they felt confi­ dent they would receive the grant, based on the amount of people the shelter has been able to serve, and continues to serve, in more than 17 years. “Green Gables Haven is essential to this community,” Bergeron said. “We have served over 2,154 individuals, with 833 of those being children, in getting out of abusive rela­ tionships.” As of the end of August, Green Gables had served 55 adults and 11 children in 2021, Bergeron said. “It’s baffling to us that we would lose the money when we’re serving so many people and our need is so high,” Fekkes said. Green Gables serves a higher number of people, in comparison to its population, and with a lower budget, than many other shelters that applied for the grant, she added. Fekkes said part of the issue may be that the state considers Barry County to be served by the shelters in Calhoun County. “They won’t let us split off from Calhoun County and be a separate entity, because, by See GREEN, page 8 City of Hastings may get its own county board seat Greg Chandler and Benjamin Simon Staff Writer A new redistricting plan for the Barry County Board of Commissioners would add one more commission seat, and give the city of Hastings its own representative at the table. A four-member commission - two Republicans and two Democrats - have agreed on a redistricting plan following the 2020 census numbers. The plan creates a new commission district entirely within the city limits of Hastings, and redraws the exist­ ing seven districts in such a way that no two incumbent commissioners will have to face one another in the next election. It also brings the county board back to eight commissioners, which it was from 2002 to 2011 using population figures from the 2000 census. While at first glance, an even-numbered board could run the risk of potential tie votes, county board Chairman Ben Geiger, R-Nashville, said there are benefits to have an even number of commissioners. “First thing is, you have to get more con­ sensus. On the seven-person board, you can have three no votes. Well, that’s the same number on an eight-person board, you can only have three no votes because 4-4 is a tie,” Geiger said. “So you need an extra commis­ sioner to get things passed. “Nobody ever has to be the swing vote, which means you have more ability to have vivid debate without risking throwing the whole issue out the window. Nobody likes to be the swing vote. And if commissioners change their mind, that can really cause some chaos for the board.” Geiger said there were no issues with tie votes when he served on an eight-member county board, calling such a risk “small.” He also says having one more commissioner means fewer meetings for all commissioners. “The number of boards that we are assigned has increased since I first started in 2011. We can become more subject-matter experts on a lot of things,” Geiger said. “As chair of the board, I told everybody, I want them to start with a passion. This job is more than approv­ ing minutes and paying bills. You ran for office because you have a vision and you want to achieve something. That’s tough to do when you have more committee assign­ ments that you have to assign.” Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown also supported the idea of an eight-member commission. “That’s going to force everybody, right, wrong, or indifferent, to get serious about doing the right thing. And you got to throw politics out of this,” Brown said. See NEW DISTRICT, page 2 The 2021 Hastings High School homecoming court includes (front, from left) Arian Bond, Allison Teed, Brianna Barnes, Ruby Barber, Anna English, (back) Andre Perez, Harrison Smalley, Jacob Fish, TJ Russell and Owen Winegar. Hastings High School celebrating homecoming this week Benjamin Simon Staff Writer It’s homecoming week at Hastings High School. The halls have been decorated, students are showing their spirit in a variety of ways, and the final touches are being put on floats creat­ ed for the parade by each class. Special activities Friday, Oct. 8, will include a school assembly and the homecom­ ing parade starting at 5:30 p.m. This year’s homecoming parade will fol­ low the theme of “Super Saxon Week,” with the seniors as “The Avengers,” juniors as the “Justice League,” sophomores as the “X-Men” and freshmen as the “Fantastic Four.” Students celebrated the week of events with an assortment of dress-up days, includ­ ing pajama day Monday, beach day Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, class spirit Thursday and will conclude with Saxon Spirit Friday. The football game against Jackson Northwest High School will kick off at 7. The homecoming king and queen will be announced at halftime. An outdoor dance, complete with a fire pit, yard games, s’mores and a disc jockey, will conclude the week’s festivities Saturday. The homecoming court includes Ruby Barber, Brianna Barnes, Arian Bond, Anna English, Allison Teed, Jacob Fish, and Andre Perez, TJ Russell, Harrison Smalley and Owen Winegar. Barber has been a member of the competi­ tive cheerleading, sideline cheerleading and See HASTINGS, page 8 �Page 2 — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Mercy no longer seeking subsidy for ambulance services Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Mercy Ambulance Service Hastings Division will continue providing emergent and non-emergent transportation for the BIRCH Rural Fire Association and City of Hastings at no cost, Mercy Director/ Treasurer Rodney Palmer announced at last Wednesday’s joint meeting. The news came as a surprise to represen­ tatives from the City of Hastings and BIRCH, which includes Baltimore, Irving, Rutland, Carlton and Hastings townships. For nearly 45 years, Mercy did not charge for its services. But in early August, the ambulance service expressed the need for additional funding to contin­ ue operating. With their contract set to expire in June 2022, Mercy presented a new five-year agreement to BIRCH and the City of Hastings that would have started at $118,602, followed by a 3 per­ cent increase after the second year. The contract would have ended at $129,600 in 2026-27. “Cost of operation, medical and mental health incidents have changed and the cur­ rent business model is not financially, or logistically possible,” Palmer wrote in a statement. “Looking down the road for the next several years a reasonable amount of subsidy is necessary to offset the rise of such costs.” After the state budget was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Sept. 29, the need for additional funding has disappeared, Palmer said. With the help of the federal govern­ ment, EMS services across the state will receive $50 million. Most notably for Mercy, the budget earmarked $12.9 million for Medicaid reimbursements. When an ambulance is called, the user can pay though personal insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or put of pocket. If Mercy charged $1,000 for an ambulance run, Palmer said, Medicare paid about $500 to $600, with Mercy covering the rest of the cost Medicaid, on the other, only paid about $200. At least 30 percent of callers in the BIRCH and City of Hastings area use Medicaid, Palmer said. As a result, Mercy was having to pay more money on a large portion of their trips. With the passage of the new budget, Mercy will receive the same payout from Medicare and Medicaid, meaning the ambu­ lance service no longer needs the previously requested subsidy. “We think that this is a tremendous thing because now we can continue to be free-standing and continue to offer ser­ vices,” Palmer said during the meeting. In the coming months, Palmer plans to distribute an updated contract. There are still some uncertainties - such as how long the Medicaid reimbursement funds will last, given that the budget changes every year. But for the City of Hastings and BIRCH, the news is cause for celebration. Hastings Mayor David Tossava said the city did not have money budgeted for Mercy. “I think it’s great because we were going to have to come up with a bunch of money,” he said in an interview with the Banner. During the meeting, Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown also expressed excitement. “We were all prepared to pay our fair share,” he said. “There was no problem there. But now we can really take that money and do something else with it.” Planning commission considering additional housing units in Hastings Benjamin Simon Staff Writer People want to move to the city of Hastings. But there’s a problem. The city doesn’t have enough housing to accommodate more people. “Housing is critical job one for the future planning of the City of Hastings,” Community Development Director Dan King said in an interview after Monday night’s planning com­ mission meeting. That’s why, for the past seven or eight months, the planning commission has designat­ ed a housing committee to explore the possibil­ ity of expanding access to housing in the city. During the meeting, members of the com­ mittee - which included King, City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale, Chairman Dave Hatfield, Mayor David Tossava, Mayor Pro Tern John Resseguie and McKenna Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey, presented their findings. They took no action, but instead, hosted a discussion and solicited feedback from people on the commission who were not a part of the committee. The problem of housing is not unique to Hastings, Harvey said. Across the state, com­ munities are facing housing shortages due to the high cost of building new homes. As a result, they are trying to find other ways to increase the number of places where people can live. The committee’s research focused on add­ ing two specific types of housing in the city: accessory dwelling units and two-family dwelling units. “They’re the same in the sense that you’re using two existing housing ideas to create more housing,” Harvey said during the meet­ ing. “So, it’s really coming at it from that perspective, rather than going out and just expecting new development in open areas. It’s increasing housing opportunities in existing neighborhoods.” But, in almost every other way, Harvey said, the two types of housing are different. Accessory dwelling units would allow land­ owners with a single-family home to rent out accessory property, such as garages, carriages, attics or basements. Language in the commit­ tee report defines ADUs as “a secondary hous­ ing unit that occupies the same structure or lot as the principal single-family dwelling.” It must use the same features of the principal home, including utilities and a driveway. Landowners could only have one ADU per lot. They would also need to prove that a lot is large enough to accommodate another occu­ pant. If a lot is deemed nonconforming with the design guidelines, property owners would have the opportunity to apply for a special land use permit to fit within the guidelines. “Your lot has to be big enough for a home, and it’s got to have the home operating law­ fully on there for you to have this extra oppor­ tunity for another home,” Harvey said. The city allowed ADUs until about 15 years ago, when they were deemed unlawful, King said. The hope is to “reactivate” the housing type. Two-family dwelling units, on the other hand, look noticeably different than ADUs, Harvey said. There are no size limitations, and they don’t share the same utilities. While the ADUs are supposed to be a part of the princi­ pal unit, two-family dwellings are not. “A two-family dwelling does not presume that there’s any connection between the two,” Harvey said in an interview. “It might be owned by one person and they’re simply rent­ ing out both, or it might be that each unit is owned by someone separately. They usually... look like two different units are in the same building.” Unlike ADUs, two-family dwelling units are currently permitted in the city in multi-family districts and on state highways. Initially, the housing committee discussed the possibility of opening entire neighborhoods to two-family units, but, in the end, decided against it. They landed on an overlay district, which would give the planning commission control over where two-family dwelling units would be allowed on a case-by-case basis. Landowners interested in developing duplexes on their property would have to apply for rezoning and receive approval from the plan­ ning commission and city council. If approved, an overlay district would be placed specifically on their property to allow for the construction of a two-family unit. Without the overlay district, someone would not be permitted to build a two-family unit. “It gives [the planning commission] some flexibility,” King said, “to then look at the design, look how it fits in the neighborhood and say, ‘Yeah, we’re going to grant the rezon­ ing,’ which allows you, because of that overlay district, to construct or convert a single-family residence into a two-family dwelling.” King said the committee doesn’t intend to alter the existing nature of neighborhoods with the addition of ADUs and two-family dwell­ ings units. “[The committee doesn’t] want that appear­ ance to change from a single-family unit,” King said of ADUs. “They liked the design standards of that accessory use to look and flow with the architecture and design of the single-family house. Even though it’s a sepa­ rate dwelling unit, the casual observer wouldn’t notice the difference.” At the end of the night, the planning com­ mission scheduled a workshop with city coun­ cil for 6 p.m. Nov. 1 to receive feedback on the proposed text amendments. If council agrees to the changes, King said the planning commis­ sion would hold a public hearing before approv­ ing it to city council. In a best-case scenario, the process could wrap up by late December. King emphasized that the introduction of new housing types will not fix the shortage in Hastings. Rather, it is just one part of the process. “It’s a step,” he said. “It’s a step in address­ ing the housing needs in Hastings. It’s not the only step, likely there would be other ones down the road. ... [This one] was easier to address and quicker to address to give other options. But it’s just Step 1.” Chamber launching broadband connectivity survey Millions of Americans across the country lack access to reliable, high-speed internet connections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau as of January, at least 3.8 million households with school-aged children report­ ed infrequent or no access to the internet from their homes. Officials with the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance are NEW DISTRICT, continued from page 1 Besides the creation of a commission seat in Hastings, the next biggest change is how the district lines are being redrawn in the northwestern quadrant of the county, the area with the most significant growth in the last census, said Commissioner Catherine Getty, R-Thomapple Township. “My district, which is District 2 ... is cur­ rently the west side of M-37 and north of M-179 - the north half of Yankee Springs [Township] and the west half of Thomapple Township and all of the village of Middleville,” Getty said at a Middleville Village Council meeting Tuesday. “The pro­ posed redistricting drops my district line to about the south quarter of Thornapple Township, all of the village of Middleville, then north of M-179 [in Yankee Springs Township], and even a little bit east into Rutland Township ... [Commissioner] Jon Smelker would cover the lion’s share of Thomapple Township.” Smelker’s District 4 would cover most of Thomapple Township, Irving Township and the village of Freeport. Commissioner Vivian Conner’s District 6 would take in the portion of Yankee Springs south of M-179, all of Orangeville Township and all but the southeast comer of Prairieville Township. District 5, represented by Geiger, would include the villages of Nashville and Woodland, all of Castleton and Woodland townships, the eastern portion of Carlton Township and the northern half of Maple Grove Township. District 1, currently represented by Commissioner Howard Gibson, would include all of Hastings Charter Township outside the city, the north half of Rutland Township and the west half of Carlton Township. “They have to keep those districts balanced in terms of population and some kind of log­ ical, geographical makeup,” Getty said. District 7, currently represented by Commissioner Bruce Campbell, would include all of Assyria, Baltimore and Johnstown townships and the southern half of Maple Grove. District 3, currently represent­ ed by Commissioner Dave Jackson, would including all of Barry and Hope townships, the southeast portion of Prairieville Township and the southern half of Rutland Township. County Clerk Pam Palmer, who chaired the commission, said the proposal for this eight-district plan has been submitted to the state. The public has 30 days to appeal it. The members of the commission are Palmer, county Treasurer Susan VandeCar, and Phillip Joseph representing the Republican Party and Mark Bonsignore representing the Democrats. committed to expanding access to broadband service for homes and businesses throughout local communities. “Reliable and accessible broadband access is critically important in our ever-connected world,” Jennifer Heinzman, president/CEO at Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance, said in a Sept. .27 press release. “Our goal is to expand access for broadband service to all homes and busi­ nesses in Barry County.” In order to identify and prioritize the needs, the chamber and EDA staff have announced a partnership with Chicago-based consulting firm Antero Group to develop a comprehensive assessment for strategic expansion of broadband throughout the coun­ ty for overall improved internet access. In support of this coordinated effort, offi­ cials have launched a set of surveys individu­ ally designed for households and businesses and are asking the public to take a few min­ utes to complete the surveys. The results of these surveys will be used to determine the demand for internet service and support efforts to address gaps in services throughout Barry County. Responses are being collected through Oct. 30. Responses are lim­ ited to one survey per home or business. The home survey can be found at https:// bit.ly/BCMIhomebroadband. Businesses can access the survey by visit­ ing https://bitly/BCMIbizbroadband. All data collected will remain strictly con­ fidential and will solely be used to identify critical eligible broadband expansion areas. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — Page 3 Volunteers help Hastings band pageant flow As host, Hastings High School does not compete, but presents its show to close out the night. With 153 members, Hastings had the fourth largest band at the invitational, behind Mattawan and Grand Ledge with 165 each, and East Kentwood with 176 members. The 76-member Fennville High School band performs “Estancia” in the sun. It was one of the last bands to play before the first awards ceremony, which was followed by sudden rain showers. Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Hastings hosted the largest scholastic marching band invitational in the state Saturday. Twenty-eight high school bands, 2,200 student musicians and likely as many spectators visited Baum Stadium at Johnson Field for the 30th annual event. Some 58 buses, 37 equipment trailers and a couple of semi-truck trailers helped transport students, instruments, props and other gear. But the volunteers - about 40 Hastings students and nearly 100 Hastings parents helped the major event stay on schedule. “We thought that the day was a giant suc­ cess,” said Spencer White, who co-directs the band with Jen Ewers. “The parent volunteers worked very hard to give each band and spec­ tator a great experience. We are very thankful for all the hard work that the nearly 100 volun­ teers put into the event.” Fifteen bands performed between 11:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. before awards were announced for the Class D, C and CC bands. Many bands and fans departed, and then more continued to arrive to perform or watch the remaining 13 bands compete between 5 and 8:15. Hastings, as host, presented the final performance before the awards for the Class B, A and AA bands. White didn’t have final numbers this week, but the bleachers, field, parking lots and sur­ rounding streets were full. “Baum Stadium was at capacity at both the 3:30 and 8:45 p.m. awards ceremonies,” he said. “While final figures are still being cal­ culated, this year’s invitational will likely net the highest profit the Band Boosters have ever recorded.” Unfavorable weather has a history of shrouding the Hastings invitational. Sunshine and warmer temperatures accompanied this year’s event - mostly. Rain fell as a couple of bands performed in the early evening, draw­ ing out umbrellas, ponchos and other rain gear in the stands. Three high school marching bands, includ­ ing the Lakewood Vikings, swept the awards presentation in their respective classes. Lakewood, Otsego and Mattawan took the caption awards for best marching, music, per­ cussion, color guard and field commanders in Class CC, Class B and Class A, respectively. Results from Saturday’s invitational include: Class D Gobles, first with a score of 82.2 and the caption award for marching. An assortment of flags, outfits, props and music enhance the event over the course of the day. Here, a member of the Bridgman High School color guard dou­ bles up flags for the band’s performance of “In a Dream.” Class B Bangor, second at 81.2 and the caption award for color guard. Bridgman, third with a score of 80.2 and caption awards for music, guard/percussion and field commanders. Hartford, fourth with a score of 69.9, fourth Eau Claire, fifth with a score of 69.8. Otsego, first, with a score of 93.3 and cap­ tion awards in marching, music, percussion, color guard and field commanders. Ionia, second with a score of 89.6. Wayland, third, with a score of 84.4. Class A . Mattawan, first with a score of 93.4 and caption awards in marching, music, percus­ sion, color guard and field commanders. Battle Creek Lakeview, second, with a score of 88.9. Holland, third with a score of 87.9. Caledonia, fourth with a score of 87.0 Kalamazoo Central, fifth, with a score of 83.4. Wyoming, sixth, with a score of 83.4. Class C Hopkins, first, with a score of 81.0 and caption awards for marching, percussion and field commanders. Tawas Area, second with a score of 78.4 and the caption award for music. Delton Kellogg, third with a. score of 77.7 and the caption award for color guard. Brooklyn Columbia Central, fourth with a score of 75.3. Schoolcraft, fifth, with a score of 73.6. Grand Ledge, first, with a score of 90.4, and caption awards in marching, percussion and field commanders. East Kentwood, second, with a score of 89.7 and caption awards in music and color guard. Grand champion (highest score of the day): Mattawan. Lakewood, first, with a score of 85.5 and caption awards in marching, music, percus­ sion, color guard and field commanders. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, second, with a score of 79.1. Fennville, third, with a score of 76.9 Parchment, fourth, with a. score of 76.1 Dowagiac, fifth, with a score of 72.8. 108” Cotton Quilt 'Backing. & 'Patterns Judges for the day were Lori Von Koenig, music effect; Joe LaJoye, music performance; Derek Smith, visual effect; Laura Vellanti, marching performance; Landon Ewers, per­ cussion; CJ Brooks, drum majors; and Ann Brooks, color guard. Mark Greer and Jeff Bennett served as clinicians for the day, giv­ ing tips to each band after its performance. « : | y'ACw* Thread, Tapes, Zippers, Buttons, 1 a Habitat Quilt Raffle Tickets Available Drum majors Monica Hormuth (left) and Samantha Dick lead the Catholic Central Cougars marching band onto the field to perform “British Invasion.” The band placed second in Class CC behind Lakewood. THORROPPLE P Prayfor our Country ft L R Y E H S AUDia II >11/ • AIJDI'C I II >1 I / * AUDIO ■»»! ./' QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • Rain fell just before Otsego performed in Class B competition, but a wet field didn’t impair the Marching Bulldogs, who swept their competition with >a show entitled “Plan B.” Class AA Class CC • 'Halloween & Christmas fabrics -now in stock """" a ; Drum majors present a short routine before each band performs. Some rou­ tines, like that from Schoolcraft, perform­ ing “Resurgence,” are more playful. 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm ______ | HulstCleaners Pick-Up Station]-------- The Thornapple Players will hold open auditions for the adult roles in Miracle on 34th Street 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 50 Happy 50th # 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 0 October 19 th Dave Wren WeZove ]fou 50 on Tuesday, October 12 at 7PM in the Dennison Performing Arts Center in The Barry Community Enrichment Center located at 231 South Broadway in Hastings. (Use door on the Center Street side) If you are unable to attend auditions contact Norma Jean at 269 945 2332 or text Doug at 269 908 3717 BEFORE auditions to make other arrangements. 50 Doug Acker is directing. 50 There are 11 adult roles plus the ensemble which has characters with lines. 50 50 Members of the • Independent and Assisted Living (269) 795-4972 • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available www.CarvethVillage.com Check us out at www.facebook.com/carveth of Michigan The Thomapple Players is a non-profit organization providing theatrical opportunities to 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 • 50 To arrange a visit, please give us a call today. the Barry County area. For more information call 269-945-2332 “Remember... ifyou cant live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 �Page 4 — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? A sign of the times Does our American Flag need a redesign? Notice something new on the lot at 128 N. Michigan Avenue? For years, the prop­ erty across from Hastings City Hall has sat empty. That is no longer the case. On Sept. 15, the City of Hastings officially sold the land to Michigan Avenue, LLC, also known as AJ Veneklasen, a Grand Rapids-based developer. Construction will begin in the next 60 days and, around this time next year, a building will provide 21 market-rate apartments and retail space downtown. The building is expect­ ed to provide 2,630 square feet of office space on the ground floor. Do you remember? 1961 queen announced before homecoming Banner Oct. 5, 1961 Homecoming queen and her court - Framed in the Johnson Field goal posts, these Hastings High co-eds were photo­ graphed Monday after they were elected to reign over the 1961 HHS homecoming festivities. The homecoming queen is Kaye James (center), senior, daughter of Mr. an Mrs. Williams James, 233 Charles St. Members of her court will be (from left) Ann Clarey, sophomore, daughter of athletic director and Mrs. John Clarey, 521 W. Green St.; Jan Pontz, junior, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pontz, 425 S. Jefferson; Miss James; Cheryl Johnson, senior, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Orris Johnson, 430 S. Young St.; and Joan Taffee, a junior, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Taffee, 502 W. Colfax. Have you met? Abby Barton carries a snare pad in her car. As a junior at Hastings High School, she’s busy - busy with marching band and classes and bowling and thinking about college. But whenever she has a down moment, she tries to spend it tapping away at the snare pad and working on her double strokes. Barton, 16, clarifies that she doesn’t practice while driving, only when she’s parked or waiting in a drive-through. When she pulls up to the pick-up window at Biggby Coffee, she likely will have a snare pad in her lap. She said doesn’t come from a musically inclined family. When she thinks back to her childhood, she doesn’t think of music: She thinks of fishing. That’s why her par­ ents, Hollie and Chris Barton, moved to Thomapple Lake in the first place. Her father wanted to fish, and the lake had a whole lot of muskies. “He bought his first boat before he bought a first car,” Barton said. Barton grew up joining her father and younger brother, Andrew, on fishing trips, but she never found herself particularly drawn to the act of fishing. Instead, she would bring a coloring book to keep herself occupied. “If you’re fishing, you’re, like, throwing in a big heavy thing and then you just wait,” she said. That’s why she found herself so drawn to drums, where there’s constant movement, noise and energy. “Drums are just cool. They’re big, they’re loud, you get to hit things,” she said. Barton started with the clarinet before switching to percussion midway through sixth grade. She hasn’t stopped, playing anything from the drums to the xylophone to the marimba. These days, she spends more than 10 hours a week on band, where she serves as leader of the pit section - the forward section of percussion that includes marimbas and other less drum-like instruments. The com­ mitment includes one-hour morning practic­ es every day, a three-hour evening rehearsal once a week and football games and march­ ing competitions throughout the fall. Barton doesn’t plan to stop playing an instrument after high school. She said she hopes to join her college band and, just this week, she tried out for in indoor marching band called Genesis. But Barton also knows that, one day, marching band will end. And she seems OK with that. “I’ll definitely still have my drum pads with me because that’s just who I am,” she said. “That’s something that I do all the time. It’s a really good stress-reliever.” Ask Barton what she intends to study in college and she responds almost instantly: “I plan on majoring in accounting with a minor in business management with an emphasis in finance.” She comes from a family of accountants. Her father, her two uncles, their wives - are all accountants. “Doing people’s taxes, I don’t know, it just sounds interesting,” she said. “...A lot of people will be like, 4 You want to be an accountant? Like, that’s not something that normal people want to do.’ ... I feel like if I can do something that makes sense, and I can be helpful to others while doing it, then it’ll really make an impact.” She’s taking two math classes this semes­ ter -AP statistics and pre-calculus. “I love math,” she said. “Math is my favorite thing. Math is my favorite subject. “... I do not like history or English that much. Math and science are my thing because, in math, 99 percent of the time, there’s one answer. And if you get to that one answer, then you are either right or you’re wrong.” In between math classes and band prac­ tice, Barton sneaks in trips to Hastings Bowl. A friend introduced her to bowling in middle school. Not long after, she knocked down four strikes en route to a 163 out of 300 score and decided to stick with bowling throughout high school, finding herself drawn to the mechanical nature of the sport -just like math. “You do the same thing over and over again; it’s very repetitive,” she said. “You throw the ball down the same way. You let go of it the same way - every single time.” As a member of the Hastings bowling team last school year, Barton finished fourth out of at least 100 girls at Regionals to earn a spot at the state tournament. For her role with the Hastings High School band and bowling team, Abby Barton is this week’s Bright Light: Favorite TV program: “Criminal Minds” and “Manifest.” Favorite vacation destination: France, specifically southern France. Favorite season: Fall because the leaves are pretty colors, and it’s a perfect tempera­ ture outside - not too cold, not too hot. Something on my bucket list: To com­ plete a 46,000-piece puzzle of the major cities in the world. Plans after high school: Going to col­ lege and getting a degree in accounting as well as my Certified Public Accountant certification and master of business admin­ istration degree. Best advice ever received: Strive for progress, not perfection. Nobody is ever going to be perfect. The key is how you grow as a person and overcome imperfections. Hobbies: Crocheting, making string bracelets, doing puzzles and playing with my dog Coco. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. In this divisive time, as we witness the tearing down of monuments, the defacing of statues, and the rewriting of history books, I suppose it’s only inevitable that the American flag now becomes part of the national tumult. A New York Times columnist recently suggested that we “reimagine” what the American flag should look like, suggest­ ing that an “update” reflect the divisions and decline we’ve become so obsessed with in our country. One suggested redesign displays a flag split into four rectangles. One square con­ sists of red and white stripes while the other three are solid blue, yellow and green rectangles. According to artist Andrew Kuo, the red stripes represent the past, the white stripes represent the future, and the solid colors “untapped potential,” “repairing systemic racism,” and “taking care of our planet.” Another design titled: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” brings other flags like the American Revolution’s “Don’t Tread on Me” flag and the “Black Lives Matter” social movement flag into one, while yet another rendering is a monochrome gray design with stars that “represent America surrendering to its fall from power and loss of the ideas it once stood for.” Respectful as I am of the opinions and the personal patriotism of others, my big­ gest objection to this whole discussion is that it, like so much rhetoric today, focuses on America’s mistakes, its failings rather than on what we stand for as a nation and a celebration of our greatest achievements. Any good leader would remind us to not look back, learn from mistakes and move on to better and brighter times. The idea that our flag needs a makeover to respond to the political issues of the day is frightening, to say the least. The divisions we’ve allowed ourselves to be part of today have been largely polit­ ically created. Our two major parties have failed to inspire Americans to work togeth­ er in the best interests of all Americans. Plus, a growing number of special-interest groups are pushing for a change from what we stand for as a democracy and a capital­ ist country to a more socialist nation. America is all about freedom, liberty, justice, love of country and our national purpose. That’s what the American flag represents. For more than 225 years, it has been a symbol of our way of life, our beliefs, and the freedoms we fought for. We stand proud as we fly the flag of our nation. The whole idea makes you wonder if Americans really believe in free speech and the ability to hold opinions that others don’t share. I can remember a time when you might not have agreed with someone, but you understood the importance of tolerating his or her opinion. “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” said the French writer and philosopher Voltaire. What would Francis Scott Key think of a redesign of our great flag? He penned the poem that became “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 1814 while witnessing the British bombardment of Fort. McHenry as part of the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the sight of that lone U.S. flag still fly­ ing over the Maryland harbor at daybreak, reflected in the now-famous words of our national anthem: “O, say can you see, by the dawn 's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twi­ light's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O 'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O 'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? " The flag represents all Americans, our freedoms, our dignity and what we stand for. It’s been with us through countless wars, sad times, and threats to our well-be­ ing. But it also flies in times of celebration and triumph. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The color of the flag is symbolic as well: red symbolizes hardi­ ness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and the blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. The flag represents a message of freedom and of men and women who were willing to give their lives for their convictions and love of country. Since the founding of the United States in 1776, there have been 27 different ver­ sions of the flag featuring the stars and stripes. But each new flag represented the addi­ tion of one or more states as our country grew, not the political banter of the day. At no time has there been any serious conver­ sation about redesigning the flag to make it more popular or to represent a place in time that we found ourselves as a nation. There’s been a lot of discussion about America’s history, though, with some of it now becoming increasingly self-critical of our past. We’ve allowed revisionist histo­ rians to convert our heroes into criminals and our history into lies and our pride into apologies. Our Founding Fathers knew that our democracy would last only if we allow our citizens to speak, publish, worship and organize without interference. And the flag has become a symbol of those convic­ tions. “America will never be destroyed from the outside,” President Abraham Lincoln said. “If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed our­ selves.” Lincoln was concerned about the divi­ sions the nation was facing and he stood strong on the dangers of secession by some of the states because he knew that would drive a wedge into this young nation. Yet here we are, more than 200 years later, and some still want to highlight our differences, not the love of liberty that we share. As Americans we should stand strong, defiant and proud of Old Glory because it always has symbolized the qualities that make our nation great. I found a message recently by an unknown author who may have put it best: Our Own Red, White and Blue There are many flags in many lands, There are flags of many hue. But there is no flag however grand, like our own red, white and blue. Say hurrah for our flag, Our country's flag, its stripes and its bright stars. But there is no flag however grand, Like our own red, white and blue. I hope we’ve heard the last of any ideas to redesign our great flag. Most Americans still fly it proudly because they realize the luxury and the privilege of living in the greatest nation ever imagined. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO •NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — Page 5 BUSINESS BRIEFS Union Bank names new vice presidents Union Bank, now based out of Grand Rapids, has announced the appointments of Janet Torres as vice president of retail bank­ ing and deposit operations and Robert Kowalewski as vice president and director of business development. Cortney Collison, president and chief executive officer of Union Bank, announced Torres’ appointment Oct. 1. Torres brings a career in banking, recruit­ ing and talent management, project manage­ ment, and change leadership in the Greater Grand Rapids area, including more than 19 years of diverse experience in the finance industry. She is an innovative strategic leader with local knowledge and a true understand­ ing for the banking needs of the communities Union Bank serves, Collison said. Torres lives in Byron Center with her hus­ band, Antonio, and five children. Tim Doyle, executive vice president, chief lending officer, announced the addition of Kowalewski Oct. 5. In his new role, Kowalewski will focus on strategic initiatives to support and build the bank’s brand in the various markets it serves. He joins the organization with more than 30 years of diverse business development and finance experience in the Greater Grand Rapids area. He earned his undergraduate degree from the Kramer School of Management at Purdue University and grad­ uate degree from the University of Notre Dame, graduating with honors. He and his wife, Julie, have three children and reside in East Grand Rapids. Union Bank operates full-service banking offices in Hastings, Lake Odessa, Ada, Mulliken, Dimondale and Westphalia. More information can be found at ubmich.com. Lake Trust Credit Union's new branch office location on M-43 in Hastings offers drive-through video teller machines. (Photo provided) Lake Trust Credit Union moves to new Hastings location Lake Trust Credit Union, a communi­ ty-based credit union serving nearly 200,000 members and businesses throughout Michigan, opened a new branch location on M-43 Highway in Hastings. The new branch, formerly a branch office of Mercantile Bank of Michigan, was formal­ ly inaugurated with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Sept. 28. The office, at 1500 West M-43 Highway, features a 4,300 square-foot space to provide enhanced tech­ nology via drive-through video teller machines with extended service hours, a “The bankers at Highpoint Community Bank know their customers, whether business or consumer, and are ready to help them over­ come the financial hurdles of life, even amidst a pandemic,” Karen Dorway, presi­ dent of BauerFinancial, said in a press release. “And Highpoint Community Bank’s financial strength gives them the resources to do it for !tlie?benefit of foe whole community?’ Established in 1886, Highpoint Community Bank has served the community for 135 years. More information is available at highpointcommunitybank. com. Chamber launches broadband connectivity survey Millions of Americans across the country lack access to reliable, high speed internet connections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau as of January, at least 3.8 million households with school-aged children report­ ed infrequent or no access to the internet from their homes. Officials with the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance say they are committed to expanding access to broadband service for homes and businesses throughout local communities. I “Reliable and accessible broadband access is critically important in our ever-connected world,” Jennifer Heinzman, president/CEO at Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance, said in a Sept. 27 press release. “Our goal is to expand access for broadband service to all homes and busi­ nesses in Barry County.” To identify and prioritize the needs, the chamber and EDA staff have announced a partnership with Chicago-based consulting firm Antero Group to develop a comprehen­ sive assessment for strategic expansion of broadband throughout the county for overall improved internet access. In support of this coordinated effort, offi­ cials have launched a set of surveys individually designed for households and businesses and are asking the public to take a few min­ utes to complete the surveys. The results of these surveys will be used to determine the demand for internet service and support efforts to address gaps in services throughout Barry County. Responses are being collected through Oct. 30. Responses are limited to one survey per home or busi­ ness. The home survey can be found at https:// bit.ly/BCMIhomebroadband. Businesses can access the survey by visit­ ing https://bit.ly/BCMIbizbroadband. All data collected will remain strictly con­ fidential and will solely be used to identify critical eligible broadband expansion areas. KCC Lifelong Learning offering classes in Hastings this fall Among the dozens of personal-en­ richment classes available through Kellogg Community College’s Lifelong Learning Department this fall are nine classes offered on the College’s Fehsenfeld Center campus in Hastings. The new fall schedule - available online at kellogg.edu/lifelong - includes popular favorites as well as brand-new classes, including the following: September Cryptozoology of North America, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Oct. 13. Exploring Michigan Counties, 1:30­ 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30. October Barry County Civil War Soldiers, 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Oct. 4. Retirement Planning, 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6-13. Aviation at the Air Zoc 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 (discussion); 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 14 (trip) America’s First Ladies: ?art 2, 1:30­ 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2. Beatlemania, 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Oct. 25. Contemporary Christianity and Culture, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 27-Dec. 15 , ■ ■ ■ To the editor: The Barry County Board of Commissioners totally ignore the recommendations of their planning and zoning board and waste taxpayer money paying for the work this board tries to do. This comes about after the planning and zoning board had two meetings, did site visits, researched the issueand/b^ a6-1 vote, came to the conclusion to deny a rezonihg request from rural residential to mixed use for Bay Pointe’s expansion of more “cottages” at Bay Woods. Ignoring the issues of congested traffic, pedestrian traffic safety and noise, county Commissioner Bruce Campbell stated, “The grounds of Bay Woods are immaculate with beautiful white fencing” before he voted ‘yes’ to approve expansion of five more two-story cottages. He admitted that he doesn’t know a lot about planning and zoning, so why then are county commissioners voting on something for which they are not qualified to make informed decisions? In 10 minutes they dis­ cussed the issue and voted to rezone these Music or mayhem? two parcels when it took the planning and zoning board two meetings and several hours of site review, questions and answers, plus discussion at two meetings amongst them­ selves, to fully understand the detrimental impact of the area if rezoning was allowed. County residents should not be paying for the total waste of taxpayer money that the commissioners have entrusted the planning and zoning board to do and then overrule them in 10 minutes of discussion - all for the sake of money. Bay Corp makes more money; the town­ ship will get more tax revenue money, but ignore the safety and adverse impact on the immediate area. I’ve attended many planning and zoning meetings and these board members are well-informed, do their individual research on issues before them, and I’m pleased with their conscientious efforts to make Barry County better for everyone. Linda Ribble, Orangeville Township Celebrate the SAXON SPIRIT To the editor: Any goal should include purpose and action, as well as unity of thought. However, to carry through and achieve that goal, we must agree on the course of action to get it done. It is also very important for everyone to have their own opinion and point of view, as our differences do add value and insight to the situation at hand. It’s like a symphony orchestra with many different instruments. Separately, they all have their own unique sound. But, played together, produce music that none could ever do alone. Jim Brown, supervisor Hastings Charter Township THE HOTTEST STARS November Learn Magic Tricks for Adults, 1:30­ 3:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15. All Hastings classes will be offered at KCC’s scenic 95-acre Fehsenfeld Center campus, 2950 W. M-179 Highway just west of Hastings. Registration for all Lifelong Learning classes and activities can be completed online at kellogg.edu/lifelong. Registration also can be complet­ ed by calling KCC’s Lifelong Learning Department, 269-965-4134, and regis­ tering with a credit or debit card; in person at the Lifelong Learning office in Room 305 of the Lane Thomas Building on KCC’s North Avenue campus in Battle Creek. More information or assistance can be provided by sending an email to ll-info@ kellogg.edu or calling 269-965-4134. every new account opened from Sept. 29 to Oct. 9 to support programs combatting week­ end food insecurity for West Michigan kids.” Lake Trust Credit Union has 22 branches across Michigan, from Detroit to Grand Haven. The Lake Trust Hastings branch is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. For more information and a list of branch locations, ATMs and shared branches, visit www. laketrust. org. County ignores planners’ advice to the detriment of the county Robert Kowalewski HCB earns five-star rating Highpoint Community Bank, headquar­ tered in Hastings, has earned another top rat­ ing from BauerFinancial Inc., a national bank-rating firm. This marks the 48th consec­ utive quarter that Highpoint Community Bank has earned this top rating and an even higher designation as an “Exceptional Performance Bank.” That designation is for banks that have earned a 5-Star rating for 10 straight years or longer. To earn a 5-Star rating, a bank must excel under a rigorous, independent analysis of its financial condition. drive-through 24/7 ATM with deposit capa­ bilities, night depository and a meeting space designed to support community needs. “Lake Trust is thrilled to continue our long­ standing relationship with the Hastings com­ munity and unveil this new location that will allow the opportunity to connect with members and support their path to financial wellbeing,” Lake Trust CEO David Snodgrass said. “We look forward to welcoming longtime members and new faces to our Hastings branch. “In celebration of our grand opening, Lake Trust will donate $10 to Hand 2 Hand for Homecoming Pre-Game TAILGATE PARTY FRIDAY, OCT. 8™ To show community support for our football team and the spirit of being a Saxon, highpoint COMMUNITY BANK highpointcommunitybank.com 1-888-422-2280 TYLER HENRY • HOLLYWOOD MEDIUM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 is sponsoring a tailgate party with free grilled hot dogs, chips and a drink to anyone before the homecoming game with Northwest High School at the main entrance to Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. KENNY G • THE MIRACLES HOLIDAY & HITS TOUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 NOTE: START TIME FOR THIS WEEK'S GAME WILL BE 7 P.M. DICK FOX'S GOLDEN BOYS FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 Tickets available now at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. GET YOUR VlSfjPoN- 1T|||JI L™ BATTLE CREEK i-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. SAXON SPIRIT let it show! ■M �Page 6 •— Thursday, October 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner 169203 TOWNSHIP OF CARLTON BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING FOR LEACH LAKE WEED CONTROL TO: The residents and property owners bordering the foregoing body of water and all other inter­ ested persons. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Carlton Township Board has scheduled a public hearing for an aquatic weed control project for Leach Lake within the Township on the estimated costs of such improvement and on the special assessment district proposed to be created within which the costs of such improvement is proposed to be collected. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the aforesaid special assessment district is more par­ ticularly described as follows: Approximately 61 properties that front on Leach Lake A complete list of parcel numbers is available at the Township Hall. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the estimated costs for a lake management program for the control of weeds and/or algae in Leach Lake for the 2022 through 2026 seasons are in the approximate amount of $69,330.00, or $13,866.00 per year, and are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination and will be available at the scheduled public hearing. I PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has tentatively declared its intent to make the foregoing improvements and to create the afore-described special assessment district for the collection of the costs thereof and has tentatively found the foregoing to be reasonable and proper. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the public hearing on the foregoing improvements, estimated costs, and the special assessment district within which such costs are to be collected will be held at the Carlton Township Hall, 85 Welcome Road, within the township on Monday, October 11, 2021, commencing at 7 p.m. At the hearing the Board will consider any written objections to any of the foregoing matters filed with the Board at or before the hearing, as well as any revisions, corrections, amendments, or changes to the plans, estimates, or special assess­ ment district that may be raised at such hearing. The Township Board reserves the right to revise, correct, amend, or change the plans, estimates of costs, or special assessment district at or follow­ ing said public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the improvement are filed with the Township Board at or before the aforesaid public hearing, signed by record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total frontage upon the lake proposed to be improved, then the Township Board may not proceed with the project unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of such frontage, are filed with the Township. Such objections may be filed with the Township Clerk at the foregoing address. Please take further notice that if the Township Board determines to proceed with the project, it will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared for the recovery of the costs thereof, and another hearing will be held preceded by notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed and, by publication in the Hastings Banner, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessments. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Carlton Township will provide necessary and reason­ able auxiliary aids and services at the hearing to individuals with disabilities upon reasonable notice to the Carlton Township Clerk of the need for the same. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the office of the Township Clerk in writing or by calling the undersigned Clerk at least five days prior to the hearing. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, in person or by representative, and to submit comments concerning the foregoing. CARLTON TOWNSHIP Amanda Brown, Clerk 85 Welcome Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-5990 Cal! for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-900-870-7095 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for informatioii. D LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: HhMMS Fiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 products 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Andrew Paul Matel, age 64, of Hastings, passed away on September 30, 2021. An-drew was bom on August 19, 1957, in Mil-waukee, WI, the son of Jerome and Mary Ann (Jozwiak) Matel. Andrew was a 1975 graduate of Hastings High School and worked as a factory laborer. Andrew enjoyed raising chickens and col-lecting and playing guitars. Andrew was preceded in death by his par­ ents, Jerome Matel and Mary Ann Coolidge; twin brother, Kenneth Matel; brothers, Phil­ lip Matel, Jeffrey Coolidge, Michael Coolidge; grandparents, Lottie and Joe Joz­ wiak, and great-niece, Brigid Valentine Coolidge. He is survived by his stepfather, William Coolidge; brother, Steven Matel, and sister, Sharon (James) Giffen; cousins, Scott and Myrandia Coolidge, Pam and Al Jarvis, all of Hastings, and Barry and Lori Coolidge of Oxford, Maine, and many nieces and neph-ews. A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, from noon to 2 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058, interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Andrews Memory to St. Ju-de’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude. org/donate/ or 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. iWWWffilM Hojijne'fools&EtjuipiHeisl 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicatureactof 1961,1961 PA236, MCL600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on October 28, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Rita M. Bates, surviving spouse Original Mortgagee: Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, A Subsidiary of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. Date of Mortgage: July 25, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 6, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $101,198.64 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 31, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the South 1/4 corner of said section; thence North 00 degrees and 00 minutes West 2303.95 feet along the West line of said Southeast 1/4 to a point which is South 00 degrees 00 minutes East 330.0 feet from the Center of said Section 31; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes East 385.17 feet along the North line of Church Street to the place of beginning of this description; thence North 00 degrees 27 minutes 15 seconds West 165.0 feet along the East line of Race Street; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes East 132.0 feet; thence South 00 degrees 27 minutes 15 seconds East 165.0 feet to the North line of Church Street; thence South 89 degrees 54 minutes West 132.0 feet to the place of beginning. Common street address (if any): 6463 W Irving Rd, Hastings, Ml 49058-9787 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 30, 2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1444453 (09-30)(10-21) Janice Ann Hummell of Middleville, passed away September 25, 2021 at the age of 69. She was bom to Robert and Jane (Filipiak) Quist on April 5, 1952 in Grand Rapids. Jan­ ice was raised with her siblings Robert, Di-ane, and Shirley in their family home located in Grand Rapids. She was a 1970 graduate of Central High School and received her cosme-tology license from Wright Beauty Academy later in life. Janice spent many years working at Brad­ ford White in Middleville and finished her working career as both a nail technician and hairstylist; eventually owning and operating her own beauty salon. Janice found joy in everything creative from making blankets, scarves and hats to hand painting Christmas ornaments and glasses for friends and loved ones. She en-joyed time spent on Barlow Lake with her children, laying in the sun, and waterskiing to fill the days of her favorite season, summer. Janice’s love of animals ran deep; through­ out her life she shared her home with many cats and dogs, she especially loved her Great Danes. In her free time she loved to spend time with friends and relax in the comfort of home after long days on her feet. Janice is survived by her children, Jesse (Beth) Strzyzewski of Middleville, Loren (Bryn) Hummell of Charlotte; sister, Shirley, and grandchildren, Clay, Isaac^ Maeson, Tripp, and Brylor. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert, and sister, Diane. The family would like to thank Spectrum Health Hospice for their care and compassion during the final stage of Janice’s illness. There will be a memorial service to cele­ brate Janice’s life November 6, 2021 begin­ ning at 1 p.m. at Bible Missionary Church, 315 E Marshall St., Hastings, MI 49058. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. 21-28974-DE Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Dianna Rae Lyke, deceased. Date of birth: February 29,1940. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dianna Rae Lyke, died April 13, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Cheryl Masalkowski, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: October 5, 2021 Sara E.E. Fazio P62046 333 Bridge Street NW, Suite 900, Grand Rapids, Ml 49504 (616) 254-8400 Cheryl Masalkowski PO Box 364, Belmont, Ml 49306 (616)780-0204 169241 _1 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BUDGET PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on October 26,2021 at 9:00 a.m. the Barry County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the 2022 Barry County budget during the regular Board of Commissioners meeting in the Commission Chambers, located on the mezzanine level of the Barry County Courthouse, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. Acopy of the proposed 2022 Budget is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the County Administrator's office, 3rd floor, Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058, or at http://www.barrycounty.org/proposedbudget Pamela A. Palmer, County Clerk Barry County Board of Commissioners Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC • Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome.net Owner/Manager 168775 Thomas A. Seim, age 79, of Hastings, passed away unexpectedly on September 29, 2021. Tom was bom on May 22,1942 in Howell, the son of Laurence and Maxine (Smith) Seim. Tom was an auditor at General Motors for nearly 50 years. In his free time, Tom enjoyed golfing, bowling and traveling. He will be remembered for his kindness, concern for others, and generosity. Tom’s even-keeled demeanor and always helping attitude will be missed by the countless friends and loving family he leaves behind. Tom is survived by his stepson, Brian Shultz; grandchildren, Aaron (Jocelyn) Shultz and Joshua (Jolene) Shultz; great granddaughter, Scarlett; brother, Carl (Carol) Seim; several niec­ es and nephews; and com-panion, Betty Hollister. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence Seim; and Siblings: Larry, Bill, Joe, and Diana. Tom’s family will receive friends 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home. Out of concern for everyone’s health, the family requests that masks be worn inside the building. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condo-lence message for Tom’s family. Family Owned and Operated owXrEnwriLs Serving Hastings, Barn County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — Page 7 w rt*“ rf*bw '^ry-w 3*8.*^ **»*•: G®r fefe-^rW*****1 H, -•MrhJne*,-Cjfeb Cft c &™ iss&.tos ’a sa* 00k back at the stories and columns on local history io the Hastings Banner Cathi’ **££, ££*?W* / fif. ^XMf r *^.*h ?***w *Str; c.Z.^ * «?* *W *®***wt 0i>^fe ftriA f^^rr af S^LXfexF;“'^^ ’ Ot ^L'8***^ #« *<» ’ fer»> "S *ita. Uutt) • SiJjJ* W*W»5t £^*fe e-^AG^. 2* "Sr ?«»«iw*'o*""•' “’ c“' *" • «* _'*-■'»*•« e^fn •*ww, iwn;,**! ciuc, n*5 ^•v>rii>‘^i!!(t" i»B* ■» 6<i®we p*??'’ ^*-’ «Wbpa'iS~K& ■■•' »“ •»&*•. $> a* J*b*w *’** '’’*'■«£*' ~ TURNING BACK THE PAGES <( *” .€; > *'■ v “ZL ««;*• law , 7 * ^on-.. •iicie « °'**«!^f, CtS^L ^ft-. Ha^tre*‘c&’ “**« £4f^rPX'£ 'T»«r ”,£?*** is a n,.k “v' ^<£*»sL ■ J The 1961 anniversary book includes a directory of members, their occupations, wife’s name and responsibility within the club. Kiwanis Club celebrated 20th, 40th anniversaries Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Little did the newly created Kiwanis Club of Hastings know, when it was founded in late September 1941, the major changes com­ munity, state and country would soon see. The club, like the rest of the nation, made it through World War II, marked its 20th anni­ versary in the fall of 1961, and the 40th anni­ versary in 1981 - both anniversaries being reported in The Banner. Many members were recognized for their longevity with the service club, and several were active into their 80s, including Neil Braendle, who died in 2018 and Gordon Ironside Jr., who died in 2015. Braendle was recognized for 40 years of service to the group at a special presentation in 2012, Ironside Jr. was honored for 60 years of par­ ticipation, including reportedly 47 years as its treasurer. While many of the people in the organiza­ tion were steadfast in their service, the build­ ings where the club met or celebrated have changed over the years. A speaker at the 40^ anniversary told Kiwanis members the only thing people can be sure about in the future is that it will not be like the past and not like they think it will be. And though buildings may seem permanent, the club’s gathering places have seen change - maybe not like anyone expected. The club’s initial papers were signed in November 1941 at the Odd Fellows Hall, 328 S. Jefferson, near the comer of Green and Jefferson streets. That building pre-dated the U. S. Civil War and initially was the MethodistEpiscopal Church. After serving the Odd Fellows organization, the building was renamed Thomas Jefferson Hall in the 1980s and was owned by the Barry County Democratic Party. It is now a church again, housing Christ the King PCA. The 20th anniversary was celebrated at Leason Sharpe Memorial Hall, then part of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. The memorial hall is still used for community events, and the larger building now is home to local nonprofit organizations, including Barry County United Way and the Barry Community Foundation. The 40th anniversary was celebrated at the Hastings Moose Lodge at the corner of Michigan and Apple streets, when Apple was not yet a street but a railroad track. The build­ ing, which had been standing long before the Moose organization renovated and occupied it in the late 20th century, was razed in May 2018. The Oct. 4, 1981, Banner announced the club marking its 40th anniversary and install­ ing new officers for the coming year: A host of special guests, including the Michigan Kiwanis governor, joined members of the Hastings Kiwanis Club Wednesday to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a banquet at the Moose Lodge. The club also installed new officers for 1981-82. Special guests attending the ceremonies included Michigan Kiwanis Gov. William Hershiser and his wife, Edie; Lt. Gov.-Elect Howard Fischer and his wife, Marian; Lt. Gov. A.D. Mayer and his wife, Jean; Michigan Secretary-Treasurer Douglas Alexander and his wife, Ann; and Kenneth Sanderson, first president of the Hastings club, and his wife, Rosalyn. New officers installed by the state gover­ nor and district lieutenant gpvernocwere Dan Hamilton, president; Neil Braendle, presi­ dent-elect; William Ransom, vice president; Arthur Steeby, secretary; and Gordon Ironside Jr., treasurer. Donald Fisher, a charter member of the Hastings club, was honored for his 40 years of service. Patrick Gilmore was made a mem­ ber of the Legion of Honor, an award given to members with more than 25 years of service. “This club has had a tremendous impact on this community,’ Hershiser said. “Tomorrow we start on another 40 years. Being contented is for cows. The world hates change, but only change brings progress.’ Hershiser said the only thing people can be sure of in the future is that it is not like the past, not like they think it will be, and the rate of change will be faster than ever before. “When you’re getting kicked in the rear,’ he joked, 6it means you are out in front.’ Arthur Steward Jr., a past president serving as master of ceremonies, presented a past presidents’ plaque to outgoing president Donald Sothard. Sothard announced that the club had received a Round Robin Award at the state convention for sending four members to visit each club in the district during the year and an honorable mention for the club’s newslet­ ter. Kenneth Miller was chairman of the inter­ club visitation, and Braendle was newsletter editor. Entertainment for the evening was provid­ ed by Rev. Robert Consani, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Hastings. Patrick Gilmore is made a member of the Kiwanis Legion of Honor for his 25 years of service. About 60 members, and their wives, from others clubs attended the celebration, hailing from various clubs in Grand Rapids West, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Wyoming. Two decades years earlier, the club marked its 20th anniversary. That celebration was a Wednesday evening, Oct. 11,1961, at Leason Sharpe Memorial Hall. Charter members of the club, according to the 20th anniversary program, included L.E. Barnett, William Benjamin, Gordon Bera, Dr. Fremont R. Brooks, Merritt Bryant, C.B. Burkholder, Ernest Cassaday, Adelbert Cortright, George C. Dean, Lester DeVault, Charter member Donald Fisher (left) is given a standing ovation when he is recognized for his 40 years of membership. (Photos from Oct. 4, 1981, Banner) The new Hastings Kiwanis officers in 1981 are (from left) Gordon Ironside Jr., trea­ surer; Neil Braendle, president-elect; Dan Hamilton, president; and Arthur Steeby, secretary. (Vice president William Ransom not pictured) Milo DeVries, Rev. Fr. Dillon, Harrison Dodds, Donald B. Fisher, Dwight W. Fisher, Dr. Gordon Fisher, Howard Frost, A.B. Gidley, Dr. A.B. Gwinn, Mark E. Lee, Dr. F. Edward Lowry, Lynn Lewis, Burdette A. LyBarker, Jay W Marsman, Philip H. Mitchell, Cedric S. Morey, Clare McKee, Richard A. Nipe, Allen Prentice, Kenneth R. Sanderson, William J. Schilhaneck, Philo H. Sheldon, Rev. Winston Stone, Edwin L. Taylor, Harry B. Thompson Sr., Dorrence W. Trethric, Robert C. Walldorff and Gus Wingeier. Some of those charter members attended the celebration as special guests. At least had already died before the milestone event: Burkholder, Dean, DeVries, Dillon, Dodds, Sheldon, Stone and Wingeier. “Other Kiwanians in Division 11 were invited along with past presidents of the local club now living elsewhere,” according to an Oct. 2, 1961, Banner article, “including Edwin Taylor, who was president in 1944, now superintendent of schools at Grandville; Dorrence Trethric, 1943, now of Lathrup Village; Morton Bacon, 1952, Pontiac; and Ken Sanderson, 1941-42, now of Alma.” Charter members who were then still active in the club included Judge Cortright, Donald and Dwight Fisher, Marsman, Judge Mitchell, Schilhaneck and Walldorff. The 1961 booklet included a bit of history on the club [neither the booklet nor the fol­ low-up article included photos]. The club’s organization was completed Sept. 25, 1941, under sponsorship by the Battle Creek and Jackson clubs. The charter was presented by Dr. Bert R. Parrish Nov. 26, 1941, at the Odd Fellows Hall. Sanderson was the first president; DeVries and Trethric, first and second vice presidents, respectively; DeVauft, treasurer; and Barnett, its first secretary. Cortright, Frost, Gidley, Gwinn, Mitchell, Klorey and Gordon Fisher were the local club’s first directors. The Hastings club was the 78th to be orga­ nized in the Michigan District of Kiwanis International. However, it was just the fourth to sponsor Key Cl®, a high school-age ser­ vice club, which Wgan May 25, 1950. As of 1961, Hastings High School’s Key Club had 60 members, including 1961-62 officers: President Tom Baty, Vice President John Clarey, Treasurer John von Reis, Secretary Stephen Johnson and Lt. Gov. Mike Youngs, with Hal Buerge as its adviser. The 1961 anniversary committee was comprised of several past presidents, includ­ ing Stanley Cummings, J. Franklin Huntley, Carlton Kaechele, Warren Williams, Wright Sim, Stuart Cleveland, Russell Hankins, Robert Sherwood, Homer Becker and Harry Burke. In the first 20 years, the club’s contribu­ tions covered many areas, including: For boys and girls - Christmas gifts, athlet­ ic sports program, aid to need children (clothes, food, dental), Kids Day Program, hamburger cookouts at “Y” camp, Forney Clement project and “Y” camperships. Key Club - youth activities with future leaders. Vocational guidance - education guidance for students. Agriculture and conservation - youth live­ stock program, trips for 4-H and FFA mem­ bers, tree farm, programs with fanners, and 4-H leaders’ appreciation dinners. Public and business affairs - hospital equipment for nursery, hearing aid program, cohesive agent bringing men of community together, recognition of civic achievement, promotion and cooperation with other service clubs, spirited and active cooperation with all active service and welfare groups, influence for higher ethical standards, giving members an opportunity to be of service in all phases of community activity, developing communi­ ty interest in school board and school activi­ ties, vehicle safety check, development of community responsibility of members’ “Get out the vote” campaigns. Support of churches - church director in County Lure book. Education and fellowship - fellowship of group. Travel - World Adventure Travel Series for the whole community. The 80-year-old club, which now includes women, continues on its initial mission to serve the community in a variety of ways. Donald Sothard (left) outgoing president of the Hastings Kiwanis Club, receives his past president’s plaque from Arthur Steward Jr. �Page 8 — Thursday, October 7, 2021 —The Hastings Banner BUDGET, continued from page 1 Smelker told fellow commissioners that the county needs a resolution “with some teeth,” so that, “if a mask mandate came back, we can withhold the funds.” . The argument comes down to individual liberty vs. protecting the public health, he said. During the commissioners’ discussion of Smelker’s proposal, which was supported by Howard Gibson, Catherine Getty men­ tioned that “a big segment of the popula­ tion” is afraid to speak out. Some residents have told her they support a mask mandate, she said, but they have been bullied and threatened on the internet. “I’m not against parents sending their children to school with masks,” Smelker replied, “I just don’t agree with the man­ date.” Finally, in a 6-1 vote, commissioners agreed that Geiger would develop the lan­ guage of the resolution, which they will then vote on during their regular board meeting next week. Getty offered the lone dissent. Geiger praised Getty’s courage in striving to represent those constituents who have been intimidated by the behavior of some citizens who have shouted and threatened others. At Tuesday’s meeting, several citizens such as Pat and Keara Hilton of Middleville, said they hold Scrimger responsible and have demanded she be fired. Others, such as Adam Heikkila of Battle Creek and Gary White of Nashville, pointedly criticized Geiger for his handling of the issue. Their demands came to a head during the Sept. 23 health board meeting at Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Enrichment Center when Heikkila, during public comment, declared that he was making a citizen’s arrest. That brought the meeting to a halt when Sheriff Dar Leaf, acting city Police Chief Dale Boulter and Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt showed up and conferred about the situation. Leaf later suggested that Heikkila should apologize to Scrimger. Geiger said during the county meeting Tuesday that Scrimger has been unfairly vilified for doing her job, which is to protect public health, Chairman Ben Geiger said. “If you’re a person who prays, pray for her (Scrimger). Her job is very tough. She has a good heart.” Other Barry County residents who have asked commissioners to act against Scrimger, also deplored Heikkila’s action. Larry Bass of Hastings, who asked com­ missioners for a vote of no-confidence in the health department, told them it makes no sense to continue as part of that department and encouraged them to take action to sepa­ rate from it. But Bass concluded by expressing his embarrassment and outrage about what hap­ pened to conclude the Feb. 23 health depart­ ment meeting, when proceedings were “hijacked” by the outrageous attempt of a citizen’s arrest. “I was embarrassed as a Barry County resident at how the BEDHD meeting ended,” he wrote in an email to The Banner. “That type of conduct and false accusations were totally out of line.” The action to make a citizen’s arrest received some statewide notoriety, prompt­ ing comment from Dr. Howard Markel, a former pediatrician and director of the University of Michigan’s Center for the History of Medicine, who told Bridge Barry County Administrator Michael Brown advises the county commissioners on updating the county’s 2014 strategic plan. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) J ion. “This chaos cannot continue,” he wrote. Michigan, “It’s crazy. It’s unprofessional. I “Do not let the boisterous minority drown wish these people - if they pull this kind of out the rights of the majority to the orderly nonsense - will just go home.” Markel added, “If I could give advice to “ governance of their county.” The majority of speakers who addressed the county official: Be brave, and please do the commissioners only want what they per­ the right thing by your constituents. ceive is best for their families, friends and “And if they do try to lower your funding, the county, he said. rest assured, you’ll have many colleagues, “Know that you are not alone; there are including myself, behind you to fight tooth thousands of people that voted for you. We and nail because that’s ridiculous.” continue to have faith in and trust you.” : On Tuesday, the audience filled the Barry On Tuesday, Heikkila also addressed the County ommission chambers on the mezza­ board twice and, the' first time, he was cau­ nine of the historic courthouse, but meeting tioned by Geiger when he raised his voice. decorum did not approach the raucous Several posse members were stationed in nature of the Sept. 23 session. the chambers during the session and walked Geiger kept speakers to a 3-minute limit with Heikkila out of the room when he con­ and, when they began to raise their voices, cluded his first comments. He returned later he asked them to show restraint. to watch proceedings from the audience. One citizen, Jack Miner of Hastings, Boulter confirmed Wednesday that his thanked commissioners for their service. department is reviewing what happened “To say the last two weeks have been diffi­ during that meeting to see if any law cult would be an understatement,” he wrote enforcement action should be recommended in a letter to the board. “Please remember to the prosecutor. you are not alone. You are our neighbors, Another question that has been raised is our friends and our leaders. We have trusted whether Scrimger should have been sworn you with our votes and the management of in, taking an oath of office, when she was the affairs of our beloved Barry County. For hired for the post of health officer. some, that confidence has been shaken. Leaf told The Banner that one of his Miner urged the board to find a solution marine officers had not been duly sworn to the problems now threatening the coun­ into office earlier this year and, as a result, ty’s ability to operate in an acceptable fash­ MURDER, continued from page 1 —— In exchange for the planned murder of his wife, Nelson Replogle used the internet to transmit a payment of the virtual currency Bitcoin in the value of $17,583 in U.S. cur­ rency, court documents show. In a five-page affidavit filed with the U.S. District Court, FBI Special Agent Clay Anderson said he received information April 20 about a possible murder-for-hire plot from the BBC representatives. They said the target of the plot was Ann Replogle, and provided her name and address. It’s not clear from court documents how the BBC representatives obtained the information they provided to the FBI. “The Knoxville FBI contacted the Knox County Sheriff’s office and advised them of the threat. The Knox County Sheriff’s office sent deputies to the residence of the victim to verify her well-being. In addition, the Knoxville FBI sent special agents and task force officers to conduct an interview of the victim and any other residents at the loca­ tion,” Anderson said in the affidavit. Both Nelson and Ann Replogle were at home when agents and task force officers arrived. They both said they could not think of anyone who would want to harm Ann. Agents then interviewed Nelson Replogle alone; he told them he did not solicit his wife’s murder nor could he think of anyone who would, according to the affidavit. Anderson said he contacted the BBC representatives who had provided the tip, and was told they had information that a payment was made with the understanding that an unknown person would kill Ann Replogle as she took her pet to a local vet­ erinarian for an appointment. “The information provided was very spe­ cific about date, time, vehicle make, model and color,” Anderson said in the affidavit. “The payment for the murder of the victim was made using the virtual currency Bitcoin, and the date and time of the trans­ action, as well as the receiving Bitcoin wallet, was provided.” >p The FBI provided a |)lockchain analysis of the Bitcoin transaction and, from that, agents were able to determine that the Bitcoin wallets used to pay were CoinBase wallets. Investigators then went to work, subpoenaing CoinBase for records pertain­ ing to the transaction, citing a threat-to-life situation. “The information provided by CoinBase shows Replogle listed afe the owner of the account and shows the transaction between Replogle and whomever! is behind the mur­ der-for-hire website. In addition, CoinBase provided the registration information to include photo identification and photos of the suspect,” Anderson ^id in the affidavit. CoinBase provided copnection logs that showed “multiple” internet protocol con­ nections, the last one being April 20. Further investigation disclosed that the e IP address involved with the CoinBase wallet was associated with Replogle’s AT&T account at his home, court records showed. The CoinBase subpoena further showed that Replogle paid for the Bitcoin out of a personal savings account at First Horizon Bank in Knoxville, an account to which his wife did not have access. Law enforcement contacted the bank seeking information, which “corroborated the information from CoinBase,” Anderson said in the affidavit. Shortly after that information was con­ firmed, Replogle was arrested. The Replogles moved from Michigan to Knoxville in 2018, after both had retired from their teaching jobs. Nelson Replogle, who was working part­ time while drawing a pension from his teaching job, did not have any criminal history prior to his arrest, court records show. one of the citations issued by that officer had to be rescinded. The question being raised is whether the requirement for an officer to be sworn would apply to Scrimger. The sheriff said Wednesday that he received 200 petitions requesting that his office look into whether the health officer is required to take an oath of office. An attor­ ney representing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said that most health officers are exempt from this, unless a local unit of government has its own requirement. Leaf said his department has received 200 petitions asking them to look into this mat­ ter so his department is pursuing it. One problem, however, is the volume of investi­ gations his department is handling right now. His department put a probe of the November election on hold when a missing persons report took precedence. Leaf said they were planning this week to use a heli­ copter in the search for Lane Rosland of Hastings, who has been missing since Sept. 27. Now, with questions about whether Scrimger should be required to take an oath of office, he could not say when any of these investigations are likely to come to fruition. Chairman Ben Geiger listens to com­ ments from commissioners during Tuesday's committee meeting. GREEN, continued from page 1 --------------------------- state, we’re within their territory,” she said. But Fekkes said it’s not feasible for Barry County residents to go to a shelter in Battle Creek, and that is part of the reason commu­ nity leaders here decided to create Green Gables Haven 18 years ago. “The residents of Barry County were not going to Calhoun County to receive ser­ vices,” Fekkes said. “It was people from a rural area going to an urban area, it’s children leaving their schools, which is some of their only comfort when their life is in shambles.” “We’re taking victims and families ... away from maybe their own safe connection because now they’re leaving Barry County,” she added. “We’re taking away their medical providers, 1 mean everything that’s known to them ... and what we found is there might have been two or three people a year, if we were lucky, [going to Calhoun County.]” This year’s grant has already been decided, and Green Gables can’t appeal the decision, but Bergeron said she will keep trying in the future. “I’m going to be continuing to apply for this grant annually,” Bergeron said. “I’m not giving up.” But she does worry about what the loss of funding may mean for the shelter, especially if it is unable to get the grant again. “I worry about the victims of domestic violence, our current clients and the ones that will reach out for help going forward,” Bergeron said. “I have had so many people approach me in my 14 years here, saying T wish you were here when I needed help,’ or ‘Green Gables Haven saved my life’... I have a great concern for this community if Green Gables Haven isn’t here.” In the past few weeks, local organizations have stepped up to help the shelter. Barry Community Foundation committed $125,000 to help Green Gables, and Barry County United Way allocated an extra $25,000, to help the shelter bridge the gap in funding. “The Barry County United Way Board of Directors and Allocations committee has pro­ vided support to Green Gables Haven since the doors have been open,” United Way Executive Director Lani Forbes said. “Green Gables Haven is an integral part of emergen­ cy shelter in Barry County.” “Green Gables Haven is a very unique resource for Barry County,” United Way Board Chair Matt Goebel added. “Our donors are very willing to assist those in need to deal with domestic violence. Keeping their doors open is paramount to the safety and success of many families.” “Wonderful, beautiful Barry County is wrapping its arms around us and helping us,” Fekkes said. “You’ve got to love this commu­ nity, because when there is a need, there always seems to be people who can step up and fulfill an immediate need.” Bergeron said the funding from the Barry Community Foundation and United Way are a temporary bandage to keep the shelter open until it can find a long-term solution. “We can’t sustain if the Band-Aid doesn’t get fixed,” Bergeron said. In the meantime, the shelter is seeking other grant opportunities and planning fund­ raising initiatives for later this year. HASTINGS, continued from page 1 tennis teams. She also has taken part in Link Crew, Impact Team, student council and National Honor Society. Barnes, who enjoys painting and drawing in her downtime, has competed on the soccer, volleyball and basketball teams. She also has been involved with 4-H and the Key Club. Bond has participated in basketball, cross country, soccer, Interact Club, Key Club and student council. English has played volleyball, softball, basketball and golf. Outside of athletics, she is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Impact Team. Teed has participated in basketball, cross country, track and the marching band drum­ line. She received All-State honors in track after placing fifth in the 100-meter hurdle race. Fish plays tuba in the band. He said his favorite memory from high school is finish­ ing in first place at the Otsego Marching Band Invitational. Perez has been a member of the tennis and golf teams. He also has been an active mem­ ber in the theater and choir programs at the high school. He played Col. Mustard in the high school’s production of “Clue.” Russell is a on the football and basketball teams. A running back, Russell is shooting for the career rushing record at the high school. A clarinet player, Smalley has been a part of the jazz band, steel band and pit orchestra throughout high school. He currently is the clarinet section leader. He has played on the baseball team since freshman year and is a member of the Key Club. Winegar is a captain on the football team. Outside of school, he likes to spend time weightlifting, snowboarding, fishing and hunting. Seven retired Hastings staff members will share the title of grand marshals in Friday’s parade: Marty Buehler, Barb Henry, Steve Hoke, Steve Laubaugh, Lissie Letot, Angela Stanton and Shelly Winegar. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — Page 9 CITY OF HASTINGS CITY OF HASTINGS REQUEST FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR BIDS 2021 Street Line Painting The City of Hastings Department of Public Services is requesting sealed bids for its 2021 street line painting program. Sleeping time away Dr. Universe: Why does sleep feel so short? Brooklyn, 12 Dear Brooklyn, That’s a great observation. When my friend Ashley Ingiosi was a kid, she remembers how napping in the car during a four-hour drive to her grandparents’ house seemed to make the time fly by. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience. As a researcher at Washington State University, Ingiosi is really curious about what goes on within the human brain during sleep. She was happy to help with your question. “Sometimes sleep feels so short because we become less aware of our surroundings,” she said. As you go about your day, you rely on cer­ tain signals from your senses - or stimuli - to know if you are awake and aware. This aware­ ness is what sleep scientists call consciousness. But when you are sleeping, you don’t really sense the world in the same way. You can’t use your sense of touch to feel your bedsheets. You often can’t use your sense of hearing to pick up on the sounds around you. You might not feel it, but during certain stages of sleep, your eyes are darting around under your eyelids. Even though you have a lower level of awareness, your brain and body are still very active. “Brains are still very busy during sleep and doing a lot of different things,” Ingiosi said. “But the reason why we can stay asleep is that we are less aware of what’s going on around us.” When you are awake and aware, you can use clues from your environment to sense all kinds of things, including how time is passing. But when you sleep, it makes it harder to track all those seconds, minutes and hours ticking by. “If we were aware of things in the way that we are when we are awake, we’d have a real­ ly hard time staying asleep,” Ingiosi said. The amount of time humans spend sleep­ ing also is important, she said. As children and teenagers grow up, they need to sleep even longer than adults need tcrsleep. According to our friends at the National Institutes of Health, school-age children and teenagers need about 9 hours of sleep each day. After the teenage years, you can do with a little less sleep. Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day. While scientists are still unraveling many of the mysteries around how and why humans sleep, we do know sleep gives the body and mind a chance to recharge. It helps you stay healthy. Sleep also can help strengthen the memo­ ries you form throughout the day. It helps keep your brain working well, so you can do Five ways to apply for benefits online Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Our web­ site offers a way to apply for benefits online. You may apply online for: • Retirement or spouse’s benefits - You must be at least 61 years and 9 months in age and want your benefits to start in no more than four months. Apply at ssa.gov/retireonline. • Disability benefits - You may use our online application, available at ssa.gov/disabilityonline, to apply for disability benefits if you are age 18 or older; are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record; are unable to work because of a medical condi­ tion that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death; and have not been denied disability benefits in the past 60 days. If your application was recently denied, our online appeal application, is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made, visit ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html. • Supplemental Security Income - SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues, and helps people who have little or no income and who are age 65 or older, blind, or have disabilities. If you meet certain require­ ments, you may apply online at ssa.gov/benefits/ssi. If you are not able to apply online, call your local Social Security office to apply. • Medicare - Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people younger than 65 who have dis­ abilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for Medicare three months before turning age 65 at ssa.gov/benefits/medicare. • Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs - People who need assistance with the cost of medications can apply for Extra Help at ssa.gov/il020. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda. vantil@ssa.gov. everything from finishing your homework to playing sports to asking big questions about our world. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be a scientist who helps us understand more about the fascinating experience of sleep. As for me, after investigating this great science question, I think it’s prime time for a cat nap. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse, com. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at the address listed below. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Sealed bids shall be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 18, 2021 at which time they shall be opened and publicly read aloud. All bids shall be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid - 2021 Street Line Painting”. Travis J. Tate, P.E. Director of Public Services 169311 2021 Street Tree Planting The City of Hastings is soliciting bids for the provision of trees to be planted in the City owned street right-of-ways throughout the City. The RFP and specifications are available from Hastings City Hall. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Bids will be received at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM, on Monday, October 18, 2021 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package - “SEALED BID 2021 STREET TREES”. Travis J. Tate, P.E. 169110 Director of Public Services BARRY TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN RE-NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF BARRY TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Barry Township Board, upon having received petitions to make certain public improvements as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake an aquatic plant control project (with associated activities) on Fair Lake in Barry Township, as more particularly described below and to create a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Special Assessment District shall be known as the FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO 2021-1 PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the land and premises in the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed are all parcels with frontage on and/or connection to channels and/or waterways connected to Fair Lake in Barry Township, which include the following parcel numbers: 08-03-001-001-00 08-03-055-025-00 08-03-080-007-00 08-03-080-051-00 08-03-001-004-00 08-03-011-004-31 08-03-080-001-50 08-03-008-010-00 08-03-080-054-00 08-03-001-007-00 08-03-011-004-60 08-03-014-001-00 08-03-080-013-00 08-03-080-057-00 08-03-001-010-50 08-03-011-013-00 08-03-055-001-00 08-03-080-016-00 08-03-080-060-00 08-03-011-002-01 08-03-012-007-21 08-03-055-004-00 08-03-080-019-00 08-03-080-063-00 08-03-011-004-15 08-03-012-010-00 08-03-055-007-00 08-03-080-022-00 08-03-080-034-00 08-03-011-004-32 08-03-012-017-00 08-03-055-010-00 08-03-080-025-00 08-03-080-037-00 08-03-011-004-70 O8-O3 1O4OO1-Q 9 08-03-055-012-10 08-03-080-028-00 08-03-080-041-00 08-03-012-005-00 08-03-055-002-00 08-03-055-016-00 08-03-080-031-00 08-03-080-044-00 08-03-012-007-50 08-03-055-005-00 08-03-055-020-00 08-03-080-005-00 08-03-080-049-00 08-03-001-002-00 08-03-055-008-00 08-03-055-026-00 08-03-080-008-00 08-03-080-052-00 08-03-001-005-00 08-03-055-011-00 08-03-055-026-00 08-03-080-011-00 08-03-080-055-00 08-03-001-008-00 08-03-055-014-00 08-03-080-002-00 08-03-080-014-00 08-03-080-058-00 08-03-002-002-00 08-03-055-017-00 08-03-080-003-00 08-03-080-017-00 08-03-080-061-00 08-03-011-002-50 08-03-055-024-00 08-03-080-006-00 08-03-080-020-00 08-03-080-064-00 08-03-011-004-20 08-03-055-029-00 08-03-080-009-00 08-03-080-023-00 08-03-080-035-00 08-03-011-004-50 08-03-012-018-00 08-03-080-012-00 08-03-080-026-00 08-03-080-038-00 08-03-011-005-03 08-03-014-002-00 08-03-080-015-00 08-03-080-029-00 08-03-080-043-00 08-03-012-007-00 08-03-055-003-00 08-03-080-018-00 08-03-080-032-00 08-03-080-045-00 08-03-012-007-70 08-03-055-006-00 08-03-080-021-00 08-03-080-033-00 08-03-080-050-00 08-03-001-003-00 08-03-055-009-00 08-03-080-024-00 08-03-080-036-00 08-03-080-053-00 08-03-001-006-00 08-03-055-012-00 08-03-080-027-00 08-03-080-039-00 08-03-080-056-00 08-03-001-010-40 08-03-055-015-00 08-03-080-030-00 08-03-080-043-10 08-03-080-059-00 08-03-002-002-20 08-03-055-018-00 08-03-080-004-00 08-03-080-047-00 08-03-080-062-00 PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed aquatic plant control project, associated activities, any proposed improvements and locations thereof, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $45,235. The total project cost, including administrative costs, is proposed to be raised by special assessment. The Barry Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and cost estimates on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Clerk's office from theMdate of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. The Barry Township Offices are located at 11300 S M-43} Highway in Delton. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of two years (2021 through 2022 inclusive) of an annual assessment proposed to be $190.06 per year per lot. If the amount to be specially assessed increases by more than 10% in any one year, additional notice will be provided as required by law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district and cost estimates will be held at the Barry Township Hall, 155 E. Orchard Street, Delton commencing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 11, 2021. At the hearing, the Board wi(l consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the area within the proposed special assessment district, then the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the area to be mad& into a special assessment district, are filed with the township. Written comments or objections may be filed with the clerk at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his/her appearance or protest by letter and his/her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to submit comments concerning the establishment of the special assessment district, the plans and/or the cost estimates. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the Township Board determines to proceed with the special assessments, the board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessments. Barry Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days' notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk. Debra Knight, Barry Township Clerk P.O. Box 705 Delton Ml 49046 (269) 623-5171 �Page 10 — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Provided by the Barry County offices ofEdward Jones Member SIPC Financial Advisor Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 423 N. Main St. Jeff Domenico, AAMS® Hastings, Ml 49058 Nashville, Ml (269) 948-8265 (517)760-8113 What does retirement security mean to you? October is National Retire­ ment Security Month. But what does retirement security mean to you? And how can you work to­ ward achieving it? Here are some suggestions: • Build your resources. While you’re working, save in tax-advantaged accounts such as your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. In your 401 (k), contribute at least enough to earn your em­ ployer’s match, if one is offered, and increase your contributions whenever your salary goes up. Remember, especially early in your career, time is often your biggest asset. Be sure to save ear­ ly, since the longer you wait, the more you’ll need to save to help reach your goals. • Look for ways to boost retirement income. When tran­ sitioning to retirement, you can take steps to align your income with your needs. For example, consider Social Security. You can start collecting it as early as 62, but your monthly payments will be much larger if you can wait until your “frill” retirement age, typically between 66 and 67. (Payments will “max out” at age 70.) So, if you have sufficient in­ come from a pension or your 401(k) and other retirement ac­ counts, and you and your spouse are in good health with a family histoiy of longevity, you may consider delaying taking Social Security. You also might want to explore other income-producing vehicles, such as certain annu­ ities that are designed to provide a lifetime income stream. • Prepare for unexpected costs. During your retirement, you can anticipate some costs, such as housing and transporta­ tion, but other expenses are more irregular and can’t always be predicted, such as those connect­ ed with health care. Even with Medicare, you could easily spend a few thousand dollars a year on medical expenses, so you may want to budget for these costs as part of your emergency savings, and possibly purchase supple­ mental insurance. You may also want to consider the possibility of needing some type of long­ term care, which is not typically covered by Medicare and can be quite expensive. The average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is more than $100,000, and it’s about $55,000 per year for a home health aide, according to Genworth, an insur­ ance company. To address these costs, you may want to consider some form of protection, such as long-term care insurance or life insurance with a long-term care component. • Do your estate planning. It’s hard to feel totally secure in retirement if you’re unsure of what might happen if you have an unexpected health event, be­ come incapacitated or die earlier than expected. That’s why you’ll want to create a comprehensive estate plan - one that might in­ clude documents such as a dura­ ble power of attorney, a will and a living trust. A review of your insurance coverages and ben­ eficiaries can also help protect your assets and ensure they are distributed the way you want. In creating your plan, you will need to work with your financial advi­ sor and a legal professional, and possibly your tax advisor as well. Thinking holistically about your retirement security and de­ veloping and executing a strategy aligned with your goals may help free you to enjoy one of the most rewarding times of your life. This article was written by Ed­ ward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Ed­ ward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mex­ ico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachu­ setts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309 Peggy Hemerling accepts the Kiwanis Club of Hastings gavel from Rich Franklin, who has served for the past year. Hemerling brings to the position her love for chib dren, strong community collaboration and service to others. (Photo provided) Kiwanis . . . . Club , welcomes new president, treasurer The Kiwanis Club of Hastings has announced that Peggy Hemerling, Hastings Public Library administrator, is the club’s new president. Deb Hatfield, of Walker, Fluke and Sheldon, remains secretary for another year, A new Kiwanis member, Kayla Nichols, form Barlow Floral, stepped up to take over the treasurer duties. HOPE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ,yili NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR LONG LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HOPE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within Long Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District No. 2021-1 benefited by the proposed aquatic plant control project. The roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing the costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, which district is more particularly shown on the plans on file with the Township Clerk. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan. The project cost is $202,950, including administrative costs. The assessment roll will be in the amount of $127>840.00, with the remainder of funds being carried over from the expiring special assessment district. The assessment amounts assessed against each property in the district will range; between $124 per year for front lot parcels and $44 per year for back lot parcels. The term of theispecial assessment will be five years, 2022 through 2026 inclusive. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessor hatfe further reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land withirj^aid district is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said district as the benefit to such parcels bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. IO PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan on Wednesday; October 20, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll, hearing any objections thereto and confirming the roll as submitted or revised or amended. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business days of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his objections thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Hope Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the meeting to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon seven (7) days' notice to the Hope Township Clerk. HOPE TOWNSHIP Deborah Jackson, Clerk 5463 S. M-43 Highway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2464 One of Peggy Hemerling’s first duties as president of the Kiwanis Club of Hastings was to welcome Kayla Nichols officially as a member of the club. Nichols immediately stepped up to help in the vacant treasurer’s position. (Photo provided) NCT hike offers suicide awareness challenge The Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Scenic Trail will be joining a three-day Suicide Awareness Hike Challenge Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Oct. 9, 10 and 11. Hikers will be walking 120 miles in three days, according to local organizer Eric Longman. Randall Roberts of Oberlin, Ohio, is a hiker who has accepted the three-day chal­ lenge and said he’ll be pushing his physical limits by hiking the local portion of the national trail. Hiking 40 miles a day is tough enough, but Roberts said he wants to make a difference by calling attention to the tragedy the U.S. faces with suicides, many of whom are young men, Longman said. The Chief Noonday Chapter includes Barry, Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties, where the 4,600-mile North Country Scenic Trail passes through. Chapter members will be supporting this effort, and they invite the community to join them. “We’d love to have people show up in the morning and hike with him during the day,” Longman said. Roberts will collect names of loved ones who have died by suicide or families who have felt its impact. Every hour he will do a live Facebook video telling stories to help show the importance of prevention strategies, warning signs and more. He will give statistics and provide support resources, as well as offer an opportunity for people to donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Roberts welcomes anyone to join him for an hour or two, or who might like to bring cold drinks. His friend lost a son to suicide after the sun suffered chronic back pain and a gambling addiction. The experience convinced Roberts that he could make a difference through hik­ ing challenges. Given the short days in October, Longman said some of Roberts’ hiking will be at night - something he feels is special as he views raising awareness of this crisis as “coming out of the darkness.” Roberts plans to start at 7 a.m. each day and finish around 10 p.m. More information is available from Longman via email to ericnct@gmail.com or by calling 269-671-5031. BARRY COUNTY 1st Shift Custodian Barry County is seeking Resume’s for a first shift Custodial position. Please send Resume’s to: Tim Neeb, Supervisor Barry County Buildings and Grounds 220 W. State Street Hastings, MI 49058 ____________ (269) 9451293___________ _ �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — Page 11 GOP, Democrats could split state Senate under new redistricting maps Bridge Michigan Members of Michigan’s redistricting com­ mission have agreed in principle to new state Senate boundaries that would equally split seats among Democrats and Republicans. Each party would be favored in 19 seats in the 38-seat Senate, under a draft drawn Monday that was tweaked to be fairer to both parties and protect minority votes. Current districts favor Republicans 22-16, even though Michigan leans Democratic in statewide elections. Critics say that is the result of gerrymandering, which prompted voters in 2018 to create a bipartisan panel to draw polit­ ical districts after the decennial census. That group, the 13-member Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission, could vote on the Senate district maps in the next few days. Proposed congressional and state House maps also may be reviewed and have given Republicans a two-seat advantage in the Senate. That drew concern from Democrats and others, prompting the com­ mission to try to make the maps fairer to both parties. Districts represent 252,222 to 275,095 adjusted this week. Before final approval late this year, the commission plans five public hearings across the state to hear from the public, before mak­ ing additional adjustments. The new Senate proposal emerged after earlier maps from the commission would people. Among the highlights of the new proposal: • Barry County is in one district (3), leaning Republican, with a racial makeup of 87.4 per­ cent white, 6.8 percent non-Hispanic black, 4.4 percent Hispanic, and 2.6 percent Asian. In that area, Trump won by a margin of 58.8 per­ cent in 2020 and 58.1 percent in 2016. • Kalamazoo is in one district (21), as is Ann Arbor (27), while Grand Rapids (23 and 24) and Lansing are in two (30 and 32). All lean Democratic. • Saginaw, Midland and Bay City would be in one district that leans narrowly Democratic. The current boundaries have each city in dif­ ferent districts, all of which are currently represented by Republicans. • Minorities would be the majority in dis­ tricts 14 (Southfield, Pontiac, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills), 6 (Detroit and parts of Warren and Sterling Heights), 8 (Detroit, Hamtramck, Hazel Park, Madison Heights), 9 (Detroit, Redford, parts of Livonia and Farmington Hills) and 17 (southwest Detroit and several Downriver communities.) • While existing districts generally adhere to county boundaries, the new proposal has six districts stretching from Wayne and into Oakland or Macomb counties.Two proposed districts now include parts of both Oakland and Macomb counties. • The maps split some big cities like Livonia and Sterling Heights — which are now both in one district apiece - to maintain “communities of interest” in one district, like the Bangladeshi community in Hamtramck and Warren. Sterling Heights is split into three districts, while Livonia is in two. The commission weighed several factors in creating the districts, including the “effi­ ciency gap,’’which attempts to measure whether voters are “packed” by political par­ ties into districts to waste” votes.” A gap of zero means districts are evenly split by Democrats and Republicans. Earlier versions of the maps had gaps of 12 percent or higher, while the new one split that in half to 6.3 percent in favor of Republicans. Fairness is one consideration, but commis­ sioners said they are also trying to comply with the Voting Rights Act to preserve the rights of minority voters by creating districts in which they are thefimajority. Maintaining thosfe districts under new Senate maps was i sticking point during Monday’s negotiations. Bruce Adelson, the commission’s voting rights attorney, recommended commissioners “unpack,” or move clack voters, from dis­ tricts in the Detroit ajjea. He said the U.S. Supreme Court had made it clear that if there are more minority voters than what is needed to elect their candidate of choice, that could be in violation of the Voting Rights Act. The commission Wegal team recommend­ ed the commissiomTo bring the number of African Americans ' within the voting age population down tqabout 35 percent in the Detroit districts, from the current percentage which ranges from 44 percent to 48 percent. This made commissioners uneasy. Anthony Eid, an independent from Orchard Lake in Oakland County, said he was “increasingly uncomfortable with this direc­ tion.” . Eid used as an example proposed district 17, which would include Ecorse, Highland Park and River Rouge. That district would be composed of 44 percent white voters, 38 per­ cent Black voters and 19 percent Hispanic voters. “If you have a primary election where there’s two Black candidates and a white can­ didate, how is it that the candidate of choice is actually going to get elected?” Eid asked. “I understand that in the general election, yes, all of these districts that we draw are going to be Democratic districts, but that’s not where the choice actually happens in these areas.” Commissioner Juanita Curry, a Democrat from Detroit, vouched for increasing the rec­ ommended number of Black voters in dis­ tricts, arguing the panel should take voter turnout - rather than eligible voters - into consideration. Adelson doubled down that drawing dis­ tricts was a “data-driven legal process.” “It’s not an anecdotal process, it’s not a process where we look at something and make conclusive decisions,” Adelson said. Middleville could get new deputy under updated sheriff contract Greg Chandler Staff Writer Final Courageous Conversation is tonight The third and final program in the Courageous Conversations series will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 via Zoom, featuring Dionardo Pizana, diversity, equity and inclusion specialist for Michigan State University Extension statewide. Courageous Conversations is a series of three discussions spearheaded by Leadership Barry County with support from the Thomapple Arts Council and the Barry County Chamber of Commerce. The free discussion series is designed to engage local residents in topics that can be difficult con­ versations. Pizana has been a speaker and facilitator for Leadership Barry County for several years, and LBC director Jillian Foster said he docs a great iob._pf leading important discussions. She added that diversity, equity and inclusion are important topics right now characters, some of whom will have lines. Rehearsals will be 7-9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Performances will Dec. 1-4, including a dress rehearsal Wednesday evening and a matinee Sunday. “We are so excited to cast and perform this Christmas favorite,” Thomapple Players president Norma Jean Acker said. “It has been 10 years since we last did this show!” Anyone interested in trying out who can­ not make the Oct. 12 auditions should call Norma Jean Acker, 269-945-2332, or text Doug Acker, 269-908-3717 before auditions to make other arrangements. Help for Holidays signup underway Help for the Holidays, a program coordi­ nated by Barry County Cares, helps people in need at Christmas time. Sign-up for Help for the Holidays will be Oct. 11 through ing our community.” Pizana has more than 25 years of experi­ ence developing, teaching and facilitating diversity education program through MSU Extension, Adrian College and Siena Heights University. His work as an activist and educator is grounded in his conviction that deep and lasting institutional change requires a strong commitment to work on oneself while nurturing authentic relation­ ships across differences. Anyone wishing to register may email Foster, jillian@barrycf.org, or visit the chamber’s website, business.mibarry.com/ events. Goals set for Saturday’s CROP Walk The Barry County CROP Hunger Walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at Nashville United Methodist Church. This year’s goals are to have 150 walkers raise $13,000, according to the county’s CROP Hunger Walk Coordinator Nolan Hudson. Of that amount, 25 percent will stay in the county to help fund programs to provide food to families in need. Programs that will receive funds include Barry County CARES, Green Street United Methodist Church food distribution pro­ gram, Middleville United Methodist Church and Maple Valley Community Center of Hope in Nashville. The remaining donations will go to Church World Service to help families worldwide with food needs. Over the past 38 years, $467,727 has been raised in the local walk, Hudson said. Anyone wishing to donate or get involved may call Hudson, 517-852-1821. Online donations may be made at crophungerwalk, org/hastingsmi. and families with churches, organizations, businesses and others who provide help, such as food for a family or toys for chil­ dren. Locations to sign up, based On home address, include: Hastings and Middleville residents: visit Barry County Cares, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, Suite 108, or call 269-948-9555 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-l p.m. Delton residents: visit Delton District Library, Wednesday or Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday or Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., or Saturday 9 a.m.-l p.m. or call 269-623­ 8040. Nashville residents: visit the Nashville clerk’s office, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed noon-1 p.m. Wednesday and Friday) or call 517-852-9544. Freeport residents: visit Freeport District Library, Monday or Thursday 1-8 p.m., Wednesday or Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or Saturday 9-11 a.m.; or call 616-765-5181. All other Barry County residents: call Barry County Cares. Anyone wishing to “adopt” a household should call Barry County Cares, 269-948­ 9555. The village of Middleville could soon add a contracted deputy under an updated agree­ ment with the Barry County Sheriff’s Department. Under the contract between the village and sheriff’s department that was reviewed at Tuesday’s village council committee of the whole meeting, Middleville would gain a fourth contracted deputy. It would be the first addition to the department’s presence in the village since it began contracting for law enforcement services in 1999. “We are in a community that is literally twice the size ... that it was when the original agreement was put into force,” said Trustee Kevin Smith, who was part of a three-mem­ ber ad hoc committee that worked on the contract update. “I think it’s timely and cer­ tainly relevant to do what we need to accom­ plish for the sheriff relationship at this stage.” Middleville’s population has grown 57.8 percent in a little more than 20 years, from 2,721 in the 2000 U.S. Census to 4,295 in 2020, census figures show. Smjth. and Village .Manager Patricia Rayl met last week with Sheriff Dar Leaf and Undersheriff Jason Sixberry to go over details of the contract. At present, the sheriff’s depart­ ment has two deputies and a sergeant who work out of offices at Middleville Village Hall. Smith said one of the topics of discussion dealt Greg Chandler Staff Writer Hastings Police have released the identity of a man who died in a two-car crash Sept. 29 on the city’s north side. Thomas Seim, 79, was killed in the crash at North Broadway [M-43] and Benson Street, Interim Police Chief Dale Boulter said. Seim was the driver of a Buick that was struck by a Ford Explorer driven by a 32-year-old man. Seim was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash shut down por­ tions of Broadway in both directions for about three hours. An investigation into the crash is continu­ ing. Police are awaiting results of computer­ ized data for both vehicles before forwarding a report to the county prosecutor. Michigan State The Thomapple Players are preparing for open auditions for its presentation of the Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th Street.” Auditions will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12 at in the Dennison Performing Arts Center at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway in Hastings. (Access through door on the Center Street side) _ Doug Acker is directing the show, which includes 11 adult roles, plus the ensemble of Police at Hastings are assisting investigators in collecting that information, Boulter said. Seim was an auditor for General Motors for nearly 50 years, and enjoyed golfing, bowling and traveling in his spare time, according to his obituary, provided by Williams-Gores Funeral Home. Family members of Seim will receive friends Saturday, Oct. 16, from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home, 133 E. Orchard St. in Delton. Kvomi’s Gift Cornhole Tournament Supporting the Kyomi’s Gift Foundation! rl Sign up today! WHEN: October 9,2021 • Registration 10-noon • Event Starts at 1pm and runs until the championship is complete BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARINGi ON SPFCIAL LAND USE PERMIT APPLICATION AT OCTOBER 22. 2021 SPECIAL MEETING WHERE: Baqy Community Enrichment Center (BCEC) 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: TO: u TEAMS: • Sign-up as a team or as individuals. There will be a blind draw to pair up the PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at a special meeting on October 22, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland Barry County, Michigan. The items to be considered at this public hearing/special meeting include the following: The application of Alrig USA for special land use approval of the development of two I 1. commercial businesses with drive-through facilities on the property commonly known as 1670 M-43 (parcel number 08-13-013-008-10). The subject property consists of approximately 3.44 acres (formerly Save-A-Lot) in the MU Mixed Use District. The land uses proposed by the applicant are permissible in this zoning district, subject to special land use approval (and site plan approval) due to the proposed drive-through j individuals into teams . J .u • $40 per person to sign-up between 10/1/21 until noon on the day of the event. Check-in an<£registration will be from 10am - noon on 10/9/21. COST: 09, TEAM NAME: facilities. 2. Such other matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission at this meeting. ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ auditions planned Cramer said. “He had made a couple of great points during our discussion that there might be an incident in the village where the incident’s here, but the investigation leads out of town. “We’re not opening up [to] more township calls ... My idea was to have them go half on the new deputy with us - just the new deputy, not our current expenses, to allow for some control into the township. But they didn’t feel like they needed to pay for the cow because they’re already getting the milk for free. They were not even open to the discussion.” “We need the police protection. Sgt. Stevens needs help,” Cramer added. “We need another officer.” Smith agreed with Schellinger’s concerns, and said there should be “a little more coop­ eration than there is.” “We want to protect our citizens in the vil­ lage, but that does not exclude the township,” he said. “I think if we’re going to stand on a soap box, I think the soap box should include the fact we’re doing so at the benefit of the township. They should remember ... we are serving the community as a whole, and we recognize that this is not a ‘them’ or ‘us’ issue. It’s a ‘we’ issue. We’re willing to. extendthat gratuity,’’ .—,—... The council agreed to have Village Attorney Mark Nettleton review the contract language before it gets final approval, which could come at Tuesday’s council meeting. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at the village hall, 100 E. Main St. Victim identified in fatal Hastings crash RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP 1169202 with how to deal with situations in Thomapple Township, outside the village limits. “We had discussions regarding the blurring of the [boundary] line rather than making it a hard [demarcation], simply for efficiency and effective pursuit of any issues that may sim­ ply be across the street,” Smith said. “I don’t necessarily think we’re going to penetrate well into the township, as much as we are trying to blur the lines to make sure folks that border our village are served with timely and effectively law enforcement, without having to call somebody in from Hastings to come.” Council Trustee Ed Schellinger asked if the township is willing to financially support additional law enforcement coverage. Smith said the township is not interested. “They want the coverage, but they don’t Want the expense,” Schellinger said. Adding another deputy would cost the vil­ lage close to $90,000 in next year’s budget, based on salary, health insurance benefits, retirement and Social Security taxes, accord­ ing to village documents. Trustee Mike Cramer, who also served on the ad hoc committee, pointed out that there may be instances where a case mightbegin, in the village but end up elsewhere. “We changed the language [in the contract] from Priority 1 calls to ‘at the officer’s discre­ tion,’ and that was at Sgt. [Tim] Stevens’ request, to let his officers have the discretion whether or not they needed to leave the village,” Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at any time prior to this public heanng/meeting, and may further be submitted to the Planning Commission at the public heanng/meeting. The Rutland Charter Township Code, Zoning Map, Master Plan, and the above-referenced special land use application may be examined by contacting the Rutland C^erJ°^n^!P the Township Hall during regular business hours on regular business days maintained by t Township offices from and after the publication of this Notice and until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the heanng/meeting. PLAYER 2: CUT OUT AND BRING TO REGISTRATION FOR A $5/PERSON DISCOUNT To learn more about our foundation, please visit our website at: www.kyomhgift.org Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meetina/hearinq to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes^f printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated I below- PLAYER 1: Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 �Page 12 — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Hastings mayor tapped as vice president of state association Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings Mayor David Tossava was select­ ed as the vice president of the Michigan Association of Mayors, the organization announced late last week. The MAM board chose Tossava during its annual board meeting at the Michigan Municipal League 2021 convention. Tossava, who was appointed to a one-year term, will serve beside Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp, who was voted into her third term as the asso­ ciation’s president. “It’s one more way that we can get Hastings’ name out there,” Tossava said. The Michigan Association of Mayors includes representatives from 139 communi­ ties throughout Michigan. According to the press release, “MAM works to assist the chief elected officials of cities, townships and vil­ lages; advance the various interests and oper­ ations of communities represented by its members and all Michigan communities; promote cooperation among communities statewide; and advocatOocal interests at the state and federal level.”! As vice president, Tossava, who spent four years on the board of directors, will work toward promoting the Michigan Municipal League, bringing more communities into MAM, hosting training sessions and attend­ ing quarterly meetings. I “We have events where other mayors come to these events and we sftre information,” he said. “It’s all about networking and sharing information with our fellow mayors.” The vice president role often leads to serving as president in the future, Tossava said. This would allow him to host meetings and bring other mayors and village presidents to Hastings. “We can highlight the city Hastings more, kind of showcase Hastings,” he said. “It’s all we’re about - to get people here to enjoy what we have to offer.” Hastings’ new city manager, Sarah Moyer-Cale, in downtown Hastings. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Sarah Moyer-Cale takes over as new Hastings city manager Benjamin Simon Dave Tossava same village manager from Almont reached out. He was retiring, and he wanted to know if Moyer-Cale would take his role. At first, she hesitated. “I didn’t really know what his job was, to be totally honest,” she said, laughing. “I did my internship there but I was, like, I’m not sure I fully understand even what the posi­ tion entails.” She took a chance and accepted the job. “I really fell in love with a profession,” she said. “I absolutely love city management. I love that it’s different every day. You get to meet new people, you get to do meaningful projects and things that really bring^value to people’s lives. I just, I absolutely' love it.” Moyer-Cale spenLnearly two years as the village manager in Almont when she decided she wanted to work somewhere other than her hometown. She took the position of vil­ lage manager of Paw Paw - three hours away and on the other side of the state. She started as assistant manager and, 10 months in, transitioned to head village man­ ager. When asked about her greatest accom­ plishment in Paw Paw, Moyer-Cale pointed to a $75,000 grant she helped secure through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Many of the homes in Paw Paw are older, she said, and the city supplied peo­ ple with up to $7,500 to improve their homes. “There are people who just don’t have the Introducing our new Hastings income to do some of these significant Relationship Center. More centrally improvements on their house,” she said. “If you only make $25,000 a year, you can’t located. More ways to engage. More afford a $10,000 roof.” ways to find your power. In Hastings, though, she’ll run into a dif­ ferent problem - pension and Other Post­ Employment Benefits liability, which she GRAND OPENING EVENT called one of the biggest issues currently affecting the city. September 29-October 9 The topic has been at the center of recent 1500 W. M 43 Highway city council discussions. At the moment, the city owes $20 million in unfunded liability between both pension and OPEB. They are still brainstorming solutions such as a mill­ Stop by before October 9 and enter to win a daily age, cutting benefits or levying a special drawing for a $100 gift card to a local Hastings assessment. Moyer-Cale already has been business. tasked with putting together a corrective-ac­ tion plan draft that will be submitted to the GET A FINANCIAL WELL3EING CHECKUP. state at the end of the month. “It affects our priorities as well and our Connect with our branch team members about your ability to do other projects and things financial goals. because you’ve got to make good on the promises that you’ve made to past employ­ GET $10. GIVE$TO.* ees,” she said. “We have to pay our debt, we Open your account and you'll get $10 deposited into have to make good on these things, so it’s your account from Lake Trust, and we'll also donate important that we have a plan in place to be $10 to Hand2Hand, a local nonprofit. Helping you. able to do that.” Helping Hastings. First, however, Moyer-Cale is still trying to get adjusted. It has been a busy few weeks. The day before Moyer-Cale started working https://pages.laketrust.org/hastings-branch?utm_source=Print&utm_medium=Print&utm_campaign=Hastings-Branch in Hastings, she watched her older brother get married. She didn’t return home to Paw Find out more at Paw until 10 or 11 p.m. The next morning, laketrust.org/hastingshome she woke up at 5 a.m., drank some coffee and made the hourlong commute to Hastings. More than three weeks into the job, Moyer-Cale is now trying to acquaint herself with her new city. She has spent her first couple of days meeting with department heads, introducing herself to council mem­ bers and trying to find the time to hang pic­ THE POWER IN ALL OF US tures up on her wall. “There will be, I know, a significant learn­ ♦Visit laketrust.org/hastingshome for more details. Federally insured by NCUA. ing process, finding out what the different challenges and priorities are,” she said. “But I see it more as an opportunity and some­ thing to be embraced and I’m just looking forward to it.” Staff Writer Just a month into her role as Paw Paw’s village manager, a rainstorm hit the town. To this day, Sarah Moyer-Cale said she has never seen more rain. Neither had the 113-year-old dam in the Van Buren County village. Unable to withstand the rainfall, the water poured over the dam and washed it out. Moyer-Cale had never dealt with a dam before, let alone a broken dam. But as Paw Paw’s village manager, she had to get up to speed quickly. She had to contact the county emergency management director, draft press releases, collect financial resources and sub­ mit a plan to reconstruct the dam within a year. “There’s just so many different aspects that an infrastructure failure like that has,” she said. Her ability to handle such a crisis, with little previous background knowledge, was part of the reason the Hastings City Council chose Moyer-Cale as the next city manager. “The dam broke, and she’s never experi­ enced that, but she took the bull by the horns and solved the problem,” Councilmember Al Jarvis said during the June 6 decision-mak­ ing process, noting that Moyer-Cale was his No. 1 pick. Monday, Sept. 13, Moyer-Cale began her first day as the Hastings city manager after spending nearly five years as the Paw Paw village manager/zoning administrator/DDA executive director. As a teenager in Almont, an hour north of Detroit, Moyer-Cale had no intention of going into government. She wanted to do city planning with nonprofits in urban communi­ ties. She attended the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and studied urban ministry. “I just always found that fascinating - how aspects of the built environment affect peo­ ple’s behavior and their ability to change their lives,” Moyer-Cale said. Moyer-Cale’s interests shifted in 2012 after she started studying for her master’s of urban planning degree from Wayne State University. Hoping to add a little more to her resume, she contacted her local government in Almont to see if any internships were available. The village manager carved out a position for her. In 2014, a few years after her internship, Moyer-Cale graduated with her master’s degree. She was looking for a job when the LAKE TRUST �SPORTS SECTION Thursday, October 7, 2021 Saxons and Vikings chasing conference titles Thornapple Kellogg’s Zack Gibson (1), Jonah Summerhays (left) and Logan Westcott (right) lead their team through a banner onto the field before the Trojans' homecoming contest against visiting Cedar Springs inside Bob White Stadium in Middleville Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Thank you Beavers. Sincerely, the Saxons. Hastings is back on top of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference, sharing the top spot in the conference with Harper Creek and Jackson Lumen Christi thanks to a lopsided Saxon victory over Pennfield last Friday night and a Beaver victory over the Lumen Christi Titans. All three teams are now 4-1 in conference action, with the Saxons falling to the Titans and the Beavers falling to the Saxons in previous weeks. The Saxons will be looking to stay on top of the conference when they play host to Jackson Northwest for homecoming inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field this Friday night. Hastings is 5-0 against the Mounties since joining the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. The Mounties are 0-5 in 1-8 play this fall hav­ ing been bested by Marshall 49-14 last week. The Saxons aren’t the only area team still chasing a conference championship. The Lakewood Vikings and Olivet Eagles are set for their annual clash atop the Greater Lansing Activities Conference. The Vikings and Eagles are both 4-2 over­ all and 3-0 in the GLAC this fall. Lakewood will host Olivet at Unity Field Friday. Thomapple Kellogg is out of the hying pan and into the fire, having fallen to Cedar Springs on homecoming night in Middleville only to get the defensing Division 5 state champions from Grand Rapids Catholic Central coming to town this Friday night. The Cougars come to Middleville with a perfect record so far this fall. They have won a state championship in four of the past five seasons, with Division 4 state championships in 2016, 2017 and 2019 to go along with the 2020 title. Maple Valley has Friday night off and will make the long trek for its first Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference contest with BrittonDeerfield Saturday. The Lions snapped a twogame losing skid with a non-conference win at New Buffalo last week. That gives the Lions a bit of momentum to take into the match-up with the undefeated, conference-leading Patriots who have outscored their opponents 292 to 36 over the past five weeks. “They’re undefeated and well coached and with a good quarterback. It’s a really good football team and they have been scoring a lot of points,” Lion head coach Marty Martin said. “We’re going to take our turn and see what we can do.” Britton-Deerfield took a forfeit win in week one. Delton Kellogg had to miss its week six bailgame, but the Panthers are looking to get back on the field this Friday night when they host Saugatuck for home­ coming at DKHS. The Trailblazers from Saugatuck come to Delton Kellogg having won two in a row. Local Standings (W-L, playoffpoints) Hastings Lakewood Delton Kellogg Maple Valley (8-player) Thomapple Kellogg 1-5 5-1 (52.833) 4-2 (26.667) 3-2 (29.667) 2-4 (25.833) Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference 5-0, 4-0 Lumen Christi 4-1, 3-1 Hastings 3-2, 3-1 Harper Creek 3-2, 3-1 Coldwater 3-2, 2-2 Parma Western 2-3, 1-3 Pennfield 1-4, 0-4 Marshall 1-4, 0-4 Northwest OK Gold Conference 6-0, 4-0 G.R. Catholic Central 5-1, 4-0 Cedar Springs 2-4, 1-3 Kenowa Hills 4-2, 3-1 South Christian 3-3, 2-2 Forest Hills Eastern 2-4, 1-3 Ottawa Hills 1-5, 1-3 Thomapple Kellogg 0-6, 0-4 Wayland Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley 4-2, 1-0 Saugatuck 3-2, 1-0 Delton Kellogg 6-0, 0-0 Lawton 1-4, 1-1 Schoolcraft Galesburg-Augusta 0-6, 0-2 Greater Lansing Activities Conference 4-2, 3-0 Olivet 4-2, 3-0 Lakewood 3-3, 2-2 Leslie 2-4, 0-3 Stockbridge 1-5, 0-3 Perry Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference Britton-Deerfield 6-0,3-0 NorthPointe Christian 4-2, 3-1 Maple Valley 2-4, 1-2 Concord 2-4, 1-3 Vandercook Lake 2-4, 1-3 Here is a round-up of last week’s local gridiron action. Hastings 55, Pennfield 6 Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings football team continued its drive for an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference title with a 52-6 win over Pennfield at Battle Creek Pennfield High School Friday night. The Saxons remain tied for the conference title with Lumen Christi and Harper Creek, after Lumen lost to Harper Creek Friday night. Hastings senior defensive tackle, Jackson Dubois, said “the game was a good chance for everyone on the team to get a chance to experience what they practice every week and prepare for. All of the linemen were on assignment and made things easier for the fresh backs to hit their holes. I think this sea­ son will be one to remember. I feel like we are finally working as a team. There’s no tension between the upperclassmen and underclassmen. We all just put our heads down and get the work done.” Hastings had defensive and offensive plays from a multitude of Saxons in the game. Twenty-three different players grabbed tack­ les for the night. On offense, the Saxons made a couple quick scores after shutting Pennfield down on defense. Robby Slaughter ran in the first two touchdowns of the night within the first five minutes of the game on 48-yard and 60-yard runs. Daniel Harp made the first two-point conversion and Masom Denton completed a pass to Tommy Hollars for the next two-point conversion. The Hastings defense again shut down Pennfield before TJ Russell ran in a 51-yard touchdown with 3:26 left in the first quarter. Saxon defensive player, Layton Eastman, picked off a pass on Pennfield’s next drive, returning the ball to the Saxon offense and giving Lanny Teunessen the chance to score a 28-yard run with only 2:58 left in the first quarter. At the end of the first, the Saxons led 31-0. Collin Fouty put another touchdown on the board in the second quarter on a 3 5-yard run, before Pennfield scored their first and only touchdown of the game shortly before half­ time and a 3-yard run by Luke Davis, for a 38-6 Saxon lead at the half. Teunessen put another two touchdowns on the board in the third quarter on a 14-yard and 43-yard drive, and Victor Ramirez kicked the extra points. Slaughter led the team in rush­ ing yards with 137 yards, Teunessen added 126 yards and Russell also carried the ball for 100 yards on the night. The Saxon defense contained Pennfield to only 113 yards rushing and 78 passing yards for the night. Hastings’ defense was led by Ramirez with 4.5 tackles, Eastman added two Saxon defenders Victor Ramirez (28) and Layton Eastman (24) make the tackle on Pennfield receiver BrianTomlinson during their I-8 contest in Battle Creek Friday night. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) interceptions for the night and Daniel Weatherly added a quarterback sack. Cedar Springs 44, Thornapple Kellogg 10 Fireworks still exploded beyond the south­ west comer of Bob White Stadium. The Trojans still raised their helmets to their classmates in the student section. The Thomapple Kellogg High School marching band still played a raucous rendition of the Trojan fight song. Everything was right but the scoreboard at the end of the Trojan varsity football team’s 2021 homecoming contest with visiting Cedar Springs Friday. The Red Hawks improved to 5-1 overall this season and 4-0 in the OK Gold Conference with a 44-10 win in Middleville over the now 1-5 Trojans. The Red Hawks flew up and down the field with their Wing-T offense led by senior quar­ terback Aiden Brunin. When asked if he thought he had a lineman on either side of the ball bigger than Brunin, TK head coach Jeff Dock said, “nope,” (maybe tight end Jaxan Sias.) But behind his massive offensive line, Brunin didn’t look outsized. Alex Harrington, a recently recruited var­ sity soccer player, notched TK’s lone points of the first half on a 25-yard field goal, which had his team within 8-3 at the time. Harrington then finished the scoring by booting an extra-point kick following a 10-yard touchdown run by teammate Drake Snyder in the final minute. Brunin rushed for times for 52 yards. Back Ryan Mitchell was the workhorse for the Red Hawks, carrying the ball ten times for 145 yards and three touchdowns - all in the first half. Mitchell scored on a 14-yard run three and a half minutes into the bailgame, and then Brunin and Mitchell connected on the twopoint conversion for an 8-0 Cedar Springs lead. Mitchell scored on a two-yard run with 5:15 to play in the first half, a 60-yard run with 4:01 to go in the first half and a 24-yard and then teammate Alex Ream scored on a 24-yard run with 59 seconds left in the first half. One more two-point conversion had the _ Red Hawks up 28-3 at the half. Cedar Springs added a seven-yard TD run by Carter Falan and a 42-yard TD run by Logan Troupe in the second half, with Falan following each of those touchdowns up with a successful twopoint run. The Cedar Springs offense racked up 411 total yards on the night, all on the ground. See FOOTBALL, page 14 HHS forging itself versus tough foes Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings moved the ball better in the second half, but the Vikings finished better in the second half. Lakewood kept its undefeated varsity boys’ soccer season rolling with a 3-0 win over the Saxons at Lakewood High School Saturday. “We settled down in the second half and we were able to get some team play going. We have struggled all season with confi­ dence. I have zero seniors. I have three juniors out for the season. I had four play­ ers coming in with varsity experience, and two of them were on varsity last year but they didn’t play.” Lopez said a lot of effort has gone into growing confidence this fall. “They’re getting better. They’re just going through a really rough patch. It is what it is. Parma Western, Marshall, there are no slouches, Coldwater. Our conference is loaded.” The Vikings might not quite stack up with the best teams in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference, but the undefeated Vikings who are ranked 14^ in the state in Division 3 certainly have confidence. They’re eyeing a Greater Lansing Activities See SOCCER, page 14 Junior captain Caleb Waller carries the ball through the midfield for the Saxons at Lakewood Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 14 — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner FOOTBALL, continued from page 13-----------------Alex Ream had a team-high 13 tackles for the Red Hawks on defense. The Red Hawk defense intercepted TK quarterback Carsen Burbridge once. Burbridge was 10-of-18 passing for 116 yards. TK backs Jayden Garcia, Drake Snyder and Tyler Gavette each right around 30 yards rushing, and sophomore quarter­ back Grant Middleton led the TK scoring drive while recording 27 yards rushing on _ six carries and completing his only pass attempt for nine yards. TK receiver Zack Gibson had two catch­ es for 55 yards and tight end Sias had two catches, including a leaping one-handed grab up the left sideline, for 31 total yards. Gibson recovered a Red Hawk fumble to help keep his team within striking distance early on in the ballgame. Jonah Summerhays led the TK defense with six tackles. Lakewood 41, Stockbridge 14 Lakewood’s varsity football team improved to 3-0 in the conference with a 41-14 win at Stockbridge Friday night, Oct. 1, while Olivet was being bested 21-14 by Pewamo-Westphalia in a non-conference ballgame - leaving the Vikings and the Eagles tied atop the conference heading into their match-up this Friday night. “We played really well tonight,” Lakewood head coach Matt Markwart said. “Really well. I am really proud of them. We had our two and a half minutes of adversity and let them score a couple times and then turned it on.” Lakewood took a 19-0 lead in the first half, but the Panthers rallied to get within 19-14 with 2:10 left in the third quarter. The Panthers were helped to their first touch­ down by a Viking fumble, then recovered an on-side kick and scored again two plays later to get within a single score. Jeremy Pilsch scored both Stockbridge touch­ downs. Lakewood answered with a five-play, 93-yard drive to get control of the bailgame back, ahead 27-14, and then closed out the victory with a second and then a third fourth-quarter TD. “We have seven guys that rotate in there [on the offensive line],” Markwart said, “seven offensive linemen, tackles, guards, and centers and two tight ends. It was a team effort. They all just did their jobs tonight and worked really well. It didn’t matter who we put in there. They drove hard and got off the ball all game. “Even the receivers blocked well.” That wall up front allowed running back Denny Sauers to rush for 167 yards and four touchdowns on 17 carries. Quarterback Nathan Willette had 14 rushes for 159 yards and a score and Montreal Reid added six carries for 32 yards and a touchdown. Nathaniel Graham had the Vikings’ lone reception, for 17 yards, from Willette. Coach Markwart was very pleased his team was able to keep Stockbridge star Pilsch in check. “For the most part we shut him down tonight,” Markwart said. “We played real well on the defensive side of the ball.” “They move him around in different for­ mations quarterback, running back, receiv­ er, tight end,” Markwart added. “We talked about how we had to recognize and point out where he was at. There wasn’t a single time when everybody on the field didn’t know where he was at. We double covered him. We harassed him, jammed him off the ball and made him work for what he had to get. We didn’t do anything cheap or dirty, but kept harassing him until we got under his skin.” The Lakewood defense ended three Stockbridge drives with interceptions, one each for Charlie Everitt, Reid and Graham. Maple Valley 36, New Buffalo 14 The Maple Valley defense stood firm inside its ten yard line late in the first half and then the Lion offense found its groove in the second half to score a 36-14 win in a non-conference ballgame at New Buffalo Friday night. Maple Valley improved to 2-5 overall this season with the victory over the now 3-3 Bison. “I have to hand it to our kids. All week long we really focused on fundamentals on defense, getting over blocks, getting off blocks, keeping our leverage, and it really showed tonight. The two touchdowns they scored they really had to work their way down the field,” Lion head coach Marty Martin said. Jesse Deppe had an astounding 24 tackles for the Lions. Reese Proctor-Burhans had 15 tackles and Nicholas Martin and Callan Hoefler had 11 tackles apiece for the Lions. Tyler Rose added two interceptions. Coach Martin was also pleased that his team recovered a pair of onside kicks - one each by Rose and Caydon Scott. Offensively, Scott had a team high 96 yards rushing on six carries. Andrew Shepherd rushed 22 times for 72 yards. Rose had five carries for 44 yards. Lion quarterback Ayden Wilkes was 2-of-6 pass­ ing for 44 yards and one interception. The only points of the first half were scored on a five-yard TD run by Shepherd seven minutes into the bailgame. Following the onside kick to start the second half, Scott scored on a 38-yard run. An eight-yard TD run by Rose added to the Lion lead with 6:31 to play in the third quarter. The Lions followed both of those touchdowns with successful two-point con­ version attempts to lead 22-0. The teams traded touchdowns the rest of the way. New Buffalo got a one-yard TD run from Ben Coffeen and the Lions got a 24-yard TD run by Rose before the third quarter was through. Eli Thomas scored on a one-yard run for the Bison early in the fourth quarter and the Lions finished the TD scoring with Shepherd finding the end zone from a yard out with 3:23 to play. The Linos followed each of their final touchdowns with successful twopoint conversions. “We were trying to get outside with our sweep, and we were able to get up and under their ends,” coach Martin said of his team’s success in the running game Friday. “They were bringing their ends up hard.” “We got good kick out blocks on line­ backers and backs ran hard,” coach Martin said. The Lions finished with 231 yards rush­ ing as a team, compared to the Bison’s 113. Thomas led the Bison attack with 20 rushes for 51 yards. The Lions return to Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference play Saturday, Oct. 9, at league-leading Britton-Deerfield. Thornapple Kellogg quarterback Carsen Burbridge looks to weave his way through the line with the ball during the first quarter of TK's OK Gold Conference bailgame with visiting Cedar Springs Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings defenders Jackson Dubois (58) and Daniel Weatherly (63) go after Pennfield Panther quarterback Damien Gibson during the first half of the Saxons' victory in Battle Creek Friday. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) SOCCER, continued from page 13 Lakewood's Colby Carter (9) and Hastings' Cohen Smith try to get their heads on the ball as it flies towards the Saxons' end during the first half of their match at Lakewood High School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Conference championship, and will host the conference tournament as the top seed this Saturday (Oct. 9). Both Hastings and Lakewood face a tough postseason challenge. Lakewood will open its Division 3 District Tournament against Wellspring Prep at home Oct. 13. The winner of that match moves on to the Oct. 19 district semifinals at South Christian, likely to face 12th-ranked Grand Rapids Catholic Central, with the fourth ranked South Christian Sailors the heavy favorite to reach the finals from the other half of the district bracket. Hastings is set to be a part of a Division 2 District Tournament next week that includes second ranked Gull Lake and tenth-ranked Thomapple Kellogg. Hastings will host Battle Creek Central Oct. 14 to open district play, with the winner of that match heading to Richland for a district semifinal match with the Gull Lake Blue Devils. The Saxons also have a district tune-up against No. 5 Plainwell in Plainwell this Saturday. For now, the Saxons are working their way through the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference postseason. Pennfield bested the Hastings boys 4-3 Monday in Battle Creek to open the conference tournament. The two teams tied their regular season meeting 4-4. The non-conference match at Lakewood Saturday was a good ol’ neighborhood rivalry match. “They all know each other form club. There was as little bit of animosity going into this game, just a little bit of a chip on the shoulder type of deal and a little bit of trash talking,” Lopez said. “It never got out of hand.” “The guys were motivated today. They grew up playing with a lot of these boys from Hastings, whether it was club soccer or AYSO back in the day, whatever it was, Hastings F.C,” Lakewood head coach James LeVeque said. “They all know each other. They were all talking trash back and forth throughout the year.” The game was never out of hand for the Saxons. Lakewood controlled much of the Hastings goalkeeper Zach Chipman slides onto a ball near the edge of his box during the first half of the Saxons’ 3-0 loss at Lakewood High School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) play in the first half, but it wasn’t until the 39th minute that the Vikings found the net. Lakewood freshman midfielder Jackson MacKenzie rolled a pass through the middle of the Saxon defense and junior forward Alex Russell beat Saxon keeper Zach Chipman to the ball and shot it into the net. Russell cele­ brated his birthday Saturday with two goals. Lakewood made it a two goal lead in the third minute of the second half, when junior forward Colby Carter finished of a comer kick from senior teammate Gavin George. That is where the score stood until the 78^ minute of play when George centered a ball from the right comer that Russell tapped into the net. “We played through our midfield more today than we have been. We have been working on it,” LeVeque said. “We were looking to pass. We used our fullbacks a lot more. We dropped the ball a lot more.” “We were more patient on the ball than we have been, which is good because they are fast. They were athletic. They weren’t always great on the ball, but they were fast. That is something we have struggled with, being able to trust our abilities against an athletic team, guys that are pretty quick and hard to the ball and they were.” He said his guys have been running scrim­ mages in the midfield with 20 guys playing keep away, trying to work on positioning and moving the ball through pressure and traffic. “I have never seen a better passing Lakewood team,” former Lakewood head coach Paul Gonzalez said to no one in partic­ ular along the sideline during the second half. Lopez liked the way his guys improved their ball movement in the second half as well. The Saxons were just sending the ball ahead a little too often, in the first half espe­ cially, and just trying to push the play through the middle of the field. Zach Chipman and Zach Gole shared the goaltending duties for the Saxons, with Gole coming on in the second half. The Saxons found the net more often against Gole, who did a solid job of being aggressive in his box. Ben Scobey earned the shut out in goal for the Vikings, but threatening chances his way were few and far between. The Saxons’ Sergynho Aris chipped a shot just over the goal from about 25 yards out ten minutes into the second half, and the Saxons’ Drew Thompson had a chance on an indirect kick just inside the top of the Viking box with a wall between him and the net but that shot missed its mark. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — Page 15 Vikings stretch ace record to 39 on senior night Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions would have had to bring in some outside assistance, something the program has done from time to time in the past, to prep for the Vikings attack from behind the service line Tuesday night. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team set a new program record for aces with 39 in a threeset Greater Lansing Activities Conference vic­ tory over the visiting Maple Valley girls. It is the second season in a row the Vikings have set a new ace record. It was a big less climactic in 2021 than in 2020 when the school record 26^ ace came on match point in a win over Leslie. Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland knew he had some talented servers coming into the season, and the Vikings continue to hone their skills from the back line. “We do a drill that the girls hate called noo­ dle serving. It is boring and it is repetitious, but it has really helped us to improve the things we need to serve successfully, and we play a game called around the world where we have ten minutes and four different stations and they go serve at what station they want trying to hit specific targets,” Rowland said. “The more free ball opportunities we get against good teams the better off we’re going to be.” It was senior night at Lakewood High School Tuesday, and the Vikings honored seniors Kenzie Wells, Zayda Kruger, Tori Wickerink and Maradith O’Gorman and their families prior to the match. O’Gorman, who has her sights set on joining her big sister Aubrey on the Michigan State university wom­ en’s team next season, smashed 15 of the Vikings’ 39 aces on the night. Lakewood also got six aces from Skylar Bump, five from Wells, four from Alli Pickard, Lakewood senior Maradith O'Gorman gets a hug from teammate Ellie Possehn as she is presented with gifts during the Vikings' senior night ceremony Tuesday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) two each for Bailey Fifelski, Alivia Everitt and Liv Woodman and one each from Carley Piercefield, Kruger and Paige Wolverton. Kruger fired her ace on the very first Viking serve of the evening, and the Vikings had a new school record before the second set was even through. The Lions did what they could to get the ball up. “Sometimes in practice, you can only prac­ tice what your team can serve,” Maple Valley head coach Josey Terpening said. “A lot of my Maple Valley libero Madison Koons passes the ball from the back of the court during her team’s GLAC match at Lakewood High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) team serves just deep, nothing fancy. That works against other teams a lot of the time. For [Lakewood], each girl is unique and can serve a float ball and then a top spin. It is just some­ thing different. Some of them were jump serv­ ing and some of them were not. Each individ­ ual girl is unique in that way and that is awe­ some for them.” An ace by the Vikings’ sophomore libero Piercefield closed out the opening set with the Vikings ahead 25-8. Piercefield passed her libero duties to teammate Alli Pickard for the next two sets, which the Vikings won by the scores of 25-8, 25-6. Lakewood has been changing things up when it can in recent weeks. The Vikings have played just three conference matches since a Sept. 18 trip to the Cadillac Invitational. They will host their own Lakewood Invitational this Saturday (Oct. 9). “It has been good in a sense that we have been able to work on some stuff in practice without having to worry about big matches on weekends, especially because the begin­ ning of our schedule was brutal,” Rowland said. “Being able to work on stuff and really get better at the things we need to get better at when we play good teams has been nice. Bodies aren’t beat up so we can really prac­ tice hard.” Wells enjoyed her senior night, being able to mess around with her teammates on the court and run some different things. There were the libero changes for the Vikings. O’Gorman got put in Wfme-up as a setter for the first time since fief Treshman season according to Rowland. Wolverton took turns setting with regular setters Abby Pickard and Skylar Bump getting a bit of a reprieve. The Lakewood sophomore middle Alivia Everitt (15) gets to a ball above the net ahead of Maple Valley setter Emma Pierce during their GLAC match at Lakewood High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikings got to giggle at a wipe-out by Bump and O’Gorman enjoyed answering some rid­ dles from the bench as she awaited a new set starting at the net. Wells spent more time in the back row than usual and tied Kruger for the team lead in digs with six each. Bump and O’Gorman had three digs each and Alli Pickard chipped in two digs. “Our volleyball skills all the way around are really good. Being able to do all sorts of different stuff has been fun to watch. It helps us in a sense too, everyone is able to just go play volleyball, which is by far our best skill: they know the game really well,” Rowland said. “They are able to outlast some teams that maybe we shouldn’t beat because of the offensive firepower they have and we are able to wear them down by continuing to be cre­ ative in how to score points no matter who is out there.” Wolverton led the Vikings with six assists. Abby and Bump had five each. Maradith put up three. Kruger had a team-high eight kills, with Wells adding five and Woodman three. Bump, Elie Possehn and O’Gorman had two kills each for the Vikings, and Wickerink, Fifelski, Wolverton and Abby Pickard had one kill each. As has been true throughout the season, Terpening was pleased with her girls’ atti­ tudes. “A lot of time time you can see when you go up against a good team you’re defeated before you even walk in the gym. That was not them at all. They were like, we can do our best and that is all that we can do,” Terpening said of her girls. “We talk a lot about what we can control and they controlled exactly that their energy, their attitudes and moving their feet when they could. So, I am really proud of them for that.” The Lions weren’t just outgunned by the Vikings, who are ranked fourth in the state in Division 2, from-the service line. Lion libero Madison Koons and The Lions head to the Webberville Invite this Saturday and then will be back at it in the GLAC Oct. 12 at Stockbridge. Lakewood, which is now 5-0 in the conference, will play its final GLAC dual at Leslie Oct. 12. 169238 Pair of Vikings at their fastest so far this season during P-W Invite Brett Bremer Sports Editor Sophomore Claire Fortier and junior Emma Lancaster ran their fastest times of the season Wednesday (Sept. 29) as the Lakewood varsi­ ty girls’ cross country team competed in the Pewamo-Westphalia Invitational. Fortier flew around the course at Huckleberry Creek Golf Course in 24 min­ utes 14.3 seconds, earning her 43rd-place at the meet. Lancaster was 45th in 24:23.3. The host Pirates won the girls’ champion­ ship at the meet, which included 11 full teams and a few additional runners as well. The Pirates closed the day with 38 points. Haslett was second with 72, ahead of Fowler 104, Laingsburg 124, Lansing Christian 133, Portland St. Patrick 167, Charlotte 171, Pinconning 196, Lakewood 201, Portland 242 and Potterville 255. Pewamo-Westphalia freshman Whitner Werner raced around her home course in 19:37.4 to win the girls’ individual title. Haslett junior Lauren Hunter was second in 19:58.7. Lakewood was led by a 28th-place time of 23:06.7 from junior Reagan Lab. Viking junior Sadie Brearley was 32nd in 23:18.2. The Vikings’ number five was junior Gabby Rosenburger who was 68th in 26:48.1. Lakewood had two guys competing. Senior Logan Kenyon placed 61st in 22:29.5 and sophomore Ethan Cappon was 78th in 25:09.6 in their race. Pewamo-Westphalia won the boys’ race as well, with 48 points. Dansville was second with 81, ahead of Bath 114, Charlotte 118, Potterville 129, Haslett 137, Fowler 145, Laingsburg 169, Lansing Christian 205 and Portland 252. Pewamo-Westphalia sophomore Collin Farmer was the boys’ champion in 16:29.0 and Charlotte junior Koda Brandt placed sec­ ond in 16:41.0. There were three guys who finished in less than 17 minutes, with Haslett senior Graham Foster placing third in 16:57.8 - setting a new personal record. Lakewood boys celebrate senior night with eight goals • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 HALLOWEEN QQRNHQI-E TQUBNAMFNT 16, 2021 @ 12PM Yankee Bills Saloon Hosted by: *Parents of the Hastings High School Senior Party 2022 Crew LOTS of qjVEWAYS • 1st & 2nd Place • Double Elimination • Best Costume Prize •Longest hole-in-one Contest Check-in Begins @ 11:30 / $60 per team Pre-Register Now - Oct. 11 to be placed into a drawing to win $50 Gift Card! Register at https://forrns.gle/FyAQG‘ !PDxurJ2bBs8 or find our Event on facebook: Hastings Senior Party Cornhole Tournament More info contact Becky Deal @ (269) 838-9617 * All proceeds benefit the class of 22 Senior Party Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity boys’ soc­ cer team kept its Greater Lansing Activities Conference record perfect at 6-0 with a senior night win over visiting Perry Wednesday. Lakewood had three of its six seniors score at least one goal in an 8-1 win over the Ramblers. Tyson Raffler had a goal and two assists, Jacob Merryfield had a goal, Brody Jackson had two assists, Gavin George had an assist and Connor Feighan had a goal to round out the senior scoring. Lakewood head coach James LeVeque said the team worked on being patient with the ball and working it through the midfield throughout the contest, and in the end worked to try and get each senior a goal. They all had their chances. Senior Zac Gibson, who scored the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Delton Kellogg Monday, had one good chance fly just wide of the goal. Jackson had a point blank shot fly over the net. George had a shot clang off the crossbar. Lakewood led the ballgame 7-1 at the half. “We spent a couple practices focusing on prepossessing the ball in the midfield so we came out of the gates doing that. We tried playing a little bit of keep away early, just to work on possession. We knew that we should be able to overpower them,” LeVeque said. Jackson assisted on Gibson’s goal early in Monday’s non-conference match with visiting Delton Kellogg. Lakewood outshot the Panthers 17-6 in the ballgame. “They did have one good chance, but the guy hit it up and over and wide,” LeVeque said. “We had a ton of chances, we just couldn’t put it in the net.” “We were trying to play too fast, and that was part of the problem.” Lakewood is now 13-0-1 overall this season. The Vikings scored a 3-0 non-conference win over visit­ ing Hastings Saturday. They were set to close the GLAC regular sea­ son against Leslie yesterday (Oct. 6) and will be on their home turf Saturday when they play host to the GLAC Championship Tournament. Lakewood will play the first semifi­ nal match of the day at 9:45 a.m. That game will be followed by semifinal number two, the consola­ tion match and then the tournament finale. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMEND­ MENTS OF 2005 MASTER PLAN AT NOVEMBER 3, 2021 MEETING Please take notice the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments of the 2005 Rutland Charter Township Master Plan at its regular meeting on November 3, 2021, which begins at 7:00 p.m., at the Rutland Charter Township Hall/offices located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The purpose of this public hearing is to receive public comments on proposed amend­ ments of the Rutland Charter Township Master Plan adopted in 2005, to generally update the Master Plan. Subsequent to this public hearing, at the same meeting or at a different meeting, the Planning Commission will consider whether to approve the proposed amendments of the Master Plan and submit same for approval by the Rutland Charter Township Board, which has reserved the right of final approval of all matters pertaining to the Master Plan. The Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to revise the proposed amendments of the Master Plan as submitted for public hearing before final approval, without a further public hearing thereon, to the extent allowed by law. The proposed amended Master Plan in its entirety may be examined by contacting the Clerk of Rutland Charter Township at her office during regular business hours on regular business days until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/meeting. The proposed amended Master Plan in its entirety is also available for public review on the Township website (www.rutlandtownship.org). Written comments concerning the proposed amendments of the Master Plan may be submitted to the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission c/o the Rutland Char­ ter Township Clerk at any time prior to this public hearing/meeting leaving sufficient time for the receipt and distribution of same to the Planning Commission, and may also be submitted to the Planning Commission at this public hearing/meeting. Necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services will be provided at the hear­ ing/meeting to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION c/o Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �Page 16 — Thursday, October 7, 2021 —The Hastings Banner DK spikers fall in four sets against Parchment The Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team roared out to a 25-15 win in the opening set of its Southwestern Athletic Conference match with visiting Parchment Tuesday evening. The Delton Kellogg girls couldn’t quite carry the momen­ tum through the rest of the eve­ ning though, as the Parchment rallied to win the match in four sets. Parchment took the final three sets by the scores of 25-14, 25-21, 26-24. The defeat came on the heels of tough loss­ es to Constantine and Schoolcraft in confer­ ence matches last week. The Panthers return to action at the Wayland Invitational Saturday, Oct. 9, and then will travel to Hackett Catholic Prep Tuesday and Gobles Thursday in the week ahead. The DK girls won’t play on their home court again until an Oct. 21 date with Fennville. DK/TK/HHS girls win big in rare dual with Williamston Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team dove outside the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference to score a non-conference win over visiting Williamston in Hastings Tuesday. The DK/TK/HHS girls won by a score of 105-87 over the Hornets. It was a great start for the hosts, with the team of Abby Marcukaitis, Sophia Marcukaitis, Preslee Hall and Holly Carpenter winning the 200-yard medley relay in 2:00.95. DK/TK/HHS also had the team of Lily Foy, Lizzie Middleton, Kasey Kapteyn and Abby Gaskill place third in that race, less than half a second behind the runner-up team from Williamston. Carpenter, Abby and SophiaMarcukaitis and Hall won the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:48.93 as well later in the meet. DK/TK/HHS had three girls place among the top four in the first two indi­ vidual races. Abby Marcukaitis won the 200-yard freestyle in 2:10.67, with Aubrey Hawks second and Ainsley Parsons fourth.In the 200-yard individual medley, Sophia Marcukaitis won with a time of 2:24.55, while Hall placed third and Foy fourth. DK/TK/HHS girls won each of the first five events of the evening. Carpenter took the 50-yard freestyle in 28.05. The DK/TK/HHS divers finished in the top three spots. Eve Bishop earned the top spot with a score of 189.70 and Abigail Dumond was just two points back in sec­ ond place. Teammate TJ Myers placed third with a score of 174.45. Abby Marcukaitis and Carpenter went 1-2 in the 100-yard freestyle for DK/TK/ HHS, with Marcukaitis winning in 56.81 seconds and Carpenter second in 1:01.08. Senior teammate Ellen Shults followed up by winning the 500-yard freestyle in 6:18.33. Middleton had the final win for her team, taking the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:24.44. The DK/TK/HHS girls suffered their second conference defeat of the season last Thursday at Ottawa Hills, falling 112­ 73 to the Bengals. It took a bit of a late charge for things to be that close. Carpenter, Sophia and Abby and Hall won the 200-yard free­ style relay in 1:51.74 and then the Marcukaitis sisters followed with indi­ vidual event wins in events ten and 11. Abby took the 100-yard backstroke in 1:01.49 and Sophia the 100-yard breast­ stroke in 1:13.82. Sophia had two wins on the night, also finishing first in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:22.16. In the diving competition, Dumond won with a score of 205.40 and Bishop was second at 178.75. Saxons better than Ionia during their final nine holes of the season Brett Bremer Delton Kellogg’s Samantha Higgins sets the ball at the net during her team’s Southwestern Athletic Conference match with visiting Schoolcraft Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg’s Jordan Lyons (2) digs an Eagle serve as Lydia Chandler (6) and Emma Kokx (9) look on during Schoolcraft’s win in Delton Sept. 30. (Photo by Perry Hardin) HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING FOR LEACH LAKE WEED CONTROL TO: Sports Editor The Hastings varsity girls’ golf team fin­ ished up its season Monday by finishing second in a three-team tri with Lakewood and Ionia at Centennial Acres Golf Club in Sunfield. Lakewood scored a 212 with each of its top four scorers shooting in the 50’s. The Saxons put together a score of 246 to best Ionia’s 249 by three strokes. Izzy Roosien shot her best nine holes of the season to lead the Hastings team with a score of 54. Hastings also got top four scores from Lauren Arnold, Cassidee Easey and Addey Nickels. Lakewood’s Izzy Wheeler and Hailee Shepard tied for the day’s medalist honors with 52’s. Roosien had the day’s third best score overall, tied with Lakewood’s Claire Benham and Karmyn Winkler at 54. Lakewood also got a 55 from Makenzie Vasquez. Ionia was led by senior Sydney Stancil’s 60. Hastings head coach Kristen Laubaugh said her girls showed a lot of improvement through the fall season and she hopes the team can carry that momentum into the 2022 season next fall. Lakewood was set to head to the Cascades Golf Club in Jackson Wednesday (Oct. 6) for its Division 4 Regional Tournament. HHS boys get to hit 1-8 finish line for the first time The residents and property owners bordering the foregoing Lake and all other interested persons. Brett Bremer PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Hastings Charter Township Board has scheduled a public hearing for an aquatic weed control project for Leach Lake within the Township, on the estimated costs of such improvement and on the special assessment district proposed to be created within which the costs of such improvement is proposed to be collected. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the aforesaid special assessment district is more particu­ larly described as follows: Approximately 21 properties that front on Leach Lake A complete list of parcel numbers is available at the Township Hall PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the estimated costs for a lake management program for the control of weeds and/or algae in Leach Lake for the 2022 through 2026 seasons is in the approximate amount of $20,000.00 to $25,200.00 or $4,000.00 to $5,320.00 per year and are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination and will be available at the scheduled public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has tentatively declared its intent to make the foregoing improvements and to create the afore-described special assessment district for the collection of the costs thereof and has tentatively found the foregoing to be reasonable and proper. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the public hearing on the foregoing improvements, esti­ mated costs and the special assessment district within which such costs are to be collected, will be held at the Carlton Township Hall, 85 Welcome Rd, Hastings, Ml within the county on Monday October 11, 2021 commencing at 7 p.m. At the hearing the Board will consider any written objections to any of the foregoing matters filed with the Board at or before the hearing as well as any revisions, corrections, amendments or changes to the plans, estimates or special assessment district that may be raised at such hearing. The Township Board reserves the right to revise, correct, amend or change the plans, estimates of costs or special assessment district at or following said public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the improvement are filed with the Township Board at or before the aforesaid public hearing, signed by record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total frontage upon the lake proposed to be improved, then the Township Board may not proceed with the project unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of such frontage are filed with the Township. Such objections may be filed with the Township Clerk at the foregoing address. Please take further notice that if the Township Board determines to pro­ ceed with the project, it will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared for the recovery of the costs thereof and another hearing will be held preceded by notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed and by publication in the Hastings Banner, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessments. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Hastings Charter Township will provide necessary and reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the hearing to individuals with disabilities upon reasonable notice to the Hastings Charter Township Clerk of the need for the same. Individuals with disabilities requiring aux­ iliary aids or services should contact the office of the Township Clerk in writing or by calling the under­ signed Clerk at least five days prior to the hearing. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, in person or by representa­ tive, and to submit comments concerning the foregoing. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP Anita S. Mennell, Clerk 885 River Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-8960 Sports Editor It is early October and the Hastings boys finally got to see how they stack up against the rest of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. The Saxon varsity boys’ cross country team placed fifth at the conference jamboree it hosted Tuesday afternoon at Charlton Park. The opening jamboree of the season, at least for the 1-8 boys, was interrupted and canceled by severe weather. Harper Creek came out on top at Charlton Park with a boys’ team score of 37 points. Coldwater was second with 54 points, ahead of Marshall 71, Lumen Christi 91, Hastings 100, Parma Western 164, Jackson Northwest 214 and Pennfield 216. Harper Creek had five runners place in the top 14, including individual champion Owen Gilbert, a senior, who crossed the finish line in 17:16.7. Marshall sophomore Aidan McPartlin was the runner-up, a second behind Gilbert and one tenth of a second ahead of Coldwater senior John Aerts who was third. Sophomore Riley Shults led the Saxon boys with an eighth-place time of 17:44.7. Freshman Brandon Simmons was 15^ overall for the Saxons in 18:42.9. The Hastings team also had sophomore Reuben Solmes 21st in 19:20.9, sophomore Jonah Teed 22n^ in 19:28.1 and freshman Micah Johnson 38th in 20:16.9. Hastings didn’t get a girls’ score Tuesday with three ladies competing. Senior Carissa Strouse led the Hastings girls with a 13th-place time of 22:32.2 and classmate Allison Teed was right behind in 14th a tjme of 22:33.2. Saxon sophomore Lily Comensoli placed 41st in 25:38.0. Jackson Lumen Christi beat out Marshall by three points at the top of the day’s girls’ standings - 29-32. Parma Western was third with 71 points, ahead of Harper Creek 106 and Jackson Northwest 137. Lumen Christi’s top five were all among the top 12 finishers on the day and Marshall had five girls in the top 11. Lumen Christi had the two fastest runners, with sophomore Madison Osterberg com­ ing across the line in 19:03.3 and senior Faith Smith in 19:29.6. Marshall was led by sophomore Camille DeCola who was third in 20:20.4 and senior Brooke Waito who was fourth in 20:36.9. Hastings also competed in the Division 2 races at last Saturday’s Otsego Invitational and will face another tough field this Saturday, Oct. 9, in the Division 2 meet at the Portage Invitational. The top four Hastings boys all ran their fastest race of the season in Otsego, led by Shults who set a new personal record with his 48th-place time of 17: 20.5. Simmons set his new PR at 18:19.4 with a 95th-place finish. Jonah Teed placed 112^ in 18: 42.5 which is his best time of the season. Johnson bumped his PR down to 19:48.1 in a 141st-place finish. Sophomore Cole Greenfield was fifth for the Saxons placing 157^ in 20:22.7. The Hastings boys were 22n^ in the day’s D2 standings, one spot better than the Thomapple Kellogg boys. Allison Teed, Strouse and Comensoli all ran their fastest race of the season in Otsego for the Saxon girls’ program. Teed placed 77^ in 22:02.7, Strouse 89^ in 22:28.3 and Comensoli lll^1 in 23:16.4. McLean scores pair of first singles wins at 1-8 tourney The Hastings varsity boys’ tennis team placed sev­ enth Friday at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Boys’ Tennis Championship Tournament. Saxon first singles player Joey McLean took a pair of victories in consolation after an opening round loss to Coldwater’s Kyle Sheppard. McLean defeated Northwest’s Mason Schroeder 8-4 and then scored an 8-2 win over Marshall’s Jonah Benson to finish fifth at his flight. Parma Western took the day’s championship with 16 points, ahead of Lumen Christi 14, Harper Creek 13, Marshall 11, Northwest 10, Coldwater 9, Hastings 2 and Pennfield 2. Parma Western first singles player Ryan Perkin proved the conference’s top player, scoring a -5, 6-1 win over Harper Creek’s Mitchell Kyger and a 6-2, 6-1 win over Lumen Christi’s Nolan Varner. McLean closed his senior regular season for the Saxons with a record of 7-9. Hastings was scheduled to head to Grand Rapids Christian for its Division 3 Regional Tournament this Friday, but that meet was moved to Wednesday, Oct. 6. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — Page 17 DK girls in top four at second SAC jamboree Brett Bremer Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Reece Hoeksma fights his way past Lowell’s Noah VanLaan as the Trojans go on the attack during their 6-2 win over the visiting Red Arrows inside Bob White Stadium in Middleville Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg junior Terrell Jefferson rips a shot at the Lowell net as Red Arrow defender Jackson Schaedig tries to get over to stop him during the first half of the Trojans' 6-2 non-conference win in Middleville Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK preps for tourney with win over the Red Arrows Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans have a revenge tour planned for the coming days as they take part in the OK Gold Conference Tournament. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team was home for its first confer­ ence tournament contest Tuesday, scoring a 4-1 win over visiting Kenowa Hills. TK will now play in the conference tournament semifinals this evening in Middleville, and the conference tournament final is slated for Saturday. TK was 5-2 in the OK Gold Conference this fall during the conference regular season, falling only to South Christian and Forest Hills Eastern. The South Christian Sailors put together a 5-0-2 conference record while the FHE Hawks compiled a 4-0-2 mark. The Trojans have won seven in a row since a 4-2 loss to FHE on the turf in Middleville Sept. 7. David Wood, the TK head coach, said his boys are looking for “redemption for the per­ formances where we didn’t play well, for ourselves really. We want to be able to put some things right that didn’t work well during the opening part of the season. It is three games we can try and put things right for us. We want the opportunity to play again against some of the best teams in the confer­ Lions make it five of six with pair of victories in Nashville Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Maple Valley varsity boys’ soccer team has won five of its last six ball­ games. The Lions got their first Greater Lansing Activities Conference victory of the season Wednesday (Sept. 29) over visiting Leslie, 4-0, improving to 1-4 during the conference season so far. It is still up in the air whether the Lions will be playing in the GLAC Championship Tournament at Lakewood Saturday or be one of the four teams battling it out for fifth place. “It has definitely made it a little more enjoyable,” Lion head coach Andy Roush said of the recent string of victories. “Things are starting to come together a little bit, which is good. We’re starting to do some of the little things that make a difference.” Daniel Gonzalez scored the opening goal for the Lions in the win over Leslie, with an assist coming from teammate Mateo Fernandez. Caden Faurot put their team up 2-0 with an assist from Duncan Seume. Gonzalez and Fernandez each found the back of the net again in the second half, with assist coming from teammates Owen Bailey and Matthew Slaght. Roush likes the improved efficiency he is seeing from his team in the offensive end, creat­ The Trojans were in the right spot and making good runs often Thursday. Hervas scored his team’s first goal ten minutes into the contest, tapping a shot by the Red Arrow keeper after Jackson Curtis rolled a through ball perfectly ahead for him. TK had been on the attack for most of the first ten minutes of the ballgame. Terrell Jefferson ran onto a long ball between two Lowell defenders and banged a shot into the net in the 26^ minute of play and then in the 28^ minute Grant Woods ence to help us prepare for districts really.” The losses to FHE and South Christian were the only two losses to the Trojans so far this season. TK is 13-2-2 on the year after a 6-2 non-conference win over visiting Lowell during Senior Night at Bob White Stadium in Middleville Thursday. “They’re finally getting the understanding of the system we’re trying to play, their indi­ vidual roles, they’re really starting to get to grips with exactly how I want them to be organized offensively and defensively, so we’re in good shape to defend when we have the ball and when we’re attacking making sure that we’re all in the right spots at the right time so their teammates know exactly where they’re going to be at any certain time.” That isn’t always easy with guys like senior Nacho Hervas on the field, but the Trojans are certainly happy to be ready for his wizardry with the ball when they can. Hervas and Cody Mascorro performed a nifty little give-and-go above the top of the 18, with Mascorro getting the ball to Hervas and then making a run towards the net. Hervas tapped a ball behind his back right back to Mascorro’s feet with about seven minutes to play Thursday. Mascorro rolled a hard shot through the Red Arrow keeper for their team’s final goal. ing more scoring chances in the attacking third of the field and earning comers when shots aren’t hitting their mark. “It is always nice to win, but it is nice to play good and play complete games while you’re winning,” Roush said. Bailey spent the ball game in goal with junior teammate Landen Garlinger taking a break. Bailey was in goal for the shut out win over the Blackhawks, filling in for Landen Garlinger. Bailey made seven saves, but he was never challenged too terribly. Moving the talented field player Bailey to the back had a number of guys shuf­ fling around. Fernandez moved to an attacking position up top and Faurot and Seume had to do more work in the middle. “We got a lot of support from the bench,” Faurot said. “The guys came in and gave us real good minutes. We had the ability to swap six guys at a time and not really lose a beat, so that was nice. It was something we have been kind of working up to all year, that when somebody comes in off the bench everybody knows their role and plus/minus doesn’t really change.” The Lions also scored a 4-2 win over vis­ iting Calhoun Christian Monday (Sept. 27). Maple Valley had a Monday GLAC ballgame at Stockbridge this week can­ celled and were set to close the confer­ ence regular season at home against Perry yesterday (Oct. 1). found himself unmarked in the scrum of a comer kick to put a point-blank shot by the Lowell goalie. TK moved its lead to 4-0 85 seconds into the second half with senior Alexander Harrington, who won a tryout with a couple of his teammates to a earn a spot as the TK varsity football team’s kicker recently, firing a comer kick from left to right that the Lowell keeper had to make a diving grab on. In the process of the keeper securing the ball it man­ aged to find its way across the goal line. The scoreboard read 5-0 after Woods fin­ ished off a second comer kick, with one from teammate Reece Hoeksma. Lowell added two goals in the middle of the second half. Bryce Thompson headed in a centering pass from teammate Nathan Ryan and Ryan scored once himself. Sports Editor Ava Crews didn’t just finish ahead of 13 other runners in the Division 2 varsity girls’ race at Saturday’s Otsego Bulldog Invitational. The Trojan freshman jumped two more names in the TK record book. Crews finished tenth Saturday in 19 minutes 23.3 seconds, setting a new per­ sonal record which makes her the third fastest freshman in the history of the Thomapple Kellogg girls’ program behind former state medalists Allyson Winchester and Rebecca Winchester. Ally’s freshman record of 18:22.7, set in 200, is still the gold standard for TK freshmen girls. “She continues to look strong and she’s yet to reach her ceiling,” TK head coach Sam Wilkinson said after Crews’ performance Saturday. She was the lone TK girl to set a new personal record in Otsego, but the Trojan team ran well overall. Senior Jessica Durkee placed 27^ in 20:19.5. TK sophomore Holly Velting finished in less than 22 minutes for the third straight race, placing 71st in 21:43.9 and her junior sister Lindsey Velting was under 23 minutes for the third straight race placing 88^ in 22:27.1. TK’s number five was freshman Lydia Schilthroat who placed lOO^1 in 22:46.9. Junior Lucy VanDemark continued to work her way back to form with a 106^ place time of 23:00.1 for the TK ladies and junior Emelia MacDonald continued fought off the pain of a freshly twisted ankle mid-race to place 124^ in 23:51.8. The TK girls were tenth in a field of 21 frill Division 2 girls’ teams. The top ten included East Grand Rapids 45, Forest Hills Eastern 99, Otsego 100, Grand 22:32.88. The Delton Kellogg teams were back in action Saturday running in the Division 3 competition at the Otsego Bulldog Invitational where a number of Panthers turned in their best times ever. Shepard led the DK boys with a 15th-place time of 19:19.9 to set a new personal record. Austin set a new PR with his 24^-place time of 20:25.2. DK’s boys’ team also had Rimmer 21st in 20:08.8, senior Austin Blocker 21:00.9 and Harsevoort 32n^ in 21:31.1. The DK boys’ and girls’ teams both placed fifth on the day. Bronson won the boys’ race with 43 points, ahead of Kalamazoo Homeschool 45, Bloomingdale 73, Quincy 90 and Delton Kellogg 111. Bloomingdale sophomore Jaden Barnes ran his fastest race ever to win in 16:25.8 and Quincy junior Rhett Reif was the run­ ner-up with a personal record time of 16:38.8. Senior Ashton Wells led Bronson to the win with a third-place time of 17:37.3. Fennville took the girls’ championship with 59 points, ahead of Kalamazoo Homeschool 60, Lawton 67, Quincy 82, Delton Kellogg 103 and Bloomingdale 114. Aukerman ran her fastest race of the fall to place fourth overall in the front of the DK team. She hit the finish line in 21:13.9. Freshman Kylie Main and junior Lilyanna Sinclair also set new personal records among DK’s top five finishers Saturday. Main was 28^ in 24:50.2 and Sinclair was 34^ in 25:47.5. White was the second fin­ DK junior Joelle White and freshman Johannah Houtkooper were separated by just a few seconds in the end. White placed 27*k in 25:47.71 and Houtkooper 28^ in 25:50.33. DK’s number five was freshman Lillie Steele who was 45^ in 27:30.35. The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ team was led to a seventh-place finish by the trio of Micah Martin, Ethan Rimmer and Isaac Shepard. Martin, a junior placed 23r^ in 20: 41.86. The freshman Rimmer was 25^ in 20:49.36. Shepard, a junior, was 27^ in 21: 08.89. Coloma won the boys’ race by three points over the Kalamazoo Christian which took the first SAC jamboree of the season. The Coloma Comets finished with 66 points. The Christian Comets were second with 69 points. Saugatuck placed third with 72 points, ahead of Gobles 113, Constantine 124, Parchment 136, Delton Kellogg 145, isher for DK with an 18th-place time of 24:02.0. Senior Melanie Monroe was 29^ in 24:50.3. Koster, the Lawton sophomore who also won last week’s SAC jamboree, was the champion at Otsego with a time of 20:23.8. Comstock junior Lydia Kruis was the run­ ner-up in 20:40.0. Irish even DK record with slim SAC victory Brett Bremer Sports Editor The number two team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference varsity boys’ soccer standings took a 3-1 win over visiting Delton Kellogg Monday evening in Kalamazoo. Hackett Catholic Prep improved to 7-1 in the conference, a game back of 8-0 Watervliet which bested the Irish 2-1 last Wednesday. Delton Kellogg moved to 4-3-1 in conference play and 6-6-2 overall with the loss. Marshall Warner scored the lone goal for Delton Kellogg in the loss Delton Kellogg's Hector Jimenez drives through the midfield with the ball during his team's contest with the visiting Kalamazoo Homeschool team Thursday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) to the Irish, off an assist from Hector Jimenez. Marcs Momenee made 16 saves in goal for Delton Kellogg. While the Irish and Watervliet Panthers were squaring off with the conference lead on the line last Wednesday, the Delton Kellogg Panthers were scoring an 8-0 win at Constantine in SAC action. Jimenez scored four goals in the win over the Falcons. Warner had two goals and an assist. John Sinclair and Momenee had one goal each. James Blackburn dished out four assists. Mel Baixas added an assist for DK as well. Momenee and Caden Ferris shared the shutout in goal for DK, with Ferris making four saves. In between those two SAC ball­ games, the DK team scored a 4-3 win over the Kalamazoo Homeschool Sports team Thursday in Delton. Warner snapped a 3-3 tie with a goal two with two minutes left on the second half clock, getting an assist from Martin Wachowski. James Blackbum scored two goals for DK, with Jimenez and Warner providing assists. Jimenez scored once thanks to an assist from Giovanni Stea. Momenee made 11 goals to help his team secure the win. Crews moves up TK freshman record board at Otsego Invite Brett Bremer Fennville 193, Schoolcraft 255 and Hackett Catholic Prep 266. Parchment brothers Garrett Winter and William Winter placed first and second in the boys’ race. Garrett won it in 17:57.33 and William was second in 17:59.21. Kalamazoo Christian senior Isaac Bos was third in 18:29.27. Gobles senior Niles Devers placed fourth in 18:36.92 and Saugatuck senior Adam Martinson was fifth in 18:48.37. DK also had junior Brett Harsevoort 43r^ in 22:17.14 and senior Eli Austin 50^ in Sports Editor The Panthers were a tie-breaker away from third at the second Southwestern Athletic Conference jamboree of the season last Wednesday at the race hosted by Galesburg-Augusta. Second place was in sight. Kalamazoo Christian once again domi­ nated a SAC varsity girls’ cross country jamboree, finishing with 45 points. Saugatuck was second with 101 points, ahead of Lawton 117, Delton Kellogg 117, Schoolcraft 120, Fennville 131, Coloma 150, Martin 200, Parchment 201, Watervliet 260, Galesburg-Augusta 286 and Constantine 293. Delton Kellogg senior Aubrey Aukerman moved up eight spots from the first jambo­ ree of the season earning her best varsity cross country finish ever. She placed fifth Wednesday with a time of 23 minutes 12.42 seconds. Lawton sophomore Kendra Koster won the race in 21:17.91 and Coloma senior Ava Genovese was the runner-up in 21:40.55. A pair of juniors were just ahead of Aukerman. Kalamazoo Christian’s Aubrey Herder was third win 22:32.62 and Schoolcraft’s Caley Kerwin fourth in 22:40.19. Kalamazoo Christian had for other girls finish in the top 16 overall. Delton Kellogg senior Halena Phillips trailed that front Comet pack by just a bit, placing 18th in 24:27.41. Rapids Christian 107, Spring Lake 173, Zeeland East 193, Sparta 210, Plainwell 229, South Christian 251 and Thomapple Kellogg 289. East Grand Rapids sophomore Drew Muller won the race in 18:23.6 and Grand Rapids Christian sophomore Natalie VanOtteren was the runner-up in 18:24.9. East Grand Rapids had three girls in the top six with junior Camryn Bodine third and senior Ainsley Workman sixth. The TK boys were 23r^ in a field of 25 full boys’ teams in Division 2 Saturday. Sophomore Lucas Van Meter paced the TK boys with an 86th-place time of 18: 13.2. The senior trio of Camden Reynolds, Matthew Smith and Benjamin Trudell was next for the Trojans. Reynolds was 109^ in 18:28.8, Smith 110th in 18:39.0 and Trudell 144th in 19: 56.3. Otsego won the boys’ Division 2 title with 68 points, ahead of Grand Rapids Christian 116, Adrian 131, East Grand Rapids 176, Harper Creek 208, Spring Lake 257, Dearborn Divine Child 272, Sparta 279, Holland Christian 296 and Three Rivers 303 in the top ten. Spring Lake senior Ian Hill won the boys’ race in 15:25.6. Dearborn Divine Child junior Michael Hegarty was the runner-up in 15:34.2. Otsego senior Nick Cockerel led his team to the victory with a third-place time of 15:40.9. Each of the top five runners set a new personal record Saturday. Parchment senior Garrett Winter was fourth in 15:51.1 and Zeeland East senior Caden Meyer placed fifth in 15:52.0. Rounding out the top seven for the TK boys sophomore KadenHamming was 145th in 19:59.3, junior Aidan Buist 155th in 20:19.6 and senior Michael Blair 167th in 22:09.4. Delton Kellogg’s Myles Hatton looks to shoot the ball forward as a Kalamazoo Homeschool defender closes in during their non-conference match at Delton Kellogg High School Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured Net Magik Pros Web Design Email: NMPWeb.com Mi rvmr-:- - W Ilfoii&uMt �Page 18 — Thursday, October 7, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Thousands visit Hastings for rescheduled Barry-Roubaix Benjamin Simon Staff Writer “Thank you for coming back out after that 2 /2-year hiatus,” the DJ announced as a crowd of bike riders rolled up to the starting line on Green Street. “Thank you. Thank you.” The event, which normally takes place in the spring, was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which also led to it being moved back later in the calendar. It returned Saturday, with 3,200 riders packing into the city of Hastings for Barry-Roubaix, the largest gravel race in the world. Riders competed in 100-mile, 62-mile, 36-mile and 18-mile races throughout the morning. Following the ride, bikers convened in the Barry Community Foundation and Green Street United Methodist Church park­ ing lots for the after-party, where they drank craft beer, ate, mingled with friends and watched the award show. Mayor David Tossava said he was impressed with the number of people in town. “A lot of those people came Thursday,” he said. “You know, I see the hotel out there was full, all the restaurants were full, every park­ ing lot in the city - any place you could park a car had a car parked in it.” Riders and their families visited Hastings from all across the state and country. James Schmidt, 8, traveled with his sib­ lings and parents from Evanston, Ill., to cheer on his dad. Jessica and Matt Bradford woke their 4and 6-year-old kids at 5:45 a.m. to drive the two hours from Lake Orion to Hastings. Matt is a mountain bike rider, but he specifically bought a gravel bike to compete in the 36-mile race at the Barry-Roubaix. Dave DeLano, who goes by “Dirt Dave,” doesn’t usually like to race. Instead, he calls himself a “Strava hero,” referring to the cycling tracking app where he has nearly 700 followers. But he makes the effort to travel from Pinckney to the Barry-Roubaix every year and, this time around, he rode at 20 miles per hour and finished third in his age group. “It ain’t about looking cool ...,” he said. “It’s a good tool to judge where you’re at in your fitness.” Riders cross the Barry-Roubaix finish line Saturday. Nate York, of Grand Rapids, greets his daughter, Maleah, after he finished the 36-mile race. Scott Daigle of Mt. Pleasant sinks to the ground after finishing the 36-mile race. Daigle has competed in every Barry-Roubaix race but the first. And every year, he finishes in just over two hours. He’s been trying to break two hours since he started. This year he rode fast - but not fast enough. He crossed the finish line at 2 hours and 50 seconds, and he couldn’t believe it. “It’s my white whale,” he said. (Photos by Benjamin Simon) For as long as the Barry-Roubaix has taken place, Aubri Brandt has been ringing cowbells. Brandt, a Hastings native, stood in front of her house Saturday morning, cheering on the riders. Saxons take title at Ottawa Hills Invitational Valerie Slaughter The Hastings varsity volleyball team celebrates its championship Saturday at the Ottawa Hills Invitational after knocking off Union City in the championship match in Grand Rapids. Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity volleyball team trav­ eled to Ottawa Hills on Saturday and took first place on the day winning all six matches and giving up only one set. The Hastings team was missing all but one senior for the day, but Hastings’s head coach, Tiffany Hendershot, noted “we moved up three freshman from the JV team, and they all played well. It was a fun day and a great con­ fidence boost for the girls.” The Saxons met Union City in the finals, where they dropped their only set of the day, losing the first set 23-25, and then coming back to take the next two sets 25-16 and 15-11. In pool play, the lady Saxons defeated Godwin Heights, Benton Harbor and Ottawa Hills before moving into the bracket round. In the first round Hastings defeated Muskegon Heights 25-10 and 25-12. In the semifinals, the Saxons quickly took care of Godwin Heights 25-13 and 25-13. As a team, the Saxons scored 113 kills and 82 aces for the day, Racheal Hewitt who was one of the freshmen moved up for the tourna­ ment, led the team with 25 kills. Audrey Vertalka added 24 kills and Abby Beemer had 22. Vertalka and Beemer also led the team in assists from their setting positions. Isabella Hendershot led the team in aces with 25 and Vertalka added another 20, along with 14 blocks. Bailey Cook added another 12 blocks and senior, Madison Pettengill had 11 blocks on the day. In Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action, the Saxons dropped a hard-fought match to Jackson Northwest at home last Wednesday night. Hastings won the first set 25-19 but couldn’t keep pace with a tough Northwest team who won the next three sets 18-25, 23-25 and 13-25. Cook and Carly Warner both had 6 kills on the night. Vertalka had 11 blocks, Beemer had 11 assists and Cook added 3 aces for the match. Hastings setter Abby Beemer puts a pass up during her team’s 1-8 contest with visiting Jackson Northwest Wednesday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-10-14.pdf de303dc56e45ca3e7d393bdf7383b8f6 PDF Text Text 1070490102590503322649058113421 804879110187 Thursday, October 14, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 41 Student count indicates enrollment stable locally Taylor Owens and Benjamin Simon Staff Writers Barry County school districts are show­ ing level or rising enrollments over last year, based on the fall count conducted Oct. 6. The unaudited numbers, which are sub­ ject to minor changes until they are final­ ized next month, come as welcome news to school officials. Many officials in districts across the state saw declining enrollment in the last school year, as the pandemic created uncertainty and caution among parents. Hastings Area Schools saw an increase in students for the first time since the 2016-17 school year. Superintendent Matt Goebel said the district tallied 2,538 on count day, up one from 2,537 last year. But the district had budgeted for 2,478 students at the start of the fiscal year last June, so that number is good news for school officials. Since each full-time student represents about $8,700 in per-pupil funding from the state of Michigan, a stable student count is a crucial part of each district’s budget* “Anytime that you get a jump in enroll­ ment, it’s a good thing,” Goebel said, “because then you obviously don’t have the amount of stress on you financially as a district. So, especially with all of our needs - and espe^ally instructional needs in the middle of this CO VID pandemic it’s obviously a little better situation finan­ cially?’ Goebel attributed the stable student base to the implementation of an online learning option, Hastings Virtual Academy. “We provided both in-person and virtu­ al options here at Hastings, which I think was a real positive to provide a choice for parents,” he said. “And I think our parents like that.” Delton Kellogg Schools reported 1,132 students, slightly down from 1,134 last year, according to mischooldata.org. “We had projected 1,100, so we are happy with the numbers,” Delton Kellogg Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. Thomapple Kellogg Schools counted 3,158 students last week. That’s a nine-student drop from its overall average of 3,167 last year, but interim superintendent Craig McCarthy said that total is six students up from last year’s fall count. Lakewood Public Schools reported a three-student increase, from 1,644 to 1,647. Maple Valley counted 951 students, up from 936 last year year, and up from 850 that had been projected in the budget. “We are in excellent financial shape because of the way that we have exceeded that projected number,” Maple Valley Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said. “So we are really, really pleased with our count day outcome so far.” PRICE $1.00 No action to block future mandates yet Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners spent nearly two hours in a closed session Tuesday confer­ ring with David Stoker, a Lansing attorney who specializes in municipal law. When they returned to open session, com­ missioners concluded their meeting without taking the action they had tentatively OK’d the week before. Although the public gallery in the chambers on the mezzanine wasn’t completely filled this time, and citizens were not weeping or shouting as some had done during past sessions, their message to commissioners was consistent. Some of those who spoke Tuesday favored breaking away from the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. And some said they want BEDHD Health Officer Colette Scrimger to be fired. Last week, in a 5-1 vote, commissioners agreed on a proposal to withhold the county’s half of the BEDHD budget if any districtwide mask mandate should be enacted in the future. Commissioner Jon Smelker proposed the idea, based on the state GOP strategy for the 2021-22 budget which prevented local health departments from issuing or enforcing mask mandates for individuals under the age of 18. Under the terms of the spate’s budget bill, any health department with a mask mandate in place Oct. 1 would lose state funding - unless the order was supported by its respective county board of commissioners. BEDHD rescinded its mandates at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30 to protect against a possible loss of state funding. Last week, during their committee of the whole session, five commissioners agreed to take the same approach and had planned to approve the action at their board meeting this week. Commissioner Dave Jackson was absent, and Catherine Getty cast the lone “no” vote at that meeting. Tuesday, several citizens asked commis­ sioners to approve the measure they had tenta­ tively endorsed last week. Larry Bass of Carlton Township is among those who favor breaking off from the current health department “I. wish I’d brought my can to give you something else to kick around ...,” he said. “I’m very disappointed ... I’d like to see some action taken.” Bass reminded the board that the laws allowing a public body to meet with its attor­ ney in a closed session are narrowly written. Their purpose in meeting with their attorney must be to consider written legal opinions. “Oral opinions don’t cut it,” he warned them, adding that a roll call vote must be taken beforehand. Bass said their decision to opt for a closed session “just means to me that you don’t have to tell us what’s going on.” When commissioners voted unanimously in a roll call vote to go into closed session, a woman in the audience requested an explana­ tion. Board Chairman Ben Geiger asked County Administrator Michael Brown to reply. “We have a number of legal opinions that have been sought over the past six months that the board has asked for,” Brown told commis­ sioners. “With the content of those opinions, you have the ability to go into closed session. “The purpose of this closed session is to review those written legal opinions to deter­ mine if there is any action you want to take. Closed session is simply to discuss the content of those legal opinions with your attorney. “Should you want to any action afterwards, that would have to be taken into open session.” Stoker, who was listening in the audience, stepped up and added, “Communications were sent under attorney/client privilege, and that is the basis for the closed session.” When commissioners returned to open ses­ sion about two hours later, most of the audi­ ence members had left. Jackson, with support from Getty, made a motion to accept the minutes of the closed session, ending the county board’s business for the day. The lack of action was discouraging to Smelker, who had made the resolution that had support from a majority of the board last week. “It’s pretty well been dropped, and I don’t understand,” he told The Banner after the meeting. “I guess it would be deemed uncon­ stitutional.” \ See NO ACTION, page 12 No-fault reform claims quality of care Local family running out of ogtions Troy Hughes in his room at Homewards North at the Spectrum Neuro Rehabilitation Services Residential Program. In the coming weeks, he will have to move to a skilled nursing facility after changes-to the no-fault auto insurance law will no longer allow this level of care. Happy Homecoming Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Five days a week, 45 minutes a day, Troy Hughes visits with a therapy assistant. They pull out his arms. They open up his fingers and stretch them out. They put him on a tilt table and stand him up. And then they’re done. That’s the therapy Troy Hughes receives. He receives the bare minimum. “Maintenance therapy,” they call it. But it keeps him alive and functioning. After suffering a traumatic brain injury on a motorcycle 14 years ago, Hughes requires 24/7 care. He cannot speak. He cannot swal­ low food or water. He wears an adult diaper. He lives on baclofen, a medication that treats muscle tightness but paralyzes his muscles, his mother Teresa Hughes said. If Troy didn’t receive the therapy, he would curl up. His arms would hug his body and his fingers would ball into a fist ~ permanently. If that happened, he couldn’t even do the few things that he can do now - like spell out words in his mother’s palm. That’s her worry. Barring any “llth-hour legislative relief,” President of Continuing Care at Spectrum Health Karen Pakkala said, Spectrum Neuro Rehabilitation Residential Program, where Troy lives, will close the doors of its six homes as a result of changes to the no-fault auto insurance law. As a result, Troy will go from a facility with 30peopleto the Spectrum Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with 160 beds. After his injury in 2007, he spent a year in the same skilled nursing center. The thought of him returning there brings Teresa to tears. She can’t help but remember the grim details ~ how no one took him out of his bed, how he was never dressed and how he often laid in feces and urine with just one shower a week. “Sad, very sad,” said Teresa, a Middleville resident. “It’s just not fair to throw him into a sterile hospitalized kind of life in a room where there’s half the staff' so he would just be sitting there staring at a TV all day long.’5" rhe no-fault auto insurance reform, which went into effect July 1, cut reimbursement rates by 45 percent for Medicaid payable medical expenses for survivors of traumatic brain injuries. “It’s cutting funding back to what reim­ bursement levels were 30 years ago,” Tom Judd, president of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council, said. “There are no busi­ nesses that can operate under the same reve­ nue stream that they were operating under 30 years ago. It’s just not reasonable.” Before the reform, victims of auto acci­ dents received full coverage for their medical costs. Now, places like the Neuro Rehabilitation homes are having to close because of the drop in payment. As a result, people, like Teresa, are left to wonder what will happen to their loved ones. *** Fourteen years ago, Troy Hughes waited to turn left at an intersection in Middleville when his motorcycle collided with a pick-up truck. Then 19, he was in critical care for 10 weeks. If Troy lived, the doctors told Teresa, he would be a “vegetable.” But she wouldn’t let them take him off life support. He squeezed her hand and that was all she needed to know that the Troy Hughes she once knew was still there, somewhere. Before his injury, Troy was loud and had a lot of friends, she remembered. Teresa called him “everybody’s favorite bad boy in Middleville.” “Peace out” she laughed, imitating Troy and throwing up a peace sign. “He just was in your face. Yeah, he was, he was really popular.” ' After graduating from Thomapple-Kellogg High School in 2006, Troy went to work for Comcast. He started as an installer and grew to team leader in the span of seven months. Then came the crash. . Before the accident even hit the news, 300 people visited the hospital to see Troy, See NO-FAULT, page 3 State police shoot, kill parole absconder The Hastings' homecoming parade grand marshals, recently retired staff members of the district, wave from a Saxons themed bus. To see the royalty, turn to Page 12. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Michigan State Police fugitive team shot and killed a 41 -year-old man in the 9200 block of Lindsey Road in Orangeville Township around 10 a.m. Wednesday. Troopers said the First District Fugitive Team tracked the man, a parole absconder, to a vehicle on Lindsey Road. A female passenger was inside. When police approached the vehicle, the man “produced an edged weapon” and took his female passenger hostage. “Two members of the fugitive team fired multiple shots, striking and killing the suspect,” troopers said. The female hostage was injured. One of the fugitive team members who fired is an MSP detective sergeant, while the other is an agent of the Michigan Department of Corrections. The MSP lab was processing the scene on Wednesday afternoon. The nam e of the suspect was withheld at that time, pending next of kin notification. The case is being investigated by the MSP Fifth District Incident Response Team. �Page 2 — Thursday, October 14,2021 — The Hastings Banner Health board, county commissioners reflect on recent events •< ’ ’ > * ; t 3 . 3 Rebecca Pierce Editor In recent weeks, several citizens have publicly criticized the Barry County Board of Commissioners for what the citizens have characterized as action - or inaction. The rhetoric came to a head Sept. 23 when Hastings business owner Adam Heikkila made “a citizen’s arrest” during the Barry-Eaton District Health Department health board meeting at Leason Sharpe Hall. His action brought the meeting, which had attracted more than 200 people, to a halt. On Oct. 5, reflecting on recent events, Chairman Ben Geiger, who also serves as the chairman of the health board, said he will remember it and the county commissioners’ meeting that took place the same week “as the two most disgusting moments of my career in state and local government.” “Why?” he asked, “Because I’ve lived here my whole life and what I saw was not reflective of Barry County.” Geiger said the situation felt rowdy, even dangerous, at some points. And that “is preventing a lot of people from showing up that might want to share their voices,” he said. “I’ve gotten messages from Barry County residents who are scared as hell to show up at another meeting. That’s a travesty. “We hear a lot of people at public com­ ment talking about listening to the peo­ ple. But, if we are creating a circus, then nobody’s going to want to come in. “ Commissioner Dave Jackson, who also serves on the health board, described that health board meeting as one of the worst he’s experienced during his time in county government. Law enforcement officials are looking into the events of that meeting, and Heikkila’s actions are a part of what is being scrutinized, Jackson asked Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt for an update, and she said she could not discuss an ongoing investigation. Hastings Police Chief Dale Boulter told The Banner he would neither con­ firm or deny any developments in the case. Jackson said Heikkila disrupted the meeting so that “commissioners never got a chance to ask Colette [Scrimger, the health officer] the hard questions.” The public comment portion of the meeting was just wrapping up when Heikkila chose to take the podium, refus­ ing to leave until Scrimger was taken into custody by police. That didn’t happen and the meeting concluded as law enforcement authorities responded to calls. By his actions, Heikkila ruined the meeting and any chance they had to address the concerns of the citizens, Jackson said. There are certain rules and decoruni to be observed during a session like that, he said, adding, “You can be held liable for what you say in a public meeting.” That meeting was shut down by one person with an agenda, Jackson said. “But I don’t know what his agenda is.” ■4- COVID cases break 200 Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported 227 active cases of COVID-19 in Barry County Tuesday, the highest number the county has had for severalmonths: ™ The department reported nine hospitaliza­ tions and one death so far this month. A total of 76 deaths have been reported since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The most recent seven-day average of COVID-19 tests which were positive was 19.4 percent, according to health department u staff. They said this high rate indicates there are likely many more unaccounted-for |ases in the county. As of Monday, 28,989 Barry County residents, or 58.3 percent of the popula­ tion, have been vaccinated against COVID1*9. The "health department’^ goal is 70 percent. Nearly everyone who got COVID-19 in September was unvaccinuted or not yet frilly vaccinated, according to a health department report. More information is available at barryeatonhealth.org. at the Hastings Performing Arts Center October 15, 2021, 7:00pm jg Please join us for an evening of inspired music with local pianist Mark Ramsey. This concert benefits the Friends of the * ft® Hastings Performing Arts Center. A free will offering is requested. Hastings picks its new police chief Benjamin Simon Staff Writer When Dale Boulter interviewed for the job of patrol officer in 2006, he told the commit­ tee that, one day, he would be police chief of the City of Hastings. Before that, Boulter had never worked a day in his life for the Hastings Police Department. As a matter of fact, about five months prior to that, Boulter was passed over for the same patrol officer position. This time around, though, Boulter’s friend said he should try a new interview technique. He should go into the interview and make a bold guarantee. “They asked me about my goals and what was my goal for my career,” Boulter remem­ bered. “And I told him I will be the chief at Hastings PD. That’s my goal.” Monday, Boulter’s prediction came true. Hastings City Council unanimously approved him as the chief of police for the Hastings Police Department. “He has proven himself very dedicated and loyal to the people of this community,” said City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale, who appointed Boulter. “And I don’t think there’s anybody better for the position.” A 15-year member of the Hastings Police Department, Boulter, 50, takes over after serving the past six months as interim police chief. Before that, he had spent seven years as the deputy police chief, two years as detec­ tive sergeant and six years as a patrol officer. “Hastings PD is me,” he said. “I wear the patch. And that’s where I’m going to be, hopefully, until I retire.” Raised in the Delton area, Boulter graduat­ ed from Gull Lake Christian Academy in 1989. He went on to enroll in the U.S. Navy, where he rode in a ballistic missile submarine for 3 1/2 years. Unsure of what to do next, he returned to Barry County in 1993. He made a pit stop at Simpson Industries in Middleville and dabbled in construction for six months, before spending 10 years at Viking as a CNC machinist. While working at Viking, Boulter decided to go back to school. As a member of the military, he had signed up for the GI bill, which provides educational assistance to ser­ vice members. With time running out on his opportunity to use the bill, he sat down to talk with his wife, Lisa, and brainstormed what he would do next. It didn’t take long. “I love cops,” he said. “I love [the TV show] CHiPs.” So, he started to taking evening classes at Kellogg Community College. He received an associate’s degree in criminal justice in 2003, and took a part-time job for nine months with the Prairieville Township Police. When a full­ time position opened up,‘he dropped his job at Viking and became a frill-time police officer. After a year and a half with Prairieville Police, Boulter started to look around for a new job. He set his sights on Hastings, which offered health insurance and a larger police department. Boulter started in Hastings in July 2006 and, over the years, slowly moved up through the ranks. When former Police Chief Jeff Pratt resigned in April, Boulter was appointed interim police chief. Moyer-Cale decided against opening up the police chief position to outside candi­ dates. During her first few weeks on the j^b, she has observed Boulter in the work envi­ ronment and had multiple sit-down conversa­ tions with him. It was enough to make her Dale Boulter stands on East State Street in downtown Hastings. He was officially named the Hastings police chief on Monday. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) feel confident about tapping him as the next police chief without looking elsewhere. “I decided that, based on his exemplary job performance, and knowing what the inter­ view process would be like, if we invited external applicants, that opening up a process would be not very fruitful,” Moyer-Cale said, “and would unduly negatively impact the department because they’ve been in sort of this limbo for an extended period of time now not having a permanent chief in that posi­ tion.” Although he didn’t have to go through a formal interview process, Boulter said it has felt like he has been interviewing for the job since he began as interim police chief. “We’ll call it a four- to five-month-long interview,” he said. “That’s how I consider it because you can say I pretended to be the chief as the interim. I filled that role, did everything that the chief would do as the chief.” Boulter doesn’t anticipate too many differ­ ences between the interim and permanent role, other than the ability to make personnel changes. For the most part, though, he said he intends to continue focusing on community policing and working with the public. “Anything and any idea that we do always involves a conversation about the communiJ ty,” he said. “What is it going to do? What kind of effects it going to benefit them? Obviously, the community pays for all of our wages and in turn, we offer service. And that service is to keep Hastings viable for them to come shopping and not get mugged and whatever the case may be.” Moyer-Cale said Boulter’s familiarity with Hastings played a role in his appointment. “He’s always talking about this communi­ ty, about the good people here, about the relationships here,” she said. “So, he’s very caring and understanding about the city in that way.” During their meeting Monday, council members gave Boulter a round of applause. Each member, individually, offered congratu­ lations. But Boulter said he didn’t go to din­ ner or celebrate the appointment. Instead, he stayed at the office until 9 p.m., an hour and a half after the meeting ended, to speak with Deputy Chief Julissa Kelly about the depart­ ment’s next steps. “I really respected all the council members telling me congratulations. You know, I took that to heart,” he said. “But it really wasn’t it’s hard to explain - it wasn’t like a Christmas morning-type of thing. It was more of like, ‘OK, let’s rock and roll. Let’s move for­ ward.’” In other business at Monday’s meeting: • Jenipher Roslund, the stepmother of Lane Roslund, the Hastings teenager who has been missing since Sept. 11, spoke to city council members over Zoom during the public com­ ment portion of the meeting. She specifically asked for the case to be handed over to a larger police force than the Hastings City Police. “The City of Hastings is a very small force looking for one juvenile that, in 30 days, has not been found,” she said. “He’s been missing for 30 days, and we have not gotten any reas­ surance that this case is going to be handed over to an agency that is bigger, that has more manpower or more resources to handle a missing juvenile. We have requested that the Hastings City Police hand the case to an agency better equipped to deal with missing children. “... I love our city police. They have always done great by us. But, when it comes to bringing our son home, 30 days is too long.” Boulter, who has had multiple conversa­ tions with the family, said he understands their perspective. “You can throw all the resources in the world and, if your kid isn’t found, it’s not enough and you’re not doing enough,” he said in a later interview. “So, I totally understand where she’s coming from. Again, I was not offended.” He did, however, note that the Hastings Police Department doesn’t have enough information at the moment to hand it off to a different organization. They will continue to follow leads until they can provide a clear roadmap for next steps. “The information sharing and back and forth is always happening, whether it’s [Michigan State Police], whether it’s the county,” he said. “The problem at this point in time with Lane’s case is, we don’t have anything concrete to pinpoint where else to go and what to do and or who to hand off to.’! • The council approved changing payment acceptance hours at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., effective Jan. 1, 2022. • Set a joint meeting with the planning commis&op*fpr 6 pmu Now 1 to discuss the implementation of accessory dwelling units and expansion of two-family dwelling units in the city. • Updated service fees for the clerk, assessor/treasurer, cemetery, department of public services, planning and zoning, plat review, planned unit development, Zoning Board of Appeals variance requests, code enforce­ ment, police and fire. The resolution will go into effect Nov. 1. • Accepted bid from USALCO for liquid aluminum sulfate hydrate solution at a cost of $242 per ton, and about $55,000 total. • Set a public hearing for the Oct 25 coun­ cil meeting to discern the necessity of a pub­ lic assessment in the downtown area for parking. The city did not levy the assessment last year due to COVID-19, but has done so in the past. County apportionment commission to meet here Monday https://hastings.ludus.com/donate.php Become a friend of the HPAC! The Hastings Performing Arts Center would like to thank the Baum family for their generous gift of the Steinway Grand Piano. To arrange a visit, please give us a call today. • Independent and Assisted Living (269) 795-4972 • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available www.CanethVillage.com Check us out at www.facebook.com/carveth “Remember... ifyou can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Rebecca Pierce, Editor and Bridge Michigan A new redistricting plan for the Barry County board will be resubmitted by appor­ tionment commissioners next week, just to hedge their bets on a deadline that’s in dis­ pute. County Clerk Pamela Palmer said the apportionment commission, made up of Palmer, Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt, Treasurer Sue VandeCar, Mark Bonsignore from the Democratic Party and Phillip Joseph from the Republican Party, will meet at 9 a.m. Monday in the commis­ sioners’ chambers on the mezzanine of the courthouse. The meeting is open to the public. Palmer said the purpose of the meeting is to confirm the resubmission of the county’s proposed apportionment map to meet the state of Michigan’s census requirements. The proposed map was already submitted to comply with federal requirements, which were determined by U.S. Census Bureau numbers Aug. 12. The maps were to be sub­ mitted no sooner than 30 days but no later than 60 days from that date, Palmer said. In the case of state numbers, Sept. 16 was the date set for census numbers, which makes Oct. 16 the 30th day. The plan in Barry County is to reaffirm the county board district map Oct. 18, Palmer said, so the plan will be in compliance with both state and federal deadlines. The apportionment commission is charged with drawing the districts for the county board, and, in Barry County, that process took place over the course of several meet­ ings in September. According to state law, counties have 60 days from the time the Census Bureau releases full population counts to draw the maps for commission seats, before filing them with the county clerk to take effect. But changing schedules from the Census Bureau have county officials insisting the deadline is Oct. 11, while the state contends it is Nov. 29. As with state and federal offices, county districts are redrawn every 10 years after the Census Bureau releases population figures. In most counties, the districts are drawn by an apportionment commission composed of five officials: the county clerk, treasurer, prosecutor and the chairpersons of the coun­ ty Democratic and Republican parties. County apportionment panels that miss the deadline to draw maps would lose the author­ ity to vote on their own proposals, the law says. Instead, they’d have to choose a plan submitted to the panel by registered voters. Clerks worry that counties following the state’s guidance could miss deadlines and face legal challenges by residents. The confusion centers on shifting dead­ lines from the U.S. Census Bureau, which published decennial population tallies Aug. 12, but did so by releasing raw data. The agency had promised to release a user-friendly version of the data by Sept. 30, then amended the release to Sept. 16. Clerks, Palmer among them, contend the clock for the 60-day deadline started Aug. 12. The Secretary of State’s Bureau of Election believes it doesn’t start until Sept. 30, said Tracy Wimmer, a spokesperson for the agency. Wimmer added the Bureau of Elections has released a tool for counties to draw maps, and has said they are allowed to begin draft­ ing the new lines now if they wish to do so. But the bureau has told clerks to consult their attorneys about the official date to follow. The bureau has also asked the Michigan Attorney General’s office to weigh in, Wimmer said. The office declined comment to Bridge Michigan. Multiple attorneys consulted by counties - including Ingham and Livingston - and by the Michigan Association of County Clerks contend the state’s timeline is wrong and counties must approve districts by Oct. 11. “The bureau’s rationale is not entirely clear,” Grand Rapids-based law firm Warner Norcross and Judd told the clerk’s associa­ tion, according to an opinion obtained by Bridge Michigan. Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum told Bridge Michigan it’s unclear why the Bureau of Elections has a different timeline. The Democrat added her county’s attor­ ney also has said the timeframe already started. “It is the opinion of counsel that the dead­ line to have those maps drawn is Oct. 11, unless the apportionment commission wish­ es to have the public draw the map,” Byrum said. The issue of what is considered complete data from the U.S. Census Bureau also has caused problems for the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The panel, created in 2018 through voter approval, has started drawing state legisla­ tive districts using the Aug. 12 data. However, they have said they would use the user-friendly version to cross-check their work. The group, which had a constitutional deadline of Sept. 17 to have initial political maps ready for public review, has already said the delays in the release of the data will likely make them miss it. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — Page 3 No-fault reform claims quality of care Letter from a mom To the editor: I am one of the concerned par­ ents who has been looking for jus­ tice for the people who paid for “unlimited care” in the insurance they purchased. The small photo at bottom right is Troy Evan Hughes in 2007 - age 19 -- shortly after graduation and on his way up the Comcast ladder. And here is Troy today after a classmate hit him on his motor­ cycle on Sept. 20, 2007, with a pick-up truck. Now Troy must live his life with a traumatic brain injury. After 10 weeks on life support and two years of therapy, he was able to at least think and answer yes / no with the slight movement of his hand, still able to have emotions .... but not eat or drink, not walk or talk, not even able to scratch an itch or change a chan­ nel on a TV with a remote...but able to feel, think and love - with his same old personality. THANK GOD FOR THE WONDERFUL CARE OF THE STAFF AT SPECTRUM HOMEWARDS NORTH in Grand Rapids, where he lives. They keep his limbs stretched out with thera­ py, they keep him healthy, they bring him on outings, they keep him showered and clean every single day, they make his life as close to a normal life as possible. Although now I am told, they may have to close these five homes they have for brain injured care, and put my son and many others into a nursing home setting - One where they have a quarter the staff per patient, where they require only one shower per week - which if you can’t get to a toilet - and need to wear a diaper, you probably would want a shower daily - don’t you think? And with­ out the physical therapy, he will be drawn up into a ball by the end of five or six weeks - from his brain injury. And what kind of a life is it if you can never get out and do anything, such as stake a walk in a park or go to the fair, see “your home you grew up in,” visit the car museum, watch a movie, etc. Very sad, especially when you paid the high premiums of insur­ ance in 2007, which should have been yours for life. Now Troy can’t hire an attorney and fight for the right of this insurance care he paid for. Troy isn’t expecting any­ one to give him charity - he paid those premiums. He deserves what he paid for. PLEASE HELP HIM AND ALL THE OTHERS IN HIS POSITION. Their lives are sad enough. They deserve better than to be thrown into an under-staffed, under-educated (in brain injury care) facility, and left alone in a room with no neuro-positive activities. These people shouldn’t be treated like they have no value, and are just being housed until they die... Troy is an inspiration to many people, and if there is noth­ ing else he can physically do, he can pray for people, which he does, knowing that is his purpose at this time in his life. PLEASE DON’T LET THESE PEOPLE BE FORGOTTEN, THE QUALITY OF THEIR LIVES MATTER, TOO. Please help them keep their level of care - if for no other rea­ son than to ease the pain of the family members who love them and have to watch how hard life is for them already. It is heartbreak- Continued from page 1 ------------------------------------------------------ = A letter that Troy Hughes wrote to his mother, Teresa. Although he cannot speak, Hughes still has the ability to read and write. Teresa said. There were so many people that the security guard had to take them down the elevator in groups for smoke breaks. Troy spent a year in Spectrum Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center before he was moved to Homewards North in the Neuro Rehabilitation homes, often referred to as an “adult foster care home,” where residents receive 24-hour supervision from caregivers who have specialized training working with people who have brain injuries. He was put on “aggressive therapy” for two and a half years. He would ride on horses, write, roll himself over and pedal on a bike. Slowly, he got better and Teresa even has a photo of him standing in his room with a walker. Troy Hughes with his mom, Teresa, in Meijer Gardens. Troy Hughes in his room. ing. The fear of Troy being put into a low-level care unit — with­ out the love and expertise he has now -- is so stressfill. Many brain-injured people such as Troy are too injured to be brought home. There is no way he can safely be home. Places like Spectrum Homewards North are a Godsend to moms like me. We cannot let them close! Thank you in advance for any help you can give in this matter. God bless. Sincerely, Teresa & Troy Hughes Troy Hughes before the motorcycle accident in 2007. His mother called him “everybody’s favorite bad boy in Middleville.” Troy Hughes receives a therapy session at a bowling alley. Photos provided by Teresa Hughes While he was in critical care, Teresa lost guardianship of Troy, who was assigned a state-appointed guardian. The next few years were messy, as Teresa battled with the former guardian in court about the best steps forward for Troy. In the process, Troy lost the aggres­ sive therapy and switched to maintenance^ therapy against Teresa’s wishes. His living situation in the Neuro Rehabilitation homes is not perfect, Teresa said. Without the aggressive care, he has lost muscle and the ability to swallow. But that’s better than leaving, Teresa said. The staff workers know Troy, or “Troy-seph” (like Joseph) as they call him, at the home. They know he doesn’t like when they brush his teeth too hard, they know he’s upset when he shakes and they know when he blinks twice, he means “yes.” Before COVID-19, they took him out on trips to the county fair or a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game, one of his favorites. Teresa visits at least three days a week when she can take him out for walks to the gazebo and koi pond. “That’s his home,” she said. “It’s not a ster­ ile hospital room. It’s where he’s lived for the last 13 years. His bedroom’s there. His house­ mates are there. Some of the same people have been working there the entire time. And they all care and love him.” When Spectrum Neuro Rehabilitation closes its doors in the coming weeks, Troy will move to the skilled nursing center, where he will live in a larger setting without the same kind of care. “We know it’s not what’s desired,” Pakkala said. “It’s not what we would want to do. What we would love is a different solution. Right now, we’re working within the confines of the options we have.” Pakkala said they are trying to ease the tran­ sition by providing virtual tours, speaking with guardians and moving some of the care­ givers from the Neuro Rehabilitation homes into the skill nursing center. But the features of the adult foster care home cannot be replicated due to the size of the skilled nursing center. “In the residential program, they have a lot of customized attendant care that’s able to focus on very specific needs of the individual patient,’*. Pakkala said. There’s a fair amount of activity^ around re-entry into the community, very much a customized individualized program, and they have a small home setting....[In the skilled nurs-i ing home,] everything is on a larger scale. There are many more residents in our program. In adult foster care homes, Judd estimates that, on average, caregivers work with any­ where from 3 to 5 patients. In nursing homes, that number can balloon to 10 to 12. “They don’t have the specialized care and training for individuals with severe brain inju­ ries that have cognitive needs, behavioral problems, emotional regulation,” he said. Teresa worries most about the social aspect of the skilled nursing facility, where he will lose the friends he has developed and the space he is comfortable in. She was told that she cannot take him outside and he can only speak with him through a Plexiglas door. “I worry that he’s going to be left in his room a lot, alone, because there’s not a living room for him to be in,” she said. “...He’ll be in a room with who knows who. It’s scary to think that you would be in a room with some? body that’s incompatible.” In response to the changes to the no-fault auto insurance law, the state has set aside $25 million for those survivors who were in th^ system before the new law passed. But that won’t solve the problems Neuro Rehabilitation faces. They’ve tried to stay afloat for the last few months, but they can no longer continue to operate with the reduced reimbursement rates. “Even $25 million, it seems an extraordinary amount of money, it isn’t going to sustain the program work in perpetuity,” Pakkala said. “W£ want a long-term solution for patients. That might be a Band-Aid for a bit of time for some providers, it might help us over the next few months, but it’s not going to sustain the prograig forever.” Judd has continued to hear people struggling to access the $25 million, which requires > lengthy application process. And even if they dg access the money, the funds are capped M $500,000 per calendar year for each provider, hg said, which cannot sustain the costs of living fdl people who require 24/7 care. “It might help to save a case here or there*, but it’s not going to allow a business that would otherwise not be operational to sustain operations,” he said. , Following a presentation on the state budget at the Tyden Center on Oct. 1, State Rep. Juli< Calley, R-Portland, said there haven’t been any updates to the auto insurance reform. * And she doesn’t foresee any taking place. Calley said that she has heard of peoplg accessing the $25 million and, to her knowk edge, “it’s working once we connect themll She noted that the state will continue to use thg $25 million as a primary solution. From there; they will then collect data, she said, and deter­ mine best steps forward. “It’s actually collecting data and under* standing - what do these services cost?” she said. “What are the expenses that are incurred? Obviously, they need to make something above that, or they’re not going to stay in busi ness, right? So we want to make sure that it’s a sustainable system that properly supports these businesses or individuals, depending oil the size of the provider.” When Teresa heard in August that they were going to close Troy’s house, she responded by contacting every state legislator she could find. She wrote a page-long letter describing Troy’s situation and asking for help. Then she sent the letter to 50 politicians, including state representatives, senators and even the goveiJ nor. She spent $20 in postage and mailed therff to the Capitol, but that batch bounced back. C So she sent out another batch. This time, she sent the letter to each representative’s individual office and forwarded a personal email to Calley/ “You get desperate, you do desperate things,^ she said. “I don’t know what else to do.” She hasn’t received one reply. , �Page 4 — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you Opinion see? Government’s on the grow in Barry County Watch for spider A walk around the neighborhood at this time of year may not be for the faint of heart. After all, it’s October and that means Halloween is right around the corner. Pedestrians can get a close-up view of scarecrows, skele­ tons and pumpkins galore bedecking people’s yards and porches. This par­ ticular house on Michigan Avenue went above and beyond, with a spider web growing out of the side of the house. The spider that spun this web must be huge, but there’s no spider... Is there? Do you remember? ‘Dean of sports announcers’ visits Banner Oct. 17, 1963 Bill Stearn, regarded as the dean of American sportscasters, was here Friday to go through the Hastings Manufacturing > Company plant where he became familiar with the company’s products - especially Casite because Monday he went on the air advertising Casite over 450 stations of the Mutual Broadcasting Company Mondays through Fridays. Here, Stearn is shown talking with Howard Moma, 1205 S. Park St., day supervisor of Casite production. Moma has been here 27 years, coming to Hastings with Casite from Jonesboro, Ark. The lady on the left is Gloria Goodner. Stearn was the honored guest and spoke briefly at a luncheon Friday noon at the Hastings Country Club. He can be heard on his sportscast over WMAX, Grand Rapids, 4:30; WKLZ, Kalamazoo, 4:30: WKHM, Lansing, 7:35; and WCFL, Chicago, at 4:30. ■r: w— ■ ■ rV fr Have you met? When Amy Llewellyn moved to Hastings in 1996, she told her fianc?, Jamie Murphy, she’d live here one year. One year, she said, until they could move somewhere else and somewhere not so small. It’s been 25 years. And the Murphys are still in Hastings. “I came to love it. It is home for me, for sure,” said Amy Murphy, 47, who is the program director at the Barry Community Foundation. Before arriving in Hastings, she had never lived in a rural community. Her dad, John Llewellyn, worked as a manager and vice president in the television business, and her family bounced from place to place - the suburbs of Detroit, New York City, Chicago and, for most of her childhood, Cleveland. Then she started dating Jamie Murphy, a football player and student at Hillsdale College who was from Hastings. They met in the freshman dorms and both studied health and physical education. Amy spent the summer breaks living with the Murphys in Hastings. After Amy graduated from college, she spent a summer working as a nanny in downtown Chicago for a family of five. She returned to school for a semester, received a teaching degree and got an apartment in Hastings, where Jamie, who is now the head varsity football coach at Hastings High School, still lived. But she couldn’t see herself staying. It felt like a foreign world and nothing like the cities in which she’d lived. She didn’t know what to expect when they went to the county fair or mushroom hunting. And everyone in the small town just referred to her Jamie Murphy’s girlfriend. “I was super shell-shocked at first,” she said. She got used to the more rural lifestyle, but it took some time, she said, for it to feel like “home.” At first, she spent a year and a half working as substitute teacher. Then she took a job in Grand Rapids working in tele­ communication. Then she had their first child, Brenagan, and she stayed at home. But Murphy always wanted to become a teacher. When a sixth-grade teaching job opened up at St. Rose School in Hastings, where she is a parishioner, she got her teaching certificate “back in shape” and joined her husband, Jamie, who is a physi­ cal ed teacher, in education. She spent nine years teaching at St. Rose, cementing her desire to stay in Hastings. “Once I became a teacher at St. Rose, I think that’s when it really sunk in like, ‘OK, this is my home,’ ” she said. Eventually, Barry Community Foundation came on her radar, She didn’t know much about the foundation, but she |ji|| Amy Murphy knew she could have an impact in Hastings. “I wanted something that was local, I wanted something that I knew would be not in a cubicle environment because I couldn’t really go from teaching to just sitting at a computer,” she said. “I like the idea of being around community members.” In 2015, she started as an administrative assistant for BCF President Bonnie Gettys. Around that same time, the foundation’s KickStart to Career program began, and Murphy became heavily involved. The program opens up a savings account for every kindergarten student in the county with $50. Over the years, the money will grow, teaching youngsters financial literacy skills and providing them with a foundation of savings. “Kickstart’s mission is inspiring students to believe in their future, and this money can be used for anything - whether it’s a four-year college, a two-year, associate degree, an apprenticeship,” she said. After 2 1/2 years as an administrative assistant, Murphy was promoted to program director, her current role, where she oversees the KickStart program, runs the community grant program, helps with scholarships and serves as the administrator for the investment and impact investing committees. “I love that I walk around my town and I see things that we’ve made a difference with,” she said. “... It’s tangible.” Even Murphy’s family has followed her to Hastings. After moving around most of their adult life, her parents, John and Kathie Llewellyn, settled down in the city in 2015. Her sister, Marianne, even spent about five years here. After work, Murphy will retreat to her house on Algonquin Lake, where she might go out on the boat, relax in their “bunker bar” or spend time with their kids, Brenagan and Evan, and more recently, Abel and Victor, to whom the Murphys opened their home and call their sons. As her kids go off to college and get married, Murphy has already devised her retirement plan - she wants to buy a Class C motorhome and spend the winters driving through the Southwest. But Hastings, she repeats multiple times, is home. And that won’t change. For her work in the local community, Amy Murphy is this week’s Bright Light: Favorite movie: “Sweet Home Alabama.” First job: Tanning salon. If I could go anywhere in the world: Ireland. A big accomplishment for me: Getting out of bed. Favorite teacher and why: Jamie Murphy, Hastings High School, because he is the best. Person I’d most like to meet: Dave Matthews Favorite season: Fall - football, sweat­ shirts and beautiful colors. Something most people don’t know about me: I am pretty quirky, and I believe I have a sixth sense. What I’d tell a high school graduate: If college is for you, it can be the best four years of your life. If only I could... Sing. I would love to have a great singing voice. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a: Singing dentist. Favorite board game: Just not Monopoly. Greatest fear: Losing Jamie or one of my kids. Best invention ever: Pillows and blankets. If I could live in another time, I’d like to see what life was/is like in: Probably the 1950s because I would have gotten in a lot of trouble in the ‘60s. If I won the lottery: First, I would ask my parents if they wanted to be paid back for all their support over the years ... They would say ‘no,’ so then I would make sure St. Rose School’s education endowment could sustain the school forever. I would create a fund at the Foundation to support mental health for adolescents and young adults. I would pay off all of our families’ mortgages. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. Who doesn’t like more government? For those in Barry County who do, we’ve got another sweetheart deal coming with the addition of an eighth commissioner to a coun­ ty board that has operated as a seven-member governing body for the past 10 years. Jurisdictions across the nation are able to redraw or “reapportion” political district lines following the release of census numbers every 10 years. In Barry County, our redistricting committee - made up of County Clerk Pam Palmer, County Treasurer Susan VandeCar, Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt, Philip Joseph representing the Republican Party, and Mark Bonsignore representing the Democratic Party - admirably agreed on a plan that their committee felt would be more representative of voters and citizens in Barry County. The updated plan calls for creation of a new seat on the county board that represents the city of Hastings and redraws the existing sev­ en-county commission districts in such a way that no two incumbent commissioners will have to face one another in the next election. The decision brings us back to an eight-com­ missioner board that existed from 2002 until 2011 following use of the 2000 Census. I’m a true believer in representative gov­ ernment, but I believe the pencils were a little shaky on this latest redrawing of new districts. First, how will eight commissioners make this group a better board? Under state redis­ tricting guidelines, the local committee could have preserved the current seven-member board. In fact, based on our 62,423 population number from the 2020 Census, our county could have anywhere between five and 21 commissioners. In 2011, when the commis­ sion was reduced from eight to seven mem­ bers following the 2010 Census, commission­ ers at that time lauded the effort as a way to save on the cost of another county commis­ sioner. “I am pleased that the reapportionment committee decided to go with seven districts,” said former board member Robert Houtman. “I think seven is the right thing for the county and, if the change impacts me, it impacts me.” Former commission Chairman Craig Stolsonburg agreed. “As chair, I think the cost savings warrants going to seven districts, and I think seven will work as well as eight; it was a good move.” The big question for taxpayers, as we move back up to eight commissioners, should be: Will they benefit from adding another com­ missioner? The new commission seat will represent the City of Hastings, but what additional benefits will those constituents gain, compared to what they now receive from Commissioner Howard “Hoot” Gibson, whose District 1 includes the City of Hastings? My second concern is the problematic nature of votes from even-numbered boards. Based on Robert’s Rules of Order, a major­ ity is “more than half of the votes cast by legal voters.” Therefore, a 4-4 tie vote means that a motion will be defeated. I can’t imagine much that would be more unrepresentative than when a board is evenly split on an issue but, by rules of order, the negative side wins. Plus, empirical research indicates that boards with an odd number of members make higher-quality decisions. Researchers have found that organizations with an odd number of board members do better on a variety of performance metrics, plus the performance goes down with larger boards. Thirdly, although I’m a fiscal conservative and a businessman with an eye constantly on the bottom line, I’m not suggesting that add­ ing another commissioner is going to break the bank. The numbers bear a close review, though; because the addition of an eighth commissioner will increase the cost to taxpay­ ers for what I believe will bring little, if any, actual benefit to them. According to the county, commissioners are paid $12,859 annually except for the chair­ man, who receives $13,879. Currently, com­ missioners do not receive per diem payments to attend meetings, but they do get mileage to cover travel expenses. They also receive a “longevity payment” if they serve for more than five consecutive years - $25 for each year completed or an additional $125 annually. That benefit maxes out at $600 a year. Presently, five of the seven commissioners receive the perk - Ben Geiger, Vivian Conner, David Jackson, Jon Smelker and Gibson. They also are eligible for work­ man’s compensation, retirement benefits, and health insurance, including dental, vision and hearing coverage, and life insurance. In total, with all the benefits, commissioners receive about $30,000 each. A separate, seven-person appointed com­ pensation commission sets the benefit pack­ age every two years. In a fourth concern, I have grave reserva­ tions about the quiet, below-the-radar means by which the entire redistricting determination was conducted. Once a redistricting commis­ sion agrees on its final district map, it’s filed with the county clerk who, in turn, forwards it to the Secretary of the State. The district map is then made available to voters at no cost. My problem: What involvement do citizens have in the process before the final decision is made and the result is in the office of the Secretary of State? Redistricting commission proceedings are subject to the Open Meetings Act, but are rarely attended by citizens, mostly due to the fact that the commissions don’t promote the meetings and most citizens are unaware of the process. The meetings, which took place here in September, were posted, as required, online and on the bulletin board at the courthouse. That’s it - for a once-in-a-decade decision that may change who represents us. The impact on communities can be immense, especially if citizens have no say in how a commission draws the new maps. Most taxpayers consider redistricting com­ missions as just another governmental body and, unless residents are plagued with high-water levels, sand mining issues, zoning changes that impact property or mask man­ dates imposed by a school or workplace, how effectively they are being represented is not at the top of their minds. With this case of adding an eighth commis­ sioner in Barry County, citizens should have the right to respond directly to the commission prior to the county clerk submitting the plan to the state. As it stands now under Michigan law, the only way taxpayers can reject or ques­ tion the plan is through the Court of Appeals or to the Michigan State Supreme Court, which is likely not happen in a rural commu­ nity such as Barry County. It’s kind of like the controversial mask mandates where government officials made a ruling without holding any public comment on the issue. That oversight brought massive citi­ zen turnout in Barry County at meetings of school boards, the county board and the health department. Looking now to the next 10 years and the wait for another census, I don’t see where Barry County will benefit from adding anoth­ er commissioner. The only real measurable population growth is coming on the west side of Barry County from north to south, from Middleville south into Yankee Springs Township. If the redistricting committee would have squared those districts and changed the north and southern boundaries of the townships, we could have ended up with a reasonable, less convoluted redistricting map. The numbers are not the key, though. If we’re really concerned about strong lead­ ership that works together with a vision to make Barry County a better place to live, we should concentrate on getting the best candi­ dates for the job. Then we need to make sure they do their best for the districts they’re rep­ resenting, as well as the entire county, on all the issues that come before them. What really counts is electing people who can make a difference - not the number of people at the table. But it’s disappointing that county officials did not highlight the fact that the redistricting committee was meeting to discuss these oncein-a-decade changes. The topic was not raised, even as a simple point of information, which would have ensured that interested citizens had an opportunity to take part in the process. And that’s a shame. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, October 14, 2021 — Page-5 Suspects sought for vandalism at Charlton Park Several windows and doors were bro­ ken by the vandals. The Barry County Sheriff’s Department is investigating vandalism at Historic Charlton Park that occurred late Monday night or early Tuesday. In a Facebook post, park officials reported “vandals broke windows and memorial benches, drove through fences, smashed doors and did many other destructive things.” The persons responsible for the vandalism were seen on a white golf cart, leaving the A deadbolt torn off the doorframe at Charlton Park. (Photos provided) park sometime between 5:30 and 6 a.m. Tuesday, according to a post on Charlton Park’s Facebook page. “I’ve been here 10 years, and we’ve never experienced anything like this ...,” Park Director Dan Patton said Wednesday after­ noon. Damage is estimated at the thousands of dollars, according to the post. No suspects had been arrested as of Wednesday afternoon “Our big interest is finding who did this, so it doesn’t happen again,” he said. Anyone with information on who may have been responsible for the vandalism is asked to call the park, 269-945-3775, email info@charltonpark.org, message the park on social media; call the sheriff’s department, 269-948-4805; or Barry County Silent Observer, 800-310-9031. By Elaine Garlock The Rev. Paul Reissman at Central United Methodist Church began a series of sermons based on saints of the early Christian church. Others will follow. On the first Sunday of November, All Saints Day will be served with tribute to members of the local church who have passed on to the church eternal. Rainy days this week are an introduction to fall days with frequent rain days. Such days hinder the harvest of farm crops. At the same time, the moisture is welcome for the wheat crops already planted for harvest next year. Is there any perfect time for a furnace to conk out? It helps if the weather co-operates during this dilemma. With a house at 60 degrees, one gets the impression that some­ thing is wrong. Then it becomes apparent that the reason for the low temperature in the house is not because the thermostat was set at 64 but because the furnace simply is not working. In our scenario, for the next two weeks, we had the good fortune of several days in the low 70s. Night-time was manageable with plenty of sweaters and jackets besides the comfort of a portable electric heater which helped. First, a furnace man was available very son. Then he would order a certain part. When it arrived four days later, the part was hollow. He was expecting some inner workings also. This meant he had tp order a new part that would arrive in a few days. The new part came right on schedule. Then it was a few more days until another problem could be solved. What can one expect of a furnace that is more than 60 years old? A friend was debating last week whether she needed a new furnace. After all, she said, her furnace was 16 years old! Quite different than one that is 60 years old. The older furnace could be fixed. Thankfully this happened in early October, not in the dead of winter. Heat at the flick of a finger is a true bless­ ing, one to be appreciated. Central United Methodist Church wilj have a special service called “Facing the Empty Nest without Emptiness” at 7 p.m. October 21. Empty nests come at many dif­ ferent stages of life. It’s not just parents o£ 18-year-olds, since many adult children return home, then leave again, and some grandparents raise a second generation of young ones. The service will be one of ceh ebration and healing. 'Halloween, & Christmas fabrics - now in stock 108” Cotton Quilt Bachina Thread, Tapes, lippers, nations, & Patterns flew Collection Moda®Peffr Isle "J Prayfor our Country, QUESTIONS: ASK US... Scttew ‘JafatieA 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm | Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station [. F Amish Benefit Dinner October is. 2021,4:00 to 7:00 pm at 7981S. M-66 Uivy., Nashville, M! Hastings band continues decades-old marching tradition The Hastings High School marching band continued a 62-year-old tradition Tuesday evening, earning straight Division I ratings at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association festival in Kentwood. “We received straight A’s from all of the judges across all of the sheets,” co-director Jennifer Ewers said of the results after Tuesday’s District 10 performance. The Saxons’ 2021 show, “Villain,” features music from “Star Wars” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” along with songs, such as “Paint it, Black” by the Rolling Stones and “Bad” by Michael Jackson. The 153-member band will close out its marching season Saturday at the DeWitt invitation­ al. Here, senior Mary Park, trombone section leader, performs, along with junior Emily Simmons (right) and the rest of the trombone section. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Cafeteria style, no reservations needed. Take-Out provided. Menu to include: Barbecue Chicken, mashed potatoes, bread dressing, gravy, mixed vegetables, salads, pies and homemade ice cream. Refreshments of coffee and water. “Bake Sale is provided by the Amish ladies of the community”! Proceeds to go for living expenses for Mrs. Ben (Susan) Raber. 55 (Ben Raber died 3 years ago). i; The family of Ben Raber | NA <2 r wishes to express their ' ' .'■"'T - I\ -'7 heartfelt thanks for your kind thoughts and well wishes! cSitMtvc:i!ZaAev family- NOTICE: SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards: Corrections for Oct. 7 edition The second to last paragraph of the article headlined “Budget,” on Page 8 of The Hastings Banner referred to an ongo­ ing investigation of a missing person complaint, but gave an incorrect name for the person being sought by the Barry County Sheriff’s Department, which is conducting the search for Rachel Hazen, 41, of Nashville, who has been missing since July 21. Hastings Police are still seeking Lane Rosland, 17, of Hastings, who has been missing since Sept. 11. The Barry County Board of Commissioners’ vote in the front-page story headlined “Budget weaponized in mandate fight,” was 5-1, with six com­ missioners present. Commissioner Dave Jackson was absent. The story headlined “City of Hastings may get its own county board seat” on Page 1 should have included Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt, who serves on the redistricting commission with four other members who determined the Barry County commission districts that will take effect in 2023. Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 2 positions Conservation Easement Board: 1 real estate development; 1 agricultural interest Building Authority: 1 position Central Dispatch Administrative Board: 1 position Commission on Aging: 4 positions Parks and Recreation Commission: 2 positions Transit Board: 1 position Veteran’s Affairs Committee: 1 position - must be an honorably discharged active duty veteran who served during a war or conflict Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rcl floor of Abe Hill to celebrate 95th birthday Abe Hill will celebrate his 95th birthday on October 17, 2021. He is a World War II Vet, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa. He is holding great grandson James (4 mos. old). the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for: An Advisory Board or Commission and click to display the application. Applications must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. __________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 168973 �Page 6 — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Welch appointed to fill TK board opening that negatively impacts other people - I think it’s impacting all of us,” Welch said. “It’s the same thing at the road commis­ sion. The comments get worse, constantly. The angry people get worse. Everything is moving in that direction and at warp speed. To have calming influences on the board, to have people with experience dealing with that kind of stuff, I think would help you.” Welch, who also chairs the Yankee Springs Township Zoning Board of Appeals, said he is used to dealing with angry people, both through his job and through the zoning board. “Disagreements are going to happen,” he said. “I think working through those [dis­ agreements] professionally and considering multiple opinions and differing views is part of everyday life. It’s a necessity. You need to be able to accept opposing views, you need to be able to listen and consistent­ ly be able to work through those in a common-sensical way, to come to a solution that not everybody’s happy with, but people can understand. I think that’s what most people want ... As long as they know you’re listening and that you care, that gen­ erally goes a long way to working through those situations.” Welch, 38, has been with the road com­ mission since 2013. Prior to that, he was a construction project manager at Kentwood Greg Chandler Staff Writer The operations director of the Barry County Road Commission has been appointed to fill an opening on the Thomapple Kellogg Board of Education. Jake Welch was appointed to the school board Tuesday night, after the board inter­ viewed seven candidates at Thomapple Kellogg Middle School. Welch replaces former school board president Kristen fcove, who resigned last month after six years in office, and he will serve until the November 2022 election. “I want to help this community. I love this community,” said Welch, who has lived in the district for eight years. “I work here, bn purpose. I think having people that love this community and have a desire to help on your board ... is why we’re all here.” During his interview, Welch said one of the biggest challenges facing TK is the vit­ riol that has swept the Middleville commu­ nity over the past few months, most notably over whether the wearing of masks should be mandated or a matter of parental choice. “Our society [is] moving in a direction where it’s OK to quickly hit ‘send’ [on an -email or social media message], and be someone that can hide behind a monitor and say things and bolster themselves in a way Craft & Vendor Show Saturday November 20, 2021 9:00 am-3:00 pm Thornapple Kellogg High School 3385 Bender Road, Middleville Ml 49333 (enter thru Athletic entrance - show is in Main Gym) ''Pancake Breakfas? Bake Sale Concession Stand FREE Admission y VENDORS NEEDED • Contact Michelle 616-893-9087 to reserve your spot. All proceeds benefit Thomapple Kellogg Athletic Boosters. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. 269-945­ Jefferson. 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Mass Philip. p.m. 4:30 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. 8, Sunday. Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. hastfmc@ Email gmail.com. Website: HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH www, Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Matt Stoetzel. Martha Sunday Morning Worship: Lead Moser, Sunday Services: Pastor. 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Nursery Our Senior High Youth Group 6-8 worship center is set up for p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. social Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids are available. distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 (Children p.m. Kindergarten-5th Youth School Bertrand. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ Group; 6:30 Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Yankee Springs Township board is expected to decide tonight what direction to take regarding expansion and renovation of the township hall. The board will meet at 6 p.m. at the hall, 284 N. Briggs Road. Board members will choose from one of six options, which fac­ tor in one of two office expansion options, whether the meeting room at the hall should be renovated, and whether the reno­ vation should include upgrading two bath­ rooms near the front entrance of the hall to be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Monday night, theboard held a hearing to get public feedback about the project. Eight residents showed up, three of whom were members of the hall renovation com­ mittee that has studied the project since April. Only one routine question was asked during the hearing. The township hall was built in 1971, and offices were added on in 1978. “The township population has tripled during that time,” said Township Clerk Mike Cunningham, who has led the hall renovation committee. “Rules, regulations and expecta­ tions of township government have dramati­ cally increased during that time. The hall and office buildings have not been expanded or improved to keep up with the increased growth and needs of the township.” Yankee Springs’ population has grown from 1,482 residents in the 1970 U.S. Census, to 2,251 in 1980, to 5,322 in the 2020 census, Cunningham said. Maintenance projects have been deferred over the years, such as replacing the heat­ ing and cooling systems in both the hall meeting room and the offices, insulation of the hall, replacing exterior siding in the offices, and new flooring in the hall meet­ ing room, Cunningham said. “I think some of that’s because people were waiting for this project,” he said. “The project’s not new. The efforts have been ongoing since ... 2012 and earlier. Nothing’s happened to change the situation over the years. It’s only gotten worse.” The options the board is considering, according to information from Fleis & Vandenbrink, include: Option 1 - A 1,700-square-foot expan­ sion on the existing 4,000-square-foot building and renovation of the current offices and meeting hall. This is essentially the same plan that was approved by the township board on a 3-2 vote in October 2019. Only Trustee Larry Knowles remains from the board that made that decision. The estimated cost of this option is $1.2 million - $300,000 more than had been expected in 2019, according to estimates from the engineering firm Fleis & Vandenbrink. Higher building and material costs are largely the cause of the increased cost estimate. Option 2 - A 1,040-square-foot expan­ sion and renovation of the current office space, while leaving the hall meeting room untouched. That option has an estimated price tag of $678,000. Option 3 - A 1,700-square-foot expan­ sion and renovation of the current office space, again without renovating the hall meeting room. The estimated cost for that option is $909,000. Option 4 - A so-called “flip flop” design where the township offices would be moved into the existing meeting room, and the offices would become the new room for township meetings. This is the only option that does not call for adding on to the hall. Initially proposed as a potential cost sav­ ings by some of the renovation committee, the estimated cost for this option came in at $1.3 million. Option 5 - A 1,040-square-foot expan­ sion and renovation of the offices and meeting hall, with an estimated cost of $969,000. Option 6 - The full renovation and expansion proposed in Option 1, adding on renovations to the bathrooms and kitchen area. That option was added at a special board meeting Sept. 30 after Township Supervisor Rob Heethuis suggested the bathrooms near the hall entrance be upgrad­ ed to be ADA-compliant. The estimated cost of this option is $1.3 million. In a recommendation to the township board, the 10-member renovation commit­ tee gave equal support to the two larger expansion proposals, Options 1 and 3. Option 6 was added after the committee recommendation. Among needs the committee prioritized in its study of the design options were a secure entry to the offices with window access to the receptionist, deputy clerk and deputy treasurer functions; offices for the supervisor, clerk, treasurer, assessor and zoning administrator; storage space for election equipment; and a conference room, according to township documents. “This committee really looked at things. They turned it all over for us. They laid it out in our special meeting,” Heethuis said. The township earlier this year set aside $300,000 in its budget for the hall renova­ tion, and plans to finance the remaining cost. The township entered the current fis­ cal year with general fund reserves of more than $1.98 million. “We’re in a better financial position than we’ve ever been, even compared to 2019, the last time that this project was approved,” Cunningham said. If the township were to finance Option 1 over a 10-year period, its reserves would fall to more than $708,000 by the end of the 10 years, Cunningham said. The board could potentially take three votes - one on expansion of the offices, one on whether to include the renovation of the meeting hall room, and one on whether to include the bathroom and kitchen renova­ tion. “We thought that might be a simple way to work through the vote,” Heethuis said. Cunningham agreed. “We wanted to make sure, as we go through each vote, we know what we’re voting for,” he said. “Breaking it down into pieces seemed to be the most logical thing.” com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, Call Church Office 948-8004 Olmstead. (comer of Milo1 Rd. & S. M­ for information. church Pastor, Steve (269) 758-3021 phone. Sunday National Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Hastings Saturday Service: 10 a.m. 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Children’s Ministry. Wednesday 328 night Bible study and prayer Worship time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. provided. Pastor Peter Adams, Worship contact 616-690-8609. 9:45 a.m. N. Jefferson 10 a.m. Street. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, Nursery MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Services: Sunday, This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass Produc,s 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Jake Welch 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Roger Claypool, Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. 4 Truth Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Youth hastingsfreemethodjst.cQm. Director, WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH Randall Powers and board member David Smith named Welch their top selection. Board secretary Alexis Snyder and board member Anne Hamming chose Hinton as their first selection. Hinton was a second choice of two other board members, adding up to a total of six points. A total of nine candidates applied for the board opening. Two of the candidates, Richard Hamilton and Brenda Hess, with­ drew their nominations prior to Tuesday’s interviews. Also interviewing for the position were Andrew Parsons, a surgeon at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital; Carrie Sandborn, a family medicine physician and instructor at Western Michigan University; Douglas Nagel, executive vice president of employ­ ee benefits at HUB International; and Katie Stanton, a stay-at-home mother of two TK students and substitute teacher. Welch also has been a volunteer baseball coach with the Thomapple Area Parks and Recreation Commission, has coached youth football and basketball and currently is a line coach for the junior varsity and varsity foot­ ball at Thomapple Kellogg High School. Welch attended Ferris State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in manage­ ment from Western Michigan University in 2008. Decision expected tonight on Yankee Springs hall expansion THORNAPPLE KELLOGG ATHLETIC BOOSTERS Come out and support your local crafters and vendors while supporting your local athletes. Excavating for five years. He said his past construction experience also can be a bene­ fit to the board and district as it continues to deal with growth. After nearly three hours of interviews, the board narrowed the field to its top three candidates: Welch, Allison Hinton and Chris Noah. Hinton is community outreach director for the YMCA of Barry County and Noah is a family medicine specialist with Middleville Family Practice. From there, each board member gave their top two choices, with two points for a first choice and one for second choice. Welch was the top choice of four of the six board members for eight points. “I appreciate his passion for the district and wanting to be here, as well as his expe­ rience with the road commission,” board vice president Jeff Dickman said of Welch. “There’s a lot of correlation to what we’ve experienced here lately [and] what he’s experiencing. I think he’s got a good under­ standing of the role of the board.” “I believe the road commission back­ ground, with our ever-growing community, will be beneficial to this board moving for­ ward. I liked when he said he was listening and advocating. I appreciated that,” board member Krissy Hooson said. Dickman, Hooson, board president Matt 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 MiUMEMOF 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Pierce Cedar Creek Institute will host the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour at the Hastings Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. The festival will be both in-person and virtual, with films beginning at 7 p.m. More than a dozen short films, ranging from about five to 20 minutes in length, will cover a variety of topics and perspec­ tives from across the world. One film is based on a story by a 10-year-old boy and his family’s canoe trip on waters connect­ ing to the north shore of Lake Superior. Another tells of lessons learned by a young man with autism who hikes the Great Smoky Mountains. Other film topics include polar bears, migratory birds in the Great Lakes region, and a bee-keeping movement in Detroit. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is a collection of films from the annual festival in Nevada City, Calif. Now in its 18th year, Wild & Scenic focuses on films that speak to environmental concerns and celebra­ tions of the planet. The annual festival is building a network of grassroots organizations connected by a common goal of using film to inspire activism. With the support of national part­ ners Peak Design, Hipcamp, Earthjustice, Klean Kanteen and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the festival can reach an even larger audience. “In recent years, the festival and its On Tour Program has grown to more than 240 events, supporting organizations and their local community causes through outreach, fundraising and education,” Hunter Jones, WSFF On Tour coordinator, said in a press release. “The On Tour community is an incredible collection of organizations from every comer of the country who are full of empathy, open-minded and eager to make a positive difference for the word, their communities, and the environment.” Each film has elements of appreciating the environment and learning to become stewards of the environment. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute aims to educate and inspire through its work with students, community programming and through its biological field station. So, the festival is a natural extension of its work to inspire people to act on behalf of the natu­ ral world. The institute’s mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of the environment. Hastings Performing Arts Center is at 520 W. South St., Hastings. Tickets are $20 for in-person or virtual attendance, with a $5 discount for Pierce Cedar Creek Institute members and a $10 discount for students. In addition, an on-demand feature is available to anyone who purchases a ticket to the event - in person or virtual, all attendees will receive a link and have the opportunity to access the program again - or for the first time if they weren’t able to attend the live event - as soon as the live event ends Oct. 16. Tickets may be purchased at https:// qudio.com/event/piercecedar/register More information can be found at CedarCreekInstitute.org or by calling call 269-721-4190. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — Page 7 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner Michigan Ave., Hastings, Mich. TURNING BACK THE PAGES . Roller mill was solidly built, funded by stockholders Kathy Maurer Copy Editor The Aug. 25 Banner reprinted the recollec­ tions of co-editor Marshall L. Cook of two former mills on Fall Creek in Hastings and memories one of the owners, in particular. Cook, born in 1858, moved from Prairieville Township to Hastings as a young boy. He reached 96 years of age before his death in March 1955. Though retired, he con­ tinued to write in his 70s and 80s, telling readers about the people, incidents, business­ es, transactions and other recollections of earlier days in the city and county. Below, he tells a little bit about the old roller mill, and how it came to be, in relation to the Fall Creek mills. The three-story roller mill stood at the southeast comer of what is now Apple Street and Michigan Avenue and is Parking Lot 3, owned by the City of Hastings. Cook didn’t divulge a lot of history on the early roller mill. Perhaps he wasn’t as famil­ iar with it in his younger years. Instead, he wrote about the building itself, as layers were peeled back and its structure was revealed in early June 1938< Then 80 years old, Cook marveled at the materials used and the skill of the carpenters and masons who built the old mill in the late 1880s. His article, in the June 9, 1938, Banner, had the multiple headlines typical of the day: Old roller mill to be remodeled SOLID BRICK WALLS 17 INCHES THICK Old-fashioned square nails free from rust and timber in fine condition M.L. Cook The old Hastings Roller Mill, which was part of the assets of the old Hastings National Bank, was purchased from the receiver last week by the Hastings Construction Company - Floyd Craig, Lynn Newton and Floyd Storer representing that company in the deal. The purchasing company, who are engaged in construction and repair work, bought this building in order to have a convenient shop for their work. They are remodeling it for their uses and to provide good display, machine and work rooms, equipped with needed machinery. In revamping the building, some interest­ ing discoveries were made. The solid brick walls were found to be 17 inches thick. The joists are 3 inches by 12 inches, making a structure that would stand up under almost any weight and withstand almost any kind of a jar. The beams in the building are solid 12-by-12 inches and 12-by-14-inch timber and of a quality of lumber that would be dif­ ficult to duplicate at the present time. Although this building is over 50 years old, the lumber used in it is just like new, and straight as a ruler. The old-fashioned square nails were found to be almost as free of rust as if they had just been driven. The bins for flour and grain in the mill were made of 2-by-4-inch boards, laid flat and fastened together. The carpenter and brick work on the build­ ing, done half a century ago, evidences the fact that there were skilled workmen in Hastings at the time. All the joists were care­ fully fitted, and the whole building is so well constructed, it would stand another 50 years and still be in good shape [it is believed to have been razed in the 1970s]. Arrangements have been made whereby Aris Jarman would occupy the rear of the first floor with his tin shop. There is a full base­ ment under the mill which would make a fine place for storage. The Hastings Construction Company feels very well pleased with the purchase and will have quarters well adapted for their work. In its early history, Hastings had two grist­ mills, both on Fall Creek and operated by water power. The “upper mill,” as it was called, had a water storage dam north of John Ketchum’s home, with a race to carry the water to a smaller dam, located at the comer of Hanover and Grand streets. The mill was west of the dam, and there was a considerable fall at that point. The water was conveyed to a big water wheel that furnished power for the mill. Flour was ground between large mill­ stones. The lower mill was much smaller and was located on Boltwood Street, between Court and State streets, a little west of the north end of the new county garage [now the city garage]. There was a dam on Court Street, which was then not open from Michigan Avenue to Boltwood. [Court Street still is not open between Boltwood - previously known as Water Street - and Michigan Avenue; it is occupied by Ace Hardware and prior to that Family Fare and Felpausch grocery store and headquarters. Fall Creek runs beneath the large parking lot from Center Street to the river.] The water in the dam extended from Court Street to Bond Street and was the This 1911 post card shows the old iron bridge on Michigan Avenue, facing south. The taller building to the right is the former roller mill, with Pauline McOmber Schultz’s corset factory in the foreground. By 1916, that building housed Hastings Manufacturing Company. The building on the left was the lime storage house in 1909. It house agriculture implements on the 1900 map and was a planing mill and carpenter shop in 1916. (Fred Jacobs’ collection) winter skating pond for the kids of that day. Water from that dam operated the lower, or red, mill. As the country was cleared up, Fall Creek grew smaller and smaller in the summer and fall, and the upper mill ceased to depend on water, and installed steam power. Some can remember the big brick chim­ ney that stood on the site long after the upper mill was destroyed by fire. Later, steam power was installed in the lower, or red, mill. The lower mill continued to operate after the other was destroyed but with a decreas­ ing output. When flour began to be made with rolls, and not ground between mill­ stones, the old way of making that product J /stec t 2 pyrene extors. Sources: Hastings Banner, Hastings Public Library Library of Congress/loc.goy City of Hastings, migemveb.org/barry, Google Books. HffST/N GS M/lung Ca NO WffTCNMNN--NEWT: I & lints' I ELECT*TC~ WNTE* able, so they bought the stock which the others were glad to sell, and seriously try to make it a profitable business. But it never could stand up against the stiff competition of much larger mills, with improved machinery, and usually operated by water power, against which a small stream mill had small chances of success. So, after many vicissitudes, the Hastings Roller Mill had to quit and was taken over by the old National Bank here because it could not pay its debt. became obsolete, so that for many years, the old red mill did little else than feed grinding. Businessmen of Hastings felt the slacken­ ing farmer trade when the superior roll­ er-mill white flour displaced the coarser and darker product ground with millstones. Hastings had no factories then, except saw and planing mills. It was felt that the town ought to have a roller grist mill. Accordingly, it was agreed that the tradesmen of the town would buy stock in such a venture, and the Hastings Roller Mill Company was orga­ nized as a stock company. Most of the stockholders put in their money because they wanted to help the town get an up-to-date roller mill. A few thought the venture could be made profit­ NO WRWM/7N,BEIT^S7DK£-POW£R ELECm WTER BRRRELS & > W4T ON £NCN ftOOR MACHINERY-L.. * BST-/ WN£ffT CLERi fERt EltC MOTOR & L/NE SERfT/NC - 6 DOUBLE SI 7NB OR RCllDj 2 ROCKERS B SET SCRIES 28 ELS Z RUR/£/£R3 2REELSt 2 WN&ir CL£#N£JtS{ 2 SCROLL M/US RO EL. - / UNKERStfL BOLTER, / ME/SEL BOLTER^ REREECT/ON DUST CL IL, 2 CYCLONE DOST COU, 2 REELS, 2 WNERT CL ESNERL MffCWNERY /N2E 2RY PERT BST:- COB CRUSHER CORN SPELLER. ELECTRIC MOTOR f^TEL- / SEED ERL LDER. WXERf !CORN MEBL BOLTER Z8 El -- I ! CORN CRRCK£RS • SWffKE SCREEN. The Sanborn Map Company created detailed drawings of communities, showing fire risk among various types of businesses. This 1916 map includes details at the Hastings Milling Company, such as its security, heat sources, dust collection, water availability and more for each of the four floors of the building that stood on the south­ east corner of Michigan Avenue and Apple Street. (Library of Congress image) This 1891 map created by the Sanborn Map Company, shows the location of the roller mill (upper right), as well as the still-existing waterworks building, courthouse and train depot, now a law office. The planing mill, which M.L. Cook mentioned (upper left), is now occupied by Tyden Park. (Library of Congress image) 364- Iron Bridge Hastings Roller Mills No Wntcnmnn. Power ; Stesm . Euel : Corl & Coss. I/ohtsi Keros V. p. WfTH Ncse . Co'/ * Nose /n Boiler Rm, hew /Sereenter PI 0 OBl »Set Rolls. I Run Stone. f Seed Mul> 2 Bolts. 2*113 Pur/hers / Belt. fas. 2SMUTTERS. pwn&u. Wster. Lights i Kft&s. / BUCHWREfiT BULLER, 7 Sar , / Reel. Scnlper . I Brnnouster. ! S/NGLE ORRO/NG REEL. / 0SL,0RNOfNG REEL, Bbled! Q Stcaplroi Hrstihgs Iron Works EWE. Moch.SAop. Wrtcnmnb Power < Stern Hept ? « Euel i Corl , If$ntst Elec. City frsrsR. Na QlD IRON So1ty'P'ffoSS This map from 1900 was printed when Michigan Avenue, south of the Thomapple River, was called Creek Street. The map also shows the iron bridge over the river and a tail race, flume, turbine wheel and cobble stone dam on the north side of the river, west of the bridge. A tannery was in the basement of the building on the north side of the river and a cider mill occupied the first floor and would have used the water power, as well. (Library of Congress image) �Page 8 — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Donald A. Service Clarence O. Wilson Member SI PC Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 Financial moves for women business owners Clarence O. Wilson, age 86, of Hastings passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, surrounded by his family at Thomapple Manor in Hastings. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Bonnie; his children, Connie Rush, Deborah Wilson, and Ronald Wilson; his grandson, Michael Cole; and sister, Evon (Buddy) Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mabie (Johns); his son-in-law, James Rush; brothers, Raymond Wilson, Charles Wilson, and sister, Rosabelle (Wardell) Bush. Clarence attended Pennfield High School, where he was active in football and track. He served in the US Army, PVC, Specialist 4 Technician, under high security clearance protecting the Honest John Rocket project from 1958-1960, completing his education in the military on 12-7-1959. He was a crafts­ man at Battle Creek Box Company, Union Pump, EW Bliss, retiring from Viatec in 1998. Clarence was a hardworking, dedicat­ ed family man and loved doing anything that involved family. Clarence enjoyed hunting, gardening, bowling, golfing, and many dif­ ferent arts and crafts. The family would like to thank the staff of Thornapple Manor and Elara Caring Hospice for their wonderful care. Family and friends will be received for visitation on Monday, Oct. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, with services held on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, 1490 E. Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, immediately following. Feel free to join the family for fellowship at Cornwell’s Turkeyville, 18935 15 Mile Rd, Marshall after interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation www.parkison.org, Thomapple Manor www. thomapplemanor.com or Elara Caring, https://elara.com. To leave an online condolence, photo or memory visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Bruce A. Hahn Bruce A. Hahn, age 67 of Kalamazoo, Sassed away peacefully at Rose Arbor Jlospice on October 2, 2021 after a year long Struggle with pancreatic cancer. g He was bom in Saginaw, the son of Albert gnd Barbara (Poag) Hahn. w He is survived by his loving wife of 41 $ears, Margaret (Harrison) Hahn; his brother, Thomas Hahn, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Jean Harrison and Ann Rroepelf nieces and neph­ ews, Courtney Hahn Sullivan (Conor), Adam Hahn (Keri), Jennifer Harrison Chambers (Ross), John Kroepel, Michael Kroepel; and many other extended family members. Bruce was a 1972 graduate of Howell High School. He continued his education with a Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Law Degree from Washington & Lee University (Lexington, VA) in 1982. He retired in 2015 after 31 years as a contract administrator for Parker Aerospace. He enjoyed golfing, especially at The Legacy in Hastings. Bruce will be remembered for his big laugh and amazing hugs. Friends may visit with his family on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 at Nativity Episcopal Church, 21220 West 14 Mile, Bloomfield Township, MI at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Michigan Audubon Society would be appreci­ ated. Please visit Bruce’s personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com 168155 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Hastings City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday October 25, 2021 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers second floor of City Hall located at 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The purpose of the Public Hearing is for City Council to hear comments and make a determination on the necessity of improvements and the establishment of a special assessment district for the Principal Shopping District for 2021. The City will provide necessary reasonable aid and services to disabled persons wishing to attend these hearings upon seven days notice to the Clerk of the City of Hastings, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Telephone 269/945-2468 or TDD call relay services 800/649-3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk Donald A. Service, age 86, of Hastings, died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Donald was bom on March 15, 1935, in Barry County to the late Andrew and Christiana Service. Donald attended the Fish School in Freeport, schools in Hastings, and later finished his GED as an adult. He was married to Henrietta Service on July 23,1954, and they were together over 50 years before she preceded him in death in 2004. A few years later, Donald Service met a wonderful lady, Jeannine Townsend, at the church he attended, and they were married October 27, 2007. They have had over 13 wonderful years together. As a young man, Donald worked on a farm between Hastings and Freeport, worked at the bowling alley in Hastings, and then worked in the well business for many years along with his father and brother. He later worked at Eaton Corporation in Battle Creek, MI before they closed the plant, and he retired from the Bradford White Corporation in Middleville. Don loved people and was often known to tell corny jokes and pull pranks on family members and friends. He enjoyed Wendy’s Frosties anytime and pretty much liked any­ thing chocolate. He enjoyed activities like jigsaw puzzles, playing card games, visiting with friends, walking for exercise, feeding and watching birds, and watching the Game Show channel. His favorite activity in recent years was being by Jeannine’s side no matter what they were doing. He was a member of the Hastings Church of the Nazarene. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. Donald is survived by his wife, Jeannine Service; son, Perry Service of Hastings; son, Paul (Kristy) Service of Pickens, SC; daugh­ ter, Sheila (Richard) Bell of Hastings; daugh­ ter- in-law Michelle Service of Battle Creek; son, Steve (Stephanine) Townsend of Byron Center; son, Mike (Maria) Townsend of Clarksville; 10 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brother, John (Dorothy) Service of Dowling; sister, Margaret (Raymond) Ashcraft of Nashville, and broth­ er, Gene Service of Hastings. He is also sur­ vived by many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, Henrietta Service; son, Peter Service; a granddaughter; a brother, Herbert Service and sister, Wilma Bump. Services were held Tuesday Oct. 12, 2021, at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings. Memorial contributions can be given to the Barry County Commission on Aging, 320 W Woodlawn Ave.; Hastings, MI 49058. The funeral sendee can be viewed at www.facebook.com/GirrbachFunerallIome. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Larry Jo Hurt Larry Jo Hurt, age 57 of Battle Creek, pre­ viously of Hastings went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. Larry was bom on November 15, 1963 in Hastings, the youngest child of Homer and Patricia Hurt. Larry is survived by the love of his life and best friend of 25 years of marriage, Gail Hurt, as well as his four stepchildren Randall Allen, Michael (Jennifer) Allen, Rashelle (Spencer) Taylor, and Elizabeth (Jason) DeLozier. Larry was a proud grandfather to 13 grand­ children and eight great grandchildren. Larry was proceeded in death by his par­ ents, Homer and Patricia Hurt and his sisters, MaryAnn Hurt and Betty7 Mayberry. Larry was a graduate of Hastings High School. Larry had many interesting careers, he was and EMT in Hastings, he was a fire­ fighter for both Wyoming and Woodland Fire Departments. He was a volunteer Barry County' Sherriff Posse member. Larry’s true joy in life was being an owner operator of his concession stand which toured with fairs and festivals all over Michigan. His family invites you to share in a Celebration of Life Service at his church, October 15, 2021 at 1 p.m. with a luncheon following. Grace Brethren Bible Church 600 Powell Rd Hastings. If you’re a woman who owns a business, you may have some challenges not shared by your male peers - but you also have several opportunities to help im­ prove your financial future. You may already be taking some or all the right steps, but here’ are some ideas to be sure you’re considering and revisiting as your business grows: • Refresh your network. Are you involved in networking with other women business owners? Many of them may have insights into the issues women face in the business world, as well as sug­ gestions about lending programs and business-friendly banks. You may also enjoy passing along your lessons learned to others. • Review your business structure. If you go into busi­ ness as a sole proprietor, you’ll have to report your business in­ come on your personal income tax return. If you incorporate or form a limited liability7 company (LLC), you can protect your per­ sonal assets - such as your house and your investments - from creditors because these assets will be separated from your busi­ ness assets and debts. You might also consider other, more com­ plex entities, known as C and S corporations. There’s no single “correct” business structure and the most appropriate one for you may change over time, so, in choosing one that’s right for your needs, you’ll want to consult with your tax and legal advisors. • Do an insurance checkup. To protect yourself and your business, you may want to re­ view your insurance to make sure you have the right kinds and amount of coverage. General lia­ bility7 insurance can be appropri­ ate for sole proprietors, if you’ve established an LLC or you’ve in­ corporated your business. If you provide some type of profession­ al service (i.e., legal, account­ ing, engineering and so on), you might need professional liability insurance. And no matter what business you own, you might want to add disability insurance to replace some of the income you’d lose if you were injured or became ill. • Consider all your retire­ ment options. If you’ve got your own business, you’re solely responsible for binding your re­ tirement. Fortunately, as a busi­ ness owner, you’ve got several attractive options, including an “owner-only” 401(k), a SEP-IRA and a SIMPLE IRA. In deciding which plan is right for you, you’ll need to consider several factors, including the number of em­ ployees, if any, and the nature of your business. However, all these plans are relatively easy to set up and administer and offer poten­ tial tax benefits. And even though Help Wanted Business Service BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Pets PUREBRED BORDER COL­ LIE Puppies- 1st shots and wormed. Very nice, $400. 517­ 726-0706. ' DRIVERS FOR WHEEL CHAIR VANS NEEDED. THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A JOB. YOU'LL BE HELPING PEOPLE TO AND FROM DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS AND MORE. YOU NEED TO BE DEPENDABLE, TRUSTWORTHX^ND^ RELIABLE, PLEASE CALL 269-420-1708 FOR AN APPLICATION. THREE BROTHERS PIZZA, Hastings location is looking for help! Friendly work en­ vironment, good pay, 401k match, management oppor­ tunities. If you would like to be part of our team, drop off a resume at the shop, 1600 South Hanover. 269-948-4300. you’ve got plenty to do already, > you should make the time to es­ tablish or review your own retire­ ment plan - because eventually you’ll need all the resources you can accumulate to enjoy lite as a former business owner. You can also find valuable information on programs for women business owners by visiting the Small Business Ad­ ministration’s website at www. sba.gov and searching for “wornen-owned businesses.” Running your own business can be challenging - but by making some positive financial moves and getting the support you need, you can also find business ownership to be highly rewarding, personally and pro­ fessionally This article was written by Ed­ ward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Ed­ ward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mex­ ico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachu­ setts, L.L.C GENERAL LABORER- JOB includes lifting and stacking lumber, must be able to lift 501bs. Full-time employment starting at $16.00/hr. Benefits401 (k), 401 (k) matching, Den­ tal insurance, Health insur­ ance, Life insurance, Paid time off, Retirement plan, Vision insurance. Apply in person to: Quality Hardwoods, Inc., 396 Main St. Sunfield, ML Quality Hardwoods supports a drugfree workplace. Farm Use Happy Jack® DD-33 to kill fleas & ticks on dogs & cats on contact At Tractor Supply (www.fleabeacon.com) Need some extra CASH? Supplement your Income by delivering newspapers each week. Papers are delivered Friday night and Saturday each week. Dependable adults with a driver’s license and dependable transportation necessary. Carriers are paid each week for papers and inserts delivered. Immediate openings for walking and driving routes - make from $50.00 to $195.00 per route. Call today to set up an in-person interview and learn more about how you can earn some extra cash each week. 269-945-9554 1351 H. Broadway (M-43) Hastings �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — Page 9 LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on October 28, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Rita M. Bates, surviving spouse Original Mortgagee: Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, A Subsidiary of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. Date of Mortgage: July 25, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 6, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $101,198.64 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated* David C. Wren, age 80, of Caledonia, formally of Hastings, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021 at Metro Health: University of Michigan Hospital. David was bom on July 28, 1941 in Barboursville, KY to William and Carrie Wren. He graduated from South Lyon High School in 1960 before attending Wayne State University, graduating with a degree of Mortuary Science in 1966 with Honors and as class president. He married the love of his life, Kathryn Louise (Latta), on May 18, 1963. Together they moved to Hastings in 1966 and became associated with former Leonard-Osgood Funeral Home. David founded and owned the former Central Ambulance Company (1969-1974). They purchased the funeral home in 1978, subsequently changing the name to Wren Funeral Home. David is the former owner and director of Wren Funeral Home in Hastings and Vogt Chapel-Wren Funeral Home in Nashville. David was a former member of the Board of Directors National Bank of Hastings (1981), Hastings Rotary Club (1978), Hastings F & AM #52(1975), Hastings Elks Lodge #1965(1966) and Hastings Moose Lodge #628(1973), Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Hastings Economic Development Commission, and Michigan and National Funeral Directors Associations. Also, a former member and past president of the Hastings Lions Club and State Eye Bank Committee, and a part of the Pennock Hospital Board of Trustees (1993-2007). He was a founding board member of Barry County Hospice and Hastings Exchange Club. David was also a “Paul Harris Fellow” of Rotary International (1994). He was an instructor with Hastings Adult Education Department and was often asked to be a guest speaker/lecturer at churches, service clubs, educational institutions, and Health Care Facilities. After retirement in 2007, he developed “End of Life Coordinator” for the Pennock Health Services Department in 2008 2017. He continued to teach and serve the community with the loss of a loved one. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Wren in 2006; father, William Wren; mother, Carrie Goodman; sister-in­ law, Sandra Elaine Schamanek in 1998; loving canine companions Barney in 1980 and Sassy Kay in 2006. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Patty Wren of Caledonia; son, Dave Wren and Julie Howerton of Winter Haven, FL; brother, Jack and Carol Wren of The Villages, FL; brother-in-law, Daniel and Linda Latta of Sunrise, Florida; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-neph­ ews. Private family graveside services will be held. Burial will be at Rutland Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to a charity of ones’ choice. Condolences may be sent online at www. mkdfuneralhome.com Lois Mae Kenyon Finkbeiner passed peacefully October 1,2021 in Grand Haven, in the 98th year of her remarkable life. Lois was bom in Woodland, in 1923 to Ernest and Ina Mae (nee Will) Kenyon. She later moved to Hastings, where she graduat­ ed Hastings High School in 1941. Her familial home was filled with eight siblings who shared great food, abundant fun and one bathroom. Lois worked at the Windstorm Insurance Company in Hastings after graduation until she married Charles (Chuck) Finkbeiner in 1946 and together started their family. Lois and Chuck ran a fuel oil distribution com­ pany in the Middleville area until the early 1960s when they began a life insurance business. Their success led them to Jackson, in 1963 where they put down deep roots. Lois worked alongside Chuck in the insurance business until his death in 1980. Son Chuck E. took over the business and Lois continued working with him until her retirement at age 75. Lois’ time in the Jackson area included living for 15 years in Leslie, and 12 years at Vista Grande Villa. For many years Lois spent weekends travel­ ing to Gun Lake, where she enjoyed enter­ taining friends and family. Lois loved traveling, dancing, playing cards, telling “stories”, reading and laugh­ ing. Mostly she loved her family, especial­ ly her grandchildren and great grandchil­ dren who brought her absolute joy. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her marvelous meals, her deep hair, her splashy clothes and her relentless positivity. Lois was a lifelong Methodist first at Middleville Methodist Church where she served in the Guild and later at Jackson First United Methodist Church. Lois was preceded in death by her par­ ents, Ernest and Ina May Kenyon; her hus­ band, Charles Finkbeiner; her siblings and their spouses, Russell (Rose) Kenyon, Robert (Dawn) Kenyon, Rex (Glora Mae) Kenyon, Louise (Verland) Ransom, Richard (Elizabeth) Kenyon, Raymond (Shirley) Kenyon, Jean (Bill) Jowett and infant ,Reginald Kenyon. Lois will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed by her three children, Pam (Gary) Fitzgerald of Phoenix, AZ, Cindy (Don) Anderson of Grand Haven, and Chuck (Paula Herschelman) of Horton. She will also be remembered for her sing­ ing, her kindness and her positivity by her beloved granddaughters, Mario (Chic) Naumer of Evergreen, CO. Kristin (Harrison) Dean of Winston Salem, NC, and Hilary (Nick) Grant of Ferrysburg, her step-grandchildren, Christopher (Tracey) Anderson of China, ME, Ryan (Melinda) Anderson of Seattle, Washington, Jeff (Stacy) Fitzgerald of Phoenix, AZ and Michael (Mamie) Fitzgerald of Austin, TX; her great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Payton and Campbell Dean, Stella and Claire Naumer, Colson Grant, Mackenzie and Griffin Anderson, Hazel and Waker Anderson, Katie and Ryan Fitzgerald, Olivia, Annabel and Sarah Fitzgerald; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, an abundance of close friends, many of whom called her their second mom, and her beloved caregivers, Reka Buitenhuis and Alvina Boeve. No memorial service is scheduled at this time. Those wishing to honor Lois’s life should consider donations to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, 1061 S Beacon Blvd Suite 200, Grand Haven, MI 49417 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28965-DE WILLIAM M. DOHERTY Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Patricia Carolyn Pyrzynski. Date of birth: 03/25/1941. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Patricia Carolyn Pyrzynski, died 08/25/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Matthew Makowan, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/07/2021 David H. Tripp P29290 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-9585 Matthew Makowan - 611 Gaskill Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-3620 169447 in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 31, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the South 1/4 corner of said section; thence North 00 degrees and 00 minutes West 2303.95 feet along the West line of said Southeast 1/4 to a point which is South 00 degrees 00 minutes East 330.0 feet from the Center of said Section 31; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes East 385.17 feet along the North line of Church Street to the place of beginning of this description; thence North 00 degrees 27 minutes 15 seconds West 165.0 feet along the East line of Race Street; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes East 132.0 feet; thence South 00 degrees 27 minutes 15 seconds East 165.0 feet to the North line of Church Street; thence South 89 degrees 54 minutes West 132.0 feet to the place of beginning. Common street address (if any): 6463 W Irving Rd, Hastings, Ml 49058-9787 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 30, 2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248)642-2515 1444453 (09-30)(10-21) STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28954-DE WILLIAM M. DOHERTY Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Geoffrey Gale Ketchum. Date of birth: 09/19/1947. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Geoffrey Gale Ketchum, died 04/07/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Amy Makley, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/07/2021 David H. Tripp P29290 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-9585 Amy Makley 3098 West State Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269-804-9065 169448 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28980-DE Court address: 206 W Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No. 269-945-1390 Estate of Michael Len Smith. Date of birth: 02/22/1952. TO ALL CREDITORS: , NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Michael Len Smith, died September 14,2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Amy Lynn Smith, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within four months after the date of publication. Date: 10/12/2021 Amy Lynn Smith 133 Fairway Drive , Battle Creek, Ml 49015 169650 NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS: The Grantor, Celia Christine DeMond (date of birth October 2, 1945), who lived at 1131 North Wellman Road, Woodland, Ml 48897, diecj September 17,2021. There is no personal representative of the Grantor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the DeMond Revocable Living Trust, dated August 14, 2014, as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to Trustee Matthew D< DeMond, within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Date: October 11,2021 TRUSTEE: Matthew D. DeMond 1085 North Wellman Road Woodland, Ml 48897 ATTORNEY: John L. Teeples (P39341) Teeples Law, PLLC 230 E. Fulton St.-Ste J Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 776-7200 169620 (10-14) HELP WANTED Part-time Delivery Driver 168775 Approx. 20-30 hours per week. Must have clean driving record. No CDL required. Please inquire within only. 7709 Kingsbury Rd Delton, Ml 49046 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21028975NC William M. Doherty HOPE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 In the matter of Amaya Rose Perkins. TO ALL PERSONS: whose address is unknown — - and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on October TO: 27, 2021 at 1:45 p.m. at 206 West Court Street, NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING -------- — ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR LONG LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HOPE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: Hastings, Michigan 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Amaya Rose PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering Perkins to Amaya Rose Kees. 169450 all properties within Long Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District No. 2021-1 benefited by the proposed aquatic plant control project. The roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing the costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, which district is more particularly shown on the plans on file with the Township Clerk. The costs PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk at the All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan. The project cost is $202,950, including administrative costs. The assessment roll will be in the amount of $127,840.00, with the remainder of funds being carried over from the expiring special assessment district The assessment amounts assessed against each property in the district will range between $124 per year for front lot parcels and $44 per year for back lot parcels. The term of the special assessment will be five years, 2022 through 2026 inclusive. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessor have further reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said district is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said district as the benefit to such parcels bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll, hearing any objections thereto and confirming the roll as submitted or revised or amended. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business days of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his objections thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real ., property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Call for Hastings Banner ads Hope Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the meeting to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon seven (7) days' notice to the Hope Township Clerk. 269-945-9554 or 1-899-876-7685 HOPE TOWNSHIP Deborah Jackson, Clerk 5463 S. M-43 Highway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2464 �Page 10— Thursday, October 14, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Woodland shootout suspect faces additional charges Intoxicated woman crashes car into garage Police were dispatched to a rollover accident at the intersection of Wood School Road and Mountain Ridge Drive in Irving Township at 5:50 a.m. Sept. 24. The driver, a 23-yearold Hastings woman, said all she knew was that she hit a bunch of stuff and she was very sorry. Her vehicle had gone off the road, onto a property, through a hedge and hit a parked car and garage. The woman said she had left a bar in Grand Rapids, but could not remem­ ber where it was or how much she’d had to drink. After registering a 0.1’56 percent blood alcohol content, she was arrested and taken to an area hospital for evaluation. Burglars find nothing of value Police were called out to Bob’s Gun and Tackle in Hastings for a reported breaking and entering at 9 a.m. Sept. 21. An employee said two sheds on the north side of the building had been broken into, but nothing appeared to be taken. The officer observed the doors of the structures had been pried open. The sheds contained only scrap wood and old furniture, and nothing of value, police said. Woman says boyfriend pointed shotgun at her A 21-year-old Plainwell woman called police at 7:35 p.m. Sept. 15 to report her boyfriend, 20, of Delton, had assaulted her on two separate occasions. The woman said they had driven to the Dollar General Store in Delton Sept. 4, and she went inside to buy some food for him. When she returned to the car with a snack, he crumpled it up, threw it at her and drove off. He eventually returned, picked her up, and took her to the Prairieville Township Park. Once there, the woman said he got out, pulled a shotgun out of the back seat, pointed it at her head and threatened her. The woman said she believed he did so because of an argument over her seatbelt. Afterward, he put the gun away and drove her back to his residence. The woman said she wanted to call her brother to pick her up, but her boyfriend said he would shoot anyone who came to his house. He took her home the next morning. Another assault occurred Sept. 12, the woman said. Her boyfriend picked her up at her house and drove her to a farm in an unknown location. She said he was angry she’d spent time with her friends without telling him. When she kept receiving text messages on her phone, he picked it up and threw it into the side of a bam, breaking it. She said he hit her with his hand and with a water bottle, and dumped the water on her. He then took her back home. The boyfriend told police she had attacked him, and he had pushed her away from him. He said he couldn’t remember the afternoon when she alleged that he had pointed the shotgun at her. Information was forwarded to the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office. Nephew/ uncle fight over food Police were dispatched to a Barry Township home around 3 p.m. Sept. 26 regarding a non-aggravated assault after an uncle and nephew got into a physical altercation. The two live in the same house, with the nephew downstairs and the uncle upstairs. The incident happened after the uncle texted his nephew, who was with a woman, that he was coming downstairs and asked the nephew to put on clothes. According to the uncle, the nephew and the woman are often naked downstairs. The nephew, however, inter­ preted the message as “rude?’ They proceeded to meet downstairs where they started to argue about food. A fight ensued, with the two men pushing and tackling each other. Eventually, the uncle put the nephew in a headlock “until he calmed down.” In the process, a 2-year-old was knocked over and the nephew was bitten by the uncle’s dog. Neither party wished to pursue charges. Boyfriend knocks down door Police responded to a domestic violence call around 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, in Barry Township. A woman called after an argument with her boyfriend escalated into a violent encounter. It started with a fight about renting a dumpster for their backyard. She said he had not been physically abusive in the past, but she was worried about the situation recurring, so she called the police. Her boyfriend snatched the phone out of her hand; she grabbed it back and ran into the bathroom. He proceeded to push through the door to take the phone back. Then he left the house, placing the phone on the count­ er on the way out. She called the police after she saw him sitting on the front steps. He texted her, begging her not to call the police. He was arrested on a charge of domestic violence. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED SINGLE FAMILY SITE.CONDOMINIUM. SUBDIVISION AT NOVEMBER 3, 2021 MEETING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on November 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The subject of this public hearing is a 36-unit single family site condominium subdivision proposed by Carl Algera to be developed on the property commonly known as 1331 North M-37 Highway (parcel no.’s 13-005-010-00 and 13-005-007-00). This proposed subdivision is subject to a 3-step approval process by the Township Board pursuant to the Township Subdivision/Site Condominium Ordinance (Chapter 200, Article II of the Rutland Charter Township Code), which also requires the Planning Commission to review a proposed preliminary condominium subdivision plan for compliance with all applicable ordinances and statutes and make its resulting recommendation to the Town­ ship Board for “Step 1” approval. At this meeting the Planning Commission will also review the proposed preliminary subdivision plan pursuant to Article XXI of Chapter 220 (Zoning) pertaining to site plan review. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at any time prior to this public hearing/meeting, and may further be submitted to the Planning Commission at the public hearing/meeting. The Rutland Charter Township Code, Zoning Map, Master Plan, and all filed materials pertaining to the above-referenced proposed site condominium subdivision may be examined by contacting the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Township Hall during regular business hours on regular business days maintained by the Township offices from and after the publication of this Notice and until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/meeting. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 Taylor Owens Staff Writer Timothy Riddle, 48, of Hastings, charged in an Aug. 4 burglary, high-speed police chase, and standoff with police at a gas station in Woodland, now faces 23 additional charges in connection with the events of that day. Riddle had previously faced three charges, including felonious assault, fleeing and elud­ ing a police officer and resisting and obstruct­ ing a police officer. Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt added assault with intent to murder, two counts of armed robbery, discharge of a fire­ arm in or at a building, malicious destruction of property, two counts of assault with a dan­ gerous weapon, felon in possession of a fire­ arm and tampering with an electronic monitor­ ing device. He also was charged with using a firearm while committing each offense, which added a further nine felony firearm charges. In the burglary, Riddle was charged with first-degree home invasion, two counts of lar­ ceny of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. A further four felony firearm charges were added on to those counts. The incident began when a 52-year-old Woodland man called police to report that someone had broken into his house in the 1000 block of North Coville Road, and stolen two shotguns. The man said Riddle had been living in a trailer on his property, but he had kicked him out for doing drugs. When he heard Riddle had recently been released from jail, he hid his guns and collectibles. But, when he got home on Aug. 4, he saw lights turned on that should not have been, and noticed that two of his shotguns were missing. Witnesses told police they spotted Riddle’s vehicle in the man’s driveway and saw Riddle go into the house. The Michigan State Police said Riddle later confessed to breaking into the house and steal­ ing the guns. He had one of the shotguns during the chase and standoff, but the other he had given to a Hastings resident. Hastings City Police were later able to retrieve the second shotgun. Once Riddle was identified as a suspect, offi­ cers in the area were notified to look for him. Hastings police saw Riddle’s matte black Chevy HHR at the Marathon gas station on M-43 in Hastings at 6:48 p.m. Aug. 4. After Riddle left the station and turned north onto M-43, an officer initiated a traffic stop. He detailed his interaction with Riddle in a writ­ ten report. The officer told Riddle he was not under arrest, but Barry County Sheriffs deputies wanted to talk to him. He asked Riddle to step out of the car and wait for the deputies to arrive. While Riddle appeared agitated at first, he seemed to calm down after the officer had explained the situation to him. Riddle shut off the car and pulled out the key - but he refused to step out of the vehicle. He started talking about his former girlfriend, a 40-year-old Hastings woman, and insisted to the officer that he had not gone near her. “I did not do nothing to her, man,” Riddle said. Joseph Michael Quero, 28, of Hastings, was convicted of operating a vehicle on Hammond Road/Willitts Road in Irving Township while intoxicated as a third-time offender April 26. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to three days in jail, with credit for three days served, ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs, and placed on proba­ tion for 36 months. Quero will continue on a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor, be placed in sobriety court and pay the $40 fee. A charge of operating a vehicle while his license was suspended was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show he had prior felony convictions for impaired driving Aug. 30, 2011, in Van Buren County; operat­ ing a vehicle while intoxicated Dec. 9, 2015, in Kalamazoo County; and impaired driving April 17,2019, in Saginaw County, as well as misdemeanor infractions Aug. 11, 2015, and Nov. 14, 2017, in Hastings and Feb. 9, 2017, in Oakland County. Krista Lynn Ballard, 37, of Hastings, was convicted of possessing a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine, in Hastings May 25, 2020. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 54 days in jail, with credit for 54 days served, ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs, and placed on probation for 12 months. A charge of operating a vehicle without a license on South Dibble Street was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show a prior conviction for possession of metham­ 169628 The armed standoff at the Mobil gas station in Woodland lasted nearly seven hours. (File photo) that Riddle had often spoken of The officer told Riddle he was “suicide by cop.” not being pulled over because of The service station employees his ex-girlfriend, but Riddle kept told police they heard Riddle talking about her and, as he did, claim that police had shot at him grew more agitated. 17 times, and that he had been hit The officer told him to step out four times. He said one bullet hit of the vehicle or hand over the his head, but the bullet had key. Riddle held the key out the bounced off. window, as if to hand it over, but They also heard Riddle break­ pulled it back inside. Timothy Riddle ing liquor bottles and throwing “I’m just going to book it,” he the cash register around. said, and started the ignition. Eventually, he started going through the build­ Twice the officer told Riddle not to leave. ing, and stopped at the locked door. “I am,” Riddle said, then he drove off at a He called out and asked if anyone was high rate of speed. inside. When the employees remained silent, The officer took off after Riddle, driving he asked again, and said he would shoot the north on M-43. Other officers from the city door open. police and sheriff’s office soon joined the pur­ The 74-year-old woman called out to say suit. they were inside. According to the report, Riddle drove at Riddle said he would not hurt them, put more than 115 mph in an attempt to elude the down the gun, and asked them to open the police. More than once, he pointed a shotgun door and get out. As soon as they opened the at the Hastings City police cruiser behind him, door, both women immediately got out of the which forced the officer to back off and building. They saw Riddle only briefly, and increased the distance between them. said he had what appeared to be a scrape on The chase ended at the parking lot of the his head with some blood running down his Mobil gas station on M-43, east of Woodland. nose. After Riddle got out of the car, police said he At some point, the Michigan State Police pointed a gun at officers, and a Barry County Emergency Support Team arrived at the scene Sheriff’s deputy fired shots. At some point, and started negotiating with Riddle. Riddle also fired several shots, police said. At 1:30 a.m., after nearly seven hours of Then Riddle went inside the station, and standoff and negotiations, he surrendered. told customers to leave. Riddle was taken to Spectrum Health Two employees, a 22-year-old Woodland Pennock for evaluation and then to jail. He woman and 74-year-old Nashville woman, sustained minor injuries, and no police or heard the shots, saw customers running out­ bystanders reported any injuries. side, and locked themselves in a back room. The court record shows that Riddle has They did not believe Riddle knew they were spent most of his life behind bars. there. He was 15 when he was convicted in 1988 The 22-year-old woman immediately called of breaking and entering and felony murder. 911, and remained on the phone with a dis­ According to a Detroit Free Press article patcher until they got outside. from that time, Riddle broke into the home of They heard Riddle using the gas station 80-year-old Renate Henie and crushed her phone to talk to his former girlfriend. skull with a beer bottle. Her body was found He seemed to be blaming her for causing two weeks later. the situation, because she broke up with him. Riddle was sentenced to prison for life. But The woman later told police she broke up with he was released on parole in November 2019, Riddle because of his drug use, and the stress after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that man­ that he caused. datory lifesentences for juveniles are uncon­ According to the police report^ the employ­ stitutional. ees heard him say “he had just been in the ‘coolest high-speed chase of my life’ and that The Hastings City Police said they have had contact with Riddle in 23 separate incidents he was not going back to prison.” He said he would either shoot himself, or let since August 2020. In most of those incidents, Riddle either was the suspect or was arrested. police shoot him. His girlfriend told police phetamine Oct. 16, 2019, and possession of marijuana Aug. 3, 2004. Michael James Kensington, 40, of Hastings, was convicted of prison escape from a community residential home in Baltimore Township, where he violated the terms of his release from prison under a work-pass program. He also was convicted of unlawful use of a motor vehicle April 8. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to two con­ secutive terms of 365 days in jail, with credit for 142 days served. Kensington was ordered to pay $1,048 in fines and costs, and his driv­ er’s license was suspended for 90 days. Court records show prior convictions for breaking and entering a building and second-degree home invasion Oct. 29, 1998; third-degree criminal sexual conduct April 9, 2003, third-degree criminal sexual conduct Oct. 1, 2003; and forgery Aug. 14, 2019, all in Barry County. Guadalupe Alvarez, 54, of Lansing, was convicted of domestic violence as a thirdtime offender. He assaulted a resident or for­ mer resident of his household in Orangeville Township May 16. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 180 days in jail, with credit for 78 days served, and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Alvarez was placed on probation for 36 months. A charge of abandoning/cruelty to animals - cruelly driv­ ing, working or beating an animal and/or negligently allowing an animal to suffer NOTICE The Barry County Road Commission is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of (1) 20ton Tilt Deck Equipment Trailer, tandem axle and (1) melter applicator with double pump and electric heated hoses. Full specifications can be obtained from the BCRC. Bids will be opened at 10 AM on October 25, 2021 at the offices of the BCRC. The BCRC reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to purchase comparable equipment at a lower price. Please clearly indicate on the outside of the envelope “Sealed bid enclosed - “20ton Tag Trailer” or “Melter Applicator”. Please direct all questions Rob Richardson, Equipment Superintendent. Barry County Road Commission 1725 W. M43 Hwy., P.O. Box 158 Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-3449 unnecessary neglect, torture or pain - was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show he was previously convicted of a felony or an attempt to commit a felony for operating a vehicle while intoxicated Sept. 29, 2016, in Ingham County. Christopher Ray Magoon, 40, of Charlotte, was convicted of sexually abusive activity involving a child - persuading, inducing, enticing, coercing or causing a 16-year-old to engage in a child sexually abu­ sive activity for the purpose of producing child sexually abusive material involving a video - in Assyria Township from July 2018 to Sept. 25,2018. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 24 to 240 months in prison, with credit for 247 days served, and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Two counts, one of aggravated child sexually abusive activity and one of using the internet and/or a computer to communicate with a 16-year-old for the purpose of child sexually abusive activity where the victim, or intended victim, was a minor, was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Jesse Lee Miller, 30, of Lansing, was con­ victed of larceny in a building in Nashville June 6. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 53 days in jail, with credit for 53 days served. Miller was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. A charge of home invasion, entering a dwelling without permission, was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Shawn Lyn Rowley, 52, of Nashville, was convicted of possession of a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine, and assaulting/ resisting and obstructing a police officer. He sentenced by Judge Schipper to 38 to 120 months in prison. A second count of assaulting/resisting and obstructing a police officer and operating a vehicle with a forged license were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Rowley was ordered to pay $1,066 in fines and costs. Court records show prior convic­ tions for attempted uttering and publishing July 18, 1991, retaining a credit card without consent Nov. 3, 1994, prison escape Dec. 14, 1995, attempting to obtain a controlled sub­ stance by fraud Aug. 23, 2000, felon in pos­ session of a firearm Sept. 25, 2002, two counts of uttering and publishing Oct. 15, 2004, attempted larceny in a building Sept. 9, 2009, possession of methamphetamine Sept. 11, 2019, and attempted resisting/obstructing a police officer Sept. 11, 2009, all in Barry County; attempted possession of a controlled substance Nov. 24, 2003, in Kalamazoo County; stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent Sept. 20, 2004, and second-degree home invasion Oct. 16, 2002, both in Tuscola County. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — Page 11* Breathing in space Hey Dr. Universe, we have a question: Why can’t we breathe in space? Thanks, from Mrs. Barnes ’fifth grade class Dear Mrs. Barnes’ fifth grade class, On Earth, humans have oxygen to breathe. But there’s very little oxygen to breathe in space. Space is actually a kind of vacuum, which means there isn’t a whole lot of matter, or stuff, out there between the planets and the stars. For Earthlings like you and me, oxygen is an essential part of life. While 21 per­ cent of Earth’s atmosphere is oxygen, my friend Yimo Liu reminded me it wasn’t always that way. As a professor of biology at Washington State University, she is curious about life on our 4.6 billion-year-old planet. She said billions of years ago, tiny liv­ ing things called cyanobacteria started to produce oxygen. Cyanobacteria make oxygen through photosynthesis, a process in which they use energy from the sun to make their food. As these little cyanobacteria made oxy­ gen, the oxygen molecules built up in Earth’s atmosphere. “After we have that first oxygen, other organisms that require oxygen start to evolve,” Liu said. Different organisms get the oxygen they need to survive in different ways, too. Fish breathe in oxygen through their gills. Some amphibians absorb oxygen into their skin. We humans and many other animals breathe it through our lungs. When oxygen reacts with some of the molecules that make up parts of your food, it also allows your body to make energy. All living organisms require energy to grow, move and survive. In space, there’s not enough breathable oxygen to-allow- these^processes-to/ hap­ pen. Plus, in a low-pressure environment like space, even if someone did have air in their lungs, it’s likely the air would expand quickly and their lungs would burst. That’s why astronauts need space suits to give them oxygen and air pressure. While humans can’t breathe in space, scientists and engineers have developed a safe and innovative place where people from all around the world can explore the final frontier: The International Space Station. Astronauts aboard the ISS have to think about finding a source of oxygen, too. They often get deliveries of oxygen tanks from Earth. Water is another important resource they can use to create oxygen, too. Just as atoms are like the building blocks that make up everything, we can sometimes also break these blocks apart. Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Scientists have figured out how to break the water molecules apart using electricity. Through this process, we can split the water molecules to get hydrogen and oxygen. You know, oxygen is just one of the many gases that make up the air we breathe. Perhaps you can do some research of your own to learn more about atmo­ spheres in our galaxy. See if you can find out what gases make up the atmospheres of other planets. Or find out what other molecules make up the air on Earth and what each of them can do for you and other living things on our planet. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit he&wshsUe* a&kd^unwerse^com. ( V Leach Lake weed removal to continue Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings and Carlton townships plan to proceed with clearing invasive weeds at Leach Lake. Officials from the two townships met Monday to hear from residents and provide their reasoning for the removal of the weeds. A biologist from Professional Lake Management attended the event to discuss how the weeds multiply, inform the public about two new kinds of weeds in the lake and why it’s important to get rid of them. The nearly 110-acre lake lies within both townships. Nine residents from Carlton and one resi­ dent from Hastings attended the special meet­ ing. “If there’s no one there to say they don’t want to have it done or there’s no big group­ ing, then we adopt doing this,” Hastings Charter Township Clerk Anita Mennell said. Hearing no complaint, township officials decided to again go ahead with the weed removal. The townships have conducted the weed clean-up for 15 years. Every five years, they hold a formal meeting to inform residents that the five-year contract with Professional Lake Management has expired. This time around, property owners on the lake will be charged about $260 per year. Mennell discussed the Leach Lake weeds at the Hastings Charter Township monthly meet­ ing Tuesday. Without removing them, she said in an interview, “it would get it so you couldn’t use the lake. It’s to keep the lake clean.” Next month, both townships will move to formally adopt the map of property owners who will be charged for the service. Carlton Township has about 70 parcels on the lake, while Hastings Charter Township has 21. Mennell said the townships need to finish the process before the December property tax bills go out. In other news from the Hastings Charter Township meeting, the board: • Scheduled a clean-up of the township cemetery for the week of Nov. 15. • Approved a 6-percent salary increase for the township’s 16 employees as a cost of living adjustment, Clerk Anita Mennell said. Next month, Mennell will present the budget and the salaries will be discussed in more detail. Social Security announces 5.9 percent benefit increase for 2022 Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 5.9 percent in 2022, the Social Security Administration announced Wednesday. The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022. Increased payments to approximately 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin Dec. 30. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some other adjustments that take effect in year in January are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maxi­ mum) will increase to $147,000 from $142,800. Social Security and SSI beneficiaries are normally notified by mail starting in early December about their new benefit amounts. Most people who receive Social Security payments will be able to view their COLA notice online through their personal My Social Security account. Individuals may cre­ ate or access their personal My Social Security account online at socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount. Information about Medicare changes for 2022, when announced, will be available at medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficia­ ries receiving Medicare, Social Security will not be able to compute their new benefit amounts until after the Medicare premium amounts for 2022 are announced. Final 2022 benefit amounts will be com­ municated to beneficiaries in December through the mailed COLA notice and my Social Security’s Message Center. The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. More information can be found at socialsecurity.gov/cola. County employees commended ■ . ■ » Veteran Barry County employees were commended for their years of service during the county board meeting Tuesday. The employees include (from left): Patricia Musser, driver/dispatcher at Barry County Transit celebrating five years of service; Beth’ Dean, financial specialist with the county court system for 30 years; Timothy Brown, mechanic for Barry County Transit for five’ years; IT Coordinator David Shinavier, 30 years of service with the county’s IT department; Patricia Farnum, custodian with the building and grounds department; Cheryl Hartwell, a 10-member of the sheriff’s department administrative staff; and Ambei; McQueen, five years as a court service specialist at Barry County Trial Court, district division. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) State says EEE continues to pose a threat to people and animals The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Tuesday confirmed the discovery of three new cases of Eastern equine encephalitis in horses from Genesee and Shiawassee counties. These findings highlight the mosquitoes carrying EEE are still alive and active, and Michiganders still need to take precautions to safeguard their animals and themselves. With the addition of these newest cases, Michigan has experienced a total of eight cases of EEE in animals for 2021: one deer from Livingston County and seven horses from Barry, Genesee, Livingston, Otsego, and Shiawassee counties, combined. An EEE-positive mosquito pool also was discovered in Barry County. EEE is a dangerous, zoonotic mosquito-bome disease which is typically seen from late summer to early fall in Michigan. Mosquitoes that carry EEE will continue to pose a threat until at least one hard freeze occurs, where the temperatures fall below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours. Due to this year’s mild fall temperatures, the mosquitoes are continuing to circulate in the environment and spread the virus, accord­ ing to an Oct. 12 MDARD press release. No human cases of the disease have been identified this year. Overall, while case num­ bers are down from the total seen in 2020 (41 animal cases and four human cases), resi­ dents still need to actively protect their ani­ mals and themselves from EEE. “When combatting EEE, the date on the cal­ endar is not as important as the temperatures being experienced,” State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, said. “Our current mild tem­ peratures mean horse owners should not ease up on taking precautions, including vaccina­ tion. Since the mortality rate of EEE in horses can be as high as 90 percent, it is important for owners to work with their veterinarian to ensure their animals are properly vaccinated.” To further protect horses and other domestic animals (such as dogs, sheep, and goats) from mosquitoes that carry EEE, owners are encour­ aged to eliminate standing water on their-prop- erty, place livestock in a bam under fans from dusk to dawn to avoid peak mosquito activity^ use insect repellants that are approved for the species, and contact a veterinarian if an animal displays any sign of illness, including fever and stumbling, which can progress to being down and struggling to stand. “Michiganders need to continue taking precautions against mosquitoes as they take advantage of our current mild weather condii tions and enjoy outdoor activities,” said Dr’ Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical execu­ tive at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “People can also be infected with EEE from the bite of a mosqui­ to carrying the virus, which can lead to serin ous health impacts and even death.” Applying insect repellants, wearing long-; sleeved shirts and long pants, maintaining window and door screening, and following other precautions can help residents avoid mosquito bites and stay healthy. More information about EEE can be found Celebrating a milestone Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist We are excited to celebrate a significant milestone for My Social Security: 60 million registrations. We appreciate everyone who took the time to create a personal My Social Security account and encouraged others to do the same. We keep improving our online services to make doing business with us easier, faster and more accessible. If you are receiving benefits, you can use your personal My Social Security account, to: • Change your address and direct-deposit information. • Get proof of your benefits. • Request replacement documents, like a Medicare card. If you aren’t currently receiving benefits, you may: • Check your earnings record. • Get estimates of your future benefits. • View your Social Security Statement. In Michigan, you also can request a replacement Social Security card online, although often you only need to know your Social Security number and you do not need the physical card. See everything you can do with a personal My Social Security account,; and open one today at ssa.gov/myaccount. Please help us share this information about My Social Security with friends and family^ You also can post it on social media to help us spread the word. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/& Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. 169583 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS OF 2Q05 MASTER PLAN AT NOVEMBER 3, 2021 MEETING Please take notice the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments of the 2005 Rutland Charter Township Master Plan at its regular meeting on November 3, 2021, which begins at 7:00 p.m., at the Rutland Charter Township Hall/offices located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The purpose of this public hearing is to receive public comments on proposed amendments of the Rutland Charter Township Master Plan adopted in 2005, to generally update the Master Plan. Subsequent to this public hearing, at the same meeting or at a different meeting, the Planning Commission will consider whether to approve the proposed amendments of the Master Plan and submit same for approval by the Rutland Charter Township Board, which has reserved the right of final approval of all matters pertaining to the Master Plan. The Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to revise the proposed amendments of the Master Plan as submitted for public hearing before final approval, without a further public hearing thereon, to the extent allowed by law. The proposed amended Master Plan in its entirety may be examined by contacting the Clerk of Rutland Charter Township at her office during regular business hours on regular business days until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/meeting. The proposed amended Master Plan in its entirety is also available for public review on the Town­ ship website (www.rutlandtownship.org). Written comments concerning the proposed amendments of the Master Plan may be submitted to the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission c/o the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at any time prior to this public hearing/meeting leaving sufficient time for the receipt and distribution of same to the Planning Commission, and may also be submitted to the Planning Commission at this public hearing/meeting. Necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services will be provided at the hearing/meeting to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION c/o Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 �Page 12 — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Saxons and Panthers celebrate homecoming royalty & t ■ Delton Kellogg seniors Austin Blocker and Caitlin McManus are crowned the 2021 Delton Kellogg High School homecoming king and queen during a ceremony at half­ time of the Panther varsity football team's 15-14 win over visiting Saugatuck Friday night in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Hastings seniors Jacob Fish and Allison Teed are crowned the 2021 Hastings High School homecoming king and queen during a ceremony at the Saxon var­ sity football team’s contest against visiting Jackson Northwest inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday night. (Photo by Dan Goggins) NO ACTION, continued from page 1 But Jackson, who serves with Smelker and Geiger on the health board, said that resolution is still in play. “I think there will be a resolution,” Jackson told The Banner. “I think there’s going to be some inter­ esting debate.” “De-funding the health department during a pan­ demic seems to be a pretty bad idea when you’ve got those people who’ve been busting their ass for a year and a half and now you cut their throat or kick them to the curb,” he elaborated. “I think there will be considerable debate and commissioners will probably rethink that. “There have been several legal opinions from other counties that I’ve researched that have pretty much all said the same thing: County board has zero authority. You can put as many mandates and reso­ lutions as you want and they’re all toothless.” Jackson also said he has found that, “once you commit an appropriation, to pull that puts you in a very legally precarious position. ... So, I have some concerns based on what I’ve read. We haven’t dis­ cussed this among the board yet.” Leaving the health department would have a huge financial impact on the county, he added. “David and I disagree on the financial impact,” Smelker noted. But the time involved in extricating the county from the joint arrangement with Eaton County would take years, they agreed. Jackson also pointed out that the state favors consol­ idation as opposed to individual health departments. “We have been told there are fines and penalties,” he said. “When people want us to snap our fingers and break away, this isn’t changing a tire.... This is complex. It’s many layers of regulations.” Also, the primary funding sources for the health department are state and federal - not the county, he said. BEDHD is at $7 million now, Jackson said, turn­ ing to Smelker, “What are we? 43 percent? So, you’re talking $3.5 million if you’re talking funding your own health department, which is not feasible until you jump through all the hoops.” Many of those who have spoken in favor of split­ ting off from the local health department are not inter­ ested in logic, he said. An example he mentioned is the claim that Scrimger is operating in violation of the law since she has not taken an oath of office. But Prosecutor Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt has researched that issue and advised that no oath of office is required of any health officer in the state of Michigan. Yet that false claim is still being promoted, despite the prosecutor’s legal opinion, Jackson said. “You still hear it.” In fact, that point is meaningless and would not nullify any health orders - but it does fit with some­ one’s agenda. The truth, however, is something else entirely, he said. The resolution Smelker made last week is not dead, according to Jackson, but it raises questions that need discussion to determine what purpose the proposed action would serve. “I hate toothless resolutions, and you have to be careful what you’re legally putting yourself in for,” Jackson said. “The state did it with their budget,” Smelker remarked. Jackson replied, “You can say anything. You can put a resolution together. If that’s what we’re trying to do is putting a resolution together to make people happy ... but it doesn’t do anything. “So were going to wake up tomorrow and realize-” Then Smelker interjected, “What resolution have we put together here that made a difference?” Barry ISD receives $224,000 grant for nurses Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry Intermediate School District will have two Spectrum Health nurses at both of its school districts after receiving a Franklin has been working with Spectrum Health Pennock Chief Operating Officer Bernard Jore to select the nurses, he said, who will be paid though one year by the grant. “It’s hard to imagine a partner more solid and capable [than Spectrum]” Franklin said. Money also will be left over to pay for the ISD’s current nurse to commit one day a week to working with BISD or its districts, he added. The board voted 4-0 to accept the grant. Trustee Marsha Bassett abstained, due to her employment with Spectrum Health. In other business: - Franklin said he is preparing a presenta­ tion for Hastings and Delton Kellogg school boards, with a cost benefit analysis and comparison to other ISDs. The boards of Hastings, Delton Kellogg and the ISD met in September to discuss a potential ISD millage, but members of Delton’s board said they wanted to explore other, larger ISDs because of the additional resources they would have available. Franklin said if Delton Kellogg leaves, the ISD would be disbanded, since the state would not allow an ISD to exist for one district. The superintendents of Hastings and Delton Kellogg plan to give their own pre­ sentations on the options to their respective boards during their regular meetings Monday. “In the meantime, I know that what Delton has been doing is some field trips, and some conversations with one other ISD, at least, who they wanted to know a lot about,” Franklin told the ISD board. Franklin went on one field trip with a Delton board member to see Hastings’ career and technical education classes. BISD Board President Robert Becker said he plans to attend a Michigan Association of School Boards’ seminar on how to successfully pass a millage as an ISD. - The board unanimously voted to rate https://pages.laketrust.org/hastings-branch?utm_source=Print&utm_medium=Print&utm_campaign=Hastings-Branch Franklin as “effective” after an evaluation at a previous meeting. The rating includes a merit pay of $500, a one-year contract extension to June 30, 2024, and a 1 percent salary increase, the last of which was also received by all other staff. Find out more at - Franklin said the ISD’s audit is current­ laketrust.org/hastingshome THE POWER IN ALL OF US ly underway, and appears to be progressing smoothly. He anticipated a written report Federally insured by NCUA. from the auditors at the November meeting. $224,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Education. The nurses will be in addition to those already at Hastings Area Schools and Delton Kellogg Schools. The new home you've been hoping for. The savings goal you've set. The new business you've been dreaming about. Lake Trust's new relationship center is here to talk about it — all of it — and help you make it happen. During a Barry ISD Board of Education meeting last Thursday, Superintendent Rich Franklin said the money is part of the feder­ al government’s COVID-19 response and will pay for the nurses so long as they are available to conduct COVID-19 tests as needed by the districts. “But then, the understanding is, they could provide general nursing services, so it’s real­ ly bonus nursing services,” Franklin said. LAKE TRUST �SPORTS SECTION Thursday, October 14,2021 TK’s Wilkinson takes regional singles victory The Lakewood varsity boys' soccer team celebrates with its Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship trophy after a 3-1 win over perennial league power Lansing Christian in the GLAC Tournament Championship Monday at Unity Field in Woodland. The Vikings capped off an undefeated regular season with the victory, moving their record to 16-0-1. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Undefeated! No. 15 Vikings go 9-0 in GLAC Brett Bremer MM Sports Editor The Vikings got in all the kinds of celebra­ tion Monday afternoon. Teammates leapt into each other as they sprinted between the field and the bench. The student section poured onto the field to form a mob scene. After the handshakes between the Lakewood varsity boys’ soccer team and the Lansing Christian Pilgrims, the Vikings ducked through a tunnel of their classmates on the Unity Field grass. They did their best to douse head coach James LeVeque with what was left of the jugs of ice water from the bench. Finally, they hoisted the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship trophy. The Lakewood boys capped off a undefeated 16-0-1 regular season and a 9-0 GLAC season by scoring a 3-1 win over Lansing Christian in the final game of the 2021 GLAC Championship Tournament Monday afternoon. Lakewood, ranked 15^ in the state in Division 3, and Lansing Christian, ranked ll^1 in the state in Division 4, both earned semifinal wins at Lakewood High School Saturday, but after the two ballgames on the soggy field officials deter­ mined that the turf was too tore up to continue the tournament so the two teams had to wait until Monday to settle the conference championship. Lansing Christian is now 11-5 overall this sea­ son and closes the GLAC at 7-2, with both league losses coming against the Lakewood boys. “This is awesome,” Lakewood senior Tyson Raffler said. “It is a really great experience for us to accomplish this win. I am really glad we could go this far in the season and be undefeat­ ed. I am really happy for my teammates.” “We put a lot of hard work into it. We had a lot of hard work from our families too,” he added, especially pleased to get pre-game meals every day. “We had good captains and a good group of seniors and pushed our way through it I guess.” The Vikings had to push through Monday after a bit of a slow start that had them trail­ ing 1-0 in the tournament game made up of two 30 minute halves rather than the usual 40 minute halves for a regular season contest. A Lakewood free kick from the right side near midfield eventually led to Raffler being left alone with the ball about 30 yards out from the Lansing Christian goal on the left side. “Should I shoot it or should I pass it off,” went through Rafiler’s head. “I’ve got to shoot it.” “It was a lucky shot. I’m glad it went in,” Raffler said, while admitting he’s probably wasn’t giving himself enough credit. His coach certainly didn’t think it was as lucky shot. “Just a bender to the far post, just a gorgeous shot,” was how LeVeque described it. “That woke us up and it got the crowd behind us. “We have never had a crowd like this before. The crowd was absolutely amazing. They came out in force. We had a student section, they were loud, they were obnoxious, maybe a little too obnoxious at times. The pep band came out at the end. “That pumped the kids up. Once we got that first goal and tied it, the momentum you Lakewood senior Tyson Raffler rises above Lansing Christian's Kevin Brooks to get his head on a ball in the midfield during the Vikings' 3-1 win over the visit­ ing Pilgrims on Unity Field Monday in the GLAC Tournament Championship Game. (Photo by Brett Bremer) could tell changed. We weren’t flawless by any means, but we took advantage of the chances that we had which has been a sore spot this year. We have kind of left some chances out there and struggled to finish on some quality looks and today we took advan­ tage of most of the quality chances we got which is a really good sign for us.” Colby Carter scored the other two Lakewood goals, with assists from Jacob Merryfield and Jackson Mackenzie. The two goals were the team-leading 16^ and 17^ of the season for the Vikings’junior attacker Carter. “[Carter] puts himself in the right places all the time,” LeVeque said. “He makes amazing runs. He knows where to be and when to be there. He is not going to be the fastest guy up there, but he is probably the most skilled for­ ward that we have on the team - technical wise. He does a good job of putting the ball in the comer of the net and just always gets around the ball. He fights through contact. He is a very physical player. He has always been that way.” He scored the go-ahead goal for the Vikings with 14.2 seconds left in the first half. Sophomore Garrett Feighan pushed the Pilgrim defense back with a run towards the right comer. The ball was sent back up the line in front of the Viking bench where Merryfield got to it. He chipped the ball into the top right corner of the box where Carter ran onto it and fired it past the Lansing Christian keeper Benjamin Sullivan. Carter found the net at the other end, the north end, of Unity Field six minutes into the Brett Bremer Sports Editor Grand Rapids Christian and East Grand . Rapids will be a part of the MHSAA Division 3Lower Peninsula Boys Tennis Finals, but nei­ ther of their fourth singles players could get by Thomapple Kellogg senior Payton Wilkinson. Wilkinson won the regional championship* at fourth singles during the Division 3 Regional Tournament played on the Eagles and Pioneers’ home courts Wednesday. The regional tournament was moved up two days due to predicted Friday rain storms. The Trojan team placed fifth on the day atthe tournament where the top two teams and top two first singles players earned spots in the upcoming state finals. Wilkinson matched up with East Grand Rapids’ Prahlad Pant in the fourth singles championship, and had a 3-2 lead when Pantresigned from the match. Wilkinson opened his day with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Hastings’ Brandon Darling and then bested7 Grand Rapids Christian’s Callum Campbell 6-2, 7-5 in the semifinal match at fourth singles. Wilkinson was down 5-2 in the second set before rallying to take five straight games. He said he was able to fix his mindset to pull off the win in straight sets over Campbell. “I told my coach, it’s a lot easier to get to six from two then going into a third set and starting over,” Wilkinson said. “There was a big turning point to get to 5-5. There was what had to be about a five minute rally. It was just back and forth, over 100 balls, and I ended up winning that.” “I don’t miss that often,” Wilkinson said of being able to pull out a point like that, “and I think my swing has improved greatly this sea­ son. The forehand has gotten a lot better. The backhand goes in. I figured out if you pick on their _backhand more than they can pick on yours you end up winning most of the time.” Grand Rapids Christiaff wbh the regional championship with 17 points, ahead of East Grand Rapids 15, Holland Christian 13, Holland 8, Thomapple Kellogg 7, Zeeland West 5, Hamilton 4, Zeeland East 2, Hastings 1 and Wayland 1. TK senior Jack Geukes at second singles opened his day with a 6-1, 6-1 win over East Grand Rapids’ Mikey Beusse. The TK first doubles team of James Thome and Ronald^ Simmons scored a 6-4,6-2 win over Hamilton’s Joshua Bush and Kyle Staub. TK also had its* second doubles team of Hayden Oly and Kameron Nichols score a 7-5, 6-2 over the/ number two team from Wayland. The Trojan: fourth doubles team of Aaron Michald and Aidan Dudik scored a 6-0, 6-1 win over Chase Robinson and Andrew Hinds from Wayland. “It was a good season,” Wilkinson said. “The" guys were very fun. I think it was probably the best season out of all four that I played. The line-up changed, like with doubles and singles with the seniors graduating and I think every­ body was put where they were supposed to be and ended up being successful at their spot. It was good to see everybody have some success.” The Trojans had one of their most success­ ful seasons ever in the OK Gold Conference this fall. They finished second to the league champions from Forest Hills Eastern by fin-* ishing in a tie with Grand Rapids Catholic , Central at the conference tournament hosted by South Christian Oct. 2. Lakewood junior Colby Carter looks to the Viking student section in the Unity Field bleachers as he celebrates his second goal in the Vikings' 3-1 win over Lansing Christian Monday in the championship game of the 2021 GLAC Tournament. (Photo by Brett Bremer) second half. This time Mackenzie chipped a ball from left to right across the Pilgrim box and Carter beat Sullivan to it to knock it into the net. That play was initially set-up by a long free kick from near midfield by teammate Connor Feighan that rang off the upper left 90 of the goal, causing some havoc in the Pilgrim box. Lakewood keeper Ben Scobey managed to clean things up in his box throughout the sec­ ond half, despite the Pilgrims getting the ball in deep on him a couple times. Scobey’s key save of the game came moments after Baylor Brogan’s goal there minutes into the ballgame that put his team in front 1-0. Brogan got another chance 15 yards out in front of Scobey who managed to snag the point-blank shot top keep his team within a goal. “We we a little flat,” LeVeque said. “We weren’t terribly flat, but I think they came out a little extra motivated. Lansing Christian came out really hard and won everything in the middle of the field, won all the 50/50 balls, pretty much the first 15-20 minutes had us on our heels.” The Viking coach could see the tide turn­ ing though even before Raffler’s long blast that found the net. “Zac Gibson and Jacob Merryfield, they came off the bench today and they energized us I thought. They went in about eight or so minutes into the game and they brought up the energy level,” LeVeque said. “They stared wining 50/50 balls and they started playing through guys. That ramped up the team a lit­ tle bit and got us going a little harder. I credit them for picking up the pace and getting us emotionally into the game. We were strug­ gling early. We came in a little over excited.” Lakewood opened the GLAC Tournament with a 4-0 win over Olivet Saturday morning. Lansing Christian won its GLAC Tournament semifinal 3-1 over Laingsburg Saturday. The Vikings will be undefeated now until their season is done. They were scheduled to open the MHSAA Division 3 Districts at home against Wellspring Prep Wednesday (Oct. 13). The winner of that bailgame will travel to South Christian for a district semifi­ nal match Tuesday at 5 p.m. against either No. 11 Grand Rapids Catholic Central or Grand Rapids West Catholic who meet for their opening round match this afternoon. South Christian, ranked fifth in the state in Division 3, will face either Grand River Prep or Belding in the district’s other semifinal match Tuesday. Thomapple Kellogg senior Paytom Wilkinson captured the fourth singles championship at the Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by Grand RapidsChristian Wednesday, Oct. 6, in Grand Rapids. Wilkinson scored victories over the No. 4 singles players from Hastings^* Christian and East Grand Rapids to earn • his title. (File photo) - �Page 14 —• Thursday, October 14, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Saxons get early start to week eight Brett Bremer Sports Editor It is a different end to the regular season schedule ahead for the Hastings Saxons. The Saxons will look to finish off a second straight Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship on Thursday night when they travel to Coldwater to take on the Cardinals. : Hastings, Harper Creek and Jackson Lumen Christi remain tied atop the 1-8 standings with 5-1 conference records. Lumen Christi will take on Parma Western this weekend and Harper Creek faces Marshall. The Saxons have won two in a row since falling to the Titans in week five of the sea­ son, and head to Coldwater with the 1-8’s top scoring offense to face the Cardinals who have fallen to Western and Harper Creek in back-to-back weeks. Delton Kellogg has won three in a row around a week six cancellation with Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division foe Lawton. The Panthers are out­ side the conference this Friday hosting Allegan for the final home game of the regu­ lar season at Delton Kellogg. The rest of the local teams are coming off tough losses to outstanding foes from last weekend. Lakewood, Thomapple Kellogg and Maple Valley were all bested by teams leading their respective conferences last weekend - Olivet, Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Britton-Deerfield who are a com­ bined 20-1 this season. Thomapple Kellogg goes on the road look­ ing for its second OK Gold Conference win of the season against a winless Wayland team this Friday night. Lakewood has finished off the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season and will travel to face Charlotte Friday. The Vikings’ long-time Lansing area rivals are 4-3 on the season, and the Orioles are the only team to have bested the GLAC champi­ ons from Olivet this season. Charlotte scored a 49-40 win over the Eagles in week one of the season. Maple Valley, which finished in a three­ way tie for third place in the Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference will be on the road at Webberville Friday. Both teams are looking to turn things around. The Spartans haven’t won since week one, and had their own rough outings in recent weeks against BrittonDeerfield and Portland St. Patrick. Local Standings (W-L, playoffpoints) Hastings 6-1 (55.000) Delton Kellogg 4-2 (31.857) Lakewood 4-3 (26.143) Maple Valley (8-player) 2-5 Thomapple Kellogg 1-6 (28.429) Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Lumen Christi 6-1, 5-1 Hastings 6-1, 5-1 Harper Creek 5-2, 5-1 - Coldwater 3-4, 3-3 I Parma Western 5-2. 4-2 , Pennfield 2-5, 1-5 Marshall 2-5, 1-5 Northwest 1-6, 0-6 OK Gold Conference G.R. Catholic Central 7-0, 5-0 Cedar Springs 6-1, 5-0 Kenowa Hills 3-4, 2-3 5-2, 4-1 South Christian Forest Hills Eastern 3-4, 2-3 2-5, 1-4 Ottawa Hills 1-6, 1-4 Thomapple Kellogg 0-7, 0-5 Wayland Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Lawton 7-0, 1-0 Delton Kellogg 4-2, 2-0 Saugatuck 4-3, 1-1 Schoolcraft 2-4, 1-1 , Galesburg-Augusta 0-7, 0-3 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Olivet 5-2,4-0 Lakewood 4-3,3-1 Leslie 3-4,2-2 .Perry 2-5, 1-3 Stockbridge 2-5,0-4 Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference Britton-Deerfield 7-0,4-0 NorthPointe Christian 5-2, 3-1 Concord 2-5, 1-3 .Maple Valley 2-5, 1-3 Vandercook Lake 2-5, 1-3 Here is a round-up of last week’s local gridiron action. Hastings 66, Jackson Northwest 18 Valerie Slaughter . Contributing Writer Hastings had a successful homecoming game Friday night at Baum Stadium and Johnson Field as the Saxons rolled over the Mounties from Jackson Northwest 66-18. The Saxon varsity football team scored in , the first 12 seconds of the game on a 56-yard pass play from Mason Denton to TJ Russell, and then held the Mounties to get the ball back and scored again with 10:16 still in the first quarter on a 30-yard run from Robby ^Slaughter. Slaughter also ran in the two-point conversion to put the Saxons up 14-0. Lightning put an hour delay on the game with a minute left in the first quarter, when the game resumed Jackson scored on their first drive on a 40-yard run by Isaiah Grybauskas. In the second quarter, the Saxons scored 4 touchdowns, three of them by Russell on a 1-yard, 27-yard and 38-yard run. Lanny Teunessen also had a 7-yard touchdown and three of the two-point conversions. Daniel Harp also had a two-point conversion. The Mounties were able to put another score on the board by an additional run by Grybauskas, but at the half the Saxons led 32 - 6. Delton Kellogg quarterback Philip Halcomb follows a block by running back Vincent quick during their homecoming win over Saugatuck Friday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) At the top of the third quarter Slaughter ran in an 81-yard touchdown and Russell picked up his fifth touchdown of the night on a 42-yard run. Victor Ramirez made the extra point kick to put the Saxons up 59-12. Sophomore Hayden Simmet was the sole Saxon scorer in the final quarter with a 52-yard touchdown, and Grybauskas com­ pleted a pass to JR Morrow for the final score of the game to put the final score at 66-18. The Saxons rushed for 472 yards on the night with Russell leading with 172 yards on 14 carries, Slaughter also had 113 yards on 3 carries, Simmet added 52 yards and Harp added 42 yards. On defense, Layton Eastman picked off another interception for the season, and Jackson Dubois added a sack for the night. Teunessen and Dubois led the team in tack­ les with 5 each and Collin Fouty had 4 tackles for the night. The Saxons again had a team contribution on defense with 22 different Saxons picking up tackles for the team. Hastings remains tied for the lead in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference with a 6-1 record on the season. The Saxons will travel to Coldwater on Thursday to face the Cardinals who are 3-4 on the season. Delton Kellogg 15, Saugatuck 14 Delton Kellogg right guard Luke Watson pulled around from left to right to help tack­ le Adrian DeBoer seal the left edge, with an extra push from back Ricky Ramsey as he plowed through on his fake towards the end zone. It took a little bit of everything from every­ body. Quarterback Philip Halcomb got the ball in the belly of Corey Moore, and Moore ducked through the hole made by his teammates and did then did the rest on his own. Moore scored on a 12-yard run, spinning away from one Saugatuck tackler at the five and then carrying another across the goal­ line, to get his team within 14-13 of the Trailblazers with 4:12 to play in the home­ coming football game at Delton Kellogg High School Friday. Halcomb got the rest of the work done, beating three Saugatuck defenders to the left pylon for the two-point conversion that gave the Panthers a 15-14 win over the Trailblazers in Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division action. The Panther defense finished off the victo­ ry eventually, stuffing a fourth-and-one run at its own 14-yard-line to finally end Saugatuck’s chances of retaking the lead. Moore had ten carries for 55 yards on the night. That 12-yard TD run was his longest carry of the evening. DK starting quarterback Philip Halcomb rushed 11 times for 54 yards. That game-winning drive by the Panthers got a big boost from a pair of unsportsman­ like conduct penalties against Saugatuck after the Trailblazers had smothered a Delton Kellogg run on a third-and-five near midfield in the backfield. The ball moved from a fourth-and-long at the Trailblazer 49 to a first-and-ten at the Trailblazer 24. Saugatuck senior running back Benny Diaz had scored in the opening minute of the fourth quarter on a three-yard run to put his team in front 14-7 with the addition of the extra-point kick. DK also had Ramsey record seven rushes for 45 yards, Mason Nabozny 11 rushes for 37 yards and Quick eight rushes for 35 yards in the bailgame. After a lengthy lightning delay, the two teams played through a scoreless first quarter. DK took the initial advantage on a three-yard TD run by Quick early in the second quarter and then recovered the ensuing kickoff and threatened to score again before the Trailblazer defense stood up in the shadow of its own goal. Saugatuck then put together a 99-yard scoring drive to even the game at 7-7. It was a quick drive that ended on a 60-yard TD run by Diaz. Grand Rapids Catholic Central 51, Thornapple Kellogg 0 The top ranked team in the state in Division 5 kept its OK Gold Conference and overall records perfect by scoring a 51 -0 win over the Thomapple Kellogg varsity football team Friday in Middleville. The Cougars took a 44-0 lead in the open­ ing half. Senior John Passinault completed 10-of-20 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns, and his replacement tossed two more touch­ down passes in the second half. The Cougars amassed 303 yards of offense in the ballgame. Thomapple Kellogg quarterback Carsen Burbridge was 7-of-17 passing for 95 yards. Senior Matthew Middleton, another Trojan QB, had a team high five rushes for 28 yards in the ballgame. The top target fo the TK QB’s was sophomore tight end Jaxan Sias who had two catches for 66 yards. The Cougars also scored a safety on a Trojan punt attempt and returned a sec­ ond-half interception for a touchdown. Olivet 37, Lakewood 0 Lakewood High School athletic director Mike Quinn turned his attention away from Unity Field momentarily in the second half to collect the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship trophy, and stood cradling it in his arms on the sideline. The trophy wasn’t staying. Olivet clinched its fifth consecutive Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship with a dominant performance over the Lakewood varsity football team following an hour and a half lightning delay. The Eagles were in control even before the dark clouds started spitting electricity. Olivet had a 6-0 lead when the game paused half a minute into the second quarter. When the teams returned to the field the Eagles went 46 yards in five plays to score on a 14-yard run by quarterback Tyler Flower. Soyer Moon had finished off the first Eagle drive of the game, in the opening quarter, with a one-yard TD plunge. The kicking game was the bright spot for the Vikings early on. Kicker Connor Feighan blasted the opening kickoff off an Eagle upman and the ball was recovered by the Vikings’ Justin Warner. Lakewood also knocked down the Eagles’ first extra-point attempt of the bailgame. Flower added an 18-yard TD run and a 16-yard touchdown pass to teammate Blake Lincoln in the second quarter, and then scored on a 46-yard run on his team’s first snap of the second half. Hito Gallimore intercepted a pass by Viking quarterback Nathan Willette from the Eagles’ 25 on a fourth down after that initial special teams turnover. Lakewood got inside the Eagle 30-yard-line two more times on the night but could never find the end zone. Willette had a 49-yard run early in the sec­ ond half that had the Vikings to the Olivet 21, but the Eagle defense stopped a couple runs the Vikings couldn’t quite hold onto a third down pass at the pylon to get into the end zone. Willette had ten rushes for 111 yards on the evening. Denny Sauers chipped in nine car­ ries for 40 yards and had a team-high ten tackles on defense. Britton-Deerfield 61, Maple Valley 8 Britton-Deerfield clinched in the inaugural Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference Championship with a 61-8 win over visiting Maple Valley Saturday. The Patriots kept their record perfect at 7-0 overall by finishing off its sweep of the fiveteam conference. They outscored their four See FOOTBALL, page 15 Hastings defender Lanny Teunessen goes in for a tackle on a Northwest ballcarrier in a downpour during the Saxons' homecoming win over the visiting Mounties inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) Olivet quarterback Clay Flower (12) tries to fight off a tackle attempt by Lakewood's Nathan Willette during their GLAC showdown on Unity Field at Lakewood High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg quarterback Torren Mapes takes a bootleg around the left side for a gain during the Panthers 15-14 win over visiting Saugatuck Friday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — Page 15 Madison Nino from the Junior team runs the ball as Bri Barnes from the Senior team reaches for her flag during the Hastings High School homecoming week Powder Puff football game Wednesday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. The Senior team defeated the Junior team 7-0 in the bailgame. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) The Barry County Christian School's varsity boys' soccer team talks things over during its run at the Great Lakes 6 Tournament which it hosted Saturday in Hastings. BCCS hosts day of GL6 soccer and volleyball tournaments Saxon defender Layton Eastman rises high in the air to thwart a Jackson Northwest pass near the goal-line during the homecoming game at Hastings High School Friday. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) FOOTBALL, continued from page 14 Tri-River foes 231-28 on the season, meaning the 30 points they scored in the opening quarter against the Lions were more than all their conference opponents scored against them all season long. Nico Johnson rushed ten times for 141 yards and four touchdowns for the Patriots, and threw a pair of touchdown passes. A 65-yard TD pass from Johnson to teammate Mason Mueller had the Patriots up 30-0 at the end of the first quarter. Johnson also connected with team­ mate Noah McRobert for a 40-yard score. Mueller finished the day with four receptions for 147 yards and teammate Logan Shiels had two catches for 58 yards for the Patriots. Britton-Deerfield amassed 498 yards of offense to the Lions’ 139. Johnson was also 8-of-13 passing for 254 yards. Andrew Shepard had a team-high 15 rushes for 84 yards to lead the Lion attack. Callan Hoefler scored the Lions’ lone touchdown on a 15-yard run with 11:11 to play in the ballgame, and Ayden Wilkes tossed the two-point conversion attempt to Reece Proctor-Burhans. Proctor-Burhans finished the day with eight tackles on defense. Jesse Deppe led the Lions with nine tackles. Wilkes was 4-of-13 passing for 41 yards. He was intercepted once. Cam Carpenter had three receptions for 33 yards. Hammerheads prepping for winter swim club season Sign-up is going on now for the Hammerheads Swim Club winter season. The club is open to anyone between the ages of eight and 18 who can swim 25 yards of both the free­ style and backstroke efficiently. The season runs from Nov. 15 until Feb. 11, with practices held on Mondays and Wednesday at the Community Education and Recreation Center pool in Hastings. The deadline to sign up is Nov. 1 to receive time slot nla - ■ ?jit J as 1 age and performance, unuul uscmich@gmail.com with swimmers’ name, age, birth date and number of years of club swimming by then. Time slots for practice will be announced by Nov. 5. The cost to participate is $100, with a fee of $95 for a second swim­ mer from a family and $90 for a third swimmer from a family. Checks should be made payable to Hastings Swim Club. A printed registration sheet and payment will be required the first day of practice. Team administrator Jodi Hawks will be on deck collecting registrations. Registration sheets can be found on the team’s website and by the team bulletin board in the CERC lobby. The team website is www.hammerheadswimclub.weebly.com. Mike Schipper is the Hammerheads head coach. With eight volleyball teams and six soccer teams competing for Great Lakes 6 Conference Championships, Barry County Christian Schools’ athletic director Angie Thompson called it a great day of competi­ tion Saturday. Heritage Christian Academy took the championship in both the varsity volleyball and varsity boys’ soccer tournaments. The boys’ soccer tournament included the host Eagles, the champions from Heritage Christian as well as Libertas Christian, Creative Technologies Academy, Algoma Christian and West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science teams. The BCCS boys won their opener 6-1 over the Environmental Science team, but next round of the 2 against Heritage Christian. Heritage Christian then went on to defeat Algoma for the championship. Those six teams along with Carson City Fellowship Baptist Academy and Sacred Heart Academy from Grand Rapids compet­ ed in the eight-team GL6 volleyball tourna­ ment. There were a number of close matches throughout the day including a tough loss for the Barry County Christian School girls going up against Fellowship Baptist. The teams played best of three set match­ es, until Heritage and Algoma squared off in the best of five set championship, which Heritage Christian won in five. 169646 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING COMMERCIAL FACILITIES EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE APPLICATION FROM HASTINGS MICHIGAN AVENUE, LLC AT 128 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 AS PROVIDED BY SECTION 6 (2) P.A. 255 OF PUBLIC ACTS 1978 Notice is hereby given that the Hastings City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday October 25, 2021 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers second floor of City Hall located at 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The purpose of the Public Hearing is for City Council to hear comments and make a determination on the Commercial Facilities Exemption Certificate Application from Hastings Michigan Avenue, LLC for property located at 128 North Michigan Avenue, Hastings, Ml 49058 otherwise known as: Parcel #08-55-201-051-00 The City will provide necessary reasonable aid and services to disabled persons wishing to attend these hearings upon seven days notice to the Clerk of the City of Hastings, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Telephone 269/945-2468 or TDD call relay services 800/649-3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk The Barry County Christian School's varsity volleyball team takes a moment during the Great Lakes 6 Tournament for a prayer Saturday at Barry County Christian High School. 169602 BARRY TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BARRY, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have pre­ pared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the Fair Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District No. 2021-1 benefited by the proposed aquatic plant con­ trol project. The roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing the costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, which district is more partic­ ularly shown on the plans on file with the Township Clerk. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 11300 S. M-43 Highway, Delton, Michigan. The project cost (including adminis­ trative costs) is $45,235, which is the amount of the assessment roll. The assessment amounts assessed against each property in the district will be $190.06 per year per parcel. The term of the special assessment will be two years, 2021 through 2022 inclusive. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessor have further reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said district is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said district as the benefit to such parcels bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet at the Barry Township Hall, 155 E. Orchard Street, Delton, Michigan on Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll, hearing any objections thereto and confirming the roll as submitted or revised or amended. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business days of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his objections there­ to in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Barry Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the meeting to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon seven (7) days’ notice to the Barry Township Clerk. Debra Knight, Barry Township Clerk P.O. Box 705 Delton Ml 49046 (269) 623-5171 �Page 16 --Thursday, October 14, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Vikings test themselves at home invite I Lakewood blockers Maradith O’Gorman (10), Ellie Possehn (2) and Alivia Everitt team up in an effort to slow down an attack by Forest Hills Northern junior Kennedy Louisell during the championship semifinals of Saturday’s Lakewood Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Portage course, foes, push Panthers to new personal bests Brett Bremer Sport Editor J The Delton Kellogg girls were 19^ and the pK boys 21st at the annual Portage Invitational at Portage West Middle School Saturday. * A field of 31 full teams and then some pushed the Panthers to new heights up and down the hills in Portage. Among the seven fastest DK girls, four ran new personal record times and another had her fastest race of the fall. Senior Halena Phillips led the DK ladies with an 83rd-place time of 22 minutes 30.7 Ihconds. J DK had the freshman duo of Johannah JJoutkooper and Lillie Steele set new person­ al records. Houtkooper was llO^1 in 23:06.2 and Steele 123rd in 23:26.3. DK freshman JiLylie Main also ran her fastest varsity race Jet placing 156^ in 24:21.5. Also in the top jjve for DK was junior Joelle White who /dropped her PR down to 23:48.2 while finish­ ing in 131st place overall. ; i Sophomore Brea Chandler turned in a new Reason best time while placing 177^ in 24:51.2, (he sixth DK Panther across the finish line. 4 The DK girls were 19^ on the day with 543 points. Hart won the Division 3 girls’ meet with 83 joints, ahead of Jackson Lumen Christi 102, Itent City 140, Covenant Christian 143 and 'Lansing Catholic 145 in the top five. 4 Hart sophomore Alyson Enns led her team Jo the title with a winning time of 18:18.5. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings will be battle tested come tournament time. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team fell in the semifinals of its own Lakewood Invitational Saturday, 25-23, 25-19 against Forest Hills Northern. The Huskies came into the weekend ranked ninth in the state in Division 1. The Vikings were 2-2 for the day. They scored a 25-21,25-11 win over Harper Creek and a 26-24, 25-8 win over Plymouth Christian in pool play, while also falling 25-21, 25-23 to Lowell in pool play. Forest Hills Northern, powered by junior outside hitter Kennedy Louisell who Lakewood head coach Cam Rowland called one of the top five outside hitters in the state, went on to win the tournament championship with a 25-16, 25-17 victory over Caledonia in the final. Caledonia had knocked off Lowell in its semifinal match-up. Maradith O’Gorman had 48 kills to lead Lakewood’s attack at the tournament, while adding 32 digs and two blocks. Skylar Bump had 14 kills, a team-high nine aces and 33 digs. Libero Carley Piercefield recorded 50 digs. Freshman setter Abby Pickard had 36 assists. Ellie Possehn had a team-high three blocks. Lakewood also got six kills from Zayda Kruger and five each from Tori Wickerink and Alivia Everitt. Piercefield had ten assists. Paige Wolverton and Piercefield added for aces each and Alli Pickard had three. Alli Pickard chipped in 20 digs and Abby Pickard had 12. Wickerink contributed two blocks. Lakewood finished off a perfect 6-0 season of Greater Lansing Activities Conference duals with a 25-7, 25-7, 25-7 win at Leslie Tuesday evening, and the Vikings will host the GLAC Championship Tournament Oct. 23. O’Gorman led the Vikings with seven kills Tuesday. Abby Pickard had 11 assists and Bump nine, with Bailey Fifelski chipping in five. Alli Pickard had a team-high six aces, with Bump adding five and O’Gorman, Fifelski, Wolverton and Abby Pickard three each. Piercefield had ten digs and Wickerink two blocks to lead the Viking defense. Lakewood freshman setter Abby Pickard flings the ball over the net for a side out during her team’s semifinal match with Forest Hills Northern at the Lakewood Invitational Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK bests Blue Devils in finale Hart had two other girls in the top five, senior Audrianna Enns who was fourth and fifth­ place finisher Jessica Jazwinski, a freshman. Jacksq^Lumen Christi sophomore Madison Osterberg ran a new personal record time of 18:23.5 to place second. The DK boys’ team got personal record times from each of its top four runners and season bests from its five and six runners. Junior Micah Martin led DK in the Division 3 boys’ race with a 79th-place time of 18:37.6. Junior Isaac Shepard set his PR at 19:11.7 while placing 105ttT and senior Caden Ferris lowered his PR to 19:28.3 in a 121st-place run. DK senior Eli Austin, senior Austin Blocker and junior Brett Harsevoort were in a pack coming in. Austin set a PR with his 175th-place time of 20:22.7. Blocker finished 181st in 20:26.1 and Harsevoort 183rd in 20:27.8, both setting new season best marks. The DK boys were 21st with 545 points out of 30 full Division 3 boys’ teams. The D3 boys’ title went to the Traverse City St. Francis team that scored 95 points. The top five also included Hart with 139 points, Calvin Christian 149, Covenant Christian 193 and Lansing Catholic 205. Benzie Central junior Hunter Jones ran his fastest race yet to win the boys’ race in 14: 52.3. He didn’t really have anyone on his heels. Bryan senior Joshuah Taylor was the runner-up in 15:39.1, and Manton senior Noah Marrow set a new personal record at 15: 44.6 to place third. Those were the three guys to break the 16-minute mark at the race. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured Delton Kellogg’s Martin Wachowski looks to fire the ball up the right side during his team’s match with Fennville Wednesday (Oct. 6) in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team evened its record at 7-7-2 with a 5-0 victory over visiting Lawton in the final Southwestern Athletic Conference match of the season Monday in Delton. The DK boys close the conference sea­ son with a 5-4-1 record. DK was scheduled to open its MHSAA Division 3 District Delton Kellogg defender Caden Ferris(29) and goalie Marcus Momenee guard their net during the chaos of a corner kick Wednesday, Oct. 6, against Fennville in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Tournament at home against Comstock last night (Oct. 13). The winner of that match will host a district semifinal match against either Constantine or Parchment next week. The district’s championship game will be played Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. in Delton. Delton Kellogg honored its seniors and parents at Monday’s contest. Hector Jimenez scored two goals and Marshall Warner scored two goals in the DK victory over the Blue Devils. Warner added an assist as well. James Blackbum had a goal and two assists. DK also got an assist from Javier Guevara. The Panthers were on the wrong end of a shut out last Wednesday, Oct. 6, in Delton falling 1-0 to visiting Fennville. Marcus Momenee had 13 saves in goal for Delton Kellogg in a losing effort. An 81 leaves Kaminski one stroke shy of Finals tee time Brett Bremer Sports Editor Thomapple Kellogg senior Lane Kaminski missed securing a spot in next weekend’s MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Girls Golf Finals by a single stroke Monday (Oct. 4) at Island Hills Golf Course in Centreville. The Trojan leader scored an 81 to finish off her varsity career. The top three teams and top three individuals not on those teams at the regional qualified for the state finals. Zeeland West sophomore Rylee Smith was the last of the three individual state qualifiers, shooting 80 to finish fifth overall. The other two individual state qualifiers were in the 70s, Portage Northern’s KT Leinwand (76) and Coldwater’s Taylor Musselman (78). Byron Center captured the team regional championship with a score of 339, led by sophomore Macie Elzinga who matched Leinwand’s 76 through 18 holes. Battle Creek Lakeview was second with a 347 and Gull Lake third at 355, ahead of Zeeland West 361, St. Joseph 366, Stevensville Lakeshore 376, Coldwater 380, Zeeland East 386, Thomapple Kellogg 388, Portage Northern 389, Mattawan 410, Holland 422 and Sturgis 428. TK freshman Ailana Leos was 14^ overall with an impressive 87. The Trojan team also got a 107 from senior Katy Raphael and a 113 from senior Kendra Cole. Byron Center had two girls in the 70s, with senior Pia Ficek shooting a 77 to place third. The Bulldogs also got a 91 from Jayda Kerns and a 95 from Jenna Wallace to claim the regional title. Lakeview was led by a pair of 82s from Annabelle Minneman and Amiyah Gibson. Third-place Gull Lake got an 81 from senior Annie Betts and an 83 from senior Lauryn Jerke. The Division 2 Lower Peninsula Girls Golf Finals will be held at Bedford Valley this weekend, Oct. 15-16. �The Hastings Banner - -Thursday, October 14, 2021 — Page 17 Saxons score nine medals at Wayland Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons did their best to keep their footing across the slick elevation changes behind Wayland Middle School in the misty rain Tuesday at the Wayland Invitational. Hastings head coach Steve Collins stood at one sharp turn where the course moves through a fence line between the woods and practice football fields, alerting each of his runners to stay wide on the turn to avoid an especially treacherous mud hole. The Hastings boys kept their balance well enough to score a third place finish Tuesday, while the Hastings girls placed fifth. Saxon sophomore Riley Shults ran to a third-place finish in the boys’ race with a time of 17:L43.22. He trailed only a pair of Hamilton runners, junior Max VanHuis who finished in 17:33.34 and freshman Abatu Dykstra who came in at 17:42.82. Even with the top two finishers, the Hamilton boys couldn’t overpower the Wayland pack which had Wildcats finish in fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth place on their home course. Wayland won the boys’ meet with 30 points, ahead of Hamilton 47, Hastings 59, Hopkins 117 and Wyoming Lee 122. The Saxon boys’ team had six top-30 med­ alists at the race. That group included fresh­ man Brandon Simmons who was tenth in 18:56.98, sophomore Reuben Solmes who was 13d1 in 19:15.26 and sophomore Jonah Teed who was 16dl in 19:40.95. The rest of the Saxon top six was freshman Micah Johnson 26^ in 20:35.24 and sophomore Cole Greenfield 28^ in 20:45.07. Lakewood and Maple Valley competed Tuesday as well, but didn’t have enough run­ ners to earn team scores in the boys’ meet. Junior Ryan Alford was the fastest Viking, placing 22nd in 20:26.88. His sophomore teammate, Emil Meyers who joined the pro­ gram at the conclusion of the varsity boys’ tennis season, placed 57^ in 26:35.30. Junior Adam Blakely led the Maple Valley boys with a time of 25:30.03 that put him in 54*“ place. Lion sophomore Brody Trowbridge was 61st in 37:20.55. The three fastest Hastings girls all earned medals, led by senior Allison Teed who was eighth in 22:55.52. Senior Carissa Strouse placed 18*k in 24:04.50 and sophomore Lily Comensoli 20*“ in 24:24.57. The Saxon top five on the girls’ side also included senior Hannah Crozier who was 41st in 28:33.75 and junior Victoria Jerzyk who ran a new personal record time of 31:59.59 to place 48^ The Saxon team was Saxon senior Carissa Strouse works her way up hill during the early stages of the Wayland Invitational Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons best Vikings in final tennis dual of 2021 Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity boys’ tennis team finished off its 2021 regular season with a 5-3 win over visiting Lakewood in an Oct. 4 dual at Hastings High School It was the final tune-up for the Vikings and Saxons before last week’s MHSAA regional tournaments. Saxon senior Joey McLean bested the Vikings’ Clay Dumond 6-0, 6-1 in the first singles match. Hastings also got a singles victory from John Tellkamp at number four, who won by default. The Saxon team got a forfeit victory at fourth doubles as well. The Saxon team of Andre Perez and Keegan Lindsey scored a bit 6-4, 6-4 victory for their team at first doubles against the Lakewood team of Asher Teigeler and Caleb Hull. Hastings also scored a close doubles win at number three where the team of Mitchell Vann and Caleb Borton bested Ellie Minard and Eliana Haring 6-3, 6-2. Lakewood took a pair of singles wins, with senior Colin Heyl besting the Saxons’ Joe Goggins 7-5, 7-5. Lakewood sophomore Emil Meyers scored a 6-2, 6-2 win over Hastings’ Braden Darling in the third singles match. On the doubles side, Lakewood’s number two team of Reily Teigeler and James McKenzie scored a 6-3, 6-3 win over the Hastings duo of Cory Haines and. Heath Hays. Both teams finished at the bottom of their respective regional standings last week, the Saxons in Division 3 at Grand Rapids Christian Wednesday and the Vikings in Division 4 at Allegan Friday. Allegan won the regional championship they hosted Friday on overcrowded indoor courts, with 19 points ahead of South Christian 15, Hackett Catholic Prep 12, Kalamazoo Christian 12, Otsego 3, South Haven 3 and Lakewood 0. The top two teams and top two first singles players earned spots in the state finals at regionals across the state last week. South Christian’s Alberto Gonzalez Perez scored a 6-2, 6-4 win over Allegan’s Eli Festerling in the first singles final in Allegan. GLAC foes fight for state spot, which goes to ees Brett Bremer Sports Editor Teams from the Greater Lansing Activities Conference placed third, fourth and fifth at the MHSAA Division 4 Girls’ Golf Regional at the Cascades Golf Club in Jackson Wednesday. The Lakewood ladies were fifth among that group, with Olivet fourth and the GLAC champions from Bath in third earning the last of the state qualifying spots from the regional tournament. The top three teams and top three individuals not on those teams earned spots in the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Girls’ Golf Finals which will be held Oct. 15-16 at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. Lansing Cathlic won the regional title with a team score of 331, ahead of Lumen Christi 355, Bath 439, Olivet 443, Lakewood 456, Byron 462, Napoleon 469, Laingsburg 469, Durand 473 and East Jackson 474. Laingsburg senior Grace Elfring did qual­ ify for the state finals as an individual. Her score of 84 put her third in the overall indi­ vidual standings behind Lansing Catholic senior Amanda Melling who shot a 75 and Lumen Christi junior Ashley Hilderley who scored an 81. Senior Claire Benham and sophomore Makenzie Vasquez tied for the Lakewood team lead, each shooting a 109. That score was good for 16th individually. Senior Hailee Shepard and sophomore Audrey Hillard each scored a 119 for the Vikings. Behind Melling for the regional champions from Lansing Catholic, Sailor Somerville and Brynn Anderson each scored an 85 and Sophie Hauser tallied an 86. also happy to welcome freshman Anika Bourass who ran her first varsity race of the season, placing 56& in 40:56.23. Hopkins beat host Wayland by a single point, 56-57 at the top ofthe girls’ standings. Hamilton was a close third with 61 points, ahead of Martin 88, Hastings 94 and Wyoming 141. Lakewood junior Reagan Lab had a top ten finish, placing tenth in 23:04.44. Maple Valley sophomore Lilly Faurot wasn’t far behind in 13d1 with a time of 23:33.57. Lakewood also had junior Sadie Brearley 16^ in 23:59.06, sophomore Claire Fortier 28td in 25:17.72 and senior Madason Morelli 32nd in 26:09.44. Maple Valley freshman Brianna Gurd placed 53rd in 35:55.09. Wayland junior Olivia Barabas cruised to the individual victory with a time of20:40.76. Hopkins had sophomore Helena Kerber sec­ ond in 21:38.62 and freshman Kambria Moored third in 21:55.75. The Saxons' Micah Johnson (left) and Cole Greenfield make their final trek through the woods behind Wayland Middle School during the Wayland Invitational Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 169449 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL SOUTHGATE DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN THE SOUTHGATE DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: DK/TK/HHS girls start with 1-2 finish in relay, best Union PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the SOUTHGATE DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 benefitted by the proposed road Improvement project, which project will include paving of the road, along with associated activities such as, but not limited to, grading and drainage work. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg/Thomapple Kellogg/ Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team dove back in OK Rainbow Tier II Conference action with a 104-71 win over Grand Rapids Union in the CERC pool in Hastings. DK/TK/HHS girls won every event in the dual with the Red Hawks. Abby Marcukaitis, Sophia Marcukaitis, Preslee Hall and Holly Carpenter won the 200-yard medley relay in 1 minute 59.58 sec­ onds and the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1: 50.79. The team of Kasey Kapteyn, Lily Foy, Aubrey Hawks and Ellen Shults took the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:39.08. Hawks won two individual events, the 100-yard backstroke in 1:13.34 and the 200yard freestyle in 2:23.07. Abby Marcukaitis won two individual events, the 200-yard individual medley in 2: 17.23 and the 100-yard butterfly in 1:03.23. Carpenter won two individual events, the 500-yard freestyle in 6:20.03 and the 50-yard freestyle in 27.85 seconds. Sophia Marcukaitis won the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:14.02 and Shults took the 100-yard freestyle in 1:07.62. Abigail Dumond took the diving competi­ tion with a score of 201.20, leading a sweep of the top three scoring spots in that event for the DK/TK/HHS girls. Eve Bishop was sec­ ond with 190.50 points and TJ Myers third at 162.65. DK/TK/HHS also had a 1-2-3 finish in the 50-yard freestyle. Behind Carpenter, Shults was second and Abby Gaskill third. the Township Clerk. The assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, as is more particularly shown on plans on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. The assessment roll is in the total amount of $158,064.38. The costs, including administrative costs, are proposed to be raised by a new special assessment. The assessment against each parcel in the special assessment district will be approximately $451.61 per year, for a period of ten years, 2022 - 2031 inclusive. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessing Officer have reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said District is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said District as the benefit to such parcel bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Prairieville Township Board will meet at the Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll and hearing Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on any objections thereto. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days' notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 �Page 18 — Thursday, October 14, 2021 — The Hastings Banner TK spikers focus on mental health at Green Out Brett Bremer Sports Editor ' Spurred by senior Cassidy Dole, the Thomapple Kellogg varsity volleyball team hosted its first Mental Health Awareness Night during its OK Gold Conference dual with the Ottawa Hills Bengals in Middleville Wednesday. ;. “A lot of people I know have struggled with mental health and mental illness. They are too afraid to speak up or anything, and don’t want io feel weak to their peers,” Dole said. “One of my close friends actually committed suicide about a year and a half ago. That really just hit home for me and I could relate to what he was gping through and some of the things he was also experience. I was like, I don’t want to see another friend family member possibly go through this. I just wanted to start something at school that makes it everyone aware that is okay to feel how you feel and it is okay to not be okay as long as you get help.” i- The event took the place of the Trojans’ “annual Pink Out cancer awareness event. The Trojans wore green T-shirts in place of their jerseys and a number of their classmates in the student section had matching shirts or had painted themselves green to join in the event. . “We thought that this cause is just a great thing to raise awareness for right now,” TK head coach Tia Cross said. *• “We have actually, our team, has gone through mental health training. We had three one-hour Zoom sessions with a mental health poach, which has been great. We just finished up today, just changing the girls’ focus, and mindset and thinking. It has been very bene­ ficial for us, and the girls are using the tools that they have learned to just kind of help, even on the court as well as off the court.” Dole is a part of the Mental Health Awareness Group at TK which meets every couple weeks at the high school. “The past two days we have been at a men­ tal health summit,” Dole said. “It was virtual this year just because of Covid, but we work on trying to get ideas together for the upcom­ ing year and planning stuff like mental health week (which is this week) or games like this.” On the court, the Trojans helped each other to a 25-11, 25-15, 25-16 win. The TK ladies were happy to be able to take some big swings against the Bengals. Senior Tristen Cross had an especially powerful blast late in the opening set, and the Trojans capped off their set two and three wins with strong attacks from Peyton Pratt and Thea Zellmer. - “We had some really good hits obviously. The most fun is just cheering other people on and screaming, cheering other people on, that brings me joy and brings the energy up for everybody,” Dole said. TK flew right out to a 15-3 lead jn the opening set against the Bengals. A couple big kills by Tristen Cross and Augustine Abshagen helped TK finish off the set. TK senior libero Kiah Nichols hits an attack from the back row as teammate Tristen Cross looks on during their threeset win over visiting Ottawa Hills on Mental Health Awareness Night at TKHS Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg senior Augustine Abshagen hits an attack between Ottawa Hills blockers Malana Thocer (3) and Alicia Robinson (5) during their OK Gold Conference dual in Middleville Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Bengals kept pace better in set two. TK led just 16-14 after an ace by the Bengals Takara SanMiguel and a little bit of miscom­ munication. TK libero Kiah Nichols helped spark the Trojans a bit with an ace of her own, and a couple kills by Pratt helped TK win nine of the set’s final ten points. Jessie Drenten closed out the set with a four-point run at the service line. TK moved in front 9-2 in set number three. The Bengals fought back to within 11-7, but TK stretched its lead from there. “They were having fun. I was able to mix things up and just really have some fun,” coach Cross said. “It was go out and play, be aggressive, be strong and go out and do the things we have been working on and have some fun. We also had a lot of our youth vol­ leyball girls in the house tonight. They were here watching us, and that was good.” The Trojans returned to conference action Tuesday at South Christian, opening the OK Gold Conference Tournament with a tough three-set defeat. South Christian won by the scores of 25-7, 25-6, 25-19. Coach Cross said she was short a couple of girls and it took until the third set [until her team started to find its groove, but then it was too late. Big throws get South out of 2-0 hole against TKHS Brett Bremer Sports Editor > A soccer ball nicking an arm or bounding off a hand draw annoyed screams of “hands!” from opponents and spectators alike, but that doesn’t mean those body parts can’t be Weapons. South Christian senior midfielder Levi DeRuiter and his comer kick like throw-ins from anywhere in the attacking third of the field were the key to the Sailors overcoming a 2-0 second-half deficit and scoring a 4-2 win over Thomapple Kellogg’s varsity boys’ soccer team in the finals of the OK Gold Conference Tournament at South Christian High School Saturday. A long throw from DeRuiter on the right side, just down from his own bench, tipped off the fingertips of Thomapple Kellogg junior goalkeeper Luke Kaiser in a crowd with 4:39 to play and into the net, giving the Sailors their first lead of the bailgame at 3-2. Thornapple Kellogg senior goalkeeper Daniel Beyer can only watch from the side­ line as time ticks down on his team’s loss to South Christian in the finals of the OK Gold Conference tournament at South Christian High School Saturday. Beyer was injured in the Trojans’ 4-0 shut out of Forest Hills Eastern in the tournament semifinals Thursday.(Photo by Brett Bremer) The Sailors thought DeRuiter had scored in that fashion in the final seconds of the first half, but officials ruled that no Trojan had touched the ball before it found the back of the net, and TK went into the half up 2-0. The Trojans dominated the first 30 min­ utes of the bailgame, but as the game wore on South Christian’s depth and skill took over. The Sailors’ Alex Leenstra headed in a long throw in from DeRuiter in the 52nd minute of play to put their team on the score­ board for the first time, and then Leenstra tied the score by deflecting in a hard, low centering ball from teammate Nick Logan 71st minute. DeRuiter notched his second assist with two minutes to play when teammate Jordan Gabrielse finished off another long throw-in. The Sailors move to 16-0-3 overall this season with their second victory of the season over the Trojans. South Christian also took a 3- 1 win over TK Sept. 13 in Grand Rapids. TK is now 14-3-2 overall this season. The Trojans avenged a loss to Forest Hills Eastern by scoring a 4-0 win over the Hawks in Middleville Thursday in the conference tour­ nament semifinals. The Hawks had scored a 4- 2 win over the Trojans in their regular season match-up. A free kick from just shy of midfield turned into the Trojans’ first goal Saturday, just 66 seconds into the match. Junior attack­ er Terrell Jefferson centered the ball and senior teammate Nacho Hervas was there to fire a shot that was deflected away from the net. Sophomore Reece Hoeksma was there to put the rebound past Sailor keeper Luke VanTol. TK moved the ball well on the ground in the first half, despite getting anxious at times to boot it forward. Long balls did lead to a couple of runs on the goal by Hervas. TK took a 2-0 lead in the 35th minute when Hoeksma found the net again. A Trojan throw-in from the left side somehow found its way between a pair of Sailor defenders to senior Carson Woods who sent it towards the right comer for Hoeksma. Hoeksma fired a shot at the Sailor net that found its way across the line as Sailor defender Logyn Huttenga slid in to try and deflect it away. Huttenga slammed a fist to the ground lying on his goal-line as the Trojans turned back towards midfield to celebrate. The Sailors turned up the pressure from there. Trojan senior defender Grant Woods had to head a couple balls off his own goal-line, with the first coming on a long DeRuiter throw in with just over three minutes to play in the first half. Leenstra ripped a shot that went wide of the goal, and then sent another strong, low cross through the TK box that somehow found its way through a crowd without being tapped on goal. Kaiser did a good job throughout the match of communicating with his team­ mates, put in the tough position of filling in for senior keeper Daniel Beyer who could only watch from the sidelines after suffering an injury in the semifinal match Thursday. Juniors Austin Chivis and Jackson Curtis were strong in transitioning the Trojan play from defense to offense, especially in the first half. The Trojans will host Charlotte at 6 p.m. this evening, Oct. 14, for the opening round of their MHSAA Division 2 District Tournament. The winner of that game advances to the district semifinals which will be held at Gull Lake High School Tuesday, Oct. 19. Thornapple Kellogg senior Alexander Harrington is held up by South Christian's Sam Medendorp as he tries to push the attack forward for the Trojans during the first half of their 4-2 loss to the Sailors in the OK Gold Conference Tournament champion­ ship game Saturday at South Christian High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-10-21.pdf b3c7d07825d7fc769303d9f7d61e2e04 PDF Text Text Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street repeats mpionship 804879110187 1070490102590503436849058195427 *#****************£AR-RT LOT**C 003 C003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Thursday, October 21, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 42 Police locate missing woman’s car, unidentified remains Taylor Owens Staff Writer Officers in a Michigan State Police helicopter spotted Rachel Hazen’s vehi­ cle, the remains of a body nearby, in a soybean field in Maple Grove Township around 9 a.m. Tuesday. The Barry County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police said Wednesday that they are working to identify the remains. But Hazen’s son, Gabe Ulrich Jr., told The Banner that Police have been for police confirmed her searching identity and said Rachel Hazen, Hazen’s body was 41, of Nashville, found near a tree since July 26. stand. He said they believe she was climbing up the stand to clear her head, when she accidentally fell about 20 feet to the ground, breaking her neck and dying upon impact. The sheriff’s office said the case remains under investigation. Witnesses told police they last saw Hazen July 21. She was driving her 2005 silver Ford Escape, which was missing a license plate. According to reports obtained by The Banner, police were first notified of Hazen’s disappearance at 11:05 a.m. July 26, when a friend, Casey Bidelman, 40, of Battle Creek, called police from Hazen’s home in the Thomapple Lake Estates mobile home park. Bidelman said the place appeared to have been ransacked. An officer arrived to find a number of Hazen’s friends and Thomapple Lake Estates staff at her residence. The officer found “the cupboards in the house had been gone through as if someone were searching for something,” but he did not see any signs of a struggle or an abduction. The last time family members saw Hazen was on July 21, when she and her 18-year-old son went to her friend’s resi­ dence in Nashville. Hazen dropped off her dog with her friend, asking her to watch the dog while she was in rehab. Hazen’s friend said she appeared to be intoxicated; she was slurring her words and difficult to understand. The friend told the officer Hazen should not have been driving in that condition. Hazen’s son was helping her seek a rehab facility, but the places they contacted were either full or wouldn’t accept her insurance. So they made an appointment with Barry County Mental Health for the next day. After that, Hazen and her son went to her eldest son’s house in Baltimore Township, and all three of her sons talked to her about getting help. The three boys told the officer their mother was “in bad shape and in the wrong state of mind.” One son said Hazen gave him a copy of her tax returns and the title to her vehicle, but she did not say why she was doing that. He said he put the title back in the vehicle. They told police she left them around 1 p.m., and that was the last time they saw her. PRICE $1.00 Turn apples into applesauce Food processing pitch part of regional plan Rebecca Pierce Editor With federal money in the offing, collabo­ ration on a region-wide scale is happening fast - and Barry County got on board Tuesday. During their committee of the whole meet­ ing, commissioners OK’d a letter of support for the West Michigan Agricultural Technologies and Regional Food Systems Initiative. This initiative is being driven by Erin Kuhn, executive director of the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission in Muskegon. Her commission is one of many economic development orga­ nizations from the west side of the state that are banding together to seek multimillion-dollar grants. For this proposal, “the focus is agriculture food processing,” West Michigan Regional Planning Commission Director Dave Bee told The Banner Tuesday. The idea, he said, is to increase the capaci­ ty of farms and food processors and people who process food. Why ship the produce - and the jobs attached to processing it - out of state, Bee asked. “Turn apples into applesauce,” he said. Supporting a proposal for a Build Back Better grant - part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s portion of the American Rescue Plan Art funds - does not commit the county to any specific action. But it could open up some opportunities for addi­ tional funds, Bee said, if they get the grant. That’s a big if. The two-phase grant involves a study first, then a project phase, Bee said. And it’s very competitive. “Probably only 50 will be awarded nation­ wide,” said Bee, who is based on Grand Rapids. In her talking points, Kuhn noted that Michigan is among the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation - with more than 9,000 farms in the West Michigan region alone. “With a long history of food manufactur­ ing and processing, the region is a prime location for expanding and growing this sec­ tor,” she wrote. “This is an opportunity for farmers, food manufacturers, tech providers and entrepreneurs to capitalize on value-add­ ed product development that will lead to the establishment and/or expansion of new oper­ ations.” With more than 300 different raw products grown locally, Kuhn pointed out, a location near major Midwest population centers, abundant fresh water, and the Food, Agriculture, Research and Manufacturing accelerator, “West Michigan is uniquely located to take advantage of that growth and stake its claim to being a worldwide leader in food, agriculture, research and manufacturing around AgFoodTech.” The West Michigan Food Processing Association was created in 2017 to establish and develop a regional network for food com­ panies and other participants of the food supply chain. That WMFPA focus is to connect food companies with national/international resources to catapult food systems into mod­ ernized agricultural technologies and innova­ tions, supporting a triple bottom line of eco­ nomic, environmental and social impacts, Kuhn wrote. Then, last August, the association and the Michigan State University Product Center See FOOD, page 2 ‘Talk of the town’ artist transforms downtown with mural ! J. Maizlish Mole talks about the mural he has created on the wall of the former Union Block and Secondhand Corners building. Mole spent days working on the intri­ cate detail of the coastlines. (Photo by Ben Simon) Benjamin Simon Staff Writer J. Maizlish Mole stood under his threefoot-story mural when a woman rolled down her car window. She said she liked the mural and she wanted to do something for him. He didn’t know her and she didn’t know him, but 30 minutes later, she returned with a Coca­ Cola for Mole from Wendy’s. It is just one of many interactions Mole has on a daily basis as he finishes the mural on 100 S. Jefferson St. Every day, about 30 people, Mole estimated, will stop at the towering black and white map of the United States. They will stick their heads out from their car windows and gawk at the image. They call him “painter guy,” offer words of encouragement, say thank you and ask ques­ tions about how Mole created it, when he will finish it and why Alaska isn’t on the map. “It’s been quite the talk of the town,” said Chelsey Foster, community president/commercial lender at Commercial Bank. The vision behind a gigantic downtown mural started five months ago, when Thomapple Arts Council Executive Director Megan Lavell visited Allegan. There, she said, she was blown away by the number of murals in the small town. She has seen them in big cities like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, but never in a place the size of Hastings. When she returned home, she pulled up her to-do list document and typed in all capital letters: “How do we get a mural in Hastings?” “I really believe that, right now, the com­ munity needed something cool, something exciting to rally around when things are oth­ erwise so divisive and a little disheartening sometimes,” she said. “What better than a great piece of art on a three-story building to liven things up and give people something to watch and be excited about.” At first, she tried to achieve the goal by partnering with the city and applying for a grant with the state of Michigan. It was unsuccessful. She sat on the idea for a few months, wait­ ing for the right opportunity. That’s when she met J. Maizlish Mole, an artist who had recently moved from London. They became friends and, somewhere along the way, Lavell casually asked Mole’s part­ ner, Chloe Oliver, if he had ever done a mural before. Mole had never created a mural before, but he was intrigued by the idea. That same day, he walked into downtown Hastings, surveyed the walls and contemplated taking on the project. “What an amazing way to introduce myself to this town, the community and the people around here,” Mole, 47, said. “What better way than with a big public art project, because that’s, like, my jam.” Mole’s interest in art and maps started long before he arrived in Hastings. His parents, he said, were art lovers. His brother is a musi­ cian and his sister is a photographer. Growing up in Santa Barbara, Calif., Mole said there wasn’t a time he didn’t think about becoming an artist. “I mean it’s not anything special,” he said. “It was a calling that I felt I had from a pretty early age.” He went on to attend college the Parsons School of Design and the New School in New York City, before finishing his bachelor’s in fine arts at Central Saint Martins in London. After finishing undergrad, he received his master’s in fine arts from the Slade School of Fine Art, also in London. Much like art, maps were a constant in Mole’s childhood. His brother collected maps. He came from a “geography house,” he said. But he had never done his own map project. That changed during his early years at Parsons, when Mole found himself drawn to the artistry of mapmaking. “I approached mapping - it’s like a kind of conceptual exercise for me,” Mole said. “I’m ' ■ ' not especially interested in being a cartogra­ pher, which is like a mathematical, scientific pursuit. I’m not interested in rendering things necessarily, perfectly accurate.” After college, Mole bounced around. He spent three years in New York City. Then he spent nine years in Berlin. Then he spent another 10 in London before landing in Hastings. Along the way, he performed in bands as a singer and songwriter played any­ thing from soul to folk to rock. But he kept creating maps, or “observa­ tional practice drawing,” as he calls them. He would walk around different cities for weeks, taking some notes, memorizing the street turns, the little gas stations, the popular parks - anything that would stick in his head. At the end of the trip, he would draw a map of the city from memory. He received commissions from all across the world, from St. Louis, Mo., to Edinburgh, Scotland, to the Isle of Skye, also in Scotland. “All of the mapping projects I’ve done and they’re different from one another - but all of them are really about rendering some kind of psychological aspect of geography into two dimensions, rather than perfectly, mathematically, accurately representing some­ thing in any objective kind of way,” he said. That’s part of the reason Mole envisioned a map when he looked up at the brick wall on the building formerly known as the Union Block and Secondhand comers building in Hastings. After walking downtown during that day in May, Mole went home and spent the next few nights huddled in his studio, carefully sketching out the image of America. Then he placed it under his desk mat. Every few days, he would turn over the desk mat, look at it and decide if he still liked it. Three weeks passed and he told Lavell he would do the project. Another two months See ARTIST, page 2 Delton reviews new elementary plans This preview of the Delton Kellogg Elementary School reconstruction was made by architect Ben Perdock of GMB Architecture + Engineering. (Photos provided) Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Delton Kellogg Board of Education reviewed plans for reconstruction of part of the elementary school during its meeting Monday. According to project manager Todd Champion of Christman Construction, the project will go out for bid this winter. They plan to demolish the original building, which dates back to 1936, next summer, with con­ struction starting on the new building in the fall of 2022. Superintendent Kyle Corlett said the proj­ ect is set to be finished in November 2023. While he said they had hoped to have it ready before school starts in September, issues with labor and supply shortages in the industry pushed a conservative timeline into the school year. “Material costs and wait times are fluctuat­ ing daily,” Champion told the board. The total construction estimate is currently $10.88 million. While the original building will be demol­ ished, additions will remain and will connect to the new structure. The new building will include fourth grade classrooms; special education classrooms; a state-of-the-art science, technology, engi­ neering and math classroom; an extended learning area; administrative offices; and a full-size gym that includes a stage, Corlett said. During construction, administrative employees will work out of the high school, and classrooms will be moved to other parts of the elementary. Corlett said the new building was designed to keep the look of the original, based on input from focus groups in the community. . “The feedback we received was that the building should have the same historical appearance, as well as have classrooms pre­ pared for 21 st century learning with plenty of space, technology, and include accommoda­ tions for students with special needs,” Corlett said. See DELTON, page 2 �Page 2 — Thursday, October 21, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Audit finds no issues, Hastings schools to propose bond in May 2022 Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings Area School System will move forward with a May 2022 bond proposal, the board of education announced at its meeting Monday. The bond would cover the same scope of the August 2021 proposal, which included fixing the 20-year-old high school roof; replacing windows, doors, desks and buses; improving playground equipment; revamp­ ing bathrooms; renovating high school locker rooms that date back to 1970; and installing an air-purification system. Superintendent Matt Goebel and Assistant Superintendent of Operations Tim Berlin will take the next steps by meeting with the state treasury department in December to finalize details for the bond proposal. The news comes after an audit of the 2020-21 budget and 2015 bond found no signs of money mismanagement in the district. The audit report was presented by Maner Costerisan Manager Jonathan Ringlein at the Oct. 18 meeting, where he provided the district with an “unmodified opinion,” which Ringlein said is the highest opinion they can give. The audit concluded that the district received $27.5 million in revenues during the 2020-21 fiscal year, more than $4 mil­ lion higher than it had initially budgeted for. A large portion of the increase came from $1.4 million in federal funding due to pan­ demic-related relief. The district finished with a fund balance of $3.8 million, up from $2.4 million at the beginning of the year. “As I look around the room,” Trustee Dan Patton said during the meeting, “I see only a few faces that were here 10 years ago, maybe 11 years ago, when this district was over $600,000 in the hole.... At that time, I told a lot of people we will never be back there. And I’m glad to see that we’re definitely in a direction where we will never be back there.” The budget is audited every year, and Ringlein, who has audited the district for at least three years, has yet to find any red flags. Bonds, however, are not reviewed every year. An audit of the bond money begins after 95 percent of the funds are used. Maner Costerisan analyzed B0 to 85 percent of the $43.6 million in bond expenditures, Ringlein noted. In the lead-up to the failed 2021 bond proposal, many residents expressed concern over how previous bond dollars were used. But Ringlein confirmed that the district did not spend money outside of its proposed projects. That included major projects, such as the construction of the middle school, the building of the performing arts center at the high school and the implementation of security upgrades. “From 2015-16 on, we have not noted anything that was spent out of allowable within the bond, and nothing that was spent on anything other than what the voters voted on,” Ringlein said during the meeting. Although they don’t look at every trans­ action, Ringlein clarified that audits require a thorough investigation of the district’s finances and take around 100 to 150 hours to conduct. “We’re not just charging the district $20, $25 grand just to slap an opinion on a piece of paper,” he said. “We’re doing well-docu­ mented work to look at all these items. “... We do have a sense of skepticism. We don’t just trust anything management says. So, we definitely get our third-party confirmations, which is a big piece of what we do.” In an interview after the meeting, Goebel expressed enthusiasm following the audit, calling it an “A-plus rating.” “We’re really excited about a fantastic audit again this year,” Goebel said, “an unbelievably clean audit that came through. And, obviously, financially, our central office team puts a lot of work into an audit like that and making sure that all of our taxpayer dollars are spent accordingly.” Board of Education President Luke Haywood praised the financial standing of the district, pointing to the district’s one­ time federal funds as a major help. But the district, he said, still has major maintenance demands that require a bond. “We have a lot of great needs in the dis­ trict - roofs, doors, windows,” he said during the meeting. “... That’s why we thought as a finance committee to bring this [bond] forward again. Those needs don’t go away. And our district is not in a financial position to take care of all those needs.” In other business, the board: • Approved a bid from Buist Automation of $270,823 for new security cameras and cabling in the district’s six buildings. It marks the end of funds from the 2015 bond. • Purchased a white 2015 Ford Transit handicap-accessible van from Broadmoor Motors for $26,245 to assist with wheel­ chair transportation. • Accepted two donations for library books at Northeastern Elementary School: $1,000 from Tom Kramer, and $300 from Ted and Kathryn Robbins. • Accepted a $500 donation from an anonymous donor to be split between two Northeastern Elementary School teachers for their classrooms. • Accepted $1,455 worth of school sup­ plies from Walmart. • Accepted the personnel report which included the retirement of Judy Way, mid­ dle school social studies teacher; the appointment of Amanda Beadle, Ashley Morgan and Ashley VanBelkum, substitute paraprofessionals; Michelle Hineman, sub­ stitute bus driver; Courtney Kloosterhouse, virtual special education teacher at the high school; Jeffrey Mansfield, career and tech­ nical education paraprofessional; the trans­ fers of Jennifer DeZwaan and Brenda Johncock, healthcare I paraprofessionals, to Star Elementary; and the resignations of Kami Collier, instructional assistant at Northeastern Elementary, and Dawn Goodman, bus driver. Missing teen found dead, suspect charged Patrick Hunter Gilmore, 17, of Hastings, was charged last Thursday with murder and concealing the death of Lane Roslund, 17, of Hastings. Gilmore was arraigned in Barry County District Court on one count of open murder, a felony punishable by up to life in prison, and concealing the death of an individual, a felo­ ny punishable by up to five years in prison. Police had been seeking Roslund since family members reported Sept. 21 that they hadn’t heard from him for about two weeks. They discovered the body of a male, believed to be Roslund, on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Then Oct. 15, Michigan State Police confirmed the identity of the decedent as Roslund. Gilmore was charged as an adult by auto­ matic waiver. Bond was set at $750,000 cash or surety. His probable cause conference was set for 9 a.m. Oct. 27 before Judge Michael Schipper. Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said a photo of Gilmore has not yet been released due to his age and recent changes in the law regarding minors. Lane Roslund, 17, of Hastings, was reported missing Sept. 21. ARTIST, continued from page 1 ---------------passed and Mole finally showed her the image. It fit with what she was looking for. “I said I didn’t want anything offensive. I didn’t want anything political,” she said. “I wanted something that would make people think and talk. And Mole did the rest.” But first, they had to get permission from the building owner, Tom Kramer. After seeing the initial image, it took 24 hours for Kramer to come around to the idea. “It was something that I didn’t anticipate, but once I looked at it, I thought it was a pret­ ty awesome thing,” Kramer said. “So, it didn’t take long before it really grew on me.” They also needed funding - $16,000 worth. When Mole started in September, they only had $2,000. The Thomapple Arts Council doesn’t nor­ mally start projects without funding, Lavell said. But she pitched the project to the board, and they gave the go-ahead. “I believed in the project enough that I got my board to sign on and say, ‘Yeah, we can do this, even if we don’t raise the full amount, we can put some cash into this,”’ she said. It didn’t take long for the money to come together. Lavell collected donations from private donors and the Barry Community Foundation. But they were still $2,000 short. That coincided with the formation of a new local philanthropic group, Guys That Give, an organization designed after the Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County. The group, which will meet quarterly, plans to raise money for projects in the community. On September 9, eight men met for the first time at Waldorff to discuss the formation of the group and projects that might interest them. As they talked, co-founder Chelsey Foster looked out the window at Tom Kramer’s brick w<l. He knew about the mural project, but it hadn’t started yet. He turned to the seven other men at the table. What about funding the new mural? By the end of the meeting, the group had the $2,000 committed from 14 different peo­ ple, and the project was fully funded. “It just adds a new dimension to our down­ town and just yet another example showing, in a big way, that Barry County and Hastings J. Maizlish Mole works on the coastline of Texas mid afternoon on Oct. 18. Mole moved to Hastings from London last year. support the arts,” Foster said. Everyone involved with the project said they have heard very little negative feedback from community members. If anything, they’ve received widespread positive feedback. For Lavell, the response just underlines the need for public art in Hastings. “Art is part of a healthy community,” she said. “It’s part of a well-rounded community. If you think about communities that you want to go to, that you want to spend your time, that you want to vacation in - arts and culture are a primary driver of those things. So if you think about how important that is for tourism dollars, it is equally important for people who live there.” Now, Mole is in the final stages of the proj­ ect, with about three weeks left. Mole started the mural on Sept. 14. He takes a picture of the mural every day at noon to mark his progress. “Every dry daylight hour for the last [38] days, I’ve been out there,” he said. Although it may look like a general outline of the United States, the project has required careful attention to detail. He used a sort of gridding system, matching each part of the drawing with a brick to make sure it accurate­ ly portrayed the United States map. “Basically, just copy it, millimeter by mil­ limeter, brick by brick,” he said. But it’s not meant to be an exact represen­ tation of the United States. “Every map ... gets copied and copied and copied and copied and things get stylized a little bit,” he said. After spraying the inside of the U.S. white and the outside black, Mole has spent weeks focusing on the intricacies of the coastlines. It has required more detail than he originally had anticipated. He has exhausted days perched up in the lift, painting the crevices and juts of Lake Michigan, for example. “[The mural’s] pretty crude,” he said. “J; The more detail I put into the coastline, the more delicate it starts to look, which is curi­ ous. It is delicate, like the coastline is deli­ cate, and that portrait of Florida is probably going to look like that longer than Florida looks like that.” Still, the mural is missing a few important parts. The final pieces, Kramer said, will bring the project together. , “There’s going to be so little more,” he added, “yet once he’s finished it’s going to be, it’s going to complete the project.” But Mole won’t reveal any details. Only a handful of people have seen the final draw­ ings, and he doesn’t plan to show anyone else until it’s finished. “You’re going to have to wait and see,” he said. FOOD, continued from page 1 -----------------------------------------------------------------------announced a partnership to share their exper­ tise in food processing innovation. The MSU Product Center will expand out­ reach efforts by managing the FARM food processing accelerator that was developed by the association. That facility in Muskegon will provide space and technical assistance to entrepre­ neurs and businesses to scale up new product and service ideas into the food, agriculture and bioenergy markets, according to a joint announcement. AgFunder’s 2021 Agrifoodtech Investment Report ranked Michigan third among the top states for its investment in this sector of the economy, because of its cold-chain logistics, automation software and innovations from streamlining production agriculture to re-envi­ sioning convenient, healthy local food supply. Organizations in the region individually excel in food, agriculture, research, manufac­ turing and business sectors, Kuhn noted, but there is a need for a comprehensive approach to using regional and statewide expertise to maximize the growth potential. Federal support through a regional chal­ lenge grant “would enable the region to increase capacity and create more access to resources,” she pointed out. “This, in turn, will aid in strengthening the regional food system, and equip the workforce of the future, based on science and data-driven pro­ tocol, ultimately increasing economic, envi­ ronmental and social impacts to the West Michigan region’s food sector.” As Bee put it simply, “We make it locally to get the benefit locally.” One aspect to the project that could be considered for Barry County, he mentioned, would be to improve cold storage here. In her list of project ideas, Kuhn mentioned that Barry County is currently conducting a feasibility study on cold storage capacity. The initiative envisions high-tech, highly paid jobs in the food sector. With increased capacity and access to resources, the regional food system would be strengthened and equip the workforce of the future, she wrote. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the global food supply chain, leaving food companies and other supply chain partici­ pants to begin redirect work with regional net­ works and logistics,” Kuhn said. “In many sit­ uations, regional players ultimately provided the solution in delivering food to retail, schools and food banks, as the state and country contin­ ued to redirect the flow of food. ... “As the flow of food redirected from insti­ tutions, restaurants and like venues, food companies were forced to repackage huge quantities of food suitable for retail, creating opportunity for MSU’s expertise in packag­ ing and new AgTech companies with innova­ tive solutions, to become a higher demand need for the food industry.” The crisis forced food companies to explore and implement solutions so that oper­ ations become more effective and efficient on the plant floor. “Strengthening regional networks and sup­ ply chains through the work of WMFPA and other partners will ensure resiliency in the supply chain for the future,” she noted. Kuhn suggested a variety of project ideas that could be funded by the federal grant money, including: • Capacity building for the WMFPA region­ al network and supply chain logistics. • Technical assistance and training in new technologies addressing current needs of the food industry related to reducing food waste in landfills, sustainable packaging, energy-effi­ cient build-outs and minimally processed foods. • Workforce development efforts to fill labor and skills gaps in agricultural produc­ tion and food manufacturing through partner­ ships with MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology, local community colleges and state workforce development agencies. • Increasing programming opportunities for the FARM center. • A mobile food processing unit and equip­ ment. • A regional analysis of water infrastruc­ ture, including drinking water and wastewa­ ter treatment capacity to serve the food sector and potential construction projects related to capacity needs. DELTON, continued from page 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------- To arrange a visit, please give us a call today. • Independent and Assisted Living (269) 795-4972 • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available www.CarvethVillage.com Check us out at www.facebook.com/carveth “Remember,., ifyou cant live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 The school will use money from a millage passed in 2019 to pay for the new building. Funds from the millage have already been used to make other facility upgrades in the district, including other sections of the ele­ mentary building. Corlett said the district has needed to replace the building for several years, due to the high cost of maintenance of issues such as flooding in the basement and a leaking roof. In other business: • Corlett said the district has seen a slight increase in COVID-19 cases. “We haven’t had a single outbreak yet, so I’m incredibly thankful,” he said. “Our par­ ents are doing a good job keeping sick kids home and getting them tested.” He noted the district recently sent a survey to parents, asking them to rate the district’s performance on certain issues. He said the district’s highest rating was in safety. • The district received a pallet of donations from Amazon, including laptops, tablets and miscellaneous items such as laundry soap. Corlett said some items will be used by the district, others will be given away as prizes at parent events, and some will be donated to residents in need. • The board unanimously approved the hiring of Katelyn Thompson as substitute teacher; Jennifer Sinclair as high school sec­ retary; Natasha DeYoung as middle school special education paraprofessional; Emily Richie as DK Panther Clubhouse Day Care Supervisor; Valerie Manwarren as DK Panther Clubhouse Daycare Assistant; and Lorie Nierman as elementary online teacher. • During public comment, two people thanked Corlett for his attendance at the meet­ ing ofthe Barry County Board ofCommissioners last month, where Corlett stated the belief that mask mandates were unnecessary. One woman criticized the district’s COVID quarantine policy. • Monday’s meeting was at the high school auditorium due to high attendance at previous meetings. But Corlett said meetings will move back to the elementary school library next month. That meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 21, 2021 — Page 3 Revised district map submitted to comply with federal deadline Rebecca Pierce Editor It took roughly five minutes Monday for the Barry County Apportionment Commission to con­ firm a new district map for the county commissioners. Nothing had changed from the map they had already approved and sent to the federal government. The plan adds a new district, giv­ ing the city of Hastings its own rep­ resentative. That new commissioner will join seven others whose districts are redrawn in such a way that no two incumbent commissioners will have to face one another in the next election. The five-member commission, which consists of Clerk Pamela Palmer, Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt, Barry County Treasurer Susan VandeCar, and a rep­ resentative from the two parties: Mark Bonsignore for the county Democrats and Philip Joseph for the county Republican party, had already approved the eight-district map and submitted it to comply with the feder­ al deadline requirements. The submission of the same map to comply with state of Michigan census requirements issued on Sept. 16 was the reason for the short session this week in the courthouse mezzanine. The new map will bring the county board back to eight commissioners, which it had from 2002 to 2011, using population figures from the 2000 census. Barry County $19M budget set for approval Rebecca Pierce Editor A $19.2 million general fund budget for Barry County is set for approval following a public hearing on Oct. 26. The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. during the county commissioners board meeting in the mezzanine at the court­ house. The county’s spending plan for 2022 is significant for a number of reasons: It’s the largest budget in the county’s history. From the perspective of County Administrator Michael Brown, it’s a com­ plex policy document that represents the priorities of the county on behalf of the people. “This is a policy document that authoriz­ es from the general fund $19.2 million worth of programming to occur and, from a more broader level, with all of our funds,” Brown said. The county has close to 90 other funds that serve key functions, ranging from the road commission to central dispatch. By policy, Brown added, he’s talking about what the county board ultimately decides to fund. “You know, over the years we’ve had a fairly stable budget. The board hasn’t made a lot of significant, dramatic changes.” The policies then dictate where county resources will be invested. It’s Brown’s 26^ budget, so he knows his way around that plan. And having more money than you need isn’t necessarily eas­ ier than having less, he noted. The ARPA money is a separate matter. “Some people will get what they’re asking for, and some won’t.” he said. But, as far as the budget, it’s based on the priorities and where the money can be used. “We’ve tried to make the budget a document that’s not controversial. It should be something that, hopefully, stabilizes an organization.” Christmas fabrics -now in stock & Patterns Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station Prc^tfor our Country. 'U* QUESTIONS: ASK US... Treasurer Susan VandeCar asks a question. 218 E. State St., Hastings * 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Barry County Clerk Pamela Palmer chairs the apportionment com­ mittee meeting Monday to discuss the submission of the new map to comply with a federal deadline. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) County Democratic Party representative Mark Bonsignore reviews the document approved by the committee. i W♦» * » -v ■ ■ - 4F Anniversary Celebration! ’■ X. x- Please join us as we celebrate 135 years of community banking! Tuesday, October 26 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at your local Highpoint Community Bank branch Share your memories, enter a drawing for a $135 VISA gift card and enjoy a cupcake with us! highpoint Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt and the county’s Republic Party representative Philip Joseph listen to Palmer’s pre­ sentation. COMMUNITY BANK rote f ST highpointcommunitybank.com | 1-888-422-2280 �Page 4 — Thursday, October 21,2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you vsrin Opinion see? Legislature's failure puts most vulnerable in jeopardy Parking lot project proceeding The historic Barry County Courthouse parking lot in downtown Hastings is being speedily replaced by Katerberg VerHage Inc. at a cost not to exceed $ $162,030 with funds to be paid from the county's Building Rehabilitation Fund. And motorists will be happy to hear the Do you remember? Fairly pulling together Banner Oct. 20,1960 Leaders of the movement to construct a Barry County Community Building were photographed during the groundbreaking ceremonies Friday afternoon at the fair­ grounds “pulling together.” Adding a new touch to such ceremonies, the leaders symbolically as well as actually are pull­ ing together to accomplish their goal. Here, Howard Ferris, chairman of the Community Building Board of Directors, is pictured handling the plow while Mayor John W. Hewitt (third one on the rope) and others are hauling away, breaking the ground for the first phase of the proj­ ect, construction of the auditorium, which will cost about $40,000. Chester Stowell of the Stowell Building Company (facing camera on the right) has the prime con­ tract of $15,834 to build the 60-by-100foot structure. That price does not include the wiring, heating or flooring. [The Community Building stood west of the current Applebee’s restaurant on State Street.] Photo by Barth Have you met? Growing up in suburban Detroit, Rich Franklin wanted to become an Egyptologist. “Egypt was my thing,” he said. Franklin still remembers as a grade school student taking field trips to the Detroit Institute of Arts where he gazed at the mummies and dreamed of one day studying ancient history. Then he realized he would have to endure 100-degree days in Egypt to do the job. Instead, Franklin, now 54, opted to stay in Michigan, where he is the superintendent of the Barry Intermediate School District. The local ISD provides services for students with disabilities, early literacy coaching and coordinates and communicates career, technical and engineering opportunities, among other functions. Before Franklin set foot in the BISD offices, he envisioned a number of career paths. Archeology was among his first ambitions. Then, as a high school student, he thought he might become a preacher, following in the footsteps of his parents, who had both attended Bible school. By the time he arrived at Michigan State University, his interests had shifted again, and he start­ ed off with a major in accounting. . But during his freshman year at MSU, Franklin found his path. He took a career-in­ terest inventory test to help determine his post-college plans. “I realized I’m a teacher,” he said, “that’s what I’m cut out to be.” Franklin has stuck with education. After transferring to Tri-State University (now Trine University) following his sophomore year, he majored in English education with a minor in U.S. history. “I love language. I love literature. I love writing. I love speaking. So that was, I guess, more of an interest. But for me, [his­ tory and English] always went hand in hand,” said Franklin, who still reads every night before bed. He graduated in 1989, entering into a competitive job market for teachers, where 35 people might apply for one job, he remembered. But he managed to secure an opening at Westview Jr./Sr. High School in Topeka, Ind., with his experience as an Eagle Scout being the deciding factor. Franklin, who has four kids, John, Katherine, Zach and Zara, spent 12 years at Westview as an English teacher. He helped out as a competitive speech coach, student council staff representative, assistant drama director and junior class sponsor. There, he met his wife, Ayesha Williamson-Franklin, a music teacher. In 2001, he decided to make the switch into administration and back to Michigan, working in Athens, where he served as prin- . Rich Franklin cipal at all three levels for eight years. When the superintendent’s job opened in that Calhoun County school district in 2009, he took the job and for six years dou­ bled as both principal and superintendent. Half a decade later, Ronna Steel, then superintendent at Barry ISD, approached him at a meeting. She had taken a job with the Hillsdale ISD, and BISD - which serves Hastings Area Schools, Delton Kellogg Schools and students living in the districts needed a new superintendent. Steel and Frankin knew each other from Steel’s time at the Union City School District near Athens. “It might be your kind of thing,” she told him about the ISD. At first, Franklin hesitated. He liked liv­ ing in Athens. ’ “I’m very happy doing what I’m doing,” he said. “I knew it was going to be a whole new role to learn.” It took a day or two, he said, “for a switch to flip in my brain.” With his kids, Zach and Zara, finishing fifth and fourth grade, he decided it would be the best time to make a change. So Franklin started poking around and doing research about BISD and Barry County. He talked with former superinten­ dents. He Googled old Banner articles. He tried every restaurant in the county he and Ayesha could find. From the onset, he said he found himself drawn to the scenery of Barry County. “You just start with the geography and how gorgeous Barry County is - what a beautiful place to live,” he said. “And how varied. It’s very different down in Delton versus up towards Woodland or something like that. So you really run the gamut.” But as he kept digging, he found himself more enthralled by the people and organi­ zations that make up Barry County. “You’ve got a lot of people - whether it’s in business or nonprofits or education, whatever sector - that really believe in being the best and are very proud of this place,” Franklin said. “So I learned to call that the Barry County way. There’s the Barry County way of doing things, which isn’t looking just to the state or just to the government for solutions. It’s a lot more self-made.” He took the job and moved to Hastings. Franklin has served as the BISD superin­ tendent of BISD since 2015, but it took a year or two to adjust to the new role. “Everybody thinks they know how schools run because they went to school,” he said. “Everybody in local school busi­ ness thinks they know how ISDs run because they’ve used their services. And it isn’t until you get on the other side [that you] go, 4 Oh, this is what it means to pro­ vide those services.’” For his role as the Barry Intermediate School District superintendent, Rich Franklin is this week’s Bright Light: Favorite movie: “Monty Python & the Holy Grail” Best advice ever received: No one is irreplaceable. First job: Mowing lawns. Favorite TV program: Currently, “Only Murders in the Building.” Person I’d most like to have met: Abe Lincoln. Person I’m glad to have met: John Lewis, late Congressman from Georgia. Greatest fear: Claustrophobia What the world needs now is: Jesus What I like about my job: Making a difference for kids in the Delton and Hastings communities. The greatest president: Washington, but that’s too easy; Reagan. Favorite historic period: For study, it varies; Imperial Rome right now. If I could build/make something, I’d like to try: Making some piece of furniture that would outlast me. Hobbies: I don’t have hobbies, I have kids. Political Rule #1: Never accept blame for any mistake, even if you caused the problem in the first place. Political Rule #2: Find a way to transfer responsibility for the quandary to the peo­ ple who elected you - while at the same time appearing to have done them a favor. In their latest swindle, the artful dodg­ ers of our Michigan Legislature are cover­ ing their slapdash mismanagement of a state agency tasked with caring for cata­ strophically-injured auto accident victims by putting the responsibility for abandon­ ing that protection on every citizen in this state. Then they have distracted us from realizing what they’ve done by putting money in our pockets through a big reduc­ tion in auto insurance rates. It’s brazen, modern-day politics, but what else can we expect from a band of narcissistic legislators interested only in their political futures? In 2019, legislators reacted to the public outcry over the state’s highest auto insur­ ance rates in the country by passing the no-fault auto insurance reform law. The new provisions that took effect this past July 1 brought a dramatic reduction in rates that was made possible only through slashing by 45 percent the costs that insurance compa­ nies pay to medical providers of catastroph­ ic services to the most severely injured. When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the no-fault reform bill in May 2019, fam­ ilies of those patients in need of round-theclock care for catastrophic injuries were under the impression that all current cases would be “grandfathered” into the system. Now, two years later, they are tragically finding out that is not the case. Since 1978, Michigan drivers paid more for auto insurance than any other state in the nation - an estimated $1,200 per year. Experts say the high cost of premiums was due, primarily, to the state’s no-fault insur­ ance system that included providing acci­ dent victims unlimited coverage for medi­ cal bills, lost wages, and living expenses, even in permanently catastrophic situations. In an admirable plan to pay for that coverage, legislators also in 1978 created the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, a non-profit, unincorporated entity to ensure that permanently disabled auto accident victims, and the families who had depended on them, would be financially supported for the rest of the accident victim’s life. The problem was that subsequent Legislatures started veering out of control like a hit-and-run driver, providing no oversight of the MCCA and its financial practices. When they created the MCCA in 1978, state legislators guaranteed the agency exemption from the Freedom of Information Act. As the costs of cata­ strophic injury care began climbing, auto insurance rates soared because the MCCA could not provide the adequate funds - or even the transparency of legislators exam­ ining their books. That’s when this current gang of politi­ cians got behind the wheel and did a hitand-run, reforming the auto insurance law to allow individual drivers to select vary­ ing levels of personal injury coverage with descending levels of reduced premiums, transferring risk from the state onto indi­ vidual drivers and their families. Brian Peters, CEO of the Medical Health and Hospital Association, says even the new rates are unsustainable and will push some hospitals into further financial trouble. “Many hospitals operate on razor-thin margins and adequate compensation for caring for auto accident patients helps them stay afloat,” Peters says. Plus, in-home providers had their reim­ bursement rates cut from 100 percent to 55 percent. They say they cannot sustain that cut and will go out of business, leaving hundreds of crash victims seeking few, if any, alternatives. The law caps hospital charges for auto-related patients to 250 percent of The Hastings BcUlIlCT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. what Medicare pays. The situation is far worse for those non-hospital-based pro­ viders that do not have Medicare codes used by insurance companies. Those pro­ viders, including adult care homes, rehab centers, nurse case managers and home care agencies, will get only about 55 per­ cent of what they were charging in 2019. Plus, the new law allows for only 56 hours per week of in-home care if provided by a relative, friend or business associate or anyone living in the same household as the injured party. The prior law allowed for 24/7 cover­ age, if provided by a commercial agency. However, the new law doesn’t apply to attendant care provided by agency compa­ nies, making it nearly impossible for these companies to continue to provide this special care. Industry experts say the pay­ ments are far less than actual costs, which will put the long-term care industry for survivors in severe jeopardy. Providers at every level express the hope that elected leaders will address the issue again soon, rather than just taking a wait-and-see attitude while thousands of helpless survivors and their loved ones suffer in the meantime. “We urge Gov. Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Jason Wentworth to sit down at the table with auto insurance representa­ tives and those of us who provide care to victims of catastrophic auto accidents,” said Tom Judd, president of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council. “We have a chance to collectively find a solution that would prevent a second traumatic event from being inflicted on survivors.” That’s what families of survivors like Troy Hughes of Middleville and Jesus Arias of Hastings, whose stories were published in The Banner and Reminder, respectively, pray for every day. They want Michigan legislators to realize the terrible situation they’re in and the poor level of care they’ll receive in the future due to the changes in the law. Because survivors of auto accidents number only in the thousands, they’re not getting the attention they need, especially when their level of care and quality of life will be detrimentally impacted if state legislators don’t act soon. By taking a wait-and-see attitude, legislators are forc­ ing hospitals, in-home personal care, and special services to get out of the business of caring for these victims. These vulnerable citizens need action now before it’s too late. Michigan had the best auto insurance program in the nation, We all should have been proud, knowing that our state left no one behind. No helpless survivor was left knocking at the door, desperately pleading for help - until now. What our legislators needed was just some oversight of the MCCA and a work­ able formula for paying providers a rate that was reasonable. Instead, these cold-hearted so-called public servants have maneuvered every citizen of this state into being like the two men in the Gospel of Mark who walked past the stranger lying beaten and dying on the road from Jerusalem before he was rescued by the Good Samaritan. We were once Samaritans. We must not walk past our wounded now. . Call your state senator or representa­ tive. Tell them it’s time to act. •NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 21, 2021 — Page 5 Ayers named Kiwanian of the Year by local club Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Member SIPC Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor Jim Lundin Financial Advisor 400 W. State St, Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 2169 W. M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 818-0423 Short-term investments offer liquidity and more Korin Ayers (right) is named Kiwanian of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Hastings. She is joined here by current club president Peggy Hemerling. (Photo provided) Korin Ayers was named Kiwanian of the Year at the Kiwanis Club of Hastings Annual Dinner Tuesday in the Gury Parish Hall at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Ayers was nominated by several fellow Kiwanians for her contributions to the club’s efforts on behalf of children in the Hastings community and around the world, but espe­ cially for leading the fundraising drive for the Southeastern Elementary School playground. Southeastern Principal Dana Stein has iden­ tified the need for more and better playground equipment as being essential for the students to get the kind of brain break, stress relief, exer­ cise, and fun that recess can provide. Ayers led the club in the past year in rais­ ing $44,152 from a number of grants and donations, in partnership with the school’s parent-teacher organization and Principal Stein, notably including the Barry Community Foundation, the Youth Advisory Council, the Douglas A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation, Gun Lake Casino, Barb Pietrangelo Prudential Financial Advisor, Hastings Area Schools, and the contributions of Kiwanis Club members and others through the 100 by $100 campaign. The total quali­ fied for a 100 percent matching grant from Game Time through Sinclair Recreation. Past President Rich Franklin, who recently passed the gavel to President Peggy Hemerling, said Ayers exemplifies the club’s objectives and Kiwanis’ motto of “Serving the children of the world.” “Kiwanis even has a hashtag to remind us that #KidsNeedKiwanis,” Franklin said in a press release. “Korin Ayers is a great blessing to our club and to the children of Southeastern Elementary and the Hastings area.” Generally speaking, invest­ ing is a long-term process. You invest in your IRA and 401(k) to reach a long-term goal - re­ tirement. You may invest in a 529 education savings plan for many years to reach another long-term goal - college for your children. But is there also a place in your portfolio for short­ er-term investments? In a word, yes. You have three good reasons for owning short-term investments: liquid­ ity, diversification and protec­ tion of longer-term investments. Let’s look at all three: • Liquidity - For many peo­ ple, the COVID-19 pandemic brought home the need to have ready access to cash, and short­ term investment vehicles are typically liquid. Still, some are more liquid than others, and you’ll want to know the differ­ ences right from the start. Probably the most liquid vehicle you could have isn’t an investment at all, but rather a simple savings or checking account. But you likely could earn much more interest from a high-yield online savings ac­ count without sacrificing much, if any, liquidity. Money market accounts are also highly liquid, but they may carry minimum balance requirements. Other short-term investments may be less liquid, but that may not be a major concern if you don’t need the money immedi­ ately. For example, you could purchase a type of mutual fund known as an ultra short-term bond fund that invests in lon­ ger-term bonds due to mature in less than a year, so you could receive the benefit of the higher interest rates typically provid­ ed by these bonds. You could choose to partially or entirely liquidate your bond fund at any time, but it may take several days for the sale to go through, since the shares in the fund need to be sold. You could also invest in a three-month certificate of deposit (CD), but if you cash it out early, you’ll lose some of the interest payments. • Diversification - If your portfolio consists largely of stocks and stock-based ETFs and mutual funds, you could take a hit, at least temporarily, during periods of market down­ turns, which are a normal part of the investment world. But a diversified portfolio, containing both long- and short-term in­ vestments, may hold up better during periods of market vola­ tility. That’s because the short­ term vehicles we’ve looked at are typically going to be far less affected by market movements, if they’re affected at all. (Keep in mind, though, that diversifi­ cation by itself can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses.) • Protection of longer-term investments - If you were to face an unexpected expense, such as the need for a major home or car repair, how would you pay for it? Without any liquid reserves, you might be forced to dip into your long­ term investments, such as your 401(k) and IRA. But by do­ ing so, you could incur taxes and penalties - and, perhaps even more important, you’d be removing resources from accounts designed to help you achieve a comfortable retire­ ment. With enough short-term investments in place, though, you can avoid touching these long-term accounts. As you can see, you can benefit significantly by adding some short-term investment vehicles to your portfolio. They could make a big difference in your ability to meet your finan­ cial goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. EdwardJones, Member SIPC How it feels to reach out - and to connect To the editor: I’ve submitted several articles to your newspaper over the last few months, and thank you for publishing them. I suspect that many of your staff are like me, laboring over the exact wording on what we consider to be an important - or at least worthwhile - bit of information we hope to share with the public. After the paper comes out, we (I at least) sit back and wait for some type of response or reaction to our valuable information. And, in my case, more often than not, there is noth­ ing! Nothing to indicate that it was read, let alone that it stirred some action. Well, I want to share that the recent article I submitted concerning a suicide awareness hike, like my past submissions, resulted in nothing but silence - until Friday, Oct. 8. It was at that point that I received an email from a person I did not know, asking for more information, and showing an interest in tak­ ing part! After a bit of back and forth, I’m please to say that this person joined us on Saturday’s hike and shared her own story - and I’m not ashamed to admit it brought tears to my eyes, largely because it was clear that these actions were having a healing affect for her, but also for those who were involved in the discussion. Afterward, I was reminded of the tale that we have probably all heard before: A man walking along the beach at low tide is picking up starfish and tossing them out into the water - away from the seagulls who were pecking at them. A boy asks - there are thou­ sands - aren’t you wasting your time? The man simply picks up one, tosses it and replies, “I made a difference for this one!” Well, I took the time to write the article, and Randall Roberts made the effort and took the time to drive from Ohio to make a 14-hour hike to raise awareness concerning the epidemic of suicides in this country. We did have good response from some of our Chapter members who were aware of it, but it sure was nice to get a “recruit” from the article you published! Eric Longman, Hickory Comers Commissioners ignore planning Administer board - to county’s detriment punishment to all who deserve it took the planning and zoning board two To the editor: The Barry County Board of Commissioners totally ignore the recom­ mendations of their planning and zoning board and waste taxpayer money paying for the work that planning board tries to do. This comes about after the planning and zoning board had two meetings, did site visits, researched the issue and, by a 6-1 vote, came to the conclusion to deny a rezoning request from rural residential to mixed use for Bay Pointe’s expansion of more “cottages” at Bay Woods. Ignoring the issues of congested traffic, pedestrian traffic safety and noise, county Commissioner Bruce Campbell stated, “The grounds of Bay Woods are immacu­ late with beautiful white fencing” before he voted “yes” to approve expansion of five more two-story cottages. Campbell admitted he doesn’t know a lot about planning and zoning, so why then are county commissioners voting on something for which they are not quali­ fied to make informed decisions? In 10 minutes, they discussed the issue and voted to rezone these two parcels when it meetings and several hours of site review, questions and answers, plus discussion at two meetings amongst themselves, to fully understand the detrimental impact of the area if rezoning was allowed. County residents should not be paying for a total waste of taxpayer money when the commissioners entrust the planning and zoning board to research and recom­ mend and then overrule them in 10 min­ utes of discussion - all for the sake of money. Bay Corp, will make more money and the township will get more tax revenue money, but that ignores the safety con­ cerns and adverse impact on the immedi­ ate area. I’ve attended many planning and zon­ ing meetings and these board members are well-informed, do their individual research on issues before them, and I’m pleased with their conscientious efforts to make Barry County better for everyone. To the editor: It appears that the Barry County Board of Commissioners is planning on using the budget pro­ cess to punish county officials who upset some folks in the process of doing their jobs. If it is determined to be legal, I’d like to suggest that they consider using that technique on our sher­ iff, since his actions continue to upset people. The sheriff’s newest investigation of whether the county’s health officer should take an oath of office is another example of how his actions continue to stir up controversy and create division in our com­ munity. This investigation also is hypocritical since, by using the Freedom of Information Act process, it was discovered that some of the sheriff’s own deputies in the Marine Division had tickets they had issued inval­ idated because they had not taken an oath. Then, after the officers took the oath, the sheriff asked that those tickets be reinstated. So, hopefully, the board administers its newfound punishment fairly among all county officers. Linda Ribble, Orangeville Township Larry Osborne, Delton Music or mayhem? To the editor: Any goal should include purpose and action, as well as unity of thought. However, to carry through and achieve that goal, we must agree on the course of action to get it done. It also is very important for everyone to have their own opinion and point of view, as our differences do add value and insight to the situation at hand. It’s like a symphony orchestra with many different instruments. Separately, they all Dylan James Baker, Joliet, IL and Madison Blake Hester, Shorewood, IL Ryan Moloney Elms, Arlington, VA and Monica Lee-Sergi Watt, Arlington, VA Mallory Kaye Durham, Woodland and Brendan Dean Stahl, Woodland Clinton Earl Carothers, Grand Rapids and Amanda Robin Brown, Hastings Terresa Michelle Osborn, Mesa, AZ and Robert William Eaker, Mesa, AZ Winter Marie McCandlish, Delton and Trisitian Cameron-Dylan Patterson, Delton have their own unique sound. But, played together, they produce music that no individual instrument could ever do alone. Supervisor Jim Brown, Hastings Charter Township FRIDAY 9 to 4 SATURDAY 9 to 4 • Painting Project Pieces • Huge Assortment of Dishes U»s* IL. • Dish Serveware KL (many are antique) • Fiestaware of the K. • Milk Glass TH Year 11 L °n n,,-s « •Windows J Lots & Lots of Christmas Ornaments • Lamps • Wall Art & Pictures • and so much more! 1792 West State Rd., Hastings, 49058 Located in between Airport Sand &Gravel and Church of the Living God in Hastings, Michigan Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-896-870-7985 �Page 6 — Thursday, October 21, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Lynn R. Johnson Lynn R. Johnson, age 77, of Delton passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021. Lynn was the son of Basil E. and Jean A. (Rogers) Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Johnson. Per Lynn’s final wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Lynn’s life with his family, friends, and all those who loved, respected, and admired him will take place at a later date. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Lynn’s family. X-* /I Lane Roslund, age 17, of Hastings, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021 in Hastings. Lane was bom in Carson City, on November 4,2003, the son of Michael Roslund Jr. and the late Jennie Baker. Lane was a free spirit, and spent his childhood in the Houghton Lake, Sunfield and Hastings areas, and was currently at student at Hastings, High School. During his middle schools years Lane enjoyed playing football, wrestling, and learning Karate. Lane loved to be “on the go”, and although he ALWAYS wore a wristwatch, he was ALWAYS late! He loved being outdoors hunting, fishing and floating down the Thomapple River during the summer months. His quick wit and his unique ability to deliver a joke made even the simplest of “knock knock” jokes side splittingly funny. Lane is survived by his parents Michael (Jenipher) Roslund; three sisters, Alexandria Roslund, Chloe Wymer, Cheyanne Baker; four brothers, Parker Roslund, Owen Roslund, Cayson Roslund and Bentley Baker The family will receive visitors to celebrate Lane’s life from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23,2021 at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. Interment will take place privately. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net Stringy pumpkins Dr. Universe: What are the strings inside a pumpkin? Some are attached to the seeds. Maggie, Woodinville, Wash. Dear Maggie, If you open up a pumpkin, you would see all kinds of different things inside. Some people call all this gooey stuff the pump­ kin’s “brains” or its “guts.” There’s the meaty orange flesh, sticky pulp, lots of seeds, and, of course, all those little strings. The strings actually have a really big job. My friend Lydia Tymon is a plant pathol­ ogist. That means she is like a doctor for plants - and she was happy to hear about your question. The pumpkin’s strings, or fibrous strands, help the seeds get something important while the pumpkin is growing on the vine: nutrients. You might think of the nutrients as if they were the seeds’ food, and you might think of the strings as if they were the pumpkin’s own food delivery service. “In a lot of vegetables, there’s something that attaches the flesh to the seeds so that it can get the nutrients that it needs,” Tymon said. Tymon said peas are another example of a vegetable that has this kind of little sys­ tem. If you pop open a pea pod, you may notice there is a little part that attaches the pea to the pod. It’s what plant scientists call the funiculus. After learning about how nutrients can travel to the plant’s seeds through these fibrous strands, I asked Tymon exactly why these seeds need all of those important nutrients. She reminded me that the seeds are how a plant reproduces, or makes future genera­ tions of plants. Those nutrients that pass through the fibrous strings of a pumpkin eventually get stored up in a part of the seed called the endosperm. It’s this little part of the seed that stores up all the nutri­ ents the seed will need to one day grow and develop into a plant. When the seed is exposed to water, soil and sun, new pump­ kins can start growing on the vine. You know, it sure is interesting to observe all the plants on our planet. Whether you are curious about pumpkins or other fruits and veggies, you never know when a great science question might strike. With the help of an adult, maybe this year you can work together to do a pump­ kin dissection of your own. Open up a pumpkin and see if you can identify all of its different parts. If you are up for it, maybe you can even count all the seeds. Pumpkins have lots of seeds. You could even do some research to find out what the flesh is made up of or exactly what’s inside the seed. After all that pumpkin exploration, you might feel a bit famished. When you are done, think about the different ways humans can use pumpkins for food. You might even consider baking some­ thing like chocolate chip pumpkin muffins or a pumpkin pie. Or if you’re like me, you might just bake the seeds and enjoy a healthy pumpkin snack. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr. Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. * Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269’945’3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome.net Owner/M anager Family Owned and Operated owner Emeritus Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE . METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy, P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Hm Fiberglass Froducts 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 AmtWESIMfflF 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Elaine Garlock Football rankings listed this week include Lakewood whose record thus far is three wins and two losses. Meantime, Portland has won all five games. Dewitt and Grand Ledge each are 4-1. In schools a bit smaller PewamoWestphalia and Portland St. Pats each have 5-0 records. It should be interesting to see how they fare in the rest of the season. The annual fall rummage sale at the Fellowship Hall of Central United Methodist Church on Fourth Avenue is on for three days starting today with hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and shorter hours Saturday. Also there will be fresh doughnuts for sale, especially in the morning hours. They might be sold out by afternoon. Sunday was observed as the annual United Methodist Women Sunday with the lady Forrest Lee Johnson, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 5, 2021 to Rachel Johnson and Tyler Johnson of Hastings. Asher Scott-Will Allerding, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 14, 2021 to Anna Simmons and Alex Allerding of Nashville. Jaxon Ray Wendorf, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock to Ashley Wendorf and Robert Wendorf III of Hastings. Lincoln Chase Losey, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 16, 2021 to Jessica Leanne Losey and Terry Lea Losey Jr. of Hastings. members doing a skit, each wearing black as a background for the props each held. The theme was the Great American Pie with over­ tones related to the Purpose. To take the theme to a nice conclusion, warm apple pie was served during coffee hour that followed the service, which included communion. Green beans are still rolling in. Tuesday, a double-bottom semi was noted carrying away a heaping load of snippings. Another feature of the season is that the siding at Twin City Foods this week has five refrigerator railcars. That will hold a lot of green beans. Both the Raffler and Allen rural homes have been razed. One of the building sites overlooks a lake. The other is pure country. We will wait to see what transpires at each site. Members of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel organization this week received the first issue of the state publication in a long time. Some chapters are starting to meet or are making plans for future meetings. Clarksville’s own Georgia Richardson, now Sharp is the co-chairman for legislative affairs for this statewide group, which operates in behalf of retired school personnel, whether bus drivers, cooks or superintendents. We read about shortages of teachers. The latest is that one urban school district had to call the National Guard in order to have drivers for all of its buses. With illness and quarantines, some schools have trouble being fully staffed. Noelle Grace Wezensky, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 17, 2021 to Rachelle Rose Wezensky and Kevin Clay Wezensky of Hastings. Blake Micheal Pewoski, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 21, 2021 to Casandra Pewoski and Micheal Pewoski of Hastings. Hopper Theodore Halliwill, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 21, 2021 to Shelby Halliwill and Zachary Halliwill of Delton. Clayton Hayes Miller, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock to Bria Miller and Jordan Miller of Hastings. *$ Myles Tyler Mead, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 22, 201 to Rebecca Lynn Gaylor and Dustin Tyler Mead of Hastings. Benton Daniel Stoiber, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 3, 2021 to Brooke Elaine Johnson and Kyle Harley Stoiber of Nashville. Braxton James, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 27, 2021 to Ashley Marie Cappon of Hastings. Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-999-979-7065 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 21, 2021 — Page 9 days. He was ordered to pay $566 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months. Court records show a prior conviction for pos­ session of marijuana Feb. 20,2001. In a separate case, Gesmundo pleaded guilty to failing to pay child support and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 60 days in jail, with credit for 60 days served. He was fined $398 and placed on probation for 36 months. Gesmundo was ordered to participate in and successfully complete the Office of Community Corrections’ Cog program for cognitive behavioral based group treatment or other regular drug testing, pay restitution of $27,713 through Friend of the Court, and comply with all terms listed in the presentencing investigation report. Donald Perry Peters, 51, of Dorr, was found guilty Aug. 10 of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under age 13 between June 2001 and Sept. 1, 2008, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve consecutive terms of 36 to 180 months in prison on both counts. Four other counts of first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct were dismissed at the time of sentencing. He was ordered to pay $1,126 in fines and costs. Jaylind Paul Scott, 24, of Kalamazoo, was convicted of unarmed robbery of a Cricut-Smart cutting machine in Rutland Township Nov. 2, 2020. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on proba­ tion for 12 months. Charges of unarmed robbery and second-degree retail fraud were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show a prior conviction for attempted first-degree retail fraud Oct. 19, 2020, in Branch County; and attempted assault/resisting and obstructing May 24,2018, in Kalamazoo County. Thomas Jesse Ballard, 39, of Hastings, was convicted of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine/Ecstacy, in Hastings April 30, 2020. He sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 54 days in jail, with credit for 54 days served. Ballard was ordered to pay $498 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 12 months. Court records show he has prior convic­ tions for possession of marijuana April 20,2004, and use of methamphetamine Dec. 5,2019. Travis Noel Catron, 48, of Camden, Ind., was convicted of possession of a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine, July 9, 2018, in Orangeville Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 19 days in jail, with credit for 19 days served, and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Other charges of possession of a controlled substance, marijuana or a synthetic equivalent, as a sec­ ond-time, or subsequent, offender; having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle; operating a vehicle on Marsh Road without a valid opera­ tor’s license; and unlawful use of a license plate not issued for the Ford Ranger he was driving, were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show a prior conviction for possession pf methamphetamine May 8,2013. Jeremy Lee Gesmundo, 42, of Delton, was convicted of possessing the controlled substance methamphetamine as a second-time or subse­ quent offender and carrying a concealed weap­ on, an 11-inch double-sided knife on a motorcy­ cle May 19 in Orangeville Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to consecutive terms of 57 days in jail, with credit for 57 days served, on each count. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 Michael David Stonehouse, 34, of Hastings, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and domestic violence June 9, 2020, in Nashville. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for 77 days served on the first count and 77 days in jail, with credit for 77 days served on the other count. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Stonehouse was ordered to pay $1,108 in fines and costs. A charge of aggravat­ ed domestic violence on a woman with whom he had a dating relationship, without a weapon, inflicting serious injury but without intending to commit murder or inflict great bodily harm, was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show a prior conviction for assault and battery of a woman with whom he had a rela­ tionship. Aaron Daniel Wirtjes, 39, of Lansing, was found guilty by a jury of eight felony counts: First-degree criminal sexual conduct while he was armed with a gun Feb. 20, 2020, in Nashville; kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, domestic violence, and committing a felony with a firearm on those four felony con­ victions, as well as being a four-time habitual offender. He was sentenced to consecutive terms of 570 to 960 months in prison on the criminal sexual conduct count and the kidnapping counts; 120 to 180 months on the assault with a danger­ ous weapon count; 180 to 960 months on the domestic violence count; and 24 months on each of the four felony with a firearm counts. Count 2 is consecutive to Count 1. Count 4 is consecutive to Count 3. Count 7 is consecutive to Count 5 and Count 8 is consecutive to Count 6. Wirtjes was ordered to pay $1,474 in fines and costs. Court records show he was previously convicted of third-degree home invasion June 19, 2002, and larceny in a building March 22, 2004, both in Ingham County; forgery of a financial trans­ action device May 10, 2005, in Kalamazoo County; and assault with a dangerous weapon Dec. 21,2015, in Kalamazoo County. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: TO: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE proposed Ordinance #2021-178 as appended hereto was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its October 13, 2021 meeting. This proposed ordinance will be considered for adoption by the Township Board at a regular meeting on November 10, 2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Charter Township Hall. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to Rutland Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland NOTE: this proposed ordinance is prepared in legislative format: existing content proposed to be deleted is shown lined-through, and proposed new content is shown in bold type. CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 2021-178 ADOPTED: EFFECTIVE: An Ordinance to amend parts of Chapter 89 (Cemeteries) of the Rutland Charter Township Code of Ordinances, also known as the Rutland Charter Township Cemetery Ordinance (originally adopted as Ordinance No. 2005-107, as amended by Ordinance 2016-158). THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SJCTIQ.N1 LtAiAL IhHICLj STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Decedent: John Clark. Date of birth: 12/21/1955. TO ALL CREDITORS; NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, John Clark, who lived at 3584 Cloverdale Road, Delton, Michigan 49046 died August 29, 2021. There is no probate estate. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the John Clark or The John Clark Irrevocable Trust dated 12/02/1999, as amended and restated in total on 09/03/2004 and 01/22/2018, will be forrever barred unless presented to Alexandra V. Howells the named successbffmsfee SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting October 13, 2021 Called to order at 6:33 p.m. Present: Stoneburner, Goebel, Pence, Doster. Absent: DeVries Agenda and September 8 & 28, 2021 Minutes were approved. County Commissioner’s Report. Public comments, if any, were received. Approved: paying bills: $44,749.46. Expansion of recycling program Approved Resolutions: 2021-15: Southgate Drive Fund 2021-16: Merlau/Long Point SAD Public Hearing #1 —2@2Wm/!erlau/LoHg Point Fund — 2021-18: Construction Code Administration 2021-19: Zoning Administration and Enforcement Approved Long Point Vacation action Public and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 169808 Within 4 months after the date of publication of this inotic^ Date: 10/19/2021 Michael D. Holmes P661665 DeMent and Marquardt, P.L.C. 211 East Water Street, Suite 4Ch Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (269) 343-2106 3584 Cloverdale Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269)377-3908 169967 UNWED states POSTAL SERVICE* f. PubticationTtite ........... Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (AH Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) rr-r-r,,-r 2. Publication Number r ............ ’ ' 3. \ Hastings Banner 10-21-21 Number of fcitm Pubtiiiwd Anmurty’ 16? 4. issue Frecfueney 52 FcomplM* MeingAdcPe** «f Known Price 52 | $52, $60, $65 state'and pGwti«Sp«son' 1351 S M-43 Hwy PO Box 188 Hastings MI 49058 i refephorie (include area cods) ' I 269-945-9554 or'SeneraTBusteM* Offloeof Fu^herlftta primer) CompSte 1351 N M-43 Hwy PO Box 188 Hastings Ml 49058 T^iNanesanddomptel*MaSng AddrewastfPubiisher. EdfoTimdManagingnotteavebiorM' FuMshar (Nsuntt andcomptcie mtSmgaddressj Fredric J Jacobs 1351 N M-43 Hwy PO Box 188 Hastings MI 49058. EtSor (Heme arid complete rnaiiing ntldrttss) Rebecca Pierce 1351 N M-43 Hwy PO Box 188 Hastings MI 49058 Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address} names and a*ih»ses of .rf storAfaAfera owning or holding f percent or more of trio iotat sma-j.it nt stock If no! owmtd by a eotpontHni, give ths namosandaddtessos<ifdiemavidualo«ners. Uarmed bi’bptiftnership or other tmltmotshvstedflm: give its name and address as welt as those of each tfK&rmiaiowner. II the pubSeabon is rmbUshed by a nonprofit organization, give Us name and address.)_______ _ ______ .___________ iaiiiwt 7 ' 5 ' “ i1 • ? — — Complete KWBHg.. Addrw 461 Lakeside Dr Hastings MI 49058 Fcedric J Jacobs 11. Kncwn Bondholders. Mortgagers*, and Other Security HoMere Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds. Mortgages, or Other Securities. if none, check box--------- --------- •---- ----- ------------------ > fl Nor® FutiNwne ' Complete Mailing Address _ 12. Tax Statu* (For camfUebon by nonpmfil otganitatiomt authorized to malt nt nonprofit rates) (ChcnH one) The purpose, function and nonprofrf status of this organization and the exempt status tar tederai income tax purposes: Q Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Mambs Q Ha* Changed Owing Preceding 12 Month* (JWsfwr most submit explanation of change with this statement} 14. issue Bastings Banner Average No. Copras No. Copies of Singte £«h issue During tesno PwbHshetS Preceding « Month* Naareat to Filing Date a. TWal Nwfflsor of Ccplos (Ato) prose run} 3200 /, v OutsareOountx P.kl Srewaipkona Stxtwl on PS Forel 3M1 (Include pax) * ' dstnbufwnatxwe nominal r**e. proof copies, and ewsbanj® copia*) GirculMioo ;:ir Mailed In-County Paid Subscription* SPHed cn PS Form 3541 (IncUde paid tHstiHMkxi sbeve nominal rate, ad-.w&iefs proofcopies and exchange copies) ww Outside theMaii) ox 10-14*21 ExtiMtaed Hatiire of Circutatton Paid Distribution Out»We the Malte k>clu«ng Sate* Throush OMiera turn Carriere. Street Vendors. Counter Sates, and Other PaW Diatributtan Outitide USPS* 3200 216 219 1113 1081 1490 1515 Mi P*W Owkibution try Other Cteeaes of Malt Through the USPS w (e.g. Firat-ClawMak*) c, Toth Paid Dretrtmfon }Swn t* I3t> (!).<?}. (3). and (X)J d NomlraH and Ctrutde theUait) {'1 F**8 2822 CMskteCounty Copies included on PS Form 3541 Notnin*t ._._2812________ O 0 (i) Free or Nominal Rate tnCcwity Coplea hwtaded on PS Form 3W1 0 0 or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the DSPS 0) Free (a.g.. FtraMMas* Mail) 0 0 (4) Frea or Nominal Rate Distributed Outwda the Mail (Canters or other means} 25 e. Total Free re Nominal Rate tHwribution (Sum of 16d <?), (i), (3} end (4}} i. ratal Oisrntertitm (Sure of 1Sc amt I So) 9. Copies rwt CWributed (See insfrueticris tn Pvbbsl&rs 44 (page »3}) h. Total (Sum oftSt and g} i. Percent P®d rtse divided by tSfUmts 100} . > ___ 25______ ^5 250 2811 2837 489 363 330® 3200 99.00 99.118 * 8 you are diAnins ehMtonic copres. 90 io hie 1S on page 3 if yoti are not claimins utiKbw-.tacupies.sk to line 47 on page 3. " ______________ IB. EkHnromc Copy canufeiSon Average No. Coptits No. Coplo* er single Koch Issue During twue PuPHsneu Preoodins Month* Nearest to Pains Oat- |^- a. P*« Hiecwonic Csopres b. Total Paw Prwe Copie* <wae +Paid tSrectrcHrteCoptos (Un* siSa) e. T«idPrtnliDS»lraM«ienCtJ™> ISO * Paid fitiKrtrwWc CofXeattJno r'ercer* Pass (Bren Print a taeebonte Cooum) ( tab dredita by tee x sony .______ N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Cl 1 eertffy that SO*, of eh my Oinrttiulea eoplee (ewctroruc and print) ere paler «bov« a nominal prise. __ ....., M/A___ _ N/A ^^P1LQF.QRD1NANCE.3 § 89-6 of the Rutland Charter Township Code, pertaining to the regulation of markers and monuments in cemeteries, is hereby amended to read as follows: SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting October 12, 2021 “§ 89-S, Markets. apamQnMment?, Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Six board members present, one absent Approved all consent agenda items Leach Lake Weed Control renewal Wage resolutions for 2022 Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:44 pm A- All markers and monuments, including benches used as or having the function of a monument or marker, shall be made of stone, bronze, or other equally durable composition. B. Only one monument shall be permitted per burial space. The Sexton may allow up to four memorial markers in conjunction with a monument, provided the markers shall be level with the ground so as to not impede the use of lawn maintenance equipment. C. The footing or foundation upon which any monument, marker, or memorial must be placed shall be 18 inches deep and four inches larger on all sides with a maximum width of 24 inches. The marker or monument shall not exceed the size of the burial space. Cost of the foundation is to be determined by contract with the Sexton and payable by the owner of the burial space. Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 169993 _ D. -------—... i^a* ---------- ------------- -- ----- ------------ « „ All markers and monuments must be set in a neat and orderly fashion in line with the row.” S.ECJIQ.NJ. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961,1961 PA236, MCL600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, starting promptly at 1:00 PM, on October 28, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Rita M. Bates, surviving spouse Original Mortgagee: Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, A Subsidiary of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. Date of Mortgage: July 25, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 6, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $101,198.64 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 31, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the South 1/4 corner of said section; thence North 00 degrees and 00 minutes West 2303.95 feet along the West line of said Southeast 1/4 to a point which is South 00 degrees 00 minutes East 330.0 feet from the Center of said Section 31; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes East 385.17 feet along the North line of Church Street to the place of beginning of this description; thence North 00 degrees 27 minutes 15 seconds West 165.0 feet along the East line of Race Street; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes East 132.0 feet; thence South 00 degrees 27 minutes 15 seconds East 165.0 feet to the North line of Church Street; thence South 89 degrees 54 minutes West 132.0 feet to the place of beginning. Common street address (if any): 6463 W Irving Rd, Hastings, Ml 49058-9787 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 30, 2021 Trott Law, P.C. 31440 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 145 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 (248) 642-2515 1444453 (09-30)(10-21) 168775 AMENDMENT OF 8 89-9 OF THE RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE OF ORDINANCES PERTAINING TO GROUND MAINTENANCE IN CEMETERIES § 89-9 of the Rutland Charter Township Code, pertaining to ground maintenance in cemeteries, is hereby amended to read as follows: “.§ 89-9, Ground maintenanceAt No grading or leveling upon a burial space shall be allowed. B. No shrubs, trees, or vines shall be planted. No fences or curbs shall be erected. C. The Township Board or its designee reserves the right to remove or trim any tree or shrub already located within the cemetery in the interest of maintaining the proper appearance and use of the cemetery. D. Mounds, memorials, decorations, or benches that hinder the free use of a lawn mower or other gardening apparatus are prohibited. No site decoration shall be taller than the headstone unless it is a plant or flower planted in an urn. E. AH ttUrns, memorabilia, or decorations must may be set in line with the headstone and shall be within the boundaries of each individual occupied gravesite. Urns that are not ttsed-feHwe-years have become deteriorated may be removed by the Sexton. Ft------------ A-eontained border of-ne-more than -36-inehes-that--projeets-forward onto4he-4ot-shaH-be allowed as-leng-as-it conforms to the dimensions of the-btmal-spaeer-Thebordef may consist of ■■ landscaping-stenes-or- flowers- All decorations/shepherd’s-hooks- must ■ be contained inside of the-border. T-he maintenance inside of the border shalHje-the-responsibiltty of the lot- owner and their survivors. Should-the- border beeome-ttnsightly due te -growth, -decay or-detertoratien-,- the -Sexton shall have the- authority -to remove the -border-and-afFeontents at the owner’s expense. Surfaces other than earth orsed-shall be prohibitedeutside of the herder area. GF. All refuse of any kind, including, but not limited to, dried flowers, wreaths, papers, and flower containers shall be removed or deposited in containers located within the cemetery. HG. The Sexton shall have the right and authority to remove and dispose of any and all growth, emblems, displays, or containers that, through decay, deterioration, or damage, are unsightly, would become a source of litter, or a maintenance problem. 4? Under-certain conditions;-!! may be-necessary to remove part or-the entire border to dig a grave-of-maintain the -grounds surroending-the-headstone:- If-this happens-,-the-tot- owners er-their survivors-will be responsible for removing the-berdef-and-replacing-it-tf-desired-if this removal-is required- but not done by the^amiiy-the Sexton will remove-it-at-theewner;s expense. The lot owners-or their survivors will be responsible-for its replacement. JH. All encroachments onto adjacent lots are the responsibility of the individual registered lot owners or their designated representatives. KI. The Rutland Charter Township Board or its designees shall not be held liable for decorations, memorabilia, trees, shrubs, or flowers and their containers left on or planted at any burial space. Anything left on or planted at the burial space shall be the sole responsibility of the lot owner or their survivors.” SECTION? SEVERABILITY The provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable, so that if any part is declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction such decision shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of the Ordinahce, which shall continue in full force and effect. SECTION 4 REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES: EFFECTIVE DATE All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after publication as may be required by law. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland �Page 10 — Thursday, October 21,2021 — The Hastings Banner Meth stalks rural Michigan Man threatens family with hitman, stabs house A 69-year-old man told police a 48-year-old Nashville man came to his house, threatened to hire a hitman to kill his family and left a knife embedded in the side of his house in the 800 block of North Main Street in Nashville at 7:18 p.m. Oct. 3. The resident told police the suspect claimed the resident’s son was having an affair with his wife. The suspect said he would pay someone from Lansing $2,000 to kill everyone in the house. He then stabbed his knife into the side of the house, pinning an envelope with some of the son’s belongings inside. The son, 49, told police he had dated the man’s wife while he was in prison, but they broke up when he was released. The case remains under investigation. Woman rams boyfriend’s car, hides in woods A 37-year-old man called 911 to report that his girlfriend, 36, of Pontiac, hit his vehi­ cle with her own, left the scene, returned and hit his vehicle again around 10 p.m. Oct. 1. While he was on the phone with the police, the woman pulled off her pants and yelled to the dispatcher that the man was sexually assaulting her. She left before police arrived, but she was soon found on foot, hiding from the officers in some nearby woods. The boyfriend said she is addicted to methamphetamine and had suffered a recent relapse. Officers found a warrant for her arrest on a probation violation in Montcalm County. She was taken into custody and transported to the jail there. Houseguest takes items while owner is in jail A 41-year-old man called police Oct. 6 to report his trailer and several “monkey cages,” worth about $1,500 had been stolen from his residence. The man said he had been in jail for 11 months, and let a man, 46, of Olivet, stay at his residence in the 7000 block of Huff Road. During that time, he took the trailer and the cages disap­ peared. The victim said the suspect had borrowed them, but declined to return them. When an officer called the suspect, he refused to speak on the issue. The case remains under investigation. Drone suspected in marijuana plant theft A 63-year-old man called police at 3 p.m. Oct. 9, to report two marijuana plants had been stolen from his garden in the 6000 block of Charlton Park Road. He said the plants, worth between $3,000 and $4,000,. had been taken that morning. He did not know of any possible suspects, but said a drone had been flying over his property recently and the drone operator may have spotted the plants. He said he did not believe they could be seen from the road. The case is inactive without any suspects. 169602 BARRY TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FAIR LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BARRY, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have pre­ pared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the Fair Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District No. 2021-1 benefited by the proposed aquatic plant con­ trol project. The roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing the costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, which district is more partic­ ularly shown on the plans on file with the Township Clerk. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 11300 S. M-43 Highway, Delton, Michigan. The project cost (including adminis­ trative costs) is $45,235, which is the amount of the assessment roll. The assessment amounts assessed against each property in the district will be $190.06 per year per parcel. The term of the special assessment will be two years, 2021 through 2022 inclusive. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessor have further reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said district is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said district as the benefit to such parcels bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet at the Barry Township Hall, 155 E. Orchard Street, Delton, Michigan on Monday, October 25,2021 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll, hearing any objections thereto and confirming the roll as submitted or revised or amended. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business days of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his objections there­ to in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Barry Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the meeting to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon seven (7) days’ notice to the Barry Township Clerk. Debra Knight, Barry Township Clerk P.O. Box 705 Delton Ml 49046 (269) 623-5171 Bridge Michigan Experts say a resurgence in methamphet­ amine abuse poses a renewed threat to Michigan - especially in wide, rural swaths of the state where treatment is scarce and the drug is anything but. The coronavirus pandemic has raised even more barriers to helping those addicted to this potent drug. “Meth has never really stopped being a problem, especially in rural Michigan,” said Liz Lenz, coordinator of the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force. “It certainly is of growing concern now.” In an Upper Peninsula courtroom, Circuit Court Judge Brian Rahilly leafed through the pages of his Sept. 22 criminal docket in Alger County. The defendants scheduled to appear before him fit a familiar pattern. Nine of 20 cases that day involved charges tied to methamphetamine ? from possession to delivery or manufacture of the drug, including one case that also charged an assault. “Just off the cuff,” the judge said, “I would say most days half of my criminal docket is meth and it’s probably higher than that.” Rahilly has been on the bench since January, following his election last year to the circuit court, which spans four rural counties. “For every 10 cases involving meth, I might get one involving another substance; it’s not even close,” he said. “I would say meth is the most critical issue we face at this time in our local communities.” A 2020 report on overdose deaths in 12 largely rural counties in the west side of lower Michigan recorded 289 overdose deaths - a 35-percent rise over 2018. Methamphetamine was found to have contributed to a third of those deaths. Michigan health officials don’t yet have a detailed breakdown of overdose deaths across the state for 2020, in which deaths by all types of drugs reached an all-time high of 2,743 deaths, a 17 percent rise from 2019, according to preliminary data released in July by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But overdose deaths tied to methamphet­ amine over the past decade point to an omi­ nous trend, as deaths from psychostimulants including meth skyrocketed: from 11 in 2010 to 210 in 2019. And those on the treatment frontlines say that death statistics reflect but part of the dam­ age wrought by methamphetamine - wrecked families, children pried from their parents, destroyed futures. At the same time, treatment advocates say, gaps in rehabilitation support systems contin­ ue to plague much of rural Michigan, whether it’s treatment for opioids or methamphet­ amine. Added to that, and perhaps related, is that much of ruraLMichigan - which has seen high levels of persistent poverty, unemploy­ ment and falling population - leads the state in the rate of suicide. “I think it’s unconscionable that somehow we have so few resources in northern Michigan,” said Kevin Fischer, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a grass­ roots advocacy organization. “We don’t have a good plan to address these issues. It’s as if we cut these people loose and told them, their behavior doesn’t matter.” A 2019 study found that more than 500,000 Michigan residents with a substance-use dis­ order (about 1 in 5) went untreated. Commissioned by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, an independent healthcare foundation that receives funds from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the analysis ‘Meth has never really stopped being a problem, especially in rural Michigan. It certainly is of growing concern now.’ Liz Lenz, coordinator of the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force noted acute shortages of mental health and substance abuse providers in rural stretches of the state, concentrated in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. It noted 25 counties had no psychiatrist and 10 counties - all rural - had no psychiatrist or psychologist. Sixteen rural counties did not have a substance use disorder treatment center, and seven rural counties lacked the trifecta of a psychologist, psychiatrist and substance abuse center. President Biden’s proposed $3.5 trillion social-safety-net plan - its prospects for passage anything but certain - contains modest plans to address this issue, including offering scholar­ ships for 1,000 U.S. medical students who agree to serve in rural and underserved areas. In August, the federal Department of Health and Human Services awarded $7.5 million to 15 agencies across 13 states to strengthen treatment programs for methamphetamine users, including $500,000 over three years to the Michigan Center for Rural Health at Michigan State University. Robert Mellin, chief clinical officer for the U.P.’s Great Lakes Recovery Centers, said the chemistry of methamphetamine makes treat­ ment a particularly steep challenge, even with support. Great Lakes manages nine outpatient drug treatment offices across the U.P., as well as four residential treatment centers and three recovery houses. But he said traditional outpatient treatment - which constitutes the bulk of methamphet­ amine intervention - has a spotty success record for people with addictions. “Their no-show, cancellation rate is pain­ ful,” he said. “It’s kind of like they are here and they are not.” Mellin said no-show rates grew worse during the pandemic, when Great Lakes switched from in-person counseling to remote digital sessions. Clients simply disappeared. “We lost 40 percent of our outpatient busi­ ness,” he said. Methamphetamine yields a high akin that is to cocaine, as it floods the brain with dopa­ mine, a chemical tied to feelings of pleasure. But repeated use also raises the threshold for that initial rush, which means meth users need to take more to reach the same high. Highly addicted users can enter a manic state where they’re awake and on edge for days, and prone to hallucinations and paranoia. While there are three medications approved for opioid addiction, there are none for meth­ amphetamine. Though an outpatient behavior­ al strategy with a proven track record has earned legislative support for California’s Medicaid system. Michigan law enforcement officials say methamphetamine’s grip in the state grew in recent years as the supply shifted from home­ brewed meth labs to a purer ? and cheaper ? industrial-scale product. In the early 2000s, meth made from pseu­ doephedrine, the decongestant in cold medi­ cines like Sudafed, poured out of homemade Michigan labs in the woods, in kitchens, garages and trailer homes. Accidental meth lab explosions became all too common around the state. State lawmakers responded, with GOP Gov. Rick Snyder signing a bill package in 2011 that clamped down on the sale of pseudo­ ephedrine and required retailers to keep prod­ ucts containing the drug in a locked case or behind the counter. But as the supply of home-cooked meth began to dry up, another source took its place, much of that in the hands of Mexican drug cartels. Law enforcement took notice. Over two years, In 19 largely rural northern Michigan counties, authorities nearly doubled methamphetamine arrests, from 226 arrests in 2018 to 542 in 2020. “A lot of it is coming from south of the border,” Michigan State Police Lt. Derrick Carroll said. “It’s higher grade, a lot cheaper than heroin and it is more readily available.” In June, state police pulled over a car with expired Georgia plates in Van Buren County in rural southwestern Michigan. Troopers found more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine, one of the largest seizures in recent years. State Police Lt. Richard Pazder, regional commander of the Southwest Michigan Enforcement Team, a nine-county multijurisdictional task force, said that bust is a sobering reminder of the rising threat posed by the drug. “These cartels have flooded the market with a product that is potentially lethal,” Pazder said. “People are using more meth and they are using it more often.” Paul Olson, an outpatient counselor at the Great Lakes Recovery Centers since 2013, said his recent caseload charts meth’s relent­ less toll on the families and small communi­ ties west of Marquette. “Out here in our small town of Ishpeming,” he said, “meth is eclipsing every other drug, except alcohol. “People lose their jobs, that’s the first thing that happens. It’s very hard for a person to maintain any kind of job when they are using methamphetamine,” he said. “I’ve seen people who had their kids taken away because they started using. They were having one of those episodes and the police get involved and they find out they have chil­ dren with them.” Olson recalled the recent downward spiral of a single mother of three young children. She had become addicted to prescribed opiate pain medication while holding down a clerical office job, switched to heroin after her pre­ scribing doctor’s practice was shut down, then to methamphetamine after the local under­ ground supply of opiates dried up. She lost her job. She began injecting the drug to get a faster and more potent high. “She was pulled over by the police wherp-^ she was impaired by meth and she had thekids in the car. The kids were eventually taken away.” , By this time, Olson said, the woman’s fam­ ily had severed ties with her. “It’s that way with a lot of families around here. If you are using meth, they say, ‘You are dead to me.’” Olson said he saw the woman perhaps three times in counseling, and she seemed sincere in her desire to beat this drug. But, more than a year ago, she abruptly stopped attending counseling sessions, a court-imposed condition for her to regain cus­ tody of her children. Olson never saw her again. “They just kind of drop off the face of the earth,” he said. State police shoot, kill fugitive felon Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Michigan State Police fugitive team shot and killed a 40-year-old Barry County man in the 9200 block of Lindsey Road in Orangeville Township around 10 a.m. Oct. 13. Steven David Schumann had absconded from parole Sept. 24, police said, and the state police First District Fugitive Team out of Lansing was tracking him. They found Schumann in a vehicle on Lindsey Road with a female passenger. But, when they approached the vehicle, he “pro­ duced an edged weapon” and took his female passenger hostage, police reported. “Two members of the fugitive team fired multiple shots, striking and killing the sus­ pect,” they said. The female hostage was injured. One of the fugitive team members who fired at Schumann is an state police detective ser­ geant, while the other is an agent of the Michigan Department of Corrections. The case is being investigated by the state police Fifth District Incident in the parking lot, and saw Response Team. Schumann walk out with his moth­ At the time of his death, er following him. Schumann was a suspect in a rob­ The clerk tried to write down bery at the Shell service station in Schumann’s license plate number, Delton. but had to jump out of the way According to a police report, when Schumann nearly drove into Schumann went to the station at her. After she went around to the 2:30 a.m., where he pumped $7.77 other side of the car, he switched worth of gas. The clerk, 55, of gears and nearly drove into her a Delton, said he was acting strange­ second time, causing her to dodge ly, and she noticed that he had Steven Schumann the vehicle again. paced around the car before pump­ At that point, her son had left his ing the gas. Eventually, he came inside and put vehicle and approached Schumann’s car. He multiple food items on the counter to purchase. punched the passenger window, breaking it and But, before the clerk could finish scanning cutting his hand, before the vehicle drove off. them, Schumann started putting them in plastic Both the clerk and her son later identified bags. She grabbed one of the bags and told him Schumann from a booking photo. he couldn’t leave without paying. His prior convictions included possession of At that point, Schumann read the clerk’s controlled substances in 2019, escape from a name off her name tag and said, “If you don’t felony jail sentence in 2017, first-degree retail let go of my property, I’m going to hit you.” fraud in 2016, resisting, obstructing or assault­ She let go, but followed him out of the door. ing a police officer in 2011, one count of stolen Her son, 35, of Delton, was sitting in a vehicle property and two counts of forgery, also in 2011. County offers consumer property protection alerts Free service alerts ^roperty^ homeowners to potential fraud Property Fraud Alert is an online subscrip­ tion service offered to the public that allows individuals to have their names monitored within the register of deeds office in order to track possible fraudulent recordings that affect their property. The threat of mortgage fraud and identity theft crimes continue to rise, and often vic­ tims of these types of fraudulent activities are unaware their homes or identity have been stolen. While Property Fraud Alert does not prevent fraud from happening, it does pro­ vide an early warning system for property owners to take appropriate actions should they determine possible fraudulent activity has taken place, according to a press release forwarded by Barry County Register of Deeds Barbara Hurless. A common property-fraud scenario involves a criminal filing a bogus deed, making it appear that the actual owner had transferred ownership of a parcel to someone else. The criminal then takes that deed to a bank, fraud­ ulently obtains a mortgage and then disappears with a large amount of money. While it can happen to anyone, perpetrators of property fraud often prey on the elderly, people in long­ term care facilities, absentee property owners and owners who spend much of the year out of town, according to the press release. With Property Fraud Alert, subscribers will be notified when the name they have submitr ted is used in any recording activities within the register of deeds office. When subscribing to the service, the subscriber will have the option to choose to be notified by either e-mail or telephone. The best protection against property fraud is being proactive, the release noted. Property Fraud Alert is now available by free subscription online at propertyfraudalert. com and selecting “Barry, MI” from the drop­ down menu, or by calling 800-728-3858. The Property Fraud Alert link also is available from the barrycounty.org website. �Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 The Hastings ANNER SPORTS SECTION Thursday, October 21,2021 Back on top! Saxons win second 1-8 championship Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings is getting its trophy after finishing in a three-way tie with Jackson Lumen Christi and Harper Creek for the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference title. The Saxons, repeat champions in the 1-8, and likely the Delton Kellogg Panthers will get to play for more hardware when the MHSAA state football tournaments begin in a week and a half. Now is the Maple Valley Lions’ turn to get their hands on a trophy. Maple Valley and Bellevue have traded their Little Brown Jug back and forth the past two seasons, and the Lions will be looking to get it back from the Broncos when they travel to Bellevue Friday night. The Lions are 3-5 and the Broncos 2-5 on the season. While a string of five consecutive playoff appearances for the Broncos at the eight-player level is likely to be snapped this fall, the Lions once again represent a district too large to qualify for the state eight-player playoffs - meaning this is the Lions’ champi­ onship finale. A win Friday night could be like a champi­ onship victory for Delton Kellogg. The Panthers are 5-2 and looking to wrap up a playoff spot for the fifth time in the past seven seasons while also scoring their first-ever victory over the Schoolcraft Eagles on the gridiron. Like Bellevue and Maple Valley, the Eagles will come to the field with pride to play for. The 2-5 Eagles are likely to miss the state postseason for the first-time in T3 years. The Interstate-8 Athletic Conference cham­ pions from Hastings have a long bus ride ahead, even longer than its regular trips to Jackson and Coldwater. The Saxons head to Gaylord to meet in the middle for a Saturday match-up with the 1-7 Escanaba Eskimos. The Saxons will be looking to strengthen their playoff seeding. They are already sit sixth among all Division 4 teams in the state in playoff point total. Thomapple Kellogg and Lakewood will be looking to close out the season with wins at home. TK closes out the OK Gold Conference season against Ottawa Hills Friday - looking to make it two in a row to finish the fall. Lakewood hosts its annual rivalry with Ionia Friday looking to finish a season with a better than.500 record for the first time since 2018 which was the last time they closed out a season with a win over the Bulldogs. The Vikings and Bulldogs are both 4-4. Ionia hasn’t had a win­ ning record at the end of a season since 2013. Local Standings (W-L, playoffpoints) Hastings 7-1 (58.500) Delton Kellogg 5-2 (36.482) Lakewood 4-4 (27.375) Maple Valley (8-player) 3-5 Thomapple Kellogg 2-6 (32.875) The Hastings varsity football team celebrates its second straight Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship after a 39-20 win at Coldwater High School Thursday in the final ballgame of the conference season. The Saxons share the 2021 conference championship with Harper Creek and Jackson Lumen Christi. All three squads were 6-1 in conference action this fall. The play-off bound Saxons will finish the regular season with a bailgame against Escanaba in Gaylord Saturday, Oct. 23. Kick-off against the Eskimos is set for 4 p.m. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Hastings 7=!T&-I 7-1, 6-1 Lumen Christi Harper Creek 6-2, 6-1 Parma Western 5-3, 4-3 Coldwater 3-5, 3-4 3-5,2-5 Pennfield 2-6, 1-6 Marshall 1-7, 0-7 Northwest OK Gold Conference G.R. Catholic Central 8-0, 6-0 Cedar Springs 6-2, 5-1 6-2, 5-1 South Christian Forest Hills Eastern 4-4, 3-3 Thomapple Kellogg 2-6, 2-4 Kenowa Hills 3-5,2-4 Ottawa Hills 2-6, 1-5 0-8, 0-6 Wayland Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Lawton 8-0, 2-0 Delton Kellogg 5-2, 2-0 Saugatuck 5-3, 2-1 Schoolcraft 2-5, 1-2 Galesburg-Augusta 0-8, 0-4 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Olivet 6-2, 4-0 Lakewood 4-4, 3-1 Leslie 3-5, 2-2 Perry 3-5, 1-3 Stockbridge 3-5, 0-4 Thornapple Kellogg junior running back Jayden Garcia rushes up the home sideline for a big gain during his team's OK Gold Conference win over the Wildcats in Wayland Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference Britton-Deerfield 8-0,4-0 NorthPointe Christian 6-2, 3-1 Concord 3-^, 1-3 Maple Valley 3-5, 1-3 Vandercook Lake 2-6, 1-3 Here is a round-up of last week’s local grid­ iron action. Hastings 39, (Joldwater 20 Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity football team topped Coldwater 39-20 to remain in a three-way tie for the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship in the final conference bail­ game of the season Thursday in Coldwater. Hastings shares the 2021 Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship, along­ side Harper Creek and Jackson Lumen Christi, with a 6-1 conference record and an overall record of 7-1. It is the first time the Saxons have won back-to-back conference football titles since the 1978-1979 season in the Twin Valley Conference. Saxon senior captain Victor Ramirez said, “We started off slow but in the second half the team pulled it together on offense and the defense made some big stops.” One of those big stops came towards the end of the second half, after Coldwater and Hastings had exchanged touchdowns and the Cardinals were in the lead 14-12. TJ Russell scored his second touchdown of the night to boost the Saxons to 18-14 lead before the defense forced the Cardinals to punt. Russell scored again on a 5-yard run with 30 seconds to go to increase that lead to 24-14 at halftime. Saxon Head Coach Jamie Murphy said, “Coldwater’s defense was tough and disciplined. Right off the first play we knew they would have a difficult time stopping our off-tackle play. TJ Russell went 80 yards for a touchdown. After that, we put the ball in Robby Slaughter’s hands to pound up the middle of their defense. He had some tough runs and drew the defense’s focus while we set up the edge play with Lanny Teunessen and Mason Denton.” In the second half, Hastings strengthened their lead when Mason Denton completed a pass to Teunessen in the third quarter. Slaughter ran in his first touchdown of the night on a 22-yard run with 4:25 left in the game to put the final score at 39-20. Offensively, the Saxons rushed for just over 400 yards, with 195 yards coming from Russell who also added three touchdowns. Slaughter ran another 81 yards and one touchdown and Teunessen added 61 yards for the night with one rushing and one pass reception touchdown. Defensively, the Saxons had a hard time stopping junior back Cam Torres, who ran for 257 yards for the Cardinals and scored all three of their touchdowns. Coach Murphy said, “Torres is one of the better running backs in our league. As a junior, See FOOTBALL, page 12 Hastings running back TJ Russell gets ready to break through a hole between blocks from teammates Owen Winegar (56) and Robby Slaughter (9) at Coldwater Thursday. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) Football playoff pairings will be announced Sunday The 288 qualifiers for this season’s Michigan High School Athletic Association Football Playoffs will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 24) on the Bally Sports Detroit primary channel. The top 32 teams in each division, based on playoff points earned during the season, will earn spots in the 2021 state postseason. The 7-1 Hastings Saxons are currently fifth among the 63 teams in Division 4, trailing only undefeated Chelsea, unity Christian and Edwardsburg and 7-1 teams from Vicksburg and Lake Fenton. The Delton Kellogg Panthers who are 5-2 overall this season are in the think of things in the Division playoff chase, rank­ ing at 16“* heading in to the final weekend of the regular season. Brackets and matchups in all eight divi­ sions for 256 11-player teams and 32 qualifiers across two divisions for 8-player football will be presented during the “Selection Sunday Show,” with all brack­ ets to be posted to the MHSAA Website after the completion of the show at 6:30 p.m. Dates and times for first-round games will be added Monday (Oct. 25). The Delton Kellogg Panthers who are 5-2 overall this season are in the think of things in the Division playoff chase, rank­ ing at 16^ heading in to the final weekend of the regular season. Lakewood currently checks in at num­ ber 43 in Division 4 and Thomapple Kellogg is 47^ in Division 3. Viewers also may watch on the Bally Sports Detroit website and app on Sunday. The MHSAA Playoffs in both 11-Player and 8-Player divisions are set to begin during the weekend of Oct. 29-30. The 8-Player Playoffs will conclude with both Finals on Nov. 20 at Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome in Marquette. The 11-Player Finals will be played Nov. 26-27 at Ford Field in Detroit. �Page 12 — Thursday, October 21, 2021 — The Hastings Banner FOOTBALL, continued from page 11-------------------we will need to game plan for him again next season. Victor Ramirez led the team in tackles. We like to force teams to filter the ball to Victor’s side of the field. Teunessen and Dan Harp do some things on the defensive line that puts offenses in a guessing game. Owen Winegar, Robby Slaughter and Jackson Dubois all had standout games for us defensively, and one of our best weapons is our kicker, Collin Fouty, who does a great job understanding our special teams game plan.” Ramirez tallied up 7.5 tackles for the night. Dubois added 6.5, Winegar added 6 and Slaughter added 5 tackles and a sack. Zander Forbes also added a sack for the night and Drew Gleason picked off a Coldwater pass for an interception. Delton Kellogg 42, Allegan 14 The first ever match-up between the Delton Kellogg Panthers and the Allegan Tigers ended the same way each of the previous three Delton Kellogg ballgames had - with a Panther victory. Delton Kellogg’s varsity football team improved its overall record to 5-2 with a 41-14 win over the visiting Tigers on the turf at Delton Kellogg High School Friday night. Delton Kellogg has now won four in a row, with a blip in week six where they had to bow out of their ballgame with the undefeated powerhouse from Lawton. The Panthers were the powerhouse Friday, with running back Ricky Ramsey racking up 98 yards on 11 carries. DK quarterback Philip Halcomb rushed the ball nine times for 62 yards and three touchdowns, and completed 2-of-3 passes for 29 yards. Ramsey, Corey Moore and Mason Nabozny each had one touchdown run. Moore finished with seven rushes for 75 yards and Nabozny had 13 carries for 71 yards. Torren Mapes and Seth Collard were both over 20 yards rushing for DK. DK jumped on the Tigers early, scoring the game’s first 14 points on a 1-yard TD run by Nabozny and a 36-yard TD run by Corey Moore. Nabozny added the two-point run following Moore’s TD. Ramsey scored on a 9-yard run and Halcomb on a 10-yard run in the second quar­ ter as DK upped its lead to 27-7 at the half. One big 61-yard touchdown pass by the Tigers accounted for their team’s only TD in the opening half. Halcomb tacked on a 2-yard TD run in the third quarter and a 3-yard TD run in the third as the Panthers closed out the win. DK outgained the Tigers 423 yards to 200 on the night, with the DK defense giving up just 20 yards on the ground. The Delton Kellogg defense took the ball away from the Tigers twice. Nabozny recovered an Allegan fumble in the Tigers’ backfield in the opening quarter to start his team’s second scoring drive of the night. Safety Vincent Quick picked off a Tiger pass deep down the left side in front of his own bench. Thornapple Kellogg 45, Wayland 20 The Trojans were as dominant in the first half at Wayland as OK Gold Conference powerhouses Cedar Springs and Grand Rapid Catholic Central were in visits to Middleville on each of the past two Friday evenings. Thomapple Kellogg’s varsity football team scored the game’s first six touchdowns, led 42-7 at the half and went on to a 45-20 victo­ ry over the winless Wildcats. TK improves to 2-6 overall this season with the win. The Trojan defense shook Wayland quar­ terback Dustin Loomans with constant pres­ sure in the first half and the Trojan offense moved the ball at will in that first half after a three-and-out to open the bailgame. On his first pass attempt of the game, Loomans avoided a sack in the backfield and then rolled to his left. Trojan senior lineback­ er Matthew Middleton managed to chase him down from behind and chop the ball loose. Senior lineman Sean Flynn fell on it for TK. Defensive back Jonah Summerhays recov­ ered two Wayland fumbles in the first half. Junior defensive back Zackary Gibson returned a fumbled Wayland kick return 22-yards for a touchdown, after hauling in two long first half touchdown receptions from quarterback Carsen Burbridge. “It feels amazing,” Summerhays said. “Catholic, Cedar that is a pretty tough sched­ ule. To come here and get an awesome win with Wayland is great since they’re our rivals and everything. As a senior, two have two wins now rather than a one win season feels amazing.” “There was a lot of energy. We had our small guys with speed coming through and our big guys. Everyone was just so excited.” 169628 NOTICE The Barry County Road Commission is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of (1) 20ton Tilt Deck Equipment Trailer, tandem axle and (1) melter applicator with double pump and electric heated hoses. Full specifications can be obtained from the BCRC. Bids will be opened at 10 AM on October 25,2021 at the offices of the BCRC. The BCRC reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to purchase comparable equipment at a lower price. Please clearly indicate on the outside of the envelope "Sealed bid enclosed - “20ton Tag Trailer” or “Melter Applicator”. Please direct all questions Rob Richardson, Equipment Superintendent. Barry County Road Commission 1725 W. M43 Hwy., P.O. Box 158 Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-3449 169449 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL SOUTHGATE DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN THE SOUTHGATE DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the SOUTHGATE DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 benefitted by the proposed road improvement project, which project will include paving of the road, along with associated activities such as, but not limited to, grading and drainage work. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk. The assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, as is more particularly shown on plans on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. The assessment roll is in the total amount of $158,064.38. The costs, including administrative costs, are proposed to be raised by a new special assessment. The assessment against each parcel in the special assessment district will be approximately $451.61 per year, for a period often years, 2022 - 2031 inclusive. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. Hastings running back Lanny Teunessen breaks through the hole while TJ Russell (20) and Glen McFarlan (67) block on the play during their team's Interstate-8 championship clinching win at Coldwater Thursday. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) TK head coach Jeff Dock was especially pleased with the play of senior defensive lineman Ryaan Podbevsek who was making plays on both sides of the line of scrimmage. “Our D-line and our defense in general. They were charged up. They played fast and aggressive, probably faster than I have ever seen them play. They were awesome,” Dock said. “Ryan Podbevsek, he had a football game! Both from a D-line perspective and then also from special teams. That kid was all over the place. “I thought they were locked in. They didn’t miss any keys, and they really played hard. We had guys chasing guys down from the back.” Burbridge tossed three touchdown passes in the first half, connecting with Gibson for 33-yard and 35-yard scores and tossing a seven-yard TD pass to Middleton. The TK junior quarterback also rushed in a three-yard score himself. He was six of ten passing for the night for 96 yards. Trojan kicker Alex Harrington was a perfect 6-for-6 on extra point kicks, and booted a 41-yard field goal in the second half after just coming up short on a 42-yarder in the first half. Harrington’s field goal with 9:24 to play in the fourth quarter pushed TK’s lead to 45-13 at the time. TK head coach Jeff Dock’s only real complaint was that the offense was unable to keep things rolling in the second half. It was a running clock for much of the third quarter until Wayland pulled within 42- 13 with 2:18 to go in the quarter on a 72-yard TD pass from Loomans to teammate Ian Thompson up the right side. That Loomans to Thompson connection was the only real threat to the Trojans for most of the evening. That pair also connected for a 60-yard score in the final minute of the first half. A 15-yard TD run by Loomans finished the touch­ down scoring with 8:27 to go in the game. With the Wildcats finding the end zone a couple of times and the Trojan offense stalled a bit, coach Dock said he didn’t get his reserves quite as much time on the field as he wold have liked. That long TD late in the first half was a spark for the Wildcats. Loomans had been firing passes out a little too quickly for his receivers for much of the first half after being under heavy pressure early. The timing of the Wildcat passing game was much better over­ all in the second half. The Trojans’ first points of the game came by way of a two-yard touchdown run from sophomore running back Tyler Gavette. Coach Dock was excited to see his young backfield clicking, the sophomore Gavette and junior Jayden Garcia who had his best game running the ball this season despite not quite getting into the end zone. Garcia finished the night with eight rushes for 104 yards. “It is crazy. He has his spurts of unbeliveableness,” Dock said. “He runs incredibly hard, and he runs with his shoulder pads down and he is fun to watch. Now, he is able to break a few more tackles and he is able to get free. Yeah, that was his biggest game by far. As a junior, super excited about what the future holds for him.” Gavette added 12 carries for 75 yards. Dock was happy to see his offensive line perform well throughout the night and to lead the way for some some sustained drives on the ground. TK will close the regular season at home against Ottawa Hills Oct. 22. Charlotte 60, Lakewood 21 Don’t kick it to Braden Hill. Lakewood only kicked the ball off four times Friday night in Charlotte, and the Vikings certainly weren’t trying to get the bounding kick-offs through to the junior Hill who proved as slick as the wet, muddy turf. He returned the opening kick-off as he had 78 yards for a score and added 79- and 80-yard touchdown runs after each of the Vikings’ first two touchdowns. Powered only in part by those efforts, the Orioles beat the Lakewood Vikings to win number five by scoring a 60-21 victory in the non-conference ballgame. Hill also rushed three times for 18 yards in the ball game and threw a 49-yard pass to Ben Buzzard that put their team in position to score a fifth first-half touchdown in the final seconds of the second quarter. Charlotte led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter and 35-8 at the half. Oriole senior quarterback Ben Stambaugh was 3-of-5 passing for 87 yards in the win. He tossed touchdown passes to Gage Vanalstine and Carson Berkompas and rushed for a score as well. Ashton Laguire had 13 carries for 165 yards for the Orioles and scored two touch­ downs on the ground. Lakewood quarterback Nathan Willette rushed for a touchdown and tossed TD passes to teammates Eli Jablonski and Montreal Reid. Jablonski had four receptions for 60 yards on the night. Willette finished the eve­ ning 9-of-21 passing for 145 yards. Willette also rushed 18 times for 86 yards. Denny Sauers added 12 carries for 29 yards and also had a team-high ten tackles for the Vikings. Maple Valley 38, Webberville 6 There haven’t been any nail-biters for the Lions this fall. The Maple Valley varsity eight-player football team came out on the right side of a lopsided win Friday night, outscoring visiting Webberville 38-6 to improve its record to 3-5 overall this season. Webberville won its season opener and is now 1-7 on the year. “The kids had fun tonight. They played hard and the defense stepped up,” Lion head coach Marty Martin said. The Lions even made sure to get senior center Travis Mater into the scoring column, moving him into the backfield to get the twopoint conversion run following his team’s final TD with 10:28 to play in the fourth quarter. “It wasn’t that close,” Martin said of the final score. “We played everybody, which isn’t very many, but we got in quite a few kids.” Running back Andrew Shepherd led the way for the Lion offense, rushing 23 times for 188 yards. Tyler Rose had seven carries for 108 yards. Quarterback Ayden Wilkes was 3-of-5 passing for 74 yards, with Reese Proctor-Burhans making a couple catches for 48 yards and Cam Carpenter hauling in one 26-yard reception. Proctor-Burhans had to reach out and make an outstanding catch on a pass from Wilkes early in the fourth quarter, and he carried the ball into the end zone for a 36-yard score that basically put the game out of reach of the Spartans. Cayden Scott would tack on a 34-yard TD run just for good measure a min­ ute and a half later. The Lions took an 8-0 lead in the ballgame with a 45-yard TD run by Rose 85 seconds into the contest. Wilkes tossed the two-point pass to Carpenter. Webberville answered three minutes later with an 11-yard scoring run by Max Mills, but those were the only six points the Lion defense would allow. Wilkes connected with Carpenter for a 36-yard TD late in the first quarter and the Lions led 16-6 at the half. They pushed their lead to 24-16 late in the third quarter on a 45-yard TD pass from Wilkes to ProctorBurhans. Defensively, coach Martin said his team had to adjust, adjust and adjust again as the Webberville squad a number of different things the Lions’ way after a week in which the Maple Valley team had little film to study of the Spartans. The Lions got interceptions by Scott and Noah Musser. Nicholas Martin had a team-high eight tackles and Rose added six tackles. The Lions’ defensive leader Jesse Deppe was out with an injury, but was on the side­ line coaching up his teammates according to coach Martin. It was Nicholas Martin, a reg­ ular contributor thrust into a new role, who filled in at Deppe’s spot. “He made some big tackles, big open field tackles, kicked off we recovered three onside kicks. We started him at tight end ... and he really stepped up tonight. I am proud of him,” coach Martin said. Quarterback Kolson Lycos led the Webberville offense on the ground with eight rushes for 61 yards and completed 16-of-26 passes for 212 yards. Tate Mills had five receptions for 65 yards and Max Mills had five catches for 64 yards for the Spartans. Parma spikers take 1-8 win at HHS to 20-5-1 overall on the season and 5-1 in the conference with the victory. The Panthers shared the load. Finley Elder, Lilli Luma and Nicole Shelberg had five kills each. Hillary Griffin had a team-high seven aces. Sydney Kellar led her team with six digs. In all, eight different Panthers had kills. Hastings was set to face another tough conference match at Marshall last night, Oct. 20. The Saxons will be back in action this evening when they travel to the Ionia Quad. Hastings’ Chelsea Ertner goes up for a block against Parma Western at Hastings High School Wednesday, Oct. 13. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) The Saxons' Phoebe Schantz hits a serve during her team's Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match-up with visit­ ing Parma Western Oct. 13 at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Parma Western took an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference win in three sets at Hastings High School Wednesday, Oct. 13. The Panthers won by the scores of 25-10, 25-13, 25-7. The tough Parma Western squad improved PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessing Officer have reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said District is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said District as the benefit to such parcel bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Prairieville Township Board will meet at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll and hearing any objections thereto. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days' notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 21, 2021 — Page 13 Panthers will battle for district title on home turf PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 169954 NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING MERLAU AVENUE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, the Township Board of Prairieville Township, on its own motion and initiative, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake a road improvement project (including paving and related improvements) on Merlau Avenue and related areas in Prairieville Township as more particularly described below and to create a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes parcels with frontage on and/or located on Merlau Avenue, Sunset Point Drive, Sunset Drive, Hubbards Cove Drive, Lakeshore Drive, North Drive, Gilmore Pointe Drive, Long Point Drive, Hemlock Island, Partridge Island and Beech Island and includes the following tax parcels: Delton Kellogg midfielder James Blackburn(17) fights for possession of the ball with Comstock Colt Jonathan Torres (10) during their district opener Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg got into the middle of September before it scored its first varsity boys’ soccer victory of the fall. Since then, the Panthers have done more win­ ning than not. The Panthers earned a spot in the MHSAA Division 3 District Final that they’ll host at Delton Kellogg High School Saturday morning by shutting out its first two postseason foes. Delton Kellogg took a 5-0 victo­ ry over visiting Parchment in the district semifinals Tuesday - the second win of the season over the Parchment boys for the Panthers from DK. “Our big three offensive players, Marshall Warner, Hector Jimenez and James Blackburn have now kind of put it together, and realized we work better together than we did when we try to do it on our own,” DK head coach Alan Mabie said. “That is how they played, con­ necting with each other and playing wimTHeThstihcts of knowing whaf each other are going to do.” Delton Kellogg scored four goals in the first half. Blackbum scored the opening goal of the game of an assist from Warner. Warner then scored the next two goals for Delton Kellogg and would add a third before the evening was up. Blackbum finished the ballgame with three assists. Jimenez assisted on Warner’s final goal, in the second half of the ballgame. Myles Hatton scored DK’s final goal of the first half. DK goalkeeper Marcus Momenee had seven saves to preserve the shut out. He now has 17 saves and 0 goals against this postseason. “1 have always had peaks and valleys a little bit with the teams and how they’re playing,” Mabie said. “When you get to the end you always hope you’re on the upward swing. Right now, that is how the boys are playing.” Delton Kellogg will face either Olivet or the dis­ trict’s top seed Hillsdale in the district final Saturday. Those two teams were set to play their district semifi­ nal match Wednesday evening. DK earned its spot in the district semifinals by scor­ ing a 3-0 win over Comstock, the second-seeded team in the district, last Wednesday (Oct. 13). Warner and Jimenez scored in the first half, with Blackbum assisting on Warner’s goal and Warner assisting on the score by Jimenez. At the half, the Pahtners focused bn preserving the shut out. Mabie said Momenee had a few “game-changing” saves during the second half. The DK coach was also pleased with Giovanni Stea at center back. “Giovanni is pretty quick and very smart with the ball, and able to chase down anybody so far we have come across in districts,” Mabie said. Blackburn scored a second half goal for the Panthers, with an assist from Jimenez. MERLAU DRIVE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 - PROPOSED DISTRICT: The properties indicated by parcel numbers below and on the attached map: 12-007-006-01 12-260-009-00 12-290-015-00 12-290-038-00 12-290-060-00 12-007-006-10 12-260-010-00 12-290-016-00 . 12-290-039-00 12-290-061-00 12-007-006-35 12-260-011-00 12-290-017-00 12-290-039-20 12-290-062-00 12-007-006-40 12-260-012-00 12-290-018-00 12-290-040-00 12-290-063-00 12-007-006-45 12-260-013-00 12-290-019-00 12-290-042-00 12-290-064-00 12-007-006-50 12-290-020-00 12-260-014-00 12-290-044-00 12-290-065-00 12-007-006-60 12-270-001-00 12-290-021-00 12-310-001-00 12-290-045-00 12-007-006-65 12-270-003-00 12-290-022-00 12-290-046-00 12-310-002-00 12-007-006-70 12-270-003-05 12-290-023-00 12-290-047-00 12-310-003-00 12-007-006-71 12-290-001-00 12-290-024-00 12-290-048-00 12-310-004-00 12-007-006-72 .12-290-025-00 12-290-002-00 12-290-049-00 12-310-005-00 12-007-006-81 12-290-003-00 12-290-027-00 12-290-049-10 12-310-006-00 12-007-006-82 12-290-028-00 12-290-004-00 12-290-050-30 12-310-006-90 12-007-006-90 12-290-005-00 12-290-031-00 12-290-050-35 12-310-007-00 12-007-006-95 12-290-005-10____ 12-290-032-00 12-290-053-00 12-310-008-00 12-007-012-00 12-290-006-00 12-290-032-10 12-290-054-01 12-310-009-00 12-260-000-00 12-290-033-00 12-290-054-02 __12-29.QrQQ.7-QQ.... 12-310-010-00 12-260-001-00 12-290-055-01 12-310-011-00 -J2--2SQ,QQa-QQ____ 12-290-034-00 12-260-002-00 12-290-034-20 12-290-056-00 12-310-012-00 . 12-29Q-01Q-00 12-260-005-00 12-290-011-00 12-290-034-35 12-290-056-10 12-310-013-00 12-260-006-00 12-290-012-00 12-290-035-00 12-290-057-00 12-310-014-00 12-260-007-00 12-290-036-00 12-290-058-00 12-310-015-00 12-290-013-01 12-260-008-00 12-290-014-01 12-290-037-00 12-290-059-00 12-310-016-00 12-320-013-00 12-360-025-00 12-500-014-00 ... .12-320-032-00____ 12-340-009-00 12-320-014-00 12-360-026-00 12-340-010-00 12-500-015-00 12-320-033-00____ 12-320-015-00 12-320-035-00 12-360-001-00 12-360-027-00 12-500-016-00 12-320-016-00 12-320-036-00 12-360-029-10 12-500-017-00 12-360-002-00 12-320-017-00 12-320-037-00 12-360-003-00 12-360-029-20 12-500-018-00 12-320-018-00 12-320-038-00 12-360-004-00 12-360-030-00 12-500-019-00 12-320-019-00 12-360-031-10 12-500-020-00 .. 12-320-040-00____ 12-360-005-00 12-320-019-10 12-360-032-10 12-360-006-00 12-500-021-00 12-320-041-00____ 12-320-020-00 12-360-007-00 12-320-042-00 12-360-033-00 12-500-022-00 12-320-020-10 12-320-043-00 12-360-008-00 12-360-034-00 12-500-023-00 12-320-021-00 12-360-035-00 12-500-024-00 12-320-044-00____ 12-360-009-00 12-320-021-10 .. 12-320-045-00 12-360-010-00 12-360-036-00 12-500-025-00 12-320-024-00 12-360-011-00 12-320-046-00 12-500-000-00 12-500-026-00 15-320-02.6-00 ~ 12-360-012-00 12-320-046-10 12-500-001-00 12-500-027-00 12-$2b-026-10 ...12-320-046-60____ 12-360-013-00 12-500-004-00 12-500-028-00 12-320-026-20 12-360-014-00 12-320-046-61 12-500-005-00 12-500-029-00 12-320-026-40 -_1.2-34Q-001-0Q____ 12-360-015-00 12-500-006-00 12-500-030-00 12-320-026-60 12-340-002-00 12-360-017-00 12-500-007-00 12-500-031-00 12-320-029-00 12-340-003-00 12-360-020-00 12-500-008-00 12-500-032-00 12-320-029-10 12-500-009-00 -12.-34Q--0D4-QQ____ 12-360-021-00 12-500-033-00 12-320-029-21 12-340-005-00 12-360-022-00 12-500-010-00 12-500-034-00 12-320-029-22 12-340-006-00 12-360-023-00 12-500-011-00 12-510-001-20 12-320-030-00 12-340-007-00 12-360-024-00 12-500-012-00 12-510-002-00 12-320-031-00 12-340-008-00 ■■■.12-3.6.Q-024-10 12-500-013-00 ..12,-51.0-003-30____ 12-310-017-00 12-310-018-01 12-310-020-00 12-310-021-00 12-310-022-00 12-310-023-00 12-310-024-00 12-310-025-00 12-310-026-00 12-310-120-00 12-320-001-00 12-320-001-40 12-320-001-60 12-320-002-00 12-320-003-00 12-320-004-00 12-320-006-00 12-320-007-00 12-320-008-00 12-320-010-00 12-320-010-30 12-320-011-00 12-320-012-00 12-510-005-00 12-510-006-00 12-510-007-00 12-510-009-00 12-510-010-00 12-510-011-00 12-510-012-00 12-510-013-00 12-510-014-00 12-510-015-00 12-510-016-00 PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed road paving project and associated activities, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $337,218.06. The cost of the project is proposed to be raised by special assessment on parcels in the proposed district. The Prairieville Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and cost estimates on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Township Clerk's office from Merlau Avenue the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and Special Assessment District may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of four years (2022-2025 inclusive) of approximately $313.40 per year. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, and cost estimates will be held at Delton Kellogg Middle School, 6325 Delton Road, Delton, Michigan, on November 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Township Clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the Township Board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. Delton Kellogg goalie Marcus Momenee snags a Colt shot at goal during his team's district win over visit­ ing Comstock Oct. 13. Momenee had ten saves in the Panthers' shut out victory. (Photo by Perry Hardin) K-Christian fends off Lion soccer in district semifinal The Maple Valley varsity boys’ soccer team was bested by Kalamazoo Christian 5-3 in the MHSAA Division 4 District Semifinals at Mayors Riverside Park in Kalamazoo Tuesday evening. The Lions end their season with a record of 8-9, and the strong showing against the Comets was a part of a great run at the end of the season for the Maple Valley boys. The Lions won eight of their final ten ballgames of the regular season while earning a fifth-place finish in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference. Kalamazoo Christian opened the state postseason with an 8-0 win over Calhoun County Christian last Wednesday. The Comets will now face their rival Hackett Catholic Prep in the district final tonight at 6 p.m. back at Riverside Park in Kalamazoo. Hackett Catholic Central scored a 6-0 win over Bellevue in its district semifinal match Tuesday. The district champion Thursday will move on to the Oct. 26 Division 4 Regional Semifinals hosted by Portage Northern High School. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total frontage on the road, the Township Board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement and for inclusion in the special assessment district, are filed with the Township. Written comments or objections may be filed with the Clerk at the address set out below. Barry coyrey land thfixmatrfc? Services 1/2921 ESRirt 03073 Merlau Avenue Special Assessment District PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to express their views at the public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the Township Board determines to proceed with the special assessment, the Board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessment. . Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days' notice to the Township Clerk at the address below. Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 �Page 14-—Thursday, October 21, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Lions eye faster pace at Greater Lansing C.C. race Brett Bremer Sports Editor The plan for the Maple Valley varsity cross country runners was to push for outstanding times Saturday at the Greater Lansing Cross Country Championship at Ledge Meadows Golf Course in Grand Ledge. The Lions succeeded. Maple Valley guys Adam Blakely and Brody Trowbridge both ran their fastest race of the season among the crowded field of over 300 runners. Trowbridge set a new personal record with his 231st-place time of 33 minutes 29.1 seconds. “Not many realize that in running it’s not only about who comes in the top group. Those who run at the back, work their hardest and are usually only run­ ning against themselves,” Lion head coachTiffany Blakely said. “It’s been a tough road for Trowbridge having to run each race on his own time. He’s been working so hard all season in practice and in meets for a meet like today.” Trowbridge ran his fastest first mile yet and in the end ct a total of about two minutes off his previous best time. “I’ve been very pleased at his prog­ ress through the season and can’t wait to see what our last three meets of the sea­ son brings him,” coach Blakely said. In front of Trowbridge, Adam Blakely ran his fastest race of the season for the Lions to place 211th in 24:24.0 “He’s running more aggressively and making new goals for each race,” coach Blakely said of Adam. The Lions’ also had two girls looking to push for season-best times. “The rain from the past few days, however, made for a very watery/muddy course,” coach Blakely said. “They gave it their best.” Sophomore Lilly Faurot placed 91st to lead the Lion team. She hit the finish line in 22:15.4, with the help of her fast­ est first mile ever. Teammate Brianna Gurd, a freshman, placed 216th in 34:09.0, running her fastest first- and second-mile splits of the season. Faurot was just 18 seconds off a sea­ son best time, and coach Blakely said she still has her sights on running a race in less than 21 minutes before the season is through. Okemos won the girls’ race Saturday with a total of 100 points. Howell was second with 140, ahead of Lansing Catholic 163, Grand Ledge 187 and DeWitt 210 in the top five. There were 29 girls’ teams earning scores Saturday. The Lakewood girls competed as well, placing 26^ with 737 points. Vikings sophomore Claire Fortier ran a season-best time of 23:56.2 to place 144th Teammate Sadie Brearley, a junior was right behind her in 145^ with a time of 23:59.6. Lakewood also had junior Emma Lancaster 156#1 in 24:36.4, senior Madason Morelli 181st in 26:20.1 and junior Gabby Rosenburger 186^ in 26:37.5. The Lions and Vikings are very famil­ iar with the girls’ champion from Saturday, familiar Greater Lansing Activities Conference foe Rylee Tolson, a senior from Stockbridge. Tolson won the Lansing area title with a time of 18:24.2. Mason sophomore Meghan Ford was the runner-up in 18:34.8. East Lansing senior Matthew Zeleke won the boys’ race in 16:13.3, helping his team to a third-place finish. St. Johns had three guys in the top ten to earn the day’s team championship with 73 points. Okemos was second with 80, ahead of East Lansing 117, DeWitt 166 and Ionia 195 in the top five. A total of 31 boys’ teams earned scores. St. Johns was led by senior Griffin Armbrustmacher who was third in 16:27.4 and junior Joey Bowman who was third in 16:28.0. Their teammate, senior Michael Denni^ was seventh in 16:38.9. Lakewood was just one guy shy of earning a team score. Junior Ryan Alford led the Lakewood boys with a 149th-place time of 19:58.4. Senior Clay Dumond was 206^ in 23:53.9, sopho­ more Ethan Cappon 217^ in 25:17.9 and sophomore Emil Myers 224^ in 26:43.8. It was the first race of the season for Dumond and the second for Myers, recent additions to the Viking roster since the conclusion of the varsity boys’ tennis season. Rams win district preview against DK Brett Bremer Sports Editor It has been a couple of weeks since the Delton Kellogg girls have gotten the chance to compete on their home court. The Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team will be at home tonight, Oct. 21. to take on Fennville. The Panthers were in action at GalesburgAugusta Tuesday night and are already looking towards a Nov. 3 rematch in Delton when the two teams meet in an MHSAA Division 3 District Semifinal to start the state postseason. “Galesburg is a pretty solid squad,” Delton Kellogg head coach Erin Thornton said. “They’re scrappy and get things done. Their defense was able to pick up a lot of what we threw at them, so we know we need to work on getting the ball where they’re not. They play a different defense than we’re used to, so we need to tighten up our hitting game for districts, since we face them in the District semifinal at home. We’ll be working on our passing off the serve, so we can guarantee the other team can’t get runs.” The Rams went on a few runs to score a 25-17, 26-24, 25-18 win over the Delton Kellogg girls Tuesday evening. “We’ve got Emma [Kokx] in the middle in front putting up blocks and getting some great hits. Our outside hitters (Jordan Lyons and Lillie Ferris) are able to clinch some great points as well, so setting them different tempos is really something that we’d like to showcase. “Carlie Ritchie and Lydia Chandler in the back court have really stepped up in getting a three-ball to the setter, so we’ve got more range in what hits we’re able to execute.” Delton Kellogg scored a 25-18, 25-21, 25-18 win on the road at Gobles Thursday evening. “We were able to set things up more, our passing was impeccable, and the front row really got things done and clinched some great points,” Thornton said. “What really stood out was our serving. Jordan Lyons, Emma Kokx, and Lydia Chandler really have upped their games with keeping the serve up and in, and it’s really gotten to be something that these girls take great pride in.” Delton Kellogg will follow up the match with Fennville Thursday by traveling to the Bangor Invitational Saturday. Delton Kellogg’s Cadence Johnson gets a kill from the left edge as teammates Claire Wesolowski (5) and Jordan Lyons (2) look on. (Photo by Perry Hardin) INVITATION TO BID Project: Delton Kellogg Schools - UST Removal & AST Replacement Project Bid Date & Time: Friday, November 12, 2021 @ 10:00am Project Location: Delton, Ml Pre-Bid Meeting: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 10am at Delton Kellogg Schools Bus Garage , 327 N. Grove St., Delton Ml, 49046 Subcontractor: Contact/Email: Phone: Fax: To: The Christman Co. Todd Champion Phone: 269.903.7230 / Fax: 616-454-1795 todd.champion@christmanco.com Description/Scope of Project: Delton Kellogg Schools and Environmental Resource Group LLC. will be solicit­ ing sealed proposals for all work categories as described in the Project Manual for the above project no later than Friday, November 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Proposals should be addressed to Environmental Resources Group LLC, and delivered Delton Kellogg Schools 327 N. Grove St, Delton, Ml 49046 the day of the opening. All proposals will be publicly opened at Delton Kellogg Schools at 10:15AM. There will be a MANDATORY pre-bid conference at Delton Kellogg Bus Gurage on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 10:00am conducted by the Site Engineer. Bid Documents Availability: Contract documents may be obtained via Procore. A link to the Procore site will be sent upon request. Please email Todd Champion at Todd.Champion@christmanco.com to be granted permission to the documents. Builders Exchange - Public Plan Room @ www.qrbx.com All questions are to be directed to the Construction Manager, Todd Champion @ Todd.Champion@christmanco.com or 269.903.7230. No direct contact with the owner or Engineer is requested. Please mark below and return via fax or email to 517-745-7903 or Todd.Champion@christmanco.com Thank you. Yes, we plan to bid: No, we are not bidding: Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Delton Kellogg setter Claire Wesolowski (5) passes the ball at the net during her team's Southwestern Athletic Conference match with Delton Kellogg Panthers Allison Brandli (11) and Lillie Ferris( 8) elevate to block a G-A attack during their team's Southwestern Athletic Conference match at Galesburg-Augusta High School Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Trojans move forward in Gold pack at championship Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans did what they could to try and climb the tough OK Gold Conference stand­ ings at the OK Gold Championship Tuesday at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids. Five of the seven members of the Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country team had their best placing of the season in the conference, led by freshman Ava Crews who was fifth overall in 19 min­ utes 41.35 seconds. Her previous top confer­ ence finish was sixth this fall. “Crews decided it was time to lead from the gun again, and she did so for the first 1500 meters or so before being overtaken by some stronger veteran runners from Ottawa Hills and Forest Hills Eastern,” TK girls’ coach Sam Wilkinson said. “However, she didn’t back down and she placed fifth over­ all to earn All-Conference Honors.” Sophomore Holly Velting, junior Lindsey VanDemark, sophomore Holly Velting, freshman Lydia Schilthroat and junior Emma Thompson all finished with fewer runners in front of them than they had at either of the other conference races this fall. The TK ladies were fifth as a team on the day and the Thomapple Kellogg boys placed eighth. Ottawa Hills had the two fastest girls in the conference, senior Adit Dau who won Tuesday with a time of 18:47.70 and sopho­ more Selma Anderson who was second in 19:02.76. Grand Rapids Catholic Central sophomore Emily Tomes placed third in 19:12.60, followed by Forest Hills Eastern junior Ellory Clason in 19:38.10. Clason led the Forest Hills Eastern girls to the conference title. The Hawks scored 46 points, ahead of Ottawa Hills 91, South Christian 95, Cedar Springs 15, Thomapple Kellogg 124, Kenowa Hills 127, Catholic Central 138 and Wayland 179. Forest Hills Eastern’s seven runners all placed among the top 18 in the conference. Things didn’t go quite the way TK senior Jessica Durkee had hoped Tuesday, but she still earned honorable mention all-confer­ ence with her 22nd-place time of 21:19.72. Holly Velting was 25^ in 21:35.69 for TK, VanDemark 35^ in 22:19.86, and Lindsey Velting 38^ in 22:48.21. Rounding out the TK pack, Schilthroat was 39^ in 22:56.77 and Thompson 48^ in 23:59.32. “Holly Velting laid it on the line and went sub-22, which was one of the goals on the day and she really put in a great effort,” coach Wilkinson said. “This is more of what I think Holly is capable of, and it’s the kind of effort we’ll need from her again at region­ al, with hopefully others in the middle of our team doing the same,” The TK boys’ team had some big movers in its line-up highlighted by number seven runner Michael Blair, a senior who placed 55^ Tuesday in 21 minutes 17.6 seconds. Blair was 81st at the first conference race of the season and 84^ at the second. Junior Aidan Buist placed 67^ and 65^ respectively at the first two OK Gold jambo­ rees of the season for TK. He clocked in with a time of 20:04.6 that put him in 48^ Tuesday. The TK boys’ team was led by sophomore Lucas VanMeter who placed 22™ with a time of 18:05.59. Senior Camden Reynolds wasn’t too far behind in 28^ with a time of 18:22.10. Seniors Matthew Smith and Benjamin Trudell also had their best conference show­ ings for the TK boys. Smith was 32n^ in 18:32.48 and Aidan Buist 48^ in 20:04.58. Kaden Hamming, a sophomore, was right behind Buist for TK placing 49^ in 20:15.12. Grand Rapids Catholic Central took the boys’ championship on the day with a score of 81 points. South Christian was second with 87 points, ahead of Forest Hills Eastern 92, Wayland 92, Cedar Springs 97, Ottawa Hills 109, Kenowa Hills 140 and Thomapple Kellogg 175. Ottawa Hills had the two fastest girls and the two fastest boys. Bengal junior Benne Anderson won the boys’ race in 15:48.21. His senior teammate Juan David Hernandez was second in 16:02.58. Forest Hills Eastern junior Aiden Sullivan was third in 16:18.46. Catholic Central was led to the win by a fourth-place, personal record time of 16:39.36 from senior Erickson Kunzler. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 21, 2021 — Page 15 Marcukaitis sisters each part of four wins in pool DK/TK/HHS junior Kasey Kapteyn swims her leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay for her team during its OK Rainbow Tier II Conference win over visiting Calvin Christian/West Catholic Thursday in Hastings. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Sophia Marcukaitis and Abby Marcukaitis were both a part of four victories in the Community Education and Recreation Center pool in Hastings Thursday as the Delton Kellogg/Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings varsi­ ty girls’ swimming and diving team score d a 108-71 win over OK Rainbow Tier II Conference foe Calvin Christian/West Catholic. The sisters swam the first two legs of the 200-yard medley relay to open the event, with the senior Abby taking the lead leg ahead of Sophia. Junior Preslee Hall and sophomore Holly Carpenter followed up to get the win for the team in a time of 1 minute 59,91 Abby would follow up that race with indi­ vidual wins in the 100-yard freestyle in 59.02 seconds and the 100-yard backstroke in 59.22. Sophia won the 200-yard individual med­ ley in 2:22.83 and the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:14.58. Carpenter, Hall and Lizzie Middleton teamed with Sophia Marcukaitis to win the 200-yard freestyle relay for DK/TK/HHS in 1:53.22. The team of Abby Marcukaitis, Aubrey Hawks, Middleton and Cadence VanOoy won the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:21.65. Carpenter and Middleton had individual wins for the DK/TK/HHS team too, with Middleton taking the 200-yard freestyle in 2: 21.04, besting Hawks by a little over half a second for the top spot. Carpenter won the 50-yard freestyle in 27.53, a little over half a second faster than Hall who was the runner-up. DK/TK/HHS also got a win from freshman Abigail Dumond in the diving competition. She won with a score of 198.20. Calvin Christian/West Catholic got a win from Eden Maring in the 100-yard butterfly and from Josie Stammis in the 500-yard freestyle. The DK/TK/HHS girls are back in the CERC pool this evening, Oct. 21, as they host Wayland for their annual Cancer Awareness Meet. The DK/TK/HHS freshmen and sopho­ mores were back in action Saturday at Saturday’s Freshman/Sophomore Meet in Grand Rapids where they placed fifth in a group of 11 teams. Rockford won the meet with 285 points, ahead of Forest Hills Northem/Eastem 263, Loy Norrix 220, Ottawa Hills 136.5, DK/TK/ HHS 125, East Kentwood 101, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 95.5, Grand Rapids union 54, Caledonia/Lowell/South Christian 36, Fremont 33 and Calvin Christian/West Catholic 12. Sophomore Sophia Marcukaitis had a pair of runner-up finishes. She was second in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:19.79 and second in the 100-yard breast­ stroke in 1:13.79. Carpenter, another DK/TK/HHS sopho­ more, had a couple outstanding finishes as well, placing fourth in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 27.73 seconds and sixth in the 100-yard freestyle in 1:01 The DK/TK/HHS team was great in the diving competition. Dumond, a freshman, placed third with a score of 203 points. The team also had sophomore Maelea Martin sixth at 152.50 and sophomore TJ Myers eighth at 147.85. A pair of sophomores were the only girls ahead of Dumond. Rockford’s Megan Jolly won the event with a score of 219.95 and Caledonia/Lowell/South Christian’s Mayari Coriano-Lahiff was second at 212.90. The top 12 scored in each race. Middleton, a sophomore, picked up a 12th-place point with her time of 6:27.97 in the 500-yard free­ style. Freshman Aubrey Hawks was ll^1 in the 100-yard back stroke with a time of 1:14.23 for DK/TK/HHS. The top relay finish for their team was a fifth-place time of 2:13.14 by Hawks, Middleton, Sophia Marcukaitis and Carpenter in the 200-yard medley relay. DK/TK/HHS sophomore Sophia Marcukaitis makes her way to a victory in the 100yard breaststroke during her team's victory over visiting Calvin Christian/West Catholic Thursday in the CERC pool in Hastings. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) DK/TK/HHS junior Abby Gaskill swims the freestyle during her team's win over visiting Calvin Christian/West Catholic Thursday at the CERC in Hastings. Gaskill was fourth in the 50-yard freestyle and also swam the fourth best 100-meter freestyle time of the evening. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Panthers pile up PRs at SAC Championship Meet Delton Kellogg’s Lillie Steele (left) and Joelle White race alongside each other during the Southwestern Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship hosted by Kalamazoo Christian Thursday. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The last time the Panthers were as high as third at a Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship race was in 2017 when the DK girls finished second in the standings behind the perennial powerhouse from Saugatuck. The Delton Kellogg girls had never fin­ ished better than the Saugatuck girls at a SAC Championship - at least not until Thursday. The Panthers bested the Trailblazers on a fifth-score tiebreaker to place third at the championship meet hosted by Kalamazoo Christian. The host Comets swept their way to the conference title on the girls’ side, putting five runners among the first eight finishers and closing out the meet with only 25 points. Lawton was second with 99 points, ahead of Delton Kellogg 103, Saugatuck 103, Schoolcraft 111, Coloma 120, Parchment 183, Watervliet 210, Constantine 212 and Gobles 308. The Panthers handily won the tiebreaker with the Trailblazers, as all seven DK runners were across the finish line before the fifth Saugatuck girl came in. DK four girls set new personal record times at the meet, freshman Lillie Steele, junior Joelle White, senior Melanie Monroe and sophomore Brea Chandler. DK senior Aubrey Aukerman led her team with an llth-place time of 21 minutes 15.29 seconds. DK senior Halena Phillips was 16^ in 21:44.46, earning her best time of the sea­ son so far. Saugatuck had girls just ahead of each of those two Panthers, with senior Samantha Sixberry tenth in 21:15.21 and senior Hannah Smit 14th in 21:24.60. The Trailblazer team then brought senior Becky Pond in 23rd at 22:25.60 and fresh­ man Elliana Zolper 27th in a personal record time of 23:07.19. The Panther pack started rolling in after that. Steele set a new personal record with her 28th-place time of 23:07.41 just behind Zolper. DK freshman Johannah Houtkooper was 29*k in 23:09.40, Monroe 33rd in 23:27.41 and Chandler 39th in 23:54.80. Saugatuck’s number five runner was near­ ly 35 seconds behind Chandler who was about 35 seconds faster than she had ever run before and nearly a minute faster than she had been at the Panthers’ previous race in Portage Oct. 9. Freshman Alaina Klooster led the Kalamazoo Christian girls to the conference title with a third-place time of 20:14.79, which is a new PR for her. Her junior team­ mate Aubrey Herder was fourth in a sea­ son-best time of 20:44.19. Kalamazoo Christian also had Hope Zichterman sixth (21:00.51), Annika Sytsma seventh (21:02.24) and Rachel Allabaugh eighth (21:06.07). Kendra Koster, a sophomore from Lawton, was the individual girls’ champion with a time of 19:19.86 and Coloma senior Ava Genovese placed second in 19:40.13. Parchment had the two fastest guys Thursday, but that couldn’t stop Saugatuck from winning the championship meet with 61 points. Kalamazoo Christian was second in the boys’ standings with 71 points, ahead of Coloma 82, Watervliet 107, Parchment 115, Gobles 134, Delton Kellogg 165, Constantine 205, Fennville 209, Schoolcraft 280 and Hackett Catholic Prep 307. Parchment senior Garrett Winter won the race in 15:57.53 and his junior teammate William Winter was second in 16:31.43. Saugatuck senior Adam Martinson placed third in 16:43.43. The DK boys pushed their own pace in the same way the girls did, with five of the Panthers’ seven runners scoring new person­ al record times. Freshman Ethan Rimmer led the way with a 19th-place time of 18:34.77. He cut more than 56 seconds off his previous best time and finished six spots better than he did at the second conference jamboree of the season. Delton Kellogg junior Isaac Shepard was 25*h in 19:00.41 which is a new personal record for him. DK also got new PRs from senior Eli Austin, junior Gage Vincent and junior Brett Harsevoort. Senior Caden Ferris was the third DK across the finish line. He was 34^ in 19: 32.55. Austin placed 46^ in 19:56.16. DK junior Micah Martin was 50^ in 20: 07.46. Vincent and Harsevoort were right behind. Vincent was 52nd in 20:22.02 and Harsevoort 53rd in 20:22.21. Delton Kellogg will return to Kalamazoo Saturday for the Kalamazoo Christian Invitational. �Page 16 — Thursday, October 21, 2021 — The Hastings Banner TK soccer team earns its shot at No. 1 Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans get number one with more soccer and a district championship tro­ phy on the line. Thomapple Kellogg, the tenth-ranked team in the state in Division 2, will travel to Richland Saturday for an 11 p.m. start to its MHSAA District Final against top­ ranked Gull Lake. The Blue Devils improved to 17-1-1 on the season with an 8-0 win over Hastings in the second of two district semifinal match-ups in Richland Tuesday. Thomapple Kellogg’s varsity boys’ soccer team earned its spot in the district final with a 4-3 win over Eaton Rapids Tuesday in Richland. Gull Lake lost a 2-1 match with St. Joseph early in the season, but avenged that defeat with a 4-2 win over the Bearcats in the finals of the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference Tournament Oct. 7. A1-1 tie with Portage Northern is the only other blemish on the Gull Lake record. TK improved to 16-3-2 with its win over the Greyhounds Tuesday, following up on an 8-0 win over Charlotte in the opening round of the state tournament last Thursday in Middleville. TK head coach David Wood said he hopes all the battles with South Christian, East Grand Rapids and the like through­ out the regular season have prepared the Trojans somewhat for what they will face Saturday. “We hope everything clicks on Saturday. We definitely need to be on the top of our game to do it and use those experiences to get us through an 80 min­ ute contest with what I would call the best team in the state [in Division 2,]” Wood said. The winner of Saturday morning’s dis­ trict final will advance to the regional round of the Division 2 state tournament, beginning with a 5 p.m. regional semifi­ nal match at Otsego High School Tuesday, Oct. 26. The Trojans and Greyhounds were tied 0-0 at the half, but TK pushed to a 4-1 advantage in the second half before Wood emptied his bench with about 11 minutes to go in an effort to rest his regulars for Saturday’s match. Those starters for TK included senior goalkeeper Daniel Beyer who was injured in the team’s OK Gold Conference Tournament win over Forest Hills Eastern a couple weeks ago, and returned to the field for the first time for the orange and black on Tuesday. One ofthe Greyhounds ’ three goals got by him. Nacho Hervas scored three goals for TK in the victory and Alex Harrington added one, all in the second half. “We dominated the half in terms of possession and the chances created,” Wood said. “We just couldn’t find the back of the net. I composed them a little more at halftime. They were pretty frus­ trated with themselves.” The Saxons' Drew Thompson holds up teammate troy Hokanson as they celebrate Hokanson's go-ahead goal with 34.6 seconds left to play in their team's Division 2 District opener against visiting Battle Creek Central on Pierce Field in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons' Caleb Gurtowsky (left) and Caleb Waller (right) head for the celebra­ tion at their bench after taking a moment to collect themselves on the field at the conclusion of their team's 3-2 win over visiting Battle Creek Central in the opening round of the Division 2 state tournament Thursday at Pierce Field in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Last-minute goal advances Saxons in district Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons didn’t go into the state tourna­ ment eyeing a district championship, but they got a district win and that’s a good start. The 2022 fall varsity boys’ soccer season came to an end for Hastings as the Saxons were defeated 8-0 by Gull Lake in the Division 2 District Semifinals at Gull Lake High School in Richland Tuesday. The Blue Devils come into the state tour­ nament ranked No. 1 in the state in their Division and will face No. 11-Thomapple Kellogg in the district final back in Richland Saturday morning at 11 a.m. Hastings earned its semifinal spot with a 3-2 victory over visiting Battle Creek Central, getting the game-winning goal with just over half a minute to play Thursday on Pierce Field in Hastings. “You need to win a district game before you can even think about winning a district title, and I think that is the biggest thing I can reflect on,” Hastings head coach Francisco Lopez said. “They came out here and they delivered.” Saxon junior attacker Cohen Smith had a shot deflected away from the Bearcat net and the ball found its way to sophomore Sergynho Arias on the right side of the box. He hit it to the center for freshman Troy Hokanson who fired it into the open net, touching off the Saxons’ first victory celebration since the first game of the season back in August. Smith had the Saxons in front 1-0 in the first half, after finishing off a cross from Arias for the opening goal of the game. Smith had a foot in each of the Saxons’ goals, also assisting on a goal by junior Drew Thompson. Battle Creek Central answered each Saxon goal, tying the game at 1-1 and then 2-2. Hastings led 2-1 at the half, but the Bearcats tied the game up three minutes into the sec­ ond half. “It was a stalemate for most of the second The Saxons' Thomas Christie is held up by Battle Creek Central's Jack Snyder as half honestly,” Hastings head coach Francisco he tries to push up the sideline with the ball during the second half of their district Lopez said. “[Goalkeeper Zach] Chipman bailgame on Pierce Field in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) had four break-away saves in the second half. I would put the game on him more than I would Troy for that last goal. Chipman saved us! Absolutely, Chipman saved us. Chipman looked like a god in the second half.” He had four breakaway saves in succession in the second half, keeping his team knotted with the Bearcats. “He came out, every single one of them, body on the line, ball ricocheted off of him out. He got back up and made more saves,” Saxon assistant coach Wyatt Owen said. “Th| biggest one that stood out was a breakaway from about 30 yards. He was patient, came out and then threw his body out and saved it with just his knee - a little leg save up. It was just amazing.” Chipman has shared the goaltending duties with Zach Gole this fall, and Chipman took a play out of Gole’s book in being more aggres­ sive in his box during the district win. Hastings closes the season with two victo­ ries and the second was a long time coming. The Saxons defeated Hopkins 3-1 in the opening match of the season Aug. 18 and then won their postseason opener against the Bearcats Oct. 14. They had 13 losses and three ties in the 16 games in between. “Heart,” was the resounding reason Lopez and Owen gave for the Saxon victory. “Not giving up, looking adversity right in the face as we have all season. This is not the first time. This is our second win. They won when it mattered,” Lopez said. “We told them, no matter the score you’ve got to play the entire 80 minutes,” Owen added, “and that is what they did. They capi­ talized on that.” The Saxon team had one returning starter from 2020. “It is tough to go into a varsity soccer field and get all of them into that pace,” Lopez said. “It took all season long, and we just had to be patient with it. Patience was key with this one. https://pages.laketrust.org/hastings-branch?utm_source=Print&utm_medium=Print&utm_campaign=Hastings-Branch The new home you've been hoping for. Now, we’re able to control part of the game. We are able to possess the ball and we are able The savings goal you've set. 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LAKE TRUST � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-10-28.pdf f47f9569e89ba6d98b8fd7d3ab50bc8d PDF Text Text Rotary remembrance tribute honors five Pandemic response a shameful reality DK boys win their first district trophy See Story on Page 5 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 11 804879110187 1070490102590500406249058113421 *****“CAR-RT LOT**C 005 uuuo Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1g AM H nUllHUa Thursday, October 28, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 43 TJ. Maxx approved for Hastings site NEWS BRIEFS Benjamin Simon and Taylor Owens Staff Writers The Hastings Downtown Development Authority approved plans for a new T.J. Maxx in the Hastings Center last Friday. The new store, an off-price retailer of appar­ el and home fashion, according to its website, will fit into about 23,000 feet of the center. That section of the building has remained empty since Kmart closed nearly three years ago. Family Farm and Home set up in anoth­ er part of the building, while another 30,000 square feet has yet to be filled. Community Development Director Dan King said he estimates that the company will begin construction within the next two months. “They will likely start as soon as they can get the bid process completed,” King said. He said he believes the store will attract customers from around Barry County and surrounding areas. “We, like many people, are excited because of the economic benefit that a national chain will bring, not only to that center, but to the downtown businesses and restaurants,” King said. Thornapple Wind Band ready for Friday’s concert After more than a year and a half of musical silence, the Thomapple Wind Band will again fill the stage and present a free concert honoring the fall season. The public is invited to join the band at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, at the Hastings Performing Arts Center at Hastings High School, 520 W. South St. (Note: Hastings High School will be hosting Charlotte in a varsity football district playoff game beginning at 7 p.m., which likely will affect parking. Concert-goers may want to arrive early.) The concert will feature classic pieces found in “Highlights from Guardians of The Galaxy,” “Over the Rainbow” with a saxophone solo by Paul Jackson, “Amazing Grace,” and other selections. All of this will be under the direction of Dave Macqueen. The Thomapple Wind Band, a group of adult musicians from several area communities, presents a mix of melo­ dies. No two concerts are the same, varying in selections and musicians. All concerts are free and open to the public; donations are accepted. Chamber hosts virtual economic summit Nov. 3 The Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance will continue with its annual economic sum­ mit next month, in a virtual format. The annual event is designed to be informative and inspiring and focused on economic development in Barry County. “What’s Your Plan?” will be the focus of the event the summit from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3. Admission is $20 for chamber mem­ bers and $30 for non-members. The agenda will include: 1 p.m. - Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance Engagement and Economic Impact by Jennifer Heinzman, president. 1:35 p.m. -A word from Greg Moore, representing the summit’s signature sponsor, Consumers Energy. 1: 40 p.m. - “What’s Your Plan?” Matt Goebel, superintendent, Hastings Area Schools. 2: 10 p.m. - Blue Zones update. 2: 30 p.m. - Dr. Damon Arnold: “Discover Your Purpose.” 3: 30 p.m. - A Look into the Economy: Trends in the Nation, State, and Barry County, Jim Robey, principal at Robey Analytics. 4: 30 p.m. - Closing remarks. Anyone interested in attending may register at mibarry.com. PRICE $1.00 'We are excited because of the economic benefit that a national chain will bring, not only to that center, but to the downtown businesses and restaurants.' Dan King, Hastings community development director Meanwhile, the DDA is pushing for prog­ ress on a streetscape plan. The board started brainstorming its streets­ cape plan in October 2019. Two years later, the DDA still hasn’t implemented a plan, and members are getting antsy to move forward. “We don’t even know when we started, but we think it was two years ago, and I don’t have a lot of confidence in all of what we’ve gotten, and we just make no progress,” DDA member Deb Hatfield said during the DDA’s Oct. 21 meeting. The conversation was prompted by immi­ nent tree removal in the downtown district. The city’s Department of Public Services currently has plans to cut down diseased trees See T.J. MAXX, page 2 Delays plague former Moose Lodge project C/ty council resolves misunderstanding with developer K presentation to Officer Grizzly, who will be retiring next spring, was offered by the Barry County Sheriff’s Office Posse Tuesday to fund his replacement in the K-9 unit. He is shown here during the proceedings with his handler, Deputy Travis Moore, a 22-year department vet­ eran. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Grizzly’s impending retirement prompts donation for K-9 unit Rebecca Pierce Editor He entered the Barry County Board of Commissioners’ chambers Tuesday morning and sat down before them. With a straightforward, unflinching gaze, he listened intently as his accomplishments were extolled. See K-9, page 2 Benjamin Simon Staff Writer More than a monjMgo, the city finalized selling the property at 128 N. Michigan. It was cause for celebration. For more than three years, the former Moose lodge property had sat vacant and, finally, after six amendments and months of negotiation, construction was set to begin. Now construction still hasn’t started and, instead, a few signs, boxes, poles and cones scatter the lawn there. The project was delayed again in recent weeks after a misunderstanding with the developer, A.J. Veneklasen, about the cost of water and sewer system improvement fees. The Grand Rapids-based developer expect­ ed to pay $19,000, City Manager City Sarah Moyer-Cale said, while city officials were expecting more than $100,000. Monday, the city council voted to make an exception and lower the water and sewer sys­ tem improvement fees for A.J. Veneklasen to $6,225. That decision is expected to pave the way for construction to begin, where 21 mar­ ket-rate apartments and 2,630-square-feet of retail space will be built. The city charges different amounts for res­ idential and commercial facilities, MoyerCale said. Residential facilities are charged for each residential unit in the building, while commercial facilities pay a one-time sewer and water fee. If not amended, A.J. Veneklasen would have paid $2,290 per unit for water and $3,090 per unit for sewer on each unit, which would have totaled more than $100,000. “The purpose of this fee is to have new developers basically buy into the existing system,” Moyer-Cale said. Following the exemption, A.J. Veneklasen will pay those fees once as if it were a com­ mercial facility. Councilmember Al Jarvis said he wants to prioritize getting the work started. “I mean, we’re trying to get people to bring housing in,” Jarvis said. As the city brings in other housing develop­ ments, such as the 73-unit Royal Coach proj­ ect, Moyer-Cale and council members agreed they need to review the law in the future. “I think what’s happened in the past is that residential [property owners are] paying more than their fair share and commercial’s proba­ bly not paying enough,” Moyer-Cale said. “There’s probably a better way to distribute the fee than the way that it’s currently set up, but it’s going to take us some time to establish how that fee should most fairly be charged.” Councilmember Brenda McNabb-Stange voted in favor of the motion, but criticized the company for not confirming the fee beforehand. “I have a continuing problem with them coming for more,” she said. “The fact is, they’re this far into a project ready to break ground and they’re just now finding out how much the fees are for connecting. I don’t understand. I don’t understand why they didn’t know that before they even made a bid to build on the property.” Barring any unforeseen circumstance, the adjustment to the water and sewer price will be the final step before construction. Community Development Director Dan King said he expects A.J. Veneklasen to break ground within the next few weeks, with the earliest date being Monday, Nov. 1. See DELAYS, page 2 Highpoint Community Bank celebrates 135 years Benjamin Simon Staff Writer In 1886, 35 Hastings investors came up with $50,000 and started Highpoint Community Bank. Over the years, locations have changed. The name has changed. The size has changed. But one thing hasn’t changed: Highpoint Community Bank is still based in Hastings. Tuesday, Highpoint Community Bank cel­ ebrated its 135th anniversary at its headquar­ ters on Jefferson and Court streets. Mayor David Tossava honored the company with a proclamation from the city. “We’re a community bank. It’s important to us that we stay in the community that support­ ed us all along,” Marketing Director Nancy Goodin said. “Even though we’ve grown to seven branches and different drive-thru loca­ tions, it’s important that we support local business and that we are a local business.” The bank began in 1886 under the name of Hastings City Bank. Over the first four decades, it grew to more than $1 million in deposits before the Great Depression hit, bringing funds to $500,000. Many banks shut down. HCB survived. Goodin called it one of the more impressive parts of the bank’s history. “During the Depression, when so many banks went under, this bank continued to meet the needs of our community,” Goodin said. “And this bank survived the Depression and flourished afterward. So I think that’s a testament to the strength and stability of this bank through 135 years.” ‘Senior Citizen of the Year’ nominations sought Highpoint Community Bank and the Barry County Commission on Aging are sponsoring the 22nd annual Senior Citizen of the Year Award. This award highlights contributions made by individuals age 60 and older to civic and social life in Barry County. It focuses on the positive benefits of remaining active while growing older. The award will be presented at the COA’s annual Christmas Party Dec. 16 in Hastings. The recipient will receive a See BRIEFS, page 2 early November. But that would mean having no trees in downtown Hastings for the indef­ inite future. “We can’t risk the tree falling on someone or a vehicle,” City Manager Sarah MoyerCale said. DDA members contemplated whether they wanted no trees in the downtown area. DDA member Lynn Denton said he wouldn’t mind seeing the trees come down - which cause a mess for business owners - and replacing them with hanging plant baskets. Hastings Mayor Dave Tossava prepared and read a special proclamation to honor Highpoint Community Bank’s 135-year mile­ stone. Shown, from left, are: Tossava in foreground; Ashley Van Alstine, assistant vice president, retail banking; Timothy Tierney, senior vice president, retail banking; and President and CEO Mark Kolanowski. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) See CELEBRATES, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Area groups, churches host Halloween events Health department welcomes new medical director the COVID-19 pandemic response. “Much of what we do in [infectious dis­ ease] ties into public health seamlessly, both currently and historically,” Dr. Kehdi said. “This includes everything from administering immunizations to environmental monitoring for public health risks, such as with zoonotic infections.” “The Barry-Eaton District Health Department is thrilled to welcome Dr. Kehdi in her new position as our medical director,” said Colette Scrimger, BEDHD health officer. “As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we look forward to utilizing Dr. Kehdi’s extensive expertise in the realm of infectious disease. Dr. Kehdi offers a fresh perspective to our community, which benefits the health and well-being of all Barry and Eaton County residents.” Although Dr. Kehdi is new to public health in a formal setting, she said she is looking forward to growing and learning within the department and helping the local health department achieve its vision of creating a community where everyone has the opportu­ nity to live a long, healthy, and active life. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department has announced Dr. Julie Kehdi as the department’s new medical director. Dr. Kehdi succeeds Dr. Daniel Woodall, who announced his resignation in the summer and worked with the department through most of September. ‘ Dr. Kehdi, a Michigan native, completed medical school and residency through Michigan State University. Her fellowship wjs in infectious diseases at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago where she treated ipany people with difficulty accessing care in highly diverse cultural and clinical popula­ tions. Dr. Kehdi has been practicing in Michigan since. As an infectious disease speffelist, she has a passion for antimicrobial stewardship and thb long-term positive effects careful pre­ scribing can have on a person and population. Dr. Kehdi said in a press release that she is cjrawn to the infectious disease field because it is full of new developments and challenges, which the local health department has become fafniliar with over the past 20 months through Charlton Park hosting ‘All Hallows Eve' Saturday provide fabulous fall fun for all ages in a safe environment,” Park Director Dan Patton said. “If you love Halloween and costumes of all sorts, we hope to see you this Saturday.” “Community outreach events are one of the park’s strategic initiatives, and we look for­ ward to hosting an afternoon of celebration for our local residents.” Families can enjoy the village, free from the worry of vehicles and traffic, while get­ ting a small glimpse of local rural heritage. Additional information can be found online at charltonpark.org. Historic Charlton Park is between Hastings and Nashville, north of M-79 at 2545 Charlton Park Road. Area youngsters are invited to don their favorite costume and join the staff and vol­ unteers; at Historic Charlton Park for an afternoon of family-friendly fun during the annual All Hallows Eve event Saturday, Oct. 30. from 3 to 6 p.m., visitors (who should bring their own bags or containers) can enjoy trick-or-treating in the historic village, walk through an autumn-themed maze on the Village Green, visit stops throughout the vil­ lage, and more. /The cost is $5 for anyone 13 years or older. Children 12 and younger can take part for free, but must be accompanied by an adult. “During All Hallows Eve, our goal is to .. COVID cases dip after last week's peak Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry-Eaton District Health Department confirmed 205 cases of COVID­ 19 iri Barry County on Tuesday. That’s a drop from 259 last week, which was the highest number since the spring. But four more deaths were attributed to COVID-19 in the last week, BEDHD reported. The most recent seven-day average for the rate of COVID-19 tests that were positive was 17.8 percent, down from 20.89 percent last week. Also, as of this week, at least 29,316 Barry County residents have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The num­ ber represents 58.9 percent of all residents of The age 16 and older. v ; A total of 21 Barry County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 this month, and seven have died, a BEDHD report stated. A total of6,946 cases have been confirmed in Barry County since March 2020, while there have been 833 probable cases. Since the department began tracking these cases, the deaths of 83 Barry County residents have been attributed to COVID-19. This weekend will bring all sorts of Halloween and fall events in the area. Youngsters will be out in the neighbor­ hoods in local communities Sunday evening. However, other events are planned Friday and Saturday as well, including: • First Presbyterian Church of Hastings will have candy, cider and doughnuts avail­ able during its trunk-or-treat event, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. Activities will take place in the parking lot of the church, 405 N. M-37. However, the event will be moved indoors if weather is inclement. • Historic Charlton Park will host All Hallows Eve from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, with trick-or-treating, an autumn-themed maze and more. The cost is $5 for anyone age 13 and up. (See separate story.) Time: 5:30 until 7:30 First Presbyterian Church • Country Chapel will host its Fall Bash from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Costumes are optional, but games, candy and chili are planned. The church is at 9275 S. M-37 Highway, Dowling. Gun Lake area • Gun Lake Community Church will host a harvest party from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. Youngsters are invited to dress up in costumes and trick or treat indoors on the “Halloween Trail.” Free hot dogs and chips will be provid­ ed, along with candy. The church is at 12200 W. M-179 Highway, Wayland. Nashville • Grace Church will host a trunk-or-treat event in the Highpoint Community Bank parking lot, 310 Main St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. T.J. MAXX, continued from page 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------- — Hatfield followed up by expressing con­ cern, especially without a streetscape plan to offer solutions. “If staff is so interested in taking the trees down, what’s their plan for replacing?” she asked. “Cement in a hole isn’t a replace­ ment.” Hatfield requested that city officials wait until the DDA talks further about the subject, suggesting they reach out to tree experts. “Do we want to be the community of no trees?” she asked. This is another example of why the city needs to move forward with the streetscape plan, said Moyer-Cale, who plans to meet with an urban forestry expert Friday to deter­ mine the urgency of removing the trees. “While you’re going through this [streets­ cape] process, downtown is not staying the same. It is deteriorating,” she said. She noted the benefits of having trees, but, if tom down, the city would have to wait for the finalized streetscape plan to replace them. Dan King, the city’s community develop­ ment director, pointed to a number of reasons for the delayed streetscape plan, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic limiting in-person meetings. Some committee members expressed concern about the current streets­ cape plan that was drafted by McKenna, a planning company. “[McKenna Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey] gave us 100 suggestions with no clear plan,” Denton said. “So, we can do hanging baskets and this or we can make the streets wider and this or the sidewalks wider. “She gave us 100 ideas, but no real plan. We haven’t narrowed that down.” During Thursday’s DDA meeting, commit­ tee members revisited the streetscape plan in hopes of determming the next steps. They’re still in the drafting phase: Moyef-Cale said sfie would work with King to find a time, whether through a special or regularly scheduled meeting, for the DDA to finalize its vision for the streetscape plan. “We can sort of disassemble the document and categorize it into various pieces and then make decisions about each one of those to create something more cohesive,” she said. As they move forward, Moyer-Cale, who worked on the Paw Paw streetscape plan before coming to Hastings, said she hopes to solicit more community feedback. Although the DDA hosted a community workshop before drafting the plan, she wants to recon­ nect with the people of Hastings as the final draft is solidified. “The downtown belongs to everyone,” she said. One of the most important questions will be how to fund the project. The 75-page streetscape plan focuses on improvements from “building face to building face” in the downtown district, Moyer-Cale said. That will include streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, plants, lighting, street furnishing and parking. Even with grants, Moyer-Cale warned the DDA it would not be able to cover the cost of the project, which will run close to $14 mil­ lion. “There has to be buy-in from the commu­ nity as a whole, not just from the DDA board, but also from the entire' Hastings community, residents and businesses, as well as probably the planning commission, to ensure that whatever the streetscape plan is, it’s in line with the master plan,” she said. “And certain­ ly city council, because that’s where the majority of the funds are probably going to come from.” In other news from the meeting: • Following the discussion of the streets­ cape plan, King provided an update on the Royal Coach Apartments that will bring 54 rental units and 19 townhouses to the city. King said the contractor, General Capital, submittedits Phase 1 foundation plan to Professional Code Inspectors, ensuring that the ground is prepared to support a building. General Capital is still finalizing the engi­ neering and architectural plans. • The DDA held its annual informational meeting to review where the board spent tax increment financing money. • The board approved arts and events coor­ dinator Maiya Merrick to attend the Michigan Festival and Events Conference for $899. • Board members reviewed the September and quarterly report on the electrical vehicle charging station. The city received $27 in September and $37 during the quarter. “It’s an additional draw for economic development,” King said. “It’s a service, but people are using it. The cost is not prohibitive so far.” • During the board comment section, Lynn Denton brought up the idea of building a parking garage in the downtown area. He pointed to a free parking structure in Marshall as a model for Hastings. “We have all these ideas, but we never really have a plan,” he said. “... We’re just sitting here spinning our wheels.” With the future housing developments coming to the city, Hatfield agreed that the city needed to consider additional parking. She suggested making a priority of complet­ ing Parking Lot 8, at Apple and Jefferson streets, which still has a gravel surface, by the time the apartments go up on 128 N. Michigan Ave. “We need to focus really hard,” Hatfield said of future parking. “Even if we only have 100 units, what if it’s just 100 cars? I just don’t know where 100 cars are going to park right now.” • King announced that a local resident has made a bid to buy the vacant former gas sta­ tion, which is a privately owned property on South Michigan Avenue. This is believed to be the only bid, Moyer-Cale said, and it is not clear what the bidder plans to do with the property. Moyer-Cale said she does not know the identity of the bidder or the amount that was offered for the property. “jSfter maybe 30 years of [being] a derelict site, it’ll be cleaned up, whether it’s going to be used for parking or maybe some type of housing component, that site finally will be brought back,” King said. DELAYS, continued from page 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------King said he expects the project to finish sometime during the summer of2022. When the project does begin, it will cause closure along Michigan Avenue from State Street to Apple Street for about a week. In other business, during the public com­ ment portion of the meeting, Adani Heikkila, the owner of iGeek Repair & Gaming in downtown Hastings, questioned why his phones were seized by the Hastings Police Department. During the Sept. 23 Barry-Eaton County Board of Health meeting, Heikkila said, he made a citizen’s arrest of the Barry-Eaton District Health Officer Colette Scrimger. “We have individuals in this community that are going to be requesting every single bit of information for why my cellular devices were taken under warrant and why I am being so hardly prosecuted and come after,” Heikkila said, referring to the health board meeting. “I did activities that are lawful and just,” Heikkila said. “The police department has not Candy. Cider. Donuts FRIDAY. OCTOBER 29TH • Hastings Free Methodist Church will host trunk or treat from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. Costumes are encouraged. The church, at 2635, N. M-43 Highway, will have free candy and kid-friendly games. Delton • Delton Moose Lodge will host a Kids Halloween Party beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Activities will include a costume contest, a magician and pumpkin painting. Free hot-dogs will be available. The lodge is at 5420 Moose Lodge Drive, two miles north of Delton on M-43. Dowling area • Pleasantview Family Church is preparing for its Trunk ‘n’ Treat event Friday, Oct. 29. Activities will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The church is at 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, once reached out to me and asked me one thing about the lawful private-person arrest that I did. “When I did that, it was a lawful activity.” In other action at Monday's meeting, the council: • Approved a request to host Veterans Day ceremonies at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the veteran plaza in Tyden Park. • Appointed Moyer-Cale to the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee. • Approved adoption of commercial facili­ ties exemption certificate on the property at 128 N. Michigan. ■ • Accepted tree planting bid of $13,000 from County Line Nurseries. The trees will be placed in various locations across town. • Approved the purchase of a new heavy-duty pick-up truck for $33,367. • Approved $12,000 for large water heater testing and repairs. • Adopted a special-;ass$&feent district for public parking in the downtown area. The district will cover parking lot mainte­ nance. • Set a public hearing for its Nov. 8 meet­ ing to approve the final tax roll for the special assessment district. The city will determine which businesses will be charged and how much. • Set a workshop for 6 p.m. Nov. 8 to dis­ cuss a corrective action plan regarding pen­ sion liability. • Approved signing the construction code administration contract with Professional Code Inspections. ■ Also,. Mayor David Tossava presented an official proclamation to the Hastings Public Library to honor its 125th anniversary. Police Chief Dale Boulter announced that the police department will have new pants in the coming weeks since its current style has gone out of production. The pants will now be navy blue with a French blue stripe. Boulter said he does not know when they will officially change the pants. Parking Lot 405 N M-37 Hwy. Hastings, MI 49058 (event will move inside if weather is inclement) | Queen Mary Johnson 8 I 8/3/45-8/18/21 || We will miss you. gj Love, OutREDgious §j | Delton Red Hats j|| CommunityAction NOW HIRING OPEN POSITIONS: • Preschool Assistant Teachers • Preschool Lead Teachers • Paraprofessionals • Senior Transportation Driver • Distribution Specialist • Kitchen Assistant/Food Transporters Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community acheive and maintain independence. CommunityAction is also enrolling for preschool!!!!!!! Apply now at www.caascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Community Action is an equal opportunity employer, equal opportunity provider. NEWS BRIEFS, continued from page 1 K-9, continued from page He’s been an officer for much of his life. Chasing down suspects is his specialty, and he’s very good at it. He’s heard words of praise before. But the word “retirement” just isn’t in his vocabulary. Even so, he’ll have to get used to it. Officer Grizzly, who has been serving the county sheriff’s office since he was 15 months old, is going to be retiring in the spring. His handler, 22-year department veteran Deputy Travis Moore, said retirement for K-9s typically happens after age 7. Grizzly is 8. The plan is to start framing a new dog so Grizzly can spend his retirement years as a pet in Moore’s household. Boy, do people love that dog. His presence in the commissioners’ chambers Tuesday brought smiles to faces that had been frown­ ing just moments before. And his deeds are the stuff of legend around the sheriff’s office. He’s the one who nabbed David Krebs of Vermontville in September 2019. Krebs was later convicted in a jury trial of slitting a man’s throat and stabbing him multiple times. The violent attack occurred near Freeport, then Krebs fled. Officer Grizzly is the one who tracked Krebs to a patch of bushes. After Krebs refused police orders to come out, Grizzly ran into the bushes, clamped his jaws on Krebs’ leg and wouldn’t let go. When Krebs finally gave up and came out, Moore called Grizzly off. Grizzly is a 7 8-pound German shepherd, a breed that can bite with a force of 250 pounds per square inch - more than enough to break human bones. Many smaller departments don’t have K-9 units because of the work and expense required, Moore said, but the county has the community support to make it work. Local veterinarians donate services and Tractor Supply provides dog food at cost. Grizzly eats six cups of high protein food every day. The department also has. anonymous donors who give money or donate gear to the K-9 unit. Jack Ward, representing the county sher­ iff’s posse, told commissioners Tuesday, “We need to find a way to fund a new canine unit. If you’ve never had a chance to see this dog, a demonstration... is just amazing.” Ward said posse members voted to donate $1,500 to help fund a new K-9 unit and, in making a formal presentation of the monetary gift during the board meeting, he encouraged others to consider donating as well. free professional portrait, courtesy of Highpoint Community Bank. “This award offers a special chance for the community to single out that one special older person, and present a token of their admiration and appreciation,” COA Director Tammy Pennington said. “There are other community awards, but this award specifical­ ly highlights the achievements and talents of our senior citizens.” Nominees for the award should be 60 or older and residents of Barry County; Consideration should be given to the contribu­ tion each nominee has made to the local com­ munity. Examples could include the types of activities the nominee has been involved in, how his/her involvement has benefited the community, and the number of people who have been affected by those contributions. Nomination forms for the award are avail­ able at the Commission on Aging office and on the COA website, barrycounty.org. Nominations can be from individuals or groups. Nominations should be sent to the Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, 49058. All nominations must be received no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — Page 3 From left, members of Highpoint’s staff, Ashley Van Alstine, assistant vice president, retail banking; Timothy Tierney, senior vice president, retail banking; and President and CEO Mark Kolanowski talk to Gina Blough, an HCB retiree. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Kolanowski offers some words of appreciation to all who gathered at the Hastings branch office to mark the milestone. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Local philanthropist Larry Baum speaks with Jean Picking, wife of Bob Picking, past president of HCB, during the Highpoint Community Bank celebration in Hastings Tuesday afternoon. CELEBRATES, continued from page 1 ------------------------------------------------------------- - Highpoint Community Bank President and CEO Mark Kolanowski greets Larry Baum during the bank’s celebration Tuesday afternoon at the Hastings branch office downtown. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) By 1947, the bank had more than $4 mil­ lion in capital, allowing them to purchase a new building between Church and Court streets. Their office space grew from 2,500-square-feet to 11,000-square-feet and featured two drive-in teller windows. HCB stayed in that building for the next 46 years. By its 100-year anniversary in 1986, the bank had $7 million in capital assets. By 1991, it featured locations in Wayland, Middleville, Caledonia, Bellevue and Nashville. By 2004, it opened up a new 33,000-square-foot building on Comer and Court streets, where it has been for the last 17 years. There, the effort was made to “blend [the building] with the downtown area,” according to an overview of the history pro­ vided by the bank. “It is a traditional design in brick, with arched windows and warm wood tones throughout.... An outdoor replica of the clock from the 1913 home of Hastings City Bank graces the front entrance. Careful consideration was given to the 118-year history of the bank and the heritage it represents in the Barry County community.” Since then, the bank has grown to 94 employees and seven locations, including Marshall. In recent years, the bank became a finan­ cial partner in the Kickstart to Career pro­ gram. In conjunction with the Barry Community Foundation, the program pro­ vides nearly 600 kindergartens in Barry County every year with $50 in savings. “They should be able to achieve education in the fiiture,” Goodin said. “Whatever that is, whether it be a certificate, an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s. Whatever they decide to do for their career, they’re building resources. They’re building assets to allow them to do that and they’re living in a community they know is supporting that.” Highpoint Community Bank commemo­ rated the 135-year anniversary with raffle tickets, cupcakes, balloons and a speech from HCB President and CEO Mark Kolanowski, who emphasized the bank’s commitment to Hastings. “What we’re really proud about is that opr headquarters have barely moved in 135; years,” Kolanowski said. “Talk about deep roots? This is it. < “Barry County is our home and it’s been very good to us.” CARVETH VILLAGE PF”””' CZ.. < Check out our facebook page - - —-- J- _ _ _ _ - -- - ofall the October events. Weather permitting. All events will be outside. l Masks encouraged but not required. . V, v 1I IZ/NlIO ■ ... .... of Middleville Bob Picking, past president of Highpoint Community Bank (Hastings City Bank at that time), on left, greets Larry Baum. Behind Bob is his daughter, Susan Picking. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Mementoes of the company's stellar performance over the years are part of the bank’s legacy. Here, the bank was honored earlier this year as one of “West Michigan's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.” To arrange a visit, please give us a call today. • Independent and Assisted Living (269) 795-4972 • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available www.CarvetliVillage.com Check us out at www.facebook.com/carveth “Remember.,, ifyou can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 �Rage 4 — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you Pandemic response a shameful reality Curiosity on overload about oversized load This oversized load made its careful way through the county Monday, Oct. 18. It looked a bit like a portable silo, but the motorists who saw it parked southwest of the village of Middleville near Adams Road after 1 p.m. that day weren’t able to - conclusively identify the structure. It ended up traversing much of the county, heading south on M-43 before turning west at the intersection with M-89. Those who can identify this edifice are welcome to email editor@j-adgraphics.com to let us know. Do you remember? Youngsters decorate downtown Banner Oct. 27, 1983 Hastings schoolchildren decorated downtown store­ fronts with posters depict­ ' ing all that is special bout the Halloween season. The artists whose work was judged the best were on hand Tuesday afternoon for ribbons and recognition. First, second and third ■ place winners received gift certificates from Felpausch Food Center. Winners in the grade 1-3 division were John Herbstreith, Brad Gee, and Jason Miller; grades 4-6 Sarah Fare, Kori Keast and Jenna Merritt; and grades 7-8, Gary Kellay, Daryl Pyle and Aija Roush. Another 27 students won honorable mention, including (pic­ tured here in random order) Yvon Roush, Marc Witnan, Kendra Shepard, Austin Zurface, Anne Endsley; Debbie Titus, Jill Havey, Cassie Benner, Shawn Davis, Roberta Groner, Lisa Williams, Jackie Longstreet, Cindy Wood, Shanna O’Keefe, Paul Buchanan, Jennifer Kornstadt, Barbie Fare, Blanca Pacheco, Brooke Faught, Ana Pacheco, Rachel Phillips, Aubrey Watson, Alison Gergen, Gary Davis, Violet Krepps, Janet Davis and Missy Phillips. . Have you * - * . ' « - 1 . > met? Jean Hazel of Lake Odessa is looking forward to celebrating her 102n^ birthday this Saturday, spending time with her chil­ dren and numerous grandchildren. She’s also excited about her birthday trip to a casino. Jean still lives in her own home, assisted by neighbors and family members who check in on her. When she was younger, Jean Hazel enjoyed bowling in a league and dancing. Nowadays, reading and watching the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State University basketball are two of her favor­ ite ways to pass the time. Going to a casino is a special treat. Ivah Jean Roth was bom Oct. 30, 1919, in Clarksville to Gottlieb and Pearl (Hansen) Roth, less than a year after World War I ended. She married shortly after World War II ended. She was the middle of seven children and first attended Bushnell School in Clarksville. After her family moved to Lowell, she went to Merriman School. She graduated from Clarksville High School in 1937. She and Lake Odessa native Russell Hazel were engaged in 1941 not long before Russell was sent overseas with the U.S. Army, but they did not marry until Dec. 22, 1945. He spent much of the war in France, England and Ireland, before being honorably discharged Nov. 10, 1944. Jean had been busy during the war, as well, working in Ionia on the inspection line at the AC Sparkplugs factory. She and Russell had two children: Tom Hazel and Sally O’Rielly. Now, Jean has 31 grandchildren, great-grandkids, and greatgreatgrandchildren. Russell, the son of Alfred and Anna (Sickles) Hazel died in 2010. He was 92, and he and Jean were married nearly 65 years. Granddaughter Katie O’Rielly, who lives in Lansing, said Jean is in great shape, physically and mentally. The family threw a big party when Jean turned 100 in 2019. But, they decided a few people visiting at a time would be better this year, “so she can celebrate this birthday and spend more quality one-on-one time with everyone,” O’Rielly said. For much of her childhood, Jean’s family lived on a small farm in Clarksville raising Jean Hazel animals, such as pigs, cows, horses and chickens. Like many others of her genera­ tion, they didn’t have a lot, but they got by. But she does recall some special indul­ gences, like going to the movie theater in Clarksville to see silent films, watching with amazement as an airplane flew over­ head, and, as a teen, going to dances in Clarksville and Alto. “I enjoyed Saturday night dances - the foxtrot, waltzes and square dances at parks or at a dance floor in Alto,” Jean said. She met Russell Hazel at one of those dances. When she was 21, she moved to Lansing and worked at the A&P grocery store, and later in the Union Cafeteria at Michigan State College. Jean later took up golf and, eventually, got into a bowling league in Lake Odessa in the late 1940s. She once bowled a game in which she registered spares in all 10 frames. “I got a medal for it,” she said. She gave up bowling after 32 years, but she still cooks, especially rolls for every holiday meal. “She’s got a special recipe, and everyone loves them,” O’Reilly said, adding that her grandma also makes a Swiss dish similar to crepes called Snicklefritz. As for mementoes, Jean still has a purse her then-fiance brought home from France while on leave in 1943. Another favorite item is a wooden mashed-potato beater “that is probably 100 years old,” O’Rielly said. For her zest for life and love of others, Jean Hazel is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite president: Lincoln. Favorite president in my lifetime: Franklin D. Roosevelt. Favorite movie: “Gone with the Wind.” Best advice ever received: Be honest. Favorite TV show: “Little House on the Prairie.” Favorite baseball player: Al Kaline. If I could have a super power, it would be: To get the world back in a normal condition. Favorite vacation destination: Las Vegas. Greatest song ever written: “God Bless America.” What I’d tell a high school graduate: Follow your dreams. Secret to a long life: I don’t know. It just happened. I never smoked. Favorite dinner: Salmon patties. My biggest challenge: Just getting up. If I could, I would ...: Work outside. What I want for Christmas: Just hav­ ing my family around. If I could change just one thing: Everyone would get along better. All countries. When I grow up, I want to be ...: Just the way I was. I’m most proud of: My family. If I won the lottery: I’d divide it among my family. And buy a new couch. Greatest thing about Lake Odessa: I have really good neighbors. Favorite comics character: “Uncle Wiggily.” Favorite childhood memory: Being with my family. We always had some­ thing going on. Best inventions ever: TV and airplanes. No matter where one stands on the vac­ cine controversy and mask debates, there is one thing certain: We’re all losers. Leave out the science or how COVID19 might have escaped from a lab in China - this country has bungled its response to the greatest national crisis of our time. There’s no toilet paper again at Walmart. Shipping containers are being blown off cargo ships waiting offshore for enough dockworkers to unload. And heart attack victims are lying on stretch­ ers in hospital hallways because emer­ gency rooms are full. In the most powerful country on earth, the pandemic is bringing us, embarrassed,to our knees. Some friends leaving the college foot­ ball game in Kalamazoo Saturday night stopped at three of their favorite restau­ rants to celebrate. All three notable estab­ lishments had closed earlier in the day, unable to find enough employees to staff a night shift. Another friend is building a house at the lakeshore, hopeful to have it closed in before the rain and snow comes. Last week, a front-end loader sat quiet for three work days next to a stack of lumber as an absent work crew - if one was even available - waited for roof shingles on back order. I’m no economist or supply-chain guru, but I do believe that these clumsy predica­ ments are largely self-inflicted and, even more concerning, are showing our true colors as Americans. There was once a time when we went to our neighbor’s aid when things got challenging. When one community suf­ fered, we all suffered. Reminders of that kind of care remain when we see news broadcasts of folks helping neighbors who have been victimized by devastating fires, floods, and hurricanes. Yet there was once a time in this country’s history when we - as a nation - demonstrated love for our neighbors. We were one in the days and weeks following the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. That out­ pouring of aid, compassion, and care for each other rivaled the national response when Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941. That was went enlistees lined up at recruit­ ment offices to serve in World War II; some of them were too young to be sol­ diers. They misstated their birth dates to be accepted. Women stepped up to the munitions assembly lines and farmers donated food when rations were imple­ mented to conserve resources. The Great Depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s produced America’s greatest unified efforts. Programs were created and embraced that put people to work, fed their families, and provided hope. The birth of today’s Social Security system came in 1935 when our country provided unemployment insurance, oldage insurance and welfare programs for those most in need. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, still survives as a protec­ tor of our savings, and the Civilian Conservation Corps provided jobs for Americans to build roads and bridges and plant trees, the forerunner of today’s nationwide interstate expressway system. World Wars, a Great Depression, even a terrorist attack on U.S. soil have been sud­ den and devastating national challenges. Today’s times seem to be more of a slow boil, but they are as tough as any America (and the world) has ever faced. We are poisoning our water and air, eroding our top soils, and creating condi­ tions for the fires that are burning down our forests and national treasures. The pandemic has stalled the important educa­ tional progress we’ve needed for many years to keep from falling further behind other countries. Crime has increased while police are not supported. And income inequality is growing while 99 percent of Doug VanderLaan Guest Columnist The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. us wonder why 1 percent of Americans hold this country’s wealth. It does not matter on which side we stand. Our antipathies toward those posi­ tions and people with whom we disagree distract us from the deadly divisive lava that’s slowly flowing toward us. To para­ phrase novelist Joyce Carol Oates, “Our lives are a connected series of minutiae interrupted at unpredictable times by sig­ nificant events.” In the minutiae, Americans are betray­ ing their heritage. Instead of forums for public discourse and discussion, public meetings have become like hockey games. We argue to hear ourselves talk and feel like we’ve won the argument, not to grasp another viewpoint or make progress toward some greater understanding of the problems we must face together. While the world crumbles around us, Americans prefer to deal with their First World problems. Television news is now carrying reports of a vastly downsized Christmas season because of supply-chain problems. Regular advice from the televi­ sion marketing accomplices impart “shop­ ping strategies” on how to secure those most-sought gifts before the pandemic disruption puts coal in our stockings. From the days even before the pandem­ ic, one Grand Rapids car dealer has been framing personal happiness as “driving success.” The underlying marketing mes­ sage is that a car, not compassion, empa­ thy, or tolerance for others, will affirm our image in this world. Not “driving success” means we’ve been left behind. Maybe the lesson of this pandemic is to redefine America’s definition of progress. “Driving success” starts from inside us, not from behind a steering wheel. Norman Wirzba is a theology professor at Duke Divinity School and, although the focus of his book, “Food and Faith” does not directly address today’s pandemic madness, his overarching theme applies to it: We all depend on others. “All along life’s way, a person grows and develops because of receiving nurture from others,” Wirzba says. The art of life is to “know how to move sympathetically, hospitably, and responsibly within this togetherness.” Our origins are from - and our depen­ dence is on - others. These are the times and the places in which we live. Why are we not continuing to honor and celebrate them? My own life and security has been nur­ tured by the places and the people of Barry County. Amidst today’s rancor and suggestions that devious forces are under­ mining this beautiful home, I remain devoted to the people who have made me better, who asked how they could help me succeed, who have been devoted to my happiness. It’s my responsibility to hospitably return that nurture and not be sidetracked by distracting rhetoric, temporary turmoil, and unkind words. America was built on dreams; common people using opportunity to improve their lives. Some dreams have been grand. Skeptics once scoffed at President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to Congress in 1961 that we land on the moon before the end of the decade. In 1968, we were affirmed in believing that even the most massive of dreams can come true. Dreams take us beyond our present reality; they help visualize how the pres­ ent is a foundation to the future. Today, we don’t seem to have a dream - or the will to help make another’s dream come true. But, as our past victories have shown, we have the ability to overcome massive obstacles. We need to do so again. • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Subscription Rates: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — Page 5 Tree of Remembrance Hastings Rotary pays tribute to outstanding members who are gone, yet not forgotten Process of redrawing districts followed guidelines - and the citizens will benefit Posy and Richard Shuster Taylor Owens Staff Writer Members of the Rotary Club of Hastings paid their respects to former members who have died in the past few years. As part of the Tree of Remembrance pro­ gram, the club will plant five maple trees at Charlton Park, one for each Rotarian who was honored Monday. They included: Carolyn Coleman, Kathleen Beduhn, Joan Haywood and Richard and Rosemary Shuster. Each tree has a fieldstone and plaque with the name of the Rotarian who was honored. Neil said the five additional inductees make for a total of 54 honored since the initiative started in 1982. The club has been unable to do the program in the last two years because of the pandemic, he added. Rotarian Carl Schoessel started the tribute by speaking about Carolyn Coleman, who died in December 2019 at the age of 92. “This amazing woman left a tremendous legacy of service in 2019,” Schoessel said. Originally from Mayfield, Kentucky, Coleman (originally Green) graduated with a teaching degree from the University of Michigan in 1949. While attending school there, she met her husband James E. Coleman, who she married in the U of M chapel in 1950. They eventually settled in James’ home­ town of Hastings, where they raised three children. Coleman went on to receive her master’s degree in management from Aquinas College. She was the first woman elected to the Barry County Board of Commissioners, where she served for more than 12 years, including as chairperson. She also was the first woman elected as an elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. She championed the causes of numerous public projects, including the Hastings Public Library, Future Committee, Charlton Park, Kalamazoo Child Guidance Center, Joan Haywood Carolyn Coleman Barry County Mental Health, YMCA search committee and more. Coleman was a recipient of the Barry County Human Services Award for Positive Leadership and the Liberty Bell Award. The couple also traveled extensively, vis­ iting England, Scotland, Thailand, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, India and the Galapagos Islands. Neil spoke of Kathleen Beduhn, who died Jan. 9, 2021. Bom Kathleen Hyms in Grand Rapids in 1928, Beduhn worked as a Bell Telephone operator after graduating from Cedar Springs High School. During that time, her landlord set her up with Richard Beduhn; the couple were mar­ ried for more than 67 years until his death in 2014. Beduhn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and General Federation of Womens Clubs in Hastings, and a den mother for the local Bluebird and Cub Scout Troops. She also had a passion for music. “She loved dancing with Richard,” Neil said. They traveled all over Michigan doing the polka, square dance or modem dancing. Sarah Alden read items from the obituary of Joan Haywood, who died June 1, 2020, at the age of 91. Bom in Hastings, Haywood married her husband, Don, in 1949. The couple raised two sons, worked together as farmers, at E.W. Bliss and later at River Bend Golf Course and Travel Agency. They were known for hosting events, from small intimate card games to elaborate events and celebrations. Haywood also loved music, and would loudly play Broadway musicals while clean­ ing. She especially loved to dance to Tina Turner’s rendition of “Proud Mary.” While Haywood had strong opinions that she liked to share, she also had a gift for engaging in warm and meaningful conversa­ tions. Kathleen Beduhn “This is a woman who had a zest for life, for fun and for people,” Alden said. Fred Jacobs formally inducted a couple, Richard and Rosemary Shuster, a first for the Tree of Remembrance. Rosemary “Posy” Shuster died in October 2015 at the age of 86. Richard “Dick” Shuster followed in July 2018, at the age of 89. Originally from Grand Rapids, the couple were high school sweethearts, married in 1953, and had three children. Rosemary was active in the community women’s club, Committee of 33, Charlton Park, Michigan Nature Association, Barry Community Foundation, Hastings Area Schools athletics, 4-H and Bluebirds. She also served as a community represen­ tative to the Hastings Board of Education. “She would go up to the school board and get it done,” Jacobs said. “Whatever she took on, she took on all the way.” Richard Shuster attended Michigan State University before obtaining a law degree at the University of Michigan. He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Knox as an educator for the troops, before starting his own law prac­ tice in Hastings. In 1982, he was appointed as interim cir­ cuit court judge, and he was elected three more times until his retirement. Jacobs recalled he had a passion for his­ toric buildings, and said he stood up for the Barry County Courthouse when the county considered tearing it down. “Well, Dick wouldn’t have it,” Jacobs said. “Dick fought hard and won his case, and now we have a beautiful courthouse in downtown.” He also was on the founding board of the Barry Community .foundation, Hastings Chamber of Comiffercef Barry County Fair board, Charlton Park Board, YMCA, Humane Society, school millage campaigns and more. Neil said when the plaques are placed on the field stones for each tree, the family members will be invited to view the trees. Superintendent's Corner Grateful for community, audit report Maner Costerisan audited the Hastings Area School System’s financial statements of the governmental activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund informa­ tion for the fiscal year July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. Annually, we engage with certified public accountants to gain an unbiased finan­ cial audit and opinion that ensures taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately. The results are in, and they couldn’t be better! Principal auditor Jeffrey Staley said, “Hastings Area School System had a solid financial performance for fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. With the difficulties the district was facing during 2021 due to the pandemic and the uncer­ tain federal compliance requirements, Hastings was able to successfully navigate the turbulent waters. The district was able to stabilize its financial position to help meet the future needs of their students. The district was able to prop­ erly budget for these uncertain times. Expenses were properly monitored and controlled. Expenses came in under what was anticipated by 1.2 percent on a budget for more than $26 million. Actual revenues came in slightly higher than anticipated by 0.5 per­ cent. The district filed the final reports required by State of Michigan for the bonds, in which the bond expenses were in compli­ ance with state law and what the voters approved. “We noted no compliance issues with the overall financial statements nor the federal awards. The district strives for sound internal controls and financial accountability in which they were able to achieve for the fiscal year 2021,” the audit reported. The 2016 bond has been audited and sent to the Michigan Department of Treasury. Taxpayer funds were accounted for through this audit, with no findings. The audit found that all bond proceeds were spent in accor­ dance with what was originally proposed on the bond application. We are so grateful for the support of the community on the 2016 bond project, and the understanding of the continued facility needs that require attention. As we prepare for a May 2022 bond pro­ posal, we plan on addressing the existing needs that have been presented in accordance with the board of education’s strategic plan. Matt Goebel, Hastings Area School System superintendent What’s on the Nov. 2 ballot in Barry County? Assyria* Johnstown voters win cast their ballots in Calhoun County Rebecca Pierce Editor For the first time since Pamela Palmer has held the office of Barry County clerk, she will not be presiding over an election this November. That’s because there isn’t any election occurring in Barry County in November. No issues are on the ballot for the city, villages and townships in the county - and the only district in the county with an issue is Pennfield Schools. Pennfield, which is seeking approval for a $30 million bond request for building and security upgrades, is principally located in Calhoun County in Battle Creek City Precinct 15, Precinct 3 in Bedford Township, as well as Convis and Pennfield townships (all three precincts) and Assyria and Johnston town­ ships in Barry County. But the Pennfield school district has exact­ ly six voters in Johnstown Township and 153 voters in Assyria Township, Palmer said. Palmer met with the Calhoun County clerk a couple of months ago and they agreed to consolidate the election. So, Calhoun County, which is the princi­ pal location for Pennfield Schools, will coor­ dinate the Nov. 2 vote. “ft just wasn’t economical to open up two precincts in Barry County for this election,” Palmer said Tuesday. “So, I met with the Calhoun County clerk and we decided to consolidate. We have done that before.” If the election had not been consolidated with Calhoun County, Johnstown and Assyria would have had to open up their own polling places and hire election workers - a minimum of three per precinct, she said. So, the consolidation is saving county taxpayers some money, since they would have been responsible for paying election workers, as well as covering the cost of printing and advertising the ballot, Palmer said. Before Election Day, voters may hand-de­ liver their absentee ballots to their local clerk’s office to avoid postal delays. Absentee ballots must be received by the voter’s town­ ship clerk by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, to be counted. “Returning your absentee ballot to your clerk’s office is a secure option to ensure your vote is counted and your voice is heard,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a press release. “Whether you choose to vote with an absentee ballot or in person on Election Day, you can be confident your ballot will be handled and counted securely.” Voters can find the locations of their local clerk’s office at Michigan.gov/Vote. They also can track their ballot on the website to ensure it is received by their respective clerks. Registered voters who do not yet have an absentee ballot may visit their local clerk’s office to request, complete and submit one all in one trip prior to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1. Eligible citizens who have not yet regis­ tered also can do so at their local clerk’s office and then request and vote an absentee ballot in one trip through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Clerk’s offices are required to be open for eight hours the weekend before every elec­ tion. Voters should contact their local clerk’s office to confirm their hours of operation this coming weekend. Although I was the Democratic Party’s representative on the Barry County Redistricting Commission, this response to the recent critique of the work of that com­ mission in this paper is mine alone. As kindly noted in the editorial, we were able to accomplish the challenging task of redrawing commission district lines amicably and cooperatively, in contrast, apparently, to some of the surrounding counties. A prime reason for this is that we meticu­ lously followed the four guidelines provided by the Bureau of Elections and allowed no other considerations to enter the process. The stipulations are that districts: • Must be as compact as possible. •Must be continuous (i.e. no split districts). • Must follow, to the extent possible, the existing political boundaries of townships, cities and precincts* • Must fall within a prescribed range of the “ideal,” exactly equal population in every district (county population divided by the number of proposed districts). Simultaneously satisfying all four condi­ tions is not a simple proposition and, in fact, without the flexibility provided by the range, the fourth stipulation would not be possible at all. Once the process of dividing the official 2020 U.S. Census population of 62,423 peo­ ple among possible commission configura­ tions, this is what emerges simply by the numbers involved and the “rules” as they apply: A seven-member board requires the City of Hastings to be combined with part of a surrounding township to satisfy the popula­ tion threshold while creating a district that is “neither fish nor fowl,” not fully representa­ tive of either. A nine-member board requires that the City of Hastings be split into two districts, with again either one or both needing popula­ tion from a surrounding township to meet the population threshold. An eight-member board, on the other hand, affords the City of Hastings, with its unique needs, its own seat on the board, while also allowing the surrounding townships to be represented by someone who serves township needs. An eighth district also means that each of us will have better access to our commis­ sioners since each will represent fewer con­ stituents - fewer, in fact, than at present and dramatically fewer than if our new, larger 2020 population is once again divided into only seven districts. Since considerable attention was paid to the $30,000 cost to the county for each com­ missioner, let the numbers speak for them­ selves: $30,000 divided among the 62,423 people in the county works out to 48 cents per person per year, or 4 cents per month or... a penny a meeting. Given this cost/benefit perspective, what about the characterization of even-numbered boards as “problematic”? Remember, again as mentioned in the article, that the board had eight members for the 10 years follow­ ing the 2000 census. Former commissioners who are quoted as approving a reduction to seven members do not mention a problem with tie votes or better-quality results. In fact, the former chair is quoted merely to say, “Seven will work as well as eight” and goes on to cite cost savings - refer to the pennies we’re talking about - and consider that the present board routinely functions with six members when there is an absence. The editorial’s fourth concern about public participation raises a couple of worthy issues. Even though, as was noted, the proper notifi­ cations required by the Open Meetings Act were adhered to, those of us required to be at the meetings outnumbered the public in attendance. I have seen it at county board meetings as well. I would personally be glad to join with the Barmer in working on a cam­ paign to boost citizen participation in all elements of local government and to recruit the quality candidates Barry County deserves. In summary, I would argue that the benefits of adopting the proposed map and expanding citizen participation on the board with the restoration of an eighth member is well worth the penny a week it will cost us. Mark Bonsignore, Delton The value of diversity - among pets, plants and people To the editor: I am a retired veterinarian having worked with farm animals, horses and pets for 40 years. And I am a lifelong naturalist, observ­ ing and learning about the workings of the natural world. I see human beings as natural creatures living in the natural world. In animal husbandry, one encounters the benefits and drawbacks of having purebred animals that are selected for breeding to enhance and reproduce specific characteris­ tics considered desirable. This practice makes it more likely there also will be unforeseen, often undesirable, characteris­ tics as well. These might be an increased incidence in health problems or dangerous traits. There will be an increased chance of recessive mutations, which only result in health problems when both parents carry the hazardous gene. A familiar concept in the veterinary world is “hybrid vigor.” The odds of getting a healthy animal go up with mutts. The more opportunity for natural, rather than planned breeding, to take place, the less likely hered­ itary problems will occur. And studies which show there is a “bonus,” although hard to quantify, hardiness that mutts have. There also is an advantage to diversity in agriculture and horticulture. No farmer or gardener can successfully plan for every con­ tingency. They make decisions about what plants to put in the ground and how to tend them. If they make bad decisions, and events they hadn’t planned for arise, problems occur. Planting multiple crops - or at least multiple varieties of a crop - helps ensure some suc­ cess at harvest time. The same advantage for diversity is seen in the wild natural world. Environmental scientists and conservationists are guided by various principles and goals in evaluating and managing habitats and the communities of plants, animals and fungi they support. One guiding principal that has remained important is the value of diversity - variety, or a multitude of different members of the living community. There’s a widespread misunderstanding that natural selection always favors some exemplar of strength, speed, stealth, rapid growth, intelligence, etc. This is not so. Despite the formidable size and strength of prehistoric dinosaurs, their principal descen­ dants are the smaller and quite different birds. Natural selection favors some set of charac­ teristics that fit a particular situation and location. Success in the long run, is due to flexibility and adaptability. Resilience follows more from there being enough variation in the population so that some of the individuals have the necessary traits to survive and reproduce. The only way one can know which traits will be the favored ones is to know what the future holds, and that is not possible. That some change will come is the only outcome one can predict. I believe diversity is just as valuable in the human community. Americans are not unique in believing that our values have been consis­ tent throughout our history and that our val­ ues should not be challenged. We often assert that our American character is unique and unchanged since the nation’s founding. Change, of course, can be frightening and difficult. But, in reality, America has not remained static. The composition of America has always been complex and continuously changing. From the very beginning, America was not just a nation of transplanted Englishmen or even a homogeneous group of white Christian Europeans. Those Europeans found many indigenous peoples already in America when they arrived. In addition to the English colo­ nists, there were many French, Dutcl), Spanish, Scotch, Irish and Germans from the very beginning. Although they came as slaves, there was a large population of Africans, and their labor and other contribu­ tions were essential to the success of the American colonies. Although the majority of colonists were Christians, there was a wide variety of reli­ gious beliefs and practices among them. And there were Jews and Muslim colonists, as well. From the very beginning, the diversity of national origins and cultural backgrounds was a strength that favored the American colonies, encouraging invention and the pos­ sibility of many solutions to the challenges that were faced. And this has continued throughout our history. Unfortunately, each infusion of new immigrants has produced a nativist and pro­ tectionist backlash, ft does not take historical revision, just historical honesty, to know about animosity to Native Americans, Germans, Irish, Italians, Jews, Moslems, Poles, Africans, Mexicans, and on and on. ft also should not be difficult to recognize that every group has added many important con­ tributions to the success of America today. The original motto of the United States is “£ pluribus unumf or, “Out of many, one.” It’s an odd notion some folks have that “we the people” doesn’t include everyone. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township �^age 6 — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Clara Kodan ‘ Clara Marie (Quigley) Kodan, age 86, of or visiting with her cherished friends. Clara is preceded in death by her husband, pastings, passed away October 17, 2021. Henry E. Kodan; daughter, Susan L. Kodan; |: jClara was bom on May 7,1935, the daugh­ ter of John and Loretta (Schweihofer) parents, John and Loretta (Schweihofer) btiigiey. On August 12, 1955, Clara married Quigley; sister, Loretta Lucier, Margaret henry E. Kodan, and they enjoyed 45 years Humenay, and brother, John “Jack” (Anita) Quigley. together until his passing. She is survived by her daughters, Gerilyn 11 Clara was a full-time homemaker and won­ derful mother. For her second career, she (Robert) Dillon, Lori Kodan; son, Henry |vorked at the Grosse Pointe Public Library, “Hank” (Katherine) Kodan; grandchildren, |vhere she was known for her “gentle humor Daniel (Greta) Kodan, Claire (Robert) Scruggs, Danielle, Kelly, Jamie and Amber Dillon, and rapport with patrons.” | Clara was a member of Our Lady Star of Kayla Kodan; great-grandchildren, Quinn and the Sea Ladies Alter Society for over 40 Pierce Kodan, and Robert “Trey” Scruggs. j^ars. She volunteered for Hospice of Henry Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 at 10 ford and Bi-County Hospice. She was a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic J/olunteer of the Year in 2000 for her work on Church, 467 Fairford Road, Grosse Pointe Butterfly Bouquet Project. After moving to Woods, MI 48236 with Funeral Mass at 11 a.m.. jiastings in 2004, she volunteered for Barry The Mass will be livestreamed and archived at https://www.olsos.org/posts/funeral-mass. The County Commission on Aging and in the St. Itose of Lima Parish Office. livestream will begin approximately 15 minutes I Clara enjoyed camping with her family and before the Mass begins. Private interment will later traveling around the world with her hus­ take place following the Mass. band. Her travels included Hawaii, Europe In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions and China. After moving to Hastings, she can be made to Interim Healthcare and Was an avid gardener and frequent walker in . Hospice of West Michigan, 1971 E Beltline he Pennock Village neighborhood. Clara Ave NE #216, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 or a became known as the neighbor you left your Hospice Organization of your choice. spare key with, asked to feed the cat or water Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, four tomatoes while you were away. Clara to leave an online condolence visit www.girvas happiest when she was helping someone rbachfuneralhome.net. David / Fvltzrotlr 11/6/84-10/30/01 * I do not need a special day to bring you to my mind. The days I do not think of you are very hard to find. Bach morning when I awake I know that you are gone. And no one knows the heartache as I try to carry on. My heart still aches with sadness and secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you no one will ever know. My thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill. In life I love you dearly; in death I love you still. Dad Worship Together Geneva Dodson Magdalen Joppie Norman Bruce Jahnke Geneva “JJ” Dodson passed away unex­ pectedly at her home in Ft. Collins, on Friday, Septe. 24, 2021 JJ was bom January 28, 1929 in Hastings, to William D. and Gladys Hubbell. She was the youngest of five children. She lived in Michigan her entire life until she moved to Colorado in the mid 60s. She and her husband Charles M. “Spike” Dodson owned Heath Farm Equipment. JJ was the Company’s accountant. She lost her beloved husband, Spike, in a hot air balloon accident in Aspen in 1993. JJ was friendly, outgoing and mischievous. She would sometime admit to being a bit stubborn and impatient. She was acquainted with every dog in the neighborhood and was “Nanny” to several. She will be sadly missed by her friends and neighbors. Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughter, Janet (Wayne) Lydy; stepson, David (Wendy) Dodson; stepdaughter, Melinda (Dr. Kihan) Lee; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Dodson and a special niece, Kathy (Jerry) Newton. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her par­ ents, her beloved husband, her sisters and their spouses, June (Earl) Peake, Victor (Florence) Mead, Ardith (Homer) Baum and William D. Jr. (Donna) Hubbell; one niece and two nephews. Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Vessey Funeral Services, 8760 6th Street, Wellington, CO 80549. Memorial contributions may be made to the Barry County Humane Society. Magdalen “Maggie” Joppie, age 86, of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by her family on October 20, 2021. Maggie was bom on January 24,1935 in Vermontville, the daughter of Michael and Nellie (Moyer) Mahar. Maggie was a 1952 graduate of Vermontville High School. After graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper in Lansing until the late 50s. She then worked at Hastings Piston Ring from 1966 to 1986. Maggie loved spending time with her fam­ ily, and especially enjoyed when her grand­ children and great grandchildren would visit. She always had special treats for them. Growing up on a farm she developed a love of animals including her favorite horse “Queenie”, pet woodchuck “Woodgie” and numerous beloved dogs and cats over the years. She also enjoyed being outside garden­ ing and planting flowers. In the spring she enjoyed mushroom hunt­ ing and taking long walks. She loved to go antiquing with her daughters. In quieter times she liked to knit, read and do crossword puz­ zles. She also liked to play games with fam­ ily and friends with her favorite being cards, at which she was quite competitive. Maggie is preceded in death by her par­ ents; former husband, Walter Joppie; her life partner, Douglas Mishler; her brothers, Robert, Bernard and Thomas Mahar, and her sister, Martha Stamm. She is survived by her brother, Joseph (Susan) Ingerson-Mahar of Alloway, NJ; children, Carol (Rich) VanEck of Hillsdale, Denise (Dennis) Tormanen of Shingleton, Cynthia (Gilbert) Smith of Wayland, Walter Joppie II of San Antonio,TX. Five grand­ children, 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A private family graveside service and celebration of life will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery later in the Spring. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Norman Bruce Jahnke (Bruce Lundy) passed away October 25, 2021. He was bom in Caledonia, on February 20, 1932, son of Kenneth Loren Jahnke and Frances Boulard. His parents divorced while he was still a toddler. His mother went away to work and he and his sister, Patty, were raised with their aunts and uncles through their early years at the home of their grandparents, Ward and Mary Boulard, in Bowne Center. Eventually the children were returned to their mother and her new husband in Portland, OR where he became known as Bruce Lundy. After some adventuresome times in the west­ ern states, the children once again returned to the Boulard household to complete their teen­ age years. Their father had remarried and they had two additional siblings, Joann and Larry, who lived in Bay City. Norm (Bruce) graduated from Caledonia High School in 1951 and entered the Air Force, returning to his legal name of Norman Jahnke. He served during the Korean conflict, mostly as a mechanic and later as an instruc­ tor in jet engine repair and maintenance, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his Air Force years, he met and married Joann’s friend, Patricia Lafern Hertel. They married at Shepherd AF base in Wichita Falls, TX and children soon followed. After leaving the service in 1961, he tried to follow his dream of farming. They lived in Rockford, Freeport and Caledonia before settling in Middleville, where they raised their children and settled into factory work. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Norm was active as a Boy Scout and Sea Scout leader as well as 4H. Eventually he opened a business on M3 7 selling and servicing bicy­ cles, small engine equipment and sewing machines. He was a former member of the Western Michigan Rabbit Breeders Assoc., the Organic Farmers Association, and several antique tractor and engine clubs. Norm and Pat were instrumental in the activities of Prairieville Old Fashioned Farm days throughout its years where he served as the curator of vintage and antique tractors. After their children were raised and moved away from home, they sold their home in Middleville and moved to Allendale to be closer to her work. There, he had a small organic farm business for several years. Norm’s wife of 54 years, Patricia, passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2007. Daughter Narleen passed away in 2013. He is survived by his sister, Patricia MacDermott; nieces, nephews, and his remaining four children and their spouses: Colleen (Donald) Aemisegger, Cheryleen Blattner, Clark (Sherri) Jahnke, and Eileen (David) Trestain as well as many much beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. His final wishes were to have no services. His remains to be buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Middleville. Memorial donations may go to: Coopersville Farm Museum & Event Center. Payable to: Coopersville Area Community Foundation, 182 East Street, Room 112, Coopersville, MI 49404. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Norm’s family. Michael Mark Power ...at the church of your choice Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH HWe Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269f 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant ,j.Pastor Emma Miller, Worship , Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: v -9:45 a.m. Kids Church and 1 Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath v ^Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd.. P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43). Delton. Ml 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328! N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: A* exfab * I f Flberalass Fiberglass Products AMOWMIOF AWORLDWIDESUPPLIEROF 1351 North M-43 Hwy. 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 945-9554 I WI W Scott Douglas Friberg 1301 W. Green St Michael Mark Power, formerly of Hastings, passed away October 23, 2021 at the age 56. Michael “Mike” was bom on May 10, 1965, the son of Wayne and Elizabeth (Ellis) Power. Mike graduated from Hastings High School. He was very open about his struggles in life, and was always able to “light up a room” with his great sense of humor! Family was very important to Mike. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Power; maternal grandparents, Millard “Hainey” and Beatrice Ellis; paternal grandparents, Wallace and Mildred Power; uncle and aunt, Donald and Margaret “Virginia” Power. Mike is survived by his sister, Pamela (Jeff) Hesterly; nephews, Jonathan and Christopher (Lora) Katje; great nephews, Harrison, Emmett, Isaiah Katje; uncle and aunt, John (Joan) Ellis; first cousin, Vincent Ellis; several other cousins; and special friends, Van, Rachel, and Faith Stauffer. A big thank you to the wonderful and car­ ing employees of Metro Michigan Health West ICU! In lieu of flowers, memorial con­ tributions may be made to Guiding Light Missions and Mel Trotter Ministries, both organizations located in Grand Rapids. A graveside service will be held at Rutland Township Cemetery, Hastings, on Friday, Nove.5, 2021 at 11 a.m. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condo­ lences visit www.GirrbachFuneralHome.net. Scott Douglas Friberg, age 60, passed away Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, surrounded by his wife, sister and brother. Scott was bom on May 18, 1961 in Grand Rapids, the son of Robert Friberg and Dorothy Bachelder. Scott was an avid outdoorsman who was happiest hunting with his dad, wife and friends. Scott was an All-Conference wrestler and was a proud and loyal Bradford White employee. He will be remembered for his true and giving spirit. He was a loyal friend to many. Scott was preceded in death by his father, Robert Friberg, and mother, Dorothy Bachelder. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 •years, Dawn Friberg; step-mother, Julie Friberg; sister, Karen Friberg (Michele Siderman); brother, Rich (Karen) Friberg, and his children. A memorial gathering of family and friends will take place on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Scott’s family. Charles Teunessen Charles “Chuck” Teunessen, age 80, of Hastings, passed away Monday, Oct. 25, at his home in Hastings. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www. danielsfiineralhome.net �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — Page 7 ; ,T'1/^1S'C ! I <Lt>ciAL E'/"' Al 1V/A rwiiciss - Getting a rise out of common ingredients Dr. Universe: What’s the purpose of baking soda? What’s the purpose of baking powder? What’s the difference between the two? Kyle, 9, Florida Dear Kyle, When I got your question, I headed straight to my kitchen cabinet. I grabbed some baking soda and baking powder from the shelf and made some observations. , Not only did the baking soda and baking powder look similar to one another but both contained an ingredient called sodium bicar­ bonate. To find out more about this mysterious ingredient, I talked to my friend Stephanie Smith, a professor who teaches food sci­ ence at Washington State University. She reminded me sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound. A compound is something made up of atoms or molecules. This particular chemical compound can react with certain ingredients to create ten­ der and fluffy textures in our baked goods. While baking powder and baking soda may have a similar purpose, they work in slightly different ways, Smith adds. If you’ve ever mixed baking soda and vinegar together, you know what happens: The mixture foams up quickly. As this hap­ pens, the mixture lets off a gas called car­ bon dioxide. The carbon dioxide gas is actually what helps give everything from muffins to cookies and cakes their nice, fluffy tex­ tures. The gas creates small pockets of air in cookie dough or cake batter. It ultimately helps the final product puff up. Baking soda is just sodium bicarbonate. It needs a couple of things to help it react with other ingredients in our mixing bowls. First, it needs an acid. There are all kinds of acids in our world. When it comes to bak­ ing, some of the common acids we use are buttermilk or lemon juice. Once you have an acid, you’ll also need a liquid, such as water or milk. Then the car­ bon dioxide bubbles will be able to form. Meanwhile, baking powder is actually just baking soda, plus some dry acid. Since it already has the acid, all you have to do is add water or another liquid to get those carbon dioxide bubbles. Another ingredient we sometimes use in the kitchen creates carbon dioxide gas, too. Perhaps you’ve heard of it before. Unlike baking soda and baking powder, this partic­ ular ingredient is a living organism. It’s an ingredient that is also often used in making bread or pizza dough. If you are thinking of yeast, you are correct. Yeast is a kind of microbe that can eat the sugar in dough and release carbon dioxide gas to help bread rise. Whether you are using yeast, baking soda or baking powder, there sure is a lot of science that goes into making baked goods rise and get fluffy. You know, the kitchen is a great place to ask big questions about how and why things work. Maybe one day your questions will lead you even further into the fascinating worlds of baking, chemistry or even food science. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr. Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Ramona Mae Chamberlin Ramona Mae (Osborne) Chamberlin passed away peacefully October 21, 2021 surrounded by family. She was 86. Mona was bom December 13, 1934 in Nashville, to Laurence Wesley Osborne and Jennie Mae (Mullen) Osborne. As a young girl, she and her family moved to her grand­ parents’ farm at the corner of Osborne Road and M-43. Mona graduated from DeltonKellogg School in 1952, salutatorian and president of her class. That same summer, she married her high school sweetheart Robert Chamberlin. The couple spent the next 61 years together until Bob’s death in 2014. After graduation, Mona went to work in the finance department of the Fort Custer training base, preparing “mustering-out” checks to help soldiers returning from the Korean War transition to civilian life. She eventually left the job to focus on raising her five children. Heavily active in her community, Mona volunteered in classrooms and on boosters clubs for school band and athletics. She served as a 4-H and Campfire Girls leader, and taught Sunday School and Bible School at the Delton Methodist Church. In the sum­ mers, she and Bob took their family on camp­ ing trips across the country in a converted school bus. Passionate about books and reading, Mona returned to work in 1973 as the librarian for Delton Middle School, where she served until her retirement in 1989. After, she volunteered every week at the Delton Public Library until 2020. A polio survivor, Mona spent six months in Borgess Hospital in 1954—just a few months before the Salk vaccine was available. While she recovered, the illness left Mona with diminished use of her legs. Her disability worsened over time but did little to slow her down. She and Bob enjoyed summers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, winters in Florida, Detroit Tigers baseball games, and an untold number of grandchildren’s—and eventually great grandchildren’s—school events. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Kenneth, Robert and Richard; her husband Bob; and a grandson, Clay Daniel Blaesser. Mona is survived by her five children: Rebecca (Donald) Blaesser of Plymouth; Kim (Brian) McCool of Delton; Julie (Kenneth) Osgood of Delton; Daniel (Maryellen) Chamberlin of Kalamazoo; and Mark (Denise) Chamberlin of Delton; nine grandchildren: Craig (Kathleen) McCool; Meghan (Ronald) Widerberg; Chelsea (Casey) Schaub; Ross (Shannon) Osgood; Robert (Amanda) Blaesser; Caitlin Chamberlin; Monica (Ben) Blaesser; Macy (Keith) Nyenhuis; and Callan (Addie) Chamberlin; and 10 great grandchildren: Bryson, Olive, Lincoln, Ruby, Maren, William, Claudia, Dennis, Milo, and Piper. Mona’s family received friends on Sunday, Oct. 24, at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home. Mona’s funeral service was conducted on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, at Faith United Methodist Church, Pastor Sam Gordy offici­ ating. Burial took place at Prairieville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Delton District Library or the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to leave a condolence message for Mona’s family. 170361 Lauren Elizabeth Leatherman, Middleville and Eric Thomas Reed, Reed City Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-800-S70-7085 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on November 11, 2021 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton Ml, 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zon­ ing Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, In addition to participation during an public hear­ ing, members of the public may also provide comments for the Planning Commission's consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Planning Commission for receipt prior to the meeting, in care of the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thomp­ son (ethompson@pcimi.com) or by leaving a phone message prior to the meeting with the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson at 269-948-4088. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said pub­ lic hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from contractor Power Home Solar for property owner William Kline, 14310 Kane Rd, Plainwell, Ml 49080 for a Special Land Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the construction of a ground-mounted solar array that fails to meet the setbacks and locational requirements, pursuant to section 4.24 "Waterfront Lots" and section 4.44 "Solar Panels" of the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance. The subject site is located at 14310 Kane Rd, Plainwell, Ml 49080. Parcel #08-12-030-002-50 and is currently zoned AG-Agricultural. 2. Such other business as may properly come before the Planning Commission. The Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes in the above-mentioned proposed amendment(s) at or fol­ lowing the public hearing. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and ser­ vices, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days' prior notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION By: Myron Kox, Chairperson Prairieville Township Hall 11015 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF KENT 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FAMILY DIVISION ORDER FOR PUBLICATION ON HEARING STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF KENT 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FAMILY DIVISION TO:QUATISHA LOOPER Child’s Name: MAJOR JORDAN LOOPER Case No.: 21-51437-NA-102027705 Hearing: NOVEMBER 23, 2021 AT 2:00 P.M. Judge MCNABB, 6th FLOOR, COURTROOM 6-A Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, this hearing may be conducted via Zoom. Please contact lisa.gibson© kentcountymi.gov to participate remotely. An initial and/or supplemental child protective petition has been filed in the above matter. A hearing on the petition, including a permanency planning hearing, will be conducted by the Court on the date and time stated above in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division, Kent County Courthouse, 180 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The permanency planning hearing will result in the child(ren) being returned home, continued in foster care, or the court may order proceedings to terminate parental rights. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that you personally appear before the court at the time and place stated above and exercise your right to participate in the proceedings. This hearing may result in a temporary or permanent loss of your right to the child(ren). Dated: October 21, 2021 DEBORAH L. MCNABB CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE 170208 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28981-DE Estate of Robert Nahum Long. Date of birth: 02/26/1937. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert Nahum Long, died 08/30/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Michael Long, personal representative, or to both the probate court at c/o Eldon J. Vincent, Attorney at Law PLC, 161 E. Michigan Ave.,Battle Creek, Ml 49014 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/25/2021 Eldon J. Vincent P65432 PO Box 469 Marshall, Ml 49068 (269) 789-0733 Michael Long P.O. Box 469 Marshall, Ml 49068 (269) 789-0733 170360 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28963-DE Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Gloria Jean Herbert. Date of birth: 3/22/1929. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Gloria Jean Herbert, died 7/13/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Gary Herbert, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/19/2021 Benjamin J. Herbert P70082 6281 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, Ml 49009 (269) 459-1432 Gary Herbert 13040 Enzian Road Plainwell, Ml 49080 (269)664-5913 170400 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-28912-DE Court Address: 206 W. Court St, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Donald E. Bowen. Date of birth: 03/26/1925. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Donald E. Bowen, died 04/18/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Cyndee Crossley, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/25/2021 Morgan Maul P78445 PO Box 263 Hamilton, Ml 49419 (616) 202-2505 Cyndee Crossley 10724 3 Mile Road Plainwell, Ml 49080 (269) 491-9112 170398 , < ' ■ .■ NOTICE OF. MORTGA.G_EJFQ.REC.L.QSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for' that purpose. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is! given under section 3212 of the revised judicature; act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the’ following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash" or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, Michigan, starting promptly at" one o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 2nd? day of December, 2021. The amount due on thej mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale.* Placing the highest bid at the sale does not au4 tomatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser isf encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. The mortgage was made by ERIC B. HUTCH­ ENS, a single man (“Mortgagor”), to HASTINGS CITY BANK, now known as HIGHPOINT COMMU-' NITY BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, hav­ ing an office at 150 West Court Street, Hastings,5 Michigan 49058 (the “Mortgagee”), dated June 11J 2015, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on June 17, 2015, as Instrument No. 2015-005978 (the “Mort-, gage”). By reason of a default under the conditions of the Mortgage, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgage ee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the* Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be; due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Fifty Five Thousand Two Hundred Ten and? 59/100 Dollars ($55,210.59). No suit or proceeding!, at law has been instituted to recover the debt se­ cured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situ­ ated in the Township of Baltimore, County of Barry,? State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Lots 18 and 19 of Cappon Country Acres, accord-' ing to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber; 5 of Plats on Page 52, Baltimore Township, Barry County, Michigan. ; Together with all the improvements erected on the real estate, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures a part of the property, and all replace- < ments and additions. Commonly known as: 1295 Mixer Road, Hast­ ings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-02-070-007-00 Notice is further given that the length of the re-; demption period will be one (1) year from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the ; premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days af­ ter the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, ex­ ecutor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claim-; ing from or under one (1) of them has not given the; written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(cF stating that the premises are not abandoned. | If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale,j under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be helds responsible to the person who buys the premises ar the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military ser4 vice member on active duty, if your period of active­ duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you| have been ordered to active duty, please contact! the attorney for the party foreclosing the Mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Dated: October 28, 2021 | HASTINGS CITY BANK n/k/a HIGHPOINT COMMUNITY BANK Mortgagee Elisabeth M. Von Eitzen | WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 150 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 1500 | j Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616)752-2000 22506349 J 170337j NOTICE TO CREDITORS | Trust | In the matter of the Service Family Trust dated? February 4, 1999. 1 TO ALL CREDITORS: | NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Donalds A. Service, born March 15, 1935, who lived at 690 West Main Street, Middleville, Michigan died October 10, 2021 leaving a certain trust under the name of the Service Family Trust, and dated February 4, 1999, wherein the decedent was the! Settlor and Paul A. Service was named as the| trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the! decedents death. | Creditors of the decedent and of the trust arej notified that all claims against the decedent or* against the trust will be forever barred unless! presented to Paul A. Service the named trustee at| 193 Sunrise Lane, Pickens, South Carolina 29671J within 4 months after the date of publication of this! notice. i Date: October 18, 2021 i Robert L. Byington 222 W. Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Paul A. Service 193 Sunrise Lane Pickens, South Carolina 29671 '\ 170175 STATE OF MICHIGAN 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION i BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF HEARING CASE NO. 21009455-NA * PETITION NO: 21009982 | TO: Franklin D. Vergeson III and any and all! putative fathers. I IN THE MATTER OF: Carly Joann Rugg. A hearing regarding pretrial/putative father hearing^ will be conducted by the court on 11/16/2021 via| Zoom meeting ID 5030695658 at 1:45 p.m. in 3rdf Floor Courts and Law Bldg., 206 W. Court Street,j Ste. 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 before Judge! William M. Doherty. You have the right to an attorney and the right to* a trial by judge or jury. | IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT Franklin! D. Vergeson III and any and all putative fathers! personally appear before the court at the time and| place stated above. This hearing may result in termination of your^ parental rights. 170334 | �Page 8 — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Conservation at core of early rod and gun club TURNING BflGK THE PAGES < Conclusion Kathy Maurer Copy Editor The June 16, 1938, Banner highlighted the “real conservation” being accomplished by the Barry County Rod and Gun Club. “Definite projects are undertaken,” one sub-headline announced. “Restocking of lakes and increase in game bring many tour­ ists,” declared another. The local club at that time had been around for about 16 years, growing, dwindling and regrouping over those years. Its defined, tan­ gible projects were the reason for its recent growth, according to the article that perhaps was written by co-editor/owner Marshall L. Cook. The first part of the reprint, along with additional information, began in the Oct. 21 Banner and concludes below. Orangeville bluegills Five years ago, an agitation for more rear­ ing ponds for gamefish, particularly for blue­ gills, in Barry County was started. A commit­ tee representing the club visited various sec­ tions of Barry County to find what they thought would be the best available site for good-sized rearing ponds. They decided upon a small acreage close to the village of Orangeville, which was owned by Robert VanVolkenberg [in Section 17, between Marsh and Boulter roads, south of Saddler Road]. They found Mr. VanVolkenberg willing to have this ground used for rearing ponds, provided the work would be done in a satisfactory way, and provided the project would be a continuous one. Accordingly, he leased the land where the present rearing ponds are located, to Barry County, for continuous use for rearing ponds. The lease provided that he be saved from paying taxes on the land and that it must be continuously used for rearing ponds, or the property would revert to Mr. VanVolkenberg. In 1934, the first rearing pond was con­ structed at Orangeville. There are now three such ponds, which is about the limit of what can be provided on that property. These ponds have added much interest in the lakes of this county. The three ponds provide from 750,000 to 1 million fingerling bluegills each year, nearly all of which are placed in the lakes of this county. The club has not only provided the funds for marking the ponds but also has paid for a substantial building at Orangeville in which to store the equipment it must keep there and to provide a place for a caretaker, who is on the job for six months of the year as an employee of the rod and gun club. The overhead expense for carrying on the Orangeville project calls for several hundred dollars from the club for the caretaker and to purchase the necessary fertilizer to produce the vegetable growth in the ponds on which dimin­ utive fish feed until they reach fingerling size. While these ponds are owned by the club and financed by the club, they are under the supervision of the State Conservation Department [forerunner of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources], which has shown the best kind of cooperation with the club to carry on this good work and is ready to cooperate in further projects for conserva­ tion game and fish in this county. Pheasants This year the club is undertaking to raise about 600 pheasants in the county. The eggs are furnished by the State Department of Conservation. Several 4-H club boys see that the eggs are hatched. They also look after the pheasant chicks until they are 6 weeks old, when they are released and allowed to find This column in the Sept. 16 Banner revisited a July 7, 1938, article on the lakes and fishing opportunities in Barry County. That 1938 piece referenced the rearing ponds at Gun Lake and Orangeville, the latter being property of the local rod and gun club. This building is a remnant of the Gun Lake hatchery, standing beside a shallow bowl of land mostly devoid of water. their places in the wooded areas of the coun­ ty. A considerable number of pheasants are in the woods in the county. The wild birds rear many flocks of pheasants. The State Conservation Department furnish­ es some fully developed birds from its pheasant farm near Mason. As a result of all this, there should be much better pheasant hunting in Barry County this year. The state department is willing to cooperate in restocking the lakes with fish and the forests with game, because they know that the Barry County Rod and Gun Club will do its utmost to see that the game and fish are properly protected during the season when they cannot be taken. Mr. Smith sees more promise Anyone who has attended recent banquets of the rod and gun club understands how interested in the work of the club Homer Smith has always been. He is now its presi­ dent and, together with the other officers and directors, is desirous of having the club func­ tion in an even larger way. Fishing has been improved in Barry County lakes as a direct result of the work of the rod and gun club; but it is believed much more can be accomplished in that direction. Hunting will be improved in the county this HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ROLL FOR LEACH LAKE WEED CONTORL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 01 TO: The residents and property owners bordering Leach Lake and all other interested persons. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor has reported to the Township Board and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll pre­ pared covering all properties with the Weed Control Special Assessment District No. 01 benefited by the weed control project. Said assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing a portion of the costs for the proposed Weed Control Special Assessment District as more particu­ larly shown on the plans and estimates of costs on file with the Township Clerk within the Township, which assessment is in the approximate amount of $25,200.00 for five seasons. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor has further reported that the assessment against each parcel of land within said district is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said district as the benefit to such parcels bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said district. The proposed special assessment as shown on the roll is in the approximate amount of $25,200.00 for the five seasons, or approximately $5,320.00 per year ($255.00 per year per parcel) of land in the district. For further information you are invited to examine the Roll. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet at the Hastings Charter Township Hall at 885 River Road, within the township on November 9,2021 at 7pm for the purpose of reviewing said Special Assessment Roll, hearing an objection thereto, and thereafter confirming said Roll as submitted or revised or amended. Said roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk (at the Township Hall) during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of said hearing and may further be examined at said hearing. Appearance and protest at this hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner, or party in interest, or his or her agent may appear in person at the hearing to protest the Special Assessment, or may file his or her appearance or protest by letter at or before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. The owner or any person having an interest in the real property who protests in person or in writing at the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the Special Assessment Roll. year, especially pheasant hunting, because of the work of this organization. Mr. Smith and his associates on the board of directors of the club feel that it can be of still greater service to the county. They have located two or three places in the county where fine streams of water and other condi­ tions are favorable. But the rod and gun club has not the funds necessary to acquire the land and build half a dozen more ponds and provide a caretaker for them. However, it is believed that the people of the county have seen such good results from the work already done by the club that they will give much larger support to its work than they have in the past. So, the officers of the club have plans for more rearing ponds and a still larger increase in game birds for this county. Angling for tourism One result of the club’s efforts will be to attract many hundreds, possibly thousands, more from outside of Barry County to fish and hunt during the seasons. The county’s income from tourists will be still further increased. Last year was the best resort sea­ son in the history of this county. If the county shall increase its fine support of the rod and gun club, the people of the county will reap substantial rewards that will more than com­ pensate for the little money they individually give up in support of its work. The rod and gun club has been very helpful in building up the resort interests of the coun­ ty and in attracting tourists. It can and should be even more helpful in that good work in future years. The fish-rearing effort by the local group was already paying off. A Banner article pub­ lished three weeks later, July 7, 1938, and reprinted this past Sept. 16, gave statistics on area lakes and the fish within them: “These lakes and streams are replenished each year with thousands of fingerlings reared at the state hatchery here and their rearing ponds at Gun Lake, in the Rod and Gun Club rearing ponds at Orangeville, and with some of vari­ eties not reared here that are brought in from other hatcheries. “During the past year, more than 1.17 mil­ lion game fish were planted in the lakes and streams of Barry County. Of this number, more than 230,000 were bluegills reared at the three ponds at Orangeville conducted by the Barry County Rod and Gun Club. It is hoped to double that number this year.” Like it had early on, the club changed over the next decade. A Jan. 16, 1947, Banner article reported that the renamed Barry County Sportsmen’s Club had purchased a 73-acre tract of land, which today is occupied by yet another iteration of the group, the Barry County Conservation Club. The 1947 article noted that the club had reorganized within the previous year. The property, for which the club paid $1,800, would provide a site for outdoor activities, as well as the group’s future clubhouse. Noted state deer expert I.H. Bartlett told the club at a meeting earlier in the week that the Published several years after the accompanying history of the rod and gun club, this booklet takes a whimsical but factual look at pheasant biology, habitat, hunting and more. It was written by R.A. MacMullan and illustrated by Oscar Warbach for the Game Division of the Michigan Department of Conservation. The author is the namesake of the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center near Roscommon. land contains “beautiful hills for winter sports, a fair planting of pines now about 2 feet high, swamp areas, a fair stand of timber, and has a creek running across the southeast comer.” “The tract is located one-half mile south of Mt. Calvary Cemetery and was purchased from Merle Neeb and is a portion of what is known as the old Tom Heeney farm on the ‘Cook’ farm road,” the article noted. “Neeb retained ownership of an area on which he' will live.” PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Hastings Charter Township Board will provide necessary and reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon reasonable notice to the Carlton Township Clerk of the need for the same at least five days prior to the aforesaid hearing. All interested person are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place to submit comments concerning the foregoing. HASTINGS CHARTERTOWNSHIP Anita S Mennell, Clerk 885 River Rd Hastings Ml 49058 269-948-9690 Weatherization Assistance Program provides FREE home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. Services reduce energy use and lower utilitv bills. Dedicated to helping people achieve and maintain independence. _________________________________ �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — Page 9 Kiwanis honors young citizens of the month Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices ofEdwardJones Member SIPC Financial Advisor Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 450 Meadow Run Dr, Suite 100 423 N. Main St. Jeff Domenico, AAMS® CRPC® Hastings, Ml 49058 Nashville, Ml (269)948-8265 (517)760-8113 Protect your financial information online If you’re an investor, you probably enjoy the conve­ nience of managing your ac­ counts online. But you’ll also want to make sure that you’re not making it convenient for hackers, “phishers” and others with bad intentions to gam the same access. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to protect your privacy. Here are a few suggestions of­ fered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission: • Use a strong password or passphrase. You’ll want to pick a password that would be virtually impossible for anyone to guess, employing capital and lowercase letters, plus symbols and numbers. Of course, you’ll want to record the password in a secure place so you won’t forget it. Instead of using a password, you may have the option of choosing a passphrase, which contains a series of words strung together. You’ll want to avoid phrases taken from popular culture or that are otherwise commonly used. And it’s also a good idea not to use phrases containing your name, birthday or other personal identifiers. • Use two-step authen­ tication. If your investment company offers two-step, or multifactor, authentication, you’ll want to take advantage of it, since it’s a good securi­ ty tool. When using two-step authentication, you’ll need to add an additional factor - such as your best friend from grade school or the model of the first car you owned, and so on - to your username and password. And when you log in to your account from an unrecognized computer, your investment firm may send you a code via text message or email, which you’ll need to enter to open your ac­ counts. • Activate your account alerts. When you turn on your account alerts, you’ll receive text messages or emails noti­ fying you of certain activities, such as account logins, failed account login attempts, person­ al information changes, money transfers, adding or deleting of external financial accounts, and more. These alerts can help you monitor your accounts for fraud and verify your own moves, as well. • Avoid using public com­ puters to access investment accounts. Ifyou’re at a hotel or library, try to avoid the temp­ tation to use the computer to check in on your investments. But if you do use a public computer, at least take proper precautions. For starters, don’t leave data on a screen and walk away, even for a moment. And when you’re finished with the computer, log out of your ac­ count to end the online session. You may also want to change any password you used. • Ignore suspicious links. Be suspicious of emails or text messages containing links claiming to be connected to your investment accounts. These links could take you to websites designed to solicit sensitive account information, which could then be used for financial or identity theft. Even if the link seems to be coming from a business you know, you’ll want to be quite cautious - experienced “phishers” can now create websites or online documents that look real. And keep in mind that legitimate investment firms will not ask you to divulge personal infor­ mation without going through the password or two-step au­ thentication protocols already described. The ability to connect with your investment accounts on­ line can be extremely useful to you - and you’ll feel more comfortable about these in­ teractions if you know you’ve done all you can to safeguard your information. The Kiwanis Club of Hastings has begun another year of honoring Hastings elementa­ ry and middle school students as citizens of the month. Students are chosen by teachers for their character as good citizens, such as helping others, being on time, making good choices in classroom, hallways, at recess. The September citizens of the month from each school include: Central - Carter Mathews, son of Gregory and Jessica Mathews. Northeastern - London Hammond, daugh­ ter of Corey and Cal Hammond, and Alyssa Olin, daughter of Michelle and Shawn Olin. St. Rose - Jaci Goodroe, daughter of Ashley and Alex Goodroe. Southeastern - Breanna Trowbridge, daughter of Michelle and Andy Trowbridge, and Haley Miles, daughter of Kenneth and Brittani Miles. Star - Josh Roberts, son of Ashley and Josh Roberts, and Karlee McQueen, daughter of Amber and Adam McQueen. Hastings Middle School - Kyanne Casey, daughter of Brandy and Cal Casey; Jaylen Hamilton, daughter of Jessica Riddterhoff and Kyle Hamilton; Ethan Holman, son of Tiffany Zimmer and Daniel Holman; Emilyah Neal, daughter of Elizabeth and David Neal; Lilly Randall, daughter of Teresa and Gregory Randall; and Collin Tossava, son of Casey and Tyler Tossava. The September citizens of the month at Hastings Middle School, pictured with prin­ cipal Sarah Geukes, are (from left) Collin Tossava, Emilyah Neal, Lilly Randall, Ethan Holman, and Kyanne Casey, and Geukes. (Missing from the photo is Jaylen Hamilton.) Star Elementary administrative assistant Kristy Allen (center) joins Star’s citizens of the month, Josh Roberts (left) and Karlee McQueen, for a photo. London Hammond (left) and Alyssa Olin, citizens of the month at Northeastern Elementary, are joined by principal Eric Heide. (Photos provided) September citizens of the month at Southeastern Elementary, stop for a photo with administrative assistant Kelli Lawrence. Carter Mafhews, the September citizen of the month at Central Elementary, is pictured with teach­ er Chris Andrews. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Middleville DDA discusses security camera upgrade James Gemmell ContributingWriter In response to recent vandalism in and around the community, Middleville leaders are considering whether the village’s current secu­ rity-camera system needs to be replaced or upgraded. The Middleville Downtown Development Authority board decided at its monthly meet­ ing last week to table the discussion until it gets more specific information about the com­ munity’s technology needs. “We’re just waiting to see what the village [council] decides. Because they have existing infrastructure. And so, before we determine what to invest in, we want to see what will play nicely with the existing infrastructure, if we need to get a whole new system or just refurbish what we have and extend that sys­ tem,” DDA Director Katherine Schmidt said in an interview after the board meeting. Historic Charlton Park, a Barry Countyowned park and recreation area southeast of Hastings, reported on its Facebook page that vandals “broke windows and memorial bench­ es, drove through fences, smashed doors, and did many other destructive things” Oct. 11 and 12. The vandals left the park in a white golf cart, but not before causing thousands of dol­ lars in damage. At least two other golf carts were stolen from the area around that time. Both were recovered, but one had been vandalized. There have been some recent burglaries, as well, in Middleville. Schmidt said the presence of security cam­ eras can help deter crime and bring justice after crimes are committed. Protecting citizens and the village’s assets and infrastructure are high priorities, she said. A final decision on the security system may not be made until 2022. Part of the reason for the delay is due to parts-supply shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re looking to see not just what we can purchase, but making sure those pieces are actually available in the marketplace within a reasonable time frame, too,” Schmidt said. She said not much money is earmarked in the current DDA budget for a security-system upgrade. Most likely, it would be purchased through a capital invg^tnient or paid out of the DDA’s fiscal year 2022 ftmd balance. One potential contractor the DDA might consider for refurbishing its security system is Ubiquity Technology, a European-based com­ pany that makes security cameras, Wi-Fi sys­ tems and routers. The DDA, the village and the county each already own some pieces of Ubiquity’s infrastructure equipment. However, the fact the company is based overseas could be a concern, given the supply shortages. “The three larger-dollar figure quotes that we have [from other companies] are for cam­ eras that I think are made in America,” Schmidt said. The DDA has not received a quote from Ubiquity yet. DDA Vice Chairman Randy Eggers pointed out that security-camera images don’t always help identify the vandals. “I would love to be able to have the camer­ as there to see what’s going on, but at what cost are you going to do it, if you’re not able to catch anybody?” Eggers asked his fellow DDA board members. “For one, we’d have to have better Wi-Fi than what we have,” DDA Chairwoman Kim Jachim said, adding that the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance is still considering countywide Wi-Fi. But Schmidt noted that some of the securi­ ty-camera systems are not dependent on Wi-Fi, but use radio technology, instead. “And so, they kind of create their own network from camera to camera, and it doesn’t need Wi-Fi.” Before taking action on a security-system upgrade, Jachim said the DDA should find out if it will be expected to pay for the entire cost. “Or, if it’s going to be paid for by part of the veterans memorial people in the village,” she said. “I don’t want to move fast on something like this. It’s too big. It’s too much money. We don’t want to be buying something that doesn’t flow with what the Village has.” “We certainly don’t want to see anything happen to those monuments that honor those that have served,” Schmidt said of the veterans memorial. “That would be a disgrace on their memory. Whatever we can do to prevent that is something everyone is conscientious of.” Jaci Goodroe is the citizen of the month at St. Rose School. She is pic­ tured here with teacher Katie Youngs. Items worth thousands stolen from storage unit the bag contained 23 grams of methamphetamine. The man’s vehi­ cle was impounded, and he walked home. Information was for­ warded to the prosecuting attorney. A 72-year-old Hastings man called police at noon Oct. 8 to report his storage unit in the 2000 block of West M-43 in Rutland Charter Township had been cleaned out. The man said he had just been at the unit two days earlier to put a new snow-blower inside, and there wasn’t an issue. But he arrived that morning to find the lock missing. The man said the unit contained a grill, home appli­ ances, Star Trek collectibles, clothing and other items worth thou­ sands of dollars in total. Drunken driver flees accident Husband assaults wife, breaks her rib A 55-year-old woman told police Oct. 13 her husband assaulted her in their home in the 7000 block of Guernsey Lake Road in Orangeville Township Oct. 10. The woman said they had both been drinking when her husband, 59, found text mes­ sages on her phone from another man. She said he became angry and yelled at her until she ran out of the house. She said they both fell down in the driveway, and she started yelling. He put an arm over her throat and pushed down until she could no longer breathe, then put a hand over her face and pushed down on her eye. She said he picked her up and took her inside, where he attacked her again, hitting her and pulling her hair. The woman said she grabbed his testicles and squeezed until she drew blood to make him let go of her. Police noted the woman’s face, head and body were covered in bruises. She was taken to the hospital, where doctors told her she had sustained a broken rib. The woman said the couple have been married for more than 35 years, and her husband has been abusive for 10 years. She said he drinks about 3 1/2 gallons of rum a week. The police were unable to contact the husband. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Meth found on sleeping man at gas station A security photo taken at Historic Chariton Park. (Photo from Historic Charlton Park Facebook page) Police were called to the J&H Family Store in Middleville at 3:28 a.m. Oct. 13 on a report of a man sleeping in his car at the gas pump. An employee said the man had been there for an hour and was unresponsive. When an officer approached the vehicle, he saw a plastic bag in the man’s lap. The bag had a white crystalline substance inside it. The officer knocked on the window, woke the man and opened the door. When the officer asked if the man was sleeping in the car, the 28-year-old Ionia resident replied, “No, sir.” The officer asked him what time he thought it was and he replied, “Like 11?” The man denied any knowledge of the bag in his lap or its contents. Police later tested the contents and found Police responded to a hit-and-run accident on Main Street near Pearl Street in Nashville around 9:25 p.m. Oct. 17. The suspect’s vehicle went off the road, hitting a dog cage and a speed-limit sign, before leaving the scene. An officer pulled the vehicle over after it was spotted driving away from the scene at 104 mph.. The driver, 55, of Ionia, admitted to drinking and was nearly falling down, police said. He also had trouble opening the door because of dam­ age to the side of the vehicle. He was arrested, and information was sent to the prosecuting attorney. Meth discovered after traffic stop An officer pulled over a vehicle on East Street near Grand Street in Hastings at 10:40 p.m. Oct. 17. The vehicle’s plate was regis­ tered to a different vehicle, and the driver, a 19-year-old Kalamazoo woman, said she recently purchased it from her uncle. However, the woman was unable to provide any paperwork proving owner­ ship of the vehicle, nor could she remember her uncle’s name. Police found a meth pipe and bag of meth on the woman, and another container of meth in the visor above the passenger, a 23-year-old Battle Creek man. He claimed the meth was not his, but the woman admitted it was theirs. The woman also had four warrants for failing to appear in Barry County and Kalamazoo courts, and was arrested. Shoplifter found sitting in parking lot Police were called to the Hastings Walmart at 6:26 p.m. Oct. 15 on a report of a shoplifter. An employee said a man had stolen a necklace worth $19 and walked out before the employee confront­ ed him. While the officer and employee reviewed security footage, they were unable to see where the suspect had left the parking lot. They walked outside and found the suspect, 18, of Hastings, sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle. He initially denied stealing the necklace, but eventually admitted to doing so “because it gave him a rush.” Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Thief gives up on catalytic converter A 36-year-old man called police at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 to report that someone had attempted to steal the catalytic converter from his truck. The man said he started his truck that morning, in the 500 block of Lincoln Street in Middleville, and the vehicle sounded like a tractor. He looked at the undercarriage and saw someone had sawed into the catalytic converter but had failed to remove it. �Page 10 — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Law precludes board action against mandates, commissioners decide Rebecca Pierce Editor In an unprecedented departure from past practice, Barry County commissioners on Tuesday disclosed attorneys’ opinions they 'had considered in closed session about pro­ posed action to oppose mask mandates by their health officer. Commissioner Dave Jackson argues against adopting a “toothless” resolution. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) A woman who identified herself as Cindy Twichell, U.S. citizen, challenges the board’s 3-minute rule for individual citizens making public comment during their meetings. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Those opinions advised that a county board does not have the “statutory authority to overrule or rescind a mask mandate or any other emergency orders issued by a Health Officer.” On Oct. 5, in a 5-1 vote, the commission­ ers had tentatively agreed on a proposal to withhold the county’s half of the BarryEaton District Health Department’s budget if any mask mandate should be enacted in future. Commissioner Jon Smelker had proposed that idea, based on the state GOP strategy for the state’s 2021-22 budget which had pre­ vented local health departments from issuing or enforcing mask mandates for those under the age of 18. According to the terms of the state’s bud­ get bill, any health department with a mask mandate in place Oct. 1 would have lost state funding - unless the order was support­ ed by its respective county board of commis­ sioners. BEDHD rescinded its mandates at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30 to protect against a possible loss of state funding. The success of that state Republican Party strategy spurred five commissioners to rec­ ommend Smelker’s proposal during a com­ mittee of the whole meeting the following week; Commissioner Dave Jackson was absent and Commissioner Catherine Getty cast a “no” vote. But, during the formal board meeting the week after, commissioners were silent on the proposal and no action was taken. The issue was not specifically addressed again by the board until Tuesday, when commissioners handed out the legal opinions they had con- Commissioner Jon Smelker files attor­ ney opinions that the board considered as part of its deliberations. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) sidered during an Oct. 12 executive session with David Stoker, a Lansing attorney who specializes in municipal law. They also considered the analysis from the law firm of Mike Cox. Cox had offered similar advice to Ottawa County commissioners, who were asking the same questions about their health officer’s actions. After each commissioner read a key pas­ sage from Stoker’s letter aloud, Geiger asked the board how it wanted to proceed. There was silence. Finally, Smelker said he wanted to make a resolution opposing a universal mask man­ date. His problem, he said, is not with mask wearing; it’s the fact that these mandates don’t allow for individual choice. His motion was supported by Commissioner Vivian Conner. On Oct. 19, Jackson County had approved a resolution opposing mandatory masking as well as a variety of other mandates for vaccinations, passports, COVID testing and in support of a citizen’s right for self-de­ termination and parental rights to decide what is best for their children. This was suggested as a possible template. So the board took a short break to make and share copies of the document with everyone in the room so it could be reviewed for pos­ sible adoption in Barry County. When the commissioners reconvened, they discussed it, but there were concerns with it, particularly with regard to the impact of the language on private business and industry, which had not been taken into account in the Jackson County resolution. Smelker said he believes that private busi­ ness should be exempt from any such action by local government. The commissioners struggled to find an answer. Commissioner Bruce Campbell listens to his fellow commissioners debate the issue. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) MODERNA: 18+ years old Additional Dose Booster Dose After board Chairman Ben Geiger says the meeting is getting unruly and asks for help to control it, posse member Ginger Helmus steps forward to assist. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) At one point, Geiger was heckled and booed by some people in the audience when he referred to mandating vaccinations for children before they go to school. He apologized and thanked them for set­ ting him straight. Commissioner Dave Jackson, who - like Geiger and Smelker, represent Barry County on the health board - finally said, “So the thing that bothers me about the entire mask­ ing debate, and I’ve had this discussion with (Health Officer) Colette (Scrimger) as well, that I never agree with a one-size-fits-all. “For every district and every building, I think there was a much better way to address it. When you look at the schools and go, 6OK, let’s fight fires where there’s a fire. Let’s not just spray water on everything, you know? “So we took the wrong approach, in my opinion, in this whole debate on how we went forward with it. The other thing is we’re singling out schools and saying, ‘OK, we have kids in schools for six hours a day. They’re home with their parents. Their par­ ents are going to work. If you’ve seen Michigan Stadium or any stadium around the country, there’s hundreds of thousands of people that are unmasked in every segment of society everywhere all the time. Set-Up Your Appointment TODAY (269)945-9516 | barryeatonhealth.org JOHNSON & JOHNSON: 18+ years old Booster Dose Barry-Eaton District Health Department Be Active • Be Sat© * Be Healthy I Chairman Ben Geiger listens to citizen­ comment. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) “The only place that we have targeted our kids is in school.” “So when they go home, there’s no mask,”; Jackson continued. “When they’re with their siblings, there’s no mask. When they go with their parents out, whatever they do all week­ end long, and all evening, there’s no mask. So the transmission may be particularly in schools. But I think, far away, it’s outside of schools, and it’s being brought in through* there.” Jackson noted the unlimited amount of email from people on both sides - not just from people who are against masking, but people who are for protecting our kids. • “And that is the debate: What is the best way to protect our kids?” The dilemma that the commissioners faceis that the law allows them no authority in this case. A resolution by the board would be “toothless,” he said. So what purpose would any resolution serve, he asked. Would they be taking an action in an attempt to make parents happy? After their deliberations, Conner said she wanted to remove her support for Smelker’s motion, which then died for lack of support. After the meeting, Smelker told the Banner he was not disappointed, nor sur­ prised, that his proposed resolution didn’t make it to a vote. “I didn’t think it would pass when I made it,” he said. “But I made my position known.” The meeting became unruly, as Geiger noted, during final public comment when a woman in the audience who identified her­ self as “Cindy Twichell, a U.S. citizen,” stood at the podium and said she opposed the board’s policy of limiting public comment by individuals to three minutes. When her three minutes was up, Geiger asked her to conclude her remarks, but she refused. He asked for assistance and sheriff’s posse member Ginger Helmus approached the podium. Then Geiger wielded the gavel and abrupt­ ly concluded the session. “The meeting’s over,” he announced and walked out of the chambers. In other action, commissioners approved the county budget plan for 2022, with Conner casting the lone “no” vote. Conner told The Banner during a break that she had promised she would not approve an increase in any general fund appropria­ tions until the county had resolved the situa­ tion with the jail. �SPORTS SECTION Thursday, October 28, 2021 Saxons and Panthers start playoffs Friday Brett Bremer Sports Editor Charlotte is a team not to be taken lightly. The Hastings varsity football team rolls into the 2021 MHSAA state postseason, join­ ing Delton Kellogg as one of two Barry County teams to have earned a spot in the state postseason. The Saxons already have more wins than they have in any season since 2001 and have won four straight ballgames in impressive fashion since their only defeat of the season, on their home turf against Jackson Lumen Christi in week five. Hastings will also take to the turf inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday night at 7 p.m. for their MHSAA Division 4 Pre-District contest with the Orioles knowing that they have bested them in the final game of the regular season in each of the past three seasons. Charlotte has three losses during the 2021 season, but all three of those defeats have come against playoff teams (Lansing Catholic Central, Portland and Ionia), and the Orioles opened the season with an impressive 49-40 win over the eventual Greater Lansing Activities Conference champions from Olivet. The Orioles have a winning record for the first time since 2013 this fall. Lakewood got to see first-hand how dangerous the Charlotte team can be in week eight when the Orioles scored a 60-21 win over the Vikings as Oriole return-man Braden Hill tied the state record with three kick returns for touchdowns. Charlotte’s defense has allowed 40 or more points four times this season, in the opener with Olivet and in all three of its losses. Ionia compiled more than 500 yards rushing in its week four win over the Orioles, which bodes well for the Saxon Wing-T attack. Hastings will host a District Final next weekend should the Orioles come out on top they would go on the road to face the winner of the other half of the district bracket which includes South Christian and Plainwell, who meet in Plainwell at Streidl Field for their Pre-District bailgame tomorrow (Oct. 29). The other half of the Saxons’ Division 4, Region 2 bracket had Pre-District ballgames this weekend between Paw Paw and Edwardsburg in Edwardsburg and between Three Rivers and Vicksburg in Vicksburg. Delton Kellogg had won four in a row before falling to nemesis Schoolcraft in the regular season finale last week. The Panthers will look to bounce back in their MHSAA Division Pre-District ballgame at Muskegon Catholic Central Friday night at 7 p.m. The MCC Crusaders powered through an 8-1 regular season, winning the four-team Hastings senior running backTJ Russell sticks out his left hand and fights off a tackle attempt by Escanaba's Casey Royer during their non-conference ballgame at Gaylord High School Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DKHS boys win program’s first district trophy The Delton Kellogg varsity boys' soccer team hoists a district championship trophy for the first time Saturday after scoring a 1-0 victory over Hillsdale in the Division 3 District Final at Delton Kellogg High School. Marshall Warner scored the lone goal for the Panthers and Marcus Momenee earned the shut out in goal for head coach Alan Mabie's squad. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor There isn’t a ton of time spent in prac­ tice imagining and recreating what it would be like to be breaking in on goal with 90 seconds left in a district champi­ onship game with your team up a goal certainly not for the Delton Kellogg varsi­ ty boys’ program which went from its inception in 1985 to 2020 without ever winning a district championship. That drought is over after a 1-0 victory over Hillsdale in the MHSAA Division 3 District Final at Delton Kellogg High School Saturday. Marshall Warner scored the lone goal of the game for the Panthers, and was break­ ing in on goal again with about a minute and a half to play in the ballgame. He man­ aged to remember something his coach just mentioned briefly Friday evening in the lead-up to the district final however. “In big games, when we have the lead, keeping possession is the best,” Delton Kellogg head coach Alan Mabie said after his team improved to 9-7-2 overall this season with the victory. Instead of looking for a second goal, Warner turned to the comer of the field. DK kept the ball deep until Hillsdale finally took possession with ten seconds remaining. There wasn’t time for the 3-1 14Hornets to get anywhere near the Delton Kellogg net at the other end of the field. Mabie had learned that lesson earlier in his varsity coaching career, when one of his girls’ teams looking for an impressive upset gave up a late score against Grand Rapids South Christian and went on to bow out of the state tournament. “It was great,” Mabie said of the boys finally coming out on top. “I was kind of in a daze after that. It has been so long and working so hard. They were excited. We had quite a few fans there, which was nice to see.” See DISTRICT, page 16 Lakes 8 Conference with a perfect 3-0 mark. The Crusaders lone loss this fall came against a one-loss Grand Rapids West Catholic squad. The winner of Friday night’s ballgame between the Crusaders and Panthers will face either North Muskegon or Ravenna in the District Final, with the Crusaders playing at home with a win and the Panthers on the road if they take the victory this week. The other half of Division 7, Region 3 will include Pre-District match-ups of Homer at Lawton and Niles Brandywine at Union City Friday. Local Standings (W-L, playoffpoints) Hastings 8-1 (59.000) Delton Kellogg 5-3 (34.014) Lakewood 4-5 (28.667) 3-6 (39.444) Thomapple Kellogg Maple Valley (8-player) 4-5 Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Hastings 8-1, 6-1 Lumen Christi 8-1, 6-1 Harper Creek 6-3, 6-1 Parma Western 6-3, 4-3 Coldwater 3-6, 3-4 Pennfield 3-6, 2-5 Marshall 2-7, 1-6 Northwest 1-8, 0-7 OK Gold Conference G.R. Catholic Central 9-0, 7-0 Cedar Springs 7-2, 6-1 South Christian 6-3, 5-2 Forest Hills Eastern 5-4, 4-3 Thomapple Kellogg 3-6, 3-4 Kenowa Hills 3-6, 2-5 Ottawa Hills 2-7, 1-6 Wayland 0-9, 0-7 Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Lawton 9-0, 3-0 Delton Kellogg 5-3, 2-1 Saugatuck 5-4, 2-2 Schoolcraft 3-5, 2-2 ’'Galesburg-Augusta 1-8, 0-4 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Olivet 7-2,4-0 Lakewood 4-5,3-1 Leslie 3-6,2-2 Perry 4-5, 1-3 Stockbridge 4-5, 0-4 Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference Britton-Deerfield 8-1, 4-0 NorthPointe Christian 7-2, 3-1 Concord 3- 6, 1-3 Maple Valley 4- 5, 1-3 Vandercook Lake 3-6, 1-3 Here is a round-up of last week’s local gridiron action. Hastings 62, Escanaba 24 The Saxons hope their season goes long enough to maybe need another long bus ride on a Saturday. The Saxons' David Jiles ducks into the end zone for a touchdown after getting a hand-off from teammate Owen Carroll during the second half of their team's win over Escanaba at Gaylord High School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The first one went well enough. The Hastings varsity football team finished off an 8-1 regular season with a 62-24 victory over Escanaba after each team took a little more than a three hour bus ride to meet in the middle at Gaylord High School Saturday. “I think the three hours was worth it to get a good team victory,” Hastings senior strong safety Victor Ramirez said. “I think defen­ sively we did pretty good. Offensively we really capitalized on our running backs and or linemen doing what they’re supposed to do. X am happy the team got tne win.” Hastings will open the MHSAA Division 4 postseason tournament with a Pre-District ballgame against Charlotte inside Bam Stadium at Johnson Field Friday night. Hastings has the eighth most playoff points of the 32 teams in the Division 4 state tournament and is the top seeded team in its district which also includes South Christian and Plainwell., Fruitport, Whitehall, Sparta and Cadillac are the other four teams in region one meaning the Saxons would likely need to win a couple more ballgames before they are forced into another Saturday bailgame. - 1 “I think it was one of the key points today, to learn what obstacles we can overcome,” Saxon head coach Jamie Murphy said after See FOOTBALL, page 12 Maple Valley senior center Travis Mater, the Lion varsity football team's only senior this fall, lifts the Little Brown Jug as he and his teammates sing the school fight song in front its spectators following their 56-0 win at Bellevue High School in the final eight-player game of the season Lions. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ' �Page 12 — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — The Hastings Banner FOOTBALL, continued from page 11-----------------------------------------------------------the win over the Eskymos. “We talked about that all week. Putting them up against unusu­ al circumstances and how they can mentally overcome that is kind of a theme that we have had throughout the season this year. Even with our loss against Lumen Christi, the next week, ‘how do you come back from that? How do you overcome a loss like that?’ ‘ “Every time we step on the field, they seem to answer the call, whatever challenge we give them. They answer it together.” The Saxons didn’t make too many mis­ takes Saturday. The second half in Gaylord opened with a running clock thanks to Hastings’ 48-21 lead, but there were a couple blips that the Saxons’ made up for. Ramirez returned a kick-off 89 yards for a touchdown, had a team-high 9.5 tackles and intercepted an Eskymo pass in the ballgame, but those highlights came after Escanaba scored on a 61-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Casey Bray to senior wide receiver Scott Hiller on the opening drive of the ballgame to take a 7-0 lead. Bray wasn’t lined up at quarterback on the play however. Running back Ben Johnson took the shotgun snap and fired the ball to the left flat to Bray, who had lined up in the slot. Ramirez and senior comer back Drew Gleeson on that side both stepped towards Bray, and it was too late once Ramirez spun around to try and catch Hiller streaking up the Eskymos’ sideline. Ramirez was responsible for the deep receiver on the play. “I feel like he did a good job of keeping his head in the game and not allowing a big mis­ take to change his focus on his responsibili­ ties,” coach Murphy said. Junior running back Robby Slaughter, who became the second Saxon back to go over 1,000 yards rushing this season, made up for a miscue too - although he had to wait patiently after Ramirez’s kick return TD. An interception by Saxon senior defensive back Matt Thompson gave the Saxons’ good field position to try to add to a 24-7 lead with a minute and a half to play in the first quarter. The Saxons took over at the Eskymos’ 3 7-yard-line and Slaughter was soon charging towards the end zone on what would turn out to be a 27-yard run, but the ball was knocked free as he went down at the four-yard-line and recovered by the Eskymos’ Connor Smale in the end zone. Escanaba put together a nine-play, 80-yard drive to get within 24-13 on a one-yard TD run on fourth-and-goal from the one by senior running back Karson Krutina. Ramirez scored on the ensuing kick to get those points back. “I caught a pretty messy kick and I was like ‘okay, let’s see where this goes,”’ Ramirez said. “I hit up the line, saw the wall and I saw the open hole to my right, so I slid out to the right and I saw open field. From the comer of my eye, I saw a couple of guys. I thought I was going to get caught. I saw David Jiles right there and I was like, ‘please block somebody.’ Luckily he did, and there was the end zone.” The Saxon defense forced a three-and-out, and after fumbling on the first Saxon snap of the second quarter Slaughter took the second 89 yards for a touchdown. Slaughter scored again on a two-yard run with 1:45 to play in the half, after a 30-yard TD pass for the Eskymos from Bray to senior tight end Trevor Brown. Slaughter had three touchdown runs in the ballgame, also scoring on a 27-yard run to get the Saxons’ their first points of the ballgame. Hastings quickly moved ahead 8-7 with a twopoint run by TJ Russell following that first TD. Russell scored on a 39-yard run and Daniel Harp on a 40-yard run before the opening quar­ ter was through, with a two-point run by quar­ terback Mason Denton and a two-point pass from Denton to Russell following those TD’s. The Saxon half saw the Saxons add a tenyard TD run by Collin Fouty in the third and a one-yard TD run by Jiles in the fourth. Russell followed up Fouty’s TD with a twopoint run. Escanaba closed the scoring with foreign exchange student Tor Spets kicking a 37-yard field goal with two minutes to go. Slaughter finished the bailgame with 16 rushes for 220 yards, and he now has 1,020 yards total on the season. Russell is at 1,311 for the season after rushing three times for 64 yards Saturday. Harp had four carries for 73 yards in the bailgame. Hastings had nine different guys rush the football Saturday. Denton was l-of-2 passing for a 36 yards, on a pass to Russell. The Saxon defense had 22 different players in on tackles throughout the afternoon. “It is interesting on the sideline when the game is out of hand and we put the subs in, all the guys are still up on the sideline, cheering Hastings defensive back Collin Fouty stretches to try and break up a pass for Gaylord tight end Trevor Brown at the goal-line late in the first half of the Saxons’ 62-24 win over the Eskymos in the regular season football finale in Gaylord Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BUDGET HEARING NOTICE The Rutland Charter Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Township Budget for fiscal year 2022, at a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan. THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan. This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a(2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Rutland Charter Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary * aids or services should contact the Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. Robin J Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2194 170078 them on, coaching them from the sideline,” coach Murphy said. “Of course, everything is a lot easier when you’re winning, but it is interesting to see those older guys lead and show that leadership to the younger guys.” Owen Winegar had 5 tackles, Layton Eastman 4.5 for the Saxons and Glen McFarlan 4. Fouty had one of three Saxon interceptions, and nearly made a spectacular touchdown grab, but was bumped just out of bounds while coming down the football on the side of the end zone. Bray ended the day 10-of-21 passing for 183 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Johnson finished off the game at QB, going 2-of-5 for 37 yards, while also rushing nine times for 40 yards and catching four passes for 35 yards. Krutina led Escanaba on the ground with 17 rushes for 73 yards. Hiller had two recep­ tions for 67 yards and Brown two for 54. Eskymo defensive end Niklas LaFave had a team-high four tackles. Escanaba closes the season with a record of 1-8. Schoolcraft 31, Delton Kellogg 6 The offense couldn’t finish drives well enough for the Delton Kellogg varsity foot­ ball team to score its first win over the Schoolcraft Eagles Friday. The Panthers will have to take solace in the playoffs ahead of them. Delton Kellogg was bested for the first time in Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division action Friday, falling 31-6 at Schoolcraft. Both teams had to postpone one bailgame this fall, the Panthers against the conference champions from Lawton and the Eagles a non-conference bailgame. DK closes the reg­ ular season at 5-3. Schoolcraft ends its fall campaign with a 3-5 record. Schoolcraft never trailed Friday, taking a 17-0 lead on a short field goal and a pair of short Nolan Strake touchdown runs. Strake scored on runs of five and four yards in the first half. The first half was a tough one for Delton Kellogg before Vincent Quick broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run late in the second quar­ ter that pulled his team within 17-6 at the time. Delton Kellogg turned the ball over on downs just across midfield on its first posses­ sion, lost a fumble on a punt return to put the Eagles in position for their early field goal, then punted the ball away two more times before Quick’s long TD run. The Eagles got those points with a quick drive before the half. Quarterback Ryan Ling got the ball away in the face of a Panther blitz and hit slot receiver Kolby Lloyd on a wheel route for a 25-yard TD with a minute and a half to go in the first half. The second half didn’t go much smoother offensively for DK. The offense moved into EagTe territory on its first try of the second half, but turned the ball over on downs and did it again in its own end later in the quarter. DK managed to stymie the Eagles’ short drive that followed the Panthers turning the ball over on downs at their own 32-yard-line, with an Eagle receiver coming down just shy of the goal-line on a fourth-and-goal reception. DK had to punt the ball out of its own end zone however, giving the Eagles a short field again. This time the Eagles closed the scoring with Strake grabbing a pitch to the right and then pulling up to fire a wide open Trey Schneider with 1:24 left in the ballgame. Thornapple Kellogg 53, Ottawa Hills 29 Thomapple Kellogg scored a lopsided win in Wayland in week nine and carried that momentum right into Bob White Stadium for the final week of the varsity football season. The Trojans concluded the 2021 campaign with a 53-29 win over visiting Ottawa Hills to close out a 3-5 season overall with a 3-4 OK Gold Conference record. The Trojans took a 13-0 lead in the open­ ing quarter, and then answered the first Bengal score of the evening with three more TD’s in the final nine minutes of the first half. TK quarterback Carsen Burbridge fired TD passes of 31 yards to Zack Gibson and 17 yards to Logad |Vestcott, then Tyler Gavette scored on a four-yard run for TK with 2:58 to play in the half. The teams traded touchdowns in the sec­ ond half, with TK getting a 45-yard TD run by Jayden Garcia and a 37-yard TD run by Matthew Middleton. The Bengals close the season at 1-6 in the OK Gold Conference and 2-7 overall. Ionia 35, Lakewood 14 The Ionia Bulldogs ground out 404 yards rushing to close the season with a 35-14 vic­ tory over the rival Lakewood varsity football team in the 2021 regular season finale at Unity Field Friday. Ionia quarterback Austin Hillabandt rushed 15 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns and a pair of other Bulldog backs surpassed the century mark rushing as well. Trevor Tooker had 16 carries for 123 yards and teammate Travis Tucker Jr. carried the ball 13 times for 105 yards and three TD’s. A fumble recovery by the Vikings’ Reese Keller and an Ionia drive that stalled with a flurry of penalties in the Vikings’ end kept the Bulldogs from scoring on every possession of the first half, and the Vikings were still in the bailgame down 14-7 at the half. Lakewood put together a 67-yard scoring drive in the final four and a half minutes of the first half to get within a touchdown before the intermission. Viking quarterback Nathan Willette connected with senior running back Denny Sauers on a 20-yard touchdown pass. Eli Minard hit both of her extra-point kicks in the bailgame for the Vikings. The Vikings didn’t find the end zone again until the Bulldogs had pushed their lead to 35-7 in the fourth quarter. A Bulldog punt Maple Valley defender Tyler Rose (6) sets his sights on Bellevue ballcarrier Jeremy Odette as fellow Lions Nicholas Martin (29), Jesse Deppe (44), Christian Huissen (65) and Reece Proctor-Burhans chase the play Friday night at Bellevue High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings defenders Victor Ramirez (28), Layton Eastman (24) and Hayden Simmet (21) team up to bring down Escanaba’s Trent Lawson during the Saxons* win over the Eskymos at Gaylord High School in the final football game of the regular season Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) was downed at the Viking one-yard-line. Sauers took one hand-off for four yards and then on the next play broke free for a 95-yard touchdown run. Sauers finished the night with 7 rushes for 118 yards. Before that final run, the Vikings had man­ aged just 27 yards in their first 21 rushes of the bailgame. Sauers also had a team-high 12 tackles in the loss. Tucker scored the first points of the bail­ game for the Bulldogs midway through the opening quarter on an 18-yard run. Bulldog kicker Emmanuel Velasco was a perfect 5-for-5 on his extra-point tries. Hillabrandt pushed his team’s lead to 14-0 with a five-yard TD run three minutes into the second quarter, and then scored again on a 49-yard run midway through the third. Tucker tacked on TD runs of 48 yards and 22 yards in the first two and a half minutes of the fourth quarter, with the second following a Viking fumble that gave the Bulldogs the ball at the Lakewood 20-yard-line. Lakewood turned the ball over twice, with Raymond Lopez-Colon intercepting a Willette pass. Maple Valley 56, Bellevue 0 Lion senior center Travis Mater, the team’s lone senior, stepped into the backfield to carry in a two-point conversion late in the Maple Valley varsity football team’s non-con­ ference win at Webberville. Mater said he was told by coach Marty Martin that the offense just never quite got into his “range” to chase a touchdown. The Lions got into Mater range Friday in the sea­ son finale at Bellevue. With the Lions already leading 6-0 and setting up for a second-and-goal from the Bronco two-yard-line, Mater stepped to the fullback position in the I-formation and team­ mate Christian Huissen, a junior, took Mater’s place at center. Lion quarterback Ayden Wilkes turned and put the ball in the belly of Mater, who carried it and a big pile of Broncos and Lions just across the goal-line. Mater carried in a two-point conversion later on the ballgame, and finished off his time as a varsity football player by hoisting the Little Brown Jug as the Lions sang the school fight song in front of their fans and addressing his teammates near midfield following their 56-0 victory at Bellevue High School. “It is a great way to end the season,” Mater said. “I couldn’t ask for a better team or better people to be with - being the only senior and having this family that is loving and supportive.” As much as things went right for the Lions, things went wrong for the Broncos on their senior night. Massive senior lineman Nicholas Bender scooped up a Maple Valley fumble near the Broncos’ 35-yard-line and rambled towards the end zone shedding would-be Maple Valley tacklers like a father could playing ball with his toddler in the backyard. He was finally hit with enough force to bring him down at the Lion 23-yard-line, but his offense fumbled the ball back to the Lions three plays later. The Broncos gave Bender a carry of his own in the closing moments, but he didn’t get a glorious ending like Mater, rather he had to be helped off the field with an injured left knee as the Lions’ couldn’t help but go low to try and bring him down. The good for the Lions and the bad for the Broncos began in the very first moments of the bailgame. The Lion defense forced a three-and-out on Bellevue’s opening possession of the game, and then Lion quarterback Ayden Wilkes fired a 52-yard TD pass down the middle to Cam Carpenter and Maple Valley had a 6-0 lead 1 minute and 47 seconds in. The Lion offense took over again with 8:12 to go in the first quarter, 53 yards from the end zone. The Lions put together a methodi­ cal drive that ended in Mater’s two-yard TD run, which was followed by a two-point con­ version run from teammate Andrew Shepard. Junior running back Tyler Rose scored on a two-yard TD run for the Lions nine second into the second quarter to move his team’s lead to 20-0. Shepard recovered a Bronco fumble at the Broncos’ 20-yard-line and then the Lions scored again 2:13 into the second quarter on a four-yard run by junior back Cayden Scott. This time Wilkes, the Lions’ sophomore QB, connected with junior tight end Reece Proctor-Burhans on a two-point conversion pass that moved their team’s advantage to 28-0. Bronco starting quarterback Connor Odette was ejected following that touchdown as he picked up his second personal foul penalty of the game for arguing with officials. The teams traded punts from there before Shepard scooped up a Bronco fumble and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown. Rose’s two-point run had the Lion lead to 36-0. Maple Valley sophomore Callan Hoefler recovered the ensuing kick-off from team­ mate Jesse Deppe, and on the next play Wilkes hit Proctor-Burhans for a 35-yard touchdown. The Lions held a 42-0 lead at the half, meaning the second half began with a running clock. The Lions received the second half kickoff and then Shepard took the first hand-off of the second half 55 yards for a touchdown and tacked on the two-point run himself. The scoring finally ceased with 6:33 to go in the fourth quarter as a long Lion drive con­ cluded with an eight-yard TD run by Scott. “It was really nice to see us finally have that focus where we were focusing on our assign­ ments, and we were focusing on our teammates and what they needed to do and how we fit into that,” Lion head dpach Marty Martin said. “You saw us very disciplined tonight. It is something we have been striving for all year.” The Lions amassed 333 yards of offense in the bailgame, while the Lion defense held the Broncos to just 49 yards and four first downs all game. Shepard closed the game with seven car­ ries for 89 yards. Rose had ten rushes for 66 yards. Wilkes was 2-of-9 passing for 87 yards. The passing game was just a tiny bit off for the Lions. He had the chance to hit tight ends streaking down the middle of the field a couple times, and also had a couple of passes dropped. Nicholas Martin led the Lion defense with eight tackles. Deppe and Rose had four each and Scott added three. Hoefler and Proctor-Burhans each recov­ ered two Bronco fumbles and Scott had one fumble recovery. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — Page 13 Devils continue state title defense besting TK Brett Bremer Sports Editor It wasn’t for a lack of effort. From midfield, Trojan attacker Terrell Jefferson saw Gull Lake’s Dominic Roudabush streaking, through the center of Thomapple Kellogg’s defensive third of the field all alone and took off himself. Jefferson nearly chased him down before the centering pass came in from the left and Roudabush ripped a shot at the Trojan net. Trojan keeper Daniel Beyer dove to his left and knocked the shot away, only to see the ball end up on the foot of another Blue Devil, Ethan Carr, who fired it into the open net. The Trojans weren’t trying to preserve a lead, or even really keep their hopes of win­ ning alive. Carr’s goal was the seventh of the day for the top ranked, defending state cham­ pions from Gull Lake. The Blue Devils added one more moments later to finish off an 8-0 victory over the llth-ranked Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team in the MHSAA Division 2 District Final at Gull Lake High School Saturday. The now 19-1-1 Blue Devils defeated 15- 4-2 Holland, the tenth-ranked team in D2, 1-0 in the Division 2 Regional Semifinals hosted by Otsego Tuesday. Gull Lake will now face a 17-1-3 St. Joseph team that is ranked No. 2 in the state in Division 2. Gull Lake’s only defeat this season came against St. Joseph. St. Joseph’s only defeat this season came against Gull Lake. It should be quite the grudge match with the regional title on the line back in Otsego tonight (Oct. 28). TK concludes its season with a record of 16- 4-2. The Blue Devils built a 3-0 lead in the first half against the TK boys Saturday, and the goals came fast and furious in the middle of the second half ending the game with 21 min­ utes and 38 seconds still left on the clock. The Blue Devils’ all-state duo of senior forward Tyler Corstange and senior midfield­ er AJ Boucher was outstanding, and had a lot of assistance. Corstange had four goals and an assist. Boucher had a goal and assisted on two of Corstange’s goals. Roudabush also scored a second half goal, off an assist from Corstange. Tariku Klipsch notched an assist on the opening goal of the game. Beyer, the Trojans’ senior keeper charged off his line to thwart a few Blue Devil break­ away chances and knocked more than a cou­ ple balls away from the frame behind him. He had little chance of saving any of the eight well-placed shots that did get past him. A Trojan mistake near the left side line, lead to Corstange charging into the box for a one and one shot less than four minutes into the contest. He buried it inside the right post on the far side. The second goal lake goal came in the 18 minute. Boucher raced up the right side with the ball, cut in a bit and from a tough angle took the low hard shot or just inside the left post on the far side in that direction. Those two teamed up on their teams third goal of the first half. A Trojan turnover at midfield lead to Boucher rolling a ball gently forward for Corstange. Christine blew through the Trojan back line, managed to get around Beyer and tapped the ball into the open net. Gull Lake keeper Evan Kaiser rarely had to handle the ball. Nacho Hervas put a 25-yard shot at Kaiser in the 23rd minute of play. The Trojans only other shot of note came from Reece Hoeksma with a minute and a half to go in the first half. Kaiser did bobble the low hard shot, but TK didn’t have anyone there to add any pressure to the situation. The Trojans scrambled to get a corner kick off in the final ten seconds of the first half, but nothing threatening came out of it. The Blue Devils have yet to allow a goal in the state tournament with district shutouts of TK, Hastings and the regional victory over Holland. Gull Lake senior forward Tyler Corstange flicks a deep throw in back across the goalmouth as he is defended by Thornapple Kellogg's Mitchell Corner and TK goal­ keeper Daniel Beyer defends his net during the first half of their D2 District Final in Richland Saturday morning. (Photo by Brett Bremer) . MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber Gull Lake's Tariku Klipsch goes over Thornapple Kellogg's Gabriel Lajoye to try and get to a ball in the midfield during the district final in Richland Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 L & Insured • Independent and Assisted Living • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 vwwwwwwwwwwww • Ttannels a Hope 'Btooms by, Moda® Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station ft Trayfor our Country '’J* QUESTIONS: ASK US... Gull Lake's DeWitt Renwick slides in to try and get the ball off the feet of Thornapple Kellogg's Jackson Curtis during their Division 2 District Final in Richland Saturday morning. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings always knew there was a chance their season could end where it did. They wouldn’t have ever thought it would happen just the way it did. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, the 12th-ranked team in the state in Division 3, scored a 3-0 win over the No. 15 Lakewood Vikings in the MHSAA Division 3 District Semifinals at South Christian High School Oct. 19 - giving the Vikings their first and last defeat of the 2021 fall season. The Cougars took a 1 -0 lead on a penalty kick with seven minutes to play in the first half, got a second goal in the second half when Lakewood keeper Ben Scobey attempted to punch away a centering pass in the air and had the ball skip off his hands and into his own net, and then the Cougars added one late insurance goal. Lakewood was playing without its lead­ ing scorer, Coby Carter, who was injured in the team’s district opening win over Wellspring Prep, and played much of the second half of the bailgame without its defensive leader Connor Feighan who was given what coach James LeVeque and oth­ ers thought was a surprise red card for a slide tackle at the comer of his box about ten minutes into the second half. It was still a 1-0 bailgame when the Vikings had to start trying to come back while playing 10-v-11. “It is hard, because this game even though I can sit here and feel like they were the better team, it also felt like it was taken away from us. There is a little sticker shock,” LeVeque said. “The first loss of the season comes in the last game of the year. I guess that does feel a little bit different because it is our first 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 Thornapple Kellogg's Nacho Hervas (17) chases Gull Lake's AJ Boucher through the midfield during the first half of their Division 2 District Final at Gull Lake High School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikes’ undefeated 2021 ends in district semifinal taste of losing. We were 17-0-1 and we played some decent teams, not a lot of great teams. Catholic Central is obviously the number ten team in the state. We stood toeto-toe with them the whole game. I would say that in my eyes, that would kind of push us up in the rankings a little bit.” The Cougars had just two shots on goal in the first half. The Viking head coach didn’t feel Feighan’s red card was deserved, and said the Catholic Central head coach agreed with him after the game, and also was unhappy with the decision to award a PK to the Cougars early on. LeVeque said he thought his defender cleanly cleared the ball away from the top comer of the Viking box before the Catholic Central attacker was tripped up on the play. “Our defense played lights out. Our mid­ fielders played good defense,” LeVeque said. “It was or best defensive effort of the year,” he added. He said his fullbacks Tyson Raffler and Landon Makley and Feighan were all over the place playing the ball in their end. “Landon was winning balls in the air,” LeVeque said. “We competed for headers today, probably better than we have all year. We really attacked the ball and challenged all the time. We played with a lot of energy and we played very disciplined.” Offensively, the Vikings created the first great scoring chance of the game on a through ball in the opening minutes. Midway through the first half, the Vikings’ Alex Russell ran onto a pass, went around the Cougar keeper with a touch and then hit a slow roller toward the open net. “The goalie was beat on the ground, the whole team was celebrating,” LeVeque said. “One of their defenders came out of nowhere to clear it as it was hitting their goal-line,” he added. The rest of the bailgame the Vikings managed a couple comer kicks, free kicks, and throw-ins, but not much heavy, heavy pressure according to LeVeque. The game was played mostly in the midfield. The Viking coach was also really happy with the defensive efforts of midfielders Jacob Merryfield, Brody Jackson, Zac Gibson and Drew Marquoit. Lakewood had to work to get into the district semifinal, scoring a 3-2 overtime win over Wellspring Prep at Lakewood High school Oct. 14. Garrett Feighan scored the game-winner in the second ten minutes of the overtime session, and the the Vikings held on the rest of the way. Lakewood turned up the offen­ sive pressure in the overtime, moving from two attackers to three up top. In regulation, three penalty kicks were awarded and the first goal of the game was an own goal by the Vikings that put Wellspring Prep up 1-0. Carter evened the score with a penalty kick goal, Wellspring Prep went back in front 2-1 with a PK goal, and then Connor Feighan converted a PK to tie the score once again. The Vikings end the season as the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Champions having compiled a 17-1-1 record overall. District host South Christian, the fifth ranked team in the state in Division 3, kept its undefeated season going with a 2-1 win over Catholic Central in the district final back at South Christian High School Oct. 21. Catholic Central ends the season with a 7-7-3 record. Setter .^ST1 ■ OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm INVITATION TO BID Project: Project Bid Date &Time: Project Location: Pre-Bid Meeting: Delton Kellogg Schools - UST Removal & AST Replacement ' Friday, November 12, 2021 @ 10:00am Delton, Ml Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 10am at Delton Kellogg Schools Bus Garage , 327 N. Grove St., Delton Ml, 49046 Subcontractor: Contact/Email: Phone: Fax: To: The Christman Co. Todd Champion Phone: 269.903.7230 I Fax: 616-454-1795 todd.champion@christmanco.com . . ’* # ’ Description/Scope of Project: '• Delton Kellogg Schools and Environmental Resource Group LLC. will be solicit­ ing sealed proposals for all work categories as described in the Project Manual > for the above project no later than Friday, November 12, 2021 at 10:00 * AM. Proposals should be addressed to Environmental Resources Group LLC,. and delivered Delton Kellogg Schools 327 N. Grove St, Delton, Ml 49046 the day ' of the opening. All proposals will be publicly opened at Delton Kellogg Schools at 10:15AM. : There will be a MANDATORY pre-bid conference at Delton Kellogg Bus Gurage * on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 10:00am conducted by the Site Engineer. f Bid Documents Availability: ; Contract documents may be obtained via Procore. A link to the Procore site will * be sent upon request. Please email Todd Champion at Todd.Champion@christ-» manco.com to be granted permission to the documents. Builders Exchange - Public Plan Room @ www.qrbx.com • ■» All questions are to be directed to the Construction Manager, Todd Champion ■* @ Todd.Champion@christmanco.com or 269.903.7230. No direct contact with » the owner or Engineer is requested. , 4 Please mark below and return via fax or email to 517-745-7903 or.. Todd.Champion@christmanco.com Thank you. ’ 3 Yes, we plan to bid: No, we are not bidding: » ! �page 14 — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — The Hastings Banner HHS piles up record times at Interstate-8 Championship ' *o Brett Bremer Sports Editor j For the second fall in a row Hastings soph­ omore Riley Shults has run his fastest race of the. season at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship. He was nearly a minute faster as a sopho­ more than he was as a freshman, setting a new personal record time of 16 minutes 46.5 seconds to place ninth Saturday on the course at Turkeyville and earn honorable mention all-conference. J The Hastings boys were fourth as a team Saturday and finish fourth in the final overall conference standings. The Hastings varsity girls’ cross country team placed sixth Saturday and finish in seventh place in the final conference standings. * The Harper Creek boys, ranked second in the; state in Division 2, took the boys’ cham­ pionship with 41 points. Coldwater was sec­ ond with 74 points, ahead of Marshall 77, Hastings 101, Parma Western 111, Jackson Lufnen Christi 115, Jackson Northwest 216 and Pennfield 220. Harper Creek senior Owen Gilbert was the individual champion in 15:41.0. He set a new personal record, as did each of the top seven runners in the boys’ race. Parma Western senior Jacob Singleton was the runner-up in 16: 11.4. Harper Creek had three guys finish among the top eight, and five others among fheitop 17. All nine Saxon guys who ran Saturday set a new personal record, the scoring top seven of Shults, Brandon Simmons, Reuben Solmes, joriah Teed, Micah Johnson, Cole Greenfield, Alexander Steward as well as sophomores JCenneth Vastine and John Chmura at the back of the pack. j The Saxons had a couple solid bunches running together. Simmons, a freshman, was 18th overall in 17: j47.6. The sophomore Solmes placed 19th in 17:53.7, and his classmate Teed was 20th fn 17:56.2. I Saxon freshman Micah Johnson placed 45th in 19:13.4 and sophomore teammate Cole Greenfield was 47th in 19:21.4. AH the Saxon ladies ran their fastest race Of the season, and sophomore Lily Comensoli and freshman Anika Bourassa set new per­ sonal records. Hastings' Hannah Crozier makes her way around the course at Turkeyville Saturday during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship race. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Senior Allison Teed led the Hastings girls with a 16th-place time of 21:21.3 and senior Carissa Strouse was 22nd in 21:59.3. Comensoli came in 33rd in 22:38.7. Saxon senior Hannah Crozier placed 56th in 24:44.5. Bourassa placed 90th in 39:21.1. Jackson Lumen Christi had four of the first six girls across the finish line and won Saturday’s meet with 32 points. Marshall was a close second with 40 points, ahead of Parma Western 79, Harper Creek 113, Coldwater 136, Hastings 163, Northwest 171 and Pennfield 219. Lumen Christi sophomore Madison Osterberg was the day’s champion with a new personal record time of 18:07.5. Her senior teammate Faith Smith ran her fastest race of the season to place second in 18:20.3. Lumen Christi also had Layla Lopez fifth and Gabrielle Osterberg sixth, both setting personal records. Parma Western senior Alyna Lewis placed third in a personal record time 18:47.55 and Marshall was led by a personal record run of 19:00.1 by sophomore Camille DeCola which put her in fourth place. Marshall also had girls place seventh, eighth, tenth and 11th in the chase with the Titans. Hastings heads to Portage West Middle School for its MHSAA Division 2 Regional race Saturday. The Saxons' Jonah Teed and Reuben Solmes are among the pack racing in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship at Turkeyville Saturday. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Lion sophomore looking for return trip to Finals at MIS Turkeys scatter from the path of Lakewood's Ryan Alford as he makes his way around the course at Turkeyville Tuesday during the GLAC Championship. ^Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor When Maple Valley’s Lilly Faurot quali­ fied for the regional round of the Division 4 MHSAA postseason as a freshman last fall something changed. She went from a basketball player using a spot on the varsity girls’ cross country team to get in better shape for the winter hoops season to a girl looking forward to chasing a spot in the Division 4 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. She chased down that goal and chased down another one Tuesday at Turkeyville, earning first team all-conference honors in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference for the first time. Faurot placed sixth at the GLAC Championship race in 21 minutes 30.4 seconds, finishing 14 spots higher than she did at the conference championship as a freshman. “Coming into the meet ranked eighth, she finished sixth so I was very happy with the outcome,” Maple Valley head coach Tiffany Blakely said. “She also beat her last year’s time on the course by a minute and ran her fastest time this season by nearly 30 seconds.” Faurot said she felt great the first mile, and but once she hit a mile and a quarter she start­ ed feeling the pains of distance running. She was appreciative of the cold weather finally arriving. “You can’t feel anything when it’s cold,” Faurot said. NOTICE; SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards: Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 2 positions Conservation Easement Board: 1 real estate development; 1 agricultural interest Building Authority: 1 position Central Dispatch Administrative Board: 1 position Commission on Aging: 4 positions Parks and Recreation Commission: 2 positions Transit Board: 1 position ’ .Veteran’s Affairs Committee: 1 position - must be an honorably discharged active duty veteran who served during a war or conflict Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rc) floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for: An Advisory Board or Commission and click to display the application. Applications must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. .168973 “For the season as a whole, I am doing better than last year, so I am happy about that.” Faurot said. “My goal this year, my overall goal, is to go to states because I made it last year, but this is a tougher region that we’re in now so I have to run even faster. Right now, it is iffy. It is not looking great, but it is not looking bad. It just really depends on how everyone runs on Saturday and what I am feeling.” The Lions will run in the MHSAA Division 3 Regional hosted by Allendale Saturday morning, the girls at 10 a.m. and the boys at 11 a.m. The Stockbridge girls clinched the GLAC Championship Tuesday with a 42-45 win over Leslie at the top of the standings. Lakewood was third with 87 points, ahead of Lansing Christian 102, Olivet 107 and Perry 114. Lakewood juniors Reagan Lab and Sadie Brearley both earned honorable mention all-conference. Lab was 11th in a personal record time of 21:58.38. Brearley placed 12th in a personal record time of 22:16.84. Stockbridge senior Rylee Tolson led her team to the title with an individual champion­ ship. She hit the finish line in 18:36.62. Her senior teammate Brooklyn Rochow was third in 20:00.62. Leslie was led by a pair of freshman. Erin Lubahn was second in 19:49.75 and Jaidyn Smith fourth in 20:08.84. Maple Valley freshman Brianna Gurd placed 41 st in the race with a time of32:48.59, a new PR for her. Lakewood’s top four girls all set PR’s including sophomore Claire Fortier who was 20th in 23:06.06 and junior Emma Lancaster who was 22nd in 23:30.03. Lakewood’s num­ ber five was junior Gabby Rosenburger who placed 31st in 25:28.84. All the Lakewood boys ran their best times of the season too. Freshman Troy Acker set his PR at 19:47.09 while placing 21st. Senior Colin Heyl set a PR with a 31st-place time of 21:24.72. Sophomore Ethan Cappon bumped his PR down to 23:00.47 in a 37th-place finish. Lakewood also had senior Clayton Dumond 30^ in 21:21.03, junior Ryan Alford 15^ in 18:49.69 and sophomore Emil Myers 41st in 24:32.34. Alford missed all-confer­ ence honorable mention by one spot. Maple Valley had junior Adam Blakely set a new PR with his 39th-place time of 23:13.44 and sophomore Brody Trowbridge finish 50th in 35:47.41. Lakewood will head to DeWitt Friday for its MHSAA Division 2 Regional race. Stockbridge won the boys’ championship Tuesday with 34 points, ahead of Olivet 40, Leslie 55, Lakewood 115 and Lansing Christian 128. Olivet sophomore Lucas Hopkins was the individual champ with a time of 16:35.06. Stockbridge runners Dalton Satkowiak, Micah Bolton and Colin Cook placed second, third and fourth to lead their team to victory. Maple Valley sophomore Lilly Faurot makes her way along the second mile of the course at Turkeyville during the GLAC Championship Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Panthers prep for regional race at K-Christian Invite Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ and girls’ cross country teams both placed eighth Saturday at the Kalamazoo Christian Invitational. A pair of DK’s top seven guys scored new personal record times at the run. Sophomore Parker Bagley placed 85^ overall in 20 min­ utes 33.65 seconds and senior teammate Mitchell Buckner who was 98^ in 21:09.76. Those two finished fifth and seventh respec­ tively among the pack of Panthers in the race with 13 full scoring teams. The Delton Kellogg runners will be in Allendale Friday morning for their Division 3 Regional Meet and then head to Maple Valley Monday for the Barry County Invitational. Sparta took the boys’ championship on the day with 37 points, ahead of Covenant Christian 63, Kalamazoo Christian 90, South Christian 95 and Kalamazoo Homeschool Sports 126 in the top five. The DK boys were eighth with 229 points, just behind their SAC rivals from Constantine. Sparta senior Jackson Jones was the indi­ vidual champion in the boys’ race with a time of 16:18.06. South Christian junior Caleb Boes ran a new personal record time of 16:39.99 to place second and Sparta sopho­ more Gregory Janesak was third with a PR of 16:48.69. Sparta had four guys among the first eight finishers, and the Spartans were at their best. Noah Momber, a junior, set a personal record with his time of 17:27.76 that had him in eighth. Junior teammate Jax Wilson was fifth in 17:15.25. Sparta also had guys place 20^, 21st, 22n& and 23r^, with seniors Lance Riddle and Ethan Meyers setting personal records among that group. DK’s leader was freshman Ethan Rimmer, who placed 32nc^ in 18:40.59. Junior Micah Martin was 45^ for DK in 19:08.72, junior Isaac Shepard 59^ in 19:33.71 and sopho­ more Austin Bagley 77^ in 20:10.86. Also in the top seven for DK was senior Austin Blocker with a 95th-place time of 21:02.00. Senior Aubrey Aukerman led the DK girls with a 23rd-place «iime of 21:40.13. Senior Halena Phillips was 44th in 22:27.23. DK had three freshmen in its top seven. Lillie Steele placed 59^ in 23:21.18, Johannah Houtkooper 60^ in 23:23.55 and Jillian Leclercq 114™ in 26:49.04. The rest of the DK scoring group included senior Melanie Monroe 70^ in 23:50.64 and senior Hope Vanderwall 97^ in 25:49.60. Covenant Christian won the girls’ meet with 47 points, with girls placing first and second individually. Senior Meghan Beute won the girls’ race in 18:48.61 and her soph­ omore teammate Amber Koole placed second in 19:55.29, setting a new personal record with her time. South Christian was the runner-up with 65 points, ahead of Sparta 72, Kalamazoo Christian 101 and Bridgman 103 in the top five. The DK girls were eighth with 189 points, just behind their SAC foes from Schoolcraft. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 28, 2021 — Page 15 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 169954 * NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING MERLAU AVENUE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, the Township Board of Prairieville Township, on its own motion and initiative, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake a road improvement project (including paving and related improvements) on Merlau Avenue and related areas in Prairieville Township as more particularly described below and to create a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes parcels with frontage on and/or located on Merlau Avenue, Sunset Point Drive, Sunset Drive, Hubbards Cove Drive, Lakeshore Drive, North Drive, Gilmore Pointe Drive, Long Point Drive, Hemlock Island, Partridge Island and Beech Island and includes the following tax parcels: Sophia Sunior competes in the 500-yard freestyle for the Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/ Hastings team during its dual with visiting Wayland Thursday in Hastings. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Wayland nips DK/TK/HHS ladies at Cancer Meet Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings swim team lost a close battle against rival Wayland in the Hastings Community Center Pool on Thursday night. The team lost 100-86, but in the eyes of Coach Schoessel and the girls in the pool, the real battle last night was the fight against cancer and the impact the disease has had on the lives of their friends and loved ones. . DK/TK/HHS head coach Carl Schoessel started the Cancer Meet to honor those in his life affected by the disease. A lot of the swimmers had the names of loved ones written on their bodies during the swim meet. Many of those written names were dedicated to “Loretta” and “Lydia” in memory of Carl’s wife Loretta Schoessel and former DK/TK/HHS swimmer Lydia Cole. Senior swimmer Ellen Shults said the pink cancer meet started “as a fun event to give tribute to people who’ve had cancer and then when we found out our friend Lydia had cancer it became more serious and we took it more seriously. As a team we have grown from this event and the meaning to it. Last year was the first year without Lydia and that was a big year for this event. This year, being my senior year, it means a lot as this is the last one I get to do, and to grow from this experience.” Head Coach Carl Schoessel stated, “we knew it was going to be a tough meet. [Wayland head coach] Seth [Beat] has a lot bTfeally good swimmers he can put in a lot of different places. We beat them in our invitational, and we will have a good contest with them in the conference meet. When we first started the cancer meet we invited Catholic Central who was in our conference and we kept them for about four years, then we had Eaton Rapids here for around four years, and since then we’ve had Wayland here. We’ve won more times than they have, but they’ve won the last couple years.” Senior Abby Marcukaitis finished the night in first in both the 200-yard and 100-yard freestyle. Sophia Marcukaitis also finished first in two individual events, the 200-yard individual medley and the 100yard breaststroke. The DK/TK/HHS 200-yard medley relay team of Abby Marcukaitis, Sophia Marcukaitis, Preslee Hall and Holly Carpenter also finished in first place for the night. The 200-yard freestyle relay team of Carpenter, Sophia Marcukaitis, Hall and Abby and the 400-yard freestyle relay team of Shults, Aubrey Hawks, Lily Foy and Cadence VanOoy both finished in second place for the night. Carpenter finished second in the 50-yard freestyle and third in the 100-yard Freestyle. Hall finished sec­ ond in the 100-yard butterfly. Lizzie Middleton and Ellen Shults placed third and fourth respectively in the 500-yard freestyle. Divers for the DK/TK/HHS team swept the meet with Abigail Drummond finishing in first with a score of 207.15 points, followed in second by Maelea Martin and in third place l>y TJ^Myers? MERLAU DRIVE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 - PROPOSED DISTRICT: The properties indicated by parcel numbers below and on the attached map: 12-007-006-01 12-260-009-00 12-290-015-00 12-290-038-00 12-290-060-00 12-007-006-10 12-260-010-00 12-290-016-00 12-290-039-00 12-290-061-00 12-007-006-35 12-260-011-00 12-290-017-00 12-290-039-20 12-290-062-00 12-007-006-40 12-260-012-00 12-290-018-00 12-290-040-00 12-290-063-00 12-007-006-45 12-260-013-00 12-290-019-00 12-290-042-00 12-290-064-00 12-007-006-50 12-260-014-00 12-290-020-00 12-290-044-00 12-290-065-00 12-007-006-60 12-270-001-00 12-290-021-00 12-310-001-00 12-290-045-00 12-007-006-65 12-270-003-00 12-290-022-00 12-290-046-00 12-310-002-00 12-007-006-70 12-270-003-05 12-290-023-00 12-290-047-00 12-310-003-00 12-007-006-71 12-290-001-00 12-290-024-00 . 12-290-048-00 12-310-004-00 12-007-006-72 12-290-002-00 12-290-025-00 12-290-049-00 12-310-005-00 12-007-006-81 12-290-003-00 12-290-027-00 12-290-049-10 12-310-006-00 12-007-006-82 12-290-028-00 12-290-004-00 12-290-050-30 12-310-006-90 12-007-006-90 12-290-005-00 12-290-031-00 12-290-050-35 12-310-007-00 12-007-006-95 12-290-005-10 12-290-032-00 12-290-053-00 12-310-008-00 12-007-012-00 12-290-006-00 12-290-032-10 12-290-054-01 12-310-009-00 12-260-000-00 12-290-007-00 12-290-033-00 12-290-054-02 12-310-010-00 12-260-001-00 12-290-008-00 12-290-034-00 _ 12-290-055-01 12-310-011-00 12-260-002-00 12-290-010-00 12-290-034-20 12-290-056-00 12-310-012-00 12-260-005-00 12-290-034-35 12-290-011-00 12-290-056-10 12-310-013-00 12-260-006-00 12-290-012-00 .12-290-035-00 12-290-057-00 12-310-014-00 12-260-007-00 12-290-013-01 12-290-036-00 12-290-058-00 12-310-015-00 12-260-008-00 12-290-014-01 12-290-037-00 12-290-059-00 12-310-016-00 12-320-013-00 12-320-032-00 12-340-009-00 12-360-025-00 12-500-014-00 12-320-014-00 12-320-033-00 12-340-010-00 12-360-026-00 12-500-015-00 12-320-015-00 12-500-016-00 12-320-035-00 12-360-001-00 12-360-027-00 12-320-016-00 12-320-036-00 12-360-002-00 12-500-017-00 12-360-029-10 12-320-017-00 12-320-037-00 12-360-003-00 12-360-029-20 12-500-018-00 12-320-018-00 12-320-038-00 12-360-004-00 12-360-030-00 12-500-019-00 12-320-019-00 _ 12-320-040-00 12-360-005-00 12-360-031-10 12-500-020-00 12-320-019-10 12-320-041-00 12-360-006-00 12-360-032-10 12-500-021-00 12-320-020-00 12-320-042-00 12-360-007-00 12-360-033-00 12-500-022-00 12-320-020-10 12-320-043-00 12-360-008-00 12-360-034-00 12-500-023-00 12-320-021-00 12-320-044-00 12-360-009-00 12-360-035-00 12-500-024-00 12-320-021-10 12-320-045-00 ._12-_360_-010-00 12-360-036-00 12-500-025-00 12-320-024-00 ^2-320-G26-00 12-320-026-10 12-320-026-20 12-320-026-40 ,.12r3.20-:Q4.6-00....... -12=3.6.0x011-0.0___ _^12=50.0r000=0CL 12-320-029-00 12-220-029-10 12-320-029-21 12-320-029-22 12-320-030-00 12-320-031-00 12-360-012=00,____ 12-500-001-00 12-500-027-00 12-320-046-60 12-360-013-00 12-500-004-00........ 12-500-028-00 12-320-046-61 12-360-014-00 12-500-005-00 ... 12-500-029-00 12-360-015-00 . 12-500-006-00 12-500-030-00 12-340-002-00 12-360-017-00 12-500-007-00 12-500-031-00 12-340-003-00 12-360-020-00 12-500-008-00 12-500-032-00 . 12-340-004-00 12-360-021-00 12-500-009-00 12-500-033-00 12-340-005-00..... 12-360-022-00 12-500-010-00 12-500-034-00 12-340-006-00 12-360-023-00 12-500-011-00 12-510-001-20 12-360-024-00 12-500-012-00 12-510-002-00 12-340-007-00 ^12.-3.40zQ0.8-Q.Q____ 12-360-024-10 12-310-018-01 12-310-020-00 12-310-021-00 12-310-022-00 12-310-023-00 12-310-024-00 12-310-025-00 12-310-026-00 12-310-120-00 12-320-001-00 12-320-001-40 12-320-001-60 12-320-002-00 12-320-003-00 12-320-004-00 12-320-006-00 12-320-007-00 12-320-008-00 12-320-010-00 12-320-010-30 12-320-011-00 12-320-012-00 12-510-005-00 12-510-006-00 12-510-007-00 12-510-009-00 12-510-010-00 12-510-011-00 12-510-012-00 12-510-013-00 12-510-014-00 12-510-015-00 12-510-016-00 - -12=50.0=02670.0_____ 12-320-046-10 12-320-026-60 12-310-017-00 .-12=500-013-00____ 12-510-00^30_____ PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed road paving project and associated activities, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $337,218.06. The cost of the project is proposed to be raised by special assessment on parcels in the proposed district. The Prairieville Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and cost estimates on file with the TownshipC Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Township Clerk's office from Merlau Avenue the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and Special Assessment District may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of four years (2022-2025 inclusive) of approximately $313.40 per year. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. Sophia Marcukaitis gets set to take off for her leg of the 200-yard freestyle relay for Delton Kellogg/ Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings as they compete against Wayland Union in the annual Cancer Meet at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) CITY OF HASTINGS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Notice is hereby given that the Hastings City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan. The purpose of the Public Hearings is for City Council to hear comments and make a determination on the establishment of a final assessment roll for parking in the City of Hastings Principal Shopping District for 2021/2022. The City will provide necessary reasonable aid and services to disabled persons wishing to attend these hearings upon seven days notice to the Clerk of the City of Hastings, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Telephone 269/945-2468 or TDD call relay services 800/649-3777. Hastings’ TJ Myers prepares for her entry during one of her six dives at her team’s OK Rainbow Tier II Conference dual with Wayland Thursday evening in Hastings. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Jane M. Saurman City Clerk 170399 Barry County Michigan ** " ** PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, and cost estimates will be held at Delton Kellogg Middle School, 6325 Delton Road, Delton, Michigan, on November 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Township Clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the Township Board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total frontage on the road, the Township Board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement and for inclusion in the special assessment district, are filed with the Township. Written comments or objections may be filed with the Clerk at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that £ appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 3(K days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the* special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance* shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to express their views at the public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the Township Board determines to proceed with the special assessment, the Board will cause * a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed^ to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessment. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days' notice to the' Township Clerk at the address below. \ Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 �Page 16 —Thursday, October 28, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Vikings win 20th consecutive league volleyball championship . The Lakewood varsity volleyball team celebrates its 20th consecutive conference championship after finishing off an undefeated Greater Lansing Activities Conference season by winning the conference tournament Saturday at Lakewood High School. Team members are (front from left) Paige Wolverton, Alli Pickard, Carley Piercefield, Bailey Fifelski, Kenzie Wells, (back) head coach Cameron Rowland, Tori Wickerink, Zayda Kruger, Abby Pickard, Ellie Possehn, Maradith O'Gorman, Alivia Everitt, Skylar Bump and Liv Woodman. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings took care of their final big responsibility of the regular season Saturday. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team, ranked third in the state in Division 2, will take on either Hastings or Central Montcalm in the Division 2 District Semifinals at Hastings High School Wednesday, Nov. 3. Lakewood had finished as the state runner-up in Division 2 each of the past two seasons. Lakewood has captured a conference championship in each of the past 20 seasons. The string hit 20 Saturday as the Vikings defeated Olivet and then Lansing Christian at the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Tournament at Lakewood High School. The Vikings have still never dropped a match in the GLAC. Lakewood bested the Eagles 25-4, 25-13 in their semifinal match and then knocked off the Pilgrims 25-11, 25-13 in the champi­ onship. The Pilgrims are ranked fourth in the state in Division 4. It is the 32nd conference title in the history of Lakewood volleyball. Maradith O’Gorman, the Vikings’ senior all-state hitter, helped keep the tradition alive by leading the team in kills with 24, digs with 19 and blocks with two on the day. Junior all-state setter/hitter Skylar Bump had a team-high 24 assists to go with seven aces, six digs and six kills. Tori Wickerink chipped in six kills, Zayda Kruger four and Liv Woodman four for the Vikings. Freshman setter Abby Pickard had 21 assists as well as eight digs. All-state sophomore libero Carley Piercefield had 18 digs and seven aces. Alli Pickard and Paige Wolverton contrib­ uted two aces each for the Vikings, and Alli also had 12 digs for the day. Lakewood will look to prime itself for the postseason playing in a quad at Caledonia High School tonight (Oct. 28) and another at Chelsea Saturday. Delton Kellogg's varsity boys' soccer team chomps on its district medals and celebrates with the district championship trophy following a 1-0 victory over Hillsdale in the Division 3 District Final at DKHS Saturday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) DISTRICT, continued from page 11 -------------------------------------------------------------Delton Kellogg was scheduled to take on Watervliet in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals at Holland Christian High School Wednesday evening (Oct. 27). Grand Rapids Christian and Holland Christian were set to meet in the other regional semifinal hosted by the Maroons Wednesday. The regional final is planned for Saturday at noon back at Holland Christian Stadium. Holland Christian entered the state postseason ranked No. 1 in the state in Division 3 and South Christian No. 3. DK’s regional semifinal opponent Watervliet scored a 6-2 win over the Delton Kellogg boys in Watervliet Sept. 1, but coach Mabie said he was expecting his boys to go into the regional tournament with a lot of confidence. “It was a tight game back and forth,” Mabie said of the district final. “The first half ended 0-0. We controlled more of the half than they did, but we just couldn’t break through. The last defender and their keeper were pretty good. We controlled the game and it was down on their end most of the time.” Delton Kellogg’s John Sinclair goes up to head the ball during his team’s victo­ Warner dribbled through a number of ry over Hillsdale in the Division 3 District Final at DKHS Saturday. (Photo by Perry Watervliet defenders to get the shot off that Hardin) finally found the net in the second half. Mabie said his team had talked about mak­ ing a few small adjustments in the second half, one of them being working the ball from the outside in a bit better in the offensive end. The play, and the eyes of the defense, had been concentrated around Marshall, James Blackbum and Hector Jimenez in the middle of the DK attack. The ball moved inside, out and then back in during the lead up into Marshall’s charge in to score. “We had a few other [scoring chances],” Mabie said, “a couple came from across the side and we got a foot on it, but their keeper was right there. A couple other comers he was able to knock away. After that [goal] it seemed like they must have gotten a little more urgent with that. After we scored, we spent a lot more time down in our end. [Watervliet] had some comer kicks and long throws. Between our defenders and our keep­ er they didn’t have any real, real solid shots on goal though.” Keeper Marcus Momenee and the DK defense shut out all three of their district foes - Comstock, Parchment and Watervliet. Momenee made nine saves in the district final. Momenee made a couple tough saves, but also got a lot of help. “Giovanni Stea and Martin Wachowski, they really stepped up,” Mabie said. “We were missing Caden Ferris, who normally plays a defensive mid for us. I moved Mel Baixis back there and he controlled the mid­ dle above the defenders. He is usually at an outside midfielder position with more of an attacking role. He said he has never played organized soccer before. He is fast and knows what to do with the ball. He knows what to do in that middle there. He is an asset there.” Baixis is a foreign exchange student from https://pages.laketrust.org/hastings-branch?utm_source=Print&utm_medium=Print&utm_campaign=Hastings-Branch The new home you've been hoping for. Martin High School who plays on the Co-op team with the Panthers. The savings goal you've set. The new Mabie was unsure that the program has business you've been dreaming about. ever played in a district final before. He has guided the Panthers for the past 12 years and Lake Trust's new relationship center is he has not been a part of one. He just knew that the program had never won a title before, here to talk about it — all of it — and Find out more at because of the empty spot on the banner in laketrust.org/hastingshome help you make it happen. the gymnasium and the lack of soccer tro­ phies in the trophy cases. Federally insured by NCUA. Those spots won’t be empty any more. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-11-04.pdf 589986910e71984970cb805b3ed15c6b PDF Text Text County considers projects vying for federal funds A (rueful) ode to football; and praise for Highpoint Trojan trio headed to state finals at MIS See Story on Page 5 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 11 804879110187 1070490102590500538649058113421 NEWS BRIEFS Secretary of State offices open Wednesdays evenings Secretary of State offices will shift Wednesday hours to stay open until 7 p.m., beginning Nov. 3, to provide ser­ vice to residents who cannot visit offices during traditional business hours. “We continue to offer numerous con­ venient options for Michiganders to conduct their business with us, includ­ ing expanded online transactions, self-service stations at grocery stores, and now evening office hours,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “We are heeding the call for evening hours from community organizations and leaders and adding another way we’re making government work for the people.” Visits during Wednesday evening hours are available for booking at Michigan.gov/SOS. Wednesday hours will now be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m The department releases thousands of office visits twice per day, every busi­ ness day for residents to book online at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-SOS-MICH. Residents also may walk up to any office and they will be served immediately if there is availabil­ ity or assisted with scheduling a return visit at a time convenient for them. Set clocks back this weekend The good news: Many people will feel like they get to sleep in early next week. The bad news: Evening light will seem nonexistent for the next few months. Daylight saving time ends in the wee hours Sunday, so people may want to set their clocks back an hour before retiring Saturday night. The end of daylight saving time may seem late this year, and with good rea­ son. It concludes the first Sunday of November, which in 2021, is Nov. 7. Daylight saving time will go into effect again Sunday, March 13, 2022. Leadership Barry County preparing for new session Leadership Barry County will begin a new year with a new cohort of leaders in the Jan. 21, 2022, kickoff retreat at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. The leadership program will run through May 11 and consist of 10 ses­ sions covering various topics, such as communications, diversity, equity, inclusion, civic engagement, a tour of Barry County and more. The cost is $435; some scholarships are available. Leadership Barry County is an oppor­ tunity to learn about the county and enhance leadership skills for individual growth, organizational improvement, and increased community effectiveness while networking with others. Founded in 1990, Leadership Barry County is one of the state’s longest-run­ ning rural leadership endeavors. The program is offered annually to individu­ als who live or work in Barry County and seek to become better-developed and networked leaders. Information and registration can be found at leadershipbarrycounty.org. Help for Holidays signup continues Help for the Holidays, a program coordinated by Barry County Cares, helps people in need at Christmas time. Sign-up for Help for the Holidays will be through Nov. 24. Barry County Cares connects individ­ uals and families with churches, organi­ zations, businesses and others who pro­ See BRIEFS, page 3 Nashville man faces Nov. 17 trial on torture, murder charges Taylor Owens Staff Writer Andrew Lafey, 22, of Nashville, will be tried for the torture and murder of 18-yearold Gracyn-Michael Brickley of Ionia County. Lafey was bound over by Barry County Judge William Doherty after a preliminary hearing took place Monday. The trial is scheduled for Nov. 17 in the Barry County Circuit Court. Lafey is charged with open murder, torture, concealment of a body, and five firearms charges in Brickley’s Feb. 16 death. According to testimony given Monday, Lafey shot Brickley twice in the chest and abdomen with a.22 rifle. The shooting occurred behind a house on Guy Road in Maple Grove Township. After Brickley fell to the ground, Lafey used his phone to record an 11-minute video that showed him repeatedly kicking her until she died. Then he buried her body under a few inches of snow, went back to the house where he was staying, and showed his friends the video. The next morning, the homeowner, who said Lafey had shown him the video, met with Lafey’s father, Joseph Ketola, and they reported Lafey to the police. Lafey, who was arrested later that day, told police where they could find Brickley’s body. Several witnesses who were at the Guy Road house that night, as well as Charlie James, the owner of the house, testified Monday. James said Lafey had been staying at the house for two or three weeks, after his release from the Kent County Jail in January. Lafey had been convicted of third-degree home invasion, witness intimidation and assault with intent to rob while unarmed in December 2019. His father had asked James if his son could stay at the house. James told Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt that he had met Brickley about a month before she was killed. She had come by the house a few times. Then she started dropping by more often after she met Lafey, he said. At one point, Lafey told James and some other people at the house that he believed Brickley had given him a sexually transmit­ ted infection. “He said he was going to kill her,” James said. But neither he, nor the other people Lafey said that to, took him seriously, James said. “We told him, ‘No you’re not,’ ” James told Nakfoor Pratt during the hearing. He said he thought that was the end of it. The night of the murder, James had left the house to sell an Xbox to a friend in Charlotte, and returned sometime before 11 p.m. Almost as soon as he walked in the house, James said, Lafey told him he had something to show him. Then he held up his phone, and James saw footage of him kicking Brickley while she was lying on the ground. “You spread your legs easy and you die,” he heard Lafey say on the video. As he showed him the video, Lafey acted no differently than he usually did, James testified. See NASHVILLE, page 2 Karpinski's influence carries on in Saxon athletics program Brett Bremer Sports Editor The legacy of former head coach Bill Karpinski, who died Saturday, Oct. 30, will still be playing a role on the Saxon gridiron 30 years after “Coach Karp” coached his final football games at Hastings High School. William J. Karpinski Jr. coached the Hastings varsity football team from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1988 to 1991. His Saxons had undefeated regular seasons in 1979 and 1990. The 2021 Saxons improved to 9-1 this sea­ son with a playbff victory over Charlotte Friday. That is the most wins the program has had in a single season since Karpinski guided his 1990 team to the playoffs with an unde­ feated regular season. Current Hastings varsity football coach Jamie Murphy played for Karpinski at Hastings High School and then at Hillsdale College. Current Saxon JV football coach Marsh Evans had just gotten his start under Saxon head coach Jeff Simpson a couple years earlier and transitioned to Karpinski’s Bill Karpinski speaks at a dedication ceremony in September 2007, joined by (back­ ground, from left) Eyerie Baum, Larry BaunM*rttMka$jnski’s wife, Marlene. See KARPINSKI, page 2 \\ \ Uptick in violent crime alarms law enforcers County, board agrees to hire fulLtjme detective Detective-Sgt. Janette Maki addresses the Barry County Board of Commissioners Tuesday as part of a contingent from county law enforcement asking the board for support. From left are: Sheriff Dar Leaf, Undersheriff Jason Sixberry, Maki and Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Rebecca Pierce Editor An unrelenting surge in violent crime, punctuated by two horrific homicides and two unidentified bodies, spurred Barry County’s chief law enforcement officer to make a rare appearance before county com­ missioners Tuesday. Given the growing caseload - and the nature of these crimes - officers are reaching the point where they will begin to bum out, Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said. The prosecutor didn’t just ask commission­ ers to hire another sheriff’s department detec­ tive, she implored them to do so. And they agreed, unanimously. The recommendation for a fiill-time hire will come up for a formal vote at next Tuesday’s board meeting. Nakfoor Pratt, Sheriff Dar Leaf, Undersheriff Jason Sixberry and Detective Sgt. Janette Maki presented evidence to sup­ port their request. Maki and Nakfoor Pratt were in court Monday on the Lafey case, in which the defen­ dant is charged with torturing the 18-year-old victim, videotaping the murder then showing it to his friends. This is not the only unsettling case they’re contending with now. “What we’re asking for is the creation of additional full-time position,” Sixberry said. “The time frame would be basically for start­ ing January 2022.” See UPTICK, page 3 Barry-Eaton health board meeting derailed again Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry-Eaton District Board of Health will have another try at finishing a meeting at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 18 in Hastings, after its last two meetings were brought to an abrupt end during public comment. About 10 minutes into a meeting Oct. 28, Rutland Charter Township resident Joel Ibbotson refused to yield the floor after board Chairman Ben Geiger said he had reached the end of his time limit. The meeting went into recess and was ultimately adjourned. Ibbotson said he has reviewed the Michigan Open Meetings Act and health department board bylaws, and found nothing giving the board the authority to limit speaking time to two minutes for members of the public who want to offer comment. “In the absence of a rule, there is no rule,” Ibbotson told The Banner. The health board’s Sept. 23 meeting came to a similar end when a member of the public refused to yield the floor. That meeting also went into recess and then was adjourned. On Wednesday, Geiger told The Banner he planned to reach out to Ibbotson and find out what his issues are to prevent a similar situa­ tion at the next meeting. “Ultimately, at the end of the day, if some­ body wants to come talk without end, I really can’t stop them, but they’re going to be responsible for the consequences,” Geiger said. “It is wrong and against the law to dis­ rupt a public meeting,” John Amrhein, a public policy expert at Michigan State University who has written on the Open Meetings Act, said the act gives governmental bodies the ability to create a rule implementing a time limit for a person to speak during public comment. But, Amrhein pointed out, the OMA does not state where the rule must be recorded, whether it must be written as part of board bylaws, noted on a meeting agenda or merely stated verbally at the beginning of a meeting. Geiger said countless other governing bodies in Michigan are able to hold functioning public comment periods without such a rule in place. Last week, he opened public comment by stating that there would be a two-minute limit on each person wishing to speak, but later acknowledged to The Banner that the board does not have this rule in writing. When asked if the board would put the rule in writing, Geiger replied, “I don’t believe it would be a bad idea.” Ibbotson, however, told The Banner he will not be at the next health board meeting - or any other county meetings - for a while. He said he had exhausted every recourse available at those meetings without any result. “It’s all been for nothing,” Ibbotson said. “I stand by what I did, and I have absolutely no regrets. If you know your rights, you have them. If you don’t know them, you do not have them.” The issue he had planned to speak about last week, he said, was the oath of office as it pertains to the health officer. That issue is being addressed in other ways now, Ibbotson said. He and other residents sent petitions to nearly every county in See BARRY-EATON, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner KARPINSKI, continued from page 1 ----------------staff. Those two are far from the only ones who are branches off the Karpinski coach­ ing tree. “There are a lot of similarities to the team this year that Jamie is coaching to that [late 80s/early 90s] team,” Evans said. “It was an honor to coach with [Karpinski]. He was tough. He was old-school. Kids would go through a brick wall for the guy. He was great at what he did, and he was just a fantas­ tic person - not just about coaching, but with so many other things, too, in life. He was dedicated to his family. He taught me to have balance in my life. I will always remember that part of it. Mrs. [Marlene] Karpinski, she sat through many football games. They had a great family.” Bill and Marlene have four children: Debora Trutsch, Jacqueline Vignolo, William J. “John” Karpinski III and Michael Karpinski. “I was honored to experience Coach Karp as a high school athlete and a college athlete,” Murphy said. “His son [Mike] and I played football together at Hillsdale College. Although he was a little older, Mike made things seem manageable when I transitioned from high school to college. After Mike graduated from Hillsdale, Coach Karp came to head up the defensive line­ men. In my two years in high school and three years in college, I found that Bill knew more about the changes in the game of football than I ever knew existed. Many of the changes were things I had read about as a kid. As a college player, I heard first­ hand what he experienced, leather helmets and everything. Thank God football has changed over the years.” Bill Karpinski played football and wres­ tled at Western Michigan University and after graduating came to Hastings in 1959 to teach physical education, coach wrestling and serve as an assistant football coach. He left in 1960 to take the job as the head foot­ ball and wrestling coach at Buchanan High School in his hometown. During the mid-1960s, Karpinski’s Buchanan Bucks put together a 27-game win streak and were named the 1965 state champions. In 1975, he returned to Hastings to take over as athletic director, director of physical education and as the head varsity football coach. In his years of varsity football coaching at Hastings, Buchanan and Battle Creek Central Bill Karpinski (left) accepts a traveling trophy from Hastings High School Principal Steve Harbison in 1991. Karpinski received many awards and was named Coach of the Year several times. He was inducted into the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame in 1992. and across the state line in Michigan City, and Mishawaka, Ind., Karpinski put together a record of 146-53-7. His teams collectively won nine conference championships and had five undefeated regular seasons. His first Hastings team went 3-6 in 1975. The Saxons won seven games under his guidance in 1976, five in 1977, seven in 1978 and then had a perfect 9-0 regular sea­ son in 1979. That 1979 team was bested in the first round of the state playoffs by a Grand Rapids West Catholic team that went on finish as the state runner-up in Class B that fall. Karpinski left coaching in 1980 to focus on being the athletic director/assistant prin­ cipal at Hastings High School, then returned to the sideline for the Saxon varsity football team in 1988. The Saxons went 5-4 in 1988, 6-3 in 1989, 9-1 in 1990 and 7-3 in 1991. “Bill was one of the toughest men, besides my dad, I have ever known,” Murphy said. “He was everything about a man that you wanted to be. He was straight to the point, no-nonsense, honest, and always doing what A plaque just outside the gate of Baum Stadium at Johnson Field was dedicated in September 2007 to Bill Karpinski “for his many years of service to Hastings Area Schools as football coach, athletic director and mentor.” was best for students, parents, teachers and the community. Without knowing Coach, you would think he was a hard, gruff, uncompromising man. Yet when you got to know him, he was kind and always knew it was more important to listen than to tell people what he thinks. “All of his players and assistant coaches can tell you stories about how tough, demanding and how high he set his expecta­ tions,” Murphy said. “Those same men can also tell you stories about how he could stop and listen, as well. He understood that everyone had their own story, yet that didn’t ... lower his expectations of you. Matter of fact, the tougher the situation you came from, the higher the expectations he set for you.” Hastings was in the state playoffs in both 1990 and 1991. Dowagiac, the eventual Class BB state champion, defeated the Saxons in the opening round of the 1990 playoffs following the Saxons’ undefeated regular season. Evans recalled 1991 as being an especially enjoyable campaign because of how the team was able to exceed expecta­ tions to get back to the postseason a second year in a row. “You can look at his won/loss record and see he’s had great success,’\then-Hastings Schools superintendent Carl Schoessel said in a Banner interview after Karpinski announced he was leaving Hastings for a job as an assistant athletic director/assistant foot­ ball coach at Hillsdale College in January 1992. “But what strikes me most about [Karpinski] is that people tell me little anec­ dotes about their sons who had played for him, and the positive effect he had on their lives. “They talk about him with such high regard. I’m very proud of him and like him both personally and professionally. He han­ dled all of his duties with a great integrity.” Karpinski was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1993. “Bill was always one to be more prepared than the other guy,” Evans said. “Watching film back then was a transition from the old reel-to-reel 16 mm films you’d watch on projector to the VHS tapes.” “Sunday meetings, you would show up 3:30 or 4:30 in the afternoon and it might be 10 o’clock or 11 o’clock when you left,” Evans added. “Bill just wanted to be more prepared than the other team, and our kids were. He was a perfectionist. Practice had a purpose all the time. Our kids I think were Former coach Bill Karpinski and his wife, Marlene, attend a dedication ceremony at Hastings High School in September 2007. (File photos) prepared for any situation. I think that made the difference. We had great players. We had a run of three or four years, and I think Bill was able to take that talent and take them to the highest level.” Bill’s son Mike graduated from Hastings High School in 1987. Evans was one of his coaches. Mike’s Brother William “John” Karpinski III got to play one year for his dad at Hastings High School. “I kind of wish I would have played for him,” Mike said of his father. “He got the best of his players. He motivated his play­ ers. I didn’t really need motivation, but I just know he would have gotten the best out of me, and that is no disrespect to the coaches I played for. I would have enjoyed it, that’s all.” Mike Karpinski coached at Hillsdale for a year, and Bill arrived on the Hillsdale staff the following year. Mike spent 25 years coaching, spending time at the University of Indianapolis, at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis and then five years at Michigan City High School, Indiana. He has been retired from coaching for about five years. Mike Karpinski said he took all kinds of things from his father that might sound little, but are very important, into his coaching career. “Make sure you’re coaching everybody,” his son said of one of his dad’s lessons. “You’re coaching your best players, but you’re also coaching those guys who are struggling. You’re coaching every player, whether it’s in a game or in practice. You’re coaching everybody, and you’re coaching hard. There are so many things. “He was always prepared: ‘Make sure you’re good at the things you’re doing.’ ‘Don’t ever try to do something in a game that you haven’t practiced for at least two or three days,’ I think is another one. A lot of times you see things and you try to change things the last minute. Offensively, that usu­ ally doesn’t work out. Defensively, you can do some things, but offensively there are too many moving parts that have to be on the same page. “There are so many things,” he continued. “‘Make sure you’re working harder than all your coaches are, so when they see you working harder than them that motivates them to work harder.’ There are a lot of little things like that that stuck with me. “That is true in life. Any kind of leadership position you’re in, they don’t want to see the head man sitting back with his feet up. They want to see him working.” Mike Karpinski said his parents rarely, if ever, missed one of his high school or colle­ giate sporting events. Down time for his dad was rare, but he said his dad liked to fish and he liked to play golf. “We played a lot of golf together, and my mom and him used to fish. They had a cot­ tage on a lake near Paw Paw, so we were up there a lot growing up in the summer,” he said. Mike Karpinski followed in his dad’s foot­ steps as a coach and physical education instructor. He sat down this week and wrote a letter to his father that he will leave with him. He couldn’t help but note the way he followed in his dad’s footsteps. They were both three-sport athletes in high school who went on to play college football. “You married the love of your life, I mar­ ried the love of my life. You went on to teach health and PE, I teach health and PE. You coached football, I coached football. Then there were two or three other things. Basically, in a nutshell you pretty much influenced my whole life,” Mike Karpinski said of the letter. That influence spread beyond his family and continues growing today. NASHVILLE, continued from page 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- “I couldn’t watch the whole thing,” he told Nakfoor Pratt. James said he had seen enough to know that Lafey had killed Brickley. “I told him to get out of my house.” Then, James said, he flipped a quarter, try­ ing to decide whether to kill Lafey, he told Nakfoor Pratt. Instead, he left and went to his girlfriend’s house. He did not tell her what had hap­ pened. That night he lay in bed and stared at the wall. The next morning, he went to see Ketola, Lafey’s father, and both men went to the Nashville Village Police Department. They reported the murder to officer Chris Underhile, who has since been named the department’s chief. When he learned the location of the mur­ der, Underhile knew it was outside of the department’s jurisdiction, and called Barry County Central Dispatch. James gave the police his permission to search the residence, and six officers from Nashville and the Barry County Sheriff’s Office went to the residence. The officers went into the house with their guns drawn and made a sweep of the resi­ dence. Lafey was sitting on the couch. He told the officers that Brickley had left with another man. After Deputy Rich Frazer searched Lafey for weapons, Deputy Kevin Erb asked to see Lafey’s phone. Lafey unlocked it and gave it to him. Erb found a file on the phone showing Brickley on the ground, and showed it to Lafey. His demeanor, which had seemed calm, changed. “He was done talking at that point,” Erb said. “It seemed like he just put his head down.” Lafey was read his rights and placed in the back of Erb’s patrol vehicle. Underhile, who had developed a rapport with Lafey from previous contact, made his own attempt to question Lafey. After some small talk, Lafey told him where Brickley’s body was buried. The officers walked out to the area, a group of pine trees behind the house, and saw foot­ prints leading to the spot. They soon found blood spattered in the snow, and discovered Brickley’s body under two or three inches of snow. After he was taken to the Barry County Jail, Lafey was interviewed by Barry County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Janette Maki. Lafey told her that he had only known Brickley for a few weeks, perhaps a month. He said, before they had sex the first time, he told Brickley that, if she gave him a sex­ ually transmitted infection, he would kill her - and that she should kill him if he gave her one. Lafey said he wasn’t serious at the time, but he later believed he had contracted a STL He claimed that, on the evening of the murder, Brickley asked him to He also said he burned Brickley’s take her rabbit hunting. He backpack next to her body, then grabbed a.22 rifle and a shovel, changed the location to a bum bar­ and they went outside. . rel behind the residence. But offi­ When they were in the woods, cers observed that the barrels were she asked if he recalled the con­ covered in snow, and nothing had versation, then ran at him with a been burned in them. knife. Lafey told Maki he shot Police never found Brickley’s Brickley once, but she didn’t bag or phone. stop, so he shot her again. A knife fitting the description After the second shot, that Lafey gave was lying on the Brickley fell to the ground, cry­ Andrew Lafey table near him when he was arrest­ ing and moaning. ed. Nakfoor Pratt asked Maki what Lafey had Lafey told Maki he went back into the told her about the sounds Brickley made house and waited for the police to arrive. while she was on the ground. Maki also summarized the autopsy report. “He said that that bothered him,” Maki The medical examiner said Brickley had died said. “That he didn’t want to have to kill her, from multiple gunshot wounds, with multiple that it hurt his feelings, so he started stomp­ blunt-force traumas named as a contributing ing on her to put her out of her misery.” factor. One bullet was recovered from During the interview, Lafey motioned to Brickley’s body. the side of his neck, Maki said. “He said he At the end of the hearing, Nakfoor Pratt was trying to stomp on the side of her neck to went into more detail on the blunt-force trau­ make her die faster.” mas listed the autopsy report. Lafey told Maki he stomped on Brickley Brickely had a broken nose, broken jaw, until he was sure she was dead, then he put four broken ribs on her left side, and three on her hat back on her, covered her with snow, her right. She had multiple lacerations and picked up her backpack, the two spent abrasions to her face, both ears, neck and shells and the knife before going back to upper chest. Multiple teeth had been kicked the house. out of their sockets. At first, Lafey told Maki, he didn’t know “Your honor, there is a total of 21 bluntwhy he took the video. Then he said it was to force injuries,” Nakfoor Pratt told Judge prove to his father that he needed help remov­ Doherty. “That is a clear, clear indication of ing and hiding a body. torture.” Doherty agreed. Although the video was not shown during the hearing, the judge viewed it in chambers during recess. “It is clear from the video that Mr. Lafey committed a brutal, heinous murder of Gracyn Brickley,” he said at the conclusion of the proceedings. “...I don’t see any doubt that he committed those offenses.” “The video clearly shows torture and the intent to inflict extreme pain to the victim, and just a brutal attitude, numerous name callings, a lot of statements within that video, along with the comments to the witnesses, watching the moment (that) her life left her eyes, the obvious pain that the victim was in.” Before Monday’s court proceedings, Lafey’s bond had been set at $500,000. After the hearing, Doherty revoked it, “due to the overwhelming evidence of guilt and the brutality of the charges.” Lafey’s hearing had been delayed for sev­ eral months so that he could undergo exams for competency and criminal responsibility to determine if he was competent to stand trial. During that time, Lafey was charged with two additional offenses, of assaulting jail employees. Nakfoor Pratt told The Banner that her office “recently dismissed those charges without prejudice, as further investigation was needed.” “We will make a decision at a later date if we will re-instate those charges,” she added. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — Page 3 Planning commission meets with city council, schedules public hearing Benjamin Simon Staff Writer On one of the first chilly nights of the year, members of Hastings City Council and the planning commission sat in the second-floor conference room of the Hastings Public Library, ate pizza and talked housing for an hour and 15 minutes. Over the past nine months, the planning commission has worked to develop a plan to increase housing in the city of Hastings - spe­ cifically accessory dwelling units and two-family dwellings, or duplexes. Monday, the planning commission shared its findings with city council and work­ shopped the details of their proposal for accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, in Hastings. The special meeting represented a step toward the finish line and implementation of the ADU zoning ordinance. Following the meeting, the planning commission scheduled a public hearing for its next meeting at 7 p.m. their optimal use.” The decision to permit ADUs in the city would allow residents to rent out the addi­ tional space on their property, such as base­ ments, garages or attics. The language in the ordinance mentions three different kinds of ADUs, including internal, attached and detached. But not every lot nor every attic would qualify as an ADU. There are a number of restrictions. One of the buildings must be owner-occupied. It must use the same fea­ tures of the principal home, such as a drive­ way. The lot must be of a certain size, and the ADU cannot be larger than the primary house. “I think the distinction or the important point or way of remembering [ADUs] is real­ ly in the name. It is considered to be a dwell­ ing unit that is accessory to the principal dwelling unit,” planning consultant Rebecca Harvey said. City council members largely responded Dec. 6 to receive feedback regarding ADUs. “I was personally very pleased with the discussion that we had tonight,” planning commission Chairman Dave Hatfield said at the joint meeting. “I think it identified a cou­ ple of issues that we do need to follow up on, but I think, for the most part, everyone seemed comfortable with the direction that we’re headed.” ADUs existed in the city for a number of years, but were discontinued about 15 years ago. Currently, city ordinance does not allow for two dwelling units on one lot, making ADUs illegal. The goal of the ADU is to increase density using the existing housing structure without creating new homes. “The real benefit is that we know that these exist in the community currently,” City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale said. “Either people are using them illegally or they are not using them to conform with the law, and the structures are not being put to Resseguie, will meet next Friday to tweak the proposal before next month’s public hearing. Moyer-Cale said she hopes to have ADUs approved by city council around the start of the new year. Over the past nine months, the city also has worked on text ordinance regarding two-fam­ ily dwellings. The topic was not discussed at Monday’s special meeting and will be further revised before bringing it to the city council during another special meeting. Hatfield said he expects the committee will need another month or two before the two-family dwelling unit text is ready for the city council. During the special meeting, Hatfield reiter­ ated a common consensus among city offi­ cials: This isn’t the only solution for increas­ ing housing in the city of Hastings. Although he noted it will create additional housing opportunities, it won’t increase housing by a substantial margin. “There are bigger steps that are going to come,” he said. BARRY-EATON, continued from page 1 ------------------------------------- UPTICK, continued from page 1 -------------------------------The cost would be $58,884.80, with $49,224.66 for fringe benefits, not including vehicle and equipment costs, he said. The department currently has two full-time detectives, who maintain several responsibili­ ties, including investigation of all aspects of major criminal investigations, internal inves­ tigations, background investigations, assisting and overseeing uniform division complaints. Sixberry catalogued the crimes they handle - everything from homicide and rape to kid­ napping and severe assaults. “We also have increased violence, includ­ ing homicides, severe physical and sexual assaults, increase in crimes related to comput­ er-based sex offenses... and extortion,” he said. These complaints require detectives to assist the uniformed division because of the technical nature of the crimes. “It’s very diffi­ cult because of the added number of com­ plaints in each of these major crimes, includ­ ing with the homicides that we have as well.” Nakfoor Pratt is at the beginning of her third term as prosecutor, “so I’ve had a lot of expe­ rience with the detectives here,” she said. “In addition, I’ve had 33 years of a career involv­ ing criminal cases, criminal prosecution and criminal defense^ So I know what goes into a criminal case. The county’s two detectives work “tireless­ ly,” she said. “I’m not sure people can see all the things that they do, so I wanted to high­ light it. And then I also wanted to highlight why I think it’s not only an emergency, but critically important that the sheriff’s depart­ ment be granted this position as soon as pos­ sible.” Nakfoor Pratt pointed to the two most recent homicide cases involving young peo­ ple, and two missing persons and bodies found, one that has yet to be identified. “So there’s a lot of emotion,” she said. positively to the proposed allowance of ADUs. ’ “I mean, first of all, I think accessory dwelling units are a great idea. We need more like this,” councilmember Brenda McNabbStange said. “But I think there are a lot of things that need to be addressed with this.” After Harvey walked them through the ordinance, council members asked questions and provided commentary about parking space, comer lots, the sharing of utilities and the issue of non-conforming lots. Currently, the proposed ordinance allows residents with non-conforming lots to apply for a spe­ cial-use permit. They would have to justify their case to the planning commission. Moyer-Cale said she does not anticipate any major changes, if any, to the ordinance text as a result of the joint meeting. The house committee, which consists of Moyer-Cale, Harvey, Hatfield, Community Development Director Dan King, Mayor David Tossava and Mayor Pro Tern John “There’s a lot of young people involved in the witness in interviewing process. There’s a lot of investigation that goes on; an enormous amount of man hours has to go into the investigation of those cases to either prove or eliminate homi­ cide as a matter of death. “We’ve also had some very violent domestic violence cases, I had my office run the num­ bers, and I’m going to tell you that, from 2019 to 2020, there was not a major increase, there was a small increase in the amount of cases that our office sees.... “What’s changed, and what’s causing the increase in the hours, is that these cases have become extremely violent.” Then there are the vehicular deaths, she noted. “The other thing that is important is the sheer the amount of court time, the amount of court preparation, the amount of witnesses,” the prosecutor said. “... It gets to a point where they can’t get us the information as fast as we need it to keep up with court deadlines.” “The sheer amount of hours these take this is very, very taxing on the body and on the mind. And what I don’t ever want to see, for my office and for our law enforcement, is burnout. “I also think what’s going to become critical is there’s going to come a time, and I would say we’re probably goiiig therd right now, where we have to give defense attorneys infor­ mation that they are entitled to and we want to make sure they get it and they get it on time. “But if things keep going the way they are - and I see absolutely no change in that kind whatsoever in violent crime - then I’m afraid they’re going to bum out. So I can tell you from a prosecutor’s perspective, and I’ve been here how many years now on and off over the last several decades, Cases have gotten ugly.... I think we’ve got to a critical phase. I think it’s become an emer­ gency. And I’m asking you to consider what I’ve said...and grant this request.” Michigan asking whether their health offi­ cers are violating the law by not taking an oath of office. Ibbotson said Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt has “emphatically” told him a health officer is not legally required to take an oath of office, but he disagrees with her opinion. He was the third person to speak during public comment at the Oct. 28 meeting and had warned the board in advance that he would exceed the allotted two minutes. When he did, Geiger called for a recess. Then, after Ibbotson told the board and Eaton County Sheriff’s Lt. Scott Brooks that he would not yield the floor if the meeting was called back into session, the board unanimously voted to adjourn. The meeting took place at Kardel Hall at the Eaton County Fairgrounds in Charlotte to accommodate a large audience. However, slightly more than a dozen peo­ ple were in the audience, although a few more arrived later on. The only business the board completed was the approval of the agenda and the min­ utes of the previous meeting. At one point during his argument with the deputy Thursday, Ibbotson said he planned to issue an apology on behalf of the commu­ nity to Health Officer Colette Scrimger. Scrimger has been a focus for much criti­ cism expressed by citizens, some of whom have asked the board to fire her. Geiger sent a statement to the The Banner after the meeting. “The board has always operated with openness and in compliance with the law, and will continue to do so,” he said. The health board had several items on its agenda it did not get to last Thursday. These included a COVID-19 vaccine update, staff­ ing update, union negotiations, payment of Barry-Eaton Health Department board Chairman Ben Geiger gavels to call a recess during last Thursday's meeting when Rutland Charter Township resident Joel Ibbotson refuses to yield the floor during public comment. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) the bills, a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Tobacco Grant Report, correspondence and board member com­ ments. “Unfortunately, there was business that we were unable to complete at today’s meet­ ing,” Geiger told The Reminder. “I am still evaluating the need to hold a special meet­ ing, versus waiting until November to do the work we were elected to complete.” The next regular meeting of the health board is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Nov. 18 in Hastings at the health department’s office at 330 W. Woodlawn Ave. October ranks second for Barry County COVID deaths Taylor Owens Staff Writer A total of 11 people died as a result of COVID-19 in the month of October, accord­ ing to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. The month is tied with November 2020 for the second most deaths due to COVID-19 that have been recorded in Barry County. The highest was December 2020, with 18 deaths. There were just two deaths recorded in October 2020. It also was a jump up from previous months. July, August and September of this year recorded two deaths each, and June recorded one. Six deaths were reported since last week, bringing Barry County’s total to 89 since the pandemic came to the county in March of 2020. There were 243 active cases of the virus confirmed in Barry County as of Tuesday, and 194 people were in quarantine. The most recent seven-day average for positive COVID-19 tests in Barry County was 24.08 percent - the highest on record. According to the state of Michigan, 32.52 percent of all COVID-19 tests conducted on Oct. 26 were positive, meaning about one third of the 123 people who received a test were positive. It is the highest single day rate since COVID-19 tests became widely avail­ able in the summer of 2020. Health officials warn the high positivity rate means there are likely many more cases which have not been accounted for. BRIEFS, continued from page 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------vide help, such as food for a family or toys for children. Locations to sign up, based on home address, include: Hastings and Middleville residents: visit Barry County Cares, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, Suite 108, or call 269-948-9555 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-l p.m. Delton residents: visit Delton District Library, Wednesday or Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday or Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., or Saturday 9 a.m.-l p.m. or call 269-623-8040. Nashville residents: visit the Nashville clerk’s office, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed noon-1 p.m. Wednesday and Friday) or call 517-852-9544. Freeport residents: visit Freeport District Library, Monday or Thursday 1-8 p.m., Wednesday or Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or Saturday 9-11 a.m.; or call 616-765-5181. All other Barry County residents: call Barry County Cares. Anyone wishing to “adopt” a household should call Barry County Cares, 269-948-9555. with Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Norris earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania and her med­ ical degree from State University of New York at Buffalo. She completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Minnesota, achieving board certification in 1990. She for­ merly held teaching positions at the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University. Dr. Norris has been affiliated with Creekside Vision and Hearing, formerly known as Eye & ENT Specialists, since 1989. The Barry County Parkinson Support Group meets at 5 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Barry County Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave. in Hastings. Persons with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners are invited to attend. Registration is not necessary. Refreshments and educa­ tional materials are available free of charge at each meeting. Meetings are a partnership between Spectrum Health Pennock, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, and the Barry County Commission on Aging. More information is available from Tammy Pennington by calling 269-948-4856, or emailing tpennington@barrycounty.org. Please Join us for an SO1* Birthday Party s* PRE-GAME S ^TAILGATE PARTY5 To show community support for our football team and the spirit of being a Saxon, n Thornapple \\ Credit Union where community matters is sponsoring a tailgate party with free grilled hot dogs, chips and a drink to anyone before the district finals playoff game vs. GR South Christian at the main entrance to Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. START TIME FOR THIS WEEK'S GAME WILL BE 7 P.M Dr. Norris to speak to Parkinson’s support group NO GIFTS PLEASE The Barry County Parkinson Support Group will host a guest speaker at its Nov. 10 meeting. Kimberly J. Norris, M.D., will speak on the topic of “Parkinson’s Disease and the Eye,” and will cover eye problems commonly encountered by persons living Celebrate the SAXON SPIRIT If you aren’t able to join us for the afternoon, and Sunday, November 7th Hastings Free Methodist Church would like to send her a card, please send to 303 Time: 1:00—4:00 PM 2635 M-43 Highway Balsam Dr., Hastings, Ml 43053 Questions, please contact, Charles (26S.£04.64£D, Deb (264.425.4?44) or Don (26^.^04.106^) Hastings, Ml 43053 We will have a light lunch and cake, coffee, tea, water g punch. SAXON SPIRIT ... let it show! �Page 4 — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? An ode to football On the trail of a wind turbine Remember last Thursday’s photo on this page of the oversized load making its way through Barry County on Oct. 18? Well, there were three more of those huge tube-like structures being trucked down M-43 on Oct. 28. And that’s the day we heard that these big tubes will become the base of a wind turbine. Now, our curiosity is driving us (no pun intended!) to ask where the wind turbine will be located? If you know, email editor@j-adgraphics.com. The wind turbine shown here can be found in Ubly in Michigan’s Thumb. But, if our sources are correct, we won’t have to drive that far to see one sometime soon. Photo provided by No Trams To Lime Street from METRO DETROIT, used under Creative Commons license. Do you remember? Exchanging perspective on World Community Day Banner Nov. 4, 1965 Exchange students attending Hastings High School this year are to be special guests of the United Church Women Friday, Nov. 12, as they observe World Community Day. The girls are to share their impressions and experiences in brief talks at the meeting to be held at the Evangelical United Brethren Church at 12:30 p.m. Pictured (from left) are Carol Henderson, of Ireland, living with Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Engle; Birgit Brodt, Germany, living with Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gaskill, Dowling; Hilda Carson, Ireland, liv­ ing with Mr. and Mrs. Eric von Reis; Karin Nilsson, Sweden, living with Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Smith; and Pirvo Airio, of Finland, living with Mr. and Mrs. Don Springer. Have you met. During his first class on his first day as a full-time teacher, Wesley Johnson gave a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation. He want­ ed to establish relationships with his new students. He wanted them to get to know him, packing the presentation with photos of his family, his art, and his interests, like Chinese. But it didn’t matter how interesting Johnson’s life was. Three minutes into the presentation, the kindergarten students start­ ed talking. A game of tag broke out in the back of the room, and the classroom, as Johnson remembers, felt like it was in chaos. When he drove home at the end of the day, he couldn’t stop his body from twitch­ ing with muscle spasms from the anxiety of his first day. “I was just like ‘What happened?’ ” said Johnson, the new art teacher at Star and Northeastern elementary schools. Two months after his first day, Johnson sits back in his art classroom at Star Elementary without any twitching. A lot has changed since then. For Johnson, 25, this is his first job out of college. It took time to learn, but he’s get­ ting the hang of it, he said. Artwork lines the hallway leading up to his door. Craft creations hover above every table. Chinese artwork overlooks his desk. Painted pictures dry in the back of the room. “It’s gotten way better,” he said. “It’s only gotten better.” Johnson was bom in Reed City, the sec­ ond youngest of eight kids. He was homes­ chooled until third grade, when his dad, a carpenter, died of cancer. Not long after, his mom remarried and moved the family to Rockford, where Johnson started attending parochial school. It took time to adjust. “I had so many siblings, it was like they were my friends, I didn’t need anybody else,” he said. “And, then, when I went to school, I was like, ‘I don’t need to be here.’ “But I realized I did need to be there because I was really far behind.” When his dad first became ill, his mom paused the homeschooling for half a year, and Johnson’s reading lagged. He was held back, and the constant fight to get better at reading made him dread going to school. As a result, he immersed himself in classes where he didn’t have to read - like math, gym and art. As a senior at Rockford High School, he started to think about what he wanted to do with his life. He thought about following his brothers into the trade industry or trying graphic design for video games or, after years of taking Mandarin, studying linguistics. But as he stepped back and thought about the people who had the largest influence on his life. He thought about teachers. Wesley Johnson “I was like, ‘I don’t even know what I’m going to teach.’ I was like, ‘I’m OK at art, so let’s just go that way.’” Johnson had always been interested in art. As a kid, his mom used to put him in a high chair, tape down a large piece of paper, and Johnson would “just got to town.” Over the years, he kept drawing, often cartoon drawings, like anime. In 2016, he enrolled at Grand Valley State University to study art education with an emphasis in jewelry making and met­ alsmithing. Throughout his first four years at Grand Valley State, he thought he would go into secondary education. That changed during his fifth and final year, when his wife, Laurin, who is the Young Kindergarten teacher at Central Elementary School, sug­ gested he go into elementary education. She pointed to the fact that, with 22 nieces and nephews, he has spent a large portion of his adult life taking care of kids. “I feel like those struggles that I had with [school], I can use those challenges that I had to overcome to help students here,” he said. Earlier this year, Johnson began applying to elementary art teaching jobs. He looked at nearby schools in Rockford and Grand Rapids first. But as he had trouble securing jobs or finding art education openings, he slowly expanded the search. That’s when an opening in the Hastings Area School System popped up. He had never heard of the place, but he decided to apply. He inter­ viewed and got the job. During the interview process, Johnson told them about his wife, a special educa­ tion major who also was looking for a job. She was hired as well, and they have begun their first jobs, together, in the Hastings Area School System. It took time for Johnson to learn how to 1 manage a classroom full of energetic kids. In recent weeks, he has assigned more cre­ ative projects and incentivized them with rewards. Follow the rules, he told them, and you get candy. The only problem? The kids started fol­ lowing the rules and, suddenly, Johnson was down 480 pieces in a week. “I ran out of candy so fast,” said Johnson, who now only awards candy to the best table every class. His job is a little different than the average elementary school instructor’s. He teaches 500 kids between the two elementary schools. He only sees each class about once a week. Still, he said he’s been able to create relation­ ships with the students and, in turn, he has found more control over the classroom. When he has the energy, Johnson will spend his free time playing pickleball or collecting mugs. On the weekends, he still teaches English to students in China - a program he started in college. Every morning, the couple wakes up at 5:20 and are on the road by 6:20. They still live in Allendale from their time at Grand Valley, and the trip requires an hour-long commute. To avoid burnout, the Johnsons don’t nor­ mally stay at work past 5 p.m. By the time they get home, they’re exhausted. They flop on the couch, watch a bit of television and eat dinner and, by 9:30, they’re asleep. The commute has taken a lot of time and energy. Johnson said they’re logging 700 miles on their car every week. But it’s not too bad: He has a carpool buddy and is glad he chose Hastings. “I’m really happy that I was hired here because everybody’s so nice. And I feel like I’m learning so much,” Johnson said. “Teachers just will stop by and ask how I’m doing, really, how the year’s going and stuff like that. It’s an incredible community, and the staff is very supportive. ... I’m very blessed to be here.” For his new role as the art teacher and Star and Northeastern elementary schools, Wesley Johnson is this week’s Bright Light'. Favorite movie: “Iron Giant.” Favorite TV programs: “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “The Chosen.” Hobbies: Pickleball. I really enjoy learn­ ing about other languages. That’s another one for me. I’m practicing my Chinese writing. It helps me learn my vocab a lot. Knowing how to write in a language allows you to be able to read and speak it pretty well. What I like about my job: The relation­ ships. An important lesson from childhood: Don’t take for granted the people that you have with you. Hastings Mayor Dave Tossava’s cell phone comes in handy when he wants to show pho­ tos of his grandson. One dynamic image, shot by our Sports Editor Brett Bremer, he showed me last week is of his grandson catching a pass for the Hastings Saxons at a recent game. It’s a wonderful moment. I marveled with the mayor about the photo. (Great job, Brett!) And I marveled with the mayor about foot­ ball. No other competitive sport can compare to college football on a fall day in Michigan. As a kid, I remember going to University of Michigan games in “The Big House.” There was a trudge up a short but fairly steep hill to reach the stadium, then that moment when you’d walk out into the stands and the sound of 100,000-plus people washed over you. I was amazed by all the pageantry and tra­ ditions: That high-stepping Michigan march­ ing band taking the field as the breeze briskly snapped their capes back. The mellow tones of the trombones striking a distinctive coun­ terpoint to the background noise of the crowd as it gathered on game day. People were happy to be together and excited to see the Wolverines play in person. There was always good-natured rivalry, no matter the opponent. But, for diehard fans, the day was about, as their legendary coach Bo Schembechler used to say, “The team, the team, the team.” And, oh, as that team ran out onto the field, leaping up to tap a banner for luck, the crowd went wild. Everybody was cheering - stu­ dents, parents, families and friends - and lots and lots of fans. At the beginning, I loved the marching band, the blustery fall weather, the feeling of anticipation, and the spectacle. I grew to love the game. So, this past Saturday, like tens of thou­ sands of other football fans, I was transfixed by what will likely go down in the record books as one of the greatest games in the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry. I won’t assume everyone knows - and I want to get this part over with fast. So, here’s the spoiler: The Spartans won. But it sure didn’t look like that was going to happen at the beginning when the two unbeaten teams met in East Lansing. Michigan came out strong; they intercepted the ball and then a relatively unknown wide receiver by the name of Andrei Anthony ran a 93-yard touchdown on Michigan’s first drive. Not much has been said about Anthony, although, given his outstanding efforts Saturday, much will likely be said in the future. A lot has already been reported about MSU’s outstanding running back Kenneth Walker III, who not surprisingly scored five touchdowns for the Spartans. In fact, he was the only Spartan to score any touchdowns. They couldn’t have won without him. There they were, 12.5 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, the game tied, 30-30. The Wolverines got a field goal to jump ahead by 3. Then, with 5:08 minutes remaining, Walker did it. He scored a 23-yard touchdown to make it 37-33. The excitement of that game was almost constant, with incredible individual effort and unexpected developments. A particular one that will live in infamy for Michigan fans was a controversial score for the Wolverines, ruled as a touchdown on the field, then overruled after an official review. The game offered a duel between the coaches, too. At the end of the first half, Michigan was preparing to kick a field goal when Spartan Coach Mel Tucker called a time out. MSU had three left, so he used them all, in quick succession, every time U of M started to kick. The ball was in the air when the timeouts were called. The kicker for U of M, the unflappable Jake Moody, ended up having to kick that field goal three times. Each one of the kicks was accurate, but none of them counted until MSU used its last timeout. It was a great strategy - and Tucker applied it well. The Spartans’ quick succession of timeouts made Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh smile. At that point, U of M was ahead, so Harbaugh could afford to smile. He sure wasn’t smiling by the end of the game. Tucker had sized up the Wolverines’ weak­ nesses and ended up out-coaching Harbaugh. That, truly, was the story of the game: Good leadership won the day. The game was just loaded with life lessons - and the notion that leadership is paramount to success for any organization was perhaps the most obvious. The importance of time and not wasting opportunities when they present themselves was another obvious take-away. Also, the outcome of the game made it clear that, no matter what, outstanding indi­ vidual effort truly counts. But it’s tough to convince someone whose team has just lost that this might be the case. I will never forget the face of that Michigan quarterback who had just played the best game of his college career. He was standing on the field, his helmet off, crying in the rain. Yet, amid all the dramatic developments of the day, there were some moments of good sportsmanship and fun. One sweet-faced child amid the throng Saturday held up a sign that read: “Wolverine. Tastes a little like chicken.” We’ve missed these contests; these remark­ able encounters that celebrate our passion for a team. And, when MSU plays the Buckeyes, we’ll gladly cheer for the Spartans. (We do have our priorities in order.) Frankly, it seems like the procedures fol­ lowed by the officials in Saturday’s football game might help if they were applied in other venues. Perhaps some of the dysfunction we’ve been witnessing lately in local meetings could benefit from the addition of referees in striped shirts blowing whistles and ejecting disorder­ ly people who aren’t following the rules. But maybe that’s not such a good idea after all. Instead of masks, they’d have to mandate helmets. Rebecca Pierce, Editor Congratulations to Highpoint Community Bank It was 135 years ago when a young man came to Hastings from Kalamazoo with the idea of starting a local bank. He was success­ ful in attracting several investors, farmers, publishers, dry goods and hardware mer­ chants, a druggist and attorneys. All of them were anxious about the success of our com­ munity and willing to invest in his enterprise. On Oct. 26, 1886, Hastings City Bank was chartered as No. 11 with $50,000. Now, 135 years later, it is still operating under the same charter but with a different name. It remains the oldest state bank charter in Michigan. The bank’s intent, written in a history book published by J-Ad Graphics in 1987 was, “To finance manufacturing activities so that Hastings could share in the fruits of a growing industrial revolution. At the time, sawmills mostly served the town’s economy. There was one rail line with a second under construction, which brought freight, passengers and daily newspapers from Grand Rapids and Detroit.” Over the years, the bank - now Highpoint Community Bank - has grown, adding branches in Middleville, Nashville, Caledonia, Bellevue, Wayland and Marshall, along with drive-up locations in Hastings and Delton. So, with that large footprint, they’ve really become a community bank that’s ready to serve these communities with personal and business banking needs. Where else can you go, get a cup of coffee and sit down with a representative who knows you and is ready to help you with all your banking needs. It’s all about community bank­ ing. Like so many industries, that sector of the economy has been taken over by big banks, leaving approximately 4,700 community banks nationwide. Now, as it marks 135 years in business, HCB continues to be a leader. To this out­ standing banking institution: Congratulations on your years of service and for all you’ve done to promote the growth and stability of the communities you serve. The Hastings BcHHld* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — Page 5 Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Build your ‘cash’ account before retiring If you’re going to retire in the next few years, you’ll want to start thinking about making some changes to your investment portfolio. And one area you may want to look at is whatever type of cash ac­ count you might have - be­ cause, when you’re retired, the amount of cash you have readily available may be even more important than when you were working. Your cash management account could pay a slight­ ly higher rate than a typical savings account, as well as serving as a holding place for funds that may eventually be transferred to other invest­ ments. Furthermore, it can provide you with these ben­ efits: • You can pay for emer­ gency expenses. You might be retired, but life goes on and life is full of unexpected expenses, such as a new fur­ nace or a costly auto repair. It’s a good idea for retirees to keep at least three months of living expenses in a separate cash account, which can help pay for emergencies without forcing you to dip into your longer-term investments. • You can save for a short­ term goal. You may have several short-term goals, such as a long vacation or a kitch­ en remodeling project. If you are trying to reach this type of goal within a year or two, you may want to start moving funds into your cash manage­ ment account. For goals with longer time frames, you may want to consider using other types of investments appro­ priate for the specific goal and your risk tolerance. • You can protect some money from market volatil­ ity. When you’re a long way from retirement, you may not be particularly bothered when the financial markets drop, leading to a decline in the value of your investment portfolio. However, once you’re retired, those down­ turns might not be quite so tolerable. As a retiree, you may want to maintain one year of expenses (adjusted for outside income sources such as Social Security) in a cash management account for spending purposes. Knowing you have this cash set aside may help you feel more com­ fortable when markets are volatile. Nevertheless, hold­ ing too much cash has risks of its own. Retirement can last for more than 30 years, so you’ll want to be invested in enough equities and fixed-in- come vehicles to provide your portfolio with the balance and growth potential necessary to help you avoid outliving your money. As you can see, building your cash management ac­ count can be helpful in sever­ al ways. So, in the years pre­ ceding your retirement, look for opportunities to add to this account. For example, you could use some of the money from a tax refund or a bonus at work. And, if you haven’t already done so, you might direct your bank to move a certain amount each month from your checking or sav­ ings account into your cash management. When you’re retired, do what you can to re­ plenish your cash account as much as possible. Your cash management account is important at every point in your life, but it may take on even greater meaning when you’re retired - so do whatever you can to keep it in good shape. This article was written by Edward Jonesfor use by your local Edward Jones Finan­ cial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC ARPA committee’s progress thus far provides ‘checkpoint,’ no decisions Rebecca Pierce Editor Nineteen requests for federal funds coming to Barry County through the American Rescue Plan Act have (been assessed and scored by the county’s appointed panel, volunteers with experience in a variety of economic and com­ munity sectors. Bonnie Gettys, president and CEO of the Barry Community Foundation, presented the panel findings to the county board of commis­ sioners Tuesday while committee members listened in the audience. The commissioners’ response to her presen­ tation made it clear that more must be done before the county closes in on committing the money to any particular purpose. The foundation, Barry County United Way and the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance developed this coalition; a task force led by Gettys and involving Lani Forbes, CEO ofUnited Way; Jennifer Heinzman, who heads up BCCEDA; Greg Moore, commu­ nity affairs manager at Consumers Energy; Cindy Vujea, retired economic development coordinator at the Alliance; Carla Neil, retired chief operating officer at Spectrum Health Pennock; Craig Jenkins, Delton Kellogg Board of Education member; and Robert Geyer, retired partner from Crowe LLC. “Every municipality received all the infor­ mation,” Gettys said. “We sent out several emails. And then if we didn’t hear back from them, we called the municipalities to make sure that they were OK, if they wanted help or didn’t want help. “The committee actually went and met with several of the townships and really sat down and talked to them about the process and think­ ing about long term, not just spending money, but truly investing it for future economic pur­ poses. “And not necessarily just about economic purposes, but about residents and their ability to just thrive and survive.” They developed metrics around the ques­ tions; every application could receive up to 55 points. The application itself was actually cre­ ated from the federal requirements for report­ ing back to the federal government “to make sure that the applications really reflected what the the federal government wanted to hear back in would approve,” Gettys said. “We don’t want anyone to have to return any dollars that they get from this process. And we need to make sure that everything is correct.” Getty reviewed the individual projects and how they were scored. Commission Catherine Getty praised the committee’s approach. “They did the research,” she said. “The document that Bonnie is referring to that provided guidance was 110 pages long.” Plus, she pointed out, they specifically designed the application to ensure that the money will be spent correctly and that there won’t be problems down the road. “That’s really critical in our confidence to be able to make these decisions that we’re spend­ ing the money correctly,” she added. “Nationwide, communities are struggling with this. And our committee I think has just done a phenomenal job of distilling that information, helping the community spell it out, and then bringing confidence to our board to be able to confidently award that money and invest that money in our community.” “I’m not confident,” Commissioner Vivian Conner interjected, saying she wanted to see more background and documentation. “I thought there was going to be a meeting where we would get to see the applications and not just their recommendations.” Chairman Ben Geiger clarified that no one was going to be voting now. “This is a presentation of the tasks they were assigned to do,” Geiger said. “And now we get to discuss how we would like to go forward.” “We’re going to be transparent,” he added. “And we’re going to select projects that benefit the most people. So we’re on the same page. “This is a new process that no board of com­ missioners has gone through before.” Commissioner Howard Gibson praised the committee’s work. “I trust their judgment - and I’d like to move forward. I don’t think they’re going to come up with anything different than what we’re seeing here today.” Commissioner Bruce Campbell said he appreciated all the work. “But I also agree with Vivian,” he added, saying that he would like to see the applications to develop a better under­ standing of how these projects are evaluated. “If I might add one thing..., as I’ve gone to my township meetings, there’s a lot of fear out there that they’re going to do the wrong thing... If there was some way that this committee - I know, we asked an awful lot of you already but if there was some way to attend a township meeting or contact the supervisor directly, they’re just, I mean, the fear out there is unbe­ lievable. “They’re afraid you’re going to get put in jail (if they err in some way). So it would be nice to coach them on this complicated process.” “The fear is not of what to do, it’s more are we going to do it wrong?” Gettys asked/ “That’s what I’m saying,” Campbell replied. Commissioner Jon Smelker agreed that he would like more depth, including seeing the applications. Getty replied, “I think I speak for the com­ mittee in saying that we’d be happy to sit down with you and answer questions about each individual application... and really for you to understand the process we went through to make these decisions. So whatever it needs to be, we’re happy to do that. Conner said, “I want to say it seemed like a good point to segue in with the confidence thing from Catherine’s remark. But I think the committee, you know, that was a lot of work to get the applications. “I think you did a great job, but when this was the only thing I saw in the packet ...I wasn’t confident. So I agree with what you just said, because that’s what I thought...when we approved this was that we were going to get a chance to sit down and go through the applica­ tions. So I’m happy moving on.” Geiger called it Tuesday’s review a “check­ point” where we pause and decide what we do next. “It feels like the consensus of the board is let’s continue moving forward... These recom­ mendations are based on the guidance that’s been given us through the Treasury Department. So we’re not willy-nilly investing $6 million.... There’s very specific guidelines out there.” Barry County Commissioners, from left, Howard Gibson, Jon Smelker and Catherine Getty discuss the process. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Barry County starts process to consider project applicants vying for federal funds Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County’s American Rescue Plan Act committee received 19 completed applica­ tions and one incomplete application, which did not name the applying organization, for the first round of funding. “The committee reached out to the incom­ plete applicant and is encouraged by the applicant’s desire to apply for the second round of funding,” the committee noted in its report. The remaining applications were studied according to the requirements from the U.S. Department of Treasury rules to determine eligibility. Scorecards were developed based on the requirement of the grants and used for each applicant. A total of 55 points was available. Each member of the committee reviewed each application and provided a completed scorecard. W Based on the submissions that were received, this is how the applications were ranked, in order of highest to lowest score. 1. Delton Water Tower, $1,332,900, was requested by Barry Township Supervisor Barry Bower to construct a 200,000-gallon water tower in the Delton area to increase the capability of the current water delivery system. 2. Freeport Water supply and tower, $839,000, was requested by Supervisor Jamie Knight, Treasurer Alesse Crosse and Clerk Sharon Olson, to rehabilitate the current water tower and replace an undersized 1,560-foot water main. A replacement will improve water quality and reliability to resi­ dents to help the village prepare for addition­ al industry and residents. 3. Barry County Central Dispatch/911 and Barry County Emergency Management, $2.4 million requested by Central Dispatch Director Stephanie Lehman and Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Yarger for the buildout of one 800 MHz communications tower site in the county to increase load capacity, coverage and provide increased interoperability and a safer communications platform. 4. Cloverdale Drain, $500,000 was requested by Drain Commissioner Jim Dull to offset the cost of the drain project. 5. Watson Drain, $2 million, was request­ ed by the drain commissioner to offset the cost of that drain project. Barry County Commissioner Vivian Conner asks to see the applications and find out more about the process that was followed in scoring the project. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) 6. Barry-Eaton District Health Department, $100,000 for financial assistance to repair failed septic systems in the county, was requested by Sarah Surna. 7. Barry County Parks & Recreation Commission proposed the Paul Henry Trail 4.5-mile paving project at a cost of $ 1,237,500, which was requested by Director Dan Patton. 8. Little Thomapple River Intercounty Drain, $2 million was requested by Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull for road crossings on the Little Thomapple River Intercounty Drain. The total cost of the proj­ ect is $4 million; this request would cover half the cost - with $500,000 to pay for a crossing on Brown Road, $500,000 to pay for the crossing at Jordan Road and $1 mil­ lion for the North Broadway crossing. 9. Activate Barry County, $107,620 for Community Center Food Planning Project, was requested by Allison Troyer Wiswell. Bonnie Gettys, president and CEO of the Barry Community Foundation, addresses county commissioners Tuesday to review the ARPA committee process in analyzing the applications that were received for the first round of funding. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) 10. Barry County Road Commission requested in $923,327 for revenue replace­ ment. 11. Algonquin Lake Sewer and Broadband asked for $14,000, requested by James Blake, Sandra Drummond and Tom Mohler, for a plan to reduce pollution and improve the quality of drinking water and provide a viable plan to move forward with broad­ band. 12. Watson Drain District assessment proposed $3 68,433, requested by Prairieville Supervisor Jim Stonebumer, who wrote: “The Watson Drain District has been a seri­ ous health issue for a part of our Prairieville Township residents.” The township is being assessed $799,049 to pay for its portion of the work. 13. Starting Over for Success Transportation for Employment, $68,435 was requested by Joyce Snow for financial assistance in providing the ex-offender pop­ ulation transportation to and from work, as well as the cost of vehicle maintenance and operating costs. 14. Barry County Community Mental Health Authority requested $132,664 to increase agency staffing, offer sign-on bonuses, cellular hotspots, iPads, and other benefits. 15. Barry County Parks lost public sector revenue due to the 2020 pandemic that cost $79,189, from reduced rentals, no special events, no in-person educational programs. 16. Barry County Administration request­ ed $2,956,038 in revenue replacement to make up for what the county lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. 17. Charlton Park restroom accessibility and sanitary improvement, at a cost of $94,600, was requested by Director Dan Patton. 18. Barry County Animal Shelter Workers’ Hazard/Essential Worker Premium Pay totaling $54,440 was requested by Director Kenneth Kirsch Jr. for five shelter workers who continued to work during the pandemic, never took a day off and handled the animals of deceased residents. 19. Indexing land records at a cost of $400,000 was submitted by the Barry County Register of Deeds Barbara Hurless. “Funds would allow us to contract this work out and get it done in less than a year’s time.” �Page 6 — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Paul Reynolds Pierson Paul Reynolds Pierson, age 84 of Delton, passed away on November 1, 2021. Paul was bom on January 16, 1937 in Burbank, CA to Murry and Fem (Hansen) Pierson. His family spent several years in California before moving to Michigan when Paul was 7 years old. He was a 1955 gradu­ ate of Delton Kellogg High School. Paul proudly joined the US Air Force where he was an airplane electrician, and served time in Japan. On November 15, 1957, in Midwest City, OK, Paul married the love of his life, Mary Fowler, who pre­ ceded him in death on July 29, 2015. He worked at Clark Equipment in Battle Creek for 33 years before finishing his time with the company in Kentucky. After retirement Paul moved to Florida, where he lived for 10 years before returning x-* xrOl? IR to the Delton area. Paul was an active mem­ ber at Cedar Creek Bible Church where he was a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He loved being able to spend time volunteering at Thomapple Manor. In his spare time, Paul enjoyed fishing, playing chess and cribbage, sailing and diving. He also enjoyed a good cup of coffee. Paul deeply loved his family and cared for them and his loving wife, Mary, for many years. Paul is survived by his children, Scott (Ruth) Pierson, Steve (Gretchen) Pierson, Renee Pierson; grandchildren, Jody, Erik, Wendy, Ashley, and Adam; great-grandchil­ dren: Owen, Sophie, Ben, Allie, Ethan, Theo, Annabelle. He was also preceded in death by his par­ ents. Friends and relatives may meet with the family on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 from 10 to 11 a.m.. at the Cedar Creek Bible Church where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Bob Norton officiating. Burial will take place at Prairieville Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Cedar Creek Bible Church or Thomapple Manor. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Paul’s family. A * Traditional and Cremation Services Atz* Pre-Planning Services Lrwfc— • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible WwMWIPiliBMh ■ • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome.net Owner/Manager Family Owned and Operated ow7er E^Xitus Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Worship Together Cynthia Jean Hallifax Jeffery Lynn Martz Jennifer Jo Wandell Cynthia Jean Hallifax, age 68, of Galesburg, passed away on October 29, 2021. Cindy was born on September 14, 1953, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Dwayne “Paul” and Florance “JoAnne” (Norris) Hamilton. Cindy was a 1971 graduate of Paw Paw High School. On October 8, 1984, Cindy married Robert Clair Hallifax, Jr. on Mackinac Island, returning every year on their anniver­ sary. She co-owned a national event and catering company, and a winery in Frankenmuth. Cindy was a joyous person who loved to share joy and happiness with others and make them feel welcome. Cindy and Robert win­ tered at their home in St. Augustine Beach, Florida. She loved to entertain in both Michigan and Florida. Cindy enjoyed traveling, garden­ ing, and her two labradoodles, Riley and Jacques. Her favorite destinations were Mackinac Island and St. Augustine Beach. Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Paul Hamilton. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Robert Hallifax; mother, JoAnne Hamilton; siblings, Paul (Pat) Hamilton, Cathy (Ed) Thompson, and Bruce Hamilton; stepdaughters, Kelli and Kim Hallifax; grand­ children, Brooke, Brandon, and Morgyn, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Niko’s Landing and Banquet Center, 5852 King Highway; Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Arrangements by Giffbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Jeffery Lynn Martz, of Freeport, passed away on October 29, 2021, at age 64. He was bom on November 19, 1956, in Hastings, the son of Alfred and Dorothy (Converse) Martz. He was a master electri­ cian and worked for Bradford White for 38 years then Advance Packaging were he medically retired. Jeff met Cheryl Ann Kauffman 20 years ago and they were mar­ ried on May 21, 2016. He enjoyed motorcycling, hunting, fish­ ing, and spending time with family and friends. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wesley Martz. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl; adopted children, Larry Martz, Holly Walsh, and Michelle Martz; stepchildren, Samantha (Mujo) Davis, Shellie Davis, several grand and great grandchildren; sister, Mary Lee; brother, Ben (Judy) Martz, and several niec­ es and nephews. There was a funeral service on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, at Girrbach Funeral Home 328 S. Broadway St. Hastings, MI 49058. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice and Palliative Care 750 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. To leave online condolences visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Jennifer Jo (Mitchell) Wandell, age 61, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, on October 31, 2021. Bom on April 14, 1960, Jenny is survived by her husband, Wesley; daughter, Jenah (Aaron Blankenship) of Columbus, Ohio; sons Robbie (Sydney) of Delton; Mitchell (Kyly) of Allegan; and one cherished grand­ son, Owen. Along with her family, she will be forev­ er missed by her four siblings, Toni Ann (Bill) Schroeder and Sally (Dayton Fandray) Windle, both of Lima, OH; Rich (Julie) Mitchell of Edmund, OK; and Robb (Sue); Mitchell of Dublin, OH; two sisters-in-law, Pamela (Bill) Fleming, of Laytonsville, MD; Glenna Miller of Noblesville, IN; and 15 nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her par­ ents, Tony and Carolyn Mitchell, and hep in-laws, Glenn and Luella Wandell, all of Lima, OH. A graduate of Lima Central Catholic in ’78 (“That 478 is great!”), Jenny went on to The Ohio State University, earning a bach­ elor’s degree in education, and then gradu­ ated Magna cum laude from Western Michigan University with a master’s degree in education. In February of 1984, she mar­ ried Wes, moved to Michigan, and started her professional education at DeltonKellogg Elementary School. She was a much-beloved kindergarten teacher for 36 years until her retirement in June of 2021. The community has shared an outpouring of love for Jenny, as her love of children inspired generations of families requesting^ to be in her classroom. Everyone knew at any moment, you could barge through the door, grab a bag of goldfish from the cup­ board, pull up a tiny chair, and let your soul run free. Her love of students, friends, and family shined through in many forms. She would be there with an open heart and open arms to catch you - A teacher for those who needed a guiding hand, a friend for those who needed a sympathetic soul, most of all, a wife and a mother who loved every min­ ute with her family - holding her kids the tightest, encouraging them to never give up, to chase their dreams, and to treat others with the kindness, respect, and love as she did for so many of us. She was the warmth that was needed on a cold day and provided a soft place to land on the hardest of days. Most importantly she provided unconditional love to all. To say she will be missed, hardly covers the wound the community has shared. She will be embedded in the hearts of everyone who knew her, and that is where she will remain. Forever. . A celebration of life will be held at the Thomapple Valley Church in Hastings, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021; with the service starting afterward at 2 pm, Memorial donations may be made to The Jenny Wandell Memorial Fund / Barry Community Foundation, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condo­ lence message for Jenny’s family. Kevin Dane Curtiss Juan Navarro ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5 th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass fflUMSffllM produc,s 1351 North M-43 Hwy. 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings 1301 W. Green St. Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 945-9554 Juan Navarro, age 77, of Orangeville, passed away unexpectedly on October 30, 2021. Juan was bom on March 25, 1944 in Saltillo, Mexico, the son of Natividad and Maria (Trevino) Navarro. Juan enjoyed work­ ing on his 1964 Chevy Impala whenever he had a chance. He loved helping the mission fields in the Apostolic Assembly. He made friends wherever he went and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Juan will be remembered for his infectious laugh and as a jokester. Juan is survived by his daughters, Sandra (Ernesto) Andrade and Rosalinda (Edward) Troutman; grandchildren, Mark-Anthony Andrade, Abigail Andrade, Michael Andrew Andrade, Alexandra Rose Andrade, Troy Juan Carpenter (TJ), Jacob Alan Jeknavorian; siblings, Rosendo Navarro, Lupe (Alejandro Lara) Navarro Lara, Ezequiel (Juana) Navarro, Joel Navarro, Daniel (Dora) Navarro, Noemi (Jose) Navarro Salazar. Juan was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosa Arreola Navarro; daughter, Kristina Navarro Carpenter; siblings, Cecilo Navarro, Samuel Navarro, Lydia Navarro Lopez, Ruth Navarro Gonzales. Juan’s family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, 10 to 11 a.m. at the Fountain of Truth Apostolic Tabernacle where his funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condo­ lence message for Juan’s family Kevin Dane Curtiss, age 47, of Hastings, passed away on November 1, 2021. Kevin was bom on December 30, 1973. Kevin attended Charlotte High School. He loved Coca-Cola, family gatherings, music, dancing, bowling, card games, tele­ vision, and professional wrestling. Kevin was preceded in death by his father, David Curtiss and his stepfather, Norman Satterly. He is survived. by his mother, Carol Satterly; brother, Kyle (Rachel) Curtiss; stepsister, Dondi (Robert) Littleton; uncle, Terry Kuhn; nephews, Brendan and Daniel Curtiss, and numerous family and friends. Memorial contributions in memory of Kevin can be made to Special Olympics, https://support.specialolympics.org/, 160 68th Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 or a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Barry County Enrichment Center, Leason-Sharpe Hall, 231 S. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. • Independent and Assisted Living • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — Page 7 Jlake. QdeUa . Doctor . Elaine Garlock Flyers are ready in the stores for the coming Christmas Round the Town event the weekend after Thanksgiving. The pink flyer has no map this year but it has six new stops. The stops range from 76th Street west of Clarksville to one on Goddard Road in Sebewa Township east of M-66 and south to Davenport Road south of Woodland. Another stop is on Usbome Road in Carlton Township. There are new stops in Lake Odessa. Five churches are listed with multiple vendors. Some of the stops also have several ven­ dors is likely more than 100. This big project is now sponsored by the Lakewood Area Chamber of Commerce. Central United Methodist Church is having its next two All Saints Day with remembrance of church members have made the transition of this life to the next during the year just past. Sunday school class­ es are at 9:30, and the worship ser­ vice is at 10:30 a.m. Each week the service is live-streamed for viewing at home. Sunday, Oct. 31, at the end of the service, members of the con­ gregation made a rapid procession past the camera so viewers could see the variety of costumes worn by those in attendance. Because of an active case of the virus by one gen­ tleman who attended the Sunday, Oct. 31, service, there will be no services Nov. 6 and 13. Sparrow Hospital has announced its choice of Physician of the Year. Although the hospital’s under the Sparrow umbrella, the one chosen was Dr. Christopher Herald of Sparrow Carson at Carson City. He Trailer stolen from Irving Township property A 49-year-old woman reported a dump trailer was stolen from her residence in the 6000 block of Sugarbush Lane in Irving Township the night of Oct. 22. The woman said the 12-foot, $600 trailer was parked in a place where it could not be seen from the road. She had bor­ rowed it from a friend and parked it there the previous day. Drunken driver crashes into power pole Police responded to a single-vehi­ cle crash on Parmalee Road near Stimson Road in Thornapple Township at 7:50 p.m. Oct. 23. The vehicle had crashed into a power pole, which had snapped at the base. The driver, 29, of Caledonia, said he swerved to miss a deer and went off the road. He also admitted to drink­ ing five beers about 45 minutes before the crash. He had a 0.255 blood alcohol content and was arrested. Suspicious vehicle contains meth, syringes Police were dispatched to the Goldsworthy’s Marathon station on M-37 Highway in Dowling at 10 p.m. Sept. 12. Employees of the station reported a suspicious vehi­ cle parked by the building. An offi­ cer spoke to the driver, a 5 3-yearold man from Kalamazoo. The man said that he had several phone calls to make, because he was trying to determine if his girlfriend was cheating on him, and he did not want to talk and drive. The man initially denied taking any narcot­ ics, but eventually admitted to using methamphetamine earlier that day. He said there was a syringe in the vehicle which belonged to his girl­ friend. He consented to the officer searching his vehicle, where two more syringes and some meth were found. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. grew up in Carson City and chose to service in its local hospital. His parents were Edward Herald of Hubbardston and Geraldine Dawson of Saranac. North of town are some changes in the scenery. North of Portland Road, the Hamp property has had a total cleanup of the site of a bam and silo which were held partly in place by hay bales stored in the interior. Now the site is totally cleared, and the land leveled with no trace of the farm buildings north of the Hamp residence. Next south, the Allen house was razed and the site is now level, but the farm struc­ tures remain. Farther south, at the comers with Bippley Road, is now construction at the site of the for­ mer Odessa Center school with its building transformed to a dwelling that was damaged in a June torna­ do. The home had to be demol­ ished. East of town, the Raffler property near Tupper Lake has the start of interior walls with studding in place. With only one light frost two weeks earlier, the forecats this week is for temperatures below 32 every night. Time to cover the geraniums or move them inside. Threes are fast losing their colorful leaves. There are some brilliant trees in full color while others remain green. A correction to the Lakewood News: Lake Odessa Community Library will host a Superhero Celebration from 5 to 6 p.m. today, Nov. 4. Youngsters 5 to 10 years old are invited to dress as superheroes and head to the library for super activities, super snacks and super fun. Pre-registration is encouraged. Middleville house burglarized A 32-year-old man called police to report his residence in the 6000 block of Stimson Road in Thomapple Township had been burglarized. The man said he was in the process of moving out of the house and no longer lived there. But he arrived Oct. 18 to find the front door had been forced open and the place had been ran­ sacked. Stolen items included two Coyote Lights, one headlight lamp, two boxes of.22 caliber ammo and four boxes of spent brass casings. The man was still compiling a list of all the missing items. He did not know of any suspects. ORV tracks were found on the property, but they disap­ peared into a nearby field. A Hastings Walmart employee notified police Oct. 17 that someone cut the lock on the store’s recycling bin and dumped trash in it. The employee showed surveillance foot­ age of a suspect in a black Dodge Durango dumping trash into the organic recycling section. IjiT KRy k* Dr. Universe: How did the Sun form? Krystal, 7, Seattle, Wash. William J. Karpinski William J. Karpinski, Jr., age 85, of Lawrence, died sur­ rounded by his family at Rose Arbor Hospice on October 30, 2021. He was bom in Buchanan, on June 9, 1936, to William J. Karpinski, Sr. and Helen Karpinski, who both preceded him in death. He attended Currier Country School to the eighth grade and graduated from Buchanan High School in 1955 as an honor student and accomplished athlete. Bill attended Western Michigan University on a football scholarship and excelled there in both football and academics. On August 25, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart Marlene A. Thomas. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage with their loving family. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1959 after a decorated career in football and wrestling as a Bronco. Bill was the football coach in Buchanan, holding a 27-game winning streak and a state championship in 1965. He was also the head coach at high schools in Battle Creek, Mishawaka, Michigan City, Hastings and at Hillsdale College. His goal was to always build a solid and successful program. He felt that football and wrestling were great preparations for life. Bill achieved his goals and dreams and along the way had championship teams wherever he coached. Bill was the Athletic Director at Hastings High School from 1975-1992. He was named “Coach of the Year” 11 times and was inducted into the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame in 1992. Bill retired from his teaching and coaching career in June of 2001. Marlene and Bill’ enjoyed living atlheir lake home and just being together. Their time was devotedto their children and family. He still enjoyed attending the occasional football game and visits from past students and players. His most recent joy came at the birth of his great-grandson Donovan Thomas Karpinski. His family also includes his loving wife and sweetheart Marlene; his daughters, Debora (Brian) Trutsch and Jacqueline (Biagio) Vignolo; his sons, William J. (Tamara) Karpinski, III, and Michael (Diana) Karpinski; his grandchildren, Adam, John, Megan, Eric (Peggy), Astoria, Joseph, Donavan, and Kyle; his sister, Chris Karpinski; his brothers, Rick and John Karpinski; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Walter “Dodge” Karpinski. Family will receive friends and family from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw. Mass of Christian burial will follow on Friday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Paw Paw, with Rev. Fr. Alan Jorgensen and Rev. Fr. Robert F. Creagan officiating. Burial will take place at Prospect Cemetery, Lawrence. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary School or Church, Hastings High School Athletic Department or Buchanan High School Athletic Department. Share a memory or sign the online tribute wall at: www.adamspawpaw.com Dear Krystal, Our sun may be one of the billions of stars in the galaxy, but it’s the only star right here in our solar system. It keeps us warm and gives us light, which is import­ ant for all kinds of living things on our planet. To find out more about how stars like our sun form, I talked to my friend Jose Vazquez, an astronomer at Washington State University. He reminded me that when we talk about the size of stars, we often talk about their mass. You can think of mass as the amount of stuff, or matter, that makes up an object. Our sun is a fairly low-mass star. The largest known star, UY Scuti, is 1,700 times wider than our sun. Some smaller stars are the same diameter as Earth. But no matter the mass, pretty much all stars start out with the same star stuff. “It’s kind of like when you make bread, tortillas or cookies,” Vazquez said. “Even though they are all different products, they often require the same basic ingredients and a good mix.” The main ingredients for stars include dust and gas, or molecular stuff, he said. It also takes a lot of time - sometimes mil­ lions of years - for a star to come togeth­ er. In space, some of the places where we find a lot of this gas and dust material is in molecular clouds that are huge and super-cold. You can think of this cloud, or nebulae, sort of like the bowl that contains the ingredients for a star. Some people have even referred to these molecular clouds as star nurseries. At first, these particles of dust and gas are often spread out in space. But gravity, an essential force in the universe, can start to pull those ingredients together into dif­ ferent groups of matter that will eventually collapse to form objects called protostars. When the protostar reaches just the right temperature, a reaction called nucle­ ar fusion begins in its core. The fusion of certain gases, such as hydrogen, can release a lot of energy which powers the heat and light of the star for a long time. Vazquez said if the protostar doesn’t get hot enough at the core, it actually becomes something called a brown dwarf - not quite a star and not quite a planet, but something in between. You know, the very question of how stars form is one that scientists continue to investigate. For instance, later this year, scientists at NASA are going to launch the most powerful infrared telescope ever into space. The James Webb Space telescope will help humans learn all kinds of things about our universe and even let us get a closer look at the nursery of stars. The next time you look up to the night sky, think about how many millions of years it takes our stars to form and how it all starts with gas and dust. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Social Security supports small businesses Vonda VanTil PnblitwAf^ir^Specialist The COVID-19 pandemic has been test­ ing small businesses. Running a small busi­ ness can be a 24/7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling, services, and marketing can be challenging even in normal times. If you’re a small-business owner, or you work for one, our online suite of services can help make your life easier. Our business services allow you to file W-2/W-2Cs online and verify your employees’ names and Social Security numbers against our records. Our online services at ssa.gov/employer will save you valuable time when you need information on filing electronic W-2s and verifying Social Security numbers. "Small busted owners also can take advantage of our Business Services Online at ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm. You must register to use this free service, which also offers fast and secure online W-2 filing options to certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and individuals who pro­ cess W-2s and W-2Cs. For more information about electronic wage reporting, read our publication at ssa. gov/pubs/EN-05-10034.pdf. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs special­ ist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. Egbert (Bert) Keizer Annual November Sale 20% off Fabrics J (Excludes Sale Items) Suspect dumps trash in recycling bin .■ Stars have gassy, dusty start Man caught smoking meth in parking lot A police officer was dispatched on a report of a reckless driver on M-37 near Hastings at 5:08 p.m. Oct. 20. The officer located the driver who appeared to be sleeping inside the vehicle. The officer noticed a bag of methamphetamine sitting on the center console. The driver admitted to parking in the lot to smoke meth. The officer searched the vehicle and found another con­ tainer of meth and a still-warm pipe. The man also had three war­ rants for his arrest, including for contempt of court, failure to appear and child neglect. He was arrested. e /. ■ ■ r • ? • Christmas 'Prints • New fabrics Coming, In Betty Rodriguez please call us. < 'J Trayforcur Country < < QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Saturday, November 13,2021 Hastings Baptist Church 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings, Michigan Visitation ~ 10 a.m. -11 a.m. Celebration of Life Service ~ 11 a.m. ** Luncheon following. , J J < Hulst Cleaners Pick-Up Station j NOTICE SPIRITUAL CARE CONSULTANTS Of West Michigan ANNUAL MEETING/BOARD MEETING November 9, 2021 • 5:30 PM Spiritual Care Consultants Healing Center Public Welcome RSVP for instructions on how to join the meeting. 269^29-2901 NOW HIRING OPEN POSITIONS: • Preschool Assistant Teachers • Preschool Lead Teachers • Paraprofessionals • Senior Transportation Driver • Distribution Specialist • Kitchen Assistant/Food Transporters Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community acheive and maintain independence. Community Action is also enrolling for preschool!!!!!!! Apply now at www.caascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Community Action is an equal opportunity employer, equal opportunity provider. �Page 8 — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Inventor, industrialist, philanthropist Emil Tyden made his mark here fl look bask at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES < Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Tyden Park has been part of the Hastings landscape for decades. More recently, the former post office/public library was renamed the Tyden Center, honoring the man who helped bring prosperity to the city more than a century ago. The eldest of eight children of tenant pota­ to farmers in Sweden, Emil Tyden arrived in the U.S. in 1882 at age 17 with only a bit of change in his pocket. But what he carried in his heart and in his head, ultimately, was far more important and helped make this man almost legendary - not only in Hastings and Barry County, but also in Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Washington, D.C., Sweden and else­ where. “When he stepped off the boat in New York to start life in America, Mr. Tyden was a very rich young man - rich in the things that matter most,” the Rev. Leason Sharpe said at Tyden’s funeral Nov. 26, 1951. “He had ambition, integrity, courage, a true sense of values, and a faith in God.” It would take far too long to list Tyden’s achievements, or a who’s who of dignitaries, inventors and other famous individuals he encountered. Just a few highlights: Tyden is thought to have more than 200 patents to his name. He was made a knight by the King of Sweden. He was tapped by the federal gov­ ernment to head up the munitions at the Rock Island, Ill., arsenal just after the U.S. entered World War I. Former J-Ad Graphics editor and author of “Tyden -An Ordinary Man Who A fade Others Extraordinary” Doug VanderLaan wrote in the 2017 book, “... like most young men between the ages of 4& and 35, Tyden was seized by ‘America fever’ and the thrill of adventure in a new and emerging land. America opened a new and exciting chapter in Tyden’s life, one that would include wilder­ ness exploration and encounters with train-robbing bandits, distinguished military service in his new country, and as a comic book celebrity. In between there were experi­ ences with gold miners, automotive legends, and world leaders. Emil Tyden climbed from immigrant obscurity ... to fame as an inven­ tor, industrialist and philanthropist in America. “After he was knighted by King Gustav V with Sweden’s Royal Order of Vasa in 1940, it could be said that Tyden walked with kings, but never lost touch with the common person.” Tyden would use his mechanical genius to build machinery, methods and wealth. He wanted others to succeed, too, and found ways to use his riches. He helped Swedish immigrants, farmers in Idaho and Iowa, and entire communities like Hastings. Beyond the Hastings park and the county building that bear the Tyden name, his connec­ tion to the community is still evident today: An endowment fund in memory of his daugh­ ter, Florence Tyden Groos, covers all adminis­ trative expenses for Barry County United Way and ensures that 100 percent of donations goes directly to the local community. This column in the next few weeks will revisit articles on Tyden and local industries he helped build, starting with this article on the International Seal and Lock Factory from the July 14, 1938, Banner. Would belt globe 12 times Tyden seals made here supply 95 percent of railroads Most people in Hastings know there is such an institution here as the Car Seal Factory, makers of the Tyden Car Seals. They probably do not know why these seals have so dominated the car seal market, that they are used on 95 percent of the railroad mile- age of this country, and on the Canadian and Mexican national railroads, on the island of Cuba, and that considerable quantities of them are exported to every continent on our globe. This institution has been in Hastings for 37 years; but it did not all at once attain its supremacy in its field. It took a considerable time for that to occur. The Tyden Car Seal Factory is now the largest institution in the world manufacturing car seals. The history of the seal is very interesting. The inventor of the Tyden self-locking car seal, as probably most of our readers know, was Emil Tyden of this city. When he devised the seal, he was a land agent for the Union Pacific Railroad. In that capacity, he traveled extensively over the United States. While on these travels, his attention was called to the very crude method then in use for sealing freight cars: A lead and wire seal, closed by using a sealing press. The process could be duplicated at a cost of about 35 cents each. The impressions made on the lead by this press was frequently illegible, thus destroying its value as a seal, so the railroads were without adequate seal protection. Troubling tampering At that time, the question of freight losses on American railroads was of large impor­ tance. Not only the railroads, manufacturers, shippers and the consignees, but also the public was interested in having clear evi­ dence that the products shipped in a given rail car were received without having been tam­ pered with or adulterated in any manner after leaving the shipping point. The railroads were naturally more interest­ ed, because they are financially liable for losses or damages to freight while in their possession. Billions of dollars’ worth of goods are transported annually over the rail­ roads, so protection against opening of car doors and removing freight by unauthorized persons must be guarded against, and the means of protecting the railroads, the ship­ pers and the public lies chiefly in the use of a car seal, securely fastened to the doors of the freight car. When Mr. Tyden’s attention was directed to this matter, he gave it thorough study and reached the following conclusions: - A seal must combine the elements of security, legibility and ease of application. Emil Tyden invested more than a million dollars in the development of his self-lock­ ing seal. Eventually the investment paid off, to the benefit of the inventor and the community. The seal factory stood alongside a railroad on East Mill Street in Hastings. ON SALE NOW! 1 THJEM An Ordinary *W CHASING THE EVIDENCE OF A REMARKABLE MAN Emil Tyden made a mark in this world at the turn of the 20th Century, but it was the imprint of a selfless man whose incredible talents and care for his fellow man Should be admired by every succeeding generation.” The book, Tyden: An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary, was published ^Dougvmineriaari by Fred Jacobs and J-Ad Graphics and is the most extensive biography to date .... of a man who arrived from Sweden at the age of 17 and whose inventive brilliance began with contributions to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 and ended just before his death in 1951 with the invention of the dry sprinkler fire suppression system manufactured by The Viking Corporation. In between, Tyden offered world-changing developments to the booming automotive industry in Detroit, to America’s military efforts in World War I, and to the transportation industry where the invention for which he became best known, the box car seal, established Hastings as a manufacturing capital. Over 4 million of Tyden’s boxcar seals were manufactured from his plant in Hastings. “It’s a compelling read,” states author Doug VanderLaan, “and one I feel fortunate to be part of in its telling. An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary... Available in Hastings for $24.99 at • Al Fresco • The General Store • Printing Plus • J-Ad Graphics ofiice at 1351N. M-43 Highway, just north of the Hastings city limits. - A car seal should be constructed to lock automatically. - The locking element in the car seal should be so constructed that when it is once locked, it cannot be opened without being destroyed. - Each and every seal should be numbered consecutively, thereby doing away with the possibility of duplicate seals and providing the basis for a reliable seal record. - The lettering and numbering on the band of the seal should be perfectly legible, so that the seal record could be taken day or night in all kinds of weather an under poor lighting conditions. - The lead and wire seals then in common use could not meet the requirements of a sat­ isfactory reliable car seal. Mr. Tyden there­ fore developed the Tyden Self-Locking Car Seal because, in his opinion, it combined the elements of security, legibility and ease of application. Locked and legible Anyone who has investigated a Tyden car seal knows that it has the locking element, which is so protected, the seal cannot be removed from a car door without the lock being destroyed. It can be easily and quickly applied to any type of car door fastener, which saves the time that would be lost by using a sealing iron or sealing press with the lead seal. Its use enables railroads to have cars ready to move as soon as the loading is completed and the car door is closed. While the car is being loaded, the seal may be hung on the hasp and its record taken, so the man who closes the car door also can lock the seal, which can be done very quickly. Every Tyden seal is embossed with the name or the initials of the railroad that applies it. It also is consecutively numbered. There are no duplicates, so it is impossible to remove a seal and put on another exactly like it, because, if it is removed, one with a differ­ ent number has to be put on in its place. No easy task The development of these ideas as to what a seal should be and what it should accom­ plish was only a start. Very difficult problems had yet to be faced and solved by the company that would make the seals. It was necessary not only to pro­ duce a seal that would have all the qualities The original International Seal and Lock Company (marked by the raised vented roof section, right) and main office (left) stood on East Mill Street in Hastings until this summer, when both were razed. A small lightweight metal seal changed life for Emil Tyden and the community. we have mentioned at a low cost, but also one that could be sold to the railroads and ship­ pers at a low price. To do that required the development of expensive and intricate auto­ matic machinery. If any part of the Tyden seal were made by hand, the labor cost would make the price prohibitive. The machines for making these seals were devised by Mr. Tyden himself. In many instances, it was a case of trial of a given machine and, after the trial, scrapping the machine because some little defect had been discovered in its operation or because a different machine could be made that would do the work at a lower cost. High start-up costs It seems unbelievable, but it is true that it cost the Seal Company of this city nearly $1.5 million to develop the machinery and complete the plant for the making of those seals in the quantities required. Thirteen separate machine operations are necessary to make a Tyden car seal. These automatic machines are all of special design and expensive;4o4aiildt^nd-nijaintaiii.nOne who has visited the seal factory would hardly believe that the machines could perform so many difficult operations automatically. About the only requirement for human labor is bringing the materials to the machine, the machine doing the rest of the work. The Tyden Car Seal factory here has the capacity of more than 500,000 car seals daily. Had Mr. Tyden and his associates in the car seal factory realized at the time he started the business here that it would take more than $1 million to equip a plant to manufacture the seal, and several years’ time to design, try out and perfect the machinery to make it, it is more than probable Hastings would never have had the International Seal and Lock Company. But Mr. Tyden and his associates had confi­ dence in the merits of the seal and in the abili­ ty of Mr. Tyden to solve the difficult problems of its successful and economical manufacture. It took a lot of time. Aside from the money in the original investment, all the earnings of the plant for several years were used to make the plant what it is today - the largest and most complete car seal factory in the world. Credibility and quality Another problem was how to convince prospective customers that the Tyden seal could be produced at a low-enough price so the company could stay in business. Competing steel companies claimed it could not be done, that he and his associates would get tired of putting good money into an effort to produce Tyden seals. They did not know Mr. Tyden, or they would have realized he is the type who would never give up because of difficulties in the way. To maintain the high standard of quality both in workmanship and materials, which the seal company has done and which its customers have demanded - and to produce a car seal perfect in mechanism, lettering and numbering, and packing them in boxes ready for shipment at a cost of about 1 cent for 2 2/3 seals, does not leave much for the manufac­ turer and could only be accomplished by a large production and the installation of auto­ matic machinery, which eliminates the larger part of the labor cost. Webb, the ringer To induce railroads to adapt a new sealing system! Was no small problem. It required a vast amount of educational work with railroad offi­ cials and railroad employees. The latter espe­ cially had to be shown. Fortunately, the seal company at the time had as its salesman a man who had a wide acquaintance with many rail­ way officials in this country and who became an authority on the sealing of freight cars. This was Charles J. Webb who, before entering the service of the seal company, had a number of years of railroad experience himself. Webb knew how much saving in time and in contents of cars the Tyden seals would accomplish compared to other sealing devices in use at that time. Mr. Webb’s place has since been taken by Clarence Crawford, vice presi­ dent and sales manager of the company. Like This diagram for the Tyden Self­ Locking Car Seal, signed by Emil Tyden, received a patent Jan. 24, 1899, nearly eight months after he had submitted it to the U.S. Patent Office. Tyden was living in Chicago at the time, but had founded the company in Hastings. (U.S. Patent Office/Google.com image) his predecessor, Mr. Crawford had a wide acquaintance with and the respect of railroad officials, particularly the purchasing agents, before he became part of the organization of the sealcompanyhere.Hecan call most of the purchasing agents of this country and Canada by their first names and is always welcome to their offices. He has continued the splendid work done by his predecessor, Webb. When Mr. Tyden organized and incorporat­ ed the International Seal and Lock Company here to manufacture the Tyden Self-Locking Car Seals, it was started in a small way, nec­ essarily, but the business has grown to its present proportions. Since it was organized, the seal factory has produced well toward 23 billion car seals. To give some idea of that output, it should be explained that each seal is 8 1/2 inches long. If all these seals were placed end to end, they would reach 12 times around the globe at the equator. One piece, many uses In addition to furnishing seals to protect nearly all the railroads of this country, the Tyden Seal also is used by the customs department of the United States and Dominion of Canada for sealing cars containing freight in bond. It is used by all express companies and by more than 10,000 of the large shippers who furnish their own car seals. While most of the car seals used are for sealing freight cars, there are many other uses for them, the most important ones being: - For sealing gate valves in pipelines by the big oil companies. - For sealing livestock pens in stockyards. - In sealing ballot boxes and voting machines. - In sealing express trunks and boxes. - In sealing laundry baskets and bags. - In sealing bakery baskets. - In sealing automatic trucks. - In sealing electric and water meters. They also are used for identification tags in connection with big game hunting licenses, for identification and tax tags on hides and furs, and also for bicycle license plates. In addition to the business the seal compa­ ny does with the railroads, manufacturers and other users of its products, about 16 percent of the output for the local factory is exported to 20 foreign countries. Wherever they are used, the name Hastings is associated with the seal, for this city has been the place where this business was bom and where it has grown to its present large proportions. The car seals are just one of many inventions and contributions by Emil Tyden, who also had a hand in the development of several industries in Hastings. More specifically, he invented a mechanism that revolutionized expandable tables made by Hastings Table Company as well as a tire lock for Hastings Manufacturing Company. Viking sprinklers were another Tyden creation. More about Tyden will be pub­ lished in a subsequent column. To learn more about perhaps the most8 important person in Hastings’ history, pur­ chase a copy of “Tyden - An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary.” at J-Ad Graphics or The General Store on South Jefferson Street. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — Page 9 LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE Kyle Scott Brigance, 34, of Delton, was convicted of possessing 25 to 49 grams of cocaine, heroin or another narcotic Nov. 3, 2020, in Nashville. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Brigance’s driv­ er’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Charges of possessing the controlled substance methamphetamine/ Ecstacy as a second-time or subsequent offender and operating a vehicle while his license was suspended were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Kyle Ryan Carpenter, 38, of Nashville, was convicted of carrying a concealed weap­ on, a dagger, in a 2006 Chrysler Dec. 22, 2020, in Nashville. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 14 days in jail, with credit for 14 days served and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. A charge of possessing the controlled substance methamphetamine was dismissed at the time of sentencing. In a second case, Carpenter was convicted of possessing the controlled substance methamphetamine/Ecstacy July 22 in Nashville. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 120 days in jail, with credit for 72 days served, and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. Carpenter’s driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. A charge of operating a vehicle with a suspend­ ed driver’s license was dismissed at the time of sentencing. He was found guilty as a thirdtime, habitual offender. In a third case, Carpenter was convicted of possessing the controlled substance metham­ phetamine May 6 in Nashville, and was sen­ tenced to 120 days in jail, with credit for 77 days served and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He was found guilty as a third-time, habitual offender. Court records show prior convictions for receiving/concealing stolen property over $1,000 Sept. 3, 2000; third-degree home invasion March 22, 2006; second-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct Feb. 15, 2011; and fourth-degree criminal sexual con­ duct Feb, 15, 2011, all in Barry County. Joshua John Dawson, 32, of Nashville, was convicted of third-degree fleeing a police officer May 9 in Nashville. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 130 days in jail, with credit for 130 days served. Dawson’s license will be suspended for 365 days, and he was ordered to pay $498 in fines and costs. He was placed on- nrnhation for •. =12 months. Acharge of operating a vehicle while his license was suspended was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show prior convic­ tions for possession of analogues April 4, 2016, in Kalamazoo County; fourth-degree fleeing and eluding police Dec. 16, 2015, and delivery/manufacture of marijuana Jan. 10, 2019, both in Barry County. Marcus Allen Fields, 32, of Hastings, was convicted of assaulting/resisting and obstruct­ ing a police officer, as a third-time habitual offender, July 20 in Hastings. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to 365 days in jail, with credit for 65 days served and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Charges of unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle, a gray Kia, and receiving and concealing stolen property, the Kia, were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show prior offenses for entry without breaking Dec. 2, 2015, first-degree retail fraud May 25, 2016, possession of the controlled substance meth­ amphetamine Nov. 28, 2018, all in Barry County. Kevin Scott Hughes, 48, of Hastings, was convicted of larceny of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 - walnut trees in Baltimore Township between June 1 and July 31, 2019. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served. Hughes was ordered to pay $1,237 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 36 months and ordered to make restitution total­ ing $11,360. Court records show prior con­ victions for first-degree retail fraud March 24, 1994, larceny in a building Aug. 6, 1996, attempted larceny over $100 Sept. 19, 1996, and false pretenses between $1,000 to $20,000 July 16, 2004, all in Barry County; and multiple counts of uttering and publish­ ing June 16, 2004, and March 28, 2005, in Kent County. Branden Charles Porter, 35, of Kalamazoo, was convicted of possession of the controlled substance methamphetamine and second-degree retail fraud July 21 in Rutland Charter Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 57 days in jail, with credit for 57 days served on each charge, to be served concurrently. Porter was ordered to pay $1,055 in fines and costs, with restitution to remain open, since additional costs may be added. Court records show prior convictions for operating/maintaining a meth lab March 28, 2011, and May 18, 2015, and assault with a dangerous weapon March 28, 2011, all in Kalamazoo County. Kenneth Arthur Lawrence, 50, of Smiths Creek, was convicted of second-degree assault with intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct April 7, 2020, in Prairieville Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 23 to 60 months in prison, with credit for one day served. Lawrence was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs and will be placed on permanent Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor while on parole. He will not have access to JPay, a company that facilitates money trans­ fers, email and video communication for inmates. A charge of accosting a child for immoral purposes was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show prior con­ victions for attempted receiving and conceal­ ing stolen property March 30, 1990, and sec­ ond-degree criminal sexual conduct July 2, 2013, both in Macomb County. Patrick Allan Henderson Jr.v 50, of Dorr, was convicted of operating a vehicle, a Chevrolet Impala, on M-37 when he had a blood alcohol content of 0.17 grams or more, and carrying a concealed weapon, a pistol. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 90 days in jail on each count, to be served concurrently, with credit for two days served. He Henderson also was ordered to pay $1,108 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 45 days and restricted for 320 days. He was placed on probation for 24 months and ordered to be on SCRAM for a minimum of six months following his release from jail. Another charge of carrying a con­ cealed weapon, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, reckless driving and possessing a firearm while he was under the influence of liquor were dismissed at the time of sen­ tencing. Human remains found in Orangeville Township Taylor Owens Staff Writer An Orangeville Township resident found what appeared to be human remains in the woods Oct. 28. Michigan State Police said the body was found deep in the woods off South Enzian Road, south of West Guernsey Lake Road, in Orangeville Township. Troopers were on the scene that after­ noon. They said their preliminary investiga­ tion indicates the body may belong to a person who was reported missing in September. More information will be released after an autopsy is completed and the body is posi­ tively identified, police said. Anyone with information that may help the investigation is asked to call the state police at the Wayland Post, 269-792-2213. Attention homeowner: If you are a military service member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been or­ dered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the mortgage at the telephone number NOTICE OF ACTION AS TO DEFENDANT JOSHUA ALAN PATRICK a/k/a JOSH PATRICK PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there is presently pending in the 57th Judicial District Court, City of Allegan, for the State of Michigan, an action Plaintiff NewRez d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, and Defendant Joshua Alan stated in this notice. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is giv­ between en under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged Patrick a/k/a Josh Patrick; Case No. 21-0740GZ, involving the purchase of a manufactured home 2000 Century, Laser, HUD Tag No. premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, start­ for claim & delivery action in order to recover possession of the property pursuant to default RAD1274996. You are being sued by Plaintiff ing promptly at 1:00 PM on DECEMBER 2, 2021. The amount dup on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does of the security agreement. You must file your answer or take other action permitted by law not automatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is en­ County Building, 113 Chestnut, Allegan, Ml 49010 twenty-eight (28) days after the date of couraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge this notice. You may contact and serve a copy on any answer on Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., a fee for this information. Default has been made in the conditions of a mort­ Attn: Steven A. Jacobs, 23938 Research Drive, gage made by Clayton R. Boze and Norma J Boze, answer within time frame by law may result in a husband and wife, to PNC Bank, National Association, default judgment. in the 57th Judicial District Court located at Suite 300, Farmington Hills, Ml 48335. Failure to Mortgagee, dated November 4, 2013 and recorded No­ vember 14, 2013 in Instrument Number 2013-013614, Barry County Records, Michigan. There is claimed to be 1447036 (11-04)(11-18) 170783 due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Nine Thousand One Hundred Seventy-Nine and 75/100 Dol­ lars ($109,179.75). STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on DECEM­ BER 2, 2021. Said premises are located in the Township of Barry, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE WEST LINE OF SECTION 6, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST AND THE CENTERLINE OF DELTON ROAD IN THE NW 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 6; THENCE EASTERLY 400 FEET ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF DELTON ROAD FOR THE TRUE PLACE OF BEGIN­ NING; THENCE SOUTH 645 FEET PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 6; THENCE EAST 330 FEETAT RIGHT ANGLES; THENCE NORTH 675 FEET, MORE OR LESS, PARALLEL WITH SAID WEST LINE OF SECTION 6, TO THE CENTERLINE OF DELTON ROAD; THENCE WESTERLY 335 FEET, MORE OR LESS, ALONG SAID CENTERLINE TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. 6981 Delton Road, Delton, Michigan 49046 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in ac­ cordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the re­ demption period shall be 30 days from the date of such NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Floyd W. Colvin and Catherine L. Colvin Trust. Date of birth: Catherine L. Colvin - April 9,1931. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Catherine L. Colvin, surviving Trustee, died August 7, 2021 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the Decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Barbara A. Colvin, Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: October 29, 2021 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Barbara A. Colvin c/o Rhoades McKee 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 . 170770 sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage fore­ closure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: November 4, 2021 File No. 21-005081 FirrnName: Oriahs PC Firm Address: 1650 West Big Beaver Road, Troy Ml 48084 Firm Phone Number: (248) 502.1400 (11-04)(11-25) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on November 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room of the Tyden Center, located at 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, Michigan, starting promptly at one o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 2nd day of December, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not au­ tomatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. The mortgage was made by ERIC B. HUTCH­ ENS, a single man (“Mortgagor”), to HASTINGS CITY BANK, now known as HIGHPOINT COMMU­ NITY BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, hav­ ing an office at 150 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 (the “Mortgagee”), dated June 11, 2015, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on June 17, 2015, as Instrument No. 2015-005978 (the “Mort­ gage”). By reason of a default under the conditions of the Mortgage, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgag­ ee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Fifty Five Thousand Two Hundred Ten and 59/100 Dollars ($55,210.59). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt se­ cured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situ­ ated in the Township of Baltimore, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Lots 18 and 19 of Cappon Country Acres, accord­ ing to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats on Page 52, Baltimore Township, Barry County, Michigan. Together with all the improvements erected on the real estate, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures a part of the property, and all replace­ ments and additions. Commonly known as: 1295 Mixer Road, Hast­ ings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-02-070-007-00 Notice is further given that the length of the re­ demption period will be one (1) year from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days af­ ter the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, ex­ ecutor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claim­ ing from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. Jf the premises .are sold at a foreclosure, .sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will, be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military ser­ vice member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the Mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Dated: October 28, 2021 HASTINGS CITY BANK n/k/a HIGHPOINT COMMUNITY BANK Mortgagee Elisabeth M. Von Eitzen WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 150 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 1500 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 22506349 170337 STATE OF MICHIGAN The subject of the public hearing will be the consideration of the following amendment to the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended: MAP CHANGE A-4-2021 Request to rezone a property at 4125 East M-79 Highway, Hastings, in Section 25 of Hastings Township. (See attached map.) FROM MU (Mixed Use) JUDICIAL DISTRICT 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY PROBATE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY TO RR (Rural Residential) PUBLICATION/POSTING AND NOTICE OF ACTION CASE NO. 21-134-DC Court Address: 220 West State St., Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: 269-945-1286 Plaintiff Stephanie Proulx 333 Alger St., Lansing, Ml 48917 Plaintiff’s Attorney Shane A. Henry (P82054) 121 West Apple St., Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-3512 v Defendant Vicente Padilla Address Unknown To: Vicente Padilla Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 All of the above mentioned property is located in Barry County, Michigan. IT IS ORDERED: 1. You are being sued in this court by the plaintiff to establish custody, parenting time, and support Legal Description of Parcel: of Aiden Vance. You must file your answer or take Commence 340.21’E of SW Corner Section 25-T3N-R8W; TH N 39.13’ to POB; TH N 358.27’ to Sly ROW former MCRR; TH E 450’ M/L ALG MCRR ROW; TH S 358.27’ to N ROW M-79 Hwy; TH W to POB 3.8 A +/- (01T) other action permitted by law in this court at the court address above on or before 12/16/2021. If you fail to do so, a default judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint Business Services Help Wanted MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom GENERAL LABORER- JOB trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Walnut trees. Insured, liability & work­ man's comp. Fetterley Log­ ging, (269)818-7793. Fann FARM LAND WANTED to rent for 2022 and beyond, 269­ 953-5282. includes lifting and stacking lumber, must be able to lift 501bs. Full-time employment starting at $16.00/hr. Benefits401 (k), 401 (k) matching, Den­ tal insurance, Health insur­ ance, Life insurance, Paid time off, Retirement plan, Vision insurance. Apply in person to: Quality Hardwoods, Inc., 396 Main St. Sunfield, MI. Quality Hardwoods supports a drugfree workplace. WANTED LIVE-IN CARE­ GIVER- For elderly woman. Duties include housekeeping, cooking in exchange for room & board. Please contact 269­ 804-5996. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon the proposed amendment, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to Planning & Zoning, 220 West State Street, Hastings Michigan 49058, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty. orq. The proposed amendment of the Barry County Zoning Ordinance is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 during the business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday (excluding holidays.) Please call the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284, mbrown@barrvcountv.org. This notice is given pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act (Public Act 267 of 1976) as amended. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk filed in this case. 2. A copy of this order shall be published once each week in the Hastings Banner for three consecutive weeks, and proof of publication shall be filed in this court. 3. Attorney Shane A. Henry shall post a copy of this order in the courthouse, for three continuous weeks, and shall file proof of posting in this court. Date: October 26, 2021 Vicky L. Alspaugh P43572 170771 �Page 10 — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner HHS drumline to perform at Red Wings game next week Senior Allison Teed has an eventful night Oct. 8, being crowned homecoming queen and then battling rain while playing tenor drums and holding an umbrella. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Freshman Ashley Norris (left) and Micah Johnson (right), who play snare drums, wHI be among the youngest drumline members playing at the upcoming Detroit Red Wings game. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Benjamin Simon Staff Writer On a random day in early September, Jen Ewers received a phone call from a Detroit Red Wings event coordinator. In search for possible live, in-game perfor­ mances, the event coordinator typed “best bands in West Michigan” in an online search, and Hastings High School popped up. In 2017, Hastings earned the title of West Michigan’s Drumline of the Year in a region­ al contest and was invited to perform at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo. After finding this, the coordinator went to the Hastings school website, tracked down the phone number of co-band director Jen Ewers and asked her if the band would want to per­ form at a Detroit Red Wings hockey game. Ewers accepted on the spot. “It’s pretty flattering to know that there was someone out there watching our stuff without even me really being aware of it and then being impressed by it and then calling us,” said Ewers, the drumline instructor. The Hastings High School drumline will take center stage at Little Caesars Arena for the Detroit Red Wings game against the Washington Capitals at 7:30 p.m. Nov. junior. It will be the first time Hastings plays at a Red Wings game, Ewers said. The drumline, which features 20 members, will travel to Detroit midday next Thursday. They will have an early dinner in downtown Detroit before playing near the concourse as fans walk in. Once the game begins, drumline members will sit in their own section and perform for the crowd in between periods. “It’s cool that they get to see, even after high school, that they can go on and be a part of a pro sports team in their entertainment in their drumline,” Ewers added. For Hastings band fans, the music won’t sound any different from a normal Friday night Saxons football game. But for the drumline members, Ewers, who played with the Detroit Pistons drumline, said it will seem like a brand-new experience. “It’s just such a huge arena - and not just like playing for our community or friends and family. We’re going to be out in the real world, I guess you could say,” she said with a chuckle. Drumline members performing at next week’s Red Wings game include: Snares - Ian Dexter, senior; Micah Johnson, freshman; Grace Kurr, senior; Ashley Norris, freshman; Evan Porter, sophomore; and Kailis Snook, freshman. Tenors - Ashton Rasey, junior; Landon Steward, sophomore; Allison Teed, senior; and Ethan VanDyke, freshman. Basses - Paige Eagle, senior; Alex Forsberg, junior; Amy Forsberg, senior; Logan Graham, sophomore; and Jorden Lyke, sophomore. Cymbals - Valentina Arias-Franco, junior; Abigail Byykkonen, sophomore; Michael Foster, sophomore; JoDee Gaskill, freshman; and Linda Wright, freshman. Along with competing at marching invita­ tional, the band also plays at festivals, and will be performing at Disney World in the spring. Michael Foster tosses cymbal during the band’s performance for the Michigan High School Band and Orchestra Association festival at East Kentwood High School. The band has received straight Division I ratings, the highest possible, for more than 60 years. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Sophomore Landon Steward continues a family tradition, being part of the third generation to play in the Hastings High School band. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Ashton Rasey- a junior, intently plays tenor drums during band practice. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) HHS drumline members (from left) Landon Steward, Amy Forsberg, Ashton Rasey and Logan Graham play atthe West Michigan Drum Bash Sept 26. During the Michael Jackson song "Bad," the tenor drum players hold up the bass drum players to simulate the iconic Michael Jackson lean. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ROLL FOR LEACH LAKE WEED CONTORL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 01 TO: The residents and property owners bordering Leach Lake and all other interested persons. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor has reported to the Township Board and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll pre­ pared covering all properties with the Weed Control Special Assessment District No. 01 benefited by the weed control project. Said assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing a portion of the costs for the proposed Weed Control Special Assessment District as more particu­ larly shown on the plans and estimates of costs on file with the Township Clerk within the Township, which assessment is in the approximate amount of $25,200.00 for five seasons. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor has further reported that the assessment against each parcel of land within said district is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said district as the benefit to such parcels bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said district. The proposed special assessment as shown on the roll is in the approximate amount of $25,200.00 for the five seasons, or approximately $5,320.00 per year ($255.00 per year per parcel) of land in the district. For further information you are invited to examine the Roll. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet at the Hastings Charter Township Hall at 885 River Road, within the township on November 9,2021 at 7pm for the purpose of reviewing said Special Assessment Roll, hearing an objection thereto, and thereafter confirming said Roll as submitted or revised or amended. Said roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk (at the Township Hall) during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of said hearing and may further be examined at said hearing. Appearance and protest at this hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner, or party in interest, or his or her agent may appear in person at the hearing to protest the Special Assessment, or may file his or her appearance or protest by letter at or before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. The owner or any person having an interest in the real property who protests in person or in writing at the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the Special Assessment Roll. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Hastings Charter Township Board will provide necessary and reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon reasonable notice to the Carlton Township Clerk of the need for the same at least five days prior to the aforesaid hearing. All interested person are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place to submit comments concerning the foregoing. HASTINGS CHARTERTOWNSHIP Anita S Mennell, Clerk 885 River Rd Hastings Ml 49058 269-948-9690 Veterans Day tributes planned in Barry County Greg Chandler Staff Writer James Gemmell Contributing Writer Ceremonies are planned throughout Barry County next week in observance of Veterans Day. In Hastings, a Veterans Day observance will take place at the Veterans Memorial in Tyden Park at 11 a.m, next Thursday. The main speaker will be Steve Carr, a member of American Legion Post 45 who currently serves as Fourth District commander for the American Legion. Carr oversees American Legion posts in Barry, Allegan, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. The ceremony will include the traditional rifle volley, said Marvin Mason, who is the sergeant at arms for Post 45. It will be followed at 12:30 p.m. by a combread and bean soup lunch at the Legion Hall, 2160 M-37. In Yankee Springs Township, the tribute is planned for next Thursday at 11:11 a.m., marking the time the armistice was signed that ended the fighting in Europe in World War I. The observance will take place at the township Veterans Memorial that was dedicated earlier this year. The memorial is located next to the township fire station at 1425 S. Payne Lake Road at the corner of M-179. Thomapple Kellogg High School in Middleville will hold a virtual Veterans Day ceremony next Thursday. Students will watch the video in their classrooms at 10 a.m. The video of the ceremony will be made available on the TK website (tkschools. org) and on the district’s Facebook page, spokes­ woman Julie Makarewicz wrote in an e-mail. Jerry Welch, a local veteran who was instrumen­ tal in the development of the village’s Veterans Memorial, will speak at the event as the communi­ ty’s Veteran of the Year. In Delton, the Delton Kellogg High School Marching Band will host its annual Veterans Day tribute next Wednesday in the high school audito­ rium, 10425 Panther Pride Drive. It will feature two presentations and performances. The first one is a veterans special presentation that will begin at 1 p.m., and the second one is the public presenta­ tion, which will start at 6 p.m. Both are free to attend. “The 1 o’clock performance is our main feature for local veterans; and their families, or any armed forces members who are in the area,” Delton Kellogg High School Band Director Sara Knight said. “It’ll feature the band and there will be some students from a fifth-grade class singing. The Fort Custer (National Cemetery) Honor Guard will be there to present the colors and do a lot of patriotic music. The 6 o’clock performance is more for com­ munity members or parents, but we won’t have all of the things that we’ll have at the 1 o’clock (event).” Knight said the traditional Veterans Day Tribute is being divided into two separate performances this year to limit audience size because of COVID-19 precautions. “Traditionally, we’ve done a really huge-scale veterans’ event involving the entire study body in the gymnasium. But this year, we can’t have every­ one all in the same room due to precautions still. Sb, we’re doing it in our auditorium,” she said. Also, Delton Amateur Community Theatre will be performing a free veterans tribute at a separate event next Thursday at the Delton VFW Post 422. It will get underway at 6:30 p.m. inside the VFW Hail, 10353 Stoney Point Drive. “We’re singing a number of patriotic songs, and we’re going to have some of the local veterans speak and share their experiences. It’s just a nice time to show our appreciation for our veterans,” said Will Eichelberger, ACT president and a local veteran. Becky Ramsey is the Delton VFW post’s canteen manager and events coordinator. She said the cele­ bration will honor veterans. “It’s family-oriented,” Ramsey laid. “A couple of veterans will speak. It’s a good chance for kids to hear actual veterans; maybe they’re thinking about enlisting.” Driver sentenced in hit-and-run deaths Greg Chandler Staff Writer A 46-year-old Grand Rapids man has been sen­ tenced to up to 15 years in prison in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a former Barry County couple more than two years ago. Jason Steven McCann was sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison Oct. 14 in in Grand Rapids by 17th Circuit Court Judge Curt Benson. McCann entered guilty pleas last month to two counts of failure to stop at the scene of an accident while at fault resulting in death and two counts of reckless driving causing death. According to police, McCann was behind the wheel of a car that struck 56-year-old Todd Fuhr and his wife, 56-year-old Tracy (Curtiss) Fuhr at the intersection of Oakes Street SW and Grandville Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids Oct. 19, 2019. McCann failed to stop at the stop sign and did not stop after striking the couple. Both Todd and Tracy Fuhr died of their injuries. Tracy Fuhr was a 1981 Thomapple Kellogg High School graduate, while Todd Fuhr was a 1982 Hastings High School graduate. The couple had married in 2005. McCann is being held at the Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson, accord­ ing to state corrections records. �The Hastings ANNER SPORTS SECTION Thursday, November 4,2021 Trio of Trojans score spots in D2 cross country Finals Brett Bremer Sports Editor What did it take? Everything she had - and nearly more. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country team is sending three girls to the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals Nov. 5 after their medal winning performances at the Division 2 Regional at Portage West Middle School Saturday. Freshman Ava Crews cruised across the fin­ ish line in third place at the regional to earn a spot in the state finals at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn for the first time. Senior Jessica Durkee found the energy to kick by Eaton Rapids’ Sydney Thompson just before the finish line to place 12th, earning a third-consecutive trip to MIS. The next Trojan around the final two turns into the long straightaway to the finish in Portage was junior Emelia MacDonald. “My stepbrother told me with about 600 meters to go I was in 16th, and then I got passed right over at that comer. I got passed and I was in 17th and I didn’t know if I was going to make it to state until I think I had 200 meters to go,” MacDonald said. “There were three girls in front of me and I managed to pass them and just hold on for dear life. My legs wouldn’t move any faster. I didn’t realize I was going to make it until about ten meters from the finish when I was able to get a good enough lead on the girl that she couldn’t pass me.” The top three teams and top 15 medalists in regional races across the lower peninsula this weekend earned spots in the finals at MIS. The top seven runners not on those three state qualifying teams at each regional also were guaranteed state finals spots MacDonald proved to be sixth in that group in the end. MacDonald let out a bit of a wail a step before the finish line, and then arms flailing collapsed onto the wet grass once she had crossed the line. She wasn’t alone in ending the regional race m thafTasliftS^nbut she was the only one to earn the last regional medal in doing so. As she was helped out of the chute she heard what she needed to hear. “You did it. You’re 15th.” MacDonald had last run in a race Oct. 9 on the regional course at the Portage Invitational, a race in which she turned in a time of 23 minutes 53.5 seconds. She missed the chance to run in the OK Gold Conference Championship with an injury and managed to return for regionals and blow away that Portage Invitational time by finishing in 20:43.6 Saturday. That is a new season best time for MacDonald, but still about a minute slower than the times she was running at the end of her sophomore season when she fin­ Thornapple Kellogg senior Jessica Durkee runs to a 12th-place finish in the Division 2 Regional race at Portage West Middle School Saturday to earn her third consecutive trip to the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ished just 11 spots behind the last of the 30 state medalists at MIS in Division 2. “This season has been really, really, really hard,” MacDonald said. “I had a surgery in the beginning of the season, and then I sprained my ankle twice in the middle of the season and then I got in a car accident about two weeks ago, so it has been really, really, really bad, but I am really proud of being able to come back like I did today.” “Today meant a lot to me. Like I said, I probably had the worst season I have ever had before. I had my teammates around me and helping me and just being able to push through everything, through the anger and the pain it was kind of monumental to me. Kind of a really big comeback.” She said she felt good at the start of the race - for about the first 400 meters of the 5000 meter race anyway. “The race itself felt absolutely awful if I am being honest,” MacDonald said. “To be able to push through that I am really proud of See TROJAN XC, page 12 Thornapple Kellogg junior Emelia MacDonald works her way through the crowd during the first mile of the Division 2 Regional at Portage West Middle School Saturday. MacDonald placed 15th in the race to qualify for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals for the second year in a row. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons host Sailors for district final Friday night Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings Saxons defeated the Charlotte Orioles 56-18 at Baum Stadium and Johnson Field on Friday in first round of the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 playoffs. The Saxons scored on a 65-yard run by TJ Russell on the first play from scrimmage Friday night. Charlotte then drove the ball down the field to score on a 4-yard run. Hastings scored again on their first play of their offensive series, with a 63-yard run by Robby Slaughter, and the Orioles scored again with just over two minutes left in the first quarter to put the score at Hastings 16 and the Orioles 12. Saxon Head Coach Jamie Murphy noted, “after the first two series, we struggled peri­ odically throughout the first half. Charlotte’s defense gave us some issues up front, although Slaughter and Russell both rushed for over 100 yards. Tom Hollars and Diego Coipel did a tremendous job on the front line, being a freshman and sophomore in a varsity playoff game they both did an outstanding job communicating and executing.” The second quarter slowed down offen­ sively for both teams, with just over 5 min­ utes left in the half the Saxons scored on a 1-yard run by Russell to put the score at half to 24-12. In the second half, the Saxons charged back up and scored three times in the third quarter on runs by Russell, Masbn Denton and Lanny Teunessen. Charlotte managed to score one more time in the third quarter on a 45-yard run by Braden Hill. Collin Fouty would seal the Saxon victory with a final score in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard run. Saxon defense held the Orioles to only 173 combined yards on offense, while the Saxons managed 466 yards. Russell led for the night with 198 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns, Slaughter rushed for 126 yards and one touchdown and quarterback Mason Denton rushed for 60 yards and one touchdown. Coach Murphy added, “defensively, Teunessen and Ramirez led the team in tack­ les as they do almost every week. Their defensive comprehension allows us to use them in run and pass situations. I think the key to the game came in the second half when we were able to get a couple of key defensive stops and capitalize on a kick-off turnover.” Teunessen picked up 6.5 tackles, Layton Eastman added 5 tackles and Ramirez had 3.5 tackles for the night. Slaughter had one sack for the night, Teunessen and Jackson Dubois had a shared sack. Ashton LaGuire led the Charlotte offense with 11 rushes for 92 yards. Quarterback Charlie Grant was able to complete just 1-of8 passes for eight yards. Brendin Guilford had a game-high 11 tackles to lead the Oriole defense. In order to make the playoffs, teams are ranked in their division based on win-loss Saxon fullback Robby Slaughter works his way through the line and the mist at Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday for a few yards with a block by teammate Ashton Benson. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) records and playoff points. Hastings is the first seed in its district bracket, finishing the regular season ranked eighth overall in Division 4. This is the first time since 2012 that the Saxons have advanced to game two of the playoffs. In 2020 Hastings got a first round win, but due to the shortened Covid season, all teams participated in the play­ offs. Hastings is now 9-1 overall this season. The nine wins is the most for the program since 1990. These Saxons will be attempting to do something no other Hastings football team has ever done - win two playoff games or more in the same season. The Saxons advance to play the 7-3 Sailors from South Christian for the district title on Friday at 7 p.m. at Baum Stadium and Johnson Field. The Sailors defeated Plainwell 52-7 in their first round game at Plainwell last Friday. The Saxons and Sailors last met in 2015, the end of a 15-year run when both teams were members of the OK Gold Conference. Layton Eastman and Justus Forell are in on a tackle for the Saxons during their victory over Charlotte in the Division 4 Pre-District contest inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday night. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) �Page 12 — Thursday, November 4, 2021 - -The Hastings Banner MCC too much for Delton Kellogg in district football Delton Kellogg’s Jason Lundquist (71) wraps up Crusader running back David Hill (20) to bring him down for a short gain during their Division 7 Pre-District game in Muskegon Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg’s varsity football team wasn’t at its best Friday as it opened the MHSAA Division 7 postseason at Muskegon Catholic Central. The Crusaders improved to 9-1 on the sea­ son with a 54-6 win over the Panthers in their Division 7 Pre-District ballgame. Delton Kellogg ends the season with a 5-4 record. The Crusader defense held the Delton Kellogg offense to just 138 total yards. A third-quarter touchdown run by Torren Mapes accounted for the Panthers only points, pull­ ing his team to within 34-6 at the time. “We had a number of younger players in the game due to injury and Covid issues,” DK head coach Ryan Bates said. “We had sopho­ mores Torren Mapes, Adrian Debor, Cole Lane and Luke Watson as well as freshman Copper Sandusky playing huge minutes against a very talented MCC team. “We will truly miss our seniors next year, however, our next years senior class along with these younger guys show us that the future is bright for Delton Kellogg.” Muskegon Catholic for a 27-yard touch­ down run by quarterback Elliot Riegler on its first possession of the bailgame, after the Panthers turned the ball over on downs in their own end of the field. The Crusaders then moved a short field again following a DK fumble for a 20-yard TD run by running back Joe Waller. DK moved the ball into Muskegon Catholic territory for the first time late in the first quar­ ter. The Panther drive eventually found its way to the Crusader 15 early in the second quarter, but a fourth-and-15 pass from the Muskegon Catholic 20-yard-line fell incomplete. Five plays later, Crusader Riegler hit David Hill for a 40-yard td deep down the Delton Kellogg running back Mason Nabozny (21) finds a seam for a posi­ tive gain during his team's Division 7 Pre-District contest at Muskegon Catholic Central Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg quarterback Torren Mapes(19) gets the next play from offen­ sive coach Mark Nabozny near the side­ line during their Division 7 Pre-District contest at Muskegon Catholic Central Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) left side. Muskegon Catholic tacked on a one-yard TD run by Waller before the first half was through. The Crusaders changed things up in the second half, letting Bryan Convertini get some time at quarterback. Convertini ran for two touchdowns in the second half and fin­ ished the evening with six rushes for 73 yards. The Crusaders got their final points when Tramel Cainess picked up a Delton fumble at the one-yard-line and stepped into the end zone. Muskegon Catholic finished the night with 277 yards on the ground and 85 with the pass­ ing game. Mapes ran the ball nine times for 63 yards and Mason Nabozny added 16 carries for 37 yards for Delton. Muskegon Catholic will now host 7-3 Ravenna in a Division 7 District Final Friday at 7 p.m. TROJAN XC, continued from page 11 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Lucas Van Meter races the final mile of the Division 2 Regional race at Portage West Middle School Saturday. Van Meter led the TK boys' team with a 39th-place fin­ ish. (Photo by Brett Bremer) FREEDOM TO BE YOU myself. To be able to find that mentally is a mum effort on the day,” TK girls’ coach Sam big moment for me.” Wilkinson said. “I could not ask for more than this. However, as a coach with high She said in the end, being close enough to see Durkee cross the finish line really helped expectations for myself, I can’t help but to feel disappointed. I’m not disappointed in the pull her across as well. girls - not at all. They gave their best on the No one was in sight of Mason sophomore day and three other teams happened to run Meghan Ford, who won the D2 girls’ race in faster. Portage Saturday with a time of 18:42.74. Marshall sophomore Camille DeCola led “It’s ok to be both happy, proud, and disap­ her team to a second consecutive regional pointed all at the same time, and that’s where championship with her runner-up time of I am. The last two seasons we have been 19:30.41. Crews came in next at 19:42.72. fourth in the region, and to qualify as a team, Durkee was 12th with a time of 20:36.17. we need to be in the top three. On the one The Trojan team as < whole was one spot hand, yes, I should be and I am proud of our shy of qualifying for the state finals, finishing fourth place finish, but ask any Olympian who 42 points behind third-place South Christian. just missed the bronze, medal how they feel, Marshall won the regional title with 56 I and although we are not competing on the points. Mason was second with 63 and South ; same scale, I think the feelings are relatable. Christian third with 75 points. TK finished “Just missed.” with 117 points, ahead of Vicksburg 134, Like TK, Marshall and Mason both had Eaton Rapids 154, Parma Western 94, three girls among the 15 medalists. South Wayland 249, Harper Creek 268, Gull Lake Christian had two, led by sophomore Mallory Huftenga who was fifth in 19:52.35 - a per­ 299, Coldwater 311, Charlotte 313, Parchment 352, Jackson Northwest 389, Hastings 416, sonal record time. Her teammate, senior Abby Winkle set a PR with her ninth-place Olivet 426 and Pennfield 491. “The girls ran hard, they competed well, time of 20:13.25. they stayed engaged, and they gave maxi­ The OK Gold Conference also saw Wayland junior Olivia Barbas earn a state finals spot with her seventh-place time of 20:05.19. For the most part, the TK girls were just off their personal records for the season. Junior Lindsey Velting and freshman Lydia Schilthroat were both about a minute faster on the course at Portage than they were three weeks prior. Sophomore Holly Velting was about 16 seconds faster than in early October, and was the fourth Trojan across the finish line. She placed 37th in 21:49.78. Lindsey came in 50th at 22:23.71. Schilthroat was 59th in 22:49.19. TK also hadjunior Lucy VanDemark 78th in 24:05.04. Most of the TK boys took good chunks of time off their times from the Portage Invitational at the regional race, none more so than sophomore Lucas VanMeter who placed 39th in 17:57.1 to lead the TK team. He was 50 seconds faster than he had been three weeks previous. Trojan senior Benjamin Trudell ran his fastest varsity race ever to place 84th in 19:24.61. He was about half a minute faster than he had been at the Portage Invitational, and cut more than 14 seconds off his previ­ ous PR. Trudell was one of four TK senior boys running in their final regional race. Camden Reynolds placed 64th, the second Trojan across the finish line, in a time of 18:45.22. Matthew Smith placed 75th in 19:04.07. Michael Blair tallied a 108th-place time of 21:04.54. TK also had sophomore Kaden Hamming 98th in 20:06.93 and junior Aidan Buist 99th in 20:07.70. Mason took the boys’ regional champion­ ship Saturday with 91 points, edging Harper Creek’s 95-point performance for the top spot. South Christian won a three-team battle for the third and final state qualifying spot. The Sailors’ 147 points bested Coldwater’s 151 and Wayland’s 152. Vicksburg placed sixth with 185 points, ahead of Eaton Rapids 205, Gull Lake 205, Olivet 214, Marshall 220, Parchment 258, Hastings 260, Parma Western 273, Charlotte 355, Thomapple Kellogg 358 and Pennfield 495. Parchment senior Garrett Winter was the individual regional champion with a time of 15:52.20. Harper Creek senior Owen Gilbert was second in 16:16.63 and Coldwater senior John Aerts third in 16:20.75. Parchment junior William Winter earned the fourth-place spot with a time of 16:26.96. South Christian’s leader was junior Caleb Boes who placed fifth in 16:27.63. South Christian, Harper Creek and Mason, the three state qualifying, each had two guys among the 15 medalists. Mason was led by the duo of senior Landon Buskirk and fresh­ man Alex Doneth. Buskirk was sixth in 16:41.86 and Doneth seventh in 16:43.62. The seven state qualifiers not on those three teams were all also among the top 15 medalists in the boys’ race. If you think oxygen therapy means slowing down, it’s time for a welcome breath of fresh air. Introducing the Inogen One family of portable oxygen systems. With no need for bulky tanks, each concentrator is designed to keepyou active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology® Hours of quiet and consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting batte ry ch a rge e n a b I i n g f reedo m of movement, whether at home or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements fortravel ensuring the freedom to be you. No heavy oxygen tanks Ultra quiet operation Lightweight and easy to use Safe for car and air travel Full range of options and accessories • FDA approved and clinically validated • • • • • Call 1-844-358-2387 for a free consultation and info guide. inogen MKT-P0253 Thornapple Kellogg senior Matthew Smith (583) runs with the pack soon after the start of the MHSAA Division 2 Regional at Portage West Middle School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) * �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — Page 13 Young Saxons see room for growth at D2 regional ^99999999999999299^ Hastings senior Carissa Strouse makes her way along the course at Portage West Middle School Saturday during the Division 2 Regional race. Strouse led the Saxons with a 53rd-place finish at the meet. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor As typically happens over a guy’s varsity cross country years, speed comes with time. The first three finishers and seven of the 15 medalists at the MHSAA Division 2 Regional at Portage West Middle School Saturday were seniors. Only two freshmen and two sophomores were among the top 15 who qualified for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals with their medal-win­ ning performances. The Saxons are planning on another year or two of growth and improvements giving them the chance to chase spots in future state finals competitions at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Saxon sophomore Riley Shults wasn’t too far off the state qualifying pace Saturday. He led his team with a 22nd-place time of 17 minutes 17.63 seconds. The top three teams and top 15 runners Saturday qualified for the D2 state finals, which will be held Nov. 6 at MIS. Shults was only about ten seconds behind the last of the 15 medalists Saturday, Marshall sophomore Aidan McPartlin who was 15th with a time of 17:07.32. Parchment senior Garrett Winter was the individual champion in the boys’ race in Portage with a time fo 15:52.20. Harper Creek senior Owen Gilbert was second in 16:16.63 and Coldwater senior John Aerts was third in 16:20.75. Mason had two medalists, senior Landon Buskirk who was sixth in 16:41.86 and fresh­ man Alex Doneth who was seventh in 16:43.62 and took the team regional title with 91 points. The Bulldogs were just four points better than the Harper Creek Beavers who finished with 95 points. South Christian edged out Coldwater and Wayland for the final state qualifying spot. The Sailors fin­ ished with 147 points, ahead of the Cardinals’ 151 and Wildcats’ 152. The Hastings boys were 12th in a field of 16 full teams. The Saxon team had a solid pack behind Shults. Sophomore Reuben Solmes was 45th in 18:16.58, freshman Brandon Simmons 49th jn 18:28.58 and sophomore Jonah Teed 56th in 18:34.85. Solmes, Teed and teammates Micah Johnson, Cole Greenfield and Alexander Steward all ran the fastest times they’d ever run on the course at Portage West Middle School. Johnson, a freshman, placed 89th overall in 19:32.50. The sophomore Greenfield was 94th in 19:54.63. The junior Steward placed 110th in 21:29.38. Behind the top five teams, Vicksburg fin­ ished with 185 points, ahead of Eaton Rapids 205, Gull Lake 205, Olivet 214, Marshall 220, Parchment 258, Hastings 260, Parma Western 273, Charlotte 355, Thomapple Kellogg 358 and Pennfield 495. The Hastings girls’ team had two runners set new personal record times at the regional. Junior Victoria Jerzyk was 104th in 29:44.77 and freshman Anika Bourassa 110th in 35:46.02. Jerzyk shaved more than two min­ utes and 16 seconds off her time from the same course three weeks prior. The Saxon girls’ leader Saturday, senior Carissa Strouse, cut half a minute from her Portage Invitational time at the regional. She placed 53rct in 22:30.37. Fellow Saxon senior Allison Teed placed 68th in 23:14.76. Hastings also had sophomore Lily Comensoli 93rct in 25:31.81 and senior Hannah Crozier 98th in 26:05.56. Youngsters led the girls’ race. Mason soph­ omore Meghan Ford was the individual champion in 18:42.74. Marshall sophomore Camille DeCola was second in 19:30.41 and Thomapple Kellogg freshman Ava Crews third in 19:42.72. DeCola led Marshall to the regional cham­ pionship with 56 points, ahead of Mason 63, South Christian 75, Thomapple Kellogg 117, Vicksburg 134, Eaton Rapids 154, Parma Western 94, Wayland 249, Harper Creek 268, Gull Lake 299, Coldwater 311, Charlotte 313, Parchment 352, Jackson Northwest 389, Hastings 416, Olivet 426 and Pennfield 491. Hastings junior Victoria Jerzyk runs to a new personal record time at the MHSAA Division 2 Regional race at Portage West Middle School Saturday. Jerzyk placed 104th in the race with a time of 29 minutes 44.77 seconds. (Photo by Brett Bremer) THE HOTTEST STARS TYLER HENRY 1 HOLLYWOOD MEDIUM ’ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 KENNYG THE MIRACLES HOLIDAY & HITS TOUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 DICK FOX'S GOLDEN BOYS FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 Tickets available now at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. GET YOUR VKtFoN" JS I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. 170769 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on November 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room of the Tyden Center, located at 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The subject of the public hearing will be the consideration of the following amendment to the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended: MAP CHANGE A-3-2021 Request to rezone a property at 5882 Lawrence Road, Nashville, in Section 18 of Maple Grove Township. (See attached map.) FROM A (Agriculture) TO RR (Rural Residential) All of the above mentioned property is located in Barry County, Michigan. Legal Description of Parcel: Saxon freshman Brandon Simmons (right) fights to get by Eaton Rapids' Gabe Chapates before the finish line at the MHSAA Division 2 Regional hosted by Portage West Middle School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Rainbow Tier Il’s best battle for titles this weekend Brett Bremer Sports Editor It is postseason time for the Delton Kellogg/Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings varsi­ ty girls’ swimming and diving team. The DK/TK/HHS girls will host the annual OK Rainbow Conference Tier II Championship at the Community Education and Recreation Center Nov. 5-6, with prelim­ inary races Friday and the finals on Saturday. DK/TK/HHS closed out the 2021 regular season with an 81-74 non-conference victory over visiting Charlotte in Hastings Thursday evening. Sophia Marcukaitis and Cadence VanOoy won two individual events each for the DK/ TK/HHS girls. VanOoy won the 200-yard freestyle in 2 minutes 19.01 seconds and later captured the 100-yard backstroke title in 1:11.07. Marcukaitis won the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:11.35 and the 200-yard indi­ vidual medley in 2:24.21. DK/TK/HHS had the top two scoring per­ formances in the 200 IM, with Preslee Hall second in 2:37.91. Hall added a victory in the 100-yard butterfly later in the meet with a time of 1:08.32. Abby Marcukaitis, Sophia Marcukaitis, Hall and Holly Carpenter teamed up to win the 200-yard medley relay at the start of the night in 2:00.56. Abby Marcukaitis added a winning time of 26.15 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle for her team. The DK/TK/HHS girls swam a number of exhibition races on the night. Marcukaitis’ senior teammate Ellen Shults had the second best time in the 50 freestyle at 30.49 seconds. Lizzie Middleton had the second-best time for DK/TK/HHS in the 200-yard freestyle at 2:21.57. The top three divers all scored placing 1-2-3 for DK/TK/HHS. Freshman Abigail Dumond won it with a score of 210.05 points. Junior Eve Bishop was second with 198.90 points and sophomore TJ Myers third with a score of 168.40. DK/TK/HHS also had the senior foursome of Shults, Lily Foy, Paige Robins and Abby Marcukaitis win the 200-yard freestyle relay in 2:05.30. The exhibition team of freshman Malia Hamby, Sophia Marcukaitis, Erin Daniels and Ainsley Parsons had a strong time in that event as well, finishing in 2:02.71. The team of Middleton, VanOoy, Daniels and Shults put together a time of 4:33.17 in an exhibition run of the 400-yard freestyle relay, which was the best time of the night. Middleton won the 500-yard freestyle in 6:25.11, beating out the Orioles’ Carly Culver by just over two seconds. Carpenter had an exhibition time of 6:11.36 in the race. Foy had the 100-yard freestyle win for DK/ TK/HHS, finishing in 1:06.69. The North 660 feet of the East 660 feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 7 West, Maple Grove Township, Barry County, Michigan. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon the proposed amendment, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to Planning & Zoning, 220 West State Street, Hastings Michigan 49058, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at imcmanus@barrycounty. The proposed amendment of the Barry County Zoning Ordinance is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 during the business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday (excluding holidays.) Please call the Barry County Planning & Zoning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284, mbrown@barrycounty.org. This notice is given pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act (Public Act 267 of 1976) as amended. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk �Page 14 — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — The Hastings Banner The Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls' cross country team gathers with its trophy after winning the Barry County Meet Monday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Hastings varsity boys' cross country team celebrates its championship at the Barry County Meet Monday afternoon at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxon boys and TK girls top county once again Thomapple Kellogg freshman Ava Crews winds her way around the course during the Barry County Meet Monday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings sophomore Riley Shults makes his way down a short, steep incline on the Barry County Meet course at Maple Valley High School Monday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg’s varsity cross country teams set the tone for the cheers with a rous­ ing ovation for senior Melanie Monroe as she was the first of 14 medalists announced at the conclusion of Monday afternoon’s Barry County Meet at Maple Valley High School. The cheers did turn to good-natured jeers from the Panthers however at the end of the awards ceremony when they learned that their boys had finished second to the Hastings boys in the battle for a county championship. After having a string of three consecutive county championships halted by the Thomapple Kellogg boys last fall, Hastings rebounded in 2021 by winning the county championship with 31 points Monday. Delton Kellogg’s boys were second with 47 points, ahead of TK 56, Lakewood 95 and Maple Valley NTS. The Thomapple Kellogg girls kept their long string of county championships alive by winning the girls’ race with just 18 points. Delton Kellogg’s girls also finished in the run­ ner-up spot with 52 points, ahead of Lakewood 81, Hastings 88 and Maple Valley NTS. The top seven runners earned first team All-Barry County honors while finishers eight-14 earned spots as second team all-county medalists. Youngsters took the individual titles. Sophomore Riley Shults paced the boys’ pack from start to finish, winning in 17 minutes 47.25 seconds to help the Saxons to their championship. Freshman state qualifier Ava Crews from Thornapple Kellogg won the girls’ race in 20 minutes 27.59 seconds. TOWNSHIP OF CARLTON BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ROLL FOR LEACH LAKE WEED CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT The residents and property owners bordering Leach Lake and all other interested parties. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor has reported to the Township Board and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll prepared covering all properties within the Weed Control Special Assessment District benefited by the weed control project. Said assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing a portion of the costs for the pro­ posed Weed Control Special Assessment District as more particularly shown on the plans and estimates of costs on file with the Township Clerk within the township, which assessment is in the approximate amount of $69,330.00 for five seasons. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the supervisor has further reported that the assessment against each parcel of land within said district is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said district as the benefit to such parcels bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said district. The proposed special assessment as shown on the roll is in the approximate amount of $69,330.00 for the five seasons, or approximate amount of $13,866.00 per year. For further information, you are invited to examine the Roll. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet at the Carlton Township Hall at 85 Welcome Road, Hastings, Ml 49058, on November 8, 2021, at 7:00 pm for the purpose of reviewing said Special Assessment Roll, hearing any objections thereto, and thereafter confirming said Roll as sub­ mitted or revised or amended. Said Roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk at 85 Welcome Road, Hastings, Ml 49058, by appointment until the time of said hearing and may further be examined at said hearing. Appearance and protest at this hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner, or party in interest, or his or her agent may appear in person at the hearing to protest the Special Assessment, or may file his or her appearance or protest by letter at or before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. The owner or any person having an interest in the real property who protests in person or in writing at the hear­ ing may file a written appeal of the Special Assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the Special Assessment Roll. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Carlton Township Board will provide necessary and reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon reasonable notice to the Carlton Township Clerk of the need for the same at least five days prior to the aforesaid hearing. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place to submit comments concerning the foregoing. TO: Amanda Brown, Clerk Carlton Township 85 Welcome Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-5990 Crews is one of three TK ladies who have qualified for the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals this fall. She’ll join senior teammate Jessica Durkee and junior Emelia MacDonald, returning state qualifiers, at the finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday. Durkee placed second Monday in 21:08.12 and MacDonald fifth in 22:05.38. TK sophomore Holly Velting ran her way into that pack for TK Monday, placing fifth in 22:05.38. TK had five first team and three sec­ ond team finishers Monday in the girls’ race. Hastings had four boys earn first team all-county honors. Behind Schults, the Saxon team had sophomore Reuben Solmes fourth in 18:32.06, sophomore Jonah Teed fifth in 18:33.44 and freshman Brandon Simmons sixth in 18:37.31. Thomapple Kellogg sophomore Lucas Van Meter was on Shults’ heels much of the race and finished in the runner-up spot with a time of 17:56.88. Deltop B^jlogg freshman Ethan Rimmer was third in 18:29.38. Delton Kellogg junior Hector Jimenez was the most senior member of the top seven fin­ ishers in the boys’ race, placing seventh in 18: 654.28. Lakewood as led by junior Ryan Alford who placed eighth in 18:55.12. Camden Reynolds, the son of Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ coach Josh Reynolds, was the first senior across the finish line plac­ ing ninth in 18:58.25. The fifth scorer for the Saxons was fresh­ man Micah Johnson, who placed 15th in 19:31.50, barely beating out sophomore teammate Cole Greenfield who was 16th in 19:32.78. Delton Kellogg had all five of its top scor­ ers finish among the 14 medalists. Junior Micah Martin placed 11th in 19:16.81, senior Caden Ferris ran a personal record time of 19:20.25 to place 12th and junior Isaac Shepard was 14th in 19:29.22. The third-place Thomapple Kellogg team had a pair of seniors in the top 14, along with Van Meter. Matthew Smith was right behind Reynolds in tenth place with a time of 19:05.62. Rounding out the scoring group for TK, senior Benjamin Trudell placed 17th in 19:39.00 and junior Aidan Buist 18th in 19:48.12. Lakewood’s number two was freshman Troy Acker who set a new personal record with his 13th-place time of 19:23.44. The Lakewood team also had senior Tyson Raffler set a PR with his 25th-place time of 21:18.06. Logan Kenyon was 29th overall for the Vikings in 21:41.59 and senior Logan Kenyon was 29th in 21:41.59. Maple Valley was led by junior Adam Blakely who placed 39th with a time of 24: 04.34. Lion sophomore Brody Trowbridge lowered his PR to 32:36.44 in a 41st-place finish. Lucy VanDemark wrapped up the pack of five TK girls in the top seven Monday. She placed sixth in 22:08.00 - her best time of the season. Also in the top 14 for TK were junior Lindsey Velting ninth in 22:33.41, freshman Lydia Schilthroat tenth in 22:33.75 and senior Kendall Snyder 13th in 22:58.18. The runner-up team from Delton Kellogg had three top 14 medalists. Senior Aubrey Aukerman led that group by placing third in 21: 16.78. Panther senior Halena Phillips was seventh in 22:15.44 and the senior Monroe was 14th with a personal record time of 23:06.41. DK’s top five also included junior Joelle White who was 17th in 23:25.34 and fresh­ man Johannah Houtkooper 19th in 23:35.00. The third-place Lakewood team was paced by junior Reagan Lab who was 12th in 22: 43.44. The Vikings’ Sadie Brearley was just behind Monroe for the final medal spot, placing 15th in 23:07.94. Lakewood also had sophomore Claire Fortier 20th in 23:45.66, sophomore Emma Lancaster 22nd in 24:19.50 and junior Gabby Rosenburger 28th in 25: 36.18. Delton Kellogg freshman Ethan Rimmer makes his way along the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail in the woods behind Maple Valley High School Monday afternoon during the Barry County Meet. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg senior Aubrey Aukerman rounds a turn behind Maple Valley High School Monday during the Barry County Meet. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Senior Carissa Strouse closed her varsity cross country career with an eight-place time of 22:27.69 to lead the Saxon girls. Fellow Saxon senior Allison Teed was 18th in 23:27.44 and the third Hastings senior across the finish line was Hannah Crozier who came in 29th in 26:01.28. Sophomore Lily Comensoli finished between Teed and Crozier for the Saxons, placing 21st in 23:56.34. Hastings junior Victoria Jerzyk was 43rd in 30:35.06. Maple Valley had two runners competing. Sophomore Lilly Faurot scored an 11th place time of 22:38.94 and freshman Brianna Gurd was 46th in 35:16.03. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 4, 2021 — Page 15 Impressive run by DK ends in regional final Brett Bremer Sports Editor The underdog Panthers finally found a foe they couldn’t upend Saturday. South Christian ended the longest postsea­ son run in the history of the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer program as the fifthranked Sailors scored an 8-0 win over the Panthers in the MHSAA Division 3 Regional Final at Holland Christian High School. The Sailors kept their undefeated record intact at 20-0-3 and earned a spot in the Division 3 State Semifinal set to be played last night, Nov. 3, against No. 4 Elk Rapids at Cedar Springs High School. Delton Kellogg goalkeeper Marcus Momenee made 15 saves in the regional final loss - more than he had in any of his team’s five other state tournament contests. He’d been a wall in front of his net as his team won its first district championship with a string of three straight shutouts in the tournament which the Panthers hosted. It was Watervliet that finally snuck one shot past him in the regional semifinal at Holland Christian High School Wednesday, Oct. 27, in what was ultimately a 2-1 victory for the Delton Kellogg team. Momenee even made an outstanding play on that goal, which tied the regional semifinal at 1-1 midway through the first half. A Delton Kellogg turnover eventually led to a penalty kick, which Watervliet’s Nathan Isbrecht fired low and hard to his right. Momenee made a diving save to his left to thwart the PK, but Isbrecht beat the swarm from outside the box to the rebound and put it past the fallen DK keeper. “Team, victory, just wanted to win it for the team,” Momenee said when describing his thoughts as he stood on his line awaiting the PK. “There were a million things going through my head. I got the first save and then couldn’t get up for the second one, but you live and you learn. Team, victory, just wanted to win it for the team.” Forward Marshall Warner had a goal and assist to power the Delton Kellogg attack in the regional semifinal. Warner, who plays ODP (Olympic Development Program) soc­ cer and for the Michigan Fire based out of Grand Rapids when not on the pitch for the DK Panthers, put a comer kick from the right side in a perfect spot for teammate Myles Hatton to head into the net a minute and a half into the regional semifinal. The early goal gave the DK Panthers as bit of a confidence boots in the match against the Delton Kellogg defender Martin Wachowski clears the ball from trouble during his team’s 2-1 win over Watervliet in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals at Holland Christian High School Wednesday, Oct. 27. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Watervliet team that bested them 6-2 early in the season. Warner scored what proved to be the game-winning goal seven minutes into the second half, finding space in the middle after cutting in from the right side. “Most of the time I had been playing the ball inside,” Warner said. “I decided, let’s take it for a try. I beat the one [defender], saw the bottom left and let it rip.” The DK Panthers played a strong second half to hold on for the one-goal win. “Maybe,” was Delton Kellogg head coach Alan Mabie’s first thought when he was asked if the regional final performance was his team’s best of the season. “No,” he finally answered, although he did like how his team carried its energy level from its first ever district championship game into the regional semifinal. “This is the same kind of energy we had,” Mabie said. “We came out and scored in the first two minutes, which is something we don’t Delton Kellogg goalkeeper Marcus Momenee slides out to secure a ball in front of his net during his team’s 2-1 win over Watervliet in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals at Holland Christian High School Oct. 27. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg’s Myles Hatton (13) and Hector Jimenez look towards teammate Marshall Warner after Hatton finished off a corner kick by Warner to put their team up 1-0 in the first half of their MHSAA Division 3 Regional Semifinal against Watervliet at Holland Christian High School Oct. 27. The DK Panthers went on to a 2-1 win over Watervliet before being bested by South Christian in the regional final Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) normally do, so I knew it was too early to hope we were going to stay 1-0. Then we kind of fell back a little bit. The second half of the first half they dominated us. We were just surviving. In the second half, we seemed to control more than them in the second half after they got the goal especially. We got them tired too.” Delton Kellogg played a little desperate even with a one-goal lead as the first half wore on. Defenders were more likely to just try and clear the ball away rather try and con­ trol possession. “There, in the second half, we were con­ necting and getting it to our midfielders who were getting it to our forwards and putting enough pressure on,” Mabie said. “We’ve just got to get one, we said. Just got to get one.” Delton Kellogg ends the season with a record of 11-8-2. The win over Watervliet was the end of five consecutive victories for DK. “Who would have thought we would be in the regional finals,” Mabie said after the regional semifinal victory. “We started the season slow, about midway through we start­ ed picking up and the last quarter, the last co iiple game wetealfy^picked it up. We lost one, but that was to Lakewood and they were ranked 15^ in the state and they only beat us 1-0. From then on, we started picking it up more. Three district games, three shutouts. Those were tough games. Three shutouts. Our keeper did a great job tonight.” “Talk about an underdog. It is amazing. I don’t know what to say,” Warner said. “We have been confident this whole year. We were the underdogs, but we didn’t let it get to us. We came in thinking we were the better team and now we’re in the regional finals.” It was another strong game on the attack for DK forward Hector Jimenez, who was actually down on the field injured when Warner scored the go-ahead goal in the sec­ Delton Kellogg midfielder James Blackburn shields Watervliet defenders as he receives a throw-in during his team's win over Watervliet in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals at Holland Christian High School Oct. 27. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ond half. Jimenez stepped back to assist the defense as the game wore on. Warner, Mabie and Momenee all attributed the teams’ growing success this fall in part to a defensive formation change from a straight four across in the back to a diamond shape. “The defense has really stepped up lately, especially having Gio [Stea] in the back. He’s Aukerman saves fastest time for last regional race Brett Bremer Sports Editor Halena Phillips sprang to the front of the pack as a freshman on a senior-filled roster in the fall of 2018. Her classmate Aubrey Aukerman joined her for their sophomore season on the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country team. They’ve been the 1-2 for the Delton Kellogg team throughout the past three fall campaigns and raced their final regional meet Saturday in Allendale, com­ ing up shy of earning a first trip to the MHSAA Division 3 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals. Aukerman ran her fastest varsity race ever, placing 21st in 21 minutes 8.99 seconds. She was about 24 seconds faster than she was on the same regional course as a junior. Phillips placed 34th in 22:24.92. The top three teams and the 15 regional medalists earned spots in the state finals which will be held Saturday, Nov. 6, at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Maple Valley sophomore Lilly Faurot had been hoping for a return trip to MIS. She qualified in Division 4 as a freshman, but with the Lions up in Division 3 this fall it made it that much tougher. Faurot placed 27th in 21:44.42. “Lilly Faurot knew she was going to have to have the race of her life if she wanted to qualify for the state finals,” Maple Valley head coach Tiffany Blakely said. “Moved to a tougher region, she went in ranked 25th overall, and she ended up right around that spot. She ran her second fastest time of the season and really gave it her all. She ran with everything she had today, and came up just a little short. The great thing is she is already looking ahead to next year and working on what she needs to do to be able to qualify.” The Delton Kellogg girls were sixth as a team. Kent City won the regional championship with 50 points, ahead of Covenant Christian 63 and Calvin Christian 82 in the top three. Central Montcalm was a distant fourth with 114 points, ahead of Saranac 148, Delton Kellogg 164, Montague 186, Morley-Stanwood 216, Ravenna 232 and NorthPointe Christian 249. Behind those top two for the DK Panthers, fresh­ man Johannah Houtkooper placed 40th in 23:18.19, freshman Lillie Steele 42nd in 23:31.16 and senior Melanie Monroe 46th in 23:38.32. DK also had junior Joelle White 47th in 23:40.88 and sophomore Brea Chandler 58th in 24:30.41. Maple Valley also had freshman Brianna Gurd place 77th in 34:45.55. Covenant Christian senior Meghan Beute was the individual regional champion with a time of 18:38.64. Kent City freshman Lila Volkers was the runner-up with a personal record time of 18:47.71. Of the top ten finishers, six improved their personal record times at the regional. Kent City senior Alyeska Linsley ran her fastest time of the season to place eighth in 19:59.01 and her senior teammate Kierra Flegel set her PR at 20:05.97 with a ninth-place finish. The top five for the regional champions from Kent City also included a 17th-place finish from senior Emily Lantzer and a 19th-place finish from sopho­ more Isabella Max. Saranac freshman Alyssa Possehn was the last of the regional medalists and individual state qualifiers, placing 15th in a personal record time of 20:28.01. The Delton Kellogg boys placed eighth on the day with four guys running their fastest race yet including freshman Ethan Rimmer who led his team with a 24th-place time of 18:06.23. DK junior Micah Martin was 35th in 18:26.64, a new PR. DK also got personal record runs from sophomore Austin Bagley who was 45th in 19:11.39 and junior Brett Harsevoort who was 61st in 20:11.08. The top five for the Panthers also included a 44th-place time of 19:03.85 by junior Isaac Shepard. DK sophomore Parker Bagley placed 63rd in 20:30.17 and senior Eli Austin was 68th in 23:14.74. Maple Valley had two guys competing. Junior Adam Blakely placed 83rd in 23:14.74 and sopho­ more Brody Trowbridge was 87th in 33:41.97. Blakely was just a second off a personal record and beat his previous best time on the course in Allendale by 16 seconds. Calvin Christian won the boys’ regional champion­ ship with 39 points. Covenant Christian was second with 71 points, ahead of Saranac 98, Black River 105, Kent City 106, North Muskegon 143, Montague 175, Delton Kellogg 195, Morley-Stanwood 238, Ravenna 252 and NorthPointe Christian 268. Calvin Christian had four of its Squires among the coming in and sweeping in and cleaning it up,” Momenee said. Momenee also got better as the year pro­ gressed. He was replacing a four-year keeper on the DK varsity after having just spent some time as a keeper during indoor season. Watervliet ends the season with a record of 19-3. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING top six finishers, led by senior Logan Manion who was the runner-up individually in 16:39.97. Kent City sophomore Samuel Martini won the face in 16:30.00. Calvin Christian also had Dan Kehoe third, Ben Wertz fifth and Nathan Jenkins sixth. Trevor Dombos was the team’s number five with a personal record time of 18:13.04 that put him in 27th place. Covenant Christian had a pack of guys finish between 12th and 22nd to score the runner-up team finish. Senior Nathan Bylsma led the Chargers with his 12th-place time of 17:27.73. Saranac was led by Nathan Day’s 15th-place time of 17:38.41. Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 The D Hastings 1J #8110376 & Insured Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 >ANNER Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings: One Stop Shop (Marathon) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Tom’s Market Hastings Johnny’s The General Store Marathon Mega Bev Hastings Pharmacy Marathon Gas Station (M-37 West) Marathon Gas Station (M-37 South) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Middleville: Cloverdale: Speedway Harding's Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny’s Cloverdale General Woodland Express Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Nashville: Shelbyville: Town & Country Gun Lake: Sam’s Gourmet Foods Orangeville: Deljon: Family Fare Delton Johnny's Banfield: Dowling: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Goldsworthys Freeport: Banfield General Store Doster Country Store Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny’s MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl’s LakeOdessa: Orangeville Fast Stop Pine Lake: Woodlands L& J’s �Page 16 — Thursday, November 4, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Vikings undefeated at two quads to close regular season Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity volleyball team has finally made it to November. The Vikings, ranked third in the state in Division 2, were set to take on Central Montcalm in the Division 2 District Semifinals at Hastings High School last night, Nov. 3. Lakewood has finished as the state runner-up in Division 2 each of the past two seasons. Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said last week that it is something of a relief to finally see the calendar ready to turn to November after his girls scored victories over Lakewood junior setter Skylar Bump puts a pass up during her team's win over the host Fighting Scots at the Caledonia Quad Thursday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Stevensville Lakeshore, Harper Creek and Caledonia at the Fighting Scots’ quad in Caledonia Thursday evening. He thinks his girls are ready for the postseason. “I worry about this quad and Saturday’s quad because they are ready,” Rowland said. “We’re practicing really well. They feel it is November almost. “Are we going to continue to do the things that are going to help us get better? They are doing that at practice. Since our home tourna­ ment, our practices have been unreal. They come in and it’s like ‘okay, there is a practice plan and we’re going to knock it out.’ Practices are scheduled for two hours and we haven’t gone two hours in probably two weeks because they’re just getting stuff done faster than I thought they would. “Then we get to work on a little bit of extra stuff. We have really been working on some attacking. I think Zayda [Kruger] taking that last swing, that is kind of the epitome of what we have been working on, turning crazy plays into swings and staying aggressive.” Shouts from the bench were for a “swing!” as an out of system ball flew up on the left side of the net in front of the Viking bench. Kruger, in a position where many high school volley­ ball players would bump a free ball over the net, got into position and let an attack rip that found the floor to clinch a two-set win for the Vikings over host Caledonia Tuesday. Lakewood scored a 25-9, 17-25, 15-13 win against Lakeshore to open the evening, best­ ed Harper Creek. 25-13, 25-19 and then closed the evening with a 25-13, 25-18 win over Caledonia. “We kind of played like we were waiting to play Cal [against Lakeshore], which we kind of were, but we played well after that,” Rowland said. “We played well against Harper Creek and played well against Cal. We’re starting to dig more balls. Alli [Pickard] and Carley [Piercefield] and Zayda and Mar’ [O’Gorman], and Sky’ [Bump] and Abby [Pickard] back there are just all over the place digging balls and we have even had to up the heat we’re putting on balls at practice to make drills difficult at all for them. That has been really nice that they’re transferring that over and continuing to do good things because that is what we’re going to have to be our best at to keep winning.” The Scots knocked offHarper Creek 25-11, 25-14 and Stevensville Lakeshore 25-10, 25-15. Lakewood, a team ranked second in the state in Division 2 and coming off backto-back state runner-up finishes, scored a 25-13, 25-18 win over the Scots in the final match of the evening. “I feel like we finally didn’t play down to the level we were playing against,” Lurye said of the first two wins. “We just stuck to the plan and competed all the way through. It was good to just finish a game, start to finish.” Caledonia led the second set with Lakewood 13-11 before the Vikings took charge. Caledonia senior outside hitter Ella Moorlag and freshman outside hitter Cambria Gaier led the Scots’ offense in the early por­ tion of that second set. Lakewood freshman setter Abby Pickard fired a second ball deep for a kill to get her team within a point and then the Vikings’ all­ state outside hitter, Maradith O’Gorman, smacked three consecutive kills to move their team in front 16-13. O’Gorman smacked five more kills for the Vikings as they pulled away to close out the match. The host Fighting Scots were 2-1 for the day, knocking offHarper Creek 25-11, 25-14 and Stevensville Lakeshore 25-10, 25-15. The Lakewood Vikings finished off the regular season at a quad hosted by Chelsea Saturday, scoring wins over Haslett, Chelsea and Parma Western. Lakewood beat the Haslett girls by the scores of 25-9, 25-12; the Chelsea girls 25-20, 25-14 and Parma Western 25-20, 25-13. “We again defended very well and our offense is starting to come together for us to be playing our best now,” coach Rowland said. O’Gorman led that attack with 32 kills, while adding two aces, 21 digs and four blocks. Skylar Bump had 12 kills and 27 assists, as well as five aces and two blocks. Kruger chipped in nine kills, Tori Wickerink seven, Alivia Eastman five and Kenzie Wells and Ellie Possehn had four kills each. Abby Pickard had 23 assists, four aces and 15 digs for the Vikings. Carley Lakewood setter Abby Pickard turns her back to the net to pass a ball with back-up from teammate Maradith O'Gorman on the play during their match with Caledonia Thursday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Piercefield added nine assists to go with five aces and a team-high 33 digs. Alli Pickard finished with seven aces and 16 digs. Possehn tied O’Gorman for the team lead in blocks with four. Wickerink added three blocks. Abby Pickard had four aces, and Bailey Fifelski and Wells had two each. Central Montcalm bests HHS spikers in postseason opener Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity volleyball team host­ ed Central Montcalm in the first round of the MHSAA Division 2 District Tournament Monday and fell 3-0 to the visiting Hornets. Central Montcalm won in three close sets by the scores of, 25-20, 25-19, 25-22. Hastings senior Phoebe Schantz had the emotions of any senior playing their last game, she noted that “we played a good game, we just couldn’t push through to win. We played hard and I am grateful for the four years I’ve had playing volleyball and the memories I’ve made.” The Saxons pushed for a comeback late in the third set on a serving run by Isabella Hendershot, but could not quite pull off the win. Hendershot led the team in aces with four for the night. Audrey Vertalka, Phoebe Schantz and Rachel Hewitt all had three aces each. Abby Beemer led the Saxon team in assists with six. Vertalka had five solo blocks and two assists for the night. On the other side of the District bracket, Belding defeated Portland Monday night to earn a spot in the district semifinals in Hastings Nov. 3 against Ionia. Central Montcalm was set to play Lakewood on Wednesday night at Hastings in the district’s other semifinal match. The winners of Wednesday’s semifinals will be back in Hastings tonight, Nov. 4, for the District Final. THE BEST STEAKS A ; for tenderness Hastings setter Abby Beemer puts a pass into the air during her team's MHSAA Division 2 District opener against visiting Central Montcalm Monday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) The Saxons' Madison Pettingill and Audrey Vertalka go up for the block Monday during their district match against visiting Central Montcalm while teammate Phoebe Schantz looks on. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Freshman Acker leads LHS boys at D2 regional meet tOA A&rbbio The Delightful Gift 4 Butcher’s Gut Top Sirloins (5 oz.) 4 Filet Mignon Burgers (5.3 oz.) 4 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks (3 oz.) 4 / ■ Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.) jar Signature Seasoning (3.1 oz. jar) 8 FREE Filet Mignon Burgers (5.3 oz.) 65658PAC separately $228^8' SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE $QQ99 OO 8 FREE FILET MIGNON BURGERS Shop online or call now to order» OmahaSteaks.com/TheGift1178 11.866.351.3430 Ask for free burgers with offer 65658PAC ‘Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2.8 free (5.3 oz.) Filet Mignon Burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes (65658). Free product® may be substituted. Standard S&H added per address. Offer available while supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Cannot be combined with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. All purchases acknowledge acceptance of Terms of Use. Visit omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI or call 1 -800-228-9872 for a copy. Expires 12/31/21. ©2021 OCG | Omaha Steaks, Inc. Brett Bremer Sports Editor In his second varsity race, freshman Troy Acker was Lakewood’s leader. Acker raced to a 59th-place time of 19 minutes 59.8 seconds at the MHSAA Division 2 Regional race hosted by Lansing Catholic Central at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. Acker joined the Viking varsity boys’ cross country team for the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship earlier this month. The Lakewood boys were 13th and the girls 12th as a team at the regional meet where the top three teams and top 15 individ­ uals earned spots in the Nov. 6 Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The top seven runners not on those three state qualifying teams at the regional were also guaranteed spots in the finals. St. Johns had the two fastest guys and put five in the top 11 to win the team regional title with 29 points. Ionia was second with 72 points and East Grand Rapids third with 92 points. St. Johns junior Joey Bowman was the individual champion in 16:52.6 and his senior teammate Griffin Armbrustmacher placed second in 16:57.2. Two other guys finished the race in less than 17 minutes. Ionia senior Josiah Magley was third in 16:57.4 and Forest Hills Eastern junior Aiden Sullivan fourth in 16:59.8. Fowlerville was fourth as a team with 140 points, ahead of Forest Hills Eastern 156, Corunna 164, Williamston 180, Belding 216, West Michigan Aviation 244, Lansing Eastern 244, Haslett 247, Owosso 334, Lakewood 367 and Portland 417. The Lakewood boys’ number two was junior Ryan Alford who placed 66th in 20: 40.1. Lakewood’s seniors were across the finish line next. Tyson Raffler was 74th in 21: 47.7 and Clayton Dumond was 84th in 23:37.3. The Viking team had sophomore Ethan Cappon 87th in 24:30.0 and sophomore Emil Myers 97th in 27:20.0. Sadie Brearley, a junior, led the Lakewood girls’ team with a 53rd-place time of 24:19.8. Sophomore Claire Fortier placed 59th in 24:58.9. Viking junior Emma Lancaster placed 64th in 25:26.7, junior Gabby Rosenburger 76th in 26:57.7 and senior Madason Morelli 82nd in 28:54.1. The East Grand Rapids girls were nearly as dominant as the St. Johns boys. East Grand Rapids won the girls’ meet with 39 points, ahead of second-place Forest Hills Eastern’s score of 74 points. Williamston won a sixth-score tiebreaker with Owosso to earn the last team state qual­ ifying spot. The top five for both teams tallied 117 points. Williamston’s Ashley Sweeny placed 46th, about 35 seconds ahead of the sixth runner from Owosso. East Grand Rapids sophomore Drew Muller was the individual champion in the race with a time of 19:37.9. West Michigan Aviation sophomore Emma DeVries was second in 19:56.9 and Belding senior Julia Finley placed third in 19:58.8. East Grand Rapids had four runners fin­ ish in the top nine, two others who placed 15th and 16th and a seventh runner who placed 21st. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-11-11.pdf fd7a313de46599776723b638a1541f14 PDF Text Text The sentence: Write an apology to the police A nation of leaders »r a country of rulers? Lakewood volleyball into regional semifinals See Story on Page 5 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 804879110187 1070490102590500665749058113421 **-************************CAR-R1 LOT**C 005 0005 VOLUME 167, No. 44 Thursday, November 11,2021 PRICE $1.00 City resolves issue with $20 million unfunded liability Benjamin Simon Staff Writer As Hastings City Clerk Jane Saurman said the words ‘‘motion carried,” Mayor Pro Tem John Ressigue leaned back in his chair and sat still for a second. Then he leaned forward, shook his head and brought his hand to his forehead. The city had just passed a plan to solve its $20 million in unfunded liability problem for both pension and Other Postemployment Benefits (OPEB), which refers to retiree health care. And that meant amending previously agreed-upon contracts with former and cur­ rent city employees. “We’ve been kicking the can for too many years,” Ressigue said later in the meeting. “And it was time to make that decision - right or wrong. All I want to say is that I hate to make that decision, but we had to do it.” After nearly seven months of planning, the City Council held a special meeting Monday to devise a final corrective action plan. In addition to cutting spouses and dependents from OPEB benefits, the city voted to end its group plan and remove Medicare-eligible retirees from its health care plan. Instead, they will offer them a $100 monthly stipend to contribute to a new insurance plan. “I think it clearly is advantageous to both the city and the retirees, because the cost is significantly less, and the retiree who’s eligi­ ble for that benefit can get similar or better coverage or something that’s more attuned to them specifically at a much lower cost,” City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale said. The city also will eliminate extra payments that the city had been making to Medicareeligible retirees. Ten years ago, the city started paying the entirety of shared premium costs and providing an extra $100 per month as an incentive to encourage retirees to opt into a new health care plan. They have continued that throughout the years, costing the city an addi­ tional $80,000, even though it was not in the city’s contract with retirees, Moyer-Cale said. Despite the $10 million in unfunded liabili­ ty in its OPEB and pension plans, the larger issue is pensions, where the city is j ust 44-percent funded ~ a significant drop from 68-percent funded in 2006. For all communities with pensions that are under 60-percent funded, the state requires a corrective action plan to solve the issue. And, if that corrective action plan is deemed unsuit­ able, the state treasury can take over the finances of the city. Hastings’ corrective plan is due to the treasury by Nov. 16. Once approved, the city must start imple­ menting those strategies within 180 days. But completing the whole plan will take time, Moyer-Cale said, and they will need to See CITY, page 2 Citizen assertions refuted by other citizens Honor heroes today Today, America celebrates Veterans Day to remember all U.S. military veterans, past and present. In Gun Lake on Wednesday, the GFWC Gun Lake Area Women's Club honored three veterans with their Quilts of Valor project. The project was started by Raeanne Renner, shown on left, the program chairman for civic engagement and outreach for the club. Members gathered to honor three special veterans: Barry County Commissioner Bruce Campbell, a Purple Heart recipient from the Vietnam War, and Earl Wykstra, who also served in Vietnam, as well as PFC Charles Biggs, who served in the Korean Conflict. Each man was called to stand and each was wrapped in a quilt specially made for them by members of the club. Here, Campbell, with Renner and Vai Heethuis, is honored by the club. To read more about this ceremony and other Veterans-Day ceremonies taking place throughout the community, see this Saturday's Reminder. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Rebecca Pierce Editor It is a longtime practice of the Barry County commissioners not to respond to citi­ zens when they speak during the public com­ ment portion of board meetings. As Chairman Ben Geiger has explained in the past, county commissioners are allowed plenty of time to speak during their sessions - so commissioners do not infringe upon the time allotted for public comment. But, in recent weeks, this protocol has become a recurring sore point for residents who make specific demands during public comment time and expect a direct response. Several have complained about it. “I would have better luck talking to a wall,” Aaron Gross of Hastings told the board Tuesday, “because at least I know how to fix a wall.” This time, however, commissioners didn’t have to respond directly to some of the com­ ment from citizens. Others in the audience took care of it for them. The issue that prompted passionate responses was the American Rescue Plan Act. Some residents urged the board not to accept ARPA funds. “If we were a community of upstanding people, we’d send that money back,” Charles Hertzler of Hastings said. “... That’s our tax­ payer money. I think we need to send it back and tell them to stick it.” In the meantime, Hertzler suggested, com­ missioners should schedule a night meeting, much like they did when a jail proposal was being considered, to allow people to ask questions. A special panel of sector experts, led by Barry Community Foundation President and CEO Bonnie Gettys, reviewed all project applications and, weighing them against the restrictions and requirements set by the feder­ al government, scored each one. The public needs to know how that scoring was done on the list of projects now under consideration after applications were submit­ ted, Hertzler said. Hertzler expressed the certainty that any spending on proposed projects in the county would help about 10 percent of the county and cause more division. See CITIZEN, page 3 COVID spike closing schools, canceling bus routes Taylor Owens and Greg Chandler Staff Writers Maple Valley Schools had 25 reported cases of COV1D-19 throughout the last school year. This year, the district has report­ ed three times that number. Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said they’ve confirmed 75 cases this year. The dis­ trict, which has about 920 students, reported 10 cases among students and staff last Friday. The virus has seriously jeopardized the district’s ability to hold school over the last two weeks. “It’s just really, really hard to keep things moving right now,” Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said during a school board meeting Monday evening. “The numbers are going up.” In the Hastings Area School System, last week was one of the worst weeks as far as num­ ber of COVID cases, school officials said. And Thomapple Kellogg sent a letter to parents at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School, announcing that classes at the middle school would be held remotely Wednesday through Friday this week, due to a spike of COVID-19 cases at that school. The letter went out shortly after the dis­ trict’s Board of Education meeting, when the board voted unanimously to grant temporary emergency powers to the superintendent to address the COVID situation for the rest of the 2021-22 school year. For Maple Valley, Fuller Street Elementary School had to close Wednesday due to staff shortage. Maple Valley canceled four of its 11 bus routes this week due to COVID-19 exposures at the bus garage. Like many districts, Maple Valley has been struggling to find bus drivers since the pandemic started. When the exposures occurred, it left the district with few options. The school asked parents to find ways to bring their students to and from school until the routes can be re-estab­ lished, which Bertolini said she expects will be Friday. “I have to thank our families who really pulled together to get kids into school,” Bertolini told The Banner. “Overwhelmingly, kids who lost their buses still made it into school and we are grateful for the commu­ nity working to keep the kids in school.” See CO VID, page 2 7-day Rate per 100k, Confirmed Cases too ——* Barry - ^Michigan Moderate Substantial High Weekly averages for COVID-19 cases in Barry County and the State of Michigan are both shown here as a rate of per 100 thousand, to make the numbers comparable. �Rage 2 — Thursday, November 11,2021 —The Hastings Banner Barry County reaches 93 COVID deaths CITY, continued from page 1 — g ^rticipate in a collective bargaining agree­ ment. She said she hopes to see “substantial changes” within six months to a year. “These things take time as well,” MoyerCale said. “We’re not rushing this. We don’t want to botch this. The city cares and values its retirees and wants them to have as good of an experience and a transition to this other option as possible.” ’ The cuts will result in about $423,000 Annually, Moyer-Cale said, and, if all goes Recording to plan, the city’s commitments will be 100-percent funded in at least 10 ^ears. She called it “killing two birds with one itone.” “The beauty of this plan is that we’re reducing our health insurance expenses and using that money - that’s the extra cash that we’re infusing into our pension,” she said. “So we don’t have to cut services, we don’t have to cut employees, we don’t have to change anything. There’s a net-zero effect on the budget. “Whereas, if we didn’t make these changes to .the retiree health care, that would mean W’d have to come up with cash from some­ where else.” * *Moyer-Cale started the night’s special feting by giving a presentation to council. 7/She outlined the city’s problem and pre­ sented two potential routes: Levying a public Safety assessment and/or various methods of reducing OPEB costs. “Really focus on where it is that you think some of these changes might get us,” she said 0*pouncil. “What’s the bottom line? What do want to contribute additional against our pension liabilities so that we can get out of this hole of being significantly underfunded more quickly so that the city is in an overall better financial position to better meet resi­ dents and taxpayers’ needs?” *Xouncil members considered a special assessment, but that would only have generat^.$270,000 and some didn’t want to put the weight on taxpayers. Instead, they landed on restructuring their OPEB contracts with retir­ ees. Still, some members of the council pushed back against eliminating spousal and depen­ dent coverage. “At the very least, I’d rather try not to take away from us from a spouse or surviving spouse because I think that would come as really a burden on them,” council member Brenda McNabb-Stange said. But, in the end, the council voted unani- “I hate to make that deci­ sion, but we had to do it.” Hastings Mayor Pro Tem John Ressigue mously to include the spouses in the correc­ tive plan. “I know this may sound mean of me, but I feel like I need to say it,” council member Jacquie McLean said. “We are all here to somewhat run a business. And I feel like we need to kind of keep emotion out of it.” Following the 6 p.m. special meeting, the council held its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. It didn’t take long - 20 or so minutes - for them to agree. Two motions were shot down before council unanimously made their decision on their third try. “I realize we’re not going to make every­ body happy, I realize that there’s going to be some turmoil,” McLean said. “But I feel like we need to make the best decision moving forward for our municipality so that, in the end, we get out of debt quicker.” In other action, the council: • Approved the purchase of a detective’s vehicle from Signature Ford of Owosso for $26,265. • Approved the final list of businesses that will be charged as part of a special assessment for parking lot improvements. The total cost is $27,600. • Adopted an escrow reimbursement policy in regard to planning and zoning projects. In the packet provided to council, Moyer-Cale wrote, “In the spirit of transparency and creat­ ing a mutual understanding with our appli­ cants, [Community Development Director] Dan King and I put together the enclosed policy regarding the use and reimbursement of escrowed funds. The goal is to avoid any misunderstanding with an applicant about how funds will be applied and reimbursed.” • Appointed Police Chief Dale Boulter to the Barry County Central Dispatch board. • Purchased three fire hydrants to place in stock for $6,600. Currently, the city has no fire hydrants in stock. • Approved a request to allow pets in Bob King Park on Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon to support Green Gables Haven, a domestic vio­ lence shelter. • Approved the dates for Hastings Jingle Mingle from December 3 to 5. Annual November Sale 20% off Fabrics < (Excludes Sale Items) 4 • Ihitst Cleaners Station • Christmas fabrics « < Prayfor car Country QUESTIONS: ASK US... a 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 Saturday 9 am-3 pm < The Holiday Gift Show is back! —■■■■■■■■■■■■■ Sunday, November 14 11 am - 3 pm For 18 years, artists have been selling their handcrafted and creative gifts at the Holiday Gift Show...this year the Institute’s dining room will be open to allow more vendors and more room to shop! By shopping, you will have the opportunity to support over 30 local artists and the Institute—it’s a win-win for everyone! After shopping, pick up a boxed lunch to go for $10! Chef Dan and staff have prepared lunches to take home or eat on the go. Free and open to the public. Go to CedarCreeMnstitute.org for more information. EAKLY THANKSulVI 1521 /brThe Hastings Banner Deadline for ADS: Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 3 pm Deadline for NEWS: Tuesday, Nov. 23, at Noon Deadline for CLASSIFIEDS: Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 2pm Papers will be on the newsstands Wednesday, Nov. 24 RR Wh Oeeoled io the Interests ef Barf Couniy Since 1856 HastingsDANNER Taylor Owens Staff Writer Four additional COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the last week, making October Barry County’s second worst month for deaths due the disease since the pandemic started in March 2020. According to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, a total of 13 Barry County residents died last month, compared to two deaths reported in October 2020, and 11 in November 2020. December 2020 remains the worst month, with 18 deaths reported. A total of 93 Barry County residents are report­ ed to have died from the virus since March 2020, There were 277 active cases of the virus reported in Barry County on Tuesday, up from 243 the week before. The most recent seven-day average for positive COVID-19 tests in Barry County was 23.21 percent, according to the State of Michigan. Health officials say a high positiv­ ity rate indicates there are more cases in the county which have not been confirmed through testing. Free rapid tests are available at BEDHD’s Hastings location at 330 W. Woodlawn Avenue from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Appointments are strongly encouraged at barryeatonhealth.org/test. Results are provid­ ed within 15 to 30 minutes. As of Monday, Spectrum Health Pennock had 12 people hospitalized with COVID-19, mid four in the intensive care unit. The hospi­ tal was at 95 percent of its bed capacity. According to the health department, at least 29,590 Barry County residents have received a COVID-19 vaccination, which is still short of the department’s goal of 48,631 - which represents 70 percent of the county’s population. The department started vaccinating chil­ dren in the 5 to 11 age range at the Barry Expo Center on Tuesday. More clinics are posted at barryeatonhealth.org/schedule-vaccine. COVID, continued from page 1 ----------- —---- ——-—■— -------------- - ------------------Due to a combination of COVID-19, quar­ antines and other seasonal illnesses, less than 75 percent of Maple Valley’s students were able to attend class last Friday. The State of Michigan requires at least 75 percent atten­ dance, or it won’t give the school its funding for that day. But Bertolini said she and the board have talked about the issue extensively, and decided it makes more sense to absorb the cut to the state aid than to try to make up the day by adding it onto the end of the school year. Bertolini said losing a day of state aid would cost the district, at most, around $6,000. “Which is a lot of money, but it’s not as much money as it costs to come back to school mid extend our school year into June,” she said at the meeting. “Because to bring back all staff and have to compensate staff for an additional day of work beyond their 180 days of work is a much bigger cost, and it’s a much bigger inconvenience to our families who count on that calendar to stay true.” Last year, when Maple Valley saw a drop in attendance, it would switch a building, or the entire district, over to virtual learning for a week or two. But the State of Michigan made its require­ ments for virtual learning much more strict this year. For a student to be counted in atten­ dance, they must be in constant contact during the school day. Bertolini said that’s just not possible for many families in Maple Valley, which lacks high-speed internet access in much of the region. She added that the district doesn’t have enough staff to run both an in-person and a virtual option that conforms to the new requirements. “That would really be an untenable option for us in this community,” Bertolini said. “I would love to be able to give that option to our families, but it’s just not a viable option for many, many reasons?’ Maple Valley’s administrative staff, many of whom have been affected by recent COVID exposures themselves, have not been able to trace the spread of the virus. “Even if we were to quarantine a group, which we’re not inclined to do,,I_____ haven_’t_ been _______ _ __ able to find any trends,” Bertolini said. “When I talk with the [Barty-Eaton District] Health Department, there are no trends. It’s not a sin­ gle second-grade classroom. We’re not getting many outbreaks here; most of the COVID that’s coming into our community is coming from in-home transmissions.” On Monday, the board of education passed a succession plan for the superintendent, in case Bertolini is incapacitated by illness or injury. “While I do not anticipate needing this additional layer of governance for the district, the past two weeks have shown me that the illness can pretty quickly incapacitate entire departments, and I wanted to ensure smooth operations regardless of who may be out due to illness or injury,” Bertolini told The Banner. “This is an effort to be prepared for any contingency?’ Bertolini said she hopes the district will reach a level of natural immunity and immuni­ zations for the school to get back to normal in the coming weeks. “I really am hoping we’re going to be rounding that comer and it won’t continue to make our lives so difficult,” she said. “Because I fully realize and regret the impact on our families, I regret the impact on our staff, I regret the impact on everyone who’s working so hard to try and make this the best we can make it. “It’s just been a really tough year, much hard­ er than last year, because we’re constantly adapting and we don’t have a lot of known pro­ cedural regimens that were trying to work with.” The district has ramped up its cleaning efforts, and is working to provide information on rapid testing, vaccination opportunities and general hygiene practices. Bertolini said she also is encouraging staff to meeting with each other virtually, to avoid entire departments or grade levels being affected by COVID exposures. Despite the staff’s best efforts, the virus has proved a major hurdle just three months into the school year. “It is a major impact,” Bertolini added, “far greater than it was last year on our staff, and they are tired and they are exhausted, and they’re working hard to cover for each other, and they’re doing an amazing job. “I just am so profoundly proud and grateful to-them for the work they’re doing to get things done. It’s inspiring. They’re amazing people, go we will continue to do that, we will continue to work hard, because die only thing to get through it is to go forward, so we’re going to go forward as best we can.” In the Hastings, Superintendent Matt Goebel said nothing will change regarding the district’s COVID policy. This comes one week after the district reg­ istered 21 confirmed positive cases from Nov. 1 to 5, nearly half of its total from October and September, where it had 46 and 43 cases, respectively. ‘ “It was probably our worst week as far as COVID cases last week,” he said. “But as this happens, as we’ve seen since March of 2020, these go in cycles. “So we do have a bad week every once in ai while and then all of a sudden, it drops.” COVID cases were down this week, Goebel said, although he couldn’t provide an official number until Friday. Attendance in the district has hovered in the 90th percentile, and they have no plans to move virtual or implement masking policies. “I would say that we’re relatively stable right now, when it comes to COVID cases, or we’re taking a slight dip, or a slight decrease in COVID cases, at least for this week,” said Goebel, who, along with other area school superintendents, met with the Barry-Eaton District Health Department officials on Wednesday morning. Goebel added that the district would not consider making adjustments unless they have a staffing shortage or attendance dips below 75 percent. They will continue to prioritize cleaning high-touch areas, such as lunchrooms and door handles, he said. On Monday night, Thomapple Kellogg Schools Interim Superintendent Craig McCarthy sent a letter to parents at Thomapple Kellogg Middle School, anhbuncing that classes at the middle school would be held remotely Wednesday through Friday, due to a spike of COVID-19 cases at the school. The letter went out shortly after the dis­ trict’s school board meeting, at which the board voted unanimously to grant temporary emergency powers to the superintendent to address the COVID situation for the rest of the 2021-22 school year. “Remote learning will be delivered syn­ chronously; meaning each class will meet at its regularly scheduled time,” McCarthy wrote in the letter to TKMS parents. “Our students and staff are adequately pre­ pared for this and we are confident we will make the best of the challenges this presents,” McCarthy added. “Please be certain your child fulfils his or her school responsibilities this week and understands that we do not view this as/vacation’... We acknowledge and appreci­ atethe inconvenience this decision creates, but we are doing what we feel is in the best inter­ est and safety for all students and staff?’ In-person learning will resume at TKMS tiekt Monday. In addition, all athletic and extracurricular activities have been canceled for the rest of this week and will resume next Monday, McCarthy wrote in the letter. McCarthy reported during Monday’s meet­ ing that there were eight positive cases of COVID among students at the middle school as of last Friday. Four additional cases were reported on Monday morning, bringing the positive caseload to 12. Then, on Monday afternoon, McCarthy learned of an additional four cases that the district was waiting to have verified. In addition, there is a probable sib­ ling case and two staff members that have tested positive for the virus, McCarthy said. “Our metric, when we met earlier in the year was if we reached 1 percent of the student body (testing positive for COVID] we were goingto look at our alternatives for mitigating, to try to keep the virus from spreading?’ McCarthy said during the meeting. About 750 students attend TKMS. The 16 positive cases represent about 2 percent of the student body. McCarthy outlined several options for miti­ gating the situation, including issuing a short­ term mask mandate through Friday of next week and reinstituting mandatory quarantin­ ing for close contacts. He admitted that the latter option would be problematic. “That could actually require up to 325 stu­ dents to be quarantined. I’d rather have stu­ dents be able to stay in the building to learn,” he said. School board president Matt Powers spoke out in favor of the synchronous remote leaming option. “Right now, we don’t know who is positive asymptomatic and still contagious, and who is symptomatic and just not fully developed yet and spreading,” Powers said. McCarthy told board members that custodi­ al staff undertook a “deep clean” of the entire middle school over the weekend. “We went from classroom to classroom with the Clorox 360 machine ... it’s like a mosquito fogger, except it’s a disinfectant machine,” McCarthy said. “We walk into a room, spray a fog and the disinfectant lands on everything and kills all the germs. That took place throughout every room, along with all the frequently-touched surfaces being wiped down.” TKMS is the only school in the TK district to switch to remote learning. All other schools are continuing with in-person instruction. “McFall and Lee [elementary schools], we don’t have a lot going on there,” McCarthy said. “We are getting a little bit of an uptick at the high school and Page [Elementary], but they’re not at the same level as the middle school.” Lakewood Public Schools Superintendent Steven Skalka said the district also is seeing a rise in COVID cases. “We had a couple of good weeks in mid-October, but last week, and so far this week, like the rest of the area, we are trending in the wrong direction,” Skalka told The Banner. “We have not had to quarantine a classroom, grade level, or move to remote learning but are monitoring things as closely as ever.” Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett said the district is averaging about thee positive cases each week, with each case resulting in about three students being quarantined. “I think we’re really fortunate to have our COVID cases be manageable,” he said. “We have struggled with staff shortages at times because of quarantines or just general illness, but [we] haven’t had to consider closing the buildings. We are having distance learning on Nov. 15, so that we’re prepared if we need to in the future, which is quite possible. “At this time, we’re not considering adding any additional mitigation measures.” Weekly COVID updates can be found on each school district’s website. Staff Writer Benjamin Simon contributed to this report. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 11, 2021 — Page 3 Barry County Board Chairman Ben Geiger asks fellow commissioners how to pro­ ceed on proposals for American Rescue Plan Act funds. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Unlike other sessions in recent weeks, Tuesday’s commissioners’ meeting ended with cordial conversation between people in the audience and board members. Here, Commissioner Bruce Campbell (left) catches up with Mark Bonsignore, who represented the county Democratic Party on the apportionment commission. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) CITIZEN, continued from page 1 “We will survive,” he said. “I know things are tight. Taking this blood money will only make things worse.” After Hertzler was done, Michelle Peltier of Hastings stood up and spoke. “I appreciate that you’re all working on ARPA projects,” Peltier told commissioners. “And that you’ve identified things that will improve infrastructures for the future. “It was good to see last week the projects that were listed - and that you’re investigating it - and you’re going to help the townships identify more.” “This money has already been dispersed from the federal government,” she added. “To turn it back would be cutting off our nose to spite our face.” “And I appreciate that you’re looking at projects; any improvement in this county is improvement for everyone,” Peltier said to Hertzler’s assertion. “There should not be resentment if one township, or one city, or one municipality, does benefit from it. We will all benefit from the improvements in Barry County.” Vice Chairwoman Vivian Conner men­ tions Orangeville Township’s efforts to chip away at its list for ARPA funds. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) But Eldon Shellenbarger of Hastings said he had a problem with ARPA money, particularly with regard to spending it for a $2.4 million build-out of one 800 MHz communications tower site to increase load capacity, coverage and increased interoperability for a safer com­ munications platform. This project, which had been ranked third by the county’s special panel, was requested by Barry County Central Dispatch/911 Director Stephanie Lehman and Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Yarger. “Why wasn’t these towers put in the proper place to begin with?” Shellenbarger asked the board. “There were issues with 800 to begin with; went with 700; now going back to 800.” Shellenbarger said, if the state police weren’t having an issue with the system, why would the county be having trouble with it. The project would be “wasting money on radio towers,” he said. “Aren’t there towers we can rent that would work a whole lot better than building a new tower system? The responses to his comments were imme­ diate and passionate. Yarger of Irving Township and the fire chief in Freeport, who has worked in fire service for 42 years, approached the podium and told com­ missioners, his voice shaking, “If you have questions about the radio system, come to those of us who use it - not the people who’ve never been on the radio, not the ones who have never had to put their lives on the line and use the radio system.” Yarger noted that the county’s migration from 800 to 700 MHz had nothing to do with the frequency not working, it had to do with the Federal Communications system selling the 800 spectrum they were on. “As far as towers go, and renting and where it should be, there’s a lot of things that go into that,” Yarger added. “We did get left out in the early stages of the 800 MHz digital system, which is what the state is. “We have VHF system the county fire runs on. We have a lot of interference problems with that. There’s days - not very many yet, but they keep getting worse - we have days we can’t get out on VHF when the static is so bad and, when somebody’s life is on the line, we’d like to get back to dispatcher or the command.” “If you have questions about the radio sys­ tem, please come to those who know,” he emphasized. Then Stephanie Lehman of Yankee Springs Township spoke up. . “I would love to be able to stand up here and educate everybody on the one 800 MHz infra­ structure tower that we currently have sitting near the intersection of M-79 and Swift Road in Barry County, but the fact of the matter is I was not a decision-maker for 911, I was in high school ... At that time, the state, the Michigan Public Safety Communications System, was responsible for the infrastructure build-out. So, Barry County was fortunate enough to receive one tower. “The state is no longer building infrastruc­ ture. The number-of first responders that we have utilizihg tfie system has quadrupled since 6T capability.' ’ “And, at this time, our system is overloaded. As a local unit of government, a municipality, we don’t have a choice but to try to meet and accommodate the need in today’s public safety market, and, unfortunately, we just are not quite there. “Historically, 911, through our millage, has been able to provide that infrastructure. Unfortunately, the cost of this infrastructure does not allow us to do that.” As she addressed the commissioners, Lehman enunciated the following words with greater emphasis: “The cost of one site exceeds our annual budget for one year. “So, we presently have one tower. All of the studies show that we probably need to have between six or seven, depending on how those towers are engineered. And I can share in the sentiment that Mr. Yarger shared with you earlier. “If you only have one chance, you’re in a basement or you’re in a house that’s collapsing because you’re fighting a fire, or you’re a law enforcement officer fighting with someone for their life, or you’re EMS fighting with a patient for their life ... and you have one opportunity to get out, and that system is overloaded and you miss your opportunity - and we at 911 are not able to meet the needs of our first responders. “It’s pretty hard to put a dollar amount on what that means to all of us.” Lehman concluded that the joint application for ARPA funding involves 911 and emergency management in Barry County. They have let­ ters of support from every law enforcement agency in the county, along with others. A final claim, made by Hertzler, was that the city of Hastings is on the verge of bankruptcy and “about to be taken over by the state.” That statement was quietly refuted by a county com­ missioner - but only after the meeting had ended. “Don’t believe a word he says,” one com­ missioner remarked as he walked out of the room. The Banner covered the Hastings City Council meeting Monday and a full report of that meeting is in this edition. Hertzler did express his appreciation to com­ missioners for scheduling a night meeting to discuss ARPA projects. That meeting is being scheduled for 7 p.m. Water ’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Tuesday, Nov. 30. A site has yet to be deter­ mined. Geiger said it wouldn’t surprise him if as many as 300 audience members attend. In other action, commissioners: • Adopted a resolution to approve a new master agreement between the Michigan Department of Transportation and Barry County Board of Commissioners and autho­ rized Transit Director William Voigt to sign it. • Authorized fiscal year 2022 adult specialty court grants for the Swift and Sure prison diver­ sion program for high-risk offenders, sobriety court, Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) and Adult Drug Court. • Approved proposed health plans for county employees for 2022. • Approved the use of $5,065 in animal shel­ ter donation funds to purchase a pre-made bam to house equipment. •Approved hiring a new full-time detective for the sheriff’s department. Commissioner Howard Gibson listens to citizen comment during Tuesday’s board meeting. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Commissioner Jon Smelker favors an evening meeting to gather input from the public on possible uses for ARPA funds^ (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) tk E ;■ ffi& PlieAjented by llllllt a Fiili THORNAPPLE HPAC Ifift. I -'ey Of Barry County Michigan DOUGLAS A. Si MARGARET I. DECAMP FOUNDATION EST. 2007 The holidays are here with the Grand Rapids Symphony's upcoming concert, Home for the Holidays! Join us Thursday, November 18th, for this old-fashioned musical Christmas celebration at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. 1 Generously sponsored by the DeCamp Foundation, this concert is presented by the Thornapple Arts Council and the Friends of HPAC. All tickets are $10. Students are invited to attend for free but must reserve a ticket and be accompanied by an adult. Get Tickets https://qrco.de/bcONnP Contact HPAC 269-818-2492 www.hassk12.org/HPAC �Page 4 — Thursday, November 11, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion SCC? A nation of leaders - or rulers? Order in the court - and for court screeners, too Progress continues with the interior renovations at the Barry County Courts and Law building, 206 West Court Street, in downtown Hastings. But court screeners are no long crammed in the entryway of the building while con­ struction goes on inside. Here, the newly redesigned area gives staff members the space they need to check people in while keeping a close eye on everything going on around them. On duty here, from left, are court screeners Bill Rhodes and Teri Hanson. Do you remember? Flag presentation Undated, likely from early or mid-1970s New flags - Three organizations received American flags Saturday, given by the Hastings American Legion Post. Pictured (from left) are Jerry Miller, post commander, presenting a flag to Ed Schuitema, business manager of the American Legion hospital in Battle Creek; Duane Miller, post chaplain, giving a flag to Mrs. Peg Buerge, administrator of the Barry County Medical Facility; and Linda Lillie and Dawn Kelley, troop leaders, and JoHanna Lillie and Denice Kelley, from Frank Highsmith for the Brownie Troop at Southeastern School. .. Have you met? Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Player of the Year, 1,590 rushing yards, 9.1 yards per carry, 20 touchdowns. After his 2021 season, TJ Russell will go down in Hastings High School history with one of the most accomplished seasons in its athletics program. And he did it with a tom meniscus. You can’t tell by the way the senior run­ ning back hits edges and cuts by defenders, but during the third week of the season, Russell dove in practice and “skidded” across a bump on the field. He rolled over and tried to stand up. “[I] was like6Oh my God,’ like I couldn’t walk on it,” he said. Luckily, after 20 to 30 minutes of jog­ ging on the field, he started to feel better. He probably just hyperextended his knee, he thought. He knew what it was like to tear something. Russell had tom his ACL before - on the first carry of his freshman season. This time, he didn’t hear a pop or anything to think it was that serious. The knee was just sore. Later that week, Jackson Lumen Christi pounded Russell. In the Saxons’ only regu­ lar-season loss of the year, Russell ran the ball 17 times for just 55 yards, his lowest total for the season. After the game, his knee hurt again. “At the last play of that game, I got smoked right in it,” he remembered. “And I go, ‘That’s it.’ I said, ‘I gotta go to the doctor.’” He did and he was told he had flipped and tom his meniscus. But there was a catch, the doctors said. Russell didn’t need immediate surgery. He could finish the season on the meniscus. He would just need some toughness, ibuprofen and a brace. Russell decided to play his senior season with the tom meniscus. He said he doesn’t know how he did it. But he did it. “I couldn’t really cut off of this [knee] as good as I can my other one,” he said of his running maneuvers. “Like I’d cut, and it’d be a lot slower or I’d have to slow down all the way.” Somehow, Russell, the son of Tim Russell and Katie Hawthorne, managed to rack up a lot of yards, touchdowns and accolades along the way. Maybe it was all the years out on the high school football field with his dad doing ladder drills, parachute sprints and dashes that prepared him. TJ Russell From fourth grade on, his dad, a mechan­ ical engineer, would host running back clinics on Johnson Field every Saturday, advertising them on Facebook for local kids. There, TJ Russell started to thrive, working on his footwork, agility and speed that would make him a 3,000-yard career rusher at Hastings High School. Russell’s game took another step for­ ward when quarantine hit after his sopho­ more season. Without anything to do, he locked himself in the weight room and focused solely on football. Five days a week, he lifted in the home of his teammate and guard, Owen Winegar. Three days a week, he spent an hour and a half doing cone drills, tire flips and 40-yard dashes at the high school. His quarantine work helped lead the Saxons to conference championships in back-to-back years, with a 6-2 record in 2020 and an 8-2 record in 2021 - their best record in 31 years while scoring the most points, 461, in school history. But even after a successftil high school career, Russell is not so sure he wants to play college football. Not after three serfous injuries in the same leg. Not with the commitment college football requires. He wants to see how his meniscus heals first. His surgery is set for Dec. 3, and he will need three months to recover. He still goes back and forth. As of right now, Russell will apply to three schools: Grand Valley State, Western Michigan and Ferris State universities. He hasn’t reached out to the coaches at Grand Valley and Ferris yet, but he plans to in the future. In the end, though, Russell said he ques­ tions how much college football is worth it. He thinks about the long practices and the chance for more injuries. He surprises peo­ ple when he tells them, but he thinks he might just be better off focusing on his schoolwork. He plans to study a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning-adjacent field or follow in the footsteps of his father with mechanical engineering. And there’s one more thing clouding his decision, he said. College football won’t compare to his experience at Hastings. He won’t be able to eat Subway with the team as his pregame snack. He won’t be able to listen to “Type of Way” by Rich Homie Quan in the locker room before every game. And he won’t be able to play on Johnson Field. “Playing football with my friends, it’s just fun. It’s probably my favorite thing to do,” he said. “It’s being out here with all my friends. College football wouldn’t be the same as that because it’s not the kids you’re going to high school with, always hanging around with all day.” For his season as the Hastings High School starting running back, TJ Russell is this week’s Bright Light: Favorite TV program: “One Piece.” Favorite teacher: Jeanette Pickard, a math teacher at Hastings High School. Favorite season: Football - er, not foot­ ball. Fall, because it has football. And I like the temperature and the feeling of fall. What I want for Christmas: A snow­ board, that’s what I want. I started getting into it last year a lot. Favorite dinner: It’s either steak burri­ tos my mom makes. Or my grandma’s homemade chicken fettuccine. What does TJ stand for: Tristin John Biggest challenge: Probably dealing with this knee. That’s probably been my biggest challenge going through high school. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. Since 1919, when we marked the first anniversary of the end of World War I, America has set aside every November 11 as a day to honor the men and women who have fought to keep this country safe. Veterans Day is a tribute we offer all our soldiers - those who died while serving, those who came home and passed on, and those who still stand with us today. Each of their lives is a touching reminder of how precious our freedom and democracy truly is. Today, though, our world of cynicism, distrust, and impatience with each other is causing that bright light of appreciation to dim. Instead of the ideals for which our brave soldiers fought, division and distrust is causing that once mighty flame of liberty to flicker. We’ve lost trust in the people we’ve elected to protect our national dream and we’ve allowed them to turn upon us the blame for their failures as we battle each other over everything from masks to Afghanistan. According to a recent report from Pew Research Center, since 2007 the share of people saying they can trust the government always, or most of the time, has not sur­ passed an overall 30 percent. Currently, 36 percent of Democrats and Democraticleaning independents say they can trust government, compared with 9 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaners. Throughout Donald Trump’s tenure, more Republicans than Democrats reported trusting the government, although that num­ ber has flipped since Joe Biden won the last presidential election. The Pew Report went on to indicate that, since the 1970s, trust in government has been consistently higher among the party that controls the White House than among the opposing party. In recent weeks, however, Pew says that the view of more than 70 percent of the nation is that the current administration isn’t solving the problems that affect their lives. That fact was confirmed in last week’s elec­ tions when more Republicans were elected - a message from voters to Democratic leaders that the administration isn’t respond­ ing to their needs. Faith in our country’s institutions is in decline, cynicism is rising, and citizens are becoming frustrated with Washington’s inability to listen and respond. In poll after poll, the administration suffers in its han­ dling of the pandemic, the economy, rising crime, education, the pull-out from Afghanistan, and immigrants crossing the border, a number that is expected to hit 2 million by the end of the year. Rather than tackling the big issues impacting Americans, many believe that Democratic elites continuing to push the Build Back Better plan won’t solve any of these issues, but instead will send the econ­ omy into a free fall. The cost of gas, food and many of the items consumers purchase are already rising and continuing to rise - or are not even available. Experts warn that energy prices will continue to grow as colder temperatures dominate and leave families concerned about rising home heating costs. The rate of inflation is top-of-mind for families across the country. It seems that just about everything the administration touches turns into a “crisis.” Every day, it seems another one pops up that puts a strain on Americans across the coun­ ty. Recently, the administration warned shoppers to shop early for Christmas because products are hard to get and supply chains are reeling from not being able to unload ships or get them in shoppers’ hands before Christmas. These are solvable issues, but it takes people with experience and leadership to do what’s necessary to solve a crisis. For this administration, it seems like it’s not about solving problems but about pushing an agenda by passing legislation before the mid-term elections in November 2022 when Democrats are likely to lose both houses of Congress. So, how can it be a surprise that 70 per­ cent of Americans, according to polls like that of the Pew Research Center, feel our political leaders are focused more on their legacy than on the well-being of the citizens they were elected to lead? What’s underway with the Build Back Better plan is a legacy that will cost Americans more than $4 tril­ lion of suffering, thanks to politicians’ arro­ gance. “Instead of Lincoln’s government, ‘of the people, by the people, for the people,’ we now have a government ‘of the people, by the bureaucrats, for the bureaucrats,’ includ­ ing the elected representatives who have become bureaucrats,” warned economist Milton Friedman. That’s exactly why public trust in govern­ ment remains at an all-time low. A growing number of Americans feel they can’t trust the government in Washington to do the right thing for most Americans. That’s why that mighty flame of liberty - for which the sol­ diers we honor today fought - is flickering. Americans are losing patience, continual­ ly evident as parents fill school board meet­ ings across the country to protest mask mandates, online learning, and concerns that their children are being exposed to Critical Race Theory in school curriculums. They’re aware of the role that the government they’ve come to distrust plays in public edu­ cation. They want more control of what teachers are teaching their kids. Even here in Barry County, parents have filled school board meetings to voice con­ cerns with mandatory masking, yet the fed­ eral government responds by authorizing the U. S. Department of Justice to view these parents as domestic terrorists. “These crises in America are symptoms of a far larger problem, the steady decline of the autonomy and political influence of the citizen,” says conservative commentator and military historian Victor Davis Hanson. “These organic, bottom-up challenges are often matched by top-down stresses* Such as the growth of a huge and permanent, but unelected, government by bureaucrats and administrators who combine judicial, exec­ utive and legislative powers that overwhelm the citizen.” The slow avalanche Hanson describes could have been triggered in the way our politicians have redefined the concept of leadership. Have these so-called leaders become rulers? The purpose of a ruler is to control peo­ ple’s lives. Leaders are individuals whose influence is evident by the fact that they demonstrate they have the people’s own best interests at heart. Rulers could care less what we think; they are more interested in power and con­ trol. They operate under the assumption that they already know what’s in our best inter­ ests - and they expect followers to do just that, follow. Good leaders are skilled com­ municators who actually listen to their con­ stituents and then make decisions with honesty and integrity. “No man is good enough to govern another man without the other’s consent,” said Abraham Lincoln, perhaps our coun­ try’s greatest leader whose honesty and integrity overcame this nation’s greatest division. America is at another crossroads today, one which requires good leaders - not rulers - to show us the right path to follow. As we celebrate Veterans Day today, we should remember the leadership of the men and women who fought for freedom and the democracy - for all. They dedicated their lives to that principle, and they were willing to support leadership with their conimitment. Today, that principle is in jeopardy. Let’s move forward with that same com­ mitment, a shared pledge to find and sup­ port true leaders, men and women like those we honor today, who will fight for the good of us all. The Hastings BcHHICT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 . �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 11, 2021 — Page^5 By Elaine Garlock Last week the lampposts downtown had new banners replacing those with fall leaves. In honor of Veterans Day the new banners each have the photo with name and years of service for an array of local veterans ranging • from World War II vets to those of Vietnam "and Desert Storm and possibly a few others. They are colorful with plenty of red, white ■ and blue adornment. Last week four members of the Lakewood Lions Club installed a new ramp for a lady on Johnson Street who has mobility issues. In a change from past years, pounding of nails wasn’t necessary for installation. The new ramp has tubular metal handrails and the walking surface is of metal material. This is ’ one more worthwhile endeavor of the service club that does a lot of good deeds for the cit­ izenry of the communities it serves. The committee promoting Project Graduation is hosting a metal drive Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school on M-50. This is a good time to get rid of metal items that have been languishing in the garage for the past five or 10 years. The Tri-River Museum group is scheduled to meet Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Lyons Museum on Bridge Street at 10 a.m. This group has been meeting for several months since restrictions were loosened for group meetings. Plans are in place for the Spring Tour and also for the summer 2022 noon meal with program. Membership spans from the far northwest to Eaton Rapids on the southeast. Central United Methodist Church will not hold services in-person Sunday, Nov. 14, but a service will be available remotely. Service will resume Nov. 21. Months ago the advance notice was that the Michigan local chapter of the Association of Retired School Personnel would meet Nov. 18,likely at the Ionia Intermediate School building on Harwood Road. The mild weather has been a boon for yard work this fall, with temperatures on most days well above 30 degrees. Some days have been almost balmy with the thermometer figure above 50. People are still using their lawn mow­ ers even though the grass is hardly growing, but the mowers do a good job of chopping leaves. Leaves are falling rapidly. Unlike some years when the rare ginko trees loses its leaves overnight, this year, the leaves are falling gradually. They have turned from green to yellow, though. The Lansing State Journal last week had an article about the unusual tree of which there are a few in Lake Odessa. There are some on the drive of Lake Manor and another on Johnson Street. This is the only tree that has all the veins coming from the stem, with no branching. There are fossil remains of this tree’s leaves that are almost identical to today’s leaves, unchanged since pre-histor­ ic time. The experts have found from their studies that the growth is altered according to the amount of carbon dioxide in the air - more growth if more carbon. HASS Headlines i ■ I . Matt Goebel, Superintendent I Hastings Area School System New roof going up as sports seasons wind down The long-awaited Hastings Middle School roof project was started in early October. The oldest portion of the middle school has had a leaky roof for several years. The school had been buying time with patching and repairing what it could, but, eventually, the roof no longer sufficed. Using sinking fund dollars, the school was able to contract the project out to Certified Building Solutions. The project is slated to have a completion date of Nov. 22. Our students and staff are off to a great start developing their “What’s Your Plan?” goals in our classrooms. This initiative has really been inspiring to see the many goals our students have and their plans to reach those goals. Some of the students hav^e already met their goals and are working o|i new plans to complete new goals! As the fall athletics season comes to an end, we are very thankful that many of oqr students were able to experience an uninter­ rupted sports season this year. Last year, the situation was challenging for students in the midst of the pandemic. All of our teams were very successful this season, as well as our awesome Hasting^ band. Go Saxons! - Matt Goebel, Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Elected officials need to get i busy on infrastructure upgrades: Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s Holiday Gift Show provides shoppers the opportunity to find unique gift items for the holidays. (Photo provided) PCCi’S Holiday Gift Show returns Saturday The Holiday Gift Show at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is back. For 18 years, artists have been selling handcrafted and creative gifts at the gift show. The artists donate 15 percent of their sales to the institute, which helps further the institute’s mission of inspiring appreciation and stewardship of THE environment. The show will feature more than 30 artists with items such as photography, housewares, r paintings, jams, woodworking items, hand-printed clothing and goods, silk flower wreaths, wall d?cor and more. The day of the show, the institute’s gift shop will feature books, fair-trade items, locally made items, as well as birdhouses and feeders made by Bill Stovall. Stovall will be available to answer questions about birding and his products. Institute members receive 15 percent off all gift shop purchases the day of the show and 25 percent off one item if a customer’s birthday is November. Vendor space has been expanded, and after shopping all day, participants can pick up a boxed lunch to go for $10. Institute Chef Dan Belson and his staff have created a lunchbox filled with a ham, turkey and Swiss croissant, pasta salad, reindeer snack mix, a Christmas tree cookie, and hot or cold apple cider to take home or eat on the go. Also new this year is the Holiday Gift Basket silent auction. Bidding with start Saturday and end at 1 p.m. during the Dec. 12 brunch. Bids can be placed the day of the show or online at CedarCreeklnstitute after Nov. 16. With guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks are now required when entering any building at PCCI, where the goal is to keep guests and staff safe from acquiring or transmitting the coronavirus. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is a nature center, environmental education center, and biological field station situated on 849 acres with 9 miles of hiking trails 10 miles south of Hastings. To the editor: After the last administration promised “Infrastructure Week,” the current Biden administration delivered - with bi-partisan support - legislation that brings real benefits to Michigan. Now, our Michigan state and local govern­ ments must work to approve projects in the following areas: • $7.3 billion for rebuilding Michigan^ roads and highways and $563 million for replacing bridges. • $1.3 billion to jemqye leac^pjpes and ensure clean drinking water, and address 11,000 PFAS-contaminated sites. - •$1.3 billion for the Great Lakes over five years. • $110 million to build electric vehicle charging stations. • $110 million for expanded broadband internet access. We still have $6 billion at the state level ' ' and $4.4 billion for local governments to identify and spend on projects to improve oufr state. Let us not stand on partisan feelings and drag this out; we need to act - and act pru­ dently and expeditiously - to improve our state. । To our state Rep. Julie Calley, and our state Sen. John Bizon: Act to approve the spending of the federal monies for our state. For our Barry County Commissioners: Please continue to help the community identi!^pBroject?K^^f,Jh^epWoy.S4,.w,thp ARPA advisory team, with a sense of urgency. For our congressional members ifi Michigan who did not vote to support this bill: Stop getting in the way of progress due to petty partisanship (U.S. Reps. Peter Meijer and Rashida Tlaib) and support your state. ' ■ ■ i ' Michele Peltier, Hastings J —. .... ...... r Woman pens apology to police i ■ ' I Taylor Owens Staff Writer A 71 -year-old Plainwell woman, Cynthia Cooper, pleaded guilty to trying to assault a police officer last month. And part of the punishment meted out by Barry County Judge Michael Schipper was for Cooper to write a letter of apology. According to the police report, Cooper and her, James Langley, 74, of Plainwell, were on her boat on Gun Lake on July 24. He was driving, while Cooper was in the passenger seat. When they were stopped for speeding by a Department of Natural Resources Officer, Cooper became angry at the officer. Several Barry County Sheriff’s deputies were called in to assist with controlling a group of people who had gathered around the confrontation. A deputy described arriving on scene to see the DNR Officer and several other peo­ ple standing in the lake, in water about thigh-deep. Cooper splashed water onto the DNR officer and jabbed a finger into his chest several times. The officer and a deputy started to arrest her, which she resisted. She started pulling items out of the DNR officers’ utility belt and yelling, “Vote Republican, Get Whitmer out.” Once on shore, she handed the officer back the items she had taken, but com­ plained that her cuffs were too tight. The officers looked and saw they had come down onto her hands when she tried pulling them off. While this was happening, Langley starting yelling and splashing water on a sheriff’s deputy, frying the electronics of his $1,700 radio. Langley pleaded guilty to attempting to assault a police officer, and was ordered to serve two days in jail and one year of probation. On Oct. 13, Cooper pleaded guilty to attempting to assault, resist, or obstruct an officer. Schipper sentenced her to 365 days in jail, with 364 days to be suspended on completion of one year of probation. Schipper also ordered her to write a letter of apology to The Banner regarding her behavior. Schipper told The Banner he had never ordered someone to write a letter of apology to the newspaper before. It was something he had seen other judges do, and said, this time, it seemed right as part of the sentence in one of his cases. Due to COVID-19 restrictions at the Barry County Jail, Schipper said he did not want to send her there. ... But he did want to send a message to the community that disrespecting police officers is unacceptable. “I think people always should be respectfill of law enforcement. But I think, in today’s world, it has to be heightened,” Schipper said. “What if those other folks that were there decided to get physical? That we can’t have. That we can’t ever have, and that’s why I felt her apology was important.” He also praised the patience and restraint shown by Barry County officers during the incident with Cooper, as well as similar situations. “Our officers here in Barry County are so patient,” Schipper said. Cooper’s apology is printed here. J ■ * ♦ ! J . ; * I ; 5 । ; * s } i । ; j ‘ ; j ’ * . Letter of Apology “I am writing this letter to the community in support of the Department of Natural Resources and Barry County Sheriff officers that patrol our lakes to keep them safe. I had an altercation with a DNR officer who was in the process of issuing a speeding ticket to my friend. Unfortunately, I interjected myself into the situation and in turn interfered with his ability to perform his duties. I regret-my-aetions that day and apologize to the officers involved. I truly believe that law enforcement officers deserve our respect. “This has been an eye-opening experience for me. I have great respect for the law enforcement officers responsible for protecting our waterways and keeping us safe. The officers involved were simply trying to do their jobs and my actions were no supportive of these officers or their role to keep our lakes safe. My actions do not reflect my support for the DNR and for that I wish to express my sincere apology for my conduct.” Cynthia J. Cooper ■- —OilLO .......................... ...... J J i j ‘ । J j » J J I �Page 6 — Thursday, November 11, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Donald Edgar Granzow Donald Edgar Granzow, of Hastings, age 96, went to be with the Lord on November 5,2021. He was bom on February 15, 1925 to Clyde and Marie Granzow, and was raised on the family’s centennial farm in New Haven. In 1953 he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan. Following graduation, he served two years as a lieutenant in the Coast Guard, traveling around the Great Lakes area in a dental truck to provide services to soldiers at coast guard stations. ” “Donald married Evelyn Duerk on August *25, 1955 in Detroit. They moved to j Blissfield in 1956, where he opened his own ’dental practice above what was then the • Blissfield State Bank on the comer of 223 and Lane St. In 1971 he built his dental ' office on Giles St. He walked to work every ;day and enjoyed lunching with locals at the Towne Pump. He was well known in the ‘community, and often referred to as “Doc” •by many of his patients and friends. Donald retired from his dental practice in 1989. Donald was a man of deep faith and lived ;a life of service to both the Lord and the community. He was an active member of Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield for lover 50 years. He served on the church board, taught both youth and adult Sunday school, was a member of the church choir, and bowled on the church bowling team. Donald served on the board for the Lenawee Department on Aging and deliv­ ered Meals on Wheels in the area. He was a member of the Blissfield Kiwanis and a supporter of many high school and commu­ nity events. He also served as an assistant scout master. After he retired from his dental practice he volunteered as a helper at Flower Hospital for 20 years. He said he often got strange looks from patients in the hospital when he was delivering a meal or pushing a patient down the hall, and someone from Blissfield would recognize him and call him Doc. Donald had a passion for genealogy and spent many hours searching both his own and Evelyn’s family trees. At one point they traveled to Germany to visit some of the towns of their ancestors. They both enjoyed traveling and took trips to Hawaii, Alaska, and multiple countries across Europe. One of their favorite trips was to the Holy Lands in Israel. Family was extremely important to Donald. He was thrilled to meet his first great grandson, Oliver, in the summer of 2021. He often referred to that as a “great day”. Surviving Donald are his brother Lyle (Kay) Granzow; his children, John (Gwen) Granzow, Steve (Linda) Granzow, Kathy (William) Krueger, and Tom (Jennifer) Granzow; grandchildren, Chase Granzow, Gage (Kali) Granzow, Zlatko Granzow, Emma Granzow, and Ian Granzow, and great-grandchild, Oliver. Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn and his sister, Lorraine Walainis-Strutz. Funeral service for Donald will be held on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blissfield beginning at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to either St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield or Grace Lutheran Church in Hastings. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... ’ ;J J ■ .* ' HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 P-m- SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and s Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Hhashngs Fiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Produc,s 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 AWMUWIHSUPfUEROF KtaWEfjpai 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Kyle Alan Steward Barbara Hart Dawn Marie Goodrich Kyle Alan Steward, age 44, of Middleville, passed away on November 8, 2021. Kyle was bom on November 10, 1976, in Coldwater, the son of Steven and Debra (VanZyl) Steward. Kyle was a 1995 graduate of Hastings High School and a 1997 graduate of Kellogg Community College. He spent nearly the last 10 years at the Bradford White Company. Previous employers include DieCad Group, Action Tool and Die, and Barry County Lumber. On September 19, 1998, Kyle married the love of his life Stacy (Workman) Steward, and they enjoyed 23 years of marriage. Kyle’s love of Christ began at an early age and continued through his service of mission trips (where he fell in love with Stacy), youth group, and praise and worship music. He then felt pure joy in his life watching his boys Mason, Alexander and Landon grow up. Soon their interest became his, and he fol­ lowed them anywhere: thousands and thou­ sands of miles to watch them do what they loved. He was a #1 proud band dad, sport dad, and theatre dad! Kyle’s love of Christ, his wife and boys fulfilled every moment. Kyle was preceded in death by his grand­ parents, Allison and Carol VanZyl and Arthur and Betty Steward. Kyle is survived by his wife, Stacy; his boys, Mason, Alexander, and Landon; his par­ ents, Steve and Debbie Steward; sisters, Tiffany (Chuck) Tefft and Morgan (Brandon) Johnson, tons of nieces and nephews, tons of aunts and uncles, cousins, and aVdtnmunity he loved. Memorial contributions in memory of Kyle can be made to the Hastings High School Band Booster’s Gerry Lynn and Arthur Steward Memorial Scholarship Fund. Kyle’s only request was a CELEBRATION of his life! Our family WANTS you present! We want to pack the PAC! We want you to dress casual. Band and Saxon Shirts would be fun! We will celebrate Kyle’s amazing life on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 at 3 p.m. at the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center (HPAC) with Pastor Don Spachman officiat­ ing. We will celebrate with stories during a meal following. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Brilliant. Accomplished. Tenacious. Kind. A beautiful person inside and out. A gift to us all. These are just a few of the words friends and family use to describe Barbara Hart, PhD who left us August 10, 2021, after living with metastatic breast cancer for over four years. A champion for social justice and peace making, Barbara was a skilled mediator/facilitator for over 30 years focusing on community and public policy conflict. She earned her PhD at Trinity College Dublin, in Belfast, Northern Ireland where her research brought to light the transforming power of women’s leadership in the transition to peace in Northern Ireland. Bom Oct. 16, 1963, in Kalamazoo, Mich., Barbara devoted much of her life to advancing social justice and conflict resolution. She was a student activist at the University of Oregon, held leadership roles with the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM) and the Oregon Mediation Association and was the director of two Portland-area community mediation centers. Since 2017, Barbara worked with Portland Parks and Recreation leading equitable com­ munity engagement on parks projects in near­ ly every part of the city. She was quick to stand up against injustice, a fierce supporter of women’s rights and a huge fan of women’s sports, especially college basketball. Barbara’s love for her family and friends made her a strong ally, steadfast friend and remarkable daughter^ mother,, and grand­ mother. Barbara would wish for us to remem­ ber her by continuing her work for peace and justice for all people. Barbara is survived by her father, Frank “Casey” McCarthy (Patricia Sensiba); mother, Martha Cristy Couch; brothers, Aaron McCarthy (Tracey Bradish) and Sam McCarthy (nephew, Taylor McCarthy, niece, Cedar McCarthy, and grandniece, Willow McCarthy); son, Jarrod Hallmark (Ashley Hallmark, granddaughter, Casey and grandson, Marcus); daughter, Rosie Hallmark (Matt Brennan); special aunt, Virginia Wilson; stepsisters, Tana Hardy and Heather Smith; and stepbrother, Jesse Smith. Due to Covid, a memorial service will be delayed until we can safely assemble. Visit her memorial Facebook page “Friends of Barbara Hart” to post a tribute, learn how to make contributions in memory of Barbara and to be notified of a future service. Please sign the online guest book at www. oregonlive. com/obits Dawn Marie Goodrich, age 63, of Hastings, passed away on November 9, 2021. Dawn was bom the daughter of Albert and Gloria (Predhome) Creighton. Dawn was a 1977 graduate of Denby High School and attended Dorsey Business School. She held various secretarial posi­ tions in healthcare at Riverside Hospital, Battle Creek Sanitarium, Florida Hospital and Pennock Hospital. On September 10, 1983, Dawn married Harold Goodrich, and they enjoyed 38 years together. Dawn enjoyed card making, playing soli­ taire tri-peaks, watching TV and movies, and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Linda Impullitti. Dawn is survived by her husband, Harold Goodrich of Hastings; sister, Debi (Terry) Smith of Harrison Township; nieces, Darlene (Steven) Kanne of Fraser, Dianne (Ken Jaklic) Impulitti of Femdale, Beth Ann (Anthony) Crawford of Clinton Township, Cheryl (Michael) Steed of Brooklyn, NY, and Danielle McFadden of Harrison Township. Memorial contributions in memory of Dawn can be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/ en/giving or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive; Tampa, FL 33607. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with vis­ itation one hour prior at Noon. Interment will follow at Lyon Lake Cemetery in Marshall. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfimeralhome .net. Kathy Lynn Slagter Shirley Wietnik The family invites you to join us as we gather to remember her remarkable life. A meal and opportunity to share your memories will be offered at the Mexican Connexion on November 14 from 11:00 until 2:30. 131 South Jefferson St. Hastings, Ml 49058 Egbert (Bert) Keizer Saturday, November 13,2021 Hastings Baptist Church 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings, Michigan Visitation ~ 10 a.m. -11 a.m. Celebration of Life Service ~ 11 a.m. A as 1 0.9-= Luncheon following. A 'W ; Kathy Lynn (Pennington) Slagter, age 67, of Delton, passed away on November 2, 2021. Kathy was bom on November 25, 1953, the daughter of Mervin and Eleanor (Triick) Pennington. Kathy was a graduate of Rockford High School. She liked gambling, loved her ani­ mals, especially dogs, but anyone that knew Kathy knew she had a range of animals from fox, raccoons, and iguanas. She loved to be on the lake and spend time with her family. Kathy is preceded in death by her father, Mervin Pennington; her mother, Eleanor Dean; and stepdad, Herb Dean, and Grandma and Grandpa Triick, which she fondly referred to as cowgranny and cowgrandpa. She is survived by her son, Timothy Slagter of Battle Creek; daughter, Darcy Morrison of Delton; son, Justin Miller of Hastings; grandkids, Zackary (Kylie) Morrison of Wayland, Ava Morrison of Hastings, Alizabeth Morrison of Delton, Abigail Morrison of Delton, Emma and Ethan Miller of Battle Creek; great-grandkids, Samuel, Amelia, Keagan, Zane, and another special little buddy coming in January, her special friend and casino partner, Mike Cross, and lifetime friends, Rose and David Spidel. A Celebration of Life Service is being planned for a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfimeralhome .net. �The Hastings BannerThursday, November 11, 2021 — Page 7 im,AI LJcAjAL SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TWP BOARD MEETING NOV. 2, 2021 Meeting called to order 7pm. All board members present, Chief Ribble, Commissioner Conner and 3 guests. s Pledge of Allegiance Motion approved Oct. 5th meeting minutes Motion approved paying of bills Dept Reports Public Comment New Business/Old Business discussions Motion to adjourn 7:53 pm, meeting adjourned Submitted by Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by Tom Rook/Supervisor 170925 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-2900-DE Court Address: 206 W. Court St, #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No. 269-945-1390 Estate of Dianna Jean Knauss, Deceased. Date of birth: 7-19-1956. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dianna Jean Knauss, died 7-16-2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Sarah Merchant, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/4//2021 Patti L. McKenney P35584 77 Monroe Center N.W., Ste. 406 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 454-7937 Sarah Merchant 4900 - 1 Mile Rd. Sears, Ml 49679 (407)451-1638 170995 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Estate of Arlene L. Pitsch. Date of birth: 01-26­ 1930. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Arlene L. Pitsch, died 10-2-2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Steven B. Pitsch, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 1334 N. Payne Lake Rd., Middleville and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/4//2021 Steven B. Pitsch 1334 N. Payne Lake Rd. Middleville, Ml 49333 269-795-4211 171001 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29001-DE William M. Doherty P-41960 Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 Estate of Elwyn V. Raffler. Date of birth: 01/25/1932. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Elwyn V. Raffler, died July 29, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Debbie Morrison, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/1/2021 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Debbie Morrison 12776 Tasker Road Lake Odessa, Michigan 48849 171185 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL DISTRICT 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY PROBATE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION/POSTING AND NOTICE OF ACTION CASE NO. 21-134-DC Court Address: 220 West State St., Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: 269-945-1286 Plaintiff Stephanie Proulx 333 Alger St., Lansing, Ml 48917 Plaintiff’s Attorney Shane A. Henry (P82054) 121 West Apple St., Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-3512 v Defendant Vicente Padilla Address Unknown To: Vicente Padilla IT IS ORDERED: 1. You are being sued in this court by the plaintiff to establish custody, parenting time, and support of Aiden Vance. You must file your answer or take other action permitted by law in this court at the court address above on or before 12/16/2021. If you fail to do so, a default judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint filed in this case. 2. A copy of this order shall be published once each week in the Hastings Banner for three consecutive weeks, and proof of publication shall be filed in this court. 3. Attorney Shane A. Henry shall post a copy of this order in the courthouse, for three continuous weeks, and shall file proof of posting in this court. lVATIf'1? c STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-28978-DE Estate of Sally J. DeVries, Deceased. Date of birth: 01/27/1948. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Sally J. DeVries, who lived at 1474 N M-37 Highway, Hastings, Michigan died August 24,2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Candy S. Laster, named personal representative, or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the named/pfoposed personal representative, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 4, 2021 Henry R. Smitter P20723 950 28th Street SE, Ste. 206A Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 616.459.3418 Candy S. Laster 511 Arthur Court Middleville, Ml 49333 616.272.0154 171141 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust Estate STATE OF MICHIGAN, COUNTY OF BARRY In the Matter of the Thomas A. Seim Revocable Trust dated January 18,2018. Decedent’s date of birth: May 22,1942. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS Your interest in this matter may be barred or affected by the following: The decedent, Thomas A. Seim, lived in Barry County, Delton, Michigan, and died September 29,2021. Creditors of the deceased are notified that all decedent’s assets were held by the Trustee at decedent’s death, and the decedent has no probate estate. Creditors of the deceased are further notified that all claims against the trust estate will be forever barred unless presented to: Brian D. Shultz, Trustee, and/or the attorney’s office representing Brian D. Shultz as Trustee within 4 months of the publication of this notice. This notice is published pursuant to MCL 700.7608. If a probate estate is opened in the future for the decedent, this notice is intended to satisfy the requirements of MCL 700.3801. Notice is further given that the trust estate will be thereafter assigned and distributed to the persons(s) entitled to it. Date: 11-4-21 Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, PC Sara B. Morey P83985 607 North Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 Brian D. Shultz 2105 Pifer Road, Delton, Ml 49046 (616)633-4853 171146 NOTICE OF ACTION AS TO DEFENDANT JOSHUA ALAN PATRICK a/k/a JOSH PATRICK PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there is presently pending in the 57th Judicial District Court, City of Allegan, for the State of Michigan, an action between Plaintiff NewRez d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, and Defendant Joshua Alan Patrick a/k/a Josh Patrick; Case No. 21-0740GZ, invoivTng the purchase of a manufactured home 2000 Century, Laser, HUD Tag No. RAD1274996. You are being sued by Plaintiff for claim & delivery action in order to recover possession of the property pursuant to default of the security agreement. You must file your answer or take other action permitted by law in the 57th Judicial District Court located at County Building, 113 Chestnut, Allegan, Ml 49010 twenty-eight (28) days after the date of this notice. You may contact and serve a copy on any answer on Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., Attn: Steven A. Jacobs, 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300, Farmington Hills, Ml 48335. Failure to answer within time frame by law may result in a default judgment. 1447036 (11-04)(11-18) 170783 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, Michigan, starting promptly at one o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 2nd day of December, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not au­ tomatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. The mortgage was made by ERIC B. HUTCH­ ENS, a single man (“Mortgagor”), to HASTINGS CITY BANK, now known as HIGHPOINT COMMU­ NITY BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, hav­ ing an office at 150 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 (the “Mortgagee”), dated June 11, 2015, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on June 17, 2015, as Instrument No. 2015-005978 (the “Mort­ gage”). By reason of a default under the conditions of the Mortgage, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgag­ ee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Fifty Five Thousand Two Hundred Ten and 59/100 Dollars ($55,210.59). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt se­ cured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situ­ ated in the Township of Baltimore, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Lots 18 and 19 of Cappon Country Acres, accord­ ing to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats on Page 52, Baltimore Township, Barry County, Michigan. Together with all the improvements erected on the real estate, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures a part of the property, and all replace­ ments and additions. Commonly known as: 1295 Mixer Road, Hast­ ings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-02-070-007-00 Notice is further given that the length of the re­ demption period will be one (1) year from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days af­ ter the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, ex­ ecutor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claim­ ing from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the persoi^vho buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises oUring the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military ser­ vice member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the Mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Dated: October 28, 2021 HASTINGS CITY BANK n/k/a HIGHPOINT COMMUNITY BANK Mortgagee Elisabeth M. Von Eitzen WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 150 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 1500 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 22506349 170337 Norma Chilton is celebrating 96th birthday Norma Chilton is celebrating her 96th birthday November 12th. She is a mother, grandmother, great grand­ mother of 26 and great great grandmother of 23 (24th expected in May). Norma is happy with special friend Abe, family, friends and her four cats. Joe Ludema to celebrate 102nd birthday Joe Ludema will be turning 102 on November 17, 2021. Wallaces to celebrate 60th wedding anniversary 171143 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Card of Thanks Help Wanted THANK YOU TO MY wonderful children, family and friends for my special 80th Birthday Party. Many thanks to all those that attended, sent cards, and called me. The Lord has blessed me with a great life for the 80 years and to him be the Glory. Bonnie Converse GENERAL LABORER- JOB includes lifting and stacking lumber, must be able to lift 501bs. Full-time employment starting at $16.00/hr. Benefits401 (k), 401 (k) matching, Den­ tal insurance, Health insur­ ance, Life insurance, Paid time off, Retirement plan, Vision insurance. Apply in person to: Quality Hardwoods, Inc., 396 Main St. Sunfield, ML Quality Hardwoods supports a drugfree workplace. Business Services BUYINGALL HARDWOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Pop­ lar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818­ 7793. . Farm TO; THE RESIDENTSAND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Planning Commission of the Charter Township of Rutland will hold a public hearing/rescheduled regular meeting on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan, commencing at 7:00 p.m, as required under the provisions of the Township Zoning Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the proposed item to be considered at this public hearing include the following, in summary: PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. FARM LAND WANTED to rent for 2022 and beyond, 269­ 953-5282. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. 1. Special Exception/Land Use Permit Application to allow for the keeping of horses. Parcel # 08-13-012-002-00, located at 1885 W State Rd. is zoned CR-Country Residential. Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance Article 220-5-1 requires a Special Exception/Land Use Permit for this request. Property is described as RUTLAND TWP COM 1/8 LINE 20 CHS W & 6 CHS S OF CENTER SEC 12-3-9 TH N 75 DEG W 5.25 CHS S 18 DEG W 5.74 CHS FOR POB TH N 18 DEG E 5.74 CHS TO CEN HWY, TH NWLY TO PT E OF W 1/4 POST 8.50 CHS TH S 250 FT TH S 23 DEG 51 ’ W TO PT 624.30 FT W OF BEG TH E TO POB 2. Such and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Application for Special Use along with the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, Land Use Plan, and Land Use Plan Map of the Township may be examined at the Township Hall at any time during regular business hours on any day except public and legal holidays from and after the publication of this Notice and until and including the day of this public hearing, and may further be examined at the public hearing to determine the exact nature of the aforementioned matters. You are invited to attend this hearing. If you are unable to attend, written comments may be submitted in lieu of a personal appearance by writing to the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Ml 49058, at any time up to the date of the hearing and may be further received by the Planning Commission at said public hearing. This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a(2)(3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon reasonable notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Township Clerk by writing or calling the Township. Date: October 26, 2021 Vicky L. Alspaugh P43572 170771 Trinity Victoria Lorenz, Delton and Marco Antonio Rodriguez, Delton * Marvin and Sharon (Johnson) Wallace of Hastings were married on Nov. 17, 1961. Their daughters, Kim (Marty) Dehnert, Roberta (Rick) Krouse and Sue Owen, grandkids, and great-grandkids wish to congratulate them on their 60 years of marriage. Congratulatory cards and letters can be sent to their home at 927 N. Boltwood St., Hastings, MI 49058. All interested persons are invited to be present for comments and suggestions at this public hearing. Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 �Page 8 — Thursday, November 11, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Tyden offered service to his adopted homeland Kathy Maurer Copy Editor As mentioned last week, Emil Tyden arrived at a New York City harbor in 1882, an immi­ grant from Sweden in the company of a mater­ nal aunt and a 9-year-old cousin. Tyden, the man of the group at 17 years of age, had the equivalent of $20 in his pocket, another aunt in Moline, Ill., a dream of life in America, and an unfolding wealth of mechanical intuition. Tyden had already used that ability and inventiveness as the son of a tenant potato farmer in Sweden, and while working at a carriage factory in his homeland. In the U.S., he first took a job at the Moline Organ and Piano Company in the Mississippi River town where his aunt lived. Her home was just uphill from the Rock Island Arsenal, where Tyden would later spend time helping the U.S. during World War I. Tyden also worked for the McCormick farm implement company, formed a gravel compa­ ny that would lay cement for the 1892 Chicago World’s Fair, and served as a land agent for a Western railroad company. The latter is where he came up with his idea to create the self-lock­ ing seal he painstakingly (and expensively) perfected, which would help build his wealth. He also was instrumental in developing indus­ tries in Hastings, employing hundreds of area residents and bolstering the local economy. In subsequent years, he was able to visit his homeland numerous times. On one of those trips abroad, Tyden’s acute observation skills may have helped instill in him the need to help protect his adopted country. Tyden, his wife, Minnie, and their daughter Florence, 17, were on the luxury ship Rotterdam IV, return­ ing to the U.S. The trip to Sweden had been restful, but, “unfortunately, this vacation had been cut abruptly short based on Tyden’s greatest personal gift, intuition,” wrote former J-Ad Graphics editor Doug VanderLaan in his 2017 book, Tyden, an Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary. Educated and alert Tyden, an avid reader, had been following the news all summer and was well aware of simmering tensions in central Europe. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria had been fatally shot just weeks earlier. “... Most Americans viewed the assassination as an innocuous event that occurred a world away,” VanderLaan wrote. “Tyden’s eye, though, saw a far greater and gathering threat. “Tyden’s personal multiplier calculated that it was time to immediately move his family back to the safety of their home in America. Though he may not have been able to see the alliances that immediately began forming and the declaration of war on Serbia by AustroHungary just 30 days later, Tyden knew that the tenuous peace between all of Europe’s great powers was coming unraveled. Within a week, Russia, Belgium, Great Britain and Serbia had lined up against Austro-Hungary and Germany. World War I was about to begin. “Immediately after learning of the assassi­ nation from an attendant at the home in which they were staying while visiting his native Smaland Province, Sweden, Tyden promptly made his way to the offices of the Holland American Line with the return tickets to New York City in his hand. Though the family’s scheduled departure was weeks in advance, Tyden arranged for a July 26 departure on the SS Rotterdam IV.” The ship, VanderLaan pointed out, was known as a greyhound transatlantic travel, able to reach a top speed of 25 knots. “For Tyden,” he wrote, “even that was not fast enough to get his family home from Europe.” Tyden knew the assassination in Sarajevo might be just the excuse Germany needed to begin its move toward becoming a world power. He also was aware that the German Imperial Navy, established in 1897, had by then amassed more than 50 battleships. Even more recently, Germany had begun building submarines, an ominous threat seemingly being overlooked by many world leaders. No safe vessels “Though war had yet to commence, Tyden suspected the unseen German presence was already lurking beneath the Rotterdam IV’s planned route to New York City,” VanderLaan wrote, adding that just weeks after the Tydens airived in New York, a single German ‘U-boat’ torpedoed three British cruisers in the North Sea, taking the lives of 1,450 sailors. Passenger ships, he knew, were not immune as targets of German submarines. . As his family and the more than 3,000 passengers slept in their berths below deck, Tyden walked the foredeck as dawn was beginning to break the horizon. The four-hour monitoring shifts, for which all men in first class passage were assigned on a round-theclock schedule, was at the request of the . fl look back at the stories and columns on local hlsto In the Hastings Banner TURNING BflGK THE PAGES ship’s captain, Commodore Geert Stenger. Two days after their departure from Rotterdam, Stenger had learned by wireless telegraph that Austro-Hungary had declared war on Serbia. Though unaware how the vast seas might be immediately affected, both Stenger and Tyden were aware of Germany’s notice that all sea traffic would be considered open to attack.” The Rotterdam IV, even fully loaded with passengers and cargo, might be able to outrun a threat, given sufficient warning if the enemy were to be seen in time. “... Impending conflict was exactly the message Tyden was feeling when, on the present early morning watch as the sun was gathering strength on the horizon, he spotted an ominous sight and reached an uneasy con­ clusion. “On his shift 24 hours earlier, Tyden had noticed a massive three-funnel steamship traveling parallel to the Rotterdam IV just within eyesight, some 800 yards away. At the time, Tyden registered it as nothing more than an interesting observation. ... “It was Tyden’s intuition, though, that sug­ gested something unusual about this paral­ lel-traveling ship. For one, the increasingly tense world situation had drastically reduced sea traffic ... left any European port in the same time frame. “On this morning watch, 24 hours after first noticing it, Tyden knew this parallel traveler was not a passenger ship. “Though he knew from its markings that the ship shadowing the Rotterdam IV was the same vessel he had viewed just 24 hours ear­ lier, Tyden could feel a sudden chill in the sea breeze when he recognized a crucial differ­ ence. One day earlier, the ship had three fun­ nels. Today, as the day brightened, it was now a two-funnel ship. Overnight, one of the ship’s three funnels had been removed. At that moment, Tyden’s intuition proved, again, to be prescient: This was a German warship!” And he knew the 25-knots speed of the Rotterdam IV still was not enough. Having kept up on global affairs, including the development of the German navy, and given the size of the ship, Tyden was certain the parallel vessel was the von der Tann - 90 feet shorter than the Rotterdam IV, 3,000 tons lighter and with a top speed of 27.4 knots. It could outrun the liner on which his family was sailing. “For the intuitive man from Hastings, Michigan, it was time to tell Commodore Geert Stenger to fire up the twin corkscrew propellers,” VanderLaan wrote. “Fortunately, there was no apparent confrontation or chase.” People said of Emil Tyden that he could walk with kings but never lost touch with the common man. He could talk crops with farmers, mingle with businessmen, exchange ideas with other inventors. Though he at first wasn’t taken seriously by mil­ itary personnel, he earned their respect during a special assignment during World War I. In this undated, unidentified photo, perhaps from the 1940s and taken at the Hastings Country Club, Tyden (third from right) dines with Aben Johnson of Hastings Manufacturing Co. (center) and U.S. Navy personnel. (File photo) Chilling realization “Of even greater note were the three fun­ nels. In their design, steamship funnels repre­ sented the boilers from which smoke, heat and excess steam escaped as power was provided to their engines,” VanderLaan explained. “More funnels represented more boilers, more power, and the image of speed and safety. The Rotterdam IV operated with two funnels, but many ships of later design sported three and ... even four funnels. “... This parallel ship within Tyden’s obser­ vation, with its markings and three funnels, appeared to be another massive and powerful passenger ship. But how could another ship with likely as many or more than the 3,000 passengers on board the Rotterdam IV have been an unknown traveler to Tyden? He had waited for weeks to reschedule the family’s earlier trip home to the United States and had studied scheduling so closely that he knew another mighty passenger ship could not have Emil Tyden was manager at the Rock Island Arsenal, responsible for supplying field artillery machines like these built at the Dodge Brothers’ factory near Detroit. (Photo from “Tyden - An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary”) That would, however, be the last transatlan­ tic crossing for the Rotterdam IV until after World War I ended. Land of cannons and muskets The very day the Tydens sailed reached the New York harbor, Germany declared war on France. Two days earlier, Germany had declared war on Russia. Americans would go about their daily lives for the next few years, wary of activities across the Atlantic, hoping the conflicts remained as distant as they seemed. Tyden was bom in 1865, the final year of the U.S. Civil War, which, from Sweden, was a distant conflict. But having lived with his aunt in the Quad Cities area when he first arrived, “Tyden was well acquainted with the nearby Rock Island Military base - still the country’s largest military weapon arsenal and the cemetery home of 1,950 Confederate sol­ diers,” VanderLaan wrote in an email to the Banner this week. “Tyden could recall as the world was moving toward war in 1914 that the only weapons on hand were Civil War muskets and cannons.” The Sept. 19, 1917, Evening Times Republican in Marshalltown, Iowa, 60 miles south of a farm Tyden had established, report­ ed that he had been in town “looking after his farm interests in this vicinity before going to Washington, D.C. He has offered his services to Uncle Sam, although he is more than 50 years old. He will be a member of the ord­ nance bureau and will have charge of getting out the field artillery.” Weeks later, the Oct. 7, 1917 Arizona Republican, published a variation on the same news, saying Tyden had offered his services for free and that he would be given the rank of major. Though he was a successful industrialist and inventor, the transition into the political and military world was not an easy one. In a 2015 interview with VanderLaan, Tyden’s grandson, Richard Groos, said because Tyden was consid- His “6 foot, 1 inch of height made him an imposing figure in a military uniform,” the Iowa Recorder Sept. 19,1917, wrote of Emil Tyden who had been sent to manage the Rock Island Arsenal. Tyden (front, right) and others were photographed at the base July 9,1918. (Photo from “Tyden - An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary”) ered a civilian, he met nothing but resistance in the political system. At Rock Island, he again met resistance, but quickly found support. “Well, that got kicked upstairs in Washington when Tyden told them nobody was listening to him,” a smiling Groos said, relaying a story he’d heard many times from his grandfather. “They came back and told him that he’d just become a lieutenant colonel. Somehow, everybody in Rock Island figured out that he knew what he was talking about.” That solved one problem. Still, Tyden was assigned to an arsenal stocked with weapons older than he was. Tyden was acquainted with Horace Dodge, who, with his brother John, had launched the first Dodge automobiles about the time Tyden was vigilantly walking the deck of the Rotterdam IV. Like Tyden, the Dodges were born with mechanical aptitude, and they learned early on that hard work and ambition were necessary for their success. The Dodges had approached Tyden about joining their company and designing an assembly line for the Dodge Brothers automo­ bile production. After all, Tyden had devised the first assembly line in 1897 to create his self-locking railroad car seal - 15 years before the Dodges’ competitor, Henry Ford, claimed to have originated the process. By 1917, everyone’s attention was turned to the war in Europe. Tyden was ready to begin production of a field artillery gun. The French-designed firing machine was deemed a technological wonder, VanderLaan wrote, given the hydro-pneumatic recoil mechanism that kept the gun’s trail and wheels perfectly stationary as it fired, reducing the need to reposition it between volleys. No time to reinvent The original recoil system had a defective oil leak, which was eradicated after five years of development by a Frenchman who, like Tyden, was a lieutenant colonel and an inven­ tor. Even with improved integrity, the precise production of the delicate recoil system was painfully slow, VanderLaan noted. The Dodge factory had already produced vehicles Gen. George Patton and his men had used in a 1916 raid in Mexico. Subsequently, the U.S. Army put in an order for 250 of these “modem war horses.” The Dodges, like Tyden, were tuned in and eager to help the war effort. In his lifetime, Tyden would have more than 200 patents to his name. He couldn’t help but develop new ways, methods and products. But even this successful inventor couldn’t come up with a solution fast enough; time was not on his side. “Dodge was well aware of Tyden’s frustra­ tion at the Rock Island Arsenal where 20,000 workers were ready to remake the plentiful French artillery weapons if they just had the cooperation of French designers willing to solve the recoil mechanism dilemma.” Unlike Tyden, Dodge had a temper and a colorful vocabulary, which he used to incite the U.S. Secretary of War to acquire the need­ ed blueprints to build the machines and to get the necessary contract to begin production. “In 30 days’ time,” VanderLaan wrote, “the Dodge Brothers had constructed a factory and an assembly line that began turning out the delicate and intricate mechanical device by the hundreds, providing Emil Tyden in Rock Island with the means to arm a victorious American army in support of the Allied war effort in Europe.” The Oct. 10, 1918 Banner, let readers know that the man who was responsible for the employment of hundreds of people here was in Iowa helping arm the troops in Europe. “Deserved promotion has come to another Hastings man in the government service,” The Banner announced at the top of the front page. “Major Emil Tyden has just been pro­ moted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, and also has been made the factory manager at the Rock Island, Ill., government arsenal, the largest in this country, where many thousand The Banner used this photo to announce Emil Tyden’s promotion to lieutenant colo­ nel in its Oct. 10, 1918, edition. men are employed at making arms, large and small, for our forces in France. “Every man who knows him will say at once that Col. Tyden deserves all and more than has come to him.” Tyden’s achievements were many, but accounts of his service during World War I are understandably hard to find. After researching Tyden, VanderLaan concluded, “it is difficult to discount the advisory or even onsite con­ sulting role through which Tyden was able to offer the Dodge Brothers his immense gift for automated assembly line design. What is fac­ tual is the closeness Tyden had with the Dodge Brothers in their effort to save the country and the world in the early 1900s.” Supplying the front “Much of our focus - and rightfully so -is always on the front-line actions of a war,” VanderLaan reflected in an email message this week. “We overlook the immense contri­ butions of those back home who provided the supplies. “Tyden, I think, falls into a very crucial role as a ‘supplier,’ having used his inventiveness, his resolute commitment to seeing a job fin­ ished to the end, and his patriotism - at more than 50 years old - to put America in a posi­ tion to not only win a war but even to show up for one.” For his efforts, John Dodge was awarded a Medal of Honor. Tyden received only the hon­ orary title, which would follow him the rest of his life. But he likely was fine without the decoration, instead deflecting any accolades to the soldiers and sailors. “Even when an invention or production innovation was so clearly tied to his own bril­ liance and abilities, Tyden insisted that the attention and the credit for the accomplish­ ment go to others,” VanderLaan wrote. “Rather than take credit for an achievement, Tyden preferred that it serve as an inspiration and an encouragement for others to do the same.” Perhaps Tyden would not have liked seeing this column in a Veterans Day edition of The Banner, saying the space would be better used to feature someone who served on the front lines. Picking just one veteran could be a chal­ lenge. Picking someone who played the quiet role of supplying field artillery to the army ensuring that those “Doughboys” returned as veterans, not as casualties - is a natural shift in telling the story of one extraordinary man. To read more the Dodge brothers (includ­ ing John Dodge's stinging retort to the Secretary of Defense) and the many accom­ plishments and varied interests ofEmil Tyden, pick up a copy of “Tyden - An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary.” �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 11, 2021 — Page 9 Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 Financial tips for new veterans On Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces. If you’ve recently separated or retired from the military, or you will be leaving soon, you can be proud of the service you’ve provided to your country. But once you’re a veteran, away from the structure and imperatives of the military, you may need to take greater control over managing your finances and protecting your family. For starters, consider housing. When you were on active duty, you may have moved around frequently and found it more convenient to rent, but you may now want to purchase a house. Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements, you could apply for a VA loan, which typically does not require a down payment and is usually offered at a favorable interest rate. Make sure that you only take out a mortgage you can afford - you don’t want to become “house poor.” You’ll also want to save and invest for retirement. While on active duty, you could invest in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), but when you separate from service, you can no longer contribute to it. Now, if you get a job in the civilian sector, you may have access to a 401(k) or similar employersponsored retirement plan, and you might be able to roll your TSP balance into your new employer’s plan. If you become self-employed or open your own business, you may be able to choose from several retirement plans, including a SEPIRA, a SIMPLE IRA or an “owner-only” 401(k). But no matter what plan you have, try to contribute enough to meet your income needs in retirement, which could last two or three decades. Furthermore, once you become a civilian, you may need to consider two topics that have special importance to you and your family: health and life insurance. Regarding health insurance, you should be able to get coverage through TRICARE and/or the Veterans Administration, but you also may want to take advantage of employersponsored health coverage. As for life insurance, you will lose the coverage offered by the military (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, or SGLI) shortly after you separate from active duty, so you’ll want to consider your options for your SGLI, such as converting it to either Veterans’ Group Life Insurance or a civilian policy. Your new employer may provide some form of insurance as an employee benefit, but it might not be sufficient for your needs. In any case, if you have dependents, it’s essential you don’t lose life insurance coverage, even for a short time. Finally, be prepared for one negative aspect of becoming a veteran: fraud attempts. It’s unfortunate, but scam artists frequently target veterans. Scammers may tell you that you qualify for “secret” government programs, but you must first pay a fee or provide personal information, which can then be used for identity theft. Or they might try to charge you for access to your service records, even though you can get them free from the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a general rule, be suspicious of anyone you don’t know who seems overly eager to help veterans. Entering a new phase in your life can be exciting and rewarding - and you’ll enjoy it even more when you get comfortable with your new financial arrangements. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Vehicle stolen in Prairieville Township A 22-year-old woman called police to report her 2008 Dodge Caliber had been stolen as it was warming up at 5:33 a.m. Nov. 3. The woman, a resident of the 6000 block of Center Avenue in Prairieville Township, said she turned on the vehicle, went inside her residence and then heard it revving. When she went to the window, it was gone. The case remains under investigation. Masked suspect burglarized vehicles A 62-year-old woman reported her vehicles were searched overnight while they were parked at her residence in the 2000 block of West Cloverdale Road in Baltimore Township Nov. 5. But the woman said no items were missing. That same day, a 41-year-old woman in the 8000 block of Dunkley Drive, a few miles away, reported items were stolen from her vehicle. She said an employee badge, key and pin from work were missing from her car. A 39-year-old woman just a few houses down also reported her vehicle had been burglarized. She had a camera at the residence, which recorded a masked suspect steal­ ing a wallet from her vehicle at 3:30 a.m. Multiple catalytic converters stolen A 76-year-old man reported a catalytic converter was cut out of his vehicle in the 2000 block of Harwood Lake Road in Thomapple Township the night of Oct. 24. Three catalytic converters were reported stolen from vehicles at two separate resi­ dences in the 1000 block of Royce Road in Castleton Township the night of Oct. 28. Vehicle stolen from Hastings street A 23-year-old Nashville woman reported her car was stolen as it sat in front of a residence in the 500 block of East Marshall Street at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 31. The woman said she had turned on the vehicle to warm it up, and went inside for about 10 minutes. When she went back outside, it was gone. After police responded and took her infor­ mation, the woman called back and said she had found the car parked on the side of East State Street, just outside the city limits. Woman arrested after fight with boyfriend Police responded to a complaint of a couple fighting outside Hastings Public Library at 2:04 p.m. Nov. 4. When police arrived, a 23-year-old Hastings woman said she had been arguing with her boyfriend because they are homeless. The caller said the fight was physical, but the woman denied that any physical contact occurred. Officers learned the woman had a warrant for aggravated assault, and she was arrested. Meth found on driver during traffic stop Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of North Hillcrest Drive and West State Road in Hastings at 2:22 a.m. Nov. 5. The driver, a 54-year-old Hastings man, had a small plastic bag of methamphetamine in his pocket. He also was cited for his fourth infraction for driving while his license was suspended. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Homeless man arrested at hardware Police were called to Ace Hardware in Hastings for a complaint of a suspicious man at 11:57 a.m. Nov. 7. A 31 -year-old Delton man was sleeping in the window well of the business. He apologized to the officers and said he was homeless. Police found he had a warrant for failure to pay child support, and arrested him. Carolyn Ann Baker, 51, of Hastings, was convicted of possession of a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine/Ecstasy, in Rutland Charter Township Jan. 16. She was ordered by Barry County Judge Michael Schipper to participate in the Secure Continuous Remote Access Monitoring pro­ gram for a minimum of six months, take all medications as prescribed, and pay $998 in fines and costs. Court records showed that Baker had prior convictions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated Sept. 3, 2014, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a third offense April 13, 2017, both in Kent County. Randy Patrick Burgdorf Jr., 34, Battle Creek, was convicted of assaulting/resisting/ obstructing a Barry County sheriff’s deputy in Baltimore Township May 25. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to serve 180 days in jail, with credit for three days served. Burgdorf also was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Court records show prior convictions for breaking and entering a vehi­ cle with damage Feb. 3, 2005, and attempted larceny from a person March 1, 2006, both in Calhoun County. Greg Lee Converse, 51, of Hastings, was convicted of operating a vehicle on Deep Lake Road while intoxicated as a third-time offender and fourth-degree fleeing a police officer in Yankee Springs Township July 14. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve three days in jail, with credit for three days served; his driver’s license was revoked; he was ordered to pay $1,066 in fines and costs; and placed on probation for 36 months. Converse was ordered to participate and successfully complete Adult Drug Court and remain on home detention for 60 days; he may leave home during that time only for counseling, medical appointments and work. Charges of third-degree fleeing a police offi­ cer and operating a vehicle on a suspended license were dismissed at the time of sen­ tencing. Court records show prior convic­ tions for operating a vehicle under the influ­ ence of liquor Oct. 20, 2000, in Tennessee, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated June 28, 2007, in Grand Rapids; attempted larceny in a building May 12, 1989, mali­ cious destruction of the animal of another Aug. 23, 1995, both in Barry County; and operating a vehicle while intoxicated June 28, 2007, in Kent County. David Peter Huver, 66, of Hastings, was convicted of two counts of assaulting, resist­ ing and obstructing a police officer, a Barry County sheriff’s deputy, in Middleville, Aug. 12. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to concurrent terms of 180 days in jail, with credit for 28 days served, on each charge and. ordered to pay $1,066 in fines and costs. Huver was placed on probation for 36 months, on Compliance Tether and Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring and home detention for a year following his release from jail. A charge of trespassing was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Court records show he was previously convicted of attempting to assault/resist/obstruct a police officer May 27, 2010, in Barry County. Scott Bradley Martin, 52, of Plainwell, was convicted of assaulting, resisting and Lake Odessa woman dies in rollover accident A 22-year-old Lake Odessa woman, Arianna Marie Salazar, died after her vehicle went off the road and rolled multiple times on Jordan Lake Road near Henderson Road at 8:24 a.m. Nov. 4. Ionia County Sheriff’s Deputies said Salazar was southbound when her vehicle veered off the road to the right, struck a ditch next to a field, then rolled multiple times. She was thrown from the vehicle and pro­ nounced dead at the scene. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Alcohol and speed are not believed to be a factor, police said. Assistance was provided by the Lake Odessa Fire Department, Reed and Hoppes Towing, a medical examiner, Life Ambulance, Ionia County Victim’s Advocates and Ionia County Central Dispatch. Orangeville body identified Taylor Owens Staff Writer Michigan State Police identified the body found in Orangeville Township Oct. 28 as that of 69-year-old Bruce Newton of Barry County. Troopers said Newton was reported miss­ ing Sept. 4. There is no evidence of foul play, and a cause of death is unknown at this time. Newton’s body was found deep in the woods off South Enzian Road, south of West Guernsey Lake Road, in Orangeville Township. obstructing a police officer in Prairieville Township Feb. 13, and possession of a fire­ arm while he was under the influence of alcohol. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to concurrent terms of two days in jail, with credit for two days served on each charge, and ordered to pay $1,048 in fines and costs. Martin was placed on probation for 24 months, ordered not to use alcohol, and required to use Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring for at least six months. His weapon was forfeited. Another charge of assaulting, resisting and obstructing a police officer and domestic violence were dis­ missed at the time of sentencing. Court records show a prior conviction for operat­ ing a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol May 30,1997, in Kalamazoo County. Aaron Lee Pitt, 33, of Middleville, was convicted of a parole violation - operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a third-time offender, malicious destruction of police or fire property and assaulting/resisting and obstructing a police officer. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to concurrent terms of 36 to 60 months in prison on the first count and 319 days on each of the remaining two counts, with credit for 319 days served. Pitt was terminated from the Swift and Sure Sanctions Parole program and ordered to pay $665 in fines and costs. He will be eligible for boot camp after 12 months of incarceration. Charges of having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle and operating a vehicle while his license was suspended were dismissed at the time of sentencing. Jeffrey John Smith, 51, of Battle Creek, was convicted of aggravated stalking of a woman in Hastings between Aug. 24 and Sept. 8, 2020. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 29 to 120 months in pris­ on, with credit for 227 days served. He was ordered to pay $1,198 in fines and costs. A second charge of aggravated stalking between Sept. 9 and Oct. 4, 2020, and unlawfully posting a message Aug. 26, 2020, that caused the victim to feel fear or intimidation was dismissed at the time of sentencing. In a second case, Smith was convicted of peijury when, as a witness in a bench trial, he claimed he was unemployed and/or had no income. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to a concurrent term of 29 to 180 months in prison and $998 in fines and costs. Court records show he has prior convictions for aggravated stalking Oct. 30, 2009, in Allegan County; operating a vehicle while intoxicated Jan. 8, 2014, and attempting to flee and elude a police officer Nov. 26,2019, both in Barry County. „ Sara Ann Smith, 21, of Nashville, was convicted of delivery/manufacture of a con­ trolled substance, methamphetamine, in Nashville Jan. 15, 2020, and sentenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail, with; credit for 59 days served. Her driver’s > license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. She was placed on probation for 24 months and ordered to pay $528 in fines and costs. Hunter VanValkenburg, 22, of Hastings, was convicted of carjacking in Rutland Charter Township May 26, 2020, as a thirdtime, habitual offender and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 36 to 12Q, months in prison, with credit for 162 days served and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. In a second case, VanValkenburg was con­ victed of unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle as a third-time, habitual offender. He was sentenced by Schipper to a consecutive sentence of 32 to 120 months in prison, with credit for 41 days served. He was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Court records/ show prior convictions for attempted break­ ing and entering a building with intent June 15, 2017, assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer Feb. 5, 2020, and assaulting a prison employee Feb. 5, 2020, all in Barry, County. Dennis Lee Welch, 49, of Grand Rapids, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, the analogous drug Adderall, and1 operating a vehicle on North Broadway in Hastings June 29 while intoxicated as a secs, ond offense. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to concurrent terms of 90 days in jail, with credit for 75 days served, on each count. His license was revoked, and he was ordered to pay $1,048 in fines and costs and. placed on probation for 36 months. Welch will participate in the Kent County Sobriety Court program and pay all monetary fees associated with that program. Charges of ; possession of a controlled substance, an analogous drug, and operating a vehicle while his license was suspended were dis­ missed at the time of sentencing. Court records show prior convictions for operating a vehicle while impaired Feb. 7, 2019, in Grand Rapids; attempted uttering and pub­ lishing March 31, 2005, uttering and pub­ lishing March 31, 2007, failure to pay child, support Dec4 13, 2010, and first-degree retail fraud Nov. 16, 2015, all in Kent County. Greatfor Gift Giving ON SALE NOW! 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In between, Tyden offered world-changing developments to the booming automotive industry in Detroit, to America’s military efforts in World War I, and to the transportation industry where the invention for which he became best known, the box car seal, established Hastings as a manufacturing capital. Over 4 million of Tyden’s boxcar seals were manufactured from his plant in Hastings.“It’s a compelling read,”states author Doug VanderLaan,“and one I feel fortunate to be part of in its telling. An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary... Available in Hastings for $24.99 at • Al Fresco • The General Store • Printing Plus • J-Ad Graphics ofiice at 1351N. M-43 Highway, just north of the Hastings city limits. �Page 10 — Thursday, November 11, 2021 —The Hastings Banner HHS Varsity Singers perform at MSU ;; After uncertainty whether the annual event Should even occur, members of the Hastings ■High School Varsity Singers were able to take ^part in the Michigan State University Choral invitational Nov. 1. ■ * I Varsity Singers is the only auditioned sopra’’hp/alto/tenor/bass chorus at Hastings High School, and Hastings was one of just four schools in Michigan attending this invita­ tion-only event to perform before a clinician The clinician was Dr. Derrick Fox, director choral activities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The other high school choirs were from Grand Rapids Christian, Brighton and Traverse City West. The final choir to perform was the State Singers from MSU, an auditioned SATB ensemble, which sang two beautiful pieces as tan exhibition for the high school choirs in atten­ dance, Hastings director Andrew Moore said. ; Each high school choir performed three songs and then received feedback from Dr. Fox, who, Moore said, was energetic, humor­ ous and above all, insightful. ; Hastings students said later that they appre­ ciated Fox’s suggestions and ideas for their musicality and performance technique. Several of them quoted his encouragement to ‘get out of their own heads and, in his words, !“Just sing!” Moore said. ’ The Varsity Singers performed three pieces »for the invitational: “The Pasture” by Z. • Randall Stroope, a song about a young girl and young boy who coyly express their affection for one another by saying they would go to do their chores, and that the other could accompa­ ny them. Zach Franklin, a senior in the ensem­ ble, accompanied this piece. Secondly, Varsity sang “El Grillo” by Josquin des Prez. Des Prez’s selection is known as a frottola and comes from the Renaissance. It is a fast, light-hearted tune about a cricket that can sing well and for a long time. The third selection was “Sing Me to Heaven” by Daniel Gawthrop. In this, Gawthrop explores the phases of life using the metaphors of “lullaby” to represent infancy, “love song” meaning youth, and a “requiem” for passing, thereby highlighting the connection of music to the soul. “This invitational provided Varsity Singers the opportunity to perform for a new audi­ ence, and an experienced clinician, as well as hear several fine choirs from around the state,” Moore said. “This will serve as a for­ mative concert for the rest of the year as this choir prepares for district festival, hosted at Hastings High School, as well as its numer­ ous concerts throughout the year.” Members of the Varsity Singers include Hannah Bancroft, Mason Bailey, Kassidy Bolger, Brandon Darling, Zach Franklin, Zara Franklin, Hailey Graham, Anna Haywood, Kaycie Jenkins, Connor Lindsey, Taylor Owen, Andre Perez, Evan Porter, Logan Shook, Harrison Smalley, Emma VanDenburg, Hannah Vann and Mitchel Vann. ■BHHMWMMVi g Bg^8 W W^». 1 mmomhOMmhI isa - '• Standing outside the MSU Auditorium with Andrew Moore Andrew Moore (far right) Hastings High School choir director, are (front row, from left) Zara Franklin, Hannah Bancroft, Emma VanDenburg, Kassidy Bolger, Anna Haywood; (middle) Taylor Owen, Hailey Graham, Kaycie Jenkins, Hannah Vann, Mason Bailey; (back) Harrison Smalley, Zach Franklin, Evan Porter, Brandon Darling, Andre Perez, Connor Lindsey, Mitchel Vann and Logan Shook. (Photo provided) The Hastings High School Varsity Singers were among just five high school choirs from across the state invited to Michigan State University for the MSU Choral Invitational. Here, they listen to another group perform as they wait their turn. (Photo provided) Local groups receive arts, culture grants The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has approved a total of $10.7 million in grants to 507 applicants for arts and culture projects in Michigan. Grants were awarded to organizations in 60 counties around Michigan. In Barry County, recipients include Circle Pines Center, $24,000; City of Hastings, $21,000; and the Thomapple Arts Council, $13,750. The Village of Lake Odessa, in Ionia County, received a grant of $6,741. “Michigan’s countless arts and cultural organizations make our communities more welcoming and vibrant places to live and contribute to our high quality of life,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a Nov. 2 press release. “The grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs grants provide access to arts and cultural pro­ gramming in places and to people that may not have access without the work of incred­ ible local organizations.” MCACA received 594 applications requesting more than $20 million for fiscal year 2022 programs. MCACA used a peer review process over the course of 90 days of panel reviews to adjudicate the 594 grant applications and made recommenda­ tions to the governor’s council. Overall, the applications were adjudicated by more than 150 peer reviewers during the open panel process. Nearly 500 interested mem­ bers of the public joined the panels online. “It is wonderful to see so many great grant applications,” Alison Watson, MCACA director, said. “Especially during these times, it is a strong affirmation that the field is still vibrant and the value of our programs is appreciated. We really credit Governor Whitmer and the legislature for showing confidence in MCACA by sup­ porting our appropriation.” The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, michigan.gov/arts, is ded­ icated to ensuring that every citizen and community in Michigan enjoys the civic, economic and educational benefits of arts and culture. New members join HHS National Honor Society Sixteen Hastings High School students were inducted to the school’s National Honor Society chapter Nov. 3. Those stu­ dents joined 12 current members during the induction ceremony at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. To be eligible for membership consider­ ation, students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.375. Additionally, candidates must meet high standards of Simply Incredible Health Preparing for The Next Killer Virus and Other Illnesses Cooking at its Funnest! FREE EVENT With Samples and Recipes Plus These Great Topics Weight Loss, Lower Cholesterol, Increase Energy lost60pounds. Chef Mark has now He teaches people the simple strategies that they need to know in order to get healthy. He also has a cooking program that airs on LLBN and SmartLifestyleTV. Joseph McLean, Taylor Owen, Matthew. Pattok, Emily Roe and Brooklyn Youngs. Among the new inductees are Valentina Arias-Franco, Lauren Arnold, Isobelle Bergeron, Grace Curtis, Zara Franklin, Hailey Graham, Anna Haywood, Julia McLean, BreAnn Micklatcher, Kiley Miles, Molly Patton, Peighton Reser, Kearan Tolles, Emma VanDenburg, Hannah Vann and Caleb Waller. This year’s junior and senior members of the National Honor Society include (front row, from left) Molly Patton, Valentina Arias-Franco, Lauren Arnold, BreAnn Micklatcher, Grace Curtis, Isobelle Bergeron; (middle) Zara Franklin, Hailey Graham, Taylor Owen, Anna English, Brooklyn Youngs, Hannah Crozier, Kali Grimes, Ruby Barber, Julia McLean, Emma VanDenburg, Peighton Reser; (back) Anna Haywood, Kiley Miles, Emily Roe, Aihsley Jones, Matthew Pattok, Patrick Mallory, Brianna Barnes, Joseph McLean, Hannah Vann, Kearan Tolles, Caleb Waller. (Photo provided) CHEF MARK ANTHONY’S The Secrets to Boosting The Immune System service, leadership and character. NHS is the nation’s oldest and bestknown student recognition program, was founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Current Hastings High School members include Ruby Barber, Brianna Barnes, Hannah Crozier, Anna English, Kali Grimes, Aihsley Jones, Patrick Mallory, One Day Only Sunday, November 14th at 3:00 pm Adventist Elementary School 888 Terry Ln Hastings, Ml Seating is Limited - Come Early Formore info, call 702-236-3280 www. ChefMarkAnthony. com Local theater taking part in nationwide performance ‘AU Together Nowj on stage this weekend After a nearly two-year hiatus, a community youth production will return to the Crown Theatre in Nashville. Forty-two young actors ages 3-18 will be performing “All Together Now, A Musical Revue” Nov. 12-14. The show was designed by Music Theatre International to help kick-start theater all over the nation after the COVID-19 pandemic halted produc­ tions. “All Together Now” was created to be per­ formed nationwide on the same mid-November weekend. The production includes 15 songs from different Broadway musicals, ranging from “Beauty and the Beast” to “Fiddler on the Roof’ to “Rent.” “There is even a group number from ‘High School Musical,’ which the kids are singing and dancing so well,” co-director Amanda Smith said. “But this whole production is part of something much bigger, and we are really excited to participate. It’s a cool experience for us all.” Crown Theatre is one of more than 5,000 venues across the U.S. performing the same show, at the same time. “It’s symbolic,” Smith said. “The arts are rising up after a long hiatus, and we are united in the effort. It’s a really cool concept, and the kids love the idea of truly performing alongside thousands of other per­ formers, finally getting to do what they love again. Some of these kids haven’t been on stage in two years, and when you love theater, that’s an eternity.” Students from Hastings, Lake Odessa, Sunfield, Nashville, Vermontville, Woodland, Clarksville and Charlotte will be participating. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday Nov. 12; 3 and 7 p.m., Saturday Nov. 13; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14. Tickets are $8 and available for reservation by emailing crowntheatretickets@gmail.com. Crown Theatre is at 301 N. Main St., Nashville, (formerly the Main Street Theatre House.) �SPORTS SECTION The Hastings ANNER Thursday, November 11, 2021 TK girls finish year on course at MIS Brett Bremer Sports Editor The first Trojan across the finish line was a freshman standout learning the ropes at Michigan International Speedway, chasing an all-state medal and looking forward to more chances ahead. The second Trojan across the finish line was a junior on the mend from a season of bumps and bruises still capable of earning a spot among the state’s best, in between a breakout sophomore campaign and a senior season where she will have high expectations for herself. The third Trojan across the finish line was a senior capping off an outstanding varsity cross country career running in the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals at MIS for the third time. Freshman Ava Crews, junior Emelia MacDonald and senior Jessica Durkee fin­ ished off a stellar 2021 fall for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country team at the state finals in Brooklyn Saturday. Crews, who spent her freshman season at the front of the pack for TK, ran to a 34th-place time of 19 minutes 26.14 seconds. She was less than eight seconds behind the last of the 30 state medalists in the race and fourth fastest freshman in the group of 254 total runners. It was a fast group of 254. Crews’ time would have been good for 23r^ place and a state medal in the D2 girls’ race at MIS in November of 2020. MacDonald ran to a 41st-place finish as a sophomore in 2020 and capped off a chal­ lengingjunior season with a 138^ place time of 20:49.14. TK ran a dozen varsity races this fall and MacDonald missed three races in mid-Septem­ ber and then was unable to run in the OK Gold Conference Championship in mid-October. She was just five and half seconds off her best time of the season - but still about a minute off her top times from her sophomore season. Durkee, the Trojan senior, placed 83r^ at the state finals as a sophomore, 66^ as a junior and placed 149^ as a senior with a time of 20:54.95 - finishing the MIS course in under 21 minutes for the third time. Durkee was the lone state qualifier for Thomapple Kellogg in 2019, her sophomore season. MacDonald joined her for an odd 2020 final in which it was just the two of them and coaches making the two-hour trek to Michigan’s NASCAR track to be a part of the event in which the four divisions were spread across two days rather than all run on one to allow for a bit more social distancing. TK varsity girls’ cross country coach Sam Wilkinson thought back to that 2020 champi­ onship, and how it cold have just been him­ self, boys’ coach Josh Reynolds and the three girls making the long trip to Brooklyn. “But this year it was different. Stepping on the bus this time was not only the three quali­ fiers and coaches, but also many of the ath­ letes from the girls’ team and a few from the boys’ team,” Wilkinson said. “It wasn’t just that fact that the bus had more passengers, but that this group of loyal friends and teammates were able to go and be a part of this experi­ ence with our three qualifiers - together. “It was a good day.” Wilkinson said the whole TK contingent made its way along the first mile of the course for a warm-up before the D2 girls’ race. “Once we got to the mile marker, it was time to send our representatives on their warm-up jog and to be on their own and take in each other’s energy and hear each other’s ideas or just each other’s footfalls if they so chose. “Regardless, it was their time.” “These girls really gave it what they had and made us all proud,” he added. Grand Rapids Christian senior Madelyn Frens made her team proud, winning the individual state title in the race with a time of 17:52.30 to capture her third state medal. She was third as a junior and sixth as a fresh­ man at the D2 Finals. The Eagles had four all-state performances, but it wasn’t enough to catch East Grand Rapids for the team state championship. The EGR Pioneers won the D2 girls’ title with 66 points, ahead of Grand Rapids Christian 99, Petoskey 136, Forest Hills Eastern 179, Otsego 208, Spring Lake 231, Freeland 253, Mason 313, Warren Regina 335 and Goodrich 340 in the top ten. Marshall was 11^1 with 346 points. Frankenmuth sophomore Mary Richmond was second individually in 17:56.01, Mason sophomore Meghan Ford third in 18:10.81 and Grand Rapids Christian sophomore Natalie VanOtteren fourth in 18:13.46. East Grand Rapids leader Drew Muller, a sophomore, placed fifth in 18:23.28. The Pioneers also had Ainsley Workman ninth, Sadey Seyferth 12^, Sophia Lado 15^ and Abigail Petr 52n<^. Junior Sarah Dixon led the OK Gold Conference champions from Forest Hills Eastern to their fourth-place finish with a 21st-place time of 19:12.92. Otsego took the Division 2 boys’ champi­ onship Saturday, besting Chelsea 135-147 at the top of the standings. The top ten also included St. Johns with 150 points, Grand Rapids Christian 160, Pinckney 210, Adrian 220, Linden 259, East Grand Rapids 265, Petoskey 275 and Freeland 317. Pinckney senior Caleb Jarema was the individual champion with a time of 15:22.22, a year after finishing as the D2 state run­ ner-up. Fremont senior Conor Somers ran his PR to place second in 15:28.85. Thornapple Kellogg freshman Ava Crews closes in on a 34th-place finish at the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals Saturday in Brooklyn. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg senior Jessica Durkee makes her way along the course about a mile and a half into the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals Saturday at MIS in Brooklyn. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thomapple Kellogg junior Emelia MacDonald races along the edge of the NASCAR track at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday during the final mile of the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons’ Smith chasing MIAA title with the Flying Dutchmen Brett Bremer Sports Editor Elijah Smith graduated from Hastings High School in the spring of 2019, a year before the Saxon varsity football team was able to put back-to-back Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championships. Smith his getting his run at a conference title this fall however with the Hope College football team. Smith took over as the Flying Dutchmen’s lead running back in an Oct. 30 victory over Albion and had another big game in Hope’s tough 41-38 loss to visiting Albion last Saturday (Nov. 6). Smith has surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in each of those past two ballgames, scoring one touchdown in the win over Alma and scoring twice in the loss to the Brittons Saturday. Albion moved into a share of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) lead with its win in Holland Saturday - now a three-way tie between the 4-1 Brittons, Flying Dutchmen and Trine University Storm. A share of the conference champion­ ship will be on the line when Hope visits Trine in the final game of the regular season this Saturday, Nov. 13, at 1 p.m. Albion moved out to a 21-3 lead in the opening seconds of the second quarter before the Dutchmen were able to kick their comeback bid into high gear with the help of a couple special teams turnovers. Smith scored on a four-yard run with 36 seconds left in the first half to get the Dutch to within 24-17 after a muffed punt gave his team the ball in good field position late in the half. The Dutch then knocked the ball away from the Albion kick returner and scored again on a two-yard TD pass from Chase Brown to Carter Nofziger with three seconds to play in the half. The two teams went into the half tied 24-24, and then Smith gave his team its first lead of the bailgame by finishing off Hope’s opening drive of the second half with a five-yard touchdown run. The extra­ point kick had the Dutch up 31-24. Albion was able to pull even three and a half minutes later and then move back in front in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Hope tied the ballgame at 38-38 with 9:44 to play. A 36-yard field goal by Jackson Cooney snapped that tie with 5:09 to go. Smith finished the bailgame 21 rushes for 107 yards and the two touchdowns while also catching two passes for 23 yards - the first two receptions of his collegiate career. The 5-10, 188-pound sophomore run­ ning back Smith got 17 carries during the first seven weeks of the college football season, scoring his first touchdown in a Hope College sophomore running back Elijah Smith fends off tacklers during the Flying Dutchmen’s season-opener against Anderson (Ind.) in Holland. Smith rushed for 46 yards in that season opener, and has topped the 100-yard mark in each of the past two Hope contests. (Photo by Steve Herppich) Elijah Smith (Photo by Jon Lundstrom) 52-10 route of Northwestern (Minn.) Sept. 25 after entering the fall fourth on the Dutchmen’s depth chart at running back. He scored again the following week in a 67-0 pummeling of Kalamazoo College. At Alma Oct. 30, Smith rushed 25 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. Hope held sole possession of the MIAA lead following that win over Alma. In just six games as a senior at Hastings in 2019, Smith rushed for 665 yards and ten touchdowns. He averaged 8.1 yards per carry. As a junior for the Saxons in 2018, he carried the ball 20 times for 994 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Smith had 129 rushes for 771 yards and seven touchdowns as a soph­ omore on the varsity, averaging 6 yards per carry in 2017. Smith is one of a handful of area ball­ players in the MIAA this fall. Maple Valley junior Austin Zank is an outside linebacker at Trine. Olivet College has a pair of Saxons and a pair of Thomapple Kellogg Trojans on its roster: freshmen defensive lineman Evan Murphy and Jonathan Edwards from Hastings and freshmen wide receiver Cole Shoobridge and offensive lineman Blake Monroe from TK. Olivet is currently in fourth place in the conference football standings behind the league-leading trio with a 3-3 MIAA mark. Smith did not get the opportunity to run with the Dutchmen in his first fall on campus as the 2020 MIAA season was canceled. �Page 12 — Thursday, November 11, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Vikings into regional finals of tourney without much trouble Brett Bremer Sports Editor “This is boring!” came in response to a break between sets. “You can’t stop her!” was a reaction to a couple wicked kills from senior all-stater Maradith O’Gorman. ,' “We want pizza!” was a reminder to make good on a promise made to the student section by Lakewood varsity volleyball coach Cameron Rowland once his team qualified for the regional finals. * The Wacky Woodies, or Rowland’s Rowdies as they’ve come to be known on the side of a volleyball court, chanted a lot of things during the MHSAA Division 2 Regional Semifinal at ionia High School Tuesday. The one they (Jidn’t need to shout was the time-honored Classic “warm-up the bus!” ; It was probably still warm. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team made quick work of Williamson in the semifi­ nal scoring a 25-14, 25-8, 25-14 win over the frlornets to earn a spot in Thursday’s (Nov. 11) Regional final back in Ionia against Marshall. “Our offense was mixed up well and we got a lot of people involved,” coach Rowland said. ‘3 don’t think our ball control was as good as it normally is. I think that had to do with the g^ce. It was that much slower. We were having to wait for stuff. We tried to slow practice down a little bit yesterday to replicate that from what I saw on film, but it is just tough. ^Ve did our job and we won and advanced.” ’ The Williamston Hornets put up a fight in the third set hoping to extend their season a hit. Lakewood led set three 10-3 after back-toback kills by O’Gorman and a big block by Alivia Everitt. Williamston was able to chip away at that lead though, eventually getting within 15-12. The Viking defense scrambled to save a point and then got the next one on an ace by libero Carley Piercefield. * Before long, that three-point Lakewood lead was eight, then ten and then a final Piercefield ace closed out the match. J Lakewood has yet to drop a set in three post­ season matches so far and for the second time this postseason coach Rowland got to make sure everyone got to get some time on the court. Piercefield, the Vikings’ sophomore all-state Hbero, is one of the few returning Vikings whose regular role hasn’t changed much this postseason. O’Gorman is swinging from the left instead of the right where she spent most of her first three seasons on the varsity. Junior all3tate setter Skylar Bump is only setting half the time for the first time ever, sharing those duties with freshman Abby Pickard to give Bump the eliance to go on the attack more often. » “At the beginning it was different,” Bump said. “I never really have hit during a match on iny team before. Obviously, my three rota­ tions in the back row were the same, but dif­ ferent. [Coach Rowland] kind of hinted at it fast year, towards the end of the season. When tryouts stated this summer, he started having me get in hitting lines.” : She hopes that if she keeps hitting next year Rhe’ll be able to do it at a higher level than she has this fall. Getting the timing right takes time. » “She is really starting to become an attack­ er,” coach Rowland said. “She is really starting to figure out different things to be an effective attacker and using some of the savvy she had as a setter and figuring out how to score and doing some of those things as an attacker.” While Bump had some time in the presea­ son to prep for being a hitter on the outside, junior Ellie Possehn who spent last season and the start of this one as an outside hitter didn’t have much warning before her position switch. She moved to a middle blocker spot around Labor Day. “Cameron asked me if I wanted to be a middle. I said, if you need me there I can do it. It works for me,” Possehn said. “He was like, all right I’m going to put you there and you’re going to have to work and do that. I said, okay that works we can do that.” She said the move has been better than she expected. She smacked a season-high eight kills in the win over Williamston. “It is a lot more intense than on the outside. I would definitely say that the outside is almost easier, like the aspect of running and blocking and running to the other side of the net instead of playing off-blocker defense. Blocking definitely gets you a little more tired. In practice we do a lot of drills that get us ready for that.” Lakewood also has senior Zayda Kruger as an outside hitter this season, after she began her varsity career as a defensive specialist in the back row. Everitt opened the year in the middle and moved to the outside. Possehn was really impressed with the way O’Gorman and Everitt swung Tuesday. “Maradith put the ball away very well tonight, and so did Liv Everitt,” Possehn said. “They just kept that high intensity that we always strike for, that almost-weirdness that we always need to keep high energy.” While Williamston seemed to have little chance of rallying against the third-ranked Vikings, Marshall was able to complete a third-set comeback and then some in its regional semifinal against a Lansing Catholic team listed among the honorable mention teams in the final Division 2 state rankings. The Red Hawks came back from two sets down to earn a five-set victory by the scores of 19-25, 22-25, 25-23, 28-26, 15-11 in the sec­ ond semifinal of the evening in Ionia. The winner of Thursday’s match will face either Dundee or Onsted in the Division 2 State Quarterfinal at Williamston High School Tuesday, Nov. 16. Lakewood junior Skylar Bump hits an attack from the left side of the net during her team's three-set win over Williamston in the Division 2 Regional Semifinal at Ionia High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL MERLAU AVENUE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN THE MERLAU AVENUE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the MERLAU AVENUE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 benefitted by the proposed road improvement project, which project will include paving of the road, along with associated activities such as, but not limited to, grading and drainage work. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk. The assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, as is more particularly shown on plans on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. The assessment roll is in the total amount of $337,218.06. The costs, including administrative costs, are proposed to be raised by a new special assessment. The assessment against each parcel in the special assessment district will be approximately $313.40 per year, for a period of four years, 2022 - 2025 inclusive. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessing Officer have reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said District is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said District as the benefit to such parcel bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Prairieville Township Board will meet at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll and hearing any objections thereto. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days' notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 Hastings running back Dan Harp carries the ball through the South Christiarr defense during the MHSAA Division 4 District Final at Hastings High School Friday night. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) Hastings can’t capitalize on Sailor turnovers • < ■ Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings Saxon football program remains without a district title after falling to South Christian Friday night 38-14 at Baum Stadium and Johnson Field in its Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 District Final. South Christian will advance in the playoffs to play Edwardsburg, in Edwardsburg, on Friday night in a Division 4 Regional Final. Saxon Head Coach, Jamie Murphy noted, “If we were more prepared the game would have been much different. Although South Christian is a very good team, I am certain they did not see our best performance. Coach Brown had his team prepared well and execut­ ed a good plan against our style of offense.” Senior Saxon linebacker, Jackson Dubois said, “we played our hearts out and they just came out more prepared than us and we couldn’t capitalize on the gifts we were given. Personally, I had one of my best games I’ve ever played but when that final buzzer rang out I got a little choked up to think it will be the last time I walk off of that field. It’s now forever a memory and it was an absolute blast to play with everyone I got the opportunity to play for.” The Saxons had the lead at the beginning of the second quarter 8-7, when TJ Russell scored on a 16-yard run and the two-point conversion by Mason Denton was good. The second quarter was the only quarter the Saxons would score in though. South Christian took the lead 14-8 after a touchdown by Nate Brinks. The Saxons managed their final score of the night on a four-yard touchdown run by Lanny Teunessen to tie the game 14-14. The Sailors would score again with just over a minute left in the quarter to go into halftime with a 21-14 lead. The Saxons recovered an onside kick to open the second half, but were unable to convert the turnover to a Saxon score. Hastings was given another opportunity when Russell intercepted a Sailor pass, but again the Saxons were unable to turn the extra possession into point. The Sailors adjustments at the half shut down the Saxon offense the remainder of the game. The Saxon defense held the Sailors in the second half too, until there were 27 seconds left in the third quarter. Sailor quarterback Jake DeHaan completed a 26-yard pass to Ashton Fennern a for the Sailor touchdown. Going into the fourth quarter, the Saxons trailed South Christian 28-14. Brinks would score one more touchdown and kick the sole field goal of the game to put the final score at 38-14. Saxon defensive coordinator, Brian Doninni added “It was a great season. The kids played hard and did everything we asked of them. South Christian is a good team. We played - • T . ' Y Senior Victor Ramirez returns a kick-off* for the Saxons^Sunng7 fheirlbss to’tfigvisiting South Christian Sailors in the MHSAA Division 4 District Final inside* Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Fridayjm Hastings. (Photo by Jason Slaughter) well and the kids fought hard through the game and never gave up. We moved the ball’ well and a couple of turnovers stopped two crucial drives on offense. Defensively we; made a few big stops in the second half to; keep it close. It was a great season for the school and community.” The Sailor defense held the Saxons to only 187 yards rushing for the night. Russell rushed’ for 81 yards, Drew Gleason ran for 40 yards and Dan Harp and Teunessen had 31 yards each. The Saxons were without the benefit of junior^ fullback Robby Slaughter, one of the team’s two 1,000-yard rushers this fall alongside Russell. Victor Ramirez led the Saxon return team with two kick returns totaling 71 yards. On' defense, the Saxons were led by seniors Matt1 Thompson and Dubois who had nine and six tackles respectively. It was just the second loss of the season' for the 9-2 Saxons. Hastings was 6-2 a year ago. Before that, the last Hastings team to win two games or fewer was the 2001 team' that went 8-2. Hastings has never had more than nine wins in a season in the past 70 years of football. J MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured NOW HIRING OPEN POSITIONS: Preschool Assistant Teachers • Preschool Lead Teachers • Paraprofessionals • Senior Transportation Driver • Distribution Specialist • Kitchen Assistant/Food Transporters Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community acheive and maintain independence. Community Action is also enrolling for preschool!!!!!!! Apply now at www.caascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Community Action is an equal opportunity employer, equal opportunity provider. I •• �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 11,2021 — Page 13 DK girls fall against Rams in district semis Delton Kellogg jumped out to a first set win, but couldn’t fight off the Rams the rest of the evening in their MHSAA Division 3 District Semifinal in Delton last Wednesday, Nov. 3. The Galesburg-Augusta girls scored a 19-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-22 win over the host Panthers to earn a spot in Thursday’s district final. The Rams’ season didn’t get beyond that district final as they were bested by Kalamazoo Christian. The Comets are still rolling on in the state tournament. They knocked off Decatur in three sets and will facp Watervliet in the Division 3 Regional Final hosted by Centreville this evening (Nov. 11). Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings senior Lily Foy races to an eighth-place time in the 100-yard backstroke at the OK Rainbow Tier II Championship Saturday at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) Senior Marcukaitis swims to new backstroke record Brett Bremer Sports Editor Besting a record by two seconds in the pool isn’t just breaking it. It’s shattering it. Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings senior Abby Marcukaitis set a new OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Championship record, and team and pool records as well, in her final conference swim. She met the Division 1 state qualifying time and won her sec­ ond conference title of the day Saturday when she touched the wall in 55.63 seconds at the end of the 100-yard backstroke. Marcukaitis had previously set the conference record in the race at 57.64 at the 2019 conference meet. She also met the state qualifying time in a championship perfor­ mance in the 50-yard freestyle Saturday. Marcukaitis won that racein 25.64 seconds. She was more than a second ahead of the runner-up, Unity Christian senior Ella Sterken who came in at 25.88. There was even less competition to drive her in her backstroke per­ formance. She won that race by more than six seconds over Ottawa Hills senior Meg Strand who was the runner-up. Sophomore Sophia Marcukaitis also won two conference champi­ onships, and the two sisters were a part of two runner-up relay finish­ es too. It was quite the start to the finals for the DK/TK/HHS girls, with Abby, Sophia, junior Preslee Hall and sophomore Holly Carpenter meeting the state qualifying time in the 200-yard medley relay with their time of 1 minute 52.34 seconds. Ottawa Hills won that race opening race with the team of Strand, sophomore Naia Wainer, senior Thea Pazdemik and junior Alena Oeverman placing finishing in 1:51.49. Later, in the 200-yard freestyle relay the DK/TK/HHS team of Sophia, sophomore Holly Carpenter, Hall and Abby placed second with a time of 1:43.45 behind the winning team of senior Rylie Steuer, sophomore Taylor Wolf, sophomore Elliot Antel and junior Sami Reed from Wayland (1:42.46). Ottawa Hills won the first relay and the last, with the team of Oeverman, freshman Danica Sadowski, Strand and Pazdemik winning the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:47.09. The Bengals were the day’s overall champions with 463 points, finishing ahead of Wayland 391, Unity Christian 390, DK/TK/HHS 369, Calvin Christian/West Catholic 217 and Grand Rapids Union 134. Abby, Sophia and Sadowski from Ottawa Hills were the top three point scorers at the champi­ onship meet. Sophia won the 200yard individual medley in 2:16.52 and the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:08.52 ~ meeting the DI state qualifying time in the breast­ stroke. Sadowski was the 200yard freestyle champion in 1:59.17 and the 500-yard freestyle cham­ pion in 5:24.28. The diving competition was a strong spot for DK/TK/HHS. Freshman Abigail Dumond led her team with a fourth-place score of 305.40. Junior Eve Bishop was fifth with 303.40 points, sopho- Delton Kellogg's Emma Kokx goes up to block a Galesburg-Augusta attack during their Division 3 District Semifinal match Wednesday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg's Lydia Chandler reaches up to pass a deep serve during her team's loss to Galesburg-Augusta in the Division 3 District Semifinals at Delton Kellogg High School Wednesday (Nov. 3). (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings freshman diver Abigail Dumond reaches for the water at the end of a dive Saturday during the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Championship Meet at the CERC in Hastings. Dumond placed fourth in the diving compe­ tition behind a trio of senior competitors. (Photo by Bob Gaskill) more Maelea Martin seventh with 255.75 points and sophomore TJ Myers with 246.30 points. All four qualified to compete in the regional round of the state tournament. . Calvin Christian/West Catholic had the conference’s two top div­ ers. Senior Hope Weeda won the competition with 335.75, points. Senior teammate Abigail Smith was second with a score of322.20. A third senior, Unity Christian’s Ella Sterken, was third with a score of 311.95. Carpenter was seventh in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 26.88. Hall and junior Abby Gaskill scored in that race for DK/ TK/HHS in the ‘B’ Heat of the final. Hall tallied a sixth-place time of 1:05.83 in the 100-yard butterfly. DK/TK/HHS got a pair of top eight finishes in the 100-yard free­ style. Carpenter was sixth in 1:00.02 and senior Ellen Shults eighth in 1:02.24. Foy was eighth in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:11.18, a time which was just bettered in the ‘B’ Final by her teammate VanOoy who was ninth. Also scoring at the conference meet for DK/TK/HHS were junior Cadence VanOoy, senior Aubrey Hawks, freshman Lily Foy, sopho­ more Bella Morey, junior Kasey Kapteyn, freshman Malia Hamby, sophomore Lizzie Middleton and junior Erin Daniels. VanOoy, Foy, Middleton and Shults closed out the meet with a fifth-place time of 4:16.09 in the 400-yard freestyle relay. DK/TK/HHS girls competed one more time Tuesday in the Second Shave Meet in Holland. Sophia Marcukaitis dropped her best time of the season in the 100-yard freestyle down to 57.20 seconds in a seventh-place finish in that race and also placed second in the 200-yard IM with a time of 2:18.54. Abby Marcukaitis competed in the 500-yard freestyle for the first time this year and just missed the state qualifying time by about four and a half seconds. She won the race in 5:21.51. $18.41 -$20.47/hour in 12 months (1st shift) $18.41 -$20.47/hour in 12 months (3rd shift) JOB FAIR WILL BE HELD AT: Parker Pneumatic Division 8676 E M-891 Richland, Ml 49083 —Parker �Page 14 —Thursday, November 11, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Lakewood Vikings Carley Piercefield, Alli Pickard, Skylar Bump and Ellie Possehn celebrate winning a point during the third set of their MHSAA Division 2 District Final victory over Ionia at Hastings High School Thursday. The district championship is the eighth straight for the Vikings and the 29th in the history of the program. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikes win program’s 29th district title Lakewood senior outside hitter Maradith O'Gorman hits an attack by an Ionia block­ er during their MHSAA Division 2 District Final at Hastings High School Thursday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Carley Piercefield’s neon green libero jer­ sey has holes worn through the elbows. Skylar Bump’s knee pads are more gray than white anymore. Maradith O’Gorman smacked 23 kills in three sets. The Vikings added a 29th district champi­ onship trophy to the trophy caset It must be November. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team, ranked No. 3 in the state in Division 2, won its eighth consecutive district championship Weatherization Assistance Program provides FREE home energy conservation services to by knocking off the Ionia Bulldogs 25-17, low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. Services reduce energy use and lower 25-9, 25-20 in the MHSAA Division 2 ________________________________ utility bills._________________________________ District Final at Hastings High School Thursday. The Vikings earned a spot in the Division 2 Regional Semifinals with the victory and knocked off Williamston at Ionia High School Tuesday evening to earn a spot in Thursday’s Dedicated to helping people (Nov. 11) regional final against Marshall achieve and maintain independence. back in Ionia. CommunityAction Lakewood breezed through the district tournament in Hastings, knocking off Central Montcalm 25-17, 25-13, 25-7 in the district semifinals before beating what Viking head coach Cameron Rowland called the best Ionia team he’s ever seen in the district final. The Vikings did what they had to do to win the district title. The defense in the back row powered by all-state sophomore libero Carley Piercefield and junior Alli Pickard was strong. All-state senior outside hitter Maradith O’Gorman continued to put the ball away, whether at her more comfortable spot on the right side or her new spot on the left. All-state junior setter Skylar Bump and freshman set­ ter Abby Pickard made sure the offense ran smoothly. Everybody served tough and filled their roles. There was no plan to feed O’Gorman. That was just kind of how the offense worked out Thursday, and obviously an all-state outside hitter is going to get a lot of swings. “We talk about game-plan from a defen­ sive standpoint, not really offensive,” coach Rowland said. “We know if we handled the ball and dug balls we could score, and we did. I know we put a lot of service pressure on them that they maybe have not seen all year. VACCINE AVAILABILITY PFIZER: 12+ years old Additional Dose Booster Dose MODERNA: 18+ years old Set-Up Your Appointment TODAY Additional Dose Booster Dose (269) 945-9516 | barryeatonhealth.org JOHNSON & JOHNSON: 18+ years old Booster Dose Barry-Eaton District Health Department Be Active • Be Safe * Be Healthy “That is the best I think Ionia has ever been. They played hard the whole time, they played well. We came into today knowing that we would have to play well, and we did which is nice to see in the postseason.” O’Gorman had 14 digs to go with her match-leading kill total. “We have been doing really well at prac­ tice lately^ like in the past week. It has beert really showing that we're ready to come and play in the tournament,” O’Gorman said. “We’re all super focused at practice and wehave been executing everything.” Piercefield had a team-high 24 digs as well as two aces and six assists. Alli Pickard smacked a team-high five aces to go with her; ten digs. Abby Pickard chipped in two aces and Paige Wolverton one. “Alli served really well, Sky’ went on some runs, Carley went on some runs. It is what we have to do because we’re not super! terminal offensively outside of Mar’ so we have to work to do some of those things. It was really nice that 4Liv [Everitt] came in and was able to score for us. For her to come in and have six kills is really nice for her.” Alivia Everitt had six kills, pounding three of them in the final set to help close out the Bulldogs. Alli Pickard really helped power set two. She drilled an ace on her team’s first serve of the set to go up 2-0. It was part of an 8-0 run that also included a couple kills by O’Gorman, one from Tori Wickerink and another ace. Ionia scored after as time out to stop that run, but Alli started another run from the service line with her team up 20-9. An ace was fol­ lowed by a couple more serves the Bulldogs struggled to handle, a kill by Bump at the right side and a strong final point on which Piercefield dug a big Bulldog attack, Abby Pickard saved a ball off the net and O’Gorman finally put it away. “I was getting where to serve to from my coach. We always practice it in practice and it clicked I guess. They went where they were supposed to go/’ Alli said of her service per­ formance. “It’s the first touch to start the play. It’s definitely important.” Bump, sharing the setting duties for the first time in three varsity seasons this year, added seven kills on the outside for the Vikings as well as 12 assists, two blocks and 11 digs. Abby Pickard finished with 20 assists in her first district final with the Viking varsity. “I know it is hard, freshman year, coming in and playing on top of things. I think Abby did a really good job of coming in and get­ ting good sets and executing on her serving. I also think Carley did really well passing tonight,” said O’Gorman. “If we keep that up, we’ll go far.” Abby, the lone freshman on the Lakewood varsity this fall, said she has seen her team come a long way. She has noticed the team chemistry growing all season. “I was pretty comfortable, but it definitely was an adjustment [getting used to varsity volleyball],” Abby said. “I think adjusting to the level, I’m playing with people that are four-years older than me now, not just my age like club. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect at first, besides watching the past four years, but then when I stepped in I knew I could do it.”* Lakewood also got three kills from Wickerink and two from Zayda Kruger. Wickerink had two blocks and Kruger one. Ellie Possehn added two blocks. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-11-18.pdf 2d7c4c542ab01a66c4383ec87d96cc3f PDF Text Text H co? Pub,ic Library 227 E State Street ——. Efastingo Mi 003a Rutland frets about marijuana ordinances Shopping local is a must See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 Vikings rework rotations for spot in state semifinals Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590500779549058195427 80487911018 ANNER Thursday, November 18, 2021 PRICE $1.00 Corlett resigns as Delton Kellogg superintendent State Sen. John Bizon Sen. Bizon charged with assault Taylor Owens Staff Writer Senator John Bizon, 70, R-Battle Creek, has been charged with misdemea­ nour assault, after a nurse practitioner at the Oaklawn After Hours Express in Marshall said he inappropriately touched her during a medical visit Aug. 14. The Banner was unable to reach the senator for comment. His attorney, Martin E. Crandell of Detroit, said Wednesday, “We have released no statements at this time - and we have no plans to.” According to a report by the Marshall City Police Department, the woman, 52, said she first saw Bizon when she arrived at work that morning. He was sitting outside the health care facility at a picnic table designated for employees, which she thought was strange. He waved to her, but she said she did not wave back because she did not know him. Later, during his examination, she recommended an over-the-counter med­ ication for Bizon to take for his symp­ toms. When Bizon said he did not under­ stand, she stood next to him and showed him the medication on her laptop. At that point, Bizon put his arm around her, “intentionally grabbed her with his right arm/hand,” pulled her to him and “squeezed her waist with his right hand, in a cupping motion,” the report states. He then told her he was an otolaryngologist, which refers to an ear, nose and throat doctor. The woman told police she was so shocked by his actions, she did not say anything. He then told her he wanted her to order a different medication for him, but she refused. She told him that what he was requesting was not a medication for his diagnosis. The woman said he questioned her, told her he was disappointed in her and became visibly angry. He then got down from the table and left, all the while repeating that he was disappointed in her. When the woman told the medical assistant what had happened, the assis­ tant said Bizon also touched her arm while she was taking his vital signs, and told her his blood pressure was high because she was in the room. The medi­ cal assistant later repeated that encounter to the police. Another employee told the woman that Bizon is a state senator, who had been sent to the clinic by the hospital’s presi­ dent and chief executive officer Gregg Beeg, according to the police report. Beeg released the following statement Monday: “There is absolutely no place for inap­ propriate treatment or harassment of patients or care providers of any kind in our healthcare environments. We take any concern related to such matters extremely seriously and have processes in place for the reporting of concerns by See SEN. BIZON, page 2 Taylor Owens Staff Writer After more than four years as Delton Kellogg Schools superintendent, Kyle Corlett announced his resignation during a board of education meeting Monday. Corlett said he has accepted a post as superintendent of Ludington Area School District, and his resignation is effective Jan. 1, 2022. “It is with heartfelt gratitude that I thank the Delton Kellogg Board of Education for the tremendous opportunity to serve here, and to the staff and community for welcoming me with open arms,” Corlett said in a letter to the board and community. He called his decision bittersweet, but said he believes the opportunity at Ludington aligns with his mission of impacting the lives of students and will provide the professional growth that will benefit his family. With a student enrollment of around 2,200, Ludington is nearly twice the size of Delton. The board voted 4-0 to seek an interim superintendent. Vice President Kelli Martin, in a follow-up interview, said board members have had little time to discuss next steps, since Corlett had just recently notified them of his decision. But Martin said they plan to approve an interim superintendent at the December board meeting, which will be Corlett’s last. She said she expects the district will con­ duct the search and hiring process for a new superintendent in late winter or early spring, since that is when many candidates are look­ ing for new positions. “Our district has seen many changes during Dr. Corlett’s tenure,” school board President Jessica Brandli wrote in an email to The Banner. “We passed a multimillion-dollar bond and we are soon to begin construction on a new addition to our ele­ mentary building. “We are making our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Corlett was fully committed to ensuring our students received the quality in person education they deserve.” The next superintendent will be the dis­ trict’s fourth in about eight years. Corlett replaced Carl Schoessel, who spent three years as interim superintendent after the retirement of Paul Blacken. The district had conducted a search for a perma­ nent superintendent after Blacken’s retire­ ment, but struggled to find candidates while in a budget deficit. Schoessel, who had spent more than 20 years as the superintendent of Hastings Area Schools, helped the district establish a more See CORLETT, page 2 Kyle Corlett Barry County boy's wish is granted Cancer survivor becomes police officer for a day Taylor Owens Staff Writer Seven-year-old Dremony Rose of Barry County got to live his dream of being a police officer Friday. A survivor of lymphoma, Rose spent the day as a Hastings City Police officer through a partnership with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Dre donned his own uniform and duty belt, complete with radio and handcuffs. After he was sworn in, he went on patrol in a cruiser and toured the Hastings Police Department, City Hall, Department of Public Works and Barry County Central Dispatch. He also “arrested” a couple members of his family, and gave Deputy Police Chief Julissa Kelly a traffic ticket. “It’s really nice because he has wanted this for so long now - and it’s nice to finally see him happy and smiling,” his mother, Alisha Rose, said. Dre is currently cancer-free after a multi­ year fight against Stage 2 follicular lym­ phoma. Rose said she first noticed a lump on his neck when he was 4 years old. She took him to several doctors who said it was not a major issue and gave him antibiotics. It went on for a year. “Finally, I reached a breaking point, because I knew there was something wrong,” Rose said. “He started to not want to eat. He didn’t really want to play. He wasn’t himself. So, I kind of forced the doc­ tor into giving me a referral to an [ear, nose and throat] specialist.” That doctor also thought it wasn’t a cause for concern, until they removed the lump and had it biopsied. Once they found cancer in the tissue, Rose said the process moved very quickly. “We went from a year of not having answers to ‘This is what he has,’” Rose said, adding that the cancer had spread into his chest and lungs. “And I was scared. I was scared because I didn’t know what we were going to do. I didn’t know how we were going to help him.” Dre went to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, where doctors started him on chemotherapy. But he had a severe allergic reaction to the treatment and they had to stop. Rose said she was at her lowest point because she thought that treatment was their only option. But Dre’s doctor told her they would keep fighting and figure out some­ thing else. Eventually they did. “He did really well,” she said. “He was really brave.” Dre still needs to visit the doctor every six months to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned, and Rose said he will likely need to do so for the rest of his life. “There’s always that chance that we’ll have to repeat that same song and dance again,” she said. At one point, someone from the hospital contacted the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and Rose was contacted. When she asked Dre what wish he wanted to fulfill, he told her he wanted to be a police officer. Rose said police officers made him feel safe. “I think that’s when he decided, ‘Well, I Dremony Rose, 7, heads out on road patrol with the Hastings City Police Department. (Photo provided) See BOY, page 2 Farm Bureau rep demands no-fault fix Greg Chandler Staff Writer Some local Farm Bureau officials are calling on the state to make sure people who had been receiving benefits under Michigan’s catastrophic auto injury insur­ ance fund program get access to a $25 mil­ lion fund that was created by state lawmak­ ers earlier this summer to reimburse health care providers in the wake of no-fault insurance reform. George Hubka, a member of the Barry County Farm Bureau executive board, pre­ sented his concern about the issue to state Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, during her local office hours visit Wednesday after­ noon at the Barry County Courthouse. Hubka said he plans to ask his fellow Farm Bureau delegates across the state for support for the effort at the co-op’s annual state con­ vention Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Grand Rapids. “We paid money. They paid money ever since 1973 or whenever this thing went into effect, the no-fault [iisurance],” Hubka told Calley. “We were pomised unlimited care. We were promised t> remodel your house. We were promised assisted vehicles, the whole schmear; were going to make you whole if you have tie accident. “We paid into tha fund.” Hubka was speaing out in support of people such as TroyHughes, a Middleville resident who was ritically injured in a motorcycle crash i 2007 and has been reliant on fundin support from the Michigan Catastropic Claims Association ever since for his ere. As of June 12, tb MCCA fund totaled $23 billion, MCCi Executive Director Kevin Clinton told te Detroit Free Press. “All these folks aid into that fund up until July of this 'ear,” Hubka said to Calley. “In his case,ie’s been on it for [14] years that he’s beenisabled. Now, the pro­ viders are saying w can’t provide 24-hour care anymore, becase of what you folks did to our reimbursement rates.” “They paid the money. They were under the plan. They were made a promise. Now let’s keep that promise, and go back and grandfather those folks. That’s the fair, the religious, the righteous thing humanly that you can do.” The state Legislature in July voted to create the $25 million Post-Acute Care Auto Injury Provider Relief Fund to address funding gaps resulting from the no-fault insurance reform. Then Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed it into law. “The money is not coming from the insurance companies,” Hubka said. “Any of this money that takes care of that grandfa­ thering is going to come from the MCCA fund that they paid in to.” “Unless it’s refunded,” Calley pointed out, “and then it makes our job that much harder.” Earlier this month, the MCCA board voted to issue refund checks to Michigan drivers out of its fund, which had a $5 billion surplus. Whitmer pushed for the refunds. “Then you don’t refund the damn [money],” Hubka said. “You tell them: You’re going to have this responsibility from now on to take care of these (people) - whatever the number is - throughout Michigan for the reminder of their time under the rate that we promised them.” Calley replied that, when the legislators passed die new relief bill, “we were trying to support the providers who needed that [funding support]. We thought we’d trade data and give them more reimbursement to keep their doors open.” Hubka met with Teresa Hughes, Troy’s mother, after speaking with Calley, to fur­ ther explain his effort. An update on Troy Hughes appears on Page 15. �Page 2 — Thursday, November 18, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Barry ISD will continue Benjamin Simon Staff Writer About eight weeks ago, the Hastings Area School System and Delton Kellogg Schools officials questioned whether they might be bet­ ter off in a different intermediate school district. Since then, the fate of the Barry Intermediate School District seemed in limbo. That is no longer the case. Both Hastings and Delton Kellogg have decided they will not break away from the BISD. “Now the conversation is coming back around to 6 OK, let’s work together. Let’s move forward together,”’ BISD Superintendent Rich Franklin said. “You know, additional services that we can pro­ vide - how do we pay for them?” The conversation of leaving the BISD started when Hastings, Delton Kellogg and BISD held a special meeting in early September to discuss a regional enhance­ ment millage. But, by the end of the twohour conversation, they weren’t talking about the millage. The conversation had shifted to joining another ISD altogether. No decisions were made that day, and all three districts agreed to spend a few weeks completing their own cost-benefit analysis of staying with BISD or moving elsewhere. Superintendents and board presidents of each district met again Oct. 29 to present their findings. It was not a “decision-mak­ ing” meeting, Franklin said, but rather a chance for the three districts to speak and find a way to work together. There, both Hastings and Delton Kellogg agreed they would be better off staying with BISD. While Hastings did not complete a cost-benefit analysis report, Franklin said Delton Kellogg went through an extensive review of the possibility of joining another ISD-type entity. “Delton, in particular, had done a pretty detailed analysis of comparing their cost-benefit analysis with us and with Allegan [Area Educational Service Agency],” Franklin said. “And what they found was that [joining Allegan] was cost-prohibitive. It would cost [their taxpay­ ers] much more, and they would actually get less in terms of service.” During the BISD monthly meeting last week, Franklin provided the rest of the board with an update on the situation. He said the three districts will move forward and try to think of ways to drum up more resources for the intermediate school district to provide its students. But they’re still in the decision-making process. The three districts will meet again before the end of the year. One potential option is a regional enhancement millage that would go toward special education and career and technical education. “[The goal is] to really hammer out what are the needs, to really identify needs,” Franklin said. “And if we can’t find another way to pay for them, then we talk about a regional enhancement.” In other action, the BISD board: • Accepted the first reading of its policy report. The report must go through two read­ ings a year. The board focused on the public participation portion of its policy. “We’re just going to make sure we’re reviewing and that everything we’re doing is following not only the law, but best practices to favor openness and transparency,” Franklin said. • Accepted a bid from Quality Air for $24,457 to replace two heating and cooling rooftop units at the West Learning Center. CORLETT, continued from page 1 --------------------------secure financial position, officials said. The district then conducted another superinten­ dent search and hired Corlett in 2017. During his tenure, Corlett worked on his Ph.D and earned it this year. In his resignation letter, he reviewed some of the district’s challenges and accomplishments. “For over the past four years, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve Delton Kellogg schools and its community as its superinten­ dent,” Corlett wrote. “During that time, the district has made great strides in a number of areas, including the passing of a bond that will improve facilities and update technology, the purchase of new reading and math curric­ ulum programs, increasing counseling sup­ port, as well as having successfully navigated through a pandemic together. “I am proud of these accomplishments that were only possible through the collective efforts of the board, staff and community. The school district is in an excellent position, academically and financially, to move for­ ward and continue the positive momentum it currently has. “I anticipate working with the school board to ensure that an interim superintendent is in place to carry on this success,” Dremony Rose (center, right) tours Hastings City Hall with his family. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) BOY, continued from page 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------want to be a police officer because I want to make people feel safe,’ and he wanted to make me feel safe ... He knows when some­ body’s not feeling well, and he wants to be that protector. “It makes me feel like I did something right for him, for him to be a good person and that’s all I ever want.” Rose said she loved the way the communi­ ty rallied around Dre. “It makes me feel really good, because I was bom and raised here, I grew up in this community,” she said. “To see them come together to make him happy, to give him something that he’s always wanted, it’s just really amazing that people would stop what they’re doing for just one day to make him feel a little bit better about himself.” EABLY THflNKSGIV DEADLINES forThe Hastings Banner Hastings Deputy Police Chief Julissa Kelly shows Dremony Rose how to make an announcement on the police radio. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Hastings City Police Chief Dale Boulter swears in Dremony Rose. (Photo provided) Deadline for ADS: Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 3 pm Deadline for NEWS: Tuesday, Nov. 23, at Noon Deadline for CLASSIFIEDS: Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 2pm Papers will be on the newsstands Wednesday, Nov. 24 GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT! HISTORY OF CAMP ALGONQUIN — CELEBRATE 75 YEARS! — A new book from J-Ad Graphics and the YMCA of Barry County For 75 years, Camp Algonquin has provided opportunities for our community to grow and thrive. Now you can relive the memories of stories, songs, and life lessons. Pre-order your copy now for $30 online www.ymcaofbarrycounty.org/camp-algonquin/alumni/ Or by calling 269-945-1574 Anticipated release date in timefor the holidays. Delton decides not to leave Barry ISD Taylor Owens Staff Writer After researching the potential of joining the Allegan Area Education Service Agency, Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett said it would cost the district too much money to use its programs. “In a nutshell, Allegan has special ed programs that we don’t have,” Corlett said. “They have a career center that is very impressive, but also, their millage rates are more than twice ours, and even if we joined them, their model is different than Barry’s, so it would cost us over $200,000 out of our general fund to pay for special ed staffing. “So at this time it doesn’t seem to be financially beneficial to go with Allegan,” he added. “But, what we walked away with was, there was definite points that we would like to see our [intermediate school district] improve on. The programs that Allegan offers - there’s no reason we couldn’t offer that with our special ed. It would cost more, but I think our students deserve it.” He also said the district is exploring ways of creating career technical education pro­ grams in Delton. “What we learned is that the grass isn’t greener, for sure, but there are different ways we can make our own grass greener,” Corlett said. In other business: - The board approved a motion to give Corlett the authority to spend up to $300,000 to purchase a fuel tank for the bus garage failed in a 2-2 vote. According to Corlett, the district’s insur­ ance company said their current tank is aging, and they need to purchase a new one. Treasurer Sarah Austin said the insurance company is charging the district a high deductible until it is replaced. Corlett said the district hired a consultant to help with the process, and the school had received six bids. He is set to review the bids and conduct interviews with the companies this Friday. But, Corlett said, it will take 40 weeks to get a new tank delivered and installed, so he wanted to start the process as soon as possible. Trustee Rodney Dye questioned why the district would purchase a steel tank instead of fiberglass. He said his wife works with fiber­ glass tanks, and they are more durable. Corlett said he wasn’t sure how much fiber­ glass would be in the tanks, but they are estimated to have a 30-year lifespan, which is about how long the previous tank lasted. Corlett recommended the board approve the purchase so the process could begin, but he suggested Dye and the other members contact the consultant, and he would not pur­ chase a tank if they did not feel comfortable with it. Dye said he felt the decision was too sud­ den for such an expensive purchase, and he could not vote approve the purchase. Vice president Kelli Martin said they could hold a special meeting after Corlett reviewed the tanks, in which the board could select the bid. Martin and Austin voted to approve the purchase, while Dye and trustee Brandy Shooks voted against. - Craig Jenkins, Robert Houtrow and Jessica Brandli were absent. - The district received a clean audit, accord­ ing to Joe Verline, CPA of Gabridge & Co. - The board voted 4-0 to approve allowing four additional school districts into the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Delton athletic director Mike Mohn said accepting the districts will allow the conference to reshuffle the league and will lead to less trav­ el time for Delton students to athletic events. - Corlett said the district has seen an increase in COVID cases in the past few weeks. He asked parents to keep their kids home if they feel sick. - After crunching the numbers during count month in October, Corlett said the dis­ trict has 1,138 students. He said the district had projected having 1,050 at this time, about two years ago. SEN. BIZON, continued from page 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------patients, visitors, employees and care provid­ ers. We are confident that all Oaklawn poli­ cies and procedures have been followed related to this matter. “As in all such matters, Oaklawn’s process­ es are followed to their full conclusion and are intended to support all parties. Oaklawn is committed to fiill cooperation with any out­ side agency review of these matters. Each day, Oaklawn Hospital strives to deliver per­ fect care to everyone any time we are entrust­ ed with their health and wellbeing. Per stan­ dard human resources practices and according to laws in place to protect the privacy of patients and employees, individual employee matters cannot be shared with other parties.” The woman reported the incident to the human resources department, who recom­ mended that she contact the police. The woman did so, and said she wanted to press charges. When police contacted Bizon, he said he had been in quarantine since the day of the alleged incident because he had tested posi­ tive for COVID. But, Bizon said, he could still come into the department for an interview, if it didn’t bother the officer. The officer declined, and said they could conduct the interview after his recovery from COVID. When the officer reached back out for an interview, Bizon said he had hired an attor­ ney, and the attorney sent the officer a state­ ment. The Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office referred the case the state attorney general’s office, who re-assigned it to Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt. Bizon is scheduled to be arraigned Dec. 1. He was elected to the state senate in 2018, representing Barry, Calhoun and Ionia coun­ ties. According to his website, has been prac­ ticing medicine for more than 40 years. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 18, 2021 — Page 3 Help Wanted: County seeks ways to compete in a challenging job pool Rebecca Pierce Editor The need to compete for talent in the job market is fueling a change in Barry County hiring policies - at least temporarily. County Administrator Michael Brown advised commissioners Tuesday during their Committee of the Whole meeting that the county is facing significant challenges in seeking new hires, among them an equaliza­ tion director and a deputy court administrator. “We try to recruit,” Brown said. “We’ve got some positions, particularly in areas where we’re looking for experience ... We’re coming to that point, as we attempt to recruit for talent, seasoned talent, we’re finding it difficult.” Old hiring policies, which required, in some circumstances, consulting with the county’s personnel committee, don’t apply, he said, since the county no longer has a per­ sonnel committee. Any consultation with regard to hiring would occur with the board, he said. But, given the current challenges in finding experienced job candidates, Brown asked commissioners for a temporary change in policies pertaining to entrance salaries, hospi­ tal and medical insurance benefits and vaca­ tion. Under his proposal, department heads and elected officials who are recruiting would be allowed to offer an entrance salary rate up to, and including, the county’s four-year step. Also, they would be allowed to begin hos­ pital and medical insurance for newly hired department heads and non-represented employees at the time of employment so there would be no lapse in coverage or neces­ sity for the new employee to cover part of the cost for it. Brown also asked that they be allowed to offer maximum vacation time, based on the new recruit’s years of experience and service with a previous employer. Chairman Ben Geiger asked for an exam­ ple of the county’s current policy vs. the policy Brown is proposing to implement as part of this recruitment effort. Barry County Equalization Director Tim Vandermark, who has served in that role for nine years, will be stepping down at the end of the year. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Brown pointed out that the county is cur­ rently seeking an equalization director. The county’s proximity to Kent and Kalamazoo counties create a challenge, he said. “As we try to recruit, we have a very limited labor pool.” TK superintendent’s medical leave extended Greg Chandler Staff Writer A medical leave of absence for Thomapple Kellogg Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap has been extended indefinitely. TK school board president Matt Powers informed district staff of the extension in an email message. “Superintendent Remenap will remain on leave for an undetermined period of time,” Powers wrote in the email. “Craig McCarthy will contin­ ue to serve as interim superintendent until further notice. Staff are asked to respect Mr. Remenap’s privacy and avoid any speculation or rumors during this time. “The administration and Board appreciates your dedication and service to Thomapple Kellogg and trust that you will continue to provide an out­ standing education to all of our students.” McCarthy last week had sent an email to The Banner, indicating Remenap woul^^m to his sup^rint^nt4ut«s Remenap went bn leave Sept. .2. At the time, then-board president Kristen Cove said Remenap*was expectedto be bn leave for about eight t^W we^BF* At the TK board meeting, all indications were that Remenap would return this week, and McCarthy alluded to it in his report to the board. “I just want to thank you all for the opportunity to fill in, and your confi­ dence in my abilities,” McCarthy said at the meeting. “I always strive to return things in better condition than I took them. Hopefully, that happened this time. At least the ship is still floating.” “You’ve given us a lot of confidence,” Powers said to McCarthy. In a Sept. 3 interview, Remenap said he took the leave at the recommen­ dation of his doctor, citing ulcers and losing 30 pounds since the April death of his brother, Kevin, an assistant principal at Thomapple Kellogg High School. Remenap, 49, was hired in November 2020 to be TK’s superintendent, succeeding Rob Blitchok, who had retired at the end of September 2020 after two years in the post. Before that, Remenap was superintendent of the Hastings Area School System for about a year and a half. Prior to coming to Hastings, he worked for 10 years as principal at Allendale High School in Ottawa County. The county also has a vacant position for deputy court administrator, so Court Administrator Ines Straube is facing a similar issue, he said. “We’re really talking about upper mid-man­ agement positions,” Brown told them. “We’re talking about bringing in talent that is sea­ soned, that has experience.” The county’s dilemma in bringing in new recruits to pick up where an experienced pre­ decessor left off is that they can’t recruit an experienced mid-management employee to come in for a starting wage and benefits. “If we want to continue that and replace people ... what that comes with ... they have already built up a wage level and an expecta­ tion of vacation and some other things. It’s not necessarily that they’re expecting more. But you can’t expect them to go backwards.” Straube said the deputy court administrator post has been open for several months and they have only received four applications. Commissioner Jon Smelker said the expec­ tation would be that these experienced hires would “hit the ground running.” Brown said that new hires with experience should be able to adjust quickly. “What’s the fiscal impact of these adjust­ ments?” Geiger asked. Brown said the answer to that question varies, depending on the position and at what level a new employee is hired in. “It may require a budget amendment,” he said. “But folks that are leading (a depart­ ment) are at the top of their scale.” Brown emphasized that the greater concern for the county are the implications of not hiring qualified quality and seasoned people. CO VID cases keep going up t Taylor Owens Staff Writer There were 367 cases of COVID-19 in Barry County on Tuesday, according to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Two more people are reported to have died from the disease, with a total of 95 deaths since the pandemic began in March of 2020. The most recent seven-day average for the number of COVID-19 tests which were positive was 27.55 percent. Barry County set a new record for single-day positiv­ ity rate on Nov. 6. According to the state, 35.37 percent of the 164 tests that were conducted that day came back positive. According to the state reporting, Spectrum Health Pennock: currently had eight COVLD^atients in the hos­ pital on Monday, with two in the intensive care unity. The hospital was at 95-percent bed occupancy. The health department is continuing to offer free rapid COVID testing at its Hastings office at 330 West Woodlawn Avenue in Hastings. Tests are conducted every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. until Nov. 29, with no testing done on Thanksgiving. Appointments are available at barryeatonhealth.org/test. COVID vaccine clinics, including booster shots, doses for kids age five to 11 and sensory friendly clin­ ics also are available for appointments at barryeatonhelaht.org. At least 29,590 Barry County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is 59.5 percent of all residents age 12 and up. The goal is to vaccinate at least 70 percent of resi­ dents, officials have said. “I’m confident I can handle the budget end of it. My concern is - can the organization handle it if we don’t replace with seasoned people. The budget impact would be immediately felt, he acknowledged, but the impact of a weak hire would be felt later - and in much more substantive ways. “We’ve been very fortunate that we’ve had a lot of stability,” Brown said. “As you look around our organization, there’s a lot of talent that’s been here for a lot of years. “If we like and value where we’re at, this is a step that’s necessary.” In other action, commissioners approved: • recommending a grant agreement with the state through the Emergency Management Performance Grant American Rescue Plan Act for fiscal year 2021. These are federal pass-through funds intended for the adminis­ tration and oversight of an approved emer­ gency management program in the county. The grant will pay an additional $21,566 of the county’s Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Yarger’s salary and benefits. Lafey defense seeks to block video during trial Taylor Owens Staff Writer Andrew Lafey’s defense lawyer, James Kinney, will try to prevent the video of Gracyn Brickley’s death from being shown during his trial. Lafey, 22, of Nashville, is charged with the torture and murder of Brickley, 18, of Ionia County. Barry County Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Janette Maki testified Lafey told her he shot Brickley behind the house he was staying at on Guy Road in Maple Grove Township on Feb. 16. After she fell to the ground, Lafey recorded an 11-minute video as he kicked her in the head and torso until she died. He then buried her under a few inches of snow, went back to the house, and showed his friends the video. During a pre-trial hearing Wednesday, Kinney said he plans to file a motion to prevent the video from being shown. He also will seek to dismiss some of the state­ ments Lafey made to police before he was read his Miranda rights, which advise a suspect of his right to remain silent. Lafey appeared at the hearing via video­ conference from the Barry County Jail. Judge Michael Schipper will act on the motions during a hearing scheduled to take place Jan. 12. Lakewood staff member investigated for sexual misconduct Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Michigan State Police are investigating a female Lakewood high school staff member about allegations she engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a 16-year-old male student. According to a letter to parents from Lakewood Public Schools Superintendent Steven Skalka, the alleged incident reported­ ly occurred off school property, but during school hours. The staff member who is being investigat­ ed is not a teacher, Skalka said. After district officials learned of the allega­ tions, Michigan State Police were contacted and the staff member was placed on paid administrative leave. “All members of the Lakewood community, including students and parents, are encouraged to report any concerns regarding inappropriate behavior between adults and students to an appropriate school administrator,” Skalka said in the letter. “All district employees are required to immediately report any allegations of misconduct involving students to an admin­ istrator. I commend our employees for prompt­ ly reporting this matter to school administra­ tors per our policies and procedures. “Ensuring our students’ safety, security and well-being remains our top priority, and we will keep our school community informed about this investigation,” he concluded. Skalka declined to make any further com­ ment to The Banner Tuesday. Annual November Sale 20% off Fabrics (Excludes Sale Items) Wst Cleaners Station Christmas fabrics ■0* Give Thanks! 'U* QUESTIONS: ASK US... SiAtenb 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 _____ "ws?“ OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Some in Rutland fret over marijuana regulations Trustee concerned about ‘marijuana milej along highway Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Rutland Charter Township officials have spent more than a year working on marijuana ordinances. But as that draft reaches its final stages, Trustee Gene Hall still has a concern. “Are we going to have a stretch along M-37 that has seven marijuana businesses side by side?” Hall asked during the Nov. 10 township board meeting. The board discussed the most recent drafts of the marijuana business zoning and regula­ tory ordinances. McKenna Planning consul­ tant Rebecca Harvey wrote the text, and attorney Craig Rolfe provided feedback on the most recent draft. By the end of its meeting, the board unan­ imously agreed to set a public hearing for 7 p.m. Jan. 19, 2022, to solicit feedback from the community on the regulatory ordinance. Although the ordinances are near imple­ mentation, disagreement has continued over whether to limit the number of marijuana businesses in the township. The current drafts of the zoning and reg­ ulatory ordinances do not place a cap on how many retail businesses could operate in the township. They are only permissible in the mixed-use district that stretches along M-37/M-43 from Walmart near Cook Road to the hospital property just west of Tanner Lake Road. That district could include marijuana retail businesses, medical marijuana and marijuana processors, medical marijuana provisioning centers, marijuana micro-businesses, marijua­ na secure transporters and medical marijuana secure transporter compliance facilities. Hall said he continues to worry about the possibility of marijuana businesses flocking to the area. “I just don’t want to see that stretch turn into marijuana mile,” he said during the meeting, suggesting the township prohibit these businesses from operating within 1,000 feet of one another. But other board members pushed back, noting they should not restrict the distance between marijuana businesses if they do not do so for other businesses. “You can’t point your finger at one busi­ ness and say,4 You have to follow these rules, but everybody else doesn’t,”’ Clerk Robin Hawthorne said. Rolfe had advised the board that imple­ menting such a law could open the township to a lawsuit, she said. Zoning Administrator Les Raymond, who attended the meeting, said they have had sim­ ilar conversations at the planning commis­ sion level. “We felt that the industry could regulate the number of businesses rather than the township regulate,” Raymond said. Supervisor Larry Watson agreed. “These people govern themselves,” Watson said. “They don’t stack on top of one another.” In the audience, Steve Storrs, an attorney, said he was visiting on behalf of a client who is interested in opening a marijuana business in Rutland Township. He noted that most townships limit the number of retailers, and said that he did not think Rutland would be susceptible to a lawsuit if it put restrictions on the number of businesses. “You have several people there that have been very interested as soon as the ordinance passed,” he said. Following the meeting, Hawthorne said she does not think the board will cap the number of marijuana businesses or imple­ ment any major changes to the ordinances. “We’ve talked it over quite a bit and we’ve taken quite a few months of discussion and talking and hearing from experts and people coming in and talking to us,” she said. “I don’t foresee [the ordinances changing]. But that’s just my opinion. I think it’ll probably go through as it is.” Numerous steps still remain. The board will have to host January’s public hearing and, throughout the winter, complete two formal readings of the final ordinances. Hawthorne estimated that provisions for these businesses won’t go into effect until sometime in the spring of 2022. But, after months of discussing the ordinances, she said the end feels close. “It seems so nice to almost be at the end because I’m so tired,” she said. “I’ve got so many files in my office just crammed full of paper, it’s been so long. We’ve really done a lot of research and a long process on this. It’s not been a rapid decision by any means. “We worked really hard to get it right - as right as you can get it.” In other business, the board: • Discussed bids to redesign its website. The township received five bids and decided to do more research on two of the companies, LIAA of Traverse City and Pixelvine of Freeport. • Accepted a cemetery ordinance for sec­ ond reading. • Held a public hearing for its 2022 budget. The resolution to approve the spending plan won’t take place until next month. • Adopted the second reading of the master plan. • Gave Step 1 approval to a 36-unit hous­ ing development that will be located across from the Barry County fairgrounds. This action means that the developer, Carl Algera, has all of his paperwork correctly and ade­ quately filed with the township. Algera must proceed through a three-step process, includ­ ing putting down the infrastructure, connect­ ing the septic and building the roads, before he can start constructing the housing units. 4 Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27,20213 fl) •Stop by and tour our community any time between 10am and 4pm for a chance to win a prize from the Barry County Chamber of Commerce. • For those touring that day, take a coupon for half off the first month’s rent that will be redeemable through February 28th, 2022. F, • Sign a 12 month lease before December 4th, 2021 to get W December’s rent 75% off! Carvetb Village has been family owned and operated since 1999. Ifyou can’t live alone, live with us! From Left: Makenzi Peters, Cheryl Peters, Ray Peters, and Steve Peters of Middleville (269) 795-4972 www.CarvethVillage.com “Remember... ifyou can’t live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 �Page4 —Thursday, November 18, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? In my Opinion Comrades-in-arms come together Shop local: A way to give thanks Last week, Veterans Day-themed events at Delton Kellogg High School offered an opportunity for some veterans from the community to get together for a special program. Pictured (from left) are Kevin Keck, class of 1979, Army; Alex Liceaga, class of 1968, Marines; Alvin Warren, class of 1966, Army, wearing the Army uniform he wore during his career; Bruce Campbell, class of 1969, Marines; and Jerry Frost, class of 1965, Marines. We 're dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Seeing double and triple Banner Nov. 8, 1962 The Hastings High School freshman class has five sets of twins and one set of triplets. The triplets (seated, center) are Carole, Christopher and Christine, children of Mr. and Mrs. [Dolores] Dale Hall of Route 4 Hastings. The twins (from left) are Denice and Dennis MacKenzie, children of Mr. and Mrs. Don [Arvilla] MacKenzie, Route 2 Hastings; Bonna and Donna Acker, daughters of Mrs. Walter [Alice] Acker of 1410 S. Jefferson St., and Walter Acker; Dawn and Dian Buck, daughters of Mrs. Maxine Buck of North Broadway, and Neil Buck; Sherry and Jerry Patten, children of Mr. and Mrs. [Rose] Jack Patten, Route 2dMastings;iand‘jJane'and JuHe Nevins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs? Don [Elizabeth] Nevin§(pt4T§M- Granid St. „ Have you met? Julissa Kelly has a lot of family members who are doctors. She has a lot of family mem­ bers who are lawyers. She even has a younger sister who has directed film festivals. But Kelly, growing up in California, had no interest in a professional job, and she didn’t want to live the Hollywood lifestyle. “I didn’t want to do any of that stuff,” she said. “Just kind of wanted to venture out and try something new.” Instead, she dreamed of flying an air­ plane in the Air Force, even though no one in her family, outside of a godmother and great uncle, had ever served in any form of the military. “I’ve always been one to challenge my family culture,” said Kelly, who is of Filipino and Mexican descent. Kelly’s mother begged her to reconsider. She asked that Kelly finish her four-year degree first and then, if she wanted to go into the military, she could go. They met in the middle. Kelly, a native of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., near Los Angeles, stayed close to home and attended San Diego State University. There, she started as an aerospace engineer major and was an ROTC member with the intention of joining the military after graduating. But she never did join the military. Instead, Kelly, 29, is the new deputy chief of police of the City of Hastings. Her career took a different path after dropping the aerospace engineering major. “I’m definitely a hands-on person, and I’m very, very social,” Kelly said. “So, I wasn’t quite fitting into my [aerospace engineering] classes. Everything started to be computer-based, and I more so wanted to work with my hands.” Kelly started doing ride-alongs and taking criminal justice classes at San Diego State. She realized the military no longer inter­ ested her. Kelly, who calls herself a thrill-seeker, wanted to become a cop. She transferred to the University of Phoenix in 2015 with a degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in homeland security. “I love talking to people and learning about them,” Kelly said. “I found that I have a pretty strong stomach, and I know that’s probably not something everybody wants to hear, but we do have to see a lot of bad stuff. And I take pride in the fact that I do it so that other people don’t have to see this stuff and don’t have to do it.” During college, she met her future hus­ band, Tim, a Caledonia native, while he was stationed in San Diego as a member of the U.S. Air Force. They dated throughout college and after, when he moved across the country to North Carolina. She did so Julissa Kelly much traveling that she now hates flying. One week after Kelly graduated, they moved to Middleville, and Tim got a job as an accountant. But Kelly remembers being surprised when they arrived at their new home in Middleville. “I was like, ‘Are we there yet?’ ” she said. There were no movie stars walking down the streets in Middleville. There were no mountains or palm trees, and no one had fences around their yards. “It took me a while to get used to it,” she said. Kelly spent the summer applying to police academies before being accepted to the police academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. After 16 weeks in the academy, she received a job with the Kalamazoo Township Police Department in March 2016. But that meant an hourlong commute. As a patrol officer, she logged 10-hour shifts, leaving work around 11 p.m., and sometimes later. She learned to blast heavy-metal music on the way home and, if she really couldn’t stay awake, she would stop at a specific church on the way home and take a short nap. Kelly enjoyed the work, but not the com­ mute. After three years, she began looking at police departments closer to home when a job opened up in Hastings. “I was like, ‘This actually looks like a Hallmark town to me,’ ” Kelly said. She joined the Hastings police depart­ ment in October 2018, rising to sergeant in November 2019. In December 2020, she became pregnant with her first daughter, Sophia, taking her out of the patrol car and placing her in the office. “I haven’t been on the road since December. Kind of a bummer,” she said. But that’s also because she took over as deputy chief this past spring. She spent six months in an interim role before receiving the permanent position Oct. 12. Not even a year into the job, she’s still getting used to the added responsibilities that come with the new title. “I’m one of the figureheads,” she said. “When the chief isn’t here, I’m it. If people have questions, if we have a citizen com­ plaint, if we have a concern within the city - I’m making the decisions.” Although she had her child four months ago, Kelly has stayed in the office. As dep­ uty chief, she handles the day-to-day oper­ ations for the patrol division, she said. That includes updating people on social media, meeting with residents and arranging safety logistics for events. “This spot is very important, and I hope to do it to the best of my abilities. I’m going to do my best,” she said. “But I’m still learn­ ing, and I’m still young. So, I’m definitely relying on the chief for guidance, and some of the officers that have been here longer.” For her new role as the permanent deputy chief of police, Julissa Kelly is this week’s Bright Light: Favorite movie: “Gladiator.” Favorite show: “Brooklyn 99” and “Parks and Recreation.” Person I most admire: Both parents because of their work ethic, strong charac­ ter, and generosity. Favorite books: “White Fang” by Jack London or “Big Bad Wolf’ by James Patterson. Favorite teacher: Ms. Nguyen, high school calculus teacher, because she was always energetic, fun and passionate about her subject. Plus, I love math. Favorite season and why: Winter because I love the cold, snowboarding, and I don’t have to deal with bugs. If I could have any superpower, it would be: Teleportation. When it’s quiet: I put music on because I don’t like it too quiet. Hobbies: Traveling, camping, hiking, snowboarding, occasional arts and crafts. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgrdphics. com. Although it may be hard to believe, next Thursday is Thanksgiving Day and, for many households, this will likely be a special one to celebrate. The COVID-19 scourge still lurks, and health officials are still warning us to beware, but they’re also saying fully vac­ cinated families can be safe. For most of us, this Thanksgiving will mark a return to the treasured tradition of gathering with family and friends to give thanks for what we have and to mark the beginning of the holiday season. For me, the Thanksgiving holiday is especially meaningful because the cele­ bration is not focused on presents but rather on getting together for a meal, enjoying the parades and a football game and poring over the newspaper inserts to see what we might hope to find under the Christmas tree in just a few weeks. In a strange way, as we study the cat­ alogs and the flashy Christmas gift advertising, I think the CO VID pandem­ ic itself might merit some consideration as an item on our list of things for which to be thankful this Thanksgiving Day. As we’re all dealing with the frustra­ tions of supply-chain interruptions and product shortages because of the pan­ demic-related shutdown of the econo­ my, I believe COVID has put a renewed focus on the gift of our local retailers and the importance - and the benefits of shopping local. Because of the present difficulties and frustrations of online shopping, consum­ ers are finding that securing their gifts and holiday needs has become more reli­ able, efficient and personable with locally owned businesses. Look through our newspapers each week, and not only do you find reliable merchants with products on the shelf, you also see our pages filled with church bazaars and craft shows stocked with handmade items from local artists, crafts people and creative entre­ preneurs. Thanks to a new way of viewing the economy, our community is benefiting from the shopping local principle. When you shop local, those dollars stay local and will be “re-spent” locally. Local merchants hire local accountants, electricians, plumbers, snowplowers, attorneys. They purchase local newspa­ per advertising, and their customers patronize local restaurants and other businesses while in town. By shopping local, we raise the overall level of economic activity in our commu­ nity because businesses hire more people, thereby strengthening our local tax base. That’s the “local multiplier effect.” Plus, it starts tipping the balance away from face­ less online merchants who give no thought to investing in our community. Local businesses that survive on the support of local shoppers also make for a strong local economy that supports our schools, libraries, organizations and infra­ structure. Local businesses also are more likely to support local charities, fundrais­ ers, organizations and other businesses, helping to build a stronger community for all of us to enjoy. In fact, when the independent think­ tank New Economics Foundation com­ pared similar purchases made at chain stores or online versus those made with locally owned businesses, the experts determined that buying from locally owned stores puts double the money back into the community than when purchases are made at a chain store or online - when nothing comes back to the community. Shoppers often find unique products from local retailers who focus on one-ofa-kind shopping experiences that can’t be offered online and are even rare for many big-city retailers. The local shops define our community, offering an interesting and additional economic multiplier: Destination shoppers. Shoppers aren’t attracted to a town with few retailers and open storefronts; they’re looking for an experience, that special gift and a level of service that says thanks for shopping local. People today are looking for unique shopping experiences in charm­ ing, bustling small towns. When they come from greater distance, they also patronize our local restaurants and take in local entertainment and hospitality events. Coming off a horrible pandemic that’s still costing merchants who may have to restrict open hours because of a lack of available workers, communities are dis­ covering their values. People want to support local business. As part of a recent Money Etiquette national poll sponsored by the website mint.intuit.com, slightly more than 82 percent of respondents said they’d spend more money locally to support local busi­ ness. For every $100 spent at small busi­ nesses, $48 is put back into the local economy. Fifty-seven percent surveyed said their main reason for shopping local is to keep the money local. Twenty-eight percent of shoppers said they turn to local merchants for better service, and 19 percent said they felt they were helping support local non­ profits. The report indicated Millennials and Gen X consumers are most likely to sup­ port local business by reducing their online shopping, a surprising and wel­ come finding. Consumers over the age of 45 are more likely to shop locally because they understand the importance of spread­ ing their shopping dollars to those who need it most. Recently, our publication announced that TJ Maxx is planning to locate in the vacant Kmart store in Hastings. That development follows the opening of Family Farm and Home in the same busi­ ness strip earlier this year. Both will bring even more local shopping opportunities to our community. If we expect to continue to attract more retailers to our community, though, it’s imperative that we understand and accept our responsibility to support these stores. Plus, bringing a major retailer like TJMaxx to Hastings will help our downtown and surrounding communities by attracting more shoppers. I grew up in a small business and learned, firsthand, that small businesses are operated by the people who provide the structure for a strong and vital econo­ my. So, I have no problem reminding shoppers and business owners how import­ ant it is to support this vital engine that continues to drive the economic well-be­ ing of our communities. By shopping local, you help fuel a strong shopping network right here at home, which provides stability for the community. So do your part during this holiday shopping season by spreading the cheer of your purchasing power among local retailers. And don’t hesitate to enjoy the warmth and charm of local people who care for their community and each other. This sea­ son is a great time to enjoy a homestyle meal at one of our local churches or frater­ nal organizations. Like local merchants, our local organi­ zations also are an important part of build­ ing a community. Successful events by local organizations help support their mis­ sions and local families throughout the year. Plus, the personal service you get will surely put you in the holiday spirit. That’s yet another reason to give thanks this season. Happy Thanksgiving! The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 18, 2021 — Page 5 QUEST COMMENTARY Gov. Whitmer broke her promise to auto-injured victims Maureen Howell For months, a group of mothers of serious­ ly injured auto crash victims - including myself - have been begging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for a few minutes of her time. Not as Democrats, Republicans or a high-pow­ ered special interest group, but as her constit­ uents and fellow moms. We’ve heard nothing but silence. And that silence has been so hurtful. For years, Whitmer said she was a strong defender of auto crash victims and would stand up for the less fortunate. But, in 2019, she broke her campaign promise and sold our families down the river. All for a cheap polit­ ical win. Our children are paying the price. The 45-percent cut to provider reimburse­ ments and limits to family attendant care, passed as part of auto insurance reform, has thrown families across Michigan into disar­ ray. Our kids are losing the caregivers who help give their lives dignity and meaning losing those who keep them alive. We’re patching our children backslide and lose hard-won progress in real-time, and we’re heartbroken as we watch their suffering. There’s nothing we can do to fix the situation. The pain is unbearable. Our children are being treated like roadkill, like their lives don’t matter. They’re not some pawns in a political game. They’re people. They deserve to live full and healthy lives, and to recover to the best of their abilities, as they were promised. I want to talk to the governor about my son, Sam. Before his catastrophic car accident in 2005, he was thriving and taking pre-med class­ es at Michigan State University. Then he came home on break one day and his car collided with a tree. His skull and lungs were crushed; his neck and spine broken. He was in a coma for three months and acute rehab for seven months. The governor knows these details as she served in the Legislature with Sam’s dad, Jim Howell, just before Sam’s accident. And, as Rep. Whitmer, along with the rest of the House of Representatives and Senate, she said a prayer for Sam’s survival and recovery. Years later, she signed a bill destined to destroy the auto no-fault that allowed his recovery and the recovery of thousands in Michigan. This was not the answer to the prayer that I envisioned. Our no-fault auto insurance saved Sam’s life and set him on a path to the full life he leads today. He no longer needs a wheelchair, he dances, and he even graduated from col­ lege - all things that doctors predicted he wouldn’t do again. This wouldn’t be possible without the post­ acute care and services covered by our no-fault policy - care that has now been eliminated. Accident survivors with debilitating injuries like Sam’s are suddenly ending up in hospitals and nursing homes. Some are dying. This can’t be what Gov. Whitmer had in mind when she championed no-fault reforms in 2019. The Legislature deserves a lot of blame for this crisis - for example, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Jason Wentworth have refused to move bills that would protect accident victims - but Gov. Whitmer shouldn’t get a pass. She could have vetoed this awful bill in 2019, so she bears some responsibility for this wretched situation. She needs to listen to us and she needs to get this right. At the Mackinac Policy Conference, she spoke of her statewide listening tour and how she started those conversations off by talking about her daughters and her worries for their future. Well, governor, with all due respect: The future is looking extremely bleak for people like Sam unless there are immediate changes to the state’s reform of the auto no-fault law. Our families are desperate for your vocal, enthusiastic support. Please don’t let us down again. Do whatever you would do to protect your own daughters should they be cata­ strophically injured. As a mother, you would move heaven and earth. Now do that for our children! Maureen Howell is a member of Parents Against No-Fault Insurance Chaos (PANIC) and We Can 't Wait, two groups dedicated to protecting auto accident victims following the 2019 auto insurance reforms. This guest commentary appeared in Bridge Michigan. FDA needs to halt dairy product mislabeling Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative ; Mislabeling of imitation dairy products is an important issue for customers and farmers. Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is preparing to work with President Biden’s newly nominat­ ed commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to halt the practice. Dr. Robert Califf was just nominated for the post, which has been vacant since Biden took office. Leaders at the co-op said they are pleased to see that post finally filled. The agency oversees everything from food and drugs to tobacco, dietary supplements and cosmetics, and thus regulates dairy labeling. It’s time for the FDA to get serious about correctly labeling food. Edge President Brody Stapel said, “While the agency uses its enforcement discretion, dairy faffiW ld»t Wd cMft» afe W led with products that use’dairy’sygood name to sell nutritionally inferior products.^ ; Stopping the use of untruthful labels on imitation dairy foods has long been a top policy priority for Edge. Current law creates a clear definition of milk as “the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the com­ plete milking of one or more healthy cows.” Regulations state that terms such as milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt apply to products made from the milk of cows. Yet the FDA allows the makers of imita­ tion products to use those terms freely. A national survey co-commissioned by Edge found that customers are confused about whether imitation cheese products are indeed dairy foods and whether they carry the same nutritional value. Some of those findings are: ^oF ttWWHiers Otaftdnl^ think plant-abased products? labeled as cheese? contain milk. ? • One-third of customers believe that the products contain protein, and 21 percent think that it is of a higher quality than dairy even though the imitations have little to no protein. Real dairy cheese has 7 grams of protein. • One-quarter of customers purchase imita­ tion cheeses because they believe them to be low in calories and fat and without additives. In reality, these plant-based foods contain an equal or comparable amount of fat and calo­ ries and substantially more additives than dairy cheeses. Stapel is calling for Cahff’s speedy confir­ mation followed by a swift resolution of the issue - for the good of the consumer and the farmer. Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, based in Green Bay, Wis., is the third largest cooperative in the country based onrnilk volume. For more information, go to: www.vqiceofmilk.com. Hastings Middle School releases honor roll Hastings Middle School has released its honor roll for the first quarter of the 2021|022 academic year. Students qualify by earning all A’s or all A’s and B’s on their most recent report cards. Those on the honor roll include: Sixth grade Principal's List All A's honor roll Violet Bivens, Kyanne Casey, Parker Castaneda, Landon Currier, Gavin Fields, Joseph Furrow, William Hilbert, Kendyl Hinkle, Graceyn Horrmann, Remington Jerzyk, Jason Jimenez, Braxton Kirby, Cayden Kirby, Tanner Krzysik, Nolan Lucas, Mya Luna, Weston Meinke, Kassidy Peake, Lilly Randall, Trevin Russell, Aiden Vance and Avery Walsh. A's & B's honor roll Audrey Acker, Jace Acker, Isabella AriasPease, Taylor Aspinall, Colin Baker, Jax Balderson, Deagan Blough, Kylee Bosworth, Allison Brown, Sophia Bucher, Olivia Buehler, Kade Case, Morgan Casselman, Molly Chemiawski, Brody Clark, Cameron Clock, Dakota Cole, Thomas Cook, Graden Courtright, Carter Danks, Fenix Davis, Zachary Davis, Lillian Edger, Parker Erb, Temperance France, Ashlynn Goldsworthy, Carson Gole, Alyssa Greene, Landon Griffin, Elsie Haight, Jonah Hamp, Ethan Hetrick, Alyssa Hocsak, Cooper Hokanson, Kylie James, Maxwell Kensington, Evyn Kindel, Alexis King, Lylah Kopf, Annabelle Kuck, Reece Laws, Sydney Lindsey, Mya Loftus, Kaden Main, Olivia Malik, Jayce McCord, Lillian McFarlan, Angelia McGregor, Gregory Neubauer, Jaelynn Neymeiyer, Jett Nofz, Sydney Patterson, Jazmin PorrasGriffin, Brendon Rabideau, Addison Reaser, Gregory Rutkowski, Cora Shattuck, Caiden Shull-Frye, Owen Spicer, Hunter Sutfin, Alexander Timmers, Grant Tossava, Weston Troyer, Ryan VanHouten, Kiley Wilcox and Samantha Wright. Seventh grade Principal's List All A's honor roll Meredith Ansorge, Owen Boge, Ashton Brubaker, Jackson Busson, Morgan Cross, Alexa DeCamp, Sadie Hanford, Ethan Hawthorne, Sophia Haywood, Brissa Hernandez-Hernandez, Tori Morgan, Chloe Pirtle, Mallory Rohe, Donald Smith and Annika Solmes. A's & B's honor roll Audrey Aickerl, Olivia Allen, Adria Arent, Brennen Armstrong, May la Bell, Reilly Campbell, Benjamin Carl, Sydnie Diljak, Quintin Eberly, Henry Elzinga, Petra Foster, Tyler Frazer, Bella Friddle, Lola Grego, Kennedy Hall, Ava Herbert, Sierra Hester, Harlie James, Colt Jousma, Gabryella Juskewicz, Madison Killian, Cordelia Kniaz, Aubree Lambert, Reese Loftus, Riley Luna, Aaron Minogue, Miracle Morgan, Olivia Oms, Brody Peake, Maverik Peake, Jasper Ramsey, Caroline Randall, Grady Reed, William Renner IV, Cassie Rosenberg, Lila Schweizer, Aiden Smith, Hannah Sorensen, Allison Tefft, Ember Twiss, Emma Warner, Raegaii Wattles, Jack Webb and Spencer Wilkins. Eighth grade Principal's List AllA's honor roll Ashlyn Bailey, Breanna Busboom, Matthew Domenico, Charlotte Drake, Lauren Gee, Riley Herron, Ethan Holman, Daniel Jensen, Alexander Kohmescher, Carter Krzysik, Adriana Meyers, Jadalie Miller, Ava Noteboom, Shealagh Rose, Josalyn Russell, Mazie Waterman and Gracie Wilson. A's & B's Austin Abson, Chloe Aicken, Annemarie Allerding, Aden Armstrong, Seth Arnold, Gavyn Avila, Colton Baker, Carter Bell, Olivia Bucher, Aiden Byle, Madison Chipman, Ricardo Contreras, Ellie Cousins, Shiloh Crandall, Colten Denton, Kyle Echtinaw, Anderson Forell, Olivia Friddle, Olivia Goodrich, Reese Hammond, Tanner Hill, Isaak Lambert, Dezarae Mathis, Rylee Meece, Claudia Minch, Maylee Olin, Aiden Oliver, Madilynn Peake, Carisa Rosenberger, Alyxis Rudd, Deagan Sanders, Matthew Shults, Bayley Smith, Natalie Snyder, Isabelle Stanton, Parker Stephens, Brayden Thielen, Collin Tossava, Angelina Waterman, Lucas Waterman and Lainey Westworth. Editorial erred on one critical point To the editor: There is a serious factual error in Fred Jacobs’Nov. 11 editorial “A nation of leaders - or rulers?” Not every bit of erroneous information is important, but I believe this one is. Mr. Jacobs stated, “Even here in Barry County, parents have filled school board meetings to voice concerns with mandatory masking, yet the federal government responds by authorizing the U.S, Department of Justice to view these parents as domestic terrorists.” A simple internet search inquiry for “Justice department directive regarding vio­ lence and threats at public meetings” disclos­ es on the first hit that this is not true. The actual memorandum is readily available, and it does not mention terrorism or terrorists at all. It concerns “harassment, intimidation and threats of violence against school administra­ tors, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation’s public schools.” Does Mr. Jacobs really have a problem with that? The Banner has reported some of these threats of violence and lawless behavior against school and public health officials here. It is important to distinguish between the legitimate right of all citizens to express their opinions at public forums or air griev­ ances with public officials and threatening violence and dangerous behavior. The DOJ memorandum makes this clear: “While spirit­ ed debate about policy matters is protected under our Constitution, that protection does not extend to threats of violence or efforts to intimidate individuals based on their views.” Mr. Jacobs has the right to express his opinions in The Banner. It is his newspaper. But, as with citizenship, “rights come with responsibilities.” I would say the publisher of a newspaper has an extra responsibility to make sure his statements are factually cor­ rect. An editorial writer has the power to influ­ ence readers. I reckon Mr. Jacobs didn’t intend to provoke upset parents with his false accusation against the Department of Justice. But such statements may inadvertently give encouragement to some citizens to take the law into their own hands and believe they have the right to do so if they are upset. I believe it also is counter-factual to assume that those public officials charged with keep­ ing our children and the rest of us safe during a serious infectious disease pandemic are trying to assume dictatorial powers. They are, for the most part, sincerely interested in the welfare of their young charges and the com­ munity at large. It also seems to me that those “bureau­ crats” in the Department of Justice are doing their duty to ensure civility in the relationship between parents and other citizens and those public officials - and to make sure interac­ tions are lawful and peaceful. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township New filers for unemployment benefits must register with Michigan Works As of Nov. 7, unemployed workers filing a new claim for benefits will be required to register for work with Michigan Works staff and verify their registration with either an in person or virtual appointment. “Registering with Michigan Works not only fulfills a requirement to receive unem­ ployment benefits, but it also provides unem­ ployed workers with a great advantage in landing one of the 114,000 available jobs listed by employers on Pure Michigan Talent Connect,” Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Julia Dale said in a Nov. press release. “Work registration is also helpfill for employers in recruiting job candidates at a time when hiring has been difficult.” To register for work, claimants must com­ plete two steps. First, visit MiTalent.org to create a job seeker profile on Pure Michigan Talent Connect. Second, meet with staff from a local Michigan Works Service Center either virtual­ ly or in person at least one business day before the first certification (claimants must certify bi-weekly that they are eligible for benefits). Claimants will receive an email confirma­ tion when registration is complete and veri­ fied. If claimants don’t meet with Michigan Works Service Center staff to verify their registration it could delay the payment of unemployment benefits. Claimants must register for work in addi­ tion to completing and reporting to the UlA theij-. work as;tiyit^^pT^fgJipgsfor, benefits must report at least one work search activity for each week they claim benefits: Work search activities include, but are not limited to, applying for jobs in person on online, attending job fairs, creating a profile or resume on a professional networking or job site such as MiTalent.org, and participating in online job search workshops or seminars. The Michigan Works Association partners with UIA to assist claimants with getting back to work. The statewide network of MWA offic­ es provides job-search resources, including job postings, job matches, hiring fairs, workshops, seminars, career resources and more. A claimant’s work registration is valid for one year after their initial claim for unem­ ployment benefits. Work registration is required with every new benefit year. The UIA website, Michigan.gov/UIA, offersmore information about Work Registration. Local Michigan Works Service Centers can be found at MichiganWorks.org or by calling 800-285-WORKS. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Nov. 18 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.; Novel Ideas Book Club discusses “True Sisters” by Sandra Dallas, 12:30 p.m. in the Michigan Room; Movie Memories and Milestones watch­ es a 1962 film starring Gary Cooper based on the life of Lou Gehrig, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 - Dungeons and Dragons starts back up from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22 - Crafting Passions Craft Work Group meets, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23 - mahjong, 2:30 p.m.; chess, 5:30. Wednesday, Nov. 24 - Itsy Bitsy Book Club meets via Zoom (pick up monthly story time bag with link and crafts), 10:30 a.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263, or checking its Facebook events. SOCIAL SECURITY for certain recipients starting or returning to work Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist \ If you rely on Supplemental Security Income payments or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and want to start or return to work, we can help. Ticket to Work is a program that supports Career development for SSDI beneficiaries and SSI recipients who want to work and progress toward financial independence. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. Learn more about the Ticket to Work program at ssa.gov/work or call the Ticket to Work Help Line, 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY) weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to the Ticket to Work program, the Plan for Achieving Self-Support, or PASS, program also helps people with dis­ abilities return to work. A PASS allows you to set aside resources and other income besides your SSI for a specified period. With a PASS, you can pursue a work goal that will reduce or eliminate your need for SSI or SSDI benefits. How does a PASS help someone return to work? • We base SSI eligibility and payment amounts on income and resources (items of value that the person owns). • PASS lets a person with a disability set aside money and items they own to pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific work goal. • The objective of the PASS is to help peo­ ple with disabilities find employment that reduces or eliminates the need for SSI or SSDI benefits. You can read all about the PASS program at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11017.pdf. The PASS must be in writing, and we must approve the plan. To start, contact your local PASS Cadre or local Social Security office for an application (Form SSA-545-BK). You also can access the form at ssa.gov/forms/ssa545.html. Ticket to Work service providers, vocational counselors, or a representative or relative can help you write a PASS. For more information about PASS, read “The Red Book, a Guide to Work Incentives” at ssa.gov/redbook. Your job isn’t just a source of income - it can be a vehicle to independence or the beginning step to fulfilling your dreams. Let our Ticket to Work program or PASS pro­ gram help you achieve your goals. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda. vantil@ssa.gov. • Independent and Assisted Living • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillagt 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, Ml 49333 x-* -C’QTITJ >4 * Traditional and Cremation Services » ^4^ • Pre-Planning Services - * • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 4^, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 A. X Owner/Vhmager 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfiineralhome.net Family Owned and Operated (JwZ^FmeriUis Serving Hastings. Barry County and Surrounding Communities for SO years �Page 6 — Thursday, November 18: 2021 —The Hastings Banner Alexandria Noa Rose Robinson Alice R. Hause Gary Glen Denton Randy Eugene Deal Jean Isabelle Solomon Alexandria Noa Rose Robinson was bap­ tized by the Fire and Spirit on the morning of the eighth day of the eleventh month of 2021. It was the 12th day of her life. By breathtak­ ing whirlwind, her presence was lifted to join a loving Creator on the divine walk towards that day when death will be no more. It is the Creator who can do all things - We have heard by ear and now have seen. Ally’s spirit drives her Mother and Father, Rosa and Stephen Robinson toward the day when no more tears shall be shed but all will dwell in a new realm with our God. Alexandria is survived by Rosa and Stephen, Grandparents Stephen and Bethany Robinson of Hastings; Robert Scott Miller and Jennifer Seif of Hastings; and Great Grandparents Robert and Lora Miller of Detroit; and Dorene and Wayne Cash of Hastings. Alexandria was loved by Entle Emma Lake Seif and Uncle Micah Miller. She was loved by Aunts and Uncles; Heather and Justin Schultz, Courtnie and Nate Hodges, and Hannah and Ryan Anderson as well as cousins, Friends, and neighbors as numerous as the grains of sand on Michigan’s shores. There is no public service planned at this time. Expressions of sympathy are welcomed, and Ally’s medical costs and care of remains may be remembered with contributions directed to; “Alexandria Noa Rose Robinson Memorial Fund” at GoFundMe.com. Alice R Hause, age 92, of Hastings, passed away in July of 2021 at Laurels of Sandy Creek in Wayland. She was bom in 1929 in South Haven, the daughter of Lyle and Ruthe Warner. After graduating from High School in South Haven Michigan Alice moved west where she meet her beloved husband of 67 years Clarence Hause. They were married in 1949 at which time she became a Pastor’s wife. The minis­ try took Alice and Clarence to churches in several states, last move was to Hastings Michigan to plant the First Church of God. Alice was preceded in death by her par­ ents, Lyle and Ruthe Warner and husband, Clarence Hause. She is survived by daughters, Carolyn (Ron), Bonnie (Dave); brother, Wayne Warner and sister, Naomi Ramsey; grandchil­ dren, Bonnie Jo (Pat), Jeff (Vickey), Jeremy (Charity), Laura (Cameron), Danielle, Brooke (Jeffrey), and nine great grandchildren. Alice was a loving wife, mother, grand­ mother and great grandmother. The craft world lost a crochet artist of blankets and doylies. Alice worked 26 years at Hastings Manufacturing until she retired in 1988. Gary Glen Denton, age 78 of Hastings, passed away on November 14, 2021. Gary was born on October 23, 1943 in Clare, Michigan, the son of Glen and Mary (Cappaert) Denton. Gary was a 1961 graduate of Farwell High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University in 1967, and his master’s degree from Western Michigan University. On June 12, 1970, Gary married the love of his life, Sandra Lynne Tibbitts, and they enjoyed over 51 years of marriage. Gary retired from teaching at Gull Lake Community Schools. He was known for his quick wit, infec­ tious smile and for his kind and compassion­ ate spirit. Gary enjoyed traveling throughout Michigan, especially the UP with his wife Sandy in their fifth wheel. Gary was an out­ doorsman and a true Michigander through and through. He enjoyed hunting up north with his family and best buddy, Jim. Gary was an accomplished woodworker and an avid gardener, but he was just as happy relax­ ing with friends at the local watering hole over a cold beer. He enjoyed tinkering around in his bam but above all Gary loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, It was clear to anyone that met Gary that his family meant the world to him. Gary is preceded in death by his parents Glen and Mary Denton, and his grandson Andrew Jordan Irving. Gary was a loving husband & father, he is survived by his wife Sandra, son Mark Irving, daughter Kimberle (Pat) Wallich, daughter Kristine (Joe) Kruizenga, daughter Karyn (Nick) Downes, 8 grandchildren Ami (Sean) Hill, Kate Wallich, Meghan Wallich, Ryan Wallich, Michael (Mac) Kruizenga, Jacob (JJ) Kruizenga, Oliver Downes, Charlie Downes, and sister Diane Clark. Memorial contributions in memory of Gary can be made to Centrica Care Navigators, https://centricacare.org/giving 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at 10 a.m. with a service following at 11 a.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Randy Eugene Deal, age 67, of Hastings, passed away on November 12, 2021. Randy was bom on May 23, 1954, the son of Bud and Violet (Prowant) Deal. Randy attended Washington School in Findlay, Ohio. Randy worked for Bradford White, he also did tree trimming, was a haul­ er for Reith & Riley, worked for Thomapple Valley Development and farmed. Randy enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcy­ cling, traveling, working on cars, and riding the trails with his jeep and quads. He loved hanging out with friends and the grandkids, and his special dogs, Spike and Buckshot. He was a wheeler and dealer. He could sell any­ thing. He could walk into a room of strangers and make friends by the time he left. Randy was preceded in death by his parents Bud and Pat Deal, sister Pam Allen, brother­ in-law Joe Allen, half-sister Bobbie (Whitaker) Tobias, and son Timothy (TJ) Deal. He is survived by his significant other of 34 years, Sandie VanDenburg; sister, Donna Jean Hartman; estranged son, Jason (Becky) Deal; grandkids, Megan, Morgan, and Madison; stepdaughter, Kelly (Aaron) Newberry; grandkids, Andrew, Aaron Kennedy; stepson, Derek (Sarah) VanDenburg; grandkids, Emma, Adrianne; special nieces, Tina, Rob; special nephew, Tom, and special friends, Justin, Tim, Wayne, and Richie. Contributions in Randy’s memory can be made to a charity of one’s choice. Respecting Randy’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Jean Isabelle (McBain) Solomon of Delton, died peacefully in her sleep on November 12, 2021 with her loving daughter, Janet, by her side. Jean was the youngest of three children bom to Lawtie C. and Iva Dell (Bagley) McBain. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Doris and brother, Donald. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1933, and then Western State Teachers College (now Western Michigan University) in 1938. She majored in high school English, French and Latin languages. She taught high school at Freeport High School for three years, became a dedicated stay at home Mom for her two children, before returning to teaching fifth and furth grades at Delton Kellogg Elementary School until she retired in 1978. She was courted by Wilbur Elvaro Solomon, whom she married in 1939. They lived with Wilbur’s Aunt Caroline Solomon until her death in 1993. They enjoyed a won­ derful, loving and joyful marriage for 55 years, until his death in 1994. Together they had two children, Janet, of Delton, and Dehn (Jan), of Wellington, CO. She is also survived by four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Jean and Wilbur were members of the Kalamazoo Valley Antique Engine Association and enjoyed many trips to shows throughout the country. They were part of the founding members of the Mar-O-Nots Club, and enjoyed monthly potlucks accompanied by cards and board games. Jean was a stealthy card shark who would quietly win with a small smile. She was an avid reader, wanting nothing more than a good book and a rocking chair. She also was a talented canner of fruits and vegetables grown on the farm and loved to bake Johnny Cake in the antique oven in Wilbur’s shop. Jean was bom to be a teacher. She had endless patience, a vast knowledge of many things, with an incredibly kind and tender spirit. Also a member of the Bernard Historical Society, she enjoyed being a tour guide at the museum. Her family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Centrica Care Navigators and all the wonderful, caring nurses who made her last months comfortable and peaceful. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith United Methodist Church in Delton, where Jean was a devoted member of the church and choir for many, many years. Due to the ongoing pandemic, there will be no funeral, but a memorial service will be held in the coming months. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condo­ lence message for Jean’s family. Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship, service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Hmgs Fiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Produc,s 1699W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 fflMltSIWlOF grtliaelMs&Eq^neiit 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Robert Winkler Robert (Bob) Henry Winkler, age 83, went home to be with his Lord and Savior November 9, 2021 at Borgess Hospital. He was bom in Lake Odessa, on April 17, 1938. He was the son of Herman and Luta Mae Winkler. Bob retired from Consumers Energy after 25 years of service. He continued working as an owner of Winkler Heating, AC and Maintenance. Bob made sure every customer was fully satisfied. For a man that was very misunderstood, he was a kind, generous, loyal man. He loved the “Greatest Spectacle In Racing”, The Indianapolis 500. Which he attended for more than 50 years. He enjoyed growing flowers like the massive dahlia’s and taking them to church to place on the altar for Sunday services. He enjoyed the outdoors through hunting and fishing. He was especially proud of the 4th of July parties that he would hold at his home for family and friends by roasting a pig or two. He longed for motorcy­ cle rides, on his Honda Gold Wing and attend­ ing bike week each year. His German heritage was his backbone, his desire to find his ances­ tors was very important to him. He was able to trace back over 200 years of the family. He was preceded in death by his daughter Linda Sue Leggett. He is survived by his brother, Richard Winkler, and children, Louann Stephenson, Robert Lee Winkler, Brad Robert Winkler and grandchildren, Heather, Brent, Paul, Steve, Danielle, Lynette, John, and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his ever-faithful dog Henry, his long-time friend, Mary Kurka along with many others. A Celebration of Life will be held at Pathfinder Church, 8740 S. Westnedge Ave., Portage, MI 49002 Tuesday Nov. 16, 2021 at 12 p.m. Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-899-876-7085 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 18, 2021 — Page 9 Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices ofEdward Jones Jim Lundin Financial Advisor Member SIPC Jeff Domenico, AAMS® CRPC® Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 (269) 818-0423 (269) 948-8265 Hastings, Ml 49058 Work with life partner to achieve mutual goals When you and your life part­ ner work together to achieve your important long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement lifestyle, the experience can be greatly rewarding. However, your success will require com­ mitment and discipline. So, what steps should you take along the way? One key move is to decide early in your relationship how you will handle money. Many couples merge their finances and make joint decisions on major purchases. But some couples like to keep at least part of their finances distinct, perhaps by maintaining separate checking or savings accounts. There’s re­ ally no one correct solution for everyone, but whatever you de­ cide, you’ll want to be assured that all the bills will be paid and that neither one of you feels the pressure of an unfair financial burden. Here’s another suggestion: Try to avoid keeping financial secrets from your partner. That means disclosing your debts, hidden funds or uncommon in­ vestments. These types of sur­ prises can lead to difficulties and mistrust. Even if you’re entering the relationship carrying some­ thing like a heavy student loan, it’s best to get it out in the open right away so, together, you can strive to gradually eliminate it. Of course, there’s also a prac­ tical side to not keeping secrets. Your large student loan could affect your credit rating - an issue that may arise when you and your partner are seeking a mortgage or some other type of loan. Clearly, you both should be aware of this potential stumbling block before you begin the appli­ cation process. Now, let’s consider your in­ vestments. You each may have your own IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored re­ tirement plan, but you might also share a joint investment account. However, you might not share the same risk tolerance - per­ haps one of you tends to be more aggressive, willing to take more risks in exchange for potentially higher returns, while the other is more conservative, preferring to keep down the risk level of a portfolio, even if it means lesser capacity for growth. Again, neither you nor your partner is necessarily “right” or “wrong” in your views on in­ vesting - and nobody’s feelings about risk should be ignored. But once you’ve clearly identi­ fied your retirement goals and estimated their cost, you may find that compromise is possible. In other words, perhaps the con­ servative partner will realize that a too-cautious approach could hinder progress toward the de­ sired retirement goal, while the partner who focuses on maxi­ mum growth will learn that a somewhat less aggressive ap­ proach can still yield the desired results. This type of compromise may affect the investment choic­ es you make in your individual accounts as well as your joint ac­ counts. And the way you choose your investments may even change over time, especially if your financial goals evolve. Ultimately, communication is the key. As long as you’re talking to each other and open­ ly expressing your wishes and concerns, you and your partner can find a way to keep moving toward your mutual goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Edward Jones, Member SIPC Suspect sought in vehicle theft A 28-year-old woman called police at 6:41 a.m. Nov. 5 to report her Chevrolet Silverado was stolen from her driveway in the 6000 block of Lammers Road, Hope Township, the previous night. The woman said her hus­ band’s wallet was in the truck, and it had been used at a Meijer and Speedway in the Kalamazoo area. The suspect bought about $400 worth of gift cards at Meijer, then attempted to buy gas and more gift cards at Speedway, where the card was declined. Video footage of the suspect at Meijer matched the description of a suspect sought by police for several vehicle break-ins that recently occurred on Dunkley Drive, a few miles from where the truck was stolen. Meth found on suspicious man A caller notified police of a suspicious man on Thornapple Lake Road in Castleton Township near M-66 Highway at 9:02 p.m. Nov. 7. The man, dressed all in black, was on a bicycle, was using a flashlight and had spent several minutes in front of a residence. Police stopped the man, who said he was on his way to a friend’s house in Nashville and was having trouble with his bike. The sus­ pect, 31, of Nashville, had a small bag of methamphetamine and a pipe on him. He also was on probation and was arrested. Another catalytic converter stolen A 64-year-old man called police Nov. 10 to report the catalytic converter had been cut out of his truck while parked at his residence in the 12000 block of South M-66 Highway in Assyria Township. The man said the catalytic converter had been taken in the past two weeks, and he found a saw blade from the theft that had been left behind. Philanthropic organization eyes Barry County for potential study James Gemmell Contributing Writer A statewide nonprofit organization is con­ sidering a potential pilot study of the unique way Barry County is collaborating with local municipalities about the county’s distribution of federal stimulus funding. The website michiganfoundations.org shows its Statewide Equity Fund Strategic Support Pilot program was launched in July to serve as a collaborative way for Michigan’s philanthropic organizations to “address sys­ tem challenges laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic.” Barry Community Foundation President Bonnie Gettys apprised the Yankee Springs Township Board at its Nov. 11 meeting that some representatives of the Council of Michigan Foundations had met with the Barry Community Foundation recently to discuss the potential study. The study would focus on how the county is planning to share its federal allocation of nearly $12 million through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds pro­ gram. That is part of the American Rescue Plan Act signed into law in March. The CMF declined to comment on the potential pilot study, noting “it’s too early in the process.” ARPA funds have been allocated to com­ munities across the country to use for infra­ structure upgrades, based on the size of each municipality’s population. The money is being deposited into the bank accounts of local governments in two installments, one this year and the other next year. Barry County received its first ARPA payment of nearly $6 million in June. The second half will arrive sometime in 2022. Gettys is one of the officials coordinating how the money will be distributed to local governmental units in Barry County. Although ARPA funds may be used only to address existing infrastructure needs, there has been some recent discussion in Congress about possibly amending the law to broaden poten­ tial uses for the stimulus funds. “Our county was just interviewed by (the Council of Michigan Foundations) to try to determine if they’re going to use us as a pilot program, because of the way that we’ve engaged everyone in the process,” Gettys told the Yankee Springs Township Board. “And if they do that, then they’ll do an evaluation on how this [funding] was dispersed, how we potentially could get even greater resident input on where they feel the needs and wants are.” Barry County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairwoman Vivian Connor, who rep­ resents the Yankee Springs community, also spoke to the township board. The commissioners have set a public meet­ ing Nov. 30 to discuss the applications the county has received for first-round county ARPA funding. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Hastings Performing Arts Center at Hastings High School. “We’re going to have the Community Foundation come and tell us how they scored the applications and the process that they used, so we can have an understanding of it,” Connor said. “And then, we’re going to look at the applications and move forward from there. We’re not going to approve any appli­ cations at that meeting, but we’ll talk about them, look at them and see what their reason­ ing was behind it - how they ranked them.” Initial approval of applications will take place at a county commission Committee of the Whole meeting, and then the Board of Commissioners will consider the applications Dec. 7. “And we’re seeking public comment, because people want to have input on these and how we spend the money on these appli­ cations,” Connor said. How Barry County is going about gather­ ing public input and working with local gov­ ernmental units in approaching the funding distribution may be pioneering in scope, Gettys said. “This is the only county government that I’m aware of in the State of Michigan that is sharing their revenue from the federal gov­ ernment in this manner,” she said. “There is no other county government that has said we want to share, and make sure that all of our communities are lifted up. “I applaud Vivian and her board for really looking at the way to lift all boats.” Robert Geyer, a member of the Barry Community Foundation ARPA advisory com­ mittee, told the township board he agrees about the uniqueness of the county’s collabo­ rative approach to disbursement of the pan­ demic funding. “I think that the [county] commissioners are the only ones that actually did this committee to actually do the research on this,” he said. “It takes a lot of work. There was $15 million worth of proposals for the first round. I think that the commissioners are now to the stage ... that they want us to meet with them, so they know exactly what the proposals were, what we looked at, and how we graded them.” Geyer said each person on the ARPA com­ mittee used a scoring sheet to evaluate the various proposals from the townships and other municipalities in Barry County. One problem that occurred in the process, though, is that only three of the county’s 16 townships submitted applications to receive county ARPA money. And a Yankee Springs Township Board member said the township was not even aware until recently that the county had been taking applications. “That’s what I don’t understand,” Gettys replied. “I don’t know if the emails went to spam. I don’t know if you got the letter, and you didn’t open it because it was from the Community Foundation or the chamber [of commerce]. I don’t know what occurred between what we did and where we got today. All I can say is, we can draw a line in the sand today and move forward.” Gettys said emails were sent last spring to all municipalities in Barry County, along with letters saying the community foundation was seeking pitches from local governments on how much money they needed and why. The foundation and the county board asked the government leaders to base their grant requests on long-terminvestments or critical needs in their communities. Electronic copies of each municipality’s formal proposal had to be submitted to the county by Sept. 17 for first-round funding. “After we sent out the information, the county board actually looked at the [requests for proposals] that we put together,” Gettys told the township board. “We are just finish­ ing the first round. We made recommenda­ tions to the county board based on the appli­ cations that we received. “There will be another round that will be available, so you haven’t been missed. And we certainly want to make sure that you are able to leverage dollars from the county, as well as money that you currently have. That was part of the process that we looked at when we were reviewing applications. Points went a little bit higher if municipalities were willing to put dollars in, as well.” Meanwhile, the Yankee Springs Township Board voted 5-0 to authorize township super­ visor Rob Heethuis and Trustee Larry Knowles to work with engineers in discuss­ ing potential water- and sewer-system proj­ ects in which the township could apply for ARPA funding. The township board talked about the possibility of extending municipal water lines to the Yankee Springs Meadows mobile home park, at 1330 N. Patterson Road. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy recent­ ly discovered two public water wells there with high levels of arsenic and nitrate. “When Yankee Springs Meadows came to us, we couldn’t expand our water system,” Heethuis said. “We didn’t have the capability, even with the problems they were having and being a willing partner to put money into the project. We couldn’t do it, because our water system was topped out.” He and Knowles will look into the feasibil­ ity of adding another well to double the town­ ship’s water-storage capacity, and how to address the contamination problem. So, rep­ resentatives from EGLE, the county health department, and engineers may be consulted to learn the costs of such a project. “When you talk about expanding the water system, you’re talking about expanding the capability and capacity, not necessarily using the money to put pipes in the ground going places. If we spent a chunk of money on arse­ nic [removal] and the well, that would make the cost to Yankee Springs Meadows or somebody else less to tie in. They would dou­ ble our usage,” township Clerk Mike Cunningham said. “There’s a lot in play,” Knowles said. “They have to build an arsenic-removal facil­ ity up there, and so they have costs they’re going to have to do, regardless. So, if we sent our water up there, they wouldn’t have to do that. So, that would be money they could spend [elsewhere].” In addition to considering applying for ARPA funds to address those issues, Gettys suggested the township contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture about grants avail­ able for rural communities to improve their water quality and infrastructure. Orangeville Township looking to stop Jake braking’ Greg Chandler Staff Writer Orangeville Township has asked the Barry County Road Commission to put up signs along Keller Road, encouraging semi-truck drivers to avoid engine braking, or “Jake braking,” as it is commonly called. But the road commission has questions for the township, such as how many signs it wants and where the signs should be installed. The term “Jake brake” comes from a prod­ uct named the Jacobs Engine Brake that’s used by truck drivers to slow their rigs. The compression release it uses causes a loud noise like a jackhammer. The township board voted to have the signs installed after receiving calls from several resi­ dents complaining about loud noise from trucks braking in the area of Keller between Norris and Lindsey roads. That area is near a planned 75-acre sand and gravel mining operation that received approval from the Barry County Planning Commission in late September. “The road commission will put up signs,” Township Supervisor Tom Rook said at the Nov. 2 meeting. “We didn’t want to get into an ordinance because we’d then have to enforce it. It’s a civil [infraction], so we would end up paying the cost for enforcement for something that isn’t a county ordinance ... [the sheriff’s department] will come out and help us, but we have to pay for all the fines any time we pursue a violation.” But road commission Operations Director Jake Welch said he sees Orangeville’s request as problematic. If signs get installed along Keller Road, he said, it could lead to requests for addi­ tional signage on nearby roads and possibly even on state highways such as M-179 and M-37. He also said he sees a problem with enforcement. “It’s really a slippery slope,” Welch said in an interview with The Banner. “We’ve been trying really hard to keep our right-of-ways clear of extra stuff - extra signs, extra junk - so that the signs that we have really stand out.” Concerns about noise were raised by some township residents when JMK Realty went before the county planning commission with its plan for the sand and gravel mine that would be operated by Grand Rapids-based Superior Asphalt at 9650 Keller Road. The county planning commission approved a special land use and site plan for the project. An Orangeville Township couple, Karen and Glenn Hayward, say they own a strip of property that Superior Asphalt would have to cross to get to the site, and are seeking to use that to block the project. The Haywards live across the road from the proposed mining site. Karen Hayward said Monday she has not heard any instances of “Jake braking” at or near the site. County Planning Director Jim McManus said there has been no action on developing the site. He said JMK has a soil erosion permit. Superior Asphalt is planning a five-cell operation, with cells ranging in size from 7.5 to 10 acres, to be mined in three-year incre­ ments, according to plans presented to the county. Welch said the road commission has asked the township for more details on what it wants to address the noise concerns. “We don’t have a firm policy on [sig­ nage],” he said. “To be honest, we would prefer not to have a policy.” Hastings Township previews 2022 budget Footway stop, proposed at Center Road intersection Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings Charter Township Board of Trustees approved a draft of its 2022 budget Tuesday. The budget projects a $558,967 in revenue for the 2022 fiscal year, up from $504,271 in 2021 and $419,301 in 2020. The jump in revenue, Clerk Anita Mennell said, can be credited to the influx of corona­ virus relief funds. Most recently, the town­ ship received about $160,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act, and it will receive another $160,000 in 2022. With the increase in revenue comes an increase in expenditures. Spending had sub­ sided during the pandemic, dropping from $491,040 to $273,153. That amount will rise again in 2022 to an anticipated $354,756, with more money dedicated to township staff member salaries, elections, highways and more. After dipping $71,739 into the negative in 2020, the township projects $204,211 in rev­ enue over expenses in 2022. The 2022 budget won’t be finalized until the township’s next monthly meeting Dec. 14. Following the budget conversation, the board discussed the possibility of putting a four-way stop at the intersection of Center and Charlton Park roads. Brown noted that people have been killed at the intersection and the township needs to do something to fix it. “This doesn’t happen every day, believe me, but when it happens, it’s really, really bad,” Brown said. “Is a four-way stop actually going to make a difference?” Trustee Timothy McNally asked later. “I’m going to say yes only because it can’t do anything but help,” Brown responded. He mentioned illuminating the stop signs so that people could better see them. The board also entertained placing a street light at the inter­ section, although Brown estimated most of the accidents have happened during the day. The board approved letting Brown look further into implementing a four-way stop. He will contact the county road commission, which will determine the feasibility and necessity of the project. Finally, the board approved a list of 21 Hastings Charter Township residents who will pay for weed removal on Leach Lake. Each property owner will be charged approx­ imately $260 in taxes. Health department offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations The Barry-Eaton District Health Department is offering all manufacturers’ vaccine booster doses to residents who meet at least one criteria. Individuals who received a Pfizer or Modema vaccine as their primary vaccine, with the second dose being at least six months ago, are eligible for a booster dose if they are: • Age 65 or older. • Age 18 or older with underlying medical conditions identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. • Age 18 or older living in a long-term care setting, considering their individual risks and benefits. • Age 18 or older working in a high-risk setting, considering their individual risks and benefits. Those who are age 18 and over who received a single dose Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine as their primary vaccine at least two months ago should receive a booster dose of any type (Pfizer, Modema or J&J). “Vaccines for COVID-19 haye been shown to be safe and effective,” according to an Oct. 28 BEDHD press release. “It is especially critical that unvaccinated individuals seek vaccination as winter approaches. Holidays during cold weather may bring people togeth­ er indoors, increasing the risk of spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, like flu. Individuals who catch the flu or COVID-19 may need to be hospitalized, and hospital beds are a limited resource. Therefore, it is important to prevent COVID-19 and flu as much as possible.” The local health department provides all COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines for children age 17 and under. Local pharmacies also may provide COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccinations. More information can be found at barryeatonhealth.org. NOW HIRING OPEN POSITIONS: • Preschool Assistant Teachers • Preschool Lead Teachers • Paraprofessionals • Senior Transportation Driver • Distribution Specialist • Kitchen Assistant/Food Transporters Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community acheive and maintain independence. Community Action is also enrolling for preschool!!!!!!! Apply now at wwwxaascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Community Action is an equal opportunity employer, equal opportunity provider. �Page 10 — Thursday, November 18, 2021 — The Hastings Banner I Ffw AI TWMTIf'F' al bL</ JLJL NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL DISTRICT 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY PROBATE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION/POSTING AND NOTICE OF ACTION CASE NO. 21-134-DC Court Address: 220 West State St., Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: 269-945-1286 Plaintiff Stephanie Proulx 333 Alger St., Lansing, Ml 48917 Plaintiff’s Attorney Shane A. Henry (P82054) 121 West Apple St., Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-3512 v Defendant Vicente Padilla Address Unknown To: Vicente Padilla IT IS ORDERED: 1. You are being sued in this court by the plaintiff to establish custody, parenting time, and support of Aiden Vance. You must file your answer or take other action permitted by law in this court at the court address above on or before 12/16/2021. If you fail to do so, a default judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint filed in this case. 2. A copy of this order shall be published once each week in the Hastings Banner for three consecutive weeks, and proof of publication shall be filed in this court. 3. Attorney Shane A. Henry shall post a copy of this order in the courthouse, for three continuous weeks, and shall file proof of posting in this court. Date: October 26, 2021 Vicky L. Alspaugh P43572 ... vz. - ■ 170771 NOTICE OF ACTION AS TO DEFENDANT JOSHUA ALAN PATRICK a/k/a JOSH PATRICK PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there is presently pending in the 57th Judicial District Court, City of Allegan, for the State of Michigan, an action between Plaintiff NewRez d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, and Defendant Joshua Alan Patrick a/k/a Josh Patrick; Case No. 21-0740GZ, involving the purchase of a manufactured home 2000 Century, Laser, HUD Tag No. RAD1274996. You are being sued by Plaintiff for claim & delivery action in order to recover possession of the property pursuant to default of the security agreement. You must file your answer or take other action permitted by law in the 57th Judicial District Court located at County Building, 113 Chestnut, Allegan, Ml 49010 twenty-eight (28) days after the date of this notice. You may contact and serve a copy on any answer on Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., Attn: Steven A. Jacobs, 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300, Farmington Hills, Ml 48335. Failure to answer within time frame by law may result in a default judgment. 1447036 (11-04)(11-18) 170783 SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting November 9, 2021 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Six board members present, one absent Approved all consent agenda items Leach Lake Weed Control renewal 2022 Budget presentation Four-way stop corner of Charlton Park and Center Rd Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:52 pm This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Notice of foreclosure by advertisement. Notice is given under section 3212 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.3212, that the following mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at a public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check at the place of holding the circuit court in Barry County, Michigan, starting promptly at one o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 2nd day of December, 2021. The amount due on the mortgage may be greater on the day of the sale. Placing the highest bid at the sale does not au­ tomatically entitle the purchaser to free and clear ownership of the property. A potential purchaser is encouraged to contact the county register of deeds office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge a fee for this information. The mortgage was made by ERIC B. HUTCH­ ENS, a single man (“Mortgagor”), to HASTINGS CITY BANK, now known as HIGHPOINT COMMU­ NITY BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, hav­ ing an office at 150 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 (the “Mortgagee”), dated June 11, 2015, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on June 17, 2015, as Instrument No. 2015-005978 (the “Mort­ gage”). By reason of a default under the conditions of the Mortgage, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgag­ ee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Fifty Five Thousand Two Hundred Ten and 59/100 Dollars ($55,210.59). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt se­ cured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situ­ ated in the Township of Baltimore, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Lots 18 and 19 of Cappon Country Acres, accord­ ing to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats on Page 52, Baltimore Township, Barry County, Michigan. Together with all the improvements erected on the real estate, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures a part of the property, and all replace­ ments and additions. Commonly known as: 1295 Mixer Road, Hast­ ings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-02-070-007-00 Notice is further given that the length of the re­ demption period will be one (1) year from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days af­ ter the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, ex­ ecutor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claim­ ing from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Attention homeowner: If you are a military ser­ vice member on active duty, if your period of active duty has concluded less than 90 days ago, or if you have been ordered to active duty, please contact the attorney for the party foreclosing the Mortgage at the telephone number stated in this notice. Dated: October 28, 2021 HASTINGS CITY BANK n/k/a HIGHPOINT COMMUNITY BANK Mortgagee Elisabeth M. Von Eitzen WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 150 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 1500 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 22506349 170337 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 171549 21028975NC William M. Doherty STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29007-DE Hon. William M. Doherty Court Address: 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No. 269-945-1390. Estate of Ellen Denise Cybulskis. Date of birth: June 22,1960. • TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Ellen Denise Cybulskis, died September 17,2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kaylee Lockwood, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 16,2021 Kris N. Johnson P83526 3140 Division Ave. SW, Grandville, Ml 49418 616-965-2211 Kaylee Lockwood 8205 Golden Oak Dr., Jenison, Ml 49428 616-322-4808 171630 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING October 13, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Bellmore, Hall, Watson, Greenfield, James, Hawthorne Absent: Approved the Agenda with one addition Approved the Consent Agenda Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Approved L-4029 Millage Roll Call Vote - aye Approved Resolution 2021-178 Roll Cail Vote aye Approved Resolution 2021-273 Roll Cail Vote aye Adjournment 8:36 pm Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 171550 Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 In the matter of Amaya Rose Perkins. TO ALL PERSONS: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on December 1, 2021 at 2:15 p.m. at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Amaya Rose Perkins to Amaya Rose Kees. 171303 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29007-DE Hon. William M. Doherty Court Address: 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No. 269-945-1390. Estate of Dora I. Harvath, deceased. Date of birth: May 14,1921 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dora I. Harvath, died October 9, 2009. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Bertha Boonstra, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/16/Z21 Holly A. Jackson P71684 180 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 400, Grand Rapids, Ml 616-454-3700 Bertha Boonstra 6393 14th Avenue, Hudsonville, Ml 49426 616-454-3700 171548 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29002-DE Court Address: 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No. 269-945-1390. Estate of Dianna Jean Knauss, Deceased. Date of birth: 7-19-1956 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dianna Jean Knauss, died 7-16-2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Sarah Merchant, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/12//21 Patti L. McKenney P35584 77 Monroe Center N.W., Ste. 406, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 454-7937 Sarah Merchant 4900 -1 Mile Rd., Sears, Ml 49679 (407)451-1638 171542 COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Clara Marie Kodan Trust. Date of Birth: May 7,1935. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Clara Marie Kodan, died October 17, 2001, leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the deceased or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to gerilyn Dillon, Trutee, within 4 months after the date of Amelia Mae Wisecup, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Oct. 27, 2021 to Dulecia Vela and Andrew Wisecup of Lake Odessa. ***** Mateo Scott Graciano, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Oct. 14, 2021 to Nevaeh Jolynn Ostrander and Rolando Antonio Graciano of Ionia. ***** Nalia Allana Kelly, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Oct. 31, 2021 to Rebecca and Timothy Kelly of Hastings. ***** Thomas Gabriel Boggiano, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Oct. 21, 2021 to Kaylianne Pumford and Gabriel Boggiano of Nashville. ***** Helena Grace Smith, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Nov. 1, 2021 to Erika and Ryan Smith ofHastings. ***** Maverick Michael Meyers, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Nov. 2, 2021 to Megan and Kody Meyers of Ionia. ***** publication of this notice. Kaleal Alejandro Aguirre, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Oct. 26, 2021 to Shania Aguirre and Alex Fyan of Hastings. ***** Date: November 11,2021 Rhoades McKee PC P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 Michael Daniel Borrello, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Oct. 27, 2021 to Grace Julia Agrella and Michael Jno Borrello II of Grandville. Gerilyn Dillon c/o Rhoades McKee, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 pianist. Veterans were asked to name their service and the era in which they served. Each had been in a different branch and different conflict. The church now has a community box between the church and parsonage for anyone in the community to drop off a written request for a prayer. Firearm deer hunting season opened Monday with ideal weather. There had been snowfall overnight, but there was little accu­ mulation. In spots, the snow melted as fast as it fell. Rural roads had many pickup trucks and other vehicles parked nearby Monday, which would indicate many hunters afield. Most of the com crop has been harvested, so that eliminates a major hiding place for the herd. Tuesday a lone driver saw three deer cross her path; none had antlers. The new house being built in view of Tupper Lake now has framework for a sec­ ond story i place. Another new house on the east end of Henderson Road had multiple commercial vehicles in place. Tuesday, some of which were from a flooring firm in Lake Odessa. This would indicate construc­ tion is finished and other final touches are in progress. There are still a few spots were fall vege­ tables are on display for sale, including large pumpkins and squash. ***** Mikayla Grace, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Oct. 8, 2021 to Lexi and Jacob Norris of Nashville. ***** STATE OF MICHIGAN Liberty Ann Clous, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Nov. 2, 2021 to Brittany N. and Andrew T. Clous of Hastings. 171394 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21 -29008-DE Hon. William M. Doherty Court Address: 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No. 269-945-1390. Estate of Louise Ellen Miller. Date of birth: August 6, 1936. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Louise Ellen Miller, died September 14,2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Patrick M. Cooper, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/12//21 Elizabeth V. Bauer P26187 128 East Bridge Street, Plainwell, Michigan 49080 (269) 685-6883 Patrick M. Cooper 12372 Hubbards Cove Drive, Plainwell, Michigan 49080 (269)370-6425 171631 NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS OF HWS, INC. Creditors and claimants of HWS, Inc., a Michigan STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 2002-023484-DE In the matter of Ila M. Brown, Deceased. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: Victor Kerry Jr. and Daniel Kerry whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Barry County Probate Court via Zoom before Judge William Michael Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition to Reopen the Estate. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and social distancing guidelines, attorneys and parties are required to participate in hearings remotely rather than in person. You must participate using Zoom technology and you must have both audio and video capability to participate. (Zoom hearing # is 5030695658). If you have questions, please contact the Court at 269-945-1390. James D. Lance, Attorney P68202 One West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Ml 49017 (269) 966-3000 Kathlene M. Wagner 1498 Laurabell Drive, Battle Creek, Ml 49017 (269)721-8555 171553 Elaine Garlock First Congregational Church will host a pre-Thanksgiving service at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21. The Tri-River Museum group met Tuesday at the Lyons Museum on Bridge Street with a good attendance of members from Rockford, Belding, Ada, Clarksville, Plainfield, Ionia, Bowne Center and other spots. Several members reported on holiday plans for programs, craft sales and other fundraising events. The next meeting will be in February at which time officers will be elected for 2022. The current president and secretary have held their posts for many years. There are three directors who have had shorter terms. Sunday services will resume at Central United Methodist Church Nov. 21 after two weeks closure due to COVID -19 in a mem­ ber who attended the most recent service in late October, least there be any possible infection. Sunday school classes also will resume at 9:30 a.m. with the worship ser­ vice at 10:30. The service at the congregational Church Sunday had a seasonal emphasis with pre­ sentation of the colors with two men carry­ ing in the flags. Two patriotic hymns were sung. Marilyn Noffke was the guest soloist/ corporation, are hereby notified that the corporation was dissolved as a corporation under the Michigan Business Corporation Act, effective December 31, 2021. If you have a claim against the corporation, you are requested to comply with the following: a. Prepare a written statement of your claim, describing the nature of the claim, the dollar amount of the claim, if known, and if now known, an estimate, and the circumstances on which it is based. Include the name, address, and phone number of a person who can provide information about your claim if the corporation wishes to obtain additional information. b. Mail the written statement to HWS, Inc. at the following address: 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Your claim will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within one year after the date of publication of this notice. This notice is given pursuant to section 842a of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, MCL 450.1842a. Drafted by: Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2900 Business Services workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Farm BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. FARM LAND WANTED to rent for 2022 and beyond, 269­ 953-5282. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE NO. 604 The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/ or oral comments from the public concerning adding Division 90-IX-8, Section 90-914, Section 90-915, and related amendments to Article 90­ VI District Regulations to the City of Hastings Municipal Code regarding Accessory Dwelling Units. The public hearing will be held on Monday December 6, 2021 at 7:00 PM in the Council Cham­ bers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to sub­ mit comments. Please contact Dan King, Community Development Direc­ tor, at dkinq@hastingsmi.org or 269-945-2468 if you have questions or comments regarding this public hearing. A copy of this information is available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Of­ fice of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Mich­ igan 49058. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and ser­ vices upon five days notice to Hastings City Clerk (tele­ phone number 269-945-2468) or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777. 171552 Jane M. Saurman City Clerk �The Hastings ANNER SPORTS SECTION Thursday, November 18, 2021 Lakewood sweeps through regional tourney The Lakewood varsity volleyball team celebrates with its regional championship trophy after knocking off Marshall in the MHSAA Division 2 Regional Final at Ionia High School Thursday. The Vikings have since won a state quarterfinal match as well (see story page 14) and will face North Branch in the Division 2 State Semifinal at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Friday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Paige Wolverton and Ellie Possehn, a pair of Lakewood juniors, leapt up out of their seats and were nearly out onto the playing surface hollering and clapping as soon as the ball smacked the floor. Their classmate, first-year varsity player Liv Woodman, had just hit her first kill of the night to put the Vikings ahead 24-2 over Marshall in the second set of the MHSAA Division 2 Regional Final at Ionia High School Thursday. Everybody has to be ready in November. “I was nervous. When I get in, I want to do well,” Woodman said. “I was like shoot, I hope it goes over because I didn’t want to get blocked.” She had a miscue on an attack when she got a turn on the court in the regional semifinal last Tuesday, a three-set Lakewood win over Williamston, and was happy to get the chance to make up for it. It wasn’t just one better swing though. It was a number of them between her miss in the regional semifinal and the suc­ cessful kill Thursday. “I worked with Cameron [Rowland] and I tried to fix my footing. He said I was taking too big of a first step. I worked on that - smaller steps and go faster at it.,” Woodman said of Wednesday’s mid-regional round practice. Senior outside hitter Kenzie Wells got a little more time on the court Thursday too, as the Vikings won their way to an eighth consecutive regional championship, filling in for senior teammate Zayda Kruger who was unable to play in the regional final. “Kenzie came in and played very well tonight,” Rowland, the Viking head coach, said. “Her presence was really good the whole time. She played hard and did everything she needed to do, and we were really successful tonight because of that.” Marshall wasn’t ready for what the Lakewood varsity volleyball team, ranked third in the state in Division 2, had to throw at it. The Vikings earned a spot against Onsted in the Division 2 State Quarterfinal that were set to be played at Williamston High School Tuesday, Nov. 16, by scoring a 25-14, 25-3, 25-18 win over the Red Hawks Thursday. “I think tonight is the best we have played [in the state tournament this season], and we knew that it was going to have to be,” Rowland said. Lakewood was certainly ready for that second set. Junior Alli Pickard served the first 13 points of the set for the Vikings. Pickard served well, the defense was outstanding, and senior outside hitter Maradith O’Gorman, senior middle Tori Wickerink and junior outside hitter Skylar Bump were a formidable front line during the run. “We just defended really well and made things really difficult for them to score. We just built off that energy and went after it,” Rowland said. “We were all fired up,” Lakewood sopho­ more libero Carley Piercefield said. Both the Vikings on the floor and the bench were fired up. “We just want to stay hyped so they can keep the energy up and they can keep going. It is just fun when it gets loud and then the student-sec­ tion brings it up even louder,” Woodman said of cheering on the run from the sideline. Piercefield took over at the service line for the Vikings ahead 14-1 and served a string of six straight points to put her team in front 21-1 Marshall stole a set off the Vikings a year ago in the regional semifinals, the only set the Vikings would drop until their state finals match­ up with Grand Rapids Christian. Piercefield remembered that at the service line Thursday. “Last year, at the final set I missed my serve and they won the set. This year, I was like that’s not happening. That is not happening,” Piercefield said. “That was weighting on my mind, and I was just like I was going at them.” Eventually it was Skylar Bump’s turn with her team up 22-2, and she served up points 23 and 24 before Marshall managed a third side-out of the set. A big kill by O’Gorman finally finished oft' the dominant second-set performance by the Vikings. “I knew that they were going to come back and play better in the third set, and they did that. They did things to put some pressure on us to do that,” Rowland said. “They started to get a lot more aggressive attacking, took some chances, and they changed up their serve receive a little bit so that they started passing better and their setter’s job became a lot easier.” A pair of aces by Marshall’s Ashlynn Giannunzio helped push her team in front mid­ way through that third set at 16-15. That’s when the Michigan State University bound senior all­ stater O’Gorman slammed what seemed to be her most powerful kill of the evening to the floor right in the center of the Marshall defense to even the set at 16-16. Lakewood took the next two points too and slowly finished off the third set from there, with another strong performance from O’Gorman and Wickerink at the net. - .. ’ It was a clean bump, set spike from the all­ state trio of Piercefield, Bump and O Gorman to clinch the final point in th© end. O’Gorman had a match-high 22 kills to lead the Viking attack and added nine digs and four blocks too. Wickerink matched her four blocks and had three kills. Piercefield had a team-high 26 digs, with Abby Pickard adding 11, Alli Pickard 11 and Bump 11 too. Bump also had six kills, nine assists and four aces. Piercefield, Abby Pickard and Paige Wolverton had one ace each. Piercefield also chipped in five assists. Abby Pickard, the Vikings’ freshman setter, had a team-high 20 assists. The other Division 2 Quarterfinal matches Tuesday, Nov. 16, pitted No. 8 Cadillac against No. 5 North Branch, No. 2 Grand Rapids Christian against Niles, and No. 4 Detroit Country Day against No. 1 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Lakewood, North Branch, Grand Rapids Christian and Notre Dame Prep all took victories Tuesday to earn spots in the MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinals Friday at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. Hastings senior Brooklynn Youngs signs her National Letter of Intent to join the Glen Oaks Community College Women's Basketball team next season, in front of the trophy case near the Hastings High School gymnasium. She is joined by her mother Stacey Youngs (clockwise from front left), Glen Oaks head coach Robbie Hattan, Hastings High School athletic direc­ tor Mike Goggins and her father, new Hastings varsity girls' basketball coach, Chase Youngs. Youngs set to hoop it up for Glen Oaks Community College Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings senior Brooklynn Youngs signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Glen Oaks Community College Women’s Basketball team next season last week. Youngs will get one year at Hastings High School playing for her father, Chase ......... ............ . ........... ...... Youngs, who is taking over as the varsity girls’ basketball coach for the Saxons this winter. Brooklynn was joined by Chase, her mother Stacey Youngs, Hastings High School athletic director Mike Goggins and Glen Oaks Women’s Basketball coach Robbie Hattan during her signing day event at Hastings High School. Hattan is the first-year head coach at Glen Oaks, which is located in Centreville. “We are so excited to add Brooklyn to our program,” Hattan said. “She is an elite defender and has a high motor. One of here strongest attributes is her desire to compete.” . Youngs was also an all-conference tennis player for the Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team as a junior last spring. Lakewood senior middle Tori Wickerink swings for an attack in front of the block of Marshall's Kairah Gore (10) while teammates Abby Pickard (left) and Maradith O'Gorman (right) look on during their MHSAA Division 2 Regional Final in Ionia Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 12 — Thursday, November 18, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Youngsters paced county boys in 2021 Brett Bremer Sports Editor One after another the youngsters came across the finish line: sophomore, sopho­ more, freshman, sophomore, sophomore, freshman, junior etc. . Youngsters were the speedsters on the Barry County varsity boys’ cross country teams for much of the fall of 2021. Hastings took the boys’ championship at the Barry County Meet with four sophomores and two freshman among its top six scorers on the course at Maple Valley High School Nov. 1. The fastest freshman in the county placed ninth and only three seniors were among the top 14 who earned All-Barry County honors. The top seven finishers at the Barry County Meet earned first team all-county honors this fall while the next seven in earned spots on the all-county second team. Conference honors were tough to come by this fall. Lakewood and Maple Valley battled without full rosters in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference once again, with the Vikings adding some depth late to be able to earn team scores in the season’s final meets. Thomapple Kellogg and Delton Kellogg battled tough competition in the OK Gold Conference and the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Delton Kellogg didn’t always have its full complement of athletes, with a couple solid runners also competing on the DK varsity boys’ soccer team which won its way into the regional round of the state tournament. Hastings will be looking to work its way up from the middle of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference in the years to come with its solid group of young runners. Here are the 2021 All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country honorees. All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country First Team Hector Jimenez, Delton Kellogg: A twosport athlete in the fall, Jimenez supplement­ ed his time with the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team by being one of the RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS. TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the following ordinance was adopted by the Rutland Charter Township Board on November 10, 2021: CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 2021-178 NOVEMBER 10, 2021 ADOPTED: EFFECTIVE: DECEMBER 18, 2021 An Ordinance to amend parts of Chapter 89 (Cemeteries) of the Rutland Charter Township Code of Ordinances, also known as the Rutland Charter Township Cemetery Ordinance (originally adopted as Ordinance No. 2005-107, as amended by Ordinance 2016-158). THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTI.QN1 AMENDMENT, QF § 89-6..QE,T^ CODE OF ORDINANCES PERTAINING TQ MARKERS AND MONUMENTS IN CEMETE-RIES § 89-6 of the Rutland Charter Township Code, pertaining to the regulation of markers and monuments in cemeteries, is hereby amended to read as follows: 89-6. Markers and monuments, A. All markers and monuments, including benches used as or having the function of a mon­ ument or marker, shall be made of stone, bronze, or other equally durable composition. B. Only one monument shall be permitted per burial space. The Sexton may allow up to four memorial markers in conjunction with a monument, provided the markers shall be level with the ground so as to not impede the use of lawn maintenance equipment. C. The footing or foundation upon which any monument, marker, or memorial must be placed shall be 18 inches deep and four inches larger on all sides with a maximum width of 24 inches. The marker or monument shall not exceed the size of the burial space. Cost of the foundation is to be determined by contract with the Sexton and payable by the owner of the burial space. D. All markers and monuments must be set in a neat and orderly fashion in line with the row.” SECJIQN2 AMENDMENT QF ,§ 89-9 OF THE BUILANQ.^ CQP.E,QF. QBPINANCE3 PERTAINING TQ QRQLLNDJdAlNXENANCE IN.CEMETERIES § 89-9 of the Rutland Charter Township Code, pertaining to ground maintenance in cemeteries, is hereby amended to read as follows: “§,$9-9. Qrpynij gigint^ngngQ. A. No grading or leveling upon a burial space shall be allowed. B. No shrubs, trees, or vines shall be planted. No fences or curbs shall be erected. C. The Township Board or its designee reserves the right to remove or trim any tree or shrub already located within the cemetery in the interest of maintaining the proper appearance and use of the cemetery. D. Mounds, memorials, decorations, or benches that hinder the free use of a lawn mower or other gardening apparatus are prohibited. No site decoration shall be taller than the headstone unless it is a plant or flower planted in an urn. E. Urns, memorabilia, or decorations may be set in line with the headstone and shall be within the boundaries of each individual occupied gravesite. Urns that have become dete­ riorated may be removed by the Sexton. F. All refuse of any kind, including, but not limited to, dried flowers, wreaths, papers, and flower containers shall be removed or deposited in containers located within the cemetery. G. The Sexton shall have the right and authority to remove and dispose of any and all growth, emblems, displays, or containers that, through decay, deterioration, or damage, are unsightly, would become a source of litter, or a maintenance problem. HL All encroachments onto adjacent lots are the responsibility of the individual registered lot owners or their designated representatives. I. The Rutland Charter Township Board or its designees shall not be held liable for decora­ tions, memorabilia, trees, shrubs, or flowers and their containers left on or planted at any burial space. Anything left on or planted at the burial space shall be the sole responsibil­ ity of the lot owner or their survivors.” SEPTIQN3 SEVERABILITY The provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable, so that if any part is declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction such decision shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of the Ordinance, which shall continue in full force and effect. SECTIONS REPEAL QF All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after publication as may be required by law. This ordinance in its entirety has been posted in the office of the Township Clerk and on theTownship website (www.rutlandtownship.org). A copy of the ordinance may also be purchased by contacting the Township Clerk as indicated below during regular business hours of regular working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 The 2021 All-Barry County Boys' Cross Country Team. First team members are (front from left) Riley Schults, Lucas Van Meter, Ethan Rimmer, Reuben Solmes, Jonah Teed, Brandon Simmons and Hector Jimenez. Second team members are (back from left) Ryan Alford, Camden Reynolds, Matthew Smith, Micah Martin, Caden Ferris, Troy Acker and Isaac Shepard. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Panthers’ leaders on the cross country course when the schedules didn’t conflict. Jimenez ran to a seventh-place time of 18:54.3 at the Barry County Meet in what was his first cross country race in nearly two months. He opened trfe season with a top ten finish at the Berrien Springs Shamrock Invitational where he set a season-best time of 18:18.9. Ethan Rimmer, Delton Kellogg: The fast­ est freshman at the Barry County Meet, Rimmer ran to a third-place time of 18:29.4 to lead the DK boys’ team to a runner-up finish behind the Saxons. Rimmer broke the 19-minute mark for the first time at the SAC Championship in mid-October, placing 19th in the conference. He was under 19 the rest of the way, setting his PR at 18:06.3 at the Division 3 Regional in Allendale. Riley Shults, Hastings: The Barry County Meet Champion, the freshman Shults won the race at Maple Valley High School with a time of 17:47.3. He was fourth in the county as a freshman in 2020. Shults took the trip to MIS with his coach to check out the state finals in November with an eye on qualifying himself next fall. He placed 22nd at his team’s regional race in Portage with a time of 17:17.7 after setting a new personal record time of 16:46.5 at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship in a ninth-place finish last month. Brandon Simmons, Hastings: The sec­ ond fastest freshman at the Barry County Meet, Simmons placed sixth in 18:37.4. Simmons set his personal record at 17:47.6 at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship and followed that up with a 49th-place time of 18:28.6 at his team’s Division 2 Regional meet in Portage. Reuben Solmes, Hastings: Solmes closed his sophomore season by placing fourth at the Barry County Meet with a time of 18:32.1. Solmes opened the season by finishing a race in less than 20 minutes for the first time, and worked his way under 19 for the first time before August was up. He finished in less than 18 minutes for the first time at the 1-8 Championship in late October where he placed 19th with a time of 17:53.7. Jonah Teed, Hastings: Teed capped off his sophomore season by earning first team All-Barry County honors for the second time. He placed fifth at the Barry County Meet in 18:33.5. He ran a personal record time of 17:56.2 at 'he Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship in October, finishing in less than 18 minutes for the first time. Lucas Van Meter, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojan leader throughout his sophomore campaign, Van Meter earned All-Barry County honors for the second fall in a row. He was third in the county as a freshman and second as a sophomore with a time of 17:56.9 at the county meet. Van Meter placed 22nd in the OK Gold Conference last month with a time of 18:05.6 at the conference meet at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids. He ran to a 39th-place time of 7:57.1 at regionals. He set his personal record early in the season, placing eighth in a dual with the Division 1 state runners-up from Caledonia with time of 17:21.3. Hastings sophomore Riley Shults won the individual title at the 2021 Barry County Meet. (File photo) All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country Second Team Troy Acker, Lakewood: A late addition to the Lakewood varsity boys’ cross country team as a freshman, Acker only ran in three NOTICE: SEEKING APPLICATIONS 2 ° FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards: Parks and Recreation Commission: 2 positions Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rc* floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for: An Advisory Board or Commission and click to display the application. Applications must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. races all fall starting with the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship where he placed 21st in 19:47.1. Acker placed 59that regionals and then finished off the cross country season by plac­ ing1 1WT a?The "Barry “County Tvfeet with a personal record time of 19:23 .'57 , Ryan Alford, Lakewood: Injuries derailed Alford’s junior season a bit, but he bounced back to place eighth at the Barry County Meet in 18:55.2. His fastest race of the season was the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship where he got under 19 min­ utes for the first time this season with a 15th-place time of 18:49.7. Caden Ferris, Delton Kellogg: A former football player and current soccer player who signed his National Letter of Intent recently to join the Central Michigan University Wrestling program, Ferris placed 12th at the Barry County Meet with a 12th-place time of 19:20.3 which is a personal record for him. This was Ferris’ first cross country season. He finished in less than 20 minutes for the first time at the Portage Invitational Oct. 9 where he was 121st in the Division 3 boys’ race with a time of 19:28.3. , Micah Martin, Delton Kellogg: Martin cut half a minute off his personal record time from his sophomore season to his junior sea­ son. Martin dropped his PR to 18:26.7 in a 35th-place finish at the Division 3 Regional race in Allendale. . Martin placed 11th at the Barry County Meet in 19:16.9. He also finished in less than 19 minutes at the Cougar Falcon Invitational, at the Eagles’ Nest and at the Portage Invitational. . Camden Reynolds, Thornapple Kellogg: The fastest senior at the Barry County Meet,. Reynolds ran to a ninth-place time of 18:58.3 earning a medal at the county meet for the first time. , He set a personal record on a course that was quite likely a tad short at the second QK Gold Conference jamboree of the season, finishing 25th in the conference with a time of 17:44.0. His next best times were 18:22.1 at the OK Gold Conference Championship where he placed 28th and 18:19.3 at the 2021 Chargers Autumn Sunrise Invitational where he was 32nd. ... Isaac Shepard, Delton Kellogg: Shepard closed his junior season by running to a 14th-place time of 19:29.3 at the Barry County Meet. Shepard set his personal record time at 19:00.5 at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship in mid-Octobqr, placing 25th at the race. He was right on that, time at his team’s Division 3 Regional in Allendale where he placed 44th in 19:03.9. Matthew Smith, Thornapple Kellogg: Smith earned all-county honors for the sec­ ond time this fall placing tenth at the Barry County Meet with a time of 19:05.7. Smith worked his way up the OK Gold Conference pack all fall long. He was 42nd at the first conference jamboree of the season and 32nd at the last. He turned in a time of 18:32.5 at the conference championship at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids -.his best time of the season on a course the Trojans were sure was 5,000-meters long. ; �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 18, 2021 — Page 13 County’s fastest girls finish season at MIS Brett Bremer Sports Editor A trio of Thomapple Kellogg girls, fresh­ man Ava Crews, senior Jessica Durkee and junior Emelia MacDonald concluded their 2021 fall season running in the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Championship the first Saturday in November. All three girls earned spots on this fall’s All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country First Team, along with two other teammates. TK had three other girls earn spots on the all-county second team while winning the title as Barry County’s top team once again. It was a season where area girls had to work to be at their best, and managed to get there by the end of the season for the most part. The TK girls finished in the middle of the always tough OK Gold Conference. Delton Kellogg’s girls had one of their best Southwestern Athletic Conference fin­ ishes ever. Lakewood worked to move up in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference while a pair of Maple Valley runners did their best to improve in the GLAC pack. Hastings started out the year shy of being able to score team points, like the Lions, but managed to build its numbers a bit to com­ pete for team scores at regionals and the county meet as the season wound down. In between regionals and the state finals, the Barry County Meet was hosted by Maple Valley High School Nov. 1. The top 14 runners at the race earned all-county honors, with the first seven across the finish line being named to the all-county first team and the next seven in to the all-county second team. Here are the 2021 All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country honorees. All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country First Team Aubrey Aukerman, Delton Kellogg: The. Delton Kellogg senior ran the fastest race of her life trying to earn a spot in the MHSAA Division 3 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals. She was just shy of earning a state spot, placing 21st at the regional in Allendale with a time of 21:09.0. Aukerman was 11^ at the SAC Championship this fall with a time of 21:15.3. She closed out her senior by plac­ ing third at the Barry County Meet with a time of 21:16.8. Ava Crews, Thomapple Kellogg: A run­ ner-up three times at meets early in the sea­ son, the Trojan freshman took her first varsity victory by winning the Barry County Meet with a time of 20:27.6. Crews capped off her year by running in the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn where she placed 34^ in 19:26.2. She set her PR at the Portage Invitational where she hit the finish line in 19:22.4. Jessica Durkee, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojan senior finished off her final high school cross country season by placing 149**1 at the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals. She ran to a time of 20: 55.0 in what was her third finals perfor­ mance. Durkee was the runner-up at the Barry County Meet with a time of 21:08.2. Her fastest time of the season was a 20:17.9 she ran on a possibly short course at Kenowa Hills mid-season, but she was right on that time at the Otsego Bulldog Invitational a few days later earning a mark of 20:19.5. Emelia MacDonald, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojan junior battled through all kinds of injuries to earn a second consec­ utive trip to the MHSAA Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals at the end of the season. MacDonald placed 138^ at the finals with a time of 20:49.2. She placed fifth at the Barry County Meet in 22:05.4, days after giving her all at her team’s regional in Portage to qualify for the state finals. Durkee placed 15th at regionals in 20:43.6. Halena Phillips, Delton Kellogg: Phillips finished off an outstanding four varsity sea­ sons at Delton Kellogg by placing seventh at the Barry County Meet with a time of 22:15.5. Phillips placed 16^ with a time of 21: 44.5 at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship in mid-October, earning the best time of her senior season. She had top ten finishes at Thomapple Kellogg’s Coach B Invitational and at the Berrien Springs Shamrock Invitational early in the season. Lucy VanDemark, Thornapple Kellogg: Injuries forced a late start to her junior sea­ son, but VanDemark built to a solid finish. She placed sixth at the Barry County Meet running a season-best time of 22:08.0. Her previous best time of the season as a 22: 19.9 she ran at the OK Gold Conference Championship in mid-October which put her in 35th-place in the conference. The 2021 All-Barry County Girls1 Cross Country Team. First team members are (fro it from left) Ava Crews, Jessica Durkee, Aubrey Aukerman, Holly Velting, Emelia MacDonald, Lucy VanDemark and Halena Phillips. Second team members are (back from left) Carissa Strouse, Lindsey Velting, Lydia Schilthroat, Lilly Faurot, Reagan Lab, Kendall Snyder and Melanie Monroe. Holly Velting, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojan sophomore Velting ran a season-best time of 21:08.5 at the 2021 Chargers Autumn Sunrise Invitational in late September and was right around that pace throughout the remainder of the fall season. She ran to a fourth-place finish at the Barry County Meet with a time of 21:30.9. That was on the heels of a 25th-place finish at the OK Gold Conference Championship and a 34th-place finish at the Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage the final weekend of October. the second and then ran to a season-best time of 21:58.4 to place eighth at the GLAC Championship at Turkeyville in late October. Lab placed 12^ at the Barry County Meet in 22:43.5. Her top placing of the season came at the Vikings’ .Lakewood Invitational Sept. 18 where she was sixth. Melanie Monroe, Delton Kellogg: A senior, Monroe shaved more than five min­ utes off her first time of the season by the end of the year, her first with the DK varsity girls’ cross country team. She set her PR at 23:06.5 at the Barry County Meet where she placed 14^. All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country Second Team Lilly Faurot, Maple Valley: Fighting some injuries throughout the fall, Faurot ulti­ mately came up just short of earning a return trip to the MHSAA Division 3 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals, but it was still an outstanding sophomore season. Faurot placed ninth at each of the first two Greater Lansing Activities Conference jambo­ rees of the season and then broke through for a sixth-place finish at the GLAC Championship in late October. She ran a season-best time of 21:30.4 on the GLAC Championship course at Turkeyville. Faurot placed ll^1 at the Barry Monroe broke that 24-minute mark for the first time at the Kalamazoo Christian Comet Invitational Oct. 23 and bumped her time down to 23:38.4 in a 46th-place finish at the Division 3 Regional Meet in Allendale Oct. 30. Lydia Schilthroat, Thornapple Kellogg: Another Trojan who was at her best as the season came to an end, Schilthroat placed 170977 County Meet in 22:39.0. Reagan Lab, Lakewood: The Lakewood leader throughout her junior call, Lab was 11 at the first Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamboree of the season, tenth at Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 ____ _ . 171608 Position Opening The Barry County Administrator is accepting appli­ cations for a full time Payroll and Human Resources Specialist to perform all duties for payroll and taxes, including filing related records, and handling report­ ing and compliance functions. Duties also include various human resources tasks including employ­ ee benefit enrollments, and processing claims for WC, FMLA leave, and disability. Prefer PHR and/ or SHRM-CP Certification, and MIOSHA Level One Certificate. The base pay rate is $22.31 per hour. Please send a cover letter, resume and completed job application form to: Michael Brown, County Ad­ ministrator, Barry County Administration, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. An application and job description is available at www.barrycounty. org, or by contacting Barry County Administration, 269-945-1284, mbrown@barrycounty.org. Deadline for applying: Open until filled. Saxon leaders throughout her senior season, Strouse placed eighth at the Barry County Meet with a time of 22:27.7. One of her best races of the season was the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree the Saxons’ Championship and followed that up by taking a couple more ticks off for a time of 22:49^2.. ghosted rat Charlton Park -where sheplaced 13th in 22:32.2. and a 59th-place finish at her team’s Division Strouse was 22n^ at the 1-8 Championship 2 Regional race. tenth at the Barry County Meet with a time of 22:33.8. Schilthroat turned in a time of 22:56.77 to place 39^ at the OK Gold Conference Kendall Snyder, Thornapple Kellogg: Snyder ran the best race of her senior season to score a medal at the Barry County Meet Nov. 1, placing 13^ with a time of 22:58.2. It was her second time finishing in less than 23 minutes this fall. One of the county’s top runners, but not quite at the front of the TK pack, Snyder ran to a tenth-place finish in the JV race at the OK Gold Conference Meet in mid-October. Her top finish at a conference meet was 44^ at the race hosted by Cedar Springs in early September. Carissa Strouse, Hastings: One of the in late October and ran to a 53rd-place finish at her team’s Division 2 Regional in Portage. Lindsey Velting, Thornapple Kellogg: Velting capped off her junior campaign with the Trojans by running a ninth-place time of 22:33.5 at the Barry County Meet at the end of the season. Velting ran a season-best time of 22:00.4 at the OK Gold Conference jamboree hosted by Kenowa Hills and was at least as fast on a more properly measured course at the Division 2 regional in Portage where she placed 50^ with a time of 22:23.8 at the end of the season. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL MERLAU AVENUE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN T|HE MERLAU AVENUE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING . Thornapple Kellogg freshman Ava Crews ran to a championship at the 2021 Barry County Meet. (File photo) PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public e Kamination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the MERLAU AVENUE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021- 1 benefitted by the proposed road improvement project, which project will include paving of the road, along with associated activities such as, but not limited to, grading and drainage work. The costs of the project are as shown on the estima- :e of costs on file with the Township Clerk. The assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, as is more particularly shown on plans on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. The assessment roll is in the total amount of $33 218.06. The costs, including administrative costs, are proposed to be raised by a new special assessment. The assessment! against each parcel in the special assessment district will be approximately $313.40 per year, for a period of four years, 2022 - 2025 inclusive. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that here are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessing Officer have reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said District is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said Dist let as the benefit to such parcel bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Prairieville Township Board will meet at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll and hearing any objections thereto. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTF ER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant, The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file 3 written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days' notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 �Page 14— Thursday, November 18, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Reworked rotations get Vikings to semis Brett Bremer Sports Editor , Lakewood junior Bailey Fifelski, typically a reserve for the Viking varsity volleyball team, was halfway through her school day Tuesday when head coach Cameron Rowland pulled her away from her online world histo­ ry class momentarily. He told her she’d be filling a role as an outside hitter in the MHSAA Division 2 State Quarterfinals later that evening. “I was sweating all day,” Fifelski said with a bit of a sincere smile. Junior Paige Wolverton was in A.P. Lang when coach Rowland got to her to tell her she had to be ready to expand her role from being a service specialist to playing right back in the quarterfinal. That move also meant that junior middle Ellie Possehn wouldn’t have Wolverton taking her place at the service line each rotation. “I kind of had that going through my head all day to get ready for that,” Wolverton said. “It was nothing I couldn’t overcome. I knew I was able to do it, but it was definitely some­ thing that I needed to prepare myself for.” While Fifelski said the nerves never really dissipated, even once it was time to square off with Onsted in the state quarterfinal at Williamston High School, Wolverton was ready to go when the Vikings finally got to step on the court. “I was good. I felt confident in myself and 1 knew that everyone around me knew I could do it and I just needed to think the same thing about myself,” Wovlerton said. It was warm-ups when freshman setter Abby Pickard was certain she was ready for her new role. The Vikings had to switch things up from a 6-2 offense to a 5-1, mean­ ing Pickard would be the only setter on the court for the Lakewood varsity volleyball team for the first time. Pickard got that news from junior team­ mate Alivia Everitt, who shared it with her while she was working on a bulletin board at the high school. “She looked at me surprised and said, ‘yeah, okay. Thanks for letting me know,”’ Everitt said. “I have not done that this season,” Pickard said. “This could be interesting. I was a little nervous all throughout the day and then during warm-ups I noticed I was doing really well and I was like well if I play like this I’ll be fine and then I brought it into the game.” All the Vikings who took the court Tuesday brought it as the Lakewood girls scored a 25-23, 25-8, 25-18 win over Onsted to earn a spotria the MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinals. jvhich^will .be . held. Friday aL Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. The Vikings, ranked third in the state in Division 2, will take on No. 5 North Branch in their Division 2 semifinal match beginning at 6:30 p.m. “I’m ready for it. We all are,’’Fifelski said. This will be the sixth consecutive season the Vikings have reached Kellogg Arena, home of the final two rounds of the state tournament, and the eighth time in the past ten seasons. Top ranked Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and the two-time defending Division 2 State Champions from Grand Rapids Christian, ranked second in the state, will meet in the other Division 2 Semifinal Friday at 4:30 p.m. The Viking team that took the court Tuesday and the one that will take the court Friday look a bit different than the one that earned that No. 2 ranking in the regular sea­ son. The Vikings will be without junior all­ state setter/outside hitter Skylar Bump and senior outside hitter Kenzie Wells for the rest of the state tournament. They do hope to wel­ come back senior outside hitter Zayda Kruger, who has been out since the Vikings’ district championship victory, back to the floor for the state semifinal. The Vikings’ first real adversity of the state tournament came from within having them out, but the team still has yet to drop a single set in the postseason. Fifelski and Wolverton were on the court more Tuesday than they have ever been before for the Vikings. Wolverton said she hasn’t played that much in a match since club ball last spring. Pickard said the last time she ran a 5-1 was at Nationals with her Far Out club team last June. “As soon as I got word, I knew exactly what our line-up was going to look like,” Rowland said of the changes with a couple regulars out. “Bailey, she had to be Onsted all week [in practice] on the outside. She has been doing that kind of thing all year. One of the reasons that we have been able to pick teams apart so well in the postseason is because our other side of the net is so strong. I think you saw that. “Paige’s role was much bigger tonight. She did a great job. Abby had to run a 5-1. She did a great job. Bailey’s role got much bigger and she was phenomenal out there. She took some swings that I have never seen from her. That ball she hit to zone 4 from left front was really, really nice. I think this group is a group of volleyball players. They have done it before. “Like I said to one of our parents last week, I wanted the gym to be as loud as possible last Thursday [at the regional final], because I know Lakewood kids grow up expecting to play in those types of environments and I knew if that happened that teams couldn’t keep up. I think that has been huge for us. Our student-section is as good as it has ever been. I think that has helped us so much too, because there is an environment that Lakewood kids expect to have to play in so they’re unphased by the moment whether their role got so much bigger today or they have been out there the whole time all year. To have that and to have this program and this culture, kids just step up when something happens and it has been great.” There were moments where nothing was different, like when Onsted was surging a bit late in the third set. The Wildcats cut a sev­ en-point Lakewood, lead down to Tour, until a perfect serve receive from sophomore all­ state libero Carley Piercefield went up to Pickard, and Pickard’s set went to senior all­ state outside hitter Maradith O’Gorman on the left side where she swung for a kill that put their team up 20-15. They won points in ways uncommon for them this season. A Fifelski kill moved the Viking lead to 20-18, prompting an Onsted timeout, and the Vikings returned to the court to get an ace from Possehn. Wolverton and Rowland both said they were very impressed with what they saw from Possehn at the ser­ vice line. Defense has been they foundation of the Lakewood team this fall, and it will need to continue to be. To beat another team ranked in the top five in the state the Vikings will have to win a lot more points like the one that got them to 24-18 late in that first set Tuesday. The point started with Fifelski tak­ ing a swing at the left pin only to have the ball blocked back at her. She managed to recover from her attack to keep the point alive. Senior middle Tori Wickerink reacted just in time with her back to the net to put up a second ball after a dig by Pickard later in the rally. O’Gorman came diving forward once to keep the ball off the floor. Eventually, it was Everitt slamming down an overpass by the Wildcats that clinched it. It was one of five kills for Everitt, who also had a block and two digs. O’Gorman, who signed her National Letter of Intent to play at Michigan State University last Friday, had a match-high 17 kills and 21 digs to go with two blocks and three aces. Even with three all-state seasons already completed and a fourth drawing to a close, few times has O’Gorman drilled the ball like she did on few kills early in the third set. She had back-to-back kills from the left that ended a 5-0 run by the Wildcats that had tied that set at 5-5. Another rocket from the right side put the Vikings up 13-7 not long after. Onsted seniors Rayne Ross and Ruby Foster both had to take a brief extra moment after getting a piece of one of those late swings by O’Gorman, or rather after a piece of one of those late swings by O’Gorman had gotten them. “I think we knew they had six seniors that play all the way around and they weren’t going to let anything go,” Rowland said of the Onsted Wildcats. “They were going to fight as hard as they could. It is their coach’s [Rhonda Hubbard] last season. She had known that all year I think and we knew that they were going to play hard down the stretch and they did. You could tell that it mattered to them. They went after things and stayed aggressive all night. “So far, when that has happened we have been able to match our level.” Abby Pickard put up 27 assists in the match to go with four digs, three kills and two blocks. Fifelski finished with four kills and two digs. Wolverton had three digs. Possehn had two aces to go with three kills and a block. Wickerink had two kills, a block and two digs. Alli Pickard had another strong service night with three aces to go with five digs. Piercefield had 16 digs and two aces. Lakewood junior outside hitter Bailey Fifelski looks to her teammates and the Vikingr* bench as the celebration for another return trip to Kellogg Arena begins on the court at Williamston High School Tuesday. The Vikings swept Onsted in three sets in then MHSAA Division 2 State Quarterfinal in Williamston to earn a spot against North? Branch in the Division 2 State Semifinal that will be played Friday at 6:30 p.m. insidex Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. (Photo by Brett Bremer) rj Lakewood senior Maradith O'Gorman signs her National Letter of Intent to join the Michigan State University Women's Volleyball program Friday at Lakewood High School surrounded by teammates and friends. She first committed to the Spartans as an eighth* grader. O'Gorman will join her sister, Michigan State freshman Aubrey O’Gorman, on the Spartan roster. (Photo by Brett Bremer)/ Lakewood senior Maradith O’Gorman hits an attack during her team's district victo­ ry at Hastings High School earlier this month. O'Gorman, one of 11 Miss Volleyball Finalists in the state of Michigan this fall, signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Michigan State Women's Volleyball program next season Friday. (File photo) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Volleyball seasons with sisters Maradith O’Gorman and Aubrey O’Gorman playing on different teams have been few and far between over the past half dozen years. The sisters will be back together next fall with the Michigan State University Women’s Volleyball program after Maradith, a Lakewood High School senior, signed her National Letter of Intent to join Aubrey, a freshman at Michigan State, in front of the Lakewood High School gymnasium Friday. “I committed in eighth grade,” Maradith said. She said she has always hoped to play col­ legiately with her sister. They started playing together on a local club team when Maradith was a third grader, and moved onto the Far Out Club at the 13’s level a couple years before Maradith turned 13. The duo played three seasons together on the Lakewood varsity volleyball team, reach­ ing the MHSAA Division 2 State Final together twice. As the only O’Gorman on the Lakewood varsity this fall, Maradith is likely to earn all­ state honors for the fourth time. She was recently nominated as one of the 11 finalists for Miss Volleyball in the state of Michigan and the Vikings are once again eyeing a state championship. Lakewood will take on North Branch Friday in the Division 2 State Semifinals at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. Aubrey said it has been a bit of a humbling experience with the Spartans this fall after watching her sister lead the Vikings to a regional championship last week. Maradith shouldn’t be too surprised by the competition she finds in the Big Ten. “You just have to work hard throughout all of practice and work for your spot,” Maradith said of what she has heard from her big sister about the experience. “Obviously, everybody is good at the college level and nothing is just handed to you when you get there. School­ wise, she loves school. She loves being on Michigan State’s campus.” “I think that being in an environment with athletes that can match her athleticism is going to challenge her even more than she has been challenged before,” Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said. “I think she’ll thrive in that environment because she is so competitive. I think she will figure out ways to be successful there. “I think her ability to handle the ball first contact skills, is maybe what gets her on the court before her offensive skills even. Ter have an athlete like that that can handle the : ball and do some other offensive things is nori super common. I think that night be her? wheelhouse and then kind of figuring out? how to score at the Big Ten level because it is‘ a different level.” J Maradith boosted her ball-handling abilities?! as a freshman when the Lakewood varsity: volleyball team needed her to set. Traditionally: a right side hitter, Maradith is moving into a role as an outside/right side this season and? plans to play the same spots as a Spartan. When volleyball season finishes up;L Maradith will begin her third varsity basket­ ball season at Lakewood. It was a sport she gave up once she started getting into club" volleyball, but was happy to get back at it asL a sophomore even if volleyball takes up all the time in the offseason. “Definitely a trophy,” is what Maradith? said she is looking for from her final week of> high school volleyball. “The Finals trophy. I< would like one of those. But I mean, this team this year has been super special to me>c and so being with them for the last week of playing and being at practice and surround-’ ing myself witl|hem. This last week is goings to be super nice.” v �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 18, 2021 — Page 15 No-fault reform continues i pact on families Finance Report analyzed donations made to Michigan lawmakers over a five-year period from auto insurance interest groups on both sides of the debate. It found that the Michigan Legislature had received about $2.71 million from political action committees or organizations in favor of the auto insurance reform, with multiple members, such as state Reps. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, and Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, and state Sens. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo, and Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, receiving more than $100,000. State Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, who chairs the Insurance and Banking Committee that oversees any changes to the current no-fault legislation, took nearly $80,000. “From my perspective, the insurance industry of Michigan is so powerful that it really has a great influence on both political parties,” Sinas said. “From what I can tell, there was much more of an interest in appeasing the insurance industry on both political parties than actually protecting people.” *** Benjamin Simon Staff Writer On their last day at the home together, Teresa and Troy Hughes sat under the gazebo for 2 hours. They basked in the 64degree weather and listened to country Western music. Troy smiled and danced in Ms wheel-chair, lifting his arm and up down to the beat of the music. But it couldn’t distract from the inevita­ ble: Troy was being forced to leave his home at Spectrum Neuro Rehabilitation, where he has lived for the past 13 years. When Teresa asked Troy if he felt sad, he blinked twice, meaning yes. But he would not cry. Not in front of his mom. “We need to stay badass till God says so,” he wrote to her. They told him he could bring 10 outfits afid a few pictures to his new home at Spectrum Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Teresa had to take everything else to her home in Middleville - his blankets, his radio, his CDs, his pin-up board, his Michigan State gear, his flowers from his father’s funeral. And along with 30 other people, Troy said goodbye to his room on Nov. 10. The adult foster care facility, as they call if, closed last week as a result of reforms to the state’s no-fault auto insurance law. The changes cut reimbursement rates for Medicare patients by 55 percent. That change meant companies like Spectrum Health would not receive full payment for taking care of Troy and other people like him who have been catastrophically injured in auto accidents. Before the reforms went into effect July 1, people who were injured in auto accidents received full coverage from insurance agen­ cies. They received everything they needed for their care - from caregivers to wheel­ chairs to therapy. Fourteen years ago, Troy was injured in a motorcycle accident that left him in need of 24/7 attention. He cannot walk or swallow afid, although he can write, he cannot speak. His story was highlighted in a Oct. 14 edi­ tion of The Banner as he prepared to move from the rehabilitation home to a nursing home. ; Now Troy has been in the nursing home for seven days, but Teresa hasn’t given up. She has spent her weekends sending emails and mailing packets of information to every lawmaker in the state. It has come to little avail. Sen. Gaty Peters, a Democrat who lives in Oakland try tried, year after year, to reform the no-fault auto insurance law. And every year it failed, with little traction and little hope, said Sinas Dramis Law Firm personal injury attorney Steve Sinas. “It failed in a really kind of embarrassing fashion to the insurance industry,” he said. That changed in 2019. When Whitmer took office, the Republican party made it no secret that auto insurance reform was their No. 1 priority, Sinas said. They brought in experts like Sinas to learn more about the topic, but there was no movement on the issue. Then, one day in early May, there was a bill. At 2 a.m., the no-fault auto insurance bill passed through the House without a public hearing, Sinas said. A few weeks later, the Senate passed its own bill, again, without a public hearing. And a few weeks after that, both the House and the Senate passed a col­ lective, finalized bill that cemented the changes to the no-fault auto insurance law. Sinas was at the state Capitol the day they passed the law. He called it a “chaotic scene” with citizens cramming together and yelling. “Where’s the bill?” they asked. The elevator doors opened and a stack of the 120-page bills rolled out on a cart. No one had time to read the bill before it was passed. “Everyone’s trying to read this bill and, from what I remember, within about an hour after that cart came off the elevator, the vote was being called,” he said. The Legislature didn’t hold a public hear­ ing. The bill was passed and, in one day, the no-fault auto-insurance industry changed for good. “This is why people get screwed over when governments pass laws that they don’t even understand without time for public comment,” he said. “And then the political parties convince everybody just to say yes, just because they think it’s in their best polit­ ical interest to do so.” The bill surprised Sinas. It counters the philosophy of both parties, he said. “It’s certainly not in the Democratic Party’s interest to support the bill that goes against the care needs of people,” he said. “And it’s also not in the Republicans’ inter­ est to pass a bill that caps the number of medical providers that can be paid and implements government regulation of health care. “So both political parties have totally con­ tradicted their own principles in passing this Two days after he moved to the nursing home, Teresa visited Troy in his new room. Unable to visit him inside, she walked around the building, around the generator and onto the grass. She kept walking until she found the window with the initials “TH.” where she saw Troy propped up in his chair. “Just sitting there in the dark,” she said. “No lights, no TV. Just sitting there. Sad, you know what I’m saying?” Teresa stood on a grate and yelled through the window as snow fell on her. She told Troy about his brother’s hunting trip up North and his sister-in-law’s recent positive COVID test. From across the room, Troy blinked to let her know he was listening. It’s the isolation of the nursing home that most scares Teresa. In the neuro rehab homes, her son was surrounded by people. He had a roommate. Caregivers came to check on him and hang out. Teresa could visit and take him to the gazebo outside the neuro rehab home. And if he didn’t want to be in his room, someone could wheel him out to the common area, where he would be surrounded by his friends. In the nursing home, Teresa said, he doesn’t share a room with anyone. He can’t go outside due to COVID restrictions and his window doesn’t open. The nursing home has significantly fewer staffers and he can­ not receive the same level of attention. facilities the size of Spectrum Health Neuro Rehabilitation, and the countless other simi- of excuses why it’s not the time,” he said. “There’s too much power within both parties frSm Grand Rapids, sent her advertisements in response. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sent an auto-reply email. Her state representative, Julie Calley, R-Portland, has called Teresa twice. She spoke with Spectrum about get­ ting Troy back in his room and offered to help her find a better situation. * But no matter how many emails Teresa has sent, no matter how many personal phone calls she has received, nothing has changed. “I just, I don’t understand why it’s so easy to take it away, but nobody can make it the other way - nobody can fix it,” she said. *** themselves that they did something good.” Lawmakers across the aisle praised the bill as a success; they intended to lower some of the highest auto insurance rates in the county and allow people the choice to pick their own coverage. Before the legisla­ tion, everyone received full, lifetime cover­ age - regardless of preference. But, to Sinas, the law represents the insurance industry’s hold over Michigan legislators. Since the reform passed in 2019, the con­ nection between the insurance industry and the Michigan state Legislature has been documented. A May 2019 report by Michigan Campaign she could call his caregivers on their cell phones whenever she wanted. They would tell her when he had a urinaiy tract infection and when he was acting grumpy. But when Teresa has tried to call the nurs­ ing station at the nursing home, no one picks up. She can only go on a window visit. Even so, “there’s nobody to talk to about how he’s doing, what’s going on with him?” she said. In response to the reforms, lawmakers said, they set aside $25 million to support people like Troy. Some had assumed they would be grandfathered into the system. And, while those funds have helped those who are receiving at-home care, those funds don’t cover the cost of care provided by Continuing Care at Spectrum Health Karen Pakkala said in a Oct. 13 interview with The Banner. “Even $25 million, it seems an extraordi­ nary amount of money, it isn’t going to sus­ tain the program work in perpetuity,” Pakkala said. “We want a long-term solution for patients. That might be a Band-Aid for a bit of time for some providers. It might help us over the next few months. But it’s not going to sustain the program forever.” Even as providers go out of business and people lose their care, Sinas said he doesn’t foresee any changes to the no-fault auto insurance reform. “They’re going to come up with all kinds want to do anything to acknowledge they’ve done anything wrong. “...I don’t have any hope that there’s going to be a good-faith attempt by either political party to change any of the fundamental unfairness.” Sinas said he has taken matters into his own hands: He is leading a court case that challenges the legality of the reform. The case currently sits in the Michigan Court of Appeals, but it will take a year or two before a final ruling. In the meantime, Troy Hughes sits in the nursing home, sequestered in a room with 10 outfits, a few pictures and a window that can’t open. For nearly a decade, the insurance indus­ On Nov. 10, Troy Hughes was moved out of this room at Homewards North at the wpectrum Neuro Rehabilitation Services Residential Program, where he had lived for 13 years. The adult foster care facility closed last week as a result of reforms to the state’s no-fault auto insurance law. (File photo) Providing Exceptional Care in Rural Spaces Spectrum Health Pennock adds providers f Spectrum Health > This week we celebrate the power of rural. National Rural Health Day is Thursday, November 18 - a day set aside to recognize the quality of life we enjoy in small towns across America and the unique health care needs in rural spaces. These are great places to live, work and raise families; where health professionals develop relationships with their patients and care is more personalized. Spectrum Health Pennock has added more than 30 new health care providers over the past two years to meet the needs of our community. “It is the season of Thanksgiving and as I reflect on some things I am most grateful for, I am thankful for the amazingly skilled med­ ical providers that we have gained at Spectrum Health Pennock over the past 12 to 24 months,” said Angie Ditmar, president of Pennock. “It has been so exciting to watch the positive growth and commitment to the health care needs of our community as we continue to strive to improve health, inspire hope and save lives.” Douglas Smendik, M.D., family practice division chief and longtime Pennock family medicine physician, said recruiting additional providers translates to increased care options. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in provid­ ers,” Dr. Smendik said. “Spectrum Health has brought a lot of visibility to our community, and that has helped us improve our recruitment-and ultimately-the quality of care.” Dr. Smendik called out Carl Baker, M.D., as a nice addition to the family medicine care team who has a passion for working with patients of all ages including pediatrics. “He’s done a very good job,” Dr. Smendik said. Pennock also recently opened a surgical optimization center led by certified nurse practitioner Jill Boynton and a newborn ser­ vices office with Lana Gagin, M.D. The sur­ gery optimization center prepares patients and their surgical care team before surgery to improve patient safety and surgical outcomes. It can also minimize risk of postoperative complications, decrease length of stay in the hospital, reduce unplanned re-admissions, reduce the total cost of care and enhance overall health and the surgical experience. Derek Axibal, M.D., is a new orthopedic provider at Pennock Orthopedic & Pain Center who specializes in sports medicine. Dr. Axibal was featured in a Spectrum Health HealthBeat story this week, which you can read at spectrumhealthbeat.org. These are a just a few of the more than 30 new providers that we welcome to Pennock. See entire list on facing page. There are 10 practices in Spectrum Health’s southeast region, most in small towns such as Middleville, Ionia, Lake Odessa, Ada - and, of course, Hastings. Providing care in rural communities is special. We know the power of rural is real. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our com­ munities rallied in supporting our health care workers like never before. We see it when elementary school students send cards of encouragement to our front­ line staff. We feel it when businesses and organiza­ tions coordinate parades and concerts and drop off food to thank and encourage tired team members. You lift our spirits and strengthen our resolve with each act of kindness. Thank you! During Rural Health Day, we celebrate this community-minded spirit that prevails in small towns across rural America. An esti­ mated 57 million people - about 1 in 5 Americans - call rural towns and farming communities home. These are places where community stake­ holders come together to support the com­ mon good. About 4,500 rural health clinics and 1,300 critical access hospitals provide people living in rural areas access to health care across the country. We value our relationship with area non-profits, civic organizations, public health officials, first responders, elected officials and all who support us in providing care to our regional community. We couldn’t do it without you. Sincerely, we wouldn’t want to - because working together gives us all ownership in protecting our rural way of life and caring for one another. It’s the power of rural. We welcome all new Pennock providers, and we encourage you to contact us for your family’s health care needs. Wednesday, December 8, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Highpoint Community Bank is partnering with Preferred Financial Partners who will present Breaking Down Life's Financial Puzzle. Information covered will include methods to: • Take care of your family and business after you are gone • Cover medical and living expenses if you should become ill Plan for retirement if assets should run out This free seminar will take place in the community room of the Hastings branch, 150 West Court Street, Hastings. Please reserve a seat by calling 269.948.5579. Refreshments will be served. Insurance is: Not a deposit. Not FDIC insured. Not insured by any federal government agency. Not guaranteed by the bank. May go down in value. TC123827(1121)1 highpoint £ « i» highpointcommunitybank.com | 1-888-422-2280 �Page 16 — Thursday, November 18, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Welcome new providers Carl Baker, MD Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Ionia Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Lake Odessa Maren McCarthy, MPH, MS, PA-C Brianna Eisaman, DO Courtney Ferch, MD Lindsay Mohrhardt, DO Jason Puckett, MD Andrew Shreiner, MD Sandeep Walia, MD Alexandra Hutchinson, CRNA Jason Riley, CRNA Jeffrey Yaffey, CRNA L. Katie Bevins, AGACNP^C Grant Heide, FNP Chelsey Pinto, PA-C Emergency Care Specialists Spectrum Health Pennock Specialty Clinic - ENT Spectrum Health Pennock Emergency Department Jennifer Mervau, DO Matthew Slotman, NP Carrie Wood, FNP Spectrum Health Medical Group Newborn Services - j Spectrum Health Pennock Hospi^lisf Prcgtgm--------- Christopher Port, MD Justin Dueweke, MD John Throop, MD, MBA, FACEP Alifa Mohamed, MD Vakar Khan, MD Spectrum Medical Group Gastroenterology Spectrum Health Pennock Surgery Peoter _ ' Spectrum Health Pennock Family, internal & Pediatric Medicine - Hastings Anthony Howard, DO Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedics & Pain Center Derek Axibal, MD Stephen Duquette, MD Michael Distler, MD Nicole Block, FNP Kelsey Satkowiak, MD Lana Gagin, MD, MPH, FAAP Spectrum Health Pennock Surgical Optimization Center Jill Boynton, ABACNP Find your provider and schedule an appointment at findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org, on the Spectrum Health app, or by scanning the QR code. • ■ . . . . . . https://scnv.io/VqmM?qr=1 ' ;i> Spectrum Health W*’ Pennock •G 40 n � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-11-25.pdf ddd27475bfb2f3317b263bc43ed8c611 PDF Text Text ' ■ ■ ' ' ■ ' Hastings budget brighter, thanks to enrollment See Story on Page 3 804879110187 The Hastings Thursday, November 25, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 46 PRICE $1.00 Area CO VID rate NEWS hits a new high BRIEFS ARPA funds forum next Tuesday A public forum is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, at the Hastings Performing Arts Center at Hastings High School, 520 W. South Street, to discuss the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds. The public is encour­ aged to attend. During the forum, members of Barry County’s ARPA Task Force will offer a presentation on projects pro­ posed by local muncipalities and the ranking each of the projects received according to federal guidelines as to how those funds may be spent. Projects under consideration are: Barry Township request for the building of a water tower; village of Freeport request for a water tower rehabilitation and a water main loop­ ing project; a county 911 request for an 800 MHZ tower for emergency services communication; requests for Cloverdale and Watson drain proj­ ects; Barry County Parks and Recreation request for Paul Henry Trlil paving; request for Activate Barry County funding to assist with the development of a Community Food Center; Barry County Road Commission, Charlton Park and Barry County requests for revenue replacement as a result of the pan­ demic, Starting Over for Success program request for employment transportation, and Algonquin Lake Association request for a sewer and broadband feasibility study. Celebrate new mural Thursday South Jefferson Street in downtown Hastings will be closed from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, to cele­ brate the completion of the Union Block Project mural on the former Second Hand Comers building. Under the direction of the Thomapple Arts Council, artist J. Maizlish Mole has been working on the three-story tall black-and-white painting of the United States since Sept. 14. During Monday’s City Council meeting, Thornapple Arts Council Executive Director Megan Lavell said people who attend the event can expect music, lights and refreshments. Taylor Owens Staff Writer Barry County currently has the highest rate of CO VID-19 of any time since the pandemic started in March 2020, according to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. “COVID-19 is dramatically increasing in our area right now,” the report stated. “Michigan has the highest rate of CO VID-19 cases in the United States; at 509 weekly new cases per 100,000 [people]. “Barry and Eaton counties are even higher, at 689 cases in the past seven days per 100,000 (Barry) and 661 cases in the past seven days per 100,000 (Eaton). These are the highest rates at any time in the pandemic. This is a total of 424 new cases per week in Barry County, and 729 new cases per week in Eaton County.” BEDHD employee Anne Barna, who pre­ sented the report to the Barry-Eaton Board of Health last Thursday, said the region is on the path to a worse winter for COVID-19 cases than last year. “That level of cases becomes difficult to respond to because our capacity is just not build for that,” Barna said. The department reported 404 active cases in Barry County on Tuesday, and five addi­ tional deaths since last week. A total of 100 deaths due to CO VID-19 have been reported since the pandemic began in March of 2020. - Health department employees can only conduct contact tracing for about 20 percent of the cases that are reported, while the rest are sent to an automated system. BEDHD is prioritizing cases in nursing homes and among children under 18, but even that is a challenge. “We are getting so many reports of cases in schools that we struggle to respond to all of them in a timely way, delaying the response to schools and families,” the report said. “We also have delay in processing reports of hospitalizations and deaths, leading to under-reporting of recent hospitalization and deaths,” it added. “Not only is the health department strug­ gling to respond to these cases, but also our healthcare system as well,” Barna told the board. According to the State of Michigan, Spectrum Health Pennock has eight COVID19 cases in its hospital, including two in the intensive care unit. Barry County Commissioner Jon Smelker asked Barna if the recent rise in hospitaliza­ tions was due to hospitals changing their cri­ teria for admitting COVID patients so the hospitals could make more money. Barna pointed out that hospitals make money from elective procedures, while trau­ ma cases and patients with infections do not have high-profit margins. She said the rise in hospitalizations is actually preventing hospi­ tals from performing more profitable, elec­ tive procedures. It is crucial for Barry County residents to get vaccinated, sh-,’-d, since the majority of COVID cases m ffii/county are"illiVacci-* nated. “Vaccination rates remain too low at this point to stop case surges and outbreaks,” the See CO VID, page 2 Staff illnesses shutter Thornapple Kellogg this week Greg Chandler Staff Writer Students in Thomapple Kellogg Schools received an extended Thanksgiving vacation this week, after a high number of staff illness­ es and the lack of available substitute teach­ ers resulted in the district canceling classes on Monday and Tuesday. The decision to close schools was made between 5 and 6 p.m. Sunday by TK interim Superintendent Craig McCarthy. He then sent out a communication to all district families informing them of the closure and apologiz­ ing for the inconvenience. Classes are expected to resume next Monday, Nov. 29, McCarthy said. “Prior to the decision, I was in communi­ cation with all of our principals, and the board of education, as we were monitoring our staffing levels for both instructional and support staff,” McCarthy wrote in an e-mail Monday. “We communicated numerous times over several hours attempting to fill our sub­ stitute needs. When we couldn’t adequately fill our substitute needs, we determined it was necessary to close our buildings.” McCarthy wrote in the e-mail that the dis­ trict had 22 full-time teachers and one part­ time teacher unable to teach on Monday due to illness. “We were only able to fill 13 of those openings, leaving nine classrooms without coverage,” he explained. Athletic events went on as scheduled at both the high school and middle school, and day care services through the TK Learning Center also remained available, McCarthy wrote in the letter to district families. TK uses EduStaff, a Grand Rapids-based See KELLOGG, page 2 These are for valor Six months ago, the Quilts of Valor project was started at the GRWC Gun Lake Area Women's Club by Raeanne Renner of Middleville, the club's program chairman for civic engagement and outreach. Renner reached out to Diane Conley of Shelbyville and Deb Noteboom of Martin, co-chairs of the arts and culture community service program, and together they designed the quilt patterns and put the kits together for members to sew. Three quilts were presented to Barry County veterans on the day before Veterans Day this year. On Monday evening, two of the handmade quilts were presented to Marisa Lesterhouse of Delton, a member of the Army Reserve who was deployed to Afghanistan, and Alex Liceaga of Shelbyville, a member of the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam Era. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Michigan’s lieutenant governor tours downtown Hastings Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist walks down State Street with Hastings City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale during his tour of downtown Hastings Friday afternoon. Gilchrist visited three Hastings businesses: King’s Appliances, the General Store and Barlow Florist. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Benjamin Simon Staff Writer For 45 minutes last week, Michigan’s lieutenant gov­ ernor walked around downtown Hastings and met peo­ ple. Garlin Gilchrist spoke with business owners, wrote a message on a Thomapple Arts Council chalkboard and bought a gift for his wife from The General Store on South Jefferson Street. Since the summer, Gilchrist has been traveling across the state visiting different communities and small busi­ nesses. And at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, Gilchrist stopped in Hastings to visit three local businesses: King’s Appliances, the General Store and Barlow Florist. “The thing you remember about a place isn’t some big-box store,” Gilchrist said in an interview as he stood on State Street. “You remember the florist. You remem­ ber the general store. We want to make sure that those businesses can really thrive.” In early August, staff from his office had contacted the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance about Gilchrist visiting Hastings. It took time to come together. He had to cancel twice - once for car trouble - before they finalized the Nov. 19 visit. “We’re grateful that they’re here,” Economic Development Coordinator Nichole Lyke said. “Barry County gets overlooked for so much stuff. We’re so small and surrounded by so many large metropolitan areas that sometimes it feels like we just get drowned out.” In the lead-up to the event, Lyke admitted she was ner­ vous. After Thursday’s snow, she didn’t know if the weath­ er would be an issue and “there’s always that cloud of unease that surrounds anything political lately,” she said. But the sun came out, and Friday’s visit went well. “There were no politics involved at all,” Lyke said. “It was just very casual, meet and greet.” Gilchrist, who introduced himself as a “two-time recovering entrepreneur,” spent five to 10 minutes with each business owner, hearing their stories, learning about how the pandemic has affected them and asking for advice on how the state can assist them. After touring the businesses, Gilchrist spoke with Hastings officials, including City Manager Sarah MoyerCale, Community Development Director Dan King and Mayor Pro Tern John Resseguie, about what the admin­ istration can do to support the city. “I was glad that they stuck around and answered ques­ tions and didn’t just do the ‘photo op and leave’ thing. So that was nice,” Lyke said. “It makes it feel more See MICHIGANS, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Vaccination rates remain too low at this point to stop case surges and outbreaks. There are still too many people who are susceptible. CO VID surge prompts concern from Barry County board, citizens Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners had a quick meeting Tuesday, acting on all the business before them, but they didn’t leave their chambers with expressing concern about COVID-19 in the county. Commissioner Dave Jackson, who is a member of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, reminded colleagues, “Last year at this time, we also were in a surge, but we all were under some pretty heavy man­ dates from the governor. Right now, there’s nothing in place anywhere. No guidance from the state at all. “It’s kind of concerning, but that’s our political environment right now.” Before the meeting adjourned, Pastor Danny Quanstrom of Hastings Church of the Nazarene spoke up during public comment. “You mentioned the COVID rates,” he said to commissioners. “Do we know the vaccination rate in Barry County?” Jackson and Commissioner Jon Smelker, who both serve on the health board, replied that the vaccination rate for adults in the county is between 47 and 48 percent. Smelker later told The Banner those esti­ mates were out of date. According to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department’s website, 61.1 percent of Barry County resi­ dents have received at least one dose of the vaccine, as of this week. Quanstrom asked what initiatives the county was taking with regard to vaccina­ tions. Jackson had said they aren’t hearing any­ thing from the state like they did last year, Quanstrom pointed out. “If we’re not hearing a lot from Lansing, that’s because that’s what local people wanted last year. The onus, as I remember Rep. (Julie) Calley saying, has to be on local communities. ... Lansing can’t tell us what we’re supposed to do.” “So if that is the case,” Quanstrom contin­ ued, “what is our local community doing to make sure that more of our community is frilly vaccinated so that we can make it through this next spike without more casual­ ties than are expected... in a way that’s not going to overload our small hospital? “It seems like the onus is on us now. We can’t expect Lansing to give us directives anymore because that’s what we asked last year. “So what are we doing as a community to make sure people are vaccinated - which is clearly the best way to stop any spread of the virus right now and to encourage people, even if they are vaccinated, to w ear masks? “What are we doing in our community?” The meeting was adjourned without fur­ ther comment. In action during the meeting, the board: • approved a grant agreement with the state through the Emergency Management Performance Grant American Rescue Plan Act for fiscal year 2021. These are federal pass-through fimds intended for the admin­ istration and oversight of an approved emergency management program in the county. The grant will pay an additional $21,566 of the county’s Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Yarger’s sal­ ary and benefits. • approved the approval of the Michigan Department of Agriculture Farmland and Open Space Preservation program applica­ tions (P.A. 116) Joshua and Megan Chase for Northern Meadow Farms LLC. in section 6 of Castleton Township on East Coats Grove Road. The 38-acre parcel has 28 acres of tillable land typically used for cash crops. The planning commission voted to recom­ mend approval of this request at its Oct. 25 meeting. • recommended the purchase of 40 porta­ ble radios for law enforcement personnel at a total cost of $87,714, which will include $10,000 to activate them, with money coming from the Capital Replacement fund. Of the three quotes received, the one from Digicom Global Inc. in Troy, Mich., for the Kenwood model was “the best radio deal,” Undersheriff Jason Sixberry said, noting that these items are expected to increase in price by 6.5 per­ cent in January 2022. The other quotes were $197,161.20 from Chrouch Communications Inc. for a Motorola model; and $89,512 from Great Lakes Communication for a Kenwood model. The county currently uses Motorola but Sixberry said the move to the Kenwood brand would not result in any reduction in quality or reliability. • approved the appointment of Hastings City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale to the county’s Solid Waste Oversight Committee. She will fill a position representing the city for a three-year term that began Nov. 1, 2021, and ends Oct. 31, 2024. • approved the renewal of a short-term disability agreement with Varipro for short­ term disability claims. The county is self-funded but uses Varipro as a third-party to administer claims. The 2022 renewal price remains the same as the current charge of $2.25 per employee per month. • OK’d the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance agreement for services for a total of $140,585, reflect­ ing the cost of $125,585 for economic devel­ opment services and $15,000 for Career Technical Education workforce development services. The research currently being done on funding requests for the American Rescue Plan Act is an example of the work covered by this agreement. A comprehensive set of strategic goals for 2022, established by BCCEDA, will provide a way of measuring pact perfor­ mance, Geiger said. The goals focus on areas such as business expansion and reten­ tion, business attraction, workforce devel­ opment, municipal capacity building, resi­ dential development recruitment and mar­ keting, entrepreneurial development and support, infrastructure and public relations and advocacy. Among external goals, the BCCEDA is stating the intention of re-invigorating a tar­ geted business retention visitation program, with at least 25 major employer visits in 2022, collaboration with West Michigan Works, and the Michigan Economic Development Council and re-establishment of the county’s Manufacturers’ Council, using a peer support network to address spe­ cific needs of local industry. Other strategies include establishing a comprehensive countywide database of available development properties for site selection purposes for local, regional and state use and working collaboratively with developers, governmental entities and busi­ nesses to identify and utilize incentive pro­ grams to foster development projects. • Held a moment of silence in honor of Donald Tubbs Jr., who died Friday after a battle with cancer. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy, and owned and operated the Adrounie House Bed and Breakfast in Hastings. • Received the donation of a fax machine, presented by Eldon Shellenbarger on behalf of Charles Hertzler, to Ben Geiger and the Barry-Eaton District County Health Department board to “save the taxpayers’ money.” Annual November Sale 20% off Fabrics (Excludes Sale Items) • Hulst Cleaners Station • Christmas fabrics ft Give Thanks! ft QUESTIONS: ASK US... St., Hastings • 945-9673 - Barry-Eaton District Health Department report Board of Health Chairman Ben Geiger starts the three-minute timer on a tablet after opening the floor for public comment. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) COVID, continued from page 1 -----------------------------health department report said. “There are still too many people who are susceptible. Immunity from prior infection is more unpre­ dictable and wanes faster than immunity from vaccination. While boosters will help to some degree, it’s important for the unvaccinated to get their first shot.” Barna said cases are particularly prevalent among unvaccinated, working-age adults people between about 20 and 59-years-ofage. She also said there are many households that are entirely unvaccinated, and when an adult brings the virus home, they can pass it on to the rest of the family. The report also acknowledged a lack of available testing in Barry County. Barna Retired family physician Dr. Paul DeWitt tells the Barry-Eaton District Board of Health that the medical commu­ nity needs to do more to explain the sci­ ence behind, and benefits of, the COVID19 vaccine. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) said over-the-counter tests are sold out at many places, and obtaining same-day tests is difficult. Testing locations and vaccination appoint­ ments, including booster shots and those for children ages 5 to 11, are available at barryeatonhealth.org. The health department is also continuing to recommend schools implement a universal masking policy, though Barna said they know that is unlikely to happen. According to BEDHD, however, schools with masking policies have fewer outbreaks, and about half the amount of school-related cases. In other business: • The board unanimously approved a code Barry-Eaton District Health Officer Colette Scrimger listens to a report on the state of COVID-19 in the region. As of Tuesday, there were 404 active cases in Barry County. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) of conduct for the meetings, including a three-minute time limit for individuals speak­ ing during public comment. At the October board of health meeting, Rutland Township resident Joel Ibbotson said that, while the Michigan Open Meetings Act gives boards the authority to create a time limit, since the board had no such rule in place, it could not enforce a time limit. When Ibbotson said he planned to speak for significantly longer than three minutes, and refused to yield the floor, the board ended the meeting early. Ibbotson did not attend Thursday’s meeting. • Health officer Colette Scrimger said the department has seven vacancies, including nurses, a clinical assistant and epidemiolo­ gist. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is paying for two employees to help BEDHD with contact tracing and case investigations. • The CDC Foundation also is offering to pay for medically trained personnel to be school liaisons who can give COVID-19 advice to school staff and parents, and help conduct testing at those schools which have an optional testing policy for people who have been close contacts. The department has found one person to work with Charlotte Public Schools, but Scrimger said she is doubtful they will find many more to work with other districts, due to the overall shortage of medical staff. • Several people spoke during public com­ ment sessions, both for and against COVID mitigation measures. Charles Hertzler spoke out against the board placing the three minute time limit on public speaking, but surgery was postponed due to COVID issues at the hospital. Retired family physician of Hastings, Dr. Paul DeWitt, said the medical community has done a good enough job explaining the vac­ cine to the public. The technology for the vaccine has been developed over decades, and what is new about the COVID vaccine is that is has been engineered specifically for the coronavirus by analyzing the disease’s genetic code. DeWitt also said people are 10 times more likely to have complications from COVID-19 than from getting the vaccine. “Our hospitals are overwhelmed with CO VID patients - the vast majority of whom are unvaccinated,” DeWitt said. Michelle Peltier of Hastings expressed her appreciation to the board of health for doing what it can to address the rise in cases. “We need to address this,” Peltier said, “and we need the board’s support and ideas and combined thoughts.” Spectrum Health announces new visitor restrictions As a result of increasing numbers of patients admitted with COVID-19, and hos­ pitals at or near capacity throughout West Michigan, Spectrum Health is revising its visitor policies to reduce the number of peo­ ple in its Grand Rapids and regional hospi­ tals and outpatient care sites, including Spectrum Health Pennock in Hastings. “Spectrum Health is happy to welcome visitors who want to be with their loved ones,” Chad Tuttle, senior vice president, hospital and post-acute operations, Spectrum Health West Michigan, said. “Like hospitals across West Michigan, Spectrum Health is experiencing high demand for our services, and our hospitals are very full. While our teams focus on care, visitors can help their loved ones feel more comfortable during their stay and keep everyone healthy and safe by following our updated visitor guidelines.” According to the State of Michigan’s hos­ pital tracker, Spectrum Health Pennock reached 100 percent bed capacity this week. “Like hospitals and other health care facil­ ities across the state, Pennock hospital and our urgent care continue to see extremely high volumes of critically ill patients,” Pennock chief nursing officer Steve Marzolf said. “These volumes are creating higher than normal wait times... Know that emer- gency departments especially are very busy and there may be a wait, but our teams are doing all they can to provide safe and timely access. They are treating the most critical patients first. “We also encourage anyone who has not received their flu or COVID-19 vaccination to get their vaccine,” Marzolf added. “Vaccinations, along with practicing safe behaviors, such as wearing a mask indoors, washing hands frequently and social distanc­ ing, are the best way we can reduce the risk of more people becoming critically ill and help to reduce the stress on our health care systems. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.” Effective Tuesday, Nov. 23, patients are allowed only one adult visitor in all inpatient rooms, emergency departments, urgent care, walk-in clinics, surgery, radiology and lab locations, as well as labor and delivery. Adult COVID-19-patients are allowed one adult visitor, who must be the same person throughout the patient’s stay and must follow personal protective equipment guidelines. Spectrum Heath pediatric patients may have two adult visitors in the emergency department, urgent care, surgery and lab. Pediatric radiology patients may have one adult visitor. Pediatric inpatient areas allow two adult visitors, who must be the same people throughout the patient’s stay. In double-oc­ cupancy rooms, a pediatric patient is only allowed one parent. Pediatric COVID-19 patients are allowed two adult visitors, who must be the same people throughout the patient’s stay and must follow personal pro­ tective equipment guidelines. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the care teams involved based on end-oflife care or special needs. Children and minors, anyone 17 and younger, will be allowed as visitors only in limited circum­ stances. Patients must identify visitors to their care teams. For pediatric patients, adult visitors’ names must be on file. Visitors will be screened. More information about visitor guidelines and COVID-19 can be found at spectrumhealth.org. “Even though we are busy, we encourage people who need care to seek care at an appropriate location,” Marzolf said. “Options for care range from your primary care physi­ cian to a virtual visit which you can do through the Spectrum Health App to an urgent care or the emergency room for emer­ gency conditions.” Saturday 9 am-3 pm KELLOGG, continued from page 1 --- --- ------------------- Water’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Karen Hayward ■ Administrative Assistant staffing service, for its substitute teaching needs. When the district falls short of available substitutes through EduStaff, it uses support staff to step into those roles, according to McCarthy’s e-mail. “Unfortunately, we have also had a number of support staff absences which limited our ability to cover open positions,” he wrote. Anyone who might be interested in being a substitute should contact EduStaff for more information, he noted. Maple Valley Schools closed Fuller Street Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 10, due to a staff shortage, and re-opened the building the following Monday. The district has had a total of 82 cases since the school year began, including eight active cases as of last Thursday. “The incoming referrals are slowing down a bit for us over what it was two weeks ago when we were seeing 26-28 cases a day with­ in families homes,” Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said. “I think we may have been on the front edge of the wave here and I am hopeful our numbers continue to decline. We are sufficiently staffed for this week. “I hope we do not get another crest of this same wave after Thanksgiving like we expe­ rienced after Halloween,” she added. “Time will tell and we will continue to adjust as needed when situations present themselves.” Delton Kellogg reported nine active cases among its students Tuesday. The district, which has maintained many of the COVID mitigation protocols from last year, has had a total of eight staff cases and 34 student cases this year. Lakewood Public Schools has reported a total of 171 cases this year. Staff writer Taylor Owens contributed to this report. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — Page 3 James accepts job at Thornapple Manor, resigns city post Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist responds to one of the Thomapple Arts Council chalkboards. Posed with the question: “Where are you going?” Gilchrist wrote: “Home with my kids - excited for Christmas.” MICHIGANS, continued from page 1 genuine when they actually stay and engage, and I will say he was very friendly with everybody. “ As the chamber continues to work on broadband and infrastructure projects, Lyke said she hopes the visit will open a new line of communication for Hastings and Barry County. She has already discussed the possi­ bility of the Whitmer administration return­ downtowns like this. And they’re all differ­ ent, and they’re all important.” Gilchrist said it was his first time visiting Hastings; he had driven through in the past but never stopped. And the first thing that stood out? “These are the first Christmas decorations I’ve seen this year,” he said, laughing. ing to visit Middleville, Delton and Nashville in the future. Following the tour, Gilchrist said exploring new communities across Michigan is “one of the coolest parts of my job.” “We’re really lucky that we have a lot of towns that have distinct character. Hastings is certainly one of those,” he said. “There are these beautiful, historic buildings that anchor Hastings schools authorize compliance with emergency temporary standard Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Hastings Area School System Board of Education Monday took steps toward mak­ ing sure the district is in compliance with a new federal emergency temporary standard that seeks to prevent the spread of the—COVID-19 virus. The board voted 6-0 to authorize Superintendent Matt Goebel to take the nec­ essary steps to make sure the district is in compliance with state regulations based on the standard announced Nov. 4 by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and to prevent the district from being hit with financial or legal penalties for non-compliance. The emergency temporary standard, which applies to employers that have at least 100 employees, requires employers to develop, implement and enforce a mandatory CO VID­ 19 vaccination policy, unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to choose to either be vaccinated or undergo regular COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering at work. “OSHA has released guidelines and time­ lines based on this standard, and [the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration] is now evaluating the lan­ guage communicated out to public school entities,” Goebel said. HASS board president Luke Haywood said Enrollment, state increases boost Hastings school finances Greg Chandler Staff Writer The financial picture has bright­ ened for the Hastings Area School System as a result of higher-than-expected enrollment numbers for the 2021-22 school year. Tim Berlin, the district’s assistant superintendent of operations, report­ ed Monday that a combination of higher-than-anticipated enrollment and a boost in per-pupil funding from the state contributed to increased revenues of more than $1.57 million from the original bud­ get proposal adopted in June. The district is now projected to end the 2021-22 fiscal year with a surplus of nearly $107,000, up from the earlier budget figure of more than $55,000. HASS is expected to take in $28 million in revenues and spend about $27.9 million, under the bud­ get amendment approved by the board of education Monday. Berlin reported that the district’s blended enrollment count is 2,515 students, up from the 2,480 that had been projected when the budget was adopted. “Ninety percent of our blended count comes from our fall count, and The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a stay of the implementation of the emergency temporary standard Nov. 5. The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, whose jurisdiction includes Michigan, has been selected by lottery to hear challenges to the standards. ■ Bfr'-’^bjections- to the standards have been made in various courts, but they will be Consolidated into a single case. “Regardless of what comes down as a mandate, we’re going to do everything in our power to make it easy for our staff and our people, because we know how difficult every­ thing is right now,” Haywood said. “Hopefully, it won’t have to come to this, but we have to be prepared.” On a related note, Goebel updated the board Monday on recent COVID-19 cases in the Hastings district. He said three weeks ago, the district had 21 cases, but that number dipped to eight a week later. Last week, though, the district reported 19 positive COVID-19 cases, Goebel said. “It went up, then down, then kind of slight­ ly back up again,” he said. “We’ve seen quite a decrease at the middle school. We’ve also seen a slight increase at the high school and Star [Elementary School]. The rest are pretty stable as far as their COVID cases right now ... We monitor our COVID cases every sin­ gle day in our schools. It’s just something that we always do.” he met with Goebel last week to discuss the ETS regulation. Haywood said there have been several legal challenges to the stan­ dards, and that the district was waiting on MIOSHA to complete evaluating its lan­ guage. “In order to pteveftt-having special board meetings, we thought it was best to give Matt the authority to take care of this, because regardless of what they decide, we have to comply, because we can’t afford $14,000 in fines or whatever it is,” Haywood said. The ETS requires employers to: • Determine the vaccination status of each employee, obtain acceptable proof of vacci­ nation status from employees and maintain a record of each employee’s vaccination status. 1 • Ensure each worker who is not fully vac­ cinated is tested for COVID-19 at least once a week or within seven days before returning to work if the worker has been away a week or longer. • Ensure that in most cases, any employee who hasn’t been fully vaccinated wears a mask or face covering when indoors or when inside a vehicle with another person for work purposes. In addition, employees are required to promptly notify their employers when they test positive for COVID-19 or receive a pos­ itive COVID-19 status. Employees must then be removed from the workplace, regardless of vaccination status. the other 10 percent comes from the spring. Our spring [count] was down a little bit,” Berlin said. In addition, the district had project­ ed receiving $8,275 per pupil when the budget was adopted. But since then, the state Legislature approved and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law an education funding pack­ age that boosted the per-pupil alloca­ tion for districts to $8,700. The district also has received some increased federal funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund for COVID­ related expenses, Berlin said. “We’re investing a lot in technology in all of our buildings, for employees and students alike, to get all of our technology up to date,” he said. “That’s a big thing. We did have to purchase a handicap-accessible van for a student that we need to bring into the district, so that’s another large expense.” If the projected surplus holds, the district will end the 2021-22 fiscal year with general fund reserves of nearly $3.9 million, Berlin said. The board’s next meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, in the commons area of Hastings Middle School, 232 W. Grand St. Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Superintendent of Streets and Construction Jim James announced his resignation to the Hastings City Council Monday. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportuni­ ty that I’ve had here to serve this communi­ ty,” he said from the podium. James has accepted a role as the facility director at Thomapple Manor, where he will start Dec. 6. He has been volunteering with the organization for a number of years. The new position is personal, he said. James’ dad died when he was a young man and he never had any grandfathers. “I love and respect the fact of people’s later years in their life, and I just yearn for a call­ ing to be of help to give people the opportu­ nity to enjoy life with a positive attitude,” James said in an interview after the meeting. “1 love human beings and I love to serve our community, and this is another opportunity to do it.” A 1987 graduate of Hastings High School, James spent the past six years as the superin­ tendent of streets and construction. Before working for the city, was self-employed in his landscaping business, Artisan Outdoor. The recipient of the 2012 Book of Golden Deeds Award, James has served Leadership Barry County, Barry County Economic Development and YMCA boards. James had known of the opportunity for weeks, but took time to think it over. He went on a hunting trip in Manitoba, Canada, three weeks ago, where he reflected on the deci­ sion. “1 can’t say enough about my wife, Tammy, how supportive she is,” James said. “Because when Jim jumps into something, it’s 100 per­ cent, and she’s right there fighting with me.” Since the hunting trip, James has been in discussion with Hastings City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale about next steps for the depart­ ment. He said there has been no choice for his successor. Following the meeting, council members thanked James for his service and wished him good luck. “Jim James, I’m gonna miss you, buddy,” Mayor Pro Tern John Resseguie told him. “I really am.” When asked after the meeting if he’ll take a break in between positions, James respond­ ed instantly. “No, not needed,” he said, with a jump in his voice. “I’m serving the community.” In other business, the council: SUPPORT JUi ■ Vlwl LOCAL NEWS aHKTHORnnppLE^MMI H! i‘ i i v i ii m cm. present .V f¥NJ * MID A • ......... * * . *• . • * 3 . . » • Discussed entering into a marketing agreement with Service Line Warranties of America to participate in its National League of cities service line warranty program. According to its website, the program, which serves 1,000 municipalities across the country, “educates resident homeowners about their service line responsibilities; pro­ vides an affordable solution that helps resi­ dents avoid the often-high cost of water and sewer service line repairs; engages local-area contractors to perform the repairs that con­ tribute to the local economy; creates a new source of funding for projects that benefit the community.” Moyer-Cale said many residents in the city do not realize they are responsible for their own sewer and water service repair. Homeowners’ insurance often doesn’t cover the cost, and it can run into the thousands of dollars, she added. With the service line warranty program, homeowners would have the opportunity to opt into it for $6.49 per month for water and $8.49 per month for sewer. The company would handl e all of the marketing and com­ munication responsibilities. Moyer-Cale used the program in Paw Paw, “with great success,” she wrote to council. But council members pushed back. Brenda McNabb-Stange expressed concern over the organization’s assets, asked if they were an insurance company and argued the title need­ ed to change from a marketing agreement to a licensing agreement. Council members agreed they would need more information to make a decision and tabled the discussion to a future meeting. Moyer-Cale said she would bring in a repre­ sentative from the program to speak with the council. • Established a health care savings pro­ gram through the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Michigan. This will allow the city to offer tax-free stipends to retirees who do not use the city’s health care plan. • Appointed Sara Edelman to the cable access committee. Edelman will fill a partial term to end Dec. 31, 2022. • Expanded the maximum gallons allow­ able sewage from Thomapple Manor from 30,000 to 40,000 to accommodate its new 50-unit assisted living complex. • Approved a Health Care Savings Program Participation Agreement and Addendum. • Scheduled a workshop- to hear an audit presentation at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. . , R Em Em read contribute advertise Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valen­ tine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. “Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois” Wednesday, December 1 at 7 pm All Seats: $7 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, December 2,3,4 at 7 pm Sunday, December 5 at 2 pm Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors and Students $8 Dennison Performing Arts Center 231 SOUth Broadway in Hastings. (Use door on Center Street) Advance tickets can be purchased at Progressive Graphics or by calling the Thornapple Arts Council of Barry County at 269-945-2002 Masks are required if you are unvaccinated and encouraged for all. Members of the CommunityTheatreAssociation tKwJWrs £... I . of Michigan (aSO community -- FOUNDATION TheThornapplePlayersisanon-profitorganizationprovidingtheatricalopportunitiesto the Barry County area. For more information call 269-945-2332 mm Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings DANNER Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 Or 1-800-870-7085 �Page 4 — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you InMy^Opinion see? Peace begins with a thankful heart It's a wrap That $1.9 million project to resurface nearly 11 miles of M-179 - from M-43 to Patterson Road in Gun Lake - wrapped up last week. Here, a crew working for the Michigan Department of Transportation picks up all the signage that had warned motorists of the roadwork since Labor Day. What a great stretch of highway! Note to drivers: A smooth road is not per­ mission to speed. So slow down and enjoy the experience of driving Chief Noonday Road through the Barry State Game Area. Just beautiful. Do you remember? Just like paradise’ Banner Nov. 1, 1962 Mr. and Mrs. George Horodowicz and their son, Richard, 3, were photo­ graphed here Tuesday by Leo Barth, as Mrs. Eason K. Parker, Gun Lake Road, showed them around Hastings. Here, they admire merchandise in a J.C. Penney store window in Hastings, which they have declared “just like par­ adise.” The Horodowiczes arrived here Friday from behind the Iron Curtain. Coming to America and Hastings is like “having a miracle unfold before our eyes,” they told Mrs. Parker (second from right), who translated their words. Thirteen years ago, George applied for a visa to come here from Poznan, Poland. The Parkers, known for their generosity, put up $967 fortheir papers and transportation and have guaran­ teed that for at least five years, they will not be a burden to the government. Have you met? Randy Heinze never really liked school. He had trouble focusing, he never did partic­ ularly well and thought it was pointless since he was planning to become a carpenter and figured he didn’t need chemistry or calculus. There was just one problem: there were no carpentry jobs. That meant Heinze had to settle for a factory job at a warehouse, where he pulled boxes. The factory pack­ aged a lot of toys and, during the holiday months, it wasn’t unusual for Heinze to work 16-hour days. He lost 30 pounds and, for a stretch, never slept more than four or five hours a night. He spent one year in the job and then another nine months putting together auto parts in a General Motors factory before deciding to make a change. He realized he didn’t want to live that lifestyle. So he went back to school. “Maybe I won’t make as much as I would have if I was a construction manager or something like that, but I’m gonna make a decent wage and I can count on my job being there every year,” Heinze said. “There’s something to be said about sta­ bility and benefits.” But it wouldn’t be like his days at Maple Valley Junior/Senior High School, from which he graduated in 1989. This time, he was going to Lansing Community College, where he was going to do the work, and he was going to major in something he wanted to study. Heinze, who is now a wildlife biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, grew up surrounded by wildlife as a kid in the Vermontville area. His grand­ father, Carl Hulsebos, owned 120 acres of land where Heinze’s childhood home also was located. There, Heinze ran through 60 acres of tillable land, helped his grandfather with the cattle, and roamed the hay fields. Still, though, he didn’t consider a career in wildlife. Instead, he thought he might go into a career in parks and recreation. He logged two summer jobs as a seasonal park manager before he met a wildlife technician at the DNR. They gave him a summer job at the wildlife office near Gun Lake. There, he started learning how to foster habitats for deer and turkey, farm food plots and manage grassland restorations. It reminded Heinze of his childhood, and he knew he had found his niche. Heinze transferred to Michigan State University, where he majored in fisheries and wildlife management. He spent hours each night huddled over his organic chem­ istry, economics and pest control textbooks. He studied with one goal in sight: He wanted to return to the DNR and, specifi­ cally, the Barry State Game Area office. “[My goal was] to work here,” Heinze said. “I wanted to be in this office.” His goal came true. But it took a few years. In 1995, he became the first person --------- Randy Heinze in his immediate family to graduate from college. He spent a number of years work­ ing as a staffer with Eaton County Parks, as a recreation aide for forest management at the Pigeon River Country State Forest near Gaylord, and as a wildlife assistant position at the Crane Pond State Game Area in Cass County. When a wildlife assistant job opened up at the Gun Lake area DNR office, Heinze jumped at the opportunity and returned to Barry County. After a pit-stop as a wildlife technician, he became the wildlife biologist five years ago. The job requires careful planning. He is in charge of managing vast and complex ecosystems. Any change Heinze makes could save many animals or plants. But it could also kill countless others. “We might prescribe a bum to promote oak regeneration... but we have to be care­ ful not to damage, per se, like box turtles, or Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes,” he said. “We have to do them in certain ways so we’re considering all aspects of the man­ agement we’re doing.” Heinze’s office covers four counties. He manages deer-hunting season, damage con­ trol, invasive species, disease-related prob­ lems, and more among 27,000 acres of state game areas. That means a lot of hours on the job. Some days he might work 12 hours. During firearm deer-hunting season, Nov. 15- 30, it’s not uncommon for him to clock in every single day, with the exception of Thanksgiving. Most days, though, Heinze works from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. But that doesn’t mean he stops working when he leaves the office. He has six hours left in the day, and he often spends them farming. He bought his grandfather’s house after his grandpa died, and now Heinze attends to a dozen head of cattle and 100 acres of hay and other crops. I don’t like being stationary,” he said. Farming is a family tradition, too. Heinze gets help from all three of his kids, espe­ cially his son, Jace. “It’s something me and my dad [Rod] did,” Heinze said. “We started doing it together, and then he passed a few years ago so now me and my son do it.” Heinze had his 50th birthday in May. He celebrated, he said, but he wouldn’t take the day off completely. “It was the normal cookout and having everybody there,” he said, “and then back to farming.” For his role as a wildlife biologist with the DNR, Randy Heinze is this week’s Banner Bright Light: Best advice ever received: My dad told me if you’re going to do something for 30 years, do something you enjoy doing, do something you love. Favorite teacher: Dr. Glenn Dudderar, Michigan State University. He was the one that taught the vertebrate damage control class, which is basically wildlife damage control. One of the most valuable tools I was given in college, but just a cool individ­ ual because he taught in a different way. His tests were 100-percent essays. They were 10 questions, all essays, half-page apiece.... Everything was problem-solving. You used all the skill sets he taught you, but you had to pull them out and figure out how they would fit the situation and what’s going to work to fix this problem. ... For me, it was natural and I learned a ton. I’m glad to have to met: My wife, April. She has been a pillar in my life. Favorite season: I love Michigan from the aspect that it has everything. It has a great spring. It has a great summer. It has a great fall. And then you get some winter. I love winter until about late February. Then you’re trying to get stuff around, you’re trying to do work, and it’s outside and your hands are always froze and everything’s froze. Favorite president: Theodore Roosevelt, for his contributions to national parks and wildlife preservation. One of the things I really liked from a leadership aspect is that he always listened to his advisers, but always went with his gut. Biggest accomplishment: Graduating college. I’d never envisioned I’d make it through. If I could go anywhere in the world: Probably somewhat boring, but the Florida Keys. It’s on my bucket list. Nothing but blue water, beautiful beaches and lots of fish. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other rea­ son? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. The fun and festivities of Thanksgiving Day carry a special meaning for America. It has always been a wonderful, appropriate way to kick off the holiday season. We now approach Christmas, the holiest of seasons for many and the happiest of holiday seasons for all with grateful hearts. What a perfect perspec­ tive from which to celebrate the loveli­ est of times for young and old. No doubt we need that thankful per­ spective more than ever. America has certainly messed up its world. From the way we approach politics, education, healthcare, social justice - even how we allow outside issues to affect fami­ lies themselves - we now live in a world of discord, violence and misun­ derstanding. Look at how the COVID-19 pandem­ ic has altered family relations. For many families, this Thanksgiving Day is the first time in two years they’ve gathered together. Many families still have cho­ sen to limit their number of guests or even avoided gatherings at all. A report from the Pew Research Center stated that 57 percent of respon­ dents changed their Thanksgiving plans due to the pandemic. For those who didn’t, the politics surrounding it was still on people’s minds and risked feuds and misunderstandings over who had been vaccinated and who should attend the family dinner if they had not been. It’s not just the pandemic that is tear­ ing up America and its families. According to the Pew Report, “77 per­ cent of Americans believe the country has become more polarized generally since the pandemic, which is saying something, given that, before the pan­ demic, 40 percent of people on both sides of the political aisle considered the other side as ‘downright evil.’” Even though Thanksgiving is a time when Americans are supposed to reflect on the gratitude in their lives, society is changing, and people’s views on grati­ tude have been tarnished with the loss of some of the freedoms they consider sacred. And with all the terrible news hitting us every day, it seems harder to find reasons we should be thankful. Yet, that’s how we roll. We’re allow­ ing the hatred, raw emotions and news of the day to dim our view of the great country in which we live. Faith in our country’s institutions is in decline, cyn­ icism is rising, and citizens are becom­ ing frustrated with Washington’s inabil­ ity to listen and respond. In these chal­ lenging times, it’s easy to let the issues of the day turn our conversations into arguments rather than into constructive possibilities. The Pew Research report does offer a glimmer of hope, however, and in it I see the special meaning to which Thanksgiving Day 2021 is pointing. “It’s possible to navigate this year’s unique holiday conflicts gracefully,” the report noted. “Doing so requires under­ standing what’s really driving family tension this year, both political and per­ sonal. Especially in 2021 where there’s a yearning for love, connection and, above all, belonging.” During the holidays, families feel a greater attraction for belonging. In their fondest hopes, they see family at this time of year as loving, happy, accepting and warm. In spite of all the problems we face, 78 percent of Americans feel a strong sense of gratitude or thankfulness on a weekly basis. Only 6 percent of Americans say they seldom or never experience these feelings. That’s good to know, and while the survey question about gratitude didn’t ask explicitly about gratitude to God, regular feelings of gratitude are more common among those who are religious than who are not. And for those who don’t attend church regularly, those 58 percent who say that religion is “not too important” or “not at all important” in their lives, have a different view of grat­ itude and thankfulness. Even though it may be hard to see all the blessings life gives us, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about - it’s a time meant to slow down, get together with family and friends over a meal, a foot­ ball game or just enjoying each other’s company. Giving thanks regularly and being reminded of its importance this Thanksgiving Day may just be the lov­ ing glue that can help negotiate our divides and begin bringing us back together. “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions,” the late author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said. “The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” Look around, even at the dinners, craft shows and holiday presentation announcements in our publications this time of year, and you’ll find many opportunities to be grateful for what we’ve been given. I attended the Hastings Performing Arts Center’s concert featuring the 100-year-old Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony last weekend. Due to the generosity of the DeCamp Family Foundation, the PAC was able to bring this excellent entertainment to the stage in Hastings. I overheard one couple remark it was like attending the symphony in a major city, in a beautiful auditorium, with beautiful holiday dec­ orations and ushers to help you find your seat. Plus, there was Symphony Director Jose-Luis Novo who added an extra dose of happiness with his direct­ ing flair. The next holiday show to take the stage at the PAC is the Three Tenors who will perform Dec. 10. (Get your tickets early because the symphony was sold out.) Don’t miss out on these spe­ cial events that will give you a warm feeling to further underscore the great­ ness of the holiday season. The benefit of happiness in life is important to overall well-being, It helps us avoid the despair that comes when the harshness of the day overwhelms our ability to see that gratitude and thankfulness make life tolerable. Let’s not look back on the pain and suffering we’ve seen or experienced. Choose, instead, to look forward to what can be so that we see the rising of a new day for all of us together. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — Page 5 Regional medical director calls for patience, cooperation For all Michigan Region 5 care providers: The health and well-being of our patients, their families, our communities, and our team members are our top priority. COVID-19 infections are on a steep rise in Region 5 [Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties], and our health care sys­ tems are at capacity. We have surpassed the cases from the sec­ ond wave of COVID and are just shy of the number of cases from the original wave. We are still increasing. Hospitals in our region have begun to surge, and more patients require hospitalization. Our individual and collective resources are being overwhelmed, and we need our communities’ help to get back on track. Hospitals and EMS systems are seeing more patients than ever before. Region 5, as a whole, has been operating at an extremely high capacity, and the increase in COVID-19 has put additional pressure on our systems. We also are seeing more patients with other serious health issues that cannot be further delayed or ignored. How does that impact you? • Wait times for emergency, urgent or pri­ mary care may be much longer than usual. • Ambulance transfers may have longer delays. • Surgeries or procedures may be canceled or postponed. • Visitor restrictions remain in effect. • Mask mandates in healthcare settings remain in effect. • You may have a prolonged stay in the emergency department waiting for a bed in the hospital.' As with many other industries in the region, state and across the country, we are experienc­ ing staffing challenges and shortages. Our team members are exhausted and are doing their very best care for our communities. It is important to note that the strain on our system is due to the COVID-19 response, plus the many other demands our teams are facing to care for seriously ill patients. It remains true that the majority of patients in the Emergency Department and being admit­ ted are unvaccinated for COVID-19. There are cases of vaccinated individuals who have contracted COVID-19, but these people are typically showing mild symptoms, and those who do need hospitalization require a much shorter stay. This is impacting our ability to care for those who are seriously injured in a car acci­ dent, suffer a heart attack, stroke, or experi­ ence another medical emergency or issue. Along with the current COVID-19 surge, we are concerned there will be a surge of influenza adding to the capacity issues. We strongly urge people to get the influenza vac­ cine as well. Community members can help us alleviate some of these capacity and surge issues. Please utilize your primary care office for minor or non-emergent problems. Urgent care also is available for non-emergent needs. If you have an emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency department as soon as possi­ ble. During the prior surge, some people waited too long because they did not want to burden the Emergency Department. Unfortunately, some of those people arrived too late to treat their emergent condition, such as stroke, heart attack or diabetic emergency. Please be patient with our staff in the hospi­ tal; everyone is doing all they can to care for a large number of patients. We know that, for the upcoming holidays, people would like to be with family and friends. We are asking that you please interact with others in a safe way. Everyone can pitch in to help. We’re plead­ ing with our community members to do everything they can to avoid COVID-19 and lead a healthy lifestyle: • Get a COVID-19 vaccination or booster. • Get your children, age 5 through 18, a COVID-19 vaccination. • Wash your hands frequently. • Wear a mask when in indoor public spac­ es or outdoors when unable to socially dis­ tance. • Practice healthy behaviors, such as social­ ly distancing, getting good sleep, eating well and exercising. • Use emergency services, such as EMS and emergency room visits, responsibly. Together, we can get through this safely, but we need your help. Thank you for your support and patience as we navigate through these challenges. Ginger M. Swiderski, M.D., Medical Director Region 5 Medical Response Coalition Specialist answers questions on working, benefits, filing and more I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits, and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security taxes on my income? Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each year, Social Security automatically credits the new earn­ ings, and if your new earnings are higher than in any earlier year used to calculate your current benefit, your monthly benefit could increase. For more information, visit ssa.gov or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). My child, who gets Social Security, will be attending his last year of high school in the fall. He turns 19 in a few months. Do I need to fill out a form for his benefits to continue? Yes. You should receive a form, SSA1372-BK, in the mail about three months before your son’s birthday. Your son needs to complete the form and take it to his school’s office for certification. Then, you need to return Page 2 and the certified Page 3 back to Social Security for processing. If you can’t find the form we mailed to you, you can find it online at ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1372.pdf. Is it illegal to laminate your Social Security card? No, it is not illegal, but we discourage it. It’s best not to laminate your card. Laminated cards make it difficult - sometimes even impossible - to detect important security fea­ tures, and an employer may refuse to accept them. The Social Security Act requires the commissioner of Social Security to issue cards that cannot be counterfeited. We incor­ porate many features that protect the card’s integrity. They include highly specialized paper and printing techniques, some of which are invisible to the naked eye. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you. Learn more at ssa.gov. I'm gathering everything I’ll need to file my taxes this month. Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits? Also, where can I get a replacement 1099? Some people who get Social Security must pay federal income taxes on their benefits. Still, no one pays taxes on more than 85 per­ cent of their Social Security benefits. You must pay taxes on some portion of your benefits if you file an individual federal tax return and your income exceeds $25,000. If you file a joint return, you must pay taxes if you and your spouse have combined income of more than $32,000. If you are mar­ ried and file a separate return, you probably will have to pay taxes on your benefits. You can read more about tax preparation in rela­ tion to Social Security at ssa.gov/planners/ taxes.htm. Social Security benefits include monthly retirement, survivors, and disability benefits. They don’t include Supplemental Security Income payments, which are not taxable. You can also get a replacement 1099 or 1042S when you open your own personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, are benefits pay­ able on that person ’s record? Social Security survivors’ benefits can be paid to: • A widow or widower - unreduced bene­ fits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60. • A disabled widow or widower - as early as age 50. • A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled, and receiving Social Security benefits. • Unmarried children under 18 or up to age 19 if they are attending high school full-time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren or adopt­ ed children. • Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled. • Dependent parents age 62 or older. Even if you are divorced, you may still qualify for survivors’ benefits. For more information, go to ssa.gov. I’m retiring early, at age 62, and I receive investment income from a rental property I own. Does investment income count as earn­ ings? No. We count Only theAvages you earn from a job or your det profit if you’re self-employed. Non-work income such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Most pensions will not affect your benefits. However, your benefit may be affected by government pensions earned through work on which you did not pay Social Security tax. You can retire online at ssa.gov. For more information, call tollfree, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). I have been getting Social Security disabil­ ity benefits for many years. I’m about to hit my full retirement age. What will happen to my disability benefits? When you reach “full retirement age,” we will switch you from disability to retirement benefits. But you won’t even notice the change because your benefit amount will stay the same. It’s just that when you reach retire­ ment age, we consider you to be a “retiree” and not a disability beneficiary. Learn more at ssa.gov. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs special­ ist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda. vantil@ssa.gov. GUEST COMMENTARY Demand transparency from Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission The Michigan Press Association strongly supports the public’s right to know. If you pay attention to headlines, no doubt you’ve been reading about issues with how Michigan’s new Independent Redistricting Commission has carried out its conversations about our state’s new redistricting map. This process is done every 10 years once the results of the U.S. Census are tallied. This matters because who we can vote for to represent us in Congress, the Michigan Senate and Michigan House is determined by the boundaries, or districts, on this map. When the lines of these districts are changed, it affects which candidates we can vote for and how we are represented for the next decade. In the past, this process was carried out by state lawmakers, which made it easy for par­ tisan politics to play a significant role. But in 2018, 61 percent of the voters in Michigan supported a constitutional amend­ ment to take this power out of the hands of politicians and give the job to an indepen­ dent, 13-member redistricting commission. The ballot proposal was initiated by wide­ spread concerns about the effects of political gerrymandering in Michigan. The commission went into a closed ses­ sion Oct. 27 to discuss documents related to the voting rights laws. It has since been asked to release these memos so that the public could understand what information is playing a role in the commission’s deci­ sions. So far, the commission has refused to do so. The memos were titled “Voting Rights Act” and “The History of Discrimination in the State of Michigan and its Influence on Voting.” Since that meeting, the commission has posted online and made available draft maps and opened a 45-day public comment period. As an industry dedicated to providing fact­ based reporting so readers can make informed decisions, it seems illogical to us that the public would be asked to comment on some­ thing when they are not being provided all the information that was used to craft the maps. We commend the efforts of state Sens. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, and Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, for requesting an opinion on these issues late last month by Attorney General Dana Nessel. The senators stated that ensur­ ing the level of transparency guaranteed by the Constitution is integral to maintaining the public’s confidence in the commission’s work, which, of course, includes delibera­ tions on the fundamentally important role of the Voting Rights Act in the redistricting process. We couldn’t agree more and we appreciate that Attorney General Nessel expedited that opinion, stating that Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission should have held its discussions pertaining to these Voting Rights Act-related memos “at an open meeting.” We urge the citizens of Michigan to call upon the Independent Redistricting Commission to immediately release these memos so that voters in Michigan can see all of the information the commission used to craft the maps that we have been invited to comment on. The Michigan Press Association consis­ tently acclaims the importance of open and transparent government and its significance to the everyday lives of Michigan taxpayers. We feel that complete transparency in this process is vital because the end result of this commission will impact the citizens of our state for years to come. Michigan Press Association Board HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Nov. 25 - library closed for the holiday Friday, Nov. 26 - library closed for the holiday Saturday, Nov. 27 - library closed for the holiday Monday, Nov. 29 - Crafting Passions Work Group, 10-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30 - mahjong, 2:30 p.m.; chess, 5:30. Wednesday, Dec 1 - Itsy Bitsy Book Club meets via Zoom (pick up monthly storytime bag with link and crafts), 10:30 a.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263 or checking its Facebook events. CORRECTION The Banner Nov. 18 “Have You Met?” pro­ file on Hastings Deputy Chief of Police Julissa Kelly contained two errors: Kelly’s husband, Tim, served in the U.S. Navy, not the Air Force. Also, the first two references to the professions of family members was incorrect. • Independent and Assisted Living • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 NOW HIRING OPEN POSITIONS: • Preschool Assistant Teachers • Preschool Lead Teachers • Paraprofessionals • Senior Transportation Driver • Distribution Specialist • Kitchen Assistant/Food Transporters Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community acheive and maintain independence. Community Action is also enrolling for preschool!!!!!!! Apply now at www.caascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Community Action is an equal opportunity employer, equal opportunity provider. �Page 6 — Thursday, November 25, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Gary Lee Kaiser Constance Martin Constance Martin, of Hastings, age 81, died on November 15, 2021. Connie was bom November 25, 1939 in Grand Rapids, to Valdo and Thelma (Evans) Smith. Connie was preceded in death by her par­ ents; her sister, Sharon Davis; her son, Kraig Martin; and grandson, Andrew Martin. Surviving are her son, Patrick (Lisa) O’Brien; grandsons: Eric (Megan) Martin, Matthias and Nolan O’Brien; daughter-in­ law, Cindy Martin; and granddaughter, Renee Martin. Cremation has taken place. Private services at a later date. Visit Connie’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Gary Lee Kaiser, bom in Grand Rapids, on September 18,1936, left this world November 13, 2021 at his home in Delton at the age of 85. He is survived by his children, Susan (Mike) Elwell and Steven (Mary) Kaiser; special friend and mother of his son, Connie Tobey; grandchildren, Tyler, Lillian, and Dillon; and several nieces and nephews, and was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Edward and Opal (Beers) Kaiser; and sister, Doris (Forrest) Kahler. Gary enjoyed playing cards, spending time with friends and family, motorcycle riding, collecting things, and watching wrestling and baseball on television. Gary’s memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barry County Commission on Aging. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Gary’s family. Worship j. Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. James J. Goulooze Lee Eugene Allen Marilyn Eileen Ramsey Local Attorney James J. Goulooze, age 72, of Freeport, passed away with his loved ones around him on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus. Jim was bom on December 24, 1948, the son of Harold J. and Hilda R. (Pierce) Goulooze. Jim spent his early years in Ludington, Grand Rapids, Lincolnton, North Carolina, and his adopted hometown of Henderson, Kentucky. He was a 1967 graduate of Henderson Holy Name High School. Jim completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Evansville in 1971. Jim and his mother returned to Hastings to reunite with family after the death of his father. Early in adult life, Jim enjoyed playing basketball in various rec leagues and was a fixture umpiring softball and refereeing bas­ ketball in the area. In his 30s Jim became serious about attaining his dream of becoming a member of the Michigan State Bar. Upon graduating from Cooley Law School on January 19, 1991, Jim was sworn in on May 10, 1991. Jim had a passion for travel, extensively driving the continental US to enhance his knowledge of all regions of our country. He was a voracious reader of all books with a particular love of civil war history. He had a special fondness for the Gettysburg National battleground. Sports and sporting events were also part of Jim’s life, his favorite being reunited with high school pals yearly for the Kentucky High School Sweet 16 Tournament in Lexington. Jim was preceded in death by his grand­ parents, aunts and uncles and cousins Tom Reynolds, Suzanne Rose, baby Mary Emma Bowerman, and second cousin Jeff Spencer. He is survived by Patsy Dutcher Meldrum of Freeport, her daughters Cindy (Mark) Hamlin, Susie (Mat) Garber, Shari (Bryan) Laudenslager, Jack Reynolds of Hastings, cousin who was truly a brother to him, Jim’s Kentucky family: Mike and Susie Thurman, Ike (Betty) Norment, Dr. Eddie (Ruthie) Shuttleworth, Aubrey (Sonny) Mooney. He is also survived by many cousins and close friends that were all dear to him. Close to his heart were Patsy’s brothers Don (Kathy Kenyon) Dutcher and Gary (Debbie) Dutcher of Freeport. Jim had a love of animals, and his pets were a source of great pleasure to him, thus making Barry County Animal Shelter, 540 N, 540 Industrial Park Dr, Hastings, MI 49058, the recipient of any memorial contri­ butions you may desire to make in his name. Cremation has taken place, and a family private family gathering will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachftmeralhome .net. Lee Eugene Allen, age 77, of Hastings, passed away on November 18, 2021, after ongoing health challenges. He was preceded in death by parents, Clifford and Vivian (Shoemaker) Allen; brothers, Lynn Allen, Roger Allen, Gale Allen, and Clifford “Hap” Allen, and his grandson, Zane Allen. He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved, wife, Shirley Allen; his daughter, Christine Allen-Riley, (Matthew); his son, Timothy Allen (Manda); his stepsons, Roger Greeley (Tracey), and Mark Greeley (Cindy); grandchildren, Killian Riley, Allison Fordham, Corwin Riley, Adam Greeley, Gavin Allen, Alexandra Allen, and Amiya Greeley; nephew, Aaron Allen; sister-in-law, Vicki Allen, and cousins. Prior to retiring to his home on Lake Algonquin, Lee worked as a journeyman millwright. He was a history buff who loved to read and watch MSU sports and made the best vegetable beef soup, and Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Hank Williams Sr. were the soundtrack to his life. He loved nature and found solace on the water and in the woods. He was an avid fisherman and out­ doorsman who loved to travel with his wife Shirley, his wife of 36 years. Together, they took many trips to the UP, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, as well as trips out west and down south. Lee loved a lot of things, but what he loved most was his family—and he loved them unconditionally—especially his grandchil­ dren. Spending time with them was one of his favorite things, and he loved taking them for boat rides around the lake. Like everyone, he knew his share of grief and happiness, but he was content with his life and his place in it. That place is empty now, and our hearts ache, but his love is still with us, and we’ll do our best to continue spreading it around. A visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, at Girrbach Funeral Home: 328 Broadway, Hastings, ML The funeral will take place Saturday Dec. 4, 2021, at noon at Thomapple Valley Church; 2750 M-43, Hastings, MI with a luncheon to fol­ low. Those who wish, donations can be made to Faith Hospice, https ://faithhospicecare. org/donate/, 2100 Raybrook SE, Suite 300; Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Marilyn Eileen (Hammond) Ramsey, age 90, of Dowling, passed away on November 17, 2021 with her family by her side. Marilyn was born on May 9, 1931, at home in Johnstown Township, Barry County, the daughter of William and Hazel (Risbridger) Hammond. Marilyn attended Bristol Comers School and graduated from Hastings High School in 1949. On June 4, 1949, Marilyn married Glen Ramsey, and they enjoyed 59 years together until his passing. Marilyn was charge RN at Leila Post Hospital, Battle Creek, Michigan, retiring in 1996. Marilyn loved being a mom. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, crocheting, canning, and baking. She was famous for baking Christmas cookies, pies, and yeast rolls. She enjoyed time with her family, espe­ cially playing with her grandchildren. Marlyn was a devout member of the Country Chapel Church. Marilyn was preceded in death by her hus­ band, Glen O. Ramsey, Jr.; her parents, William and Hazel Hammond; son, Richard C. Ramsey, and siblings, Bernard Hammond, Margeret Maneikis, Maurice Hammond, Merle Hammond, and Mildred Hammond. She is survived by her brother, Russel (Jean) Hammond; daughters, Kathleen (Bradley) Cooper, Carol Jeffers; son, Mark (Katie) Ramsey; grandchildren, Jill (Jon) Schubert, Erin (Geoft) Martin, Jacob (Katie) Jeffers, Savannah Ramsey, Isaak (Emily) Ramsey, Evan Ramsey, Cari Cooper; great-grandchildren Aries Cole, Connor Schubert, Logan Schubert, Ellie Jeffers, Madilyn Ramsey, and Desiree B. RamseyKaul. Contributions in memory of Marilyn can be made to Faith Hospice, https://faithhos~ picecare.org/donate/, 2100 Raybrook SE, Suite 300; Grand Rapids, MI 49546, the American Cancer Society, https://donate3. cancer.org/, American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or Country Chapel Church. Visitation was held Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, with a service that followed at the Country Chapel Church, 9275 M-37, Dowling, MI 49050, Pastor Rick Foster offi­ ciating. Interment followed at Banfield Cemetery, Banfield, with luncheon. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Steven Douglas Venhuizen PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: A- exto W* 1 W Hum Fiberalass Fiberglass Products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 A WORI nWIRF SIIPPHFR OF AWOfWESUPWOF 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 On Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, Steven Douglas Venhuizen passed into his eternal peace in Virginia where he was currently living with his daughter. Steve was bom October 8,1947 to Evelyn and Doug Venhuizen in Grand Rapids, ML He attended the Godwin Heights Schools and graduated in 1966. He was conscripted into the US Army in the fall of 1966 serving during the Vietnam Conflict until being honorably discharged in 1968. Later Steve further served his country by enlisting for several years in the US Navy Reserves. December 6, 1969 Steve married Mildred Joy Gronewold of Freeport. They settled in Hastings, where together they raised their two children. He was able to share his love and devotion with Millie for over 50 years. Steve worked at Viking Corporation in Hastings for many years then at DENSO Manufacturing in Battle Creek until his retirement. Steve was happiest when he was in the out of doors. He particularly loved fishing, camping, and hiking especially when he could share in it with his children, grand­ children, and faithful dog Pete. One of the dearest places for him was along the shores of Missaukee Lake in Lake City where he got to spend several years in his retirement. Steve will be deeply missed by his daugh­ ter, Kara (Derek) Taylor of Ruther Glen, VA and son, Aaron (Callie) Venhuizen of Hastings, ML As well as by stepdaughters, Suzanne (Jack) Sharpe and Jennifer (Jerry) Bihlmeyer. His seven grandchildren Ashleigh, Collin, Aaron, Addison, Jay, Alicia, and Savanna and two great grand­ children CJ and Elijah. And finally, by his siblings, Ron (Sharon), Dave (Judy), Phil (Anne) and Linda (Ron). Steve was preceded in death by his wife Millie, his parents, and brother Curt Venhuizen. A private ceremony will be held in his honor upon his interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek at a later date. With respect to Steve’s love of the out­ doors the family requests any Memorial contributions be made to: https://www. nationalparks.org/support �Thn Hastinns Banner — Thursdav. November 25. 2021 — Paoe 7 Bud Dion McMellen Harry Orval Garrison Donald Lyle Tubbs, Jr. Bud Dion McMellen, age 34, of Hastings, passed away on November 18, 2021 with his family by his side. Bud was bom on November 14, 1987, in Hastings, the son of James and Kim (Shadwick) McMellen. Bud was a 2006 graduate of Hastings High School. He worked as a line cook at Applebees, a chef at County Seat, and a machine operator at Hastings Manufacturing. Bud was a friend to all. He loved the out­ doors and new adventures, from finding the best fishing spot to finding the best places to eat. He touched so many people with his pos­ itive attitude and contagious smile. Bud was bom with a coronary anomaly. From birth his heart did not work properly. He spent his life making the best of every day and teaching others to do the same. After 34 years, he lost his battle courageously sharing his journey. You can watch his postings at https://www.facebook.com/bud.mcmellen. Bud was preceded in death by his mother. He is survived by his father, James McMellen of Hastings; sisters, Rikki (Duane) Windes of Hastings, Mairi Shadwick of Hastings, Alexandra McMellen of Holland, Holly Cappobianco of Ionia, Ruth (Chad) VanWalsum of Grand Rapids, Sarah McMellen of Grand Rapids, Ian McMellen of Decatur, IN, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bud’s memory to the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital Foundation, 25 MichiganNE; SUite^41^0,i3fafid'Rapid§7Ml Harry O. Garrison, age 86, of Freeport, passed away on November 21, 2021, at home with his wife and daughter at his side. Harry was bom on January 2, 1935, in Hastings, the son of Harry and Lula (Wertman) Garrison. Harry attended Hastings Area Schools and proudly served in the US Army. On October 7, 1967, Harry married Linda Jean Keeler, and they enjoyed 54 years together. Harry began working in 1969 for Viking Corporation, retiring in 1996. Harry was an antique tractor and gas engine collector. He belonged to the Barry County Steam and Gas Antique Machinery Association, Charlton Park Gas and Steam, and Clarksville Steam and Gas Engine Association. He spent many hours in his shop working on his tractors. Harry and Linda enjoyed camping at many tractor shows with friends, gathered around the campfire with conversation and laughter. Harry was preceded in death by his par­ ents, his brothers, Laurence and Gerald, and grandson, Donnell Rowe. He is survived by his wife Linda; daugh­ ters, Julie (Brian Foster) Garrison, Kathy (Lee Haynor) Garrison-Haynor, Janine (Ricky) Rowe, and Annette (Perry) Raab; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael, Cassandra, Di’Anthony, Branden, and Caleb; six great-grandchildren, one great-great grand­ child, and his special nephew, Ben (Deb) Curtis. * ~MeftrofiM ibutioifsin memory" of Harry can be made to a charity of your choice. Visitation will be held Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, from 3 to 5 p.m., with the funeral ser­ vice at 5 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, Michigan 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Donald Lyle Tubbs, Jr., age 77 of Hastings, went to his heavenly home to be with his Savior on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, after a cou­ rageous battle against cancer. Don was bom on October 30, 1944, in East Grand Rapids, the son of Donald Lyle Tubbs, Sr. and Irmaloy Mary Waite. He was a 1962 graduate of Coopersville High School. In June of 1984, Don married April Fox, and they enjoyed 37 years together. After working for 18 years at various jobs, Don and April restored, opened and operated as innkeepers the Adrounie House Bed and Breakfast since December 1998, also receiv­ ing awards in the Book of Lists, Best Hospitality (2003), Best Interior and Decor (2005), and Most Historical Charm (2006). He also worked for Girrbach Funeral Home part-time from 2000-2015. Don served proudly in the US Navy (1962-1968), working on the flight deck of the USS Bon Homme Richard as an air traffic controller during the Vietnam War. Don was a member of Thomapple Valley Church since 1986. He served on the Hastings City Council as a Councilman for the Fourth Ward (1998-2012), eight of those years as the Mayor Pro-Tern. He was also a member of Kiwanis. Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed bowling, hunting and fishing. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Janet (Jim) Denson and Linda Fleese. ‘ Don is survived by :his*VTfe, April (Fox) Tubbs; their dog, “Charlie” and his daugh­ ters, from his former marriage, Wendy Riemersma, Zona (Casey) House, Kaye Tubbs, and his siblings, Cliff (Deb) Tubbs, Sid (Linda) Tubbs, Ron (Linda) Tubbs, Deb Tubbs-Castenholz, Carl (Jan) Hartman, Rick (Marcia) Hartman, his grandchildren Devan, Austin, Mason, Davis, Isaiah, and Makala. Memorial contributions in Don’s memory can be made to the Barry County United Way - Fresh Food Initiative, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. 49503, https://give.spectrumhealth.org/ donations. A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at Grace Brethren Church, 2720 Vedder Rd, Lake Odessa, MI 48849 from 3 to 6 p.m. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachftmeralhome.net. By Elaine Garlock First Congregational Church will host a pre-Thanksgiving service at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21. The Tri-River Museum group met Tuesday at the Lyons Museum on Bridge Street with a good attendance of members from Rockford, Belding, Ada, Clarksville, Plainfield, Ionia, Bowne Center and other spots. Several members reported on holiday plans for programs, craft sales and other fundraising events. The next meeting will be in February at which time officers will be elected for 2022. The current president and secretary have held their posts for many years. There are three directors who have had shorter terms. Sunday services will resume at Central United Methodist Church Nov. 21 after two weeks closure due to COVID -19 in a mem­ ber who attended the most recent service in late October, least there be any possible infection. Sunday school classes also will resume at 9:30 a.m. with the worship ser­ vice at 10:30. The service at the congregational Church Sunday had a seasonal emphasis with pre­ sentation of the colors with two men carry­ ing in the flags. Two patriotic hymns were sung. Marilyn Noffke was the guest soloist/ pianist. Veterans were asked to name their service and the era in which they served. Each had been in a different branch and different conflict. The church now has a community box between the church and parsonage for anyone in the community to drop off a written request for a prayer. Firearm deer hunting season opened Monday with ideal weather. There had been snowfall overnight, but there was little accumulation. In spots, the snow melted as fast as it fell. Rural roads had many pickup trucks and other vehicles parked nearby Monday, which would indicate many hunt­ ers afield. Most of the com crop has been harvested, so that eliminates a major hiding place for the herd. Tuesday a lone driver saw three deer cross her path; none had antlers. The new house being built in view of Tupper Lake now has framework for a sec­ ond story i place. Another new house on the east end of Henderson Road had multiple commercial vehicles in place. Tuesday, some of which were from a flooring firm in Lake Odessa. This would indicate construc­ tion is finished and other final touches are in progress. There are still a few spots were fall veg­ etables are on display for sale, including large pumpkins and squash. Jeffrey Dann Brownell, Sr. Richard Donald Clark Jeffrey Dann Brownell, Sr., age 81, of Richard D. Clark, age 91, of Hastings, Freeport, passed away peacefully at home passed away on November 17, 2021. He was surrounded by his wife and children on bom March 23, 1930, to Clayton and Reva November 20, 2021. Jeffrey was bom on (Cross) Clark in Vermontville. He moved to January 3, 1940, in Hope Township, the son Hastings in 1942 and graduated from Hastings of Robert and Irene (Dann) Brownell. High School in 1948. Jeffrey attended Shultz School and gradu­ Richard worked for Highland Dairy deliv­ ated from Hastings High School in 1958. On ering milk door to door and Hastings February 21, 1959, he married Kathleen Aluminum Products. He retired from the Marie Armour, and they enjoyed 62 years Kellogg Company in 1988 after 32 years. together. Jeffrey worked as a master mechan­ In 1951, he entered the US Army. He ic most of his life. He was employed at married Myrtle Colvin on June 23, 1951, at General Motors and Consumers Power, retir­ Fort Hood, Texas, and they enjoyed 70 years ing from there after 17 years. together. He was medically discharged as a Jeffrey enjoyed camping, hunting, and Private First class in 1951. fishing with his grandkids, car shows and His real passion was cutting firewood. He road trips, with a special trip to Alaska with did this well into his 80s. He loved his grand­ his wife in 2007. Everywhere Jeffrey went, kids and great-grandkids and took them for he always knew somebody - even when trav­ tractor rides and watched their sporting elling. You could find him anywhere he went, events. He and Mert took the grandkids because he always whistled. camping for one week each summer at Gun Jeffrey was preceded in death by his par­ Lake. ents, Robert and Irene Brownell; brother, Richard was a member of the Masons in Jerry Brownell, and daughter-in-law, Patricia Nashville for many years, and the Kellogg 25 (Minor) Brownell. Year Club. He was preceded in death by his parents; He is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, brother, Gerald Clark and siste, Ruth Huhn. Jeff, Jr., Robert, Tim (Mindy) and Brad He is survived by his wife, Myrtle (Mert) (SueAnn) Brownell; daughters, Teresa (Joe) Clark; his four children, Vickie (Mike) Ward, Garrett and Marjorie (Brian) Aldrich; 20 Mike Clark, Kathy (Tom) Pierce and Karen grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren and (Doug) Maiville; seven grandchildren, and 18 siblings, Jon (Brenda) Brownell, Jim great-grandchildren. Brownell, Jane Barlow, Mary Cotant, The family wishes to thank the caretakers Margaret Wellman, Tom Brownell, Ron fMuriel) BrownefC^^unTGedrgraflann^and ^W^h6rnap^TM®^r^T their loving care. many nieces and nephews . No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions in memory of Jeffrey Memorial contributions in memory of can be made to your local humane society. Richard can be made to Green Gables Haven Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. https://www.greengableshaven.org/ PO Box 388, Hastings, MI 49058 or Barry County A memorial luncheon will be held on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Freeport Commission on Aging https ://www.barrycf. Community Center, 209 State St, Freeport, org/funds/barry-county-commission-on-aging-fund/ 231 S Broadway, Hastings, MI MI, 49325. Please bring your favorite dish to 49058. pass for a Memorial Thanksgiving Feast. Interment will be at Cedar Creek Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. girrbachfuneralhome.net. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING 2/28/30- 11/26/19 Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber 0 Your memory, a treasure. New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 License #8110376 & Insured You are loved, beyond words, Missed beyond measure. We think of you and miss you every day^fc£ r (pl Your loving wife Doris, Sons Larry and Bryan and their CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com Call for Hastings Banner ads .arveth Villa® of Middleville 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 w w w.CarvethVillage .com “Remember... if you can’t live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 �Page 8 — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Tyden unintentionally ventures into automatic sprinkler industry Emil Tyden was a man of many talents and interests. The son of a Swedish potato farmer, he helped develop the Idaho potato and estab­ lished a large farm in Iowa. Aside from his agricultural roots, he invented a self-locking seal to prevent tampering on rail cars, a product that was eventually used by rail companies across the globe. He helped build pipe organs and farm machinery and created a lock for the Hastings Table Company, solving a significant challenge for the local manufacturer. In all, he reportedly had more than 200 pat­ ents to his name in a variety of industries. Some may assume that, after his seal compa­ ny - and all of its machines, patterns, docu­ ments and other associated items - was destroyed by fire in 1902, the Swedish immi­ grant came up with the idea of an automatic sprinkler system and named it Viking in honor of his Scandinavian roots. But former Banner owner/editor and fellow businessman Marshall Cook tells the full story in an undated article, likely from the late 1930s or early 1940s: Emil Tyden thought he was investing in a sound business venture and instead found himself working on another inven­ tion that is still manufactured in Hastings today, the Viking sprinkler. Tyden became interested in Viking Corp, as an investment, but had to take it over as a business M.L. Cook If you attempted to guess how the Viking Corporation came to be located in Hastings, your wildest imagining would not seem more probable than is the actual story. Like the Seal Factory and the Consolidated Press and Tool Company, Viking’s presence in Hastings is due directly to Emil Tyden. • When he first became interested in it, he did noLhave the remotest idea of having anything whatever to do with the making or selling of automatic sprinkling devices and equipment. Such equipment successfully extinguishes fires, putting out the blazes usually before the fire department can be told there is a fire, and often when no one is present to witness the perfor­ mance. They have the merit, not only of reduc­ ing the number of fires, but also cutting insur­ ance costs to a small fraction of the usual charges for that service. That reduction is so large, the sprinkler manufacturing companies will install their equipment and agree to take as their pay for it what the sprinklers actually save in the cost of insurance over the regular insur­ ance rates, in from five to 10 years, where there is a 90 percent insurance coverage on the value of the buildings and their contents. Possibly some of my readers would like to know a little more about the automatic sprinkler systems and how they operate. There are of two kinds: the “wet” and the “dry” systems. In either case, the water in all the overhead pipes in the buildings is controlled by a large valve, through which water must pass on its way to put out a fire. In the wet system, actual water is in the over­ head pipes at all times. It is held there by the valve that controls the supply of water for the sprinklers, the water coming from the big tank, or a city water main, which furnishes the water for the system. In the dry system, there is no water at all in the overhead piping in the building - just air, held there by a definite pressure from the valve. The valve prevents the water from the big tank or the city water main from going into the pipes until the air pressure in the pipes is reduced below that at which it is ordinarily held by the valve. Nearly all installations of sprinkler systems now call for the dry system, because of better control and because there is no water in the pipes to freeze in case the factory should in winter be closed for any reason. In the overhead piping, spaced regularly about 8 feet apart, are the sprinkler heads. These are the same in either a wet or dry system. When the heat that reaches the sprinkler head is anywhere below 160 degrees, we will say, nothing will happen. But when the heat that reaches the sprinkler head exceeds 160 degrees, it will melt a composition metal brace that controls the mechanism that normally prevents any water from passing through the sprinkler head. When that composi­ tion metal brace melts, it opens a mechanism in the sprinkler head and allows the water in the pipe to pour through the sprinkler head, which is so shaped as to make the water spray over a considerable area. In the wet system, the flow of water through the sprinkler head reduces the pressure in the pipes, and the big connecting valve automati­ cally opens and permits more water to go into the overhead pipes from the water tank or the city main. In a dry system, the open sprinkler head at first lets out air, but when the air pressure in the pipe gets below the pressure at which it is reg­ ularly maintained by the valve, then the valve will open and allow water from the tank or main to go into the overhead piping. In either case, water quickly reaches the open sprinkler head from the controlling valve. My mechani­ cal ability is limited, and I may not have made this attempted description of the operation of a sprinkler system clear to my readers, but you can at least credit me with good intentions. If I have succeeded, it will enable you to understand what I consider the most important feature of this story: How another company fancied its ownership of a dry valve patent that gave it a monopoly of installing the dry systems and how neatly and effectively Mr. Tyden’s inventive genius enabled him to devise a dry valve that did not infringe on the other fellow’s patent. Mr. Tyden had a very good Swedish friend named Peterson. They had known each other for several years. Mr. Peterson was the western sales manager of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, then the recognized leader in that field. He traveled a good deal and frequently called on Mr. Tyden in Chicago. He was a man of high standing in the mechanical world and in business circles, also. In 1921, Mr. Peterson met Tyden and men­ tioned a Swedish friend of his who lived in St. Gift Giving ON SALE NOW! CHASING THE EVIDENCE OF A REMARKABLE MAN Emil Tyden made a mark in this world at the turn of the 20th Century, but it was the imprint of a selfless man whose incredible talents and care for his fellow man Should be admired by every succeeding generation.” The book, Tyden: An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary, was published by Fred Jacobs and J-Ad Graphics and is the most extensive biography to date __ of a man who arrived from Sweden at the age of 17 and whose inventive brilliance began with contributions to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 and ended just before his death in 1951 with the invention of the dry sprinkler fire suppression system manufactured by The Viking Corporation. In between, Tyden offered world-changing developments to the booming automotive industry in Detroit, to America’s military efforts in World War I, and to the transportation industry where the invention for which he became best known, the box car seal, established Hastings as a manufacturing capital. Over 4 million of Tyden’s boxcar seals were manufactured from his plant in Hastings. “It’s a compelling read,” states author Doug Vanderbaan, “and one I feel fortunate to be part of in its telling. An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary... Available in Hastings for $24.99 at • Al Fresco • The General Store • Printing Plus • J-Ad Graphics ofiice at 1351N. M-43 Highway, just north of the Hastings city limits. Louis, and who, he said, had developed what Peterson considered greatly improved devices for automatic sprinkling which, he believed, would be a big success. While Mr. Tyden was familiar with the sprin­ kler systems and had them in the local factories in which he was interested, he had never given particular attention to the devices used in such systems. So, he went with Mr. Peterson to St. Louis and met the latter’s Swedish friend, Gunnar Liljegren. Largely because he had con­ fidence in the business judgment and mechani­ cal ability of his Philadelphia friend, Mr. Tyden agreed to invest a considerable sum in this venture if Peterson would do the same, and that was agreed. Soon after that, Mr. Tyden sent his cash to Liljegren. The latter saw to it that it became well known Mr. Tyden had become interested with him in the Viking Corporation. However, sometime after Mr. Tyden had paid his cash to Liljegren and after it had become known he was in on the deal, he learned Peterson and Liljegren had ceased to be friends and that the Philadelphian had refused to put a cent into the venture because of his disagreement with Liljegren. Mr. Tyden was already in. It had become known in a business way that he had invested and was interested in the automatic sprinkler business, so he felt in honor bound to carry on with it. Then he did a lot of investigating. Had he done it before he invested, there would be no Viking Corporation in Hastings - or anywhere else for that matter. He found that Liljegren had spent the money Tyden had put into the venture and had very little to show for it. Liljegren, Tyden learned, had no sprinkler head that would be accepted as satisfactory by the insur­ ance companies. He learned that the patents on the valves used in the wet system had expired, so they could be used by the Viking Corporation without danger of interference suits. Most importantly, Tyden learned that the dry system was by far the most desirable and the big seller in the business, and that Liljegren had no dry­ valve patent at all Emil Tyden devised a dry valve that operated on exactly the opposite princi­ ple from the valve used by other compa­ nies at that time. Tyden ascertained that an eastern gentleman had a patent on the only dry valve that had the approval of the insurance companies who had tested it in the Boston and Chicago laboratories and given it their OK. That patent was con­ trolled by the automatic sprinkler companies which were then doing business. They could easily prevent its use by the Viking Company, since the patent had several years to run. Now wasn’t that a pretty kettle of fish? But if you know Emil Tyden, you know he would never infringe on another fellow’s patent. Nor would he give up getting into this field of dry system installation until he had made every possible effort to devise a dry valve his compet­ itors could not prevent him from using. Mr. Tyden then was fully satisfied that Liljegren had no devices that were worth con­ sidering, or that would get the approval of the insurance company laboratories. So, he paid in full for Liljegren’s interest in the Viking Company and then set about his real job, deter­ mined he would have a dry valve he could use. First, he made a sprinkler head that met ^Doctor Universe Dr. Universe: Why do animals have different hearing? Dorothy, 9, Washington Dear Dorothy, You’re right - different animals can hear different types of sounds. To find out more about it, I talked to my friend Dr. Vishal Murthy, a veterinarian at Washington State University. Murthy reminded me sound comes from vibrations that travel through the air. For instance, when you feed your pet, the kib­ bles that fall into the bowl send out vibra­ tions to your pet’s ears. Some animals, like cats, dogs, elephants and humans, have ears that stick out and can help funnel these vibrations into the inner ear. But some animals don’t have outer ears - dolphins, for instance. Dolphins have some of the sharpest hearing of all the ani­ mals on our planet. Scientists think dolphins rely on a part of their jawbone to help send those vibrations to their inner ears. Patent paperwork documents Tyden’s design. requirements of the insurance companies. He had no trouble about wet valve patents, for they had all expired. Later he made a far better wet valve than any on the market, some features of which were patentable. That dry valve proposition was a poser for a time. But he succeeded in devising a new dry valve that not only did not interfere with the eastern man’s patent, which was controlled by competing sprinkler companies; but operated on exactly the opposite principle from the valve used by the other companies. On his new valve, he secured a ground floor patent. That new dry valve was the foundation of the Viking Corporation’s successful career. Let me try and explain how he did this, for, to me, it is a thrilling story. In the patented dry valve, which the other companies controlled, the valve seat - or lid, if that word makes it easier to understand - cov­ ers the round opening of the valve through which the water from the tank or city main must pass to get into the overhead piping, to which the sprinkler heads are attached. That cover, or lid, in the dry valve controlled by rival compa­ nies was made so heavy that unless held up by force or forced up by pressure of the water, ft would stay open always because of its weight. And that was the patented feature of the other fellow’s dry valve. How did Mr. Tyden get around that patent? It sounds easy, but it took a lot of thinking. The dry valve Mr. Tyden invented, on which he obtained a patent, worked on exactly the opposite princi­ ple. He counter-balanced the weight of the cover, or seat, of the valve, so it would open and stay open unless pressure was used to keep it down, in order to cover the opening through the valve to allow water to get to the open sprinkler head. By pushing the Tyden valve seat down tightly, this lid, or seat, would be held down by the air pressure in the piping in the building. When a sprinkler had opened in the building, and the pressure of the air in the piping was reduced until it became lower in the piping than it was in the tank or water main, the lid would raise it itself, because it was made to do exactly that naturally, thus it would allow the water to go through the valve and into the piping. If I have explained this clearly, as I hope I have, you will see that Mr. Tyden invented a better dry valve than his competitors had, by applying the exactly opposite principle from that used in the dry valve which they controlled. His new dry valve was thoroughly tested by the insurance laboratories and was given their full approval. So, competitors were not able to stop the Viking business by infringing suits. He avoided the principle applied in their patented valve by inventing a better one in using the opposite principle for the control of the valve. Emil Tyden, 81, perfects new style sprinkler head The following clipping from a Tyden scrapbook was not dated. However, based on the mention of Tyden’s recent birthday, the article may be from the Jan. 17,1946, Banner. Col. Emil Tyden, who celebrated his 81st birthday Sunday, is still actively engaged in the development of new products at a time in life when the average individual would feel perfectly content to “rest on the oars,” so to speak - especially if that lifetime had includ­ ed the successful development of such indus­ tries as the International Seal and Lock Company, the Viking Corporation and the Consolidated Press and Tool Company, which through various mergers, became the Hastings branch of the Bliss Press Company. The International Seal and Lock Company has won more than 90 percent of the market in its field. The Viking Corporation is one of the leaders in its field. Success of the Viking Corporation venture (and its thriving off­ spring, the Viking Equipment Company), hinged largely on a new type of dry valve Col. Tyden invented to break a patent monop­ oly which had hitherto controlled this field. In all of these industries, it was necessary to perfect a considerable amount of new type mechanical equipment, much of which was as unusual and ingenious as the inventions themselves. * Yet, during this past year, Col. Tyden has brought to perfection, a new “flush type” sprinkler head which is receiving wide recog-, nition in the automatic sprinkler industry: Nothing like it has even been on the market before. This head is recessed into the ceiling andt so is about as near invisible as a head of this, type ever can be. Thus, it is ideal for store; office, apartment house, or other interiors where appearance is an important factor. The new head is also being received with enthusiasm in a rather unexpected quarter. An officer of high rank in the U.S. Army Medical Corps states that this head is the answer to safe fire protection in hospitals and wards caring for the mentally sick. For this type of patient, the unusual protruding head rep­ resents a potential danger. The flush type of head, developed by Col. Tyden, however, eliminates this danger. The head is concealed and out of harm’s way. Frequency of animal ears In animals, the vibrations travel to a part of the inner ear called the cochlea, which looks like a snail’s shell. It has tiny parts called hair cells, which look like a little series of hairs in a line, that help animals sense a certain range of sound. When we talk about a range of sound, we often talk about frequencies. A chirp or a whistle is a kind of high-frequency sound. A bass drum or thunder is a kind of low-fre­ quency sound. Some of the animal’s hair cells can pick up on lower frequencies, while others pick up on higher frequencies. Murthy said the longer an animal’s cochlea, the more likely it will have a variety of hair-cell types. This wide variety is one factor that can give the animal a wider range of hearing abilities. If you are like me, you might be wonder­ ing why some animals can hear certain fre­ quencies, while other animals cannot. Murthy said part of the answer to your question also has to do with the way hearing helps animals adapt and survive. Elephants are one great example. Elephants can hear lower frequencies a lot of other animals cannot hear. It turns out low frequencies can travel farther than can high frequencies. “Elephants are migratory and travel long distances, so they need to be able to hear over longer distances,” Murthy said. “Elephants have evolved this ability, so they can communicate with each other.” He also told me elephants will sometimes pick up on vibrations using their feet. The vibrations travel through their bones and to their ears where they can be turned into sound. Meanwhile, cats can hear a lot of high-fre­ quency sounds. Prey animals, like mice, often make higher frequency sounds, like a squeak. The ability to hear particular fre­ quencies can help some animals find prey. Murthy also mentioned most cats have bet­ ter hearing than dogs do, especially when it comes to high-pitched sounds. You heard it here, young scientists. From tiny hair cells to the structure and shape of the ear, there are a lot of factors that go into help­ ing animals hear different types of sounds. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr. Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — Page 9 Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Kevin Beck, AANIS® Financial Advisor Member SIPC 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 Jim Lundin Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)818-0423 Maximize your charitable giving The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as Giving Tuesday, when people are encouraged to donate to charitable organizations. If you’d like to take part in this special day, you’ll want to maximize the effectiveness and j benefits of your charitable gifts. So, consider these questions: $ • Is the charity reputable? ' Does it use its resources wisely? j Most charitable organizations are honest and dedicated to J helping their specific causes. ; But sometimes there are •. a few “bad apples” in the J bunch. These groups aren’t * necessarily fraudulent (though • some are), but they may spend J an inordinate amount of their 5 donations on administrative expenses, rather than directing this money to where it’s most needed. Fortunately, you don’t have to guess about the trustworthiness or the efficiency of a particular group, because you can check on it. To make sure that a charity is an actual charity - one that is tax-exempt and listed as a 501 (c) (3) organization - you can go to www.irs.gov, the website of the ' Internal Revenue Service, and ' hit the “Charities & Nonprofits” link. An organization called i Charity Navigator (www. charitynavigator.org) tracks ‘ charitable groups’ financial , health and accountability, including how much is spent on administrative and fundraising ~ costs. Generally speaking, a charitable group that dedicates more than about 30% to 35% of its total costs to administration and fundraising expenses might be considered somewhat inefficient, though you’d want to evaluate each charity individually, since extenuating circumstances can occur. Keep in mind, though, that smaller charities may not have the same resources as a national organization to provide the reporting necessaiy for Charity Navigator. • Will my employer match my contribution? You can make your charitable gift go a lot further if your employer matches it. Typically, companies match donations at a 1:1 ratio, but some will match at 2:1 or even higher. Check with your human resources department about your company’s policy on charitable matches. • Are my charitable gifts tax deductible? A few years ago, Congress significantly raised the standard deduction, which, for the 2021 tax year, is now $12,550 for single taxpayers, $25,100 for joint filers and $18,800 for heads of household. As a result of this increase, many people no longer itemize and thus have less financial incentive to make charitable contributions. If you still do itemize and you’re thinking of making charitable gifts, you generally have a choice between giving cash and another asset such as stocks. Each type of gift could earn you a tax deduction, but a gift of appreciated stocks could be more beneficial because you may also be avoiding the capital gains tax you might incur if you eventually sold the stocks. You should consult with your tax advisor and the charity (not all accept investments) before making the cash-versus-stock decision. Even if you don’t itemize, you could still get a tax benefit from making a charitable contribution. That’s because Congress has extended part of the COVID-19-related legislation that allows taxpayers to claim charitable deductions of $300 (for single filers) or $600 (for married couples) if they claim the standard deduction. The charitable donations must be made in cash, not stocks. Giving Tuesday comes just once a year, but your gifts can have lasting benefits. So, be as generous as you can afford and enjoy the good feelings that follow. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. EdwardJones, Member SIPC Stolen car found after hit-and-run A 33-year-old woman called police at 10:25 p.m. Nov. 10 to report her car had been stolen from her residence in the 11000 block of Cobb Road in Barry Township. The woman said she left home at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon and, when she returned at 9, it was gone. An officer searched for the vehicle and discovered it had been driven in a hit-andrun in Springfield that day and abandoned by the driver. Church thief finds no valuables Police responded to a call of a breaking and entering at Peace United Methodist Church on East Washington Street in Nashville at 8:57 a.m. Nov. 11. Church members showed police where someone had broken a window lock, went inside and cut open a safe. No valuable items were in the safe. Drunken driver said crash was intentional A caller reported a crash on Kingsbury Road near Harrington Road in Hope Township at 4:33 p.m. Nov. 10. The vehicle went off the road and struck a tree. When police arrived, they found the driver, a 47-year-old Hastings man, had minor injuries. The man told police he had drunk a pint of vodka minutes before the crash and was trying to kill himself. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.285. The man said he had been sober for two years, but recently started drinking again after his girlfriend broke up with him and he became homeless. He was taken to a hospital. Car stolen from M-43 residence overnight A 22-year-old man called police at 2:15 a.m. Nov. 12 to report his vehicle had been stolen from outside his residence in the 2000 block of M-43 in Rutland Charter Township. The man said he had recently moved back to his parents’ house and was sleeping in a camper that night. He said he heard an engine revving outside during the night, but didn’t think anything of it. Later, when he went outside, he realized his vehicle, a 2000 Buick LeSabre, was gone. Battle Creek man arrested in Nashville A 69-year-old Battle Creek man was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Nashville at 6:32 p.m. Nov. 12. A caller reported a vehicle swerving around M-66, slowing down and speeding up, and almost coming to a complete stop in the middle of the road at one point. A second caller reported a man dozing in his vehicle at the C-Store in downtown Nashville. The vehicle was not in a parking space, and the driv­ er said he thought he was in Battle Creek. Two pint bottles of gin, mostly empty, were found inside the vehicle, along with a cup filled with an unknown liquid. The man had a 0.15 blood alcohol content. Retailers’ optimism grows for.sales through January The Michigan Retailers Association is reporting a sizable increase in October sales performance, compared to September numbers. The October Retail Index survey came in at 70.7 percent, a leap up from September’s 47.6 percent. MRA said 71 percent of Michigan retailers reported a sales increase; 20 percent noted a decrease, and 9 percent reported no change. ' The seasonally adjusted performance Index is conducted by Michigan Retailers Association in cooperation with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Detroit branch. The 100-point Index provides a snapshot of the state’s overall retail industry. Index values above 50 generally indicate positive activity; the higher the number, the stronger the activity. ' Specifically, the survey showed that 75 percent of retailers predict their sales will continue to rise through January, while 18 percent said they expect their sales to decline. Seven percent are anticipating no change. That results in an 84.4 Index rating, another increase over last month’s prediction Index rating of 68.4. Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation says a record year is likely. The Federation is predicting U.S. holiday sales in November and December will grow between 8.5 and 10.5 percent over 2020 to between $843.4 billion and $859 billion. In 2020, holiday sales totaled $777.3 billion. The NRF predicts per-person spending to reach an average of $998 on holiday gifts and other holiday items this year. The NRF also predicts that 2 million more are expected to shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday as compared to 2020. While that’s still below the pre-pandemic total of 265.3 million, it’s estimated that 158.3 million will shop during this upcoming weekend. Last year, the total number of con­ sumers shopping was 156.6 million. “It’s promising to see consumers spending their money locally, especially this early before the holidays. We look forward to the November and December reports, but the opti­ mism among retailers is a tell-tale sign that retail sales have some holiday season momen­ tum,” said William J. Hallan, president and CEO of Michigan Retailers Association. “Michigan retailers deserve this good news as we head toward the end of the calendar year.” Michigan’s unemployment rate in October 2021 preliminarily came in at 6.1 percent. In 2020, Michigan’s unemployment rate was 8.1 percent. In October 2021, the national unem­ ployment rate dropped to 4.6 percent, com­ pared to September’s 4.8 percent. Small Business Saturday is reminder to shop locally, year-round Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared Nov. 27 Small Business Saturday in Michigan and urges Michiganders to buy locally this Saturday and throughout the year to support Michigan’s small businesses. i “Small businesses are the backbones of our Communities, and we want to remind l|4ichiganders that supporting local business­ and entrepreneurs creates jobs, leads to more vibrant communities, and builds a stronger economy for everyone,” Gov. Whitmer said in a press release. “Our small lousinesses demonstrated incredible resiliency tjiroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we should celebrate them and their invaluable contributions to our state by shopping local tpis holiday season. I will continue working tb ensure that small businesses have the ijesources they need to succeed as we usher in es a new era of prosperity together.” i According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses comprise rjiore than 98 percent of Michigan businesses ^nd employ half of Michigan workers. For every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays in the local economy, allowing business and job growth. । In addition, according to the Michigan Retailers Association, one in five Michigan jobs are in the retail industry. In 2020, Michigan residents sent $23.7 billion to outof-state retailers. If only one in 10 out-ofAate purchases were switched to local stores, tyfichigan would gain $1.9 billion in increased economic activity, creating 14,000 new jobs. »- “While every day is a good day to shop small and buy nearby, we hope Michiganders “Small businesses play a vital role in their local communi­ ties and have been through unprecedented challenges during this pandemic. Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them and show our sup­ port during the busy holiday season.” Brian Calley, president, Small Business Association of Michigan will make a concentrated effort this Saturday and throughout the holiday season to shop at local retailers and businesses,” William J. Hallan, president and CEO, Michigan Retailers Association, said. “Not only will you find gifts on store shelves and avoid pos­ sible shipping delays by buying nearby, but you’ll be supporting the local businesses who make our communities great places to live and work. With so many challenges facing business owners this year and last, they need the community’s support more than ever.” In 2020, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation launched the “Support Local” campaign to remind Michiganders of the importance of support­ ing local businesses during the holidays and throughout the winter season. The Support Local landing page, at michigan.org/supportlocal. offers resources that help residents shop and eat locally, including links to vibrant downtowns hat are filled with local shops specializing in d?cor, fashion, toys, hardware and more. For the craft beverage lover, Michigan’s beer, wine and spirits can be found throughout the state at brick-and-mortar shops and local grocery stores. “As we look at ways to grow an equitable and resilient economy in Michigan, we remain committed to supporting our small businesses, their workers, and the local com­ munities in all comers of the state,” MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer Jr. said. “The Saturday after Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest days of the holiday season, and by shopping local, we can help Michigan workers, businesses, and communities thrive this season and beyond.” “Small businesses play a vital role in their local communities and have been through unprecedented challenges during this pan­ demic,” said Brian Calley, president of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them and show our support during the busy holiday season.” Superintendent Matt Goebel talks to third-graders about the excitement in learning. (Photo provided) Hastings Kiwanis gives dictionaries to third-graders The Kiwanis Club of Hastings is striving to make a difference in the lives of Hastings area children by giving dictionaries to every third-grade student in Hastings, Barry County Christian and St. Rose schools. The Dictionary Project is an international program focusing on literacy. In the past 10 years, more than 2,250 dictionaries have been distributed to area third-graders by the Kiwanians. The dictionaries students receive are more like mini-almanacs, filled with a mix of items, including biographies, maps, a period­ ic table and more. “We know that illustrative representations of things our students are learning can strong­ ly influence their educational concepts,” Hastings Superintendent and Kiwanis mem­ ber Matt Goebel said. “This type of resource can help during the crucial period of teaching elementary students in moving from simply learning to read the words, to understanding the content of what they read.” Goebel said he’s had high school students say they remember him giving them dictio­ naries in third grade. “I know it is making an impact,” he said. Funding choices loom for municipalities across Michigan BridgeMichigan From infrastructure and blight to mental health services and parks, cities and coun­ ties have delayed investment for years, limiting their ability to “be thriving plac­ es,” according to a report from the Michigan Municipal League. Now that cities and counties set to receive $4.37 billion from the federal gov­ ernment as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, experts say municipal leaders should take an important first step before making decisions: Listen. Overall, all 83 counties are set to receive $1.93 billion, while 49 metropolitan cities and townships in the state have been allo­ cated $1.80 billion. Local governments of 50,000 people or less will be able to benefit from an allocation of $644 million. The cities are bracing for the money as Michigan public schools decide how to spend an even bigger pot - more than $6 billion from three federal COVID pack­ ages. School leaders are facing some of the same decisions as municipalities, trying to figure out how to best spend an amount of new money they’ll likely never see again. Funding projects range from additional staff to new heating and cooling systems, and many schools, like municipalities, plan to take their time to figure out what to do. While the federal government attached few strings to the money, municipal gov­ ernments have to allocate it by 2024 and spend it by 2026. “We think that the American Rescue Plan Act is a historical investment in us, and should be looked at as a down-pay­ ment on our future,” said Rachel Richards, the fiscal policy director of the Michigan League for Public Policy. Richards said local governments’ top pri­ ority should be to listen to their constituents. “Your people know the needs of their communities the best,’’ she said, “They are often the ones that are on the ground every day, seeing where there are holes in state and local government services that need to be filled.” Broadly speaking, the federal stimulus can pay for COVID-19 mitigation efforts, replace lost revenue, provide pay for work­ ers, mitigate economic harm from the pan­ demic and invest in infrastructure. That means cities can get creative - and cause controversy. Last month, the Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners voted to use the funds to give themselves and top officials hazard pay. The payouts ranged from $25,0000 to $5,000. ’ After public pushback, the commission­ ers said they’d return the money. Most cities and counties, however, likely will spend the money on different projects and programs to fight crime, build facili­ ties, and address poverty. Kent County Board of Commissioners is likely to use the $128 million awarded for enhancing the county’s behavioral health system, addressing lead and PFAS contam­ ination, and boosting law enforcement officers, a spokesperson for the county told Bridge Michigan. The money comes after municipalities and the state government delayed invest­ ments for decades, following economic downturns since 2000. One report claims Michigan needs $4 billion more per year in infrastructure improvements, while a report from the Michigan Municipal League found the state’s police force deployments fell 23 percent from 2002 to 2017. But the pandemic exposed and exacer­ bated other needs as well, including the state’s $3.6 billion mental-health system and chronic shortage of affordable housing. Some advocates say more cities should steer federal money to rental assistance programs. �Page 10 — Thursday, November 25, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Symphonic sounds resound at sellout show Conductor Jose-Luis Novo and the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra play before a sell-out crowd in their Home for the Holidays concert at the Hastings Performing Arts Center Nov. 18. This is the first of four concerts to be showcased as part of the center's 2021-22 concert series, largely funded by the Douglas A. & Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation. The lineup includes Three Men and a Tenor: The Ha-Ha Holidays Show on Dec. 10; Edye Evans Hyde: West Michigan's First Lady of Song with the Terry Lower Trio on Feb. 18; and Jazz and Pop Artist Aubry Logan, who is being sponsored by the Mark & Margaret Christensen and the Dempsey Foundation. (Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra) DDA to move forward with streetscape plan, contact landscape architect Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings Downtown Development Authority has spent months of brainstorming, discussing and creating a 75-page guidebook. But throughout recent meetings, DDA members have expressed disappointment in the final product prepared by McKenna, a Michigan-based planning company. Most notably, DDA members said they felt they had received an overwhelming number of options without enough direction. “A number of you were saying that you didn’t really feel like it was a plan,” City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale said at the Nov. 18 DDA board meeting; “you didn’t feel like it was really a direction on where to go next. And I agree with you. I don’t feel like it’s a very good starting place the way that it is.” Instead of making decisions solely based on the guidebook, Moyer-Cale and public services director Travis Tate suggested the city consider contacting a landscaping archi­ tect to determine the next steps. landscape engineering company, as opposed to an engineer, to prioritize the visual aspect of the downtown, Moyer-Cale said. She noted three projects of focus for the DDA, including the extension of curbs for increased outdoor seating, the creation of space for a fireplace and the redesign of Jefferson Street as a one-way. “Instead’ of Talking about concepts, we need to see some concepts and talk about what we’re seeing so that we know that we’re really identifying the things that are meaning­ ful to the community,” Moyer-Cale said. In the coming weeks, the city will contact MCSA Group, an East Grand Rapids-based landscaping architect, about creating the con­ cept plans. The recommendation came from Tate, who is a member of the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation committee. He noted that MCSA has worked with a number of commu­ nities in the area. It designed the City of Kentwood master plan for parks and recre­ ation, the East Grand Rapids streetscape plan In the end, DDA members gave their OK, but expressed concern that they were aban­ doning all of the time they had put into the previous plan. “The part that just drives me crazy is we spent all this money,” DDA chair Patty Woods said. “$36,000,” board member Lynn Denton chimed in. “And we’re going to start over,” board member Deb Button added. Moyer-Cale said it’s not a complete restart. “It’s not totally square one, but I understand the feeling.” Instead, Moyer-Cale said she hopes it will jumpstart the streetscape redesign process. “I would look at it as taking the next step,” she said. The streetscape plan focuses on a wide range of “building face to building face” improvements in the downtown area, MoyerCale said, including replanting trees, fixing sidewalks, adding more benches, and more. The city decided to move forward with a and the original Hastings streetscape plan in 1992. “By having somebody involved who has a lot of experience with streetscapes, who also has more of that artistic view of things, I think would benefit us to a greater degree at this point,” Moyer-Cale said. In other business Thursday, the DDA: • Awarded $2,000 to help facilitate the New Year’s Eve ball drop at the Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro. • Approved a $5,000 facade grant for the building that houses Tania’s Treasure Trunk. • Approved a $7,882 expenditure request from arts and events coordinator Maiya Merrick to fund its 2022 publications. • Approved $2,936 and $1,007 in holiday season advertisements for J-Ad Graphics and WBCH, respectively. • Discussed the feasibility of continuing to use billboard advertisements. The city has a billboard design that circulates throughout different locations in the area. It costs close to $14,500. Many board members expressed concern, noting they don’t have any way to measure the effectiveness of the billboard. On top of that, some said they haven’t even seen the billboard. They discussed the possi­ bility of shifting that money to social media advertising. • Set meeting schedule for 2022. • Canceled its Dec. 16 meeting due to the busyness of the holidays for business owners. • Approved updates to the bylaws and rules of procedure, including clarification to the language around conflicts of interest afid removing gendered language. Merrick announced to the DDA that the city received a $21,000 grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. It is the most money the city has ever received from that organization, Merrick said. The money will go toward Hastings Live and the sculpture tour. Community Development Director Dan King announced a potential completion date of April or May for,the new TJ Maxx at the former Kmart store on West State Street. Ball drop returns -• for New Year's Eve festivities • ♦ After taking a year off because of th4 COVID-19 pandemic, the ball drop will return to downtown Hastings on New Year’S Eve. It will mark the 12th year the event has taken place. The ball will drop from Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro at midnight with music, lights and fireworks to celebrate the start of 2022. To accommodate the event, State and Jefferson Streets next to the Walldorff will be blocked off from 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. oil Dec. 31, 2021, and Jan. 1, 2022. Barry Expo Center Health Department in Hastings Gun Lake area church hosting blood drive VACCINE AVAILABILITY PFIZER: 12+ years old Additional Dose Booster Dose MODERNA: 18+ years old Additional Dose Booster Dose Set-Up Your Appointment TODAY (269) 945-9516 | barryeatonhealth.org JOHNSON & JOHNSON: 18+ years old Booster Dose RRml Barry-Eaton District |MSh Health Department Be Active • Be Safe • Be Healthy Saints Cyril and Methodius Church near Gun Lake will host a blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30. Versiti Blood Center will be the service provider. The church is at 159 -131 st Avenue, Wayland, just west of the Barry County line. Anyone who is 17 or older and weighs more than 110 pounds may be eligible to be a donor. “There is no money involved; the only cost is your time,” organizer Sandra Marcukaitis said. “What you receive in return is the fact that you help sustain someone’s life, a most precious gift.” All attempting donors in November will be entered for a chance to win two tickets to the Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals football game Dec. 19, a prize that includes a parking pass and a $260 gift card to For more information, call Versiti blood Center, 866-MIBLOOD, or 269-792-3543, Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be welcomed. �SPORTS SECTION Thursday, November 25, 2021 Broncos rally to best Vikes in four Brett Bremer Sports Editor These match-ups between North Branch and Lakewood in November always end the same way. The ball hits the floor and one team is standing a bit shell-shocked on one side of the net while a mass of smiles and screams forms on the other side. The Vikings were on the wrong side this time. North Branch scored a 27-25, 24-26, 25-22, 28-26 win in the second MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinal of the evening inside Battle Creek’s Kellogg Arena Friday night. The Broncos, ranked fifth in D2, earned the right to meet top-ranked Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the Division 2 State Final Saturday evening back inside Kellogg Arena. It was the first time since 2017 that neither Lakewood or the three-time defend­ ing state champions from Grand Rapids Christian, which fell to Notre Dame Prep Friday, were playing in the D2/Class B Final. Notre Dame Prep defeated North Branch 25-17, 25-17, 25-12 in that Saturday finale. It was Lakewood that bested North Branch in the Class B State Final to capture the state championship in 2012. The Broncos got the best of the Vikings in the 2014 and 2016 finals. Each of those finals meetings was a three-set sweep for the winning team. Lakewood senior Miss Volleyball Finalist Maradith O’Gorman did her best to try and push Friday’s semifinal to five sets. O’Gorman had seven kills in the first 12 points and teamed up with senior middle Tori Wickerink for a block as the Vikings ran out to a 9-3 lead in the fourth set. “It really started kicking in that it was my last year,” O’Gorman said. “I thought that if I gave my team energy they’d give it back and we’d all get fired up and go out there and do what we could to win, but...” She trailed off. “I feel like this postseason, it really kicked in especially with how'WO h3s76een, los­ ing so many players and having them be gone for games. It is super stressful ... During the postseason is when it really kicked in that this 15 my senior year. This is my year to win it and I just wanted to bring my team together and have fun on the court with all of them.” O’Gorman finished the evening with 27 kills, more than double of anyone else in the match, on 80 attacks. She added three assists, 16 digs, a solo block and a block assist. She closes the season with 686 kills overall. Lakewood eventually had a lead as large as 18-9 in that fourth set before North Branch started a stunning comeback to finish off the Vikings’ season. A couple of kills by Alan Deshetsky started the Broncos on a run that took them from 21-11 down to 21-16 before a service error. Soon after, Deshetsky took over at the service line with her team down 23-19 and served the Broncos to within 23-22 before a Lakewood time out. Lakewood had a set-point with junior Ellie Possehn at the service line, but her serve, which has been stellar throughout the final few matches of the postseason, found the net to even the score at 24-24. Lakewood never led again as the two teams went back and forth. Lakewood faced a set-point down 26-25, but Wickerink and Everitt teamed up for a block to get back to even. A kill by O’Gorman had the Vikings back in front serving for the set again up 26-25. This time Wolverton, another strong server for the Vikings, had a serve fly long. North Branch went in front 27-26 on a kill by Clara Gyomory and then the Vikings were whistled for a bad set to Lakewood freshman setter flips the ball over the net during her team’s four-set loss to North Branch in the MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinals at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) give the match to the Broncos who piled up in a mass of gray jerseys on their side of the court while the Vikings wondered about the call and waited for post-match pleasantries. “Our attack had to become so one dimen­ sional. Liv Everitt stepped up. They put a lot of pressure on us from the service line. That is the best serving team we played all year. They made us have to scramble a little bit and change things up and then our offense strug­ gled to get going,” Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said. “We knew from the beginning of the year that was going to be our problem: can we be multidimensional enough to go after teams? We were and they put pressure on us from the service and we had to scramble in some things. He had a game plan to overload on kids and it worked for them and they fought. I think the match was a good match. I think the energy level in the gym was awesome. It is awesome to see the student-sections from both schools. That is what Lakewood and North Branch volleyball is supposed to look like. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish when we needed to.” Wickerink and Zayda Kruger were the only other seniors in the gym for the Vikings Friday. Wickerink had six kills and a pair of block assists, and a key dig as well. Kruger finished the night, her first on the floor since the district tournament, with three kills and three digs. “It was really hard watching online,” Kruger said. “I just wanted to be there with everyone, at least sitting the bench. I didn’t care, as long as I was there. I was really nervous coming back. I didn’t even touch a volleyball while I was out. I was on the couch and in bed mostly the whole time I Lakewood senior Maradith O’Gorman (left) and sophomore Alivia Everitt (right) get fired up for the start of their MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinal match against North Branch Friday at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings senior Abby Marcukaitis smiles from the top step of the medal stand Saturday at the Holland Aquatic Center after winning the 100-yard backstroke at the MHSAA Division 1 Lower Peninsula Girls' Swimming and Diving Finals for her program's first ever state champion­ ship. (Photo by Kris Marcukaitis) Abby Marcukaitis wins program’s first state title Lakewood sophomore libero Carley Piercefield makes a pass during her team’s loss to North Branch in the MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinals Friday at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. (Photo by Brett Bremer) had Covid. When I got back I was really nervous, but the first practice (Thursday) I did really well when I got back so I felt a lot better about it.” “I felt like I played pretty good. Some points here and there I’m like why did you do that. But, overall, I didn’t think I did awful.” O’Gorman and Kruger both feel like the program is in pretty good hands. O’Gorman loved seeing sophomore Alivia Everitt step up on the attack this season. Everitt did well enough that the Broncos focused their defense on trying to keep O’Gorman and Everitt from getting good swings at the net. Junior defen­ sive specialist Paige Wolverton impressed everyone once again in the semifinal. Everitt had seven kills and two block assists. Wolverton finished with a match-high four aces to go with 14 digs. “They all impress us every day by getting better,” Kruger said. “Everyone on the team that doesn’t get on the floor has stepped it up a huge amount from last year. It is really fun to see them get a lot better and be happy about it.” “I have high hopes for them next year if they get in the gym and keep working hard,” O’Gorman said. “They’ll be in the mindset of coming right back here where we belong and See VIKINGS, page 16 Brett Bremer Sports Editor The girls in her wake were from Division 1 Swimming powerhouses in Michigan’s lower peninsula. Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/ Hastings senior Abby Marcukaitis touched the timing pad on the wall at the Holland Aquatic Center Saturday for the final time in the 100-yard backstroke soon followed by a duo from Ann Arbor Pioneer, a pair from Saline, another Ann Arbor Pioneer girl and then an OK Red Conference duo from West Ottawa and Grand Haven. For the Ann Arbor Pioneer trio it was piling up points towards another MHSAA Division 1 Lower Peninsula State Championship. For Saline, it was earning points to outscore Brighton and earn the state runner-up trophy. For Marcukaitis, it was Delton Kellogg/ Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team history as she became the program’s first swim­ mer to win a state championship when she finished the race in a school record time of 55.07 seconds. “I was just thinking about my hard work and how much effort I put into it,” Marcukaitis said of the moments following the conclusion of the race. “I was thinking about my coach and how proud I needed to make him and my community. It made me happy that I could represent Middleville.” Marcukaitis was half a second ahead of Ann Arbor Pioneer sophomore Stella Chapman, the defending state champion in the event who had already earned 2021 state championships in the 200-yard indi­ vidual medley and with the Pioneer 200yard medley relay team. Chapman was the backstroke runner-up Saturday in 55.57 seconds. Pioneer senior Holly Pringle was third in 56.13. The lead basically belonged to Marcukaitis the 25-yard mark on in back­ stroke final. Chapman was the only girl within a half second of her at the 50-yard mark and she stretched her lead from there. “You can look out of the comer of your eyes to see who is next to you so you can see, ‘okay, should I go faster,”’ Marcukaitis said. “Obviously, you’re try­ ing the whole time, but you can try a little harder every time. “At the 50 we were all about the same, and I just knew I had to go faster so I did some extra underwaters.” Hugs and congratulations came from all directions when Marcukaitis got out of the pool, from teammates, her coach [Carl Schoessel], friends and competitors. Marcukaitis, the Thomapple Kellogg senior who signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Purdue University Women’s Swimming and Diving program next season, was fourth in the 100-yard backstroke as a junior when the “2020” Finals were held last January. She placed seventh in the event as a sophomore and 12™ as a freshman. She also scored in the 50-yard freestyle at the state finals for the second time Saturday, placing 11th in 24.77 seconds. While Marcukaitis’ time of 55.07 is a new school record in the 100-yard back­ stroke it isn’t the fastest she has ever gone in the race. She won the event at the club Summer State Championship Meet back in July with a time of 54.55. That win had her setting her sights firmly on an MHSAA state title in the race this fall. Marcukaitis was the only girl to finish ahead of Chapman in a race Saturday as See MARCUKAITIS, page 16 �Page 12 — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner County sent two teams to 2021 playoffs Brett Bremer Sports Editor Nobody’s season went quite as well as they had hoped in the end, but there was a ton to celebrate for the local varsity football teams in the fall of 2021. It was an outstanding season for the Hastings Saxons once again who opened the year by besting county rival Thornapple Kellogg and then went on to win seven more regular season games while compiling an 8-1 regular season record and earning a share of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship for the second season in a row. The Saxons were bested by Jackson Lumen Christi for their only loss of the 1-8 season, but bested the Harper Creek team that downed the Titans leaving the three sharing the con­ ference title. Hastings reached the state play­ offs and bested Charlotte in an opening round ballgame at Baum Stadium at Johnson Field, but fell in the Division 4 District Final to South Christian. Delton Kellogg was the area’s only other playoff team in 2021. The Panthers finished the regular season 5-3 overall and earned a spot in the Division 7 state playoffs where they were bested by Muskegon Catholic Central. Lakewood found itself in its annual battle for the Greater Lansing Activities Conference with Olivet, but came up short on a stormfilled night at Unity Field in their showdown with the Eagles. Lakewood was 3-1 in the GLAC and closed the year 4-5 overall. Thomapple Kellogg battled in the always tough OK Gold Conference and managed to close out the year with back-to-back wins over Wayland and Ottawa Hills. TK closed the season with a 3-6 record. Maple Valley got to participate in confer­ ence football for the first time since joining the ranks of the state’s 8-player teams. The Lions joined the new Tri-River 8-Man Football Conference. The Lions were 4-5 overall on the season. Here are the 2021 All-Barry County Football First and Second teams. All-Barry County Football First Team Offense Quarterback Nathan Willette, Lakewood: The Vikings’ dual threat quarterback rushed for 810 yards and nine touchdowns in his junior season this fall while adding 457 yards and four touch­ downs through the air. At least as talented on the other side of the ball, Willette was named first team all-region as a linebacker and also first team all-confer­ ence in the GLAC. He was the Vikings lead­ ing tackler playing with what coach Matt Markwart called “great intensity on the field.” Running Back Vincent Quick, Delton Kellogg: A team captain as a junior this fall for thePanthers, Quick is a two-year starter on both sides of the ball who was named first team All-SAC for the first time this season. Quick rushed for 543 yards on the season, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. He rushed for five touchdowns. On defense, Quick had 21 tackles from his defensive back spot, includ­ ing eight solo tackles, and two interceptions. Charlie Everitt TJ Russell, Hastings: Russell exploded in his senior season, rushing for 1,590 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns. He finished the year with 2,077 all-purpose yards and also scored 14 two-point conversion attempts. Russell was named all-conference in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference, was voted by TV viewers as the channel 17 Blitz Boss of the Week after rushing for 202 yards and returning a kickoff 97 yards for a TD in week four against Parma Western. Russell was also voted as the 1-8 running back of the year and Player of the Year in a media poll by Michigan Sports Radio. Denny Sauers, Lakewood: Another two­ way star for the Vikings, Sauers finished his third season on the Lakewood varsity by rushing 119 times for 1005 yards and nine touchdowns. Sauers earned first team all-conference in the GLAC and was also one of his team’s leaders on defense. He will be a team captain for the Vikings next fall. Offensive Line Diego Copiel, Hastings: A sophomore, Coipel was named all-conference in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference, helping power his team to a conference championship. Coipel was graded out by the Saxons at 94 percent at blocking finish and 89 percent at meeting his blocking assignment. Zander Forbes, Hastings: A junior who earned all-conference honors in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Forbes was graded out by the Saxons as meeting 97 percent of his blocking assign­ ments and with a 99 percent blocking finish. Travis Mater, Maple Valley: The Lions’ lone senior this fall spent his fourth season as the starting center in the Lions’ eight-player line-up. He was named first team all-confer­ ence in the Tri-River 8 this fall. “His intelligence and work ethic in practice helped to set the tone for our offensive line,” head coach Marty Martin said. “As the sea­ son went on, you could see the entire unit improve on a large part because of Travis’ leadership. The highlight of our season occurred in both of our last two games when Travis first scored on a two-point conversion and then later a touchdown.” Hunter Shank, Lakewood: A junior offensive lineman, Shank was named first team all-conference in the GLAC this fall. This was really Shank’s first year of high school football after two injury filled fall seasons to begin high school. Alex Whitmore, Delton Kellogg: A senior lineman on both sides of the ball, Whitmore was named first team All-SAC Valley for the third time this season. He was a captain for the Panthers. Whitmore is a three-year starter on both sides of the ball. He had more than 30 pan­ cake blocks on the season and didn’t allow a single sack. Tight End Nathaniel Graham, Lakewood: The Vikings’ senior tight end was named second team all-conference in the GLAC this fall. A captain, Graham was his team’s leading receiver this season while also being strong on the defensive side of the ball. Travis Mater “He is a hard worker and a great person to have on any team,” coach Markwart said. Jaxan Sias, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojans’ big sophomore tight end was named honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold this fall. Sias, a top ten finishers in the conference as a sprinter and a medal winning high jump­ er, used his athleticism to haul in some big passes for the Trojans. Fie had a season-best 66 yards in the Trojans’ tough loss to state power Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Wide Receiver Zack Gibson, Thornapple Kellogg: A junior, TK liked getting the ball in the hands of Gibson as a runner, a receiver and a kick returner. Gibson had a season-high four receptions, including a touchdown, in TK’s season opener with Hastings. Gibson had two receiving touchdowns in TK’s late season win over Wayland and another receiving touchdown in TK’s win over Ottawa Hills. He had 68 receiving yards in that win over Wayland. He had a season-high five tackles in the win over Ottawa Hills. Kicker Jesse Deppe, Maple Valley: A junior in his third season starting at middle linebacker for the Lions. He led his team with 86 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Deppe handled the punting and kicking duties for the Lions as well. He averaged over 30 yards per punt and his biggest weapon as a kickoff specialist was the short ball. The Lions recovered eight on-side kicks on the season racking up extra possessions for his team. All-Barry County Football First Team Defense Defensive Line Charlie Everitt, Lakewood: A senior defensive end in his third varsity season, Everitt was pamed first team all-conference in the GLAC for the second season in a row. He had one interception this season from his defensive line spot. He was a team captain for the Vikings. “The heart and soul of our team. When he got hurt, we felt it,” coach Markwart said. Sean Flynn, Thornapple Kellogg: Flynn was named honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold this fall. Flynn, a senior, finished the year fourth in tackles for the Trojans. Easton Stank, Lakewood: A senior defen­ sive lineman, Stank was named second team all-conference in the GLAC this fall. He led the Vikings’ defensive line with 22 tackles. Coach Markwart calls his a hard-working defensive lineman that was the “anchor” on the Vikings’ defensive front. Lanny Teunessen, Hastings: An all-con­ ference defensive lineman in the 1-8 for the Saxons this fall. Teunessen finished the season with 43 tack­ les including 28 solo tackles. He had 2.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for a loss and an interception. Linebacker Matthew Middleton, Thornapple Kellogg: A senior linebacker, Middleton was second on the Trojan team in tackles and had 8.5 in the OK Gold Conference opener against South Christian. He was named all-conference in the OK Gold this fall. Middleton helped the Trojan offense out in a pair of late season wins, rushing for 41 yards and a touchdown against Ottawa Hills and catching a touchdown pass in a victory over Wayland. Robbie Slaughter, Hastings: Calling him a two-way player for the Saxons doesn’t quite do Slaughter’s role justice. He was on every special teams unit for the Saxons. Defensively, Slaughter had 37 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and two pass break-ups. At fullback on offense, Slaughter earned all-conference honors in the 1-8. He rushed for 1,146 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. Jonah Summerhays, Thornapple Kellogg: The senior linebacker led the Trojans in tackles this season. He was named all-conference in the OK Gold this season. Summerhays had two sacks and three total tackles for a loss in TK’s late season win over Wayland and followed that up with 7.5 tack­ les and another sack in the season finale against Ottawa Hills. Owen Winegar, Hastings: A senior line­ backer who earned all-conference honors in the 1-8 this fall. Winegar had 39 tackles on the season, including 28 solo tackles, and had two pass break-ups. Defensive Back Layton Eastman, Hastings: An all-con­ ference defensive back in the 1-8 this season combining his size and speed. Eastman had 38 tackles, two sacks, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 10 pass break-ups and 5 interceptions. Continued, next page �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — Page 13 TJ Russell Philip Halcomb Continued from previous page ——————-------------------------------------Philip Halcomb, Delton Kellogg: A key member of the DK defensive backfield and the team’s starting quarterback, Halcomb was named first team All-SAC Valley this season as a junior. Defensively, he had 37 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. Halcomb rushed the ball for 436 yards and eight touchdowns as the Panther quarterback, averaging 7.4 yards per carry in the Panthers’ Wing-T attack. He is a two-year starter on both sides of the ball. Victor Ramirez, Hastings: A senior cap­ tain in the Saxons’ defensive backfield, Ramirez had 65 tackles, including 48 solo Tackles. He closed the season with two tack­ les for a loss, seven pass break-ups and two interceptions. Ramirez was named all-conference in the Interstate-8 this fall. Tyler Rose, Maple Valley: A junior who was named first team all-conference in the Tri-River 8 this season, to say Rose is a ball hawk would be an understatement. Rose had five interceptions, three rumble recoveries and forced two fumbles for the Lions, while also compiling 44 tackles. Rose was also the Lions’ kick returner this season, returning 12 kicks for 243 yards and three punts for 66 yards. Punter Collin Fouty, Hastings: A strong perform­ er in the Saxons’ defensive backfield he had three interceptions on the season and offen­ sively had a season-high 58 yards and a touchdown rushing in the Saxons’ win over Pennfield last month. Fouty kicked off and punted for the Saxons, averaging over 30 yards per punt on the season. All-Barry County Football Second Team Offense Quarterback Carsen Burbridge, Thomapple Kellogg: Burbridge took over as the full-time starting quarterback as a junior for TK this fall and tossed the ball around more than any other quarterback in the county while also being a running and pitching threat in TK’s option attack. Burbridge had multiple touchdown pass­ es in four games this season, throwing for two and running for one against Forest Hills Eastern, throwing two each in wins over Kenowa Hills and Ottawa Hills and tossing three TD’s in TK’s victory over Wayland. In all, he had four rushing touchdowns on the season. Running Back Tyler Gavette, Thornapple Kellogg: A sophomore, Gavette was one of the leading rushers in the Trojans’ backfield this fall. He earned honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold. Gavette went over 50 yards rushing in each of the Trojans’ final two ballgames, scoring twice in the Trojans’ win over Ottawa Hills to close the year. Corey Moore, Delton Kellogg: A senior running back and defensive back. He is a three-year starter on both sides of the ball for DK. Moore rushed the ball 62 times for 33 yards this season, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Andrew Shepard, Maple Valley: A work­ horse according to coaches Martin and Fisher. He finished the season with 122 carries for 712 yards and three touchdowns. He only fumbled the ball once all seasomHe was one of three Lion running backs to rush for over 500 yards this fall. He was named second team all-conference in the Tri-River 8. Offensive Line Walker Kliffman, Lakewood: A junior, Kliffman had a tremendous season at guard according to coach Markwart. Kliffman also earned honorable mention all-conference honors in the GLAC this fall. Glen McFarlan, Hastings: A senior offen­ sive lineman who helped power one of the top units in the Intestate-8 this fall. McFarlan graded out by the Saxons as hit­ ting 97 percent of his blocking assignments and with a 94 percent blocking finish. Luke Watson, Delton Kellogg: A sopho­ more guard, Watson recorded seven pan­ cake blocks as the Panthers’ 155-pound pulling guard. The Panthers had him down as having a 95 percent efficiency rating this season missing an assignment just 19 times on 415 plays Gavan Willette, Lakewood: A senior offensive lineman for the Vikings, Willette was named honorable mention all-conference in the GLAC. He was a team captain and never missed a game at center. Coach Markwart calls him a very reliable, great player. Tight End Cameron Carpenter, Maple Valley: A sophomore who played tight end and defen­ sive end for theLions, Cam was voted second team all-conference in the Tri-River 8 as a pass catcher. Carpenter was asked to block larger play­ ers each week and led the Lions in receiving as well with 12 catches for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Alden Whitmore, Delton Kellogg: A senior tight end for the Panthers he had 22 pancake blocks on the season in the Panthers’ Wing-T offense. He didn’t get the chance to catch a lot of passes in DK’s run-heavy attack, but he aver­ aged 10.3 yards per reception when he did. Wide Receiver Logan Westcott, Thornapple Kellogg: A big senior on the outside, Westcott was one of TK’s top receiving threats throughout the season. He had four catches in ballgames with South Christian and Kenowa Hills. He had four receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in TK’s victory over the Knights. All-Barry County Football Second Team Defense Defensive Line Jackson Dubois, Hastings: A senior on the defensive front for the Saxons. Dubois closed the season for the Saxons with 31 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. Reese Keeler, Lakewood: Keller stepped up in his second varsity season as a junior this fall. Coach Markwart calls him a “tenacious defensive lineman.” Keeler led the Vikings’ in tackles for a loss and was named second team all-conference in the GLAC. Reece Proctor-Burhans, Maple Valley: A junior in his third season as a starting defen­ sive end and tight end for the Lions. ProctorBurhans was named second team all-confer­ ence in the Tri-River a D lineman. Proctor-Burhans had 47 tackles, including seven for a loss, five sacks and a forced fum­ ble this fall. He also recovered three fumbles. Linebacker Jayden Garcia, Thomapple Kellogg: A big powerful junior on both sides of the ball, Garcia had two sacks and another tackle for a loss in TK’s late season win at Wayland. He finished the season fifth on his team in tackles. When the Trojans were rolling, Garcia was rolling on offense. He rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown in TK’s win over Kenowa Hills, 94 yards in TK’s win over Wayland and 70 yards and a TD in TK’s win over Ottawa Hills. Nicholas Martin, Maple Valley: A sopho­ more playing primarily on the defensive side of the ball, Martin amassed 74 tackles, includ­ ing five for a loss with two sacks. He forced three fumbles and recovered three fumbles. Martin was the Lions’ leading tackler in the final two games of the season and was named second team all-conference in the Tri­ River 8 at linebacker as well. Mason Nabozny, Delton Kellogg: A junior who is a three-year starter on both sides of the ball for the Panthers, Nabozny was named first team All-SAC Valley this season. He had 57 tackles on the year, includ­ ing 1.5 for a loss. He forced three fumbles and recovered six fumbles. Offensively, Nabozny rushed the ball 91 times for 486 yards and six touchdowns. Rick Ramsey, Delton Kellogg: A junior running back and linebacker in his second season as a starter on both sides of the ball for DK. Ramsey was named first team all-con­ ference in the SAC Valley this season. Ramsey had 45 tackles this season, 1.5 sacks and forced four rumbles. Offensively, Ramsey rushed 50 times for 369 yards and six touchdowns. Defensive Back Drew Gleeson, Hastings: A senior defen­ sive back for the Saxons he had two intercep­ tions this fall. Gleeson had 24 tackles for the Saxons, including 18 solo tackles. He had 11 pass break-ups to go with his two picks. Callan Hoefler, Maple Valley: Coach Martin called him his team’s “Swiss Army knife” on defense. Hoefler spent time at safety, comer, linebacker and occasionally on the line. Hoefler finished his sophomore season with 40 tackles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He received the Tri-River 8 Sportsmanship Award this fall. Cayden Scott, Maple Valley: A junior, Scott accumulated 30 tackles to go with an interception and a fumble recovery. Scott was named second team all-confer­ ence in the Tri-River 8 as a defensive back. Ethan Weller, Lakewood: A junior defen­ sive back, the Vikings were happy to have him back on the field after two injury plagued years to start high school. Coach Markwart called him his team’s best defensive back. Weller was named second team all-conference in the GLAC this fall. Nathaniel Graham �Page 14 --Thursday, November 25. 2021 — The Hastings Banner Runner-up OK Gold finish by TK highlight of 2021 tennis season Brett Bremer Sports Editor Things lined up perfectly for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ tennis team this fall. A senior-filled line-up powered the Trojans. TK had four senior singles players and some strong doubles teams guide their team to a runner-up finish in the OK Gold Conference behind perennial power Forest Hills Eastern. The Trojan team also scored a non-conference win over Barry County foe Lakewood late in the season, in a match that was inter­ rupted by weather more than once. The Hastings Saxons, with a pretty experi­ enced first singles player of its own, scored a non-conference win of its own over the Lakewood boys late in the year. The Saxons also got an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference win over Pennfield early in the season. Here are the 2021 All-Barry County Boys’ Tennis First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Boys’ Tennis First Team Singles Clay Dumond, Lakewood: Dumond, a senior, took over the first singles spot for the first time for the Vikings this fall. Dumond had a pair of wins for the Vikings early in the season over the top players from Pennfield and Marshall. Jack Geukes, Thornapple Kellogg: Geukes spent his third season as a regular in the Trojan singles line-up this fall, finishing off his senior season with a 14-5 record at second singles. The number two player from the league championship team from Forest Hills Eastern was the only one to defeat Geukes in the OK Gold Conference this fall. Guekes spent his junior season at first singles for TK. Joey McLean, Hastings: McLean fin­ ished another strong season, his senior sea­ son, as the Saxons’ first singles player this fall. He opened in that spot as a freshman, spent some time at two singles as that first season wound down, and has been in the top flight for the Saxons-ever since. McLean had eight victories on the season, including a pair at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tournament in October. Three wins was his previous season high. Nick Vreeland, Thomapple Kellogg: Vreeland filled the first singles spot for the balanced Trojan line-up this fall, earning the top spot for the second time in the past three seasons. Vreeland won nine matches this fall includ­ ing victories over three of his seven first sin­ Payton Wilkinson .............................. 1 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-29006-DE Estate of Robert Passeno. Date of birth: 03/27/1958. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert Passeno, died August 5, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Lisa Olsen, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St, # 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 22, 2021 Meaghan J. Miracle P80338 7700 Byron Center Ave. SW, Byron Center, Ml 49315 (616) 227-0870 Lisa Olsen 3313 Park Ridge Ln., Grand Rapids, Ml 49525 616-308-6203 171876 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of: The Douglas N, Mills and Karen L. Mills Living Trust, Dated March 31, 2014. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedents, Karen L. Mills died on April 14, 2016 and Douglas N. Mills died on September 24,2021, who lived at 9251 West Garbow Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333, leaving a certain trust under the name of Douglas N. Mills and Karen L. Mills Living Trust, dated March 31, 2014, wherein the decedents were the Settlors and Jason Mills and Marcia Kaye were named as Successor Co-Trustees serving at the time of or as a result of the decedents’ deaths. Creditors of the decedents and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedents or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Jason Mills and Marcia Kaye, the named Successor Co-Trustees, at Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 22, 2021 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Jason Mills 9251 W. Garbow Rd., Middleville, Ml 49333 and Marcia Kaye 44 9 Mile Road, Comstock Park, Ml 49321 269-331-1056 171945 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-028926-01-DE Estate of David John Hager. Date of birth: 07/13/1970. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, David John Hager, died 07/18/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Deborah Torres, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 7581 N. Noffke Drive, Caledonia, Ml 49316-9003 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/25/2021 Louise “Ellie” Johnson P61338 146 Monroe Center NW, Ste. 630 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 634-5618 Deborah Torres 7581 N. Noffke Drive Caledonia, Ml 49316-9003 (616) 262-1034 171973 STATE OF MICHIGAN 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21029005-NC William M. Doherty P41960 Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 In the matter of Judith Louise Converse. TO ALL PERSONS INCLUDING: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on via Zoom 12/15/2021 at 2:15 p.m. (contact Court for Zoom instruction) at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Judith Louise Converse to Judith Louise Kuball-Barton. 171778 ................................. .................... Weller missed a few late season matches, with Teigeler tallying a couple more wins at the spot with teammate Logan Tefft. It was the second time in three seasons that the pair made up a solid doubles duo for the Vikings. Weller and Teigeler won 11 matches together lower in the line-up as sophomores. James Thorne/Ronald Simmons, Thornapple Kellogg: The senior first dou­ bles duo for the Trojans compiled a record of 14-5 this fall. Thome and Simmons were 7-0 during the OK Gold Conference regular season. Hayden Oly/Kameron Nichols, Thornapple Kellogg: The senior Oly was tasked with showing the ropes to the fresh­ man Nichols at second doubles this fall and the pair combined to got 15-5 as a team. The duo excelled in extended matches. They both of the super tiebreakers that they played in at the end of two-set matches, won both of their three-set matches, and took a big win over Wayland by winning a pair of tie­ breakers for a straight set win. gles foes in the OK Gold Conference during his senior campaign. Josh Wedyke, Thornapple Kellogg: A senior who was a doubles player in each of his first two varsity seasons, Wedyke jumped up to fill the third singles spot in 2021. Wedyke compiled a 15-5 record this fall. He won two of his three matches at the OK Gold Conference Tournament and then bat­ tled into a third set during a tough regional loss to the number three player from East Grand Rapids at the end of the year. Payton Wilkinson, Thornapple Kellogg: Wilkinson was 21-1 in his senior season at fourth singles for the Trojans, his third year on the TK varsity. Wilkinson avenged his only loss of the season, to Forest Hills Eastern’s Justin Hunter, by besting Hunter at the OK Gold Conference Tournament on his way to a flight championship. Wilkinson followed up his conference title by winning the regional championship at fourth singles. Doubles Asher Teigeler/Preston Weller, Lakewood: The duo went 4-6 at first doubles for the Vikings this fall. See TENNIS, next page Nick Vreeland ....................... ..................... , ...................... .;................... Al r NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust Estate of Frances Wilma Britten Living Trust, dated April 18, 2011. TO ALL CREDITORS: The Grantor of the Trust, Frances Wilma Britten, who was born on 08/16/1931 who lived at 6670 Huff Road, Bellevue, Ml 49021, died on 11/06/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the decedent, the above trust and trustee will be forever barred unless presented to Kenneth A. Britten, Successor Trustee of the Trust at 6670 Huff Road, Bellevue, Ml 49021, within four months of the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 17, 2021 Trustee: Kenneth A. Britten 6670 Huff Road Bellevue, Ml 49021 269-967-7201 Patrick S. Hirzel P23884 Attorney-at-law 835 Golden Avenue Battle Creek, Ml 49014 269-963-8484 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. 171713 _ STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-29010-DE Estate of Rosemary Ann Partridge. Date of birth: 06/05/1956. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Rosemary Ann Patridge, died 07/18/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to James M. Patridge II, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., # 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/19/2021 Lisa Hagenauer-Ward P76277 250 Monroe NW #400 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616)717-5752 James M. Patridge II 524 Fisher Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)998-3762 171875 . M 171608 Position Opening The Barry County Administrator is accepting appli­ cations for a full time Payroll and Human Resources Specialist to perform all duties for payroll and taxes, including filing related records, and handling report­ ing and compliance functions. Duties also include various human resources tasks including employ­ ee benefit enrollments, and processing claims for WC, FMLA leave, and disability. Prefer PHR and/ or SHRM-CP Certification, and MIOSHA Level One Certificate. The base pay rate is $22.31 per hour. Please send a cover letter, resume and completed job application form to: Michael Brown, County Ad­ ministrator, Barry County Administration, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. An application and job description is available at www.barrycounty. org, or by contacting Barry County Administration, 269-945-1284, mbrown@barrycounty.org. Deadline for applying: Open until filled. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 20-28673-DE Estate of Richard D. Adamski. Date of birth: 01/09/1935. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Richard D. Adamski, died 08/07/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Dennis R. Adamski, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 10427 Cottonwood Court, Middleville, Ml 49333 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/19/2021 Lisa Hagenauer-Ward P76277 250 Monroe NW #400 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 717-5752 Dennis R. Adamski 10427 Cottonwood Court Middleville, Ml 49333 (616)915-7286 171874 CLINICAL MANAGER Looking for a full-time qualified RN / LPN to manage the clinical department. Main responsibilities include supervising clinical staff, developing and implementing care plans, and ensuring compliance with county, state, and federal healthcare regulations. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com .arveth V^age of Middleville www.CarvethViIIage.com “Remember... if you can’t live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — Page 15 Senior golfers lead the way for youngsters on Barry County links Brett Bremer Sports Editor Seniors fill much of the 2021 All-Barry County Girls’ Golf First Team, but a fresh­ man and a sophomore are among the ranks as well and the all-county second team has a number of upperclassmen with years ahead to improve on the course. There were highs and lows to the 2021 season. The biggest highs were the gains made from August to October as the local girls competed against tough competition. Hastings, Thomapple Kellogg and Lakewood all came into the fall season lacking some experience. Bath took advantage of that in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference to knock the Lakewood ladies off their usual perch atop the conference standings. Throughout the fall the Thomapple Kellogg girls had to do battle with the South Christian Sailors who finished third in the state in Division 3, the Grand Rapids Catholic Central girls who were fourth and the Forest Hills Eastern Hawks who were ninth at the D3 Lower Peninsula Finals. Parma Western, the Saxons’ 1-8 rival, placed II^1 at those D3 Finals. The Saxons also had to contend with a Jackson Lumen Christi team that placed third in the state in Division 3. The local girls took their lumps and many of them have the chance to be back and better than ever next fall. Here are the 2021 All-Barry County Girls’ Golf First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Girls’ Golf First Team Claire Benham, Lakewood: Benham capped off her senior season with a 16th-place finish at the Vikings’ Division 4 Regional Tournament after earning first team all-con­ ference honors in the GLAC. Benham averaged 52 strokes per nine holes this fall. Lane Kaminski, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojans’ senior leader all fall. Kaminski was named first team all-conference in the OK Gold this season. She had a nine-hole average of 44.40 for the season. Kaminski scored in every varsity event she played in and earned a medal at every 18-hole event she played in this season. “She had an all around great season,” said TK head coach Bob Kaminski. Paris Hale, Thornapple Kellogg: A senior, Hale stepped up to shoot an average score of 58.4 for nine holes this fall. Hale shot a personal best 18-hole score at her team’s Pre-Regional round late in the season - a 97. Ailana Leos, Thornapple Kellogg: A freshman who wasn’t daunted by varsity competition, Leo was named honorable men­ tion all-conference in the OK Gold. Leos compiled a nine-hole average of 47.8 for the year and had a very good season for the Trojans. Katy Raphael, Thornapple Kellogg: Raphael finished off her senior season with the TK team by averaging 50.89 strokes per nine holes. She scored in every varsity event she played in. “She had a very good3 season,” coach Kaminski said. “She was very close to mak­ ing the all-conference honorable mention team in a very difficult conference.” Makenzie Vasquez, Lakewood: One of a couple sophomores in the Vikings’ top five this fall, Vasquez tied for the team lead in placing 16^ at the Division 4 Regional Tournament at Cascades Golf Course in Jackson at the end of the season. Vasquez was first team all-conference in the GLAC this season. She had a nine-hole scoring average of 56. All-Barry County Girls’ Golf Second Team Lauren Arnold, Hastings: A junior in her first varsity season, Arnold was regularly the top scorer for the Saxons. Arnold put together a scoring average of 65 for nine holes this fall and a 115 at the 18-hole Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tournament was one of the highlights of a season of improvements. Kendra Coe, Thornapple Kellogg: A sophomore who will have an even bigger role to play for the Trojans in the future. Coe aver­ aged 57.9 strokes per nine holes this season. “Kendra played in every match for us,” coach Kaminski said. “She was a consistent golfer for us.” Audrey Hillard, Lakewood: A sopho­ more, Hillard shot her way into the Vikings’ top five and, placed 34^ at regionals at the end of the season. Hillard closed the campaign with a ninehole scoring average of 59.7. Sydney Robertson, Thornapple Kellogg: Robertson, a sophomore, earned a spot play­ ing in the majority of the Trojan varsity events this fall. Robertson closed the year with a scoring average of 61.20 per nine holes. Hailee Shepard, Lakewood: Shepard put together an average score of 58 per nine holes for the Vikings this fall. She capped off her senior season by plac­ ing 34*h at the Division 4 Regional at Cascades Golf Course in Jackson. Karmyn Winkler, Lakewood: Winkler, a junior, put together an average score of 57 per nine holes for the Vikings this fall. Winkler had the second best score on the Viking team at the jamboree hosted by Bath this fall. Claire Benham TENNIS, continued from previous page -----------------------------------------------------------All-Barry County Boys’ Tennis Second Team Singles Brandon Darling, Hastings: Splitting time between third and fourth singles, and even getting a second singles match in, Darling won five matches for the Saxons. Darling was a four-year varsity player for Hastings, having his most success as a senior this fall. Colin Heyl, Lakewood: Heyl picked up four victories this season, with two of those coming against Barry County foes from Hastings and Thomapple Kellogg. Heyl, a senior, was a four-year varsity play­ er for the Vikings. He moved into the singles line-up as a sophomore and spent his junior and senior seasons at number two singles. Emil Meyers, Lakewood: Meyers spent the fall, his sophomore season, at third sin­ gles for the Vikings. He won three matches on the year. Meyers opened his freshman season at third singles for the Vikings and after a cou­ ple early season wins in 2020 he has been in the third singles spot ever since. Doubles Reily Teigeler/James MacKenzie, Lakewood: The number two doubles team for the Vikings throughout the fall, Teigeler and MacKenzie teamed up for five victories. With a number of seniors ahead of them in the Viking line-up, the pair of freshmen will likely be moving up in the seasons to come. Andre Perez/Keegan Lindsey, Hastings: Perez, a senior, and Lindsey, a sophomore, teamed up to fill the first doubles fight for the Saxons throughout the fall. They had a couple exciting victories over a doubles team from Lakewood in two close sets and also pulled out a 7-5, 7-6(6) thriller in a mid-season dual with Comstock Park. Ailana Leos Lane Kaminski NOTICE OF PUBLIC FORUM ON AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on November 30, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., the Barry County Board of Commissioners will hold a public forum for the purpose of a presentation from the Barry County ARPA Task Force of recommendations for the use of Funds received under the American Rescue Plan Act. The Agenda and supporting materials can be The meeting will be held at the Hastings Performing Arts Center, located at the Hastings High School, 520 W. South Street, Hastings, MI. ................................. Iffifflll FULL TIME TRUCK DRIVER/ROAD WORKER The Barry County Road Commission has an opening for a full time Truck Driver/Road Worker position. A high school diploma or GED is required along with a Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with A&N endorsements & current Medical Card. Applications and job description can be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office (phone 269-945-3449) at 1725 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, MI between 6:45 AM & 3:15 PM or found on our website at www.barrycrc. org. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Starting hourly wage will be $20.30 with advancement after one year of probation to $22.91 per hour. Benefits including health insurance and 40IK provided, more information available upon request. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer 171841 HELP WANTED Department of Public Works (DPW) Equipment Operator The Village of Middleville is seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of DPW Equipment Operator. Specific areas of duty include maintaining water and wastewater systems, streets, sidewalks, parks, equipment, refuse, and other areas as assigned. Joey McLean Heath Hays/Lang Haines, Hastings: Haines and Hayes, both sophomores, manned the second doubles flight for the Saxons other than when each got one turn in the sin­ gles line-up. The two won four matches together this season. Robby Holler/Ben Caisson, Thornapple Kellogg: The senior Holler and junior Cuisson put together a 13-6 record for the Trojans at the third doubles flight. The pair went 4-3 against OK Gold Conference competition during the regular season and then won two more conference matches at the conference tournament. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Minimum qualifications include a CDL or ability to obtain the license within ninety days of hire, one to two years experience in a maintenance environment, knowledge of common construction practices, a strong mechanical aptitude, and a clean driving record. The position requires residence within a thirty-minute recall time. This position pays $20.45-$20.95 per hour, dependent on qualifications. The selected candidate must pass a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen. The position will be open until filled. Interested applicants must submit a resume, cover letter and completed Village of Middleville employment application in a sealed envelope to Alec Belson, DPW Director, 100 E. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333. Applications and a job description are also available at the Village office, 100 East Main Street, Middleville, Michigan 49333, or on the Village website: www.villageofmiddleville.org. �Page 16 — Thursday, November 25, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Lakewood teammates Abby Pickard (left to right), Maradith O'Gorman, Paige Wolverton, Carley Piercefield, Tori Wickerink and Zayda Kruger celebrate an ace by Wolverton during their four-set loss to North Branch in the MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinals Friday at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood's Maradith O'Gorman (left) and Ellie Possehn team up to knock down an attack by North Branch's Natasha Bickel during the MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinal at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) VIKINGS, continued from page 11 ---------------------------------------------------------------putting their foot forward to finally win this. I think they have a good year next year to do it, especially with the advantage of losing other people on the other side that we play. We still have a pretty strong team.” Any team would be thrilled to have an all­ state libero returning for two more seasons. Carley Piercefield, a sophomore, covered the court from comer to comer throughout the semifinal racking up a team-high 17 digs. “I have always said [Piercefield] is the best libero I have ever coached and I think (junior defensive specialist) Alli Pickard is right there on her heels,” Rowland said. “Those two kids’ ability to handle the ball is unmatched and they put pressure on us in ways to keep the ball away from those two from the service line. I think Paige Wolverton played the best I have ever seen Paige play. She was a rock star on Tuesday and she was even better tonight.” There is also of course freshman setter Abby Pickard as well who put up 38 assists in the match to go with 13 digs, four kills and an ace. Alli had two digs and an ace. Junior mid­ dle Ellie Possehn finished the night with two kills, a dig and a block assist. Lakewood had at least a small lead early in each of the first two sets as well as the fourth set. Alli Pickard helped serve her team to a 5-0 start in the opening set and the Vikings led as late as 24-21. A long serve cost the Vikings a point and so did miscommunication that allowed a ball to drop to the floor. The Broncos won six of the final seven points of the set to get an early advantage. Set two was tighter throughout. It was North Branch that played for the first set­ point in set number two, up 24-23, but the Vikings survived and eventually clinched the 26-24 win on a kill by the setter Abby Pickard. The Broncos held a slim lead throughout set three, stretching the advantage for a bit to as larger as 16-10 before the Vikings rallied. A kill by Possehn in the middle prompted a North Branch time out and Possehn returned to the court to fire an ace that had the Vikings within 20-19, but one point was as close as the Vikings would ever get the rest of the set. North Branch was led on the night by out­ side hitter Deshetsky who had 20 digs, two aces, two assists and 11 kills. The Broncos had four girls with at least eight kills where O’Gorman was the only Viking with that many. North Branch got ten kills from Natasha Bickel, nine from Bailey Gormley and eight from Clara Gyomory. Kaela Chingwa chipped in six. Setter Adrienne Greschaw had 12 digs and 40 assists for the Broncos as well as two block assists. Chingwa, the Broncos’ big mid­ dle, had four blocks and one block assist. Deshetsky led her team in digs while libero Hailey Green had 19, Grade Hyde 12 and Gormley ten. Brooklyn Franklin came on to hit three aces. The Vikings, ranked third in the state in Division 2, end the season with a record of 40-13. MARCUKAITIS, continued from page 11----------------------------------------------------Lakewood senior Zayda Kruger (left) and head coach Cameron Rowland talk things over during a break in the action of the MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinal Friday at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ning Saturday’s meet with 405.5 points. Saline was a distant second with 247 points, ahead of Brighton 217.5, Grand Haven 195.5, Northville 177, Canton 131, Farmington Hills Mercy 120, Stevenson 86.5, Plymouth 82 and Rockford 82 in the top ten. DK/TK/Hastings placed 18^ at the THE BEST STEAKS Omaha Steaks are carefully hand-selected for quality and consistency, men aged for tenderness and delivered flawlessly. You wR taste the difference in every single bite. GUARANTEE The Delightful Gift Omaha Steaks SINCE 1917 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 8 W Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.) Filet Mignon Burgers (5.3 oz.) Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks (3 oz.) 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Visit omahasteaks.com/te. ’■•= of-uSeOSI or call 1-800-228-9872 for a copy. Expires 12/31/21. ©2021 OCG | Omaha Steaks, Inc. meet with 32 points. Pioneer also had senior Lily Cramer win the 200-yard freestyle. Cramer teamed with Vivian VanRenterghem, Amelia Weyhing and Sophia Guo to win the 200-yard free­ style relay in 1:34.09. It was VanRenterghem, Chapman, Pringle and Cramer taking the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:25.39 and Chapman, Edwina Jalet, Pringle and Guo winning the 200-yard medley relay state title with a time of 1:44.16. Divers Bell Youngs (2018) and Hannah Johnson (2019) accompanied Marcukaitis to compete in the state finals previously, but this marked the first time the DK/TK7 Hastings program had other girls swimming with her the past four seasons. Marcukaitis teamed with her sophomore sister Sophia Marcukaitis, junior Preslee Hall and sopho­ more Holly Carpenter to set a new school record time of 1:51.70 in a 14th-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay. “That was pretty exciting, because every other year I would have to go alone. I think having Holly, and Preslee and my sister there helped me with my confidence and being there to support me,” Abby said. The foursome tied the school record with a 16th-place time of 1:52.00 in its prelimi­ nary race Friday. Abby said it wasn’t just the support during the weekend of the finals that was helpful, but also the extra push from having them all working together in practice every day since the OK Rainbow Conference Tier II Championship Meet closed out the regular season the first weekend of November. She was also happy to have proper training in the lead-up to the state meet this fall compared to last year’s Covid interrupted season. “This spring and summer I was just con­ stantly training. I moved to a different club team [Michigan Lakeshore Aquatic] and that really helped even with just my confidence,” Abby said. The Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings 200-yard medley relay team of Sophia Marcukaitis, Preslee Hall, Abby Marcukaitis and Holly Carpenter celebrates its 14th-place finish at the MHSAA Division 1 Lower Peninsula Girls' Swimming and Diving Finals Saturday at the Holland Aquatic Center. The DK/TK/Hastings team placed 18th among 34 scoring teams at the Finals. (Photo by Kris Marcukaitis) Sophia Marcukaitis also swam in an indi­ vidual event at the state finals for the first time Friday, placing 23r^ in the prelims of the 100-yard breaststroke. She finished the race in a personal record time of 1:07.89. Livonia Stevenson junior McKenzie Siroky was the 100-yard breaststroke cham­ pion in 1:00.85. Plymouth senior Brady Kendall was the only girl to win two individual state champi­ onships Saturday taking the 100-yard butter­ fly in a state finals record time of 53.35 and winning the 50-yard freestyle in 22.63. Rockford sophomore Megan Jolly won the diving competition with a score of 292.50. Grand Haven sophomore Rosalee Springer wont he 100-yard freestyle in 50.55 seconds and Brighton junior Victoria Schreiber took the 500-yard freestyle in 4:57.27. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-12-02.pdf 14c90303067250f80d824d96a53b174e PDF Text Text Downtown housing construction kicks off Taking a stand for what's right Hastings and Delton winter sports previewed See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 See Pages 10-14 804879110187 1070490102590501165449058113421 Thursday, December 2, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 47 PRICE $1.00 Task force reports on ARPA proposals Benjamin Simon Hastings library hosting craft show, Santa Hastings Public Library will help kick off Hastings Jingle and Mingle weekend festivities with Art@the Library Friday, Dec. 3. The 10th annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Show will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the libraiy. More than 20 artists and crafters will be set up throughout the library, offering a variety of unique gifts with Christmas music playing in the background. While there, shoppers can vote in the gingerbread house contest and enter drawings for works of art or baskets of artistic goodies donated by vendors. Saturday, Dec. 4, the library will host free fun at Cookies with Santa in the Community Room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Youngsters can visit with the Jolly Old Elf, enjoy face painting and cookies from the Friends of the Hastings Public Library table. Straw giveaway here Saturday Members of the Barry County Humane Society will be at the Barry County Animal Shelter giv­ ing away straw from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 4. Bagged straw will available for free to help keep animals warmer in winter. The shelter is at 540 N. Industrial Park Drive, Hastings. Hastings Legion post halts bingo Hastings American Legion Post 45 announced Monday it will post­ pone its Wednesday night bingo games through December. The decision was based on a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus. “We will be back up and playing as soon as we can be confident that neither our volunteers nor our play­ ers will be at risk,” an announce­ ment from the post read. “We are initiating this cancellation out of an abundance of caution and we ask your patience.” At this time, Legion meetings have not been canceled. Barry County Board of Commissioners Chairman Ben Geiger consults with Vice Chairwoman Vivian Conner Tuesday night. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) dent/CEO of the Barry Community Foundation; Lani Forbes, executive director of Barry County United Way; Jennifer Heinzman, president of the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance; Greg Moore, communi­ ty affairs manager for Consumers Energy; Cindy Vujea, former economic development coordinator at the chamber and former superin­ tendent of Delton Kellogg Schools; Carla Neil, retired chief operating officer at Spectrum See ARPA, page 8 Delton Rotarian, volunteer will be missed James Gemmell Contributing Writer “Lovable curmudgeon,” “grumpy teddy bear,” “straight shooter.” “no-nonsense guy” - those are some of the words those who knew Delton resident James Alden use to describe him. The local Rotary Club icon and longtime member of the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals died Nov. 24 at age 94. No funeral has been planned, but a memori­ al will be scheduled at a future date, according to Hastings Rotary Club President Michelle SkedgelL She said any donations to a cause on Alden’s behalf should go either to Rotary International, the Delton Area Rotary Club or Boy Scouts of America Troop 50 in Delton. A note on the goresfuneralservice.com website says Alden’s wife, Marguerite L. Alden, died April 30, 2015. They were married Nov. 12, 1983. She, too, was involved with the Rotary, having been a charter member of the Delton club and its president in 2011. “Jim was one of the truest Rotarians I’ve ever met. He lived and he died Rotary,” said Ed Foster, past governor of Rotary International District 6360 and a lorfgtHte'fnend ofAL&i’S:' '* ‘ ! The Delton Area Rbtary was Alden’s home club - but he also was a member of the Hastings and Gull Lake Area Rotary club, as well. “He was a [past] Rotary dis­ trict governor, one of the very James Alden died last week at age 94, but people who knew him said he acted like he was 60 or 70. (File photo) few out of Barry County,” J-Ad Graphics CEO Fred Jacobs said. “He was very active and had a real passion for Rotarians and the whole Rotary movement. He was active at the state and national level of Rotary. He was big on leadership.” Alden was active outside of the service club, too. Barry County Planning and Zoning Director Jim McManus said Alden served on the county planning commission for nearly a decade in the 1990s and early 2000s, and had been on the zon­ ing board for about the past three years. “Jim was committed to serv- ing the community that he lived in,” McManus said. “I’ve known him 25 years, at least. Not only did he serve the county, but also Barry Township. And he was an active member on Pleasant Lake, where he lived. He had a pri­ vate road association. He was acting like he was 60 or 70 years old. He was a joy to be around. I enjoyed talking to him.” Barry Township Supervisor Barry Bower agreed. “He might have been 94, but still sharp as a tack,” Bower said of Alden. “Talk about having your wits. He knew a lot* He’ll be missed.” Alden served a four-year term as a trustee for the township from 2012 to 2016, and was the township’s disaster council coordinator. (For a more in-depth story on Alden, see the Dec. 4 Reminder.) Farm Bureau nixes Barry County no-fault fix ——-----------------------------measure creating the $25 million Post-Acute Greg Chandler Staff Writer An effort by local agricultural advocates to make sure patients who have been cared for under Michigan’s catastrophic auto injury insurance program continue to get the same level of care they have been receiving went down to defeat Wednesday. Michigan Farm Bureau delegates defeated the proposed resolution, offered by George Hubka, a Dowling resident and member of the Barry County Farm Bureau board of directors, 255-44, during a delegate session at the cooperative’s annual state meeting at the Amway Grand Plaza and DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. The proposed resolution read: “Farm Bureau supports Michigan Legislature amending the No-Fault Act to ensure that any claimant receiving benefits as of June 30,2020 continue to receive such care, or any future necessary care, at the same level and quality of care, under the same reimbursement rate therein in effect for said services on June 30, 2021.” The local Farm Bureau board had unani­ mously voted Nov. 15 to support the resolution Hubka expressed disappointment in the vote during a telephone interview Wednesday afternoon. ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ opens tonight on South Broadway The Thomapple Players will add to week­ end holiday festivities in Hastings with their presentation of “Miracle on 34th Street.” The show, based on the classic 20th Century Fox motion picture of the same name, is being directed by Doug Acker and officially opens tonight. All performances tonight, Friday and Saturday will begin at 7 p.m. at the Dennison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. (The Sunday mati­ Staff Writer The Barry County ARPA Advisory Team took center stage at the Hastings Performing Arts Center Tuesday night when it made recommendations to the Barry County Board of Commissioners regarding the use of its ARPA funds. The advisory board was organized in April to provide direction in how the county could spend its first of two nearly $6 million American Rescue Plan Act funds. The team consists of Bonnie Gettys, presi- nee is sold out.) “We guarantee you will leave this show filled with holiday spirit and faith in human nature,” Producer Norma Jean Acker said. Above, Kris Kringle (Brian Reynolds), Shellhammer (Gwen Saulino), and the elves (from left) Bella Peas, Caleb Kramer, Carter Kramer, Bella Strimback, Avery Walsh, and Kaelyn Walsh prepare for Macy’s Santa to see the children. Turn the page for more details. George Hubka, Barry County Farm Bureau board member, said he does not plan to try to resurrect the proposal before the Michigan Farm Bureau, but he will continue to advocate for support for those received care through Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association and their care providers. 'I guess we as individual citizens have to bug our legislators to do the right thing, and not let these [accident victims] hang out there and suffer.' “I had high hopes that it would pass,” Hubka said. He distributed to convention delegates copies of recent stories in The Banner about the impact of the no-fault auto insurance reform measure that was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in May 2019, and about the case of Troy Hughes, a Middleville native who was critically injured in a motor­ cycle crash in 2007 and had recently been moved out of a residential care facility because of changes in how the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association was paying for long-term care of patients. “The main speakers against it [said] ‘We fought for 20 years to get no-fault reform. The Legislature came through. We don’t want to disappoint them,”’ Hubka said. The state Legislature in July voted to approve, and Whitmer signed into law, a Care Auto Injury Provider Relief Fund to address funding gaps resulting from the no-fault auto insurance reform. Opponents pointed to the creation of that fund as a rea­ son to oppose the resolution, Hubka said. “They said, ‘There’s adequate money there,”’ he said. “I pointed out that you basi­ cally have to open your books up and bring in your income tax forms and jump through five pages of hoops, and then you might get some money.” The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association board earlier this month voted to issue refund checks out of its fund, which had a $5 billion surplus at the time. The action had the backing of the governor. Hubka said he does not plan to try to resur­ rect the proposal before Farm Bureau, but will continue to advocate for support for those who received care through MCCA and their care providers. “I guess we as individual citizens have to bug our legislators to do the right thing, and not let these [accident victims] hang out there and suffer,” he said. “It’s about us as citizens, individually, morally, to say to [Rep. Julie] Calley and Sen. [John] Bizon ‘Get your ass in gear. Fix it.’” �Leona Thompson will celebrate 100th birthday Louis Burrows to celebrate 90th birthday Leona Thompson turns 100 years old the end of December and her health and mind are very much well! She would love to receive your birthday greeting if you would mail it in care of Thornapple Manor, 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, MI 49058-8824. Louis Burrows, of Delton, born Dec. 14, 1931, will be celebrating his 90th birthday. A card shower would be appreciated. Cards may be sent to Louis Burrows, 129 W. Hobbs Rd., Delton, MI 49046. HHS bands, choirs presenting concerts Sunday The Hastings Performing Arts Center will be filled with holiday spirit as the choirs and bands from Hastings High School present the same concert back to back Sunday afternoon. Performances will be at 2 and 4 p.m. Dec. 5. Numerous familiar songs will be presented in collage style, with piano interludes on the Steinway filling in as groups and performers transition between songs. Selections will range from “Adeste, Fidelis” and “Mary Did You Know?” to music from “The Polar Express” and “Parade of the Bumbling Toy Soldiers,” a parody of a 19& century German classic. “This is the same concert, performed twice, to allow a chance for everyone to see the show,” HHS band co-director Jen Ewers said. “Audience members are welcome to come to this free concert; either one or both.” Previously, the middle school choirs and bands would present a concert earlier in the afternoon in the main HHS gymnasium, fol­ lowed by the high school groups. That changed once the performing arts center opened, and changed again in 2020, when students were not able to showcase their music because of the pandemic. At the previous concerts, the gym was filled with pre-ordered poinsettias, which were then taken home by purchasers. That fundraiser has been taken over by the athletic department, Ewers said. “The HPAC is greatly decorated for the holidays, though,” she added. Sunday’s concert will conclude with a combined band and choir medley featuring “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “Pine Cones and Holly Berries,” “Toyland,” “We Need a Little Christmas” and “God Bless Us Everyone.” The choir will have two guest artists, Ruth Vanden Bos on violin and Dale DeVos on double bass. “We’re really looking forward to this con­ cert since it didn’t get to happen last year,” Ewers said. The middle school band and choir students will have the performing arts center all to themselves next week for their concerts. The middle school choirs will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7 The seventh and eighth grade bands will present their concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9. The high school jazz band will present “A Jazzy Christmas Concert” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the HPAC. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday; Dec. 2 - Movie Memories & Milestones watches a 1937 Shirley Temple film based on the book “Heidi,” 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 - Art @ The Library 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 - Cookies with Santa, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 - Crafting Passions Craft Work Group, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7 - mahjong, 2:30 p.m.; chess, 5:30 p.m.; monthly board game group, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 - Itsy Bitsy Book Club meets via Zoom, 10:30 a.m. (monthly story time bag with link and crafts may be picked up at library). More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269-945-4263, or checking its Facebook events. NOW HIRING Dr. Pierce (Amy Young) and Kris Kringle (Brian Reynolds) discuss the unfit Santa (Travis Raab) as (back, from left) Fred Gayley (Julian Kratochvil), Doris Walker (Ashley Morris), Susan Walker (Ainsley Haas, Shellhammer (Gwen Saulino) and the Elves look on. Thornapple Players present classic to add to Hastings1 holiday weekend The Thomapple Players, a community the­ ater group, will add to the holiday festivities in Hastings this weekend, with their presenta­ tion of “Miracle on 34th Street.” The show, based on the 20th Century Fox motion picture of the same name, is being directed by Doug Acker and officially opens tonight. “Miracle on 34th Street is a classic,” pro­ ducer Norma Jean Acker said. “It doesn’t matter really where it is set or if the time period is long ago, present day, or somewhere in between. It is a story that highlights the magic of Christmas, but more importantly, the peace and joy of the season.” All performances tonight, Friday and Saturday will begin at 7 p.m. at the Dennison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. (The Sunday matinee is sold out) The cast includes Amy Young as Dr. Pierce, Brian Reynolds as Kris Kringle, Gwen Saulino as Shellhammer, Ashley Morris as Doris Walker, Ainsley Haas as Susan Walker, Julian Kratochvil as Fred Gayley, Travis Raab as the Drunken Santa and Steve Youngs as Mr. Macy. Playing the roles of elves are Isabella Arias-Pease, Caleb Kramer, Carter Kramer, Harrison Thomas, Bella Strimback, Avery Walsh and Kaelyn Walsh. Rounding out the cast are Kimberly Beck, Izzy Bergeron, Olivia Bums, Lis Burton Haas, Zandra Clemens, Julie Coon, Jennifer Craven, Dick Curtis, Angie Greenfield, Paisley Haas, Tenley Haas, Desiree Holley, Valentina Hastings grad second in public speaking competition Claire Harris placed second in the recent 32nd annual Sims Public Speaking Competition at Saginaw Valley State University. She is the daughter of Becky and Ken Harris of Delton and a 2017 graduate of Hastings High School. Public speaking for the current SVSU senior started as a youngster in Barry County 4-H, which offered her the opportunity to compete. She gained more experience as a teen member of Hastings FFA. “I still get very nervous to speak publicly, despite having years of practice,” said Harris, who also was a member of the high school band and cross country team. “Every time I public speak, however, I surprise myself,” she said. “No matter how many times I do it, it still feels like I’m step­ ping outside of my comfort zone. Even though I get nervous, I still really enjoy it.” She is a communication major and member of the SVSU speech team. The community of support provided by the speech team and faculty creates an inviting environment, she said, and they, along with contestants, make the competitions fun. Most of the preparation work has no audi­ ence, and she enjoys that, too. “The process of coming up with a topic, researching and writing about it is always very interesting,” Harris said, “and being able to speak about important issues makes it even better.” She was one of six finalists in the recent competition and presented “Harmful Messages in Children’s Literature.” Harris was undecided what to pursue her first year of college, but after taking a com­ munication class and meeting with a profes­ sor, she made her decision. “There is a large variety ofjobs you can go into with the major, which I think makes it so appealing,” she said. “Not all communication classes or jobs require public speaking, either. Claire Harris (right) a 2017 Hastings graduate, took second place in a public speak­ ing contest at Saginaw Valley State University. She is pictured here with contest win­ ner Evangeline Cruz (center), and Nysir Minney-Gratz, third place. (Photo provided by SVSU) I just enjoy that aspect of it.” Harris is currently working as a marketing intern at an engineering, planning and archi­ tecture firm and plans to join the team full time after she graduates in May 2022. The Sims Public Speaking Competition at SVSU was established by donors Lawrence and Linda Sims to allow students to hone their oral communication skills. Students write and present a five- to eight-minute per­ suasive speech on a topic of their choice. “This year’s Sims competitors brought forth timely, relevant topics and displayed a OPEN POSITIONS: • Preschool Assistant Teachers • Preschool Lead Teachers • Paraprofessionals • Senior Transportation Driver • Distribution Specialist • Kitchen Assistant/Food Transporters Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community acheive and maintain independence. Community Action is also enrolling for preschool!!!!!!! Straw Give Away The Barry County Humane Society will be at the BARRY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER (540 N. Industrial Park Dr, Hasting) giving straw away on Saturday, Dec. 4th from 8am-Noon. Apply now at www.caascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Community Action is an equal opportunity employer, equal opportunity provider. Minsia, Vickie St. John, Charlie Saulino, Angela Seeber, Carol Swanson and Weston Walsh. Carol Svihl is the house manager, Terri Schray is the stage manager. Other crew mem­ bers include Dan Braker; Jennifer Zech; Dale Svihl, set construction; Carol Satterly, Tammy Johnson and Julie Coon, costumes; Rick Hemerling, sound; Dee Lowell, lights; and Jordan Dimock, hair and makeup. Tickets are $10 for adults, or $8 for stu­ dents and seniors, and may be purchased in advance at Progressive Graphics, 115 S. Jefferson St., Hastings, or by calling the Thomapple Arts Council, 269-945-2002. “We guarantee you will leave this show filled with holiday spirit and faith in human nature,” Norma Jean Acker said. Cold weather is coming and we need to keep our furry animals warm and dry. Stop by and get a bag of straw. If you miss this date, the shelter will have straw available while it lasts. strong demonstration of preparation,” Linda Sims said in a press release. “We endowed the competition decades ago to encourage SVSU students to find their ‘voice’ and hone their public speaking skills. The importance of communication and our commitment to community service have underscored this action.” Amy Pierce, associate professor of com­ munication at SVSU, and Ryan Rigda, a lecturer of communication, organize and manage the competition, which consists of three rounds. Fifteen students competed in the first round. “I have been involved with the Sims Competition my entire tenure at SVSU, and each year I am amazed at the talent of the students in the final round,” Pierce said in the press release. “There is nothing more valuable than being able to stand up in front of an audience and advocate for something important to you. These are skills we use every day, and they are the same skills that contribute to civic discourse and policy change. I am so proud of our students for choosing challenging topics that make us think about the world we live in and how we can make it a better place.” �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — Page 3 Downtown housing construction kicks off Jingle & Mingle intends to take over Hastings Benjamin Simon Benjamin Simon Staff Writer After a pandemic-related cancellation in 2020, Jingle & Mingle will return to downtown Hastings Dec. 3-5. The holiday celebration will feature the classics, such as carriage rides and the Christmas parade, along with some new events, including a pub crawl and ugly sweater contest. Festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. Friday with Art@the Library and the creative kids workshop. It will continue throughout the night with carriage rides, trolley rides and a visit from Santa from 6 to 9 p.m. Following the manger light­ ing at 5:30 p.m. and an ornament hunt at 5:45, the Christmas tree lighting and crowning of the Jingle & Mingle prince and princess will start at 6:15 p.m. The pub crawl and ugly sweater contest will begin at 7 and 9 p.m., respectively. Saturday’s activities will begin with the “Santa Dash 5K Run” at 10 a.m. People can enjoy cookies with Santa and face painting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Chime Choir from Grace Lutheran will perform at Bunker’s Smokehouse and Grille at 11:30 a.m. The afternoon will be filled with a variety of activities, with broomball starting at noon; wagon, carriage and trolley rides from 1 to 5 p.m.; letters to Santa and Santa’s workshop from 2-4 p.m.; and a performance from Expressions Dance Centre at 4 p.m. The day will conclude with the annual Christmas parade from 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday, the final day, will be more packed than a in normal year, Hastings Community Development Director Dan King said. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., peo­ ple can enjoy a number of activities trolley rides to carriage rides to a rein­ deer petting zoo and photo booth. The pancake breakfast will take place at 11:30 p.m. on State and Jefferson Streets, with the kid’s Christmas market running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Throughout the remainder of the afternoon, visitors can participate in a chili cook-off from noon to 2 p.m., a candy can hunt at 1 p.m., a scavenger hunt from 1 to 2 and children’s crafts and games from 1 to 3 p.m. The goal, King said, is to provide an event for everyone in the community to enjoy. “The key is trying to appeal to all age groups,” King said. “They always say Cfitisttnas'is for k:ids, but fenjby Christmas. I’m not a kid. I’m a kid at heart. “Really, it tries to appeal to all age groups.” Current and former city officials celebrate the start of construction at 128 N. Michigan Ave. From left are: Hastings Mayor Pro Tern John Resseguie, City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale, former Mayor Frank Campbell, Community Development Director Dan King, Downtown Development Authority Chairman Patty Woods and Mayor David Tossava. together a proposal, it won over the city council with its vision for market-rate apart­ ments in downtown Hastings. Still, the process of building the property continued to stall. The pandemic made fund­ ing hard to secure, setting the project back a year. In the meantime, the ordinance went back and forth between council and the developer, resulting in six amendments. From the start of the agreement in 2019, it took more than two years to break ground. “I’m sure, to you, this seems like a project that will never come to an end,” former inter­ im city manager Gregg Guetschow said to council at one point. But now construction is underway. Pre­ leasing will open after the new year, and King said he expects the project to take eight months to finish, with an end date in the summer of 2022. “I’m really looking forward to these apart­ ments being open,” Mayor David Tossava said during the ceremony. “I think it’s going to be a real advantage to the city of Hastings. This is a step forward. Everybody talks about a domino effect.” Already, King has received a number of inquiries about the availability of the apart­ ments. “We’ve got a lot of stuff going on,” he said. Former Hastings “Mayor Frank Campbell (left) speaks to Mayor David Tossava'(cen­ ter) and a.j. Veneklasen President Chris Veneklasen (right) during the ground-break­ ing ceremony, a.j. Veneklasen is a Grand Rapids-based developer tasked with con­ structing the 21-unit apartment building called “Lofts @ 128” in downtown Hastings. Thornapple Manor sees spike in cases New Collections by Jl/loda® Christmas fabrics Ttulstfiry, Cleaners fick-Vp Station Spike mirrors increase in Barry, County numbers Give Thanks! 'U' QUESTIONS: ASK US... Taylor Owens and Benjamin Simon Staff Writers Thomapple Manor this week reported its highest total of COVID-19 cases in November, with 32 staff members and 16 residents testing positive. The long-term care facility had 12 staff members and eight residents with COVID in September 2020, its highest previous total. Fifteen of the 16 residents and about eight of the 32 staff members who tested positive had been fully vaccinated. The facility has about 260 staff members. “We think we have it contained at this point - at least we’re hoping that we do,” Administrator Don Haney said Wednesday, “and trying to get everything cleaned up and disinfected and, hopefully, we’re start­ ing to see a little decline in that kind of activity.” Fourteen of the 16 residents who tested positive are housed in one neighborhood unit of the facility, Cloverdale Lane, Haney said. Residents there are staying in their rooms. In other parts of the facility, Haney said they have tried to contain the spread by limiting large-group activities. Residents and staff receive regular testing twice a week. Staff members who have a known com­ munity exposure to COVID are tested every day before they start work. And they are tested for 14 days after their exposure to ensure there’s no positive result. Residents received their booster shots Nov. 19, which take about two weeks to become fully effec­ tive. The average age among Thomapple Manor resi­ dents is about 85, Haney said, making the rise in coronavirus cases a concern. “They are the highest risk, most vulnerable popula­ tion, just by age, but they’re here because they’ve got more than one likely underlying health condition, which makes them even higher at risk,” he said. Until November, there had been a total of 46 total cases of COVID-19 among residents of long-term care facilities in the county, Barry-Eaton District Health Department officials. November’s outbreak was the first time any resi­ dents tested positive for COVID-19 since early February, according to BEDHD. The rise in COVID cases among long-term care facilities coincides with a rise in cases across the h ♦**<♦*<♦ Staff Writer Monday afternoon, city officials grabbed gold shovels and flung dirt into the air, sig­ naling the start of construction on one of the biggest housing developments in Hastings’ recent history. The project will bring a new three-story, 21 -unit apartment building with 2,630-squarefeet of office space to the city’s downtown area. Current and retired city officials, represen­ tatives from the developer, a.j. Veneklasen, and community members gathered at 128 N. Michigan Ave., the site of the future “Lofts @ 128” apartments, to celebrate the moment. “In general, Hastings was fantastic,” a.j. Veneklasen President Chris Veneklasen said during the ceremony. “Everyone who’s a part of Hastings, you guys should give yourselves a round of applause just because you made it so easy for us. It was great. We’re so happy to be here.” Community Development Director Dan King called the project critical to the devel­ opment of downtown Hastings. “Developers don’t want to come to a city that they feel is dying - we’re anything but that,” King said in a follow-up interview. “We’re moving forward.” Hastings hasn’t received a multi-unit housing project of this size in nearly 20 years, he said, and to find one in the down­ town area, he said he would have to go back a century. a.j. Veneklasen marketing manager Kate Christoun said the project will open up addi­ tional economic and housing opportunities for the community. “By adding 21 full-time [residences] to the downtown area, the building will promote additional community vibrancy with people walking, eating, shopping and living in the downtown area,” she wrote in an email to The Banner. “This will also open up addi­ tional housing as local residents choose to sell their current homes and move to this downtown setting.” But the project didn’t come without its troubles. Monday’s ceremony marked the completion of a near seven-year-long pro­ cess. In 2014, the City of Hastings bought the former Moose Lodge building. City officials had hoped to sell the property to a private developer who might spruce up the property, but just a few years after the 2008 recession, no companies came around and the property continued to sit unoccupied. As the years wore on, the building’s siding and roofing peeled off, and the former Moose Lodge deteriorated, King said. In 2018, the Downtown Development Authority paid nearly $50,000 to demolish the building. With that blank canvas, King said, the city started soliciting developers to buy the vacant land and build it up. That’s when Grand Rapids-based Veneklasen came into the pic­ ture. As one of two companies that put Saturday 9 am-3 pm „ . ■ •. • i lmb *1 * - ' ’ I froudlv. present: ’ . MIRACLE ON j 234TH mmnm Barry i^ich igan county. Some 338 active cases of the vims were reported in Barry County Tuesday. Two more deaths also were reported, for a total of 102 deaths attributed to the coronavirus since the pan­ demic started in March 2020. The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests has fluctuated between 20 and 30 percent for the past week. The county exceeded past rates Nov. 18 when 37.93 percent of the 261 tests performed that day came back positive. As of Tuesday, 46 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Barry County in November, tying the previous record, which was in November 2020. According to the current count, the month also matched November 2020 in deaths with 11 cases. But Barry-Eaton District Health Department officials said, due to the increased workload, they have fallen behind on confirming deaths from COVID-19. So, the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 in November may increase. This week, Spectrum Health Pennock had 12 patients hospitalized because of COVID, including three patients in the intensive care unit. The hospital reported it was at 100-percent bed capacity. Moderate Substantial ***•♦*•* High Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valen­ tine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. “Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois” '‘Holly,‘Jolly' tCraftShowJ u * Saturday, December 4 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Y9 i 48 Gull Lake A Middle School 955° M89, Richland FREE ADMISSION f . Za Wednesday, December 1 at 7 pm All Seats: $7 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, December 2,3,4 at 7 pm Sunday, December 5 at 2 pm SOLD OUT Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors and Students $8 Dennison Performing Arts Center 231 South Broadway in Hastings. (Use door on Center Street) Advance tickets can be purchased at Progressive Graphics or by calling the Thornapple Arts Council of Barry County at 269-945-2002 Masks are required if you are unvaccinated and encouraged for all. Members of the Community Theatre Association of Michigan -r» a T>TJXlf dAxvIvi ' •" “ 5ASS' community WW FOUNDATION The Thomapple Players is a non-profit organization providing theatrical opportunities to the Barry County area. For more information call 269-945-2332 �Page 4 — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? Taking a stand for what’s right Angel, we have seen on high This is the time of year when angels seem to be everywhere on cards, in store windows, on parade floats. Here’s a particularly pretty one at the top of a Christmas tree decorated by folks at the Barry County Courthouse. Hopefully, such sights all around us will serve to inspire, as Abraham Lincoln called them, “the better angels of our nature.” What better time of year to nurture those angels? Do you remember? Trading places The building now serving as Hastings City Hall, at 201 E. State St., was originally a bank. The previous city hall, at 102 S. Broadway, was built as the third home of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company (and now houses Barry County’s Friend of the Court). Kitty-corner from that, on the northeast corner of State and Broadway, stood a building with the fire station on the ground level and city hall above. In a full-circle real-estate kind of fashion, that northeast corner is now occupied by a bank. This photo acknowledged the transition of the previous city hall from the insurance company to the city. Reportedly unpublished after the 1961 dedication, the photo was uncovered and made the paper Nov. 26, 1981, just after former city Mayor John Hewitt died. Pictured at the 1961 transition are (from left) Aiderman Dwight Fisher, Hastings Mutual Executive Vice President Robert Stanley, Mayor Hewitt, Aiderman Lannes Kenfield and Aiderman James Coleman. Have you met? Until three years ago, Ellen Holste owned a flip phone. Then she got a smartphone and for one reason: Science apps. Holste now has 38 science apps on her phone. She has tick and dragonfly apps, and ones that can identify bird sounds and share pictures of fungi with people around the world. The apps and resulting science network are Holste’s form of social media - and also part of her job as the community program manager at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Holste is a PCCI educator, creating pro­ grams for adults and kids to learn about the environment. Growing up in Humboldt, Iowa, Holste was enamored with science. Her father taught high school science, and she spent hours outside looking at plants and trees. Holste attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D., where she majored in biology. But her trajectory shifted after tak­ ing a monthlong class trip to Ecuador her sophomore year. It was the first time she had left the country. “I saw things I had never experienced in small-town Iowa,” she said. “We went to the rainforest. We went to the mountains. We went to the Galapagos.” After traveling to Ecuador, Holste made it her goal to join the Peace Corps. Others thought of it “as a good resume builder,” she said, “but that’s not something that ever crossed my brain when I was applying. “It was, T want to go back to these coun­ tries, and I want to help people.’ That was my thought process.” Throughout the remainder of college, Holste never changed her mind. Within a year of graduating from Augustana in 2003, she found herself in Guatemala as an agri­ cultural and food nutrition volunteer. The experience, Holste, now 41, said, was life-changing, but not without its bumps. “It was just those first six months of real­ ly learning the language and how to interact with people in a totally different culture, totally different environment,” she added. “That was the hard part.” She spent those two years living in a foreign county, speaking Spanish and teach­ ing farmers and children about nutrition, composting and medicinal gardening. Then Hurricane Stan hit, devastating Guatemala and causing major landslides. Holste extended her stay another year. “I was like, ‘Heck, no, I’m not going to end it this way, I want to end it on a good note, I want to still help,”’ she remembered. The only volunteer in her cohort to con­ tinue, Holste moved to a new site and shift­ ed her educational efforts more toward women’s groups. But she also left with a desire to study forestry, after realizing how deforestation had caused some of the land­ slides brought on by Hurricane Stan. When Holste returned to the States in 2006, she didn’t plan to stay long. She Ellen Holste knew she wanted to return to the tropics at some point, but, first, she wanted to go back to school. She searched universities across the country for a professor who studied the tropics and found one at Michigan State University. She enrolled at MSU in 2007 and started her master of science in forestry - with the intention of returning to Latin America to help with restoration ecology. She finished in 2010 and then began working toward a Ph.D. in forestry and ecology. She graduated in 2016, but can still spend multiple minutes straight spewing off facts about Mycorrhizal Fungi - a focus of her research. “I’m going to evangelize for a second but I feel like [fungi] saved the world,” she said. “.... They’re the world’s decomposers. They can break down oils, they can break down cigarette butts, they can break down baby diapers. “And so it’s just a fascinating area that we’re still learning so much about.” While in graduate school, she met her future husband, a plant biology student at MSU who had less interest in moving to the tropics. Instead, they settled down with their son, now 7, in Haslett, and Holste looked for jobs in the area. In 2017, she took a part-time job as the program coordinator at PCCI, the now 850acre nature center, environmental education center and biological field station south of Hastings. The daughter of two teachers, Holste never thought she would go into education, but during her time in graduate school, she realized she liked the communication of science more than the actual research. “I realized more and more, I really enjoyed the translating of science, bringing current science to average people that wouldn’t necessarily know how to interpret that science or wouldn’t necessarily have access to that science,” she said. “Science journals and science papers - they are sometimes hard to readj^ I enjoyed mak­ ing it more readily available.” This can include anything from taking adults on a tour of the institute’s trails to editing videos for its YouTube page to read­ ing a science book to kids. “I always love books, especially chil­ dren’s books,” she said. “... I feel like you can never have enough children’s books.” Since starting at PCCI, her title has changed to community program manager, and she became a full-time employee earli­ er this year. But that meant more hours in the car. It takes Holste about an hour and 15 minutes to get to work, and she doesn’t hesitate in saying she dislikes the driving. Still, she doesn’t have any plans to move to the tropics or change her routine any time soon. And that’s OK - she doesn’t mind spending her days taking photographs of mushrooms, reading science books with kids and talking about the intricacies of fungi. For her role as an ambassador for the natural world, Ellen Holste is this week’s Bright Light: Favorite kid’s book: Oh, my gosh, it’s like picking your favorite child. I only have one child, so I can pick that. But I have a lot of favorites books. One that I grew up with, not a lot of people know, is called “Petunia.” Favorite board game: We have a bar in our basement. It does not hold alcohol at all. It holds all board games. A board game bar. Because my husband and I both love playing games and European-style board games. Hobbies: I love biking. I love playing board games. I love just being outside. I love reading. Does this surprise you, any of those? Probably not. Something on my bucket list: Visit Machu Picchu. I also want to visit every national park in the U.S. and I also want to visit all the penguins in their natural habi­ tats. Favorite vacation destination: Probably anywhere with a cabin, and some good hik­ ing and biking. I don’t really have a partic­ ular spot. I’m not a beach person. I bum like none other. Favorite season: The fall. You get apples, you get pumpkins, you get cooler weather, but it’s not cold. I love the smells of fall, I love the colors of fall. If I could have any superpower, I would: Want to be able to transport any­ where. During this season of thanksgiving, resulting from the no-fault insurance Barry County Farm Bureau folks deserve reform; then Gov. Gretchen Whitmer special thanks. signed it into law. On Nov. 15, the county’s Farm Bureau It sounds like a good idea, but, wait, executive board unanimously approved will $25 million cover the cost of quality care for 16,000 crash victims for their an amendment to Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance law. Board members plan lifetimes? Not even close. to present it to the state organization’s Then, last month, the MCCA board voting delegates at their 102nd annual voted to issue refund checks to Michigan meeting this week in Grand Rapids. drivers out of its fund, which has a $5 “Farm Bureau supports the Michigan billion surplus. Whitmer pushed for those refunds. Legislature amending the No-Fault Act to ensure that any claimant receiving bene­ The way George Hubka sees it, there’s a reason that MCCA fund exists - and it’s fits as of June 30, 2020, continue to receive such care, or any future necessary not to give everyone a refund. care, at the same level and quality of care, Hubka is a member of the Barry County Farm Bureau executive committee and, as under the same reimbursement rate therefar as he’s concerned, the answer for how in in effect for said services on June 30, to use that fund is clear: “They paid the 2021,” is how the proposed amendment money. They were under the plan. They reads. What it means is that those people who were made a promise. Now let’s keep that were severely injured, and had been promise, and go back and grandfather receiving benefits under the state’s catathose folks. strophic auto injury insurance fund pro­ “That’s the fair, the religious, the righ­ gram, should continue to receive that teous thing humanly that you can do.” level of benefits - and the quality of care Barry County Farm Bureau makes it - no matter what reforms are implement­ clear that it supports the general principles ed, going forward. of the no-fault law to allow people who These reforms have been cutting a are injured in auto accidents to receive swath through the state, closing adult fos­ economic compensation more quickly and ter care facilities as it reduced reimburseequitably. And it supports legislation to ment rates for Medicare patients by 55 improve no-fault insurance to reduce the percent. cost to the consumer. That change means companies don’t But a promise is a promise. receive full payment for care of patients who’ve been catastrophically injured in auto accidents. So, they can’t afford to continue providing these services. Before the reforms went into effect July 1, people who were injured in auto accidents had full coverage from insurance agencies. They received everything they needed for their care - from caregivers to wheel­ chairs to therapy. One of at least 16,000 examples in Michigan is Troy Hughes, a Middleville , native, who was critically injured in a motorcycle crash in 2007 that left him in need of 24/7 attention. He cannot walk or swallow and, although he can write, he cannot speak. Ever since, Hughes has been reliant on funding from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association to cover the cost of his health care. In June, that MCCA fund totaled $23 billion, its executive director told the Detroit Free Press. That fund was intended to cover the cost of quality care for Hughes and oth­ ers in similar straits because of the catastroph­ ic injuries they suffered in traffic accidents. Like Hughes, they need a high level of care for as long as they live. Hughes’ story was high­ lighted in the Oct. 14 Banner as he prepared to move to a nursing home from the rehabilitation facility, which had to close because of the cuts in reimbursement rates. In July, the state Legislature voted to create A Thanksgiving Day letter from Troy Hughes to his the $25 million Post­ mother just confirms the plight of catastrophic crash Acute Care Auto Injury victims who no longer have the care that the state Provider Relief Fund to had committed to cover through its no-fault auto address funding gaps insurance law. The Hastings BdllllCI* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell, or for any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — Page 5 Doing what’s best for all is based on leading, not ruling Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County ojjices ofEdward Jones To the editor: Party politics blind us to common goals To the editor: We can’t object to necessary action just because we don’t like who proposed it or which president made it law. To get things done, we need to concentrate on the goals, not the person or party that authors or sponsors the goals. The infrastructure bill, the Afghanistan withdrawal, stimulus checks, gun safety, vac­ cines for COVID-19, and child tax credits all necessary to improve the lives and welfare of Americans - are the result of both the Trump and Biden administrations’ work. The recent passage of the infrastructure bill for America is a culmination of what Trump started in 2018. It has taken us four years, a new president and Congress and bipartisan support to make it real. The withdrawal from Afghanistan started in February 2020 with Trump signing an agreement with the Taliban, pulling out troops and drawing them down to 2,500 at the start of Biden’s term. The final withdrawal was in September, resulting in the end of an endless war that drained our military and consumed trillions of U.S. dollars. The stimulus checks many of us received in 2020 and 2021 were the result of the Trump and Biden administrations. The ARPA funds we are now seeing in states and counties are the result of bipartisan work in Congress. Perhaps the most questionable objection is the anti-vaccine sentiment in our society, mostly along party lines. Operation Warp Speed, started by the Trump administration, authorized $12.4 bil­ lion for companies involved in the develop­ ment and distribution of the vaccines. Trump used the Defense Production Act to hasten mask and medical equipment to combat COVID-19. Biden has expanded and improved the FEMA response, and asks us all to mask up and get vaccinated. So why point fingers? All of us are working toward one goal: Making daily life better for everyone, not just ourselves. Listen to others: They may be saying the same thing - or have the same goals. Michele Peltier, Hastings The editorial in the Nov. 11 Barmer defines a leader as one who has the people’s interests at heart, and a ruler as one wanting to control people’s lives. In that same week, Congress passed the infrastructure package that sends $10 billion to Michigan to improve roads, bridges, water systems, internet and toxic sites. All “Pure Michigan” residents and visitors deserve safe roads and bridges for work and play, safe water free from contaminants, and access to the internet - the necessary communication tool in the 21st century. Republican Fred Upton, whose district includes Benton Harbor, voted for the bill. He was vilified by some congressional Republicans for not voting “no” to support Trump, and threatened with harm by a Trump bully boy. Hopefully, those representatives who voted “no” will find wise ways to use the money for the benefit of all the people in their districts. Perhaps they will even take credit for bring­ ing home the bacon. As a lifelong Republican, raised in Gerald Ford’s district, I like to think of my federal income tax dollars coming back to Michigan to be part of the good uses. A leader is one who considers what is best for all people in his or her district. A ruler is one who wants control for select supporters - without regard for all of the people. Barbara St. John, Hastings Table the ARPA team and start over To the editor: I would like to start off by saying thank you to the Barry County Board of Commissioners for holding a public forum in the evening on Tuesday. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics more than 80 per­ cent of Americans work daytime shift hours and cannot attend the weekly 9 a.m. meet­ ings. This is a step in the right direction to foster transparency and openness with the public. I also am grateful that it was broadcast online as well. I was one of many who was not able to attend in person who benefited from it. As for the agenda, I would rather that public comment take place at the end of the meeting in a town-hall setting to get responses for the questions made in public comment, but I’m not going to make it a hill-to-die-on issue. There was one response however - a com­ pletely uncalled-for response to a question made by a member of the public. That ques­ tion was not one asked at the forum, but in a private conversation between a constituent and Bonnie Gettys. Gettys is one of the lead persons selected to sit on the “ARPA Advisory Team.” She started by “calling out” a member of the pub­ lic by name, stating, “I wasn’t able to respond to you later on today because f actually work during the day and I can’t stay on Facebook all day....” I was mortified when I heard this. Gettys further dug in her heels in response to the verbal backlash from the audience, attempt­ ing to justify her “apology” rather than sim­ ply saying it came out wrong or something of the like. The tone for the meeting was set at that point. It was apparent to the public that the advisory team was not looking for public input. Gettys’ comment was extremely unbe­ coming and unprofessional and the very con­ tinuance of her giving the presentation beyond the calling out and insulting of a sin­ gle constituent will only further the distrust between the commission and its advisory team - and the public. According to Title VI, Section 603, of the Social Security Act, as amended, we have until Dec. 31, 2024,. to figure out how to spend this money. My recommendation to the commissioners is to table the ARPA Advisory Team, issue an apology, and start over with a process that truly seeks public input in a way that does not demean the public. Joel Ibbotson, Rutland Township Cknow Your Legislators: ) Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Peter Meijer, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Now it’s up to local government to act To the editor: ‘Before the meeting adjourned, Pastor Danny Quanstrom of Hastings Church of the Nazarene spoke up during public comment. “You mentioned the COVID rates,” he said to commissioners. “Do we know the vaccina­ tion rate in Barry County?” Jackson and Commissioner Jon Smelker, who both serve on the health board, replied that the vaccination rate for adults in the county is between 47 and 48 percent. Smelker later told The Banner those esti­ mates were out of date. According to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department’s website, 61.1 percent of Barry County resi­ dents have received at least one dose of the vaccine, as of this week. Quanstrom asked what initiatives the coun­ ty was taking with regard to vaccinations. Jackson had said they aren’t hearing any­ thing from the state like they did last year, Quanstrom pointed out. “If we’re not hearing a lot from Lansing, that’s because that’s what local people wanted last year. The onus, as I remember Rep. (Julie) Calley saying, has to be on local communities. ... Lansing can’t tell us what we’re supposed to do.” “So, if that is the case,” Quanstrom contin­ ued, “what is our local community doing to make sure that more of our community is fully vaccinated so that we can make it through this next spike without more casual­ ties than are expected... in a way that’s not going to overload our small hospital? “It seems like the onus is on us now. We can’t expect Lansing to give us directives any­ more because that’s what we asked last year. “So, what are we doing as a community to make sure people are vaccinated - which is clearly the best way to stop any spread of the virus right now and to encourage people, even if they are vaccinated, to wear masks? “What are we doing in our community?” The meeting was adjourned without fur­ ther comment.’ The statement by Pastor Quanstrom was excellent! I hope the county board takes time at a future meeting to discuss what actions they could take to assist with the current pan­ demic. The board has made it apparent that they don’t like the state mandating require­ ments to help protect the public health. So, as the pastor pointed out, it’s up to the local county government to act. The county board got what they wanted, but with that comes the responsibility of action. Larry Osborne, Delton CLINICAL MANAGER Looking for a full-time qualified RN / LPN to manage the clinical department. Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Main responsibilities include supervising clinical staff, developing and implementing care plans, and ensuring compliance with county, state, and federal healthcare regulations. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com of Middleville www.CarvethVillage .com ‘Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 www.CarvethVillage.com “Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 I Member birC Financial Advisor Wendi Stratton Financial Advisor 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-8265 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 Jeff Domenico, AAMS® CRPC® What to know about early IRA withdrawals While you’re working, you may be contributing to an in­ dividual retirement account (IRA), which can provide a tax-advantaged way to save for your future. So, is it ever a good idea to tap into your IRA before you retire? Ideally, you should leave this account intact until your retirement. After all, you could spend two or more decades in retirement, so you’ll need a lot offinancial resources. Still, life is unpredictable, so there may be times you’ll consider taking money from your IRA. You’ll need to be aware, though, that if you withdraw funds before you turn 59/2, you will gen­ erally trigger a 10% penalty. Plus, you’ll be taxed on what­ ever you take out, thereby los­ ing, at least in part, the bene­ fits of tax-deferred earnings offered by a traditional IRA. (With a Roth IRA, you can withdraw your contributions free of taxes and penalties, but the earnings may be taxed and penalized if you take them out before you’re 59/2.) If you need to withdraw funds from your IRA before you’re 59/2, you may be able to avoid the 10% early with­ drawal penalty if you meet an exception, such as one of these: • Paying for college - You are allowed to take penal­ ty-free withdrawals to pay for tuition and other qualified higher education expenses for you, your spouse, children or grandchildren. However, since the withdrawals may be con­ sidered taxable income, they could reduce the student’s eli­ gibility for financial aid. • Buying a first home - You and your spouse can each withdraw up to $10,000 from your respective IRAs to buy your first home. To qualify as a first-time homebuyer, you (and your spouse) need to have not owned a home for the two years preceding your home purchase. • Having a child - Follow­ ing the birth or adoption of a child, you and your copar­ ent can each withdraw up to $5,000 from your respec­ tive IRA without paying the 10%penalty. • Covering medical expens­ es - You may be able to avoid the early withdrawal penalty if you use the money to pay for unreimbursed medical expens­ es (for you, your spouse or dependents) that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. You may also qualify to take a withdrawal without penalty to pay for health insurance pre­ miums if you are unemployed. In the case of a disability, the 10% early withdrawal penalty also may not apply. These aren’t the only excep­ tions to the 10% withdrawal penalty, but they do cover many of the common reasons that people may consider an early withdrawal from their IRAs. And if you do need to take an early withdrawal, con­ sult with your tax advisor to determine your eligibility for avoiding the 10% penalty. Keep in mind, though, that you do have ways to poten­ tially reduce the necessity of withdrawing from your IRA early. One proven technique is to build an emergency firnd containing at least three to six months’ worth of living ex­ penses, with the money kept in a liquid account. You might also consider opening a line of credit. A financial professional can help you explore other op­ tions, as well. Ultimately, if you can leave your IRA intact until you re­ tire, you’ll be helping yourself greatly. But if you do need to tap into your account early, at least be familiar with the possi­ ble drawbacks - and how you might avoid them. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC What people need to do - now To the editor: We are still very much in a pandemic. Current statistics in Michigan say that 85 percent of hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases are in unvaccinated people. Many are arguing about the use of masks. Common sense dictates that those of us in high-risk categories, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dia­ betes, etc., are more likely to die if we get COVID. For the sake of others, please get the vac­ cine! If you are immune-compromised, it’s understandable, but you will notice, they wear masks and are cautious and keep 6 feet away. If you don’t have the shot, you can give COVID or its variants to others. Michigan’s COVID levels are rocketing sky-high due to the unvaccinated, and it’s time now to think of your family, friends, neighbors and loved ones. Get the shot while you are still alive to do so! Our hospitals, nurses, doctors, and staff are overwhelmed. Hopefully, they will “answer your call” when you get COVID and care for you as you lie in the bed, regretting that you didn’t get the vaccine. Marcie Boulay, Delton 172288 YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION .......... NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Planning Commission meeting and public hearing will be held on December 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Yankee Springs Township Hall, 284 N. Briggs Road, Middleville Michigan 49333, within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance ror the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include the following: 1. Zoning Ordinance text amendments to Sections 2.1 (Usage) and 4.5 (Types of Special Exception Use Permits) of the Yankee Springs Township Zoning Ordinance, regarding home occupations. 2. Such other and further business as may properly come before the Planning Commission at said hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the proposed zoning ordinance text amendments can be reviewed at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days and will also be available at the time and place of the hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that written comments will be taken from any interested person concerning the text amendments at the email address of the Township Clerk below, at any time during regular business hours up to 4:00 p.m. on the date of the hearing and will further be received by the Planning Commission at the time of said hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Yankee Springs Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes in the proposed text amendments at or following the public hearing. Yankee Springs Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk. YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Mike Cunningham, Township Clerk Yankee Springs Township Hall 284 N. Briggs Road Middleville Michigan 49333-8629 (269) 795-9091 Mikec@yankeespringstwp.org �Page 6 — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — The Hastings Banner band on August 1,1947. He had just returned from WW2 after being stationed on the air­ craft carrier, the USS Ranger in the Pacific Ocean. They were married for 36 years until his passing on August 19, 1983. Dora’s husband John was in the military for 20 years, serving in the Navy and Air Force, and she lived in West Palm Beach, FL, Greenville, SC, and in March of 1959, she sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge on her way to Japan, where she lived for 3-1/2 years with her family. When John retired from the service in October 1962, they chose Orlando, FL to be their home. Dora lived there until she moved to Hastings in 1987. Dora loved to read, and she could spend up to 12 hours a day reading her many hundreds of books in her recliner if she didn’t have errands or shopping to do. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lowell. Dora was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Ana (Muriente) Defillo; her hus­ band, John Robert Yost; one brother and one sister, Carmen. She is survived by her son, Charles R. Yost of Hastings. A small private celebration of life service was held at Girrbach Funeral Home on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 at 2 p.m. The Reverend Steve Luchies gave a beautiful, moving remembrance service as he reflected on Dora’s life. Dora was laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park, FL next to her husband, John. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachftmeralhome.net. Dora Nilda Yost, age 94, of Hastings, passed away on November 8, 2021. Dora was bom in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on June 7, 1927, the daughter of Pedro and Ana (Muriente) Defillo. After Dora graduated from high school, she left Puerto Rico and came to the United States at the age of 18. She took a civil ser­ vice test, passed it, and started working in Washington, DC for the State Department, translating passport documents. She used to eat lunch sitting on a park bench across from the White House. While living there, she met Johnny, the man who would become her hus­ • Traditional and Cremation Services > Pre-Planning Services > Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome.net Dale Billingsley Owner/Manager . j -g j Family Owned ailCl Operated Ray Girrbach Owner Emeritus Serving Hastings, Barry County a id Surrounding Communities for 50 years Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. 4:30 Mass p.m. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy, P.O. Box Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. 8, Sunday. ' Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. gmail.com. Email hastfmc@ Website: HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH www. hastingsfreemethodist.cqm. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller; Worship 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Pastor. Lead Stoetzel. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: Sunday School for all ages; Director, Martha 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Nursery are available. Our Senior High Youth Group 6-8 worship center is set up for p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. social distancing. Aftermath Wednesday, Family Night Student Ministries: Sunday 6 6:30-8 p.m., Kids p.m. (Children SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, Call Church Office 948-8004 (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ for information. School Youth Group; 6:30 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Jefferson Children’s Ministry. Wednesday 328 night Bible study and prayer Worship time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. provided. Pastor Peter Adams, N. 10 a.m. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. 4 Truth Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle 9390. Sunday Worship Service WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH Street. Nursery contact 616-690-8609. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Elaine Garlock Next week will be the time for the annual Christmas Basket project which is adminis­ tered by the Lakewood Community Council. Again, like last year, due to Covid situations, all the food is being purchased rather than being collected by school children as was done for 20 or more years. Gifts were solicit­ ed from several local churches and gifts of socks, mittens, caps for all ages are welcome from anyone willing to donate them. Delivery will be made to the doorsteps rather than for delivery people to enter homes Saturday, Dec. 11. Volunteers are always needed Saturday for delivery. Sunfield SPYs organi­ zation always comes en force, but drivers are needed for Clarksville, Woodland and Lake Odessa. Patricia Louise McKeough, age 92, of Hastings, passed away on November 24, 2021. Patricia was bom on July 18,1929, the daughter of Alphonso and Helen (Rayle) Belsito. Pat was a 1947 graduate of Hastings High School. She owned and operated Hairstyles by Pat Beauty Salon for many years. On April 3,1948, Pat married Edward McKeough, and they enjoyed 55 years together until his passing in 2003. Pat had a beautiful soprano singing voice and won many talent programs in Lansing. She sang for many years in the choir at St. Rose Church. Pat loved gardening and always maintained a beautiful flower garden at her home. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward McKeough (2003); son, Thomas McKeough (2006); daughter-in-law, Jan McKeough (2007); and sisters, Gloria Maurer, Jean Jackson, and Blanche Munjoy. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Douglas) O’Laughlin; sons, Kevin (Kelly) McKeough, Edward (Sue) McKeough, Jr., Patrick (Anna) McKeough; brother, Dr. Al (Brenda) Belsito of Sarasota, FL; 17 grand­ children, and 24 great-grandchildren. A special heartfelftfhank you to Pat’s niece ra lacks* r, for her con­ and our c tinuing love and support and tender care that filled Pat’s last years with so much kindness. The family would also like to thank all the staff at Woodlawn Meadows Assisted Living and Memory Care for her wonderful car the past 4-1/2 years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Pat’s memory to St. Rose of Lima Church or Spectrum Health Hospice, https://give.spectrumhealth.org/hospice/ donate, 25 Michigan St NE, Suite 4100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Funeral Mass was field Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at St. Cyril of Jerusalem, 203 N State St., Nashville, MI 49073, followed by a Celebration of Life at Ever After, 1230 N Michigan Ave., Hastings, MI 49058, immedi­ ately following interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. The former Anway/Ackerson house on Johnson Street is undergoing some changes. All the windows and exterior doors have been replaced, and work has been done on the roof. The house was recently sold after being vacant for many years. Another dwelling with changes is the for­ mer Lucas farmhouse north of Woodland. A front porch was removed months ago, and now new windows are in place on the front of the house. Entry is from a south porch. The exodus continues with people leaving for sunnier skies in the southern and western states. Here, we had a measurable snowfall Nov. 27 and again the evening of Nov. 29. The village snowplow was at work in the wee hours making the rounds of village streets with spectacular lights flashing. Husband attacks wife on road A 30-year-old woman called police, saying her husband followed her on the road and hit her vehicle with his own at 8 p.m. Nov. 13. The woman, 30, of Freeport, said they are going through divorce proceedings, and she received several calls from her husband, but did not answer the phone. A strange vehicle was trailing behind her, while she was on Alden Nash Avenue in Kent County. She answered the phone, and he said he was behind her. He told her to pull over so he could talk with her, but she refused, and he hit her vehicle. She called the police after she got home. Stray bullets strike residences A 63-year-old woman called police at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 to report her neighbor shot a gun from the steps of his mobile home trailer in the 1000 block of Cherry Lane in Johnstown Township at 10 p.m. Nov. 13. The woman said she was not at home at the time, but a 32-year-old woman was, and told her about the incident. The 32-year-old woman said she heard 10 gunshots and saw her neighbor standing on his steps with a long gun in his hands. She got down on the floor because she was scared. An officer found two spent shells from 12 gauge slugs on the steps. The officer saw a hole in the fence near the trailer, and traced the gunshot through a garage, and into the doorframe of another ^garage, where the slug fell to the ground. The officer also saw damage to the roof of the ' garage, which appeared to be from another gunshot. The officer has been unable to con­ tact the suspect, a 27-year-old male. SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS read contribute advertise Hastings DANNER Vehicle, cash stolen in Prairieville Township A 64-year-old man called police at 11:06 a.m. Nov. 20 to report his car was stolen from his driveway in the 12000 block of Sycamore Point Drive in Prairieville Township. The man said he last saw the 2002 Jeep Liberty at 7:30 the previous evening. That same day a 54-year-old resident of the 12000 block of Sycamore Point Drive reported someone went through his vehicle and took $200 in cash out of his vehicle, which was unlocked. Garage door opener stolen A 32-year-old woman called police at 8:23 p.m. Nov. 8 to report her garage door opener had been stolen from her residence in the 7000 block of Marsh Road in Orangeville Township. The woman said the remote was hung on a milk crate inside the house, but was visible from the outside. She suspected the thief planned to use the open­ er to gain access to the garage and burglarize it later. She suggested two suspects, but police have been unable to contact them. $200 stolen in Facebook hack A 19-year-old woman told police she was scammed out of $200 in Google Play cards Nov. 13. The woman, 19, of Middleville, said she received a Facebook message from a friend with a link to a Department of Health and Human Services website. Her friend said it was a link to sign up for grant, and where her friend had received $3,000. Once she clicked on the link, the woman said received messages from someone who claimed to be from DHHS who told her to buy the gift cards for a chance to win $16,000. She purchased the cards and sent the person the numbers on them. She later talked to her friend, who told her that her account had been hacked. Church sign and mailbox vandalized A 39-year-old man called police at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 to report someone vandalized First Baptist Church in Middleville. The man said someone rearranged the letters at night to make a derogatory statement. The man said he did not know what it was, because the cleaning lady found the sign and fixed it, but refused to tell him what it said. The man said a few days later, perhaps Oct. 30, the church mailbox was knocked down, which he said may have been malicious or a drunk driver. He said it would cost $600 to replace the mailbox. ,arve of Middleville <<9 & • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services For availability for our assisted and independent living or for career opportunities, give us a call or ask for Makenzi Peters. Family Owned and Operated since 7999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Family Owned and Operated since 7999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • yvxvw.CarvethVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 • Independent and Assisted Living Fiberglass Products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 A WORLDWIDE SUPPLIER OF 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 of Middleville • Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — Page 7 Tyden, licensees helped grow Viking Corp. The Banner excitedly announced in Feb. 14, 1937, that two dozen licensees from throughout the United States would converge on Hastings to learn more about the product they sold: Viking automatic sprinklers. The visitors would be in the city May 15, The Banner reported, so the following undated story likely is from May 1937. Licensees met here for two days Agents of Viking company were its guest for weekend Find representatives of growing business Men from all parts of our country visit plant an enjoy fine time The Viking Corporation of the city may not be so well known by our citizens, but it is bringing people from all parts of the United States into touch with Hastings through the distribution of its products. The Viking Corporation manufacturers automat­ ic sprinkling devices, which are sold through its licensees, who are located in the large cities of this country from coast to coast and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Of Mexico. Saturday and Monday, there was held in the city an informal but very helpful meeting of the Viking company’s licensees who were the company’s guests. 24 men from outside the city attended. They were from these cit­ ies: Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., Huntington, W. Va., Indianapolis, Dallas, Boston, Buffalo, New York City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Los Angeles and Seattle. These visitors, who each year do a large volume of business in their localities, had the opportunity to not only learn how pains­ takingly the Viking devices are made but also to see them thoroughly tested. Some new equipment also was displayed. The licensees were much impressed with what they saw and agreed that it represented the best line of automatic sprinkling equipment on the market. The gathering was not only helpful to each licensee in getting a better understanding of the company he represents, but it also enabled them to become better acquainted with each other. Naturally, there are no closely defined limits of the territory each licensee rep­ resents. It would be easy, if they did not know each other, for difficulties to arise over possi­ ble interference with territory by others. As the men know one another better, they’re able to straighten out difficulties of this kind, for they come to regard one another not as com­ petitors but as coworkers. The licensees, the heads of the manufac­ turing operations at the plant, and officers and managers of the company had a fine banquet in Community Hall* Saturday noon. They had several gatherings together. All agreed it was a very helpful get-together affair. They were highly pleased, not only with the company and its hospitality, but also with the comparing of notes and the discussing of plans and methods pertaining to their work. The Viking company has never made any “fuss and feathers” about its work here. It started in a small way. Its business has steadi­ ly increased and is still growing. It is helping to make our city known throughout this coun­ try as an important manufacturing point. Such meetings help promote good feeling and good will, aiding the company and its repre­ sentatives in their work. The licensees are a fine bunch of folks. It is a credit to the company and to Hastings to be represented by such a splendid group of men. Hastings owes to Emil Tyden unpayable debt of gratitude for this and other successful industries in Hastings. He is president of the Viking Corporation; James Radford, secre­ tary; Richard, Groos treasurer. [Another undated article noted that Radford also had the title of vice president in charge of sales. Radford “spends a good share of his time calling on the licensees,” it noted, and “wher­ ever they so desire, assists them in making sales. He has shown himself a successful business-getter.”] The following article, perhaps written by Banner editor/owner Marshall L. Cook, was likely published in the early 1940s. Cook was bom in Prairieville Township and moved to Hastings as a boy and lived her the rest of his 96-year life. He continued to be a proponent of his hometown, and repeatedly credited inventor/industrialist Emil Tyden with making Hastings known around the country and globe. Licensees of Viking located throughout U.S.A Last week I explained how the Viking company came to be located in this city by Emil Tyden. It was not premeditated on his part; it was due to the fact that, influenced by a good friend, he invested in the Viking, which was started in St. Louis, Mo. The per­ son who then had charge of that company which had then never made any installations, saw to it that Mr. Tyden’s name was widely advertised as being connected with the com­ pany. Mr. Tyden had made a considerable investment in it, but would have gladly sacri­ ficed that, except for his pride and not allow­ ing an institution with which his name was connected to be classed as a failure. Enters competition I explained the wet and dry systems of automatic sprinkling, and how Mr. Tyden, by his inventive genius, was able to make a dry valve that did not conflict with the only one then allowed to be used since it applied an exactly opposite principle in its operation from the valve his competitors controlled. They had expected to prevent Viking from doing any business in installing dry systems, because of their control of the only patent that had the approval of the insurance companies. But when Mr. Tyden operated his dry valve in a principle exactly opposite to the one cov­ ered in the other patent, and after his valve had obtained the approval of the insurance labora­ tories, Viking was able to enter the sprinkler business actively and has placed itself as one of the three leading makers of sprinkling systems. The principal users of sprinkler systems are factories; but they are also used in big hotels, The Tyden DRY PENDANT SPRINKLER THE SPRINKLER WHICH THE INDUSTRY HAS NEEDED FOR FIFTY YEARS HAS NOW BEEN DEVELOPED AND INTRODUCED BY VIKING Licensees from across the U.S. purchased automatic sprin­ klers from Viking Corporation. Most of the licensees had their own shops and installed sprinkler systems themselves. Alarm units like this would be mounted on the outside of a building and connected to the interior automatic sprinkler alarm system, sounding is the sprinklers went off. Banner editors repeatedly said how Emil Tyden put Hastings on the map, and these exterior units clearly said “The Viking Corporation, Hastings, Mich.” (File photo) ^Doctor Universe Fossilized clues Dr. Universe: Why do we find bones in rock? Wyatt, 9, Washington Dear Wyatt, When humans want to look into the past, they often dig into the ground. Under the soil, archeologists can find all kinds of things that help tell us about life long ago. That’s what I found out from my friend Rachel Horowitz, an archaeologist at Washington State University who is curious about the lives of our human ancestors. She said part of the answer to your ques­ tion lies in some important processes that happen above and below Earth’s surface. Let’s say a human ancestor died and was buried at the edge of a lake. Layer after layer, the soil, pebbles, sand and other earth materi­ als start piling up on top of the burial site. All of these layers create a lot of pressure and heat, which, over thousands of years, eventually turn all those different materials into rock. Meanwhile, another process is at work that helps transform the human ances­ tor’s bones. Inside of a bone, there is a soft material called marrow. Over thousands of years, the marrow gets replaced with minerals. Maybe you’ve heard of minerals like calcium, zinc or sodium. As water moves through the soil, it brings some important minerals to the bone. The minerals replace the marrow. When this happens, we get a fossil. Fossils might look a lot like bones, but they are now rock - and we can learn a lot from them. Some of the fossils that have taught us about the past were bones belonging to a human ancestor archeologists named Ardipithecus ramidu. Or Ardi, for short. Archeologists found Ardi at a dig site in Ethiopia more than a decade ago. A study of her bones revealed she likely lived about 4.4 million years ago. Scientists continue to study her skeleton and ask questions about what her life might have been like in the past. Horowitz told me we also can find other things besides traces of bones. For instance, some archeologists have found fossils of poop, which are called coprolites. They have also found fossils of teeth. These kinds of fossils can help scientists learn more about what animals and humans used to eat. Archeologists have even found fossils of human footprints that have been preserved in stone. We also can find things in the earth that don’t fossilize, including stone tools, scrolls, coins and pottery. All of these different fossils and remains can help scientists put together a better pic­ ture of history on our planet. Of course, you never know what someone might dig up next. It might add a new chapter to the story or change the way humans think about life long ago. Who knows, maybe one day you can be an archeologist or a historian and help us discover something new about the past. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr. Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BflGK THE PAGES . in large school buildings, hospitals, and other public buildings. In the big cities, office build­ ings and large stores also use them. Recently Viking has entered a new field that of sprinkling the hangars that house air­ planes. Last year it installed several such systems for Army and Navy aircraft landing fields. The flood valves especially designed by Mr. Tyden for such work and the fixtures for airplane hangars quickly deliver a deluge of water on the hangars arid the aircraft stored in them. The gasoline in these buildings, as well as planes, make a terrific fire should a blaze get started. The devices the company has perfected save loss on the planes as well as the hangars, and prospects for large busi­ ness in this new field in 1941 seem excellent. Located throughout U.S. The Viking valves, sprinkler heads and other devices are not sold direct to the owners of the buildings that use them for fire protection. Installing these systems is a big business of itself. The Viking company has about 20 licens­ ees - individuals, firms or incorporated compa­ nies, who solicit the business and see to the installation of the equipment. When an order is secured by a licensee, the contract is made directly between the licensee and the purchaser. The licensee installs the system and sees to it that all work on it is properly done. It is fully tested before being turned over to the purchaser. The licensee buys the valves and sprinkler heads and other equipment from the Viking Corporation, but this agent buys the large quantities of piping directly from the makers. Each licensee has his own machine shop where he makes all the piping ready for use and installing. Viking has the arranged agree­ ment of every licensee that he must do all installation, work efficiently and must satisfy the purchasers. In other words, Viking makes and sells its products to the licensees. A few of the licensees own their own shops and equipment; but in most of them, Viking Corporation is a 50/50 owner of the licensee’s business. The latter is paid a good salary for looking after the business and owns half of the capital stock. This arrangement has worked out to mutual satisfaction of the licenses and the Viking Corporation. We explained last week that the saving in the cost of insurance by installing a sprinkler system in a given building is a considerable item compared with the regular insurance rates. So large is the saving that makers, like Viking Corporation, authorized their licens­ ees to accept as pay for the entire system what it will save them and insurance costs within a given period, say from five to 10 years. Thus, the system pays for itself. Viking Equipment Company was organized to take over the financing of installations of Viking devices where the owner prefers to have yearly payments in the manner we have indi­ cated. However, the government has entered this financing field, and now makes loans at extremely low rates, so that the equipment company does not have the volume of business it had 10 or a dozen years ago. The man who installs a sprinkler system can borrow of Uncle Sam at such low rates that he pays spot cash. The Viking licensees are located in all the very large cities of the country from Boston to Seattle and from Atlanta to Houston in the south and as far as north as Minneapolis. The valves, sprinkler heads and other devices sold by Viking are made in the Seal Company plant No. 2. Thus, Viking has no investment whatever in a plant. It has steadi­ ly increased its resources, and directors hope someday to have a Viking factory. For sever­ al months, plant No. 2 has been compelled to work overtime in order to keep up with the increased business given to Viking. Last year, sales were the largest in its history. While Mr. Tyden had no idea originally of having the Viking company in Hastings, as we have explained, the people of the city are glad that matters so shaped themselves that he did leeate-the company here. AL the present time,about 85 persons are employed in the making of Viking devices in plant No. 2 of the Seal Company. This company’s business has made Hastings known... We are glad it is here and wish it ever greater success in the future. * A recent article in this column, featuring the history of the early Rod and Gun Club, also mentioned Community Hall. Likely this venue was short-lived, and its location remains uncertain today. Anyone who knows the history or location of Community Hall is welcome to share information by sending an email to news@j-adgraphics.com. Gyi Giving ON SALE NOW! CHASING THE EVIDENCE OF A REMARKABLE MAN Emil Tyden made a mark in this world at the turn of the 20th Century, but it was the imprint of a selfless man whose incredible talents and care for his fellow man Should be admired by every succeeding generation.” The book, Tyden: An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary, was published by Fred Jacobs and J-Ad Graphics and is the most extensive biography to date of a man who arrived from Sweden at the age of 17 and whose inventive brilliance began with contributions to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 and ended just before his death in 1951 with the invention of the dry sprinkler fire suppression system manufactured by The Viking Corporation. In between, Tyden offered world-changing developments to the booming automotive industry in Detroit, to America’s military efforts in World War I, and to the transportation industry where the invention for which he became best known, the box car seal, established Hastings as a manufacturing capital. Over 4 million of Tyden’s boxcar seals were manufactured from his plant in Hastings.“It’s a compelling read,’’states author Doug Vanderbaan,“and one I feel fortunate to be part of in its telling. An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary... Available in Hastings for $24.99 at • Al Fresco • The General Store • Printing Plus • J-Ad Graphics ofiice at 1351N. M-43 Highway, just north of the Hastings city limits. �Page 8 — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — The Hastings Banner ARPA, continued from page 1 ---------------------------------- Barry County Commissioner Dave Jackson poses a question to ARPA task force members. Bonnie Gettys, president/CEO of the Barry Community Foundation, offers a wrapup of the ARPA process during Tuesday night's session. Health Pennock; Craig Jenkins, secretary of the Delton Kellogg school board and Hope Township planning commission member; and Robert Geyer, retired partner of Crowe LLP. After months of devising a point system, reviewing applications and ranking them, the advisory team presented its findings in front of nearly 100 citizens, who had an opportuni­ ty to give comments. Gettys explained how the committee was formed, how they conceived of the point sys­ tem and why the recommended projects deserved consideration from the county board. “The committee selection,” Gettys said, “was based on the professional and volunteer experience in reviewing business plans, expe­ rience with governmental and/or foundation grants, as well as the ability to remain fair and objective based on the application submitted.” The committee received 19 applications totaling $15 million in requests by its Sept. 17 deadline. Unable to fund each application, the committee created a scoring system to determine the most pertinent projects. Applications could receive a maximum of 2 points if they could help “support a strong and equitable recovery from the pandemic.” They could receive up to 5 points for the overall project, impact with partners and stakeholders outside of the applying entity, and “funding need that is beyond the ability to be funded.” Finally, the projects could receive a maximum of 10 points for demonstrating a critical, iden­ tified community need and 20 points for long­ term investment for the community. Each committee member submitted his or her own score before all eight were tallied and averaged out to create a ranking system. About 100 people attended the session in the Hastings Performing Arts Center. The advisory team presented on the top seven qualified applications, which included a water tower for the Delton area at 44.5 points; renovations to the Freeport water tower and replacement of an undersized water main at 43.125; a communications tower site for the Barry County Central Dispatch/911 and Barry County Emergency Management at 41; a 4.5-mile paving project of the Paul Henry Trail for the Barry County Parks & Recreation Commission at 37.625; community center food planning project for Activate Barry County at 34.875; and a feasi­ bility study on the sewer system and broad­ band connecitivty to city of Hastings for Algonquin Lake at 27.875. While the committee originally selected 10 projects based on the scores that were allot­ ted, three were later found to be ineligible. Two of the projects were submitted by the county drain commission, and would have addressed work at Watson, Cloverdale and Little Thomapple drains. The Cloverdale and Watson Drain proposals were rejected by the committee for being too broadly bases. About half the houses that might have qualified in the Cloverdale Drain project are second homes, owned by people whose primary residences are not in Barry County. The committee would recommend funding the project if it affected primary residents who are within 250 percent of the poverty line. The com­ mittee recommended using the local United Way to provide income verification on the homes. The Little Thomapple Drain application for culverts on Brown Road was applied for by the drain commission on behalf of the Barry County Road Commission. But, the committee noted, the road commission had not yet gone through the regular procedure of petitioning the drain commissioner to perform an assessment of the project, so it was deemed ineligible. Three proposed projects did not meet the cri­ teria to apply for finding and scored the lowest of the proposals. These were the indexing land records at the office of the register of deeds, premium pay for employees of Barry County Animal Control and a restroom at Charlton Park. Heinzman said applicants who did not receive funding this time can apply when the second half of the nearly $12 million in ARPA funding eventually becomes available. Staff Writer Taylor Owens contributed to this report. A closer look at top ARPA projects in Barry County APPLICANT: Barry Township PROJECT: Delton Water Tower REQUESTED: $1,332,090 RECOMMENDED: $1,332,090 COMMITTEE AVERAGE SCORE: 44.5 The highest-ranked of any application, the proposed $1.3 million project would result in a 200-gallon water tower in Delton. The need is urgent, Barry Township officials say. Because of a substantial lack of water capacity, Delton cannot support a sprinkler system in a new school building and firefight­ ers cannot use the hydrants. “The fire department would deplete the water system in a matter of minutes if the hydrants were used,” the application reads. Barry Township has spent years trying to fund the project through a number of avenues, including a $1.4 million loan levied on the taxpayers and a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Now, the township’s attention has shifted to the American Rescue Plan Act funds. Officials estimate the project will cost around $1.7 mil­ lion, with an additional $367,910 coming from separate coronavirus relief funding. If approved, Heinzman said they would be ready to start construction nearly right away. “They have already completed all of the engineering studies and everything to get the project shovel ready,” she said in the presenta­ tion. During the public comment section, Carlton Township resident Stephanie Hester expressed concern over using the ARPA money for proj­ ects like the Delton water tower. “On the topic of expanding our water sys­ tem - I think that’s a great idea, but not with COVID relief funds. These are COVID relief funds,” she said. “Many of the recommenda­ tions that were proposed by the Advisory Council don’t have anything to do COVID relief. “I think it’s very important that if we’re going to use these funds, that we use them in accordance very strictly with how it is speci­ fied.” But without the ARPA money, the township said it would have to rely on taxpayer dollars at the improper time. “COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the community’s income, and an additional assessment for a water tower would be an eco­ nomic burden to many of our businesses and residents,” the township wrote in its applica­ tion. The lack of available water is stunting Delton’s growth, Heinzman said. Two devel­ opers have contacted her about building in Delton but didn’t follow through because of the water situation. “We could have a substantial amount of housing and new businesses in that area, but right now, none of that can happen because they don’t have the capacity with their water,” she said Barry Township Supervisor Barry Bower struck a similar tone while speaking at the meeting, noting Delton cannot move forward without the water tower. “We need to grow. Delton needs to grow. And we need some infrastructure,” he said. APPLICANT: Village of Freeport PROJECT: Freeport Water supply and tower REQUESTED: $839,000 RECOMMENDED: COMMITTEE AVERAGE SCORE: 43.125 Freeport has requested $839,000 to repair its ldd,000-gallon water tower and fund a new water main. The current water tower is rusting and covered in lead paint, and their 1,560-feet watdr mSin is tob small. “The Village of Freeport water system is at a critical need to maintain its reliable, sustain­ able, safe water system for the residents,” Village President Bill Andrews said at the meeting. “Without the financial assistance that is being talked about tonight, the village would have a critical failure without the planning being discussed today.” Of the $839,000 total amount, $677,888 would go towards the tower and $340,000 would go towards the main. The cost of the whole project would run a little over $1 mil­ lion, with the rest of the money coming from the village, its own ARPA funds and matching ARPA funds from surrounding townships. As a result of the inadequate water structure, Freeport has faced similar issues as Delton: Their capacity for water is low and they cannot use its sprinklers or fire hydrants. “Currently there is a significant potential for a catastrophic failure at that end of the water system,” the application reads. “Galvanized line and lead pig tails are just two portions of the failure. Portions of the water main replace­ ments do not meet [Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy] requirements for size or flow.” If the village doesn’t replace the water tower within the next several years, water director Duane Weeks said they will have to replace the tower, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars more. The village has worked to fund the project for a number of years, but the ARPA funds offer the opportunity to complete the work in one swoop. “We are seeing an opportunity for federal dollars that we have paid for through our taxes for years - something we have never seen before available for small communities,” Andrews said. APPLICANT: Barry County Central Dispatch/9-1-1 and Barry County Emergency Management PROJECT: Public Safety 800MHz Infrastructure REQUESTED: $2,400,000 RECOMMENDED: COMMITTEE AVERAGE SCORE: 41 Barry County Central Dispatch and Emergency Management Proposal A $2.4 proposal for a new 800 MHz com­ munications tower to serve Barry County first responders was ranked third by the committee, with a score of 356. It was submitted by Barry County Central Dispatch Director Stephanie Lehman and Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Yarger. “A public safety radio system is a lifeline between citizens and first responders,” the application stated. “It is also a lifeline that is relied upon by over 500 men and women of the law enforcement, fire and EMS communities.” Currently every 800 MHz communication in the county goes through a single tower, which Lehman said is not enough to cover the area’s needs. Letters from several first responder agencies, including the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings City Police, Michigan State Police, Barry County Medical Control Authority and Barry County Fire Service Association submitted letters of support for the proposal. The letters outlined some of the problems under the current system which first respond­ ers encounter daily, including coverage dead zones throughout Barry County, busy signals when trying to speak and the inability to talk while inside a building. “This poses serious concerns for the safety of responders because they rely on the system to request assistance during emergencies,” MSP Wayland Post Commander Keith Disselkoen wrote. “Without the additional funding, we will not be able to update our systems, which will leave our citizens underserved and potentially unsafe,” Hastings Assistant Fire Chief Rick Krouse wrote in his letter. “The 800 MHz system is now overloaded, putting that lifeline at risk of failure,” the application said. “The implementation of an additional tower site would increase our load capacity, coverage and provide increased interoperability to better respond to the needs of Barry County while creating a safer commu­ nications platform for the public safety com­ munity.” The construction of a new tower is expected to take 24 months. Though Lehman said this is just the first step in the process, since a study by Motorola found the county needs a total of seven towers to move all first responders onto the system, while providing adequate coverage and capac­ ity. APPLICANT: Blue Zones Activate Barry County PROJECT: Community Food Center Planning Project REQUESTED: $107,620 RECOMMENDED: COMMITTEE AVERAGE SCORE: 34.875 Alison Troyer Wiswell submitted a $ 107,620 proposal for the design community food center in downtown Hastings to combine wholesale and retail food with healthy eating education for a “flagship economic and cultural asset for Barry County residents.” The proposal was ranked fifth of the eligible proposals the committee received, with a score of 279. “Barry County has a population that is dis­ proportionately food insecure and that also has transportation and economic challenges that result in reduced access to healthcare and healthy food,” the application stated. “The project addresses these disparities while at the same time offering the opportunity to build economic viability.” Based on a food assessment study conduct­ ed by Barry County in conjunction with Blue Zones, the area has a widespread interest for a space that would support local farmers, incu­ bate small food business, enhance hunger relief access for seniors and low-income resi­ dents, provide space for a year-round farmers market, offer food skills training and create a community center hub, the report stated. A further feasibility study is being conduct­ ed next month. “An investment of ARPA funding will enable Activate Barry County to complete this project’s planning phase, including both a design for the operational model and a busi­ ness plan that will sustain and grow the local food system, making the Community Food Center one step closer to becoming a reality. The proposal had letters of support from Hastings Mayor David Tossava, Barry County Commission on Aging Executive Director Tammy Pennington and Sprout Urban Farms Operations Manager Lydia Marucco. “We believe that the citizens of Hastings and Barry County would really benefit from having this type of facility in Hastings and have access to a healthier lifestyle,” Tossava wrote. “We are so excited about the forward momentum of the Activate Blue Zones project to try to develop a Community Food Center for the Barry County Community,” Pennington wrote. “Once the project comes to fruition, we plan to utilize the community kitchen for preparation of our home delivered meals and congregate dining programs. This will allow us to prepare fresh, healthy meals locally, rather than using an out-of-county caterer.” APPLICANT: Algonquin Lake Sewer and Broadband Committee PROJECT: Algonquin Lake Infrastructure Feasibility Study REQUESTED: $14,000 RECOMMENDED: COMMITTEE AVERAGE SCORE: 27.875 The Algonquin Lake Sewer and Broadband Committee submitted a $14,000 proposal for “an extensive study to determine the size and structure of a sewer system to serve the Algonquin Lake Community and also to deter­ mine the broadband system needed to correct the deficits emphasized by the COVID-19 pandemic.” The application was ranked seventh of the eligible proposals the committee received, with a score of 223. According to Kenneth Bosma of Prein & Newof, the engineering firm who would be contracted for the study, it would entail obtain­ ing geographical information from the county, talking with the City of Hastings on the possi­ bility of routing wastewater to their systems, preparing a cost estimate and two meetings with clients. “The study will help us assess and produce a plan to reduce the pollution in the waters of Algonquin Lake and improve the quality of of drinking water in the area,” the proposal stated. “Currently, 100 percent of the residents around the lake and in the general area of the lake are using wells for their water supply... Unfortunately, a number of the wells were constructed before the current public health rules were enacted. Many of those wells are shallow and unrecorded until they fail or the property is sold.” The proposal received letters of support from the YMCA of Barry County, Algonquin Lake Community Association and Barry County Services Company. Jon Sporer, CEO of YMCA of Barry County, said the organization uses its kitchen at Camp Algonquin as a hub for its county-wide feeding efforts. “During the initial COVID shutdown, we provided over 40,000 meals to our community. We continue to provide health and wellness outreach programs to all comers of the county. “Sewer and fiber optic services would great­ ly benefit our YMCA in many ways,” Sporer added. “The campers and families who utilize our facility would benefit from the improved water quality.” mendation. “Obviously, this is an opportunity for us to make some connectivity within the county, where it doesn’t currently exist,” Patton said. “As you drive in and around the Middleville area and in and around the Hastings area, you see the amount of use that trails and parks have experienced over the last [couple of years]. We feel this is an opportunity to help us move things forward.” Patton said the parks commission would likely seek additional funding for the trail extension through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund or the Land and Water Conservation Fund. “Trails are important to the county,” parks board member Daryl Cheeseman said. “They promote everyone’s physical and mental health. Where I live, I can walk out the back door and walk a half to three-quarters of a mile on my own property, but there’s a lot of people that don’t have that ability. We need to provide places that people can go and walk, bicycle, bird watch.” * West Michigan Trails and GreeriWays esti-; mates the cost of paving an existing abandoned railroad surface at $250,000 per mile, accord­ ing to the parks commission’s application document. The county currently owns 6.5 miles of the Paul Henry Thomapple Trail with sections at the Kent and Eaton county lines. “All county owned sections are currently unpaved, grass and gravel sections which severely limits access to the many benefits of trails by those with mobility issues,” the parks commission wrote in its application. The project would be completed in the fall of 2023, according to the parks commission’s application document. APPLICANT: Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission PROJECT: Paul Henry Thornapple Trail Extension REQUESTED: $1,237,500 RECOMMENDED: $650,000 COMMITTEE AVERAGE SCORE: 37.625 APPLICANT: Barry County Road Commission PROJECT: Lost Revenue Replacement REQUESTED: $923,327 RECOMMENDED: $240,000 COMMITTEE AVERAGE SCORE: 29.875 The Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission wants to pave an additional 4.5 miles of the Paul Henry Thomapple Trail, starting next spring. The commission asked for $1,237,500, while the ARPA committee rec­ ommended the county board approve $650,000 in funding for the project. Three segments would be addressed as part of the project: A 1-mile section transecting the Thomapple Manor senior care facility in Hastings Charter Township; A 0.8-mile section from the Kent County line at 108th Street, southeast to Stimson Road in Thomapple Township; A 2.75-mile section of trail east and west of the village of Nashville to the Eaton County line. Funding for the project would include esti­ mated costs for design, engineering and con­ struction of these new sections of trail. The new trail would be a 10-foot-wide asphalt pathway consistent with other paved sections of the Paul Henry Thomapple Trail in Middleville and Hastings. It would also include design of safe and accessible street crossings, wayfinding signage to area businesses and other trail amenities, according to BCPRC’s application. “COVID is a public health emergency and it’s not going to go away,’’said committee member Robert Guyer, a retired partner at the accounting and consulting firm Crowe LLP. “There are severe restrictions to our kids and our community in terms of indoor recreation activities. The Paul Henry Trail is really a gem for our community. It’s a great place for people to get outdoors.” Guyer added that the trail is an economic development tool as well. County Parks Director Dan Patton expressed his appreciation for the committee’s recom­ The primary source of funding for the Barry County Road Commission is gas and diesel fuel taxes, along with vehicle registration fees. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many people stopped driving, resulting in less fuel being sold at the pump. People halted buy­ ing cars and trucks, and vehicle registrations were extended past their expiration dates. “This impacted the funding of the 1,065 miles of road that the Barry County Road Commission is responsible for,” advisory team member and Barry County United Way Director Lani Forbes said Tuesday night. The road commission requested more than $923,000 of funding to make up for lost reve­ nues from gas and diesel fuel taxes and vehicle registration. The agency submitted its applica­ tion under the category of revenue replacement for public sector organizations. The advisory team is recommending the county board approve $240,000 of funding. “We buy three things at the Barry County Road Commission: labor, equipment and mate­ rials,” BCRC Managing Director Brad Lamberg said. “That helps us provide the ser­ vices of construction and preventive mainte­ nance that we do.” “That loss of nearly a million dollars hurt in a big way,” Lamberg added. “[The replace­ ment funding] will help us continue to pro­ vide the services that we’ve all grown accus­ tomed to.” Despite the loss of funding, the road com­ mission carried on with its work. “Services continued without pause, road­ work and maintenance activities persisted and our workforce provided a safe road system for our community,” the road commission wrote in its application. “The Barry County road system is imperative to grow our economy and to con­ tinue our community’s recovery from the pan­ demic. Moving residents and goods around our county must continue.” �SPORTS SECTION Thursday, December 2, 2021 DK girls take hoops opener at Valley Brett Bremer Sports Editor It takes a little something special for a for­ mer collegiate center who has been coaching for 24 seasons to have his eyes get big while a little smile flashes on his face. Freshman Josie Williams put a little mix of joy and surprise on the face of Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball coach Mike Mohn as she spun to her right on the right block and flipped a one-handed shot up and in over a defender Tuesday at Maple Valley. Williams closed the night with 12 points and junior guard Cadence Johnson had 13 as the Delton Kellogg girls opened the 2021­ 2022 season with a 44-26 non-conference win over the Maple Valley Lions. “We got 44 points and it is like wow, some kids stepped up, shot the ball and felt confident shooting it,” Mohn said. “It didn’t always go in, but I don’t care. The biggest thing I took from today that I was pleased with was we got a little silly down that second half of the second quarter, some dumb fouls and some poor decision making, and I thought we did a nice job of fixing that in the third and in the fourth and it showed. “I told the girls, that is all I ask we grow from possession to possession, from minute to minute, from quarter to quarter, from game to game. If we continue to do that, let’s have at it and have some fun. The kids had some fun with it.” Delton Kellogg led 12-9 at the end of one quarter, extended its lead to seven points by the end of the first half, and nudged the advantage into the double figures with backto-back buckets by Johnson and Williams there in the middle of the third quarter. “I am beyond pleased. Good for Josie [Williams], a freshman coming in brand new to the program,” Mohn said. “She is long and angular and athletic and can run the floor. I am real happy for her. The little right-handed, bunny, half-hook here - that is way past what her age should be able to do and it was a real­ ly nice shot so good for her.” “I have though all along that Cadence [Johnson] could provide that kind of offense for us, and she just has some more confidence with another year under her belt. It was a tough year last year. Real pleased with the two of them.” DK also got seven points apiece from senior guard Caitlin McManus and junior Allie Trantham. McManus powered the DK attack early on. She had five points in the first four minutes of the bailgame - knocking down a jump shot and turning a steal into a bucket. “I thought we saw each other really, really well and that is not something we have had a whole lot of chance to work on because we haven’t been around,” coach Mohn said. “So, I Delton Kellogg’s Mya Brickley races in for a lay-up during the second half of her team's season-opening win at Maple Valley Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) was beyond pleased with that piece. We were looking up the floor, seeing kids, dumping it in.” Both coaches would have liked to see their teams rebound a bit bitter. It was the first bailgame for new Maple Valley head coach Timara Wehr. “I think for tomorrow [in practice] we’re just going to have to look at the basket,” Wehr said. “The girls, they can run a play, but when they have someone else in front of them it is tougher. We have just been scrimmaging with J Vs so it is different when you have another varsity team in front of you.” “We can run the play and we can be facing the basket, but there is a difference between facing the basket and actually looking to drive to the basket,” she added. Junior Cassie McCool had a team-high seven points for the Lions and sophomore Lilly Faurot did get to the basket a couple of times to finish with six points. Sophomore guard Emma Pierce and junior center Brionna Short had four points apiece for the Lions. Wehr was happy to see her team work in some 2-3 zone concepts they’ve been work­ ing on lately, and coach Mohn was pretty sure the Lions were able to battle for a few too many offensive rebounds in the bailgame. Delton Kellogg is back in action at home Friday for a Southwestern Athletic Conference crossover against Lawton. The Maple Valley girls visit Potterville Friday. Kellogg's Jordan Lyons as they battle for the ball in the post during the first half of their season opener Tuesday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Wehr takes over Lion basketball Brett Bremer Sports Editor Timara Wehr has spent high school work­ ing to be a leader on the Maple Valley varsity girls’ basketball team, has spent five years coaching in the program and is making the step up from varsity assistant to varsity head coach this winter. It was a late move by the Maple Valley program as long-time head coach Landon Wilkes made what he called one of the tough­ est decisions he has ever had to make in his life to step aside in October. Wilkes led the Lion program for over 15 years, coaching his daughter Ashlyn Wilkes the past four seasons on the varsity. The move will give Wilkes and his wife Amy Wilkes a bit more time to see Ashlyn playing now with the Grace Christian University Tigers in person, to be present at their soph­ omore son Ayden Wilkes’ ballgames with the Lions, and to get more things done both in his positions as athletic director and dean of students and at home. A traumatic experience in late August helped prompt the decision. Landon began choking on a soft shell taco during a dinner at home with Amy and Ayden. Castleton­ Maple Grove-Nashville EMS and Fire Department were dispatched and Amy was able to clear his airway with the Heimlich maneuver before emergency services arrived. “When I met with the girls [in late October] the timing that it happened was not good for anybody,” Landon said. “I am not afraid to say that. After what I went through, at that point a different perspective on everything is kind of what made my deci­ sion. I told the girls, to be honest, it’s not really what I want to do but it is something I have to do at this point in time.” “These kids here at this school mean an awful lot to me,” he added. “All of them. I’ll still be around to help out and do what I can do to give assistance, but I haven’t been in the gym a whole lot trying to help make that sep­ aration a little bit, but as time goes on I’ll be in there a little more to help out when I can.” The Lions were 7-12 during the 2020-2021 season winning five of their final seven ball­ games including their district opener. Now it is Wehr’s turn, and her old ball coach believes she is ready. He hired her. “I thought she has put her time in and paid her dues so to say,” Landon said. “She is extremely passionate about the kids and about a basketball, and I think not only will she teach the kids a lot on the court but there will also be some life lessons mixed in there a little bit too. In the long run, I think her connection with the kids will pay big divi­ dends - her ability to build relationships.” Wehr feels like she has had a good mentor the past six years as a coach in the program. “I am very excited. I think I am well-pre­ pared. I think Landon taught me well, so I am excited to get this chance,” Wehr said. Wehr played three years of varsity basket­ ball at Maple Valley as a member of the class of 2013. In addition to coaching bas­ ketball, Wehr assisted former varsity volley­ ball coach Sarah Carpenter from the fall of 2013 through 2020 and spent a bit of time helping out new varsity volleyball coach Josey Terpening this fall. The new Lion coach has about 17 girls in the program overall this winter, enough for an eight-member varsity squad and nine on the JV. “I think I just want to take it back to the basics and make sure our fundamentals are strong before we even think about any- Delton Kellogg's Josie Williams spins and fires a one-hander up in the post over Maple Valley's Brionna Short for two points as the Lions' Cassie McCool (left) and Karlie Dahms (back) look on. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons shake butterflies for opening night victory Brett Bremer New Maple Valley varsity girls' basket­ ball coach Timara Wehr looks on from the bench during her team's season-opening loss to visiting Delton Kellogg at Maple Valley High School Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) thing else,” Wehr said of the early season practices. The Maple Valley varsity girls’ basketball team opened its 2021-2022 season Tuesday at home against Delton Kellogg. Sports Editor Hastings built a seven-point halftime lead despite some first-game jitters at Eaton Rapids Tuesday night in the first varsity girls’ basketball game of the sea­ son and the first under new head coach Chase Youngs. The Greyhounds scored two quick buckets to open the second half to cut that Saxon lead to three points, but the Saxons put the clamps on from there. Hastings closed the bailgame on a 13-2 run to score a 30-16 victory. Of the nine Saxons available Tuesday night five scored. Senior Brianna Barnes had a game-high 12 points to lead the way for the Saxons and senior Brooklynn Youngs knocked down a pair of three-point­ ers and finished with seven points. Barnes scored many of her points in transition off Greyhound turnovers. Coach Youngs was also pretty pleased with the defensive efforts of senior Allison Teed. Barnes had a huge night defensively as well. The Saxons dealt with some foul trouble in the first half due to what coach Youngs called some “unnecessary fouls.” Hastings had three girls with three fouls at the half, including two starters. Barnes had to body up against Eaton Rapids 6-foot center Adi Sysum and was key in limiting the Greyhound junior, who is the focal point of her team’s offense, to five points. Barnes wasn’t the only Saxon a little out of her comfort zone helping the team to victory. Junior guard Macy Winegar has been the Saxons’ top scorer each of the past two seasons. She was held score­ less Tuesday, but led the Saxon team in assists with six. “She was held scoreless last night, but I think she maybe played her best game,” coach Youngs said. “She had one turn­ over. The ball is in her hands 70 percent of the time probably. They were guarding her form 94 feet. She handled it really well.” She would have had a few more assists if the Saxons had shot the ball a little bit better. The game would have been smooth­ er in the second half, but the Saxons missed 13 free throws throughout the course of the bailgame. Coach Youngs said his team also turned the ball over a few too many times in the opening quarter, going against game-level pressure for the first time. His girls settled in after that however. Winegar handled most of the full-court pressure and shared the point guard duties with Brooklynn Youngs and senior Bailey Lewis. “I had us for nine turnovers for the game,” coach Youngs said. “That’s some­ thing we really stressed all preseason. They were long and taller than us and I think we held with them on the glass just because we were moving. It was a good first game for us.” Hastings will be at home Friday against Coopersville and then on the road at Delton Kellogg Tuesday, Dec. 7. �Page 10 —Thursday, December 2, 2021 — The Hastings Banner HHS coach expects tough competition in 1-8 as usual Brett Bremer Jack Kensington Coach Bultema returns to lead Barry Co. Barracudas Brett Bremer Sports Editor Of the 11 swimmers who scored more points than Jack Kensington and Devin Pacillo at the 2020-2021 OK Rainbow Conference Tier II Championship last win­ ter seven were seniors. The duo, back for their junior season with the Barry County Barracudas, both earned all-conference honors a year ago. Kensington was fourth in the conference in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle. Pacillo was right behind in fifth place in that 200 freestyle and placed third in the 500-yard freestyle at the conference meet. They’ll have a new head coach, but not one who is new to the program. After two seasons away from the program, Tyler Bultema returns to guide the Barracudas with the help of Michael Schipper and div­ ing coach Todd Bates. “I am real excited about the skill level that these kids have and that we can obtain,” Bultema said. “It is kind of new to me again so it is kind of fun.” While being a head coach again feels a bit new there won’t be much new to his approach. The Barracudas will open die season working on their conditioning. “We will have to progress into the finer points of the strokes, some of the little details that will help them drop time,” Bultema said. “I think a majority of the kids, when I had them do a little IM the other day, could do all the strokes. That is definitely a benefit to have to be able to move kids around as needed.” “I have coach Schipper running a lot of the workouts and I’ll help with stroke improvements, start improvements and turn improvements,” he added. Bultema is happy to have Riley Shults, Matthew Smith, Isaiah Randall, Camden Reynolds, Jake Gheradi, Nathan Cross and Hunter Cisler back with the program, and likes what he has seen from freshmen Nolan Send, Donald Kuck and Hunter Tietz who all come to the program with some club swimming experience. The diving group is solid, led by senior Blake Sheldon who placed third in the con- > ference a year ago. He is joined on the board by freshmen divers Ethan Kooistra and Quinton Stafford. The Barracudas are slated to open the season with a non-conference dual at home Dec. 9. They will head to the Ottawa Hills Invitational Dec. 11, and then host meets with Ovid-Elsie Dec. 14 and Fremont Dec. 16 before the holiday break. The conference season begins when the Barracudas visit Grand Rapids Union Jan. 13. Coach Bultema said he expects Catholic Central and Ottawa Hills to once again be the class of the OK Rainbow Tier II. The Bengals won the conference meet by 39 points over the Cougars a year ago and had a number of underclassman put together outstanding times. Those talented young Bengals included junior Jonathan Hoffman last winter who won the 100-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke at the conference meet last win­ ter while also being on a pair of victorious Bengal relay teams including the 200-yard medley relay team that set a new conference record. Performance Quick Lube Thornapple Credit Union ”*108 S. Grove St., Delton: (269) 623-6700 “We had a good turnout a lot of kids tried out. Our numbers seem to be doing well,” coach Long said. “We have two brand new coaches. Brandon Johnson is new JV coach. He was a player for us. My nephew Jason Long was an assistant last year at Grace and came down to help at freshman level this year.” “We’re all kind of learning together. The kids relate to them well. They’re both young athletic guys that can kind of play, mix it up playing in a little five-on-five when there is time for that.” The Saxons will open their season at home against Delton Kellogg Tuesday and then will head to Thomapple Kellogg Dec. 10 for the annual Battle of Barry County which includes varsity wrestling, girls’ bas­ ketball and boys’ basketball contests. It will be a tough start to the 1-8 season as the Saxons host Marshall Dec. 14 and Coldwater Dec. 17. The Saxons will also go on the road to face Lakewood in a non-con­ ference ballgame Dec. 21. UnionBank Ytmrhjc. Ywrbunk. ^'^974-3773 ubmkh.com 269-948-8558 HASTINGS NAPA 833 BATTOBAY 761. „ 122 N. Jefferson Rd. 269-948-9696 Braden Vertalka 430 W. STATE ST, HASTINGS 202 E. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings: (269) 948-8369 410 S. Broadway Middleville, Ml 49333: (269) 241-1034 www.thornapplecu.com Hastings Sports Editor When looking through the list of Interstate-8 Athletic Conference favorites for the 2021-2022 varsity boys’ basketball season Hastings head coach Rich Long couldn’t choose just one, or two, or three ... “All of them,” he said with a bit of a chuckle. “I think Marshall is going to be very good. They have had a very successful program running. Coldwater has some returnees. They have been in the top two or three the last couple years. Pennfield has a couple skilled returners - we’ll see how they come together.” He believes Jackson Northwest may have added a couple of talented ballplayers and that Harper Creek had a young team that was fighting for a spot in the top half of the conference a year ago. His Saxons will have some work to do if they want to try and battle for a spot in the top half of the conference standings. Graduation hit the Saxons hard last spring. The most experienced guys back in the program include senior forward Braden Vertalka who he sees taking on a leadership role as captain already and junior guard/ forward Layton Eastman who joined the varsity as a sophomore last winter. Vertalka can spot up and shoot and Eastman can get to the basket. The Saxons will rely on them for a lot of scoring this season. “We’re going to be young,” coach Long said. “We are going to be inexperienced. We have a lot to learn. We just had a scrimmage Saturday. It went pretty well. We were com­ petitive with every team and kids really got to see what scrimmages are meant to be, what they are lacking and what we need to get better at. Coaches were able to see the positives and the negatives.” One of the positives was his team’s shoot­ ing. “We shot very well. We have a few kids that when they are open can flat out shoot. We boxed out. Our work ethic was very good. We played intense. So, we have to work on the continuity of our offense with all those new guys, continue to work with that. Continue with our defensive rotations. We did not get back very well. We weren’t ready for teams that fast break.” * Coach Long is expecting solid contribu­ tions from junior center Hayden Long and junior Brayden Padilla up from the JV, as well as sophomore point guard Owen Carroll. There are about 35 guys in the Saxon boys’ basketball program overall at the high school level. Quality Aluminum Products 429 S Michigan Ave, Hastings, MI 49508 _ ph. Jan Hawthorne, realtor® Associate Broker 269-704-1000 Office: roof Cell: 269-838-2145 —building tiiwit-www.baytobaybuildingconcepts.com 100 S. Jefferson St. Hastings, MI 49058 O Hastings DEWEY’S AUTO BODY tlPHAipACY 1111 W. Green, Hastings www.deweysautobody.com ^/XCREEKSIDE VISION Creekside Professional Center 1761 W. M-43 Hwy., Ste 1 • Hastings Ml 49058 (269) 945-3888 PROGRESSIVE GRAPHICS 115 S Jefferson St. Hastings 269-945-9249 400 W. State St., Hastings Convenience Packaging and Free Local Delivery available Electric Motor Service Service & Sales Rick James, Owner (269) 945-5113 or 908-9307 PRECISION AUTO BODY REPAIR LITTLE CAESAR’S 819 E. Railroad St. Hastings 216 N. Broadway, Hastings 269-948-9472 269-948-2824 Hastings, Michigan t Leaping Lizards Landscaping 1569 S. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-3777 Barry County Lumber SAXON * * PRIDE * Home of the Hot & Ready Pizza! nick@ieapinglizardslandscaping.com BRIAN’S TIRE & SERVICE 235 S. Jefferson, Hastings 269-945-9549 WELTON’S HEATING & COOLING ^^TrustedSince 1954?^ 102 E* State Street • Downtown Hastings 269-945*9572 401 N. Broadway, Hastings 269-945-5352 “ �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — Page 11 Saxon girls open winter season with eight seniors Brett Bremer The Hastings competitive cheer team in action at the Division 2 Regional Tournament it qualified for at Kenowa Hills High School. The Saxons will look to advance in the state tournament once again this winter. They open the season at the Redhawk Rumble hosted by Cedar Springs High School Jan. 8. Hastings cheer chasing another 1-8 championship Brett Bremer Sports Editor Just like a flyer, the Saxons don’t want to come down. The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team will look to repeat as Interstate-8 Athletic Conference champions this winter after spring-boarding from the conference victory last season to a runner-up district finish and a spot in the regional round of the MHSAA Division 2 state tournament. While many competitive cheer teams across the state will try and get a meet or two in before the new year, the Saxons are focused on getting better in practice between now and 2022. Hastings won’t compete on the mat until the Jan. 8 Redhawk Rumble hosted by Cedar Springs High School. Head coach Linsey Jacinto will look for her girls to build on an already strong start during the next month. Jacinto said round one is looking amazing already and she knows that round three will be a lot of fun this winter. “This team is extremely focused and driven,” said the Saxon head coach who is entering her seventh season leading the var­ sity and her 22nd year coaching overall. As far as round two, her team will just focus all season on making it “clean, clean, clean!” The Saxon team brings back about a dozen girls who were a part of the varsity roster last season, led by senior back spot Ruby Barber who was a first team all-dis­ trict honoree last year. The senior group of returnees also includes senior flyer Kierstyn Downs, senior base Kali Grimes and senior base Sydney Kuntz. Downs was honorable mention all-district last winter. The returning junior group includes second team all-district selection Marissa Roberts, flyer Grace Curtis and back spot Ericka Critzer. Sophomore base Jordyn Downs, base Carly Frazer, flyer Camilla Loss, base Mia Santos and base Mollee Ozdeych were all part of varsity formations as freshmen. This year’s freshman varsity group includes flyer Maelynn Miller and bases Ali Pearlman, Lacie Johncock and Meya Hughes. Coach Jacinto is also happy to add junior back spots Madison Nino and Natalee Sanders to the varsity as well as sophomore flyer Lucianna Pearlman and sophomore base Makayla Pickett. Coach Jacinto expects Pennfield and Jackson Northwest to be the top teams chal­ lenging her squad for a conference title. Hastings will get to host a conference com­ petition Jan. 27, 2022. Sports Editor New varsity coaches don’t always get the luxury of having a roster full of expe­ rienced varsity ballplayers. Chase Youngs is lucky in that way. Youngs has a group of eight seniors set to lead the way along with junior returning leading scorer Macy Winegar as he takes over the program from Mike Engle this winter. “They all show up ready to go,” Youngs said of his senior class, which includes his daughter Brooklynn Youngs. “They’re eager. I think that adds to the excitement. They’re seniors and they understand that this is a fleeting moment. I tell them all the time you have 20 opportunities to play in front of high school kids again.” The Saxons made the most of their first chance to play in front of fans Tuesday, winning their season opener at Eaton Rapids for coach Young’s first varsity vic­ tory. He spent the past four seasons as the JV coach at Hastings High School and has coached middle school basketball and JV tennis and different things throughout the district over the years. “I just enjoy it. I enjoy being around young people. I enjoy the game. As they go thorough the season it is a long enough season where you see buy-in and improve­ ment. It Is just a fun thing to be around,” coach Youngs said. Winegar led the Saxons in scoring as a sophomore in her second varsity season last winter, averaging 6.8 points per game while also being one of the team leaders in steals and assists. Brooklynn Youngs, senior forward Allison Teed, senior forward Carley Warner and Winegar are all three-year varsity ballplayers who provide the team with athleticism. Also returning for the varsity are senior forward Briana Barnes, senior guard Bailey Lewis, senior center Chelsea Ertner and senior guard Arian Bond who won’t be able to take the court with her team­ mates due to an injury. The list of varsity newcomers includes senior center Madison Pettengill, junior forward Bailey Cook and junior forward Isabella Storm. They’ll be looking to help the team improve on its two victories from a year ago. Coach Youngs was happy to have everyone involved in summer workouts. Pat Doezema Managing Broker Realtor® 269.838.1469 pdoezema@greenridge.com Dale Billingsley Director Ray Girrbach Director highpoint GIRRBACH COMMUNITY BANK 1-888-422-2280 hiqhpointcommunitybank.com Member FDIC THE HASTINGS BANNER Middleville, MI 49333 130 W. State, Hastings 2169 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, MI 49058 Z Funeral Home TEL. (2691-945-3252 fax (269)445-0663 328 S. Broadway. Hastings 269-945-3252 4 Southside/ W Pediatrics Afe 269-24H050 Southern BBQ & Catering brokensmoker.com ll». FARM BUREAU INSURANCE 269-945-4520 www.thelynndentonagency.com BROWN’S CARPET ONE & CUSTOM INTERIORS 221 N. Industrial Park, Hastings www.southside4kids.com 269-945-2479 EDWARD JONES Andrew R. Cove, AAMS Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn, Hastings 269-945-3553 269-818-1020 MacLEOD CHIROPRACTIC 122 W. State St, Hastings 327 W. Apple St. Hastings 269-945-2963 269-948-3170 149 W. State St, Hastings 269-945-5182 SCREEN PRINTING & EMBROIDERY 269.948.2811 FIRST REHAB AND SPORT PHYSICAL THERAPY 2169 W. M-43, Hastings 269-309-1090 across from Bob’s Gun & Tackle HODGES JEWELRY & GIFTS MILLER REAL ESTATE 122 W. Mill St. Hastings, Ml 139 W. State Street, Hastings South of Hastings on M-37 269-945-3906 117 N. Main St. Nashville, Mi fnsuraMe 1351 N. M-43 Hwy., Hastings 1510 N. Broadway (M-43 Hwy.) Hastings David was Joy. De"to" 300 Meadow Run Dr., Hastings Dr. Scott Bloom O.D. 269-945-1848 Lynn Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 269-945-9554 The Saxons have a few more non-conference contests before working their way into the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season. The Saxons are at home against Coopersville Friday, at Delton Kellogg Tuesday and then will go to Middleville for the Battle of Barry County with the Trojans of Thomapple Kellogg Dec. 10. Hastings opens 1-8 play at Marshall Dec. 14 and will host Coldwater Dec. 17. Coach Youngs said he expects Marshall to be one of the top teams in the confer­ ence this fall along with Jackson Northwest, both possibly chasing after the Parma Western girls who will be looking for another outstanding season after a trip to the MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinals last winter. 120 E. Main St. KING’S ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES 269-945-4284 Macy Winegar FARMERS INSURANCE TROY DALMAN AGENCY 128 W. Mill St., Hastings • 269-945-3423 ADVANTAGE PLUMBING & DRAIN 269-945-0300 Thanks to Brett Bremer for his areas sports coverage. �Page 12 — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — The Hastings Banner State champion and two other qualifiers back for DK Brett Bremer The 2021-2022 Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team. Team members are (front from left) Vinnie Quick, Evryk Cowles, Domanyck Harmon, Corban Antolovich, Gage Vincent, Micah Martin, Joelle White, (back) head coach Dan Phillips, Marcus Momenee, Luke Watson, Michael Bhola, Giovanni Stea, Gauge Stampfler, Caden Ferris, Hunter Antolovich, Frank Rosado and coach Tim Thomas. Missing from photo are Luis Perez, Seth Lebeck, Gavin Poley and coaches Nate Behnke and Clint Post. Sports Editor Dan Phillips is back leading the Delton Kellogg wrestling program after a few years away from the program and he got to work on building his roster early. The hope is for the Panthers to have all 14 weight classes filled on a regular basis, which would give them a leg up on quite a few Division 4 varsity wrestling teams in the state. “Filling that line-up as I have always said is half the battle,” Phillips said. “I recruited all summer long. My kids do 4-H, so 1 am at the fair. The whole fair I knew I was going to be taking the job. At the fair, I recruited the whole time, recruited and talked and recruit­ ed and talked and recruited and talked.” It worked. When everyone is together and healthy the roster could be right around 20 wrestlers. “I have a whole lot of new kids who have come back from wrestling that have wrestled in the past, but have not wrestled recently that are out this year.” Some of them have high school experi­ ence, middle school experience and MYWAY youth wrestling experience. Few wrestlers in the state have the kind of experience that DK senior Caden Fems has. Ferris was the 215-pound state champion in Division 4 a year ago and signed his National Letter of Intent last month to join the Central Michigan University Wrestling pro­ gram next season. Ferris is one of three returning state qualifi­ ers for the DK team. Also back are Gage Vincent and Vinnie Quick. Quick qualified for the individual state finals at 145 pounds last year and returns to fill a spot at 145 or 152 this season. Vincent was a 112-pound state qualifi­ er and will likely wrestle at 119 this season. “I think we’re a hard-working team,” coach Phillips said. “Those boys, and girl, are work-, ing their tails off up in the room. Our focus this year is all on team. They have bought into that focus.” “We are a little thin in spots in our line-up,” he added. “If we’re all healthy and we’re all here I believe we can fill all the spots in the line-up with a little bumping here and a little moving there without too much of a stretch/ Coach Phillips had two freshmen in thS program this winter and he especially looking for good things from 125-pounder Gage Stampfler. The program also has two new coaches in it, Nate Behnke and Clint Post. “They’re both high energy coaches. They have a lot of passion for the program and the sport,” coach Phillips said. Coach Phillips envisions his team doing its best to compete in a tough Southwestern Athletic Conference, with Lawton, Schoolcraft and Constantine expected to be especially tough as usual in the league. The Panthers will challenge themselves right away at the Caledonia Quad Dec. 8. Dk will host its own DK Invitational Dec. 11 and then host a home quad Dec. 15 that includes SAC foes Constantine, Martin and Schoolcraft. Delton boys will make it work with limited roster size Brett Bremer Sports Editor Between graduations and a handful of underclassmen from last season’s team not returning, the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team opens the 2021­ 2022 season with nine guys on the roster. DK head coach Jim Hogoboom, who is back for his second consecutive season and 20^ year of varsity basketball coach­ ing overall, expects to shuffle JV players up here and there to have a deeper bench during games. With illnesses, injuries and quaran­ tines even getting nine guys together isn’t easy this winter. DK is doing what it can though. “We expect to compete and be in a position to win on any given night in spite of a roster of just nine guys,” Hogoboom said. “They are nine guys who play hard, are very coachable and care about each other. We will continue to get better as the year progresses and will lean on the Whitmore [Alex and Alden] brothers, [Austin] Blocker and [Mason] Nabozny early for most of our offensive production.” “This 2021-2022 edition of Panthers is a joy to be around and work with,” he added. “I appreciate their focus and level of effort in spite of really never being able to go 5-on-5 other than our presea­ son scrimmages. It’s not always fun for kids to just run through drills for two hours in practice. Kids want to play and run up and down ad we have done almost none of that. That hasn’t hurt our guys’ enthusiasm or effort in practice.” Alden Whitmore, a senior point guard, was honorable mention all-conference in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division last season and second team All-Barry County. He had a sea­ son-high 25 points in a ballgame with Constantine. Alex Whitmore, the Panthers’ big, physical senior center has good footwork for a big guy and coach Hogoboom said he’ll be expecting double-double produc­ tion from him throughout the year. Blocker, a senior, came on strong late last season and Hogoboom is looking forward to seeing him shoot with confi­ dence. Other key returning guys include senior Hayden Walker and the junior Nabozny. Junior Jason Lundquist, junior Isaac Sheperd, sophomore Torren Mapes and senior Austin Hill will work to be contributors as well. “We will need to shoot the ball better than we did last year,” Hogoboom said. “Both our field goal and free throw per­ centages need to improve. We lost five games last year that we could have won had we shot even 50 percent from the free throw line in those games. Our suc­ cess will be determined by how well we defend, rebound and take care of the basketball. We’re not really built to just get in a shootout with people and will really need to work on our offensive effi­ ciency.” The DK boys were 5-11 a year ago. Delton Kellogg will open the season at Hastings Dec. 7 and then jump right into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division season at GalesburgAugusta Dec. 10. DK will be at home for conference ballgames with Constantine and Kalamazoo Christian Dec. 14 and 17 and then close the pre-holiday schedule with a non-conference ballgame at Maple Valley Dec. 21. “We open the season at Hastings which is a huge challenge for us,” Hogoboom said. “We are hoping to be healthy by then as much of our preseason has been with five to seven healthy players avail­ able for practice.” Coach Hogoboom expects the SAC Valley to be tough at the top with talented squads from Parchment, Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo Christian and Hackett Catholic Prep to be among the top teams in the division and Fennville to be a fierce foe from the SAC Lakeshore Division. The 2021-2022 Delton Kellogg varsity boys' basketball team. Team members are (front from left) Austin Hill, Mason Nabozny, Torren Mapes, (back) Isaac Shepard, Jason Lundquist, Alex Whitmore, Hayden Walker and Alden Whitmore. Missing from photo is Austin Blocker. THE HASTINGS BANNER Devoted to the interests of Barry County since Street, Delton, Ml 49046 945-9554 BUCKLAND AGENCY CHAPPLE REALTY INC 1 1235 Sprague Rd, Delton 118 E Orchard St., Delton Mi 49046 269-623-4058 Delton Moose Lodge 269.623.2112 5428 Moose Lodge Dr. (2 miles north ofDeltone on M43) OPEN 7 DAYS-M-F at 3pm, 12pm Sat & Sun Food served every day Members & Guests highpoint COMMUNITY BANK 1 -888-422-2280 Delton Drive Thru: ? hiqhpointcommunitybank.com 10199 S. M-43 Hwy. Member FDIC DeitOfl Ml 49046 WILLIAMS-GORES FUNERAL HOME 133 Orchard, Delton HOW. Center, Suite B, Hastings 948-3720 1856 1351 N. M-43 Hwy, Hastings 269-623-6565 ffl 623-5115 TUJAX TAVERN WESTMICHIGANLAKES.COM NAPA NAPA of Delton 9939 M-43 Hwy 623-5461 103 S. Grove St. Delton (269) 623*8310 POLE BUILDING SUPPLIES W 10036 M-43 DELTON. MICHIGAN 269-623-3300 10036 M-43, Delton, Michigan 269-623-3300 LYONS SEPTIC TANK SERVICE 3840 Harrington Rd. Delton SMITH & DOSTER SALES & SERVICE 114 Grove (M-43) Delton 623-2089 • 945-5379 623-5111 GO GO AUTO PARTS Try Our Pizza Take & Bake, To Go, Dine-in DELTON FAMILY PHARMACY 623-3777 338 Grove St. (M-43)Delton 623-4804 GROVE STREET CAFE M-43 Hwy. across from Delton Schools SIMPLY SWEETS, 623*8047 Fast Reliable Service For Over 50 Years 623-5250 7709 Kingsbury Rd. Delton (269) 623-2775 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — Page 13 Young DK girls have room to grow as season begins The 2021-2022 Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team. Team members are (front from left) Cadence Johnson, Caitlin McManus, Allie Trantham, Mya Brickley, (back) Kasey Kapteyn, Sydney Frie, KayLeigh Buffum, Josephine Williams, Jordan Lyons and Lilyana Sinclair. Missing from photo is Samantha Higgins. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Southwestern Athletic Conference didn’t crown 2020-2021 varsity basketball champions due to the league’s unbalanced schedules in the topsy-turvy Covid altered season. The league acquitted itself well once champions started being crowned in the state postseason though with Schoolcraft and Hackett Catholic Prep from the SAC Valley Division and Martin and Gobles from the SAC Lakeshore Division scoring district championships. Schoolcraft in Division 3 and Martin in Division 4 both went on to win regional titles as well. All that to say, there is some good basket­ ball being played in the SAC and that will make things tough on a young Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team this winter. With graduations and defections from the program, the Panthers will look to build off a 5-11 record from a year ago in what will be head coach Mike Mohn’s 11th season leading the DK girls’ basketball program, and his 24th season of varsity basketball coaching overall in Delton. Leading the list of returnees for the Panthers are senior guard/forward Caitlyn McManus, junior guard/forward Jordan Lyons, junior guard Mya Brickley and junior guard Cadence Johnson. “We will be very young and there will be plenty of opportunities for members of this year’s team to step up and take over the scor­ ing and rebounding duties as we move for­ ward,” coach Mohn said. “We will have to really step up our effort early on the defen­ sive end to assist us through the maturation process on the offensive end.” The Panthers will be relying heavily on new varsity players like senior forward Kayleigh Buftman, junior guard/forward Ally Trantham and junior forward/center Lily Sinclair. “This is a great group of kids who have worked very hard through the summer and they have kept up that effort throughout the preseason,” Mohn said. “They will be a very fun group of kids to coach.” The Delton Kellogg girls opened their sea­ son at Maple Valley Tuesday evening. They will be back in action at home against Lawton Friday and then will play host to Hastings Tuesday. The SAC Valley season starts for the DK girls when they travel to Galesburg-Augusta Dec. 10. DK girls work to build each other up into a solid team Al 1 JE JLJBLdr JBL JBL JL ' STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2021-29011-DE Estate of ScottD. Karrar. Date of birth: 11/22/1963. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Scott D. Karrar, died 06/28/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Rebecca Karrar personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/30/2021 Kellie E. Podolsky (P73694) 601 South Shore Drive, Suite #329 Battle Creek, Ml 49014 (269) 965-3185 Rebecca Karrar 937 South Hayes Street Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)818-7636 172346 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 20-28673-DE Estate of Richard D. Adamski. Date of birth: 01/09/1935. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Richard D. Adamski, died 08/07/2020. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Dennis R. Adamski, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court, #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/19/2021 Lisa Hagenauer-Ward P76277 250 Monroe NW #400 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 717-5752 Dennis R. Adamski 10427 Cottonwood Court Middleville, Ml 49333 (616)915-7286 172365 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Clara Marie Kodan Trust. Date of Birth: May 7, 1935. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Clara Marie Kodan, died October 17, 2021, leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the deceased or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to gerilyn Dillon, Trutee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 11, 2021 Rhoades McKee PC P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Gerilyn Dillon c/o Rhoades McKee, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 172301 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FOR NAME CHANGE CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29012-NC William M. Doherty P41960 Court Address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No.: (269) 945-1390 In the matter of Kelley Jo Clayton. TO ALL PERSONS INCLUDING: whose address is unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 12/15/2021 at 2:15 p.m. at 206 West Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty to change the name of Kelley Jo Clayton to Luna Nova Aurora. 172418 MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 FULL TIME TRUCK DRIVER/ROAD WORKER The Barry County Road Commission has an opening for a full time Truck Driver/Road Worker position. A high school diploma or GED is required along with a Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with A&N endorsements & current Medical Card. Applications and job description can be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office (phone 269-945-3449) at 1725 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, MI between 6:45 AM & 3:15 PM or found on our website at www.barrycrc. org. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Starting hourly wage will be $20.30 with advancement after one year of probation to $22.91 per hour. Benefits including health insurance and 40IK provided, more information available upon request. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 The 2021-2022 Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team. Team members are (front from left) Chloe Cary, Jordan Lynch, Kelsey Campbell, Alexis Delaphiano, Maysse Wiessner, Lily Boze, (back) head coach Zoe Reynolds, Sarabeth Beeke, Allison Brandli, Emily Stoneburner, Taiyah Mapes and Kayleigh Holmes. Missing from photo are Samantha Makowski, Maddy Waller and Carley Webb. Brett Bremer Sports Editor It is a little early to know just exactly what the Panthers will look like out on the compet­ itive cheer mats this winter, let alone how they night fare in an early Dec. 11 meet at Thomapple Kellogg. A four-year varsity cheerleader, Kelsey Campbell, can tell that she and her teammates are working well together though. “Our general cooperation, how we work together and how we’re helping each other, is pretty good this year I feel like,” said the senior flyer Campbell as her team stretched and prepped for practice Monday. Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer coach Zoe Reynolds sees it too on her young team. “There is not a lot of competitiveness in a bad way,” Reynolds said. “It is good to be com­ petitive with one another when it is not nega­ tive. It is not ‘why can’t you do this?’ It is ‘let me help you get this.’ That mentality and atti­ tude is much better. They’re realizing they’re only as strong as their weakest team member.” Campbell is the only senior in the program. The only varsity juniors are Lily Boze, Kayleigh Holmes and Carley Webb. Holes, a three-year varsity cheerleader, is the only one with real varsity mat experience of that junior trio. The bulk of the team is made up of soph­ omores - a handful of whom were on the varsity as freshmen last winter. The DK middle school team opens its sea­ son Saturday at the Plainwell Cheer Fest and coach Reynolds is hoping some of her varsity girls will go take in the contest as there are a number of them who are not just new to var­ sity cheerleading but to the sport in general. “I am hoping some of them will go so they can see what a meet is like,” Reynolds said. “I have some that have not seen one at all. Middle school is very different, but at least it will get them some kind of feel for what it is like.” Reynolds expects to see her returning sophomores continue to make strides in stunt­ ing this season in round three, and expects to an a pretty good round two once everything falls into place. “We should have a really strong round two this year,” Reynolds said. “The kids that I have added brought some good skills. That is nice. I’d like to get in back handsprings. For sure we’re doing both front and back walk­ overs and triple splits for now. I’d like to get the back handsprings in there. That would make me happy. I would say it is pretty doable. It is within reason this year. I have four that have it solidly and a couple where today it is and the next day it is not.” The meet in Middleville Dec. 11 is the only one on the DK varsity schedule before the holiday break. The Panthers return to action at Portage Central Jan. 8 and then will begin the Southern Michigan Competitive Cheer Conference season at Gobles Jan. 13. Delton Kellogg’s lone home meet of the season will be the DK Invitational Jan. 29, 2022. For Sale MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom FOR SALE: COLLECTORS trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Coins, Indian Head pennies, Lincoln pennies, lots of "S" coins, nickels, dimes, quarters, 50 cent and $1.00 coins. Cana­ dian and Foreign coins, mint sets, and proof sets. U.S. and foreign paper money. Call: 269-948-2749. JACK RUSSELL PUPPIES Business Services for sale. 1st shots & wormed. $300. 517-852-4881. Pets LAB PUPPIES, very cute & playful. 1st shots and de­ wormed. $350. 517-726-0706. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Fann Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. FARM LAND WANTED to rent for 2022 and beyond, 269­ 953-5282. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings B ANNER To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 �Page 14 — Thursday, December 2, 2021 — The Hastings Banner HHS bowling program hits a growth spurt Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings girls finished above.500 for the first time as a varsity bowling team last winter compiling a 7-5 mark in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. The Hastings boys got a handful of wins on the lanes as well. For the most part, the Saxons bring back everyone who contributed to a fine 2020­ 2021 season and will be looking to win more duals, place higher at tournaments and just keep supporting their love of bowling this season according to head coach Deanna Rhodes who is in her fourth year with the program. The Saxon girls placed fourth in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference with their seven victories last season and return junior Amber Rabideau who placed tenth in the conference singles competition and junior captain Abby Barton who was fourth at her MHSAA Division 2 Regional Singles com­ petition capping off a strong day with a 215 in her fourth game to earn a spot in the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals. The girls’ team also brings back key scorers in junior Andrea Rhodes, sopho­ more Ally Herder and senior Shyanna Baker. The Saxon boys’ team brings back senior captain Gage Richmond, senior Cameron Eaton, senior Zavion Twiss, junior Drew Rhodes and sophomore Jackson Byers. “We have a strong returning team with lots of sophomores and freshmen to fill in when we lose our seniors,” coach Rhodes said. “We have a good amount of experi­ ence with two of our players that have been committed to the bowling team from the start. Gage Richmond and Cameron Eaton have been on the team for four years now and bring with them the knowledge of what to expect and how to execute a good plan of action to obtain the pins needed to win.” Coach Rhodes has a number of players to be good examples for the large group of newcomers which includes seven freshmen and a handful of new sophomores, juniors and seniors. She knows that it’ll take some time for the newcomers to get used to var­ sity bowling and how the competition for team points works. The Saxons open the season with a dual in Ionia Dec. 9. They will go to the East Grand Rapids/Northview Shootout at the Clique in Grand Rapids Dec. 11 and also visit Plainwell dec. 15 before the holidays. Over the break, the Saxons will be a part of the Orchard View Invitational at Northway Lanes in Muskegon Dec. 30. Hastings will be on its home lanes at Hastings Bowl for the first time when it opens Interstate-8 Athletic Competition against Marshall Jan. 4, 2022. Coach Rhodes is also pleased to have coaches Ben Bowman and Vem Robins providing tremendous help answering bowlers’ questions and catching things that need improvements. NOTICE: SEEKING APPLICATIONS 2 ° FOR VOLUNTEERS The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards: Parks and Recreation Commission: 2 positions Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rc) floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.ban-ycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for: An Advisory Board or Commission and click to display the application. Applications must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. HELP WANTED Department of Public Works (DPW) Equipment Operator The Village of Middleville is seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of DPW Equipment Operator. Specific areas of duty include maintaining water and wastewater systems, streets, sidewalks, parks, equipment, refuse, and other areas as assigned. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Minimum qualifications include a CDL or ability to obtain the license within ninety days of hire, one to two years experience in a maintenance environment, knowledge of common construction practices, a strong mechanical aptitude, and a clean driving record. The position requires residence within a thirty-minute recall time. This position pays $20.45-$20.95 per hour, dependent on qualifications. The selected candidate must pass a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen. The position will be open until filled. Interested applicants must submit a resume, cover letter and completed Village of Middleville employment application in a sealed envelope to Alec Belson, DPW Director, 100 E. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333. Applications and a job description are also available at the Village office, 100 East Main Street, Middleville, Michigan 49333, or on the Village website: www.villageofmiddleville.org. 1-8 co-champs from HHS add depth Brett Bremer Sports Editor Only two of about 20 guys wrestling for the Hastings varsity team last winter were seniors meaning the Saxons have quite a bit of experience returning to the wrestling room this season. The group of guys back for new head coach Jason Slaughter includes six regional qualifiers. That group of six includes junior state qualifier Robby Slaughter who com­ piled a 32-6 record as a sophomore while earning a spot in the MHSAA Division 2 Individual State Finals at 152 pounds. Robby is back to wrestle at 152 and 160 as needed in the Saxon line-up. “I think it was big for him,” coach Jason Slaughter said of his younger brother Robby earning a spot in the individual finals last season. “I think he is one of our guys who sets pretty high goals for himself. It was always kind of his vision to be there.” Now it’ll be working on getting back and getting on the medal stand. The returning regional qualifiers looking for their first shot at a state finals match are senior 145-pounder Mason Denton, senior 171 -pounder Victor Ramirez, junior 135-pounder Justus Forell, junior 145-pounder Cohen Smith and junior 125-pounder Zach Chipman. Other key returnees include senior heavy­ weight Jackson Dubois and senior 103-pounder Dillon Neal. Dubois and Neal were two of five Saxons to win more than 20 matches last season. The Saxons won a share of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship with that group leading the way last season under head coach Darrell Slaughter, Jason’s father. Darrell will still be helping out in the wres­ tling room along with former long-time coach Mike Goggins and other program stalwarts. “I think maybe there are some small things that I have been able to add from being in this sport throughout college, add­ ing a little bit more knowledge and some technique and how we got about training,” coach Jason Slaughter said. “Overall, our mentality is really set in place and we’re going to work hard and go after every match. That is still kind of our way. The way we do practice sometimes can be a little more effi­ cient hopefully. From my experience and seeing different wrestling rooms I can see what works and what doesn’t.” “We have really good leadership in our junior and senior class as well as our coach­ ing staff,” coach Slaughter said. He is happy to have Tim Easey helping in the coaching room as well as David Lares. Robby Slaughter There are about 30 wrestlers in the pro­ gram at the moment. The Saxons managed to fill all the weight classes typically last season with just 18 wrestlers. Coach Slaughter is excited to have a strong group of freshmen and is happy to welcome back a few wrestlers who were out last year. Still, conditioning will be of the utmost impor­ tance. Jackson Northwest had some wrestlers out last year when the Saxons knocked them off in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual last winter, and the Mounties will bring a talented team back to the conference com­ petition this year likely looking to enact some revenge. The Saxons open the season with a dual against Thomapple Kellogg at the Battle of Barry County in Middleville Dec. 10 and then will head to the Big Rapids Duals Dec. 11. The Saxons open the 1-8 season at Pennfield Dec. 15. The Saxons’ first home match of the sea­ son will be the annual LH Lamb Tournament Jan. 8, 2022. The Saxons also host an 1-8 Quad Jan. 12. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-12-09.pdf 9a76b9d25aacbd4c17031ef5006719cb PDF Text Text Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Reading's a lost ai among lawmakers Hastings celebrates downtown mural completion See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 3 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 ANNER 1070490102590501279549058195427 A*********-********Q/\fx-RT LOT**C 003 C003 1 Hastings Public Library 227 E State Hastings Ml St 49058-1954 Thursday, December 9, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 48 Three Men and a Tenor here Friday Entries due Friday for Chamber holiday lights contest Area residents are invited to bring some holiday cheer to their neighbor­ hood by decorating the outside of either their business or home. All businesses or residences within Barry County are invited to participate in the second annual Battle of the Bulbs. Once decorations are up, residents are may email a photograph or brief video (less than 20 seconds) to aleshia@mibarry.com for entry in the contest. Submissions are due by Friday, Dec. 10. All photos/videos will be posted to the Barry County Chamber Facebook Page Monday, Dec. 13. The public will then have until 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, to vote for their favorite businesses or residences by ‘liking’ the photos. The winning business will receive a trophy to display. In the residential category, first place will receive $250 in Barry Bucks, which can be used at dozens of area businesses. Second place will win $150 in Barry Bucks, and third place, $75 in Barry Bucks. Lake Odessa lighted parade tomorrow night The Lakewood Area Chamber of Commerce is ready for its fourth annual Christmas in the Village Parade in downtown Lake Odessa Friday, Dec. 10. The parade will get underway at 6 p.m. on Fourth Avenue at the Lake Odessa Village Park, and then head north to Tupper Lake Street. Participants will begin lining up at 5:30 p.m. Chamber Executive Director Mamie Thomas said the 2020 parade was canceled because of the pandem­ ic, and people are looking forward to this year’s event. “It’s a light-up parade,” Thomas said, adding that a few businesses will be doing some small associated activ­ ities that evening. “Luminate Home See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 PRICE $1.00 Delton Kellogg again chooses Schoessel as interim leader NEWS BRIEFS Three Men and a Tenor will pres­ ent a “ha-ha-holidays” show Friday evening, Dec. 10, at the Hastings Performing Arts Center, 520 W. South St. “This is the second performance in the program series between the Hastings Performing Arts Center and the Thomapple Arts Council,” Spencer White, director of bands for Hastings Area Schools, said. “Three Men and a Tenor do a great performance, and we’re really excited to have them back in Hastings.” The Three Men and a Tenor perfor­ mance will begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30. Tickets are $10 each, and, as of Wednesday, White said seats are still available. Tickets may be reserved at hasskl2.org/hpac. This performance is sponsored by the Doug A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation, and the programming is presented by the Friends of Hastings Perfuming Arts Center and the Thomapple Arts Council. The third concert in the series will feature Edye Evans Hyde and the Terry Lower Trio Feb. 18, and jazz trombonist and vocalist Aubrey Logan April 29, 2022. More information can be found at hasskl2.org/hpac or by calling 269­ 945-2002. 804879110187 Spotting Santa Elliott Austin, 5, watches the Christmas parade Saturday from the shoulders of Sean Austin. People packed the streets of Hastings for the sixth Jingjs r. Mingle celebration this past weekend, enjoying everything from carnage rides to a photo booth to meeting Santa. See more about Jingle & Mingle on Page 10. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Taylor Owens Corlett, who was hired in 2017, announced Staff Writer in November that he accepted a position as Delton Kellogg Schools will bring back superintendent of Ludington Area School retired superintendent Carl Schoessel to District, and his last day at Delton will be bridge the gap between Kyle Corlett and its Dec. 31. next superintendent. Delton Kellogg Board of Education presi­ “We look forward to hav­ dent Jessica Brandli said the ing Mr. Schoessel back in district received applications our community,” the Delton from other candidates for the Kellogg Board of Education interim position, but Schoessel announced on Facebook was a natural fit. and in a letter to the com­ “Obviously, his history with munity, adding that the district really helped,” Schoessel’s first official Brandli said. “He is known day with the district will be really well. Our teachers speak Monday, Dec. 13. very highly of him. Our entire After spending more than staff speaks very highly of 20 years as superintendent him.” of Hastings Area Schools, Schoessel will fill in until and filling in later as that June 30, 2022. district’s interim superin­ Brandli said she hopes to tendent, Schoessel served have a superintendent search as ‘interim’ superintendent Carl Schoessel consultant selected by the of Delton Kellogg for three January 2022 school board years, between the retirement of Paul Blacken meeting, so the board can move ahead with and the hiring of Kyle Corlett. the search and have a new superintendent Schoessel helped get the district to a more ready by July 1. secure financial position, after it fell into The board will formally approve Schoessel as the interim superintendent during its nexi deficit anft warTTaving. trouble attracting superintendent candidates in 2014. meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 20. ' Veterans seek to serve community Rebecca Pierce Editor Interviews for a vacancy on the Barry County Veterans Affairs committee involved five candidates, all veterans, and a tough choice Tuesday for commissioners who could pick only one. At the board’s committee of the whole meeting - which just happened to take place 80 years after the day 2,403 Americans lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor - commissioners focused their attention on service as they questioned candidates. The interviews wove a collective account of experience in war and peace by five men who applied for the opening: Scott Baker of Hastings, Robert Geyer of Middleville, Martin Kretovic of Woodland, Dennis Mapes of Nashville, and Mike Timmons of Bellevue. Shawn Ricketts of Hastings also applied, but was ill and unable to participate in the interview, county board Chairman Ben Geiger said. Timmons is the incumbent chairman of the Veterans Affairs committee. His term expires this month, creating the vacancy. By the end of Tuesday’s meeting, in a voice vote, commissioners agreed to recom­ mend Timmons to return to the post. But they took some time to think about it. An impressive slate of applicants made their decision difficult, several commission­ ers said, since they didn’t want to discourage the others from getting involved in county boards and committees. The current committee has five members, Carla Wilson Neil, Tim McKay, Michael Spangler and Shannon Alexander Szukala. On Jan. 24, 2017, the county board increased the committee from three to five members. It was noted Tuesday that this number could go as high as seven, although no commissioner proposed doing that. Wilson Neil, a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War-era veteran whose four-year term on the Veterans Affairs committee started Jan. 1, spoke briefly to commissioners during the meeting’s first public comment segment: “I believe you received a letter with our com­ ments and thoughts. “With all due respect to everybody, and we’re very appreciative of everyone interest­ ed in serving, we would like to support the incumbent, Mike Timmons. Thank you very much. We appreciate the consideration.” Mike Timmons Mike Timmons was the last candidate for the position to speak to the commissioners Tuesday. His remarks, spoken slowly in his deep Texas drawl, were concise. “My name is Mike Timmons. I was bom in Texas. My wife is from Michigan. So, I live in Michigan.” He paused as listeners laughed. “I spent 20 years in the Navy,” he contin­ ued. “Was in ‘Nam off and on from 1964 to 1974. After about the 125th combat mission and patrol, I stopped counting them. Went to Grand Valley College and got a degree in public administration. “While there, I was a reserve deputy sheriff in Ottawa County. I had a couple of kids, was a Scout leader, Red Cross worker, retired from the Federal Center here in Battle Creek, lay speaker for the Methodist Church, 16 years as Assyria Township supervisor. “Generally speaking, I’ve had a good life - a lot of which is helping people. I think one of my greatest pleasures in life is having the good feeling that I get when I’m able to help somebody. “And you can help people all different kinds of ways. I learned that starting as a deputy sheriff, through the Red Cross, through working at Salvation Army, and through being a township supervisor. People come up with all kind of problems that, if you look at them, you can give ’em help.” Timmons said his service since 2015 on the county Veterans Affairs committee has Nine COVID deaths reported this week Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported nine deaths due to COVID-19 this week, bringing the total number of deaths in Barry County to 111 since the pandemic began in March 2020. Although the deaths were reported this week, it is possible some occurred before then, since BEDHD officials said the large number of cases has caused staff to fall behind on investigating and reporting COVID deaths. Tuesday, the county confirmed 401 active cases of the virus this week, but there are likely many more cases based on the positivity rate of COVID tests, officials have said. Nearly one in three COVID tests conducted in the past week came back positive, they said. Approximately 44 percent of the 166 tests conducted on Nov. 30 came back positive, a new record for the county. In comparison, the highest single-day percentage reported, once tests became widely available last year, was 21.5 percent on Nov. 25, 2020. Last month saw the highest num­ ber of hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID, according to BEDHD. There were 56 Barry County resi­ dents hospitalized with COVID in November 2021, and 20 deaths. Thornapple Manor is currently reporting five cases of COVID-19 among its residents, while Hastings Rehab and Healthcare Center is reporting three. Officials at both facilities, along with Carveth Village of Middleville, said they saw outbreaks in recent weeks. As of February this year, long­ term care facilities had seen a total of 46 cases since the start of the pan­ demic, and no new cases were report­ ed until the start of November. Since that time, an additional 48 cases have occurred among Barry County resi­ dents in those three facilities. Spectrum Health Pennock report­ ed 12 CO VID patients in the hospital on Monday, including four in the intensive care unit. The hospital is at 75-percent bed capacity, after spend­ ing the past few weeks at 100-percent capacity. A total of eight children were hos­ pitalized with COVID in Barry and Eaton counties during October and November, according to BEDHD. Information on scheduling COVID vaccinations, including booster shots, is available at barryeatonhealth.org. provided him with opportunities to help vet­ erans in many ways. “If a veteran comes in, we can not only help him through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, we can help him with other facil­ ities that the county has available.” Scams often prey on veterans, he noted. “One of the things we have to be alert to is some folks like to get stuff that they really don’t rate. And sometimes it’s hard to tell what it is you have before you, when you’re looking at the paper and you have to sort of read between the lines ... I’ve enjoyed being able to do that. I think I’ve done it well. I’d like to continue doing it. It’s as simple as this.” Commissioner Bruce Campbell praised Timmons’ work, saying, “Thank you for your service, not only to the military, but to the community. You’ve done amazing things, always contributing. ...Your feelings and mine are exactly the same. Nothing makes you feel better than to improve the quality of life and helping other people. I appreciate that, Mike.” Commissioner Jon Smelker added that he’s known Timmons since Smelker became a county commissioner. See VETERANS, page 3 Sen. Bizon to be arraigned Monday Taylor Owens Staff Writer Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, is scheduled to be arraigned on an assault charge at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13, before Judge Jason Bomia in the Calhoun County District Court. While the Calhoun County court website has a link to Bomia’s Youtube page for livestreams of proceedings in his court, a clerk in Bomia’s office said the decision to stream cases is at the judge’s discretion. Courts had used livestreaming to overcome COVID-19 restrictions during the pandemic, but have been using that technology rarely now. The clerk in Bomia’s office said it is unlikely Bizon’s case would be livestreamed. According to a Marshall City Police Department report, Bizon, 70, grabbed a nurse practitioner around the waist while she was discussing medication with him during an Aug. 14 examination at the Oaklawn After Hours Express in Marshall. Bizon’s attorney, Martin E. Crandell of Detroit, told The Banner they had no plans to issue a statement on the case. After the Calhoun County prosecutor recused himself. Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt was assigned the case. Nakfoor Pratt told said she expects the case will go to trial. �Page 2 — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Long-time community champion, businessman, Gary Buckland, dies at 84 Gary and Mary Buckland have been lifelong residents of Barry County. Gary loved his farm, family, faith and community and found ways to support them all. CAREGIVERS FOR THE ELDERLY WANTED Looking for professional and dedicated caregivers for our community to provide assistance with ADLs, med passing, charting, and contributing to life enrichment activities. Long term opportunities and benefits available with full-time and part-time flexible hours. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com Qarveth Village www.CarvethVillage.com “Remember... if you can't live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 GRAND OPENING For Guys & Gals December Luke Froncheck Guest Contributor Gary Buckland’s favorite place on earth is at the top of a hill on his 200-acre Dowling farm. He would often drive out to the spot and look over the many fields that once made up his large dairy operation. The farm was his home. Buckland, 84, died Dec. 1 in Battle Creek. He left behind a loving family and a legacy to be carried on for generations. His family first moved to the property in 1945. Buckland and his wife, the former Mary Cantrell, purchased the land when they turned 19. The land became a home for them and their family, and was the background for some of their happiest memories. Family was key for Buckland. He loved spending time with all relatives, especially his grandchildren, and enjoyed hosting bam par­ ties for his family. He leaves behind Mary; children, Kathy (John) Pennington, Suzanne (Marlowe) Bums, Julie Stonebumer, Patrick (Cindy) Buckland; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Jane (Mark) Herbert. He was preceded in death by his par­ ents; son, Michael Buckland; and one grand­ son, Matthew Pennington. In lieu of flowers, Buckland and his family asked that donations be made to the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation, of which he was a founding member, or the Barry County 4-H Advisory Council. In a note to her late grandfather, Shawna Stonebumer, a 2021 Delton Kellogg graduate, wrote, “You always encouraged me in life, supported my artistic and musical skills, and told me I need to do something with my art. I miss you whistling and singing along when I would play my flute for you, and it would always make me laugh. I miss your singing.” Buckland was bom Nov. 17, 1937, to Charles “Wayne” and Mary “Marciel” (Smith) Buckland in Bellevue. He graduated in 1956 from Delton Kellogg, where he played on the varsity basketball team. He had a lifelong passion for the Delton Kellogg Panthers and never quit looking for ways to give back to his community and school. ‘Tt was an honor to know and work with Gary Buckland,” Barry County United Way Director Lani Forbes said. “His presence filled a room with laughter, smiles, and hugs. I am grateful to the Buckland kids and Mary for sharing him with Barry County. He truly cared for all he encountered and didn’t forget a thing about you or your family.” Buckland had a passion for supporting sev­ eral charities and organizations, including Barry County United Way and the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation. “Gary worked tirelessly on the United Way campaign for y&rs, and on two occasions, served as the campaign chair,” Forbes said. “At each campaign kickoff, Gary would sit in the Charlton Park hosting Christmas Past Holidays of yesteryear are the centerpiece for “Of Christmas Past” at Historic Charlton Park from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 12. The park’s tum-of-the-century village and museum will be staffed by volunteers and adorned with festive decorations.Visitors can take a wagon ride, and then visit with St. Nicholas who will have plenty of candy canes for good boys and girls. In celebration of the season, guests can make holiday crafts, including candles and yam dolls. Traditional food and drink sam­ ples, such as wassail, roasted chestnuts, cin­ namon and sugar apples, and popcorn, will be available throughout the village. In addition, the Charlton Park Village Foundation Board will provide cookies at the Sixberry House. Live holiday music will ring through the Carlton Center Church on Sunday, courtesy of the Thomapple Valley Dulcimer Society. Admission is $5 for anyone age 13 and older; free for those 12 and younger. The crafts and hands-on activities are included in the admission fee. Additional information can be found at charltonpark.org or on Facebook. Historic Charlton Park is southeast of Hastings at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road. audience and yell, ‘Show me the money!’ In addition, he would call weekly during the cam­ paign to ask, ‘Where we at, kid?’ Not because he wanted to reach the goal for that year but because he knew how valuable and needed the programs are that receive the funds.” Gary and Mary Buckland also have been longtime donors to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. His association with St. Jude’s began after their 1-year-old son, Michael, died of acute leukemia. In a 2019 Banner article, Buckland said about 95 percent of children with acute leuke­ mia died at the time of Michael’s death. “We started giving money to St. Jude’s and have ever since,” he said in that article. “Every year, they send us a couple of letters to let us know what’s going on. This year [2019], their letter said that 95 percent of all children with acute leukemia survived.” Buckland farmed his land for many years before working for the John ter Avest Agency for 15 years. Then, in 1979, he sought to secure his involvement in the Delton community by founding the Buckland Insurance Agency, which he ran until his retirement in 2003. “When I think of Gary Buckland, I think of Mr. Delton,” J-Ad Graphics President Fred Jacobs said. “He was a constant supporter of anything going on in the Delton area. My com­ pany has been a longtime customer of the Buckland Insurance Agency and relied on their expertise over the years. He was kind, gener­ ous, honest, and very supportive when you needed a friend.” Gary and Mary Buckland were honored as the 2013 grand marshals of the Founders Festival in Delton. Buckland also was part of the group that helped raise money for the Delton District Library building. “He was always willing to step up on big projects in the county, like serving on the hos­ pital board, United Way, and the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation,” Jacobs said. As a founding member, Buckland was proud of DKEF. Every year, he would attend the high school awards ceremony and present the Bud Leonard Memorial Scholarship, part of DKEF. “My most rewarding experiences with Gary were when we were working on DKEF,” DKEF President Marsha Bassett said. “He always believed in DKEF and was an important mem­ ber of our board. He was continuously thinking of ways that he personally could help make the foundation successful. Every year, when he would go down south for the winter, we would take a stack of DKEF letterhead and envelopes and would write personal letters to people he knew, asking them to support our foundation.” In retirement, Buckland began raising cattle again. He loved 4-H and was involved for many years. He and Mary had first met at the Barry County Fair. And Buckland still had the brace­ let he bought at that first fair, with his name on one side and Mary’s name on the other. With the exception of 2020, when the pan­ demic canceled community events, they returned to the fair every year - more than 70 years. Buckland not only supported the 4-H members and shared his passion for the major local event, he also financially supported the livestock sales. “My first connection with Gary was at the Barry County Fair Livestock Auction, which he supported every year and pushed me to attend, which I have for more than 30 years,” Jacobs said. Few advocates for the Barry County Fair were as supportive as Buckland. He began his involvement with 4-H and the fair as his chil­ dren went through school. “The highest our 4-H auction has ever been was $860,000, and for years it’s been $600,000-plus,” Buckland said for the 2019 article. “That’s heads and shoulders above Kalamazoo, Ionia, and any of the big counties.” Buckland also was a devout Catholic and a founding member of Our Lady of Great Oak Catholic Church in Lacey. Parishioners will miss his unmistakable singing voice filling the small church each Sunday morning. Each week Buckland could be found on the church’s porch chatting with friends before and after Mass. And each year, Gary and Mary Buckland would host a prime rib dinner for all parishio­ ners in the church basement. “Gary lived his faith and his values, and he raised his family with those same principles,” Bassett said. “He loved Delton, 4-H, his church community and, above all else, his family. It is hard to imagine the world without him. He was a big man with a big presence and left behind some big shoes to fill. But he left his personal legacy with those fortunate to have known him to help guide us in the years to come.” Buckland would hand out pocket-sized cards with life advice written on them. In 2019, he estimated he had handed out more than 1,000 cards, bearing the words: “On this day: “Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share a treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed. “Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate, be kind, be gentle. Laugh a little more. “Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your grat­ itude. Worship your god. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still again. Speak it still once again.” Thornapple Wind Band, string ensemble performing Saturday The Thomapple Wind Band will pres­ ent its annual holiday concert Saturday evening at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature guest musicians from Beth Lepak’s String Ensemble. Both groups are com­ prised of local adult musicians. Several familiar seasonal songs are on the program, including a Christmas med­ ley and “What Child is This?” Children, especially those who recent­ ly had a chance to hear and see the visit­ ing Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, may be interested in the concert. Certain songs are likely to get their attention, especially the string ensemble’s “Baby Elephant Walk,” the Thomapple Wind Band’s music from the Disney movie “Frozen,” and an unusual arrangement of “Jingle Bells” with 19 percussion parts - played by just four TWB percus­ sionists. Not all selections will be Christmas tunes, including “The Entertainer” and “If We Hold on Together” and “The Willows of Winter.” Dave Macqueen directs the Thomapple Wind Band. Beth Lepak’s String Ensemble will be guest performers of the Thornapple Wind Band Saturday evening at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. (File photo) Ethan Holmes, a pastor at Cedar Creek Bible Church, will be the guest conductor of the string ensemble, guiding the dozen instrumentalists, including Lepak. The concert is free and open to the pub­ lic. Hastings Performing Arts Center is at the high school, 520 W. South St. NEWS BRIEFS, continued from page 1 ------------------------------------------------------------ WE ARE EXCITED TO BE OPEN ON SOUTH JEFFERSON STREET IN DOWNTOWN HASTINGS Featuring Men's and Women's Fashions ’ Business Casual • Casual Clothing Special Occasion Wear • In-Store Alterations Women's Shoes & More Women's sizes 2 - 24 • Men's sizes up to 3X Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9am to 6pm 117 S. Jefferson Street, Hastings • 269.953.1132 follow us on Facebook thedothierforguysngals Ms Care will have hot chocolate and the Lake Odessa Library is going to have cookies. “Santa usually ends the parade on a firetruck. Everyone gets glow sticks donated by [New] Walker Pharmacy. There’s lots of lights and all of the floats are lit up. So, it’s really pretty.” Middleville hosting Christmas on the River Three nights of fun and holiday cheer are planned in downtown Middleville, ThursdaySaturday, Dec. 9-11. Events will include a holiday business open house and the Holly Trolley Thursday, the Night of Lights Luminary Walk on Main Street Friday, and a Christmas Tea and Cocoa under the Sesquicentennial Pavilion and the annual Christmas Parade Saturday on Main Street. Donations also will be accepted for several organizations, including Thomapple Kellogg Schools’ Classmates Care, Feeding Middleville Families, and Serenity Village Hospice House. Details can be found at middlevilledda.org/ christmas-on-the-river. Delton celebrating Hometown Christmas Saturday Delton-area businesses and residents are gearing up for a family-friendly celebration Saturday, Dec. 11. The Hometown Christmas will include a 5K Reindeer Dash/Santa Stroll, live reindeer, a glow parade and more. All activities will be at William Smith Park, behind the Barry Township Fire Station, just off M-43 on Orchard Street. More information can be found at facebook.com/deltonhometownchristmas. Bells, brass ringing in season Dec. 12 The Joybells and Coldwater Brass will again present Christmas Bells and Brass at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Pleasant Valley Church, 12130 Bell Road, Lake Odessa. A variety of seasonal selections will be performed, with the Joybells playing music ranging from “Silent Night” and “O Night Divine” to “Frosty the Snowman.” The Coldwater Brass will add to the vari­ ety with selections such as “Nino Lindo,” “I Saw Three Ships” and “Irish Carol.” A reception will follow in the fellowship hall for those who want to catch up with friends and neighbors. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — Page 3 Hastings celebrates completion of downtown mural Benjamin Simon Staff Writer J. Maizlish Mole has created public art in Portee and Edinburgh, Scotland, and in St. Louis, Mo. But none of these projects gener­ ated the daily interest he received while painting a mural on South Jefferson Street in Hastings, Mole, 47, said. “Eve never worked on anything that had this kind of public support,” he said in a speech following the unveiling of the mural. Mole and the Thomapple Arts Council Thursday, Dec. 2, celebrated the newly fin­ ished Union Block mural - a three-story-high black-and-white painting of the map of the United States. From 4:30 to 7 p.m., people stopped by to admire the mural, warm up near a fire and enjoying free tacos, coffee and doughnuts. For more than two months, Mole spent nearly every dry day on a wobbly scissor-lift painting and then spray painting the mural. Every day, at least 30 people, he estimated, stopped by to talk or say something. They brought him beverages, called him “painter man” and thanked him for his work. After months of listening to their compli­ ments, Mole made it a priority to host an event to thank the donors and the community. He wanted the public to celebrate the mural that will anchor their downtown for decades to come. “Mostly as an artist, your audience is your guest,” he said in a separate interview. “But as a public artist, it’s the other way around. We were the guest of the public, and I wanted to present it with maximum generosity. I want people to feel like it’s partly theirs.” For months, Thornapple Arts Council Executive Director Megan Lavell had dreamed of bringing a large-scale mural to downtown Hastings. But she wasn’t able to J. Maizlish Mole thanks community members and donors during a speech in Jaqua Realtors. Mole, who recently moved to Hastings from London, spent the last few months painting a mural on the former Secondhand Corners building. put it together - that is, until she became friends Mole. After living the past 10 years in London, Mole had recently moved to Hastings with his partner, Cloe Oliver. He’d never created a mural before, but when Lavell mentioned it to him in passing, he jumped at the chance to introduce himself to the community through his artwork. He surveyed all of the walls in downtown Hastings, went home and drew up the con­ cept for a black-and-white painting of the United States. He sat with the image for three weeks before showing it to Lavell. Together, they pitched the idea to Tom Kramer, the owner of the century-old brick structure that formerly housed Secondhand Comers at South Jefferson and State streets. Kramer signed off on the plan. And after the arts council raised $16,000 over a couple of weeks, Mole began the mural Sept. 14. With winter approaching, the days shortening, and the weather starting to change, Mole said it was “a mad time to start a mural of that size.” Since mid-September, he spent almost every hour of sunlight, sometimes for 12 to 14 hours at a time, in front of that wall. “I didn’t really anticipate, as an artist, being out on the street for so long and so visible,” he said. “It’s not a piece of perfor­ mance art, but there is an aspect of it which becomes a little bit performative because you’re out there with the street as your audi­ ence, for days and days, and weeks and months. And it adds up. ... It just became much more about the public.” When Mole started the project, he thought it would take four weeks to complete. But quickly, the timeline extended. Rainy days kept him indoors and more importantly, he became more enthralled by the coastline. As the weeks went by, he dug further and further into perfecting the intricacies of the Florida Keys and the shoreline near New York City, where Mole went to art school for college. “I’m a bit of a fanatical perfectionist,” he said, “and I’m happy because I put a lot of time into it, and I got it right.” As the image became more detailed, Mole found that the project had more of an impact on the public. “There were fewer people who would just look at it and say,‘ America’ and more people who stand across from it, and talk about where things were or point things out or would tell me that they haven’t really ever noticed this about it or that about it,” he said. Some view the completed mural as a patri­ otic image. Some view it as a wayfinding map. Everyone has their own perception of the image. That, Mole said, is just the point. “You can see it as a patriotic image or not,” he said. “Because it’s not a flag. It’s just a map.” Instead, he said, he wanted to create a con­ versation. “All artwork is a little bit confrontational, to me, this is how I see it,” he said. “All art, whether it’s a positive or a negative confron­ tation, or it’s a challenge or not, every time you interact with a work, there is a give and take that’s confrontational... you have to read it, there’s a physiological confrontation.” After weeks of being one of the most visible people in Hastings, Mole said he doesn’t know what’s next for him. He’s considering the pos­ two senators and a presidential - all on that one [case]. “So as soon I got those, I called command headquarters. He said, ‘This is bigger than both of us.” We got the inspector general’s office. And they sent over a colonel to inves­ tigate.” Their findings were the same. What Geyer said he found most difficult in this work is that “War, to me, is personal.” “When I came back [home], it was very hard for me to ever see a war movie because everybody who was killed in war movies was people.” One of the interesting aspects most people didn’t realize is that, by 1971, when he was there, he said, the Vietnam War was winding down. “We had no combat casualties,” he said. “They were either accidents, drug overdoses, suicides or murders. And those were the [let­ ters] I had to write to kin. That gave me a very personal interest in those. “And, when you came back from Vietnam, you were not treated all that well, but you keep in touch with your buddies and build them up.” As the commissioners went around the table and thanked him for his service, Campbell greeted him by name: “Morning, Robert. I would just like to say thank you for your ser­ vice. I have an inkling of what you dealt with in your life and appreciate it very much.” Martin Kretovic Kretovic, bom and raised in Rochester, N.Y, is a Cornell University graduate with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture who had served as a county agent there for a while before being drafted into the Army in 1968. “I was in in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970,” he told commissioners. “I went over there in the infantry. To my good fortune, they put me in the construction engineers at the time. They asked me if I could type. I said, ‘Yes,’ I could type, which I learned in seventh grade. I ended up being company clerk at the end of my tour there. I was very fortunate that I didn’t have to go in the infantry.” After the service, he visited Michigan to see another veteran he had served with and decided to stay here. He owned a dairy farm for 10 years and worked for a grain and feed elevator for the past 20 years before retiring in 2015. He volunteers at MacKenzie’s Animal Sanctuary near Lake Odessa. “I walk dogs there,” he said. “That helps me get over having a pet.” He also drove for American Red Cross and Hope Network, transporting veterans around to different appointments. “I enjoyed that, where I could be one-on-one with another veteran who had some problems, either med­ ically or mentally.” “So, when this came along. I figured, ‘I’m in good health, it’s been 50 years since I’ve been in the service. It’s time to do something else to help other veterans in the area ... less-fortunate than me.’ “Thank you very much for your service,” said Smelker, a veteran who was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. “... I do want to say that you being company clerk, in our company, our company clerk ran the compa­ ny and made sure everything went well. I know there’s commanders there, but the clerk made sure everything went right.” Kretovic confirmed, “They gave me the Army Commendation Medal for service at the end of my tour.” “Thank you. You must have done a good job.” Smelker replied. “I too want to thank you, first of all, for your service,” Campbell told Kretovic. “It sounds like you were in (the) country about same time as I was. Even though you didn’t get on the battlefield, I think everyone should be aware that you were willing to do whatever it took. And I thank you very much for that.” Dennis Mapes Mapes said he lives in Assyria Township on a farm that has been in his family more than 100 years. He grew up in Battle Creek and spent summers on Thornapple Lake. He enlisted in the Navy in 1967 and served during the Vietnam War, when he participated in search-and-rescue duty in the Gulf of Tonkin - most of the time off North Vietnam. “In cases where pilots ejected, we would pick them up,” he said. They stood watch and had the opportunity to visit ports torefiid and replenish supplies. “After coming back from Vietnam, I was sent to Washington, D.C., to work at the Pentagon for the office of the Chief of Naval Operations for two years,” he recalled. “When I got out of the Navy, a recruiter kept calling me, calling me. Finally, I had the urge and took the call. I enlisted in the reserves. I stayed on active duty on reserve time about 25 years.” In the reserves, he was with a NATO unit, doing exercises in Europe, particularly at their headquarters in Brussels. His next active-duty stint came in 2006 when he was sent to Kuwait and Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. “That was my windsong,” Mapes told sibility of another mural, maybe in another community, but details at this point, he said, are vague. For the time being, he’s content catching up on downtime, cooking and sleep. But he hasn’t forgotten about the mural just yet, and as the interview comes to a close, his phone beeps. It’s his alarm. The screen reads “Auggie Wren,” an ode to the character in the movie “Smoke,” who snaps a picture of his cigar store every morning. The alarm was set to remind Mole to take his daily photograph of the mural, and that’s what he has done for the past few months. But the mural is finished and Mole has no photos left to take. Still, he won’t turn off the alarm. “I can’t bring myself to [do it],” he said. The Thornapple Arts Council hosted a celebration Dec. 2 to commemorate the new Union Block mural on South Jefferson Street in downtown Hastings. VETERANS, continued from page 1 “One of your best traits is listening; you do it well,” Smelker said. Geiger recalled that, at one of the first municipal meetings he ever attended, in Assyria Township, “the crowd got a little rowdy.” That’s when Supervisor Timmons took the situation in hand, he said, mimicking Timmons’ Texas drawl, “‘Boy, I’ve heard about enough of you.’” Geiger paused, then emphasized Timmons hadn’t been speaking to him. “It wasn’t me,” he insisted, adding, “I’d still be worried if it was.” Turning back to Timmons, Geiger said, “You’ve given a lot of time to your country and this county, and we want to find a way to keep you involved.” The board didn’t take a voice vote until later in the meeting. But the interviews were the third item on a lengthy agenda, beginning with Baker, who said he was an 18-year-old kid when he joined the U.S. Air Force. Scott Baker “I served 27 years-plus ... went through basic training, then out to work on F-16s. It taught me great skills, how to lead.” Baker said he spent 12 years as a commis­ sioned officer, managing fleets of planes and people. “I have led aircraft maintenance organiza­ tions of 300-plus personnel and 31 aircraft and was responsible for aircraft maintenance training,” he wrote in his application. “I have experience leading joint services as well. “I have been a member of the United States Air Force ‘Thunderbirds’ and have deployed around the world supporting military and humanitarian missions. I have deployed in support of combat operations in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.” Baker, who lives in Baltimore Township, moved to Barry County in 2016. He works full-time now as customer order and fulfill­ ment manager with GE Aviation. He said he was looking for ways to give back when he noticed this opportunity. After Baker’s presentation, Geiger went around the table, letting commissioners ask any questions. “Hi Scott,” Campbell, a Vietnam War-era veteran, said, telling Baker he didn’t know who would be picked to fill the vacancy, but that there were other opportunities for public service. “There are many other boards in our coun­ ty; I became aware of that when I became a commissioner,” Campbell said. “Keep that in mind. [I] really appreciate your coming in.” Robert Geyer Geyer, who currently is serving on a coun­ ty task force to recommend projects that qualify for American Rescue Plan Act funds, a retired Certified Public Accountant and former partner with Crowe LLP, a top 10 accounting/consulting firm, said he was bom and raised in Wabash, Ind., which is about the same size as Barry County. “I graduated from Purdue University and decided that someday I might want to own my own business,” he said. “I went on to Indiana University to get my master’s when I was drafted.” That was during the Vietnam War. “I asked the draft board if I could finish the semester, since I had already applied and paid for it. They said, ‘Nope.’ So, I went down and enlisted for officers’ candidate school.” Geyer trained as a combat engineer and, because he ended up in the top 10 percent, he could choose his branch. “I chose to get out of combat,” he said. He became an adjutant general. “I got my orders for Vietnam, two hours after my daughter was born. I went through a number of interviews. A colonel interviewed me, and he asked me if I could write.” He got the job. It was called “Chief of Special Actions.” Everything in combat came under that responsibility, Geyer said. He was responsi­ ble for awards and decorations; he wrote the citations. “Commanders from all over the country would call me up, saying, ‘Hey, a guy did this. What do you think he’d be good at - or could get good at?”’ Another area of expertise for him was con­ gressional inquiries. “I received about 45 congressional inqui­ ries a month,” he recalled. These were questions posed by congress­ men, senators or even the president of the United States; and it could be provoked by just about anything. Mike Timmons, incumbent chairman of the Barry County Veterans Affairs com­ mittee, likely will return to that post after the commissioners chose him Tuesday at their committee of the whole meeting. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) An example Geyer gave was that some­ body complained about a meal. “One guy in jail said: ‘I was in an 8-by-8 [foot] cell, and the food was awful.’ So, I went to the jail and it wasn’t 8-by-8, it was 6-by- 8 - and the food was awful. And that’s how I responded to the congressman.” Geyer and his team had two weeks to respond to an inquiry from a congressman, one week to reply to a senator and three days to reply to the president. In the process of their inquiry, they had to get the facts. Geiger asked if he had ever responded to a presidential inquiry. “Yes, I did. We had a captain who commit­ ted suicide. Four or five hours before he committed suicide, he wrote a letter to his mother saying that he was getting his first company command the next day and how excited he was. And then, at 4 o’clock in the morning, he committed suicide. We didn’t know anything about the first letter.” “I did all the casualty reporting,” Geyer recalled. “It was my responsibility to write the letter for the commanding general of the bri­ gade to the next of kin. For that, they wanted us to get a full history, so I could be empathet­ ic, know what their background was, and how they died and explain that to the next of kin. “In that particular case, I wrote it up. ... No question it was suicide. I wrote the letter, it was sent off. Within about a week, all of a sudden, we had a little ticker thing there and we got [inquiries from] four congressmen, commissioners. “I was glad I did it. So, I retired from the Navy.” After that, he had a civilian job, working for 43 years for the Kellogg Co. and retiring from there. Now he is the commander of VFW Post 8260 in Nashville. “We’re a struggling organization. Younger veterans don’t want to join.” So, they’re working hard to reach out to veterans. “So many people out there that want to take advantage of vets,” he remarked. “It’s just great to be able to help people.” Smelker thanked him for keeping the post going. “Thank-you tbr^ really, _a lifetime of ser­ vice,” Commissioner Catherine Getty said. “It sounds like an impressive assortment of ways you’ve figured out to serve your coun­ try and community.” Mapes is a past trustee and village presi­ dent for Nashville and also is active in his church. “Thank you, Denny,” Geiger told him, ‘I had no idea you had such a rich background, and it took you overseas. We appreciate your service.” “It was an opportunity, and it was on the government’s dime,” Mapes replied. “And I’m glad that I had the opportunity to see as much as I did. It makes you appreciate what we have.” • New Collections by Moda® Hulst Dry Cleaners Pick-Up [esus Loves You! QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 Sf* OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm NEW YEAR'S DAY DEADLINES DEADLINE FOR ADS AND NEWS: TUESDAY, DEC. 21 AT NOON DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIEDS:TUESDAY, DEC. 21 AT NOON . . , .......... . , .. ... . . ■■■?..>. : . ■ ■ ■ ■. ■ - ' NEW YEAR S DEADLINES Deadline for ADS: Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Noon Deadline for NEWS: Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Noon Deadline for CLASSIFIEDS: Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Noon Papers will be on the newsstands Wednesday, Dec. 22nd and Wednesday, Dec. 29th �Page 4 — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you in My Opinion see? Reading is a lost art among lawmakers Order in the courthouse Barry County’s $613,290 renovation of the Courts and Law Building at 206 W. Court St. in Hastings is proceeding. Shown here is the lobby of the new public defender offices, which moved from the first floor to the lower level of the building. That now allows for the relocation of the Friend of the Court offices from the building at 102 S. Broadway to the first floor of the Courts and Law Building. Also, a new magis­ trate’s courtroom is expected to be done soon. Enhanced security measures, videoconferencing and video arraignments were among key techno­ logical considerations in this upgrade. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Do you remember? 0 little town State Street was dark like the road to Bethlehem for the third annual pageant honoring the Nativity story on a snowy night in December 1956. “The cold winter night, and the light mantle of snow that fell just before the highlight of the pre-Yule season got underway, added to the excitement and anticipation evident in the hundreds who began gathering 60 minutes before the hour it was to start,” the Dec. 13 Banner reported. “Community singing of favorite carols, led by Herbert Moyer [pictured] and members of his Hastings High choral group, added to the wonderfulness of the occa­ sion, and the choral singing at various times during the pageant also elaborated on its beauty." The city’s churches each created a float representing a different part of the Christmas story for the parade. The pageant concluded with the choir singing “Joy to the World” and “Fanfare.” Have you met? As a kid, Jen Ewers knew that she want­ ed t o become a teacher. By middle school, she knew that, specifically, she wanted to become a music teacher. A Kalamazoo native, Ewers grew up in a music-focused household. Her father played the guitar and drums in a rock band. When he wasn’t playing, music rippled throughout their house - anything from Salt-N-Pepa to Lynyrd Skynyrd. “I just always remember we always had instruments in the house,” the former Jen Pesch said. “Music has just always been there, I don’t remember it not.” All three kids gravitated to music. Her brother played in metal garage bands. Her younger sister is now a music teacher in Indianapolis. And Ewers, 37, is the co-band director at the Hastings Area School System. By the time Ewers reached middle school, she knew how to play drums, guitar and piano. She started with trombone, join­ ing the marching band, which prompted her to want to become a music teacher. As a student at Parchment High School, she switched to drums - and has never stopped playing. But when she enrolled at Western Michigan University in 2003, she didn’t sign up for the music education major. Instead, she majored in finance and com­ mercial law. “I knew I wanted to be a music teacher, but even my counselors, some teachers, unfortunately, and other adults in my life were like, ‘Well, you can’t really make a career out of that,” she remembered. “And I was like, ‘Oh, I can’t?”’ Ewers didn’t abandon music completely. She played in the WMU drumline and toured across the country in the summer performing with the Drum and Bugle Crops drumline. She gave private lessons and taught at a number of local high schools, including Gull Lake High School. But when she graduated in 2008, she took a desk job at a bank. She only lasted a year. “It just didn’t feel right. I just didn’t like it. It wasn’t for me,” she said. “It was just too 9-to-5. Day-to-day is all the same.” That’s when Ewers decided to scrap the business world and pursue a career as a music teacher. But that meant going back to college. She spent a year substitute teaching before being accepted into the Western Michigan School of Music. And at the age of 25, Ewers returned to college. There, she studied music education, where she learned the basics of becoming a band director - including how to play almost every instrument. She never sec­ ond-guessed her decision and graduated in 2015. “Even though it was delayed all this time, it just felt right. ‘Yeah, this is right,”’ she said. “And I don’t look back on that at all and regret it.” Jen Ewers As Ewers started shopping around for teaching jobs, she saw a Facebook post from Spencer White, a former classmate at Western Michigan who had become band director for Hastings Area Schools. The district was looking to add another band director. Ewers had been to Hastings before for the annual marching band invitational and decided to apply. She completed two inter­ views, where she was tasked with teaching a new song, on the spot, to members of the Hastings City Band. It was good enough to earn her the job, and in 2015, Ewers joined White as the co-director for the Hastings school district. She moved to Hastings a month after she got the job. She lives in Hastings with her husband, Landon, a music teacher in Byron Center. “I do like that it’s just a little bit further away,” she said of Hastings. “It’s not right next to Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids, but it’s close enough. You can go drive there if you need to. But I like it. I like the quietness. I like the community and the close-knit peo­ ple here.” Ewers still breaks out her own drum sticks from time to time with the Hastings City Band, the Thomapple Wind Band and the Thomapple Jazz Orchestra. During the summers, she’s also currently pursuing a master’s degree at the American Band College in Ashland, Ore. But her job is nonstop, seven days a week. She gets to work before 8 a.m., stays until 4 p.m., sneaks in a workout class and then returns every evening for a few hours. The weekends are no different and she often finds herself huddled in her office at the middle school for hours on end. She teaches music to students in sixth through 12th grades, and, along with White, she is also in charge of organizing the musi­ cal, the jazz club, the steel band and the middle school and high school marching bands. “It’s difficult to manage time when we feel passionate about doing something,” she said. Ewers said it’s an ongoing process - try­ ing to figure out how to balance her life. But she has time to. figure it out. She plans to stay in Hastings, teaching music, for as long as she can. “I love it here,” she said. “I want to retire here.” ; For her role as the co-band director in the Hastings Area School System, Jen Ewers is this week’s Bright Light: Best advice ever received: “Fortune Favors the Bold.” One of my instructors from my first season of drum corps led us with this sentiment and it has still stuck with me. Basically, anything you do, do it with confidence! It will almost always pay off. I’ve kept this in mind with every major decision. First Job: Meijer - I was a bagger at Meijer when I was 16, back when they had baggers! Favorite TV program: “I Love Lucy”; other shows come and go but this has always been my favorite! Person I most admire and why: My mom! Probably a stock answer for many, but through all of her adversities in life, she has always kept a positive attitude and is the most giving person I know! Person I’m glad to have met: My hus­ band! We’ve been together for 14 years, married for two, and I love the life we’ve built together. Favorite season and why: Summer. Sunny days, hot weather, beaches, barbe­ ques, and band camp! A moment/event that changed my life: The moment I decided to join a Drum and Bugle Corps the summer of my freshman year of college. This professional perform­ ing ensemble’s home base was in Kentucky. After weeks of all day rehearsals, we go on tour across the U.S. for two months. I moved there and I didn’t know anyone. It was one of the most intimidating moments of my life but it ended up being the most fulfilling. Age out for a Drum Corps is age 21. After I aged out, I got the corps’ logo tattooed on my neck. My biggest challenge: Finding a work/ life balance! I’m constantly working on it. If I won the lottery: I’d buy our schools all the instruments we need and replace­ ment ones! What I want for Christmas: Is a day off!:) Maybe it’s time candidates pass a literacy test before taking public office. Most of us are likely under the assumption that legislators or someone in their office, at least, reads proposed bills and understands them before a vote is taken. In reality, though, most legislators don’t even read the bills; they claim there’s just not enough time. So they rely on staff, special interest groups or their own political party experts to educate them and, ultimately, to influence how they vote. Welcome to the new, corrosive politics in America. It’s yet another example of how the voice of the people is being silenced by the prosperous and the powerful. Under the U.S Constitution and that of the State of Michigan, every bill must be public­ ly read three times in the Legislature before it may be passed. Because many bills can consist of thousands of pages, the courts have held that reading the bill’s title, not the entire document, can satisfy this requirement. Nowhere in the federal or state constitution or in related documents does it explicitly mention, though, that reading and under­ standing the legislation is necessary to the lawmaking process. That’s why there have been calls that leg­ islators be required to read a bill before they vote - even though some feel that adding a “read-the-bill” requirement could, in fact, lead to poorer quality legislation. The late U.S. representative from Detroit, John Conyers, was famous for saying, “What good is reading the bill if it’s a thousand pages and you don’t have two days and two lawyers to find out what it means after you read the bill?” I understand that frustration, but I also feel that packing so much into these bills is noth­ ing more than an excuse for politicians and their backers to rush the process and bury items in a bill that, once passed, will satisfy their own agendas. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., read enough of the recently-approved infrastructure bill to vote against it became he maintained that it will “cost taxpayers $1.2 trillion, $550 bil­ lion in new spending. This is not an infra­ structure bill when only 23 percent of the new spending in the bill is for actual infra­ structure.” Kennedy was lucky he could even find those details given, as he said, that “the bill is 2,700 pages, twice as long as the Bible, and we were only given a few days to read it.” But that’s what happens when Congressional leaders push through massive legislation with little or no oversight. Special interest groups and legislators looking for payoffs to their states or donors push these bills through Congress with little or no real understanding of their consequences. No longer do we see the long debates on the merits of major legislation in open ses­ sion where the public and reporters can fol­ low the debates to vet the bills. To protect our democracy and take petty politics out of the system, taxpayers should demand that, before a bill goes up for final passage, every legisla­ tor sign an official document stating that he or she has read the bill in its entirety before the final vote. That would slow down the process and possibly reduce the “add-ons” to bills that, most of the time, have nothing to do with the original legislation, but are mere payoffs to other legislators to get their sup­ port for a bill. We’ve experienced some of the same issues here in Michigan where, for nearly a decade, legislators tried to reform the no-fault auto insurance law. Every year, the attempt failed, with little hope for a fix that would reduce auto insurance rates while still giving a high level of coverage to accident victims. “It failed in a really kind of embarrassing fashion to the insurance industry,” says per­ sonal injury attorney Steve Sinas of the Michigan-based Sinas Dramis Law Firm. Sinas added that, when Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took office, the Republican Party made it no secret that auto insurance reform was its No. 1 priority. The Republicans brought in experts like Sinas to learn more about the topic, but there was no movement on the issue. Then, one day in early May 2021, they suddenly had a bill. The Hastings BcUlIld* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuurlng CFO Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell, or for any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. At 2 a.m., the no-fault auto insurance bill passed through the House without a public hearing, Sinas said. A few weeks later, the Senate passed its own bill, again without pub­ lic hearing. And a few weeks after that, both the House and the Senate passed a collective, finalized bill that cemented the changes in the new no-fault auto insurance law. Sinas Was in the state Capitol the day the bill was passed into law. He called it a “cha­ otic scene” with people cramming together and yelling, “Where’s the bill?” Then the elevator doors opened and a stack of the 120page bills rolled out on a cart. No one had time to read the bill before it was passed. The Legislature didn’t hold a public hearing. The bill was passed and, in one day, the no-fault auto-insurance industry changed the future. “This is why people get screwed over when governments pass laws that they don’t even understand without time for public comment,” Sinas said. “And then the politi­ cal parties convince everybody just to say yes, just because they think it’s in their best political interest to do so.” But that’s how the system works: It’s not about what’s in the best interest of most tax­ payers, it’s about inside power and persua­ sion from special interest groups and finan­ cial supporters who win in the end. Michigan had one of the best insurance programs in the nation. Did it need some adjustments? Yes. But, due to the fact there wasn ’t any public comment time, catastrophically-injured auto accident victims requiring 24-hour care ended up getting written out of the law. Under the new law, payments to their care­ givers were reduced by as much as 55 per­ cent, making it financially impossible to continue the level of care they were getting. If legislators had been required to read the bill prior to voting, they might have seen the flaws. If public hearings had taken place, industry experts would have been given a chance to point out the devastating conse­ quences if the bill was passed. The Sunlight Foundation, a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization has been joined by major news outlets calling for “Read the Bill” legislation that would require legislators to read and understand what they’re voting on before they raise their hands. This is not just needed, it should be required by every legislator at every level of government. Our reporters have attended meetings where elected officials open their agenda packets for the first time. These are the pack­ ets sent to them days in advance that contain the background and infomiation they need before they take action. Their flawed defense for coming to a meeting unprepared is that someone else in their organization is reading the information and is informed about the issue. This is unacceptable. Elected officials should be required to do their jobs or step aside and let more serious candidates take on the job of representing the people who placed that responsibility on their shoulders. That’s why we’ve continued to report on the no-fault insurance bill changes in Michigan. Without debate and proper public comment, a piece of legislation was enacted and it changed the level of care these acci­ dent victims get. “Read the Bill” should become law. Reading only a bill’s title or allowing a com­ mittee or special interest group to determirie what’s in the best interests of residents is unacceptable. It’s time elected officials accept personal responsibility for their votes - or resign. • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — Page 5 HASS Headlines Matt Goebel, Superintendent Hastings Area School System Hastings schools support Oxford community, plan refresher training This week, we share our deep sympathy and support for the students, staff, and families of Oxford Community Schools. We cannot begin to imagine the pain the Oxford community is feeling following the act of gun violence in their high school last week. Our hearts are heavy with the weight of such a loss, and our prayers are with everyone directly touched by this tragedy. Across our state, schools participate in the OK2Say program, which provides a number of resources to families. We are blessed to have our own team of highly trained counselors, social workers and mental health liaisons who serve all of our schools. We encourage our students and families to utilize these resources whenev­ er needed. School should be a safe environment, and violent actions have no place in any school district. The events from last week are a reminder of why we, at Hastings Area School System, practice lockdown drills, review procedures if an event were to take place, and have provided active-shooter trainings in the past to help prepare our staff if the unthinkable were to happen here. As we reflect on the recent events, it also is an appropriate time to remind stu­ dents to immediately report to an adult any potential for harm they may hear or see while at school. We plan on meeting with local law enforcement, first responders and emergency management to review refresher training in active shooter train­ ing for our staff in the near future. These are challenging times, but we can all draw support from one another as a community. We strengthen the fabric that supports our community through collabo­ ration, communication, kindness, caring, respect and love. We are thankful for daily acts of mutual regard, neighborly support and selfless service. As we continue to support one another, our prayers, thoughts, and hearts are with the Oxford community. Gun thefts similar to others in region Taylor Owens Staff Writer Two suspects broke into Al & Pete’s Sports Shop and stole three guns at 6 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26, Hastings City Police Chief Dale Boulter said. Wearing masks and gloves, they smashed the glass in the front door with a rock, grabbed three “AR style” rifles behind the counter, and were out the door within 30 seconds. Boulter said the robbery is similar to sever­ al other gun robberies that have occurred across Michigan, including the one at Al & Pete’s in March last year. The suspects in that case were identified as juveniles, and some may have been apprehended in Grand Rapids. Boulter said the suspects in both robberies likely belonged to the same crew, and it’s unlikely they are from the Hastings area. Some Hastings area juveniles broke into the story in August 2019, but they were caught in the act by Boulter and the current deputy chief, Julissa Kelly. Boulter said there was a significant differ­ ence between that attempt and the more orga­ nized methods used in the two most recent robberies. “They knew exactly what they were going for,” Boulter said. “They’re quick; they’re not hanging out.” Al & Pete’s has taken steps to increase its security since the prior break-ins, which Boulter said likely prevented the suspects from stealing more. It appeared they tried, but abandoned the effort so they could stick to a tight time window, he said. Similar robberies have taken place at other Michigan sporting good stores over the past few months, including at Cabelas and Barracks 616, Boulter said. “Guns seem to be the No. 1 target -wheth­ er it’s handguns or long guns,” Boulter said. “Guns are easy to transport, easy to sell and quick to sell.” These may be taken to a larger city where they could be sold or traded, and buyers may use them to commit their own crimes. If they are used, these guns are more difficult to track since they have not been registered to anyone. “It’s just a high commodity [and], unfortu­ nately, people want them the wrong way,” Boulter said. Anyone with information on the break-in should call the Hastings City Police at 269­ 945-5744 or the Barry County Silent Observer at 1-800-310-9031. No students hurt in Barry ISD bus mishap Taylor Owens Staff Writer A Barry Intermediate School District bus with five students on board rolled on its side in a single-vehicle crash on Leinaar Road north of Fine Lake around 7:20 a.m. Tuesday. The driver and another staff member on board sustained minor injuries and were taken to Spectrum Health Pennock, where they were evaluated and released. The students, who were wearing seat belts, were uninjured. A bus from Hastings Area Schools stopped at the scene, and the students waited inside the vehicle until another BISD bus arrived to take them to school or back home. Barry ISD Superintendent Richard Franklin said the bus appeared to have hit a patch of ice and slid, which caused it to go off the road and hit a ditch, where it tipped onto its side. He thanked the Hastings school transporta­ tion department, Hickory Corners Fire Department, Barry County Sheriff’s Office and the emergency medical personnel who responded. Franklin said the incident will likely be investigated by deputies, the State of Michigan and the district’s insurance company. Gun and ATV stolen from garage driveway in the 7000 block of Keyes Road in Assyria Township. The woman said she heard what sounded like a truck with a loud exhaust near her driveway around 2 a.m. the previous two nights. When she got up that morning, she found the gas cap of her truck was left dangling from the side of the vehicle. She also said there appeared to be less gas in the vehicle, according to the fuel gauge. he had sent the message and placed the wood next to the vehicle, but said he did not damage it. Information was sent to the pros­ ecuting attorney. Maple Valley closes after potential threat; second threat soon follows Taylor Owens Staff Writer Maple Valley Schools students were released between 9 and 10 a.m. Monday morning, and all evening activities were can­ celed after the district was notified of a poten­ tial threat. “This morning, a student brought to our administration’s attention that there were rumors of a threat of gun violence against local districts,” Superintendent Katherine Bertolini wrote in a letter to district families Monday. “We immediately went into two modes. We began a deeper investigation of the source of the rumors and put our schools into shelter-in-place status until we could determine the viability of the threats.” Junior/senior high school students were not allowed to retrieve their personal possessions before release, due to the possibility of a weapon in the building, so many went home without their backpacks or coats. “Students who were not able to be released to their parents were maintained in a super­ vised location with food prepared for them until they could be picked up,” Bertolini said. Extracurricular events, including athletics, were canceled Monday, to allow staff the oppor­ tunity to conduct a search of the buildings. “Subsequent investigation this morning has revealed that the threat came from social media outside of our community,” Bertolini’s letter added. “Our students did everything right in seeking out our administration, reveal­ ing everything they knew so we could track back to the original source of the threats. The Eaton County Sheriff’s Department is involved and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the laws afforded to us to deter peo­ ple from making such threats in the future.” Students returned to school with regular scheduling Tuesday, but a second potential threat was soon reported. “Today, a student posted some violent ide­ ations about his reaction to the events of yes­ terday,” Bertolini said in a letter to families Tuesday. “This was a separate event from the one we experienced yesterday. It was reported and investigated immediately, and we brought in the Eaton County Sheriff’s Department to investigate. They sent two detectives to inves­ tigate this. They plan to take legal action against this student.” “There is no current threat to anyone in our buildings,” she added. Bertolini said the district will support any charges brought forward by the prosecuting attorney. “Please reassure your students that their safety was our first priority throughout the events of today,” Bertolini said Monday. “They are safe and will continue to be so going forward because our community knows to do the right thing. We encourage you to have frank, age-appropriate conversations with your children about the need to always speak out when there are threats or concerns, while never making false threats, as there are significant legal consequences for behaviors that disrupt and frighten our communities.” According to Michigan School Closings, a service that tracks districts in the state, more than 150 schools have closed due to potential threats since the Oxford High School shooting Nov. 30, Bridge Michigan reported. Michigan School Closings posted on Twitter Dec. 3 that this was the highest number of closures due to online threats the service had seen. “An individual who threatens a school should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” State Superintendent Michael Rice recently told The Detroit News. “And this is a grievous crime. It is not funny. It is not play. It is disrupting school communities.” ARPA meeting offered insights To the editor: Like many other people, I attended the recent Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting last week with some trepidation. I was there to support the work of the commit­ tee appointed by the commissioners to evalu­ ate potential projects to be funded by Barry County’s portion of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. I, for one, applaud the com­ mittee’s thoroughness and their work on behalf of our county. The community projects in this review are sorely needed and will benefit many people. Trepidation was present because of what has happened at past board meetings. It seems like these meetings bring out the worst in some of our residents. I truthfully wasn’t sure what to expect. I was dismayed by many of the comments presented in opposition to the committee’s work. Several people expressed the idea that the people of Barry County can take care of our own needs without “interference” from the federal government. If this is the case, why are these needs still unmet? Many of the proposed projects involve infrastructure. For example, the water supply issues in Freeport and Delton have been around for decades, and the resources needed to fix them have not been there, until now. And some of our residents want to reject them. I fail to see the logic in this. I also found it odd that the concept of “free­ dom” seemed to be a common thread in the comments. Under this logic, Barry County’s acceptance of federal money somehow limits our freedoms. I heard comments about “social­ ism” and even “communism.” I am not exactly sure what these comments about socialism meant, but some of them appeared to be from senior citizens. I wonder if they have any qualms about accepting Social Security and Medicare benefits without fears of loss of “freedom.” Funny, but it seems like “socialism” is when the government tries to help someone else, but when I am the recipient, I am just “getting what’s coming to me.” I also found it troubling that many (but not all) of those who registered complaints about the process left the auditorium immediately after they voiced their comments. They didn’t have the courtesy or curiosity to learn about the projects being discussed. It appears they were more interested in expressing an opinion than actually doing some good for our county. I was pleased to hear other voices from the audience and commissioners in favor of these efforts, and I left the meeting in a hopeful mood. I am confident that there is wisdom on our board and that they will make good deci­ sions about utilizing these funds. Ed Szumowski, Hastings A 74-year-old man called police at 8:51 a.m. Nov. 17 to report an ATV and 0.223 rifle, along with a 10-round magazine, were stolen from his garage in the 8000 block of Huff Road in Assyria Township. The man said he obtained the rifle from a felon, and did not have paperwork or a serial number for it. Both items are estimated to be valued at about $7,600. ‘Fireball’ melts gas station pump A manager of the Orangeville Fast Stop called police to report a fire at a pump that took place at 8:58 p.m. Nov. 18. The officer viewed video footage of the fire, which showed a group of people inside an SUV at a pump. At one point, while a woman was pumping gas into the vehicle, she appeared to do something with her hands that can’t be seen on the video. A short time later, a fire starts near the vehicle gas cap. The other people inside the vehicle quickly get out, and pull the gas nozzle out of the vehi­ cle, but without shutting it off, causing “a large fireball” according to the police report. The passengers shut off the gas and an employee came outside with a fire extin­ guisher to put out the fire. The employee said the woman in the vehicle told her she had been flicking a lighter just before the fire started, and she did not give her name. The fuel selection buttons on the pump station were damaged, and part of the pump handle was melted. Man suspected of damaging car A 31-year-old man called police at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 to report his car was damaged outside his residence in the 100 block of South Main Street in Nashville. The man said he heard his car alarm go off and then found pieces of wood lying around the vehi­ cle, with damage to his driver’s side door. He had received a text message earlier that day from a 49-year-old Nashville man threatening to throw wood through his car window. The suspect admitted to the police A 46-year-old Dowling woman assaulted officers when she was taken into protective custody after sending suicidal text messages at 7:37 p.m. Nov. . 20. The woman had - r the driver in a hit-and-run accident at the Shell gas station in Nashville earl er that day. Officers later found her at her home in Baltimore Township. The woman had evi­ dence of self-harm and officers took hef into protective custody, but she resisted. She kicked and kneed one officer, then tried biv ing him and spit on him. Once in the vehicle she banged her head against the inside of the partition and tried to kick out the window. At the jail, she grabbed an officer’s holster and broke a strap. K>$hristiMS Music oxd Worship w Opportunities at I First Presbyterian Church of Hastings i 40^ N. M-57 Hwy. • Church office DECEMBER 16,7:00 P.M. - “An Evening of Christmas Music”, feataring Robert Oster on the Chancel Organ, with Special guests: Sharon Jones, Joe Lajoye and Emily Hayward. The concert will include solo organ arrangements of favorite Carols and Christmas songs, presented by Bob Oster on the organ - one, a rousing' theater-style presentation. There will be a sing-along section for the enjoy-j !ment and participation of the audience, and selected instrumental accom­ paniments. 1 f Our community is blessed with outstanding local musical talent. WeJ hope you will include this concert in your holiday planning, to appreciate and enjoy the musical offerings of these talented artists. The concert is sure to up­ lift and inspire you as you continue your holiday preparations - and give you a period of “respite” if you are feeling the slightest bit stressed by seasonal' expectations! You will be refreshed - and continue your preparations uplifted ;by the refrains of your favorite songs energizing and buoying your spirits! All are welcome! There is no charge for the concert, but an opportunity .for a free-will offering will be presented. Bring friends, and go home singing!’ Drunken driver crashes into ditch Police received a call regarding a reckless driver in the 6000 block of Fighter Road in Carlton Township at 4:49 p.m. Nov. 21. While the officer was responding, the driv­ er, a 48-year-old Freeport man, crashed into a ditch. The driver said he swerved to avoid a deer, but admitted he’d had too much to drink. The driver registered a 0.323 percent blood alcohol content and was arrested. t DECEMBER 24,6:00 P.M.- Family-Oriented Christmas 1 Eve Service: FPC invites you to join in worship at its single Christmas Eve service this year, designed for all ages. As the secular song says, “Kids from one (or younger) to ninety-two (or older)” are welcome to this worship service including music and worship elements suit­ able for all ages. .Come! Bring friends, and “Worship Christ, the newborn King”! * Catalytic converter stolen A 7 7-year-old man called police Nov. 16 to report the catalytic converter had been cut out of his truck in the 3000 block of McKeown Road in Hastings Township the night of Nov. 15. The man said he discov­ ered the theft that morning after he noticed his truck sounded much louder than usual. The cost of a replacement is estimated to be between $700 and $900. Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Fuel siphoned away overnight A 3 5-year-old woman called police the morning of Nov. 17 to report gas had been siphoned out of her truck while it sat in her Woman assaults officers Taking care of what 's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant �Page 6 — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Gary Wayne Buckland Gary Wayne Buckland, age 84, of Dowling, passed away peacefully on December 1,2021 in Battle Creek. Gary was bom on November 17, 1937 to Charles “Wayne” and Mary “Marciel” (Smith) Buckland in Bellevue. He was a 1956 graduate of Delton Kellogg Schools. Gary was a dairy farmer for many years before going to work for John ter Avest Agency for 15 years. In 1979, Gary started the Buckland Insurance Agency in Delton, which he ran until his retirement in 2003. After retiring he enjoyed getting back to his roots by raising cattle. Gary was an avid supporter of 4H and was involved for many years. He and his loving wife, Mary, first met at the Barry County Fair when they were younger and continued attend­ ing the fair together for the last 70 years. He was a very active resident of Barry County and was a part of many charities and organizations, including Barry County United Way, Delton Kellogg Education Foundation, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Gary and Mary were honored as the 2013 Grand Marshal of the Founders Weekend in Delton. He enjoyed attending Wednesday night poker games at the fire bam, which he referred to as “prayer meetings”. Faith played a significant role in Gary’s life; he was a long time member of Our Lady of Great Oak Catholic Church in Lacey. Most important to Gary was his family. He loved spending time with them, especially his grand­ children, and enjoyed hosting bam parties for the family. He will be remembered as a kind man that was always willing to find the good in every situation, and find the humor in life. He will be lovingly missed by his dear wife of 64 years, Mary (Cantrell); children: Kathy (John) Pennington, Suzanne (Marlowe) Bums, Julie Stoneburner, Patrick (Cindy) Buckland; eight grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Jane (Mark) Herbert; and card buddies: Ron Hanna, Mike Cole. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Buckland; and one grandson, Matthew. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Dec. 6,2021 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Delton. The funeral mass will be livestreamed and linked to the website. Burial will take place at Battle Creek Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barry County 4H Advisory Council or the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation. Clarveth Village of Middleville Independent and Assisted Living Spacious one and two bedroom apartments available • Providing the comforts of home including housekeeping and laundry services Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.Cary ethVillage.coni 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 Worship Together Arlene Beatrice Wilcox Kenneth Thompson Charles Monica Arlene Beatrice Wilcox of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on November 27, 2021, at the age of 94. Arlene was bom on December 4, 1926, in Middleville, the daughter of Clare and Elsie Williams. She was a 1944 graduate of Hastings High School. On February 9, 1946, Arlene married Richard Wilcox, and they enjoyed 60 years together until his death on June 16, 2006. Arlene worked for Hastings Manufacturing, retiring on December 31, 1986. She also worked as a timekeeper for a factory in Grand Rapids that built gas tanks for the B-29 air­ planes. She enjoyed knitting and made many hats and mittens for children. Arlene was preceded in death by her hus­ band; her parents; sister, Mary Tolan; brother, Harry Williams; sister, Alice Wieringa; grandson, Kristofer Meek, and son-in-law, Glenn Zobel. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Zobel; grandson, Michael Herbig (Heather McCoy); granddaughter, Brandi (Tim) Kosters; great-grandchildren, Gavyn and Teagyn Kosters, Eloise Herbig; special niece, Kathy Rowley, special niece, Luana Tolan; sister-in-law, Betty Williams, and many niec­ es and nephews. Funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058, Pastor Bryce Feighner officiating. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. FREEPORT, MI - Kenneth Thompson, age 95, of Freeport, went home to be with his Lord on Dec. 2, 2021. He was born in Freeport March 31, 1926, to Floyd and Mabel (Blough) Thompson. Ken graduated from Freeport High School in 1943 and married Charleen Cappon on May 25, 1947. Ken worked on the family farm his entire working years as well as on the road sod crew for several summers in the late 1950s. On March 27, a celebration was held for the Thompson Farms’ Centennial mile­ stone and Ken’s 95th birthday. Ken was very proud of the farm’s centennial designation. Ken lived a life of service to his church and community. He served on committees in his local congregation, Hope Church of the Brethren, and cooked for the Michigan District conference for a number of years. He was a dedicated member of the Farm Bureau and served on the Ionia County Road Commission from 1978 -1990. Together, Ken and Charleen were involved with Habitat for Humanity on a local and national level. In addition to volunteering, Ken enjoyed antiqu­ ing, refinishing antique furniture, playing cards, camping and traveling. Ken and Charleen traveled with their motorhome for many years and made friends from all over the country. The couple spent the winter months in Florida or Texas for 25 years. The couple’s home in Freeport—and their home on wheels—were always open for gatherings for family and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years; his parents; grandson, Sean Wilcox; sister, Evelyn (Thompson) Walton; brothers-in-law, Don Walton and Ray Wieland; special family friend, Pam Burson; in-laws Clarence and Doris (Hayward) Cappon, in addition to other family members and friends. He is survived by sisters, Marge (Thompson) Wieland, Carolyn (Thompson) Walton; chil­ dren, Dianne Thompson (Ann Fiorini), Donna (Lee) Wilcox, Lynette (Wayne) Guyer, Brian (Carole Stowell) Thompson, Melanie (Bobby Bouchard) Basler; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and numerous cousins, niec­ es, nephews, and friends. As per Ken’s wishes, a private family memo­ rial will be held at a later date. In honor of Ken’s life, contributions can be made to Barry County Habitat for Humanity, 1215 North Broadway St. A; Hastings, MI 49058 or a char­ ity of your choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Charles Duane Monica left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Dec* 6, 2021. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He will be remembered for his legacy of faithfulness and leadership. Charles is survived by his six children, Mona (Ed) Ellard, Gail (Mike) Gibson, Gregg (Karen) Monica, Brad Monica, Marsha (Larry) Veenstra, and Daneen (Victor) Caro, along with 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grand­ children, and three great-great-grandchildren. Bom on July 17, 1925 to Lester and Gertrude Monica of Hastings, Charles gradu­ ated from Delton Kellogg High School and afterward enlisted in the Army. During World War II he was stationed in Alabama to sup­ port the Army officers; he served 18 months until the war ended. While in the service, he was married to Donna Jeanne Diehl on Feb. 16, 1946. They relocated to Delton to raise their family and went on to celebrate 75 loving and devoted years of marriage. Over the years, Charles and Donna supported one another through life’s ups and downs, enjoyed each other’s company, and served their community togeth­ er. Their faithful marriage serves as a beauti­ ful model to all their family and friends. After moving back to Michigan, Charles( went on to graduate from Western Michigan! University with a degree in accounting. He enjoyed a long career in human resources at Clark Equipment, Hydreco, and General Signal. He retired from General Signal asvice president of human resources. Charles was known as a people person, with a deep interest in others and their lives. He was a well-rounded leader in his profes­ sional life, within his family, and in his com­ munity. He served as president of the Delton Kellogg School Board, a volunteer leader for United Way of Barry County, and was deeply involved in raising federal grant money to; build the senior housing project in Delton. As a devoted member of Faith United Irma Jean Endsley ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass Products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 AWORLDWIDESUPPUEROF 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 James VanderVeen GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Irma Jean Endsley, age 80, of Grand Rapids, passed away peace­ fully on Dec. 4, 2021. Irma was bom on Aug. 11, 1941, in Barry County, the daughter of Claude Garfield and Mary Evelyn (Knowles) Norris. On April 15, 1961, Irma married Duane Endsley, and they enjoyed 58 years together until his passing. Irma is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Duane Endsley, and brother Robert Norris. She is survived by her loving daughters, Kim (Carl) Siebers, Karen (Dave) Jesse, Barbara (Tim) Weed, Susan Markosky, Jennifer Gerou; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Doris (Lee) Shellenbarger, and many nieces and nephews. Irma wanted to thank Fresenius Dialysis in Rockford for all their care during her years of dialysis, Ride Link for supplying her rides to and from dialysis, the Oaks of Byron Center for caring for her over the last few months, and all of her neighbors at Ambrose Ridge Apartments. She loved you all!! As a U of M fan, she wants everyone to say “Go Blue” for her! A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 at Fuller Cemetery, 4400 N. Charlton Park Road, Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girbachfuneralhome.com. HASTINGS, MI - James VanderVeen, age 69, of Hastings, passed away on Dece. 7, 2021 surrounded by his family. Visitation will be on Sunday, Dec. 12 from 7-9 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home with a funeral ser­ vice held at Thomapple Valley Church, 2750 M-43, Hastings, on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, at 11 a.m. with an hour visitation prior at 10 a.m. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girbachfuneralhome.com. Methodist Church for over 50 years, he served on the capital campaign committee to build a new facility. Charles and Donna were" passionate about Christian missions and trav4 eled to Costa Rica, Africa, Norway, India, and Finland to share the Gospel. Their faith and family were the most important things to them, and Charles’ life was a testament to both. His love, faithfulness, and leadership will live on in the lives of his family, friends; and community. A visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec^ 12 at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home from 3 to 5 p.m. A celebration of Charles’ life will take place on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Delton. The recorded service will be avail­ able for friends and family following the funeral. A private interment will take place in Prairieville Cemetery. For the health and safety of the community, the family is asking that all who attend the visitation and funeral please wear masks. In celebration of Charles’ life, memorial contributions can be made to Faith Promise for Missions at Faith United Methodist Church. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a con­ dolence message for Charles’ family. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — Page 7 J Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Lori Lynn Hirdes Robert Carp, Jr, Laurence Edwin Hull Member SIPC Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Retirees fear becoming a burden HASTINGS, MI - Lori Lynn Hirdes of Hastings passed away surrounded by her fam­ ily on Dec. 2, 2021 at age 56. She was bom in Grand Rapids on March 8, 1965, the daughter of William Floyd and Barbara Jean (Stokes) Fleury. She graduated from Caledonia High School in 1983. She loved going to the casino, sunbathing, camping, lake life and spending time with her grandchildren. Lori was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her significant other, Mike Wynsma; ex-husband, Dean Endres; daughter, Amanda (Nick Alexander) Endres; sons, Matt (Beth Fitzpatrick) Endres, Mike (Dani) Endres; many grandchildren; brother, Gary (Julie) Fleury; sister, Sandi Henwood; mother­ in-law, Nancy Blok, and niece, Ashley Walsh and nephews, Luke, Will and Bryan Fleury. There will be no service at this time. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hasting. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Walter Moore HASTINGS, MI - Robert Eugene Carp, Jr., age 73, of Hastings, passed away on Nov. 18, 2021. Robert was bom on April 28, 1948 in Fayetteville, NC, the son of Robert Eugene and Jessie Lee (O’Neill) Carp. Bob was a graduate of L’Anse Creuse High School and Western Michigan University. He was employed at Ford Motor dompany and worked various construction jobs. Bob proud­ ly served his country in the Marine Corp during the Vietnam War from 1967-1971 as a Combat Rifleman Sgt. E-5. . Bob was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Bob had too many hobbies to mention - but sailing was his passion. Please read his life story and view his photo slideshow at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net/ Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit https:// www.girrbachfuneralhome.net/obituary/robert-carp-jr. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jessie, and his brother, Raymond Carp. He is survived by his partner of 22, years, Judy Walldorff; his two sons, Robert and Sean Carp; his loving sisters and brothers, William, Connie, Debbie and Judy; 11 nieces and nephews; one grandchild and many cous­ ins. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob can be made to the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” Campaign, or any blood bank of your choice. A special thanks to Metro Health Hospital and Oncology and the Department of Veterans Affairs for years of support and care. Respecting Robert’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be a private mili­ tary ceremony at Fort Custer National Cemetery. His ashes will be scattered on Lake Michigan. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condo­ lence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.com. Laurence Edwin Hull, of Hastings Township, passed away on December 1, 2021, at the age of 92. Laurence was bom on July 30, 1929, the son of Elmer and Lucy (Fry) Hull. He attend­ ed school in Lowell and Hastings. On March 18, 1949, Laurence married Geraldine Britten. Laurence worked at EW Bliss in Hastings from 1948-1971. He also worked at Grand Rapids Foundry, Johnson Iron, Hastings Area Schools, and K & E Tackle. Laurence loved gardening, mowing, and loved his family. His grandchildren were very dear to his heart. He loved being a Journeyman Molder. He had a huge passion to be outside! Laurence was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lucy (Fry) Hull; his wife, Geraldine Hull; granddaughters, Tara Curry, Mandy Laubaugh, and Olivia Hull, and sib­ lings, Elmer Hull, Jr., Clarence Hull, Wayne Hull, Doris Gates, and Wanda Hull. He is survived by daughter, Linda Laubaugh of Oolagah, OK, daughter, Sandra (Doug) Higgins of Middleville, son, James (Deborah) Hull of Stillwater, OK, daughter, Barb (Derek) Lydy of Hastings, son, Michael (Char) Hull of Hastings, and daughter Melissa (Steve) Morgan of Saranac; grandchildren, Angel Couch, Rachel (Michael) Chacon, Jodi (Todd) Gorrell, Meritt (Ron) Apsey, Greta (Chris) Sellitti, Ben (Michelle) Hull, Joe (Sarah) Hull, Alison (Kyle) VanMalak, Eric (Casey) Meek, Elizabeth (Jim) Main, Anthony (Haley) Hull, Emily Hull, Chelsea Chase, and Sydney Chase; special sons-in-law, Jerry Laubaugh and Mark Meek, 21 great-grand­ children and twogreat-great-grandchildren. Visitation was held Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at with funeral service to follow, Rev. Leonard Davis officiating, at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Jerrine (Joustra) Keech YUMA, AZ - Walter Moore died on Nov. 30,2021, in the comfort of his home in Yuma, AZ, at the age of 94, with family by his side. Walter was bom on Feb. 21, 1927, in Detroit to Henrietta and Walter Moore. Walter moved to Battle Creek with his grandparents at a very young age. He then graduated high school at Battle Creek Central in 1944, taking up farming and working at Kellogg’s until retirement. In 1949, he married the love of his life, Bonnie (Swafford) Moore, and then they lov­ ingly raised four boys together, Walter, Tom, Fred, and Mike. No one who met Walter forgot his infec­ tious smile, gentle, kind spirit and passions for travel, hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with family. Walter was preceded in death by his moth­ er, Henrietta; father, Walter; sister, Irene; son, Tom, and his loving grandparents, Grandpa and Granny. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; three sons, Wally (Lori) Moore, Fred (Chris) Moore, and Mike Moore. Together Walter and Bonnie built a family they were proud of and were always there for their family, including cherishing his eleven grand-blessings, Shelly Moore, Gary (Cindy) Moore, Melinda (Elias) Olivarez, Tom Moore, Matt (Kim) Moore, Steve (Nicole) Moore, Sierra Moore, Jessica (Ronnie) Ashby, Jo (Woody) Harris, Chuck (Bubba) Pelfrey, Angela (Jim) Coenen, as well as 22 great-grand-blessings and two great-great-grandchildren. In celebration of all the great wisdom Walter shared with his family, we share a few quotes that our fami­ ly gives back to yours - “Remember the good times in Life” and “Don’t work too hard where you miss the important things”. Funeral services will not be held, howev­ er in lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation in his name can be made to Hospice of Yuma Arizona at this link or call 928-343-2222 or can be made online at www.hospiceofyuma. com Jerrine (Joustra) Keech passed away December 3, 2021 at Thomapple Manor, Hastings. Jerrine was bom in Union City, SD, to parents John and Viola Joustra. She was raised in South Dakota, moving to Grand Rapids in 1944 and to Middleville in 1949. She graduated from Middleville High School in 1953. She was married to William “Bill” Keech in February 1956. She was employed at Hastings City Bank and Thomapple Valley Credit Union. She was a member of Middleville Baptist Church, but attended Hastings Baptist Church and then Nashville Baptist Church. She is survived by her children, Terry (Angie) Keech, Vicki (Tom) Butler, Debbie (Mark) Pettengill-Ulrich, Brian (Amy) Keech; grandchildren, Brent Keech, Kristen (Matt) Mulder, Jeremy (Lacey Lynn Kubek) Butler, Megan (Josh) House, Erin Pettengill, Eric Pettengill, Caleb Keech and Emma Keech; step grandchildren, Crystal (John) Krzyzanski, Cory (Angie) Pettengill, Derick Evans, Autum Shriver, Lacey Shriver; many great grandchildren; brother, Jack (Kenna) Joustra of Sheridan; sisters, Arlene Waddell of Iowa and Jeanita (Jim) Randall of Battle Creek; brother-in-law, Donald (Nadine) Keech and sister-in-law, Joan Keech, Hastings; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Viola Joustra; stepmother, Gretrude It’s human nature to want to make things easier for our loved ones - and to have great concern about adding any stress to their lives. In fact, 72% of retirees say that one of their biggest fears is becoming a burden on their families, according to the Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study. How can you address this fear? First, don’t panic. In all the years leading up to your retirement, there’s a lot you can do to help maintain your financial independence and avoid burdening your grown children or other family members. Consider these suggestions: • Increase contributions to your retirement plans and health savings account. The greater your financial resources, the greater your financial independence - and the less likely you would ever burden your family. So, contribute as much as you can afford to your IRA, your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contributions, if offered, and increase your contributions whenever your salary goes up. You may also want to contribute to a health savings account (HSA), if it’s available. • Invest for growth potential. If you start investing early enough, you’ll have a long time horizon, which means you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of investments that offer growth potential. So, in all your investment vehicles - IRA, 401(k), HSA and whatever other accounts you may have - try to devote a reasonable percentage of your portfolio to growth-oriented investments, such as stocks and stock-based funds. Of course, there are no guarantees and you will undoubtedly see market fluctuations and downturns, but you can help reduce the impact of volatility by holding a diversified portfolio for the long term and periodically rebalancing it to help ensure it is aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon. Keep in mind, though, that diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. • Protect yourselffrom long­ term care costs. Even if you invest diligently for decades, your accumulated wealth could be jeopardized, and you could even become somewhat dependent on your family, if you ever need some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home or the services of a home health care aide. The likelihood of your needing such assistance is not insignificant, and the care can be quite Elaine Garlock This is the biggest week of the year for Lakewood Community Council, with the Christmas Basket project underway. Sorting and packing took place early in the week, with purchased grocery items being placed in uniform-size boxes with dietary restrictions being honored. Meantime, the lower level of Central United Methodist Church has toys and gift items in every nook and cranny for packing into bags and boxes for each family on the lists. At the end of the week, the boxes will be topped with colorful wrap and ribbons, and finally the name affixed, after each labeled only with a number earlier in the week. Saturday will be delivery day. Drivers and helpers are needed. The latest improvement on the AnwayAckerson house on Johnson Street is new siding. This year, Central United Methodist Church has its colorful tree with many lights in a new location for the first time in more than 60 years. This year it is front and center in the choir area. This is possible because chancel choir has not resumed singing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another change is that the annual display of poinsettias will not occur. For many weeks, heavy equipment has been on display alongside Cemetery Road on the west side. Now it is being put to use. The road headed toward Woodland is now a onelane road with many barrels strung along the expensive. In fact, the median cost for home health services is nearly $55,000 per year, while a private room in a nursing home can exceed $100,000, according to Genworth, an insurance company. To help protect yourself against these steep and rising costs, you may want to contact a financial professional, who can suggest an appropriate strategy, possibly involving various insurance options. • Create your estate plans. If you were ever to become incapacitated, you could end up imposing various burdens on your family. To guard against this possibility, you’ll want to ensure your estate plans contain key documents, such as a financial power of attorney and a health care directive. It’s safe to say that no one ever wants to become a financial burden to their family. But putting appropriate strategies in place can go a long way toward helping avoid this outcome. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC county road with a red/green light at each end to accommodate one-lane traffic around all the curves that connect to Woodland Road. The project, in the plans for months, involves trenching along the west/north side of Woodland Road. Pipes are strung along the route for installation. In anticipation of this project, the outermost trees at Lakeside Cemetery were cut down months ago. The Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church will host a musical event at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. The Joybells and the Coldwater Brass Ensemble will present their annual Christmas musical event. The bell choir will alternate with the brass instruments for a delightful presentation that will be fol­ lowed by time for fellowship in the hall for all those in attendance. Oxford has been in the news for the past week. Some former residents have a connec­ tion with the school. Years ago, the late Merton Garlock, a Lake Odessa/Lakewood teacher, spent six weeks there as a substitute for a teacher who was to have major surgery with lengthy recovery time. This was likely 1943 or 1944. In 1955, Louise Hoffs, daughter of Dr. M.A. and Alice Hoffs, was at Oxford as a vocal music instructor. The next year, she was joined by fiance/husband Lyle Bartlett who was a coach and band instructor. The Bartletts later moved to similar roles at Vicksburg. During those years, the superintendent was Rell Ambrose who had spent 18 years at Carson City in the superintendent role. CITY OF HASTINGS REQUEST FOR BIDS Joustra; son-in-law, Tim Pettengill; brothers, Clifford and Delbert Joustra; sister, Cleo Winquist; brother-in-law, Russell Keech. Donations can be made to the Thomapple Manor, Life Enrichment Program. Funeral services are pending at Girrbach Funeral Home. Please watch Girrbach’s web­ site for information. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads 2022 TREE TRIMMING, REMOVAL, and STUMP GRINDING The City of Hastings, Michigan is soliciting bids for its annual tree trimming and removal. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at 201 E State Street. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22,2021 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. All bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid - 2022 Tree Trimming, Removal, and Stump Grinding. Travis J. Tate, P.E. Director of Public Services �Page 8 — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — The Hastings Banner LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of the Magdalen Joppie Family Trust, dated September 28,1993. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Magdalen Joppie, who lived at 401 Oak Court, Hastings, Ml 49058 died October 20, 2021 leaving a certain trust under the name of Magdalen Joppie, Family Trust, dated Septenfiber 28, 1993 wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Cynthia Lynn Smith was named as the trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Cynthia Lynn Smith the named trustee at 747 133rd Avenue, Wayland, Ml 49348 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12-01-2021 David H. Tripp 202 S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269/948-2900 Cynthia Lynn Smith 747 133rd Avenue Wayland, Ml 49348 172482 PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate 2021-28981-DC HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY Court address: 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1390 Estate of Robert Nahum Long. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert Nahum Long, died August 27, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Michael Long, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12/06/2021 Eldon J. Vincent (P65432) P.O. Box 469 Marshall, Ml 49068 269-789-0733 Michael Long c/o Eldon J. Vincent Attorney P.O. Box 469 Marshall, Ml 49068 269-789-0733 172682 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING November 10,2021 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Bellmore, Hall, Watson, James, Hawthorne Absent: Greenfield (excused) Approved the Agenda Approved the Consent Agenda with two corrections Monthly Jreasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Adopted Ordinance 2021-178 Roll Call Vote - All Aye, one absent ‘ „ „,. Approved Resolution 2021-274 Roll Call Vote All Aye, one absent Step One Approved for Algera Subdivision Project Roll Call Vote - All Aye, one absent Adjournment 8:55 pm Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 172750 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF BARRY FILE NO. 809-CH ORDER TO ANSWER HON. VICKY L. ALSPAUGH CARL W. ADERHOLD, Plaintiff v. THEODORE J. KILMER, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EUNICE ALBERTA SHAW AND FRANK SHAW including DONALD J. SHAW, DAVID R. SHAW, JEFFREY S. SHAW, WENDY KENT, LEE WILKING, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ROSALIE ANNE KILMER, and THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PHEBE NAN KILMER a/k/a NAN KILMER, Defendants. David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2900 Attorney for Plaintiff TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EUNICE ALBERTA SHAW & FRANK SHAW, DONALD J. SHAW, DAVID R. SHAW, JEFFREY S. SHAW, WENDY KENT, LEE WILKING, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ROSALIE ANNE KILMER, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PHEBE NAN KILMER, a/ka/ NAN KILMER Based on the pleadings filed in the above entitled case, it is ordered that Defendants, Unknown heirs of Eunice Alberta Shaw & Frank Shaw, Donald J. Shaw, David R. Shaw, Jeffrey S. Shaw, Wendy Kent, Lee Wilking, Unknown heirs of Rosalie Anne Kilmer, Unknown heirs of Phebe Nan Kilmer a/k/a Nan Kilmer file a Notice of Interest in the real property located in the Township of Hope, County of Barry, State of Michigan described as follows: The east 90 feet of Lot 1, Roy K. Cordes Subdivision, according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded Liber 4 of Plats, Page 14 of the Barry County Register of Deeds Office. Commonly Known As: 4977 Loon Road, Delton, Michigan 49046 Parcel ID No. 08-07-360-003-00 At least 3 days prior to the hearing date noted below to assert any interest in the above described property. If the Defendants, Unknown heirs of Eunice Alberta Shaw & Frank Shaw, Donald J. Shaw, David R. Shaw, Jeffrey S. Shaw, Wendy Kent, Lee Wilking, Unknown heirs of Rosalie Anne Kilmer, Unknown heirs of Phebe Nan Kilmer a/k/a Nan Kilmer, fail to do so that shall constitute a default in the above entitled matter, and on the 7th day February 2022 at 3:00 O’clock in the afternoon, this Court shall take proofs and shall terminate whatever interest Unknown heirs of Eunice Alberta Shaw & Frank Shaw, Donald J. Shaw, David R. Shaw, Jeffrey S. Shaw, Wendy Kent, Lee Wilking, Unknown heirs of Rosalie Anne Kilmer, Unknown heirs of Phebe Nan Kilmer a/k/a Nan Kilmer, may have in and to the above described property unless a Notice of Interest in the Real Property is filed or unless Defendants or their representatives appear on that date and time. Vicky L. Alspaugh, 172476 Circuit Judge (P42572) STATE OF MICHIGAN 56B JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY PROBATE ORDER REGARDING ALTERNATE SERVICE CASE NO. 21-1258 SC Court address: 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1404 Charles R. Dean 119 Bush St. Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-5784 v. Andria Rae Chase THE COURT FINDS: Service of process upon the defendant, Andria Rae Chase cannot reasonably be made as provided in MCR2.105 and service of process may be made in a manner that is reasonably calculated to give the defendant actual notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard. IT IS ORDERED: Service of the summons and complaint and a copy of this order shall be made by the following method: First-class mail to P.O. Box 642, Delton, Ml 49046. Publication in the Hastings Banner (one week). The Plaintiff and the Defendant must be in court on January 10, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Date: 8-30-21 Judge William M. Doherty (P41960) 172757 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF IONIA NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-471-DE Estate of Janis Ann Ferris. Date of birth: 11/06/1947. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Janis Ann Ferris, died 05/27/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Highpoint Community Bank, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: December 6, 2021 Stephanie S. Fekkes (P43549) 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Highpoint Community Bank 150 W. Court Street Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-2401 THE HOTTEST STARS Business Services PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: BUYING ALL HARDWOODS: Wal­ nut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Dick Fox’s GOLDEN BOYS Starring FRANKIE AVALON FABIAN BOBBY RYDELL FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 Tickets available now at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. GET YOUR VlSfiFoN- iWl fl If BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue I Battle Creek, Ml 49014 MATT ENDSLEY, FABRICATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Help Wanted GENERAL LABORER- JOB includes lifting and stacking lumber, must be able to lift 501bs. Full-time employment starting at $17.00/hr. Benefits- 401 (k), 401 (k) matching, Dental insurance, Health insurance, Life insurance, Paid time off, Retirement plan, Vision insurance. Apply in person to: Quality Hardwoods, Inc., 396 Main St. Sun­ field, MI. Quality Hardwoods supports a drug-free workplace. All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. Estate Sale Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news Thursday, December 9 thru Sunday, December 12 The Hastings BANNER 124 Church St., Nashville, Ml To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 ***** Janie Gail Rice, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 8, 2021 to Stacey Rice and Cory Rice of Lake Odessa. ***** Atticus Finn Gilbert, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 6, 2021 to Desiree Gilbert and Joshua Gilbert of Hastings. ***** Cayson Reign McCarren, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 13, 2021 to Lanie Marie Johns and Cody Robert McCarren of Wayland. ***** Rylee Kay Schipper, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 15, 2021 to Kourtney Schipper and Wade Schipper of Vermontville. ***** Amari Lynn Flores, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 15, 2021 to Chelsea Falconer and Robert Flores of Hastings. ***** Roman Scott, bom Spectrum Health Pennock on November 19, 2021 to Jordan Mack and Ethan Parsons of Hastings. ***** Leona Thompson will celebrate 100th birthday Leona Thompson turns 100 years old the end of December and her health and mind are very much well! She would love to receive your birthday greeting if you would mail it in care of Thornapple Manor, 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, MI 49058-8824. Holly, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 19, 2021 to Lindsay Gentry and Jake Ploof of Hastings. ***** Samuel Brandt, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 20, 2021 to Alyssa Saylor and Timothy Brandt of Grand Rapids. Brylie Vansiclen, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock to Hailey Vansiclen of Ionia. Charvie' Teona Daniels, Hastings and Ryan Daniel Rademaker, Hastings. Thomas James Boers, Delton and Virginia Lee Hamilton, Rapid City. Middleville selects Ronning as new village president James Gemmell Contributing Writer After stirring controversy earlier in the year, Middleville’s previous village president, Amanda Fisk, resigned in September. A com­ mittee of the whole vote for the new president Tuesday afternoon was contentious, as well. The village council’s committee of the whole voted 5-1 to elevate President Pro Tempore Sherry Ronning to village president. She had been pro tem for about four years. Ronning will serve as the village’s new presi­ dent at least until after the public votes in the November 2022 general election. Fisk stepped down Sept. 24 after withstand­ ing nearly eight months of public criticism from people upset about a social media post she made in February after the death of con­ servative talk show host Rush Limbaugh. Trustee Mike Cramer was the only dissent­ ing vote Tuesday. He and Ronning had a con­ tentious exchange after Trustee Ed Schellinger nominated Ronning for president, and the war of words continued throughout the 90-minute meeting - even after the vote had been taken and the committee had moved on to other agenda items. “I think Sherry is the least-qualified person to be in that seat on the board, and I think it would be a mistake after what happened with Amanda to appoint her to that position,” Cramer told the committee. “This is an elected position. Sherry was appointed to this board. I believe the village should have a voice when it comes to putting a person in that seat. That’s why I suggested we reach out to a former pres­ ident, someone who had won the election. To sit in that seat, we only fill one chair.” Ronning replied: “Thank you, Mr. Cramer. I appreciate your opinion, and I am an elected official, so ...” “You have not won an election,” Cramer inteijected, as the two began talking over each other. “Yes, I have,” Ronning replied. “You have run unopposed,” Cramer shot back, “you were an empty seat.” “OK, well thank you very much,” Ronning replied, and then asked Village Clerk Glorimar Ayala to take a roll call vote. But before Ayala could act, Cramer said, “We’re not done discussing this ... have we reached out to anybody else, or is this just what Sherry wants?” Schellinger then pointed out that he was the one who made the nomination, not Ronning. To which Cramer replied, “No, she didn’t. But she did communicate with staff. And she com­ municated with council outside of our open meetings.” “I did not,” Ronning said. “Just like she did when Charlie passed,” Cramer continued, referring to the November 2020 COVID-19 related death of then-Village President Charlie Pullen. “She did that when she was trying to get Amanda appointed,” Cramer added, referring to the January 2021 appointment of Fisk as president. Ronning denied the accusations. Cramer then brought up the possibility of appointing a former village president instead of Ronning. Schellinger responded by saying he was “somewhat hesitant” about the prospect of any past village president being considered for the post. “That’s why I’m calling for a vote [now]/’ Schellinger said. Trustee Kevin Smith said the committee had layers of complexity it needed to wort through. . “I also think we have familiar faces on the council that have been engaged with the com­ munity,” Smith said. “We, obviously, eacli have our own opinions, but I think that the people that are here currently are certainly the most qualified. I’m not as confident with external sources, as I am with the folks who are here ... today.” 5 , Smith said the November 2022 election is the mechanism by which village council mem­ bers should be voted out of office, if that is what voters want to do. He suggested the vil­ lage council vote on a new president at its Dec. 14 meeting, rather than the committee of the whole. . “Between now and our next council meet­ ing, we should contemplate who we would like on the council to be our president. And at that time, make that motion,” Smith said. “We haven’t the time for contemplation now?” Schellinger asked. After a little mor^ discussion, he said, “There is a motion on the floor, and I’m calling for a vote.” But some committee members asked other members if they might have interest in being village president. No one expressed an inter} est, and Ronning then called for the roll-cal] vote. Trustees Schellinger, Smith, Mike Lytle and Tom DeVries all voted in favor, as did Ronning. Cramer was the only dissenting vote. , Ronning then pointed out that, as president pro tempore, she had already been doing the duties of the village president since September “It’s not like learning a new business. It’s just learning relationship-building,” she saicC “It’s understanding how things are structuredr And it’s important that a person that is in this role understand those types of things.” Ronning said the village has a good staff and told the committee, “Thank you for the honor. I will do a great job. If I get stuck on things, I know who to reach out to.” . The committee then moved on to some other agenda items, but Ronning and Cramey began disagreeing again about whose turn it was to talk. , Ronning, 65, began her role in village gov; emment on the planning commission in 2014f She is now in her third term on the village council. Outside of government, she is t vocational expert with Great Lakes Vocations Consulting and works with administrative law judges across the country in disability hearings. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Something for everyone Tools (vintage & modern), home furnishings & decor, crafting items, Lots of glass & colored glass items, blue mason jars, vintage Corningware, Pyrex and Jadeite, books (vintage/antique & modern), unique collectables, several vintage Singer sewing machines, trunks & lots more. Directions: From M66 in Nashville, East on Church St 1 block to the sale All sales final. Cash and credit card accepted. Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Dec. 9 - Movie Memories & Milestones watches a 1943 Frank Sinatra film about a miracle created by ringing bells for an actress’ death, 5-8 p.m. ; Monday, Dec. 13 - Crafting Passions Craft Work Group, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14 - mahjong, 2:30 p.m.; chess, 5:30 p.m. ■ ■ -■ f Wednesday, Dec. 15 - Itsy Bitsy Book Club on Zoom (pick up monthly story tim^ bag with link and crafts), 10:30 a.m.; Wrap Yap, 5:30 p.m. (bring gifts to wrap and enjoy refreshments and fellowship). | More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263, or checking its Facebook page. । �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — Page 9 1 c* I *- r ? r f ,X I and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Emil Tyden’s first venture in Hastings, the car seal factory, was at the northwest corner of East Center and Hanover streets. It was destroyed by fire in 1899, and he rebuilt a few blocks north. Chance meeting in Colorado, Messer’s persistence, brought Tyden here The following article by Marshall L. Cook, who shared ownership and editorial responsi­ bilities of the Banner with his brother, is one of a series of columns M.L. wrote in the early 1940s. Several of those columns were on local industries, so they deservedly centered on Emil Tyden. The headline and the story in the Jan. 30, 1941, Banner mentioned that Tyden’s railroad car seal company was founded in Hastings in 1899. That particular year may have stuck in Cook’s memory 40 years later, but other sources say 1899 is the year Tyden’s factory was destroyed by fire. So, perhaps this encounter between Tyden and Richard Messer, who was nearly 20 years his senior, was in 1895-1898. Regardless, provides a bit of history on the founding of Hastings’ factories and a fun glimpse at the tenacious nature of Richard Messer, another man who were significant in the city’s early days. M.L. Cook While the International Seal and Lock Company has been in the city since [the late 1890s], it was really bom in Colorado. Every citizen should be glad that, while it was conceived in another state, it grew up in Hastings; for it is the daddy ofthe Consolidated Press Tool Company, now the E.W. Bliss Company; also of the Viking Corporation and of the Hastings Manufacturing Company. Its children all appear to be a healthy, thriving bunch. _ , __ The Tyden Car Seal was invented by Emil Tyden, as everyone in Hastings understands, ~T>ut<the factory that makes the device was located in Hastings because of Richard Messer’s insight and persistence. The inven­ tor had no idea that he would establish a factory in the city. He had never heard of Hastings, Michigan, until he met Richard Messer in Colorado. 1 It happened this way: Mr. Messer was then a salesman of the Hastings Wool Boot Company. He did no traveling in the summer­ time time, for jobbers were not in a mood at that season to discuss felt boots. So, in late summer 1899, he went to Colorado on a vacation trip. He stopped in Denver and dropped in to see his friend, Barney McCaffrey, who once had lived in Hope Township, but who was then a broker special­ izing in selling mining properties. It hap­ pened that Emil Tyden also knew Barney and that he, too, was then in Colorado for an outing in the mountains. He knew McCaffrey made journeys during the warmer months in ihe Rockies and expected to accompany him bn one of his trips. It was in McCaffrey’s Denver office that Emil Tyden and Richard Messer first met that was the beginning of a warm, personal friend­ ship that grew with the passing years. On their trip together in the mountains with McCaffrey, these two men came to know and to like each other. Mr. Messer explained to his new friend how he had started his business career by selling agricultural implements, that he then was engaged in banking and manufacturing, but that his main job was selling the output of the Hastings Wool Boot Company. Mr. Tyden told how he left his native Sweden when but 17 years of age, first working in fac­ tories in Chicago and then entering business there but that he had been for some time locat­ ing people on farmlands along the Union Pacific Railroad - lands that had been given to the line by generous Uncle Sam for building that road through the then Western Territories. Mr. Tyden explained, however, that he was contemplating a change. He showed Mr. Messer a few handmade, self-locking car seals, on which he had secured complete pat­ ent coverage. He explained that the carbon seals then in use on railroads were lead-andwire contraptions, requiring the train man to operate a hand press in order to press a small lead disk onto the wire after the so-called seal was put in its proper place on the car door. This press was supposed to impress a legible marking on the lead so that, when examined, it would be a readable record when the car reached some junction point, or was turned over to some other railroad. mind a fixed purpose to have that seal manu­ factured in Hastings and to be himself finan­ cially interested in its manufacture. When he had an idea like that, he was about as per­ sistent and tenacious a person as you will ever meet. He was as certain of the success of that seal as he was of tomorrow’s sun. He never allowed himself to forget that he wanted the factory that made the car seal, as well as the man who invented it, to locate in Hastings. He was dead certain that the man who was clever enough to devise such an article would be very helpful to Hastings. And hasn’t he been all that - and more? Tyden Seal is painted on the side of the building on the left, while Hastings Table Co, i.s lettered,on the building on the right, Both were intentionally constructed along­ side the CK&S railroad tFacks on the north side of the Thornapple River. To be of any value, Mr. Tyden explained, car seals should show at what place it was put on the car door, also whether it had been tam­ pered with since it was put on. For thieves do break into cars and steal. To do that, they must first remove the car seal. In actual prac­ tice, it was found that a legible record was rarely made with the seal press on the lead. It also was found to be very easy to work the wires and pull them through the soft lead. After the robber had looted the car, he could quickly put the wire back through the lead and press the lead onto the wire so the seal would not show that it had been manipulated. Reading a record on a dinky bit of lead by lantern light was out of the question. A cotton string would have been about as effective as such a lead-and-wire car seal. Mr. Tyden demonstrated his seal to Mr. Messer, showing that the one he had invented had a good-sized, plainly printed and very legible record on that tin strip; that its locking device was positive and entirely out of sight - completely covered by a shell of tin that could not be removed without detection; that when the coiled spring within that shell was sprung, the tin strip could not be pulled out without damaging the seal so it could be eas­ ily discovered that it had been tampered with. Also, he explained, his self-locking seal could be operated by a train man, put on a car door properly, in but a fraction of the time it took to seal a car door with the ordinary seal. While Richard Messer was not a mechanic as was Mr. Tyden, he could easily discern the merits of the Tyden car seal. He quickly per­ ceived that when such a tin seal, with its coiled wire spring covered with a metal shell, could be made on automatic machines at a reasonable price, it would supplant the leadand-wire seal, because of its time-saving and because it could not be manipulated without detection. There was then formed in Richard Messer’s This photo from 2013 shows both the former car seal factory building (left) and the Hastings Table Co./Royal Coach building. The car seal factory was razed in 2016, and the table factory/Royal Coach building was destroyed by fire in 2020. It must be confessed that the suggestion to locate a factory in Hastings to make his car seals did not at that time appeal strongly to Emil Tyden. He had previously discussed with a big corporation in Chicago having that con­ cern perfect the needed special machinery, make the seals and sell them on a royalty basis, and the manager of that big corporation seemed very favorable to the proposal. He fully expect­ ed to conclude definite arrangements with that company on his return to Chicago and intimat­ ed that much to his Hastings friend. Richard Messer had not spent all the time he had planned in Colorado when his Chicago friend said he was leaving in the next day for that city. Richard was not given to changing his mind unless there were waiting reasons for doing so. The reason in this case were his obsession with that car seal; his confidence in its inventor, his conviction, which never left him, that that car seal and the man who made it would win. So, Richard decided he would take the same train for Chicago and said he would be glad to accompany Mr. Tyden if that would be agreeable. It was, and the two boarded the train at Denver. Did Richard forget to mention the self-lock­ ing car seal to his friend on that trip? He certainly did not. He argued for making the seal in a factory devoted to making that one article. He expressed his own conviction that that would be far better for the inventor than turning it over to a big corporation, getting but a small percentage of the profit, while the real money would be made by the big compa­ ny. He explained that the City Bank owned an empty factory building in Hastings that could be bought for very little cash and said he would agree to raise whatever money would be needed for the capital stock. Mr. Tyden, however, would not make any proposition, for he still had the belief that his plan of having the seals made by the Chicago corporation was more feasible. Did Mr. Messer give up? If you knew him, you know he did not. He persuaded Mr. Tyden to come with him to Hastings, see the town, see the vacant factory building, which was built for the Whip Company, and then decide if it wouldn’t be better to make Tyden Car Seals in Hastings rather than in Chicago. Mr. Tyden had come to like Richard Messer very much. He also liked his brother Chester Messer when he met him here and found that the other people to whom he was introduced where folks he was glad to meet. But he understood far better than did his friend Richard and these men whom he met here, that it was no easy job to build the auto­ matic machines to make the Tyden Car Seals. So, when Richard asked him on what terms he would come here and locate a factory, Mr. Tyden gave terms he knew were intended to be pretty stiff. He reasoned this way: “If Richard Messer has confidence enough in the seal and in me personally to accept those terms, I will know he means business and will stay by while we go through the hard, trying period of getting the machine remade and the plant started on a proper basis to make a profitable business.” So, Mr. Tyden left Hastings on the 8 o’clock train that night for Grand Rapids with the understanding he was to be informed of Richard Messer’s decision the next day. When he reached home the following morn­ ing, he found a wire from Richard Messer accepting the terms, and a little later a letter came with the check for the agreed sum to bind the bargain. Under these conditions, what could Mr. Tyden do but locate in this city? And that was a big day for Hastings - as we have already mentioned. The necessary incorporation papers were soon signed. The $60,000 capital stock was quickly subscribed, and the International Seal and Lock Company was formally launched. Half the stock was taken by Mr. Tyden, $25,000 by Richard Messer, and $5,000 by J.T. Lombard. Mr. Tyden was made president and manager, R.B. Messer vice president, an Mr. Lombard secretary. Mr. Tyden knew when he first saw it, and said so, that the long narrow frame building, made vacant when the Whip Company failed, would never qualify as a plant to make car seals. Nor would it answer as a place to make the automatic machines. But he could and did make it answer for a starter, so the business was begun there, and expert machinists, whom he brought from Chicago, started work on parts of the automatic machines for making car seals. It was a difficult proposition to attempt any kind of machine work in that flimsy old building, but the manager was busy enough planning for future work. Realizing he could not hope to perfect the more intricate machines in such a place, Mr. Tyden made plans for a brick building with concrete floors. He looked around for a suitable site and decided on some vacant lots across the CK&S tracks west of the Table Company factory. He found the owner, James L. Wilkins. They agreed on a very reasonable price, which Mr. Tyden promptly paid for the land and had the deed for it. He said nothing about this, but knew he had it ready when the time would come, since he knew it soon would, to abandon the old frame building. But nature stepped in at this point and did a stunt that hastened the removal. One night in the spring of 1901 (?)♦, a violent thunder­ storm arose, and lightning struck that old frame factory, seemingly hitting every part of it. It was soon a seething mass of flames. It was burning fiercely when first discovered, and no attempt was made to save it, for that was hopeless. The next morning when Richard Messer saw Mr. Tyden, he asked: “How soon can you start to rebuild?” Mr. Tyden answered: “Men will be laying the wall tomorrow morning on the vacant lots west of the Table Factory.” “Who owns that land?” inquired Mr. Messer. “I do,” answered Mr. Tyden. “I knew we would have to have a new brick building. I liked that location, so I bought the lots at a very reasonable price.” Thinking and planning for the future are characteristic of Emil Tyden. * This parenthetic question mark was included in Marshall Cook’s article. Some resources also have listed 1902 as the year fire destroyed the first seal factory. But it actually was even earlier. The May 5, 1899, Owosso Times had a brief mention under its “State Notes” on page 3: “The Tyden car seat [sic] factory at Hastings, Mich., was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Loss, $40,000, partly covered by insurance?’ That earlier date is supported by Sanborn Map Company fire insurance maps digitized by the Library of Congress. The October 1900 map shows the International Seal and Lock Company on the south side of East Mill Street, directly west of the table factory and the railroad tracks. Property on the north side of Mill, where the seal factory had been and where Hastings Manufacturing is today, is vacant on that 1900 map. Sources: Hastings Banner, Hastings Public Library, familysearch.org, Library of Congress, chroniclingAmerica, loc.gov Greatfor Gift Giving ON SALE NOW! CHASING THE EVIDENCE OF A REMARKABLE MAN Emil Tyden made a mark in this world at the turn of the 20th Century, but it was the imprint of a selfless man whose incredible talents and care for his fellow man Should be admired by every succeeding generation.” The book, Tyden: An Ordinary Man Who Made , was published by Fred Jacobs and J-Ad Graphics and is the most extensive biography to date of a man who arrived from Sweden at the age of 17 and whose inventive brilliance began with contributions to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 and ended just before his death in 1951 with the invention of the dry sprinkler fire suppression system manufactured by The Viking Corporation. In between, Tyden offered world-changing developments to the booming automotive industry in Detroit, to America’s military efforts in World War I, and to the transportation industry where the invention for which he became best known, the box car seal, established Hastings as a manufacturing capital. Over 4 million of Tyden’s boxcar seals were manufactured from his plant in Hastings. “It’s a compelling read,” states author Doug Vanderbaan, “and one I feel fortunate to be part of in its telling. An Ordinary Man Who Made Others Extraordinary... Available in Hastings for $24.99 at • Al Fresco • The General Store • Printing Plus • J-Ad Graphics ofiice at 1351N. M-43 Highway, just north of the Hastings city limits. �brsday, December 9, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Jingle & Mingle takes over downtown Hastings Santa waves to the crowd during Hastings’ Christmas parade. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Afloat from Pure International paegents rolls through downtown Hastings during the Christmas parade. Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Jingle & Mingle returned to downtown Hastings this past weekend after taking a year off due to the pandemic. The weekend was busy, said Jingle & Mingle committee chairperson Tracy Baker, and it was a success. Over the course of the three-day event, a line of kids wrapped around the block to meet with Santa Claus, residents and visitors packed rows deep to watch the Christmas parade, and horses circled around downtown carrying people in carriages. Despite the pandemic, the committee raised about $18,000 from nearby businesses to facilitate the weekend’s events at no charge to attendees. “The amount of support that we got this year from the business owners was over­ whelming,” Baker said. “... Everybody sup­ ported it. If it was $50, if it was $100, $250, $500 - we had some that did more than that. But the support from the community was overwhelming.” Throughout the weekend, attendance fluc­ tuated by activity, with some, like meeting Santa, having a “huge turnout,” Baker said. Even so, she estimated overall attendance numbers were down this year by “a couple hundred” kids. Reasons for the decrease included people being cautious because of the coronavirus and weather conditions, which played a role Lillian Peck sends her letter to Santa during the Jingle & Mingle festivities. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) Aurora Havens, 4, dances in the street and waves to the floats in the Jingle & Mingle Christmas parade. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) in keeping some people at home, she said. Saturday night, temperatures dipped into the 30s and Sunday afternoon brought a bit of freezing rain. That didn’t stop Baker from working, though. As part of a 10-person committee, she woke up at 5 every morning and spent the entire day running around downtown Hastings. Jingle & Mingle ended Sunday, but the work hasn’t stopped for Baker. She still has an office full of Jingle & Mingle supplies, including coloring books in bags, signs, poles and more. While Baker hasn’t cleared out her office yet, the committee already has begun think­ ing about next year. The entire group met Wednesday to recap the weekend and make adjustments in the event plan for future years, with an eye to soliciting more volunteers. Baker already has booked the trolley, Santa and reindeer for 2022. “Somebody texted that to me this week­ end: ‘You got a full-time job [with Jingle & Mingle].’ ” City’s planning commission continues accessory building conversation Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The City of Hastings Planning Commission is stuck in the weeds of accessory dwelling unit terminology. Monday, commission members spent the bulk of its hour-and-15-minute meeting dis­ have spent the past 10 months diving into the language of the law. If accepted by city coun­ cil, residents could rent out existing internal, attached and detached structures on their properties, such as basements, carriage hous­ es, garages and attics. “What the real benefit is that we know cussing the details of amendments that would allow ADUs to exist in the city. The planning commission had a public hearing with the intention of forwarding the text to city coun­ cil, but decided to table the recommendation until its January meeting. Members of the planning commission Booster Dose that these exist in the community currently,” City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale said. “Either people are using them illegally or they are not using them to conform with the law, and the structures are not being put to their optimal use.” Digging into the nitty-gritty of the text (269) 945-9516 | barryeatonhealth.org JOHNSON & JOHNSON: 18+ years old Booster Dose Barry-Eaton District Health Department Be Active • Be Safe • Be Healthy marked the final stages of the process. Members discussed the language of the text that would disallow ADUs to exceed the height of the principal dwelling or the floor area of the principal dwelling unit’s first floor. They also looked at the permissibility of ADUs on comer lots and the procedure of filing a deed restriction for the property. Most of the concerns were resolved by a part of the text that allows owners to apply for a special land-use permit if their property is located on a lawful nonconforming lot or does not comply with applicable floor area, height or location requirements, subject to the provi-i sions of the ordinance pertaining to special land uses, and the additional requirements. Property owners would be able to go before the planning commission to present their case for an exception through the special land-use permit. After a few minor changes to the language, the planning commission agreed to delay sending the text amendments to city council. They will review the potential law one final time before recommending it to council in January. Planning commission members also dis­ cussed text amendments to the permissibility of gas stations, vehicle repair shops and car wash facilities in the city. They did not act on the changes, but, rather, heard from McKenna Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey, who wrote the amendments. The city has two issues, Harvey said. For starters, it does not have a definition for car wash facilities, and they’re not mentioned in the zoning ordinance. Secondly, the city does not use consistent terminology in its ordi­ nance. For example, it shifts between the use of vehicle service stations, gasoline stations and gas stations. “From an ordinance construction standpoint, that is bad form, if you will, because when you use different terminology in a zoning ordi­ nance, then it’s understood that you’re talking about two different uses,” Harvey said. “... It makes for problems in applying the ordinance.” Have noted that the city has received two inquiries in the past few weeks that have led to possible restructuring of the text. “We’ve tried to apply it on the two cases,” Harvey said, “... and got absolutely consumed by the inconsistencies in the ordinance and almost couldn’t give an answer.” Planning commission members decided to push the conversation back to January’s meet­ ing when they have more time to consider the proposed suggestions. “I don’t think any of this substantially changes what we see going on out there,” Chair Dave Hatfield said. “Rather, it simply brings our code into compliance with reality.” �SPORTS SECTION Thursday, December 9,2021 Saxons hold down DK in hoops opener Brett Bremer Sports Editor An offensive putback by junior center Hayden Long got it started and a fine pass by senior forward Braden Vertalka to long accounted for another easy Saxon bucket midway through the third quarter Tuesday. The two baskets by Long were the start of a 12-2 run by the Saxons to close out the third quarter, turning an 18-17 edge over the visit­ ing Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team in the 2021-2022 season opener into a 30-19 Saxon lead. Hastings went on to a 46-29 victory. Delton Kellogg got within nine points after a threepoint play by Delton Kellogg center Austin Blocker with two and a half minutes to play, but the Saxons held the lead at double figures after that for the remainder of the ballgame. Junior forward Layton Eastman had a gamehigh 17 points to lead Hastings and Blocker finished with 16 for the short-handed Panther team that was without returning starters Alden Whitmore and Alex Whitmore due to injuries. “Like all first games, we missed a lot of shots. Game speed is always hard to mimic,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “The second half, when we settled down and just shot the ball versus panic shooting, we started hitting that free throw line jumper which kind of opened it up against that zone. That helped. “We started looping a guy through. We had been working mostly all man offense [in practices]. I noticed the JV was running a zone and plus I knew they were down guys, so I said last night and then today, hey let’s get some zone work in. We had not practiced a lot of zone offensejN^Jialftime we flashed the backside guy into it and that’s when on the reversal we really started getting that open look.” Hastings junior center Zander Forbes goes over Delton Kellogg's Mason Nabozny to get to a defensive rebound during the Saxons' win over the Panthers in the season opener at Hastings High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) See SAXONS, page 12 Hastings junior forward Layton Eastman attacks the basket during his team's non-conference win over visiting Delton Kellogg to open the season Tuesday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK ladies win big at Lakewood High School Brett Bremer Sports Editor One team opened practice Nov. 8 and got the season-opening butterflies out of the way Tuesday night last week. The other team didn’t really get the chance to start practice until the Monday before Thanksgiving once 70 percent of its roster had finished its run to the MHSAA Division 2 Volleyball Semifinals and was playing its season opener Friday night. It showed. Thornapple Kellogg's Hailey Campbell looks to get a shot over Lakewood's Izzy Wheeler during the first half of the Trojans' win at Lakewood High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremner) The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team earned its first win of the 2021­ 2022 season outscoring the Vikings 50-14 at Lakewood High School Friday to improve to 1-1 on the season. Lakewood bounced back a bit in game two too, but fell 49-44 at Lakewood Tuesday. The Trojans set up shop in the Vikings’ passing lanes Friday and when defense wasn’t turning to easy offense the TK ladies knocked down shots in the flow of the offense including a buzzer-beating three-pointer by junior guard Peyton Pratt at the end of the ballgame. “We were very active. Our hands were up, our hustle was there,” TK head coach Brandi James said. “We played the defense they’re most comfortable in tonight and then we worked on a couple we need to work on.” That last-second triple had Pratt finish as the game-high scorer with 12 points. See TK LADIES, page 12 Thomapple Kellogg junior center Alana Compton takes the ball from Lakewood junior guard Paige Wolverton during the first half of their non-conference ballgame at Lakewood High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 12 “-Thursday, December 9, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Saxons remain undefeated after win at Delton Kellogg Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team had no trouble improving its record to 3-0 on the season as it scored a 54-15 win over the Panthers at Delton Kellogg High School Tuesday. All ten Hastings girls scored in the win, led by 12 points from Bri Barnes and eight from Macy Winegar. “It was a good team win. It was a solid effort from us,” Hastings head coach Chase Youngs said. “We kept playing the whole four quarters no matter what match-ups we had in the game, no matter what.” The Saxons played solid defense and offensively limited turnovers while moving the ball well. Brooklynn Youngs, Allison Teed and Barnes had a few steals each for the Saxons. Winegar and Brooklynn were the team’s assist leaders. Coach Youngs was also really pleased with the effort of Bailey Cook, Carly Warner and Chelsea Ertner. “Hastings’ kids play very hard and extend their defensive effort which caused us to struggle to find any offensive rhythm which shows in the final score,” DK head coach Mike Mohn said. “We need to work harder on the glass at both ends of the court. We have given up way too many offensive rebounds thus far and that will have to be an area of concentration for our team as we move forward. Not putting the ball in the basket and allowing our oppo­ nents multiple opportunities to score with each possession is not a good combo.” The DK coach found a few bright spots as the Panthers prep for their Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division opener at Galesburg-Augusta Friday. “I thought that Jordan Lyons started to understand what we are asking from her and I look forward to watching her gain additional confidence on the offensive end of the floor,” Mohn said. “Cadence Johnson is starting to find herself in more positive positions to shoot the basketball. She is starting to get some pret­ ty decent looks and will have to knock some of them down, which she is very capable of doing. Sydney Frie came in and did a nice job of securing some rebounds during the minutes that she was on the floor. Great to see her con­ fidence level improve as well.” Delton Kellogg is now 1-2 on the season. The Panthers fell 59-24 at Lawton last Friday. “We did not handle [Lawton’s] full-court pressure well and then tried to combat that pres­ sure by trying to play fast. As we have always said, we don’t want to play fast. We want to play quick. That is a big difference,” Mohn said. Josie Williams had nine points to lead DK in the loss to the Blue Devils. He was also really pleased with the effort of Kasey Kapteyn and KayLeigh Buffman on both ends of the floor. “Their energy continues to impress,” Mohn said. Hastings is in Middleville Friday to face the Trojans in the Battle of Barry County and then will open the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season at Marshall Tuesday, Dec. 14. SAXONS, continued from page 11---------------------- The Barry County Christian School has a varsity girls’ basketball team this winter for the first time in three years, led by new head coach David McCausey (left). Team members are (listed in alphabetical order) Hope Garno, Kathryn Koetje, Rebecca Leonard, Ravyn Simon, Jada Stolz, Nevaeh Stolz, Aundrea Strong and Ana VanderHart. BCCS girls return to court after three seasons without a team Brett Bremer Sports Editor Barry County Christian is restarting its varsity girls’ basketball team from scratch. The Eagles have not had a varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team in three seasons and are returning to the court this winter with one senior, one junior and a group of freshmen and sophomores on their roster in the winter of 202L2022. Rebecca Leonard is the lone senior on the rsoter. Ana VanderHart and Jada Stolz are the two juniors. Head coach David McCausey said defense will be a key for his girls, and always is, as they get going. “We are starting with a goal of improving every week, and so far with the way they are practicing, Lhave seen marked improvement each and every practice,” McCausey said. The girls took on West Michigan Lutheran Tuesday night at home and will be back in action Dec. 13 taking on Creative Technologies. Before the holiday break, the Eagles will also visit Libertas Christian Dec. 14 and Algoma Christian Dec. 17. Their next home bailgame is Jan. 6 against Factoryville Christian. Coach McCausey said he expects Algoma Christian to be the top team in the Great Lakes Six this winter. “This will be a rebuilding year to get the program back and moving and growing,” McCausey said. “We are inexperienced, but we make up for that with heart. The girls are working very hard to become better players and better teammates.” Once the Panthers focused on that spot in the middle of the zone, the Saxons were able to find some space a little closer to the basket. The Saxon team also got nine points from Myles Padilla and six each from Owen Carroll and Hayden Long. Junior center Zander Forbes had five points and Vertalka knocked down a three-pointer to go along with some fine passes. “We have a lot of unselfish players who really like to pass the ball. It is really nice to see,” coach Long said. “We hit a lot of open guys. [Brayden] has great vision. I hope he continues to see the floor as well as he does.” Coach Long said the Saxons had 11 turn­ overs in the first half, but did a better job of not getting in trouble penetrating into the Panthers’ zone during the second half. With Alden Whitmore out, junior power forward Mason Nabozny was tasked with running the point much of the evening for the Panthers. DK didn’t know Alden would miss the opener until earlier Tuesday. “Mason is a guy who understands the game and sees the floor very well,” Delton Kellogg head coach Jim Hogoboom said. “It is differ­ ent when you’re suddenly thrust into being the main guy with the ball in your hands and making choices on ‘yeah, I see that but I probably should make that pass right now.’ “For a loss, I am about as pleased as I could be with a lot of unknowns coming into this about how we would respond. We haven’t even had enough bodies to scrimmage live in practice for more than 15 minutes here and there. To be in that bailgame with a pretty decent defensive team, maybe it was fortunate for us they didn’t extend it, but I thought our kids got good shots. We had three or four that were halfway down that might have changed things a little bit in that third quarter.” Hogoboom praised the Saxons’ adjust­ ments against his team’s zone defense in the second half. Behind Blocker, who came on strong late last season for Delton Kellogg, Isaac Shepard and Nabozny had five points each. Shepard and teammates Hayden Walker and Torren Mapes spent most of the evening on the floor while playing varsity minutes for the first time. “Overall there are a ton of positives,” Hogoboom said. “We can grow from that. What I want our kids to see is that is the best we have looked, because we brought game day energy and effort. We have been trying to get that out of them in practice and we just have to quit cutting comers in practice and not giving everything we have got. “I think kids will see that now and they will understand that kind of effort helps exe­ cution, is going to allow us to be more suc­ cessful, and as we get healthy I think we will compete with people and may even surprise a few here and there.” Hastings returns to action Friday, playing against Thomapple Kellogg in the finale of the Battle of Barry County in Middleville. DK will open Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division action at Galesburg-Augusta Friday. BCCS senior Clay DuMond puts up a reverse lay-up during his team's ballgame with visiting West Michigan Lutheran Tuesday evening. BCCS boys working on taking care of the basketball this year Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Barry County Christian School varsi­ ty boys’ basketball team is looking to improve on a 6-7 record from last season in its second year under the guidance of head coach Tim Beckley. The Eagles will be led by senior center Clay DuMond and junior small forward Joe Wise as they roll into the new season. Coach Beckley is also looking forward to good things from varsity additions Noah Lilley, a freshman center, and junior shooting guard Juan Osario. Taking care of the basketball will be key for the Eagles. If they can limit turnovers they can take advantage of talented shoot­ ers who Beckley sees succeeding at the free throw line and from behind the threepoint line. “I can see our team excelling throughout the season as we refine our passing and defense,” Beckley said. “I predict going far in the tournament at the end of the season. We plan on taking the gold.” The Eagles’ top challengers for a Great Lakes Six championship this season will be Algoma Christian and Sacred Heart Academy. The first of two showdowns between Algoma Christian and the Eagles will be hosted by Algoma Dec. 17. Barry County Christian already has a cou­ ple ballgames in this season. The Eagles will be in action Monday at home against Creative Technologies and then go on the road to face Libertas Christian Tuesday. The Panthers' Mason Nabozny rises over Hastings guards Owen Carroll (10) and Joey McLean to put a shot up in the paint during the Saxons' win over visiting Delton Kellogg Tuesday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK LADIES, continued from page 11------------------------------------------------------------ Thornapple Kellogg's Keanna Dudik (20) battles for a rebound with Lakewood's Alivia Everitt and Alli Pickard (back) during their non-conference bailgame at Lakewood High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) “Peyton Pratt had a phenomenal game tonight,” James said. “She played so well on the defensive end and was so composed on the offensive end, for a junior that was phe­ nomenal. They all stepped up, but she had an exceptional game for her.” TK got nine points apiece from seniors Hailey Campbell and Keanna Dudik, eight points from junior center Alaina Compton and six from senior guard Grace McNabnay. James said her team had just eight healthy girls Friday, but knowing that everybody was getting time on the floor might have been something that calmed their nerves a bit. McNabnay ran the offense well when tasked with that. Campbell was a threat to score at all times. Compton made plays in the paint all evening long. A three-pointer by Campbell late in the opening quarter had TK up 19-4 heading into the second quarter, and the TK ladies out­ scored the Vikings 10-2 in the second quarter to lead 29-6 at the half. “We did not show up with heart and hustle on Tuesday [at Grandville],” James said. “We showed up on our heels. There was one girl to focus on and she scored the first eight points of the game. So, we just did not come out the way that we wanted to. We had jitters for the first game and we didn’t hustle.” Lakewood head coach Kelly Meints saw the same kind of issues with her girls in what was their season opener Friday. She said her girls need to be ready to practice like they need to play. “Coming in late, it is hard making that mental shift for a lot of them,’’Meints said. “It reflects in our practices. We couldn’t hit a shot tonight. They made everything. I think that mentally, physically they need to play like they’re going to be in a game at every practice. Energy. Mindset. Put the ball in the hole. Defensively, we can work on that, but we have to be able to score and get buckets.” Ellie Possehn led the Vikings with seven points in the loss. Paige Wolverton had three points. The Vikings were set to host Bath last night and will open the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season with a big showdown against visiting Olivet Friday. Meints was sure last Friday that her girls would be ready to play by the time the Eagles come to town. TK will host Hastings during the Battle of Barry County in Middleville Friday. Game time for the Trojan and Saxon girls is set for approximately 6 p.m. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — Page 13 All-state spikers lead county volleyball squad Brett Bremer Sports Editor There was as wide variety of skills and experience on the volleyball courts in Barry County during the fall of 2021. The best volleyball players in the county were among some of the best in the state. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team won its 20^ consecutive conference champi­ onship by remaining undefeated all-time in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference once again while challenging itself outside of the conference enough to be ready for another outstanding postseason run. The Vikings won district and regional championships then won their way into the MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinals where it fell to North Branch - shy of their ultimate goal of the program’s second state champion­ ship. The rest of Barry County’s varsity volley­ ball teams worked to improve throughout the fall as well, with a number of underclassmen learning the varsity ropes. Here are the 2021 All-Barry County Volleyball First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Volleyball First Team Skylar Bump, Lakewood: A two-time all-state setter, Bump’s role changed in her junior season to go on the attack as well, and coach Rowland said she tackled the chal­ lenge without any hesitation. “She has con­ tinued to get better at attacking while also working on her setting so that her impact on the match is even greater this season than ever before,” he said. Bump had 243 kills with a.305 attack per­ centage through the regional semifinals of the state tournament last month, adding 531 assists, 81 aces, 303 digs and 67 blocks. Tristen Cross, Thornapple Kellogg: Cross, a senior captain at outside hitter and right back for the Trojans, earned honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold this winter. I y Gro^Mas second ori her team in kilk with 131, second in aces with 26, second, in service percentage at 94.4, third in digs with 213 and led her team in service points with 163. Maradith O’Gorman, Lakewood: One of the 11 Miss Volleyball Finalists in the state of Michigan as a senior this fall, O’Gorman signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Michigan State University Women’s Volleyball program in November. O’Gorman had contributed 620 kills at a.397 clip through the regional round of the state tour­ nament. With 67 aces, 45 assists, 435 digs and 124 blocks. “Her presence this year has gone well beyond the stat lines as she has been our emo­ tional leader as well,” coach Rowland said. “Maradith’s excitement for her teammates is electric. She has worked to put herself in a position to be among the best in the state and nation, and does so by performing every skill at a high level.” Abby Pickard, Lakewood: A freshmen setter talented enough to run a 5-1 on most teams and talented enough for the Vikings to give her a spot sharing the setting duties with an all-state upperclassman. Pickard had 509 assists, 36 kills, 33 aces, 195 digs and 4 blocks through the regional semifinals this season. “Her set location as a freshman is at a high level that many setters never reach,” coach Rowland said. “She has also grown in her role demanding the court and scoring on her own when needed to as well. Abby shows no signs of being a freshman and has played her best in our biggest matches.” Alli Pickard, Lakewood: The Vikings’ junior defensive specialist recorded 345 digs with a 64 percent perfect pass rating and 104 aces through the regional semifinals of the state tournament this season. “Alli would be the libero on any other team in the county as well as most state ranked teams,” coach Rowland said. “Her role as our DS is what has allowed us to be as successful as we have been this year. She takes up a large serve receive area and defends extreme­ ly well out of the left back position. She continues to command more with her voice and has come on very strong down the stretch of the season.” Carley Piercefield, Lakewood: Piercefield, the Vikings’ sophomore libero, earned all-state honors for the second time when she was named to the all-state first team in Division 2 at the conclusion of the season. She had 108 assists, 65 aces, 704 digs and a 71 percent perfect pass rating through the regional semi­ finals of the state tournament. “[Carly] continues to put herself in the conversation as the best [libero] in the state,” coach Rowland said. “She com­ mands the back court extremely well and this year has also increased her court demeanor which has only helped take her game to the next level.” Peyton Pratt, Thornapple Kellogg: Playing at outside hitter and right back for the Trojans in her junior campaign, Pratt led TK inkiHs with T59 apd wassecorid on her team in digs with 345. Pratt was good on 93.1 percent of her ser­ vice attempts with 18 aces and finished sec­ ond on her team in service points with 161. All-Barry County Volleyball Second Team Abby Beemer, Hastings: A Saxon sopho­ more, Beemer played outside hitter and setter for the Saxons. Due to team circumstances, Beemer was forced to set when the plan was for her to work on the position a bit for next season. “I feel like she did a great job, but her strength is definitely as a hitter,” coach Hendershot said. Beemer had 11 kills on the season to go with 30 aces and 114 assists. She averaged close to five digs and 35 passes a match in the back row. Lillie Ferris, Delton Kellogg: A junior outside hitter, Ferris was named honorable mention all-conference in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. “Lillie was our leader as an outside hitter,” DK head coach Erin Thornton said. “She has a good volleyball IQ and is able to see the court well when she goes up to hit.” Ferris had 63 kills this season and averaged two blocks per game. Isabella Hendershot, Hastings: Hendershot played libero as a sophomore for the Saxons and was her team’s top pass­ er and serve receiver. Hendershot averaged six digs a match and 37 passes. She also had 80 aces, 17 kills and 51 assists. Coach Hendershot called Isabella a hard-worker and a leader. Emma Kokx, Delton Kellogg: A senior middle for the Panthers, Kokx was named first team all-conference in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in what was her fourth varsity season. She started the season play­ ing all the way around as an outside hitter and coach Thornton said “It was great to see her come alive in that role.” In the end, the Panthers needed her at mid­ dle blocker de to other injuries on the team. Kokx led the Panthers with 72 kills, record­ ing 1.4 kills per set. She had 48 blocks on the season and 12.3 digs per game. Jordan Lyons, Delton Kellogg: A junior outside hitter, Lyons was named honorable mention all-conference in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Lyons led the Panthers with 90 service points on the season as a dominant server according to coach Thornton. Lyons averaged 1.2 kills per set and 12 digs per match this fall. “She is a pure athlete that puts her talents to use wherever she’s at on the court,” coach Thornton said. “She played middle for the first part of the season, then found her way to the outside where she thrived.” Kiah Nichols, Thornapple Kellogg: A senior captain for the Trojans, Nichols was named honorable mention all-conference as TK’s libero in the OK Gold Conference this season. Nichols led the Trojans with 390 digs on the season and in ac£s with 29. Nichols had 49 assists on the season and 33 kills, while receiving 21 serves on the year with an 88.6 serve receive percentage. Emma Pierce, Maple Valley: Pierce spent her second season on the Lion varsity as a sophomore this fall. One of her team’s top passers and hitters, Pierce opened the season as the Lions’ setter and transitioned to an attacking role to help her team try and score more consistently as the season wore on. Audrey Vertalka, Hastings: Vertalka spent her sophomore fall playing middle blocker and setter for the Saxon varsity vol­ leyball team. She led the Saxons in blocks despite missing a few weeks, recording 61 solo blocks and 14 block assists. Vertalka was a huge asset according to coach Hendershot. She had 104 kills and 58 aces on the season, while also recording 73 assists. Peyton Pratt LOST STREAM MAP Professor Higbee's® Stream & Lake Map of Michigan is the first and only highly detailed map of its kind. The 4-foot-by-4-foot Michigan map shows 35,000 miles of streams plus lakes, i i i i i i i i i SHIPPING INCLUDED - ORDER TODAYI i Why every angler and boater needs this map The STREAM & LAKE MAP OF MICHIGAN resembles another map- For a limited time - get 3 bonuses with each map । i known to Pennsylvania anglers as the BONUS GUIDEBOOK: Pinpoint the best fishing in Michigan with । lost Stream Map? #o this valuable guide. 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The Lakewood varsity boys’ soccer team will add a 21 to the banner in the high school gymnasium after winning the Greater Lansing Activities Conference championship as part of an undefeated regular season. The Vikings swept through the GLAC reg­ ular season and then knocked off Lansing Christian in the championship game of the conference tournament. The Vikings then advanced to the district semifinals of the MHSAA Division 3 State Tournament before a loss to a tough Grand Rapids Catholic Central team put the first blemish on the team’s record for the season. Delton Kellogg wasn’t at the top of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, but did add postseason hardware for the first time by winning its first ever district championship. The DK boys, and girl, knocked off Hillsdale 1-0 in its MHSAA Division 3 District Final and then knocked off Watervliet, a team that beat the Panthers during the regular season, in the regional semifinals before running into the eventual Division 3 State Champions from South Christian in the Regional Final. The Panthers weren’t the only ones who had a tough time with the South Christian Sailors. The Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team was ranked among the top ten in the state in Division 2 all season long, but couldn’t solve the Sailors who bested them in their regular season match-up and then again in the final of the OK Gold Conference Tournament. The TK boys followed up an outstanding regular season by winning their way to the MHSAA Division 2 District Finals where they ran into the top ranked team in the state from Gull Lake. Hastings and Maple Valley had their moments as well. The Lions had one of their winningest seasons ever, and gave the Lakewood boys one of their biggest scares of the regular season. The Saxons pushed the Vikings as well, and were happy to celebrate a win in the opening round of the state tour­ nament. Here are the 2021 All-Barry County Boys’ Soccer First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Boys’ Soccer First Team Owen Bailey, Maple Valley: A senior with four years of varsity experience for the Lions, Bailey had ten goals and nine assists this year. He also recorded a shutout in the one match when he had to fill in as goalkeeper. He ranks third all-time in goals scored at Maple Valley. He was named honorable mention all-state in Division 4 as well as second team all-confer­ ence, all-district and all-region. “Owen is a great all-around athlete,” said head coach Andy Roush. “He is able to play Marshall Warner Qarveth Village of Middleville For availability for our assisted and independent living or for career opportunities, give us a call or ask for Makenzi Peters. Family Owned and Operated since 1999 Call for details: 269-795-4972 • www.CarvetliVillage.com 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 CLINICAL MANAGER Looking for a full-time qualified RNILPN to manage the clinical department. Main responsibilities include supervising clinical staff, developing and implementing care plans, and ensuring compliance with county, state, and federal healthcare regulations. Apply in person at 690 W. Main St., Middleville, MI 49333 or online at www.carvethvillage.com Clarveth Village www.CarvethVillage .com “Remember... if you can’t live alone... live with us! 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, MI 49333 269-795-4972 any position on the soccer field, which he has willingly done during his career at Maple Valley to help this team and the program reach new levels.” Daniel Beyer, Thornapple Kellogg: A talented senior keeper for the Trojans, Beyer was named all-conference in the OK Gold Conference and all-district as well. Beyer was also one of a few Trojans, joined by teammates Mitchell Comer, Carson Woods and Grant Woods, to win an MHSAA Academic Award this season. James Blackburn, Delton Kellogg: The Panthers’ junior center midfielder set the play in motion for his team. He closed the year with 12 goals and 18 assists. Blackbum was named honorable mention all-conference in the SAC and an all-district player as well. Colby Carter, Lakewood: Carter led the Lakewood team with 18 goals on the season and added three assists as well. Carter was named all-conference in the GLAC and all-district as a speedy attacker for the Vikings. Austin Chivis, Thornapple Kellogg: Chivis was named honorable mention all­ state in Division 2 this season. A talented midfielder, Chivis had 14 goals and seven assists on the year. He was named all-conference in the OK Gold, all-district and all-region as well. Jackson Curtis, Thornapple Kellogg: Curtis was named third team all-state in Division 2 after winning all-district and all-region honors as a junior this season. He was all-conference in the OK Gold as well. Curtis had ten goals and 12 assists on the season and was named his team’s MVP. Connor Feighan, Lakewood: Feighan was named honorable mention all-state in Division 3 as well as first team all-confer­ ence, all-district and all-region. Feighan was the Vikings’ MVP this fall on the team that swept through an undefeated regular season. Feighan was the Vikings’ top defender and the team only allowed 17 goals all season. Alex Harrington, Thornapple Kellogg: A senior, Harrington was named all-confer­ ence and all-district this season. He scored four goals and had three assists on the season, a season in which he also spent time kicking with the Trojan varsity football team. Nacho Hervas, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojans’ offensive MVP this season, Hervas was named second team all-state in Division 2 after earning all-district and all-region hon­ ors to go along with his all-conference selec­ tion in the OK Gold. Hervas had 30 goals and a school record 21 assists on the season. Hector Jimenez, Delton Kellogg: A junior forward for the Panthers, Hector led DK with 21 goals and had eight assists as well. Jimenez, also an all-county cross country runner, was named all-district, all-region, all-conference and honorable mention all­ state this fall. Cohen Smith, Hastings: A junior, Smith concluded the season as the Saxons’ top scor­ er with 12 goals and three assists. A physical, athletic attacker who is great with his head, he was named first team all-conference in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. “He has only been in the game for about three or four years, but the way he dissects his movement off the ball, the way he moves off the ball and goes into open space, his knowl­ edge - I’m not sure where this kid gets his knowledge,” coach Francisco Lopez said. “I teach him as much as I can, but it is a process. He learns so quickly.” Marshall Warner, Delton Kellogg: Warner had 15 goals and 13 assists in his junior season, scoring the winning goals in both the Panthers’ district championship vic­ tory and its regional semifinal win this sea­ son. “He is our playmaker and he is the most technically skilled player on or team and has the ability to control games,” coach Mabie said. Warner was named all-conference in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, all-region and second team all-state in Division 3 in his second varsity season after injuries derailed his sophomore campaign. All-Barry County Boys’ Soccer Second Team Troy Acker, Lakewood: One of the Vikings toughest defenders this fall. Acker was named second team all-confer­ ence and all-district at the end of the season. Sergynho Arias, Hastings: Arias had a team-high nine assists to go along with three goals this fall. He was named first team all-district in Division 2 while playing time at a number of spots in the midfield for the Saxons throughout the season. “Around mid-September his confidence just sky-rocketed, his vision, his movement, his pressure off the ball,” coach Lopez said. Mitchell Corner, Thornapple Kellogg; Comer was named the Trojan’s defensive Colby Carter MVP following his senior season as an out­ side back. Comer was honorable mention all-confer­ ence in the OK Gold this season and earned an MHSAA Academic Award as well. Reece Hoeksema, Thornapple Kellogg: A sophomore, Hdfeksma earned all-district honors. He finished the year with 11 goals and nine assists. Brody Jackson, Lakewood: Jackson earned all-conference honors in the GLAC and was named all-district as well. Jackson led the Vikings with 11 assists on the season and added nine goals as well. Terrell Jefferson, Thornapple Kellogg: Jefferson was named all-conference honor­ able mention at the conclusion of his junior season this fall. Jefferson earned all-district honors as well, finishing the season with eight goals and ten assists. Marcus Momenee, Delton Kellogg: The Panthers’ senior goalkeeper was huge in his first season as a varsity keeper making 182 saves while allowing 32 goals. He was named all-conference honorable mention and all-dis­ trict this season. “He really stepped his game up during districts and allowed only one goal in the first four games of the state tournament,” coach Mabie said. Tyron Raffler, Lakewood: One of the top defenders for the Vikings whose long throw­ ins were an offensive weapon for the Vikings. He scored three goals himself. Raffler was named all-conference in the GLAC and all-district as well. Alex Russell, Lakewood: Russell was named second team all-conference in the GLAC this fall and an all-district performer as well. Russell was second on the Viking team in scoring with 14 goals. > Andrew Sebastian, Maple Valley: A senior four-year varsity player who was- a cafF tain for the Lions this season. Sebastian was named first team all-conference in the GLAC. “As a central defender, Andrew’s overalj stats do not include many goals or assists, buj he played a vital part in helping the team set a new school record low for the number of goals allowed during a single season (includ^ ing five shut outs),” coach Roush said. Duncan Seume, Maple Valley: Seume is another four-year varsity player at Maplg Valley. He had three goals and five assists oij the season. He was named second team all-con j ference in the GLAC and all-district as well, J “Duncan played a huge role in our success not only this season, but over the past four years. He has a high soccer IQ and exemplary passing ability,” coach Roush said. Martin Wachowski, Delton Kellogg: A senior defender, Wachowski is a four-year varsity player at Delton Kellogg. Wachowski was named honorable men­ tion all-conference in the SAC and all-dis­ trict as well. Caleb Waller, Hastings: A junior center back, Waller was named the Saxon team’s MVP this fall and was honorable mention all-conference in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Waller was the lone Saxon returning with varsity experience this fall after injuries. He put a lot of weight on himself just to try and make something of a season that he knew was going to be a tough one because of all the inex­ perience. He held in well,” coach Lopez said. Jackson Curtis �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 9, 2021 — Page 15 Swim season capped off by state championship Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg/Thomapple Kellogg/ Hastings (DK/TK/HHS) varsity girls’ swim­ ming and diving team has had more success in other years than it did in the fall of 2021, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort or skill. The DK/TK/HHS team had some of its biggest individual successes ever with an individual winning a state championship for the first time, two swimmers qualifying for the state finals as well as a relay team too. DK/TK/HHS had fast swimmers in the pool and talented divers splashing (as little as possible) into it with four divers earning spots in the MHSAA Regionals at the conclusion of the season. Here are the 2021 All-Barry County Girls’ Swimming and Diving First and Second Teams. Sophia Marcukaitis All-Barry County Girls’ Swimming Diving First Team Eve Bishop, DK/TK/HHS: The No. 2 diver for the DK/TK/HHS team throughout the season, Bishop qualified for regionals as a junior this fall after a fifth-place finish in in OK Rainbow Tier II Conference. Bishop had a season-high 11-dive score of 303.40 at the conference meet and a sea­ son-high six-dive score of 202.50 during her team’s home dual with Fremont. Holly Carpenter, DK/TK/HHS: Carpenter anchored the 200-yard medley relay team for the DK/TK/HHS team at the MHSAA Division 1 Lower Peninsula State Finals this season. Carpenter placed seventh in the 50-yard freestyle and sixth in the 100-yard freestyle at the conference meet while helping her team to runner-up finishes in the 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freesty le relay in the conference. Abigail Dumond, DK/TK/HHS: The top diver for the DK/TK/HHS team as a fresh­ man this season, Dumond placed fourth at the OKRainbow-Tier II Conference Meet— Dumond qualified for regionals this fall. She had a season-high 11-dive score of 134.20 at the Ottawa Hills Invitational and a season-high six-dive score of 211.05 during her team’s dual with Mona Shores. Lily Foy, DK/TK/HHS: Foy placed ninth in the 200-yard individual medley and ninth in the 100-yard backstroke at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet this fall. She capped off her senior season by help­ ing the DK/TK/HHS girls’ 400-yard freestyle relay team to a fifth-place finish at the confer­ ence meet. Preslee Hall, DK/TK/HHS: Hall, a junior, competed in the MHSAA Division 1 Lower Peninsula State Finals with her team’s 200-yard medley relay team which scored a runner-up finish in the OK Rainbow Tier II this fall. Hall placed sixth in the 100-yard butterfly and ninth in the 50-yard freestyle at the con­ ference meet in November. Aubrey Hawks, DK/TK/HHS: A fresh­ man who turned into a big contributor for the team. Hawks placed 12^ at the conference meet in the 200-yard freestyle and 12^ in the 100yard backstroke. . Abby Marcukaitis, DK/TK/HHS: One of, it not the, best swimmer ever from in Holly Carpenter Barry County. Marcukaitis won the 100-yard backstroke at the MHSAA Division 1 Lower Peninsula Finals last month while also scor­ ing at the state meet in the 50-yard freestyle and with the DK/TK/HHS 200-yard medley relay team at the finals to close out her senior season. She plans to swim at Purdue University next season. Marcukaitis had the fastest time of the sea­ son for her team in the 50-yard freestyle, the 100-yard freestyle, the 200-yard freestyle, the 500-yard freestyle, the 100-yard backstroke, the 100-yard butterfly, and the second fastest of anybody on the team in the 200-yard indi­ vidual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke. Sophia Marcukaitis, DK/TK/HHS: Marcukaitis, a sophomore, swam the fastest times of anyone on her team in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breast­ stroke this season - winning the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference title in both races. She qualified for the Division 1 Lower Peninsula State Finals in the breaststroke where she placed 23r^ with a personal best time. She All-Barry County Girls’ Swimming Diving Second Team Lucy Barnard, DK/TK/HHS: A sopho­ more, Barnard worked her way to being a solid distance freestyle swimmer for the team this fall. Morey Bella, DK/TK/HHS: A sopho­ more, Bella scored a 14th-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet. Katie Clark, DK/TK/HHS: Clark, a junior, swam the butterfly and backstroke for DK/TK/HHS at the conference meet this season. Erin Daniels, DK/TK/HHS: Daniels raced to a ninth-place time in the 100-yard breaststroke at the conference meet this fall as a junior. She also competed at the confer­ ence meet in the 50-yard freestyle. Abby Gaskill, DK/TK/HHS: Gaskill, a junior, swam to a 16th-place time at the con­ ference meet in the 50-yard freestyle and placed 15^ in the 100-yard freestyle. also swam in the 200-yard medley relay at the state-finals for DK/TK/HHS. Marcukaitis was the conference champion in the 200-yard IM. Lizzie Middleton, DK/TK/HHS: Middleton, a sophomore, placed seventh at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet in the 100-yard breaststroke. She also helped her team score fifth in the 400-yard freestyle relay at the conference meet and was one of DK/TK/HHS’s top 200yard freestyle swimmers this fall. Ellen Shults, DK/TK/HHS: Shults inched towards that minute mark in the 100-yard freestyle, turning in a season best time of 1:01.92 at the conference meet. She finished eighth in the event and was also ll^1 in the Malia Hamby, DK/TK/HHS: Hamby, a freshman, placed!^at the conference-meet conference in the 500-yard freestyle. Shults contributed to a fifth-place finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay for her team as well. Cadence VanOoy, DK/TK/HHS: A junior, VanOoy placed ninth at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference meet in the 200yard freestyle and in the 100-yard backstroke. Only Abby Marcukaitis, the state champion in the backstroke, was faster for the DK/TK/ HHS team in either of those races this season. VanOoy also led off for the DK/TK/HHS 400-yard freestyle relay team that placed fifth at the conference meet. Student Advisory Council’s ‘Battle of the Fans’ returns The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Student Advisory Council will host its 10th “Battle of the Fans” contest this winter to award the top high school student cheering section in Michigan, with three rounds of competition that will recognize nine semifinalists, three finalists and eventu­ ally the 2021-22 champion. The annual Battle of the Fans was put on hold for the 2020-21 school year due to COVID-19, but crowds have returned to most venues, with county health departments and individual school districts making local decisions on potential spectator limits. The most recent champion was Buchanan in 2020; Buchanan has won three BOTF cham­ pionships, Frankenmuth has won two, and North Muskegon, Traverse City West, Dowagiac and Beaverton also have won over the first nine years. Schools are invited to submit a short video, via Tik Tok, of their cheering sections in action at a school sporting event. Video submissions should be up to three minutes long and explain how that section meets the following contest criteria: positive sports­ manship, student body participation, school spirit, originality of cheers, organization of the group, student section leadership and fun. The deadline for student-submitted video applications is noon Jan. 8. Nine semifinal­ ists then will be chosen - three each from Class A, Class B and Class C/D - to partake in a two-week challenge where each will be required to complete five tasks further showing why it should be chosen as Michigan’s best student section. From those nine, three finalists then will be selected by the Student Advisory Council and visited on a home game night by MHSAA staff and Advisory Council representatives. The MHSAA will produce a video of that finalist after each visit, with the champion being selected by the Student Advisory Council based in part on support each section receives on the MHSAA’s social media sites. This year’s Battle of the Fans X winner will be announced Feb. 18 and recognized March 25 at the Breslin Center. “After a year of limited fans in the stands, students have been itching to support their local teams,” said Andy Frushour, MHSAA director of brand management and advisor to the Student Advisory Council. “Even though we are not yet past this pandemic, we know student sections are safely organizing to sup­ port their classmates and be part of some­ thing that for many is among the most mem­ Abby Marcukaitis orable parts of the high school experience. It was great to see students in the stands together this fall, and we are excited to see the enthusiasm in gyms this winter. “We are even more excited to bring this competition to Tik Tok. Students spend a lot of time making videos on that platform, and we are eager to see what they come up with for Battle of the Fans.” Rules, directions for submitting videos, plus links to coverage of finalists from the first nine years of the contest can be found on the MHSAA Website at www.mhsaa.com/ BOTF. This year’s finalist videos, plus the announcement of the 2021-22 winner, will be published on the MHSAA Second Half site at SecondHalf.MHSAA.com. The Student Advisory Council is made up of eight seniors and eight juniors who each serve two-year terms. The Council acts as the voice of Michigan’s student-athletes; it serves as a student sounding board for the MHSAA’s Representative Council, assists in planning Sportsmanship Summits, Captains Clinics and other student leadership events; participates in a yearly focus group about the state of high school sports for Michigan State University’s Institute for the Study of Youth Sports and assists with medal ceremonies at MHSAA championship events. Paige Robins, DK/TK/HHS: Robins competed in the 100-yard backstroke and the 100-yard freestyle at the conference meet while also contributing to relay teams to close out her senior season. Alyssa Spurgeon, DK/TK/HHS: A fresh­ man, she competed in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle while contributing to relay teams as well at the conference meet. Melany Vargas, DK/TK/HHS: A fresh­ man, Vargas just missed a spot in the finals of the 200-yard individual medley at the confer­ ence meet by placing 17th in qualifying. She also competed in the 100-yard backstroke at the conference meet. *in the 100-yard freestyle while also compet­ ing in the 100-yard breaststroke. Kasey Kapteyn, DK/TK/HHS: A junior, Kapteyn placed 15^ in the 100-yard butterfly and 13*h in the 100-yard breaststroke at the conference meet while contributing to a cou­ ple relay teams as well. Maelea Martin, DK/TK/HHS: Martin was one of one of four DK/TK/HHS divers to score at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet where she placed seventh while qualify­ ing for the regional diving competition. Martin, a sophomore, had a season-high 11-dive score of 255.75 and a top six-dive score of 161.45. TJ Myers, DK/TK/HHS: A sophomore, Myers was a regional qualifier this fall and placed 11 th in the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference. Myers placed 18^ at regionals. Myers had a top 11-dive score of 246.30 this season and a top six-dive score of 176.45. Ainsley Parsons, DK/TK/HHS: Parsons worked to be a strong distance freestyle swimmer for the team as a sophomore this fall. She competed in the 200-yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle at the conference meet while contributing to relay teams as well. Abigail Dumond MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured LIVE PUBLIC AUCTION J&B AUTO BODY SATURDAY, DEC. 11,2021 -10 AM 210 West Main, Hartford, Michigan * Vintage Vehicles * Auto Body Equipment * Tools * Jukebox *Auto parts * More J &B Auto Body has discontinued business operation and will sell assets at Live Public Auction. 1957 Ford Fairlane, 1965 Chevy panel truck, Chief EZ Liner frame machine, Tools, Shop Equipment, Seeburg Jukebox, Kiln, Office furniture, Large selection of older auto parts, tons of items. See our website for photos www.VKauctions.com Scott Vander Kolk Jr. www.VKauctions.com (616) 437-1047 �Page 16 — Thursday, December 9, 2021 rr The Hastings Banner Thornapple Kellogg junior Wyatt Jacobson, a returning state qualifier for TK this season, sends a shot down the alley during his team's OK Gold Conference opener against Kenowa Hills Tuesday at Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) New seniors have TK ladies off to good start Thornapple Kellogg senior Paige Green sends her ball flying down the alley during the Trojans' win over Kenowa Hills to open the OK Gold Conference season at Hastings Bowl Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) THE BEST STEAK consis are carefully hand-selected for quality and aged for tenderness and delivered flawlessly.. taste the difference in every single bite. The Delightful Gift 4 |p! Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.) Filet Mignon Burners (5,3 oz.) Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) Gourmet Jumbo Wanks (3 oz.) 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Brett Bremer Sports Editor If the Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bowling team is going to defend its OK Gold Conference championship from a year ago, new leaders need to step up. The Trojans are off to a good start so far. Seniors Paige Green and Faith Foster pow­ ered the way as the Thomapple Kellogg girls scored a 30-0 win over an outnumbered Kenowa Hills squad in the OK Gold Conference opener at Hastings Bowl Tuesday afternoon. Kenowa Hills had just two bowlers, mean­ ing there wasn’t a lot of competition for the Trojans. Foster rolled games of 171 and 158 to lead TK and Green tallied a 138 and a 158. “The girls are really coming along. They’re picking up,” TK head coach Cheryl Cooper said. “Faith is really starting to come into her own. She has had much higher scores than last year and Paige is doing better. They’re all doing better. They have their struggles, but they’re doing better overall.” Coach Cooper said Foster got a new ball this season and has been more consistent in getting marks so far in the young season getting spares and strikes. “She throws a better ball. This one she definitely throws better,” coach Cooper said. Emily Podbevsek added a high-game of 131 during the two regular games for the Trojans. Sara Willshire had a high of 95, Savannah Rehfeldt a 95 and Allison Hess a 90. TK’s girls rolled a 115 and a 105 in the two Baker games. It was a tough afternoon for the TK boys who were bested 21-9 by the Knights. The TK boys picked up six of their nine points in the Baker games to start the day. They won the first Baker game 178-164 and took the overall pin-count for the Bakers with the Knights taking game two 169-166. The Knights surged in the two regular games, winning seven of the ten individual match-ups and the team pinfall in both contests. A 168 by Ethan Kriekaard got the Trojans a team-point in the first boys’ game and Connor Newland and Wyatt Jacobson earned team points in the second game rolling a 194 and a 151 respectively. Newland rolled a 171 in the first game to go with his 194. Kriekaard had games of 168 and 165. Jacobson scored a 151 and a 143. TK also got a big 181 from new varsity bowl­ er Nolan Clous to start the day. He added a 115 in his second game. “It is a new oil pattern this year. They are still working their way through it. That is part of it,” Cooper said of some inconsistency Tuesday. Donnie Rosendall bowled a 131 and Jacob Chapman a 118 for the Trojan boys. “I am happy with how the new ones are coming along,” Cooper said. “The consisten­ cy could be better, but they’re new bowlers and one of my starters is out today because of quarantine. They did good.” Greyson White had the high-game of the day for the Knights, rolling a 200 in the final game. Zach Bozek had a high of 189 for the Knights and John Green as high of 182 to win a team-point each. The TK teams opened the season with wins over Lowell Monday. The TK girls scored a 19-11 win over the Red Arrows and the TK boys took a 20-10 victory. The TK ladies won both Baker games against Lowell. Green took two points for her team with scores of 184 and 158. Hess took a point with a high of 136. Foster rolled games of 156 and 134. Podbevsek had a high-game of 135 and took a point. Willshire took a point as well with a high-game of 118. The TK boys earned four points by winning one of the two Baker games, and took both of the regular games. Jacobson won two points with games of 207 and 199. Newland won one with games of 192, and 191. Kriekaard rolled a 186 and a 176 to win a point. Rosendall had games of 179 and 164, taking one point. Z Moore rolled a 162 Monday to earn a team point for the Trojans as well. The Trojans are scheduled to take part in the Grand Rapids Christian Invitational Saturday, Dec. Ill, and will return to OK Gold action with duals in Hastings against South Christian Monday and Forest Hills Eastern Tuesday in the week ahead. The Saxons' Bri Barnes flies to the hoop for a lay-up during her team's season opener against Coopersville Friday night at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) HHS girls win home opener Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team added a second victory to start the season Friday night, defeating Coopersville in the Saxons’ home opener 47-26. In the first quarter the Saxons were down 8-7 and it was a close one-point game. According to Saxon head coach Chase Youngs, “our defense sparked a 12-0 run in the second quarter to build a lead going into halftime.” Once the Saxons pulled ahead, they never let up. Saxon senior Bri Barnes was pleased with her team, “it feels really good to start the season off with two wins, especially after last year being strange with Covid. It allows us to gain momentum and continue improving for the next game. My team is good at being unselfish. We all trust each other and are not afraid to make the extra pass, knowing that our teammate will finish the ball.” The Saxons have a strong lineup of seniors this year leading the team and are now 3-0 after a 54-15 win at Delton Kellogg Tuesday. Head coach Chase Young also mentioned the unselfishness of his team following the win Friday, “We are moving the ball well and playing unselfish team basketball. Nine girls had at least three points. As a team, they are working hard defensively, which gives us the opportunity to get some easy buckets on offense. Six seniors all played and contribut­ ed just by their effort and consistent presence. Bri Barnes and Brooklyn Youngs both played well defensively. Chelsea Ertner had a big game rebounding. Sophomore Addy Nickels came in off the bench and played well and ended with 1 turnover.” After a strong second quarter the Saxon girls were up at halftime 21-8. The Saxons would double that number with a big third quarter scoring 21 points. The Broncos tried to make a comeback in the fourth quarter outscoring the Saxons on a 7-0 run, with five of those points from Dannykajohnson, who was the top scor­ er for the Broncos scoring nine for the night. But at the end of the night, the Saxons had outscored the Broncos by 21 points. Barnes was the leading scorer for the Saxons with ten points. Ertner scored eight points and brought down 14 rebounds for the team. Carly Warner hit two three-point shots to score six points. Barnes noted that the competition in the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference could be fierce once league play begins, but said “I’m confi­ dent in my team’s ability to play against them.” The lady Saxons will travel to Thomapple Kellogg on Friday night for the local rivalry, the Battle of Barry County. They will start conference action against Marshall next week with an away game at Marshall on Tuesday. The Saxons' Brooklynn Youngs battles for a rebound during her team's season opener against visiting Coopersville Friday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-12-16.pdf 47cf59752dace44d28d447fb1284e3b6 PDF Text Text Outdoor igloos return, despite some concerns Christmas season offers signs of hope Trojans sweep Saxons in Battle of Barry County See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 11 804879110187 1070490102590501532949058113421 r^^^**********CAR-RT LOT**C 005 uuuo Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1 AM ; ano 1 111 VJO Thursday, December 16, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 49 PRICE $1.00 County aims for ARPA decision in January Therese Maupin-Moore Maupin-Moore resigns from city council Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings City Councilmember Therese Maupin-Moore, 1st Ward, announced her resignation from the city during Monday’s council meeting. “I am choosing to resign for personal reasons and prefer not to elaborate,” she told fellow council members. “Please do know that this is not a decision I have taken lightly.” The announcement came as a surprise to Mayor David Tossava. “I’m flabbergasted, to See MAUPIN-MOORE, page 2 Pause with Santa Claus Coleen Buys of Alto was part of the crowd that queued up to see Santa during the Charlton Park's Christmas Past on Sunday. Turn to Page 10 for more Christmas Past at Charlton Park. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Remenap resigns from TK Greg Chandler Staff Writer Thirteen months after being hired as superin­ tendent of the Thomapple Kellogg Schools, Dan Remenap has stepped down from that role. In a 5-0 vote Monday night, with two members absent, the school board approved a separation agreement with Remenap, who had been hired as the district’s superintendent in November 2020. Remenap’s departure from Thomapple Kellogg will take effect Dec. 31, board president Matt Powers said in a written statement issued after the meeting. “The board accepted Mr. Remenap’s resig­ nation consistent with a separation agree­ ment. The board wishes Mr. Remenap well,” Powers said. Craig McCarthy, who has served as interim superintendent for the past three months, will remain in that role for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year, Powers said. Remenap had gone on temporary medical leave from his position Sept. 3. At the time, then-board president Kristen Cove said she expected Remenap to be on leave eight to 10 weeks. “It is in my best interest and that of Thomapple Kellogg that I take this time to focus on my health while Craig and the rest of our excellent administrative team continue to execute our strategic plan and care for our kids,” Remenap said in a statement released at that time. “I am committed to actively returning to the district as soon as I am able.” Remenap had been expected to return in mid-November, but Powers sent out an email Nov. 10 saying Remenap’s leave had been extended indefinitely. Remenap was selected from among 25 can­ didates to replace former superintendent Rob Blitchok, who retired at the end of September 2020 after two years in the position. Prior to that, Remenap had been superintendent at Hastings Area School System for about a year and a half and spent 10 years as principal of Allendale High School in Ottawa County. No decisions have been made as far as the process of finding a permanent replacement for Remenap. “The board is confident that with Mr. McCarthy’s leadership, the district will con­ tinue to provide a first-class education to its students,” Powers said. Cove resigned from the board later in September, the second person to leave the board in a matter of months. Sarah Alden had stepped down in June. In a text message to The Banner this week, Remenap said he had just undergone surgery and was not able to comment at this time. Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners tentatively agreed Tuesday on a January 2022 timetable for a decision on how to spend the county’s first America Rescue Plan Act check for $5.97 million. Further details are sketchy at this point, but the board spent time discussing ways to ensure the projects they pick would meet federal guidelines so that nothing is later dis­ allowed. All local governments receiving ARPA funds must decide how to spend the money within a specified time period and within certain guidelines - at least 150 pages of them. In the meantime, the commissioners’ last meeting of this year will be 9 a.m. Dec. 21. It will be a regular board meeting; the com­ mittee of the whole originally slated for that date will be consolidated with the Dec. 28 meeting so that one board session will take place next Tuesday. Then, in January, likely at the last board meeting on Jan. 25, commissioners have ten­ tatively set that date for a decision. “We did have a public forum to hear from our task force on what the best uses of ARPA funds are in Barry County,” Chairman Ben Geiger pointed out to fellow commissioners. The task force, led by Barry Community Foundation President/CEO Bonnie Gettys, was charged with soliciting applicants, researching the requirements and determining which proposals would best meet the guide­ lines established by the federal government. “Are you comfortable with the task force recommendations or do we want to kick the tires on this a little more?” he asked the board Tuesday. Commissioners agreed they will need fur­ ther discussion. “I’m in favor of getting questions answered,” Commissioner Catherine Getty said. “We certainly want to be comfortable with how the money is being spent.” County Administrator Michael Brown encouraged them to develop specific ques­ tions to pass along to those who wrote the proposals now under consideration. That way, people would come prepared to hone in on the issues that commissioners raise. “We’re not going to go through the process again are we?” Commissioner Howard Gibson asked. “I don’t think we need to.” “No,” Geiger replied. “We empowered this task force to evaluate ideas and give us a recommendation based on logic and metrics - and they did exactly that.” One of the concerns expressed by citizens and commissioners is keeping the county’s plan for the funds within the guidelines of what’s allowed by the federal government. Commissioner Jon Smelker asked if the Michigan Association of Counties provides any consultants on what’s an acceptable use for these ARPA funds. They should look for expertise to certify the process as far as what’s allowable, he confirmed. “Normally, with grants, the agency you’re getting the grafe from does It,” Brown replied. “That’s not occurring in this case. MAC has advised that there are two or three companies that will perform that type of service.” Brown said he has heard some discussion among his peers as they engage some of these See ARPA, page 2 Hastings schools take next step toward 2022 bond request Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Hastings Area Schools Board of Education approved the preliminary quali­ fication application for a May 2022 bond proposal during its monthly meeting Monday. The application has since been sent to the state Treasury Department, Superintendent Matt Goebel confirmed. The bond will cover the same scope as the bond in August, which failed by fewer than 100 votes. It would include repairing the two-decades-old high school roof; replacing windows, doors and buses; improving playground equipment; revamp­ ing bathrooms; renovating high school locker rooms that date back to 1970; and installing an air-purification system. The current millage rate sits at 6 mills. If approved, the bond would increase the millage rate for residents in the Hastings Area School System by 0.8 mills to 6.8 mills. “We’re really trying to be transparent with our facility needs,” Goebel told The Banner “We’re not trying to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes here. These needs are bare-bones needs for our facilities.” In the coming weeks, state treasury staff will review the application and return it to the district. Goebel said he expects the school board to have the option of adopting a resolution to call for an election at its Jan. 17 meeting. In the meantime, Goebel said the district is currently in the process of formalizing a citizens’ committee. In other business Monday, the board: • Accepted a donation of $1,000 from Al & Pete’s Sport Shop. • Recognized Hastings Middle School Principal Sarah Guekes for being named the Region 9 Principal of the Year by the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association. County clerk’s office adds online orders Wild weather damages TK high school roof Forecast is calling for more high winds Greg Chandler Staff Writer High winds Saturday morning damaged the roof of the main gymnasium of Thomapple Kellogg High School, resulting in the cancellation of a competitive cheer event scheduled that day and forcing the relocation of other athletic events to the school’s auxiliary gymnasium for the time being. The damage occurred shortly after 9 a.m. Competitors had just started arriving for the meet when the winds began tearing away at the roof. “It just started lifting away,” TK interim Superintendent Craig McCarthy said. Quickly, all the competitors who were in the gym were ushered out. Fifteen teams from as far away as the Detroit area had been scheduled to compete in the meet, McCarthy said. Another round of strong winds is forecast for the region this week. The National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids issued a wind advisory that was scheduled to remain in effect until 4 p.m. today for Barry and surrounding counties. Wind gusts of up to 55 mph were forecast, according to the weather advisory. See WILD, page 2 Starting this week, Barry County residents can obtain some legal documents from the county clerk’s office without having to physically go there to get them. Senior deputy clerk Sarah VanDenburg, shown above, said it's a great tool for citizens to use, no matter where they are. The service is available at barrycounty.org, where a box “Clerk Online Record Request” offers a way to order documents, such as marriage, birth and death certificates, and judgments of divorce. A $10 service fee is included in the purchase and items can be shipped overnight for $30. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) �Page 2 — Thursday, December 16, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Middleville adopts budget, discusses marijuana business license applications Vandalism forces closure ofjjublic restrooms James Gemmell Contributing Writer The Middleville Village Council covered a lot of bases Tuesday night during its final meeting of 2021, including the fiscal-year 2022 budget and medical marijuana business applications. The normal 7 p.m. meeting time at the village hall was moved up to a 6:30 p.m. start in anticipation of the lengthy agenda. Village Manager Patricia Rayl announced that, although five vendors recently applied for - and received - special land-use designa­ tions to open marijuana-based businesses, only two have submitted applications for the required marijuana business licenses, so far. “We were expecting another three, but they have not been turned in at this time,” she told council members. The two that did submit their business-li­ cense applications were Mitten Meds LLC, which would set up shop at 640 Arlington Court, and Kalamazoo-based KKind, which would locate its medical-marijuana operation at 402 Thornton St. The Mitten Meds facility would be a co-location, offering both recre­ ational and medical marijuana. The other three applicants who received site plan and special land-use approvals, but have yet to submit their business-license applications so far are Middleville Provisioning, MI Craft Cannibas and LUME Cannabis Co. Rayl said the eligible businesses have no deadline, but “once an application is deemed to be complete, there are 21 days for me to evaluate and tell them yea or nay.” Village Assistant Manager Brian Urquhart - who also is the village’s planning/zoning administrator - said in an interview after the meeting, “There is no window, but the clock is ticking on those that may not have applied. And since all were approved for a special land use, they’re competing against each other if they get it in.” Rayl said she doesn’t know if the three applicants who have not filed for business licenses have dropped out. “I have no idea. It could just be it’s taken a while to put the [application] materials together. Because it is a big, lengthy process, and the application requires a lot of things.” Michigan voters approved in November 2018 the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act. That law allows adults 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of can­ nabis and to grow as many as a dozen plants at home. In August, the Middleville council approved a pair of ordinances paving the way for marijuana-based businesses in the village. In other business Tuesday night, the vil­ lage council approved the fiscal year 2022 budget on a 6-0 vote following a public hear­ ing. The projected general-fund budget is about $1.64 million. The anticipated increase in overall revenues is nearly 7 percent for 2022, compared to 2021, with most of the increase coming from state revenue sharing and property taxes. “That’s from all the new homes that we’ve had over the last year or so,” Rayl said. “In addition to that, we did not include any addi­ tion in state revenue-sharing, but we have since learned that we will get more state rev­ enue sharing because of our census numbers. So, I feel comfortable with our estimate on the revenue, that we actually might exceed that.” The village’s population count, based on unofficial 2020 U.S. Census numbers, rose to about 4,200 from the 3,300-person count taken in 2010. “That means we’re going to get credit for 900 more people from the state for the consti­ tutional and statutory revenue sharing,” Rayl said after the meeting. The final budget factored in two job posi­ tions that have not been filled: one for an additional deputy sheriff and another for a wastewater treatment plant supervisor/operator to succeed current operator Charlie Miller. He is planning to retire in the spring of 2023. The village’s public works director, Alec Belson, said after the meeting that no official salary has been posted yet for the wastewater operator’s position. “The [village] manager and I are still working on it. Right now, we’re advertising it as $50,000-plus [annually], depending on qualifications.” The wastewater plant is off Sheridan Street, north of Main Street, in the northeast section of the village. In other action, the village council voted unanimously to adopt separate resolutions increasing water and sewer fees for 2022. “Our costs are going up,” Rayl told the council. She said the 2 percent increase in the water and sewer fees would boost the average resi­ dent’s water bill by $3 quarterly, or $1 per month, she said. Rayl and Belson also announced Tuesday they have decided to shut down the new pub­ lic bathrooms near the pavilion at Sesquicentennial Park for the winter, due to ongoing vandalism. “We’ve seen an uptick in the last month and a half,” Belson said. “So, just to save on resources and staff, and spending dollars fixing things, we’re going to break for the winter.” Village officials also have discussed poten­ tial options for placing surveillance cameras in the park, but Rayl said more lighting would be needed for the cameras to capture images at night. One item the village council will be keep­ ing an eye on heading into 2022 is a proposal by Left Field Coffee CEO and founder Johnny DeMaagd to redevelop the old fire bam at 115 High St. He said at the Dec. 7 committee of the whole meeting that Left Field Coffee wants to expand its roasting and canning line, as well as its kitchen and bakery space. The company has been doing business on East Main Street in downtown Middleville since 2018. “It’s very interesting,” Rayl said. “I’m definitely intrigued with his proposal.” ARPA, continued from page 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spill makes a stink A large amount of manure was spilled out onto West State Street early Monday afternoon, shutting down part of the road near the stoplight between McDonald’s and the Barry County Transit building. Hastings City Police Chief Dale Boutler said an officer was called to the scene and found manure at least 6 inches deep in some places on the street. A sewage truck pumped away most of it, while a street sweeper cleaned up later. Boulter said the spill was likely accidental, but the police are seeking the driver of the vehicle to pay for the expense of cleaning it up. (Photo by Benjamin Simon) !|T' Christmas Music ] an^ WorshipI Opportunities at I I I First Presbyterian Church | of Hastings I 40 N. M-V Hwy. ♦ Church office 2^?T4^-jH0 i DECEMBER 16,7:00 P.M. - “An Evening of Christmas Music”, fea- A • taring Robert Oster on the Chancel Organ, with Special guests: Sharon S Jones, Joe Lajoye and Emily Hayward. J The concert will include solo organ arrangements of favorite Carols j and Christmas songs, presented by Bob Oster on the organ - one, a rousing^ theater-style presentation. There will be a sing-along section for the enjoy-' Iment and participation of the audience, and selected instrumental accom-4 paniments. P • Our community is blessed with outstanding local musical talent. We* ; hope you will include this concert in your holiday planning, to appreciate and J enjoy the musical offerings of these talented artists. The concert is sure to up- 5 lift and inspire you as you continue your holiday preparations - and give you J a period of “respite” if you are feeling the slightest bit stressed by seasonal i expectations! You will be refreshed - and continue your preparations uplifted J by the refrains of your favorite songs energizing and buoying your spirits! II AH are welcome! There is no charge for the concert, but an opportunity $ Tor a free-will offering will be presented. Bring friends, and go home singing! J ? DECEMBER 24,6:00 P.M. - Family-Oriented Christmas J Eve Service: > FPC invites you to join in worship at its single Christmas Eve service this year, designed for all ages. As the secular song says, 5 “Kids from one (or younger) to ninety-two (or older)” are welcome 1 to this worship service including music and worship elements suit- i able for all ages. | fome! Bring friends, and “Worship Christ, the newborn King”! fl DEADLINE FOR ADS AND NEWS: TUESDAY, DEC. 21 AT NOON DEADLINE FOR CLASSIHEDSIUESDAY, DEC. 21 AT NOON firms; there are a couple of consulting firms that are available. He said he would get more information, especially as far as answers to the question of what, exactly, these firms would certify. “We’re all looking for a guarantee,” Brown said. “We’re not going to get it,” Geiger replied. “We’re just ahead of the game. I anticipated there would be companies out there that would provide this sort of service.” As far as Barry County’s strategy, he point­ ed out, they are seeking to tap local expertise on federal funds through the creation of the task force. Members of the task force include: Gettys; Lani Forbes, executive director of the Barry County United Way; Carla Wilson Neil, retired chief operating officer with Spectrum Health Pennock; Gregory Moore, community affairs manager with Consumers Energy; Craig Jenkins, Delton Kellogg Board of Education member; Jennifer Heinzman, president/CEO of the Barry County Area Chamber of Commerce/Economic Alliance; Robert Geyer, business consultant and partner, Crowe Horwarth, Gun Lake; and Cindy Vujea, retired, Barry County Economic Alliance. Vice Chairperson Vivian Conner asked Brown if he knew of any counties that have already allocated their ARPA funding. “I am not aware of anybody that has started spending money - but I’m certain there are,” he said. Commissioner Dave Jackson said that try­ ing to certify these projects is going to be nearly impossible, yet he won’t rule out try­ ing to get a second opinion from an outside source. “Our task force has done a good job vetting them. You’ve done a good job vetting,” he told Brown. “ ... If there’s a resource avail­ able that’s not overly expensive to do it, I would not be opposed to putting additional eyeballs on it.” Geiger summarized the board’s discussion on Tuesday this way: “We’re going to continue with the process we’ve started with the ARPA task force and, in late January, we’re going to have an oppor­ tunity to have the task force up here and answer any specific questions the board may have related to individual projects.” WILD, continued from page 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg said road crews dealt with more than 100 downed trees across the county, which took most of Saturday to clean up. Scattered power outages were reported throughout the area as well. But the worst of the wind damage appeared to hit Thomapple Kellogg High School. * “We know that about 50 percent of the roof membrane was rolled back and, in that same process, all five of our roof drains were ripped out of the roof,” McCarthy told members of the school board at its Monday night meeting. “We did have some water come into the building. We had the tarps down to try and keep the water from getting all over the com­ petition gym floor,” McCarthy added. “We ended up calling in Modernistic to try to keep the water off the floor. They were here for several hours on Saturday night while it was raining out. We have most of it off the floor, but we do have some moisture in the floor.” The district brought in a company to assess how much moisture was in the wood floor, find­ ing some areas of the floor having 30- to 35-percent humidity. Fans and dehumidifiers are being used to try to draw some of the moisture out in hopes of sparing the floor, McCarthy said. “We may be able to salvage it by sanding the floor, smoothing it all out and then re-strip­ ing and painting it,” he said. The roof material has been temporarily replaced and a plan for a permanent replace­ ment to the roof is in the works. Contractors were at the school Monday to look at the roof and roof draining system. “The wind was so powerful that, when it pulled out the drains, it actually bent some of the drain piping. We’re going to have to have that whole roof drain redone,” McCarthy said. Insurance representatives visited the school Sunday and Monday to assess the damage. McCarthy said the district has filed a formal damage claim and submitted about 50 photos to illustrate the extent of the damage. No dol­ lar amount on the extent of the damage has been determined, he said. The damage to the main gym roof resulted in Tuesday’s girls’ basketball games between Thomapple Kellogg and Grand Rapids Northview High School being relocated to the auxiliary gym. Today’s girls’ basketball games against Caledonia High School also are sched­ uled to be played in the auxiliary gym. “We’re not going utilize the competitive gym until we know it’s safe in there for all the athletes,” McCarthy said after the meeting. The National Weather Service office at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids reported a peak wind gust of 59 mph shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday. Other areas of West Michigan experienced wind gusts in excess of 70 mph during the storm, according to NWS meteorologists. High winds damaged Thornapple Kellogg High School roof Saturday. (Photo provided) XJevofed to the Interests of Barry County Since 1S56 ANNER NEW YEAR S DEADLINES Deadline for ADS: Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Noon Deadline for NEWS: Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Noon Deadline for CLASSIFIEDS: Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Noon Papers will be on the newsstands Wednesday, Dec. 22nd and Wednesday, Dec. 29th MAUPIN-MOORE, continued from page 1 --------------------------------------------------------be honest with you,” he said as MaupinMoore handed him her resignation. Maupin-Moore was appointed to the coun­ cil in 2016 after former council member Barry Wood resigned. She is the current Eden coor­ dinator at Thomapple Manor, where, for the past eight years, she has helped design pro­ grams, activities and scheduling that focuses on “person-centered care,” Administrator Don Haney said. Maupin-Moore will transition to a new role there as the director of social services starting Jan. 1, 2022. A Hastings resident for nearly two decades, Maupin-Moore has previously held positions with the Barry County Commission on Aging and Barry County Substance Abuse Services. Her resignation from the city council is effective Feb. 1, 2022. “I am grateful to have served the communi­ ty over the past six years, and I look forward to opportunities to serve the city of Hastings,” she said. “I wish the city of Hastings and the city council the best of the future.” �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 16, 2021 — Page 3 Outdoor igloos to return to Hastings restaurant Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Some see outdoor igloo-type structures as a safety hazard. Others see them as a way to bring people downtown. The circular plastic structures used for out­ door dining have grown in popularity over the past two years as a way to keep people safe from the coronavirus and warm during the winter. In a 6-2 vote Monday, city council approved Seasonal Grille’s request to place four igloos on Church Street in the parking spaces across the street. Council members Don Bowers and Al Jarvis voted against the proposal. But the approval didn’t come without hes­ itation from city staff. Police Chief Dale Boulter and Director of Public Services Travis Tate said they did not support the ini­ tial proposal. They expressed concern over the safety of the set-up. “Even though [DPS] crews do a great job keeping our roads clean, it’s setting people in these igloos with the chance of slippery roads,” Boulter said. “It makes me very ner­ vous to have people crossing the road, wheth­ er it be the waitress or waiter and people sit­ ting inside those, that’s my concern.” Tate agreed. “There’s no barrier between the igloos and cars or trucks,” he said. “I would like to see concrete barriers in between those two to protect the people sitting down and eating.” Others also expressed worry about a dom­ ino effect: Allow one business to use igloos and every other business could follow suit, council member Don Bowers said. “I think you need to really address this because, if we OK this, all the rest of them do the same thing,” he said. But Community Development Director Dan King noted that the city allowed igloos in 2020 - and it did not impact the downtown atmosphere. “Last year, there were only two establish­ ments in Hastings - one being Seasonal Grille, the other being Bunker’s - that took advantage of the outdoor dining,” King said, adding that the igloos were provided by an anonymous donation to the Barry Community Foundation. Mayor David Tossava acknowledged the concerns expressed by council members, but emphasized the importance of promoting downtown businesses. Last year, he said, the igloos were packed with people. Tossava suggested the city place concrete barricades around the igloos to impove safety. “I would like to see us approve it, if they put the barricades there,” he said. In the end, the council agreed to allow the igloos at Seasonal Grille with concrete barri­ cades around them. “[It’s] one more way of making money and bringing people into town,” Tossava said. $1.27M Crooked Brook intercounty drain project OK’d Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners unani­ mously approved a project not to exceed $1.27 million to upgrade the Crooked Brook Intercounty Drain, which is shared by Barry and Eaton counties, that will get underway early next year. The board voted Tuesday to pledge the full faith and credit of the county for 49 percent of the project - or about $624,750 - the cost of which would be spread over 15 years. Eaton County is expected to cover the cost of about 51 percent of the project, or $650,250. The drain stretches between Eaton and Barry counties, with assessments to be paid at large in Assyria Township in Barry County and Bellevue Township in Eaton County. According to Eaton County information on the watershed area, Crooked Brook begins in sections 5 and 8 in Bellevue Township and flows 6.7 miles to its conflu­ ence at Wanandoga Creek in Section 35. It ends short of the Battle Creek line, Dull said. The work is expected to be complete by August or September 2022, he said. In other business, the board: • Chose to opt in to the National Opioid Settlement Agreement and authorized Chairman Ben Geiger to sign and submit the settlement participation form on behalf of the county. The settlement is a result of a nationwide lawsuit alleging opioid manufacturers caused the country’s opioid crisis through deceptive marketing practices, misrepre­ senting that opioids had a low risk of addiction and pushing benefits without disclosing risks. By the state attorney general’s estimate, Barry County would receive a projected settlement amount of $773,257 over 18 years. The deadline for participation to maximize settlement benefits is Jan. 2, 2022. The first payment would be received as early as April 2022; the second payment would come as early as July 2022. In sub­ sequent years, payments would be received annually in July. There will be some requirements as to how the money could be used, but the coun­ ty’s Substance Abuse Prevention Supervisor Liz Lenz told commissioners these funds would help support their programs. • Approved a resolution of intent for Fiscal Year 2023 to file for state operating assistance - with $268,809 in federal funds, $522,467 in state funds and $798,399 in local funds - for an estimated total of nearly $1.5 million for transit. • Adopted the 2021 Barry County Hazard Mitigation Plan to start the Federal Emergency Management Agency review/ approval process. • Approved a 2022 grant application for $26,318 to the Michigan Department of "Members of the Barry County Prosecutor's Office were honored at the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday for their years of service. Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Carter was com­ mended for five yfeargrof service and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Payne received county commissioners' appreciation for 15 years of service. Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt told the county board, ‘Tm extremely lucky in my office.” Ines Straube, the Barry County court administrator and director of the Friend of the Court office, was honored for 20 years of service. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation for the county substance abuse task force to con­ duct education, communication and out­ reach regarding the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act in the county. • Recommended approval of the agree­ ment to provide access to programs in all four MSUE institutes and the annual assessment of $57,936 to help fund Extension services for county residents in 2022 and cover operating expenses for Extension personnel and the operation of the county 4-H program. The county also provides an additional $66,674 that funds a clerical person for the local MSUE office. • Recommended the hire of an additional part-time kennel employee to work 18 hours a week, for an annual cost of $9,238, to come from the county’s contingency fund. • Recommended Bureau of Justice Assistance grant contracts for fiscal year 2022 amounting to $31,843 for Adult Drug Court, and $32,803 for sobriety court. • Approved the audit engagement agree­ ment with Walker Fluke & Sheldon to conduct the 2021 county road commission annual audit. • Re-appointed Holly Pineiro, as recom­ mended by the county Humane Society, to serve as the Humane Society representa­ tive on the county Animal Shelter board from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2022; Craig Stolsonburg to serve on the county Transit Board for a three-year term that begins Jan. 1, 2022, and expires on Dec. 31, 2024; Cynthia Vujea to serve on the Central Dispatch board in a citizen-at-large posi­ tion for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2022, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025; David Tripp to the county Building Authority for a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2022, and expiring Dec. 31, 2024; and Mike Timmons to the county Veterans’ Affairs Committee for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2022, and expiring Dec. 31, 2025; County urges vaccinations while CO VID deaths continue Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported nine more deaths from COVID-19 this week, in addition to nine last week. A total of 120 deaths due to the virus have been reported since March of 2020. As of Wednesday, the department reported 297 active cases in the county. Tuesday was a year to the day that former Barry County Commissioner Dan Parker died of COVID-19. It also was a year, to the day, that the first COVID vaccine was administered in the state of Michigan. The vaccine was too late for Parker - but it’s not too late for others in the community. Commissioner Catherine Getty expressed that heartfelt plea at the conclusion of the county board: “Our hospitals continue to be full beyond capacity,” Getty said. “I’ve heard from mul­ tiple emergency room doctors, doctors in our hospitals, nurses, staff. They’re completely burnt out. It’s very said to see what’s happen­ ing.” Spectrum Health Pennock had 13 people hospitalized with COVID-19 this week, with four in the intensive care unit. The hospital reported it was at 100 percent bed capacity. “In honor of Dan Parker, who we lost one year ago today,” Getty continued, turning to the audience, “just, please, everyone do your part to keep our community safe. Follow the health guidelines and recommendations. “We don’t want to lose more people.” CO VID has claimed the lives of more than 25,000 people in Michigan, according to state health officials. “Dan Parker was a good man,” Geiger said, “... he’d want us to pull together as a community.” At least 30,992 Barry County residents have received at least one dose of the vac­ cine, which is 62.3 percent of the population which is over 16-years-of-age. Thomapple Manor Administrator Don Haney said Tuesday he believes the assisted living facility’s recent outbreak of COVID19 has ended, after the most recent rounds of testing showed no positive cases. The facility had 16 residents and more than 30 staff test positive in the last two months. It is the second outbreak at the facil­ ity since the pandemic began, after 11 cases were reported last winter. Two of those people have died. Hastings Rehab and Healthcare Center has reported 26 cases among residents since the start of November, which was also the sec­ ond outbreak after 13 resident cases were reported late last year. Carveth Village in Middleville reported 10 cases last month, which is the only cases the facility has had at this point. In other action, the council: • Increased the fine for parking violations in the city from $5 to $15. The changes will go into effect Jan.l, 2022. This could include anything from parking on a sidewalk to over­ time parking in the downtown area to parking on the street between 2 and 6 a.m. “I’m not looking at getting into people’s pockets,” Chief Boulter said during the meeting. “I want them to comply. I want this to be a deterrent. When I have people come to my window with four tickets in their hand from the whole week and look at our secre­ taries and say, ‘This is cheap parking, I’ll do this all day long’ - then it’s no longer a deterrent.” The fine has not been raised since 1991. • Adopted a policy on guidelines for gifts, memorials and donations given to the City of Hastings. It includes criteria on how the city should approach monetary donations, gifts of real property, works of arts memorials/trib­ utes/naming and construction funded by a private donor. People who donate may have to complete a donation agreement form. • Received an “unmodified opinion” which is the highest ranking it can receive on its audit of the 2021 fiscal budget per­ formed by Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors. • Approved amendments to the downtown development authority bylaws. • Purchased 800 tons of road salt through MiDeal for $50,464. • Moved its Dec. 28 meeting up to 4 p.m. • Re-appointed Tom Maurer and appointed Michelle Peltier to the planning commission. Both will have three-year terms starting Jan. 1, 2022. Peltier will fill the seat left vacant after Chelsey Foster resigned. • Reappointed Norma Jean Acker and appointed Cloe Rose Oliver to the library board. Both will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2022. BISD receives clean audit Benjamin Simon Staff Writer The Barry Intermediate School District received a clean, or unmodified, opinion of its 2021 budget Tuesday. This is the high­ est assessment the district can receive, said Steve Thompson of Thompson Seiler & Kolb PLLC. Thompson kicked off his presentation to the board by discussing the net position of the district, which serves “as one way to measure the school district’s financial health, or financial position,” the report reads. The district is nearly $9 million in the hole as a result of lack of funding to its pension plan. “The pension portion continues to get worse,” Thompson said. “That’s more peo­ ple retiring definitely over the last [10 years] and new people are not contributing to it.” But Thompson said it’s not something the school district should worry about. “All schools have the same issue,” Thompson said. “Maybe a really small school might have a positive net position, but you don’t see many of those - those are few and far between.” Board members followed up by ques­ tioning if there is anything BISD can do to fix the problem. “Do you see any other school districts, especially ISD-wise, making any more progress on MERS than we are?” board member Deb Hatfield asked of the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan which regulates the pension funding. “MERS, there’s really nothing you can do about it,” Thompson said. “So we’re just waiting for the state to figure out what they’re going to do with it?” Hatfield asked. “Yeah,” he responded, later adding: “Some boards have asked, ‘Well, can we pay that off?’ Well, no, you can’t. Even if you did, it just goes into the big pie. It isn’t going to reduce your amount, even if you pay $12 million - it’s just going to get reallocated amongst every school in the state.” Following the net position discussion, Thompson directed the board’s attention to budgetary comparison sheets of its general and special education funds. The report looks at the budgeted amounts ver­ sus the actual amounts used. The general fund finished with a deficiency of $14,650 in revenue over expenditures, lowering its fund balance from $224,804 to $210,154. Still, Thompson called it an improve­ ment, noting that the district is “getting closer to breaking even there. Because you have been using up your fund balance in the general fund the last five, six years or so.” In the special education fund, the district finished with a positive amount, with $338,399 in revenue over expenditures. It raised the end of year special education fund balance to $2.2 million. The board also approved a new policy regarding public comment. The text was written with the help of NEOLA, a nation­ al education policy service. “There’s been a lot of lively, vociferous public meetings around our state, around our county,” BISD Superintendent Rich Franklin said. “... I think the big concern of our board was, ‘Let’s make sure that since NEOLA is giving us a revised policy or bylaw on this* let’s make sure that it does what we think it needs to do.” Most notably, the policy will restrict a person’s public comment to three min­ utes. “There’s always a balance between being very open to whoever shows up at the meeting and the fact that we’re here to do the people’s business,” Franklin said. “And the people deserve efficiency in their business.” An open letter from your Barry County Schools, Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Dear Barry County Community: School and law enforcement leaders from across Barry County continue to work together in our shared responsi­ bility to keep all children, students, ed­ ucators, and our community safe. In the wake of the recent tragedy at Oxford Community Schools, we want to assure you that we take this respon­ sibility very seriously. This is why our organizations are in frequent commu­ nication and have long-standing part­ nerships. There has been an increase in threats directed at schools across the state. Because we take each and every threat seriously, we are asking for your help to educate your children and the broader community about the seriousness of making threats. Making threats is a crime; and schools, law enforcement, and the Barry County prosecutor will work together to hold individuals who make threats to schools responsible for their actions. The best way to keep our community safe is by reporting threats as soon as they are made. If you see-or hear-something, say something. Please report all threats immediately to law enforcement and school officials. We encourage individuals to use anony­ mous tip lines like Silent Observer at 1-800-310-9031, calling 1-8555-OK2SAY, texting OK2SAY, or texting or calling 911. We also encourage those with young people in their lives to monitor their mental wellness and be aware of signs of depression or distress during this difficult and stressful time. If a young person in your life needs help, please contact the Barry County Community Mental Health Authority access/crisis line at 866-266-4781 to be referred to additional local resources and services. Our children deserve a learning envi­ ronment free from worry about sense­ less acts of violence. With your help, we can work together to keep our com­ munities and schools safe. Sincerely, Barry Intermediate School District Hastings Area School System Delton Kellogg Schools Thornapple Kellogg Schools Lakewood Public Schools Maple Valley Schools Barry County Christian School Saint Rose of Lima School Barry County Prosecuting Attorney Barry Township Police Department Michigan State Police Wayland Post Barry County Emergency Management Prairieville Township Police Department Barry County Central Dispatch 911 Barry Community Mental Health Authority Hastings Police Department Barry County Sheriff’s Office This letter published as a pu >//c service by J-ad Graphics �Page 4 — Thursday, December 16, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? Joy of the season a sign of hope Turkey on the roof, aloof Some Hastings residents who’ve been paying attention may have noticed this wild turkey keeping watch over Hastings' West State Street area. Barry County Transit Manager Bill Voigt snapped this photo of the big bird while it perched atop his office building earlier this week. Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf and Undersheriff Jason Sixberry say it also has been a fre­ quent visitor to the nearby sheriff’s office. Do you remember? Home for Christmas Banner Dec. 26, 1963 Members of the Hastings Elks Lodge were eager to make certain an officer of their lodge, Esteemed Lecturing Knight Ronald G. Higdon, 46, got home for Christmas. Ron had severely injured his back in tiny Republic [Marquette County] Dec. 9 and had spent the rest of the time in Ishpeming’s Francis Bell Memorial Hospital. The Elks officers got together with the Hastings Flying Association’s pres­ ident, Charles F. Murphy, who also is an Elk, and Higdon was brought home. Murphy, who is president of Michigan Magnetics in Vermontville, flew his new twin-engine airplane to Ishpeming and brought Ron back. Pictured right after the aircraft landed about 2:30 p.m. Saturday are (from left) Mrs. [Ella] Higdon, Exalted Ruler Wayne Newton of the Elks, Ron, and pilot Murphy. Have you met? Anyone attending a Hastings Saxons ath­ letic event this year likely has seen a guy toting a backpack and camera, sporting a salt-and-pepper beard. His name is Bob Gaskill - a Hastings native, a Saxons parent and a self-trained photographer. But anyone who knew Gaskill from his childhood might be surprised to hear he is a photographer now. He didn’t pick the hobby as a full-time commitment until six months ago. For Gaskill, 54, it was a personal deci­ sion. He only has one photo of himself from his high school sports days. And he wanted to make sure kids could have something tangible to remember from their high school sports experiences. “Sometimes you get a ‘thank you,’ some­ times you don’t. But the thing is - they’ve got that memory,” Gaskill said. Robert “Bob” Gaskill, the son of Ervin Gaskill and Carol Carroll, comes from a long line of Hastings residents. To illustrate this, he cracks open a history of Barry County book, pre-marked to the page of his family. He points to the paragraphs, explain­ ing the trajectory of his family - how Joseph Gaskill moved to Hastings in 1854, how his son Benjamin Gaskill bought land just south of what is now M-79 and Charlton Park Road in 1867 and how Gaskill grew up on the same land more than a century later. As a kid, though, he never envisioned a career outside of working in a factory. He came from three generations of E.W. Bliss workers and found little interest in school. “I was an OK student; I wasn’t spectacu­ lar,” he said. “I mean, I landed probably dead smack-dab in the middle of my class.” Then Gaskill took the ACT exam. He didn’t think much of it, but when his score came back, he was surprised to learn it was good enough to earn a scholarship. He decided to give college a try, applying to one school, Ferris State University, because it had a technical drafting and tool design program. Gaskill graduated from Hastings in 1985, moving up to college that fall, where he met his wife, Jan, and became the first person in his immediate family to earn a four-year degree. After college, he and Jan relocated to Grand Rapids for a few months, but they didn’t stay long. One day, Gaskill saw a Reminder listing for his grandmother’s home. She lived on the same 40-acre parcel of land where Gaskill had grown up. “‘You got this for sale?’ I said, ‘I’m kind of surprised you didn’t give me a call on this,” Gaskill recalled saying. “And she goes, ‘Well, you know, you’re living in Grand Rapids. I didn’t think you want to live down here.’” But for Gaskill, who calls himself a “country kid,” it wasn’t a hard decision. He bought the land and lived there for the next few decades before moving to the city of Hastings 10 years ago. He was employed at Jet Electronics where he worked with avionic indicators, and then at Systex, a company that creates damper doors for the automotive industry as a material planner and manager. But he wanted to spend more time at home with his four children, Dakota, Jessica, Abby and Jodee. He took a few years off, worked at Viking and built a pole bam before accepting another job - this Bob Gaskill time at Haworth in Holland. Over the years, the hour-long commute each way wore on him, and he left in June. He has all of his work memories saved in a bulging binder of keepsakes. It includes printouts of noteworthy emails, magazine cutouts and signed pictures. “I’m a collector, yeah, that’s for sure,” he said. But that’s part of the reason Gaskill turned to photography. For him, it’s not about making money or winning praise. It’s about capturing moments that the kids can keep with them for the rest of their lives. “It’s something that I provide that I didn’t have when I was a kid,” he said. That started with pictures of track and swim meets when two of his kids, Jessica and Abby, were participating. He had taken a photography class in high school, but that was about the extent of his education. He taught himself a few tricks, snapped lots of photos and picked the brains of other pho­ tographers he knew. Then in 2019, he met Lydia Cole, a swimmer and high school student at Thomapple Kellogg. Cole had been diag­ nosed with pancreatic cancer, and Gaskill was asked to document her final season in the water. “We were really focused as parents on how to best make a good, memorable season,” he said. “And so I was shooting like crazy.” The memory brings him to tears today. It also showed him the impact photography can have on a family and community. Cole fought bravely, but lost her battle with can­ cer early in 2020. “That did start catapulting to me to ‘Hey, let’s start serving the community more,’ ” he said. But, at the time, Gaskill still had a full­ time job - and photography was merely a side hobby. That changed after he left his job at Haworth six months ago. Now he takes photos every day - anything from swim meets to senior portraits to events to pictures of people’s tractors to band compe­ titions. (He has also generously shared pho­ tos with J-Ad Graphics.) For Gaskill, the new photography passion has been a way to spend time with his two youngest, Abby and Jodee, who are in the Hastings High School band. Since the start of the school year, Gaskill, who is also a trustee for the Friends of HPAC, estimates he has attended nearly every band practice and event, capturing photos and helping with the setup. But he doesn’t have higher aspirations for his photography. He has plans to re-enter the workforce. Right now, he’s just taking a little break and filling it with photography. He doesn’t charge for any of his pictures - with the exception of a small fee for the senior class portraits. He just takes the photos, prints them out and shares them with the families. “I’d be a poor businessman if I was run­ ning my photography sluff as a business,” he said. “It’s more of a community service.” For his time and effort to provide keep­ sake photos for kids and for his growing community contributions, Bob Gaskill is this week’s Bright Light: Favorite movie: “Back to the Future” Best advice ever received: A task that seems impossible is not; it is more likely just difficult. First job: Auto detailer at Renner Ford with Bob Goodrich as first boss. Favorite TV show: “Deadliest Catch” If I could go anywhere in the world: Great Britain. Book I’d recommend/favorite: Book of James in the Bible. What motivates me: The pressure of multiple project deadlines. If I could have any superpower, it would be ... Already have one. I capture light and stop motion (photography). Favorite vacation destination: The Mackinaw Straits area. Something most people don’t know about me: I have saved three lives (twice while risking my own). Greatest song ever written: “Victory in Jesus” What I’d tell a high school graduate: 90 percent of success is showing up. Best gift ever received: Salvation. Favorite dinner: A pasty anywhere in the U.P. or my daughter Abby’s apple pie. My biggest challenge: Being diligent about seeking out and correcting my many shortcomings. When I was a kid, I wanted to be: Evel Knievel. I’m most proud of: My wife, Jan, her journey and accomplishments. Something on my bucket list: Photographing a professional sports event. What the world needs now is: A long hug and laughter - not the cynical type, either - real joy laughter. If I could build/make something, I’d like to try: Welding (industrial or artistic) If I won the lottery: I’d pay for new school roofs and bathrooms. Also extrawide sidewalks on main school routes so kids don’t have to walk in the street. Best invention ever: Shoes If I could live in another time, I’d like to see what life was/is like in: The hours and days after Pentecost so I could hear and see the excitement of the disciples speaking firsthand of their experience. Holidays festivities provide a wonderful perspective to this season of looking back on one year ending and on another one about to begin. For those who believe in the meaning of the Christmas story, this year’s holiday season is especially meaningful. Even for those who don’t believe or believe differ­ ently, there is something remarkable about the whole world coming together to contemplate even a brief time of peace on earth. My own reflections and resolutions, of course, revolve around the business in which I was raised and my father’s con­ stant reminders of the power of the press and the impact that big media can have on a community and a nation - both good and bad. Today, I see the depth of my father’s warnings. There is no question that media giants, big tech and special interest groups have made a difference in how Americans view democracy, how they feel their rights to free speech have been shaken, and how peace can be so elusive. Yet, as members of the modem community, I believe we also have an obligation to be aware of how we interpret and act upon the relentless media posts we read. A friend of mine remarked to me recent­ ly that we should “never judge a man out of his time.” That advice could apply to not only historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, but also to books, song lyrics, parental issues, the way we dress, talk and eat. When it comes to changing times and values, that list is endless. As I watched the funeral ceremony for U.S. Sen. Bob Dole last Friday, I pondered what he and so many of his fellow World War II veterans would think about what some consider to be a war on American values by members of the so-called “woke” generation. The term originates from 1930s African-American slang and referred then to being aware of social and political poli­ cies that could affect African-Americans. Today, “woke” has taken on a broader meaning and is generally assigned to peo­ ple concerned with discrimination and unfairness. The “woke” members of the political left have used it to decry what they see a larger, politically correct movement in this country, including this Christmas sea­ son, questioning whether we should greet each other with “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” We’ve seen how the “woke” have tried to cancel some of our most beloved holiday films, such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Holiday,” because those movies are seen as political­ ly incorrect by today’s standards. “Woke” subscribers contend these classics should be banned, even though millions of Americans look forward to viewing them every year. This movement seems to be composed largely of middle-class families who have been schooled in America’s institutions of higher learning where they learned politi­ cal correctness based on their schools’ and their professors’ values and political view­ points. I think, however, that a growing number of Americans are fed up with “woke” viewpoints of reimagining history and how we should view it today. According to a Pew Research Center study, 90 percent of Americans say they celebrate Christmas. While these figures have generally been steady in recent years, the role of religion in Christmas celebrations appears to be declining. Today, 46 percent of Americans say they celebrate Christmas as primarily a reli­ gious (rather than a cultural) holiday, down from 51 percent in recent years, with Millennials being less likely than other adults to say they celebrate Christmas in a religious way. A majority of U.S. Adults - 56 percent - say religious aspects of Christmas are emphasized less in American society today than in the past. And when it comes to politics, the report revealed Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell, or for any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. say they prefer “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.” Yet, Millennials say they are as likely as their elders to attend gatherings with extended family or friends, to put up a tree, or to go caroling and pur­ chase presents for family and friends. Based on another Pew Research report, the anxiety about a more liberal democracy is linked to a frustration on how democrat­ ic societies are functioning. And, for many, these dissatisfactions are leading groups to a desire for political change. Over the past decade, people around the world have experienced a global financial crisis and, more recently, a pandemic-driven global downturn. Many have grown pessimistic about the long-term economic future. The data shows how economic pessi­ mism feeds dissatisfaction with the way democracy is working and weakens a com­ mitment to democratic values. The report confirms there are a growing number of parents who feel their children will be worse off financially than their parents. And, based on current economic condi­ tions, public health and the basic principles of fairness and justice, it’s affecting how people feel about their elected officials. The strongest indicator of dissatisfac­ tion with the current state of the national economy is that more than 60 percent of Americans feel we’re going in the wrong direction. The same is true when people don’t feel they have a good chance of improving their own standard of living, which leads to increased discontent amongst the citizenry. Across 27 nations polled, a median of 54 percent said that most politicians in their country are corrupt. When Americans were asked a similar question in the fall of 2020, two-thirds agreed with the poll that said most politicians are corrupt. In the U.S., those numbers are largely driven by the media giants, big tech and social media, skewing citizens’ views on everything from politics to what’s really going on. Their reports have more to do with opinion than actual fact. The result is that citizens aren’t getting all the news and certainly not news about what’s actu­ ally happening. A perception of fairness, or unfairness, in the system also is paramount to citizens’ fundamental rights in the arena of public debate. We’ve seen this locally when citizens fill the rooms for school board and other governmental meetings to voice their con­ cerns. They just want to be heard. Yet, when all the noise seems to over­ whelm us, the faith we see expressed so strongly during this season of joy is unique as it draws us closer to the real meaning of life: neighbors, community, family and friends. During this holiday season, I hope the events and activities of Christmas will renew the true meaning of the season and help those of us who realize the impor­ tance that Christ plays in our lives. Not everybody believes the Christmas story, I know. For others, the words are faintly heard amid all the distractions, the gifts and food and fun. But the meaning of the story is still there and will always be present. It’s a story of the wonder of working together for all men and women. It’s a message of peace and love for each other. Nothing could be more simple - or more important. • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 16, 2021 — Page 5 Geukes recognized Matt Goebel Superintendent This past week, the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association held its annual conference. This year, our very own Sarah Geukes was selected as outstanding Principal of the Year in Region 9. Kindergarten teacher Stephanie Wenger nominated Sarah Geukes for her outstanding support and leadership while she was a principal at Central Elementary School. Mrs. Geukes now serves Hastings Area School System as the middle school principal, district implementation team member and provides support to our stu­ dents in a variety of ways. As we transition into the winter holi- HASS Headlines Matt Goebel, Superintendent Hastings Area School System Stolen Gun Lake Sewer truck tracked A 32-year-old man called Barry Central Dispatch at 9:50 a.m. Nov. 20 to report his work truck had been stolen from his residence in the 11000 block of Lakeway Drive. The man, an employee of Gun Lake Sewer and Water Authority, was able to track the truck to a location in Kalamazoo County, where a local police officer found it in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The vehicle was retrieved undamaged. day break, I hope all of you will be able to spend some time with family and friends. An extended break is a great time to recharge the batteries, reflect on what’s important in your life and establish new goals for the new year. I am very proud of our staff and our ability to provide extended in-person learning for our kids through a very dif­ ficult time in education. We stand strong as Saxons, focusing on the mission of achieving excellence today, for tomorrow. Happy holidays! Truck, $1,000 taken in Pine Lake area A 69-year-old woman called police at 10:27 a.m. Nov. 20 to report her husband’s truck had been stolen during the night from their residence in the 12000 block of Oakridge Road in Prairieville Township. The truck, a gray Ford F-150, was unlocked, and the keys were inside. About a half-hour later a 47-year-old man in the nearby 11000 block of Ford Point Road called police to report $1,000 was stolen from the glovebox of his vehicle during the previous night. Man overdoses on meth Police were dispatched to the 7000 block of Mullen Road, Orangeville Township, at 10:44 a.m. Nov. 22 to assist emergency medical personnel with a man who appeared to have overdosed on drugs. The man, 52, was on the ground with his shirt off. He said he was cold and was having a heart attack, but he refused to provide any personal informa­ tion and swore at the officer. He eventually admitted to taking methamphetamine and was taken to the hospital. Hastings history on Facebook “Hastings History on Facebook” is a place for posting Historical images of Hastings and subsequent reminisc­ ing. The group is private, but can be easily joined by answering two or three questions. The Facebook group was initiated by Jonathan Hook in 2014, and since its beginnings more than 500 unique images a year are being posted by a membership that now numbers more than 3,000. Members of Hastings History recall and miss Banner columnists like Esther Walton, Catherine Lucas, and Joyce Weinbrecht, but today are loyal readers of your current column “Turning Back the Pages,” by Kathy Maurer. Jonathan Hook and David Miller monitor the page daily and invite your readers to join and submit photos that depict local history. The most interesting photographs that generate the most comments are usually those images that contain a building or property that has since been demol­ ished or so altered that one might not realize the impor­ tance that a property once had in the making of our local history. One such photograph, recently submitted by Sue Gilbert, is of the grandstand on the Barry County Fairgrounds. That one image alone has been “liked” by 250 of our readers, and a running dialogue of 70 comments continues to grow; comments that are linked by shared interests and experi­ ences that center around the fairgrounds that was once located where Family Fare and the shopping plaza is on the south side of West State Street, Another lively conversation continues to center around the soldier and sailor statue that once stood, facing east, in the center of the intersection at State Street and Broadway. Your readers may remember driving around the statue in the middle of the street. That was before it was moved to Tyden Park in August 1963. The 15 unique images of the statue have generated 840 “likes” and 240 comments. We invite your readers, who also are members on Facebook, to join our growing group. And we encourage you to look through that shoebox of forgotten photographs and post the most interesting one on our site. A cell phone can be most useful in getting an image loaded to Facebook. Our fast growing collection of local lore may just stimulate a shared story among friends, neighbors, children or grandchildren. David Miller Rockwall, Texas Steven Martin Patterson Jr., 42, of Hastings, was convicted of pos­ sessing a controlled substance, meth­ amphetamine, and sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 120 days in jail, with credit for 94 days served. Patterson was ordered to pay $498 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 24 months and will be allowed early release to the Alternative Directions program. A second charge of possession of a con­ trolled substance was dismissed at the time of sentencing. Gary Lee Diinkelberger, 40, of Hastings, was convicted of possess­ ing a controlled substance, metham­ phetamine, March 7 in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve two days in jail, with credit for two days served; and to pay $1,058 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 24 months. The judge also ordered Dunkelberger to partici­ pate in and successfully complete the Office of Community Corrections and Cog Group programs. A charge of operating a vehicle on West Grand Street while his license was suspend­ ed was dismissed at the time of sen­ tencing. Court records show prior convictions for operating a vehicle while his license was suspended Jan. 4, 2001, Feb. 2, 2003, Dec. 14, 2004, and April 25, 2006, all in district court here; and May 18, 2006, and Oct. 2j 2007, in Allegan District Court. Lome Eugene Osborne, 53, of Dowling, was convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, domestic violence and malicious destruction of property (a vehicle tail light, valued at less than $200) July 30 in Johnstown Township. He was sentenced to 24 to 60 months in prison on the firearms possession conviction and two days, with credit for two days served, on the other two charges. Osborne was ordered to pay $1,198 in fines and costs. Court records show he was ineligible to possess a firearm because he was convicted of an attempted breaking and entering an occupied dwelling with intent Oct. 20, 1994, and/or assault with a dangerous weapon April 18, 1991. Osborne also has prior convictions for larceny in a building July 13, 1995, and April 25, 1996; and breaking and entering or entry without breaking with intent, also April 25,1996; as well as operat­ ing a vehicle while intoxicated, third offense, July 18, 2002, all in Barry County. Jason Jon Carroll, 50, of Allegan, was found guilty of violating proba­ tion on a conviction for aggravated stalking in Yankee Springs Township on or about Nov. 11 to Nov. 13, 2019. He was sentenced by Judge William Doherty to 18 to 60 months in prison, with credit for 201 days served. Carroll was ordered to pay $1,198 in fines and costs. Court records show prior convictions for assault with intent to rob while unarmed Aug. 7, 1989, in Kent County; larceny over $100 April 17, 1992; fourth-degree fleeing a police officer March 14, 2006; and operating/maintaining a methamphet^hine lab Aug. 1, 2011, all in Allegan County. John David Adams, 33, of Lake Odessa, was convicted of first-degree home invasion on Tischer Road and larceny of firearms April 4 in Carlton Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 57 to 180 months in prison on the first count and 24 to 60 months on the second count. The sentence is consecutive to is parole sanctions, but concurrent to a sentence handed down against him in Ionia County. Adams will receive credit for 119 days served. He was ordered to pay $1,066 in fines and costs. Court records show prior con­ victions for possession of 4 to 400 grams of a controlled substance in Brown County, Texas, Oct. 15, 2019; and obstruction or retaliation June 5, 2018, in Travis County, Texas. Slew of vehicle robberies reported Taylor Owens Staff Writer Barry County Sheriff’s deputies are recom­ mending residents lock their vehicles and don’t leave valuables in plain sight after a number of recent vehicle break-ins. The sheriff’s office and some smaller departments have reported 18 thefts from motor vehicles since Sept. 1. The incidents include stolen cash, credits cards, electronics, and catalytic converters, which are cut from the undercarriage of the vehicles. Barry County Undersheriff Jason Sixberry said the recent thefts could be from one or two suspects in the area who grew bolder when they didn’t get caught after the initial thefts. Sixberry said night-vision cameras posted around a residence could be effective in iden­ tifying the suspects or their vehicle. In the recent rash of robberies over one 24-hour period: A 55-year-old man called police at 9:49 a.m. Nov. 25 saying he found a wallet at the comer of Templewood and Michael Drive in the Yankee Springs Meadows mobile home park in Yankee Springs Township. He deliv­ ered it to the owner, a 19-year-old resident of the 12000 block of Michael Drive, who said it had been stolen during the night. ■ A 32-year-old man called 911 at 8:13 a.m. Nov. 25 to report a crossbow had been stolen from his car in the 5000 block of Cherry Valley Road during the previous night. The man said the vehicle was unlocked. A 56-year-old woman in the 1000 block of Shadowridge Drive in Yankee Springs Township called police at 11:08 a.m. Nov. 25 to report someone went through her car the previous night and stole two 2-liter bot­ tles of soda. Around noon, a 35-year-old man in the same area called to report that someone went through his car the previous night and stole two laptop computers, an Xbox and a purse, estimated that the items are worth more than $1,000. A 61-year-old woman in the 11000 block of Oakleigh Drive, near Gun Lake, called police at 12:30 p.m. saying someone went through two vehicles in her driveway over­ night. Nothing was taken. A 23-year-old woman in the 1000 block of Grey Court in Yankee Springs Meadows called police an hour later to report someone went through her vehicle at 7:17 a.m. She sent police a video recording of a man in a hoodie opening her car and going through it. Another suspect, also wearing a hoodie and driving a dark SUV, could be seen in the video. The woman said some money was taken from her glovebox. Another resident of the same area later told police his car also had been searched, although nothing was taken. A 58-year-old woman called police at 8:07 a.m. Nov. 25 to report her Ford Explorer had just been stolen from her driveway in the 12000 block of South Grey Court. The woman said she was preparing to go on vaca­ tion, and had just put the keys in the vehicle at about 7 a.m. She went back inside to finish getting her luggage ready, and when she went back out 45 minutes to an hour later, the vehi­ cle was gone. Bizon arraignment delayed Taylor Owens Staff Writer State Sen. John Bizon’s arraignment on an assault charge, originally scheduled for Monday, has been delayed, according to the prosecutor. No new date has been set yet for these proceedings. According to a Marshall City Police Department report, Bizon, 70, of Battle Creek, allegedly grabbed a nurse practi­ tioner around the waist while she was dis­ cussing medication with him during an Aug. 14 examination at the Oaklawn After Hours Express in Marshall. Bizon’s attorney, Martin E. Crandell of Detroit, told The Banner they have no plans to issue a statement in this matter. After the Calhoun County prosecutor recused himself, Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt was assigned the case. Nakfoor Pratt said she expects it will go to trial. Generator and tools stolen A 5 7-year-old woman called police Nov. 24 to report a number of power tools, elec­ trical wire, a generator and other items were stolen from outside her residence in the 8000 block of East State Road within the previous two weeks. She did not have any suspects in mind, and the case remains under investigation. Wallet removed from vehicle A 45-year-old woman in the 10000 block of Finkbeiner Road, Thomapple Township, called police the morning of Nov. 11 to report her wallet had been stolen from her vehi­ cle overnight and her credit card was used at a Speedway in Kentwood that morning. Intoxication leads to arrest Police arrested a 39-year-old Holland man for driving while intoxicated in Middleville at 11 p.m. Nov. 27. An officer saw the man pull out of the Shell gas station at a high rate of speed and drift across the roadway. After being stopped, the driver said he drank six beers and five shots of tequila while watching a football game. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.182 percent. • Fabrics by Moda® • Blank Quilt Tops & other • Christmas Fabrics Hulst Dry Cleaners Pick-Up Statioi Closing at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve ft Jesus Loves You! ft QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm 172843 NOTICE OF 2022 MEETING DATES FOR THE FOLLOWING GROUPS Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on the following dates or at the call of the chair. The meetings start at 7:00 PM. January 10, 2022 February 14, 2022 April 11, 2022 May 09, 2022 August 08, 2022 September 12, 2022 November 14, 2022 March 14, 2022 June 13, 2022 October 10, 2022 Barry County Planning Commission will meet on the following dates or at the call of the chair. The meetings start at 7:00 PM. January 24, 2022 February 28, 2022 April 25, 2022 May 23, 2022 August 22, 2022 September 26, 2022 November 28, 2022 March 28, 2022 July 25, 2022 October 24, 2022 The meeting room for both groups is at: Tyden Center Community Room 121 South Church Street Hastings Ml 49058 The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: MICHAEL BROWN COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 220 WEST STATE STREET HASTINGS Ml 49058 (269) 945-1284 �Page 6 — Thursday, December 16, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Clarissa May Davis Clarissa “Clara” May Davis, age 85 of Delton, passed away December 11, 2021. Clara was bom July 17, 1936, the daughter of Clarence Merl and Mabel Isabelle (Bedunah) Steams. Clara was a 1953 graduate of Reed City High School. She was a homemaker and pre­ school teacher at Happy Time Preschool for 18 years. Clara married Norman Davis on February 18,1956, enjoying 63 years together until his passing. Clara was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be greatly missed. She was a great T? A ; cook, loved to can, freeze, and bake for fam­ ily and friends. She enjoyed reading myster­ ies, doing crossword puzzles and spending time in her yard, but most loved spending time with family. She loved Jesus with all her heart and faithfully attended Hastings Assembly of God for 40 years, teaching Sunday School, singing on the worship team and helping in the kitchen. Clara was preceded in death by her loving husband, Norman Davis; her parents; siblings, Erma (Zell) Pitcher, Vera (Amos) Caufield, Roy (Neva) Steams, Iva (Wilmer) Campbell, Merl (Elaine) Steams, Lee (Helen) Steams, Elsie (John) Wilson, Lloyd (Velma) Steams, and Donald Steams. She is survived by her children, Dale N. (Sharolyn) Davis, Kathleen N. (Mike) Alexander, Donald H. (Cathy) Davis, Caroline Sue (Ron) Lepard, Jeffrey A. (Becky) Davis, Jennifer L. (Baron) Swodeck; grandchildren, Casey, Amanda, Benjamin, Amber, Brittany, Alexander, Nicholas, Andrew, Michaela, Joelle, Grant, Carson, Hannah, Charlotte, Marshall, and great-grandchildren, Arika, Evelynn, Emmaline, and Jayden. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. with fimeral service on Saturday, Dec. 18,2021, at 11 a,n, at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. A luncheon will follow at Hastings Assembly of God, 1674 W State Road; Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. * Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome.net pwner/Managc:r Family Owned and Operated ownerICXltL Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Worship Together Gary Mack Rhodes James VanderVeen Keith Gary Heide Gary Mack Rhodes, age 70 of Nashville, passed away on December 12, 2021. Gary was born on May 16, 1951, in Hastings, the son of Robert and Mildred (Mack) Rhodes. Gary was a 1969 graduate of Hastings High School. On April 30, 1993, he married Sharon Bundrock. He worked in cattle stock trading with family, he was a foreman, he repaired instruments, was a tattoo artist and a painter. Gary was a member of the Mountain Man Club. He enjoyed performing and composing music. He liked fishing, hunting, repairing instruments, carpentry, painting, tarot card reading, horseshoes, family time and cookouts in the summer. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Rhodes, and girlfriend, Lucy Thomas. He is survived by his son, Ben Rhodes, Abby Deneau Rhodes Lucas; son, Andrew Rhodes, Deanna Rhodes, Jacob, Drew, Andrea, Hunter; son, Joseph Ingallina, Christina, and children; son, David Sheerer, and children; daughter, Stormey Rhodes, Jesse, Gary Sheerer, and wife, Sharon Rhodes. Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS, MI - James Russell VanderVeen, age 69, of Hastings, entered the presence of his loving Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on Dec. 7, 2021, surrounded by his wife and children at home. James was bom on Dec. 2, 1952, the son of Bernard and Jean (DeHaan) VanderVeen. James was a 1970 graduate of South Christian High School followed by Davenport College. He worked as a building contractor for 36 years in the greater Grand Rapids area. On February 15, 1974, he married Ruth Utter, and they enjoyed 47 years together. James was an active member and volunteer at Thomapple Valley Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time on Algonquin Lake and in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He also liked helping with countless house projects for his children, and spending time with his grandkids. James was preceded in death by his par­ ents, Bernard and Jean VanderVeen; father­ in-law, Merle Utter. He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Utter) VanderVeen of Hastings; son Tim (Sarah) VanderVeen of Kentwood; daughter Nicole (Josh) Sala of Caledonia, son Andrew (Holly) VanderVeen of Mame; granddaughter Kylie VanderVeen; grandson Brady VanderVeen; grandson Jonah Sala; grandson Silas VanderVeen; grandson Abraham VanderVeen, and his sixth grandchild on the way; sister Patricia (Tom) VanTol, sister Judy (Bob) Duckworth, sister Pamela Wilson, and many loved nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Thomapple Valley Church. A funeral service was held at Thornapple Valley Church on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girbachfuneralhome.com. Keith Gary Heide, age 82, of Hastings, passed away on December 14, 2021. Keith was married to the love of his life, Julie, for 60 years. Keith was born in Elmhurst, IL on November 8, 1939. He was an administrator in the Lakewood School District at Sunfield Elementary School, where he served as principal for 20 years. Keith was an avid bass fisherman and hunter who loved the outdoors. In his retire­ ment years, he served as a Marine Patrol Officer for the Barry County Sheriff’s Department and in his spare time enjoyed golfing with friends, and spending time with his kids and grandchildren. Keith is survived by his wife, Julie Heide; sons, Jeff (Renee) Heide, Eric (Teresa) Heide; daughter, Rebecca (Todd) Wigg; grandchil­ dren, Grant (Margo) Heide, Ben Heide, Luke (Ashley) Heide, Erin Heide, Quentin Wigg, Elizabeth Heide, Jordyn Wigg and great grandchildren, Loralye Heide, Declan Heide, and Keenan Heide. Keith’s great advice, quick wit, direct approach, and his love for his family will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pleasantview Family Church. A memorial service will be held next Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 at 12 PM at Pleasantview Family Church, 2791 Lacey Rd., Dowling MI, 49050 with a luncheon following. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Michael Richard Clark ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy, P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10: 30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass Produc(s 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Marshall "Wayne9 Cash *WUWiWU0IOf 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 HASTINGS, MI - Michael Richard Clark, age 67, of Hastings, passed away on Dec. 9, 2021. Michael was born on Jan. 23, 1954, in Hastings, the son of Richard (Dick) and Myrtle (Mert) (Colvin) Clark. Michael was a 1972 graduate of Hastings High School. He worked for Bosley Pharmacy while in high school, Hastings Aluminum Products, Pennington Construction, owned Blarney Stone, and was a millwright. Michael enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf. He loved riding motorcycles, especially with Bradley Colvin, his cousin and best friend who preceded Mike in death in 1985. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Richard (Dick) Clark. He is survived by his daughter, Kristy (Paul) McKay; granddaughters, Kaitlyn Cabral and Kelsea McKay; mother, Mert Clark; sisters, Vickie (Mike) Ward, Kathy (Tom) Pierce, Karen (Doug) Maiville, several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, and special friend, Jerry Greenfield. Memorial contributions in memory of Michael can be made to a charity of one’s choice. A funeral service was held Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS, MI - Marshall “Wayne” Cash of Hastings went home to be with his heavenly Father on Nov. 28, 2021 at the age of93. ’ Wayne was bom on Feb. 1, 1928 in Memphis, MI, the son of Thomas L. and Gertrude Eva (Pratt) Cash. He was a 1944 graduate of Memphis High School, attend­ ed Spring Arbor College, and received his bachelor’s degree from Greenville University in Greenville, IL. As a member of the North Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church USA, Wayne began pastoring in Muskegon in 1952, and served in many West Michigan churches. He retired in 1992 from the Cedar Springs Free Methodist Church and served as interim pastor for Big Rapids Free Methodist Church for four additional years, totaling 44 years of ministry. He was always ready to be used however and whenever needed. His love for the Lord was always evident in all he did. Wayne had very fond memories of grow­ ing up on a farm and attending a one-room schoolhouse. He enjoyed reading, studying, walking, biking, gardening, woodworking, and pastoring, especially visiting people from church. He was also a member of the Rotary Club in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Wayne was preceded in death by his first wife of 33 years, Mary (Bouman) Cash; parents, Thomas L. and Gertrude Eva Cash, and brothers, Dexter and Fletcher Cash. Beloved and treasured, he is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dorene M. Cash; his children, Jim (Carol) Cash, Jon (Corine) Cash, Jeanne (Bill) Trainor; his stepchil­ dren, Anthony (Jenifer) Williams, Bethany (Stephen) Robinson, Jeff (Kristin) Williams and Bradley (Sandra) Williams, as well as his sister, Faye (Lloyd) Sartain; 30 grand­ children, and 28 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Marston Memorial Historical Center, Attn: Cathy Robling, 770 N. High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46214. A service may be planned for a later date. To leave an online condolence visit: www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 16, 2021 — Page 7 Survivors benefits explained Marian Ruth Price Marian Ruth Price, age 94, of Hastings, passed away on December 13, 2021. Marian was bom on November 15, 1927, at home in Alto, the daughter of William and Pauline Louise (Gehrer) Kilgus. Marian was a 1945 graduate of Lowell High School. She was employed at the Lowell Photo Shop until she got married and became a housewife. On June 21, 1947, Marian married Ken Price, and they were married for 66 years until his death in 2013. For many years, Marian played piano for dances and at the Alto Methodist Church. She loved to garden, can vegetables and cook. Marian was preceded in death by her par­ ents and husband Ken in 2013. She is survived by her children, Gary (Anne) Price, Kathy (Al) Seif, Susan (Gary) Thaler, Rick (Pam) Price, Julie (Tim) Kosten; 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Freeport Historical Society, PO Box 127, Freeport, MI 49325, or a charity of your choice. The family has requested a private viewing and funeral service with interment at Bowne Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Elaine Garlock The Christmas concert at Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church had nearly a full house. It was a delightful afternoon of music with the 12-member handbell choir and the five-member male brass group performing in alternate segments usually with three numbers in each segment. The bell choir was under the direction of Janet Michauds. For some numbers, they had piano accom­ paniment. On one of the final hand bell songs, a young man dressed in a snowman costume, went through the audience hand­ ing out candy to each person in the rows. Later in the fellowship hall, a wide spread of goodies was served by church ladies. The Anway-Ackerson house on Johnson Street now has a wide raised wrap-around deck on the west and south sides. Last week saw the lampposts downtown wrapped in strands of garland. One day later a lady was seen attaching envelopes to the bottom end of the strands. The attached papers bore the names of the donors whose gift of money would have paid for the equivalent of each lamp’s decoration. Passersby are invited to read the names of the donor. The distribution of baskets to 150 homes Saturday went well but it probably had its usual little snags of hard-to-find addresses. This year, drivers were not to go inside the homes to make deliveries. Instead, the recip­ ients were advised to be at home to get their gifts since the delivery was to be only to the front porch. Not only did local people make deliveries, but a few people came from Grand Rapids to help, maintaining their family customs held since childhood. One young man had begun helping along with friends, also from this area. One year, he had to come alone so he recruited his resident mother to help. She had never been a helper on this community project. It was an eye-opener for her and she decided every­ body should take a turn. It had taken her Grand Rapids son to convince it needed to be done. This week’s respite in weather has enabled those of us who are laggards to be able to get some belated outdoor decorating done. What memories this annual chore bring to us. What year was it we bought the strings of lights? Which years did we begin using year-round lights on our eaves? How long ago was it we had a local greenhouse adorn our eaves with evergreen garland? How about the handmade ornaments made by our children in school as an art project? This year’s story is of the infant not yet a year old who was thrilled to play with a colorful ornament. He amazed his parents by some­ how hanging it back on the tree. They were not watching, so they did not know how he managed that feat. In a recent day, four semi trucks were in line at Twin City Foods waiting to be loaded with a few tons of frozen beans. Principal Sarah Geukes (from left) stops for a photo with the citizens of the month at Hastings Middle School: Charlotte Drake, Ricardo Contreras, Sydnie Diljak, Brissa Hernandez-Hernandez, Cylee Horn and Hanna Snow. Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is here for surviving family members after a worker dies. In the event of your death, certain mem­ bers of your family may be eligible for survi­ vors benefits. These include widows and widowers, divorced widows and widowers, children, and dependent parents. The amount of benefits your survivors receive depends on your lifetime earnings. The higher your earnings, the higher their benefits. That’s why it’s important to make sure your earnings history is correct in our records. That starts with creating a My Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. A My Social Security account is secure and gives you immediate access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and a printable Social Security Statement. The statement will let you see an estimate of the survivors benefits we could pay your family. You also may want to visit our Benefits Planner for Survivors, at ssa.gov/planners/ survivors, to help you better understand Social Security protections for you and your family as you plan for your financial future. Visit ssa.gov or read our publication “Survivors Benefits” at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-0510084.pdf for more information. You also can help us spread the word by sharing this infor­ mation with your family and friends. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda. vantil@ssa.gov. Aidan Hendershot (left) and Hadley Grove (right) are pictured with Northeastern Elementary Principal Eric Heide after being selected citi­ zens of the month. Hastings Kiwanis honors citizens of the month The Kiwanis Club of Hastings is again honoring citizens of the month at Hastings schools. Students in fifth through eighth grades are chosen by teachers for their character as good citizens, such as helping others, being on time, and making good choices in the classroom, hallways and at recess. The honored students for the month, by building, include: Central Elementary - Payton Arnie, daughter of Kyle Arnie. Northeastern Elementary - Aidan Hendershot, son of Joshua and Tiffany Hendershot; and Hadley Grove, daughter of Jeremy and Megan Grove. St. Rose School - Eleanor Clark, daughter of Tony and Lesley Clark. Southeastern Elementary - Anna Fox, daughter of Michael and Jessica Fox; and Luke Pollet, son of Peter and Christina Pollet. Star Elementary - Porter Blessing, daughter of Diana and Timothy Blessing; and Abby Shafer, daughter of Julia Kaherl and Robert Shafer. Hastings Middle School - Ricardo Contreras, son of Leticia and Donald Hayes; Sydnie Diljak, daughter of Wendy and Michael Diljak; Charlotte Drake, daughter of Tricia and Bryce Drake; Brissa Hernandez-Hernandez, daughter of Remigio and Laura Hernandez; Cylee Hom, daughter of Daniel and Colette Hom; and Hanna Snow, daughter of Christina Hayward and Benjamin Snow. Southeastern Principal Dana Stein (from left) stands with her school’s citizens of the month, Anna Fox and Luke Pollet. Eleanor Clark is the citizen of the month at St. Rose School, joined here by teacher Katie Youngs. (Photos provided) Porter Blessing (left) and Abby Shafer (right) are the citizens of the month at Star Elementary, pictured here with Principal Amy Smelker. Payton Arnie is the citizen of the month at Central Elementary, selected by teacher Christopher Andrews. �Page 8 —Thursday, December 16, 2021 — The Hastings Banner LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT FAMILY DIVISION FILE NO. 2021-718-DM ORDER TO ANSWER HON. VICKY L. ALSPAUGH RYAN MARIE BARLOW, Plaintiff vs LEONARD SAMUEL BARLQWJ_De_tendani David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp & Tagg, Storrs Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2900 Attorney for Plaintiff____________________ At a session of said Court held in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan on the 8th day of December, 2021. PRESENT: HONORABLE VICKY L. ALSPAUGH, CIRCUIT JUDGE TO: LEONARD SAMUEL BARLOW Based on the pleadings filed In the above entitled case, it is ordered that Defendant, Leonard Samuel Barlow, shall file an Answer to that certain Complaint for Divorce filed in the above entitled action at least three (3) days prior to the date noted below to answer why a Judgment of Divorce should not be entered in the above entitled matter pursuant to the request in the Complaint for Divorce filed herein. If Defendant fails to do so, that shall constitute a default in the above entitled matter and on the 10th day of February, 2022 at 10:30 o’clock in the fore noon this Court shall take proofs and shall terminate the marriage between Plaintiff and Defendant and enter a Judgment of Divorce pursuant to the terms and conditions requested by Plaintiff in her Complaint for Divorce. Hon. Vicky L. Alspaugh (P42572) Drafted by: David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-9585 172844 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF BARRY FILE NO. 809-CH ORDER TO ANSWER HON. VICKY L. ALSPAUGH CARL W. ADERHOLD, Plaintiff v. THEODORE J. KILMER, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EUNICE ALBERTA SHAW AND FRANK SHAW including DONALD J. SHAW, DAVID R. SHAW, JEFFREY S. SHAW, WENDY KENT, LEE WILKING, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ROSALIE ANNE KILMER, and THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PHEBE NAN KILMER a/k/a NAN KILMER, Defendants. David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2900 Attorney for Plaintiff TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EUNICE ALBERTA SHAW & FRANK SHAW, DONALD J. SHAW, DAVID R. SHAW, JEFFREY S. SHAW, WENDY KENT, LEE WILKING, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ROSALIE ANNE KILMER, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PHEBE NAN KILMER, a/ka/ NAN KILMER Based on the pleadings filed in the above entitled case, it is ordered that Defendants, Unknown heirs of Eunice Alberta Shaw & Frank Shaw, Donald J. Shaw, David R. Shaw, Jeffrey S. Shaw, Wendy Kent, Lee Wilking, Unknown heirs of Rosalie Anne Kilmer, Unknown heirs of Phebe Nan Kilmer a/k/a Nan Kilmer file a Notice of Interest in the real property located in the Township of Hope, County of Barry, State of Michigan described as follows: The east 90 feet of Lot 1, Roy K. Cordes Subdivision, according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded Liber 4 of Plats, Page 14 of the Barry County Register of Deeds Office. Commonly Known As: 4977 Loon Road, Delton, Michigan 49046 Parcel ID No. 08-07-360-003-00 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 21-028926-01-DE Estate of David John Hager. Date of birth: 07/13/1970. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, David John Hager, died 07/18/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Deborah Torres, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/25/2021 Louise “Ellie” Johnson P61338 146 Monroe Center NW, Ste. 630 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 634-5618 Deborah Torres 7581 N. Noffke Drive Caledonia, Ml 49316-9003 (616) 262-1034 173093 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29019-DE Court address: 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1390 Estate of Daniel Swan. Date of birth: 07/10/1955. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Daniel Swan, died 10/12/2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Vicky Swan, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12/9/2021 David H. Tripp P29290 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-9585 Vicky Swan 9042 S M-37 Hwy., Dowling, Ml 49050 269-331-1090 172932 At least 3 days prior to the hearing date noted below to assert any interest in the above described property. If the Defendants, Unknown heirs of Eunice Alberta Shaw & Frank Shaw, Donald J. Shaw, David R. Shaw, Jeffrey S. Shaw, Wendy Kent, Lee Wilking, Unknown heirs of Rosalie Anne Kilmer, Unknown heirs of Phebe Nan Kilmer a/k/a Nan Kilmer, fail to do so that shall constitute a default in the above entitled matter, and on the 7th day February 2022 at 3:00 O’clock in the afternoon, this Court shall take proofs and shall terminate whatever interest Unknown heirs of Eunice Alberta Shaw & Frank Shaw, Donald J. Shaw, David R. Shaw, Jeffrey S. Shaw, Wendy Kent, Lee Wilking, Unknown heirs of Rosalie Anne Kilmer, Unknown heirs of Phebe Nan Kilmer a/k/a Nan Kilmer, may have in and to the above described property unless a Notice of Interest in the Real Property is filed or unless Defendants or their representatives appear on that date and time. Vicky L. Alspaugh, Circuit Judge (P42572) 172476 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST In the matter of: The Duane E. Snavely and Joyce E. Snavely Trust, dated October 1,1992. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedents, Duane E. Snavely, died on February 18, 2019 and Joyce E. Snavely died on November 16, 2021, who lived at 1821 North East Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, leaving a certain trust under the name of The Duane E. Snavely and Joyce E. Snavely Trust, dated October 1, 1992, wherein the decedents were the Settlors and Cheryl D. Allen was named as Successor Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s deaths. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Cheryl D. Allen, the named Successor Trustee, at Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12/8/2021 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Cheryl D. Allen 4100 North Clark Road, Woodland, Ml 48897 269-838-1327 173027 Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. Pets FIB MINI GOLDENDOODLES. First shots & de­ wormed. Great Christmas gift! $675.00. 517-726-0706. MINI AUSSIEPOOS. FIRST shots & dewormed. Very very cute. $500.00. 517-726-0706. Help Wanted GENERAL LABORER- JOB includes lifting and stacking lumber, must be able to lift 501bs. Full-time employment starting at $17.00/hr. Benefits401 (k), 401 (k) matching, Den­ tal insurance, Health insur­ ance, Life insurance, Paid time off, Retirement plan, Vision insurance. Apply in person to: Quality Hardwoods, Inc., 396 Main St. Sunfield, MI. Quality Hardwoods supports a drugfree workplace. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29035-DE HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY Court address: 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1390 Estate of Frank David Ballo, deceased. Date of birth: October 12,1953. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Frank David Ballo, died November 1, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Mark J. Ballo, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: December 14, 2021 William B. Millard P39054 211 E. Water St., Ste. 401, Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (269) 343-2106 Mark J. Ballo 1219 West Farnum Ave., Apt. 102, Royal Oak, Ml 48067 (248)227-7704 173075 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting December 8, 2021 Called to order at 6:34 p.m. Present: Stoneburner, Goebel, Pence, Doster, DeVries Agenda and November 10, 2021 Minutes were approved. Public comments, if any, were received. Department and Officers reports were received. Approved: paying bills: $25,846.65 Cemetery fence removal Lawn care contract Resolution: 2021-14: Continuing Disclosure Poverty Exemption Parks Commission appointment Budget calendar Public and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 172949 Leona Thompson will celebrate 100th birthday Leona Thompson turns 100 years old the end of December and her health and mind are very much well! She would love to receive your birthday greeting if you would mail it in care of Thornapple Manor, 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, MI 49058-8824. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. Thursday, Dec. 15 - Baby Cafe 10 a.m.; Novel Ideas Book Club discusses “Oysterville Sewing Circle” by Susan Wiggs 12:30 p.m. in the community room with refreshments; Movie Memories & Milestones enjoys a film based on the Steve Fisher book “Susan Slept Here,” 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 - Dungeons & Dragons, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20 - Crafting Passions Craft Work Group, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21 - mahjong, 2:30 p.m.; chess, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22 - Itsy Bitsy Book Club on Zoom (monthly story time bag with link and crafts may be picked up at library), 10:30 a.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263, or checking its Facebook page. Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices ofEdward Jones Andrew Cove, AAMS® Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Member SIPC Financial Advisor 423 N. Main St. Nashville, Ml (517)760-8113 Don’t avoid ‘taboo’ topics with older parents If your parents are getting close to retirement age, or are already retired, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues, some of which may involve difficult conversa­ tions. For the sake of everyone in your family, don’t avoid these “taboo” topics. You’ll need to be careful about approaching these sub­ jects with your parents. Mention ahead of time that you’d like to talk to them about their future plans and reassure them that you want to understand their wishes, so their affairs will be taken care of as they would like. If your parents are agreeable, choose a location comfortable for them and ask whom they might like to invite (or not in­ vite). Then, think about how to open the conversation, prefer­ ably not with what they want to do with their money - this could be interpreted as your seeking information about your inheritance or being skeptical about their financial decisions. Instead, build a broad-based discussion about their vision for their aging years. A series of shorter conversations may allow you to cover topics more comfortably, one by one, rather than trying to solve everything at once. Try to address these areas: • Health care - You’ 11 want to learn if your parents have estab­ lished the appropriate health-re­ lated legal documents - a health care power of attorney, which gives someone the authority to make important decisions about their medical care if they become unable to do so them­ selves, and a living will, which spells out the extraordinary medical treatments they may or may not want. • Independence - As people age, they may begin to lose their independence. Have your par­ ents considered any options for long-term care, such as a nurs­ ing home stay, or the services of a home health aide? And do they have plans in place? If they plan to receive support from family members, do their expectations match yours? • Financial goals - Focus­ ing on the personal and finan­ cial aspects of the legacy your parents want to leave can be a valuable conversation. Have your parents updated their will or other arrangements, such as a living trust? Have they named a financial power of attorney to make decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated? Do they have the proper bene­ ficiary designations on their in­ surance policies and retirement plan accounts? If you can posi­ tion these issues as being more about your parents’ control over their financial destiny, rather than “who will get what,” you’ll more likely have a productive conversation. • Last wishes - You’ll want to find out if your parents have left instructions in their will about their funerals and last wishes. Express to them that you, or another close family member, should know who is responsible for making sure their wishes are met. Money, independence and aging can be sensitive topics. Don’t think you have to go it alone - you can enlist help from another close family member. Or, if you know your parents are working with a trusted ad­ visor, such as an attorney or fi­ nancial professional, you could see if they’d be willing to have this person participate in your talks. You might even be able to introduce them to one ofyour advisors. In any case, keep talking. These conversations can be challenging, but, if handled cor­ rectly, can be of great benefit to your parents and your entire family. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Alyssa Amelia Castaneda, Plainwell and Travis Wayne Hassing, Plainwell Lakewood Choral Society presenting Christmas concert Sunday After a two-year hiatus, Lakewood Area Choral Society members will present this year’s Christmas concert, “The Music of Christmas” at 3 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. Songs range from secular to sacred and will include tunes for all ages. The concert will open with “The Music of Christmas,” which features snippets from several familiar Christmas carols. Other num­ bers include “There’s a Song in the Air,” arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram; the poi­ gnant “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” arranged by Joel Raney; the sweet “Shepherd’s Carol, arranged by Dan Forrest; “Do You Hear What I Hear?” arranged by Harry Simone; “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” arranged by Mac Huff; and “The Christmas Waltz,” arranged by Mark Hayes, with words by Sammy Cahn and music by Jule Styne. Other selections will include “In Every Land Begin the Song” from “Canticle of Joy,” by Joseph M. Martin, featuring a quar­ tet consisting of Cathie Ott, soprano; Mary Kuhlman, alto; David Parker, tenor; and Paul Schloop, bass. “In the Bleak Midwinter,” arranged by Keith Christopher, will feature Hastings High School senior Hannah Bancroft as soloist. ! The concert will conclude with the solemn “Night of Silence” by Daniel Kantor, featur­ ing Cathie Ott on flute and Cindy Olson on the digital keyboard. As is customary at LACS Christmas con­ certs, the audience will join the choir by singing “Silent Night” during the last verse. LACS is concluding its 36th year under the, direction of its founder, Dr. Robert C. Oster, and is accompanied by Niki Reitz. The mission of the choral society is to pro­ vide for its members an atmosphere that pro­ motes learning and enjoyment of choral music and to provide for audience’s superior performances of choral music. WBCH 100.1 FM and wbch.com will livestream the con­ cert, sponsored by Bennett Travel and the Barry County Commission on Aging. Doors will open at 2:15 p.m. In lieu of tickets, a; freewill offering will be collected. BUSINESS NEWS HCB earns another 5-Star rating BauerFinancial Inc., a national bank rating firm, is congratulating Highpoint Community Bank on its 49th consecutive 5-Star Rating. To earn this top rating, the bank must excel under a rigorous, independent analysis of its financial condition, according to a press release from BauerFinancial. And Highpoint Community Bank has done so continuously since December 2009. Only banks that have earned this top rating for at least 40 consecutive quarters, or 10 years, may call themselves “Exceptional Performance” banks. “Highpoint Community Bank, and other community banks like it, are uniquely posi­ tioned to help local people and businesses when times are unpredictable,” Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial said. “As an integral part of the community, com-, munity bankers have the intimate knowledge; of exactly how given circumstances may affect neighbors and friends. That knowl­ edge, combined with the ability to think, act and react locally, means that decisions can be made faster and implemented in the best manner possible for the community.” Highpoint Community Bank’s personal; interest in the people and communities it serves has been on full display since its inception in 1886. With headquarters in Hastings, Highpoint Community Bank now has branches in Middleville, NashvilleJ Caledonia, Bellevue, Wayland and Marshall," as well as a drive-up in Delton. More information can be found online at highpointcommunitybank.com. �SPORTS SECTION Thursday, December 16, 2021 TK shuts down Saxon rally Members of the Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys' and girls' basketball teams celebrate the Trojans' victory in the Battle of Barry County atTKHS Friday night. The Trojans won varsity wrestling, varsity girls' basketball and varsity boys' basketball contest to take the trophy at their annual battle with the Hastings Saxons. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor An 11-point lead felt nearly insurmount­ able until Hastings junior guard Macy Winegar did what she does and knocked down her fourth three-pointer of the bailgame a minute into the fourth quarter in Middleville Friday during game two of The Battle of Barry County. Her teammate Carly Warner hit a three and Winegar was fouled shooting another three. She hit two of the three free throws to cut TK’s 11-point fourth quarter advantage down to four points. Enough was enough at that point. Thornapple Kellogg head coach Brandi James tapped senior guard Grace McNabnay to shut Winegar down and that is exactly what she did over the final five and a half minutes as the Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team improved to 2-1 on the season with what turned into a 39-30 win over the visiting Saxons. “Macy had put up a couple threes and our defense just wasn’t working, so [coach] told me to go in and just get in her face, not let her leave and make sure my hands were up the whole entire time,” McNabnay said. “I went in and that’s just what I did. I kept my hands in her face and she wasn’t going to get the ball. I just followed her everywhere. There was no way she was going to put up more threes and make the score closer.” “That is like my favorite thing,” she added. “Any time I can go frustrate the other team that is when I know I did my job and I know I get in their heads.” Winegar finished with a game-high 14 points. “We talked about it yesterday,” TK head coach Brandi James said of having McNabnay focus on Winegar, “because I had watched extensive film and the offense for them runs through her whether she is the scorer or whether she is not. So, we knew if we took her out at any given point that would be a big affect for them. She wasn’t doing much until she hit those two back-to-back threes and then all of a sudden as soon as they start feel­ ing it you have to take her out of the game. We tried to make her a non-factor after she hit those threes before she caught too much fire.” James said McNabany is quick, fast and disciplined enough to not foul in those cir­ cumstances trying to keep up. “If she does get beat she knows how to recover,” James added. Points were few and far between in the early going for both teams, and it had as much to do with early season offense out of rhythm as it did with defensive performance in the first half. TK led 6-2 after one quarter and 9-7 at the half. Tristen Cross led TK with nine points, tak­ ing advantage of her size and skill in the paint. Slowing cross was even tougher than it should have been for the Saxons with junior See SAXON, page 12 Thornapple Kellogg's Terrell Jefferson beats Hastings' Myles Padilla to the basket for a lay-up during their Battle of Barry County ballgame in Middleville Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Trojan pressure keeps Saxons from finding offensive rhythm Thomapple Kellogg senior guard Grace McNabnay keeps a close eye off the ball on Saxon junior guard Macy Winegar in the backcourt during the sec­ ond half Friday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Young lightweights help Trojans win over Hastings Brett Bremer Sports Editor Round one in the Battle of Barry County went to the Trojans. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity wres­ tling team recorded wins in the final five bouts to turn a two-point dual into a 53-24 win over the Hastings Saxons on the mat in Middleville Friday night. Freshman Christian Miller started the Trojan’s late surge at 103 pounds by pull­ ing out an 11-10 victory despite being held on his back by the Saxons’ freshman Thornapple Kellogg's Christian Miller (right) works towards a take down during the first period of his 103-pound match with Hastings' Troy Hokanson Friday at the Battle of Barry County in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) See WRESTLING, page 12 Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans are trying to turn up the pres­ sure this winter and the Saxons are just start­ ing to learn how to handle pressure defense on the varsity level. It wasn’t a good combination for the Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team in the finale of the Battle of Barry County in Middleville Friday night. The Thomapple Kellogg boys finished off a sweep of the evening’s three varsity sport­ ing events between the Trojans and Saxons (wrestling, girls’ basketball and boys’ basket­ ball) by scoring a 60-31 win over the Hastings boys before crashing into the student section and celebrating with members of the girls’ basketball team and the Battle of Barry County trophy which has made a regular home in Middleville. Junior guard Terrell Jefferson had a gamehigh 22 points and senior guard Jaymes Thome had 17 points. Defense led to offense time and again for the Trojans, including something resembling a dunk by Jefferson that had the students in the Tro-Zone going wild. For many of the varsity wrestlers and bas­ ketball players, it was the first time in a varsity contest in front of a loud raucous crowd in Middleville due to the pandemic which limited attendance during the 2020­ 2021 season. “I feel like it really helped the atmo­ sphere,” Jefferson said. “It was like, what can get better than this - winning with your team when everyone is there supporting you? We have had ups and downs as far as a school, and I feel like this is a really big moment for the school.” “It’s important to us [to win the Battle of Barry County], because as a team we take pride in ourselves. We have a really tough conference. It is a rival school and you have to take the win. It is big,” he added. Hastings scored the first four points of the game, but Jefferson scored the next five to put TK in front. He knocked down a three to put his team up 5-4 and the Trojans led from that moment on. Thome hit a three to move the led to 8-4. TK’s lead was 15-10 after one Saxon guard Owen Carroll works the ball up the court against tight pressure from Thomapple Kellogg guard Payton Wilkinson Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) quarter and got to ten points early in the sec­ ond. The advantage was upped to 32-17 by halftime. “We have to fix the pressure,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “Once we got into our half-court set were were able to get in our offense and get a couple easy buckets. They obviously rely on a lot of pressure, and as we got tired in the third quarter the wheels fell off. Fix that. We have to fix ways to get into our offense. A lot of kids were standing and watching. We have to get movement and some cadence in our offense.” In the end, TK had nine different players score. Senior guard Jack Geukes finished with six points and senior Kalvin Shuford had four. See BOYS, page 12 �Page 12 — Thursday, December 16, 2021 —The Hastings Banner WRESTLING, continued from page 11 Hastings' Brianna Barnes has a shot altered by Thornapple Kellogg junior center Alana Compton in the paint as TK's Tia Cross (22) assists on D Friday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) SAXON, continued from page 11----------------------post player Bailey Cook in foul trouble. TK head coach Brandi James thought her girls were forcing the ball inside a bit too much in the first half though, which contrib­ uted to the team’s scoring woes. “We had mismatches down there, and sometimes when I say things that means we force it. I said, watch our posts and they heard force it to the posts,” James said. “That hap­ pens. Our seniors have not had a home crowd in our favor where we had a student section ever. We felt that with the nerves and they were just taking everything I said a bit too literally. They settled in at halftime.” TK also got eight points on the night from junior center Alana Compton and eight from junior guard Peyton Pratt. Senior forward Hailey Campbell contributed seven points and senior point guard Kiah Nichols four. “We finally hustled after the second half started, relaxed, settled into our offense and worked as a team, rotated the basketball off of the right side of the floor and let our team work its offense itself,” James said. Hastings also got six from Warner, who knocked down a pair of threes. Allison Teed and Cook had four points apiece for the Saxons. The Saxons had a 15-13 lead after back-toback threes by Winegar in the middle of the third quarter. Pratt made a nice cut to receive a pass for a bucket to tie the score at 15-15 and then hit a jumper to put her team back in front. A three by Campbell with 3:03 to play in the third pushed the Trojan lead to five, forcing a Saxon time out. It was the start of a 10-0 TK run that stretched into the opening minute of the fourth quarter where Nichols drilled a three to extend her team’s lead to double figures at 26-15. Thornapple Kellogg’s Peyton Pratt races in for two points during her team’s win over the visiting Saxons in the Battle of Barry County Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Troy Hokanson late in the third period. Miller fought off his back for two reversal points to up his advantage to 11-8 with 18 seconds left in the third period, and a late reversal by Hokanson wasn’t enough. TK picked up six points in a tight match between freshman Aiden Foy and Saxon freshman Keegan Sutfin at 112 pounds when Foy had to be helped off the mat with an injury following what was deemed an illegal slam by Sutfin. Sutfin had built a 5-2 lead through the first three and a half minutes of the bout despite Foy being the one to score the initial take­ down. “Seeing some of the improvement in the freshmen and the underclassmen, I liked seeing that,” said Thomapple Kellogg junior 171-pounder Austin Chivis. “Seeing the upperclassmen pitch in and saying stuff to others as they’re wrestling - I like seeing other people do well. Aiden Foy, before he got hurt, he was wrestling well. I hadn’t seen him wrestle before. It was good to see that from an underclassman, and also Christian the 103-pounder I liked how he wrestled too. I haven’t seen him and he was nice and quick.” TK head coach Dayne Fletke was happy to see his two freshmen light­ weights, Miller and Foy, wrestling with­ out too many jitters. “They looked good and they represent­ ed us well. It is kind of cool to see that next group getting ready and coming up,” Fletke said. Senior Hunter Pitsch at 119 pounds, senior Ashton Corson at 125 and junior Kyron Zoet at 130 finished off the dual with pins for TK. It wasn’t only freshmen stepping up in first varsity matches for TK. Senior Kenny Krul responded to an early take down by Hastings’ Bodey Jacobs in the second period of their 160-pound bout to earn a reversal and then a pin. The Trojan team also got pins from junior Zack Gibson at 135 pounds and junior Jackson Curtis at 145. Chivis scored a 15-0 technical fall for TK at 171 pounds. “The guys that needed to do their jobs, Ashton [Corson], Austin [Chivis] with the tech, Curtis at 45, they came out and they made sure they did what they needed to do,” Fletke said. The only six-minute bout of the eve­ ning was at 140 pounds, the second bout of the evening, where TK junior Andrew Middleton scored a 3-2 win over the Saxons’ Cohen Smith. Middleton escaped the grasp of Smith with about 64 seconds left in the third period to snap a 2-2 tie and then fought off a couple shots to hold on for the one-point win. Hastings got its first six points from junior Robby Slaughter at 152 pounds. Slaughter trailed TK senior Matthew Middleton 8-2 after one period, 11-2 early in the second and 14-4 at the end of the third period. The Saxons also got pins from senior Victor Ramirez at 189 pounds, freshman Isaac Friddle at 215 and senior Jackson Dubois at 285 pounds. Hastings head coach Jason Slaughter was happy with how his guys wrestled overall, especially on their feet. He said he learned that there is work to be done in the bottom position in the wrestling room in the coming days. Saxon returning heavyweights Ramirez at 189 pounds and Dubois at 285 were fairly dominant in their matches, although TK’s Noah Rosenberg started well against Dubois before getting caught in a Saxon signature headlock. It was also an intense match-up for 75 seconds between Friddle and TK junior Jayden Garcia, another new TK varsity wrestler, in the 189-pound match. Garcia got a takedown, Friddle a reversal and three nearfall points, Garcia scored a reversal, and then Friddle scored a rever­ sal and two more nearfall points before scoring the pin in just over a minute. Robby Slaughter was the Saxons’ lone individual state qualifier a year ago. Corson, Gibson and Zoet are returning state medalists for the Trojans this winter and Andrew Middleton was a state qualifi­ er a year ago too. Matthew Middleton and Pitsch are former state qualifiers as well. Guys like Dubois and Chivis are espe­ cially keen on securing themselves spots in the state finals at the conclusion of this season as well. “It’s a good rivalry going back years and years. You take a win when you can get one, and I’m sure they’d say the same. It goes back and forth throughout the years. It is always good to get one with a rival,” Fletke said. There is a chance the two teams meet again in their MHSAA Division 2 District Tournament in February. Thornapple Kellogg Hunter Pitsch works to get the Saxons' Dillon Neal down to the mat during the first period of their 119-pound bout Friday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxon senior heavyweight Jackson Dubois nears a pin of Thornapple Kellogg's Noah Rosenberg during their match Friday at the Battle of Barry County in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons' Victor Ramirez holds Thornapple Kellogg's Lane Cross on his back during the second period of their 189-pound match Friday evening in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) BOYS, continued from page 11 Jefferson said one of his highlights of the night was seeing senior teammate Payton Wilkinson bury a three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter. Wilkinson didn’t play basketball last season and some hustle and the occasional three-pointer like that are exactly what the Trojans need out of him this winter. Long called Jefferson a “nice player.” The TK junior wing is going to be relied upon throughout the season as the Trojans’ top scoring threat. He believes he put in the work to be ready for the role. “I put in shots every single day,” Jefferson said. “I have a shooting coach now. I am working with him in the offseason, and with the other guys with coach [Josh] Thaler tex­ ting us, hounding us, getting on us every day to get in the gym guys. Get in the gym. I haven’t seen this type of work ethic out of any team since I have been here. It is just different this year. I feel like everyone is into it. Everyone is ready for a big season and everyone is getting after it. Personally, off the dribble work, on my shot, I’ve worked on that a lot - being able to come off the dribble and shoot as well as get­ ting to the basket and finding my teammates.” Myles Padilla was the lone Saxon in dou­ ble figures finishing with ten points. Shots were tough to come by a times for the Saxons. TK limited a few of the Saxons’ top threats. Junior forward Layton Eastman scored the first basket of the game for Hastings, but then didn’t score again until the fourth quarter. He was limited to six points on the night. Hastings got five points apiece from guards Owen Carroll and Joey McLean. Coach Long was pleased with the way his defense played for the most part, and was happy seeing his guys trying to take some charges even if they weren’t called. The even also included student section contests like tug of war and a quick musical chairs lay-up game. The Thornapple Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team put on round one and three exhibitions in the old gymnasi­ um at the high school between the wrestling and girls’ basketball contests. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 16, 2021 — Page 13 TK gets exhibition in, but first meet lost in the wind The Thornapple Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team performs an exhibition of its round three rou­ tine Friday night in the old gymna­ sium in Middleville between the varsity wrestling match and varsity girls' basketball game between the Trojans and Saxons. The Trojans were set to open their season with a CCCAM Invitational in Middleville, but heavy winds damaged the roof of the main gym at the high school forcing teams to turn for home. The next scheduled contest for the Trojans is Friday evening at West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton happy to welcome some ballplayers back Brett Bremer Sports Editor “What a different a practice or two can make.” That was the sentiment expressed by Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball coach Jim Hogoboom after his guys improved their record to 1-2 on the young season with a 61-47 win over visiting Constantine Tuesday. “We had a great day at work on Monday and it transferred over to our performance today came out with our best offensive quarter of the year taking the 18-16 lead and from there it became a little bit of a game of runs - and our runs were a little bit bigger and came at the right time,” Hogoboom said. The Panthers had a push early int eh third quarter to extend a lead from nine points to 14. Constantine surged from there to get back to within four points at 45-41 by the end of the third quarter. The Falcons scored 21 points in the third quarter to make it a ball­ game in the end. The Falcons also got the first two points of the fourth quarter to get within two. “I was very proud of our kids response,” Hogoboom said. “We scored the next ten points and from there kind of spread the floor and closed it out. We got fan­ tastic contributions from guys who haven’t played much - Torren Mapes the sophomore had nine points and multiple steals. He is a really quick kid. He helps us with his speed and quick hands.” Mapes was able to break ahead of the pack in tran­ sition a few times to haul in passes from Mason Nabozny. In his second game of the season Alden Whitmore was outstanding, finishing with 32 points for DK. He hit three three-pointers and was 9-of-ll at the free throw line. The DK team was 11-of-14 at the line as a team. The Panthers also hit the boards well and did a good job of handling the Falcons’ pressure in the second half. Hogoboom was also really pleased with junior guard Jason Lundquist who played a bit last Friday after miss­ ing the season-opener with the DKHS band in Hawaii. “His contributions were huge and they are not seen in the box score. He rebounded, contested shots, set screens and controlled the lane for us,” Hogoboom said. “Constantine has athletic, strong inside players and they presented some problems for us. I can’t say enough about Jason’s work tonight. Glad the band trip wasn’t two weeks.” Lucas Haganbouch led Constantine with 18 points and Dean Topoloski had 16 points. “I am really proud of our kids. I hope they see that the work that they put in the day before transfers over to a better performance. We’ve got to make that our calling card as we go forward. We’re just not good enough to not work really really hard in practice to keep trying to get better.” DK fell 36-35 in its SAC Valley opener last Friday at Galesburg-Augusta. DK had the ball for the final pos­ session of the game, but was unable to get a shot off. Austin Blocker had a team-high 16 points for DK, but fouled out just prior to that last gasp effort. Whitmore, in his first game back from injury, had 13 points. Hogoboom said there were multiple times where the Rams outworked his team for offensive rebounds including after missed free throws by the Rams. “We have got to keep working and growing and have a better understanding of how critical each pos­ session is - not just in the last few minutes, but all through the game,” Hogoboom said. Zach Eberstein led Galesburg-Augusta with 12 points and Jalen Dolph hit three threes and finished with 11 points for the Rams. Marshall girls push the pace against Saxons in 1-8 opener Brett Bremer Sports Editor The final score wasn’t what the Saxons wanted it to be, but it was better than it has been at the end of a trip to Marshall in many recent seasons. The Marshall varsity girls’ basketball team opened the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season with a 44-29 win over the visiting Hastings girls Tuesday night. “They are good,” Hastings head coach Chase Youngs said. “They started five guards, and I’d guess at least four of them are four-year varsity players. They aren’t big, but they attack, they shoot well and push the ball off of misses and makes.” “Every time they catch the ball they’re looking to drive and kick and that wears on legs, but we hung in,” Youngs added. “I was proud of them. We played well. That is a hard place to play.” The RedHawks were ahead 20-11 at the half, and the Saxon coach said his team had three threes bound off both sides of the rim and pop out. It could have been even a bit tighter at the break. Macy Winegar, Chelsea Ertner and Carly Warner had five points each for the Saxons. Hastings had nine different girls score in the ballgame. Winegar led the Saxons in assists and coach Youngs said Brianna Barnes and Brooklynn Youngs led his team in steals and blocked shots on the other end of the floor. “They had to work to get points that weren’t in transition,” coach Youngs said. The Saxons had to work on the offensive end as well, both physically and mentally. Overall, the Saxon coach was happy with the way his girls took care of the basketball though. “They threw full-court stuff at us. They came out in a half court trap. They ran man. I bet they ran four defenses in the first minute and a half of the game,” coach Youngs said. The experienced RedHawks were ready for the defensive changes the Saxons threw at them. Hastings hosts Coldwater for another 1-8 contest Friday and then will be at home for a non-conference match-up with the Lakewood Vikings Tuesday. Rival Eagles and Bulldogs net wins over Lakewood ladies Brett Bremer Sports Editor When the Vikings turn the ball over they struggle. There are no surprises there. The Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team was bested 40-34 in a big early season Greater Lansing Activities Conference match-up with visiting Olivet Friday night. The Vikings turned the ball over 26 times with the Eagles capitalizing on many of those for points. Cadence Poll pulled down ten rebounds for the Vikings, but it was a struggle overall with senior cen­ ter Maradith O’Gorman in foul trouble. She had to sit for more minutes than the Vikings would like and eventually fouled out with a few minutes remaining in the ballgame. The Vikings got a surge late from junior guard Alivia Woodman who knocked down a pair of three-pointers. Lakewood clawed to within three points, but in the end crucial turnovers allowed the Eagles to stretch their advantage. Lakewood was back at it against the rival Ionia Bulldogs at Ionia High School Tuesday where the Bulldogs tallied a 50-41 win. Viking head coach Kelly Meints was especially happy with the first half. “O’Gorman worked hard shutting [Ionia’s Brynn] Reams down, which was a big goal of ours. Our bigs attacked the hoop and got a couple of their key players in foul trouble, including Reams. Unfortunately, the third quarter didn’t go so smoothly,” Meints said. The Lakewood coach really liked her team’s defen­ sive effort, but Melayna Braman hit three three-point­ ers to limit some of the Vikings’ momentum. Braman finished with a team-high 13 points. A few turnovers late led to the Vikings having to foul and the Bulldogs stretched their lead. Lakewood will visit Maple Valley Friday night and then go on the road to take on Hastings Tuesday. Hastings boys overwhelmed by Marshall in 1-8 ballgame The Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team was bested 64-41 by Marshall in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference opener at Hastings High School Tuesday. “We started out we executing our plays, but faded fast as we got worn down,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. Eventually turnovers turned into transition buck­ ets for the RedHawks. Myles Padilla had ten points for the Saxons and Braden Vertalka 11. Hayden Long chipped in eight points. “Marshall attacked the rim offensively and pres­ sured us defensively to disrupt our flow,” Long said. The Saxons have another tough 1-8 bailgame at home Friday against Coldwater. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF BARRY COUNTY The Barry County Road Commission will hold a Public Hearing on its proposed 2022 Budget. The hearing will be held at the Commission Room located at 1725 West M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan at 7:30 A.M. on December 30, 2021. A copy of the proposed budget is available for inspection at the Road Commission office. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS AT JANUARY 5, 2022 MEETING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on January 5, 2022, which begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The items to be considered at this public hearing include various proposed amendments of Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code associated with allowing certain types of marihuana business land uses in the Township as special land uses in designated zoning districts, as follows: §220-2-2 (Definitions) is proposed to be amended to add definitions for the following new terms: Marihuana, Marihuana Business, Marihuana Grower, Marihuana Microbusiness, Marihuana Processor, Marihuana Retailer, Marihuana Safety Compliance Facility, Marihuana Secure Transporter, Medical Marihuana Grower, Medical Marihuana Processor, Medical Marihuana Provisioning Center, Medical Marihuana Safety Compliance Facility, Medical Marihuana Secure Transporter, Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, and Michigan Regulation and Taxation .of Marihuana Act. 1. 2. §220-4-3 pertaining to the enumerated special land uses in the AG/OS Agricultural/ Open Space Preservation District is proposed to be amended to add the following new designated special land uses: Marihuana Grower (Class A, B, or C), Medical Marihuana Grower (Class A, B, or C), Marihuana Processor, Medical Marihuana Processor, Marihuana Microbusiness, Marihuana Secure Transporter, and Medical Marihuana Secure Transporter. 3. §220-9-3 pertaining to the enumerated special land uses in the MU Mixed Use District is proposed to be amended to add the following new designated special land uses: Marihuana Processor, Medical Marihuana Processor, Marihuana Retailer, Medical Marihuana Provisioning Center, Marihuana Microbusiness, Marihuana Secure Transporter, Medical Marihuana Secure Transporter, Marihuana Safety Compliance Facility, and Medical Marihuana Safety Compliance Facility. 4. §220-12-3 pertaining to the enumerated special land uses in the LI Light Industrial District is proposed to be amended to add the following new designated special land uses: Marihuana Grower (Class A, B, or C), Medical Marihuana Grower (Class A, B, or C), Marihuana Processor, Medical Marihuana Processor, Marihuana Secure Transporter, Medical Marihuana Secure Transporter, Marihuana Safety Compliance Facility, and Medical Marihuana Safety Compliance Facility. 5. §220-20-7 pertaining to specific approval standards required of particular special land uses is proposed to be amended to add to the Table at the beginning of that section the appropriate entries for each proposed new special land use specified in preceding numbered paragraphs 2-4 with a reference to Item No. 14 in the last column of that table, and to add the subsequent text for Item No. 14 specifying the locational standards and additional standards required for special land use approval of the marihuana business land uses in the zoning districts where such uses are allowable as proposed above, subject in each instance to issuance of a Municipal License for that Marihuana Business by the Rutland Charter Township Board pursuant to a Marihuana Business Licensing Ordinance (which is pending before the Township Board), and also subject to issuance of a license to operate the business by the State of Michigan pursuant to the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act or the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act. The Rutland Charter Township Code, Master Plan, and the tentative text of the above­ referenced proposed zoning text amendment(s), may be examined by contacting the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Township Hall during regular business hours on regular business days maintained by the Township offices from and after the publication of this Notice and until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/meeting. The Township Planning Commission reserves the right to modify any of the proposed amendments at or following the hearing/meeting and to make its recommendations accordingly to the Township Board. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 �Page 14 — Thursday, December 16, 2021 —The Hastings Banner The Trojans' Connor Newland unleashes a throw down the alley during his team's win over visiting Forest Hills Eastern at Hastings Bowl Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK ladies still perfect in defense of Gold title Ionia's Trevor Tooker flies towards the rim as Lakewood's Caleb Hull (44) and Denny Sauers (12) work to slow him down during the first half of their non-conference bailgame at Ionia High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Ionia hands rival Vikings their first defeat Brett Bremer Sports Editor Nate Willette drilled a triple from the left corner to pull the Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team within three points of Ionia midway through the second quarter Tuesday mfghf ’* r-h ■ 1 ■ ' * The Bulldogs had led by as many as eight points to that point in the contest at Ionia High School. The Vikings got another stop at the other end when junior center Caleb Hull pulled down a defensive rebound, but Ionia senior guard Trevor Tooker swooped in the steal the outlet pass and went in for a layup. It was the start of an 11-0 run to close the first half for the Bulldogs. They went in to the break up by 14 points and went on to a 51-35 victory. Shots wouldn’t fall for the Vikings as that first half wound down - and offensive execu­ tion was a stfd^gle ’most of the evening. ’ Ionia was able to penetrate and get to the rim and penetrate to free up shooters around the perimeter from time to time, but Lakewood head coach Chris Duits wasn’t displeased with his team’s work in its nee zone defense. “We didn’t play well, and we gave up 51 points,” Duits said. “We’re making gains. It is cewood junior guard Jayce Cusack looks to attack the basket during the second • 7 f his team's non-conference loss at Ionia High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) still new to everybody. Right out of the gate they hit three threes. A lot of their stuff is attacking off the dribble - dribbling and kick­ ing and dribble drive. They really didn’t kill us on that. We didn’t do a very good job rebounding. They got, a couple easy buckets, right underneath, off of offensive rebounds. “Our defense is coming along. It’s not great, but it’s getting there. Offensively, we were terrible.” The Bulldogs had their lead as large as 22 points with back-to-back three, by Lane Thomas and Gauge McQueen, and a bucket after the Vikings made a mistake saving the ball from going out of bounds under their own basket in the middle of the third quarter. The Bulldogs knocked down nine threes in the bailgame. McQueen hit four and finished with a team-high 12 points. Ionia got nine points from Tooker, eight apiece from Thomas and junior center Lance Atkins, and seven from Clay Currigan. Junior guard Jayce Cusack had a game-high 17 points to lead the Vikings on the score­ board. Willette had six points and Hull four. Duits said the goal defensively was to keep the Bulldogs to 45 points or less, and wasn’t displeased that Ionia managed to nudge just over that. “We need to run our sets. We were going 1-on-l one. When you’re going against a team that puts a lot of pressure on you it makes you do things you aren’t supposed to do,” Duits said. “It speeds you up. It speeds your brain up. It gets you out of what we’re trying to do. “We challenged them at halftime and said, Took, when we run our pick and roll we have to be more patient, wait for the picker to come and then attack off of it.’ We’re sup­ posed to be attacking off every pick and roll and we hadn’t. The first half we just didn’t attack off of it. The second half we attacked. We got a reversal for a three. We got into the middle and got a couple shots. We started running a little bit of our offense the way we had been practicing it. “But by then it was just too late.” Lakewood was able to cut the Bulldogs’ 22-point lead down to 13 a few times early in the fourth quarter. The Vikings had started the season 2-0, knocking off Portland in the opener and then outscoring Grass Lake 52-33 in the GLAC vs Cascades Challenge at Olivet College Saturday. Lakewood will look to rebound Friday as it opens the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season at home against Maple Valley. Brett Bremer Sports Editor There is a long way to go, but the Trojans are off to a good start in the OK Gold confer­ ence. The Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bowling team improved to 3-0 in conference duals with back-to-back wins over South Christian and Forest Hills Eastern at Hastings Bowl Monday and Tuesday this week. The TK boys also got wins over the Sailors and Hawks to improve their conference record to 2-1. The Trojans are off now until a trip to Rockford Lanes for a tough conference dual with Cedar Springs Jan. 5. In the dual with Forest Hills Eastern Tuesday, the TK ladies scored a 37-3 victory. TK bowled with just four girls and FHE had just three compared to the usual five. Paige Green and Savannah Rehfeldt took two points each for the Trojans. Rehfeldt had a high game of 106 Green rolled a 160 and a 188. TK also got points thanks to a 143 from Sara Willshire and 142 by Allison Hess. Hess had a great afternoon with a pair of 142s, but was bested by a 147 from FHE’s Sarah Laidler in the first game. TK outscored the Hawks 88-76 and 79-66 in the two Baker games and won both regular games too. The TK boys won by the score of 28-2 over the Hawks. Ethan Kriekaard and Wyatt Jacobson picked up two team points each. Kriekaard rolled a 225 and a 185. Jacobson scored a 192 and a 228. TK also got points thanks to a 188 from Nolan Clous, a 150 from Wyatt Barnes, a 141 from Z Moore and a 161 from Connor Newland. Donald Rosendall scored a 132 for the TK boys in the number two spot in game two and Newland a 164 in the number three spot in game two, but those solid scores were bested by the Hawks. TK took the two Baker games 210-120 and 171-130, and won both regular games as well. TK head coach Cheryl Cooper said consis­ tency has been a bit of an issue as her bowlers continue to make the adjustment from last year’s Allen oil pattern to this season’s Phantom pattern which spreads a bit more oil along the lane. “The new kids are putting in their time,” Cooper said. “A lot of them are coming in and practicing over and above what we’re doing. So, they’re putting in the time, which shows commitment to me - boys and girls all of them are putting in the time. I am very pleased with how the team is coming together right now.” It was a successful week for TK. The TK ladies and boys both beat South Christian 28-2 Monday. A couple of the highlights included Kriekaard scoring a 216 and a 214, and Jacobson rolling a 232 for the boys. Green had a high of 195 for the girls, while Faith Foster had a high of 152, Willshire a high of 143 and Rehfeldt a high of 137. Kriekaard continued his roll from Saturday’s Grand Rapids Christian Invitational at Park Center Lanes where he took the individual tournament title. He had a three-game total of 694, rolling games of224, 259 and 211. The TK boys were seventh as a team at the event where teams rolled three regular games and four Baker games. Jacobson had a high single game of 220. Newland rolled a 162, Clous a 145, Wyatt Barnes a 128 and Rosendall a 121. The TK ladies placed third behind the champs from Grandville and the runner-up team from Sparta at the invitational. A 200 Baker game by the TK ladies was the second highest Baker game of the day. Emily Podbevsek rolled a high-game of 195 for TK. Green had a high score of 165, Hess 155 and Willshire 147. Thornapple Kellogg's Wyatt Jacobson sets up for a shot during his team's OK Gold Conference victory over visiting Forest Hills Eastern Tuesday at Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) < girls start to fix a few issues, but fall to 0-2 in SAC Valley x Brett Bremer Sports Editor anthers had adjustments to make into game two of the Southwestern Conference Valley Division season Tuesday lostly succeeded for a half or more. Kellogg’s varsity girls’ basketball tc .o 0-2 in the conference with a 41-24 loss / he Falcons. DK led the ballgame 13-12 at the half. “We were playing pretty well, still strug­ gling to find the hoop, but I thought or defense was much better in that first half,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said. “We set a couple goals for offensive rebounds, not allowing them, and turnovers and we cut those significantly in the first half. “Then things got away from us we forgot to box out and stated throwing the ball all over the gym which led to the eventual score. It was a good bailgame for about three quarters.” The Falcons stretched their lead when Delton Kellogg had to switch from its zone defense into a man in an effort to pressure the ball as the game wore on. “I thought Allie Trantham had a good game tonight overall, battling, rebounding, shooting the ball with some more confidence and she played with a little more control offensively dribbling the ball,” Mohn said. “Lilyanna Sinclair, she is stating to get it and it is fun to watch her progress. We showed some decent things today, excited about the things that we did. But we have to compete the full four quar­ ters and we will continue to work on that.” Caitlin McManus led DK with seven points in the loss and Jordan Lyons had six. DK has another tough SAC Valley match­ up at home Friday against Kalamazoo Christian - one of, if not the, top team in the division this winter. Galesburg-Augusta scored a 40-13 win over the visiting DK girls last Friday in the SAC Valley opener. 1 “I thought we got some really decent looks, but we just do not shoot the ball very well,” Mohn said of the loss to the Rams. “That is the tale of the tape. We have to put the ball in the hole and it does not bode well when we don’t.” Kasey Kapteyn led DK offensively I with five points Friday at G-A. The Rams managed 22 offensive rebounds in the win and the Panthers turned the ball over 32 times. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 16, 2021 — Page 15 The Saxons' Andrea Rhodes (right) greets teammate Shyanna Baker after a shot during their win over Wellspring Prep at Hastings Bowl Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK grapplers tie Brighton for second at Grandville Challenge The Saxons' Abby Barton fires her ball down the alley during her team's win over visiting Wellspring prep in a non-conference dual at Hastings Bowl Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings girls topple pins to top Wellspring Prep Brett Bremer Sports Editor A few times the Saxons picked up splits in impressive fashion during their non-confer­ ence dual with Wellspring Prep at Hastings Bowl Tuesday evening. Now they’ll go to work on not getting into those situations in the first place. - - * The Hastings varsity girls’ bowling team scored a 29-1 win over Wellspring Prep for its first victory of the season. The Hastings boys battled in a 17-13 loss to Wellspring Prep. It was the second dual of the season for the Saxons, who were bested by the Ionia girls and boys last Thursday in Ionia. Ally Herder picked up an impressive 4-10 split during the evening against Wellspring and the Hastings boys were impressed by Cameron Eaton converting on a 5-10 split in the eighth frame of the final Baker game of the night. “I love them. I love all of them,” the Saxons’ Andrea Rhodes said of her team­ mates. “They are always fun to be around and there is just no drama. Everyone has fun with each other.” It’s always more fun to score a victory. Andrea helped the Saxons do that by putting up scores of 166 and 120 in the two individ­ ual games. She said she had better concentra­ tion in the opener. “I was hitting my mark and the second game I was all over the place,” Andrea said. “I was yanking it. I was short-changing myself, and my shoulder was dropped. I fixed that, but I was still all over the place.” Shyanna Baker was the lone Hastings girl to score better in her second game than her first. She rolled a 120 and a 147. Baker scored two team points as did Amber Rabideau who rolled a 125 and a 121. They didn’t have Wellspring foes to face off against as Wellspring Prep brought just three girls. Andrea Rhodes and Abby Barton -scored two team points as well. Barton put up scores of 157 and 142. Ally Herder took one team point with games of 140 and 122. The Hastings girls rolled a 131 and a 115 in the two Baker games. The Wellspring Prep boys won both Baker games, outscoring the Saxons 154-138 and 152-132. Wellspring outscored the Saxons 745-712 in the opening regular game and the Saxons rallied to take the second 738-626 to take the overall pinfall in the two regular games. Drew Rhodes and Gage Richmond took two team points each for the Hastings boys. Drew Rhodes rolled a 168 and a 136. Richmond scored a 142 and a 153. Cameron Eaton won a team point with a 145 in the opening game and then rolled a 160 in the second. Cam Humphrey rolled a 142 and a 120 to take one team point. Miles Lipsey scored a 115 and a 169 to earn a team point as well. “A lot of the things they’re doing can be fixed,” Hastings head coach Deanna Rhodes said. “Literally getting into the season we’re seeing a lot better scores, a lot better strikes, a lot better pocket shots. I think we just need to focus more.” The Thomapple Kellogg varsity wrestling team finished in a second-place tie with Brighton Saturday at the Grandville Challenge. The host Bulldogs took the day’s champi­ onship with a score of 172 points, ahead of Brighton 88, TK 88, Mt. Pleasant 86 and Battle Creek Lakeview 62. A pair of Trojan lightweights took individ­ ual championships. Christian Miller won the 103-pound championship with a pair of first period pins. His 119-pound teammate Hunter Pitsch scored three quick pins at his weight class and pulled out a 4-3 win over Grandville’s Cole Gritter. Kenny Simon, wrestling at 145 pounds for TK, won three of his four matches, with each ending in a pin. He placed second at his weight class. TK 189-pounder Lane Cross was second at 189 pounds, going 2-1 for the day with a pair of pins. Trojan heavyweight Noah Rosenberg was 2-1 to place second at 285 pounds with a pair of pins as well. TK also had a handful of wrestlers in action at the Grappler Gold Invitational hosted by Davison High School Saturday. Kyron Zoet placed sixth in a 132-pound bracket, Zack Gibson eighth at 138 pounds and Matthew Middleton fourth at 152 pounds. Emma Gibson, Kayleigh Brown and Andrew Middleton also competed in Davison for the Trojans. TK was set to open the OK Gold Conference season at a Gold/Silver Quad hosted by Kelloggsville last night. The Trojans The TK varsity grapplers will take part in the Kent County Classic hosted by East Kentwood High School Saturday and then off from competition until the new year. Valley's Slaght wins 119-pound title at Don Johnson Invitational Both teams were a tad inconsistent. The Maple Valley varsity wrestling team Wellspring Prep’s girls had a high game of 134 was in action with three wrestlers for the first from Aliya Gillette who had scored a 62 in the time Saturday in Lansing at the annual Don opening game. Isaac Cruz had the high series Johnson Invitational. for the Wellspring Prep boys with games of Matthew Slaght, a state medalist from a 141 and 169 to take aa team point. Ben year ago, took the 119-pound championship Tjapkes and Harley Nolfaig each took a team for the Lions. He scored a 15-5 major decipoint for theWcll spring Prep boys asr well. —sion over Marshal l’s Blain Wilson in the— Ionia took both Baker matches in its con­ championship match at their flight. Slaght was 2-0 on the day with byes test with the Hastings girls last Thursday. The Hastings girls did well against the through the first two rounds of the tourna­ Bulldogs in the individual match-ups. Baker ment. He pinned Lake Fenton’s Robbie took two points with games of 119 and 110. Moore in the 119-pound semifinals. Andrew Appelman won the consolation Herder won two points with a 158 and a 152. The Saxon team also got a point thanks to a 129 from Rabideau, a 147 from Barton and a 145 from Andrea Rhodes. Coach Rhodes said her boys bowled well despite the 21-9 loss. The two teams split the Baker games, with the Bulldogs taking the overall pinfall in those two contests. Eaton won team points with scores of 135 and 149. Teammate Drew Rhodes finished The Hastings varsity wrestling team was a off a win in game one, coming on in the perfect 5-0 Saturday at the invitational hosted fourth frame to score a 142 and then took by Big Rapids another point with a 137. Richmond secured Hastings took a 72-10 win over Evart, a a Saxon point with a 178. 48-27 win over East Kentwood, a 72-10 win The Saxons were at the Grand Shootout over Montabella, a 54-27 win over Reed City Invitational at Fairlanes in Grandville and a 69-12 victory over Traverse City West. Saturday. The Saxon boys were ll^1 in a The Saxon team had seven undefeated wrestlers. That group included 103-pounder 12-team field. The Hastings girls were sec­ ond in qualifying, but then were bested by Troy Hokanson, 112-pounder Dillon Neal, Northview in the next round. 119-pounder Keegan Sutfin, 145-pounder Baker placed fourth individually with a Mason Denton, 152-pounder Robby 457 three-game series. She had scores of 147, Slaughter, 215-pounder Isaac Friddle and 147 and 163. 285-pounder Jackson Dubois. bracket at 125. He took three wins in conso­ lation after falling4-0 to Battle Creek Central’s Eddie Lemus in the opening round of the tournament. Robert Schilz had two wins for the Lions at 130 pounds. He was pinned in the champion­ ship quarterfinals and scored a pin of his own in consolation beforefalling inthe match forfifth. Lake Fenton took the title at the 17-team tournament with 226 points, ahead of Forest Hills Northern 172.5, Laingsburg 136, Springport 132 and Lincoln Park 90 in the top five. The Lions finished the day with 38.5 points in 14th place. Hastings grapplers undefeated at first tournament of the season Colton Smith at 125 pounds was 4-1 for the Saxons, and Joe Goggins at 130 pounds and Victor Ramirez at 171 both had three wins. Hastings head coach Jason Slaughter said he got good wrestling all-around from his guys, and he was excited to have each of his varsity freshmen go undefeated at their first varsity tournament. The Saxons were slated to visit Pennfield to open the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season last night. Hastings heads to the Gull Lake Duals this Saturday and then will be at the Corunna Duals Dec. 30. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber k Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE City Administrative Office, Hours At the October 11, 2021 City Council meeting, the Council unanimously voted to change the open to the public hours for the City of Hastings Administration Offices. Beginning January 1,2022, the office hours will be from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday - Friday. Appointments may be made outside of these hours if needed. Payments received after 4:00 PM will be receipted for the next business day. The police department will remain open their regular business hours. Please call 269-945-2468 with questions regarding this notice. The Saxons’ Cameron Eaton preps his ball for a shot during his team’s non-conference dual with Wellspring Prep at Hastings Bowl Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons' Cameron Humphrey finishes an approach during the Baker games Tuesday at the Saxons' non-conference dual with Wellspring Prep host­ ed by Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Jane M. Saurman City Clerk �Page 16 — Thursday, December 16, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Panthers and Vikes get started at Caledonia Quad Barry County Barracuda Joe Turnes completes a turn in the 50-yard freestyle during Tuesday's meet against Ovid-Elsie. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Barracudas outswim Ovid-Elsie for first win of the young season Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Barry County Barracudas, the Delton Kellogg/Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings co-op varsity boys’ swimming and diving team, defeated Ovid-Elsie at home Tuesday night as they outscored Ovid Elsie 90-75 at the CERC pool. The Barry County swimmers kicked off the meet with a strong relay win in the 200yard medley relay. The relay team of Donald Kuck, Matt Smith, Jameson Riordan and Devin Pacillo took first with a time of 2 min­ utes. 5 2 seconds. Swimmers in the second relay team consisting of Nolan Send, Isaiah Randall, Riley Shults and Isaac Stanton fin­ ished in third place. In the first individual race, Barracudas swept the top three scoring spots in the 200yard freestyle. Pacillo placed first with a time of 2:15.74, followed by Camden Reynolds in second place and Evin Lamance in third place. Shults and Smith took second and third in the 200-yard individual medley, and Riordan took first in the 50-yard freestyle. The Barracudas could not keep up with Ovid-Elsie in the next four events, but came back to sweep the 100-yard backstroke. Kuck, Send and Hunter Tietz took first, sec­ ond and third, respectively, for the team. The Barracudas also took second in the 200-yard freestyle relay with the team of Heath Hays, Joe Turnes, Michael Sager-Wissner, and Reagan Neuman. Randall and Hays placed second and third, respectively, in the 100yard breaststroke. In the final event of the night, the 400-yard freestyle relay, the Barry County team of Pacillo, Kuck, Smith and Shults took first with a time of 4:05.37. During the diving competition, Barracuda freshman Quinn Stafford took first with a high score of 248.65 points. He was followed by teammates, Blake Sheldon who finished second with a score of 205.70 and Ethan Kooistra who finished third with 123.15. The team will be back in action in January, after the holiday break. Barry County Barracuda Isaac Stanton races through the water during the 100yard breaststroke in his team's non-conference dual with Ovid-Elsie. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) THE BEST STEAKS * ■ ■■ ■ ' :eaks are carefully hand-selected for quality and then aged for tenderness and delivered flawlessly, vill taste the difference in every single bit • Brett Bremer Sports Editor The varsity wrestling season got rolling Wednesday as Delton Kellogg, Lakewood and Paw Paw traveled to the Caledonia Quad. The host Fighting Scots went 2-0 with a 54-24 win over Delton Kellogg and a 42-37 victory over Lakewood. Lakewood was 1-1 on the evening after starting the quad with a 41-36 win over Paw Paw. DK dropped its second dual of the evening to Paw Paw. “I like wrestling this tough competition because it gives us something to focus on,” Delton Kellogg head coach Dan Phillips said. “Now we got back to the room and every single one of them is, ‘I’ve got to work on this, I’ve got to work on this, I’ve got to work on this, I’ve got to work on this.’ It makes practice more productive.” With Lakewood having a void at 103 pounds, 2021 state qualifier Andrew DeVries clinched the second victory of the evening for the Fighting Scots with a pin of Lakewood heavyweight Eastin Stank 12 bouts into their teams’ dual. It was a match that started off with a big pin for the Scots as well with freshman 119-pounder James Carrow sticking Lakewood’s Kade Boucher 61 seconds into their bout that opened the dual. In between those victories Caledonia got pins from Ethan Knapp at 135 pounds, James Hall at 145, Arie Idrizi at 152 and Dylan Meduna at 160 pounds. Freshman Jaden Grace took the six points for the Scots from the void in the Viking line-up at 103 pounds. Lakewood got a bit pin in the dual from Jonathan Krebs at 125 pounds, a forfeit win by Zac Gibson at 130, a third-period pin by Daniel Krebs in the 140-pound match and a pin from Gavin Vaughn at 171 pounds. Nathaniel Graham fought for more points in the 189 pound match against Caledonia’s Owen Graham, but Owen fought him off to hold him to a 13-2 major decision. Joel Simon followed that up by scoring a 4-0 deci­ sion against Caledonia’s Benjamin Norris at 215 pounds. Ashton Clark closed out the dual for the Vikings at 112 pounds. “I liked our enthusiasm against Paw Paw. I knew they were tough. I honestly didn’t think we would pull Paw Paw out, and then I was over confident going into Caledonia,” Lakewood head coach Tony Harmer said. He said he would have shuffled his line-up a bit differently in the middle weights. He said his young guys have some work to do on finishing off pins and staying off their backs at this early point in the season. Daniel Krebs had two big wins for the Vikings, pulling out a 6-5 victory over Paw Paw’s Nolan Berglin in their 140-pound match in the first dual of the night. “That was huge. He stayed in good posi­ tion for a second year wrestler. I think that kid is state ranked. Krebs is state ranked. We don’t tell him that when he goes out to wrestle. “He has stuff to work on too. He was on his back a lot - that defensive pin. The ref was looking for it. He has no idea about a defen­ sive pin. He looked at me like, ‘what hap­ pened.’ I said, ‘dude you have to stay off your back even if you’re trying to get him on his back.’ But that was a very, very good win.” Kreb’s one-point win there moved the Vikings to a 26-12 lead over the Red Wolves. Paw Paw responded with four consecutive pins at 145 pounds, 152, 160 and 171. The heavyweights rallied the Vikings. Nathaniel Graham got a quick pi9n at 189 pounds, Simon scored a 6-0 decision at 215 and Stank secured the team victory by pin­ ning his 285-pound opponent in 80 seconds. Lakewood also got pins from Gibson at 135 pounds, Boucher at 119 and Ashton Clark at 112 in the win over Paw Paw, as well as a technical fall from Jonathan Krebs at 125. In the win over Delton Kellogg to open the day, the Caledonia Fighting Scots got pins from DeVries at 285 pounds, Owen Graham at 189, Ethan Brown at 171, Meduna at 160, Hall at 145, Riley McNutt at 140, Knapp at 130, Will Sheely at 125 and Ayden Bums at 112 pounds. Delton Kellogg got pins from Gage Lakewood's Gavin Vaughn (left) gets tangled up with Caledonia's Ethan Brown during the opening moments of their 171-pound match Wednesday at the Caledonia Quad. Vaughn's shot led to a stalemate, but he eventually went on to score a pin. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg 112-pounder Joelle White (back) works to get Paw Paw's Edward Charron down to the mat during their bout Wednesday, Dec. 8, at the Caledonia Quad. White scored a 12-7 decision in the match. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vincent at 119 pounds, Vinnie Quick at 152, Caden Ferris at 215 pounds and Corban Antolovich at 103 pounds in the dual with the Fighting Scots. Paw Paw finished its evening with a 57-21 win over Delton Kellogg. Ferris added a second pin for the Panthers in the loss to the Red Wolves. DK also got a pin from Hunter Antolovich at 135 pounds and a second from Vincent at 119. Joelle White scored a 12-7 decision in her 112pound bout with Paw Paw’s Edward Charron. “Our inexperience shows. We’re an inex­ perienced team,” coach Phillips said. “I was really impressed though with the way that our kids battled. They went out there and gave it everything they had. “We talk all the time about how our motto this year is you can count on me. You can count on each other to give you everything we’ve got. They did. I saw a lot of great things and I saw a bunch of stuff we need to work on. It is what it is.” DK was back in action Saturday hosting its own DK Invitational. The Panthers were 3-2 in five duals on the day, besting Parchment 60-6, White Pigeon 48-30 and Berrien Springs 60-18. Paw Paw beat DK again, this time 57-24, and the DK wrestlers also felt 51-30 to Ionia. Ferris, Quick, Vincent, Hunter Antolovich, Maverick Thomas and Gauge Stampfler were all undefeated at the tournament for the Panthers. lOO'SA GUARANTEE The Delightful Gift Omaha Steaks SINCE 1917 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 8 A/ Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.) ‘ — Filet Mignon Burgers (5.3 oz.) Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks (3 oz.) Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.) 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Delton Kellogg senior 215-pounder Caden Ferris nears a pin of Paw Paw's Austin George midway through the first period of theiit match Wednesday at the Caledonia Quad. (Photo by Brett Bremer) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-12-23.pdf 7e629c9df35093b51f24fe9a3df6055d PDF Text Text 804879110187 1070490102590501771049058113421 VOLUME 167, No. 50 Thursday, December 23, 2021 PRICE $1.00 Stepping up to meet the need Retired educator returns to Delton superintendent’s role Taylor Owens Staff Writer Retired educator Carl Schoessel officially started his second tenure as interim superin­ tendent of Delton Kellogg Schools Monday, Dec. 13. He is scheduled to stay in that position until the start of the next school year July 1, while the school board searches for a perma­ nent replacement for Kyle Corlett. Although he officially retired almost 20 years ago, Schoessel said the opportunity to work with students - and serve his communi­ ty - keeps bringing him back. “When people ask if you can help them out, I think, if you can, you should try to help them out,” Schoessel said. “I don’t think there’s anything for me that’s comparable to working with students, or being part of a staff that works with students.” Corlett had been Delton’s superintendent since the summer of 2017. He accepted an offer to become superintendent of Ludington Area Schools and this Monday’s board meet­ ing will be his last day with the district. Corlett praised Schoessel’s abilities, and his familiarity with the district. “Carl is amazing,” he said. Members of the Delton Kellogg Board of Education agreed. “It’s nice to have a resource in the commu­ nity that’s so plugged in with our district already,” said Craig Jenkins, board secretary. “I think it’s going to allow us to focus on recruiting a quality candidate. We’re not hav­ ing to babysit Carl.” “We’re looking forward to working with him again,” president Jessica Brandli added. “It really does make this transition easier, because we’ve got someone that knows these buildings already.” Schoessel spent the last week with Corlett, along with other administrative staff and department heads, to prepare for next six months. “It’s not really a new assignment for me because I did it once before,” Schoessel said. “But that was about four-and-a-half, five years ago and a lot of things its financial situation in the have changed.” years since Schoessel handed Schoessel said his first over the reins, the challenge assignment as interim superin­ this time is COVID. tendent of Delton in 2014 also “It’s a challenge, just like was supposed to last a few the financial situation was,” months, but he ended up stay­ Schoessel said. “You can call it ing three years. a problem, or you can call it a “I really liked it and enjoyed challenge and work through it,” Schoessel said. “I wouldn’t it.” have stayed there if I didn’t After spending several days really enjoy it.” before his official start date At the time, school district re-acquainting himself with officials were having trouble the staff, Schoessel said he finding a superintendent feels confident in their abili­ Carl Schoessel because of the district’s poor ties, and in their dedication to financial condition, so Schoessel helped the students, to work through that challenge. resolve the monetary issues they were facing “They’re just really good,” Schoessel said. before they made a second attempt at hiring “They care a lot about the students.” an interim. He also brings extensive experience of his “After some time and everybody working own to draw from. together to get the situation resolved, they got Schoessel spent 18 years at Grosse Pointe into a sound financial footing,” he said. Public Schools, where he worked as a high While the district has continued to improve school biology teacher and swim coach, before he moved into administration. Then he moved to Hastings Area Schools, where he was the superintendent from 1983 to 2003. After his retirement, he came back to spend another year as superintendent there after his successor resigned. Schoessel also just finished his 17^ year as an area swim coach. “I like working with young people,” he said. Schoessel is active in several community organizations, and currently serves on the boards of the Barry County United Way, Hastings Rotary Club, Charlton Park Foundation, Barry Intermediate School District, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and Barry County Chamber of Commerce. “I just try to be involved in community activities,” he said. “It keeps me active and keeps me involved. I think one of the strengths of these communities, Delton and Hastings, is they are just wonderful communities for peo­ ple to live in. “If there’s a need, something happens to meet that need.” On the picket line with Kellogg’s strikers Benja*v‘7 Simon Staff Writer As Dave Holt stands outside of Kellogg’s Battle Creek plant, his wife lays in the hospital. She’s terminally ill, he says. After receiving a small LLlm.voi.lne transplant in 2014, she’s now in rejection and, on top of that, she has COVID-19. The hospital has placed her on a respirator and the bills are starting to stack up. His wife receives Medicare and disability checks, but that doesn’t cover the monthly $42,000 cost for prescription drugs she needs. And Holt can’t pay for the drugs. He lost his health insurance. As a member of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, Holt is one of about 325 Kellogg’s workers in the region, and 1,400 nationwide, who went on strike for 11 weeks after their contract expired on Oct. 5. Alfredo Lerma of Battle Creek holds a sign as he watches the replacement workers arrive around 5:30 a.m. at the Kellogg’s Battle Creek plant. (Photos by Benjamin Simon) With $8 billion in net shares, the company is known across the world as one of the larg­ est producers of breakfast cereal. Since 1906, the company has made Battle Creek, Mich., its home, employing thousands of people from across this region, people who care so much about the company that they would rather go on strike and risk their liveli­ hoods than find another job. After nearly three months, these striking Kellogg’s employees will return to work on Dec. 27 after an agreement was reached Tuesday morning with the company. But what the future holds for Holt and fel­ low workers is still a major question in their minds. The Banner spent Friday night with the strikers to get a sense of why they went on strike, what they did on the picket line and why the issues that triggered the strike won’t disappear - even with a new contract. Strikers sit around a fire as the Kellogg’s Battle Creek plant towers behind them. An AthensMich, native. Holt has watched Kellogg’s shift over the years. Back in the 1970s, Kellogg’s had more than 4,000 workers and, along with other cereal manufacturers like Post, it dominated the town. People called it “The Cereal Capital of the World.” “Half this town or three-quarters of this town retired from a cereal plant,” he said. For many, it was their dream to work at Kellogg’s. The company paid well and gave good benefits. It offered a family environ­ ment, where management walked the floors, held Christmas parties, hosted golf leagues and cared about its workers, strikers said. Then things started to change. In the late 1990s, Kellogg’s began cutting workers. Holt See KELLOGG, page 2 Dave Holt of Athens, Mich, plays his recording of Bernie Sanders’ rally in downtown Grand Rapids on Dec. 17. County taps Portage assessor for full-time equalization post Greg Chandler Staff Writer After years of sharing the position with neighboring Eaton County, Barry County now has its own full-time equalization director. County commissioners Tuesday unani­ mously approved appointing Meshia Rose to the post, which oversees appraisal of all classes of real estate across the county, which then affects local property tax revenues. County Administrator Michael Brown, who was absent from Tuesday’s meeting, recom­ mended the hire. Rose, 29, comes to Barry County from the City of Portage, where she has worked the past four years. She began as deputy director of assessing for the city in November 2017, then was promoted to city assessor in April of this year, according to her resume. “After years of searching, we believe we have found some unique, strong and experi­ enced leadership to lead our equalization department,” said county board Chairman Ben Geiger, R-Nashville. In introducing her to the county board, Geiger said Rose will offer “a strong sense of stewardship and responsi­ bility” to the position. Eaton County’s equalization director had served as Barry County’s director since 2008 under an intergovernmental agreement between the two counties. That agreement is set Meshia to expire at the end of the year, and Eaton’s Equalization Director Tim Vandermark said he would conclude his work with Barry County at that time. A resident of Eaton County, Vandermark said last month he had reached the point where the 50-minute drive to Hastings and seven-day weeks were not a routine he could sustain anymore. “Ever since I’ve been a commissioner, we’ve been looking for a permanent solu­ tion to the office,” Geiger said after Tuesday’s meeting. “It is a very technical position. It does cost a little more [for the county to take this on rather than share costs with Eaton County], but it’s a critical posi­ Rose tion for our taxpayers.” Barry County had previous­ ly paid Eaton County about $80,000 to share the cost of the equalization position, Deputy County Administrator Luella Dennison said. Rose said she looks forward to her new role. “It is a pleasure to be here. I am very excit­ ed,” she said. “My family is very excited to move into the area.” The equalization director is a required position under state law. Each county must have its own director, although counties may share a director, such as the recent intergov­ ernmental arrangement between Barry and Eaton. Essential duties for the equalization director include: • Reviewing the sales of all property in the county. • Ensuring that equalization studies are completed throughout the year as required by state law. • Maintaining all property data for the county and ensuring that the numbers are in balance throughout the year in the computer software; performing software update regu­ larly. • Producing a budget for the department and projecting revenues for the county’s bud­ get a year in advance. • Completing all required state reports; and reporting information to the county board of commissioners, along with sending that information to the state. • Answering questions from the public. A native of St. Louis, in Gratiot County, Rose began her professional work in assess­ ing with the City of Alma in June 2014 as an assessing technician for the city’s assessing and building department. She has certifica­ tions as a personal property examiner with the State Tax Commission and as a Michigan Master Assessing Officer. She holds an asso­ ciate degree in business administration from Davenport University, where she was a dean’s list and president’s list student. Editor Rebecca Pierce contributed to this report. �Page 2 — Thursday, December 23, 2021 — The Hastings Banner KELLOGG, continued from page 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Alfredo Lerma of Battle Creek holds a sign while on strike detail. His four-hour shift lasted from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. (Photos by Benjamin Simon) spent 12 years at Kellogg’s before he was cut. He found another manufacturing job, but was laid off again. He was just a few years from 65 at the time and needed a job to get him through his final years before retirement. He decided to return to Kellogg’s, in hopes that they would count to his previous 12 years of experience. They didn’t and Holt started over as a ’’transitional.” When he returned, he found a different Kellogg's than he remembered. The CEO no longer sits in an office across the street. Plant managers make such few appearances on the floor that workers don’t recognize them. Employees are scheduled to work seven days a week and they’re some­ times required to work overtime on top of that, they said. On occasion, the company has shut off their badges to stop them from leaving. Most notably, the Battle Creek workers say they went on strike for transitionals like Holt. In recent years, Kellogg’s instituted a two-tier pay system that gave workers who were hired after 2015 less pay and fewer benefits. It made it so a newer employee was treated like a “second-class citizen,” maintenance worker Brian Fenimore said. On Tuesday, Kellogg’s workers across the nation voted in favor of a new five-year agreement that would increase pensions, slash the permanent two-tier pay structure and disallow any Kellogg’s plants from clos­ ing through October 2026. But that contract, they say, doesn’t solve the problems. “We’ve been out here two months and it’s almost like the same exact thing we were under before we got out here,” Holt said. In the end, Holt knows he won’t have the job for long either. Three months ago, the Kellogg’s Battle Creek plant announced cuts to 212 workers before 2023. Holt is one of them. Regardless of the agreement, the remaining workers believe that they won’t have jobs in the next decade or so. The plant will continue to shrink, they say, until it eventually closes. Still, Holt, along with the third-shift crew, spent their Friday nights standing outside in freezing rain, fighting for jobs that they believe won’t exist in the future. When they do return to work after Christmas, they’ll go back to working seven days a week with unpredictable overtime. But they continued to stand. It seemed to them like something deeper than numbers on paper. They were proud to take the power to speak out for fellow workers into their own hands. It felt to them like they were standing up for their parents and parents’ parents and maybe, even, trying to cling on to the Kellogg’s they once knew. “I’m already gonna be out,” Holt said. At some point, their fight for what once was became bigger than them, too. Across the country, in solidarity, people stopped buying Kellogg’s products. When the company threatened to hire 1,600 permanent replace­ ment workers, people flooded their online job portal with fake applications. Former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders visited Battle Creek on Dec. 17 and expressed his support for the strikers. President Joe Biden wrote a letter condemning actions by Kellogg’s. All because these workers stood outside Kellogg’s gates. Dave Holt of Athens, Mich., holds a sign as the replacement workers arrive in buses. Although his wife is terminally ill, Holt continues to strike, despite the loss of his health care insurance. *** Around 5:40 a.m., two buses come rolling down the hill toward the Kellogg’s plant with two white SUVs guarding them. These buses are carrying replacement workers, or scabs, as the strikers call them. The people on the picket line only catch a glimpse of the buses as they drive down a perpendicular street in the distance. But when they emerge on the grounds of the Kellogg’s plant, they sit right in front of the strikers. The workers feel disrespected. Looking through the gate, the strikers see money being spent: Lots of money. But somehow, the employees - employees who come from gen­ erations of Kellogg’s workers, work seven days a week and accept mandatory overtime - couldn’t receive a fair contract. “They’re making beaucoup bucks,” Holt said. “But they just want to keep taking from us.” Of the six strikers on third shift, only one, Aaron Hussein, has taken a new job. Some of them have taken advantage of the newfound free time. Brandon Beatti and Dave Holt have spent more time farming. Alfredo Lerma, who works as a spotter driver, redid his bath­ room and basement. A sign sits on the ground. The strikers displayed the signs when the replacement workers arrived at 5:30 a.m. For the last few years, they’ve worked seven days a week, every week. The grind messed with their schedules. Beatti, a mainte­ nance employee, said he worked 113 days in a row when he first started at the company. “You just, you get numb to it,” he said. “You’re blind to it.” Every single one said they have thought about quitting. But they didn’t. The pay is good. The work is easy. Their parents worked there. They like staying busy. But the health­ care, Beatti said, is the key. “Literally, I can make money anywhere,” Beatti said. “But the health insurance is where it’s at. The pension. The benefits.” By the time the replacement workers arrive at 5:30 a.m., it has been sleeting, snowing and raining for hours. The strikers can’t sit down because their chairs are wet. Water covers Holt’s glasses and snow sticks to Aaron Hussein's hat. But they don’t complain. They will continue to stand until 7 a.m. “Once you give something up, you never get it back,” Aaron Huissen of Vermontville Brian Fenimore of Battle Creek stares at the trash can fire outside of Kellogg’s Battle Creek plant. Please join us at an Open House Wednesday, December 29, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. as we celebrate the retirement of and from Highpoint Community Bank! Hastings Branch Community Room 150 W. Court Street highpointcommunitybank.com | 1-888-422-2280 Aaron Huissen of Vermontville shouts into the blow horn and rings the siren as the replacement workers arrive in buses. said. “Once we give something up, we’ll never get it back.” *** Two days after Christmas, workers will walk through the Kellogg’s gates for the first time in months. The news of an agreement came as a disap­ pointment to these striking workers from the Battle Creek plant. All five people who par­ ticipated in the striking detail on Friday night said they were going to vote against the agreement. And they expected the entire plant to vote against the agreement, too. But that didn’t account for the three other plants in Omaha, Neb., Lancaster, Pa., and Memphis, Tenn. The agreement passed Tuesday morning after the union rejected Kellogg’s first offer in early December. The new agreement does bring a number of benefits, but it comes at the expense of legacy workers, said Hussein. “They’re taking money away from our pension multipliers,” he said, “... and putting it to the cost of living adjustment for the new transitionals coming in. Because they weren’t going to get it. Now they’ll get it, but it’s at the cost of our pension.” Although he voted against the agreement, Lerma said he understands why it would pass. Like many, he is running low on cash and says he might dip have to dip into his savings. The strikers receive $105 per week from the union and that’s it. Fenimore esti­ mates that the workers are losing between $20,000 and $30,000 by going on strike. They’re ready to get back to work, they said, but they didn’t want to budge just yet. “I don’t want to be standing out here in the snow and sleet rain all winter,” Huissen said. “I want to get back to work, but, you know, ... I don’t want to sit there and go back to work for a bad deal.” The agreement does not solve the issues at hand, they said. Workers will continue to clock in seven-day weeks. They will have to continue working over­ time. And the Battle Creek plant will continue to downsize, they said, until it no longer exists. “I used to be proud to call myself a Kellogg’s worker. Now just say I work at K-” Lerma said, mumbling the name under his breath. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 23, 2021 — Page 3 Wing farm nominated for farmland preservation grant program Greg Chandler Staff Writer An Assyria Township farm that has been in the same family for five generations has been selected to be Barry County’s appli­ cant to a statewide farmland preservation program for next year. County commissioners Tuesday approved a recommendation by the county’s conser­ vation easement board to submit the Wing farm for consideration for funding through the Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund. Barry County is one of 24 local pro­ grams across the state eligible to apply for farmland preservation grants. The Wing farm scored the highest among 13 appli­ cants for the program across the county. “Our farm applicants were ranked accord­ ing to selection criteria that had been previ­ ously approved by the board,” easement board chairwoman Heather Wing said. Among the criteria used by the board to rank applicants were size of the farm, whether agricultural production is the pri­ mary use of the land, proximity to other protected farmland, whether the farm has a soil conservation plan, and the availability of the matching funds for the grant, accord­ ing to county documents. Heather Wing, a former county board chairwoman, and her father-in-law, Paul, both serve on the easement board. They recused themselves from the Nov. 4 vote when the easement board voted 4-0 to recommend the county select the Wing farm to be considered for the farmland preservation grants. “It’s something that my husband [Tom] and father-in­ law have been working on for over 20 years,” Heather Wing said. “To have them actually see their hard work come to the nomination process was kind of surreal.” Wing pointed out that, in Heather the past two years, their farm also had ranked highest on the easement board’s scoring criteria, but that the Wings pulled their application so other farms could be considered. County Commissioner Bruce Campbell serves on the easement board and voted to recommend the Wing property be nominat­ ed for the farmland preservation grant. “It’s a good thing for our county anytime we get one of these passed to preserve the conservation of our county [farmland],” Campbell said. “Heather does a great job, works very hard, does unbelievable volun­ teer hours for this. I’m all for this.” About $2 million in grant funding will be available in fiscal year 2022 to assist farm­ land preservation programs in purchasing development rights to preserve locally important farmland, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website. Local programs may nomi­ nate more than one farm to receive the farmland preserva­ tion grants, but only one may be granted per program annu­ ally based on the number of programs submitting applica­ tions, according to the Wing MDARD website. Last year, the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board approved $1.8 million in grants, including $130,000 for Barry County. Grants may be used to cover up to 75 percent of the costs for purchasing the development rights on agricultural land. It also helps pay for some of the closing costs associated with the conservation ease­ ments, according to the MDARD website. To qualify for grant funding, a county or township must have zoning authority, cov­ ered under a master plan that includes farm­ land preservation, have approved a purchase of development rights ordinance and created a plan for monitoring conservation ease­ ments, according to the MDARD website. COVID tests here show drop in positivity rate Taylor Owens Staff Writer and Bridge Michigan Barry County recently saw its first significant drop in the positivity rate of COVID-19 tests, according to numbers from the State of Michigan. The state reported the average daily rate of COVID-19 tests in Bany County which were positive over the last seven days is 18.57 percent. The rate was 13.22 percent on Dec. 17, which was the lowest single day rate in more than a month-and-a-half. It is also significantly lower than the coun­ ty’s record of 44 percent, which was set on Nov. 30. According to a press release from the Department of Health and Human Services, the positivity rate has been dropping across the state, although it is expected to rise again next month due to spread of the omicron variant. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported four deaths due to complications from COVID-19 in Barry County this week. That number is down from the past two weeks, during which the department reported nine deaths each week. There were 246 active cases in the county Tuesday, according to BEDHD. As of Monday, Spectrum Health Pennock had 10 COVID patients in the hospital, including three in the intensive care unit. The hospital reported 83 per­ cent of its beds were occupied. Barry County long-term care facilities have not reported any new COVID cases in the last two weeks, bringing to an end last month’s outbreak in which 66 resi­ dents across three facilities tested positive for the virus. And Michigan’s hospitals continue to discharge more COVID-19 patients than they are admitting. The state reported Monday that 4,105 patients are currently being treated, down 283 from Friday and nearly 700 below the peak hit a week ago of 4,782. Hospitals in every region of the state are experiencing declines, with the hospi­ tals in metro Detroit’s six counties treat­ ing 311 fewer patients than a week ago. Infections also are down to 13,999 cases on Monday, or 4,666 a day for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It’s the first time the daily average has been below 5,000 since it was 3,142 on Nov. 11. The state reported an additional 160 CO VID-19 deaths on Monday, and many occurred in November, which now stands as the third worst month from COVID­ 19 deaths, with 2,375. It is surpassed only by April 2020 (3,945) and December 2020 (3,640). Corlett finishes last day at Delton Gingerbread mansion takes center stage Some folks who work at Spectrum Health Pennock's Health and Wellness Center got into the spirit of the holidays with eye-catching gingerbread houses they made and put on display in the lobby. This one is palatial. It was described as “spectacular” and it took its baker, Kim Metzger of Hastings, about 48 hours to create. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) County OKs rezoning of Maple Grove land, Amish retail store eyed Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Barry County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved the rezoning of a 10-acre parcel of land in Maple Grove Township that could open the door for a retail store in the township. Commissioners voted 6-1 to go along with a recommendation of the county plan­ ning commission to rezone the property, owned by Allen Kempf, at the southwest comer of Lawrence Road and Barryville Road from agricultural use to rural residen­ tial. Kempf is expected to go back before the planning commission at a later date for a spe­ cial land-use request for a retail store on his property, county Planning Director Jim McManus said. “There are a significant number of Amish families within the community,” McManus told the, county board. “This is going to be a project that will serve that community.” The exact nature of the business has not been disclosed. McManus said the rural resi­ dential designation still allows for agricultur­ al uses. “It’ll be Amish-based goods, but it’ll also be more of a retail outlet, as well,” he said. County Commissioner Catherine Getty, of Thomapple Township, asked McManus if the new zoning designation is consistent with the county’s master plan for that area. “Not 100 percent,” McManus replied, not­ ing that the map shows the area designed as agricultural. “During the presentation [at the planning commission], Jim Carr, who was representing the Amish, indicated that this is a cultural change for the area that wasn’t contemplated when the plan was done. We have so many Amish families in Maple Grove Township, and this is a service [to them],” he said. “I think the planning commission went with that more than the plan itself.” Getty cast the lone no vote. “Rezonings should be based on the future land use map,” she said after the meeting. No opposition was raised to the rezoning at the planning commission meeting Nov. 22, according to minutes from that meeting. Taylor Owens More than 200 staff and community mem­ Staff Writer bers responded. Monday’s Delton Kellogg Board of The most common response for where the Education meeting was the final one for district should allocate its resources was Superintendent Kyle Corlett, who has staffing, followed by summer school, tutor­ accepted a position as superintendent of ing and facilities. Corlett said this aligns Ludington Area Schools. with what the district is planning to do with Board president Jessica the funding. Brandli thanked Corlett for “The majority will go to his time with the district, and staffing to help support small­ wished him luck at his new er class sizes, and summer position. school,” he told the board. “It’s been a good four and a • Elementary principal half years,” Corlett said. “I’ve Karmin Bourdo gave a pre­ enjoyed every minute.” sentation on instructional Corlett started at Delton rounds and programming for Kellogg in the summer of social and emotional learning5 2017, taking over for then-in­ programming. terim Superintendent Carl • Corlett announced the Schoessel, who will return as resignation of middle school the interim while the board special education teacher searches for a permanent can­ Janet Krammin and elementa­ didate. Kyle Corlett ry paraprofessional Kris “I think they’re going to get Godden. a lot of candidates,” Corlett told The Banner. • In a 5-0 vote the board approved the “The district is in really good shape finan­ hiring of Savannah Chilton as the middle cially. We’ve got a lot of good initiatives school competitive cheer coach, Nate going on. We’ve got a strong administrative Behnke for assistant varsity wrestling coach, team and support the of the community.” Tim Thomas and Blake Thomas as assistant Brandli said the board will hear proposals middle school wrestling coaches, Pamela from potential superintendent search con­ Kostizen-Brackrog as online elementary sultants during either its January or February teacher, Shannon Belles and Amber Krotz meeting. as elementary special education paraprofes­ Monday was effectively Corlett’s last day sionals, Justine McCowan as middle school with the district, since it is now on break and special education paraprofessional, Hailee he starts his new job Jan. 1, 2022. Belles as middle school paraprofessional, In other business: and Annika Comer as elementary parapro­ • Corlett said the district received results fessional. of a survey for what it should do with the • Trustees Robert Houtrow and Brandy newest round of COVID-19 relief funding. Shooks were absent. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured Flannels New Collections Two appointed to county zoning appeals board Greg Chandler Staff Writer Barry County commissioners Tuesday appointed two new members to the county’s zoning board of appeals, filling vacancies resulting from the recent deaths of two board members. The board appointed Phillip Joseph of Orangeville Township to fill a term that expires March 31, 2023, and Angela Moore of Hope Township to serve out a term that ends March 31,2024. The two were appoint­ ed after brief interviews with the county board. Their appointment restores the ZBA to its allotment of five members. Joseph replaces Richard Patterson, who died Sept. 13; while Moore replaces James Alden, who died Nov. 24. Joseph is a sales professional with IDI Distributors and has worked in the construc­ tion industry for the past four years. He said he sees the appointment as an opportunity to serve the community. “I don’t have an agenda that I have to accomplish here. [I’m here] just to serve,” he said. Moore is a retired health care professional who moved to Hope Township about a year ago. “I have a lot of time on my hands. I want to volunteer for the community because I think that’s important, to be part of the com­ munity and learn new things ... I’m ready to share my time,” she said. Commissioner Catherine Getty, R-Thomapple Township, thanked both for applying. She said the role is one of the most difficult positions in county government. “I appreciate your willingness to serve. It’s not an easy board to serve on,” said Getty, who is also zoning administrator for Thomapple Township. “Both of you seem to have done some research [into the position], so you know what you are in for.” The ZBA meets monthly to review appeals to local administrative zoning decisions and ordinances. The board may grant variances if it deems the strict application of the ordi­ nance would cause practical difficulties for the property owner. ; A third application was received for the ZBA openings, but that person was not eligi­ ble for appointment because she lives in the city of Hastings, Deputy County Administrator Luella Dennison wrote in a memo to commissioners. Hulst Dry Cleaners Pick-Up Station Closing at 4 p.m. New Year’s Eve [esus Loves You! V QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 Saturday 9 am-3 pm ML * > A * Call for Hastings Banner ads 269-945-9554 or 1-890-879-7985 �Page 4 —Thursday, December 23, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? The envelope, please ... it’s Christmas list time To ensure special delivery - Santa style During Jingle and Mingle, a Christmas celebration in downtown Hastings the first weekend in December, this mailbox was a popular spot for kids to leave their letters for Santa. Now, in just a couple of days, all those good boys and girls will find out what Santa is bringing them. Right now, all their antici­ pation is part of the fun. So savor the joy this season. Merry Christmas to all! Do you remember? Blissful Christmas Banner Dec. 25, 1958 Betterto give than receive - Employees of the E.W. Bliss Company really fol­ lowed through on the premise that it is better to give than to receive, and last week, the money foremen used to spend for gifts for their men, and the money the men annually contributed to a gift for the boss, was placed in this pile along with contributions from union locals and Bliss management. More than $1,000 was contributed for distribution to families of Bliss workers, or former Bliss workers, who could use it during this Christmas season. Among those “sparking” the move and pictured above are (seated, from left) Robert Ogilvie, Charles Blair, Barney Drum, Russell Nash, Robert Christie; (middle) Art Bennett, Kendall Guy, Lawrence Baum, Hiram Baxter; (back) Lynn Perry, Roy Schlachter, Robert Clinton, Richard Hart and Harland Babcock. Earl Spencer, who is not in the photo, was among those promoting the plan. (Photo by Leo Barth) Have you met? As a teacher at Star Elementary School, Matt Kingshott goes by “Mr. Kingshott” these days. But when he was younger, they com­ pared him to a John Deere. That’s back during the Matt Kingshott playing days - back when he was a 6-foot-5 forward playing basketball at Zeeland West High School and at Cornerstone University. Basketball has always been a part of Kingshott’s life. Although his father was just 5-foot-9, Kingshott grew and grew and never seemed to stop growing. By sixth grade, he was the same height as his father and could beat him one-on-one. He spent day after day in the driveway of their house shooting hoops and competing against his brother, Derek. “My brother and I would just beat the tire out of each other playing basketball all the time,” he remembered. But Kingshott didn’t practice with the intention of playing college basketball. It was just something fun to fill his time. Instead, Kingshott dreamed of becoming a teacher. For 32 years, his mother ran a daycare out of their house and, after having an influential male fourth-grade teacher, he knew that he wanted to pursue a career in teaching. Basketball came later and, specifically, when he started to receive college interest for his strong post play toward the end of his junior year. Local schools called and Kingshott noticed he could do both - he could play basketball and study education. He chose Cornerstone University, where he had one of the most successful careers in the school’s basketball history. He aver­ aged 19 and 15 points per game his sopho­ more and junior years, respectively, good enough to rank 16th on Cornerstone’s all­ time scoring list. His senior year, his brother joined the team. Kingshott wore No. 54 and Derek wore No. 55. Together, the John Deere and deer, as one reporter called the brothers, helped lead Cornerstone to a national tour­ nament appearance. “[Derek] could shoot some threes,” he said. “I shot one three in my college career. I have zero dunks to my name and my brother has like 20-25. He’s got put­ backs and alley-oops and I’m like, ‘Nope, not my style.’” After graduating from Cornerstone in 2010 with a degree in physical education and elementary education, he flirted with the possibility of playing professional basketball overseas. But he ultimately retired from competitive basketball and chose to teach. At Cornerstone, the basketball team would hold camps for area kids. There, he Matt Kingshott realized he wanted to teach elementary schoolers. The middle schoolers, he said, “drove [him] crazy.” “The elementary kids, they were fun,” he said. “They were excited. They had, they had more of a humor to them that you don’t get so much in middle school. I was really drawn to that quite a bit.” He spent a year in the Lakewood School District teaching physical education and health before a position opened up in Hastings. He logged a year as the Title 1 reading, writing and math teacher at Star. After a year, he moved into his current role as a 4th- and 5th-grade teacher. Kingshott joined the Hastings Area School System about 10 years ago and has stayed in the district ever since. He com­ mutes every morning from Freeport, where he lives with his wife and four daughters. He also serves as a children’s ministry director at Kilpatrick United Brethren in Woodland. “I work with kids six days a week Monday through Friday and then Sunday,” he said. On Saturdays, he fits in time for his own activities. He’s a Michigan Wolverines fan and, just last weekend, he went to watch the football team play Iowa in the Big Ten championship in Indianapolis. But he doesn’t carve out time to play basketball anymore. Kingshott said he hasn’t played a game in over three years in the Hastings recreational league. From all of the years of banging around in basketball, his body just doesn’t feel the same anymore. He has arthritis. He has already received knee surgery and said he needs full knee replacements. “I don’t move the way that most 34-yearolds should move,” he said. “It’s a little bit slower and sometimes other mornings are harder.” But that’s OK, he said Kingshott is con­ tent in the Hastings Area School System. “I have had many students that don’t have a dad - boy or girl - they don’t have dads in their life and a male figure,” he said. “So it’s nice to be able to be a constant for some of those.” For his role as a teacher, Matt Kingshott is this week’s Bright Light'. • Favorite movies: “The Greatest Game Ever Played" and “Glory Road"" • First job: Paper boy for The Grand Rapids Press. • Favorite TV program: “The Office."" • If I could go anywhere in the world: Up North to a cottage on a lake. • People I most admire and why: My parents. They made sure us kids all had opportunities to be as successful as possi­ ble, no matter what we wanted to do in our lives. • Book I’d recommend/favorite: Any John Grisham books • Person I’m glad to have met: My wife. She is my best friend, absolutely beautiful, and mother to our four daughters. • Favorite season and why: Summer, because I get to spend extra time with my wife and kids. • What motivates me: Seeing others become successful in a skill or task that they have worked so hard to accomplish and being a part of it with them. • If I could have any superpower, it would be ... flying, then I can get wherever I need to without any traffic or deer in the roads. • Favorite dinner: Nachos. • Favorite board game: Catan or any of the Ticket to Ride games. • A moment/event that changed my life: Meeting my wife after our conference championship game at Indiana Tech University. • When I was a kid, I wanted to be an: NBA basketball player. • I’m most proud of: My marriage to my best friend and my girls. • What the world needs now is: Patience and grace as we all try our best to make it. • If I won the lottery: I do not play, so I won’t win ? • Greatest thing about Barry County/ What drew you to Barry County: The feeling of family in the small county. In times of need, we find a way to come together and support each other. • First thing I bought with my own money: Candy and Mountain Dew. I’m sure you can remember as a child when you wrote to Santa with a Christmas list of all the things you wanted. I can remember making up my list every year and mailing it to Santa, but I never heard back. My Christmases were always wonder­ ful. But, somehow, they happened without a note from the jolly man up North. Some years ago, though, I suddenly discovered the way to get my mail answered - I sent Santa a resume. Granted, I’m a little too old to be mak­ ing gift lists, but Santa recognized some talent in me and put me in charge of the Awards Department. It’s a great gig. Instead of focusing on getting gifts, I now give them - certificates, accolades, and tributes to people all over Barry County. My department is all about acknowl­ edging people and organizations in our community that deserve attention for things they’ve done, or not done, during the past year. It’s also a good time to reflect on those who helped make the year meaningful and memorable for all of us. So, once again, after poring through the past 52 weeks of our publications, I’ve assembled my annual Christmas list to offer some heartfelt gifts - along with some playful jabs and suggestions for the future - to the people and organizations that made 2021 a special year. Please don’t despair if I’ve overlooked you or other people who deserve acknowl­ edgement. I only had so much space and time, and kids everywhere are learning that Santa and his assistants can’t get to every list. I want to assure you my list is again offered in jest and with the intent of bringing a smile to your face during what many of us consider to have been a challenging year. So here we go... • The Shot in the Arm Award to the many volunteers who have assisted at the health department vaccine clinics nearly the entire year. They collectively received an award from the United Way Volunteer Center, but their contributions should not be overlooked. Anyone who received a vaccine at a health department clinic in Barry County, such as at the Ever After Banquet Center or the Expo Center, likely can attest to the efficiency made possible by these dedicated volunteers. • The Big Stick Award goes to Barry County Commissioner Ben Geiger who was unanimously chosen to lead the county board for the second time, but I think he needs a bigger gavel to keep citizens in check. • To all our school children: The Ringing Bell Award for returning to classroom learning, although it may take years for us to understand the impact of out-of-school learning on our kids. • The Rise from the Ashes Award belongs to the Barry Community Foundation and General Capital Group for coming back with a new plan after a fire destroyed the former Royal Coach Building. • Hastings Central Elementary celebrat­ ed 90 years this year but, due to the pan­ demic, a proper celebration wasn’t possi­ ble. We give it the Ultimate Birthday Cake Award. • Don Haney, administrator at the Thomapple Manor, earns the Coach of the Graying Seniors Award for adding a multimillion-dollar senior assisted-liv­ ing complex. As many of us are getting older, the idea of an upscale facility is reassuring. • The So Long, Good-Bye Award goes to former Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki who resigned after many years of stalwart service to the city, including a year at the helm at City Hall. • Let’s give the Back Stage Heroes Award to Jeff Buehl, Craig Holley, Joe LaJoye and Carl Schoessel for stepping up to invigorate the new performing arts cen­ ter by offering to oversee its management. It’s about time the Hastings Area School officials came to their senses by choosing a local team. • Amanda Fisk, former Middleville vil­ lage president, gets the What Were You Thinking Award? for her social media post responding to the death of radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. It just goes to show how careful one needs to be on social media sites. So sad. • To all the gamblers who patronize the Gun Lake Casino: the Jackpot Award. They helped fund a new $26 million inter­ change at the Bradley exit we can all enjoy. • The Bullwinkle J. Moose Award goes to the Hastings City Council for approving the project at the former Moose Lodge site in downtown Hastings. We won’t make fun of you for nearly tanking the whole venture over a city sewer and water connection scrap. • State Sen. John Bizon earns the What the Heck Award? Bizon supported Senate Bill 429 that proposed removing local control of sand and gravel mining opera­ tions. He tried to add an amendment to exempt Barry County from the restric­ tions; then, when that amendment failed, he voted for the final bill anyway. Huh? • The Make it Easy on Yourself Award goes to the Hastings school board for hand­ ing interim Superintendent Matt Goebel to the top spot. • The Who’s On First? Award goes to school superintendents - including Delton’s Kyle Corlett, who’s leaving for greener pastures, and Thomapple Kellogg’s Dan Remenap, who’s stepping down due to health issues after 13 months and after his previous stint of some 18 months in Hastings. What is it about these revolv­ ing-door positions that teachers had once aspired to fill? Educators need to take a lessonfrom former Hastings Superintendent Carl Schoessel who led the district for more than 20 years and is back on top in Delton as an interim - for the third time. Kudos to Carl. • County officials get the Caught in the Headlights Award for taking the heat about a multimillion-dollar windfall from the federal government - a present like no other - and then wisely seeking potential applicants and choosing a task force to help determine where that money could best be spent. Best wishes on the commu­ nity projects that will come from this. • Kudos to state Rep. Julie Calley for receiving the Transparency Award. It’s an honorable award for a legislator in these difficult political times where trans­ parency has become a lost art. • The Drain Game Award goes to Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull. Hasbro has just released a new board game called “The Drain Game ” in which players earn special assessments, property tax exemptions, awards and more. They can play along as a drain commissioner like our own Jim Dull. It’s thrilling. • The Come on Down Award to the former Kmart Plaza owner who attracted TJ Maxx as a new tenant. His venture will do more for downtown Hastings than all the expensive infrastructure, such as side­ walks, planters and one-way street plan­ ning, the Hastings DDA is intending to use to attract shoppers. People want more shopping selections. • The Welcome Award for The Clothier. A great selection of men and women’s clothing is just what Hastings needed. • Hastings interim City Manager Gregg Guetschow inaugurated the Don’t Get Too Comfy Award, after the city announced Sarah Moyer-Cale as his permanent replacement. She now inherits the award, along with the key to the city and a pile of “missteps” that need immediate attention - like pensions, health insurance and more. • While I’m in the mood, let’s add a Welcome to the Newsroom Award to our own Benjamin Simon who comes to us through Report for America, a national nonprofit initiative to support local news. Continued, next page The Hastings BclIlIlCT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 23, 2021 — Page 5 Continued from previous page --------------------------• The No-Brainer Award goes to all Michigan schools after coming to their senses in deciding not to flunk struggling third-graders and dam up classes for years to come. • Let’s give the Clean Sheets Award to Bay Pointe Inn which finally received approval from zoning officials, who decid­ ed that one old washer and dryer wasn’t enough to keep up with the growth. Congrats. • The Covert Operations Award belongs to Sheriff Dar Leaf and his mysterious and never-ending investigation into alleged voter fraud ... I’m sending this idea to Hasbro for next year’s new game of the year. • The Good Sport Award goes again to Larry and Earlene Baum for their ongoing contribution to cover the pay-to-participate costs for Hastings students to play sports. The Baums continued support of student athletics is greatly appreciated. • The Prayer Award belongs to all those who continue to pray for St. Rose Church which still stands after a devastating fire and while repairs continue. Officials say it could take up to a year to get back into the historic building. Let’s keep praying. • Sign up the Barry County Fair Board for the Under the Big Top Award after taking the risk of bringing back the annual fair. It was a huge success - first breaking the one-day attendance record, then the overall attendance record. The fair, as always, was great for kids, adults and fam­ ilies who attended. • The Energizer Bunny Award goes to Hastings school board members for their efforts to pass a school bond. They lost again, but just announced they haven’t given up. Good luck - you’re going to need it. • How about the Big-Flip Award to the county board of commissioners? It sent a request for rezoning from the Bay Pointe Inn back to its zoning board for consider­ ation. Then, after the zoning board denied the request a second time, the county board approved it. Will this “Don’t worry, it will all be OK,” decision be precedent-setting? • Let’s award U.S Rep. Peter Meijer a Common-Sense Medal for understanding the problem caused by paying people not to work and then expecting them to return to the workforce. Smarter minds should have prevailed - something lacking in Washington, D.C. • The Green Thumb Award goes to the Barry Community Foundation for celebrat­ ing former community leaders with its Legacy Garden. It’s important for people to remember those who came before us and left a legacy of accomplishments. • A second What Were They Thinking? Award to the Hastings and Delton school boards which were contemplating leaving the Barry Intermediate School District. Once taxpayers found out how much that mistake would have cost them, board members real­ ized recalls might have been in order. • An Affirmation Award goes to the great American right to free speech. Hundreds of citizens voiced concerns about mask mandates and school closures. Although the issues were considered con­ troversial, free and open speech is one of our nation’s greatest rights. It must be pre­ served and protected because, even if one doesn’t like what’s being said, individuals have the right to say what they believe. • The You’ve Got Guts Award belongs to Health Department Officer Colette Scrimger. In spite of the many citizens who didn’t see it her way, she fulfilled the responsibilities of her position. She stood up for what she believes. Now that’s dedication. • Way to go Hastings for winning the Back on the Road Again Award by bring­ ing back the Barry-Roubaix after a twoyear hiatus. It’s a great event that has put Hastings and Barry County on the map of bikers across the country. • The Bravo Award goes to the Hastings band program and the return of the band invitational for the 30th year. • Thanks to redistricting, the City of Hastings wins the Seat at the Table Award with its own spot on the county board. I hope a voice in the discussion will be meaningful to Hastings taxpayers. • The Shame on You Award goes to Michigan legislators who broke faith with all the victims of catastrophic auto accidents by taking away the lifetime benefits they were promised 30 years ago. J-Ad has reported on the issue - and will continue to do so. State legislators have the power, but lack the political will, to correct their griev­ ous mistake. What they need is pressure from constituents who demand they fix it or they will find themselves out of their jobs. • A giant You Are Here Award belongs to artist J. Maizlish Mole who has helped Hastings residents now know where they are, thanks to his enormous new mural painted on the side of the former Union Block and Secondhand Comers Building on Jefferson Street. If you haven’t seen it, then you haven’t been in downtown Hastings recently - or you need glasses. • A Sesquicentennial Award was earned by the City of Hastings which marked 150 years since it was incorporated as a city, after it had been a village for 16 years. Several events were celebrated as part of this year’s annual Summerfest after miss­ ing a year due to the pandemic. • Another Birthday Candle Award for Highpoint Community Bank which has served Hastings for 135 years. Presently, the bank has nearly 100 employees and seven locations. Also blowing out birthday candles were: Flexfab, 60 years; YMCA Camp Algonquin, 75 years (a book cele­ brating the anniversary will be available in January); Kiwanis Club, 80 years; Hodges Jewelry and the local health department, 90 years; Hastings Public Library, 125 years; and The Banner, 165 years. • The Front Row Patron Award goes to Doug and Margaret DeCamp who spon­ sored the Grand Rapids Symphony and the Three Men and A Tenor concert at the per­ forming arts center. Both were outstanding programs that filled the auditorium. 2021 was a year to remember. In a nor­ mal year, people - mostly volunteers - usu­ ally don’t get the recognition they deserve. This year, their work deserves special appreciation. They went ahead with their efforts, knowing fiill well that COVID con­ cerns could wipe out their plans. We lost a lot of friends this year. I won’t even try to list them. This is a part of life we must learn to accept. That’s why smil­ ing is so important - it eases our burdens for a moment. I hope we’ve been able to produce a little of that here from the Awards Department at Santa’s Workshop. I know now from personal experience that Santa believes in the power of a smile. I can still hear him singing: “Smile though your heart is aching, Smile, even though it’s breaking When there are clouds in the sky, you ’ll get by... Ifyou smile through yourfear and sorrows Smile and maybe tomorrow You ’ll see the sun come shining through ifyou ...just smile. Happy New Year to each and every one of you. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be pub­ lished. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be deter­ mined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be pub­ lished or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. It’s our Republic, if we can keep it To the editor: I am old enough to clearly remember the U.S. Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities of 1973-74, the Senate Watergate Committee Hearings. In 1972, Richard Nixon won the popular vote in 49 states and was re-elected president with an Electoral College majority of 521-17 over George McGovern. It was one of the most lopsided victories in American history. But, by 1973, it was clear that crimes had been committed during Nixon’s re-election campaign. Even more serious crimes were committed after the campaign was over. Investigations triggered by reporting in The Washington Post and then subsequent investigations conducted on behalf of the Watergate Committee - and the revelations that were exposed by evidence during those hearings - made it clear that Nixon had betrayed his oath of office, attempting to sub­ vert justice by corruption of the Department of Justice, the CIA and the FBI, repeatedly lying about his activities and those of his administration and campaign, and suborning perjury from individuals, ranging from the Watergate burglars to his chief of staff and the attorney general. During those hearings, certain individuals rose to prominence because of their adher­ ence to the principle that no one is above the law and for their willingness to place the good of the country above any political con­ siderations. One of them was Sen. Howard Baker of Tennessee, the Republican minority leader in the Senate who was able to place the truth and fidelity to the U.S Constitution above party loyalty. We are still dealing with the aftermath of Donald Trump’s inability to accept the will of the people as expressed by a majority of the voters. He lost the Electoral College vote to Catalytic converter stolen from U-Haul A 36-year-old man called police at 2:53 p.m. Dec. 3 to report a catalytic converter had been cut out and stolen from a U-Haul truck at his rental station in the 500 block of Tanner Road in Rutland Charter Township. The case is inactive without any suspects. Break-in suspects switch out stove A 40-year-old woman called police at 9 p.m. Dec. 4 to report someone had broken into her house in the 1000 block of West Grey Court in Yankee Springs Meadows and replaced her stove. The woman said the dead­ bolt was missing off her back door and her neighbor saw three people enter her residence while she was gone. The woman said her black stove had been replaced by a white one. The case remains under investigation. FedEx driver says unhappy recipient assaulted him A 5 7-year-old FedEx employee contacted police at 2:49 p.m. Nov. 16 to report that a 51-year-old Delton man accused him of dam­ aging a package and assaulted him. The driv­ er said he slid a package, a 140-pound gener­ ator, out of the truck and onto the man’s property, but, when he left, the man followed his vehicle and stopped in front of him on Lindsey Road near 9 Mile Road in Orangeville Township. The man claimed the driver had dropped the package over his 6-foot fence and damaged it. The driver said the man Joe Biden by a margin of 306-232, a vote that was certified by the secretaries of state, the legislators and the governors of every state, Republicans and Democrats alike. On the night of the election, Donald Trump lied about winning - and he has lied ever since about this loss, claiming there was massive fraud in the ballots. More than 70 lawsuits by Trump and his supporters, who claimed election fraud, were denied or thrown out of courts across the country, including twice by the U.S. Supreme Court - a court with three justices appointed by Mr. Trump. His faithful Attorney General William Barr said there was no evidence of significant voter fraud. A ballot investigation conducted in Arizona by a highly pro-Trump group found no fraud and confirmed Biden’s election victory in that state. Yet polls consistently show that a majority of Republicans still believe Trump was the legitimate victor in 2020. Those Republican politicians who dare to speak the truth about the election or criticize Trump are nearly hounded out of the party. We are learning more about how Trump’s lies about the election have led to plots by supporters to prevent the Constitutionally mandated Congressional certification of the counting of the Electoral College votes Jan. 6. Some of those supporters conspired with members of the Trump administration. Some of those supporters were members of Congress. Some of those supporters were members of self-styled vigilante and para-mil­ itary groups. Some of those supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol, and the Capitol and D.C. police, vandalizing and stealing from the house of our legislative representatives. And some of them threatened the life and safety of our members of Congress and the vice president. grabbed his face and slammed it into the truck, then pushed the door closed on his legs. The Delton man said he didn’t attack the driver, but claimed the driver had hit him with the truck’s door, so he pushed it away from him. He also said he warned the driver not to come back on his property or he would be forced to defend himself. The case has been forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. More than $11,000 stolen from checking account A 73-year-old woman called police on Dec. 2 to report four fraudulent checks had been written on her bank account, resulting in $11,523.71 being stolen. The woman said she contacted the bank and had the account closed when she learned it had been over­ drawn. The case is inactive. Vehicle stolen from side of road A 59-year-old Delton woman said her 2002 Pontiac Bonneville was stolen from the side Many of the people who went to the rally on the mall Jan. 6 were convinced by Trump’s election lies that he had won, but they did not engage in violence or insurrec­ tion. That does not exonerate those who did. Right now, the U.S. House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 Attack is uncover­ ing evidence of these conspiracies. Again, a member of the party of a president accused of betraying the public trust is heroically stepping forward to speak truth to power: Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming. In her opening statement before the com­ mittee she said this: “America is great because we preserve our democratic institutions at all costs. Until Jan. 6th, we were proof-positive for the world that a nation conceived in liberty could long endure. But now, Jan. 6th threatens our most sacred legacy. The question for every one of us who serves in Congress, for every elected official across this great nation, indeed, for every American is this: Will we adhere to the rule of law? Will we respect the rulings of our courts? Will we preserve the peaceful tran­ sition of power? Or will we be so blinded by partisanship that we throw away the miracle of America? Do we hate our polit­ ical adversaries more than we love our country and revere our Constitution? I pray that that is not the case. I pray that we all remember, our children are watching, as we carry out this solemn and sacred duty entrusted to us. Our children will know who stood for truth, and they will inherit the nation we hand to them - a Republic, if we can keep it.” Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township of Guernsey Lake Road near Enzian Road between Nov. 28 and 29. The woman said she ran out of gas on Nov. 29, so she pulled the car to the side of the road, locked it and took the key when her son picked her up. When she came back the next day, the car was gone, and no local towing company reporting tow­ ing it. The case is inactive. Alcohol ‘probably’ played a role in crash, driver says A 42-year-old Wayland man was taken to the hospital after his truck crashed into a tree on South Norris Road near Delton Road in Prairieville Township at 9:39 p.m. Nov. 12. The driver would not say where he was driv­ ing from or heading to, but he admitted he had been drinking, and that it “probably” was a factor in the crash. He had a 0.187 blood alcohol content and was taken to the hospital. Car registration and booklet stolen A 78-year-old woman called 911 at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 to report her vehicle had been ran­ sacked while it sat in the 12000 block of Yost Street in Yankee Springs Meadows. The woman said the only items that were taken were a car booklet and the registration paper­ work. The case was closed. First Presbyterian Church o f Hastings 4-O^N.M-VHwij., HastinrDecember 24 • 6:00 p.m. FPC invites you to join in worship at its Christmas Eve Service this year, designed for all ages. As the secular song says, “Kids from one (or younger) to ninety-two (or older)” are welcome to this worship service including music and worship elements suitable for all ages. Come! Bring Friends, and Worship Christ, this Newborn King!' CITY OF HASTINGS Organizations invited to join Hastings New Year’s fest The 12th annual New Year’s Eve Community Celebration in downtown Hastings will include music, dancing, chil­ dren’s activities, warming tent, an ice sculp­ ture, a sound and light show and the ball drop at midnight. Community nonprofit organizations will have opportunities to set up tables or booths for displays and to sell items or refresh­ ments during the festivities. Those who are interested may make arrangements in advance by calling 269­ 838-8407. PUBLIC NOTICE CityABministratiye Office Hours At the October 11, 2021 City Council meeting, the Council unanimously voted to change the open to the public hours for the City of Hastings Administration Offices. Beginning January 1,2022, the office hours will be from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday - Friday. Appointments may be made outside of these hours if needed. Payments received after 4:00 PM will be receipted for the next business day. The police department will remain open their regular business hours. Please call 269-945-2468 with questions regarding this notice. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk �Page 6 — Thursday, December 23, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Janet Elinor Arens Janet Elinor Arens, age 85 of Hastings, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2021 at Thomapple Manor. . Janet was bom on May 2, 1936 at her grandfather’s home in Middleville to Joseph and Florence (Baughman) Fiala. Janet gradu­ ated from Thomapple Kellogg schools and was very active in 4-H, band, and was a cheerleader. Janet met Henry J. Arens at Middleville Engineering and Manufacturing company where she worked in the office. They were scheduled to be married on November 15th but soon realized that the opening day of deer season would be inter­ rupted, so instead wed on November 22, 1958. Together they started Arens’ Brothers excavating in 1960. In her free time, Janet enjoyed vegetable (especially her sweet com) and flower gar­ dening, anything birds, traveling, going out to eat, and hosting many family dinners for the holidays. Education was important to Janet; she continued her education throughout her life by attending classes at the local commu­ nity college and reading to young people at the library. She was an active member at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where she served in the women’s guild, Bingo, and many other church functions. Most important to Janet was her family, and she will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to so many. She will be dearly missed by her chil­ dren,Diane (Daniel) Arens-Miller, Henry Arens, Todd (Susan Coykendall) Arens, Sue Arens, Mark (Carrie) Arens; grandchildren, Joseph (Leslie) Arens, Alexis (Trenton) Courtney, Brianna Arens, Chelsea (Shawn) Hart, Whitney Craven, Jacob Arens, Taylor Arens, Ava Arens, Ellie Cousins, Annie Arens; great grandchildren, Trenton Jr., Haven, Paisley, Josephine, three on the way; bothers: Frank (Jerrie) Fiala, George (Judi) Fiala; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. Janet was preceded in death by her parents. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Burial took place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of life will also be held in the spring of 2022. Memorial contributions to Hastings Public Library or Green Gables Haven in Hastings will be appreciated. A special thanks to all those at Thomapple Manor for their loving care and support throughout the last four years. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Janet’s family. Worship Together Richard Lee Mead, Sr, Kenneth Guyla Pease Sarah Jane Sherk Richard Lee Mead, Sr., age 87 of Hastings, passed away on December 3, 2021. We told Dad when God came to get him and take him to Heaven, it was okay to go and see Mom. He waited nine years and not always very patiently. Richard was bom on July 13,1934, in Sturgis, the son of Ira and Esther (Grames) Mead. He attended Sturgis High School, the Naval Academy in Norfolk, VA, Purdue University, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Science from LeTourneau University, Longview, TX in 1972. Richard proudly served his country in the US Navy. On October 3, 1957, Richard married Lynne Wood. He worked as an electrician and was the owner of RM Service and Engineering. Richard loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He liked to tinker with old clocks and coffee grinders. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Lynne (Wood) Mead; his parents, Ira and Esther Mead; son-in-law, Daniel Henry, and grandson, Matthew Mead. He is survived by his son, Richard Lee Mead, Jr. of Hastings; daughters, Jody (Brad) Peterson of Hastings and Jennifer Mead of St. Clair Shores; grandchildren, James Mead of Martin, Lynsey Mead pf Grand Rapids, Pam (Rick) Volosky of Hastings, David (Shelby) Peterson of Puyallup, Washington, Brad Michael (Courtney) Peterson of Cheboygan; great grandchildren, Constance, Sofia, Felicity, Ruby, and Peter Volosky; Olivia and Jameson Peterson, Brad and Ezekiel Peterson. A private burial is planned at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girbachfuneralhome. com. Kenneth Guyla Pease, age 81, of Dowling, passed away December 7, 2021 in Florida, with his devoted wife, Bobijo by his side. He was bom August 4, 1940, in Hastings to Leslie and Amy Pease. He married Roberta Jo Holdridge on May 9, 2020. She survives him in Hastings. Ken spent 77 years of his life on the same farm, south of Cedar Creek. He worked that farm until he was 79 years old. He most enjoyed raising livestock, having raised pigs, cattle and sheep through out the years. Family was very important to him. He is survived by sons, Jody (Sallie) Pease of Waterloo, IN; Adam Pease, of Delton, Trevor ( Sarah) Pease, of Scotts, daughter, Kim Pease, of Delton, daughters-in-law, Julie Pease, of Hickory Comers, Lisa Pease, of Grand Rapids; a sister, Genevieve Williams, of Greensboro, N.C.; stepchildren, Stefannie ( Jonathan) Mader, of Mitchellville, IA, Robert Hammond of Jackson and Rushell Hammond ( Bradley Smith), of Delton; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents; sister, Lois Bromley of Delton; brothers-inlaws, Arlond Bromley and Larry Williams; sons, Mark Pease, Greg Pease; and one great­ grandchild. A celebration of life and burial will take place at a later date. Sarah Jane “Janey” Sherk , age 83, of Hastings, passed away on December 17, 2021. Sarah was bom on November 26, 1938, the daughter of Alfred and Helen (Wilcox) Lake. On October 26, 1957, she married Aaron Sherk, and they enjoyed 63 years together until his passing in 2020. They loved living at the lake in the summer and their Florida house in the winters until health issues arose. They enjoyed playing cards with their neigh­ bors and life in general. Sarah is preceded in death by her husband, Aaron; daughter, Tari; son-in-law, Doug; brothers, Bill and Raymond Lake. She will be truly missed by her daughter, Brenda Woodard; grandsons and their family, Jacob (Ashley) Johnson, Mitch (Brianna) Henning, and Brandon (Hailey) Henning, and their dad Jeff Henning; her brothers, Lyle, Howard and Bob Lake; sisters, Peg, Shirly (Ted) and Irene and many nieces, nephews, and extended families. Respecting Sarah’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Fiberglass 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Products 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 HotllneTbols&Equipment 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 ? s . { • ) 1 Tilting away from shorter days Dr. Universe: Why does the sky turn darker in winter? Alex, 6, Cincinnati Elaine Garlock Central United Methodist Church is having its Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26. The pastor will be on vacation for the next two Sundays. The guest pastor will be the Rev. Eric Beck of Eaton Rapids. The following Sunday, the Rev. Craig Adams will return as guest speaker. There will be no church school classes the next three Sundays, Dec. 26, Jan. 2 and 9. Lake Odessa 1959 graduate Moveta Moes Posma has died in Alaska where she had lived since 2018. Some of her fam­ ily had lived in Anchorage well before her most recent relo­ cation to Alaska. Her parents, John and Myrna Moes had a farm on M-66 during her school years. St. Edward Catholic Church is having its Christmas Eve Mass at 6 p.m. First Congregational Church will have a 6 p.m. candle­ light service. On an ongoing basis, the church has a mail­ box in the drive between the church and parsonage where any one in the community is free to leave requests for prayer. Along with the usual advertising and pitches for money, on a daily basis, the mail has a welcome variety these days with Christmas greetings coming from near and far. Especially welcome are those that include a letter or a review of the year. Extra special are those that include pho­ tos. ' Dear Alex, As winter gets underway here in North America, you may notice we don’t feel the sun’s rays for quite as many hours as we did in fall and summer. To find out why this happens, I talked with my friend Vivienne Baldassare, an astronomer at Washington State University. She said the reason we have fewer hours of daylight in the winter has to do with how the Earth rotates. As our planet goes around the sun, it is always rotat­ ing. This rotation is also why we have day and night. When the part of Earth you’re standing on faces the sun, it is day­ time. When the part you’re stand­ ing on faces away from the sun, it is night. But the reason the length of day­ light changes throughout the year is because our planet is a little bit tilted. “Earth isn’t perfectly straight up and down,” Baldassare said. “It’s a bit tilted on its axis, more like a spinning top.” The top half of the planet, which is known as the Northern Hemisphere, is tilted more toward the sun when it is summertime. But in winter, Earth’s Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun. This can make the days feel shorter. The shortest day of the year is called the Winter Solstice, which fell on Dec. 21. This is the day when the Earth’s northern pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. You also may know it as the first day of winter. After the winter solstice, the days will start to get longer again in most places. But there are some places on our planet, like Troms?, Norway, that will be completely dark for a few months. “The farther north you go, the earlier it gets darker in the winter. If you are all the way at the top of the world in the wintertime, you never feel the sun. It’s always dark,” Baldassare said. Earth’s tilt is the reason it gets dark so early in wintertime and why we have different seasons. But I was curious why there’s a tilt at all. “We think the reason for the tilt is that when our solar system was still forming, and things were pret­ ty chaotic, something collided with the Earth to knock it off its perfect up-and-down axis to make it a little tilted,” she said. If you find yourself indoors for most of the winter season, you might try a new game, cozy up with a book, listen to your favorite music, do some stretches or keep a big list of all your science ques­ tions. What kinds of activities do and your family like to do on winter days? Talk about it with your fam­ ily or friends. Then, share your answer and ideas in an email to Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. We might just feature your answers at AskDrUniverse.wsu.edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's res­ ident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. �The Hastings sports ANNER lSECTION —:SSK& eKI Thursday. Thursday, December 23.2021 23, 2021 DK shows strides despite tough loss to K-Christian Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basket­ ball team was bested on its home court by a talented Kalamazoo Christian girls’ squad Friday in the Panthers’ final bailgame before the holiday break. The Comets took a 55-16 win, dropping the Delton Kellogg girls’ record to 1-5 overall this season and 0-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division. “In spite of the lopsided score, I really think that we are making some improvements on both ends of the floor,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said. “Our effort in getting on the floor for loose balls and coming up with the possession is starting to increase. Our shot selection is much improved, but we do need to start putting the ball in the basket to reward ourselves a bit for that decision making. Delton Kellogg got six points from Josie Wiliams and four from Allie Trantham in the loss. The DK girls were 5-of-7 from the free throw line, good for a season-best 71 percent average from the line - which is an area of improvement the DK girls have focused on in recent weeks. “Sydney Frie came off the bench and really gave us some solid minutes with rebounding and defense. I am really proud of her effort,” coach Mohn added. The Delton Kellogg girls are off now until a trip to Allegan Jan. 4. They will be at home again Jan. 7 against Fennville. The SAC Valley season continues when the DK girls host Schoolcraft Jan. 11. Delton Kellogg forward/center Austin Blocker (24) gets fouled going up against ’Comet captains Comets hits six triples in opening quarter, win at DK Brett Bremer Sport Editor The Comets -came out with-a-Three-point barrage and never allowed the Delton Kellogg boys back in the ballgame Friday night at Delton Kellogg High School. The Kalamazoo Christian varsity boys’ bas­ ketball team improved to 3-0 on the season with a 65-34 Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division win over the DK Panthers. “Christian is very difficult to guard,” Delton Kellogg head coach Jim Hogoboom said. “They’ve got a bunch of kids that can shoot it. They can all put it on the floor. They share the ball very well. They defend. They * have a pretty solid team.” The Comets showed those skills in the open­ ing quarter, busting out to a 26-12 advantage. They hit six three-pointers in the opening quar­ ter and finished with nine for the night. Ethan Bouma hit three three-pointers in that opening quarter and finished with a game-high 17 points. William de Jong had 14 points and Brandon DeVries 11 for the Comets. Kalamazoo Christian came out strong in each half. The Comets scored 22 points in the third quarter. “They controlled both sides of the glass,” Hogoboom said. “Really, we’ve got to become a better rebounding team. We’ve got to get more physical. In all honesty, we got lots of good shots we just had some shots that were halfway down and popped out which might’ve made it a little more competitive, but really we were outplayed in every facet of the game. We’re still searching for our defen­ sive identity. There were some positives. We have those moments of really good execution and then we tend to have three or four posses­ sions in a row that aren’t as quality.” Austin Blocker finished the night with 12 points to lead the DK offense. Alden Whitmore contributed ten points. Delton Kellogg was scheduled to visit Maple Valley Tuesday, Dec. 21, after this paper went to press. The DK boys will be back in action at home against Allegan Jan.4 and Fennville Jan. 7. DK's Cadence Johnson (4) advances the ball past the three-point arc as she's pressured by a Kalamazoo Christian defender Friday night at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg guard Kasey Kapteyn looks to pass from the corner as Kalamazoo Christian's Morgan Steensma defends. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Thornapple Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team celebrates its championship at the West Catholic Falcon Invitational Friday (Dec. 17) after putting up the top score at the 17-team meet. It was the first competition of the season for the TK ladies. Great opening performance for TK cheerleaders Delton Kellogg's Austin Hill (14) hits a buzzer-beating three-point shot over Kalamazoo Christian's Noah Yonkers (25) at the end of the fourth quarter Friday night at DKHS. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The opening weeks of the cheer season have not been what the Trojans expected, and that was certainly okay as they exceed­ ed expectations at their first competition Friday. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity compet­ itive cheer team won the West Catholic Falcon Invitational Friday, not only finish­ ing at the top of its six-team Varsity B division but also as the top scoring varsity team from among the 17 teams overall. “Definitely a good day,” Trojan head coach Adrian Sinkler said of Friday’s per­ formance. “We, as of right now, we are placed at the top six in Division 2 in the state [as far as highest scoring teams]. So that is exciting as far as scores go. They had a really strong round one we kind of had a ton of energy right from the start of the competition and we tried really hard to keep that through all three rounds.” The Trojans had a lot to be fired up about. They’ve come into the season working hard and expecting good results. They were supposed to open the season hosting a CCCAM Invitational in Middleville Dec. 11, but that competition was canceled when high winds caused damage to the roof of the high school gymnasium. That gave the Trojans another week of practice before their first compe­ tition, but it was an odd week of practice, rolling out mats on the stage and sharing the high school auditorium with the choir. Coach Sinkler said the bright lights and the black background of the high school auditorium stage made spotting small motion errors much easier than usual, allowing the Trojans to be cleaning some things up which they might not have typi­ cally gotten to cleaning up until next month. The cancellation of meet number one also forced the TK girls to wait for one more week to debut two new uniforms, something that added an extra boost of excitement. “We worked hard fundraising and the Boosters definitely helped us out too,” Sinkler said of the new uniforms. “During our last two sideline seasons we have sold Biggby cards, which do pretty well around here. Last winter, we sold Christmas wreaths.” On top of he excitement of the first meet of the season, with a little extra practice time, in new uniforms, in the busiest gym the Trojans have been in since the pandem­ ic began, the TK girls also got to add a little chip to their shoulder when their warm-up was cut a tad bit short before the start of round one at West Catholic. “It was a feeling we had all day. They kids were on. The coaching staff was on. We were ready to go. We were ready to compete. We were ready to have a score,” Sinkler said. Round one was outstanding. The TK ladies, powered by strong vocals and jumps, put up a score of222.9. Forest Hills Northern scored a 218.1 and Northview a 215. Those See TK CHEER, page 10 �Page 10-Thursday, December 23, 2021 - The Hastings Banner LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-10-2021 - William W. Wilkey (Property Owner) Location: 162 Woodridge Drive, Battle Creek, in Section 29 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct an ad­ dition to a home with a 3.7 ft side yard setback (the minimum is 10 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-11-2021 - David Finney (Prop­ erty Owner) Location: 6683 Elizabeth Street, Delton, in Sec­ tion 7 of Barry Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 22x30 detached garage with a side yard setback of 5 ft (the minimum is 10 ft) and a rear yard setback of 10 ft (the minimum is 20 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-13-2021 - Michael & Merry Vermeer (Property Owners) Location: 464 Pollard Drive, Lake Odessa, in Section 3 of Woodland Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a ga­ rage 10 ft off the front lot line (the minimum is 20 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. MEETING DATE: January 10, 2022. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The variance applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 173156 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF BARRY FILE NO. 809-CH ORDER TO ANSWER HON. VICKY L. ALSPAUGH CARL W. ADERHOLD, Plaintiff v. THEODORE J. KILMER, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EUNICE ALBERTA SHAW AND FRANK SHAW including DONALD J. SHAW, DAVID R. SHAW, JEFFREY Sv SHAW, WENDY^KENT, •. LEE WILKING, THE UNKNOWN HEIRSOF ROSALIEANNE KILMER, ,T OF PHEBE NAN KILMER a/k/a NAN KILMER, Defendants. David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2900 Attorney for Plaintiff TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EUNICE ALBERTA SHAW & FRANK SHAW, DONALD J. SHAW, DAVID R. SHAW, JEFFREY S. SHAW, WENDY KENT, LEE WILKING, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ROSALIE ANNE KILMER, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PHEBE NAN KILMER, a/ka/ NAN KILMER Based on the pleadings filed in the above entitled case, it is ordered that Defendants, Unknown heirs of Eunice Alberta Shaw & Frank Shaw, Donald J. Shaw, David R. Shaw, Jeffrey S. Shaw, Wendy Kent, Lee Wilking, Unknown heirs of Rosalie Anne Kilmer, Unknown heirs of Phebe Nan Kilmer a/k/a Nan Kilmer file a Notice of Interest in the real property located in the Township of Hope, County of Barry, State of Michigan described as follows: The east 90 feet of Lot 1, Roy K. Cordes Subdivision, according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded Liber 4 of Plats, Page 14 of the Barry County Register of Deeds Office. Commonly Known As: 4977 Loon Road, Delton, Michigan 49046 Parcel ID No. 08-07-360-003-00 At least 3 days prior to the hearing date noted below to assert any interest in the above described property. If the Defendants, Unknown heirs of Eunice Alberta Shaw & Frank Shaw, Donald J. Shaw, David R. Shaw, Jeffrey S. Shaw, Wendy Kent, Lee Wilking, Unknown heirs of Rosalie Anne Kilmer, Unknown heirs of Phebe Nan Kilmer a/k/a Nan Kilmer, fail to do so that shall constitute a default in the above entitled matter, and on the 7th day February 2022 at 3:00 O’clock in the afternoon, this Court shall take proofs and shall terminate whatever interest Unknown heirs of Eunice Alberta Shaw & Frank Shaw, Donald J. Shaw, David R. Shaw, Jeffrey S. Shaw, Wendy Kent, Lee Wilking, Unknown heirs of Rosalie Anne Kilmer, Unknown heirs of Phebe Nan Kilmer a/k/a Nan Kilmer, may have in and to the above described property unless a Notice of Interest in the Real Property is filed or unless Defendants or their representatives appear on that date and time. Vicky L. Alspaugh, Circuit Judge (P42572) 172476 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT FAMILY DIVISION FILE NO. 2021-718-DM ORDER TO ANSWER HON. VICKY L. ALSPAUGH RYAN MARIE BARLOW, Plaintiff vs LEONARD SAMUEL BARLOWJIefendant David H. Tripp (P29290) Tripp & Tagg, Storrs Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2900 Attorney for Plaintiff__ _______ _________ ___ At a session of said Court held in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan on the 8th day of December, 2021. PRESENT: HONORABLE VICKY L. ALSPAUGH, CIRCUIT JUDGE TO: LEONARD SAMUEL BARLOW Based on the pleadings filed in the above entitled case, it is ordered that Defendant, Leonard Samuel Barlow, shall file an Answer to that certain Complaint for Divorce filed in the above entitled action at least three (3) days prior to the date noted below to answer why a Judgment of Divorce should not be entered in the above entitled matter pursuant to the request in the Complaint for Divorce filed herein. If Defendant fails to do so, that shall constitute a default in the above entitled matter and on the 10th day of February, 2022 at 10:30 o’clock in the fore noon this Court shall take proofs and shall terminate the marriage between Plaintiff and Defendant and enter a Judgment of Divorce pursuant to the terms and conditions requdsf$d by Plaintiff in her Complaint for Divorce. Hon. Vicky L. Alspaugh (P42572) Drafted by: David H, Tripp (P29290) Tripp, Tagg & Storrs, Attorneys at Law 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-9585 172844 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT BARRY COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29029-DE Court address: 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1390 Estate of Michael G. Cybulskis. Date of birth: June 22, 1960. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Michael G. Cybulskis, died September 17, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Christine Heeringa, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12/20/2021 Paul L. Winter P44290 250 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, Ml 49417 (616) 847-1000 Christine Heeringa 1119 Evelyn NE, Grand Rapids, Ml 49505 (616)517-7556 173490 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT r BARRYGGUNTY — NOTICST^CREPITQRS / Decedent’s Estate CASE NO. and JUDGE 21-29034-DE HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY Court address: 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1390 Estate of Frank David Ballo, deceased. Date of birth: October 12,1953. TO ALL CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Frank David Ballo, died November 1, 2021. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Mark J. Ballo, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: December 14, 2021 William B. Millard P39054 211 E. Water St., Ste. 401, Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (269) 343-2106 Mark J. Ballo 1219 West Farnum Ave., Apt. 102, Royal Oak, Ml 48067 (248)227-7704 173505 Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board meeting December 13, 2021 Meeting opened at 6:30pm Approved: Consent agenda PLM 2022 plan for Healthy Waters Alliance, Guernsey Lake Wall Lake weed control Poverty Exemption levels & asset test Lakewood Estates street paving special assessment resolution Letter to Hall renter Adjourned at 7:09 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Doug Peck, Supervisor CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Business Services MATT ENDSLEY, FABRI­ CATION and repair, custom trailers, buckets, bale spears, etc. Call 269-804-7506. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Pets POMERANIAN PUPPIES for sale. Very cute! First shots and wormed. $400.00, 269­ 223-9194. 173205 Speed key to Scots’ big win over TK boys ■ 4 Brett Bremer Sports Editor As much as the Trojans want to put the pedal to the metal this season, the Fighting Scots had another gear or two that the Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team hasn’t found yet. Caledonia closed out it’s pre-holiday slate with a 68-39 victory over the visiting Trojans Thursday at Caledonia High School. The Fighting Scots’ 6-6 senior center Nick Henry drilled a three-pointer three minutes into the ballgame and 6-8 senior forward Nic Bender hit one a minute later to give Caledonia a 6-0 lead, after a hectic first few minutes, and Caledonia led for the remainder of the ball­ game. The lead was 13-4 after one quarter and up to 33-17 at the half. A run in the middle of the third quarter had TK within ten points, but the Scots surged to up their lead to 20 points head­ ing into the fourth quarter. The Scots’ put up 68 points rarely rolling through half-court sets. It was a transition game for the Caledonia boys and they weren’t just on the move to get from defense to offense. They beat the Trojans to a number of offensive rebounds and were the ones making the hustle plays, especially early in the bailgame. “I give Nick Fox all kinds of credit,” Caledonia head coach Phil Visser said of his senior guard/forward who was all over the floor. “The ball is deep in the comer, it looks like it is going out so TK’s kid kind of a pauses and Nick Fox makes a great hustle play [leap­ ing and slamming the ball off the Trojan player out of bounds] and it is those plays that bring energy that raises the level of where we’re at and that is what we’re looking for.” Fox did the little things and the things that show up in the scorebook. Fox and Henry tied for the team lead with 16 points apiece for Caledonia. Nearly half of Henry’s points came on dunks that had the Caledonia student section going wild. Obviously, you watch film, you look for Thornapple Kellogg's Jaymes Thorne beats Caledonia's Nick Fox to the basket for two points during the Trojans' loss at Caledonia High School Thursday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Caledonia guard Nick Fox puts a shot up over Thornapple Kellogg's Corey Holt in the lane during their non-conference contest at Caledonia High School Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg senior Kalvin Shuford (right) has a shot turned aside by Caledonia senior center Nick Henry in the paint during their non-conference match-up at Caledonia High. School Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Scots overtake TK girls in second half Brett Bremer Sports Editor Caledonia got a boost from its student sec­ tion in a tough home loss to Lowell Dec. 10, but playing on the road in the old gym at Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville Thursday with the boys’ bail­ game going on back at CHS the Scots had to find their energy elsewhere. “The bench amazing providing a boost for the girls in the game to remain focused and engaged,” Caledonia varsity girls’ basketball coach Todd Bloemers said. “Julia Walma and Jordan Nyland, they have been the epitome of what an unselfish teammate can be and they’re so important to what we’re trying to do. They were unbeliev­ able in helping create that energy for us to respond in the second half.” Caledonia rallied from a 20-15 halftime deficit to score a 44-40 win over the host Trojans. The Trojans fought for 12 offensive rebounds in the first half alone while the BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF BARRY COUNTY PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. tendencies, you look to find ways to give us an advantage,” Visser said. “I felt like we should get the ball out of Terrell’s [Jefferson] hands as much as possible and we would have an advan­ tage, and try and pressure a little bit. Against Covenant Christian on Tuesday we started picking it up towards the end and getting a little energy. “Give coach [assistant coach Ryan] Farmer credit. He came in and said we need to get ener­ gy here. We need to get us rolling. We need to pick up full-court man and get them to turn it over a little bit. We got them to turn it over a little bit. Obviously, we took advantage of it and scored some buckets to give us a little bit of an early lead. When we pick it up it just gets the energy going, gets us moving a little bit more. It tires us out more.” The Scots did have to make a halftime adjustment. Fouls started to pile up as the whis­ tles came more often when the Scot defenders were riding the hip of the Trojan ball-handlers. Visser told his guys to disengage, sprint and cut rather than ride the hip. Jefferson managed a team-high 12 points for TK, but made just one field goal in the bail­ game. He was 10-of-12 at the free throw line. Caledonia also got six points each from Mason McKenzie, Elijah Holt and five from Camden Raffler and Gavin Hurst “We’re a pretty big team,” Visser said. “I thought we had a size advantage. I thought we had a physicality advantage. They have a cou­ ple big kids obviously, but just overall I felt like we could be a little more physical and kind of dictate pace of play and those things as well.” The couple big threes early on didn’t hurt either. The Scots were just 2-of-18 from threepoint range in a 71-57 loss at Grand Rapids Covenant Christian Tuesday, Dec. 14. The TK boys are now 1-2 on the season. They will host Plainwell Jan. 4 when they return from holiday break. The OK Gold Conference season starts for the Trojans Jan. 7 at South Christian. The Barry County Road Commission will hold a Public Hearing on its proposed 2022 Budget. The hearing will be held at the Commission Room located at 1725 West M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan at 7:30 A.M. on December 30, 2021. A copy of the proposed budget is available for inspection at the Road Commission office. Fighting Scots turned the ball over 16 times. “I give credit to Miiddleville,” Bloemers said. “They came out and they were the hard­ er working team in the first half and it seemed like they were really excited for the chance to compete against us and it took us a little while to find a groove. They were very psy­ chical trying to get the ball in the post, around the basket and on the offensive glass.” “The second half we just challenged our players to bring the energy and realize its a game of mistakes. It is how you respond to those mistakes that is going to determine how much fun you’re having.” Caledonia pulled ahead of the Trojans to take a 29-28 lead going into the fourth quarter. Gracie Gortmaker and Morgan Babb sparked the Scots’ third-quarter run. Gortmaker had eight points int eh quarter, hitting a three and three free throws. Babb had four points in the period. “We were pretty bottled up offensively in the first half. TK ran a zone at us and rotated well and we weren’t able to find any holes,”1 Bloemers said. * Putting the ball in the basket allowed the Scots to put on a little more full-court pres­ sure against the Trojans, and Bloemers said: his girls responded well to the change of pace. * Gortmaker finished with 23 points. The junior hit three threes and was 8-of-8 from: the free throw line overall. Babb, a senior, finished with nine points. Teresa Abraham, contributed six points for Caledonia. TK took the lead back midway through the fourth quarter with a 5-0 run. but the Caledonia girls responded to go back in fronts In the end, MacKenzie DeVries hit a pair of free throws to extend the Scots’ lead from two to four and seal the win. The Scots are now 2-2 overall this season. TK fell to 3-2 with the loss. TK will visit Plainwell for a non-conference ballgame Jan? 4 and then open up OK Gold Conference action at South Christian Jan. 7. TK CHEER, continued from page 9------------ ----------------------were the two closest teams to the Trojans after round one, and the Trojans’ closest competitor in its own division was the Gull Lake team that put up a score of 211.6. “We say some things that are really strong, and they project real­ ly well, so they sound much better than recent years,” Sinkler said. The Trojan voice was also pow­ ered by a callback cheer, getting all the spectators in the gym to boost them p with “TKHS” chants. “The girls love it because every­ one is calling out the name of their school,” Sinkler said. She like her team’s motions and jumps and was thrilled to have the round one energy carry throughout the rest of the evening. TK put up a score of 203.78 in round two and 282.3 in round three. That gave the TK ladies a total score of 708.98. Gull Lake was second in the Division 2 competition which included the Trojans with a final score of 705.64, ahead of Kenowa Hills 651.54, Zeeland West 640.24, Pickney 615.4 and Zeeland East 558.3. TK’s round two score was the highest in its division. Gull Lake inched closer to TK in the end with a score of 295.1 in round three, the top round three score of the day in their teams’ division. The Blue Devils scored a 198.94 in round two. The Trojans and Blue Devils will be a part of the same district meet in Mattawan in February. Coach Sinkler was happy with the way her girls performed a valdez for the first time in a competition ini round two, and said the judges com­ mented that they liked the way the Trojans transitioned into the skill. Round three came together well despite having to make some chang­ es throughout the week leading up to< the event. TK had to alter formations and also added twist cradles and a; few extra one-legged stunts. Tri County won the Varsity C division Friday with an overall score of 669.4. The top score in the Varsity A division was a 690.2 from the: Forest Hills Northern girls. Coach Sinkler had plans for her. girls to practice a few times each, week during the holiday break. The next competition for the TK ladies; isn’t until Jan. 8 at Gull Lake. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 23, 2021 — Page 11 LHS boys best Lions in first GLAC ballgame Thornapple Kellogg's Matthew Middleton works on top of Caledonia's Dylan Meduna during their 160-pound championship match Saturday at the Kent County Wrestling Championships hosted by East Kentwood High School. Middleton took a 9-2 win in their championship bout. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Only Rockford better than TK at Kent County Classic Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was an outstanding day for the Trojan wrestling family Saturday at the Kent County Championships hosted by East Kentwood High School. The Trojans finished in the runner-up spot, a place behind the Rockford Rams and one spot ahead of the Lowell Red Arrows - who did have split squad Saturday with a number of their outstanding wrestlers taking part in the Carnahan Memorial Invitational hosted by Crown Point High School in Indiana. TK had 11 grapplers competing and six of them took flight championships including the sibling duos of Andrew and Matthew Middleton and Zack and Emma Gibson. Hunter Pitsch and Ashton Corson also took championships for the Trojans. Andrew Middleton started a run of three consecutive victories in the middle weights for TK, scoring a victory in an ultimate tiebreaker against Kelloggsville’s Jose Rafael. The two went into overtime tied 4-4. Rafael notched an escape in his 30 second period on the bottom. Middleton got a stalling point from Rafael in thgnext 30 second period, leaving the two tied 5-5. Rafael chose the bottom position for the final ultimate tiebreaker and Middleton was able to ride him out. “I have never gone that far in a match. I have never gone to sudden victory. Being able to pull it off was pretty cool for me,” Andrew said. “I kind of just had to go,” he added. “I thought I just needed to hold him down. I hadn’t really been able to hold him down ... I kind of just chopped the arm and grabbed it [in the tie-breaking period]. I hadn’t done that the first three periods. I kind of changed it up a little bit.” Andrew was really happy to see his brother reach the championship at 160 pounds. Matthew Middleton took a 9-2 win over Caledonia’s Dylan Meduna in their final at 160, after a 10-2 major decision over Lowell’s Case Huisman and a pin of Byron Center’s Bodin Hurley to start the day. In between their victories, Zack Gibson won the 140-pound championship for the Trojans. He pulled out a pair of close deci­ sions in his final two matches. He scored a 5-3 win over Lowell’s Landon Miller in the 140-pound championship match working hard to get off the bottom a couple of times. “Just sticking in there and grinding it out when it gets tough [was key],” Gibson said. “You’ve got to get back there and score points when you need them. I just had to find a way to dig deep somewhere inside me and find a way to get it.” Emma Gibson won the Girls’ E division for the Trojans. She also beat a Red Arrow in the finals, outscoring Kiara Hulbert 6-3. Emma scored pins in her first two matches of the tournament. The Trojan program also had Kayleigh Brown placed third in the Girls’ C division. Emma and Zack picked up their Kent County Championship T-shirts together as they awaited their teammates’ final matches of the tournament near the medal stand. Zack was especially impressed with the way he saw teammate Ashton Corson wres­ tling Saturday. “I really liked Ashton Corson how he in a tough match,” Zack said. Corson won the 125-pound championship. He pulled out a 3-2 win over Rockford’s Jak Keller in the championship round after pins of Forest Hills Eastern’s Nick Huffman and Sparta’s Jaeden Kutzli. Pitsch opened the championship round for the Trojans by by pinning Ethan Smith from Forest Hills Eastern late in the second period of their 119-pound championship match. Pitsch had taken two close decisions to reach the final, besting Lowell’s Easton Lyons 13-10 and Byron Center’s Zach Radle 6-4. Rockford took the day’s championship with 178.5 points, ahead of TK 159, Lowell 149.5, Byron Center 142, Forest Hills Northern 110, Caledonia 105, Kent City 97, East Kentwood 93.5, Forest Hills Eastern 79.5 and Kenowa Hills 76.5 in the top ten. Kyron Zoet placed second at 130 pounds for the Trojans. He pinned East Kentwood’s Moe Zet and Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s Lee Braun before falling 5-1 to Rockford’s Elijah Bunn in the finals. Freshman 103-pounder Christian Miller placed fifth at his weight class for TK with a pin of Forest Hills Northern’s George Willmer in the match for fifth. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions and Vikings were in a ballgame and then they weren’t. The Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team opened the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season with a 54-33 win over visiting Maple Valley Friday night. Maple Valley was within two points of the Vikings in the opening moments of the sec­ ond quarter, but the Lions were held without a field goal in the second quarter as the Vikings went on an 11-2 run in the period to take control of the contest. The Lions got a free throw from sopho­ more Cam Carpenter in the opening moments of the second quarter to pull his team within 13-11 of the host Vikings. Senior guard Ben Schuch knocked down free throw midway through the quarter. Lakewood led 24-12 at the half and eight points was as close as they could get the rest of the way. Viking head coach Chris Duits was obviously pleased with a defensive effort which limited the Lions to 33 points - even after setting a goal of holding the Lions under 30 at the half. The Vikings’ did lose the Lions’ Chanse Courtney a couple times in the third quarter. He knocked down a couple of three pointers and senior guard Ben Schuch had a couple nice assists to keep their team in it. The Lions were down 30-22 late in the third quarter. A bucket by the Vikings’ Jayce Cusack pushed the Lakewood lead to ten points heading into the fourth quarter, and then quick baskets by Preston Makley and Cusack nudged the advantage up to 14 in the first minute and a half of the fourth. Makley had a game-high 23 points. He knocked down three three-pointers in the ballgame. “Preston finally had his breakout game where he really was seeing the floor well and hit a couple outside shots early,” Duits said, “then he’s shifty enough we got to him inside and he made a couple nice reverse lay-ups. He did some pretty good things for us all-in-all.” The Vikings needed the couple outside shots they hit. That hasn’t been a strong suit during the early season, but Duits is looking forward to it improving. “They zoned us up. We’re not a real strong outside shooting team, so I am sure their goal was to take away the middle and make them shoot from the outside. It took us a little while to show a little patience, to work it around the outside and make their defense shift,” Duits said. “Then we started getting some pretty decent looks. We get in a spot where we start trying to force it inside and then--we just get• inra rut wherewe ean’t get out of it. “We try to force it inside, make some bad passes and then against a team like that which is really aggressive defensively they start tipping it. They got every loose ball and it is a tough combination for us at times.” The Viking coach was especially pleased with the way his guys improved that offen­ sive flow in the fourth quarter. Lakewood also got 15 points from Cusack in the ballgame, six from Blake Price and five from Nate Willette. Courtney led the Lions with 12 points. Cam Carpenter contributed nine points and Schuch eight. Lion head coach Ryan Nevins continues to be pleased with the way his guys are improving on the defensive end of the floor — although he wasunhappy his guys lost a few Viking shooters there as they pulled away in the fourth quarter. “We’re rotating better,” Nevins said. “We’re starting to communicate a little bet­ ter. We’re really young. The growing pains of sophomores playing varsity. We have an exchange student who is really only 15 years old, he’s really just a sophomore. Just learn­ ing what vasrit5y basketball is all about. “I was happy with our effort. Offensively we got a lot of good looks. We missed a bunch of lay-ins. If we make our lay-ins we may not win, but it is a game. It is nice we have one more game Tuesday at home and then we swill have Christmas break a chance for us to get better and work on some things. Our schedule is not the easiest. WeTl either grow up really fast or it will be a long sea­ son.” The Lions were scheduled to face Delton Kellogg Tuesday night. The loss to Lakewood dropped the Lions’ overall record to 0-3. The Vikings improved to 3-1 with the win. Lakewood was scheduled to host Hastings Tuesday night (Dec. 21). Panthers win four flight titles at Eau Claire tourney Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team worked its way to a runner-up finish at Saturday’s Burton Richards Memorial tour­ nament hosted by Eau Claire High School. Gage Stampfler at 125 pounds, Hunter Antolovich at 130 Vinnie Quick at 152 and Caden Ferris at 215 took flight champion­ ships for the Delton Kellogg team and Delton Kellogg had four others finish in the top four at their weight class. Ferris bumped his season record to 12-0 with a trio of pins. He was off the mat in less than a minute in each of his matches. He Lions finish forth at Leslie Blackhawk cheer invitational Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions’ Greater Lansing Activities Conference foes from Leslie were the clear number one at their Blackhawk Invitational Wednesday (Dec. 15). The Lions performed well at the seven-team competi­ tive cheer competition all evening sitting in second place after two rounds and fourth at the end of the evening. The Lions avoided deductions in round two which plagued a number of teams. Maple Valley had the thirdbest score in each of the first two rounds. “With our second time on the mat this season the girls had better control of their nerves and timing of their jumps, motions and skills for round one and round two,” Lion head coach Sarah Huissen said. “Even though we still have some trouble spots in each round I thought everyone was more confident out on the mat.” Maple Valley scored a 179.20 in round one, 152.80 in round two and 213.20 in round three. “For round three we were outscored in difficulty and choreography points,” Huissen said. “Lumen Christi had 15 out of 20 difficulty points and 4 out of 8 choreography points. Northwest had 18 out of 20 difficulty points and 4 out of 8 choreography points they could earn. We had 11 out of 20 difficulty points and 2 out of 8 choreography points. They also outscored us in execution. We had some timing issues and a stunt come down early which all factor into our execution. I am extremely proud of our round three performance.” The Lions did have to adjust their line-up coming into the meet learning soon before the contest that a new base would have to step into the round three routine “Everyone took action the entire team worked together to come up with the solution. Alexa Reitz, Sophia Rose and Aubrie Leo helped me come up with a plan on the bus and Alexa Reitz and Emily White helped execute it once we Lakewood junior guard Jayce Cusack pushes past Maple Valley’s Alden Wilkes with the ball in the backcourt during the second half of the Vikings’ GLAC win over the visiting Lions Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) arrived. Izabelle Taylor and Grace Conklin stepped up and filled in for that person so we were able to perform the round pretty much as written,” coach Huissen said. “These girls truly gave a team effort to help us be as successful as we could be. I cannot tell them enough how proud of them of their performance and their fourth place finish.” Leslie took the day’s championship with an overall score of 598.48, ahead of Jackson Northwest 576.48, Lumen Christi 568.08, Maple Valley 545.20, Perry 539, Stockbridge 523.56 and East Jackson 457.72. Leslie had the top score in each of the first two rounds to build a nearly 60-point lead heading into round three. The Blackhawks scored 209.40 points in round one and 181.98 in round two and then closed the night with a 207.10 in round three. A 250.80 by Northwest was the top round three score of the day and powered the Mounties from fifth-place after two rounds into the runner-up spot in the end. The Lions took the mat again Saturday at the Gobles Cheer Bash and placed second among the five Division 4 teams competing on the day. Lawton had the top score of the six D4 teams with a final total of 660.28, ahead of Maple Valley 548.10, White Pigeon 489.50, Bloomingdale 482.90 and Gobles 300.10. The host Tigers did not compete in round three. The Lions’ round two and three scores were up a bit from Wednesday. The Lions scored a 174.10 in round one, and then followed that up with a 157.40 in round two and 216.60 in round three. Lawton scored a 205.00 in round one, 182.28 in round two and 273.00 in round three. There were also five Division 3 teams and a pair of DI/ D2 teams competing Saturday. Portage Central won the D1/D2 competition with a score of 624.98. Allegan took the D3 competition with a score of 678.04. stuck Brandywine’s Philip McLaurin 58 sec­ onds into the 215-pound championship match. Stampfler is still perfect too. He moved his season record to 10-0 with three pins. He put Gobles’ Chris Ruiz on his shoulders a minute into the second period of the 125pound final to secure his tournament cham­ pionship. Quick moved his record to 11-1 by a pair of first period pins and then a 10-6 decision over Galesburg-Augusta’s Auddie Terry in the 152-pound championship match. Hunter Antolovich pinned Decatur’s Giovanni Benavides 5:11 into their 135- pound championship bout, scoring his tenth victory of the young season. Luke Watson was the runner-up at 171 pounds, Gage Vincent the runner-up at 119, Corban Antolovich third at 103 pounds and Joelle White fourth at 112. Vincent’s tough 4-2 loss to Brandywine’s Kaiden Rieth in the 119-pound final was his first defeat of the season after a 10-0 start. Decatur took the day’s championship with 221 points, ahead of DK160, Brandywine 133,Hartford 111,Buchanan 105,EauClaire 63, Centreville 58, Marcellus 58, Berrien Springs 46 and Galesburg-Augusta 38 in the top ten of the 16-team meet. Meet the Christ Child again for the First Time! • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Candlelight) Green Street Church is located at 209 West Green Street, Hastings For more information: f www.greenstreetumc.faith or 269-945-9574 *---- �Page 12 — Thursday, December 23, 2021 —The Hastings Banner Saxons handle Panthers in first 1-8 dual Saxon center Zander Forbes pulls down a rebound during his team's I-8 match-up with visiting Coldwater Friday night. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings Saxons wrestling team defeated the Pennfield Panthers 75 - 3 in their opening Interstate 8 Athletic Conference dual of the season on Wednesday, December 15th. The varsity wrestlers competed at Pennfield in the first conference dual of the season. Saxon head coach, Jason Slaughter said, “they wrestled well and got the job done. It was good to see them wrestle hard despite the atmosphere being a 180 from the TK match last week.” The Saxons pinned their way through most of the dual with pins from Troy Hokanson, Keegan Archer-Sutfin, Justus Forell, Cohen Smith, Jase Peterson and Tate Warner. Senior Victor Ramirez had a 9-5 decision at the 171pound weight class, and senior Jackson Dubois fell in a close match at the heavy­ weight class 11-9 against Pennfield’s Dawson Ransom. The Saxons picked up forfeits from Zach Chipman, Colton Smith, Joe Goggins, Mason Denton, Robby Slaughter and Isaac Friddle. On Saturday, the Saxon varsity team trav­ eled to Gull Lake for the Blue Devil Classic Dual Tournament Slaughter noted, “I am super proud of all the wrestlers this weekend, only losing to a state ranked DI school for the var­ sity. We wrestled well at Gull Lake, even though we lost to Hartland. The guys are going out and wrestling hard which is what we want to see. Hartland is a tough team that only lost eight total matches over their five duals. Hastings freshman Tate Warner closes in on a pin during his bout with Pennfield’s Tyler Ralston Wednesday (Dec. 15) in Battle Creek. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) ♦ “Our B team did well at Maple Valley and wrestled well against varsity competition. It’s really exciting to see that our program is growing and large enough to be successful at two different varsity tournaments in the same weekend.” Coldwater controls game with Saxons at Hastings High Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings Boys Basketball team hosted Coldwater in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference play last week Friday and lost to the Cardinals 78-28. The Saxons were unable to get points on the board against the tough Cardinal team until two seconds left in the first quarter when Miles Padilla hit the first shot for the team as the Cardinals led 24-2. In the second quarter, the Saxons had their biggest quarter of the night as they tried to close the gap against Coldwater. At halftime the Saxons were down 48-15. The Saxons were able to put another 13 points on the board in the second half, but the Cardinals put up another 30 to keep the Saxons out of the game. Layton Eastman was the high scorer for the Saxons with seven points, Zander Forbes scored six points and Padilla, Owen Carrol and Braden Vertalka had four points each for the night. Hastings was scheduled to travel to Lakewood Tuesday, Dec. 21, to face the Vikings. Hastings Joe Goggins keeps a foe from Pennfield in a headlock during an exhibition match Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Pennfield High School in Battle Creek. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Saxon guard Braden Vertalka looks to beat a Coldwater defender with the dribble during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match-up at Hastings High School Friday. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) The Hastings varsity team went 4-1 on the day in Gull Lake. The Saxons won theit opening dual against Dowagiac 50-22, and then defeated Comstock 75-6, before losing to Hartland 68-9. The Saxons finished the day in the placing round with dual wins against Martin 46-28 and a 51-30 win ovef Lawton. Saxon wrestler, Cohen Smith was the only wrestler to go 5-0 for the day, wrestlers get* ting four wins for the Saxons were Hokanson, Archer-Sutfin, Denton, Slaughter, Friddle and Dubois. Neal and Tate Warner each picked up three wins. Over the winter break, the Saxons will travel to Corunna on Dec. 30 for a dual tour­ nament. The B Varsity team traveled to Maple Valley on Saturday for the Jesse Snow Memorial Invitational. The Saxons took home the first place trophy. Saxon wrestlers finishing the day in first place were Humphrey, Furrow, Aiden Smith and Simmet. Saxons Tristian Smith and Preston Meece finished with second place medals, Sherry, Draven Pennock, Jacobs, Oliver and Parker Roslund all finished in third place for the Saxons. The Saxon 4B’ team also came away with a win on Wednesday evening, as it hosted East Lansing and picked up a 45 - 24 win. The Saxons had wins from Tristian Smith, Jordan Humphrey, Dillon Neal, Kyler Sherry, Ben Furrow, Sean Beerman, Haided Simmet, Bodey Jacobs, Isaiah Wilson, and Tyler Oliver. The Saxons’ Keegan Archer Sutfin holds Dowagiac's Jorge Rivera on his back during their 119-pound bout Saturday at the Gull Lake Blue Devil Invitational. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) Culinary Medicine Greater Barry County Saxon ladies score their first league victory of the season Valerie Slaughter Contributing Writer The Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team defeated Interstate-8 Athletic Conference rival Coldwater 35-28 at Hastings on Friday night. The girls had a strong game against the Cardinals. Location: Saxon head coach, Chase Youngs noted, “we are In the comfort of your own kitchen! learning how to win and play consistently through­ This class is virtual via Zoom. out all four quarters. We were up early in the sec­ ond, but then had lapses in intensity, especially on the defensive end. We are not very big, so wee Cost: need to work hard every time a shot goes up to get $100 per household includes 5 classes rebounds. Overall, this was a solid win for a team that has not had much conference success.” Register now: The Saxon girls were up right away after a threeUse the QR code on this card to point shot by Brooklynn Youngs and never fell register directly or email behind. Bailey Cook had a strong game for the lifestylemedicine@spectrumhealth.org team leading in rebounds and points with 11. Macy and indicate that you would like to https://scnv.io/jOdF?qr=1 Winegar scored eight points for the Saxons for the register for the Pennock Culinary night, and Bri Barnes scored seven. The Saxons had seven girls score during the Medicine cooking class series. game. Coach Youngs also noted that so far this season Contact us: they’ve been led in points by multiple Saxons as Call 616.486.0385 with questions. the girls play unselfishly and pass the ball around. The Saxon team improved to 4-2 for the season, which is the most wins for the program going back to 2017-18 season. The team is 1-1 in the 1-8 Conference. Lifestyle Medicine Hastings was scheduled to play host to Lakewood Tuesday evening (Dec. 21) and then head into the holiday break. Join the Spectrum Health Culinary Medicine team to learn delicious ways to achieve optimal health and increase the amount and types of nutrient-dense food in your diet. Dates: Jan. 4,2022 Jan. 18,2022 Feb. 1,2022 Feb. 15,2022 Mar. 1,2022 *Each class will be held via Zoom from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. * Each enrolled household will receive a free box of pantry and produce items before each of the four cooking classes. Space is limited so register soon to hold your spot! Spectrum Health The Saxons' Bailey Cook looks to get a shot up in the lane during her team's Interstate-8 Athletic Conference victory over visiting Coldwater Friday night at Hastings High School. (Photo by Valerie Slaughter) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/548/HastingsBanner_2021-12-30.pdf 6073f77725185b8a2f4d9d29df880076 PDF Text Text Sinceflftl^Ticars - ;. - • .. See Story on Page «. ; 7 804879110187 1070490102590501901149058113421 „,,.„,..«*«*****“*******CAR-RT to i ' Richard Hemerling 421 NTaffee Dr_ , Hastings Ml 4905S'113 g/30/2022 9:47:00 AM Thursday, December 30, 2021 VOLUME 167, No. 51 PRICE $1.00 -------- THE YEAR IN REVIEW -------- Sheriff’s vote fraud probe is continuing Top local news in 2021 Today’s edition of The Hastings Banner bids farewell to 2021 - with a look back at the top local news stories of the year. It will come as no surprise that some of the top stories from 2020 - COVID-19, Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf and the Royal Coach project - continued to demand high-profile coverage this year. Noteworthy, too, is how those stories developed and changed. Here’s what Banner staff members chose in their annual vote of top local news stories: 1. Sheriff Dar Leaf. Last year, Leaf took to the stage in Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids with men who were later charged in an alleged plot to attack the state Capitol building and take hostages, including the governor. This year, the sheriff mounted a high-profile investigation into Dominion voting machines - a probe that continues, he said this week. 2. COVID and its impact on the com­ munity. More than 30,000 Barry County residents received a COVID-19 vaccine this year, and the county started down the path of reopening operations. But a full return to normalcy has been halting, when early vari­ ants of the novel coronavirus proved more contagious and deadly. 3. Mask mandate and the protest against it. School board meetings, county board meetings and health board meetings were marked by protests against mask man­ dates and other measures to try to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Barry-Eaton District Health Department Officer Colette Scrimger issued a mandate for all Barry County schools in late September, which spurred an outcry from citizens who object­ ed to it which, ultimately, brought health board meetings to a halt. 4. Teens are the victims in two mur­ ders. Two teenagers were killed in separate murders in Barry County this year. According to police, 19-year-old GracynMichael Brickley was shot and killed with a rifle in Nashville in February. Andrew Lafey, 22, of Nashville, has been charged with her murder. Lane Roslund, 17, was killed with a crossbow and buried north of Hastings in September. Patrick Gilmore, 17, has been charged with his murder. 5. Superintendent shuffle. Hastings Area School System hired a new superinten­ dent, but superintendents resigned at two other schools. Matt Goebel was hired to replace Dan Remenap at Hastings. Remenap resigned as superintendent at Thomapple Kellogg Schools, just 13 months after leav­ ing Hastings to take the TK job. Kyle Corlett stepped down at Delton Kellogg to take the superintendent’s job in Ludington. 6. County to receive $12 million in ARPA funds. Barry County was assigned to receive $12 million in federal funding in two annual increments through the American Rescue Plan Act that was signed into law in March. A local advisory task force was appointed to suggest projects that ARPA funds could be used for. The county board is expected to decide next month which proj­ ects to approve in the first phase. 7. Historic St. Rose damaged in fire. A fire broke out July 13 at the St. Rose of Lima Parish in Hastings in the early morning hours. The fire, likely electrical in origin, destroyed windows, a staircase and caused extensive damage in the church. An effort to clean and restore the more than 100-year-old building is currently underway. 8. No-fault insurance reform impacts catastrophically injured victims. In the spring of 2019 the Michigan state Legislature passed a law that would reduce care for cat­ astrophically injured people. That law went in effect on July 1 of this year, and thou­ sands of Michigan residents, including Troy Hughes and Jesus Arias, lost coverage that gave them important care. 9. Royal Coach project, destroyed in a blaze, rises from the ashes. Organizers of the Royal Coach building project received $1.5 million to fund the largest housing development Hastings has seen in decades. Although the original building was burned down by an arsonist last year, the project is on track to bring 73 new housing units to the city. 10. City, in a financial fix, pulls pension benefit. The Hastings City Council decided to strip previously promised post-employ­ ment health care benefits from retirees to solve a $20 million deficit, The shortfall sprang from a miscalculation in the esti­ mates in retirement plan investments. Barb Pullen of Middleville accepts the flag after a May 2021 ceremony during the community tribute to her husband, Charlie, who died of complications due to COVID19. The ceremony in his honor took place five months after his death. Pullen is among 131 Barry County residents whose lives have been claimed since the pandemic was declared in March 2020. (File photo) Pandemic coverage focuses on vaccines against variants Taylor Owens Staff Writer This year, more than 31,600 Barry County residents received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The rollout of the vaccines initially hap­ pened slowly, with the first doses adminis­ tered in December 2020. Gradually, waves of eligibility were announced, with healthcare workers, people in nursing homes and first responders among the first able to get the vaccine. It was a confusing process for many peo­ ple, as different states, regions within states or even individual vaccination clinics fol­ lowed different guidelines on who was eligi­ ble to get a vaccine. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department initially received only a few hundred doses each week, which made the department’s goal of vac­ cinating 48,600 people seem very far away. See PANDEMIC, page 2 Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Hastings Banner’s top local news story in 2021 was Sheriff Dar Leaf’s investi­ gation into alleged voter fraud - and the pri­ vate investigator he brought to Barry County to question the township clerks. Leaf first told The Banner in July that his office had opened a voter fraud investigation into the 2020 election. He said he couldn’t share any more information because the probe was continuing. The investigation was prompted by a com­ plaint that the sheriff’s office had received regarding Barry County. Several township clerks, and Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer, said they were questioned in the investigation, and they expressed concern that the person who appeared to be leading it was not a Barry County Sheriff’s deputy, but a private inves­ tigator named Michael Lynch. The clerks said a deputy drove Lynch to their offices, then let Lynch ask the questions while the deputy recorded the interview. Lynch, who gave them no information about himself outside of his name, seemed particu­ larly interested in the Dominion voting machines that were used in the election, and Palmer’s role in using them. “It seemed like they were targeting the county,” Thomapple Township Clerk Cindy Wilshire said. Lynch asked them if Palmer could have been in a room with the equipment by herself, and what role Palmer had in programming the equipment. Rutland Township Clerk Robin Hawthorne said she talked about Palmer’s role in the election, and explained to Lynch the limits on Palmer’s ability to alter the results, but Lynch kept returning to that subject. “It was Pam this and Pam that,” Hawthorne said. Hawthorne said Lynch questioned whether the cards used to program the machines could have altered the votes. “He was concerned about thinking the cards had some kind of programming in them, that when Trump got so many votes they flipped the votes to Biden,” Hawthorne said, “which is ludicrous because Trump won Barry County by 65 percent.” The clerks verify the machines and the machines’ accuracy in a test before the elec­ tion when members of the public are allowed to be present. “Our accuracy test was dead-on both times; the machines worked fine,” Hawthorne said. “I’ve been a clerk for 18 years and it was the same elec­ tion as the whole time I’ve been here.” Sheriff Dar Leaf . Hawthorne said she is certain no one tarnpered with the vote in her township. ~ “There’s no way anybody can hack my machines,” she said. ’ , The election equipment can’t be connected to an outside computer, Hawthorne said. Even' if someone had been able to tamper with th^ machines, it would leave evidence of thatlbct. “There’s a paper trail locked down like you wouldn’t believe,” Hawthorne said. < Lynch never asked to look at the voting equipment or any documents, the clerks said* It also was apparent to some of the clerks that Lynch wasn’t an expert in the field, based on the questions he asked them. “I don’t think he has a clue on how the machines work,” Hawthorne said. “It didn’t seem like they had an idea, of how an election is run,” Wilshire said. \ - J Hawthorne said she wanted to know htFw Lynch came to Barry County, who is paying him and what he’s basing his investigation on. “Who sent these guys out on their witch hunt?” Hawthorne asked. . “ None of the clerks who spoke to The Banner said they saw any evidence of fraud in their townships during the election. ■ “I can’t believe there was any in our coun­ ty, but there was none in our township,*’ Wilshire said. Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt also expressed concern about Lynch. “I was concerned because I heard fhere was somebody doing the investigation along­ side [the deputy] who is not a police officer,” See SHERIFF, page 2 Mask mandates enrage opponents Greg Chandler Staff Writer Vr An issue that generated great controversy this year was whether area school children should be required to wear masks to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The issue played itself out for monthsCat school board meetings throughout Barry County; and even boiled over into an attempted citizen’s arrest of the county’s top health official during a board of health meeting a few days after she issued an emergency public health order man­ dating that masks be worn in the classroom^ Barry-Eaton District Health Department Health Officer Colette Scrimger issued jthe orders Sept. 17, mandating the wearing of masks and setting forth quarantine and isola­ tion procedures for local schools. The orders took effect five days later, on Sept. 22} BEDHD had reported a 219-percent inctease in new cases among those up to the age of17 when comparing the two-week period of Aug. 1-14 and the two-week period of Aug. 29- Sept. 11, Scrimger said at that time? .X' The orders infuriated some parents across the county, who said they felt that the decision on whether to mask their children should be Keara Hilton of Middleville leads audience members in prayer in the Leason Sharpe Hall at the Barry Community Foundation build­ ing during the Sept. 23 Barry-Eaton District Health Department board meeting. (File photo) See MASK, page 2 �Page 2 — Thursday, December 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Two charged in murders of teens at the time, but he later believed he had contracted a STL He claimed that, on the evening of the murder, Brickley asked him to take her rabbit hunting. He grabbed a.22 rifle and a shovel, and they went outside. When they were in the woods, she asked if he recalled the conversation, then ran at him with a knife. Lafey told Maki he shot Brickley once, but she didn’t stop, so he shot her again. After the second shot, Brickley fell to the ground, crying and moaning. Nakfoor Pratt asked Maki what Lafey had told her about the sounds Brickley made while she was on the ground. “He said that that bothered him,” Maki said. “That he didn’t want to have to kill her, that it hurt his feelings, so he started stomping on her to put her out of her mis­ ery.” During the interview, Lafey motioned to the side of his neck, Maki said. “He said he was trying to stomp on the side of her neck to make her die faster.” Lafey told Maki he went back into the house and waited for the police to arrive. Maki also summarized the autopsy report. The medical examiner said Brickley had died from multiple gunshot wounds, with multiple blunt-force trau­ mas named as a contributing factor. One bullet was recovered from Brickley’s body. At the end of the hearing, Nakfoor Pratt went into more detail on the blunt-force traumas listed in the autopsy report. Brickley had a broken nose, broken jaw, four broken ribs on her left side, and three on her right. She had multiple lacerations and abrasions to her face, both ears, neck and upper chest. Multiple teeth had been kicked out of their sockets. “Your honor, there is a total of 21 bluntforce injuries,” Nakfoor Pratt told Judge Taylor Owens Staff Writer Local law enforcement investigated two murders this year, that of GracynMichael Brickley of Ionia County in February, and Lane Roslund of Hastings imSeptember. Andrew Lafey, 22, of Nashville, arrest­ ed by Barry County Sheriff’s deputies for the murder of 19-year-old Brickley, has been' charged with open murder, torture, concealment of a body, and five firearms charges. The killing took place behind a house on Guy Road in Maple Grove Township Feb. 16, police said. According to testimony given at the preliminary hearing Nov. 1, Lafey shot Brickley twice in the chest and abdomen with a.22 rifle. After Brickley fell to the ground, Lafey used his phone to record an 1 fyiiiinute video that showed him repeat­ edly kicking her until she died. Then he buried her body under a few inches of snow, went back to the house where he was staying, and showed his friends the video. The next morning, the homeowner, who said Lafey had shown him the video, met with Lafey’s father, Joseph Ketola, and they reported Lafey to the police. * 'Lafey, who was arrested later that day, told police where they could find Brickley’s body. r After he was taken to the Barry County Jail; Lafey was interviewed by Barry County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Janette Maki. , Lafey told her that he had only known Brinkley for a few weeks, perhaps a ’month. . He said, before they had sex the first time,' he told Brickley that, if she gave him a.sexually transmitted infection, he would kilt her - and that she should kill him if he -gave her one. Lafey said he wasn’t serious PUBLIC NOTICE % Cij^Administratiye Office Hours At the October 11, 2021 City Council meeting, the Council unanimously voted to change the open to the public hours for the City of Hastings Administration Offices. ■Beginning January 1,2022, the office hours will be from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday - Friday. Appointments may be made outside of these hours if needed. Payments received after 4:00 PM will be receipted for the next business day. .The police department will remain open their regular business hours. Please call 269-945-2468 with questions regarding this notice. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk • p highpoint COMMUNITY BANK ■ Please note our special HOLIDAY HOURS: Friday, December 31st New Year's Eve - Close at 3 pm W.C- Saturday, January 1st New Year's Day - CLOSED \TM and Online Banking is available 24 Hours a Day! Member FDIC iighpointcommunitybank.com Pratt said. “Apparently, he holds himself up as some kind of forensic auditor - and those are very expensive. So, I don’t know what he was auditing, or if he was in his capacity as an auditor. But, if he was, the question that popped into my mind was, ‘Well, who’s pay­ ing him?’ Is he doing this for free?’ “My understanding is that he was doing a tremendous amount of questioning. So, I’d like to know, if this is a law enforcement investigation, who is he?” At one point, Pratt called for a halt to the investigation, until Leaf explained to her what his office was doing. The sheriff was initially unclear about Lynch in his conversations with The Banner. “I don’t know too much about him,” Leaf said, adding that he did not know who was paying Lynch or if he has an official title or special training. Lynch is not an attorney, Leaf added, but he is helping the department with election issues because the sheriff’s officers are not trained in how to investigate election fraud. “This is pretty new stuff for us,” the sheriff said, pointing out that his office frequently goes to outside parties for help. He later identified Lynch as a former chief security officer for DTE in Detroit. Leaf said Lynch is experienced and quali­ fied to help with this investigation and that the county isn’t paying him. “He’s privately funded somewhere,” Leaf said. “I don’t know. I don’t know if he’s a private investigator or what.” The sheriff added that he did not have any problem not knowing who was paying Lynch to work with his office. The Banner's efforts to reach Lynch were unsuccessful. However, a DTE spokesman said Lynch had retired in 2019 and doesn’t work there anymore. Bridge Michigan was able to contact Lynch, and he spoke to a reporter briefly before he directed the news outlet to his attor­ ney, Stefanie Lambert Junttila. She told Bridge that Lynch had done some work for her previously, but that he was not being paid to investigate voter fraud in Barry County. r---- - — up -te ..'S^BaNNER D192./D SUBSCRIBE community * ■ City Government ■ Business News ■ Church Announcements Allegan, Calhoun, Eaton, Ionia, Kalamazoo and Kent Counties: □ 1 Year $60.00 bL ■ Outside of Above Counties for 5 Months or More ,01 Year $65.00 □ $10.00 per month Adam Heikkila, a local business owner in Hastings and former township official in Calhoun County’s Bedford Township, accused Scrimger of breaking several state laws, and ordered a Hastings City Police sergeant to take her into custody. “If [the officer] is not going to uphold the law that has been required and requested of him at this time, to take Ms. Scrimger into custody, from my custody, then we will stay here,” Heikkila said, “and I will stay here until his superior comes in and informs him of the law that he needs to follow.” County Board Chairman and Board of Health Chairman Ben Geiger adjourned the meeting. Police escorted Scrimger from the building. Heikkila was later charged with disturbance of a lawful meeting for his attempt to arrest Scrimger. He is scheduled to appear in Barry County District Court on the misdemeanor charge at 2 p.m. Jan. 11. On Sept. 30, Scrimger rescinded the mask and quarantine orders for area school districts, effective the next day. A news release from BEDHD linked the decision to legislative action to reduce funding to those local health departments that had instituted mask mandates. “The rescission of these orders is due to boiler­ plate language included in the fiscal 2022 state bud­ get that purports to restrict funding to local health departments with COVID-19 local emergency orders in effect as of Oct. 1,2021,” the release said. Scrimger still recommended that schools imple­ ment their own requirements. “We urge our local school districts and other educational settings to continue to implement uni­ versal masking policies and follow quarantine best practices,” she said in the release. “It’s critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 within schools and our communities.” Geiger said he was pleased that the order was lifted. “For eight days, we’ve seen our community nearly tom apart,” he said at that time. “We cannot allow mandates like this to pit parents against pub­ lic health. “The Legislature and the governor need to add more checks and balances to our public health code to prevent future community division and heartbreak.” Junttila had previously worked with Leaf on a lawsuit that tried to halt the state from certify­ ing the vote. The suit used sworn affidavits from Barry County residents who stated their suspicions regarding election procedures, and also listed Dar Leaf “in his capacity as Barry County Sheriff.” That lawsuit was dismissed by a judge. Junttila was later sanctioned for filing anoth­ er lawsuit alleging voter fraud, which U.S. District Court Judge Linda Parker called a “his­ toric and profound abuse of the judicial pro­ cess.” Although Leaf had told The Banner that details of the investigation, including the com­ plaint that started it, would not be divulged until the probe was complete, he eventually announced some of those details at a political rally in Hillsdale just a few weeks later. He disclosed during the rally that the com­ plaint came from a former employee of the sheriff’s office, who The Banner then contacted. Julie Jones, a former sergeant with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that she had submitted the original complaint that started the investigation into voter fraud in Barry County. Jones, who retired in 2019, said her com­ plaint was based on a court document that came from a lawsuit filed by William Bailey in Antrim County. She had obtained it from the website of Bailey’s lawyer, Matthew DePemo of Portage. “It all came from the information, Barry County-specific information, from Matt DePemo’s case brief,” Jones said. “My report pretty much mimicked what was in the case brief.” She filed her complaint in April, but the law­ suit that it had been based on was dismissed by a judge in early May. A report released by the Republican-led Senate Oversight Committee specifically named DePemo as pushing false election claims, a Bridge Michigan article reported. “The committee closely followed Mr. DePemo’s efforts and can confidently conclude they are demonstrably false and based on mis­ leading information and illogical conclusions,” the report said. That report also called for the attorney gener­ al and Michigan State Police to investigate individuals who have made false claims about the election for profit or publicity. DePemo raised more than $384,000 for an “election fraud defense fund,” and announced a campaign for attorney general, according to the Bridge story. DePemo has since become a can­ didate for attorney general, and has been endorsed by Trump. Jones said what she read in the Antrim County brief has led her to believe votes were stolen from Barry County residents, and that both Democrats and Republicans conspired to steal the election from the former president. “Am I in love with Donald Trump? No. Am I in love with freedom? Yes,” she said. “I’m pret­ ty sure that there was fraud; actually, I would bet my life on it. “Attorneys don’t go to court lying. They go to court with information they can back up, because they can lose their license over that.” Leaf also told the crowd at the Hillsdale rally that Barry County clerks had expressed con­ cerns to him about the election. “The big thing that my clerks are telling me - there’s a handful of clerks anyways - they’re complaining that they don’t run the elections,” he said. “It’s run by the vendor that goes and programs its computers. They say it’s very vul­ nerable.” “That’s an outright lie,” Palmer said in response to these comments. “They (the clerks) do run the election; they’re the ones that are there.” None of the election officials The Banner interviewed said they had seen any evidence of fraud in Barry County. “I know that there is no voter fraud in Barry County; I’m positive,” a member of the board of canvassers, Anne Richards, said. “It’s just not possible. We feel very confident, the four of us (on the canvassing board), that the elections were very honest.... “We go through everything with a fine-tooth comb at the board of canvassers.” Bob Price, a four-term member of the Barry County Board of Canvassers, which certifies the vote every election, said he doesn’t see how the fraud they’re alleging would even be possi­ ble without leaving a trail of evidence. “I don’t buy it,” Price said. As of Monday, the investigation was still ongoing, Leaf said, noting that he will not be able to report on its findings until it is finished. fapp&un$* i/v BARRY COUNTY * Barry County: !□ 1 Year $52.00 left to them, and not to a governmental entity. Some joined so-called “Stand Up” parent groups and expressed their anger to local school boards during public comment periods at board meetings. A few days before Scrimger issued the mask mandate order, some Thomapple Kellogg Schools parents leveled an attack on then school board-president Kristen Cove over an e-mail exchange with Scrimger where Cove appealed to the health officer to issue a mandate. A few short weeks earlier, then-TK Superintendent Dan Remenap had spoken out at a forum in favor of allowing parental choice on the mask issue. The parents had gotten a hold of the e-mail exchange through a Freedom of Information Act request. “We’ve had a lot of back-and-forth; we’ve been to a lot of these meetings; we’ve had a lot of conversa­ tions with administration; and we kept coming back to this: ‘Why don’t you trust us? Why do you question everything?’ Well, I think the answer is in that email,” TK parent Keara Hilton said at the Sept 13 board meeting. “You guys told us what you were going to do, and then went behind our back - seemingly behind the administration’s back - to try to get the health depart­ ment to demand what you wanted all along, which was to mask our children and take away our choice as parents to raise them the way we see fit.” Cove resigned her office less than two weeks after that board meeting. Hundreds attended board of education meetings in Maple Valley, Delton and other area school dis­ tricts. The Maple Valley Board of Education passed a resolution stating it did not believe the order was necessary, and the superintendents of Delton and Hastings issued similar statements to the health department. Maple Valley also canceled school for the first few days of the mandate, after many families said they would not send their children in either protest or concern of conflict over the masks. The anger and frustration over the mask mandate hit its peak the day after the orders took effect, at a Sept. 23 health board meeting. For six hours, hun­ dreds spoke out against the mandates during a meeting at Leason Sharpe Hall. SHERIFF, continued from page 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CITY OF HASTINGS „. William Doherty. “That is a clear, clear indication of torture.” Doherty agreed. Although the video was not shown during the hearing, the judge viewed it in chambers during recess. “It is clear from the video that Mr. Lafey committed a brutal, heinous murder of Gracyn Brickley,” he said at the conclu­ sion of the proceedings. “... I don’t see any doubt that he committed those offens­ es.” “The video clearly shows torture and the intent to inflict extreme pain to the victim, and just a brutal attitude, numer­ ous name callings, a lot of statements within that video, along with the com­ ments to the witnesses, watching the moment (that) her life left her eyes, the obvious pain that the victim was in.” Lafey’s defense attorney, James Kinney, said he plans to file a motion to bar the video from being shown at the trial. Judge Michael Schipper will consider the motion during a hearing scheduled to take place Jan. 12. In the case involving 17-year-old Lane Roslund, Michigan State Police arrested Patrick Gilmore, 17, of Hastings, for the murder. Roslund was last seen in Tyden Park on Sept. 11, and was reported missing on Sept. 21. His body was found in a shallow grave on a property just north of Hastings on Oct. 12. Troopers said Roslund had been killed with a crossbow. Gilmore was arraigned in Barry County District Court on one count of open mur­ der, a felony punishable by up to life in prison, and concealing the death of an individual, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. He is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on Jan. 19. MASK, continued from page 1 ---------------------------------- ■ High School Sports ■ Legals Jif*® g Local Ads and much more HastingsBanner.com CALL 269-945-9554 OR 800-870-7085 PANDEMIC, continued from page 1 People signed up online to get the vaccines, often through multiple clinics, and attempted to grab the few appointments as soon as they became available. Health department officials said the slots were gone within minutes during the initial weeks of the rollout. But as the vaccines gradually became more avail­ able, residents were able to get their shots at walk-in clinics this summer. Health officials say the vaccines have prevented numerous deaths and severe sickness. The presence of the vaccines changed the pan­ demic, they said, as businesses started to reopen, in-person activities returned, and life returned to some normalcy for many residents. But new variants of the COVID-19 virus have created concerns. Early this year, the Alpha variant caused a surge in cases, followed by another surge from the Delta variant - while a new strain, Omicron, is currently spreading throughout the United States. These variants have been shown to be more con­ tagious and, at least in the cases of Alpha and Delta, more deadly. Last year, there were 35 deaths due to complica­ tions from COVID-19 reported in Barry County. This year, there have been an additional 96. On Tuesday, there were seven deaths reported since the previous week. The single-day record for the percentage of COVID tests that were positive in Barry County last year was about 22 percent. The record this year was 44 percent. The virus also put a temporary halt to in-person learning at Barry County school districts, due to staff shortages or attendance drops due to illness. Some events that had been canceled last year took place this year, but certain elements of the events had to be changed to allow for social distancing. More recently, COVID booster shots have become available, and the health department is recommend­ ing that everyone get the extra immunity they pro­ vide to help guard against the spread of new vari­ ants. Standing at 63.5 percent of the county vaccinated, the health department remains short of its 70 percent goal - and health officials say the variants mean that goal likely needs to be even higher for a return to some lasting normalcy. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 30, 2021 — Page 3 Leadership changes highlight year at local schools t i Greg Chandler, t Taylor Owens and Ben Simon ? Staff Writers I 2021 was a year of major changes for schools across Barry County. Superintendents stepped down at two dis­ tricts - Thomapple Kellogg and Delton Kellogg - while Hastings Area School System hired a new superintendent. At Thomapple Kellogg Schools, Barry County’s largest district in terms of enroll­ ment, Superintendent Dan Remenap resigned earlier this month, just 13 months after he had left the superintendent’s posi­ tion in Hastings to take the TK job. The School board at a Dec. 13 meeting approved a separation agreement with Remenap, with his departure effective Dec. 31. c “The board accepted Mr. Remenap’s res­ ignation consistent with a separation agree­ ment. The board wishes Mr. Remenap well,” TK board president Matt Powers said in a written statement issued after that meeting. - Remenap had come into the TK superin­ tendent’s position with high hopes and solid backing from the school board. i In April, Remenap’s brother, Kevin, an assistant principal at Thomapple Kellogg High School, died when he was returning home from a family spring break trip to Florida. Kevin Remenap had been at TKHS since 2018, and before that had taught Chemistry at Caledonia High School for 17 years. He was 44. ? Then on Sept. 3, Dan Remenap went on temporary medical leave. In an interview with The Hastings Banner, he said he he took the leave at the recommendation of his doctor. “I’ve had some ulcer issues. I’ve lost 30 pounds since my brother died,” Remenap said then. “I’m OK, I’m just not going in a good direction. I need to take some time off to get back on a better path, mentally and physically. I am very open to discussing this. I am not ashamed to admit I am strug­ gling and need the time and help... I am looking forward to returning.” At the time, Remenap was expected to be on leave for eight to 10 weeks, former board President Kristen Cove said. TK Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy took over for Remenap as interim superintendent during his leave. Remenap was expected to return to duties in mid-November, and McCarthy even indicated at a Nov. 8 board meeting that he expected the superintendent to return that week. “I just want to thank you all for the oppor­ tunity to fill in, and your confidence in my abilities,” McCarthy said at that meeting. “I always strive to return things in better con­ dition than I took them. Hopefully, that happened this time. At least the ship is still floating.” However, a day later, Powers sent out an email to TK staff, indicating that Remenap’s leave had been extended “for an undeter­ mined amount of time.” Remenap never returned to work before resigning. McCarthy remains interim super­ intendent at TK and will remain so for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year, Powers said. When Remenap stepped down as superin­ tendent at Hastings, the district’s Board of Education didn’t look far for his replace­ ment. The board opted to choose an in-house interim superintendent who could help ease the transition during the midst of a pandem­ ic. They chose Matt Goebel, who had been the district’s assistant superintendent of student achievement of eight years. Goebel’s interim superintendent contract was scheduled to last until June 30. But by March 15, the board had already made its decision. They picked Goebel as its next superintendent. “Although Mr. Goebel is new to this posi­ tion, he’s not new to the district,” Board President Luke Haywood said. “He’s been with us for eight years. With that said, we were very appreciative that Matt was will­ ing to step up and fill this role for us. During our pandemic, things were turned upside down and to have a steady figure at the helm has really helped the district.” For Goebel, the appointment marked the end of a years-long mission. He had inter­ viewed for six other superintendency open­ ings, including Hastings, before finally receiving the position in March. But the role of superintendent in 2021 has come with plenty of challenges and packed public meetings. Goebel has been tasked with navigating an ongoing pandemic, deal­ ing with masks mandates and leading the district through a bond campaign. The August bond proposal narrowly lost by less than 100 votes, but the district plans to pur­ sue another bond of the same scope in May of 2022. In his first full year as the permanent superintendent, Goebel also implemented a new districtwide program called “What’s Your Plan?” The initiative encourages stu­ dents from kindergarten through high school to set goals and devise a strategy to achieve those goals. At Delton Kellogg, Superintendent Kyle Corlett announced his resignation during the November board of education meeting. After being at the district for four-and-a-half years, Corlett accepted a position at Ludington Area Schools, a district with about twice the enrollment as Delton. He served his last day with Delton on Dec. 20, the last board meeting of the year. “It is with heartfelt gratitude that I thank the Delton Kellogg Board of Education for the tremendous opportunity to serve here, and to the staff and community for welcom­ ing me with open arms,” Corlett said in a letter to the board and community at the Nov. 15 board meeting. He called his decision bittersweet, but said he believes the opportunity at Ludington aligns with his mission of impacting the lives of students and will provide the profes­ sional growth that will benefit his family. “For over the past four years, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve Delton Kellogg schools and its community as its superintendent,” Corlett said. rw* “During that time, the district has iriade great strides in a number of areas, includihgi the passing of a bond that will imprdvei facilities and update technology, the.purchase of new reading and math curriculum^ programs, increasing counseling support, as* well as having successfully navigated through a pandemic together. “I am proud of these accomplishments, that were only possible through the collec-■ tive efforts of the board, staff and communi-r ty. The school district is in an excellent position, academically and financially; to* move forward and continue the positive momentum it currently has.” * The board asked retired educator Carl Schoessel to serve as the interim superinterf* dent until a permanent replacement is found. As the superintendent of Hastings Areal Schools for 21 years, and the interim supen intendent for three years before Coriett’s' hiring, he was the obvious choice, Delton* school board members said. * Schoessel was officially named interirftat the December board meeting. <<'s Board president Jessica Brandli said 4hc* board will hear pitches from superintendent search consultants during the January Lor February board meeting, and plan to hav6‘& new superintendent ready to start the -new school year on July 1. t X Ti-> Federal funds offer opportunity to address critical needs 1 Greg Chandler Staff Writer Governmental units from throughout Barry County have been wrestling over the past several months with how to allocate funding they have received through the fed­ eral American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package that was approved by Congress and signed into law in early March by President Joe Biden. c County commissioners are expected to decide in early January on how to spend the first of two nearly $6 million allocations the county has received through ARPA, which was developed in response to the COVID19 pandemic. A second allocation is expect­ ed in 2022. <: An eight-member advisory task force in late Novembers outlined .its recommenda­ tions for what projects should receive approval for ARPA funding. The committee deceived 19 applications totaling $15 mil­ lion. . The project that received the highest score from the advisory board was the pro­ posed $1.7 million water tower project in Delton. The project would receive more than $1.33 million in ARPA funding toward the construction of a 200,000-gallon tower € to bolster water capacity that Barry Township officials say is sorely lacking. Currently, Delton cannot support a sprinkler system in a new school building and fire­ fighters cannot use the hydrants because of a lack of water capacity. “The fire department would deplete the water system in a matter of minutes if the hydrants were used,” the township’s appli­ cation reads. And the lack of water capacity has prov­ en to be a hinderance in attracting develop­ ment to Delton. “We need to grow. Delton needs to grow. And we need some infrastructure,” Barry Township Supervisor Barry Bower said at the Nov. 30 special meeting where the rec­ ommended projects were detailed. The ARPA Raiding would be combined with additional separate GOVID-19 relief funding of nearly $368,000 to make con­ struction of the tower possible. Jennifer Heinznian, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, said at the presenta­ tion that the township was ready to break ground if the ARPA Rinding was approved. “They have already completed all of the engineering studies and everything to get the project shovel ready,” Heinzman said. Another water tower project, this one in the Village of Freeport, received the sec­ ond-highest score from the advisory board. The village is seeking $839,000 to repair its existing 100,000-gallon water tower, which is rusting and covered in lead paint. It would also Rmd a new water main. “The Village of Freeport water system is at a critical need to maintain its reliable, sustainable, safe water system for the resi­ dents,” Village President Bill Andrews said at the special meeting. Funding from the village and the vil­ lage’s own allocation of ARPA Rinding would help make up the remaining cost of the water project, estimated at slightly more than $1 million. Ranking third on the committee’s list is a $2.4 million proposal for a new 800 mega­ hertz »communications tower that would serve first responders throughout Barry County. Currently, every 800 MHz commu­ nication in the county goes through a single tower, and county Central Dispatch Director Stephanie Lehman says the system is inad­ equate. “The implementation of an additional tower site would increase our load capacity, coverage and provide increased interopera­ bility to better respond t the needs of Barry County while creating a safer communica­ tions platform for the public safety commu­ nity,” the application said. Several first responder agencies submit­ ted letters in support of the ARPA funding for the additional tower, identifying prob­ lems with the current system that include coverage “dead zones,” busy signals when trying to speak and the inability to talk while inside of a building. “This poses serious concerns for the safe­ ty of responders because they rely on the system to request assistance during emer­ gencies,” wrote Keith Disselkoen, post com­ mander of the Michigan State Police post in Wayland, which covers Barry County. Also submitting letters of support were the Barry County Sheriff’s Department, Hastings City Police, Barry County Medical Control Authority and Barry County Fire Service Association. If approved, the construction dT a new tower is expected to take about two years. Another project recommended for ARPA funding was additional paving of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail, starting next spring. The Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission wants to pave 4.5 miles of the trail, in three separate seg­ ments: Fire at St. Rose severely damages church ■ The fire at St. Rose of Lima Church in Hastings burned this stairway, along with the vestibule of the historic church and broke stained glass windows. Taylor Owens Staff Writer St. Rose of Lima in Hastings is still holding weekend Mass in its school gym, while the church waits for resto­ ration work to be completed after a fire severely damaged the building this summer. The fire, which investigators said was likely electrical in origin, broke out around 4 a.m. the morning of July 13. Hastings City Assistant Fire Chief Rick Krouse said firefighters arrived at the church within three minutes of receiving a smoke complaint, and saw flames coming out of the windows. They knocked down the fire within 15 to 20 minutes, and continued to work on the building for the next four hours. More than 30 firefighters from five dif­ ferent departments responded to the incident. The fire burned a stairway, the vesti­ bule, broke several stained-glass win­ dows and even destroyed items donated for a planned fundraising bazaar. A large window above the main doors, depicting St. Cecilia, was com­ pletely destroyed by the fire. “In my opinion that was the most beautiful stained-glass window of the church,” Deacon Gene Haas said. St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, was a particular favorite of Haas’, and he loved to see sunlight stream through the window in the evening. “It was an absolutely spectacular, beautiful, stained-glass window,” Haas said. The windows were as old as the church itself, which was built in 1915. Phil Green, chairperson of the Parish Council, said Monday he expects it will be at least a year from the time of the fire until services are able to return to the church. In the months since the fire, every­ thing has been removed from inside the church, and it has been thoroughly cleaned, Green said. Parts of it were blasted with dry ice to remove the layer of smoke which had set in, and some sections which received structural dam­ age have also been replaced. “It’s just been an extensive process,” Green said. The parish is now working to restore the church just as it was before the fire. Green said they have gathered a collec­ tion of photos of the inside of the church, so an artist can recreate the paintings on the ceiling and walls. They are also planning to replace the stained glass windows. But Green said a number of issues have delayed the restoration work, mak­ ing it difficult to gain an idea of the timeline or the total cost of the work. “There’s so many variables that we don’t have answers for,” Green said. The supply chain shortage has ren­ dered the church unable to get some materials, such as plaster, and the dis­ covery of asbestos in some areas put a temporary halt to the work. But Green said he has been impressed by the parish, and their willingness make sacrifices and step to contribute in the name of restoring their church. He hopes they will be able to hold services in late summer, or fall of 2022, but said it is impossible to say for sure. A 2.75-mile section of trail east and-west of the Village of Nashville to the Eaton County line; A 1-mile section transecting the Thomapple Manor senior care center jn, Hastings Charter Township; A 0.8-mile stretch from the Kent County^ line at 108th Street, southeast to Stimson* Road in Thomapple Township. The parks commission sought more than: $1.23 million for the additional paving. The* advisory board has recommended $650,000^ “This is an opportunity for us to makesome connectivity within the county, wUfcre; it doesn’t exist,” County Parks Director" Dan Patton said at the Nov. 30 special nteet-C ing. “As you drive in and around theMiddleville area and in and around Hastings area, you see the amount of use* that trails and parks have experiencedsoveiR the last [couple of years]. We feel this is;ar^ opportunity to move things forward.” y Funding for the project would include! estimated costs for design, engineering andT construction of these new sections of trdiCj The new trail would be a 10-foot-Widdl asphalt pathway consistent with other paved* sections of the Paul Henry Thomapple Trails in Middleville and Hastings, according to* the project application. < MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber , Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleanings BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 Dental Receptionist Needed - Full Time Will train the right person. Must be personable, very intelligent, play,, well with others. Send resume with references to: Dental 4888 E. M-79 Hwy Nashville, MI 49073 Closing at 4 p.m. New Year's Eve ¥ Jesus Loves You! •" QUESTIONS: ASK US... 218 E. State St., Hastings • 945-9673 More Top 10 stories, Page 5 s KWiBM OPEN: Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm; Saturday 9 am-3 pm Hulst Dry Cleaners Pick-Up Station r �Page 4 — Thursday, December 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Do you know where you are? 2021 makes 2022 look good To find the answer to that philosophical question j u;ls the new year begins, just head for the new Union ' Block mural on South Jefferson Street in downtown - Hastings. It’s shown here at the Dec. 2 celebration to ' commemorate the new three-story black-and-white t; pointing of a map of the United States. In the lower right comer beneath the map, find the asterisk next to the answer. Take a photo of yourself by that asterisk 'and you’ll have visual proof of the answer. Now that’s a photo worth sharing. Do you remember? Final session ' U 'I. ? ei-1 1 J , ,1, X 1 X I,..X ; t,,.., „i., , J .,2 .1 /, J , f, , g, j >•'! Banner Dec. 26, 1968 Hastings photographer Duane White of White’s Studio took this photo of members of ■ 'the Barry County Board of Supervisors attendtrig their final session Tuesday, Dec. 17. The new county board is scheduled to take office Jan. 1,1969. Pictured (front row, from left) are -Ernest Hoffman, Carlton Township; Victor Eckardt, Woodland; Russell Meade, Castleton; William Hayes, Irving; R.A. “Bob” Lyons, Prairieville; Roy Noffke, Thornapple; Donna Kinney, Hastings City clerk; (second row) . ^Walter Soya, Baltimore; William Cridler, county clerk; William Schantz, Maple Grove; Floyd Craig, Hastings assessor; Kenneth Church, Hope; Jack Love, Assyria; (third row) Jerome VanMatre, Yankee Springs; Paul Richard Dean, Rutland; Jack O’Connor, Hastings Township; Lloyd Hoffman, Barry; (back row) Earl McKibbin, Orangeville; Luther Lenz, Johnstown; and Franklin C. Beckwith, Hastings mayor. met? L L . ... fa. J . . : . . fc^ lJ .,L 2 1 .X a Have you a & ? * . a g * a ... ■ : ,A- T - * .a. a ..2_____ x . ____ a,.,,,!,,^.^,;.,'.,-,,,,^,^,^, ________ £ ,x a .» r T J \.g.... -„rX.X,X.X;^l.,L-.„X. X ___ _____________ ___ U l ___ r.'„.^....&..<L»a__ ■ ,.£ „y 7 A X lA X i J i.iU .L L /X L ..,,.,. U , V f, L .X \„ '.. 1, J l , Eight years ago, William Doherty attend­ ed an auction with some friends when a 50-year-old broken boat and trailer came up for sale. He didn’t know anything about boats. But, when they started the bidding, no one raised their hand, and, for some odd reason, Doherty did. A t ew minutes later, he _ walked away with a boat and a trailer for just $1,100. “It was just one of the very few, if any, spur-of-the-moment decisions I made,” Doherty said. The boat, in some ways, gave Doherty a much-needed outlet. As Barry County’s probate judge of 17 years, Doherty deals with cases that cause him some sleepless nights. Sometimes it’s hard to leave the job at work. “There are cases that you bring home, or that are so traumatic that they stick in your brain.” Except after work on Thursdays. That’s when a group of friends pack into Doherty’s bam in the city of Hastings. Doherty calls them his “boat friends.” For eight years, they have spent Thursday nights restoring the wooden 1963 Century Clipper 27-foot cabin cruiser he bought at auction. They’ve had to revive the engine, fix the woodwork, repaint, scrap plexiglass, replenish the bunks and clean the gas tank. It has taken eight years, and they’re still in the process of restoring it. It takes up over half the bam, propped up on wooden stands and towering over the space. As a kid, Doherty didn’t undertake many restoration projects in bams. Instead, he grew up on U.S. Army bases around the world, since his father was serving in the Army. In fact, his father wasn’t bom in the United States. He was raised in Ireland, in the countryside there, until he reached the age of 19. A number of his father’s siblings had relocated to the United States and, hop­ ing to find a better life, his father followed them. He got sponsorship from an uncle, worked for more than a year and received his citizenship. Not long after, he decided to join the Army, where he rose from medical supply officer to major in the span of two decades. “I mean, to come over here as an immi­ grant, and work his way up to that position. ’ Certainly made us all proud,” Doherty said. Doherty was bom on an Army base in England. By the time his family moved to the United States in elementary school, he had a British accent and the kids would t^ase him. He quickly got rid of it and now, he said, his British accent is no “better than anybody else.” Throughout his childhood, Doherty, the oldest of five, bounced around from Niagara Falls, N.Y., to Fort Bragg, N.C., to ^ Washington, D.C., and to Chicago. Toward „ the end of Doherty’s high school years, his rather retired after 20 years in the service. The family settled down in the suburbs of Flint, where his mother had grown up. ~ Tn 1981, Doherty enrolled at Michigan * State University, studying electrical engi’ neering for two and a half years. But as the ? classes progressed, Doherty realized he . didn’t want to design circuits anymore. “It’s like I don’t want to be designing circuits for the rest of my life,” he said. “I William Doherty would much rather be working with people; my wife [Laura Doherty], who was my steady girlfriend at the time, ... suggested law. That’s actually why I went that way.” He graduated in 1985 with a degree in general business and spent three more years in law school at Wayne State University. After he graduated in 1988, the couple moved to Hastings, where Laura had grown up. “I never even really knew West Michigan really existed. West of Lansing, I had no idea,” he said. But it didn’t take long for him to adjust. “I feel like, being an Army brat, you’re pretty adaptable,” he said. “You just adapt to what is thrown at you. I really don’t feel like I had that much to worry about.” Laura, whose maiden name is Allerding, knew Barry County Circuit Court Judge Richard Shuster. She connected Doherty with the judge and he spent a year as Shuster’s clerk. That experience made him want to become a judge. But he didn’t go into the profession right away. Instead, he spent 16 years as a lawyer with Dimmers, McPhillips, and Doherty, totaling 2,500 case files by the time he stepped away from that work. After Judge Richard Shaw retired, Doherty ran for office in 2004 and was elected probate court judge. He has served in that role ever since. Ten years ago he also became the chiefjudge for the Barry County Unified Trial Court. Doherty works with a variety of cases, including those dealing with abuse and neglect, juveniles, landlord-tenant disputes, civil cases under $25,000, delinquency, guardianship, and wills and trusts. Doherty said his primary job, though, is to listen. “One thing I like to think I have a bit of a talent for is understanding where both sides are coming from,” he said. “...I just think people have to try and put themselves in the other person’s shoes and realize that there is some solution to most problems that aren’t one-winner-takes-all.” The job comes with its challenges. He must stay impartial, but that’s sometimes difficult in a place where he has lived for more than 30 years. “As a judge, you see so many people every day,” he said. “... and a lot of people in town are like, ‘Oh, hey, how you doing?’ ” Doherty estimates he is acquainted with a quarter of the people who come before him in court. About four to five times a year, he said, he has to recuse himself from a case because of his familiarity with the people involved. “Myjihe (for that deci­ sion) is if I’ve been to their house or they’ve been to mine,” h^said. Given the nature of the cases he’s han­ dling, he makes sure to take some breaks. He works on his boat. He watches sports. He builds things from scratch, like the tree­ house in his backyard. He spends time with his two kids: Maggie, who is currently doing a music therapy internship in Minneapolis, and Emily, a Hastings resi­ dent and active community member. And, every single day, he walks the four miles from work to home and then back again. He doesn’t just walk - he speed-walks at nearly 4 mph. On these walks, after decades living and working in the community, it’s not uncommon for him to see people he knows. He rarely goes to town, he said, without having someone approach him. “Not that it’s a bad thing,” he remarked. “I actually appreciate it.” For his role as a Barry County judge, William Doherty is this week’s Bright Light’. Favorite movie: "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Favorite TV show: I always used to like, believe it or not, "The Rockford Files” which was an old 70’s detective TV show. But, lately, I like "Schitt’s CreekF and "Frankie and Grace.” If I could go anywhere in the world: New Zealand. Person I most admire and why: Having recently lost my parents, I admire them both for their dedication to each other and to their family. Book I’d recommend: This book about Beaver Island. It’s called "King of Confidence.” Person I’m glad to have met me: Obviously my wife of 35 years. Can’t believe it has been 35 years. That’s a long time. But she’s been an awesome person, wonderful. What motivates me: The biggest moti­ vation for me is seeing kids get into a better situation. The juvenile delinquency-type cases, those cases, when we get a kid that goes from a bad situation and we ultimately end up with a kid that’s actually functioning and doing well. Abuse/neglect cases are the same way. Favorite vacation destination: Beaver Island. Lessons from childhood: I think the biggest one is, with both of my folks being big on equality and saying to us, “You’re no better than anybody else. Now, don’t believe that anybody else is better than you, but treat everybody like they’re your equal. And expect to be treated the same.” Favorite meal: A big, juicy porterhouse with my wife’s cheesy potatoes. Oh my gosh. And broccoli. If I won the lottery... Barry County would have a lot more support. It’s human nature. People typically remember the big, bad events. The conflict. The controversy. The sheer craziness of what goes on around us. Why do people go to see scary movies anyway? They must like feeling scared. But then a scary movie ends and the audi­ ence can walk away knowing it was just a movie. What we’ve been dealing with for the past two years is for real. And it’s not over. To be precise: “It” is not COVID or the pandemic, per se. “It” is the price we’re paying for it - as individuals, as families and as a commu­ nity. This year, one obvious impact of the pandemic was on the collective psyche of the citizenry. Some people just hit a proverbial wall. We documented that frustration and fear, as it was expressed by hundreds of people at school board and health board and government meetings this year. It was painful to witness, especially those moments when people and, some­ times, the process itself broke down com­ pletely. As we try to figure out what lies ahead, it seems apparent that we will not “con­ quer” COVID. It will likely be with us in some form - for the foreseeable future. So people are figuring out ways they can get on with their lives. They are cre­ ating a new paradigm, in effect, that acknowledges the reality of the coronavi­ rus without forsaking the lifestyles that matter most to them. That, I guess, is the good news from this year. But it’s not the only good news. The Banner has reported many inspira­ tional stories - too many to list! - in the past year. Here’s one that comes to mind: Hastings Police Officer Carson Winick saved the life of an 11-year-old boy who was in danger of drowning in the Thomapple River on June 28. The 21-year-old officer had served nine months on the city police force at the time. The boy he rescued says he wants to become a police officer. So many stories we’ve shared this year document people helping others and making a difference for the better in the community. Looking ahead, we will be reporting on many new projects and developments in Hastings - such as the restoration of St. Rose of Lima in Hastings after a fire severely damaged the building last summer. The parish is now working to restore the church just as it was before the fire. And there’s the Royal Coach property, which was among 25 projects in the state picked to receive a share of $27.9 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. It will be the largest housing develop­ ment the city of Hastings has seen in decades. Plus, federal funds being allocated now through the American Rescue Plan Act promise to address thorny issues that local communities would have been help­ less to deal with otherwise. These funds are intended to tackle essential issues - such as providing water service and improving emergency com­ munications and upgrading infrastructure - to meet community needs across Barry County. Come to think of it, with all these major projects to report on, looking ahead seems much more constructive than look­ ing back. So on to 2022. Ultimately, it will be what we make of it. So let’s make it one for the record books - as far as good news goes. Happy New Year. Rebecca Pierce Editor ...... Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email; SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Peter Meijer, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore ’ Ty Greenfield Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $52 per year in Barry County $60 per year in adjoining counties $65 per year elsewhere Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Benjamin Simon Taylor Owens POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 30, 2021 — Page 5 No-fault auto insurance reform devastates local resident^ Benjamin Simon Staff Writer In the spring of 2019, the Michigan Legislature passed a law that would reduce care for catastrophically injured people. The law was scheduled to go into effect on July 1, but Teresa Hughes, a Middleville resident, didn’t have any concerns. Like many, she was under the impression that her son, Troy, would not have his care revoked. “They all said there’s nothing to worry about,” she remembered. “‘Nothing to worry about. You’ll be grandfa­ thered in. He paid for that insurance. And it’s his until he dies.’ “But that didn’t happen.” When July 1 came, Teresa watched Troy, like thousands of people across the state of Michigan, lose their quality of care as caregivers were let go and services were cut back. But then the unthinkable happened: After 13 years of living at the Spectrum Neuro Rehab homes, Troy was kicked out. To the disappointment of his mother, Troy had to move to a nursing home. “That’s his home,” Teresa said. “It’s not a sterile hospital room. It’s where he’s lived for the last 13 years. His bed­ room’s there. His housemates are there. Some of the same people have been working there the entire time. And they all care and love him.” Before July 1, Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance law allowed people in serious vehicle accidents to receive 100 percent reimbursement for their medical costs. Everything Troy needed, he received and he didn’t spend anything. President of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council Tom Judd called it “the best system of care in the country for auto accident victims.” That all changed on July 1. In an effort to lower some of the highest auto insurance rates in the entire country, the state legislature slashed reim­ bursement rates. Most notably, the new law established a “fee schedule,” separating services that Medicare and non-Medicare payable codes could cover. For Medicare payable services, such as physical therapy, speech therapy physicians and nurses, people can receive reimbursement up to 200 percent coverage. But for non-medicare payable services, such as in-home services and residential care, reimbursements rates were cut by 45 percent. “Would our legislators, would all these insurance agents, would they take a 45 percent pay cut? Absolutely not,” asked Amy Henney-Planck, who owns an at-home medical care business in Hastings. “But yet, I’m supposed to take a 45 percent pay cut?” Sinas Dramis Law Firm personal injury attorney Steve Sinas, a no-fault expert, said the legislature did not take enough to consider the ramifications of the no-fault reform. The law sped through the legislature in a matter of weeks and passed in the middle of the night without room for public comment. “This is why people get screwed over when governments pass laws that they don’t even understand without time for public comment,” he said. “And then the political parties convince everybody just to say yes, just because they think it’s in their best political interest to do so.” The reform has impacted people across the state of Michigan, including multiple Barry County residents. The Reminder published a story on Sept. 18 about Jesus Arias, a Hastings Charter Township resident who was in danger of losing his in-home care. The Banner then followed up by writing two pieces on Oct. 14 and Nov. 18 about Troy Hughes, a Middleville native who had been pushed out of his home Spectrum Neuro Rehab closed its doors to 30 people. As a result, Troy moved into a new room at a Spectrum nursing home. But socially, the atmosphere just isn’t the same, said Teresa. Troy rarely leaves his room, if ever. He doesn’t know his caregivers. He doesn’t have a roommate to hang out with. Teresa usually finds him sitting in his chair, alone. “Sad, very sad,” she said. “It’s just not fair to throw him into a sterile hospitalized kind of life in a room where there’s half the staff so he would just be sitting there staring at a TV all day long.” Troy doesn’t receive the same level of care either. He only receives weekly showers, Teresa said. When she calls the center, she doesn’t always get an answer. In adult foster care homes, like the Neuro Rehab homes, Judd estimates that caregivers work with anywhere from 3 to 5 patients. In nursing homes, like one Troy currently lives in, that number can balloon from 10 to 12. For months, lawmakers touted the legislation as a win for Michigan drivers. Before the reform, car owners were required to choose expensive unlimited coverage for person­ al injury protection, which raised auto insurance rates across the state and discouraged some from buying insurance alto­ gether. Now, people have the option to choose their coverage options. As a result of the new law, Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox noted rates have gone down across the state and at least 50,000 previously unin­ sured drivers have purchased insurance. As of mid-October, State Rep. Julie Calley (R-Portland) said she had heard of at least 26 new auto insurance agencies opening in Michigan. The new reform stripped the law of consumer protections that disallow auto insurers from using factors such as marital status, gender, occupation and credit score to determine someone’s rate. But people are still losing their care and, in some cases, dying. In response to the changes, lawmakers set aside $25 mil­ lion to support people like Troy Hughes who had expected to be grandfathered into the system. The money would hold them over until the legislature compiled enough “data” to find a more viable solution. “It’s actually collecting data and understanding - what do these services cost?” Calley said. “What are the expenses that are incurred? Obviously, they need to make something above that, or they’re not going to stay in business, right? So we want to make sure that it’s a sustainable system that prop­ erly supports these businesses or individuals, depending on the size of the provider.” » But there are a few problems. For starters, the $25 is not enough to sustain an institution like the Spectrum Neuro Rehab homes. “Even $25 million, it seems like an extraordinary ampurit of money, it isn’t going to sustain the program work in-per­ petuity,” she said. “We want a long-term solution for patients. That might be a band-aid for a bit of time for-spme providers, it might help us over the next few months, but it’s not going to sustain the program forever.” . And there’s an even bigger problem. As The Detroit ^ews reported on Dec. 16, no one has touched a cent of the $2o million. J The issue has captured the attention of people across thfe state. Seventy-five media outlets have written hundreds cjf news stories, the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Councjl estimates. Protestors marched in front of Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey’s home. Even the locak^arry7 County Farm Bureau insurance agency expressed ^iblic support in changing the law. | But nothing has changed, and many suspect nothing wi|l change. j “They’re going to come up with all kinds of excuses*whv it’s not the time,” Steve Sinas said of the legislature. “Therefs too much power within both parties that want to support these laws, that don’t want to do anything to acknowledge they’ve done anything wrong. » “...I don’t have any hope that there’s going to be a good­ faith attempt by either political party to change any .p,f the fundamental unfairness.” o } NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE BARRY TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF BARRY TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: ORDINANCE NO. G1? - ifyrWld & ■ CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY GAS AND/OR ELECTRIC FRANCHISE ORDINANCE Royal Coach project, destroyed in a blaze, rises from the ashes Benjamin Simon Staff Writer Hastings Community Development Director Dan King called it the largest housing development the city of Hastings has seen in decades. Located on the land of the former Royal Coach building, the project will bring 73 new housing units - 54 apartments and 19 townhouses - to the city. On July 15, The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) awarded more than $27.9 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to fund 25 differ­ ent projects across the state. Hastings and the Royal Coach Apartments were one of them. The $1.5 million housing development will specifically assist low-to-moderate-income residents. Everyone in the apartments will need a steady income. “It’s a workforce housing model, and it’s really about folks that are starting out and don’t have the higher-wage jobs, but they still deserve to live in a good place, they still deserve to live somewhere that is safe and affordable and stable,” Barry Community Foundation President Bonnie Gettys said. But the development didn’t appear magically. The process took years of rejected applications before coming to fruition. About three years ago, the Barry Community Foundation bought the hundred-year-old Royal Coach building from the Baum Family Foundation. They intended to turn the struc­ ture into housing. After bringing on a developer, General Capital Group out of Wisconsin, the two focused on securing a LIHTC award from MSHDA. They submitted an application in October of 2020, bukit did not score high enough on the MSDHA point scale. They were rejected again in April 2020, although they inched a little closer. The groups had plans to submit another applica­ tion during the next cycle. But then the three-story, 31,000 square foot building caught fire in the early morning hours of Oct. 7, 2020. About 40 firefighters fought the blaze, pouring approxi- mately 625,000 gallons of water on the conflagration as it burned to the ground. They were able to keep the fire from spreading to the nearby Hastings Manufacturing Company, but Royal Coach was lost. Earlier this year, four men pleaded guilty to breaking into the building before it burned down. Keigan Sochor, 22, of Hastings, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to entry with intent, and preparation to bum the property. Sochor is set to serve between three and 10 years in pris­ on, Judge Michael Schipper ordered. But, after 18 months, he maybe considered for boot camp, the judge said. A second suspect, Steve Aladics II, 34, of Hastings, pleaded guilty to a charge of entry with intent. Aladics, a four-time habitual offender, received the most severe sentence of the four. He was ordered him to serve between four to 32 years in prison. Two other men, James Miller and Zachary Locklin, pleaded guilty to misdemeanors for entering with intent, for which they were fined. Still, the Barry Community Foundation and General Capital applied again in February 2021. They brought on Gun Lake Tribe and set up the site with the Michigan his­ torical registry. The changes pushed their application over the top and this summer, the project was accepted. King called the development a “catalyst development.” “Once those doors are open and it’s occupied, number one - it will show other developers how vibrant the city of Hastings is,” he said. “...Those apartments will be leased out very quickly and will show other developers the severe need for housing in the city of Hastings and that will lurch other developments forward.” The Royal Coach Project is part of a larger trend to attract more housing to Hastings. Just last month, the Grand Rapids-based developer a.j. Veneklasen broke ground on a three-story building that will bring 21 market-rate apart­ ments in downtown Hastings. “Developers don’t want to come to a city that they feel is dying - we’re anything but that,” King said. “We’re moving forward.” City digs out of $20 million hole, but cuts healthcare benefits for retirees along the way Benjamin Simon Staff Writer When City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale took office in mid-September, she had two months to solve the city’s $20 million deficit in pension and post-employment healthcare liability. But the solution would not come from tinkering with the budget or cutting a few staffers. The city needed to make millions of dollars appear from thin air. And, as former inter­ im city manager Gregg Guetschow said, that called for something drastic. “There are no good choices here,” he told council in August. “...I don’t have any more rabbits to pull out of the hat. There are no miracles here. You have bad choices. And you have worse choices.” On Nov. 10, council decided to strip previously promised post-employment health care benefits from retirees. They ‘ cut off spouses and dependents along with Medicare-eligible retirees from its health care plan. The city will offer the Medicare-eligible people a $100 monthly stipend to contrib­ ute to a new insurance plan. “I realize we’re not going to make everybody happy, I realize that there’s going to be some turmoil,” council mem­ ber Jacquie McLean said. “But I feel like we need to make the best decision moving forward for our municipality so that in the end, we get out of debt quicker.” Before Moyer-Cale arrived, city council held a special meeting on August 30 to learn more about the problem and its options. It was the first time council spoke in-depth about the liability, as Guetschow, who served from early May to mid-September, gave a presentation breaking down the situation. The biggest problem is pensions, Guetschow said, where the city is just about 44 percent funded - a number that has dropped from 68 percent since 2006. The state requires municipalities to exceed 60 percent in funding and if not, it must submit a corrective action plan. If a municipality doesn’t submit the plan, the state could take over its finances. Many municipalities across the state suffer from OPEB, or Other Postemployment Benefits, and pension unfunded liability. But the city of Hastings’ pension plan is one of the lowest funded, said Michael Overley, a regional manager from MERS, the Michigan Employment Retirement Service. Without proper funding, the problem can only get worse, Guetschow said. In 2021, the city is expected to pay $847,000 in pension costs, but, in 20 years, that number will balloon to at least $1.5 million. On the OPEB side, the cost will increase from $400,000 to $600,000. Throughout the past few months, city council members have expressed confusion and frustration over the situation. Every year, MERS provides an estimate of the city’s expect­ ed contribution. And every year, the city met that estimated contribution, even paying extra some years. “The reasons for our dropping - why?” McNabb-Stange asked of Overley. “Why hasn’t the amount that you tell us should be contributed every year at least kept us steady?” Overley, who spoke to council on Aug. 30, said MERS had missed its return on investment for a number of years in a row. The city, Guetschow explained, will pay nearly $1 million in pension funds this year. That $1 million is then invested by MERS before coming back to the city. That return on investment is factored into the city’s payout. But when MERS calculates the city’s payout, the return on investment is estimated. Over the last few years, the See HEALTHCARE, page 6 AN ORDINANCE, granting to CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, its successors and assigns, the right and authority to lay, maintain and commercially operate gas lines and facilities including but not limited to mains, pipes, services and valves and to construct, maintain and commercially use electric lines and related facilities including but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossanns, guys, wires and transformer on, under, along, and across public places including but not limited to highways, streets, alleys, bridges, and waterways, and to conduct a local gas and/or electric business in the TOWNSHIP OF BARRY, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, fora periodofthirty yeans. THE TOWNSHIP OF BARRY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. GRANT and TERM. The TOWNSHIP OF BARRY, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, hereby grants to Consumers Energy Conqjany, its successors and assigns, hereinafter called “Consumers" the right and authority to lay, maintain and commercially operate gas lines and facilities including but not limited to mains, pipes, services and valves and to construct, maintain and commercially use electric lines and related facilities including but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, wires and transformers on, under, along, andacrosspublicplaces includingbutnot limited to highways, streets, alleys, bridges, andwaterways, and to conduct a local gas and/orelectricbusinessin the TOWNSHIPOFBARRY. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, for a period of thirty years. rcn nd J B V/ SECTION 2. CONDITIONS. No public place used by Consumers shall be obstructed longer tan necessary during construction or repair, and shall be restored to the same order and condition as when work was commenced. All of Consumers’ gas lines, electric lines and related facilities shall be placed as not to unnecessarily interfere with the public’s use of public places. Consumers shall have the right to trim or remove trees if necessary in the conducting of such business. SECTION 3. HOLD HARMLESS. Consumers shall save the Township free and harmless from all loss, costs and expense to which it may be subject by reason of the negligent construction and maintenance of the lines and related fricilities hereby authorized. In case any action is commenced against the Township on account of the permission herein given, Consumers shall, upon notice, defend toe Township and its representatives and hold them harmless from all loss, costs and damage arising out of such negligent construction and maintenance. SECTION 4. EXTENSIONS. Consumerssh al! construct and extend its gas and/or electric distribution system within said Township, and shall furnish gas and electric service to applicants residing therein in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. SECTIONS, not exclusive. gm FRANCHISE NOT EXCLUSIVE. The rights, power and authority herein granted, are XI1 SECTION 6. ________________________ _ and electric RATES and CONDITIONS. Consumers shall be entitled to provide gas service to the inhabitants of the Township at the rates and pursuant to the conditions as approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Such rates and conditions shall be subject to review and change upon petition to the Michigan Public Service Commission. SECTION 7. REVOCATION. The franchise granted by this ordinance is subject to revocation upon sixty (60) days written notice by either party. Upon revocation this ordinance shall be considered repealed and of no effect past, present or future. SECTION8. MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION JURISDICTION. Consumers remains subject to the reasonable rules and regulations of the Michigan Public Service Commission applicable to gas and electric service in the Township and those rules and regulations preempt any term of any ordinance of the Township to the contrary. SECTION 9. REPEALER. This ordinance, when enacted, shall repeal and supersede the provisions ofany previous Consumers’ gas and/or electric franchise ordinance adoptedby the Township including any amendments. SECTION 10. VEDATE. This ordinance shiitake effect on 12-27-21 We certify that the foregoing Franchise Ordinance was duly enacted by the Township Board of the TOWNSHIP OF BARRY, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, on the 14th day of December , 2021 Barry Bower, Supervisor Attest: I, Debria Knight, Clerk of the TOWNSHIP OF BARRY, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, D‘O HEREBY CERTIFY that the ordinance granting Consumers Energy Company, a gas and/or electric Franchise, was properly adopted by the Townshpi Board of the TOWNSHIP OF BARRY, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, and that all proceedings were regular and in accordance with all legal re­ quirements. ,,1S Debra Knight, Township Clgrk Dated: 12-14, 2021 -1 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a complete notice of Ordinance No. 68 which was adopted by the Township Board of Barry Township at its meeting held on December 14, 2021. The Ordinance in full follows: -, PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Ordinance has been posted at the Township Office, 11300 S. M-43 Hwy, Delton, Michigan within the Township; and that copies of the same may be obtained or inspected at the office of the Barry township Clerk during regular business days. Barry Township Debra Knight, Clerk 11300 S. M-43 Hwy, Delton, Michigan 269-623-8939 �Page 6 — Thursday, December 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Hilbert “Hilby” Lee Medendorp, bom December 31, 1947, passed away unexpect­ edly on December 25, 2021, with his family by! his side - his wife Reggie of 51 years, son Brian, daughter-in-law Sharon, and granddaughter Brooke Sage. Jffilby’s love for life was first and fore­ most following Jesus, followed up by the love of his life, Reggie. He is now in the arms of his son Scott, who passed away in 20)2. Hilby had a passion with nature and all of God’s creation and enjoyed every minute possible feeling blessed to witness it and live it out. Anyone knowing Hilby knew he so dear­ ly loved them and would often tell them or left them feeling his love. For many years, he just couldn’t wait to spend as much time as possible with Brian on his land, helping with wildlife food plots, enjoying his hunting, and big laughs with Brooke and Sharon. Hilby leaves behind his wife Reggie, son Brian (Sharon) and granddaughter Brooke, his sisters Gale (Rick) Jameson, Karen (Roland) Swerger, brother Bill (Gloria) Medendorp, special sister-in-law Marcia (Jeff) Genther, and many nieces and neph­ ews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Reka Medendorp; brothers, Butch and Albert, and sister, Evelyn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Spiritual Care Consultants, Attention: Gale Kragt, 1375 W. Green Street, Suite #1, Hastings, MI 49058 or online at https ://www.spiritualcareconsultants.com/pages/make-a-donation. Visitation is Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, from Noon to 3 p.m., at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. A private service for immediate family only will be held at 4 p.m. that will be live streamed at http://www.facebook.com/ GirrbachFuneralHome - you do not need a Facebook Account to view. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome.net Owner/Manager Family Owned and Operated Ow7er Emeries Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ”We Exist To Be An Expression Of Who Jesus Is To The World Around Us”. 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hajtingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant Pastor Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sunday Morning Worship: 9: 45 a.m. Kids Church and Nursery are available. Our worship center is set up for social distancing. Aftermath Student Ministries: Sunday 6 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. 269-945­ 4246 Pastor Father Stephan Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m. Sunday. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth (Children Kindergarten-5 th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948­ 0900. Website: www.lifegatecc. com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Hum Fiberglass Prolucts 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 WlUKWfflff 1301W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Herbert Randolph Bishop, age 80, passed away Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 at his home in Nashville. Herb was bom February 8,1941 to Richard J. and Phyllis (Reid) Bishop. Herb grew up in Hastings and attended Hastings schools. He worked at Hastings Fiber Glass, E.W Bliss and D&S Machine Repair Inc. Herb was an avid mechanic and a passion­ ate motor sport enthusiast. In his retirement years he found his joy working with the ASCS Sprints On Dirt circuit, serving as an official. He was recognized as Official of the Year in 2008 for his dedication to the sport. Herb is survived by his children, Pam (Glenn) Godbey, Marcia (Brian) Culhane, Kenneth (Mary) Bishop and Randy (Teresa) Bishop; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grand­ children. Also survived by his sister, Jean (Charles) Steeby; brother, John Bishop, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Suzette Smith; brother-in-law, Leon Smith and son, Thomas Paul Bishop. Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Steve King Foundation, Helping Racing Families Heal, 621 Benton Street, Jetmore KS 67854 or online at stevekingfoundation. org. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home, Nashville. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net Robert Ceil Morgan Sr., age 81 of Lowell, passed away on December 26, 2021.. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ceil and Florine Morgan; son, Robert Morgan Jr; grandson, Christian Scott; broth­ er, Michael Morgan; brothers-in-law, Larry and Bill Burhans. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Morgan; children, Teresa Bartlett, Jeff (Kristine) Morgan, Christine (Steve) Frenthway, Ricky Burhans, Teresa (Steve) Wall; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grand­ children; brothers, Richard (Sharon) Morgan, Terry (Marsha) Morgan; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Ervin) Zinnel, Deb (Don) Newman; several nieces and nephews; and special grand dog, Ginger. Robert worked at Attwood Manufacturing, retiring after 30 years of service. He enjoyed gambling at casinos, watching western mov­ ies, was very protective of his beloved red Monte Carlo, and always carried two wal­ lets. Robert had a great sense of humor and was always in a hurry but always on time. He was a loving husband, father, grandfa­ ther, and he had a heart of gold. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at RothGerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331. Services will be held Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Roth-Gerst Chapel. Pastor Andy Trowbridge officiating. Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Walmart employee caught stealing Police were called out to the Hastings Walmart at 8:20 a.m. Dec. 2 for a retail fraud complaint. A store manager said another employee, a 35-year-old Shelbyville woman, had been changing the price of various items before purchasing them. The woman admit­ ted she had committed the fraud five separate times over the past week, paying $5 for each item. The woman said she had purchased the items as Christmas gifts for her fam­ ily, but she still had most of them and would return them. The total cost of the items was $448. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Woman arrested for taking phones, attacking husband An officer was dispatched to the 7000 block of Lacey Road in Assyria Township for a domestic abuse call at 8:06 p.m. Dec. 8. A 53-year-old man said his wife was intoxi­ cated, out of control and hit him with a phone. When he tried to call 911 on the landline, she ripped the phone off the wall. Barry County Central Dispatch then received a call from the wife, 44, saying she took the phones from her husband because he wouldn’t talk to her and was unruly. She admitted to tearing the phone off the wall to stop him from calling 911, and hitting him on the head during the struggle. She was arrested. The man had a scratch on his head from where he said she hit him with a cell phone, and a bruise on his bicep. Tools stolen from storage unit A 57-year-old Nashville man called police at 9:12 a.m. Dec. 16 to report his storage unit in the 700 block Durkee Street in Nashville had been broken into. The locking mechanism was cut, and a compressor, computer, saw, drill, tent and box of video games were stolen. The case was turned over to the Nashville Police Department. Tires fly off trailer and into garage A 34-year-old man called 911 to report two tires had come off a passer-by’s trailer and smashed into his garage in the 14000 block of South M-66 in Assyria Township. The tires went through the wall of the garage and crashed into a computer and a Chevrolet Camaro. The man said he was not home at the time of the incident, but said his neighbor saw the tires come off a farm trailer. The driver of the vehicle pulling the trailer did not stop, the neighbor said. The damage was documented and the case was closed. 17-yearold arrested for drinking and driving A witness reported a vehicle accident on Coats Grove Road near North M-43 Highway in Hastings Charter Township at 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 18. An officer arrived to find two juvenile males from Hastings, the driver, 17, and his passenger, 15, walking on M-43. The driver said he was going too fast and swerved to miss a deer. He admitted to drink­ ing one beer before driving, and was given a breath test which showed a blood alcohol content of 0.145. He was arrested then released to his mother due to his age. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Mary Mariko Brookmeyer was bom on January 26, 1954 in Blackstone, VA. She passed away on December 24, 2021 in Grand Rapids, MI with family by her side. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Franklin Silcock of Hastings, Sueko Negawa of Kobe, Japan, and brother, Garry Silcock Sr. She is survived by her husband and part­ ner of more than 40 years John; daughter, Jaime; son-in-law, Kirk; granddaughters, Whitney and Leah; son, Derek; nephew, Garry Jr. and many other beloved friends and family. Mary’s family was the light of her life. She loved being outside, sunbathing, col­ lecting rocks, babysitting her granddaughters, and her dog Baby Girl (BG). The family encourages donations to the caring staff at Faith Hospice and thanks the nurses at Spectrum Butterworth hospital for their compassion during her final days. Mary’s body is laid to rest at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens in Grandville. The fam­ ily will celebrate her life with an event in the spring. Contact the family for more details. HEALTHCARE, continued from page 5----------------return of investment has fallen short of its expected amount and, as a result, the city has contributed less than it should. The miscalculation occurred for many rea­ sons, most notably the 2008 recession. “This last 10 year period, it’s like a perfect storm for pension plans,” Overley said. “There has never been a time in MERS almost 80 years almost of existence that there’s been a run like that, where the return was below that level.” Although the city didn’t play a role in the miscalculation, it watched its funding percent­ age dip without any action. “When we missed the target on investments, that means we should put in more of the city’s money, even though they told us, ‘here’s what you owe,”’ Guetschow said. Just under two months after Moyer-Cale took over, she held a special meeting on Nov. 10 to solidify the city’s plan. It needed to sub­ mit the details to the state treasury by Nov. 16. She offered two potential solutions: Levying a public safety assessment and/or various meth­ ods of reducing OPEB costs. That same night, council voted to cut spous­ es, dependents and Medicare-eligible retirees from the city’s healthcare plan. “I think it clearly is advantageous to both the city and the retirees, because the cost is signifi­ cantly less, and the retiree who’s eligible for that benefit can get similar or better coverage or something that’s more attuned to them specifi­ cally at a much lower cost,” Moyer-Cale said. The city will also eliminate extra payments that it made to Medicare-eligible retirees. Ten years ago, the city started optionally paying the entirety of shared premium costs and an extra $100 per month to incentivize retirees to opt in to a new health care plan. Even though it is not in the city’s contract, it has continued that throughout the years, costing the city an addi­ tional $80,000, Moyer-Cale said. Cutting the city’s OPEB costs will free up $423,000 annually, Moyer-Cale estimated, and if all goes according to plan, the city’s pension plan will be 100 percent fhnded in at least 10 years. “The beauty of this plan is that we’re reduc­ ing our health insurance expenses and using that money - that’s the extra cash that we’re infusing into our pension,” she said. “So we don’t have to cut services, we don’t have to cut employees, we don’t have to change anything - there’s a net-zero effect on the budget. “Whereas if we didn’t make these changes to the retiree health care, that would mean we’d have to come up with cash from somewhere else.” But the story is far from over. The city still has to make up the $20 million and people people who spent decades working for the city - will lose their family’s healthcare insurance. “We’ve been kicking the can for too many years,” said Mayor Pro-TEM John Resseguie after council made its decision. “And it was time to make that decision - right or wrong. All I want to say is that I hate to make that decision, but we had to do it.” , ( j 1 �The Hastings ANNER SPORTS 1 SECTION Thursday, December 30, 2021 Vikings split with Belding and Portland in Ionia HW9t The Hastings Community Diving Club Junior Olympic Team members Lydia Slagel, TJ Myers, Aubrey Yarger (Nationals Qualifier), Bethany ButchBaker, Abby Dumond (Nationals Qualifier), Quinn Stafford (Nationals Qualifier) gather during their season opening appearance at the Holland Aquatic Center for the Lakeshore Aquatics Christmas Invite. Area divers do well as their winter season starts in Holland If ■ Brett Bremer Sports Editor . . Hastings Community Diving Club attend­ ed the Dec. 18-19 Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics Christmas Invite to open its 2021­ 2022 season at Holland Aquatic Center. A trio of HCDC divers qualified already for the AAU Diving’s Summer Nationals. That group includes Abigail Dumond, Aubrey Yarger and Quinn Stafford who all scored first place finishes in Holland. “I am so proud of these student athletes,” HCDC head coach Todd Bates said. “They have worked so hard. Abby and Aubrey have been working on new dives since the summer after both earning ‘All-American’ status in the fihals at the AAU 2021 Summer Nationals and Quinn is just a natural. He’s a freshman and is billy seven points away from the school record at Hastings High School having only competed in two meets and in his first club meet in three years he qualified for Summer Nationals. It’s tttb best gift any coach could hope to receive.” ' Dumond, Yarger and Bethany ButchBaker, the club’s national team divers now train on r <I the 3-meter board as well as the 1-meter board, and coach Bates said it was great to see how well they competed. In the Future Champions class on the 1-meter board, HCDC had Jasper Bussen place first in his level four competition, Claire Krebill first in her level four competi­ tion and Felicity Fanco place first in her level two competition. In the age group/junior Olympic class, HCDC had Lydia Slagel place third, ButchBaker second and TJ Myers first one the 1-meter board. “The divers had a lot of fun,” Bates said “We had quite a few divers that competed in their first meet.” Hastings Community Diving Club has also been named, for the second time, as a recipi­ ent of the 2022 USA Diving Anthony Taylor scholarship grant which is a national compet­ itive grant. “We are excited, being a small community club, to be able to continue offering scholar­ ships for the 2022 season to those athletes who qualify,” Bates said. Brett Bremer Sports Editor Belding, Lakewood, Portland and Ionia couldn’t settle just who the best Ionia County varsity wrestling team is this December on Wednesday night. The real test will be who comes out on top in February. Belding, Portland and Lakewood at least will be back together for a MHSAA Division 3 Team District Tournament hosted by the Raiders - along with a fourth team Central Montcalm. The Lakewood Vikings learned they have a lot of work to do between now and then Wednesday as they were bested by the Black Knights 48-24 in the final dual of the night. Belding and Lakewood were both 2-1 at the meet. Lakewood took a 54-30 win over Ionia and a 40-33 win over Portland before the match-up with Belding. Belding fell 42-29 to Portland before rebounding for a 52-27 win over Ionia. The Bulldogs and Raiders decided to save their match-up for their Capital Area Activities Conference contest later this season. The Vikings’ Zac Gibson and Nathaniel Graham were in a couple of the best battles of the meet against sate finalists from a year ago. Gibson only got in one match as both Ionia and Belding forfeited to the Vikings’ returning state champion. Gibson did get to face Portland’s Drew Miller in the middle match of the meet, and the Lakewood 135-pounder scored a 14-5 major decision. A year ago, Gibson was the MHSAA Division 3 State Champion at 125 pounds and Miller was aD3 state finalist at 130. Gibson built a 6-0 lead in the first period and led 10-0 early in the second before Miller scored his first points on a reversal. Gibson had to fight off his back momentarily before getting back on top himself. In the battle with Belding, Graham faced off against Jack Ward who was sixth at the D3 state .finals at 189 pounds a year ago. Ward had a big .of an edge in terms of strength on Graham, but after falling behind 6-1 in the second period as Ward scored two take downs Graham surged to get within 6-5 by the end of the match. Neither guy was able to finish off any of the throws they would have liked. Gibson, Jonathan Krebs at 125 pounds and 112-pound teammate Ashton Clark were the only Viking wrestlers to earn 3-0 records for the day. Krebs had a pair of pins and one forfeit victory. Clark pinned his Ionia foe and then earned forfeit wins against Portland and Belding. Kade Boucher, Brenden Straub and Graham had two wins each for the Vikings. Lakewood's Brendon Straub nears a pin of Portland's John Dodson during their 160-pound match at Ionia High School Wednesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) svoia Lakewood's Nathaniel Graham scores nearfall points during the first period of his win over Portland's Jackson Weygandt at Ionia High School Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Jonathan Krebs got the Vikings off to a good start in the dual with Portland with a first period pin. Caiden Pelc notched a pin for the Raiders at 130 to tie the dual. Gibson’s major decision at 135 was the only other victory for the Vikings until the Lakewood's Tyson Raffler (top) is tangled up with Belding's Hugo Gonzalez during the opening period of their 152-pound match at Ionia High School Wednesday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) HCDC Future Champions divers Jasper Bussen, Felicity Fanco and Claire Krebill enjoy their time at the Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics Christmas Invite. Lakewood boys overwhelm Hastings before holiday break Getting at least four wins before Christmas was a goal for the Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team and the Vikings met it Tuesday night. ( The Vikings moved to 4-1 on the season with a 57-33 win over visiting Hastings in the last bailgame of 2021 for either squad. Lakewood raced out to a 17-4 lead in the Opening quarter and never looked back. The hosts led 30-11 at the half. Junior center Caleb Hull finished with a game-high 14 points. Jayce Cusack scored 13 points for the Vikings, Denny Sauers had seven and Nate Willette six. Preston Makley and Montreal Reid had five points each. Miles Padilla had a team-high nine points for the Saxons. The Vikings are off now until Jan. 4 when they visit Belding. They will be at Leslie for a GLAC bailgame Jan. 7. teams were up to 160. Portland built a 24-10 lead with a forfeit win at 140 and pins at 145 and 152. Brendan Straub righted the ship for the Vikings with a pin of John Dodson in the middle of their 160-pound bout. Gavin Vaughn at 171 pounds and Graham at 189 followed with pins for the Vikings to bump their team into the lead momentarily. Portland’s Branson Goodman fought off some stomach issues and pinned the Vikings’ Joel Simon in the 215-pound match to give the Raiders a 30-28 lead. That lead wasn’t nearly enough for the Raiders however as they had voids in the line-up at each of their next three weight classes. Stank took the win at 285 for the Vikings, both teams voided out at 103 and Clark had his hand raised for the Vikings at 112 pounds to clinch the dual. Tied 6-6 after the first two weight classes, the Vikings had some line-up trouble in the dual with the Black Knights. Seth Cobb took the mat at 140 pounds when he was supposed to wrestle at 145. With the DQ at 140 and a void at 145, Belding moved in front 18-6. The Vikings didn’t win a single match on the mat against the Black Knights, getting their last 18 points from forfeit wins by Clark at 112, Kade Boucher at 119 and Jonathan Krebs at 125. Delton Kellogg boys able to dig out of early hole at Maple Valley Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basket­ ball team kept the Maple Valley boys win­ less by scoring a 38-36 win at Maple Valley High School in the teams’ final ballgame before the holiday break Tuesday, Dec. 21. Maple Valley got out to a 16-6 lead in the opening quarter, and had a solid first half sparked by three threes from Ben Schuch. The Panthers adjusted though and limited him to 12 points for the ballgame. A three by Alden Whitmore that pulled DK within 16-16 came with four minutes still left on the clock in that opening quarter and neither team was able to score again for the remainder of the period. DK inched to within 22-19 by the half and then led by one heading into the fourth quarter. Center Austin Blocker had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Panthers. He hit a game-tying bucket with 4:37 to play and then put his team in front with 1:37 on the clock. Teammate Alden Whitmore closed out the win with a couple of free throws and finished with nine points for DK. “It was a physical game and I thought our kids handled that a little better in the second half,” DK head coach Jim Hogoboom said. “I got big contributions from both of my assistants, with Lucas Trierweiler and Jeff Taylor feeding me adjustments that really made a difference for us at both ends.” Coach Hogoboom said Whitmore didn’t have his best scoring ballgame, but was clutch down the stretch and found other ways to contribute as the game wore one. He was also really pleased with the huge spark provided by Torren Mapes off the bench. DK is now 2-3 overall this season. The Panthers return to action at home against Allegan Jan. 4 and will host Fennville Jan. 7. Maple Valley falls to 0-4 with the loss. . ~ -< * * �Page 10 — Thursday, December 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Local student athletes won five state titles in 2021 * Brett Bremer Sports Editor J There was no need for a long bus or car 'trip* across the state to find a Ford Field, ^M&n Arena, Kellogg Arena, Wings Stadium !q&Van Andel or Michigan Stadium to see one !oT*1he first great high school sports matchtups of 2021. It happened on the mats of the Lakewood Tli^h School gymnasium on a random ^Thursday night in March - a bit late in a reg­ ular year for a Greater Lansing Activities •Conference wrestling dual between Lakewood and'4 Maple Valley which are a couple of schools separated by less than 15 miles of ’highway M-66. I Then a junior, Lakewood’s Zac Gibson ;bt[mped up a weight to 130 pounds to get the chance to face off against Maple Valley ♦s.eryor Jesse Brumm. Both guys had just one ^defeat on the season and each went into he "night having finished every one of their var­ sity wrestling seasons on the medal stand at The MHSAA Individual State Finals. ; j *lt comes down to, we’re not running from anybody any more,” Lakewood head coach «Tqny Harmer said of the decision to pit the !twp state medalists against each other. “We’re changing the mentality. We want to bring ‘spectators back to the sport. They don’t come itq*see a 125 or a 130 pounder bump away. I Jthiftk Maple Valley felt the same way. They ’hid a good kid. We had a good kid. Team ;sdore doesn’t matter. We’re just here to have •a good time. 1 JDelton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/ Jestings senior Abby Marcukaitis is all “Oles after winning the 100-yard back­ stroke at the MHSAA Division 1 Lower Beninsula State Finals at the Holland Aquatic Center in November. Marcukaitis ;swam in three events at the state finals :epd will swim collegiately at Purdue University next season. B- ■ “1 told Gibson, I’d be happy either way. If Jou had lost your match, you get your head and I’d still be happy. “I’m not getting to bed ‘til midnight, one >*_clock tonight because I’ll be so giddy, but l?d have been the same way if he would have ibst that match. I love his mentality. He decided. I said I’m making it your choice, but fiais is what I want as a coach. It’s just my ’expectation. If you want to bring it to the next J^vel, you have to put that fear into your •opponents that you’re a legend killer. You’re gpihg to come and knock them off their ped^$1 is what it boils down to. It is exciting. j§Siis is what makes wrestling exciting.” Gibson won 7-5 with a take down with three seconds remaining in the first one-min­ ute sudden victory overtime period, that after getting an escape point as the horn sounded on the end of the third period to tie things up at 5-5. “It really prepares me for long matches in districts,” Gibson said of the tough regular season bout. “You expect good competition. I want to get up there as high as I can [at indi­ vidual districts] so I have an easier ride at regionals, so that really gets me prepared for a good match.” Both guys were prepared for their state tournament runs and kicked off a year of indi­ vidual state championships from student-ath­ letes at Barry County high schools. Gibson was one of a handful of high school wrestlers in the state who had to do a little extra to get to the state finals. He won a court ruling to avoid a quarantine, due to being deemed a close contact with a Covid positive individual, in the time between regionals and the state finals which would have kept him from competing in the Division 3 Finals at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Gibson, Brumm and Delton Kellogg junior Caden Ferris all won wrestling state champi­ onships, Gibson at 125 pounds in Division 3, Ferris at 215 pounds in Division 4 and Brumm at 130 pounds in Division 4. That trio was among 16 individual state qualifiers from the local schools and ten indi­ vidual state medalists. Ferris’ teammate Hunter Belew closes his senior season as the state runner-up in Division 4 at 189 pounds, finishing up his final round bout just in time to see Ferris capture his state title in a sudden victory overtime period. “My coaches really just trained me to be ready for the overtime,” Ferris said, “to work the extra mile. I went up to camps and stuff three weeks before, every week before state, and they really didn’t work on moves they just killed me to death. I did 20 minutes con­ tinuous live with a college 197-pounder and then I rode a fan bike for two minutes on and two minutes ‘off’, and then for those two minutes off I’d be wrestling that guy again.” Ferris said the best part about the victory is that it gives him bragging rights over his big brother Tyden Ferris who twice finished as the state runner-up (2016, 2018). Tyden is now an offensive lineman on the Central Michigan University football team. And Caden will join him in Mount Pleasant next year as a member of the CMU wrestling program. Ferris wasn’t the last Delton Kellogg state champion of 2021. Cole Pape, now a member of the Davenport University football pro­ gram, finished of his senior track and field season by winning the state championship in the discus at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals in June. Pape unleashed a personal record throw pf 150 feet 7 inches on his second throw of the competition and it held up throughout the rest of the day at Jenison High School. Pape also placed fifth in the shot put at the finals. Like Pape, Maple Valley senior Ashlyn Wilkes closed her time as a multi-sport varsi­ ty athlete on the track and field state medal stand in 2021. Wilkes cleared the bar at 5-2 to place third in the girls’ high jump. Wilkes is now a member of the Grace Christian University women’s basketball program. Thomapple Kellogg senior Abby Marcukaitis will swim for Purdue University next season after high school graduation. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ZONING ORDINANCE ADOPTION BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN HEREBY ORDAINS: Pursuant to the provisions of Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended^ notice is hereby given that the Barry County Board of Commissioners has adopted the following Ordinance which amends the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as Amended, in the following manner: ORDINANCE NO.: A-3-2021___ Rezone a property at 5882 Lawrence Road, Nashville, in Section 18 of Maple Grove Township. (See attached map.) FROM A (Agriculture) TO RR (Rural Residential This map is a portion of the Official Zoning Map of Maple Grove Township in Barry County, Michigan. All of the above mentioned property is located in Barry County, Michigan. Marcukaitis, a long-time club swimmer, capped off her time with the Delton Kellogg/ Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team by winning the state championship in the 100-yard back­ stroke at the MHSAA Division 1 Lower Peninsula Swimming and Diving Finals at the Holland Aquatic Center in November. Matcukaitis became the program’s first state champion when she won the 100 backstroke in a school-record time of 55.07 seconds. The lead basically belonged to Marcukaitis the 25-yard mark on in backstroke final. The defending state champion in the race, Ann Arbor Pioneer’s Anna Chapman, was the only girl wjthin a half second of her at the 50-yard mark and she stretched her lead from there. “You can look out of the comer of your eyes to see who is next to you so you can see, ‘okay, should I go faster,”’ Marcukaitis said. “Obviously, you’re trying the whole time, but you can try a little harder every time. “At the 50 we were all about the same, and I just knew I had to go faster so I did some extra underwaters.” Hugs and congratulations came from all directions when Marcukaitis got out of the pool, from teammates, her coach [Carl Schoessel], friends and competitors. “I just had the deep down feeling she was going to do it. I still get really nervous, not that I don’t have confidence in her. I am extremely confident in her abilities,” coach Schoessel said. Marcukaitis teamed with her sophomore sister Sophia Marcukaitis, junior Preslee Hall and sophomore Holly Carpenter to set a new school record time of 1:51.70 in a 14th-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay at the finals, and Abby also scored in the 50-yard freestyle placing 11th in 24.77. As far as team success no one surpassed the Lakewood varsity volleyball team in 2021. The Vikings twice advanced to Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek for the final four of the MHSAA state tournament - making it six con­ secutive seasons with final four appearances. The first time came in January when the Vikings bested Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard in the quarterfinals of the “2020” MHSAA Division 2 state volleyball tourna­ ment. Lakewood defeated Lansing Catholic in the regional semifinals on Nov. 12, 2020 and then due to the Covid pandemic had to wait until Jan. 12 to play its quarterfinal match. “It just felt like we were just getting right back in the swing of things. Everything went smooth. That is what you’re looking for at a time like this,” then Lakewood senior Aubrey O’Gorman said following the quarterfinal win. The Vikings went on to defeat Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the “2020” state semifi­ nals to earn a shot at top-ranked Grand Rapids Christian in the finals for the second consecu­ tive season. ThejEagles captured their third consecutive state championship with a 25-20, 25-20, 25-19 win in the Division 2 Final. “I’m just so incredibly honored to play in a program that is able to get to this point every single year, year after year. It has been estab­ lished that we will be here come November,” O’Gorman said before her tear stained cheeks bent into a smile at remembering just what page of the calendar her senior volleyball season came to an end. “Or January,” she corrected herself, “and I am just so incredibly honored to have been a part of that in the past four years.” O’Gorman was a Miss Volleyball Finalist in the state of Michigan as a senior and joined the Michigan State University Women’s Volleyball program this season. Her sister, Maradith O’Gorman, was a Miss Volleyball Finali st this fall as she led the Vikings back to Battle Creek - and Maradith will join her big sister with the Spartans next season. The Vikings won their eighth consecutive regional championship in the fall of 2021 and then overcame the adversity of missing a coupl e teammates for disciplinary reasons again st Onsted in the Division 2 State Quart erfinals. The run towards a second vol­ leyball state championship for the program ended when the Vikings were bested in four sets by North Branch in the state semifinals in Battle Creek last month. “Opr attack had to become so one dimensiona L Liv Everitt stepped up. They put a lot of pressure on us from the service line. That is the best serving team we played all year, They made us have to scramble a little bit and change things up and then our offense strug­ gled to get going,” Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said. Delton Kellogg junior Caden Ferris battles for control with New Lothrop's Camden! Orr in the 215-pound championship match at the Division 4 Individual Wrestling Finals! hosted by Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids the first weekend in April. Ferris captured; his first state championship with a 13-11 victory in the opening sudden victory overtime; period. Ferris was working towards his state championship as senior teammate; Hunter Belew was finishing as a state runner-up at 189 pounds across the arena. I “We knew from the beginning of the year that was going to be our problem: can we be multidimensional enough to go after teams? We were and they put pressure on us from the service and we had to scramble in some things. He had a game plan to overload on kids and it worked for them and they fought. I think the match was a good match. I think the energy level in the gym was awesome. It is awesome to see the student-sections from both schools. That is what Lakewood and North Branch vol­ leyball is supposed to look like. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish when we needed to.” Maradith O’Gorman and the Vikings’ sophomore libero Carley Piercefield both earned first team all-state honors at the end of the 2021 season. The Vikings’ state semifinal appearance and Marcukaits’s state championship were a fine conclusion to an outstanding fall season in the area. The Lakewood volleyball team and the Lakewood varsity boys’ soccer team both won Greater Lansing Activities Conference championships. That is a regular occurrence with the Lakewood volleyball team, but fairly rare on the soccer field. Lakewood’s varsity boys’ soccer team capped off an 16-0-1 undefeated regular season with a win over conference rival Lansing Christian in the GLAC Tournament Championship. “We have never had a crowd like this before,” Lakewood head coach James LeVeque said after his team finished off the victory over the Pilgrims. “The crowd was absolutely amazing. They came out in force. We had a student section, they were loud, they were obnoxious, maybe a little too obnoxious at times. The pep band came out at the end. “That pumped the kids up. Once we got that first goal and tied it, the momentum you could tell changed. We weren’t flawless by any means, but we took advantage of the chances that we had which has been a sore spot this year. We have kind of left some chances out there and struggled to finish on some quality looks and today we took advan­ tage of most of the quality chances we got which is a really good sign for us.” The Vikings concluded the year at 17-1-1, falling in their second Division postseason match. The Delton Kellogg boys weren’t close to an undefeated regular season, but they had their best soccer postseason ever as they won their program’s first ever district champion­ ship. The Panthers scored a 1-0 win over Hillsdale on the home turf in Delton in the district final in October. “It was great,” DK varsity soccer coach Alan Mabie said of the boys finally coming out on top. “I was kind of in a daze after that. It has been so long and working so hard. They were excited. We had quite a few fans there, which was nice to see.” The Panthers defeated Watervliet in the regional semifinals 2-1 before falling to the eventual state champions from South Christian in the regional final. Thomapple Kellogg didn’t win any cham­ pionships on the soccer field this fall, but the Trojans had one of their best teams ever. They were ranked in the top ten in the state in Division 2 throughout the season and finished behind only the Division 3 state champions from South Christian in the OK Gold Conference. The TK boys won their way to Legal Description of Parcel: The North 660 feet of the East 660 feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 7 West, Maple Grove Township, Barry County, Michigan. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Date: December 21, 2021 Ben Geiger, Chairperson Barry County Board of Commissioners Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk : Published Date: December 30, 2021 The above named ordinance becomes effective January 07, 2022. A copy of this drdinance is available for purchase or inspection in the Barry County Planning Office, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 between the hours 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call (269) 945-1290 for further information. Lakewood junior Zac Gibson (back) rolls Maple Valley senior Jesse Brumm onto his head during their battle in a GLAC dual between the Vikings and Lions at Lakewood High School in March. Gibson scored a 7-5 win in the first sudden victory overtime period. The pair went on to win state championships at the MHSAA Individual State Finas in April, with Gibson winning the 125-pound state championship in Division 3 and Brumm the 130-pound state championship in Division 4. Gibson also won a court battle to avoid a state-mandated quarantine after qualifying for the state finals. the district finals in Division 2, but were! bumped off by the defending state champions; from Gull Lake in the district final. While every soccer team in the state reach-; es the state postseason, varsity football teams, have to earn it during the fall season. Hasting^ and Delton Kellogg both qualified for the! MHSAA football postseason in 2021. The Saxons did it after capturing a share; of their second consecutive Interstate-8* Athletic Conference Championship. The! Saxons, Lumen Christi Titans and Harper! Creek Beavers shared the football title in th^ 1-8 this fall. > Hastings was 9-2 with its lone regular sea-* son defeat coming against the Lumen Christi' Titans, who were eventually bested therni selves by the Harper Creek team that tlie* Saxons beat in the opening weekend of con-; ference play. ~* Hastings opened the postseason with a 56-18 victory over Charlotte in a Division 4! Pre-District contest, but then was bested by1 South Christian 38-14 in the district final in’ November inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field in Hastings. r> Delton Kellogg put together a 5-3 regular season to earn a spot in the Division 7 post­ season, but fell 54-6 in its playoff opener at Muskegon Catholic Central. Thomapple Kellogg had a couple other postseason successes in the fall, namely ant outstanding varsity boys’ tennis team with® senior heavy line-up that included Paytoir Wilkinson at fourth singles. Wilkinson wonth regional championship at the end of the sea­ son. TK also sent three girls to the Division2i Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Jessica Durkee, Emelia MacDonald and freshman Ava Crews who was the Barry County Meet Champion. On the wrestling mats during the 2020-, 2021 season, the Thomapple Kellogg grap** piers once again won an OK Gold Conference championship with an undefeated conference, season and Hastings shared the Interstate-8. Athletic Conference title. Thomapple Kellogg in Division 2 and Delton Kellogg in Division* 4 won district wrestling championships. The rest of the ten wrestling state medalists from the area were Lakewood 152-poundeh Keegan VanAlstine in Division 3; Thomapple. Kellogg 285-pounder Carter West J 119-pounder Ashton Corson, 125-poundor Zack Gibson and 130-pounder Kyron Zoet im Division 2; and Maple Valley 112-pounder Matthew Slaght in Division 4. « Another highlight of the winter season wa$ Thomapple Kellogg’s Lucy VanDemark winr> ning the girls’ individual conference champ<4 onship in the Southwest Michigan Ski Conference as a member of the Plainwell/TK co-op Trojan Ski team. VanDemark was the slalom champion and also placed third in the giant slalom in the conference. She was nearly five seconds faster than her nearest competitor in the slalom runs at the conference finale. 4* Thomapple Kellogg and Hastings also h^F a couple of their program’s top performers (Jis the hardwood celebrate strong final season^^ The Saxons’ Kirby Beck surpassed the 1,OQQ" point milestone for the Hastings varsity boyij basketball team, a number that Thomapple Kellogg’s Paige VanStee just missed for t^ TK varsity girls’ basketball team. VanStee also got to play in one of the moB exciting softball games of 2021 as a pitcher^ shortstop for the Trojans. TK came out on tb$; short end of that one though as the Lakewood’ Vikings scored a 6-5 win in 13 innings in tfie! Division 2 District Final in Middleville in June. • Lakewood also defeated rival Ionia in the, district semifinals, 1-0. Viking senior pitcher Morgan Stahl threw 20 innings that day, striO ing out 35 batters to ad to her single-season! strikeout record at Lakewood High School. ; Claire Behnam scored what would prove to; be the winning run for the Vikings in the top of; the 13th inning. She opened the inning on see-/ ond base, went to third on a sacrifice bunt Maryssa Goble and then scored on a wild pitch.! “That last inning, we were not going to let. that run score,” Lakewood softball coa®^ Brent Hilley said. “I was like, no more. It gets; to the point where it is almost a little dange|4 ous for a kid to be throwing that mai^ innings. I told them before the inning, thf$ run is not going to score. No matter what. we would have had to load the bases up or whatever we were going to do, we were going to hold that one-run lead.” . !•> See STATE TITLES, page 12 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 30, 2021 — Page It Saxons turn up pressure a bit, limit Lakewood ladies Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Member SIPC Kevin Beck, AAMS® Financial Advisor 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Mi 49058 (269)945-4702 Jim Lundin Financial Advisor 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)818-0423 What are your financial resolutions for 2022 As you know, 2021 was full of challenges. We were still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chains shut down and inflation heated up. So, if you’re like many people, you might not be sorry to see the year come to a close. But now it’s time to look ahead to a brighter 2022. And on a personal level, you may want to set some New Year’s resolutions. You might resolve to improve your health and diet, and possibly learn some new skills, but why not make some financial resolutions, too? Here are a few ideas to consider: • Prepare for the unexpected. If you haven’t already created an emergency fund, now may be a good time to start. Ideally, you’d like to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in this fund, with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid account. (If you’re retired, you may want your emergency fund to contain up to a year’s worth of living expenses.) Once you’ve got this fund established, you may be able to avoid dipping into long-term investments to pay for short-term needs, such as costly home or auto repairs or large medical bills. • Boost your retirement savings. The pandemic Hastings senior forward Chelsea Ertner is squeezed by Lakewood defenders Paige Wolverton (left) and Cadence Poll in the lane as she puts a shot up in the Saxons' win over the visiting Vikings Dec. 21. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings Saxons head into the holiday break with a record of 5-2 after a 48-34 non-conference victory over the Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team at Hastings High School Tuesday. Lakewood had a 9-3 lead early in the open­ ing quarter as the Saxons struggled to find the basket, and the Vikings had the lead to 15-8 at the end of the quarter following a bucket by Alivia Everitt on an in-bounds play at the buzzer. The rest of the evening it was the Vikings who had a tough time getting the ball through the hoop. Hastings tied the bailgame in the first three and a half minutes of the second quarter with a 7-0 run that included a bucket by Brooklynn Youngs, a three by Macy Winegar and shot by Brianna Barnes that banked in from the top of the key to tie the score at 15-15. The Saxons went on a 9-1 run to close the first half up 26-23 and led throughout the second half. Threes by Winegar and Youngs helped the Saxons bump their edge to nine points by the end of the third quarter, a quar­ ter in which they outscored the Vikings 9-3. It was nearly a full eight minutes between the Vikings adding a point to the scoreboard between the final five minutes of the third quarter and the first three minutes of the fourth. Izzy Wheeler, who battled foul put an offensive rebound back up with 5:04 to play in the game. Hastings had its lead to 42-28 after that bucket. “We put pressure on them. I think that we went with a smaller line-up. We are athletic. caused many us to reevaluate our ability to eventually enjoy the retirement lifestyles we’ve envisioned. In fact, 33% of those planning to retire soon said they started to contribute even more to their retirement savings during the pandemic, according to a study from Age Wave and Edward Jones. This year, if you can afford it, increase your contributions to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. • Reduce your debt load. The less debt you cany, the more money you’ll have available to support your lifestyle today and save and invest for tomorrow. So, this year, resolve to cut down on your existing debts and avoid taking on new ones whenever possible. You can motivate yourself by measuring your progress .-t at the beginning of 2022, record your total debts and then compare this figure to your debt load at the start of 2023. If the numbers have dropped, you’ll know you were making the right moves. • Don’t overreact to the headlines. A lot can happen during a year. Consider inflation - it shot up in 2021, but it may well subside in 2022. If you changed your investment strategy last year to accommodate the rise in inflation, would you then have to modify it again when prices fall? And inflation is just one event. What about changes in interest rates? How about new legislation coming out of Washington? And don’t forget extreme weather events, such as wildfires and floods. Any or all of these occurrences can affect the financial markets in the short term, but it just doesn’t make sense for you to keep changing the way you invest in response to the news ofthe day. Instead, stick with a strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and * time horizon. You may need to adjust this strategy over time, in response to changes in your own life, but don’t let your decisions be dictated by external events. These aren’t the only; financial resolutions yoji* can make - but following them may help you develop positive habits that can help you face the future with confidence. This article was written by Edward Jonesfor use by your local EdwardJones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, SIPC Member Z Hastings Charter Township Schedule of Regular Board Meetings for 2022 • • • • • • • July 12 • August 9 September 13 • October 11 • November 15*** • December 13 January 11 February 8 March 8 April 12 May 10 June 14 7 ’ TIME: 6:30 PM PLACE: Hastings Charter Township Hall 885 River Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 Ph. 269-948-9690 j Lakewood sophomore center Cadence Poll puts a shot over Hastings’ Allison Teed and Macy Winegar in the paint during their non-conference bailgame Dec. 21 at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) We’re not big, but teams have to work to move the ball on us. That is one thing we have done well all year, even when we have lost,” Hastings head coach Chase Youngs said. “We just put pressure on them,” he added. “We started to press a little bit, but nothing fancy. We did a straight man press. We weren’t jumping or trapping, just to make them work, and I think that our pressure did kind of get to them. And we started boxing out.” Coach Youngs has had a number of girls get in the scoring column throughout the early season, but is happy to be able to bring girls off the bench and not miss a beat defen­ sively as well. The Vikings got the lead down to eight and twice failed to convert on long passes to Hastings junior guard Macy Winegar dishes off a pass at the top of the key as she is defended by Lakewood's Ellie Possehn Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) streaking teammates behind the Saxon’s full­ court press. “We were right there, but I think that the intensity of the environment got to their heads a little bit,” Lakewood head coach Kelly Meints said. By environment she mostly meant the physical environment on the court. Both teams defense were allowed to pester their opponents a bit more than usual. At one point in the second half, the Vikings had Cadence Poll, their sophomore center, on the bench with a bag of ice on her jaw while teammate Everitt had a leg taped up from a gash she received while attempting to take a charge. “Hastings played aggressive, in our face defense and some of our guards had trouble getting around that and getting our post entries. We didn’t really run our offense very efficiently. We had a couple players kind of want to take charge of the game and it didn’t go their way so much. Just working on the efficiency of our offense is important.” While it was a struggle to score in the sec­ ond half, Meints saw her girls do some good things offensively in the first half. “I thought we had some good openings. We were attacking and rebounding a little better and going right back up with them,” Meints said. “We slacked a little bit rebound­ ing in the second half, or they weren’t ready for it. They were under the block and then the ball would go right through their hands.” The Vikings got some of the post touches they wanted in the first half. Poll was the beneficiary finishing with a team-high 11 points. Possehn had nine points and Wheeler six for the Vikings. Winegar had a game-high 18 points for the Saxons. Hastings hadn’t had two girls in dou­ ble figures in a game this season and man­ aged three Tuesday. Barnes finished with 16 points and Brooklynn Youngs ten. Winegar hit three threes and was 7-of-8 at the free throw line. “It was nice to see we had good ball move­ ment and spread them out. We started attack­ ing and not settling for threes,” coach Youngs said. “The first quarter we got down, but we started settling for threes and then we started focusing. Brook got inside a couple times in the first half and then Bri starts to play defense in the third and our offense picked up because of our defense. We made some runs, and then you get some better threes going inside and out.” Lakewood heads into the break with a 2-5 record. *** Moved to third Tuesday due to Election on regular day Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the township clerk at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting. This notice posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open: Meetings Act) MCLA41,72a(2)(3) and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ____________________________________.________________________________________________________ 173553 . 173665 BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ZONING ORDINANCE ADOPTION BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN HEREBY ORDAINS: ■ *•’ Pursuant to the provisions of Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended, notice is hereby given that the Barry County Board of Commissioners has adopted the following Ordinance which amends the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended, in the following manner ORDINANCE NO.: A-4-2021 Rezone a property at 4125 East M-79 Highway, Nashville, in Section 25 of Hastings Township. (See attached map.) MU (Mixed Use) IQ RR (Rural Residential) This map is a portion of the Official Zoning Map of Hastings Township in Barry County, Michigan. All of the above mentioned property is located in Barry County, Michigan. Legal Description of Parcel: Commence 340.21’E of SW Comer Section 25-T3N-R8W; TH N 39.13’ to POB; TH N 358.27’ to Sly ROW former MCRR; TH E 450’ M/L ALG MCRR ROW; TH S 358.27’ to N ROW M-79 Hwy; TH W to POB 3.8 A +/- (01T) BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Date: December 21, 2021 Ben Geiger, Chairperson Barry County Board of Commissioners Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Published Date: December 30, 2Q21 ' The above named ordinance becomes effective January 07,2022. A copy of this ordinance is available for purchase or inspection ir the Barry County Planning Office, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michie 149058 between the hours 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday lease call (269) 945-1290 for further information. . �Page 12 — Thursday, December 30, 2021 — The Hastings Banner Ferris to Sun Bowl, Raimann to Senior Bowl DK boys wrap up successful CMU season Brett Bremer Sports Editor ; Rollie Ferris, the former Central Michigan University offensive lineman and Delton Kellogg varsity football coach, is only half joking when he says he has told his family’s foreign exchange student coordinator not to seek out any wide receivers to spend a school year with the Ferris family. ’ KT11 be like, ‘nope,’” Ferris said. “I don’t w^it no wrist band wearing guys. It won’t work. It won’t work in here.” < But, as Rollie’s wife Marie Ferris certainly would agree with, sometimes the exchange student coordinator can know better than the 'head coach.’ The Ferris family, Delton Kellogg and now Central Michigan have received the best of both worlds in Bernhard Raimann. Walking off the field at Delton Kellogg High School following a tough 46-14 loss to Saugatuck in October 2015, Panther varsity football coach Ryan Bates told the local sports reporter, “you’re going to see him on Sundays.” He wasn’t talking about Saugatuck junior quarterback Blake Dunn who had just rushed for 359 yards and four touchdowns while throwing two more TD passes. Bates was talking about his 6-6,230-pound Austrian tight end Raimann - a senior foreign ^change student who came to the Panther program as a wide receiver with some club experience from back home across the Atlantic in Austria with the Vienna Vikings. ; That wide receiver turned tight end has how turned into one of the best collegiate left tackles in the nation. Raimann, a junior in the NCAA’s eyes, is forgoing a chance to play on another Friday in an effort to be certain he is ready for the NFL Draft on April 28, 2022. Some NFL draft experts have the Central Michigan University (CMU) left tackle pro­ jected as a possible first or second round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Raimann has played the past few seasons side-by-side on the Chippewas’ offensive line with former Delton Kellogg and now current Central Michigan teammate Tyden Ferris who he lived with as an exchange student during the 2015-2016 school year in Delton. A Tyden, a red-shirt sophomore in terms of 'NCAA eligibility, is with the Chippewas this week to take on Washington State Friday, Dgc. 31, in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. The trip to El Paso, Texas for the Sun Bowl comes after a late change to the bowl slate which originally had the Chippewas taking on Boise State in the Arizona Bowl in Tucson, Ariz. Dec. 31. Tyden has split his time at both guard spots and center over the years with the Chippewas. “Now that I am at left guard, I like left guard a lot more,” Tyden said. “It is just mus­ cle memory with my left foot back and every­ thing gets kind of reversed at right guard. I liked a lot this year being next to Bernhard. It made things a lot smoother to know he was next to me on the outside.” Raimann is skipping the bowl game, but will line up one more time before the draft as he has been selected as a Senior Bowl All-American and will get to play in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday Feb. 5,2022. With the sophomore Tyden Ferris and the senior Raimann among the anchors on the offensive line the Delton Kellogg Panthers won five games in 2015 and earned a spot in the state playoffs for the first time since 2001. They were back together in 2018 with the Chippewas. Tyden was a red-shirt that fall. Together they helped the Chippewas finish as one of the top rushing teams in the NCAA FBS this season. Raimann won’t be the first guy who walked off the field that October day in 2015 in Delton to get drafted. Dunn was selected in the 15th round of the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft this summer after a stellar collegiate baseball career playing for Central’s rival Western Michigan Broncos. Dunn had a much more traditional route to the draft however. Raimann arrived in Delton to join a foot­ ball family, the Ferrises. Rollie, Tyden’s father, played on the offensive line at CMU from 1995-1997 was second team All-MAC in 1996 and 1997 and named the team MVP at the conclusion of the 1997 season. Raimann played one year of football at Delton Kellogg, hauling in 11 receptions at tight end for 248 yards and five touchdowns in the Panthers’ run-heavy Wing-T offensive scheme. Raimann then had to return to Austria to fulfill the country’s required year of mili­ tary service before returning to Michigan to join the Chippewas as a tight end. “We knew coming in that he was just a freak, even as a 17-year-old who hadn’t grad­ uated from high school yet,” Delton Kellogg . Bernhard Raimann leaps up to catch a pass as a tight end for the Delton Kellogg varsity football team in October of 2015. Raimann came to the Panthers as a wide receiver as an exchange student from Austria, moved to tight end to play in DK's Wing-T system, and after a year of service in his home country joined the Central Michigan football program as a tight end. He was moved to offensive tackle in 2020 and earned Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors at tackle tbi£ season. (Photo courtesy Central Michigan University) head coach Ryan Bates said. “The tangibles he brought to the table, his speed for his size and his strength for his size, he was built like a football player in a basketball player’s body -just long and strong. We knew he was going to be very talented. “Our offense doesn’t use wide receivers and he had no problem transitioning to a tight end. And he was a very, very good blocker at wide receiver anyway, so he was just coming out of a different stance essentially, different footwork. He took to that very well and obvi­ ously that transitioned to him starting out as a tight end in college and even though he could catch the ball and he was talented with the ball in his hands, he is just a devastating blocker. When we watched him play at the high school level, he was getting holding calls simply because he was blocking people 15,20 feet down the field and then would just truck them. They were calling holding and there was no holding to it. He was just destroying people, and officials didn’t have another answer. He was just that good.” Raimann had ten receptions as a tight end in each of this first two seasons with the Chippewas before transitioning to left tackle beginning with the pandemic shortened 2020 season. He started all six games at left tackle for the Chippewas in 2020. “It has been pretty crazy,” Raimann said of his positional shuffle over the years. “I started out playing receiver and I knew about running routes and catching the ball. The first time I played on the line of scrimmage was in Delton, because we ran a Wing-T offense. That was the first time I learned how to block and not just a little cornerback out on the out­ field somewhere. That kind of transitioned me to tight end and then I kept trying to gain some weight. Obviously, I started off as a tight end at central and then after my second season as a tight end I made the transition to O-line. “I just kept moving inside I guess.” Raimann said the move from tight end to tackle started at CMU when the coaches asked him to help fill in due to a lack of depth on the line due to injuries and graduations. “I didn’t know a thing, but they just kind of threw me in there,” Raimann said. “I ended up loving it from the very first practice, until we got shut down from Covid two or three practices later. But over the summer time, the o-line, the guys helped me out the most. We couldn’t meet with coach, we could have full practices, but we got together in little groups. Tyden and Derek Smith and other O-linemen, they were really the ones that helped me out during that summer ©^transition.” “He picked it all up pretty fast,” Tyden said. “It didn’t take him long before he was telling me what I needed to do. He focused a lot on his footwork a lot and even his stabs. I don’t think there is anybody on the team that watches as much developmental film as he was, even during the summertime when everyone else was at the pool, or the lake, or hanging out with friends I knew he was watching film, or I would drive by the foot­ ball field or one of the soccer fields and he is out there by himself or with [his girlfriend] running. He’s out there doing drills by him­ self, and I’m like ‘what are you doing, it’s summer time?”’ Marie Ferris, Rollie’s wife, is an exchange student coordinator in the Delton area. The couple have hosted close to a dozen exchange students themselves over the years. “I look for kids and I look for good fami­ lies and I try to match them.” Marie said. “I think the most important thing is to make a good match. It is not good to just take any exchange student and throw them in any home. Life is good if you can find a good match. I work really hard at doing that. But, you’re not a coordinator for your own exchange student. So, I have my own coordi­ nators for that.” “I just told my coordinator, please look for a boy who would like to come to the United States and play football,” Marie said. It was a match made in football heaven. Bernhard was Rollie and Marie’s fifth exchange student, and the first boy they hosted. It takes something to impress a Ferris, like with Tyden seeing Bernhard working alone during the summer in Mount Pleasant, with hard work. Rollie put Bernhard to work on a job site the day after he arrived in Delton. “I got picked up from the airport and everything, and the day after we got to spend Central Michigan University offensive linemen and former Delton Kellogg varsity teammates Tyden Ferris (left) and Bernhard Raimann take a moment on the field in Mont Pleasant following their final collegiate football game - a 31-10 victory over Eastern Michigan Nov. 26. Ferris will play with the Chippewas in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Friday, Dec. 31, against Washington State while Raimann has already begun preparations for the 2022 NFL draft where he is currently expected to be select­ ed in the first couple rounds. the day at Grandma Ferris’ house,” Raimann said, “and then the day after that we were on the job site with Rollie working which was tough at the beginning, but I just got to learn so much about handy stuff that helps me in every day life and a lot of manual work I wasn’t used to up until that point. “To see how much they work for each other, and the dedication they do it with really rubbed off on me for my work ethic and what I want to do with my family. I learned a lot.” “A guy that tall and that strong on a job site is great,” Rollie said. Bates could certainly see the fit between Raimann and the Ferrises. He said called Bernard’s work ethic extraordinary and the Ferris family’s work ethic freakishly strong. “The family will go to the weight room and lift and then put a roof on a house,” Bates said. Those kids are built that way, and Bernhard jumped right in with that same mentality and the two that are at Central right now, between Bernhard and Tyden, they live in the gym. They work their tails off and the younger one is going to go wrestle. The same thing. The work ethic that all three of those boys have is incredible.” Tyden’s younger brother, Caden, a senior at Delton Kellogg this year signed his National Letter of Intent in November to wrestle at CMU next season. Caden won the state championship at 215 pounds at the MHSAA Division 4 Individual State Finals in April, and like Bernhard opting out of play­ ing in the bowl game Caden opted out of a senior football season in an effort to stay healthy for collegiate wrestling. There was no sitting on the sideline though. Caden spent the fall splitting time between the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ cross coun­ try team and the varsity boys’ soccer team where he teamed with current Ferris family exchange student Giovanni Stea in helping the boys’ soccer program to its first ever dis­ trict championship. Tyden was a four-time state medalist in wrestling himself in high school, finishing as a state runner-up in Division 3 twice includ­ ing at 215 pounds in 2016 the year he had Raimann as a practice partner in the wrestling room. Bates said the only time he saw Raimann have a tough time with something on the football field in high school was dealing with an injury. Raimann said every wrestling prac­ tice was tough. “Definitely tough,” Raimann said. “I don’t think very many people start their wrestling career by practicing against an all-state wres­ tler. It wasn’t always easy, but then again I think it did prepare me for college and it made me a better athlete overall. I am thank­ ful for the experience.” Tyden and Raimann were also a part of the DK varsity boys’ track and field team in the spring of 2016. Raimann won Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division titles in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles and the high jump and qualified for the MHSAA Division 3 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals in the 300 hurdles. Tyden went on to qualify for the state finals in the shot put and discus in his junior and senior seasons and was the Division 3 state runner-up in the shot put as a senior. Tyden wasn’t the first of his siblings to be a college athlete. His big sister Faith Ferris helped Delton Kellogg’s varsity volleyball team to the state semifinals in Class C in 2011 and went on to play at Cedarville University, With a red shirt freshman season and a pan* demic shortened year, Tyden still has two years of football eligibility left at CMU. He plans to play with the Chippewas in 2022 and he’ll decide on a sixth year in Mount Pleasant after that. He expects to wrap up a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and sales by December of 2022. Raimann earned a bachelor of science degree with a double major in statistics and actuarial science last May and is now work­ ing towards a Master’s of Science in Administration and is currently eligible for Academic All-America honors. Coach Bates hasn’t been able to see his two former players in person as much as he’d like, what with the responsibilities of running the Delton Kellogg football program on the weekends. He did get to attend this year’s Central/Westem game (a 42-30 CMU victory Nov. 3), and has been thankful for the chance to watch a few more games on television or online. “It has been pretty fun to watch those two play together side by side, especially when they’re running zone schemes and those two are double-teaming some poor sucker. It is pretty fun to watch.” The bowl game change means Tyden and the Chippewas will be playing on national broadcast television Friday, at noon on CBS. Both Tyden and Raimann were a part of CMU’s last bowl appearance, a 48-11 loss to San Diego State in the 2019 New Mexico Bowl. Tyden is looking forward to being in a second bowl game. “I just think the experiences are fun, the memories and everything you’re going to take with you for the rest of your life. It is a little getaway too, something new that you don’t get from Michigan or even Delton,” Tyden said. STATE TITLES, continued from page 10 - The Vikings were happy to celebrate after a tough ending to the GLAC season which sawthem swept by the rival Olivet Eagles to finish shy of their goal of a conference title. The Lakewood boys did share the GLAC championship with the Olivet boys last spring, taking two of three from the Eagles late in the season to earn a share of the con­ ference championship and then sweeping Maple Valley in one final conference series. ^Honestly, we just wake up every day and wgdo the same thing every’ day and we do it perfect. We do everything to absolute perfec-tion. That is why we are the best team there Ij^Lakewood senior outfielder Brent Sweet said after his team swept its doubleheader wflh Olivet at Lakewood High School. A“JSVe consistently hr the ball well. The defense played well. made double plays when we needed then ! h e pitching was con­ sistent.” Pape and Wilkes weren’t the areas only state medalists in track and field a year ago. Hastings junior Allison Teed placed fifth in the 100-meter hurdles at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals in Zeeland where Thomapple Kellogg junior Trysta Hilton also scored a fifth-place finish in the 300-meter low hurdles. The spring season also saw the Saxons send senior Will Jensen to the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Boys’ Golf Finals where he finished in a six-way tie for 11^1 by shooting a 74 in each of the two 18-hole rounds at Bedford Valley in Battle Creek. Maple Valley junior Owen Bailey qualified for the Division 4 Lower Peninsula Boys’ Golf Finals where he placed 14^. The Lakewood varsity boys’ golf team won its Division 3 Regional Tournament and went on to a 13th-place finish as a team at the D3 Finals. Hastings running back TJ Russel shoves aside an Escanaba tackler during the final regular season game of the season for the Saxon varsity football team in October. The Saxons won a share of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference for the second season in a row and reached the MHSAA Division 4 District Finals with a win in the opening round of the state postseason. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hastings Banner Subject The topic of the resource Newspaper.HastingsBanner Description An account of the resource <strong>The Hastings Public Library wishes to thank Smith Imaging of Rockford, MI for their work digitizing the Hastings Banner.</strong><br /><br /><strong>The Library also wishes to thank all of the community members who donated money to support our digitizing efforts.<br /><br />The Banner Overview:</strong><br />The Hastings Banner newspaper has been published in Hastings, Michigan since 1856. The following history highlights are taken from Richard Cook's history as published in the 1956 Centennial Edition of The Hastings Banner, and recapped by Esther Walton in her From Time to Time column in The Banner dated April 12, 1984.<br /><br /><strong>Links to online copies of the paper follow the history section.<br /></strong><strong><br /><br /><br />Searching the paper:<br /></strong>The Banner, and all other PDF files on this history portal, are fully searchable. To search:<br /><ol><li>Click on the magnifying glass search icon in the upper right.</li> <li>Enter your search term(s) in the simple search box and press Enter or click on Search.</li> <li>Any PDF file on the site that contains your term(s) should be listed. Do not use the Advanced Search.</li> </ol><strong>See <a href="https://www.barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/676/How_To_Use_Online_Newspapers_8x11.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to Use Online Newspapers</a> for more information about using and searching online newspapers.</strong><br /><br />-----------------------<br /><strong>The Banner History</strong>:<br />C.S. Burton &amp; Co. were listed as the proprietors of the "Republican Banner", which first appeared here on May 1, 1856, with Dr. C. S. Burton as the publisher and Norman Bailey as editor.<br /><br />Publication office was on the second floor of the Rower Block, whose address was given as "corner of State and Church"; which corner was not specified.<br /><br />The objective of this publication was to win support for the newly created Republican party and thus counteract the influence of the Barry County Pioneer, a Democratic journal that had been published here since 1851. No copies of the first three issues of The Banner were saved.<br /><br />Make-up on the first journal corresponded with a pattern typical of most local journals then published. Page one contained a few columns of advertising, fiction (often a continued story), and a short feature of no particular news value. Page one was the "literary" page.<br /><br />Page two contained the editorial barbs, along with state news, political articles, Washington items and news of the national and territorial giovernments. Page three contained a few items of local news, sandwiched inbetween the local and foreign news.<br /><br />Page four was usually solid with advertising and as such was the editor's "bread and butter" page....Locally it was the pattern until the early 1880s.<br /><br />Several changes in ownership and management occurred during the first two years of publication, with J. M. Nevins taking over ownership interests on July 16, 1857. With the issue of May 7, 1862, "The Republican Banner" became "The Hastings Banner". Editor Nevins thought the village had developed sufficiently during the past several years to merit this recognition.<br /><br />Another major change in the management of The Banner came when Nevins sold the newspaper to George M. Dewey of Niles on March 14, 1866, who then took over as editor and publisher. Dewey, an ardent Republican and somewhat of a crusader, gave considerable space to editorial comment and party affairs and also directed pointed paragraphs against the saloons and local traffic in liquor. Dewey was the grandfather of Thomas E. Dewey, Republican presidential nominee in 1944 and 1948. Editor Dewey on May 4, 1870 changed the format (and name) of the paper to "Hastings Republican Banner". <br /><br />A fire in December 1883 burned The Banner plant (located in the middle of the block on the north side of State St. across from the courthouse). Files and back issues from August 1880 to December 1883 and the January 4, 1884 issues are missing.<br /><br />The Banner was purchased by Marshall L. Cook and George Bower on July 21, 1880. They changed the name to "The Hastings Banner". M. L. Cook soon became the sole owner and remained so until July 7, 1887 when Albert Nishern (M. L.'s brother-in-law) joined him. Albert Nishern sold his interest on November 6, 1889 to William Cook (M. L.'s younger brother).<br /><br />The Cook brothers partnership held together (56 years) ... Richard Cook followed his father into the newspaper business, and Richard's son William joined him. So the Cook family ownership continued for 85 years, from 1880 to 1974, when Richard and William sold the paper to High Fullerton. J-Ad Graphics became the owners of "The Hastings Banner" in August of 1981. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hastings Banner Published 2021 Subject The topic of the resource Newspaper.HastingsBanner Type The nature or genre of the resource PDF Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newspaper Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource varies within year published Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/ Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Hastings Public Library and J-Ad Graphics Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available J-Ad Graphics Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). ongoing Description An account of the resource Hastings Banner Published 2021. Specific issues may be incomplete or missing. Note some newspaper files are very large and may take some time to download.